Once upon a time, long ago, there was a man whose fame had spread far
and wide in the land where he lived. He was exceedingly good-hearted,
and as he had plenty of money he was able to help the poor. David—for
that was the man’s name—had a gentle and good wife. They had an only
girl, named Hannah.
In time Hannah grew up into a most lovely woman, whose hand and fortune
were sought after by many suitors. One lover in particular had
succeeded in gaining her favour by giving a few pence to a poor man
whenever Hannah drew his attention to the one in distress. This
charity, however, was not genuine, for if alone the lover would refuse
to listen to the poor. Hannah consented to accept this suitor as her
husband, and at last the wedding day was fixed. When the day arrived
her home resounded with the song of joy and gladness. At the marriage
feast happy laughter cheered the hearts of all the guests.
Next day all this happiness was suddenly changed into grief, for death
had claimed the bridegroom as his victim. The lonely bride, weeping and
lamenting, had laid aside her beautiful wedding robe and her bridal
adornment and had put on the black dress of a mourner. All that had
happened seemed as though it were a dream to the poor girl. Even her
parents could hardly realize the terrible misfortune which had so
suddenly befallen them. Yesterday saw the wedding and to-day was to see
the funeral of the luckless husband.
In time their sorrow gradually became less intense and the tears of the
widow dried off her beautiful face, for time cures every evil under the
sun. Hannah’s beauty and wealth soon brought new lovers, and she
accepted as a husband a man who was harsh and domineering by nature. He
wooed Hannah for the sake of her fortune.
Again the bridal eve was followed by a night of death. Grief and tears
again succeeded the joy and bliss of the marriage day. For a third time
this cruel fate overtook the unfortunate bridegroom, who, like his
predecessors, had only married for the sake of money. In the presence
of all the friends of her dear parents Hannah cried,—
“Thrice have I been wedded and thrice have I lost my husband. Never
again will I marry, for I will not again lead my beloved to death.
God’s hand is stretched out against me for some unknown sin. Thrice was
I married in order to increase the joy of my dear parents, but this joy
has been changed three times into heartbreaking sorrow for all of us.
Henceforth I will remain a widow. Daily will I weep and pray to God to
forgive me the sin which has cost so dearly.”
The friends held their peace and left the sorrowing girl and her
parents to comfort one another as best they could.
David had a brother named Samuel, who lived in a far-off country. For
very many years they had not heard from one another. In their youth
they had parted, each bent on seeking his fortune. As we have seen,
David had become very wealthy. Samuel, however, although blessed with a
worthy wife and ten children, had remained a poor man. He and his
eldest son collected wood in the forest near their hut. Sometimes they
were lucky and sold all the wood which they had gathered. One day they
failed to find any customers, and when they returned home at night they
were penniless. The result was that next day the entire family were
without food.
Again that day Samuel and his eldest son, whose name was Joseph, went
to the market-place to sell the wood, but without any success. They
resolved to spend the night in the forest rather than see the misery of
the starving children in their unhappy home.
Samuel and Joseph prayed to God for help. After a while Joseph turned
to his father and suggested that the best thing to do would be to go to
his rich uncle David and to ask his assistance. Samuel gladly consented
to this proposal.
Early next morning they returned home and told their dear ones about
the plan which they had adopted. Joseph took leave of his beloved
parents, sisters and brothers and set out on his journey fortified by
the prayers and blessings of all the family.
When he came to his uncle’s house he was received with a hearty
welcome. His aunt and uncle inquired after the welfare of Joseph’s
parents, and when they heard of the terrible poverty in Joseph’s home
they immediately sent their trusty steward to help the family with
food, money and clothing. Joseph wished to return home in company with
the steward, but he was persuaded by his aunt to stay with his uncle
for a short visit. His genial presence soon brought comfort and
happiness to his sad cousin Hannah. Often did they sit together in the
beautiful garden attached to David’s house and read the stirring
stories of the Bible.
A few weeks of unclouded happiness soon passed by, and Joseph thought
that the time had come when he ought to return home. He went to his
uncle one morning and said to him,—
“Let me ask you, dear uncle, to do me a favour, which you can readily
promise to do. You have given me so much already. I shall never forget
all your love and kindness. One thing only is still wanting to complete
my heart’s desire. Well do I know how generously you have assisted my
beloved father and mother. You have fed and clothed my poor sisters and
brothers. You have kept me here for many a happy day as your guest. If
you do not promise to do this one favour which I am about to ask, I
must at once leave you and return to my own home, for I fear I have
already stayed here too long.”
“How can I refuse you your request, dear Joseph,” cried David. “I
faithfully promise on my word of honour to do what you ask, for I know
that you are a good and noble lad with an honest and kind heart. I am
sure you would never ask for aught which is neither right nor just.”
“That is so,” said Joseph. “Now, dear uncle, since you have given me
your promise, listen to my request. I know you do not really wish me to
return home. I will agree to stay with you on one condition and make
your home mine also.”
“What is the condition?” cried David impatiently.
“The condition,” continued Joseph, “is that you give me your consent to
marry my dear cousin Hannah. When we are married, we will live with you
and comfort you and dear aunt for the rest of your lives.”
David’s face became white and with tears in his eyes he shook his head.
“What you are asking,” he cried, “is impossible. Do you not know, dear
Joseph, that Hannah has already been married three times and each time
her husband died in the night following the wedding. You are really
asking me for leave to die, and I dare not consent. Please do not try
to persuade me to agree to your proposal. If you do, it will be to your
own hurt.”
“But you have given me your word of honour to grant my request,” said
Joseph, “and your word is your bond. Well do I know the sad story of
dear Hannah’s weddings. I am fully aware that the three husbands who in
turn married my dear cousin died in the first night of their marriage.
The fault was not Hannah’s. She is so good and loving, so true and
innocent. I trust in God with all my heart and soul, and I will gladly
risk my life and happiness in marrying her. The love of God will shield
me from all harm. Have no fear, give your consent and we shall all be
happy.”