Books and Bronze

By Stephen D. Rogers

When they no longer had enough money to buy rice, the scholar's wife convinced him to sell some of his books. He selected a number of titles, tied them together in bundles, and loaded his wares into a cart.

On the way to the market he was stopped by a second scholar. The second scholar admired the collection but also had no money. He did, however, have several pieces of bronze with which he was willing to part. He suggested a trade.

Since the first scholar had always desired to own some bronze, he followed the second scholar home. They unloaded the books and loaded the bronze, each man happy with what he received.

The scholar's wife was less enthusiastic. "We still don't have any money to buy rice."

"Yes," the scholar replied, thinking of the second scholar. "But neither does he."