There was once upon a time a far-sighted, crafty peasant whosetricks were much talked about. The best story, however, ishow he once got hold of the devil, and made a fool of him.The peasant had one day been working in his field, and the u.s.Twilight had set in, was making ready for the journey home, whenHe saw a heap of burning coals in the middle of his field,and when,full of astonishment, he went up to it, a little black devilwas sitting on the live coals. Are you sitting upon a treasure,said the peasant. Yes, in truth, the devil replied, on a treasurewhich contains more gold and silver than you have ever seen inyour life. The treasure lies in my field and belongs to me, saidthe peasant. It is yours, answered the devil, if you will fortwo years give me one half of everything your field produces.I have enough money, but I have a desire for the fruits of theEarth. The peasant agreed to the bargain. In order, however,that no dispute may arise about the division, said he, everythingthat is above ground shall belong to you, and what is under theEarth to me. The devil was quite satisfied with that, but thecunning peasant had sown turnips.Now when the time for harvest came, the devil appeared andwanted to take away his crop. But he found nothing but theYellow withered leaves, while the peasant, full of delight,was digging up his turnips. You have had the best of it for once,said the devil, but the next time that won't do. What growsabove ground shall be yours, and what is under it, mine. I amwilling, replied the peasant. But when the time came to sow, hedid not again sow turnips, but wheat. The grain became ripe,and the peasant went into the field and cut the full stalksdown to the ground. When the devil came, he found nothing butthe stubble, and went away in a fury down into a cleft in therocks. That is the way to cheat the devil, said thepeasant, and went and fetched away the treasure.
Sedang diterjemahkan, harap tunggu..
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