Page:The Richest Man In Babylon (1930).pdf/37



royal guard he did present me with fifty pieces of gold, and now I am much perplexed.

“I am beseeched each hour the sun does travel across the sky by those who would share it with me.”

“That is natural. More men want gold than have it, and would wish one who comes by it easily, to divide. But can you not say no? Is not thy will as strong as thy fist?”

“To many I can say no, yet sometimes it would be easier to say yes. Can one refuse to share with one’s only sister to whom he is deeply devoted?”

“Surely, thy own sister would not wish to deprive thee of enjoying thy reward.”

“But it is for the sake of Araman, her husband, whom she wishes to see a rich merchant. She does feel that he has never had a chance and she beseeches me to loan to him this gold that he may become a prosperous merchant and repay me from his profits.”

“My friend,” resumed Mathon, “ ’Tis a worthy subject thou bringst to discuss. Gold bringeth unto its possessor responsibility and a changed position with his fellow men. It bringeth fear lest he lose it or it be