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The Miller of the Dee

This story teaches children that in order to be happy it is enough to enjoy what you already have. The miller was very happy every day and even King envy him.

"“I envy nobody— no, not I!— For I am as happy as I can be; And nobody envies me.” “You’re wrong, my friend,” said the king. “You’re wrong as wrong can be. I envy you; and I would gladly change places with you, if I could only be as light-hearted as you are.” The miller smiled, and bowed to the king. “I am sure I could not think of changing places with you, sir,” he said. “Now tell me,” said the king, “what makes you so cheerful and glad here in your dusty mill, while I, who am king, am sad and in trouble every day.” The miller smiled again, and said, “I do not know why you are sad, but I can easily tell why I am glad. I earn my own bread; I love my wife and my children; I love my friends, and they love me; and I owe not a penny to any man. Why should I not be happy? For here is the River Dee, and every day it turns my mill; and the mill grinds the corn that feeds my wife, my babes, and me.”"

James Baldwin, "Fifty Famous Stories Retold", 12.4
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