The Businessman and the Parrot

A well to-do businessman lived alone in an enormous house near a big city. He owned a successful business that traded in rose water, saffron, figs, almonds and pistachios. He could have been happy with his lot but he felt lonely because he was still grieving the loss of his beloved wife who had died several years ago.

A well to-do businessman lived alone in an enormous house near a big city. He owned a successful business that traded in rose water, saffron, figs, almonds and pistachios. He could have been happy with his lot but he felt lonely because he was still grieving the loss of his beloved wife who had died several years ago.

One day, a beautiful parrot flew to him. It had yellowish-green plumage, the back of its head had a light blueish hue and it had a particularly attractive red beak.

Many days and weeks passed during which the parrot and the businessman became friends. The businessman was overjoyed that he wasn't all alone anymore and he spent many hours teaching the parrot to talk. As a treat for when it learnt something new, the parrot was given a lump of sugar, which, in this playful way, became more and more important for it.

One evening, after a long and difficult day, the businessman came home exhausted. He asked the bird to stay awake and keep watch over the house and its precious treasures.

The parrot kept careful watch the whole night long and didn't let the bag of sugar out of its sight. Towards morning, however, thieves came and robbed the whole house undisturbed. They took all the gold, expensive cloths, spices and fruit with them — but left the sack of sugar behind without a second thought.

The next morning, the businessman stormed through the house absolutely aghast and lamented to the parrot about the loss of all his treasures. The parrot simply responded, 'But I looked after the sugar sack! Isn't that our most prized possession?'

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