On a certain year a large flock of wild geese
descended on its fields and devoured first the
corn, and then the green blades.
The superintendent of the farm hastened to
the convent and called the lady abbess.
``Holy mother,'' said he, ``this year the nuns will
have to fast continually, for there will be no food.''
``Why is that?'' asked the abbess.
``Because,'' answered the superintendent, ``a
flood of wild geese has rained upon the land, and
they have eaten up the corn, nor have they left a
single green blade.''
``Is it possible,'' said the abbess, ``that these
wicked birds have no respect for the property of
the convent! They shall do penance for their
misdeeds. Return at once to the fields, and order
the geese from me to come without delay to the
convent door, so that they may receive just punishment
for their greediness.''
``But, mother,'' said the superintendent, ``this
is not a time for jesting! These are not sheep to
be guided into the fold, but birds with long, strong
wings, to fly away with.''
``Do you understand me!'' answered the abbess.
``Go at once, and bid them come to me
without delay, and render an account of their
misdeeds.''
The superintendent ran back to the farm, and
found the flock of evildoers still there. He raised
his voice and clapping his hands, cried:--
``Come, come, ye greedy geese! The lady abbess
commands you to hasten to the convent
door!''
Wonderful sight! Hardly had he uttered these
words than the geese raised their necks as if to
listen, then, without spreading their wings, they
placed themselves in single file, and in regular
order began to march toward the convent.
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