The Elves and the Shoemaker

There was once a shoemaker, who worked very hard and was very honest: but still, he could not earn enough to live upon. At last, all he had in the world was gone, save just leather enough to make one pair of shoes.

Then he cut his leather out, all ready to make up the next day, meaning to rise early in the morning to his work. His conscience was clear and his heart light amidst all his troubles. So he went peaceably to bed, left all his cares to Heaven, and soon fell asleep. In the morning after he sat himself down to his work and to his great wonder, there stood the shoes already made, on the table. The good man knew not what to say or think at such an…