A Gift From The Heart

Once upon a time there lived three brothers. They decided to travel around the world and work. While they were on their way, they quarelled a lot. Luckily, they reached a crossroads and the eldest brother suggested: "Let's part here! I will go to the right. You," he told his younger brother, "will go to the left. And you," he turned, pointing towards the youngest, "you'll take the middle path. In three years time, we'll meet each other here, at this crossroads. Let's meet on St. Dimitri's Day ( click for an explanation ). Then, we'll see how much we've earned and we'll go home."

"OK! Let's do as you say," said the other two and they all parted.

The eldest brother reached a town, became a baker and for three years earned lots of money. He had a purse full of gold. The second brother opened a tavern near a bridge. He worked hard and sold wine to thirsty travellers. Then he started cheating. He mixed the wine with water and sold that until his pockets were full of money.

The youngest brother was hired by a good, old shepherd.

Three years passed. The young man went to the shepherd to take his wages. The shepherd counted the money and put it on one side. Then, he took three walnuts out of his sash and put them on the other side.

He said, "I am old and ill. I can't run after the sheep anymore. Thank God I found you! If you hadn't kept my herd, it would have died. Thank you! This is what you've earned for three years. You can either take the money or these three walnuts. But you should know, before you choose, that money is like fire - you can easily burn yourself with it. As for the walnuts, I give them away with all my heart. They would not be proper pay but a gift. You can choose - either take the money or the walnuts."

The young man took the walnuts saying, "I'll take the walnuts. They are a gift that comes with love." He parted with the old man.

The three brothers met at the crossroad on St. Dimitri's Day exactly as agreed. The eldest stated,look what I've earned!" He proudly took out his purse and showed it to his brothers. His younger brother took out another purse. "Good!" exclaimed the eldest. They both had plenty of money.

Go To Page: 1 2 3

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic