| Plot Summary |
A woodcutter is seen at work in the woods chopping trees, and after he has gathered a goodly load of wood he turns his steps homeward. A hunting party is now seen, called together from the chase by the buglers, and they all seat themselves on the grass to partake of refreshment. Suddenly a fierce storm sets in, and the hunters scurry to cover. The scene now changes and shows the woodcutter, who had fallen asleep on a log from fatigue. Through the snow flakes the Angel of Death suddenly appears to him, bearing his scythe of destruction; the old man falls prostrate before the vision, but in a moment it vanishes and is replaced by the kindly form of St. Hubert, patron saint of the hunt. The saint tells him to arise, and that soon, very soon, unheard-of riches will come to comfort his old bones. And sure enough, there now appears a retinue of servants in gold and lace livery, bearing a royal litter. The old man is ushered into this, and to his amazement two men lift him and proceed to carry him off, while the others follow in a correct military style. They take him to a beautiful palace, where he is seated at a sumptuously laden table. Many servants gather with dishes, and his every little move is waited upon. But he becomes disgusted with the pampering of these coddling courtiers and servants and flies into a rage. He dashes up from his seat and hurls defiance at them all. It is apparent that he now detests their formality and splendor, wishing only to be back in the forest once more. He takes his ragged old hat and coat and prepares to depart. On seeing this the courtiers load him with edibles, which he accepts thankfully, but bowing himself out, he intimates clearly that not wealth and riches, but the peace brought by the hard-earned morsel of bread constitutes happiness for him.
Written by Star Catalog
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