The Wise Servant

by The Brothers Grimm

　　

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How fortunate is the master, and how well all goes in his house, whenhe has a wise servant who listens to his orders and does not obey them,but prefers following his own wisdom. A clever John of this kind was oncesent out by his master to seek a lost cow. He stayed away a long time,and the master thought, "Faithful John does not spare any pains over hiswork!" As, however, he did not come back at all, the master was afraidlest some misfortune had befallen him, and set out himself to look forhim. He had to search a long time, but at last he perceived the boywho was running up and down a large field. "Now, dear John," said themaster when he had got up to him, "hast thou found the cow which I sentthee to seek?" "No, master," he answered, "I have not found the cow,but then I have not looked for it." "Then what hast thou looked for,John?" "Something better, and that luckily I have found." "What is that,John?" "Three blackbirds," answered the boy. "And where are they?" askedthe master. "I see one of them, I hear the other, and I am running afterthe third," answered the wise boy.

　　Take example by this, do not trouble yourselves about your masters ortheir orders, but rather do what comes into your head and pleases you,and then you will act just as wisely as prudent John.

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