The Magic Plate

The Humble Beginnings

Long ago, there lived a cartman named Hari. He earned a meagre living by carrying other people’s goods. Sometimes he was paid well, but at other times he returned home without any money. Despite his efforts, he could never escape the clutches of poverty.

A Kindness Unforeseen

One day, while driving home from the marketplace, he saw a hermit lying by the roadside. Taking pity on him, Hari brought the hermit into his cart and drove him to his house. His wife was not pleased to see a distressed mendicant brought home and scolded her husband for his foolishness. However, Hari, being a kind soul, paid no attention to her words. Unfortunately for him, the hermit died that night, and his wife exclaimed with alarm, “See what you’ve done! Go and bury him before someone finds out. No one knows the hermit came to our house. His loss will not be discovered.”

The Unexpected Burial

Hari carried the corpse and buried it near some bushes close to the forest, returning home satisfied that no one had seen him. However, another villager observed Hari’s actions and mistakenly believed he was burying a secret treasure. Curiosity got the best of him, and he began digging at the spot, only to be shocked when he uncovered a corpse. Fearing accusations, he hurriedly left the site.

A Discovery of Wealth

Meanwhile, Hari went home and noticed the hermit’s cloth bag lying on the ground. He emptied it and discovered a copper plate fall out, covered in strange inscriptions. Unable to read, he took it to the village schoolmaster. The teacher, intrigued, asked him how he had come by the plate. Hari recounted his encounter with the hermit, carefully omitting details about the hermit’s death and burial.

The Magic Spell

The teacher remarked in wonder, “Hari, this copper plate contains a magic spell! Recite it on a full moon night and visit the Death Caves in the forest. The caves will remain open for three-quarters of an hour, allowing you to bring back whatever you desire.”

Fortune Awaits

On the next full moon night, Hari and the schoolmaster ventured to the Death Caves. As Hari entered, the teacher waited outside, instructing him, “When I signal, recite the magic spell and collect all the wealth you find.”

Hari nodded and ventured inside. When prompted, he recited the magic spell, and a hidden chamber opened, revealing treasures he had never imagined. Dazzled by gold, silver, and precious jewels, he filled the two sacks he had brought and exited. He shared one sack with the teacher before returning home.

Wealth and Consequences

From that day on, tales of Hari’s newfound prosperity spread throughout the village. However, the villager who had seen the hermit’s corpse reported his discovery to the village constable. The constable confronted Hari, threatening to imprison him unless he revealed the source of his wealth. Trembling with fear, Hari handed over the copper plate and explained the magic spell, while maintaining his innocence regarding the hermit’s death.

The Constable’s Greed

Seized by greed, the constable decided to investigate the Death Caves himself. He recited the magic spell and entered the treasure chamber, overwhelmed by the sight of unimaginable wealth. He filled his sacks, forgetting the time, and before he knew it, the doors banged shut, trapping him inside forever. No one knew what fate befell the constable, but they found the lamp he had carried near the cave entrance, leading them to conclude that he had met a tragic end.

A Happy Conclusion

Meanwhile, Hari and the teacher continued to prosper and became wealthy men, their lives forever changed by the kindness that led to fortune.