Story Gold and the Rats: adaptation of the Indian fable.
Many years ago there lived a rich cloth merchant in India.
He sold fabrics so soft and exquisite that they were sought after by the most important ladies in the country and, therefore, he was forced to travel often.
His home was big and safe, but the man was a little worried. It was rumored that there were thieves lurking around the neighborhood lately and he was feeling uneasy. What if they broke into him while he was away? Before leaving, he went to his best friend’s house to ask her for a big favor.
– Friend, as you know, I have to go and I’m afraid that thieves will break into my house and steal my box of gold coins. They are all the savings I have! I come to ask you to keep it because you are the person I trust the most.
– Of course! Go calmly and I will keep it safe until you return.
The merchant went on a trip, did his business and a week later returned to the town. The first thing he did was stop by his friend’s house.
– Hello! I just arrived and I’m coming to pick up the box of coins.
– Welcome! I’m glad to see you but… I’m afraid I have bad news for you – she said in a tone
– As? What’s happening? Has something gone wrong?…
– Well, the truth is that no… I kept the coins that you gave me inside a locked chest, but the rats came, made a hole in it… and ate the gold!
Obviously, the merchant did not believe such nonsense and knew that he was deceiving him to keep his money. He made a sad face and pretended that he had swallowed the story.
– Oh, no… How horrible! – She said crying and covering her face – This is my ruin! A whole life working for nothing… But don’t worry, I know it’s not your fault but those damn rats.
The friend listened to his cries in silence and with a sad face. The merchant continued speaking.
– Anyway… I’ll see how I can get out of this misfortune!… Despite everything, I want to thank you for the favor you’ve done me and tomorrow I’m going to prepare a delicious barbecue. I would like to invite you to lunch. Is one o’clock okay?
The friend happily accepted and, with a malicious smile, said goodbye thinking that now he was the rich one. The move had been perfect!
But the merchant, who was not a fool at all, did not take the road home but secretly entered the swindler’s stable and took his horse. When he arrived at his house, he hid him, ready to teach him a good lesson.
The next day, just as I expected, there was a knock at the door. She was his friend.
– Welcome to my house. The food is ready! But… What’s wrong with you? You seem very upset…
– Yes that’s how it is. Last night someone broke into the stable and stole my horse. It was a purebred steed, the best there was in the entire region. Its value is incalculable!
– Maybe – the merchant responded thoughtfully – the owl has taken it.
– The owl?…
– Yes, the owl! – She repeated, trying to be credible – Last night I looked out the window and with my own eyes, I saw an owl flying near the clouds, carrying a horse between its legs.
– Nonsense! How is a small owl going to hold a huge horse? That’s impossible!
– No… Yes, it is possible! If rats eat gold, why do you find it strange that owls can hold horses in the air?
The friend took the hint. He realized that the merchant had caught the rats’ lie and intended to embarrass him. Red as a tomato, he confessed everything and promised to return the coins. The merchant, who was a good and noble man, forgave him and served him a plate of juicy meat and a glass of wine. Afterwards, he went to the stable to get his friend’s horse and each one kept what was theirs.
Moral: If you try to fool someone, they may end up fooling you. Never do to others what you don’t like them to do to you.