THE CONTENTED HERD-BOY
In a flowery dell,- the herd-boy kept his sheep; and because his heart was joyous' he sang so loudly that the surrounding hills echoed back his, song. One "morning the king, who was out on a hunting expedition, spoke to him and said, ' Why are you so happy, dear little one ? ' ' Why shall I not be ?' he answered!" ' Our king is not richer than I.' , ' Indeed ! ' said the king ; * tell me of your great possessions.'
The lad answered : ' The sun in- the bright blue" skyshines as brightly upon me as upon the king. The flowers upon the mountain and the grass in th« valley grow an«l bloom to gladden my sight, as well as his. I would not take a hundred thousand whalers for my hands; my eyes are of more value than all the precious stones in the world ; I have food and clothing, too. Am I not therefore as rich as the king ? ' 'You are light,' said the king with a laugh; 'but your greatest treasure is a contented heart. Keep it so s and you will always be happy.'
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/NZT19090422.2.68.4
Bibliographic details
New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXVII, Issue 16, 22 April 1909, Page 637
Word Count
185THE CONTENTED HERD-BOY New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXVII, Issue 16, 22 April 1909, Page 637
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