TOO MANY REASONS
A king was visiting the chief cities of his kingdom.
He was a good King and all his subjects loved him.
In every town he visited, the bells were rung and cannon fired in his honour.
At last he came to a little town where he bell rang merrily, but no cannon was head.
The Mayor and Corporation were waiting for him at the town gate, and the Mayor began his speech.
“Sire, we are happy to welcome your Majesty.
The inhabitants of this town well know that it is the custom to fire cannon,
but we have been unable to do so for the following fifteen reasons.”
Then the Mayor drew a large manuscript from his pocket, and began to read,
“In the first place, Sire, we have no cannon ….. In the second place ……”
“Thank you, Mr. Mayor,” said the King, laughing heartily, “your first reason id sufficient. I excuse you the other fourteen.”