英语谚语趣味小故事interesting+stories+to+learn+proverbs 108页

R.K.MURTHIPUSTAKMAHAL InterestingStoriestoLearnProverbsR.K.MurthiPUSTAKMAHAL®DELHI•BANGALORE•MUMBAI•PATNA•HYDERABAD ,,4,.PublishersPustakMahal,Deihi-110006SalesCentres•6686,KhariBaoli,Delhi-110006,Ph:23944314,23911979•10-B,NetajiSubhashMarg,Daryaganj,NewDelhi-110002Ph:23268292,23268293,23279900•Fax:011-23280567AdministrativeOfficeJ-3/16(Opp.HappySchool),Daryaganj,NewDelhi-110002Ph:23276539,23272783,23272784•Far;011-23260518E-mail:info@pustakmahal.com•Website:www.pustakmahal.comBranchOfficesBANGALORE:22/2,MissionRoad(ShamaRao"sCompound),Bangalore-560027,Ph:2234025•Fax:080-2240209E-mail:pmblr@sancharnet.in•pustak@sancharnet.inMUMBAI:23-25,ZaobaWadi(Opp.VIPShowroom),Thakurdwar,Mumbai-400002,Ph:22010941•Fax:022-22053387E-mail:rapidex@bom5.vsnl.net.inPATNA:KhemkaHouse,1stFloor(Opp.Women"sHospital),AshokRajpath,Patna-800004,Telefax:0612-2673644E-mail:rapidexptn@rediffmail.comHYDERABAD:5-1-707/1,BrijBhawan,BankStreet,Koti,Hyderabad-500095,Ph:24737530•Fax:040-24737290E-mail:pustakmahal-hyd@indiatimes.com©PustakMahal,6686,KhariBaoli,Delhi-110006I.SBN.81-223-0281-5NOTICETheCopyrightofthisbook,aswellasallmattercontainedherein(includingillustrations)restswiththePublishers.Nopersonshallcopythenameofthebook,itstitledesign,matterandillustrationsinanyformandinanylanguage,totallyorpartiallyorinanydistortedform.Anybodydoingsoshallfacelegalactionandwillberesponsiblefordamages.—PublishersEdition:January2004Printedat:Hi-ZealGraphics,Delhi. prefaceKnowledgeispower.We,atPustakMahal,havealwaysbeenkeentoempoweryou.WestartedthiswiththeRapidexEnglishSpeakingCourse.Wehavenotlookedbacksincethen.F^omtimetotime,wehavebeenpublishingbookstoenhanceyourknowl-edge.Wehavealsotriedtokeepthepriceswellwithinthereachofthecommonman.Weunderstandthatbooksmustbeaffordable,sothatmoreandmorepeoplecanbenefitfromthem.Keepingthepricespeggeddownisnotthateasyatask.Butwehaveresolvedtotacklethistask.Wefindthischallengeworthtaking.Thisbookisyetanothereffort,onourpart,toincreaseyourknowledge.Thebook,writtenbyoneofIndia"sleadingwriters,explains,inverysimplelanguage,themeaningsofproverbs.AlternativesintheEnglishlanguagearegiven.Further,theproverbsarebroughtoutclearlythroughillustrativestoriesculledfromavarietyofsources.Thisbook,therefore,isatreasuretrove.Delveintoittoimproveyourknowledgeandthusgainmoreconfidenceandsuccess. Contents1.Afriendinneedisafriendindeed72.Agreasedmouthcannotsay,no103.Alittleknowledgeisadangerousthing124.Hastemakeswaste145.Allareequalintheeyesofthelaw186.Allisfairinloveandwar207.Anenemy"senemyisafriend238.Beautyisonlyskindeep259.Charitybeginsathome2710.Don"tbitemorethanyoucanchew2911.Don"tcrywolfoncetoooften3112.Don"tkillthegoosethatlaysgoldeneggs3413.Obeythelaworbedamned3714.Giveadogabadnameandhangit5015.GoodSamaritan:nearesttogod4216.Nowisthetimetolive4417.Hellhathnofurylikeawomanspurned4618.Ifthebeardwereall,agoatmightpreach4919.Impossibleisoftentheuntried5120.Kindnesspays5321.Necessityisthemotherofinvention55 22.NeveraQuislingbe5723.Noarmycanfightonanemptystomach6024.Itisnevertoolatetolearn6325.Hewhohasanarthaseverywhereapart6626.Pridehathitsfall6927.Silenceisgolden7128.Thefutureisnotourstosee7329.Thegrasslooksgreenerontheotherside7530.Thepooraretrulyfreewhentheirneedsareafew7731.Practicemakesoneperfect7932Selfhelpisthebesthelp8133.Slowandsteadywinstherace8334.Tactwinswheremightfails8535.Nonebutthebravedeservethecrown8736.Tpkilltwobirdswithonestone9037.Titfortat9338.Truthalwaystriumphs9639.Unityisstrength9840.Wisdomisnothingbutearthlycommonsense10141.Countnotyourchickensbeforetheyarehatched103 /AfriendinneedisafriendindeedMeaning:Manyofourfriendsarefairweatherfriends.Theydesertuswhenweareintrouble.Onlyafewfriendsstandbyusinourhourofneed.Theyarefriends,indeed!Alternative:Afriendisbestjudgedinadversity.Intimesofprosperityfriendswillbeplenty.Intimesofadversitynotoneamongtwenty.IllustrativeStory:SudamawasapoorBrahmin.Heandhisfamilylivedinutterpovertyandmisery.Fordaystogether,theyhadverylittletoeat.Theyoftensleptwithouthavinganyfoodatall.Sudamacursedhimselffornotbeingabletoprovideforhisfamily.Thethoughtsofcommittingsuicideoftencrossedhismind.Onceinafitofdepressionhevoicedhisthoughtstohiswife.Shetriedtoconsoleherhusbandandthen,remindedhimofhisfriendshipwithLordKrishna—theKingofDwarika.AschildrenKrishnaandSudamahadlivedandstudiedtogetherinSandipanMuni"sAshram."Gotohim",shepleaded,"Krishnaisallpowerful,kindandgener-ous.Hewillsurelyhelpyouinthishourofneed".Sudamahesitated,"HeisaKingandI"mjustapoorwretchedBrahmin.HowcanIvisithim?""Sowhat!"shecountered,"friendshipis<7 aboveclassdifferences.Youmustseekhishelp.Ican"tseeourchildrendyingofhunger."FinallySudamaagreedtovisitKrishna.HiswifeborrowedsomericefromneighbourhoodandgaveittoSudamaasagiftforhisfriend.Sudamastartedonhisjourney.AtthePalacegate,theguardrefusedSudamaanentryinside.SudamaarguedthathewasanoldchildhoodfriendoftheKingandwouldn"tleavewithoutseeinghim.ThewordofcommotionreachedLordKrishna.AssoonasheheardSudama"sname,barefootedKrishnaranouttomeethisfriend.Boththefriendsembracedeachotherandshedtearsofjoy.ThenwithgreathonourandceremonyKrishnaledSudamainsidethePalace.There,hehimselfwashedanddriedthedirtyandbruisedfeetofhisfriendandmadehimsitonthethrone.Krishna"swivesthemselvesattendedonthem,asthetwofriendsateandtalkedoftheolddaysattheirteacher"sashram.<8 DuringthecourseofmealKrishnaaskedSudama,"Whatgifthaveyoubroughtforme?"Sudamawastooembarrassedtobringoutthelittlepoorqualityricetiedupinanoldrag.ButKrishnasnatchedthebundlefromhimandatethericeflakeswithgreatrelishleavinghisowngrandroyalfeast.AfterthemealKrishnamadeSudamalieinhisKinglybed.Hehimselfsattheremassaginghistiredfeet,untilSudamafellasleep.Nextday,Sudamatookleaveofhisgreatfriend.KrishnaalongwithhisfamilybadehimalovingfarewellatthePalacegate.Allthiswhile,Sudamacouldnotbringhimselftorevealtherealpurposeofhisvisit.Heleftwithoutdoingso.Hisheartwasheavyashewalkedtowardshome.Hedidn"tknowwhattotellhiswifeandchildren,whomustbeeagerlyawaitinghisreturn.Thehungryfacesofhisfamilyhauntedhim,onhiswayback.Butapleasantsurpriseawaitedhimathome.Abeautifulpalacestoodinplaceofhispoorbrokenhut.Hiswifeandchildrendressedinsilkenclothesandjewellerygreetedhimatthegate.Krishnahadblessedtheirliveswithprosperity.HehadalsosavedSudamafromthehumiliationofaskingforanything.Krishnawasagreatfriendindeed,whocametohisfriend"srescueinhishourofneed.ooo<9 2Agreasedmouthcannotsay"no9Meaning:Onewhohastakenbribescannotrefuseanyrequestofhispatron.Alternative:Amanwhosellshimselfisaslaveforever.IllustrativeStory:Thecommanderledhismen.Theylaidsiegetothefort.Theykeptwatch,roundtheclock.Nonecouldgetawayfromthefort."Thedefendersneedfoodandwater.Theymayhavesomefoodandwaterinstock.Butthatwon"tlastlong.Thefortwillfallsoon,"saidthecommandertohiscloseassociates.Thesiegecontinued.Evenafteramonth,therewasnosignofpaniconthepartofthedefenders.Thecommanderhoweverremainedcool."Victorywillbeours,"hesaidconfidently.Thatnight,herodeaway,totheneighbouringtown.Hereachedahouse,setontheoutskirtsofthetown.Heknocked.Someoneasked,"Whoisthere?"TheCommanderintroducedhimself.Thedooropened."Comein,"saidthehost,notshowingmuchenthusiasmonseeingtheguest."Youdon"tseemtobehappytoseeme,"thecommanderstaredatthehost."Youknowthereason.Iwasonceanofficialatthefort.Ihaveretired.Ihavesettleddownhere,farfromthefort.Ifthenewsthat<10 Ihavemetyou,reachesthedefenders,willbeadeadman,"hesoundedscared."Well,Iwon"tstayevenaminutemorethanisnecessary.Ihavehelpedyouwithfundsseveraltimeswhenyouwereworkingatthefort.Ineveraskedyouforanyfavour.NowIwantit.TelIme,isthereasecrettunneltothefort?"thecommanderwaitedforananswer."I...Well..."thehoststammered."Tellme.OrIwillsendtoyourmasterthedocumentstoprovethatyouhavetakenbribefromme.Thatwillbetheendofyou."Thehostreluctantlygavetheinformation.Thecommanderrodeaway,tellinghimself,"AgreasedmouthcanneversayNO."Nextday,afterdusk,heledafewsoldierstothemouthofthetunnel.Hedirectedthemtosneakinandtakethemenwhowereatthemaingate.Themenatthegateweretakenbysurprise.Thedrawbridgecamedown.Theattackingarmyswarmedin.Soonthefortfell.OOQ<11 3AlittleknowledgeisadangerousthingMeaning:Goodknowledgeofanartorprofessionisessentialtobesuccessfulinlife.Amanwithinsufficientknowledgewillalwayscauseharmtohimselfandothers.Alternative:Anemptyvesselmakesmuchnoise.IllustrativeStoryItwasafineSundayafternoon.Nine-year-oldRohithelpedhismotherclearthetable,afterlunch."Ah,that"sajob,welldone,myboy!"hismotherpattedhim.Thenshesaid,"growupquickly,myboy.ThenyoutoocandomanyotherthingslikecarryingoutminorrepairsasyourPapadoes.HowIwishyourPapawerehere!But,no,heisontourmostofthetime.Inowhavealeakingtap.Theplumberneverturnsupforoddjobs,evenifItellhimadozentimes."Icandoit,Ma/"Rohitoffered."Oh,no,"sheyawnedandmovedtothebedroomforanap.Soonshewasfastasleep.Rohittoldhimself,"Settingthetaprightshouldbeeasy.IhavewatchedPapadoingitanumberoftimes."Herememberedthesteps,"Pickupaspanner.Tightenitroundtheneckofthetap.Unscrewthetap.Replacethewasher.Puttheheadbackinplaceandscrewittight."<12 Itlookedquitesimple.Rohittip-toedtotheshelfattherearveranda,pickedupthetoolboxandrantothebathroom.Thetapwasleaking.Rohitpulledoutthewrench,setitroundtheneckofthetapandtighteneditsjaws.Thenhetugged,withallhisstrength.Theheadrefusedtobudge."WhatwouldPapahavedone?"Rohitthought.Thenheremembered,"Hewouldhitthefreeendofthespannerwithaheavystone."Hedidthat.Thestonelandedonhisthumb.Hewincedwithpain.Tearswelledupinhiseyes.Thenhecontrolledhimself,"Imustdothisjob.Mammaexpectsitofme."Hehitagain.Thistimehewassuccessful.Thetapturned.Watergushedout.Rohitgotdrenched.Buthedidnotmindthat.Thenhegotarealshockwhentheheadofthetap,pushedbythegushingwaterflewintospace.IthitthewallandbouncedbackintoRohithittinghimonthetipofhisnose."Ouch!"hesobbed.Meanwhiletheheadofthetapdroppeddown,rolledalongwiththewaterandgotstuckintotheoutlet.Rohitgropedaround,asthewaterbegantoriseinthebathroom.Hetriedtoprisetheheadout.Buthecouldnot.Watergatheredinthebathroom.Soonhisfeetwereunderwater."WhatshallIdonow?"hewondered.Hedecidedtousethescrewdrivertoprisetheheadout.Thatwaswhenheheardhismotherbellow,"Hey,Rohit.Whatareyouupto?"Shecaughtholdofhimfirmlyanddraggedhimout,saying,"Whatdoyouknowofthisjob?""But,Ma,IhaveseenPapadoingit,severaltimes,"Rohitmumbled."Sowhat.Yourknowledgeisincomplete.Youshouldhavedonethisfirst,"shecutoffthesupplyofwaterbyclosingthemainvalve.Thenshemanagedtoclear-theblockage.Waterdrainedout.<13 "Seethemessyouhavecreated...."Shestoppedonnoticingtheswollenthumbandtherednoseandgrowled,"Thebathroomisnowapool.Andyourthumbandnoseareabloodymess."Sheledhimtothemedicinechestanddressedupthewoundtellinghim,"Alittleknowledgeisadangerousthing.Rememberthat.Always."ooo<14 4HastemakeswasteMeaning:Actpatiently.Planeveryactioninadvance.Analysetheplanthoroughly.Alterandamenditwherevernecessary.Neveractrashly.That"showoneincreasesthechancesofsuccess.Alternatives:Actinhaste,repentatleisure.Lookbeforeyouleap.IllustrativeStory:Shivaji,theMarathachief,wasontherun.Hehadsufferedaset-backinabattlewiththeMughals.Heandafewofhiscloseassociatesgotawayintime.Thepartymovedthroughthejungle.Afteralongtrek,theyreachedajunction.Shivajiturnedtohismenandsaid,"Ifwemoveinagroup,wewillbeeasilyidentified.Leteachofusfollowadifferentroute.Weshallmeetthreedayshence,intheoldresthousenearRajgarhFort."Themenprotested.Shivajioverruledtheirobjection.Hemovedon,allbyhimself.Byduskhewastired.Heneededfoodandshelterforthenight?Theflickerofanoillamp,atadistance,rousedhishopes.Hemovedfastertillhereachedahut.Anoldwomanwaswatchingapot,boilingonthefire.Sheraisedherheadonhearingfootsteps.Shesawastrangeratthedoor.Sheasked,"Whoareyou?"Shivajididnotintroducehimself.Fordangerstalkedhim,allaround.Sohesaid,"Apoortraveller.Ma,15 Iseekhelpfromyou.Iamterriblyhungry.IhadbeenonmyfeetalldaylongandhadnothingbutsomenutsandfruitsItookfromthetrees.""Come,sitdown.Iwillgetyouaplateofhot,freshboiledKodi(graineatenbypoorpeople).Nothingmore.Iampoor.Ican"tserveagrandfeast,"shemadeplaceforShivajitositclosetothefire.Shivajithankedher.Hewashedhisfaceandhandsandsatdown.Thewomanplacedaplatebeforehimandservedthe-hotsteamingfood.Shivajipickedupahandfuloffoodfromthecentre.Hewrunghishandinpain.Quicklyhedroppedthefoodandwaited.Theoldwoman,whowatchedhim,said,"YouarelikeShivaji.""Shivaji!Why?"heasked."Shivajileavesasidesmall-fortsandhurriestocapturebigones.Heisterriblyhasty.Hedoesn"tknqwthathemustmovestepbystep,gaincontroloverthesmallfortsandthenattackthebig<16 ones.Hastemakeswaste.Itgetsoneintotrouble.Youwerehastytoo.Food,whenservedhot,coolsfasterattheedges.Insteadoftakingfoodfromtheedges,whereitiscold,youpickedupahandfulfromthecentre.Andhence,gotyourfingersburnt."Shivajigotthemessage.Hethankedtheoldwoman.Hecleanedupthekodi.Hewashedtheplateandwaitedtilltheoldwomanhadeaten.Hehelpedhercleanupthepots.Thenshespreadamatonthefloorforhimtosleep.Nextday,atdawn,hetookleaveoftheoldwoman.Hetoldher,asheleft,"Iassureyou,Iwon"tbehasty.Iknowhastegetsoneintotrouble.Thankyouforteachingmethatlesson.""Good.IwishShivajialsolearnsthatlesson.IwishIlivetoseeShivajiholdingabsolutepower,"theoldwomansaid."Hehasgotthemessage,Mataji,"Shivajifellatherfeet."What!"theoldwomanwasconfused."IamShivaji.Blessme,Mataji.Youhaveshownmethewaytosucceed,"Shivajireachedfortheoldwoman"srighthandandplaceditonhishead.Shesmiledandsaid,"VijayiBhava"(Mayyoubevictorious).ooo<17 5AllareequalintheeyesofthelawMeaning:Thelawissupreme.Ittreatsallasequals.Itappliestotherichandthepoor,therulerandtheruledalike.Nobodyisoutsidethelaw.Alternatives:Thelawtakesitsowncourse.Nobodyisbeyondthelaw.IllustrativeStory:EmperorJahangirhungabellattheentranceofhispalace.Drummerswentround,tellingthepeople,"Haveyouanycomplaint?Comeandringthebellattheentranceofthepalace.Theemperorshallhearyouanddojustice."Thenewswentround.Thepeoplehailedtheemperor.Oneday.NurJahanwaspractisingarchery.Sheshotarrowsatchosentargets.Beforeclosingtheday"ssession,shesentanarrow,whizzingthroughspace,towardstheriverbed,whichlaycloseby.Thenshewalkedbacktotheharem.Alittlelater,someonerangthebell.Thesentryfoundawasher-woman,sobbingwithgrief.Inherhandsheheldanarrow."Iwantjustice."Shewailed.Thesentryledhertotheemperor.Thewomanbowed.Sheplacedthearrowdownonthecarpetandsaidbetweensobs,"Someonekilledmyhusbandwiththisarrow.Whowillnowlookaftermeandmychildren?"<18 Theemperorpickedupthearrow.Ithadtheroyalstamp.Someonefromthepalacehadcausedthetragedy.Theemperorsentthesentrytofindoutwhohadpractisedarchery,onthatday.Thesentrycameback,soonenough.Hehesitated.Theemperorpressed.Almostinawhisper,thesentrynamedNurJahan,thequeen,astheguilty.TheemperorsentforNurJahan.Sheappeared,soonenough.Theemperorpulledoutadaggerfromhisbeltandhelditouttothewoman."Theempressmadeyouawidow.Killmewiththedagger.Thatwillmeetthedemandofjustice."Thewomanshiedaway,"Oh,no,Badhshah.Icanneverdothat."Theemperorgrantedherapension.Shethankedhimandleft.HeturnedtoNurJahanwhosulked,"Youtookagraverisk.Whatifthewomanhadcarriedoutyourcommand!"Theemperorreplied,"Iwouldhavedied.Butjusticewouldhavebeendone.Forallareequalintheeyesofthelaw.Becarefulinfuture,"saidtheemperor.OOO19 6AllisfairinloveandwarMeaning:Thisproverbgivestheloverorthefightertherighttouseallmeans,eventricks,liesanddeceptions,tomakehishopescometrue.Alternative:WheredrumsbeattheLawsaresilent.IllustrativeStory:TheMahabharatWarwason.TheKauravforceswereledbyBhishmapitamaha.WithhimwereAcharyaDrona,DaanveerKarnandmanyothers."Howdowebeatsuchastrongforce?"askedYudhishter."Don"tyouhavefaithinyourfightingskill?HowcanyouunderestimategreatwarriorslikeBhimandArjun?"LordKrishnaasked."OhKrishna!Youareourgreateststrength,"saidYudhishter.LordKrishnaremindedPandavasaboutthevalourofBhishmapitamahaandthensuggestedaplan."Shikhandiisaeunuch.LetShikandileadourmenagainsttheoldwarrior,inthebattletomorrow.BhishmapitamahawillnotfightShikhandi.Hewillholdbackallhisweapons,evenifheisinperil.Thushecanbeoverpoweredeasily".LordKrishnasaid.Thatplanworked.Bhishmapitamahafell.DronacharyatookoverastheSupremeCommander.HeorganisedtheKaurava<20 forceswithgreatskill.ThePandavsfounditimpossibletopenetratetheenemylines.Theysufferedheavycasualities."Wewillneverwin,"groanedYudhishter."Thatisadefeatistattitude.Wecanalwaysfindawayout,"saidLordKrishna."Whatdoyousuggest?"YudhishterturnedtoLordKrishna."YouareDharmaputra.Thewholeworldknowsyouneverlie.Ifyouagreetopiayatrick,wecanbeatDronacharya,"saidLordKrishna."How"^Yudhishterenquired."Getholdofanelephant.NametheelephantAshwathamaafterthesonofDronacharya.Killtheelephant.Thenannounce,<21 AshwthamaHatah,(Ashwathamahasbeenkilled)"saidLordKrishna."Thatwouldbealie,"Yudhishtershowedhisdisapproval."No.Youwilladd,Kunjara,(theelephant).Butwhenyouaddthosewords,thedrumswillbebeatensoloudlythatDronacharyashallonlyhearthefirsttwowords,AshwathamaHatah,notthewordKunjara.ThenewsofthelossofhisonlysonwillmakeDronacharyaloseinterestinthebattle,"LordKrishnawaited,whileYudhishterturnedthesuggestionoverinhismind."No.Thatwon"tbefair,"Yudhishterprotestedweakly."Allisfairinloveandwar,"LordKrishnaargued.Reluctantly,Yudhishteragreed.Theplanwascarriedout.Dronacharyawaskilledinthebattlefield.ThusthePandavasgotridofamajorobstacleintheirpathofvictory.ooo<22 7Anenemy"senemyisafriendMeaning:ithasbeensoallthroughtheages.AandBdislikeC.Sothetwogettogetherandbecomefriends.Togethertheytrytomakelifemiser-ableforC.Nationstoohavecometogethertofightthecommonenemy.Alternative:Love,friendshipandrespectdonotuniteasmuchasacommonhatred.IllustrativeStory:WorldWarIIbrokeoutin1939.HitleroverranmanynationsofEurope,includingCzechoslovakia,Poland,andFrance.Britainwasundergravethreat.WinstonChurchillassumedofficeasPrimeMinister.Heorganisedthedefenceofthenation.Tostrengthenthedefence,hewantedhelpfromIndia.TheIndiannationalistssawtheirchancetogainmorerightsforthepeople.TheyrequestedthegovernmenttogiveIndiansaroleintheconductofIndia"sdefence."MakeanIndianmemberofthe")Viceroy"sExecutiveCouncilresponsibleforwaraffairs,"theysaid.Britainignoredthisappeal.Bythen,SubhashChandraBosehadescapedfromhousearrestatCalcutta.HedisguisedhimselfasaPathan,wentthroughChinaandRussiatoEurope.TherehemetHitler.Later,heheardfromRashBehariBose,anothernationalistwhohadsettled<23 downinJapan,"Comeover.OrganisetheIndianprisonersofWar.Japanwillprovideallhelp,"informedRashBehariBose.Subhash,sdidnotaskwhyJapanwouldprovidehelp.JapanwasthememberoftheAxispowers.GermanyandItalywerefightingtheAlliesinEuropeandAfrica.JapantookonthetaskinAsia.ThusJapan,anenemyofBritain,becameafriendofIndiansfightingagainsttheBritishruleinIndia.Subhashacceptedtheinvitation.HeorganisedtheINA.ThemembersoftheINAfoughtshouldertoshoulderwiththeJapaneseforces.SubhashChandraBosebecameimmortalasNetajiBose.ooo<24 8BeautyisonlyskindeepMeaning:Don"tbeledbytheexterior.Givemoreatten-tiontowhatliesbeneaththeskin.Alternative:Appearancesaredeceptive.IllustrativeStory:RanadilwasthebegumofDara,theeldestsonofEmperorShahJahan,andhencetherightfulheirtothethrone.ButhishopesweredashedwhenhisbrotherAurangzebroseinrevolt.Darawentouttoquelltherevolt.Boththeprincesknewthatitwasafighttothefinish.Aurangzebemergedthewinner.Darawaskilled.ThenewsreachedRanadil.Sheweptinconsolably.Shetoohadlostall.OnhisreturntoAgra,AurangzebdetainedEmperorShahJahanattheAgraFortandseizedpower.Herememberedthatvictortookall.WhyshouldnotheclaimRanadilashisown?HesentamessagetoRanadiIthroughacourtier.Thecourtiertoldher,"Accepttheoffer.Enjoylife.Youareyoung.YouarebeautifuI."RanadiIrejectedtheproposal.ThecourtierwentbacktoAurangzebandreportedtheresultofhismission."Goagain.TellherIcan"tlivewithouther.Shehasbewitchingcharms.Whatbrighteyes!Whatrosyskin!Herfaceisindeedherfortune,"AurangzebsanginpraiseofRanadil.ThecourtiermetRanadilagainandappealedtohertoaccepthis<25 master"soffer.Shesmiled,wanly."Yourmastersaysthatmyfaceismyfortune.Isitreallyso?Letmecheck,"shesignalledtothecourtiertowaitandrantothefull-lengthmirrorinherbedroom.Shesurveyedherface."Thefaceisindeedmyfortune.ButIdon"tneedthisfortuneanymore,"shemumbled,pickedupadaggerandranitseveraltimesacrosshercheeks.Bleedingfromeverypore,shewalkedbacktothepresenceofthecourtier.Shewipedthebloodwithherdupattaandhandedittothecourtierandsaid,"Givethistoyourmaster.Tellhimthatmyfaceisnolongermyfortune.ThatfortunewasonlyformyLord,mydearDara.SoIhavedestroyedit.Now,Ihaveafacebleedingfromcuts.Soonthesecutswillturnintoscars."Thecourtierturnedhisfaceaway,unabletostandthegorysight.Ittookhimtimetoregainhisvoice.Thenhetoldher,"Youaregreat,OhdaringBegumsahiba.PrinceDarawouldbeproudofyouandyourloyalty."Shewatchedhimtillshecouldseehimnomore.Thensheranbackandcollapsedintothebedandcriedherheartout.ThusRanaheldAurangzebatbaybysendinghimthemessagethatbeautywasonlyskindeep.Hedidnotbotherheragain.OOO<26 9CharitybeginsathomeMeaning:Showkindnesstoyournearanddearones,first.Helpthem.Ensuretheirhappiness.Onlythensetouttowipethetearsfromtheeyesofothers.Alternative:Whomwillhehelpthatdoesnothelphisfamily.IllustrativeStory.Inanoldtownlivedamerchant.Heearnedhugeprofitsbyfairmeansandfoul.Withmoreprofitsflowingin,hebecamemoreandmoregreedy.Hegrumbledwhenhiswifewantedmoneytorunthehome.Hecriticisedherwhenshepreparedsweetdishes;orboughtacostlysarionDiwali."Moneydoesn"tgrowontrees,"hesnappedathischildrenwhentheyaskedformoneytobuybooksandnewdresses.Whenhissisters,brothersandcousinscametoaskforhelp,heshooedthemaway.Ashegrewricher,hebecamemoremiserly.Hedismissedthecook,themaidandthegardener."No,whowillpaythem?Allofusmustsharetheworkandthusavoidwastage,"hetoldhiswifeandchildren."Whatwillyoudowithallthismoney?"theyasked.Buthedrovethemaway,screaming,"IwilldowhatIlikewithmymoney.I<27 earnit.Iwillhoardit.Iwillbecometherichestmaninthetown.Waitandsee."Ittookhimmanyyearstobecometherichestmanintown.Butnonehadagoodwordtosayabouthim.Thepeoplesneeredathim,"MoneyBag."Theydubbedhim,"KingMiser."Howcouldheredeemhisname?Hewenttoanelderinthefamilyandsoughtadvice."ShallIopenacharitablehospital?Establishaschoolforthechildrenofthepoor?Openachainofpoorhomes?"heasked."Notabadidea.Infact,Iwouldnormallyhavecommendedit.Butitwillcostalotofmoney,"theelderpointedout."Iamreadytospendsomemoneytowinnameandfame,"themerchantreplied."Howcanyoueventhinkofhelpingstrangers?Shouldyounotattendtotheneedsofyournearanddearones,first?Can"tyouseeyourwifeandchildrengoingaroundinrags?Howfamishedtheylook?Dotheygetevenonesquaremealeveryday?Listen.Doyourdutytoyourfamily,first.Helpyourbrothersandsistersandothermembersofthefamilywhoarepoor.Openinghospitalsforthepoororschoolsforthechildrenofthepoormustcomelater.Charitybeginsathome,"sayingthis,thewisemansentthemerchantaway.ooo<28 10Don"tbitemorethanyoucanchewMeaning:Knowyourstrengthsandweaknesses.Don"texceedyourlimits.Alternatives:Cutyourcoataccordingtoyourcloth.Bigmouthfulsoftenchoke.IllustrativeStory:Thecloudsweredriftinginthesky.Afrogsatclosetoawetpatchandstartedcroakingloudly.Itthoughthighlyofitself."Isingwell.Ilooksmart.Ihavelovelybigeyes.Icanleaparoundandcatchfliesbythedozen,"thefrogfeltrightontopoftheworld.Atthattime,itsawanelephantwalkingalong.Thefrogtriedtotelltheelephant,"Stop.Listentomymusic.Lookintomygreeneyes.Thentellme,canyousingaswellasme?Canyoureyesbegreen?"Theelephantswungitshead,fromsidetoside,anddroveawayaflywhichnettledit.Itdidnothearthecroaksofthefrog.Itmovedon,chewingitscud.Thatannoyedthefrog."Whatdoestheelephantthinkofitself?Doesn"tevengivemeanod,whattotalkofasmile,"thefrogtolditself.Thenitcroaked,stillmoreloudly,"Ohelephant!Iamthegreatestmusician.Iwascrownedthekingofmusicbythefrogs,onlya<29 fewhoursback.Iamreadytosingforyou.Rightnow.Whatdoyousay?"Theelephantdidnotgetthemessage,thistimeeither.Thefroglostitshead.Itbecameterriblyangry."Ithinktheelephantisproudofitssize.Itdoesn"tknowIcangrowasbig,ifnotbigger,ifIsodesire."Thenitstarteddrawinginbreath.Itpuffedandhuffed.Itheldthebreath.Hechecked.Itwasstillverysmallwhencomparedtotheelephant."Imusttryalittleharder,"sighedthefrog.Itseyesbulgedout.Itsbodynowlookedlikeabloatedballoon.Itcouldpuffitselfnomore.Vetthefrogdidnotstop."Imustnotgiveup.Imustshowtheelephantitsplace.Whatdoesitthinkofitself?"thefrogmadeyetanotherbidtotakeinmoreair.Thentheairwithinpressedallover.Andthefrogburstlikeaprickedballoon.Thatwastheendofthefrog.Thefroghadtriedtodosomethingbeyonditslimits.Ithadbittenmorethanitcouldchew.ooo<30 Don"tcrywolfoncetoooftenMeaning:Don"trepeatalieagainandagain.Otherswillgettheimpressionthatyouarealiarandwillnotbelieveyouevenifyoutellthetruth.Alternatives:Oncealiaralwaysaliar.Nobodytrustsaliar.IllustrativeStory:Inavillagewhichlayatthefoothillsofamountainlivedalittleboy.Hewasnaughtyandmischievous.HeplayedpranksonhisfriendsandlaughedattheirfolIies.Hetoldthemimpossibletaleswithastraightface.Whentheybelievedhim,hesneeredatthem,"Thatwasatallstory,youfools!"Thisbecameahabitwithhim.Heliedtoeveryone,eventohisparents.Theytriedtocorrecthim,butfailed.Histeachersadvisedhim.Buthedidnotchange.Holidayscame.Hisparentsaskedtheboytotakethesheepouttograzeinthehills.Heagreed.Hismotherpackedlunchforhimandputitinhisshoulderbag.Intothebagwentaflute,aslingandafewroundpebbles."Becareful.Inthehills,therearewolves.Theyareclever.Oftenwolvescomeinpacks,grabkidsandsheepandrunaway.Youhavetobealert,"saidhismother,astheboyopenedthegatestoletthesheepout.Hetoldhernottoworry.<31 Hewavedalongstick,herdedthesheep,oftenmadeoddsoundstodirectthesheeptowardsthehills.Soonhereachedaslopecoveredwithlushgreengrass."Heremysheepwillgettheirfill,"hetoldhimselfandsatdownunderatree.Atnoonhetookhislunch.Forsometimeheplayedontheflute.Thenhefeltbored.Heyawned.Hewishedhecouldpullafastoneonsomeone.Hescannedthescene.Hiseyessetonateamofwoodcuttersfromthevillagemovingalongthefootpathwhichlayalittledistanceaway.Herandowntheslope,towardthewoodcutters,screaming,"Wolf!Wolf!"Thewoodcuttersraisedtheiraxesandrantotheboy.Theyaskedhim,"Whereisthewolf?"Theboyburstintolaughter."Thereisnowolfaroundhere.Ijusttriedalie.Andyoufellforit."Thewoodcuttersscoldedhimandwalkedaway.Afewdayslater,onceagain,theboynoticedabatchofpottersdiggingoutmudnearwherethecattleweregrazing.Hecried,"Wolf!Wolf!"Thepottersdroppedeverything,rantohimwavingtheirsticksandspades."Whereisthewolf?"thepotter,whoreachedtheboyfirst,asked."Wolf!Youthoughttherewasawolfaround!IcalledoutWolftofoolyou,"theboyclappedhishandsandlaughedloudly.Thepottersabusedhim,calledhimnamesandwentaway.Thetalespreadallthroughthevillage.Thevillagerstoldeachother,"ThatboyFsaliar.Hecallswolfoncetoooften."Asillluckwouldhaveit,threedayslater,theboynoticedawolfstalkinghissheep.Hegotthefrightofhislife.Hehadastoutstickinhand,buthedidnothavethecouragetogoafterthewolf.Hecried,loudly,"Wolf!Wolf!"Agroupofvillagers,whoworkedasguardsintheforest,heardthecall.Theythoughtofrushingtotheboy"shelp.Thentheyrememberedthattheboywasaliar."Heistryingthesameoldtrick.Wearenotfoolstofallforhistrick,"<32 saidtheleaderofthegroup.Thepartymovedofftoanotherpartoftheforest.Thewolfchargedattheboy,whenitfoundhiminitsway.Theboyduckedandranforhislife.Thesheepranhelterskelter.Thewolfgrabbedakidandranoff.Afewmorewolves,waitingfortheirturn,toomanagedtograbasheepeach.Intheevening,theboyreturnedhome.Helookedsadandbeaten.Hismothercountedtheflock.Foursheepweremissing."Wherearethesheep?"sheasked.Hetoldher,"Wolvescameandtookthemaway.Icalledforhelp.Theguardsheardmycall.Buttheydidnotcometomyhelp.""Youknowwhy?Twiceyousentoutfalsealarms.Andyoulaughedatthosewhocametohelpyou.Thistime,thoughyoutoldthetruth,theforestguardsthoughtyouwereuptoyourdirtytrick.Youstupidboy.Yourfatherwon"tbepleasedwhenhelearnsthatyoulostfoursheep,"sheshoutedathiminanger.Theboyfellintoherarmsandsobbed."Iknownow,Icriedwolfoncetoooften.Ipromiseyou,Iwon"tlieinfuture.Neveragain."ooo33 12Don"tkillthegoosethatlaysgoldeneggsMeaning:Don"tbefoolhardy.Don"tmortgagethefutureforimmediatebenefits.Alternatives:Donotruntoofastaftergain.Hethatgraspsalllosesall.Covetallloseall.IllustrativeStory:"Takethisgoosling.ThisisallthatIcanofferyouforhelpingmeraiseafenceroundmyhouse,"thefarmertoldhisassistant."Justagoosling.Notevenafullygrowngoose?AndIworkedforsixdays?"theyoungmancomplained."Thisbirdwillmakeyourich.Veryrich.Justwaittillitstartslayingeggs,"sayingthis,thefarmersenttheyoungmanaway.Theyoungmanwalkedhome,carryingthegooslingalong.Hewondered,"Howcanthisbirdmakemerich?Thefarmerhasfooledme."Thatmadehimangry.Sohedidnottakemuchcareofthegoosling.Hegaveittohiswifeandsaid,"Whenitbecomesbig,wewillmakeamealofit."Hiswifenoddedherhead,tookthebirdawayandleftitinthebackyard.Therethegooslingforagedforitself.Itlivedonwormsandinsectsandgrains.SooniLgrewbigandfat.<34 Onemorningthewomanheardthegoosecacklingloudlyandcameroundtofindoutthereason.Hereyescametorestonanegg/c"oset0"D"rc"-Therewassomethingoddabouttheegg.Itscolourwasgolden.Thewomanpickeduptheegg.Itwasunusuallyheavy.Sheturneditaround.Itlookedtobemadeofgold.Coulditindeedbeso!Sherantoherhusbandandshowedhimtheegg.Hetookittothegoldsmithwhocheckedthequalityofthegold."Itis24caratgold.Wheredidyoufindit?Wanttosellit?"Themannoddedhishead.Hecamebackhome,carryingawadofnotes.Herememberedthefarmer"swords,"Thegoosewillmakeyourich."Everydaythegooselaidagoldenegg.Theyoungmanbuiltapalatialhouse.Hebegantoliveinstyle.Thenanideacametohismind."WhyshouldIwaitforthegoosetodeliveroneeggeveryday?Thegoosemustbeholdingseveraleggsinsideitsbelly.IfIkillthegoose,Iwillgetalltheeggsatonce."<35 Heconsultedhiswife.Shefounditverysensible."Whatawonderfulidea!"Shesmiledandhurriedtogetholdofthecarvingknife.Thecouplewenttothebackyard.Themanseizedthegoose.Itstruggledtofreeitself.Butthemanhelditfirmly.Hiswifegavehimtheknife.Herantheknifethroughthegoose.Thebirddied.Themanremovedthefeathersandcutopenthegoose"sbelly.Hethoughthewouldfindmanygoldeneggs.Notevenoneeggwasthere.Heburiedhisfaceinhishandsandsobbed.Hiswifewailedveryloudly,"Wekilledthegoosethatlaidagoldeneggeveryday.Weweregreedy.Nowwehavelosteverything.Weactedfoolishly."ooo<36 13Obeythelaworbedamned.Meaning:Itstandsforactsanddeedswhicharebannedorprohibited.Onewhobreaksthebanusuallygetsintotrouble.Alternatives:Freedomhasitslimits.Everythinghasaprice.IllustrativeStory:Adamwasthefirstman.GodpresentedhimthegardenofEdenandtoldhim,"Thisisallyours.Hereyoulivehappily.Allyourneedswillbereadilymet.""Thankyou,OhGod!"Adamexpressedhisgratitude."Comealong..."GodledAdamallaroundtheGarden.AspringgushedwithclearwaterandfedthestreamwhichranroundtheGarden.Thewatercascadeddownslopesandproducedmusicalnotes.Gianttreeslinedthestream.Thetreeswereladenwithdeliciousfruits."Thisisthebestplacetolive.But.*.."Godstoppednearatree,pointedoutthetreeanditssolitaryfruit,"Iforbidyoufromtastingthatfruit."Adamsighed,inrelief.Thiswassmallprice,indeed.FortherewasarichvarietyoffruitsintheGarden.Hecouldhavethem.Sowhybotherabouttheforbiddenfruit?HeassuredGod,<37 "Never,OhGod!NevershallIgoanywhereneartheforbiddenfruit.""Good,"saidGod.ToomuchofcomfortmadeIifeboringforAdam.HeappealedtoGod,"Givemeacompanion."GodagreedandcreatedEve.Thetwo,AdamandEve,livedtogetherhappily.Oneday,Evewasoutonastrollwhensheheardsomeonecallingher.Shelookedallaroundandsawasnake,whichhungfromthebranchofatree.Itpointedtotheforbiddenfruitandsaid,"can"tunderstandwhyyouhavenottastedthefruitonyondertree.""GodtoldAdamnottogonearthefruit,"Evereplied."Itisthetastiestofallfruits.Butalas,itisnotforAdamandyou.ItisunfaironthepartofGodtolaysuchacondition,"thesnakesowedtheseedofdiscontentinEve"smind."IwillgotoAdamandaskhimtotastethefruit,"Everanbacktoherman.<38 Adamprotested,"Howcanwedothat?WeoweeverythingtoGod"skindness,ifwedisobeyHim,Hewillbecomeangry.HewilldriveusoutoftheGardenofEden.Andwewillneverknowpeace.""Ithoughtyouwerebold,"Evesneered.Adamwentintoasulk.Evedistancedherselffromhim.Adamthoughtshewouldrelent.Butshedidnot.Everytimehetriedtobuypeace,shetaunted,"Youlackguts."Thatwasaninsult.Howcouldheclearhimselfoftheinsult?Hedecided,finally,totastetheforbiddenfruitandprovetoEvethathewasboldandcouldbedefiant.Hedidthat.Godgotthenews.HeturnedAdamandEveoutoftheGardenofEden.Andthusbeganthetroublesandthepainswhichafflictthemankindtilltoday.ooo<39 14GiveadogabadnameandhangitMeaning:Onecanalwaysfindareasonforwhatonewantstodo.Alternative:Hewhohasamindtobeathisdogwilleasilyfindastick.IllustrativeStory:Thestreamrandownthehills.Itswaterwascool,clearandclean.Soanimalsandbirdscametothestreamtoquenchtheirthirst.Someofthemsplashedaroundinthewatertoo.Awolfcameoutofitslair.Itwasfeelingterriblyhungry.Itmovedthroughthejunglewhichlayaroundthestream.Itwalkedroundandround."IfonlyIcouldgetarabbitorababyboar!Anythingwilldo."Butitcouldnotfindanyprey.Finallyitdecidedtogotothestreamandfi11upit"sstomachwithwater."Thatwi11atleastmakemefeelbetter."Itcametoitsfavouritespot.Therethewaterrandownaslope.Thewolfbentdowntodrink.Thenitseyesfellonalittlelamb.Thelambstoodalittledistanceaway.Itwasalsodrinkingwaterfromthestream."Thatlambwoulddo,"thewolftolditself.Ithowled,angrily,"Yousillylamb.Howdareyoudirtythewater?"Thelambshiveredwithfright.Itlookedallaround.Thenitsawthebigfatwolf,itsmouthwideopen,itstonguehangingout.<40 Thelambwisheditcouldgetaway.Buttherewasnowayitcouldescape.Itstoppeddrinking.Inapleasingtone,ittoldthewolf,"OhGreatWolf!Ican"tdothat.Iamstandingdownstream.Waterflowsfromyoutome."Thewolfscowled.Whatthelambsaidwastrue.Itwaslogical.Butthewolfwasnotafterlogic.Whatitwantedwasfood.Soitscoffedatthelambandsaid,"thenitmusthavebeenyourmotherwhodirtiedthewater,lasttimeIcameheretodrink."Thelambprotested,"Goandfindmymotherthenandaskher.""Ihavenotimeforthat.Youhavetopayforyourmother"scrime."Sayingthisthewolfpouncedonthelamb,killeditandmadeamealofit.OOO<41 15GoodSamaritan:nearesttogod.Meaning:AnyonewhoservesothersselflesslyislovedbyGod.Alternatives:God"sOwnMan.KindlyLight.Godlovesthosewhoservethemankind.IllustrativeStory:AbuBenAdhamwasanobleman.Hewaskindtoeveryone.Sopeoplerushedtohimforhelporsolace.Heneverturnedthemaway.Andhedidnotcallitadaytillhehaddonehisbitforallwhoneededhishelp.Soheneverwenttobedbeforemidnight.Andhewokeupanhourbeforedawn.Hehadnotimetocallhisown.Hedidnothaveeventimetopray.Onenightwhenhewasabouttogotobed,hefoundanangelflyingaroundinhisroom.AbuBenAdhamnoticedthattheangelhadascrollinhishandandasked,"whatisonit?"Theangelrepliedwithasmile,"ThenamesofthosewholoveGod."Abuasked,hesitantly,"Ismynamethere?"Theangelranthroughthelist."Sorry,yournameisnotinthislist,"repliedtheangel.ThatmadeAbuBenAdhamsad.Hewasservingmankindsoselflessly.HesawGodineverymaninpainorindistress.HelovedGodverymuch.YetGodhadomittedhis<42 namefromthelist.Theangelasked,"Feelinghurt?"AbuBenAdhamsmiled,"YesIfeltabitbad.ButIcan"tcomplain.Ihaveworktodo.InmyworkonlyIfindmyGod.Ihavenotimetopray."Theangelsmiledkindlyandvanished.Abupassedarestlessnight.Sowhenhegotup,hewasalittletired.Butheforgotallhistirednesswhenhesetouttoservethepeople.Hespentthewholeday,helpingthepoorandtheneedy.Atdusk,hestillhadanumberofpeoplearoundhimwhosoughthisguidanceandadvicetosolvetheirpersonalproblems.Itwasaboutmidnightwhenheenteredhisbedroom.Hesatonthebed.Theangelwasthereagain,thistimewithyetanothersheet.Abuasked"Whatisthatlistallabout?""ItcarriesthenamesofpeoplewhomGodloves,"theangelreplied."Ismynamethere?*Abujustmanagedtomakehimselfaudible.Theangelscannedthescrollandthenexclaimed,"Congratula-tions!"Aburaisedhiseyebrows,"Whatfor?"Theangelreplied,withasmile,"Youtopthelist.Doyouknowwhy?BecauseyouarethemostoutstandingGoodSamaritanalivetoday.YouareGod"sOwnMan.ooo<43 16NowisthetimetoliveMeaning:Makethebestuseoftime.Don"tspendtimebroodingoverpastmistakesorworryingaboutthefuture.Remember,timelostcanneverberegained.Alternatives:Notimelikethepresent.Takecareoftoday,tomorrowwilltakecareofitself.IllustrativeStory:Closetotheking"spalacestoodahumblehut.Initlivedagardenerwhoworkedatthepalacegrounds.Heworkedfrom"dawntodusk.Itwashardwork.Yetthegardenernevergrumblednorgroaned.Hewasalwayscheerfulandhappy.Heseemedtobeatpeacewithhimself.Thekingnoticedthegardener,atwork,onseveraloccasionsandnoticedhishappymien."Wheredoesthismanfindhappiness?Hehasverylittletocallhisown.Helivesinathatchedhouse.Theroofislow.Thefloorishardanduneven.Hedinesonjustrotisanddhal.Yethelookstrim.Hiseyeshaveararesparkle.IwishIcouldbeashappyashim,"thekingtoldhimself.Oneeveningthekingwastakingawalkinthegarden.Hefoundthegardener,packinguphistoolsafterfinishingtheday"swork.Hewascoveredwithdustandmud.Hewassingingasongin<44 praiseofGod.Hecompletedthesong.Thekingthenapproachedhim.Thegardenerbowed.Thekingcalledhimcloserandsaid,."Ienvyyouman.Youarealwayshappy.IwishIcouldbeashappyasyou.Whatisthesecretofyourhappiness?Won"tyoushareiitwith"YourHighness,whyshouldIbeunhappywhenIgettwomealsandhaveaplacetosleepatnight?Godhasgivenmethestrengthtoearnmybreadbythesweatofmybrow.Iworkfrommorningtillevening.lamsohungrynowthatlcaneatanything.Evenharddryrotis.AndIamtiredtoo.SoIcanliedown,thismoment,butforhunger,onthehardestoffloors,anddropofftosleepinstantly.WhenIwakeup,inthemorning,Ifeelfreshandfullofenergytoworkandearnmyday"swages.Itakeeverydayasitcomes.Thismoment...thepresentiswhatmatterstomethemost,"thegardenerrepliedrespectfully."Butwhatiftomorrowyoufallsick!Shouldyounotthinkofthefuturetoo?"thekingasked."Andstartworrying?Iwilllosemyappetite.Iwillnotgetgoodsleep.Myhealthwilldeteriorate.Iwillfallsick.ThenIcan"tearnmydailywage.Iwillstarveanddie.No,YourHighness,Ican"taffordtoworryaboutthefuture.Onlythismomentcounts.Nothingelse,"thegardenerexplained."Yousaidit.Thankyou,"sayingthisthekingturnedback,determinedtochangehisattitudeandtomakethebestuseofthepresent.OOQ45 17HellhathnofurylikeawomanspurnedMeaning:Traditionallywomanispresentedaspatient,yieldinganddocile.Yetthisisnotthewholetruth.Beneaththemaskofsoftnessliegritandstrength.Thisstrengthexplodeswhenawomanisspurned.Alternatives:Theweakersexisthestrongersexbecauseoftheweaknessofthestrongersexfortheweakersex.Nevergetonthewrongsideofawoman.IllustrativeStory:AlexeiPetrovisaRussianweightlifter.HefeltrightontopoftheworldwhenhewaschosentoparticipateattheWorldChampi-onshipsatGuangzhouin1995.Herantohisgirlfriend,amedicalstudentandanaerobicexpert.Shelethimtakeherinhisarmsandwhirlaround.Whiletheycircledtheroom,hecooedinherears,"Congratulateme,darling.IhavebeenselectedtocompeteattheWorldChampionships.""Thatisthebestnewswhichhascomemywayforalongtime,"thefiancelethimholdhertight."Iwillbecomefamous,"Petrovmumbled."AndIwillbebyyoursidetoshareyourname,"shespoke,hereyesbrimmingwithpassion.Hegotthecue.Shewassuggestingtohimtoproposetoher,to<46 takehimashiswife.Hedeliberatelyignoredthesuggestion.Hethoughtitwastooearlytogetintowedlock.Butheheldhergently,andaskedher,"won"tyoutoastmeonmysuccess?"Shefreedherselffromhisarms,fetchedabottleofvodkaandsetitonthediningtable.Thetwosatanddreamtoftheirfuture.Hespokeofwinningtitlesandhonours;shedreamtofthefuturewithhimashiswife.Petrovbecamemoreinvolvedinhispractice.Hedidnotgetmuchtimetobewithhisgirlfriend.Shecomplained.Hetriedtoreasonwithher,"Don"tyouknowthatIhavetowinthetitle.Thatishardwork.Realhardworkfrommorningtillevening.AndbyeveningIamdeadtired."Theyhadanargument,everytimetheymet.Oneday,inafitofanger,Petrovtoldhisgirlfriend,"Thatistheendofouraffair."Shefeltlikeclawinghimwithhersharpnails.Butshecheckedheranger.Shemanagedtosayinachokedvoice,"IhopewewilIremainfriends.""That"sthespirit,"hesaid.Afterheleft,hisgirlfriendmutteredangrily,"Alexei,Iwon"tletyougetawaysoeasily.Waitandsee."<47 Shemethim,often.Notoncedidshehintthatshewasangryathim.Sheteasedhim,cutjokes,satandsippedvodkainhiscompany.AdayortwobeforeheleftforChina,shegiftedhimabottleofpills."Youknow,Alexei,Iamamedicalstudent.Hereisabottleofpills.Takeafewofthembeforeyouenterthecompetition.Itwillgiveyouextrastrength."Petrovwonthetriplechampionshipinthemid-heavyweightclass.Thatwasthemomentofhisglory.Butthisdidnotlastlong.Medicalreportsshowedsteroidinhissystem.Hehadtakendrugs,saidtheofficials.Hepleadedinnocence.Butthetestswerepositive.Sohewasbannedfromfurthercompetitions.Petrovbrokedowninanguish.HisdreamsofanOlympicCrownatAtlantashatteredinatrice.Thencameasilverlining.Petrov"sformergirlfriendletthesecretout.SheadmittedthatthepillsherecommendedtoPetrovweresteroids."HespurnedmeandIgavehimthepoisonfruitofbitterlove,"shesaid.Petrovthankedhisstarsandadmitted,"!knownowthathellhathnofurylikeawomanspurned."ooo<48 1ZIftheheardwereall,agoatmightpreachMeaning:Beardisasuresignofmanhood.Butitisnoindicatorofwisdom.Alternatives:Ifyouthinkthattogrowabeardistoacquirewisdom,agoatisatonceacompletePlato.Aprudentyouthissuperiortoastupidoldman.IllustrativeStory:PetertheGreatwastheTsarofRussia.Hewasafanofthebeard.Hesportedathickbeard.Sodidallhiscourtiers.EventhediplomatspostedatPeter"scourtgrewbeards.ThatwasonesurewayofbeinginPeter"sgoodbooks.England"sambassadoratPeter"scourtretired.ThesearchforasuccessorbeganinLondon.Manynameswereproposed.Eachnamewascriticallyexamined.ThefinalchoicefellonPonsonby."Isthistherightchoice?"manyEnglishmenwondered.ForPonsonby,thoughbrightandintelligent,wasratheryoung.Andhedidnotsportabeard.Somefriendstoldhim,"Growabeard."Ponsonbyturneddowntheadvice."WhysouldIcoverupmycheeksandchinwithhairygrowth?OnlyJupiterneedsthebeardtolookhispart.IthinkIamquitehandsomewithoutthebeard,"hereplied.PonsonbysailedforRussia,travelledbyroadandfinallyreached49 Moscow.Attheappointedhour,hereportedatPeter"sCourt.HewasreceivedbytheprotocolofficerandledtothepresenceofPeter.PonsonbybowedpolitelytotheTsar,stoodup,movedcloserandpresentedhispapers.Peterreceivedthepapers,politelythankedPonsonbyandthenexaminedthenewambas-sadorfromheadtofoot.Hiseyesgainedahardglint.Hestompedthepedestalwithhisfootandsneered,"SoEnglandhassentaboytoourcourt?"Hushedsilencegreetedthecomment.Whatlaybehindthecomment?Somecourtiersgotthemeaning.PeterwasannoyedbecausePonsonbydidnotsportabeard."OhgreatKing!MyMonarchsendshisgreetingstoyou,"Ponsonbyspokewithouttheslightesttouchofannoyance."Iamhereatmymonarch"scommand.IdonotknowifmyKingwouldhavesentmeifhehadknownyourpreference..."PonsonbypausedandsmiledatPeter.Peterscowled.Furrowslinedhisforehead.Ponsonbyquietlycontinued,"IfmyKinghadknownyourpreference,hewouldhavesentagoattoyourMajesty"scourt.OOC)<50 19ImpossibleisoftentheuntriedMeaning:Nothingisimpossible.Notforonewhoisreadytoworkhardandcontinuouslyagainstallodds.Alternatives:Nothingisimpossible.Impossibleisawordtobefoundinthedictio-naryoffools.IllustrativeStory:"Nobodyhasrunamilewithinfourminutes?IfonlyIcandothat?"RogerBannister,ayoungmedicalstudent,whohadwonmanytitlesonthetrackwhileatschool,wondered.Hehadrunthemilein4minutes30.8seconds,in1947.ThatwasnowhereneartherecordsetbyPavoNurmiofFinlandin1922.Hehadsetarecordbycoveringthemilein4minutes10.4seconds.In1945,GunderHaeggofGermanyhadrunthedistancein4minutes2.6seconds."Itisimpossibletoknockoffanother3secondsofftherecordofHaegg,"saidafriendwhenBannisterconsultedhim.Wasitimpossible?Bannistercouldnotfindtheansyver.Hetoldhisfriend,"Ishalltry,trymybesttobreakthefourminutebarrier.OnlythenwillIknowforcertainwhetheritispossibletorunamileunder4minutesornot."Heexaminedtheoptions.Hismedicalknowledgecameinhandy.Hestudiedhowthebodytiredwhenheranfastandhow51 hecouldreducethestrainonthebody.Thenheworkedoutaplan.Hedecidedhewouldnotworryabouthisspeedduringtheentirestretch.Hewouldbreakuptheentiredistanceintofourlaps,eachlapaquartermile.Hewouldworkoutthetimeforeachlap.Ifhecouldcovereachlapin60secondsorless,hecouldfinishthemileinlessthanfourminutes.Hepractisedthisplan.Histimingimproved.Thatgavehimhope.Finallycamehisbigday.HeenteredtheonemileraceorganisedbytheBritishAmateurAthleticAssociationonMay6,1954.Hecoveredthefirstlapin57.5seconds.Thesecondlaptookhimalittlelonger,60.5seconds.Thethirdlapwasrunslower.Hetook62.5seconds.Hejusthad59.5secondstorunthelastlap.Couldhedoit?Heranlikeonepossessed.Thelast300yardsseemedunending.Aboutthatmoment,hewrotelater,"Mymindtookover...Ifeltthemomentofmylifetimehadcome."Hecrossedthetapeandcollapsed.Hehadcoveredthedistancein3minutes59.4seconds.Hehadbrokenthe4minutebarrier.Hehadprovedthatnothingwasimpossible.OOO52 20KindnesspaysMeaning:Bekind.Showmercytotheweakandthepoor.Theymayhelpyouintimesofneed.Alternative:Onegooddeedbegetsanother.IllustrativeStory:Oneday,aratranthroughthenetworkoftunnelsinaforest.Rightbehinditwasanotherrat.Thetwowerechasingeachother,justforfun.Suddenly,theratwhichwasleadingfoundtheotherratgettingcloser.Itdecidedtojumpoffoneoftheexits.Itdidnotthinktwice.Itducked,bouncedoutofthetunnelathighspeedandbumpedintoalionwhowastakinganap.Thelion,disturbedathissleep,snatchedtheratinitspaw.ItheldtheratbythetaiIandwatchedwhiletheratwriggled."Thatistheendofyou,yourat,"theliongrowled."Havemercy,OhLordoftheJungle.Iamsorry,reallysorry,"theratsqueaked."Mercy!Howdareyoudisturbedmysleep!Youdeservetodie",thelionroared."Sparemylife.Iwilleverbegratefultoyou.AndwhenthetimecomesIwillrepayyourkindness,"theratpleadedpitifully."Howsilly!You,tinyrat!Howcanyoueverhelpme?"thelionlaughed.Thensaid,"Goaway,butdon"teverdisturbmeagain."Andhe<53 droppedtherat,onthegreengrass.Theratpickeditselfup,thankedthelionandranbacktosafetyinthemazeoftunnels.Afewdayslater,thelionwascaughtinanet,laidbyahunter.Thelionroaredangrily.Hesnarled,triedtoraisehispaws.Butthenetdidnotgiveroomforanymovement.Theliontriedhisbest.Alltonoavail.Luckilyforthelion,hisloudroarsreachedtherat.Itranallthewaytowherethelionwastrapped.Theliondidnotevenseetherat.Theratwentroundthenet.Thentoldthelion,"Wait.Iwillfreeyou."Itbegantocutthegutsofthenet.Otherratswhichpassedby,alsocameandhelped.Soonthenetwascutandthelioncameout.TheIionturnedtotheratandsaid,"Thankyou.Todayyousavedmylife."Theratreplied,"Ionlydidmyduty.OnceyouhadsparedmylifeandtodayIhaverepaidyourgooddeed."Thelionroared,happily,"Iknownowthatonegooddeedbegetsanother.Kindnesspaysreally!"ooo<54 21NecessityisthemotherofinventionMeaning:Whendoesonegetnewideas?Onlywhenonefacesaproblemwhichhasnoknownsolution.Thenonebeginstolookoutfornewmethods.Andifoneisdetermined,onefindsanoriginalsolution.Alternatives:Wherethereisawill,thereisaway.Everyproblemhasananswer.IllustrativeStory:Theyearwas1891.WhitcombL.JudsonofChicago,gotupearly.Hetookabathandmovedovertothecloset.Hepulledouttheclotheshechosetowear.Hecarriedthemalong,stoodbeforethedressingtablemirrorandhummedafolksongwhilehegotintoapairofpants.Thenheworetheshirt.Hetuckedtheshirtintothepantsandbuttonedupthepantsandtheshirt.Hecombedhishair,woundascarfroundtheneck,pushedhisfeetintoapairofsocksandsurveyedhisreflectioninthemirror.Hewaspleasedwithhisimage,"Ilooksmart,"hetoldhimself.Offhemovedtotheshoerack.Hechose,fromamongtheshoes,onepairwhichseemedtogowellwithhisclothes.Hecarrieditwithhim,satdownonachair,slippedhisfeeteasilyintotheshoesandstartedfixingthebuttonwhichwouldholdtheshoestight."Ugh!"hescowledwhenhefoundoneofthebuttons<55 missing.Wherehaditvanished?"!willtraceitandfixit,"hetoldhimself.Thesearchbegan.Judsonlookedunderthecarpet.Hepeepedbelowthecupboards.Heranthebroomthroughthecorners.Themissingbuttoneludedhim.Itwasnowheretobefound.Judsonfrettedandfumed.Hecursedthebutton,choseanotherpairofshoestowearandwentoutonhisusualrounds.Hetoldhimself,"Buttonsletmedownbadly.Ishallnotforgivethem.,.Ishallgetridofthem.ForthatImustfindabettermeansofmakingtheshoesholdtothefeet."Onreturnhebeganthesearchforanalternativetobuttons.Severalideascametohim.OneofthemappealedtoJudson.Hethoughtofstripswhichwouldlockineasily.Onepullandthestripswouldgettogether.Areversepullwouldseparatethem.Aftermanytrials,hefoundouthowhecoulddoit.Henamedhisinnovation"ClaspLockerAndUnlockerForShoes."TodayweknowitastheZIP.OOO56 22NeveraQuislingbeMeaning:Betruetoyourgroupclanornation.Don"tbeatraitor.Don"tsellyourselfandyourpeopleformoneyorpower,totheenemy.Alternatives:Don"tbeasnakeinthegrass.Don"tbeadoublecross.Bewareoftheenemywithin.IllustrativeStory:AdolfHitlercametopowerinGermanyinthethirties.HeclaimedracialsupremacyoftheGermans.HeclaimedtherightoftheGermanstobethemastersoftheworld.Othernationsprotested.ButtheycouldnotstanduptothemightoftheGermanforces.ManyEuropeannations...Poland,Czechoslovakia,France...felleasilywhenGermanyattacked.ThusbegantheSecondWorldWar.Soonmostnationsoftheworldweredrawnintothewar.Theworldwasdividedintotwocamps.OnecampwasledbyHitlerandtheAxispowers.SetagainstthiscampweretheAllies,ledbytheUnitedStatesandBritain.Norwaywasthreatened.Thepeopleresisted.Theyheldonwithdeterminationandcourage.TheGermanssensedthatitwouldbebettertogetinsidesupport.<57 Thesearchbegan.Germanagentsmadediscreetenquiries.Finallytheyidentifiedthemanforthejob.HewasVidkinQuisling,anambitiouspolitician.AGermanagentmetQuisling,atasecretvenue.Thetwodiscussedthecourseofthewar.TheGermanagentpointedout,"ThereisnopowerontheearththatcanstanduptoGermanattack.Can"tyouseeit?HoweasilydidGermanyoverrunmostnationsofEurope.Norwayhasnochance,ifitcomestoafighttotheveryend.Listentome.ThrowinyourlotwithGermany.ExtendallhelptotheNazicause."Quislingdidnotrespondimmediately.Hethoughtovertheproposal."Whatisinitforme?"heaskedfinally."Power,myfriend.YouwillenjoyHitler"sconfidence.HewillappointyouasthePrimeMinisterofNorway.Isthatnotrewardenough?"theagentrespondedimmediately."Willyouguaranteethat?"Quislingspokewithaslighttremor."Ofcourse,"theagentbeamedapleasedsmile.<58 QuislingplayedintothehandsofHitler.HegavetimelytipstotheGermansontheplansoftheresistancemovement.HencetheNorwegiandefencesufferedheavylosses.Soontheresistancecollapsed.TheGermansmovedintoNorway.Quislinghadsoldhimselfandhisnation.Hegothisprice.HebecamethepuppetPrimeMinisterofNorway.ByhelpingenemiesQuislingrealisedhislifetimeambition.Butitwashisnation"smisfortunetohaveapoliticianlikehim.Hedieddishonouredanddiscredited.TodayhisnameQuislingstandsforatraitor.ooo<59 23NoarmycanfightonanemptystomachMeaning:Nojobcanbedonewellunlesstheworkeriswelllookedafter.Anarmymarchesonitsstomach.Alternatives:Ahappyworkerisanefficientworker.Mendotheirbestincongenialsettings.IllustrativeStory:FieldMarshalBernardLawMontgomerywasoneoftheheroesofWorldWarII.HeledtheBritishArmywithskillandconfi-dence.Hegotthemengoodwagesandfacilitiesandrewards.Thusheearnedtheirpersonalloyalty.ThelandingoftheAlliesatNormandywashisfinesthour.Hismenfoughtboldly,daredalloddsbecausetheyhadtrustinhisleadership.Forthemhewasaherowhocoulddonowrong.Hishero,inturn,wasthePrimeMinister,SirWinstonChurchill.Thetwohadverycordialrelations.Yettheyhadtheirdifferencestoo.Sometimestheyhadheatedarguments.Butthisdidnotdiminishthelovebetweenthetwo.OnoneoccasionthePrimeMinisternoticedareferencetotwodentist"schairs,amongthemanyitemswhichhadbeentrans-portedtoNormandy."Whyweretheysent?Theyarenotweapons,"Churchillwondered.Heturnedtohissecretary,<60 "remindme.ImustpointthisouttotheFieldMarshalwhenhecallsonusnext."TheSecretarymadeanote.MontgomerycalledonthePrimeMinisterearlyonemorning.Inhishandwasafatfilerelatingtoanimportantstrategicplan.HewasreceivedbythesecretaryandledtothePrimeMinister.ChurchillwelcomedtheFieldMarshalwithawarmhandshake.Thenhepickedupthecherootandstartedpuffingatit.Mont-gomerypushedthefileacrossthetabletoChurchill.ThePrimeMinisterstudiedit.heaskedquestions,soughtclarifications,suggestedchanges.Finallytheissuewassettled.ThesecretarywalkedinandremindedChurchill,"Sir.youwantedtodiscusstheissueofthedentist"schairs.""Thankyou,"hereplied.Thesecretarymovedout.ThePrimeMinisterraisedhisvoiceslightly,IwasgoingthroughthelistofitemssenttoNormandyafterthelanding.Amongtheitems<61 transportedweretwodentist"schairs.Wherewastheneed?Wedon"thavemoneytoburn.Wearewagingawar.Wehavetoaccountforeverypenny.""Youthinkwehavewastedfundsondentist"schairs?Thereyougowrong,"MontgomeryglaredatChurchill.Churchilldidnotsayaword.Buthischinwasfirmandset.Montgomerycontinued,"MrPrimeMinister,asoldierwithatoothacheisofnousetome.Hecan"tfight."HesawthesmileonChurchill"sfaceandfelthappy."Ishouldhaveknown.Noarmycanfightonanemptystomach.Andnosoldiercanfightunlessheisfit,"Churchillagreed.ooo<62 24ItisnevertoolatetolearnMeaning:Knowledgeisvast.Nobody,howeverstudioushebe,everlearnseverything.Thewisemanknowsmoretodaythanyesterday.Everydayheincreaseshisknowledge.Alternative:OneisnevertoooldtolearnIllustrativeStory:SocrateswasoneofthewisestmenoftheCityStateofAthens.Oftenhestoodatthestreetcorners,gatheredyoungmenaroundhim,askedthemquestionsandhelpedthemfindanswersontheirown.ThemembersoftheCityCouncilfeltthatSocrateswasturningtheyoungagainstthem.Theyorderedhisarrestonchargesofsedition.Hewastriedandsentencedtodeath.ThedateforhisexecutionwasfixedandSocrateswasdetainedinprison.Itwasdecidedthatontheappointedday,hewouldbe,madetodrinkaglassofHemlock,adeadlypoison.Socrateshadalargecircleoffriendsandfollowers.Theycameeverydaytotheprisonandspenthourstalkingtohim.Theyfoundhimcalmandcomposed.Hedidnotshowtheslightestsignoffear.Hisattitudeseemedtosay,"Death!Dothyworst.I,forone,amnotscared."Afewdaysbeforehisexecution,amusicaltunewaftedintothe<63 cellthroughthewindowwhichopenedouttotheroadbeyondtheprisonwall.Socrateswalkedtothewindowandlookedout.Hesawanoldmansittingwithhisbacktothetrunkofatree,strummingonhisharp.Socratesturnedtohisfriendsandsaid,"Thatmusicistrulydivine.IwishIcouldlearntosingthatsong.Canyougetholdofthesingerandbringhimtome?"Hisfriendsweretakenaback.Theyasked,"Whydoyouwanttomeethim?""Iwanttolearnthattune.Itistrulydivine,"Socratesreplied."Whywasteeffort?Youknowyouaregoingtodieinlessthanaweek,"afriendpointedout."ThatisallthemorethereasonwhyImustlearnthattune.Iwon"tgetachance,again.Pleasehurryup.Getholdofthesinger.Otherwise,wemaynotbeabletotracehim.AndIwillneverlearnthattune,"Socratesappealedtohisfriends.<64 OneofthemwenttotheprisonofficialandpresentedtherequestofSocrates.Theofficial,whoheldSocratesingreatesteem,sentaguardtofetchthesinger.Alittlelater,theguardreturned,leadingthesingertoSocrates.Afterpoliteexchanges,Socratesrequestedthesinger,"Willyoupleaseteachmethattune.Itistrulysoulfulmusic."Thesingersatdownandwentoverandoverthemusicalnotes.Socratesrepeatedthem.Fornearlytwohours,hepractised.Thenthesingersaid,"Youknowitwell,OhReveredSire.Youcansingitaswellasme.""Thankyou.TodayIambetterinformedthanIwasyesterday.Everyday,tilldeath,Iwanttolearnsomethingnew.Itisnevertoolatetolearn.Thankyouforteachingmethetune,"Socratessentthemanaway,respectfully.ooo<65 HewhohasanarthaseverywhereapartMeaning:Atrueartisthastheabilitytocreatesomethingbeautifuloutofordinarythings.Alternatives:Athinkingmanisalwaysstrikingouts&methingnew.Atrulygreatmanhasthecouragetobediffer-ent.IllustrativeStory:NekchandisoneofIndia"smoderngardendesigners.Hewasnotborngreat.Heachievdgreatness.Howdidhefindfame?Byturningjunksintoworksofart.Yearsago,inthesixtieshewasworkinginthehorticulturedepartmentatChandigarh.Hispaywaslow.Hejustmanagedtomakebothendsmeet.Yethenevergrumbledabouthislot.Work,forhim,wasworship.Luckilytheworkhedidwasmuchafterhisheart.Forhewasaloverofnatureandart.Hefounddelightinplantingsaplingsandhelpingthemgrow.Itwasfunlayingseedsandwaitingforthemtogrow,dressthemselvesupinlovelycolourfulflowersanddancewiththewind.Onemorning,inspring,hecameoutofhishouse.Hehadabaginhishard.Hewalked,slowlyalongthefootpath.Heoften<66 stoppedonsightingabedofrosesorlargedahIiasorChrysanthe-mums.Hewalkedslowly,takinginthefeastofcolours.Hardlyhadhecoveredahundredyardswhenhiseyesfellonapileofbrokenchinaware.Itwaslyingononeside.Theraysofthesunfelluponthepileandlightedupthejunk.Nekchandwascaptivatedbythebeautyofthebrokenbits.Hecouldnottakehiseyesaway.Thebitsandpiecestookinthesunandgainedmyriadshades.Beforehisvefyeyes,Nekchandsawthebrokenbitsrecreatingarainbowofcolours.Couldhefindthepiecesaplacewheretheirpowertorefractsunlightcouldbeincreased?Wouldthepiecesthenbecometrulygreatworkofart?Nekchandstoodandwatchedforquitesometime.Asmilelituphisface."Thisisit,"hesaidandstartedgatheringthepiecesinhisbag.ThebrokenbitsjingledandjangledasNekchandmovedtoadesertedlocation.Hefixedthebrokenbitsontheslopesofthemountwhichstoodinboldreliefagainsttheraysofthesun.Itwashardwork.Nekchandshiftedafewpieces.Herearrangedthem,<67 shuffledthemaround.Thiswentonforquitesometime.Finallyhefeltpleasedwiththeeffect.Hegrinnedhappilyandturnedhomewards,withlightsteps.Fromthenon,discardsbecameapassionwithhim.Hesawartineveryjunk—rustedsteelplates;twistedbarbedwires;bitsandpiecesofglassware.Hevisitedeveryjunkyardinthetownandhadhispick.Tokabadiwallahsheturnedforfurtherjunk.Heblendedthediscards.Graduallyagardenemergedwherethereoncewasbarrenrockyland.Soon,peoplecametoknowaboutNekchand"sefforts.Theycame,wentroundthegardenandhailedNekchandforhiswork.Governmenttoorecognisedhismerit.Today,Nekchand"sGar-denatChandigarhisauniquesite.Itisartcreatedoutofjunk.Onefan,aftergoingroundthegarden,said,"Hewhohasanarthaseverywhereapart."ooo<68 26PridehathitsfallMeaning:Pridemakesonethinktoohighofhimself,blindsonetothedangers.Alternatives:Egoisaman"sworstenemy.Theweakshallinherittheearth.IllustrativeStory:Therestood,closetoanoaktree,abambooreed.Theoaktreewasstoutandstrong.Itsbranchesspreadoutinalldirections.Thereedwasthinandsupple.Itswayedinwhateverdirectionthewindblew.Theoaktreesaid,inagruffvoice,"Youareverydocile.Whydoyoudancetothetuneofthewind?Standup,reed,holdyoufcelferect,asIdo.Tellthewindthatyouarenotatitscommand.Showsomeguts.Thisworldisforthestrong."Thebambooreeddidnotsayaword.Silence,itthought,wasgolden.^"Didyounothearme?Whydon"tyoureply?"theoaktreegrowled."WhatcanIsay?Youarestrongandsturdy.Iamweak.Butlistentome.Thewind,ifitgetsreallyviolent,canbeverydangerous.Whenthewindblowswithfury,showitrespect.Otherwise..."<69 thereeddidnotcompletethesentence.Theoaktreethundered,"Nowindcandoanythingtome."Thegentlebreezewhichmadethereedswing,overheardthetree"scomment.Itbrushedoverthebarkofthetreeandwaftedaway.Alittlelater,aftergatheringstrength,thebreezeturneditselfintoawildwind.Itcamebackataterrificspeedturningintoastorm.Thebambooreedbentalmostdouble.Thewindrushedoverit.Thenitbumpedintotheoaktree.Thetreewon"tbudge.Thewindhititagain.Thistimetheshockrandownandweakeneditsroots.Thebranchestriedtoreducethespeedofthewind.Thewindpushedthemasidewithviciousforce.Intheprocess,thetreelostitshold.Itgotuprootedandcrashedtotheground."Theregoesthestrongoaktree.Wishithadlistenedtomeandshowedsomerespecttothewind.Buttheoaktreewasproud.Ithadn"tlearntonelesson:Pridehathitsfall,"thereedmurmuredtoitselfsadly.ooo<70 27SilenceisgoldenMeaning:Beamanoffewwords.Speakonlyifyoumust.Thinkbeforeyouspeak.Forawordandastone,oncelaunched,cannotbecalledback.Alternatives:Nothingisopenedmorebymistakethanthemouth.Letnotyourtonguecutyourthroat.Muchwisdomoftengoeswithfewestwords.IllustrativeStory:Satyamurtiwasaleadingnationalist.Hewasknownforhisoratory.Hiswordscarriedlogicandreason,witandwisdom.Soheusuallygotthebetterofothersinarguments.OncehewenttoEnglandtopresentIndia"scaseforfreedom.HemetleadingpoliticiansinBritain.Hepleadedwiththemtorestoreself-governmenttoIndia.Headdressedseveralpublicmeetings.Theywerewellattended.Atonemeeting,whilehewaspresentingIndia"scaseforfree-dom,ahecklerasked,"DoyouknowthatthesunneversetsontheBritishEmpire?"Thatwastrue.ForBritainhadcoloniesallaroundtheglobe.AndalwaysitwasdayinsomeortheotherpartoftheEmpire.Satyamurtilookedinthegeneraldirectionofthecrowdfrom<71 wherethequestionhadcomeandsmiled.ThehecklerfelthehadnettledSatyamurti.HethoughtSatyamurtiwouldnothaveaconvincingreply.Herehewentwrong.ForSatyamurtireplied,"Doyouknowwhy?Eventhesundoesn"ttrusttheBritishinthedark."Thelaughterofthecrowdpitchedhigh.Thehecklerquicklyranout.Hehadlearntonelesson.Hehadmetmorethanhismatch.Heshouldhaveremainedsilent.HeshouldnothaveheckledSatyamurti.ooo<72 28ThefutureisnotourstoseeMeaning:Noneknowswhatisinstoreforhiminthedaystocome.Alternatives:Thefutureisunknown.Thefutureliesinthewomboftime.Hindi%3WJJt,^^mIEquivalents:Mft^^rl?IllustrativeStory:ThepeopleofUnitedStateswereheadywithexcitementonNov.2,1948.ThePresidentialelectionsweregoingtobeheldthatday.Whowouldwin?HarryTrumanorThomasDewey?TheoddswereclearlyinfavourofDeweyandtheRepublicanParty."Trumancancounthimselfout.TheDemocratshavehadalonginnings.NowitistheturnoftheRepublicans,"saidmanypeople.TheleadingmembersofthePressanalysedthesituation.MostjournalistsfeltthatDeweywouldwin.Buttheydidnotmakeanyfirmprediction.Theyshiedaway,saying,"Publicopinioncanswingsuddenly.Whocansay,forsure,aboutelectionresults?"ButonemanwasabsolutelycertainofDewey"svictory.HewastheeditorofTheChicagoTimes.Sohewrote,inadvance,aneditorialhailingthevictoryofDewey.Hepreparedtheheadlineforthefrontpage:DeweyDefeatsTruman.<73 "Shouldwenotwaittilltheresultsareout?Shouldwenothaveanalternateeditorialandheadline?Trumanmaywellspringasurprise,"saidoneoftfieeditorialassistants.Theeditorpinnedhimdownwithasternstare.Thenhesaid,ratherloudly,"Iknowman,Deweywillwinandwinbyahugemargin.Havenodoubtsonthat.Icanreadthefuture,atleastasfarastheendresultofthiselectionisconcerned."Theproofswerereadandthefirsteditionswereprintedwiththeheadlineandtheeditorial.Theresultsoftheelectionsbegantotricklein.ThepeoplehadvotedmassivelyinfavourofTruman.Deweywasleftfarbehind.TheeditorofTheChicagoTimeshadeggalloverhisface.Hehadtriedtogaugethefuture.Thefuture,inturn,hadpulledafastoneonhim.Thefuturewasnothistosee.ooo74 29ThegrasslooksgreenerontheothersideMeaning:Almosteveryonethinksothersarebetteroffthanthem.Rarelydoesonefindatrulycon-tentedman.Alternative:Objectofenvy:theJonesnextdoor.IllustrativeStory:RanjanandSumerwerefriends.Theywenttothesameschoolandwereinthesameclass.Ranjanwasnotrobust.Hewasfrailandweak.Notforhimtherumbleandtumbleofstreetbrawls,thefunofrunningwild,playingfootballorhockeyorotherstrenuousgameswithboysofhisage.AllthathedidwaswatchSumerandotherboysplay.Oftenhewouldgowiththemtothewideopengrounds.Theywouldrunofftoplay.Hewouldsitintheshadeofatree,leanbackonaboleandreadastorybookorenjoyamagazineforchildren.Booksbecamehisbestfriends.Heacquiredknowl-edge.Thatstoodhimingoodstead.Healwaysstoodfirstintheclass.Sumerwastallandathletic.Hespentmostofhistimerunningorswimmingorridingbicyclesorplaying.Heexcelledineverygame.Theheadmasterselectedhimasamemberoftheschool"sfootballteamandcricketteam.Heservedhisschoolwithdistinction.Laterhebecamethecaptainofthecricketteam.The75 Stateselectorswatchedhisperformance.Theyfelthewouldonedaymakeitbiginthegame.Oneday,thetwofriendswentforawalk.Rajangottiredsoon.Hesaid","Ihavenostrength.Whatistheuseofallthisknowledge,ifIamnothealthy.IwouldgiveawayallmyknowledgeifonlyIcouldbehalfashealthyandstrongasyou."Sumerwastakenaback.Hereplied,"Soyouarenothappywithyourlot.HereIam,wishingIcoulddoaswellasyouinstudies.ItoohadoftenthoughtIcouldforgomysportingskillifonlyIcouldgetafirstdivision,intheboardexamination."Thefriendspeeredateachother.Thentheyfellintoeachother"sarms,whileRanjansaid,"thegrasslooksgreenerontheotherside."Sumerenquired,"Whatdoesthatmean?"Ranjanex-plained,"Nobodyishappywithhisskillsandtalents.Eachonefindshisbettersinothersandfeelsunhappy.Lookatyonderlawn.Doesitnotlookgreenerthantheonerightunderourfeet?"Ranjanagreed.ooo<76 30ThepooraretrulyfreewhentheirneedsareafewMeaning:Moneydoesn"tcomefortheasking.Oftenonehastoadjusttothewhimsofone"ssuperiors,toflatterthemandtopleasethem.Intheprocessoneceasestobefree.Alternatives:Nomanisfreeunlesshelimitshiswants.Freedomdoesnotco-existwithmaterialpur-suits.Happyishewhoiscontent.Hindi^mftc&t^Tft$cfftTJ^IEquivalents:3TT^7^TT3Tf^MT"Slf^RT#w^rtiIllustrativeStory:DiogeneswasaleadingGreekphilosopher.Hewasamanoffewneeds.Power,statusandrichesdidnotappealtohim.Hespentmostofhistimeinacquiringknowledgeorseekingthemeaningoflife.Hislifestylewasakintothatofthepoor.Hecookedhisownfood,kepthishomesetinthemidstoftreesandfloweringshrubs,neatandclean.Oneday,hewalkedtothekitchentocookdinner.Heopenedthepotsandchecked.Therewasnothinginallbutonepot.Hepeeredintothepotandfoundsomelentils."Ah!"hisfacebrightened."Iwillmakelentilsoupanddineinstyle,"hetoldhimself.Heemptiedthelentilsontoaplateandmovedtothebackyard.77 Thesettingsunformedpatternsoflightandshadeontheground.Diogenesdrewwaterfromawellandstartedwashingthelentils."Whereareyou,myfriend?"cameacall.Diogeneslookedupandsawhisfriend,Aristippus,ascholarwhoservedatthecourtandlivedinluxuries,walkingin."Welcome,myfriend.Howareyou?Havenotseenyouforlong.Whydon"tyoujoinmefordinner?Thenwewillhavetimetodiscussphilosophy,"Diogenessaid,whilerinsingthelentilsinthewater."Whatwillyouserveme?"Theguestenquired."Deliciouslentilsoup,"Diogenespickedupastoneandthrewitaway."Oh,no,thankyou.Ican"tenjoysuchameaslyfare,"Aristippusreplied.Thenheasked,"Tellme,whydoyouliveinpoverty?Youaremoreintelligent,morewell-informedandmorescholarlythanme.Ifyouwouldonlylearntoflattertheking,youwouldnothavetoliveonsuchpoorfoodaslentils."Diogenesstraightenedhimselfup,gavetheguestalookofcontemptandcommented,"Ifonlyyouhadlearnedtoliveonsuchfoodaslentils,youwouldnothavetoflattertheking."Aristippushadnoreplytothat.OOO78 31PracticemakesoneperfectMeaning:Tomasteralessonoranyartthereisnoshortcut.Onehastoworkhard,practiseforhours,keepondoingittillonegetsitright.Alternatives:Try,trytillyousucceed.Perseveranceprevails.Hindi^TcT^TrT3T«HTT%^nfd^TrTTpTHEquivalents:3TWH^TrfrWTfWTcft11IllustrativeStory:Ekalavyawasborninalowcastefamily.Helivedintheforest,withhisparents.Oftenheaccompaniedhisfathertoforageforfood.Hisfatherhuntedwiththehelpofaknife.Ekalavyatoolearnedtousetheknife.Butforusingtheknife,hehadtogetclosetothequarry.Thatwasnotalwayseasy.Hesearchedforalternatives.Hefounditeasytohitsmallanimalswithstones.Heusedtheslingandsentthestonesflyingintospace,tobringdownbirds.Oneday,whilemovingthroughHastinapur,hesawagroupofyoungboyspractisingarchery.Hestoodrootedtothespot.Couldhealsomasterarcheryandhuntanimalseasily?Butwhowouldteachhimarchery?HewasnotaKshatriya(Memberofthewarriorclass).Martialartremainedtheexclusiverightoftheuppercastes.Ekalavyareturnedhome,cursinghisfate."IknowIcanmasterarchery.Mymarksmanshipisverygood.Theotherday,Iaimedastoneatarabbit,whichwasrunningforcover.Ikilledtherabitinoneshot.Onanotheroccasion,Imanagedtobringdowna<79 coupleofpigeonswiththehelpofmysling.IfImasterarchery,Icanstalkdeerandwildboarstoo.ButIwillneverlearntheart.Mycastestandsinmyway,"herued.OnseveralvisitstoHastinapur,Ekalavyawatchedtheyoungboyspractisearchery.Heobservedthemkeenly.Soonheknewhowtomakeabow.Hecollectedafewarrows.HehadheardthatDronacharyawasthebestteacherofarchery."Iamhisdisciple,"Ekalavyatoldhimself.HeputastoneimageofDronacharyaonamountatthefootofatree.Hebowedtotheidol.Thenbeganthelessons.Alldaylong,hepractisedshootingarrows.Itwashardwork.Buthedidnotgiveup.Slowlybutsteadilyhismarksmanshipimproved.Soonhegainedfurthermastery.Hecouldstrikethetarget,whilewatchingonlyatthetarget"sreflection.Hecouldhitthebeast,whosebleatsorbellowsreachedhim,eventhoughthebeastremainedinvisible.HebecameagreatarcherlikeVeerArjun.Hissuccesstellsus,"Practicemakesoneperfect."80 SelfhelpisthebesthelpMeaning:Doyourselfwhatyoucan.Don"tdependonothersforeverything.Alternatives:Godhelpsthosewhohelpthemselves.Standonyourownfeet.Hindi1.3TCHT^TSJEquivalents:2.M^MItrMIaHcfclfl^iidleMdlf^^mlIIllustrativeStory:Inanest,setinaricefield,livedamotherbirdandhertwolittlechicks.Everymorning,themotherbirdflewawaytoforageforfood.Beforegoing,shealwaystbldthechicks,"Don"tgoout.Dangerstalkseverywhere.Stayinside.Thennoharmwillcometoyou.Listentoeverylittlesound,includinganyconversationyouoverhear.Foritistimeforharvest.Wemustleavethisplacebeforethemencometoharvestthecrop."Thatday,alittleafterthebirdhadflownoffcamethefarmerandhisson.Theywalkedclosetowherethenestlay.Thefarmerlookedatthecrop.Thenhetoldhisson,"Itistimeforharvest.Wemustgethelpfromthevillage.Wewillrequestourneighbourstohelpus."Thesonnoddedhishead.Thetwowalkedaway.Thechicksreportedtheconversationtotheirmother.Sherepliedcoolly,"Noneedtoworry.Notasyet."Thechicksleftitatthat.Theywerehungry.Theyopenedtheirbeaks.Motherbirdstartedfeedingthem.<81 Nextday,asusual,shewarnedthechicksandleft.Thefarmerandthesonturnedupalittlelater.Thechickspeepedoutofthenest.Theyheardthefarmersay,"Thevillagersarebusy.Theyhavenotimetohelpus.Wemustgetoutsidehelp."Whenthemotherbirdreturned,thechickstoldher,whattheyhadheard.Butshesaid,"Don"tworry.Westillhavetimetoshift."Afewdayslater,thefarmerandthesonvisitedthefieldagain.Thefarmerlookedworriedandsaidtohisson,"Ifwedon"tharvestthecropquickly,wewillsufferlosses.Sincewecan"tgethelp,tomorrowwemustharvestthecropourselves.""Okay,"saidtheboy.Thatevening,whenthebirdreturned,thechickstoldherwhattheyhadheard.Motherbirdfedthechicks,andsaid,"Thistimethefarmerisserious.Hewillcutthecropstomorrow.Ithinkyouarestrongenoughtofly.Followme.Wewillgotoournewhomeontheforkofthegulmohartreeoverthere.""Howcanyoubesocertain?"Thechicksasked."Becausethistime,thefarmerandhissonhavedecidedtocutthecropthemselves.Theyhaverealisedthatselfhelpisthebesthelp,"saidthemotherbird,leadingthechickstotheirnewhome.82ooo 33SlowandsteadywinstheraceMeaning:Nobodyshouldtakesuccessforgranted.Alternatives:Oneshouldnotrestuntilonehasreachedone"sgoal.Ambitionknowsnorest,successdemandsper-severance.ITc^TO3TTOc^TTfa^Tcft11IllustrativeStory:Aharestoodattheedgeofapoolandadmireditsreflectioninthewater,saying,"Iamfitandtrim.Ihavelovelyeyesandstronglimbs.Icanrunfasterthanmostanimals,"Thenitsawatortoiseclumsilymovingupthebankofthepool.Thetortoisewasstrugglingtogetfirmholdovertheslipperyslope.Theharelaughedatthetortoiseandsaid,"Itisahardclimbforyou.Forme,itisbutaquickbounce."Thetortoisefelthurt.Afterreachingtheground,itturnedtothehareandsaid,"Don"tbesoproud.Ichallengeyoutoarace.Aracefromoneendoftheforesttotheother.""Youthinkyouwillwin?Noway,"theharesnapped."Letussee,"thetortoisereplied.Thetwodecidedtoholdtheracenextday,anhourafterdawn.Thenewsoftheproposedracespreadbywordofmouth.Many<83 animalsandbirdscametowitnesstherace.Theytoldeachother,"Poortortoise.Itwilllose,forsure."Theracebegan.Theharetookoffattopspeed.Thetortoisemanagedafastcrawl.Theharecameclosetothewinningpost.Thepostwashardly100metresaway.Theharelookedback.Thetortoisewasnowhereinsight.ThentheharenoticedaPeepultree.Itsshadewascool."Letmerestforsometime.Iknowthetortoisewillnevermakeit,"theharerolledupintoafluffyball,closeditseyesandsleptoff.Itwokeuponhearingthunderouscheers.Sleepily,itlookedallaround.Thenitnoticedthetortoise,holdingitsneckoutandacceptingthecheersofthespectators.Thetortoisehadmovedslowlybutsteadily,andreachedthegoalfirst.Ithadwontherace.ooo84 34TactwinswheremightfailsMeaning:Mightwinsvictoryinbattlesandbouts.Butitfailsincopingwithdifficultsituationsduringsocialinteraction.Thentactcomesintoplayandtriumphs.Alternatives:Tactcutspainlessly.Diplomacy,withouttact,islikeaneggwithoutsalt.HindicbfcHMRF^ofrT^fcJ|cMlrt4^T^W3TRfTtIEquivalent:3T^Tcfft&TTCdcWKefftfTrft%IIllustrativeStory:FranklinRoosevelt,PresidentoftheUnitesStates,appointedJ.F.T.O"ConnorofLosAngelesastheComptrollerofCurrency.ItmarkedaproudmomentforthepeopleofLosAngeles.AfewinfluentialpeopleofthetownorganisedaluncheoninthehonourofO"Connor.Theeliteofthetownwereinvited.Businesstycoonsrubbedshoulderswithrichlandlords.Professorsandprofessionalshadagalatime.Alargenumberofwomentooattendedthefunction.O"Connorthankedtheorganisersforthehonour.Hewentround,greetingfriendsandacquaintances.Hestoppedonseeingoneoftheleadingfilmstars.Shewasyoung,extremelybeautifulandcharming.Hegreetedherwarmly."Gladthatyoucouldcome.YougiveColourtothesettings,"O"Connorcomplimentedher.85 "Thankyou.Allofus,here,arehappyatyoursuccessinpolitics."Shepaused,heldhimbythearmandenquired,"Isittrue,mydearSir,thatyouplantoissueanewsetofcurrencynoteswithadifferentdesign?""Youseemtobewell-informed,"O"Connordodged.Butshedidnotdropthetopic."Whycan"tyou,mydearMrO"Connor,putmyprofileonthenewcurrencynotes?"Sheasked.ThattookO"Connorbysurprise.Hehadleastexpectedsuchasuggestion.Theveryideawaspreposterous.Howcouldhemakeherunderstandwithoutsoundingrude?HerealisedtheneedtobetactfuI."WonderfuI,"hepressedherhand,gently,andshowedhisjoy.Hereyessparkledwithdelight.Thenheadded,rathersadly,"HoweverI"mafraidIcan"tcomplywithyourrequest.Icertainlyregretnotbeingabletodoso.ButyouknowthePresidentisopposedtohoardingandIknowthatiftheyoungmengettheirhandsonthemoney,withyourpictureonit,theywouldneverturnitloose."Shegotthemessage.Hehadturnedherrequestdown.Yetshedidnotfeeltheslightesthurt.Infactshefelthappybecausehehadpaidatributetoherbeauty.TactsavedthedayforO"Connor.ooo86 35NonebutthebravedeservethecrownMeaning:Onlyapersonwhohascourageachievesname,fameandsuccessinlife.Alternative:Nothingventurednothinggained.IllustrativeStory:ItwasSeptember14,1994.ChildrentrudgedtheirwaytotheRajivGandhiVidyalaya,inEastDelhi,daringheavyrains.11year-oldDeepakwalked,holdingthesatchel,whichwaswater-proof,abovethehead.Thatwastheonlyprotectionhehad.Heskirtedthepuddles.Whenspeedingcarsorbusesranoverpotholesandforcedmuddywatertotaketotheairinarcs,heduckedtoavoidadirecthit."Thismustbethelastrainoftheseason.Belatedrains.NooneexpectedsuchadownpourinmidSeptember!"Deepakmumbled,asheturnedin,atthegateoftheschool.Heenteredtheclass.Hewaswetallover.Sowerehisclassmates.Therewasnothingtheycoulddoaboutit.Deepakturnedtoafriendandrepeatedaproverbhehadheard,afewdaysback,"Whatcannotbecuredmustbeendured."Thechildrentooktheirseats.Theteachercameandstartedthelesson.87 AdropofwaterhitDeepakonthehead.Heraisedhishead.Hiseyesfellontheceiling.Theceilingwasdottedwithlittledropsofwater.Wherehadthebubblesofwatercomefrom?Thenhesawlight.Hetoldthefriendwhosatbyhisside,"Waterisgatheringontheroof.Thatisdangerous.Theroofwillcollapse."Thefriendhissed,"Whowillrunouttotheterraceandgetdrenched?"Deepakdecidedtoact.Hestoodupand,whentheteacherturnedtohim,"CanIgooutforaminute?"heasked.Theteacherfrowned.Shegavehimasternstareandthundered,"Whydoyouwanttogo?""Lookattheceiling,Ma"am..."Deepakranout,withoutwaitingforformalpermission.Heranlikeonepossessed.Hedaredtheheavydownpour.Hisbootssankintothesoddengrass.Hiseyesranallalongtheparapetwalloftheroofandstoppedonsightingtheoutletwhichnormallydrainedoutthewaterfromtheroof.Hefoundthatitwaschoked.Aflapofthetarpaulintentwasfirmlystuckintotheoutlet."Thatmustberemovedquickly.Otherwisewaterwillgatherontheroof.Andtheroofwillcomedown.Andthen...."feargrippedDeepak.Theanswercametohim,instantly.Anythingsharpcouldpiercethetarpaulin.Wherecouldhegetit?Whynotborrowanicepickorascrewdriveroralongrodfromtheshopoutside?Hedashedtotheshop.Theshopkeeperwasdrummingonthetable,keepingbeatswiththepitterpatteroftherain.Deepaksaid,"Quick.Givemesomethingsharp?""Whatfor?"Themanasked."Thereisnotimetoexplain,"Deepakturnedhiseyesaround,sawwhathewanted,grabbeditandspedtotheschoolcom-pound.Hisfeetpoundedawayonthestaircase.Therewasknee-deepwaterontheroof.Wavesformedonthesurfaceashe88 pushedhiswaythroughwaterandreachedtheoutlet.Then,withaquickmove,hepushedthesharprodthroughtheoutlet,ontothetarpaulin.Herepeatedthemove,tillthetarpaulinhadagapinghole.Itnolongerblockedthewater.Thewaterfoundanoutlet.Deepakstoodthere,unawarethattheteachersandthestudentshadgatheredonthelawn,watchinghiseverymovewithadmiration.Heheavedasighofreliefwhenthewaterlevelcamedown."Wearesaved.Allofus...theteachers,thestudents,theclerksandthestaff.WewouIdhavebeencrushedtodeathiftheroofhadcomedown,"hesaidloudly,asherandownthestairs,intoaseaofadmiringcrowd.Histeacherpushedherwaytohim.Sheheldhiminawarmhugandsaid,inavoice,chokingwithemotion,"Yourosetotheoccasion,Deepak.Youactedintimeandsavedourlives.Youareourhero.Andyouwillremainaherotous,always."Deepakwashonoured,onAugust15,1996,bytheChiefMinisterofDelhiwiththeJeevanRakshaPadak.Andeverybodysaid,"Nonebutthebravedeservethecrown."ooo89 36TokilltwobirdswithonestoneMeaning:Togetdoublebenefits.Tomakethebestofasituationandgainextraadvantage.Alternative:TohaveacakeandeatittooHindiEquivalent:tylchkI/TJ^xtSI^tIIllustrativeStory:Tenaliramanwasagreatwit.HewasasuperstaratthecourtofKrishnadevaraya,therulerofVijayanagaram.Oneday,hewasheldupattheRoyalcourttilIlateintheevening.Nighthadfallenwhenhenearedhishouse.Hestoppedonhearingsomewhis-pers.Hekepthimselfinthedarkandlistened."Tenaliramanisveryrichandwehavenothing.Bytomorrowmorningwewillberichandhewillhavenothing,"saidthewhisperingvoice."Yousaidit,"someoneelsereplied.Tenaliramanguessedthatthethieveswereafterhiswealth.Hehurriedtohishouse,whileworkingoutaplantokeepthethievesatbay.Heknockedthedoor.Hiswifecheckedhisidentityandheldthedooropen.Tenaliramanmovedinandsatontheswing.Hiswifeclosedthedoorbehindhimandhurriedtofetchaglassofmilkforhim.Thenshecomplained,"Thericeplantsinourfields...behindourhouse...arewilting.Ifyoudon"twaterthemquickly,theywilldie."Tenaliramanreplied,"!know.Butfirstthingsfirst.Come...."<90 Heledhertothebackyard.Hedraggedabigboxandpackeditwithbricksandstones.Hiswifewonderedwhathewasupto."Letusmovethisanddropitintothewell,"Tenaliramansaid."Butwhy?"Sheasked.Tenaliramancalledhercloserandex-plained.Herfaceturnedpale.Buthesaidhappily,"Thisisachancetogetwatertoourfields."Hiswifecouldnotmakeheadortailofhiswords.Thetwodraggedtheboxtothewell."Givemeahand",Tenaliramansaid.Heliftedoneendofthebox.Hiswifeheldtheotherend.Theyhelditovertherimofthewallthatranroundthewellandthenletgo.Theboxdroppeddown,hitthewaterwithabigsplashandwentdown."Now,dear,nothiefcanwalkawaywithourwealth.Theboxholdseverything...goldandsilver,ornamentsandjewels,"Tenaliramanspokeloudly.Thethieves,hidinginthebranchesofthetree,heardthecomment.Theycouldnotbelievetheirluck.Theywaitedtillthecouplewentinsideandboltedthedoor.Alittlelater,thethievescamedownfromthetree.Theyapproachedthewell.Theysawalargebucketandtheropetiedtoit.Thefreeendoftheropewastiedtoastouttree.91 ThethievestookturnstodrawwaterfromthewelI.TheyemptiedthewaterintothedrainwhichranallthewaytothefieldsbehindTenaliraman"shouse.Itwasnearlydawnwhenthethievescouldseetherimofthebox."Iwillgodownandtietheropetothebox.Thenwewillpullitout,"oneofthethievesgotdown.Alittlelater,thetwomanagedtohaultheboxup.Eagerlytheybrokeopenthelockandraisedthelid.Thentheygotarealshock.Theboxcontainednojewels,nogoldorsilvercoinsorornaments.Bricksandstonesgreetedthethieves.Theycursedtheirfateandwantedtorunaway,whentheyheardfootstepsdrawingnear.Astheyturnedaround,theysawTenaliramancomingtowardsthemwithguards.Thethieveswerearrestedthereandthen.Laterinthemorning,Tenaliramanledhiswifetothewellandthentothefieldsandsaid,"Whatdoyouthinkofmytrick!Thethievesfetchedwatertoourfields.Andtheyworkedfree.""Youarereallyagenius.Youkilledtwobirdswithonestone,"hiswifesmiled.ooo92 37TitfortatMeaning:Totakerevenge/Totreatapersoninthesamewayashetreatsothers.Alternatives:Atoothforatooth.Aneyeforaneye.Togivebackinone"sowncoin.Hindiequivalents:2.HFT^Ts^clll^TIllustrativeStory:Thefox,itissaid,isalwaysuptosomemischiefortheother.Manyarethestorieswhichtellusoftheexploitsofthefox.Hereisoneaboutafoxandastork.Thestorkreceivedaninvitationfordinnerfromthefox.Thebirdacceptedtheinvitation.Itdreamtofagranddinner.Whatwouldbeserved?Thestorkhadnoidea.Butithopedthatthefoxwouldservefishandcrabs."Ah,thatwouldindeedbegreat!"Thestorkmutteredtoitself.Attheappointedhourfordinner,thestorkturnedupatthefox"sden.Thefoxwelcomedthestorkwithabiggrin."Come,myfriend.Thankyouforgraciouslyacceptingmyinvitationoverhere,"thefoxledthestorktoalargeshallowbasinwhichcontaineddelicioussoup."Yam,Yam,"thestorkclankedits<93 VIbeakandgotready.Itputitsbeakin,butgothardlyanounceofsoupin.Itraiseditsbeak,upintheair,togetthesoupdripdowntoitsthroat.Thefox,inthemeanwhile,startedlappingupthesoup.Thefoxdrankupalmostallofthesoup.Thepoorstorkgotmerelyafewdrops."Ihopeyouenjoyedthedinner,"thefoxpulledoutanapkinandhandedittothestorktocleanitsbeak.Thestorkstompedout,angryandhungry.And,asitmovedaway,thefoxburstintolaughter.Thestorkfeltcheated.Itmutteredtoitself,"Iwon"tlethimgetaway.Iwillinvitehimfordinnerandseethathegetsnowherenearthefood." Thestorkdidnotshowitsanger.Itcametothefox,afewdayslater,andsaid,"Thankyouforthedeliciousdinner.Itisnowmyturntoofferyoudinner.ComenextSaturday,at8pm."Thefoxagreed.Ontheappointedday,thefoxranthroughthebush,cutthroughtheopenandreachedthestork"splace."Come,myfriend.Letusdineinstyle,"thestorkwelcomedthefox.Thefoxsniffedtheairandsaid,"Ismelldeliciousfishandcrabs."Thestorkclankeditsbeak,whileleadingthefoxtoanarrowneckedtalljar.Thestorkinvitedthefoxtohaveitsfill.Thestorkputitsbeakin,pickedupacrabandmadeamealofit.Thenitstoodaside.Thefoxtriedtopushitsheadin,buttheneckofthejarwastoonarrow.Allthatthefoxcouldgetwasthesmellofthedishinthejar.Thestorkhaditsfill.Thefoxgotnothing.Angrilythefoxstompedout,whilethestorkshoutedfromtheback,"Thatwasatitfortat".ooo95 38TruthalwaystriumphsMeaning:Behonest.Betruthful.Successwillbeyoursintheend.Alternatives:Honestyisthebestpolicy.TruthisGod.HindiEquivalents:WTftf^tlIllustrativeStory:MaharajHarishchandrawasanobleruler.Hewaskindandgenerous.Honestywasdearertohimthanlife.Eventhegodsrespectedhim.Sodidthesages.Onedaythegodsandthesagesgottogether.Duringthetalks,someonesaid,"Whenitcomestohonesty,MaharajaHarishchandraisthegreatest.""Heishonest,Iagree.Hecanaffordtobe"honest.Hehaseverything...wealth,powerandalovingfamily.Adversitymakesmendishonest.WillMaharajHarishchandraremainhonestifherunsintotrouble?"askedSageVishwamitra."Whydon"tyoufindout?"Thegodsteasedthesage.Thesagesetoutonthattask.HemetHarishchandraandsought,inalms,hiskingdom,hiswealthandpossessions.Harishchandragavethemawayhappily.Hewalkedoutofthepalace,withhiswifeandsonintow.Hehadnothingtocallhisown...noplacetolive;nojob;noincome.Hesoldhiswifeandchildtoclear96 somedues.Topayoffthedebt,hesoldhimselftoamanwhorantheburialground.Thesagecametohimandsaid,"Tellonelie.Justonelie.Andyouwillgetbackeverything."MaharajHarishchandrapolitelyre-plied,"SatyamevaJayate."Oneday,hewasatworkontheburialgroundwhenhiswifecametherecarryingthedeadbodyoftheirson.Theboywasbittenbyasnakeandhaddied.Shehadnomoneytoarrangeforfirewood.MaharajHarishchandratooweptbitterly.Butherefusedtoallowthebodytobecrematedunlessshepaidforthefirewood.Onceagain,thesageappearedbeforetheMaharaj.Heasked,"Howcanyoubesoheartless?Crematethebodyofyourson.Yourmasterwillnevercometoknowofyouract.""Mymastertrustsme.Ishallneverbeunworthyofhistrust,"MaharajaHarishchandrasaidinavoicechokedwithpain.Thesagewasimmenselypleased.HerestoredtoMaharajHarishchandrahiskingdomandhiswife.Withhismysticpow-ers,hebroughthissontolife.HehailedMaharajaHarishchandraandadded,"Youhaveprovedthattruthalwaystriumphs."ooo97 39UnityisstrengthMeaning:Therearemanythingsonecandoonhisown;manyotherthingsneedcollectiveeffort.Majorprojectsneedpeopletoworktogetherasateam.Forexample,Indiawonfreedomin1947afterwefoughtunitedlyagainsttheBritishrule.Thedefenceforcesworkedinunisontodefendthebordersofthenation.Oftenchildrenclimbfencesstandingoneachother"sshoulders.Alternatives:Twoarebetterthanone.Unitedwestand.Dividedwefall.HindiIEquivalents:2.WcfftTJTET"ETT^t^IIllustrativeStory:Theoldvillagerwasonhisdeathbed.Histhreesonsstoodaroundthebed.Theylookedworried."Ishallfetchthevaid,"theeldestsonstartedmovingout,whenhisfatherbrokeoutintoacough.Theoldmanraisedhishandandsignalledtohiseldestsontocomeback.Oncethecoughsubsided,hewhispered,"Gotothebackyard.Youwillfindabundleoftwigs.Bringitoverhere.""Whydoyouneedthem,now?Relax.Youneedrest,"theeldestsonspokesoftlyyetfirmly."DowhatItellyou,"theoldmanlookedathisyoungestson.The98 sonranouttofetchthebundle.Theothertworubbedhisfeetandchesttorelievehimofpain.Thesonbroughtthebundleoftwigsandplaceditalittledistanceawayfromthecot.Theoldmansmiled,wanly,andtoldhiseldestson,"Trytobreakthebundle,atthemiddle."Thesonslookedateachother.Theythoughttheoldmanhadturnedmad.Yetnoneofthemdareddisobeyhim.Theeldestsonheldthebundleoftwigs,atbothends.Hepresseddownattheendswithallthestrengthathiscommand.Beadsofsweatformedonhisforehead.Hismusclesrippled.Hetried,manytimes.Thenhegaveup."No,Papa.Ican"tdothat."Theoldmandirectedhissecondsonandthenhislastsontotrytobreakthebundleatthemiddle.Bothofthemgaveup,aftertryingtheirbest.99 Theoldmanchuckledtohimself.Heturnedtohiseldestson,"Now,pulloutonetwigandbreakitinthemiddle."Theeldestsondidthateasily.Thesecondandthethirdsontoocoulddothatwithoutanydifficulty."Gotthemessage",theoldmanasked."Whatmessage?"Thesonsaskedinonevoice."Thetwigscouldnotbebrokenatthemiddlesolongastheyweretogether,inthebundle.Butthemomentatwiggotallalone,itwasbrokeneasily.Thereisamessageinthat.Ifyouremainunited,nobodycanharmyou.Inunityliesstrength.Don"tforgetthattruth,"theoldmanmanagedtosayit,beforeanotherboutofcoughgrippedhim.ooo<100 40WisdomisnothingbutearthlycommonsenseMeaning:Oneneednotgotoschools;orreadbookstobecomewise.Lifeisthebestteacher.Astudentoflifegathersearthlycommonsense.Thushegainswisdom.Alternatives:Learningdoesn"tbyitselfmakeonewise.Wisdomissuperiortoknowledge.HindiWPchdl^"3HsftftrRTTIEquivalents:FebHMl£eJT^%IIllustrativeStory:Anoldvillagerwastravellingalonganarrowpathwhichcutthroughthickvegetation.Hehadneverbeentoschool.Hecouldneitherreadnorwrite.Yeteveryoneinthevillageconsideredhimawiseman.Hewasindeedwise.Heknewalotabouthumannature.Buthealwayshadtimetogathermorewisdom.Hedidthatbykeepinghiseyesandearsopen.Themusicofbirdscaughthisearsashewalkedalongthepath.Afolktunecametohismind.Hehummedit,swungthecaneinhishandtoprovidethebeatsforthemusic.Thenhiseyesfellontheleavesofedibleplantswhichstoodoneitherside.Someanimalhadeatenuptheleavesofplantsontherightside,butnotofplantstotheleft."Ah,hetoldhimself.Itsrighteyemustbeblind."<101 Hewalkedafewmorestepswhenhefoundfootprintsoftheanimal.Notallfootprintswereequallyfirmandclear.Thevillagersearchedforthereason.Thenthetruthstruckhim.Theanimalwaslameinoneleg.Whichleg?thevillagersought.Hestudiedtheimprints.Thenhetoldhimself,"It"sthehindleg,theleftone,thatisshort."Afurtherstudyprovedthattheanimalwasahorse.Thefootprintswerenotdeep.Theoldvillagermumbled,"nobodywasridingthehorse.Itmusthavestrayed."Hardlyhadheputallthefactstogetherwhenascholarlylookingmanranin.Heaskedthevillager,"Didyouseemyhorse?"Thevillagerasked,"Yourhorse?Isitblindintherighteye?"Thenewcomerexclaimed,"Youareright!Howdidyouknow?"Thevillagerenquired,"Doesitlimponitshindleg...theleftleg?""Ofcourse.Thatismyhorse.Whereisit?"Themanasked."HowdoIknow?Ineverseteyesonyourhorse,"thevillagerreplied.Thatmadethemanangry.Heshouted,"Youhavestolenmyhorse.Giveitbacktome.OrIwillcomplaintothevillagechief.""Doit.Iamnotafraid.Iamnothief,"thevillagergrowled."Comewithme.Wewiligotothechief,"themandraggedtheoldmanalong.Thechiefheardthecomplaint.Thenheaskedtheoldvillager,"Whatdoyouhavetosay?"Thevillagerexplainedhowhehadfoundoutdetailsaboutthehorse.Thechiefgrowledatthecomplainant,"Goandfindoutyourhorseyourself.Don"twastetimemakingfalsecomplaints."Thenhesmiledatthevillagerandsaid,"Societyneedspeoplelikeyou."Thewisemancommented,"wisdomisnothingbutearthlycommonsense.Oneneedstoonlylookaroundcarefullytofindoutfacts."ooo<102 41CountnotyourchickensbeforetheyarehatchedMeaning:Nomanshouldtakethefutureforgranted.Onecanmakeplansforthefutureandworkonthem.Atthesametimeheshouldknowthateventhebestoftheplanscangowrong.Sooneshouldbereadyforunexpectedreverses.Alternatives:Don"tbuildcastlesintheair.IllustrativeStory.Amritawasapoormilkmaid.Shelivedinahamletclosetoatown.Oftenshewishedshewererich.Buthow!Shedidnotknow.Thenshegotabrightidea.Shewenttooneoftherichcattleownersandsaid,"Willyougivememilkoncredit?Iwilltakethemilktothetown,sellitandmakesomeprofit."Thevillageragreed.Nextmorning,shecollectedthemilkfromthevillager.Sheheldthemintwopots.Sheaddedsomewatertoincreasethequantityofmilk."Nobodywillnoticeit.ThiswayIwillmakemoreprofit.Iwillbecomerich",shethought.Herfancywandered,"Iwillbecomerich.Iwillbuyafewhens.Theywilllayeggs.Iwillsellmostoftheeggs.Someoftheeggswillhatch.Whenthechicksgrow,theywillgivememoreeggs.<103 WhenIhaveputbyenoughmoney,Iwillbuyacow.Thecowwillgivememilk.Iwillsellthemilk.Iwillbuymorecows.SoonIwillhaveenoughmoneytosettledownwithaman.Wewillhavechildren.Ifmysonordaughtermisbehaves,Iwillhitthebratthus,"sheraisedthestickandwaveditwildly.Theblowfellonthepotsonherhead.Thepotsbroke.Shewastotallydrenchedinmilkasitfloweddowntotheground.Withthatendedallherdreamsofmakingarichprofitbysellingmilk.Shehadcountedthechickensbeforetheywerehatched.ooo<104 InterestingStoriestoLearnProverbsPUSTAKMAHALUJtCV