University of Virginia Library

THE FARMER AND THE MAGIC RING.

A FAIRY TALE.

In grateful reward of some generous thing
That an honest young farmer had done
To a wandering Fairy, she gave him a ring
That was set with a magical stone.

“Pray take it, and wear it as long as you live,”
Said the Fay, as the present she gave;
“'T is a wonderful ring, and is potent to give
Whatever its wearer may crave.

“One wish, and no more, it is certain to bring;
Whatever you have in your thought,
You have only to wish,—with a turn of the ring,—
And presto! the marvel is wrought!”

Now, what should he wish?—it was not very clear,
And so he consulted his spouse;
Who quickly replied, “Good gracious! my dear!
Just wish for a couple of cows!”

“Nay,—nay! that were foolish!” the farmer replies;
“The cows I can earn in a year,
By the work of my hands; pray, let us be wise,
And wish to some purpose, my dear!”

“Well,—wish for more land!” said the voluble dame;
“There 's a meadow adjoining our farm
You long have been wanting; that surely were game
Well worthy your magical charm!”

“Nay,—nay!” said the farmer; “that, too, I can buy
In a couple of years, at the most;

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Something better than that we must find ere we try
What virtue this bauble may boast.

“One wish, recollect, is allowed,—and no more;
In waiting there 's surely no harm;
And then, how the fault we should ever deplore
If we foolishly squander the charm!”

And so—it is told—to the day when he died
By talent and labor alone
The farmer grew wealthy, nor ever had tried
A wish with the magical stone!