Chapter 40 39. Happy Man's Shirt

A king had an only son, and the king loved him very much and regarded him as the apple of his eye.But this prince is always unhappy, standing on the balcony all day long, looking into the distance. "Is there anything else you need?" the king asked him. "What is the matter with you?" "I can't tell, Dad, and I can't tell myself." "Are you in love? If you want a girl, tell me, I will arrange for you to marry, whether it is the daughter of the most powerful king in the world, or the poorest peasant girl, I can solve it for you!" "No, Dad, I'm not in love with anyone."

The king tried every means to entertain his son.Theatre, balls, music, songs; but to no avail, and the rosiness of the Prince's face faded day by day. The king had to issue an order, and many of the most learned people from all over the world came: philosophers, doctors, professors.He let everyone meet the prince, and then asked everyone's opinion.After these people withdrew and thought about it, they came to the king again and said: "Your Majesty, we have thought about it and studied the astrology. We must do this: find a very happy person. This person has never had any troubles and no extravagant hopes." , and exchange his shirt with the prince's."

On the same day, the king sent envoys to all parts of the world to find the happy man. A priest was brought back, and the king asked him, "Are you happy?" "Very happy, Your Majesty." "Fine. Would you like to be my bishop?" "That would be wonderful, Your Majesty!" "Get out! Get out! I'm looking for a happy man who is content with his job, not a man who is dissatisfied with what he is." The king began to wait for the next happy person.He heard that there was a king in the neighboring country, and that was very happy and joyful.He has a kind and beautiful wife with numerous children. He defeated all the enemies in the war, and now the country is safe and peaceful.The hopeful king immediately sent messengers to ask him for the shirt.

The king of the neighboring country received the envoy and said: "Yes, yes, I don't lack anything. It's sad that a person who has everything has to leave this world and abandon everything! Every time I think about it, I feel deeply I feel pain and can't sleep at night!" Hearing this, the envoy decided to go back. The king was helpless, so he had to go hunting to relax.He shot a hare, thinking he could catch it, but unexpectedly, the hare limped away.The king came after him, leaving all his followers far behind.When he came to a field, the king heard someone humming a country tune.The king stopped and thought: A person who sings like this must be a happy person!Just looking for the singing, he got into a vineyard. Under the vines, he saw a young man singing while picking grapes.

"Good day, Your Majesty," said the young man, "you have come to the country so early?" "Good boy, would you like me to take you to the capital? You can be my friend." "Ah, ah, no, my lord, I don't want to go at all, thank you. I wouldn't even be Pope." "That's why, a fine lad like you..." "No, no, to tell you the truth, I think life is very happy, I am very satisfied." The king thought: I finally found a happy man! "Young man, do me a favor." "Your Majesty, as long as I can do it, I will do my best."

"You wait first." The king was ecstatic, and ran to call those followers: "Come here! Come here! My son is saved! My son is saved!" Then he brought all the followers to the young man, Say, "My boy, I'll give you anything you want! But you give me, give me..." "What is it, Your Majesty?" "My son is dying, and only you can save him. Come, come here!" The King seized the merry lad, and unbuttoned his coat.Suddenly, the king froze and his hands drooped. The happy man has no shirt. (Friuli region)