Simple John

Simple John had served his master, a cowkeeper, for seven years, when

the latter being overwhelmed by misfortunes was obliged to dismiss his

servants. Having no money with which to reward John for his faithful

service, he proposed to give him the one remaining horse in his stables.

John, who had sometimes driven in the horses from the field on Sunday

evenings when the grooms were at the inn, jumped for joy at the

suggestion. He thanked his master with all his heart, and led the beast

from the stable. He set out on his journey home to his parents’ hut,

singing:

“You set out on foot, you return on horseback.”

In about half an hour he reached a cross-road, where he saw a peasant

with a cow harnessed to a plough working in his field.

“What a strange and useful beast,” thought John, as he pulled up his

horse. “Tell me, man,” he cried to the peasant, “is that animal strong

enough for such hard work?”

“If she chooses,” replied the other. “I wager she can pull as well as

the best horse, and not only can she draw the plough, but she gives

milk, which my wife churns into excellent cheeses,

that make one’s mouth water. If one day we wish to get rid of her we

shall take her to the Brussels market, and any one will be pleased to

give us a bag of silver for her.”

“Good gracious,” said John, “my mother should certainly have such a

wonderful beast, but as it would cost a bag of silver, I am afraid we

shall never have one. If only I could exchange my horse for one!--but no

one would do so.”

“Oho,” thought the peasant, who already scented a bargain, “a horse in

exchange for my old worn-out cow, that would be splendid. Listen to me,

my friend,” he continued; “as you seem such a good fellow I am willing

to give you my cow in exchange for your horse. Tell me you are not

joking, and that the horse really belongs to you?”

“Certainly,” answered John, “to whom should it belong? I have served the

same master for seven years, and have received this horse in lieu of

wages.”

John was in the seventh heaven. “How pleased my mother will be,” he

cried, and went on his way without further delay.

Soon after his path lay between two fields of ripe corn; suddenly a

strange sound arrested him, “Ugh, ugh,” and immediately afterwards a

farm hand came in sight with a willow twig in his hand, driving a pig

down the winding path.

“Well, well,” said John, “what a pretty creature, what funny, roguish

eyes, and what a curious corkscrew tail! Tell me what that pretty beast

is called.”

“This one?” said the boy. “Tell me first what you call the animal you

are leading, and then I will tell you what kind of pig mine is.”

“It is a cow,” said John. “She gives milk, which is churned into

cheeses. I bought it for nothing. I only gave my horse, which I received

as reward for seven years’ service.”

“Good,” replied the other. “You only gave a horse in exchange for your

cow. Well, my beast makes its owner’s fortune, and is certainly worth

more than a cow. If he finds something to nibble he rapidly becomes as

fat as butter. Then he is slaughtered and cut open. It is incredible

what comes out of him: liver, kidneys, ears, trotters, sausages,

black-puddings, ham, bacon, and carbonades. You can make brushes with

his bristles. Of course such an animal costs more than a foolish cow.”

“Oh, dear!” sighed John, when he heard this, “that is a lot of money. It

is quite beyond the likes of me.”

“Listen,” said the other; “as you seem so anxious to have the

animal--well, because it is you, and to give you pleasure, I will

exchange it for your cow.”

“Hurrah!” cried John, “mother will be pleased.” He was more overjoyed

than ever. Then he went on his way, driving the pig.

He soon reached the outskirts of the village, and was at once startled

by a hoarse voice, which cried unceasingly:

“Any knives or scissors to grind.”

Whrr, whrrr. John drew near and was struck dumb with amazement when he

saw a wonderful machine, whirring round, at which a man was seated,

shouting as he worked.

“Well,” said the man, “you are looking so attentively at my grindstone;

would you like to learn the trade?”

“Isn’t it too difficult?” said John.

“Not really difficult; a clever boy like you would learn in no time.

Yes, yes, my lad, it is a merry trade, and pays well. If you know your

job, your grindstone works unceasingly and turns merrily all day long.

Ah, my lad, if grindstones were not so expensive, every one would be

able to earn a living.”

“Oh,” said John, “are these stones so dear? What did the one you are

using cost?”

“Half a dozen pigs would pay for it. If you would like one, I have

another which I would give you for your pig, in which case your fortune

is made.” He showed him a fine large grindstone which lay at the bottom

of his cart.

“My fortune is made,” said John; “I will willingly give my pig in

exchange for this stone.”

He shouldered the stone and walked on. Unfortunately it was very heavy,

and being very hot, John stooped down to drink at a stream without

putting down his load. He managed very well, when suddenly the stone

slipped and fell into deep water.

“Everything considered,” said John, “it is just as well it has happened;

the weight was breaking my back, and I shall be home all the sooner.”

He shouted joyously and ran towards the house.

“Little mother,” he cried, “I have had great luck; I exchanged a horse

for a cow, a cow for a pig, and a pig for a grindstone. The stone was

very heavy, and I lost it. Now I have nothing to carry, nothing to look

after. Mother, I am the happiest John in the whole world.”