The Horse, the Tablecloth and the Horn

A young farmer lived in a village and grew peas. Every year, he left part of the harvest for the birds and field mice. One day, a crane flew down to his field…

A young farmer lived in a village and grew peas. Every year, he left part of the harvest for the birds and field mice. One day, a crane flew down to his field and carefully pecked a few peas from the outermost bed. Instead of chasing the bird away, the farmer filled a whole bowl with peas. The crane thanked him and said, “For your generosity, I will show you three kind wonders.”

The next morning, a pale horse with a silvery mane stood by the gate. He waited calmly beside the woven fence and loved fresh carrots. When the farmer combed his mane, three small silver coins fell into his palm—just enough to buy flour, salt and seeds. The farmer cared for the horse and set aside any spare coins for repairs to the village well.

The second gift was a patterned tablecloth. As soon as it was spread on the grass, pies, apples, jugs of fruit drink and fragrant bread appeared. After the harvest, the farmer invited his neighbours to share a meal. They set a long table beneath the rowan trees, and there was a place for every guest at the feast.

Some guests noticed silver coins beside the horse. Dazzled by their shine, they slipped a few into their pockets. The silvery mane immediately grew dull. The farmer did not accuse anyone. He brought out the crane’s third gift—a small copper horn—and played a clear, cheerful tune.

To the music, the coins leapt out of the pockets by themselves, whirled like golden sparks and returned to the horse. The guests felt embarrassed, admitted what they had done and asked for forgiveness. The farmer forgave them, and they helped finish building the well. The tablecloth filled with food again, the horse shook his shining mane, and the horn played until sunset. The three wonders reminded the whole village that generosity grows when it is met with honesty.