The Mice That Ate Iron
A merchant left his heavy iron scales with a neighbour and went on a long journey.
When he came back he asked for them. "Oh dear," said the neighbour. "The mice ate your iron."
The merchant smiled and said nothing. The next day he took the neighbour's little son to the river to bathe.
He came home alone. "Where is my son?" cried the neighbour.
"A hawk swooped down and carried him off," said the merchant calmly.
"That is impossible!" "So is iron-eating," said the merchant. The scales came back at once, and so did the boy.
If you are unfair to someone, you may soon feel the same unfairness yourself.
FairnessDid you know?
Merchants in ancient India used balance scales with stone weights to sell grain and spices.
Try this at home
Return something you borrowed today, before anyone has to ask you for it.
Questions to talk about
Ask these after reading. The answer is underneath each one.
What did the neighbour claim?
Answer: Mice ate the iron
What did the merchant say happened to the boy?
Answer: A hawk carried him off
What is the lesson?
Answer: Be fair, or unfairness comes back
Bring this story to life
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