The walk

Every morning, Lao Tse went for a walk in the pure silence of dawn.
And he never wanted company, as he knew that people cannot be quiet and that would disturb his walk and the silence he experienced.
But Lao Tse’s neighbour did once dare to put in a request for a friend of his. He said: “Let him join you during your morning walk.
It seems such a lovely experience to him. And he has promised to be absolutely silent.”
Lao Tse agreed for this once. So the friend came along.
They walked on alongside each other without saying one word.
And they penetrated deeper into the woods.
Then they came to a lake that was surrounded by high trees, that were reflected in the water. The sun shone through the trees and fell in patterns on the water.
It was a fantastic sight. The friend’s jaw dropped and he shouted emotionally: “Oh, how beautiful!” Then he covered his mouth with his hand, as he remembered his promise. He was not going to say a word!
Lao Tse did not react and they returned home in silence.
At home Lao Tse said to his neighbour: “This was once but never again! Don’t ask me again to take your friend on my walks.
He talks too much!”