Now when that Owlglass lay sick, every day grew he weaker, and knew that his death was approaching; therefore he made his will, and in three parts did he divide his wealth,—the one part gave he unto his friends, and the other unto the town council of Möllen, to pay the debts which lay upon the town, and the third part unto the priest of that place. But he made one stipulation, and caused them to promise that they would bury him in the holy earth of the churchyard, and after a Christian wise sing and say a mass and vigil for his sinful soul; and then, after four weeks, should they open the chest in the which lay his treasure, and the which chest was with three most excellent locks shut, and unto each gave Owlglass one key, and they accepted the trust of him, and then bidding them all farewell and enjoyment of the wealth he left unto them, he gently gave up the ghost, and so from this world departed one of the best and noblest men the which Germany had ever seen; nor since that time hath there been any like unto him in rarity of wit or subtlety of heart. And though there be no lack of fools and knaves who chouse and cozen, yet do none of them perform such chousing and cozening to the glory and advantage of true wisdom, in manner and form as did Owlglass.

And after the four weeks were gone by, and all things had been duly accomplished according to the promise made unto him, came the council and the priest and the friends of Owlglass to open the treasure, and enter upon the enjoyment thereof. And, behold! when they opened the chest, found they nought but stones. Then grew they angry, and strove together; and each believed that the other had from the chest taken the treasure. But it was not so; for of a truth understood they not until afterward, that all treasure is indeed of no greater account than stones. For a lusty frame and a cheerful heart be the best of riches.