Tara

28 Knowledge

1	Three learned scholars once sought to visit an ancient island observatory in order to calculate a rare celestial event.
2	Upon their journey across the waters, the scholars engaged in animated discussion as to their respective knowledge.
3	One of the scholars noticed that as they spoke, the boatman was listening.
4	The first scholar asked the boatman: What say you then to our discourse?
5	The Boatman then replied: I have nothing to offer you sir, for I did not comprehend any of it.
6	The second scholar did then ask: Pray, tell us your education if you do object to our arguments?
7	The Boatman replied in protest: I do not seek to offend you wise men, I am a mere boatman,
8	And am without learning. For while I can read and write I have never before heard of the things you three speak.
9	The third scholar did speak mockingly: Alas poor boatman! This is the price of a poor education.
10	For while you may read and write, you know little of the universe and have wasted your life.
11	Suddenly a great wave did wash over the boat and all were thrown overboard.
12	The scholars cried out to the boatman: Help us boatman! For we cannot swim!
13	As the boatman began to swim to shore, he called out to the drowning scholars thus:
14	I leave you not through callous intent, but not to waste my life as you have yours.
15	For one of you could take me under yet three surely would.