Log24

The Stonecutter

Once upon a time there was a stone cutter who went to a high rock every day and broke stones out of it. He sold these stones for tombstones and doorsteps, and since he knew his job and the stones he offered for sale were always very carefully worked, he always found buyers for them. True, his merit was small and his burden great, but he was content for a long time and desired nothing more.

There was a legend that where he worked there lived a great mountain spirit who sometimes appeared to people and would help them to get ahead; but he had not yet discovered anything about the mountain spirit and always shook his head in disbelief when the subject was spoken of.

Once, however, when the stone cutter delivered a tombstone to a rich man and saw how nicely he lived and on what a precious bed he slept, he cried out during his hard work, which made his brow sweat, "Oh If only I were a rich man I wouldn't have to worry so much and I could sleep on a bed with red silk curtains and golden tassels!"

Scarcely had he spoken the words than a voice sounded through the air, calling to him . . . .

(Translated by Google from the German.)