U'Kesavtam Al Mezuzos: Coming and Going

Onkelos was a nephew of the Roman emperor who converted to Judaism. Furious, the emperor sent soldiers to bring him back, but each time, Onkelos would start a discussion, and the soldiers ended up converting. The emperor sent a troop with strict orders not to say even one word. But as he left his home, Onkelos kissed his mezuzah. The soldiers asked what he was doing. “Your king sits in his palace, while soldiers stand outside to guard him,” Onkelos said. “We sit inside, while our King guards us.” The soldiers were fascinated. In the end, they too all converted, and the emperor gave up hope of ever bringing Onkelos back.

Adapted from Emunah in the Classroom