His Own

Professor Lean was a great teacher. Students loved to study under him. He taught the lessons of his discipline well and he was a compassionate man who rarely showed any displeasure in anyone's actions.

The governor was a popular politician. He had been easily re-elected again and again. He knew who to show favor to and who to suppress in order to maintain control in a state that was a dangerous simmering key of dynamite waiting to explode. People marveled over his ability to handle the difficulties and yet remain so popular. His large family watched him too, from afar.

There came the day when their paths crossed. The professor was teaching a course, dressed in a ratty outfit, as always. He lived in a bad section of town, among thieves and whenever he had bought clothes, his neighbors "borrowed" them. Eventually he found it easier just to continue wearing the same old outfit all the time.

Well, as he was teaching his course, the governor, on a tour supporting educational reform, a key component of his campaign, was introduced to Professor Lean. Like everyone else, he immediately liked the professor and wanted to use him to illustrate his points for educational reform. However, he recognized that he would need to clean up the professor's appearance somewhat before presenting him to the public. Therefore, he had his aides offer Professor Lean a new wardrobe of dress clothing. The professor accepted the offer and said he would take care of the situation immediately.

A few days later, when Professor Lean was scheduled for his first public appearance with the governor to discuss education in the state, he showed up in his old ratty clothing. The governor was very upset and asked him what happened to the wardrobe he bought with the money the governor provided.

"I gave the clothing to your children, who had none," responded the compassionate one.