Section 1
Hills and valleys may not cross paths, but people of all kinds do - both good and bad. One such encounter took place when a cobbler and a tailor met on their respective journeys. The tailor, a cheerful and handsome little man, spotted the cobbler approaching from the opposite direction, and upon noticing his tools, began to sing a playful tune teasing him: "Stitch me up some shoes, hammer the nails with care, polish them with pride, and make them beyond compare!"
However, the cobbler did not take kindly to the jest. He scowled as if he had tasted something sour and made a threatening gesture as if he were about to pounce on the tailor. Yet the plucky little man merely chuckled, handed him his flask, and said, "No offense was intended. Have a swig and let your rage be mended." After a generous gulp, the cobbler’s scowl started to fade. He returned the flask to the tailor and said, "I took a hefty swig, but not from thirst, they say it's a sign of too much drink. Shall we journey together?" "Agreed," replied the tailor, "as long as you're willing to venture into a bustling city with plenty of work to be had." "That's exactly where I wish to go," responded the cobbler. "There's nothing to be earned in a tiny village and in rural areas, where folks prefer to go barefoot." Therefore, they journeyed forth together, trudging one foot in front of the other like a weasel in the snow.
Although time was on their side, food was scarce for both of them. Upon arriving in a town, they went around paying their respects to the various tradesmen. Thanks to the tailor's cheerful demeanor and rosy complexion, everyone was happy to give him work. Moreover, when fortune was on his side, the masters' daughters even kissed him under the balconies. Whenever he met up with the cobbler, the tailor always had the biggest bundle. The sour cobbler scowled and thought to himself, "The bigger the crook, the more the fortune." However, the jovial tailor merely laughed and sang, sharing all his earnings with his companion. If he had a few coins jingling in his pockets, he ordered a feast and pounded the table in delight until the glasses danced. For him, it was easy to come, easy go.
After traveling for a while, they reached a vast forest, which lay on the road leading to the capital. Two footpaths crossed through the forest, one of which took seven days to travel while the other only two. Unfortunately, neither traveler knew which path was the shorter one. They sat down under an oak tree, discussing how they should plan their journey and how many days' worth of bread they should bring with them.
The cobbler spoke up, "One should be cautious and plan ahead. I'll bring enough bread for a week." The tailor scoffed, "Carry bread for seven days like a pack animal and not even be able to enjoy the journey? I'll put my faith in God and not worry about such things." The tailor reasoned, "The money I have is worth the same in summer as in winter, but bread dries out quickly in the heat and can even grow moldy. Even my coat will not last as long in the summer. Moreover, who has to say we will not find the right path? Two days' worth of bread will suffice." So each purchased their bread and set out into the forest, hoping for the best.
The forest was silent as a tomb. Not a breeze rustled the leaves, nor did a stream babble; no bird trilled, and not a single ray of sunlight pierced the dense canopy of foliage. The cobbler remained silent, burdened by the weight of the bread on his aching back, causing sweat to pour down his tired and grim countenance. In contrast, the tailor was in high spirits, frolicking about, whistling a tune, or bursting into song, convinced that his exuberance would please the Almighty above.
