Dmitriy Leo’s parable of the two beggars teaches wisdom, faithfulness, and spiritual principles. It is a remarkable allegory of how faithfulness helped a beggar become the king’s right-hand man.
The Parable of the Two Beggars
Early one morning, two beggars came to the gates of the royal palace and loudly cried out, asking for bread.
The king called his servants and ordered them to give each beggar a loaf of bread. The king also instructed two servants to secretly observe the beggars and see what they would do.
The first beggar took the bread, walked a short distance from the gate, sat beneath a tree, and began to eat. When he was full, he threw the remaining bread on the ground, stood up, and went on his way.
The second beggar went in the opposite direction. After walking a short distance, he met some companions who were also beggars. He was overjoyed and began sharing the bread with them, praising the king who had given it to him. Each received a small piece, but there was enough for everyone. After breakfast, they stood up, turned toward the palace, loudly praised the king for his generosity, and each went his own way.
When the servants returned and reported what they had seen, the king ordered them to find and bring the compassionate beggar. When he was brought in, the king said, “You acted wisely. You fed yourself, fed others, and praised the king. From now on, you will be one of the stewards in my household. You will distribute bread to my servants and eat at my table.”
The next morning, the first beggar came to the palace gates again, crying out loudly and asking for bread. When the gates opened, a new royal steward stood before him, holding two loaves of bread. He joyfully told him what had happened the day before. The beggar listened to his former companion and became deeply upset, his face growing gloomy. The steward extended the bread to the beggar and said, “Friend, take it; there is enough for you and for others.” But the beggar said nothing, turned around, and hurried away.
Author: Dmitriy Leo
