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Have you ever heard the
story of Albert and Franz Durer? They were brothers who lived in
Germany and, although they were very poor, they both wanted to be
artists. So the younger one, Albert, said to Franz " I've an
idea"I'll work as a labourer and pay for your training. Then
when you're finished you can do the same for me " " Fine,"
said Franz. " But we'll do it my way. You go and study first
and I'll work." For he knew his brother's talents were far
greater than his own. So it was. For years Albert studied under the
fineStmasters of his day, while Franz toiled to pay the cost. At
laStAlbert returned and joyously greeted his brother. " Now
you'll be able to go, Franz," he cried. But silently Franz held
up his hands. Alas, they were no longer the hands of an artist, but
the hands of a workman ... so gnarled with years of labour that they
weren't even able to hold a pencil. Albert stared at them wordlessly
and put his arm round his brother's shoulders. With tears in his
eyes he said, " Franz, I can repay you in only one way - I
shall draw a picture that will speak to men's hearts - a picture of
these hands of sacrifice and love." Today, 400 years later, the
picture of the praying hands is, of course, known the world over -
immortalised in a brother's tribute.
From "The Friendship Book of Francis Gay", Saturday, AuguSt11th, 1962
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