This is a story by Leo Tolstoy, retold in simple words. It tells about a king who wants answers to three big questions. The king thought he would never fail if he knew these answers. He believed they would help him rule better.
The three questions were:
- What is the right time to start something?
- Which people should he listen to most?
- What is the most important thing to do?
2. The King Seeks Answers
The king sent messengers all over his kingdom, promising a big reward for anyone who could answer his questions. Many wise men came with their ideas, but they all gave different answers.
For the first question—about the right time—some said the king should make a strict timetable and follow it. Others argued that planning ahead was impossible and that he should watch everything carefully and avoid distractions.
For the second question—about whom to listen to—some suggested forming a council of wise advisors. Others believed different people’s advice would matter at different times.
For the third question—about the most important task—there were even more disagreements. Some said science was most important, others suggested religion, and some claimed warfare was key.
None of these answers satisfied the king, so he gave no reward.
3. The King Meets the Hermit
Hearing about a wise hermit who lived alone in the woods, the king decided to visit him. He dressed in simple clothes and went alone, leaving his guards behind.
When the king arrived, he found the hermit digging the ground. The king asked his three questions, but the hermit remained silent and kept working. Seeing the old man struggle, the king took the spade and dug the beds for him.
After digging two beds, the king asked again, but the hermit still didn’t answer. The king kept working until sunset, exhausted but determined.
4. The Wounded Man
Just as the king was about to leave, a wounded man stumbled toward them, bleeding from his stomach. The king and hermit quickly helped him, removing his clothes and cleaning the wound. The king used his handkerchief to stop the bleeding and gave the man water.
Since it was late, they carried the man into the hermit’s hut and let him rest on the bed. The king, tired from the day’s work, slept on the floor.
5. The Enemy’s Story
The next morning, the wounded man confessed to the king. He revealed that he was the king’s enemy and had planned to kill him in revenge for his brother’s death. He had waited in ambush, but when the king didn’t return, the king’s guards attacked and wounded him instead.
The man was shocked that the king had saved his life. Overcome with guilt, he begged for forgiveness and promised to serve the king loyally.
The king, moved by his honesty, forgave him and even promised to return his lost property.
6. The Hermit’s Answers
Before leaving, the king asked the hermit one last time for answers to his three questions.
The hermit smiled and said, “You already have them.”
- The most important time is now. If the king hadn’t stayed to help the hermit, he would have been killed by his enemy.
- The most important person is the one you are with. At first, it was the hermit. Then, it was the wounded man.
- The most important thing is to do good for that person. Helping the hermit and saving the wounded man were the best actions the king could have taken.
7. The Lesson
The hermit’s wisdom was simple but profound:
- Live in the present. The only time we can act is now.
- Focus on the person in front of you. They are the most important at that moment.
- Do good whenever you can. That is the true purpose of life.
The king realized that these answers were far more valuable than any reward he could have given.
Questions and Answers
1. Why was the king advised to go to magicians?
Some said magicians could see the future. They thought this would help the king know the right time.
2. In answer to the second question, whose advice did the people say would be important to the king?
People said a council or wise men should guide the king. Their advice would be important to him.
3. What suggestions were made in answer to the third question?
Many ideas came, but they weren’t the same. No one agreed on the most important task.
4. Did the wise men win the reward? If not, why not?
The wise men didn’t get the reward. Their answers didn’t match or satisfy the king.
5. How did the king and the hermit help the wounded man?
- The king washed and dressed the man’s wound.
- The hermit helped carry him to the hut.
6. (i) Who was the bearded man? (ii) Why did he ask for the king’s forgiveness?
(i) He was the king’s enemy seeking revenge. His brother was killed, and property was taken.
(ii) He wanted forgiveness because the king saved him. He felt bad for planning to kill the king.
7. The king forgave the bearded man. What did he do to show his forgiveness?
- The king forgave him and promised help.
- He sent a doctor and gave back his property.
8. What were the hermit’s answers to the three questions? Write each answer separately. Which answer do you like most, and why?
- The most important time is “Now.”
- The most needed person is who you’re with.
- The most important task is doing good for them.
Students can pick their favourite and say why.
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