On Guests and Indigents (from the Fables of Mkhitar Gosh)
Երթեալ
Դէմք առակիս զհիւրս եւ զաղքատս խրատէ, զի յանդէպ երթեալ ժամու՝
A certain poor man went to an orchard in wintertime to pick and eat fruit. Seeing the fruit-bearers dried up, he started to get hostile, grumble, and abuse them, saying: "Why don't you have fruit so I may eat and be satiated? Not a single one of you has fruit." He became worst yet. Then a certain tree said sweetly and persuasively: "Oh man, do not be saddened, and do not slander senselessly, for you do wrong. Although you are needy, how is it that you do not know that in wintertime we rest and strengthen our roots so that we may blossom in the spring, nourish fruit in the summer, ripen in the fall, and provide food? Why didn't you come when people, animals, and beasts were enjoying our fruits? At each and every moment you are ready to eat, but we are not [always ready to provide]. Go now, and come back at the proper time and eat as much as you want." And the man departed with the expectations of what had been said.
The message of this fable advises guests and the poor about expecting a good reception when they go somewhere at an awkward time. Guests are ready to eat and rest, and the poor [are ready] to fill their wants, but hosts are not ready, similarly, at every moment, nor are benevolent people [ready always] with charity. It is not worth getting angry when they are accused and complained about. Rather [they should] sweetly reply and explain the cause of their unpreparedness and [offer] plentitude at another time, when many will find comfort and mercy. To the extent possible, one should receive [his guests] promptly, humbly fill their needs, and cause [them] to depart with love and hope.
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