In the illustrious court of a wise king, a renowned sage, celebrated for his profound wisdom, was summoned. Eager to test the depths of the sage's insight, the king posed a question laden with intrigue.
"Tell me," the king began, his voice carrying the weight of authority, "what is the finest jewel among the treasures of the human body? Bring it forth before me."
With a serene smile gracing his lips, the sage bowed in acquiescence and departed, returning moments later with a solemn offering—a lifeless tongue, severed from its earthly vessel.
"Behold, Your Majesty," the sage proclaimed, presenting the silent witness of human expression, "this, the tongue, is the crown jewel of our mortal frame."
Perplexed yet intrigued, the king, undeterred, posed a second inquiry, his curiosity kindled.
"And now," the king declared, his tone tinged with anticipation, "reveal unto me, what then, is the foulest blemish upon the human form? Bring it forth without delay."
Once more, the sage ventured forth, returning with a silent testament to mortality—the tongue, unchanged from its previous presentation.
"Surely," the king interjected, his brow furrowed in consternation, "you jest, wise sage! How can this be both the zenith and nadir of our corporeal existence?"
Unperturbed by the king's incredulity, the sage, with unwavering composure, expounded his elucidation.
"Your Majesty," the sage began, his words imbued with sagacity, "behold the tongue, the harbinger of both virtue and vice, kindness and cruelty. With its utterances, we shape destinies, sow seeds of discord or foster harmony. It is through this humble organ that the tapestry of human existence is woven—a dichotomy of light and shadow, virtue and vice."
Moved by the sage's profound revelation, the king's countenance softened, his heart touched by the wisdom imparted.
"In the tongue's duality," the sage continued, his voice resonating with conviction, "resides the power to uplift or lay waste, to sow seeds of virtue or reap the bitter harvest of discord. Let us, therefore, wield this instrument of speech with mindfulness and compassion, for in its resonance, lies the essence of our humanity."
Thus, in the court of the enlightened king, a timeless lesson was etched upon the annals of history—a testament to the transformative power of words and the sacred duty of responsible speech.