Контроль читання 5 клас ІІ семестр

A Happy Man

Many years ago there lived a king. He was very rich and he had everything he wanted. His country was strong and famous, but the king was not happy. So one day he went to a wise old man and asked him how to become happy. The wise man listened to him and then said, “There is very little happiness in this world, but I know the way to find it.”

“Show me the way to find it, then,” said the king.

“It’s very easy,” answered the old man. “You have only to put on the shirt of a happy man.”

The king thanked the old man and began to look for a happy man. He visited most of the capitals of the world. He met kings, barons and other aristocrats, but they were not happy.

At last he came back to his own country. One day, he saw a poor farmer working in a field. He was singing and there was a happy look on his face. The king went up to the farmer and said, “My good man, are you happy?” “Very happy,” answered the farmer. “Well, then,” said the king, “sell me your shirt.”

“My shirt?” said the farmer in surprise. “I haven’t got a shirt. I hope to buy a shirt soon, but I am happy.”