ONE of England's dukes came across a beautiful cow in the neighborhood of his castle one day. The cow pleased him so much, that he bought her on the spot. It was agreed that a little shepherd boy who took his sheep near by the castle each day, should the next morning deliver the cow to its new owner.
So it was. The young shepherd however had to learn to his chagrin, that, he could not make the cow go as easily as he did his sheep. In spite of all his efforts, he could scarcely get the animal to move from the spot. The duke, who at this time of the day took his usual morning walk, happened near where the boy was working away with his cow. No sooner did the boy discover the duke, whom he did not know, when he hailed him, and asked him if he would be kind enough to lend him a helping hand. "I cannot get the cow from the spot."
The duke, who saw that the boy did not know him and took him to be an ordinary man, thought to have a rare piece of fun with the boy, and acted as though he neither heard nor saw anything going on around him. But the boy was determined and continued to appeal to him for help, finally promising him half of what he would receive for delivering the cow at the castle.
This had the desired effect. The duke gave a start as if he had been in deep meditation, and declared his willingness to help the boy. He went to work at once and belabored the back of the stubborn cow with his walking stick in such a way that she now freely moved on.
"How much do you expect to get for your trouble?" asked the duke as he and the boy walked on quietly behind the cow and the herd.
"I don't know," answered the boy; "but I expect quite a good tip, the people in the castle have always been very friendly to the likes of us."
They neared their destination, and since the cow was now quietly going along, the duke left the boy to go to the castle by a short byway. There he called one of his servants, gave him a guinea with the order to hand it to the boy who should deliver the cow.
After awhile the duke went out to look up his young friend.
He soon found him, and asked him, how much he had received.
"One shilling," was the answer, "and here is the half of it for you."
"Did you really not get any more than a shilling?" asked the duke concerned.
"No, sir, you may take my word for it. Don't you think it a generous gift?"
"No, I don't," replied the duke. "There is a mistake somewhere, and since I am well acquainted with the duke, I am in hope to secure a more generous gift for you, if you will return with me to the castle. Your sheep you can quietly leave here, for I intend to send someone to care for them during your absence."
The boy was content and they both went back. When they arrived at the castle, the duke called all his servants together.
"Now," said he to his young companion, "show me the man who gave you the shilling."
"This is the one," said the boy pointing out one of the men.
The thief owned his guilt, since denial was useless, and cast himself at the duke's feet, murmuring some confused excuses. But the duke ordered him to give the boy his guinea, and dismissed the servant on the spot.
The young shepherd who now understood who the man was who helped him drive the cow, stood speechless with wonder and somewhat abashed. But the duke stepped kindly up to him saying he did not need to watch his sheep any longer unless he wanted to. He, the duke himself, would provide for him and give him an education. So he did.
What a lesson we may learn from these two. Honesty in the one case, and love of money in the other.
Honesty will always have its reward, as well as waywardness will have God's displeasure.
Messages of God’s Love 5/18/1930