THE SCENE: Prester John, who ruled a legendary Christian kingdom in Asia, had a lot of myth surrounding his rule. In this one, he goes to extraordinary lengths just to teach one of his subjects the meaning of humility.
THE TEXT: The Golden King was a great and powerful lord. During his residence here he had no one in attendance on his person except fair young damsels, of whom he kept a great multitude in his court. When he traveled about the grounds of his castle for recreation in a chariot, he was drawn by these damsels – easily enough because of his slight build. And they ministered in every way to his comfort and pleasure. He exercised his power royally and conducted himself nobly and justly. A good story is told of his dealings with Prester John, which I will tell you as it is related by the folks of this country.
The truth is, as they recount it, there was a war between the two kings. The Golden King was subject to Prester John, but through arrogance and presumption he rebelled against his suzerain. Such was the strength of his position that Prester John could not get the better of him or do him any harm, which made him exceedingly angry.
Now there were seven henchmen of Prester John who declared that they would bring the Golden King to him alive. So the seven henchmen of Prester John entered into the service of the Golden King. After about two years they had won his high regard by their good service. The king trusted them as whole-heartedly as if all seven had been his own sons, and whenever he went out hunting he was glad of their company.
It happened one day that the Golden King went out for his sport with only a handful of followers, and among them were these seven traitors. When they had crossed a river about a mile distant from the place, and left their companions on the farther bank, the seven henchmen, seeing that the kind had no one to protect him, resolved to carry out the purpose for which they had come. So they laid hand to hilt and told him that either he must come with them or they would put him to death. They led him forthwith to Prester John.
When Prester John saw him, he was overjoyed, and told him that he had earned an ill welcome. The Golden King found no words to speak and made no answer. Thereupon Prester John ordered him to be taken out and set to look after beasts. So the Golden King was sent to be a cow-herd. When he had herded beasts for two years, he was summoned to appear before Prester John, who dressed him in rich robes and treated him honourably. Then Prester John said to him: “Sir king, now do you perceive that you are not the man to presume to make war against me?” “Assuredly, Sire,” replied the king, “I know well, and have always known, that there is no man who can stand against you.” “Since you have admitted as much,” said Prester John, “I ask no more of you. Henceforth I will do you service and honour.” Thereupon he gave the Golden King a horse and harness and a splendid retinue and let hm go. And the king returned to his own kingdom and from that time onwards remained a faithful friend and vassal of his overlord.
– Marco Polo, The Travels, 14th Century AD
