A beggar in rags came to the palace, wanting to go to the feast. They let him in only out of pity, because he was dressed in rags. And they seated him at the very end of the table, so that the dishes reached him already empty.
Then he left the feast and returned some time later, dressed in luxurious clothes and hung with jewelry, which he borrowed from his rich friend. This time he was immediately led to a place of honor at the head of the table and helpfully seated. Now he was served food before all other guests.
- Oh, what delicious dishes are on these dishes! - exclaimed the poor man. At the same time, he put one spoon of food into his mouth, and dumped the other directly onto his luxurious clothes.
The rich man sitting next to him, looking at the soiled robe, asked with a disgusted grimace:
“Reverend, why are you ruining your beautiful dress?”
“Sorry,” the poor man answered with a laugh, “if my dress now looks unkempt.” But it is only thanks to these clothes that I am fed here. It would be unfair not to let them eat first.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru