demanded its value. The magistrate asked its price. The shopkeeper replied: "The ordinary price should be so much; since it is for your honour's use, we charge only half its value." The magistrate, in presence of all standing on each side of him, said: "Since it is thus, return him one piece; it will be all right." After the gold had been returned, the shopkeeper still waited for payment. The magistrate said: "We have paid your price; what more do you want?" The shopkeeper replied: "Will your honor pay a little more." When the magistrate heard this, he grew wrathy and said: "You impudent slave; you said you would sell at half price, so I returned you one piece, which is worth exactly one-half of your price. I am not mean toward you; why are you so stupid?" He ordered his underlings to lead him away at once.
Chapter XLIII.— Take a Chair. (坐椅子)
THERE was a family who had so many creditors that all chairs and benches in their house were occupied. One creditor sat on the doorstep. The owner of the house stealthily went up to him and said: "Will you please come earlier to-morrow." The creditor thought that early the next morning the debtor would pay him first. He felt very happy and shouted aloud: "The owner of the house really has no money; let us depart." At dawn this creditor was first to arrive, and said: "Will my debtor kindly come out to pay his debts?" When the debtor saw him, he said: "I did not intend to pay my debts; only on account of seeing you sitting on the steps last night I felt very uneasy, so I requested you to come earlier this morning in order that you may be able to occupy a seat first, and when all the others have come, you will not be left again without a seat."
