by Antonio Napoli

The Roman Senate, in search of an alliance, sent letters to the king of a distant kingdom founded on the scorching sands of Africa. The sovereign, with his wisdom, responded by sending a delegation of ambassadors bearing rich gifts and offering unparalleled loyalty.
But his people, bound to the land and their independence, looked with suspicion upon these powerful and opulent strangers. Fearing the loss of their autonomy, the hearts of the people beat fiercely against the idea of bending under the yoke of Rome. The king, who loved his land and his people, decided to follow the will of his people, despite his personal inclination toward peaceful relations.
Thus, in short order, the winds of war blew between Rome and the kingdom that had failed to become an ally. The Senate, determined to break the resistance, sent its best commander with a strong and fearsome legion.
After a long and painful siege, the commander managed to defeat the king and his army’s tenacious opposition. In victory, however, Rome proved magnanimous: the inhabitants were spared, and the king, along with his court, was taken prisoner.
When the sovereign was captured, his enemies, unaware of his true identity, asked each of the dignitaries, “Are you the king?” Each responded affirmatively, to protect their monarch from humiliation. But this precaution was in vain, for the commander had no doubt about who the sovereign truly was.
“You know who I am, then?” asked the king, surprised by the captain’s promptness.
The commander, with a look that betrayed a deep understanding of the man before him, replied calmly, “By the tone of your voice. No one, not even among your most loyal subjects, could conceal the unmistakable trace of authority that accompanies your speech. Do not fear; I assure you that our Senate will treat you with all the honors reserved for a prisoner of great dignity.”
The African king, with the resolve that only a ruler loved by his people can express, responded, “Let me be treated neither more nor less than how my people will be treated.”
Those words, and the proud gaze that accompanied them, penetrated the heart of the Roman commander, evoking a deep respect, rare to find in a soul accustomed more to conquering than to understanding.