Classic stories worth a lifetime of preservation for children - (Golden Collection Edition)

Author: Zhong Lei / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: Natasha's Jewel Story takes place in ancient Rome. One morning, Natasha's friend visits her. The two stroll through the garden. Natasha's two young sons wait for their mother in the pavilion. Soon, their mother Natasha comes over from the strolling area and talks to them. She wears only a simple white robe. Her only adornment is the soft, brown braid she wears on her head. When she sees her sons' confident gaze, a gentle smile appears on her noble face.
"Children," she says, "I have something to tell you." Following the etiquette learned by Roman children, they bow to their mother and say, "What is it, Mom?"
"We will have a meal together in the garden today. After that, our friend will show us a wonderful jewel box." The mother said gently. The two brothers look at their mother's friend in amazement. She is already adorned with so many accessories—does she have any other jewels?
After a simple outdoor meal, a servant brings the box from inside. The lady opens it. Ah! The jewels dazzle the two curious children! There are strands of pearls as white as jade and as smooth as silk; piles of sparkling rubies, like blazing fires; crystal-clear sapphires, blue like the summer sky; and dazzling diamonds, bright as sunlight.
"Natasha, you really don’t have any jewels?" her friend asks. "I heard someone say you are poor—is that true?"
"No, I am not poor," Natasha replies, pulling her two children close. "They are my treasures. They are worth more than all your jewels."
Later, those two children grew up to become great figures in Rome. They always respected their mother deeply and never forgot how proud she had been of them. Yes, for a mother, what is more precious in this world than her own children?
P80-81