The Honest Merchant and the Ostrich
Once upon a time, a shrewd merchant was wandering through the market when he spotted an extraordinary breed of camel. Intrigued, he engaged in a prolonged conversation with the seller, negotiating and discussing details. Eventually, the merchant decided to purchase the camel.
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Upon reaching home, the merchant instructed his servant to unload the camel and handed him a velvet bag to place under its saddle. When the servant opened the bag, he discovered precious gems and jewels shimmering in the light. Bewildered, the servant brought this to the attention of the merchant.
The merchant, feigning surprise, looked at the diamonds that sparkled even more in the sunlight. He exclaimed, “I bought a camel, not diamonds! They should be returned immediately.”
Perplexed, the servant tried to explain, but the merchant insisted on the immediate return of the jewels. Confused but obedient, the servant rushed back to the market in search of the ostrich seller.
The ostrich seller, delighted at the unexpected return, confessed, “I forgot that I had hidden my valuable stones beneath the camel’s saddle.” Now, the merchant had the opportunity to choose one gem as a reward.
However, the merchant, demonstrating his integrity, declined the offer, stating that he had already paid the correct price for the ostrich. He expressed gratitude and refused any reward.
Despite the merchant’s refusal, the ostrich seller insisted on expressing his gratitude and insisted that the merchant select a precious stone as a token of appreciation. After much back-and-forth, the merchant finally agreed to choose a single gem.
Meanwhile, news of this honest merchant spread throughout the market, attracting the attention of other traders. The merchant, trying to downplay his honesty, insisted that he had merely paid the correct amount for the ostrich.
The ostrich seller, however, was still keen on rewarding the merchant for his honesty. In a surprising turn of events, the ostrich seller emptied his bag of all the precious stones, revealing a vast collection of diamonds, rubies, and other gems.
This revelation astonished the merchant, who had no idea of the true worth of the stones. The ostrich seller explained, “All my precious gems were here, so which ones did you keep?”
The merchant, true to his character, responded, “My honesty and self-respect.” Despite the insistence of the ostrich seller, the merchant remained firm in his principles.
In the end, the ostrich seller, now a bit frustrated, asked, “Out of curiosity, which of my precious stones did you keep?”
The merchant, with a sincere smile, replied, “My honesty and integrity are the most valuable treasures I possess.”
This tale of the honest merchant and the ostrich serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of integrity, honesty, and self-respect in the face of material temptations. It teaches us that true wealth lies not only in tangible riches but also in the intangible virtues that define our character.