The Penitent Thief

  A BOY who had been taught by his Mother to steal grew to be a man
and was a professional public official.  One day he was taken in
the act and condemned¹ to die.  While going to the place of
execution he passed his Mother and said to her:

  "Behold² your work!  If you had not taught me to steal, I should not
have come to this."

  "Indeed!" said the Mother.  "And who, pray, taught you to be
detected?"