The priest's cow FRANCE Adapted from a traditional tale of Picardie Bye the pupils of the final cycle of primary school Airaines, France

The priest is preaching charity.... At church, Jacques and his wife are listening to the priest.

It's easier to eat bacon than to breed pigs !

What you give to the others, God will give you back... DOUBLE !

Jacques and his wife return to the farm. Jacques is bothered by the words of the priest.

The priest said that... what we give to the others, the Good Lord gives back double, didn't he ? Yes !

Well my dear, I have an idea : our cow is no good ; it hardly gives us what it eats. I'm going to give it to the priest. If I give it to him, it's as if I'd given it to the Good Lord ! And our Lord will have to give me back two cows !

Jacques fetches his cow.

Father, I listened to you very carefully this morning. You're right. I'm giving you my cow.

I'm even going to put it in the cowshed with your cow straight away. God who sees you will reward you. You set an example for all the village.

I'm going to have two cows !

Here comes « the miracle »... The door of the cowshed was badly closed. Jacques's cow goes out. It is followed by the priest's cow.

But, where are they ?

The priest looks for his cows..... Here they are, finally ! He finds them.... at Jacques !

Give me my cows ! NEVER ! This cows were a present from the Good Lord.

You've said it : he always gives back double !

BUT ! Can't you see that it's a mistake ? The animals have gone away ! Give them back to me ! NEVER !

Well... I don't want to fight, it will be the judge's decision !

Jacques and the priest are summoned to the court.

Jacques has an idea !

Jacques visits the priest. Father, I'm not rich, my clothes are no good. Please, lend me some new ones. It won't make any difference. Hang on, I'm going to fetch what you need.

These are a suit, shoes and a hat. Thank you, Father.

Our Father is going to speak. We're listening to you.

Right then, your Honour, I'll explain to you...

Don't believe what our priest says, he is a nice man, but he is a bit crazy. He claims that everything belonging to me belongs to him. You'll see that !

Father, whose jacket is it ? It's mine.

Whose pants are they ? It's mine of course !

And these shoes ? Still mine, I don't understand ? ?

Whose cows are they ? It's mine, you know that very well !

A moi, bien sûr ! You see !

Gentlemen, please stand up.

I've listened to you very carefully. On reflexion, I've decided that...

Jacques will keep the two cows.

Jacques was sly.... But... You... What do you think about that ?