His Choice

Madhav was in need of a farm hand. A friend sent him two candidates, Keshav and Gopal, from which to choose. The landlord decided to test them before making a decision. He took them to the farm and gave them some directions, saying, “Whatever implements you need are in that shed. You may start work now.”

Keshav and Gopal began working earnestly. Before noon, Madhav went to the farm to see what the two men had accomplished. The moment Keshav saw the landlord approaching, he ran to fetch a chair and stool from the shed. He then brought a tender coconut, cut it open, and handed it to Madhav. After the landlord drank from it, he soon returned home.

In the evening, both Keshav and Gopal showed up at the landlord’s residence. He paid them their wages and said, “Gopal, you may come to work from tomorrow.”

Keshav protested, “Oh master! When you came to the farm, Gopal never even raised his face to greet you, while I received you and even offered a drink. Still…”

“Yes,” Madhav replied, “Gopal continued with his work while you were only trying to please me. If I had wanted a drink, I would have asked one of you to fetch it. I think Gopal is more responsible, and I can depend on him.”