There was a rich merchant who had 4 wives.He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to delicacies.He t ook great care of her and gave her nothing but the best.
He also loved the 3rd wife very much.He's very proud of her and al ways wanted to show off her to his friends.However,the merchant was al ways in great fear that she might run away with some other men.
He too,loved his 2nd wife.She was a very considerate person,alway s patient and in fact was the merchant's confidante.Whenever the merch ant faced some problems,he always turned to his 2nd wife and she would always help him out and tide him through difficult times.
Now,the merchant's 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and business as well as ta king care of the household.However,the merchant did not love the first wife and although she loved him deeply,he hardly took notice of her.
One day,the merchant fell ill.Before long,he knew that he was goi ng to die soon.He thought of his luxurious life and told himself,"Now I have 4 wives with me.But when I die,I'll be alone.How lonely I'll be!"
Thus,he asked the 4th wife,"I loved you most,endowed you with th e finest clothing and showered great care over you.Now that I'm dying,will you follow me and keep me company?" "No way!" replied the 4th wi fe and she walked away without another word.
The answer cut like a sharp knife right into the merchant's heart.The sad merchant then asked the 3rd wife,"I have loved you so much for all my life.Now that I'm dying,will you follow me and keep me company?" "No!" replied the 3rd wife,"Life is so good over here!I'm goin g to remarry when you die!" The merchant's heart sank and turned cold.
He then asked the 2nd wife,"I always turned to you for help and yo u've always helped me out.Now I need your help again.When I die,will you follow me and keep me company?" "I'm sorry,I can't help you out this time!" replied the 2nd wife."At the very most,I can only send y ou to your grave." The answer came like a bolt of thunder and the merch ant was devastated.