The Grumbling of the Plants (from the Fables of Mkhitar Gosh)
All of the plants were grumbling that their king had given honor to each in a prejudiced way. For he caused some to dwell in homes, like the orange: some in gardens; and some in vineyards and [these] were respected by people. However, [he settled] other fruitbearers, as if worthless, in the wilds to be food for swine and to be trampelled by beasts. Others such as the pine, the laurel and cypress and others like them [he settled] in the forest to be mercilessly chopped down and disrespectfully dragged to prepare buildings and fire-wood. When [the king] heard about this [dissatisfaction] he summoned them and growing wrathful, said: "Don't you know that not everyone understands the plan of a king [just as everyone does not understand the plan] of God? Should you become brazen again, you shall be greatly punished." Terrified, [the plants] were silent.
The fable wants us to be sensible, obedient to God and to the kings, and not to grumble about the ineffable concerns of God or the secret plans of kings, rather [we should] strive at every task. For the king did not rank the plants foolishly just as God and kings do not administrate foolishly. For he established some of the fruitbearers in vineyards, some in orchards, and others, belonging to the same family, in forests. The reason for this was that they provide food for animals so that people who cultivate [such fruitbearers] not be harassed by [having the fruit] eaten. As far as those planted in houses, they are principally inedible, consequently people cherish them in recreation for their appearance and fragrance. For fragrance is food for the nostrils and the sight of them causes joy as gardens do. Similarly [such plants have use] in medicine. The fact that the forests were suited for building and for fuel is providential, so that fruitbearers would not be chopped down for building and burning. Thus too does God, and thus do the kings administer with sentient, inscrutable judgement. And should anyone make bold to say that [they reign] in confusion, such a one will be condemned.
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