Generosity
The road was long and dusty, and the master leather smith had been traveling all day. He was so old that his staff no longer helped to keep him upright. His apprentice carried the rucksack of their travel wares on his back, as well as the tools of his master’s trade.
As evening drew near they saw a building down the road. It was the home of a very rich man, obviously. The apprentice knocked on the front door. A very rotund man answered the door, noting the dusty condition of his visitors. He noticed, as well, the mark of the master on the old man’s collar. He called for his servants and had them escort the two men to a room where they could clean up and knock the dust off of their clothes.
The meal was wonderful, with meats, vegetables, and fresh bread. They were quickly asleep, but awoke at the dawn, bid their host good bye and left.
Once again, when night loomed, they sought shelter. The only place that might be suitable was a small hut with one door. The apprentice knocked on the door, and it was answered by a farmer who quickly led them into his home, even without noticing the Master’s badge.
The farmer stepped to the table and picked up his wooden bowl full of stew. Finding two more bowls he portioned out of his own bowl, and then tore his bread into 3 pieces. He gave each of them a bowl and bread. Afterwards he gave them a place to sit near the fire to sleep while he slept further away.
The next morning, after they had traveled awhile, the Master turned to the Apprentice and spoke. "Tell me. Which of the two men had the most generosity?"
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