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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.

“You would rather have had me for your gossip?” said she.

“If you would give me three wishes, I would,” replied the farmer boldly, “and I would trouble you no more.”

“Will you make him over to me?” said Dame Fortune to the godfather.

“If he wishes it,” replied Good Luck. “But if he accepts your gifts he has no further claim on me.”

“Nor on me either,” said the Dame. “Hark ye, young man, you mortals are apt to make a hobble of your three wishes, and you may end with a sausage at your nose, like your betters.”

“I have thought of it too often,” replied the farmer, “and I know what I want. For my first wish I desire imperishable beauty.”

“It is yours,” said Dame Fortune, smiling as she looked at him.

“The face of a prince and the manners of a clown are poor partners,” said the farmer. “My second wish is for suitable learning and courtly manners, which cannot be gained at the plough-tail.”

“You have them in perfection,” said the Dame, as the young man thanked her by a graceful bow.

“Thirdly,” said he, “I demand a store of gold that I can never exhaust.”

“I will lead you to it,” said Dame Fortune; and the young man was so eager to follow her that he did not even look back to bid farewell to his godfather.

He was soon at court. He lived in the utmost pomp. He had a suit of armour made for himself out of beaten gold. No metal less precious might come near his person, except for the blade of his sword. This was obliged to be made of steel, for gold is not always strong enough to defend one’s life or his honour. But the Princess still loved the Prince of Moonshine.