Question

read the passage from the old chinese fairy-tale \the favorite of fortune and the child of ill luck.\but the beggar found his fortune, and at length became emperor. he returned and stood before his wife. she however, no longer recognized him: she only knew that he was the powerful emperor.he asked her how she were getting along.\why do you ask me how i am getting along?\ she replied. \i am too far beneath your notice.\and who may your husband be?\my husband was a beggar. he went away to seek his fortune. that was eighteen years ago, and he has not yet returned.\and what have you done during all of those long years?\which theme is most likely conveyed in this passage?- the humble are the mighty.- good things come to those who wait.- time enhances beauty.- hard work results in good fortune.

Explanation:

The passage tells of a beggar who leaves to seek fortune, returns after 18 years as an emperor, and his wife does not recognize him, seeing only his powerful status. He waited 18 years to achieve his fortune and return, aligning with the idea that good outcomes come to those who wait. The other options do not fit: the passage does not focus on humility as strength, time improving beauty, or hard work directly leading to fortune (it emphasizes waiting/long-term seeking of fortune).

Answer:

Good things come to those who wait.