" THE APPAREL MAKES A MAN "

THE APPAREL MAKES THE MAN

' The apparel makes a man '
Said Shakespeare
Describing ones character
Or attire?

True story is told
Of an Oxford graduate
From a far away land

Was invited
Dine with dignitaries
Including the Emperor

Dressed in tatters
Considered useless
Didn't drive
But
Mounted on a donkey
Proceeded to the party
Was denied entry
Didn't look dignitary
Went back home

Dressed emaculately
Approached the palace
Didn't appear useless
Was allowed in
Without a query
Now looked dignitary

Dignitaries started
But
He began smearing his attire
With assorted food
Drinks, including wine & tege
(mead ,drink made from honey )

Those around him thought
That was strange
The Emperor asked him why
Replied
Your majesty
I was denied entry
For not looking dignitary

Dressed in tatteres
Was allowed in
When I changed my attire
Was not me invited
But my attire

Emperor pondered
Considered his reply
Was amused and pleased
At his audacity

Gave majestic instructions
'Don't judge people
By the attire they wear
But by their character'

Was Shakespeare right?
When he famously said
'The apparel makes a man'
What is important
Attire or character?

Is one question
Can one go without the other?
Is another
Or
Is it a matter of culture?