Rantidev

Rantidev was a generous king of ancient India. According to an Indian mythological story, he gave away his riches every now and then. Having parted with all that he possessed, he and his family had to remain without food and water for full forty-eight days on one occasion. He did nothing to earn his livelihood and depended on whatever he got unasked. Prolonged starvation had reduced him to a skeleton and he was lying in a semi-conscious state with his wife and children, counting his days.

On the 49th day he got some rice boiled in milk, another sweet dish and water. He was just going to share it with his family when a stranger, who was a Brahman, appeared before him. The king gladly and devoutly gave away what was served before him to the Brahman, who dividing the rest among themselves was about to partake of his own share when another newcomer, who happened to be a Shudra, turned up. The king entertained the Shudra as well out of the stock he had in hand. In the meantime a low-born man came with his dogs and asked food for himself and his dogs. The king gave away the remaining food to these strangers.

He had now left with him water barely sufficient to slake the thirst of a single soul. As the king was about to quench his thirst thereby a pariah made his appearance and piteously begged for water. Moved by his entreaties King Rantidev parted even with his water and went without it himself.

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Ranulf de Glanvill, Ranz des Vaches, Rape of the Lock, Raphael, Raphael Holinshed, Raphael Sanzio Cavaliere Morghen