The shepherd lived in Iran and was very poor. He had never been to a school and was uneducated. But he was very wise. He helped people in their sorrows and troubles. People used to take his advice. He became famous for his wisdom and friendly nature.
The king, dressed as a shepherd, came to meet him in his cave. The shepherd welcomed the traveller and took him inside the cave. The shepherd offered him water and shared his food with him. The traveller stayed in the cave during the night and was impressed by the shepherd’s wisdom. The king returned to his palace the next morning.
The Shepherd was made the Governor of a District Making Others Jealous of Him
The king was impressed by the shepherd’s goodness and made him the governor of a small district. The shepherd occupied a high set in the country, but remained humble and gentle. People loved and respected him for this wisdom. The news about his goodness spread throughout the country. The complained to the king that the shepherd was very dishonest and kept for himself some money he collected as tax from the people. They said that his iron box contained the treasure that he had secretly collected. The governors made fun of the shepherd.
The Shepherd was Called to the Palace
The king could not ignore the governors and their stories. He realized that the shepherd did carry an iron box with him all the time. The new governor was called to the palace.
The shepherd came, riding on his camel with his iron box. The king was angry and asked the shepherd the reason for carrying the iron box. This new governor asked his servants to bring in the box. Everyone was waiting for the box to be opened. The box was opened and no gold or silver or jewels could be found in the box. There was an old blanket in the box. The shepherd told the king that his blanket was his only treasure.
The Shepherd was Made the Governor of a Much Bigger District
The king asked the shepherd the reason behind carrying an old blanket. The shepherd said that the blanket was his oldest friend and will protect him any time. He said the king could take away his new cloaks any time then the blanket will protect him from cold. The jealous governors were ashamed of their complaint. The king was pleased to hear the shepherd’s reply and made him the governor of much bigger district.