There was a good king a kind king a loved king but he always wore a big floppy hat - out in the garden (quite sensible) - in the throne room (a little odd) - in the bath (perculiar)

Only two people knew why his wife the queen and his barber. Every three months his hair was cut but no one could look and the barber could tell no one what he saw because the king had donkey’s ears!

The barber became ill and pale from keeping this secret.

What’s wrong

I have a secret to keep and I can’t tell you!

His mum sought the advise of the old lady who said he must tell the secret if not to a person but a tree Off he went into the wild wood and on the edge of stream he found an old willow tree. He whispered his secret

The King has donkey’s ears!!

and felt much better

Several months later the King’s musician needed to make a new harp and choose a branch blown from that very same willow tree.

At the concert to celebrate the new harp no magical music came from the harp but a cackled chant

The King has DONKEY’S EARS!

Everyone went silent. Did the king deny this? Did he send the musicien away in disgrace? No he stood in front of his people and removed his hat. There was silence and then a snigger, a laugh, a guffaw. The hall laughed! Did the king turn away in shame? No he stood still and quiet. The people went still and then there was a clap, several claps, a cheeer and a shout

Our king has donkey’s ears and he is a GREAT king!

The secret was out and the people the king and especially the barber rejoiced.

And the willow harp? At last it could play the music of magic.

There are indeed many versions of this story from all around the world.

Storybook reference: Botanical Folk Tales of Britain and Ireland – Lisa Schneidau

Personal reference: the mural (long since gone) in Abersoch of a welsh version of this story. It was painted on the wall of the restaurant which we visited every year as part of out holidays!