Story No. 19

One winter, a king and a few close companions strayed far from any building while hunting. As night fell, they spotted a farmer's house. The king said, 'Let us spend the night there, so we won't suffer the cold.' One of the ministers said, 'It does not befit the king's dignity to take shelter in a farmer's home. Let us pitch a tent right here and light a fire.' The farmer heard of it. He prepared whatever he had and brought it out, kissed the ground, and said, 'The king's high standing would not have been lowered by coming here; but the minister did not wish the farmer's standing to be raised.' The king found his words pleasing. That night they moved to his house. In the morning he ordered a robe of honor and gifts for him. They heard him walking a few steps beside the king's stirrup, saying: Nothing was taken from the king's honor and majesty by his kindness in visiting a farmer's humble home. The farmer's cap now touched the sun, because a king like you cast his shade upon his head.