Another ten years had gone by. The godson was sitting quietly one day, desiring nothing, fearing nothing, and with a heart full of joy.
“What blessings God showers on men!” thought he. “Yet how needlessly they torment themselves. What prevents them from living happily?”
And remembering all the evil in men, and the troubles they bring upon themselves, his heart filled with pity.
“It is wrong of me to live as I do,” he said to himself. “I must go and teach others what I have myself learnt.”
Hardly had he thought this, when he heard the robber approaching. He let him pass, thinking:
“It is no good talking to him, he will not understand.”
That was his first thought, but he changed his mind and went out into the road. He saw that the robber was gloomy, and was riding with downcast eyes. The godson looked at him, pitied him, and running up to him laid his hand upon his knee.
“Brother, dear,” said he, “have some pity on your own soul! In you lives the spirit of God. You suffer, and torment others, and lay up more and more suffering for the future. Yet God loves you, and has prepared such blessings for you. Do not ruin yourself utterly. Change your life!”
The robber frowned and turned away.
“Leave me alone!” said he.
But the godson held the robber still faster, and began to weep.