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THE THREE WISHES.
THERE was once a man, not very rich, who had a very pretty woman to his wife. One winter's evening, as they sat by the fire, they talked of the happiness of their neighbours, who were richer than they. Said the wife, “If it were in my power to have what I wish, I should soon be happier than all of them." “So should I too,” said the husband; “I wish we had fairies now, and that one of them was kind enough to grant me what I should ask,” At that instant they saw a very beautiful lady in their room who said to them, "I am a fairy; and I promise to grant you the three first things you shall wish; but take care———after having wished for three things. I will not grant one wish further.” The fairy disappeared; and the man and his wife were much perplexed. "For my own part,” said the wife, “ if it were left to my choice I know very well what I should wish for: I do not wish yet, but I think nothing is so good as to be handsome, rich, and to be of great quality.” But the husband answered, “With all these things one may be sick and fretful, and one may die young: it would be much wiser to wish for health, cheerfulness, and longlife.” "But to what purpose is long life with poverty?"
