Because He Had First Loved Her

Soren Kierkegaard, the Danish theologian, told a story about a certain kingdon wherein there was a handsome prince, searching for a woman worthy enough to be his wife and to become queen of the land.  One day while running an errand for his father he passed through a poor village.  As he glanced out the wondow of his carriage his eyes fell on a beautiful peasant maiden.  During ensuing days, he often passed by the young lady and soon fell in love with her by sight.  But he had a problem.  How could he seek her hand?

He could command her to marry him, but the prince wanted someone who would marry him out of love, not coercion.  He could show up at her door in his splendid uniform in a gold carriage drawn by six horses, attendants in tow, and bearing a chest of jewels and gold coins.  But then how would he know if she really loved him or if she was just overawed and overwhelmed with his splendor?  Finally he came up with another solution.

He stripped off his royal robes, put on common dress, moved into the village, and got to know her without revealing his identity.  As he lived among the people, the prince and the maiden became friends, shared each other's interests, and talked about their concerns.  By and by, the young lady grew to love him for who he was and because he had first loved her.

- Henry Law, The Gospel in Exodus (First Banner of Truth Trust, 1967)