Lean Lisa was of a very different way of thinking from Lazy Harry
and Fat Trina, who never let anything disturb their peace. She
slaved away from morning till evening, and burdened her husband,
long Laurence, with so much work that he had heavier weights to
carry than an ass with three sacks. But it was all to no purpose,
for they had nothing and came to nothing. One night as she lay in
bed, and could hardly move one limb for weariness, she still did not
allow her thoughts to go to sleep.
She thrust her elbow into her husband's side, and said, listen,
Lenz, to what I have been thinking. If I were to find one florin and
one was given to me, I would borrow another to put to them, and you
too should give me another, and then as soon as I had got the four
florins together, I would buy a young cow. This pleased the husband
right well. It is true, said he, that I do not know where I am to
get the florin which you want as a gift from me. But, if you can get
the money together, and can buy a cow with it, you will do well to
carry out your project. I shall be glad, he added, if the cow has a
calf, and then I shall often get a drink of milk to refresh me. |