It is a simple tale, but its message is an enduring one: virtue and generosity will be rewarded in ways that one cannot know.

There is no perfect gift without great suffering. Our triumphs and our pomps pass away; gluttony and sloth and enervating luxury have banished every virtue from the world; so that as it were wandering from its course our nature is subdued by habit. Now and henceforth it is meet that you cure yourself of laziness. The Master has said that sitting on down or lying under the quilts will not bring thee to fame. He who without it has frittered life away leaves no more trace of himself upon the earth than smoke does in the air or the foam on the water.

Show charity and goodwill to others and it will return to enhance your own life in many wonderful ways.

One ought to be just before one is generous.

Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses.

He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the north polar star, which keeps its place and all the stars turn towards it.