Often, even when he was a grandfather many times over, he used to recount how he had fooled the devils and made a fortune for himself and the priest.

Intelligence and Luck

The second tale I have included is about the superiority of luck over intelligence.  It says, in effect, that although intelligence may get the poor man far, it is equally likely to get him in trouble with the powers that be.  Thus luck becomes the more worthwhile attribute.

One day, long ago, as Luck was crossing a narrow footbridge, he met Intelligence.  “Out of my way,” said Luck to the other.

But Intelligence still young in the ways of the world didn’t have the sense to let Luck go first: “Why should I get out of your way? What makes you better than me?”  he asked.

“You want to know who’s better?” replied Luck.  “It’s easy enough to prove.  You see Vanek, the farmer’s son, ploughing that field?  Take him under your care, and we’ll see where you get him.  If you can do better than I, then I’ll always give way to you, wherever we may meet.”

Intelligence agreed and took hold of Vanek’s mind.  And so Vanek found himself pondering: “Why should I spend the rest of my life behind the plough?  I should try my luck elsewhere.”  Putting aside his tools, he told his father that he was giving up farming to be apprenticed with the gardener at the castle.

“Have you gone crazy?” his father exclaimed.  But realizing there was nothing he could do, he let Vanek go, saying, “Just remember, your brother will inherit everything here at home.  God be with you.”  And so Vanek began his new life.

The new apprentice soon knew more than his teacher and began to ignore the royal gardener’s advice and do things his own way.  Realizing how much better the garden grew under Vanek’s care, the gardener, although initially upset, was satisfied to let the young man have his way.  In a short time, Vanek made the garden so beautiful that the king seldom missed a chance to walk along its shaded paths, often bringing the queen and his only daughter on his promenades.