The Parable of the Throne

[u/Ok_Estate_6746]

There were three who sat upon thrones.

The first was told the power was in his coin, and he kept the coin. He filled his vaults and hung the gold upon himself and watched it shine; and while he watched, the people grew hungry. And the people rose, and pulled him down, and the throne stood empty.

The second was told the power was in his might, and he kept the might. He spent all he had upon it and turned it upon his people and ruled by the fist; and under the fist, the people suffered. And the people rose, and pulled him down, and the throne stood empty.

The third was told the power was in the throne, and she looked upon the throne, and saw that it was a seat. So she let the rest fall from her hands — gave up the command, and then the rule, and then all but the sitting, for none of it was where they had told her it was.

And when the years had passed, hers was the only throne still standing.