The Pied-Piper of Hamelin
Once upon a time, in a town called Hamelin, rats had infested every nook and cranny, from the corn silos and shops to the streets and houses. The rats multiplied rapidly, and the people of Hamelin were distressed by their presence. They approached the Town Hall and demanded action from the Mayor, who, surrounded by his Councilors, declared a substantial reward of one thousand gold guilders to anyone who could eliminate the rats from the town. The very next day, a stranger arrived in Hamelin, sporting a hat, and approached the Mayor and his councilors, proclaiming that he could rid the town of its rat infestation for the reward offered. The Mayor eagerly accepted the Pied Piper's offer, and the Piper stepped outside.
The Pied Piper commenced playing a captivating tune, and the rats were lured to follow him. He led them to the river's edge, where he ceased playing, but the rats continued to dance into the river and were drowned. The people of Hamelin were delighted and relieved at the triumph over the rat infestation. However, when the Pied Piper demanded the promised thousand gold guilders, the Mayor reneged on his pledge, leaving the Piper humiliated and aggrieved.
Subsequently, the Piper resumed playing his pipe on the street, and all the town's children emerged from their homes, mesmerized and entranced by the music, following him. The parents were grateful that the Pied Piper was leading the children away from the river and toward the mountain. As they approached the mountain, a small door appeared on the mountainside, and the Pied Piper and all the children disappeared into it, and the door was shut so tightly that no one could discern precisely where it had been.
Moral :
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