The Judge And The Innkeeper

 



The poor beggar had no money.


A judge entered the inn at that time, and he heard the innkeeper’s complaint and the beggar’s explanation.


“So you demand payment for the smell of your soup?” summarized the Judge after the hearing.


“Yes!” insisted the innkeeper.


“Then I myself will pay you,” said the Judge, “and I will pay for the smell of your soup with the sound of money.”


Thus saying, the Judge drew two coins from his pocket, rang them together loudly, put them back into his pocket, and sent the beggar and the innkeeper each on his own way.