In the 17th century, war raged between Denmark and Sweden. After a fierce battle, the Danish army emerged victorious. A Danish soldier sat down, preparing to drink water from his jug, when he suddenly heard a groan nearby. He looked over and saw a severely wounded Swedish soldier lying there, staring intently at his water jug.
“Your need is greater than mine,” the Danish soldier said. He walked over and offered the jug to the wounded man. However, the Swede suddenly thrust a spear at his savior. Fortunately, the blow was deflected, injuring only the soldier's arm.
“Hey! You repay me like that?” the Danish soldier exclaimed, “I was going to let you drink the whole jug, but now you'll only get half.”
Word of this incident eventually reached the King. He summoned the Danish soldier, asking why he had not killed the ungrateful man who had just attacked him. The soldier replied calmly, “I did not wish to kill a wounded man.”
This story reveals a different side of human nature: the capacity for forgiveness even after betrayal. This second act of mercy reflects a far greater and noble spirit.