Be calm

Once Wealth and Poverty approached a merchant and introduced themselves as
Goddesses. The merchant offered his salutations to both of them and said:
"May I know what brings you to my humble tenement?" The Goddess of Wealth
said: "We want you to judge and tell us as to who is more beautiful between
us two?"*
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*The merchant was in a fix. He knew he was between the devil and the deep
sea. If he were to declare wealth as more beautiful than poverty, poverty
would curse him. If he were to declare poverty as more beautiful, than
wealth, wealth would forsake him. However, he regained his composure and
said: "I have great respect for you both. Would you please act according to
my instructions? Then only I can judge properly." The Goddesses agreed. He
said: "Mother wealth, would you please go to the entrance (gates) and walk
into the house? Mother, poverty! Would you please walk from here towards
the gates? I can have a good look at you both, from near and far." The two
Goddesses did walk as the merchant wished them to. Then the merchant
happily declared: "Mother wealth! You appear very beautiful when you enter
the house. Mother poverty! You look very beautiful when you leave the
house!" The Goddesses appreciated the wit and wisdom of the merchant. The
Goddess of wealth happily stayed in his house while the Goddess of poverty
cheerfully walked away.*
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*When a serious problem confronts us, do not panic, but if we look within
and think calmly, a ray of hope and light will beam forth and show us the
way.*