..續本文上一頁"I will make only enough liquor for you alone." But Illisa the Cheap always thought of even the slightest chance of spending money. He said, "If you prepare liquor here, people will notice and come ask for some. Even if I buy some in a liquor store and bring it here to drink, others will find out and want some. There will be no liquor given away in this house!"

　　So Illisa decided to give the smallest coin he had to a servant boy, and sent him to the liquor store. When he returned, Illisa took him down to the riverside. He took the small bottle of liquor from the boy, and set him to stand watch nearby. Then Illisa the Cheap hid in the underbrush, poured some liquor into a cup, and secretly began drinking.

　　It just so happened that when Illisa”s father had died, he had been reborn as Sakka, King of the Heaven of 33. This was because of his lifelong generosity.

　　At this particular moment, Sakka was curious about whether his free food kitchen was still giving out food to all who wished it. He discovered that it no longer existed, that his son had given up the family tradition and had even kicked the hungry out onto the street! He saw his miserly son drinking by himself, hiding in the bushes, afraid he might have to share with others.

　　Sakka. decided to change Illisa”s mind and teach him a lesson about the results of both good and bad actions. He decided to make him become generous, rather than cheap, so that he too might be reborn in a heaven world.

　　The King of the Heaven of 33 disguised himself so that he looked exactly like Illisa the Cheap. He too had crooked feet, crooked hands and crooked eyes. He entered the city, went to the palace, and asked for an audience with the king. The king said, "Let my adviser Illisa come in."

　　He asked, "Why have you come at this untimely moment

　　" "My lord," said Sakka, "I have come to give my billionaire”s wealth to you to fill up the treasury." The king replied, "No, no. I have enough, much more than that." The disguised Sakka said, "Then if you do not want it my lord. kindly permit me to give it away as I wish." "Do as you say," said the king.

　　Sakka went to Illisa”s house. The servants greeted him as if he were indeed their master. He entered the house and sat down. He summoned the gate keeper and said, "If anybody comes here who looks like me and says, ”This house is mine”, don”t let him in. Instead beat him on the back and kick him out!" Then he went upstairs and called for Illisa”s wife. Smiling at her he said, "My love, let us be generous!"

　　At first, Illisa”s wife, children and servants were surprised. They said to each other, "It was never in his mind to give anything to anybody before today. This must be because he”s been drinking alcohol and has gotten a little soft in the head!"

　　Illisa”s wife said, "As you wish, my lord, give away as much as you like." Tall for the drummer," said Sakka, "and order him to go and beat his drum in the city. Have him announce that all who desire gold, silver, pearls, jewels, lapis lazuli, diamonds and coral, are to come to the home of Illisa the billionaire." She did as he said.

　　Soon a big crowd began to arrive, carrying baskets, buckets and bags. Sakka opened up the store rooms of Illisa”s wealth. He said, "I give you all these riches. Take as much as you want and go." The people took it all outside and piled it up. They filled up their containers and carried them away.

　　One clever man from the countryside harnessed Illisa the Cheap”s bullocks to Illisa the Cheap”s bullock cart. Then he filled it to the brim with Illisa the Cheap”s seven treasures, and rode out of the city by the main road.

　　Without knowing it, he passed by the bushes where the real Illisa was still drinking liquor. He was so happy to be suddenly rich, that he shouted out as he went, "Ma…

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