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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at <a href = "https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre> +<p>Title: Fairy Tales Every Child Should Know</p> +<p>Author: Various</p> +<p>Release Date: February 5, 2005 [eBook #14916]<br /> +HTML version most recently updated: December 16, 2013</p> +<p>Language: English</p> +<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> +<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FAIRY TALES EVERY CHILD SHOULD KNOW***</p> +<p> </p> +<h3>E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Eric Betts,<br /> + and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team</h3> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p> </p> + <div class="ctr"> + <img src="images/image1.jpg" alt=""A thousand fantasies begin to throng"" + title=""A thousand fantasies begin to throng"" /> + <p class="caption">"A thousand fantasies begin to throng"</p> + </div> + <h1><b>FAIRY TALES</b></h1> + <!-- Page 2 --><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2"></a> + <h2><b>Every Child Should Know</b></h2> + <h5>EDITED BY</h5> + <h3>Hamilton Wright Mabie</h3> + <h4>THE WHAT-EVERY-CHILD-SHOULD-KNOW-LIBRARY</h4> + <h6><i>Published by</i></h6> + <h6>DOUBLEDAY, DORAN & CO., INC., <i>for</i> THE PARENTS' INSTITUTE, INC. + <i>Publishers of "The Parents' Magazine"</i></h6> + <h4>1905<!-- Page 3 --><a + name="Page_3" id="Page_3"></a></h4> + <div class="ctr"> + <img src="images/image2.png" alt="Title Page of Book" title="Title Page of Book" /> + + <p class="caption">Title Page of Book</p> + </div> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <h2><a name="INTRODUCTION_TO" id="INTRODUCTION_TO"></a>INTRODUCTION</h2> + <!-- Page 4 --><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4"></a> + <h4>TO</h4> + <h3>"FAIRIES EVERY CHILD SHOULD KNOW"</h3> + <p>The fairy tale is a poetic recording of the facts of life, an interpretation by + the imagination of its hard conditions, an effort to reconcile the spirit which loves + freedom and goodness and beauty with its harsh, bare and disappointing conditions. It + is, in its earliest form, a spontaneous and instinctive endeavor to shape the facts + of the world to meet the needs of the imagination, the cravings of the heart. It + involves a free, poetic dealing with realities in accordance with the law of mental + growth; it is the naïve activity of the young imagination of the race, + untrammelled by the necessity of rigid adherence to the fact.</p> + <p>The myths record the earliest attempt at an explanation of the world and its life; + the fairy tale records the free and joyful play of the imagination, opening doors + through hard conditions to the spirit, which craves power, freedom, happiness; + righting wrongs and redressing injuries; defeating base designs; rewarding patience + and virtue; crowning true love with happiness; placing the powers of darkness under + control of man and making their ministers his servants. In the fairy story, men are + not set entirely free from their limitations, but, by the aid of fairies, genii, + giants and demons, they are put in command of unusual powers and make themselves + masters of the forces of nature.<!-- Page 5 --><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5"></a></p> + <p>The oldest fairy stories constitute a fascinating introduction to the book of + modern science, curiously predicting its discoveries, its uncovering of the resources + of the earth and air, its growing control of the tremendous forces which work in + earth and air. And it is significant that the recent progress of science is steadily + toward what our ancestors would have considered fairy land; for in all the imaginings + of the childhood of the race there was nothing more marvellous or more audaciously + improbable than the transmission of the accents and modulations of familiar voices + through long distances, and the power of communication across leagues of sea without + mechanical connections of any kind.</p> + <p>The faculty which created the fairy tale is the same faculty which, supplemented + by a broader observation and based on more accurate knowledge, has broadened the + range and activities of modern man, made the world accessible to him, enabled him to + live in one place but to speak and act in places thousands of miles distant, given + him command of colossal forces, and is fast making him rich on a scale which would + have seemed incredible to men of a half-century ago. There is nothing in any fairy + tale more marvellous and inherently improbable than many of the achievements of + scientific observation and invention, and we are only at the beginning of the wonders + that lie within the reach of the human spirit!</p> + <p>No one can understand the modern world without the aid of the imagination, and as + the frontiers of knowledge are pushed still further away from the obvious and + familiar, there will be an increasing tax on the imagination. The world of dead + matter which our fathers thought they understood has become a world of subtle forces + moving with inconceivable velocity; nothing is inert, all things are transformed into + other and more elusive shapes precisely as the makers of the fairy tales foresaw and + predicted; the world lives in every atom just as their world lived; forces lie just + outside the range of physical sight, but entirely within the range of spiritual + vision, precisely as the tellers of these old stories divined; mystery and wonder + enfold all things, and not only evoke the full play of the mind, but flood it with + intimations and suggestions of the presence of more elusive and subtle forces, of + finer and more obedient powers, as the world of fairies, magi and demons enfolded the + ancient earth of daily toil and danger.<!-- Page 6 --><a name="Page_6" + id="Page_6"></a></p> + <p>In a word, the fairy stories have come true; they are historical in the sense that + they faithfully report a stage of spiritual growth and predict a higher order of + realities through a deeper knowledge of actualities. They were poetic renderings of + facts which science is fast verifying, chiefly by the use of the same faculty which + enriched early literature with the myth and the fairy tale. The scientist has turned + poet in these later days, and the imagination which once expressed itself in a free + handling of facts so as to make them answer the needs and demands of the human + spirit, now expresses itself in that breadth of vision which reconstructs an extinct + animal from a bone and analyzes the light of a sun flaming on the outermost + boundaries of space.<!-- Page 7 --><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7"></a></p> + <p>This collection of tales, gathered from the rich literature of the childhood of + the world, or from the books of the few modern men who have found the key of that + wonderful world, is put forth not only without apology, but with the hope that it may + widen the demand for these charming reports of a world in which the truths of our + working world are loyally upheld, while its hard facts are quietly but + authoritatively dismissed from attention. The widest interpretation has been given to + the fairy tale, so as to include many of those classic romances of childhood in which + no fairy appears, but which are invested with the air and are permeated with the + glorious freedom of fairy land.</p> + <p>No sane man or woman undervalues the immense gains of the modern world in the + knowledge of facts and the application of ideas to things in order to secure comfort, + health, access to the treasure in the earth and on its surface, the means of + education and greater freedom from the tyranny of toil by the accumulation of the + fruits of toil; but no sane man or woman believes that a mechanical age is other than + a transitional age, that the possession of things is the final achievement of + society, and that in multiplication of conveniences civilization will reach its point + of culmination.</p> + <p>We are so engrossed in getting rich that we forget that by and by, when we have + become rich, we shall have to learn how to live; for work can never be an end in + itself; it is a "means of grace" when it is not drudgery; and it must, in the long + run, be a preparation for play. For play is not organized idleness, frivolity set in + a fanciful order; it is the normal, spontaneous exercise of physical activity, the + wholesome gayety of the mind, the natural expression of the spirit, without + self-consciousness, constraint, or the tyranny of hours and tasks. It is the highest + form of energy, because it is free and creative; a joy in itself, and therefore a joy + in the world. This is the explanation of the sense of freedom and elation which come + from a great work of art; it is the instinctive perception of the fact that while + immense toil lies behind the artist's skill, the soul of the creation came from + beyond the world of work and the making of it was a bit of play. The man of creative + spirit is often a tireless worker, but in his happiest hours he is at play; for all + work, when it rises into freedom and power, is play. "We work," wrote a Greek thinker + of the most creative people who have yet appeared, "in order that we may have + leisure." The note of that life was freedom; its activity was not "evoked by external + needs, but was free, spontaneous and delightful; an ordered energy which stimulates + all the vital and mental powers."<!-- Page 8 --><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8"></a></p> + <p>Robert Louis Stevenson, who knew well how to touch work with the spirit and charm + of play, reports of certain evenings spent at a clubhouse near Brussels, that the men + who gathered there "were employed over the frivolous mercantile concerns of Belgium + during the day; but in the evening they found some hours for the serious concerns of + life." They gave their days to commerce, but their evenings were devoted to more + important interests!<!-- Page 9 --><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9"></a></p> + <p>These words are written for those older people who have made the mistake of + straying away from childhood; children do not read introductions, because they know + that the valuable part of the book is to be found in the later pages. They read the + stories; their elders read the introduction as well. They both need the stuff of + imagination, of which myths, legends, and fairy tales are made. So much may be said + of these old stories that it is a serious question where to begin, and a still more + difficult question where to end. For these tales are the first outpourings of that + spring of imagination whence flow the most illuminating, inspiring, refreshing and + captivating thoughts and ideas about life. No philosophy is deeper than that which + underlies these stories; no psychology is more important than that which finds its + choicest illustration in them; no chapter in the history of thought is more + suggestive and engrossing than that which records their growth and divines their + meaning. Fairy tales and myths are so much akin that they are easily transformed and + exchange costumes without changing character; while the legend, which belongs to a + later period, often reflects the large meaning of the myth and the free fancy of the + fairy tale.</p> + <p>As a class, children not only possess the faculty of imagination, but are very + largely occupied with it during the most sensitive and formative years, and those who + lack it are brought under its spell by their fellows. They do not accurately + distinguish between the actual and the imaginary, and they live at ease in a world + out of which paths run in every direction into wonderland. They begin their education + when they begin to play; for play not only affords an outlet for their energy, and so + supplies one great means of growth and training, but places them in social relations + with their mates and in conscious contact with the world about them. The old games + that have been played by generations of children not only precede the training of the + school and supplement it, but accomplish some results in the nature of the child + which are beyond the reach of the school. When a crowd of boys are rushing across + country in "hounds and deer," they are giving lungs, heart and muscles the best + possible exercise; they are sharing certain rules of honor with one another, + expressed in that significant phrase, "fair play"; and they are giving rein to their + imaginations in the very name of their occupation. Body, spirit and imagination have + their part in every good game; for the interest of a game lies in its appeal to the + imagination, as in "hounds and deer," or in its stimulus to activity, as in "tag" and + "hide-and-seek."<!-- Page 10 --><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10"></a></p> + <p>There are few chapters in the biography of the childhood of men of genius more + significant than those which describe imaginary worlds which were, for a time, as + real as the actual world in which the boy lived. Goethe entertained and mystified his + playmates with accounts of a certain garden in which he wandered at will, but which + they could not find; and De Quincey created a kingdom, with all its complex relations + and varied activities, which he ruled with beneficence and affection until, in an + unlucky hour, he revealed his secret to his brother, who straightway usurped his + authority, and governed his subjects with such tyranny and cruelty that De Quincey + was compelled to save his people by destroying them.<!-- Page 11 --><a name="Page_11" + id="Page_11"></a></p> + <p>These elaborate and highly organized efforts of the young imagination, of which + boys and girls of unusual inventiveness are capable, are imitated on a smaller scale + by all normal children. They endow inanimate things with life, and play and suffer + with them as with their real playmates. The little girl not only talks with her + dolls, but weeps with and for them when disaster overtakes them. The boy faces foes + of his own making in the woods, or at lonely places in the road, who are quite as + real to him as the people with whom he lives. By common agreement a locality often + becomes a historic spot to a whole group of boys; enemies are met and overcome there; + grave perils are bravely faced; and the magic sometimes lingers long after the dream + has been dissolved in the dawning light of definite knowledge. Childhood is one long + day of discovery; first, to the unfolding spirit, there is revealed a wonderland + partly actual and partly created by the action of the mind; then follows the slow + awakening, when the growing boy or girl learns to distinguish between fact and fancy, + and to separate the real from the imaginary.</p> + <p>This process of learning to "see things as they are" is often regarded as the + substance of education, and to be able to distinguish sharply and accurately between + reality and vision, actual and imaginary image is accepted as the test of thorough + training of the intelligence. What really takes place is the readjustment of the work + of the faculties so as to secure harmonious action; and in the happy and sound + development of the nature the imagination does not give place to observation, but + deals with principles, forces and laws instead of with things. The loss of vision is + never compensated for by the gain of sight; to see a thing one must use his mind + quite as much as his eye. It too often happens, as the result of our educational + methods, that in training the observer we blight the poet; and the poet is, after + all, the most important person in society. He keeps the soul of his fellows alive. + Without him the modern world would become one vast, dreary, soul-destroying Coketown, + and man would sink to the level of Gradgrind. The practical man develops the + resources of the country, the man of vision discerns, formulates and directs its + spiritual policy and growth; the mechanic builds the house, but the architect creates + it; the artisan makes the tools, but the artist uses them; the observer sees and + records the fact, but the scientist discovers the law; the man of affairs manages the + practical concerns of the world from day to day, but the poet makes it spiritual, + significant, interesting, worth living in.<!-- Page 12 --><a name="Page_12" + id="Page_12"></a></p> + <p>The modern child passes through the same stages as did the children of four + thousand years ago. He, too, is a poet. He believes that the world about him throbs + with life and is peopled with all manner of strange, beautiful, powerful folk, who + live just outside the range of his sight; he, too, personifies light and heat and + storm and wind and cold as his remote ancestors did. He, too, lives in and through + his imagination; and if, in later life, he grows in power and becomes a creative man, + his achievements are the fruits of the free and vigorous life of his imagination. The + higher kinds of power, the higher opportunities of mind, the richer resources, the + springs of the deeper happiness, are open to him in the exact degree in which he is + able to use his imagination with individual freedom and intelligence. Formal + education makes small provision for this great need of his nature; it trains his eye, + his hand, his faculty of observation, his ability to reason, his capacity for + resolute action; but it takes little account of that higher faculty which, + cooperating with the other faculties, makes him an architect instead of a builder, an + artist instead of an artisan, a poet instead of a drudge.<!-- Page 13 --><a + name="Page_13" id="Page_13"></a></p> + <p>The fairy tale belongs to the child and ought always to be within his reach, not + only because it is his special literary form and his nature craves it, but because it + is one of the most vital of the textbooks offered to him in the school of life. In + ultimate importance it outranks the arithmetic, the grammar, the geography, the + manuals of science; for without the aid of the imagination none of these books is + really comprehensible.</p> + <p><span class="tocright">HAMILTON WRIGHT MABIE,</span></p> + <br /> + + <p><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;"><i>March</i>, 1905.</span></p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <h2><a name="FAIRY_TALES" id="FAIRY_TALES"></a>FAIRY TALES</h2> + <!-- Page 14 --><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14"></a> + <h3>CONTENTS</h3> + <p><span class="tocright">PAGE</span><br /> + <a href="#INTRODUCTION_TO">INTRODUCTION<span class="tocright">v</span><br /> + </a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_I">ONE EYE, TWO EYES, THREE EYES<span + class="tocright">1</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">(Grimm's Fairy Tales)<br /> + </span></a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_II">THE MAGIC MIRROR<span class="tocright">11</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">(Grimm's Fairy Tales)<br /> + </span></a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_III">THE ENCHANTED STAG<span class="tocright">26</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">(Grimm's Fairy Tales)<br /> + </span></a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_IV">HANSEL AND GRETHEL<span class="tocright">35</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">(Grimm's Fairy Tales)<br /> + </span></a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_V">THE STORY OF ALADDIN; OR, THE WONDERFUL LAMP<span + class="tocright">48</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">("Arabian Nights' Entertainments")<br /> + </span></a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_VI">THE HISTORY OF ALI BABA, AND OF THE FORTY ROBBERS KILLED BY + ONE SLAVE<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">("Arabian Nights' Entertainments")<span + class="tocright">109</span><br /> + </span></a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_VII">THE SECOND VOYAGE OF SINDBAD THE SAILOR<span + class="tocright">140</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">("Arabian Nights' Entertainments")<br /> + </span></a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">THE WHITE CAT<span class="tocright">147</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">(From the tale by the Comtesse d'Aulnoy)<br /> + </span></a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_IX">THE GOLDEN GOOSE<span class="tocright">166</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">(Grimm's Fairy Tales)<br /> + </span></a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_X">THE TWELVE BROTHERS<span class="tocright">173</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">(Grimm's Fairy Tales)<br /> + </span></a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_XI">THE FAIR ONE WITH THE GOLDEN LOCKS<span + class="tocright">180</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">(From the tale by the Comtesse d'Aulnoy)<br /> + </span></a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_XII">TOM THUMB<span class="tocright">195</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">(First written in prose in 1621 by Richard + Johnson)<br /> + </span></a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">BLUE BEARD<span class="tocright">204</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">(From the French tale by Charles Perrault)<br /> + </span></a><br /> + <!-- Page 15 --><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15"></a> <a + href="#CHAPTER_XIV">CINDERELLA; OR, THE LITTLE GLASS SLIPPER<span + class="tocright">212</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">(From the French tale by Charles Perrault)<br /> + </span></a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_XV">PUSS IN BOOTS<span class="tocright">222</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">(From the French tale by Charles Perrault)<br /> + </span></a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">THE SLEEPING BEAUTY IN THE WOOD<span + class="tocright">229</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">(From the French tale by Charles Perrault)<br /> + </span></a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">JACK AND THE BEAN-STALK<span + class="tocright">236</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">(Said to be an allegory of the Teutonic Al-fader, + The tale written in French</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">by Charles Perrault)</span><br /> + </a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">JACK THE GIANT KILLER<span + class="tocright">254</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">(From the old British legend told by Geoffrey of + Monmouth, of Corineus the Trojan)</span><br /> + </a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD<span class="tocright">273</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">(From the French tale by Charles Perrault)<br /> + </span></a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_XX">THE THREE BEARS<span class="tocright">276</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">(Robert Southey)<br /> + </span></a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">THE PRINCESS ON THE PEA<span + class="tocright">279</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">(From the tale by Hans Christian Andersen)<br /> + </span></a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">THE UGLY DUCKLING<span class="tocright">281</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">(From the tale by Hans Christian Andersen)<br /> + </span></a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">THE LIGHT PRINCESS<span class="tocright">294</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">(George MacDonald)<br /> + </span></a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">BEAUTY AND THE BEAST<span class="tocright">352</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">(From the French tale by Madame Gabrielle de + Villeneuve)</span><br /> + </a></p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <h2><a name="FAIRY_TALES_EVERY_CHILD" id="FAIRY_TALES_EVERY_CHILD"></a> <b>FAIRY + TALES EVERY CHILD SHOULD KNOW</b></h2> + <!-- Page 16 --><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16"></a> + <h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I</h2> + <h3>ONE EYE, TWO EYES, THREE EYES</h3> + <p>There was once a woman who had three daughters, of whom the eldest was named "One + Eye," because she had only one eye in the middle of her forehead. The second had two + eyes, like other people, and she was called "Two Eyes." The youngest had three eyes, + two like her second sister, and one in the middle of her forehead, like the eldest, + and she bore the name of "Three Eyes."</p> + <p>Now because little Two Eyes looked just like other people, her mother and sisters + could not endure her. They said to her, "You are not better than common folks, with + your two eyes; you don't belong to us."</p> + <p>So they pushed her about, and threw all their old clothes to her for her to wear, + and gave her only the pieces that were left to eat, and did everything that they + could to make her miserable. It so happened that little Two Eyes was sent into the + fields to take care of the goats, and she was often very hungry, although her sisters + had as much as they liked to eat. So one day she seated herself on a mound in the + field, and began to weep and cry so bitterly that two little rivulets flowed from her + eyes. Once, in the midst of her sorrow she looked up, and saw a woman standing near + her who said, "What are you weeping for, little Two Eyes?"<!-- Page 17 --><a + name="Page_17" id="Page_17"></a></p> + <p>"I cannot help weeping," she replied; "for because I have two eyes, like other + people, my mother and sisters cannot bear me; they push me about from one corner to + another and make we wear their old clothes, and give me nothing to eat but what is + left, so that I am always hungry. To-day they gave me so little that I am nearly + starved."</p> + <p>"Dry up your tears, little Two Eyes," said the wise woman; "I will tell you + something to do which will prevent you from ever being hungry again. You have only to + say to your own goat:</p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i-4">"'Little goat, if you're able,<br /> + <br /> + </span> <span>Pray deck out my table,'<br /> + <br /> + </span> + </div> + </div> + + + <p>"and immediately there will be a pretty little table before you full of all sorts + of good things for you to eat, as much as you like. And when you have had enough, and + you do not want the table any more, you need only say:</p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i-4">"'Little goat, when you're able,<br /> + <br /> + </span> <span>Remove my nice table,'<br /> + <br /> + </span> + </div> + </div> + + <p>"and it will vanish from your eyes."</p> + <p>Then the wise woman went away. "Now," thought little Two Eyes, "I will try if what + she says is true, for I am very hungry," so she said:</p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i-4">"Little goat, if you're able,<br /> + <br /> + </span> <span>Pray deck out my table."<br /> + <br /> + </span> + </div> + </div> + + + <p>The words were scarcely spoken, when a beautiful little table stood really before + her; it had a white cloth and plates, and knives and forks, and silver spoons, and + such a delicious dinner, smoking hot as if it had just come from the kitchen. Then + little Two Eyes sat down and said the shortest grace she knew—"Pray God be our + guest for all time. Amen"—before she allowed herself to taste anything. But oh, + how she did enjoy her dinner! and when she had finished, she said, as the wise woman + had taught her:<!-- Page 18 --><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18"></a></p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i-4">"Little goat, when you're able,<br /> + <br /> + </span> <span>Remove my nice table."<br /> + <br /> + </span> + </div> + </div> + + <p>In a moment, the table and everything upon it had disappeared. "That is a pleasant + way to keep house," said little Two Eyes, and felt quite contented and happy. In the + evening, when she went home with the goat, she found an earthenware dish with some + scraps which her sisters had left for her, but she did not touch them. The next + morning she went away with the goat, leaving them behind where they had been placed + for her. The first and second times that she did so, the sisters did not notice it; + but when they found it happened every day, they said one to the other, "There is + something strange about little Two Eyes, she leaves her supper every day, and all + that has been put for her has been wasted; she must get food somewhere else."</p> + <p>So they determined to find out the truth, and they arranged that when Two Eyes + took her goat to the field, One Eye should go with her to take particular notice of + what she did, and discover if anything was brought for her to eat and drink.</p> + <p>So when Two Eyes started with her goat, One Eye said to her, "I am going with you + to-day to see if the goat gets her food properly while you are watching the rest." + <!-- Page 19 --><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19"></a></p> + <p>But Two Eyes knew what she had in her mind. So she drove the goat into the long + grass, and said, "Come, One Eye, let us sit down here and rest, and I will sing to + you."</p> + <p>One Eye seated herself, and, not being accustomed to walk so far, or to be out in + the heat of the sun, she began to feel tired, and as little Two Eyes kept on singing, + she closed her one eye and fell fast asleep.</p> + <p>When Two Eyes saw this, she knew that One Eye could not betray her, so she + said:</p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i-4">"Little goat, if you are able,<br /> + <br /> + </span> <span>Come and deck my pretty table."<br /> + <br /> + </span> + </div> + </div> + + <p>She seated herself when it appeared, and ate and drank very quickly, and when she + had finished she said:</p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i-4">"Little goat, when you are able,<br /> + <br /> + </span> <span>Come and clear away my table."<br /> + <br /> + </span> + </div> + </div> + + <p>It vanished in the twinkling of an eye; and then Two Eyes woke up One Eye, and + said, "Little One Eye, you are a clever one to watch goats; for, while you are + asleep, they might be running all over the world. Come, let us go home!"</p> + <p>So they went to the house, and little Two Eyes again left the scraps on the dish + untouched, and One Eye could not tell her mother whether little Two Eyes had eaten + anything in the field; for she said to excuse herself, "I was asleep."</p> + <p>The next day the mother said to Three Eyes, "You must go to the field this time, + and find out whether there is anyone who brings food to little Two Eyes; for she must + eat and drink secretly."<!-- Page 20 --><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20"></a></p> + <p>So when little Two Eyes started with her goat, Three Eyes followed, and said, "I + am going with you to-day, to see if the goats are properly fed and watched."</p> + <p>But Two Eyes knew her thoughts; so she led the goat through the long grass to tire + Three Eyes, and at last she said, "Let us sit down here and rest, and I will sing to + you, Three Eyes."</p> + <p>She was glad to sit down, for the walk and the heat of the sun had really tired + her; and, as her sister continued her song, she was obliged to close two of her eyes, + and they slept, but not the third. In fact, Three Eyes was wide awake with one eye, + and heard and saw all that Two Eyes did; for poor little Two Eyes, thinking she was + asleep, said her speech to the goat, and the table came with all the good things on + it, and was carried away when Two Eyes had eaten enough; and the cunning Three Eyes + saw it all with her one eye. But she pretended to be asleep when her sister came to + wake her and told her she was going home.</p> + <p>That evening, when little Two Eyes again left the supper they placed aside for + her, Three Eyes said to her mother, "I know where the proud thing gets her good + eating and drinking;" and then she described all she had seen in the field. "I saw it + all with one eye," she said; "for she had made my other two eyes close with her fine + singing, but luckily the one in my forehead remained open."</p> + <p>Then the envious mother cried out to poor little Two Eyes, "You wish to have + better food than we, do you? You shall lose your wish!" She took up a butcher's + knife, went out, and stuck the good little goat in the heart, and it fell dead. + <!-- Page 21 --><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21"></a></p> + <p>When little Two Eyes saw this, she went out into the field, seated herself on a + mound, and wept most bitter tears.</p> + <p>Presently the wise woman stood again before her, and said, "Little Two Eyes, why + do you weep?"</p> + <p>"Ah!" she replied, "I must weep. The goat, who every day spread my table so + beautifully, has been killed by my mother, and I shall have again to suffer from + hunger and sorrow."</p> + <p>"Little Two Eyes," said the wise woman, "I will give you some good advice. Go + home, and ask your sister to give you the inside of the slaughtered goat, and then go + and bury it in the ground in front of the house-door."</p> + <p>On saying this the wise woman vanished.</p> + <p>Little Two Eyes went home quickly, and said to her sister, "Dear sister, give me + some part of my poor goat. I don't want anything valuable; only give me the + inside."</p> + <p>Her sister laughed, and said, "Of course you can have that, if you don't want + anything else."</p> + <p>So little Two Eyes took the inside; and in the evening, when all was quiet, buried + it in the ground outside the house-door, as the wise woman had told her to do.</p> + <p>The next morning, when they all rose and looked out of the window, there stood a + most wonderful tree, with leaves of silver and apples of gold hanging between them. + Nothing in the wide world could be more beautiful or more costly. They none of them + knew how the tree could come there in one night, excepting little Two Eyes. She + supposed it had grown up from the inside of the goat; for it stood over where she had + buried it in the earth.<!-- Page 22 --><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22"></a></p> + <p>Then said the mother to little One Eye, "Climb up, my child, and break off some of + the fruit from the tree."</p> + <p>One Eye climbed up, but when she tried to catch a branch and pluck one of the + apples, it escaped from her hand, and so it happened every time she made the attempt, + and, do what she would, she could not reach one.</p> + <p>"Three Eyes," said the mother, "climb up, and try what you can do; perhaps you + will be able to see better with your three eyes than One Eye can."</p> + <p>One Eye slid down from the tree, and Three Eyes climbed up. But Three Eyes was not + more skilful; with all her efforts she could not draw the branches, nor the fruit, + near enough to pluck even a leaf, for they sprang back as she put out her hand.</p> + <p>At last the mother was impatient, and climbed up herself, but with no more + success, for, as she appeared to grasp a branch, or fruit, her hand closed upon thin + air.</p> + <p>"May I try?" said little Two Eyes; "perhaps I may succeed."</p> + <p>"You, indeed!" cried her sisters; "you, with your two eyes, what can you do?"</p> + <p>But Two Eyes climbed up, and the golden apples did not fly back from her when she + touched them, but almost laid themselves on her hand, and she plucked them one after + another, till she carried down her own little apron full.<!-- Page 23 --><a + name="Page_23" id="Page_23"></a></p> + <p>The mother took them from her, and gave them to her sisters, as she said little + Two Eyes did not handle them properly; but this was only from jealousy, because + little Two Eyes was the only one who could reach the fruit, and she went into the + house feeling more spiteful to her than ever.</p> + <p>It happened that while all three sisters were standing under the tree together a + young knight rode by. "Run away, quick, and hide yourself, little Two Eyes; hide + yourself somewhere, for we shall be quite ashamed for you to be seen." Then they + pushed the poor girl, in great haste, under an empty cask, which stood near the tree, + and several of the golden apples that she had plucked along with her.</p> + <p>As the knight came nearer they saw he was a handsome man; and presently he halted, + and looked with wonder and pleasure at the beautiful tree with its silver leaves and + golden fruit.</p> + <p>At last he spoke to the sisters, and asked: "To whom does this beautiful tree + belong? If a man possessed only one branch he might obtain all he wished for in the + world."</p> + <p>"This tree belongs to us," said the two sisters, "and we will break off a branch + for you if you like." They gave themselves a great deal of trouble in trying to do as + they offered; but all to no purpose, for the branches and the fruit evaded their + efforts, and sprung back at every touch.</p> + <p>"This is wonderful," exclaimed the knight, "that the tree should belong to you, + and yet you are not able to gather even a branch."<!-- Page 24 --><a name="Page_24" + id="Page_24"></a></p> + <p>They persisted, however, in declaring that the tree was their own property. At + this moment little Two Eyes, who was angry because her sisters had not told the + truth, caused two of the golden apples to slip out from under the cask, and they + rolled on till they reached the feet of the knight's horse. When he saw them, he + asked in astonishment where they came from.</p> + <p>The two ugly maidens replied that they had another sister, but they dared not let + him see her, for she had only two eyes, like common people, and was named little Two + Eyes.</p> + <p>But the knight felt very anxious to see her, and called out, "Little Two Eyes, + come here." Then came Two Eyes, quite comforted, from the empty cask, and the knight + was astonished to find her so beautiful.</p> + <p>Then he said, "Little Two Eyes, can you break off a branch of the tree for + me?"</p> + <p>"Oh yes," she replied, "I can, very easily, for the tree belongs to me." And she + climbed up, and, without any trouble, broke off a branch with its silver leaves and + golden fruit and gave it to the knight.</p> + <p>He looked down at her as she stood by his horse, and said: "Little Two Eyes, what + shall I give you for this?"</p> + <p>"Ah!" she answered, "I suffer from hunger and thirst, and sorrow, and trouble, + from early morning till late at night; if you would only take me with you, and + release me, I should be so happy."</p> + <p>Then the knight lifted the little maiden on his horse, and rode home with her to + his father's castle. There she was given beautiful clothes to wear, and as much to + eat and drink as she wished, and as she grew up the young knight loved her so dearly + that they were married with great rejoicings.<!-- Page 25 --><a name="Page_25" + id="Page_25"></a></p> + <p>Now, when the two sisters saw little Two Eyes carried away by the handsome young + knight, they were overjoyed at their good fortune. "The wonderful tree belongs to us + now," they said; "even if we cannot break off a branch, yet everybody who passes will + stop to admire it, and make acquaintance with us, and, who knows? we may get husbands + after all."</p> + <p>But when they rose the next morning, lo! the tree had vanished, and with it all + their hopes. And on this very morning, when little Two Eyes looked out of her chamber + window of the castle, she saw, to her great joy, that the tree had followed her.</p> + <p>Little Two Eyes lived for a long time in great happiness; but she heard nothing of + her sisters, till one day two poor women came to the castle, to beg for alms. Little + Two Eyes saw them, and, looking earnestly in their faces, she recognised her two + sisters, who had become so poor that they were obliged to beg their bread from door + to door.</p> + <p>But the good sister received them most kindly, and promised to take care of them + and give them all they wanted. And then they did indeed repent and feel sorry for + having treated her so badly in their youthful days.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II</h2> + <!-- Page 26 --><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26"></a> + <h3>THE MAGIC MIRROR</h3> + <p>One day in the middle of winter, when the snowflakes fell from the sky like + feathers, a queen sat at a window netting. Her netting-needle was of black ebony, and + as she worked, and the snow glittered, she pricked her finger, and three drops of + blood fell into the snow. The red spots looked so beautiful in the white snow that + the queen thought to herself: "Oh, if I only had a little child, I should like it to + be as fair as snow, as rosy as the red blood, and with hair and eyes as black as + ebony."</p> + <p>Very soon after this the queen had a little daughter who was very fair, had rosy + cheeks, and hair as black as ebony; and they gave her the name of Snow-white. But at + the birth of the little child the queen died.</p> + <p>When Snow-white was a year old, the king took another wife. She was very handsome, + but so proud and vain that she could not endure that anyone should surpass her in + beauty. She possessed a wonderful mirror, and when she stood before it to look at + herself she would say:</p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i-4">"Mirror, mirror on the wall,<br /> + <br /> + </span> <span>Am I most beautiful of all?"</span><br /> + <br /> + </div> + </div> + + <p>Then the mirror would reply:<!-- Page 27 --><a name="Page_27" + id="Page_27"></a></p> + <p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Young queen, thou are so wondrous fair,<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">None can with thee at all compare."</span><br /> + </span></p> + <p>Then she would go away quite contented, for she knew the magic mirror could speak + only the truth.</p> + <p>Years went by, and as Snow-white grew up, she became day after day more beautiful, + till she reached the age of seven years, and then people began to talk about her, and + say that she would be more lovely even than the queen herself. So the proud woman + went to her magic looking-glass, and asked:</p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i-4">"Mirror, mirror on the wall,<br /> + <br /> + </span> <span>Am I most beautiful of all?"</span><br /> + <br /> + </div> + </div> + + <p>But the mirror answered:</p> + <p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Queen, thou are lovely still to see,<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">But Snow-white will be</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">A thousand times more beautiful than + thee."</span><br /> + </span></p> + <p>Then the queen was terrified, and turned green and yellow with jealousy. If she + had caught sight of Snow-white at that moment, she would have been ready to tear her + heart out of her body, she hated the maiden so fiercely.</p> + <p>And this jealousy and envy grew every day stronger and stronger in her heart, like + a disease, till she had no rest day or night.</p> + <p>At last she sent for a hunter, who lived near a forest, and said to him, "Hunter, + I want to get rid of that child. Take her out into the wood, and if you bring me some + proofs that she is dead, I will reward you handsomely. Never let her appear before my + eyes again."<!-- Page 28 --><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28"></a></p> + <p>So the hunter enticed the child into the wood; but when he took out his + hunting-knife to thrust into Snow-white's innocent heart, she fell on her knees and + wept, and said, "Ah, dear hunter, leave me my life; I will run away into the wild + wood, and never, never come home any more."</p> + <p>She looked so innocent and beautiful as she knelt, that the hunter's heart was + moved with compassion: "Run away, then, thou poor child," he cried; "I cannot harm + thee."</p> + <p>Snow-white thanked him so sweetly, and was out of sight in a few moments.</p> + <p>"She will be devoured by wild beasts," he said to himself. But the thought that he + had not killed her was as if a stone-weight had been lifted from his heart.</p> + <p>To satisfy the queen, he took part of the inside of a young fawn, which the wicked + woman thought was poor little Snow-white, and was overjoyed to think she was + dead.</p> + <p>But the poor little motherless child, when she found herself alone in the wood, + and saw nothing but trees and leaves, was dreadfully frightened, and knew not what to + do. At last she began to run over the sharp stones and through the thorns, and though + the wild beasts sprang out before her, they did her no harm. She ran on as long as + she could till her little feet became quite sore; and towards evening she saw, to her + great joy, a pretty little house. So she went up to it, and found the door open and + no one at home.</p> + <p>It was a tiny little house, but everything in it was so clean and neat and elegant + that it is beyond description. In the middle of the room stood a small table, covered + with a snow-white table-cloth, ready for supper. On it were arranged seven little + plates, seven little spoons, seven little knives and forks, and seven mugs. By the + wall stood seven little beds, near each other, covered with white quilts. + <!-- Page 29 --><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29"></a></p> + <p>Poor Snow-white, who was hungry and thirsty, ate a few vegetables and a little + bread from each plate, and drank a little drop of wine from each cup, for she did not + like to take all she wanted from one alone. After this, feeling very tired, she + thought she would lie down and rest on one of the beds, but she found it difficult to + choose one to suit her. One was too long, another too short; so she tried them all + till she came to the seventh, and that was so comfortable that she laid herself down, + and was soon fast asleep.</p> + <p>When it was quite dark the masters of the house came home. They were seven little + dwarfs, who dug and searched in the mountains for minerals. First they lighted seven + little lamps, and as soon as the room was full of light they saw that some one had + been there, for everything did not stand in the order in which they had left it.</p> + <p>Then said the first, "Who has been sitting in my little chair?"</p> + <p>The second exclaimed, "Who has been eating from my little plate?"</p> + <p>The third cried, "Some one has taken part of my bread."</p> + <p>"Who has been eating my vegetables?" said the fourth.<!-- Page 30 --><a + name="Page_30" id="Page_30"></a></p> + <p>Then said the fifth, "Some one has used my fork."</p> + <p>The sixth cried, "And who has been cutting with my knife?"</p> + <p>"And some one has been drinking out of my cup," said the seventh.</p> + <p>Then the eldest looked at his bed, and, seeing that it looked tumbled, cried out + that some one had been upon it. The others came running forward, and found all their + beds in the same condition. But when the seventh approached his bed, and saw + Snow-white lying there fast asleep, he called the others, who came quickly, and + holding their lights over their heads, cried out in wonder as they beheld the + sleeping child. "Oh, what a beautiful little child!" they said to each other, and + were so delighted that they would not awaken her, but left her to sleep as long as + she liked in the little bed, while its owner slept with one of his companions, and so + the night passed away.</p> + <p>In the morning, when Snow-white awoke, and saw all the dwarfs, she was terribly + frightened. But they spoke kindly to her, till she lost all fear, and they asked her + name.</p> + <p>"I am called Snow-white," she replied.</p> + <p>"But how came you to our house?" asked one.</p> + <p>Then she related to them all that had happened; how her stepmother had sent her + into the wood with the hunter, who had spared her life, and that, after wandering + about for a whole day, she had found their house.</p> + <p>The dwarfs talked a little while together, and then one said, "Do you think you + could be our little housekeeper, to make the beds, cook the dinner, and wash and sew + and knit for us, and keep everything neat and clean and orderly? If you can, then you + shall stay here with us, and nobody shall hurt you."<!-- Page 31 --><a name="Page_31" + id="Page_31"></a></p> + <p>"Oh yes, I will try," said Snow-white. So they let her stay, and she was a clever + little thing. She managed very well, and kept the house quite clean and in order. And + while they were gone to the mountains to find gold, she got their supper ready, and + they were very happy together.</p> + <p>But every morning when they left her, the kind little dwarfs warned Snow-white to + be careful. While the maiden was alone they knew she was in danger, and told her not + to show herself, for her stepmother would soon find out where she was, and said, + "Whatever you do, let nobody into the house while we are gone."</p> + <p>After the wicked queen had proved, as she thought, that Snow-white was dead, she + felt quite satisfied there was no one in the world now likely to become so beautiful + as herself, so she stepped up to her mirror and asked:</p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i-4">"Mirror, mirror on the wall,<br /> + <br /> + </span> <span>Who is most beautiful of all?"</span><br /> + <br /> + </div> + </div> + + <p>To her vexation the mirror replied:</p> + <p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Fair queen, at home there is none like + thee,<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">But over the mountains is Snow-white + free,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">With seven little dwarfs, who are strange to + see;</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">A thousand times fairer than thou is + she."</span><br /> + </span></p> + <p>The queen was furious when she heard this, for she knew the mirror was truthful, + and that the hunter must have deceived her, and that Snow-white still lived. So she + sat and pondered over these facts, thinking what would be best to do, for as long as + she was not the most beautiful woman in the land, her jealousy gave her no peace. + After a time, she decided what to do. First, she painted her face, and whitened her + hair; then she dressed herself in old woman's clothes, and was so disguised that no + one could have recognised her.<!-- Page 32 --><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32"></a></p> + <p>Watching an opportunity, she left the castle, and took her way to the wood near + the mountains, where the seven little dwarfs lived. When she reached the door, she + knocked, and cried, "Beautiful goods to sell; beautiful goods to sell."</p> + <p>Snow-white, when she heard it, peeped through the window, and said, "Good-day, old + lady. What have you in your basket for me to buy?"</p> + <p>"Everything that is pretty," she replied; "laces, and pearls, and earrings, and + bracelets of every colour;" and she held up her basket, which was lined with + glittering silk.</p> + <p>"I can let in this respectable old woman," thought Snow-white; "she will not harm + me." So she unbolted the door, and told her to come in. Oh, how delighted Snow-white + was with the pretty things; she bought several trinkets, and a beautiful silk lace + for her stays, but she did not see the evil eye of the old woman who was watching + her. Presently she said, "Child, come here; I will show you how to lace your stays + properly." Snow-white had no suspicion, so she placed herself before the old woman + that she might lace her stays. But no sooner was the lace in the holes than she began + to lace so fast and pull so tight that Snow-white could not breathe, and presently + fell down at her feet as if dead.<!-- Page 33 --><a name="Page_33" + id="Page_33"></a></p> + <p>"Now you are beautiful indeed," said the woman, and, fancying she heard footsteps, + she rushed away as quickly as she could.</p> + <p>Not long after, the seven dwarfs came home, and they were terribly frightened to + see dear little Snow-white lying on the ground without motion, as if she were dead. + They lifted her up, and saw in a moment that her stays had been laced too tight. + Quickly they cut the stay-lace in two, till Snow-white began to breathe a little, and + after a time was restored to life. But when the dwarfs heard what had happened, they + said: "That old market-woman was no other than your wicked stepmother. Snow-white, + you must never again let anyone in while we are not with you."</p> + <p>The wicked queen when she returned home, after, as she thought, killing + Snow-white, went to her looking-glass and asked:</p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i-4">"Mirror, mirror on the wall,<br /> + <br /> + </span> <span>Am I most beautiful of all?"</span><br /> + <br /> + </div> + </div> + + <p>Then answered the mirror:</p> + <p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Queen, thou art not the fairest now;<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">Snow-white over the mountain's brow</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">A thousand times fairer is than thou."</span><br /> + </span></p> + <p>When she heard this she was so terrified that the blood rushed to her heart, for + she knew that after all she had done Snow-white was still alive. "I must think of + something else," she said to herself, "to get rid of that odious child." + <!-- Page 34 --><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34"></a></p> + <p>Now this wicked queen had some knowledge of witchcraft, and she knew how to poison + a comb, so that whoever used it would fall dead. This the wicked stepmother soon got + ready, and dressing herself again like an old woman, but quite different from the + last, she started off to travel over the mountains to the dwarfs' cottage.</p> + <p>When Snow-white heard the old cry, "Goods to sell, fine goods to sell," she looked + out of the window and said:</p> + <p>"Go away, go away; I must not let you in."</p> + <p>"Look at this, then," said the woman; "you shall have it for your own if you + like," and she held up before the child's eyes the bright tortoise-shell comb which + she had poisoned.</p> + <p>Poor Snow-white could not refuse such a present, so she opened the door and let + the woman in, quite forgetting the advice of the dwarfs. After she had bought a few + things, the old woman said, "Let me try this comb in your hair; it is so fine it will + make it beautifully smooth and glossy."</p> + <p>So Snow-white, thinking no wrong, stood before the woman to have her hair dressed; + but no sooner had the comb touched the roots of her hair than the poison took effect, + and the maiden fell to the ground lifeless.</p> + <p>"You paragon of beauty," said the wicked woman, "all has just happened as I + expected," and then she went away quickly.</p> + <p>Fortunately evening soon arrived, and the seven dwarfs returned home. When they + saw Snow-white lying dead on the ground, they knew at once that the stepmother had + been there again; but on seeing the poisoned comb in her hair they pulled it out + quickly, and Snow-white very soon came to herself, and related all that had passed. + <!-- Page 35 --><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35"></a></p> + <p>Again they warned her not to let anyone enter the house during their absence, and + on no account to open the door; but Snow-white was not clever enough to resist her + clever wicked stepmother, and she forgot to obey.</p> + <p>The wicked queen felt sure now that she had really killed Snow-white; so as soon + as she returned home she went to her looking-glass, and inquired:</p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i-4">"Mirror, mirror on the wall,<br /> + <br /> + </span> <span>Who is most beautiful of all?"</span><br /> + <br /> + </div> + </div> + + <p>But the mirror replied:</p> + <p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Queen, thou art the fairest here,<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">But not when Snow-white is near;</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">Over the mountains still is she,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">Fairer a thousand times than thee."</span><br /> + </span></p> + <p>As the looking-glass thus replied, the queen trembled and quaked with rage. + "Snow-white shall die," cried she, "if it costs me my own life!"</p> + <p>Then she went into a lonely forbidden chamber where no one was allowed to come, + and poisoned a beautiful apple. Outwardly it looked ripe and tempting, of a pale + green with rosy cheeks, so that it made everyone's mouth water to look at it, but + whoever ate even a small piece must die.</p> + <p>As soon as this apple was ready, the wicked queen painted her face, disguised her + hair, dressed herself as a farmer's wife, and went again over the mountains to the + dwarfs' cottage.<!-- Page 36 --><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36"></a></p> + <p>When she knocked at the door, Snow-white stretched her head out of the window, and + said, "I dare not let you in; the seven dwarfs have forbidden me."</p> + <p>"But I am all right," said the farmer's wife. "Stay, I will show you my apples. + Are they not beautiful? let me make you a present of one."</p> + <p>"No, thank you," cried Snow-white; "I dare not take it."</p> + <p>"What!" cried the woman, "are you afraid it is poisoned? Look here now, I will cut + the apple in halves; you shall have the rosy-cheek side, and I will eat the + other."</p> + <p>The apple was so cleverly made that the red side alone was poisonous. Snow-white + longed so much for the beautiful fruit as she saw the farmer's wife eat one half that + she could not any longer resist, but stretched out her hand from the window and took + the poisoned half. But no sooner had she taken one mouthful than she fell on the + ground dead.</p> + <p>Then the wicked queen glanced in at the window with a horrible look in her eye, + and laughed aloud as she exclaimed:</p> + <p>"White as snow, red as blood, and black as ebony; this time the dwarfs will not be + able to awake thee."</p> + <p>And as soon as she arrived at home, and asked her mirror who was the most + beautiful in the land, it replied:</p> + <p><!-- Page 37 --><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37"></a> <span + style="margin-left: 2em;">"Fair queen, there is none in all the land<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">So beautiful as thou."</span><br /> + </span></p> + <p>Then had her envious heart rest, at least such rest as a heart full of envy and + malice ever can have.</p> + <p>The little dwarfs, when they came home in the evening, found poor Snow-white on + the ground; but though they lifted her up, there were no signs of breath from her + mouth, and they found she was really dead. Yet they tried in every way to restore + her; they tried to extract the poison from her lips, they combed her hair, and washed + it with wine and water, but all to no purpose: the dear child gave no signs of life, + and at last they knew she was dead. Then they laid her on a bier, and the seven + dwarfs seated themselves round her, and wept and mourned for three days. They would + have buried her then, but there was no change in her appearance; her face was as + fresh, and her cheeks and lips had their usual colour. Then said one, "We cannot lay + this beautiful child in the dark, cold earth."</p> + <p>So they agreed to have a coffin made entirely of glass, transparent all over, that + they might watch for any signs of decay, and they wrote in letters of gold her name + on the lid, and that she was the daughter of a king. The coffin was placed on the + side of the mountain, and each of them watched it by turns, so that it was never left + alone. And the birds of the air came near and mourned for Snow-white; first the owl, + then the raven, and at last the dove. Snow-white lay for a long, long time in the + glass coffin, but showed not the least signs of decay. It seemed as if she slept; for + her skin was snow white, her cheeks rosy red, and her hair black as ebony. + <!-- Page 38 --><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38"></a></p> + <p>It happened one day that the son of a king, while riding in the forest, came by + chance upon the dwarfs' house and asked for a night's lodging. As he left the next + morning he saw the coffin on the mountain-side, with beautiful Snow-white lying in + it, and read what was written upon the lid in letters of gold.</p> + <p>Then he said to the dwarfs, "Let me have this coffin, and I will give you for it + whatever you ask."</p> + <p>But the elder dwarf answered, "We would not give it thee for all the gold in the + world."</p> + <p>But the prince answered, "Let me have it as a gift, then. I know not why, but my + heart is drawn towards this beautiful child, and I feel I cannot live without her. If + you will let me have her, she shall be treated with the greatest honour and respect + as one dearly beloved."</p> + <p>As he thus spoke the good little dwarfs were full of sympathy for him, and gave + him the coffin. Then the prince called his servants, and the coffin was placed on + their shoulders, and they carried it away, followed by the king's son, who watched it + carefully. Now it happened that one of them made a false step and stumbled. This + shook the coffin, and caused the poisoned piece of apple which Snow-white had bitten + to roll out of her mouth. A little while after she suddenly opened her eyes, lifted + up the coffin-lid, raised herself and was again alive.</p> + <p>"Oh! where am I?" she cried.</p> + <p>Full of joy, the king's son approached her, and said, "Dear Snow-white, you are + safe; you are with me."<!-- Page 39 --><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39"></a></p> + <p>Then he related to her all that had happened, and what the little dwarfs had told + him about her, and said at last, "I love you better than all in the world besides, + dear little Snow-white, and you must come with me to my father's castle and be my + wife."</p> + <p>Then was Snow-white taken out of the coffin and placed in a carriage to travel + with the prince, and the king was so pleased with his son's choice that the marriage + was soon after celebrated with great pomp and magnificence.</p> + <p>Now it happened that the stepmother of Snow-white was invited, among other guests, + to the wedding-feast. Before she left her house she stood in all her rich dress + before the magic mirror to admire her own appearance, but she could not help + saying;</p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i-4">"Mirror, mirror on the wall,<br /> + <br /> + </span> <span>Am I most beautiful of all?"</span><br /> + <br /> + </div> + </div> + + <p>Then to her surprise the mirror replied:</p> + <p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Fair queen, thou art the fairest here,<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">But at the palace, now,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">The bride will prove a thousand times</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">More beautiful than thou."</span><br /> + </span></p> + <p>Then the wicked woman uttered a curse, and was so dreadfully alarmed that she knew + not what to do. At first she declared she would not go to this wedding at all, but + she felt it impossible to rest until she had seen the bride, so she determined to go. + But what was her astonishment and vexation when she recognised in the young bride + Snow-white herself, now grown a charming young woman, and richly dressed in royal + robes! Her rage and terror were so great that she stood still and could not move for + some minutes. At last she went into the ballroom, but the slippers she wore were to + her as iron bands full of coals of fire, in which she was obliged to dance. And so in + the red, glowing shoes she continued to dance till she fell dead on the floor, a sad + example of envy and jealousy.<!-- Page 40 --><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40"></a></p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III</h2> + <!-- Page 41 --><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41"></a> + <h3>THE ENCHANTED STAG</h3> + <p>There were once a brother and sister who loved each other dearly; their mother was + dead, and their father had married again a woman who was most unkind and cruel to + them. One day the boy took his sister's hand, and said to her, "Dear little sister, + since our mother died we have not had one happy hour. Our stepmother gives us dry + hard crusts for dinner and supper; she often knocks us about, and threatens to kick + us out of the house. Even the little dogs under the table fare better than we do, for + she often throws them nice pieces to eat. Heaven pity us! Oh, if our dear mother + knew! Come, let us go out into the wide world!"</p> + <p>So they went out, and wandered over fields and meadows the whole day till evening. + At last they found themselves in a large forest; it began to rain, and the little + sister said, "See, brother, heaven and our hearts weep together." At last, tired out + with hunger and sorrow, and the long journey, they crept into a hollow tree, laid + themselves down, and slept till morning.</p> + <p>When they awoke the sun was high in the heavens, and shone brightly into the + hollow tree, so they left their place of shelter and wandered away in search of + water.</p> + <p>"Oh, I am so thirsty!" said the boy. "If we could only find a brook or a stream." + He stopped to listen, and said, "Stay, I think I hear a running stream." So he took + his sister by the hand, and they ran together to find it.<!-- Page 42 --><a + name="Page_42" id="Page_42"></a></p> + <p>Now, the stepmother of these poor children was a wicked witch. She had seen the + children go away, and, following them cautiously like a snake, had bewitched all the + springs and streams in the forest. The pleasant trickling of a brook over the pebbles + was heard by the children as they reached it, and the boy was just stooping to drink, + when the sister heard in the babbling of the brook:</p> + <p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Whoever drinks of me, a tiger soon will + be."<br /> + </span></p> + <p>Then she cried quickly, "Stay, brother, stay! do not drink, or you will become a + wild beast, and tear me to pieces."</p> + <p>Thirsty as he was, the brother conquered his desire to drink at her words, and + said, "Dear sister, I will wait till we come to a spring." So they wandered farther, + but as they approached, she heard in the bubbling spring the words—</p> + <p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Who drinks of me, a wolf will be."<br /> + </span></p> + <p>"Brother, I pray you, do not drink of this brook; you will be changed into a wolf, + and devour me."</p> + <p>Again the brother denied himself and promised to wait; but he said, "At the next + stream I must drink, say what you will, my thirst is so great."</p> + <p>Not far off ran a pretty streamlet, looking clear and bright; but here also in its + murmuring waters, the sister heard the words—<!-- Page 43 --><a name="Page_43" + id="Page_43"></a></p> + <p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Who dares to drink of me,<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">Turned to a stag will be."</span><br /> + </span></p> + <p>"Dear brother, do not drink," she began; but she was too late, for her brother had + already knelt by the stream to drink, and as the first drop of water touched his lips + he became a fawn. How the little sister wept over the enchanted brother, and the fawn + wept also.</p> + <p>He did not run away, but stayed close to her; and at last she said, "Stand still, + dear fawn; don't fear, I must take care of you, but I will never leave you." So she + untied her little golden garter and fastened it round the neck of the fawn; then she + gathered some soft green rushes, and braided them into a soft string, which she + fastened to the fawn's golden collar, and then led him away into the depths of the + forest.</p> + <p>After wandering about for some time, they at last found a little deserted hut, and + the sister was overjoyed, for she thought it would form a nice shelter for them both. + So she led the fawn in, and then went out alone, to gather moss and dried leaves, to + make him a soft bed.</p> + <p>Every morning she went out to gather dried roots, nuts, and berries, for her own + food, and sweet fresh grass for the fawn, which he ate out of her hand, and the poor + little animal went out with her, and played about as happy as the day was long.</p> + <p>When evening came, and the poor sister felt tired, she would kneel down and say + her prayers, and then lay her delicate head on the fawn's back, which was a soft warm + pillow, on which she could sleep peacefully. Had this dear brother only kept his own + proper form, how happy they would have been together! After they had been alone in + the forest for some time, and the little sister had grown a lovely maiden, and the + fawn a large stag, a numerous hunting party came to the forest, and amongst them the + king of the country.<!-- Page 44 --><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44"></a></p> + <p>The sounding horn, the barking of the dogs, the holloa of the huntsmen, resounded + through the forest, and were heard by the stag, who became eager to join his + companions.</p> + <p>"Oh dear," he said, "do let me go and see the hunt; I cannot restrain myself." And + he begged so hard that at last she reluctantly consented.</p> + <p>"But remember," she said, "I must lock the cottage door against those huntsmen, so + when you come back in the evening, and knock, I shall not admit you, unless you say, + 'Dear little sister let me in.'"</p> + <p>He bounded off as she spoke, scarcely stopping to listen, for it was so delightful + for him to breathe the fresh air and be free again.</p> + <p>He had not run far when the king's chief hunter caught sight of the beautiful + animal, and started off in chase of him; but it was no easy matter to overtake such + rapid footsteps. Once, when he thought he had him safe, the fawn sprang over the + bushes and disappeared.</p> + <p>As it was now nearly dark, he ran up to the little cottage, knocked at the door, + and cried, "Dear little sister, let me in." The door was instantly opened, and oh, + how glad his sister was to see him safely resting on his soft pleasant bed! + <!-- Page 45 --><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45"></a></p> + <p>A few days after this, the huntsmen were again in the forest; and when the fawn + heard the holloa, he could not rest in peace, but begged his sister again to let him + go.</p> + <p>She opened the door, and said, "I will let you go this time; but pray do not + forget to say what I told you, when you return this evening."</p> + <p>The chief hunter very soon espied the beautiful fawn with the golden collar, + pointed it out to the king, and they determined to hunt it.</p> + <p>They chased him with all their skill till the evening; but he was too light and + nimble for them to catch, till a shot wounded him slightly in the foot, so that he + was obliged to hide himself in the bushes, and, after the huntsmen were gone, limp + slowly home.</p> + <p>One of them, however, determined to follow him at a distance, and discover where + he went. What was his surprise at seeing him go up to a door and knock, and to hear + him say, "Dear little sister, let me in." The door was only opened a little way, and + quickly shut; but the huntsman had seen enough to make him full of wonder, when he + returned and described to the king what he had seen.</p> + <p>"We will have one more chase to-morrow," said the king, "and discover this + mystery."</p> + <p>In the meantime the loving sister was terribly alarmed at finding the stag's foot + wounded and bleeding. She quickly washed off the blood, and, after bathing the wound, + placed healing herbs on it, and said, "Lie down on your bed, dear fawn, and the wound + will soon heal, if you rest your foot."<!-- Page 46 --><a name="Page_46" + id="Page_46"></a></p> + <p>In the morning the wound was so much better that the fawn felt the foot almost as + strong as ever, and so, when he again heard the holloa of the hunters, he could not + rest. "Oh, dear sister, I must go once more; it will be easy for me to avoid the + hunters now, and my foot feels quite well; they will not hunt me unless they see me + running, and I don't mean to do that."</p> + <p>But his sister wept, and begged him not to go: "If they kill you, dear fawn, I + shall be here alone in the forest, forsaken by the whole world."</p> + <p>"And I shall die of grief," he said, "if I remain here listening to the hunter's + horn."</p> + <p>So at length his sister, with a heavy heart, set him free, and he bounded away + joyfully into the forest.</p> + <p>As soon as the king caught sight of him, he said to the huntsmen, "Follow that + stag about, but don't hurt him." So they hunted him all day, but at the approach of + sunset the king said to the hunter who had followed the fawn the day before, "Come + and show me the little cottage."</p> + <p>So they went together, and when the king saw it he sent his companion home, and + went on alone so quickly that he arrived there before the fawn; and, going up to the + little door, knocked and said softly, "Dear little sister, let me in."</p> + <p>As the door opened, the king stepped in, and in great astonishment saw a maiden + more beautiful than he had ever seen in his life standing before him. But how + frightened she felt to see instead of her dear little fawn a noble gentleman walk in + with a gold crown on his head.<!-- Page 47 --><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47"></a></p> + <p>However, he appeared very friendly, and after a little talk he held out his hand + to her, and said, "Wilt thou go with me to my castle and be my dear wife?"</p> + <p>"Ah yes," replied the maiden, "I would willingly; but I cannot leave my dear fawn: + he must go with me wherever I am."</p> + <p>"He shall remain with you as long as you live," replied the king, "and I will + never ask you to forsake him."</p> + <p>While they were talking, the fawn came bounding in, looking quite well and happy. + Then his sister fastened the string of rushes to his collar, took it in her hand, and + led him away from the cottage in the wood to where the king's beautiful horse waited + for him.</p> + <p>The king placed the maiden before him on his horse and rode away to his castle, + the fawn following by their side. Soon after, their marriage was celebrated with + great splendour, and the fawn was taken the greatest care of, and played where he + pleased, or roamed about the castle grounds in happiness and safety.</p> + <p>In the meantime the wicked stepmother, who had caused these two young people such + misery, supposed that the sister had been devoured by wild beasts, and that the fawn + had been hunted to death. Therefore when she heard of their happiness, such envy and + malice arose in her heart that she could find no rest till she had tried to destroy + it.</p> + <p>She and her ugly daughter came to the castle when the queen had a little baby, and + one of them pretended to be a nurse, and at last got the mother and child into their + power.<!-- Page 48 --><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48"></a></p> + <p>They shut the queen up in the bath, and tried to suffocate her, and the old woman + put her own ugly daughter in the queen's bed that the king might not know she was + away.</p> + <p>She would not, however, let him speak to her, but pretended that she must be kept + quite quiet.</p> + <p>The queen escaped from the bath-room, where the wicked old woman had locked her + up, but she did not go far, as she wanted to watch over her child and the little + fawn.</p> + <p>For two nights the baby's nurse saw a figure of the queen come into the room and + take up her baby and nurse it. Then she told the king, and he determined to watch + himself. The old stepmother, who acted as nurse to her ugly daughter, whom she tried + to make the king believe was his wife, had said that the queen was too weak to see + him, and never left her room. "There cannot be two queens," said the king to himself, + "so to-night I will watch in the nursery." As soon as the figure came in and took up + her baby, he saw it was his real wife, and caught her in his arms, saying, "You are + my own beloved wife, as beautiful as ever."</p> + <p>The wicked witch had thrown her into a trance, hoping she would die, and that the + king would then marry her daughter; but on the king speaking to her, the spell was + broken. The queen told the king how cruelly she had been treated by her stepmother, + and on hearing this he became very angry, and had the witch and her daughter brought + to justice. They were both sentenced to die—the daughter to be devoured by wild + beasts, and the mother to be burnt alive.<!-- Page 49 --><a name="Page_49" + id="Page_49"></a></p> + <p>No sooner, however, was she reduced to ashes than the charm which held the queen's + brother in the form of a stag was broken; he recovered his own natural shape, and + appeared before them a tall, handsome young man.</p> + <p>After this, the brother and sister lived happily and peacefully for the rest of + their lives.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV</h2> + <!-- Page 50 --><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50"></a> + <h3>HANSEL AND GRETHEL</h3> + <p>Near the borders of a large forest dwelt in olden times a poor wood-cutter, who + had two children—a boy named Hansel, and his sister, Grethel. They had very + little to live upon, and once when there was a dreadful season of scarcity in the + land, the poor wood-cutter could not earn sufficient to supply their daily food.</p> + <p>One evening, after the children were gone to bed, the parents sat talking together + over their sorrow, and the poor husband sighed, and said to his wife, who was not the + mother of his children, but their stepmother, "What will become of us, for I cannot + earn enough to support myself and you, much less the children? what shall we do with + them, for they must not starve?"</p> + <p>"I know what to do, husband," she replied; "early to-morrow morning we will take + the children for a walk across the forest and leave them in the thickest part; they + will never find the way home again, you may depend, and then we shall only have to + work for ourselves."</p> + <p>"No, wife," said the man, "that I will never do. How could I have the heart to + leave my children all alone in the wood, where the wild beasts would come quickly and + devour them?"</p> + <p>"Oh, you fool," replied the stepmother, "if you refuse to do this, you know we + must all four perish with hunger; you may as well go and cut the wood for our + coffins." And after this she let him have no peace till he became quite worn out, and + could not sleep for hours, but lay thinking in sorrow about his children. + <!-- Page 51 --><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51"></a></p> + <p>The two children, who also were too hungry to sleep, heard all that their + stepmother had said to their father. Poor little Grethel wept bitter tears as she + listened, and said to her brother, "What is going to happen to us, Hansel?"</p> + <p>"Hush, Grethel," he whispered, "don't be so unhappy; I know what to do."</p> + <p>Then they lay quite still till their parents were asleep.</p> + <p>As soon as it was quiet, Hansel got up, put on his little coat, unfastened the + door, and slipped out The moon shone brightly, and the white pebble stones which lay + before the cottage door glistened like new silver money. Hansel stooped and picked up + as many of the pebbles as he could stuff in his little coat pockets. He then went + back to Grethel and said, "Be comforted, dear little sister, and sleep in peace; + heaven will take care of us." Then he laid himself down again in bed, and slept till + the day broke.</p> + <p>As soon as the sun was risen, the stepmother came and woke the two children, and + said, "Get up, you lazy bones, and come into the wood with me to gather wood for the + fire." Then she gave each of them a piece of bread, and said, "You must keep that to + eat for your dinner, and don't quarrel over it, for you will get nothing more." + <!-- Page 52 --><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52"></a></p> + <p>Grethel took the bread under her charge, for Hansel's pockets were full of + pebbles. Then the stepmother led them a long way into the forest. They had gone but a + very short distance when Hansel looked back at the house, and this he did again and + again.</p> + <p>At last his stepmother said, "Why do you keep staying behind and looking back + so?"</p> + <p>"Oh, mother," said the boy, "I can see my little white cat sitting on the roof of + the house, and I am sure she is crying for me."</p> + <p>"Nonsense," she replied; "that is not your cat; it is the morning sun shining on + the chimney-pot."</p> + <p>Hansel had seen no cat, but he stayed behind every time to drop a white pebble + from his pocket on the ground as they walked.</p> + <p>As soon as they reached a thick part of the wood, their stepmother said:</p> + <p>"Come, children, gather some wood, and I will make a fire, for it is very cold + here."</p> + <p>Then Hansel and Grethel raised quite a high heap of brushwood and faggots, which + soon blazed up into a bright fire, and the woman said to them:</p> + <p>"Sit down here, children, and rest, while I go and find your father, who is + cutting wood in the forest; when we have finished our work, we will come again and + fetch you."</p> + <p>Hansel and Grethel seated themselves by the fire, and when noon arrived they each + ate the piece of bread which their stepmother had given them for their dinner; and as + long as they heard the strokes of the axe they felt safe, for they believed that + their father was working near them. But it was not an axe they heard—only a + branch which still hung on a withered tree, and was moved up and down by the wind. At + last, when they had been sitting there a long time, the children's eyes became heavy + with fatigue, and they fell fast asleep. When they awoke it was dark night, and poor + Grethel began to cry, and said, "Oh, how shall we get out of the wood?" + <!-- Page 53 --><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53"></a></p> + <p>But Hansel comforted her. "Don't fear," he said; "let us wait a little while till + the moon rises, and then we shall easily find our way home."</p> + <p>Very soon the full moon rose, and then Hansel took his little sister by the hand, + and the white pebble stones, which glittered like newly-coined money in the + moonlight, and which Hansel had dropped as he walked, pointed out the way. They + walked all the night through, and did not reach their father's house till break of + day.</p> + <p>They knocked at the door, and when their stepmother opened it, she exclaimed: "You + naughty children, why have you been staying so long in the forest? we thought you + were never coming back," But their father was overjoyed to see them, for it grieved + him to the heart to think that they had been left alone in the wood.</p> + <p>Not long after this there came another time of scarcity and want in every house, + and the children heard their stepmother talking after they were in bed. "The times + are as bad as ever," she said; "we have just half a loaf left, and when that is gone + all love will be at an end. The children must go away; we will take them deeper into + the forest this time, and they will not be able to find their way home as they did + before; it is the only plan to save ourselves from starvation." But the husband felt + heavy at heart, for he thought it was better to share the last morsel with his + children.<!-- Page 54 --><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54"></a></p> + <p>His wife would listen to nothing he said, but continued to reproach him, and as he + had given way to her the first time, he could not refuse to do so now. The children + were awake, and heard all the conversation; so, as soon as their parents slept, + Hansel got up, intending to go out and gather some more of the bright pebbles to let + fall as he walked, that they might point out the way home; but his stepmother had + locked the door, and he could not open it. When he went back to his bed he told his + little sister not to fret, but to go to sleep in peace, for he was sure they would be + taken care of.</p> + <p>Early the next morning the stepmother came and pulled the children out of bed, + and, when they were dressed, gave them each a piece of bread for their dinners, + smaller than they had had before, and then they started on their way to the wood.</p> + <p>As they walked, Hansel, who had the bread in his pocket, broke off little crumbs, + and stopped every now and then to drop one, turning round as if he was looking back + at his home.</p> + <p>"Hansel," said the woman, "what are you stopping for in that way? Come along + directly."</p> + <p>"I saw my pigeon sitting on the roof, and he wants to say good-bye to me," replied + the boy.</p> + <p>"Nonsense," she said; "that is not your pigeon; it is only the morning sun shining + on the chimney-top."</p> + <p>But Hansel did not look back any more; he only dropped pieces of bread behind him, + as they walked through the wood. This time they went on till they reached the + thickest and densest part of the forest, where they had never been before in all + their lives. Again they gathered faggots and brushwood, of which the stepmother made + up a large fire. Then she said, "Remain here, children, and rest, while I go to help + your father, who is cutting wood in the forest; when you feel tired, you can lie down + and sleep for a little while, and we will come and fetch you in the evening, when + your father has finished his work."<!-- Page 55 --><a name="Page_55" + id="Page_55"></a></p> + <p>So the children remained alone till mid-day, and then Grethel shared her piece of + bread with Hansel, for he had scattered his own all along the road as they walked. + After this they slept for awhile, and the evening drew on; but no one came to fetch + the poor children. When they awoke it was quite dark, and poor little Grethel was + afraid; but Hansel comforted her, as he had done before, by telling her they need + only wait till the moon rose. "You know, little sister," he said, "that I have thrown + breadcrumbs all along the road we came, and they will easily point out the way + home."</p> + <p>But when they went out of the thicket into the moonlight they found no + breadcrumbs, for the numerous birds which inhabited the trees of the forest had + picked them all up.</p> + <p>Hansel tried to hide his fear when he made this sad discovery, and said to his + sister, "Cheer up, Grethel; I dare say we shall find our way home without the crumbs. + Let us try." But this they found impossible. They wandered about the whole night, and + the next day from morning till evening; but they could not get out of the wood, and + were so hungry that had it not been for a few berries which they picked they must + have starved.<!-- Page 56 --><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56"></a></p> + <p>At last they were so tired that their poor little legs could carry them no + farther; so they laid themselves down under a tree and went to sleep. When they awoke + it was the third morning since they had left their father's house, and they + determined to try once more to find their way home; but it was no use, they only went + still deeper into the wood, and knew that if no help came they must starve.</p> + <p>About noon, they saw a beautiful snow-white bird sitting on the branch of a tree, + and singing so beautifully that they stood still to listen. When he had finished his + song, he spread out his wings and flew on before them. The children followed him, + till at last they saw at a distance a small house; and the bird flew and perched on + the roof.</p> + <p>But how surprised were the boy and girl, when they came nearer, to find that the + house was built of gingerbread, and ornamented with sweet cakes and tarts, while the + window was formed of barley-sugar. "Oh!" exclaimed Hansel, "let us stop here and have + a splendid feast. I will have a piece from the roof first, Grethel; and you can eat + some of the barley-sugar window, it tastes so nice." Hansel reached up on tiptoe, and + breaking off a piece of the gingerbread, he began to eat with all his might, for he + was very hungry. Grethel seated herself on the doorstep, and began munching away at + the cakes of which it was made. Presently a voice came out of the cottage: + <!-- Page 57 --><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57"></a></p> + <p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Munching, crunching, munching,<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">Who's eating up my house?"</span><br /> + </span></p> + <p>Then answered the children:</p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i-4">"The wind, the wind,<br /> + <br /> + </span> <span>Only the wind,"</span><br /> + <br /> + </div> + </div> + + <p>and went on eating as if they never meant to leave off, without a suspicion of + wrong. Hansel, who found the cake on the roof taste very good, broke off another + large piece, and Grethel had just taken out a whole pane of barley-sugar from the + window, and seated herself to eat it, when the door opened, and a strange-looking old + woman came out leaning on a stick.</p> + <p>Hansel and Grethel were so frightened that they let fall what they held in their + hands. The old woman shook her head at them, and said, "Ah, you dear children, who + has brought you here? Come in, and stay with me for a little while, and there shall + no harm happen to you." She seized them both by the hands as she spoke, and led them + into the house. She gave them for supper plenty to eat and drink—milk and + pancakes and sugar, apples and nuts; and when evening came, Hansel and Grethel were + shown two beautiful little beds with white curtains, and they lay down in them and + thought they were in heaven.</p> + <p>But although the old woman pretended to be friendly, she was a wicked witch, who + had her house built of gingerbread on purpose to entrap children. When once they were + in her power, she would feed them well till they got fat, and then kill them and cook + them for her dinner; and this she called her feast-day. Fortunately the witch had + weak eyes, and could not see very well; but she had a very keen scent, as wild + animals have, and could easily discover when human beings were near. As Hansel and + Grethel had approached her cottage, she laughed to herself maliciously, and said, + with a sneer: "I have them now; they shall not escape from me again!" + <!-- Page 58 --><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58"></a></p> + <p>Early in the morning, before the children were awake, she was up, standing by + their beds; and when she saw how beautiful they looked in their sleep, with their + round rosy cheeks, she muttered to herself, "What nice tit-bits they will be!" Then + she laid hold of Hansel with her rough hand, dragged him out of bed, and led him to a + little cage which had a lattice-door, and shut him in; he might scream as much as he + would, but it was all useless.</p> + <p>After this she went back to Grethel, and, shaking her roughly till she woke, + cried: "Get up, you lazy hussy, and draw some water, that I may boil something good + for your brother, who is shut up in a cage outside till he gets fat; and then I shall + cook him and eat him!" When Grethel heard this she began to cry bitterly; but it was + all useless, she was obliged to do as the wicked witch told her.</p> + <p>For poor Hansel's breakfast the best of everything was cooked; but Grethel had + nothing for herself but a crab's claw. Every morning the old woman would go out to + the little cage, and say: "Hansel, stick out your finger, that I may feel if you are + fat enough for eating." But Hansel, who knew how dim her old eyes were, always stuck + a bone through the bars of his cage, which she thought was his finger, for she could + not see; and when she felt how thin it was, she wondered very much why he did not get + fat.<!-- Page 59 --><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59"></a></p> + <p>However, as the weeks went on, and Hansel seemed not to get any fatter, she became + impatient, and said she could not wait any longer. "Go, Grethel," she cried to the + maiden, "be quick and draw water; Hansel may be fat or lean, I don't care, to-morrow + morning I mean to kill him, and cook him!"</p> + <p>Oh! how the poor little sister grieved when she was forced to draw the water; and, + as the tears rolled down her cheeks, she exclaimed: "It would have been better to be + eaten by wild beasts, or to have been starved to death in the woods; then we should + have died together!"</p> + <p>"Stop your crying!" cried the old woman; "it is not of the least use, no one will + come to help you."</p> + <p>Early in the morning Grethel was obliged to go out and fill the great pot with + water, and hang it over the fire to boil. As soon as this was done, the old woman + said, "We will bake some bread first; I have made the oven hot, and the dough is + already kneaded." Then she dragged poor little Grethel up to the oven door, under + which the flames were burning fiercely, and said: "Creep in there, and see if it is + hot enough yet to bake the bread." But if Grethel had obeyed her, she would have shut + the poor child in and baked her for dinner, instead of boiling Hansel.</p> + <p>Grethel, however, guessed what she wanted to do, and said, "I don't know how to + get in through that narrow door."<!-- Page 60 --><a name="Page_60" + id="Page_60"></a></p> + <p>"Stupid goose," said the old woman, "why, the oven door is quite large enough for + me; just look, I could get in myself." As she spoke she stepped forward and pretended + to put her head in the oven.</p> + <p>A sudden thought gave Grethel unusual strength; she started forward, gave the old + woman a push which sent her right into the oven, then she shut the iron door and + fastened the bolt.</p> + <p>Oh! how the old witch did howl, it was quite horrible to hear her. But Grethel ran + away, and therefore she was left to burn, just as she had left many poor little + children to burn. And how quickly Grethel ran to Hansel, opened the door of his cage, + and cried, "Hansel, Hansel, we are free; the old witch is dead." He flew like a bird + out of his cage at these words as soon as the door was opened, and the children were + so overjoyed that they ran into each other's arms, and kissed each other with the + greatest love.</p> + <p>And now that there was nothing to be afraid of, they went back into the house, and + while looking round the old witch's room, they saw an old oak chest, which they + opened, and found it full of pearls and precious stones. "These are better than + pebbles," said Hansel; and he filled his pockets as full as they would hold.</p> + <p>"I will carry some home too," said Grethel, and she held out her apron, which held + quite as much as Hansel's pockets.</p> + <p>"We will go now," he said, "and get away as soon as we can from this enchanted + forest."<!-- Page 61 --><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61"></a></p> + <p>They had been walking for nearly two hours when they came to a large sheet of + water.</p> + <p>"What shall we do now?" said the boy. "We cannot get across, and there is no + bridge of any sort."</p> + <p>"Oh! here comes a boat," cried Grethel, but she was mistaken; it was only a white + duck which came swimming towards the children. "Perhaps she will help us across if we + ask her," said the child; and she sung, "Little duck, do help poor Hansel and + Grethel; there is not a bridge, nor a boat—will you let us sail across on your + white back?"</p> + <p>The good-natured duck came near the bank as Grethel spoke, so close indeed that + Hansel could seat himself and wanted to take his little sister on his lap, but she + said, "No, we shall be too heavy for the kind duck; let her take us over one at a + time."</p> + <p>The good creature did as the children wished; she carried Grethel over first, and + then came back for Hansel. And then how happy the children were to find themselves in + a part of the wood which they remembered quite well, and as they walked on, the more + familiar it became, till at last they caught sight of their father's house. Then they + began to run, and, bursting into the room, threw themselves into their father's + arms.</p> + <p>Poor man, he had not had a moment's peace since the children had been left alone + in the forest; he was full of joy at finding them safe and well again, and now they + had nothing to fear, for their wicked stepmother was dead.</p> + <p>But how surprised the poor wood-cutter was when Grethel opened and shook her + little apron to see the glittering pearls and precious stones scattered about the + room, while Hansel drew handful after handful from his pockets. From this moment all + his care and sorrow was at an end, and the father lived in happiness with his + children till his death.<!-- Page 62 --><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62"></a></p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V</h2> + <!-- Page 63 --><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63"></a> + <h3>THE STORY OF ALADDIN; OR, THE WONDERFUL LAMP</h3> + <p>In one of the large and rich cities of China, there once lived a tailor named + Mustapha. He was very poor. He could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself + and his family, which consisted only of his wife and a son.</p> + <p>His son, who was called Aladdin, was a very careless and idle fellow. He was + disobedient to his father and mother, and would go out early in the morning and stay + out all day, playing in the streets and public places with idle children of his own + age.</p> + <p>When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father took him into his own shop, + and taught him how to use his needle; but all his father's endeavours to keep him to + his work were vain, for no sooner was his back turned, than he was gone for that day, + Mustapha chastised him, but Aladdin was incorrigible, and his father, to his great + grief, was forced to abandon him to his idleness; and was so much troubled about him, + that he fell sick and died in a few months.</p> + <p>Aladdin, who was now no longer restrained by the fear of a father, gave himself + entirely over to his idle habits, and was never out of the streets from his + companions. This course he followed till he was fifteen years old, without giving his + mind to any useful pursuit, or the least reflection on what would become of him. As + he was one day playing, according to custom, in the street, with his evil associates, + a stranger passing by stood to observe him.<!-- Page 64 --><a name="Page_64" + id="Page_64"></a></p> + <p>This stranger was a sorcerer, known as the African magician, as he had been but + two days arrived from Africa, his native country.</p> + <p>The African magician, observing in Aladdin's countenance something which assured + him that he was a fit boy for his purpose, inquired his name and history of some of + his companions, and when he had learnt all he desired to know, went up to him, and + taking him aside from his comrades, said, "Child, was not your father called Mustapha + the tailor?" "Yes, sir," answered the boy, "but he has been dead a long time."</p> + <p>At these words the African magician threw his arms about Aladdin's neck, and + kissed him several times, with tears in his eyes, and said, "I am your uncle. Your + worthy father was my own brother. I knew you at first sight, you are so like him." + Then he gave Aladdin a handful of small money, saying, "Go, my son, to your mother, + give my love to her, and tell her that I will visit her to-morrow, that I may see + where my good brother lived so long, and ended his days."</p> + <p>Aladdin ran to his mother, overjoyed at the money his uncle had given him. + "Mother," said he, "have I an uncle?" "No, child," replied his mother, "you have no + uncle by your father's side or mine." "I am just now come," said Aladdin, "from a man + who says he is my uncle and my father's brother. He cried and kissed me when I told + him my father was dead, and gave me money, sending his love to you, and promising to + come and pay you a visit, that he may see the house my father lived and died in." + "Indeed, child," replied the mother, "your father had no brother, nor have you an + uncle."<!-- Page 65 --><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65"></a></p> + <p>The next day the magician found Aladdin playing in another part of the town, and + embracing him as before, put two pieces of gold into his hand, and said to him, + "Carry this, child, to your mother; tell her that I will come and see her to-night, + and bid her get us something for supper; but first show ms the house where you + live."</p> + <p>Aladdin showed the African magician the house, and carried the two pieces of gold + to his mother, who went out and bought provisions; and considering she wanted various + utensils, borrowed them of her neighbours. She spent the whole day in preparing the + supper; and at night, when it was ready, said to her son, "Perhaps the stranger knows + not how to find our house; go and bring him, if you meet with him."</p> + <p>Aladdin was just ready to go, when the magician knocked at the door, and came in + loaded with wine and all sorts of fruits, which he brought for a dessert. After he + had given what he brought into Aladdin's hands, he saluted his mother, and desired + her to show him the place where his brother Mustapha used to sit on the sofa; and + when she had so done, he fell down and kissed it several times, crying out, with + tears in his eyes, "My poor brother! how unhappy am I, not to have come soon enough + to give you one last embrace." Aladdin's mother desired him to sit down in the same + place, but he declined. "No," said he, "I shall not do that; but give me leave to sit + opposite to it, that although I see not the master of a family so dear to me, I may + at least behold the place where he used to sit."<!-- Page 66 --><a name="Page_66" + id="Page_66"></a></p> + <p>When the magician had made choice of a place, and sat down, he began to enter into + discourse with Aladdin's mother. "My good sister," said he, "do not be surprised at + your never having seen me all the time you have been married to my brother Mustapha + of happy memory. I have been forty years absent from this country, which is my native + place, as well as my late brother's; and during that time have travelled into the + Indies, Persia, Arabia, Syria, and Egypt, and afterward crossed over into Africa, + where I took up my abode. At last, as it is natural for a man, I was desirous to see + my native country again, and to embrace my dear brother; and finding I had strength + enough to undertake so long a journey, I made the necessary preparations, and set + out. Nothing ever afflicted me so much as hearing of my brother's death. But God be + praised for all things! It is a comfort for me to find, as it were, my brother in a + son, who has his most remarkable features."</p> + <p>The African magician perceiving that the widow wept at the remembrance of her + husband, changed the conversation, and turning toward her son, asked him, "What + business do you follow? Are you of any trade?"</p> + <p>At this question the youth hung down his head, and was not a little abashed when + his mother answered "Aladdin is an idle fellow. His father, when alive, strove all he + could to teach him his trade, but could not succeed; and since his death, + notwithstanding all I can say to him, he does nothing but idle away his time in the + streets, as you saw him, without considering he is no longer a child; and if you do + not make him ashamed of it, I despair of his ever coming to any good. For my part, I + am resolved, one of these days, to turn him out of doors, and let him provide for + himself."<!-- Page 67 --><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67"></a></p> + <p>After these words, Aladdin's mother burst into tears; and the magician said, "This + is not well, nephew; you must think of helping yourself, and getting your livelihood. + There are many sorts of trades; perhaps you do not like your father's, and would + prefer another; I will endeavour to help you. If you have no mind to learn any + handicraft, I will take a shop for you, furnish it with all sorts of fine stuffs and + linens; and then with the money you make of them you can lay in fresh goods, and live + in an honourable way. Tell me freely what you think of my proposal; you shall always + find me ready to keep my word."</p> + <p>This plan just suited Aladdin, who hated work. He told the magician he had a + greater inclination to that business than to any other, and that he should be much + obliged to him for his kindness. "Well then," said the African magician, "I will + carry you with me to-morrow, clothe you as handsomely as the best merchants in the + city, and afterward we will open a shop as I mentioned."</p> + <p>The widow, after his promises of kindness to her son, no longer doubted that the + magician was her husband's brother. She thanked him for his good intentions; and + after having exhorted Aladdin to render himself worthy of his uncle's favour, served + up supper, at which they talked of several indifferent matters; and then the magician + took his leave and retired.<!-- Page 68 --><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68"></a></p> + <p>He came again the next day, as he had promised, and took Aladdin with him to a + merchant, who sold all sorts of clothes for different ages and ranks, ready made, and + a variety of fine stuffs, and bade Aladdin choose those he preferred, which he paid + for.</p> + <p>When Aladdin found himself so handsomely equipped, he returned his uncle thanks, + who thus addressed him: "As you are soon to be a merchant, it is proper you should + frequent these shops, and be acquainted with them." He then showed him the largest + and finest mosques, carried him to the khans or inns where the merchants and + travellers lodged, and afterward to the sultan's palace, where he had free access; + and at last brought him to his own khan, where, meeting with some merchants he had + become acquainted with since his arrival, he gave them a treat, to bring them and his + pretended nephew acquainted.</p> + <p>This entertainment lasted till night, when Aladdin would have taken leave of his + uncle to go home; the magician would not let him go by himself, but conducted him to + his mother, who, as soon as she saw him so well dressed, was transported with joy, + and bestowed a thousand blessings upon the magician.</p> + <p>Early the next morning the magician called again for Aladdin, and said he would + take him to spend that day in the country, and on the next he would purchase the + shop. He then led him out at one of the gates of the city, to some magnificent + palaces, to each of which belonged beautiful gardens, into which anybody might enter. + At every building he came to, he asked Aladdin if he did not think it fine; and the + youth was ready to answer when any one presented itself, crying out, "Here is a finer + house, uncle, than any we have yet seen," By this artifice, the cunning magician led + Aladdin some way into the country; and as he meant to carry him farther, to execute + his design, he took an opportunity to sit down in one of the gardens, on the brink of + a fountain of clear water, which discharged itself by a lion's mouth of bronze into a + basin, pretending to be tired: "Come, nephew," said he, "you must be weary as well as + I; let us rest ourselves, and we shall be better able to pursue our walk." + <!-- Page 69 --><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69"></a></p> + <p>The magician next pulled from his girdle a handkerchief with cakes and fruit, and + during this short repast he exhorted his nephew to leave off bad company, and to seek + that of wise and prudent men, to improve by their conversation; "for," said he, "you + will soon be at man's estate, and you cannot too early begin to imitate their + example." When they had eaten as much as they liked, they got up, and pursued their + walk through gardens separated from one another only by small ditches, which marked + out the limits without interrupting the communication; so great was the confidence + the inhabitants reposed in each other. By this means the African magician drew + Aladdin insensibly beyond the gardens, and crossed the country, till they nearly + reached the mountains.<!-- Page 70 --><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70"></a></p> + <p>At last they arrived between two mountains of moderate height and equal size, + divided by a narrow valley, which was the place where the magician intended to + execute the design that had brought him from Africa to China. "We will go no farther + now," said he to Aladdin; "I will show you here some extraordinary things, which, + when you have seen, you will thank me for: but while I strike a light, gather up all + the loose dry sticks you can see, to kindle a fire with."</p> + <p>Aladdin found so many dried sticks, that he soon collected a great heap. The + magician presently set them on fire; and when they were in a blaze, threw in some + incense, pronouncing several magical words, which Aladdin did not understand.</p> + <p>He had scarcely done so when the earth opened just before the magician, and + discovered a stone with a brass ring fixed in it. Aladdin was so frightened that he + would have run away, but the magician caught hold of him, and gave him such a box on + the ear that he knocked him down. Aladdin got up trembling, and with tears in his + eyes said to the magician, "What have I done, uncle, to be treated in this severe + manner?" "I am your uncle," answered the magician; "I supply the place of your + father, and you ought to make no reply. But child," added he, softening, "do not be + afraid; for I shall not ask anything of you, but that you obey me punctually, if you + would reap the advantages which I intend you. Know, then, that under this stone there + is hidden a treasure, destined to be yours, and which will make you richer than the + greatest monarch in the world. No person but yourself is permitted to lift this + stone, or enter the cave; so you must punctually execute what I may command, for it + is a matter of great consequence both to you and me."<!-- Page 71 --><a + name="Page_71" id="Page_71"></a></p> + <p>Aladdin, amazed at all he saw and heard, forgot what was past, and rising said, + "Well, uncle, what is to be done? Command me, I am ready to obey." "I am overjoyed, + child," said the African magician, embracing him, "Take hold of the ring, and lift up + that stone." "Indeed, uncle," replied Aladdin, "I am not strong enough; you must help + me." "You have no occasion for my assistance," answered the magician; "if I help you, + we shall be able to do nothing. Take hold of the ring, and lift it up; you will find + it will come easily." Aladdin did as the magician bade him, raised the stone with + ease, and laid it on one side.</p> + <p>When the stone was pulled up, there appeared a staircase about three or four feet + deep, leading to a door. "Descend, my son," said the African magician, "those steps, + and open that door. It will lead you into a palace, divided into three great halls. + In each of these you will see four large brass cisterns placed on each side, full of + gold and silver; but take care you do not meddle with them. Before you enter the + first hall, be sure to tuck up your robe, wrap it about you, and then pass through + the second into the third without stopping. Above all things, have a care that you do + not touch the walls so much as with your clothes; for if you do, you will die + instantly. At the end of the third hall, you will find a door which opens into a + garden, planted with fine trees loaded with fruit. Walk directly across the garden to + a terrace, where you will see a niche before you, and in that niche a lighted lamp. + Take the lamp down and put it out. When you have thrown away the wick and poured out + the liquor, put it in your waistband and bring it to me. Do not be afraid that the + liquor will spoil your clothes, for it is not oil, and the lamp will be dry as soon + as it is thrown out."<!-- Page 72 --><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72"></a></p> + <p>After these words the magician drew a ring off his finger, and put it on one of + Aladdin's, saying, "It is a talisman against all evil, so long as you obey me. Go, + therefore, boldly, and we shall both be rich all our lives."</p> + <p>Aladdin descended the steps, and, opening the door, found the three halls just as + the African magician had described. He went through them with all the precaution the + fear of death could inspire, crossed the garden without stopping, took down the lamp + from the niche, threw out the wick and the liquor, and, as the magician had desired, + put it in his waistband. But as he came down from the terrace, seeing it was + perfectly dry, he stopped in the garden to observe the trees, which were loaded with + extraordinary fruit of different colours on each tree. Some bore fruit entirely + white, and some clear and transparent as crystal; some pale red, and others deeper; + some green, blue, and purple, and others yellow; in short, there was fruit of all + colours. The white were pearls; the clear and transparent, diamonds; the deep red, + rubies; the paler, balas rubies; the green, emeralds; the blue, turquoises; the + purple, amethysts; and the yellow, sapphires. Aladdin, ignorant of their value, would + have preferred figs, or grapes, or pomegranates; but as he had his uncle's + permission, he resolved to gather some of every sort. Having filled the two new + purses his uncle had bought for him with his clothes, he wrapped some up in the + skirts of his vest, and crammed his bosom as full as it could hold.<!-- Page 73 --><a + name="Page_73" id="Page_73"></a></p> + <p>Aladdin, having thus loaded himself with riches of which he knew not the value, + returned through the three halls with the utmost precaution, and soon arrived at the + mouth of the cave, where the African magician awaited him with the utmost impatience. + As soon as Aladdin saw him, he cried out, "Pray, uncle, lend me your hand, to help me + out." "Give me the lamp first," replied the magician; "it will be troublesome to + you," "Indeed, uncle," answered Aladdin, "I cannot now, but I will as soon as I am + up." The African magician was determined that he would have the lamp before he would + help him up; and Aladdin, who had encumbered himself so much with his fruit that he + could not well get at it, refused to give it to him till he was out of the cave. The + African magician, provoked at this obstinate refusal, flew into a passion, threw a + little of his incense into the fire, and pronounced two magical words, when the stone + which had closed the mouth of the staircase moved into its place, with the earth over + it in the same manner as it lay at the arrival of the magician and Aladdin.</p> + <p>This action of the magician plainly revealed to Aladdin that he was no uncle of + his, but one who designed him evil. The truth was that he had learnt from his magic + books the secret and the value of this wonderful lamp, the owner of which would be + made richer than any earthly ruler, and hence his journey to China. His art had also + told him that he was not permitted to take it himself, but must receive it as a + voluntary gift from the hands of another person. Hence he employed young Aladdin, and + hoped by a mixture of kindness and authority to make him obedient to his word and + will. When he found that his attempt had failed, he set out to return to Africa, but + avoided the town, lest any person who had seen him leave in company with Aladdin + should make inquiries after the youth. Aladdin being suddenly enveloped in darkness, + cried, and called out to his uncle to tell him he was ready to give him the lamp; but + in vain, since his cries could not be heard. He descended to the bottom of the steps, + with a design to get into the palace, but the door, which was opened before by + enchantment, was now shut by the same means. He then redoubled his cries and tears, + sat down on the steps without any hopes of ever seeing light again, and in an + expectation of passing from the present darkness to a speedy death. In this great + emergency he said, "There is no strength or power but in the great and high God"; and + in joining his hands to pray he rubbed the ring which the magician had put on his + finger. Immediately a genie of frightful aspect appeared, and said, "What wouldst + thou have? I am ready to obey thee. I serve him who possesses the ring on thy finger; + I, and the other slaves of that ring."<!-- Page 74 --><a name="Page_74" + id="Page_74"></a></p> + <p>At another time Aladdin would have been frightened at the sight of so + extraordinary a figure, but the danger he was in made him answer without hesitation, + "Whoever thou art, deliver me from this place." He had no sooner spoken these words, + than he found himself on the very spot where the magician had last left him, and no + sign of cave or opening, nor disturbance of the earth. Returning God thanks to find + himself once more in the world, he made the best of his way home. When he got within + his mother's door, the joy to see her and his weakness for want of sustenance made + him so faint that he remained for a long time as dead. As soon as he recovered, he + related to his mother all that had happened to him, and they were both very vehement + in their complaints of the cruel magician. Aladdin slept very soundly till late the + next morning, when the first thing he said to his mother was, that he wanted + something to eat, and wished she would give him his breakfast. "Alas! child," said + she, "I have not a bit of bread to give you; you ate up all the provisions I had in + the house yesterday; but I have a little cotton which I have spun; I will go and sell + it, and buy bread and something for our dinner." "Mother," replied Aladdin, "keep + your cotton for another time, and give me the lamp I brought home with me yesterday; + I will go and sell it, and the money I shall get for it will serve both for breakfast + and dinner, and perhaps supper too."<!-- Page 75 --><a name="Page_75" + id="Page_75"></a></p> + <p>Aladdin's mother took the lamp and said to her son, "Here it is, but it is very + dirty; if it were a little cleaner I believe it would bring something more." She took + some fine sand and water to clean it; but had no sooner begun to rub it, than in an + instant a hideous genie of gigantic size appeared before her, and said to her in a + voice of thunder, "What wouldst thou have? I am ready to obey thee as thy slave, and + the slave of all those who have that lamp in their hands; I and the other slaves of + the lamp."<!-- Page 76 --><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76"></a></p> + <p>Aladdin's mother, terrified at the sight of the genie, fainted; when Aladdin, who + had seen such a phantom in the cavern, snatched the lamp out of his mother's hand, + and said to the genie boldly, "I am hungry, bring me something to eat." The genie + disappeared immediately, and in an instant returned with a large silver tray, holding + twelve covered dishes of the same metal, which contained the most delicious viands; + six large white bread cakes on two plates, two flagons of wine, and two silver cups. + All these he placed upon a carpet and disappeared; this was done before Aladdin's + mother recovered from her swoon.</p> + <p>Aladdin had fetched some water, and sprinkled it in her face to recover her. + Whether that or the smell of the meat effected her cure, it was not long before she + came to herself. "Mother," said Aladdin, "be not afraid: get up and eat; here is what + will put you in heart, and at the same time satisfy my extreme hunger."</p> + <p>His mother was much surprised to see the great tray, twelve dishes, six loaves, + the two flagons and cups, and to smell the savoury odour which exhaled from the + dishes. "Child," said she, "to whom are we obliged for this great plenty and + liberality? Has the sultan been made acquainted with our poverty, and had compassion + on us?" "It is no matter, mother," said Aladdin, "let us sit down and eat; for you + have almost as much need of a good breakfast as myself; when we have done, I will + tell you." Accordingly, both mother and son sat down and ate with the better relish + as the table was so well furnished. But all the time Aladdin's mother could not + forbear looking at and admiring the tray and dishes, though she could not judge + whether they were silver or any other metal, and the novelty more than the value + attracted her attention.<!-- Page 77 --><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77"></a></p> + <p>The mother and son sat at breakfast till it was dinner-time, and then they thought + it would be best to put the two meals together; yet, after this they found they + should have enough left for supper, and two meals for the next day.</p> + <p>When Aladdin's mother had taken away and set by what was left, she went and sat + down by her son on the sofa, saying, "I expect now that you should satisfy my + impatience, and tell me exactly what passed between the genie and you while I was in + a swoon"; which he readily complied with.</p> + <p>She was in as great amazement at what her son told her, as at the appearance of + the genie; and said to him, "But, son, what have we to do with genies? I never heard + that any of my acquaintance had ever seen one. How came that vile genie to address + himself to me, and not to you, to whom he had appeared before in the cave?" "Mother," + answered Aladdin, "the genie you saw is not the one who appeared to me. If you + remember, he that I first saw called himself the slave of the ring on my finger; and + this you saw, called himself the slave of the lamp you had in your hand; but I + believe you did not hear him, for I think you fainted as soon as he began to + speak."</p> + <p>"What!" cried the mother, "was your lamp then the occasion of that cursed genie's + addressing himself rather to me than to you? Ah! my son, take it out of my sight, and + put it where you please. I had rather you would sell it than run the hazard of being + frightened to death again by touching it; and if you would take my advice, you would + part also with the ring, and not have anything to do with genies, who, as our prophet + has told us, are only devils."<!-- Page 78 --><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78"></a></p> + <p>"With your leave, mother," replied Aladdin, "I shall now take care how I sell a + lamp which may be so serviceable both to you and me. That false and wicked magician + would not have undertaken so long a journey to secure this wonderful lamp if he had + not known its value to exceed that of gold and silver. And since we have honestly + come by it, let us make a profitable use of it, without making any great show, and + exciting the envy and jealousy of our neighbours. However, since the genies frighten + you so much, I will take it out of your sight, and put it where I may find it when I + want it. The ring I cannot resolve to part with; for without that you had never seen + me again; and though I am alive now, perhaps, if it were gone, I might not be so some + moments hence; therefore, I hope you will give me leave to keep it, and to wear it + always on my finger." Aladdin's mother replied that he might do what he pleased; for + her part, she would have nothing to do with genies, and never say anything more about + them.</p> + <p>By the next night they had eaten all the provisions the genie had brought; and the + next day Aladdin, who could not bear the thoughts of hunger, putting one of the + silver dishes tinder his vest, went out early to sell it, and addressing himself to a + Jew whom he met in the streets, took him aside, and pulling out the plate, asked him + if he would buy it. The cunning Jew took the dish, examined it, and as soon as he + found that it was good silver, asked Aladdin at how much he valued it. Aladdin, who + had never been used to such traffic, told him he would trust to his judgment and + honour. The Jew was somewhat confounded at this plain dealing; and doubting whether + Aladdin understood the material or the full value of what he offered to sell, took a + piece of gold out of his purse and gave it him, though it was but the sixtieth part + of the worth of the plate. Aladdin, taking the money very eagerly, retired with so + much haste, that the Jew, not content with the exorbitancy of his profit, was vexed + he had not penetrated into his ignorance, and was going to run after him, to + endeavour to get some change out of the piece of gold; but he ran so fast, and had + got so far, that it would have been impossible for him to overtake him. + <!-- Page 79 --><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79"></a></p> + <p>Before Aladdin went home, he called at a baker's, bought some cakes of bread, + changed his money, and on his return gave the rest to his mother, who went and + purchased provisions enough to last them some time. After this manner they lived, + till Aladdin had sold the twelve dishes singly, as necessity pressed, to the Jew, for + the same money; who, after the first time, durst not offer him less, for fear of + losing so good a bargain. When he had sold the last dish, he had recourse to the + tray, which weighed ten times as much as the dishes, and would have carried it to his + old purchaser, but that it was too large and cumbersome; therefore he was obliged to + bring him home with him to his mother's, where, after the Jew had examined the weight + of the tray, he laid down ten pieces of gold, with which Aladdin was very well + satisfied.<!-- Page 80 --><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80"></a></p> + <p>When all the money was spent, Aladdin had recourse again to the lamp. He took it + in his hands, looked for the part where his mother had rubbed it with the sand, + rubbed it also, when the genie immediately appeared, and said, "What wouldst thou + have? I am ready to obey thee as thy slave, and the slave of all those who have that + lamp in their hands; I, and the other slaves of the lamp." "I am hungry," said + Aladdin, "bring me something to eat." The genie disappeared, and presently returned + with a tray, the same number of covered dishes as before, set them down, and + vanished.</p> + <p>As soon as Aladdin found that their provisions were again expended, he took one of + the dishes, and went to look for his Jew chapman; but passing by a goldsmith's shop, + the goldsmith perceiving him, called to him, and said, "My lad, I imagine that you + have something to sell to the Jew, whom I often see you visit; but perhaps you do not + know that he is the greatest rogue even among the Jews. I will give you the full + worth of what you have to sell, or I will direct you to other merchants who will not + cheat you."</p> + <p>This offer induced Aladdin to pull his plate from tinder his vest and show it to + the goldsmith; who at first sight saw that it was made of the finest silver, and + asked him if he had sold such as that to the Jew; when Aladdin told him that he had + sold him twelve such, for a piece of gold each. "What a villain!" cried the + goldsmith. "But," added he, "my son, what is past cannot be recalled. By showing you + the value of this plate, which is of the finest silver we use in our shops, I will + let you see how much the Jew has cheated you."<!-- Page 81 --><a name="Page_81" + id="Page_81"></a></p> + <p>The goldsmith took a pair of scales, weighed the dish, and assured him that his + plate would fetch by weight sixty pieces of gold, which he offered to pay down + immediately.</p> + <p>Aladdin thanked him for his fair dealing, and never after went to any other + person.</p> + <p>Though Aladdin and his mother had an inexhaustible treasure in their lamp, and + might have had whatever they wished for, yet they lived with the same frugality as + before, and it may easily be supposed that the money for which Aladdin had sold the + dishes and tray was sufficient to maintain them some time.</p> + <p>During this interval, Aladdin frequented the shops of the principal merchants, + where they sold cloth of gold and silver, linens, silk stuffs, and jewellery, and, + oftentimes joining in their conversation, acquired a knowledge of the world, and a + desire to improve himself. By his acquaintance among the jewellers, he came to know + that the fruits which he had gathered when he took the lamp were, instead of coloured + glass, stones of inestimable value; but he had the prudence not to mention this to + any one, not even to his mother.</p> + <p>One day as Aladdin was walking about the town, he heard an order proclaimed, + commanding the people to shut up their shops and houses, and keep within doors while + the Princess Buddir al Buddoor, the sultan's daughter, went to the bath and returned. + <!-- Page 82 --><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82"></a></p> + <p>This proclamation inspired Aladdin with eager desire to see the princess's face, + which he determined to gratify, by placing himself behind the door of the bath, so + that he could not fail to see her face.</p> + <p>Aladdin had not long concealed himself before the princess came. She was attended + by a great crowd of ladies, slaves, and mutes, who walked on each side and behind + her. When she came within three or four paces of the door of the bath, she took off + her veil, and gave Aladdin an opportunity of a full view of her face.</p> + <p>The princess was a noted beauty: her eyes were large, lively, and sparkling; her + smile bewitching; her nose faultless; her mouth small; her lips vermilion. It is not + therefore surprising that Aladdin, who had never before seen such a blaze of charms, + was dazzled and enchanted.</p> + <p>After the princess had passed by, and entered the bath, Aladdin quitted his + hiding-place, and went home. His mother perceived him to be more thoughtful and + melancholy than usual; and asked what had happened to make him so, or if he was ill. + He then told his mother all his adventure, and concluded by declaring, "I love the + princess more than I can express, and am resolved that I will ask her in marriage of + the sultan."</p> + <p>Aladdin's mother listened with surprise to what her son told her; but when he + talked of asking the princess in marriage, she laughed aloud. "Alas! child," said + she, "what are you thinking of? You must be mad to talk thus."<!-- Page 83 --><a + name="Page_83" id="Page_83"></a></p> + <p>"I assure you, mother," replied Aladdin, "that I am not mad, but in my right + senses. I foresaw that you would reproach me with folly and extravagance; but I must + tell you once more, that I am resolved to demand the princess of the sultan in + marriage; nor do I despair of success. I have the slaves of the lamp and of the ring + to help me, and you know how powerful their aid is. And I have another secret to tell + you: those pieces of glass, which I got from the trees in the garden of the + subterranean palace, are jewels of inestimable value, and fit fit for the greatest + monarchs. All the precious stones the jewellers have in Bagdad are not to be compared + to mine for size or beauty; and I am sure that the offer of them will secure the + favour of the sultan. You have a large porcelain dish fit to hold them; fetch it, and + let us see how they will look, when we have arranged them according to their + different colours."</p> + <p>Aladdin's mother brought the china dish, when he took the jewels out of the two + purses in which he had kept them, and placed them in order, according to his fancy. + But the brightness and lustre they emitted in the daytime, and the variety of the + colours, so dazzled the eyes both of mother and son, that they were astonished beyond + measure. Aladdin's mother, emboldened by the sight of these rich jewels, and fearful + lest her son should be guilty of greater extravagance, complied with his request, and + promised to go early in the next morning to the palace of the sultan. Aladdin rose + before daybreak, awakened his mother, pressing her to go to the sultan's palace, and + to get admittance, if possible, before the grand vizier, the other viziers, and the + great officers of state went in to take their seats in the divan, where the sultan + always attended in person.<!-- Page 84 --><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84"></a></p> + <p>Aladdin's mother took the china dish, in which they had put the jewels the day + before, wrapped it in two fine napkins, and set forward for the sultan's palace. When + she came to the gates, the grand vizier, the other viziers, and most distinguished + lords of the court were just gone in; but notwithstanding the crowd of people was + great, she got into the divan, a spacious hall, the entrance into which was very + magnificent. She placed herself just before the sultan, grand vizier, and the great + lords, who sat in council, on his right and left hand. Several causes were called, + according to their order, pleaded and adjudged, until the time the divan generally + broke up, when the sultan, rising, returned to his apartment, attended by the grand + vizier; the other viziers and ministers of state then retired, as also did all those + whose business had called them thither.</p> + <p>Aladdin's mother, seeing the sultan retire, and all the people depart, judged + rightly that he would not sit again that day, and resolved to go home; and on her + arrival said, with much simplicity, "Son, I have seen the sultan, and am very well + persuaded he has seen me, too, for I placed myself just before him; but he was so + much taken up with those who attended on all sides of him that I pitied him, and + wondered at his patience. At last I believe he was heartily tired, for he rose up + suddenly, and would not hear a great many who were ready prepared to speak to him, + but went away, at which I was well pleased, for indeed I began to lose all patience, + and was extremely fatigued with staying so long. But there is no harm done; I will go + again to-morrow; perhaps the sultan may not be so busy."<!-- Page 85 --><a + name="Page_85" id="Page_85"></a></p> + <p>The next morning she repaired to the sultan's palace with the present, as early as + the day before; but when she came there, she found the gates of the divan shut. She + went six times afterward on the days appointed, placed herself always directly before + the sultan, but with as little success as the first morning.</p> + <p>On the sixth day, however, after the divan was broken up, when the sultan returned + to his own apartment, he said to his grand vizier; "I have for some time observed a + certain woman, who attends constantly every day that I give audience, with something + wrapped up in a napkin; she always stands up from the beginning to the breaking up of + the audience, and affects to place herself just before me. If this woman comes to our + next audience, do not fail to call her, that I may hear what she has to say." The + grand vizier made answer by lowering his hand, and then lifting it up above his head, + signifying his willingness to lose it if he failed.</p> + <p>On the next audience day, when Aladdin's mother went to the divan, and placed + herself in front of the sultan as usual, the grand vizier immediately called the + chief of the mace-bearers, and pointing to her bade him bring her before the sultan. + The old woman at once followed the mace-bearer, and when she reached the sultan bowed + her head down to the carpet which covered the platform of the throne, and remained in + that posture until he bade her rise, which she had no sooner done, than he said to + her, "Good woman, I have observed you to stand many days from the beginning to the + rising of the divan; what business brings you here?"<!-- Page 86 --><a name="Page_86" + id="Page_86"></a></p> + <p>After these words, Aladdin's mother prostrated herself a second time; and when she + arose, said, "Monarch of monarchs, I beg of you to pardon the boldness of my + petition, and to assure me of your pardon and forgiveness." "Well," replied the + sultan, "I will forgive you, be it what it may, and no hurt shall come to you; speak + boldly."</p> + <p>When Aladdin's mother had taken all these precautions, for fear of the sultan's + anger, she told him faithfully the errand on which her son had sent her, and the + event which led to his making so bold a request in spite of all her + remonstrances.</p> + <p>The sultan hearkened to this discourse without showing the least anger; but before + he gave her any answer, asked her what she had brought tied up in the napkin. She + took the china dish which she had set down at the foot of the throne, untied it, and + presented it to the sultan.</p> + <p>The sultan's amazement and surprise were inexpressible, when he saw so many large, + beautiful and valuable jewels collected in the dish. He remained for some time lost + in admiration. At last, when he had recovered himself, he received the present from + Aladdin's mother's hand; saying, "How rich, how beautiful!" After he had admired and + handled all the jewels one after another, he turned to his grand vizier, and showing + him the dish, said, "Behold, admire, wonder! and confess that your eyes never beheld + jewels so rich and beautiful before." The vizier was charmed. "Well," continued the + sultan, "what sayest thou to such a present? Is it not worthy of the princess my + daughter? And ought I not to bestow her on one who values her at so great a price?" + "I cannot but own," replied the grand vizier, "that the present is worthy of the + princess; but I beg of your majesty to grant me three months before you come to a + final resolution. I hope, before that time, my son, whom you have regarded with your + favour, will be able to make a nobler present than this Aladdin, who is an entire + stranger to your majesty."<!-- Page 87 --><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87"></a></p> + <p>The sultan granted his request, and he said to the old woman, "Good woman, go + home, and tell your son that I agree to the proposal you have made me; but I cannot + marry the princess my daughter for three months; at the expiration of that time come + again."</p> + <p>Aladdin's mother returned home much more gratified than she had expected, and told + her son with much joy the condescending answer she had received from the sultan's own + mouth; and that she was to come to the divan again that day three months.</p> + <p>Aladdin thought himself the most happy of all men at hearing this news, and + thanked his mother for the pains she had taken in the affair, the good success of + which was of so great importance to his peace, that he counted every day, week, and + even hour as it passed. When two of the three months were passed, his mother one + evening, having no oil in the house, went out to buy some, and found a general + rejoicing—the houses dressed with foliage, silks, and carpeting, and every one + striving to show their joy according to their ability. The streets were crowded with + officers in habits of ceremony, mounted on horses richly caparisoned, each attended + by a great many footmen. Aladdin's mother asked the oil merchant what was the meaning + of all this preparation of public festivity. "Whence came you, good woman," said he, + "that you don't know that the grand vizier's son is to marry the Princess Buddir al + Buddoor, the sultan's daughter, to-night? She will presently return from the bath; + and these officers whom you see are to assist at the cavalcade to the palace, where + the ceremony is to be solemnised."<!-- Page 88 --><a name="Page_88" + id="Page_88"></a></p> + <p>Aladdin's mother, on hearing these news, ran home very quickly. "Child," cried + she, "you are undone! the sultan's fine promises will come to nought. This night the + grand vizier's son is to marry the Princess Buddir al Buddoor."</p> + <p>At this account, Aladdin was thunderstruck, and he bethought himself of the lamp, + and of the genie who had promised to obey him; and without indulging in idle words + against the sultan, the vizier, or his son, he determined, if possible, to prevent + the marriage.</p> + <p>When Aladdin had got into his chamber, he took the lamp, rubbed it in the same + place as before, when immediately the genie appeared, and said to him, "What wouldst + thou have? I am ready to obey thee as thy slave; I, and the other slaves of the + lamp." "Hear me," said Aladdin; "thou hast hitherto obeyed me, but now I am about to + impose on thee a harder task. The sultan's daughter, who was promised me as my bride, + is this night married to the son of the grand vizier. Bring them both hither to me + immediately they retire to their bedchamber."<!-- Page 89 --><a name="Page_89" + id="Page_89"></a></p> + <p>"Master," replied the genie, "I obey you."</p> + <p>Aladdin supped with his mother as was their wont, and then went to his own + apartment, and sat up to await the return of the genie, according to his + commands.</p> + <p>In the mean time the festivities in honour of the princess's marriage were + conducted in the sultan's palace with great magnificence. The ceremonies were at last + brought to a conclusion, and the princess and the son of the vizier retired to the + bedchamber prepared for them. No sooner had they entered it, and dismissed their + attendants, than the genie, the faithful slave of the lamp, to the great amazement + and alarm of the bride and bridegroom, took up the bed, and by an agency invisible to + them, transported it in an instant into Aladdin's chamber, where he set it down. + "Remove the bridegroom," said Aladdin to the genie, "and keep him a prisoner till + to-morrow dawn, and then return with him here." On Aladdin being left alone with the + princess, he endeavoured to assuage her fears, and explained to her the treachery + practiced upon him by the sultan her father. He then laid himself down beside her, + putting a drawn scimitar between them, to show that he was determined to secure her + safety, and to treat her with the utmost possible respect. At break of day, the genie + appeared at the appointed hour, bringing back the bridegroom, whom by breathing upon + he had left motionless and entranced at the door of Aladdin's chamber during the + night, and at Aladdin's command transported the couch with the bride and bridegroom + on it, by the same invisible agency, into the palace of the sultan.<!-- Page 90 --><a + name="Page_90" id="Page_90"></a></p> + <p>At the instant that the genie had set down the couch with the bride and bridegroom + in their own chamber, the sultan came to the door to offer his good wishes to his + daughter. The grand vizier's son, who was almost perished with cold, by standing in + his thin under-garment all night, no sooner heard the knocking at the door than he + got out of bed, and ran into the robing-chamber, where he had undressed himself the + night before.</p> + <p>The sultan having opened the door, went to the bedside, kissed the princess on the + forehead, but was extremely surprised to see her look so melancholy. She only cast at + him a sorrowful look, expressive of great affliction. He suspected there was + something extraordinary in this silence, and thereupon went immediately to the + sultaness's apartment, told her in what a state he found the princess, and how she + had received him. "Sire," said the sultaness, "I will go and see her; she will not + receive me in the same manner."</p> + <p>The princess received her mother with sighs and tears, and signs of deep + dejection. At last, upon her pressing on her the duty of telling her all her + thoughts, she gave to the sultaness a precise description of all that happened to her + during the night; on which the sultaness enjoined on her the necessity of silence and + discretion, as no one would give credence to so strange a tale. The grand vizier's + son, elated with the honour of being the sultan's son-in-law, kept silence on his + part, and the events of the night were not allowed to cast the least gloom on the + festivities on the following day, in continued celebration of the royal marriage. + <!-- Page 91 --><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91"></a></p> + <p>When night came, the bride and bridegroom were again attended to their chamber + with the same ceremonies as on the preceding evening. Aladdin, knowing that this + would be so, had already given his commands to the genie of the lamp; and no sooner + were they alone than their bed was removed in the same mysterious manner as on the + preceding evening; and having passed the night in the same unpleasant way, they were + in the morning conveyed to the palace of the sultan. Scarcely had they been replaced + in their apartment, when the sultan came to make his compliments to his daughter, + when the princess could no longer conceal from him the unhappy treatment she had been + subject to, and told him all that had happened as she had already related it to her + mother. The sultan, on hearing these strange tidings, consulted with the grand + vizier; and finding from him that his son had been subjected to even worse treatment + by an invisible agency, he determined to declare the marriage to be cancelled, and + all the festivities, which were yet to last for several days, to be countermanded and + terminated.</p> + <p>This sudden change in the mind of the sultan gave rise to various speculations and + reports. Nobody but Aladdin knew the secret, and he kept it with the most scrupulous + silence; and neither the sultan nor the grand vizier, who had forgotten Aladdin and + his request, had the least thought that he had any hand in the strange adventures + that befell the bride and bridegroom.<!-- Page 92 --><a name="Page_92" + id="Page_92"></a></p> + <p>On the very day that the three months contained in the sultan's promise expired, + the mother of Aladdin again went to the palace, and stood in the same place in the + divan. The sultan knew her again, and directed his vizier to have her brought before + him.</p> + <p>After having prostrated herself, she made answer, in reply to the sultan: "Sire, I + come at the end of three months to ask of you the fulfillment of the promise you made + to my son." The sultan little thought the request of Aladdin's mother was made to him + in earnest, or that he would hear any more of the matter. He therefore took counsel + with his vizier, who suggested that the sultan should attach such conditions to the + marriage that no one of the humble condition of Aladdin could possibly fulfill. In + accordance with this suggestion of the vizier, the sultan replied to the mother of + Aladdin: "Good woman, it is true sultans ought to abide by their word, and I am ready + to keep mine, by making your son happy in marriage with the princess my daughter. But + as I cannot marry her without some further proof of your son being able to support + her in royal state, you may tell him I will fulfill my promise as soon as he shall + send me forty trays of massy gold, full of the same sort of jewels you have already + made me a present of, and carried by the like number of black slaves, who shall be + led by as many young and handsome white slaves, all dressed magnificently. On these + conditions I am ready to bestow the princess my daughter upon him; therefore, good + woman, go and tell him so, and I will wait till you bring me his answer." + <!-- Page 93 --><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93"></a></p> + <p>Aladdin's mother prostrated herself a second time before the sultan's throne, and + retired. On her way home, she laughed within herself at her son's foolish + imagination. "Where," said she, "can he get so many large gold trays, and such + precious stones to fill them? It is altogether out of his power, and I believe he + will not be much pleased with my embassy this time." When she came home, full of + these thoughts, she told Aladdin all the circumstances of her interview with the + sultan, and the conditions on which he consented to the marriage. "The sultan expects + your answer immediately," said she; and then added, laughing, "I believe he may wait + long enough!"</p> + <p>"Not so long, mother, as you imagine," replied Aladdin, "This demand is a mere + trifle, and will prove no bar to my marriage with the princess. I will prepare at + once to satisfy his request."</p> + <p>Aladdin retired to his own apartment and summoned the genie of the lamp, and + required him to prepare and present the gift immediately, before the sultan closed + his morning audience, according to the terms in which it had been prescribed. The + genie professed his obedience to the owner of the lamp, and disappeared. Within a + very short time, a train of forty black slaves, led by the same number of white + slaves, appeared opposite the house in which Aladdin lived. Each black slave carried + on his head a basin of massy gold, full of pearls, diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. + Aladdin then addressed his mother: "Madam, pray lose no time; before the sultan and + the divan rise, I would have you return to the palace with this present as the dowry + demanded for the princess, that he may judge by my diligence and exactness of the + ardent and sincere desire I have to procure myself the honour of this alliance." + <!-- Page 94 --><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94"></a></p> + <p>As soon as this magnificent procession, with Aladdin's mother at its head, had + begun to march from Aladdin's house, the whole city was filled with the crowds of + people desirous to see so grand a sight. The graceful bearing, elegant form, and + wonderful likeness of each slave; their grave walk at an equal distance from each + other, the lustre of their jewelled girdles, and the brilliancy of the aigrettes of + precious stones in their turbans, excited the greatest admiration in the spectators. + As they had to pass through several streets to the palace, the whole length of the + way was lined with files of spectators. Nothing, indeed, was ever seen so beautiful + and brilliant in the sultan's palace, and the richest robes of the emirs of his court + were not to be compared to the costly dresses of these slaves, whom they supposed to + be kings.</p> + <p>As the sultan, who had been informed of their approach, had given orders for them + to be admitted, they met with no obstacle, but went into the divan in regular order, + one part turning to the right and the other to the left. After they were all entered, + and had formed a semicircle before the sultan's throne, the black slaves laid the + golden trays on the carpet, prostrated themselves, touching the carpet with their + foreheads, and at the same time the white slaves did the same. When they rose, the + black slaves uncovered the trays, and then all stood with their arms crossed over + their breasts.<!-- Page 95 --><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95"></a></p> + <p>In the mean time, Aladdin's mother advanced to the foot of the throne, and having + prostrated herself, said to the sultan, "Sire, my son knows this present is much + below the notice of Princess Buddir al Buddoor; but hopes, nevertheless, that your + majesty will accept of it, and make it agreeable to the princess, and with the + greater confidence since he has endeavoured to conform to the conditions you were + pleased to impose."</p> + <p>The sultan, overpowered at the sight of such more than royal magnificence, replied + without hesitation to the words of Aladdin's mother: "Go and tell your son that I + wait with open arms to embrace him; and the more haste he makes to come and receive + the princess my daughter from my hands, the greater pleasure he will do me." As soon + as Aladdin's mother had retired, the sultan put an end to the audience; and rising + from his throne ordered that the princess's attendants should come and carry the + trays into their mistress's apartment, whither he went himself to examine them with + her at his leisure. The fourscore slaves were conducted into the palace; and the + sultan, telling the princess of their magnificent apparel, ordered them to be brought + before her apartment, that she might see through the lattices he had not exaggerated + in his account of them.</p> + <p>In the meantime Aladdin's mother reached home, and showed in her air and + countenance the good news she brought to her son. "My son," said she, "you may + rejoice you are arrived at the height of your desires. The sultan has declared that + you shall marry the Princess Buddir al Buddoor. He waits for you with impatience." + <!-- Page 96 --><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96"></a></p> + <p>Aladdin, enraptured with this news, made his mother very little reply, but retired + to his chamber. There he rubbed his lamp, and the obedient genie appeared. "Genie," + said Aladdin, "convey me at once to a bath, and supply me with the richest and most + magnificent robe ever worn by a monarch." No sooner were the words out of his mouth + than the genie rendered him, as well as himself, invisible, and transported him into + a bath of the finest marble of all sorts of colours; where he was undressed, without + seeing by whom, in a magnificent and spacious hall. He was then well rubbed and + washed with various scented waters. After he had passed through several degrees of + heat, he came out quite a different man from what he was before. His skin was clear + as that of a child, his body lightsome and free; and when he returned into the hall, + he found, instead of his own poor raiment, a robe, the magnificence of which + astonished him. The genie helped him to dress, and when he had done, transported him + back to his own chamber, where he asked him if he had any other commands. "Yes," + answered Aladdin, "bring me a charger that surpasses in beauty and goodness the best + in the sultan's stables; with a saddle, bridle, and other caparisons to correspond + with his value. Furnish also twenty slaves, as richly clothed as those who carried + the present to the sultan, to walk by my side and follow me, and twenty more to go + before me in two ranks. Besides these, bring my mother six women slaves to attend + her, as richly dressed at least as any of the Princess Buddir al Buddoor's, each + carrying a complete dress fit for any sultaness. I want also ten thousand pieces of + gold in ten purses; go, and make haste."<!-- Page 97 --><a name="Page_97" + id="Page_97"></a></p> + <p>As soon as Aladdin had given these orders, the genie disappeared, but presently + returned with the horse, the forty slaves, ten of whom carried each a purse + containing ten thousand pieces of gold, and six women slaves, each carrying on her + head a different dress for Aladdin's mother, wrapt up in a piece of silver tissue, + and presented them all to Aladdin.</p> + <p>He presented the six women slaves to his mother, telling her they were her slaves, + and that the dresses they had brought were for her use. Of the ten purses Aladdin + took four, which he gave to his mother, telling her, those were to supply her with + necessaries; the other six he left in the hands of the slaves who brought them, with + an order to throw them by handfuls among the people as they went to the sultan's + palace. The six slaves who carried the purses he ordered likewise to march before + him, three on the right hand and three on the left.</p> + <p>When Aladdin had thus prepared himself for his first interview with the sultan, he + dismissed the genie, and immediately mounting his charger, began his march, and + though he never was on horseback before, appeared with a grace the most experienced + horseman might envy. The innumerable concourse of people through whom he passed made + the air echo with their acclamations, especially every time the six slaves who + carried the purses threw handfuls of gold among the populace.</p> + <p>On Aladdin's arrival at the palace, the sultan was surprised to find him more + richly and magnificently robed than he had ever been himself, and was impressed with + his good looks and dignity of manner, which were so different from what he expected + in the son of one so humble as Aladdin's mother. He embraced him with all the + demonstrations of joy, and when he would have fallen at his feet, held him by the + hand, and made him sit near his throne. He shortly after led him amidst the sounds of + trumpets, hautboys, and all kinds of music, to a magnificent entertainment, at which + the sultan and Aladdin ate by themselves, and the great lords of the court, according + to their rank and dignity, sat at different tables. After the feast, the sultan sent + for the chief cadi, and commanded him to draw up a contract of marriage between the + Princess Buddir al Buddoor and Aladdin. When the contract had been drawn, the sultan + asked Aladdin if he would stay in the palace and complete the ceremonies of the + marriage that day. "Sire," said Aladdin, "though great is my impatience to enter on + the honour granted me by your majesty, yet I beg you to permit me first to build a + palace worthy to receive the princess your daughter. I pray you to grant me + sufficient ground near your palace, and I will have it completed with the utmost + expedition." The sultan granted Aladdin his request, and again embraced him. After + which he took his leave with as much politeness as if he had been bred up and had + always lived at court.<!-- Page 98 --><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98"></a></p> + <p>Aladdin returned home in the order he had come, amidst the acclamations of the + people, who wished him all happiness and prosperity. As soon as he dismounted, he + retired to his own chamber, took the lamp, and summoned the genie as usual, who + professed his allegiance. "Genie," said Aladdin, "build me a palace fit to receive + the Princess Buddir al Buddoor. Let its materials be made of nothing less than + porphyry, jasper, agate, lapis lazuli, and the finest marble. Let its walls be + massive gold and silver bricks laid alternately. Let each front contain six windows, + and let the lattices of these (except one, which must be left unfinished) be enriched + with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, so that they shall exceed everything of the kind + ever seen in the world. Let there be an inner and outer court in front of the palace, + and a spacious garden; but above all things, provide a safe treasure-house, and fill + it with gold and silver. Let there be also kitchens and storehouses, stables full of + the finest horses, with their equerries and grooms, and hunting equipage, officers, + attendants, and slaves, both men and women, to form a retinue for the princess and + myself. Go and execute my wishes."<!-- Page 99 --><a name="Page_99" + id="Page_99"></a></p> + <p>When Aladdin gave these commands to the genie, the sun was set. The next morning + at daybreak the genie presented himself, and, having obtained Aladdin's consent, + transported him in a moment to the palace he had made. The genie led him through all + the apartments, where he found officers and slaves, habited according to their rank + and the services to which they were appointed. The genie then showed him the + treasury, which was opened by a treasurer, where Aladdin saw large vases of different + sizes, piled up to the top with money, ranged all round the chamber. The genie thence + led him to the stables, where were some of the finest horses in the world, and the + grooms busy in dressing them; from thence they went to the storehouses, which were + filled with all things necessary, both for food and ornament.<!-- Page 100 --><a + name="Page_100" id="Page_100"></a></p> + <p>When Aladdin had examined every portion of the palace, and particularly the hall + with the four-and-twenty windows, and found it far to exceed his fondest + expectations, he said, "Genie, there is one thing wanting, a fine carpet for the + princess to walk upon from the sultan's palace to mine. Lay one down immediately." + The genie disappeared, and Aladdin saw what he desired executed in an instant. The + genie then returned, and carried him to his own home.</p> + <p>When the sultan's porters came to open the gates, they were amazed to find what + had been an unoccupied garden filled up with a magnificent palace, and a splendid + carpet extending to it all the way from the sultan's palace. They told the strange + tidings to the grand vizier, who informed the sultan, who exclaimed, "It must be + Aladdin's palace, which I gave him leave to build for my daughter. He has wished to + surprise us, and let us see what wonders can be done in only one night."</p> + <p>Aladdin, on his being conveyed by the genie to his own home, requested his mother + to go to the Princess Buddir al Buddoor, and tell her that the palace would be ready + for her reception in the evening. She went, attended by her women slaves, in the same + order as on the preceding day. Shortly after her arrival at the princess's apartment, + the sultan himself came in, and was surprised to find her, whom he knew as his + suppliant at his divan in such humble guise, to be now more richly and sumptuously + attired than his own daughter. This gave him a higher opinion of Aladdin, who took + such care of his mother, and made her share his wealth and honours. Shortly after her + departure, Aladdin, mounting his horse, and attended by his retinue of magnificent + attendants, left his paternal home forever, and went to the palace in the same pomp + as on the day before. Nor did he forget to take with him the Wonderful Lamp, to which + he owed all his good fortune, nor to wear the Ring which was given him as a talisman. + The sultan entertained Aladdin with the utmost magnificence, and at night, on the + conclusion of the marriage ceremonies, the princess took leave of the sultan her + father. Bands of music led the procession, followed by a hundred state ushers, and + the like number of black mutes, in two files, with their officers at their head. Four + hundred of the sultan's young pages carried flambeaux on each side, which, together + with the illuminations of the sultan's and Aladdin's palaces, made it as light as + day. In this order the princess, conveyed in her litter, and accompanied also by + Aladdin's mother, carried in a superb litter and attended by her women slaves, + proceeded on the carpet which was spread from the sultan's palace to that of Aladdin. + On her arrival Aladdin was ready to receive her at the entrance, and led her into a + large hall, illuminated with an infinite number of wax candles, where a noble feast + was served up. The dishes were of massy gold, and contained the most delicate viands. + The vases, basins, and goblets were gold also, and of exquisite workmanship, and all + the other ornaments and embellishments of the hall were answerable to this display. + The princess, dazzled to see so much riches collected in one place, said to Aladdin, + "I thought, prince, that nothing in the world was so beautiful as the sultan my + father's palace, but the sight of this hall alone is sufficient to show I was + deceived."<!-- Page 101 --><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101"></a><!-- Page 102 --><a + name="Page_102" id="Page_102"></a></p> + <p>When the supper was ended, there entered a company of female dancers, who + performed, according to the custom of the country, singing at the same time verses in + praise of the bride and bridegroom. About midnight Aladdin's mother conducted the + bride to the nuptial apartment, and he soon after retired.</p> + <p>The next morning the attendants of Aladdin presented themselves to dress him, and + brought him another habit, as rich and magnificent as that worn the day before. He + then ordered one of the horses to be got ready, mounted him, and went in the midst of + a large troop of slaves to the sultan's palace to entreat him to take a repast in the + princess's palace, attended by his grand vizier and all the lords of his court. The + sultan consented with pleasure, rose up immediately, and, preceded by the principal + officers of his palace, and followed by all the great lords of his court, accompanied + Aladdin.</p> + <p>The nearer the sultan approached Aladdin's palace, the more he was struck with its + beauty; but when he entered it, came into the hall, and saw the windows, enriched + with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, all large perfect stones, he was completely + surprised, and said to his son-in-law, "This palace is one of the wonders of the + world; for where in all the world besides shall we find walls built of massy gold and + silver, and diamonds, rubies, and emeralds composing the windows? But what most + surprises me is, that a hall of this magnificence should be left with one of its + windows incomplete and unfinished." "Sire," answered Aladdin, "the omission was by + design, since I wished that you should have the glory of finishing this hall." "I + take your intention kindly," said the sultan, "and will give orders about it + immediately."<!-- Page 103 --><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103"></a></p> + <p>After the sultan had finished this magnificent entertainment, provided for him and + for his court by Aladdin, he was informed that the jewellers and goldsmiths attended; + upon which he returned to the hall, and showed them the window which was unfinished. + "I sent for you," said he, "to fit up this window in as great perfection as the rest. + Examine them well, and make all the dispatch you can."</p> + <p>The jewellers and goldsmiths examined the three-and-twenty windows with great + attention, and after they had consulted together, to know what each could furnish, + they returned, and presented themselves before the sultan, whose principal jeweller + undertaking to speak for the rest, said, "Sire, we are all willing to exert our + utmost care and industry to obey you; but among us all we cannot furnish jewels + enough for so great a work." "I have more than are necessary," said the sultan; "come + to my palace, and you shall choose what may answer your purpose."</p> + <p>When the sultan returned to his palace, he ordered his jewels to be brought out, + and the jewellers took a great quantity, particularly those Aladdin had made him a + present of, which they soon used, without making any great advance in their work. + They came again several times for more, and in a month's time had not finished half + their work. In short, they used all the jewels the sultan had, and borrowed of the + vizier, but yet the work was not half done.<!-- Page 104 --><a name="Page_104" + id="Page_104"></a></p> + <p>Aladdin, who knew that all the sultan's endeavours to make this window like the + rest were in vain, sent for the jewellers and goldsmiths, and not only commanded them + to desist from their work, but ordered them to undo what they had begun, and to carry + all their jewels back to the sultan and to the vizier. They undid in a few hours what + they had been six weeks about, and retired, leaving Aladdin alone in the hall. He + took the lamp, which he carried about him, rubbed it, and presently the genie + appeared. "Genie," said Aladdin, "I ordered thee to leave one of the four-and-twenty + windows of this hall imperfect, and thou hast executed my commands punctually; now I + would have thee make it like the rest." The genie immediately disappeared. Aladdin + went out of the hall, and returning soon after, found the window, as he wished it to + be, like the others.</p> + <p>In the mean time, the jewellers and goldsmiths repaired to the palace, and were + introduced into the sultan's presence; where the chief jeweller presented the + precious stones which he had brought back. The sultan asked them if Aladdin had given + them any reason for so doing, and they answering that he had given them none, he + ordered a horse to be brought, which he mounted, and rode to his son-in-law's palace, + with some few attendants on foot, to inquire why he had ordered the completion of the + window to be stopped. Aladdin met him at the gate, and without giving any reply to + his inquiries conducted him to the grand saloon, where the sultan, to his great + surprise, found the window, which was left imperfect, to correspond exactly with the + others. He fancied at first that he was mistaken, and examined the two windows on + each side, and afterward all the four-and-twenty; but when he was convinced that the + window which several workmen had been so long about was finished in so short a time, + he embraced Aladdin and kissed him between his eyes. "My son," said he, "what a man + you are to do such surprising things always in the twinkling of an eye! there is not + your fellow in the world; the more I know, the more I admire you."<!-- Page 105 --><a + name="Page_105" id="Page_105"></a></p> + <p>The sultan returned to the palace, and after this went frequently to the window to + contemplate and admire the wonderful palace of his son-in-law.</p> + <p>Aladdin did not confine himself in his palace, but went with much state, sometimes + to one mosque, and sometimes to another, to prayers, or to visit the grand vizier or + the principal lords of the court. Every time he went out, he caused two slaves, who + walked by the side of his horse, to throw handfuls of money among the people as he + passed through the streets and squares. This generosity gained him the love and + blessings of the people, and it was common for them to swear by his head. Thus + Aladdin, while he paid all respect to the sultan, won by his affable behaviour and + liberality the affections of the people.</p> + <p>Aladdin had conducted himself in this manner several years, when the African + magician, who had for some years dismissed him from his recollection, determined to + inform himself with certainty whether he perished, as he supposed, in the + subterranean cave or not. After he had resorted to a long course of magic ceremonies, + and had formed a horoscope by which to ascertain Aladdin's fate, what was his + surprise to find the appearances to declare that Aladdin, instead of dying in the + cave, had made his escape, and was living in royal splendour, by the aid of the genie + of the wonderful lamp!<!-- Page 106 --><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106"></a></p> + <p>On the very next day, the magician set out and travelled with the utmost haste to + the capital of China, where, on his arrival, he took up his lodgings in a khan.</p> + <p>He then quickly learnt about the wealth, charities, happiness, and splendid palace + of Prince Aladdin. Directly he saw the wonderful fabric, he knew that none but the + genies, the slaves of the lamp, could have performed such wonders, and, piqued to the + quick at Aladdin's high estate, he returned to the khan.</p> + <p>On his return he had recourse to an operation of geomancy to find out where the + lamp was—whether Aladdin carried it about with him, or where he left it. The + result of his consultation informed him, to his great joy, that the lamp was in the + palace. "Well," said he, rubbing his hands in glee, "I shall have the lamp, and I + shall make Aladdin return to his original mean condition."</p> + <p>The next day the magician learnt, from the chief superintendent of the khan where + he lodged, that Aladdin had gone on a hunting expedition, which was to last for eight + days, of which only three had expired. The magician wanted to know no more, He + resolved at once on his plans. He went to a coppersmith, and asked for a dozen copper + lamps: the master of the shop told him he had not so many by him, but if he would + have patience till the next day, he would have them ready. The magician appointed his + time, and desired him to take care that they should be handsome and well polished. + <!-- Page 107 --><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107"></a></p> + <p>The next day the magician called for the twelve lamps, paid the man his full + price, put them into a basket hanging on his arm, and went directly to Aladdin's + palace. As he approached, he began crying, "Who will exchange old lamps for new + ones?" As he went along, a crowd of children collected, who hooted, and thought him, + as did all who chanced to be passing by, a madman or a fool, to offer to change new + lamps for old ones.</p> + <p>The African magician regarded not their scoffs, hootings, or all they could say to + him, but still continued crying, "Who will change old lamps for new ones?" He + repeated this so often, walking backward and forward in front of the palace, that the + princess, who was then in the hall with the four-and-twenty windows, hearing a man + cry something, and seeing a great mob crowding about him, sent one of her women + slaves to know what he cried.</p> + <p>The slave returned, laughing so heartily that the princess rebuked her. "Madam," + answered the slave, laughing still, "who can forbear laughing, to see an old man with + a basket on his arm, full of fine new lamps, asking to change them for old ones? the + children and mob crowding about him, so that he can hardly stir, make all the noise + they can in derision of him."<!-- Page 108 --><a name="Page_108" + id="Page_108"></a></p> + <p>Another female slave hearing this, said, "Now you speak of lamps, I know not + whether the princess may have observed it, but there is an old one upon a shelf of + the Prince Aladdin's robing room, and whoever owns it will not be sorry to find a new + one in its stead. If the princess chooses, she may have the pleasure of trying if + this old man is so silly as to give a new lamp for an old one, without taking + anything for the exchange."</p> + <p>The princess, who knew not the value of this lamp, and the interest that Aladdin + had to keep it safe, entered into the pleasantry, and commanded a slave to take it + and make the exchange. The slave obeyed, went out of the hall, and no sooner got to + the palace gates than he saw the African magician, called to him, and showing him the + old lamp, said, "Give me a new lamp for this."</p> + <p>The magician never doubted but this was the lamp he wanted. There could be no + other such in this palace, where every utensil was gold or silver. He snatched it + eagerly out of the slave's hand, and thrusting it as far as he could into his breast, + offered him his basket, and bade him choose which he liked best. The slave picked out + one and carried it to the princess; but the change was no sooner made than the place + rung with the shouts of the children, deriding the magician's folly.</p> + <p>The African magician stayed no longer near the palace, nor cried any more, "New + lamps for old ones," but made the best of his way to his khan. His end was answered, + and by his silence he got rid of the children and the mob.<!-- Page 109 --><a + name="Page_109" id="Page_109"></a></p> + <p>As soon as he was out of sight of the two palaces, he hastened down the + least-frequented streets; and having no more occasion for his lamps or basket, set + all down in a spot where nobody saw him; then going down another street or two, he + walked till he came to one of the city gates, and pursuing his way through the + suburbs, which were very extensive, at length reached a lonely spot, where he stopped + till the darkness of the night, as the most suitable time for the design he had in + contemplation. When it became quite dark, he pulled the lamp out of his breast and + rubbed it. At that summons the genie appeared, and said, "What wouldst thou have? I + am ready to obey thee as thy slave, and the slave of all those who have that lamp in + their hands, both I and the other slaves of the lamp." "I command thee," replied the + magician, "to transport me immediately, and the palace which thou and the other + slaves of the lamp have built in this city, with all the people in it, to Africa." + The genie made no reply, but with the assistance of the other genies, the slaves of + the lamp, immediately transported him and the palace, entire, to the spot whither he + had been desired to convey it.</p> + <p>Early the next morning, when the sultan, according to custom, went to contemplate + and admire Aladdin's place, his amazement was unbounded to find that it could nowhere + be seen. He could not comprehend how so large a palace which he had seen plainly + every day for some years, should vanish so soon, and not leave the least remains + behind. In his perplexity he ordered the grand vizier to be sent for with expedition. + <!-- Page 110 --><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110"></a></p> + <p>The grand vizier, who, in secret, bore no good will to Aladdin, intimated his + suspicion that the palace was built by magic, and that Aladdin had made his hunting + excursion an excuse for the removal of his palace with the same suddenness with which + it had been erected. He induced the sultan to send a detachment of his guard, and to + have Aladdin seized as a prisoner of state. On his son-in-law being brought before + him, he would not hear a word from him, but ordered him to be put to death. The + decree caused so much discontent among the people, whose affection Aladdin had + secured by his largesses and charities, that the sultan, fearful of an insurrection, + was obliged to grant him his life. When Aladdin found himself at liberty, he again + addressed the sultan: "Sire, I pray you to let me know the crime by which I have thus + lost the favour of thy countenance." "Your crime!" answered the sultan, "wretched + man! do you not know it? Follow me, and I will show you." The sultan then took + Aladdin into the apartment from whence he was wont to look at and admire his palace, + and said, "You ought to know where your palace stood; look, mind, and tell me what + has become of it." Aladdin did so, and being utterly amazed at the loss of his + palace, was speechless. At last recovering himself, he said, "It is true, I do not + see the palace. It is vanished; but I had no concern in its removal. I beg you to + give me forty days, and if in that time I cannot restore it, I will offer my head to + be disposed of at your pleasure." "I give you the time you ask, but at the end of the + forty days, forget not to present yourself before me."<!-- Page 111 --><a + name="Page_111" id="Page_111"></a></p> + <p>Aladdin went out of the sultan's palace in a condition of exceeding humiliation. + The lords who had courted him in the days of his splendour, now declined to have any + communication with him. For three days he wandered about the city, exciting the + wonder and compassion of the multitude by asking everybody he met if they had seen + his palace, or could tell him anything of it. On the third day he wandered into the + country, and as he was approaching a river, he fell down the bank with so much + violence that he rubbed the ring which the magician had given him so hard by holding + on the rock to save himself, that immediately the same genie appeared whom he had + seen in the cave where the magician had left him. "What wouldst thou have?" said the + genie, "I am ready to obey thee as thy slave, and the slave of all those that have + that ring on their finger; both I and the other slaves of the ring."</p> + <p>Aladdin, agreeably surprised at an offer of help so little expected, replied, + "Genie, show me where the palace I caused to be built now stands, or transport it + back where it first stood." "Your command," answered the genie, "is not wholly in my + power; I am only the slave of the ring, and not of the lamp." "I command thee, then," + replied Aladdin, "by the power of the ring, to transport me to the spot where my + palace stands, in what part of the world soever it may be." These words were no + sooner out of his mouth, than the genie transported him into Africa, to the midst of + a large plain, where his palace stood, at no great distance from a city, and placing + him exactly under the window of the princess's apartment, left him. + <!-- Page 112 --><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112"></a></p> + <p>Now it so happened that shortly after Aladdin had been transported by the slave of + the ring to the neighbourhood of his palace, that one of the attendants of the + Princess Buddir al Buddoor, looking through the window, perceived him and instantly + told her mistress. The princess, who could not believe the joyful tidings, hastened + herself to the window, and seeing Aladdin, immediately opened it. The noise of + opening the window made Aladdin turn his head that way, and perceiving the princess, + he saluted her with an air that expressed his joy. "To lose no time," said she to + him, "I have sent to have the private door opened for you; enter and come up."</p> + <p>The private door, which was just under the princess's apartment, was soon opened, + and Aladdin conducted up into the chamber. It is impossible to express the joy of + both at seeing each other, after so cruel a separation. After embracing and shedding + tears of joy, they sat down, and Aladdin said, "I beg of you, princess, to tell me + what is become of an old lamp which stood upon a shelf in my robing-chamber."</p> + <p>"Alas!" answered the princess, "I was afraid our misfortune might be owing to that + lamp; and what grieves me most is, that I have been the cause of it. I was foolish + enough to change the old lamp for a new one, and the next morning I found myself in + this unknown country, which I am told is Africa."</p> + <p>"Princess," said Aladdin, interrupting her, "you have explained all by telling me + we are in Africa I desire you only to tell me if you know where the old lamp now is." + "The African magician carries it carefully wrapt up in his bosom," said the princess; + "and this I can assure you, because he pulled it out before me, and showed it to me + in triumph."<!-- Page 113 --><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113"></a></p> + <p>"Princess," said Aladdin, "I think I have found the means to deliver you and to + regain possession of the lamp, on which all my prosperity depends; to execute this + design it is necessary for me to go to the town. I shall return by noon, and will + then tell you what must be done by you to insure success. In the mean time, I shall + disguise myself, and beg that the private door may be opened at the first knock."</p> + <p>When Aladdin was out of the palace, he looked round him on all sides, and + perceiving a peasant going into the country, hastened after him; and when he had + overtaken him, made a proposal to him to change clothes, which the man agreed to. + When they had made the exchange, the countryman went about his business, and Aladdin + entered the neighbouring city. After traversing several streets, he came to that part + of the town where the merchants and artisans had their particular streets according + to their trades. He went into that of the druggists; and entering one of the largest + and best furnished shops, asked the druggist if he had a certain powder, which he + named.</p> + <p>The druggist, judging Aladdin by his habit to be very poor, told him he had it, + but that it was very dear; upon which Aladdin, penetrating his thoughts, pulled out + his purse, and showing him some gold, asked for half a dram of the powder; which the + druggist weighed and gave him, telling him the price was a piece of gold. Aladdin put + the money into his hand, and hastened to the palace, which he entered at once by the + private door. When he came into the princess's apartments, he said to her, "Princess, + you must take your part in the scheme which I propose for our deliverance. You must + overcome your aversion to the magician, and assume a most friendly manner toward him, + and ask him to oblige you by partaking of an entertainment in your apartments. Before + he leaves, ask him to exchange cups with you, which he, gratified at the honour you + do him, will gladly do, when you must give him the cup containing this powder. On + drinking it he will instantly fall asleep, and we will obtain the lamp, whose slaves + will do all our bidding, and restore us and the palace to the capital of China." + <!-- Page 114 --><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114"></a></p> + <p>The princess obeyed to the utmost her husband's instructions. She assumed a look + of pleasure on the next visit of the magician, and asked him to an entertainment, + which he most willingly accepted. At the close of the evening, during which the + princess had tried all she could to please him, she asked him to exchange cups with + her, and giving the signal, had the drugged cup brought to her, which she gave to the + magician. He drank it out of compliment to the princess to the very last drop, when + he fell backward lifeless on the sofa.</p> + <p>The princess, in anticipation of the success of her scheme, had so placed her + women from the great hall to the foot of the staircase, that the word was no sooner + given that the African magician was fallen backward, than the door was opened, and + Aladdin admitted to the hall. The princess rose from her seat, and ran, overjoyed, to + embrace him; but he stopped her, and said, "Princess, retire to your apartment; and + let me be left alone, while I endeavour to transport you back to China as speedily as + you were brought from thence."<!-- Page 115 --><a name="Page_115" + id="Page_115"></a></p> + <p>When the princess, her women, and slaves were gone out of the hall, Aladdin shut + the door, and going directly to the dead body of the magician, opened his vest, took + out the lamp which was carefully wrapped up, and rubbing it, the genie immediately + appeared. "Genie," said Aladdin, "I command thee to transport this palace instantly + to the place from whence it was brought hither." The genie bowed his head in token of + obedience, and disappeared. Immediately the palace was transported into China, and + its removal was only felt by two little shocks, the one when it was lifted up, the + other when it was set down, and both in a very short interval of time.</p> + <p>On the morning after the restoration of Aladdin's palace, the sultan was looking + out of his window, and mourning over the fate of his daughter, when he thought that + he saw the vacancy created by the disappearance of the palace to be again filled + up.</p> + <p>On looking more attentively, he was convinced beyond the power of doubt that it + was his son-in-law's palace. Joy and gladness succeeded to sorrow and grief. He at + once ordered a horse to be saddled, which he mounted that instant, thinking he could + not make haste enough to the place.</p> + <p>Aladdin rose that morning by daybreak, put on one of the most magnificent habits + his wardrobe afforded, and went up into the hall of twenty-four windows, from whence + he perceived the sultan approaching, and received him at the foot of the great + staircase, helping him to dismount.<!-- Page 116 --><a name="Page_116" + id="Page_116"></a></p> + <p>He led the sultan into the princess's apartment. The happy father embraced her + with tears of joy; and the princess, on her side, afforded similar testimonies of her + extreme pleasure. After a short interval, devoted to mutual explanations of all that + had happened, the sultan restored Aladdin to his favour, and expressed his regret for + the apparent harshness with which he had treated him. "My son," said he, "be not + displeased at my proceedings against you; they arose from my paternal love, and + therefore you ought to forgive the excesses to which it hurried me." "Sire," replied + Aladdin, "I have not the least reason to complain of your conduct, since you did + nothing but what your duty required. This infamous magician, the basest of men, was + the sole cause of my misfortune."</p> + <p>The African magician, who was thus twice foiled in his endeavour to ruin Aladdin, + had a younger brother, who was as skilful a magician as himself, and exceeded him in + wickedness and hatred of mankind. By mutual agreement they communicated with each + other once a year, however widely separate might be their place of residence from + each other. The younger brother not having received as usual his annual + communication, prepared to take a horoscope and ascertain his brother's proceedings. + He, as well as his brother, always carried a geomantic square instrument about him; + he prepared the sand, cast the points, and drew the figures. On examining the + planetary crystal, he found that his brother was no longer living, but had been + poisoned; and by another observation, that he was in the capital of the kingdom of + China; also, that the person who had poisoned him was of mean birth, though married + to a princess, a sultan's daughter.<!-- Page 117 --><a name="Page_117" + id="Page_117"></a></p> + <p>When the magician had informed himself of his brother's fate, he resolved + immediately to revenge his death, and at once departed for China; where, after + crossing plains, rivers, mountains, deserts, and a long tract of country without + delay, he arrived after incredible fatigues. When he came to the capital of China, he + took a lodging at a khan. His magic art soon revealed to him that Aladdin was the + person who had been the cause of the death of his brother. He had heard, too, all the + persons of repute in the city talking of a woman called Fatima, who was retired from + the world, and of the miracles she wrought. As he fancied that this woman might be + serviceable to him in the project he had conceived, he made more minute inquiries, + and requested to be informed more particularly who that holy woman was, and what sort + of miracles she performed.</p> + <p>"What!" said the person whom he addressed, "have you never seen or heard of her? + She is the admiration of the whole town, for her fasting, her austerities, and her + exemplary life. Except Mondays and Fridays, she never stirs out of her little cell; + and on those days on which she comes into the town she does an infinite deal of good; + for there is not a person who is diseased but she puts her hand on them and cures + them."</p> + <p>Having ascertained the place where the hermitage of this holy woman was, the + magician went at night, and, plunging a poniard into her heart, killed this good + woman. In the morning he dyed his face of the same hue as hers, and arraying himself + in her garb, taking her veil, the large necklace she wore round her waist, and her + stick, went straight to the palace of Aladdin.<!-- Page 118 --><a name="Page_118" + id="Page_118"></a></p> + <p>As soon as the people saw the holy woman, as they imagined him to be, they + presently gathered about him in a great crowd. Some begged his blessing, others + kissed his hand, and others, more reserved, only the hem of his garment; while + others, suffering from disease, stooped for him to lay his hands upon them; which he + did, muttering some words in form of prayer, and, in short, counterfeiting so well, + that everybody took him for the holy woman. He came at last to the square before + Aladdin's palace. The crowd and the noise were so great that the princess, who was in + the hall of four-and-twenty windows, heard it, and asked what was the matter. One of + her women told her it was a great crowd of people collected about the holy woman to + be cured of diseases by the imposition of her hands.</p> + <p>The princess, who had long heard of this holy woman, but had never seen her, was + very desirous to have some conversation with her; which the chief officer perceiving, + told her it was an easy matter to bring her to her, if she desired and commanded it; + and the princess expressing her wishes, he immediately sent four slaves for the + pretended holy woman.</p> + <p>As soon as the crowd saw the attendants from the palace, they made way; and the + magician, perceiving also that they were coming for him, advanced to meet them, + overjoyed to find his plot succeed so well. "Holy woman," said one of the slaves, + "the princess wants to see you, and has sent us for you." "The princess does me too + great an honour," replied the false Fatima; "I am ready to obey her command," and at + the same time followed the slaves to the palace.<!-- Page 119 --><a name="Page_119" + id="Page_119"></a></p> + <p>When the pretended Fatima had made her obeisance, the princess said, "My good + mother, I have one thing to request, which you must not refuse me; it is, to stay + with me, that you may edify me with your way of living, and that I may learn from + your good example." "Princess," said the counterfeit Fatima, "I beg of you not to ask + what I cannot consent to without neglecting my prayers and devotion." "That shall be + no hindrance to you," answered the princess; "I have a great many apartments + unoccupied; you shall choose which you like best, and have as much liberty to perform + your devotions as if you were in your own cell."</p> + <p>The magician, who really desired nothing more than to introduce himself into the + palace, where it would be a much easier matter for him to execute his designs, did + not long excuse himself from accepting the obliging offer which the princess made + him. "Princess," said he, "whatever resolution a poor wretched woman as I am may have + made to renounce the pomp and grandeur of this world, I dare not presume to oppose + the will and commands of so pious and charitable a princess."</p> + <p>Upon this the princess, rising up, said, "Come with me, I will show you what + vacant apartments I have, that you may make choice of that you like best." The + magician followed the princess, and of all the apartments she showed him, made choice + of that which was the worst, saying that it was too good for him, and that he only + accepted it to please her.<!-- Page 120 --><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120"></a></p> + <p>Afterward the princess would have brought him back into the great hall to make him + dine with her; but he, considering that he should then be obliged to show his face, + which he had always taken care to conceal with Fatima's veil, and fearing that the + princess should find out that he was not Fatima, begged of her earnestly to excuse + him, telling her that he never ate anything but bread and dried fruits, and desiring + to eat that slight repast in his own apartment. The princess granted his request, + saying, "You may be as free here, good mother, as if you were in your own cell: I + will order you a dinner, but remember I expect you as soon as you have finished your + repast."</p> + <p>After the princess had dined, and the false Fatima had been sent for by one of the + attendants, he again waited upon her. "My good mother," said the princess, "I am + overjoyed to see so holy a woman as yourself, who will confer a blessing upon this + palace. But now I am speaking of the palace, pray how do you like it? And before I + show it all to you, tell me first what you think of this hall."</p> + <p>Upon this question, the counterfeit Fatima surveyed the hall from one end to the + other. When he had examined it well, he said to the princess, "As far as such a + solitary being as I am, who am unacquainted with what the world calls beautiful, can + judge, this hall is truly admirable; there wants but one thing." "What is that, good + mother?" demanded the princess; "tell me, I conjure you. For my part, I always + believed, and have heard say, it wanted nothing; but if it does, it shall be + supplied."<!-- Page 121 --><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121"></a></p> + <p>"Princess," said the false Fatima, with great dissimulation, "forgive me the + liberty I have taken; but my opinion is, if it can be of any importance, that if a + roc's egg were hung up in the middle of the dome, this hall would have no parallel in + the four quarters of the world, and your palace would be the wonder of the + universe."</p> + <p>"My good mother," said the princess, "what is a roc, and where may one get an + egg?" "Princess," replied the pretended Fatima, "it is a bird of prodigious size, + which inhabits the summit of Mount Caucasus; the architect who built your palace can + get you one."</p> + <p>After the princess had thanked the false Fatima for what she believed her good + advice, she conversed with her upon other matters; but could not forget the roc's + egg, which she resolved to request of Aladdin when next he should visit his + apartments. He did so in the course of that evening, and shortly after he entered, + the princess thus addressed him: "I always believed that our palace was the most + superb, magnificent, and complete in the world: but I will tell you now what it + wants, and that is a roc's egg hung up in the midst of the dome." "Princess," replied + Aladdin, "it is enough that you think it wants such an ornament; you shall see by the + diligence which I use in obtaining it, that there is nothing which I would not do for + your sake."</p> + <p>Aladdin left the Princess Buddir al Buddoor that moment, and went up into the hall + of four-and-twenty windows, where, pulling out of his bosom the lamp, which after the + danger he had been exposed to be always carried about him, he rubbed it; upon which + the genie immediately appeared. "Genie," said Aladdin, "I command thee, in the name + of this lamp, bring a roc's egg to be hung up in the middle of the dome of the hall + of the palace." Aladdin had no sooner pronounced these words, than the hall shook as + if ready to fall; and the genie said in a loud and terrible voice, "Is it not enough + that I and the other slaves of the lamp have done everything for you, but you, by an + unheard-of ingratitude, must command me to bring my master, and hang him up in the + midst of this dome? This attempt deserves that you, the princess, and the palace, + should be immediately reduced to ashes; but you are spared because this request does + not come from yourself. Its true author is the brother of the African magician, your + enemy whom you have destroyed. He is now in your palace, disguised in the habit of + the holy woman Fatima, whom he has murdered; at his suggestion your wife makes this + pernicious demand. His design is to kill you, therefore take care of yourself." After + these words the genie disappeared.<!-- Page 122 --><a name="Page_122" + id="Page_122"></a></p> + <p>Aladdin resolved at once what to do. He returned to the princess's apartment, and + without mentioning a word of what had happened, sat down, and complained of a great + pain which had suddenly seized his head. On hearing this, the princess told him how + she had invited the holy Fatima to stay with her, and that she was now in the palace; + and at the request of the prince, ordered her to be summoned to her at once.</p> + <p>When the pretended Fatima came, Aladdin said, "Come hither, good mother; I am glad + to see you here at so fortunate a time. I am tormented with a violent pain in my + head, and request your assistance, and hope you will not refuse me that cure which + you impart to afflicted persons." So saying, he arose, but held down his head. The + counterfeit Fatima advanced toward him, with his hand all the time on a dagger + concealed in his girdle under his gown; which Aladdin, observing, he snatched the + weapon from his hand, pierced him to the heart with his own dagger, and then pushed + him down on the floor.<!-- Page 123 --><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123"></a></p> + <p>"My dear prince, what have you done?" cried the princess, in surprise. "You have + killed the holy woman!" "No, my princess," answered Aladdin with emotion, "I have not + killed Fatima, but a villain, who would have assassinated me, if I had not prevented + him. This wicked man," added he, uncovering his face, "is the brother of the magician + who attempted our ruin. He has strangled the true Fatima, and disguised himself in + her clothes with intent to murder me." Aladdin then informed her how the genie had + told him these facts, and how narrowly she and the palace had escaped destruction + through his treacherous suggestion which had led to her request.</p> + <p>Thus was Aladdin delivered from the persecution of the two brothers, who were + magicians. Within a few years afterward, the sultan died in a good old age, and as he + left no male children, the Princess Buddir al Buddoor succeeded him, and she and + Aladdin reigned together many years, and left a numerous and illustrious + posterity.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI</h2> + <!-- Page 124 --><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124"></a> + <h3>THE HISTORY OF ALI BABA, AND OF THE FORTY ROBBERS KILLED BY ONE SLAVE</h3> + <p>There once lived in a town of Persia two brothers, one named Cassim and the other + Ali Baba. Their father divided a small inheritance equally between them. Cassim + married a very rich wife, and became a wealthy merchant. Ali Baba married a woman as + poor as himself, and lived by cutting wood, and bringing it upon three asses into the + town, to sell.</p> + <p>One day, when Ali Baba was in the forest, and had just cut wood enough to load his + asses, he saw at a distance a great cloud of dust, which seemed to approach him. He + observed it with attention, and distinguished soon after a body of horsemen, who he + suspected might be robbers. He determined to leave his asses to save himself. He + climbed up a large tree, planted on a high rock, whose branches were thick enough to + conceal him, and yet enabled him to see all that passed without being discovered.</p> + <p>The troop, who were to the number of forty, all well mounted and armed, came to + the foot of the rock on which the tree stood, and there dismounted Every man + unbridled his horse, tied him to some shrub, and hung about his neck a bag of corn + which they brought behind them. Then each of them took off his saddle-bag, which + seemed to Ali Baba to be full of gold and silver from its weight. One, whom he took + to be their captain, came under the tree in which Ali Baba was concealed; and making + his way through some shrubs, pronounced these words: "Open, Sesame!" <a + href="#F1">[1]</a> As soon as the captain of the robbers had thus spoken, a door + opened in the rock; and after he had made all his troop enter before him, he followed + them, when the door shut again of itself.<!-- Page 125 --><a name="Page_125" + id="Page_125"></a></p> + <p>The robbers stayed some time within the rock, during which Ali Baba, fearful of + being caught, remained in the tree.</p> + <p>At last the door opened again, and as the captain went in last, so he came out + first, and stood to see them all pass by him; when Ali Baba heard him make the door + close by pronouncing these words, "Shut, Sesame!" Every man at once went and bridled + his horse, fastened his wallet, and mounted again. When the captain saw them all + ready, he put himself at their head, and they returned the way they had come.</p> + <p>Ali Baba followed them with his eyes as far as he could see them; and afterward + stayed a considerable time before he descended. Remembering the words the captain of + the robbers used to cause the door to open and shut, he had the curiosity to try if + his pronouncing them would have the same effect. Accordingly, he went among the + shrubs, and perceiving the door concealed behind them, stood before it, and said, + "Open, Sesame!" The door instantly flew wide open.<!-- Page 126 --><a name="Page_126" + id="Page_126"></a></p> + <p>Ali Baba, who expected a dark, dismal cavern, was surprised to see a well-lighted + and spacious chamber, which received the light from an opening at the top of the + rock, and in which were all sorts of provisions, rich bales of silk, stuff, brocade, + and valuable carpeting, piled upon one another; gold and silver ingots in great + heaps, and money in bags. The sight of all these riches made him suppose that this + cave must have been occupied for ages by robbers, who had succeeded one another.</p> + <p>Ali Baba went boldly into the cave, and collected as much of the gold coin, which + was in bags, as he thought his three asses could carry. When he had loaded them with + the bags, he laid wood over them in such a manner that they could not be seen. When + he had passed in and out as often as he wished, he stood before the door, and + pronouncing the words, "Shut, Sesame!" the door closed of itself. He then made the + best of his way to town.</p> + <p>When Ali Baba got home, he drove his asses into a little yard, shut the gates very + carefully, threw off the wood that covered the panniers, carried the bags into his + house, and ranged them in order before his wife. He then emptied the bags, which + raised such a great heap of gold as dazzled his wife's eyes, and then he told her the + whole adventure from beginning to end, and, above all, recommended her to keep it + secret.</p> + <p>The wife rejoiced greatly in their good fortune, and would count all the gold + piece by piece. "Wife," replied Ali Baba, "you do not know what you undertake, when + you pretend to count the money; you will never have done. I will dig a hole, and bury + it. There is no time to be lost." "You are in the right, husband," replied she, "but + let us know, as nigh as possible, how much we have. I will borrow a small measure, + and measure it, while you dig the hole."<!-- Page 127 --><a name="Page_127" + id="Page_127"></a></p> + <p>Away the wife ran to her brother-in-law Cassim, who lived just by, and addressing + herself to his wife, desired her to lend her a measure for a little while. Her + sister-in-law asked her whether she would have a great or a small one. The other + asked for a small one. She bade her stay a little, and she would readily fetch + one,</p> + <p>The sister-in-law did so, but as she knew Ali Baba's poverty, she was curious to + know what sort of grain his wife wanted to measure, and artfully putting some suet at + the bottom of the measure, brought it to her, with an excuse that she was sorry that + she had made her stay so long, but that she could not find it sooner.</p> + <p>Ali Baba's wife went home, set the measure upon the heap of gold, filled it, and + emptied it often upon the sofa, till she had done, when she was very well satisfied + to find the number of measures amounted to so many as they did, and went to tell her + husband, who had almost finished digging the hole. While Ali Baba was burying the + gold, his wife, to show her exactness and diligence to her sister-in-law, carried the + measure back again, but without taking notice that a piece of gold had stuck to the + bottom. "Sister," said she, giving it to her again, "you see that I have not kept + your measure long. I am obliged to you for it, and return it with thanks." + <!-- Page 128 --><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128"></a></p> + <p>As soon as Ali Baba's wife was gone, Cassim's looked at the bottom of the measure, + and was in inexpressible surprise to find a piece of gold sticking to it. Envy + immediately possessed her breast. "What!" said she, "has Ali Baba gold so plentiful + as to measure it? Whence has he all this wealth?"</p> + <p>Cassim, her husband, was at his counting-house. When he came home, his wife said + to him, "Cassim, I know you think yourself rich, but Ali Baba is infinitely richer + than you. He does not count his money, but measures it." Cassim desired her to + explain the riddle, which she did, by telling him the stratagem she had used to make + the discovery, and showed him the piece of money, which was so old that they could + not tell in what prince's reign it was coined.</p> + <p>Cassim, after he had married the rich widow, had never treated Ali Baba as a + brother, but neglected him; and now, instead of being pleased, he conceived a base + envy at his brother's prosperity. He could not sleep all that night, and went to him + in the morning before sunrise. "Ali Baba," said he, "I am surprised at you; you + pretend to be miserably poor, and yet you measure gold. My wife found this at the + bottom of the measure you borrowed yesterday."</p> + <p>By this discourse, Ali Baba perceived that Cassim and his wife, through his own + wife's folly, knew what they had so much reason to conceal; but what was done, could + not be undone. Therefore, without showing the least surprise or trouble, he confessed + all, and offered his brother part of his treasure to keep the secret. + <!-- Page 129 --><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129"></a></p> + <p>"I expect as much," replied Cassim haughtily; "but I must know exactly where this + treasure is, and how I may visit it myself when I choose; otherwise, I will go and + inform against you, and then you will not only get no more, but will lose all you + have, and I shall have a share for my information."</p> + <p>Ali Baba told him all he desired, even to the very words he was to use to gain + admission into the cave.</p> + <p>Cassim rose the next morning long before the sun, and set out for the forest with + ten mules bearing great chests, which he designed to fill, and followed the road + which Ali Baba had pointed out to him. He was not long before he reached the rock, + and found out the place, by the tree and other marks which his brother had given him. + When he reached the entrance of the cavern, he pronounced the words, "Open, Sesame!" + The door immediately opened, and, when he was in, closed upon him. In examining the + cave, he was in great admiration to find much more riches than he had expected from + Ali Baba's relation. He quickly laid as many bags of gold as he could carry at the + door of the cavern; but his thoughts were so full of the great riches he should + possess, that he could not think of the necessary word to make it open, but instead + of "Sesame," said, "Open, Barley!" and was much amazed to find that the door remained + fast shut. He named several sorts of grain, but still the door would not open.</p> + <p>Cassim had never expected such an incident, and was so alarmed at the danger he + was in, that the more he endeavoured to remember the word "Sesame," the more his + memory was confounded, and he had as much forgotten it as if he had never heard it + mentioned. He threw down the bags he had loaded himself with, and walked distractedly + up and down the cave, without having the least regard to the riches that were around + him.<!-- Page 130 --><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130"></a></p> + <p>About noon the robbers visited their cave. At some distance they saw Cassim's + mules straggling about the rock, with great chests on their backs. Alarmed at this, + they galloped full speed to the cave. They drove away the mules, which strayed + through the forest so far, that they were soon out of sight, and went directly, with + their naked sabres in their hands, to the door, which, on their captain pronouncing + the proper words, immediately opened.</p> + <p>Cassim, who heard the noise of the horses' feet, at once guessed the arrival of + the robbers, and resolved to make one effort for his life. He rushed to the door, and + no sooner saw the door open, than he ran out and threw the leader down, but could not + escape the other robbers, who with their scimitars soon deprived him of life.</p> + <p>The first care of the robbers after this was to examine the cave. They found all + the bags which Cassim had brought to the door, to be ready to load his mules, and + carried them again to their places, but they did not miss what Ali Baba had taken + away before. Then holding a council, and deliberating upon this occurrence, they + guessed that Cassim, when he was in, could no get out again, but could not imagine + how he had learned the secret words by which alone he could enter. They could not + deny the fact of his being there; and to terrify any person or accomplice who should + attempt the same thing, they agreed to cut Cassim's body into four quarters—to + hang two on one side, and two on the other, within the door of the cave. They had no + sooner taken this resolution than they put it in execution; and when they had nothing + more to detain them, left the place of their hoards well closed. They mounted their + horses, went to beat the roads again, and to attack the caravans they might meet. + <!-- Page 131 --><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131"></a></p> + <p>In the mean time, Cassim's wife was very uneasy when night came, and her husband + was not returned. She ran to Ali Baba in great alarm, and said, "I believe, + brother-in-law, that you know Cassim is gone to the forest, and upon what account; it + is now night, and he has not returned; I am afraid some misfortune has happened to + him." Ali Baba told her that she need not frighten herself, for that certainly Cassim + would not think it proper to come into the town till the night should be pretty far + advanced.</p> + <p>Cassim's wife, considering how much it concerned her husband to keep the business + secret, was the more easily persuaded to believe her brother-in-law. She went home + again, and waited patiently till midnight. Then her fear redoubled, and her grief was + the more sensible because she was forced to keep it to herself. She repented of her + foolish curiosity, and cursed her desire of prying into the affairs of her brother + and sister-in-law. She spent all the night in weeping; and as soon as it was day went + to them, telling them, by her tears, the cause of her coming.</p> + <p>Ali Baba did not wait for his sister-in-law to desire him to go to see what was + become of Cassim, but departed immediately with his three asses, begging of her first + to moderate her affliction. He went to the forest, and when he came near the rock, + having seen neither his brother nor the mules in his way, was seriously alarmed at + finding some blood spilt near the door, which he took for an ill omen; but when he + had pronounced the word, and the door had opened, he was struck with horror at the + dismal sight of his brother's body. He was not long in determining how he should pay + the last dues to his brother; but without adverting to the little fraternal affection + he had shown for him, went into the cave, to find something to enshroud his remains; + and having loaded one of his asses with them, covered them over with wood. The other + two asses he loaded with bags of gold, covering them with wood also as before; and + then bidding the door shut, came away; but was so cautious as to stop some time at + the end of the forest, that he might not go into the town before night. When he came + home, he drove the two asses loaded with gold into his little yard, and left the care + of unloading them to his wife, while he led the other to his sister-in-law's house. + <!-- Page 132 --><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132"></a></p> + <p>Ali Baba knocked at the door, which was opened by Morgiana, a clever, intelligent + slave, who was fruitful in inventions to meet the most difficult circumstances. When + he came into the court, he unloaded the ass, and taking Morgiana aside, said to her, + "You must observe an inviolable secrecy. Your master's body is contained in these two + panniers. We must bury him as if he had died a natural death. Go now and tell your + mistress. I leave the matter to your wit and skilful devices."<!-- Page 133 --><a + name="Page_133" id="Page_133"></a></p> + <p>Ali Baba helped to place the body in Cassim's house, again recommended to Morgiana + to act her part well, and then returned with his ass.</p> + <p>Morgiana went out early the next morning to a druggist, and asked for a sort of + lozenge which was considered efficacious in the most dangerous disorders. The + apothecary inquired who was ill? She replied, with a sigh, "Her good master Cassim + himself: and that he could neither eat nor speak." In the evening Morgiana went to + the same druggist's again, and with tears in her eyes, asked for an essence which + they used to give to sick people only when at the last extremity. "Alas!" said she, + taking it from the apothecary, "I am afraid that this remedy will have no better + effect than the lozenges; and that I shall lose my good master."</p> + <p>On the other hand, as Ali Baba and his wife were often seen to go between Cassim's + and their own house all that day, and to seem melancholy, nobody was surprised in the + evening to hear the lamentable shrieks and cries of Cassim's wife and Morgiana, who + gave out everywhere that her master was dead. The next morning at daybreak Morgiana + went to an old cobbler whom she knew to be always early at his stall, and bidding him + good-morrow, put a piece of gold into his hand, saying, "Baba Mustapha, you must + bring with you your sewing tackle, and come with me; but I must tell you, I shall + blindfold you when you come to such a place."</p> + <p>Baba Mustapha seemed to hesitate a little at these words. "Oh! oh!" replied he, + "you would have me do something against my conscience, or against my honour?" "God + forbid," said Morgiana, putting another piece of gold into his hand, "that I should + ask anything that is contrary to your honour! only come along with me and fear + nothing."<!-- Page 134 --><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134"></a></p> + <p>Baba Mustapha went with Morgiana, who, after she had bound his eyes with a + handkerchief at the place she had mentioned, conveyed him to her deceased master's + house, and never unloosed his eyes till he had entered the room where she had put the + corpse together. "Baba Mustapha," said she, "you must make haste and sew the parts of + this body together; and when you have done, I will give you another piece of + gold."</p> + <p>After Baba Mustapha had finished his task, she blindfolded him again, gave him the + third piece of gold as she had promised, and recommending secrecy to him carried him + back to the place where she first bound his eyes, pulled off the bandage, and let him + go home, but watched him that he returned toward his stall, till he was quite out of + sight, for fear he should have the curiosity to return and dodge her; she then went + home. Morgiana, on her return, warmed some water to wash the body, and at the same + time Ali Baba perfumed it with incense, and wrapped it in the burying clothes with + the accustomed ceremonies. Not long after the proper officer brought the bier, and + when the attendants of the mosque, whose business it was to wash the dead, offered to + perform their duty, she told them that it was done already. Shortly after this the + imaun and the other ministers of the mosque arrived. Four neighbours carried the + corpse to the burying-ground, following the imaun, who recited some prayers. Ali Baba + came after with some neighbours, who often relieved the others in carrying the bier + to the burying-ground. Morgiana, a slave to the deceased, followed in the procession, + weeping, beating her breast, and tearing her hair. Cassim's wife stayed at home + mourning, uttering lamentable cries with the women of the neighbourhood, who came, + according to custom, during the funeral, and joining their lamentations with hers + filled the quarter far and near with sounds of sorrow.<!-- Page 135 --><a + name="Page_135" id="Page_135"></a></p> + <p>In this manner Cassim's melancholy death was concealed and hushed up between Ali + Baba, his widow, and Morgiana, his slave, with so much contrivance that nobody in the + city had the least knowledge or suspicion of the cause of it. Three or four days + after the funeral, Ali Baba removed his few goods openly to his sister-in-law's + house, in which it was agreed that he should in future live; but the money he had + taken from the robbers he conveyed thither by night. As for Cassim's warehouse, he + entrusted it entirely to the management of his eldest son.</p> + <p>While these things were being done, the forty robbers again visited their retreat + in the forest. Great, then, was their surprise to find Cassim's body taken away, with + some of their bags of gold. "We are certainly discovered," said the captain. "The + removal of the body, and the loss of some of our money, plainly shows that the man + whom we killed had an accomplice: and for our own lives' sake we must try and find + him. What say you, my lads?"</p> + <p>All the robbers unanimously approved of the captain's proposal.<!-- Page 136 --><a + name="Page_136" id="Page_136"></a></p> + <p>"Well," said the captain, "one of you, the boldest and most skilful among you, + must go into the town, disguised as a traveller and a stranger, to try if he can hear + any talk of the man whom we have killed, and endeavour to find out who he was, and + where he lived. This is a matter of the first importance, and for fear of any + treachery, I propose that whoever undertakes this business without success, even + though the failure arises only from an error of judgment, shall suffer death."</p> + <p>Without waiting for the sentiments of his companions, one of the robbers started + up, and said, "I submit to this condition, and think it an honour to expose my life + to serve the troop."</p> + <p>After this robber had received great commendations from the captain and his + comrades, he disguised himself so that nobody would take him for what he was; and + taking his leave of the troop that night, went into the town just at daybreak; and + walked up and down, till accidentally he came to Baba Mustapha's stall, which was + always open before any of the shops.</p> + <p>Baba Mustapha was seated with an awl in his hand, just going to work. The robber + saluted him, bidding him good-morrow; and perceiving that he was old, said, "Honest + man, you begin to work very early: is it possible that one of your age can see so + well? I question, even if it were somewhat lighter, whether you could see to + stitch."</p> + <p>"You do not know me," replied Baba Mustapha; "for old as I am, I have + extraordinary good eyes; and you will not doubt it when I tell you that I sewed the + body of a dead man together in a place where I had not so much light as I have now." + <!-- Page 137 --><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137"></a></p> + <p>"A dead body!" exclaimed the robber, with affected amazement. "Yes, yes," answered + Baba Mustapha, "I see you want to have me speak out, but you shall know no more."</p> + <p>The robber felt sure that he had discovered what he sought. He pulled out a piece + of gold, and putting it into Baba Mustapha's hand, said to him, "I do not want to + learn your secret, though I can assure you you might safely trust me with it. The + only thing I desire of you is to show me the house where you stitched up the dead + body."</p> + <p>"If I were disposed to do you that favour," replied Baba Mustapha, "I assure you I + cannot. I was taken to a certain place, whence I was led blindfold to the house, and + afterward brought back again in the same manner; you see, therefore, the + impossibility of my doing what you desire."</p> + <p>"Well," replied the robber, "you may, however, remember a little of the way that + you were led blindfold. Come, let me blind your eyes at the same place. We will walk + together; perhaps you may recognise some part; and as everybody ought to be paid for + their trouble, there is another piece of gold for you; gratify me in what I ask you." + So saying, he put another piece of gold into his hand.</p> + <p>The two pieces of gold were great temptations to Baba Mustapha. He looked at them + a long time in his hand, without saying a word, but at last he pulled out his purse + and put them in. "I cannot promise," said he to the robber, "that I can remember the + way exactly; but since you desire, I will try what I can do." At these words Baba + Mustapha rose up, to the great joy of the robber, and led him to the place where + Morgiana had bound his eyes. "It was here," said Baba Mustapha, "I was blindfolded; + and I turned this way." The robber tied his handkerchief over his eyes, and walked by + him till he stopped directly at Cassim's house, where Ali Baba then lived. The thief, + before he pulled off the band, marked the door with a piece of chalk, which he had + ready in his hand, and then asked him if he knew whose house that was; to which Baba + Mustapha replied that as he did not live in that neighbourhood, he could not tell. + <!-- Page 138 --><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138"></a></p> + <p>The robber, finding he could discover no more from Baba Mustapha, thanked him for + the trouble he had taken, and left him to go back to his stall, while he returned to + the forest, persuaded that he should be very well received.</p> + <p>A little after the robber and Baba Mustapha had parted, Morgiana went out of Ali + Baba's house upon some errand, and upon her return, seeing the mark the robber had + made, stopped to observe it. "What can be the meaning of this mark?" said she to + herself; "somebody intends my master no good: however, with whatever intention it was + done, it is advisable to guard against the worst." Accordingly, she fetched a piece + of chalk, and marked two or three doors on each side, in the same manner, without + saying a word to her master or mistress.</p> + <p>In the mean time, the robber rejoined his troop in the forest, and recounted to + them his success; expatiating upon his good fortune, in meeting so soon with the only + person who could inform him of what he wanted to know. All the robbers listened to + him with the utmost satisfaction; when the captain, after commending his diligence, + addressing himself to them all, said, "Comrades, we have no time to lose: let us set + off well armed, without its appearing who we are; but that we may not excite any + suspicion, let only one or two go into the town together, and join at our rendezvous, + which shall be the great square. In the mean time, our comrade who brought us the + good news and I will go and find out the house, that we may consult what had best be + done."<!-- Page 139 --><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139"></a></p> + <p>This speech and plan was approved of by all, and they were soon ready. They filed + off in parties of two each, after some interval of time, and got into the town + without being in the least suspected. The captain, and he who had visited the town in + the morning as spy, came in the last. He led the captain into the street where he had + marked Ali Baba's residence; and when they came to the first of the houses which + Morgiana had marked, he pointed it out. But the captain observed that the next door + was chalked in the same manner and in the same place; and showing it to his guide, + asked him which house it was, that, or the first. The guide was so confounded, that + he knew not what answer to make; but still more puzzled, when he and the captain saw + five or six houses similarly marked. He assured the captain, with an oath, that he + had marked but one, and could not tell who had chalked the rest, so that he could not + distinguish the house which the cobbler had stopped at.</p> + <p>The captain, finding that their design had proved abortive, went directly to the + place of meeting, and told his troop that they had lost their labour, and must return + to their cave. He himself set them the example, and they all returned as they had + come.<!-- Page 140 --><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140"></a></p> + <p>When the troop was all got together, the captain told them the reason of their + returning; and presently the conductor was declared by all worthy of death. He + condemned himself, acknowledging that he ought to have taken better precaution, and + prepared to receive the stroke from him who was appointed to cut off his head.</p> + <p>But as the safety of the troop required the discovery of the second intruder into + the cave, another of the gang, who promised himself that he should succeed better, + presented himself, and his offer being accepted, he went and corrupted Baba Mustapha, + as the other had done; and being shown the house, marked it in a place more remote + from sight, with red chalk.</p> + <p>Not long after, Morgiana, whose eyes nothing could escape, went out, and seeing + the red chalk, and arguing with herself as she had done before, marked the other + neighbours' houses in the same place and manner.</p> + <p>The robber, at his return to his company, valued himself much on the precaution he + had taken, which he looked upon as an infallible way of distinguishing Ali Baba's + house from the others; and the captain and all of them thought it must succeed. They + conveyed themselves into the town with the same precaution as before; but when the + robber and his captain came to the street, they found the same difficulty; at which + the captain was enraged, and the robber in as great confusion as his predecessor. + <!-- Page 141 --><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141"></a></p> + <p>Thus the captain and his troop were forced to retire a second time, and much more + dissatisfied; while the robber who had been the author of the mistake underwent the + same punishment, to which he willingly submitted.</p> + <p>The captain, having lost two brave fellows of his troop, was afraid of diminishing + it too much by pursuing this plan to get information of the residence of their + plunderer. He found by their example that their heads were not so good as their hands + on such occasions; and therefore resolved to take upon himself the important + commission.</p> + <p>Accordingly, he went and addressed himself to Baba Mustapha, who did him the same + service he had done to the other robbers. He did not set any particular mark on the + house, but examined and observed it so carefully, by passing often by it, that it was + impossible for him to mistake it.</p> + <p>The captain, well satisfied with his attempt, and informed of what he wanted to + know, returned to the forest; and when he came into the cave, where the troop waited + for him, said, "Now, comrades, nothing can prevent our full revenge, as I am certain + of the house; and in my way hither I have thought how to put it into execution, but + if any one can form a better expedient, let him communicate it." He then told them + his contrivance; and as they approved of it, ordered them to go into the villages + about, and buy nineteen mules, with thirty-eight large leather jars, one full of oil, + and the others empty.</p> + <p>In two or three days' time the robbers had purchased the mules and jars, and as + the mouths of the jars were rather too narrow for his purpose, the captain caused + them to be widened, and after having put one of his men into each, with the weapons + which he thought fit, leaving open the seam which had been undone to leave them room + to breathe, he rubbed the jars on the outside with oil from the full vessel. + <!-- Page 142 --><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142"></a></p> + <p>Things being thus prepared, when the nineteen mules were loaded with thirty-seven + robbers in jars, and the jar of oil, the captain, as their driver, set out with them, + and reached the town by the dusk of the evening, as he had intended. He led them + through the streets, till he came to Ali Baba's, at whose door he designed to have + knocked; but was prevented by his sitting there after supper to take a little fresh + air. He stopped his mules, addressed himself to him, and said, "I have brought some + oil a great way, to sell at tomorrow's market; and it is now so late that I do not + know where to lodge. If I should not be troublesome to you, do me the favour to let + me pass the night with you, and I shall be very much obliged by your + hospitality."</p> + <p>Though Ali Baba had seen the captain of the robbers in the forest, and had heard + him speak, it was impossible to know him in the disguise of an oil merchant. He told + him he should be welcome, and immediately opened his gates for the mules to go into + the yard. At the same time he called to a slave, and ordered him, when the mules were + unloaded, to put them into the stable, and to feed them; and then went to Morgiana, + to bid her get a good supper for his guest. After they had finished supper, Ali Baba, + charging Morgiana afresh to take care of his guest, said to her, "To-morrow morning I + design to go to the bath before day; take care my bathing linen be ready, give them + to Abdalla (which was the slave's name), and make me some good broth against my + return." After this he went to bed.<!-- Page 143 --><a name="Page_143" + id="Page_143"></a></p> + <p>In the mean time the captain of the robbers went into the yard, and took off the + lid of each jar, and gave his people orders what to do. Beginning at the first jar, + and so on to the last, he said to each man: "As soon as I throw some stones out of + the chamber window where I lie, do not fail to come out, and I will immediately join + you." After this he returned into the house, when Morgiana, taking up a light, + conducted him to his chamber, where she left him; and he, to avoid any suspicion, put + the light out soon after, and laid himself down in his clothes, that he might be the + more ready to rise.</p> + <p>Morgiana, remembering Ali Baba's orders, got his bathing linen ready, and ordered + Abdalla to set on the pot for the broth; but while she was preparing it the lamp went + out, and there was no more oil in the house, nor any candles. What to do she did not + know, for the broth must be made. Abdalla, seeing her very uneasy, said, "Do not fret + and tease yourself, but go into the yard, and take some oil out of one of the + jars."</p> + <p>Morgiana thanked Abdalla for his advice, took the oil-pot, and went into the yard; + when, as she came nigh the first jar, the robber within said softly, "Is it + time?"</p> + <p>Though naturally much surprised at finding a man in the jar instead of the oil she + wanted, she immediately felt the importance of keeping silence, as Ali Baba, his + family, and herself were in great danger; and collecting herself, without showing the + least emotion, she answered, "Not yet, but presently." She went quietly in this + manner to all the jars, giving the same answer, till she came to the jar of oil. + <!-- Page 144 --><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144"></a></p> + <p>By this means Morgiana found that her master Ali Baba had admitted thirty-eight + robbers into his house, and that this pretended oil merchant was their captain. She + made what haste she could to fill her oil-pot, and returned into her kitchen, where, + as soon as she had lighted her lamp, she took a great kettle, went again to the + oil-jar, filled the kettle, set it on a large wood fire, and as soon as it boiled + went and poured enough into every jar to stifle and destroy the robber within.</p> + <p>When this action, worthy of the courage of Morgiana, was executed without any + noise, as she had projected, she returned into the kitchen with the empty kettle; and + having put out the great fire she had made to boil the oil, and leaving just enough + to make the broth, put out the lamp also, and remained silent, resolving not to go to + rest till she had observed what might follow through a window of the kitchen, which + opened into the yard.</p> + <p>She had not waited long before the captain of the robbers got up, opened the + window, and finding no light, and hearing no noise, or any one stirring in the house, + gave the appointed signal, by throwing little stones, several of which hit the jars, + as he doubted not by the sound they gave. He then listened, but not hearing or + perceiving anything whereby he could judge that his companions stirred, he began to + grow very uneasy, threw stones again a second and also a third time, and could not + comprehend the reason that none of them should answer his signal. Much alarmed, he + went softly down into the yard, and going to the first jar, while asking the robber, + whom he thought alive, if he was in readiness, smelt the hot boiled oil, which sent + forth a steam out of the jar. Hence he suspected that his plot to murder Ali Baba, + and plunder his house, was discovered. Examining all the jars, one after another, he + found that all his gang were dead; and, enraged to despair at having failed in his + design, he forced the lock of a door that led from the yard to the garden, and + climbing over the walls made his escape.<!-- Page 145 --><a name="Page_145" + id="Page_145"></a></p> + <p>When Morgiana saw him depart, she went to bed, satisfied and pleased to have + succeeded so well in saving her master and family.</p> + <p>Ali Baba rose before day, and, followed by his slave, went to the baths, entirely + ignorant of the important event which had happened at home.</p> + <p>When he returned from the baths, he was very much surprised to see the oil-jars, + and that the merchant was not gone with the mules. He asked Morgiana, who opened the + door, the reason of it. "My good master," answered she, "God preserve you and all + your family. You will be better informed of what you wish to know when you have seen + what I have to show you, if you will follow me."</p> + <p>As soon as Morgiana had shut the door, Ali Baba followed her, when she requested + him to look into the first jar, and see if there was any oil. Ali Baba did so, and + seeing a man, started back in alarm, and cried out. "Do not be afraid," said Morgiana + "the man you see there can neither do you nor anybody else any harm. He is dead." + "Ah, Morgiana," said Ali Baba, "what is it you show me? Explain yourself." "I will," + replied Morgiana. "Moderate your astonishment, and do not excite the curiosity of + your neighbours; for it is of great importance to keep this affair secret. Look into + all the other jars."<!-- Page 146 --><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146"></a></p> + <p>Ali Baba examined all the other jars, one after another; and when he came to that + which had the oil in it, found it prodigiously sunk, and stood for some time + motionless, sometimes looking at the jars, and sometimes at Morgiana, without saying + a word, so great was his surprise. At last, when he had recovered himself, he said, + "And what is become of the merchant?"</p> + <p>"Merchant!" answered she; "he is as much one as I am. I will tell you who he is, + and what is become of him; but you had better hear the story in your own chamber; for + it is time for your health that you had your broth after your bathing."</p> + <p>Morgiana then told him all she had done, from the first observing the mark upon + the house, to the destruction of the robbers, and the flight of their captain.</p> + <p>On hearing of these brave deeds from the lips of Morgiana, Ali Baba said to + her—"God, by your means, has delivered me from the snares these robbers laid + for my destruction. I owe, therefore, my life to you; and, for the first token of my + acknowledgment, give you your liberty from this moment, till I can complete your + recompense as I intend."<!-- Page 147 --><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147"></a></p> + <p>Ali Baba's garden was very long, and shaded at the further end by a great number + of large trees. Near these he and the slave Abdalla dug a trench, long and wide + enough to hold the bodies of the robbers; and as the earth was light, they were not + long in doing it. When this was done, Ali Baba hid the jars and weapons; and as he + had no occasion for the mules, he sent them at different times to be sold in the + market by his slave.</p> + <p>While Ali Baba took these measures, the captain of the forty robbers returned to + the forest with inconceivable mortification. He did not stay long; the loneliness of + the gloomy cavern became frightful to him. He determined, however, to avenge the fate + of his companions, and to accomplish the death of Ali Baba. For this purpose he + returned to the town, and took a lodging in a khan, and disguised himself as a + merchant in silks. Under this assumed character, he gradually conveyed a great many + sorts of rich stuffs and fine linen to his lodging from the cavern, but with all the + necessary precautions to conceal the place whence he brought them. In order to + dispose of the merchandise, when he had thus amassed them together, he took a + warehouse, which happened to be opposite to Cassim's, which Ali Baba's son had + occupied since the death of his uncle.</p> + <p>He took the name of Cogia Houssain, and, as a new-comer, was, according to custom, + extremely civil and complaisant to all the merchants his neighbours. Ali Baba's son + was, from his vicinity, one of the first to converse with Cogia Houssain, who strove + to cultivate his friendship more particularly. Two or three days after he was + settled, Ali Baba came to see his son, and the captain of the robbers recognised him + at once, and soon learned from his son who he was. After this he increased his + assiduities, caressed him in the most engaging manner, made him some small presents, + and often asked him to dine and sup with him, when he treated him very handsomely. + <!-- Page 148 --><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148"></a></p> + <p>Ali Baba's son did not choose to lie under such obligation to Cogia Houssain; but + was so much straitened for want of room in his house, that he could not entertain + him. He therefore acquainted his father, Ali Baba, with his wish to invite him in + return.</p> + <p>Ali Baba with great pleasure took the treat upon himself. "Son," said he, + "to-morrow being Friday, which is a day that the shops of such great merchants as + Cogia Houssain and yourself are shut, get him to accompany you, and as you pass by my + door, call in. I will go and order Morgiana to provide a supper."</p> + <p>The next day Ali Baba's son and Cogia Houssain met by appointment, took their + walk, and as they returned, Ali Baba's son led Cogia Houssain through the street + where his father lived, and when they came to the house, stopped and knocked at the + door. "This, sir," said he, "is my father's house, who, from the account I have given + him of your friendship, charged me to procure him the honour of your acquaintance; + and I desire you to add this pleasure to those for which I am already indebted to + you."</p> + <p>Though it was the sole aim of Cogia Houssain to introduce himself into Ali Baba's + house, that he might kill him, without hazarding his own life or making any noise, + yet he excused himself, and offered to take his leave; but a slave having opened the + door, Ali Baba's son took him obligingly by the hand, and, in a manner, forced him + in.<!-- Page 149 --><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149"></a></p> + <p>Ali Baba received Cogia Houssain with a smiling countenance, and in the most + obliging manner he could wish. He thanked him for all the favours he had done his + son; adding withal, the obligation was the greater, as he was a young man, not much + acquainted with the world, and that he might contribute to his information.</p> + <p>Cogia Houssain returned the compliment by assuring Ali Baba that though his son + might not have acquired the experience of older men, he had good sense equal to the + experience of many others. After a little more conversation on different subjects, he + offered again to take his leave, when Ali Baba, stopping him, said, "Where are you + going, sir, in so much haste? I beg you would do me the honour to sup with me, though + my entertainment may not be worthy your acceptance; such as it is, I heartily offer + it." "Sir," replied Cogia Houssain, "I am thoroughly persuaded of your good-will; but + the truth is, I can eat no victuals that have any salt in them; therefore judge how I + should feel at your table." "If that is the only reason," said Ali Baba, "it ought + not to deprive me of the honour of your company; for, in the first place, there is no + salt ever put into my bread, and as to the meat we shall have to-night, I promise you + there shall be none in that. Therefore you must do me the favour to stay. I will + return immediately."<!-- Page 150 --><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150"></a></p> + <p>Ali Baba went into the kitchen, and ordered Morgiana to put no salt to the meat + that was to be dressed that night; and to make quickly two or three ragouts besides + what he had ordered, but be sure to put no salt in them.</p> + <p>Morgiana, who was always ready to obey her master, could not help being surprised + at his strange order. "Who is this strange man," said she, "who eats no salt with his + meat? Your supper will be spoiled, if I keep it back so long." "Do not be angry, + Morgiana," replied Ali Baba; "he is an honest man, therefore do as I bid you."</p> + <p>Morgiana obeyed, though with no little reluctance, and had a curiosity to see this + man who ate no salt. To this end, when she had finished what she had to do in the + kitchen, she helped Abdalla to carry up the dishes; and looking at Cogia Houssain, + knew him at first sight, notwithstanding his disguise, to be the captain of the + robbers, and examining him very carefully, perceived that he had a dagger under his + garment. "I am not in the least amazed," said she to herself, "that this wicked man, + who is my master's greatest enemy, would eat no salt with him, since he intends to + assassinate him; but I will prevent him."</p> + <p>Morgiana, while they were at supper, determined in her own mind to execute one of + the boldest acts ever meditated. When Abdalla came for the dessert of fruit, and had + put it with the wine and glasses before Ali Baba, Morgiana retired, dressed herself + neatly, with a suitable head-dress like a dancer, girded her waist with a silver-gilt + girdle, to which there hung a poniard with a hilt and guard of the same metal, and + put a handsome mask on her face. When she had thus disguised herself, she said to + Abdalla, "Take your tabour, and let us go and divert our master and his son's friend, + as we do sometimes when he is alone."<!-- Page 151 --><a name="Page_151" + id="Page_151"></a></p> + <p>Abdalla took his tabour and played all the way into the hall before Morgiana, who, + when she came to the door, made a low obeisance by way of asking leave to exhibit her + skill, while Abdalla left off playing. "Come in, Morgiana," said Ali Baba, "and let + Cogia Houssain see what you can do, that he may tell us what he thinks of your + performance."</p> + <p>Cogia Houssain, who did not expect this diversion after supper, began to fear he + should not be able to take advantage of the opportunity he thought he had found; but + hoped, if he now missed his aim, to secure it another time, by keeping up a friendly + correspondence with the father and son; therefore, though he could have wished Ali + Baba would have declined the dance, he pretended to be obliged to him for it, and had + the complaisance to express his satisfaction at what he said, which pleased his + host.</p> + <p>As soon as Abdalla saw that Ali Baba and Cogia Houssain had done talking, he began + to play on the tabour, and accompanied it with an air, to which Morgiana, who was an + excellent performer, danced in such a manner as would have created admiration in any + company.</p> + <p>After she had danced several dances with much grace, she drew the poniard, and + holding it in her hand, began a dance, in which she outdid herself by the many + different figures, light movements, and the surprising leaps and wonderful exertions + with which she accompanied it. Sometimes she presented the poniard to one breast, + sometimes to another, and oftentimes seemed to strike her own. At last, she snatched + the tabour from Abdalla with her left hand, and holding the dagger in her right + presented the other side of the tabour, after the manner of those who get a + livelihood by dancing, and solicit the liberality of the spectators. + <!-- Page 152 --><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152"></a></p> + <p>Ali Baba put a piece of gold into the tabour, as did also his son; and Cogia + Houssain seeing that she was coming to him, had pulled his purse out of his bosom to + make her a present; but while he was putting his hand into it, Morgiana, with a + courage and resolution worthy of herself, plunged the poniard into his heart.</p> + <p>Ali Baba and his son, shocked at this action, cried out aloud. "Unhappy woman!" + exclaimed Ali Baba, "what have you done to ruin me and my family?" "It was to + preserve, not to ruin you," answered Morgiana; "for see here," continued she, opening + the pretended Cogia Houssain's garment, and showing the dagger, "what an enemy you + had entertained? Look well at him, and you will find him to be both the fictitious + oil merchant, and the captain of the gang of forty robbers. Remember, too, that he + would eat no salt with you; and what would you have more to persuade you of his + wicked design? Before I saw him, I suspected him as soon as you told me you had such + a guest. I knew him, and you now find that my suspicion was not groundless."</p> + <p>Ali Baba, who immediately felt the new obligation he had to Morgiana for saving + his life a second time, embraced her: "Morgiana," said he, "I gave you your liberty, + and then promised you that my gratitude should not stop there, but that I would soon + give you higher proofs of its sincerity, which I now do by making you my + daughter-in-law." Then addressing himself to his son, he said, "I believe you, son, + to be so dutiful a child, that you will not refuse Morgiana for your wife. You see + that Cogia Houssain sought your friendship with a treacherous design to take away my + life; and if he had succeeded, there is no doubt but he would have sacrificed you + also to his revenge. Consider, that by marrying Morgiana you marry the preserver of + my family and your own,"<!-- Page 153 --><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153"></a></p> + <p>The son, far from showing any dislike, readily consented to the marriage; not only + because he would not disobey his father, but also because it was agreeable to his + inclination. After this they thought of burying the captain of the robbers with his + comrades, and did it so privately that nobody discovered their bones till many years + after, when no one had any concern in the publication of this remarkable history. A + few days afterward, Ali Baba celebrated the nuptials of his son and Morgiana with + great solemnity, a sumptuous feast, and the usual dancing and spectacles; and had the + satisfaction to see that his friends and neighbours, whom he invited, had no + knowledge of the true motives of the marriage; but that those who were not + unacquainted with Morgiana's good qualities commended his generosity and goodness of + heart Ali Baba did not visit the robbers' cave for a whole year, as he supposed the + other two, whom he could get no account of, might be alive.<!-- Page 154 --><a + name="Page_154" id="Page_154"></a></p> + <p>At the year's end, when he found they had not made any attempt to disturb him, he + had the curiosity to make another journey. He mounted his horse, and when he came to + the cave he alighted, tied his horse to a tree, then approaching the entrance, and + pronouncing the words, "Open, Sesame!" the door opened. He entered the cavern, and by + the condition he found things in, judged that nobody had been there since the captain + had fetched the goods for his shop. From this time he believed he was the only person + in the world who had the secret of opening the cave, and that all the treasure was at + his sole disposal. He put as much gold into his saddle-bag as his horse would carry, + and returned to town. Some years later he carried his son to the cave and taught him + the secret, which he handed down to his posterity, who, using their good fortune with + moderation, lived in great honour and splendour.</p> + <p><a id="F1" name="F1">[1]</a> "Sesame" is a small grain</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII</h2> + <!-- Page 155 --><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155"></a> + <h3>THE SECOND VOYAGE OF SINDBAD THE SAILOR</h3> + <p>I designed, after my first voyage, to spend the rest of my days at Bagdad, but it + was not long ere I grew weary of an indolent life, and I put to sea a second time, + with merchants of known probity. We embarked on board a good ship, and, after + recommending ourselves to God, set sail. We traded from island to island, and + exchanged commodities with great profit. One day we landed on an island covered with + several sorts of fruit trees, but we could see neither man nor animal. We walked in + the meadows, along the streams that watered them. While some diverted themselves with + gathering flowers, and others fruits, I took my wine and provisions, and sat down + near a stream betwixt two high trees, which formed a thick shade. I made a good meal, + and afterward fell asleep. I cannot tell how long I slept, but when I awoke the ship + was gone.</p> + <p>In this sad condition, I was ready to die with grief. I cried out in agony, beat + my head and breast, and threw myself upon the ground, where I lay some time in + despair. I upbraided myself a hundred times for not being content with the produce of + my first voyage, that might have sufficed me all my life. But all this was in vain, + and my repentance came too late. At last I resigned myself to the will of God. Not + knowing what to do, I climbed up to the top of a lofty tree, from whence I looked + about on all sides, to see if I could discover anything that could give me hopes. + When I gazed toward the sea I could see nothing but sky and water; but looking over + the land, I beheld something white; and coming down, I took what provision I had left + and went toward it, the distance being so great, that I could not distinguish what it + was.<!-- Page 156 --><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156"></a></p> + <p>As I approached, I thought it to be a white dome, of a prodigious height and + extent; and when I came up to it, I touched it, and found it to be very smooth. I + went round to see if it was open on any side, but saw it was not, and that there was + no climbing up to the top, as it was so smooth. It was at least fifty paces + round.</p> + <p>By this time the sun was about to set, and all of a sudden the sky became as dark + as if it had been covered with a thick cloud. I was much astonished at this sudden + darkness, but much more when I found it occasioned by a bird of a monstrous size, + that came flying toward me. I remembered that I had often heard mariners speak of a + miraculous bird called the Roc, and conceived that the great dome which I so much + admired must be its egg. In short, the bird alighted, and sat over the egg. As I + perceived her coming, I crept close to the egg, so that I had before me one of the + legs of the bird, which was as big as the trunk of a tree. I tied myself strongly to + it with my turban, in hopes that the roc next morning would carry me with her out of + this desert island. After having passed the night in this condition, the bird flew + away as soon as it was daylight, and carried me so high, that I could not discern the + earth; she afterward descended with so much rapidity that I lost my senses. But when + I found myself on the ground, I speedily untied the knot, and had scarcely done so, + when the roc, having taken up a serpent of a monstrous length in her bill, flew away. + <!-- Page 157 --><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157"></a></p> + <p>The spot where it left me was encompassed on all sides by mountains, that seemed + to reach above the clouds, and so steep that there was no possibility of getting out + of the valley. This was a new perplexity; so that when I compared this place with the + desert island from which the roc had brought me, I found that I had gained nothing by + the change.</p> + <p>As I walked through this valley, I perceived it was strewed with diamonds, some of + which were of surprising bigness. I took pleasure in looking upon them; but shortly + saw at a distance such objects as greatly diminished my satisfaction, and which I + could not view without terror, namely, a great number of serpents, so monstrous that + the least of them was capable of swallowing an elephant. They retired in the day-time + to their dens, where they hid themselves from the roc, their enemy, and came out only + in the night.</p> + <p>I spent the day in walking about in the valley, resting myself at times in such + places as I thought most convenient. When night came on I went into I cave, where I + thought I might repose in safety. I secured the entrance, which was low and narrow, + with a great stone, to preserve me from the serpents; but not so far as to exclude + the light. I supped on part of my provisions, but the serpents, which began hissing + round me, put me into such extreme fear that I did not sleep. When day appeared the + serpents retired, and I came out of the cave trembling. I can justly say that I + walked upon diamonds without feeling any inclination to touch them. At last I sat + down, and notwithstanding my apprehensions, not having closed my eyes during the + night, fell asleep, after having eaten a little more of my provisions. But I had + scarcely shut my eyes when something that fell by me with a great noise awaked me. + This was a large piece of raw meat; and at the same time I saw several others fall + down from the rocks in different places.<!-- Page 158 --><a name="Page_158" + id="Page_158"></a></p> + <p>I had always regarded as fabulous what I had heard sailors and others relate of + the valley of diamonds, and of the stratagems employed by merchants to obtain jewels + from thence; but now I found that they had stated nothing but the truth. For the fact + is, that the merchants come to the neighbourhood of this valley, when the eagles have + young ones, and throwing great joints of meat into the valley, the diamonds, upon + whose points they fall, stick to them; the eagles, which are stronger in this country + than anywhere else, pounce with great force upon those pieces of meat, and carry them + to their nests on the precipices of the rocks to feed their young: the merchants at + this time run to their nests, disturb and drive off the eagles by their shouts, and + take away the diamonds that stick to the meat.</p> + <p>I perceived in this device the means of my deliverance.</p> + <p>Having collected together the largest diamonds I could find, I put them into the + leather bag in which I used to carry my provisions, I took the largest of the pieces + of meat, tied it close round me with the cloth of my turban, and then laid myself + upon the ground, with my face downward, the bag of diamonds being made fast to my + girdle.<!-- Page 159 --><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159"></a></p> + <p>I had scarcely placed myself in this posture when one of the eagles, having taken + me up with the piece of meat to which I was fastened, carried me to his nest on the + top of the mountain. The merchants immediately began their shouting to frighten the + eagles; and when they had obliged them to quit their prey, one of them came to the + nest where I was. He was much alarmed when he saw me; but recovering himself, instead + of inquiring how I came thither, began to quarrel with me, and asked why I stole his + goods? "You will treat me," replied I, "with more civility, when you know me better. + Do not be uneasy; I have diamonds enough for you and myself, more than all the other + merchants together. Whatever they have they owe to chance; but I selected for myself, + in the bottom of the valley, those which you see in this bag, "I had scarcely done + speaking, when the other merchants came crowding about us, much astonished to see me; + but they were much more surprised when I told them my story.</p> + <p>They conducted me to their encampment; and there having opened my bag, they were + surprised at the largeness of my diamonds, and confessed that they had never seen any + of such size and perfection. I prayed the merchant who owned the nest to which I had + been carried (for every merchant had his own) to take as many for his share as he + pleased. He contented himself with one, and that, too, the least of them; and when I + pressed him to take more, without fear of doing me any injury, "No," said he, "I am + very well satisfied with this, which is valuable enough to save me the trouble of + making any more voyages, and will raise as great a fortune as I desire." + <!-- Page 160 --><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160"></a></p> + <p>I spent the night with the merchants, to whom I related my story a second time, + for the satisfaction of those who had not heard it, I could not moderate my joy when + I found myself delivered from the danger I have mentioned. I thought myself in a + dream, and could scarcely believe myself out of danger.</p> + <p>The merchants had thrown their pieces of meat into the valley for several days; + and each of them being satisfied with the diamonds that had fallen to his lot, we + left the place the next morning, and travelled near high mountains, where there were + serpents of a prodigious length, which we had the good fortune to escape. We took + shipping at the first port we reached, and touched at the isle of Roha, where the + trees grow that yield camphire. This tree is so large, and its branches so thick, + that one hundred men may easily sit under its shade. The juice, of which the camphire + is made, exudes from a hole bored in the upper part of the tree, and is received in a + vessel, where it thickens to a consistency, and becomes what we call camphire. After + the juice is thus drawn out, the tree withers and dies.</p> + <p>In this island is also found the rhinoceros, an animal less than the elephant, but + larger than the buffalo. It has a horn upon its nose, about a cubit in length; this + horn is solid, and cleft through the middle. The rhinoceros fights with the elephant, + runs his horn into his belly, and carries him off upon his head; but the blood and + the fat of the elephant running into his eyes and making him blind, he falls to the + ground; and then, strange to relate, the roc comes and carries them both away in her + claws, for food for her young ones.<!-- Page 161 --><a name="Page_161" + id="Page_161"></a></p> + <p>I pass over many other things peculiar to this island, lest I should weary you. + Here I exchanged some of my diamonds for merchandise. From hence we went to other + islands, and at last, having touched at several trading towns of the continent, we + landed at Bussorah, from whence I proceeded to Bagdad. There I immediately gave large + presents to the poor, and lived honourably upon the vast riches I had brought, and + gained with so much fatigue.</p> + <p>Thus Sindbad ended the relation of the second voyage, gave Hindbad another hundred + sequins, and invited him to come the next day to hear the account of the third.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII</h2> + <!-- Page 162 --><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162"></a> + <h3>THE WHITE CAT</h3> + <p>There was once a king who had three sons, all remarkably handsome in their + persons, and in their tempers brave and noble. Some wicked courtiers made the king + believe that the princes were impatient to wear the crown, and that they were + contriving a plot to deprive him of his sceptre and his kingdom. The king felt he was + growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he + had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of + his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once + to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they + might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner. He sent for them to his cabinet, and + after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, + that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to + state affairs. I fear this may be injurious to my subjects; I therefore desire to + place my crown on the head of one of you, but it is no more than just, that in return + for such a present, you should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I + leave the Capital for ever. I cannot help thinking, that a little dog, that is + handsome, faithful, and engaging, would be the very thing to make me happy; so that + without bestowing a preference on either of you, I declare that he who brings me the + most perfect little dog shall be my successor." The princes were much surprised at + the fancy of their father to have a little dog, yet they accepted the proposition + with pleasure: and accordingly, after taking leave of the king, who presented them + with abundance of money and jewels, and appointed that day twelvemonth for their + return, they set off on their travels.<!-- Page 163 --><a name="Page_163" + id="Page_163"></a></p> + <p>Before taking leave of each other, however, they took some refreshment together, + in an old palace about three miles out of town where they agreed to meet in the same + place on that day twelvemonth, and go all together with their presents to court. They + also agreed to change their names, that they might be unknown to every one in their + travels.</p> + <p>Each took a different road; but it is intended to relate the adventures of only + the youngest, who was the handsomest, most amiable, and accomplished prince that had + ever been seen. No day passed, as he travelled from town to town, that he did not buy + all the handsome dogs that fell in his way; and as soon as he saw one that was + handsomer than those he had before, he made a present of the last; for twenty + servants would have been scarcely sufficient to take care of all the dogs he was + continually buying.</p> + <p>At length, wandering he knew not whither, he found himself in a forest; night + suddenly came on, and with it a violent storm of thunder, lightning, and rain. To add + to his perplexity, he lost his path, and could find no way out of the forest. After + he had groped about for a long time, he perceived a light, which made him suppose + that he was not far from some house: he accordingly pursued his way towards it, and + in a short time found himself at the gates of the most magnificent palace he ever + beheld. The door that opened into it was made of gold, covered with sapphire stones, + which cast so resplendent a brightness over everything around, that scarcely could + the strongest eyesight bear to look at it. This was the light the prince had seen + from the forest. The walls of the building were of transparent porcelain, variously + coloured, and represented the history of all the fairies that had existed from the + beginning of the world. The prince coming back to the golden door, observed a deer's + foot fastened to a chain of diamonds; he could not help wondering at the magnificence + he beheld, and the security in which the inhabitants seemed to live; "for," said he + to himself, "nothing can be easier than for thieves to steal this chain, and as many + of the sapphire stones as would make their fortunes." He pulled the chain, and heard + a bell the sound of which was exquisite. In a few moments the door was opened; but he + perceived nothing but twelve hands in the air, each holding a torch. The prince was + so astonished that he durst not move a step; when he felt himself gently pushed on by + some other hands from behind him. He walked on, in great perplexity, till he entered + a vestibule inlaid with porphyry and lapis-stone. There the most melodious voice he + had ever heard chanted the following words:<!-- Page 164 --><a name="Page_164" + id="Page_164"></a></p> + <p><!-- Page 165 --><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165"></a></p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i-4">"Welcome, prince, no danger fear,<br /> + <br /> + </span> <span>Mirth and love attend you here;</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>You shall break the magic spell,</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>That on a beauteous lady fell.</span><br /> + <br /> + </div> + </div> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i-4">"Welcome, prince, no danger fear,<br /> + <br /> + </span> <span>Mirth and love attend you here,"</span><br /> + <br /> + </div> + </div> + + <p>The prince now advanced with confidence, wondering what these words could mean; + the hands moved him forward towards a large door of coral, which opened of itself to + give him admittance into a splendid apartment built of mother-of-pearl, through which + he passed into others so richly adorned with paintings and jewels, and so + resplendently lighted with thousands of lamps, girandoles and lustres, that the + prince imagined he must be in an enchanted palace. When he had passed through sixty + apartments, all equally splendid, he was stopped by the hands, and a large easy-chair + advanced of itself towards the chimney; and the hands, which he observed were + extremely white and delicate, took off his wet clothes, and supplied their place with + the finest linen imaginable, and then added a commodious wrapping-gown, embroidered + with the brightest gold, and all over enriched with pearls. The hands next brought + him an elegant dressing-table, and combed his hair so very gently that he scarcely + felt their touch. They held before him a beautiful basin, filled with perfumes, for + him to wash his face and hands, and afterwards took off the wrapping-gown and dressed + him in a suit of clothes of still greater splendour. When his dress was complete, + they conducted him to an apartment he had not yet seen, and which also was + magnificently furnished. There was in it a table spread for a repast, and everything + upon it was of the purest gold adorned with jewels. The prince observed there were + two covers set, and was wondering who was to be his companion, when his attention was + suddenly caught by a small figure not a foot high, which just then entered the room, + and advanced towards him. It had on a long black veil, and was supported by two cats + dressed in mourning, and with swords by their sides: they were followed by a numerous + retinue of cats, some carrying cages full of rats and others mousetraps full of mice. + <!-- Page 166 --><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166"></a></p> + <p>The prince was at a loss what to think. The little figure now approached, and + throwing aside her veil, he beheld a most beautiful white cat. She seemed young and + melancholy, and addressing herself to the prince, she said, "Young prince, you are + welcome; your presence affords me the greatest pleasure." "Madam," replied the + prince, "I would fain thank you for your generosity, nor can I help observing that + you must be an extraordinary creature to possess with your present form the gift of + speech and the magnificent palace I have seen." "All this is very true," answered the + beautiful cat, "but, prince, I am not fond of talking, and least of all do I like + compliments; let us therefore sit down to supper." The trunkless hands then placed + the dishes on the table, and the prince and white cat seated themselves. The first + dish was a pie made of young pigeons, and the next was a fricassee of the fattest + mice. The view of the one made the prince almost afraid to taste the other till the + white cat, who guessed his thoughts, assured him that there were certain dishes at + table in which there was not a morsel of either rat or mouse, which had been dressed + on purpose for him. Accordingly he ate heartily of such as she recommended. When + supper was over, the prince perceived that the white cat had a portrait set in gold + hanging to one of her feet. He begged her permission to look at it; when, to his + astonishment, he saw the portrait of a handsome young man, that exactly resembled + himself! He thought there was something very extraordinary in all this: yet, as the + white cat sighed and looked very sorrowful, he did not venture to ask any questions. + He conversed with her on different subjects, and found her extremely well versed in + every thing that was passing in the world. When night was far advanced, the white cat + wished him a good night, and he was conducted by the hands to his bedchamber, which + was different still from any thing he had seen in the palace, being hung with the + wings of butterflies, mixed with the most curious feathers. His bed was of gauze, + festooned with bunches of the gayest ribands, and the looking-glasses reached from + the floor to the ceiling. The prince was undressed and put into bed by the hands, + without speaking a word. He however slept little, and in the morning was awaked by a + confused noise. The hands took him out of bed, and put on him a handsome + hunting-jacket. He looked into the court-yard, and perceived more than five hundred + cats, busily employed in preparing for the field, for this was a day of festival. + Presently the white cat came to his apartment; and having politely inquired after his + health, she invited him to partake of their amusement. The prince willingly accepted, + mounted a wooden horse, richly caparisoned, which had been prepared for him, and + which he was assured would gallop to admiration. The beautiful white cat mounted a + monkey, dressed in a dragoon's bonnet, which made her look so fierce that all the + rats and mice ran away in the utmost terror.<!-- Page 167 --><a name="Page_167" + id="Page_167"></a><!-- Page 168 --><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168"></a></p> + <p>Every thing being ready, the horns sounded, and away they went; no hunting was + ever more agreeable; the cats ran faster than the hares and rabbits; and when they + caught any they were hunted in the presence of the white cat, and a thousand cunning + tricks were played. Nor were the birds in safety; for the monkey made nothing of + climbing up the trees, with the white cat on his back, to the nest of the young + eagles. When the hunting was over, the whole retinue returned to the palace; and the + white cat immediately exchanged her dragoon's cap for the veil, and sat down to + supper with the prince, who, being very hungry, ate heartily, and afterwards partook + with her of the most delicious liqueurs, which being often repeated made him forget + that he was to procure a little dog for the old king. He thought no longer of any + thing but of pleasing the sweet little creature who received him so courteously; + accordingly every day was spent in new amusements. The prince had almost forgotten + his country and relations, and sometimes even regretted that he was not a cat, so + great was his affection for his mewing companions. "Alas!" said he to the white cat, + "how will it afflict me to leave you whom I love so much! Either make yourself a + lady, or make me a cat." She smiled at the prince's wish, but made him scarcely any + reply. At length the twelvemonth was nearly expired; the white cat, who knew the very + day when the prince was to reach his father's palace, reminded him that he had but + three days longer to look for a perfect little dog. The prince, astonished at his own + forgetfulness, began to afflict himself; when the cat told him not to be so + sorrowful, since she would not only provide him with a little dog, but also with a + wooden horse which should convey him safely in less than twelve hours. "Look here," + said she, showing him an acorn, "this contains what you desire." The prince put the + acorn to his ear, and heard the barking of a little dog. Transported with joy, he + thanked the cat a thousand times, and the next day, bidding her tenderly adieu, he + set out on his return.<!-- Page 169 --><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169"></a></p> + <p>The prince arrived first at the place of rendezvous, and was soon joined by his + brothers; they mutually embraced, and began to give an account of their success; when + the youngest showed them only a little mongrel cur, telling them he thought it could + not fail to please the king from its extraordinary beauty, the brothers trod on each + other's toes under the table; as much as to say, we have not much to fear from this + sorry looking animal. The next day they went together to the palace. The dogs of the + two elder princes were lying on cushions, and so curiously wrapped around with + embroidered quilts, that one would scarcely venture to touch them. The youngest + produced his cur, dirty all over, and all wondered how the prince could hope to + receive a crown for such a present. The king examined the two little dogs of the + elder princes, and declared he thought them so equally beautiful that he knew not to + which, with justice, he could give the preference. They accordingly began to dispute; + when the youngest prince, taking his acorn from his pocket, soon ended their + contention; for a little dog appeared which could with ease go through the smallest + ring, and was besides a miracle of beauty. The king could not possibly hesitate in + declaring his satisfaction; yet, as he was not more inclined than the year before to + part with his crown, he could think of nothing more to his purpose than telling his + sons that he was extremely obliged to them for the pains they had taken; and that + since they had succeeded so well, he could not but wish they would make a second + attempt; he therefore begged they would take another year for procuring him a piece + of cambric, so fine as to be drawn through the eye of a small needle. + <!-- Page 170 --><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170"></a></p> + <p>The three princes thought this very hard; yet they set out in obedience to the + king's command. The two eldest took different roads, and the youngest remounted his + wooden horse, and in a short time arrived at the palace of his beloved white cat, who + received him with the greatest joy, while the trunkless hands helped him to dismount, + and provided him with immediate refreshments; after which the prince gave the white + cat an account of the admiration which had been bestowed on the beautiful little dog, + and informed her of his father's farther injunction. "Make yourself perfectly easy, + dear prince," said she, "I have in my palace some cats that are perfectly clever in + making such cambric as the king requires; so you have nothing to do but to give me + the pleasure of your company while it is making; and I will procure you all the + amusement possible." She accordingly ordered the most curious fireworks to be played + off in sight of the window of the apartment in which they were sitting; and nothing + but festivity and rejoicing was heard throughout the palace for the prince's return. + As the white cat continually gave proofs of an excellent understanding, the prince + was by no means tired of her company; she talked with him of state affairs, of + theatres, of fashions; in short, she was at a loss on no subject whatever; so that + when the prince was alone, he had plenty of amusement in thinking how it could + possibly be that a small white cat could be endowed with all the powers of human + creatures.<!-- Page 171 --><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171"></a></p> + <p>The twelvemonth in this manner again passed insensibly away; but the cat took care + to remind the prince of his duty in proper time. "For once, my prince," said she, "I + will have the pleasure of equipping you as suits your high rank;" when looking into + the courtyard, he saw a superb car, ornamented all over with gold, silver, pearls and + diamonds, drawn by twelve horses as white as snow, and harnessed in the most + sumptuous trappings; and behind the car a thousand guards richly apparelled were in + waiting to attend on the prince's person. She then presented him with a nut: "You + will find in it," said she, "the piece of cambric I promised you. Do not break the + shell till you are in the presence of the king your father." Then, to prevent the + acknowledgments which the prince was about to offer, she hastily bade him adieu. + Nothing could exceed the speed with which the snow-white horses conveyed this + fortunate prince to his father's palace, where his brothers had just arrived before + him. They embraced each other, and demanded an immediate audience of the king, who + received them with the greatest kindness. The princes hastened to place at the feet + of his majesty the curious present he had required them to procure. The eldest + produced a piece of cambric that was so extremely fine, that his friends had no doubt + of its passing the eye of the needle, which was now delivered to the king, having + been kept locked up in the custody of his majesty's treasurer all the time, Every one + supposed he would certainly obtain the crown. But when the king tried to draw it + through the eye of the needle, it would not pass, though it failed but very little. + Then came the second prince, who made as sure of obtaining the crown as his brother + had done; but, alas! with no better success: for though his piece of cambric was + exquisitely fine, yet it could not be drawn through the eye of the needle. It was now + the youngest prince's turn, who accordingly advanced, and opening an elegant little + box inlaid with jewels, he took out a walnut, and cracked the shell, imagining he + should immediately perceive his piece of cambric; but what was his astonishment to + see nothing but a filbert! He did not however lose his hopes; he cracked the filbert, + and it presented him with a cherry-stone. The lords of the court, who had assembled + to witness this extraordinary trial, could not, any more than the princes his + brothers, refrain from laughing, to think he should be so silly as to claim with them + the crown on no better pretensions. The prince however cracked the cherry-stone, + which was filled with a kernel: he divided it, and found in the middle a grain of + wheat, and in that grain a millet seed. He was now absolutely confounded, and could + not help muttering between his teeth: "O white cat, white cat, thou hast deceived + me!" At this instant he felt his hand scratched by the claw of a cat: upon which he + again took courage, and opening the grain of millet seed, to the astonishment of all + present, he drew forth a piece of cambric four hundred yards long, and fine enough to + be drawn with perfect ease through the eye of the needle. When the king found he had + no pretext left for refusing the crown to his youngest son, he sighed deeply, and it + was easy to be seen that he was sorry for the prince's success. "My sons," said he, + "it is so gratifying to the heart of a father to receive proofs of his children's + love and obedience, that I cannot refuse myself the satisfaction of requiring of you + one thing more. You must undertake another expedition; and whichever, by the end of a + year, brings me the most beautiful lady, shall marry her, and obtain my crown." + <!-- Page 172 --><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172"></a><!-- Page 173 --><a + name="Page_173" id="Page_173"></a></p> + <p>So they again took leave of the king and of each other, and set out without delay, + and in less than twelve hours our young prince arrived in his splendid car at the + palace of his dear white cat. Every thing went on as before, till the end of another + year. At length only one day remained of the year, when the white cat thus addressed + him: "To-morrow, my prince, you must present yourself at the palace of your father, + and give him a proof of your obedience. It depends only on yourself to conduct + thither the most beautiful princess ever yet beheld, for the time is come when the + enchantment by which I am bound may be ended. You must cut off my head and tail," + continued she, "and throw them into the fire." "I!" said the prince hastily, "I cut + off your head and tail! You surely mean to try my affection, which, believe me, + beautiful cat, is truly yours." "You mistake me, generous prince," said she, "I do + not doubt your regard; but if you wish to see me in any other form than that of a + cat, you must consent to do as I desire. Then you will have done me a service I shall + never be able sufficiently to repay." The prince's eyes filled with tears as she + spoke, yet he considered himself obliged to undertake the dreadful task, and the cat + continuing to press him with greater eagerness, with a trembling hand he drew his + sword, cut off her head and tail, and threw them into the fire. No sooner was this + done, than the most beautiful lady his eyes had ever seen stood before him: and + before he had sufficiently recovered from his surprise to speak to her, a long train + of attendants, who, at the same moment as their mistress, were changed to their + natural shapes, came to offer their congratulations to the queen, and inquire her + commands. She received them with the greatest kindness; and ordering them to + withdraw, she thus addressed the astonished prince. "Do not imagine, dear prince, + that I have always been a cat, or that I am of obscure birth. My father was the + monarch of six kingdoms; he tenderly loved my mother, leaving her always at liberty + to follow her own inclinations. Her prevailing passion was to travel; and a short + time before my birth, having heard of some fairies who were in possession of the + largest gardens filled with the most delicious fruits, she had so strong a desire to + eat some of them, that she set out for the country in which they lived. She arrived + at their abode which she found to be a magnificent palace, on all sides glittering + with gold and precious stones. She knocked a long time at the gates; but no one came, + nor could she perceive the least sign that it had any inhabitant. The difficulty, + however, did but increase the violence of my mother's longing; for she saw the tops + of the trees above the garden walls loaded with the most luscious fruits. The queen, + in despair, ordered her attendants to place tents close to the door of the palace; + but having waited six weeks, without seeing any one pass the gates, she fell sick of + vexation, and her life was despaired of.<!-- Page 174 --><a name="Page_174" + id="Page_174"></a><!-- Page 175 --><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175"></a></p> + <p>"One night, as she lay half asleep, she turned herself about, and opening her + eyes, perceived a little old woman, very ugly and deformed, seated in the easy chair + by her bedside. 'I, and my sister fairies,' said she, 'take it very ill that your + majesty should so obstinately persist in getting some of our fruit; but since so + precious a life is at stake, we consent to give you as much as you can carry away, + provided you will give us in return what we shall ask.' 'Ah! kind fairy,' cried the + queen, 'I will give you anything I possess, even my very kingdoms, on condition that + I eat of your fruit.' The old fairy then informed the queen that what they required + was, that she would give them the child she was going to have, as soon as she should + be born; adding, that every possible care should be taken of her, and that she should + become the most accomplished princess. The queen replied, that however cruel the + condition, she must accept it, since nothing but the fruit could save her life. In + short, dear prince," continued the lady, "my mother instantly got out of bed, was + dressed by her attendants, entered the palace, and satisfied her longing. When the + queen had eaten her fill, she ordered four thousand mules to be procured, and loaded + with the fruit, which had the virtue of continuing all the year round in a state of + perfection. Thus provided, she returned to the king, my father, who with the whole + court, received her with rejoicings, as it was before imagined she would die of + disappointment. All this time the queen said nothing to my father of the promise she + had made, to give her daughter to the fairies; so that, when the time was come that + she expected my birth, she grew very melancholy; till at length, being pressed by the + king, she declared to him the truth. Nothing could exceed his affliction, when he + heard that his only child, when born, was to be given to the fairies. He bore it, + however, as well as he could, for fear of adding to my mother's grief; and also + believing he should find some means of keeping me in a place of safety, which the + fairies would not be able to approach. As soon therefore as I was born, he had me + conveyed to a tower in the palace, to which there were twenty flights of stairs, and + a door to each, of which my father kept the key, so that none came near me without + his consent. When the fairies heard of what had been done, they sent first to demand + me; and on my father's refusal, they let loose a monstrous dragon, who devoured men, + women and children, and the breath of whose nostrils destroyed every thing it came + near, so that the trees and plants began to die in great abundance. The grief of the + king, at seeing this, could scarcely be equalled; and finding that his whole kingdom + would in a short time be reduced to famine, he consented to give me into their hands. + I was accordingly laid in a cradle of mother-of-pearl, ornamented with gold and + jewels, and carried to their palace, when the dragon immediately disappeared. The + fairies placed me in a tower of their palace, elegantly furnished, but to which there + was no door, so that whoever approached was obliged to come by the windows, which + were a great height from the ground: from these I had the liberty of getting out into + a delightful garden, in which were baths, and every sort of cooling fruit. In this + place was I educated by the fairies, who behaved to me with the greatest kindness; my + clothes were splendid, and I was instructed in every kind of accomplishment. In + short, prince, if I had never seen any one but themselves, I should have remained + very happy. One of the windows of my tower overlooked a long avenue shaded with + trees, so that I had never seen in it a human creature. One day, however, as I was + talking at this window with my parrot, I perceived a young gentleman who was + listening to our conversation. As I had never seen a man, but in pictures, I was not + sorry for the opportunity of gratifying my curiosity. I thought him a very pleasing + object, and he at length bowed in the most respectful manner, without daring to + speak, for he knew that I was in the palace of the fairies. When it began to grow + dark he went away, and I vainly endeavoured to see which road he took. The next + morning, as soon as it was light, I again placed myself at the window, and had the + pleasure of seeing that the gentleman had returned to the same place. He now spoke to + me through a speaking-trumpet, and informed me he thought me a most charming lady, + and that he should be very unhappy if he did not pass his life in my company. + <!-- Page 176 --><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176"></a><!-- Page 177 --><a + name="Page_177" id="Page_177"></a><!-- Page 178 --><a name="Page_178" + id="Page_178"></a></p> + <p>"I resolved to find some means of escaping from my tower with the engaging prince + I had seen. I was not long in devising a means for the execution of my project. I + begged the fairies to bring me a netting-needle, a mesh and some cord, saying I + wished to make some nets to amuse myself with catching birds at my window. This they + readily complied with, and in a short time I completed a ladder long enough to reach + the ground. I now sent my parrot to the prince, to beg he would come to his usual + place, as I wished to speak with him. He did not fail, and finding the ladder, + mounted it, and quickly entered my tower. This at first alarmed me; but the charms of + his conversation had restored me to tranquillity, when all at once the window opened, + and the fairy Violent, mounted on the dragon's back, rushed into the tower. My + beloved prince thought of nothing but how to defend me from their fury; for I had had + time to relate to him my story, previous to this cruel interruption; but their + numbers overpowered him, and the fairy Violent had the barbarity to command the + dragon to devour my prince before my eyes. In my despair, I would have thrown myself + also into the mouth of the horrible monster, but this they took care to prevent, + saying my life should be preserved for greater punishment. The fairy then touched me + with her wand, and I instantly became a white cat. She next conducted me to this + palace, which belonged to my father, and gave me a train of cats for my attendants, + together with the twelve hands which waited on your highness. She then informed me of + my birth, and the death of my parents, and pronounced upon me what she imagined the + greatest of maledictions: That I should not be restored to my natural figure till a + young prince, the perfect resemblance of him I had lost, should cut off my head and + tail. You are that perfect resemblance; and, accordingly, you have ended the + enchantment. I need not add, that I already love you more than my life. Let us + therefore hasten to the palace of the king your father, and obtain his approbation to + our marriage."<!-- Page 179 --><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179"></a></p> + <p>The prince and princess accordingly set out side by side, in a car of still + greater splendour than before, and reached the palace just as the two brothers had + arrived with two beautiful princesses. The king, hearing that each of his sons had + succeeded in finding what he had required, again began to think of some new expedient + to delay the time of his resigning his crown; but when the whole court were with the + king assembled to pass judgment, the princess who accompanied the youngest, + perceiving his thoughts by his countenance, stepped majestically forward, and thus + addressed him: "What pity that your majesty, who is so capable of governing, should + think of resigning the crown! I am fortunate enough to have six kingdoms in my + possession; permit me to bestow one on each of the eldest princes, and to enjoy the + remaining four in the society of the youngest. And may it please your majesty to keep + your own kingdom, and make no decision concerning the beauty of three princesses, + who, without such a proof of your majesty's preference, will no doubt live happily + together!" The air resounded with the applauses of the assembly. The young prince and + princess embraced the king, and next their brothers and sisters; the three weddings + immediately took place; and the kingdoms were divided as the princess had proposed. + <!-- Page 180 --><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180"></a></p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX</h2> + <!-- Page 181 --><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181"></a> + <h3>THE GOLDEN GOOSE</h3> + <p>There was a man who had three sons, the youngest of whom was considered very + silly, and everybody used to mock him and make fun of him. The eldest son wanted to + go and cut wood in the forest, and before he left home his mother prepared beautiful + pancakes and a bottle of wine for him to take with him, so that he might not suffer + from hunger or thirst.</p> + <p>As he entered the forest he met a gray old man, who bade him "Good-morning," and + said: "Give me a little piece of cake out of your basket and a drop of wine out of + your bottle, for I am very hungry and thirsty."</p> + <p>But the clever son replied: "What, give you my cake and my wine! Why, if I did, I + should have none for myself. Not I, indeed, so take yourself off!" and he left the + man standing and went on.</p> + <p>The young man began cutting down a tree, but it was not long before he made a + false stroke: the axe slipped and cut his arm so badly that he was obliged to go home + and have it bound up. Now, this false stroke was caused by the little gray old + man.</p> + <p>Next day the second son went into the forest to cut wood, and his mother gave him + a cake and a bottle of wine. As he entered the wood the same little old man met him, + and begged for a piece of cake and a drop of wine. But the second son answered + rudely: "What I might give to you I shall want myself, so be off."<!-- Page 182 --><a + name="Page_182" id="Page_182"></a></p> + <p>Then he left the little old man standing in the road, and walked on. His + punishment soon came; he had scarcely given two strokes on a tree with his axe, when + he hit his leg such a terrible blow that he was obliged to limp home in great + pain.</p> + <p>Then the stupid son said to his father, "Let me go for once and cut wood in the + forest."</p> + <p>But his father said: "No, your brothers have been hurt already, and it would be + worse for you, who don't understand wood-cutting."</p> + <p>The boy, however, begged so hard to be allowed to go that his father said: "There, + get along with you; you will buy your experience very dearly, I expect."</p> + <p>His mother, however, gave him a cake which had been made with water and baked in + the ashes, and a bottle of sour beer.</p> + <p>When he reached the wood the very same little old man met him, and after greeting + him kindly, said: "Give me a little of your cake and a drop from your bottle, for I + am very hungry and thirsty."</p> + <p>"Oh," replied the simple youth, "I have only a cake, which has been baked in the + ashes, and some sour beer; but you are welcome to a share of it. Let us sit down, and + eat and drink together."</p> + <p>So they seated themselves, and, lo and behold, when the youth opened his basket, + the cake had been turned into a beautiful cake, and the sour beer into wine. After + they had eaten and drank enough, the little old man said: "Because you have been + kind-hearted, and shared your dinner with me, I will make you in future lucky in all + you undertake. There stands an old tree; cut it down, and you will find something + good at the root."<!-- Page 183 --><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183"></a></p> + <p>Then the old man said "Farewell," and left him.</p> + <p>The youth set to work, and very soon succeeded in felling the tree, when he found + sitting at the roots a goose, whose feathers were of pure gold. He took it up, and, + instead of going home, carried it with him to an inn at a little distance, where he + intended to pass the night.</p> + <p>The landlord had three daughters, who looked at the goose with envious eyes. They + had never seen such a wonderful bird, and longed to have at least one of its + feathers. "Ah," thought the eldest, "I shall soon have an opportunity to pluck one of + them;" and so it happened, for not long after the young man left the room. She + instantly went up to the bird and took hold of its wing, but as she did so, the + finger and thumb remained and stuck fast. In a short time after the second sister + came in with the full expectation of gaining a golden feather, but as she touched her + sister to move her from the bird, her hand stuck fast to her sister's dress, and + neither of them could free herself. At last, in came the third sister with the same + intention. "Keep away, keep away!" screamed the other two; "in heaven's name keep + away!"</p> + <p>But she could not imagine why she should keep away. If they were near the golden + bird, why should not she be there? So she made a spring forward and touched her + second sister, and immediately she also was made a prisoner, and in this position + they were obliged to remain by the goose all night.<!-- Page 184 --><a + name="Page_184" id="Page_184"></a></p> + <p>In the morning the young man came in, took the goose on his arm, and went away + without troubling himself about the three girls, who were following close behind him. + And as he walked quickly, they were obliged to run one behind the other, left or + right of him, just as he was inclined to go.</p> + <p>In the middle of a field they were met by the parson of the parish, who looked + with wonder at the procession as it came near him. "Shame on you!" he cried out. + "What are you about, you bold-faced hussies, running after a young man in that way + through the fields? Go home, all of you."</p> + <p>He placed his hand on the youngest to pull her back, but the moment he touched her + he also became fixed, and was obliged to follow and run like the rest. In a few + minutes the clerk met them, and when he saw the parson runing after the girls, he + wondered greatly, and cried out, "Halloa, master parson, where are you running in + such haste? Have you forgotten that there is a christening to-day?" And as the + procession did not stop, he ran after it, and seized the parson's gown.</p> + <p>In a moment he found that his hand was fixed, and he also had to run like the + rest. And now there were five trotting along, one behind the other. Presently two + peasants came by with their sickles from the field. The parson called out to them, + and begged them to come and release him and the clerk. Hardly had they touched the + clerk when they also stuck fast as the others, and the simpleton with his golden + goose travelled with the seven.<!-- Page 185 --><a name="Page_185" + id="Page_185"></a></p> + <p>After awhile they came to a city in which reigned a king who had a daughter of + such a melancholy disposition that no one could make her laugh; therefore he issued a + decree that whoever would make the princess laugh should have her in marriage.</p> + <p>Now, when the simple youth heard this, he ran before her, and the whole seven + trotted after him. The sight was so ridiculous that the moment the princess saw it + she burst into a violent fit of laughter and they thought she would never leave + off.</p> + <p>After this, the youth went to the king, and demanded his daughter in marriage, + according to the king's decree; but his majesty did not quite like to have the young + man for a son-in-law, so he said that, before he could consent to the marriage, the + youth must bring him a man who could drink all the wine in the king's cellar.</p> + <p>The simpleton went into the forest, for he thought, "If anyone can help me, it is + the little gray man." When he arrived at the spot where he had cut down the tree, + there stood a man with a very miserable face.</p> + <p>The youth asked him why he looked so sorrowful.</p> + <p>"Oh," he exclaimed, "I suffer such dreadful thirst that nothing seems able to + quench it; and cold water I cannot endure. I have emptied a cask of wine already, but + it was just like a drop of water on a hot stone."</p> + <p>"I can help you," cried the young man; "come with me, and you shall have your + fill, I promise you."</p> + <p>Upon this he led the man into the king's cellar, where he opened the casks one + after another, and drank and drank till his back ached; and before the day closed he + had quite emptied the king's cellar.<!-- Page 186 --><a name="Page_186" + id="Page_186"></a></p> + <p>Again the young man asked for his bride, but the king was annoyed at the thought + of giving his daughter to such a common fellow, and to get rid of him he made another + condition. He said that no man should have his daughter who could not find someone + able to eat up a whole mountain of bread.</p> + <p>Away went the simpleton to the forest as before, and there in the same place sat a + man binding himself round tightly with a belt, and making the most horrible faces. As + the youth approached, he cried, "I have eaten a whole ovenful of rolls, but it has + not satisfied me a bit; I am as hungry as ever, and my stomach feels so empty that I + am obliged to bind it round tightly, or I should die of hunger."</p> + <p>The simpleton could hardly contain himself for joy when he heard this. "Get up," + he exclaimed, "and come with me, and I will give you plenty to eat, I'll + warrant."</p> + <p>So he led him to the king's court, where his majesty had ordered all the flour in + the kingdom to be made into bread, and piled up in a huge mountain. The hungry man + placed himself before the bread, and began to eat, and before evening the whole pile + had disappeared.</p> + <p>Then the simpleton went a third time to the king, and asked for his bride, but the + king made several excuses, and at last said that if he could bring him a ship that + would travel as well by land as by water, then he should, without any further + conditions, marry his daughter.<!-- Page 187 --><a name="Page_187" + id="Page_187"></a></p> + <p>The youth went at once straight to the forest, and saw the same old gray man to + whom he had given his cake. "Ah," he said, as the youth approached, "it was I who + sent the men to eat and drink, and I will also give you a ship that can travel by + land or by sea, because when you thought I was poor you were kind-hearted, and gave + me food and drink."</p> + <p>The youth took the ship, and when the king saw it he was quite surprised; but he + could not any longer refuse to give him his daughter in marriage. The wedding was + celebrated with great pomp, and after the king's death the simple wood-cutter + inherited the whole kingdom, and lived happily with his wife.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X</h2> + <!-- Page 188 --><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188"></a> + <h3>THE TWELVE BROTHERS</h3> + <p>There were once a king and queen who had twelve children—all boys. Now, one + day the king told his wife that if a daughter should be born, all the sons must + die—that their sister alone might inherit his kingdom and riches.</p> + <p>So the king had twelve coffins made, which were filled with shavings, and in each + was the little pillow for the dead. He had them locked up in a private room, the key + of which he gave to the queen, praying her not to speak of it to anyone. But the poor + mother was so unhappy that she wept for a whole day, and looked so sad that her + youngest son noticed it.</p> + <p>He had the Bible name of Benjamin, and was always with his mother.</p> + <p>"Dear mother," he said, "why are you so sorrowful?"</p> + <p>"My child, I may not tell you," she replied; but the boy allowed her no rest till + she unlocked the door of the private room, and showed him the twelve coffins filled + with shavings.</p> + <p>"Dearest Benjamin," she said, "these coffins are for you and your brothers; for if + you should ever have a little sister, you will all die, and be buried in them."</p> + <p>She wept bitterly as she told him, but her son comforted her, and said, "Do not + weep, dear mother. We will take care of ourselves, and go far away." + <!-- Page 189 --><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189"></a></p> + <p>Then she took courage, and said, "Yes, go away with your eleven brothers, and + remain in the forest; and let one climb a tree, from whence he will be able to see + the tower of the castle; If I should have a son, a white flag shall be hoisted, and + then you may return home; but if you see a red flag, you will know it is a girl, and + then hasten away as fast as you can, and may Heaven protect you! Every night I will + pray for you, that you may not suffer from the cold in winter or the heat in + summer."</p> + <p>Then she blessed all her sons, and they went away into the forest, while each in + turn mounted a high tree daily, to watch for the flag on the tower.</p> + <p>Eleven days passed, and it was Benjamin's turn to watch. He saw the flag hoisted, + and it was red—the signal that they must die. The brothers were angry, and + said, "Shall we suffer death on account of a maiden? When we find one we will kill + her, to avenge ourselves."</p> + <p>They went still farther into the forest, and came upon a most pleasant little + cottage, which was uninhabited. "We will make this our home," they said; "and + Benjamin, as you are the youngest and weakest, you shall stay at home and keep house, + while we go out and procure food."</p> + <p>So they wandered about the forest, shooting hares, wild rabbits, pigeons and other + birds, which they brought to Benjamin to prepare for food. In this cottage they lived + for ten years happily together, so that the time passed quickly.</p> + <p>Their little sister was growing a great girl. She had a sweet disposition, and was + very beautiful to look upon. She wore rich clothes, and a golden star on her + forehead.<!-- Page 190 --><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190"></a></p> + <p>One day, when she was about ten years old, she discovered in her mother's wardrobe + twelve shirts. "Mother," she exclaimed, "whose shirts are these? They are much too + small for my father."</p> + <p>The queen sighed as she replied, "Dear child, these shirts belong to your twelve + brothers."</p> + <p>"Twelve brothers!" cried the little maiden. "Where are they? I have not even heard + of them."</p> + <p>"Heaven knows where they are," was the reply; "but they are wandering about the + world somewhere." Then the queen took her little daughter to the private room in the + castle, and showed her the twelve coffins which had been prepared for her brothers, + and related to her, with many tears, why they had left home.</p> + <p>"Dear mother," said the child, "do not weep. I will go and seek my brothers." So + she took the twelve shirts with her, and wandered away into the forest.</p> + <p>She walked for a whole day, and in the evening came to a cottage, stepped in, and + found a young boy, who stared with astonishment at seeing a beautiful little girl + dressed in rich clothing and wearing a golden star on her forehead.</p> + <p>At last he said, "Who are you, and what do you want?"</p> + <p>"I am a king's daughter," she said, "and I seek my twelve brothers, and I intend + to search for them till I find them;" and she showed him their shirts.</p> + <p>Then Benjamin knew that she was his sister, and said, "I am your youngest brother, + Benjamin." Then she wept for joy. They kissed each other with deep affection, and + were for a time very happy.<!-- Page 191 --><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191"></a></p> + <p>At last Benjamin said, "Dear sister, we have made a vow that the first young + maiden we meet should die, because through a maiden we have lost our kingly + rights."</p> + <p>"I would willingly die," she said, "if by so doing I could restore my brothers to + their rightful possessions."</p> + <p>"No, you shall not die," he replied. "Hide yourself behind this tub until our + eleven brothers come home; then I will make an agreement with them."</p> + <p>At night the brothers returned from hunting, and the supper was ready. While they + sat at table, one of them said, "Well, Benjamin, have you any news?"</p> + <p>"Perhaps I have," he said, "although it seems strange that I, who stay at home, + should know more than you, who have been out."</p> + <p>"Well, tell us your news," said one. So he said:</p> + <p>"I will tell you if you will make one promise."</p> + <p>"Yes, yes!" they all cried. "What is it?"</p> + <p>"Well, then, promise me that the first maiden you meet with in the forest shall + <i>not</i> die."</p> + <p>"Yes, yes!" said they all; "she shall have mercy, but tell us."</p> + <p>"Then," said the youngest brother, "our sister is here;" and, rising, he lifted + the tub, and the king's daughter came forth in her royal robes and with a golden star + on her forehead, and looking so fair and delicate and beautiful that the brothers + were full of joy, and kissed and embraced her with the fondest affection. + <!-- Page 192 --><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192"></a></p> + <p>She stayed with Benjamin, and helped him in keeping the house clean and cooking + the game which the others brought home. Everything was so nicely managed now and with + so much order, the curtains and the quilts were beautifully white, and the dinners + cooked so well that the brothers were always contented, and lived in great unity with + their little sister.</p> + <p>There was a pretty garden around the house in which they lived, and one day, when + they were all at home dining together, and enjoying themselves, the maiden went out + into the garden to gather them some flowers.</p> + <p>She had tended twelve lilies with great care, and they were now in such splendid + bloom that she determined to pluck them for her brothers, to please them.</p> + <p>But the moment she gathered the lilies, her twelve brothers were changed into + twelve ravens, and flew away over the trees of the forest, while the charming house + and garden vanished from her sight. Now was the poor little maiden left all alone in + the wild wood, and knew not what to do; but on turning round she saw a curious old + woman standing near, who said to her, "My child, what hast thou done? Why didst thou + not leave those white flowers to grow on their stems? They were thy twelve brothers, + and now they will always remain ravens."</p> + <p>"Is there no way to set them free?" asked the maiden, weeping.</p> + <p>"No way in the world," she replied, "but one, and that is far too difficult for + thee to perform; yet it would break the spell and set them free. Hast thou firmness + enough to remain dumb seven years, and not speak to anyone, or even laugh? for if + ever you utter a single word, or fail only once in the seven years, all you have done + before will be vain, and at this one word your brothers will die."<!-- Page 193 --><a + name="Page_193" id="Page_193"></a></p> + <p>"Yes," said the maiden, "I can do this to set my brothers free."</p> + <p>Then the maiden climbed into a tree, and, seating herself in the branches, began + to knit.</p> + <p>She remained here, living on the fruit that grew on the tree, and without laughing + or uttering a word.</p> + <p>As she sat in her tree, the king, who was hunting, had a favourite hound, who very + soon discovered her, ran to the tree on which the maiden sat, sprang up to it, and + barked at her violently.</p> + <p>The king came nearer, and saw the beautiful king's daughter with the golden star + on her forehead. He was so struck with her beauty that he begged her to come down, + and asked her to be his bride. She did not speak a word, but merely nodded her head. + Then the king himself climbed up into the tree, and bringing her down, seated her on + his own horse and galloped away with her to his home.</p> + <p>The marriage was soon after celebrated with great pomp, but the bride neither + spoke nor laughed.</p> + <p>When they had lived happily together for some years, the king's mother, a wicked + woman, began to raise evil reports about the queen, and said to the king, "It is some + beggar girl you have picked up. Who can tell what wicked tricks she practises. She + can't help being dumb, but why does she never laugh? unless she has a guilty + conscience." The king at first would listen to none of these suspicions, but she + urged him so long, and accused the queen of such wicked conduct, that at last he + condemned her to be burnt to death.<!-- Page 194 --><a name="Page_194" + id="Page_194"></a></p> + <p>Now in the court-yard a great fire was kindled, and the king stood weeping at a + window overlooking the court of the palace, for he still loved her dearly. He saw her + brought forth and tied to the stake; the fire kindled, and the flames with their + forked tongues were creeping towards her, when at the last moment the seven years + were past, and suddenly a rustling noise of wings was heard in the air; twelve black + ravens alighted on the earth and instantly assumed their own forms—they were + the brothers of the queen.</p> + <p>They tore down the pile and extinguished the fire, set their sister free, and + embraced her tenderly. The queen, who was now able to speak, told the king why she + had been dumb and had never laughed.</p> + <p>The delight of the king was only equalled by his anger against the wicked witch, + who was brought to justice and ordered to be thrown into a vat of oil full of + poisonous snakes, where she died a dreadful death.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI</h2> + <!-- Page 195 --><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195"></a> + <h3>THE FAIR ONE WITH THE GOLDEN LOCKS</h3> + <p>There was once a most beautiful and amiable princess who was called "The Fair One + with Locks of Gold," for her hair shone brighter than gold, and flowed in curls down + to her feet, her head was always encircled by a wreath of beautiful flowers, and + pearls and diamonds.</p> + <p>A handsome, rich, young prince, whose territories joined to hers, was deeply in + love with the reports he heard of her, and sent to demand her in marriage. The + ambassador sent with proposals was most sumptuously attired, and surrounded by + lackeys on beautiful horses, as well as charged with every kind of compliment, from + the anxious prince, who hoped he would bring the princess back with him; but whether + it was that she was not that day in a good humour, or that she did not like the + speeches made by the ambassador, I don't know, but she returned thanks to his master + for the honour he intended her, and said she had no inclination to marry. When the + ambassador arrived at the king's chief city, where he was expected with great + impatience, the people were extremely afflicted to see him return without the Fair + One with the Locks of Gold; and the king wept like a child. There was a youth at + court whose beauty outshone the sun, the gracefulness of whose person was not to be + equalled, and for his gracefulness and wit, he was called Avenant: the king loved + him, and indeed every body except the envious. Avenant being one day in company with + some persons, inconsiderately said, "If the king had sent me to the Fair One with + Locks of Gold, I dare say I could have prevailed on her to return with me." These + enviers of Avenant's prosperity immediately ran open mouthed to the king, saying, + "Sir sir, what does your majesty think Avenant says? He boasts that if you had sent + him to the Fair One with the Golden Hair, he could have brought her with him; which + shows he is so vain as to think himself handsomer than your majesty and that her love + for him would have made her follow him wherever he went." This put the king into a + violent rage. "What!" said he, "does this youngster make a jest at my misfortune, and + pretend to set himself above me? Go and put him immediately in my great tower, and + there let him starve to death." The king's guards went and seized Avenant who thought + no more of what he had said, dragged him to prison, and used him in the most cruel + manner.<!-- Page 196 --><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196"></a></p> + <p>One day when he was almost quite spent, he said to himself, fetching a deep sigh, + "Wherein can I have offended the king? He has not a more faithful subject than + myself; nor have I ever done any thing to displease him." The king happened at that + time to pass by the tower; and stopped to hear him, notwithstanding the persuasions + of those that were with him; "Hold your peace," replied the king, "and let me hear + him out." Which having done, and being greatly moved by his sufferings, he opened the + door of the tower, and called him by his name. Upon which Avenant came forth in a sad + condition, and, throwing himself at the king's feet, "What have I done, sir," said + he, "that your majesty should use me thus severely?" "Thou hast ridiculed me and my + ambassador," replied the king; "and hast said, that if I had sent thee to the Fair + One with Locks of Gold, thou couldst have brought her with thee." "It is true, sir," + replied Avenant, "for I would have so thoroughly convinced her of your transcending + qualities, that it should not have been in her power to have denied me; and this, + surely, I said in the name of your majesty." The king found in reality he had done no + injury; so, he took him away with him, repenting heartily of the wrong he had done + him. After having given him an excellent supper, the king sent for him into his + cabinet. "Avenant," said he, "I still love the Fair One with Locks of Gold; I have a + mind to send thee to her, to try whether thou canst succeed," Avenant replied, he was + ready to obey his majesty in all things, and would depart the very next morning. + "Hold," said the king, "I will provide thee first with a most sumptuous equipage." + "There is no necessity for that," answered Avenant; "I need only a good horse and + your letters of credence." Upon this the king embraced him; being overjoyed to see + him so soon ready.<!-- Page 197 --><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197"></a></p> + <p>It was upon a Monday morning that he took leave of the king and his friends. Being + on his journey by break of day, and entering into a spacious meadow, a fine thought + came into his head; he alighted immediately, and seated himself by the bank of a + little stream that watered one side of the meadow, and wrote the sentiment down in + his pocket book. After he had done writing, he looked about him every way, being + charmed with the beauties of the place, and suddenly perceived a large gilded carp, + which stirred a little, and that was all it could do, for having attempted to catch + some little flies, it had leaped so far out of the water, as to throw itself upon the + grass, where it was almost dead, not being able to recover its natural element. + Avenant took pity on the poor creature, and though it was a fish-day, and he might + have carried it away for his dinner, he took it up, and gently put it again into the + river, where the carp, feeling the refreshing coolness of the water, began to + rejoice, and sunk to the bottom; but soon rising up again, brisk and gay, to the side + of the river; "Avenant," said the carp, "I thank you for the kindness you have done + me; had it not been for you, I had died; but you have saved my life, and I will + reward you." After this short compliment, the carp darted itself to the bottom of the + water, leaving Avenant not a little surprised at its wit and great civility. + <!-- Page 198 --><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198"></a></p> + <p>Another day, as he was pursuing his journey, he saw a crow in great distress: + being pursued by a huge eagle, he took his bow, which he always carried abroad with + him, and aiming at the eagle, let fly an arrow, which pierced him through the body, + so that he fell down dead; which the crow seeing, came in an ecstasy of joy, and + perched upon a tree. "Avenant," said the crow, "you have been extremely generous to + succour me, who am but a poor wretched crow; but I am not ungrateful and will do you + as good a turn." Avenant admired the wit of the crow, and continuing his journey, he + entered into a wood so early one morning, that he could scarcely see his way, where + he heard an owl crying out like an owl in despair. So looking about every where, he + at length came to a place where certain fowlers had spread their nets in the + night-time to catch little birds. "What pity 'tis," said he, "men are only made to + torment one another, or else to persecute poor animals who never do them any harm!" + So saying, he drew his knife, cut the cords, and set the owl at liberty; who, before + he took wing, said, "Avenant, the fowlers are coming, I should have been taken, and + must have died, without your assistance: I have a grateful heart, and will remember + it."<!-- Page 199 --><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199"></a></p> + <p>These were the three most remarkable adventures that befell Avenant in his + journey; and when he arrived at the end of it, he washed himself, combed and powdered + his hair, and put on a suit of cloth of gold: which having done, he put a rich + embroidered scarf about his neck, with a small basket, wherein was a little dog which + he was very fond of. And Avenant was so amiable, and did every thing with so good a + grace, that when he presented himself at the gate of the palace, all the guards paid + him great respect, and every one strove who should first give notice to the Fair One + with Locks of Gold, that Avenant, the neighbouring king's ambassador, demanded + audience. The princess on hearing the name of Avenant, said, "It has a pleasing + sound, and I dare say he is agreeable and pleases every body; and she said to her + maids of honour, go fetch me my rich embroidered gown of blue satin, dress my hair, + and bring my wreaths of fresh flowers: let me have my high shoes, and my fan, and let + my audience chamber and throne be clean, and richly adorned; for I would have him + every where with truth say, that I am really the Fair One with Locks of Gold." Thus + all her women were employed to dress her as a queen should be. At length, she went to + her great gallery of looking-glasses, to see if any thing was wanting; after which + she ascended her throne of gold, ivory, and ebony, the fragrant smell of which was + superior to the choicest balm. She also commanded her maids of honour to take their + instruments, and play to their own singing so sweetly that none should be disgusted. + <!-- Page 200 --><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200"></a></p> + <p>Avenant was conducted into the chamber of audience, were he stood so transported + with admiration, that, as he afterwards said, he had scarcely power to open his lips. + At length, however, he took courage, and made his speech wonderfully well; wherein he + prayed the princess not to let him be so unfortunate as to return without her. + "Gentle Avenant," said she, "all the reasons you have laid before me, are very good, + and I assure you, I would rather favour you than any other; but you must know, about + a month since, I went to take the air by the side of a river, with my maids of + honour; as I was pulling off my glove, I pulled a ring from my finger, which by + accident fell into the river. This ring I valued more than my whole kingdom; whence + you may judge how much I am afflicted by the loss of it. And I have made a vow never + to hearken to any proposals of marriage, unless the ambassador who makes them shall + also bring my ring. This is the present which you have to make me; otherwise you may + talk your heart out, for months and even years shall never change my resolution." + When he returned to his lodgings, he went to bed supperless; and his little dog, who + was called Cabriole, made a fasting night of it too, and went and lay down by his + master; who did nothing all night but sigh and lament, saying, "How can I find a ring + that fell into a great river a month ago? It would be folly to attempt it. The + princess enjoined me this task, merely because she knew it was impossible," he + continued, greatly afflicted; which Cabriole observing, said, "My dear master, pray + do not despair of your good fortune; for you are too good to be unhappy. Therefore, + when it is day, let us go to the river side." Avenant made no answer, but gave his + dog two little cuffs with his hand, and being overwhelmed with grief, fell asleep. + <!-- Page 201 --><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201"></a></p> + <p>But when Cabriole perceived it was broad day, he fell a barking so loud that he + waked his master. "Rise, sir," said he, "put on your clothes, and let us go and try + our fortune." Avenant took his little dog's advice; got up, and dressed himself, went + down into the garden, and out of the garden he walked insensibly to the river side, + with his hat over his eyes, and his arms across, thinking of nothing but taking his + leave; when all on a sudden he heard a voice call, "Avenant, Avenant!" upon which he + looked around him, but seeing nothing, he concluded it was an illusion, and was + proceeding in his walk; but he presently heard himself called again. "Who calls me?" + said he; Cabriole, who was very little and looked closely into the water, cried out, + "Never believe me, if it is not a gilded carp." Immediately the carp appeared, and + with an audible voice said, "Avenant, you saved my life in the poplar meadow, where I + must have died without your assistance; and now I am come to requite your kindness. + Here, my dear Avenant, here is the ring which the Fair One with Locks of Gold dropped + into the river." Upon which he stooped and took it out of the carp's mouth; to whom + he returned a thousand thanks. And now, instead of returning home, he went directly + to the palace with little Cabriole, who skipped about, and wagged his tail for joy, + that he had persuaded his master to walk by the side of the river. The princess being + told that Avenant desired an audience: "Alas," said she, "the poor youth has come to + take his leave of me! He has considered what I enjoined him as impossible, and is + returning to his master." But Avenant being admitted, presented her the ring, saying, + "Madam, behold I have executed your command; and now, I hope, you will receive my + master for your royal consort." When she saw her ring, and that it was noways + injured, she was so amazed that she could hardly believe her eyes. "Surely, courteous + Avenant," said she, "you must be favoured by some fairy; for naturally this is + impossible." "Madam," said he, "I am acquainted with no fairy; but I was willing to + obey your command." "Well, then, seeing you have so good a will," continued she, "you + must do me another piece of service, without which I will never marry. There is a + certain prince who lives not far from hence, whose name is Galifron, and whom nothing + would serve but that he must needs marry me. He declared his mind to me, with most + terrible menaces, that if I denied him, he would enter my kingdom with fire and + sword; but you shall judge whether I would accept his proposal: he is a giant, as + high as a steeple; he devours men as an ape eats chestnuts; when he goes into the + country, he carries cannons in his pocket, to use instead of pistols; and when he + speaks aloud he deafens the ears of those that stand near him. I answered him, that I + did not choose to marry, and desired him to excuse me. Nevertheless, he has not + ceased to persecute me, and has put an infinite number of my subjects to the sword: + therefore, before all other things you must fight him, and bring me his head." + <!-- Page 202 --><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202"></a><!-- Page 203 --><a + name="Page_203" id="Page_203"></a></p> + <p>Avenant was somewhat startled by this proposal; but, having considered it awhile, + "Well, madam," said he, "I will fight this Galifron; I believe I shall be vanquished; + but I will die like a man of courage." The princess was astonished at his + intrepidity, and said a thousand things to dissuade him from it, but all in vain. At + length he arrived at Galifron's castle, the roads all the way being strewed with the + bones and carcasses of men which the giant had devoured, or cut in pieces. It was not + long before Avenant saw the monster approach, and he immediately challenged him; but + there was no occasion for this, for he lifted his iron mace, and had certainly beat + out the gentle Avenant's brains at the first blow, had not a crow at that instant + perched upon the giant's head, and with his bill pecked out both his eyes. The blood + trickled down his face, whereat he grew desperate, and laid about him on every side; + but Avenant took care to avoid his blows, and gave him many great wounds with his + sword, which he pushed up to the very hilt; so that the giant fainted, and fell down + with loss of blood. Avenant immediately cut off his head; and while he was in an + ecstasy of joy, for his good success, the crow perched upon a tree, and said, + "Avenant, I did not forget the kindnesses I received at your hands, when you killed + the eagle that pursued me; I promised to make you amends, and now I have been as good + as my word." "I acknowledge your kindness, Mr. Crow," replied Avenant; "I am still + your debtor, and your servant." So saying, he mounted his courser, and rode away with + the giant's horrid head. When he arrived at the city, every body crowded after him, + crying out, "Long live the valiant Avenant, who has slain the cruel monster!" so that + the princess, who heard the noise, and trembling for fear she should have heard of + Avenant's death, durst not inquire what was the matter. But presently after, she saw + Avenant enter with the giant's head; at the sight of which she trembled, though there + was nothing to fear. "Madam," said he, "behold your enemy is dead; and now, I hope, + you will no longer refuse the king my master." "Alas!" replied the Fair One with + Locks of Gold, "I must still refuse him, unless you can find means to bring me some + of the water of the gloomy cave. Not far from hence," continued she, "there is a very + deep cave, about six leagues in compass; the entrance into which is guarded by two + dragons. The dragons dart fire from their mouths and eyes; and when you have got into + this cave, you will meet with a very deep hole, into which you must go down, and you + will find it full of toads, adders and serpents. At the bottom of this hole there is + a kind of cellar, through which runs the fountain of beauty and health. This is the + water I must have; its virtues are wonderful; for the fair, by washing in it, + preserve their beauty; and the deformed it renders beautiful; if they are young, it + preserves them always youthful; and if old it makes them young again. Now judge you, + Avenant, whether I will ever leave my kingdom without carrying some of this water + along with me." "Madam," said he, "you are so beautiful, that this water will be of + no use to you; but I am an unfortunate ambassador, whose death you seek. However, I + will go in search of what you desire, though I am certain never to return." + <!-- Page 204 --><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204"></a><!-- Page 205 --><a + name="Page_205" id="Page_205"></a></p> + <p>At length he arrived at the top of a mountain, where he sat down to rest himself; + giving his horse liberty to feed, and Cabriole to run after the flies. He knew that + the gloomy cave was not far off, and looked about to see whether he could discover + it; and at length he perceived a horrid rock as black as ink, whence issued a thick + smoke; and immediately after he spied one of the dragons casting forth fire from his + jaws and eyes; his skin all over yellow and green, with prodigious claws and a long + tail rolled up in an hundred folds. Avenant, with a resolution to die in the attempt, + drew his sword, and with the phial which the Fair One with Locks of Gold had given + him to fill with the water of beauty, went towards the cave, saying to his little + dog, "Cabriole, here is an end of me; I never shall be able to get this water, it is + so well guarded by the dragons; therefore when I am dead, fill this phial with my + blood, and carry it to my princess, that she may see what her severity has cost me: + then go to the king my master and give him an account of my misfortunes." While he + was saying this, he heard a voice call "Avenant, Avenant!" "Who calls me?" said he; + and presently he espied an owl in the hole of an old hollow tree, who, calling him + again, said, "You rescued me from the fowler's net, where I had been assuredly taken, + had you not delivered me. I promised to make you amends, and now the time is come; + give me your phial; I am acquainted with all the secret inlets into the gloomy cave, + and will go and fetch you the water of beauty." Avenant most gladly gave the phial, + and the owl, entering without any impediment into the cave, filled it, and in less + than a quarter of an hour returned with it well stopped. Avenant was overjoyed at his + good fortune, gave the owl a thousand thanks, and returned with a merry heart to the + city. Being arrived at the palace, he presented the phial to the Fair One with Locks + of Gold, who had then nothing further to say. She returned Avenant thanks, and gave + orders for every thing that was requisite for her departure: after which she set + forward with him. The Fair One with Locks of Gold thought Avenant very amiable, and + said to him sometimes upon the road, "If you had been willing, I could have made you + a king; and then we need not have left my kingdom." But Avenant replied, "I would not + have been guilty of such a piece of treachery to my master for all the kingdoms of + the earth; though I must acknowledge your beauties are more resplendent than the + sun."<!-- Page 206 --><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206"></a><!-- Page 207 --><a + name="Page_207" id="Page_207"></a></p> + <p>At length they arrived at the king's chief city, who understanding that the Fair + One with Locks of Gold was arrived, he went forth to meet her, and made her the + richest presents in the world. The nuptials were solemnized with such demonstrations + of joy, that nothing else was discoursed of. But the Fair One with Locks of Gold, who + loved Avenant in her heart, was never pleased but when she was in his company, and + would be always speaking in his praise: "I had never come hither," said she to the + king, "had it not been for Avenant, who, to serve me, has conquered impossibilities; + you are infinitely obliged to him; he procured me the water of beauty and health; by + which I shall never grow old, and shall always preserve my health and beauty." The + enviers of Avenant's happiness, who heard the queen's words, said to the king, "Were + your majesty inclined to be jealous, you have reason enough to be so, for the queen + is desperately in love with Avenant." "Indeed," said the king, "I am sensible of the + truth of what you tell me; let him be put in the great tower, with fetters upon his + feet and hands." Avenant was immediately seized. However, his little dog Cabriole + never forsook him, but cheered him the best he could, and brought him all the news of + the court. When the Fair One with Locks of Gold was informed of his misfortunes, she + threw herself at the king's feet, and all in tears besought him to release Avenant + out of prison. But the more she besought him the more he was incensed, believing it + was her affection that made her so zealous a suppliant in his behalf. Finding she + could not prevail, she said no more to him, but grew very pensive and melancholy. + <!-- Page 208 --><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208"></a></p> + <p>The king took it into his head that she did not think him handsome enough; so he + resolved to wash his face with the water of beauty, in hopes that the queen would + then conceive a greater affection for him than she had. This water stood in a phial + upon a table in the queen's chamber, where she had put it, that it might not be out + of her sight. But one of the chambermaids going to kill a spider with her besom, by + accident threw down the phial, and broke it, so that the water was lost. She dried it + up with all the speed she could, and not knowing what to do, she bethought herself + that she had seen a phial of clear water in the king's cabinet very like that she had + broken. Without any more ado, therefore, she went and fetched that phial, and set it + upon the table in place of the other. This water which was in the king's cabinet, was + a certain water which he made use of to poison the great lords and princes of his + court when they were convicted of any great crime; to which purpose, instead of + cutting off their heads, or hanging them, he caused their faces to be rubbed with + this water, which cast them into so profound a sleep that they never waked again. Now + the king one evening took this phial, and rubbed his face well with the water, after + which he fell asleep and died. Cabriole was one of the first that came to a knowledge + of this accident, and immediately ran to inform Avenant of it who bid him go to the + Fair One with Locks of Gold, and remind her of the poor prisoner. Cabriole slipped + unperceived through the crowd, for there was a great noise and hurry at court upon + the king's death; and getting to the queen, "Madam," said he, "remember poor + Avenant." She presently called to mind the afflictions he had suffered for her sake, + and his fidelity. Without speaking a word, she went directly to the great tower, and + took off the fetters from Avenant's feet and hands herself; after which, putting the + crown upon his head, and the royal mantle about his shoulders, "Amiable Avenant," + said she, "I will make you a sovereign prince, and take you for my consort." Avenant + threw himself at her feet, and in terms the most passionate and respectful returned + her thanks. Every body was overjoyed to have him for their king: the nuptials were + the most splendid in the world; and the Fair One. with Locks of Gold lived a long + time with her beloved Avenant, both happy and contented in the enjoyment of each + other.<!-- Page 209 --><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209"></a></p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII</h2> + <!-- Page 210 --><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210"></a> + <h3>TOM THUMB</h3> + <p>In the days of King Arthur, Merlin, the most learned enchanter of his time, was on + a journey; and, being very weary, stopped one day at the cottage of an honest + ploughman to ask for refreshment. The ploughman's wife, with great civility, + immediately brought him some milk in a wooden bowl, and some brown bread on a wooden + platter. Merlin could not help observing, that, although every thing within the + cottage was particularly neat and clean, and in good order, the ploughman and his + wife had the most sorrowful air imaginable. So he questioned them on the cause of + their melancholy, and learned that they were very miserable because they had no + children. The poor woman declared, with tears in her eyes, that she should be the + happiest creature in the world if she had a son, although he were no bigger than his + father's thumb. Merlin was much amused with the thoughts of a boy no bigger than a + man's thumb, and, as soon as he returned home, he sent for the queen of the fairies + (with whom he was very intimate), and related to her the desire of the ploughman and + his wife to have a son the size of his father's thumb. The queen of the fairies liked + the plan exceedingly, and declared their wish should speedily be granted. Accordingly + the ploughman's wife had a son, who in a few minutes grew as tall as his father's + thumb. The queen of the fairies came in at the window as the mother was sitting up in + bed admiring the child. The queen kissed the infant, and giving it the name of Tom + Thumb, immediately summoned several fairies from Fairy Land to clothe her little new + favourite:<!-- Page 211 --><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211"></a></p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i-4">"An oak leaf hat he had for his crown,<br /> + <br /> + </span> <span>His shirt it was by spiders spun;</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>With doublet wove of thistle's down,</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>His trousers up with points were done.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>His stockings, of apple rind, they tie</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>With eye-lash plucked from his mother's eye,</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>His shoes were made of a mouse's skin,</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>Nicely tanned, with the hair within."</span><br /> + <br /> + </div> + </div> + + <p>Tom never was any bigger than his father's thumb, which was not a large thumb + either; but, as he grew older, he became very cunning and sly, for which his mother + did not sufficiently correct him, so that when he was able to play with the boys for + cherry stones, and had lost all his own, he used to creep into the boys' bags, fill + his pockets, and come out again to play. But one day as he was getting out of a bag + of cherry stones, the boy to whom it belonged chanced to see him. "Ah ha, my little + Tom Thumb!" said the boy, "have I caught you at your bad tricks at last? Now I will + reward you for thieving." Then drawing the string tight round his neck, and shaking + the bag heartily, the cherry stones bruised Tom's legs, thighs, and body sadly; which + made him beg to be let out, and promise never to be guilty of such things any more. + Shortly afterwards, Tom's mother was making a batter pudding, and, that he might see + how she mixed it, he climbed on the edge of the bowl; but his foot happening to slip, + he fell over head and ears into the batter, and his mother not observing him, stirred + him into the pudding, and popped him into the pot to boil. The hot water made Tom + kick and struggle; and his mother, seeing the pudding jump up and down in such a + furious manner, thought it was bewitched; and a tinker coming by just at the time, + she quickly gave him the pudding, who put it into his budget and walked on. + <!-- Page 212 --><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212"></a></p> + <p>As soon as Tom could get the batter out of his mouth, he began to cry aloud; which + so frightened the poor tinker, that he flung the pudding over the hedge, and ran away + from it as fast as he could run. The pudding being broken to pieces by the fall, Tom + was released, and walked home to his mother, who gave him a kiss and put him to bed. + Tom Thumb's mother once took him with her when she went to milk the cow; and it being + a very windy day, she tied him with a needleful of thread to a thistle, that he might + not be blown away. The cow liking his oak leaf hat took him and the thistle up at one + mouthful. While the cow chewed the thistle, Tom, terrified at her great teeth, which + seemed ready to crush him to pieces, roared, "Mother, Mother!" as loud as he could + bawl. "Where are you, Tommy, my dear Tommy?" said the mother. "Here, mother, here in + the red cow's mouth." The mother began to cry and wring her hands; but the cow + surprised at such odd noises in her throat, opened her mouth and let him drop out. + His mother clapped him into her apron, and ran home with him. Tom's father made him a + whip of a barley straw to drive the cattle with, and being one day in the field, he + slipped into a deep furrow. A raven flying over, picked him up with a grain of corn, + and flew with him to the top of a giant's castle, by the seaside, where he left him; + and old Grumbo the giant, coming soon after to walk upon his terrace, swallowed Tom + like a pill, clothes and all. Tom presently made the giant very uncomfortable, and he + threw him up into the sea. A great fish then swallowed him. The fish was soon after + caught, and sent as a present to King Arthur. When it was cut open, every body was + delighted with little Tom Thumb. The king made him his dwarf; he was the favourite of + the whole court; and, by his merry pranks, often amused the queen and the knights of + the Round Table. The king, when he rode on horseback, frequently took Tom in his + hand; and, if a shower of rain came on, he used to creep into the king's waist-coat + pocket, and sleep till the rain was over. The king also, sometimes questioned Tom + concerning his parents; and when Tom informed his majesty they were very poor people, + the king led him into his treasury, and told him he should pay his friends a visit, + and take with him as much money as he could carry. Tom procured a little purse, and + putting a threepenny piece into it, with much labour and difficulty got it upon his + back; and, after travelling two days and nights, arrived at his father's house. + <!-- Page 213 --><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213"></a></p> + <p>His mother met him at the door, almost tired to death, having in forty-eight hours + travelled almost half a mile with a huge silver threepence upon his back. His parents + were glad to see him, especially when he had brought such an amazing sum of money + with him. They placed him in a walnut shell by the fire side, and feasted him for + three days upon a hazel nut, which made him sick, for a whole nut usually served him + a month. Tom got well, but could not travel because it had rained; therefore his + mother took him in her hand, and with one puff blew him into King Arthur's court; + where Tom entertained the king, queen, and nobility at tilts and tournaments, at + which he exerted himself so much that he brought on a fit of sickness, and his life + was despaired of. At this juncture the queen of the fairies came in a chariot drawn + by flying mice, placed Tom by her side, and drove through the air, without stopping + till they arrived at her palace; when, after restoring him to health, and permitting + him to enjoy all the gay diversions of Fairy Land, the queen commanded a fair wind, + and, placing Tom before it, blew him straight to the court of King Arthur. But just + as Tom should have alighted in the courtyard of the palace, the cook happened to pass + along with the king's great bowl of firmity (King Arthur loved firmity), and poor Tom + Thumb fell plump into the middle of it and splashed the hot firmity into the cook's + eyes. Down went the bowl. "Oh dear; oh dear!" cried Tom; "Murder! murder!" bellowed + the cook! and away ran the king's nice firmity into the kennel. The cook was a + red-faced, cross fellow, and swore to the king, that Tom had done it out of mere + mischief; so he was taken up, tried, and sentenced to be beheaded. Tom hearing this + dreadful sentence, and seeing a miller stand by with his mouth wide open, he took a + good spring, and jumped down the miller's throat, unperceived by all, even by the + miller himself.<!-- Page 214 --><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214"></a> + <!-- Page 215 --><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215"></a></p> + <p>Tom being lost, the court broke up, and away went the miller to his mill. But Tom + did not leave him long at rest, he began to roll and tumble about, so that the miller + thought himself bewitched, and sent for a doctor. When the doctor came, Tom began to + dance and sing; the doctor was as much frightened as the miller, and sent in great + haste for five more doctors, and twenty learned men. While all these were debating + upon the affair, the miller (for they were very tedious) happened to yawn, and Tom, + taking the opportunity, made another jump, and alighted on his feet in the middle of + the table. The miller, provoked to be thus tormented by such a little creature, fell + into a great passion, caught hold of Tom, and threw him out of the window, into the + river. A large salmon swimming by, snapped him up in a minute. The salmon was soon + caught and sold in the market to the steward of a lord. The lord, thinking it an + uncommon fine fish, made a present of it to the king, who ordered it to be dressed + immediately. When the cook cut open the salmon, he found poor Tom, and ran with him + directly to the king; but the king being busy with state affairs, desired that he + might be brought another day. The cook resolving to keep him safely this time, as he + had so lately given him the slip, clapped him into a mouse-trap, and left him to + amuse himself by peeping through the wires for a whole week; when the king sent for + him, he forgave him for throwing down the firmity, ordered him new clothes and + knighted him.<!-- Page 216 --><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216"></a></p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i-4">"His shirt was made of butterflies' wings;<br /> + <br /> + </span> <span>His boots were made of chicken skins;</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>His coat and breeches were made with pride;</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>A tailor's needle hung by his side;</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>A mouse for a horse he used to ride."</span><br /> + <br /> + </div> + </div> + + <p>Thus dressed and mounted, he rode a hunting with the king and nobility, who all + laughed heartily at Tom and his fine prancing steed. As they rode by a farm house one + day, a cat jumped from behind the door, seized the mouse and little Tom, and began to + devour the mouse. However, Tom boldly drew his sword and attacked the cat, who then + let him fall. The king and his nobles seeing Tom falling, went to his assistance, and + one of the lords caught him in his hat; but poor Tom was sadly scratched, and his + clothes were torn by the claws of the cat. In this condition he was carried home, + when a bed of down was made for him in a little ivory cabinet. The queen of the + fairies came, and took him again to Fairy Land, where she kept him for some years; + and then, dressing him in bright green, sent him flying once more through the air to + the earth, in the days of King Thunstone. The people flocked far and near to look at + him; and the king, before whom he was carried, asked him who he was, whence he came, + and where he lived? Tom answered:</p> + <p><!-- Page 217 --><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217"></a></p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i-4">"My name is Tom Thumb,<br /> + <br /> + </span> <span>From the Fairies I come;</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>When King Arthur shone,</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>This court was my home.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>In me he delighted,</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>By him I was knighted,</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>Did you never hear of</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>Sir Thomas Thumb?"</span><br /> + <br /> + </div> + </div> + + <p>The king was so charmed with this address, that he ordered a little chair to be + made, in order that Tom might sit on his table, and also a palace of gold a span + high, with a door an inch wide, for little Tom to live in. He also gave him a coach + drawn by six small mice. This made the queen angry, because she had not a new coach + too. Therefore, resolving to ruin Tom, she complained to the king that he had behaved + very insolently to her. The king sent for him in a rage. Tom, to escape his fury, + crept into an empty snail-shell, and there lay till he was almost starved; when + peeping out of the shell, he saw a fine butterfly settled on the ground. He now + ventured out, and getting astride, the butterfly took wing, and mounted into the air + with little Tom on his back. Away he flew from field to field, from tree to tree, + till at last he flew to the king's court. The king, queen, and nobles, all strove to + catch the butterfly, but could not. At length poor Tom, having neither bridle nor + saddle, slipped from his seat, and fell into a white pot, where he was found almost + drowned. The queen vowed he should be guillotined: but while the guillotine was + getting ready, he was secured once more in a mouse-trap; when the cat seeing + something stir, and supposing it to be the mouse, patted the trap about till she + broke it, and set Tom at liberty. Soon afterwards a spider, taking him for a fly, + made at him. Tom drew his sword and fought valiantly, but the spider's poisonous + breath overcame him:<!-- Page 218 --><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218"></a></p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i-4">"He fell dead on the ground where late he had stood,<br /> + <br /> + </span> <span>And the spider sucked up the last drop of his blood."</span><br /> + <br /> + </div> + </div> + + <p>King Thunstone and his whole court went into mourning for little Tom Thumb. They + buried him under a rosebush, and raised a nice white marble monument over his grave, + with the following epitaph:</p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i-4">"Here lies Tom Thumb, King Arthur's knight,<br /> + <br /> + </span> <span>Who died by spider's cruel bite.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>He was well known in Arthur's court,</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>Where he afforded gallant sport;</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>He rode at tilt and tournament,</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>And on a mouse a hunting went;</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>Alive he filled the court with mirth,</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>His death to sorrow soon gave birth.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>Wipe, wipe your eyes, and shake your head</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>And cry, 'Alas! Tom Thumb is dead.'"</span><br /> + <br /> + </div> + </div> + + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII</h2> + <!-- Page 219 --><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219"></a> + <h3>BLUE BEARD</h3> + <p>There was, some time ago, a gentleman who was very rich. He had fine town and + country houses, his dishes and plates were all of gold or silver, his rooms were hung + with damask, his chairs and sofas were covered with the richest silks, and his + carriages were all gilt with gold in a grand style. But it happened that this + gentleman had a blue beard, which made him so very frightful and ugly, that none of + the ladies, in the parts where he lived, would venture to go into his company. Now + there was a certain lady of rank, who lived very near him, and had two daughters, + both of them of very great beauty. Blue Beard asked her to bestow one of them upon + him for a wife, and left it to herself to choose which of the two it should be. But + both the young ladies again and again said they would never marry Blue Beard; yet, to + be as civil as they could, each of them said, the only reason why she would not have + him was, because she was loath to hinder her sister from the match, which would be + such a good one for her. Still the truth of the matter was, they could neither of + them bear the thoughts of having a husband with a blue beard; and besides, they had + heard of his having been married to several wives before, and nobody could tell what + had ever become of any of them. As Blue Beard wished very much to gain their favour, + he asked the lady and her daughters, and some ladies who were on a visit at their + house, to go with him to one of his country seats, where they spent a whole week, + during which they passed all their time in nothing but parties for hunting and + fishing, music, dancing, and feasts. No one even thought of going to bed, and the + nights were passed in merry-makings of all kinds. In short, the time rolled on in so + much pleasure, that the youngest of the two sisters began to think that the beard + which she had been so much afraid of, was not so very blue, and that the gentleman + who owned it was vastly civil and pleasing. Soon after their return home, she told + her mother that she had no longer any dislike to accept of Blue Beard for her + husband; and in a very short time they were married.<!-- Page 220 --><a + name="Page_220" id="Page_220"></a></p> + <p>About a month after the marriage had taken place, Blue Beard told his wife that he + should be forced to leave her for a few weeks, as he had some affairs to attend to in + the country. He desired her to be sure to indulge herself in every kind of pleasure, + to invite as many of her friends as she liked, and to treat them with all sorts of + dainties, that her time might pass pleasantly till he came back again. "Here," said + he, "are the keys of the two large wardrobes. This is the key of the great box that + contains the best plate, which we use for company, this belongs to my strong box, + where I keep my money, and this belongs to the casket, in which are all my jewels. + Here also is a master-key to all the rooms in the house; but this small key belongs + to the closet at the end of the long gallery on the ground floor. I give you leave," + said he, "to open, or to do what you like with all the rest except this closet. This, + my dear, you must not enter, nor even put the key into the lock, for all the world. + If you do not obey me in this one thing, you must expect the most dreadful + punishments." She promised to obey his orders in the most faithful manner; and Blue + Beard, after kissing her tenderly, stepped into his coach, and drove away. + <!-- Page 221 --><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221"></a></p> + <p>When Blue Beard was gone, the friends of his wife did not wait to be asked, so + eager were they to see all the riches and fine things she had gained by marriage; for + they had none of them gone to the wedding, on account of their dislike to the blue + beard of the bridegroom. As soon as ever they came to the house, they ran about from + room to room, from closet to closet, and then from wardrobe to wardrobe, looking into + each with wonder and delight, and said, that every fresh one they came to, was richer + and finer than what they had seen the moment before. At last they came to the + drawing-rooms, where their surprise was made still greater by the costly grandeur of + the hangings, the sofas, the chairs, carpets, tables, sideboards, and + looking-glasses; the frames of these last were silver-gilt, most richly adorned, and + in the glasses they saw themselves from head to foot. In short, nothing could exceed + the richness of what they saw; and they all did not fail to admire and envy the good + fortune of their friend. But all this time the bride herself was far from thinking + about the fine speeches they made to her, for she was eager to see what was in the + closet her husband had told her not to open. So great, indeed, was her desire to do + this, that, without once thinking how rude it would be to leave her guests, she + slipped away down a private staircase that led to this forbidden closet, and in such + a hurry, that she was two or three times in danger of falling down stairs and + breaking her neck.<!-- Page 222 --><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222"></a></p> + <p>When she reached the door of the closet, she stopped for a few moments to think of + the order her husband had given her, and how he had told her that he would not fail + to keep his word and punish her very severely, if she did not obey him. But she was + so very curious to know what was inside, that she made up her mind to venture in + spite of every thing. She then, with a trembling hand, put the key into the lock, and + the door straight flew open. As the window shutters were closed, she at first could + see nothing; but in a short time she saw that the floor was covered with clotted + blood, on which the bodies of several dead women were lying.</p> + <p>These were all the wives whom Blue Beard had married, and killed one after + another. At this sight she was ready to sink with fear, and the key of the closet + door, which she held in her hand, fell on the floor. When she had a little got the + better of her fright, she took it up, locked the door, and made haste back to her own + room, that she might have a little time to get into a humour to amuse her company; + but this she could not do, so great was her fright at what she had seen. As she found + that the key of the closet had got stained with blood in falling on the floor, she + wiped it two or three times over to clean it; yet still the blood kept on it the same + as before. She next washed it, but the blood did not move at all. She then scoured it + with brickdust, and after with sand, but in spite of all she could do, the blood was + still there; for the key was a fairy who was Blue Beard's friend; so that as fast as + she got off the blood on one side, it came again on the other. Early in the same + evening Blue Beard came home, saying, that before he had gone far on his journey he + was met by a horseman, who was coming to tell him that his affair in the country was + settled without his being present; upon which his wife said every thing she could + think of, to make him believe she was in a transport of joy at his sudden return. + <!-- Page 223 --><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223"></a></p> + <p>The next morning he asked her for the keys: she gave them to him; but as she could + not help showing her fright, Blue Beard easily guessed what had been the matter. "How + is it," said he, "that the key of the closet upon the ground floor is not here?" "Is + it not?" said the wife, "then I must have left it on my dressing-table." "Be sure you + give it me by and by," replied Blue Beard. After going a good many times backwards + and forwards, as if she was looking for the key, she was at last forced to give it to + Blue Beard. He looked hard at it, and then said: "How came this blood upon the key?" + "I am sure I do not know," replied the poor lady, at the same time turning as white + as a sheet. "You do not know?" said Blue Beard sternly, "but I know well enough. You + have been in the closet on the ground floor! Very well, madam: since you are so + mighty fond of this closet, you shall be sure to take your place among the ladies you + saw there." His wife, who was almost dead with fear, now fell upon her knees, asked + his pardon a thousand times for her fault, and begged him to forgive her, looking all + the time so very mournful and lovely, that she would have melted any heart that was + not harder than a rock. But Blue Beard only said, "No, no, madam; you shall die this + very minute!" "Alas!" said the poor trembling creature, "if I must die, give me, as + least, a little time to say my prayers." "I give you," replied the cruel Blue Beard, + "half a quarter of an hour: not a moment longer." When Blue Beard had left her to + herself, she called her sister; and after telling her, as well as she could for + sobbing, that she had but half a quarter of an hour to live; "Prithee," said she, + "sister Anne," (this was her sister's name), "run up to the top of the tower, and see + if my brothers are not in sight, for they said they would visit me to-day, and if you + see them, make a sign for them to gallop on as fast as ever they can." Her sister + straight did as she was desired; and the poor trembling lady every minute cried out + to her: "Anne! sister Anne! do you see any one coming?" Her sister said, "I see + nothing but the sun, which makes a dust, and the grass, which looks green." + <!-- Page 224 --><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224"></a></p> + <p>In the meanwhile, Blue Beard, with a great cimeter in his hand, bawled as loud as + he could to his wife, "Come down at once, or I will fetch you." "One moment longer, I + beseech you," replied she, and again called softly to her sister, "Sister Anne, do + you see any one coming?" To which she answered, "I see nothing but the sun, which + makes a dust, and the grass, which looks green." Blue Beard now again bawled out, + "Come down, I say, this very moment, or I shall come to fetch you." "I am coming; + indeed I will come in one minute," sobbed his wretched wife. Then she once more cried + out, "Anne! sister Anne! do you see any one coming?" "I see," said her sister, "a + cloud of dust a little to the left." "Do you think it is my brothers?" said the wife. + "Alas! no, dear sister," replied she, "it is only a flock of sheep." "Will you come + down, madam?" said Blue Beard, in the greatest rage. "Only one single moment more," + said she. And then she called out for the last time, "Sister Anne! sister Anne! do + you see no one coming?" "I see," replied her sister, "two men on horseback coming; + but they are still a great way off." "Thank God," cried she, "they are my brothers; + beckon them to make haste." Blue Beard now cried out so loud for her to come down, + that his voice shook the whole house. The poor lady, with her hair loose, and all in + tears, now came down, and fell on her knees, begging him to spare her life; but he + stopped her, saying, "All this is of no use, for you shall die," and then, seizing + her by the hair, raised his cimeter to strike off her head. The poor woman now begged + a single moment to say one prayer. "No, no," said Blue Beard, "I will give you no + more time. You have had too much already." And again he raised his arm. Just at this + instant a loud knocking was heard at the gates, which made Blue Beard wait for a + moment to see who it was. The gates now flew open, and two officers, dressed in their + uniform, came in, and, with their swords in their hands, ran straight to Blue Beard, + who, seeing they were his wife's brothers, tried to escape from their presence; but + they pursued and seized him before he had gone twenty steps, and plunging their + swords into his body he fell down dead at their feet.<!-- Page 225 --><a + name="Page_225" id="Page_225"></a><!-- Page 226 --><a name="Page_226" + id="Page_226"></a></p> + <p>The poor wife, who was almost as dead as her husband, was not able at first to + rise and embrace her brothers; but she soon came to herself; and, as Blue Beard had + no heirs, she found herself the owner of his great riches. She gave a part of his + vast fortune as a marriage dowry to her sister Anne, who soon after became the wife + of a young gentleman who had long loved her. Some of the money she laid out in buying + captains' commissions for her two brothers, and the rest she gave to a worthy + gentleman whom she married shortly after, and whose kind treatment soon made her + forget Blue Beard's cruelty.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV</h2> + <!-- Page 227 --><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227"></a> + <h3>CINDERELLA; OR, THE LITTLE GLASS SLIPPER</h3> + <p>There was once a very rich gentleman who lost his wife, and having loved her + exceedingly, he was very sorry when she died. Finding himself quite unhappy for her + loss, he resolved to marry a second time, thinking by this means he should be as + happy as before. Unfortunately, however, the lady he chanced to fix upon was the + proudest and most haughty woman ever known; she was always out of humour with every + one; nobody could please her, and she returned the civilities of those about her with + the most affronting disdain. She had two daughters by a former husband. These she + brought up to be proud and idle. Indeed, in temper and behaviour they perfectly + resembled their mother; they did not love their books, and would not learn to work; + in short they were disliked by every body. The gentleman on his side too had a + daughter, who in sweetness of temper and carriage was the exact likeness of her own + mother, whose death he had so much lamented, and whose tender care of the little girl + he was in hopes to see replaced by that of his new bride. But scarcely was the + marriage ceremony over, before his wife began to show her real temper. She could not + bear the pretty little girl, because her sweet obliging manners made those of her own + daughters appear a thousand times the more odious and disagreeable. She therefore + ordered her to live in the kitchen; and, if ever she brought any thing into the + parlour, always scolded her till she was out of sight. She made her work with the + servants in washing the dishes, and rubbing the tables and chairs; it was her place + to clean madam's chamber, and that of the misses her daughters, which was all inlaid, + had beds of the newest fashion, and looking-glasses so long and broad, that they saw + themselves from head to foot in them; while the little creature herself was forced to + sleep up in a sorry garret, upon a wretched straw bed, without curtains, or any thing + to make her comfortable. The poor child bore this with the greatest patience, not + daring to complain to her father, who, she feared, would only reprove her, for she + saw that his wife governed him entirely. When she had done all her work she used to + sit in the chimney-corner among the cinders; so that in the house she went by the + name of Cinderbreech. The youngest of the two sisters, however, being rather more + civil than the eldest, called her Cinderella. And Cinderella, dirty and ragged as she + was, as often happens in such cases, was a thousand times prettier than her sisters, + drest out in all their splendour. It happened that the king's son gave a ball, to + which he invited all the persons of fashion in the country. Our two misses were of + the number, for the king's son did not know how disagreeable they were, but supposed, + as they were so much indulged, that they were extremely amiable. He did not invite + Cinderella, for he had never seen or heard of her.<!-- Page 228 --><a name="Page_228" + id="Page_228"></a></p> + <p>The two sisters began immediately to be very busy in preparing for the happy day. + Nothing could exceed their joy. Every moment of their time was spent in fancying such + gowns, shoes, and head-dresses as would set them off to the greatest advantage. All + this was new vexation to poor Cinderella, for it was she who ironed and plaited her + sisters' linen. They talked of nothing but how they should be dressed: "I," said the + eldest, "will wear my scarlet velvet with French trimming." "And I," said the + youngest, "shall wear the same petticoat I had made for the last ball. But then, to + make amends for that, I shall put on my gold muslin train, and wear my diamonds in my + hair; with these I must certainly look well." They sent several miles for the best + hair dresser that was to be had, and all their ornaments were bought at the most + fashionable shops. On the morning of the ball, they called up Cinderella to consult + with her about their dress, for they knew she had a great deal of taste. Cinderella + gave them the best advice she could, and even offered to assist in adjusting their + head-dresses; which was exactly what they wanted, and they accordingly accepted her + proposal. While Cinderella was busily engaged in dressing her sisters, they said to + her, "Should you not like, Cinderella, to go to the ball?" "Ah!" replied Cinderella, + "you are only laughing at me, it is not for such as I am to think of going to balls." + "You are in the right," said they, "folks might laugh indeed, to see a Cinderbreech + dancing in a ball room." Any other than Cinderella would have tried to make the + haughty creatures look as ugly as she could; but the sweet tempered girl on the + contrary, did every thing she could think of to make them look well. The sisters had + scarcely eaten any thing for two days, so great was their joy as the happy day drew + near. More than a dozen laces were broken in endeavouring to give them a fine slender + shape, and they were always before the looking glass. At length the much wished for + moment arrived; the proud misses stepped into a beautiful carriage, and, followed by + servants in rich liveries, drove towards the palace. Cinderella followed them with + her eyes as far as she could; and when they were out of sight, she sat down in a + corner and began to cry. Her godmother, who saw her in tears, asked her what ailed + her. "I wish——I w-i-s-h—" sobbed poor Cinderella, without being + able to say another word. The godmother, who was a fairy, said to her, "You wish to + go to the ball, Cinderella, is not this the truth?" "Alas! yes," replied the poor + child, sobbing still more than before. "Well, well, be a good girl," said the + godmother, "and you shall go." She then led Cinderella to her bedchamber, and said to + her: "Run into the garden and bring me a pumpkin." Cinderella flew like lightning, + and brought the finest she could lay hold of. Her godmother scooped out the inside, + leaving nothing but the rind; she then struck it with her wand, and the pumpkin + instantly became a fine coach gilded all over with gold. She then looked into her + mouse-trap, where she found six mice all alive and brisk. She told Cinderella to lift + up the door of the trap very gently; and as the mice passed out, she touched them one + by one with her wand, and each immediately became a beautiful horse of a fine dapple + gray mouse colour. "Here, my child," said the godmother, "is a coach and horses too, + as handsome as your sisters', but what shall we do for a postillion?" "I will run," + replied Cinderella, "and see if there be not a rat in the trap. If I find one, he + will do very well for a postillion." "Well thought of, my child," said her godmother; + "make what haste you can."<!-- Page 229 --><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229"></a> + <!-- Page 230 --><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230"></a><!-- Page 231 --><a + name="Page_231" id="Page_231"></a></p> + <p>Cinderella brought the rat trap, which, to her great joy, contained three of the + largest rats ever seen. The fairy chose the one which had the longest beard; and + touching him with her wand, he was instantly turned into a handsome postillion, with + the finest pair of whiskers imaginable. She next said to Cinderella: "Go again into + the garden, and you will find six lizards behind the watering-pot; bring them + hither." This was no sooner done, than with a stroke from the fairy's wand they were + changed into six footmen, who all jumped up behind the coach in their laced liveries, + and stood side by side as cleverly as if they had been used to nothing else the whole + of their lives. The fairy then said to Cinderella: "Well, my dear, is not this such + an equipage as you could wish for to take you to the ball? Are you not delighted with + it?" "Y-e-s," replied Cinderella with hesitation, "but must I go thither in these + filthy rags?" Her godmother touched her with the wand, and her rags instantly became + the most magnificent apparel, ornamented with the most costly jewels in the whole + world. To these she added a beautiful pair of glass slippers, and bade her set out + for the palace. The fairy, however, before she took leave of Cinderella, strictly + charged her on no account whatever to stay at the ball after the clock had struck + twelve, telling her that, should she stay but a single moment after that time, her + coach would again become a pumpkin, her horses mice, her footmen lizards, and her + fine clothes be changed to filthy rags. Cinderella did not fail to promise all her + godmother desired of her; and almost wild with joy drove away to the palace. As soon + as she arrived, the king's son, who had been informed that a great princess, whom + nobody knew, was come to the ball, presented himself at the door of her carriage, + helped her out, and conducted her to the ball room. Cinderella no sooner appeared + than every one was silent; both the dancing and the music stopped, and every body was + employed in gazing at the uncommon beauty of this unknown stranger. Nothing was heard + but whispers of "How handsome she is!" The king himself, old as he was, could not + keep his eyes from her, and continually repeated to the queen, that it was a long + time since he had seen so lovely a creature. The ladies endeavoured to find out how + her clothes were made, that they might get some of the same pattern for themselves by + the next day, should they be lucky enough to meet with such handsome materials, and + such good work-people to make them.<!-- Page 232 --><a name="Page_232" + id="Page_232"></a></p> + <p>The king's son conducted her to the most honourable seat, and soon after took her + out to dance with him. She both moved and danced so gracefully, that every one + admired her still more than before, and she was thought the most beautiful and + accomplished lady they ever beheld. After some time a delicious collation was served + up; but the young prince was so busily employed in looking at her, that he did not + eat a morsel. Cinderella seated herself near her sisters, paid them a thousand + attentions, and offered them a part of the oranges and sweetmeats with which the + prince had presented her, while they on their part were quite astonished at these + civilities from a lady whom they did not know. As they were conversing together, + Cinderella heard the clock strike eleven and three quarters. She rose from her seat, + curtesied to the company, and hastened away as fast as she could. As soon as she got + home she flew to her godmother, and, after thanking her a thousand times, told her + she would give the world to be able to go again to the ball the next day, for the + king's son had entreated her to be there. While she was telling her godmother every + thing that had happened to her at the ball, the two sisters knocked a loud + rat-tat-tat at the door; which Cinderella opened. "How late you have stayed!" said + she, yawning, rubbing her eyes, and stretching herself, as if just awakened out of + her sleep, though she had in truth felt no desire for sleep since they left her. "If + you had been at the ball," said one of her sisters, "let me tell you, you would not + have been sleepy. There came thither the handsomest, yes, the very handsomest + princess ever beheld! She paid us a thousand attentions, and made us take a part of + the oranges and sweetmeats the prince had given her." Cinderella could scarcely + contain herself for joy: she asked her sisters the name of this princess, to which + they replied, that nobody had been able to discover who she was; that the king's son + was extremely grieved on that account, and had offered a large reward to any person + who could find out where she came from. Cinderella smiled, and said: "How very + beautiful she must be! How fortunate you are! Ah, could I but see her for a single + moment! Dear Miss Charlotte, lend me only the yellow gown you wear every day, and let + me go to see her." "Oh! yes, I warrant you; lend my clothes to a Cinderbreech! Do you + really suppose me such a fool? No, no; pray, Miss Forward, mind your proper business, + and leave dress and balls to your betters." Cinderella expected some such answer, and + was by no means sorry, for she would have been sadly at a loss what to do if her + sister had lent her the clothes that she asked of her.<!-- Page 233 --><a + name="Page_233" id="Page_233"></a><!-- Page 234 --><a name="Page_234" + id="Page_234"></a></p> + <p>The next day the two sisters again appeared at the ball, and so did Cinderella, + but dressed much more magnificently than the night before. The king's son was + continually by her side, and said the most obliging things imaginable to her. The + charming young creature was far from being tired of all the agreeable things she met + with. On the contrary, she was so delighted with them that she entirely forgot the + charge her godmother had given her. Cinderella at last heard the striking of a clock, + and counted one, two, three, on till she came to twelve, though she thought that it + could be but eleven at most. She got up and flew as nimbly as a deer out of the + ball-room. The prince tried to overtake her; but poor Cinderella's fright made her + run the faster. However, in her great hurry, she dropped one of her glass slippers + from her foot, which the prince stooped down and picked up, and took the greatest + care of it possible. Cinderella got home tired and out of breath, in her old clothes, + without either coach or footmen, and having nothing left of her magnificence but the + fellow of the glass slipper which she had dropped. In the mean while, the prince had + inquired of all his guards at the palace gates, if they had not seen a magnificent + princess pass out, and which way she went? The guards replied, that no princess had + passed the gates; and that they had not seen a creature but a little ragged girl, who + looked more like a beggar than a princess. When the two sisters returned from the + ball, Cinderella asked them if they had been as much amused as the night before, and + if the beautiful princess had been there? They told her that she had; but that as + soon as the clock struck twelve, she hurried away from the ball room, and in the + great haste she had made, had dropped one of her glass slippers, which was the + prettiest shape that could be; that the king's son had picked it up, and had done + nothing but look at it all the rest of the evening; and that every body believed he + was violently in love with the handsome lady to whom it belonged.<!-- Page 235 --><a + name="Page_235" id="Page_235"></a></p> + <p>This was very true; for a few days after, the prince had it proclaimed, by sound + of trumpet, that he would marry the lady whose foot should exactly fit the slipper he + had found. Accordingly the prince's messengers took the slipper, and carried it first + to all the princesses, then to the duchesses, in short, to all the ladies of the + court. But without success. They then brought it to the two sisters, who each tried + all she could to squeeze her foot into the slipper, but saw at last that this was + quite impossible. Cinderella who was looking at them all the while, and knew her + slipper, could not help smiling, and ventured to say, "Pray, sir, let me try to get + on the slipper." The gentleman made her sit down; and putting the slipper to her + foot, it instantly slipped in, and he saw that it fitted her like wax. The two + sisters were amazed to see that the slipper fitted Cinderella; but how much greater + was their astonishment when she drew out of her pocket the other slipper and put it + on! Just at this moment the fairy entered the room, and touching Cinderella's clothes + with her wand, made her all at once appear more magnificently dressed than they had + ever seen her before.<!-- Page 236 --><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236"></a></p> + <p>The two sisters immediately perceived that she was the beautiful princess they had + seen at the ball. They threw themselves at her feet, and asked her forgiveness for + the ill treatment she had received from them. Cinderella helped them to rise, and, + tenderly embracing them, said that she forgave them with all her heart, and begged + them to bestow on her their affection. Cinderella was then conducted, dressed as she + was, to the young prince, who finding her more beautiful than ever, instantly desired + her to accept of his hand. The marriage ceremony took place in a few days; and + Cinderella, who was as amiable as she was handsome, gave her sisters magnificent + apartments in the palace, and a short time after married them to two great lords of + the court.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV</h2> + <!-- Page 237 --><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237"></a> + <h3>PUSS IN BOOTS</h3> + <p>There was a miller who had three sons, and when he died he divided what he + possessed among them in the following manner: He gave his mill to the eldest, his ass + to the second, and his cat to the youngest. Each of the brothers accordingly took + what belonged to him, without the help of an attorney, who would soon have brought + their little fortune to nothing, in law expenses. The poor young fellow who had + nothing but the cat, complained that he was hardly used: "My brothers," said he, "by + joining their stocks together, may do well in the world, but for me, when I have + eaten my cat, and made a fur cap of his skin, I may soon die of hunger!" The cat, who + all this time sat listening just inside the door of a cupboard, now ventured to come + out and addressed him as follows: "Do not thus afflict yourself, my good master. You + have only to give me a bag, and get a pair of boots made for me, so that I may + scamper through the dirt and the brambles, and you shall see that you are not so ill + provided for as you imagine." Though the cat's master did not much depend upon these + promises, yet, as he had often observed the cunning tricks puss used to catch the + rats and mice, such as hanging upon his hind legs, and hiding in the meal to make + believe that he was dead, he did not entirely despair of his being of some use to him + in his unhappy condition.<!-- Page 238 --><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238"></a></p> + <p>When the cat had obtained what he asked for, he gayly began to equip himself: he + drew on his boots; and putting the bag about his neck, he took hold of the strings + with his fore paws, and bidding his master take courage, immediately sallied forth. + The first attempt Puss made was to go into a warren in which there were a great + number of rabbits. He put some bran and some parsley into his bag; and then + stretching himself out at full length as if he was dead, he waited for some young + rabbits, who as yet knew nothing of the cunning tricks of the world, to come and get + into the bag, the better to feast upon the dainties he had put into it. Scarcely had + he lain down before he succeeded as well as could be wished. A giddy young rabbit + crept into the bag, and the cat immediately drew the strings, and killed him without + mercy. Puss, proud of his prey, hastened directly to the palace, where he asked to + speak to the king. On being shown into the apartment of his majesty, he made a low + bow, and said, "I have brought you, sire, this rabbit from the warren of my lord the + marquis of Carabas, who commanded me to present it to your majesty with the assurance + of his respect." (This was the title the cat thought proper to bestow upon his + master.) "Tell my lord marquis of Carabas," replied the king, "that I accept of his + present with pleasure, and that I am greatly obliged to him." Soon after, the cat + laid himself down in the same manner in a field of corn, and had as much good fortune + as before; for two fine partridges got into his bag, which he immediately killed and + carried to the palace: the king received them as he had done the rabbit, and ordered + his servants to give the messenger something to drink. In this manner he continued to + carry presents of game to the king from my lord marquis of Carabas, once at least in + every week.<!-- Page 239 --><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239"></a></p> + <p>One day, the cat having heard that the king intended to take a ride that morning + by the river's side with his daughter, who was the most beautiful princess in the + world, he said to his master: "If you will but follow my advice, your fortune is + made. Take off your clothes, and bathe yourself in the river, just in the place I + shall show you, and leave the rest to me," The marquis of Carabas did exactly as he + was desired, without being able to guess at what the cat intended. While he was + bathing the king passed by, and puss directly called out as loud as he could bawl: + "Help! help! My lord marquis of Carabas is in danger of being drowned!" The king + hearing the cries, put his head out at the window of his carriage to see what was the + matter: when, perceiving the very cat who had brought him so many presents, he + ordered his attendants to go directly to the assistance of my lord marquis of + Carabas. While they were employed in taking the marquis out of the river, the cat ran + to the king's carriage, and told his majesty, that while his master was bathing, some + thieves had run off with his clothes as they lay by the river's side; the cunning cat + all the time having hid them under a large stone. The king hearing this, commanded + the officers of his wardrobe to fetch one of the handsomest suits it contained, and + present it to my lord marquis of Carabas, at the same time loading him with a + thousand attentions. As the fine clothes they brought him made him look like a + gentleman, and set off his person, which was very comely, to the greatest advantage, + the king's daughter was mightily taken with his appearance, and the marquis of + Carabas had no sooner cast upon her two or three respectful glances, then she became + violently in love with him.<!-- Page 240 --><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240"></a></p> + <p>The king insisted on his getting into the carriage and taking a ride with them. + The cat, enchanted to see how well his scheme was likely to succeed, ran before to a + meadow that was reaping, and said to the reapers: "Good people, if you do not tell + the king, who will soon pass this way, that the meadow you are reaping belongs to my + lord marquis of Carabas, you shall be chopped as small as mince meat." The king did + not fail to ask the reapers to whom the meadow belonged? "To my lord marquis of + Carabas," said they all at once; for the threats of the cat had terribly frighted + them. "You have here a very fine piece of land, my lord marquis," said the king. + "Truly, sire," replied he, "it does not fail to bring me every year a plentiful + harvest." The cat who still went on before, now came to a field where some other + labourers were making sheaves of the corn they had reaped, to whom he said as before: + "Good people, if you do not tell the king who will presently pass this way, that the + corn you have reaped in this field belongs to my lord marquis of Carabas, you shall + be chopped as small as mince meat." The king accordingly passed a moment after, and + inquired to whom the corn he saw belonged? "To my lord marquis of Carabas," answered + they very glibly; upon which the king again complimented the marquis upon his noble + possessions. The cat still continued to go before, and gave the same charge to all + the people he met with; so that the king was greatly astonished at the splendid + fortune of my lord marquis of Carabas. Puss at length arrived at a stately castle, + which belonged to an Ogre, the richest ever known; for all the lands the king had + passed through and admired were his. The cat took care to learn every particular + about the Ogre, and what he could do, and then asked to speak with him, saying, as he + entered the room in which he was, that he could not pass so near his castle without + doing himself the honour to inquire after his health. The Ogre received him as + civilly as an Ogre could do, and desired him to be seated, "I have been informed," + said the cat, "that you have the gift of changing yourself to all sorts of animals; + into a lion or an elephant for example." "It is very true," replied the Ogre somewhat + sternly; "and to convince you I will directly take the form of a lion." The cat was + so much terrified at finding himself so near to a lion, that he sprang from him, and + climbed to the roof of the house; but not without much difficulty, as his boots were + not very fit to walk upon the tiles.<!-- Page 241 --><a name="Page_241" + id="Page_241"></a></p> + <p>Some minutes after, the cat perceiving that the Ogre had quitted the form of a + lion, ventured to come down from the tiles, and owned that he had been a good deal + frightened, "I have been further informed," continued the cat, "but I know not how to + believe it, that you have the power of taking the form of the smallest animals also; + for example of changing yourself to a rat or a mouse: I confess I should think this + impossible." "Impossible! you shall see;" and at the same instant he changed himself + into a mouse, and began to frisk about the room. The cat no sooner cast his eyes upon + the Ogre in this form, than he sprang upon him and devoured him in an instant. In the + meantime the king, admiring as he came near it, the magnificent castle of the Ogre, + ordered his attendants to drive up to the gates, as he wished to take a nearer view + of it. The cat, hearing the noise of the carriage on the drawbridge, immediately came + out, saying: "Your majesty is welcome to the castle of my lord marquis of Carabas." + "And is this splendid castle yours also, my lord marquis of Carabas? I never saw + anything more stately than the building, or more beautiful than the park and pleasure + grounds around it; no doubt the castle is no less magnificent within than without: + pray, my lord marquis, indulge me with a sight of it."<!-- Page 242 --><a + name="Page_242" id="Page_242"></a></p> + <p>The marquis gave his hand to the young princess as she alighted, and followed the + king who went before; they entered a spacious hall, where they found a splendid + collation which the Ogre had prepared for some friends he had that day expected to + visit him; but who, hearing that the king with the princess and a great gentleman of + the court were within, had not dared to enter. The king was so much charmed with the + amiable qualities and noble fortune of the marquis of Carabas, and the young princess + too had fallen so violently in love with him, that when the king had partaken of the + collation, and drunk a few glasses of wine, he said to the marquis: "It will be you + own fault, my lord marquis of Carabas, if you do not soon become my son-in-law." The + marquis received the intelligence with a thousand respectful acknowledgments, + accepted the honour conferred upon him, and married the princess that very day. The + cat became a great lord, and never after ran after rats and mice but for his + amusement.<!-- Page 243 --><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243"></a></p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI</h2> + <!-- Page 244 --><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244"></a> + <h3>THE SLEEPING BEAUTY IN THE WOOD</h3> + <p>Once upon a time there was a king and a queen who grieved sorely that they had no + children. When at last the queen gave birth to a daughter the king was so overjoyed + that he gave a great christening feast, the like of which had never before been + known. He asked all the fairies in the land—there were seven all told—to + stand godmothers to the little princess, hoping that each might give her a gift, and + so she should have all imaginable perfections.</p> + <p>After the christening, all the company returned to the palace, where a great feast + had been spread for the fairy godmothers. Before each was set a magnificent plate, + with a gold knife and a gold fork studded with diamonds and rubies. Just as they were + seating themselves, however, there entered an old fairy who had not been invited + because more than fifty years ago she had shut herself up in a tower and it was + supposed that she was either dead or enchanted.</p> + <p>The king ordered a cover to be laid for her, but it could not be a massive gold + one like the others, for only seven had been ordered made. The old fairy thought + herself ill-used and muttered between her teeth. One of the young fairies, + overhearing her, and fancying she might work some mischief to the little baby, went + and hid herself behind the hangings in the hall, so as to be able to have the last + word and undo any harm the old fairy might wish to work. The fairies now began to + endow the princess. The youngest, for her gift, decreed that she should be the most + beautiful person in the world; the next that she should have the mind of an angel; + the third that she should be perfectly graceful; the fourth that she should dance + admirably well; the fifth, that she should sing like a nightingale; the sixth, that + she should play charmingly upon every musical instrument. The turn of the old fairy + had now come, and she declared, while her head shook with malice, that the princess + should pierce her hand with a spindle and die of the wound. This dreadful fate threw + all the company into tears of dismay, when the young fairy who had hidden herself + came forward and said:<!-- Page 245 --><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245"></a></p> + <p>"Be of good cheer, king and queen; your daughter shall not so die. It is true I + cannot entirely undo what my elder has done. The princess will pierce her hand with a + spindle, but, instead of dying, she will only fall into a deep sleep. The sleep will + last a hundred years, and at the end of that time a king's son will come to wake + her."</p> + <p>The king, in hopes of preventing what the old fairy had foretold, immediately + issued an edict by which he forbade all persons in his dominion from spinning or even + having spindles in their houses under pain of instant death.</p> + <p>Now fifteen years after the princess was born she was with the king and queen at + one of their castles, and as she was running about by herself she came to a little + chamber at the top of a tower, and there sat an honest old woman spinning, for she + had never heard of the king's edict.<!-- Page 246 --><a name="Page_246" + id="Page_246"></a></p> + <p>"What are you doing?" asked the princess.</p> + <p>"I am spinning, my fair child," said the old woman, who did not know her.</p> + <p>"How pretty it is!" exclaimed the princess. "How do you do it? Give it to me that + I may see if I can do it." She had no sooner taken up the spindle, than, being hasty + and careless, she pierced her hand with the point of it, and fainted away. The old + woman, in great alarm, called for help. People came running in from all sides; they + threw water in the princess's face and did all they could to restore her, but nothing + would bring her to. The king, who had heard the noise and confusion, came up also, + and remembering what the fairy had said, he had the princess carried to the finest + apartment and laid upon a richly embroidered bed. She lay there in all her + loveliness, for the swoon had not made her pale; her lips were cherry-ripe and her + cheeks ruddy and fair; her eyes were closed, but they could hear her breathing + quietly; she could not be dead. The king looked sorrowfully upon her. He knew that + she would not awake for a hundred years.</p> + <p>The good fairy who had saved her life and turned her death into sleep was in the + kingdom of Mataquin, twelve thousand leagues away, when this happened, but she + learned of it from a dwarf who had a pair of seven-league boots, and instantly set + out for the castle, where she arrived in an hour, drawn by dragons in a fiery + chariot. The king came forward to receive her and showed his grief. The good fairy + was very wise and saw that the princess when she woke would find herself all alone in + that great castle and everything about her would be strange. So this is what she did. + She touched with her wand everybody that was in the castle, except the king and + queen. She touched the governesses, maids of honour, women of the bed-chamber, + gentlemen, officers, stewards, cooks, scullions, boys, guards, porters, pages, + footmen; she touched the horses in the stable with their grooms, the great mastiffs + in the court-yard, and even little Pouste, the tiny lap-dog of the princess that was + on the bed beside her. As soon as she had touched them they all fell asleep, not to + wake again until the time arrived for their mistress to do so, when they would be + ready to wait upon her. Even the spits before the fire, laden with partridges and + pheasants, went to sleep, and the fire itself went to sleep also.<!-- Page 247 --><a + name="Page_247" id="Page_247"></a></p> + <p>It was the work of a moment. The king and queen kissed their daughter farewell and + left the castle, issuing a proclamation that no person whatsoever was to approach it. + That was needless, for in a quarter of an hour there had grown up about it a wood so + thick and filled with thorns that nothing could get at the castle, and the castle top + itself could only be seen from a great distance.</p> + <p>A hundred years went by, and the kingdom was in the hands of another royal family. + The son of the king was hunting one day when he discovered the towers of the castle + above the tops of the trees, and asked what castle that was. All manner of answers + were given to him. One said it was an enchanted castle, another that witches lived + there, but most believed that it was occupied by a great ogre which carried thither + all the children he could catch and ate them up one at a time, for nobody could get + at him through the wood. The prince did not know what to believe, when finally an old + peasant said:<!-- Page 248 --><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248"></a></p> + <p>"Prince, it is more than fifty years since I heard my father say that there was in + that castle the most beautiful princess that ever was seen; that she was to sleep for + a hundred years, and to be awakened at last by the king's son, who was to marry + her."</p> + <p>The young prince at these words felt himself on fire. He had not a moment's doubt + that he was destined to this great adventure, and full of ardour he determined at + once to set out for the castle. Scarcely had he come to the wood when all the trees + and thorns which had made such an impenetrable thicket opened on one side and the + other to offer him a path. He walked toward the castle, which appeared now at the end + of a long avenue, but when he turned to, look for his followers not one was to be + seen; the woods had closed instantly upon him as he had passed through. He was + entirely alone, and utter silence was about him. He entered a large forecourt and + stood still with amazement and awe. On every side were stretched the bodies of men + and animals apparently lifeless. But the faces of the men were rosy, and the goblets + by them had a few drops of wine left. The men had plainly fallen asleep. His steps + resounded as he passed over the marble pavement and up the marble staircase. He + entered the guard-room; there the guards stood drawn up in line with carbines at + their shoulders, but they were sound asleep. He passed through one apartment after + another, where were ladies and gentlemen asleep in their chairs or standing. He + entered a chamber covered with gold, and saw on a bed, the curtains of which were + drawn, the most lovely sight he had ever looked upon—a princess, who appeared + to be about fifteen or sixteen, and so fair that she seemed to belong to another + world. He drew near, trembling and wondering, and knelt beside her. Her hand lay upon + her breast, and he touched his lips to it. At that moment, the enchantment being + ended, the princess awoke, and, looking drowsily and tenderly at the young man, said: + <!-- Page 249 --><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249"></a></p> + <p>"Have you come, my prince? I have waited long for you." The prince was overjoyed + at the words, and at the tender voice and look, and scarcely knew how to speak. But + he managed to assure her of his love, and they soon forgot all else as they talked + and talked. They talked for four hours, and had not then said half that was in their + heads to say.</p> + <p>Meanwhile all the rest of the people in the castle had been wakened at the same + moment as the princess, and they were now extremely hungry. The lady-in-waiting + became very impatient, and at length announced to the princess that they all waited + for her. Then the prince took the princess by the hand; she was dressed in great + splendour, but he did not hint that she looked as he had seen pictures of his + great-grandmother look; he thought her all the more charming for that. They passed + into a hall of mirrors, where they supped, attended by the officers of the princess. + The violins and haut-boys played old but excellent pieces of music, and after supper, + to lose no time, the grand almoner married the royal lovers in the chapel of the + castle.<!-- Page 250 --><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250"></a></p> + <p>When they left the castle the next day to return to the prince's home, they were + followed by all the retinue of the princess. They marched down the long avenue, and + the wood opened again to let them pass. Outside they met the prince's followers, who + were overjoyed to see their master. He turned to show them the castle, but behold! + there was no castle to be seen, and no wood; castle and wood had vanished, but the + prince and princess went gayly away, and when the old king and queen died they + reigned in their stead.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII</h2> + <!-- Page 251 --><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251"></a> + <h3>JACK AND THE BEAN-STALK</h3> + <p>In the days of King Alfred, there lived a poor woman whose cottage was situated in + a remote country village, a great many miles from London. She had been a widow some + years, and had an only child named Jack, whom she indulged to a fault. The + consequence of her blind partiality was, that Jack did not pay the least attention to + any thing she said, but was indolent, careless, and extravagant. His follies were not + owing to a bad disposition, but that his mother had never checked him. By degrees she + disposed of all she possessed—scarcely any thing remained but a cow. The poor + woman one day met Jack with tears in her eyes; her distress was great, and for the + first time in her life she could not help reproaching him, saying, "Oh! you wicked + child, by your ungrateful course of life you have at last brought me to beggary and + ruin. Cruel, cruel boy! I have not money enough to purchase even a bit of bread for + another day—nothing now remains to sell but my poor cow! I am sorry to part + with her; it grieves me sadly, but we must not starve." For a few minutes, Jack felt + a degree of remorse, but it was soon over, and he began teasing his mother to let him + sell the cow at the next village, so much, that she at last consented. As he was + going along, he met a butcher, who inquired why he was driving the cow from home? + Jack replied, he was going to sell it. The butcher held some curious beans in his + hat; they were of various colours, and attracted Jack's attention. This did not pass + unnoticed by the butcher, who, knowing Jack's easy temper, thought now was the time + to take an advantage of it; and determined not to let slip so good an opportunity, + asked what was the price of the cow, offering at the same time all the beans in his + hat for her. The silly boy could not conceal the pleasure he felt at what he supposed + so great an offer, the bargain was struck instantly, and the cow exchanged for a few + paltry beans. Jack made the best of his way home, calling aloud to his mother before + he reached home, thinking to surprise her.<!-- Page 252 --><a name="Page_252" + id="Page_252"></a></p> + <p>When she saw the beans, and heard Jack's account, her patience quite forsook her. + She kicked the beans away in a passion—they flew in all directions—some + were scattered in the garden. Not having any thing to eat, they both went supperless + to bed. Jack woke early in the morning, and seeing something uncommon from the window + of his bed-chamber, ran down stairs into the garden, where he soon discovered that + some of the beans had taken root, and sprung up surprisingly: the stalks were of an + immense thickness, and had so entwined, that they formed a ladder nearly like a chain + in appearance. Looking upward, he could not discern the top, it appeared to be lost + in the clouds: he tried it, found it firm, and not to be shaken. He quickly formed + the resolution of endeavouring to climb up to the top, in order to seek his fortune, + and ran to communicate his intention to his mother, not doubting but she would be + equally pleased with himself. She declared he should not go; said it would break her + heart if he did—entreated, and threatened—but all in vain. Jack set out, + and after climbing for some hours, reached the top of the bean-stalk, fatigued and + quite exhausted. Looking around, he found himself in a strange country; it appeared + to be a desert, quite barren, not a tree, shrub, house, or living creature to be + seen; here and there were scattered fragments of stone; and at unequal distances, + small heaps of earth were loosely thrown together.<!-- Page 253 --><a name="Page_253" + id="Page_253"></a></p> + <p>Jack seated himself pensively upon a block of stone, and thought of his + mother—he reflected with sorrow upon his disobedience in climbing the + bean-stalk against her will; and concluded that he must die with hunger. However he + walked on, hoping to see a house where he might beg something to eat and drink; + presently a handsome young woman appeared at a distance: as she approached, Jack + could not help admiring how beautiful and lively she looked; she was dressed in the + most elegant manner, and had a small white wand in her hand, on the top of which was + a peacock of pure gold. While Jack was looking with great surprise at this charming + female, she came up to him, and with a smile of the most bewitching sweetness, + inquired how he came there. Jack related the circumstance of the bean-stalk. She + asked him if he recollected his father; he replied he did not; and added, there must + be some mystery relating to him, because if he asked his mother who his father was, + she always burst into tears, and appeared violently agitated, nor did she recover + herself for some days after; one thing, however, he could not avoid observing upon + these occasions, which was that she always carefully avoided answering him, and even + seemed afraid of speaking, as if there was some secret connected with his father's + history which she must not disclose. The young woman replied, "I will reveal the + whole story; your mother must not. But, before I begin, I require a solemn promise on + your part to do what I command; I am a fairy, and if you do not perform exactly what + I desire, you will be destroyed," Jack was frightened at her menaces, but promised to + fulfil her injunctions exactly, and the fairy thus addressed him:<!-- Page 254 --><a + name="Page_254" id="Page_254"></a></p> + <p>"Your father was a rich man, his disposition remarkably benevolent: he was very + good to the poor, and constantly relieving them. He made it a rule never to let a day + pass without doing good to some person. On one particular day in the week, he kept + open house, and invited only those who were reduced and had lived well. He always + presided himself, and did all in his power to render his guests comfortable; the rich + and the great were not invited. The servants were all happy, and greatly attached to + their master and mistress. Your father, though only a private gentleman, was as rich + as a prince, and he deserved all he possessed, for he only lived to do good. Such a + man was soon known and talked of. A giant lived a great many miles off: this man was + altogether as wicked as your father was good; he was in his heart envious, covetous, + and cruel; but he had the art of concealing those vices. He was poor, and wished to + enrich himself at any rate. Hearing your father spoken of, he formed the design of + becoming acquainted with him, hoping to ingratiate himself into your father's favour. + He removed quickly into your neighbourhood, caused to be reported that he was a + gentleman who had just lost all he possessed by an earth-quake, and found it + difficult to escape with his life; his wife was with him. Your father gave credit to + his story, and pitied him, gave him handsome apartments in his own house, and caused + him and his wife to be treated like visitors of consequence, little imagining that + the giant was meditating a horrid return for all his favours.<!-- Page 255 --><a + name="Page_255" id="Page_255"></a></p> + <p>"Things went on in this way for some time, the giant becoming daily more impatient + to put his plan into execution; at last a favourable opportunity presented itself. + Your father's house was at some distance from the seashore, but with a glass the + coast could be seen distinctly. The giant was one day using the telescope; the wind + was very high; he saw a fleet of ships in distress off the rocks; he hastened to your + father, mentioned the circumstance, and eagerly requested he would send all the + servants he could spare to relieve the sufferers. Every one was instantly despatched, + except the porter and your nurse; the giant then joined your father in the study, and + appeared to be delighted—he really was so. Your father recommended a favourite + book, and was handing it down: the giant took the opportunity, and stabbed him; he + instantly fell down dead. The giant left the body, found the porter and nurse, and + presently despatched them; being determined to have no living witnesses of his + crimes. You were then only three months old; your mother had you in her arms in a + remote part of the house, and was ignorant of what was going on; she went into the + study, but how was she shocked, on discovering your father a corpse, and weltering in + his blood! she was stupefied with horror and grief, and was motionless. The giant, + who was seeking her, found her in that state, and hastened to serve her and you as he + had done her husband, but she fell at his feet, and in a pathetic manner besought him + to spare your life and hers.<!-- Page 256 --><a name="Page_256" + id="Page_256"></a></p> + <p>"Remorse, for a moment, seemed to touch the barbarian's heart: he granted your + lives; but first he made her take a most solemn oath, never to inform you who your + father was, or to answer any questions concerning him: assuring her that if she did, + he would certainly discover her, and put both of you to death in the most cruel + manner. Your mother took you in her arms, and fled as quickly as possible; she was + scarcely gone when the giant repented that he had suffered her to escape. He would + have pursued her instantly; but he had to provide for his own safety; as it was + necessary he should be gone before the servants returned. Having gained your father's + confidence, he knew where to find all his treasure: he soon loaded himself and his + wife, set the house on fire in several places, and when the servants returned, the + house was burned quite down to the ground. Your poor mother, forlorn, abandoned, and + forsaken, wandered with you a great many miles from this scene of desolation. Fear + added to her haste. She settled in the cottage where you were brought up, and it was + entirety owing to her fear of the giant that she never mentioned your father to you. + I became your father's guardian at his birth; but fairies have laws to which they are + subject as well as mortals. A short time before the giant went to your father's, I + transgressed; my punishment was a suspension of power for a limited time—an + unfortunate circumstance, as it totally prevented my succouring your father. + <!-- Page 257 --><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257"></a></p> + <p>"The day on which you met the butcher, as you went to sell your mother's cow, my + power was restored. It was I who secretly prompted you to take the beans in exchange + for the cow. By my power, the bean-stalk grew to so great a height, and formed a + ladder. I need not add that I inspired you with a strong desire to ascend the ladder. + The giant lives in this country: you are the person appointed to punish him for all + his wickedness. You will have dangers and difficulties to encounter, but you must + persevere in avenging the death of your father, or you will not prosper in any of + your undertakings, but will always be miserable. As to the giant's possessions, you + may seize on all you can; for every thing he has is yours, though now you are + unjustly deprived of it. One thing I desire—do not let your mother know you are + acquainted with your father's history, till you see me again. Go along the direct + road, you will soon see the house where your cruel enemy lives. While you do as I + order you, I will protect and guard you; but, remember, if you dare disobey my + commands, a most dreadful punishment awaits you."</p> + <p>When the fairy had concluded, she disappeared, leaving Jack to pursue his journey. + He walked on till after sunset, when, to his great joy, he espied a large mansion. + This agreeable sight revived his drooping spirits; he redoubled his speed, and soon + reached it. A plain-looking woman was at the door—he accosted her, begging she + would give him a morsel of bread and a night's lodging. She expressed the greatest + surprise at seeing him; and said it was quite uncommon to see a human being near + their house, for it was well known that her husband was a large and very powerful + giant, and that he would never eat any thing but human flesh, if he could possibly + get it; that he did not think any thing of walking fifty miles to procure it, usually + being out the whole day for that purpose.<!-- Page 258 --><a name="Page_258" + id="Page_258"></a></p> + <p>This account greatly terrified Jack, but still he hoped to elude the giant, and + therefore he again entreated the woman to take him in for one night only, and hide + him where she thought proper. The good woman at last suffered herself to be + persuaded, for she was of a compassionate and generous disposition, and took him into + the house. First, they entered a fine large hall, magnificently furnished; they then + passed through several spacious rooms, all in the same style of grandeur; but they + appeared to be quite forsaken and desolate. A long gallery was next; it was very + dark—just light enough to show that, instead of a wall on one side, there was a + grating of iron, which parted off a dismal dungeon, from whence issued the groans of + those poor victims whom the cruel giant reserved in confinement for his own voracious + appetite. Poor Jack was half dead with fear, and would have given the world to have + been with his mother again, for he now began to fear that he should never see her + more, and gave himself up for lost; he even mistrusted the good woman, and thought + she had let him into the house for no other purpose than to lock him up among the + unfortunate people in the dungeon. At the farther end of the gallery there was a + spacious kitchen, and a very excellent fire was burning in the grate. The good woman + bid Jack sit down, and gave him plenty to eat and drink. Jack, not seeing any thing + here to make him uncomfortable, soon forgot his fear, and was just beginning to enjoy + himself, when he was aroused by a loud knocking at the street-door, which made the + whole house shake: the giant's wife ran to secure him in the oven, and then went to + let her husband in. Jack heard him accost her in a voice like thunder, saying: "Wife, + I smell fresh meat." "Oh! my dear," replied she, "it is nothing but the people in the + dungeon." The giant appeared to believe her, and walked into the very kitchen where + poor Jack was concealed, who shook, trembled, and was more terrified than he had yet + been. At last, the monster seated himself quietly by the fire-side, whilst his wife + prepared supper. By degrees Jack recovered himself sufficiently to look at the giant + through a small crevice. He was quite astonished to see what an amazing quantity he + devoured, and thought he never would have done eating and drinking. When supper was + ended, the giant desired his wife to bring him his hen. A very beautiful hen was then + brought, and placed on the table before him. Jack's curiosity was very great to see + what would happen: he observed that every time the giant said "Lay!" the hen laid an + egg of solid gold. The giant amused himself a long time with his hen; meanwhile his + wife went to bed. At length the giant fell asleep by the fire-side, and snored like + the roaring of a cannon.<!-- Page 259 --><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259"></a> + <!-- Page 260 --><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260"></a></p> + <p>At daybreak, Jack, finding the giant still asleep, and not likely to awaken soon, + crept softly out of his hiding-place, seized the hen, and ran off with her. He met + with some difficulty in finding his way out of the house, but at last he reached the + road with safety. He easily found the way to the bean-stalk, and descended it better + and quicker than he expected. His mother was overjoyed to see him; he found her + crying bitterly, and lamenting his hard fate, for she concluded he had come to some + shocking end through his rashness. Jack was impatient to show his hen, and inform his + mother how valuable it was. "And now, mother," said Jack, "I have brought home that + which will quickly make us rich; and I hope to make you some amends for the + affliction I have caused you through my idleness, extravagance, and folly." The hen + produced as many golden eggs as they desired: they sold them, and in a little time + became possessed of as much riches as they wanted. For some months Jack and his + mother lived very happily together; but he being very desirous of travelling, + recollecting the fairy's commands, and fearing that if he delayed, she would put her + threats into execution, longed to climb the bean-stalk, and pay the giant another + visit, in order to carry away some more of his treasures; for, during the time that + Jack was in the giant's mansion, whilst he lay concealed in the oven, he learned from + the conversation that took place between the giant and his wife, that he possessed + some wonderful curiosities. Jack thought of his journey again and again, but still he + could not summon resolution enough to break it to his mother, being well assured that + she would endeavour to prevent his going. However, one day he told her boldly that he + must take a journey up the bean-stalk; she begged and prayed him not to think of it, + and tried all in her power to dissuade him: she told him that the giant's wife would + certainly know him again, and that the giant would desire nothing better than to get + him into his power, that he might put him to a cruel death, in order to be revenged + for the loss of his hen. Jack, finding that all his arguments were useless, pretended + to give up the point, though resolved to go at all events. He had a dress prepared + which would disguise him, and something to colour his skin. He thought it impossible + for any one to recollect him in this dress.<!-- Page 261 --><a name="Page_261" + id="Page_261"></a></p> + <p>In a few mornings after this, he arose very early, changed his complexion, and, + unperceived by any one, climbed the bean-stalk a second time. He was greatly fatigued + when he reached the top, and very hungry. Having rested some time on one of the + stones, he pursued his journey to the giant's mansion. He reached it late in the + evening: the woman was at the door as before. Jack addressed her, at the same time + telling her a pitiful tale, and requesting that she would give him some victuals and + drink, and also a night's lodging.</p> + <p>She told him (what he knew before very well) about her husband being a powerful + and cruel giant; and also that she one night admitted a poor, hungry, friendless boy, + who was half dead with travelling; that the little ungrateful fellow had stolen one + of the giant's treasures; and, ever since that, her husband had been worse than + before, used her very cruelly, and continually upbraided her with being the cause of + his misfortune. Jack was at no loss to discover that he was attending to the account + of a story in which he was the principal actor. He did his best to persuade the good + woman to admit him, but found it a very hard task. At last she consented; and as she + led the way, Jack observed that every thing was just as he had found it before. She + took him into the kitchen, and after he had done eating and drinking, she hid him in + an old lumber-closet. The giant returned at the usual time, and walked in so heavily, + that the house was shaken to its foundation. He seated himself by the fire, and soon + after exclaimed: "Wife! I smell fresh meat!" The wife replied, it was the crows, who + had brought a piece of raw meat, and left it on the top of the house. Whilst supper + was preparing, the giant was very ill-tempered and impatient, frequently lifting up + his hand to strike his wife, for not being quick enough; she, however, was always so + fortunate as to elude the blow. He was also continually up-braiding her with the loss + of his wonderful hen. The giant at last having ended his voracious supper, and eaten + till he was quite satisfied, said to his wife: "I must have something to amuse me; + either my bags of money or my harp." After a great deal of ill-humour, and having + teased his wife some he commanded her to bring down his bags of gold and silver. + Jack, as before, peeped out of his hiding-place, and presently his wife brought two + bags into the room: they were of a very large size; one was filled with new guineas, + and the other with new shillings. They were both placed before the giant, who began + reprimanding his poor wife most severely for staying so long; she replied, trembling + with fear, that they were so heavy, that she could scarcely lift them; and concluded, + at last, that she would never again bring them down stairs; adding, that she had + nearly fainted, owing to their weight This so exasperated the giant, that he raised + his hand to strike her; she, however, escaped, and went to bed, leaving him to count + over his treasure, by way of amusement. The giant took his bags, and after turning + them over and over, to see that they were in the same state as he left them, began to + count their contents. First, the bag which contained the silver was emptied, and the + contents placed upon the table. Jack viewed the glittering heaps with delight, and + most heartily wished them in his own possession. The giant (little thinking he was so + narrowly watched) reckoned the silver over several times; and then, having satisfied + himself that all was safe, put it into the bag again, which he made very secure. The + other bag was opened next, and the guineas placed upon the table. If Jack was pleased + at the sight of the silver, how much more delighted he felt when he saw such a heap + of glittering gold! He even had the boldness to think of gaming both bags; but + suddenly recollecting himself, he began to fear that the giant would sham sleep, the + better to entrap any one who might be concealed. When the giant had counted over the + gold till he was tired, he put it up, if possible, more secure than he had put up the + silver before; he then fell back on his chair by the fire-side, and fell asleep. He + snored so loud, that Jack compared his noise to the roaring of the sea in a high + wind, when the tide is coming in. At last, Jack concluded him to be asleep, and + therefore secure, stole out of his hiding-place, and approached the giant, in order + to carry off the two bags of money; but just as he laid his hand upon one of the + bags, a little dog, whom he had not perceived before, started from under the giant's + chair, and barked at Jack most furiously, who now gave himself up for lost. Fear + riveted him to the spot. Instead of endeavouring to escape, he stood still, though + expecting his enemy to awake every instant. Contrary, however, to his expectation, + the giant continued in a sound sleep, and the dog grew weary of barking. Jack now + began to recollect himself, and on looking round, saw a large piece of meat; this he + threw to the dog, who instantly seized it, and took it into the lumber-closet, which + Jack had just left. Finding himself delivered from a noisy and troublesome enemy, and + seeing the giant did not awake, Jack boldly seized the bags, and throwing them over + his shoulders, ran out of the kitchen. He reached the street door in safety, and + found it quite daylight. In his way to the top of the bean-stalk, he found himself + greatly incommoded with the weight of the money-bags; and really they were so heavy + that he could scarcely carry them. Jack was overjoyed when he found himself near the + bean-stalk; he soon reached the bottom, and immediately ran to seek his mother; to + his great surprise, the cottage was deserted; he ran from one room to another, + without being able to find any one; he then hastened into the village, hoping to see + some of the neighbours, who could inform him where he could find his mother. An old + woman at last directed him to a neighbouring house, where she was ill of a fever. He + was greatly shocked on finding her apparently dying, and could scarcely bear his own + reflections, on knowing himself to be the cause. On being informed of our hero's safe + return, his mother, by degrees, revived, and gradually recovered. Jack presented her + with his two valuable bags. They lived happily and comfortably; the cottage was + rebuilt, and well furnished.<!-- Page 262 --><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262"></a> + <!-- Page 263 --><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263"></a><!-- Page 264 --><a + name="Page_264" id="Page_264"></a><!-- Page 265 --><a name="Page_265" + id="Page_265"></a></p> + <p>For three years Jack heard no more of the bean-stalk, but he could not forget it; + though he feared making his mother unhappy. She would not mention the hated + bean-stalk, lest it should remind him of taking another journey. Notwithstanding the + comforts Jack enjoyed at home, his mind dwelt continually upon the bean-stalk; for + the fairy's menaces, in case of his disobedience, were ever present to his mind, and + prevented him from being happy; he could think of nothing else. It was in vain + endeavouring to amuse himself; he became thoughtful, and would arise at the first + dawn of day, and view the bean-stalk for hours together. His mother saw that + something preyed heavily upon his mind, and endeavoured to discover the cause; but + Jack knew too well what the consequence would be, should she succeed. He did his + utmost, therefore, to conquer the great desire he had for another journey up the + bean-stalk. Finding, however, that his inclination grew too powerful for him, he + began to make secret preparations for his journey, and on the longest day, arose as + soon as it was light, ascended the bean-stalk, and reached the top with some little + trouble. He found the road, journey, etc., much as it was on the two former times; he + arrived at the giant's mansion in the evening, and found his wife standing, as usual, + at the door. Jack had disguised himself so completely, that she did not appear to + have the least recollection of him; however, when he pleaded hunger and poverty, in + order to gain admittance, he found it very difficult to persuade her. At last he + prevailed, and was concealed in the copper. When the giant returned, he said, "I + smell fresh meat!" But Jack felt quite composed, as he had said so before, and had + been soon satisfied. However, the giant started up suddenly, and, notwithstanding all + his wife could say, he searched all round the room. Whilst this was going forward, + Jack was exceedingly terrified, and ready to die with fear, wishing himself at home a + thousand times; but when the giant approached the copper, and put his hand upon the + lid, Jack thought his death was certain. The giant ended his search there, without + moving the lid, and seated himself quietly by the fire-side. This fright nearly + overcame poor Jack; he was afraid of moving or even breathing, lest he should be + discovered. The giant at last ate a hearty supper. When he had finished, he commanded + his wife to fetch down his harp. Jack peeped under the copper-lid, and soon saw the + most beautiful harp that could be imagined: it was placed by the giant on the table, + who said, "Play!" and it instantly played of its own accord, without being touched. + The music was uncommonly fine. Jack was delighted, and felt more anxious to get the + harp into his possession, than either of the former treasures. The giant's soul was + not attuned to harmony, and the music soon lulled him into a sound sleep. Now, + therefore, was the time to carry off the harp, as the giant appeared to be in a more + profound sleep than usual Jack soon determined, got out of the copper, and seized the + harp, The harp was enchanted by a fairy: it called out loudly: "Master! master!" The + giant awoke, stood up, and tried to pursue Jack; but he had drank so much, that he + could hardly stand. Poor Jack ran as fast as he could. In a little time the giant + recovered sufficiently to walk slowly, or rather, to reel after him. Had he been + sober, he must have overtaken Jack instantly; but, as he then was, Jack contrived to + be first at the top of the bean-stalk. The giant called after him in a voice like + thunder, and sometimes was very near him. The moment Jack got down the bean-stalk he + called out for a hatchet; one was brought him directly; just at that instant, the + giant was beginning to descend; but Jack, with his hatchet, cut the bean-stalk close + off at the root, which made the giant fall headlong into the garden: the fall killed + him, thereby releasing the world from a barbarous enemy. Jack's mother was delighted + when she saw the bean-stalk destroyed. At this instant the fairy appeared: she first + addressed Jack's mother and explained every circumstance relating to the journeys up + the bean-stalk. The fairy charged Jack to be dutiful to his mother, and to follow his + father's good example, which was the only way to be happy. She then disappeared. Jack + heartily begged his mother's pardon for all the sorrow and affliction he had caused + her, promising most faithfully to be very dutiful and obedient to her for the future. + <!-- Page 266 --><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266"></a><!-- Page 267 --><a + name="Page_267" id="Page_267"></a><!-- Page 268 --><a name="Page_268" + id="Page_268"></a></p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII</h2> + <!-- Page 269 --><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269"></a> + <h3>JACK THE GIANT KILLER</h3> + <p>In the reign of the famous King Arthur, there lived near the Land's End of + England, in the county of Cornwall, a worthy farmer, who had an only son named Jack. + Jack was a boy of a bold temper; he took pleasure in hearing or reading stories of + wizards, conjurers, giants, and fairies, and used to listen eagerly while his father + talked of the great deeds of the brave knights of King Arthur's Round Table. When + Jack was sent to take care of the sheep and oxen in the fields, he used to amuse + himself with planning battles, sieges, and the means to conquer or surprise a foe. He + was above the common sports of children; but hardly any one could equal him at + wrestling; or, if he met with a match for himself in strength, his skill and address + always made him the victor. In those days there lived on St. Michael's Mount of + Cornwall, which rises out of the sea at some distance from the main land, a huge + giant. He was eighteen feet high, and three yards round; and his fierce and savage + looks were the terror of all his neighbours. He dwelt in a gloomy cavern on the very + top of the mountain, and used to wade over to the main land in search of his prey. + When he came near, the people left their houses; and after he had glutted his + appetite upon their cattle, he would throw half-a-dozen oxen upon his back, and tie + three times as many sheep and hogs round his waist, and so march back to his own + abode. The giant had done this for many years, and the coast of Cornwall was greatly + hurt by his thefts, when Jack boldly resolved to destroy him. He therefore took a + horn, a shovel, pickaxe, and a dark lantern, and early in a long winter's evening he + swam to the mount. There he fell to work at once, and before morning he had dug a pit + twenty-two feet deep, and almost as many broad. He covered it over with sticks and + straw, and strewed some of the earth over them, to make it look just like solid + ground. He then put his horn to his mouth, and blew such a loud and long tantivy, + that the giant awoke and came towards Jack, roaring like thunder: "You saucy villain, + you shall pay dearly for breaking my rest; I will broil you for my breakfast." He had + scarcely spoken these words, when he came advancing one step farther; but then he + tumbled headlong into the pit, and his fall shook the very mountain. "O ho, Mr. + Giant!" said Jack, looking into the pit, "have you found your way so soon to the + bottom? How is your appetite now? Will nothing serve you for breakfast this cold + morning but broiling poor Jack?" The giant now tried to rise, but Jack struck him a + blow on the crown of the head with his pickaxe, which killed him at once. Jack then + made haste back to rejoice his friends with the news of the giant's death. When the + justices of Cornwall heard of this valiant action, they sent for Jack, and declared + that he should always be called Jack the Giant Killer; and they also gave him a sword + and belt, upon which was written in letters of gold:<!-- Page 270 --><a + name="Page_270" id="Page_270"></a><!-- Page 271 --><a name="Page_271" + id="Page_271"></a></p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i-4">"This is the valiant Cornishman<br /> + <br /> + </span> <span>Who slew the Giant Cormoran."</span><br /> + <br /> + </div> + </div> + + <p>The news of Jack's exploits soon spread over the western parts of England; and + another giant, called Old Blunderbore, vowed to have revenge on Jack, if it should + ever be his fortune to get him into his power. This giant kept an enchanted castle in + the midst of a lonely wood. About four months after the death of Cormoran, as Jack + was taking a journey into Wales, he passed through this wood; and as he was very + weary, he sat down to rest by the side of a pleasant fountain, and there he fell into + a deep sleep. The giant came to the fountain for water just at this time, and found + Jack there; and as the lines on Jack's belt showed who he was, the giant lifted him + up and laid him gently upon his shoulder to carry him to his castle: but as he passed + through the thicket, the rustling of the leaves waked Jack; and he was sadly afraid + when he found himself in the clutches of Blunderbore. Yet this was nothing to his + fright soon after; for when they reached the castle, he beheld the floor covered all + over with the skulls and bones of men and women. The giant took him into a large room + where lay the hearts and limbs of persons who had been lately killed; and he told + Jack, with a horrid grin, that men's hearts, eaten with pepper and vinegar, were his + nicest food; and also, that he thought he should make a dainty meal on his heart. + When he had said this, he locked Jack up in that room, while he went to fetch another + giant who lived in the same wood, to enjoy a dinner off Jack's flesh with him. While + he was away, Jack heard dreadful shrieks, groans, and cries, from many parts of the + castle; and soon after he heard a mournful voice repeat these lines: + <!-- Page 272 --><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272"></a></p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i-4">"Haste, valiant stranger, haste away,<br /> + <br /> + </span> <span>Lest you become the giant's prey.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>On his return he'll bring another,</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>Still more savage than his brother:</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>A horrid, cruel monster, who,</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>Before he kills, will torture you.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>Oh valiant stranger, haste away,</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>Or you'll become these giants' prey."</span><br /> + <br /> + </div> + </div> + + <p>This warning was so shocking to poor Jack, that he was ready to go mad. He ran to + the window, and saw the two giants coming along arm in arm. This window was right + over the gates of the castle. "Now," thought Jack, "either my death or freedom is at + hand." There were two strong cords in the room: Jack made a large noose with a + slip-knot at the ends of both these, and as the giants were coming through the gates, + he threw the ropes over their heads. He then made the other ends fast to a beam in + the ceiling, and pulled with all his might till he had almost strangled them. When he + saw that they were both quite black in the face, and had not the least strength left, + he drew his sword, and slid down the ropes; he then killed the giants, and thus saved + himself from the cruel death they meant to put him to. Jack next took a great bunch + of keys from the pocket of Blunderbore, and went into the castle again. He made a + strict search through all the rooms; and in them found three ladies tied up by the + hair of their heads, and almost starved to death. They told him that their husbands + had been killed by the giants, who had then condemned them to be starved to death, + because they would not eat the flesh of their own dead husbands. "Ladies," said Jack, + "I have put an end to the monster and his wicked brother; and I give you this castle + and all the riches it contains, to make you some amends for the dreadful pains you + have felt." He then very politely gave them the keys of the castle, and went further + on his journey to Wales. As Jack had not taken any of the giant's riches for himself, + and so had very little money of his own, he thought it best to travel as fast as he + could. At length he lost his way, and when night came on he was in a lonely valley + between two lofty mountains, where he walked about for some hours without seeing any + dwelling place, so he thought himself very lucky at last, in finding a large and + handsome house.<!-- Page 273 --><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273"></a></p> + <p>He went up to it boldly, and knocked loudly at the gate, when, to his great terror + and surprise, there came forth a monstrous giant with two heads. He spoke to Jack + very civilly, for he was a Welsh giant, and all the mischief he did was by private + and secret malice, under the show of friendship and kindness. Jack told him that he + was a traveller who had lost his way, on which the huge monster made him welcome, and + led him into a room, where there was a good bed to pass the night in. Jack took off + his clothes quickly; but though he was so weary he could not go to sleep. Soon after + this he heard the giant walking backward and forward in the next room, and saying to + himself:<!-- Page 274 --><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274"></a></p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i-4">"Though here you lodge with me this night,<br /> + <br /> + </span> <span>You shall not see the morning light;</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>My club shall dash your brains out quite."</span><br /> + <br /> + </div> + </div> + + <p>"Say you so?" thought Jack; "are these your tricks upon travellers? But I hope to + prove as cunning as you." Then getting out of bed, he groped about the room, and at + last found a large thick billet of wood; he laid it in his own place in the bed, and + then hid himself in a dark corner of the room. In the middle of the night the giant + came with his great club, and struck many heavy blows on the bed, in the very place + where Jack had laid the billet, and then he went back to his own room, thinking he + had broken all his bones. Early in the morning, Jack put a bold face upon the matter, + and walked into the giant's room to thank him for his lodgings. The giant started + when he saw him, and he began to stammer out, "Oh, dear me! Is it you? Pray, how did + you sleep last night? Did you hear or see any thing in the dead of the night?" + "Nothing worth speaking of," said Jack carelessly; "a rat, I believe, gave me three + or four slaps with his tail, and disturbed me a little; but I soon went to sleep + again." The giant wondered more and more at this; yet he did not answer a word, but + went to bring two great bowls of hasty-pudding for their breakfast. Jack wished to + make the giant believe that he could eat as much as himself. So he contrived to + button a leathern bag inside his coat, and slipped the hasty-pudding into this bag, + while he seemed to put it into his mouth. When breakfast was over, he said to the + giant: "Now I will show you a fine trick; I can cure all wounds with a touch; I could + cut off my head one minute, and the next, put it sound again on my shoulders: you + shall see an example." He then took hold of the knife, ripped up the leathern bag, + and all the hasty-pudding tumbled out upon the floor. "Ods splutter hur nails," cried + the Welsh giant, who was ashamed to be outdone by such a little fellow as Jack, "hur + can do that hurself." So he snatched up the knife, plunged it into his stomach, and + in a moment dropped down dead.<!-- Page 275 --><a name="Page_275" + id="Page_275"></a></p> + <p>As soon as Jack had thus tricked the Welsh monster, he went farther on his + journey; and a few days after he met with King Arthur's only son, who had got his + father's leave to travel into Wales, to deliver a beautiful lady from the power of a + wicked magician, who held her in his enchantments. When Jack found that the young + prince had no servants with him, he begged leave to attend him; and the prince at + once agreed to this, and gave Jack many thanks for his kindness. The prince was a + handsome, polite, and brave knight, and so good-natured that he gave money to every + body he met. At length he gave his last penny to an old woman, and then turned to + Jack, and said: "How shall we be able to get food for ourselves the rest of our + journey?" "Leave that to me sir," said Jack; "I will provide for my prince." Night + now came on, and the prince began to grow uneasy at thinking where they should lodge. + "Sir," said Jack, "be of good heart; two miles farther there lives a large giant, + whom I know well. He has three heads, and will fight five hundred men, and make them + fly before him." "Alas!" replied the king's son, "we had better never have been born + than meet with such a monster." "My lord, leave me to manage him, and wait here in + quiet till I return." The prince now staid behind, while Jack rode on full speed. And + when he came to the gates of the castle, he gave a loud knock. The giant, with a + voice like thunder, roared out: "Who is there?" And Jack made answer, and said: "No + one but your poor cousin Jack." "Well," said the giant, "what news, cousin Jack?" + "Dear uncle," said Jack, "I have some heavy news." "Pooh!" said the giant, "what + heavy news can come to me? I am a giant with three heads; and can fight five hundred + men, and make them fly before me." "Alas!" said Jack, "Here is the king's son, coming + with two thousand men, to kill you, and to destroy the castle and all that you have." + "Oh, cousin Jack," said the giant, "This is heavy news indeed! But I have a large + cellar under ground, where I will hide myself, and you shall lock, and bar me in, and + keep the keys till the king's son is gone."<!-- Page 276 --><a name="Page_276" + id="Page_276"></a></p> + <p>Now when Jack had made the giant fast in the vault, he went back and fetched the + prince to the castle; they both made themselves merry with the wine and other + dainties that were in the house. So that night they rested very pleasantly, while the + poor giant lay trembling and shaking with fear in the cellar under ground. Early in + the morning, Jack gave the king's son gold and silver out of the giant's treasure, + and set him three miles forward on his journey. He then went to let his uncle out of + the hole, who asked Jack what he should give him as a reward for saving his castle. + "Why, good uncle," said Jack, "I desire nothing but the old coat and cap, with the + old rusty sword and slippers, which are hanging at your bed's head," Then said the + giant: "You shall have them; and pray keep them for my sake, for they are things of + great use: the coat will keep you invisible, the cap will give you knowledge, the + sword cut through anything, and the shoes are of vast swiftness; these may be useful + to you in all times of danger, so take them with all my heart." Jack gave many thanks + to the giant, and then set off to the prince. When he had come up with the king's + son, they soon arrived at the dwelling of the beautiful lady, who was under the power + of a wicked magician. She received the prince very politely, and made a noble feast + for him; and when it was ended, she rose, and wiping her mouth with a fine + handkerchief, said: "My lord, you must submit to the custom of my palace; to-morrow + morning I command you to tell me on whom I bestow this handkerchief or lose your + head." She then went out of the room. The young prince went to bed very mournful: but + Jack put on his cap of knowledge, which told him that the lady was forced, by the + power of enchantment, to meet the wicked magician every night in the middle of the + forest. Jack now put on his coat of darkness, and his shoes of swiftness, and was + there before her. When the lady came, she gave the handkerchief to the magician. Jack + with his sword of sharpness, at one blow, cut off his head; the enchantment was then + ended in a moment, and the lady was restored to her former virtue and goodness. + <!-- Page 277 --><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277"></a><!-- Page 278 --><a + name="Page_278" id="Page_278"></a></p> + <p>She was married to the prince on the next day, and soon after went back with her + royal husband, and a great company, to the court of King Arthur, where they were + received with loud and joyful welcomes; and the valiant hero Jack, for the many great + exploits he had done for the good of his country, was made one of the Knights of the + Round Table. As Jack had been so lucky in all his adventures, he resolved not to be + idle for the future, but still to do what services he could for the honour of the + king and the nation. He therefore humbly begged his majesty to furnish him with a + horse and money, that he might travel in search of new and strange exploits. "For," + said he to the king, "there are many giants yet living in the remote parts of Wales, + to the great terror and distress of your majesty's subjects; therefore if it please + you, sire, to favour me in my design, I will soon rid your kingdom of these giants + and monsters in human shape." Now when the king heard this offer, and began to think + of the cruel deeds of these blood-thirsty giants and savage monsters, he gave Jack + every thing proper for such a journey. After this Jack took leave of the king, the + prince, and all the knights, and set off; taking with him his cap of knowledge, his + sword of sharpness, his shoes of swiftness, and his invisible coat, the better to + perform the great exploits that might fall in his way. He went along over high hills + and lofty mountains, and on the third day he came to a large wide forest, through + which his road led. He had hardly entered the forest, when on a sudden he heard very + dreadful shrieks and cries. He forced his way through the trees, and saw a monstrous + giant dragging along by the hair of their heads a handsome knight and his beautiful + lady. Their tears and cries melted the heart of honest Jack to pity and compassion; + he alighted from his horse, and tying him to an oak tree he put on his invisible + coat, under which he carried his sword of sharpness.<!-- Page 279 --><a + name="Page_279" id="Page_279"></a></p> + <p>When he came up to the giant, he made several strokes at him, but could not reach + his body, on account of the enormous height of the terrible creature, but he wounded + his thighs in several places; and at length, putting both hands to his sword, and + aiming with all his might, he cut off both the giant's legs just below the garter; + and the trunk of his body tumbling to the ground, made not only the trees shake, but + the earth itself tremble with the force of his fall. Then Jack, setting his foot upon + his neck, exclaimed, "Thou barbarous and savage wretch, behold I come to execute upon + thee the just reward for all thy crimes;" and instantly plunged his sword into the + giant's body. The huge monster gave a hideous groan, and yielded up his life into the + hands of the victorious Jack the Giant Killer, whilst the noble knight and the + virtuous lady were both joyful spectators of his sudden death and their deliverance. + The courteous knight and his fair lady, not only returned Jack hearty thanks for + their deliverance, but also invited him to their house, to refresh himself after his + dreadful encounter, as likewise to receive a reward for his good services. "No," said + Jack, "I cannot be at ease till I find out the den that was the monster's + habitation." The knight on hearing this grew very sorrowful, and replied, "Noble + stranger, it is too much to run a second hazard; this monster lived in a den under + yonder mountain, with a brother of his, more fierce and cruel than himself; + therefore, if you should go thither, and perish in the attempt, it would be a + heart-breaking thing to me and my lady; so let me persuade you to go with us, and + desist from any farther pursuit." "Nay," answered Jack, "if there be another, even if + there were twenty, I would shed the last drop of blood in my body before one of them + should escape my fury. When I have finished this task, I will come and pay my + respects to you." So when they had told him where to find them again, he got on his + horse and went after the dead giant's brother.<!-- Page 280 --><a name="Page_280" + id="Page_280"></a></p> + <p>Jack had not rode a mile and a half, before he came in sight of the mouth of the + cavern; and nigh the entrance of it, he saw the other giant sitting on a huge block + of fine timber, with a knotted iron club lying by his side, waiting for his brother. + His eyes looked like flames of fire, his face was grim and ugly, and his cheeks + seemed like two flitches of bacon; the bristles of his beard seemed to be thick rods + of iron wire; and his long locks of hair hung down upon his broad shoulders like + curling snakes. Jack got down from his horse, and turned him into a thicket; then he + put on his coat of darkness, and drew a little nearer to behold this figure, and said + softly: "Oh, monster! are you there? It will not be long before I shall take you fast + by the beard." The giant all this while, could not see him, by reason of his + invisible coat: so Jack came quite close to him, and struck a blow at his head with + his sword of sharpness, but he missed his aim, and only cut off his nose, which made + him roar like loud claps of thunder. And though he rolled his glaring eyes round on + every side, he could not see who had given him the blow; yet he took up his iron + club, and began to lay about him like one that was mad with pain and fury. + <!-- Page 281 --><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281"></a></p> + <p>"Nay," said Jack, "if this be the case I will kill you at once." So saying, he + slipped nimbly behind him, and jumping upon the block of timber, as the giant rose + from it, he stabbed him in the back; when, after a few howls, he dropped down dead. + Jack cut off his head, and sent it with the head of his brother, whom he had killed + before in the forest, to King Arthur, by a wagon which he hired for that purpose, + with an account of all his exploits. When Jack had thus killed these two monsters, he + went into their cave in search of their treasure: he passed through many turnings and + windings, which led him to a room paved with freestone; at the end of it was a + boiling caldron, and on the right hand stood a large table where the giants used to + dine. He then came to a window that was secured with iron bars, through which he saw + a number of wretched captives, who cried out when they saw Jack, "Alas! alas! young + man, you are come to be one among us in this horrid den." "I hope," said Jack, "you + will not stay here long; but pray tell me what is the meaning of your being here at + all?" "Alas!" said one poor old man, "I will tell you, sir. We are persons that have + been taken by the giants who hold this cave, and are kept till they choose to have a + feast, then one of us is to be killed, and cooked to please their taste. It is not + long since they took three for the same purpose." "Well," said Jack, "I have given + them such a dinner that it will be long enough before they have any more." The + captives were amazed at his words. "You may believe me," said Jack; "for I have + killed them both with the edge of the sword, and have sent their large heads to the + court of King Arthur, as marks of my great success."<!-- Page 282 --><a + name="Page_282" id="Page_282"></a></p> + <p>To show them that what he said was true, he unlocked the gate, and set them all + free. Then he led them to the great room, placed them round the table, and set before + them two quarters of beef, with bread and wine; upon which they feasted to their + fill. When supper was over, they searched the giants' coffers, and Jack shared the + store in them among the captives, who thanked him for their escape. The next morning + they set off to their homes, and Jack to the knight's house, whom he had left with + his lady not long before. It was just at the time of sunrise that Jack mounted his + horse to proceed on his journey.</p> + <p>He arrived at the knight's house, where he was received with the greatest joy by + the thankful knight and his lady, who, in honour of Jack's exploits, gave a grand + feast, to which all the nobles and gentry were invited. When the company were + assembled, the knight declared to them the great actions of Jack, and gave him, as a + mark of respect, a fine ring, on which was engraved the picture of the giant dragging + the knight and the lady by the hair, with this motto round it:</p> + <p><!-- Page 283 --><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283"></a></p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i-4">"Behold, in dire distress were we,<br /> + <br /> + </span> <span><span style="margin-left: .1em;">Under a giant's fierce + command;</span><br /> + <br /> + </span> <span>But gained our lives and liberty,<br /> + <br /> + </span> <span><span style="margin-left: .1em;">From valiant Jack's victorious + hand."</span><br /> + <br /> + </span> + </div> + </div> + + <p>Among the guests then present were five aged gentlemen, who were fathers to some + of those captives who had been freed by Jack from the dungeon of the giants. As soon + as they heard that he was the person who had done such wonders, they pressed round + him with tears of joy, to return him thanks for the happiness he had caused to them. + After this the bowl went round, and every one drank to the health and long life of + the gallant hero. Mirth increased, and the hall was filled with peals of laughter and + joyful cries. But, on a sudden, a herald, pale and breathless with haste and terror, + rushed into the midst of the company, and told them that Thundel, a savage giant with + two heads, had heard of the death of his two kinsmen, and was come to take his + revenge on Jack; and that he was now within a mile of the house; the people flying + before him like chaff before the wind. At this news the very boldest of the guests + trembled; but Jack drew his sword, and said: "Let him come, I have a rod for him + also. Pray, ladies and gentlemen, do me the favour to walk into the garden, and you + shall soon behold the giant's defeat and death." To this they all agreed, and + heartily wished him success in his dangerous attempt. The knight's house stood in the + middle of a moat, thirty feet deep and twenty wide, over which lay a drawbridge. Jack + set men to work to cut the bridge on both sides, almost to the middle; and then + dressed himself in his coat of darkness, and went against the giant with his sword of + sharpness. As he came close to him, though the giant could not see him, for his + invisible coat, yet he found some danger was near, which made him cry out: + <!-- Page 284 --><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284"></a></p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i-4">"Fa, fe, fi, fo, fum,<br /> + <br /> + </span> <span>I smell the blood of an Englishman;</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>Let him be alive, or let him be dead,</span><br /> + <br /> + <span>I'll grind his bones to make me bread."</span><br /> + <br /> + </div> + </div> + + <p>"Say you so my friend?" said Jack, "you are a monstrous miller indeed." "Art + thou," cried the giant, "the villain that killed my kinsmen? Then I will tear thee + with my teeth, and grind thy bones to powder." "You must catch me first," said Jack; + and throwing off his coat of darkness, and putting on his shoes of swiftness, he + began to run; the giant following him like a walking castle, making the earth shake + at every step.</p> + <p>Jack led him round and round the walls of the house, that the company might see + the monster; and to finish the work Jack ran over the drawbridge, the giant going + after him with his club. But when the giant came to the middle, where the bridge had + been cut on both sides, the great weight of his body made it break, and he tumbled + into the water, and rolled about like a large whale. Jack now stood by the side of + the moat, and laughed and jeered at him, saying: "I think you told me, you would + grind my bones to powder. When will you begin?" The giant foamed at both his horrid + mouths with fury, and plunged from side to side of the moat; but he could not get out + to have revenge on his little foe. At last Jack ordered a cart rope to be brought to + him. He then drew it over his two heads, and by the help of a team of horses, dragged + him to the edge of the moat, where he cut off the monster's heads; and before he + either eat or drank, he sent them both to the court of King Arthur. He then went back + to the table with the company, and the rest of the day was spent in mirth and good + cheer. After staying with the knight for some time, Jack grew weary of such an idle + life, and set out again in search of new adventures. He went over the hills and dales + without meeting any, till he came to the foot of a very high mountain. Here he + knocked at the door of a small and lonely house; and an old man, with a head as white + as snow, let him in. "Good father" said Jack, "can you lodge a traveller who has lost + his way?" "Yes," said the hermit, "I can, if you will accept such fare as my poor + house affords." Jack entered, and the old man set before him some bread and fruit for + his supper. When Jack had eaten as much as he chose, the hermit said, "My son, I know + you are the famous conqueror of giants; now, on the top of this mountain is an + enchanted castle, kept by a giant named Galligantus, who, by the help of a vile + magician, gets many knights into his castle, where he changes them into the shape of + beasts. Above all I lament the hard fate of a duke's daughter, whom they seized as + she was walking in her father's garden, and brought hither through the air in a + chariot drawn by two fiery dragons, and turned her into the shape of a deer. Many + knights have tried to destroy the enchantment, and deliver her; yet none have been + able to do it, by reason of two fiery griffins who guard the gate of the castle, and + destroy all who come nigh. But as you, my son, have an invisible coat, you may pass + by them without being seen; and on the gates of the castle, you will find engraved, + by what means the enchantment may be broken."<!-- Page 285 --><a name="Page_285" + id="Page_285"></a><!-- Page 286 --><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286"></a></p> + <p>Jack promised, that in the morning, at the risk of his life he would break the + enchantment: and after a sound sleep he arose early, put on his invisible coat, and + got ready for the attempt. When he had climbed to the top of the mountain, he saw the + two fiery griffins; but he passed between them without the least fear of danger; for + they could not see him because of his invisible coat. On the castle gate he found a + golden trumpet, under which were written these lines:</p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i-4">"Whoever can this trumpet blow,<br /> + <br /> + </span> <span>Shall cause the giant's overthrow."</span><br /> + <br /> + </div> + </div> + + <p>As soon as Jack had read this, he seized the trumpet, and blew a shrill blast + which made the gates fly open and the very castle itself tremble. The giant and the + conjurer now knew that their wicked course was at an end, and they stood biting their + thumbs and shaking with fear. Jack, with his sword of sharpness, soon killed the + giant. The magician was then carried away by a whirlwind and every knight and + beautiful lady, who had been changed into birds and beasts, returned to their proper + shapes. The castle vanished away like smoke and the head of the giant Galligantus was + sent to King Arthur. The knights and ladies rested that night at the old man's + hermitage, and next day they set out for the court. Jack then went up to the king, + and gave his majesty an account of all his fierce battles. Jack's fame had spread + through the whole country; and at the king's desire, the duke gave him his daughter + in marriage, to the joy of all the kingdom. After this the king gave him a large + estate; on which he and his lady lived the rest of their days, in joy and content. + <!-- Page 287 --><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287"></a></p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX</h2> + <!-- Page 288 --><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288"></a> + <h3>LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD</h3> + <p>Once upon a time there lived in a village a country girl, who was the sweetest + little creature that ever was seen; her mother naturally loved her with excessive + fondness, and her grandmother doted on her still more. The good woman had made for + her a pretty little red-coloured hood, which so much became the little girl, that + every one called her Little Red Riding Hood.</p> + <p>One day her mother having made some cheesecakes, said to her, "Go, my child, and + see how your grandmother does, for I hear she is ill; carry her some of these cakes, + and a little pot of butter." Little Red Riding Hood straight set out with a basket + filled with the cakes and the pot of butter, for her grandmother's house, which was + in a village a little way off the town that her mother lived in. As she was crossing + a wood, which lay in her road, she met a large wolf, which had a great mind to eat + her up, but dared not, for fear of some wood-cutters, who were at work near them in + the forest. Yet he spoke to her, and asked her whither she was going. The little + girl, who did not know the danger of talking to a wolf, replied: "I am going to see + my grandmamma, and carry these cakes and a pot of butter." "Does she live far off?" + said the wolf. "Oh yes!" answered Little Red Riding Hood; "beyond the mill you see + yonder, at the first house in the village." "Well," said the wolf, "I will take this + way, and you take that, and see which will be there the soonest."<!-- Page 289 --><a + name="Page_289" id="Page_289"></a></p> + <p>The wolf set out full speed, running as fast as he could, and taking the nearest + way, while the little girl took the longest; and as she went along began to gather + nuts, run after butterflies, and make nose-gays of such flowers as she found within + her reach. The wolf got to the dwelling of the grandmother first, and knocked at the + door. "Who is there?" said some voice in the house. "It is your grandchild, Little + Red Riding Hood," said the wolf, speaking like the little girl as well as he could. + "I have brought you some cheesecakes, and a little pot of butter, that mamma has sent + you." The good old woman, who was ill in bed, called out, "Pull the bobbin, and the + latch will go up." The wolf pulled the bobbin, and the door went open. The wolf then + jumped upon the poor old grandmother, and ate her up in a moment, for it was three + days since he had tasted any food. The wolf then shut the door, and laid himself down + in the bed, and waited for Little Red Riding Hood, who very soon after reached the + house. Tap! tap! "Who is there?" cried he. She was at first a little afraid at + hearing the gruff voice of the wolf, but she thought that perhaps her grandmother had + got a cold, so she answered: "It is your grandchild, Little Red Riding Hood. Mamma + has sent you some cheesecakes, and a little pot of butter." The wolf cried out in a + softer voice, "Pull the bobbin, and the latch will go up." Little Red Riding Hood + pulled the bobbin, and the door went open. When she came into the room, the wolf hid + himself under the bedclothes, and said to her, trying all he could to speak in a + feeble voice: "Put the basket on the stool, my dear, and take off your clothes, and + come into bed." Little Red Riding Hood, who always used to do as she was told, + straight undressed herself, and stepped into bed; but she thought it strange to see + how her grandmother looked in her nightclothes, so she said to her: "Dear me, + grandmamma, what great arms you have got!" "They are so much the better to hug you, + my child," replied the wolf. "But grandmamma," said the little girl, "what great ears + you have got!" "They are so much the better to hear you, my child," replied the wolf. + "But then, grandmamma, what great eyes you have got!" said the little girl. "They are + so much the better to see you, my child," replied the wolf. "And grandmamma, what + great teeth you have got!" said the little girl, who now began to be rather afraid. + "They are to eat you up," said the wolf; and saying these words, the wicked creature + fell upon Little Red Riding Hood, and ate her up in a moment.<!-- Page 290 --><a + name="Page_290" id="Page_290"></a></p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX</h2> + <!-- Page 291 --><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291"></a> + <h3>THE THREE BEARS</h3> + <p>In a far-off country there was once a little girl who was called Silver-hair, + because her curly hair shone brightly. She was a sad romp, and so restless that she + could not be kept quiet at home, but must needs run out and away, without leave.</p> + <p>One day she started off into a wood to gather wild flowers, and into the fields to + chase butterflies. She ran here and she ran there, and went so far, at last, that she + found herself in a lonely place, where she saw a snug little house, in which three + bears lived; but they were not then at home.</p> + <p>The door was ajar, and Silver-hair pushed it open and found the place to be quite + empty, so she made up her mind to go in boldly, and look all about the place, little + thinking what sort of people lived there.</p> + <p>Now the three bears had gone out to walk a little before this. They were the Big + Bear, and the Middle-sized Bear, and the Little Bear; but they had left their + porridge on the table to cool. So when Silver-hair came into the kitchen, she saw the + three bowls of porridge. She tasted the largest bowl, which belonged to the Big Bear, + and found it too cold; then she tasted the middle-sized bowl, which belonged to the + Middle-sized Bear, and found it too hot; then she tasted the smallest bowl, which + belonged to the Little Bear, and it was just right, and she ate it all. + <!-- Page 292 --><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292"></a></p> + <p>She went into the parlour, and there were three chairs. She tried the biggest + chair, which belonged to the Big Bear, and found it too high; then she tried the + middle-sized chair, which belonged to the Middle-sized Bear, and she found it too + broad; then she tried the little chair, which belonged to the Little Bear, and found + it just right, but she sat in it so hard that she broke it.</p> + <p>Now Silver-hair was by this time very tired, and she went upstairs to the chamber, + and there she found three beds. She tried the largest bed, which belonged to the Big + Bear, and found it too soft; then she tried the middle-sized bed, which belonged to + the Middle-sized Bear, and she found it too hard; then she tried the smallest bed, + which belonged to the Little Bear, and found it just right, so she lay down upon it, + and fell fast asleep.</p> + <p>While Silver-hair was lying fast asleep, the three bears came home from their + walk. They came into the kitchen, to get their porridge, but when the Big Bear went + to his, he growled out:</p> + <p>"SOMEBODY HAS BEEN TASTING MY PORRIDGE!"</p> + <p>and the Middle-sized Bear looked into his bowl, and said:</p> + <p>"Somebody Has Been Tasting My Porridge!"</p> + <p>and the Little Bear piped:</p> + <p>"<i>Somebody has tasted my porridge and eaten it all up!</i>"</p> + <p>Then they went into the parlour, and the Big Bear growled:</p> + <p>"SOMEBODY HAS BEEN SITTING IN MY CHAIR!"<!-- Page 293 --><a name="Page_293" + id="Page_293"></a></p> + <p>and the Middle-sized Bear said:</p> + <p>"Somebody Has Been Sitting In My Chair!"</p> + <p>and the Little Bear piped:</p> + <p>"<i>Somebody has been sitting in my chair, and has broken it all to + pieces!</i>"</p> + <p>So they went upstairs into the chamber, and the Big Bear growled:</p> + <p>"SOMEBODY HAS BEEN TUMBLING MY BED!"</p> + <p>and the Middle-sized Bear said:</p> + <p>"Somebody Has Been Tumbling My Bed!"</p> + <p>and the little Bear piped:</p> + <p>"<i>Somebody has been tumbling my bed, and here she is!</i>"</p> + <p>At that, Silver-hair woke in a fright, and jumped out of the window and ran away + as fast as her legs could carry her, and never went near the Three Bears' snug little + house again.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI</h2> + <!-- Page 294 --><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294"></a> + <h3>THE PRINCESS ON THE PEA</h3> + <p>There was once a prince who wanted to marry a princess; but she was to be a + <i>real</i> princess. So he travelled about, all through the world, to find a real + one, but everywhere there was something in the way. There were princesses enough, but + whether they were <i>real</i> princesses he could not quite make out: there was + always something that did not seem quite right. So he came home again, and was quite + sad: for he wished so much to have a real princess. One evening a terrible storm came + on. It lightened and thundered, the rain streamed down; it was quite fearful! Then + there was a knocking at the town gate, and the old king went out to open it.</p> + <p>It was a princess who stood outside the gate. But, mercy! how she looked, from the + rain and the rough weather! The water ran down from her hair and her clothes; it ran + in at the points of her shoes, and out at the heels; and yet she declared that she + was a real princess.</p> + <p>"Yes, we will soon find that out," thought the old queen. But she said nothing, + only went into the bedchamber, took all the bedding off, and put a pea on the + flooring of the bedstead; then she took twenty mattresses and laid them upon the pea, + and then twenty eider-down beds upon the mattresses. On this the princess had to lie + all night. In the morning she was asked how she had slept.<!-- Page 295 --><a + name="Page_295" id="Page_295"></a></p> + <p>"Oh, miserably!" said the princess. "I scarcely closed my eyes all night long. + Goodness knows what was in my bed. I lay upon something hard, so that I am black and + blue all over. It is quite dreadful!"</p> + <p>Now they saw that she was a real princess, for through the twenty mattresses and + the twenty eider-down beds she had felt the pea. No one but a real princess could be + so delicate.</p> + <p>So the prince took her for his wife, for now he knew that he had a true princess; + and the pea was put in the museum, and it is there now, unless somebody has carried + it off.</p> + <p>Look you, this is a true story.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII</h2> + <!-- Page 296 --><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296"></a> + <h3>THE UGLY DUCKLING</h3> + <p>It was so glorious out in the country; it was summer; the cornfields were yellow, + the oats were green, the hay had been put up in stacks in the green meadows, and the + stork went about on his long red legs, and chattered Egyptian, for this was the + language he had learned from his good mother. All around the fields and meadows were + great forests, and in the midst of these forests lay deep lakes. Yes, it was right + glorious out in the country. In the midst of the sunshine there lay an old farm, with + deep canals about it, and from the wall down to the water grew great burdocks, so + high that little children could stand upright under the loftiest of them. It was just + as wild there as in the deepest wood, and here sat a Duck upon her nest; she had to + hatch her ducklings; but she was almost tired out before the little ones came and + then she so seldom had visitors. The other ducks liked better to swim about in the + canals than to run up to sit down under a burdock, and cackle with her.</p> + <p>At last one egg-shell after another burst open. "Piep! piep!" it cried, and in all + the eggs there were little creatures that stuck out their heads.</p> + <p>"Quack! quack!" they said; and they all came quacking out as fast as they could, + looking all round them under the green leaves; and the mother let them look as much + as they chose, for green is good for the eye.<!-- Page 297 --><a name="Page_297" + id="Page_297"></a></p> + <p>"How wide the world is!" said all the young ones, for they certainly had much more + room now than when they were in the eggs.</p> + <p>"D'ye think this is all the world?" said the mother. "That stretches far across + the other side of the garden, quite into the parson's field; but I have never been + there yet. I hope you are all together," and she stood up. "No, I have not all. The + largest egg still lies there. How long is that to last? I am really tired of it." And + she sat down again.</p> + <p>"Well, how goes it?" asked an old Duck who had come to pay her a visit.</p> + <p>"It lasts a long time with that one egg," said the Duck who sat there. "It will + not burst. Now, only look at the others; are they not the prettiest little ducks one + could possibly see? They are all like their father. The rogue, he never comes to see + me."</p> + <p>"Let me see the egg which will not burst," said the old visitor. "You may be sure + it is a turkey's egg. I was once cheated in that way, and had much anxiety and + trouble with the young ones, for they are afraid of the water. Must I say it to you, + I could not get them to venture in. I quacked and I clacked, but it was no use. Let + me see the egg. Yes, that's a turkey's egg. Let it lie there, and teach the other + children to swim."</p> + <p>"I think I will sit on it a little longer," said the Duck. "I've sat so long now + that I can sit a few days more."</p> + <p>"Just as you please," said the old Duck; and she went away.<!-- Page 298 --><a + name="Page_298" id="Page_298"></a></p> + <p>At last the great egg burst. "Piep! piep!" said the little one, and crept forth. + It was very large and very ugly. The Duck looked at it.</p> + <p>"It's a very large duckling," said she; "none of the others look like that. Can it + really be a turkey chick? Well, we shall soon find out. It must go into the water, + even if I have to thrust it in myself."</p> + <p>The next day it was bright, beautiful weather; the sun shone on all the green + trees. The Mother-Duck went down to the canal with all her family. Splash! she jumped + into the water. "Quack! quack!" she said, and one duckling after another plunged in. + The water closed over their heads, but they came up in an instant, and swam + capitally; their legs went of themselves, and they were all in the water. The ugly + gray Duckling swam with them.</p> + <p>"No, it's not a turkey," said she; "look how well it can use its legs, and how + straight it holds itself. It is my own child! On the whole it's quite pretty, if one + looks at it rightly. Quack! quack! come with me, and I'll lead you out into the great + world, and present you in the duck-yard; but keep close to me, so that no one may + tread on you, and take care of the cats!"</p> + <p>And so they came into the duck-yard. There was a terrible riot going on in there, + for two families were quarrelling about an eel's head, and the cat got it after + all.</p> + <p>"See, that's how it goes in the world!" said the Mother-Duck; and she whetted her + beak, for she too wanted the eel's head. "Only use your legs," she said. "See that + you can bustle about, and bow your heads before the old Duck yonder. She's the + grandest of all here; she's of Spanish blood—that's why she's so fat; and d'ye + see? she has a red rag round her leg; that's something particularly fine, and the + greatest distinction a duck can enjoy; it signifies that one does not want to lose + her, and that she's to be known by the animals and by men too. Shake + yourselves—don't turn in your toes; a well brought-up duck turns its toes quite + out, just like father and mother—so! Now bend your necks and say 'Quack!'" + <!-- Page 299 --><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299"></a></p> + <p>And they did so: but the other ducks round about looked at them, and said quite + boldly:</p> + <p>"Look there! now we're to have these hanging on, as if there were not enough of us + already! And—fie!—how that duckling yonder looks; we won't stand that!" + And one duck flew up at it, and bit it in the neck.</p> + <p>"Let it alone," said the mother; "it does no harm to any one."</p> + <p>"Yes, but it's too large and peculiar," said the Duck who had bitten it; "and + therefore it must be put down."</p> + <p>"Those are pretty children that the mother has there," said the old Duck with the + rag round her leg. "They're all pretty but that one; that was rather unlucky. I wish + she could bear it over again."</p> + <p>"That cannot be done, my lady," replied the Mother-Duck. "It is not pretty, but it + has a really good disposition, and swims as well as any other; yes, I may even say + it, swims better. I think it will grow up pretty, and become smaller in time; it has + lain too long in the egg, and therefore is not properly shaped." And then she pinched + it in the neck, and smoothed its feathers. "Moreover, it is a drake," she said, "and + therefore it is not of so much consequence. I think he will be very strong. He makes + his way already."<!-- Page 300 --><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300"></a></p> + <p>"The other ducklings are graceful enough," said the old Duck. "Make yourself at + home; and if you find an eel's head, you may bring it me."</p> + <p>And now they were at home. But the poor Duckling which had crept last out of the + egg, and looked so ugly, was bitten and pushed and jeered, as much by the ducks as by + the chickens.</p> + <p>"It is too big!" they all said. And the turkey-cock, who had been born with spurs, + and therefore thought himself an emperor, blew himself up like a ship in full sail, + and bore straight down upon it; then he gobbled and grew quite red in the face. The + poor Duckling did not know where it should stand or walk; it was quite melancholy + because it looked ugly, and was the butt of the whole duck-yard.</p> + <p>So it went on the first day; and afterwards it became worse and worse. The poor + Duckling was hunted about by every one; even its brothers and sisters were quite + angry with it, and said, "If the cat would only catch you, you ugly creature!" And + the mother said, "If you were only far away!" And the ducks bit it, and the chickens + beat it, and the girl who had to feed the poultry kicked at it with her foot.</p> + <p>Then it ran and flew over the fence, and the little birds in the bushes flew up in + fear.<!-- Page 301 --><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301"></a></p> + <p>"That is because I am so ugly!" thought the Duckling; and it shut its eyes, but + flew on farther, and so it came out into the great moor, where the wild ducks lived. + Here it lay the whole night long; and it was weary and downcast.</p> + <p>Towards morning the wild ducks flew up, and looked at their new companion.</p> + <p>"What sort of a one are you?" they asked; and the Duckling turned in every + direction, and bowed as well as it could. "You are remarkably ugly!" said the Wild + Ducks. "But that is nothing to us, so long as you do not marry into our family."</p> + <p>Poor thing! it certainly did not think of marrying, and only hoped to obtain leave + to lie among the reeds and drink some of the swamp water.</p> + <p>Thus it lay two whole days; then came thither two wild geese, or, properly + speaking, two wild ganders. It was not long since each had crept out of an egg, and + that's why they were so saucy.</p> + <p>"Listen, comrade," said one of them. "You're so ugly that I like you. Will you go + with us, and become a bird of passage? Near here, in another moor, there are a few + sweet lovely wild geese, all unmarried, and all able to say 'Rap!' You've a chance of + making your fortune, ugly as you are."</p> + <p>"Piff! paff!" resounded through the air; and the two ganders fell down dead in the + swamp, and the water became blood red. "Piff! paff!" it sounded again, and the whole + flock of wild geese rose up from the reeds. And then there was another report. A + great hunt was going on. The sportsmen were lying in wait all round the moor, and + some were even sitting up in the branches of the trees, which spread far over the + reeds. The blue smoke rose up like clouds among the dark trees, and was wafted far + away across the water; and the hunting dogs came—splash, splash!—into the + swamp, and the rushes and the reeds bent down on every side. That was a fright for + the poor Duckling! It turned its head, and put it under its wing; but at that moment + a frightful great dog stood close by the Duckling. His tongue hung far out of his + mouth, and his eyes gleamed horrible and ugly; he thrust out his nose close against + the Duckling, showed his sharp teeth, and—splash, splash!—on he went, + without seizing it.<!-- Page 302 --><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302"></a></p> + <p>"Oh, Heaven be thanked!" sighed the Duckling. "I am so ugly that even the dog does + not like to bite me!"</p> + <p>And so it lay quite quiet, while the shots rattled through the reeds and gun after + gun was fired. At last, late in the day, all was still; but the poor Duckling did not + dare to rise up; it waited several hours before it looked round, and then hastened + away out of the moor as fast as it could. It ran on over field and meadow; there was + such a storm raging that it was difficult to get from one place to another.</p> + <p>Towards evening the Duck came to a little miserable peasant's hut. This hut was so + dilapidated that it did not itself know on which side it should fall; and that's why + it remained standing. The storm whistled round the Duckling in such a way that the + poor creature was obliged to sit down, to stand against it; and the wind blew worse + and worse. Then the Duckling noticed that one of the hinges of the door had given + way, and the door hung so slanting that the Duckling could slip through the crack + into the room; and that is what it did.<!-- Page 303 --><a name="Page_303" + id="Page_303"></a></p> + <p>Here lived a woman, with her Cat and her Hen. And the Cat, whom she called Sonnie, + could arch his back and purr, he could even give out sparks; but to make him do it + one had to stroke his fur the wrong way. The Hen had quite little, short legs, and + therefore she was called Chickabiddy Short-shanks. She laid good eggs, and the woman + loved her like her own child.</p> + <p>In the morning the strange Duckling was at once noticed, and the Cat began to purr + and the Hen to cluck.</p> + <p>"What's this?" said the woman, and looked all round; but she could not see well, + and therefore she thought the Duckling was a fat duck that had strayed. "This is a + rare prize!" she said. "Now I shall have duck's eggs. I hope it is not a drake. We + must try that."</p> + <p>And so the Duckling was admitted on trial for three weeks; but no eggs came. And + the Cat was master of the House, and the Hen was the lady, and always said, "We and + the world!" for she thought they were half the world, and by far the better half.</p> + <p>The Duckling thought one might have a different opinion, but the Hen would not + allow it.</p> + <p>"Can you lay eggs?" she asked.</p> + <p>"No."</p> + <p>"Then will you hold your tongue!"</p> + <p>And the Cat said, "Can you curve your back, and purr, and give out sparks?"</p> + <p>"No."</p> + <p>"Then you will please have no opinion of your own when sensible folks are + speaking."<!-- Page 304 --><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304"></a></p> + <p>And the Duckling sat in a corner and was melancholy; then the fresh air and the + sunshine streamed in; and it was seized with such a strange longing to swim on the + water, that it could not help telling the Hen of it.</p> + <p>"What are you thinking of?" cried the Hen. "You have nothing to do, that's why you + have these fancies. Lay eggs, or purr, and they will pass over."</p> + <p>"But it is so charming to swim on the water!" said the Duckling, "so refreshing to + let it close above one's head, and to dive down to the bottom."</p> + <p>"Yes, that must be a mighty pleasure, truly," quoth the Hen, "I fancy you must + have gone crazy. Ask the Cat about it—he's the cleverest animal I + know—ask him if he likes to swim on the water, or to dive down—I won't + speak about myself. Ask our mistress, the old woman; no one in the world is cleverer + than she. Do you think she has any desire to swim, and to let the water close above + her head?"</p> + <p>"You don't understand me," said the Duckling.</p> + <p>"We don't understand you? Then pray who is to understand you? You surely don't + pretend to be cleverer than the Cat and the woman—I won't say anything of + myself. Don't be conceited, child, and thank your Maker for all the kindness you have + received. Did you not get into a warm room, and have you not fallen into company from + which you may learn something? But you are a chatterer, and it is not pleasant to + associate with you. You may believe me, I speak for your good. I tell you + disagreeable things, and by that one may always know one's true friends! Only take + care that you learn to lay eggs, or to purr, and give out sparks!"<!-- Page 305 --><a + name="Page_305" id="Page_305"></a></p> + <p>"I think I will go out into the wide world," said the Duckling.</p> + <p>"Yes, do go," replied the Hen.</p> + <p>And so the Duckling went away. It swam on the water, and dived, but it was + slighted by every creature because of its ugliness.</p> + <p>Now came the autumn. The leaves in the forest turned yellow and brown; the wind + caught them so that they danced about, and up in the air it was very cold. The clouds + hung low, heavy with hail and snow-flakes, and on the fence stood the raven, crying, + "Croak! croak!" for mere cold; yes, it was enough to make one feel cold to think of + this. The poor little Duckling certainly had not a good time. One evening—the + sun was just setting in his beauty—there came a whole flock of great, handsome + birds out of the bushes. They were dazzlingly white, with long, flexible + necks—they were swans. They uttered a very peculiar cry, spread forth their + glorious great wings, and flew away from that cold region to warmer lands, to fair + open lakes. They mounted so high, so high! and the ugly Duckling felt quite strangely + as it watched them. It turned round and round in the water like a wheel, stretched + out its neck towards them, and uttered such a strange loud cry as frightened itself. + Oh! it could not forget those beautiful, happy birds; and so soon as it could see + them no longer, it dived down to the very bottom, and when it came up again it was + quite beside itself. It knew not the name of those birds, and knew not whither they + were flying; but it loved them more than it had ever loved any one. It was not at all + envious of them. How could it think of wishing to possess such loveliness as they + had? It would have been glad if only the ducks would have endured its + company—the poor, ugly creature!<!-- Page 306 --><a name="Page_306" + id="Page_306"></a></p> + <p>And the winter grew cold, very cold! The Duckling was forced to swim about in the + water, to prevent the surface from freezing entirely; but every night the hole in + which it swam about became smaller and smaller. It froze so hard that the icy + covering crackled again; and the Duckling was obliged to use its legs continually to + prevent the hole from freezing up. At last it became exhausted, and lay quite still, + and thus froze fast into the ice.</p> + <p>Early in the morning a peasant came by, and when he saw what had happened, he took + his wooden shoe, broke the ice-crust to pieces, and carried the Duckling home to his + wife. Then it came to itself again. The children wanted to play with it; but the + Duckling thought they wanted to hurt it, and in its terror fluttered up into the + milk-pan, so that the milk spurted down into the room. The woman clasped her hands, + at which the Duckling flew down into the butter-tub, and then into the meal-barrel + and out again. How it looked then! The woman screamed, and struck at it with the + fire-tongs; the children tumbled over one another in their efforts to catch the + Duckling; and they laughed and they screamed!—well it was that the door stood + open, and the poor creature was able to slip out between the shrubs into the + newly-fallen snow—there it lay quite exhausted.</p> + <p>But it would be too melancholy if I were to tell all the misery and care which the + Duckling had to endure in the hard winter. It lay out on the moor among the reeds, + when the sun began to shine again and the larks to sing. It was a beautiful spring. + <!-- Page 307 --><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307"></a></p> + <p>Then all at once the Duckling could flap its wings. They beat the air more + strongly than before, and bore it strongly away; and before it well knew how all this + happened, it found itself in a great garden, where the elder-trees smelt sweet, and + bent their long green branches down to the canal that wound through the region. Oh, + here it was so beautiful, such a gladness of spring! and from the thicket came three + glorious white swans; they rustled their wings, and swam lightly on the water. The + Duckling knew the splendid creatures, and felt oppressed by a peculiar sadness.</p> + <p>"I will fly away to them, to the royal birds, and they will beat me, because I, + that am so ugly, dare to come near them. But it is all the same. Better to be killed + by <i>them</i> than to be pursued by ducks, and beaten by fowls, and pushed about by + the girl who takes care of the poultry yard, and to suffer hunger in winter!" And it + flew out into the water, and swam towards the beautiful swans; these looked at it, + and came sailing down upon it with outspread wings. "Kill me!" said the poor + creature, and bent its head down upon the water, expecting nothing but death. But + what was this that it saw in the clear water? It beheld its own image; and, lo! it + was no longer a clumsy dark-gray bird, ugly and hateful to look at, but + a—swan!</p> + <p>It matters nothing if one is born in a duck-yard if one has only lain in a swan's + egg.<!-- Page 308 --><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308"></a></p> + <p>It felt quite glad at all the need and misfortune it had suffered, now it realised + its happiness in all the splendour that surrounded it. And the great swans swam round + it, and stroked it with their beaks.</p> + <p>Into the garden came little children, who threw bread and corn into the water; and + the youngest cried, "There is a new one!" and the other children shouted joyously, + "Yes, a new one has arrived!" And they clapped their hands and danced about, and ran + to their father and mother; and bread and cake were thrown into the water; and they + all said, "The new one is the most beautiful of all! so young and handsome!" and the + old swans bowed their heads before him. Then he felt quite ashamed, and hid his head + under his wings, for he did not know what to do; he was so happy, and yet not at all + proud. He thought how he had been persecuted and despised; and now he heard them + saying that he was the most beautiful of all birds. Even the elder-tree bent its + branches straight down into the water before him, and the sun shone warm and mild. + Then his wings rustled, he lifted his slender neck, and cried rejoicingly from the + depths of his heart:</p> + <p>"I never dreamed of so much happiness when I was the Ugly Duckling!"</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII</h2> + <!-- Page 309 --><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309"></a> + <h3>THE LIGHT PRINCESS</h3> + <h4>I</h4> + <h4><i>What! No Children?</i></h4> + <p>Once upon a time, so long ago that I have quite forgotten the date, there lived a + king and queen who had no children.</p> + <p>And the king said to himself, "All the queens of my acquaintance have children, + some three, some seven, and some as many as twelve; and my queen has not one. I feel + ill-used." So he made up his mind to be cross with his wife about it. But she bore it + all like a good patient queen as she was. Then the king grew very cross indeed. But + the queen pretended to take it all as a joke, and a very good one too.</p> + <p>"Why don't you have any daughters, at least?" said he. "I don't say <i>sons</i>; + that might be too much to expect."</p> + <p>"I am sure, dear king, I am very sorry," said the queen.</p> + <p>"So you ought to be," retorted the king; "you are not going to make a virtue of + <i>that</i>, surely."</p> + <p>But he was not an ill-tempered king, and in any matter of less moment would have + let the queen have her own way with all his heart. This, however, was an affair of + State.<!-- Page 310 --><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310"></a></p> + <p>The queen smiled.</p> + <p>"You must have patience with a lady, you know, dear king," said she.</p> + <p>She was, indeed, a very nice queen, and heartily sorry that she could not oblige + the king immediately.</p> + <p>The king tried to have patience, but he succeeded very badly. It was more than he + deserved, therefore, when, at last, the queen gave him a daughter—as lovely a + little princess as ever cried.</p> + <h4>II</h4> + <h4><i>Won't I, Just?</i></h4> + <p>The day drew near when the infant must be christened. The king wrote all the + invitations with his own hand. Of course somebody was forgotten.</p> + <p>Now it does not generally matter if somebody <i>is</i> forgotten, only you must + mind who. Unfortunately, the king forgot without intending to forget; and so the + chance fell upon the Princess Makemnoit, which was awkward. For the princess was the + king's own sister; and he ought not to have forgotten her. But she had made herself + so disagreeable to the old king, their father, that he had forgotten her in making + his will; and so it was no wonder that her brother forgot her in writing his + invitations. But poor relations don't do anything to keep you in mind of them. Why + don't they? The king could not see into the garret she lived in, could he? + <!-- Page 311 --><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311"></a></p> + <p>She was a sour, spiteful creature. The wrinkles of contempt crossed the wrinkles + of peevishness, and made her face as full of wrinkles as a pat of butter. If ever a + king could be justified in forgetting anybody, this king was justified in forgetting + his sister, even at a christening. She looked very odd, too. Her forehead was as + large as all the rest of her face, and projected over it like a precipice. When she + was angry, her little eyes flashed blue. When she hated anybody, they shone yellow + and green. What they looked like when she loved anybody, I do not know; for I never + heard of her loving anybody but herself, and I do not think she could have managed + that if she had not somehow got used to herself. But what made it highly imprudent in + the king to forget her was—that she was awfully clever. In fact, she was a + witch; and when she bewitched anybody, he very soon had enough of it; for she beat + all the wicked fairies in wickedness, and all the clever ones in cleverness. She + despised all the modes we read of in history, in which offended fairies and witches + have taken their revenges; and therefore, after waiting and waiting in vain for an + invitation, she made up her mind at last to go without one, and make the whole family + miserable, like a princess as she was.</p> + <p>So she put on her best gown, went to the palace, was kindly received by the happy + monarch, who forgot that he had forgotten her, and took her place in the procession + to the royal chapel. When they were all gathered about the font, she contrived to get + next to it, and throw something into the water; after which she maintained a very + respectful demeanour till the water was applied to the child's face. But at that + moment she turned round in her place three times, and muttered the following words, + loud enough for those beside her to hear:<!-- Page 312 --><a name="Page_312" + id="Page_312"></a></p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i-4">"Light of spirit, by my charms,<br /> + <br /> + </span> <span><span style="margin-left: .1em;">Light of body, every + part,</span><br /> + <br /> + </span> <span>Never weary human arms—<br /> + <br /> + </span> <span><span style="margin-left: .1em;">Only crush thy parents' + heart!"</span><br /> + <br /> + </span> + </div> + </div> + + <p>They all thought she had lost her wits, and was repeating some foolish nursery + rhyme; but a shudder went through the whole of them notwithstanding. The baby, on the + contrary, began to laugh and crow; while the nurse gave a start and a smothered cry, + for, she thought she was struck with paralysis: she could not feel the baby in her + arms. But she clasped it tight and said nothing.</p> + <p>The mischief was done.</p> + <h4>III</h4> + <h4><i>She Can't Be Ours!</i></h4> + <p>Her atrocious aunt had deprived the child of all her gravity. If you ask me how + this was effected, I answer, "In the easiest way in the world. She had only to + destroy gravitation." For the princess was a philosopher, and knew all the ins and + outs of the laws of gravitation as well as the ins and outs of her boot-lace. And + being a witch as well, she could abrogate those laws in a moment; or at least so clog + their wheels and rust their bearings that they would not work at all. But we have + more to do with what followed than with how it was done.<!-- Page 313 --><a + name="Page_313" id="Page_313"></a></p> + <p>The first awkwardness that resulted from this unhappy privation was, that the + moment the nurse began to float the baby up and down, she flew from her arms towards + the ceiling. Happily, the resistance of the air brought her ascending career to a + close within a foot of it. There she remained, horizontal as when she left her + nurse's arms, kicking and laughing amazingly. The nurse in terror flew to the bell, + and begged the footman, who answered it, to bring up the house-steps directly. + Trembling in every limb, she climbed upon the steps, and had to stand upon the very + top, and reach up, before she could catch the floating tail of the baby's long + clothes.</p> + <p>When the strange fact came to be known, there was a terrible commotion in the + palace. The occasion of its discovery by the king was naturally a repetition of the + nurse's experience. Astonished that he felt no weight when the child was laid in his + arms, he began to wave her up and—not down; for she slowly ascended to the + ceiling as before, and there remained floating in perfect comfort and satisfaction, + as was testified by her peals of tiny laughter. The king stood staring up in + speechless amazement, and trembled so that his beard shook like grass in the wind. At + last, turning to the queen, who was just as horror-struck as himself, he said, + gasping, staring, and stammering:</p> + <p>"She <i>can't</i> be ours, queen!"</p> + <p>Now the queen was much cleverer than the king, and had begun already to suspect + that "this effect defective came by cause."<!-- Page 314 --><a name="Page_314" + id="Page_314"></a></p> + <p>"I am sure she is ours," answered she. "But we ought to have taken better care of + her at the christening. People who were never invited ought not to have been + present."</p> + <p>"Oh, ho!" said the king, tapping his forehead with his forefinger, "I have it all. + I've found her out. Don't you see it, queen? Princess Makemnoit has bewitched + her."</p> + <p>"That's just what I say," answered the queen.</p> + <p>"I beg your pardon, my love; I did not hear you. John! bring the steps I get on my + throne with."</p> + <p>For he was a little king with a great throne, like many other kings.</p> + <p>The throne-steps were brought, and set upon the dining-table, and John got upon + the top of them. But, he could not reach the little princess, who lay like a + baby-laughter-cloud in the air, exploding continuously.</p> + <p>"Take the tongs, John," said his Majesty; and getting up on the table, he handed + them to him.</p> + <p>John could reach the baby now, and the little princess was handed down by the + tongs.</p> + <h4>IV</h4> + <h4><i>Where Is She?</i></h4> + <p>One fine summer day, a month after these her first adventures, during which time + she had been very carefully watched, the princess was lying on the bed in the queen's + own chamber, fast asleep. One of the windows was open, for it was noon, and the day + was so sultry that the little girl was wrapped in nothing less ethereal than slumber + itself. The queen came into the room, and not observing that the baby was on the bed, + opened another window. A frolicsome fairy wind, which had been watching for a chance + of mischief, rushed in at the one window, and taking its way over the bed where the + child was lying, caught her up, and rolling and floating her along like a piece of + flue, or a dandelion seed, carried her with it through the opposite window, and away. + The queen went down-stairs, quite ignorant of the loss she had herself occasioned. + <!-- Page 315 --><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315"></a></p> + <p>When the nurse returned, she supposed that her Majesty had carried her off, and, + dreading a scolding, delayed making inquiry about her. But hearing nothing, she grew + uneasy, and went at length to the queen's boudoir, where she found her Majesty.</p> + <p>"Please, your Majesty, shall I take the baby?" said she.</p> + <p>"Where is she?" asked the queen.</p> + <p>"Please forgive me. I know it was wrong."</p> + <p>"What do you mean?" said the queen, looking grave.</p> + <p>"Oh! don't frighten me, your Majesty!" exclaimed the nurse, clasping her + hands.</p> + <p>The queen saw that something was amiss, and fell down in a faint. The nurse rushed + about the palace, screaming, "My baby! my baby!"</p> + <p>Every one ran to the queen's room. But the queen could give no orders. They soon + found out, however, that the princess was missing, and in a moment the palace was + like a beehive in a garden; and in one minute more the queen was brought to herself + by a great shout and a clapping of hands. They had found the princess fast asleep + under a rose-bush, to which the elfish little wind-puff had carried her, finishing + its mischief by shaking a shower of red rose-leaves all over the little white + sleeper. Startled by the noise the servants made, she woke, and, furious with glee, + scattered the rose-leaves in all directions, like a shower of spray in the sunset. + <!-- Page 316 --><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316"></a></p> + <p>She was watched more carefully after this, no doubt; yet it would be endless to + relate all the odd incidents resulting from this peculiarity of the young princess. + But there never was a baby in a house, not to say a palace, that kept the household + in such constant good humour, at least below-stairs. If it was not easy for her + nurses to hold her, at least she made neither their arms nor their hearts ache. And + she was so nice to play at ball with! There was positively no danger of letting her + fall. They might throw her down, or knock her down, or push her down, but they + couldn't <i>let</i> her down. It is true, they might let her fly into the fire or the + coal-hole, or through the window; but none of these accidents had happened as yet. If + you heard peals of laughter resounding from some unknown region, you might be sure + enough of the cause. Going down into the kitchen, or <i>the room</i>, you would find + Jane and Thomas, and Robert and Susan, all and sum, playing at ball with the little + princess. She was the ball herself, and did not enjoy it the less for that. Away she + went, flying from one to another, screeching with laughter. And the servants loved + the ball itself better even than the game. But they had to take some care how they + threw her, for if she received an upward direction, she would never come down again + without being fetched.<!-- Page 317 --><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317"></a></p> + <h4>V</h4> + <h4><i>What Is to Be Done?</i></h4> + <p>But above-stairs it was different. One day, for instance, after breakfast, the + king went into his counting-house, and counted out his money.</p> + <p>The operation gave him no pleasure.</p> + <p>"To think," said he to himself, "that every one of these gold sovereigns weighs a + quarter of an ounce, and my real, live, flesh-and-blood princess weighs nothing at + all!"</p> + <p>And he hated his gold sovereigns, as they lay with a broad smile of + self-satisfaction all over their yellow faces.</p> + <p>The queen was in the parlour, eating bread and honey. But at the second mouthful + she burst out crying, and could not swallow it. The king heard her sobbing. Glad of + anybody, but especially of his queen, to quarrel with, he clashed his gold sovereigns + into his money-box, clapped his crown on his head, and rushed into the parlour.</p> + <p>"What is all this about?" exclaimed he. "What are you crying for, queen?"</p> + <p>"I can't eat it," said the queen, looking ruefully at the honey-pot.</p> + <p>"No wonder!" retorted the king. "You've just eaten your breakfast—two turkey + eggs, and three anchovies."<!-- Page 318 --><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318"></a></p> + <p>"Oh, that's not it!" sobbed her Majesty. "It's my child, my child!"</p> + <p>"Well, what's the matter with your child? She's neither up the chimney nor down + the draw-well. Just hear her laughing."</p> + <p>Yet the king could not help a sigh, which he tried to turn into a cough, + saying:</p> + <p>"It is a good thing to be light-hearted, I am sure, whether she be ours or + not."</p> + <p>"It is a bad thing to be light-headed," answered the queen, looking with prophetic + soul far into the future.</p> + <p>"'T is a good thing to be light-handed," said the king.</p> + <p>"'T is a bad thing to be light-fingered," answered the queen.</p> + <p>"'T is a good thing to be light-footed," said the king.</p> + <p>"'T is a bad thing—" began the queen; but the king interrupted her.</p> + <p>"In fact," said he, with the tone of one who concludes an argument in which he has + had only imaginary opponents, and in which, therefore, he has come off + triumphant—"in fact, it is a good thing altogether to be light-bodied."</p> + <p>"But it is a bad thing altogether to be light-minded," retorted the queen, who was + beginning to lose her temper.</p> + <p>This last answer quite discomfited his Majesty, who turned on his heel, and betook + himself to his counting-house again. But he was not half-way towards it, when the + voice of his queen overtook him.<!-- Page 319 --><a name="Page_319" + id="Page_319"></a></p> + <p>"And it's a bad thing to be light-haired," screamed she, determined to have more + last words, now that her spirit was roused.</p> + <p>The queen's hair was black as night; and the king's had been, and his daughter's + was, golden as morning. But it was not this reflection on his hair that arrested him; + it was the double use of the word <i>light</i>. For the king hated all witticisms, + and punning especially. And besides, he could not tell whether the queen meant + light-<i>haired</i> or light-<i>heired</i>; for why might she not aspirate her vowels + when she was exasperated herself?</p> + <p>He turned upon his other heel, and rejoined her. She looked angry still, because + she knew that she was guilty, or, what was much the same, knew that he thought + so.</p> + <p>"My dear queen," said he, "duplicity of any sort is exceedingly objectionable + between married people of any rank, not to say kings and queens; and the most + objectionable form duplicity can assume is that of punning."</p> + <p>"There!" said the queen, "I never made a jest, but I broke it in the making. I am + the most unfortunate woman in the world!"</p> + <p>She looked so rueful that the king took her in his arms; and they sat down to + consult.</p> + <p>"Can you bear this?" said the king.</p> + <p>"No, I can't," said the queen.</p> + <p>"Well, what's to be done?" said the king.</p> + <p>"I'm sure I don't know," said the queen. "But might you not try an apology?" + <!-- Page 320 --><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320"></a></p> + <p>"To my old sister, I suppose you mean?" said the king.</p> + <p>"Yes," said the queen.</p> + <p>"Well, I don't mind," said the king.</p> + <p>So he went the next morning to the house of the princess, and, making a very + humble apology, begged her to undo the spell. But the princess declared, with a grave + face, that she knew nothing at all about it. Her eyes, however, shone pink, which was + a sign that she was happy. She advised the king and queen to have patience, and to + mend their ways. The king returned disconsolate. The queen tried to comfort him.</p> + <p>"We will wait till she is older. She may then be able to suggest something + herself. She will know at least how she feels, and explain things to us."</p> + <p>"But what if she should marry?" exclaimed the king, in sudden consternation at the + idea.</p> + <p>"Well, what of that?" rejoined the queen.</p> + <p>"Just think! If she were to have children! In the course of a hundred years the + air might be as full of floating children as of gossamers in autumn."</p> + <p>"That is no business of ours," replied the queen. "Besides, by that time they will + have learned to take care of themselves."</p> + <p>A sigh was the king's only answer.</p> + <p>He would have consulted the court physicians; but he was afraid they would try + experiments upon her.</p> + <h4>VI<!-- Page 321 --><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321"></a></h4> + <h4><i>She Laughs Too Much</i></h4> + <p>Meantime, notwithstanding awkward occurrences, and griefs that she brought upon + her parents, the little princess laughed and grew—not fat, but plump and tall. + She reached the age of seventeen, without having fallen into any worse scrape than a + chimney; by rescuing her from which, a little bird-nesting urchin got fame and a + black face. Nor, thoughtless as she was, had she committed anything worse than + laughter at everybody and everything that came in her way. When she was told, for the + sake of experiment, that General Clanrunfort was cut to pieces with all his troops, + she laughed; when she heard that the enemy was on his way to besiege her father's + capital, she laughed hugely; but when she was told that the city would certainly be + abandoned to the mercy of the enemy's soldiery—why, then she laughed + immoderately. She never could be brought to see the serious side of anything. When + her mother cried, she said:</p> + <p>"What queer faces mamma makes! And she squeezes water out of her cheeks! Funny + mamma!"</p> + <p>And when her papa stormed at her, she laughed, and danced round and round him, + clapping her hands, and crying:</p> + <p>"Do it again, papa. Do it again! It's such fun! Dear, funny papa!"</p> + <p>And if he tried to catch her, she glided from him in an instant, not in the least + afraid of him, but thinking it part of the game not to be caught. With one push of + her foot, she would be floating in the air above his head; or she would go dancing + backwards and forwards and sideways, like a great butterfly. It happened several + times, when her father and mother were holding a consultation about her in private, + that they were interrupted by vainly repressed outbursts of laughter over their + heads; and looking up with indignation, saw her floating at full length in the air + above them, whence she regarded them with the most comical appreciation of the + position.<!-- Page 322 --><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322"></a></p> + <p>One day an awkward accident happened. The princess had come out upon the lawn with + one of her attendants, who held her by the hand. Spying her father at the other side + of the lawn, she snatched her hand from the maid's, and sped across to him. Now when + she wanted to run alone, her custom was to catch up a stone in each hand, so that she + might come down again after a bound. Whatever she wore as part of her attire had no + effect in this way. Even gold, when it thus became as it were a part of herself, lost + all its weight for the time. But whatever she only held in her hands retained its + downward tendency. On this occasion she could see nothing to catch up but a huge + toad, that was walking across the lawn as if he had a hundred years to do it in. Not + knowing what disgust meant, for this was one of her peculiarities, she snatched up + the toad and bounded away. She had almost reached her father, and he was holding out + his arms to receive her, and take from her lips the kiss which hovered on them like a + butterfly on a rosebud, when a puff of wind blew her aside into the arms of a young + page, who had just been receiving a message from his Majesty. Now it was no great + peculiarity in the princess that, once she was set agoing, it always cost her time + and trouble to check herself. On this occasion there was no time. She <i>must</i> + kiss—and she kissed the page. She did not mind it much; for she had no shyness + in her composition; and she knew, besides, that she could not help it. So she only + laughed, like a musical box. The poor page fared the worst. For the princess, trying + to correct the unfortunate tendency of the kiss, put out her hands to keep off the + page; so that, along with the kiss, he received, on the other cheek, a slap with the + huge black toad, which she poked right into his eye. He tried to laugh, too, but the + attempt resulted in such an odd contortion of countenance, as showed that there was + no danger of his pluming himself on the kiss. As for the king, his dignity was + greatly hurt, and he did not speak to the page for a whole month.<!-- Page 323 --><a + name="Page_323" id="Page_323"></a></p> + <p>I may here remark that it was very amusing to see her run, if her mode of + progression could properly be called running. For first she would make a bound; then, + having alighted, she would run a few steps, and make another bound. Sometimes she + would fancy she had reached the ground before she actually had, and her feet would go + backwards and forwards, running upon nothing at all, like those of a chicken on its + back. Then she would laugh like the very spirit of fun; only in her laugh there was + something missing. What it was, I find myself unable to describe. I think it was a + certain tone, depending upon the possibility of sorrow—<i>morbidezza</i>, + perhaps. She never smiled.<!-- Page 324 --><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324"></a></p> + <h4>VII</h4> + <h4><i>Try Metaphysics</i></h4> + <p>After a long avoidance of the painful subject, the king and queen resolved to hold + a council of three upon it; and so they sent for the princess. In she came, sliding + and flitting and gliding from one piece of furniture to another, and put herself at + last in an arm-chair, in a sitting posture. Whether she could be said <i>to sit</i>, + seeing she received no support from the seat of the chair, I do not pretend to + determine.</p> + <p>"My dear child," said the king, "you must be aware by this time that you are not + exactly like other people."</p> + <p>"Oh, you dear funny papa! I have got a nose, and two eyes, and all the rest. So + have you. So has mamma."</p> + <p>"Now be serious, my dear, for once," said the queen.</p> + <p>"No, thank you, mamma; I had rather not."</p> + <p>"Would you not like to be able to walk like other people?" said the king.</p> + <p>"No indeed, I should think not. You only crawl. You are such slow coaches!"</p> + <p>"How do you feel, my child?" he resumed, after a pause of discomfiture.</p> + <p>"Quite well, thank you."</p> + <p>"I mean, what do you feel like?"<!-- Page 325 --><a name="Page_325" + id="Page_325"></a></p> + <p>"Like nothing at all, that I know of."</p> + <p>"You must feel like something."</p> + <p>"I feel like a princess with such a funny papa, and such a dear pet of a + queen-mamma!"</p> + <p>"Now really!" began the queen; but the princess interrupted her.</p> + <p>"Oh, yes," she added, "I remember. I have a curious feeling sometimes, as if I + were the only person that had any sense in the whole world."</p> + <p>She had been trying to behave herself with dignity; but now she burst into a + violent fit of laughter, threw herself backwards over the chair, and went rolling + about the floor in an ecstasy of enjoyment. The king picked her up easier than one + does a down quilt, and replaced her in her former relation to the chair. The exact + preposition expressing this relation I do not happen to know.</p> + <p>"Is there nothing you wish for?" resumed the king, who had learned by this time + that it was useless to be angry with her.</p> + <p>"Oh, you dear papa!—yes," answered she.</p> + <p>"What is it, my darling?"</p> + <p>"I have been longing for it—oh, such a time!—ever since last + night."</p> + <p>"Tell me what it is."</p> + <p>"Will you promise to let me have it?"</p> + <p>The king was on the point of saying yes, but the wiser queen checked him with a + single motion of her head.</p> + <p>"Tell me what it is first," said he.</p> + <p>"No, no. Promise first."</p> + <p>"I dare not. What is it?"</p> + <p>"Mind, I hold you to your promise. It is—to be tied to the end of a + string—a very long string indeed, and be flown like a kite. Oh, such fun! I + would rain rose-water, and hail sugar-plums, and snow whipped-cream, + and—and—and—"<!-- Page 326 --><a name="Page_326" + id="Page_326"></a></p> + <p>A fit of laughing checked her; and she would have been off again over the floor, + had not the king started up and caught her just in time. Seeing that nothing but talk + could be got out of her, he rang the bell, and sent her away with two of her + ladies-in-waiting.</p> + <p>"Now, queen," he said, turning to her Majesty, "what <i>is</i> to be done?"</p> + <p>"There is but one thing left," answered she. "Let us consult the college of + Metaphysicians."</p> + <p>"Bravo!" cried the king; "we will."</p> + <p>Now at the head of this college were two very wise Chinese philosophers—by + name Hum-Drum, and Kopy-Keck. For them the king sent; and straightway they came. In a + long speech he communicated to them what they knew very well already—as who did + not?—namely, the peculiar condition of his daughter in relation to the globe on + which she dwelt; and requested them to consult together as to what might be the cause + and probable cure of her <i>infirmity</i>. The king laid stress upon the word, but + failed to discover his own pun. The queen laughed; but Hum-Drum and Kopy-Keck heard + with humility and retired in silence.</p> + <p>Their consultation consisted chiefly in propounding and supporting, for the + thousandth time, each his favourite theories. For the condition of the princess + afforded delightful scope for the discussion of every question arising from the + division of thought—in fact, of all the Metaphysics of the Chinese Empire. But + it is only justice to say that they did not altogether neglect the discussion of the + practical question, <i>what was to be done</i>.<!-- Page 327 --><a name="Page_327" + id="Page_327"></a></p> + <p>Hum-Drum was a Materialist, and Kopy-Keck was a Spiritualist. The former was slow + and sententious; the latter was quick and flighty; the latter had generally the first + word; the former the last.</p> + <p>"I reassert my former assertion," began Kopy-Keck, with a plunge. "There is not a + fault in the princess, body or soul; only they are wrong put together. Listen to me + now, Hum-Drum, and I will tell you in brief what I think. Don't speak. Don't answer + me. I <i>won't</i> hear you till I have done. At that decisive moment, when souls + seek their appointed habitations, two eager souls met, struck, rebounded, lost their + way, and arrived each at the wrong place. The soul of the princess was one of those, + and she went far astray. She does not belong by rights to this world at all, but to + some other planet, probably Mercury. Her proclivity to her true sphere destroys all + the natural influence which this orb would otherwise possess over her corporeal + frame. She cares for nothing here. There is no relation between her and this + world.</p> + <p>"She must therefore be taught, by the sternest compulsion, to take an interest in + the earth as the earth. She must study every department of its history—its + animal history, its vegetable history, its mineral history, its social history, its + moral history, its political history, its scientific history, its literary history, + its musical history, its artistical history, above all, its metaphysical history. She + must begin with the Chinese dynasty and end with Japan. But first of all she must + study geology, and especially the history of the extinct races of animals—their + natures, their habits, their loves, their hates, their revenges. She must—" + <!-- Page 328 --><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328"></a></p> + <p>"Hold, h-o-o-old!" roared Hum-Drum. "It is certainly my turn now. My rooted and + insubvertible conviction is, that the causes of the anomalies evident in the + princess's condition are strictly and solely physical. But that is only tantamount to + acknowledging that they exist. Hear my opinion. From some cause or other, of no + importance to our inquiry, the motion of her heart has been reversed. That remarkable + combination of the suction and the force-pump works the wrong way—I mean in the + case of the unfortunate princess, it draws in where it should force out, and forces + out where it should draw in. The offices of the auricles and the ventricles are + subverted. The blood is sent forth by the veins, and returns by the arteries. + Consequently it is running the wrong way through all her corporeal + organism—lungs and all. Is it then at all mysterious, seeing that such is the + case, that on the other particular of gravitation as well, she should differ from + normal humanity? My proposal for the cure is this:</p> + <p>"Phlebotomise until she is reduced to the last point of safety. Let it be + effected, if necessary, in a warm bath. When she is reduced to a state of perfect + asphyxy, apply a ligature to the left ankle, drawing it as tight as the bone will + bear. Apply, at the same moment, another of equal tension around the right wrist. By + means of plates constructed for the purpose, place the other foot and hand under the + receivers of two air-pumps. Exhaust the receivers. Exhibit a pint of French brandy, + and await the result."<!-- Page 329 --><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329"></a></p> + <p>"Which would presently arrive in the form of grim Death," said Kopy-Keck.</p> + <p>"If it should, she would yet die in doing our duty," retorted Hum-Drum.</p> + <p>But their Majesties had too much tenderness for their volatile offspring to + subject her to either of the schemes of the equally unscrupulous philosophers. + Indeed, the most complete knowledge of the laws of nature would have been + unserviceable in her case; for it was impossible to classify her. She was a fifth + imponderable body, sharing all the other properties of the ponderable.</p> + <h4>VIII</h4> + <h4><i>Try a Drop of Water</i></h4> + <p>Perhaps the best thing for the princess would have been to fall in love. But how a + princess who had no gravity could fall into anything is a difficulty—perhaps + <i>the</i> difficulty. As for her own feelings on the subject, she did not even know + that there was such a beehive of honey and stings to be fallen into. But now I come + to mention another curious fact about her.</p> + <p>The palace was built on the shores of the loveliest lake in the world; and the + princess loved this lake more than father or mother. The root of this preference no + doubt, although the princess did not recognise it as such, was, that the moment she + got into it, she recovered the natural right of which she had been so wickedly + deprived—namely, gravity. Whether this was owing to the fact that water had + been employed as the means of conveying the injury, I do not know. But it is certain + that she could swim and dive like the duck that her old nurse said she was. The + manner in which this alleviation of her misfortune was discovered was as follows: + <!-- Page 330 --><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330"></a></p> + <p>One summer evening, during the carnival of the country, she had been taken upon + the lake by the king and queen, in the royal barge. They were accompanied by many of + the courtiers in a fleet of little boats. In the middle of the lake she wanted to get + into the lord chancellor's barge, for his daughter, who was a great favourite with + her, was in it with her father. Now though the old king rarely condescended to make + light of his misfortune, yet, happening on this occasion to be in a particularly good + humour, as the barges approached each other, he caught up the princess to throw her + into the chancellor's barge. He lost his balance, however, and, dropping into the + bottom of the barge, lost his hold of his daughter; not, however, before imparting to + her the downward tendency of his own person, though in a somewhat different + direction, for, as the king fell into the boat, she fell into the water. With a burst + of delighted laughter she disappeared into the lake. A cry of horror ascended from + the boats. They had never seen the princess go down before. Half the men were under + water in a moment; but they had all, one after another, come up to the surface again + for breath, when—tinkle, tinkle, babble, and gush! came the princess's laugh + over the water from far away. There she was, swimming like a swan. Nor would she come + out for king or queen, chancellor or daughter. She was perfectly obstinate. + <!-- Page 331 --><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331"></a></p> + <p>But at the same time she seemed more sedate than usual. Perhaps that was because a + great pleasure spoils laughing. At all events, after this, the passion of her life + was to get into the water, and she was always the better behaved and the more + beautiful the more she had of it. Summer and winter it was quite the same; only she + could not stay so long in the water when they had to break the ice to let her in. Any + day, from morning to evening in summer, she might be descried—a streak of white + in the blue water—lying as still as the shadow of a cloud, or shooting along + like a dolphin; disappearing, and coming up again far off, just where one did not + expect her. She would have been in the lake of a night too, if she could have had her + way; for the balcony of her window overhung a deep pool in it; and through a shallow + reedy passage she could have swum out into the wide wet water, and no one would have + been any the wiser. Indeed, when she happened to wake in the moonlight she could + hardly resist the temptation. But there was the sad difficulty of getting into it. + She had as great a dread of the air as some children have of the water. For the + slightest gust of wind would blow her away; and a gust might arise in the stillest + moment. And if she gave herself a push towards the water and just failed of reaching + it, her situation would be dreadfully awkward, irrespective of the wind; for at best + there she would have to remain, suspended in her night-gown, till she was seen and + angled for by somebody from the window.<!-- Page 332 --><a name="Page_332" + id="Page_332"></a></p> + <p>"Oh! if I had my gravity," thought she, contemplating the water, "I would flash + off this balcony like a long white sea-bird, headlong into the darling wetness. + Heigh-ho!"</p> + <p>This was the only consideration that made her wish to be like other people.</p> + <p>Another reason for her being fond of the water was that in it alone she enjoyed + any freedom. For she could not walk without a <i>cortège</i>, consisting in + part of a troop of light-horse, for fear of the liberties which the wind might take + with her. And the king grew more apprehensive with increasing years, till at last he + would not allow her to walk abroad at all without some twenty silken cords fastened + to as many parts of her dress, and held by twenty noblemen. Of course horseback was + out of the question. But she bade good-bye to all this ceremony when she got into the + water.</p> + <p>And so remarkable were its effects upon her, especially in restoring her for the + time to the ordinary human gravity, that Hum-Drum and Kopy-Keck agreed in + recommending the king to bury her alive for three years; in the hope that, as the + water did her so much good, the earth would do her yet more. But the king had some + vulgar prejudices against the experiment, and would not give his consent. Foiled in + this, they yet agreed in another recommendation; which, seeing that one imported his + opinions from China and the other from Thibet, was very remarkable indeed. They + argued that, if water of external origin and application could be so efficacious, + water from a deeper source might work a perfect cure; in short, that if the poor + afflicted princess could by any means be made to cry, she might recover her lost + gravity.<!-- Page 333 --><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333"></a></p> + <p>But how was this to be brought about? Therein lay all the difficulty—to meet + which the philosophers were not wise enough. To make the princess cry was as + impossible as to make her weigh. They sent for a professional beggar, commanded him + to prepare his most touching oracle of woe, helped him out of the court charade box + to whatever he wanted for dressing up, and promised great rewards in the event of his + success. But it was all in vain. She listened to the mendicant artist's story, and + gazed at his marvellous make up, till she could contain herself no longer, and went + into the most undignified contortions for relief, shrieking, positively screeching + with laughter.</p> + <p>When she had a little recovered herself, she ordered her attendants to drive him + away, and not give him a single copper; whereupon his look of mortified discomfiture + wrought her punishment and his revenge, for it sent her into violent hysterics, from + which she was with difficulty recovered.</p> + <p>But so anxious was the king that the suggestion should have a fair trial, that he + put himself in a rage one day, and, rushing up to her room, gave her an awful + whipping. Yet not a tear would flow. She looked grave, and her laughing sounded + uncommonly like screaming—that was all. The good old tyrant, though he put on + his best gold spectacles to look, could not discover the smallest cloud in the serene + blue of her eyes.<!-- Page 334 --><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334"></a></p> + <h4>IX</h4> + <h4><i>Put Me in Again!</i></h4> + <p>It must have been about this time that the son of a king, who lived a thousand + miles from Lagobel, set out to look for the daughter of a queen. He travelled far and + wide, but as sure as he found a princess, he found some fault with her. Of course he + could not marry a mere woman, however beautiful; and there was no princess to be + found worthy of him. Whether the prince was so near perfection that he had a right to + demand perfection itself, I cannot pretend to say. All I know is, that he was a fine, + handsome, brave, generous, well-bred, and well-behaved youth, as all princes are.</p> + <p>In his wanderings he had come across some reports about our princess; but as + everybody said she was bewitched, he never dreamed that she could bewitch him. For + what indeed could a prince do with a princess that had lost her gravity? Who could + tell what she might not lose next? She might lose her visibility, or her tangibility; + or, in short, the power of making impressions upon the radical sensorium; so that he + should never be able to tell whether she was dead or alive. Of course he made no + further inquiries about her.</p> + <p>One day he lost sight of his retinue in a great forest. These forests are very + useful in delivering princes from their courtiers, like a sieve that keeps back the + bran. Then the princes get away to follow their fortunes. In this way they have the + advantage of the princesses, who are forced to marry before they have had a bit of + fun. I wish our princesses got lost in a forest sometimes.<!-- Page 335 --><a + name="Page_335" id="Page_335"></a></p> + <p>One lovely evening, after wandering about for many days, he found that he was + approaching the outskirts of this forest; for the trees had got so thin that he could + see the sunset through them; and he soon came upon a kind of heath. Next he came upon + signs of human neighbourhood; but by this time it was getting late, and there was + nobody in the fields to direct him.</p> + <p>After travelling for another hour, his horse, quite worn out with long labour and + lack of food, fell, and was unable to rise again. So he continued his journey on + foot. A length he entered another wood—not a wild forest, but a civilised wood, + through which a footpath led him to the side of a lake. Along this path the prince + pursued his way through the gathering darkness. Suddenly he paused, and listened. + Strange sounds came across the water. It was, in fact, the princess laughing. Now + there was something odd in her laugh, as I have already hinted; for the hatching of a + real hearty laugh requires the incubation of gravity; and perhaps this was how the + prince mistook the laughter for screaming. Looking over the lake, he saw something + white in the water; and, in an instant, he had torn off his tunic, kicked off his + sandals, and plunged in. He soon reached the white object, and found that it was a + woman. There was not light enough to show that she was a princess, but quite enough + to show that she was a lady, for it does not want much light to see that. + <!-- Page 336 --><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336"></a></p> + <p>Now I cannot tell how it came about—whether she pretended to be drowning, or + whether he frightened her, or caught her so as to embarrass her—but certainly + he brought her to shore in a fashion ignominious to a swimmer, and more nearly + drowned than she had ever expected to be; for the water had got into her throat as + often as she had tried to speak.</p> + <p>At the place to which he bore her, the bank was only a foot or two above the + water; so he gave her a strong lift out of the water, to lay her on the bank. But, + her gravitation ceasing the moment she left the water, away she went up into the air, + scolding and screaming.</p> + <p>"You naughty, <i>naughty</i>, Naughty, NAUGHTY man!" she cried.</p> + <p>No one had ever succeeded in putting her into a passion before. When the prince + saw her ascend, he thought he must have been bewitched, and have mistaken a great + swan for a lady. But the princess caught hold of the topmost cone upon a lofty fir. + This came off; but she caught at another; and, in fact, stopped herself by gathering + cones, dropping them as the stalks gave way. The prince, meantime, stood in the + water, staring, and forgetting to get out. But the princess disappearing, he + scrambled on shore, and went in the direction of the tree. There he found her + climbing down one of the branches towards the stem. But in the darkness of the wood, + the prince continued in some bewilderment as to what the phenomenon could be; until, + reaching the ground, and seeing him standing there, she caught hold of him, and said: + <!-- Page 337 --><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337"></a></p> + <p>"I'll tell papa,"</p> + <p>"Oh no, you won't!" returned the prince.</p> + <p>"Yes, I will," she persisted. "What business had you to pull me down out of the + water, and throw me to the bottom of the air? I never did you any harm."</p> + <p>"Pardon me. I did not mean to hurt you."</p> + <p>"I don't believe you have any brains; and that is a worse loss than your wretched + gravity. I pity you."</p> + <p>The prince now saw that he had come upon the bewitched princess, and had already + offended her. But before he could think what to say next, she burst out angrily, + giving a stamp with her foot that would have sent her aloft again but for the hold + she had of his arm:</p> + <p>"Put me up directly."</p> + <p>"Put you up where, you beauty?" asked the prince.</p> + <p>He had fallen in love with her almost, already; for her anger made her more + charming than any one else had ever beheld her; and, as far as he could see, which + certainly was not far, she had not a single fault about her, except, of course, that + she had not any gravity. No prince, however, would judge of a princess by weight. The + loveliness of her foot he would hardly estimate by the depth of the impression it + could make in mud.</p> + <p>"Put you up where, you beauty?" asked the prince.</p> + <p>"In the water, you stupid!" answered the princess.</p> + <p>"Come, then," said the prince.<!-- Page 338 --><a name="Page_338" + id="Page_338"></a></p> + <p>The condition of her dress, increasing her usual difficulty in walking, compelled + her to cling to him; and he could hardly persuade himself that he was not in a + delightful dream, notwithstanding the torrent of musical abuse with which she + overwhelmed him. The prince being therefore in no hurry, they came upon the lake at + quite another part, where the bank was twenty-five feet high at least; and when they + had reached the edge, he turned towards the princess, and said:</p> + <p>"How am I to put you in?"</p> + <p>"That is your business," she answered, quite snappishly. "You took me + out—put me in again."</p> + <p>"Very well," said the prince; and, catching her up in his arms, he sprang with her + from the rock. The princess had just time to give one delighted shriek of laughter + before the water closed over them. When they came to the surface, she found that, for + a moment or two, she could not even laugh, for she had gone down with such a rush, + that it was with difficulty she recovered her breath. The instant they reached the + surface—</p> + <p>"How do you like falling in?" said the prince.</p> + <p>After some effort the princess panted out:</p> + <p>"Is that what you call <i>falling in</i>?"</p> + <p>"Yes," answered the prince, "I should think it a very tolerable specimen."</p> + <p>"It seemed to me like going up," rejoined she.</p> + <p>"My feeling was certainly one of elevation too," the prince conceded.</p> + <p>The princess did not appear to understand him, for she retorted his question:</p> + <p>"How do <i>you</i> like falling in?" said the princess.<!-- Page 339 --><a + name="Page_339" id="Page_339"></a></p> + <p>"Beyond everything," answered he; "for I have fallen in with the only perfect + creature I ever saw."</p> + <p>"No more of that. I am tired of it," said the princess.</p> + <p>Perhaps she shared her father's aversion to punning.</p> + <p>"Don't you like falling in, then?" said the prince.</p> + <p>"It is the most delightful fun I ever had in my life," answered she. "I never fell + before. I wish I could learn. To think I am the only person in my father's kingdom + that can't fall!"</p> + <p>Here the poor princess looked almost sad.</p> + <p>"I shall be most happy to fall in with you any time you like," said the prince, + devotedly.</p> + <p>"Thank you. I don't know. Perhaps it would not be proper. But I don't care. At all + events, as we have fallen in, let us have a swim together."</p> + <p>"With all my heart," responded the prince.</p> + <p>And away they went, swimming, and diving, and floating, until at last they heard + cries along the shore, and saw lights glancing in all directions. It was now quite + late, and there was no moon.</p> + <p>"I must go home," said the princess. "I am very sorry, for this is + delightful."</p> + <p>"So am I," returned the prince. "But I am glad I haven't a home to go to—at + least, I don't exactly know where it is."</p> + <p>"I wish I hadn't one either," rejoined the princess; "it is so stupid! I have a + great mind," she continued, "to play them all a trick. Why couldn't they leave me + alone? They won't trust me in the lake for a single night! You see where that green + light is burning? That is the window of my room. Now if you would just swim there + with me very quietly, and when we are all but under the balcony, give me such a + push—<i>up</i> you call it—as you did a little while ago, I should be + able to catch hold of the balcony, and get in at the window; and then they may look + for me till to-morrow morning!"<!-- Page 340 --><a name="Page_340" + id="Page_340"></a></p> + <p>"With more obedience than pleasure," said the prince, gallantly; and away they + swam, very gently.</p> + <p>"Will you be in the lake to-morrow night?" the prince ventured to ask.</p> + <p>"To be sure I will. I don't think so. Perhaps," was the princess's somewhat + strange answer.</p> + <p>But the prince was intelligent enough not to press her further; and merely + whispered, as he gave her the parting lift, "Don't tell." The only answer the + princess returned was a roguish look. She was already a yard above his head. The look + seemed to say, "Never fear. It is too good fun to spoil that way."</p> + <p>So perfectly like other people had she been in the water, that even yet the prince + could scarcely believe his eyes when he saw her ascend slowly, grasp the balcony, and + disappear through the window. He turned, almost expecting to see her still by his + side. But he was alone in the water. So he swam away quietly, and watched the lights + roving about the shore for hours after the princess was safe in her chamber. As soon + as they disappeared, he landed in search of his tunic and sword, and, after some + trouble, found them again. Then he made the best of his way round the lake to the + other side. There the wood was wilder, and the shore steeper—rising more + immediately towards the mountains which surrounded the lake on all sides, and kept + sending it messages of silvery streams from morning to night, and all night long. He + soon found a spot where he could see the green light in the princess's room, and + where, even in the broad daylight, he would be in no danger of being discovered from + the opposite shore. It was a sort of cave in the rock, where he provided himself a + bed of withered leaves, and lay down too tired for hunger to keep him awake. All + night long he dreamed that he was swimming with the princess.<!-- Page 341 --><a + name="Page_341" id="Page_341"></a></p> + <h4>X</h4> + <h4><i>Look at the Moon</i></h4> + <p>Early the next morning the prince set out to look for something to eat, which he + soon found at a forester's hut, where for many following days he was supplied with + all that a brave prince could consider necessary. And having plenty to keep him alive + for the present, he would not think of wants not yet in existence. Whenever Care + intruded, this prince always bowed him out in the most princely manner.</p> + <p>When he returned from his breakfast to his watch-cave, he saw the princess already + floating about in the lake, attended by the king and queen—whom he knew by + their crowns—and a great company in lovely little boats, with canopies of all + the colours of the rainbow, and flags and streamers of a great many more. It was a + very bright day, and the prince, burned up with the heat, began to long for the cold + water and the cool princess. But he had to endure till twilight; for the boats had + provisions on board, and it was not till the sun went down that the gay party began + to vanish. Boat after boat drew away to the shore, following that of the king and + queen, till only one, apparently the princess's own boat, remained. But she did not + want to go home even yet, and the prince thought he saw her order the boat to the + shore without her. At all events it rowed away; and now, of all the radiant company, + only one white speck remained. Then the prince began to sing.<!-- Page 342 --><a + name="Page_342" id="Page_342"></a></p> + <p>And this is what he sung:</p> + <p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Lady fair,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Swan-white,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Lift thine eyes,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Banish night</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">By the might</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Of thine eyes.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Snowy arms,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Oars of snow,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Oar her hither,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Plashing low.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Soft and slow,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Oar her hither.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Stream behind her</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">O'er the lake,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Radiant whiteness!</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">In her wake</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Following, following, for her sake,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Radiant whiteness!</span><br /> + <br /> + <!-- Page 343 --><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343"></a> <span + style="margin-left: 2em;">"Cling about her,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Waters blue;</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Part not from her,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">But renew</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Cold and true</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Kisses round her.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Lap me round,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Waters sad</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">That have left her</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Make me glad,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">For ye had</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Kissed her ere ye left her."</span><br /> + </p> + <p>Before he had finished his song, the princess was just under the place where he + sat, and looking up to find him. Her ears had led her truly.</p> + <p>"Would you like a fall, princess?" said the prince, looking down.</p> + <p>"Ah! there you are! Yes, if you please, prince," said the princess, looking + up.</p> + <p>"How do you know I am a prince, princess?" said the prince.</p> + <p>"Because you are a very nice young man, prince," said the princess.</p> + <p>"Come up then, princess."</p> + <p>"Fetch me, prince."</p> + <p>The prince took off his scarf, then his swordbelt then his tunic, and tied them + all together, and let them down. But the line was far too short. He unwound his + turban, and added it to the rest, when it was all but long enough; and his purse + completed it. The princess just managed to lay hold of the knot of money, and was + beside him in a moment. This rock was much higher than the other, and the splash and + the dive were tremendous. The princess was in ecstasies of delight, and their swim + was delicious.<!-- Page 344 --><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344"></a></p> + <p>Night after night they met, and swam about in the dark clear lake, where such was + the prince's gladness, that (whether the princess's way of looking at things infected + him, or he was actually getting light-headed) he often fancied that he was swimming + in the sky instead of the lake. But when he talked about being in heaven, the + princess laughed at him dreadfully.</p> + <p>When the moon came, she brought them fresh pleasure. Everything looked strange and + new in her light, with an old, withered, yet unfading newness. When the moon was + nearly full, one of their great delights was to dive deep in the water, and then, + turning round, look up through it at the great blot of light close above them, + shimmering and trembling and wavering, spreading and contracting, seeming to melt + away, and again grow solid. Then they would shoot up through the blot, and lo! there + was the moon, far off, clear and steady and cold, and very lovely, at the bottom of a + deeper and bluer lake than theirs, as the princess said.</p> + <p>The prince soon found out that while in the water the princess was very like other + people. And besides this, she was not so forward in her questions or pert in her + replies at sea as on shore. Neither did she laugh so much; and when she did laugh, it + was more gently. She seemed altogether more modest and maidenly in the water than out + of it. But when the prince, who had really fallen in love when he fell in the lake, + began to talk to her about love, she always turned her head towards him and laughed. + After a while she began to look puzzled, as if she were trying to understand what he + meant, but could not—revealing a notion that he meant something. But as soon as + ever she left the lake, she was so altered, that the prince said to himself, "If I + marry her, I see no help for it: we must turn merman and mermaid, and go out to sea + at once,"<!-- Page 345 --><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345"></a></p> + <h4>XI</h4> + <h4><i>Hiss</i>!</h4> + <p>The princess's pleasure in the lake had grown to a passion, and she could scarcely + bear to be out of it for an hour. Imagine then her consternation, when, diving with + the prince one night, a sudden suspicion seized her that the lake was not so deep as + it used to be. The prince could not imagine what had happened. She shot to the + surface, and, without a word, swam at full speed towards the higher side of the lake. + He followed, begging to know if she was ill, or what was the matter. She never turned + her head, or took the smallest notice of his question. Arrived at the shore, she + coasted the rocks with minute inspection. But she was not able to come to a + conclusion, for the moon was very small, and so she could not see well. She turned + therefore and swam home, without saying a word to explain her conduct to the prince, + of whose presence she seemed no longer conscious. He withdrew to his cave, in great + perplexity and distress.</p> + <p>Next day she made many observations, which, alas! strengthened her fears. She saw + that the banks were too dry; and that the grass on the shore, and the trailing plants + on the rocks, were withering away. She caused marks to be made along the borders, and + examined them, day after day, in all directions of the wind; till at last the + horrible idea became a certain fact—that the surface of the lake was slowly + sinking.<!-- Page 346 --><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346"></a></p> + <p>The poor princess nearly went out of the little mind she had. It was awful to her + to see the lake, which she loved more than any living thing, lie dying before her + eyes. It sank away, slowly vanishing. The tops of rocks that had never been seen till + now, began to appear far down in the clear water. Before long they were dry in the + sun. It was fearful to think of the mud that would soon lie there baking and + festering, full of lovely creatures dying, and ugly creatures coming to life, like + the unmaking of a world. And how hot the sun would be without any lake! She could not + bear to swim in it any more, and began to pine away. Her life seemed bound up with + it; and ever as the lake sank, she pined. People said she would not live an hour + after the lake was gone.</p> + <p>But she never cried.</p> + <p>Proclamation was made to all the kingdom, that whosoever should discover the cause + of the lake's decrease, would be rewarded after a princely fashion. Hum-Drum and + Kopy-Keck applied themselves to their physics and metaphysics; but in vain. Not even + they could suggest a cause.</p> + <p>Now the fact was that the old princess was at the root of the mischief. When she + heard that her niece found more pleasure in the water than any one else had out of + it, she went into a rage, and cursed herself for her want of foresight, + <!-- Page 347 --><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347"></a></p> + <p>"But," said she, "I will soon set all right. The king and the people shall die of + thirst; their brains shall boil and frizzle in their skulls before I will lose my + revenge."</p> + <p>And she laughed a ferocious laugh, that made the hairs on the back of her black + cat stand erect with terror.</p> + <p>Then she went to an old chest in the room, and opening it, took out what looked + like a piece of dried seaweed. This she threw into a tub of water. Then she threw + some powder into the water, and stirred it with her bare arm, muttering over it words + of hideous sound, and yet more hideous import. Then she set the tub aside, and took + from the chest a huge bunch of a hundred rusty keys, that clattered in her shaking + hands. Then she sat down and proceeded to oil them all. Before she had finished, out + from the tub, the water of which had kept on a slow motion ever since she had ceased + stirring it, came the head and half the body of a huge gray snake. But the witch did + not look round. It grew out of the tub, waving itself backwards and forwards with a + slow horizontal motion, till it reached the princess, when it laid its head upon her + shoulder, and gave a low hiss in her ear. She started—but with joy; and seeing + the head resting on her shoulder, drew it towards her and kissed it. Then she drew it + all out of the tub, and wound it round her body. It was one of those dreadful + creatures which few have ever beheld—the White Snakes of Darkness. + <!-- Page 348 --><a name="Page_348" id="Page_348"></a></p> + <p>Then she took the keys and went down to her cellar; and as she unlocked the door + she said to herself:</p> + <p>"This <i>is</i> worth living for!"</p> + <p>Locking the door behind her, she descended a few steps into the cellar, and + crossing it, unlocked another door into a dark, narrow passage. She locked this also + behind her, and descended a few more steps. If any one had followed the + witch-princess, he would have heard her unlock exactly one hundred doors, and descend + a few steps after unlocking each. When she had unlocked the last, she entered a vast + cave, the roof of which was supported by huge natural pillars of rock. Now this roof + was the under side of the bottom of the lake.</p> + <p>She then untwined the snake from her body, and held it by the tail high above her. + The hideous creature stretched up its head towards the roof of the cavern, which it + was just able to reach. It then began to move its head backwards and forwards, with a + slow oscillating motion, as if looking for something. At the same moment the witch + began to walk round and round the cavern, coming nearer to the centre every circuit; + while the head of the snake described the same path over the roof that she did over + the floor, for she kept holding it up. And still it kept slowly osculating. Round and + round the cavern they went, ever lessening the circuit, till at last the snake made a + sudden dart, and clung to the roof with its mouth.</p> + <p>"That's right, my beauty!" cried the princess; "drain it dry."<!-- Page 349 --><a + name="Page_349" id="Page_349"></a></p> + <p>She let it go, left it hanging, and sat down on a great stone, with her black cat, + which had followed her all round the cave, by her side. Then she began to knit and + mutter awful words. The snake hung like a huge leech, sucking at the stone; the cat + stood with his back arched, and his tail like a piece of cable, looking up at the + snake; and the old woman sat and knitted and muttered. Seven days and seven nights + they remained thus; when suddenly the serpent dropped from the roof as if exhausted, + and shrivelled up till it was again like a piece of dried seaweed. The witch started + to her feet, picked it up, put it in her pocket, and looked up at the roof. One drop + of water was trembling on the spot where the snake had been sucking. As soon as she + saw that, she turned and fled, followed by her cat. Shutting the door in a terrible + hurry, she locked it, and having muttered some frightful words, sped to the next, + which also she locked and muttered over; and so with all the hundred doors, till she + arrived in her own cellar. Then she sat down on the floor ready to faint, but + listening with malicious delight to the rushing of the water, which she could hear + distinctly through all the hundred doors.</p> + <p>But this was not enough. Now that she had tasted revenge, she lost her patience. + Without further measures, the lake would be too long in disappearing. So the next + night, with the last shred of the dying old moon rising, she took some of the water + in which she had revived the snake, put it in a bottle, and set out, accompanied by + her cat. Before morning she had made the entire circuit of the lake, muttering + fearful words as she crossed every stream, and casting into it some of the water out + of her bottle. When she had finished the circuit she muttered yet again, and flung a + handful of water towards the moon. Thereupon every spring in the country ceased to + throb and bubble, dying away like the pulse of a dying man. The next day there was no + sound of falling water to be heard along the borders of the lake. The very courses + were dry; and the mountains showed no silvery streaks down their dark sides. And not + alone had the fountains of mother Earth ceased to flow; for all the babies throughout + the country were crying dreadfully—only without tears.<!-- Page 350 --><a + name="Page_350" id="Page_350"></a></p> + <h4>XII</h4> + <h4><i>Where Is the Prince</i>?</h4> + <p>Never since the night when the princess left him so abruptly had the prince had a + single interview with her. He had seen her once or twice in the lake; but as far as + he could discover, she had not been in it any more at night. He had sat and sung, and + looked in vain for his Nereid, while she, like a true Nereid, was wasting away with + her lake, sinking as it sank, withering as it dried. When at length he discovered the + change that was taking place in the level of the water, he was in great alarm and + perplexity. He could not tell whether the lake was dying because the lady had + forsaken it; or whether the lady would not come because the lake had begun to sink. + But he resolved to know so much at least.<!-- Page 351 --><a name="Page_351" + id="Page_351"></a></p> + <p>He disguised himself, and, going to the palace, requested to see the lord + chamberlain. His appearance at once gained his request; and the lord chamberlain, + being a man of some insight, perceived that there was more in the prince's + solicitation than met the ear. He felt likewise that no one could tell whence a + solution of the present difficulties might arise. So he granted the prince's prayer + to be made shoeblack to the princess. It was rather cunning in the prince to request + such an easy post, for the princess could not possibly soil as many shoes as other + princesses.</p> + <p>He soon learned all that could be told about the princess. He went nearly + distracted; but after roaming about the lake for days, and diving in every depth that + remained, all that he could do was to put an extra polish on the dainty pair of boots + that was never called for.</p> + <p>For the princess kept her room, with the curtains drawn to shut out the dying + lake, but could not shut it out of her mind for a moment. It haunted her imagination + so that she felt as if the lake were her soul, drying up within her, first to mud, + then to madness and death. She thus brooded over the change, with all its dreadful + accompaniments, till she was nearly distracted. As for the prince, she had forgotten + him. However much she had enjoyed his company in the water, she did not care for him + without it. But she seemed to have forgotten her father and mother too.</p> + <p>The lake went on sinking. Small slimy spots began to appear, which glittered + steadily amidst the changeful shine of the water. These grew to broad patches of mud, + which widened and spread, with rocks here and there, and floundering fishes and + crawling eels swarming. The people went everywhere catching these, and looking for + anything that might have dropped from the royal boats.<!-- Page 352 --><a + name="Page_352" id="Page_352"></a></p> + <p>At length the lake was all but gone, only a few of the deepest pools remaining + unexhausted.</p> + <p>It happened one day that a party of youngsters found themselves on the brink of + one of these pools in the very centre of the lake. It was a rocky basin of + considerable depth. Looking in, they saw at the bottom something that shone yellow in + the sun. A little boy jumped in and dived for it. It was a plate of gold covered with + writing. They carried it to the king.</p> + <p>On one side of it stood these words:</p> + <p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Death alone from death can save.<br /> + </span> <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Love is death, and so is + brave.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Love can fill the deepest grave.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Love loves on beneath the wave."</span><br /> + </p> + <p>Now this was enigmatical enough to the king and courtiers. But the reverse of the + plate explained it a little. Its writing amounted to this:</p> + <p>"If the lake should disappear, they must find the hole through which the water + ran. But it would be useless to try to stop it by any ordinary means. There was but + one effectual mode. The body of a living man could alone staunch the flow. The man + must give himself of his own will; and the lake must take his life as it filled. + Otherwise the offering would be of no avail. If the nation could not provide one + hero, it was time it should perish,"<!-- Page 353 --><a name="Page_353" + id="Page_353"></a></p> + <h4>XIII</h4> + <h4><i>Here I Am</i>!</h4> + <p>This was a very disheartening revelation to the king—not that he was + unwilling to sacrifice a subject, but that he was hopeless of finding a man willing + to sacrifice himself. No time was to be lost however, for the princess was lying + motionless on her bed, and taking no nourishment but lake-water, which was now none + of the best. Therefore the king caused the contents of the wonderful plate of gold to + be published throughout the country.</p> + <p>No one, however, came forward.</p> + <p>The prince, having gone several days' journey into the forest, to consult a hermit + whom he had met there on his way to Lagobel, knew nothing of the oracle till his + return.</p> + <p>When he had acquainted himself with all the particulars, he sat down and + thought:</p> + <p>"She will die if I don't do it, and life would be nothing to me without her; so I + shall lose nothing by doing it. And life will be as pleasant to her as ever, for she + will soon forget me. And there will be so much more beauty and happiness in the + world! To be sure, I shall not see it." (Here the poor prince gave a sigh.) "How + lovely the lake will be in the moonlight, with that glorious creature sporting in it + like a wild goddess! It is rather hard to be drowned by inches, though. Let me + see—that will be seventy inches of me to drown." (Here he tried to laugh, but + could not.) "The longer the better, however," he resumed, "for can I not bargain that + the princess shall be beside me all the time? So I shall see her once more, kiss her + perhaps—who knows? and die looking in her eyes. It will be no death. At least, + I shall not feel it. And to see the lake filling for the beauty again! All right! I + am ready."<!-- Page 354 --><a name="Page_354" id="Page_354"></a></p> + <p>He kissed the princess's boot, laid it down, and hurried to the king's apartment. + But feeling, as he went, that anything sentimental would be disagreeable, he resolved + to carry off the whole affair with nonchalance. So he knocked at the door of the + king's counting-house, where it was all but a capital crime to disturb him.</p> + <p>When the king heard the knock, he started up, and opened the door in a rage. + Seeing only the shoeblack, he drew his sword. This, I am sorry to say, was his usual + mode of asserting his regality when he thought his dignity was in danger. But the + prince was not in the least alarmed.</p> + <p>"Please your majesty, I'm your butler," said he.</p> + <p>"My butler! you lying rascal! What do you mean?"</p> + <p>"I mean, I will cork your big bottle."</p> + <p>"Is the fellow mad?" bawled the king, raising the point of his sword.</p> + <p>"I will put the stopper—plug—what you call it, in your leaky lake, + grand monarch," said the prince.</p> + <p>The king was in such a rage that before he could speak he had time to cool, and to + reflect that it would be great waste to kill the only man who was willing to be + useful in the present emergency, seeing that in the end the insolent fellow would be + as dead as if he had died by his majesty's own hand.<!-- Page 355 --><a + name="Page_355" id="Page_355"></a></p> + <p>"Oh!" said he at last, putting up his sword with difficulty, it was so long; "I am + obliged to you, you young fool! Take a glass of wine?"</p> + <p>"No, thank you," replied the prince.</p> + <p>"Very well," said the king. "Would you like to run and see your parents before you + make your experiment?"</p> + <p>"No, thank you," said the prince.</p> + <p>"Then we will go and look for the hole at once," said his majesty, and proceeded + to call some attendants.</p> + <p>"Stop, please your majesty, I have a condition to make," interposed the + prince.</p> + <p>"What!" exclaimed the king, "a condition! and with me! How dare you?"</p> + <p>"As you please," returned the prince, coolly. "I wish your majesty a good + morning,"</p> + <p>"You wretch! I will have you put in a sack, and stuck in the hole."</p> + <p>"Very well, your majesty," replied the prince, becoming a little more respectful, + lest the wrath of the king should deprive him of the pleasure of dying for the + princess. "But what good will that do your majesty? Please to remember that the + oracle says the victim must offer himself."</p> + <p>"Well, you <i>have</i> offered yourself," retorted the king.</p> + <p>"Yes, upon one condition."</p> + <p>"Condition again!" roared the king, once more drawing his sword. "Begone! Somebody + else will be glad enough to take the honour off your shoulders."<!-- Page 356 --><a + name="Page_356" id="Page_356"></a></p> + <p>"Your majesty knows it will not be easy to get another to take my place."</p> + <p>"Well, what is your condition?" growled the king, feeling that the prince was + right.</p> + <p>"Only this," replied the prince; "that, as I must on no account die before I am + fairly drowned, and the waiting will be rather wearisome, the princess, your + daughter, shall go with me, feed me with her own hands, and look at me now and then + to comfort me; for you must confess it <i>is</i> rather hard. As soon as the water is + up to my eyes, she may go and be happy, and forget her poor shoeblack."</p> + <p>Here the prince's voice faltered, and he very nearly grew sentimental, in spite of + his resolution.</p> + <p>"Why didn't you tell me before what your condition was? Such a fuss about + nothing!" exclaimed the king.</p> + <p>"Do you grant it?" persisted the prince.</p> + <p>"Of course I do," replied the king.</p> + <p>"Very well. I am ready."</p> + <p>"Go and have some dinner, then, while I set my people to find the place."</p> + <p>The king ordered out his guards, and gave directions to the officers to find the + hole in the lake at once. So the bed of the lake was marked out in divisions and + thoroughly examined, and in an hour or so the hole was discovered. It was in the + middle of a stone, near the centre of the lake, in the very pool where the golden + plate had been found. It was a three-cornered hole of no great size. There was water + all round the stone, but very little was flowing through the hole.<!-- Page 357 --><a + name="Page_357" id="Page_357"></a></p> + <h4>XIV</h4> + <h4><i>This Is Very Kind of You</i></h4> + <p>The prince went to dress for the occasion, for he was resolved to die like a + prince.</p> + <p>When the princess heard that a man had offered to die for her, she was so + transported that she jumped off the bed, feeble as she was, and danced about the room + for joy. She did not care who the man was; that was nothing to her. The hole wanted + stopping; and if only a man would do, why, take one. In an hour or two more + everything was ready. Her maid dressed her in haste, and they carried her to the side + of the lake. When she saw it she shrieked, and covered her face with her hands. They + bore her across to the stone, where they had already placed a little boat for her. + The water was not deep enough to float in, but they hoped it would be, before long. + They laid her on cushions, placed in the boat wines and fruits and other nice things, + and stretched a canopy over all.</p> + <p>In a few minutes the prince appeared. The princess recognised him at once, but did + not think it worth while to acknowledge him.</p> + <p>"Here I am," said the prince. "Put me in."</p> + <p>"They told me it was a shoeblack," said the princess.</p> + <p>"So I am," said the prince. "I blacked your little boots three times a day, + because they were all I could get of you. Put me in."<!-- Page 358 --><a + name="Page_358" id="Page_358"></a></p> + <p>The courtiers did not resent his bluntness, except by saying to each other that he + was taking it out in impudence.</p> + <p>But how was he to be put in? The golden plate contained no instructions on this + point. The prince looked at the hole, and saw but one way. He put both his legs into + it, sitting on the stone, and, stooping forward, covered the corner that remained + open with his two hands. In this uncomfortable position he resolved to abide his + fate, and turning to the people, said:</p> + <p>"Now you can go."</p> + <p>The king had already gone home to dinner.</p> + <p>"Now you can go," repeated the princess after him, like a parrot.</p> + <p>The people obeyed her and went.</p> + <p>Presently a little wave flowed over the stone, and wetted one of the prince's + knees. But he did not mind it much. He began to sing, and the song he sang was + this:</p> + <p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"As a world that has no well,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Darkly bright in forest dell;</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">As a world without the gleam</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Of the downward-going stream;</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">As a world without the glance</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Of the ocean's fair expanse;</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">As a world where never rain</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Glittered on the sunny plain;—</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Such, my heart, thy world would be,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">If no love did flow in thee.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">"As a world without the sound</span><br /> + <!-- Page 359 --><a name="Page_359" id="Page_359"></a> <span + style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Of the rivulets underground;</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Or the bubbling of the spring</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Out of darkness wandering;</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Or the mighty rush and flowing</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Of the river's downward going;</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Or the music-showers that drop</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">On the outspread beech's top;</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Or the ocean's mighty voice,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">When his lifted waves + rejoice;—Such,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">my soul, thy world would be,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">If no love did sing in thee.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Lady, keep thy world's delight,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Keep the waters in thy sight</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Love hath made me strong to go,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">For thy sake, to realms below,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Where the water's shine and hum</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Through the darkness never come.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Let, I pray, one thought of me</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Spring, a little well, in thee;</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Lest thy loveless soul be found</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Like a dry and thirsty ground."</span><br /> + </p> + <p>"Sing again, prince. It makes it less tedious," said the princess.</p> + <p>But the prince was too much overcome to sing any more, and a long pause + followed.</p> + <p>"This is very kind of you, prince," said the princess at last, quite coolly, as + she lay in the boat with her eyes shut.</p> + <p>"I am sorry I can't return the compliment," thought the prince, "but you are worth + dying for, after all."</p> + <p>Again a wavelet, and another, and another flowed over the stone, and wetted both + the prince's knees; but he did not speak or move. Two—three—four hours + passed in this way, the princess apparently asleep, and the prince very patient. But + he was much disappointed in his position, for he had none of the consolation he had + hoped for.<!-- Page 360 --><a name="Page_360" id="Page_360"></a></p> + <p>At last he could bear it no longer.</p> + <p>"Princess!" said he.</p> + <p>But at the moment up started the princess, crying:</p> + <p>"I'm afloat! I'm afloat!"</p> + <p>And the little boat bumped against the stone.</p> + <p>"Princess!" repeated the prince, encouraged by seeing her wide awake and looking + eagerly at the water.</p> + <p>"Well?" said she, without looking round.</p> + <p>"Your papa promised that you should look at me, and you haven't looked at me + once."</p> + <p>"Did he? Then I suppose I must. But I am so sleepy!"</p> + <p>"Sleep, then, darling, and don't mind me," said the poor prince.</p> + <p>"Really, you are very good," replied the princess. "I think I will go to sleep + again."</p> + <p>"Just give me a glass of wine and a biscuit first," said the prince, very + humbly.</p> + <p>"With all my heart," said the princess, and yawned as she said it.</p> + <p>She got the wine and the biscuit, however, and leaning over the side of the boat + towards him, was compelled to look at him.</p> + <p>"Why, prince," she said, "you don't look well! Are you sure you don't mind it?" + <!-- Page 361 --><a name="Page_361" id="Page_361"></a></p> + <p>"Not a bit," answered he, feeling very faint indeed. "Only I shall die before it + is of any use to you, unless I have something to eat,"</p> + <p>"There, then," said she, holding out the wine to him.</p> + <p>"Ah! you must feed me. I dare not move my hands. The water would run away + directly."</p> + <p>"Good gracious!" said the princess; and she began at once to feed him with bits of + biscuit and sips of wine.</p> + <p>As she fed him, he contrived to kiss the tips of her fingers now and then. She did + not seem to mind it, one way or the other. But the prince felt better.</p> + <p>"Now, for your own sake, princess," said he, "I cannot let you go to sleep. You + must sit and look at me, else I shall not be able to keep up."</p> + <p>"Well, I will do anything to oblige you," answered she, with condescension; and, + sitting down, she did look at him, and kept looking at him with wonderful steadiness, + considering all things.</p> + <p>The sun went down, and the moon rose, and, gush after gush, the waters were rising + up the prince's body. They were up to his waist now.</p> + <p>"Why can't we go and have a swim?" said the princess. "There seems to be water + enough just about here."</p> + <p>"I shall never swim more," said the prince.</p> + <p>"Oh, I forgot," said the princess, and was silent.</p> + <p>So the water grew and grew, and rose up and up on the prince. And the princess sat + and looked at him. She fed him now and then. The night wore on. The waters rose and + rose. The moon rose likewise higher and higher, and shone full on the face of the + dying prince. The water was up to his neck.<!-- Page 362 --><a name="Page_362" + id="Page_362"></a></p> + <p>"Will you kiss me, princess?" said he, feebly. The nonchalance was all gone + now.</p> + <p>"Yes, I will," answered the princess, and kissed him with a long, sweet, cold + kiss.</p> + <p>"Now," said he, with a sigh of content, "I die happy."</p> + <p>He did not speak again. The princess gave him some wine for the last time: he was + past eating. Then she sat down again, and looked at him. The water rose and rose. It + touched his chin. It touched his lower lip. It touched between his lips. He shut them + hard to keep it out. The princess began to feel strange. It touched his upper lip. He + breathed through his nostrils. The princess looked wild. It covered his nostrils. Her + eyes looked scared, and shone strange in the moonlight. His head fell back; the water + closed over it, and the bubbles of his last breath bubbled up through the water. The + princess gave a shriek, and sprang into the lake.</p> + <p>She laid hold first of one leg, and then of the other, and pulled and tugged, but + she could not move either. She stopped to take breath, and that made her think that + he could not get any breath. She was frantic. She got hold of him, and held his head + above the water, which was possible now his hands were no longer on the hole. But it + was of no use, for he was past breathing.</p> + <p>Love and water brought back all her strength. She got under the water, and pulled + and pulled with her whole might, till at last she got one leg out. The other easily + followed. How she got him into the boat she never could tell; but when she did, she + fainted away. Coming to herself, she seized the oars, kept herself steady as best she + could, and rowed and rowed, though she had never rowed before. Round rocks, and over + shallows, and through mud she rowed, till she got to the landing-stairs of the + palace. By this time her people were on the shore, for they had heard her shriek. She + made them carry the prince to her own room, and lay him in her bed, and light a fire, + and send for the doctors.<!-- Page 363 --><a name="Page_363" id="Page_363"></a></p> + <p>"But the lake, your highness!" said the chamberlain, who, roused by the noise, + came in, in his nightcap.</p> + <p>"Go and drown yourself in it!" she said.</p> + <p>This was the last rudeness of which the princess was ever guilty; and one must + allow that she had good cause to feel provoked with the lord chamberlain.</p> + <p>Had it been the king himself, he would have fared no better. But both he and the + queen were fast asleep. And the chamberlain went back to his bed. Somehow, the + doctors never came. So the princess and her old nurse were left with the prince. But + the old nurse was a wise woman, and knew what to do.</p> + <p>They tried everything for a long time without success. The princess was nearly + distracted between hope and fear, but she tried on and on, one thing after another, + and everything over and over again.</p> + <p>At last, when they had all but given it up, just as the sun rose, the prince + opened his eyes.</p> + <h4>XV<!-- Page 364 --><a name="Page_364" id="Page_364"></a></h4> + <h4><i>Look at the Rain</i>!</h4> + <p>The princess burst into a passion of tears and <i>fell</i> on the floor. There she + lay for an hour, and her tears never ceased. All the pent-up crying of her life was + spent now. And a rain came on, such as had never been seen in that country. The sun + shone all the time, and the great drops, which fell straight to the earth, shone + likewise. The palace was in the heart of a rainbow. It was a rain of rubies, and + sapphires, and emeralds, and topazes. The torrents poured from the mountains like + molten gold; and if it had not been for its subterraneous outlet, the lake would have + overflowed and inundated the country. It was full from shore to shore.</p> + <p>But the princess did not heed the lake. She lay on the floor and wept. And this + rain within doors was far more wonderful than the rain out of doors. For when it + abated a little, and she proceeded to rise, she found, to her astonishment, that she + could not. At length, after many efforts, she succeeded in getting upon her feet. But + she tumbled down again directly. Hearing her fall, her old nurse uttered a yell of + delight, and ran to her, screaming:</p> + <p>"My darling child! she's found her gravity!"</p> + <p>"Oh, that's it! is it?" said the princess, rubbing her shoulder and her knee + alternately. "I consider it very unpleasant. I feel as if I should be crushed to + pieces."</p> + <p>"Hurrah!" cried the prince from the bed. "If you've come round, princess, so have + I. How's the lake?"<!-- Page 365 --><a name="Page_365" id="Page_365"></a></p> + <p>"Brimful," answered the nurse.</p> + <p>"Then we're all happy."</p> + <p>"That we are indeed!" answered the princess, sobbing.</p> + <p>And there was rejoicing all over the country that rainy day. Even the babies + forgot their past troubles, and danced and crowed amazingly. And the king told + stories, and the queen listened to them. And he divided the money in his box, and she + the honey in her pot, among all the children. And there was such jubilation as was + never heard of before.</p> + <p>Of course the prince and princess were betrothed at once. But the princess had to + learn to walk, before they could be married with any propriety. And this was not so + easy at her time of life, for she could walk no more than a baby. She was always + falling down and hurting herself.</p> + <p>"Is this the gravity you used to make so much of?" said she one day to the prince, + as he raised her from the floor. "For my part, I was a great deal more comfortable + without it."</p> + <p>"No, no, that's not it. This is it," replied the prince, as he took her up, and + carried her about like a baby, kissing her all the time. "This is gravity."</p> + <p>"That's better," said she. "I don't mind that so much."</p> + <p>And she smiled the sweetest, loveliest smile in the prince's face. And she gave + him one little kiss in return for all his; and he thought them overpaid, for he was + beside himself with delight. I fear she complained of her gravity more than once + after this, notwithstanding.<!-- Page 366 --><a name="Page_366" + id="Page_366"></a></p> + <p>It was a long time before she got reconciled to walking. But the pain of learning + it was quite counterbalanced by two things, either of which would have been + sufficient consolation. The first was, that the prince himself was her teacher; and + the second, that she could tumble into the lake as often as she pleased. Still, she + preferred to have the prince jump in with her; and the splash they made before was + nothing to the splash they made now.</p> + <p>The lake never sank again. In process of time it wore the roof of the cavern quite + through, and was twice as deep as before.</p> + <p>The only revenge the princess took upon her aunt was to tread pretty hard on her + gouty toe the next time she saw her. But she was sorry for it the very next day, when + she heard that the water had undermined her house, and that it had fallen in the + night, burying her in its ruins; whence no one ever ventured to dig up her body. + There she lies to this day.</p> + <p>So the prince and princess lived and were happy; and had crowns of gold, and + clothes of cloth, and shoes of leather, and children of boys and girls, not one of + whom was ever known, on the most critical occasion, to lose the smallest atom of his + or her due proportion of gravity.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV</h2> + <!-- Page 367 --><a name="Page_367" id="Page_367"></a> + <h3>BEAUTY AND THE BEAST</h3> + <p>There was once a very rich merchant, who had six children, three boys and three + girls. As he was himself a man of great sense, he spared no expense for their + education, but provided them with all sorts of masters for their improvement. The + three daughters were all handsome, but particularly the youngest: indeed she was so + very beautiful that in her childhood every one called her the Little Beauty, and + being still the same when she was grown up, nobody called her by any other name, + which made her sisters very jealous of her. This youngest daughter was not only more + handsome than her sisters, but was also better tempered. The two eldest were vain of + being rich, and spoke with pride to those they thought below them. They gave + themselves a thousand airs, and would not visit other merchants' daughters; nor would + they indeed be seen with any but persons of quality. They went every day to balls, + plays, and public walks, and always made game of their youngest sister for spending + her time in reading, or other useful employments. As it was well known that these + young ladies would have large fortunes, many great merchants wished to get them for + wives; but the two eldest always answered that, for their parts, they had no thoughts + of marrying any one below a duke, or an earl at least. Beauty had quite as many + offers as her sisters, but she always answered with the greatest civility, that she + was much obliged to her lovers, but would rather live some years longer with her + father, as she thought herself too young to marry.<!-- Page 368 --><a name="Page_368" + id="Page_368"></a></p> + <p>It happened that by some unlucky accident the merchant suddenly lost all his + fortune, and had nothing left but a small cottage in the country. Upon this, he said + to his daughters, while the tears ran down his cheeks all the time, "My children, we + must now go and dwell in the cottage, and try to get a living by labour, for we have + no other means of support." The two eldest replied that, for their parts, they did + not know how to work, and would not leave town; for they had lovers enough who would + be glad to marry them, though they had no longer any fortune. But in this they were + mistaken; for when the lovers heard what had happened, they said, "The girls were so + proud and ill-tempered, that all we wanted was their fortune; we are not sorry at all + to see their pride brought down. Let them give themselves airs to their cows and + sheep." But every body pitied poor Beauty, because she was so sweet-tempered and kind + to all that knew her; and several gentlemen offered to marry her, though she had not + a penny; but Beauty still refused, and said she could not think of leaving her poor + father in this trouble and would go and help him in his labours in the country. At + first Beauty could not help sometimes crying in secret for the hardships she was now + obliged to suffer; but in a very short time she said to herself, "All the crying in + the world will do me no good, so I will try to be happy without a fortune." + <!-- Page 369 --><a name="Page_369" id="Page_369"></a></p> + <p>When they had removed to their cottage, the merchant and his three sons employed + themselves in ploughing and sowing the fields, and working in the garden. Beauty also + did her part, for she got up by four o'clock every morning, lighted the fires, + cleaned the house, and got the breakfast for the whole family. At first she found all + this very hard; but she soon grew quite used to it, and thought it no hardship at + all; and indeed the work greatly amended her health. When she had done, she used to + amuse herself with reading, playing on her music, or singing while she spun. But her + two sisters were at a loss what to do to pass the time away: they had their breakfast + in bed, and did not rise till ten o'clock. Then they commonly walked out; but always + found themselves very soon tired; when they would often sit down under a shady tree, + and grieve for the loss of their carriage and fine clothes, and say to each other, + "What a mean-spirited poor stupid creature our young sister is, to be so content with + our low way of life!" But their father thought in quite another way: he admired the + patience of this sweet young creature; for her sisters not only left her to do the + whole work of the house, but made game of her every moment.</p> + <p>After they had lived in this manner about a year, the merchant received a letter, + which informed him that one of the richest ships, which he thought was lost, had just + come into port. This news made the two eldest sisters almost mad with joy; for they + thought they should now leave the cottage, and have all their finery again. When they + found that their father must take a journey to the ship, the two eldest begged he + would not fail to bring them back some new gowns, caps, rings, and all sorts of + trinkets. But Beauty asked for nothing; for she thought in herself that all the ship + was worth would hardly buy every thing her sisters wished for. "Beauty," said the + merchant, "how comes it about that you ask for nothing; what can I bring you, my + child?" "Since you are so kind as to think of me, dear father," she answered, "I + should be glad if you would bring me a rose, for we have none in our garden." Now + Beauty did not indeed wish for a rose, nor any thing else, but she only said this, + that she might not affront her sisters, for else they would have said she wanted her + father to praise her for not asking him for any thing. The merchant took his leave of + them and set out on his journey; but when he got to the ship, some persons went to + law with him about the cargo, and after a deal of trouble, he came back to his + cottage as poor as he had gone away. When he was within thirty miles of his home, and + thinking of the joy he should have in again meeting his children, his road lay + through a thick forest, and he quite lost himself. It rained and snowed very hard, + and besides, the wind was so high as to throw him twice from his horse. Night came + on, and he thought to be sure he should die of cold and hunger, or be torn to pieces + by the wolves that he heard howling round him. All at once, he now cast his eyes + towards a long row of trees, and saw a light at the end of them, but it seemed a + great way off. He made the best of his way towards it, and found that it came from a + fine palace, lighted all over. He walked faster, and soon reached the gates, which he + opened, and was very much surprised that he did not see a single person or creature + in any of the yards. His horse had followed him, and finding a stable with the door + open, went into it at once; and here the poor beast, being nearly starved, helped + himself to a good meal of oats and hay. His master then tied him up, and walked + towards the house, which he entered, but still without seeing a living creature. He + went on to a large hall, where he found a good fire, and a table covered with some + very nice dishes, and only one plate with a knife and fork. As the snow and rain had + wetted him to the skin, he went up to the fire to dry himself. "I hope," said he, + "the master of the house or his servants will excuse me, for to be sure it will not + be long now before I see them." He waited a good time, but still nobody came: at last + the clock struck eleven, and the merchant, being quite faint for the want of food, + helped himself to a chicken, which he made but two mouthfuls of, and then to a few + glasses of wine, yet all the time trembling with fear. He sat till the clock struck + twelve, but did not see a single creature. He now took courage, and began to think of + looking a little more about him; so he opened a door at the end of the hall, and went + through it into a very grand room, In which there was a fine bed; and as he was quite + weak and tired, he shut the door, took off his clothes, and got into it. + <!-- Page 370 --><a name="Page_370" id="Page_370"></a><!-- Page 371 --><a + name="Page_371" id="Page_371"></a></p> + <p>It was ten o'clock in the morning before he thought of getting up, when he was + amazed to see a handsome new suit of clothes laid ready for him, instead of his own, + which he had spoiled. "To be sure," said he to himself, "this place belongs to some + good fairy, who has taken pity on my ill luck." He looked out of the window, and, + instead of snow, he saw the most charming arbours covered with all kinds of flowers. + He returned to the hall, where he had supped, and found a breakfast table, with some + chocolate got ready for him. "Indeed, my good fairy," said the merchant aloud, "I am + vastly obliged to you for your kind care of me." He then made a hearty breakfast, + took his hat, and was going to the stable to pay his horse a visit; but as he passed + under one of the arbours, which was loaded with roses, he thought of what Beauty had + asked him to bring back to her, and so he took a bunch of roses to carry home. At the + same moment he heard a most shocking noise, and saw such a frightful beast coming + towards him, that he was ready to drop with fear. "Ungrateful man!" said the beast, + in a terrible voice, "I have saved your life by letting you into my palace, and in + return you steal my roses, which I value more than any thing else that belongs to me. + But you shall make amends for your fault with your life. You shall die in a quarter + of an hour." The merchant fell on his knees to the beast, and clasping his hands, + said, "My lord, I humbly beg your pardon. I did not think it would offend you to + gather a rose for one of my daughters, who wished to have one." "I am not a lord, but + a beast," replied the monster; "I do not like false compliments, but that people + should say what they think: so do not fancy that you can coax me by any such ways. + You tell me that you have daughters; now I will pardon you, if one of them will agree + to come and die instead of you. Go; and if your daughters should refuse, promise me + that you yourself will return in three months."<!-- Page 372 --><a name="Page_372" + id="Page_372"></a><!-- Page 373 --><a name="Page_373" id="Page_373"></a></p> + <p>The tender-hearted merchant had no thought of letting any one of his daughters die + instead of him; but he knew that if he seemed to accept the beast's terms, he should + at least have the pleasure of seeing them once again. So he gave the beast his + promise; and the beast told him he might then set off as soon as he liked. "But," + said the beast, "I do not wish you to go back empty-handed. Go to the room you slept + in, and you will find a chest there; fill it with just what you like best, and I will + get it taken to your own house for you," When the beast had said this, he went away; + and the good merchant said to himself, "If I must die, yet I shall now have the + comfort of leaving my children some riches," He returned to the room he had slept in, + and found a great many pieces of gold. He filled the chest with them to the very + brim, locked it, and mounting his horse, left the palace as sorry as he had been glad + when he first found it. The horse took a path across the forest of his own accord, + and in a few hours they reached the merchant's house. His children came running round + him as he got off his horse; but the merchant, instead of kissing them with joy, + could not help crying as he looked at them. He held in his hand the bunch of roses, + which he gave to Beauty, saying: "Take these roses, Beauty; but little do you think + how dear they have cost your poor father;" and then he gave them an account of all + that he had seen or heard in the palace of the beast. The two eldest sisters now + began to shed tears, and to lay the blame upon Beauty, who they said would be the + cause of her father's death "See," said they, "what happens from the pride of the + little wretch. Why did not she ask for fine things as we did? But, to be sure, miss + must not be like other people; and though she will be the cause of her father's + death, yet she does not shed a tear." "It would be of no use," replied Beauty, "to + weep for the death of my father, for he shall not die now. As the beast will accept + of one of his daughters, I will give myself up to him; and think myself happy in + being able at once to save his life, and prove my love for the best of fathers." "No, + sister," said the three brothers, "you shall not die; we will go in search for this + monster, and either he or we will perish." "Do not hope to kill him," said the + merchant, "for his power is far too great for you to be able to do any such thing. I + am charmed with the kindness of Beauty, but I will not suffer her life to be lost. I + myself am old, and cannot expect to live much longer; so I shall but give up a few + years of my life, and shall only grieve for the sake of my children." "Never, + father," cried Beauty, "shall you go to the palace without me; for you cannot hinder + my going after you. Though young, I am not over fond of life; and I would much rather + be eaten up by the monster, than die of the grief your loss would give me." The + merchant tried in vain to reason with Beauty, for she would go; which, in truth, made + her two sisters glad, for they were jealous of her, because everybody loved her. + <!-- Page 374 --><a name="Page_374" id="Page_374"></a></p> + <p>The merchant was so grieved at the thoughts of losing his child, that he never + once thought of the chest filled with gold; but at night, to his great surprise, he + found it standing by his bedside. He said nothing about his riches to his eldest + daughters, for he knew very well it would at once make them want to return to town; + but he told Beauty his secret, and she then said, that while he was away, two + gentlemen had been on a visit to their cottage, who had fallen in love with her two + sisters. She then begged her father to marry them without delay; for she was so + sweet-tempered, that she loved them for all they had used her so ill, and forgave + them with all her heart. When the three months were past, the merchant and Beauty got + ready to set out for the palace of the beast. Upon this, the two sisters rubbed their + eyes with an onion, to make believe they shed a great many tears; but both the + merchant and his sons cried in earnest. There was only Beauty who did not, for she + thought that this would only make the matter worse. They reached the palace in a very + few hours, and the horse, without bidding, went into the same stable as before. The + merchant and Beauty walked towards the large hall, where they found a table covered + with every dainty, and two plates laid ready. The merchant had very little appetite; + but Beauty, that she might the better hide her grief, placed herself at the table, + and helped her father; she then began herself to eat, and thought all the time that + to be sure the beast had a mind to fatten her before he eat her up, as he had got + such good cheer for her. When they had done their supper, they heard a great noise, + and the good old man began to bid his poor child farewell, for he knew it was the + beast coming to them. When Beauty first saw his frightful form, she could not help + being afraid; but she tried to hide her fear as much as she could. The beast asked + her if she had come quite of her own accord, and though she was now still more afraid + than before, she made shift to say, "Y-e-s." "You are a good girl, and I think myself + very much obliged to you." He then turned towards her father, and said to him, "Good + man, you may leave the palace to-morrow morning, and take care never to come back to + it again. Good night, Beauty." "Good night, beast," said she; and then the monster + went out of the room.<!-- Page 375 --><a name="Page_375" id="Page_375"></a> + <!-- Page 376 --><a name="Page_376" id="Page_376"></a></p> + <p>"Ah! my dear child," said the merchant, kissing his daughter, "I am half dead + already, at the thoughts of leaving you with this dreadful beast; you had better go + back, and let me stay in your place." "No," said Beauty boldly, "I will never agree + to that; you must go home to-morrow morning." They then wished each other good night, + and went to bed, both of them thinking they should not be able to close their eyes; + but as soon as ever they had laid down, they fell into a deep sleep, and did not wake + till morning. Beauty dreamed that a lady came up to her, who said, "I am very much + pleased, Beauty, with the goodness you have shown, in being willing to give your life + to save that of your father; and it shall not go without a reward." As soon as Beauty + awoke, she told her father this dream; but though it gave him some comfort, he could + not take leave of his darling child without shedding many tears. When the merchant + got out of sight, Beauty sat down in the large hall, and began to cry also; yet she + had a great deal of courage, and so she soon resolved not to make her sad case still + worse by sorrow, which she knew could not be of any use to her, but to wait as well + as she could till night, when she thought the beast would not fail to come and eat + her up. She walked about to take a view of all the palace, and the beauty of every + part of it much charmed her.<!-- Page 377 --><a name="Page_377" + id="Page_377"></a></p> + <p>But what was her surprise, when she came to a door on which was written, + <i>Beauty's room</i>! She opened it in haste, and her eyes were all at once dazzled + at the grandeur of the inside of the room. What made her wonder more than all the + rest was a large library filled with books, a harpsichord, and many other pieces of + music. "The beast takes care I shall not be at a loss how to amuse myself," said she. + She then thought that it was not likely such things would have been got ready for + her, if she had but one day to live; and began to hope all would not turn out so bad + as she and her father had feared. She opened the library, and saw these verses + written in letters of gold on the back of one of the books:</p> + <p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Beauteous lady, dry your tears,<br /> + </span> <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Here's no cause for sighs or + fears;</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Command as freely as you may,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Enjoyment still shall mark your + sway."</span><br /> + </p> + <p>"Alas!" said she, sighing, "there is nothing I so much desire as to see my poor + father and to know what he is doing at this moment," She said this to herself; but + just then by chance, she cast her eyes on a looking-glass that stood near her, and in + the glass she saw her home, and her father riding up to the cottage in the deepest + sorrow. Her sisters came out to meet him, but for all they tried to look sorry, it + was easy to see that in their hearts they were very glad. In a short time all this + picture went away out of the glass: but Beauty began to think that the beast was very + kind to her, and that she had no need to be afraid of him. About the middle of the + day, she found a table laid ready for her; and a sweet concert of music played all + the time she was eating her dinner without her seeing a single creature. But at + supper, when she was going to seat herself at table, she heard the noise of the + beast, and could not help trembling with fear. "Beauty," said he, "will you give me + leave to see you sup?" "That is as you please," answered she, very much afraid. "Not + in the least," said the beast; "you alone command in this place. If you should not + like my company, you need only to say so, and I will leave you that moment. But tell + me, Beauty, do you not think me very ugly?" "Why, yes," said she, "for I cannot tell + a story; but then I think you are very good." "You are right," replied the beast; + "and, besides being ugly, I am also very stupid: I know very well enough that I am + but a beast."<!-- Page 378 --><a name="Page_378" id="Page_378"></a></p> + <p>"I should think you cannot be very stupid," said Beauty, "if you yourself know + this." "Pray do not let me hinder you from eating," said he; "and be sure you do not + want for any thing; for all you see is yours, and I shall be vastly grieved if you + are not happy." "You are very kind," said Beauty: "I must needs own that I think very + well of your good nature, and then I almost forget how ugly you are." "Yes, yes, I + hope I am good-tempered," said he, "but still I am a monster." "There are many men + who are worse monsters than you are," replied Beauty; "and I am better pleased with + you in that form, though it is so ugly, than with those who carry wicked hearts under + the form of a man." "If I had any sense," said the beast, "I would thank you for what + you have said; but I am too stupid to say any thing that would give you pleasure." + Beauty ate her supper with a very good appetite, and almost lost all her dread of the + monster; but she was ready to sink with fright, when he said to her, "Beauty, will + you be my wife?" For a few minutes she was not able to speak a word, for she was + afraid of putting him in a passion, by refusing. At length she said, "No, beast." The + beast made no reply, but sighed deeply, and went away. When Beauty found herself + alone, she began to feel pity for the poor beast. "Dear!" said she, "what a sad thing + it is that he should be so very frightful, since he is so good-tempered!" + <!-- Page 379 --><a name="Page_379" id="Page_379"></a></p> + <p>Beauty lived three months in this palace, very well pleased. The beast came to see + her every night, and talked with her while she supped; and though what he said was + not very clever, yet as she saw in him every day some new mark of his goodness, so + instead of dreading the time of his coming, she was always looking at her watch, to + see if it was almost nine o'clock; for that was the time when he never failed to + visit her. There was but one thing that vexed her; which was that every night, before + the beast went away from her, he always made it a rule to ask her if she would be his + wife, and seemed very much grieved at her saying no. At last, one night, she said to + him, "You vex me greatly, beast, by forcing me to refuse you so often; I wish I could + take such a liking to you as to agree to marry you, but I must tell you plainly, that + I do not think it will ever happen. I shall always be your friend; so try to let that + make you easy." "I must needs do so then," said the beast, "for I know well enough + how frightful I am; but I love you better than myself. Yet I think I am very lucky in + your being pleased to stay with me; now promise me, Beauty, that you will never leave + me." Beauty was quite struck when he said this, for that very day she had seen in her + glass that her father had fallen sick of grief for her sake, and was very ill for the + want of seeing her again. "I would promise you, with all my heart," said she, "never + to leave you quite; but I long so much to see my father, that if you do not give me + leave to visit him I shall die with grief." "I would rather die myself, Beauty," + answered the beast, "than make you fret; I will send you to your father's cottage, + you shall stay there, and your poor beast shall die of sorrow." "No," said Beauty, + crying, "I love you too well to be the cause of your death; I promise to return in a + week. You have shown me that my sisters are married, and my brothers are gone for + soldiers, so that my father is left all alone. Let me stay a week with him." "You + shall find yourself with him to-morrow morning," replied the beast; "but mind, do not + forget your promise. When you wish to return you have nothing to do but to put your + ring on a table when you go to bed. Good-bye, Beauty!" The beast then sighed as he + said these words, and Beauty went to bed very sorry to see him so much grieved. When + she awoke in the morning, she found herself in her father's cottage. She rung a bell + that was at her bedside, and a servant entered; but as soon as she saw Beauty, the + woman gave a loud shriek; upon which the merchant ran up stairs, and when he beheld + his daughter he was ready to die of joy. He ran to the bedside, and kissed her a + hundred times. At last Beauty began to remember that she had brought no clothes with + her to put on; but the servant told her she had just found in the next room a large + chest full of dresses, trimmed all over with gold, and adorned with pearls and + diamonds.<!-- Page 380 --><a name="Page_380" id="Page_380"></a><!-- Page 381 --><a + name="Page_381" id="Page_381"></a></p> + <p>Beauty in her own mind thanked the beast for his kindness, and put on the plainest + gown she could find among them all. She then told the servant to put the rest away + with a great deal of care, for she intended to give them to her sisters; but as soon + as she had spoken these words the chest was gone out of sight in a moment. Her father + then said, perhaps the beast chose for her to keep them all for herself; and as soon + as he had said this, they saw the chest standing again in the same place. While + Beauty was dressing herself, a servant brought word to her that her sisters were come + with their husbands to pay her a visit. They both lived unhappily with the gentlemen + they had married. The husband of the eldest was very handsome; but was so very proud + of this, that he thought of nothing else from morning till night, and did not attend + to the beauty of his wife. The second had married a man of great learning; but he + made no use of it, only to torment and affront all his friends, and his wife more + than any of them. The two sisters were ready to burst with spite when they saw Beauty + dressed like a princess, and look so very charming. All the kindness that she showed + them was of no use; for they were vexed more than ever, when she told them how happy + she lived at the palace of the beast. The spiteful creatures went by themselves into + the garden, where they cried to think of her good fortune. "Why should the little + wretch be better off than we?" said they. "We are much handsomer than she is." + "Sister," said the eldest, "a thought has just come into my head: let us try to keep + her here longer than the week that the beast gave her leave for: and then he will be + so angry, that perhaps he will eat her up in a moment." "That is well thought of," + answered the other, "but to do this we must seem very kind to her." They then made up + their minds to be so, and went to join her in the cottage where they showed her so + much false love, that Beauty could not help crying for joy.<!-- Page 382 --><a + name="Page_382" id="Page_382"></a></p> + <p>When the week was ended, the two sisters began to pretend so much grief at the + thoughts of her leaving them, that she agreed to stay a week more; but all that time + Beauty could not help fretting for the sorrow that she knew her staying would give + her poor beast; for she tenderly loved him, and much wished for his company again. + The tenth night of her being at the cottage she dreamed she was in the garden of the + palace, and that the beast lay dying on a grass plot, and, with his last breath, put + her in mind of her promise, and laid his death to her keeping away from him; Beauty + awoke in a great fright, and burst into tears. "Am not I wicked," said she, "to + behave so ill to a beast who has shown me so much kindness; why will I not marry him? + I am sure I should be more happy with him than my sisters are with their husbands. He + shall not be wretched any longer on my account; for I should do nothing but blame + myself all the rest of my life,"<!-- Page 383 --><a name="Page_383" + id="Page_383"></a></p> + <p>She then rose, put her ring on the table, got into bed again, and soon fell + asleep. In the morning she with joy found herself in the palace of the beast. She + dressed herself very finely, that she might please him the better, and thought she + had never known a day pass away so slow. At last the clock struck nine, but the beast + did not come. Beauty then thought to be sure she had been the cause of his death in + earnest. She ran from room to room all over the palace, calling out his name, but + still she saw nothing of him. After looking for him a long time, she thought of her + dream, and ran directly towards the grass plot; and there she found the poor beast + lying senseless and seeming dead. She threw herself upon his body, thinking nothing + at all of his ugliness; and finding his heart still beat, she ran and fetched some + water from a pond in the garden, and threw it on his face. The beast then opened his + eyes, and said: "You have forgot your promise, Beauty. My grief for the loss of you + has made me resolve to starve myself to death; but I shall die content, since I have + had the pleasure of seeing you once more." "No, dear beast," replied Beauty, "you + shall not die; you shall live to be my husband: from this moment I offer to marry + you, and will be only yours. Oh! I thought I felt only friendship for you; but the + pain I now feel, shows me that I could not live without seeing you." + <!-- Page 384 --><a name="Page_384" id="Page_384"></a></p> + <p>The moment Beauty had spoken these words, the palace was suddenly lighted up, and + music, fireworks, and all kinds of rejoicings, appeared round about them. Yet Beauty + took no notice of all this, but watched over her dear beast with the greatest + tenderness. But now she was all at once amazed to see at her feet, instead of her + poor beast, the handsomest prince that ever was seen, who thanked her most warmly for + having broken his enchantment. Though this young prince deserved all her notice, she + could not help asking him what was become of the beast. "You see him at your feet, + Beauty," answered the prince, "for I am he. A wicked fairy had condemned me to keep + the form of a beast till a beautiful young lady should agree to marry me, and ordered + me, on pain of death, not to show that I had any sense. You, alone, dearest Beauty, + have kindly judged of me by the goodness of my heart; and in return I offer you my + hand and my crown, though I know the reward is much less than what I owe you." + Beauty, in the most pleasing surprise, helped the prince to rise, and they walked + along to the palace, when her wonder was very great to find her father and sisters + there, who had been brought by the lady Beauty had seen in her dream. "Beauty," said + the lady (for she was a fairy), "receive the reward of the choice you have made. You + have chosen goodness of heart rather than sense and beauty; therefore you deserve to + find them all three joined in the same person. You are going to be a great Queen: I + hope a crown will not destroy your virtue."<!-- Page 385 --><a name="Page_385" + id="Page_385"></a></p> + <p>"As for you, ladies," said the fairy to the other two sisters, "I have long known + the malice of your hearts, and the wrongs you have done. You shall become two + statues; but under that form you shall still keep your reason, and shall be fixed at + the gates of your sister's palace; and I will not pass any worse sentence on you than + to see her happy. You will never appear in your own persons again till you are fully + cured of your faults; and to tell the truth, I am very much afraid you will remain + statues for ever."</p> + <p>At the same moment, the fairy, with a stroke of her wand, removed all who were + present to the young prince's country, where he was received with the greatest joy by + his subjects. He married Beauty, and passed a long and happy life with her, because + they still kept in the same course of goodness from which they had never + departed.</p> + +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FAIRY TALES EVERY CHILD SHOULD KNOW***</p> +<p>******* This file should be named 14916-h.txt or 14916-h.zip *******</p> +<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> +<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/4/9/1/14916">https://www.gutenberg.org/1/4/9/1/14916</a></p> +<p>Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed.</p> + +<p>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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