The Farmer Who Sold His Horse
Once upon a time, an old farmer lived at the edge of an ancient forest where cool waters flowed gently. This farmer's most faithful friend was a grey horse of noble bearing that had pulled his plough for years. But the merciless wheel of time had turned, and the last coin in the old man's pocket had run out. Left helpless, the farmer decided to sell his faithful old horse, whom he loved dearly, in the market square. As the first light of morning drifted through the misty valley, they set off toward the town with sorrowful steps. The crowded market square rang with the shouting of merchants and the noises of the riding animals. A cunning merchant noticed the old horse's grace and at once sidled up to the farmer.
"This aged animal can no longer carry a load, I will give you only three silver coins," said the merchant. In despair the farmer accepted the offer and unwillingly handed the halter over to the man. As he returned home with the little money in his pocket, a heavy regret and a deep loneliness filled him. The following week, when he came to the same market, he saw a magnificent horse gleaming brightly with an ornate saddle. The seller was demanding a full thirty gold coins for this splendid mount. When the farmer drew near the horse, he felt that familiar warmth in the eyes of his own old friend. It turned out that the cunning merchant had merely groomed and dyed the horse and put it up for sale for a great fortune.
Gathering all the savings and the silver he had, the farmer struggled to buy his horse back. But the meagre coins in his pocket could not come anywhere near the high sum the merchant demanded. As he returned to the village empty-handed in the evening twilight, he could not believe his eyes when he opened the stable door. The faithful horse had torn loose from its halter and fled, and following its owner's scent it had already returned to its home. The old farmer embraced his friend in tears and promised never to part from him again. The priceless worth of true friendship is fully grasped only when the fear of losing it knocks at the door. Old friends are not to be traded for new ones.