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Many years ago, a farmer happened to notice the King's daughter
in the capital and he lost his heart to her at first sight. After
returning, he missed the princess day and night. Soon, he was ill.
His friends and relatives came to see him. When they knew the
reason why the farmer was ill, they thought it was quite difficult
to help him, for the King would never consent to his daughter
marrying a poor man. But the sick man sighed sadly: "If I can't get
the princess, I will be dead."
His friends tried to persuade him, but after nothing worked they
decided to play a trick. Some days later, they came to see the man
again and told him they had asked the princess to marry him, but
she rejected. They had not actually done this, but the foolish man
believed. However, he did not give up, instead announcing: "If I
visit the princess in person, she will say yes." If he did so, it
is clear what the result would be.
Later, people used this phrase to describe the man who only
considers his own aspirations, ignoring the objective situation and
others' opinions. |
