This story took place a long, long time ago, back when the Roman Empire still existed. It was there that the events we still remember today are said to have taken place, one cold, frosty day. It’s the story of a brave and kind knight, whose name was Martin. Listen carefully and you’ll find out why people still remember that brave knight today.
Martin wasn’t really famous, nor was he a great hero. He was just an ordinary Roman soldier. However, he had a good, kind heart, and whenever someone needed help, he was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand. It didn’t matter whether it was someone he knew and loved, or someone he had never met before.
One cold evening, Martin was returning from a trip. Sitting astride his faithful horse, he was trotting steadily towards the city gates. The freezing rain and wind were getting under his skin, and he huddled into his soldier’s cloak to try to keep himself a bit warmer. His red cloak shone into the distance like a bright lantern. The strong wind fanned it just as it would fan the flames of a torch.
As Martin arrived at the city gates, he caught sight of a poor beggar sitting on the ground. He had only thin, ragged clothes on him, and was shivering with cold. His frost-bitten hands were stretched out in front of him: “Help for this poor man!” he cried in a hoarse voice. The riders ahead of Martin had simply passed by without a word or turned their heads away. They had pretended not to see the beggar.
But merciful Martin couldn’t bear the sight of the man in need. He was the only one who stopped and paid…
