{"id":2519,"date":"2025-10-21T20:06:49","date_gmt":"2025-10-21T17:06:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/an.magicworld.com.ua\/?p=2519"},"modified":"2025-10-21T23:47:20","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T20:47:20","slug":"three-golden-words","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/an.magicworld.com.ua\/en\/folk\/three-golden-words\/","title":{"rendered":"Three Golden Words"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A Ukrainian Folk Tale<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>
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Read by: Honored Artist of Ukraine Mykhailo Voichuk<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

It happened long ago, in those distant times when common folk were conscripted into the army.
A man would go to serve young, and return home old and gray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In one village, a young man had just married. A week after the wedding, he received the order to join the army. He was poor and had no means to pay his way out. Thus he spent twenty-two long years in foreign lands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At last, he was discharged and set out for home. In those days there were no trains or motorcars \u2014 one had to travel on foot or by cart.
The demobilized soldier received three gold coins for the road. And so he walked \u2014 through forests and mountains, villages and towns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In one village, he asked for lodging for the night. After supper he began talking with the host. By the fire sat an old man, silent and still, not saying a word.
The soldier wondered:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIs that old man deaf and mute?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said the host, \u201che is neither deaf nor mute \u2014 only very sparing with his words. He speaks but one word for a gold coin. Yet his counsel is worth its weight in gold.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018Well then,\u2019<\/em> thought the soldier, \u2018what will be, will be. I have three gold coins \u2014 let me see what his wise words are worth.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He came up to the old man, showed him one coin, and said:
\u201cPlease, tell me a word of wisdom.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The old man spoke quietly:
\u201cRemember \u2014 never take the short road. Better to go the long way, the road well-trodden by human feet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then he fell silent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018Hmm,\u2019<\/em> thought the soldier, \u2018I hoped for something wiser. But no matter \u2014 I have two coins left. Let\u2019s try again.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He handed the old man a second coin. The man hid it away and said:
\u201cWhen you draw near your home, remember this: wherever there is a young wife and an old husband \u2014 do not stay the night there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again the old man fell silent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018Well now,\u2019<\/em> thought the soldier, \u2018that too is not much of a revelation. But never mind. I have one gold coin left \u2014 I\u2019ll give it to him anyway, perhaps he\u2019ll say something truly wise.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He placed the third coin in the old man\u2019s palm.
\u201cTell me one more word, grandfather.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The old man raised his head:
\u201cRemember, my son \u2014 an evening\u2019s anger should be put off till morning.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow should I understand that?\u201d asked the soldier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLike this,\u201d said the old man. \u201cIf you grow angry in the evening, do not give your heart free rein \u2014 wait until morning before you act.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thus ended the soldier\u2019s talk with the old man. He slept there that night, thanked his hosts in the morning, and went on his way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the edge of the village he met a young gentleman.
\u201cGood day!\u201d
\u201cGood day! Where are you headed, soldier?\u201d
\u201cTo such-and-such village,\u201d he said, naming his home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell then!\u201d said the gentleman gladly. \u201cWe\u2019re bound the same way! I\u2019m a baron\u2019s son \u2014 I\u2019ve been traveling on business, and now I\u2019m returning home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They went together, talking along the road. The young noble had plenty of money \u2014 they ate, they drank, and the time passed pleasantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soon they came to a vast and dark forest. A narrow path ran through it.
\u201cIf we take this footpath,\u201d said the baron\u2019s son, \u201cwe\u2019ll reach home much faster.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They stepped toward the path, but the soldier stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018Wait,\u2019<\/em> he thought, \u2018I paid a gold coin for that advice: better take the long, well-worn road.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said aloud, \u201cLet\u2019s go by the main road \u2014 this way is dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, let\u2019s take the shortcut!\u201d said the noble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They quarreled and parted ways: the baron\u2019s son went through the forest path, and the soldier followed the wide road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When evening came, the soldier reached a village. He heard shouting \u2014 people were talking excitedly: robbers had attacked a young nobleman in the woods, beaten and robbed him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018Ah,\u2019<\/em> thought the soldier, \u2018that must be my companion! The first piece of advice has proven true \u2014 the old man spoke wisely indeed.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He found the wounded baron\u2019s son lying in an inn. The noble said weakly:
\u201cAh, how wrong I was not to heed you! I barely escaped with my life. Wait here with me a few days while I recover \u2014 after that, we\u2019ll go together. From now on, I\u2019ll listen to your counsel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The soldier stayed. When the noble was well again, they continued on their journey. The baron\u2019s son now obeyed the soldier in everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As evening fell near another village, they asked for a place to sleep. They were weary and found a house where a young woman greeted them kindly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood evening!\u201d
\u201cGood evening to you! What brings honest travelers here?\u201d
\u201cWe are on the road, and tired,\u201d they said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The hostess looked at one, then at the other, and smiled.
\u201cSit down, you may spend the night here. My house is large \u2014 it won\u2019t run away with you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She gave them supper, made up beds, and said:
\u201cRest now. My husband will return soon \u2014 pay him no mind.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even as she spoke, the door opened and an old man came in. The travelers thought he was her father, but from their talk they realized he was her husband.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy husband, these travelers asked to stay the night,\u201d said the young woman.
\u201cLet them sleep here in peace,\u201d said the old man. \u201cThe house is large.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the soldier frowned, remembering the old man\u2019s second piece of wisdom: \u201cWhere there\u2019s a young wife and an old husband \u2014 don\u2019t stay the night.\u201d<\/em>
<\/em> He whispered to the baron:
\u201cLet\u2019s leave this place \u2014 trouble lies ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAre you mad?\u201d said the noble. \u201cShe\u2019s a kind woman \u2014 fed us, gave us beds. Where else will we find such comfort?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome, let\u2019s go,\u201d urged the soldier. \u201cYou promised to heed me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot this time,\u201d said the noble. \u201cI\u2019m too tired to move.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The soldier gathered his things, thanked the woman, and stepped out. She tried to persuade him to stay, but he left anyway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outside, it began to rain. The soldier thought, \u2018I\u2019ll crawl into the haystack and wait it out.\u2019<\/em>
<\/em> He climbed into the hay and lay quietly, unable to sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Around midnight, he heard hooves. A horse galloped into the yard. On it rode a young man. The woman rushed out joyfully to meet him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood that you\u2019ve come,\u201d she whispered. \u201cNow we can rid ourselves of the old one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lover tied up his horse near the haystack, leaving his fur coat on the saddle. The woman brought out food and drink, then led him into the house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The soldier watched \u2014 and soon saw a terrible thing. Peering through the window, he saw the young man kill the old husband.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They whispered:
\u201cWe\u2019ll put the blame on that traveler who stayed here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They smeared the noble\u2019s hands and shirt with blood, wrapped the knife in a rag, and hid it in the haystack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The soldier crept down, cut two patches from the sleeves of the fur coat, hid them in his pocket, and slipped into the cornfield to wait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At dawn the woman ran out crying,
\u201cOh, people, people! I gave a traveler shelter, and he murdered my husband!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The villagers gathered, found the noble with bloodied hands, and would not believe his protests. According to the law \u2014 \u201can eye for an eye, a head for a head.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The village court sentenced the baron\u2019s son to death. A gallows was raised, and people shouted, \u201cHang him! Hang him!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But no man would do the deed. Then the very same young lover rode up and declared,
\u201cI\u2019ll hang him myself!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The soldier recognized him instantly. The baron, weeping, saw his companion and said:
\u201cAh, had I only listened to you! Now I die innocent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As they led him to the gallows, the soldier cried out,
\u201cStop! He is innocent!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSilence!\u201d the people shouted. \u201cAll the signs are against him!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI tell you,\u201d said the soldier, \u201cthe true murderer is the man who just offered to hang him!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat can\u2019t be! He\u2019s the son of a rich farmer from the next village!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then the soldier told everything he had seen that night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe need proof!\u201d said the judges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The soldier took a cloth patch from his pocket.
\u201cHere is my witness \u2014 I cut this from the killer\u2019s coat.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They matched it \u2014 it fit perfectly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOne witness is not enough!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The soldier produced the second patch.
\u201cHere\u2019s another.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It too matched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf that still doesn\u2019t convince you,\u201d said the soldier, \u201cI have a third witness.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He led them to the haystack, where they found the blood-stained knife wrapped in the rag. They also found hoofprints matching the lover\u2019s horse, and blood on his shirt. Witnesses recalled seeing him ride that night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thus the guilty one was hanged, and the innocent man was freed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The baron said,
\u201cWhen my father learns that you saved my life, he will give you half our estate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The soldier thought to himself, \u2018The second piece of advice came true as well.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That evening they reached the baron\u2019s home village. The noble invited the soldier in, but he said,
\u201cThank you kindly \u2014 my own home is not far now. I\u2019ll visit another time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He walked on to his native village, which he had not seen in twenty-two years. It had changed little \u2014 even in darkness he found his house easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A light burned inside; his wife was tidying up, then dressing as if expecting someone. The table was set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018Aha,\u2019<\/em> thought the soldier, \u2018she must have a lover.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soon a young man came in. She embraced him joyfully, kissing him. Then another youth appeared \u2014 she greeted him the same way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018So! One wasn\u2019t enough, you faithless woman \u2014 you\u2019ve two!\u2019<\/em>
<\/em> He drew his revolver, aimed through the window.
\u2018I\u2019ll kill all three of you!\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But at that instant he remembered the old man\u2019s words: \u201cAn evening\u2019s anger should be put off till morning.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He lowered the gun and walked away, heavy-hearted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the village tavern he heard people talking:
\u201cHave you heard the news? Two fine young men returned to the village today \u2014 sons of that widow so-and-so. One\u2019s an engineer, the other a doctor. Their father went to the army twenty-two years ago and was never heard from.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The soldier leapt to his feet in joy \u2014 those were his sons! He realized that while he was away, his wife had borne twins, raised and educated them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He rushed home and tapped on the window. Even in the dark, his wife recognized him. She opened the door and cried with joy:
\u201cYou too have come back! All three in one day! Look \u2014 these are your sons!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then she told him everything \u2014 how she had struggled and suffered alone, how she worked to feed and educate their boys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe have no wealth,\u201d she said, \u201cbut our sons are our true treasure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The soldier told her his story in turn \u2014 the three golden coins, the wise old man, the trials on the road, all of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few days later the baron summoned him and rewarded him with half his estate.
\u201cFor saving my only son\u2019s life,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And so the soldier found both happiness and fortune. When parting from his noble friend, he said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFor three gold coins I gained three pieces of wisdom \u2014 and truly, they were worth their weight in gold.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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