In harmony a shepherd with his flock lived by the sea, his income small but sure.
One day he found a washed-up treasure chest—and straight became a merchandiser: sold his flock, acquired a ship, and launched it, heaped with goods, upon the waves.
It sank.
So he returned to shepherding; the new chief let him tend the ewes.
Time passed; the sheep grew wool; the shepherd shared the modest profits.
Came a day, a windless day, the merchant ships were clustered near the shore.
The shepherd cried, “You want more money, hungry sea? Forget it! Count me out! I’m done with that!”
This tale, quite true, has several morals.
Do not trust ambition, nor the sea—which promises us wonders of all sorts, then gives us storms and pirates.
Greed is bad: there are at least ten thousand paupers made for every fortune.
Five dollars hoped for aren’t worth one unspent.
You should with your condition be content.