One day, an old beggar went to the village. He knocked at the door of a rich man to beg for food.

一天，一个老乞丐来到一个村子里。他敲开了一个富人家的门，想跟他讨点儿吃的。

This was a big house and at the side was built a granary with a big padlock.

这是一个大房子，旁边有一个很大的粮仓，粮仓门上挂着一把大铁锁。

The owner of the house was a miser¹ and he was known for never helping² anyone.

可是，这户人家的主人是个出了名的吝啬鬼，他从来不肯帮助别人。

The beggar was aware of his reputation but still pleaded.”Will you give me a bit of butter or milk "'

乞丐也知道这个吝啬鬼的狼藉名声，但还是乞求他：“您能不能给我一点黄油或牛奶？”

The miser said impatiently, "No! Go away at once" "Perhaps you can sweep out for me a bit of grain or beans."

吝啬鬼不耐烦地说：“不行快给我滚开！”“或许，您能给我扫出一把麦子或黄豆。”

The hungry beggar continued. "There isn't anything in my house! " "How about a little bit of bread?"

饥饿的乞丐又说道。"家里什么也没有！""那就请您给我一小块面包吧？”

The beggar insisted. "Only a mouthful of food and I will be very grateful. " "Go away! I don’t have bread! " "How about some water? t am thirsty, "

乞丐坚持到，¨哪怕是给我一口饭吃，我都会对您感激不尽的。”“我没有面包竹¨那给我一口水喝吧，我太渴了！”

'I don't have water.” The beggar then said sadly to him, My friend, why are you here? You should go to some kind-hearted folk to beg for food because you are poorer than anybody else. "

“我没有水！”然后，乞丐悲哀地对他说：“我的朋友，那你还呆在这里干什么？你应该去找一些善良的人们讨些饭吃吧，因为你比谁都穷！”