Storyteller: Once upon a time there was a Small Praise who wanted to get greater. Mother stroked his head and she thought:

Mother: „I fear you will stay a Small Praise. Forget never: Small Praise is better than the greatest order."

Storyteller: Small Praise was walking in the big wide world. It came across a man who was washing his car.

Small Praise: „Can I do anything to make myself useful? I want to praise your hard work".
Man: „What is it for? I work in order to earn my living. I clean in order to get a car without any dirt. Life is meaningless if one lives on aimlessly. But a praise does not help much, it is not useful.

Storyteller: Small Praise sobbed and walked on. Later he said to a schoolboy:

Small Praise: I´d be happy to help you.

Storyteller: The boy was quite indignant with Small Praise.

Boy: What shall I praise? Shall I praise my homeworks? Shall I praise the day although my bicycle has a flat? Although my little brother always cries? My answer is no! All things are annoying!

Storyteller: Small Praise walked on sadly. Will nobody praise people? Small Praise asked an old woman.

Old woman: "Whom shall I praise?" she said dissatisfied with all the world. "Shall I Praise my ungrateful children or my incompetent family doctor?"

Small Praise: Maybe you could praise a little the Lord?" said Small Praise carefully.

Old woman: "Good Heavens - my goodness!" shouted the old woman. "But today is not sunday!"

Storyteller: Small Praise remained persistently

Small Praise: "You could be grateful that you still live, that you have enough to eat, and that you can see the sun and the stars ...."

Old woman: "That all doesn´t count for much. Who is counting my rheumatism and loneliness?"

Storyteller: Small Praise walked on. She wails.

Small Praise: All the people only ask: "Why shall I praise? What is the use of that? It is no use praising. I have it too hard! In my view is the praise of vital importance. A Life worth living, a life worth loving, a life worth praising".

Storyteller: And Small Praise summed up:

Small Praise:     "Everyone who makes time for breathing,
                            everyone who learns to see again,
                            everyone who sets the right standards,
                            such a man can thank and enjoy life,
                            such a man loves the praise".

© Webdesign and translator:  Krenn Alois --> Webmaster      last update: 19. Oktober 2000