Again there were deeds of mercy done; again hearts bled with sympathy for their fellows; again people strove to find out someone who was truly unselfish in his charity. But upon examination it was found that people pitied their friends, and neglected their enemies. They wept for those near them, but were thoughtless of those whom they did not know. Fathers and mothers were brave to protect their own children, but careless about the children of other people. So, though there were many noble deeds done, it was found that they were not the result of a deep love for mankind in general.
During all this time the iron bell rang almost continually. It rang by day, and it rang by night, until hope and cheerfulness were gone, and despair and fear settled down upon every household.
The King of this land was a handsome youth, who had just come to the throne. He had always had everything that his heart could desire; and was not trained to bear hardships or to sympathize with the suffering of others. No one hoped to find comfort in him, or relief from despair.
At night, however, when the city was sunk to its fitful rest, this young king knelt in prayer for the poor and the wretched, and then rose to answer his prayer by his own hand. With food and clothes he loaded his horse and went forth alone through the city, disguised as a peasant.
Night after night he passed through the dark and wretched streets, carrying his treasures to distribute among the poor. From evening until daybreak he labored alone to relieve the suffering of his people. Then as the last shadows fled he returned to his palace gate.
The people at last began to hope that a truly unselfish soul had appeared. They had, however, very little time to think of this matter or of the silver bell because of their wretchedness. The thought, however, that there was some one to care for them was a source of comfort to many. Joy was awakened in their hearts, and joy brought strength to them, until at last people returned to forge and field to perform their usual labors.
The man, however, who had come to them in their need had remained concealed. No one had found out or even suspected who he was. Many thought that an angel had come to them. Many others believed that it was the work of some good soul, and hoped to find out who it was. They began to believe that the silver bell might yet be rung.
At last they went to the king and besought him to issue a proclamation, in order that he might find out the person who had bestowed so many bounties upon them.
“Surely,” they said, “a truly unselfish soul has been among us, although we know not who he is.”
“My good people,” replied the king, “be contented. Should it not be enough that God has sent his servant to you in the hour of your need?”