[00:01.080]--- Lesson 58 A blessing in disguise?
[00:07.360]--- First listen and then answer the question.
[00:12.760]--- Why does the vicar refuse to cut down the tree?
[00:19.240]The tiny village of Frinley is said to possess a 'cursed tree'.
[00:26.720]Because the tree was mentioned in a newspaper, the number of visitors to Frinley has now increased.
[00:34.160]The tree was planted near the church fifty years ago,
[00:38.840]but it is only in recent years that it has gained an evil reputation.
[00:44.600]It is said that if anyone touches the tree, he will have bad luck;
[00:49.560]if he picks a leaf, he will die.
[00:52.960]Many villagers believe that the tree has already claimed a number of victims.
[00:59.040]The vicar has been asked to have the tree cut down, but so far he has refused.
[01:04.800]He has pointed out that the tree is a useful source of income,as tourists have been coming from all parts of the country to see it.
[01:14.840]In spite of all that has been said, the tourists have been picking leaves and cutting their names on the tree-trunk.
[01:23.000]So far, not one of them has been struck down by sudden death!
[01:29.760]--- end