NCERT Textbook - Two Gentlemen of Verona | Literature Reader Class 10 PDF Download

 Page 1


CBSE
1 1
UNIT UNIT
Fiction
F. 1    Two Gentlemen Of Verona
A.J. Cronin
1 Verona: a city in Italy. Romeo and Juliet are believed to have lived there
3
1. What are the qualities of a "gentleman"?  Work with your partner and complete 
the following web-chart by listing the qualities of a gentleman. 
Does a gentleman have consideration for others and their feelings?
2. Based on your discussion above, what do you think the story is about?
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
3. Now read the story given below. Your teacher will use a variety of techniques for 
different parts of the story e.g.
Silent reading
One student reading aloud to the whole class
Students reading in small groups
Dramatised reading in small groups
TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA
1. As we drove through the foothills of the Alps two small boys stopped us on the outskirts 
1
of Verona . 
•
•
•
•
•
•
Qualities of a Gentleman
Courteous 
Page 2


CBSE
1 1
UNIT UNIT
Fiction
F. 1    Two Gentlemen Of Verona
A.J. Cronin
1 Verona: a city in Italy. Romeo and Juliet are believed to have lived there
3
1. What are the qualities of a "gentleman"?  Work with your partner and complete 
the following web-chart by listing the qualities of a gentleman. 
Does a gentleman have consideration for others and their feelings?
2. Based on your discussion above, what do you think the story is about?
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
3. Now read the story given below. Your teacher will use a variety of techniques for 
different parts of the story e.g.
Silent reading
One student reading aloud to the whole class
Students reading in small groups
Dramatised reading in small groups
TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA
1. As we drove through the foothills of the Alps two small boys stopped us on the outskirts 
1
of Verona . 
•
•
•
•
•
•
Qualities of a Gentleman
Courteous 
CBSE
Fiction
4
2 worn- old and damaged
3 tunic- a loose outer garment that does not 
have sleeves
2. They were selling wild strawberries. "Don't buy," warned 
Luigi, our cautious driver. "You will get fruit much better in 
Verona. Besides, these boys....."
3. He shrugged his shoulders to convey his disapproval of 
their shabby appearance.
2
4. One boy had on a worn jersey and cut-off khaki pants; the 
3
other a shortened army tunic gathered in loose folds 
about his skinny frame. Yet, gazing at the two little figures, 
with their brown skins, tangled hair and dark earnest eyes, 
we felt ourselves strangely attracted. My companion spoke 
to the boys, discovered that they were brothers. Nicola, the 
elder, was 13; Jacopo, who barely came up to the door 
handle of the car, was nearly 12. We bought their biggest 
basket, then set off toward town.
5. Next morning, coming out of our hotel, we saw our friends bent over shoeshine boxes 
beside the fountain in the public square, doing a brisk business.
6. We watched for a few moments; then as trade slackened we went over. They greeted us 
with friendly faces.
7. "I thought you picked fruit for a living," I said.
8. "We do many things, sir," Nicola answered seriously. He glanced at us hopefully. "Often 
4
we show visitors through the town ... to Juliet's tomb ... and other places of interest."
9. "All right," I smiled. "You take us along."
10. As we made the rounds, my interest was again provoked by their remarkable 
5 6
demeanour . They were childish enough, and in many ways quite artless . Jacopo 
was lively as a squirrel. Nicola's smile was steady and engaging. Yet in both these 
boyish faces there was a seriousness which was far beyond their years.
11. In the week which followed we saw them frequently, for they proved extremely useful to 
us. If we wanted a pack of American cigarettes, or seats for the opera or the name of a 
good restaurant, Nicola and Jacopo could be relied upon to satisfy our needs.
12. What struck one most was their willingness to work. During these summer days, under 
the hot sun, they shined shoes, sold fruit, hawked newspapers, conducted tourists 
round the town, and ran errands.
4 Juliet's tomb- the place where Juliet, the 
woman Romeo loved, was buried. Romeo 
and Juliet is a play written by Shakespeare.
5 demeanour- appearance and behaviour
6 artless- guileless; innocent
Page 3


CBSE
1 1
UNIT UNIT
Fiction
F. 1    Two Gentlemen Of Verona
A.J. Cronin
1 Verona: a city in Italy. Romeo and Juliet are believed to have lived there
3
1. What are the qualities of a "gentleman"?  Work with your partner and complete 
the following web-chart by listing the qualities of a gentleman. 
Does a gentleman have consideration for others and their feelings?
2. Based on your discussion above, what do you think the story is about?
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
3. Now read the story given below. Your teacher will use a variety of techniques for 
different parts of the story e.g.
Silent reading
One student reading aloud to the whole class
Students reading in small groups
Dramatised reading in small groups
TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA
1. As we drove through the foothills of the Alps two small boys stopped us on the outskirts 
1
of Verona . 
•
•
•
•
•
•
Qualities of a Gentleman
Courteous 
CBSE
Fiction
4
2 worn- old and damaged
3 tunic- a loose outer garment that does not 
have sleeves
2. They were selling wild strawberries. "Don't buy," warned 
Luigi, our cautious driver. "You will get fruit much better in 
Verona. Besides, these boys....."
3. He shrugged his shoulders to convey his disapproval of 
their shabby appearance.
2
4. One boy had on a worn jersey and cut-off khaki pants; the 
3
other a shortened army tunic gathered in loose folds 
about his skinny frame. Yet, gazing at the two little figures, 
with their brown skins, tangled hair and dark earnest eyes, 
we felt ourselves strangely attracted. My companion spoke 
to the boys, discovered that they were brothers. Nicola, the 
elder, was 13; Jacopo, who barely came up to the door 
handle of the car, was nearly 12. We bought their biggest 
basket, then set off toward town.
5. Next morning, coming out of our hotel, we saw our friends bent over shoeshine boxes 
beside the fountain in the public square, doing a brisk business.
6. We watched for a few moments; then as trade slackened we went over. They greeted us 
with friendly faces.
7. "I thought you picked fruit for a living," I said.
8. "We do many things, sir," Nicola answered seriously. He glanced at us hopefully. "Often 
4
we show visitors through the town ... to Juliet's tomb ... and other places of interest."
9. "All right," I smiled. "You take us along."
10. As we made the rounds, my interest was again provoked by their remarkable 
5 6
demeanour . They were childish enough, and in many ways quite artless . Jacopo 
was lively as a squirrel. Nicola's smile was steady and engaging. Yet in both these 
boyish faces there was a seriousness which was far beyond their years.
11. In the week which followed we saw them frequently, for they proved extremely useful to 
us. If we wanted a pack of American cigarettes, or seats for the opera or the name of a 
good restaurant, Nicola and Jacopo could be relied upon to satisfy our needs.
12. What struck one most was their willingness to work. During these summer days, under 
the hot sun, they shined shoes, sold fruit, hawked newspapers, conducted tourists 
round the town, and ran errands.
4 Juliet's tomb- the place where Juliet, the 
woman Romeo loved, was buried. Romeo 
and Juliet is a play written by Shakespeare.
5 demeanour- appearance and behaviour
6 artless- guileless; innocent
CBSE
Fiction
5
13. One night, we came upon them in the windy and deserted square, resting on the stone 
pavement beneath the lights.
14. Nicola sat upright, tired. A bundle of unsold newspapers lay at his feet. Jacopo, his head 
resting upon his brother's shoulder was asleep. It was nearly midnight.
15. "Why are you out so late, Nicola?"
16. "Waiting for the last bus from Padua. We shall sell all our papers when it comes in."
17. "Must you work so hard? You both look rather tired."
18. "We are not complaining, sir."
19. But next morning, when I went over to the fountain to have my shoes shined, I said, 
"Nicola, the way you and Jacopo work, you must earn quite a bit. You spend nothing on 
clothes. You eat little enough --- when I see you have a meal it's usually black bread and 
figs. Tell me, what do you do with your money?"
20. He coloured deeply under his sunburn, then grew pale. He looked to the ground.
21. "You must be saving up to emigrate to America," I suggested. He looked at me 
sideways, spoke with an effort.
22. "We should greatly like to go to the States. But here, at present, we have other plans."
23. "What plans?"
24. He smiled uncomfortably. "Just plans, sir," he answered in a low voice.
25. "Well," I said, "we're leaving on Monday. Is there anything I can do for you before we 
go?"
26. Nicola shook his head, but suddenly Jacopo said, "Sir," he burst out, "every Sunday we 
make a visit to the country, to Poleta, 30 kilometres from here. Usually we hire bicycles. 
But tomorrow, since you are so kind, you might send us in your car."
27. I had already told Luigi he might have the Sunday off. However, I answered, "I'll drive 
you out myself."
28. There was a pause. Nicola was glaring at his young brother in vexation. "We could not 
think of troubling you, sir."
29. "It won't be any trouble."
7
30. He bit his lip, then, in a rather put out tone, he said, "Very well."
31. The following afternoon we drove to the tiny village set high upon the hillside. I imagined 
that our destinations would be some humble dwellings. But, directed by Jacopo, we 
drew up at a large red-roofed villa, surrounded by a high stone wall. I could scarcely 
believe my eyes and before I could recover breath my two passengers had leaped from 
the car.
7 put out : offended; annoyed
Page 4


CBSE
1 1
UNIT UNIT
Fiction
F. 1    Two Gentlemen Of Verona
A.J. Cronin
1 Verona: a city in Italy. Romeo and Juliet are believed to have lived there
3
1. What are the qualities of a "gentleman"?  Work with your partner and complete 
the following web-chart by listing the qualities of a gentleman. 
Does a gentleman have consideration for others and their feelings?
2. Based on your discussion above, what do you think the story is about?
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
3. Now read the story given below. Your teacher will use a variety of techniques for 
different parts of the story e.g.
Silent reading
One student reading aloud to the whole class
Students reading in small groups
Dramatised reading in small groups
TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA
1. As we drove through the foothills of the Alps two small boys stopped us on the outskirts 
1
of Verona . 
•
•
•
•
•
•
Qualities of a Gentleman
Courteous 
CBSE
Fiction
4
2 worn- old and damaged
3 tunic- a loose outer garment that does not 
have sleeves
2. They were selling wild strawberries. "Don't buy," warned 
Luigi, our cautious driver. "You will get fruit much better in 
Verona. Besides, these boys....."
3. He shrugged his shoulders to convey his disapproval of 
their shabby appearance.
2
4. One boy had on a worn jersey and cut-off khaki pants; the 
3
other a shortened army tunic gathered in loose folds 
about his skinny frame. Yet, gazing at the two little figures, 
with their brown skins, tangled hair and dark earnest eyes, 
we felt ourselves strangely attracted. My companion spoke 
to the boys, discovered that they were brothers. Nicola, the 
elder, was 13; Jacopo, who barely came up to the door 
handle of the car, was nearly 12. We bought their biggest 
basket, then set off toward town.
5. Next morning, coming out of our hotel, we saw our friends bent over shoeshine boxes 
beside the fountain in the public square, doing a brisk business.
6. We watched for a few moments; then as trade slackened we went over. They greeted us 
with friendly faces.
7. "I thought you picked fruit for a living," I said.
8. "We do many things, sir," Nicola answered seriously. He glanced at us hopefully. "Often 
4
we show visitors through the town ... to Juliet's tomb ... and other places of interest."
9. "All right," I smiled. "You take us along."
10. As we made the rounds, my interest was again provoked by their remarkable 
5 6
demeanour . They were childish enough, and in many ways quite artless . Jacopo 
was lively as a squirrel. Nicola's smile was steady and engaging. Yet in both these 
boyish faces there was a seriousness which was far beyond their years.
11. In the week which followed we saw them frequently, for they proved extremely useful to 
us. If we wanted a pack of American cigarettes, or seats for the opera or the name of a 
good restaurant, Nicola and Jacopo could be relied upon to satisfy our needs.
12. What struck one most was their willingness to work. During these summer days, under 
the hot sun, they shined shoes, sold fruit, hawked newspapers, conducted tourists 
round the town, and ran errands.
4 Juliet's tomb- the place where Juliet, the 
woman Romeo loved, was buried. Romeo 
and Juliet is a play written by Shakespeare.
5 demeanour- appearance and behaviour
6 artless- guileless; innocent
CBSE
Fiction
5
13. One night, we came upon them in the windy and deserted square, resting on the stone 
pavement beneath the lights.
14. Nicola sat upright, tired. A bundle of unsold newspapers lay at his feet. Jacopo, his head 
resting upon his brother's shoulder was asleep. It was nearly midnight.
15. "Why are you out so late, Nicola?"
16. "Waiting for the last bus from Padua. We shall sell all our papers when it comes in."
17. "Must you work so hard? You both look rather tired."
18. "We are not complaining, sir."
19. But next morning, when I went over to the fountain to have my shoes shined, I said, 
"Nicola, the way you and Jacopo work, you must earn quite a bit. You spend nothing on 
clothes. You eat little enough --- when I see you have a meal it's usually black bread and 
figs. Tell me, what do you do with your money?"
20. He coloured deeply under his sunburn, then grew pale. He looked to the ground.
21. "You must be saving up to emigrate to America," I suggested. He looked at me 
sideways, spoke with an effort.
22. "We should greatly like to go to the States. But here, at present, we have other plans."
23. "What plans?"
24. He smiled uncomfortably. "Just plans, sir," he answered in a low voice.
25. "Well," I said, "we're leaving on Monday. Is there anything I can do for you before we 
go?"
26. Nicola shook his head, but suddenly Jacopo said, "Sir," he burst out, "every Sunday we 
make a visit to the country, to Poleta, 30 kilometres from here. Usually we hire bicycles. 
But tomorrow, since you are so kind, you might send us in your car."
27. I had already told Luigi he might have the Sunday off. However, I answered, "I'll drive 
you out myself."
28. There was a pause. Nicola was glaring at his young brother in vexation. "We could not 
think of troubling you, sir."
29. "It won't be any trouble."
7
30. He bit his lip, then, in a rather put out tone, he said, "Very well."
31. The following afternoon we drove to the tiny village set high upon the hillside. I imagined 
that our destinations would be some humble dwellings. But, directed by Jacopo, we 
drew up at a large red-roofed villa, surrounded by a high stone wall. I could scarcely 
believe my eyes and before I could recover breath my two passengers had leaped from 
the car.
7 put out : offended; annoyed
CBSE
Fiction
8 vestibule : lobby
32. "We shall not be long, sir. Perhaps only an hour. May be you'd like to go to the cafe in the 
village for a drink?" They disappeared beyond the corner of the wall.
33. After a few minutes I followed. I found a grilled side-entrance and, determinedly, rang 
the bell.
34. A pleasant-looking woman with steel-rimmed spectacles appeared. I blinked as I saw 
that she was dressed in the white uniform of a trained nurse.
35. "I just brought two small boys here."
36. "Ah, yes." Her face lit up; she opened the door to admit me. "Nicola and Jacopo. I will 
take you up."
37. She led me through a 
8
cool, tiled vestibule into 
the hospital --- for hospital 
the villa had become. At 
the door of a little cubicle 
the nurse paused, put her 
finger to her lips, and with 
a smile bade me look 
t h r o u g h t h e g l a s s 
partition.
38. The two boys were seated 
at the bedside of a girl of 
a b o u t t w e n t y w h o , 
propped up on pillows, wearing a pretty lace jacket, was listening to their chatter, her 
eyes soft and tender. One could see at a glance her resemblance to her brothers. A 
vase of wild flowers stood on her table, beside a dish of fruit and several books.
39. "Won't you go in?" the nurse murmured. "Lucia will be pleased to see you."
40. I shook my head and turned away. I felt I could not bear to intrude upon this happy family 
party. But at the foot of the staircase I drew up and begged her to tell me all she knew 
about these boys.
41. She was eager to do so. They were, she explained, quite alone in the world, except for 
this sister, Lucia. Their father, a widower, a well-known singer, had been killed in the 
early part of the war. Shortly afterward a bomb had destroyed their home and thrown the 
three children into the streets. They had always known a comfortable and cultured life --
- Lucia had herself been training as a singer --- and they had suffered horribly from near 
starvation and exposure to the cold winter.
6
Page 5


CBSE
1 1
UNIT UNIT
Fiction
F. 1    Two Gentlemen Of Verona
A.J. Cronin
1 Verona: a city in Italy. Romeo and Juliet are believed to have lived there
3
1. What are the qualities of a "gentleman"?  Work with your partner and complete 
the following web-chart by listing the qualities of a gentleman. 
Does a gentleman have consideration for others and their feelings?
2. Based on your discussion above, what do you think the story is about?
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
3. Now read the story given below. Your teacher will use a variety of techniques for 
different parts of the story e.g.
Silent reading
One student reading aloud to the whole class
Students reading in small groups
Dramatised reading in small groups
TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA
1. As we drove through the foothills of the Alps two small boys stopped us on the outskirts 
1
of Verona . 
•
•
•
•
•
•
Qualities of a Gentleman
Courteous 
CBSE
Fiction
4
2 worn- old and damaged
3 tunic- a loose outer garment that does not 
have sleeves
2. They were selling wild strawberries. "Don't buy," warned 
Luigi, our cautious driver. "You will get fruit much better in 
Verona. Besides, these boys....."
3. He shrugged his shoulders to convey his disapproval of 
their shabby appearance.
2
4. One boy had on a worn jersey and cut-off khaki pants; the 
3
other a shortened army tunic gathered in loose folds 
about his skinny frame. Yet, gazing at the two little figures, 
with their brown skins, tangled hair and dark earnest eyes, 
we felt ourselves strangely attracted. My companion spoke 
to the boys, discovered that they were brothers. Nicola, the 
elder, was 13; Jacopo, who barely came up to the door 
handle of the car, was nearly 12. We bought their biggest 
basket, then set off toward town.
5. Next morning, coming out of our hotel, we saw our friends bent over shoeshine boxes 
beside the fountain in the public square, doing a brisk business.
6. We watched for a few moments; then as trade slackened we went over. They greeted us 
with friendly faces.
7. "I thought you picked fruit for a living," I said.
8. "We do many things, sir," Nicola answered seriously. He glanced at us hopefully. "Often 
4
we show visitors through the town ... to Juliet's tomb ... and other places of interest."
9. "All right," I smiled. "You take us along."
10. As we made the rounds, my interest was again provoked by their remarkable 
5 6
demeanour . They were childish enough, and in many ways quite artless . Jacopo 
was lively as a squirrel. Nicola's smile was steady and engaging. Yet in both these 
boyish faces there was a seriousness which was far beyond their years.
11. In the week which followed we saw them frequently, for they proved extremely useful to 
us. If we wanted a pack of American cigarettes, or seats for the opera or the name of a 
good restaurant, Nicola and Jacopo could be relied upon to satisfy our needs.
12. What struck one most was their willingness to work. During these summer days, under 
the hot sun, they shined shoes, sold fruit, hawked newspapers, conducted tourists 
round the town, and ran errands.
4 Juliet's tomb- the place where Juliet, the 
woman Romeo loved, was buried. Romeo 
and Juliet is a play written by Shakespeare.
5 demeanour- appearance and behaviour
6 artless- guileless; innocent
CBSE
Fiction
5
13. One night, we came upon them in the windy and deserted square, resting on the stone 
pavement beneath the lights.
14. Nicola sat upright, tired. A bundle of unsold newspapers lay at his feet. Jacopo, his head 
resting upon his brother's shoulder was asleep. It was nearly midnight.
15. "Why are you out so late, Nicola?"
16. "Waiting for the last bus from Padua. We shall sell all our papers when it comes in."
17. "Must you work so hard? You both look rather tired."
18. "We are not complaining, sir."
19. But next morning, when I went over to the fountain to have my shoes shined, I said, 
"Nicola, the way you and Jacopo work, you must earn quite a bit. You spend nothing on 
clothes. You eat little enough --- when I see you have a meal it's usually black bread and 
figs. Tell me, what do you do with your money?"
20. He coloured deeply under his sunburn, then grew pale. He looked to the ground.
21. "You must be saving up to emigrate to America," I suggested. He looked at me 
sideways, spoke with an effort.
22. "We should greatly like to go to the States. But here, at present, we have other plans."
23. "What plans?"
24. He smiled uncomfortably. "Just plans, sir," he answered in a low voice.
25. "Well," I said, "we're leaving on Monday. Is there anything I can do for you before we 
go?"
26. Nicola shook his head, but suddenly Jacopo said, "Sir," he burst out, "every Sunday we 
make a visit to the country, to Poleta, 30 kilometres from here. Usually we hire bicycles. 
But tomorrow, since you are so kind, you might send us in your car."
27. I had already told Luigi he might have the Sunday off. However, I answered, "I'll drive 
you out myself."
28. There was a pause. Nicola was glaring at his young brother in vexation. "We could not 
think of troubling you, sir."
29. "It won't be any trouble."
7
30. He bit his lip, then, in a rather put out tone, he said, "Very well."
31. The following afternoon we drove to the tiny village set high upon the hillside. I imagined 
that our destinations would be some humble dwellings. But, directed by Jacopo, we 
drew up at a large red-roofed villa, surrounded by a high stone wall. I could scarcely 
believe my eyes and before I could recover breath my two passengers had leaped from 
the car.
7 put out : offended; annoyed
CBSE
Fiction
8 vestibule : lobby
32. "We shall not be long, sir. Perhaps only an hour. May be you'd like to go to the cafe in the 
village for a drink?" They disappeared beyond the corner of the wall.
33. After a few minutes I followed. I found a grilled side-entrance and, determinedly, rang 
the bell.
34. A pleasant-looking woman with steel-rimmed spectacles appeared. I blinked as I saw 
that she was dressed in the white uniform of a trained nurse.
35. "I just brought two small boys here."
36. "Ah, yes." Her face lit up; she opened the door to admit me. "Nicola and Jacopo. I will 
take you up."
37. She led me through a 
8
cool, tiled vestibule into 
the hospital --- for hospital 
the villa had become. At 
the door of a little cubicle 
the nurse paused, put her 
finger to her lips, and with 
a smile bade me look 
t h r o u g h t h e g l a s s 
partition.
38. The two boys were seated 
at the bedside of a girl of 
a b o u t t w e n t y w h o , 
propped up on pillows, wearing a pretty lace jacket, was listening to their chatter, her 
eyes soft and tender. One could see at a glance her resemblance to her brothers. A 
vase of wild flowers stood on her table, beside a dish of fruit and several books.
39. "Won't you go in?" the nurse murmured. "Lucia will be pleased to see you."
40. I shook my head and turned away. I felt I could not bear to intrude upon this happy family 
party. But at the foot of the staircase I drew up and begged her to tell me all she knew 
about these boys.
41. She was eager to do so. They were, she explained, quite alone in the world, except for 
this sister, Lucia. Their father, a widower, a well-known singer, had been killed in the 
early part of the war. Shortly afterward a bomb had destroyed their home and thrown the 
three children into the streets. They had always known a comfortable and cultured life --
- Lucia had herself been training as a singer --- and they had suffered horribly from near 
starvation and exposure to the cold winter.
6
CBSE
Fiction
7
42. For months they had barely kept themselves alive in a sort of shelter they built with their 
own hands amidst the rubble. Then for three years the Germans ruled the city. The boys 
grew to hate the Germans. When the resistance movement began secretly to form they 
were among the first to join. When the war was over, and we had peace at last, they 
came back to their beloved sister. And they found her ......suffering from tuberculosis of 
the spine."
43. She paused, took a quick breath.
44. "Did they give up? I do not have to answer that question. They brought her here, 
persuaded us to take her into the hospital. In the twelve months she has been our 
patient she has made good progress. There is every hope that one day she will walk - 
and sing - again."
9
45. "Of course, everything is so difficult now, food so scarce and dear, we could not keep 
going unless we charged a fee. But every week, Lucia's brothers have made their 
payment." She added simply, "I don't know what they do, I do not ask. Work is scarce in 
Verona. But whatever it is, I know they do it well."
46. "Yes," I agreed. "They couldn't do it better."
47. I waited outside until the boys rejoined me, then drove them back to the city. They sat 
beside me, not speaking. For my part, I did not say a word --- I knew they would prefer to 
feel that they had safely kept their secret. Yet their devotion had touched me deeply. 
War had not broken their spirit. Their selfless action brought a new nobility to human life, 
gave promise of a greater hope for human society.
About the author
A.J. Cronin (1896-1974) was a doctor by training. He practised medicine in 
Wales and in London. It was while recovering from a breakdown in health that 
he wrote his first novel Hatter's Castle. It was a huge success. Cronin gave up 
practising medicine and took to writing as a career. He wrote a number of 
novels and short stories. Among his best-known novels are The Citadel, The 
Key of the Kingdom, and The Spanish Gardener. Some of his novels have 
been made into successful films. The title of the story is that of one of the early 
plays of Shakespeare. The story recounts the hard life chosen by two young 
boys so that they could pay for the treatment of their sister afflicted with 
tuberculosis. The boys' sacrifice, their sincerity and devotion to the cause and 
the maturity they display in their actions gives a new hope for humanity.
9 scarce : not enough