In the country of Zouman, in Persia, there lived a Greek king. This king was a leper, and all his doctors had been unable to cure him, when a very clever physician came to his court.
He was very learned in all languages, and knew a great deal about herbs and medicines.
As soon as he was told of the king's illness he put on his best robe and presented himself before the king. "Sire," said he, "I know that no physician has been able to cure your majesty, but if you will follow my instructions, I will promise to cure you without any medicines or outward application."
The king listened to this proposal.
"If you are clever enough to do this," he said, "I promise to make you and your descendants rich for ever."
–“The Story of the Greek King and the Physician Douban,”
Andrew Lang
What motivates the king to offer Douban great riches? Check all that apply.
Douban is an accomplished physician.
The king’s advisors know that Douban is wise.
The king believes that Douban needs money.
The king has a disease that no one can cure.
Douban was recommended by his doctors.
Douban is an accomplished physician.
The king believes that Douban needs money.
The king has a disease that no one can cure.
The correct answers are:
- Douban is an accomplished physician.
- The king believes that Douban needs money.
- The king has a disease that no one can cure.
To determine what motivates the king to offer Douban great riches, we can refer to the given passage:
1. Douban is an accomplished physician: True. The passage mentions that Douban is a very clever physician with knowledge in languages, herbs, and medicines.
2. The king's advisors know that Douban is wise: Not mentioned in the passage. The passage does not provide any information about the king's advisors knowing about Douban's wisdom.
3. The king believes that Douban needs money: Not mentioned in the passage. There is no information about the king's belief regarding Douban's financial situation.
4. The king has a disease that no one can cure: True. The passage explicitly states that the king is a leper and that all his doctors have been unable to cure him.
5. Douban was recommended by his doctors: Not mentioned in the passage. There is no information regarding whether or not Douban was recommended by other doctors.
Based on the passage, the correct answer options would be:
- Douban is an accomplished physician.
- The king has a disease that no one can cure.
Therefore, the king motivates to offer Douban great riches because Douban is an accomplished physician and the king has a disease that no one can cure.