The Cobbler and the Banker
Béatrice Payet
Once upon a time a cobbler loved his trade so much that he sang all day while working, from dawn to dusk.
However, his very serious neighbour the banker only wanted peace and quiet while he was having a nap or counting up his money.
One day the banker marched over to the cobbler. “Here is a bag of gold,” he said. “You don’t have to work anymore for your living.”
The cobbler buried his gold and became obsessed with protecting his new fortune. Any noise was the sign of a robber, even the cat was now an enemy.
Eventually, he returned to the banker. “Here, take back your evil gift that I may return to my true self, my trade and my happiness.”
Le Savetier et le Financier
Beatrice Payet
Un joyeux savetier, heureux de son travail, chantait du matin jusqu’au soir. C’était merveille de l’entendre et merveille de le voir.
Cependant son sérieux voisin, un homme de finance, se plaignait de ne pouvoir dormir ou compter ses richesses en paix.
Il rendit visite au savetier, lui offrit un sac rempli d’or. Tenez, dit-il, voici de quoi tenir en cas de besoin
Le savetier enterra de suite sa fortune et devint soupçonneux de tout et tous, si le chat bougeait, c’est qu’il volait l’argent.
A la fin, n’en pouvant plus, il retourna chez le banquier. Reprenez votre cadeau empoisonné et rendez-moi ma joie de vivre et mes chansons.