TABULATION OF FOLKTALES, 75
[No. 26.]
Title of Story.— The Cheat and the Porter.
Dramatis Personse-— Cheat.— Porter.
Abstract of Story. — (l) A man, who cheated hy not paying people for carry- ing things which he bought, having one day purchased box of glasses, asked porter if he would be paid in money for carrying them or in three words that would be of service to him in the world. Porter chose words. When he had got third of way found box too heavy, asked cheat for one word to give him spirit. — (2) Cheat said, " If any one tells you that slavery is better than freedom, don't believe him." Porter suspected man's nature, presently asked for second word. — (.8) Cheat said, "If any one tells you that poverty is better than riches, don't believe him." On reaching house porter asked third word, was told (4) " If any one tells you that hunger is better than fulness, don't believe him." Porter told man to get out of way that he might set box down. Lifting it above head, he let it fall. Man said, " You have broken my box for me." Porter replied, "If any one tells you that there is one glass left in this box that is not broken, don't you believe him."
Alphabetical List of Incidents.
Cheat hires porter to carry box (1) Words, cheat's (2), (3), (4).
Where published. — SivaMU Tales, by Edward Steere. London, 1870. Story No. 14. pp. 413—415.
Nature of Collection, whether :-
1. Original or translation. — Translated from Swahili.
2. If hy word of mouth, state narrator's name. — Told to Dr. Steere by
Mohammed bin Khamis.
3. Other particulars. — Occurs in Arabian Nights (not in Lane).
Special Points noted by the Editor of the above— iwz.
Remarks by the Tabulator.— ^■^.
(Signed) Janet Key.
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