The True Treasure

Retold by Mary Lloyd Dugan

These days, when there is so much worry and concern about money and the stock market, it's good to keep thing in perspective.

Once! There was a young man who heard about a treasure kept far away, at the top of a distant mountain. He decided to go there and claim it. So, with great resolve, he made the long journey. It took many years. At last he reached the distant mountain. He struggled up the steep cliffs and finally pulled himself up to the top. There, sitting at the mouth of a small cave, was an old wise woman, the guard of the treasure.

The old woman looked up and asked, "What is it that you want, my son?"

"I'm here to get the treasure which you guard," the student replied.

The crone smiled and nodded. Without a word, she got up, walked into the cave and brought back a silken pouch. She handed it to the traveler. Carefully, he loosened the pouch and emptied the contents into his hand. A huge ruby tumbled into his palm. Sunbeams danced on every facet. It was dazzling! The student laughed aloud. Delighted, he packed the ruby back into the pouch and tucked it into his coat. Then he turned to the Old Woman, bowed and without a word, he took off down the mountain toward home.

Halfway down the cliffs he stopped. Then, after a moment, he turned around, made the arduous climb back up the mountain, and handed the ruby back to the Crone.

"What is it that you want now?" she asked. For a moment the student was silent. Then he bowed and said, "I want whatever it is you have that makes giving away that ruby so easy!"

From the collection "Dance in the Breeze!" ©2001. Mary Lloyd Dugan performs all over the country. Based in Myrtle Beach, SC she's travelled as far as India to share tales and collect new ones. To order, visit www.dancingponyproductions.com.