Long ago, by the grey and restless sea, there dwelt an old fisherman and his wife in a wretched little hut. For many years the old man cast his nets upon the waters, until one day he drew forth a wondrous golden fish, shining like a coin beneath the sun.

The fish spoke with a human voice and begged for freedom, promising in return to grant whatever wish the fisherman desired. Yet the good old man, asking nothing for himself, released the creature and returned home.

When his wife heard of this marvel, she scolded him bitterly and sent him back to ask for a new washtub. The golden fish granted her wish. But no sooner was it fulfilled than the old woman demanded a finer house, then riches, then noble rank, and at last the power of a mighty queen.

Each time, the obedient fisherman went sorrowfully to the shore and called upon the golden fish. And with every new demand the sea grew darker, the wind fiercer, and the waves more troubled.

At length the old woman, drunk with pride, desired to become Mistress of the Sea itself, with the golden fish as her servant. Trembling, the fisherman carried this final command to the shore.

The fish listened in silence and vanished beneath the blackened waves.

When the old man returned, the splendid palace was gone. There stood once more the miserable hut, and before it sat his wife in her old rags, beside the same cracked washtub with which their troubles had begun.

Thus greed, having been offered every gift, was left at last with nothing.