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DISCOURSE 52
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duct. But he was covetous of wealth. He was friendly with a wealthy and leading merchant of the city. The merchant had a lot of wealth. Once, the merchant thought, "The King is a friend of mine. I should not conceal anything from a friend. I must show him my wealth. He will be delighted to see my wealth; and in the court, my honour also will increase". .
The Seth returned home; and placed his idea before the members of his fainily. When his wife, his four sons and his four daughters-in-law heard it, they were delighted but 'his youngest daughter-in-law was silent. The Seth asked her, “Daughter! Why are you silent ? Why don't you say something ?” She replied, "Father! Your idea does not appear proper to me. You should not show your wealth to the King. But if all of you like the idea, I have no objection".
The Seth said, "The King is my friend. There is no fear that his integrity will be affected when he sees my wealth. The King will be greatly delighted when he sees my enormous wealth". His youngest daughter-in-law was silent. It was decided that the King and his family should be invited to a dinner and that the wealth should be shown to the King..
The Seth invited the King and his family to a dinner in his house. The King accepted the invitation. When the King came, the Seth extended to him a grand welcome. He gave a grand dinner to the King. All sat together and enjoyed the dinner. After the dinner was over, the Seth said to the King, "Your Highness! You have been graceful enough to visit my house id to have a dinner with us. Now, I request you to see my wealth. Kindly come with me to the underground vault": The Seth took the King into his underground vault where he had stored his boundless wealth. One room was full of silver. One room was full of gold; and another room was full of diamonds, pearls and emeralds and other precious stones. The King was dumb-founded on seeing the Seth's wealth. He said, "Seth! You have such fabulous wealth. So much wealth is not there even in my treasury", The Seth said, "I have been able to amass all this wealth only on account of your grace." The King felt delighted; and then he returned to his palace, with his family.
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