Page 65 - Real English 2024 Book 8

DIGITAL RESOURCES

A Little Grain of Gold 6

I had gone a-begging from door to door in the village path when
Your golden chariot appeared in
1
the distance like a gorgeous dream and I wondered
who was this King of all kings!

My hopes rose high and I thought my evil days
2
were at an end, and I stood waiting for alms to be
3
given unasked and for wealth scattered on all sides
in the dust.

The chariot stopped where I stood. Your glance
fell on me and You came down with a smile. I felt
that the luck of my life had come at last. Then
all of a sudden You held out Your right hand

and said, ‘What have you to give to me?’

4
Ah, what a kingly jest was it to open Your palm
to a beggar to beg! I was confused and stood

5
undecided and then from my wallet I slowly
took out the least little grain of corn and gave it to You.

But how great was my surprise when at the day’s
end I emptied my bag on the floor to find a least
little grain of gold among the poor heap. I bitterly

6
wept and wished that I had had the heart to give
You my all.

RabindranathTagore

1. very beautiful 5. (here) bag carrying things needed for a journey by a

2. money, grains, food or clothes given to the poor pilgrim or beggar
3. without asking 6. been kind and generous
4. a joke

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