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38 respectful obeisance. The ascetic ceased meditating for a moment, and seeing the Brâhman said: ' To whom in this world should liberality be shown ? who should be protected ? to whom should be granted what seems almost impossible of acquirement ? '

" The Brâhman rose up from his humble posture and said: ' Sir ! To me. I am in the pursuit of wealth.' " The ascetic knew that his visitor was a Brâhman and was quite shocked to hear him utter such an unworthy sentiment, for it has been said —

" ' To see a distinguished person begging, in a state of poverty, asking for what he ought not to want, troubles the mind, though one is prepared to give. For a good man, though he may be himself in trouble, performs his duty to another. The sandal tree may be broken in a thousand pieces, but it still keeps its cooling power.' " The ascetic therefore gave his visitor a magic cloak, and said: ' Whenever you shake this, 500 gold pieces will fall from it; but you must not give it to any one, or say where the money comes from.' " The Brâhman thanked the ascetic and departed with his cloak. Next morning he shook it, and immediately became the possessor of 500 gold pieces.