One barber had a razor of extraordinary beauty, and it had no equal in its work. One day, when there were no visitors in the shop, and the owner was away somewhere, the razor decided to look at the world and show itself. Releasing the sharp blade from its frame like a sword from its sheath, and proudly akimbo, she went for a walk on a fine spring day.
Before the razor had time to cross the threshold, the bright sun began to sparkle on the polished steel blade, and sunbeams jumped merrily along the walls of the houses. Blinded by this unprecedented spectacle, the razor was in such indescribable delight that it immediately became excessively proud.
- After such splendor, should I really go back to the barber? - exclaimed the razor. - No way in the world! It would be sheer madness on my part to ruin my life by scraping the soapy cheeks and chins of uncouth louts. Is there a place for my delicate blade at the barber's? Not at all! I'll hide from him in a secluded place.
Since then there has been no trace of her.
Months passed. Rainy autumn has arrived. Bored alone, the fugitive decided to leave her voluntary seclusion and get some fresh air. She carefully released the blade from the frame and looked around proudly. But, oh horror! What happened? The blade, once tender, became rough, becoming like a rusty saw, and no longer reflected the sun's rays.
- Why did I give in to temptation? - the razor cried bitterly. - How the kind barber cherished and cared for me! How happy and proud he was of my work! And now, oh God, what happened to me: the blade became darkened, jagged and covered with disgusting rust. I am lost and there is no salvation for me!
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru