A Most Fortunate Farmer

Once upon a time there was a farmer who had worked the land for many years. One day his horse ran away. When his neighbors heard the news, they stopped by to express their concern. “Such back luck!” they said.

“Perhaps.” said the Farmer.

The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three wild horses. “What great luck!” the neighbors said.

“Perhaps.” said the Farmer.

The following day the farmer’s son tried to tame one of the wild horses. He was thrown and broke his leg. The neighbors stopped by to express their sympathy. “What bad luck!” they said.

“Perhaps.” said the Farmer.

The next day military officials from the village came to draft you men into the army. Seeing the boy’s broken leg, they passed him by. The neighbors congratulated the farmer on the news. “Amazing luck!” they said.

“Perhaps.” said the Farmer.