The Miller and His Golden Dream

"The Miller and His Golden Dream" by Eliza Lucy Leonard is a moralistic narrative poem from the 1800s that explores the dangers of greed and the value of contentment. The poem tells the story of Whang, who lives a modest and happy life as a miller until he becomes consumed by the desire for riches after hearing stories of a neighbor's fortune. Whang, neglecting his work and his wife, becomes obsessed with finding his own treasure, leading to the ruin of his mill. Through hard-won experience, and with the help of his wife, he discovers the importance of appreciating what one has and restores his life through diligence, illustrating that true happiness lies not in wealth, but in simple blessings and a contented heart.