The Three Proverbs

— A folk tale from Poland

Albin was a wealthy merchant, who had a weakness for birds, especially songbirds. One day, as he was examining a small bird his servant had captured in a little trap, he was surprised to see it look up at him and plead for its freedom.

“I can’t sing, I don’t look pretty and I’m not valuable in any way!” cried the bird. “If you set me free, I’ll tell you three most profound proverbs!”

“Let me hear them first,” said Albin, amused. “Don’t grieve over things that have already happened. Don’t wish for what is unattainable,” said the bird, “and, don’t believe in the impossible!”

Albin liked the proverbs and set the bird free. It flew up to the window sill, and perching itself there, burst into a loud cackle.

“You humans are so gullible!” cried the bird. “How easily I fooled you into thinking I am worthless! Actually, I have a diamond the size of a hen’s egg in my stomach!”

“I must find a way to woo it back,” thought Albin, cursing himself for letting it free.

“Don’t go, little bird,” he said to the bird. “Soon, winter will arrive, the rivers will freeze and so will the land… you’ll find it hard to find food and water. If you stay with me, I’ll see that you have everything you need!”

The bird burst out laughing. “What’s the matter?” he asked.

“You have already forgotten the proverbs for which you gave me my freedom, so what’s the guarantee that you will keep your promise?”

“What do you mean I forgot the proverbs?” said Albin.

“The first proverb was not to grieve over what has happened. Aren’t you unhappy about setting me free? The second was not to wish for the unattainable. Why you are trying so hard to make me stay back when you know I won’t?” said the bird. “The third proverb was not to believe in the impossible. I’m barely the size of a hen’s egg; how did you believe that I have a diamond as big as a hen’s egg inside my stomach?”

Twittering with laughter, the bird flew away, leaving Albin stupefied.