(原版)澳大利亞語文第六冊 LESSON 7
LESSON 7 THE ARTFUL ARAB
THE ARTFUL ARAB
Many years ago, in one of the Arabian tribes, there was a man named Nabor, who owned a beautiful horse, which was famous for its fleetness [1] and docility [2] . This horse was greatly coveted [3] by an Arab named Jehu, who belonged to another tribe.
Jehu had offered his camels and many valuable treasures for the animal; but in vain, as the owner could not be induced to sell it. The artful [4] Arab then devised [5] the following plan, by which he hoped to obtain the object of his eager desire.
He resolved [6] to stain his face with the juice of a certain herb; to clothe himself in rags; and to tie his legs and neck together, so as to appear like a blind beggar. Thus disguised, he went and lay by the road-side to wait for the owner of the horse, whom he knew would pass that way.
When he saw Nabor approaching on his beautiful steed, he cried out in a feeble voice, "I am a poor stranger. For three days and nights I have been unable to move from this spot to seek for food. I am dying; help me, and Heaven will reward you."
Nabor kindly offered to take him on his horse and carry him home; but the rogue replied, "I cannot rise; I have no strength left." Nabor, touched with pity, dismounted, led his horse to the spot, and, with great difficulty, helped the seeming beggar to mount upon its back. But, no sooner was Jehu placed in the saddle, than he put spurs to the horse and galloped off, calling out as he did so, "It is I, Nabor. I have the horse; and you will never see it again. Good-bye, my friend."
Nabor was, at first, overcome with amazement and grief; but he soon recovered and ran after the thief, shouting to him to stop, as he had something to say to him. Certain of not being overtaken, the latter turned and halted a short distance from Nabor, who was armed only with a spear. "You have taken my horse," said Nabor, "and, since Heaven has so ordered it, I am resigned to the loss; but I earnestly entreat you never to tell anyone how you obtained it."
And why not? asked Jehu. "Because," replied the noble Arab, "another man might be really ill and in distress [7] , and men would fear to afford [8] him assistance. You would thus prevent others from performing any act of charity [9] for fear of being duped [10] as I have been."
Struck with shame at these words, Jehu was silent for a moment; then, springing from the horse and leading him to the owner, he said, "Nabor, take back your horse. Woe be unto me if I should, by my wicked deed, stop the springs [11] of charity in men's breasts! I repent [12] of the wrong which I was about to commit."
Nabor rejoiced at the recovery of his beautiful horse; but he was still more glad to perceive that his words had been the means of reclaiming a brother from wickedness and crime. He offered the hand of forgiveness and friendship to Jehu, compelled him to accompany him home to his tent, and ever afterwards treated him with confidence and esteem [13] .
* * *
[1] fleetness: Speed, swiftness.
[2] docility: Gentleness, quality of being easily handled.
[3] coveted: Desired, longed for.
[4] artful: Crafty, cunning.
[5] devised: Thought out, invented.
[6] resolved: Determined, decided.
[7] distress: Affliction, trouble.
[8] afford: Give.
[9] charity: Desire to help others.
[10] duped: Tricked.
[11] springs: Sources.
[12] repent: Be sorry for.
[13] esteem: Respect, great regard.
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