“That is all that I wish for.”
And for all that the man could say, nothing could alter his wife’s determination, who grew more and more enraged with her double nose, and could scarcely keep off the dog and the cat, who both wished to make free with it.
When, on the following night, the fairy appeared and asked them what was their last wish, they said to her: “We see how blind and foolish it is of men to fancy that the realization of their wishes will make them happy.”
Nor is happiness in the accomplishment of our wishes, but rather in the not having any. He is rich who possesses what he wants; but happy is he who wishes for nothing.
The Fox and the Goose
A fox and a goose were very great friends. The goose, which, as you know, is a very honest and industrious bird, said to the fox:
“Friend fox, I have a little bit of property here, and if you like to join with me, we will cultivate it between us.”
“That would greatly please me,” answered the fox.
“Then it will be necessary to till it together when the season arrives,” said the goose.
“Very well,” replied the fox.