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He looked weak and tired. The king felt
sorry for him. He got off his horse and

walked up to him. He asked the man,
“Why’re you digging the earth? Are you

planting some saplings?”

The old man

looked up and
answered, “ Yes,

Your Majesty,

I am planting
some mango

saplings. These

saplings will
bear fruits when they grow big.”

“But these saplings will take a
long time to grow into big trees,”

said the king. “Yes, they will be big trees in about eight to ten years. They’ll give
fruits then,” said the old man.

“But you’re very old now. Do you think you’ll be alive to enjoy the fruits of these
trees?” asked the king.

The old man smiled and answered, “Your Majesty, I know that I will not live

to eat the fruits of these trees. I am enjoying the fruits of the trees planted by

my forefathers. I am now planting these saplings so that my children and their
children can enjoy the fruits.”

The king was very pleased to hear this. “Is there anything you need?” he asked the
old man.

“Your Majesty, I have this piece of land. I grow food that is enough for me and my
family. What more can a man ask for?” replied the old man.

The king rode away feeling happy that there was one person in his kingdom who had

nothing to complain about.

8 Arrow-English Plus-3