A certain ruler once went into the forest and there he met a sage. He spoke with the sage, was amazed by his righteousness and wisdom and expressed a desire that he would do him a favor by accepting a gift from him. The sage refused, saying:
“The fruits of this forest are sufficient food for me.” Clear streams running from the mountains give me water to drink, the bark of trees provides me with cover, mountain caves serve as my refuge. Why would I take gifts from you or anyone else?
The ruler replied:
- Just to please me. Please come with me to the city, to my palace, and take something from me.
He convinced him for a long time, and the sage finally agreed to fulfill his wish and went with him to his palace.
Before offering the gift to the sage, the ruler began to pray:
- Lord, give me more children, give me more wealth. Lord, give me more territory, Lord, keep my body in good health...
Before the ruler finished his prayer, the sage stood up and calmly left the room. Seeing this, he became embarrassed and chased after him, shouting loudly:
-Are you leaving without taking my gifts?
The sage turned around and said:
“I don’t take from beggars.” You yourself are a beggar; how can you give me anything?
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru