According to an ancient legend, the wealthiest man in town was known as the “sponge-giver,” because the meagre amounts he gave to charity had to be squeezed out of him. Everyone knew that even to the neediest cause he gave reluctantly and only after much pleading. According to the legend, the poor in the community decided to take the man to court and charge him with theft.
After he had received his summons, the miser consulted with a certain wise man.
”What have I stolen?” he asked, his voice shaking.
”The dignity of the poor,” said the wise man.
”How did I steal the dignity of the poor?”
The wise man answered. “By giving only to the beggar.”
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