Beschrijving
The Three Joint Depositors. This tale exists chiefly in two different forms:
(1) Two men leave money with a woman and instruct her to return it only when both of them demand it. Later, one asks for the money and explains that the other has since died. The woman gives it to him. The second man comes and demands the money. The woman will not give it to him so he takes her to court. Her lawyer (Demosthenes) advises her: She should tell the judge about the agreement and offer to pay out the money only when both of the men come and demand it. The case is dismissed.
(2) Three men leave money with a banker, with the same instructions as in version (1). One of the three arranges with the others to withdraw some of the money. He tells his companions he will take only a small amount, but he takes the entire sum from the banker. The banker asks the two others, who agree, thinking it is only a small sum. The cheater leaves, and the tale ends as in version (1), following the instructions of a clever adviser [J1161.1].
(1) Two men leave money with a woman and instruct her to return it only when both of them demand it. Later, one asks for the money and explains that the other has since died. The woman gives it to him. The second man comes and demands the money. The woman will not give it to him so he takes her to court. Her lawyer (Demosthenes) advises her: She should tell the judge about the agreement and offer to pay out the money only when both of the men come and demand it. The case is dismissed.
(2) Three men leave money with a banker, with the same instructions as in version (1). One of the three arranges with the others to withdraw some of the money. He tells his companions he will take only a small amount, but he takes the entire sum from the banker. The banker asks the two others, who agree, thinking it is only a small sum. The cheater leaves, and the tale ends as in version (1), following the instructions of a clever adviser [J1161.1].
Motief
J1161.1
Commentaar
Version (1) was first recorded by Valerius Maximus, Facta et dicta memorabilia (VII,3, ext. 5). Version (2) comes from Angelo Poliziano (No. 215).
Oorspronkelijk Verhaaltype
1591
Subgenre
mop