The Three Languages

A nobleman's son is considered foolish and incapable of learning anything useful. The father, in desperation, sends him to be educated by three different masters, each for a year. The first master teaches him the language of dogs. The second teaches him the language of birds. The third teaches him the language of frogs. When the son returns, his father is furious—the boy has wasted three years learning what appears to be nonsense. In rage, he declares that his son must leave the household. The boy, undaunted by his father's anger, travels forth. Soon, he encounters bandits preparing to rob travelers. But the son understands the language of dogs and learns from them that the bandits hide on a particular road. He warns travelers to avoid this road, saving many lives. Continuing his journey, he encounters a castle where many birds gather outside the windows. Understanding their language, he learns that the castle holds a hidden treasure beneath a stone in the cellar. He offers to find it and claims a great reward. At a lake, he learns from the language of frogs that a treasure lies at the bottom of the water. He retrieves it and becomes wealthy. The king, hearing of his extraordinary abilities, invites him to his court. The boy becomes a trusted advisor, using his unique wisdom to serve the kingdom. Prudence—the wisdom to learn, even when others declare learning useless; to persist, even when mocked; and to apply one's knowledge creatively—elevates the "foolish" boy to nobility. True prudence sees value where others see only folly.