INDIAN LEGEND
An old man stole a rooster from a chicken coop because he was very hungry. He took it home, killed it, and began boiling it.
Someone came to the door. The man did not want to go because he thought it was the owner of the bird, but the knocking continued and he could not ignore it. "Who are you and what do you want?" he asked the man standing there.
"I am God and I want something to eat."
"I am sorry but I cannot give you anything," said the man.
"Why?" asked our Lord. "I smell food so I know you are not in want."
"No, I am not in want," said the man.
"Then what's the reason?" said the visitor.
"The reason is," said the man, "that I don't like to feed anyone who does not treat everyone alike. I notice that to some you give much; to others little."
"Yes, that is true," said the visitor, and he departed.
Soon there came another knock at door. A woman stood there this time. "And who are you?" said the man.
"I am the Virgin," said the woman, "and I would like something to eat."
"I am sorry," said the man, "but I cannot not share my food with you."
"Why?" asked the Virgin. "Because," said the man, "you are one who to
some you give much; to others little." The Virgin had nothing to say so she left.
And now the rooster was cooked and the man was ready to sit down and eat. Another knock was heard. "I wonder who it can be this time." said the man. At the door stood Death. She said, "I smelled your rooster and so I came along to help you eat it."
"And why not?" said the man. "You are one who treats everyone alike."
"That is so," said Death. "I have no favorites. The poor, the rich, the young, the
old, the sick, the well—all look alike to me."
"And that is the reason you may come in and share my food," said the man. Death entered the house and the two had a grand feast.