and the excellency that is my appearance. “This is but a reminder of the burdens we must cast off.” The crowd murmurs. It matters little what they say. I can feel my influence growing. “Let us cast aside the chains of consumerism and step hand and hand into a new era! Together we shall embrace the pleasure of simplicity. Cast aside that which you hold too dear, so it should not corrupt us all. “I once betrothed myself to such lavish meals as caviar and truffles; now I stand before you and offer bread to break as a symbol of our shared hu - manity. It shall be our sacred sustenance as we face the war of wealth. Let us throw down our golden burdens and share in the joys of nothingness!” The masses whisper amongst themselves—words I don’t bother hearing. I bring my hand to my forehead as I await what words will come, pitiful as they might be.
Coins.
Golden coins fall from the sky, launched by the hands of the subjects it was all too easy to persuade. They listen, they obey, and they throw their wealth…directly at me.
Right at me!
In a moment of glorious clarity, I realize I have unwittingly found a new source of wealth. They break the bread before my eyes as the golden circles find my hands. Poor I once was. Poor I never again shall be.
I—the wealthy leader of the poor.
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