The
Tales of Till Eulenspiegel |
36. How Eulenspiegel bought chickens without
money and the farmwife let the rooster be used as a deposit in Quedlinburg.
Translation by Carolyn Place. The number preceding the title indicates the
position of this tale within the 95 original episodes published in 1515.
![](EinQuedlinburg.jpg)
Artwork by Bjorn Wiinblad which decorates one of the Rosenthal steins
depicting the antics of Till Eulenspiegel. |
Once Eulenspiegel came to Quedlinburg on a market day. He was in need of
provisions, for just as quickly as he acquired things, so they were gone. As he
went along the way he thought about how he might acquire the money to get
provisions. Presently, he saw a country woman in the market with a basket full
of fine chickens and a rooster. Asking what they were worth, she answered him
that they would cost two Stephensgroschen. Till asked, "Won't you
give them to me cheaper?" The woman refused, whereupon Till took up the basket
and walked toward the city tower. The woman ran after him and said,
"Merchant, I don't know what to make of you. Aren't you going to pay me for
my chickens?" Eulenspiegel said, "Of course, I am the scribe for the
Abbess." "I didn't ask you that," said the woman. "If you
want the chickens, pay me, I want nothing to do with the Abbot or Abbess. Buy or
give me security to close the deal, or coins must be shown. Therefore, hear you
well, pay me for the poultry." Eulenspiegel replied, "Woman, you have
little faith. It isn't good when tradespeople are like this. Good stall-brethren
should trust one another. But, since I know you, take the rooster as a deposit
that I shall bring you back the basket and the money." The good woman
believed that she was well provided for and took her own rooster as a security,
but she was cheated, as Eulenspiegel remained with the chickens and his money.
|