Translation by Carolyn Place. The number preceding the title indicates the position of this tale within the 95 original episodes published in 1515.
It was with sly cunning that Eulenspiegel first earned money in Bamberg. He was hungry and went to the house of a female innkeeper called Frau Königen, a friendly hostess. She bid him welcome, then she saw by his clothing that he was a peculiar guest. As it was noontime, she questioned him if he wanted to stop there or was he in need of money to eat? Eulenspiegel answered he was a poor journeyman and requested that if it was God's will she should give him something to eat. The landlady spoke: "Friend, the meat and bread are not given to me free. Therefore I must give money for them." Eulenspiegel said, "Oh, mistress, it also suits me well to have money to eat. How much should I have to eat and drink here?" The lady said, "At the Gentle-men's Table it is 24 pfennigs, at the table alongside that, 18 pfennigs, and with my servants for 12 pfennigs." To that Eulenspiegel answered, "Mistress, that amount of money suits me best," and sat down at the Gentlemen's Table and ate. When he'd richly eaten and drank, he told the innkeeper that as soon as he finished he must be on his way. "Dear guest," said the lady, "Give me the 24 pfennigs for the meal and go. God be with you." "No," said Eulenspiegel, "You should give me 24 pfennigs, as you said when we spoke that at this table one eats for 24 pfennigs. I have understood it, thus I ate to earn the money and it was a difficult enough job. I ate until I began to sweat - and finally, to save my life, I can eat no more. Therefore, give me my wages." "Friend," said the innkeeper, "It is true you have eaten enough for three, but I never agreed to pay you for it. Go - I'll grant you the meal, but you shall have no money for it. Don't ever come here again. Though I comb house and yard, I would never find such a guest to eat in such a manner." Thus Eulenspiegel departed and earned himself little thanks. |
