THE LUMBERJACK

1. A poor woodcutter returned home after a day of hard work. When he was
crossing a bridge over the river, he dropped his ax in the water. Then he began
to lament: How do I earn a living now without my ax? What will I feed my
children?
2 Suddenly, A beautiful nymph appeared on the water and said to the
woodcutter:
3 Wait a moment, good man; I will recover your ax.
4 she plunged into the cold water and soon appeared with a golden ax in her
hands.
5 The woodcutter said that it was not his. The nymph plunged back again and
reappeared with a silver ax.
6 this is not mine either said the woodcutter afflicted.
7 For the third time the nymph looked underwater. At this time she came back
with an iron ax.
8 Oh thank you, thank you! This is mine! Said the man.
9 For your honesty, I give you the other two because you preferred poverty
rather than lies. You deserve a prize.