Thmenh Chey Picks Up What Falls

Khmer Tales · @khmer.tales

Thmenh Chey was a poor boy with a quick mind. He worked as a servant for a rich man who was proud, stingy and fond of giving orders.

One morning the rich man rode his horse to meet the officials at the hall. "Carry my betel bag," he said, "and keep up with my horse."

Thmenh Chey ran to keep up. On the way the betel boxes fell out of the bag one by one, and he never stopped. At the hall the rich man opened the bag in front of everyone and found only the empty tray.

At home he scolded the boy. "You told me to keep up with your horse, master," said Thmenh Chey. "Next time," the rich man shouted, "pick up whatever falls!"

The next day they set off again. On the way the horse dropped its dung, and Thmenh Chey stopped and picked it up, every piece, and put it in the betel bag.

At the hall the rich man called for his betel in front of all the officials, opened the bag and nearly fainted. "What is this?" "You told me to pick up whatever falls, master."

The officials held their noses. The rich man rode home without a word and sent Thmenh Chey to watch his orchard instead, far away from any guests. People say that from that day on, he gave his orders more carefully.

Why the story lasts

Thmenh Chey never disobeys. He does exactly what he is told, and that is how he shows the powerful how foolish their words can be. Retold for Akahs Media from Khmer oral tradition.