“I want to be rich,” said the farmer.

“You will not have to wait long,” replied the godfather.  “In every field you sow, in every flock you rear there is increase without abatement.  Your wealth is already tenfold greater than your father’s.”

“Aye, aye,” replied the farmer.  “Good wages for good work.  But many a young man has gold at his command who need never turn a sod, and none of the Good People came to his christening.  Fortunatus’s Purse now, or even a sack or two of gold—­”

“Peace!” cried the godfather; “I have said that I give no gifts.”

Though he had not Fortunatus’s Purse, the farmer had now money and to spare, and when the harvest was gathered in, he bought a fine suit of clothes, and took his best horse and went to the royal city to see the sights.

The pomp and splendour, the festivities and fine clothes dazzled him.

“This is a gay life which these young courtiers lead,” said he.  “A man has nothing to do but to enjoy himself.”

“If he has plenty of gold in his pocket,” said a bystander.

By and by the Princess passed in her carriage.  She was the King’s only daughter.  She had hair made of sunshine, and her eyes were stars.

“What an exquisite creature!” cried the farmer.  “What would not one give to possess her?”

“She has as many suitors as hairs on her head,” replied the bystander.  “She wants to marry the Prince of Moonshine, but he only dresses in silver, and the King thinks he might find a richer son-in-law.  The Princess will go to the highest bidder.”

“And I have Good Luck for my godfather, and am not even at court!” cried the farmer; and he put spurs to his horse, and rode home.

Good Luck was taking care of the farm.

“Listen, Godfather!” cried the young man.  “I am in love with the King’s daughter, and want her to wife.”

“It is not an easy matter,” replied Good Luck, “but I will do what I can for you.  Say that by good luck you saved the Princess’s life, or perhaps better the King’s—­for they say he is selfish—­”

“Tush!” cried the farmer.  “The King is covetous, and wants a rich son-in-law.”

“A wise man may bring wealth to a kingdom with his head, if not with his hands,” said Good Luck, “and I can show you a district where the earth only wants mining to be flooded with wealth.  Besides, there are a thousand opportunities that can be turned to account and influence.  By wits and work, and with Good Luck to help him, many a poorer man than you has risen to greatness.”

“Wits and work!” cried the indignant godson.  “You speak well—­truly!  A hillman would have made a better godfather.  Give me as much gold as will fill three meal-bins, and you may keep the rest of your help for those who want it.”

Now at this moment by Good Luck stood Dame Fortune.  She likes handsome young men, and there was some little jealousy between her and the godfather so she smiled at the quarrel.