ong ago, when wishing was still of some use, a crown and sword were forged from enchanted gold. The crown bestowed its wearer's kingdom with good fortune. The sword bearer's army conquered its enemies. The magic gold reflected the heart of its owner. If their king were merciful they were inlaid with precious jewels. If their king were cruel they were covered with sharp spines. There lived a kindly emperor who carried the sword. His subjects lived happily within his kingdom. In a far distant country a greedy king wore the crown. He cared only for wealth and power.

The greedy king kept a castle on top of a mountain high above a city in the midst of a haunted wood. One day two swindlers arrived who announced that they were tailors and had weaved the most beautiful robe imaginable. "If it pleases Your Majesty," said the tailors, "then we will dress you in the new robe." The ruler stood and the tailors placed themselves around him and put on each part of his new clothing.