Martin Luther, that rough old reformer, tells a sharp little story about an abbot who turns away a beggar. The abbot blames others for not giving, but the beggar reminds him of two brothers who once lived in the abbey: Date (“Give!”) and Dabitur (“It shall be given”). When Date was plump and active, Dabitur thrived; when Date grew thin from neglect, Dabitur’s face went lenten too. If the abbot wants to see Dabitur healthy again, he has to fatten Date first—start giving, and receiving will follow. The abbot hangs his head in shame. Luther adds with a wink that the beggar might have been an angel. It’s a wry, earthy parable, amused but gently cutting, with a mood that’s both rustic and cunning—as if an old storyteller nudges you in the ribs with a moral.
The Twins — Summary
Grand rough old Martin Luther Bloomed fables-flowers on furze, The better the uncouther: Do roses stick like burrs?
A beggar asked an alms One day at an abbey-door, Said Luther; but, seized with qualms, The abbot replied, "We're poor!"
"Poor, who had plenty once, When gifts fell thick as rain: But they give us nought, for the nonce, And now should we give again?"
Then the beggar, "See your sins! Of old, unless I err, Ye had brothers for inmates, twins, Date and Dabitur.
"While Date was in good case Dabitur flourished too: For Dabitur's lenten face No wonder if Date rue.
"Would ye retrieve the one? Try and make plump the other! When Date's penance is done, Dabitur helps his brother.
"Only, beware relapse!" The Abbot hung his head. This beggar might be perhaps An angel, Luther said.