Two women came before wise King Solomon, dragging between
them a young man. “This young man agreed to marry my
daughter,” said one.
“No! He agreed to marry MY daughter,” said the other.
And so they haggled before the King, until he called
for silence.
“Bring me my biggest sword,” said Solomon, " and I shall
hew the young man in half. Each of you shall receive a
half." "Sounds good to me,"said the first lady. But
the other woman said, “Oh Sire, do not spill innocent
blood. Let the other woman’s daughter marry him.” The
wise king did not hesitate a moment. “The accountant
must marry the first lady’s daughter,” he proclaimed.
“But she was willing to hew him in two!” exclaimed the
king’s court. “Indeed,” said wise King Solomon. “That
shows she is the TRUE mother-in-law.”