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Abraham Lincoln had no love for favor seekers, especially when they took his time away from the duties of the presidency during the Civil War. On one occasion, he gathered together a number of would-be office holders and told them this story:
"There was once a King who wished to go out hunting, so he asked his minister if it was going to rain. The minister assured him that it would not. On the
way to the woods, the King passed a farmer who was working the land with his donkey. The farmer warned the King that it would rain soon, but the King just
laughed and continued on. A few minutes later it was pouring, and the King and his companions were soaked to their skin. Upon return to the castle, the King dismissed his minister and sent for the farmer. He asked the man how he knew it was going to rain.
"'It was not me, your Majesty. It was my donkey. He always droops one ear when it is going to rain.'"
So the King bought the donkey from the farmer and gave him the position of minister at court. This was where the King made his mistake."
"How was that," asked several people in the audience.
"Because ever since then," Lincoln continued, "every jackass wants an office. Gentlemen, leave your credentials, and when the war is over, you'll hear from
me." |