Philippine Folklore

Juan and the "Magic" Books

Juan's mother had always wanted him to be a wise man. She wished that he would study and be learned. But Juan left school early. He could not even read very well.

Juan's father said, "Well, Juan, If you'll not study, then you must work in the fields with me."

So, Juan worked in the fields with his father. Juan did not enjoy working. He loved to eat and eat until he was full, then he would sleep under a tree.

He began to think of how he could escape from the work in the fields. At last, he thought of a plan.

He bought several books from a peddler. They were big black books with black covers. Juan did not even know what they were about for he couldn't read them. But Juan did not mind. They would be of use in his plan.

"I'm going to study, Mother," Juan announced. "I am going to study and be a wise man. These are priceless books of magic and wisdom."

"Ah, at last my dreams are coming true," said the poor woman happily. "Go on, my son. Study and be a wise man."

"Yes, Mother," said Juan, "but I must have something to eat. I cannot think when I'm hungry."

So, the mother prepared a splendid feast for her son. Juan ate a huge meal. Later, he stretched out under a tree, with one of the books opened before him.

He turned through the pages, muttering strange, unintelligible words. His mother watched, delighted. She thought that Juan was really studying to be a wise man.

But when his mother left to attend to her house work, Juan rolled over and went to sleep.

After this, Juan was not sent to the fields anymore. Everytime his father asked him to help with the work in the fields, Juan's mother objected.

"Do not disturb our son," she told the father, "he is studying so that he'll be great and wise."

After some time, his father began to suspect that Juan was fooling them. He asked Juan about the things he was learning from the big, black book.

"Oh, magic and all sorts of wisdom, Father," Juan answered. "Just be patient. In a short time I will be able to answer every question that anyone may ask."

So, Juan's father decided to wait and see.

Many weeks passed. Juan's father became impatient. He now felt sure that Juan was just pretending to study so that he would not have to work.

"Look here, Juan," he said, "you cannot fool me any longer. Nothing good has come out of your studying. You must work in the fields with me today."

"I'm almost through with my studies, Father," answered Juan. "Wait until tomorrow and if I fail to answer any question you ask, I'll go back to the fields with you."

At the pleading of his wife, Juan's father decided to wait another day. And again, Juan ate a huge meal and pretended to study his books.

The next morning, Juan's father woke him up early. He was very much worried. He had lost his only plow.

"Now let's see Juan if you can make use of your wisdom. I have lost my plow. It's the best plow in the village. See if your books can tell me where to find it."

"That is a difficult task, Father," Juan answered, "but I'll try. Perhaps I can find it for you."

Juan opened all his books and spread them out on the table. He pretended to read seriously, muttering strange words. He took out his pencil and paper and make some strange scrawls. His poor parents watched, fascinated. Their son did look and act like a wise man.

For a long time, Juan pretended to study and think deeply. Sometimes he would shake his heak, and make some more markings on his paper. At last he beamed and said, "I think I've found it, Father. I've found the answer."

"What is it, Juan?" asked his father anxiously. "Where is my plow?"

"Rillo, Dillo, Brillo, Krell-
It's in the bottom of the well."

Juan's father rushed out into the yard. He took off his clothes and dived into the old well. A minute later he came back jumping with joy.

"I've found it! I've found the plow!" he told his wife happily. "It was there, just as our son said." He turned to Juan. "I now believe in you, my son," he said. "You have indeed become great and wise."

"But I have to study some more," answered Juan. "I had to think so hard to find such a simple answer. I can find the answer quicker after more study."

"Study all you want, my son," answered the poor man.

"Now, I'm very hungry, Mother," said Juan. "Thinking so hard has made me very hungry."

"I'll cook a nice meal for you immediately," said Juan's mother. And she rushed off, to the kitchen almost beside herself with joy. Her dream was coming true, she thought. Her son was now a wise man.

Juan stretched out under the tree and smiled to himself. Of course, he knew that his father would find the plow in the well, just where he said it would be. He dropped it there the night before so why shouldn't it be there?