In the great kingdom of Shamakhokho, word spread like wildfire—the king was searching for the wisest men in the land. He had a challenge for them, one that no one had ever faced before.
When the elders and wise men gathered before him, the king said, "I want you to create something that, when I look at it in anger, will calm me. And when I look at it in joy, it will humble me."
The wise men scratched their heads. They tried everything—beautiful carvings, golden ornaments, and even words of wisdom written on scrolls. But none of their ideas truly met the king’s request.
Then, a man named Jatelo heard about the challenge and laughed. "This is easy," he said.
The elders frowned. "Jatelo, this is not a time for jokes. The king needs a real solution!"
But Jatelo simply smiled and said, "Trust me. I have the answer."
He took a small golden ring and had four simple words engraved on it:
“Hilo nalo litakwisha.” (This too shall pass.)
When the king received the ring, he was puzzled at first. But soon, he understood its power.
One day, a great rebellion arose, and his enemies threatened to overthrow his kingdom. As he sat in sorrow, he looked at his ring and read the words:
"Hilo nalo litakwisha."
He took a deep breath and felt at peace, knowing that even the hardest moments do not last forever.
Another day, a grand feast was held in his honor. The kingdom was filled with laughter and celebration. But as he looked at his ring, he read the same words:
"Hilo nalo litakwisha."
He was reminded that joy, too, is temporary, and he must rule with wisdom, knowing that bad and good times come and go.
