The Man Who Did Not Forget
Baha'i Stories for Children · Read original
When in Bahá'í history
Long ago a very poor man saved the life of his King. The King in thankfulness gave the man a place of great honor in the court. The man was of good character as well as brave, and he pleased the King so much that he was given rooms next to the royal apartment.
The people in the palace were not much different from people today and some of them became very jealous of the good fortune of the man who had saved the King's life. Whenever they had a chance they whispered untrue stories about him to the King.
For a long time no one could change the King's mind about his faithful servant. But one day a report came to him that the man was unfaithful and not to be trusted. He had been seen, late at night when everything was quiet, going to a room in the far corner of the palace. He carried with him a bundle of what was thought to be stolen goods.
"Well, now," said the King, "I'd like to know what he is up to." You see he didn't lose his faith in the man, but he was curious and decided to see for himself.
That night he gathered the jealous courtiers around him and they all quietly followed the man through the halls to the farthest corner of the palace where he disappeared behind a door.
"Open the door!" the King called loudly in the silent night.
The door opened on a room in which nothing could be seen but a lumpy bundle on a broken-down bed and the humble servant.
"What does this mean?" demanded the King. "Why do you come here like a thief and what do you carry in that bundle?"
"O King!" the man replied, "You have blessed me with every gift and kindness, far more than I ever deserved. You have raised me from poverty and lowliness to greatness and honor. Knowing this and fearing that I may some time fail to appreciate your gifts and your love, I come here each night to pray to God that I shall always remain thankful for your goodness."
The man then opened the bundle and out tumbled some old rags. "These are the clothes I wore before your love and mercy lifted me up. I put them on each night and lie down on that old cot on which I used to sleep. In this way I hope to teach myself to remember that my gift to you can never repay yours to me. I am your humble and grateful servant, O King!"
(Based on a story contributed by the National Education Committee of Southern Rhodesia; ‘The Child’s Way’ magazine, no. 72, November-December 1961)
Source: Baha'i Stories for Children (https://bahaistoriesforchildren.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-man-who-did-not-forget_7.html).
Cite this story
Various. *Baha'i Stories for Children*. https://bahaistoriesforchildren.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-man-who-did-not-forget_7.html
Record yourself reading this story
Recording stays on this device only. Nothing is uploaded.
Related stories
A lesson in forgiveness
One evening 'Abdu'l-Baha was talking to a group of the friends who had gathered around Him, warmed and comforted by His love.
A Living Spirit: Thomas Breakwell
On a hot summer day in 1901, a young man named Thomas Breakwell walked the quiet streets of Paris, France, where he was visiting. The day was very still.
A Prayer for Mirza Ja'far
The August sun burned down on the stone walls of 'Akka as the sailboat rocked roughly into the harbor. The Baha'is had come a long way. They were hot, hungry, and thirsty.
A very unique Child is born
One morning as the sun rose over Tihran, a Child was born. He was born into a family that was powerful in the government of Persia, and was also rich.