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344. The Sakka And The Greedy Son

Once upon a time when Brahmadatta was reigning in Benares, there was a Treasurer, Illisa by name, who was worth eighty crores. He was lame and crook backed and had a squint; he was an unconverted infidel, and a miser, never giving of his store to others, nor enjoying it himself; his house was like a pool haunted by demons. Yet, for seven generations, his ancestors had been bountiful, giving freely of their best; but, when he became Treasurer, he broke through the traditions of his house. Burning down the almonry and driving the poor with blows from his gates, he hoarded his wealth.