In all things of old time were the people not so knavish as is now the case, especially they that are of the boors. On a time came Owlglass unto Quedlingburg, while that it was the weekly market day therein. And Owlglass had little provision; for when that it happened that he had money, in like manner that he wan it, it departed from him again. So he took counsel within himself, how that he might have good provision. And there sate upon the market a woman, and before her had she a large basket of live poultry, all hens; and among them was a cock. And Owlglass spake unto her saying: “How much wilt thou have for thy poultry?” And the woman made answer unto him, and said: “Truly mayest thou have them for a couple of St. Stephen’s pennies.” Then said Owlglass: “Wilt thou not give them cheaper?” But the woman said unto him: “Nay”; and then took Owlglass the basket, and departed therewith unto the town gate. Thereat ran the woman after him, and said unto him: “Merchant, how shall I understand thee? Wilt thou not pay me for the poultry?” Then said Owlglass: “Yea, most cheerily. I am the secretary of my lord’s lady.” “That ask I not,” said the woman; “it brooks not me what noble people thou mayest serve. If that thou wilt have the poultry, then do thou pay me therefor, and with my lord or my lady have I nought to do. My father taught me that with noble folk should I nor buy nor sell, nor lend nor borrow. Therefore pay thou me that which I demand from thee. Dost hear me?” And Owlglass said unto the woman: “Woman, thou art of little faith; if that all folk were like unto thee, the rich needy would not long have their needs answered. But so that ye may, indeed, have surety, give I ye the cock, the which will I fetch when that I bring ye the money and the basket.” Then took the good woman the cock, and bethought her that of a truth was she rarely secured to receive her money. But in all vain hopes can there be no happiness; for Owlglass returned not again, nor had she satisfaction in any wise. And unto such as make themselves so greatly sure, is it given to be disappointed, wherefore when that Owlglass approacheth unto ye, do ye straightway deliver up unto him that which he demandeth, lest with wily ways he doth beguile ye of much more. And Owlglass thereafter departed thence, and the good wife still kept her security.