One of the urns was of gold, another of amber, and the third of clay.

The king bade the eldest of his sons choose among the urns that which appeared to him to contain the treasure of greatest price.

The eldest chose the vase of gold, on which was written the word "Empire." He opened it and found it full of blood.

The second chose the amber vase whereon was written the word "Glory." He opened it and found it contained the ashes of the great men who had made a sensation in the world.

The third son took the only remaining vase, the one of clay; he found it quite empty, but on the bottom the potter had written the word "God." "Which of these vases weighs the most ?" asked the king of the courtiers.