Ivan’s wife said to him, “Don’t be offended, fine gentleman. My sister-in-law never lets any one sit at the table who hasn’t horny hands. In good time, when the others have finished, you shall get what is left.”
And the old Devil was hurt that in the King’s house they should want to feed him with the pigs. And he said to Ivan, “What a stupid custom there is in your kingdom that all people must work with their hands! I suppose you were too stupid to think of anything else. Do you think it’s only with the hands people work? Do you know what wise men work with?”
And Ivan said, “How are we fools to know; we work only with our hands and backs.”
“That is because you are fools. I will teach you how to work with the head, then you will know that it is more profitable than to work with the hands.”
Ivan wondered.
“Really! No wonder people call us fools!”
And the old Devil said, “Only it’s not easy to work with the head. You won’t give me any dinner because my hands are smooth, but you don’t know that it’s a hundred times harder to work with the head. Sometimes one’s head nearly splits.”
Ivan grew thoughtful.
“Why should you torture yourself so, my good man? Wouldn’t it be better to do the easier work with your hands and back?”
And the Devil said, “I torture myself because I pity you fools. If I were not to torture myself you would remain fools for ever. I have worked with the head and now I’m going to teach you.”