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The Well-intentioned Prince
When the old King died the people celebrated as the prince was considered the best, the most gentle, compassionate, and generous prince that had ever been. As he took command of the Kingdom, the Prince, wishing to be good to this people and spread prosperity and happiness, declared that he would never charge any taxes.
The people cried with joy at the Prince’s proclamation and indeed some of the people in the kingdom prospered like never before; especially the merchants that could now import and sell their goods without any taxes.
However, eventually, the government treasury dwindled, and the royal coffers became empty. Without maintenance the roads and bridges crumbled. Without teachers many of the youth became unruly and ignorant. And without pay most of the soldiers deserted leaving the kingdom open to foreign enemy incursions.
Luckily, it seemed, a wealthy merchant named Olen Mask approached the king with an offer:
“Your Majesty, the royal coffers are empty, and the people suffer from bandits. Allow me to fund the army and I will keep the kingdom secure.”
The young King accepted, and Olen Mask restored the Kingdom’s order. Yet, continuing without taxes, the merchant grew so wealthy and his army so powerful that people began wondering who the real king was. Indeed, when he was all grown up, the well intentioned Prince was overthrown by the merchant.
Aphorism: -Where there is not enough taxation either tyranny arises, or the current tyrant is challenged by a wealthy contender.
Engendered by Herodotus’ Histories, Book I
