The Wise Man and His Two Pupils

A wise man in the East had two pupils, to each of whom he gave, one night, a sum of money, and said, "What I have given you is very little; yet with it you must buy at once something that will fill this dark room."

One of them purchased a great quantity of hay, and cramming it into the room,, said, "Sir, I have filled the room."

"Yes," said the wise man, "and with greater gloom."

The other, with scarcely a third of the money, bought a candle, and lighting it said, "Sir, I have filled the hall."

"Yes," said the wise man, "and with light. Such are the ways of wisdom, for she seeks good means to good ends."