The Kind Master and the Disobedient Servant

There was a great artist, famous the world over, but his servant had a foul and repulsive character. From his sourness, his hair was tangled and unkempt; he looked as if vinegar had been rubbed into his face. His teeth were poisoned like a serpent's, and he outdid every ugly man in the city. His swollen eyes forever ran with tears, and the reek of onions rose from his armpits. When food was cooking he would frown and sulk; once it was cooked, he sat down knee to knee with the master. He always sat right down to eat his master's bread, and if someone was dying he would not hand them water. Neither words nor a beating could make him work; night and day the house was in uproar because of him. Sometimes he scattered thorns and rubbish across the path, sometimes he threw the hens down the well. His very face filled you with dread; whatever errand he ran, he never came back. Someone asked: from this vile-natured servant what do you want, manners, skill, or beauty? A creature this unpleasant isn't worth it, that you should tolerate his cruelty and bear his burden. I'll get you a fine servant of good disposition; take this one to the slave market. And if he fetches even a single penny, don't refuse; honestly, he's too dear even if given for nothing. The good-hearted man heard these words and laughed: 'My friend of noble stock,' 'This boy's nature and manners are bad, it's true, but through him my own temper turns gentle.' 'Once I have endured so much from him, I can bear the wrongs of anyone at all.' 'Patience tastes to you like poison at first, but once it takes root in your nature it turns to honey.'