Some thousands of years ago there lived in Asia a king whose name was

Creasus. The country over which he ruled was not very large, but its people were

prosperous and famed for their wealth.

Cressus himself was said to be the richest man in the world,

and so well known is his name that to this day it is not uncommon to say of a very wealthy person that he is

as rich as Cressus. King Cressus had everything that could make him happy, lands and houses and slaves, fine clothing to wear, and beautiful things to look at.

He could not think of anything that he needed to make him more comfortable or contented.

I am the happiest man in the world, he said. It happened one summer that a great

man from across the sea was traveling in Asia. The name of this man was Solon, and he was the

lawmaker of Athens in Greece. He was noted for his wisdom, and centuries after his death, the highest praise

that could be given to a learned man was to say, he is as wise as Solon.

Solon had heard of Criesis, and so one day he visited him in his beautiful palace.

Criesis was now happier and prouder than ever before, for the wisest man in the world was his guest.

He led Solon through his palace and showed him the grand rooms, the fine carpets, the soft couches,

the rich furniture, the pictures, the books.

Then he invited him out to see his gardens and his orchards and his stables, and he showed

him thousands of rare and beautiful things that he had collected from all parts of the world.

In the evening, as the wisest of men and the richest of men were dining together, the king

said to his guest,

Tell me now, O Solon, who do you think is the happiest of all men?

He expected that Solon would say, Creesus.

The wise man was silent for a minute, and then he said, I have in mind a poor man who once lived in Athens and whose name was Tallus. He, I doubt not, was the happiest of all men.

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