BY JAMES BALDWIN
Other Wise Men of Gotham
Famous Stories Retold: Story 11 of 50
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Cunning and Survival: Tactics of Gotham's Wise Men
Discover the engrossing tale of Gotham's wise men, their cunning strategies and fierce determination to protect their town from a ruthless king. This compelling narrative not only unveils their ingenuity but also their audacious spirit. Their story is a testament to the power of survival and the lengths ordinary people will go to safeguard their community. Expect to be enthralled by the unexpected twists and turns in this age-old tale, offering valuable insights into human wisdom and resilience.
The Arrival of Unwanted News
The tranquility of Gotham was disturbed one day with the advent of news that was far from welcome. The despised king, known for his cruelty, was to journey through the town. The men of Gotham were well aware of the burden this would bring; they would have to cater to the king and his men, providing them with food and lodging. Moreover, the king would undoubtedly seize anything that caught his eye, leaving the townsfolk even more destitute. The news spread swiftly, clouding Gotham with a sense of dread and apprehension.
The Wise Men's Council and Decision
With the impending arrival of the king, the men of Gotham convened to discuss their course of action. The suggestion put forth by one of the wise men was to drop the large trees within the woods, obstructing all routes leading into the town. This was greeted with unanimous approval, and armed with their axes, they set to work. The roads were soon laden with logs and brush, creating an obstacle that the king's horsemen would find difficult to overcome. They had either to forge a new path or abandon their plans of visiting Gotham.
The King's Reaction and Threat
Upon discovering the obstructed path, the king's wrath was kindled. He demanded to know who was responsible for this inconvenience, and upon learning that it was the men of Gotham, he vowed to punish them. He threatened to send his sheriff to the town to cut off their noses as retribution. This grim news was relayed to the townsfolk by two country lads who had witnessed the king's fury. This sent a wave of fear through the town, prompting the men to scramble for a solution to their predicament
The Ingenuity of Gotham's Men: A Unique Solution
The plan of the Gotham's wise men was an exemplar of cleverness and ingenuity. Rather than bowing down to the cruel king's demands, they chose to act with resourcefulness. A man named Dobbin, considered the wisest among them, put forth a compelling plan. He suggested that while wisdom may often lead to danger, no one ever faced harm for being a fool. Thus, he proposed that when the king's sheriff arrived, they would act in a manner that would make them appear like fools. The men of Gotham agreed to the plan, proving that sometimes, the best way to confront a problem is to approach it from a completely unexpected angle.
The Arrival of the Sheriff and Encounters with Gotham's 'Fools'
As the king's men struggled to clear the roads leading to Gotham, the king, growing impatient, returned to London. However, the sheriff and his soldiers made their way towards Gotham early one morning. But what they found in Gotham was quite unanticipated. They observed the old men of Gotham engaged in seemingly senseless tasks, such as rolling stones uphill to make the sun rise, while the young men simply watched and grunted.
As the sheriff encountered more inhabitants of Gotham, he found them all engaged in similar foolish actions, such as building a wall to keep a cuckoo from flying away, or carrying a door on a journey out of fear of thieves. The Gothamites' absurd behavior left the sheriff and his men bemused and incredulous.
The Final Verdict: Gotham, A Town of Fools
The sheriff and his men, convinced that Gotham was a town populated by fools, decided to return to London. They reported their experiences to the king, describing the seemingly foolish behavior of the Gothamites. Their tales of the simple people of Gotham made the king laugh, and he decided that it would be unjust to harm such naive folk.
Thus, he allowed the people of Gotham to keep their noses, and the town earned a reputation as "Gotham, A Town of Fools". This story demonstrates how the wisdom of the Gothamites, hidden behind a facade of foolishness, successfully saved their town from the king's wrath.
Conclusion
The tale of the wise men of Gotham underscores the strength of communal unity and the triumph of wit over might. Their audacious plan used deception, feigning foolishness, to protect their town from a tyrannical king. Their ingenious tactics led to the king's decision to spare Gotham, deeming it a town of fools. The narrative is a testament to human resilience, wit, and the power of collective wisdom in the face of adversity. Despite the looming threat, they proved that survival isn't just about physical strength, but also about the cleverness of the mind.
