Having called the poorest of his neighbors about him, he addressed them in
the following manner:

6. "My friends, you want corn for your subsistence. God has blessed me
with abundance. Assist in thrashing out a quantity, and each of you take
what he wants for his family." The peasants were amazed at this unexampled
generosity; for sordid propensities exist in the village as well as in the
populous city.

7. The fame of Flor Silin's benevolence having reached other villages, the
famished inhabitants presented themselves before him, and begged for corn.
This good creature received them as brothers; and, while his store
remained, afforded all relief. At length, his wife, seeing no end to the
generosity of his noble spirit, reminded him how necessary it would be to
think of their own wants, and hold his lavish hand before it was too late.
"It is written in the Scripture," said he, "Give, and it shall be given
unto you.'"

8. The following year Providence listened to the prayers of the poor, and
the harvest was abundant. The peasants who had been saved from starving by
Flor Silin now gathered around him.

9. "Behold," said they, "the corn you lent us. You saved our wives and
children. We should have been famished but for you; may God reward you; he
only can; all we have to give is our corn and grateful thanks." "I want no
corn at present, my good neighbors," said he; "my harvest has exceeded all
my expectations; for the rest, thank heaven: I have been but an humble
instrument."

10. They urged him in vain. "No," said he, "I shall not accept your corn.