The Nobleman

One day, Rao Sahib, a nobleman, invited all the people of his village to feast at his house for all three meals. However, Ram, the poorest man in the village, did not respond to the invitation.

The next day, Rao Sahib inquired, “Why did you not come to the feast?”

“Sir, I earn my livelihood by selling firewood. Yesterday, nobody bought my wares because the villagers were occupied cooking. I had to go without food,” replied Ram.

“But why did you not come to my house for food?” asked the nobleman, even more surprised.
“Sir, the others came in response to your invitation only because they had enough food to eat at their homes. Had I gone, it would have been as a beggar, not as a guest. That is something I do not like to do,” explained Ram.

From that day on, whenever anyone referred to Rao Sahib as the nobleman, he would correct them, saying, “It is Ram who is the true nobleman.”