Page:Barlaam and Josaphat. English lives of Buddha.djvu/125
VII.a. i. The Swimmer.
A swimmer and his friend went bathing together. The friend got out of his depth, and the swimmer feared that he would drown, but as he went to his assistance, he had the further fear that his friend would seize him and cause them both to drown. But nevertheless he went near, and by inducing his friend to make the appropriate motions saved them both.
[In Arabic only, Reh. 147.]
Vll.b. The Rich Young Man and the Beggar's Daughter.
Z. xii., L. p. 117, C. 444.
A rich merchant once desired to betroth his son to a wealthy, beautiful, and well-bom girl. He, however, refused the match, and fled from his father's house. During his journey he entered a poor man's hut to shelter himself from the heat. There he saw the daughter of the house working with her hands and praising God for His goodness. Asking her why she was so grateful, she replied — "Because the good God has given me the chance of entering Paradise." Struck by this answer, the young man desires to marry her, but her father would not consent till the young man agreed to put aside his rich clothing and live their life. He does 80, and for a time assists in the work of the house, till at last the father is convinced of his