English Folktale

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Retold by The Legendary Connection

TLC#00165

Once upon a time, along the banks of the River Dee, there lived a miller who was said to be the happiest man in England. From morning till night, he worked at his mill, singing as cheerfully as a bird. His joyful songs and bright spirit spread happiness to everyone around him, and people far and wide talked about his cheerful ways. Even the king heard stories of the happy miller.

“I must go meet this wonderful miller,” the king said. “Perhaps he can teach me the secret of happiness.”

One day, the king visited the mill. As soon as he stepped inside, he heard the miller singing:

“I envy no one—not a soul, For I’m as happy as I can be; And no one envies me!”

The king called out, “My friend, you’re wrong! I envy you, and I’d trade places with you if it meant I could be as light-hearted as you.”

The miller looked up, surprised, and bowed. “Thank you, sir,” he said, “but I would never think of changing places with you.”

“Tell me, then,” said the king, “what makes you so cheerful and content here in your dusty mill, while I, a king, feel troubled and sad every day?”

The miller smiled and said, “I don’t know why you are sad, but I can easily tell you why I am happy. I earn my own bread; I love my wife and children; my friends care for me, and I care for them. I owe not a single penny to anyone. Why shouldn’t I be happy? The River Dee turns my mill every day, and the mill grinds the corn that feeds my family and me.”

The king sighed. “Say no more,” he said. “Stay where you are and keep your happiness. Your simple cap is worth more than my crown. Your mill does more for you than my kingdom can do for me. If more people were like you, this world would be a far better place. Farewell, my friend!”

The king turned and walked away, feeling the weight of his crown. Meanwhile, the miller went back to his work, singing joyfully:

“Oh, I’m as happy as happy can be, For I live by the side of the River Dee!”

“Fifty Famous Stories Retold.” Gutenberg.org, 2020, www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/18442/pg18442-images.html#THE_MILLER_OF_THE_DEE. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.