The rich man and the cobbler
- 1. The rich man and the Cobbler The rich man and the Cobbler 1
- 2. The rich man and the Cobbler The rich man and the Cobbler Once, a certain young man inherited a fortune from his grandfather who had passed away. He became a very walthy man overnight. He never had to waork anymore. He lived in a very big house with a swimming pool and a tennis court. Every evening, he invited his frineds to his house for a party. They had a wonderful time eating, singing and dancing. Although he was rich, he always appeared to be sad. He did not smile or laugh for a long time. He could not sleep at night because he was worried that someone might steal his money. During the day, he could not sleep either, becasue of the singing and noises coming from the neighbour's house. 2
- 3. The rich man and the Cobbler His neighbour was a cobbler. Although he earned just enough to feed his family, he was a happy-go-lucky man. It was such a joy to see him singing or whistling while he was working till late at nigh. The rich man was irritated at the cobbler's singing. I have to go and shut him up! shouted the rich man angrily. On reaching the cobbler's house, the rich man asked, Mr Cobbler, seeing that you're working so hard, are you earning enough to feed your family? Enough, my frined, relied the cobbler. But no extra dor any saving. How sad! Said the rich man. You are an honest and hardworking man. Please accept this bag of gold coins as a gift from me. Thank you, Sir. You're very kind, said the cobbler with a big smile. Enough the rich man had left, 3
- 4. The rich man and the Cobbler the cobbler quickly kept the money in a cupboard. For the rest of the day, the cobbler could not work properly as him mind was on the bag of gold coins. There was no msre singing. At night, the cobbler could not sleep properly. He would repeatedly dream of someone stealing the money in the cupboard. Then he would wake up suddenly covered with sweat. I must hide the money elsewhere, thought the cobbler. He dug a hole under a mango tree behind his house, and hid the money there. The cobbler had become a changed man. He could not concentrate on his work and he could not sing anymore. At night, he could not sleep because he was worried that a cat or dog would dig up the bag of gold and hide it somewhere else. What should I do? Moaned the cobbler with anguish. Return the money? 4
- 5. The rich man and the Cobbler The next morining, the cobbler dug up the bag of gold and took it to the rich man's house. Sir, I'm here to return the bag of gold, said the cobbler. Ever since I received this money, I've been having sleepless nights and I could not work prorely. It has brought misery to me and my family. 5