by Sarah Earlene Shere, ©2024
(Nov. 23, 2024) — Hobart angrily waved a stick over his head, yelling at the crows to “Be gone.” With a sigh, he turned back to his post. The stout gnome took his job of guarding the garden of the woodcutter’s wife very seriously. He turned sharply at the sound of hoofbeats. “Now what?” thought he.
To his surprise, Hobart saw the prince, astride his white stallion. Approaching, the young man smiled down at the gnome. “Good day, fellow! My, what a delectable garden. I’ve had a long journey and am quite famished. Mighten the lady of the house show generosity to a weary traveler?”
Hobart scowled. He wasn’t about to let a stranger take from his mistress’s garden, even if it was the prince. Again, he waved his stick. “I’d sooner let the goblins steal my shoes than let you lay a finger on one rampion here!” And THAT was certainly saying something, as Hobart’s shoes were made of the finest leather and had gold buckles.
Just then, the woodcutter’s wife came out the door of the cottage. Graciously she greeted the prince. Before he could ask for a thing, she noted his weary state. Quickly, she took from her garden, filled a basket, along with bread and cider, and gave it to the prince, refusing his offer of payment. As he went away with a grateful heart, the wife turned to Hobart. “What a blessing to be able to give out of our abundance to those in need, be they rich or poor. Truly, generosity is the one gift we can all give our neighbors!”