The mountainous country of Croatia lies at the
southern center of Europe, with its western border brushing in the Adriatic
Sea. The spectacular blue colors of the sea are dotted with fish nets. Seen
from above, they create black spots as on a Dalmatian dog. Therefore, the coast
is called the Dalmatian coast. The remarkable scenery, incredible atmosphere
and amazing people bring a story of the Happy Man.
A long time ago, on one of the mountain peaks of
Croatia was perched a magnificent castle of white walls gleaming against the
dark green slopes. In this castle lived a king who grew old and sick. He felt
as death was nearing and yet he wanted to live forever. He called for all the
best doctors from his lands first. As there was no cure, he then called for the
best doctors from faraway lands.
A wise man from unknown land send a message to the
king, “Your Majesty must find a man who wants for nothing in this world. Take
his shirt and put it on and this will cure Your Majesty.”
The counselors searched the near and far lands. They
found many rich and happy men, but all of them still lacked something. They all
wanted something more.
The search continued to no avail and tired
counselors rested at many city inns. But one night they didn’t make it quite to
the city. So they stayed at a country inn, where they encountered a very cheery
man. He seemed quite poor in his patched jacket and worn out trousers and yet
he boasted loudly, “I want for nothing in this world!”
The counselors ordered large mugs of ale and invited
the cheery man to join them. “You seem to be quite content with what you have,”
said one of the counselors.
“I am happy with what I have and have no need for
more,” responded the cheery man, raising his mug of ale and taking a sip.
Now the counselors were sure they had found the man
they’ve been looking for. “But our king could make you rich beyond your dreams,
if only you could visit him.”
This statement startled the cheery man, “Why would I
want to travel to some distant lands? I’m happy where I am.”
The counselors tried to convince the man, but
nothing would change his mind. They saw no other option as to make him drunk
and take him while he was sleeping. And that’s what they did.
Upon arriving at the castle, they announced, “Your
Majesty we have found a man who is happy and who wants nothing more.”
“What are you waiting for?” Retorted agitated King. “Take
off his shirt!”
As fast as they could, they tore off the man’s
patched jacket, but to their surprise the man had only vest underneath. “Oh
Your Majesty,” stammered one of the counselors, “It seems as he has no shirt.”
At that moment, the King gave a long, pitiful groan
and died at last. Only then did his counselors understand the words of the wise
man. For no man in all the world has everything he wants, and even kings cannot
live forever.
Source: Hidden Tales from Eastern Europe by Antonia
Barber
A similar story was in a book of folk tales I had as a child in the 60's. I would like to find that book.
ReplyDeletei really liked this tale and on how interesting this is i love it!
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