A woodsman lost his axe, and couldn’t find it anywhere. It was his only tool; it was his livelihood.
His face was bathed in tears of pity for himself. He sobbed, “O, Jupiter! Please give me back my axe!”
His plea was heard, and Mercury was sent.
“I think I found your hatchet,” said the god. “D’you recognize it?” And he showed the man an axe of solid gold.
“That isn’t mine,” the woodsman sighed.
A silver axe came next.
“No, thanks.”
The third was made of wood and steel.
The woodsman, overjoyed, cried, “That one’s mine, all right!”
“You’ll have all three,” said Mercury, “for being honest.”
“Thanks!” the woodsman said, and goggled. “Gee!”
The story of his good luck spread; soon many other woodsmen were misplacing axes. Jupiter was swamped with calls for help. But Mercury was sent to each complainer, and to each he showed a golden axe.
“That’s mine!” they always said immediately.
“And here’s your prize,” he said—and thumped them on the head.
Be happy with what’s yours. And most importantly, don’t lie: for Jupiter’s is an all-seeing eye.