The Ear of Corn

by The Brothers Grimm

　　

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In former times, when God himself still walked the earth, the fruitfulnessof the soil was much greater than it is now; then the ears of corn didnot bear fifty or sixty, but four or five hundred-fold. Then the corngrew from the bottom to the very top o f the stalk, and according to thelength of the stalk was the length of the ear. Men however are so made,that when they are too well off they no longer value the blessings whichcome from God, but grow indifferent and careless. One day a woman waspassing by a corn-field when her little child, who was running beside her,fell into a puddle, and dirtied her frock. On this the mother tore upa handful of the beautiful ears of corn, and cleaned the frock with them.

　　When the Lord, who just then came by, saw that, he was angry, and said,"Henceforth shall the stalks of corn bear no more ears; men are no longerworthy of heavenly gifts." The by-standers who heard this, were terrified,and fell on their knees and prayed that he would still leave somethingon the stalks, even if the people were undeserving of it, for the sake ofthe innocent birds which would otherwise have to starve. The Lord, whoforesaw their suffering, had pity on them, and granted the request. Sothe ears were left as they now grow.

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