There was once a devout man of the children of Israel ，whose family span cotton；and he used every day to sell the yarn they span and buy fresh cottonand with the profit he bought the day's victual for his household. One dayhe went out and sold the day's yarn as usualwhen there met him one of his brethrenwho complained to him of want；so he gave him the price of the yarn and returnedempty-handedto his family，who said to him'Where is the cotton and the food？' Quoth he，'Such an one met me and complained to me of want；so I gave him the price of the yarn.' And they said'How shall we do？ We have nothing to sell.' Now they had a broken platter and a jar；so he took them to the market；but none would buy them of him.
Presentlyas he stood in the marketthere came up a man with a stinkingswollen fishwhich no one would buy of himand he said to the Jew'Wilt thou sell me thine unsaleable ware for mine？'Yes，' answered the Jew and giving him the jar and plattertook the fish and carried it home to his familywho said'What shall we do with this fish？' Quoth he'We will broil it and eat of ittill it please God to provide for us.'
So they took it and ripping open its bellyfound therein a great pearl and told the Jewwho said'See if it be pierced.