There
was a rich merchant who had 4 wives. He loved the 4th wife the most
and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to delicacies. He took great
care of her and gave her nothing but the best. HE also loved the 3rd
wife very much. He’s very proud of her and always wanted to show off her to his
friends. However, the merchant is always in great fear that she might run away
with some other men.
He
also, loved his 2nd wife. She is a very considerate person, always
patient and in fact is the merchant’s confidante. Whenever the merchant faced some
problems, he always turned to his 2nd wife and she would always help
him out through difficult times.
The
merchant’s first wife is a very loyal partner and has made great contributions
in maintaining his wealth and business as well as taking care of the household.
However, the merchant did not love the first wife and although she loved him
deeply, he hardly took notice of her.
One
day, the merchant fell ill. Before long, he knew that he was going to die soon.
He thought of his luxurious life and told himself, “Now I have 4 wives with me.
But when I die, I’ll be alone. How lonely I’ll be!”
Thus,
he asked the 4th wife, “I
loved you most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care
over you. Now that I’m dying, will you follow me and keep me company?”
“No way!”
replied the 4th wife and she walked away without another word. The
merchant felt very sad. He then asked 3rd wife, “I have loved you so
much of all my life. Now that I’m dying, will you follow me and keep me
company?” “No” replied the 3rd wife. The merchant’s heart sand and
turned cold.
He then
asked the 2nd wife, “I have always turned to you for help and you
have always helped me out. Now I need your help again. When I die, will you
follow me and keep me company?”
“I am
sorry, I can’t help you out this time” replied the 2nd wife. “At the
very most, I can only send you to your grave.” The answer came like a bolt of
thunder and the merchant was devastated.
Then a
voice called out, “I’ll leave with you. I’ll follow you no matter where you go.”
The merchant looked up and there was his first wife. She was so skinny, almost
like she suffered from malnutrition.
Greatly grieved, the merchant said, “I should have taken much better
care of you while I could have!” The merchant realized that true love has nothing to do with the
looks and beauty.
The End
