An aged count once lived in Switzerland, who had an only son, but hewas stupid, and could learn nothing. Then said the father: «Hark you, myson, try as I will I can get nothing into your head. You must go fromhence, I will give you into the care of a celebrated master, who shallsee what he can do with you.» The youth was sent into a strange town,and remained a whole year with the master. At the end of this time, hecame home again, and his father asked: «Now, my son, what have youlearnt?» «Father, I have learnt what the dogs say when they bark.’«Lord have mercy on us!» cried the father; «is that all you havelearnt?
I will send you into another town, to another master.» Theyouth was taken thither, and stayed a year with this master likewise.When he came back the father again asked: «My son, what have youlearnt?» He answered: «Father, I have learnt what the birds say.» Thenthe father fell into a rage and said: «Oh, you lost man, you have spentthe precious time and learnt nothing; are you not ashamed to appearbefore my eyes? I will send you to a third master, but if you learnnothing this time also, I will no longer be your father.» The youthremained a whole year with the third master also, and when he camehome again, and his father inquired: «My son, what have youlearnt?» he answered: «Dear father, I have this year learnt what thefrogs croak.» Then the father fell into the most furious anger,sprang up, called his people thither, and said: «This man is nolonger my son, I drive him forth, and command you to take him outinto the forest, and kill him.» They took him forth, but when theyshould have killed him, they could not do it for pity, and let him go,and they cut the eyes and tongue out of a deer that they might carrythem to the old man as a token.
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