The Fruits of Labor

Summary

Circle Round: "The Fruits of Labor" – Episode Summary

Release Date: May 20, 2025
Host/Author: WBUR’s Rebecca Shear
Adapted by: Jeffrey Donovan and the Circle Round Team
Duration: 15-25 minutes

---

Introduction to the Story

In this heartwarming episode of Circle Round, titled "The Fruits of Labor," listeners are transported into a timeless folktale inspired by Jewish stories from the Middle East over a millennium ago. The narrative centers around themes of foresight, generosity, and the enduring impact of one's actions on future generations.

Meeting the Prince and the Wise Old Woman

The story begins with a young prince venturing through the serene countryside at dawn. His journey leads him to a quaint village where he encounters an elderly woman diligently planting a young fig tree in her garden.

[02:35] Jeffrey Donovan (Prince): "Madam, you have a good and generous heart. Your children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren are lucky to have you."

The prince is intrigued by the woman's dedication despite her age. Upon inquiring, he learns that she is celebrating her 100th birthday, supported by her extensive lineage.

A Promise for Posterity

The old woman's motive for planting the fig tree goes beyond personal enjoyment.

[04:38] Old Woman: "For my five children, and my 10 grandchildren, and my 20 great grandchildren. And however many generations come after that."

Her ancestors had similarly planted fruit trees, ensuring that their descendants could enjoy the fruits of their labor. Inspired by her wisdom, the prince leaves with a promise from the old woman to share the first harvest of figs.

Rise to Kingship and Forgotten Promises

Shortly after their meeting, the prince ascends to the throne following his father's passing. The responsibilities of kingship consume him, and memories of the old woman fade. Years later, she honors her promise by presenting the king with a basket of exquisite figs from her well-nurtured tree.

[08:29] Jeffrey Donovan (King): "Oh my, this fig is exquisite and the purple and red coloring is gorgeous, like nothing I've ever seen."

Rewarding Generosity and Envy Arises

Moved by her selflessness, the king rewards her with a basket of gold coins, intending to honor her foresight. However, the old woman's neighbor, driven by envy, attempts to replicate her success by stealing figs and presenting them to the king, hoping for similar rewards.

[12:43] Conniving Neighbor: "If that old geezer can get a basket of gold in exchange for a basket of figs, then so can I."

The King's Lesson on True Generosity

The king, recognizing the neighbor's deceit, devises a clever response. Instead of awarding the neighbor with gold, he issues a decree that the reward be given to the neighbor’s nonexistent great grandchildren, emphasizing that true generosity benefits future generations, not the self-serving present.

[17:27] Conniving Neighbor: "This document officially declares that one basket of gold shall hereby be rewarded to my great grandchildren."

[18:18] Jeffrey Donovan (King): "At the ripe old age of 100, your neighbor planted a fig tree because she was planning for the future... Therefore, it's only fitting that your reward should be before your great grandchildren."

Disheartened, the neighbor learns a valuable lesson about the essence of true generosity and the importance of acting selflessly for the greater good.

Moral and Practical Insights

The episode concludes by encouraging listeners to reflect on their actions and consider how they can contribute positively to future generations. Suggestions include planting trees, reducing waste, participating in community cleanups, donating unused items, and practicing acts of kindness that have lasting ripple effects.

[18:59] Rebecca Shear: "Because, thanks to the old woman's noble example, the king now understood that if you want to set up a brighter future, there's no time like the present to do it."

Notable Quotes

• Old Woman: "Planning for posterity means taking actions and making choices that will benefit the generations to come." ([00:00])

• King: "One kind act today could have a ripple effect that lasts for years." ([12:20])

Production Highlights

• Adaptation and Performance: Jeffrey Donovan lends his voice to both the Prince and the King, bringing depth and relatability to their characters. The story is enriched by original music and sound design from Eric Shimalonis, featuring the clarinet played by Ben Redwine.

• Interactive Elements: Each episode concludes with an activity prompting deeper conversations between children and adults, reinforcing the episode’s themes.

Conclusion

"The Fruits of Labor" is a beautifully crafted tale that underscores the significance of thinking beyond oneself and investing in the future. Through the interactions between the prince, the old woman, and the envious neighbor, listeners are reminded of the enduring power of generosity and the positive legacy one can leave behind.

For families seeking stories that entertain while imparting valuable life lessons, this episode of Circle Round delivers a compelling narrative wrapped in rich cultural heritage.

---

Explore More with Circle Round

To engage further with the story and its themes, Circle Round offers coloring pages, picture books, and membership to the Circle Round Club for exclusive content and community events. Visit WBUR.org/CircleRound to discover more.

Transcript

[Rebecca Shear]

Hey there grown ups. We want to learn more about you and why you listen to Circle Round. Take our short 10 minute survey and get a special bonus story from me, Rebecca Shear. Find a link in the show notes of this episode or visit WBUR.org survey WBUR podcasts Boston have you ever heard the phrase poetry? Planning for posterity? Posterity is another word for future generations. So planning for posterity means taking actions and making choices that will benefit the generations to come. We're about to meet a wise old woman who doesn't just plan for posterity, she plants for it. I'm Rebecca Scheer and welcome to Circle Round, where storytime happens all the time. Today, our story is called the Fruits of Labor. It's inspired by Jewish tales written in the Middle east more than 1,000 years ago. Some really great people came together to bring you our adaptation of this story, including Jeffrey Donovan, whom you grown ups may recognize from TV shows like Burn Notice, Law and Order, Invincible, and Fargo. His recent films include Surrounded and Wrath of Man. So circle around everyone for the fruits of labor. Early one morning, a prince was riding his horse through the countryside. It was just after sunrise and the world was quiet and still as the prince galloped across meadows and fields. He didn't see any other people up and about until he approached a village in a valley. For it was there, outside a crumbly brick cottage, that he spied a woman. Just one woman, hard at work in her garden.

[Jeffrey Donovan]

And she looks to be ancient. Her hair is white, her back is stooped, and her hands are as gnarled as the apple tree in her garden. Yet in those hands, she's holding a shovel and planting a tree. I must investigate.

[Rebecca Shear]

The woman didn't seem to hear the approaching hoofbeats until they shuffled to a stop on the road. When she looked up and saw the prince, she wiped the dirt off her wrinkly hands and gave a slow and creaky bow.

[Old Woman]

Good morning, your royal Highness. Oh, fancy seeing the prince in my very own village.

[Jeffrey Donovan]

Good morning, madam. It's a fine day for planting, isn't it?

[Old Woman]

Indeed it is a fine day for planting, even if at my age it'll take me hours to get this sapling in the ground.

[Rebecca Shear]

The prince glanced at the sapling. It was a fig tree, so young and small it stood no higher than his horse's hoof.

[Jeffrey Donovan]

Madam, you mentioned your age. If I may be so bold, how old are you?

[Rebecca Shear]

A crinkly smile stretched across the woman's face.

[Old Woman]

As of last week, I am officially 100 years old. It took all five of my children, all 10 of my grandchildren, and all 20 of my great grandchildren to help me blow out the candles on my birthday cake.

[Jeffrey Donovan]

Well, happy belated birthday, madam. But if I may be so bold yet again, why would you plant this young fig tree at your age? Do you expect to enjoy its fruit? After all, it will be years before this sapling produces figs, and you already have 100 years to your name.

[Old Woman]

That is a fair point, sir, but the truth is, I'm not planting this tree for me.

[Jeffrey Donovan]

You're not? Then who are you planting it for?

[Old Woman]

For my five children, and my 10 grandchildren, and my 20 great grandchildren. And however many generations come after that. Tell me, sir, do you see that apple tree over there?

[Jeffrey Donovan]

I do.

[Old Woman]

Well, that apple tree is even older than I am. My ancestors planted it long before I walked or even crawled this earth. Thanks to their hard work, I have been enjoying that tree's fruit my entire life.

[Rebecca Shear]

And.

[Old Woman]

And thanks to my hard work, I hope my children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and all generations to come will enjoy this tree's fruit their entire lives.

[Rebecca Shear]

The woman's wise, thoughtful words brought a grin to the prince's lips.

[Jeffrey Donovan]

Madam, you have a good and generous heart. Your children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren are lucky to have you. I wonder if, perchance, you are able to enjoy this tree's fruit someday, and I certainly hope you are, will you let me know?

[Old Woman]

Of course I will. I promise I'll bring you a basket of the very first crop.

[Jeffrey Donovan]

And I shall hold you to that promise. Farewell.

[Rebecca Shear]

Within a month of this curious encounter, the prince's father passed away. And next thing, the young man knew he was the new king. Suddenly, he was too busy for early morning horse rides through the countryside. He had his hands full writing decrees, hosting banquets, and working with neighboring kingdoms to ensure peace and order. And as the years went by, thoughts of the old woman and her fig tree all but faded away. One day, the king was sitting in his throne room when his head guard came rushing in. Your majesty, you have a most remarkable visitor. Unbelievable, really.

[Jeffrey Donovan]

Is that so? Well, bring them in. I must see who this remarkable visitor is.

[Rebecca Shear]

The guard hurried out. When she returned, she had a steadying arm around the frail shoulders of an old woman. A very familiar old woman.

[Jeffrey Donovan]

My, my, my. If it isn't my favorite fig tree planter. Good madam. If memory serves, last time we met, I believe you had just celebrated your 100th birthday.

[Old Woman]

Oh, you remember correctly, your Majesty. You may also recall that I made you a promise during our encounter. And I'M here to make good on it.

[Rebecca Shear]

The woman held up a wicker basket. She removed the cloth cover and the king's eyes lit up with recognition.

[Jeffrey Donovan]

Figs. You brought me a basket of your first crop of figs?

[Rebecca Shear]

The figs were beautiful, round and ripe and a brilliant purple streaked with crimson stripes. The king plucked one from the basket and took a bite.

[Jeffrey Donovan]

Oh my, this fig is exquisite and the purple and red coloring is gorgeous, like nothing I've ever seen.

[Old Woman]

I'm glad it's to your liking, sir.

[Jeffrey Donovan]

Liking? I am loving it, Madam. It is clear that fortune has smiled on you, no doubt rewarding you for your kind, generous and and selfless heart. And I would like to reward you too. Guard yes sir. Please take this basket of figs to the kitchen so I may enjoy them later. After that, here is what I want you to do.

[Rebecca Shear]

The king leaned over and whispered in the guard's ear. She nodded, then grabbed the basket and left the room. When she returned, she had the basket in hand, but when the old woman saw it, she let out a gasp because it was filled with most surprising thing the old woman had ever laid eyes on in all of her 100 plus years. What do you think is in the woman's basket? We'll find out what it is after a quick break.

[Indeed Advertisement]

Support for Circle Round comes from Indeed. You just realized that your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast? Easy. Just use Indeed. There's no need to wait. You can speed up your hiring with Indeed and Circle Round listeners will get a $75 sponsored job credit. To get your jobs more visibility at Indeed.com CircleRound just go to Indeed.com CircleRound right now and support the show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Indeed.comCircleround terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you need.

[Rebecca Shear]

Before we return to our story, a quick reminder and request to take our short survey so we can learn how to make your Circle Round experience even more fun. It takes 10 minutes and all survey takers get a bonus story from me. Rebecca Scheer Click the link in the show notes or visit WBUR.org survey I'm Rebecca Shear. Welcome back to Circle Round. Today. Our story is called the Fruits of Labor. Before the break, an aged woman fulfilled a promise by bringing the king a basket of figs from her fig tree. She had planted the tree when she was 100 years old so that future generations could enjoy its fruits. The king wished to honor the woman's generosity and foresight so he had his guard, empty out the basket and fill it with a reward. When the old woman saw what it was, her snowy white eyebrows shone all the way up to her snowy white hairline.

[Old Woman]

Sir, my basket of figs is now brimming with gold coins. What can an old white hair like me do with such wealth?

[Jeffrey Donovan]

The same thing you're doing with your fig tree, madam. You can share it with your children, your grandchildren, your great grandchildren, and the generations to come. You are an inspiration, now and forever.

[Rebecca Shear]

As you can imagine, the woman's sudden wealth became the talk of her village, and everyone was happy for her. Well, almost everyone. Next door to the woman lived a conniving, lazy fellow who was always seeking, seeking ways to make a quick buck. So when he learned of the woman's newfound riches, he seethed with envy.

[Conniving Neighbor]

Good golly. Apparently, the king is crazy about figs. Or just plain crazy. No matter. If that old geezer can get a basket of gold in exchange for a basket of figs, then so can I.

[Rebecca Shear]

The neighbor didn't have a fig tree, nor did he have any figs. He considered buying some, but the village was nestled so deep in the valley, reaching the nearest marketplace would take forever.

[Conniving Neighbor]

Well, if I can't buy figs, I'll have to get my hands on them some other way. And I know just how I'll do it.

[Rebecca Shear]

Later that night, under a full silvery moon, the neighbor tiptoed outside. He crept to the old woman's yard, then made a beeline for her fig tree.

[Jeffrey Donovan]

Wow.

[Conniving Neighbor]

This tree has so many figs on it, its branches are bending under the weight. There's no way that geezer will notice if a few pieces of fruit are missing.

[Rebecca Shear]

He darted around the tree, yanking purple and crimson figs from the branches and tossing them into a basket.

[Conniving Neighbor]

This is going to be great.

[Rebecca Shear]

The next morning, he covered the basket with a cloth and carried it to the palace. When he entered the king's throne room, he dropped to his knees, bowing so low his nose squished against the the floor.

[Conniving Neighbor]

Your Excellency. Your Eminence. I come bearing a special gift. One I am certain you will appreciate.

[Rebecca Shear]

He sprang to his feet and held out the basket. Then, with a grand flourish.

[Conniving Neighbor]

Ta da.

[Rebecca Shear]

He removed the cloth, revealing the round, ripe purple and crimson figs within.

[Conniving Neighbor]

I have heard how much you adore figs, my liege. In fact, I've heard you adore them so much that you'll offer a very rich reward for them.

[Rebecca Shear]

The king stared at the neighbor, noting the eager, shifty look in his eyes. Then the king Stared at the figs, noting how oddly familiar they seemed.

[Jeffrey Donovan]

My dear man, I appreciate this gift. But tell me, who told you that I offer rich rewards for figs?

[Conniving Neighbor]

Everyone in my village. They're all talking about how my dotty old neighbor. I'm sorry. My delightful old neighbor brought you some figs. And even though she's like a million years old, you sent her home with gold coins.

[Rebecca Shear]

The king's heart lurched. So this fawning fellow was the old woman's neighbor. Clearly, he had plotted to swipe figs from her tree, then come to the palace and get rich. So the king began hatching a plot of his own. He gave the neighbor a solemn, serious nod.

[Jeffrey Donovan]

You are correct, sir. I did send your neighbor home with gold coins. And do you know why?

[Rebecca Shear]

The neighbor sighed and rolled his eyes.

[Conniving Neighbor]

You sent her home with gold coins because you love figs so much. I thought we already covered that. So, your grace, how about you give me my reward and I'll be off?

[Rebecca Shear]

The king fixed the neighbor with a hard stare. Then he signaled to his guard and whispered something in her ear. Right away, she took the neighbor's basket and left the room. The neighbor's stomach filled with pictures, butterflies, as he eagerly awaited her return. But when she came back, his stomach dropped down to his toes. Because sitting in his basket was not a pile of gold coins. Instead, it was a parchment scroll, carefully tied closed with a ribbon. Here you go, sir. Your reward for your figs. The neighbor gaped at the scroll. Then he gaped at the king.

[Conniving Neighbor]

Um, my lord, with all due respect, where is my gold?

[Rebecca Shear]

The king didn't say a word. Instead, he looked at his guard, who lifted the scroll, untied it, and thrust it into the neighbor's hands. Here. Read it. The neighbor swallowed hard, cleared his throat, then began to read.

[Conniving Neighbor]

This document officially declares that one basket of gold shall hereby be rewarded to my great grandchildren.

[Rebecca Shear]

He looked at the king in shock.

[Conniving Neighbor]

Your majesty, tell me that isn't right.

[Jeffrey Donovan]

Oh, but it is right. One basket of gold shall officially be rewarded to your great grandchildren. But what about me? What about you, sir? It is painfully apparent that you haven't a clue about the real reason I gave a basket of gold coins to your neighbor. You see, 10 years ago, she planted a fig tree. The same fig tree, by the way, from which you stole.

[Rebecca Shear]

The king took a breath, then carried on.

[Jeffrey Donovan]

At the ripe old age of 100, your neighbor planted a fig tree because she was planning for the future, hoping to leave a reward for her children, her grandchildren, her great grandchildren. Therefore, it's only fitting that your reward should be before your great grandchildren. They, and only they, may come to the palace to claim their gold.

[Conniving Neighbor]

But I don't have any great grandchildren. I don't even have children.

[Jeffrey Donovan]

I'm sorry, sir. This reward is for posterity, not for you. Good day.

[Rebecca Shear]

As the neighbor turned and stomped off in a huff, the king made a decision. He would ask his royal gardeners to acquire as many young fruit trees as possible, then plant them around the palace grounds, not for his enjoyment, but for the enjoyment of generations to come. Because, thanks to the old woman's noble example, the king now understood that if you want to set up a brighter future, there's no time like the present to do it. Now it's your turn. What are some simple things you can do to plan for posterity? Perhaps, like the old woman, you could plant a tree or a garden. You could reduce waste by recycling. You could take part in a town cleanup, or gather up stuff you don't use anymore and donate it. You could also make a point to practice acts of kindness, because one kind act today could have a ripple effect that lasts for years. This week's episode, the Fruits of Labor, was adapted by me, Rebecca Scheer. It was edited by Dean Russell. Our original music and sound design is by Eric Shimalonis. Eric's featured instrument this week was the clarinet, played by a musician you know and love from the Circle Round theme song, Ben Redwine. To learn more about the clarinet and about Ben and to see a photo of him playing this member of the woodwind family, Visit our website WBUR.org CircleRound Circle Round's artist is Sabina Hahn. Sabina has created a black and white coloring page for all of our Circle Round stories and you can print them out and color them in Grown Ups. You can find them [e-mail] CircleRound Special thanks to this week's actors, Evan Casey, Susannah Mars Dawn, Ursula and Jeffrey Donovan. Grown Ups. You can enjoy Geoffrey Donovan in a bunch of of television shows including Burn Notice, Law and Order, Invincible and Fargo. His recent films include Surrounded and Wrath of Man. If you're looking for even more ways to circle round with us, I invite you to join the Circle Round Club. As a member, you'll get special club swag ad free episodes, bonus bedtime stories, early access to live events. You can even order a personalized birthday message from me, Rebecca Shear. Join our community of super fans and show your love and support for public media by visiting WBUR.org CircleRound Grown Ups. Once this episode is over, please leave us a five star rating or review on whatever podcast app you're using right now. It helps other listeners find the show so we can make the Circle Round circle even bigger. Circle Round is a production of Wood, wbur, Boston's npr. I'm Rebecca Scheer. Thanks for circling Round with us. Now that you've made it to the end of this Circle Round episode, we want to know what's your favorite Circle Round story? Thousands of fans just like you have been telling us about the Circle Round stories they like best. Take a listen. Maybe one of their favorites is one of yours too.

[Various Children]

Hi, my name is Eve and I'm from Ontario, Canada. My favorite Circle Round story is the Bright Yellow Hat because it allows her.

[Rebecca Shear]

To hear the place.

[Various Children]

My name is Vivi and I live in Boston. And my favorite story is the Blizzard wizard and my favorite part is where it goes melt. Melt the Blizzard Wizard. My name is Isa, I live in Northampton, Massachusetts. My favorite episode is the Spotted Goat because I like about when the little fellow raised his head. My name is Troy and I'm from Minnesota and my favorite silkworm story is Quechuated and I like the part when the ghost makes that funny sound. My name is Annabelle, I live in Washougal, Washington and my favorite stories are Anansi and the Forest Folk. And the Forest folk. I like when the spruce cones fall in her basket and Anansi. My favorite part is when he gets the crystal box of spruce stories. My name is Jack, I live in Charlottesville. My favorite circle around story is the Elephant in the Room. I like the part when the man in blue says he stole from the grocery shop. My name is Holly and I live in Seattle, Washington and my favorite Circle Round store is with several different color because I like the part when they fall the apple into the king's lap. My name is Woody and I live in Baldwin, Montana. My favorite Circle Round story is the Little Blue pebble and I like the part when the sorceress Chase's Otto.

[Rebecca Shear]

Did someone mention a story you've missed? Not to worry grown ups. You can find all of our Circle Round stories plus links to the Circle Round Club, picture books, coloring pages and oh so much more on our website, WBUR.org CircleRound.