A Tale

A time came when a woman went to her husband, saying: don't buy our bread from the neighborhood grocer anymore. Go to the market of those who sell real wheat, for that man sells barley dressed up to look like wheat. He has no customers; for a whole week no one has seen his face, only the swarm of flies around his stall. To comfort her, the humble, needy man said: my dear, be reasonable, brighten up. That poor man set up his shop here trusting in us; it isn't manly to pull our custom away from him. Follow the way of the good and free-hearted; while you stand upright, lend a hand to the one who has fallen. Be generous, for those who are truly worthy are the ones who buy from the failing shop. If you want the truth, the truly noble man is a saint; generosity was the calling of Ali, the king of noble men.