7. The Shepherd's Treasure

Introduction: An Iranian folktale about a poor shepherd who becomes a Governor because of his wisdom and humility. His "treasure" is not gold or silver, but an old blanket.

Summary

A poor shepherd lived in a village in Iran. He was uneducated but very wise and helpful. People came to him for advice. The King of Iran heard about him and visited him in disguise. Impressed by his wisdom and hospitality, the King appointed him the Governor of a small district.

The new Governor remained humble. He always carried an iron chest with him. The other governors became jealous and told the King that the iron chest contained stolen treasure. The King summoned the shepherd to the palace to open the chest.

When opened, the chest contained no gold or silver, but an old blanket. The shepherd explained that it was his only treasure and his oldest friend. It would protect him if the King ever took away his position and power. The King was delighted by his humility and wisdom and made him the Governor of a much bigger district.

Moral: Humility and wisdom are greater treasures than wealth.

Character Sketch

The Shepherd: Poor and uneducated, but wise, kind, and humble. He treated everyone with respect. He did not let power make him proud.
The King: A good judge of character. He recognized the shepherd's wisdom and rewarded him.
Other Governors: Jealous and insecure. tried to defame the shepherd.

Word Meanings

Shepherd: One who tends sheep.
Cottage: A small house.
Mule: An animal used for carrying loads.
Disguise: To hide one's identity.
Hospitality: Friendly reception of guests.
Province: District / State.
Summoned: Called officially.
Mockingly: Making fun of someone.

Question 1:

The shepherd hadn’t been to school because:

(iii) there were very few schools in those days.

Question 2:

Who visited the shepherd one day, and why?

Ans: The King of Iran visited the shepherd one day. He came in disguise, riding a mule, because he had heard about the shepherd's wisdom and friendly nature and wanted to meet him personally.

Question 3:

Why did the other governors grow jealous of the shepherd?

Ans: The shepherd was very popular among the people for his wisdom and kindness. His fame as a fair and wise governor spread throughout the country. This made the other governors jealous of him.

Question 4:

Why was the new governor called to the palace?

Ans: The jealous governors told the King that the shepherd was dishonest and kept a part of the tax money in an iron chest. The King called him to the palace to explain what was inside the chest.

Question 5:

What did the iron chest contain? Why did the shepherd always carry it?

Ans: The iron chest contained an old blanket. The shepherd always carried it because it was his oldest friend. It would protect him even if the King took away his new cloaks or position.

Question 6:

How did the king reward the new governor?

Ans: The King was pleased with the shepherd's wisdom and humility. He rewarded him by making him the Governor of a much bigger district that very same day.

Grammar Rules: Adjectives (Qualities)

1. Adjectives of Quality

Describe the kind or quality of a person or thing (Large, Honest, Foolish).

2. Position

Can be attributive (An honest man) or predicative (The man is honest).

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