The Lucky Coin
by Unknown · from Tales of Wonder Every Child Should Know
Adapted Version
Once, a kind monk lived. He lived near a small village. The Wise Monk lived in a quiet place. Poor people came to him. They brought him food.
One day, The Wise Monk saw a man. The Honest Man carried nets. He wanted to catch birds. He needed food for his wife. He had no money.
The Wise Monk spoke to The Honest Man. He offered him food. He gave him a choice. "One coin honestly," he said. "Or one hundred coins dishonestly."
The Honest Man went home. He spoke to his wife. The Honest Man's Wife listened. They chose one honest coin. They liked honesty.
The Honest Man went back. The Wise Monk gave him two small coins. "Good luck to you," he said. The Honest Man was happy.
He walked home. He saw two boys. They fought for a stone. They hit each other. The stone was small.
The Honest Man stopped them. He gave each boy one coin. He took the small stone. The boys ran away. They were happy.
The Honest Man's Wife waited. She saw the stone. She felt sad. "It is just a stone," she said. "The money made peace," he said.
The boys' parents came. They thanked The Honest Man. They gave him gifts. They gave him work. He had food now.
One night, The Ambassador came. He stayed in the village. His helper stayed with them. The Honest Man's Wife made a bed.
The helper woke up. He saw a bright light. The light came from the stone. The stone glowed. He took it to The Ambassador.
The Ambassador saw the stone. He knew its value. He gave The Honest Man gold. He promised more gold later.
The Honest Man and his wife went. They saw The Wise Monk. They gave him gold. The Monk said, "Give it to the poor." They shared the gold.
The Honest Man bought land. The land grew good food. His trees had much fruit. He became rich.
Years passed by. The Ambassador came back. He saw The Honest Man. He was a rich man now. The Ambassador told the King.
The King liked the story. He saw the glowing stone. It was very special. The King gave The Ambassador gifts. The Ambassador gave more gifts. He sent them to The Honest Man.
The honest man and wife lived happily. Kindness and honesty bring good. Good deeds always bring good rewards.
Original Story
The Lucky Coin
any years ago there lived in a hermitage a holy monk. From all the villages around, the people, mostly poor labourers, were in the habit of coming to him on Sundays and festivals to hear him say mass for them. These good people used to bring little offerings of food for the support of the hermit during the week.
One Sunday, after his congregation had departed, the monk perceived a man, laden with traps and nets for catching birds, crossing the field before the hermitage. The good monk went out to him.
"Where do you come from?" he inquired; "and what are you going to do, my son?"
"I live some miles from here, good father," he replied, "and I have borrowed a few nets and traps to try to catch some doves to sell, so as to get a little butter for our bread; for with that and a draught of water from the spring my wife and I are satisfied; or else to get some work to do, that I may earn enough for our support, for we have neither bread nor a single farthing to buy it."
The hermit took the man into his hermitage, and gave him the little offerings of food which had been brought that morning by the villagers, leaving Providence to provide for his own simple wants.
"Brother," he said, "take this for yourself and your wife; and if you want money I will give you some. But you must first tell me which you choose, to earn a single coin honestly, or a hundred, dishonestly."
The poor man hesitated, for great was the temptation.
"I will consult with my wife," he said at last, "and return to-morrow to inform you."
With the food in his hands he returned to his miserable home, where he and his wife made an excellent meal, for which they returned thanks to Heaven. They then consulted together about the money, and, though the temptation was great to take the hundred coins, yet, being God-fearing folks, they decided upon taking the one coin honestly acquired and let alone the hundred.
The man accordingly returned to the hermit, and told him what they had decided.
The good monk gave him two half reals.
"Take this money," he said; "and may Heaven prosper you."
Full of joy, the man departed. But on the road home, in a solitary spot, he encountered two lads fighting desperately; they were dealing each other terrible blows, and blood was streaming down their faces. The man rushed up to separate them, but all his efforts only served to make them fiercer.
"Why do you fight like this?" he cried.
"We are fighting for that stone," replied one of the lads; "I saw it first!"
"No, you didn't," replied the other; "it was I, and it belongs to me!" and once more they fell to blows more desperate than before.
The poor man, fearing that the quarrel might end fatally, cried out to them—
"Here, take each of you one of these coins, and let alone the stone; it is of no value, for it is no bigger than a walnut. And be off with you!"
The lads were glad to take the money, and ran away, thinking themselves lucky to make so good a bargain.
His wife was at the cottage door impatiently awaiting her husband. Great was her disappointment when all he brought her was a stone.
"Well, to be sure!" she cried, after he had recounted what had taken place, "I am disappointed." And, taking the little stone, she threw it into a corner of the room.
"Dear wife," replied the man, "do not take it so to heart. The money was spent in a good work; in making peace between the children of our neighbours."
His wife at length became more reconciled to the loss, considering that after all he had done right to make peace between their neighbours' sons at any cost. Not many minutes after, the parents of the two lads came to thank the man for having separated the boys. They also thanked him for the money he had given to the boys, for they knew he sorely needed it himself. Each of the parents gave him a present for his friendly service; and from that day they always treated him most kindly, and often gave him little jobs to do, so that the poor couple never wanted bread.
Not long afterwards, it happened that the King's Ambassador passed that way, with a great retinue of officials, secretaries, and servitors; and it fell out that, night coming on, the Ambassador decided upon taking his quarters in the village.
The village inns were small, and could not afford accommodation for so large a retinue, and the various cottagers were asked to take in one or more of the servants. Among those who gave lodgings to the retinue were our good couple, who took in a lodger, for whom they were paid handsomely. The wife quickly prepared a clean, tidy bed, and did her best to make things comfortable.
The guest, being tired, was soon fast asleep. Toward morning he awoke, and was surprised to see the chamber bathed in a resplendent light. Knowing well that the people of the house could not afford a lamp or candles, he arose to find out whence proceeded this unusual brilliancy. Great was his astonishment to find that it proceeded from a small stone in the corner of the room, which, as the sun struck on it, sent out rays of vivid light. He took up the stone, and, believing it to be of great value, took it to the Ambassador.
When the nobleman examined the stone, he admired it greatly, and desired its owner to be sent for in order to learn all particulars about it.
"Please, your Excellency," said the poor man, "it is of no use to us, and if it pleases you, take it, for it cost me only a small coin"; and he proceeded to relate how it had come into his possession.
The Ambassador drew forth a heavy bag of money, and taking out a handful of gold pieces, gave them to the man.
"My good fellow," he said, "since you offer me the stone, I accept it gladly; but as I am leaving the kingdom, and my expenses are very heavy, I cannot give you all that it is worth. If it please Heaven, I will return this way, and I will pay you then."
The poor man did not like to accept so much gold for what he judged to be a worthless stone; but on the nobleman's entreaty he took the money, and ran back to his wife, full of joy at his good fortune. Both husband and wife then went at once to the hermit to recount to him all that had taken place, and to offer him a tenth of the money. This he refused to take, but bade them return to the village and distribute it in alms to the poor. They returned to the village accordingly and did as the monk had bidden them. They also gave part of the money to the parents of the lads who had fought so desperately for the possession of the stone. The rest the man spent in purchasing a piece of land.
This little plot of ground proved very fertile, and whatever the owner planted produced a hundredfold. His trees were borne down by the weight of the fruit, which always fetched a good price.
Years passed ere the Ambassador returned from the foreign country, where he had gained high honours and wealth. On passing the village again where he had obtained the stone, he inquired for the good man, and was told how he had prospered with the money he had given him, and that he was now a person of importance.
On arriving at the Court of his sovereign he recounted to the King all that had taken place. The King was greatly pleased with the history of the honestly earned coin, and had the stone valued by the first jewellers of the kingdom, who all pronounced it to be a singularly valuable gem. A large sum was given to the Ambassador for it, and he was loaded with distinctions and honours. The nobleman, wishing to show his gratitude for the honours conferred on him, sent handsome presents to the good man and his wife.
And so it came to pass that they who had been honest were now prosperous as well.
Story DNA
Moral
Honesty and generosity, even in poverty, lead to unexpected prosperity and divine favor.
Plot Summary
A poor, honest man is offered a choice by a monk: one coin honestly earned or a hundred dishonestly. He and his wife choose honesty, receiving two small coins. On his way home, he uses these coins to stop two boys fighting over a seemingly worthless stone, which he then takes home. Later, a servant of a visiting Ambassador discovers the stone glows and is immensely valuable. The Ambassador buys the stone for a large sum, promising more. The man and his wife use their new wealth to help the poor and invest, becoming prosperous. Years later, the Ambassador returns, and the King rewards him for the stone, leading to further gifts for the now-wealthy couple, proving that honesty and good deeds are richly rewarded.
Themes
Emotional Arc
poverty to prosperity
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Reflects a time when religious figures held significant moral authority and poverty was widespread, with limited social mobility except through extraordinary fortune or divine intervention.
Plot Beats (16)
- A holy monk lives in a hermitage, receiving offerings from poor villagers.
- The monk encounters a poor man going to catch birds to earn money for food.
- The monk offers the man food and a choice: one coin honestly or a hundred dishonestly.
- The man consults his wife, and they decide to choose the one honestly earned coin.
- The monk gives the man two half-reals, blessing him.
- On his way home, the man encounters two boys fighting over a small stone.
- To stop the fight, the man gives each boy one of his half-reals, taking the stone.
- His wife is disappointed by the worthless stone, but the man explains his good deed.
- The parents of the boys thank the man, give him gifts, and offer him work, improving their situation slightly.
- An Ambassador and his retinue lodge in the village, and the couple hosts one of his servants.
- The servant discovers the stone glowing in the dark and takes it to the Ambassador.
- The Ambassador recognizes the stone's value, gives the man a bag of gold, and promises more.
- The man and his wife give a tenth of the gold to the monk, who tells them to distribute it to the poor, which they do.
- The man buys land, which proves incredibly fertile, making him prosperous.
- Years later, the Ambassador returns, sees the man's prosperity, and recounts the story to the King.
- The King has the stone valued, rewards the Ambassador, who then sends more gifts to the honest couple, ensuring their continued wealth.
Characters
The Holy Monk
A man of advanced years, likely thin from a life of asceticism, with a gentle and serene demeanor. His hands might be calloused from simple labor or prayer, but his overall presence is one of peace.
Attire: Simple, coarse brown or grey monastic robes, possibly made of wool or linen, tied with a rope or leather cord at the waist. His feet would be clad in simple sandals or bare.
Wants: To guide others towards righteous living, to spread peace, and to live a life of spiritual devotion, trusting in divine providence.
Flaw: Perhaps too trusting of human nature, or too detached from worldly concerns to fully grasp the depth of human temptation.
He remains a steadfast beacon of moral guidance, his wisdom confirmed by the positive outcome of his advice.
Wise, benevolent, generous, discerning, spiritual.
The Poor Man
A lean, hardworking man, likely of average height, with a weathered face from outdoor labor. His build would be sturdy but not robust, reflecting a life of physical toil and often scarcity.
Attire: Worn, patched, and simple peasant clothing, likely made of coarse linen or homespun wool in muted earth tones (browns, greys). Perhaps a tunic and trousers, with simple leather shoes or bare feet. Initially, he carries nets and traps.
Wants: To provide for his wife and himself honestly, to escape poverty, and to do good deeds.
Flaw: Initially tempted by the prospect of easy wealth, and prone to disappointment when things don't go as expected.
Transforms from a struggling, impoverished laborer into a prosperous and respected man of importance, all while maintaining his honesty and generosity.
Honest, hardworking, humble, compassionate, initially hesitant but ultimately principled.
The Poor Man's Wife
A hardworking woman, likely of average height and build, with hands accustomed to household chores. Her face might show signs of worry and hardship, but also resilience.
Attire: Simple, practical peasant dress, likely made of homespun linen or wool in muted colors (e.g., a long skirt, a blouse, and an apron), possibly patched. Simple, sturdy shoes or bare feet.
Wants: To support her husband, to alleviate their poverty, and to maintain their honest principles.
Flaw: Her initial disappointment and frustration when her husband returns with a stone instead of money.
She learns to trust in her husband's good intentions and witnesses the positive outcomes of their honesty, transforming from disappointed to prosperous.
God-fearing, practical, initially prone to disappointment, but ultimately supportive and understanding, hardworking.
The King's Ambassador
A distinguished and well-traveled nobleman, likely of commanding presence and refined bearing. He would be well-groomed and appear authoritative.
Attire: Rich, finely tailored clothing befitting a high-ranking official, possibly made of silk or fine wool, in deep, rich colors (e.g., crimson, sapphire blue, emerald green), with subtle embroidery or gold accents. He would wear fine leather boots and possibly a cloak.
Wants: To fulfill his diplomatic duties, to acquire valuable objects, and to gain honor and wealth.
Flaw: Initially, he cannot pay the full value of the stone due to heavy expenses, suggesting a temporary financial constraint despite his wealth.
He successfully completes his foreign mission, gains high honors and wealth, and fulfills his promise to the poor man, demonstrating his integrity.
Perceptive, appreciative of beauty (the stone), honorable (returns to pay the man), generous, successful.
Locations
Hermitage
A simple, humble dwelling of a holy monk, likely made of local stone or timber, with minimal furnishings. It serves as a place of worship and refuge.
Mood: Peaceful, spiritual, humble, a sanctuary.
The poor man receives food and the two half-reals from the monk, and makes the crucial decision to earn money honestly.
Solitary Road
A quiet, unpaved path or track, likely dusty or muddy depending on recent weather, with sparse vegetation or fields on either side, leading away from the village.
Mood: Tense, isolated, unexpected conflict.
The man encounters two boys fighting over a stone and uses his two half-reals to make peace, unknowingly giving away a valuable gem.
Poor Man's Cottage
A humble, small dwelling, likely a simple, single-room structure with a thatched roof and earthen floor, typical of a poor laborer's home in a rural village. It is clean and tidy despite its poverty.
Mood: Humble, initially disappointed, later surprised and blessed.
The wife throws the 'worthless' stone into a corner. Later, the King's Ambassador's servant discovers the stone's radiant light, revealing its true value.
Fertile Land Plot
A small, exceptionally productive piece of agricultural land, cultivated with various crops and fruit trees, yielding abundant harvests.
Mood: Prosperous, abundant, blessed.
The land purchased with the Ambassador's gold proves incredibly fertile, symbolizing the couple's continued prosperity through honest means.