The Hermit-Prophet

 

Milkovasa

Once there lived a hermit prophet, and thrice a moon he would go down to the great city and in the market places he would preach giving and sharing to the people. 

And he was eloquent, and his fame was upon the land.

Upon an evening three men came to his hermitage and he greeted them. 

And they said, 

"You have been preaching of giving and sharing, and you have sought to teach those who have much to give unto those who have little; and we doubt not that your fame has brought you riches. Now come and give us of your riches, for we are in need."

And the hermit answered and said, 

"My friends, I have naught but this bed and this mat and this jug of water. Take them if it is in your desire. I have neither gold nor silver."

Then they looked down with distain upon him, and turned their faces from him, and the last man stood at the door for a moment, and said, 

"Oh, you cheat! You fraud! You teach and preach that which you yourself do not perform."

Khalil Gibran

in, The Madman