Section 1
Once upon a time, there existed a woodcutter who was destitute and experienced great difficulties in his life
Truly, the woodcutter had to work hard for little reward, despite being young and happily married, there were times when he wished he was dead and buried
One day, while he was working, he once again expressed his sorrow about his situation.
He stated, "There are men who just need to express their wishes, and immediately they are granted, and all their desires are fulfilled. However, it has been of no use for me to desire anything, as the gods do not listen to the prayers of people like me."
While he was uttering these words, there was a loud thunderclap, and Jupiter manifested himself in front of him holding his powerful thunderbolts. While he spoke, there was a loud sound of thunder, and Jupiter materialized before him, wielding his powerful thunderbolts.
He said, "My lord, please disregard my foolish words. Don't pay attention to my desires, but stop the thundering!"
Jupiter replied, "Do not be afraid. I have heard your lament, and I have come here to demonstrate how much you misunderstand me. Listen! I, who am the ruler of this world, vow to fulfill completely the first three wishes that you will express, regardless of what they are. Think carefully about what things can bring you happiness and prosperity, and since your well-being is at stake, don't be too hasty. Instead, ponder on it carefully.
After saying this, Jupiter withdrew and ascended to Mount Olympus. Our woodcutter, on the other hand, coiled his faggot and headed for home while hurling it over his shoulder.
The person was in good spirits and therefore the burden felt manageable. As they walked, they felt cheerful and entertained various desires, but ultimately decided to consult their wife, who possessed a sound intellect.
He had reached the cottage, and casting down his faggot:
"Heed my words, Fanny," he exclaimed. "Kindle the fire and prepare the table with abundant provisions. We are now prosperous, Fanny, and our prosperity will last forever. We need only desire something for it to be fulfilled."
Then, he proceeded to recount to her the events that had occurred that day. Fanny, who possessed a sharp and agile intellect, promptly formulated numerous strategies for improving their financial situation. However, she agreed with her husband's decision to exercise caution and thoughtfulness in their actions.
"It would be a shame," she remarked, "to ruin our opportunities due to impatience. It's better to wait until tomorrow and carefully consider our options before making any wishes."
"Well said," replied Harry. "In the meantime, please bring a bottle of our finest wine, and let us toast to our good luck."
Our man was at peace, leaning back in his chair with his toes by the fire and his cup in his hand. Fanny had brought a bottle from the store behind the faggot.
"What a splendid set of warm and glowing embers!" he exclaimed. "And what an excellent fire for toasting! It's a shame we don't have a black pudding readily available."
As soon as he uttered these words, his wife witnessed with great surprise a lengthy black pudding emerging from a corner of the fireplace, and snaking its way towards her. She let out a shriek of terror, and then cried out once more in dismay upon realizing that this bizarre incident was a direct result of her husband's hasty and foolish wish. Overcome with anger and disappointment, she directed a barrage of insulting language towards her husband.
"What!" she exclaimed to him. "When you have the power to wish for a kingdom, for riches beyond measure, for precious gems and jewels, and for luxurious attire, why on earth would you waste your wish on a black pudding!"
"No," replied the man, "It was an imprudent remark, and a regrettable error on my part. But from now on, I'll be cautious and more thoughtful before making any wishes."
"How can I trust that you will?" retorted his wife. "Once a foolish idiot, always a foolish idiot!" Letting her frustration and bad mood get the best of her, she continued to scold her husband until he also became angry, and almost made a second reckless wish to become a widower.
"Enough, woman!" he finally shouted. "Control your insolent tongue! Such impudence is unheard of! Curse this quarrelsome woman and her pudding! I wish it would hang from the tip of her nose!"
