The grains of wheat remaining on the field after the harvest were impatiently waiting for the rain to bury themselves deeper into the damp earth in anticipation of the coming cold weather. An ant running past noticed him. Delighted with the find, he, without hesitation, put the heavy prey on his back and crawled with difficulty to the anthill. In order to get to the house before dark, the ant crawled without stopping, and the luggage weighed heavier and heavier on its weary back.
- Why are you straining yourself? Leave me here! - the grain of wheat begged.
“If I leave you,” answered the ant, breathing heavily, “we will be left without food for the winter.” There are many of us, and everyone is obliged to earn a living in order to increase the reserves in the anthill.
Then the grain thought and said:
“I understand your concerns as an honest worker, but you also need to understand my situation.” Listen to me carefully, smart ant!
Satisfied that he could catch his breath a little, the ant threw the heavy burden off his back and sat down to rest.
“So know,” said the grain, “there is a great life-giving power within me, and my purpose is to give birth to new life.” Let's make an amicable agreement with you.
- What kind of agreement is this?
- Here's what it is. If you don’t drag me into the anthill and leave me here in my native field,” the grain explained, “then in exactly a year I will reward you.” — The surprised ant shook his head in disbelief. - Believe me, dear ant, I’m telling the absolute truth! If you give up on me now and wait, then later I will reward your patience a hundredfold, and your anthill will not be at a loss. In exchange for one you will receive one hundred of the same grains.
The ant thought, scratching the back of his head: “One hundred grains in exchange for one. Yes, such miracles only happen in fairy tales.”
- How will you do this? - he asked, bursting with curiosity, but still not believing.
- Rely on me! - answered the grain. - This is the great mystery of life. Now dig a small hole, bury me, and come back again in the summer.
At the agreed time, the ant returned to the field. The grain of wheat kept its promise.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru