The Woodcutter and His Axe

An honest woodcutter is rewarded for his truthfulness by a river spirit.

एउटा गरिब दाउरा काट्ने मान्छे नदी किनारमा रुख काट्दै थियो। उसको बञ्चरो नदीमा खस्यो।

A poor woodcutter was cutting a tree by the river. His axe fell into the river.

ऊ रोइरहेको थियो। नदीबाट एउटा देवता आए र सुनको बञ्चरो देखाए। 'के यो तिम्रो हो?' देवताले सोधे।

He was crying. A spirit appeared from the river holding a golden axe. 'Is this yours?' the spirit asked.

दाउरा काट्नेले भन्यो, 'होइन, मेरो त फलामको बञ्चरो हो।' देवताले चाँदीको बञ्चरो पनि देखाए। उसले फेरि इन्कार गर्यो।

The woodcutter said, 'No, mine is an iron axe.' The spirit also showed a silver axe. He refused again.

देवता खुसी भए र तिनवटै बञ्चरो उसलाई दिए। इमान्दारीको इनाम सधैं मिठो हुन्छ।

The spirit was pleased and gave him all three axes. The reward of honesty is always sweet.