gift

THE TABLE, THE SIFTER AND THE PINCHERS (The Story of the King's Laborer and His Wages) Once upon a time there was a man who was very poor. He had so many children it was difficult to earn money enough to provide for them all. Accordingly, he left home and hired out to the king of a distant land. At the end of a year's time he went to the king and said: "I have served you faithfully for a whole year. Now I wish to return to my wife and children. Please pay me what you owe me for my work." The king said: "I will not reward you in money.