A merchant sailor had good luck
the winds were right behind him,
brought him riches, blew his boats
where pirates couldn’t find him.
His partners, traders, honest men
backed him one and all.
They sold his goods so very well
the prices didn’t fall.
People madly bought and spent
our manmade gold galore.
A simple meal for him was like
a wedding feast and more!
A friend of his who saw all this,
asked “Is your secret free?
Just tell me where you got it from?”
Our trader said, “It’s me!
I have the skills, and take good care
to place my money well
No one tells me when to buy
no-one when to sell.”
Our trader finding profits sweet
risked the lot alas.
But this was not a prudent move
t’was loss that came to pass.
His ship was faulty, could not stand,
the wind was gusty, blew.
Pirates in another boat
fought hard and beat the crew.
A third ship made it back to port
-the goods just wouldn’t sell.
People bought no rubbish now,
they spent their money well.
Our trader was no longer rich,
his high life vanished quick.
His agent fiddled him and played
a really dirty trick.
What’s this? exclaimed his faithful friend
who saw him down at heel.
“Bad luck” our trader then replied,
it’s cursed Fortune’s wheel”.
This answer is quite typical.
When things are going well,
the credit’s ours, – but blame is not
when things have gone to hell!
This is an ancient story, coming from Aesop who lived in Greece around 600 years BCE. It was adapted by La Fontaine, who worked in France in the 17th century. I have adapted it in my turn!
If you want to listen to the audio version, the link is here:
The audio is here: https://charlotteswonderfulstories.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/recording0417.mp3
Charlotte's Wonderful Stories 