Harry Terhanian.com

There was a man who traveled in a caravan
He carried gold coins to sell in Yerevan
He heard there were robbers in the hills of Tabriz
Sought to entrust his coins to keep his mind at ease

He noticed a man sitting beside a tent
Who looked trustworthy with no bad intent
He left the caravan and sought safeguard
With the tent man of kind regard

“Will you keep safe my coins, be my savior
Guard them from rogue thieves of bad behavior?”
Yes was the reply from the kind man
So the merchant returned to the caravan

But lo and behold robbers fleeced his friends
Took all their valuables and odds and ends
He thanked God his purse was with an honest man
And ran back to get his money as was his plan

He returned to the tent with good intent
But saw the group of robbers malevolent
The kind man seemed to be so sweet
Now the merchant saw he was only a cheat

He gave his money to the chief thief
Now he was victim of colossal deceit
Due to fright he began to back away
When the chief yelled “stand at bay!”

The chief said,”Why did you come here now?”

“I thought you were honest, I must avow
I gave you my money trusting you somehow
I beg to get it back if you may allow”

The chief of the robbers said with candor
“Was your purse stolen, say with out slander.”

“No sir, I did not say you are a thief
But I am scared by the company you keep

“Your trust in me is not in vain
I never intended to cause you pain
As there is one God so man’s word should be
Always accountable and trustworthy”

The chief of the thieves gave back the money
The merchant felt he was in the land of milk and honey
The robbers were impressed with their chief’s honor
They vowed from that day to no longer steal from another

Live with honor, gain the trust of others
You will live long in the company of brothers