Beschrijving
“The Owner Has Refused to Accept It.” A thief (Gypsy) steals the clergyman’s gold watch (snuffbox). The thief confesses that he stole a watch and offers to give it to the clergyman, who refuses it saying that the thief should return it to its owner. The thief says honestly that the owner has refused to accept it. The clergyman tells the thief that he may then keep the watch, and gives him absolution. Later, when the clergyman discovers his mistake, it is too late to get his watch back [K373].
In some variants, the clergyman wants the thief to announce his finding in public, but the thief reminds him that what is said in confession is secret.
In some variants, the clergyman wants the thief to announce his finding in public, but the thief reminds him that what is said in confession is secret.
Motief
K373
Commentaar
Documented in the 17th century in German jestbooks.
Combinaties
1800, 1807.
Oorspronkelijk Verhaaltype
1807A
Subgenre
mop