At one time I asked a certain Brahman in a certain town for shelter during the rainy season, and this he gave me. So there I lived, occupied with pious duties.

One day I woke betimes, and listening to a conversation between my host and his wife, I heard the Brahman say: “My dear, tomorrow will be the winter solstice, an extremely profitable season. So I will go to another village in search of donations. And you, in honor of the sun, should give some Brahman food to the extent of your ability.”

But his wife snapped at him, harshly, saying: “Who would give food to a poor Brahman like you? Are you not ashamed to talk like that? And besides:

Since first I put my hand in yours,

I haven’t had a thing:

I’ve never tasted stylish food;

Don’t mention gem or ring.”

At this the Brahman was terrified and he stammered: “My dear, my dear, you should not say such things. You have heard the saying:

You have a mouthful only? Give

A half to feed the needy:

Will any ever own the wealth

For which his soul is greedy?

And again:

The poor man can but give a mite;

Yet his reward is such —

The Scriptures tell us — as is his,

From riches gives much.

The cloud gives only water, yet

The whole world treats him as a pet:

But none can bear the sun, who stands

With rays that look like outstretched hands.

“Bearing this in mind, even the poor should give to the right person at the right time—though the gift seems beneath contempt. For

Great faith, a gift appropriate,

Fit time, a fit recipient,

An understanding heart — and gifts

Are blest beyond all measurement.

And some quote this:

Indulge in no excessive greed

(A little helps in time of need)

But one, by greed excessive led,

Perceived a topknot on his head.”

“How was that?” asked the wife. And the Brahman told the story of