“Dear prince,” they said, ”we have to go to war; we entrust the golden-bearded man to you. Take good care of him, give him food and drink; but beware! If in any way you let him flee, our state will be left to financial ruin and that would prevent, or at least strongly jeopardize, your own future rule - and your rule is just what we want to ensure by keeping him here.
Even if you think you Don't have to do it for the sake of your own rule - like we did not do it for ourselves either - then at least do it for the people which needs the government and the affairs of the state, in order to exist in its wholeness.”

“With these words the ministers went to war. The young son of the king stayed always at the cage of the golden-bearded man.
He even went there to play.

“One day, as he played there shooting his silvery bow, his beautiful, feathered arrow fell into the cage of the golden-bearded man.

“The prince went to the cage, ”Give me my arrow, golden-bearded uncle!”

“I will not,” said the golden-bearded man. ”Set me free, and I will give it to you.”

“I can't release you, my uncle,” said the little boy, ”for then I would assume a great guilt, the ministers have said before they went to war.
Why not give me the arrow - it is of no use to you.”

“So the golden-bearded man gave him the arrow but continued to beg. He implored the boy so long, that finally the heart of the prince melted, for he was a very goodhearted boy.
He opened the door and let him out.

“Now, my little son, for your good deed you may expect good; I will reward you,” said the golden-bearded man and disappeared.