A very poor brahmin once lived in a village called Ahwa. He was illiterate, and he found it very difficult to get employment, so he took to begging. He would go from house to house seeking food or money. He took home the rice and flour he collected during the day and would ask his wife to cook food, and the two would share it with their four children. Sometimes there would be just enough food for the kids, and husband and wife would drink an extra glass of water to quench their hunger. He seldom received any money as alm; but whenever he got some coins, he would buy vegetables to supplement the food.
Most of the days, the children and their parents went half-hungry. The brahmin was aware of that, but his wife one day decided to remind him. "Whatever you bring is not enough for even a single full meal. It's time you thought of some other means to earn your livelihood."
"I know that, Lachchmi," he said, and after pressing his stomach hard, he added, "but what more can I do? Have you any suggestion?"
Lachchmi thought for a while and said, "Why don't you meet the king? I'm told he's very kindhearted. I'm sure he'll give you something." "All right, I shall go to the king," said the brahmin, "but how shall I bless him when he gives me anything?"
"That should not bother you," said Lachchmi with confidence. "Say whatever comes to your mind at that moment."
The next morning, the brahmin started for the palace. He was taken to the king. He listened to the brahmin's pathetic tale and asked him, "Tell me, what shall I give you?"
"Your majesty, you'll know better," said the brahmin politely. "Whatever pleases you, O King! I shall only say I'm a poor brahmin." He then raised his head, looked at the king and added, "Good is always good, bad will always remain bad."
The king smiled at him and then wrote something on a piece of paper and handed it to him. "Take it to my treasurer."
The brahmin went in search of the royal treasurer sitting near the portico of the palace. He took the piece of paper from the brahmin and gave him a silver coin. The brahmin took that one single coin to his wife, who went out and bought a few things, and that night they had a hearty meal.
