The Noble River
ParableIllustrationAnalogy★★★★A person was lamenting that, though he had done good to many of his fellow-men, he had seldom been rewarded with gratitude, but very often with ingratitude; and he averred, that for this reason he was resolved henceforward to limit and restrain his liberality. Gotthold replied: Friend, did you ever see the horses taken to water? They rush into some beautiful stream or tranquil lake, and drink of it to their heart’s content; after which, they turn their backs upon it, or stamp in it with their feet, until the water is polluted.
This is the price they pay for their refreshing draught. But what, then, does the noble river?
It immediately floats away the mud, and continues after, as it was before, full and free of access for the same or other thirsty creatures. And so must you also do. If there be a fountain of genuine charity in your heart, it will constantly and spontaneously overflow, whether those who drink of it are thankful or not.
— Gotthold
Gotthold.
The point
A man complains that his good deeds receive ingratitude; a river, though stamped and muddied by horses, continues to flow clean and free for all. True charity flows regardless of gratitude.