have to show one piece of gold. Thou art my favored sister and I wish that thy husband may engage in business in which he will prosper greatly. If he will submit to me a plan that seems wise and possible to my friend, Mathon, then will I gladly loan to him my savings of an entire year that he may have an opportunity to prove that he can succeed.’ Do that, I say, and if he has within him the soul to succeed he can prove it. If he fails he will not owe thee more than he can hope to some day repay.
Loaning to him wisely thou may’st help him to prosper and repay, but if unwisely you not only lose thy gold but help him descend into the pit of debt where is sorrow and unhappiness.”
When Rodan would thank him for his wise advice he would not listen, saying, “The king’s gift shall teach thee much wisdom. If wouldst keep thy fifty pieces of gold thou must be discreet indeed. Many uses will tempt thee. Much advice will be spoken to thee. Numerous opportunities to make large profits will be offered thee. The stories from my token box should warn thee, before thou let any pieces of gold leave thy pouch to be sure thou hast a safe way to pull it back again. Should my further advice appeal to thee, return again. It is gladly given.
Ere thou goest read this which I have carved beneath the lid of my token box. It applies equally to the borrower and the lender.
“BETTER A LITTLE CAUTION
THAN A GREAT REGRET”
—31—
