But the revelation which had been vouchsafed to him had influenced him profoundly. He had now a new estimate of values and results. The centre of his mental life was permanently shifted, and a new bias had been given to his thoughts.
He went to the King, where he sat sunning himself in his palace.
"You are very rich," said the man to the King.
"God has so willed it, and I am grateful," said the King.
"You hope one day to see God face to face?"
"I do hope so, fervently!" said the King, with unction.
"And if He questions you of your wealth you will express your gratitude and bow to Him, and God will accept the compliment and be content?"
The King was silent.
"You think He will ask no questions?" said the man. "He will not trouble to refer to His starving children, with whom you might reasonably have shared your superfluities; to the sick whom you might have succoured; or to the sorrowing whom you might have cheered? You had wealth, and were grateful for it: and you used it on yourself. And presently, when you are dead?" asked the man, more quietly. "If you sit beside the beggar who perished at your gates, what will you say to him if he should refer to matters such as these?"
"Sit beside a beggar!" cried the King, in high disdain.