THE GIPSY IN THE THORN-BUSH.
FROM THE GERMAN.
A rich man once hired a boy, who served him honestly and industriously; he was the first to rise in the morning, the last to go to bed at night, and never hesitated to perform even the disagreeable duties which fell to the share of others, but which they refused to do. His looks were always cheerful and contented, and he never was heard to murmur. When he had served a year, his master thought to himself, "If I pay him his wages he may go away; it will therefore be most prudent not to do so; I shall thereby save something, and he will stay." And so the boy worked another year, and, though no wages came, he said nothing and looked happy. At last the end of the third year arrived; the master felt in his pockets, but took nothing out; then the boy spoke.
"Master," said he, "I have served you honorably for three years; give me, I pray you, what I have justly earned. I wish to leave you, and see more of the world."
"My dear fellow," replied the niggard, "you have indeed served me faithfully, and you shall be generously rewarded."
So saying he searched his pockets again, and this time counted out three crown pieces.
"A crown," he said, "for each year; it is liberal; few masters would pay such wages."
The boy, who knew very little about money, was quite satisfied; he received his scanty pay, and determined now that his pockets were full, he would play. He set off therefore to see the world; up-hill and down-hill, he ran and sang to his heart's content; but presently, as he leaped a bush, a little man suddenly appeared before him.
"Whither away, Brother Merry?" asked the stranger, "your cares seem but a light burden to you!"
"Why should I be sad?" answered the boy, "when I have three years' wages in my pocket."