Page 134 - Arrow Publications Pvt. Ltd.

I knew that you had done it. When I came to

know you had come alone to see the hermit,
I had resolved to kill you on your way back.
But you did not return . As I came out of my

hideout, your bodyguard recognized me and
wounded me. I escaped from them but had you
not dressed my wound and taken care of me, I

would had bled to death. I wished to kill you
but you have saved my life. If I live, I will serve
you as your most faithful slave. Please forgive me!”

The king was very glad to have made peace with his enemy so easily. He not only forgave him

but also said he would send his servants and his own physician to attend on him. He also
promised to give him back his property.

Having done this, the king now went to the hermit and said, “For the last time, I pray that
you answer my questions, wise man.”

“You have already got the answers,” said the hermit.

“What do you mean?” asked the king.

“If you had not helped me with the digging and had gone your way, he would have attacked
you. And you would have repented having gone away. So, the most important time was when
you were digging the earth; and I was the most important person and to help me was the

most important thing at that time.”

“When the bearded man came, the most important time was when you were attending on him
or he would have died without having made peace with you. So, he was the most important
man, and what you did for him was the most important action.”

The hermit continued, “Remember the most important time to do anything is now because

it is the only time over which we have power or control. The most important person is whom
you are with, and the most important thing is to do good to a person who needs it. Because
this is the only purpose for which man has been sent to Earth.”

Word Power

undertake: take up a task proclaimed: announced pastime: free time activity
warriors: soldiers hermit: a person living alone renowned: well-known

frail: weak threshold: piece of wood that forms the bottom of a door
crouched: bent soundly: deeply (of sleep) intently: with eager intention
hideout: place where someone hides slave: servant physician: doctor
repented: felt sorry for

133 Arrow - English Plus-7