TWO PEASANTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 303, 14 March 1928, Page 6

TWO PEASANTS

A poor labourer once pulled from his humble little garden a very large turnip. In fact, it was so great in size that the peasats from near and far came to take a look at this wonderful turnip. “I will present it to my noble landlord,” said the labourer. “It pleases him to see that our fields and gardens are well cared for.” So, the good man carried the great turnip to his master’s castle. That nobleman was highly pleased. He praised the man’s industry, thanked him for his good will, and to all this he added three ducats. Another peasant, who was rich and very covetous heard of his poor neighbour’s fortune and said: “I’ll go right away and make the noble master a present of a fine calf. If he gives three gold pieces for a common turnip, think what I shall get for a fine, fat calf!” So, the rich peasant led the calf to his master’s mansion and begged him to accept it as a present. This nobleman w T as wise as well as kind, and understood quite well why this peasant behaved so generously. He declined politely to take the calf. the scheming fellow continued P ress him not to despise such a trifling gift. At last the wise nobleman said:— “Well, since you insist, I will accept your gift; and, as you are so generous with me, I must not let you find me less liberal than you. I will, therefore, make you a present, too, which cost me three times as much as your calf is worth.”

So saying, he presented the astonished and uncomfortable peasant with tne famous turnip.