The King of Economic Sense

In a kingdom far away, and many years ago,
The people lived a servile life, their hopes and spirits low.
They worked the land and plowed the fields--the only life they knew,
And humbly paid their king each year, oppressive taxes due.

A drought engulfed the land one spring, the people's lives were cursed.
Their wells dried up, their harvest failed, their children ached with thirst.
Their misery progressed until all hope began to fade.
At last they sent some elders to the king, requesting aid.

This faction bowed before the king and told him of their plight.
They said, "We need an aqueduct to mitigate this blight."
The king said, "I've more urgent needs that warrant such expense.
Your silly water project makes no economic sense."

But, nonetheless, the people labored through the scorching heat.
They slaved away until, at last, their project was complete.
Alas, another scourge appeared--a plague beset their land.
Again they went before the king to seek a helping hand.

The king replied, "To other things I must attend instead.
I'm needing a new wardrobe, and my daughter's soon to wed.
I've many pressing matters, and I'm sick of your laments.
Your constant provocations make no economic sense."

Despite the king's rebuke, the people tended to their sick.
They planned a modest hospital and built it brick by brick.
But when the plague abated, yet another threat emerged.
Across the hills a hostile foreign army had converged.

So yet again the people begged their king for some support.
They asked him to provide them with some soldiers and a fort.
He said, "You fools exaggerate this enemy's offense.
To squander funds on soldiers makes no economic sense."

Again rebuffed, the people journeyed home to face their fate.
The prospects of an all-out war began to escalate.
They formed a brave militia, manufactured spears and swords,
Then mobilized their volunteers and crushed the hostile hordes.

Some months went by and all was well, the people's faith renewed.
But through the year their high, inflated tax bill had accrued.
The day arrived to bring the king the money he'd demand.
The people came before him from each corner of the land.

The king glared down and harshly spoke, "Hand over what I'm due."
The people simply answered him, defiant through and through,
"We've done quite well without you, and in light of these events,
Maintaining you in power makes no economic sense."

The people left the king deposed, their revolution done,
Their self-reliance bolstered and their independence won.
The moral of this story is quite easy to dispense:
You cannot rule the people without economic sense.