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A little thread about small stories and anecdotes that show wit oer wisdom of some kind or other. The story can be fictional or true, your own concoction or from elsewhere. The rules are simple.

1. The story must be 'clever'.
2. No links, tell the story.
3. No copy/paste, tell the story in your own words.

I shall start.

Napoleon and the Widow

In 1804 Napoleon Bonaparte declared himself Emperor of all France and set up court in Paris. Much French imperial art dates from this time including the famous painting of Napoleon as Emperor standing on the step before his throne with his Marshals and the dipped eagles of his regiments arrayed before him. In this time he did much to bolster the image of the new Imperial rank, but was not as yet used to ruling a court and a widow in her desperation thought she could get the better of him.
This widow was the mother of a soldier and was entitled to wear the red cap with a tricolour rosette that only widows of soldiers were allowed to wear, wearing hers she sought audience with the Emperor and after a very lengthy wait while the great of France presented their business she was finally admitted.
Napoleon for all his pride did from time to time hold court for some of the common people in Paris, especially those who wore revolutionary emblems by entitlement and so he sat on his throne in the Tuilleries and offered her service.
'Mighty Emperor' she began, and proceeded to praise Napoleon and his fine court as a wise petitioner is won't to do. Finally she asked; "are you a man who knows mercy?"
Napoleon properly flattered and wishing to instill further his Imperial credentials exclaimed that he was.
"Thank God," she replied swiftly "Mighty Emperor, please extend your hand and grant pardon to my only son, who is due to be executed tomorrow."
Napoleon raised his hand to silence her, then replied courteously "Revolutionary mother, by what crime is you son condemned?" Thinking him probably a petty thief, who he could afford to show clemency towards and thus enhance his Imperial demeanour.
"My Emperor", she replies more hesitantly, "my son is a deserter who ran away from the army."
This of course was something Napoleon could not tolerate and sternly he waved his hand in denial.
"Revolutionary mother, I am sorry but such a man deserves no mercy."
Quickly before the opportunity passed the widow spoke out.
"But your Imperial majesty, if he deserved pardon, it would not be mercy."
Napoleon stopped, realising he had been trapped by his own acclamation. Recovering he maintained his Imperial posture smiled at the widow and praised her for her wisdom.
Then before the widow and the whole court Napoleon summoned his Equiry and ordered he hurry to the prison to arrange the immediate release of her son.