There is an old story that my grandmother used to tell me when I was little. I believe it is folklore and so I cannot assign a more definite source. This story was one of my favourites, that is why I'm writing it here, so that it won't be lost. A long, long time ago, a prince wanted to see how his people were living. First he visited the large cities, whe there were large schools and merchants and manufacturers. Then the smaller cities that lived from just one trade. And then the villages. And in one village, he found a grim life: people struggled for a living and did not have time to play with their children or give them toys. The children were well fed, well dressed, but sad and unloved. So, the prince called the village elders and told them: "I am your prince. I do not like how you raise your children. They are not loved, so, when they grow up, they won't know how to love. I do not approve of this, so I will change it. Last night I took one of your babies and left my own child instead. In your village there is a prince or a princess. You will not know who he or she is. I will be back next year and give your child back in exchange for my own. But beware! If I do not see that my child is happy and loved, I will punish all of you!" And so the prince left. Autumn came with fruit and crops, then winter with the holidays, spring blossomed with flowers on the fields and in the trees. At the beginning of the summer, the prince was in the village again, as he had promised. And he liked what he saw: children were running around, laughing and playing with beautiful, colourful toys. A grocer stoped them to give them candies. Presently the prince was informed that a very old woman on her deathbed wanted to see him. He went to the old woman, who began thus: "Your Royal Highness, I am old and dying. But before I go from this world, I need to know this: is my granddaughter, Maria, the princess? You see, My Lord, she is so beautiful and sweet and noble. At her young age she is so graceful. Tell me, Prince, is Maria the princess?" The prince smiled then gently helped the old lady stand to see the children playing outside. And he said: "They are all princes and princesses."