“Do you doubt it?” asked the prince. “I say to you that I shall possess it, and I will go now and claim it from my father. I will not give him any peace until he gives it to me.”
Now it so happens that such treasures as are already ours, we do not value so much as those which we have not yet got. So it was with this spoiled prince. The memory of the many gifts of his father faded from his mind, and their value was not to be compared with this new toy—the moon—which he had never thought of before and which he now so ardently coveted.
He found the king discussing important matters with the old men.
“Father,” said he, “just now, while I was with my companions I was taunted because I did not have the moon among my toys, and it was said that it was beyond your power to give it to me. Now, prove this boy a liar, and procure the moon for me, that I may be able to show it to them, and glory in your gift.”
“What is it you say, my son, you want the moon?” asked the astonished king.
“Yes. Do get it for me at once, won’t you?”
“But, my child, the moon is a long way up. How shall we be ever able to reach it?”
“I don’t know; but you have always been good to me, and you surely would not refuse me this favour, father?”
“I fear, my own, that we will not be able to give you the moon.”
“But, father, I must have it; my life will not be worth living without it. How may I dare to again face my companions after my proud boast before them of your might and goodness? There was but one thing that yonder pert boy said I might not have, and that was the moon. Now my soul is bent upon possessing this moon, and you must obtain it for me or I shall die.”