A Different Interpretation

A Different Interpretation

Once upon a time there was a self-proclaimed honest official. One the day he assumed his important office, he had this printed notice posted right by the door at his reception room.

The declaration of an honest official:

1. I have no true desire for money

2. I do not strive for a prestigious post

3. I do not fear death

A few days later the subsequent hand written amendments appeared below:

1. In negligible amounts

2. Unless its higher than the present one

3. However I would like to live as long as possible, if not forever

Fin

Portrait of a Stingy Squire

Portrait of a Stingy Squire

There was once a wealthy landowner named Daner, who acquired his wealth through illicit means, such as manipulation, extortion and loans with unreasonable interest rates advanced to fallen gentry.

As he amassed incredible riches, he then set himself up in a lofty mansion in the country and proceeded to surrounded himself with all the trappings of the rich.

As all his former opulent lineage had done he wished to have his portrait painted and hung over the fireplace in his great reception hall, so as to invoke awe from every invited guest.

A renowned Artist was subsequently approached and a portrait was commissioned. As rich as he was however, Daner plied the artist with wine then argued the price relentlessly in the end forcing the artist to accept a paltry sum for the portrait.

The Artist returned home with a severe hangover and fell into a troubled sleep. Upon waking the following morning and recalling the last night’s events he was infuriated beyond measure. Unfortunately he could not invalidate or revoke the iron clad agreement. Looking at the paltry sum he ground his teeth and then burst into laughter.

On the subsequent day the artist showed up as arranged to paint the portrait of the miserly landowner. His assistant carried all the supplies and set it up for him. Squire Daner took up his lofty pose standing by an impressive fireplace with an impressive wall library.

These were the books Daner had acquired over time through many auctions of the gentry he’d ruined; rare books he’d not read a single page of. The artist made the necessary sketches and returned to his studio to complete the work.

Squire Daner was called to the artist studio several days later, to take possession of the completed work.

Grinning from ear to ear, Daner sized up the covered huge canvas then, in eager anticipation, asked the artist to uncover the masterpiece.

The artist did as he was asked.

But what’s this?

There, standing before Daner, in uncanny detail, was a life-size rendition of his back facing an open window with light streaming into his impressive library.

“What’s the meaning of this?” He barked at the artist. “A portrait should show a person’s countenance. Why have you drawn the back of my figure? This will not do, no sir, it won’t do: I want my money back!”

“Here’s your paltry sum. “ The artist plumped the few coins into palm of Daner. “My advice to a person as stingy as you, sir, is not to show your face to others. Now I shall ask you to leave these premises as I have other pressing appointments elsewhere.”

He’d expected the miserly landowner to storm out of there with a huff and with curses on his lips, but he did neither. Instead with a grim face he pondered on the few coins in his palm then on the portrait weighing out the bargain.

In the end he said, “No sir, a deal has been struck. I shall take the painting.” as he pompously dropped the coins onto the table.

His servant carried the canvas out and it is said it hung in Squire Daner's private sturdy where only a few were privy to view.

The end.

The Contest of Silence

The Contest of Silence

Meditation was taught to students in this private school as part of their curriculum.

Four close friends challenged by a rival group, undertook to observe twenty four hours of silence. The bet was that if they won they would be absolved from any chores whilst if they lost, they would complete all the chores of the winners for a week. Two impartial students were designated to keep a close eye on all participants.

On the designated day, the groups entered the private chamber of the Library and after getting comfortable begun in earnest and reverent calm, their meditation on the void. Silence prevailed throughout the day; the room was so quiet in fact that you could hear a pin drop. But as darkness encroached and the room grew dim, one of the four stirred, and then before he could stop himself, words just flew from his mouth, ordering the nearby attendant to “Light the blasted oil lamp!”

The closest one to him could not suppress a grumble:” Hush up, you’re not supposed to speak!”

“You two have blown it.” The third one chimed in.

“I’m the only one who has kept quiet.” Unfortunately the fourth one could not refrain from boasting.

Fini

The Visit

The Visit

Once upon a time an elderly gentleman called on the priest that had been newly assigned to the local parish. 

As the latter failed to appear for some time the visitor, who was told to wait in the anteroom room, became rather drowsy in the comfortable chair and fell asleep.

Before long the priest having concluded the matters at hand appeared but when he discovered the elderly gentleman sleeping he was reluctant to wake him up. So he sat down opposite to him and waited, and waited, eventually he too fell asleep.

The elderly gentleman and the priest woke up and fell asleep by turns for the rest of the afternoon. Finally the elderly gentlemen left without disturbing the priest who then retired to his private chambers when he awoke alone.

Fini