Patience and politeness
In one of the villages, there lived a rich landlord. He was very kind. He decided to feed thirty poorest children of the village each day. So he invited such children and told them, ``There are thirty loaves of bread in this basket. Each one of you can have ne loaf. Come here daily till we have better times.’’
The children rushed to the basket. Each one was eager to get the best loaf. They quarreled and even hit one another. After taking the loaves, they left. They did not even bother to thank the landlord for his kindness.
Only little kamala waited patiently. When others had gone, she went near the basket. She quietly took the smallest loaf that was left in it. She touched the feet of the landlord in gratitude and wend back home.
The following day, too, all children except kamala pushed one another in their effort to reach the basket first. After taking the loaves, they left without thanking the landlord. Kamala waited and was content to have the smallest loaf. Once again, she touched the feet of the landlord and thanked him for his kindness. This continued for a whole week.
On the eighth day, too, kamala returned home with the smallest loaf. Her mother cut the loaf. To their surprise, they found that there were a few gold coins in the loaf. Kamala’s mother was worried. She thought that some one had put the gold coins in the loaf by mistake. She asked kamala to go back and return the gold coins to the landlord.
The landlord smiled and said, `My dear child, I wanted to reward you for your patience and politeness. I gave orders to place some gold coins in the smallest loaf. May god bless you’’.
Patience is, indeed, a great virtue. In controls the mind. It checks the tongue. It calms anger. It brings peace. It minimizes the force of desire. It gives strength to bear pain and sorrow. It soothes the pains of insult and injury. It makes one humble.
Politeness is another great virtue. It costs nothing. Polite behavior pleases one and all. It spreads happiness. Be polite to your parents, teachers, neighbors, gusts and even to shop men and servants. A bright smile and decent word pave the path to success.
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