The Panchatantra (Purnabhadra's Recension of 1199 CE)/Book 2/Mother Shandilee's Bargain
MOTHER SHANDILEE'S BARGAIN
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 giving 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