This is a tale from ancient days of a scholar of little means who dared to save a tiny, wounded dog — and in doing so, discovered the true power of goodness.

10 silver coins to save a life

Under the blazing sun, a scholar hurried along a dusty road, a half-worn book box slung over his shoulder. He needed to reach the next town before nightfall, hoping to find shelter before darkness settled in. Suddenly, a series of sharp, desperate barks pierced the still air, followed by a man’s coarse curses. Startled, the scholar quickened his pace and rounded the bend. What he saw made him stop in his tracks. A butcher-like man was forcing a small yellow dog onto a grimy meat table. Beside him lay a knife, its blade catching the sunlight with a cold gleam.

The puppy could not have been more than a few months old. It was painfully thin, trembling uncontrollably, one hind leg clearly injured and hanging uselessly. It struggled weakly, letting out a pitiful whine. Its dull, frightened eyes locked onto the scholar’s, as if silently begging for help.

Growing impatient, the butcher snarled: “What are you barking for? I’ll make it quick.” The scholar felt a sharp pang in his chest. Unable to stand by, he stepped forward and bowed slightly. “Please, good sir, have mercy. Could you sell this little dog to me?” The butcher glanced at the scholar’s shabby clothes and replied sternly: “Sell it to you? Fine. Since you look like a scholar, I’ll give you a discount: 10 silver coins. Not a single coin less.” He said this casually, hoping to scare off the meddlesome scholar.

…

Read the full article on Nspirement