How the Beggars Came to Town

Quick Answer

Why This Story Works for Bedtime

It’s thoughtful without being heavy, and it ends with humility and learning. Great for bedtime values: generosity, discernment, and a calm heart.

Story Synopsis

The story opens with the familiar rhyme—“Hark, hark, the dogs do bark…”—as beggars come to town in every kind of clothing. In a shining palace lives Prince Lilimond, polite and tender-hearted. When the beggars arrive, the prince feels compassion. He wants to help immediately. The king, his father, sees the goodness in him—but also knows that kindness needs wisdom. He gives the prince a challenge: for one day, the prince may sit on the throne and manage the requests himself. At first, Lilimond is eager. He gives and gives, trying to relieve every sad face. But as the day goes on, he begins to notice something: not everyone who asks is honest, and not every request is truly need. Some are clever in disguise. Some take advantage of soft hearts. By sunset, the prince understands the balance his father wanted him to learn. He returns the crown and scepter with humility. He hasn’t lost his compassion—he has strengthened it with careful seeing. The tale ends with a gentle moral: it is good to have a kind heart, and it is also wise to look closely so your help reaches those who truly need it. It’s a bedtime story that helps children hold two truths at once: be generous, and be thoughtful.

Story Excerpt

Hark, hark, the dogs do bark, The beggars are coming to town : Some in rags, and some in tags, And some in velvet gown. In a shining palace, there lived a little prince named Lilimond. He was very fair and sweet, with gentle blue eyes. One morning, he stood before the King, his father, and bent his knee so politely that everyone would have been proud of him. The King looked at his son with a happy heart. He noticed the prince’s dark velvet suit, the soft ruffles at his collar, and the bright buckles on his little shoes. Then the King said to the tutor, “ Borland, you may go now. I wish to speak with my son alone. ” Borland bowed and stepped away. “ Come here, Lilimond, ” the King said kindly. “ Sit beside me. You look very serious today. ” “ It is my birthday, Your Majesty, ” said the prince softly. “ I am twelve. ” “ So old! ” the King said, smiling. “ Is that why you look so heavy - hearted? ” “ No, ” said Prince Lilimond. “ I want to grow up and help. I am worried about the people. ” “ The people? ” the King asked, surprised. “ What is wrong? ” “ They have no food, ” the prince said. “ There are many beggars in the country. They ask for help because they cannot get bread for their families. ” “ Surely not, ”…

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