Soon he thought that perhaps he should sell it to someone else, such as a rag peddler, who might in turn sell it and make some profit. It was, after all, still a lovely kettle.

When the abbot had found a suitable peddler and offered the item for sale, the peddler was perplexed. "Your reverence," he asked, "why would you want to sell such a beautiful kettle?"

"It is a pity," replied the abbot, "but I have bought a better kettle and no longer have need for this one."