Chapter 15 Today and the first

The rich man takes a walk in the garden of his mansion, followed by his troubles.Uneasiness hovered over him like a vulture hovering over a corpse.The millionaire walked up to a marvelous man-made tide, surrounded by marble statues all around the lake.He sat looking now at the fountains--water gushing from the mouths of the statues, like thoughts from a lover's mind--and at his magnificent mansion--on the high ground on which it stood. , like a girl with a beauty disease on her cheek. He sat there, and the memory sat with him.Memories flipped through a book page by page in front of him, it was a biography written for him in the past.As he read, tears blurred his eyes so that he could no longer see the surface of the artificial lake.Nostalgia reminded him of the pictures of the past.He couldn't help saying sadly:

"In the past, in the verdant mountains, I grazed the flocks, happy and full of vigor, and I played the reed flute to express my joy. Now, I have become a captive of greed, led by the nose by money, money Lead me to greed, greed lead me to misfortune. Back then, I sang like a bird; I danced like a butterfly. In the fields, I was as light as a swallow and as fast as the wind. Now, I am a prisoner of the world's bad habits: Dressing up, entertaining guests, eating, everything has to be put on airs to please people and follow their rules. At that time, I seemed to be the favored child of heaven, wanting to enjoy the joys of the world to the fullest. But now, I am under the fetters of money But I look for trouble all day; I seem to have become a camel laden with heavy gold, which is enough to kill it. Now, where is the vast field? Where is the warm and singing stream? The clean air Where? Where is the majesty of nature? Where is my power? I have lost it all. Only gold remains, which I love, but they despise me; There are many, but my joy is less and less; only tall buildings and mansions are left. I built tall buildings, but destroyed my own happiness. Back then, I wandered side by side with the shepherdess, and there was only melting moonlight peeping in the sky , Only pure and innocent love is with us on the earth. Now, the women in front of me and behind me are all winking, full of ugliness, covered in heavy make-up, and full of jewels. Together, the young friends are like a herd of antelopes in the forest, enjoying ourselves at first, we sing together and share the deliciousness of the field; now, I am like a lamb under the claws of an eagle, trembling with fear: I am walking on the street. On the road, hate eyes fell on me, and jealous hands pointed at me; when I walked into the park, all I saw were heads held up and faces. In the past, I was full of vitality and enjoyed the beauty of nature. Beauty; now, I am deprived of all these. Once, I was happy, like a rich man; now, I am rich, but I am a poor wretch. Once, I tended the flock, like a righteous king ruled over his subjects ;Now, in front of money, I am like a humble slave, obedient to my master. I really didn't expect that money would repay my heart and lead me to the abyss of ignorance; I also never expected that people think His honor and honor, but the fire of hell is burning his conscience...,

The rich man stood up, sighed and walked slowly towards his government review, muttering: "Is this money? Is this the god who made me its priest? Could it be that what we bought with our lives cannot be used?" This is what it buys back a morsel of life? Who can sell me a good thought for a kendar of gold? Who can take it—give me jewels for a morsel of love? Who can take away my gold storehouse Give me an eye to see beauty?" He walked to the gate of Fuxie, looked at the city as Jeremiah looked at Jerusalem, and pointed to it, as if mourning for it, and said loudly: "You who walk in darkness and sit in the shadow of death Damn, you people who confuse right and wrong, and talk nonsense! You throw fragrant flowers and fruits into the abyss, but eat thorns and thorns. How long will this phenomenon happen? You leave the beautiful garden of life and don’t live in it. But you have to live in ruins and mud. When will this situation come to an end? Why do you go to wear those rags and satins, even though we have sewn silk and satin for you? People, the bright light of wisdom has been extinguished, add it quickly. Light up the oil! Passers-by are going to destroy your happy vineyard, you have to guard it! Thieves are going to steal it and use it as a safe storehouse, you have to be careful!"

At this time, a poor man came and stood in front of the rich man, begging him.The rich man looked at him, his trembling lips were pursed, his frown was relaxed, and his eyes shone with tenderness.The past that he recalled by the lake just now came to wave to him.So he approached the beggar, kissed him lovingly and equally, stuffed a lot of gold coins into his hand, and said in words full of pity and sympathy, "Brother! Take these now, tomorrow you will meet with me again." Come with your friends and take all your money back. The poor man smiled like a wilted flower enjoying the rain, and left quickly.

At this time, the rich man walked into the mansion and said: "Everything in life is beautiful, even money is the same, because it will teach people. Money is like a lute; whoever can't play it will only make people happy." He heard a piercing noise. Money is like love. Whoever is stingy and refuses to give it will kill him; whoever gives it generously will bring him back to life."