A shnorrer (beggar) borrowed a spoon from a rich, greedy man. He returned it
with a small spoon explaining "your spoon gave birth, so I'm returning mother
and child." Greedily, the man accepted both. Then the beggar borrowed a
goblet. He returned the goblet with a baby goblet which again the greedy man
accepted. Finally, the beggar borrowed a gold watch. "With pleasure", said the
greedy man thinking that he would get another watch for his wife. When the
beggar didn't return the watch the rich man went to his home.
"It died", said the beggar.
"Dead? How can a watch die?"
"Listen", said the beggar,"If a spoon and a goblet can give birth, why
shouldn't a watch die?"