The Various Delegation
by Ambrose Bierce
The King and the Pigs
King Leo lived in a grand castle. He was a kind king. His castle was very big. Three men came to his castle. Their names were Mr. Sly, Mr. Grin, and Mr. Nod. They stood before King Leo. They bowed low. They said he could be king of Wayoff. Wayoff was their land. It was a faraway place.
King Leo was kind. He always thought of his people. He thanked the three men. He thanked them for the offer. But he had one question. It was a very important question. Do all people want me? I must ask them myself. King Leo was very wise. He wanted to do what was right.
Mr. Sly stepped forward. He had a big smile. His smile was very wide. "Oh, Your Majesty," he said. "We are the people of Wayoff." "All of us are here." He looked very confident. Mr. Grin and Mr. Nod smiled too. They nodded their heads.
King Leo looked at the three men. He looked at them very carefully. He saw only three people. He thought about this very much. He wondered about Wayoff. King Leo thought. He knew about Wayoff. Wayoff had many smart pigs. "I will send someone," he said. "They will ask the pigs. The pigs will tell me the truth."
Mr. Sly bowed low. Mr. Grin bowed low. Mr. Nod bowed low. They left the room. Soon, they asked to see King Leo.
The three men came back. Mr. Sly smiled a big smile. It was a funny smile. "Your Majesty," he said. "We are the pigs!"
Original Story
The Various Delegation
The King of Wideout having been offered the sovereignty of Wayoff, sent for the Three Persons who had made the offer, and said to them:
“I am extremely obliged to you, but before accepting so great a responsibility I must ascertain the sentiments of the people of Wayoff.”
“Sire,” said the Spokesman of the Three Persons, “they stand before you.”
“Indeed!” said the King; “are you, then, the people of Wayoff?”
“Yes, your Majesty.”
“There are not many of you,” the King said, attentively regarding them with the royal eye, “and you are not so very large; I hardly think you are a quorum. Moreover, I never heard of you until you came here; whereas Wayoff is noted for the quality of its pork and contains hogs of distinction. I shall send a Commissioner to ascertain the sentiments of the hogs.”
The Three Persons, bowing profoundly, backed out of the presence; but soon afterward they desired another audience, and, on being readmitted, said, through their Spokesman:
“May it please your Majesty, we are the hogs.”
Moral of the Story
Those who claim to represent the people may only represent themselves, and true authority often lies with the masses, however humble.
Characters
The King of Wideout ★ protagonist
A man of regal bearing, likely of average height but commanding presence, with a build that suggests a life of comfort but also authority. His posture is upright and confident, reflecting his position.
Attire: Rich, formal court attire, perhaps a velvet tunic in deep jewel tones like crimson or sapphire, embroidered with gold thread. A heavy, fur-lined cloak draped over his shoulders, and a golden crown or circlet adorned with modest jewels. Fine leather boots.
Wants: To ensure the legitimacy and stability of any new territory he governs, and to rule wisely and effectively.
Flaw: Perhaps a slight arrogance or over-reliance on his own judgment, though tempered by his pragmatism.
He remains consistent in his character, demonstrating his wisdom and discerning nature throughout the brief interaction.
Perceptive, skeptical, intelligent, pragmatic, humorous.
The Spokesman of the Three Persons ◆ supporting
One of three individuals, likely of average build and height, dressed in attire that suggests a position of some importance, though perhaps not as grand as royalty. Their appearance is unremarkable enough to be mistaken for common citizens, yet they carry themselves with a certain self-importance.
Attire: Respectable but not opulent clothing, perhaps a plain woolen tunic and breeches, or a simple, dark-colored doublet and hose, indicating they are not of the highest nobility but are not destitute. No elaborate jewelry or adornments.
Wants: To gain power or influence by offering the sovereignty of Wayoff to the King, and to benefit from the arrangement.
Flaw: Their dishonesty and lack of genuine representation, easily exposed by the King's scrutiny.
Initially presents himself as a representative of the people, but is forced to reveal his true nature (or at least a more convenient one) as a 'hog' to achieve his goals.
Presumptuous, opportunistic, adaptable, somewhat dishonest.
The Other Two Persons ○ minor
Two individuals similar in appearance to the Spokesman, forming a small delegation. They are likely of average height and build, unremarkable in their physical traits, serving as silent companions to the Spokesman.
Attire: Clothing similar to the Spokesman's: respectable but plain woolen tunics, breeches, or simple doublets, indicating their status as minor officials or opportunistic individuals.
Wants: To support the Spokesman's agenda, likely for shared personal gain or influence.
Flaw: Lack of individual agency or voice, entirely reliant on the Spokesman.
They remain consistent, acting as silent support for the Spokesman.
Submissive, opportunistic, silent followers.
Locations
Throne Room of the King of Wideout
The formal reception chamber within the King of Wideout's palace, where official audiences are held. It is likely a place of authority and grandeur, designed to impress visitors.
Mood: formal, authoritative, slightly absurd due to the king's pronouncements
The King of Wideout receives the delegation from Wayoff and later re-receives them, leading to the humorous reveal.
Story DNA
Moral
Those who claim to represent the people may only represent themselves, and true authority often lies with the masses, however humble.
Plot Summary
The King of Wideout is offered sovereignty over Wayoff by a small delegation. Skeptical of their claim to represent the entire populace, especially given Wayoff's reputation for distinguished hogs, the King declares he will send a commissioner to ascertain the sentiments of the hogs instead. The delegation, after a brief absence, returns to the King and ironically confesses, "May it please your Majesty, we are the hogs."
Themes
Emotional Arc
skepticism to ironic acceptance
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Ambrose Bierce was known for his cynical and satirical writing, often critiquing human nature and political systems.
Plot Beats (7)
- The King of Wideout receives an offer of sovereignty over Wayoff from a delegation of Three Persons.
- The King expresses gratitude but insists on knowing the sentiments of Wayoff's people before accepting.
- The Spokesman of the delegation claims they are the people of Wayoff.
- The King observes their small number and questions their legitimacy as a quorum.
- The King notes Wayoff's reputation for distinguished hogs and decides to send a Commissioner to consult the hogs instead.
- The Three Persons bow and exit, then request another audience.
- Upon readmission, the Spokesman announces, "May it please your Majesty, we are the hogs."
