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?\
\i have been waiting for him to return.\
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 shows the wife waited 18 years for her husband, who then returned as emperor. This directly aligns with the idea that her patience led to a positive outcome. The other options do not fit: the passage does not focus on humility as strength, time improving beauty, or hard work leading to fortune.

Answer:

Good things come to those who wait.