Brother Thistle reached into his simple cloth pouch and pulled out a small, humble pot. It was made of dull, grey clay, no bigger than Mr. Gold's fist, and quite plain to look at. It had no shine, no sparkle, no grand patterns whatsoever. Mr. Gold stared at it, quite confused.
'This is it?' he asked, a touch of disappointment in his voice. 'This little thing? Why, I have pots bigger than this for my kitchen herbs!'
Brother Thistle smiled. 'Indeed, Mr. Gold. But do not let its humble appearance fool you. It holds a great secret. Your task is to fill it. When it is truly full, then you will find your heart's desire.' He placed the small pot carefully on Mr. Gold's grand, polished table.
Mr. Gold peered into the pot. Its inside looked just as ordinary as its outside. 'Fill this? Why, that's no challenge at all!' he scoffed, puffing out his chest. 'I have rooms bursting with gold, chests overflowing with jewels! I could fill this tiny pot a hundred times over without even trying! This will be the easiest happiness I've ever earned!'