The merchant had four wives that he loved to varying degrees. When he fell ill and knew he was dying, he asked each wife to stay with him after death. The three wives he loved most and lavished with attention refused, while his neglected first wife, who truly loved him, agreed to follow him. This reflects how the things we pursue in life, like wealth and pleasure, abandon us when we die, while our character and virtues are what truly matter and accompany us thereafter.