37 The Golden Rule

Chapter 37 of “Black Beauty” titled “The Golden Rule” narrates a significant event where Jerry Barker, the kind cab driver, chooses compassion and community service over his and his horse’s need for rest. The chapter begins in a light-toned setting with Polly, Jerry’s wife, informing him that Mrs. Briggs, a former regular customer, requests his cab services again after trying and being dissatisfied with other cabs. Mrs. Briggs had ceased using Jerry’s cab on Sundays, respecting his day of rest, but an unexpected situation arises that calls for Jerry’s services on a Sunday.

Polly reveals to Jerry that Dinah Brown is in urgent need of transportation to visit her gravely ill mother in the countryside. The distance and Dinah’s recent childbirth make it impossible for her to travel by train and walk the remainder of the way. Despite his initial reluctance due to the need for rest and the desire to keep his Sunday free from work, Jerry is moved by Polly’s appeal to the Golden Rule—treating others as one would wish to be treated. Polly’s persuasive argument highlights the moral weight of the decision, equating the act of helping Dinah to the religious principle of doing good on the Sabbath.

Polly’s compassionate reasoning and Jerry’s love for her and her values lead him to arrange for a lighter, more comfortable carriage than his usual cab, demonstrating his commitment to making the journey as smooth as possible for Dinah. They set off in a high-wheeled gig on a beautiful May day, with Jerry experiencing the freshness and peace of the countryside, reminiscent of his earlier days. The destination is a modest farmhouse nestled in a picturesque setting, where Jerry’s thoughtful act of service is gracefully received.

This chapter beautifully encapsulates the essence of selflessness and kindness through the lens of everyday life. Jerry’s decision, influenced by his wife’s wise and gentle counsel, exemplifies the “Golden Rule” of empathy and benevolence, reinforcing the narrative’s overarching themes of morality, the importance of rest and the Sabbath, and the profound human-animal bond shared between Jerry and Black Beauty.