This fairy tale story is collected from the book named, Old-Time Stories told by Master Charles Perrault. This fairy tale story book was translated by A. F. Johnson and published from New York, Dodd Mead and Company, 1921.
There was once a poor woodcutter who, tired of his hard life, longed for rest in the world to come. In his unhappiness, he declared that in all his days heaven had not granted even one of his wishes.
One day in the forest, as the woodcutter was complaining of his unhappy lot. At that time, Jupiter appeared before him with his thunderbolts in his hands. It would be difficult to picture the terror of the poor man.
"I desire nothing," the poor woodcutter said, casting himself on the ground. I will give up my wishes if you, in turn, will give up your thunder. That is a fair exchange!"
"Do you have no fear," said Jupiter. "I have heard your complaints and I have come to show you how unfairly you judge me. Now listen! I am the king of all the world and I promise to grant your first three wishes. No matter what the wishes may be. See that they make you happy and content; and since your happiness depends on them. So, think carefully before you make those wishes."
With these words, Jupiter returned to his heavens. Then the happy woodcutter was taking up his bundle of sticks and hurried to his home. He felt that his burden seemed so light.
"This is an important matter," the woodcutter said to himself. "I certainly must have my wife's advice."
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| The Ridiculous Wishes |
The Ridiculous Wishes
A Fairy Tale story by - Charles Perrault
There was once a poor woodcutter who, tired of his hard life, longed for rest in the world to come. In his unhappiness, he declared that in all his days heaven had not granted even one of his wishes.
One day in the forest, as the woodcutter was complaining of his unhappy lot. At that time, Jupiter appeared before him with his thunderbolts in his hands. It would be difficult to picture the terror of the poor man.
"I desire nothing," the poor woodcutter said, casting himself on the ground. I will give up my wishes if you, in turn, will give up your thunder. That is a fair exchange!"
"Do you have no fear," said Jupiter. "I have heard your complaints and I have come to show you how unfairly you judge me. Now listen! I am the king of all the world and I promise to grant your first three wishes. No matter what the wishes may be. See that they make you happy and content; and since your happiness depends on them. So, think carefully before you make those wishes."
With these words, Jupiter returned to his heavens. Then the happy woodcutter was taking up his bundle of sticks and hurried to his home. He felt that his burden seemed so light.
"This is an important matter," the woodcutter said to himself. "I certainly must have my wife's advice."
