The Weight of a Lie: The Rats and the Gold

Cartoon-style illustration for The Weight of a Lie: The Rats and the Gold showing a merchant handing a heavy sack of gold to his smiling friend, while rats secretly feast on gold bars inside an open wooden chest in a village setting.
A clever merchant entrusts his gold to a friend—unaware that greed and lies are already at work. A playful illustration inspired by The Weight of a Lie: The Rats and the Gold.

The Weight of a Lie: The Rats and the Gold is a clever and engaging folk tale that teaches children the power of honesty and the consequences of greed. Through witty dialogue and an unforgettable twist, this short play demonstrates how lies—especially those that seem impossible—can quickly collapse under their own weight.

 

CHARACTERS:

NARRATOR

MERCHANT

FRIEND

SCRIPT:

SCENE 1: The Departure

NARRATOR: Once upon a time, there was a wealthy merchant who was preparing for a long journey. Before leaving, he paid a visit to a man he considered his most trusted friend.

(The stage is split. On one side, the Friendis is sitting comfortably. The Merchant enters, looking exhausted and carrying a heavy, clinking burlap bag.)

FRIEND: (Jumping up with a wide, perhaps too-eager smile) My dear friend! What a pleasant surprise! Come, sit down… You look worried. Tell me, what is wrong?

MERCHANT: (Sighing deeply as he sets the heavy bag on the floor with a loud THUD) It is my sister. I’ve just received word that she has fallen gravely ill. I must leave at once to be by her side.

FRIEND: (Placing a hand on the Merchant’s shoulder, acting concerned) I am truly sorry to hear that. Family must come first, of course.

MERCHANT: I will be gone for several months. I have a heavy favor to ask… literally. (He points to the bag) Would you watch over my gold bars while I am away? You are the only person I trust with such a fortune.

FRIEND: (His eyes dart down to the bag and sparkle with greed) You know you can count on me! Your gold will be as safe as if it were my own. I shall lock it away immediately.

MERCHANT: That brings me great peace of mind. I know they will be in good hands.

FRIEND: (Straining and wobbling as he takes the bag) My goodness, it sure is heavy! Go now, and do not let a single thought of this gold cross your mind. The only thing on your mind right now should be your sister.

MERCHANT: (Waving goodbye as he exits) I appreciate your support. I shall return as soon as I can. Farewell!

FRIEND: (Watching him leave, then whispering to the bag) Farewell indeed, my friend… farewell.

SCENE 2: The Dishonest New

NARRATOR: After a few months, the Merchant finally returned. His first stop was his friend’s house to reclaim his treasure.

(The Friend is pacing nervously. The Merchant enters, looking refreshed and happy.)

FRIEND: (Feigning a look of shock) You’re back! How is your sister?

MERCHANT: She is fine now, thank goodness. And I am also happy to see you again. Everything is back to normal, so I have come to collect my gold bars.

FRIEND: (Suddenly looking at the floor, wringing his hands together) Oh… I have terrible news! It’s about your gold!

MERCHANT: (Narrowing his eyes slightly, but keeping a calm voice) What is it?

FRIEND: As soon as you left, I placed the bag inside a wooden chest under seven locks… but I didn’t know that I had rats in my house! Can you imagine what happened?

MERCHANT: (Crosses his arms, deadpan) No, I can’t. Tell me.

FRIEND: (Gesturing wildly) The rats gnawed the wooden chest and ate the gold bars! You know they have voracious appetites and will eat almost anything! I am devastated for you.

MERCHANT: (Pauses for a long moment, then shrugs casually) Oh, this is terrible! I am completely ruined! But… if that is what happened, that is what happened. Don’t feel guilty; it is the fault of the rats, not yours.

FRIEND: (Surprised that the Merchant isn’t angry) Thank you for being so understanding!

MERCHANT: Forget about it. Come to my house tomorrow for dinner. We shall celebrate my return regardless of the gold.

FRIEND: (Relieved and grinning) I’ll be there!

SCENE 3: The Clever Trap

NARRATOR: The Merchant left. But before leaving his friend’s house, he went to the stable and, without being seen, took the best horse he found there. When he arrived home, he hid the animal. The next day, the Friend arrived for dinner looking frantic.

MERCHANT: (Sitting at a table) You don’t look good! Is there something wrong?

FRIEND: (Pacing back and forth, wiping sweat from his forehead) Yes… I just suffered a terrible loss! My best horse has vanished! I’ve looked everywhere, but it seems like the earth swallowed it whole!

MERCHANT: (Looking up at the ceiling thoughtfully) Is it possible? Maybe an owl took him!

FRIEND: (Stopping in his tracks) What are you saying? That’s nonsense!

MERCHANT: Well, last night I was looking up at the sky, and I saw a Great Owl… and he was carrying a beautiful horse in his talons. I assume it was yours.

FRIEND: (Angry) How can an owl carry an animal that weighs hundreds of pounds? It is physically impossible!

MERCHANT: (Standing up slowly, looking the friend in the eye) Everything is possible. We live in a town where rats eat gold bars… why are you so surprised to find out that owls can steal horses?

FRIEND: (The smile fades. He freezes as he realizes he’s been caught in his own lie.) Oh… you are right, my good friend. I feel so bad… please forgive me! I lied to you. The gold is safe. I will give it back.

MERCHANT: And I will give you back your horse.

FRIEND: (Sighing) I fell into my own trap.

NARRATOR: And so, the Merchant’s wisdom proved stronger than the Friend’s greed.

The End

Author:  Unknown

Adapted by: K I D S I N C O

Conclusion:

In The Weight of a Lie: The Rats and the Gold, wisdom triumphs over greed, and truth quietly reveals itself without anger or revenge. The Merchant does not raise his voice or seek punishment; instead, he mirrors the lie with logic and wit. This thoughtful ending reminds audiences that honesty builds trust, while deception only leads to embarrassment and loss. A mind guided by integrity is often the strongest defense against dishonesty.

The Moral of the Story: If you seek to deceive others with an impossible lie, do not be surprised when you are met with an impossible truth. Honesty is the only foundation for a true friendship.

Moral Values:

  • Integrity: Doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
  • Accountability: Accepting that your actions have consequences.
  • Wisdom: Using logic and wit to solve problems rather than anger or violence.
  • Justice: Ensuring that what is taken is returned fairly.

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