And so the Emperor paraded through the streets to display his new robes to the people of his fair city.
Every one stopped and stared in wonder. “See how glorious the Emperor’s new clothes are!” They shouted one to another. “Do they not magnify him? What a long train!”
For no one would confess that he could not see the clothes for fear of seeming intolerant or bigoted. So all celebrated with loud jubilation. Each strove to outdo his companions in showering the Emperor’s clothes with praise.
But there was a fool in their midst. An outcast of sorts. He was a member of that most despised sect, a religious man. He pointed aghast when the Emperor approached. He called out for all to hear, “But he hasn’t anything on!”
And so the people took that man and put him in stocks at the center of the city. Insults hurled at him day and night until he would submit his mind.
But he would not.
And so they nailed him to a cross. And over his head was a sign which read, “King of the Bigots.”
