KEEP COOL
by Joseph Jacobs · from Europa's Fairy Book
Adapted Version
Once upon a time, there were three brothers. Their father was gone. They needed to find work.
The Eldest Son went to a farmer. The Farmer said, "Work here. But keep cool. Do not get angry." He said, "Get angry? Give me a shiny coin." Eldest Son agreed.
The Farmer gave him hard work. The Eldest Son got very angry. He lost his temper. He gave the Farmer his special coin. He went home sad.
The Second Son went to the Farmer. He wanted to help his brother. He also got angry. He lost his temper too. He gave the Farmer his special coin. He went home sad.
Then Jack, the youngest brother, went. He was clever. Jack told Farmer, "I will work." Farmer agreed.
Jack got dry bread. He had to watch sheep. Jack was hungry. He sold a sheep for food. The Farmer saw one sheep was gone. He got angry. Jack said, "Keep cool, master." The Farmer stopped.
Next, Jack took pigs to market. He let pigs run free. Jack said, "They wanted to play." Farmer got angry. Jack said, "Keep cool, master, keep cool." The Farmer remembered.
The Farmer told Jack, "Clean the horses. Clean inside and outside." Jack gave them messy bath. Mud went everywhere. The Farmer saw the mess. He got very angry. Jack said, "Keep cool, master, keep cool." The Farmer stopped.
The Farmer sent Jack with the sheep again. He sent The Farmer's Wife too. She hid behind a bush. She watched Jack.
Jack saw her. He made a loud noise. He said, "A big, scary shadow!" He scared The Farmer's Wife. She fell into a muddy puddle. She got very dirty.
The Farmer ran over. He saw his wife. He was very, very angry. He shouted at Jack. Jack looked at him. Jack said, "Keep cool, master, keep cool."
The Farmer was still angry. But he had lost his temper. People were watching. The Farmer had to give Jack his own special, shiny coin.
Jack went home. He was happy. He had the Farmer's coin. His brothers were happy too. Jack was clever. He used his words to win. It is good to be clever, not mean.
Original Story
KEEP COOL
There was once a man and he had three sons, and when he died they all had to go out to seek a living. So the eldest went out first, leaving his two brothers at home, and went to a neighbouring farmer to try and get work from him.
"Well, well, my man," said the farmer, "I can give you work but on only one condition."
"What is that?"
"I cannot abear any high talk on my farm. You must keep cool and not lose your temper."
"Oh, never bother about that," said the youngster, "I never lose my temper, or scarcely ever."
"Ah, but if you do," said the farmer, "I make it a condition that I shall tear a strip of your skin from your nape to your waist; that will make a pretty ribbon to tie around the throat of my dog there."
"That doesn't suit me," was the reply. "So fare thee well, master, I must try another place."
"Keep cool, keep cool," said the farmer. "I am a just man; what's good for the man I consider good for the master. So if I should lose my temper I am quite willing that you should take the ribbon of flesh from my back."
"Oh, if that's so," said the youngster, "I'll agree to stay. But we must have it in black and white."
So they sent for the notary and wrote it all down that if either lost his temper he should also lose a strip of skin from his back. But the eldest son had not been in the house a week when the master gave him so hard a task that he lost his temper and had to give up a strip of skin from his back. So he went home and told his brothers about it.
Well, the brothers were savage at hearing what he had suffered. And the second son went to the same man in the hope of getting revenge for his brother. But the same thing happened to him, and he had to come with a strip of skin from his back like his elder brother.
Now the third son, whose name was Jack, made up his mind he wouldn't be done like the other two. And he went to the man and he engaged himself to serve him for the same wage but on the same conditions that his two brothers had done.
The very first morning that Jack had to go out to work his master gave him a piece of dry bread and told him to mind the sheep.
"Is this all I'm to get to eat?" said Jack.
"Why, yes," said the master; "there'll be supper when you come home."
Jack was going to complain when his master called out to him, "Keep cool, Jack, keep cool," and pointed to his back.
So Jack swallowed his rage and went out into the field. But on his way he met a man, to whom he sold one of the sheep for five shillings, and went and bought enough to eat and drink for a whole week.
When he got home that evening his master began to count the sheep, and when he found one was missing, he said to Jack:
"You've let one of the sheep run away."
"No, no, sir," said Jack, "I sold him to a man passing along."
"You shouldn't have done that without my telling you; but where's the money?"
"Oh, with the money," said Jack, "I went and bought me some eats." And he showed him what he had bought.
The master was going to fly in a rage, but Jack said to him: "Keep cool, master, keep cool," and pointed to his back. So he remembered and said nothing more.
The next day Jack was ordered to take the pigs to market to sell them, and after he had cut off all their tails he sold them and pocketed the money; and then he went to a marsh near the farm and planted all the tails in the marsh.
When he got home the master asked him if he had sold the pigs.
He said: "No, they all rushed into the marsh at the foot of the valley."
"I don't believe you," said the master, and was going to get into a rage when Jack said to him:
"Keep cool, master, keep cool."
So he went with Jack to the marsh, and when he saw the pigs' tails all peeping out the marsh he went and plucked one of them out of the ground, and Jack said:
"There, you've torn the tail from the poor pig's back."
Then the master was going to get into a rage again but Jack said: "Keep cool, master, keep cool," and pointed to his back.
Next day the master didn't like sending Jack out with the animals or else he might sell them to get some dinner. So he said to him:
"Jack, I want you today to clean the horses and the stable within and without."
"Very well, master," said Jack, and went to the stable; and he whitewashed it within and he whitewashed it without. Then he went to the horses and killed them and took out their insides and cleaned them within; and then he washed their skins.
In the evening the master came to see how Jack had got on with his work and was delighted to find the stable looking so clean.
"But where are the horses?" he said; and Jack pointed to them lying dead on their backs.
"Why, what have you done?" said the master.
"You told me to clean them within and without and how could I clean them within without killing them?" said Jack.
Then the master was just going to fly into a rage, when Jack said to him: "Keep cool, master, keep cool," and pointed to his back.
So next day the master had sent Jack out with the sheep, but so that he should not sell any of them to get money for his lunch he sent his wife with them telling her to watch Jack from behind a bush, and if he tried to sell any of the sheep to stop him. But Jack saw her and didn't say anything or try and sell any of the sheep.
But next day, when he went out with them, he took with him his gun, and when the farmer's wife got behind the bush to watch him, he called out: "Ah, wolf, I see you," and fired his gun at her and hit her in the leg. She screamed out, and the master came running up and said:
"What's this, Jack, what's this?"
Then Jack said: "Why, master, I thought that was a wolf and I shot my gun at it and it turned out to be the missus."
"How dare you, you scoundrel, shoot my wife!" cried out the master.
"Don't be in a rage, master, don't be in a rage," said Jack.
"Anybody would be in a rage if his wife was shot," said the master.
"Well, then," said Jack, "I'll have that strip off your back." And as there were witnesses present the master had to let Jack take a strip of skin from his back.
And with that he went home to his brothers.
Story DNA
Moral
Cleverness and a literal interpretation of rules can outsmart those who seek to exploit others.
Plot Summary
After their father dies, three sons seek work. The first two are tricked by a farmer into a contract where losing one's temper means losing a strip of skin, and both brothers fall victim. The youngest, Jack, takes the same job, but uses his cleverness and a literal interpretation of the farmer's commands to repeatedly provoke the farmer without losing his own temper. After several escalating pranks, including selling a sheep, 'planting' pigs' tails, killing horses to clean them, and shooting the farmer's spying wife, Jack finally causes the farmer to lose his temper, forcing the farmer to pay the agreed-upon penalty and allowing Jack to return home victorious.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suffering to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This story reflects a common folk tale motif of the clever underdog outsmarting a powerful, exploitative figure, often through literal interpretation of commands or agreements.
Plot Beats (13)
- A man dies, and his three sons must find work.
- The eldest son works for a farmer under a condition: if either loses his temper, the other can take a strip of skin from their back.
- The eldest son loses his temper due to a hard task and loses a strip of skin.
- The second son tries to get revenge but also loses his temper and a strip of skin.
- The third son, Jack, agrees to the same conditions with the farmer.
- Jack is given dry bread and told to mind sheep; he sells a sheep for food and uses the 'keep cool' clause when the master gets angry.
- Jack is told to sell pigs; he cuts off their tails, plants them in a marsh, and claims the pigs ran into the marsh, again using the clause to prevent the master's rage.
- Jack is told to clean horses 'within and without'; he kills them and cleans their insides, using the clause when the master is furious.
- The master sends his wife to spy on Jack while he's with the sheep.
- Jack sees the wife, pretends she's a wolf, and shoots her in the leg.
- The master rushes up in a rage, and Jack points out that the master has lost his temper.
- With witnesses present, the master is forced to allow Jack to take a strip of skin from his back.
- Jack returns home to his brothers, having avenged them.
Characters
Jack ★ protagonist
A sturdy, average-height young man with a practical build, accustomed to manual labor. His movements are deliberate and often accompanied by a mischievous glint in his eye.
Attire: Simple, durable peasant clothing typical of 19th-century English rural life: a coarse linen or wool shirt, sturdy breeches, a practical waistcoat, and worn leather boots. Colors would be muted earth tones like browns, greys, and off-whites.
Wants: To outsmart the farmer, avenge his brothers, and secure a living without being exploited.
Flaw: His cunning can sometimes border on recklessness, as seen with the shooting of the farmer's wife, though it ultimately serves his purpose.
He starts as a clever but untested young man and becomes a triumphant trickster who successfully outmaneuvers a formidable opponent, securing justice for his family.
Clever, quick-witted, resourceful, mischievous, and remarkably calm under pressure. He is not afraid to bend rules to his advantage.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young, sturdy English peasant man, facing forward, full body visible head to toe. He has a round, intelligent face with bright eyes and a slight, knowing smirk. His light brown hair is cut short and practical. He wears a coarse, off-white linen shirt, sturdy brown breeches, a practical grey wool waistcoat, and worn leather boots. His posture is confident and calm. He gestures with an open hand towards his own back. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Farmer ⚔ antagonist
A burly, imposing man of middle age, with a strong, weathered build from years of farm labor. He has a stern demeanor and a tendency to glower.
Attire: Practical, heavy-duty farmer's clothing: a thick, dark wool coat, a sturdy linen shirt, corduroy trousers, and heavy, mud-splattered work boots. His attire reflects his wealth but prioritizes utility.
Wants: To exploit his workers, maintain control, and avoid losing his temper (and his skin).
Flaw: His uncontrollable temper, which Jack expertly exploits, and his literal interpretation of instructions.
He begins as a dominant and cunning employer who believes himself invincible but is progressively humiliated and ultimately defeated by Jack's superior wit, losing his wager.
Demanding, cunning, short-tempered, exploitative, and initially confident in his ability to outwit others. He is ultimately outsmarted by Jack.
Image Prompt & Upload
A burly, middle-aged English farmer, facing forward, full body visible head to toe. He has a broad, ruddy face with deep-set, narrowed eyes and a thick, dark, unkempt beard. His dark hair is receding. He wears a thick, dark brown wool coat over a sturdy cream linen shirt, dark corduroy trousers, and heavy, mud-splattered leather work boots. His posture is rigid and tense, his fists clenched, trying to suppress a furious expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Farmer's Wife ○ minor
A sturdy, practical woman, likely of similar build to her husband, accustomed to farm life. She might have a somewhat stern or watchful expression.
Attire: Simple, durable peasant dress typical of the era, made of linen or wool in muted colors like grey, brown, or dark blue, with a practical apron over it. She would wear sturdy, low-heeled shoes.
Wants: To follow her husband's instructions and prevent Jack from selling sheep.
Flaw: Her vulnerability to Jack's trickery and her physical fragility when shot.
She appears briefly as an instrument of her husband's will and becomes an unwitting catalyst for his downfall when Jack shoots her.
Obedient to her husband, watchful, and easily startled.
Image Prompt & Upload
A sturdy, middle-aged English peasant woman, facing forward, full body visible head to toe. She has a plain, weathered face with a pained expression. Her dark hair is pulled back under a simple white linen cap. She wears a practical dark blue linen dress with a grey wool apron over it and sturdy brown low-heeled shoes. She is clutching her leg, wincing in pain. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Eldest Son ◆ supporting
A young man of average build, likely showing signs of being less resilient or quick-witted than his youngest brother. His posture might be a bit defeated after his experience.
Attire: Simple, practical peasant attire, similar to Jack's but perhaps less well-maintained after his ordeal.
Wants: To seek a living for himself and his family.
Flaw: His inability to control his temper under pressure.
He leaves home with hope but quickly falls victim to the farmer's trick, returning home defeated and injured.
Eager to find work, but easily frustrated and quick to lose his temper when faced with unfair tasks.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young, average-built English peasant man, facing forward, full body visible head to toe. He has an earnest, slightly frustrated expression. His brown hair is simply cut. He wears a worn cream linen shirt, dark grey breeches, and scuffed leather boots. His posture is slightly hunched, conveying defeat. A visible, raw strip of skin is missing from his upper back. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Second Son ◆ supporting
Similar to his elder brother, perhaps slightly more impulsive or driven by anger. He also returns home with a visible injury.
Attire: Simple, practical peasant attire, similar to his brothers.
Wants: To avenge his elder brother's mistreatment.
Flaw: His inability to control his temper, despite knowing the consequences.
Driven by anger, he attempts to challenge the farmer but suffers the same fate as his elder brother, returning home injured.
Angry and vengeful on behalf of his brother, but ultimately falls prey to the same trap due to his temper.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young, average-built English peasant man, facing forward, full body visible head to toe. He has an angry, frustrated expression. His brown hair is simply cut. He wears a worn dark grey linen shirt, brown breeches, and scuffed leather boots. His posture is slightly hunched, conveying anger and defeat. A visible, raw strip of skin is missing from his upper back. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
The Farmer's Farmhouse
A simple, functional farmhouse, likely of a traditional English or Northern European style, with a main living area where agreements are made and daily interactions occur. The interior would be practical, perhaps with a large hearth and sturdy wooden furniture.
Mood: Initially business-like and tense due to the unusual contract, later becomes a place of increasing frustration for the farmer and cunning satisfaction for Jack.
The initial agreement between the farmer and the sons is made here. Jack returns here each evening after his daily tasks, leading to confrontations with the master.
Image Prompt & Upload
A rustic, dimly lit interior of a 19th-century English farmhouse. A heavy, dark oak table sits center, scarred with age, with two simple wooden chairs. A large, unlit stone hearth dominates one wall, its mantelpiece bare. The floor is packed earth or rough-hewn flagstones. Faint light filters through a small, leaded-pane window, casting soft shadows. The air feels heavy with unspoken tension. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Pasture/Sheep Field
An open, grassy field where sheep graze, likely surrounded by low hills or hedgerows, typical of English countryside. A path or road would pass through or near it, allowing for encounters with travelers.
Mood: Initially peaceful and mundane, but becomes a setting for Jack's first act of defiance and cunning.
Jack minds the sheep here, sells one to a passing man, and later uses this location to trick the farmer's wife.
Image Prompt & Upload
A wide, rolling green pasture under a bright, clear morning sky in the English countryside. Fluffy white sheep are scattered across the verdant grass, dotted with small yellow wildflowers. A narrow, well-trodden dirt path winds gently through the field, leading towards a distant line of ancient, gnarled hedgerows. The air is fresh and clear, with soft, even light. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Marsh at the Foot of the Valley
A boggy, waterlogged area with soft, muddy ground and emergent vegetation, located at the base of a gentle slope or valley. The ground would be treacherous and prone to sinking.
Mood: Misty, eerie, and deceptively simple, serving as the stage for Jack's elaborate trick.
Jack plants the pigs' tails here to convince the master the pigs have sunk into the marsh.
Image Prompt & Upload
A desolate, low-lying marshland at the base of a gentle, grassy valley. The ground is a patchwork of dark, glistening mud and shallow, murky water, with clumps of tall, reedy grasses and sedges emerging from the bog. A few gnarled, leafless trees stand in the distance, silhouetted against a pale, overcast sky. The air is still and damp, with a sense of quiet desolation. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Stable
A functional, well-used stable on a farm, likely constructed of timber and stone, with stalls for horses. It would have a strong smell of hay, manure, and horse. Whitewash would cover the interior and exterior walls.
Mood: Initially a place of routine labor, transformed into a scene of bizarre and shocking 'cleanliness' by Jack.
Jack performs his literal interpretation of 'cleaning the horses and stable within and without' here, leading to the horses' demise.
Image Prompt & Upload
The interior of a rustic, whitewashed timber and stone stable. Sunlight streams through a high, grimy window, illuminating dust motes in the air. Empty wooden stalls line the walls, their mangers clean. The floor is swept earth, with scattered bits of fresh hay. The air smells faintly of lime and clean wood. The space feels unnaturally sterile and quiet for a stable. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
