initial commit of ebook 17034HEAD main

author: Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> 2025-10-15 04:50:13 -0700
committer: Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> 2025-10-15 04:50:13 -0700
commit: d192f42f300c1d57f0aa0f47efa093d83598088f (patch)
tree: f530a6c71a891b683e53207c0bd08d274f925d5e
85 files changed, 29997 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6833f05
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitattributes
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+* text=auto
+*.txt text
+*.md text
diff --git a/17034-8.txt b/17034-8.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..47a11e9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-8.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,9909 @@
+The Project Gutenberg eBook, English Fairy Tales, by Flora Annie Steel,
+Illustrated by Arthur Rackham
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  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 www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: English Fairy Tales
+
+
+Author: Flora Annie Steel
+
+
+
+Release Date: November 9, 2005  [eBook #17034]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ENGLISH FAIRY TALES***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Suzanne Shell, Janet Blenkinship, and the Project
+Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net/)
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original illustrations.
+      See 17034-h.htm or 17034-h.zip:
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/0/3/17034/17034-h/17034-h.htm)
+      or
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/0/3/17034/17034-h.zip)
+
+
+
+
+
+ENGLISH FAIRY-TALES
+
+Retold by
+
+FLORA ANNIE STEEL
+
+Illustrated by Arthur Rackham
+
+First published by Macmillan & Co. 1918
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Mr. and Mrs. Vinegar at home (page 190).]
+
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+   ST. GEORGE OF MERRIE ENGLAND
+
+   THE STORY OF THE THREE BEARS
+
+   TOM-TIT-TOT
+
+   THE GOLDEN SNUFF-BOX
+
+   TATTERCOATS
+
+   THE THREE FEATHERS
+
+   LAZY JACK
+
+   JACK THE GIANT-KILLER
+
+   THE THREE SILLIES
+
+   THE GOLDEN BALL
+
+   THE TWO SISTERS
+
+   THE LAIDLY WORM
+
+   TITTY MOUSE AND TATTY MOUSE
+
+   JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
+
+   THE BLACK BULL OF NORROWAY
+
+   CATSKIN
+
+   THE THREE LITTLE PIGS
+
+   NIX NAUGHT NOTHING
+
+   MR. AND MRS. VINEGAR
+
+   THE TRUE HISTORY OF SIR THOMAS THUMB
+
+   HENNY-PENNY
+
+   THE THREE HEADS OF THE WELL
+
+   MR. FOX
+
+   DICK WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT
+
+   THE OLD WOMAN AND HER PIG
+
+   THE WEE BANNOCK
+
+   HOW JACK WENT OUT TO SEEK HIS FORTUNE
+
+   THE BOGEY-BEAST
+
+   LITTLE RED RIDING-HOOD
+
+   CHILDE ROWLAND
+
+   THE WISE MEN OF GOTHAM
+
+   CAPORUSHES
+
+   THE BABES IN THE WOOD
+
+   THE RED ETTIN
+
+   THE FISH AND THE RING
+
+   LAWKAMERCYME
+
+   MASTER OF ALL MASTERS
+
+   MOLLY WHUPPIE AND THE DOUBLE-FACED GIANT
+
+   THE ASS, THE TABLE, AND THE STICK
+
+   THE WELL OF THE WORLD'S END
+
+   THE ROSE TREE
+
+
+
+
+
+ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+   IN COLOUR
+
+
+      Mr. and Mrs. Vinegar at home
+
+      "Somebody has been at my porridge, and has eaten it all up!"
+
+      Tattercoats dancing while the gooseherd pipes
+
+      The giant Cormoran was the terror of all the country-side
+
+      Taking the keys of the castle, Jack unlocked all the doors
+
+      The giant Galligantua and the wicked old magician transform the
+      duke's daughter into a white hind
+
+      "Tree of mine! O Tree of mine! Have you seen my naughty little
+      maid?"
+
+      "Fee-fi-fo-fum, I smell the blood of an Englishman"
+
+      She went along, and went along, and went along
+
+      And that is the story of Mr. and Mrs. Vinegar
+
+      They thanked her and said good-bye, and she went on her journey
+
+      Many's the beating he had from the broomstick or the ladle
+
+      When Puss saw the rats and mice she didn't wait to be told
+
+      "Well!" she chuckled, "I am in luck!"
+
+      She sat down and plaited herself an overall of rushes and a cap
+      to match
+
+      The fisherman and his wife had no children, and they were just
+      longing for a baby
+
+
+   IN TEXT
+
+
+      Headpiece--St. George of Merrie England
+
+      When she came to St. George she started and laid her hand on
+      her heart
+
+      "Somebody has been lying in my bed,--and here she is!"
+
+      "What is that you are singing, my good woman?"
+
+      A small, little, black Thing with a long tail
+
+      Away That flew into the dark, and she never saw it no more
+
+      They brought the Castle of the golden pillars
+
+      Jack found it hard to hoist the donkey on his shoulders
+
+      "Odds splutter hur nails!" cried the giant, not to be outdone.
+      "Hur can do that hurself!"
+
+      "Ah! Cousin Jack! Kind cousin Jack! This is heavy news indeed"
+
+      Seated on a huge block of timber near the entrance to a dark
+      cave
+
+      On his way ... to be revenged
+
+      The country folk flying before him like chaff before the wind
+
+      Headpiece--The Three Sillies
+
+      Headpiece--The Golden Ball
+
+      He heard the bogles striving under the bed
+
+      Headpiece--The Laidly Worm
+
+      Tatty sat down and wept
+
+      As he spoke he drew out of his pocket five beans
+
+      Jack seized the axe and gave a great chop at the beanstalk
+
+      So he huffed and he puffed and he blew the house in
+
+      So he huffed and he puffed and he blew the house in
+
+      Well! he huffed and he puffed ... but he could _not_
+      blow the house down
+
+      At last he flew into a violent rage and flung his stick at the
+      bird
+
+      A spider one day attacked him
+
+      "I will go first and you come after, Henny-penny, Cocky-locky,
+      Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, and Turkey-lurkey"
+
+      So she escaped
+
+      The thorns closed in around her so that she was all scratched
+      and torn
+
+      Dick finds that the streets of London are not paved with gold
+
+      Dick Whittington hears Bow Bells
+
+      The old woman and her pig
+
+      Headpiece--How Jack went out to seek his Fortune
+
+      They both met together upon Nottingham bridge
+
+      "A vengeance on her!" said they. "We did not make our hedge
+      high enough"
+
+      He took out the cheeses and rolled them down the hill
+
+      And they left the eel to drown
+
+      The hare ran on along the country way
+
+      A courtier came riding by, and he did ask what they were
+      seeking
+
+      Headpiece--Lawkamercyme
+
+      A funny-looking old gentleman engaged her and took her home
+
+      White-faced simminy has got a spark of hot cockalorum on its
+      tail
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Headpiece--St. George of Merrie England]
+
+
+
+
+ST. GEORGE OF MERRIE ENGLAND
+
+
+In the darksome depths of a thick forest lived Kalyb the fell
+enchantress. Terrible were her deeds, and few there were who had the
+hardihood to sound the brazen trumpet which hung over the iron gate that
+barred the way to the Abode of Witchcraft. Terrible were the deeds of
+Kalyb; but above all things she delighted in carrying off innocent
+new-born babes, and putting them to death.
+
+And this, doubtless, she meant to be the fate of the infant son of the
+Earl of Coventry, who long long years ago was Lord High Steward of
+England. Certain it is that the babe's father being absent, and his
+mother dying at his birth, the wicked Kalyb, with spells and charms,
+managed to steal the child from his careless nurses.
+
+But the babe was marked from the first for doughty deeds; for on his
+breast was pictured the living image of a dragon, on his right hand was
+a blood-red cross, and on his left leg showed the golden garter.
+
+And these signs so affected Kalyb, the fell enchantress, that she stayed
+her hand; and the child growing daily in beauty and stature, he became
+to her as the apple of her eye. Now, when twice seven years had passed
+the boy began to thirst for honourable adventures, though the wicked
+enchantress wished to keep him as her own.
+
+But he, seeking glory, utterly disdained so wicked a creature; thus she
+sought to bribe him. And one day, taking him by the hand, she led him to
+a brazen castle and showed him six brave knights, prisoners therein.
+Then said she:
+
+"Lo! These be the six champions of Christendom. Thou shalt be the
+seventh and thy name shall be St. George of Merrie England if thou wilt
+stay with me."
+
+But he would not.
+
+Then she led him into a magnificent stable where stood seven of the most
+beautiful steeds ever seen. "Six of these," said she, "belong to the six
+Champions. The seventh and the best, the swiftest and the most powerful
+in the world, whose name is Bayard, will I bestow on thee, if thou wilt
+stay with me."
+
+But he would not.
+
+Then she took him to the armoury, and with her own hand buckled on a
+corselet of purest steel, and laced on a helmet inlaid with gold. Then,
+taking a mighty falchion, she gave it into his hand, and said: "This
+armour which none can pierce, this sword called Ascalon, which will hew
+in sunder all it touches, are thine; surely now thou wilt stop with me?"
+
+But he would not.
+
+Then she bribed him with her own magic wand, thus giving him power over
+all things in that enchanted land, saying:
+
+"Surely now wilt thou remain here?"
+
+But he, taking the wand, struck with it a mighty rock that stood by; and
+lo! it opened, and laid in view a wide cave garnished by the bodies of a
+vast number of innocent new-born infants whom the wicked enchantress had
+murdered.
+
+Thus, using her power, he bade the sorceress lead the way into the place
+of horror, and when she had entered, he raised the magic wand yet again,
+and smote the rock; and lo! it closed for ever, and the sorceress was
+left to bellow forth her lamentable complaints to senseless stones.
+
+Thus was St. George freed from the enchanted land, and taking with him
+the six other champions of Christendom on their steeds, he mounted
+Bayard and rode to the city of Coventry.
+
+Here for nine months they abode, exercising themselves in all feats of
+arms. So when spring returned they set forth, as knights errant, to seek
+for foreign adventure.
+
+And for thirty days and thirty nights they rode on, until, at the
+beginning of a new month, they came to a great wide plain. Now in the
+centre of this plain, where seven several ways met, there stood a great
+brazen pillar, and here, with high heart and courage, they bade each
+other farewell, and each took a separate road.
+
+Hence, St. George, on his charger Bayard, rode till he reached the
+seashore where lay a good ship bound for the land of Egypt. Taking
+passage in her, after long journeying he arrived in that land when the
+silent wings of night were outspread, and darkness brooded on all
+things. Here, coming to a poor hermitage, he begged a night's lodging,
+on which the hermit replied:
+
+"Sir Knight of Merrie England--for I see her arms graven on thy
+breastplate--thou hast come hither in an ill time, when those alive are
+scarcely able to bury the dead by reason of the cruel destruction waged
+by a terrible dragon, who ranges up and down the country by day and by
+night. If he have not an innocent maiden to devour each day, he sends a
+mortal plague amongst the people. And this has not ceased for twenty and
+four years, so that there is left throughout the land but one maiden,
+the beautiful S�bia, daughter to the King. And to-morrow must she die,
+unless some brave knight will slay the monster. To such will the King
+give his daughter in marriage, and the crown of Egypt in due time."
+
+"For crowns I care not," said St. George boldly, "but the beauteous
+maiden shall not die. I will slay the monster."
+
+So, rising at dawn of day, he buckled on his armour, laced his helmet,
+and with the falchion Ascalon in his hand, bestrode Bayard, and rode
+into the Valley of the Dragon. Now on the way he met a procession of old
+women weeping and wailing, and in their midst the most beauteous damsel
+he had ever seen. Moved by compassion he dismounted, and bowing low
+before the lady entreated her to return to her father's palace, since he
+was about to kill the dreaded dragon. Whereupon the beautiful S�bia,
+thanking him with smiles and tears, did as he requested, and he,
+re-mounting, rode on his emprise.
+
+Now, no sooner did the dragon catch sight of the brave Knight than its
+leathern throat sent out a sound more terrible than thunder, and
+weltering from its hideous den, it spread its burning wings and prepared
+to assail its foe.
+
+Its size and appearance might well have made the stoutest heart tremble.
+From shoulder to tail ran full forty feet, its body was covered with
+silver scales, its belly was as gold, and through its flaming wings the
+blood ran thick and red.
+
+So fierce was its onset, that at the very first encounter the Knight was
+nigh felled to the ground; but recovering himself he gave the dragon
+such a thrust with his spear that the latter shivered to a thousand
+pieces; whereupon the furious monster smote him so violently with its
+tail that both horse and rider were overthrown.
+
+Now, by great good chance, St. George was flung under the shade of a
+flowering orange tree, whose fragrance hath this virtue in it, that no
+poisonous beast dare come within the compass of its branches. So there
+the valiant knight had time to recover his senses, until with eager
+courage he rose, and rushing to the combat, smote the burning dragon on
+his burnished belly with his trusty sword Ascalon; and thereinafter
+spouted out such black venom, as, falling on the armour of the Knight,
+burst it in twain. And ill might it have fared with St. George of Merrie
+England but for the orange tree, which once again gave him shelter under
+its branches, where, seeing the issue of the fight was in the Hands of
+the Most High, he knelt and prayed that such strength of body should be
+given him as would enable him to prevail. Then with a bold and
+courageous heart, he advanced again, and smote the fiery dragon under
+one of his flaming wings, so that the weapon pierced the heart, and all
+the grass around turned crimson with the blood that flowed from the
+dying monster. So St. George of England cut off the dreadful head, and
+hanging it on a truncheon made of the spear which at the beginning of
+the combat had shivered against the beast's scaly back, he mounted his
+steed Bayard, and proceeded to the palace of the King.
+
+Now the King's name was Ptolemy, and when he saw that the dreaded dragon
+was indeed slain, he gave orders for the city to be decorated. And he
+sent a golden chariot with wheels of ebony and cushions of silk to bring
+St. George to the palace, and commanded a hundred nobles dressed in
+crimson velvet, and mounted on milk-white steeds richly caparisoned, to
+escort him thither with all honour, while musicians walked before and
+after, filling the air with sweetest sounds.
+
+Now the beautiful S�bia herself washed and dressed the weary Knight's
+wounds, and gave him in sign of betrothal a diamond ring of purest
+water. Then, after he had been invested by the King with the golden
+spurs of knighthood and had been magnificently feasted, he retired to
+rest his weariness, while the beautiful S�bia from her balcony lulled
+him to sleep with her golden lute.
+
+So all seemed happiness; but alas! dark misfortune was at hand.
+
+Almidor, the black King of Morocco, who had long wooed the Princess
+S�bia in vain, without having the courage to defend her, seeing that the
+maiden had given her whole heart to her champion, resolved to compass
+his destruction.
+
+So, going to King Ptolemy, he told him--what was perchance true--namely,
+that the beauteous S�bia had promised St. George to become Christian,
+and follow him to England. Now the thought of this so enraged the King
+that, forgetting his debt of honour, he determined on an act of basest
+treachery.
+
+Telling St. George that his love and loyalty needed further trial, he
+entrusted him with a message to the King of Persia, and forbade him
+either to take with him his horse Bayard or his sword Ascalon; nor would
+he even allow him to say farewell to his beloved S�bia.
+
+St. George then set forth sorrowfully, and surmounting many dangers,
+reached the Court of the King of Persia in safety; but what was his
+anger to find that the secret missive he bore contained nothing but an
+earnest request to put the bearer of it to death. But he was helpless,
+and when sentence had been passed upon him, he was thrown into a loathly
+dungeon, clothed in base and servile weeds, and his arms strongly
+fettered up to iron bolts, while the roars of the two hungry lions who
+were to devour him ere long, deafened his ears. Now his rage and fury at
+this black treachery was such that it gave him strength, and with mighty
+effort he drew the staples that held his fetters; so being part free he
+tore his long locks of amber-coloured hair from his head and wound them
+round his arms instead of gauntlets. So prepared he rushed on the lions
+when they were let loose upon him, and thrusting his arms down their
+throats choked them, and thereinafter tearing out their very hearts,
+held them up in triumph to the gaolers who stood by trembling with fear.
+
+After this the King of Persia gave up the hopes of putting St. George to
+death, and, doubling the bars of the dungeon, left him to languish
+therein. And there the unhappy Knight remained for seven long years, his
+thoughts full of his lost Princess; his only companions rats and mice
+and creeping worms, his only food and drink bread made of the coarsest
+bran and dirty water.
+
+At last one day, in a dark corner of his dungeon, he found one of the
+iron staples he had drawn in his rage and fury. It was half consumed
+with rust, yet it was sufficient in his hands to open a passage through
+the walls of his cell into the King's garden. It was the time of night
+when all things are silent; but St. George, listening, heard the voices
+of grooms in the stables; which, entering, he found two grooms
+furnishing forth a horse against some business. Whereupon, taking the
+staple with which he had redeemed himself from prison, he slew the
+grooms, and mounting the palfrey rode boldly to the city gates, where he
+told the watchman at the Bronze Tower that St. George having escaped
+from the dungeon, he was in hot pursuit of him. Whereupon the gates were
+thrown open, and St. George, clapping spurs to his horse, found himself
+safe from pursuit before the first red beams of the sun shot up into the
+sky.
+
+Now, ere long, being most famished with hunger, he saw a tower set on a
+high cliff, and riding thitherward determined to ask for food. But as he
+neared the castle he saw a beauteous damsel in a blue and gold robe
+seated disconsolate at a window. Whereupon, dismounting, he called aloud
+to her:
+
+"Lady! If thou hast sorrow of thine own, succour one also in distress,
+and give me, a Christian Knight, now almost famished, one meal's meat."
+To which she replied quickly:
+
+"Sir Knight! Fly quickly as thou canst, for my lord is a mighty giant, a
+follower of Mahomed, who hath sworn to destroy all Christians."
+
+Hearing this St. George laughed loud and long. "Go tell him then, fair
+dame," he cried, "that a Christian Knight waits at his door, and will
+either satisfy his wants within his castle or slay the owner thereof."
+
+Now the giant no sooner heard this valiant challenge than he rushed
+forth to the combat, armed with a hugeous crowbar of iron. He was a
+monstrous giant, deformed, with a huge head, bristled like any boar's,
+with hot, glaring eyes and a mouth equalling a tiger's. At first sight
+of him St. George gave himself up for lost, not so much for fear, but
+for hunger and faintness of body. Still, commending himself to the Most
+High, he also rushed to the combat with such poor arms as he had, and
+with many a regret for the loss of his magic sword Ascalon. So they
+fought till noon, when, just as the champion's strength was nigh
+finished, the giant stumbled on the root of a tree, and St. George,
+taking his chance, ran him through the mid-rib, so that he gasped and
+died.
+
+After which St. George entered the tower; whereat the beautiful lady,
+freed from her terrible lord, set before him all manner of delicacies
+and pure wine with which he sufficed his hunger, rested his weary body,
+and refreshed his horse.
+
+So, leaving the tower in the hands of the grateful lady, he went on his
+way, coming ere long to the Enchanted Garden of the necromancer
+Ormadine, where, embedded in the living rock, he saw a magic sword, the
+like of which for beauty he had never seen, the belt being beset with
+jaspers and sapphire stones, while the pommel was a globe of the purest
+silver chased in gold with these verses:
+
+  My magic will remain most firmly bound
+  Till that a knight from the far north be found
+  To pull this sword from out its bed of stone.
+  Lo! when he comes wise Ormadine must fall.
+  Farewell, my magic power, my spell, my all.
+
+Seeing this St. George put his hand to the hilt, thinking to essay
+pulling it out by strength; but lo! he drew it out with as much ease as
+though it had hung by a thread of untwisted silk. And immediately every
+door in the enchanted garden flew open, and the magician Ormadine
+appeared, his hair standing on end; and he, after kissing the hand of
+the champion, led him to a cave where a young man wrapped in a sheet of
+gold lay sleeping, lulled by the songs of four beautiful maidens.
+
+"The Knight whom thou seest here!" said the necromancer in a hollow
+voice, "is none other than thy brother-in-arms, the Christian Champion
+St. David of Wales. He also attempted to draw my sword but failed. Him
+hast thou delivered from my enchantments since they come to an end."
+
+Now, as he spoke, came such a rattling of the skies, such a lumbering of
+the earth as never was, and in the twinkling of an eye the Enchanted
+Garden and all in it vanished from view, leaving the Champion of Wales,
+roused from his seven years' sleep, giving thanks to St. George, who
+greeted his ancient comrade heartily.
+
+After this St. George of Merrie England travelled far and travelled
+fast, with many adventures by the way, to Egypt where he had left his
+beloved Princess S�bia. But, learning to his great grief and horror from
+the same hermit he had met on first landing, that, despite her denials,
+her father, King Ptolemy, had consented to Almidor the black King of
+Morocco carrying her off as one of his many wives, he turned his steps
+towards Tripoli, the capital of Morocco; for he was determined at all
+costs to gain a sight of the dear Princess from whom he had been so
+cruelly rent.
+
+To this end he borrowed an old cloak of the hermit, and, disguised as a
+beggar, gained admittance to the gate of the Women's Palace, where were
+gathered together on their knees many others, poor, frail, infirm.
+
+And when he asked them wherefore they knelt, they answered:
+
+"Because good Queen S�bia succours us that we may pray for the safety of
+St. George of England, to whom she gave her heart."
+
+Now when St. George heard this his own heart was like to break for very
+joy, and he could scarce keep on his knees when, lovely as ever, but
+with her face pale and sad and wan from long distress, the Princess
+S�bia appeared clothed in deep mourning.
+
+In silence she handed an alms to each beggar in turn; but when she came
+to St. George she started and laid her hand on her heart. Then she said
+softly:
+
+"Rise up, Sir Beggar! Thou art too like one who rescued me from death,
+for it to be meet for thee to kneel before me!"
+
+Then St. George rising, and bowing low, said quietly: "Peerless lady!
+Lo! I am that very knight to whom thou did'st condescend to give this."
+
+And with this he slipped the diamond ring she had given him on her
+finger. But she looked not at it, but at him, with love in her eyes.
+
+Then he told her of her father's base treachery and Almidor's part in
+it, so that her anger grew hot and she cried:
+
+"Waste no more time in talk. I remain no longer in this detested place.
+Ere Almidor returns from hunting we shall have escaped."
+
+[Illustration: When she came to St. George she started and laid her
+hand on her heart]
+
+So she led St. George to the armoury, where he found his trusty sword
+Ascalon, and to the stable, where his swift steed Bayard stood ready
+caparisoned.
+
+Then, when her brave Knight had mounted, and she, putting her foot on
+his, had leapt like a bird behind him, St. George touched the proud
+beast lightly with his spurs, and, like an arrow from a bow, Bayard
+carried them together over city and plain, through woods and forests,
+across rivers, and mountains, and valleys, until they reached the Land
+of Greece.
+
+And here they found the whole country in festivity over the marriage of
+the King. Now amongst other entertainments was a grand tournament, the
+news of which had spread through the world. And to it had come all the
+other Six Champions of Christendom; so St. George arriving made the
+Seventh. And many of the champions had with them the fair lady they had
+rescued. St. Denys of France brought beautiful Eglantine, St. James of
+Spain sweet Celestine, while noble Rosalind accompanied St. Anthony of
+Italy. St. David of Wales, after his seven years' sleep, came full of
+eager desire for adventure. St. Patrick of Ireland, ever courteous,
+brought all the six Swan-princesses who, in gratitude, had been seeking
+their deliverer St. Andrew of Scotland; since he, leaving all worldly
+things, had chosen to fight for the faith.
+
+So all these brave knights and fair ladies joined in the joyful
+jousting, and each of the Seven Champions was in turn Chief Challenger
+for a day.
+
+Now in the midst of all the merriment appeared a hundred heralds from a
+hundred different parts of the Paynim world, declaring war to the death
+against all Christians.
+
+Whereupon the Seven Champions agreed that each should return to his
+native land to place his dearest lady in safety, and gather together an
+army, and that six months later they should meet, and, joining as one
+legion, go forth to fight for Christendom.
+
+And this was done. So, having chosen St. George as Chief General, they
+marched on Tripoli with the cry:
+
+  "For Christendom we fight,
+   For Christendom we die."
+
+Here the wicked Almidor fell in single combat with St. George, to the
+great delight of his subjects, who begged the Champion to be King in his
+stead. To this he consented, and, after he was crowned, the Christian
+host went on towards Egypt where King Ptolemy, in despair of vanquishing
+such stalwart knights, threw himself down from the battlements of the
+palace and was killed. Whereupon, in recognition of the chivalry and
+courtesy of the Christian Champions, the nobles offered the Crown to one
+of their number, and they with acclaim chose St. George of Merrie
+England.
+
+Thence the Christian host journeyed to Persia, where a fearsome battle
+raged for seven days, during which two hundred thousand pagans were
+slain, beside many who were drowned in attempting to escape. Thus they
+were compelled to yield, the Emperor himself happening into the hands of
+St. George, and six other viceroys into the hands of the six other
+Champions.
+
+And these were most mercifully and honourably entreated after they had
+promised to govern Persia after Christian rules. Now the Emperor, having
+a heart fraught with despite and tyranny, conspired against them, and
+engaged a wicked wizard named Osmond to so beguile six of the Champions
+that they gave up fighting, and lived an easy slothful life. But St.
+George would not be beguiled; neither would he consent to the
+enchantment of his brothers; and he so roused them that they never
+sheathed their swords nor unlocked their armour till the wicked Emperor
+and his viceroys were thrown into that very dungeon in which St. George
+had languished for seven long years.
+
+Whereupon St. George took upon himself the government of Persia, and
+gave the six other Champions the six viceroyalties.
+
+So, attired in a beautiful green robe, richly embroidered, over which
+was flung a scarlet mantle bordered with white fur and decorated with
+ornaments of pure gold, he took his seat on the throne which was
+supported by elephants of translucent alabaster. And the Heralds at
+arms, amid the shouting of the people, cried:
+
+"Long live St. George of Merrie England, Emperor of Morocco, King of
+Egypt, and Sultan of Persia!"
+
+Now, after that he had established good and just laws to such effect
+that innumerable companies of pagans flocked to become Christians, St.
+George, leaving the Government in the hands of his trusted counsellors,
+took truce with the world and returned to England, where, at Coventry,
+he lived for many years with the Egyptian Princess S�bia, who bore him
+three stalwart sons. So here endeth the tale of St. George of Merrie
+England, first and greatest of the Seven Champions.
+
+
+
+
+THE STORY OF THE THREE BEARS
+
+
+Once upon a time there were three Bears, who lived together in a house
+of their own, in a wood. One of them was a Little Wee Bear, and one was
+a Middle-sized Bear, and the other was a Great Big Bear. They had each a
+bowl for their porridge; a little bowl for the Little Wee Bear; and a
+middle-sized bowl for the Middle-sized Bear; and a great bowl for the
+Great Big Bear. And they had each a chair to sit in; a little chair for
+the Little Wee Bear; and a middle-sized chair for the Middle-sized Bear;
+and a great chair for the Great Big Bear. And they had each a bed to
+sleep in; a little bed for the Little Wee Bear; and a middle-sized bed
+for the Middle-sized Bear; and a great bed for the Great Big Bear.
+
+One day, after they had made the porridge for their breakfast, and
+poured it into their porridge-bowls, they walked out into the wood while
+the porridge was cooling, that they might not burn their mouths by
+beginning too soon, for they were polite, well-brought-up Bears. And
+while they were away a little girl called Goldilocks, who lived at the
+other side of the wood and had been sent on an errand by her mother,
+passed by the house, and looked in at the window. And then she peeped in
+at the keyhole, for she was not at all a well-brought-up little girl.
+Then seeing nobody in the house she lifted the latch. The door was not
+fastened, because the Bears were good Bears, who did nobody any harm,
+and never suspected that anybody would harm them. So Goldilocks opened
+the door and went in; and well pleased was she when she saw the porridge
+on the table. If she had been a well-brought-up little girl she would
+have waited till the Bears came home, and then, perhaps, they would have
+asked her to breakfast; for they were good Bears--a little rough or so,
+as the manner of Bears is, but for all that very good-natured and
+hospitable. But she was an impudent, rude little girl, and so she set
+about helping herself.
+
+First she tasted the porridge of the Great Big Bear, and that was too
+hot for her. Next she tasted the porridge of the Middle-sized Bear, but
+that was too cold for her. And then she went to the porridge of the
+Little Wee Bear, and tasted it, and that was neither too hot nor too
+cold, but just right, and she liked it so well that she ate it all up,
+every bit!
+
+Then Goldilocks, who was tired, for she had been catching butterflies
+instead of running on her errand, sate down in the chair of the Great
+Big Bear, but that was too hard for her. And then she sate down in the
+chair of the Middle-sized Bear, and that was too soft for her. But when
+she sat down in the chair of the Little Wee Bear, that was neither too
+hard nor too soft, but just right. So she seated herself in it, and
+there she sate till the bottom of the chair came out, and down she came,
+plump upon the ground; and that made her very cross, for she was a
+bad-tempered little girl.
+
+Now, being determined to rest, Goldilocks went upstairs into the
+bedchamber in which the Three Bears slept. And first she lay down upon
+the bed of the Great Big Bear, but that was too high at the head for
+her. And next she lay down upon the bed of the Middle-sized Bear, and
+that was too high at the foot for her. And then she lay down upon the
+bed of the Little Wee Bear, and that was neither too high at the head
+nor at the foot, but just right. So she covered herself up comfortably,
+and lay there till she fell fast asleep.
+
+By this time the Three Bears thought their porridge would be cool enough
+for them to eat it properly; so they came home to breakfast. Now
+careless Goldilocks had left the spoon of the Great Big Bear standing in
+his porridge.
+
+                "SOMEBODY HAS BEEN AT MY PORRIDGE!"
+
+said the Great Big Bear in his great, rough, gruff voice.
+
+Then the Middle-sized Bear looked at his porridge and saw the spoon was
+standing in it too.
+
+                "SOMEBODY HAS BEEN AT MY PORRIDGE!"
+
+said the Middle-sized Bear in his middle-sized voice.
+
+Then the Little Wee Bear looked at his, and there was the spoon in the
+porridge-bowl, but the porridge was all gone!
+
+      "SOMEBODY HAS BEEN AT MY PORRIDGE, AND HAS EATEN IT ALL UP!"
+
+said the Little Wee Bear in his little wee voice.
+
+Upon this the Three Bears, seeing that some one had entered their house,
+and eaten up the Little Wee Bear's breakfast, began to look about them.
+Now the careless Goldilocks had not put the hard cushion straight when
+she rose from the chair of the Great Big Bear.
+
+                "SOMEBODY HAS BEEN SITTING IN MY CHAIR!"
+
+said the Great Big Bear in his great, rough, gruff voice.
+
+And the careless Goldilocks had squatted down the soft cushion of the
+Middle-sized Bear.
+
+                "SOMEBODY HAS BEEN SITTING IN MY CHAIR!"
+
+said the Middle-sized Bear in his middle-sized voice.
+
+      "SOMEBODY HAS BEEN SITTING IN MY CHAIR, AND HAS SATE THE BOTTOM
+       THROUGH!"
+
+said the Little Wee Bear in his little wee voice.
+
+Then the Three Bears thought they had better make further search in case
+it was a burglar, so they went upstairs into their bedchamber. Now
+Goldilocks had pulled the pillow of the Great Big Bear out of its place.
+
+                "SOMEBODY HAS BEEN LYING IN MY BED!"
+
+said the Great Big Bear in his great, rough, gruff voice.
+
+And Goldilocks had pulled the bolster of the Middle-sized Bear out of
+its place.
+
+                "SOMEBODY HAS BEEN LYING IN MY BED!"
+
+said the Middle-sized Bear in his middle-sized voice.
+
+But when the Little Wee Bear came to look at his bed, there was the
+bolster in its place!
+
+And the pillow was in its place upon the bolster!
+
+And upon the pillow----?
+
+There was Goldilocks's yellow head--which was not in its place, for she
+had no business there.
+
+      "SOMEBODY HAS BEEN LYING IN MY BED,--AND HERE SHE IS STILL!"
+
+said the Little Wee Bear in his little wee voice.
+
+[Illustration: "Somebody has been lying in my bed,--and here she is!"]
+
+Now Goldilocks had heard in her sleep the great, rough, gruff voice of
+the Great Big Bear; but she was so fast asleep that it was no more to
+her than the roaring of wind, or the rumbling of thunder. And she had
+heard the middle-sized voice of the Middle-sized Bear, but it was only
+as if she had heard some one speaking in a dream. But when she heard the
+little wee voice of the Little Wee Bear, it was so sharp, and so shrill,
+that it awakened her at once. Up she started, and when she saw the Three
+Bears on one side of the bed, she tumbled herself out at the other, and
+ran to the window. Now the window was open, because the Bears, like
+good, tidy Bears, as they were, always opened their bedchamber window
+when they got up in the morning. So naughty, frightened little
+Goldilocks jumped; and whether she broke her neck in the fall, or ran
+into the wood and was lost there, or found her way out of the wood and
+got whipped for being a bad girl and playing truant, no one can say. But
+the Three Bears never saw anything more of her.
+
+[Illustration: "Somebody has been at my porridge, and has eaten it all
+up!"]
+
+
+
+
+TOM-TIT-TOT
+
+
+Once upon a time there was a woman and she baked five pies. But when
+they came out of the oven they were over-baked, and the crust was far
+too hard to eat. So she said to her daughter:
+
+"Daughter," says she, "put them pies on to the shelf and leave 'em there
+awhile. Surely they'll come again in time."
+
+By that, you know, she meant that they would become softer; but her
+daughter said to herself, "If Mother says the pies will come again, why
+shouldn't I eat these now?" So, having good, young teeth, she set to
+work and ate the lot, first and last.
+
+Now when supper-time came the woman said to her daughter, "Go you and
+get one of the pies. They are sure to have come again by now."
+
+Then the girl went and looked, but of course there was nothing but the
+empty dishes.
+
+So back she came and said, "No, Mother, they ain't come again."
+
+"Not one o' them?" asked the mother, taken aback like.
+
+"Not one o' them," says the daughter, quite confident.
+
+"Well," says the mother, "come again, or not come again, I will have one
+of them pies for my supper."
+
+"But you can't," says the daughter. "How can you if they ain't come? And
+they ain't, as sure's sure."
+
+"But I can," says the mother, getting angry. "Go you at once, child, and
+bring me the best on them. My teeth must just tackle it."
+
+"Best or worst is all one," answered the daughter, quite sulky, "for
+I've ate the lot, so you can't have one till it comes again--so there!"
+
+Well, the mother she bounced up to see; but half an eye told her there
+was nothing save the empty dishes; so she was dished up herself and done
+for.
+
+So, having no supper, she sate her down on the doorstep, and, bringing
+out her distaff, began to spin. And as she span she sang:
+
+  "My daughter ha' ate five pies to-day,
+   My daughter ha' ate five pies to-day,
+   My daughter ha' ate five pies to-day,"
+
+for, see you, she was quite flabbergasted and fair astonished.
+
+Now the King of that country happened to be coming down the street, and
+he heard the song going on and on, but could not quite make out the
+words. So he stopped his horse, and asked:
+
+"What is that you are singing, my good woman?"
+
+[Illustration: "What is that you are singing, my good woman?"]
+
+Now the mother, though horrified at her daughter's appetite, did not
+want other folk, leastwise the King, to know about it, so she sang
+instead:
+
+  "My daughter ha' spun five skeins to-day,
+   My daughter ha' spun five skeins to-day,
+   My daughter ha' spun five skeins to-day."
+
+"Five skeins!" cried the King. "By my garter and my crown, I never heard
+tell of any one who could do that! Look you here, I have been searching
+for a maiden to wife, and your daughter who can spin five skeins a day
+is the very one for me. Only, mind you, though for eleven months of the
+year she shall be Queen indeed, and have all she likes to eat, all the
+gowns she likes to get, all the company she likes to keep, and
+everything her heart desires, in the twelfth month she must set to work
+and spin five skeins a day, and if she does not she must die. Come! is
+it a bargain?"
+
+So the mother agreed. She thought what a grand marriage it was for her
+daughter. And as for the five skeins? Time enough to bother about them
+when the year came round. There was many a slip between cup and lip,
+and, likely as not, the King would have forgotten all about it by then.
+
+Anyhow, her daughter would be Queen for eleven months. So they were
+married, and for eleven months the bride was happy as happy could be.
+She had everything she liked to eat, and all the gowns she liked to get,
+all the company she cared to keep, and everything her heart desired. And
+her husband the King was kind as kind could be. But in the tenth month
+she began to think of those five skeins and wonder if the King
+remembered. And in the eleventh month she began to dream about them as
+well. But ne'er a word did the King, her husband, say about them; so she
+hoped he had forgotten.
+
+But on the very last day of the eleventh month, the King, her husband,
+led her into a room she had never set eyes on before. It had one window,
+and there was nothing in it but a stool and a spinning-wheel.
+
+"Now, my dear," he said quite kind like, "you will be shut in here
+to-morrow morning with some victuals and some flax, and if by evening
+you have not spun five skeins, your head will come off."
+
+Well she was fair frightened, for she had always been such a gatless
+thoughtless girl that she had never learnt to spin at all. So what she
+was to do on the morrow she could not tell; for, see you, she had no one
+to help her; for, of course, now she was Queen, her mother didn't live
+nigh her. So she just locked the door of her room, sat down on a stool,
+and cried and cried and cried until her pretty eyes were all red.
+
+Now as she sate sobbing and crying she heard a queer little noise at the
+bottom of the door. At first she thought it was a mouse. Then she
+thought it must be something knocking.
+
+So she upped and opened the door and what did she see? Why! a small,
+little, black Thing with a long tail that whisked round and round ever
+so fast.
+
+"What are you crying for?" said that Thing, making a bow, and twirling
+its tail so fast that she could scarcely see it.
+
+"What's that to you?" said she, shrinking a bit, for that Thing was very
+queer like.
+
+"Don't look at my tail if you're frightened," says That, smirking. "Look
+at my toes. Ain't they beautiful?"
+
+And sure enough That had on buckled shoes with high heels and big bows,
+ever so smart.
+
+[Illustration: A small, little, black Thing with a long tail]
+
+So she kind of forgot about the tail, and wasn't so frightened, and
+when That asked her again why she was crying, she upped and said, "It
+won't do no good if I do."
+
+"You don't know that," says That, twirling its tail faster and faster,
+and sticking out its toes. "Come, tell me, there's a good girl."
+
+"Well," says she, "it can't do any harm if it doesn't do good." So she
+dried her pretty eyes and told That all about the pies, and the skeins,
+and everything from first to last.
+
+And then that little, black Thing nearly burst with laughing. "If that
+is all, it's easy mended!" it says. "I'll come to your window every
+morning, take the flax, and bring it back spun into five skeins at
+night. Come! shall it be a bargain?"
+
+Now she, for all she was so gatless and thoughtless, said, cautious
+like:
+
+"But what is your pay?"
+
+Then That twirled its tail so fast you couldn't see it, and stuck out
+its beautiful toes, and smirked and looked out of the corners of its
+eyes. "I will give you three guesses every night to guess my name, and
+if you haven't guessed it before the month is up, why"--and That twirled
+its tail faster and stuck out its toes further, and smirked and
+sniggered more than ever--"you shall be mine, my beauty."
+
+Three guesses every night for a whole month! She felt sure she would be
+able for so much; and there was no other way out of the business, so she
+just said, "Yes! I agree!"
+
+And lor! how That twirled its tail, and bowed, and smirked, and stuck
+out its beautiful toes.
+
+Well, the very next day her husband led her to the strange room again,
+and there was the day's food, and a spinning-wheel and a great bundle of
+flax.
+
+"There you are, my dear," says he as polite as polite. "And remember! if
+there are not five whole skeins to-night, I fear your head will come
+off!"
+
+At that she began to tremble, and after he had gone away and locked the
+door, she was just thinking of a good cry, when she heard a queer
+knocking at the window. She upped at once and opened it, and sure enough
+there was the small, little, black Thing sitting on the window-ledge,
+dangling its beautiful toes and twirling its tail so that you could
+scarcely see it.
+
+"Good-morning, my beauty," says That. "Come! hand over the flax, sharp,
+there's a good girl."
+
+So she gave That the flax and shut the window and, you may be sure, ate
+her victuals, for, as you know, she had a good appetite, and the King,
+her husband, had promised to give her everything she liked to eat. So
+she ate to her heart's content, and when evening came and she heard that
+queer knocking at the window again, she upped and opened it, and there
+was the small, little, black Thing with five spun skeins on his arm!
+
+And it twirled its tail faster than ever, and stuck out its beautiful
+toes, and bowed and smirked and gave her the five skeins.
+
+Then That said, "And now, my beauty, what is That's name?"
+
+And she answered quite easy like:
+
+"That is Bill."
+
+"No, it ain't," says That, and twirled its tail.
+
+"Then That is Ned," says she.
+
+"No, it ain't," says That, and twirled its tail faster.
+
+"Well," says she a bit more thoughtful, "That is Mark."
+
+"No, it ain't," says That, and laughs and laughs and laughs, and twirls
+its tail so as you couldn't see it, as away it flew.
+
+Well, when the King, her husband, came in, he was fine and pleased to
+see the five skeins all ready for him, for he was fond of his pretty
+wife.
+
+"I shall not have to order your head off, my dear," says he. "And I hope
+all the other days will pass as happily." Then he said good-night and
+locked the door and left her.
+
+But next morning they brought her fresh flax and even more delicious
+foods. And the small, little, black Thing came knocking at the window
+and stuck out its beautiful toes and twirled its tail faster and faster,
+and took away the bundle of flax and brought it back all spun into five
+skeins by evening.
+
+Then That made her guess three times what That's name was; but she could
+not guess right, and That laughed and laughed and laughed as it flew
+away.
+
+Now every morning and evening the same thing happened, and every evening
+she had her three guesses; but she never guessed right. And every day
+the small, little, black Thing laughed louder and louder and smirked
+more and more, and looked at her quite maliceful out of the corners of
+its eyes until she began to get frightened, and instead of eating all
+the fine foods left for her, spent the day in trying to think of names
+to say. But she never hit upon the right one.
+
+So it came to the last day of the month but one, and when the small,
+little, black Thing arrived in the evening with the five skeins of flax
+all ready spun, it could hardly say for smirking:
+
+"Ain't you got That's name yet?"
+
+So says she--for she had been reading her Bible:
+
+"Is That Nicodemus?"
+
+"No, it ain't," says That, and twirled its tail faster than you could
+see.
+
+"Is That Samuel?" says she all of a flutter.
+
+"No, it ain't, my beauty," chuckles That, looking maliceful.
+
+"Well--is That Methuselah?" says she, inclined to cry.
+
+Then That just fixes her with eyes like a coal a-fire, and says, "No, it
+ain't that neither, so there is only to-morrow night and then you'll be
+mine, my beauty."
+
+And away the small, little, black Thing flew, its tail twirling and
+whisking so fast that you couldn't see it.
+
+Well, she felt so bad she couldn't even cry; but she heard the King, her
+husband, coming to the door, so she made bold to be cheerful, and tried
+to smile when he said, "Well done, wife! Five skeins again! I shall not
+have to order your head off after all, my dear, of that I'm quite sure,
+so let us enjoy ourselves." Then he bade the servants bring supper, and
+a stool for him to sit beside his Queen, and down they sat, lover-like,
+side by side.
+
+But the poor Queen could eat nothing; she could not forget the small,
+little, black Thing. And the King hadn't eaten but a mouthful or two
+when he began to laugh, and he laughed so long and so loud that at last
+the poor Queen, all lackadaisical as she was, said:
+
+"Why do you laugh so?"
+
+"At something I saw to-day, my love," says the King. "I was out
+a-hunting, and by chance I came to a place I'd never been in before. It
+was in a wood, and there was an old chalk-pit there, and out of the
+chalk-pit there came a queer kind of a sort of a humming, humming noise.
+So I got off my hobby to see what made it, and went quite quiet to the
+edge of the pit and looked down. And what do you think I saw? The
+funniest, queerest, smallest, little, black Thing you ever set eyes
+upon. And it had a little spinning-wheel and it was spinning away for
+dear life, but the wheel didn't go so fast as its tail, and that span
+round and round--_ho-ho-ha-ha!_--you never saw the like. And its little
+feet had buckled shoes and bows on them, and they went up and down in a
+desperate hurry. And all the time that small, little, black Thing kept
+bumming and booming away at these words:
+
+  "Name me, name me not,
+   Who'll guess it's Tom-Tit-Tot."
+
+Well, when she heard these words the Queen nearly jumped out of her
+skin for joy; but she managed to say nothing, but ate her supper quite
+comfortably.
+
+And she said no word when next morning the small, little, black Thing
+came for the flax, though it looked so gleeful and maliceful that she
+could hardly help laughing, knowing she had got the better of it. And
+when night came and she heard that knocking against the window-panes,
+she put on a wry face, and opened the window slowly as if she was
+afraid. But that Thing was as bold as brass and came right inside,
+grinning from ear to ear. And oh, my goodness! how That's tail was
+twirling and whisking!
+
+"Well, my beauty," says That, giving her the five skeins all ready spun,
+"what's my name?"
+
+Then she put down her lip, and says, tearful like,
+"Is--is--That--Solomon?"
+
+"No, it ain't," laughs That, smirking out of the corner of That's eye.
+And the small, little, black Thing came further into the room.
+
+So she tried again--and this time she seemed hardly able to speak for
+fright.
+
+"Well--is That--Zebedee?" she says.
+
+"No, it ain't," cried the impet, full of glee. And it came quite close
+and stretched out its little black hands to her, and O-oh, ITS
+TAIL...!!!
+
+"Take time, my beauty," says That, sort of jeering like, and its small,
+little, black eyes seemed to eat her up. "Take time! Remember! next
+guess and you're mine!" Well, she backed just a wee bit from it, for it
+was just horrible to look at; but then she laughed out and pointed her
+finger at it and said, says she:
+
+          "Name me, name me not,
+          _Your_ name is
+               _Tom_
+                TIT
+               _TOT_."
+
+And you never heard such a shriek as that small, little, black Thing
+gave out. Its tail dropped down straight, its feet all crumpled up, and
+away That flew into the dark, and she never saw it no more.
+
+And she lived happy ever after with her husband, the King.
+
+[Illustration: Away That flew into the dark, and she never saw it no
+more]
+
+
+
+
+THE GOLDEN SNUFF-BOX
+
+
+Once upon a time, and a very good time too, though it was not in my
+time, nor your time, nor for the matter of that in any one's time, there
+lived a man and a woman who had one son called Jack, and he was just
+terribly fond of reading books. He read, and he read, and then, because
+his parents lived in a lonely house in a lonely forest and he never saw
+any other folk but his father and his mother, he became quite crazy to
+go out into the world and see charming princesses and the like.
+
+So one day he told his mother he must be off, and she called him an
+air-brained addle-pate, but added that, as he was no use at home, he had
+better go seek his fortune. Then she asked him if he would rather take a
+small cake with her blessing to eat on his journey, or a large cake with
+her curse? Now Jack was a very hungry lad, so he just up and said:
+
+"A big cake, if you please, 'm."
+
+So his mother made a great big cake, and when he started she just off to
+the top of the house and cast malisons on him, till he got out of
+sight. You see she had to do it, but after that she sate down and cried.
+
+Well, Jack hadn't gone far till he came to a field where his father was
+ploughing. Now the goodman was dreadfully put out when he found his son
+was going away, and still more so when he heard he had chosen his
+mother's malison. So he cast about what to do to put things straight,
+and at last he drew out of his pocket a little golden snuff-box, and
+gave it to the lad, saying:
+
+"If ever you are in danger of sudden death you may open the box; but not
+till then. It has been in our family for years and years; but, as we
+have lived, father and son, quietly in the forest, none of us have ever
+been in need of help--perhaps you may."
+
+So Jack pocketed the golden snuff-box and went on his way.
+
+Now, after a time, he grew very tired, and very hungry, for he had eaten
+his big cake first thing, and night closed in on him so that he could
+scarce see his way.
+
+But at last he came to a large house and begged board and lodging at the
+back door. Now Jack was a good-looking young fellow, so the maid-servant
+at once called him in to the fireside and gave him plenty good meat and
+bread and beer. And it so happened that while he was eating his supper
+the master's gay young daughter came into the kitchen and saw him. So
+she went to her father and said that there was the prettiest young
+fellow she had ever seen in the back kitchen, and that if her father
+loved her he would give the young man some employment. Now the
+gentleman of the house was exceedingly fond of his gay young daughter,
+and did not want to vex her; so he went into the back kitchen and
+questioned Jack as to what he could do.
+
+"Anything," said Jack gaily, meaning, of course, that he could do any
+foolish bit of work about a house.
+
+But the gentleman saw a way of pleasing his gay young daughter and
+getting rid of the trouble of employing Jack; so he laughs and says, "If
+you can do anything, my good lad," says he, "you had better do this. By
+eight o'clock to-morrow morning you must have dug a lake four miles
+round in front of my mansion, and on it there must be floating a whole
+fleet of vessels. And they must range up in front of my mansion and fire
+a salute of guns. And the very last shot must break the leg of the
+four-post bed on which my daughter sleeps, for she is always late of a
+morning!"
+
+Well! Jack was terribly flabbergasted, but he faltered out:
+
+"And if I don't do it?"
+
+"Then," said the master of the house quite calmly, "your life will be
+the forfeit."
+
+So he bade the servants take Jack to a turret-room and lock the door on
+him.
+
+Well! Jack sate on the side of his bed and tried to think things out,
+but he felt as if he didn't know _b_ from a battledore, so he decided to
+think no more, and after saying his prayers he lay down and went to
+sleep. And he did sleep! When he woke it was close on eight o'clock,
+and he had only time to fly to the window and look out, when the great
+clock on the tower began to whirr before it struck the hour. And there
+was the lawn in front of the house all set with beds of roses and stocks
+and marigolds! Well! all of a sudden he remembered the little golden
+snuff-box.
+
+"I'm near enough to death," quoth he to himself, as he drew it out and
+opened it.
+
+And no sooner had he opened it than out hopped three funny little red
+men in red night-caps, rubbing their eyes and yawning; for, see you,
+they had been locked up in the box for years, and years, and years.
+
+"What do you want, Master?" they said between their yawns. But Jack
+heard that clock a-whirring and knew he hadn't a moment to lose, so he
+just gabbled off his orders. Then the clock began to strike, and the
+little men flew out of the window, and suddenly
+
+              Bang! bang! bang! bang! bang! bang!
+
+went the guns, and the last one must have broken the leg of the
+four-post bed, for there at the window was the gay young daughter in her
+nightcap, gazing with astonishment at the lake four miles round, with
+the fleet of vessels floating on it!
+
+And so did Jack! He had never seen such a sight in his life, and he was
+quite sorry when the three little red men disturbed him by flying in at
+the window and scrambling into the golden snuff-box.
+
+"Give us a little more time when you want us next, Master," they said
+sulkily. Then they shut down the lid, and Jack could hear them yawning
+inside as they settled down to sleep.
+
+As you may imagine, the master of the house was fair astonished, while
+as for the gay young daughter, she declared at once that she would never
+marry any one else but the young man who could do such wonderful things;
+the truth being that she and Jack had fallen in love with each other at
+first sight.
+
+But her father was cautious. "It is true, my dear," says he, "that the
+young fellow seems a bully boy; but for aught we know it may be chance,
+not skill, and he may have a broken feather in his wing. So we must try
+him again."
+
+Then he said to Jack, "My daughter must have a fine house to live in.
+Therefore by to-morrow morning at eight o'clock there must be a
+magnificent castle standing on twelve golden pillars in the middle of
+the lake, and there must be a church beside it. And all things must be
+ready for the bride, and at eight o'clock precisely a peal of bells from
+the church must ring out for the wedding. If not you will have to
+forfeit your life."
+
+This time Jack intended to give the three little red men more time for
+their task; but what with having enjoyed himself so much all day, and
+having eaten so much good food, he overslept himself, so that the big
+clock on the tower was whirring before it struck eight when he woke,
+leapt out of bed, and rushed to the golden snuff-box. But he had
+forgotten where he had put it, and so the clock had _really_ begun to
+strike before he found it under his pillow, opened it, and gabbled out
+his orders. And then you never saw how the three little red men tumbled
+over each other and yawned and stretched and made haste all at one time,
+so that Jack thought his life would surely be forfeit. But just as the
+clock struck its last chime, out rang a peal of merry bells, and there
+was the Castle standing on twelve golden pillars and a church beside it
+in the middle of the lake. And the Castle was all decorated for the
+wedding, and there were crowds and crowds of servants and retainers, all
+dressed in their Sunday best.
+
+Never had Jack seen such a sight before; neither had the gay young
+daughter who, of course, was looking out of the next window in her
+nightcap. And she looked so pretty and so gay that Jack felt quite cross
+when he had to step back to let the three little red men fly to their
+golden snuff-box. But they were far crosser than he was, and mumbled and
+grumbled at the hustle, so that Jack was quite glad when they shut the
+box down and began to snore.
+
+Well, of course, Jack and the gay young daughter were married, and were
+as happy as the day is long; and Jack had fine clothes to wear, fine
+food to eat, fine servants to wait on him, and as many fine friends as
+he liked.
+
+So he was in luck; but he had yet to learn that a mother's malison is
+sure to bring misfortune some time or another.
+
+Thus it happened that one day when he was going a-hunting with all the
+ladies and gentlemen, Jack forgot to change the golden snuff-box (which
+he always carried about with him for fear of accidents) from his
+waistcoat pocket to that of his scarlet hunting-coat; so he left it
+behind him. And what should happen but that the servant let it fall on
+the ground when he was folding up the clothes, and the snuff-box flew
+open and out popped the three little red men yawning and stretching.
+
+Well! when they found out that they hadn't really been summoned, and
+that there was no fear of death, they were in a towering temper and said
+they had a great mind to fly away with the Castle, golden pillars and
+all.
+
+On hearing this the servant pricked up his ears.
+
+"Could you do that?" he asked.
+
+"Could we?" they said, and they laughed loud. "Why, we can do anything."
+
+Then the servant said ever so sharp, "Then move me this Castle and all
+it contains right away over the sea where the master can't disturb us."
+
+Now the little red men need not really have obeyed the order, but they
+were so cross with Jack that hardly had the servant said the words
+before the task was done; so when the hunting-party came back, lo and
+behold! the Castle, and the church, and the golden pillars had all
+disappeared!
+
+At first all the rest set upon Jack for being a knave and a cheat; and,
+in particular, his wife's father threatened to have at him for deceiving
+the gay young daughter; but at last he agreed to let Jack have twelve
+months and a day to find the Castle and bring it back.
+
+So off Jack starts on a good horse with some money in his pocket.
+
+And he travelled far and he travelled fast, and he travelled east and
+west, north and south, over hills, and dales, and valleys, and
+mountains, and woods, and sheepwalks, but never a sign of the missing
+castle did he see. Now at last he came to the palace of the King of all
+the Mice in the Wide World. And there was a little mousie in a fine
+hauberk and a steel cap doing sentry at the front gate, and he was not
+for letting Jack in until he had told his errand. And when Jack had told
+it, he passed him on to the next mouse sentry at the inner gate; so by
+degrees he reached the King's chamber, where he sate surrounded by mice
+courtiers.
+
+Now the King of the Mice received Jack very graciously, and said that he
+himself knew nothing of the missing Castle, but, as he was King of all
+the Mice in the whole world, it was possible that some of his subjects
+might know more than he. So he ordered his chamberlain to command a
+Grand Assembly for the next morning, and in the meantime he entertained
+Jack right royally.
+
+But the next morning, though there were brown mice, and black mice, and
+grey mice, and white mice, and piebald mice, from all parts of the
+world, they all answered with one breath:
+
+"If it please your Majesty, we have not seen the missing Castle."
+
+Then the King said, "You must go and ask my elder brother the King of
+all the Frogs. He may be able to tell you. Leave your horse here and
+take one of mine. It knows the way and will carry you safe."
+
+So Jack set off on the King's horse, and as he passed the outer gate he
+saw the little mouse sentry coming away, for its guard was up. Now Jack
+was a kind-hearted lad, and he had saved some crumbs from his dinner in
+order to recompense the little sentry for his kindness. So he put his
+hand in his pocket and pulled out the crumbs.
+
+"Here you are, mousekin," he said. "That's for your trouble!"
+
+Then the mouse thanked him kindly and asked if he would take him along
+to the King of the Frogs.
+
+"Not I," says Jack. "I should get into trouble with your King."
+
+But the mousekin insisted. "I may be of some use to you," it said. So it
+ran up the horse's hind leg and up by its tail and hid in Jack's pocket.
+And the horse set off at a hard gallop, for it didn't half like the
+mouse running over it.
+
+So at last Jack came to the palace of the King of all the Frogs, and
+there at the front gate was a frog doing sentry in a fine coat of mail
+and a brass helmet. And the frog sentry was for not letting Jack in; but
+the mouse called out that they came from the King of all the Mice and
+must be let in without delay. So they were taken to the King's chamber,
+where he sate surrounded by frog courtiers in fine clothes; but alas!
+he had heard nothing of the Castle on golden pillars, and though he
+summoned all the frogs of all the world to a Grand Assembly next
+morning, they all answered his question with:
+
+  "_Kro kro, Kro kro_"
+
+which every one knows stands for "No" in frog language.
+
+So the King said to Jack, "There remains but one thing. You must go and
+ask my eldest brother, the King of all the Birds. His subjects are
+always on the wing, so mayhap they have seen something. Leave the horse
+you are riding here, and take one of mine. It knows the way, and will
+carry you safe."
+
+So Jack set off, and being a kind-hearted lad he gave the frog sentry,
+whom he met coming away from his guard, some crumbs he had saved from
+his dinner. And the frog asked leave to go with him, and when Jack
+refused to take him he just gave one hop on to the stirrup, and a second
+hop on to the crupper, and the next hop he was in Jack's other pocket.
+
+Then the horse galloped away like lightning, for it didn't like the
+slimy frog coming down "plop" on its back.
+
+Well, after a time, Jack came to the palace of the King of all the
+Birds, and there at the front gate were a sparrow and a crow marching up
+and down with matchlocks on their shoulders. Now at this Jack laughed
+fit to split, and the mouse and the frog from his pockets called out:
+
+"We come from the King! Sirrahs! Let us pass."
+
+So that the sentries were right mazed, and let them pass in without more
+ado.
+
+But when they came to the King's chamber, where he sate surrounded by
+all manner of birds, tomtits, wrens, cormorants, turtle-doves, and the
+like, the King said he was sorry, but he had no news of the missing
+Castle. And though he summoned all the birds of all the world to a Grand
+Assembly next morning, not one of them had seen or heard tell of it.
+
+So Jack was quite disconsolate till the King said, "But where is the
+eagle? I don't see my eagle."
+
+Then the Chamberlain--he was a tomtit--stepped forward with a bow and
+said:
+
+"May it please your Majesty he is late."
+
+"Late?" says the King in a fume. "Summon him at once."
+
+So two larks flew up into the sky till they couldn't be seen and sang
+ever so loud, till at last the eagle appeared all in a perspiration from
+having flown so fast.
+
+Then the King said, "Sirrah! Have you seen a missing Castle that stands
+upon twelve pillars of gold?"
+
+And the eagle blinked its eyes and said, "May it please your Majesty
+that is where I've been."
+
+Then everybody rejoiced exceedingly, and when the eagle had eaten a
+whole calf so as to be strong enough for the journey, he spread his wide
+wings, on which Jack stood, with the mouse in one pocket and the frog in
+the other, and started to obey the King's order to take the owner back
+to his missing Castle as quickly as possible.
+
+And they flew over land and they flew over sea, until at last in the far
+distance they saw the Castle standing on its twelve golden pillars. But
+all the doors and windows were fast shut and barred, for, see you, the
+servant-master who had run away with it had gone out for the day
+a-hunting, and he always bolted doors and windows while he was absent
+lest some one else should run away with it.
+
+Then Jack was puzzled to think how he should get hold of the golden
+snuff-box, until the little mouse said:
+
+"Let me fetch it. There is always a mouse-hole in every castle, so I am
+sure I shall be able to get in."
+
+So it went off, and Jack waited on the eagle's wings in a fume; till at
+last mousekin appeared.
+
+"Have you got it?" shouted Jack, and the little mousie cried:
+
+                             "Yes!"
+
+So every one rejoiced exceedingly, and they set off back to the palace
+of the King of all the Birds, where Jack had left his horse; for now
+that he had the golden snuff-box safe he knew he could get the Castle
+back whenever he chose to send the three little red men to fetch it. But
+on the way over the sea, while Jack, who was dead tired with standing so
+long, lay down between the eagle's wings and fell asleep, the mouse and
+the eagle fell to quarrelling as to which of them had helped Jack the
+most, and they quarrelled so much that at last they laid the case before
+the frog. Then the frog, who made a very wise judge, said he must see
+the whole affair from the very beginning; so the mouse brought out the
+golden snuff-box from Jack's pocket, and began to relate where it had
+been found and all about it. Now, at that very moment Jack awoke, kicked
+out his leg, and plump went the golden snuff-box down to the very bottom
+of the sea!
+
+"I thought my turn would come," said the frog, and went plump in after
+it.
+
+Well, they waited, and waited, and waited for three whole days and three
+whole nights; but froggie never came up again, and they had just given
+him up in despair when his nose showed above the water.
+
+"Have you got it?" they shouted.
+
+"No!" says he, with a great gasp.
+
+"Then what do you want?" they cried in a rage.
+
+"My breath," says froggie, and with that he sinks down again.
+
+Well, they waited two days and two nights more, and at last up comes the
+little frog with the golden snuff-box in its mouth.
+
+Then they all rejoiced exceedingly, and the eagle flew ever so fast to
+the palace of the King of the Birds.
+
+But alas and alack-a-day! Jack's troubles were not ended; his mother's
+malison was still bringing him ill-luck, for the King of the Birds flew
+into a fearsome rage because Jack had not brought the Castle of the
+golden pillars back with him. And he said that unless he saw it by eight
+o'clock next morning Jack's head should come off as a cheat and a liar.
+
+Then Jack being close to death opened the golden snuff-box, and out
+tumbled the three little red men in their three little red caps. They
+had recovered their tempers and were quite glad to be back with a master
+who knew that they would only, as a rule, work under fear of death; for,
+see you, the servant-master had been for ever disturbing their sleep
+with opening the box to no purpose.
+
+So before the clock struck eight next morning, there was the Castle on
+its twelve golden pillars, and the King of the Birds was fine and
+pleased, and let Jack take his horse and ride to the palace of the King
+of the Frogs. But there exactly the same thing happened, and poor Jack
+had to open the snuff-box again and order the Castle to come to the
+palace of the King of the Frogs. At this the little red men were a wee
+bit cross; but they said they supposed it could not be helped; so,
+though they yawned, they brought the Castle all right, and Jack was
+allowed to take his horse and go to the palace of the King of all the
+Mice in the World. But here the same thing happened, and the little red
+men tumbled out of the golden snuff-box in a real rage, and said fellows
+might as well have no sleep at all! However, they did as they were
+bidden; they brought the Castle of the golden pillars from the palace of
+the King of the Frogs to the palace of the King of the Birds, and Jack
+was allowed to take his own horse and ride home.
+
+[Illustration: They brought the Castle of the golden pillars]
+
+But the year and a day which he had been allowed was almost gone, and
+even his gay young wife, after almost weeping her eyes out after her
+handsome young husband, had given up Jack for lost; so every one was
+astounded to see him, and not over-pleased either to see him come
+without his Castle. Indeed his father-in-law swore with many oaths that
+if it were not in its proper place by eight o'clock next morning Jack's
+life should be forfeit.
+
+Now this, of course, was exactly what Jack had wanted and intended from
+the beginning; because when death was nigh he could open the golden
+snuff-box and order about the little red men. But he had opened it so
+often of late and they had become so cross that he was in a stew what to
+do; whether to give them time to show their temper, or to hustle them
+out of it. At last he decided to do half and half. So just as the hands
+of the clock were at five minutes to eight he opened the box, and
+stopped his ears!
+
+Well! you never heard such a yawning, and scolding, and threatening, and
+blustering. What did he mean by it? Why should he take four bites at one
+cherry? If he was always in fear of death why didn't he die and have
+done with it?
+
+In the midst of all this the tower clock began to whirr--
+
+"Gentlemen!" says Jack--he was really quaking with fear--"do as you are
+told."
+
+"For the last time," they shrieked. "We won't stay and serve a master
+who thinks he is going to die every day."
+
+And with that they flew out of the window.
+
+                    _AND THEY NEVER CAME BACK._
+
+The golden snuff-box remained empty for evermore.
+
+But when Jack looked out of window there was the Castle in the middle of
+the lake on its twelve golden pillars, and there was his young wife ever
+so pretty and gay in her nightcap looking out of the window too.
+
+So they lived happily ever after.
+
+
+
+
+TATTERCOATS
+
+
+In a great Palace by the sea there once dwelt a very rich old lord, who
+had neither wife nor children living, only one little granddaughter,
+whose face he had never seen in all her life. He hated her bitterly,
+because at her birth his favourite daughter died; and when the old nurse
+brought him the baby he swore that it might live or die as it liked, but
+he would never look on its face as long as it lived.
+
+So he turned his back, and sat by his window looking out over the sea,
+and weeping great tears for his lost daughter, till his white hair and
+beard grew down over his shoulders and twined round his chair and crept
+into the chinks of the floor, and his tears, dropping on to the
+window-ledge, wore a channel through the stone, and ran away in a little
+river to the great sea. Meanwhile, his granddaughter grew up with no one
+to care for her, or clothe her; only the old nurse, when no one was by,
+would sometimes give her a dish of scraps from the kitchen, or a torn
+petticoat from the rag-bag; while the other servants of the palace would
+drive her from the house with blows and mocking words, calling her
+"Tattercoats," and pointing to her bare feet and shoulders, till she ran
+away, crying, to hide among the bushes.
+
+So she grew up, with little to eat or to wear, spending her days out of
+doors, her only companion a crippled gooseherd, who fed his flock of
+geese on the common. And this gooseherd was a queer, merry little chap,
+and when she was hungry, or cold, or tired, he would play to her so
+gaily on his little pipe, that she forgot all her troubles, and would
+fall to dancing with his flock of noisy geese for partners.
+
+Now one day people told each other that the King was travelling through
+the land, and was to give a great ball to all the lords and ladies of
+the country in the town near by, and that the Prince, his only son, was
+to choose a wife from amongst the maidens in the company. In due time
+one of the royal invitations to the ball was brought to the Palace by
+the sea, and the servants carried it up to the old lord, who still sat
+by his window, wrapped in his long white hair and weeping into the
+little river that was fed by his tears.
+
+But when he heard the King's command, he dried his eyes and bade them
+bring shears to cut him loose, for his hair had bound him a fast
+prisoner, and he could not move. And then he sent them for rich clothes,
+and jewels, which he put on; and he ordered them to saddle the white
+horse, with gold and silk, that he might ride to meet the King; but he
+quite forgot he had a granddaughter to take to the ball.
+
+Meanwhile Tattercoats sat by the kitchen-door weeping, because she could
+not go to see the grand doings. And when the old nurse heard her crying
+she went to the Lord of the Palace, and begged him to take his
+granddaughter with him to the King's ball.
+
+But he only frowned and told her to be silent; while the servants
+laughed and said, "Tattercoats is happy in her rags, playing with the
+gooseherd! Let her be--it is all she is fit for."
+
+A second, and then a third time, the old nurse begged him to let the
+girl go with him, but she was answered only by black looks and fierce
+words, till she was driven from the room by the jeering servants, with
+blows and mocking words.
+
+Weeping over her ill-success, the old nurse went to look for
+Tattercoats; but the girl had been turned from the door by the cook, and
+had run away to tell her friend the gooseherd how unhappy she was
+because she could not go to the King's ball.
+
+Now when the gooseherd had listened to her story, he bade her cheer up,
+and proposed that they should go together into the town to see the King,
+and all the fine things; and when she looked sorrowfully down at her
+rags and bare feet he played a note or two upon his pipe, so gay and
+merry, that she forgot all about her tears and her troubles, and before
+she well knew, the gooseherd had taken her by the hand, and she and he,
+and the geese before them, were dancing down the road towards the town.
+
+"Even cripples can dance when they choose," said the gooseherd.
+
+Before they had gone very far a handsome young man, splendidly dressed,
+riding up, stopped to ask the way to the castle where the King was
+staying, and when he found that they too were going thither, he got off
+his horse and walked beside them along the road.
+
+"You seem merry folk," he said, "and will be good company."
+
+"Good company, indeed," said the gooseherd, and played a new tune that
+was not a dance.
+
+It was a curious tune, and it made the strange young man stare and stare
+and stare at Tattercoats till he couldn't see her rags--till he
+couldn't, to tell the truth, see anything but her beautiful face.
+
+Then he said, "You are the most beautiful maiden in the world. Will you
+marry me?"
+
+Then the gooseherd smiled to himself, and played sweeter than ever.
+
+But Tattercoats laughed. "Not I," said she; "you would be finely put to
+shame, and so would I be, if you took a goose-girl for your wife! Go and
+ask one of the great ladies you will see to-night at the King's ball,
+and do not flout poor Tattercoats."
+
+But the more she refused him the sweeter the pipe played, and the deeper
+the young man fell in love; till at last he begged her to come that
+night at twelve to the King's ball, just as she was, with the gooseherd
+and his geese, in her torn petticoat and bare feet, and see if he
+wouldn't dance with her before the King and the lords and ladies, and
+present her to them all, as his dear and honoured bride.
+
+[Illustration: Tattercoats dancing while the gooseherd pipes]
+
+Now at first Tattercoats said she would not; but the gooseherd said,
+"Take fortune when it comes, little one."
+
+So when night came, and the hall in the castle was full of light and
+music, and the lords and ladies were dancing before the King, just as
+the clock struck twelve, Tattercoats and the gooseherd, followed by his
+flock of noisy geese, hissing and swaying their heads, entered at the
+great doors, and walked straight up the ball-room, while on either side
+the ladies whispered, the lords laughed, and the King seated at the far
+end stared in amazement.
+
+But as they came in front of the throne Tattercoats' lover rose from
+beside the King, and came to meet her. Taking her by the hand, he kissed
+her thrice before them all, and turned to the King.
+
+"Father!" he said--for it was the Prince himself--"I have made my
+choice, and here is my bride, the loveliest girl in all the land, and
+the sweetest as well!"
+
+Before he had finished speaking, the gooseherd had put his pipe to his
+lips and played a few notes that sounded like a bird singing far off in
+the woods; and as he played Tattercoats' rags were changed to shining
+robes sewn with glittering jewels, a golden crown lay upon her golden
+hair, and the flock of geese behind her became a crowd of dainty pages,
+bearing her long train.
+
+And as the King rose to greet her as his daughter the trumpets sounded
+loudly in honour of the new Princess, and the people outside in the
+street said to each other:
+
+"Ah! now the Prince has chosen for his wife the loveliest girl in all
+the land!"
+
+But the gooseherd was never seen again, and no one knew what became of
+him; while the old lord went home once more to his Palace by the sea,
+for he could not stay at Court, when he had sworn never to look on his
+granddaughter's face.
+
+So there he still sits by his window,--if you could only see him, as you
+may some day--weeping more bitterly than ever. And his white hair has
+bound him to the stones, and the river of his tears runs away to the
+great sea.
+
+
+
+
+THE THREE FEATHERS
+
+
+Once upon a time there lived a girl who was wooed and married by a man
+she never saw; for he came a-courting her after nightfall, and when they
+were married he never came home till it was dark, and always left before
+dawn.
+
+Still he was good and kind to her, giving her everything her heart could
+desire, so she was well content for a while. But, after a bit, some of
+her friends, doubtless full of envy for her good luck, began to whisper
+that the unseen husband must have something dreadful the matter with him
+which made him averse to being seen.
+
+Now from the very beginning the girl had wondered why her lover did not
+come a-courting her as other girls' lovers came, openly and by day, and
+though, at first, she paid no heed to her neighbours' nods and winks,
+she began at last to think there might be something in what they said.
+So she determined to see for herself, and one night when she heard her
+husband come into her room, she lit her candle suddenly and saw him.
+
+And, lo and behold! he was handsome as handsome; beautiful enough to
+make every woman in the world fall in love with him on the spot. But
+even as she got her glimpse of him, he changed into a big brown bird
+which looked at her with eyes full of anger and blame.
+
+"Because you have done this faithless thing," it said, "you will see me
+no more, unless for seven long years and a day you serve for me
+faithfully."
+
+And she cried with tears and sobs, "I will serve seven times seven years
+and a day if you will only come back. Tell me what I am to do."
+
+Then the bird-husband said, "I will place you in service, and there you
+must remain and do good work for seven years and a day, and you must
+listen to no man who may seek to beguile you to leave that service. If
+you do I will never return."
+
+To this the girl agreed, and the bird, spreading its broad brown wings,
+carried her to a big mansion.
+
+"Here they need a laundry-maid," said the bird-husband. "Go in, ask to
+see the mistress, and say you will do the work; but remember you must do
+it for seven years and a day."
+
+"But I cannot do it for seven days," answered the girl. "I cannot wash
+or iron."
+
+"That matters nothing," replied the bird. "All you have to do is to
+pluck three feathers from under my wing close to my heart, and these
+feathers will do your bidding whatever it may be. You will only have to
+put them on your hand, and say, 'By virtue of these three feathers from
+over my true love's heart may this be done,' and it will be done."
+
+So the girl plucked three feathers from under the bird's wing, and after
+that the bird flew away.
+
+Then the girl did as she was bidden, and the lady of the house engaged
+her for the place. And never was such a quick laundress; for, see you,
+she had only to go into the wash-house, bolt the door and close the
+shutters, so that no one should see what she was at; then she would out
+with the three feathers and say, "By virtue of these three feathers from
+over my true love's heart may the copper be lit, the clothes sorted,
+washed, boiled, dried, folded, mangled, ironed," and lo! there they came
+tumbling on to the table, clean and white, quite ready to be put away.
+So her mistress set great store by her and said there never was such a
+good laundry-maid. Thus four years passed and there was no talk of her
+leaving. But the other servants grew jealous of her, all the more so,
+because, being a very pretty girl, all the men-servants fell in love
+with her and wanted to marry her.
+
+But she would have none of them, because she was always waiting and
+longing for the day when her bird-husband would come back to her in
+man's form.
+
+Now one of the men who wanted her was the stout butler, and one day as
+he was coming back from the cider-house he chanced to stop by the
+laundry, and he heard a voice say, "By virtue of these three feathers
+from over my true love's heart may the copper be lit, the clothes
+sorted, boiled, dried, folded, mangled, and ironed."
+
+He thought this very queer, so he peeped through the keyhole. And there
+was the girl sitting at her ease in a chair, while all the clothes came
+flying to the table ready and fit to put away.
+
+Well, that night he went to the girl and said that if she turned up her
+nose at him and his proposal any longer, he would up and tell the
+mistress that her fine laundress was nothing but a witch; and then, even
+if she were not burnt alive, she would lose her place.
+
+Now the girl was in great distress what to do, since if she were not
+faithful to her bird-husband, or if she failed to serve her seven years
+and a day in one service, he would alike fail to return; so she made an
+excuse by saying she could think of no one who did not give her enough
+money to satisfy her.
+
+At this the stout butler laughed. "Money?" said he. "I have seventy
+pounds laid by with master. Won't that satisfy thee?"
+
+"Happen it would," she replied.
+
+So the very next night the butler came to her with the seventy pounds in
+golden sovereigns, and she held out her apron and took them, saying she
+was content; for she had thought of a plan. Now as they were going
+upstairs together she stopped and said:
+
+"Mr. Butler, excuse me for a minute. I have left the shutters of the
+wash-house open, and I must shut them, or they will be banging all night
+and disturb master and missus!"
+
+Now though the butler was stout and beginning to grow old, he was
+anxious to seem young and gallant; so he said at once:
+
+"Excuse me, my beauty, you shall not go. I will go and shut them. I
+shan't be a moment!"
+
+So off he set, and no sooner had he gone than she out with her three
+feathers, and putting them on her hand, said in a hurry:
+
+"By virtue of the three feathers from over my true love's heart may the
+shutters never cease banging till morning, and may Mr. Butler's hands be
+busy trying to shut them."
+
+And so it happened.
+
+Mr. Butler shut the shutters, but--bru-u-u! there they were hanging open
+again. Then he shut them once more, and this time they hit him on the
+face as they flew open. Yet he couldn't stop; he had to go on. So there
+he was the whole livelong night. Such a cursing, and banging, and
+swearing, and shutting, never was, until dawn came, and, too tired to be
+really angry, he crept back to his bed, resolving that come what might
+he would not tell what had happened to him and thus get the laugh on
+him. So he kept his own counsel, and the girl kept the seventy pounds,
+and laughed in her sleeve at her would-be lover.
+
+Now after a time the coachman, a spruce middle-aged man, who had long
+wanted to marry the clever, pretty laundry-maid, going to the pump to
+get water for his horses overheard her giving orders to the three
+feathers, and peeping through the keyhole as the butler had done, saw
+her sitting at her ease in a chair while the clothes, all washed and
+ironed and mangled, came flying to the table.
+
+So, just as the butler had done, he went to the girl and said, "I have
+you now, my pretty. Don't dare to turn up your nose at me, for if you do
+I'll tell mistress you are a witch."
+
+Then the girl said quite calmly, "I look on none who has no money."
+
+"If that is all," replied the coachman, "I have forty pounds laid by
+with master. That I'll bring and ask for payment to-morrow night."
+
+So when the night came the girl held out her apron for the money, and as
+she was going up the stairs she stopped suddenly and said, "Goody me!
+I've left my clothes on the line. Stop a bit till I fetch them in."
+
+Now the coachman was really a very polite fellow, so he said at once:
+
+"Let me go. It is a cold, windy night and you'll be catching your
+death."
+
+So off he went, and the girl out with her feathers and said:
+
+"By virtue of the three feathers from over my true love's heart may the
+clothes slash and blow about till dawn, and may Mr. Coachman not be able
+to gather them up or take his hand from the job."
+
+And when she had said this she went quietly to bed, for she knew what
+would happen. And sure enough it did. Never was such a night as Mr.
+Coachman spent with the wet clothes flittering and fluttering about his
+ears, and the sheets wrapping him into a bundle, and tripping him up,
+while the towels slashed at his legs. But though he smarted all over he
+had to go on till dawn came, and then a very weary, woebegone coachman
+couldn't even creep away to his bed, for he had to feed and water his
+horses! And he, also, kept his own counsel for fear of the laugh going
+against him; so the clever laundry-maid put the forty pounds with the
+seventy in her box, and went on with her work gaily. But after a time
+the footman, who was quite an honest lad and truly in love, going by the
+laundry peeped through the keyhole to get a glimpse of his dearest dear,
+and what should he see but her sitting at her ease in a chair, and the
+clothes coming all ready folded and ironed on to the table.
+
+Now when he saw this he was greatly troubled. So he went to his master
+and drew out all his savings; and then he went to the girl and told her
+that he would have to tell the mistress what he had seen, unless she
+consented to marry him.
+
+"You see," he said, "I have been with master this while back, and have
+saved up this bit, and you have been here this long while back and must
+have saved as well. So let us put the two together and make a home, or
+else stay on at service as pleases you."
+
+Well, she tried to put him off; but he insisted so much that at last she
+said:
+
+"James! there's a dear, run down to the cellar and fetch me a drop of
+brandy. You've made me feel so queer!" And when he had gone she out
+with her three feathers, and said, "By virtue of the three feathers from
+over my true love's heart may James not be able to pour the brandy
+straight, except down his throat."
+
+Well! so it happened. Try as he would, James could not get the brandy
+into the glass. It splashed a few drops into it, then it trickled over
+his hand, and fell on the floor. And so it went on and on till he grew
+so tired that he thought he needed a dram himself. So he tossed off the
+few drops and began again; but he fared no better. So he took another
+little drain, and went on, and on, and on, till he got quite fuddled.
+And who should come down into the cellar but his master to know what the
+smell of brandy meant!
+
+Now James the footman was truthful as well as honest, so he told the
+master how he had come down to get the sick laundry-maid a drop of
+brandy, but that his hand had shaken so that he could not pour it out,
+and it had fallen on the ground, and that the smell of it had got to his
+head.
+
+"A likely tale," said the master, and beat James soundly.
+
+Then the master went to the mistress, his wife, and said: "Send away
+that laundry-maid of yours. Something has come over my men. They have
+all drawn out their savings as if they were going to be married, yet
+they don't leave, and I believe that girl is at the bottom of it."
+
+But his wife would not hear of the laundry-maid being blamed; she was
+the best servant in the house, and worth all the rest of them put
+together; it was his men who were at fault. So they quarrelled over it;
+but in the end the master gave in, and after this there was peace, since
+the mistress bade the girl keep herself to herself, and none of the men
+would say ought of what had happened for fear of the laughter of the
+other servants.
+
+So it went on until one day when the master was going a-driving, the
+coach was at the door, and the footman was standing to hold the coach
+open, and the butler on the steps all ready, when who should pass
+through the yard, so saucy and bright with a great basket of clean
+clothes, but the laundry-maid. And the sight of her was too much for
+James, the footman, who began to blub.
+
+"She is a wicked girl," he said. "She got all my savings, and got me a
+good thrashing besides."
+
+Then the coachman grew bold. "Did she?" he said. "That was nothing to
+what she served me." So he up and told all about the wet clothes and the
+awful job he had had the livelong night. Now the butler on the steps
+swelled with rage until he nearly burst, and at last he out with his
+night of banging shutters.
+
+"And one," he said, "hit me on the nose."
+
+This settled the three men, and they agreed to tell their master the
+moment he came out, and get the girl sent about her business. Now the
+laundry-maid had sharp ears and had paused behind a door to listen; so
+when she heard this she knew she must do something to stop it. So she
+out with her three feathers and said, "By virtue of the three feathers
+from over my true love's heart may there be striving as to who suffered
+most between the men so that they get into the pond for a ducking."
+
+Well! no sooner had she said the words than the three men began
+disputing as to which of them had been served the worst; then James up
+and hit the stout butler, giving him a black eye, and the fat butler
+fell upon James and pommelled him hard, while the coachman scrambled
+from his box and belaboured them both, and the laundry-maid stood by
+laughing.
+
+So out comes the master, but none of them would listen, and each wanted
+to be heard, and fought, and shoved, and pommelled away until they
+shoved each other into the pond, and all got a fine ducking.
+
+Then the master asked the girl what it was all about, and she said:
+
+"They all wanted to tell a story against me because I won't marry them,
+and one said his was the best, and the next said his was the best, so
+they fell a-quarrelling as to which was the likeliest story to get me
+into trouble. But they are well punished, so there is no need to do
+more."
+
+Then the master went to his wife and said, "You are right. That
+laundry-maid of yours is a very wise girl."
+
+So the butler and the coachman and James had nothing to do but look
+sheepish and hold their tongues, and the laundry-maid went on with her
+duties without further trouble.
+
+Then when the seven years and a day were over, who should drive up to
+the door in a fine gilded coach but the bird-husband restored to his
+shape as a handsome young man. And he carried the laundry-maid off to be
+his wife again, and her master and mistress were so pleased at her good
+fortune that they ordered all the other servants to stand on the steps
+and give her good luck. So as she passed the butler she put a bag with
+seventy pounds in it into his hand and said sweetly, "That is to
+recompense you for shutting the shutters."
+
+And when she passed the coachman she put a bag with forty pounds into
+his hand and said, "That is your reward for bringing in the clothes."
+But when she passed the footman she gave him a bag with a hundred pounds
+in it, and laughed, saying, "That is for the drop of brandy you never
+brought me!"
+
+So she drove off with her handsome husband, and lived happy ever after.
+
+
+
+
+LAZY JACK
+
+
+Once upon a time there was a boy whose name was Jack, and he lived with
+his mother on a common. They were very poor, and the old woman got her
+living by spinning, but Jack was so lazy that he would do nothing but
+bask in the sun in the hot weather, and sit by the corner of the hearth
+in the winter-time. So they called him Lazy Jack. His mother could not
+get him to do anything for her, and at last told him, one Monday, that
+if he did not begin to work for his porridge she would turn him out to
+get his living as he could.
+
+This roused Jack, and he went out and hired himself for the next day to
+a neighbouring farmer for a penny; but as he was coming home, never
+having had any money before, he lost it in passing over a brook.
+
+"You stupid boy," said his mother, "you should have put it in your
+pocket."
+
+"I'll do so another time," replied Jack.
+
+Well, the next day, Jack went out again and hired himself to a
+cowkeeper, who gave him a jar of milk for his day's work. Jack took the
+jar and put it into the large pocket of his jacket, spilling it all,
+long before he got home.
+
+"Dear me!" said the old woman; "you should have carried it on your
+head."
+
+"I'll do so another time," said Jack.
+
+So the following day, Jack hired himself again to a farmer, who agreed
+to give him a cream cheese for his services. In the evening Jack took
+the cheese, and went home with it on his head. By the time he got home
+the cheese was all spoilt, part of it being lost, and part matted with
+his hair.
+
+"You stupid lout," said his mother, "you should have carried it very
+carefully in your hands."
+
+"I'll do so another time," replied Jack.
+
+Now the next day, Lazy Jack again went out, and hired himself to a
+baker, who would give him nothing for his work but a large tom-cat. Jack
+took the cat, and began carrying it very carefully in his hands, but in
+a short time pussy scratched him so much that he was compelled to let it
+go.
+
+When he got home, his mother said to him, "You silly fellow, you should
+have tied it with a string, and dragged it along after you."
+
+"I'll do so another time," said Jack.
+
+So on the following day, Jack hired himself to a butcher, who rewarded
+him by the handsome present of a shoulder of mutton. Jack took the
+mutton, tied it with a string, and trailed it along after him in the
+dirt, so that by the time he had got home the meat was completely
+spoilt. His mother was this time quite out of patience with him, for the
+next day was Sunday, and she was obliged to do with cabbage for her
+dinner.
+
+[Illustration: Jack found it hard to hoist the donkey on his shoulders]
+
+"You ninney-hammer," said she to her son, "you should have carried it on
+your shoulder."
+
+"I'll do so another time," replied Jack.
+
+Well, on the Monday, Lazy Jack went once more and hired himself to a
+cattle-keeper, who gave him a donkey for his trouble. Now though Jack
+was strong he found it hard to hoist the donkey on his shoulders, but at
+last he did it, and began walking home slowly with his prize. Now it so
+happened that in the course of his journey he passed a house where a
+rich man lived with his only daughter, a beautiful girl, who was deaf
+and dumb. And she had never laughed in her life, and the doctors said
+she would never speak till somebody made her laugh. So the father had
+given out that any man who made her laugh would receive her hand in
+marriage. Now this young lady happened to be looking out of the window
+when Jack was passing by with the donkey on his shoulders; and the poor
+beast with its legs sticking up in the air was kicking violently and
+heehawing with all its might. Well, the sight was so comical that she
+burst out into a great fit of laughter, and immediately recovered her
+speech and hearing. Her father was overjoyed, and fulfilled his promise
+by marrying her to Lazy Jack, who was thus made a rich gentleman. They
+lived in a large house, and Jack's mother lived with them in great
+happiness until she died.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: The giant Cormoran was the terror of all the country-side]
+
+JACK THE GIANT-KILLER
+
+
+I
+
+When good King Arthur reigned with Guinevere his Queen, there lived,
+near the Land's End in Cornwall, a farmer who had one only son called
+Jack. Now Jack was brisk and ready; of such a lively wit that none nor
+nothing could worst him.
+
+In those days, the Mount of St. Michael in Cornwall was the fastness of
+a hugeous giant whose name was Cormoran.
+
+He was full eighteen feet in height, some three yards about his middle,
+of a grim fierce face, and he was the terror of all the country-side. He
+lived in a cave amidst the rocky Mount, and when he desired victuals he
+would wade across the tides to the mainland and furnish himself forth
+with all that came in his way. The poor folk and the rich folk alike ran
+out of their houses and hid themselves when they heard the swish-swash
+of his big feet in the water; for if he saw them, he would think nothing
+of broiling half-a-dozen or so of them for breakfast. As it was, he
+seized their cattle by the score, carrying off half-a-dozen fat oxen on
+his back at a time, and hanging sheep and pigs to his waistbelt like
+bunches of dip-candles. Now this had gone on for long years, and the
+poor folk of Cornwall were in despair, for none could put an end to the
+giant Cormoran.
+
+It so happened that one market day Jack, then quite a young lad, found
+the town upside down over some new exploit of the giant's. Women were
+weeping, men were cursing, and the magistrates were sitting in Council
+over what was to be done. But none could suggest a plan. Then Jack,
+blithe and gay, went up to the magistrates, and with a fine
+courtesy--for he was ever polite--asked them what reward would be given
+to him who killed the giant Cormoran.
+
+"The treasures of the Giant's Cave," quoth they.
+
+"Every whit of it?" quoth Jack, who was never to be done.
+
+"To the last farthing," quoth they.
+
+"Then will I undertake the task," said Jack, and forthwith set about the
+business.
+
+It was winter-time, and having got himself a horn, a pickaxe, and a
+shovel, he went over to the Mount in the dark evening, set to work, and
+before dawn he had dug a pit, no less than twenty-two feet deep and nigh
+as big across. This he covered with long thin sticks and straw,
+sprinkling a little loose mould over all to make it look like solid
+ground. So, just as dawn was breaking, he planted himself fair and
+square on the side of the pit that was farthest from the giant's cave,
+raised the horn to his lips, and with full blast sounded:
+
+                    "Tantivy! Tantivy! Tantivy!"
+
+just as he would have done had he been hunting a fox.
+
+Of course this woke the giant, who rushed in a rage out of his cave, and
+seeing little Jack, fair and square blowing away at his horn, as calm
+and cool as may be, he became still more angry, and made for the
+disturber of his rest, bawling out, "I'll teach you to wake a giant, you
+little whipper-snapper. You shall pay dearly for your tantivys, I'll
+take you and broil you whole for break--"
+
+He had only got as far as this when crash--he fell into the pit! So
+there was a break indeed; such an one that it caused the very
+foundations of the Mount to shake.
+
+But Jack shook with laughter. "Ho, ho!" he cried, "how about breakfast
+now, Sir Giant? Will you have me broiled or baked? And will no diet
+serve you but poor little Jack? Faith! I've got you in Lob's pound now!
+You're in the stocks for bad behaviour, and I'll plague you as I like.
+Would I had rotten eggs; but this will do as well." And with that he up
+with his pickaxe and dealt the giant Cormoran such a most weighty knock
+on the very crown of his head, that he killed him on the spot.
+
+Whereupon Jack calmly filled up the pit with earth again and went to
+search the cave, where he found much treasure.
+
+Now when the magistrates heard of Jack's great exploit, they proclaimed
+that henceforth he should be known as--
+
+JACK THE GIANT-KILLER.
+
+And they presented him with a sword and belt, on which these words were
+embroidered in gold:
+
+  Here's the valiant Cornishman
+  Who slew the giant Cormoran.
+
+
+II
+
+Of course the news of Jack's victory soon spread over all England, so
+that another giant named Blunderbore who lived to the north, hearing of
+it, vowed if ever he came across Jack he would be revenged upon him. Now
+this giant Blunderbore was lord of an enchanted castle that stood in the
+middle of a lonesome forest.
+
+It so happened that Jack, about four months after he had killed
+Cormoran, had occasion to journey into Wales, and on the road he passed
+this forest. Weary with walking, and finding a pleasant fountain by the
+wayside, he lay down to rest and was soon fast asleep.
+
+Now the giant Blunderbore, coming to the well for water, found Jack
+sleeping, and knew by the lines embroidered on his belt that here was
+the far-famed giant-killer. Rejoiced at his luck, the giant, without
+more ado, lifted Jack to his shoulder and began to carry him through the
+wood to the enchanted castle.
+
+But the rustling of the boughs awakened Jack, who, finding himself
+already in the clutches of the giant, was terrified; nor was his alarm
+decreased by seeing the courtyard of the castle all strewn with men's
+bones.
+
+"Yours will be with them ere long," said Blunderbore as he locked poor
+Jack into an immense chamber above the castle gateway. It had a
+high-pitched, beamed roof, and one window that looked down the road.
+Here poor Jack was to stay while Blunderbore went to fetch his
+brother-giant, who lived in the same wood, that he might share in the
+feast.
+
+Now, after a time, Jack, watching through the window, saw the two giants
+tramping hastily down the road, eager for their dinner.
+
+"Now," quoth Jack to himself, "my death or my deliverance is at hand."
+For he had thought out a plan. In one corner of the room he had seen two
+strong cords. These he took, and making a cunning noose at the end of
+each, he hung them out of the window, and, as the giants were unlocking
+the iron door of the gate, managed to slip them over their heads without
+their noticing it. Then, quick as thought, he tied the other ends to a
+beam, so that as the giants moved on the nooses tightened and throttled
+them until they grew black in the face. Seeing this, Jack slid down the
+ropes, and drawing his sword, slew them both.
+
+So, taking the keys of the castle, he unlocked all the doors and set
+free three beauteous ladies who, tied by the hair of their heads, he
+found almost starved to death. "Sweet ladies," quoth Jack, kneeling on
+one knee--for he was ever polite--"here are the keys of this enchanted
+castle. I have destroyed the giant Blunderbore and his brutish brother,
+and thus have restored to you your liberty. These keys should bring you
+all else you require."
+
+So saying he proceeded on his journey to Wales.
+
+
+III
+
+He travelled as fast as he could; perhaps too fast, for, losing his way,
+he found himself benighted and far from any habitation. He wandered on
+always in hopes, until on entering a narrow valley he came on a very
+large, dreary-looking house standing alone. Being anxious for shelter he
+went up to the door and knocked. You may imagine his surprise and alarm
+when the summons was answered by a giant with two heads. But though this
+monster's look was exceedingly fierce, his manners were quite polite;
+the truth being that he was a Welsh giant, and as such double-faced and
+smooth, given to gaining his malicious ends by a show of false
+friendship.
+
+So he welcomed Jack heartily in a strong Welsh accent, and prepared a
+bedroom for him, where he was left with kind wishes for a good rest.
+Jack, however, was too tired to sleep well, and as he lay awake, he
+overheard his host muttering to himself in the next room. Having very
+keen ears he was able to make out these words, or something like them:
+
+  "Though here you lodge with me this night,
+   You shall not see the morning light.
+   My club shall dash your brains outright."
+
+"Say'st thou so!" quoth Jack to himself, starting up at once, "So that
+is your Welsh trick, is it? But I will be even with you." Then, leaving
+his bed, he laid a big billet of wood among the blankets, and taking one
+of these to keep himself warm, made himself snug in a corner of the
+room, pretending to snore, so as to make Mr. Giant think he was asleep.
+
+And sure enough, after a little time, in came the monster on tiptoe as
+if treading on eggs, and carrying a big club. Then--
+
+  WHACK! WHACK! WHACK!
+
+Jack could hear the bed being belaboured until the Giant, thinking every
+bone of his guest's skin must be broken, stole out of the room again;
+whereupon Jack went calmly to bed once more and slept soundly! Next
+morning the giant couldn't believe his eyes when he saw Jack coming down
+the stairs fresh and hearty.
+
+"Odds splutter hur nails!" he cried, astonished. "Did she sleep well?
+Was there not nothing felt in the night?"
+
+"Oh," replied Jack, laughing in his sleeve, "I think a rat did come and
+give me two or three flaps of his tail."
+
+[Illustration: Taking the keys of the castle, Jack unlocked all the doors]
+
+[Illustration: "Odds splutter hur nails!" cried the giant, not to be
+outdone. "Hur can do that hurself!"]
+
+On this the giant was dumbfoundered, and led Jack to breakfast, bringing
+him a bowl which held at least four gallons of hasty-pudding, and
+bidding him, as a man of such mettle, eat the lot. Now Jack when
+travelling wore under his cloak a leathern bag to carry his things
+withal; so, quick as thought, he hitched this round in front with the
+opening just under his chin; thus, as he ate, he could slip the best
+part of the pudding into it without the giant's being any the wiser. So
+they sate down to breakfast, the giant gobbling down his own measure of
+hasty-pudding, while Jack made away with his.
+
+"See," says crafty Jack when he had finished. "I'll show you a trick
+worth two of yours," and with that he up with a carving-knife and,
+ripping up the leathern bag, out fell all the hasty-pudding on the
+floor!
+
+"Odds splutter hur nails!" cried the giant, not to be outdone. "Hur can
+do that hurself!" Whereupon he seized the carving-knife, and ripping
+open his own belly fell down dead.
+
+Thus was Jack quit of the Welsh giant.
+
+
+IV
+
+Now it so happened that in those days, when gallant knights were always
+seeking adventures, King Arthur's only son, a very valiant Prince,
+begged of his father a large sum of money to enable him to journey to
+Wales, and there strive to set free a certain beautiful lady who was
+possessed by seven evil spirits. In vain the King denied him; so at last
+he gave way and the Prince set out with two horses, one of which he
+rode, the other laden with gold pieces. Now after some days' journey the
+Prince came to a market-town in Wales where there was a great commotion.
+On asking the reason for it he was told that, according to law, the
+corpse of a very generous man had been arrested on its way to the grave,
+because, in life, it had owed large sums to the money-lenders.
+
+"That is a cruel law," said the young Prince. "Go, bury the dead in
+peace, and let the creditors come to my lodgings; I will pay the debts
+of the dead."
+
+So the creditors came, but they were so numerous that by evening the
+Prince had but twopence left for himself, and could not go further on
+his journey.
+
+Now it so happened that Jack the Giant-Killer on his way to Wales passed
+through the town, and, hearing of the Prince's plight, was so taken with
+his kindness and generosity that he determined to be the Prince's
+servant. So this was agreed upon, and next morning, after Jack had paid
+the reckoning with his last farthing, the two set out together. But as
+they were leaving the town, an old woman ran after the Prince and called
+out, "Justice! Justice! The dead man owed me twopence these seven years.
+Pay me as well as the others."
+
+And the Prince, kind and generous, put his hand to his pocket and gave
+the old woman the twopence that was left to him. So now they had not a
+penny between them, and when the sun grew low the Prince said:
+
+"Jack! Since we have no money, how are we to get a night's lodging?"
+
+Then Jack replied, "We shall do well enough, Master; for within two or
+three miles of this place there lives a huge and monstrous giant with
+three heads, who can fight four hundred men in armour and make them fly
+from him like chaff before the wind."
+
+"And what good will that be to us?" quoth the Prince. "He will for sure
+chop us up in a mouthful."
+
+"Nay," said Jack, laughing. "Let me go and prepare the way for you. By
+all accounts this giant is a dolt. Mayhap I may manage better than
+that."
+
+So the Prince remained where he was, and Jack pricked his steed at full
+speed till he came to the giant's castle, at the gate of which he
+knocked so loud that he made the neighbouring hills resound.
+
+On this the giant roared from within in a voice like thunder:
+
+"Who's there?"
+
+Then said Jack as bold as brass, "None but your poor cousin Jack."
+
+"Cousin Jack!" quoth the giant, astounded. "And what news with my poor
+cousin Jack?" For, see you, he was quite taken aback; so Jack made haste
+to reassure him.
+
+"Dear coz, heavy news, God wot!"
+
+"Heavy news," echoed the giant, half afraid. "God wot, no heavy news can
+come to me. Have I not three heads? Can I not fight five hundred men in
+armour? Can I not make them fly like chaff before the wind?"
+
+"True," replied crafty Jack, "but I came to warn you because the great
+King Arthur's son with a thousand men in armour is on his way to kill
+you."
+
+At this the giant began to shiver and to shake. "Ah! Cousin Jack! Kind
+cousin Jack! This is heavy news indeed," quoth he. "Tell me, what am I
+to do?"
+
+[Illustration: "Ah! Cousin Jack! Kind cousin Jack! This is heavy news
+indeed"]
+
+"Hide yourself in the vault," says crafty Jack, "and I will lock and
+bolt and bar you in; and keep the key till the Prince has gone. So you
+will be safe."
+
+Then the giant made haste and ran down into the vault, and Jack locked,
+and bolted, and barred him in. Then being thus secure, he went and
+fetched his master, and the two made themselves heartily merry over what
+the giant was to have had for supper, while the miserable monster
+shivered and shook with fright in the underground vault.
+
+Well, after a good night's rest Jack woke his master in early morn, and
+having furnished him well with gold and silver from the giant's
+treasure, bade him ride three miles forward on his journey. So when Jack
+judged that the Prince was pretty well out of the smell of the giant,
+he took the key and let his prisoner out. He was half dead with cold and
+damp, but very grateful; and he begged Jack to let him know what he
+would be given as a reward for saving the giant's life and castle from
+destruction, and he should have it.
+
+"You're very welcome," said Jack, who always had his eyes about him.
+"All I want is the old coat and cap, together with the rusty old sword
+and slippers which are at your bed-head."
+
+When the giant heard this he sighed and shook his head. "You don't know
+what you are asking," quoth he. "They are the most precious things I
+possess, but as I have promised, you must have them. The coat will make
+you invisible, the cap will tell you all you want to know, the sword
+will cut asunder whatever you strike, and the slippers will take you
+wherever you want to go in the twinkling of an eye!"
+
+So Jack, overjoyed, rode away with the coat and cap, the sword and the
+slippers, and soon overtook his master; and they rode on together until
+they reached the castle where the beautiful lady lived whom the Prince
+sought.
+
+Now she was very beautiful, for all she was possessed of seven devils,
+and when she heard the Prince sought her as a suitor, she smiled and
+ordered a splendid banquet to be prepared for his reception. And she
+sate on his right hand, and plied him with food and drink.
+
+And when the repast was over she took out her own handkerchief and
+wiped his lips gently, and said, with a smile:
+
+"I have a task for you, my lord! You must show me that kerchief
+to-morrow morning or lose your head."
+
+And with that she put the handkerchief in her bosom and said,
+"Good-night!"
+
+The Prince was in despair, but Jack said nothing till his master was in
+bed. Then he put on the old cap he had got from the giant, and lo! in a
+minute he knew all that he wanted to know. So, in the dead of the night,
+when the beautiful lady called on one of her familiar spirits to carry
+her to Lucifer himself, Jack was beforehand with her, and putting on his
+coat of darkness and his slippers of swiftness, was there as soon as she
+was. And when she gave the handkerchief to the Devil, bidding him keep
+it safe, and he put it away on a high shelf, Jack just up and nipped it
+away in a trice!
+
+So the next morning, when the beauteous enchanted lady looked to see the
+Prince crestfallen, he just made a fine bow and presented her with the
+handkerchief.
+
+At first she was terribly disappointed, but, as the day drew on, she
+ordered another and still more splendid repast to be got ready. And this
+time, when the repast was over, she kissed the Prince full on the lips
+and said:
+
+"I have a task for you, my lover. Show me to-morrow morning the last
+lips I kiss to-night or you lose your head."
+
+Then the Prince, who by this time was head over ears in love, said
+tenderly, "If you will kiss none but mine, I will." Now the beauteous
+lady, for all she was possessed by seven devils, could not but see that
+the Prince was a very handsome young man; so she blushed a little, and
+said:
+
+"That is neither here nor there: you must show me them, or death is your
+portion."
+
+So the Prince went to his bed, sorrowful as before; but Jack put on the
+cap of knowledge and knew in a moment all he wanted to know.
+
+Thus when, in the dead of the night, the beauteous lady called on her
+familiar spirit to take her to Lucifer himself, Jack in his coat of
+darkness and his shoes of swiftness was there before her.
+
+"Thou hast betrayed me once," said the beauteous lady to Lucifer,
+frowning, "by letting go my handkerchief. Now will I give thee something
+none can steal, and so best the Prince, King's son though he be."
+
+With that she kissed the loathly demon full on the lips, and left him.
+Whereupon Jack with one blow of the rusty sword of strength cut off
+Lucifer's head, and, hiding it under his coat of darkness, brought it
+back to his master.
+
+Thus next morning when the beauteous lady, with malice in her beautiful
+eyes, asked the Prince to show her the lips she had last kissed, he
+pulled out the demon's head by the horns. On that the seven devils,
+which possessed the poor lady, gave seven dreadful shrieks and left her.
+Thus the enchantment being broken, she appeared in all her perfect
+beauty and goodness.
+
+So she and the Prince were married the very next morning. After which
+they journeyed back to the court of King Arthur, where Jack the
+Giant-Killer, for his many exploits, was made one of the Knights of the
+Round Table.
+
+
+V
+
+This, however, did not satisfy our hero, who was soon on the road again
+searching for giants. Now he had not gone far when he came upon one,
+seated on a huge block of timber near the entrance to a dark cave. He
+was a most terrific giant. His goggle eyes were as coals of fire, his
+countenance was grim and gruesome; his cheeks, like huge flitches of
+bacon, were covered with a stubbly beard, the bristles of which
+resembled rods of iron wire, while the locks of hair that fell on his
+brawny shoulders showed like curled snakes or hissing adders. He held a
+knotted iron club, and breathed so heavily you could hear him a mile
+away. Nothing daunted by this fearsome sight, Jack alighted from his
+horse and, putting on his coat of darkness, went close up to the giant
+and said softly: "Hullo! is that you? It will not be long before I have
+you fast by your beard."
+
+[Illustration: Seated on a huge block of timber near the entrance to a
+dark cave]
+
+So saying he made a cut with the sword of strength at the giant's head,
+but, somehow, missing his aim, cut off the nose instead, clean as a
+whistle! My goodness! How the giant roared! It was like claps of
+thunder, and he began to lay about him with the knotted iron club, like
+one possessed. But Jack in his coat of darkness easily dodged the
+blows, and running in behind, drove the sword up to the hilt into the
+giant's back, so that he fell stone dead.
+
+Jack then cut off the head and sent it to King Arthur by a waggoner whom
+he hired for the purpose. After which he began to search the giant's
+cave to find his treasure. He passed through many windings and turnings
+until he came to a huge hall paved and roofed with freestone. At the
+upper end of this was an immense fireplace where hung an iron cauldron,
+the like of which, for size, Jack had never seen before. It was boiling
+and gave out a savoury steam; while beside it, on the right hand, stood
+a big massive table set out with huge platters and mugs. Here it was
+that the giants used to dine. Going a little further he came upon a
+sort of window barred with iron, and looking within beheld a vast number
+of miserable captives.
+
+"Alas! Alack!" they cried on seeing him. "Art come, young man, to join
+us in this dreadful prison?"
+
+"That depends," quoth Jack: "but first tell me wherefore you are thus
+held imprisoned?"
+
+"Through no fault," they cried at once. "We are captives of the cruel
+giants and are kept here and well nourished until such time as the
+monsters desire a feast. Then they choose the fattest and sup off them."
+
+On hearing this Jack straightway unlocked the door of the prison and set
+the poor fellows free. Then, searching the giants' coffers, he divided
+the gold and silver equally amongst the captives as some redress for
+their sufferings, and taking them to a neighbouring castle gave them a
+right good feast.
+
+
+VI
+
+Now as they were all making merry over their deliverance, and praising
+Jack's prowess, a messenger arrived to say that one Thunderdell, a huge
+giant with two heads, having heard of the death of his kinsman, was on
+his way from the northern dales to be revenged, and was already within a
+mile or two of the castle, the country folk with their flocks and herds
+flying before him like chaff before the wind.
+
+[Illustration: On his way ... to be revenged]
+
+Now the castle with its gardens stood on a small island that was
+surrounded by a moat twenty feet wide and thirty feet deep, having very
+steep sides. And this moat was spanned by a drawbridge. This, without a
+moment's delay, Jack ordered should be sawn on both sides at the middle,
+so as to only leave one plank uncut over which he in his invisible coat
+of darkness passed swiftly to meet his enemy, bearing in his hand the
+wonderful sword of strength.
+
+Now though the giant could not, of course, see Jack, he could smell him,
+for giants have keen noses. Therefore Thunderdell cried out in a voice
+like his name:
+
+  "Fee, fi, fo, fum!
+   I smell the blood of an Englishman.
+   Be he alive, or be he dead,
+   I'll grind his bones to make my bread!"
+
+[Illustration: The country folk flying before him like chaff before the
+wind]
+
+"Is that so?" quoth Jack, cheerful as ever. "Then art thou a monstrous
+miller for sure!"
+
+On this the giant, peering round everywhere for a glimpse of his foe,
+shouted out:
+
+"Art thou, indeed, the villain who hath killed so many of my kinsmen?
+Then, indeed, will I tear thee to pieces with my teeth, suck thy blood,
+and grind thy bones to powder."
+
+"Thou'lt have to catch me first," quoth Jack, laughing, and throwing off
+his coat of darkness and putting on his slippers of swiftness, he began
+nimbly to lead the giant a pretty dance, he leaping and doubling light
+as a feather, the monster following heavily like a walking tower, so
+that the very foundations of the earth seemed to shake at every step.
+At this game the onlookers nearly split their sides with laughter, until
+Jack, judging there had been enough of it, made for the drawbridge, ran
+neatly over the single plank, and reaching the other side waited in
+teasing fashion for his adversary.
+
+On came the giant at full speed, foaming at the mouth with rage, and
+flourishing his club. But when he came to the middle of the bridge his
+great weight, of course, broke the plank, and there he was fallen
+headlong into the moat, rolling and wallowing like a whale, plunging
+from place to place, yet unable to get out and be revenged.
+
+The spectators greeted his efforts with roars of laughter, and Jack
+himself was at first too overcome with merriment to do more than scoff.
+At last, however, he went for a rope, cast it over the giant's two
+heads, so, with the help of a team of horses, drew them shorewards,
+where two blows from the sword of strength settled the matter.
+
+
+VII
+
+After some time spent in mirth and pastimes, Jack began once more to
+grow restless, and taking leave of his companions set out for fresh
+adventures.
+
+He travelled far and fast, through woods, and vales, and hills, till at
+last he came, late at night, on a lonesome house set at the foot of a
+high mountain. Knocking at the door, it was opened by an old man whose
+head was white as snow.
+
+"Father," said Jack, ever courteous, "can you lodge a benighted
+traveller?"
+
+"Ay, that will I, and welcome to my poor cottage," replied the old man.
+
+Whereupon Jack came in, and after supper they sate together chatting in
+friendly fashion. Then it was that the old man, seeing by Jack's belt
+that he was the famous Giant-Killer, spoke in this wise:
+
+"My son! You are the great conqueror of evil monsters. Now close by
+there lives one well worthy of your prowess. On the top of yonder high
+hill is an enchanted castle kept by a giant named Galligantua, who, by
+the help of a wicked old magician, inveigles many beautiful ladies and
+valiant knights into the castle, where they are transformed into all
+sorts of birds and beasts, yea, even into fishes and insects. There they
+live pitiably in confinement; but most of all do I grieve for a duke's
+daughter whom they kidnapped in her father's garden, bringing her hither
+in a burning chariot drawn by fiery dragons. Her form is that of a white
+hind; and though many valiant knights have tried their utmost to break
+the spell and work her deliverance, none have succeeded; for, see you,
+at the entrance to the castle are two dreadful griffins who destroy
+every one who attempts to pass them by."
+
+Now Jack bethought him of the coat of darkness which had served him so
+well before, and he put on the cap of knowledge, and in an instant he
+knew what had to be done. Then the very next morning, at dawn-time, Jack
+arose and put on his invisible coat and his slippers of swiftness. And
+in the twinkling of an eye there he was on the top of the mountain! And
+there were the two griffins guarding the castle gates--horrible
+creatures with forked tails and tongues. But they could not see him
+because of the coat of darkness, so he passed them by unharmed.
+
+And hung to the doors of the gateway he found a golden trumpet on a
+silver chain, and beneath it was engraved in red lettering:
+
+  Whoever shall this trumpet blow
+  Will cause the giant's overthrow.
+  The black enchantment he will break,
+  And gladness out of sadness make.
+
+No sooner had Jack read these words than he put the horn to his lips and
+blew a loud
+
+                "Tantivy! Tantivy! Tantivy!"
+
+Now at the very first note the castle trembled to its vast foundations,
+and before he had finished the measure, both the giant and the magician
+were biting their thumbs and tearing their hair, knowing that their
+wickedness must now come to an end. But the giant showed fight and took
+up his club to defend himself; whereupon Jack, with one clean cut of the
+sword of strength, severed his head from his body, and would doubtless
+have done the same to the magician, but that the latter was a coward,
+and, calling up a whirlwind, was swept away by it into the air, nor
+has he ever been seen or heard of since. The enchantments being thus
+broken, all the valiant knights and beautiful ladies, who had been
+transformed into birds and beasts and fishes and reptiles and insects,
+returned to their proper shapes, including the duke's daughter, who,
+from being a white hind, showed as the most beauteous maiden upon whom
+the sun ever shone. Now, no sooner had this occurred than the whole
+castle vanished away in a cloud of smoke, and from that moment giants
+vanished also from the land.
+
+[Illustration: The giant Galligantua and the wicked old magician
+transform the duke's daughter into a white hind]
+
+So Jack, when he had presented the head of Galligantua to King Arthur,
+together with all the lords and ladies he had delivered from
+enchantment, found he had nothing more to do. As a reward for past
+services, however, King Arthur bestowed the hand of the duke's daughter
+upon honest Jack the Giant-Killer. So married they were, and the whole
+kingdom was filled with joy at their wedding. Furthermore, the King
+bestowed on Jack a noble castle with a magnificent estate belonging
+thereto, whereon he, his lady, and their children lived in great joy and
+content for the rest of their days.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Headpiece--The Three Sillies]
+
+THE THREE SILLIES
+
+
+Once upon a time, when folk were not so wise as they are nowadays, there
+lived a farmer and his wife who had one daughter. And she, being a
+pretty lass, was courted by the young squire when he came home from his
+travels.
+
+Now every evening he would stroll over from the Hall to see her and stop
+to supper in the farm-house, and every evening the daughter would go
+down into the cellar to draw the cider for supper.
+
+So one evening when she had gone down to draw the cider and had turned
+the tap as usual, she happened to look up at the ceiling, and there she
+saw a big wooden mallet stuck in one of the beams.
+
+It must have been there for ages and ages, for it was all covered with
+cobwebs; but somehow or another she had never noticed it before, and at
+once she began thinking how dangerous it was to have the mallet just
+there.
+
+"For," thought she, "supposing him and me was married, and supposing we
+was to have a son, and supposing he were to grow up to be a man, and
+supposing he were to come down to draw cider like as I'm doing, and
+supposing the mallet were to fall on his head and kill him, how dreadful
+it would be!"
+
+And with that she put down the candle she was carrying and, seating
+herself on a cask, began to cry. And she cried and cried and cried.
+
+Now, upstairs, they began to wonder why she was so long drawing the
+cider; so after a time her mother went down to the cellar to see what
+had come to her, and found her, seated on the cask, crying ever so hard,
+and the cider running all over the floor.
+
+"Lawks a mercy me!" cried her mother, "whatever is the matter?"
+
+"O mother!" says she between her sobs, "it's that horrid mallet.
+Supposing him and me was married, and supposing we was to have a son,
+and supposing he was to grow up to be a man, and supposing he was to
+come down to draw cider like as I'm doing, and supposing the mallet were
+to fall on his head and kill him, how dreadful it would be!"
+
+"Dear heart!" said the mother, seating herself beside her daughter and
+beginning to cry: "How dreadful it would be!"
+
+So they both sat a-crying.
+
+Now after a time, when they did not come back, the farmer began to
+wonder what had happened, and going down to the cellar found them
+seated side by side on the cask, crying hard, and the cider running all
+over the floor.
+
+"Zounds!" says he, "whatever is the matter?"
+
+"Just look at that horrid mallet up there, father," moaned the mother.
+"Supposing our daughter was to marry her sweetheart, and supposing they
+was to have a son, and supposing he was to grow to man's estate, and
+supposing he was to come down to draw cider like as we're doing, and
+supposing that there mallet was to fall on his head and kill him, how
+dreadful it would be!"
+
+"Dreadful indeed!" said the father and, seating himself beside his wife
+and daughter, started a-crying too.
+
+Now upstairs the young squire wanted his supper; so at last he lost
+patience and went down into the cellar to see for himself what they were
+all after. And there he found them seated side by side on the cask
+a-crying, with their feet all a-wash in cider, for the floor was fair
+flooded. So the first thing he did was to run straight and turn off the
+tap. Then he said:
+
+"What are you three after, sitting there crying like babies, and letting
+good cider run over the floor?"
+
+Then they all three began with one voice, "Look at that horrid mallet!
+Supposing you and me/she was married, and supposing we/you had a
+son, and supposing he was to grow to man's estate, and supposing he was
+to come down here to draw cider like as we be, and supposing that there
+mallet was to fall down on his head and kill him, how dreadful it would
+be!"
+
+Then the young squire burst out a-laughing, and laughed till he was
+tired. But at last he reached up to the old mallet and pulled it out,
+and put it safe on the floor. And he shook his head and said, "I've
+travelled far and I've travelled fast, but never have I met with three
+such sillies as you three. Now I can't marry one of the three biggest
+sillies in the world. So I shall start again on my travels, and if I can
+find three bigger sillies than you three, then I'll come back and be
+married--not otherwise."
+
+So he wished them good-bye and started again on his travels, leaving
+them all crying; this time because the marriage was off!
+
+Well, the young man travelled far and he travelled fast, but never did
+he find a bigger silly, until one day he came upon an old woman's
+cottage that had some grass growing on the thatched roof.
+
+And the old woman was trying her best to cudgel her cow into going up a
+ladder to eat the grass. But the poor thing was afraid and durst not go.
+Then the old woman tried coaxing, but it wouldn't go. You never saw such
+a sight! The cow getting more and more flustered and obstinate, the old
+woman getting hotter and hotter.
+
+At last the young squire said, "It would be easier if _you_ went up the
+ladder, cut the grass, and threw it down for the cow to eat."
+
+"A likely story that," says the old woman. "A cow can cut grass for
+herself. And the foolish thing will be quite safe up there, for I'll tie
+a rope round her neck, pass the rope down the chimney, and fasten
+t'other end to my wrist, so as when I'm doing my bit o' washing, she
+can't fall off the roof without my knowing it. So mind your own
+business, young sir."
+
+Well, after a while the old woman coaxed and codgered and bullied and
+badgered the cow up the ladder, and when she got it on to the roof she
+tied a rope round its neck, passed the rope down the chimney, and
+fastened t'other end to her wrist. Then she went about her bit of
+washing, and young squire he went on his way.
+
+But he hadn't gone but a bit when he heard the awfullest hullabaloo. He
+galloped back, and found that the cow had fallen off the roof and got
+strangled by the rope round its neck, while the weight of the cow had
+pulled the old woman by her wrist up the chimney, where she had got
+stuck half-way and been smothered by the soot!
+
+"That is one bigger silly," quoth the young squire as he journeyed on.
+"So now for two more!"
+
+He did not find any, however, till late one night he arrived at a little
+inn. And the inn was so full that he had to share a room with another
+traveller. Now his room-fellow proved quite a pleasant fellow, and they
+forgathered, and each slept well in his bed.
+
+But next morning, when they were dressing, what does the stranger do but
+carefully hang his breeches on the knobs of the tallboy!
+
+"What are you doing?" asks young squire.
+
+"I'm putting on my breeches," says the stranger; and with that he goes
+to the other end of the room, takes a little run, and tried to jump into
+the breeches.
+
+But he didn't succeed, so he took another run and another try, and
+another and another and another, until he got quite hot and flustered,
+as the old woman had got over her cow that wouldn't go up the ladder.
+And all the time young squire was laughing fit to split, for never in
+his life did he see anything so comical.
+
+Then the stranger stopped a while and mopped his face with his
+handkerchief, for he was all in a sweat. "It's very well laughing," says
+he, "but breeches are the most awkwardest things to get into that ever
+were. It takes me the best part of an hour every morning before I get
+them on. How do you manage yours?"
+
+Then young squire showed him, as well as he could for laughing, how to
+put on his breeches, and the stranger was ever so grateful and said he
+never should have thought of that way.
+
+"So that," quoth young squire to himself, "is a second bigger silly."
+But he travelled far and he travelled fast without finding the third,
+until one bright night when the moon was shining right overhead he came
+upon a village. And outside the village was a pond, and round about the
+pond was a great crowd of villagers. And some had got rakes, and some
+had got pitchforks, and some had got brooms. And they were as busy as
+busy, shouting out, and raking, and forking, and sweeping away at the
+pond.
+
+"What is the matter?" cried young squire, jumping off his horse to help.
+"Has any one fallen in?"
+
+"Aye! Matter enough," says they. "Can't 'ee see moon's fallen into the
+pond, an' we can't get her out nohow."
+
+And with that they set to again raking, and forking, and sweeping away.
+Then the young squire burst out laughing, told them they were fools for
+their pains, and bade them look up over their heads where the moon was
+riding broad and full. But they wouldn't, and they wouldn't believe that
+what they saw in the water was only a reflection. And when he insisted
+they began to abuse him roundly and threaten to duck him in the pond. So
+he got on his horse again as quickly as he could, leaving them raking,
+and forking, and sweeping away; and for all we know they may be at it
+yet!
+
+But the young squire said to himself, "There are many more sillies in
+this world than I thought for; so I'll just go back and marry the
+farmer's daughter. She is no sillier than the rest."
+
+So they were married, and if they didn't live happy ever after, that has
+nothing to do with the story of the three sillies.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Headpiece--The Golden Ball]
+
+THE GOLDEN BALL
+
+
+Once upon a time there lived two lasses, who were sisters, and as they
+came from the fair they saw a right handsome young man standing at a
+house door before them. They had never seen such a handsome young man
+before. He had gold on his cap, gold on his finger, gold on his neck,
+gold at his waist! And he had a golden ball in each hand. He gave a ball
+to each lass, saying she was to keep it; but if she lost it, she was to
+be hanged.
+
+Now the youngest of the lasses lost her ball, and this is how. She was
+by a park paling, and she was tossing her ball, and it went up, and up,
+and up, till it went fair over the paling; and when she climbed to look
+for it, the ball ran along the green grass, and it ran right forward to
+the door of a house that stood there, and the ball went into the house
+and she saw it no more.
+
+So she was taken away to be hanged by the neck till she was dead,
+because she had lost her ball.
+
+But the lass had a sweetheart, and he said he would go and get the ball.
+So he went to the park gate, but 'twas shut; then he climbed the
+railing, and when he got to the top of it an old woman rose up out of
+the ditch before him and said that if he wanted to get the ball he must
+sleep three nights in the house: so he said he would.
+
+Well! when it was evening, he went into the house, and looked everywhere
+for the ball, but he could not find it, nor any one in the house at all;
+but when night came on he thought he heard bogles moving about in the
+courtyard; so he looked out o' window, and, sure enough, the yard was
+full of them!
+
+Presently he heard steps coming upstairs, so he hid behind the door, and
+was as still as a mouse. Then in came a big giant five times as tall as
+the lad, and looked around; but seeing nothing he went to the window and
+bowed himself to look out; and as he bowed on his elbows to see the
+bogles in the yard, the lad stepped behind him, and with one blow of his
+sword he cut him in twain, so that the top part of him fell in the yard,
+and the bottom part remained standing looking out of the window.
+
+Well! there was a great cry from the bogles when they saw half the giant
+come tumbling down to them, and they called out, "There comes half our
+master; give us the other half."
+
+Then the lad said, "It's no use of thee, thou pair of legs, standing
+alone at the window, as thou hast no eye to see with, so go join thy
+brother"; and he cast the lower part of the giant after the top part.
+Now when the bogles had gotten all the giant they were quiet.
+
+Next night the lad went to sleep in the house again, and this time a
+second giant came in at the door, and as he came in the lad cut him in
+twain; but the legs walked on to the fire and went straight up the
+chimney.
+
+"Go, get thee after thy legs," said the lad to the head, and he cast the
+other half of the giant up the chimney.
+
+Now the third night nothing happened, so the lad got into bed; but
+before he went to sleep he heard the bogles striving under the bed, and
+he wondered what they were at. So he peeped, and saw that they had the
+ball there, and were playing with it, casting it to and fro.
+
+Now after a time one of them thrust his leg out from under the bed, and
+quick as anything the lad brings his sword down, and cuts it off. Then
+another bogle thrust his arm out at t'other side of the bed, and in a
+twinkling the lad cuts that off too. So it went on, till at last he had
+maimed them all, and they all went off, crying and wailing, and forgot
+the ball! Then the lad got out of bed, found the ball, and went off at
+once to seek his true love.
+
+[Illustration: He heard the bogles striving under the bed]
+
+Now the lass had been taken to York to be hanged; she was brought out on
+the scaffold, and the hangman said, "Now, lass, thou must hang by the
+neck till thou be'st dead." But she cried out:
+
+  "Stop, stop, I think I see my mother coming!
+   O mother, hast thou brought my golden ball
+      And come to set me free?"
+
+And the mother answered:
+
+  "I've neither brought thy golden ball
+     Nor come to set thee free,
+   But I have come to see thee hung
+     Upon this gallows-tree."
+
+Then the hangman said, "Now, lass, say thy prayers for thou must die."
+But she said:
+
+  "Stop, stop, I think I see my father coming!
+   O father, hast thou brought my golden ball
+      And come to set me free?"
+
+And the father answered:
+
+  "I've neither brought thy golden ball
+     Nor come to set thee free,
+   But I have come to see thee hung
+     Upon this gallows-tree."
+
+Then the hangman said, "Hast thee done thy prayers? Now, lass, put thy
+head into the noose."
+
+But she answered, "Stop, stop, I think I see my brother coming!" And
+again she sang her little verse, and the brother sang back the same
+words. And so with her sister, her uncle, her aunt, and her cousin. But
+they all said the same:
+
+  "I've neither brought thy golden ball
+     Nor come to set thee free,
+   But I have come to see thee hung
+     Upon this gallows-tree."
+
+Then the hangman said, "I will stop no longer, thou'rt making game of
+me. Thou must be hung at once."
+
+But now, at long last, she saw her sweetheart coming through the crowd,
+so she cried to him:
+
+  "Stop, stop, I see my sweetheart coming!
+   Sweetheart, hast thou brought my golden ball
+      And come to set me free?"
+
+Then her sweetheart held up her golden ball and cried:
+
+  "Aye, I have brought to thee thy golden ball
+     And come to set thee free;
+   I have not come to see thee hung
+     Upon this gallows-tree."
+
+So he took her home, then and there, and they lived happy ever after.
+
+
+
+
+THE TWO SISTERS
+
+
+Once upon a time there were two sisters who were as like each other as
+two peas in a pod; but one was good, and the other was bad-tempered. Now
+their father had no work, so the girls began to think of going to
+service.
+
+"I will go first and see what I can make of it," said the younger
+sister, ever so cheerfully, "then you, sis, can follow if I have good
+luck."
+
+So she packed up a bundle, said good-bye, and started to find a place;
+but no one in the town wanted a girl, and she went farther afield into
+the country. And as she journeyed she came upon an oven in which a lot
+of loaves were baking. Now as she passed, the loaves cried out with one
+voice:
+
+"Little girl! Little girl! Take us out! Please take us out! We have been
+baking for seven years, and no one has come to take us out. Do take us
+out or we shall soon be burnt!"
+
+Then, being a kind, obliging little girl, she stopped, put down her
+bundle, took out the bread, and went on her way saying:
+
+"You will be more comfortable now."
+
+After a time she came to a cow lowing beside an empty pail, and the cow
+said to her:
+
+"Little girl! Little girl! Milk me! Please milk me! Seven years have I
+been waiting, but no one has come to milk me!"
+
+So the kind girl stopped, put down her bundle, milked the cow into the
+pail, and went on her way saying:
+
+"Now you will be more comfortable."
+
+By and by she came to an apple tree so laden with fruit that its
+branches were nigh to break, and the apple tree called to her:
+
+"Little girl! Little girl! Please shake my branches. The fruit is so
+heavy I can't stand straight!"
+
+Then the kind girl stopped, put down her bundle, and shook the branches
+so that the apples fell off, and the tree could stand straight. Then she
+went on her way saying:
+
+"You will be more comfortable now."
+
+So she journeyed on till she came to a house where an old witch-woman
+lived. Now this witch-woman wanted a servant-maid, and promised good
+wages. Therefore the girl agreed to stop with her and try how she liked
+service. She had to sweep the floor, keep the house clean and tidy, the
+fire bright and cheery. But there was one thing the witch-woman said she
+must never do; and that was look up the chimney!
+
+[Illustration: "Tree of mine! O Tree of mine! Have you seen my naughty
+little maid?"]
+
+"If you do," said the witch-woman, "something will fall down on you, and
+you will come to a bad end." Well! the girl swept, and dusted, and
+made up the fire; but ne'er a penny of wages did she see. Now the girl
+wanted to go home as she did not like witch-service; for the witch used
+to have boiled babies for supper, and bury the bones under some stones
+in the garden. But she did not like to go home penniless; so she stayed
+on, sweeping, and dusting, and doing her work, just as if she was
+pleased. Then one day, as she was sweeping up the hearth, down tumbled
+some soot, and, without remembering she was forbidden to look up the
+chimney, she looked up to see where the soot came from. And, lo and
+behold! a big bag of gold fell plump into her lap.
+
+Now the witch happened to be out on one of her witch errands; so the
+girl thought it a fine opportunity to be off home.
+
+So she kilted up her petticoats and started to run home; but she had
+only gone a little way when she heard the witch-woman coming after her
+on her broomstick. Now the apple tree she had helped to stand straight
+happened to be quite close; so she ran to it and cried:
+
+  "Apple tree! Apple tree, hide me
+   So the old witch can't find me,
+   For if she does she'll pick my bones,
+   And bury me under the garden stones."
+
+Then the apple tree said, "Of course I will. You helped me to stand
+straight, and one good turn deserves another."
+
+So the apple tree hid her finely in its green branches; and when the
+witch flew past saying:
+
+  "Tree of mine! O Tree of mine!
+   Have you seen my naughty little maid
+   With a willy willy wag and a great big bag,
+   She's stolen my money--all I had?"
+
+The apple tree answered:
+
+  "No, mother dear,
+   Not for seven year!"
+
+So the witch flew on the wrong way, and the girl got down, thanked the
+tree politely, and started again. But just as she got to where the cow
+was standing beside the pail, she heard the witch coming again, so she
+ran to the cow and cried:
+
+  "Cow! Cow, please hide me
+   So the witch can't find me;
+   If she does she'll pick my bones,
+   And bury me under the garden stones!"
+
+"Certainly I will," answered the cow. "Didn't you milk me and make me
+comfortable? Hide yourself behind me and you'll be quite safe."
+
+And when the witch flew by and called to the cow:
+
+  "O Cow of mine! Cow of mine!
+   Have you seen my naughty little maid
+   With a willy willy wag and a great big bag,
+   Who stole my money--all that I had?"
+
+She just said politely:
+
+  "No, mother dear,
+   Not for seven year!"
+
+Then the old witch went on in the wrong direction, and the girl started
+afresh on her way home; but just as she got to where the oven stood, she
+heard that horrid old witch coming behind her again; so she ran as fast
+as she could to the oven and cried:
+
+  "O Oven! Oven! hide me
+   So as the witch can't find me,
+   For if she does she'll pick my bones,
+   And bury them under the garden stones."
+
+Then the oven said, "I am afraid there is no room for you, as another
+batch of bread is baking; but there is the baker--ask him."
+
+So she asked the baker, and he said, "Of course I will. You saved my
+last batch from being burnt; so run into the bakehouse, you will be
+quite safe there, and I will settle the witch for you."
+
+So she hid in the bakehouse, only just in time, for there was the old
+witch calling angrily:
+
+  "O Man of mine! Man of mine!
+   Have you seen my naughty little maid
+   With a willy willy wag and a great big bag,
+   Who's stole my money--all I had?"
+
+Then the baker replied, "Look in the oven. She may be there."
+
+And the witch alighted from her broomstick and peered into the oven: but
+she could see no one.
+
+"Creep in and look in the farthest corner," said the baker slyly, and
+the witch crept in, when----
+
+                           Bang!----
+
+he shut the door in her face, and there she was roasting. And when she
+came out with the bread she was all crisp and brown, and had to go home
+as best she could and put cold cream all over her!
+
+But the kind, obliging little girl got safe home with her bag of money.
+
+Now the ill-tempered elder sister was very jealous of this good luck,
+and determined to get a bag of gold for herself. So she in her turn
+packed up a bundle and started to seek service by the same road. But
+when she came to the oven, and the loaves begged her to take them out
+because they had been baking seven years and were nigh to burning, she
+tossed her head and said:
+
+"A likely story indeed, that I should burn my fingers to save your
+crusts. No, thank you!"
+
+And with that she went on till she came across the cow standing waiting
+to be milked beside the pail. But when the cow said:
+
+"Little girl! Little girl! Milk me! Please milk me, I've waited seven
+years to be milked----"
+
+She only laughed and replied, "You may wait another seven years for all
+I care. I'm not your dairymaid!"
+
+And with that she went on till she came to the apple tree, all
+overburdened by its fruit. But when it begged her to shake its branches,
+she only giggled, and plucking one ripe apple, said:
+
+"One is enough for me: you can keep the rest yourself." And with that
+she went on munching the apple, till she came to the witch-woman's
+house.
+
+Now the witch-woman, though she had got over being crisp and brown from
+the oven, was dreadfully angry with all little maid-servants, and made
+up her mind this one should not trick her. So for a long time she never
+went out of the house; thus the ill-tempered sister never had a chance
+of looking up the chimney, as she had meant to do at once. And she had
+to dust, and clean, and brush, and sweep ever so hard, until she was
+quite tired out.
+
+But one day, when the witch-woman went into the garden to bury her
+bones, she seized the moment, looked up the chimney, and, sure enough, a
+bag of gold fell plump into her lap!
+
+Well! she was off with it in a moment, and ran and ran till she came to
+the apple tree, when she heard the witch-woman behind her. So she cried
+as her sister had done:
+
+  "Apple tree! Apple tree, hide me
+   So the old witch can't find me,
+   For if she does she'll break my bones,
+   Or bury me under the garden stones."
+
+But the apple tree said:
+
+"No room here! I've too many apples."
+
+So she had to run on; and when the witch-woman on her broomstick came
+flying by and called:
+
+  "O Tree of mine! Tree of mine!
+   Have you seen a naughty little maid
+   With a willy willy wag and a great big bag,
+   Who's stolen my money--all I had?"
+
+The apple tree replied:
+
+  "Yes, mother dear,
+   She's gone down there."
+
+Then the witch-woman went after her, caught her, gave her a thorough
+good beating, took the bag of money away from her, and sent her home
+without a penny payment for all her dusting, and sweeping, and brushing,
+and cleaning.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Headpiece--The Laidly Worm]
+
+THE LAIDLY WORM
+
+
+In Bamborough Castle there once lived a King who had two children, a son
+named Childe Wynde, and a daughter who was called May Margret. Their
+mother, a fair woman, was dead, and the King mourned her long and
+faithfully. But, after his son Childe Wynde went to seek his fortune,
+the King, hunting in the forest, came across a lady of such great beauty
+that he fell in love with her at once and determined to marry her.
+
+Now Princess May Margret was not over-pleased to think that her mother's
+place should be taken by a strange woman, nor was she pleased to think
+that she would have to give up keeping house for her father the King.
+For she had always taken a pride in her work. But she said nothing,
+though she stood long on the castle walls looking out across the sea
+wishing for her dear brother's return; for, see you, they had mothered
+each other.
+
+Still no news came of Childe Wynde; so on the day when the old King was
+to bring the new Queen home, May Margret counted over the keys of the
+castle chambers, knotted them on a string, and after casting them over
+her left shoulder for luck--more for her father's sake than for the new
+Queen's regard--she stood at the castle gate ready to hand over the keys
+to her stepmother.
+
+Now as the bridal procession approached with all the lords of the north
+countrie, and some of the Scots lords in attendance, she looked so fair
+and so sweet, that the lords whispered to one another of her beauty. And
+when, after saying in a voice like a mavis--
+
+  "Oh welcome, welcome, father,
+   Unto your halls and towers!
+   And welcome too, my stepmother,
+   For all that's here is yours!"
+
+she turned upon the step and tripped into the yard, the Scots lords said
+aloud:
+
+  "Forsooth! May Margret's grace
+   Surpasses all that we have met, she has so fair a face!"
+
+Now the new Queen overheard this, and she stamped her foot and her face
+flushed with anger as she turned her about and called:
+
+  "You might have excepted me,
+   But I will bring May Margret to a Laidly Worm's degree;
+   I'll bring her low as a Laidly Worm
+   That warps about a stone,
+   And not till the Childe of Wynde come back
+   Will the witching be undone."
+
+Well! hearing this May Margret laughed, not knowing that her new
+stepmother, for all her beauty, was a witch; and the laugh made the
+wicked woman still more angry. So that same night she left her royal
+bed, and, returning to the lonely cave where she had ever done her
+magic, she cast Princess May Margret under a spell with charms three
+times three, and passes nine times nine. And this was her spell:
+
+  "I weird ye to a Laidly Worm,
+   And such sail ye ever be
+   Until Childe Wynde the King's dear son
+   Comes home across the sea.
+   Until the world comes to an end
+   Unspelled ye'll never be,
+   Unless Childe Wynde of his own free will
+   Sail give you kisses three!"
+
+So it came to pass that Princess May Margret went to her bed a beauteous
+maiden, full of grace, and rose next morning a Laidly Worm; for when her
+tire-women came to dress her they found coiled up in her bed an awesome
+dragon, which uncoiled itself and came towards them. And when they ran
+away terrified, the Laidly Worm crawled and crept, and crept and crawled
+down to the sea till it reached the rock of the Spindlestone which is
+called the Heugh. And there it curled itself round the stone, and lay
+basking in the sun.
+
+Then for seven miles east and seven miles west and seven miles north and
+south the whole country-side knew the hunger of the Laidly Worm of
+Spindlestone Heugh, for it drove the awesome beast to leave its
+resting-place at night and devour everything it came across.
+
+At last a wise warlock told the people that if they wished to be quit of
+these horrors, they must take every drop of the milk of seven white
+milch kine every morn and every eve to the trough of stone at the foot
+of the Heugh, for the Laidly Worm to drink. And this they did, and after
+that the Laidly Worm troubled the country-side no longer; but lay warped
+about the Heugh, looking out to sea with its terrible snout in the air.
+
+But the word of its doings had gone east and had gone west; it had even
+gone over the sea and had come to Childe Wynde's ears; and the news of
+it angered him; for he thought perchance it had something to do with his
+beloved sister May Margret's disappearance. So he called his men-at-arms
+together and said:
+
+"We must sail to Bamborough and land by Spindlestone, so as to quell and
+kill this Laidly Worm."
+
+Then they built a ship without delay, laying the keel with wood from the
+rowan tree. And they made masts of rowan wood also, and oars likewise;
+and, so furnished, set forth.
+
+Now the wicked Queen knew by her arts they were coming, so she sent out
+her imps to still the winds so that the fluttering sails of silk hung
+idle on the masts. But Childe Wynde was not to be bested; so he called
+out the oarsmen. Thus it came to pass that one morn the wicked Queen,
+looking from the Keep, saw the gallant ship in Bamborough Bay, and she
+sent out all her witch-wives and her impets to raise a storm and sink
+the ship; but they came back unable to hurt it, for, see you, it was
+built of rowan wood, over which witches have no power.
+
+Then, as a last device, the Witch Queen laid spells upon the Laidly Worm
+saying:
+
+  "Oh! Laidly Worm! Go make their topmast heel,
+   Go! Worm the sand, and creep beneath the keel."
+
+Now the Laidly Worm had no choice but to obey. So:
+
+  "The Worm leapt up, the Worm leapt down
+   And plaited round each plank,
+   And aye as the ship came close to shore
+   She heeled as if she sank."
+
+Three times three did Childe Wynde attempt to land, and three times
+three the Laidly Worm kept the good ship from the shore. At last Childe
+Wynde gave the word to put the ship about, and the Witch Queen, who was
+watching from the Keep, thought he had given up: but he was not to be
+bested: for he only rounded the next point to Budley sands. And there,
+jumping into the shoal water, he got safely to land, and drawing his
+sword of proof, rushed up to fight the awesome Worm. But as he raised
+his sword to strike he heard a voice, soft as the western wind:
+
+  "Oh quit thy sword, unbend thy bow,
+     And give me kisses three,
+   For though I seem a Laidly Worm
+     No harm I'll do to thee!"
+
+And the voice seemed to him like the voice of his dear sister May
+Margret. So he stayed his hand. Then once again the Laidly Worm said:
+
+  "Oh quit thy sword, unbend thy bow,
+     My laidly form forget.
+   Forgive the wrong and kiss me thrice
+     For love of May Margret."
+
+Then Childe Wynde, remembering how he had loved his sister, put his arms
+round the Laidly Worm and kissed it once. And he kissed the loathly
+thing twice. And he kissed it yet a third time as he stood with the wet
+sand at his feet.
+
+Then with a hiss and a roar the Laidly Worm sank to the sand, and in his
+arms was May Margret!
+
+He wrapped her in his mantle, for she trembled in the cold sea air, and
+carried her to Bamborough Castle, where the wicked Queen, knowing her
+hour was come, stood, all deserted by her imps and witch-wives, on the
+stairs, twisting her hands.
+
+Then Childe Wynde looking at her cried:
+
+  "Woe! Woe to thee, thou wicked Witch!
+     An ill fate shalt thine be!
+   The doom thou dreed on May Margret
+     The same doom shalt thou dree.
+
+   Henceforth thou'lt be a Laidly Toad
+     That in the clay doth wend,
+   And unspelled thou wilt never be
+     Till this world hath an end."
+
+And as he spoke the wicked Queen began to shrivel, and she shrivelled
+and shrivelled to a horrid wrinkled toad that hopped down the castle
+steps and disappeared in a crevice.
+
+But to this day a loathsome toad is sometimes seen haunting Bamborough
+Keep; and that Laidly Toad is the wicked Witch Queen!
+
+But Childe Wynde and Princess May Margret loved each other as much as
+ever, and lived happily ever after.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Tatty sat down and wept]
+
+TITTY MOUSE AND TATTY MOUSE
+
+
+Titty Mouse and Tatty Mouse both lived in a house.
+
+Titty Mouse went a-gleaning, and Tatty Mouse went a-gleaning.
+
+So they both went a-gleaning.
+
+Titty Mouse gleaned an ear of corn, and Tatty Mouse gleaned an ear of
+corn.
+
+So they both gleaned an ear of corn.
+
+Titty Mouse made a pudding, and Tatty Mouse made a pudding.
+
+So they both made a pudding.
+
+And Tatty Mouse put her pudding into the pot to boil.
+
+But when Titty went to put hers in, the pot tumbled over, and scalded
+her to death, and Tatty sat down and wept.
+
+Then the three-legged stool said, "Tatty, why do you weep?"
+
+"Titty's dead," said Tatty, "and so I weep."
+
+"Then," said the stool, "I'll hop," so the stool hopped.
+
+Then a broom in the corner of the room said, "Stool, why do you hop?"
+
+"Oh!" said the stool, "Titty's dead, and Tatty weeps, and so I hop."
+
+"Then," said the broom, "I'll sweep," so the broom began to sweep.
+
+Then said the door, "Broom, why do you sweep?"
+
+"Oh!" said the broom, "Titty's dead, and Tatty weeps, and the stool
+hops, and so I sweep."
+
+"Then," said the door, "I'll jar," so the door jarred.
+
+Then the window said, "Door, why do you jar?"
+
+"Oh!" said the door, "Titty's dead, and Tatty weeps, and the stool hops,
+and the broom sweeps, and so I jar."
+
+"Then," said the window, "I'll creak," so the window creaked.
+
+Now there was an old form outside the house, and when the window
+creaked, the form said, "Window, why do you creak?"
+
+"Oh!" said the window, "Titty's dead, and Tatty weeps, and the stool
+hops, and the broom sweeps, the door jars, and so I creak!"
+
+"Then," said the old form, "I'll gallop round the house." So the old
+form galloped round the house.
+
+Now there was a fine large walnut tree growing by the cottage, and the
+tree said to the form, "Form, why do you gallop round the house?"
+
+"Oh!" says the form, "Titty's dead, and Tatty weeps, and the stool
+hops, and the broom sweeps, the door jars, and the window creaks, and so
+I gallop round the house."
+
+"Then," said the walnut tree, "I'll shed my leaves." So the walnut tree
+shed all its beautiful green leaves.
+
+Now there was a little bird perched on one of the boughs of the tree,
+and when all the leaves fell, it said, "Walnut tree, why do you shed
+your leaves?"
+
+"Oh!" said the tree, "Titty's dead, and Tatty weeps, the stool hops, and
+the broom sweeps, the door jars, and the window creaks, the old form
+gallops round the house, and so I shed my leaves."
+
+"Then," said the little bird, "I'll moult all my feathers," so he
+moulted all his gay feathers.
+
+Now there was a little girl walking below, carrying a jug of milk for
+her brothers' and sisters' supper, and when she saw the poor little bird
+moult all its feathers, she said, "Little bird, why do you moult all
+your feathers?"
+
+"Oh!" said the little bird, "Titty's dead, and Tatty weeps, the stool
+hops, and the broom sweeps, the door jars, and the window creaks, the
+old form gallops round the house, the walnut tree sheds its leaves, and
+so I moult all my feathers."
+
+"Then," said the little girl, "I'll spill the milk." So she dropt the
+pitcher and spilt the milk.
+
+Now there was an old man just by on the top of a ladder thatching a
+rick, and when he saw the little girl spill the milk, he said, "Little
+girl, what do you mean by spilling the milk? your little brothers and
+sisters must go without their suppers."
+
+Then said the little girl, "Titty's dead, and Tatty weeps, the stool
+hops, and the broom sweeps, the door jars, and the window creaks, the
+old form gallops round the house, the walnut tree sheds all its leaves,
+the little bird moults all its feathers, and so I spill the milk."
+
+"Oh!" said the old man, "then I'll tumble off the ladder and break my
+neck."
+
+So he tumbled off the ladder and broke his neck; and when the old man
+broke his neck, the great walnut tree fell down with a crash and upset
+the old form and house, and the house falling knocked the window out,
+and the window knocked the door down, and the door upset the broom, and
+the broom upset the stool, and poor little Tatty Mouse was buried
+beneath the ruins.
+
+
+
+
+JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
+
+
+A long long time ago, when most of the world was young and folk did what
+they liked because all things were good, there lived a boy called Jack.
+
+His father was bed-ridden, and his mother, a good soul, was busy early
+morns and late eves planning and placing how to support her sick husband
+and her young son by selling the milk and butter which Milky-White, the
+beautiful cow, gave them without stint. For it was summer-time. But
+winter came on; the herbs of the fields took refuge from the frosts in
+the warm earth, and though his mother sent Jack to gather what fodder he
+could get in the hedgerows, he came back as often as not with a very
+empty sack; for Jack's eyes were so often full of wonder at all the
+things he saw that sometimes he forgot to work!
+
+So it came to pass that one morning Milky-White gave no milk at all--not
+one drain! Then the good hard-working mother threw her apron over her
+head and sobbed:
+
+"What shall we do? What shall we do?"
+
+Now Jack loved his mother; besides, he felt just a bit sneaky at being
+such a big boy and doing so little to help, so he said, "Cheer up! Cheer
+up! I'll go and get work somewhere." And he felt as he spoke as if he
+would work his fingers to the bone; but the good woman shook her head
+mournfully.
+
+"You've tried that before, Jack," she said, "and nobody would keep you.
+You are quite a good lad but your wits go a-wool-gathering. No, we must
+sell Milky-White and live on the money. It is no use crying over milk
+that is not here to spill!"
+
+You see, she was a wise as well as a hard-working woman, and Jack's
+spirits rose.
+
+"Just so," he cried. "We will sell Milky-White and be richer than ever.
+It's an ill wind that blows no one good. So, as it is market-day, I'll
+just take her there and we shall see what we shall see."
+
+"But--" began his mother.
+
+"But doesn't butter parsnips," laughed Jack. "Trust me to make a good
+bargain."
+
+So, as it was washing-day, and her sick husband was more ailing than
+usual, his mother let Jack set off to sell the cow.
+
+"Not less than ten pounds," she bawled after him as he turned the
+corner.
+
+Ten pounds, indeed! Jack had made up his mind to twenty! Twenty solid
+golden sovereigns!
+
+He was just settling what he should buy his mother as a fairing out of
+the money, when he saw a queer little old man on the road who called
+out, "Good-morning, Jack!"
+
+"Good-morning," replied Jack, with a polite bow, wondering how the queer
+little old man happened to know his name; though, to be sure, Jacks were
+as plentiful as blackberries.
+
+"And where may you be going?" asked the queer little old man. Jack
+wondered again--he was always wondering, you know--what the queer little
+old man had to do with it; but, being always polite, he replied:
+
+"I am going to market to sell Milky-White--and I mean to make a good
+bargain."
+
+"So you will! So you will!" chuckled the queer little old man. "You
+look the sort of chap for it. I bet you know how many beans make five?"
+
+"Two in each hand and one in my mouth," answered Jack readily. He really
+was sharp as a needle.
+
+"Just so, just so!" chuckled the queer little old man; and as he spoke
+he drew out of his pocket five beans. "Well, here they are, so give us
+Milky-White."
+
+Jack was so flabbergasted that he stood with his mouth open as if he
+expected the fifth bean to fly into it.
+
+"What!" he said at last. "My Milky-White for five common beans! Not if I
+know it!"
+
+"But they aren't common beans," put in the queer little old man, and
+there was a queer little smile on his queer little face. "If you plant
+these beans over-night, by morning they will have grown up right into
+the very sky."
+
+Jack was too flabbergasted this time even to open his mouth; his eyes
+opened instead.
+
+[Illustration: As he spoke he drew out of his pocket five beans]
+
+"Did you say right into the very sky?" he asked at last; for, see you,
+Jack had wondered more about the sky than about anything else.
+
+"_RIGHT UP INTO THE VERY SKY_" repeated the queer old man, with a nod
+between each word. "It's a good bargain, Jack; and, as fair play's a
+jewel, if they don't--why! meet me here to-morrow morning and you shall
+have Milky-White back again. Will that please you?"
+
+"Right as a trivet," cried Jack, without stopping to think, and the next
+moment he found himself standing on an empty road.
+
+"Two in each hand and one in my mouth," repeated Jack. "That is what I
+said, and what I'll do. Everything in order, and if what the queer
+little old man said isn't true, I shall get Milky-White back to-morrow
+morning."
+
+So whistling and munching the bean he trudged home cheerfully, wondering
+what the sky would be like if he ever got there.
+
+"What a long time you've been!" exclaimed his mother, who was watching
+anxiously for him at the gate. "It is past sun-setting; but I see you
+have sold Milky-White. Tell me quick how much you got for her."
+
+"You'll never guess," began Jack.
+
+"Laws-a-mercy! You don't say so," interrupted the good woman. "And I
+worriting all day lest they should take you in. What was it? Ten
+pounds--fifteen--sure it _can't_ be twenty!"
+
+Jack held out the beans triumphantly.
+
+"There," he said. "That's what I got for her, and a jolly good bargain
+too!"
+
+It was his mother's turn to be flabbergasted; but all she said was:
+
+"What! Them beans!"
+
+"Yes," replied Jack, beginning to doubt his own wisdom; "but they're
+_magic_ beans. If you plant them over-night, by morning
+they--grow--right up--into--the--sky--Oh! Please don't hit so hard!"
+
+For Jack's mother for once had lost her temper, and was belabouring the
+boy for all she was worth. And when she had finished scolding and
+beating, she flung the miserable beans out of window and sent him,
+supperless, to bed.
+
+If this was the magical effect of the beans, thought Jack ruefully, he
+didn't want any more magic, if you please.
+
+However, being healthy and, as a rule, happy, he soon fell asleep and
+slept like a top.
+
+When he woke he thought at first it was moonlight, for everything in the
+room showed greenish. Then he stared at the little window. It was
+covered as if with a curtain by leaves. He was out of bed in a trice,
+and the next moment, without waiting to dress, was climbing up the
+biggest beanstalk you ever saw. For what the queer little old man had
+said was true! One of the beans which his mother had chucked into the
+garden had found soil, taken root, and grown in the night....
+
+Where?...
+
+Up to the very sky? Jack meant to see at any rate.
+
+So he climbed, and he climbed, and he climbed. It was easy work, for the
+big beanstalk with the leaves growing out of each side was like a
+ladder; for all that he soon was out of breath. Then he got his second
+wind, and was just beginning to wonder if he had a third when he saw in
+front of him a wide, shining white road stretching away, and away, and
+away.
+
+So he took to walking, and he walked, and walked, and walked, till he
+came to a tall, shining white house with a wide white doorstep.
+
+And on the doorstep stood a great big woman with a black porridge-pot
+in her hand. Now Jack, having had no supper, was hungry as a hunter, and
+when he saw the porridge-pot he said quite politely:
+
+"Good-morning, 'm. I wonder if you _could_ give me some breakfast?"
+
+"Breakfast!" echoed the woman, who, in truth, was an ogre's wife. "If it
+is breakfast you're wanting, it's breakfast you'll likely be; for I
+expect my man home every instant, and there is nothing he likes better
+for breakfast than a boy--a fat boy grilled on toast."
+
+Now Jack was not a bit of a coward, and when he wanted a thing he
+generally got it, so he said cheerful-like:
+
+"I'd be fatter if I'd had my breakfast!" Whereat the ogre's wife laughed
+and bade Jack come in; for she was not, really, half as bad as she
+looked. But he had hardly finished the great bowl of porridge and milk
+she gave him when the whole house began to tremble and quake. It was the
+ogre coming home!
+
+                     Thump! THUMP!! THUMP!!!
+
+"Into the oven with you, sharp!" cried the ogre's wife; and the iron
+oven door was just closed when the ogre strode in. Jack could see him
+through the little peep-hole slide at the top where the steam came out.
+
+He was a big one for sure. He had three sheep strung to his belt, and
+these he threw down on the table. "Here, wife," he cried, "roast me
+these snippets for breakfast; they are all I've been able to get this
+morning, worse luck! I hope the oven's hot?" And he went to touch the
+handle, while Jack burst out all of a sweat, wondering what would happen
+next.
+
+"Roast!" echoed the ogre's wife. "Pooh! the little things would dry to
+cinders. Better boil them."
+
+So she set to work to boil them; but the ogre began sniffing about the
+room. "They don't smell--mutton meat," he growled. Then he frowned
+horribly and began the real ogre's rhyme:
+
+  "_Fee-fi-fo-fum,
+   I smell the blood of an Englishman.
+   Be he alive, or be he dead,
+   I'll grind his bones to make my bread._"
+
+"Don't be silly!" said his wife. "It's the bones of the little boy you
+had for supper that I'm boiling down for soup! Come, eat your breakfast,
+there's a good ogre!"
+
+So the ogre ate his three sheep, and when he had done he went to a big
+oaken chest and took out three big bags of golden pieces. These he put
+on the table, and began to count their contents while his wife cleared
+away the breakfast things. And by and by his head began to nod, and at
+last he began to snore, and snored so loud that the whole house shook.
+
+Then Jack nipped out of the oven and, seizing one of the bags of gold,
+crept away, and ran along the straight, wide, shining white road as fast
+as his legs would carry him till he came to the beanstalk. He couldn't
+climb down it with the bag of gold, it was so heavy, so he just flung
+his burden down first, and, helter-skelter, climbed after it.
+
+And when he came to the bottom, there was his mother picking up gold
+pieces out of the garden as fast as she could; for, of course, the bag
+had burst.
+
+"Laws-a-mercy me!" she says. "Wherever have you been? See! It's been
+rainin' gold!"
+
+"No, it hasn't," began Jack. "I climbed up--"
+
+Then he turned to look for the beanstalk; but, lo and behold! it wasn't
+there at all! So he knew, then, it was all real magic.
+
+After that they lived happily on the gold pieces for a long time, and
+the bed-ridden father got all sorts of nice things to eat; but, at last,
+a day came when Jack's mother showed a doleful face as she put a big
+yellow sovereign into Jack's hand and bade him be careful marketing,
+because there was not one more in the coffer. After that they must
+starve.
+
+That night Jack went supperless to bed of his own accord. If he couldn't
+make money, he thought, at any rate he could eat less money. It was a
+shame for a big boy to stuff himself and bring no grist to the mill.
+
+He slept like a top, as boys do when they don't overeat themselves, and
+when he woke....
+
+Hey, presto! the whole room showed greenish, and there was a curtain of
+leaves over the window! Another bean had grown in the night, and Jack
+was up it like a lamp-lighter before you could say knife.
+
+This time he didn't take nearly so long climbing until he reached the
+straight, wide, white road, and in a trice he found himself before the
+tall white house, where on the wide white steps the ogre's wife was
+standing with the black porridge-pot in her hand.
+
+And this time Jack was as bold as brass. "Good-morning, 'm," he said.
+"I've come to ask you for breakfast, for I had no supper, and I'm as
+hungry as a hunter."
+
+"Go away, bad boy!" replied the ogre's wife. "Last time I gave a boy
+breakfast my man missed a whole bag of gold. I believe you are the same
+boy."
+
+"Maybe I am, maybe I'm not," said Jack, with a laugh. "I'll tell you
+true when I've had my breakfast; but not till then."
+
+So the ogre's wife, who was dreadfully curious, gave him a big bowl full
+of porridge; but before he had half finished it he heard the ogre
+coming--
+
+                    Thump! THUMP! THUMP!
+
+"In with you to the oven," shrieked the ogre's wife. "You shall tell me
+when he has gone to sleep."
+
+This time Jack saw through the steam peep-hole that the ogre had three
+fat calves strung to his belt.
+
+"Better luck to-day, wife!" he cried, and his voice shook the house.
+"Quick! Roast these trifles for my breakfast! I hope the oven's hot?"
+
+And he went to feel the handle of the door, but his wife cried out
+sharply:
+
+"Roast! Why, you'd have to wait hours before they were done! I'll broil
+them--see how bright the fire is!"
+
+"Umph!" growled the ogre. And then he began sniffing and calling out:
+
+  "_Fee-fi-fo-fum,
+   I smell the blood of an Englishman.
+   Be he alive, or be he dead,
+   I'll grind his bones to make my bread._"
+
+"Twaddle!" said the ogre's wife. "It's only the bones of the boy you had
+last week that I've put into the pig-bucket!"
+
+"Umph!" said the ogre harshly; but he ate the broiled calves, and then
+he said to his wife, "Bring me my hen that lays the magic eggs. I want
+to see gold."
+
+So the ogre's wife brought him a great big black hen with a shiny red
+comb. She plumped it down on the table and took away the breakfast
+things.
+
+Then the ogre said to the hen, "Lay!" and it promptly laid--what do you
+think?--a beautiful, shiny, yellow, golden egg!
+
+"None so dusty, henny-penny," laughed the ogre. "I shan't have to beg as
+long as I've got you." Then he said, "Lay!" once more; and, lo and
+behold! there was another beautiful, shiny, yellow, golden egg!
+
+Jack could hardly believe his eyes, and made up his mind that he would
+have that hen, come what might. So, when the ogre began to doze, he just
+out like a flash from the oven, seized the hen, and ran for his life!
+But, you see, he reckoned without his prize; for hens, you know, always
+cackle when they leave their nests after laying an egg, and this one set
+up such a scrawing that it woke the ogre.
+
+"Where's my hen?" he shouted, and his wife came rushing in, and they
+both rushed to the door; but Jack had got the better of them by a good
+start, and all they could see was a little figure right away down the
+wide white road, holding a big, scrawing, cackling, fluttering black hen
+by the legs!
+
+How Jack got down the beanstalk he never knew. It was all wings, and
+leaves, and feathers, and cacklings; but get down he did, and there was
+his mother wondering if the sky was going to fall!
+
+But the very moment Jack touched ground he called out, "Lay!" and the
+black hen ceased cackling and laid a great, big, shiny, yellow, golden
+egg.
+
+So every one was satisfied; and from that moment everybody had
+everything that money could buy. For, whenever they wanted anything,
+they just said, "Lay!" and the black hen provided them with gold.
+
+But Jack began to wonder if he couldn't find something else besides
+money in the sky. So one fine moonlight midsummer night he refused his
+supper, and before he went to bed stole out to the garden with a big
+watering-can and watered the ground under his window; for, thought he,
+"there must be two more beans somewhere, and perhaps it is too dry for
+them to grow." Then he slept like a top.
+
+And, lo and behold! when he woke, there was the green light shimmering
+through his room, and there he was in an instant on the beanstalk,
+climbing, climbing, climbing for all he was worth.
+
+But this time he knew better than to ask for his breakfast; for the
+ogre's wife would be sure to recognise him. So he just hid in some
+bushes beside the great white house, till he saw her in the scullery,
+and then he slipped out and hid himself in the copper; for he knew she
+would be sure to look in the oven first thing.
+
+And by and by he heard--
+
+                   Thump! THUMP! THUMP!
+
+And peeping through a crack in the copper-lid, he could see the ogre
+stalk in with three huge oxen strung at his belt. But this time, no
+sooner had the ogre got into the house than he began shouting:
+
+  "_Fee-fi-fo-fum,
+   I smell the blood of an Englishman.
+   Be he alive, or be he dead,
+   I'll grind his bones to make my bread._"
+
+For, see you, the copper-lid didn't fit tight like the oven door, and
+ogres have noses like a dog's for scent.
+
+"Well, I declare, so do I!" exclaimed the ogre's wife. "It will be that
+horrid boy who stole the bag of gold and the hen. If so, he's hid in the
+oven!"
+
+But when she opened the door, lo and behold! Jack wasn't there! Only
+some joints of meat roasting and sizzling away. Then she laughed and
+said, "You and me be fools for sure. Why, it's the boy you caught last
+night as I was getting ready for your breakfast. Yes, we be fools to
+take dead meat for live flesh! So eat your breakfast, there's a good
+ogre!"
+
+But the ogre, though he enjoyed roast boy very much, wasn't satisfied,
+and every now and then he would burst out with "_Fee-fi-fo-fum_," and
+get up and search the cupboards, keeping Jack in a fever of fear lest he
+should think of the copper.
+
+But he didn't. And when he had finished his breakfast he called out to
+his wife, "Bring me my magic harp! I want to be amused."
+
+So she brought out a little harp and put it on the table. And the ogre
+leant back in his chair and said lazily:
+
+                    "Sing!"
+
+And, lo and behold! the harp began to sing. If you want to know what it
+sang about? Why! It sang about everything! And it sang so beautifully
+that Jack forgot to be frightened, and the ogre forgot to think of
+"_Fee-fi-fo-fum_," and fell asleep and
+
+                    did
+                    NOT
+                   SNORE.
+
+Then Jack stole out of the copper like a mouse and crept hands and knees
+to the table, raised himself up ever so softly and laid hold of the
+magic harp; for he was determined to have it.
+
+But, no sooner had he touched it, than it cried out quite loud, "Master!
+Master!" So the ogre woke, saw Jack making off, and rushed after him.
+
+My goodness, it was a race! Jack was nimble, but the ogre's stride was
+twice as long. So, though Jack turned, and twisted, and doubled like a
+hare, yet at last, when he got to the beanstalk, the ogre was not a
+dozen yards behind him. There wasn't time to think, so Jack just flung
+himself on to the stalk and began to go down as fast as he could, while
+the harp kept calling, "Master! Master!" at the very top of its voice.
+He had only got down about a quarter of the way when there was the most
+awful lurch you can think of, and Jack nearly fell off the beanstalk. It
+was the ogre beginning to climb down, and his weight made the stalk sway
+like a tree in a storm. Then Jack knew it was life or death, and he
+climbed down faster and faster, and as he climbed he shouted, "Mother!
+Mother! Bring an axe! Bring an axe!"
+
+Now his mother, as luck would have it, was in the backyard chopping
+wood, and she ran out thinking that this time the sky must have fallen.
+Just at that moment Jack touched ground, and he flung down the
+harp--which immediately began to sing of all sorts of beautiful
+things--and he seized the axe and gave a great chop at the beanstalk,
+which shook and swayed and bent like barley before a breeze.
+
+"Have a care!" shouted the ogre, clinging on as hard as he could. But
+Jack _did_ have a care, and he dealt that beanstalk such a shrewd blow
+that the whole of it, ogre and all, came toppling down, and, of course,
+the ogre broke his crown, so that he died on the spot.
+
+[Illustration: "Fee-fi-fo-fum, I smell the blood of an Englishman."]
+
+[Illustration: Jack seized the axe and gave a great chop at the
+beanstalk]
+
+After that every one was quite happy. For they had gold and to spare,
+and if the bed-ridden father was dull, Jack just brought out the harp
+and said, "Sing!" And, lo and behold! It sang about everything under the
+sun.
+
+So Jack ceased wondering so much and became quite a useful person.
+
+And the last bean still hasn't grown yet. It is still in the garden.
+
+I wonder if it will ever grow?
+
+And what little child will climb its beanstalk into the sky?
+
+And what will that child find?
+
+Goody me!
+
+
+
+
+THE BLACK BULL OF NORROWAY
+
+
+Long ago in Norroway there lived a lady who had three daughters. Now
+they were all pretty, and one night they fell a-talking of whom they
+meant to marry.
+
+And the eldest said, "I will have no one lower than an Earl."
+
+And the second said, "I will have none lower than a Lord."
+
+But the third, the prettiest and the merriest, tossed her head and said,
+with a twinkle in her eye, "Why so proud? As for me I would be content
+with the Black Bull of Norroway."
+
+At that the other sisters bade her be silent and not talk lightly of
+such a monster. For, see you, is it not written:
+
+  To wilder measures now they turn,
+    The black black Bull of Norroway;
+  Sudden the tapers cease to burn,
+    The minstrels cease to play.
+
+So, no doubt, the Black Bull of Norroway was held to be a horrid
+monster.
+
+But the youngest daughter would have her laugh, so she said three times
+that she would be content with the Black Bull of Norroway.
+
+Well! It so happened that the very next morning a coach-and-six came
+swinging along the road, and in it sate an Earl who had come to ask the
+hand of the eldest daughter in marriage. So there were great rejoicings
+over the wedding, and the bride and bridegroom drove away in the
+coach-and-six.
+
+Then the next thing that happened was that a coach-and-four with a Lord
+in it came swinging along the road; and he wanted to marry the second
+daughter. So they were wed, and there were great rejoicings, and the
+bride and bridegroom drove away in the coach-and-four.
+
+Now after this there was only the youngest, the prettiest and the
+merriest, of the sisters left, and she became the apple of her mother's
+eye. So you may imagine how the mother felt when one morning a terrible
+bellowing was heard at the door, and there was a great big Black Bull
+waiting for his bride.
+
+She wept and she wailed, and at first the girl ran away and hid herself
+in the cellar for fear, but there the Bull stood waiting, and at last
+the girl came up and said:
+
+"I promised I would be content with the Black Bull of Norroway, and I
+must keep my word. Farewell, mother, you will not see me again."
+
+Then she mounted on the Black Bull's back, and it walked away with her
+quite quietly. And ever it chose the smoothest paths and the easiest
+roads, so that at last the girl grew less afraid. But she became very
+hungry and was nigh to faint when the Black Bull said to her, in quite a
+soft voice that wasn't a bellow at all:
+
+  "Eat out of my left ear,
+     Drink out of my right,
+   And set by what you leave
+     To serve the morrow's night."
+
+So she did as she was bid, and, lo and behold! the left ear was full of
+delicious things to eat, and the right was full of the most delicious
+drinks, and there was plenty left over for several days.
+
+Thus they journeyed on, and they journeyed on, through many dreadful
+forests and many lonely wastes, and the Black Bull never paused for bite
+or sup, but ever the girl he carried ate out of his left ear and drank
+out of his right, and set by what she left to serve the morrow's night.
+And she slept soft and warm on his broad back.
+
+Now at last they reached a noble castle where a large company of lords
+and ladies were assembled, and greatly the company wondered at the sight
+of these strange companions. And they invited the girl to supper, but
+the Black Bull they turned into the field, and left to spend the night
+after his kind.
+
+But when the next morning came, there he was ready for his burden again.
+Now, though the girl was loth to leave her pleasant companions, she
+remembered her promise, and mounted on his back, so they journeyed on,
+and journeyed on, and journeyed on, through many tangled woods and over
+many high mountains. And ever the Black Bull chose the smoothest paths
+for her and set aside the briars and brambles, while she ate out of his
+left ear and drank out of his right.
+
+So at last they came to a magnificent mansion where Dukes and Duchesses
+and Earls and Countesses were enjoying themselves. Now the company,
+though much surprised at the strange companions, asked the girl in to
+supper; and the Black Bull they would have turned into the park for the
+night, but that the girl, remembering how well he had cared for her,
+asked them to put him into the stable and give him a good feed.
+
+So this was done, and the next morning he was waiting before the
+hall-door for his burden; and she, though somewhat loth at leaving the
+fine company, mounted him cheerfully enough, and they rode away, and
+they rode away, and they rode away, through thick briar brakes and up
+fearsome cliffs. But ever the Black Bull trod the brambles underfoot and
+chose the easiest paths, while she ate out of his left ear and drank out
+of his right, and wanted for nothing, though he had neither bite nor
+sup. So it came to pass that he grew tired and was limping with one foot
+when, just as the sun was setting, they came to a beautiful palace where
+Princes and Princesses were disporting themselves with ball on the green
+grass. Now, though the company greatly wondered at the strange
+companions, they asked the girl to join them, and ordered the grooms to
+lead away the Black Bull to a field.
+
+But she, remembering all he had done for her, said, "Not so! He will
+stay with me!" Then seeing a large thorn in the foot with which he had
+been limping, she stooped down and pulled it out.
+
+And, lo and behold! in an instant, to every one's surprise, there
+appeared, not a frightful monstrous bull, but one of the most beautiful
+Princes ever beheld, who fell at his deliverer's feet, thanking her for
+having broken his cruel enchantment.
+
+A wicked witch-woman who wanted to marry him had, he said, spelled him
+until a beautiful maiden of her own free will should do him a favour.
+
+"But," he said, "the danger is not all over. You have broken the
+enchantment by night; that by day has yet to be overcome."
+
+So the next morning the Prince had to resume the form of a bull, and
+they set out together; and they rode, and they rode, and they rode, till
+they came to a dark and ugsome glen. And here he bade her dismount and
+sit on a great rock.
+
+"Here you must stay," he said, "while I go yonder and fight the Old One.
+And mind! move neither hand nor foot whilst I am away, else I shall
+never find you again. If everything around you turns blue, I shall have
+beaten the Old One; but if everything turns red, he will have conquered
+me."
+
+And with that, and a tremendous roaring bellow, he set off to find his
+foe.
+
+Well, she sate as still as a mouse, moving neither hand nor foot, nor
+even her eyes, and waited, and waited, and waited. Then at last
+everything turned blue. But she was so overcome with joy to think that
+her lover was victorious that she forgot to keep still, and lifting one
+of her feet, crossed it over the other!
+
+So she waited, and waited, and waited. Long she sate, and aye she
+wearied; and all the time he was seeking for her, but he never found
+her.
+
+At last she rose and went she knew not whither, determined to seek for
+her lover through the whole wide world. So she journeyed on, and she
+journeyed on, and she journeyed on, until one day in a dark wood she
+came to a little hut where lived an old, old woman who gave her food and
+shelter, and bid her God-speed on her errand, giving her three nuts, a
+walnut, a filbert, and a hazel nut, with these words:
+
+  "When your heart is like to break,
+     And once again is like to break,
+   Crack a nut and in its shell
+     That will be that suits you well."
+
+After this she felt heartened up, and wandered on till her road was
+blocked by a great hill of glass; and though she tried all she could to
+climb it, she could not; for aye she slipped back, and slipped back, and
+slipped back; for it was like ice.
+
+Then she sought a passage elsewhere, and round and about the foot of the
+hill she went sobbing and wailing, but ne'er a foothold could she find.
+At last she came to a smithy; and the smith promised if she would serve
+him faithfully for seven years and seven days, that he would make her
+iron shoon wherewith to climb the hill of glass. So for seven long years
+and seven short days she toiled, and span, and swept, and washed in the
+smith's house. And for wage he gave her a pair of iron shoon, and with
+them she clomb the glassy hill and went on her way.
+
+Now she had not gone far before a company of fine lords and ladies rode
+past her talking of all the grand doings that were to be done at the
+young Duke of Norroway's wedding. Then she passed a number of people
+carrying all sorts of good things which they told her were for the
+Duke's wedding. And at last she came to a palace castle where the
+courtyards were full of cooks and bakers, some running this way, some
+running that, and all so busy that they did not know what to do first.
+
+Then she heard the horns of hunters and cries of "Room! Room for the
+Duke of Norroway and his bride!"
+
+And who should ride past but the beautiful Prince she had but half
+unspelled, and by his side was the witch-woman who was determined to
+marry him that very day.
+
+Well! at the sight she felt that her heart was indeed like to break, and
+over again was like to break, so that the time had come for her to crack
+one of the nuts. So she broke the walnut, as it was the biggest, and out
+of it came a wonderful wee woman carding wool as fast as ever she could
+card.
+
+Now when the witch-woman saw this wonderful thing she offered the girl
+her choice of anything in the castle for it.
+
+"If you will put off your wedding with the Duke for a day, and let me
+watch in his room to-night," said the girl, "you shall have it."
+
+Now, like all witch-women, the bride wanted everything her own way, and
+she was so sure she had her groom safe, that she consented; but before
+the Duke went to rest she gave him, with her own hands, a posset so made
+that any one who drank it would sleep till morning.
+
+Thus, though the girl was allowed alone into the Duke's chamber, and
+though she spent the livelong night sighing and singing:
+
+  "Far have I sought for thee,
+   Long have I wrought for thee,
+   Near am I brought to thee,
+   Dear Duke o' Norroway;
+   Wilt thou say naught to me?"
+
+the Duke never wakened, but slept on. So when day came the girl had to
+leave him without his ever knowing she had been there.
+
+Then once again her heart was like to break, and over and over again
+like to break, and she cracked the filbert nut, because it was the next
+biggest. And out of it came a wonderful wee, wee woman spinning away as
+fast as ever she could spin. Now when the witch-bride saw this wonderful
+thing she once again put off her wedding so that she might possess it.
+And once again the girl spent the livelong night in the Duke's chamber
+sighing and singing:
+
+  "Far have I sought for thee,
+   Long have I wrought for thee,
+   Near am I brought to thee,
+   Dear Duke o' Norroway;
+   Wilt thou say naught to me?"
+
+But the Duke, who had drunk the sleeping-draught from the hands of his
+witch-bride, never stirred, and when dawn came the girl had to leave him
+without his ever knowing she had been there.
+
+Then, indeed, the girl's heart was like to break, and over and over and
+over again like to break, so she cracked the last nut--the hazel
+nut--and out of it came the most wonderful wee, wee, wee-est woman
+reeling away at yarn as fast as she could reel.
+
+And this marvel so delighted the witch-bride that once again she
+consented to put off her wedding for a day, and allow the girl to watch
+in the Duke's chamber the night through, in order to possess it.
+
+Now it so happened that when the Duke was dressing that morning he heard
+his pages talking amongst themselves of the strange sighing and singing
+they had heard in the night; and he said to his faithful old valet,
+"What do the pages mean?"
+
+And the old valet, who hated the witch-bride, said:
+
+"If the master will take no sleeping-draught to-night, mayhap he may
+also hear what for two nights has kept me awake."
+
+At this the Duke marvelled greatly, and when the witch-bride brought
+him his evening posset, he made excuse it was not sweet enough, and
+while she went away to get honey to sweeten it withal, he poured away
+the posset and made believe he had swallowed it.
+
+So that night when dark had come, and the girl stole in to his chamber
+with a heavy heart thinking it would be the very last time she would
+ever see him, the Duke was really broad awake. And when she sate down by
+his bedside and began to sing:
+
+                "Far have I sought for thee,"
+
+he knew her voice at once, and clasped her in his arms.
+
+Then he told her how he had been in the power of the witch-woman and had
+forgotten everything, but that now he remembered all and that the spell
+was broken for ever and aye.
+
+So the wedding feast served for their marriage, since the witch-bride,
+seeing her power was gone, quickly fled the country and was never heard
+of again.
+
+
+
+
+CATSKIN
+
+
+Once upon a time there lived a gentleman who owned fine lands and
+houses, and he very much wanted to have a son to be heir to them. So
+when his wife brought him a daughter, though she was bonny as bonny
+could be, he cared nought for her, and said:
+
+"Let me never see her face."
+
+So she grew up to be a beautiful maiden, though her father never set
+eyes on her till she was fifteen years old and was ready to be married.
+
+Then her father said roughly, "She shall marry the first that comes for
+her." Now when this became known, who should come along and be first but
+a nasty, horrid old man! So she didn't know what to do, and went to the
+hen-wife and asked her advice. And the hen-wife said, "Say you will not
+take him unless they give you a coat of silver cloth." Well, they gave
+her a coat of silver cloth, but she wouldn't take him for all that, but
+went again to the hen-wife, who said, "Say you will not take him unless
+they give you a coat of beaten gold." Well, they gave her a coat of
+beaten gold, but still she would not take the old man, but went again
+to the hen-wife, who said, "Say you will not take him unless they give
+you a coat made of the feathers of all the birds of the air." So they
+sent out a man with a great heap of peas; and the man cried to all the
+birds of the air, "Each bird take a pea and put down a feather." So each
+bird took a pea and put down one of its feathers: and they took all the
+feathers and made a coat of them and gave it to her; but still she would
+not take the nasty, horrid old man, but asked the hen-wife once again
+what she was to do, and the hen-wife said, "Say they must first make you
+a coat of catskin." Then they made her a coat of catskin; and she put it
+on, and tied up her other coats into a bundle, and when it was
+night-time ran away with it into the woods.
+
+Now she went along, and went along, and went along, till at the end of
+the wood she saw a fine castle. Then she hid her fine dresses by a
+crystal waterfall and went up to the castle gates and asked for work.
+The lady of the castle saw her, and told her, "I'm sorry I have no
+better place, but if you like you may be our scullion." So down she went
+into the kitchen, and they called her Catskin, because of her dress. But
+the cook was very cruel to her, and led her a sad life.
+
+Well, soon after that it happened that the young lord of the castle came
+home, and there was to be a grand ball in honour of the occasion. And
+when they were speaking about it among the servants, "Dear me, Mrs.
+Cook," said Catskin, "how much I should like to go!"
+
+"What! You dirty, impudent slut," said the cook, "you go among all the
+fine lords and ladies with your filthy catskin? A fine figure you'd
+cut!" and with that she took a basin of water and dashed it into
+Catskin's face. But Catskin only shook her ears and said nothing.
+
+Now when the day of the ball arrived, Catskin slipped out of the house
+and went to the edge of the forest where she had hidden her dresses.
+Then she bathed herself in a crystal waterfall, and put on her coat of
+silver cloth, and hastened away to the ball. As soon as she entered all
+were overcome by her beauty and grace, while the young lord at once lost
+his heart to her. He asked her to be his partner for the first dance;
+and he would dance with none other the livelong night.
+
+When it came to parting time, the young lord said, "Pray tell me, fair
+maid, where you live?"
+
+But Catskin curtsied and said:
+
+  "Kind sir, if the truth I must tell,
+   At the sign of the 'Basin of Water' I dwell."
+
+Then she flew from the castle and donned her catskin robe again, and
+slipped into the scullery, unbeknown to the cook.
+
+The young lord went the very next day and searched for the sign of the
+"Basin of Water"; but he could not find it. So he went to his mother,
+the lady of the castle, and declared he would wed none other but the
+lady of the silver dress, and would never rest till he had found her.
+So another ball was soon arranged in hopes that the beautiful maid would
+appear again.
+
+So Catskin said to the cook, "Oh, how I should like to go!" Whereupon
+the cook screamed out in a rage, "What, you, you dirty, impudent slut!
+You would cut a fine figure among all the fine lords and ladies." And
+with that she up with a ladle and broke it across Catskin's back. But
+Catskin only shook her ears, and ran off to the forest, where, first of
+all, she bathed, and then she put on her coat of beaten gold, and off
+she went to the ball-room.
+
+As soon as she entered all eyes were upon her; and the young lord at
+once recognised her as the lady of the "Basin of Water," claimed her
+hand for the first dance, and did not leave her till the last. When that
+came, he again asked her where she lived. But all that she would say
+was:
+
+  "Kind sir, if the truth I must tell,
+   At the sign of the 'Broken Ladle' I dwell";
+
+and with that she curtsied and flew from the ball, off with her golden
+robe, on with her catskin, and into the scullery without the cook's
+knowing.
+
+Next day, when the young lord could not find where the sign of the
+"Basin of Water" was, he begged his mother to have another grand ball,
+so that he might meet the beautiful maid once more.
+
+Then Catskin said to the cook, "Oh, how I wish I could go to the ball!"
+Whereupon the cook called out: "A fine figure you'd cut!" and broke the
+skimmer across her head. But Catskin only shook her ears, and went off
+to the forest, where she first bathed in the crystal spring, and then
+donned her coat of feathers, and so off to the ball-room.
+
+When she entered every one was surprised at so beautiful a face and form
+dressed in so rich and rare a dress; but the young lord at once
+recognised his beautiful sweetheart, and would dance with none but her
+the whole evening. When the ball came to an end he pressed her to tell
+him where she lived, but all she would answer was:
+
+  "Kind sir, if the truth I must tell,
+   At the sign of the 'Broken Skimmer' I dwell";
+
+and with that she curtsied, and was off to the forest. But this time the
+young lord followed her, and watched her change her fine dress of
+feathers for her catskin dress, and then he knew her for his own
+scullery-maid.
+
+Next day he went to his mother, and told her that he wished to marry the
+scullery-maid, Catskin.
+
+"Never," said the lady of the castle--"never so long as I live."
+
+[Illustration: She went along, and went along, and went along]
+
+Well, the young lord was so grieved that he took to his bed and was very
+ill indeed. The doctor tried to cure him, but he would not take any
+medicine unless from the hands of Catskin. At last the doctor went to
+the mother, and said that her son would die if she did not consent to
+his marriage with Catskin; so she had to give way. Then she summoned
+Catskin to her, and Catskin put on her coat of beaten gold before she
+went to see the lady; and she, of course, was overcome at once, and was
+only too glad to wed her son to so beautiful a maid.
+
+So they were married, and after a time a little son was born to them,
+and grew up a fine little lad. Now one day, when he was about four years
+old, a beggar woman came to the door, and Lady Catskin gave some money
+to the little lord and told him to go and give it to the beggar woman.
+So he went and gave it, putting it into the hand of the woman's baby
+child; and the child leant forward and kissed the little lord.
+
+Now the wicked old cook (who had never been sent away, because Catskin
+was too kind-hearted) was looking on, and she said, "See how beggars'
+brats take to one another!"
+
+This insult hurt Catskin dreadfully: and she went to her husband, the
+young lord, and told him all about her father, and begged he would go
+and find out what had become of her parents. So they set out in the
+lord's grand coach, and travelled through the forest till they came to
+the house of Catskin's father. Then they put up at an inn near, and
+Catskin stopped there, while her husband went to see if her father would
+own she was his daughter.
+
+Now her father had never had any other child, and his wife had died; so
+he was all alone in the world, and sate moping and miserable. When the
+young lord came in he hardly looked up, he was so miserable. Then
+Catskin's husband drew a chair close up to him, and asked him, "Pray,
+sir, had you not once a young daughter whom you would never see or
+own?"
+
+And the miserable man said with tears, "It is true; I am a hardened
+sinner. But I would give all my worldly goods if I could but see her
+once before I die."
+
+Then the young lord told him what had happened to Catskin, and took him
+to the inn, and afterwards brought his father-in-law to his own castle,
+where they lived happy ever afterwards.
+
+
+
+
+THE THREE LITTLE PIGS
+
+
+Once upon a time there was an old sow who had three little pigs, and as
+she had not enough for them to eat, she said they had better go out into
+the world and seek their fortunes.
+
+Now the eldest pig went first, and as he trotted along the road he met a
+man carrying a bundle of straw. So he said very politely:
+
+"If you please, sir, could you give me that straw to build me a house?"
+
+And the man, seeing what good manners the little pig had, gave him the
+straw, and the little pig set to work and built a beautiful house with
+it.
+
+Now, when it was finished, a wolf happened to pass that way; and he saw
+the house, and _he smelt the pig inside_.
+
+So he knocked at the door and said:
+
+"_Little pig! Little pig! Let me in! Let me in!_"
+
+But the little pig saw the wolf's big paws through the keyhole, so he
+answered back:
+
+"_No! No! No! by the hair of my chinny chin chin!_" Then the wolf
+showed his teeth and said:
+
+"_Then I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house in._"
+
+[Illustration: So he huffed and he puffed and he blew the house in]
+
+So he huffed and he puffed and he blew the house in. Then he ate up
+little piggy and went on his way.
+
+Now, the next piggy, when he started, met a man carrying a bundle of
+furze, and, being very polite, he said to him:
+
+"If you please, sir, could you give me that furze to build me a house?"
+
+And the man, seeing what good manners the little pig had, gave him the
+furze, and the little pig set to work and built himself a beautiful
+house.
+
+Now it so happened that when the house was finished the wolf passed that
+way; and he saw the house, and _he smelt the pig inside_.
+
+So he knocked at the door and said:
+
+"_Little pig! Little pig! Let me in! Let me in!_"
+
+But the little pig peeped through the keyhole and saw the wolf's great
+ears, so he answered back:
+
+"_No! No! No! by the hair of my chinny chin chin!_"
+
+Then the wolf showed his teeth and said:
+
+"_Then I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house in!_"
+
+[Illustration: So he huffed and he puffed and he blew the house in]
+
+So he huffed and he puffed and he blew the house in. Then he ate up
+little piggy and went on his way.
+
+Now the third little piggy, when he started, met a man carrying a load
+of bricks, and, being very polite, he said:
+
+"If you please sir, could you give me those bricks to build me a house?"
+
+And the man, seeing that he had been well brought up, gave him the
+bricks, and the little pig set to work and built himself a beautiful
+house.
+
+And once again it happened that when it was finished the wolf chanced to
+come that way; and he saw the house, and he _smelt the pig inside_.
+
+So he knocked at the door and said:
+
+"_Little pig! Little pig! Let me in! Let me in!_"
+
+But the little pig peeped through the keyhole and saw the wolf's great
+eyes, so he answered:
+
+"_No! No! No! by the hair of my chinny chin chin!_"
+
+"_Then I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house in!_" says the
+wolf, showing his teeth.
+
+[Illustration: Well! he huffed and he puffed ... but he could _not_
+blow the house down]
+
+Well! he huffed and he puffed. He puffed and he huffed. And he huffed,
+huffed, and he puffed, puffed; but he could _not_ blow the house down.
+At last he was so out of breath that he couldn't huff and he couldn't
+puff any more. So he thought a bit. Then he said:
+
+"Little pig! I know where there is ever such a nice field of turnips."
+
+"Do you," says little piggy, "and where may that be?"
+
+"I'll show you," says the wolf; "if you will be ready at six o'clock
+to-morrow morning, I will call round for you, and we can go together to
+Farmer Smith's field and get turnips for dinner."
+
+"Thank you kindly," says the little piggy. "I will be ready at six
+o'clock sharp."
+
+But, you see, the little pig was not one to be taken in with chaff, so
+he got up at five, trotted off to Farmer Smith's field, rooted up the
+turnips, and was home eating them for breakfast when the wolf clattered
+at the door and cried:
+
+"Little pig! Little pig! Aren't you ready?"
+
+"Ready?" says the little piggy. "Why! what a sluggard you are! I've been
+to the field and come back again, and I'm having a nice potful of
+turnips for breakfast."
+
+Then the wolf grew red with rage; but he was determined to eat little
+piggy, so he said, as if he didn't care:
+
+"I'm glad you like them; but I know of something better than turnips."
+
+"Indeed," says little piggy, "and what may that be?"
+
+"A nice apple tree down in Merry gardens with the juiciest, sweetest
+apples on it! So if you will be ready at five o'clock to-morrow morning
+I will come round for you and we can get the apples together."
+
+"Thank you kindly," says little piggy. "I will sure and be ready at five
+o'clock sharp."
+
+Now the next morning he bustled up ever so early, and it wasn't four
+o'clock when he started to get the apples; but, you see, the wolf had
+been taken in once and wasn't going to be taken in again, so he also
+started at four o'clock, and the little pig had but just got his basket
+half full of apples when he saw the wolf coming down the road licking
+his lips.
+
+"Hullo!" says the wolf, "here already! You _are_ an early bird! Are the
+apples nice?"
+
+"Very nice," says little piggy; "I'll throw you down one to try."
+
+And he threw it so far away, that when the wolf had gone to pick it up,
+the little pig was able to jump down with his basket and run home.
+
+Well, the wolf was fair angry; but he went next day to the little
+piggy's house and called through the door, as mild as milk:
+
+"Little pig! Little pig! You are so clever, I should like to give you a
+fairing; so if you will come with me to the fair this afternoon you
+shall have one."
+
+"Thank you kindly," says little piggy. "What time shall we start?"
+
+"At three o'clock sharp," says the wolf, "so be sure to be ready."
+
+"I'll be ready before three," sniggered the little piggy. And he was! He
+started early in the morning and went to the fair, and rode in a swing,
+and enjoyed himself ever so much, and bought himself a butter-churn as a
+fairing, and trotted away towards home long before three o'clock. But
+just as he got to the top of the hill, what should he see but the wolf
+coming up it, all panting and red with rage!
+
+Well, there was no place to hide in but the butter-churn; so he crept
+into it, and was just pulling down the cover when the churn started to
+roll down the hill--
+
+_Bumpety, bumpety, bump!_
+
+Of course piggy, inside, began to squeal, and when the wolf heard the
+noise, and saw the butter-churn rolling down on top of him--
+
+_Bumpety, bumpety, bump!_
+
+--he was so frightened that he turned tail and ran away.
+
+But he was still determined to get the little pig for his dinner; so he
+went next day to the house and told the little pig how sorry he was not
+to have been able to keep his promise of going to the fair, because of
+an awful, dreadful, terrible Thing that had rushed at him, making a
+fearsome noise.
+
+"Dear me!" says the little piggy, "that must have been me! I hid inside
+the butter-churn when I saw you coming, and it started to roll! I am
+sorry I frightened you!"
+
+But this was too much. The wolf danced about with rage and swore he
+would come down the chimney and eat up the little pig for his supper.
+But while he was climbing on to the roof the little pig made up a
+blazing fire and put on a big pot full of water to boil. Then, just as
+the wolf was coming down the chimney, the little piggy off with the lid,
+and plump! in fell the wolf into the scalding water.
+
+So the little piggy put on the cover again, boiled the wolf up, and ate
+_him_ for supper.
+
+
+
+
+NIX NAUGHT NOTHING
+
+
+Once upon a time there lived a King and a Queen who didn't differ much
+from all the other kings and queens who have lived since Time began. But
+they had no children, and this made them very sad indeed. Now it so
+happened that the King had to go and fight battles in a far country, and
+he was away for many long months. And, lo and behold! while he was away
+the Queen at long last bore him a little son. As you may imagine, she
+was fair delighted, and thought how pleased the King would be when he
+came home and found that his dearest wish had been fulfilled. And all
+the courtiers were fine and pleased too, and set about at once to
+arrange a grand festival for the naming of the little Prince. But the
+Queen said, "No! The child shall have no name till his father gives it
+to him. Till then we will call him 'Nix! Naught! Nothing!' because his
+father knows nothing about him!"
+
+So little Prince Nix Naught Nothing grew into a strong, hearty little
+lad; for his father did not come back for a long time, and did not even
+know that he had a son.
+
+But at long last he turned his face homewards. Now, on the way, he came
+to a big rushing river which neither he nor his army could cross, for it
+was flood-time and the water was full of dangerous whirlpools, where
+nixies and water-wraiths lived, always ready to drown men.
+
+So they were stopped, until a huge giant appeared, who could take the
+river, whirlpool and all, in his stride; and he said kindly, "I'll carry
+you all over, if you like." Now, though the giant smiled and was very
+polite, the King knew enough of the ways of giants to think it wiser to
+have a hard and fast bargain. So he said, quite curt, "What's your pay?"
+
+"Pay?" echoed the giant, with a grin, "what do you take me for? Give me
+Nix Naught Nothing, and I'll do the job with a glad heart."
+
+Now the King felt just a trifle ashamed at the giant's generosity; so he
+said, "Certainly, certainly. I'll give you nix naught nothing and my
+thanks into the bargain."
+
+So the giant carried them safely over the stream and past the
+whirlpools, and the King hastened homewards. If he was glad to see his
+dear wife, the Queen, you may imagine how he felt when she showed him
+his young son, tall and strong for his age.
+
+"And what's your name, young sir?" he asked of the child fast clasped in
+his arms.
+
+"Nix Naught Nothing," answered the boy; "that's what they call me till
+my father gives me a name."
+
+Well! the King nearly dropped the child, he was so horrified. "What
+have I done?" he cried. "I promised to give nix naught nothing to the
+giant who carried us over the whirlpools where the nixies and
+water-wraiths live."
+
+At this the Queen wept and wailed; but being a clever woman she thought
+out a plan whereby to save her son. So she said to her husband the King,
+"If the giant comes to claim his promise, we will give him the
+hen-wife's youngest boy. She has so many she will not mind if we give
+her a crown piece, and the giant will never know the difference."
+
+Now sure enough the very next morning the giant appeared to claim Nix
+Naught Nothing, and they dressed up the hen-wife's boy in the Prince's
+clothes and wept and wailed when the giant, fine and satisfied, carried
+his prize off on his back. But after a while he came to a big stone and
+sat down to ease his shoulders. And he fell a-dozing. Now, when he woke,
+he started up in a fluster, and called out:
+
+  "Hodge, Hodge, on my shoulders! Say
+   What d'ye make the time o' day?"
+
+And the hen-wife's little boy replied:
+
+  "Time that my mother the hen-wife takes
+   The eggs for the wise Queen's breakfast cakes!"
+
+Then the giant saw at once the trick that had been played on him, and he
+threw the hen-wife's boy on the ground, so that his head hit on the
+stone and he was killed.
+
+Then the giant strode back to the palace in a tower of a temper, and
+demanded "Nix Naught Nothing." So this time they dressed up the
+gardener's boy, and wept and wailed when the giant, fine and satisfied,
+carried his prize off on his back. Then the same thing happened. The
+giant grew weary of his burden, and sate down on the big stone to rest.
+So he fell a-dozing, woke with a start, and called out:
+
+  "Hodge, Hodge, on my shoulders! Say
+   What d'ye make the time o' day?"
+
+And the gardener's boy replied:
+
+  "Time that my father the gardener took
+   Greens for the wise Queen's dinner to cook!"
+
+So the giant saw at once that a second trick had been played on him and
+became quite mad with rage. He flung the boy from him so that he was
+killed, and then strode back to the palace, where he cried with fury:
+"Give me what you promised to give, Nix Naught Nothing, or I will
+destroy you all, root and branch."
+
+So then they saw they must give up the dear little Prince, and this time
+they really wept and wailed as the giant carried off the boy on his
+back. And this time, after the giant had had his rest at the big stone,
+and had woke up and called:
+
+  "Hodge, Hodge, on my shoulders! Say
+   What d'ye make the time o' day?"
+
+the little Prince replied:
+
+  "Time for the King my father to call,
+  'Let supper be served in the banqueting hall.'"
+
+Then the giant laughed with glee and rubbed his hands saying, "I've got
+the right one at last." So he took Nix Naught Nothing to his own house
+under the whirlpools; for the giant was really a great Magician who
+could take any form he chose. And the reason he wanted a little prince
+so badly was that he had lost his wife, and had only one little daughter
+who needed a playmate sorely. So Nix Naught Nothing and the Magician's
+daughter grew up together, and every year made them fonder and fonder of
+each other, until she promised to marry him.
+
+Now the Magician had no notion that his daughter should marry just an
+ordinary human prince, the like of whom he had eaten a thousand times,
+so he sought some way in which he could quietly get rid of Nix Naught
+Nothing. So he said one day, "I have work for you, Nix Naught Nothing!
+There is a stable hard by which is seven miles long, and seven miles
+broad, and it has not been cleaned for seven years. By to-morrow evening
+you must have cleaned it, or I will have you for my supper."
+
+Well, before dawn, Nix Naught Nothing set to work at his task; but, as
+fast as he cleared the muck, it just fell back again. So by
+breakfast-time he was in a terrible sweat; yet not one whit nearer the
+end of his job was he. Now the Magician's daughter, coming to bring him
+his breakfast, found him so distraught and distracted that he could
+scarce speak to her.
+
+"We'll soon set that to rights," she said. So she just clapped her hands
+and called:
+
+  "Beasts and birds o' each degree,
+   Clean me this stable for love o' me."
+
+And, lo and behold! in a minute the beasts of the fields came trooping,
+and the sky was just dark with the wings of birds, and they carried away
+the muck, and the stable was clean as a new pin before the evening.
+
+Now when the Magician saw this, he grew hot and angry, and he guessed it
+was his daughter's magic that had wrought the miracle. So he said:
+"Shame on the wit that helped you; but I have a harder job for you
+to-morrow. Yonder is a lake seven miles long, seven miles broad, and
+seven miles deep. Drain it by nightfall, so that not one drop remains,
+or, of a certainty, I eat you for supper."
+
+So once again Nix Naught Nothing rose before dawn, and began his task;
+but though he baled out the water without ceasing, it ever ran back, so
+that though he sweated and laboured, by breakfast-time he was no nearer
+the end of his job.
+
+But when the Magician's daughter came with his breakfast she only
+laughed and said, "I'll soon mend that!" Then she clapped her hands and
+called:
+
+  "Oh! all ye fish of river and sea,
+   Drink me this water for love of me!"
+
+And, lo and behold! the lake was thick with fishes. And they drank and
+drank, till not one drop remained.
+
+Now when the Magician returned in the morning and saw this he was as
+angry as angry. And he knew it was his daughter's magic, so he said:
+"Double shame on the wit that helped you! Yet it betters you not, for I
+will give you a yet harder task than the last. If you do that, you may
+have my daughter. See you, yonder is a tree, seven miles high, and no
+branch to it till the top, and there on the fork is a nest with some
+eggs in it. Bring those eggs down without breaking one or, sure as fate,
+I'll eat you for my supper."
+
+Then the Magician's daughter was very sad; for with all her magic she
+could think of no way of helping her lover to fetch the eggs and bring
+them down unbroken. So she sate with Nix Naught Nothing underneath the
+tree, and thought, and thought, and thought; until an idea came to her,
+and she clapped her hands and cried:
+
+  "Fingers of mine, for love of me,
+   Help my true lover to climb the tree."
+
+Then her fingers dropped off her hands one by one and ranged themselves
+like the steps of a ladder up the tree; but they were not quite enough
+of them to reach the top, so she cried again:
+
+  "Oh! toes of mine, for love o' me,
+   Help my true lover to climb the tree."
+
+Then her toes began to drop off one by one and range themselves like the
+rungs of a ladder; but when the toes of one foot had gone to their
+places the ladder was tall enough. So Nix Naught Nothing climbed up it,
+reached the nest, and got the seven eggs. Now, as he was coming down
+with the last, he was so overjoyed at having finished his task, that he
+turned to see if the Magician's daughter was overjoyed too: and lo! the
+seventh egg slipped from his hand and fell
+
+                         Crash!
+
+"Quick! Quick!" cried the Magician's daughter, who, as you will observe,
+always had her wits about her. "There is nothing for it now but to fly
+at once. But first I must have my magic flask, or I shall be unable to
+help. It is in my room and the door is locked. Put your fingers, since I
+have none, in my pocket, take the key, unlock the door, get the flask,
+and follow me fast. I shall go slower than you, for I have no toes on
+one foot!"
+
+So Nix Naught Nothing did as he was bid, and soon caught up the
+Magician's daughter. But alas! they could not run very fast, so ere long
+the Magician, who had once again taken a giant's form in order to have a
+long stride, could be seen behind them. Nearer and nearer he came until
+he was just going to seize Nix Naught Nothing, when the Magician's
+daughter cried: "Put your fingers, since I have none, into my hair, take
+my comb and throw it down." So Nix Naught Nothing did as he was bid,
+and, lo and behold! out of every one of the comb-prongs there sprang up
+a prickly briar, which grew so fast that the Magician found himself in
+the middle of a thorn hedge! You may guess how angry and scratched he
+was before he tore his way out. So Nix Naught Nothing and his sweetheart
+had time for a good start; but the Magician's daughter could not run
+fast because she had lost her toes on one foot! Therefore the Magician
+in giant form soon caught them up, and he was just about to grip Nix
+Naught Nothing when the Magician's daughter cried: "Put your fingers,
+since I have none, to my breast. Take out my veil-dagger and throw it
+down."
+
+So he did as he was bid, and in a moment the dagger had grown to
+thousands and thousands of sharp razors, criss-cross on the ground, and
+the Magician giant was howling with pain as he trod among them. You may
+guess how he danced and stumbled and how long it took for him to pick
+his way through as if he were walking on eggs!
+
+So Nix Naught Nothing and his sweetheart were nearly out of sight ere
+the giant could start again; yet it wasn't long before he was like to
+catch them up; for the Magician's daughter, you see, could not run fast
+because she had lost her toes on one foot! She did what she could, but
+it was no use. So just as the giant was reaching out a hand to lay hold
+of Nix Naught Nothing she cried breathlessly:
+
+"There's nothing left but the magic flask. Take it out and sprinkle some
+of what it holds on the ground."
+
+And Nix Naught Nothing did as he was bid; but in his hurry he nearly
+emptied the flask altogether; and so the big, big wave of water which
+instantly welled up, swept him off his feet, and would have carried him
+away, had not the Magician's daughter's loosened veil caught him and
+held him fast. But the wave grew, and grew, and grew behind them, until
+it reached the giant's waist; then it grew and grew until it reached
+his shoulders; and it grew and grew until it swept over his head: a
+great big sea-wave full of little fishes and crabs and sea-snails and
+all sorts of strange creatures.
+
+So that was the last of the Magician giant. But the poor little
+Magician's daughter was so weary that, after a time she couldn't move a
+step further, and she said to her lover, "Yonder are lights burning. Go
+and see if you can find a night's lodging: I will climb this tree by the
+pool where I shall be safe, and by the time you return I shall be
+rested."
+
+Now, by chance, it happened that the lights they saw were the lights of
+the castle where Nix Naught Nothing's father and mother, the King and
+Queen, lived (though of course, he did not know this); so, as he walked
+towards the castle, he came upon the hen-wife's cottage and asked for a
+night's lodging.
+
+"Who are you?" asked the hen-wife suspiciously.
+
+"I am Nix Naught Nothing," replied the young man.
+
+Now the hen-wife still grieved over her boy who had been killed, so she
+instantly resolved to be revenged.
+
+"I cannot give you a night's lodging," she said, "but you shall have a
+drink of milk, for you look weary. Then you can go on to the castle and
+beg for a bed there."
+
+So she gave him a cup of milk; but, being a witch-woman, she put a
+potion to it so that the very moment he saw his father and mother he
+should fall fast asleep, and none should be able to waken him so he
+would be no use to anybody, and would not recognize his father and
+mother.
+
+Now the King and Queen had never ceased grieving for their lost son.
+They were always very kind to wandering young men, and when they heard
+that one was begging a night's lodging, they went down to the hall to
+see him. And lo, the moment Nix Naught Nothing caught sight of his
+father and mother, there he was on the floor fast asleep, and none could
+waken him! He did not recognize his father and mother nor they did not
+recognize him.
+
+But Prince Nix Naught Nothing had grown into a very handsome young man,
+so they pitied him very much, and when none, do what they would, could
+waken him, the King said, "A maiden will likely take more trouble to
+waken him than others, seeing how handsome he is. Send forth a
+proclamation that if any maiden in my realm can waken this young man,
+she shall have him in marriage, and a handsome dowry to boot."
+
+So the proclamation was sent forth, and all the pretty maidens of the
+realm came to try their luck, but they had no success.
+
+Now the gardener whose boy had been killed by the giant had a daughter
+who was very ugly indeed--so ugly that she thought it no use to try her
+luck, and went about her work as usual. So she took her pitcher to the
+pool to fill it. Now the Magician's daughter was still hiding in the
+tree waiting for her lover to return. Thus it came to pass that the
+gardener's ugly daughter, bending down to fill her pitcher in the pool,
+saw a beautiful shadow in the water, and thought it was her own!
+
+"If I am as pretty as that," she cried, "I'll draw water no longer!"
+
+So she threw down her pitcher, and went straight to the castle to see if
+she hadn't a chance of the handsome stranger and the handsome dowry. But
+of course she hadn't; though at the sight of Nix Naught Nothing she fell
+so much in love with him, that, knowing the hen-wife to be a witch, she
+went straight to her, and offered all her savings for a charm by which
+she could awaken the sleeper.
+
+Now when the hen-wife witch heard her tale, she thought it would be a
+rare revenge to marry the King and Queen's long-lost son to a gardener's
+ugly daughter; so she straightway took the girl's savings and gave her a
+charm by which she could unspell the Prince or spell him again at her
+pleasure.
+
+So away went the gardener's daughter to the castle, and sure enough, no
+sooner had she sung her charm, than Nix Naught Nothing awoke.
+
+"I am going to marry you, my charmer," she said coaxingly; but Nix
+Naught Nothing said he would prefer sleep. So she thought it wiser to
+put him to sleep again till the marriage feast was ready and she had got
+her fine clothes. So she spelled him asleep again.
+
+Now the gardener had, of course, to draw the water himself, since his
+daughter would not work. And he took the pitcher to the pool; and he
+also saw the Magician's daughter's shadow in the water; but he did not
+think the face was his own, for, see you, he had a beard!
+
+Then he looked up and saw the lady in the tree.
+
+She, poor thing, was half dead with sorrow, and hunger, and fatigue,
+so, being a kind man, he took her to his house and gave her food. And he
+told her that that _very day_ his daughter was to marry a handsome young
+stranger at the castle, and to get a handsome dowry to boot from the
+King and Queen, in memory of their son, Nix Naught Nothing, who had been
+carried off by a giant when he was a little boy.
+
+Then the Magician's daughter felt sure that something had happened to
+her lover; so she went to the castle, and there she found him fast
+asleep in a chair.
+
+But she could not waken him, for, see you, her magic had gone from her
+with the magic flask which Nix Naught Nothing had emptied.
+
+So, though she put her fingerless hands on his and wept and sang:
+
+  "I cleaned the stable for love o' thee,
+   I laved the lake and I clomb the tree,
+   Wilt thou not waken for love o' me?"
+
+he never stirred nor woke.
+
+Now one of the old servants there, seeing how she wept, took pity on her
+and said, "She that is to marry the young man will be back ere long, and
+unspell him for the wedding. Hide yourself and listen to her charm."
+
+So the Magician's daughter hid herself, and, by and by, in comes the
+gardener's daughter in her fine wedding-dress, and begins to sing her
+charm. But the Magician's daughter didn't wait for her to finish it; for
+the moment Nix Naught Nothing opened his eyes, she rushed out of her
+hiding-place, and put her fingerless hands in his.
+
+Then Nix Naught Nothing remembered everything. He remembered the castle,
+he remembered his father and mother, he remembered the Magician's
+daughter and all that she had done for him.
+
+Then he drew out the magic flask and said, "Surely, surely there must be
+enough magic in it to mend your hands." And there was. There were just
+fourteen drops left, ten for the fingers and four for the toes; but
+there was not one for the little toe, so it could not be brought back.
+Of course, after that there was great rejoicing, and Prince Nix Naught
+Nothing and the Magician's daughter were married and lived happy ever
+after, even though she only had four toes on one foot. As for the
+hen-wife witch, she was burnt, and so the gardener's daughter got back
+her earnings; but she was not happy, because her shadow in the water was
+ugly again.
+
+
+
+
+MR. AND MRS. VINEGAR
+
+
+Mr. and Mrs. Vinegar, a worthy couple, lived in a glass pickle-jar. The
+house, though small, was snug, and so light that each speck of dust on
+the furniture showed like a mole-hill; so while Mr. Vinegar tilled his
+garden with a pickle-fork and grew vegetables for pickling, Mrs.
+Vinegar, who was a sharp, bustling, tidy woman, swept, brushed, and
+dusted, brushed and dusted and swept to keep the house clean as a new
+pin. Now one day she lost her temper with a cobweb and swept so hard
+after it that bang! bang! the broom-handle went right through the glass,
+and crash! crash! clitter! clatter! there was the pickle-jar house about
+her ears all in splinters and bits.
+
+She picked her way over these as best she might, and rushed into the
+garden.
+
+"Oh, Vinegar, Vinegar!" she cried. "We are clean ruined and done for!
+Quit these vegetables! they won't be wanted! What is the use of pickles
+if you haven't a pickle-jar to put them in, and--I've broken ours--into
+little bits!" And with that she fell to crying bitterly.
+
+But Mr. Vinegar was of different mettle; though a small man, he was a
+cheerful one, always looking at the best side of things, so he said,
+"Accidents will happen, lovey! But there are as good pickle-bottles in
+the shop as ever came out of it. All we need is money to buy another. So
+let us go out into the world and seek our fortunes."
+
+"But what about the furniture?" sobbed Mrs. Vinegar.
+
+"I will take the door of the house with me, lovey," quoth Mr. Vinegar
+stoutly. "Then no one will be able to open it, will they?"
+
+Mrs. Vinegar did not quite see how this fact would mend matters, but,
+being a good wife, she held her peace. So off they trudged into the
+world to seek fortune, Mr. Vinegar bearing the door on his back like a
+snail carries its house.
+
+Well, they walked all day long, but not a brass farthing did they make,
+and when night fell they found themselves in a dark, thick forest. Now
+Mrs. Vinegar, for all she was a smart, strong woman, was tired to death,
+and filled with fear of wild beasts, so she began once more to cry
+bitterly; but Mr. Vinegar was cheerful as ever.
+
+"Don't alarm yourself, lovey," he said. "I will climb into a tree, fix
+the door firmly in a fork, and you can sleep there as safe and
+comfortable as in your own bed."
+
+So he climbed the tree, fixed the door, and Mrs. Vinegar lay down on it,
+and being dead tired was soon fast asleep. But her weight tilted the
+door sideways, so, after a time, Mr. Vinegar, being afraid she might
+slip off, sate down on the other side to balance her and keep watch.
+
+Now in the very middle of the night, just as he was beginning to nod,
+what should happen but that a band of robbers should meet beneath that
+very tree in order to divide their spoils. Mr. Vinegar could hear every
+word said quite distinctly, and began to tremble like an aspen as he
+listened to the terrible deeds the thieves had done to gain their ends.
+
+"Don't shake so!" murmured Mrs. Vinegar, half asleep. "You'll have me
+off the bed."
+
+"I'm not shaking, lovey," whispered back Mr. Vinegar in a quaking voice.
+"It is only the wind in the trees."
+
+But for all his cheerfulness he was not really _very_ brave _inside_, so
+he went on trembling and shaking, and shaking and trembling, till, just
+as the robbers were beginning to parcel out the money, he actually shook
+the door right out of the tree-fork, and down it came--with Mrs. Vinegar
+still asleep upon it--right on top of the robbers' heads!
+
+As you may imagine, they thought the sky had fallen, and made off as
+fast as their legs would carry them, leaving their booty behind them.
+But Mr. Vinegar, who had saved himself from the fall by clinging to a
+branch, was far too frightened to go down in the dark to see what had
+happened. So up in the tree he sate like a big bird until dawn came.
+
+Then Mrs. Vinegar woke, rubbed her eyes, yawned, and said, "Where am I?"
+
+"On the ground, lovey," answered Mr. Vinegar, scrambling down.
+
+And when they lifted up the door, what do you think they found?
+
+One robber squashed flat as a pancake, and forty golden guineas all
+scattered about!
+
+My goodness! How Mr. and Mrs. Vinegar jumped for joy!
+
+"Now, Vinegar!" said his wife when they had gathered up all the gold
+pieces, "I will tell you what we must do. You must go to the next
+market-town and buy a cow; for, see you, money makes the mare to go,
+truly; but it also goes itself. Now a cow won't run away, but will give
+us milk and butter, which we can sell. So we shall live in comfort for
+the rest of our days."
+
+"What a head you have, lovey!" said Mr. Vinegar admiringly, and started
+off on his errand.
+
+"Mind you make a good bargain," bawled his wife after him.
+
+"I always do," bawled back Mr. Vinegar. "I made a good bargain when I
+married such a clever wife, and I made a better one when I shook her
+down from the tree. I am the happiest man alive!"
+
+So he trudged on, laughing and jingling the forty gold pieces in his
+pocket.
+
+Now the first thing he saw in the market was an old red cow.
+
+"I am in luck to-day," he thought; "that is the very beast for me. I
+shall be the happiest of men if I get that cow." So he went up to the
+owner, jingling the gold in his pocket.
+
+"What will you take for your cow?" he asked.
+
+And the owner of the cow, seeing he was a simpleton, said, "What you've
+got in your pocket."
+
+"Done!" said Mr. Vinegar, handed over the forty guineas, and led off the
+cow, marching her up and down the market, much against her will, to show
+off his bargain.
+
+Now, as he drove it about, proud as Punch, he noticed a man who was
+playing the bagpipes. He was followed about by a crowd of children who
+danced to the music, and a perfect shower of pennies fell into his cap
+every time he held it out.
+
+"Ho, ho!" thought Mr. Vinegar. "That is an easier way of earning a
+livelihood than by driving about a beast of a cow! Then the feeding, and
+the milking, and the churning! Ah, I should be the happiest man alive if
+I had those bagpipes!"
+
+So he went up to the musician and said, "What will you take for your
+bagpipes?"
+
+"Well," replied the musician, seeing he was a simpleton, "it is a
+beautiful instrument, and I make so much money by it, that I cannot take
+anything less than that red cow."
+
+"Done!" cried Mr. Vinegar in a hurry, lest the man should repent of his
+offer.
+
+So the musician walked off with the red cow, and Mr. Vinegar tried to
+play the bagpipes. But, alas and alack! though he blew till he almost
+burst, not a sound could he make at first, and when he did at last, it
+was such a terrific squeal and screech that all the children ran away
+frightened, and the people stopped their ears.
+
+But he went on and on, trying to play a tune, and never earning
+anything, save hootings and peltings, until his fingers were almost
+frozen with the cold, when of course the noise he made on the bagpipes
+was worse than ever.
+
+Then he noticed a man who had on a pair of warm gloves, and he said to
+himself, "Music is impossible when one's fingers are frozen. I believe I
+should be the happiest man alive if I had those gloves."
+
+So he went up to the owner and said, "You seem, sir, to have a very good
+pair of gloves." And the man replied, "Truly, sir, my hands are as warm
+as toast this bitter November day."
+
+That quite decided Mr. Vinegar, and he asked at once what the owner
+would take for them; and the owner, seeing he was a simpleton, said, "As
+your hands seem frozen, sir, I will, as a favour, let you have them for
+your bagpipes."
+
+"Done!" cried Mr. Vinegar, delighted, and made the exchange.
+
+Then he set off to find his wife, quite pleased with himself. "Warm
+hands, warm heart!" he thought. "I'm the happiest man alive!"
+
+But as he trudged he grew very, very tired, and at last began to limp.
+Then he saw a man coming along the road with a stout stick.
+
+"I should be the happiest man alive if I had that stick," he thought.
+"What is the use of warm hands if your feet ache!" So he said to the man
+with the stick, "What will you take for your stick?" and the man,
+seeing he was a simpleton, replied:
+
+"Well, I don't want to part with my stick, but as you are so pressing
+I'll oblige you, as a friend, for those warm gloves you are wearing."
+
+"Done for you!" cried Mr. Vinegar delightedly; and trudged off with the
+stick, chuckling to himself over his good bargain.
+
+But as he went along a magpie fluttered out of the hedge and sate on a
+branch in front of him, and chuckled and laughed as magpies do. "What
+are you laughing at?" asked Mr. Vinegar.
+
+"At you, forsooth!" chuckled the magpie, fluttering just a little
+further. "At you, Mr. Vinegar, you foolish man--you simpleton--you
+blockhead! You bought a cow for forty guineas when she wasn't worth ten,
+you exchanged her for bagpipes you couldn't play--you changed the
+bagpipes for a pair of gloves, and the pair of gloves for a miserable
+stick. Ho, ho! Ha, ha! So you've nothing to show for your forty guineas
+save a stick you might have cut in any hedge. Ah, you fool! you
+simpleton! you blockhead!"
+
+And the magpie chuckled, and chuckled, and chuckled in such guffaws,
+fluttering from branch to branch as Mr. Vinegar trudged along, that at
+last he flew into a violent rage and flung his stick at the bird. And
+the stick stuck in a tree out of his reach; so he had to go back to his
+wife without anything at all.
+
+[Illustration: At last he flew into a violent rage and flung his stick
+at the bird]
+
+But he was glad the stick had stuck in a tree, for Mrs. Vinegar's hands
+were quite hard enough.
+
+When it was all over Mr. Vinegar said cheerfully, "You are too violent,
+lovey. You broke the pickle-jar, and now you've nearly broken every bone
+in my body. I think we had better turn over a new leaf and begin
+afresh. I shall take service as a gardener, and you can go as a
+housemaid, until we have enough money to buy a new pickle-jar. There are
+as good ones in the shop as ever came out of it."
+
+And that is the story of Mr. and Mrs. Vinegar.
+
+[Illustration: And that is the story of Mr. and Mrs. Vinegar]
+
+
+
+
+THE TRUE HISTORY OF SIR THOMAS THUMB
+
+
+At the court of great King Arthur, who lived, as all know, when knights
+were bold, and ladies were fair indeed, one of the most renowned of men
+was the wizard Merlin. Never before or since was there such another. All
+that was to be known of wizardry he knew, and his advice was ever good
+and kindly.
+
+Now once when he was travelling in the guise of a beggar, he chanced
+upon an honest ploughman and his wife who, giving him a hearty welcome,
+supplied him, cheerfully, with a big wooden bowl of fresh milk and some
+coarse brown bread on a wooden platter. Still, though both they and the
+little cottage where they dwelt were neat and tidy, Merlin noticed that
+neither the husband nor the wife seemed happy; and when he asked the
+cause they said it was because they had no children.
+
+"Had I but a son, no matter if he were no bigger than my goodman's
+thumb," said the poor woman, "we should be quite content."
+
+Now this idea of a boy no bigger than a man's thumb so tickled Wizard
+Merlin's fancy that he promised straight away that such a son should
+come in due time to bring the good couple content. This done, he went
+off at once to pay a visit to the Queen of the Fairies, since he felt
+that the little people would best be able to carry out his promise. And,
+sure enough, the droll fancy of a mannikin no bigger than his father's
+thumb tickled the Fairy Queen also, and she set about the task at once.
+
+So behold the ploughman and his wife as happy as King and Queen over the
+tiniest of tiny babies; and all the happier because the Fairy Queen,
+anxious to see the little fellow, flew in at the window, bringing with
+her clothes fit for the wee mannikin to wear.
+
+  An oak-leaf hat he had for his crown;
+  His jacket was woven of thistle-down.
+  His shirt was a web by spiders spun;
+  His breeches of softest feathers were done.
+  His stockings of red-apple rind were tyne
+  With an eyelash plucked from his mother's eyne.
+  His shoes were made of a mouse's skin,
+  Tanned with the soft furry hair within.
+
+Dressed in this guise he looked the prettiest little fellow ever seen,
+and the Fairy Queen kissed him over and over again, and gave him the
+name of Tom Thumb.
+
+Now as he grew older--though, mind you, he never grew bigger--he was so
+full of antics and tricks that he was for ever getting into trouble.
+Once his mother was making a batter pudding, and Tom, wanting to see how
+it was made, climbed up to the edge of the bowl. His mother was so busy
+beating the batter that she didn't notice him; and when his foot
+slipped, and he plumped head and ears into the bowl, she just went on
+beating until the batter was light enough. Then she put it into the
+pudding-cloth and set it on the fire to boil.
+
+Now the batter had so filled poor Tom's mouth that he couldn't cry; but
+no sooner did he feel the hot water than he began to struggle and kick
+so much that the pudding bobbed up and down, and jumped about in such
+strange fashion that the ploughman's wife thought it was bewitched, and
+in a great fright flung it to the door.
+
+Here a poor tinker passing by picked it up and put it in his wallet. But
+by this time Tom had got his mouth clear of the batter, and he began
+holloaing, and making such a to-do, that the tinker, even more
+frightened than Tom's mother had been, threw the pudding in the road,
+and ran away as fast as he could run. Luckily for Tom, this second fall
+broke the pudding string and he was able to creep out, all covered with
+half-cooked batter, and make his way home, where his mother, distressed
+to see her little dear in such a woeful state, put him into a teacup of
+water to clean him, and then tucked him up in bed.
+
+Another time Tom's mother went to milk her red cow in the meadow and
+took Tom with her, for she was ever afraid lest he should fall into
+mischief when left alone. Now the wind was high, and fearful lest he
+should be blown away, she tied him to a thistle-head with one of her own
+long hairs, and then began to milk. But the red cow, nosing about for
+something to do while she was being milked, as all cows will, spied
+Tom's oak-leaf hat, and thinking it looked good, curled its tongue round
+the thistle-stalk and--
+
+There was Tom dodging the cow's teeth, and roaring as loud as he could:
+
+"Mother! Mother! Help! Help!"
+
+"Lawks-a-mercy-me," cried his mother, "where's the child got to now?
+Where are you, you bad boy?"
+
+"Here!" roared Tom, "in the red cow's mouth!"
+
+With that his mother began to weep and wail, not knowing what else to
+do; and Tom, hearing her, roared louder than ever. Whereat the red cow,
+alarmed--and no wonder!--at the dreadful noise in her throat, opened
+her mouth, and Tom dropped out, luckily into his mother's apron;
+otherwise he would have been badly hurt falling so far.
+
+Adventures like these were not Tom's fault. He could not help being so
+small, but he got into dreadful trouble once for which he was entirely
+to blame. This is what happened. He loved playing cherry-stones with the
+big boys, and when he had lost all his own he would creep unbeknownst
+into the other players' pockets or bags, and make off with cherry-stones
+enough and galore to carry on the game!
+
+Now one day it so happened that one of the boys saw Master Tom on the
+point of coming out of a bag with a whole fistful of cherry-stones. So
+he just drew the string of the bag tight.
+
+"Ha! ha! Mr. Thomas Thumb," says he jeeringly, "so you were going to
+pinch my cherry-stones, were you? Well! you shall have more of them than
+you like." And with that he gave the cherry-stone bag such a hearty
+shake that all Tom's body and legs were sadly bruised black and blue;
+nor was he let out till he had promised never to steal cherry-stones
+again.
+
+So the years passed, and when Tom was a lad, still no bigger than a
+thumb, his father thought he might begin to make himself useful. So he
+made him a whip out of a barley straw, and set him to drive the cattle
+home. But Tom, in trying to climb a furrow's ridge--which to him, of
+course, was a steep hill--slipped down and lay half stunned, so that a
+raven, happening to fly over, thought he was a frog, and picked him up
+intending to eat him. Not relishing the morsel, however, the bird
+dropped him above the battlements of a big castle that stood close to
+the sea. Now the castle belonged to one Grumbo, an ill-tempered giant
+who happened to be taking the air on the roof of his tower. And when Tom
+dropped on his bald pate the giant put up his great hand to catch what
+he thought was an impudent fly, and finding something that smelt man's
+meat, he just swallowed the little fellow as he would have swallowed a
+pill!
+
+He began, however, to repent very soon, for Tom kicked and struggled in
+the giant's inside as he had done in the red cow's throat until the
+giant felt quite squeamish, and finally got rid of Tom by being sick
+over the battlements into the sea.
+
+And here, doubtless, would have been Tom Thumb's end by drowning, had
+not a big fish, thinking that he was a shrimp, rushed at him and gulped
+him down!
+
+Now by good chance some fishermen were standing by with their nets, and
+when they drew them in, the fish that had swallowed Tom was one of the
+haul. Being a very fine fish it was sent to the Court kitchen, where,
+when the fish was opened, out popped Tom on the dresser, as spry as
+spry, to the astonishment of the cook and the scullions! Never had such
+a mite of a man been seen, while his quips and pranks kept the whole
+buttery in roars of laughter. What is more, he soon became the favourite
+of the whole Court, and when the King went out a-riding Tom sat in the
+Royal waistcoat pocket ready to amuse Royalty and the Knights of the
+Round Table.
+
+After a while, however, Tom wearied to see his parents again; so the
+King gave him leave to go home and take with him as much money as he
+could carry. Tom therefore chose a threepenny bit, and putting it into a
+purse made of a water bubble, lifted it with difficulty on to his back,
+and trudged away to his father's house, which was some half a mile
+distant.
+
+It took him two days and two nights to cover the ground, and he was fair
+outwearied by his heavy burden ere he reached home. However, his mother
+put him to rest in a walnut shell by the fire and gave him a whole hazel
+nut to eat; which, sad to say, disagreed with him dreadfully. However,
+he recovered in some measure, but had grown so thin and light that to
+save him the trouble of walking back to the Court, his mother tied him
+to a dandelion-clock, and as there was a high wind, away he went as if
+on wings. Unfortunately, however, just as he was flying low in order to
+alight, the Court cook, an ill-natured fellow, was coming across the
+palace yard with a bowl of hot furmenty for the King's supper. Now Tom
+was unskilled in the handling of dandelion horses, so what should happen
+but that he rode straight into the furmenty, spilt the half of it, and
+splashed the other half, scalding hot, into the cook's face.
+
+He was in a fine rage, and going straight to King Arthur said that Tom,
+at his old antics, had done it on purpose.
+
+Now the King's favourite dish was hot furmenty; so he also fell into a
+fine rage and ordered Tom to be tried for high treason. He was therefore
+imprisoned in a mouse-trap, where he remained for several days tormented
+by a cat, who, thinking him some new kind of mouse, spent its time in
+sparring at him through the bars. At the end of a week, however, King
+Arthur, having recovered the loss of the furmenty, sent for Tom and once
+more received him into favour. After this Tom's life was happy and
+successful. He became so renowned for his dexterity and wonderful
+activity, that he was knighted, by the King under the name of Sir Thomas
+Thumb, and as his clothes, what with the batter and the furmenty, to say
+nothing of the insides of giants and fishes, had become somewhat shabby,
+His Majesty ordered him a new suit of clothes fit for a mounted knight
+to wear. He also gave him a beautiful prancing grey mouse as a charger.
+
+It was certainly very diverting to see Tom dressed up to the nines, and
+as proud as Punch.
+
+  Of butterflies' wings his shirt was made,
+  His boots of chicken hide,
+  And by a nimble fairy blade,
+  All learned in the tailoring trade,
+  His coat was well supplied.
+  A needle dangled at his side,
+  And thus attired in stately pride
+  A dapper mouse he used to ride.
+
+In truth the King and all the Knights of the Round Table were ready to
+expire with laughter at Tom on his fine curveting steed.
+
+But one day, as the hunt was passing a farm-house, a big cat, lurking
+about, made one spring and carried both Tom and the mouse up a tree.
+Nothing daunted, Tom boldly drew his needle sword and attacked the enemy
+with such fierceness that she let her prey fall. Luckily one of the
+nobles caught the little fellow in his cap, otherwise he must have been
+killed by the fall. As it was he became very ill, and the doctor almost
+despaired of his life. However, his friend and guardian, the Queen of
+the Fairies, arrived in a chariot drawn by flying mice, and then and
+there carried Tom back with her to Fairyland, where, amongst folk of his
+own size, he, after a time, recovered. But time runs swiftly in
+Fairyland, and when Tom Thumb returned to Court he was surprised to find
+that his father and mother and nearly all his old friends were dead, and
+that King Thunstone reigned in King Arthur's place. So every one was
+astonished at his size, and carried him as a curiosity to the Audience
+Hall.
+
+"Who art thou, mannikin?" asked King Thunstone. "Whence dost come? And
+where dost live?"
+
+To which Tom replied with a bow:
+
+  "My name is well known.
+   From the Fairies I come.
+   When King Arthur shone,
+   This Court was my home.
+   By him I was knighted,
+   In me he delighted
+   --Your servant--Sir Thomas Thumb."
+
+This address so pleased His Majesty that he ordered a little golden
+chair to be made, so that Tom might sit beside him at table. Also a
+little palace of gold, but a span high, with doors a bare inch wide, in
+which the little fellow might take his ease.
+
+Now King Thunstone's Queen was a very jealous woman, and could not bear
+to see such honours showered on the little fellow; so she up and told
+the King all sorts of bad tales about his favourite; amongst others,
+that he had been saucy and rude to her.
+
+Whereupon the King sent for Tom; but forewarned is forearmed, and
+knowing by bitter experience the danger of royal displeasure, Tom hid
+himself in an empty snail-shell, where he lay till he was nigh starved.
+Then seeing a fine large butterfly on a dandelion close by, he climbed
+up and managed to get astride it. No sooner had he gained his seat than
+the butterfly was off, hovering from tree to tree, from flower to
+flower.
+
+At last the royal gardener saw it and gave chase, then the nobles joined
+in the hunt, even the King himself, and finally the Queen, who forgot
+her anger in the merriment. Hither and thither they ran, trying in vain
+to catch the pair, and almost expiring with laughter, until poor Tom,
+dizzy with so much fluttering, and doubling, and flittering, fell from
+his seat into a watering-pot, where he was nearly drowned.
+
+So they all agreed he must be forgiven, because he had afforded them so
+much amusement.
+
+[Illustration: A spider one day attacked him]
+
+Thus Tom was once more in favour; but he did not live long to enjoy his
+good luck, for a spider one day attacked him, and though he fought well,
+the creature's poisonous breath proved too much for him; he fell dead on
+the ground where he stood, and the spider soon sucked every drop of his
+blood.
+
+Thus ended Sir Thomas Thumb; but the King and the Court were so sorry at
+the loss of their little favourite that they went into mourning for him.
+And they put a fine white marble monument over his grave whereon was
+carven the following epitaph:
+
+  Here lyes Tom Thumb, King Arthur's Knight,
+  Who died by a spider's fell despite.
+  He was well known in Arthur's Court,
+  Where he afforded gallant sport.
+  He rode at tilt and tournament,
+  And on a mouse a-hunting went.
+  Alive he filled the Court with mirth,
+  His death to sadness must give birth.
+  So wipe your eyes and shake your head,
+  And say, "Alas, Tom Thumb is dead!"
+
+
+
+
+HENNY-PENNY
+
+
+One day Henny-penny was picking up corn in the rickyard when--whack!--an
+acorn hit her upon the head. "Goodness gracious me!" said Henny-penny,
+"the sky's a-going to fall; I must go and tell the King."
+
+So she went along, and she went along, and she went along, till she met
+Cocky-locky. "Where are you going, Henny-penny?" says Cocky-locky. "Oh!
+I'm going to tell the King the sky's a-falling," says Henny-penny. "May
+I come with you?" says Cocky-locky. "Certainly," says Henny-penny. So
+Henny-penny and Cocky-locky went to tell the King the sky was falling.
+
+They went along, and they went along, and they went along, till they met
+Ducky-daddles. "Where are you going to, Henny-penny and Cocky-locky?"
+says Ducky-daddles. "Oh! we're going to tell the King the sky's
+a-falling," said Henny-penny and Cocky-locky. "May I come with you?"
+says Ducky-daddles. "Certainly," said Henny-penny and Cocky-locky. So
+Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, and Ducky-daddles went to tell the King the
+sky was a-falling.
+
+So they went along, and they went along, and they went along, till they
+met Goosey-poosey. "Where are you going to, Henny-penny, Cocky-locky,
+and Ducky-daddles?" said Goosey-poosey. "Oh! we're going to tell the
+King the sky's a-falling," said Henny-penny and Cocky-locky and
+Ducky-daddles. "May I come with you?" said Goosey-poosey. "Certainly,"
+said Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, and Ducky-daddles. So Henny-penny,
+Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles, and Goosey-poosey went to tell the King the
+sky was a-falling.
+
+So they went along, and they went along, and they went along, till they
+met Turkey-lurkey. "Where are you going, Henny-penny, Cocky-locky,
+Ducky-daddles, and Goosey-poosey?" says Turkey-lurkey. "Oh! we're going
+to tell the King the sky's a-falling," said Henny-penny, Cocky-locky,
+Ducky-daddles, and Goosey-poosey. "May I come with you, Henny-penny,
+Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles, and Goosey-poosey?" said Turkey-lurkey. "Oh,
+certainly, Turkey-lurkey," said Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles,
+and Goosey-poosey. So Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles,
+Goosey-poosey, and Turkey-lurkey all went to tell the King the sky was
+a-falling.
+
+So they went along, and they went along, and they went along, till they
+met Foxy-woxy, and Foxy-woxy said to Henny-penny, Cocky-locky,
+Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, and Turkey-lurkey, "Where are you going,
+Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, and
+Turkey-lurkey?" And Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles,
+Goosey-poosey, and Turkey-lurkey said to Foxy-woxy, "We're going to tell
+the King the sky's a-falling." "Oh! but this is not the way to the King,
+Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, and
+Turkey-lurkey," says Foxy-woxy; "I know the proper way; shall I show it
+you?" "Oh, certainly, Foxy-woxy," said Henny-penny, Cocky-locky,
+Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, and Turkey-lurkey. So Henny-penny,
+Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, Turkey-lurkey, and Foxy-woxy
+all went to tell the King the sky was a-falling. So they went along, and
+they went along, and they went along, till they came to a narrow and
+dark hole. Now this was the door of Foxy-woxy's burrow. But Foxy-woxy
+said to Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, and
+Turkey-lurkey, "This is the short cut to the King's palace: you'll
+soon get there if you follow me. I will go first and you come after,
+Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, and
+Turkey-lurkey." "Why, of course, certainly, without doubt, why not?"
+said Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, and
+Turkey-lurkey.
+
+[Illustration: "I will go first and you come after, Henny-penny,
+Cocky-locky Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, and Turkey-lurkey"]
+
+So Foxy-woxy went into his burrow, and he didn't go very far but turned
+round to wait for Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles,
+Goosey-poosey, and Turkey-lurkey. Now Turkey-lurkey was the first to go
+through the dark hole into the burrow. He hadn't got far when--
+
+"Hrumph!"
+
+Foxy-woxy snapped off Turkey-lurkey's head and threw his body over his
+left shoulder. Then Goosey-poosey went in, and--
+
+"Hrumph!"
+
+[Illustration: So she escaped]
+
+Off went her head and Goosey-poosey was thrown beside Turkey-lurkey.
+Then Ducky-daddles waddled down, and--
+
+"Hrumph!"
+
+Foxy-woxy had snapped off Ducky-daddles' head and Ducky-daddles was
+thrown alongside Turkey-lurkey and Goosey-poosey. Then Cocky-locky
+strutted down into the burrow, and he hadn't gone far when--
+
+"Hrumph!"
+
+But Cocky-locky _will_ always crow whether you want him to do so or not,
+and so he had just time for one "Cock-a-doo-dle d--" before he went to
+join Turkey-lurkey, Goosey-poosey, and Ducky-daddles over Foxy-woxy's
+shoulders.
+
+Now when Henny-penny, who had just got into the dark burrow, heard
+Cocky-locky crow, she said to herself:
+
+"My goodness! it must be dawn. Time for me to lay my egg."
+
+So she turned round and bustled off to her nest; so she escaped, but she
+never told the King the sky was falling!
+
+[Illustration: So she escaped]
+
+
+[Illustration: They thanked her and said good-bye, and she went on her
+journey.]
+
+
+
+
+THE THREE HEADS OF THE WELL
+
+
+Once upon a time there reigned a King in Colchester, valiant, strong,
+wise, famous as a good ruler.
+
+But in the midst of his glory his dear Queen died, leaving him with a
+daughter just touching woman's estate; and this maiden was renowned, far
+and wide, for beauty, kindness, grace. Now strange things happen, and
+the King of Colchester, hearing of a lady who had immense riches, had a
+mind to marry her, though she was old, ugly, hook-nosed, and
+ill-tempered; and though she was, furthermore, possessed of a daughter
+as ugly as herself. None could give the reason why, but only a few weeks
+after the death of his dear Queen, the King brought this loathly bride
+to Court, and married her with great pomp and festivities. Now the very
+first thing she did was to poison the King's mind against his own
+beautiful, kind, gracious daughter, of whom, naturally, the ugly Queen
+and her ugly daughter were dreadfully jealous.
+
+Now when the young Princess found that even her father had turned
+against her, she grew weary of Court life, and longed to get away from
+it; so, one day, happening to meet the King alone in the garden, she
+went down on her knees, and begged and prayed him to give her some help,
+and let her go out into the world to seek her fortune. To this the King
+agreed, and told his consort to fit the girl out for her enterprise in
+proper fashion. But the jealous woman only gave her a canvas bag of
+brown bread and hard cheese, with a bottle of small-beer.
+
+Though this was but a pitiful dowry for a King's daughter, the Princess
+was too proud to complain; so she took it, returned her thanks, and set
+off on her journey through woods and forests, by rivers and lakes, over
+mountain and valley.
+
+At last she came to a cave at the mouth of which, on a stone, sate an
+old, old man with a white beard.
+
+"Good morrow, fair damsel," he said; "whither away so fast?"
+
+"Reverend father," replies she, "I go to seek my fortune."
+
+"And what hast thou for dowry, fair damsel," said he, "in thy bag and
+bottle?"
+
+"Bread and cheese and small-beer, father," says she, smiling. "Will it
+please you to partake of either?"
+
+"With all my heart," says he, and when she pulled out her provisions he
+ate them nearly all. But once again she made no complaint, but bade him
+eat what he needed, and welcome.
+
+Now when he had finished he gave her many thanks, and said:
+
+"For your beauty, and your kindness, and your grace, take this wand.
+There is a thick thorny hedge before you which seems impassable. But
+strike it thrice with this wand, saying each time, 'Please, hedge, let
+me through,' and it will open a pathway for you. Then, when you come to
+a well, sit down on the brink of it; do not be surprised at anything you
+may see, but, whatever you are asked to do, that do!"
+
+So saying the old man went into the cave, and she went on her way. After
+a while she came to a high, thick thorny hedge; but when she struck it
+three times with the wand, saying, "Please, hedge, let me through," it
+opened a wide pathway for her. So she came to the well, on the brink of
+which she sate down, and no sooner had she done so, than a golden head
+without any body came up through the water, singing as it came:
+
+  "Wash me, and comb me, lay me on a bank to dry
+   Softly and prettily to watch the passers-by."
+
+"Certainly," she said, pulling out her silver comb. Then, placing the
+head on her lap, she began to comb the golden hair. When she had combed
+it, she lifted the golden head softly, and laid it on a primrose bank to
+dry. No sooner had she done this than another golden head appeared,
+singing as it came:
+
+  "Wash me, and comb me, lay me on a bank to dry
+   Softly and prettily to watch the passers-by."
+
+"Certainly," says she, and after combing the golden hair, placed the
+golden head softly on the primrose bank, beside the first one.
+
+Then came a third head out of the well, and it said the same thing:
+
+  "Wash me, and comb me, lay me on a bank to dry
+   Softly and prettily to watch the passers-by."
+
+"With all my heart," says she graciously, and after taking the head on
+her lap, and combing its golden hair with her silver comb, there were
+the three golden heads in a row on the primrose bank. And she sate down
+to rest herself and looked at them, they were so quaint and pretty; and
+as she rested she cheerfully ate and drank the meagre portion of the
+brown bread, hard cheese, and small-beer which the old man had left to
+her; for, though she was a king's daughter, she was too proud to
+complain.
+
+Then the first head spoke. "Brothers, what shall we weird for this
+damsel who has been so gracious unto us? I weird her to be so beautiful
+that she shall charm every one she meets."
+
+"And I," said the second head, "weird her a voice that shall exceed the
+nightingale's in sweetness."
+
+"And I," said the third head, "weird her to be so fortunate that she
+shall marry the greatest King that reigns."
+
+"Thank you with all my heart," says she; "but don't you think I had
+better put you back in the well before I go on? Remember you are golden,
+and the passers-by might steal you."
+
+To this they agreed; so she put them back. And when they had thanked
+her for her kind thought and said good-bye, she went on her journey.
+
+Now she had not travelled far before she came to a forest where the King
+of the country was hunting with his nobles, and as the gay cavalcade
+passed down the glade she stood back to avoid them; but the King caught
+sight of her, and drew up his horse, fairly amazed at her beauty.
+
+"Fair maid," he said, "who art thou, and whither goest thou through the
+forest thus alone?"
+
+"I am the King of Colchester's daughter, and I go to seek my fortune,"
+says she, and her voice was sweeter than the nightingale's.
+
+Then the King jumped from his horse, being so struck by her that he felt
+it would be impossible to live without her, and falling on his knee
+begged and prayed her to marry him without delay.
+
+And he begged and prayed so well that at last she consented. So, with
+all courtesy, he mounted her on his horse behind him, and commanding the
+hunt to follow, he returned to his palace, where the wedding festivities
+took place with all possible pomp and merriment. Then, ordering out the
+royal chariot, the happy pair started to pay the King of Colchester a
+bridal visit: and you may imagine the surprise and delight with which,
+after so short an absence, the people of Colchester saw their beloved,
+beautiful, kind, and gracious princess return in a chariot all gemmed
+with gold, as the bride of the most powerful King in the world. The
+bells rang out, flags flew, drums beat, the people huzzaed, and all was
+gladness, save for the ugly Queen and her ugly daughter, who were ready
+to burst with envy and malice; for, see you, the despised maiden was now
+above them both, and went before them at every Court ceremonial.
+
+So, after the visit was ended, and the young King and his bride had gone
+back to their own country, there to live happily ever after, the ugly
+ill-natured princess said to her mother, the ugly Queen:
+
+"I also will go into the world and seek my fortune. If that drab of a
+girl with her mincing ways got so much, what may I not get?"
+
+So her mother agreed, and furnished her forth with silken dresses and
+furs, and gave her as provisions sugar, almonds, and sweetmeats of every
+variety, besides a large flagon of Malaga sack. Altogether a right royal
+dowry.
+
+Armed with these she set forth, following the same road as her
+step-sister. Thus she soon came upon the old man with a white beard, who
+was seated on a stone by the mouth of a cave.
+
+"Good morrow," says he. "Whither away so fast?"
+
+"What's that to you, old man?" she replied rudely.
+
+"And what hast thou for dowry in bag and bottle?" he asked quietly.
+
+"Good things with which you shall not be troubled," she answered pertly.
+
+"Wilt thou not spare an old man something?" he said.
+
+[Illustration: The thorns closed in around her so that she was all
+scratched and torn]
+
+Then she laughed. "Not a bite, not a sup, lest they should choke you:
+though that would be small matter to me," she replied, with a toss of
+her head.
+
+"Then ill luck go with thee," remarked the old man as he rose and went
+into the cave.
+
+So she went on her way, and after a time came to the thick thorny hedge,
+and seeing what she thought was a gap in it, she tried to pass through;
+but no sooner had she got well into the middle of the hedge than the
+thorns closed in around her so that she was all scratched and torn
+before she won her way. Thus, streaming with blood, she went on to the
+well, and seeing water, sate on the brink intending to cleanse herself.
+But just as she dipped her hands, up came a golden head singing as it
+came:
+
+  "Wash me, and comb me, lay me on the bank to dry
+   Softly and prettily to watch the passers-by."
+
+"A likely story," says she. "I'm going to wash myself." And with that
+she gave the head such a bang with her bottle that it bobbed below the
+water. But it came up again, and so did a second head, singing as it
+came:
+
+  "Wash me, and comb me, lay me on the bank to dry
+   Softly and prettily to watch the passers-by."
+
+"Not I," scoffs she. "I'm going to wash my hands and face and have my
+dinner." So she fetches the second head a cruel bang with the bottle,
+and both heads ducked down in the water.
+
+But when they came up again all draggled and dripping, the third head
+came also, singing as it came:
+
+  "Wash me, and comb me, lay me on the bank to dry
+   Softly and prettily to watch the passers-by."
+
+By this time the ugly princess had cleansed herself, and, seated on the
+primrose bank, had her mouth full of sugar and almonds.
+
+"Not I," says she as well as she could. "I'm not a washerwoman nor a
+barber. So take that for your washing and combing."
+
+And with that, having finished the Malaga sack, she flung the empty
+bottle at the three heads.
+
+But this time they didn't duck. They looked at each other and said, "How
+shall we weird this rude girl for her bad manners?" Then the first head
+said:
+
+"I weird that to her ugliness shall be added blotches on her face."
+
+And the second head said:
+
+"I weird that she shall ever be hoarse as a crow and speak as if she had
+her mouth full."
+
+Then the third head said:
+
+"And I weird that she shall be glad to marry a cobbler."
+
+Then the three heads sank into the well and were no more seen, and the
+ugly princess went on her way. But, lo and behold! when she came to a
+town, the children ran from her ugly blotched face screaming with
+fright, and when she tried to tell them she was the King of Colchester's
+daughter, her voice squeaked like a corn-crake's, was hoarse as a
+crow's, and folk could not understand a word she said, because she spoke
+as if her mouth was full!
+
+Now in the town there happened to be a cobbler who not long before had
+mended the shoes of a poor old hermit; and the latter, having no money,
+had paid for the job by the gift of a wonderful ointment which would
+cure blotches on the face, and a bottle of medicine that would banish
+any hoarseness.
+
+So, seeing the miserable, ugly princess in great distress, he went up to
+her and gave her a few drops out of his bottle; and then understanding
+from her rich attire and clearer speech that she was indeed a King's
+daughter, he craftily said that if she would take him for a husband he
+would undertake to cure her.
+
+"Anything! Anything!" sobbed the miserable princess.
+
+So they were married, and the cobbler straightway set off with his bride
+to visit the King of Colchester. But the bells did not ring, the drums
+did not beat, and the people, instead of huzzaing, burst into loud
+guffaws at the cobbler in leather, and his wife in silks and satins.
+
+As for the ugly Queen, she was so enraged and disappointed that she went
+mad, and hanged herself in wrath. Whereupon the King, really pleased at
+getting rid of her so soon, gave the cobbler a hundred pounds and bade
+him go about his business with his ugly bride.
+
+Which he did quite contentedly, for a hundred pounds means much to a
+poor cobbler. So they went to a remote part of the kingdom and lived
+unhappily for many years, he cobbling shoes, and she spinning the thread
+for him.
+
+
+
+
+MR. FOX
+
+
+Lady Mary was young and Lady Mary was fair, and she had more lovers than
+she could count on the fingers of both hands.
+
+She lived with her two brothers, who were very proud and very fond of
+their beautiful sister, and very anxious that she should choose well
+amongst her many suitors.
+
+Now amongst them there was a certain Mr. Fox, handsome and young and
+rich; and though nobody quite knew who he was, he was so gallant and so
+gay that every one liked him. And he wooed Lady Mary so well that at
+last she promised to marry him. But though he talked much of the
+beautiful home to which he would take her, and described the castle and
+all the wonderful things that furnished it, he never offered to show it
+to her, neither did he invite Lady Mary's brothers to see it.
+
+Now this seemed to her very strange indeed; and, being a lass of spirit,
+she made up her mind to see the castle if she could.
+
+So one day, just before the wedding, when she knew Mr. Fox would be
+away seeing the lawyers with her brothers, she just kilted up her skirts
+and set out unbeknownst--for, see you, the whole household was busy
+preparing for the marriage feastings--to see for herself what Mr. Fox's
+beautiful castle was like.
+
+After many searchings, and much travelling, she found it at last; and a
+fine strong building it was, with high walls and a deep moat to it. A
+bit frowning and gloomy, but when she came up to the wide gateway she
+saw these words carven over the arch:
+
+                _BE BOLD--BE BOLD._
+
+So she plucked up courage, and the gate being open, went through it and
+found herself in a wide, empty, open courtyard. At the end of this was a
+smaller door, and over this was carven:
+
+        _BE BOLD, BE BOLD; BUT NOT TOO BOLD._
+
+So she went through it to a wide, empty hall, and up the wide, empty
+staircase. Now at the top of the staircase there was a wide, empty
+gallery at one end of which were wide windows with the sunlight
+streaming through them from a beautiful garden, and at the other end a
+narrow door, over the archway of which was carven:
+
+    _BE BOLD, BE BOLD; BUT NOT TOO BOLD,
+    LEST THAT YOUR HEART'S BLOOD SHOULD RUN COLD._
+
+Now Lady Mary was a lass of spirit, and so, of course, she turned her
+back on the sunshine, and opened the narrow, dark door. And there she
+was in a narrow, dark passage. But at the end there was a chink of
+light. So she went forward and put her eye to the chink--and what do you
+think she saw?
+
+Why! a wide saloon lit with many candles, and all round it, some hanging
+by their necks, some seated on chairs, some lying on the floor, were the
+skeletons and bodies of numbers of beautiful young maidens in their
+wedding-dresses that were all stained with blood.
+
+Now Lady Mary, for all she was a lass of spirit, and brave as brave,
+could not look for long on such a horrid sight, so she turned and fled.
+Down the dark narrow passage, through the dark narrow door (which she
+did not forget to close behind her), and along the wide gallery she fled
+like a hare, and was just going down the wide stairs into the wide hall
+when, what did she see, through the window, but Mr. Fox dragging a
+beautiful young lady across the wide courtyard! There was nothing for
+it, Lady Mary decided, but to hide herself as quickly and as best she
+might; so she fled faster down the wide stairs, and hid herself behind a
+big wine-butt that stood in a corner of the wide hall. She was only just
+in time, for there at the wide door was Mr. Fox dragging the poor young
+maiden along by the hair; and he dragged her across the wide hall and up
+the wide stairs. And when she clutched at the bannisters to stop
+herself, Mr. Fox cursed and swore dreadfully; and at last he drew his
+sword and brought it down so hard on the poor young lady's wrist that
+the hand, cut off, jumped up into the air so that the diamond ring on
+the finger flashed in the sunlight as it fell, of all places in the
+world, into Lady Mary's very lap as she crouched behind the wine-butt!
+
+Then she was fair frightened, thinking Mr. Fox would be sure to find
+her; but after looking about a little while in vain (for, of course, he
+coveted the diamond ring), he continued his dreadful task of dragging
+the poor, beautiful young maiden upstairs to the horrid chamber,
+intending, doubtless, to return when he had finished his loathly work,
+and seek for the hand.
+
+But by that time Lady Mary had fled; for no sooner did she hear the
+awful, dragging noise pass into the gallery, than she upped and ran for
+dear life--through the wide door with
+
+            _BE BOLD, BE BOLD; BUT NOT TOO BOLD_
+
+engraven over the arch, across the wide courtyard past the wide gate
+with
+
+                _BE BOLD--BE BOLD_
+
+engraven over it, never stopping, never thinking till she reached her
+own chamber. And all the while the hand with the diamond ring lay in her
+kilted lap.
+
+Now the very next day, when Mr. Fox and Lady Mary's brothers returned
+from the lawyers, the marriage-contract had to be signed. And all the
+neighbourhood was asked to witness it and partake of a splendid
+breakfast. And there was Lady Mary in bridal array, and there was Mr.
+Fox, looking so gay and so gallant. He was seated at the table just
+opposite Lady Mary, and he looked at her and said:
+
+"How pale you are this morning, dear heart."
+
+Then Lady Mary looked at him quietly and said, "Yes, dear sir! I had a
+bad night's rest, for I had horrible dreams."
+
+Then Mr. Fox smiled and said, "Dreams go by contraries, dear heart; but
+tell me your dream, and your sweet voice will speed the time till I can
+call you mine."
+
+"I dreamed," said Lady Mary, with a quiet smile, and her eyes were
+clear, "that I went yesterday to seek the castle that is to be my home,
+and I found it in the woods with high walls and a deep dark moat. And
+over the gateway were carven these words:
+
+                   _BE BOLD--BE BOLD._"
+
+Then Mr. Fox spoke in a hurry. "But it is not so--nor it was not so."
+
+"Then I crossed the wide courtyard and went through a wide door over
+which was carven:
+
+            _BE BOLD, BE BOLD; BUT NOT TOO BOLD,_"
+
+went on Lady Mary, still smiling, and her voice was cold; "but, of
+course, it is not so, and it was not so."
+
+And Mr. Fox said nothing; he sate like a stone.
+
+"Then I dreamed," continued Lady Mary, still smiling, though her eyes
+were stern, "that I passed through a wide hall and up a wide stair and
+along a wide gallery until I came to a dark narrow door, and over it was
+carven:
+
+    _BE BOLD, BE BOLD; BUT NOT TOO BOLD,
+     LEST THAT YOUR HEART'S BLOOD SHOULD RUN COLD._
+
+"But it is not so, of course, and it was not so."
+
+And Mr. Fox said nothing; he sate frozen.
+
+"Then I dreamed that I opened the door and went down a dark narrow
+passage," said Lady Mary, still smiling, though her voice was ice. "And
+at the end of the passage there was a door, and the door had a chink in
+it. And through the chink I saw a wide saloon lit with many candles, and
+all round it were the bones and bodies of poor dead maidens, their
+clothes all stained with blood; but of course it is not so, and it was
+not so."
+
+By this time all the neighbours were looking Mr. Fox-ways with all their
+eyes, while he sate silent.
+
+But Lady Mary went on, and her smiling lips were set:
+
+"Then I dreamed that I ran downstairs and had just time to hide myself
+when you, Mr. Fox, came in dragging a young lady by the hair. And the
+sunlight glittered on her diamond ring as she clutched the stair-rail,
+and you out with your sword and cut off the poor lady's hand."
+
+Then Mr. Fox rose in his seat stonily and glared about him as if to
+escape, and his eye-teeth showed like a fox beset by the dogs, and he
+grew pale.
+
+And he said, trying to smile, though his whispering voice could scarcely
+be heard:
+
+"But it is not so, dear heart, and it was not so, and God forbid it
+should be so!"
+
+Then Lady Mary rose in her seat also, and the smile left her face, and
+her voice rang as she cried:
+
+  "But it is so, and it was so;
+   Here's hand and ring I have to show."
+
+[Illustration: Many's the beating he had from the broomstick or the
+ladle]
+
+And with that she pulled out the poor dead hand with the glittering
+ring from her bosom and pointed it straight at Mr. Fox.
+
+At this all the company rose, and drawing their swords cut Mr. Fox to
+pieces.
+
+And served him very well right.
+
+
+
+
+DICK WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT
+
+
+More than five hundred years ago there was a little boy named Dick
+Whittington, and this is true. His father and mother died when he was
+too young to work, and so poor little Dick was very badly off. He was
+quite glad to get the parings of the potatoes to eat and a dry crust of
+bread now and then, and more than that he did not often get, for the
+village where he lived was a very poor one and the neighbours were not
+able to spare him much.
+
+Now the country folk in those days thought that the people of London
+were all fine ladies and gentlemen, and that there was singing and
+dancing all the day long, and so rich were they there that even the
+streets, they said, were paved with gold. Dick used to sit by and listen
+while all these strange tales of the wealth of London were told, and it
+made him long to go and live there and have plenty to eat and fine
+clothes to wear, instead of the rags and hard fare that fell to his lot
+in the country.
+
+So one day when a great waggon with eight horses stopped on its way
+through the village, Dick made friends with the waggoner and begged to
+be taken with him to London. The man felt sorry for poor little Dick
+when he heard that he had no father or mother to take care of him, and
+saw how ragged and how badly in need of help he was. So he agreed to
+take him, and off they set.
+
+How far it was and how many days they took over the journey I do not
+know, but in due time Dick found himself in the wonderful city which he
+had heard so much of and pictured to himself so grandly. But oh! how
+disappointed he was when he got there. How dirty it was! And the people,
+how unlike the gay company, with music and singing, that he had dreamt
+of! He wandered up and down the streets, one after another, until he was
+tired out, but not one did he find that was paved with gold. Dirt in
+plenty he could see, but none of the gold that he thought to have put in
+his pockets as fast as he chose to pick it up.
+
+[Illustration: Dick finds that the streets of London are not paved with
+gold]
+
+Little Dick ran about till he was tired and it was growing dark. And at
+last he sat himself down in a corner and fell asleep. When morning came
+he was very cold and hungry, and though he asked every one he met to
+help him, only one or two gave him a halfpenny to buy some bread. For
+two or three days he lived in the streets in this way, only just able to
+keep himself alive, when he managed to get some work to do in a
+hayfield, and that kept him for a short time longer, till the haymaking
+was over.
+
+After this he was as badly off as ever, and did not know where to turn.
+One day in his wanderings he lay down to rest in the doorway of the
+house of a rich merchant whose name was Fitzwarren. But here he was soon
+seen by the cook-maid, who was an unkind, bad-tempered woman, and she
+cried out to him to be off. "Lazy rogue," she called him; and she said
+she'd precious quick throw some dirty dishwater over him, boiling hot,
+if he didn't go. However, just then Mr. Fitzwarren himself came home to
+dinner, and when he saw what was happening, he asked Dick why he was
+lying there. "You're old enough to be at work, my boy," he said. "I'm
+afraid you have a mind to be lazy."
+
+"Indeed, sir," said Dick to him, "indeed that is not so"; and he told
+him how hard he had tried to get work to do, and how ill he was for want
+of food. Dick, poor fellow, was now so weak that though he tried to
+stand he had to lie down again, for it was more than three days since he
+had had anything to eat at all. The kind merchant gave orders for him to
+be taken into the house and gave him a good dinner, and then he said
+that he was to be kept, to do what work he could to help the cook.
+
+And now Dick would have been happy enough in this good family if it had
+not been for the ill-natured cook, who did her best to make life a
+burden to him. Night and morning she was for ever scolding him. Nothing
+he did was good enough. It was "Look sharp here" and "Hurry up there,"
+and there was no pleasing her. And many's the beating he had from the
+broomstick or the ladle, or whatever else she had in her hand.
+
+At last it came to the ears of Miss Alice, Mr. Fitzwarren's daughter,
+how badly the cook was treating poor Dick. And she told the cook that
+she would quickly lose her place if she didn't treat him more kindly,
+for Dick had become quite a favourite with the family.
+
+After that the cook's behaviour was a little better, but Dick still had
+another hardship that he bore with difficulty. For he slept in a garret
+where were so many holes in the walls and the floor that every night as
+he lay in bed the room was overrun with rats and mice, and sometimes he
+could hardly sleep a wink. One day when he had earned a penny for
+cleaning a gentleman's shoes, he met a little girl with a cat in her
+arms, and asked whether she would not sell it to him. "Yes, she would,"
+she said, though the cat was such a good mouser that she was sorry to
+part with her. This just suited Dick, who kept pussy up in his garret,
+feeding her on scraps of his own dinner that he saved for her every day.
+In a little while he had no more bother with the rats and mice. Puss
+soon saw to that, and he slept sound every night.
+
+Soon after this Mr. Fitzwarren had a ship ready to sail; and as it was
+his custom that all his servants should be given a chance of good
+fortune as well as himself, he called them all into the counting-house
+and asked them what they would send out.
+
+They all had something that they were willing to venture except poor
+Dick, who had neither money nor goods, and so could send nothing. For
+this reason he did not come into the room with the rest. But Miss Alice
+guessed what was the matter, and ordered him to be called in. She then
+said, "I will lay down some money for him out of my own purse"; but her
+father told her that would not do, for it must be something of his own.
+
+When Dick heard this he said, "I have nothing whatever but a cat, which
+I bought for a penny some time ago."
+
+"Go, my boy, fetch your cat then," said his master, "and let her go."
+
+Dick went upstairs and fetched poor puss, but there were tears in his
+eyes when he gave her to the captain. "For," he said, "I shall now be
+kept awake all night by the rats and mice." All the company laughed at
+Dick's odd venture, and Miss Alice, who felt sorry for him, gave him
+some money to buy another cat.
+
+Now this, and other marks of kindness shown him by Miss Alice, made the
+ill-tempered cook jealous of poor Dick, and she began to use him more
+cruelly than ever, and was always making game of him for sending his cat
+to sea. "What do you think your cat will sell for?" she'd ask. "As much
+money as would buy a stick to beat you with?"
+
+At last poor Dick could not bear this usage any longer, and he thought
+he would run away. So he made a bundle of his things--he hadn't
+many--and started very early in the morning, on All-hallows Day, the
+first of November. He walked as far as Holloway, and there he sat down
+to rest on a stone, which to this day, they say, is called
+"Whittington's Stone," and began to wonder to himself which road he
+should take.
+
+[Illustration: Dick Whittington hears Bow Bells]
+
+While he was thinking what he should do the Bells of Bow Church in
+Cheapside began to chime, and as they rang he fancied that they were
+singing over and over again:
+
+  "Turn again, Whittington,
+   Lord Mayor of London."
+
+"Lord Mayor of London!" said he to himself. "Why, to be sure, wouldn't I
+put up with almost anything now to be Lord Mayor of London, and ride in
+a fine coach, when I grow to be a man! Well, I'll go back, and think
+nothing of the cuffing and scolding of the cross old cook if I am to be
+Lord Mayor of London at last."
+
+So back he went, and he was lucky enough to get into the house and set
+about his work before the cook came down.
+
+But now you must hear what befell Mrs. Puss all this while. The ship
+_Unicorn_ that she was on was a long time at sea, and the cat made
+herself useful, as she would, among the unwelcome rats that lived on
+board too. At last the ship put into harbour on the coast of Barbary,
+where the only people are the Moors. They had never before seen a ship
+from England, and flocked in numbers to see the sailors, whose different
+colour and foreign dress were a great wonder to them. They were soon
+eager to buy the goods with which the ship was laden, and patterns were
+sent ashore for the King to see. He was so much pleased with them that
+he sent for the captain to come to the palace, and honoured him with an
+invitation to dinner. But no sooner were they seated, as is the custom
+there, on the fine rugs and carpets that covered the floor, than great
+numbers of rats and mice came scampering in, swarming over all the
+dishes, and helping themselves from all the good things there were to
+eat. The captain was amazed, and wondered whether they didn't find such
+a pest most unpleasant.
+
+[Illustration: When Puss saw the rats and mice she didn't wait to be
+told]
+
+"Oh yes," said they, "it was so, and the King would give half his
+treasure to be freed of them, for they not only spoil his dinner, but
+they even attack him in his bed at night, so that a watch has to be kept
+while he is sleeping, for fear of them."
+
+The captain was overjoyed; he thought at once of poor Dick Whittington
+and his cat, and said he had a creature on board ship that would soon do
+for all these vermin if she were there. Of course, when the King heard
+this he was eager to possess this wonderful animal.
+
+"Bring it to me at once," he said; "for the vermin are dreadful, and if
+only it will do what you say, I will load your ship with gold and jewels
+in exchange for it."
+
+The captain, who knew his business, took care not to underrate the value
+of Dick's cat. He told His Majesty how inconvenient it would be to part
+with her, as when she was gone the rats might destroy the goods in the
+ship; however, to oblige the King, he would fetch her.
+
+"Oh, make haste, do!" cried the Queen; "I, too, am all impatience to see
+this dear creature."
+
+Off went the captain, while another dinner was got ready. He took Puss
+under his arm and got back to the palace just in time to see the carpet
+covered with rats and mice once again. When Puss saw them, she didn't
+wait to be told, but jumped out of the captain's arms, and in no time
+almost all the rats and mice were dead at her feet, while the rest of
+them had scuttled off to their holes in fright.
+
+The King was delighted to get rid so easily of such an intolerable
+plague, and the Queen desired that the animal who had done them such a
+service might be brought to her. Upon which the captain called out,
+"Puss, puss, puss," and she came running to him. Then he presented her
+to the Queen, who was rather afraid at first to touch a creature who had
+made such a havoc with her claws. However, when the captain called her,
+"Pussy, pussy," and began to stroke her, the Queen also ventured to
+touch her and cried, "Putty, putty," in imitation of the captain, for
+she hadn't learned to speak English. He then put her on to the Queen's
+lap, where she purred and played with Her Majesty's hand and was soon
+asleep.
+
+The King having seen what Mrs. Puss could do, and learning that her
+kittens would soon stock the whole country, and keep it free from rats,
+after bargaining with the captain for the whole ship's cargo, then gave
+him ten times as much for the cat as all the rest amounted to.
+
+The captain then said farewell to the court of Barbary, and after a fair
+voyage reached London again with his precious load of gold and jewels
+safe and sound.
+
+One morning early Mr. Fitzwarren had just come to his counting-house and
+settled himself at the desk to count the cash, when there came a knock
+at the door. "Who's there?" said he. "A friend," replied a voice. "I
+come with good news of your ship the _Unicorn_." The merchant in haste
+opened the door, and who were there but the ship's captain and the mate,
+bearing a chest of jewels and a bill of lading. When he had looked this
+over he lifted his eyes and thanked heaven for sending him such a
+prosperous voyage.
+
+The honest captain next told him all about the cat, and showed him the
+rich present the King had sent for her to poor Dick. Rejoicing on behalf
+of Dick as much as he had done over his own good fortune, he called out
+to his servants to come and to bring up Dick:
+
+  "Go fetch him, and we'll tell him of his fame;
+   Pray call him Mr. Whittington by name."
+
+The servants, some of them, hesitated at this, and said so great a
+treasure was too much for a lad like Dick; but Mr. Fitzwarren now showed
+himself the good man that he was and refused to deprive him of the value
+of a single penny. "God forbid!" he cried. "It's all his own, and he
+shall have it, to a farthing."
+
+He then sent for Dick, who at the moment was scouring pots for the cook
+and was black with dirt. He tried to excuse himself from coming into the
+room in such a plight, but the merchant made him come, and had a chair
+set for him. And he then began to think they must be making game of him,
+so he begged them not to play tricks on a poor simple boy, but to let
+him go downstairs again back to his work in the scullery.
+
+"Indeed, Mr. Whittington," said the merchant, "we are all quite in
+earnest with you, and I most heartily rejoice at the news that these
+gentlemen have brought. For the captain has sold your cat to the King of
+Barbary, and brings you in return for her more riches than I possess in
+the whole world; and may you long enjoy them!"
+
+Mr. Fitzwarren then told the men to open the great treasure they had
+brought with them, saying, "There is nothing more now for Mr.
+Whittington to do but to put it in some place of safety."
+
+Poor Dick hardly knew how to behave himself for joy. He begged his
+master to take what part of it he pleased, since he owed it all to his
+kindness. "No, no," answered Mr. Fitzwarren, "this all belongs to you;
+and I have no doubt that you will use it well."
+
+Dick next begged his mistress, and then Miss Alice, to accept a part of
+his good fortune, but they would not, and at the same time told him what
+great joy they felt at his great success. But he was far too
+kind-hearted to keep it all to himself; so he made a present to the
+captain, the mate, and the rest of Mr. Fitzwarren's servants; and even
+to his old enemy, the cross cook.
+
+After this Mr. Fitzwarren advised him to send for a tailor and get
+himself dressed like a gentleman, and told him he was welcome to live in
+his house till he could provide himself with a better.
+
+When Whittington's face was washed, his hair curled, and he was dressed
+in a smart suit of clothes, he was just as handsome and fine a young man
+as any who visited at Mr. Fitzwarren's, and so thought fair Alice
+Fitzwarren, who had once been so kind to him and looked upon him with
+pity. And now she felt he was quite fit to be her sweetheart, and none
+the less, no doubt, because Whittington was always thinking what he
+could do to please her, and making her the prettiest presents that could
+be.
+
+Mr. Fitzwarren soon saw which way the wind blew, and ere long proposed
+to join them in marriage, and to this they both readily agreed. A day
+for the wedding was soon fixed; and they were attended to church by the
+Lord Mayor, the court of aldermen, the sheriffs, and a great number of
+the richest merchants in London, whom they afterwards treated with a
+magnificent feast.
+
+History tells us that Mr. Whittington and his lady lived in great
+splendour, and were very happy. They had several children. He was
+Sheriff, and thrice Lord Mayor of London, and received the honour of
+knighthood from Henry V.
+
+After the King's conquest of France, Sir Richard Whittington entertained
+him and the Queen at dinner at the Mansion House in so sumptuous a
+manner that the King said, "Never had Prince such a subject!" To which
+Sir Richard replied, "Never had subject such a Prince."
+
+
+
+
+THE OLD WOMAN AND HER PIG
+
+
+An old woman was sweeping her house, and she found a little crooked
+sixpence. "What," said she, "shall I do with this little sixpence? I
+will go to market, and buy a little pig."
+
+So she bought a little pig; but as she was coming home, she came to a
+stile, and the piggy would not go over the stile.
+
+[Illustration: The old woman and her pig]
+
+She went a little further, and she met a dog. So she said to him, "Dog!
+dog! bite pig; piggy won't go over the stile; and I shan't get home till
+midnight." But the dog wouldn't.
+
+She went a little further, and she met a stick. So she said, "Stick!
+stick! beat dog; dog won't bite pig; piggy won't get over the stile; and
+I shan't get home till midnight." But the stick wouldn't.
+
+She went a little further, and she met a fire. So she said, "Fire! fire!
+burn stick; stick won't beat dog; dog won't bite pig; pig won't get over
+the stile; and I shan't get home till midnight." But the fire wouldn't.
+
+She went a little further, and she met some water. So she said, "Water!
+water! quench fire; fire won't burn stick; stick won't beat dog; dog
+won't bite pig; pig won't get over the stile; and I shan't get home till
+midnight." But the water wouldn't.
+
+She went a little further, and she met an ox. So she said, "Ox! ox!
+drink water; water won't quench fire; fire won't burn stick; stick won't
+beat dog; dog won't bite pig; pig won't get over the stile; and I shan't
+get home till midnight." But the ox wouldn't.
+
+She went a little further, and she met a butcher. So she said, "Butcher!
+butcher! kill ox; ox won't drink water; water won't quench fire; fire
+won't burn stick; stick won't beat dog; dog won't bite pig; pig won't
+get over the stile; and I shan't get home till midnight." But the
+butcher wouldn't.
+
+She went a little further, and she met a rope. So she said, "Rope! rope!
+hang butcher; butcher won't kill ox; ox won't drink water; water won't
+quench fire; fire won't burn stick; stick won't beat dog; dog won't bite
+pig; pig won't get over the stile; and I shan't get home till
+midnight." But the rope wouldn't.
+
+She went a little further, and she met a rat. So she said, "Rat! rat!
+gnaw rope; rope won't hang butcher; butcher won't kill ox; ox won't
+drink water; water won't quench fire; fire won't burn stick; stick won't
+beat dog; dog won't bite pig; pig won't get over the stile; and I shan't
+get home till midnight." But the rat wouldn't.
+
+She went a little further, and she met a cat. So she said, "Cat! cat!
+kill rat; rat won't gnaw rope; rope won't hang butcher; butcher won't
+kill ox; ox won't drink water; water won't quench fire; fire won't burn
+stick; stick won't beat dog; dog won't bite pig; pig won't get over the
+stile; and I shan't get home till midnight." But the cat said to her,
+"If you will go to yonder cow, and fetch me a saucer of milk, I will
+kill the rat." So away went the old woman to the cow.
+
+But the cow said to her, "If you will go to yonder haystack, and fetch
+me a handful of hay, I'll give you the milk." So away went the old woman
+to the haystack; and she brought the hay to the cow.
+
+As soon as the cow had eaten the hay, she gave the old woman the milk;
+and away she went with it in a saucer to the cat.
+
+As soon as the cat had lapped up the milk, the cat began to kill the
+rat; the rat began to gnaw the rope; the rope began to hang the butcher;
+the butcher began to kill the ox; the ox began to drink the water; the
+water began to quench the fire; the fire began to burn the stick; the
+stick began to beat the dog; the dog began to bite the pig; the little
+pig squealed and jumped over the stile; and so the old woman got home
+before midnight.
+
+
+
+
+THE WEE BANNOCK
+
+
+Once upon a time there was an old man and his old wife who lived in a
+wee cottage beside a wee burnie. They had two cows, five hens, and a
+cock, a cat and two kittens. Now the old man looked after the cows, the
+cock looked after the hens, the cat looked after a mouse in the
+cupboard, and the two kittens looked after the old wife's spindle as it
+twirled and tussled about on the hearthstone. But though the old wife
+should have looked after the kittens, the more she said, "Sho! Sho! Go
+away, kitty!" the more they looked after the spindle!
+
+So, one day, when she was quite tired out with saying, "Sho! Sho!" the
+old wife felt hungry and thought she could take a wee bite of something.
+So she up and baked two wee oatmeal bannocks and set them to toast
+before the fire. Now just as they were toasting away, smelling so fresh
+and tasty, in came the old man, and seeing them look so crisp and nice,
+takes up one of them and snaps a piece out of it. On this the other
+bannock thought it high time to be off, so up it jumps and away it
+trundles as fast as ever it could. And away ran the old wife after it
+as fast as she could run, with her spindle in one hand and her distaff
+in the other. But the wee bannock trundled faster than she could run, so
+it was soon out of sight, and the old wife was obliged to go back and
+tussle with the kittens again.
+
+The wee bannock meanwhile trundled gaily down the hill till it came to a
+big thatched house, and it ran boldly in at the door and sate itself
+down by the fireside quite comfortably. Now there were three tailors in
+the room working away on a big bench, and being tailors they were, of
+course, dreadfully afraid, and jumped up to hide behind the goodwife who
+was carding wool by the fire.
+
+"Hout-tout!" she cried. "What are ye a-feared of? 'Tis naught but a wee
+bit bannock. Just grip hold o' it, and I'll give ye a sup o' milk to
+drink with it."
+
+So up she gets with the carders in her hands, and the tailor had his
+iron goose, and the apprentices, one with the big scissors and the other
+with the ironing-board, and they all made for the wee bannock; but it
+was too clever for them, and dodged about the fireside until the
+apprentice, thinking to snap it with the big scissors, fell into the hot
+ashes and got badly burnt. Then the tailor cast the goose at it, and the
+other apprentice the ironing-board; but it wouldn't do. The wee bannock
+got out at the doorway, where the goodwife flung the carders at it; but
+it dodged them and trundled away gaily till it came to a small house by
+the road-side. So in it ran bold as bold and sate itself down by the
+hearth where the wife was winding a clue of yarn for her husband, the
+weaver, who was click-clacking away at his loom.
+
+"Tibby!" quoth the weaver. "Whatever's that?"
+
+"Naught but a wee bannock," quoth she.
+
+"Well, come and welcome," says he, "for the porridge was thin the morn;
+so grip it, woman! grip it!"
+
+"Aye," says she, and reaches out her hand to it. But the wee bannock
+just dodged.
+
+"Man!" says she, "yon's a clever wee bannockie! Catch it, man! Catch it
+if you can."
+
+But the wee bannock just dodged. "Cast the clue at it, woman!" shouted
+the weaver.
+
+But the wee bannock was out at the door, trundling away over the hill
+like a new tarred sheep or a mad cow!
+
+And it trundled away till it came to a cowherd's house where the
+goodwife was churning her butter.
+
+"Come in by," cried the goodwife when she saw the wee bannock all crisp
+and fresh and tasty; "I've plenty cream to eat with you."
+
+But at this the wee bannock began dodging about, and it dodged so
+craftily that the goodwife overset the churn in trying to grip it, and
+before she set it straight again the wee bannock was off, trundling away
+down the hill till it came to a mill-house where the miller was sifting
+meal. So in it ran and sate down by the trough.
+
+"Ho, ho!" says the miller. "It's a sign o' plenty when the likes of you
+run about the country-side with none to look after you. But come in by.
+I like bannock and cheese for supper, so I'll give ye a night's
+quarters." And with that he tapped his fat stomach.
+
+At this the wee bannock turned and ran; it wasn't going to trust itself
+with the miller and his cheese; and the miller, having nothing but the
+meal to fling after it, just stood and stared; so the wee bannock
+trundled quietly along the level till it came to the smithy where the
+smith was welding horse-nails.
+
+"Hullo!" says he, "you're a well-toasted bannock. You'll do fine with a
+glass of ale! So come in by and I'll give you a lodging inside." And
+with that he laughed, and tapped his fat stomach.
+
+But the wee bannock thought the ale was as bad as the cheese, so it up
+and away, with the smith after it. And when he couldn't come up with it,
+he just cast his hammer at it. But the hammer missed and the wee bannock
+was out of sight in a crack, and trundled and trundled till it came to a
+farm-house where the goodman and his wife were beating out flax and
+combing it. So it ran in to the fireside and began to toast itself
+again.
+
+"Janet," says the goodman, "yon is a well-toasted wee bannock. I'll have
+the half of it."
+
+"And I'll take t'other half," says the goodwife, and reached out a hand
+to grip it. But the wee bannock played dodgings again.
+
+"My certy," says the wife, "but you're spirity!" And with that she cast
+the flax comb at it. But it was too clever for her, so out it trundled
+through the door and away was it down the road, till it came to another
+house where the goodwife was stirring the scalding soup and the goodman
+was plaiting a thorn collar for the calf. So it trundled in, and sate
+down by the fire.
+
+"Ho, Jock!" quoth the goodwife, "you're always crying on a well-toasted
+bannock. Here's one! Come and eat it!"
+
+Then the wee bannock tried dodgings again, and the goodwife cried on the
+goodman to help her grip it.
+
+"Aye, mother!" says he, "but where's it gone?"
+
+"Over there!" cries she. "Quick! run to t'other side o' yon chair." And
+the chair upset, and down came the goodman among the thorns. And the
+goodwife she flung the soup spoon at it, and the scalding soup fell on
+the goodman and scalded him, so the wee bannock ran out in a crack and
+was away to the next house, where the folk were just sitting down to
+their supper and the goodwife was scraping the pot.
+
+"Look!" cries she, "here's a wee well-toasted bannock for him as catches
+it!"
+
+"Let's shut the door first," says the cautious goodman, "afore we try to
+get a grip on it."
+
+Now when the wee bannock heard this it judged it was time to be off; so
+away it trundled and they after it helter-skelter. But though they threw
+their spoons at it, and the goodman cast his best hat, the wee bannock
+was too clever for them, and was out of sight in a crack.
+
+Then away it trundled till it came to a house where the folk were just
+away to their beds. The goodwife she was raking out the fire, and the
+goodman had taken off his breeches.
+
+"What's yon?" says he, for it was nigh dark.
+
+"It will just be a wee bannock," says she.
+
+"I could eat the half of it," says he.
+
+"And I could eat t'other," quoth she.
+
+Then they tried to grip it; but the wee bannock tried dodging. And the
+goodman and the goodwife tumbled against each other in the dark and grew
+angry.
+
+"Cast your breeches at it, man!" cries the goodwife at last. "What's the
+use of standing staring like a stuck pig?"
+
+So the goodman cast his breeches at it and thought he had smothered it
+sure enough; but somehow it wriggled out, and away it was, the goodman
+after it without his breeches. You never saw such a race--a real clean
+chase over the park, and through the whins, and round by the bramble
+patch. But there the goodman lost sight of it and had to go back all
+scratched and tired and shivering.
+
+The wee bannock, however, trundled on till it was too dark even for a
+wee bannock to see.
+
+Then it came to a fox's hole in the side of a big whinbush and trundled
+in to spend the night there; but the fox had had no meat for three whole
+days, so he just said, "You're welcome, friend! I wish there were two of
+you!"
+
+And there were two! For he snapped the wee bannock into halves with one
+bite. So that was an end of _it_!
+
+[Illustration: Headpiece--How Jack went out to seek his Fortune]
+
+
+
+
+HOW JACK WENT OUT TO SEEK HIS FORTUNE
+
+
+Once on a time there was a boy named Jack, and one morning he started to
+go and seek his fortune.
+
+He hadn't gone very far before he met a cat.
+
+"Where are you going, Jack?" said the cat.
+
+"I am going to seek my fortune."
+
+"May I go with you?"
+
+"Yes," said Jack, "the more the merrier."
+
+So on they went, Jack and the cat. Jiggelty-jolt, jiggelty-jolt,
+jiggelty-jolt!
+
+They went a little farther and they met a dog.
+
+"Where are you going, Jack?" said the dog.
+
+"I am going to seek my fortune."
+
+"May I go with you?"
+
+"Yes," said Jack, "the more the merrier."
+
+So on they went, Jack, the cat, and the dog! Jiggelty-jolt,
+jiggelty-jolt, jiggelty-jolt!
+
+They went a little farther and they met a goat.
+
+"Where are you going, Jack?" said the goat.
+
+"I am going to seek my fortune."
+
+"May I go with you?"
+
+"Yes," said Jack, "the more the merrier."
+
+So on they went, Jack, the cat, the dog, and the goat. Jiggelty-jolt,
+jiggelty-jolt, jiggelty-jolt!
+
+They went a little farther and they met a bull.
+
+"Where are you going, Jack?" said the bull.
+
+"I am going to seek my fortune."
+
+"May I go with you?"
+
+"Yes," said Jack, "the more the merrier."
+
+So on they went, Jack, the cat, the dog, the goat, and the bull.
+Jiggelty-jolt, jiggelty-jolt, jiggelty-jolt!
+
+They went a little farther and they met a rooster.
+
+"Where are you going, Jack?" said the rooster.
+
+"I am going to seek my fortune."
+
+"May I go with you?"
+
+"Yes," said Jack, "the more the merrier."
+
+So on they went, Jack, the cat, the dog, the goat, the bull, and the
+rooster. Jiggelty-jolt, jiggelty-jolt, jiggelty-jolt!
+
+And they went on jiggelty-jolting till it was about dark, and it was
+time to think of some place where they could spend the night. Now, after
+a bit, they came in sight of a house, and Jack told his companions to
+keep still while he went up and looked in through the window to see if
+all was safe. And what did he see through the window but a band of
+robbers seated at a table counting over great bags of gold!
+
+"That gold shall be mine," quoth Jack to himself. "I have found my
+fortune already."
+
+Then he went back and told his companions to wait till he gave the word,
+and then to make all the noise they possibly could in their own fashion.
+So when they were all ready Jack gave the word, and the cat mewed, and
+the dog barked, and the goat bleated, and the bull bellowed, and the
+rooster crowed, and all together they made such a terrific hubbub that
+the robbers jumped up in a fright and ran away, leaving their gold on
+the table. So, after a good laugh, Jack and his companions went in and
+took possession of the house and the gold.
+
+Now Jack was a wise boy, and he knew that the robbers would come back in
+the dead of the night to get their gold, and so when it came time to go
+to bed he put the cat in the rocking-chair, and he put the dog under the
+table, and he put the goat upstairs, and he put the bull in the cellar,
+and bade the rooster fly up on to the roof.
+
+Then he went to bed.
+
+Now sure enough, in the dead of the night, the robbers sent one man back
+to the house to look after their money. But before long he came back in
+a great fright and told them a fearsome tale!
+
+"I went back to the house," said he, "and went in and tried to sit down
+in the rocking-chair, and there was an old woman knitting there, and
+she--oh my!--stuck her knitting-needles into me."
+
+(_That was the cat, you know._)
+
+"Then I went to the table to look after the money, but there was a
+shoemaker under the table, and my! how he stuck his awl into me."
+
+(_That was the dog, you know._)
+
+"So I started to go upstairs, but there was a man up there threshing,
+and goody! how he knocked me down with his flail!"
+
+(_That was the goat, you know._)
+
+"Then I started to go down to the cellar, but--oh dear me!--there was a
+man down there chopping wood, and he knocked me up and he knocked me
+down just terrible with his axe."
+
+(_That was the bull, you know._)
+
+"But I shouldn't have minded all that if it hadn't been for an awful
+little fellow on the top of the house by the kitchen chimney, who kept
+a-hollering and hollering, 'Cook him in a stew! Cook him in a stew! Cook
+him in a stew!'"
+
+(_And that, of course, was the cock-a-doodle-doo._)
+
+Then the robbers agreed that they would rather lose their gold than meet
+with such a fate; so they made off, and Jack next morning went gaily
+home with his booty. And each of the animals carried a portion of it.
+The cat hung a bag on its tail (a cat when it walks always carries its
+tail stiff), the dog on his collar, the goat and the bull on their
+horns, but Jack made the rooster carry a golden guinea in its beak to
+prevent it from calling all the time:
+
+  "Cock-a-doodle-doo,
+   Cook him in a stew!"
+
+
+
+
+THE BOGEY-BEAST
+
+
+There was once a woman who was very, very cheerful, though she had
+little to make her so; for she was old, and poor, and lonely. She lived
+in a little bit of a cottage and earned a scant living by running
+errands for her neighbours, getting a bite here, a sup there, as reward
+for her services. So she made shift to get on, and always looked as spry
+and cheery as if she had not a want in the world.
+
+Now one summer evening, as she was trotting, full of smiles as ever,
+along the high road to her hovel, what should she see but a big black
+pot lying in the ditch!
+
+"Goodness me!" she cried, "that would be just the very thing for me if I
+only had something to put in it! But I haven't! Now who could have left
+it in the ditch?"
+
+And she looked about her expecting the owner would not be far off; but
+she could see nobody.
+
+"Maybe there is a hole in it," she went on, "and that's why it has been
+cast away. But it would do fine to put a flower in for my window; so
+I'll just take it home with me."
+
+And with that she lifted the lid and looked inside. "Mercy me!" she
+cried, fair amazed. "If it isn't full of gold pieces. Here's luck!"
+
+And so it was, brimful of great gold coins. Well, at first she simply
+stood stock-still, wondering if she was standing on her head or her
+heels. Then she began saying:
+
+"Lawks! But I do feel rich. I feel awful rich!"
+
+After she had said this many times, she began to wonder how she was to
+get her treasure home. It was too heavy for her to carry, and she could
+see no better way than to tie the end of her shawl to it and drag it
+behind her like a go-cart.
+
+"It will soon be dark," she said to herself as she trotted along. "So
+much the better! The neighbours will not see what I'm bringing home, and
+I shall have all the night to myself, and be able to think what I'll do!
+Mayhap I'll buy a grand house and just sit by the fire with a cup o' tea
+and do no work at all like a queen. Or maybe I'll bury it at the garden
+foot and just keep a bit in the old china teapot on the chimney-piece.
+Or maybe--Goody! Goody! I feel that grand I don't know myself."
+
+By this time she was a bit tired of dragging such a heavy weight, and,
+stopping to rest a while, turned to look at her treasure.
+
+And lo! it wasn't a pot of gold at all! It was nothing but a lump of
+silver.
+
+She stared at it, and rubbed her eyes, and stared at it again.
+
+"Well! I never!" she said at last. "And me thinking it was a pot of
+gold! I must have been dreaming. But this is luck! Silver is far less
+trouble--easier to mind, and not so easy stolen. Them gold pieces would
+have been the death o' me, and with this great lump of silver--"
+
+So she went off again planning what she would do, and feeling as rich as
+rich, until becoming a bit tired again she stopped to rest and gave a
+look round to see if her treasure was safe; and she saw nothing but a
+great lump of iron!
+
+"Well! I never!" says she again. "And I mistaking it for silver! I must
+have been dreaming. But this is luck! It's real convenient. I can get
+penny pieces for old iron, and penny pieces are a deal handier for me
+than your gold and silver. Why! I should never have slept a wink for
+fear of being robbed. But a penny piece comes in useful, and I shall
+sell that iron for a lot and be real rich--rolling rich."
+
+So on she trotted full of plans as to how she would spend her penny
+pieces, till once more she stopped to rest and looked round to see her
+treasure was safe. And this time she saw nothing but a big stone.
+
+"Well! I never!" she cried, full of smiles. "And to think I mistook it
+for iron. I must have been dreaming. But here's luck indeed, and me
+wanting a stone terrible bad to stick open the gate. Eh my! but it's a
+change for the better! It's a fine thing to have good luck."
+
+So, all in a hurry to see how the stone would keep the gate open, she
+trotted off down the hill till she came to her own cottage. She
+unlatched the gate and then turned to unfasten her shawl from the stone
+which lay on the path behind her. Aye! It was a stone sure enough. There
+was plenty light to see it lying there, douce and peaceable as a stone
+should.
+
+So she bent over it to unfasten the shawl end, when--"Oh my!" All of a
+sudden it gave a jump, a squeal, and in one moment was as big as a
+haystack. Then it let down four great lanky legs and threw out two long
+ears, nourished a great long tail and romped off, kicking and squealing
+and whinnying and laughing like a naughty, mischievous boy!
+
+The old woman stared after it till it was fairly out of sight, then she
+burst out laughing too.
+
+"Well!" she chuckled, "I am in luck! Quite the luckiest body hereabouts.
+Fancy my seeing the Bogey-Beast all to myself; and making myself so free
+with it too! My goodness! I do feel that uplifted--that _GRAND_!"--
+
+So she went into her cottage and spent the evening chuckling over her
+good luck.
+
+[Illustration: "Well!" she chuckled, "I am in luck!"]
+
+
+
+
+LITTLE RED RIDING-HOOD
+
+
+Once upon a time there was a little girl who was called little Red
+Riding-Hood, because she was quite small and because she always wore a
+red cloak with a big red hood to it, which her grandmother had made for
+her.
+
+Now one day her mother, who had been churning and baking cakes, said to
+her:
+
+"My dear, put on your red cloak with the hood to it, and take this cake
+and this pot of butter to your Grannie, and ask how she is, for I hear
+she is ailing."
+
+Now little Red Riding-Hood was very fond of her grandmother, who made
+her so many nice things, so she put on her cloak joyfully and started on
+her errand. But her grandmother lived some way off, and to reach the
+cottage little Red Riding-Hood had to pass through a vast lonely forest.
+However, some wood-cutters were at work in it, so little Red Riding-Hood
+was not so very much alarmed when she saw a great big wolf coming
+towards her, because she knew that wolves were cowardly things.
+
+And sure enough the wolf, though but for the wood-cutters he would
+surely have eaten little Red Riding-Hood, only stopped and asked her
+politely where she was going.
+
+"I am going to see Grannie, take her this cake and this pot of butter,
+and ask how she is," says little Red Riding-Hood.
+
+"Does she live a very long way off?" asks the wolf craftily.
+
+"Not so very far if you go by the straight road," replied little Red
+Riding-Hood. "You only have to pass the mill and the first cottage on
+the right is Grannie's; but I am going by the wood path because there
+are such a lot of nuts and flowers and butterflies."
+
+"I wish you good luck," says the wolf politely. "Give my respects to
+your grandmother and tell her I hope she is quite well."
+
+And with that he trotted off. But instead of going his ways he turned
+back, took the straight road to the old woman's cottage, and knocked at
+the door.
+
+Rap! Rap! Rap!
+
+"Who's there?" asked the old woman, who was in bed.
+
+"Little Red Riding-Hood," sings out the wolf, making his voice as shrill
+as he could. "I've come to bring dear Grannie a pot of butter and a cake
+from mother, and to ask how you are."
+
+"Pull the bobbin, and the latch will go up," says the old woman, well
+satisfied.
+
+So the wolf pulled the bobbin, the latch went up, and--oh my!--it
+wasn't a minute before he had gobbled up old Grannie, for he had had
+nothing to eat for a week.
+
+Then he shut the door, put on Grannie's nightcap, and, getting into bed,
+rolled himself well up in the clothes.
+
+By and by along comes little Red Riding-Hood, who had been amusing
+herself by gathering nuts, running after butterflies, and picking
+flowers.
+
+So she knocked at the door.
+
+Rap! Rap! Rap!
+
+"Who's there?" says the wolf, making his voice as soft as he could.
+
+Now little Red Riding-Hood heard the voice was very gruff, but she
+thought her grandmother had a cold; so she said:
+
+"Little Red Riding-Hood, with a pot of butter and a cake from mother, to
+ask how you are."
+
+"Pull the bobbin, and the latch will go up."
+
+So little Red Riding-Hood pulled the bobbin, the latch went up, and
+there, she thought, was her grandmother in the bed; for the cottage was
+so dark one could not see well. Besides, the crafty wolf turned his face
+to the wall at first. And he made his voice as soft, as soft as he
+could, when he said:
+
+"Come and kiss me, my dear."
+
+Then little Red Riding-Hood took off her cloak and went to the bed.
+
+"Oh, Grandmamma, Grandmamma," says she, "what big arms you've got!"
+
+"All the better to hug you with," says he.
+
+"But, Grandmamma, Grandmamma, what big legs you have!"
+
+"All the better to run with, my dear."
+
+"Oh, Grandmamma, Grandmamma, what big ears you've got!"
+
+"All the better to hear with, my dear."
+
+"But, Grandmamma, Grandmamma, what big eyes you've got!"
+
+"All the better to see you with, my dear!"
+
+"Oh, Grandmamma, Grandmamma, what big teeth you've got!"
+
+"All the better to eat you with, my dear!" says that wicked, wicked
+wolf, and with that he gobbled up little Red Riding-Hood.
+
+
+
+
+CHILDE ROWLAND
+
+
+  Childe Rowland and his brothers twain
+  Were playing at the ball.
+  Their sister, Burd Helen, she played
+  In the midst among them all.
+
+For Burd Helen loved her brothers, and they loved her exceedingly. At
+play she was ever their companion and they cared for her as brothers
+should. And one day when they were at ball close to the churchyard--
+
+  Childe Rowland kicked it with his foot
+  And caught it on his knee.
+  At last as he plunged among them all,
+  O'er the church he made it flee.
+
+Now Childe Rowland was Burd Helen's youngest, dearest brother, and there
+was ever a loving rivalry between them as to which should win. So with a
+laugh--
+
+  Burd Helen round about the aisle
+  To seek the ball is gone.
+
+Now the ball had trundled to the right of the church; so, as Burd Helen
+ran the nearest way to get it, she ran contrary to the sun's course,
+and the light, shining full on her face, sent her shadow behind her.
+Thus that happened which will happen at times when folk forget and run
+widershins, that is against the light, so that their shadows are out of
+sight and cannot be taken care of properly.
+
+Now what happened you will learn by and by; meanwhile, Burd Helen's
+three brothers waited for her return.
+
+  But long they waited, and longer still,
+  And she came not back again.
+
+Then they grew alarmed, and--
+
+  They sought her east, they sought her west,
+  They sought her up and down.
+  And woe were the hearts of her brethren,
+  Since she was not to be found.
+
+Not to be found anywhere--she had disappeared like dew on a May morning.
+
+So at last her eldest brother went to Great Merlin the Magician, who
+could tell and foretell, see and foresee all things under the sun and
+beyond it, and asked him where Burd Helen could have gone.
+
+"Fair Burd Helen," said the Magician, "must have been carried off with
+her shadow by the fairies when she was running round the church
+widershins; for fairies have power when folk go against the light. She
+will now be in the Dark Tower of the King of Elfland, and none but the
+boldest knight in Christendom will be able to bring her back."
+
+"If it be possible to bring her back," said the eldest brother, "I will
+do it, or perish in the attempt."
+
+"Possible it is," quoth Merlin the Magician gravely. "But woe be to the
+man or mother's son who attempts the task if he be not well taught
+beforehand what he is to do."
+
+Now the eldest brother of fair Burd Helen was brave indeed, danger did
+not dismay him, so he begged the Magician to tell him exactly what he
+should do, and what he should not do, as he was determined to go and
+seek his sister. And the Great Magician told him, and schooled him, and
+after he had learnt his lesson right well he girt on his sword, said
+good-bye to his brothers and his mother, and set out for the Dark Tower
+of Elfland to bring Burd Helen back.
+
+  But long they waited, and longer still,
+  With doubt and muckle pain.
+  But woe were the hearts of his brethren,
+  For he came not back again.
+
+So after a time Burd Helen's second brother went to Merlin the Magician
+and said:
+
+"School me also, for I go to find my brother and sister in the Dark
+Tower of the King of Elfland and bring them back." For he also was brave
+indeed, danger did not dismay him.
+
+Then when he had been well schooled and had learnt his lesson, he said
+good-bye to Childe Rowland, his brother, and to his mother the good
+Queen, girt on his sword, and set out for the Dark Tower of Elfland to
+bring back Burd Helen and her brother.
+
+  But long they waited, and longer still,
+  With muckle doubt and pain.
+  And woe were his mother's and brother's hearts,
+  For he came not back again.
+
+Now when they had waited and waited a long, long time, and none had come
+back from the Dark Tower of Elfland, Childe Rowland, the youngest, the
+best beloved of Burd Helen's brothers, besought his mother to let him
+also go on the quest; for he was the bravest of them all, and neither
+death nor danger could dismay him. But at first his mother the Queen
+said:
+
+"Not so! You are the last of my children; if you are lost, all is lost
+indeed!"
+
+But he begged so hard that at length the good Queen his mother bade him
+God-speed, and girt about his waist his father's sword, the brand that
+never struck in vain, and as she girt it on she chanted the spell that
+gives victory.
+
+So Childe Rowland bade her good-bye and went to the cave of the Great
+Magician Merlin.
+
+"Yet once more, Master," said the youth, "and but once more, tell how
+man or mother's son may find fair Burd Helen and her brothers twain in
+the Dark Tower of Elfland."
+
+"My son," replied the wizard Merlin, "there be things twain; simple they
+seem to say, but hard are they to perform. One thing is to do, and one
+thing is not to do. Now the first thing you have to do is this: after
+you have once entered the Land of Faery, _whoever speaks to you_, you
+must out with your father's brand and cut off their head. In this you
+must not fail. And the second thing you have not to do is this: after
+you have entered the Land of Faery, bite no bit, sup no drop; for if in
+Elfland you sup one drop or bite one bit, never again will you see
+Middle Earth."
+
+Then Childe Rowland said these two lessons over and over until he knew
+them by heart; so, well schooled, he thanked the Great Master and went
+on his way to seek the Dark Tower of Elfland.
+
+And he journeyed far, and he journeyed fast, until at last on a wide
+moorland he came upon a horse-herd feeding his horses; and the horses
+were wild, and their eyes were like coals of fire.
+
+Then he knew they must be the horses of the King of Elfland, and that at
+last he must be in the Land of Faery.
+
+So Childe Rowland said to the horse-herd, "Canst tell me where lies the
+Dark Tower of the Elfland King?"
+
+And the horse-herd answered, "Nay, that is beyond my ken; but go a
+little farther and thou wilt come to a cow-herd who mayhap can tell
+thee."
+
+Then at once Childe Rowland drew his father's sword that never struck in
+vain, and smote off the horse-herd's head, so that it rolled on the wide
+moorland and frightened the King of Elfland's horses. And he journeyed
+further till he came to a wide pasture where a cow-herd was herding
+cows. And the cows looked at him with fiery eyes, so he knew that they
+must be the King of Elfland's cows, and that he was still in the Land of
+Faery. Then he said to the cow-herd:
+
+"Canst tell me where lies the Dark Tower of the Elfland King?"
+
+And the cow-herd answered, "Nay, that is beyond my ken; but go a little
+farther and thou wilt come to a hen-wife who, mayhap, can tell thee."
+
+So at once Childe Rowland, remembering his lesson, out with his father's
+good sword that never struck in vain, and off went the cow-herd's head
+spinning amongst the grasses and frightening the King of Elfland's cows.
+
+Then he journeyed further till he came to an orchard where an old woman
+in a grey cloak was feeding fowls.
+
+And the fowls' little eyes were like little coals of fire, so he knew
+that they were the King of Elfland's fowls, and that he was still in the
+Land of Faery.
+
+And he said to the hen-wife, "Canst tell me where lies the Dark Tower of
+the King of Elfland?"
+
+Now the hen-wife looked at him and smiled. "Surely I can tell you," said
+she. "Go on a little farther. There you will find a low green hill;
+green and low against the sky. And the hill will have three
+terrace-rings upon it from bottom to top. Go round the first terrace
+saying:
+
+  'Open from within;
+   Let me in! Let me in!'
+
+"Then go round the second terrace and say:
+
+  'Open wide, open wide;
+   Let me inside.'
+
+"Then go round the third terrace and say:
+
+  'Open fast, open fast;
+   Let me in at last.'
+
+"Then a door will open and let you in to the Dark Tower of the King of
+Elfland. Only remember to go round widershins. If you go round with the
+sun the door will not open. So good luck to you!"
+
+Now the hen-wife spoke so fair, and smiled so frank, that Childe Rowland
+forgot for a moment what he had to do. Therefore he thanked the old
+woman for her courtesy and was just going on, when, all of a sudden, he
+remembered his lesson. And he out with his father's sword that never yet
+struck in vain, and smote off the hen-wife's head, so that it rolled
+among the corn and frightened the fiery-eyed fowls of the King of
+Elfland.
+
+After that he went on and on, till, against the blue sky, he saw a round
+green hill set with three terraces from top to bottom.
+
+Then he did as the hen-wife had told him, not forgetting to go round
+widershins, so that the sun was always on his face.
+
+Now when he had gone round the third terrace saying:
+
+  "Open fast, open fast;
+   Let me in at last,"
+
+what should happen but that he should see a door in the hill-side. And
+it opened and let him in. Then it closed behind him with a click, and
+Childe Rowland was left in the dark; for he had gotten at last to the
+Dark Tower of the King of Elfland.
+
+It was very dark at first, perhaps because the sun had part blinded his
+eyes; for after a while it became twilight, though where the light came
+from none could tell, unless through the walls and the roof; for there
+were neither windows nor candles. But in the gloaming light he could see
+a long passage of rough arches made of rock that was transparent and all
+encrusted with sheep-silver, rock-spar, and many bright stones. And the
+air was warm as it ever is in Elfland. So he went on and on in the
+twilight that came from nowhere, till he found himself before two wide
+doors all barred with iron. But they flew open at his touch, and he saw
+a wonderful, large, and spacious hall that seemed to him to be as long
+and as broad as the green hill itself. The roof was supported by pillars
+wide and lofty beyond the pillars of a cathedral; and they were of gold
+and silver, fretted into foliage, and between and around them were woven
+wreaths of flowers. And the flowers were of diamonds, and rubies, and
+topaz, and the leaves of emerald. And the arches met in the middle of
+the roof where hung, by a golden chain, an immense lamp made of a
+hollowed pearl, white and translucent. And in the middle of this lamp
+was a mighty carbuncle, blood-red, that kept spinning round and round,
+shedding its light to the very ends of the huge hall, which thus seemed
+to be filled with the shining of the setting sun.
+
+Now at one end of the hall was a marvelous, wondrous, glorious couch of
+velvet, silk and gold, and on it sate fair Burd Helen combing her
+beautiful golden hair with a golden comb. But her face was all set and
+wan, as if it were made of stone. When she saw Childe Rowland she never
+moved, and her voice came like the voice of the dead as she said:
+
+  "God pity you, poor luckless fool!
+   What have you here to do?"
+
+Now at first Childe Rowland felt he must clasp this semblance of his
+dear sister in his arms, but he remembered the lesson which the Great
+Magician Merlin had taught him, and drawing his father's brand which had
+never yet been drawn in vain, and turning his eyes from the horrid
+sight, he struck with all his force at the enchanted form of fair Burd
+Helen.
+
+And lo, when he turned to look in fear and trembling, there she was her
+own self, her joy fighting with her fears. And she clasped him in her
+arms and cried:
+
+  "Oh, hear you this, my youngest brother,
+   Why didn't you bide at home?
+   Had you a hundred thousand lives,
+   Ye couldn't spare ne'er a one!
+
+  "But sit you down, my dearest dear,
+   Oh! woe that ye were born,
+   For, come the King of Elfland in,
+   Your fortune is forlorn."
+
+So with tears and smiles she seated him beside her on the wondrous
+couch, and they told each other what they each had suffered and done. He
+told her how he had come to Elfland. She told him how she had been
+carried off, shadow and all, because she ran round a church widershins,
+and how her brothers had been enchanted, and lay intombed as if dead, as
+she had been. Because they had not had the courage to obey the Great
+Magician's lesson to the letter, and cut off her head.
+
+Now after a time Childe Rowland, who had travelled far and travelled
+fast, became very hungry, and forgetting all about the second lesson of
+the Magician Merlin, asked his sister for some food; and she, being
+still under the spell of Elfland, could not warn him of his danger. She
+could only look at him sadly as she rose up and brought him a golden
+basin full of bread and milk.
+
+Now in those days it was manners before taking food from anyone to say
+thank you with your eyes, and so just as Childe Rowland was about to put
+the golden bowl to his lips, he raised his eyes to his sister's.
+
+And in an instant he remembered what the Great Magician had said: "Bite
+no bit, sup no drop, for if in Elfland you sup one drop or bite one bit,
+never again will you see Middle Earth."
+
+So he dashed the bowl to the ground, and standing square and fair, lithe
+and young and strong, he cried like a challenge:
+
+"Not a sup will I swallow, not a bit will I bite, till fair Burd Helen
+is set free."
+
+Then immediately there was a loud noise like thunder, and a voice was
+heard saying:
+
+  "Fee, fi, fo, fum,
+   I smell the blood of a Christian Man.
+   Be he alive or dead, my brand
+   Shall dash his brains from his brain-pan."
+
+Then the folding-doors of the vast hall burst open and the King of
+Elfland entered like a storm of wind. What he was really like Childe
+Rowland had not time to see, for with a bold cry:
+
+"Strike, Bogle! thy hardest if thou darest!" he rushed to meet the foe,
+his good sword, that never yet did fail, in his hand.
+
+And Childe Rowland and the King of Elfland fought, and fought, and
+fought, while Burd Helen, with her hands clasped, watched them in fear
+and hope.
+
+So they fought, and fought, and fought, until at last Childe Rowland
+beat the King of Elfland to his knees. Whereupon he cried, "I yield me.
+Thou hast beaten me in fair fight."
+
+Then Childe Rowland said, "I grant thee mercy if thou wilt release my
+sister and my brothers from all spells and enchantments, and let us go
+back to Middle Earth."
+
+So that was agreed; and the Elfin King went to a golden chest whence he
+took a phial that was filled with a blood-red liquor. And with this
+liquor he anointed the ears and the eyelids, the nostrils, the lips, and
+the finger-tips of the bodies of Burd Helen's two brothers that lay as
+dead in two golden coffers.
+
+And immediately they sprang to life and declared that their souls only
+had been away, but had now returned.
+
+After this the Elfin King said a charm which took away the very last bit
+of enchantment, and adown the huge hall that showed as if it were lit by
+the setting sun, and through the long passage of rough arches made of
+rock that was transparent and all encrusted with sheep-silver,
+rock-spar, and many bright stones, where twilight reigned, the three
+brothers and their sister passed. Then the door opened in the green
+hill, it clicked behind them, and they left the Dark Tower of the King
+of Elfland never to return.
+
+For, no sooner were they in the light of day, than they found themselves
+at home.
+
+But fair Burd Helen took care never to go widershins round a church
+again.
+
+[Illustration: They both met together upon Nottingham bridge]
+
+
+
+
+THE WISE MEN OF GOTHAM
+
+
+OF BUYING OF SHEEP
+
+There were two men of Gotham, and one of them was going to market to
+Nottingham to buy sheep, and the other came from the market, and they
+both met together upon Nottingham bridge.
+
+"Where are you going?" said the one who came from Nottingham.
+
+"Marry," said he that was going to Nottingham, "I am going to buy
+sheep."
+
+"Buy sheep?" said the other; "and which way will you bring them home?"
+
+"Marry," said the other, "I will bring them over this bridge."
+
+"By Robin Hood," said he that came from Nottingham, "but thou shalt
+not."
+
+"By Maid Marion," said he that was going thither, "but I will."
+
+"You will not," said the one.
+
+"I will."
+
+Then they beat their staves against the ground, one against the other,
+as if there had been a hundred sheep between them.
+
+"Hold in," said one; "beware lest my sheep leap over the bridge."
+
+"I care not," said the other; "they shall not come this way."
+
+"But they shall," said the other.
+
+Then the other said, "If that thou make much to do, I will put my
+fingers in thy mouth."
+
+"Will you?" said the other.
+
+Now, as they were at their contention, another man of Gotham came from
+the market with a sack of meal upon a horse, and seeing and hearing his
+neighbours at strife about sheep, though there were none between them,
+said:
+
+"Ah, fools! will you ever learn wisdom? Help me, and lay my sack upon my
+shoulders."
+
+They did so, and he went to the side of the bridge, unloosened the mouth
+of the sack, and shook all his meal out into the river.
+
+"Now, neighbours," he said, "how much meal is there in my sack?"
+
+"Marry," said they, "there is none at all."
+
+"Now, by my faith," said he, "even as much wit as is in your two heads
+to stir up strife about a thing you have not."
+
+Which was the wisest of these three persons, judge yourself.
+
+[Illustration: "A vengeance on her!" said they. "We did not make our
+hedge high enough"]
+
+OF HEDGING A CUCKOO
+
+Once upon a time the men of Gotham would have kept the Cuckoo so that
+she might sing all the year, and in the midst of their town they made a
+hedge round in compass and they got a Cuckoo, and put her into it, and
+said, "Sing there all through the year, or thou shalt have neither meat
+nor water." The Cuckoo, as soon as she perceived herself within the
+hedge, flew away. "A vengeance on her!" said they. "We did not make our
+hedge high enough."
+
+[Illustration: He took out the cheeses and rolled them down the hill]
+
+OF SENDING CHEESES
+
+There was a man of Gotham who went to the market at Nottingham to sell
+cheese, and as he was going down the hill to Nottingham bridge, one of
+his cheeses fell out of his wallet and rolled down the hill. "Ah,
+gaffer," said the fellow, "can you run to market alone? I will send one
+after another after you." Then he laid down his wallet and took out the
+cheeses and rolled them down the hill. Some went into one bush, and some
+went into another.
+
+"I charge you all to meet me near the market-place," cried he; and when
+the fellow came to the market to meet his cheeses, he stayed there till
+the market was nearly done. Then he went about to inquire of his friends
+and neighbours, and other men, if they did see his cheeses come to the
+market.
+
+"Who should bring them?" said one of the market men.
+
+"Marry, themselves," said the fellow; "they know the way well enough."
+
+He said, "A vengeance on them all. I did fear, to see them run so fast,
+that they would run beyond the market. I am now fully persuaded that
+they must be now almost at York." Whereupon he forthwith hired a horse
+to ride to York, to seek his cheeses where they were not; but to this
+day no man can tell him of his cheeses.
+
+[Illustration: And they left the eel to drown]
+
+OF DROWNING EELS
+
+When Good Friday came, the men of Gotham cast their heads together what
+to do with their white herrings, their red herrings, their sprats, and
+other salt fish. One consulted with the other, and agreed that such
+fish should be cast into their pond (which was in the middle of the
+town), that they might breed against the next year, and every man that
+had salt fish left cast them into the pool.
+
+"I have many white herrings," said one.
+
+"I have many sprats," said another.
+
+"I have many red herrings," said the other.
+
+"I have much salt fish. Let all go into the pond or pool, and we shall
+fare like lords next year."
+
+At the beginning of next year following the men drew near the pond to
+have their fish, and there was nothing but a great eel. "Ah," said they
+all, "a mischief on this eel, for he has eaten up all our fish."
+
+"What shall we do to him?" said one to the other.
+
+"Kill him," said one.
+
+"Chop him into pieces," said another.
+
+"Not so," said another; "let us drown him."
+
+"Be it so," said all. And they went to another pond, and cast the eel
+into the pond. "Lie there and shift for yourself, for no help thou shalt
+have from us"; and they left the eel to drown.
+
+[Illustration: The hare ran on along the country way]
+
+OF SENDING RENT
+
+Once on a time the men of Gotham had forgotten to pay their landlord.
+One said to the other, "To-morrow is our pay-day, and what shall we find
+to send our money to our landlord?"
+
+The one said, "This day I have caught a hare, and he shall carry it, for
+he is light of foot."
+
+"Be it so," said all; "he shall have a letter and a purse to put our
+money in, and we shall direct him the right way." So when the letters
+were written and the money put in a purse, they tied it round the hare's
+neck, saying, "First you go to Lancaster, then thou must go to
+Loughborough, and Newarke is our landlord, and commend us to him, and
+there is his dues."
+
+The hare, as soon as he was out of their hands, ran on along the country
+way. Some cried, "Thou must go to Lancaster first."
+
+"Let the hare alone," said another; "he can tell a nearer way than the
+best of us all. Let him go."
+
+Another said, "It is a subtle hare; let her alone; she will not keep the
+highway for fear of dogs."
+
+[Illustration: A courtier came riding by, and he did ask what they were
+seeking]
+
+OF COUNTING
+
+On a certain time there were twelve men of Gotham who went fishing, and
+some went into the water and some on dry ground; and, as they were
+coming back, one of them said, "We have ventured much this day wading; I
+pray God that none of us that did come from home be drowned."
+
+"Marry," said one, "let us see about that. Twelve of us came out." And
+every man did count eleven, and the twelfth man did never count himself.
+
+"Alas!" said one to another, "one of us is drowned." They went back to
+the brook where they had been fishing, and looked up and down for him
+that was drowned, and made great lamentation. A courtier came riding by,
+and he did ask what they were seeking, and why they were so sorrowful.
+"Oh," said they, "this day we came to fish in this brook, and there were
+twelve of us, and one is drowned."
+
+"Why," said the courtier, "count me how many of you there be"; and one
+counted eleven and did not count himself. "Well," said the courtier,
+"what will you give me if I find the twelfth man?"
+
+"Sir," said they, "all the money we have."
+
+"Give me the money," said the courtier; and he began with the first, and
+gave him a whack over the shoulders that he groaned, and said, "There is
+one," and he served all of them that they groaned; but when he came to
+the last he gave him a good blow, saying, "Here is the twelfth man."
+
+"God bless you on your heart," said all the company; "you have found our
+neighbour."
+
+
+
+
+CAPORUSHES
+
+
+Once upon a time, a long, long while ago, when all the world was young
+and all sorts of strange things happened, there lived a very rich
+gentleman whose wife had died leaving him three lovely daughters. They
+were as the apple of his eye, and he loved them exceedingly.
+
+Now one day he wanted to find out if they loved him in return, so he
+said to the eldest, "How much do you love me, my dear?"
+
+And she answered as pat as may be, "As I love my life."
+
+"Very good, my dear," said he, and gave her a kiss. Then he said to the
+second girl, "How much do you love me, my dear?"
+
+And she answered as swift as thought, "Better than all the world
+beside."
+
+"Good!" he replied, and patted her on the cheek. Then he turned to the
+youngest, who was also the prettiest.
+
+"And how much do _you_ love me, my dearest?"
+
+Now the youngest daughter was not only pretty, she was clever. So she
+thought a moment, then she said slowly:
+
+"I love you as fresh meat loves salt!"
+
+Now when her father heard this he was very angry, because he really
+loved her more than the others.
+
+"What!" he said. "If that is all you give me in return for all I've
+given you, out of my house you go." So there and then he turned her out
+of the home where she had been born and bred, and shut the door in her
+face.
+
+Not knowing where to go, she wandered on, and she wandered on, till she
+came to a big fen where the reeds grew ever so tall and the rushes
+swayed in the wind like a field of corn. There she sate down and plaited
+herself an overall of rushes and a cap to match, so as to hide her fine
+clothes, and her beautiful golden hair that was all set with milk-white
+pearls. For she was a wise girl, and thought that in such lonely
+country, mayhap, some robber might fall in with her and kill her to get
+her fine clothes and jewels.
+
+It took a long time to plait the dress and cap, and while she plaited
+she sang a little song:
+
+  "Hide my hair, O cap o' rushes,
+   Hide my heart, O robe o' rushes.
+   Sure! my answer had no fault,
+   I love him more than he loves salt."
+
+And the fen birds sate and listened and sang back to her:
+
+  "Cap o' rushes, shed no tear,
+   Robe o' rushes, have no fear;
+   With these words if fault he'd find,
+   Sure your father must be blind."
+
+When her task was finished she put on her robe of rushes and it hid all
+her fine clothes, and she put on the cap and it hid all her beautiful
+hair, so that she looked quite a common country girl. But the fen birds
+flew away, singing as they flew:
+
+  "Cap-o-rushes! we can see,
+   Robe o' rushes! what you be,
+   Fair and clean, and fine and tidy,
+   So you'll be whate'er betide ye."
+
+By this time she was very, very hungry, so she wandered on, and she
+wandered on; but ne'er a cottage or a hamlet did she see, till just at
+sun-setting she came on a great house on the edge of the fen. It had a
+fine front door to it; but mindful of her dress of rushes she went round
+to the back. And there she saw a strapping fat scullion washing pots and
+pans with a very sulky face. So, being a clever girl, she guessed what
+the maid was wanting, and said:
+
+"If I may have a night's lodging, I will scrub the pots and pans for
+you."
+
+"Why! Here's luck," replied the scullery-maid, ever so pleased. "I was
+just wanting badly to go a-walking with my sweetheart. So if you will do
+my work you shall share my bed and have a bite of my supper. Only mind
+you scrub the pots clean or cook will be at me."
+
+Now next morning the pots were scraped so clean that they looked like
+new, and the saucepans were polished like silver, and the cook said to
+the scullion, "Who cleaned these pots? Not you, I'll swear." So the maid
+had to up and out with the truth. Then the cook would have turned away
+the old maid and put on the new, but the latter would not hear of it.
+
+"The maid was kind to me and gave me a night's lodging," she said. "So
+now I will stay without wage and do the dirty work for her."
+
+So Caporushes--for so they called her since she would give no other
+name--stayed on and cleaned the pots and scraped the saucepans.
+
+Now it so happened that her master's son came of age, and to celebrate
+the occasion a ball was given to the neighbourhood, for the young man
+was a grand dancer, and loved nothing so well as a country measure. It
+was a very fine party, and after supper was served, the servants were
+allowed to go and watch the quality from the gallery of the ball-room.
+
+But Caporushes refused to go, for she also was a grand dancer, and she
+was afraid that when she heard the fiddles starting a merry jig, she
+might start dancing. So she excused herself by saying she was too tired
+with scraping pots and washing saucepans; and when the others went off,
+she crept up to her bed.
+
+But alas! and alack-a-day! The door had been left open, and as she lay
+in her bed she could hear the fiddlers fiddling away and the tramp of
+dancing feet.
+
+Then she upped and off with her cap and robe of rushes, and there she
+was ever so fine and tidy. She was in the ball-room in a trice joining
+in the jig, and none was more beautiful or better dressed than she.
+While as for her dancing...!
+
+Her master's son singled her out at once, and with the finest of bows
+engaged her as his partner for the rest of the night. So she danced away
+to her heart's content, while the whole room was agog, trying to find
+out who the beautiful young stranger could be. But she kept her own
+counsel and, making some excuse, slipped away before the ball finished;
+so when her fellow-servants came to bed, there she was in hers in her
+cap and robe of rushes, pretending to be fast asleep.
+
+Next morning, however, the maids could talk of nothing but the beautiful
+stranger.
+
+"You should ha' seen her," they said. "She was the loveliest young lady
+as ever you see, not a bit like the likes o' we. Her golden hair was all
+silvered wi' pearls, and her dress--law! You wouldn't believe how she
+was dressed. Young master never took his eyes off her."
+
+And Caporushes only smiled and said, with a twinkle in her eye, "I
+should like to see her, but I don't think I ever shall."
+
+"Oh yes, you will," they replied, "for young master has ordered another
+ball to-night in hopes she will come to dance again."
+
+But that evening Caporushes refused once more to go to the gallery,
+saying she was too tired with cleaning pots and scraping saucepans. And
+once more when she heard the fiddlers fiddling she said to herself, "I
+must have one dance--just one with the young master: he dances so
+beautifully." For she felt certain he would dance with her.
+
+And sure enough, when she had upped and offed with her cap and robe of
+rushes, there he was at the door waiting for her to come; for he had
+determined to dance with no one else.
+
+So he took her by the hand, and they danced down the ball-room. It was a
+sight of all sights! Never were such dancers! So young, so handsome, so
+fine, so gay!
+
+But once again Caporushes kept her own counsel and just slipped away on
+some excuse in time, so that when her fellow-servants came to their beds
+they found her in hers, pretending to be fast asleep; but her cheeks
+were all flushed and her breath came fast. So they said, "She is
+dreaming. We hope her dreams are happy."
+
+But next morning they were full of what she had missed. Never was such a
+beautiful young gentleman as young master! Never was such a beautiful
+young lady! Never was such beautiful dancing! Every one else had stopped
+theirs to look on.
+
+And Caporushes, with a twinkle in her eyes, said, "I should like to see
+her; but I'm _sure_ I never shall!"
+
+"Oh yes!" they replied. "If you come to-night you're sure to see her;
+for young master has ordered another ball in hopes the beautiful
+stranger will come again; for it's easy to see he is madly in love with
+her."
+
+Then Caporushes told herself she would not dance again, since it was not
+fit for a gay young master to be in love with his scullery-maid; but,
+alas! the moment she heard the fiddlers fiddling, she just upped and
+offed with her rushes, and there she was fine and tidy as ever! She
+didn't even have to brush her beautiful golden hair! And once again she
+was in the ball-room in a trice, dancing away with young master, who
+never took his eyes off her, and implored her to tell him who she was.
+But she kept her own counsel and only told him that she never, never,
+never would come to dance any more, and that he must say good-bye. And
+he held her hand so fast that she had a job to get away, and lo and
+behold! his ring came off his finger, and as she ran up to her bed there
+it was in her hand! She had just time to put on her cap and robe of
+rushes, when her fellow-servants came trooping in and found her awake.
+
+"It was the noise you made coming upstairs," she made excuse; but they
+said, "Not we! It is the whole place that is in an uproar searching for
+the beautiful stranger. Young master he tried to detain her; but she
+slipped from him like an eel. But he declares he will find her; for if
+he doesn't he will die of love for her."
+
+Then Caporushes laughed. "Young men don't die of love," says she. "He
+will find some one else."
+
+But he didn't. He spent his whole time looking for his beautiful dancer,
+but go where he might, and ask whom he would, he never heard anything
+about her. And day by day he grew thinner and thinner, and paler and
+paler, until at last he took to his bed.
+
+And the housekeeper came to the cook and said, "Cook the nicest dinner
+you can cook, for young master eats nothing."
+
+Then the cook prepared soups, and jellies, and creams, and roast
+chicken, and bread sauce; but the young man would none of them.
+
+And Caporushes cleaned the pots and scraped the saucepans and said
+nothing.
+
+Then the housekeeper came crying and said to the cook, "Prepare some
+gruel for young master. Mayhap he'd take that. If not he will die for
+love of the beautiful dancer. If she could see him now she would have
+pity on him."
+
+So the cook began to make the gruel, and Caporushes left scraping
+saucepans and watched her.
+
+"Let me stir it," she said, "while you fetch a cup from the
+pantry-room."
+
+So Caporushes stirred the gruel, and what did she do but slips young
+master's ring into it before the cook came back!
+
+Then the butler took the cup upstairs on a silver salver. But when the
+young master saw it he waved it away, till the butler with tears begged
+him just to taste it.
+
+So the young master took a silver spoon and stirred the gruel; and he
+felt something hard at the bottom of the cup. And when he fished it up,
+lo! it was his own ring! Then he sate up in bed and said quite loud,
+"Send for the cook!" And when she came he asked her who made the gruel.
+
+"I did," she said, for she was half-pleased and half-frightened.
+
+Then he looked at her all over and said, "No, you didn't! You're too
+stout! Tell me who made it and you shan't be harmed!"
+
+Then the cook began to cry. "If you please, sir, I _did_ make it; but
+Caporushes stirred it."
+
+"And who is Caporushes?" asked the young man.
+
+"If you please, sir, Caporushes is the scullion," whimpered the cook.
+
+Then the young man sighed and fell back on his pillow. "Send Caporushes
+here," he said in a faint voice; for he really was very near dying.
+
+And when Caporushes came he just looked at her cap and her robe of
+rushes and turned his face to the wall; but he asked her in a weak
+little voice, "From whom did you get that ring?"
+
+Now when Caporushes saw the poor young man so weak and worn with love
+for her, her heart melted, and she replied softly:
+
+"From him that gave it me," quoth she, and offed with her cap and robe
+of rushes, and there she was as fine and tidy as ever with her beautiful
+golden hair all silvered over with pearls.
+
+And the young man caught sight of her with the tail of his eye, and sate
+up in bed as strong as may be, and drew her to him and gave her a great
+big kiss.
+
+So, of course, they were to be married in spite of her being only a
+scullery-maid, for she told no one who she was. Now every one far and
+near was asked to the wedding. Amongst the invited guests was
+Caporushes' father, who, from grief at losing his favourite daughter,
+had lost his sight, and was very dull and miserable. However, as a
+friend of the family, he had to come to the young master's wedding.
+
+Now the marriage feast was to be the finest ever seen; but Caporushes
+went to her friend the cook and said:
+
+"Dress every dish without one mite of salt."
+
+"That'll be rare and nasty," replied the cook; but because she prided
+herself on having let Caporushes stir the gruel and so saved the young
+master's life, she did as she was asked, and dressed every dish for the
+wedding breakfast without one mite of salt.
+
+Now when the company sate down to table their faces were full of smiles
+and content, for all the dishes looked so nice and tasty; but no sooner
+had the guests begun to eat than their faces fell; for nothing can be
+tasty without salt.
+
+Then Caporushes' blind father, whom his daughter had seated next to her,
+burst out crying.
+
+"What is the matter?" she asked.
+
+Then the old man sobbed, "I had a daughter whom I loved dearly, dearly.
+And I asked her how much she loved me, and she replied, 'As fresh meat
+loves salt.' And I was angry with her and turned her out of house and
+home, for I thought she didn't love me at all. But now I see she loved
+me best of all."
+
+And as he said the words his eyes were opened, and there beside him was
+his daughter lovelier than ever.
+
+And she gave him one hand, and her husband, the young master, the other,
+and laughed saying, "I love you both as fresh meat loves salt." And
+after that they were all happy for evermore.
+
+[Illustration: She sate down and plaited herself an overall of rushes
+and a cap to match]
+
+
+    THE BABES IN THE WOOD
+
+
+    Now ponder well, you parents dear,
+      These words which I shall write;
+    A doleful story you shall hear,
+      In time brought forth to light.
+    A gentleman of good account
+      In Norfolk dwelt of late,
+    Who did in honour far surmount
+      Most men of his estate.
+
+    Sore sick he was and like to die,
+      No help his life could save;
+    His wife by him as sick did lie,
+      And both possest one grave.
+    No love between these two was lost,
+      Each was to other kind;
+    In love they lived, in love they died,
+      And left two babes behind:
+
+    The one a fine and pretty boy
+      Not passing three years old,
+    The other a girl more young than he,
+      And framed in beauty's mould.
+    The father left his little son,
+      As plainly did appear,
+    When he to perfect age should come,
+      Three hundred pounds a year;
+
+    And to his little daughter Jane
+      Five hundred pounds in gold,
+    To be paid down on marriage-day,
+      Which might not be controlled.
+    But if the children chanced to die
+      Ere they to age should come,
+    Their uncle should possess their wealth;
+      For so the will did run.
+
+    "Now, brother," said the dying man,
+      "Look to my children dear;
+    Be good unto my boy and girl,
+      No friends else have they here;
+    To God and you I recommend
+      My children dear this day;
+    But little while be sure we have
+      Within this world to stay.
+
+    "You must be father and mother both,
+      And uncle, all in one;
+    God knows what will become of them
+      When I am dead and gone."
+    With that bespake their mother dear:
+      "O brother kind," quoth she,
+    "You are the man must bring our babes
+      To wealth or misery.
+
+    "And if you keep them carefully,
+      Then God will you reward;
+    But if you otherwise should deal,
+      God will your deeds regard."
+    With lips as cold as any stone,
+      They kissed their children small:
+    "God bless you both, my children dear!"
+      With that the tears did fall.
+
+    These speeches then their brother spake
+      To this sick couple there:
+    "The keeping of your little ones,
+      Sweet sister, do not fear;
+    God never prosper me nor mine,
+      Nor aught else that I have,
+    If I do wrong your children dear
+      When you are laid in grave!"
+
+    The parents being dead and gone,
+      The children home he takes,
+    And brings them straight unto his house,
+      Where much of them he makes.
+    He had not kept these pretty babes
+      A twelvemonth and a day,
+    But, for their wealth, he did devise
+      To make them both away.
+
+    He bargained with two ruffians strong,
+      Which were of furious mood,
+    That they should take these children young.
+      And slay them in a wood.
+    He told his wife an artful tale
+      He would the children send
+    To be brought up in London town
+      With one that was his friend.
+
+    Away then went those pretty babes,
+      Rejoicing at that tide,
+    Rejoicing with a merry mind
+      They should on cock-horse ride.
+    They prate and prattle pleasantly,
+      As they ride on the way,
+    To those that should their butchers be
+      And work their lives' decay:
+
+    So that the pretty speech they had
+      Made Murder's heart relent;
+    And they that undertook the deed
+      Full sore now did repent.
+    Yet one of them, more hard of heart,
+      Did vow to do his charge,
+    Because the wretch that hired him
+      Had paid him very large.
+
+    The other won't agree thereto,
+      So there they fall to strife;
+    With one another they did fight
+      About the children's life;
+    And he that was of mildest mood
+      Did slay the other there,
+    Within an unfrequented wood;
+      The babes did quake for fear!
+
+    He took the children by the hand,
+      Tears standing in their eye,
+    And bade them straightway follow him,
+      And look they did not cry;
+    And two long miles he led them on,
+      While they for food complain:
+    "Stay here," quoth he, "I'll bring you bread,
+      When I come back again."
+
+    These pretty babes, with hand in hand,
+      Went wandering up and down;
+    But never more could see the man
+      Approaching from the town.
+    Their pretty lips with blackberries
+      Were all besmeared and dyed;
+    And when they saw the darksome night,
+      They sat them down and cried.
+
+    Thus wandered these poor innocents,
+      Till death did end their grief;
+    In one another's arms they died,
+      As wanting due relief:
+    No burial this pretty pair
+      From any man receives,
+    Till Robin Redbreast piously
+      Did cover them with leaves.
+
+    And now the heavy wrath of God
+      Upon their uncle fell;
+    Yea, fearful fiends did haunt his house,
+      His conscience felt an hell:
+    His barns were fired, his goods consumed,
+      His lands were barren made,
+    His cattle died within the field,
+      And nothing with him stayed.
+
+    And in a voyage to Portugal
+      Two of his sons did die;
+    And to conclude, himself was brought
+      To want and misery:
+    He pawned and mortgaged all his land
+      Ere seven years came about.
+    And now at last this wicked act
+      Did by this means come out.
+
+    The fellow that did take in hand
+      These children for to kill,
+    Was for a robbery judged to die,
+      Such was God's blessed will:
+    Who did confess the very truth,
+      As here hath been displayed:
+    The uncle having died in jail,
+      Where he for debt was laid.
+
+    You that executors be made,
+      And overseers eke,
+    Of children that be fatherless,
+      And infants mild and meek,
+    Take you example by this thing,
+      And yield to each his right,
+    Lest God with suchlike misery
+      Your wicked minds requite.
+
+
+
+
+THE RED ETTIN
+
+
+There was once a widow that lived on a small bit of ground, which she
+rented from a farmer. And she had two sons; and by and by it was time
+for the wife to send them away to seek their fortune. So she told her
+eldest son one day to take a can and bring her water from the well, that
+she might bake a cake for him; and however much or however little water
+he might bring, the cake would be great or small accordingly, and that
+cake was to be all that she could give him when he went on his travels.
+
+The lad went away with the can to the well, and filled it with water,
+and then came away home again; but the can being broken, the most part
+of the water had run out before he got back. So his cake was very small;
+yet small as it was, his mother asked him if he was willing to take the
+half of it with her blessing, telling him that, if he chose rather to
+take the whole, he would only get it with her curse. The young man,
+thinking he might have to travel a far way, and not knowing when or how
+he might get other provisions, said he would like to have the whole
+cake, come of his mother's malison what might; so she gave him the
+whole cake, and her malison along with it. Then he took his brother
+aside, and gave him a knife to keep till he should come back, desiring
+him to look at it every morning, and as long as it continued to be
+clear, then he might be sure that the owner of it was well; but if it
+grew dim and rusty, then for certain some ill had befallen him.
+
+So the young man went to seek his fortune. And he went all that day, and
+all the next day; and on the third day, in the afternoon, he came up to
+where a shepherd was sitting with a flock of sheep. And he went up to
+the shepherd and asked him to whom the sheep belonged; and he answered:
+
+    "To the Red Ettin of Ireland
+     Who lives in Ballygan,
+   He stole King Malcolm's daughter,
+     The king of fair Scotland.
+   He beats her, he binds her,
+     He lays her on a hand;
+   And every day he strikes her
+     With a bright silver wand.
+   'Tis said there's one predestinate
+     To be his mortal foe;
+   But sure that man is yet unborn,
+     And long may it be so!"
+
+After this the shepherd told him to beware of the beasts he should next
+meet, for they were of a very different kind from any he had yet seen.
+
+So the young man went on, and by and by he saw a multitude of very
+dreadful, terrible, horrible beasts, with two heads, and on every head
+four horns! And he was sore frightened, and ran away from them as fast
+as he could; and glad was he when he came to a castle that stood on a
+hillock, with the door standing wide open to the wall. And he went in to
+the castle for shelter, and there he saw an old wife sitting beside the
+kitchen fire. He asked the wife if he might stay for the night, as he
+was tired with a long journey; and the wife said he might, but it was
+not a good place for him to be in, as it belonged to the Red Ettin, who
+was a very terrible monster with three heads, who spared no living man
+it could get hold of. The young man would have gone away, but he was
+afraid of the two-headed four-horned beasts outside; so he beseeched the
+old woman to hide him as best she could, and not tell the Ettin he was
+there. He thought, if he could put over the night, he might get away in
+the morning, without meeting with the dreadful, terrible, horrible
+beasts, and so escape.
+
+But he had not been long in his hiding-hole, before the awful Ettin came
+in; and no sooner was he in, than he was heard crying:
+
+  "Snouk but! and snouk ben!
+   I find the smell of an earthly man;
+   Be he living, or be he dead,
+   His heart this night shall kitchen my bread."
+
+Well, the monster began to search about, and he soon found the poor
+young man, and pulled him from his hiding-place. And when he had got him
+out, he told him that if he could answer him three questions his life
+should be spared.
+
+So the first head asked: "A thing without an end; what's that?"
+
+But the young man knew not.
+
+Then the second head said: "The smaller the more dangerous; what's
+that?"
+
+But the young man knew not.
+
+And then the third head asked: "The dead carrying the living? riddle me
+that."
+
+But the young man knew not.
+
+So the lad not being able to answer one of these questions, the Red
+Ettin took a mallet from behind the door, knocked him on the head, and
+turned him into a pillar of stone.
+
+Now on the morning after this happened the younger brother took out the
+knife to look at it, and he was grieved to find it all brown with rust.
+So he told his mother that the time was now come for him to go away upon
+his travels also. At first she refused to let him go; but at last she
+requested him to take the can to the well for water, that she might make
+a cake for him. So he went, but as he was bringing home the water, a
+raven over his head cried to him to look, and he would see that the
+water was running out. Now being a young man of sense, and seeing the
+water running out, he took some clay and patched up the holes, so that
+he brought home enough water to bake a large cake. And when his mother
+put it to him to take the half cake with her blessing, he took it
+instead of having the whole with her malison.
+
+So he went away on his journey with his mother's blessing. Now after he
+had travelled a far way, he met with an old woman who asked him if he
+would give her a bit of his cake. And he said, "I will gladly do that";
+so he gave her a piece of the cake. Then the old woman, who was a fairy,
+gave him a magic wand, that might yet be of service to him, if he took
+care to use it rightly; and she told him a great deal that would happen
+to him, and what he ought to do in all circumstances; and after that,
+she vanished in an instant, out of his sight. Then he went on his way
+until he came up to the old man who was herding the sheep; and when he
+asked him to whom the sheep belonged, the answer was:
+
+  "To the Red Ettin of Ireland
+     Who lives in Ballygan,
+   He stole King Malcolm's daughter,
+     The king of fair Scotland.
+   He beats her, he binds her,
+     He lays her on a band;
+   And every day he strikes her
+     With a bright silver wand.
+   But now I fear his end is near,
+     And death is close at hand;
+   For you're to be, I plainly see,
+     The heir of all his land."
+
+So the younger brother went on his way; but when he came to the place
+where the dreadful, terrible, horrible beasts were standing, he did not
+stop nor run away, but went boldly through amongst them. One came up
+roaring with open mouth to devour him, when he struck it with his wand,
+and laid it in an instant dead at his feet. He soon came to the Ettin's
+castle, where he found the door shut, but he knocked boldly, and was
+admitted. Then the old woman who sat by the fire warned him of the
+terrible Ettin, and what had been the fate of his brother; but he was
+not to be daunted, and would not even hide.
+
+Then by and by the monster came in, crying as before:
+
+  "Snouk but! and snouk ben!
+   I find the smell of an earthly man;
+   Be he living, or be he dead,
+   His heart this night shall kitchen my bread."
+
+Well, he quickly espied the young man, and bade him stand forth on the
+floor, and told him that if he could answer three questions his life
+would be spared.
+
+So the first head asked: "What's the thing without an end?"
+
+Now the younger brother had been told by the fairy to whom he had given
+a piece of his cake what he ought to say; so he answered:
+
+"A bowl."
+
+Then the first head frowned, but the second head asked:
+
+"The smaller the more dangerous; what's that?"
+
+"A bridge," says the younger brother, quite fast.
+
+Then the first and the second heads frowned, but the third head asked:
+
+"When does the dead carry the living? riddle me that."
+
+At this the young man answered up at once and said:
+
+"When a ship sails on the sea with men inside her."
+
+When the Red Ettin found all his riddles answered, he knew that his
+power was gone, so he tried to escape, but the young man took up an axe
+and hewed off the monster's three heads. Then he asked the old woman to
+show him where the king's daughter lay; and the old woman took him
+upstairs, and opened a great many doors, and out of every door came a
+beautiful lady who had been imprisoned there by the Red Ettin; and last
+of all the ladies was the king's daughter. Then the old woman took him
+down into a low room, and there stood a stone pillar; but he had only to
+touch it with his wand, and his brother started into life.
+
+So the whole of the prisoners were overjoyed at their deliverance, for
+which they thanked the younger brother again and again. Next day they
+all set out for the king's court, and a gallant company they made. Then
+the king married his daughter to the young man who had delivered her,
+and gave a noble's daughter to his brother.
+
+So they all lived happily all the rest of their days.
+
+
+
+
+THE FISH AND THE RING
+
+
+Once upon a time there lived a Baron who was a great magician, and could
+tell by his arts and charms everything that was going to happen at any
+time.
+
+Now this great lord had a little son born to him as heir to all his
+castles and lands. So, when the little lad was about four years old,
+wishing to know what his fortune would be, the Baron looked in his Book
+of Fate to see what it foretold.
+
+And, lo and behold! it was written that this much-loved, much-prized
+heir to all the great lands and castles was to marry a low-born maiden.
+So the Baron was dismayed, and set to work by more arts and charms to
+discover if this maiden were already born, and if so, where she lived.
+
+And he found out that she had just been born in a very poor house, where
+the poor parents were already burdened with five children.
+
+So he called for his horse and rode away, and away, until he came to the
+poor man's house, and there he found the poor man sitting at his
+doorstep very sad and doleful.
+
+"What is the matter, my friend?" asked he; and the poor man replied:
+
+"May it please your honour, a little lass has just been born to our
+house; and we have five children already, and where the bread is to come
+from to fill the sixth mouth, we know not."
+
+"If that be all your trouble," quoth the Baron readily, "mayhap I can
+help you: so don't be down-hearted. I am just looking for such a little
+lass to companion my son, so, if you will, I will give you ten crowns
+for her."
+
+Well! the man he nigh jumped for joy, since he was to get good money,
+and his daughter, so he thought, a good home. Therefore he brought out
+the child then and there, and the Baron, wrapping the babe in his cloak,
+rode away. But when he got to the river he flung the little thing into
+the swollen stream, and said to himself as he galloped back to his
+castle:
+
+"There goes Fate!"
+
+But, you see, he was just sore mistaken. For the little lass didn't
+sink. The stream was very swift, and her long clothes kept her up till
+she caught in a snag just opposite a fisherman, who was mending his
+nets.
+
+Now the fisherman and his wife had no children, and they were just
+longing for a baby; so when the goodman saw the little lass he was
+overcome with joy, and took her home to his wife, who received her with
+open arms.
+
+And there she grew up, the apple of their eyes, into the most beautiful
+maiden that ever was seen.
+
+Now, when she was about fifteen years of age, it so happened that the
+Baron and his friends went a-hunting along the banks of the river and
+stopped to get a drink of water at the fisherman's hut. And who should
+bring the water out but, as they thought, the fisherman's daughter.
+
+Now the young men of the party noticed her beauty, and one of them said
+to the Baron, "She should marry well; read us her fate, since you are so
+learned in the art."
+
+Then the Baron, scarce looking at her, said carelessly: "I could guess
+her fate! Some wretched yokel or other. But, to please you, I will cast
+her horoscope by the stars; so tell me, girl, what day you were born?"
+
+"That I cannot tell, sir," replied the girl, "for I was picked up in the
+river about fifteen years ago."
+
+Then the Baron grew pale, for he guessed at once that she was the little
+lass he had flung into the stream, and that Fate had been stronger than
+he was. But he kept his own counsel and said nothing at the time.
+Afterwards, however, he thought out a plan, so he rode back and gave the
+girl a letter.
+
+"See you!" he said. "I will make your fortune. Take this letter to my
+brother, who needs a good girl, and you will be settled for life."
+
+Now the fisherman and his wife were growing old and needed help; so the
+girl said she would go, and took the letter.
+
+And the Baron rode back to his castle saying to himself once more:
+
+"There goes Fate!"
+
+For what he had written in the letter was this:
+
+"DEAR BROTHER,
+
+"Take the bearer and put her to death immediately."
+
+But once again he was sore mistaken; since on the way to the town where
+his brother lived, the girl had to stop the night in a little inn. And
+it so happened that that very night a gang of thieves broke into the
+inn, and not content with carrying off all that the innkeeper possessed,
+they searched the pockets of the guests, and found the letter which the
+girl carried. And when they read it, they agreed that it was a mean
+trick and a shame. So their captain sat down and, taking pen and paper,
+wrote instead:
+
+"DEAR BROTHER,
+
+"Take the bearer and marry her to my son without delay."
+
+Then, after putting the note into an envelope and sealing it up, they
+gave it to the girl and bade her go on her way. So when she arrived at
+the brother's castle, though rather surprised, he gave orders for a
+wedding feast to be prepared. And the Baron's son, who was staying with
+his uncle, seeing the girl's great beauty, was nothing loth, so they
+were fast wedded.
+
+Well! when the news was brought to the Baron, he was nigh beside
+himself; but he was determined not to be done by Fate. So he rode
+post-haste to his brother's and pretended to be quite pleased. And then
+one day, when no one was nigh, he asked the young bride to come for a
+walk with him, and when they were close to some cliffs, seized hold of
+her, and was for throwing her over into the sea. But she begged hard for
+her life.
+
+"It is not my fault," she said. "I have done nothing. It is Fate. But if
+you will spare my life I promise that I will fight against Fate also. I
+will never see you or your son again until you desire it. That will be
+safer for you; since, see you, the sea may preserve me, as the river
+did."
+
+Well! the Baron agreed to this. So he took off his gold ring from his
+finger and flung it over the cliffs into the sea and said:
+
+"Never dare to show me your face again till you can show me that ring
+likewise."
+
+And with that he let her go.
+
+Well! the girl wandered on, and she wandered on, until she came to a
+nobleman's castle; and there, as they needed a kitchen girl, she engaged
+as a scullion, since she had been used to such work in the fisherman's
+hut.
+
+Now one day, as she was cleaning a big fish, she looked out of the
+kitchen window, and who should she see driving up to dinner but the
+Baron and his young son, her husband. At first she thought that, to keep
+her promise, she must run away; but afterwards she remembered they would
+not see her in the kitchen, so she went on with her cleaning of the big
+fish.
+
+And, lo and behold! she saw something shine in its inside, and there,
+sure enough, was the Baron's ring! She was glad enough to see it, I can
+tell you; so she slipped it on to her thumb. But she went on with her
+work, and dressed the fish as nicely as ever she could, and served it up
+as pretty as may be, with parsley sauce and butter.
+
+Well! when it came to table the guests liked it so well that they asked
+the host who cooked it. And he called to his servants, "Send up the cook
+who cooked that fine fish, that she may get her reward."
+
+Well! when the girl heard she was wanted she made herself ready, and
+with the gold ring on her thumb, went boldly into the dining-hall. And
+all the guests when they saw her were struck dumb by her wonderful
+beauty. And the young husband started up gladly; but the Baron,
+recognising her, jumped up angrily and looked as if he would kill her.
+So, without one word, the girl held up her hand before his face, and the
+gold ring shone and glittered on it; and she went straight up to the
+Baron, and laid her hand with the ring on it before him on the table.
+
+Then the Baron understood that Fate had been too strong for him; so he
+took her by the hand, and, placing her beside him, turned to the guests
+and said:
+
+"This is my son's wife. Let us drink a toast in her honour."
+
+And after dinner he took her and his son home to his castle, where they
+all lived as happy as could be for ever afterwards.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Headpiece--Lawkamercyme]
+
+    LAWKAMERCYME
+
+
+    There was an old woman, as I've heard tell,
+    She went to the market her eggs for to sell;
+    She went to the market, all on a market-day,
+    And she fell asleep on the king's highway.
+
+    There came by a pedlar, whose name it was Stout,
+    He cut all her petticoats all round about;
+    He cut her petticoats up to the knees,
+    Which made the old woman to shiver and freeze.
+
+    When this old woman first did awake,
+    She 'gan to shiver, she 'gan to shake;
+    She 'gan to wonder, she 'gan to cry--
+    "Lawkamercyme! this is none of I!
+
+    "But if it be I, as I do hope it be,
+    I've a little dog at home, and sure he'll know me;
+    If it be I, he'll wag his little tail,
+    And if it be not I, then he'll bark and wail."
+
+    Home went the old woman, all in the dark;
+    Up got the little dog, and he began to bark,
+    He began to bark, and she began to cry--
+    "Lawkamercyme! this is none of I!"
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: A funny-looking old gentleman engaged her and took her
+home]
+
+MASTER OF ALL MASTERS
+
+
+A Girl once went to the fair to hire herself for servant. At last a
+funny-looking old gentleman engaged her and took her home to his house.
+When she got there, he told her that he had something to teach her, for
+that in his house he had his own names for things.
+
+He said to her, "What will you call me?"
+
+"Master or mister, or whatever you please, sir," says she.
+
+He said, "You must call me 'master of all masters.' And what would you
+call this?" pointing to his bed.
+
+"Bed or couch, or whatever you please, sir."
+
+"No, that's my 'barnacle'. And what do you call these?" said he,
+pointing to his pantaloons.
+
+"Breeches or trousers, or whatever you please, sir."
+
+"You must call them 'squibs and crackers.' And what would you call her?"
+pointing to the cat.
+
+"Cat or kit, or whatever you please, sir.'
+
+"You must call her 'white-faced simminy' And this now," showing the
+fire, "what would you call this?"
+
+"Fire or flame, or whatever you please, sir."
+
+"You must call it 'hot cockalorum'; and what this?" he went on, pointing
+to the water.
+
+"Water or wet, or whatever you please, sir."
+
+"No, 'pondalorum' is its name. And what do you call all this?" asked he,
+as he pointed to the house.
+
+"House or cottage, or whatever you please, sir."
+
+"You must call it 'high topper mountain.'"
+
+That very night the servant woke her master up in a fright and said,
+"Master of all masters, get out of your barnacle and put on your squibs
+and crackers. For white-faced simminy has got a spark of hot cockalorum
+on its tail, and unless you get some pondalorum high topper mountain
+will be all on hot cockalorum...."
+
+That's all!!
+
+[Illustration: White-faced simminy has got a spark of hot cockalorum on
+its tail]
+
+
+
+
+MOLLY WHUPPIE AND THE DOUBLE-FACED GIANT
+
+
+Once upon a time there was a man and his wife who were not over rich.
+And they had so many children that they couldn't find meat for them; so,
+as the three youngest were girls, they just took them out to the forest
+one day, and left them there to fend for themselves as best they might.
+
+Now the two eldest were just ordinary girls, so they cried a bit and
+felt afraid; but the youngest, whose name was Molly Whuppie, was bold,
+so she counselled her sisters not to despair, but to try and find some
+house where they might get a night's lodging. So they set off through
+the forest, and journeyed, and journeyed, and journeyed, but never a
+house did they see. It began to grow dark, her sisters were faint with
+hunger, and even Molly Whuppie began to think of supper. At last in the
+distance they saw a great big light, and made for it. Now when they drew
+near they saw that it came from a huge window in a huge house.
+
+"It will be a giant's house," said the two elder girls, trembling with
+fright.
+
+"If there were two giants in it I mean to have my supper," quoth Molly
+Whuppie, and knocked at a huge door, as bold as brass. It was opened by
+the giant's wife, who shook her head when Molly Whuppie asked for
+victuals and a night's lodging.
+
+"You wouldn't thank me for it," she said, "for my man is a giant, and
+when he comes home he will kill you of a certainty."
+
+"But if you give us supper at once," says Molly craftily, "we shall have
+finished it before the giant comes home; for we are very sharp-set."
+
+Now the giant's wife was not unkindly; besides, her three daughters, who
+were just of an age with Molly and her sisters, tugged at her skirts
+well pleased; so she took the girls in, set them by the fire, and gave
+them each a bowl of bread and milk. But they had hardly begun to gobble
+it up before the door burst open, and a fearful giant strode in saying:
+
+  "_Fee-fi-fo-fum,
+   I smell the smell of some earthly one._"
+
+"Don't put yourself about, my dear," said the giant's wife, trying to
+make the best of it. "See for yourself. They are only three poor little
+girlies like our girlies. They were cold and hungry so I gave them some
+supper; but they have promised to go away as soon as they have
+finished. Now be a good giant and don't touch them. They've eaten of
+our salt, so don't _you_ be at fault!"
+
+Now this giant was not at all a straightforward giant. He was a
+double-faced giant. So he only said,
+
+  "Umph!"
+
+and remarked that as they had come, they had better stay all night,
+since they could easily sleep with his three daughters. And after he had
+had his supper he made himself quite pleasant, and plaited chains of
+straw for the little strangers to wear round their necks, to match the
+gold chains his daughters wore. Then he wished them all pleasant dreams
+and sent them to bed.
+
+Dear me! He _was_ a double-faced giant!
+
+But Molly Whuppie, the youngest of the three girls, was not only bold,
+she was clever. So when she was in bed, instead of going to sleep like
+the others, she lay awake and thought, and thought, and thought; until
+at last she up ever so softly, took off her own and her sisters' straw
+chains, put them round the neck of the ogre's daughters, and placed
+their gold chains round her own and her sisters' necks.
+
+And even then she did not go to sleep, but lay still and waited to see
+if she was wise; and she was! For in the very middle of the night, when
+everybody else was dead asleep and it was pitch dark, in comes the
+giant, all stealthy, feels for the straw chains, twists them tight round
+the wearers' necks, half strangles his daughters, drags them on to the
+floor, and beats them till they were quite dead; so, all stealthy and
+satisfied, goes back to his own bed, thinking he had been very clever.
+
+But he was no match, you see, for Molly Whuppie; for she at once roused
+her sisters, bade them be quiet, and follow her. Then she slipped out of
+the giant's house and ran, and ran, and ran until the dawn broke and
+they found themselves before another great house. It was surrounded by a
+wide deep moat, which was spanned by a drawbridge. But the drawbridge
+was up. However, beside it hung a Single-Hair rope over which any one
+very light-footed could cross.
+
+Now Molly's sisters were feared to try it; besides, they said that for
+aught they knew the house might be another giant's house, and they had
+best keep away.
+
+"Taste and try," says Molly Whuppie, laughing, and was over the Bridge
+of a Single Hair before you could say knife. And, after all, it was not
+a giant's house but a King's castle. Now it so happened that the very
+giant whom Molly had tricked was the terror of the whole country-side,
+and it was to gain safety from him that the drawbridge was kept up, and
+the Bridge of a Single Hair had been made. So when the sentry heard
+Molly Whuppie's tale, he took her to the King and said:
+
+"My lord! Here is a girlie who has tricked the giant!"
+
+Then the King when he had heard the story said, "You are a clever girl,
+Molly Whuppie, and you managed very well; but if you could manage still
+better and steal the giant's sword, in which part of his strength lies,
+I will give your eldest sister in marriage to my eldest son."
+
+Well! Molly Whuppie thought this would be a very good downsitting for
+her sister, so she said she would try.
+
+So that evening, all alone, she ran across the Bridge of One Hair, and
+ran and ran till she came to the giant's house. The sun was just
+setting, and shone on it so beautifully that Molly Whuppie thought it
+looked like a castle in Spain, and could hardly believe that such a
+dreadful, double-faced giant lived within. However, she knew he did; so
+she slipped into the house unbeknownst, stole up to the giant's room,
+and crept in behind the bed. By and by the giant came home, ate a huge
+supper, and came crashing up the stairs to his bed. But Molly kept very
+still and held her breath. So after a time he fell asleep, and soon he
+began to snore. Then Molly crept out from under the bed, ever so softly,
+and crept up the bed-clothes, and crept past his great snoring face, and
+laid hold of the sword that hung above it. But alas! as she jumped from
+the bed in a hurry, the sword rattled in the scabbard. The noise woke
+the giant, and up he jumped and ran after Molly, who ran as she had
+never run before, carrying the sword over her shoulder. And he ran, and
+she ran, and they both ran, until they came to the Bridge of One Hair.
+Then she fled over it light-footed, balancing the sword, but he
+couldn't. So he stopped, foaming at the mouth with rage, and called
+after her:
+
+"Woe worth you, Molly Whuppie! Never you dare to come again!"
+
+And she, turning her head about as she sped over the One Hair Bridge,
+laughed lightly:
+
+"Twice yet, gaffer, will I come to the Castle in Spain!"
+
+So Molly gave the sword to the King, and, as he had promised, his eldest
+son wedded her eldest sister.
+
+But after the marriage festivities were over the King says again to
+Molly Whuppie:
+
+"You're a main clever girl, Molly, and you have managed very well, but
+if you could manage still better and steal the giant's purse, in which
+part of his strength lies, I will marry my second son to your second
+sister. But you need to be careful, for the giant sleeps with the purse
+under his pillow!"
+
+Well! Molly Whuppie thought this would be a very good downsitting,
+indeed, for her second sister, so she said she would try her luck.
+
+So that evening, just at sunsetting, she ran over the One Hair Bridge,
+and ran, and ran, and ran until she came to the giant's house looking
+for all the world like a castle in the air, all ruddy and golden and
+glinting. She could scarce believe such a dreadful double-faced giant
+lived within. However, she _knew_ he did; so she slipped into the house
+unbeknownst, stole up to the giant's room, and crept in below the
+giant's bed. By and by the giant came home, ate a hearty supper, and
+then came crashing upstairs, and soon fell a-snoring. Then Molly Whuppie
+slipped from under the bed, and slipped up the bed-clothes, and reaching
+out her hand slipped it under the pillow, and got hold of the purse.
+But the giant's head was so heavy on it she had to tug and tug away. At
+last out it came, she fell backward over the bedside, the purse opened,
+and some of the money fell out with a crash. The noise wakened the
+giant, and she had only time to grab the money off the floor, when he
+was after her. How they ran, and ran, and ran, and ran! At last she
+reached the One Hair Bridge and, with the purse in one hand, the money
+in the other, she sped across it while the giant shook his fist at her
+and cried:
+
+"Woe worth you, Molly Whuppie! Never you dare to come again!"
+
+And she, turning her head, laughed lightly:
+
+"Yet once more, gaffer, will I come to the Castle in Spain."
+
+So she took the purse to the King, and he ordered a splendid marriage
+feast for his second son and her second sister.
+
+But after the wedding was over the King says to her, says he:
+
+"Molly! You are the most main clever girl in the world; but if you would
+do better yet, and steal me from his finger the giant's ring, in which
+all his strength lies, I will give you my dearest, youngest, handsomest
+son for yourself."
+
+Now Molly thought the King's son was the nicest young prince she had
+ever seen, so she said she would try, and that evening, all alone, she
+sped across the One Hair Bridge as light as a feather, and ran, and ran,
+and ran until she came to the giant's house all lit up with the red
+setting sun like any castle in the air. And she slipped inside, stole
+upstairs, and crept under the bed in no time. And the giant came in, and
+supped, and crashed up to bed, and snored. Oh! he snored louder than
+ever!
+
+But you know he was a double-faced giant; so perhaps he snored louder
+on purpose. For no sooner had Molly Whuppie began to tug at his ring
+than ... My!...
+
+He had her fast between his finger and thumb. And he sate up in bed, and
+shook his head at her and said, "Molly Whuppie, you are a main clever
+girl! Now, if I had done as much ill to you as you have done to me, what
+would you do to me?"
+
+Then Molly thought for a moment and she said, "I'd put you in a sack,
+and I'd put the cat inside with you, and I'd put the dog inside with
+you, and I'd put a needle and thread and a pair of shears inside with
+you, and I'd hang you up on a nail, and I'd go to the wood and cut the
+thickest stick I could get, and come home and take you down and bang
+you, and bang, and bang, and bang you till you were dead!"
+
+"Right you are!" cried the giant gleefully, "and that's just what I'll
+do to you!"
+
+So he got a sack and put Molly into it with the dog and the cat, and the
+needle and thread and the shears, and hung her on a nail in the wall,
+and went out to the wood to choose a stick.
+
+Then Molly Whuppie began to laugh like anything, and the dog joined in
+with barks, and the cat with mews.
+
+Now the giant's wife was sitting in the next room, and when she heard
+the commotion she went in to see what was up.
+
+"Whatever is the matter?" quoth she.
+
+"Nothing, 'm," quoth Molly Whuppie from inside the sack, laughing like
+anything. "Ho, ho! Ha, ha! If you saw what we see you'd laugh too. Ho,
+ho! Ha, ha!"
+
+And no matter how the giant's wife begged to know what she saw, there
+never was any answer but, "Ho, ho! Ha, ha! Could ye but see what I
+see!!!"
+
+At last the giant's wife begged Molly to let her see, so Molly took the
+shears, cut a hole in the sack, jumped out, helped the giant's wife in,
+and sewed up the hole! For of course she hadn't forgotten to take out
+the needle and thread with her.
+
+Now, just at that very moment, the giant burst in, and Molly had barely
+time to hide behind the door before he rushed at the sack, tore it down,
+and began to batter it with a huge tree he had cut in the wood.
+
+"Stop! stop!" cried his wife. "It's me! It's me!"
+
+But he couldn't hear, for, see you, the dog and the cat had tumbled one
+on the top of the other, and such a growling and spitting, and yelling
+and caterwauling you never heard! It was fair deafening, and the giant
+would have gone on battering till his wife was dead had he not caught
+sight of Molly Whuppie escaping with the ring which he had left on the
+table.
+
+Well, he threw down the tree and ran after her. Never was such a race.
+They ran, and they ran, and they ran, and they ran, until they came to
+the One Hair Bridge. And then, balancing herself with the ring like a
+hoop, Molly Whuppie sped over the bridge light as a feather, but the
+giant had to stand on the other side, and shake his fist at her, and cry
+louder than ever:
+
+"Woe worth you, Molly Whuppie! Never you dare to come again!"
+
+And she, turning her head back as she sped, laughed gaily:
+
+"Never more, gaffer, will I come to the castle in the air!"
+
+So she took the ring to the King, and she and the handsome young prince
+were married, and no one ever saw the double-faced giant again.
+
+
+
+
+THE ASS, THE TABLE, AND THE STICK
+
+
+A lad named Jack was once so unhappy at home through his father's
+ill-treatment, that he made up his mind to run away and seek his fortune
+in the wide world.
+
+He ran, and he ran, till he could run no longer, and then he ran right
+up against a little old woman who was gathering sticks. He was too much
+out of breath to beg pardon, but the woman was good-natured, and she
+said he seemed to be a likely lad, so she would take him to be her
+servant, and would pay him well. He agreed, for he was very hungry, and
+she brought him to her house in the wood, where he served her for a
+twelvemonths and a day. When the year had passed, she called him to her,
+and said she had good wages for him. So she presented him with an ass
+out of the stable, and he had but to pull Neddy's ears to make him begin
+at once to hee-haw! And when he brayed there dropped from his mouth
+silver sixpences, and half-crowns, and golden guineas.
+
+The lad was well pleased with the wage he had received, and away he rode
+till he reached an inn. There he ordered the best of everything, and
+when the innkeeper refused to serve him without being paid beforehand,
+the boy went off to the stable, pulled the ass's ears, and obtained his
+pocket full of money. The host had watched all this through a crack in
+the door, and when night came on he put an ass of his own for the
+precious Neddy belonging to the youth. So Jack, without knowing that any
+change had been made, rode away next morning to his father's house.
+
+Now I must tell you that near his home dwelt a poor widow with an only
+daughter. The lad and the maiden were fast friends and true-loves. So
+when Jack returned he asked his father's leave to marry the girl.
+
+"Never till you have the money to keep her," was the reply.
+
+"I have that, father," said the lad, and going to the ass he pulled its
+long ears; well, he pulled, and he pulled, till one of them came off in
+his hands; but Neddy, though he hee-hawed and he hee-hawed, let fall no
+half-crowns or guineas. Then the father picked up a hayfork and beat his
+son out of the house.
+
+I promise you he ran; he ran and ran till he came bang against a door,
+and burst it open, and there he was in a joiner's shop. "You're a likely
+lad," said the joiner; "serve me for a twelvemonths and a day and I will
+pay you well." So he agreed, and served the carpenter for a year and a
+day. "Now," said the master, "I will give you your wage"; and he
+presented him with a table, telling him he had but to say, "Table, be
+covered," and at once it would be spread with lots to eat and drink.
+
+Jack hitched the table on his back, and away he went with it till he
+came to the inn. "Well, host," shouted he, putting down the table, "my
+dinner to-day, and that of the best."
+
+"Very sorry, sir," says the host, "but there is nothing in the house but
+ham and eggs."
+
+"No ham and eggs for me!" exclaimed Jack. "I can do better than
+that.--Come, my table, be covered!"
+
+So at once the table was spread with turkey and sausages, roast mutton,
+potatoes, and greens. The innkeeper opened his eyes, but he said
+nothing, not he! But that night he fetched down from his attic a table
+very like the magic one, and exchanged the two, and Jack, none the
+wiser, next morning hitched the worthless table on to his back and
+carried it home.
+
+"Now, father, may I marry my lass?" he asked.
+
+"Not unless you can keep her," replied the father.
+
+"Look here!" exclaimed Jack. "Father, I have a table which does all my
+bidding."
+
+"Let me see it," said the old man.
+
+The lad set it in the middle of the room, and bade it be covered; but
+all in vain, the table remained bare. Then, in a rage, the father caught
+the warming-pan down from the wall and warmed his son's back with it so
+that the boy fled howling from the house, and ran and ran till he came
+to a river and tumbled in. A man picked him out and bade him help in
+making a bridge over the river by casting a tree across. Then Jack
+climbed up to the top of the tree and threw his weight on it, so that
+when the man had rooted the tree up, Jack and the tree-head dropped on
+the farther bank.
+
+[Illustration: The fisherman and his wife had no children, and they were
+just longing for a baby]
+
+"Thank you," said the man; "and now for what you have done I will pay
+you"; so saying, he tore a branch from the tree, and fettled it up into
+a club with his knife. "There," exclaimed he; "take this stick, and when
+you say to it, 'Up, stick, and bang him,' it will knock any one down who
+angers you."
+
+The lad was overjoyed to get this stick, for he had begun to see he had
+been tricked by the innkeeper, so away he went with it to the inn, and
+as soon as the man appeared he cried:
+
+"Up, stick, and bang him!"
+
+At the word the cudgel flew from his hand and battered the old fellow on
+the back, rapped his head, bruised his arms, tickled his ribs, till he
+fell groaning on the floor; and still the stick belaboured the prostrate
+man, nor would Jack call it off till he had got back the stolen ass and
+table. Then he galloped home on the ass, with the table on his
+shoulders, and the stick in his hand. When he arrived there he found his
+father was dead, so he brought his ass into the stable, and pulled its
+ears till he had filled the manger with money.
+
+It was soon known through the town that Jack had returned rolling in
+wealth, and accordingly all the girls in the place set their caps at
+him.
+
+"Now," said Jack, "I shall marry the richest lass in the place; so
+to-morrow do you all come in front of my house with your money in your
+aprons."
+
+Next morning the street was full of girls with aprons held out, and
+gold and silver in them; but Jack's own sweetheart was among them, and
+she had neither gold nor silver; nought but two copper pennies, that was
+all she had.
+
+"Stand aside, lass," said Jack to her, speaking roughly. "Thou hast no
+silver nor gold--stand off from the rest." She obeyed, and the tears ran
+down her cheeks, and filled her apron with diamonds.
+
+"Up, stick, and bang them!" exclaimed Jack; whereupon the cudgel leaped
+up, and running along the line of girls, knocked them all on the heads
+and left them senseless on the pavement. Jack took all their money and
+poured it into his true-love's lap. "Now, lass," he exclaimed, "thou art
+the richest, and I shall marry thee."
+
+
+
+
+THE WELL OF THE WORLD'S END
+
+
+Once upon a time, and a very good time it was, though it wasn't in my
+time, nor in your time, nor any one else's time, there was a girl whose
+mother had died, and her father had married again. And her stepmother
+hated her because she was more beautiful than she was. And she was very
+cruel to her; she used to make her do all the servant's work, and never
+let her have any peace. At last, one day, the stepmother thought to get
+rid of her altogether; so she handed her a sieve and said to her:
+
+"Go, fill it at the Well of the World's End and bring it home to me
+full, or woe betide you." For she thought she would never be able to
+find the Well of the World's End, and, if she did, how could she bring
+home a sieve full of water?
+
+Well, the girl started off, and asked every one she met to tell her
+where was the Well of the World's End. But nobody knew, and she didn't
+know what to do, when a queer little old woman, all bent double, told
+her where it was, and how she could get to it. So she did what the old
+woman told her, and at last arrived at the Well of the World's End. But
+when she dipped the sieve in the cold cold water, it all ran out again.
+She tried and she tried again, but every time it was the same; and at
+last she sate down and cried as if her heart would break.
+
+Suddenly she heard a croaking voice, and she looked up and saw a great
+frog with goggle eyes looking at her and speaking to her.
+
+"What's the matter, dearie?" it said.
+
+"Oh dear! oh dear!" she said, "my stepmother has sent me all this long
+way to fill this sieve with water from the Well of the World's End, and
+I can't fill it no how at all."
+
+"Well," said the frog, "if you promise me to do whatever I bid you for a
+whole night long, I'll tell you how to fill it."
+
+So the girl agreed, and then the frog said:
+
+  "Stop it with moss and daub it with clay,
+   And then it will carry the water away";
+
+and then it gave a hop, skip, and jump, and went flop into the Well of
+the World's End.
+
+So the girl looked about for some moss, and lined the bottom of the
+sieve with it, and over that she put some clay, and then she dipped it
+once-again into the Well of the World's End; and this time the water
+didn't run out, and she turned to go away.
+
+Just then the frog popped up its head out of the Well of the World's
+End, and said, "Remember your promise."
+
+"All right," said the girl; for, thought she, "what harm can a frog do
+me?"
+
+So she went back to her stepmother, and brought the sieve full of water
+from the Well of the World's End. The stepmother was angry as angry, but
+she said nothing at all.
+
+That very evening they heard something tap-tapping at the door low down,
+and a voice cried out:
+
+  "Open the door, my hinny, my heart,
+     Open the door, my own darling;
+   Remember the words that you and I spoke,
+     At the World's End Well but this morning."
+
+"Whatever can that be?" cried out the stepmother.
+
+Then the girl had to tell her all about it, and what she had promised
+the frog.
+
+"Girls must keep their promises," said the stepmother, who was glad the
+girl would have to obey a nasty frog. "Go and open the door this
+instant."
+
+So the girl went and opened the door, and there was the frog from the
+Well of the World's End. And it hopped, and it hopped, and it jumped,
+till it reached the girl, and then it said:
+
+  "Lift me up, my hinny, my heart,
+     Lift to your knee, my own darling;
+   Remember the words that you and I spoke,
+     At the World's End Well but this morning."
+
+But the girl would not do the frog's bidding, till her stepmother said,
+"Lift it up this instant, you hussy! Girls _must_ keep their promises!"
+
+So she lifted the frog up on to her lap, and it lay there comfortably
+for a time; till at last it said:
+
+  "Give me some supper, my hinny, my heart,
+     Give me some supper, my darling;
+   Remember the words you and I spoke,
+     At the World's End Well but this morning."
+
+Well, that she did not mind doing, so she got it a bowl of milk and
+bread, and fed it well. But when the frog had finished, it said:
+
+  "Take me to bed, my hinny, my heart,
+     Take me to bed, my own darling;
+   Remember the promise you promised to me,
+     At the World's End Well but this morning."
+
+But that the girl refused to do, till her stepmother said harshly:
+
+"Do what you promised, girl; girls _must_ keep their promises. Do what
+you're bid, or out you go, you and your froggie."
+
+So the girl took the frog with her to bed, and kept it as far away from
+her as she could. Well, just as the day was beginning to break, what
+should the frog say but:
+
+  "Chop off my head, my hinny, my heart,
+     Chop off my head, my own darling;
+   Remember the promise you promised to me,
+     At the World's End Well but this morning."
+
+At first the girl wouldn't, for she thought of what the frog had done
+for her at the Well of the World's End. But when the frog said the words
+over and over again in a pleading voice, she went and took an axe and
+chopped off its head, and, lo and behold! there stood before her a
+handsome young prince, who told her that he had been enchanted by a
+wicked magician, and he could never be unspelled till some girl would do
+his bidding for a whole night, and chop off his head at the end of it.
+
+The stepmother was surprised indeed when she found the young prince
+instead of the nasty frog, and she was not best pleased, you may be
+sure, when the prince told her that he was going to marry her
+stepdaughter because she had unspelled him. But married they were, and
+went away to live in the castle of the king, his father; and all the
+stepmother had to console her was, that it was all through _her_ that
+her stepdaughter was married to a prince.
+
+
+
+
+THE ROSE TREE
+
+
+Once upon a time, long long years ago, in the days when one had to be
+careful about witches, there lived a good man, whose young wife died,
+leaving him a baby girl.
+
+Now this good man felt he could not look after the baby properly, so he
+married a young woman whose husband had died leaving her with a baby
+boy.
+
+Thus the two children grew up together, and loved each other dearly,
+dearly.
+
+But the boy's mother was really a wicked witch-woman, and so jealous
+that she wanted all the boy's love for herself, and when the girl-baby
+grew white as milk, with cheeks like roses and lips like cherries, and
+when her hair, shining like golden silk, hung down to her feet so that
+her father and all the neighbours began to praise her looks, the
+stepmother fairly hated her, and did all in her power to spoil her
+looks. She would set the child hard tasks, and send her out in all
+weathers to do difficult messages, and if they were not well performed
+would beat her and scold her cruelly.
+
+Now one cold winter evening when the snow was drifting fast, and the
+wild rose tree in the garden under which the children used to play in
+summer was all brown and barren save for snowflake flowers, the
+stepmother said to the little girl:
+
+"Child! go and buy me a bunch of candles at the grocer's. Here is some
+money; go quickly, and don't loiter by the way."
+
+So the little girl took the money and set off quickly through the snow,
+for already it was growing dark. Now there was such a wind blowing that
+it nearly blew her off her feet, and as she ran her beautiful hair got
+all tangled and almost tripped her up. However, she got the candles,
+paid for them, and started home again. But this time the wind was behind
+her and blew all her beautiful golden hair in front of her like a cloud,
+so that she could not see her steps, and, coming to a stile, had to stop
+and put down the bundle of candles in order to see how to get over it.
+And when she was climbing it a big black dog came by and ran off with
+the bunch of candles! Now she was so afraid of her stepmother that she
+durst not go home, but turned back and bought another bunch of candles
+at the grocer's, and when she arrived at the stile once more, the same
+thing happened. A big black dog came down the road and ran away with the
+bunch of candles. So yet once again she journeyed back to the grocer's
+through wind and snow, and, with her last penny, bought yet another
+bunch of candles. To no purpose, for alas, and alack-a-day! when she
+laid them down in order to part her beautiful golden hair and to see how
+to get over the stile, a big black dog ran away with them.
+
+So nothing was left save to go back to her stepmother in fear and
+trembling. But, for a wonder, her stepmother did not seem very angry.
+She only scolded her for being so late, for, see you, her father and her
+little playmate had gone to their beds and were in the Land of Nod.
+
+Then she said to the child, "I must take the tangles out of your hair
+before you go to sleep. Come, put your head on my lap."
+
+So the little girl put her head on her stepmother's lap, and, lo and
+behold! her beautiful yellow-silk hair rolled right over the woman's
+knees and lay upon the ground.
+
+Then the beauty of it made the stepmother more jealous than before, so
+she said, "I cannot part your hair properly on my knee, fetch me a
+billet of wood."
+
+So the little girl fetched one. Then said the stepmother, "Your hair is
+so thick I cannot part it with a comb; fetch me an axe!"
+
+So the child fetched an axe.
+
+"Now," said that wicked, wicked woman, "lay your head down on the billet
+while I part your hair."
+
+And the child did as she was bid without fear; and lo! the beautiful
+little golden head was off in a second, by one blow of the axe.
+
+Now the wicked stepmother had thought it all out before, so she took the
+poor little dead girl out to the garden, dug a hollow in the snow under
+the rose tree, and said to herself, "When spring comes and the snow
+melts if people find her bones, they will say she lost her way and fell
+asleep in the snow."
+
+But first, because she was a wicked witch-woman, knowing spells and
+charms, she took out the heart of the little girl and made it into two
+savoury pasties, one for her husband's breakfast and one for the little
+boy's, for thus would the love they bore to the little girl become hers.
+Nevertheless, she was mistaken, for when morning came and the little
+child could not be found, the father sent away his breakfast barely
+tasted, and the little boy wept so that he could eat nothing.
+
+So they grieved and grieved. And when the snow melted and they found the
+bones of the poor child, they said, "She must have lost her way that
+dark night going to the grocer's to buy candles." So they buried the
+bones under the children's rose tree, and every day the little boy sate
+there and wept and wept for his lost playmate.
+
+Now when summer came the wild rose tree flowered. It was covered with
+white roses, and amongst the flowers there sate a beautiful white bird.
+And it sang and sang and sang like an angel out of heaven; but what it
+sang the little boy could never make out, for he could hardly see for
+weeping, hardly hear for sobbing.
+
+So at last the beautiful white bird unfolded its broad white wings and
+flew to a cobbler's shop, where a myrtle bush hung over the man and his
+last, on which he was making a dainty little pair of rose-red shoes.
+Then it perched on a bough and sang ever so sweetly:
+
+  "Stepmother slew me,
+   Father nigh ate me,
+   He whom I dearly love
+   Sits below, I sing above,
+   Stick! Stock! Stone dead!"
+
+"Sing that beautiful song again," said the cobbler. "It is better than a
+nightingale's."
+
+"That will I gladly," sang the bird, "if you will give me the little
+rose-red shoes you are making."
+
+And the cobbler gave them willingly, so the white bird sang its song
+once more. Then with the rose-red shoes in one foot it flew to an ash
+tree that grew close beside a goldsmith's bench, and sang:
+
+  "Stepmother slew me,
+   Father nigh ate me,
+   He whom I dearly love
+   Sits below, I sing above,
+   Stick! Stock! Stone dead!"
+
+"Oh, what a beautiful song!" cried the goldsmith.
+
+"Sing again, dear bird, it is sweeter than a nightingale's."
+
+"That will I gladly," sang the bird, "if you will give me the gold chain
+you're making."
+
+And the goldsmith gave the bauble willingly, and the bird sang its song
+once more. Then with the rose-red shoes in one foot and the golden chain
+in the other, the bird flew to an oak tree which overhung the mill
+stream, beside which three millers were busy picking out a millstone,
+and, perching on a bough, sang its song ever so sweetly:
+
+  "My stepmother slew me,
+   My father nigh ate me,
+   He whom I dearly love
+   Sits below, I sing above,
+   Stick!--"
+
+Just then one of the millers put down his tool and listened.
+
+"Stock!" sang the bird.
+
+And the second miller put aside his tool and listened.
+
+"Stone," sang the bird.
+
+Then the third miller put aside his tool and listened.
+
+"Dead!" sang the bird so sweetly that with one accord the millers looked
+up and cried with one voice:
+
+"Oh, what a beautiful song! Sing it again, dear bird, it is sweeter than
+a nightingale's."
+
+"That will I gladly," answered the bird, "if you will hang the millstone
+you are picking round my neck."
+
+So the millers hung it as they were asked; and when the song was
+finished, the bird spread its wide white wings and, with the millstone
+round its neck and the little rose-red shoes in one foot, the golden
+chain in the other, it flew back to the rose tree. But the little
+playmate was not there; he was inside the house eating his dinner.
+
+Then the bird flew to the house, and rattled the millstone about the
+eaves until the stepmother cried, "Hearken! How it thunders!"
+
+So the little boy ran out to see, and down dropped the dainty rose-red
+shoes at his feet.
+
+"See what fine things the thunder has brought!" he cried with glee as he
+ran back.
+
+Then the white bird rattled the millstone about the eaves once more, and
+once again the stepmother said, "Hearken! How it thunders!"
+
+So this time the father went out to see, and down dropped the golden
+chain about his neck.
+
+"It is true," he said when he came back. "The thunder does bring fine
+things!"
+
+Then once more the white bird rattled the millstone about the eaves, and
+this time the stepmother said hurriedly, "Hark! there it is again!
+Perhaps it has got something for me!"
+
+Then she ran out; but the moment she stepped outside the door, down fell
+the millstone right on her head and killed her.
+
+So that was an end of her. And after that the little boy was ever so
+much happier, and all the summer time he sate with his little
+rose-coloured shoes under the wild rose tree and listened to the white
+bird's song. But when winter came and the wild rose tree was all barren
+and bare save for snowflake flowers, the white bird came no longer and
+the little boy grew tired of waiting for it. So one day he gave up
+altogether, and they buried him under the rose tree beside his little
+playmate.
+
+Now when the spring came and the rose tree blossomed, the flowers were
+no longer white. They were edged with rose colour like the little boy's
+shoes, and in the centre of each blossom there was a beautiful tuft of
+golden silk like the little girl's hair.
+
+And if you look in a wild rose you will find these things there still.
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ENGLISH FAIRY TALES***
+
+
+******* This file should be named 17034-8.txt or 17034-8.zip *******
+
+
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/0/3/17034
+
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+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.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  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 www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://www.gutenberg.org/about/contact
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit:
+https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
diff --git a/17034-8.zip b/17034-8.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3b1a4cc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-8.zip
diff --git a/17034-h.zip b/17034-h.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e8e4b16
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h.zip
diff --git a/17034-h/17034-h.htm b/17034-h/17034-h.htm
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..54c2378
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/17034-h.htm
@@ -0,0 +1,10163 @@
+<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN"
+    "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd">
+<html>
+<head>
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1" />
+<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of English Fairy Tales, by Flora Annie Steel</title>
+    <style type="text/css">
+/*<![CDATA[  XML blockout */
+<!--
+    p {  margin-top: .75em;
+         text-align: justify;
+         margin-bottom: .75em;
+         }
+    h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {
+         text-align: center; /* all headings centered */
+         clear: both;
+         }
+    hr { width: 33%;
+	 margin-top: 2em;
+	 margin-bottom: 2em;
+         margin-left: auto;
+         margin-right: auto;
+         clear: both;
+       }
+
+    img {border: none; }
+    table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;}
+
+    body{margin-left: 10%;
+         margin-right: 10%;
+        }
+
+    .linenum  {position: absolute; top: auto; left: 4%;} /* poetry number */
+    .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;}
+    .pagenum  {position: absolute; left: 92%; font-size: smaller; text-align: right;} /* page numbers */
+
+    .bb       {border-bottom: solid 2px;}
+    .bl       {border-left: solid 2px;}
+    .bt       {border-top: solid 2px;}
+    .br       {border-right: solid 2px;}
+    .bbox     {border: solid 2px;}
+
+    .center   {text-align: center;}
+    .smcap    {font-variant: small-caps;}
+    .u        {text-decoration: underline;}
+
+    .caption  {font-weight: bold;}
+
+    .figcenter   {margin: auto; text-align: center;}
+
+    .figleft     {float: left; clear: left; margin-left: 0; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top:
+                 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 0; text-align: center;}
+
+    .figright    {float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;
+                 margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center;}
+
+
+    .poem             {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left;}
+    .poem br          {display: none;}
+    .poem .stanza     {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;}
+    .poem span.i0     {display: block; margin-left: 0em;}
+    .poem span.i2     {display: block; margin-left: 2em;}
+    .poem span.i4     {display: block; margin-left: 4em;}
+    hr.full { width: 100%; }
+    pre      {font-size: 75%;}
+    // -->
+    /* XML end  ]]>*/
+    </style>
+</head>
+<body>
+<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, English Fairy Tales, by Flora Annie Steel,
+Illustrated by Arthur Rackham</h1>
+<pre>
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  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: English Fairy Tales</p>
+<p>Author: Flora Annie Steel</p>
+<p>Release Date: November 9, 2005  [eBook #17034]</p>
+<p>Language: English</p>
+<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p>
+<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ENGLISH FAIRY TALES***</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h3>E-text prepared by Suzanne Shell, Janet Blenkinship,<br />
+    and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br />
+    (https://www.pgdp.net/)</h3>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<!-- Transcriber's note: the <a> anchors, e.g. "l_20" refer to the leaves of the book, not the original
+page numbers. -->
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><a name="l_-8" id="l_-8"></a></p>
+
+<h1>ENGLISH FAIRY TALES</h1>
+
+
+<h3>RETOLD BY FLORA ANNIE STEEL</h3>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/illus-003.jpg" alt="title decoration" title="title decoration" /></div>
+
+<h3>Illustrated by Arthur Rackham<a name="l_-7" id="l_-7"></a></h3>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><a name="l_-6" id="l_-6"></a></p>
+
+<h4>First published by Macmillan &amp; Co. 1918<a name="l_-5" id="l_-5"></a></h4>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/frontis.jpg"><img src="images/frontis-tb.jpg" alt="Mr. and Mrs. Vinegar at home (page 182.)" title="Mr. and Mrs. Vinegar at home (page 182.)" /></a></div>
+<h4>Mr. and Mrs. Vinegar at home (page 190.)</h4>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_-4" id="l_-4"></a></p>
+<h3>CONTENTS</h3>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" width="80%" cellspacing="0" summary="CONTENTS">
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#ST_GEORGE_OF_MERRIE_ENGLAND">ST. GEORGE OF MERRIE ENGLAND</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#THE_STORY_OF_THE_THREE_BEARS">THE STORY OF THE THREE BEARS</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#TOM_TIT_TOT">TOM-TIT-TOT</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#THE_GOLDEN_SNUFF_BOX">THE GOLDEN SNUFF-BOX</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#TATTERCOATS">TATTERCOATS</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#THE_THREE_FEATHERS">THE THREE FEATHERS</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#LAZY_JACK">LAZY JACK</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#JACK_THE_GIANT-KILLER">JACK THE GIANT-KILLER</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#THE_THREE_SILLIES">THE THREE SILLIES</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#THE_GOLDEN_BALL">THE GOLDEN BALL</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#THE_TWO_SISTERS">THE TWO SISTERS</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#THE_LAIDLY_WORM">THE LAIDLY WORM</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#TITTY_MOUSE_AND_TATTY_MOUSE">TITTY MOUSE AND TATTY MOUSE</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#JACK_AND_THE_BEANSTALK">JACK AND THE BEANSTALK</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#THE_BLACK_BULL_OF_NORROWAY">THE BLACK BULL OF NORROWAY</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#CATSKIN">CATSKIN</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#THE_THREE_LITTLE_PIGS">THE THREE LITTLE PIGS</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#NIX_NAUGHT_NOTHING">NIX NAUGHT NOTHING</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#MR_AND_MRS_VINEGAR">MR. AND MRS. VINEGAR</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#THE_TRUE_HISTORY_OF_SIR_THOMAS_THUMB">THE TRUE HISTORY OF SIR THOMAS THUMB</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#HENNY_PENNY">HENNY-PENNY</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#THE_THREE_HEADS_OF_THE_WELL">THE THREE HEADS OF THE WELL</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#MR_FOX">MR. FOX</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#DICK_WHITTINGTON_AND_HIS_CAT">DICK WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#THE_OLD_WOMAN_AND_HER_PIG">THE OLD WOMAN AND HER PIG</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#THE_WEE_BANNOCK">THE WEE BANNOCK</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#HOW_JACK_WENT_OUT_TO_SEEK_HIS_FORTUNE">HOW JACK WENT OUT TO SEEK HIS FORTUNE</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#THE_BOGEY-BEAST">THE BOGEY-BEAST</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#LITTLE_RED_RIDING_HOOD">LITTLE RED RIDING-HOOD</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#CHILDE_ROWLAND">CHILDE ROWLAND</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#THE_WISE_MEN_OF_GOTHAM">THE WISE MEN OF GOTHAM</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#CAPORUSHES">CAPORUSHES</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#THE_BABES_IN_THE_WOOD">THE BABES IN THE WOOD</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#THE_RED_ETTIN">THE RED ETTIN</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#THE_FISH_AND_THE_RING">THE FISH AND THE RING</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#LAWKAMERCYME">LAWKAMERCYME</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#MASTER_OF_ALL_MASTERS">MASTER OF ALL MASTERS</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#MOLLY_WHUPPIE_AND_THE_DOUBLE-FACED_GIANT">MOLLY WHUPPIE AND THE DOUBLE-FACED GIANT</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#THE_ASS_THE_TABLE_AND_THE_STICK">THE ASS, THE TABLE, AND THE STICK</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#THE_WELL_OF_THE_WORLDS_END">THE WELL OF THE WORLD'S END</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><a href="#THE_ROSE_TREE">THE ROSE TREE</a></td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><a name="l_-3" id="l_-3"></a></p>
+
+<h3><a name="l_-2" id="l_-2"></a>ILLUSTRATIONS</h3>
+
+<h4>IN COLOUR</h4>
+
+
+
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" width="80%" cellspacing="0" summary="COLOUR ILLUSTRATIONS">
+<tr><td align='left'>Mr. and Mrs. Vinegar at home</td><td align='right'><a href='#l_-4'>Frontis</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>"Somebody has been at my porridge, and has eaten it all up!"</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-1'>22</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Tattercoats dancing while the gooseherd pipes</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-2'>54</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>The giant Cormoran was the terror of all the country-side</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-3'>70</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Taking the keys of the castle, Jack unlocked all the doors</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-4'>78</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>The giant Galligantua and the wicked old magician transform the duke's</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>daughter into a white hind</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-5'>94</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>"Tree of mine! O Tree of mine! Have you seen my naughty little maid?"</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-6'>114</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>"Fee-fi-fo-fum, I smell the blood of an Englishman"</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-7'>147</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>She went along, and went along, and went along</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-8'>164</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>And that is the story of Mr. and Mrs. Vinegar</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-9'>197</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>They thanked her and said good-bye, and she went on her journey</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-10'>216</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Many's the beating he had from the broomstick or the ladle</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-11'>232</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>When Puss saw the rats and mice she didn't wait to be told</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-12'>241</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>"Well!" she chuckled, "I am in luck!"</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-13'>266</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>She sate down and plaited herself an overall of rushes and a cap to match</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-14'>302</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>The fisherman and his wife had no children, and they were just longing</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>for a baby</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-15'>341</a></td></tr>
+</table>
+<h4><a name="l_-1" id="l_-1"></a>IN TEXT</h4>
+
+
+
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" width="80%" cellspacing="0" summary="BLACK AND WHITE ILLUSTRATIONS">
+<tr><td align='left'>St. George of Merrie England</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-001'>1</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>When she came to St. George she started and laid her hand on her heart</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-013'>13</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>"Somebody has been lying in my bed,&mdash;and here she is!"</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-021'>21</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>"What is that you are singing, my good woman?"</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-025'>26</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>A small, little, black Thing with a long tail</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-027'>29</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Away That flew into the dark, and she never saw it no more</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-034'>35</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>They brought the Castle of the golden pillars</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-049'>49</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Jack found it hard to hoist the donkey on his shoulders</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-070'>72</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>"Odds splutter hur nails!" cried the giant, not to be outdone. "Hur can</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>do that hurself!"</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-079'>82</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>"Ah! Cousin Jack! Kind cousin Jack! This is heavy news indeed"</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-087'>86</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Seated on a huge block of timber near the entrance to a dark cave</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-091'>91</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>On his way ... to be revenged</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-093'>93</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>The country folk flying before him like chaff before the wind</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-095a'>95</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>The Three Sillies</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-100'>101</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>The Golden Ball</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-108'>108</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>He heard the bogles striving under the bed</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-110'>110</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>The Laidly Worm</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-122'>122</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Tatty sat down and wept</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-130'>130</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>As he spoke he drew out of his pocket five beans</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-137'>137</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Jack seized the axe and gave a great chop at the beanstalk</td><td align='right'><a href='#l_150'>150</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>So he huffed and he puffed and he blew the house in</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-170'>170</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>So he huffed and he puffed and he blew the house in</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-171b'>171</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Well! he huffed and he puffed ... but he could <i>not</i> blow the house</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>down</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-171a'>172</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>At last he flew into a violent rage and flung his stick at the bird</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-198'>197</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>A spider one day attacked him</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-209'>209</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>"I will go first and you come after, Henny-penny, Cocky-locky,</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-214'>214</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, and Turkey-lurkey"</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-214a'>215</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>So she escaped</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-215'>216</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>The thorns closed in around her so that she was all scratched and torn</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-223'>223</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Dick finds that the streets of London are not paved with gold</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-236'>236</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Dick Whittington hears Bow Bells</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-240'>240</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>The old woman and her pig</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-248'>248</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>How Jack went out to seek his Fortune</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-257'>257</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>They both met together upon Nottingham bridge</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-284'>284</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>"A vengeance on her!" said they. "We did not make our hedge high enough"</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-286'>286</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>He took out the cheeses and rolled them down the hill</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-287'>287</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>And they left the eel to drown</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-288'>288</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>The hare ran on along the country way</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-290'>290</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>A courtier came riding by, and he did ask what they were seeking</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-291'>291</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Lawkamercyme</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-324'>324</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>A funny-looking old gentleman engaged her and took her home</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-326'>326</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>White-faced simminy has got a spark of hot cockalorum on its tail</td><td align='right'><a href='#illus-327'>327</a></td></tr>
+</table>
+<p><a name="l_0" id="l_0"></a></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-001" src="images/illus-001.jpg" alt="St. George of Merrie England" title="St. George of Merrie England" /></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="ST_GEORGE_OF_MERRIE_ENGLAND" id="ST_GEORGE_OF_MERRIE_ENGLAND"></a>ST. GEORGE OF MERRIE ENGLAND</h2>
+
+
+<p>In the darksome depths of a thick forest lived Kalyb the fell
+enchantress. Terrible were her deeds, and few there were who had the
+hardihood to sound the brazen trumpet which hung over the iron gate that
+barred the way to the Abode of Witchcraft. Terrible were the deeds of
+Kalyb; but above all things she delighted in carrying off innocent
+new-born babes, and putting them to death.</p>
+
+<p>And this, doubtless, she meant to be the fate of the infant son of the
+Earl of Coventry, who long long years ago was Lord High Steward of
+England. Certain it is that the babe's father being absent, and his
+mother dying at his birth, the wicked Kalyb, with spells and charms,
+managed to steal the child from his careless nurses.</p>
+
+<p>But the babe was marked from the first for doughty <a name="l_1" id="l_1"></a>deeds; for on his
+breast was pictured the living image of a dragon, on his right hand was
+a blood-red cross, and on his left leg showed the golden garter.</p>
+
+<p>And these signs so affected Kalyb, the fell enchantress, that she stayed
+her hand; and the child growing daily in beauty and stature, he became
+to her as the apple of her eye. Now, when twice seven years had passed
+the boy began to thirst for honourable adventures, though the wicked
+enchantress wished to keep him as her own.</p>
+
+<p>But he, seeking glory, utterly disdained so wicked a creature; thus she
+sought to bribe him. And one day, taking him by the hand, she led him to
+a brazen castle and showed him six brave knights, prisoners therein.
+Then said she:</p>
+
+<p>"Lo! These be the six champions of Christendom. Thou shalt be the
+seventh and thy name shall be St. George of Merrie England if thou wilt
+stay with me."</p>
+
+<p>But he would not.</p>
+
+<p>Then she led him into a magnificent stable where stood seven of the most
+beautiful steeds ever seen. "Six of these," said she, "belong to the six
+Champions. The seventh and the best, the swiftest and the most powerful
+in the world, whose name is Bayard, will I bestow on thee, if thou wilt
+stay with me."</p>
+
+<p>But he would not.</p>
+
+<p>Then she took him to the armoury, and with her own hand buckled on a
+corselet of purest steel, and laced on a helmet inlaid with gold. Then,
+taking a mighty falchion, she gave it into his hand, and said:<a name="l_2" id="l_2"></a> "This
+armour which none can pierce, this sword called Ascalon, which will hew
+in sunder all it touches, are thine; surely now thou wilt stop with me?"</p>
+
+<p>But he would not.</p>
+
+<p>Then she bribed him with her own magic wand, thus giving him power over
+all things in that enchanted land, saying:</p>
+
+<p>"Surely now wilt thou remain here?"</p>
+
+<p>But he, taking the wand, struck with it a mighty rock that stood by; and
+lo! it opened, and laid in view a wide cave garnished by the bodies of a
+vast number of innocent new-born infants whom the wicked enchantress had
+murdered.</p>
+
+<p>Thus, using her power, he bade the sorceress lead the way into the place
+of horror, and when she had entered, he raised the magic wand yet again,
+and smote the rock; and lo! it closed for ever, and the sorceress was
+left to bellow forth her lamentable complaints to senseless stones.</p>
+
+<p>Thus was St. George freed from the enchanted land, and taking with him
+the six other champions of Christendom on their steeds, he mounted
+Bayard and rode to the city of Coventry.</p>
+
+<p>Here for nine months they abode, exercising themselves in all feats of
+arms. So when spring returned they set forth, as knights errant, to seek
+for foreign adventure.</p>
+
+<p>And for thirty days and thirty nights they rode on, until, at the
+beginning of a new month, they came to a great wide plain. Now in the
+centre of this plain, where seven several ways met, there stood a great
+brazen pillar, and here, <a name="l_3" id="l_3"></a>with high heart and courage, they bade each
+other farewell, and each took a separate road.</p>
+
+<p>Hence, St. George, on his charger Bayard, rode till he reached the
+seashore where lay a good ship bound for the land of Egypt. Taking
+passage in her, after long journeying he arrived in that land when the
+silent wings of night were outspread, and darkness brooded on all
+things. Here, coming to a poor hermitage, he begged a night's lodging,
+on which the hermit replied:</p>
+
+<p>"Sir Knight of Merrie England&mdash;for I see her arms graven on thy
+breastplate&mdash;thou hast come hither in an ill time, when those alive are
+scarcely able to bury the dead by reason of the cruel destruction waged
+by a terrible dragon, who ranges up and down the country by day and by
+night. If he have not an innocent maiden to devour each day, he sends a
+mortal plague amongst the people. And this has not ceased for twenty and
+four years, so that there is left throughout the land but one maiden,
+the beautiful S&acirc;bia, daughter to the King. And to-morrow must she die,
+unless some brave knight will slay the monster. To such will the King
+give his daughter in marriage, and the crown of Egypt in due time."</p>
+
+<p>"For crowns I care not," said St. George boldly, "but the beauteous
+maiden shall not die. I will slay the monster."</p>
+
+<p>So, rising at dawn of day, he buckled on his armour, laced his helmet,
+and with the falchion Ascalon in his hand, bestrode Bayard, and rode
+into the Valley of the Dragon. Now on the way he met a procession of old
+women weeping <a name="l_4" id="l_4"></a>and wailing, and in their midst the most beauteous damsel
+he had ever seen. Moved by compassion he dismounted, and bowing low
+before the lady entreated her to return to her father's palace, since he
+was about to kill the dreaded dragon. Whereupon the beautiful S&acirc;bia,
+thanking him with smiles and tears, did as he requested, and he,
+re-mounting, rode on his emprise.</p>
+
+<p>Now, no sooner did the dragon catch sight of the brave Knight than its
+leathern throat sent out a sound more terrible than thunder, and
+weltering from its hideous den, it spread its burning wings and prepared
+to assail its foe.</p>
+
+<p>Its size and appearance might well have made the stoutest heart tremble.
+From shoulder to tail ran full forty feet, its body was covered with
+silver scales, its belly was as gold, and through its flaming wings the
+blood ran thick and red.</p>
+
+<p>So fierce was its onset, that at the very first encounter the Knight was
+nigh felled to the ground; but recovering himself he gave the dragon
+such a thrust with his spear that the latter shivered to a thousand
+pieces; whereupon the furious monster smote him so violently with its
+tail that both horse and rider were overthrown.</p>
+
+<p>Now, by great good chance, St. George was flung under the shade of a
+flowering orange tree, whose fragrance hath this virtue in it, that no
+poisonous beast dare come within the compass of its branches. So there
+the valiant knight had time to recover his senses, until with eager
+courage he rose, and rushing to the combat, smote the burning dragon on
+his burnished belly with his trusty sword Ascalon; and <a name="l_5" id="l_5"></a>thereinafter
+spouted out such black venom, as, falling on the armour of the Knight,
+burst it in twain. And ill might it have fared with St. George of Merrie
+England but for the orange tree, which once again gave him shelter under
+its branches, where, seeing the issue of the fight was in the Hands of
+the Most High, he knelt and prayed that such strength of body should be
+given him as would enable him to prevail. Then with a bold and
+courageous heart, he advanced again, and smote the fiery dragon under
+one of his flaming wings, so that the weapon pierced the heart, and all
+the grass around turned crimson with the blood that flowed from the
+dying monster. So St. George of England cut off the dreadful head, and
+hanging it on a truncheon made of the spear which at the beginning of
+the combat had shivered against the beast's scaly back, he mounted his
+steed Bayard, and proceeded to the palace of the King.</p>
+
+<p>Now the King's name was Ptolemy, and when he saw that the dreaded dragon
+was indeed slain, he gave orders for the city to be decorated. And he
+sent a golden chariot with wheels of ebony and cushions of silk to bring
+St. George to the palace, and commanded a hundred nobles dressed in
+crimson velvet, and mounted on milk-white steeds richly caparisoned, to
+escort him thither with all honour, while musicians walked before and
+after, filling the air with sweetest sounds.</p>
+
+<p>Now the beautiful S&acirc;bia herself washed and dressed the weary Knight's
+wounds, and gave him in sign of betrothal a diamond ring of purest
+water. Then, after he had been <a name="l_6" id="l_6"></a>invested by the King with the golden
+spurs of knighthood and had been magnificently feasted, he retired to
+rest his weariness, while the beautiful S&acirc;bia from her balcony lulled
+him to sleep with her golden lute.</p>
+
+<p>So all seemed happiness; but alas! dark misfortune was at hand.</p>
+
+<p>Almidor, the black King of Morocco, who had long wooed the Princess
+S&acirc;bia in vain, without having the courage to defend her, seeing that the
+maiden had given her whole heart to her champion, resolved to compass
+his destruction.</p>
+
+<p>So, going to King Ptolemy, he told him&mdash;what was perchance true&mdash;namely,
+that the beauteous S&acirc;bia had promised St. George to become Christian,
+and follow him to England. Now the thought of this so enraged the King
+that, forgetting his debt of honour, he determined on an act of basest
+treachery.</p>
+
+<p>Telling St. George that his love and loyalty needed further trial, he
+entrusted him with a message to the King of Persia, and forbade him
+either to take with him his horse Bayard or his sword Ascalon; nor would
+he even allow him to say farewell to his beloved S&acirc;bia.</p>
+
+<p>St. George then set forth sorrowfully, and surmounting many dangers,
+reached the Court of the King of Persia in safety; but what was his
+anger to find that the secret missive he bore contained nothing but an
+earnest request to put the bearer of it to death. But he was helpless,
+and when sentence had been passed upon him, he was thrown into a loathly
+dungeon, clothed in base and servile weeds, and his arms <a name="l_7" id="l_7"></a>strongly
+fettered up to iron bolts, while the roars of the two hungry lions who
+were to devour him ere long, deafened his ears. Now his rage and fury at
+this black treachery was such that it gave him strength, and with mighty
+effort he drew the staples that held his fetters; so being part free he
+tore his long locks of amber-coloured hair from his head and wound them
+round his arms instead of gauntlets. So prepared he rushed on the lions
+when they were let loose upon him, and thrusting his arms down their
+throats choked them, and thereinafter tearing out their very hearts,
+held them up in triumph to the gaolers who stood by trembling with fear.</p>
+
+<p>After this the King of Persia gave up the hopes of putting St. George to
+death, and, doubling the bars of the dungeon, left him to languish
+therein. And there the unhappy Knight remained for seven long years, his
+thoughts full of his lost Princess; his only companions rats and mice
+and creeping worms, his only food and drink bread made of the coarsest
+bran and dirty water.</p>
+
+<p>At last one day, in a dark corner of his dungeon, he found one of the
+iron staples he had drawn in his rage and fury. It was half consumed
+with rust, yet it was sufficient in his hands to open a passage through
+the walls of his cell into the King's garden. It was the time of night
+when all things are silent; but St. George, listening, heard the voices
+of grooms in the stables; which, entering, he found two grooms
+furnishing forth a horse against some business. Whereupon, taking the
+staple with which he had redeemed <a name="l_8" id="l_8"></a>himself from prison, he slew the
+grooms, and mounting the palfrey rode boldly to the city gates, where he
+told the watchman at the Bronze Tower that St. George having escaped
+from the dungeon, he was in hot pursuit of him. Whereupon the gates were
+thrown open, and St. George, clapping spurs to his horse, found himself
+safe from pursuit before the first red beams of the sun shot up into the
+sky.</p>
+
+<p>Now, ere long, being most famished with hunger, he saw a tower set on a
+high cliff, and riding thitherward determined to ask for food. But as he
+neared the castle he saw a beauteous damsel in a blue and gold robe
+seated disconsolate at a window. Whereupon, dismounting, he called aloud
+to her:</p>
+
+<p>"Lady! If thou hast sorrow of thine own, succour one also in distress,
+and give me, a Christian Knight, now almost famished, one meal's meat."
+To which she replied quickly:</p>
+
+<p>"Sir Knight! Fly quickly as thou canst, for my lord is a mighty giant, a
+follower of Mahomed, who hath sworn to destroy all Christians."</p>
+
+<p>Hearing this St. George laughed loud and long. "Go tell him then, fair
+dame," he cried, "that a Christian Knight waits at his door, and will
+either satisfy his wants within his castle or slay the owner thereof."</p>
+
+<p>Now the giant no sooner heard this valiant challenge than he rushed
+forth to the combat, armed with a hugeous crowbar of iron. He was a
+monstrous giant, deformed, with a huge head, bristled like any boar's,
+with hot, glaring eyes and a mouth equalling a tiger's. At first sight
+of him<a name="l_9" id="l_9"></a> St. George gave himself up for lost, not so much for fear, but
+for hunger and faintness of body. Still, commending himself to the Most
+High, he also rushed to the combat with such poor arms as he had, and
+with many a regret for the loss of his magic sword Ascalon. So they
+fought till noon, when, just as the champion's strength was nigh
+finished, the giant stumbled on the root of a tree, and St. George,
+taking his chance, ran him through the mid-rib, so that he gasped and
+died.</p>
+
+<p>After which St. George entered the tower; whereat the beautiful lady,
+freed from her terrible lord, set before him all manner of delicacies
+and pure wine with which he sufficed his hunger, rested his weary body,
+and refreshed his horse.</p>
+
+<p>So, leaving the tower in the hands of the grateful lady, he went on his
+way, coming ere long to the Enchanted Garden of the necromancer
+Ormadine, where, embedded in the living rock, he saw a magic sword, the
+like of which for beauty he had never seen, the belt being beset with
+jaspers and sapphire stones, while the pommel was a globe of the purest
+silver chased in gold with these verses:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">My magic will remain most firmly bound</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Till that a knight from the far north be found</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To pull this sword from out its bed of stone.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Lo! when he comes wise Ormadine must fall.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Farewell, my magic power, my spell, my all.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Seeing this St. George put his hand to the hilt, thinking to essay
+pulling it out by strength; but lo! he drew it out with as much ease as
+though it had hung by a thread <a name="l_10" id="l_10"></a>of untwisted silk. And immediately every
+door in the enchanted garden flew open, and the magician Ormadine
+appeared, his hair standing on end; and he, after kissing the hand of
+the champion, led him to a cave where a young man wrapped in a sheet of
+gold lay sleeping, lulled by the songs of four beautiful maidens.</p>
+
+<p>"The Knight whom thou seest here!" said the necromancer in a hollow
+voice, "is none other than thy brother-in-arms, the Christian Champion
+St. David of Wales. He also attempted to draw my sword but failed. Him
+hast thou delivered from my enchantments since they come to an end."</p>
+
+<p>Now, as he spoke, came such a rattling of the skies, such a lumbering of
+the earth as never was, and in the twinkling of an eye the Enchanted
+Garden and all in it vanished from view, leaving the Champion of Wales,
+roused from his seven years' sleep, giving thanks to St. George, who
+greeted his ancient comrade heartily.</p>
+
+<p>After this St. George of Merrie England travelled far and travelled
+fast, with many adventures by the way, to Egypt where he had left his
+beloved Princess S&acirc;bia. But, learning to his great grief and horror from
+the same hermit he had met on first landing, that, despite her denials,
+her father, King Ptolemy, had consented to Almidor the black King of
+Morocco carrying her off as one of his many wives, he turned his steps
+towards Tripoli, the capital of Morocco; for he was determined at all
+costs to gain a sight of the dear Princess from whom he had been so
+cruelly rent.</p>
+
+<p>To this end he borrowed an old cloak of the hermit, <a name="l_11" id="l_11"></a>and, disguised as a
+beggar, gained admittance to the gate of the Women's Palace, where were
+gathered together on their knees many others, poor, frail, infirm.</p>
+
+<p>And when he asked them wherefore they knelt, they answered:</p>
+
+<p>"Because good Queen S&acirc;bia succours us that we may pray for the safety of
+St. George of England, to whom she gave her heart."</p>
+
+<p>Now when St. George heard this his own heart was like to break for very
+joy, and he could scarce keep on his knees when, lovely as ever, but
+with her face pale and sad and wan from long distress, the Princess
+S&acirc;bia appeared clothed in deep mourning.</p>
+
+<p>In silence she handed an alms to each beggar in turn; but when she came
+to St. George she started and laid her hand on her heart. Then she said
+softly:</p>
+
+<p>"Rise up, Sir Beggar! Thou art too like one who rescued me from death,
+for it to be meet for thee to kneel before me!"</p>
+
+<p>Then St. George rising, and bowing low, said quietly: "Peerless lady!
+Lo! I am that very knight to whom thou did'st condescend to give this."</p>
+
+<p>And with this he slipped the diamond ring she had given him on her
+finger. But she looked not at it, but at him, with love in her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>Then he told her of her father's base treachery and Almidor's part in
+it, so that her anger grew hot and she cried:</p>
+
+<p>"Waste no more time in talk. I remain no longer in this detested place.
+Ere Almidor returns from hunting we shall have escaped."</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_12" id="l_12"></a></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-013" src="images/illus-013.jpg" alt="When she came to St. George she started and laid her hand on her heart" title="When she came to St. George she started and laid her hand on her heart" /></div>
+
+
+<p>So she led St. George to the armoury, where he found his trusty sword
+Ascalon, and to the stable, where his swift steed Bayard stood ready
+caparisoned.</p>
+
+<p>Then, when her brave Knight had mounted, and she, putting her foot on
+his, had leapt like a bird behind him, St. George touched the proud
+beast lightly with his spurs, and, like an arrow from a bow, Bayard
+carried them together over city and plain, through woods and forests,
+across rivers, and mountains, and valleys, until they reached the Land
+of Greece.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_13" id="l_13"></a>And here they found the whole country in festivity over the marriage of
+the King. Now amongst other entertainments was a grand tournament, the
+news of which had spread through the world. And to it had come all the
+other Six Champions of Christendom; so St. George arriving made the
+Seventh. And many of the champions had with them the fair lady they had
+rescued. St. Denys of France brought beautiful Eglantine, St. James of
+Spain sweet Celestine, while noble Rosalind accompanied St. Anthony of
+Italy. St. David of Wales, after his seven years' sleep, came full of
+eager desire for adventure. St. Patrick of Ireland, ever courteous,
+brought all the six Swan-princesses who, in gratitude, had been seeking
+their deliverer St. Andrew of Scotland; since he, leaving all worldly
+things, had chosen to fight for the faith.</p>
+
+<p>So all these brave knights and fair ladies joined in the joyful
+jousting, and each of the Seven Champions was in turn Chief Challenger
+for a day.</p>
+
+<p>Now in the midst of all the merriment appeared a hundred heralds from a
+hundred different parts of the Paynim world, declaring war to the death
+against all Christians.</p>
+
+<p>Whereupon the Seven Champions agreed that each should return to his
+native land to place his dearest lady in safety, and gather together an
+army, and that six months later they should meet, and, joining as one
+legion, go forth to fight for Christendom.</p>
+
+<p>And this was done. So, having chosen St. George as Chief General, they
+marched on Tripoli with the cry:</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_14" id="l_14"></a></p><p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"For Christendom we fight,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">For Christendom we die."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Here the wicked Almidor fell in single combat with St. George, to the
+great delight of his subjects, who begged the Champion to be King in his
+stead. To this he consented, and, after he was crowned, the Christian
+host went on towards Egypt where King Ptolemy, in despair of vanquishing
+such stalwart knights, threw himself down from the battlements of the
+palace and was killed. Whereupon, in recognition of the chivalry and
+courtesy of the Christian Champions, the nobles offered the Crown to one
+of their number, and they with acclaim chose St. George of Merrie
+England.</p>
+
+<p>Thence the Christian host journeyed to Persia, where a fearsome battle
+raged for seven days, during which two hundred thousand pagans were
+slain, beside many who were drowned in attempting to escape. Thus they
+were compelled to yield, the Emperor himself happening into the hands of
+St. George, and six other viceroys into the hands of the six other
+Champions.</p>
+
+<p>And these were most mercifully and honourably entreated after they had
+promised to govern Persia after Christian rules. Now the Emperor, having
+a heart fraught with despite and tyranny, conspired against them, and
+engaged a wicked wizard named Osmond to so beguile six of the Champions
+that they gave up fighting, and lived an easy slothful life. But St.
+George would not be beguiled; neither would he consent to the
+enchantment of his brothers; and he so roused them that they never
+sheathed their swords <a name="l_15" id="l_15"></a>nor unlocked their armour till the wicked Emperor
+and his viceroys were thrown into that very dungeon in which St. George
+had languished for seven long years.</p>
+
+<p>Whereupon St. George took upon himself the government of Persia, and
+gave the six other Champions the six viceroyalties.</p>
+
+<p>So, attired in a beautiful green robe, richly embroidered, over which
+was flung a scarlet mantle bordered with white fur and decorated with
+ornaments of pure gold, he took his seat on the throne which was
+supported by elephants of translucent alabaster. And the Heralds at
+arms, amid the shouting of the people, cried:</p>
+
+<p>"Long live St. George of Merrie England, Emperor of Morocco, King of
+Egypt, and Sultan of Persia!"</p>
+
+<p>Now, after that he had established good and just laws to such effect
+that innumerable companies of pagans flocked to become Christians, St.
+George, leaving the Government in the hands of his trusted counsellors,
+took truce with the world and returned to England, where, at Coventry,
+he lived for many years with the Egyptian Princess S&acirc;bia, who bore him
+three stalwart sons. So here endeth the tale of St. George of Merrie
+England, first and greatest of the Seven Champions.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_16" id="l_16"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="THE_STORY_OF_THE_THREE_BEARS" id="THE_STORY_OF_THE_THREE_BEARS"></a>THE STORY OF THE THREE BEARS</h2>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time there were three Bears, who lived together in a house
+of their own, in a wood. One of them was a Little Wee Bear, and one was
+a Middle-sized Bear, and the other was a Great Big Bear. They had each a
+bowl for their porridge; a little bowl for the Little Wee Bear; and a
+middle-sized bowl for the Middle-sized Bear; and a great bowl for the
+Great Big Bear. And they had each a chair to sit in; a little chair for
+the Little Wee Bear; and a middle-sized chair for the Middle-sized Bear;
+and a great chair for the Great Big Bear. And they had each a bed to
+sleep in; a little bed for the Little Wee Bear; and a middle-sized bed
+for the Middle-sized Bear; and a great bed for the Great Big Bear.</p>
+
+<p>One day, after they had made the porridge for their breakfast, and
+poured it into their porridge-bowls, they walked out into the wood while
+the porridge was cooling, that they might not burn their mouths by
+beginning too soon, for they were polite, well-brought-up Bears. And
+while they were away a little girl called Goldilocks, who <a name="l_17" id="l_17"></a>lived at the
+other side of the wood and had been sent on an errand by her mother,
+passed by the house, and looked in at the window. And then she peeped in
+at the keyhole, for she was not at all a well-brought-up little girl.
+Then seeing nobody in the house she lifted the latch. The door was not
+fastened, because the Bears were good Bears, who did nobody any harm,
+and never suspected that anybody would harm them. So Goldilocks opened
+the door and went in; and well pleased was she when she saw the porridge
+on the table. If she had been a well-brought-up little girl she would
+have waited till the Bears came home, and then, perhaps, they would have
+asked her to breakfast; for they were good Bears&mdash;a little rough or so,
+as the manner of Bears is, but for all that very good-natured and
+hospitable. But she was an impudent, rude little girl, and so she set
+about helping herself.</p>
+
+<p>First she tasted the porridge of the Great Big Bear, and that was too
+hot for her. Next she tasted the porridge of the Middle-sized Bear, but
+that was too cold for her. And then she went to the porridge of the
+Little Wee Bear, and tasted it, and that was neither too hot nor too
+cold, but just right, and she liked it so well that she ate it all up,
+every bit!</p>
+
+<p>Then Goldilocks, who was tired, for she had been catching butterflies
+instead of running on her errand, sate down in the chair of the Great
+Big Bear, but that was too hard for her. And then she sate down in the
+chair of the Middle-sized Bear, and that was too soft for her. But when
+she sat down <a name="l_18" id="l_18"></a>in the chair of the Little Wee Bear, that was neither too
+hard nor too soft, but just right. So she seated herself in it, and
+there she sate till the bottom of the chair came out, and down she came,
+plump upon the ground; and that made her very cross, for she was a
+bad-tempered little girl.</p>
+
+<p>Now, being determined to rest, Goldilocks went upstairs into the
+bedchamber in which the Three Bears slept. And first she lay down upon
+the bed of the Great Big Bear, but that was too high at the head for
+her. And next she lay down upon the bed of the Middle-sized Bear, and
+that was too high at the foot for her. And then she lay down upon the
+bed of the Little Wee Bear, and that was neither too high at the head
+nor at the foot, but just right. So she covered herself up comfortably,
+and lay there till she fell fast asleep.</p>
+
+<p>By this time the Three Bears thought their porridge would be cool enough
+for them to eat it properly; so they came home to breakfast. Now
+careless Goldilocks had left the spoon of the Great Big Bear standing in
+his porridge.</p>
+
+<p class='center'><big>"SOMEBODY HAS BEEN AT MY PORRIDGE!"</big></p>
+
+<p>said the Great Big Bear in his great, rough, gruff voice.</p>
+
+<p>Then the Middle-sized Bear looked at his porridge and saw the spoon was
+standing in it too.</p>
+
+<p class='center'>"SOMEBODY HAS BEEN AT MY PORRIDGE!"</p>
+
+<p>said the Middle-sized Bear in his middle-sized voice.</p>
+
+<p>Then the Little Wee Bear looked at his, and there was <a name="l_19" id="l_19"></a>the spoon in the
+porridge-bowl, but the porridge was all gone!</p>
+
+<p class='center'><small>"SOMEBODY HAS BEEN AT MY PORRIDGE, AND HAS EATEN IT ALL UP!"</small></p>
+
+<p>said the Little Wee Bear in his little wee voice.</p>
+
+<p>Upon this the Three Bears, seeing that some one had entered their house,
+and eaten up the Little Wee Bear's breakfast, began to look about them.
+Now the careless Goldilocks had not put the hard cushion straight when
+she rose from the chair of the Great Big Bear.</p>
+
+<p class='center'><big>"SOMEBODY HAS BEEN SITTING IN MY CHAIR!"</big></p>
+
+<p>said the Great Big Bear in his great, rough, gruff voice.</p>
+
+<p>And the careless Goldilocks had squatted down the soft cushion of the
+Middle-sized Bear.</p>
+
+<p class='center'>"SOMEBODY HAS BEEN SITTING IN MY CHAIR!"</p>
+
+<p>said the Middle-sized Bear in his middle-sized voice.</p>
+
+<p class='center'><small>"SOMEBODY HAS BEEN SITTING IN MY CHAIR, AND HAS SATE THE BOTTOM
+THROUGH!"</small></p>
+
+<p>said the Little Wee Bear in his little wee voice.</p>
+
+<p>Then the Three Bears thought they had better make further search in case
+it was a burglar, so they went upstairs into their bedchamber. Now
+Goldilocks had pulled the pillow of the Great Big Bear out of its place.</p>
+
+<p class='center'><big>"SOMEBODY HAS BEEN LYING IN MY BED!"</big></p>
+
+<p>said the Great Big Bear in his great, rough, gruff voice.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_20" id="l_20"></a></p>
+
+<p>And Goldilocks had pulled the bolster of the Middle-sized Bear out of
+its place.</p>
+
+<p class='center'>"SOMEBODY HAS BEEN LYING IN MY BED!"</p>
+
+<p>said the Middle-sized Bear in his middle-sized voice.</p>
+
+<p>But when the Little Wee Bear came to look at his bed, there was the
+bolster in its place!</p>
+
+<p>And the pillow was in its place upon the bolster!</p>
+
+<p>And upon the pillow&mdash;&mdash;?</p>
+
+<p>There was Goldilocks's yellow head&mdash;which was not in its place, for she
+had no business there.</p>
+
+<p class='center'><small>"SOMEBODY HAS BEEN LYING IN MY BED,&mdash;AND HERE SHE IS STILL!"</small>
+</p>
+
+<p>said the Little Wee Bear in his little wee voice.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-021" src="images/illus-021.jpg" alt="Somebody has been lying in my bed,&mdash;and here she is!" title="Somebody has been lying in my bed,&mdash;and here she is!" /></div>
+
+<p>Now Goldilocks had heard in her sleep the great, rough, gruff voice of
+the Great Big Bear; but she was so fast asleep that it was no more to
+her than the roaring of wind, or the rumbling of thunder. And she had
+heard the middle-sized voice of the Middle-sized Bear, but it was only
+as if she had heard some one speaking in a dream. But when she heard the
+little wee voice of the Little Wee Bear, it was so sharp, and so shrill,
+that it awakened her at once. Up she started, and when she saw the Three
+Bears on one side of the bed, she tumbled herself out at the other, and
+ran to the window. Now the window was open, because the Bears, like
+good, tidy Bears, as they were, always opened their bedchamber window
+when they got up in the morning. So naughty, frightened little
+Goldilocks jumped; and whether she broke her neck in the fall, or ran
+into the wood and was lost there, or found her way out of the wood and
+got whipped for being a bad girl and playing truant, no one can say. But
+the Three Bears never saw anything more of her.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_21" id="l_21"></a></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/illus-1.jpg"><img id="illus-1" src="images/illus-1-tb.jpg" alt="Somebody has been at my porridge, and has eaten it all
+up!" title="Somebody has been at my porridge, and has eaten it all
+up!" /></a></div>
+<p><a name="l_22" id="l_22"></a></p>
+
+<h4>"Somebody has been at my porridge, and has eaten it all
+up!"</h4>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_23" id="l_23"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="TOM_TIT_TOT" id="TOM_TIT_TOT"></a>TOM-TIT-TOT</h2>
+
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time there was a woman and she baked five pies. But when
+they came out of the oven they were over-baked, and the crust was far
+too hard to eat. So she said to her daughter:</p>
+
+<p>"Daughter," says she, "put them pies on to the shelf and leave 'em there
+awhile. Surely they'll come again in time."</p>
+
+<p>By that, you know, she meant that they would become softer; but her
+daughter said to herself, "If Mother says the pies will come again, why
+shouldn't I eat these now?" So, having good, young teeth, she set to
+work and ate the lot, first and last.</p>
+
+<p>Now when supper-time came the woman said to her daughter, "Go you and
+get one of the pies. They are sure to have come again by now."</p>
+
+<p>Then the girl went and looked, but of course there was nothing but the
+empty dishes.</p>
+
+<p>So back she came and said, "No, Mother, they ain't come again."</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_24" id="l_24"></a>"Not one o' them?" asked the mother, taken aback like.</p>
+
+<p>"Not one o' them," says the daughter, quite confident.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," says the mother, "come again, or not come again, I will have one
+of them pies for my supper."</p>
+
+<p>"But you can't," says the daughter. "How can you if they ain't come? And
+they ain't, as sure's sure."</p>
+
+<p>"But I can," says the mother, getting angry. "Go you at once, child, and
+bring me the best on them. My teeth must just tackle it."</p>
+
+<p>"Best or worst is all one," answered the daughter, quite sulky, "for
+I've ate the lot, so you can't have one till it comes again&mdash;so there!"</p>
+
+<p>Well, the mother she bounced up to see; but half an eye told her there
+was nothing save the empty dishes; so she was dished up herself and done
+for.</p>
+
+<p>So, having no supper, she sate her down on the doorstep, and, bringing
+out her distaff, began to spin. And as she span she sang:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"My daughter ha' ate five pies to-day,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">My daughter ha' ate five pies to-day,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">My daughter ha' ate five pies to-day,"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>for, see you, she was quite flabbergasted and fair astonished.</p>
+
+<p>Now the King of that country happened to be coming down the street, and
+he heard the song going on and on, but could not quite make out the
+words. So he stopped his horse, and asked:</p>
+
+<p>"What is that you are singing, my good woman?"</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_25" id="l_25"></a></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-025" src="images/illus-025.jpg" alt="What is that you are singing, my good woman?" title="What is that you are singing, my good woman?" /></div>
+
+<p>Now the mother, though horrified at her daughter's appetite, did not
+want other folk, leastwise the King, to know about it, so she sang
+instead:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"My daughter ha' spun five skeins to-day,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">My daughter ha' spun five skeins to-day,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">My daughter ha' spun five skeins to-day."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>"Five skeins!" cried the King. "By my garter and my crown, I never heard
+tell of any one who could do that! Look you here, I have been searching
+for a maiden to wife, and your daughter who can spin five skeins a day
+is the very one for me. Only, mind you, though for eleven months of the
+year she shall be Queen indeed, and have all she likes to eat, all the
+gowns she likes to get, all the company she likes to keep, and
+everything her heart desires, in the twelfth month she must set to work
+and spin five skeins a <a name="l_26" id="l_26"></a>day, and if she does not she must die. Come! is
+it a bargain?"</p>
+
+<p>So the mother agreed. She thought what a grand marriage it was for her
+daughter. And as for the five skeins? Time enough to bother about them
+when the year came round. There was many a slip between cup and lip,
+and, likely as not, the King would have forgotten all about it by then.</p>
+
+<p>Anyhow, her daughter would be Queen for eleven months. So they were
+married, and for eleven months the bride was happy as happy could be.
+She had everything she liked to eat, and all the gowns she liked to get,
+all the company she cared to keep, and everything her heart desired. And
+her husband the King was kind as kind could be. But in the tenth month
+she began to think of those five skeins and wonder if the King
+remembered. And in the eleventh month she began to dream about them as
+well. But ne'er a word did the King, her husband, say about them; so she
+hoped he had forgotten.</p>
+
+<p>But on the very last day of the eleventh month, the King, her husband,
+led her into a room she had never set eyes on before. It had one window,
+and there was nothing in it but a stool and a spinning-wheel.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, my dear," he said quite kind like, "you will be shut in here
+to-morrow morning with some victuals and some flax, and if by evening
+you have not spun five skeins, your head will come off."</p>
+
+<p>Well she was fair frightened, for she had always been such <a name="l_27" id="l_27"></a>a gatless
+thoughtless girl that she had never learnt to spin at all. So what she
+was to do on the morrow she could not tell; for, see you, she had no one
+to help her; for, of course, now she was Queen, her mother didn't live
+nigh her. So she just locked the door of her room, sat down on a stool,
+and cried and cried and cried until her pretty eyes were all red.</p>
+
+<p>Now as she sate sobbing and crying she heard a queer little noise at the
+bottom of the door. At first she thought it was a mouse. Then she
+thought it must be something knocking.</p>
+
+<p>So she upped and opened the door and what did she see? Why! a small,
+little, black Thing with a long tail that whisked round and round ever
+so fast.</p>
+
+<p>"What are you crying for?" said that Thing, making a bow, and twirling
+its tail so fast that she could scarcely see it.</p>
+
+<p>"What's that to you?" said she, shrinking a bit, for that Thing was very
+queer like.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't look at my tail if you're frightened," says That, smirking. "Look
+at my toes. Ain't they beautiful?"</p>
+
+<p>And sure enough That had on buckled shoes with high heels and big bows,
+ever so smart.<a name="l_28" id="l_28"></a></p>
+
+<div class="figright"><img id="illus-027" src="images/illus-027.jpg" alt="A small, little, black Thing with a long tail" title="A small, little, black Thing with a long tail" /></div>
+<p>So she kind of forgot about the tail, and wasn't so frightened, and
+when That asked her again why she was crying, she upped and said, "It
+won't do no good if I do."</p>
+
+<p>"You don't know that," says That, twirling its tail faster and faster,
+and sticking out its toes. "Come, tell me, there's a good girl."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," says she, "it can't do any harm if it doesn't do good." So she
+dried her pretty eyes and told That all about the pies, and the skeins,
+and everything from first to last.</p>
+
+<p>And then that little, black Thing nearly burst with laughing. "If that
+is all, it's easy mended!" it says. "I'll come to your window every
+morning, take the flax, and bring it back spun into five skeins at
+night. Come! shall it be a bargain?"</p>
+
+<p>Now she, for all she was so gatless and thoughtless, said, cautious
+like:</p>
+
+<p>"But what is your pay?"</p>
+
+<p>Then That twirled its tail so fast you couldn't see it, and stuck out
+its beautiful toes, and smirked and looked out of the corners of its
+eyes. "I will give you three guesses every night to guess my name, and
+if you haven't guessed it before the month is up, why"&mdash;and That twirled
+its tail faster and stuck out its toes further, and smirked and
+sniggered more than ever&mdash;"you shall be mine, my beauty."</p>
+
+<p>Three guesses every night for a whole month! She felt sure she would be
+able for so much; and there was no other way out of the business, so she
+just said, "Yes! I agree!"</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_29" id="l_29"></a>And lor! how That twirled its tail, and bowed, and smirked, and stuck
+out its beautiful toes.</p>
+
+<p>Well, the very next day her husband led her to the strange room again,
+and there was the day's food, and a spinning-wheel and a great bundle of
+flax.</p>
+
+<p>"There you are, my dear," says he as polite as polite. "And remember! if
+there are not five whole skeins to-night, I fear your head will come
+off!"</p>
+
+<p>At that she began to tremble, and after he had gone away and locked the
+door, she was just thinking of a good cry, when she heard a queer
+knocking at the window. She upped at once and opened it, and sure enough
+there was the small, little, black Thing sitting on the window-ledge,
+dangling its beautiful toes and twirling its tail so that you could
+scarcely see it.</p>
+
+<p>"Good-morning, my beauty," says That. "Come! hand over the flax, sharp,
+there's a good girl."</p>
+
+<p>So she gave That the flax and shut the window and, you may be sure, ate
+her victuals, for, as you know, she had a good appetite, and the King,
+her husband, had promised to give her everything she liked to eat. So
+she ate to her heart's content, and when evening came and she heard that
+queer knocking at the window again, she upped and opened it, and there
+was the small, little, black Thing with five spun skeins on his arm!</p>
+
+<p>And it twirled its tail faster than ever, and stuck out its beautiful
+toes, and bowed and smirked and gave her the five skeins.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_30" id="l_30"></a>Then That said, "And now, my beauty, what is That's name?"</p>
+
+<p>And she answered quite easy like:</p>
+
+<p>"That is Bill."</p>
+
+<p>"No, it ain't," says That, and twirled its tail.</p>
+
+<p>"Then That is Ned," says she.</p>
+
+<p>"No, it ain't," says That, and twirled its tail faster.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," says she a bit more thoughtful, "That is Mark."</p>
+
+<p>"No, it ain't," says That, and laughs and laughs and laughs, and twirls
+its tail so as you couldn't see it, as away it flew.</p>
+
+<p>Well, when the King, her husband, came in, he was fine and pleased to
+see the five skeins all ready for him, for he was fond of his pretty
+wife.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not have to order your head off, my dear," says he. "And I hope
+all the other days will pass as happily." Then he said good-night and
+locked the door and left her.</p>
+
+<p>But next morning they brought her fresh flax and even more delicious
+foods. And the small, little, black Thing came knocking at the window
+and stuck out its beautiful toes and twirled its tail faster and faster,
+and took away the bundle of flax and brought it back all spun into five
+skeins by evening.</p>
+
+<p>Then That made her guess three times what That's name was; but she could
+not guess right, and That laughed and laughed and laughed as it flew
+away.</p>
+
+<p>Now every morning and evening the same thing happened, and every evening
+she had her three guesses; but she never <a name="l_31" id="l_31"></a>guessed right. And every day
+the small, little, black Thing laughed louder and louder and smirked
+more and more, and looked at her quite maliceful out of the corners of
+its eyes until she began to get frightened, and instead of eating all
+the fine foods left for her, spent the day in trying to think of names
+to say. But she never hit upon the right one.</p>
+
+<p>So it came to the last day of the month but one, and when the small,
+little, black Thing arrived in the evening with the five skeins of flax
+all ready spun, it could hardly say for smirking:</p>
+
+<p>"Ain't you got That's name yet?"</p>
+
+<p>So says she&mdash;for she had been reading her Bible:</p>
+
+<p>"Is That Nicodemus?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, it ain't," says That, and twirled its tail faster than you could
+see.</p>
+
+<p>"Is That Samuel?" says she all of a flutter.</p>
+
+<p>"No, it ain't, my beauty," chuckles That, looking maliceful.</p>
+
+<p>"Well&mdash;is That Methuselah?" says she, inclined to cry.</p>
+
+<p>Then That just fixes her with eyes like a coal a-fire, and says, "No, it
+ain't that neither, so there is only to-morrow night and then you'll be
+mine, my beauty."</p>
+
+<p>And away the small, little, black Thing flew, its tail twirling and
+whisking so fast that you couldn't see it.</p>
+
+<p>Well, she felt so bad she couldn't even cry; but she heard the King, her
+husband, coming to the door, so she made bold to be cheerful, and tried
+to smile when he said, "Well done, wife! Five skeins again! I shall not
+have to order <a name="l_32" id="l_32"></a>your head off after all, my dear, of that I'm quite sure,
+so let us enjoy ourselves." Then he bade the servants bring supper, and
+a stool for him to sit beside his Queen, and down they sat, lover-like,
+side by side.</p>
+
+<p>But the poor Queen could eat nothing; she could not forget the small,
+little, black Thing. And the King hadn't eaten but a mouthful or two
+when he began to laugh, and he laughed so long and so loud that at last
+the poor Queen, all lackadaisical as she was, said:</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you laugh so?"</p>
+
+<p>"At something I saw to-day, my love," says the King. "I was out
+a-hunting, and by chance I came to a place I'd never been in before. It
+was in a wood, and there was an old chalk-pit there, and out of the
+chalk-pit there came a queer kind of a sort of a humming, bumming noise.
+So I got off my hobby to see what made it, and went quite quiet to the
+edge of the pit and looked down. And what do you think I saw? The
+funniest, queerest, smallest, little, black Thing you ever set eyes
+upon. And it had a little spinning-wheel and it was spinning away for
+dear life, but the wheel didn't go so fast as its tail, and that span
+round and round&mdash;<i>ho-ho-ha-ha!</i>&mdash;you never saw the like. And its little
+feet had buckled shoes and bows on them, and they went up and down in a
+desperate hurry. And all the time that small, little, black Thing kept
+bumming and booming away at these words:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Name me, name me not,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Who'll guess it's Tom-Tit-Tot."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_33" id="l_33"></a>Well, when she heard these words the Queen nearly jumped out of her
+skin for joy; but she managed to say nothing, but ate her supper quite
+comfortably.</p>
+
+<p>And she said no word when next morning the small, little, black Thing
+came for the flax, though it looked so gleeful and maliceful that she
+could hardly help laughing, knowing she had got the better of it. And
+when night came and she heard that knocking against the window-panes,
+she put on a wry face, and opened the window slowly as if she was
+afraid. But that Thing was as bold as brass and came right inside,
+grinning from ear to ear. And oh, my goodness! how That's tail was
+twirling and whisking!</p>
+
+<p>"Well, my beauty," says That, giving her the five skeins all ready spun,
+"what's my name?"</p>
+
+<p>Then she put down her lip, and says, tearful like,
+"Is&mdash;is&mdash;That&mdash;Solomon?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, it ain't," laughs That, smirking out of the corner of That's eye.
+And the small, little, black Thing came further into the room.</p>
+
+<p>So she tried again&mdash;and this time she seemed hardly able to speak for
+fright.</p>
+
+<p>"Well&mdash;is That&mdash;Zebedee?" she says.</p>
+
+<p>"No, it ain't," cried the impet, full of glee. And it came quite close
+and stretched out its little black hands to her, and O-oh, <span class="smcap">its
+tail</span>...!!!</p>
+
+<p>"Take time, my beauty," says That, sort of jeering like, and its small,
+little, black eyes seemed to eat her up. "Take time! Remember! next
+guess and you're mine!"<a name="l_34" id="l_34"></a> Well, she backed just a wee bit from it, for it
+was just horrible to look at; but then she laughed out and pointed her
+finger at it and said, says she:</p>
+
+<p class='center'>"Name me, name me not,<br />
+<i>Your</i> name is<br />
+<i>Tom</i><br />
+TIT<br />
+<i>TOT.</i>"</p>
+
+<p>And you never heard such a shriek as that small, little, black Thing
+gave out. Its tail dropped down straight, its feet all crumpled up, and
+away That flew into the dark, and she never saw it no more.</p>
+
+<p>And she lived happy ever after with her husband, the King.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-034" src="images/illus-034.jpg" alt="Away That flew into the dark, and she never saw it no more" title="Away That flew into the dark, and she never saw it no more" /></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_35" id="l_35"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="THE_GOLDEN_SNUFF_BOX" id="THE_GOLDEN_SNUFF_BOX"></a>THE GOLDEN SNUFF-BOX</h2>
+
+<p>Once upon a time, and a very good time too, though it was not in my
+time, nor your time, nor for the matter of that in any one's time, there
+lived a man and a woman who had one son called Jack, and he was just
+terribly fond of reading books. He read, and he read, and then, because
+his parents lived in a lonely house in a lonely forest and he never saw
+any other folk but his father and his mother, he became quite crazy to
+go out into the world and see charming princesses and the like.</p>
+
+<p>So one day he told his mother he must be off, and she called him an
+air-brained addle-pate, but added that, as he was no use at home, he had
+better go seek his fortune. Then she asked him if he would rather take a
+small cake with her blessing to eat on his journey, or a large cake with
+her curse? Now Jack was a very hungry lad, so he just up and said:</p>
+
+<p>"A big cake, if you please, 'm."</p>
+
+<p>So his mother made a great big cake, and when he started she just off to
+the top of the house and cast malisons <a name="l_36" id="l_36"></a>on him, till he got out of
+sight. You see she had to do it, but after that she sate down and cried.</p>
+
+<p>Well, Jack hadn't gone far till he came to a field where his father was
+ploughing. Now the goodman was dreadfully put out when he found his son
+was going away, and still more so when he heard he had chosen his
+mother's malison. So he cast about what to do to put things straight,
+and at last he drew out of his pocket a little golden snuff-box, and
+gave it to the lad, saying:</p>
+
+<p>"If ever you are in danger of sudden death you may open the box; but not
+till then. It has been in our family for years and years; but, as we
+have lived, father and son, quietly in the forest, none of us have ever
+been in need of help&mdash;perhaps you may."</p>
+
+<p>So Jack pocketed the golden snuff-box and went on his way.</p>
+
+<p>Now, after a time, he grew very tired, and very hungry, for he had eaten
+his big cake first thing, and night closed in on him so that he could
+scarce see his way.</p>
+
+<p>But at last he came to a large house and begged board and lodging at the
+back door. Now Jack was a good-looking young fellow, so the maid-servant
+at once called him in to the fireside and gave him plenty good meat and
+bread and beer. And it so happened that while he was eating his supper
+the master's gay young daughter came into the kitchen and saw him. So
+she went to her father and said that there was the prettiest young
+fellow she had ever seen in the back kitchen, and that if her father
+loved <a name="l_37" id="l_37"></a>her he would give the young man some employment. Now the
+gentleman of the house was exceedingly fond of his gay young daughter,
+and did not want to vex her; so he went into the back kitchen and
+questioned Jack as to what he could do.</p>
+
+<p>"Anything," said Jack gaily, meaning, of course, that he could do any
+foolish bit of work about a house.</p>
+
+<p>But the gentleman saw a way of pleasing his gay young daughter and
+getting rid of the trouble of employing Jack; so he laughs and says, "If
+you can do anything, my good lad," says he, "you had better do this. By
+eight o'clock to-morrow morning you must have dug a lake four miles
+round in front of my mansion, and on it there must be floating a whole
+fleet of vessels. And they must range up in front of my mansion and fire
+a salute of guns. And the very last shot must break the leg of the
+four-post bed on which my daughter sleeps, for she is always late of a
+morning!"</p>
+
+<p>Well! Jack was terribly flabbergasted, but he faltered out:</p>
+
+<p>"And if I don't do it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Then," said the master of the house quite calmly, "your life will be
+the forfeit."</p>
+
+<p>So he bade the servants take Jack to a turret-room and lock the door on
+him.</p>
+
+<p>Well! Jack sate on the side of his bed and tried to think things out,
+but he felt as if he didn't know <i>b</i> from a battledore, so he decided to
+think no more, and after saying his prayers he lay down and went to
+sleep. And he did <a name="l_38" id="l_38"></a>sleep! When he woke it was close on eight o'clock,
+and he had only time to fly to the window and look out, when the great
+clock on the tower began to whirr before it struck the hour. And there
+was the lawn in front of the house all set with beds of roses and stocks
+and marigolds! Well! all of a sudden he remembered the little golden
+snuff-box.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm near enough to death," quoth he to himself, as he drew it out and
+opened it.</p>
+
+<p>And no sooner had he opened it than out hopped three funny little red
+men in red night-caps, rubbing their eyes and yawning; for, see you,
+they had been locked up in the box for years, and years, and years.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you want, Master?" they said between their yawns. But Jack
+heard that clock a-whirring and knew he hadn't a moment to lose, so he
+just gabbled off his orders. Then the clock began to strike, and the
+little men flew out of the window, and suddenly</p>
+
+<p class='center'>Bang! bang! bang! bang! bang! bang!</p>
+
+<p>went the guns, and the last one must have broken the leg of the
+four-post bed, for there at the window was the gay young daughter in her
+nightcap, gazing with astonishment at the lake four miles round, with
+the fleet of vessels floating on it!</p>
+
+<p>And so did Jack! He had never seen such a sight in his life, and he was
+quite sorry when the three little red men disturbed him by flying in at
+the window and scrambling into the golden snuff-box.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_39" id="l_39"></a>"Give us a little more time when you want us next, Master," they said
+sulkily. Then they shut down the lid, and Jack could hear them yawning
+inside as they settled down to sleep.</p>
+
+<p>As you may imagine, the master of the house was fair astonished, while
+as for the gay young daughter, she declared at once that she would never
+marry any one else but the young man who could do such wonderful things;
+the truth being that she and Jack had fallen in love with each other at
+first sight.</p>
+
+<p>But her father was cautious. "It is true, my dear," says he, "that the
+young fellow seems a bully boy; but for aught we know it may be chance,
+not skill, and he may have a broken feather in his wing. So we must try
+him again."</p>
+
+<p>Then he said to Jack, "My daughter must have a fine house to live in.
+Therefore by to-morrow morning at eight o'clock there must be a
+magnificent castle standing on twelve golden pillars in the middle of
+the lake, and there must be a church beside it. And all things must be
+ready for the bride, and at eight o'clock precisely a peal of bells from
+the church must ring out for the wedding. If not you will have to
+forfeit your life."</p>
+
+<p>This time Jack intended to give the three little red men more time for
+their task; but what with having enjoyed himself so much all day, and
+having eaten so much good food, he overslept himself, so that the big
+clock on the tower was whirring before it struck eight when he woke,
+leapt out of <a name="l_40" id="l_40"></a>bed, and rushed to the golden snuff-box. But he had
+forgotten where he had put it, and so the clock had <i>really</i> begun to
+strike before he found it under his pillow, opened it, and gabbled out
+his orders. And then you never saw how the three little red men tumbled
+over each other and yawned and stretched and made haste all at one time,
+so that Jack thought his life would surely be forfeit. But just as the
+clock struck its last chime, out rang a peal of merry bells, and there
+was the Castle standing on twelve golden pillars and a church beside it
+in the middle of the lake. And the Castle was all decorated for the
+wedding, and there were crowds and crowds of servants and retainers, all
+dressed in their Sunday best.</p>
+
+<p>Never had Jack seen such a sight before; neither had the gay young
+daughter who, of course, was looking out of the next window in her
+nightcap. And she looked so pretty and so gay that Jack felt quite cross
+when he had to step back to let the three little red men fly to their
+golden snuff-box. But they were far crosser than he was, and mumbled and
+grumbled at the hustle, so that Jack was quite glad when they shut the
+box down and began to snore.</p>
+
+<p>Well, of course, Jack and the gay young daughter were married, and were
+as happy as the day is long; and Jack had fine clothes to wear, fine
+food to eat, fine servants to wait on him, and as many fine friends as
+he liked.</p>
+
+<p>So he was in luck; but he had yet to learn that a mother's malison is
+sure to bring misfortune some time or another.</p>
+
+<p>Thus it happened that one day when he was going <a name="l_41" id="l_41"></a>a-hunting with all the
+ladies and gentlemen, Jack forgot to change the golden snuff-box (which
+he always carried about with him for fear of accidents) from his
+waistcoat pocket to that of his scarlet hunting-coat; so he left it
+behind him. And what should happen but that the servant let it fall on
+the ground when he was folding up the clothes, and the snuff-box flew
+open and out popped the three little red men yawning and stretching.</p>
+
+<p>Well! when they found out that they hadn't really been summoned, and
+that there was no fear of death, they were in a towering temper and said
+they had a great mind to fly away with the Castle, golden pillars and
+all.</p>
+
+<p>On hearing this the servant pricked up his ears.</p>
+
+<p>"Could you do that?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Could we?" they said, and they laughed loud. "Why, we can do anything."</p>
+
+<p>Then the servant said ever so sharp, "Then move me this Castle and all
+it contains right away over the sea where the master can't disturb us."</p>
+
+<p>Now the little red men need not really have obeyed the order, but they
+were so cross with Jack that hardly had the servant said the words
+before the task was done; so when the hunting-party came back, lo and
+behold! the Castle, and the church, and the golden pillars had all
+disappeared!</p>
+
+<p>At first all the rest set upon Jack for being a knave and a cheat; and,
+in particular, his wife's father threatened to have at him for deceiving
+the gay young daughter; but at <a name="l_42" id="l_42"></a>last he agreed to let Jack have twelve
+months and a day to find the Castle and bring it back.</p>
+
+<p>So off Jack starts on a good horse with some money in his pocket.</p>
+
+<p>And he travelled far and he travelled fast, and he travelled east and
+west, north and south, over hills, and dales, and valleys, and
+mountains, and woods, and sheepwalks, but never a sign of the missing
+castle did he see. Now at last he came to the palace of the King of all
+the Mice in the Wide World. And there was a little mousie in a fine
+hauberk and a steel cap doing sentry at the front gate, and he was not
+for letting Jack in until he had told his errand. And when Jack had told
+it, he passed him on to the next mouse sentry at the inner gate; so by
+degrees he reached the King's chamber, where he sate surrounded by mice
+courtiers.</p>
+
+<p>Now the King of the Mice received Jack very graciously, and said that he
+himself knew nothing of the missing Castle, but, as he was King of all
+the Mice in the whole world, it was possible that some of his subjects
+might know more than he. So he ordered his chamberlain to command a
+Grand Assembly for the next morning, and in the meantime he entertained
+Jack right royally.</p>
+
+<p>But the next morning, though there were brown mice, and black mice, and
+grey mice, and white mice, and piebald mice, from all parts of the
+world, they all answered with one breath:</p>
+
+<p>"If it please your Majesty, we have not seen the missing Castle."</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_43" id="l_43"></a>Then the King said, "You must go and ask my elder brother the King of
+all the Frogs. He may be able to tell you. Leave your horse here and
+take one of mine. It knows the way and will carry you safe."</p>
+
+<p>So Jack set off on the King's horse, and as he passed the outer gate he
+saw the little mouse sentry coming away, for its guard was up. Now Jack
+was a kind-hearted lad, and he had saved some crumbs from his dinner in
+order to recompense the little sentry for his kindness. So he put his
+hand in his pocket and pulled out the crumbs.</p>
+
+<p>"Here you are, mousekin," he said. "That's for your trouble!"</p>
+
+<p>Then the mouse thanked him kindly and asked if he would take him along
+to the King of the Frogs.</p>
+
+<p>"Not I," says Jack. "I should get into trouble with your King."</p>
+
+<p>But the mousekin insisted. "I may be of some use to you," it said. So it
+ran up the horse's hind leg and up by its tail and hid in Jack's pocket.
+And the horse set off at a hard gallop, for it didn't half like the
+mouse running over it.</p>
+
+<p>So at last Jack came to the palace of the King of all the Frogs, and
+there at the front gate was a frog doing sentry in a fine coat of mail
+and a brass helmet. And the frog sentry was for not letting Jack in; but
+the mouse called out that they came from the King of all the Mice and
+must be let in without delay. So they were taken to the King's chamber,
+where he sate surrounded by frog courtiers in <a name="l_44" id="l_44"></a>fine clothes; but alas!
+he had heard nothing of the Castle on golden pillars, and though he
+summoned all the frogs of all the world to a Grand Assembly next
+morning, they all answered his question with:</p>
+
+<p> &nbsp; &nbsp; "<i>Kro kro, Kro kro</i>"</p>
+
+<p>which every one knows stands for "No" in frog language.</p>
+
+<p>So the King said to Jack, "There remains but one thing. You must go and
+ask my eldest brother, the King of all the Birds. His subjects are
+always on the wing, so mayhap they have seen something. Leave the horse
+you are riding here, and take one of mine. It knows the way, and will
+carry you safe."</p>
+
+<p>So Jack set off, and being a kind-hearted lad he gave the frog sentry,
+whom he met coming away from his guard, some crumbs he had saved from
+his dinner. And the frog asked leave to go with him, and when Jack
+refused to take him he just gave one hop on to the stirrup, and a second
+hop on to the crupper, and the next hop he was in Jack's other pocket.</p>
+
+<p>Then the horse galloped away like lightning, for it didn't like the
+slimy frog coming down "plop" on its back.</p>
+
+<p>Well, after a time, Jack came to the palace of the King of all the
+Birds, and there at the front gate were a sparrow and a crow marching up
+and down with matchlocks on their shoulders. Now at this Jack laughed
+fit to split, and the mouse and the frog from his pockets called out:</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_45" id="l_45"></a>"We come from the King! Sirrahs! Let us pass."</p>
+
+<p>So that the sentries were right mazed, and let them pass in without more
+ado.</p>
+
+<p>But when they came to the King's chamber, where he sate surrounded by
+all manner of birds, tomtits, wrens, cormorants, turtle-doves, and the
+like, the King said he was sorry, but he had no news of the missing
+Castle. And though he summoned all the birds of all the world to a Grand
+Assembly next morning, not one of them had seen or heard tell of it.</p>
+
+<p>So Jack was quite disconsolate till the King said, "But where is the
+eagle? I don't see my eagle."</p>
+
+<p>Then the Chamberlain&mdash;he was a tomtit&mdash;stepped forward with a bow and
+said:</p>
+
+<p>"May it please your Majesty he is late."</p>
+
+<p>"Late?" says the King in a fume. "Summon him at once."</p>
+
+<p>So two larks flew up into the sky till they couldn't be seen and sang
+ever so loud, till at last the eagle appeared all in a perspiration from
+having flown so fast.</p>
+
+<p>Then the King said, "Sirrah! Have you seen a missing Castle that stands
+upon twelve pillars of gold?"</p>
+
+<p>And the eagle blinked its eyes and said, "May it please your Majesty
+that is where I've been."</p>
+
+<p>Then everybody rejoiced exceedingly, and when the eagle had eaten a
+whole calf so as to be strong enough for the journey, he spread his wide
+wings, on which Jack stood, with the mouse in one pocket and the frog in
+the other, and <a name="l_46" id="l_46"></a>started to obey the King's order to take the owner back
+to his missing Castle as quickly as possible.</p>
+
+<p>And they flew over land and they flew over sea, until at last in the far
+distance they saw the Castle standing on its twelve golden pillars. But
+all the doors and windows were fast shut and barred, for, see you, the
+servant-master who had run away with it had gone out for the day
+a-hunting, and he always bolted doors and windows while he was absent
+lest some one else should run away with it.</p>
+
+<p>Then Jack was puzzled to think how he should get hold of the golden
+snuff-box, until the little mouse said:</p>
+
+<p>"Let me fetch it. There is always a mouse-hole in every castle, so I am
+sure I shall be able to get in."</p>
+
+<p>So it went off, and Jack waited on the eagle's wings in a fume; till at
+last mousekin appeared.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you got it?" shouted Jack, and the little mousie cried:</p>
+
+<p class='center'>"Yes!"</p>
+
+<p>So every one rejoiced exceedingly, and they set off back to the palace
+of the King of all the Birds, where Jack had left his horse; for now
+that he had the golden snuff-box safe he knew he could get the Castle
+back whenever he chose to send the three little red men to fetch it. But
+on the way over the sea, while Jack, who was dead tired with standing so
+long, lay down between the eagle's wings and fell asleep, the mouse and
+the eagle fell to quarrelling as to which of them had helped Jack the
+most, and they quarrelled so much that at last they laid the case before
+the frog. Then <a name="l_47" id="l_47"></a>the frog, who made a very wise judge, said he must see
+the whole affair from the very beginning; so the mouse brought out the
+golden snuff-box from Jack's pocket, and began to relate where it had
+been found and all about it. Now, at that very moment Jack awoke, kicked
+out his leg, and plump went the golden snuff-box down to the very bottom
+of the sea!</p>
+
+<p>"I thought my turn would come," said the frog, and went plump in after
+it.</p>
+
+<p>Well, they waited, and waited, and waited for three whole days and three
+whole nights; but froggie never came up again, and they had just given
+him up in despair when his nose showed above the water.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you got it?" they shouted.</p>
+
+<p>"No!" says he, with a great gasp.</p>
+
+<p>"Then what do you want?" they cried in a rage.</p>
+
+<p>"My breath," says froggie, and with that he sinks down again.</p>
+
+<p>Well, they waited two days and two nights more, and at last up comes the
+little frog with the golden snuff-box in its mouth.</p>
+
+<p>Then they all rejoiced exceedingly, and the eagle flew ever so fast to
+the palace of the King of the Birds.</p>
+
+<p>But alas and alack-a-day! Jack's troubles were not ended; his mother's
+malison was still bringing him ill-luck, for the King of the Birds flew
+into a fearsome rage because Jack had not brought the Castle of the
+golden pillars back with him. And he said that unless he saw it by eight
+o'clock next morning Jack's head should come off as a cheat and a liar.</p>
+
+<p>Then Jack being close to death opened the golden snuff-box, and out
+tumbled the three little red men in their three little red caps. They
+had recovered their tempers and were quite glad to be back with a master
+who knew that they would only, as a rule, work under fear of death; for,
+see you, the servant-master had been for ever disturbing their sleep
+with opening the box to no purpose.</p>
+
+<p>So before the clock struck eight next morning, there was the Castle on
+its twelve golden pillars, and the King of the Birds was fine and
+pleased, and let Jack take his horse and ride to the palace of the King
+of the Frogs. But there exactly the same thing happened, and poor Jack
+had to open the snuff-box again and order the Castle to come to the
+palace of the King of the Frogs. At this the little red men were a wee
+bit cross; but they said they supposed it could not be helped; so,
+though they yawned, they brought the Castle all right, and Jack was
+allowed to take his horse and go to the palace of the King of all the
+Mice in the World.<a name="l_48" id="l_48"></a> But here the same thing happened, and the little red
+men tumbled out of the golden snuff-box in a real rage, and said fellows
+might as well have no sleep at all! However, they did as they were
+bidden; they brought the Castle of the golden pillars from the palace of
+the King of the Frogs to the palace of the King of the Birds, and Jack
+was allowed to take his own horse and ride home.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-049" src="images/illus-049.jpg" alt="They brought the Castle of the golden pillars" title="They brought the Castle of the golden pillars" /></div>
+
+<p>But the year and a day which he had been allowed was <a name="l_49" id="l_49"></a>almost gone, and
+even his gay young wife, after almost weeping her eyes out after her
+handsome young husband, had given up Jack for lost; so every one was
+astounded to see him, and not over-pleased either to see him come
+without his Castle. Indeed his father-in-law swore with many oaths that
+if it were not in its proper place by eight o'clock next morning Jack's
+life should be forfeit.</p>
+
+<p>Now this, of course, was exactly what Jack had wanted and intended from
+the beginning; because when death was nigh he could open the golden
+snuff-box and order about the little red men. But he had opened it so
+often of late and they had become so cross that he was in a stew what to
+do; whether to give them time to show their temper, or to hustle them
+out of it. At last he decided to <a name="l_50" id="l_50"></a>do half and half. So just as the hands
+of the clock were at five minutes to eight he opened the box, and
+stopped his ears!</p>
+
+<p>Well! you never heard such a yawning, and scolding, and threatening, and
+blustering. What did he mean by it? Why should he take four bites at one
+cherry? If he was always in fear of death why didn't he die and have
+done with it?</p>
+
+<p>In the midst of all this the tower clock began to whirr&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Gentlemen!" says Jack&mdash;he was really quaking with fear&mdash;"do as you are
+told."</p>
+
+<p>"For the last time," they shrieked. "We won't stay and serve a master
+who thinks he is going to die every day."</p>
+
+<p>And with that they flew out of the window.</p>
+
+<p class='center'><i><big>AND THEY NEVER CAME BACK.</big></i></p>
+
+<p>The golden snuff-box remained empty for evermore.</p>
+
+<p>But when Jack looked out of window there was the Castle in the middle of
+the lake on its twelve golden pillars, and there was his young wife ever
+so pretty and gay in her nightcap looking out of the window too.</p>
+
+<p>So they lived happily ever after.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_51" id="l_51"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="TATTERCOATS" id="TATTERCOATS"></a>TATTERCOATS</h2>
+
+
+<p>In a great Palace by the sea there once dwelt a very rich old lord, who
+had neither wife nor children living, only one little granddaughter,
+whose face he had never seen in all her life. He hated her bitterly,
+because at her birth his favourite daughter died; and when the old nurse
+brought him the baby he swore that it might live or die as it liked, but
+he would never look on its face as long as it lived.</p>
+
+<p>So he turned his back, and sat by his window looking out over the sea,
+and weeping great tears for his lost daughter, till his white hair and
+beard grew down over his shoulders and twined round his chair and crept
+into the chinks of the floor, and his tears, dropping on to the
+window-ledge, wore a channel through the stone, and ran away in a little
+river to the great sea. Meanwhile, his granddaughter grew up with no one
+to care for her, or clothe her; only the old nurse, when no one was by,
+would sometimes give her a dish of scraps from the kitchen, or a torn
+petticoat from the rag-bag; while the other servants of the palace would
+drive her from the house with blows and mocking words, calling <a name="l_52" id="l_52"></a>her
+"Tattercoats," and pointing to her bare feet and shoulders, till she ran
+away, crying, to hide among the bushes.</p>
+
+<p>So she grew up, with little to eat or to wear, spending her days out of
+doors, her only companion a crippled gooseherd, who fed his flock of
+geese on the common. And this gooseherd was a queer, merry little chap,
+and when she was hungry, or cold, or tired, he would play to her so
+gaily on his little pipe, that she forgot all her troubles, and would
+fall to dancing with his flock of noisy geese for partners.</p>
+
+<p>Now one day people told each other that the King was travelling through
+the land, and was to give a great ball to all the lords and ladies of
+the country in the town near by, and that the Prince, his only son, was
+to choose a wife from amongst the maidens in the company. In due time
+one of the royal invitations to the ball was brought to the Palace by
+the sea, and the servants carried it up to the old lord, who still sat
+by his window, wrapped in his long white hair and weeping into the
+little river that was fed by his tears.</p>
+
+<p>But when he heard the King's command, he dried his eyes and bade them
+bring shears to cut him loose, for his hair had bound him a fast
+prisoner, and he could not move. And then he sent them for rich clothes,
+and jewels, which he put on; and he ordered them to saddle the white
+horse, with gold and silk, that he might ride to meet the King; but he
+quite forgot he had a granddaughter to take to the ball.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile Tattercoats sat by the kitchen-door weeping, because she could
+not go to see the grand doings. And when the old nurse heard her crying
+she went to the Lord of the<a name="l_53" id="l_53"></a> Palace, and begged him to take his
+granddaughter with him to the King's ball.</p>
+
+<p>But he only frowned and told her to be silent; while the servants
+laughed and said, "Tattercoats is happy in her rags, playing with the
+gooseherd! Let her be&mdash;it is all she is fit for."</p>
+
+<p>A second, and then a third time, the old nurse begged him to let the
+girl go with him, but she was answered only by black looks and fierce
+words, till she was driven from the room by the jeering servants, with
+blows and mocking words.</p>
+
+<p>Weeping over her ill-success, the old nurse went to look for
+Tattercoats; but the girl had been turned from the door by the cook, and
+had run away to tell her friend the gooseherd how unhappy she was
+because she could not go to the King's ball.</p>
+
+<p>Now when the gooseherd had listened to her story, he bade her cheer up,
+and proposed that they should go together into the town to see the King,
+and all the fine things; and when she looked sorrowfully down at her
+rags and bare feet he played a note or two upon his pipe, so gay and
+merry, that she forgot all about her tears and her troubles, and before
+she well knew, the gooseherd had taken her by the hand, and she and he,
+and the geese before them, were dancing down the road towards the town.</p>
+
+<p>"Even cripples can dance when they choose," said the gooseherd.</p>
+
+<p>Before they had gone very far a handsome young man, splendidly dressed,
+riding up, stopped to ask the way to the castle where the King was
+staying, and when he found that they too were going thither, he got off
+his horse and walked beside them along the road.</p>
+
+<p>"You seem merry folk," he said, "and will be good company."</p>
+
+<p>"Good company, indeed," said the gooseherd, and played a new tune that
+was not a dance.</p>
+
+<p>It was a curious tune, and it made the strange young man stare and stare
+and stare at Tattercoats till he couldn't see her rags&mdash;till he
+couldn't, to tell the truth, see anything but her beautiful face.</p>
+
+<p>Then he said, "You are the most beautiful maiden in the world. Will you
+marry me?"</p>
+
+<p>Then the gooseherd smiled to himself, and played sweeter than ever.</p>
+
+<p>But Tattercoats laughed.<a name="l_54" id="l_54"></a> "Not I," said she; "you would be finely put to
+shame, and so would I be, if you took a goose-girl for your wife! Go and
+ask one of the great ladies you will see to-night at the King's ball,
+and do not flout poor Tattercoats."</p>
+
+<p>But the more she refused him the sweeter the pipe played, and the deeper
+the young man fell in love; till at last he begged her to come that
+night at twelve to the King's ball, just as she was, with the gooseherd
+and his geese, in her torn petticoat and bare feet, and see if he
+wouldn't dance with her before the King and the lords and ladies, and
+present her to them all, as his dear and honoured bride.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/illus-2.jpg"><img id="illus-2" src="images/illus-2-tb.jpg" alt="Tattercoats dancing while the gooseherd pipes." title="Tattercoats dancing while the gooseherd pipes." /></a></div>
+
+<h4><a name="l_55" id="l_55"></a>Tattercoats dancing while the gooseherd pipes.</h4>
+
+<p><a name="l_56" id="l_56"></a>Now at first Tattercoats said she would not; but the gooseherd said,
+"Take fortune when it comes, little one."</p>
+
+<p>So when night came, and the hall in the castle was full of light and
+music, and the lords and ladies were dancing before the King, just as
+the clock struck twelve, Tattercoats and the gooseherd, followed by his
+flock of noisy geese, hissing and swaying their heads, entered at the
+great doors, and walked straight up the ball-room, while on either side
+the ladies whispered, the lords laughed, and the King seated at the far
+end stared in amazement.</p>
+
+<p>But as they came in front of the throne Tattercoats' lover rose from
+beside the King, and came to meet her. Taking her by the hand, he kissed
+her thrice before them all, and turned to the King.</p>
+
+<p>"Father!" he said&mdash;for it was the Prince himself&mdash;"I have made my
+choice, and here is my bride, the loveliest girl in all the land, and
+the sweetest as well!"</p>
+
+<p>Before he had finished speaking, the gooseherd had put his pipe to his
+lips and played a few notes that sounded like a bird singing far off in
+the woods; and as he played Tattercoats' rags were changed to shining
+robes sewn with glittering jewels, a golden crown lay upon her golden
+hair, and the flock of geese behind her became a crowd of dainty pages,
+bearing her long train.</p>
+
+<p>And as the King rose to greet her as his daughter the trumpets sounded
+loudly in honour of the new Princess, and the people outside in the
+street said to each other:</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_57" id="l_57"></a>"Ah! now the Prince has chosen for his wife the loveliest girl in all
+the land!"</p>
+
+<p>But the gooseherd was never seen again, and no one knew what became of
+him; while the old lord went home once more to his Palace by the sea,
+for he could not stay at Court, when he had sworn never to look on his
+granddaughter's face.</p>
+
+<p>So there he still sits by his window,&mdash;if you could only see him, as you
+may some day&mdash;weeping more bitterly than ever. And his white hair has
+bound him to the stones, and the river of his tears runs away to the
+great sea.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_58" id="l_58"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="THE_THREE_FEATHERS" id="THE_THREE_FEATHERS"></a>THE THREE FEATHERS</h2>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time there lived a girl who was wooed and married by a man
+she never saw; for he came a-courting her after nightfall, and when they
+were married he never came home till it was dark, and always left before
+dawn.</p>
+
+<p>Still he was good and kind to her, giving her everything her heart could
+desire, so she was well content for a while. But, after a bit, some of
+her friends, doubtless full of envy for her good luck, began to whisper
+that the unseen husband must have something dreadful the matter with him
+which made him averse to being seen.</p>
+
+<p>Now from the very beginning the girl had wondered why her lover did not
+come a-courting her as other girls' lovers came, openly and by day, and
+though, at first, she paid no heed to her neighbours' nods and winks,
+she began at last to think there might be something in what they said.
+So she determined to see for herself, and one night when she heard her
+husband come into her room, she lit her candle suddenly and saw him.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_59" id="l_59"></a>And, lo and behold! he was handsome as handsome; beautiful enough to
+make every woman in the world fall in love with him on the spot. But
+even as she got her glimpse of him, he changed into a big brown bird
+which looked at her with eyes full of anger and blame.</p>
+
+<p>"Because you have done this faithless thing," it said, "you will see me
+no more, unless for seven long years and a day you serve for me
+faithfully."</p>
+
+<p>And she cried with tears and sobs, "I will serve seven times seven years
+and a day if you will only come back. Tell me what I am to do."</p>
+
+<p>Then the bird-husband said, "I will place you in service, and there you
+must remain and do good work for seven years and a day, and you must
+listen to no man who may seek to beguile you to leave that service. If
+you do I will never return."</p>
+
+<p>To this the girl agreed, and the bird, spreading its broad brown wings,
+carried her to a big mansion.</p>
+
+<p>"Here they need a laundry-maid," said the bird-husband. "Go in, ask to
+see the mistress, and say you will do the work; but remember you must do
+it for seven years and a day."</p>
+
+<p>"But I cannot do it for seven days," answered the girl. "I cannot wash
+or iron."</p>
+
+<p>"That matters nothing," replied the bird. "All you have to do is to
+pluck three feathers from under my wing close to my heart, and these
+feathers will do your bidding whatever it may be. You will only have to
+put them on your hand, and say, 'By virtue of these three feathers from
+<a name="l_60" id="l_60"></a>over my true love's heart may this be done,' and it will be done."</p>
+
+<p>So the girl plucked three feathers from under the bird's wing, and after
+that the bird flew away.</p>
+
+<p>Then the girl did as she was bidden, and the lady of the house engaged
+her for the place. And never was such a quick laundress; for, see you,
+she had only to go into the wash-house, bolt the door and close the
+shutters, so that no one should see what she was at; then she would out
+with the three feathers and say, "By virtue of these three feathers from
+over my true love's heart may the copper be lit, the clothes sorted,
+washed, boiled, dried, folded, mangled, ironed," and lo! there they came
+tumbling on to the table, clean and white, quite ready to be put away.
+So her mistress set great store by her and said there never was such a
+good laundry-maid. Thus four years passed and there was no talk of her
+leaving. But the other servants grew jealous of her, all the more so,
+because, being a very pretty girl, all the men-servants fell in love
+with her and wanted to marry her.</p>
+
+<p>But she would have none of them, because she was always waiting and
+longing for the day when her bird-husband would come back to her in
+man's form.</p>
+
+<p>Now one of the men who wanted her was the stout butler, and one day as
+he was coming back from the cider-house he chanced to stop by the
+laundry, and he heard a voice say, "By virtue of these three feathers
+from over my true love's heart may the copper be lit, the clothes
+sorted, boiled, dried, folded, mangled, and ironed."</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_61" id="l_61"></a>He thought this very queer, so he peeped through the keyhole. And there
+was the girl sitting at her ease in a chair, while all the clothes came
+flying to the table ready and fit to put away.</p>
+
+<p>Well, that night he went to the girl and said that if she turned up her
+nose at him and his proposal any longer, he would up and tell the
+mistress that her fine laundress was nothing but a witch; and then, even
+if she were not burnt alive, she would lose her place.</p>
+
+<p>Now the girl was in great distress what to do, since if she were not
+faithful to her bird-husband, or if she failed to serve her seven years
+and a day in one service, he would alike fail to return; so she made an
+excuse by saying she could think of no one who did not give her enough
+money to satisfy her.</p>
+
+<p>At this the stout butler laughed. "Money?" said he. "I have seventy
+pounds laid by with master. Won't that satisfy thee?"</p>
+
+<p>"Happen it would," she replied.</p>
+
+<p>So the very next night the butler came to her with the seventy pounds in
+golden sovereigns, and she held out her apron and took them, saying she
+was content; for she had thought of a plan. Now as they were going
+upstairs together she stopped and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Butler, excuse me for a minute. I have left the shutters of the
+wash-house open, and I must shut them, or they will be banging all night
+and disturb master and missus!"</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_62" id="l_62"></a>Now though the butler was stout and beginning to grow old, he was
+anxious to seem young and gallant; so he said at once:</p>
+
+<p>"Excuse me, my beauty, you shall not go. I will go and shut them. I
+shan't be a moment!"</p>
+
+<p>So off he set, and no sooner had he gone than she out with her three
+feathers, and putting them on her hand, said in a hurry:</p>
+
+<p>"By virtue of the three feathers from over my true love's heart may the
+shutters never cease banging till morning, and may Mr. Butler's hands be
+busy trying to shut them."</p>
+
+<p>And so it happened.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Butler shut the shutters, but&mdash;bru-u-u! there they were hanging open
+again. Then he shut them once more, and this time they hit him on the
+face as they flew open. Yet he couldn't stop; he had to go on. So there
+he was the whole livelong night. Such a cursing, and banging, and
+swearing, and shutting, never was, until dawn came, and, too tired to be
+really angry, he crept back to his bed, resolving that come what might
+he would not tell what had happened to him and thus get the laugh on
+him. So he kept his own counsel, and the girl kept the seventy pounds,
+and laughed in her sleeve at her would-be lover.</p>
+
+<p>Now after a time the coachman, a spruce middle-aged man, who had long
+wanted to marry the clever, pretty laundry-maid, going to the pump to
+get water for his horses overheard her giving orders to the three
+feathers, and peeping through the keyhole as the butler had done, saw
+her sitting <a name="l_63" id="l_63"></a>at her ease in a chair while the clothes, all washed and
+ironed and mangled, came flying to the table.</p>
+
+<p>So, just as the butler had done, he went to the girl and said, "I have
+you now, my pretty. Don't dare to turn up your nose at me, for if you do
+I'll tell mistress you are a witch."</p>
+
+<p>Then the girl said quite calmly, "I look on none who has no money."</p>
+
+<p>"If that is all," replied the coachman, "I have forty pounds laid by
+with master. That I'll bring and ask for payment to-morrow night."</p>
+
+<p>So when the night came the girl held out her apron for the money, and as
+she was going up the stairs she stopped suddenly and said, "Goody me!
+I've left my clothes on the line. Stop a bit till I fetch them in."</p>
+
+<p>Now the coachman was really a very polite fellow, so he said at once:</p>
+
+<p>"Let me go. It is a cold, windy night and you'll be catching your
+death."</p>
+
+<p>So off he went, and the girl out with her feathers and said:</p>
+
+<p>"By virtue of the three feathers from over my true love's heart may the
+clothes slash and blow about till dawn, and may Mr. Coachman not be able
+to gather them up or take his hand from the job."</p>
+
+<p>And when she had said this she went quietly to bed, for she knew what
+would happen. And sure enough it did. Never was such a night as Mr.
+Coachman spent with the <a name="l_64" id="l_64"></a>wet clothes flittering and fluttering about his
+ears, and the sheets wrapping him into a bundle, and tripping him up,
+while the towels slashed at his legs. But though he smarted all over he
+had to go on till dawn came, and then a very weary, woebegone coachman
+couldn't even creep away to his bed, for he had to feed and water his
+horses! And he, also, kept his own counsel for fear of the laugh going
+against him; so the clever laundry-maid put the forty pounds with the
+seventy in her box, and went on with her work gaily. But after a time
+the footman, who was quite an honest lad and truly in love, going by the
+laundry peeped through the keyhole to get a glimpse of his dearest dear,
+and what should he see but her sitting at her ease in a chair, and the
+clothes coming all ready folded and ironed on to the table.</p>
+
+<p>Now when he saw this he was greatly troubled. So he went to his master
+and drew out all his savings; and then he went to the girl and told her
+that he would have to tell the mistress what he had seen, unless she
+consented to marry him.</p>
+
+<p>"You see," he said, "I have been with master this while back, and have
+saved up this bit, and you have been here this long while back and must
+have saved as well. So let us put the two together and make a home, or
+else stay on at service as pleases you."</p>
+
+<p>Well, she tried to put him off; but he insisted so much that at last she
+said:</p>
+
+<p>"James! there's a dear, run down to the cellar and fetch me a drop of
+brandy. You've made me feel so queer!"<a name="l_65" id="l_65"></a> And when he had gone she out
+with her three feathers, and said, "By virtue of the three feathers from
+over my true love's heart may James not be able to pour the brandy
+straight, except down his throat."</p>
+
+<p>Well! so it happened. Try as he would, James could not get the brandy
+into the glass. It splashed a few drops into it, then it trickled over
+his hand, and fell on the floor. And so it went on and on till he grew
+so tired that he thought he needed a dram himself. So he tossed off the
+few drops and began again; but he fared no better. So he took another
+little drain, and went on, and on, and on, till he got quite fuddled.
+And who should come down into the cellar but his master to know what the
+smell of brandy meant!</p>
+
+<p>Now James the footman was truthful as well as honest, so he told the
+master how he had come down to get the sick laundry-maid a drop of
+brandy, but that his hand had shaken so that he could not pour it out,
+and it had fallen on the ground, and that the smell of it had got to his
+head.</p>
+
+<p>"A likely tale," said the master, and beat James soundly.</p>
+
+<p>Then the master went to the mistress, his wife, and said: "Send away
+that laundry-maid of yours. Something has come over my men. They have
+all drawn out their savings as if they were going to be married, yet
+they don't leave, and I believe that girl is at the bottom of it."</p>
+
+<p>But his wife would not hear of the laundry-maid being blamed; she was
+the best servant in the house, and worth all the rest of them put
+together; it was his men who were <a name="l_66" id="l_66"></a>at fault. So they quarrelled over it;
+but in the end the master gave in, and after this there was peace, since
+the mistress bade the girl keep herself to herself, and none of the men
+would say ought of what had happened for fear of the laughter of the
+other servants.</p>
+
+<p>So it went on until one day when the master was going a-driving, the
+coach was at the door, and the footman was standing to hold the coach
+open, and the butler on the steps all ready, when who should pass
+through the yard, so saucy and bright with a great basket of clean
+clothes, but the laundry-maid. And the sight of her was too much for
+James, the footman, who began to blub.</p>
+
+<p>"She is a wicked girl," he said. "She got all my savings, and got me a
+good thrashing besides."</p>
+
+<p>Then the coachman grew bold. "Did she?" he said. "That was nothing to
+what she served me." So he up and told all about the wet clothes and the
+awful job he had had the livelong night. Now the butler on the steps
+swelled with rage until he nearly burst, and at last he out with his
+night of banging shutters.</p>
+
+<p>"And one," he said, "hit me on the nose."</p>
+
+<p>This settled the three men, and they agreed to tell their master the
+moment he came out, and get the girl sent about her business. Now the
+laundry-maid had sharp ears and had paused behind a door to listen; so
+when she heard this she knew she must do something to stop it. So she
+out with her three feathers and said, "By virtue of the three feathers
+from over my true love's heart may there be striving <a name="l_67" id="l_67"></a>as to who suffered
+most between the men so that they get into the pond for a ducking."</p>
+
+<p>Well! no sooner had she said the words than the three men began
+disputing as to which of them had been served the worst; then James up
+and hit the stout butler, giving him a black eye, and the fat butler
+fell upon James and pommelled him hard, while the coachman scrambled
+from his box and belaboured them both, and the laundry-maid stood by
+laughing.</p>
+
+<p>So out comes the master, but none of them would listen, and each wanted
+to be heard, and fought, and shoved, and pommelled away until they
+shoved each other into the pond, and all got a fine ducking.</p>
+
+<p>Then the master asked the girl what it was all about, and she said:</p>
+
+<p>"They all wanted to tell a story against me because I won't marry them,
+and one said his was the best, and the next said his was the best, so
+they fell a-quarrelling as to which was the likeliest story to get me
+into trouble. But they are well punished, so there is no need to do
+more."</p>
+
+<p>Then the master went to his wife and said, "You are right. That
+laundry-maid of yours is a very wise girl."</p>
+
+<p>So the butler and the coachman and James had nothing to do but look
+sheepish and hold their tongues, and the laundry-maid went on with her
+duties without further trouble.</p>
+
+<p>Then when the seven years and a day were over, who should drive up to
+the door in a fine gilded coach but the <a name="l_68" id="l_68"></a>bird-husband restored to his
+shape as a handsome young man. And he carried the laundry-maid off to be
+his wife again, and her master and mistress were so pleased at her good
+fortune that they ordered all the other servants to stand on the steps
+and give her good luck. So as she passed the butler she put a bag with
+seventy pounds in it into his hand and said sweetly, "That is to
+recompense you for shutting the shutters."</p>
+
+<p>And when she passed the coachman she put a bag with forty pounds into
+his hand and said, "That is your reward for bringing in the clothes."
+But when she passed the footman she gave him a bag with a hundred pounds
+in it, and laughed, saying, "That is for the drop of brandy you never
+brought me!"</p>
+
+<p>So she drove off with her handsome husband, and lived happy ever after.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_69" id="l_69"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="LAZY_JACK" id="LAZY_JACK"></a>LAZY JACK</h2>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time there was a boy whose name was Jack, and he lived with
+his mother on a common. They were very poor, and the old woman got her
+living by spinning, but Jack was so lazy that he would do nothing but
+bask in the sun in the hot weather, and sit by the corner of the hearth
+in the winter-time. So they called him Lazy Jack. His mother could not
+get him to do anything for her, and at last told him, one Monday, that
+if he did not begin to work for his porridge she would turn him out to
+get his living as he could.</p>
+
+<p>This roused Jack, and he went out and hired himself for the next day to
+a neighbouring farmer for a penny; but as he was coming home, never
+having had any money before, he lost it in passing over a brook.</p>
+
+<p>"You stupid boy," said his mother, "you should have put it in your
+pocket."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll do so another time," replied Jack.</p>
+
+<p>Well, the next day, Jack went out again and hired himself to a
+cowkeeper, who gave him a jar of milk for his day's <a name="l_70" id="l_70"></a>work. Jack took the
+jar and put it into the large pocket of his jacket, spilling it all,
+long before he got home.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear me!" said the old woman; "you should have carried it on your
+head."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll do so another time," said Jack.</p>
+
+<p>So the following day, Jack hired himself again to a farmer, who agreed
+to give him a cream cheese for his services. In the evening Jack took
+the cheese, and went home with it on his head. By the time he got home
+the cheese was all spoilt, part of it being lost, and part matted with
+his hair.</p>
+
+<p>"You stupid lout," said his mother, "you should have carried it very
+carefully in your hands."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll do so another time," replied Jack.</p>
+
+<p>Now the next day, Lazy Jack again went out, and hired himself to a
+baker, who would give him nothing for his work but a large tom-cat. Jack
+took the cat, and began carrying it very carefully in his hands, but in
+a short time pussy scratched him so much that he was compelled to let it
+go.</p>
+
+<p>When he got home, his mother said to him, "You silly fellow, you should
+have tied it with a string, and dragged it along after you."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll do so another time," said Jack.</p>
+
+<p>So on the following day, Jack hired himself to a butcher, who rewarded
+him by the handsome present of a shoulder of mutton. Jack took the
+mutton, tied it with a string, and trailed it along after him in the
+dirt, so that by the time he had got home the meat was completely
+spoilt. His mother was this time quite out of patience with him, for the
+next <a name="l_71" id="l_71"></a>day was Sunday, and she was obliged to do with cabbage for her
+dinner.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-070" src="images/illus-070.jpg" alt="Jack found it hard to hoist the donkey on his shoulders" title="Jack found it hard to hoist the donkey on his shoulders" /></div>
+
+<p>"You ninney-hammer," said she to her son, "you should have carried it on
+your shoulder."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll do so another time," replied Jack.</p>
+
+<p>Well, on the Monday, Lazy Jack went once more and hired himself to a
+cattle-keeper, who gave him a donkey for his trouble. Now though Jack
+was strong he found it hard to hoist the donkey on his shoulders, but at
+last he did it, and began walking home slowly with his prize. Now it so
+happened that in the course of his journey he passed a house where a
+rich man lived with his only daughter, a beautiful girl, who was deaf
+and dumb. And she had never laughed in her life, and the doctors said
+she would never speak till somebody made her laugh. So the father had
+given out that any man who made her laugh would receive <a name="l_72" id="l_72"></a><a name="l_73" id="l_73"></a>her hand in
+marriage. Now this young lady happened to be looking out of the window
+when Jack was passing by with the donkey on his shoulders; and the poor
+beast with its legs sticking up in the air was kicking violently and
+heehawing with all its might. Well, the sight was so comical that she
+burst out into a great fit of laughter, and immediately recovered her
+speech and hearing. Her father was overjoyed, and fulfilled his promise
+by marrying her to Lazy Jack, who was thus made a rich gentleman. They
+lived in a large house, and Jack's mother lived with them in great
+happiness until she died.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/illus-3.jpg"><img id="illus-3" src="images/illus-3-tb.jpg" alt="The giant Cormoran was the terror of all the
+country-side." title="The giant Cormoran was the terror of all the
+country-side." /></a></div>
+<h4>The giant Cormoran was the terror of all the
+country-side.</h4>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_74" id="l_74"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="JACK_THE_GIANT-KILLER" id="JACK_THE_GIANT-KILLER"></a>JACK THE GIANT-KILLER</h2>
+
+<h3>I</h3>
+
+<p>When good King Arthur reigned with Guinevere his Queen, there lived,
+near the Land's End in Cornwall, a farmer who had one only son called
+Jack. Now Jack was brisk and ready; of such a lively wit that none nor
+nothing could worst him.</p>
+
+<p>In those days, the Mount of St. Michael in Cornwall was the fastness of
+a hugeous giant whose name was Cormoran.</p>
+
+<p>He was full eighteen feet in height, some three yards about his middle,
+of a grim fierce face, and he was the terror of all the country-side. He
+lived in a cave amidst the rocky Mount, and when he desired victuals he
+would wade across the tides to the mainland and furnish himself forth
+with all that came in his way. The poor folk and the rich folk alike ran
+out of their houses and hid themselves when they heard the swish-swash
+of his big feet in the water; for if he saw them, he would think nothing
+of broiling half-a-dozen or so of them for breakfast. As it was, he
+<a name="l_75" id="l_75"></a>seized their cattle by the score, carrying off half-a-dozen fat oxen on
+his back at a time, and hanging sheep and pigs to his waistbelt like
+bunches of dip-candles. Now this had gone on for long years, and the
+poor folk of Cornwall were in despair, for none could put an end to the
+giant Cormoran.</p>
+
+<p>It so happened that one market day Jack, then quite a young lad, found
+the town upside down over some new exploit of the giant's. Women were
+weeping, men were cursing, and the magistrates were sitting in Council
+over what was to be done. But none could suggest a plan. Then Jack,
+blithe and gay, went up to the magistrates, and with a fine
+courtesy&mdash;for he was ever polite&mdash;asked them what reward would be given
+to him who killed the giant Cormoran.</p>
+
+<p>"The treasures of the Giant's Cave," quoth they.</p>
+
+<p>"Every whit of it?" quoth Jack, who was never to be done.</p>
+
+<p>"To the last farthing," quoth they.</p>
+
+<p>"Then will I undertake the task," said Jack, and forthwith set about the
+business.</p>
+
+<p>It was winter-time, and having got himself a horn, a pickaxe, and a
+shovel, he went over to the Mount in the dark evening, set to work, and
+before dawn he had dug a pit, no less than twenty-two feet deep and nigh
+as big across. This he covered with long thin sticks and straw,
+sprinkling a little loose mould over all to make it look like solid
+ground. So, just as dawn was breaking, he planted himself fair and
+square on the side of the pit that was farthest from the <a name="l_76" id="l_76"></a>giant's cave,
+raised the horn to his lips, and with full blast sounded:</p>
+
+<p class='center'>"Tantivy! Tantivy! Tantivy!"</p>
+
+<p>just as he would have done had he been hunting a fox.</p>
+
+<p>Of course this woke the giant, who rushed in a rage out of his cave, and
+seeing little Jack, fair and square blowing away at his horn, as calm
+and cool as may be, he became still more angry, and made for the
+disturber of his rest, bawling out, "I'll teach you to wake a giant, you
+little whipper-snapper. You shall pay dearly for your tantivys, I'll
+take you and broil you whole for break&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>He had only got as far as this when crash&mdash;he fell into the pit! So
+there was a break indeed; such an one that it caused the very
+foundations of the Mount to shake.</p>
+
+<p>But Jack shook with laughter. "Ho, ho!" he cried, "how about breakfast
+now, Sir Giant? Will you have me broiled or baked? And will no diet
+serve you but poor little Jack? Faith! I've got you in Lob's pound now!
+You're in the stocks for bad behaviour, and I'll plague you as I like.
+Would I had rotten eggs; but this will do as well." And with that he up
+with his pickaxe and dealt the giant Cormoran such a most weighty knock
+on the very crown of his head, that he killed him on the spot.</p>
+
+<p>Whereupon Jack calmly filled up the pit with earth again and went to
+search the cave, where he found much treasure.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_77" id="l_77"></a>Now when the magistrates heard of Jack's great exploit, they proclaimed
+that henceforth he should be known as&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class='center'><big>JACK THE GIANT-KILLER.</big></p>
+
+<p>And they presented him with a sword and belt, on which these words were
+embroidered in gold:</p>
+
+<p class='center'>
+Here's the valiant Cornishman<br />
+Who slew the giant Cormoran.
+</p>
+
+<h3>II</h3>
+
+<p>Of course the news of Jack's victory soon spread over all England, so
+that another giant named Blunderbore who lived to the north, hearing of
+it, vowed if ever he came across Jack he would be revenged upon him. Now
+this giant Blunderbore was lord of an enchanted castle that stood in the
+middle of a lonesome forest.</p>
+
+<p>It so happened that Jack, about four months after he had killed
+Cormoran, had occasion to journey into Wales, and on the road he passed
+this forest. Weary with walking, and finding a pleasant fountain by the
+wayside, he lay down to rest and was soon fast asleep.</p>
+
+<p>Now the giant Blunderbore, coming to the well for water, found Jack
+sleeping, and knew by the lines embroidered on his belt that here was
+the far-famed giant-killer. Rejoiced at his luck, the giant, without
+more ado, lifted Jack to his shoulder and began to carry him through the
+wood to the enchanted castle.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_78" id="l_78"></a>But the rustling of the boughs awakened Jack, who, finding himself
+already in the clutches of the giant, was terrified; nor was his alarm
+decreased by seeing the courtyard of the castle all strewn with men's
+bones.</p>
+
+<p>"Yours will be with them ere long," said Blunderbore as he locked poor
+Jack into an immense chamber above the castle gateway. It had a
+high-pitched, beamed roof, and one window that looked down the road.
+Here poor Jack was to stay while Blunderbore went to fetch his
+brother-giant, who lived in the same wood, that he might share in the
+feast.</p>
+
+<p>Now, after a time, Jack, watching through the window, saw the two giants
+tramping hastily down the road, eager for their dinner.</p>
+
+<p>"Now," quoth Jack to himself, "my death or my deliverance is at hand."
+For he had thought out a plan. In one corner of the room he had seen two
+strong cords. These he took, and making a cunning noose at the end of
+each, he hung them out of the window, and, as the giants were unlocking
+the iron door of the gate, managed to slip them over their heads without
+their noticing it. Then, quick as thought, he tied the other ends to a
+beam, so that as the giants moved on the nooses tightened and throttled
+them until they grew black in the face. Seeing this, Jack slid down the
+ropes, and drawing his sword, slew them both.</p>
+
+<p>So, taking the keys of the castle, he unlocked all the doors and set
+free three beauteous ladies who, tied by the hair of their heads, he
+found almost starved to death.<a name="l_79" id="l_79"></a> "Sweet ladies," quoth Jack, kneeling on
+one knee&mdash;for he was ever polite&mdash;"here are the keys of this enchanted
+castle. I have destroyed the giant Blunderbore and his brutish brother,
+and thus have restored to you your liberty. These keys should bring you
+all else you require."</p>
+
+<p>So saying he proceeded on his journey to Wales.</p>
+
+
+<h3>III</h3>
+
+<p>He travelled as fast as he could; perhaps too fast, for, losing his way,
+he found himself benighted and far from any habitation. He wandered on
+always in hopes, until on entering a narrow valley he came on a very
+large, dreary-looking house standing alone. Being anxious for shelter he
+went up to the door and knocked. You may imagine his surprise and alarm
+when the summons was answered by a giant with two heads. But though this
+monster's look was exceedingly fierce, his manners were quite polite;
+the truth being that he was a Welsh giant, and as such double-faced and
+smooth, given to gaining his malicious ends by a show of false
+friendship.</p>
+
+<p>So he welcomed Jack heartily in a strong Welsh accent, and prepared a
+bedroom for him, where he was left with kind wishes for a good rest.
+Jack, however, was too tired to sleep well, and as he lay awake, he
+overheard his host muttering to himself in the next room. Having very
+keen ears he was able to make out these words, or something like them:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Though here you lodge with me this night,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">You shall not see the morning light.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">My club shall dash your brains outright."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>"Say'st thou so!" quoth Jack to himself, starting up at once, "So that
+is your Welsh trick, is it? But I will be even with you." Then, leaving
+his bed, he laid a big billet of wood among the blankets, and taking one
+of these to keep himself warm, made himself snug in a corner of the
+room, pretending to snore, so as to make Mr. Giant think he was asleep.</p>
+
+<p>And sure enough,<a name="l_80" id="l_80"></a> after a little time, in came the monster on tiptoe as
+if treading on eggs, and carrying a big club. Then&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">WHACK! WHACK! WHACK!</span></p>
+
+<p>Jack could hear the bed being belaboured until the Giant, thinking every
+bone of his guest's skin must be broken, stole out of the room again;
+whereupon Jack went calmly to bed once more and slept soundly! Next
+morning the giant couldn't believe his eyes when he saw Jack coming down
+the stairs fresh and hearty.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/illus-4.jpg"><img id="illus-4" src="images/illus-4-tb.jpg" alt="Taking the keys of the castle, Jack unlocked all the
+doors." title="Taking the keys of the castle, Jack unlocked all the
+doors." /></a></div>
+
+<h4>Taking the keys of the castle, Jack unlocked all the doors.</h4>
+
+<p>"Odds splutter hur nails!" he cried, astonished. "Did she sleep well?
+Was there not nothing felt in the night?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh," replied Jack, laughing in his sleeve, "I think a rat did come and
+give me two or three flaps of his tail."</p>
+
+
+<p>On this the giant was dumbfoundered, and led Jack to breakfast, bringing
+him a bowl which held at least four <a name="l_81" id="l_81"></a>gallons of hasty-pudding, and
+bidding him, as a man of such mettle, eat the lot. Now Jack when
+travelling wore under his cloak a leathern bag to carry his things
+withal; so, quick as thought, he hitched this round in front with the
+opening just under his chin; thus, as he ate, he could slip the best
+part of the pudding into it without the giant's being any the wiser. So
+they sate down to breakfast, the giant <a name="l_83" id="l_83"></a>gobbling down his own measure of
+hasty-pudding, while Jack made away with his.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-079" src="images/illus-079.jpg" alt="Odds splutter hur nails! cried the giant, not to be outdone. Hur can do that hurself!" title="Odds splutter hur nails! cried the giant, not to be outdone. Hur can do that hurself!" /></div>
+
+<p>"See," says crafty Jack when he had finished. "I'll show you a trick
+worth two of yours," and with that he up with a carving-knife and,
+ripping up the leathern bag, out fell all the hasty-pudding on the
+floor!</p>
+
+<p>"Odds splutter hur nails!" cried the giant, not to be outdone. "Hur can
+do that hurself!" Whereupon he seized the carving-knife, and ripping
+open his own belly fell down dead.</p>
+
+<p>Thus was Jack quit of the Welsh giant.</p>
+
+
+<h3>IV</h3>
+
+<p>Now it so happened that in those days, when gallant knights were always
+seeking adventures, King Arthur's only son, a very valiant Prince,
+begged of his father a large sum of money to enable him to journey to
+Wales, and there strive to set free a certain beautiful lady who was
+possessed by seven evil spirits. In vain the King denied him; so at last
+he gave way and the Prince set out with two horses, one of which he
+rode, the other laden with gold pieces. Now after some days' journey the
+Prince came to a market-town in Wales where there was a great commotion.
+On asking the reason for it he was told that, according to law, the
+corpse of a very generous man had been arrested on its way to the grave,
+because, in life, it had owed large sums to the money-lenders.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_84" id="l_84"></a>"That is a cruel law," said the young Prince. "Go, bury the dead in
+peace, and let the creditors come to my lodgings; I will pay the debts
+of the dead."</p>
+
+<p>So the creditors came, but they were so numerous that by evening the
+Prince had but twopence left for himself, and could not go further on
+his journey.</p>
+
+<p>Now it so happened that Jack the Giant-Killer on his way to Wales passed
+through the town, and, hearing of the Prince's plight, was so taken with
+his kindness and generosity that he determined to be the Prince's
+servant. So this was agreed upon, and next morning, after Jack had paid
+the reckoning with his last farthing, the two set out together. But as
+they were leaving the town, an old woman ran after the Prince and called
+out, "Justice! Justice! The dead man owed me twopence these seven years.
+Pay me as well as the others."</p>
+
+<p>And the Prince, kind and generous, put his hand to his pocket and gave
+the old woman the twopence that was left to him. So now they had not a
+penny between them, and when the sun grew low the Prince said:</p>
+
+<p>"Jack! Since we have no money, how are we to get a night's lodging?"</p>
+
+<p>Then Jack replied, "We shall do well enough, Master; for within two or
+three miles of this place there lives a huge and monstrous giant with
+three heads, who can fight four hundred men in armour and make them fly
+from him like chaff before the wind."</p>
+
+<p>"And what good will that be to us?" quoth the Prince. "He will for sure
+chop us up in a mouthful."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," said Jack, laughing. "Let me go and prepare the way for you. By
+all accounts this giant is a dolt. Mayhap I may manage better than
+that."</p>
+
+<p>So the Prince remained where he was, and Jack pricked his steed at full
+speed till he came to the giant's castle, at the gate of which he
+knocked so loud that he made the neighbouring hills resound.</p>
+
+<p>On this the giant roared from within in a voice like thunder:<a name="l_85" id="l_85"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Who's there?"</p>
+
+<p>Then said Jack as bold as brass, "None but your poor cousin Jack."</p>
+
+<p>"Cousin Jack!" quoth the giant, astounded. "And what news with my poor
+cousin Jack?" For, see you, he was quite taken aback; so Jack made haste
+to reassure him.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear coz, heavy news, God wot!"</p>
+
+<p>"Heavy news," echoed the giant, half afraid. "God wot, no heavy news can
+come to me. Have I not three heads? Can I not fight five hundred men in
+armour? Can I not make them fly like chaff before the wind?"</p>
+
+<p>"True," replied crafty Jack, "but I came to warn you because the great
+King Arthur's son with a thousand men in armour is on his way to kill
+you."</p>
+
+<p>At this the giant began to shiver and to shake. "Ah! Cousin Jack! Kind
+cousin Jack! This is heavy news indeed," quoth he. "Tell me, what am I
+to do?"</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-087" src="images/illus-087.jpg" alt="Ah! Cousin Jack! Kind cousin Jack! This is heavy news indeed" title="Ah! Cousin Jack! Kind cousin Jack! This is heavy news indeed" /></div>
+
+<p>"Hide yourself in the vault," says crafty Jack, "and I <a name="l_86" id="l_86"></a>will lock and
+bolt and bar you in; and keep the key till the Prince has gone. So you
+will be safe."</p>
+
+<p>Then the giant made haste and ran down into the vault, and Jack locked,
+and bolted, and barred him in. Then being thus secure, he went and
+fetched his master, and the two made themselves heartily merry over what
+the giant was to have had for supper, while the miserable monster
+shivered and shook with fright in the underground vault.</p>
+
+<p>Well, after a good night's rest Jack woke his master in early morn, and
+having furnished him well with gold and silver from the giant's
+treasure, bade him ride three miles forward on his journey. So when Jack
+judged that the<a name="l_87" id="l_87"></a> Prince was pretty well out of the smell of the giant,
+he took the key and let his prisoner out. He was half dead with cold and
+damp, but very grateful; and he begged Jack to let him know what he
+would be given as a reward for saving the giant's life and castle from
+destruction, and he should have it.</p>
+
+<p>"You're very welcome," said Jack, who always had his eyes about him.
+"All I want is the old coat and cap, together with the rusty old sword
+and slippers which are at your bed-head."</p>
+
+<p>When the giant heard this he sighed and shook his head. "You don't know
+what you are asking," quoth he. "They are the most precious things I
+possess, but as I have promised, you must have them. The coat will make
+you invisible, the cap will tell you all you want to know, the sword
+will cut asunder whatever you strike, and the slippers will take you
+wherever you want to go in the twinkling of an eye!"</p>
+
+<p>So Jack, overjoyed, rode away with the coat and cap, the sword and the
+slippers, and soon overtook his master; and they rode on together until
+they reached the castle where the beautiful lady lived whom the Prince
+sought.</p>
+
+<p>Now she was very beautiful, for all she was possessed of seven devils,
+and when she heard the Prince sought her as a suitor, she smiled and
+ordered a splendid banquet to be prepared for his reception. And she
+sate on his right hand, and plied him with food and drink.</p>
+
+<p>And when the repast was over she took out her own <a name="l_88" id="l_88"></a>handkerchief and
+wiped his lips gently, and said, with a smile:</p>
+
+<p>"I have a task for you, my lord! You must show me that kerchief
+to-morrow morning or lose your head."</p>
+
+<p>And with that she put the handkerchief in her bosom and said,
+"Good-night!"</p>
+
+<p>The Prince was in despair, but Jack said nothing till his master was in
+bed. Then he put on the old cap he had got from the giant, and lo! in a
+minute he knew all that he wanted to know. So, in the dead of the night,
+when the beautiful lady called on one of her familiar spirits to carry
+her to Lucifer himself, Jack was beforehand with her, and putting on his
+coat of darkness and his slippers of swiftness, was there as soon as she
+was. And when she gave the handkerchief to the Devil, bidding him keep
+it safe, and he put it away on a high shelf, Jack just up and nipped it
+away in a trice!</p>
+
+<p>So the next morning, when the beauteous enchanted lady looked to see the
+Prince crestfallen, he just made a fine bow and presented her with the
+handkerchief.</p>
+
+<p>At first she was terribly disappointed, but, as the day drew on, she
+ordered another and still more splendid repast to be got ready. And this
+time, when the repast was over, she kissed the Prince full on the lips
+and said:</p>
+
+<p>"I have a task for you, my lover. Show me to-morrow morning the last
+lips I kiss to-night or you lose your head."</p>
+
+<p>Then the Prince, who by this time was head over ears in love, said
+tenderly, "If you will kiss none but mine, I will."<a name="l_89" id="l_89"></a> Now the beauteous
+lady, for all she was possessed by seven devils, could not but see that
+the Prince was a very handsome young man; so she blushed a little, and
+said:</p>
+
+<p>"That is neither here nor there: you must show me them, or death is your
+portion."</p>
+
+<p>So the Prince went to his bed, sorrowful as before; but Jack put on the
+cap of knowledge and knew in a moment all he wanted to know.</p>
+
+<p>Thus when, in the dead of the night, the beauteous lady called on her
+familiar spirit to take her to Lucifer himself, Jack in his coat of
+darkness and his shoes of swiftness was there before her.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou hast betrayed me once," said the beauteous lady to Lucifer,
+frowning, "by letting go my handkerchief. Now will I give thee something
+none can steal, and so best the Prince, King's son though he be."</p>
+
+<p>With that she kissed the loathly demon full on the lips, and left him.
+Whereupon Jack with one blow of the rusty sword of strength cut off
+Lucifer's head, and, hiding it under his coat of darkness, brought it
+back to his master.</p>
+
+<p>Thus next morning when the beauteous lady, with malice in her beautiful
+eyes, asked the Prince to show her the lips she had last kissed, he
+pulled out the demon's head by the horns. On that the seven devils,
+which possessed the poor lady, gave seven dreadful shrieks and left her.
+Thus the enchantment being broken, she appeared in all her perfect
+beauty and goodness.</p>
+
+<p>So she and the Prince were married the very next <a name="l_90" id="l_90"></a>morning. After which
+they journeyed back to the court of King Arthur, where Jack the
+Giant-Killer, for his many exploits, was made one of the Knights of the
+Round Table.</p>
+
+
+<h3>V</h3>
+
+<p>This, however, did not satisfy our hero, who was soon on the road again
+searching for giants. Now he had not gone far when he came upon one,
+seated on a huge block of timber near the entrance to a dark cave. He
+was a most terrific giant. His goggle eyes were as coals of fire, his
+countenance was grim and gruesome; his cheeks, like huge flitches of
+bacon, were covered with a stubbly beard, the bristles of which
+resembled rods of iron wire, while the locks of hair that fell on his
+brawny shoulders showed like curled snakes or hissing adders. He held a
+knotted iron club, and breathed so heavily you could hear him a mile
+away. Nothing daunted by this fearsome sight, Jack alighted from his
+horse and, putting on his coat of darkness, went close up to the giant
+and said softly: "Hullo! is that you? It will not be long before I have
+you fast by your beard."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-091" src="images/illus-091.jpg" alt="Seated on a huge block of timber near the entrance to a dark cave" title="Seated on a huge block of timber near the entrance to a dark cave" /></div>
+
+<p>So saying he made a cut with the sword of strength at the giant's head,
+but, somehow, missing his aim, cut off the nose instead, clean as a
+whistle! My goodness! How the giant roared! It was like claps of
+thunder, and he began to lay about him with the knotted iron club, like
+one possessed. But Jack in his coat of darkness easily dodged <a name="l_91" id="l_91"></a>the
+blows, and running in behind, drove the sword up to the hilt into the
+giant's back, so that he fell stone dead.</p>
+
+<p>Jack then cut off the head and sent it to King Arthur by a waggoner whom
+he hired for the purpose. After which he began to search the giant's
+cave to find his treasure. He passed through many windings and turnings
+until he came to a huge hall paved and roofed with freestone. At the
+upper end of this was an immense fireplace where hung an iron cauldron,
+the like of which, for size, Jack had never seen before. It was boiling
+and gave out a savoury steam; while beside it, on the right hand, stood
+a big massive table set out with huge platters and mugs. Here it was
+that the giants used to dine. Going a little further he came upon a
+sort of window barred with iron, and looking within beheld a vast number
+of miserable captives.</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! Alack!" they cried on seeing him. "Art come, young man, to join
+us in this dreadful prison?"</p>
+
+<p>"That depends," quoth Jack:<a name="l_92" id="l_92"></a> "but first tell me wherefore you are thus
+held imprisoned?"</p>
+
+<p>"Through no fault," they cried at once. "We are captives of the cruel
+giants and are kept here and well nourished until such time as the
+monsters desire a feast. Then they choose the fattest and sup off them."</p>
+
+<p>On hearing this Jack straightway unlocked the door of the prison and set
+the poor fellows free. Then, searching the giants' coffers, he divided
+the gold and silver equally amongst the captives as some redress for
+their sufferings, and taking them to a neighbouring castle gave them a
+right good feast.</p>
+
+
+<h3>VI</h3>
+
+<p>Now as they were all making merry over their deliverance, and praising
+Jack's prowess, a messenger arrived to say that one Thunderdell, a huge
+giant with two heads, having heard of the death of his kinsman, was on
+his way from the northern dales to be revenged, and was already within a
+mile or two of the castle, the country folk with their flocks and herds
+flying before him like chaff before the wind.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-093" src="images/illus-093.jpg" alt="On his way to be revenged" title="On his way to be revenged" /></div>
+
+<p>Now the castle with its gardens stood on a small island that was
+surrounded by a moat twenty feet wide and thirty <a name="l_93" id="l_93"></a>feet deep, having very
+steep sides. And this moat was spanned by a drawbridge. This, without a
+moment's delay, Jack ordered should be sawn on both sides at the middle,
+so as to only leave one plank uncut over which he in his invisible coat
+of darkness passed swiftly to meet his enemy, bearing in his hand the
+wonderful sword of strength.</p>
+
+<p>Now though the giant could not, of course, see Jack, he could smell him,
+for giants have keen noses. Therefore Thunderdell cried out in a voice
+like his name:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Fee, fi, fo, fum!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">I smell the blood of an Englishman.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Be he alive, or be he dead,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">I'll grind his bones to make my bread!"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_94" id="l_94"></a></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-095a" src="images/illus-095a.jpg" alt="The country folk flying before him like chaff before the wind" title="The country folk flying before him like chaff before the wind" /></div>
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/illus-095b.jpg" alt="The country folk flying before him like chaff before the wind" title="The country folk flying before him like chaff before the wind" /></div>
+
+<p>"Is that so?" quoth Jack, cheerful as ever. "Then art thou a monstrous
+miller for sure!"</p>
+
+<p>On this the giant, peering round everywhere for a glimpse of his foe,
+shouted out:</p>
+
+<p>"Art thou, indeed, the villain who hath killed so many of my kinsmen?
+Then, indeed, will I tear thee to pieces with my teeth, suck thy blood,
+and grind thy bones to powder."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou'lt have to catch me first," quoth Jack, laughing, and throwing off
+his coat of darkness and putting on his slippers of swiftness, he began
+nimbly to lead the giant a pretty dance, he leaping and doubling light
+as a feather, the monster following heavily like a walking tower, so
+<a name="l_95" id="l_95"></a>that the very foundations of the earth seemed to shake at every step.
+At this game the onlookers nearly split their sides with laughter, until
+Jack, judging there had been enough of it, made for the drawbridge, ran
+neatly over the single plank, and reaching the other side waited in
+teasing fashion for his adversary.</p>
+
+<p>On came the giant at full speed, foaming at the mouth with rage, and
+flourishing his club. But when he came to the middle of the bridge his
+great weight, of course, broke the plank, and there he was fallen
+headlong into the moat, rolling and wallowing like a whale, plunging
+from place to place, yet unable to get out and be revenged.</p>
+
+<p>The spectators greeted his efforts with roars of laughter, and Jack
+himself was at first too overcome with merriment to do more than scoff.
+At last, however, he went for a rope, cast it over the giant's two
+heads, so, with the help of a team of horses, drew them shorewards,
+where two blows from the sword of strength settled the matter.</p>
+
+
+<h3>VII</h3>
+
+<p>After some time spent in mirth and pastimes, Jack began once more to
+grow restless, and taking leave of his companions set out for fresh
+adventures.</p>
+
+<p>He travelled far and fast, through woods, and vales, and hills, till at
+last he came, late at night, on a lonesome house set at the foot of a
+high mountain.<a name="l_96" id="l_96"></a> Knocking at the door, it was opened by an old man whose
+head was white as snow.</p>
+
+<p>"Father," said Jack, ever courteous, "can you lodge a benighted
+traveller?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, that will I, and welcome to my poor cottage," replied the old man.</p>
+
+<p>Whereupon Jack came in, and after supper they sate together chatting in
+friendly fashion. Then it was that the old man, seeing by Jack's belt
+that he was the famous Giant-Killer, spoke in this wise:</p>
+
+<p>"My son! You are the great conqueror of evil monsters. Now close by
+there lives one well worthy of your prowess. On the top of yonder high
+hill is an enchanted castle kept by a giant named Galligantua, who, by
+the help of a wicked old magician, inveigles many beautiful ladies and
+valiant knights into the castle, where they are transformed into all
+sorts of birds and beasts, yea, even into fishes and insects. There they
+live pitiably in confinement; but most of all do I grieve for a duke's
+daughter whom they kidnapped in her father's garden, bringing her hither
+in a burning chariot drawn by fiery dragons. Her form is that of a white
+hind; and though many valiant knights have tried their utmost to break
+the spell and work her deliverance, none have succeeded; for, see you,
+at the entrance to the castle are two dreadful griffins who destroy
+every one who attempts to pass them by."</p>
+
+<p>Now Jack bethought him of the coat of darkness which had served him so
+well before, and he put on the cap of <a name="l_97" id="l_97"></a>knowledge, and in an instant he
+knew what had to be done. Then the very next morning, at dawn-time, Jack
+arose and put on his invisible coat and his slippers of swiftness. And
+in the twinkling of an eye there he was on the top of the mountain! And
+there were the two griffins guarding the castle gates&mdash;horrible
+creatures with forked tails and tongues. But they could not see him
+because of the coat of darkness, so he passed them by unharmed.</p>
+
+<p>And hung to the doors of the gateway he found a golden trumpet on a
+silver chain, and beneath it was engraved in red lettering:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Whoever shall this trumpet blow</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Will cause the giant's overthrow.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The black enchantment he will break,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And gladness out of sadness make.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>No sooner had Jack read these words than he put the horn to his lips and
+blew a loud</p>
+
+<p class='center'>"Tantivy! Tantivy! Tantivy!"</p>
+
+<p>Now at the very first note the castle trembled to its vast foundations,
+and before he had finished the measure, both the giant and the magician
+were biting their thumbs and tearing their hair, knowing that their
+wickedness must now come to an end. But the giant showed fight and took
+up his club to defend himself; whereupon Jack, with one clean cut of the
+sword of strength, severed his head from his body, and would doubtless
+have done the same to the magician, but that the latter was a coward,
+and, calling up <a name="l_98" id="l_98"></a>a whirlwind, was swept away by it into the air, nor
+has he ever been seen or heard of since. The enchantments being thus
+broken, all the valiant knights and beautiful ladies, who had been
+transformed into birds and beasts and fishes and reptiles and insects,
+returned to their proper shapes, including the duke's daughter, who,
+from being a white hind, showed as the most beauteous maiden upon whom
+the sun ever shone. Now, no sooner had this occurred than the whole
+castle vanished away in a cloud of smoke, and from that moment giants
+vanished also from the land.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/illus-5.jpg"><img id="illus-5" src="images/illus-5-tb.jpg" alt="The giant Galligantua and the wicked old magician
+transform the duke's daughter into a white hind." title="The giant Galligantua and the wicked old magician
+transform the duke's daughter into a white hind." /></a></div>
+
+<h4>The giant Galligantua and the wicked old magician
+transform the duke's daughter into a white hind.</h4>
+
+<p>So Jack, when he had presented the head of Galligantua to King Arthur,
+together with all the lords and ladies he had delivered from
+enchantment, found he had nothing more to do. As a reward for past
+services, however, King Arthur bestowed the hand of the duke's daughter
+upon honest Jack the Giant-Killer. So married they were, and the whole
+kingdom was filled with joy at their wedding. Furthermore, the King
+bestowed on Jack a noble castle with a magnificent estate belonging
+thereto, whereon he, his lady, and their children lived in great joy and
+content for the rest of their days.<a name="l_100" id="l_100"></a></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-100" src="images/illus-100.jpg" alt="The Three Sillies" title="The Three Sillies" /></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_THREE_SILLIES" id="THE_THREE_SILLIES"></a>THE THREE SILLIES</h2>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time, when folk were not so wise as they are nowadays, there
+lived a farmer and his wife who had one daughter. And she, being a
+pretty lass, was courted by the young squire when he came home from his
+travels.</p>
+
+<p>Now every evening he would stroll over from the Hall to see her and stop
+to supper in the farm-house, and every evening the daughter would go
+down into the cellar to draw the cider for supper.</p>
+
+<p>So one evening when she had gone down to draw the cider and had turned
+the tap as usual, she happened to look up at the ceiling, and there she
+saw a big wooden mallet stuck in one of the beams.</p>
+
+<p>It must have been there for ages and ages, for it was all covered with
+cobwebs; but somehow or another she had never noticed it before, and at
+once she began thinking how dangerous it was to have the mallet just
+there.</p>
+
+<p>"For," thought she, "supposing him and me was <a name="l_101" id="l_101"></a>married, and supposing we
+was to have a son, and supposing he were to grow up to be a man, and
+supposing he were to come down to draw cider like as I'm doing, and
+supposing the mallet were to fall on his head and kill him, how dreadful
+it would be!"</p>
+
+<p>And with that she put down the candle she was carrying and, seating
+herself on a cask, began to cry. And she cried and cried and cried.</p>
+
+<p>Now, upstairs, they began to wonder why she was so long drawing the
+cider; so after a time her mother went down to the cellar to see what
+had come to her, and found her, seated on the cask, crying ever so hard,
+and the cider running all over the floor.</p>
+
+<p>"Lawks a mercy me!" cried her mother, "whatever is the matter?"</p>
+
+<p>"O mother!" says she between her sobs, "it's that horrid mallet.
+Supposing him and me was married, and supposing we was to have a son,
+and supposing he was to grow up to be a man, and supposing he was to
+come down to draw cider like as I'm doing, and supposing the mallet were
+to fall on his head and kill him, how dreadful it would be!"</p>
+
+<p>"Dear heart!" said the mother, seating herself beside her daughter and
+beginning to cry: "How dreadful it would be!"</p>
+
+<p>So they both sat a-crying.</p>
+
+<p>Now after a time, when they did not come back, the farmer began to
+wonder what had happened, and going <a name="l_102" id="l_102"></a>down to the cellar found them
+seated side by side on the cask, crying hard, and the cider running all
+over the floor.</p>
+
+<p>"Zounds!" says he, "whatever is the matter?"</p>
+
+<p>"Just look at that horrid mallet up there, father," moaned the mother.
+"Supposing our daughter was to marry her sweetheart, and supposing they
+was to have a son, and supposing he was to grow to man's estate, and
+supposing he was to come down to draw cider like as we're doing, and
+supposing that there mallet was to fall on his head and kill him, how
+dreadful it would be!"</p>
+
+<p>"Dreadful indeed!" said the father and, seating himself beside his wife
+and daughter, started a-crying too.</p>
+
+<p>Now upstairs the young squire wanted his supper; so at last he lost
+patience and went down into the cellar to see for himself what they were
+all after. And there he found them seated side by side on the cask
+a-crying, with their feet all a-wash in cider, for the floor was fair
+flooded. So the first thing he did was to run straight and turn off the
+tap. Then he said:</p>
+
+<p>"What are you three after, sitting there crying like babies, and letting
+good cider run over the floor?"</p>
+
+<p>Then they all three began with one voice, "Look at that horrid mallet!
+Supposing you and <sup>me</sup>/<sub>she</sub> was married, and supposing <sup>we</sup>/<sub>you</sub> had a
+son, and supposing he was to grow to man's estate, and supposing he was
+to come down here to draw cider like as we be, and supposing that there
+mallet <a name="l_103" id="l_103"></a>was to fall down on his head and kill him, how dreadful it would
+be!"</p>
+
+<p>Then the young squire burst out a-laughing, and laughed till he was
+tired. But at last he reached up to the old mallet and pulled it out,
+and put it safe on the floor. And he shook his head and said, "I've
+travelled far and I've travelled fast, but never have I met with three
+such sillies as you three. Now I can't marry one of the three biggest
+sillies in the world. So I shall start again on my travels, and if I can
+find three bigger sillies than you three, then I'll come back and be
+married&mdash;not otherwise."</p>
+
+<p>So he wished them good-bye and started again on his travels, leaving
+them all crying; this time because the marriage was off!</p>
+
+<p>Well, the young man travelled far and he travelled fast, but never did
+he find a bigger silly, until one day he came upon an old woman's
+cottage that had some grass growing on the thatched roof.</p>
+
+<p>And the old woman was trying her best to cudgel her cow into going up a
+ladder to eat the grass. But the poor thing was afraid and durst not go.
+Then the old woman tried coaxing, but it wouldn't go. You never saw such
+a sight! The cow getting more and more flustered and obstinate, the old
+woman getting hotter and hotter.</p>
+
+<p>At last the young squire said, "It would be easier if <i>you</i> went up the
+ladder, cut the grass, and threw it down for the cow to eat."</p>
+
+<p>"A likely story that," says the old woman. "A cow <a name="l_104" id="l_104"></a>can cut grass for
+herself. And the foolish thing will be quite safe up there, for I'll tie
+a rope round her neck, pass the rope down the chimney, and fasten
+t'other end to my wrist, so as when I'm doing my bit o' washing, she
+can't fall off the roof without my knowing it. So mind your own
+business, young sir."</p>
+
+<p>Well, after a while the old woman coaxed and codgered and bullied and
+badgered the cow up the ladder, and when she got it on to the roof she
+tied a rope round its neck, passed the rope down the chimney, and
+fastened t'other end to her wrist. Then she went about her bit of
+washing, and young squire he went on his way.</p>
+
+<p>But he hadn't gone but a bit when he heard the awfullest hullabaloo. He
+galloped back, and found that the cow had fallen off the roof and got
+strangled by the rope round its neck, while the weight of the cow had
+pulled the old woman by her wrist up the chimney, where she had got
+stuck half-way and been smothered by the soot!</p>
+
+<p>"That is one bigger silly," quoth the young squire as he journeyed on.
+"So now for two more!"</p>
+
+<p>He did not find any, however, till late one night he arrived at a little
+inn. And the inn was so full that he had to share a room with another
+traveller. Now his room-fellow proved quite a pleasant fellow, and they
+forgathered, and each slept well in his bed.</p>
+
+<p>But next morning, when they were dressing, what does the stranger do but
+carefully hang his breeches on the knobs of the tallboy!</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_105" id="l_105"></a>"What are you doing?" asks young squire.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm putting on my breeches," says the stranger; and with that he goes
+to the other end of the room, takes a little run, and tried to jump into
+the breeches.</p>
+
+<p>But he didn't succeed, so he took another run and another try, and
+another and another and another, until he got quite hot and flustered,
+as the old woman had got over her cow that wouldn't go up the ladder.
+And all the time young squire was laughing fit to split, for never in
+his life did he see anything so comical.</p>
+
+<p>Then the stranger stopped a while and mopped his face with his
+handkerchief, for he was all in a sweat. "It's very well laughing," says
+he, "but breeches are the most awkwardest things to get into that ever
+were. It takes me the best part of an hour every morning before I get
+them on. How do you manage yours?"</p>
+
+<p>Then young squire showed him, as well as he could for laughing, how to
+put on his breeches, and the stranger was ever so grateful and said he
+never should have thought of that way.</p>
+
+<p>"So that," quoth young squire to himself, "is a second bigger silly."
+But he travelled far and he travelled fast without finding the third,
+until one bright night when the moon was shining right overhead he came
+upon a village. And outside the village was a pond, and round about the
+pond was a great crowd of villagers. And some had got rakes, and some
+had got pitchforks, and some had got brooms. And they were as busy as
+busy, shouting <a name="l_106" id="l_106"></a>out, and raking, and forking, and sweeping away at the
+pond.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the matter?" cried young squire, jumping off his horse to help.
+"Has any one fallen in?"</p>
+
+<p>"Aye! Matter enough," says they. "Can't 'ee see moon's fallen into the
+pond, an' we can't get her out nohow."</p>
+
+<p>And with that they set to again raking, and forking, and sweeping away.
+Then the young squire burst out laughing, told them they were fools for
+their pains, and bade them look up over their heads where the moon was
+riding broad and full. But they wouldn't, and they wouldn't believe that
+what they saw in the water was only a reflection. And when he insisted
+they began to abuse him roundly and threaten to duck him in the pond. So
+he got on his horse again as quickly as he could, leaving them raking,
+and forking, and sweeping away; and for all we know they may be at it
+yet!</p>
+
+<p>But the young squire said to himself, "There are many more sillies in
+this world than I thought for; so I'll just go back and marry the
+farmer's daughter. She is no sillier than the rest."</p>
+
+<p>So they were married, and if they didn't live happy ever after, that has
+nothing to do with the story of the three sillies.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_107" id="l_107"></a></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-108" src="images/illus-108.jpg" alt="The Golden Ball" title="The Golden Ball" /></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_GOLDEN_BALL" id="THE_GOLDEN_BALL"></a>THE GOLDEN BALL</h2>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time there lived two lasses, who were sisters, and as they
+came from the fair they saw a right handsome young man standing at a
+house door before them. They had never seen such a handsome young man
+before. He had gold on his cap, gold on his finger, gold on his neck,
+gold at his waist! And he had a golden ball in each hand. He gave a ball
+to each lass, saying she was to keep it; but if she lost it, she was to
+be hanged.</p>
+
+<p>Now the youngest of the lasses lost her ball, and this is how. She was
+by a park paling, and she was tossing her ball, and it went up, and up,
+and up, till it went fair over the paling; and when she climbed to look
+for it, the ball <a name="l_108" id="l_108"></a>ran along the green grass, and it ran right forward to
+the door of a house that stood there, and the ball went into the house
+and she saw it no more.</p>
+
+<p>So she was taken away to be hanged by the neck till she was dead,
+because she had lost her ball.</p>
+
+<p>But the lass had a sweetheart, and he said he would go and get the ball.
+So he went to the park gate, but 'twas shut; then he climbed the
+railing, and when he got to the top of it an old woman rose up out of
+the ditch before him and said that if he wanted to get the ball he must
+sleep three nights in the house: so he said he would.</p>
+
+<p>Well! when it was evening, he went into the house, and looked everywhere
+for the ball, but he could not find it, nor any one in the house at all;
+but when night came on he thought he heard bogles moving about in the
+courtyard; so he looked out o' window, and, sure enough, the yard was
+full of them!</p>
+
+<p>Presently he heard steps coming upstairs, so he hid behind the door, and
+was as still as a mouse. Then in came a big giant five times as tall as
+the lad, and looked around; but seeing nothing he went to the window and
+bowed himself to look out; and as he bowed on his elbows to see the
+bogles in the yard, the lad stepped behind him, and with one blow of his
+sword he cut him in twain, so that the top part of him fell in the yard,
+and the bottom part remained standing looking out of the window.</p>
+
+<p>Well! there was a great cry from the bogles when they saw half the giant
+come tumbling down to them, and they called out, "There comes half our
+master; give us the other half."</p>
+
+<p>Then the lad said, "It's no use of thee, thou pair of legs, standing
+alone at the window, as thou hast no eye to see with, so go join thy
+brother"; and he cast the lower part of the giant after the top part.
+Now when the bogles had gotten all the giant they were quiet.</p>
+
+<p>Next night the lad went to sleep in the house again,<a name="l_109" id="l_109"></a> and this time a
+second giant came in at the door, and as he came in the lad cut him in
+twain; but the legs walked on to the fire and went straight up the
+chimney.</p>
+
+<p>"Go, get thee after thy legs," said the lad to the head, and he cast the
+other half of the giant up the chimney.</p>
+
+<p>Now the third night nothing happened, so the lad got into bed; but
+before he went to sleep he heard the bogles striving under the bed, and
+he wondered what they were at. So he peeped, and saw that they had the
+ball there, and were playing with it, casting it to and fro.</p>
+
+<p>Now after a time one of them thrust his leg out from under the bed, and
+quick as anything the lad brings his sword down, and cuts it off. Then
+another bogle thrust his arm out at t'other side of the bed, and in a
+twinkling the lad cuts that off too. So it went on, till at last he had
+maimed them all, and they all went off, crying and wailing, and forgot
+the ball! Then the lad got out of bed, found the ball, and went off at
+once to seek his true love.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-110" src="images/illus-110.jpg" alt="He heard the bogles striving under the bed" title="He heard the bogles striving under the bed" /></div>
+
+<p>Now the lass had been taken to York to be hanged; she was brought out on
+the scaffold, and the hangman said,<a name="l_110" id="l_110"></a> "Now, lass, thou must hang by the
+neck till thou be'st dead." But she cried out:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Stop, stop, I think I see my mother coming!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">O mother, hast thou brought my golden ball</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">And come to set me free?"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>And the mother answered:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"I've neither brought thy golden ball</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">Nor come to set thee free,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">But I have come to see thee hung</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">Upon this gallows-tree."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_111" id="l_111"></a>Then the hangman said, "Now, lass, say thy prayers for thou must die."
+But she said:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Stop, stop, I think I see my father coming!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">O father, hast thou brought my golden ball</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">And come to set me free?"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>And the father answered:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"I've neither brought thy golden ball</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">Nor come to set thee free,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">But I have come to see thee hung</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">Upon this gallows-tree."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Then the hangman said, "Hast thee done thy prayers? Now, lass, put thy
+head into the noose."</p>
+
+<p>But she answered, "Stop, stop, I think I see my brother coming!" And
+again she sang her little verse, and the brother sang back the same
+words. And so with her sister, her uncle, her aunt, and her cousin. But
+they all said the same:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"I've neither brought thy golden ball</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">Nor come to set thee free,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">But I have come to see thee hung</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">Upon this gallows-tree."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Then the hangman said, "I will stop no longer, thou'rt making game of
+me. Thou must be hung at once."</p>
+
+<p>But now, at long last, she saw her sweetheart coming through the crowd,
+so she cried to him:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Stop, stop, I see my sweetheart coming!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Sweetheart, hast thou brought my golden ball</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">And come to set me free?"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_112" id="l_112"></a>Then her sweetheart held up her golden ball and cried:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Aye, I have brought to thee thy golden ball</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">And come to set thee free;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">I have not come to see thee hung</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">Upon this gallows-tree."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>So he took her home, then and there, and they lived happy ever after.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_113" id="l_113"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="THE_TWO_SISTERS" id="THE_TWO_SISTERS"></a>THE TWO SISTERS</h2>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time there were two sisters who were as like each other as
+two peas in a pod; but one was good, and the other was bad-tempered. Now
+their father had no work, so the girls began to think of going to
+service.</p>
+
+<p>"I will go first and see what I can make of it," said the younger
+sister, ever so cheerfully, "then you, sis, can follow if I have good
+luck."</p>
+
+<p>So she packed up a bundle, said good-bye, and started to find a place;
+but no one in the town wanted a girl, and she went farther afield into
+the country. And as she journeyed she came upon an oven in which a lot
+of loaves were baking. Now as she passed, the loaves cried out with one
+voice:</p>
+
+<p>"Little girl! Little girl! Take us out! Please take us out! We have been
+baking for seven years, and no one has come to take us out. Do take us
+out or we shall soon be burnt!"</p>
+
+<p>Then, being a kind, obliging little girl, she stopped, put down her
+bundle, took out the bread, and went on her way saying:</p>
+
+<p>"You will be more comfortable now."</p>
+
+<p>After a time she came to a cow lowing beside an empty pail, and the cow
+said to her:</p>
+
+<p>"Little girl! Little girl! Milk me! Please milk me! Seven years have I
+been waiting, but no one has come to milk me!"</p>
+
+<p>So the kind girl stopped, put down her bundle, milked the cow into the
+pail, and went on her way saying:</p>
+
+<p>"Now you will be more comfortable."</p>
+
+<p>By and by she came to an apple tree so laden with fruit that its
+branches were nigh to break, and the apple tree called to her:</p>
+
+<p>"Little girl! Little girl! Please shake my branches. The fruit is so
+heavy I can't stand straight!"</p>
+
+<p>Then the kind girl stopped,<a name="l_114" id="l_114"></a> put down her bundle, and shook the branches
+so that the apples fell off, and the tree could stand straight. Then she
+went on her way saying:</p>
+
+<p>"You will be more comfortable now."</p>
+
+<p>So she journeyed on till she came to a house where an old witch-woman
+lived. Now this witch-woman wanted a servant-maid, and promised good
+wages. Therefore the girl agreed to stop with her and try how she liked
+service. She had to sweep the floor, keep the house clean and tidy, the
+fire bright and cheery. But there was one thing the witch-woman said she
+must never do; and that was look up the chimney!</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/illus-6.jpg"><img id="illus-6" src="images/illus-6-tb.jpg" alt="Tree of mine! O Tree of mine! Have you seen my naughty
+little maid?" title="Tree of mine! O Tree of mine! Have you seen my naughty
+little maid?" /></a></div>
+
+<h4>"Tree of mine! O Tree of mine! Have you seen my naughty
+little maid?"</h4>
+
+<p>"If you do," said the witch-woman, "something will fall down on you, and
+you will come to a bad end."<a name="l_115" id="l_115"></a> Well! the girl swept, and dusted, and
+made up the fire; but ne'er a penny of wages did she see. Now the girl
+wanted to go home as she did not like witch-service; for the witch used
+to have boiled babies for supper, and bury the bones under some stones
+in the garden. But she did not like to go home penniless; so she stayed
+on, sweeping, and dusting, and doing her work, just as if she was
+pleased. Then one day, as she was sweeping up the hearth, down tumbled
+some soot, and, without remembering she was forbidden to look up the
+chimney, she looked up to see where the soot came from. And, lo and
+behold! a big bag of gold fell plump into her lap.</p>
+
+<p>Now the witch happened to be out on one of her witch errands; so the
+girl thought it a fine opportunity to be off home.</p>
+
+<p>So she kilted up her petticoats and started to run home; but she had
+only gone a little way when she heard the witch-woman coming after her
+on her broomstick. Now the apple tree she had helped to stand straight
+happened to be quite close; so she ran to it and cried:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Apple tree! Apple tree, hide me</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">So the old witch can't find me,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">For if she does she'll pick my bones,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">And bury me under the garden stones."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Then the apple tree said, "Of course I will. You helped me to stand
+straight, and one good turn deserves another."</p>
+
+<p>So the apple tree hid her finely in its green branches; and when the
+witch flew past saying:</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_117" id="l_117"></a></p><p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Tree of mine! O Tree of mine!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Have you seen my naughty little maid</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">With a willy willy wag and a great big bag,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">She's stolen my money&mdash;all I had?"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>The apple tree answered:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"No, mother dear,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Not for seven year!"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>So the witch flew on the wrong way, and the girl got down, thanked the
+tree politely, and started again. But just as she got to where the cow
+was standing beside the pail, she heard the witch coming again, so she
+ran to the cow and cried:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Cow! Cow, please hide me</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">So the witch can't find me;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">If she does she'll pick my bones,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">And bury me under the garden stones!"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly I will," answered the cow. "Didn't you milk me and make me
+comfortable? Hide yourself behind me and you'll be quite safe."</p>
+
+<p>And when the witch flew by and called to the cow:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"O Cow of mine! Cow of mine!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Have you seen my naughty little maid</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">With a willy willy wag and a great big bag,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Who stole my money&mdash;all that I had?"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>She just said politely:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"No, mother dear,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Not for seven year!"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Then the old witch went on in the wrong direction, and the <a name="l_118" id="l_118"></a>girl started
+afresh on her way home; but just as she got to where the oven stood, she
+heard that horrid old witch coming behind her again; so she ran as fast
+as she could to the oven and cried:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"O Oven! Oven! hide me</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">So as the witch can't find me,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">For if she does she'll pick my bones,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">And bury them under the garden stones."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Then the oven said, "I am afraid there is no room for you, as another
+batch of bread is baking; but there is the baker&mdash;ask him."</p>
+
+<p>So she asked the baker, and he said, "Of course I will. You saved my
+last batch from being burnt; so run into the bakehouse, you will be
+quite safe there, and I will settle the witch for you."</p>
+
+<p>So she hid in the bakehouse, only just in time, for there was the old
+witch calling angrily:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"O Man of mine! Man of mine!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Have you seen my naughty little maid</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">With a willy willy wag and a great big bag,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Who's stole my money&mdash;all I had?"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Then the baker replied, "Look in the oven. She may be there."</p>
+
+<p>And the witch alighted from her broomstick and peered into the oven: but
+she could see no one.</p>
+
+<p>"Creep in and look in the farthest corner," said the baker slyly, and
+the witch crept in, when&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class='center'>Bang!&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_119" id="l_119"></a>he shut the door in her face, and there she was roasting. And when she
+came out with the bread she was all crisp and brown, and had to go home
+as best she could and put cold cream all over her!</p>
+
+<p>But the kind, obliging little girl got safe home with her bag of money.</p>
+
+<p>Now the ill-tempered elder sister was very jealous of this good luck,
+and determined to get a bag of gold for herself. So she in her turn
+packed up a bundle and started to seek service by the same road. But
+when she came to the oven, and the loaves begged her to take them out
+because they had been baking seven years and were nigh to burning, she
+tossed her head and said:</p>
+
+<p>"A likely story indeed, that I should burn my fingers to save your
+crusts. No, thank you!"</p>
+
+<p>And with that she went on till she came across the cow standing waiting
+to be milked beside the pail. But when the cow said:</p>
+
+<p>"Little girl! Little girl! Milk me! Please milk me, I've waited seven
+years to be milked&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>She only laughed and replied, "You may wait another seven years for all
+I care. I'm not your dairymaid!"</p>
+
+<p>And with that she went on till she came to the apple tree, all
+overburdened by its fruit. But when it begged her to shake its branches,
+she only giggled, and plucking one ripe apple, said:</p>
+
+<p>"One is enough for me: you can keep the rest yourself."<a name="l_120" id="l_120"></a> And with that
+she went on munching the apple, till she came to the witch-woman's
+house.</p>
+
+<p>Now the witch-woman, though she had got over being crisp and brown from
+the oven, was dreadfully angry with all little maid-servants, and made
+up her mind this one should not trick her. So for a long time she never
+went out of the house; thus the ill-tempered sister never had a chance
+of looking up the chimney, as she had meant to do at once. And she had
+to dust, and clean, and brush, and sweep ever so hard, until she was
+quite tired out.</p>
+
+<p>But one day, when the witch-woman went into the garden to bury her
+bones, she seized the moment, looked up the chimney, and, sure enough, a
+bag of gold fell plump into her lap!</p>
+
+<p>Well! she was off with it in a moment, and ran and ran till she came to
+the apple tree, when she heard the witch-woman behind her. So she cried
+as her sister had done:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Apple tree! Apple tree, hide me</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">So the old witch can't find me,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">For if she does she'll break my bones,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Or bury me under the garden stones."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>But the apple tree said:</p>
+
+<p>"No room here! I've too many apples."</p>
+
+<p>So she had to run on; and when the witch-woman on her broomstick came
+flying by and called:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"O Tree of mine! Tree of mine!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Have you seen a naughty little maid</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">With a willy willy wag and a great big bag,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Who's stolen my money&mdash;all I had?"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_121" id="l_121"></a>The apple tree replied:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Yes, mother dear,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">She's gone down there."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Then the witch-woman went after her, caught her, gave her a thorough
+good beating, took the bag of money away from her, and sent her home
+without a penny payment for all her dusting, and sweeping, and brushing,
+and cleaning.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-122" src="images/illus-122.jpg" alt="The Laidly Worm" title="The Laidly Worm" /></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_122" id="l_122"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="THE_LAIDLY_WORM" id="THE_LAIDLY_WORM"></a>THE LAIDLY WORM</h2>
+
+
+<p>In Bamborough Castle there once lived a King who had two children, a son
+named Childe Wynde, and a daughter who was called May Margret. Their
+mother, a fair woman, was dead, and the King mourned her long and
+faithfully. But, after his son Childe Wynde went to seek his fortune,
+the King, hunting in the forest, came across a lady of such great beauty
+that he fell in love with her at once and determined to marry her.</p>
+
+<p>Now Princess May Margret was not over-pleased to think that her mother's
+place should be taken by a strange <a name="l_123" id="l_123"></a>woman, nor was she pleased to think
+that she would have to give up keeping house for her father the King.
+For she had always taken a pride in her work. But she said nothing,
+though she stood long on the castle walls looking out across the sea
+wishing for her dear brother's return; for, see you, they had mothered
+each other.</p>
+
+<p>Still no news came of Childe Wynde; so on the day when the old King was
+to bring the new Queen home, May Margret counted over the keys of the
+castle chambers, knotted them on a string, and after casting them over
+her left shoulder for luck&mdash;more for her father's sake than for the new
+Queen's regard&mdash;she stood at the castle gate ready to hand over the keys
+to her stepmother.</p>
+
+<p>Now as the bridal procession approached with all the lords of the north
+countrie, and some of the Scots lords in attendance, she looked so fair
+and so sweet, that the lords whispered to one another of her beauty. And
+when, after saying in a voice like a mavis&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Oh welcome, welcome, father,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Unto your halls and towers!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">And welcome too, my stepmother,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">For all that's here is yours!"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>she turned upon the step and tripped into the yard, the Scots lords said
+aloud:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Forsooth! May Margret's grace</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Surpasses all that we have met, she has so fair a face!"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Now the new Queen overheard this, and she stamped <a name="l_124" id="l_124"></a>her foot and her face
+flushed with anger as she turned her about and called:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"You might have excepted me,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">But I will bring May Margret to a Laidly Worm's degree;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">I'll bring her low as a Laidly Worm</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">That warps about a stone,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">And not till the Childe of Wynde come back</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Will the witching be undone."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Well! hearing this May Margret laughed, not knowing that her new
+stepmother, for all her beauty, was a witch; and the laugh made the
+wicked woman still more angry. So that same night she left her royal
+bed, and, returning to the lonely cave where she had ever done her
+magic, she cast Princess May Margret under a spell with charms three
+times three, and passes nine times nine. And this was her spell:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"I weird ye to a Laidly Worm,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">And such sail ye ever be</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Until Childe Wynde the King's dear son</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">Comes home across the sea.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Until the world comes to an end</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">Unspelled ye'll never be,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Unless Childe Wynde of his own free will</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">Sail give you kisses three!"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>So it came to pass that Princess May Margret went to her bed a beauteous
+maiden, full of grace, and rose next morning a Laidly Worm; for when her
+tire-women came to dress her they found coiled up in her bed an awesome
+dragon, which uncoiled itself and came towards them. And <a name="l_125" id="l_125"></a>when they ran
+away terrified, the Laidly Worm crawled and crept, and crept and crawled
+down to the sea till it reached the rock of the Spindlestone which is
+called the Heugh. And there it curled itself round the stone, and lay
+basking in the sun.</p>
+
+<p>Then for seven miles east and seven miles west and seven miles north and
+south the whole country-side knew the hunger of the Laidly Worm of
+Spindlestone Heugh, for it drove the awesome beast to leave its
+resting-place at night and devour everything it came across.</p>
+
+<p>At last a wise warlock told the people that if they wished to be quit of
+these horrors, they must take every drop of the milk of seven white
+milch kine every morn and every eve to the trough of stone at the foot
+of the Heugh, for the Laidly Worm to drink. And this they did, and after
+that the Laidly Worm troubled the country-side no longer; but lay warped
+about the Heugh, looking out to sea with its terrible snout in the air.</p>
+
+<p>But the word of its doings had gone east and had gone west; it had even
+gone over the sea and had come to Childe Wynde's ears; and the news of
+it angered him; for he thought perchance it had something to do with his
+beloved sister May Margret's disappearance. So he called his men-at-arms
+together and said:</p>
+
+<p>"We must sail to Bamborough and land by Spindlestone, so as to quell and
+kill this Laidly Worm."</p>
+
+<p>Then they built a ship without delay, laying the keel with wood from the
+rowan tree. And they made masts of <a name="l_126" id="l_126"></a>rowan wood also, and oars likewise;
+and, so furnished, set forth.</p>
+
+<p>Now the wicked Queen knew by her arts they were coming, so she sent out
+her imps to still the winds so that the fluttering sails of silk hung
+idle on the masts. But Childe Wynde was not to be bested; so he called
+out the oarsmen. Thus it came to pass that one morn the wicked Queen,
+looking from the Keep, saw the gallant ship in Bamborough Bay, and she
+sent out all her witch-wives and her impets to raise a storm and sink
+the ship; but they came back unable to hurt it, for, see you, it was
+built of rowan wood, over which witches have no power.</p>
+
+<p>Then, as a last device, the Witch Queen laid spells upon the Laidly Worm
+saying:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Oh! Laidly Worm! Go make their topmast heel,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Go! Worm the sand, and creep beneath the keel."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Now the Laidly Worm had no choice but to obey. So:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"The Worm leapt up, the Worm leapt down</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">And plaited round each plank,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">And aye as the ship came close to shore</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">She heeled as if she sank."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Three times three did Childe Wynde attempt to land, and three times
+three the Laidly Worm kept the good ship from the shore. At last Childe
+Wynde gave the word to put the ship about, and the Witch Queen, who was
+watching from the Keep, thought he had given up: but he was not to be
+bested: for he only rounded the next point to Budley sands. And <a name="l_127" id="l_127"></a>there,
+jumping into the shoal water, he got safely to land, and drawing his
+sword of proof, rushed up to fight the awesome Worm. But as he raised
+his sword to strike he heard a voice, soft as the western wind:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Oh quit thy sword, unbend thy bow,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">And give me kisses three,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">For though I seem a Laidly Worm</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">No harm I'll do to thee!"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>And the voice seemed to him like the voice of his dear sister May
+Margret. So he stayed his hand. Then once again the Laidly Worm said:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Oh quit thy sword, unbend thy bow,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">My laidly form forget.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Forgive the wrong and kiss me thrice</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">For love of May Margret."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Then Childe Wynde, remembering how he had loved his sister, put his arms
+round the Laidly Worm and kissed it once. And he kissed the loathly
+thing twice. And he kissed it yet a third time as he stood with the wet
+sand at his feet.</p>
+
+<p>Then with a hiss and a roar the Laidly Worm sank to the sand, and in his
+arms was May Margret!</p>
+
+<p>He wrapped her in his mantle, for she trembled in the cold sea air, and
+carried her to Bamborough Castle, where the wicked Queen, knowing her
+hour was come, stood, all deserted by her imps and witch-wives, on the
+stairs, twisting her hands.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_128" id="l_128"></a>Then Childe Wynde looking at her cried:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Woe! Woe to thee, thou wicked Witch!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">An ill fate shalt thine be!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">The doom thou dreed on May Margret</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">The same doom shalt thou dree.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Henceforth thou'lt be a Laidly Toad</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">That in the clay doth wend,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">And unspelled thou wilt never be</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">Till this world hath an end."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>And as he spoke the wicked Queen began to shrivel, and she shrivelled
+and shrivelled to a horrid wrinkled toad that hopped down the castle
+steps and disappeared in a crevice.</p>
+
+<p>But to this day a loathsome toad is sometimes seen haunting Bamborough
+Keep; and that Laidly Toad is the wicked Witch Queen!</p>
+
+<p>But Childe Wynde and Princess May Margret loved each other as much as
+ever, and lived happily ever after.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_129" id="l_129"></a></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-130" src="images/illus-130.jpg" alt="Tatty sat down and wept" title="Tatty sat down and wept" /></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="TITTY_MOUSE_AND_TATTY_MOUSE" id="TITTY_MOUSE_AND_TATTY_MOUSE"></a>TITTY MOUSE AND TATTY MOUSE</h2>
+
+
+<p>Titty Mouse and Tatty Mouse both lived in a house.</p>
+
+<p>Titty Mouse went a-gleaning, and Tatty Mouse went a-gleaning.</p>
+
+<p>So they both went a-gleaning.</p>
+
+<p>Titty Mouse gleaned an ear of corn, and Tatty Mouse gleaned an ear of
+corn.</p>
+
+<p>So they both gleaned an ear of corn.</p>
+
+<p>Titty Mouse made a pudding, and Tatty Mouse made a pudding.</p>
+
+<p>So they both made a pudding.</p>
+
+<p>And Tatty Mouse put her pudding into the pot to boil.</p>
+
+<p>But when Titty went to put hers in, the pot tumbled over, and scalded
+her to death, and Tatty sat down and wept.</p>
+
+<p>Then the three-legged stool said, "Tatty, why do you weep?"</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_130" id="l_130"></a>"Titty's dead," said Tatty, "and so I weep."</p>
+
+<p>"Then," said the stool, "I'll hop," so the stool hopped.</p>
+
+<p>Then a broom in the corner of the room said, "Stool, why do you hop?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" said the stool, "Titty's dead, and Tatty weeps, and so I hop."</p>
+
+<p>"Then," said the broom, "I'll sweep," so the broom began to sweep.</p>
+
+<p>Then said the door, "Broom, why do you sweep?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" said the broom, "Titty's dead, and Tatty weeps, and the stool
+hops, and so I sweep."</p>
+
+<p>"Then," said the door, "I'll jar," so the door jarred.</p>
+
+<p>Then the window said, "Door, why do you jar?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" said the door, "Titty's dead, and Tatty weeps, and the stool hops,
+and the broom sweeps, and so I jar."</p>
+
+<p>"Then," said the window, "I'll creak," so the window creaked.</p>
+
+<p>Now there was an old form outside the house, and when the window
+creaked, the form said, "Window, why do you creak?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" said the window, "Titty's dead, and Tatty weeps, and the stool
+hops, and the broom sweeps, the door jars, and so I creak!"</p>
+
+<p>"Then," said the old form, "I'll gallop round the house." So the old
+form galloped round the house.</p>
+
+<p>Now there was a fine large walnut tree growing by the cottage, and the
+tree said to the form, "Form, why do you gallop round the house?"</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_131" id="l_131"></a>"Oh!" says the form, "Titty's dead, and Tatty weeps, and the stool
+hops, and the broom sweeps, the door jars, and the window creaks, and so
+I gallop round the house."</p>
+
+<p>"Then," said the walnut tree, "I'll shed my leaves." So the walnut tree
+shed all its beautiful green leaves.</p>
+
+<p>Now there was a little bird perched on one of the boughs of the tree,
+and when all the leaves fell, it said, "Walnut tree, why do you shed
+your leaves?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" said the tree, "Titty's dead, and Tatty weeps, the stool hops, and
+the broom sweeps, the door jars, and the window creaks, the old form
+gallops round the house, and so I shed my leaves."</p>
+
+<p>"Then," said the little bird, "I'll moult all my feathers," so he
+moulted all his gay feathers.</p>
+
+<p>Now there was a little girl walking below, carrying a jug of milk for
+her brothers' and sisters' supper, and when she saw the poor little bird
+moult all its feathers, she said, "Little bird, why do you moult all
+your feathers?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" said the little bird, "Titty's dead, and Tatty weeps, the stool
+hops, and the broom sweeps, the door jars, and the window creaks, the
+old form gallops round the house, the walnut tree sheds its leaves, and
+so I moult all my feathers."</p>
+
+<p>"Then," said the little girl, "I'll spill the milk." So she dropt the
+pitcher and spilt the milk.</p>
+
+<p>Now there was an old man just by on the top of a ladder thatching a
+rick, and when he saw the little girl spill the <a name="l_132" id="l_132"></a>milk, he said, "Little
+girl, what do you mean by spilling the milk? your little brothers and
+sisters must go without their suppers."</p>
+
+<p>Then said the little girl, "Titty's dead, and Tatty weeps, the stool
+hops, and the broom sweeps, the door jars, and the window creaks, the
+old form gallops round the house, the walnut tree sheds all its leaves,
+the little bird moults all its feathers, and so I spill the milk."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" said the old man, "then I'll tumble off the ladder and break my
+neck."</p>
+
+<p>So he tumbled off the ladder and broke his neck; and when the old man
+broke his neck, the great walnut tree fell down with a crash and upset
+the old form and house, and the house falling knocked the window out,
+and the window knocked the door down, and the door upset the broom, and
+the broom upset the stool, and poor little Tatty Mouse was buried
+beneath the ruins.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_133" id="l_133"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="JACK_AND_THE_BEANSTALK" id="JACK_AND_THE_BEANSTALK"></a>JACK AND THE BEANSTALK</h2>
+
+
+<p>A long long time ago, when most of the world was young and folk did what
+they liked because all things were good, there lived a boy called Jack.</p>
+
+<p>His father was bed-ridden, and his mother, a good soul, was busy early
+morns and late eyes planning and placing how to support her sick husband
+and her young son by selling the milk and butter which Milky-White, the
+beautiful cow, gave them without stint. For it was summer-time. But
+winter came on; the herbs of the fields took refuge from the frosts in
+the warm earth, and though his mother sent Jack to gather what fodder he
+could get in the hedgerows, he came back as often as not with a very
+empty sack; for Jack's eyes were so often full of wonder at all the
+things he saw that sometimes he forgot to work!</p>
+
+<p>So it came to pass that one morning Milky-White gave no milk at all&mdash;not
+one drain! Then the good hard-working mother threw her apron over her
+head and sobbed:</p>
+
+<p>"What shall we do? What shall we do?"</p>
+
+<p>Now Jack loved his mother; besides, he felt just a bit <a name="l_134" id="l_134"></a>sneaky at being
+such a big boy and doing so little to help, so he said, "Cheer up! Cheer
+up! I'll go and get work somewhere." And he felt as he spoke as if he
+would work his fingers to the bone; but the good woman shook her head
+mournfully.</p>
+
+<p>"You've tried that before, Jack," she said, "and nobody would keep you.
+You are quite a good lad but your wits go a-wool-gathering. No, we must
+sell Milky-White and live on the money. It is no use crying over milk
+that is not here to spill!"</p>
+
+<p>You see, she was a wise as well as a hard-working woman, and Jack's
+spirits rose.</p>
+
+<p>"Just so," he cried. "We will sell Milky-White and be richer than ever.
+It's an ill wind that blows no one good. So, as it is market-day, I'll
+just take her there and we shall see what we shall see."</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;" began his mother.</p>
+
+<p>"But doesn't butter parsnips," laughed Jack. "Trust me to make a good
+bargain."</p>
+
+<p>So, as it was washing-day, and her sick husband was more ailing than
+usual, his mother let Jack set off to sell the cow.</p>
+
+<p>"Not less than ten pounds," she bawled after him as he turned the
+corner.</p>
+
+<p>Ten pounds, indeed! Jack had made up his mind to twenty! Twenty solid
+golden sovereigns!</p>
+
+<p>He was just settling what he should buy his mother as a fairing out of
+the money, when he saw a queer little old man on the road who called
+out, "Good-morning, Jack!"</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_135" id="l_135"></a>"Good-morning," replied Jack, with a polite bow, wondering how the queer
+little old man happened to know his name; though, to be sure, Jacks were
+as plentiful as blackberries.</p>
+
+<p>"And where may you be going?" asked the queer little old man. Jack
+wondered again&mdash;he was always wondering, you know&mdash;what the queer little
+old man had to do with it; but, being always polite, he replied:</p>
+
+<p>"I am going to market to sell Milky-White&mdash;and I mean to make a good
+bargain."</p>
+
+<p>"So you will! So you will!" chuckled the queer little old' man. "You
+look the sort of chap for it. I bet you know how many beans make five?"</p>
+
+<p>"Two in each hand and one in my mouth," answered Jack readily. He really
+was sharp as a needle.</p>
+
+<p>"Just so, just so!" chuckled the queer little old man; and as he spoke
+he drew out of his pocket five beans. "Well, here they are, so give us
+Milky-White."</p>
+
+<p>Jack was so flabbergasted that he stood with his mouth open as if he
+expected the fifth bean to fly into it.</p>
+
+<p>"What!" he said at last. "My Milky-White for five common beans! Not if I
+know it!"</p>
+
+<p>"But they aren't common beans," put in the queer little old man, and
+there was a queer little smile on his queer little face. "If you plant
+these beans over-night, by morning they will have grown up right into
+the very sky."</p>
+
+<p>Jack was too flabbergasted this time even to open his mouth; his eyes
+opened instead.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_136" id="l_136"></a></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-137" src="images/illus-137.jpg" alt="As he spoke he drew out of his pocket five beans" title="As he spoke he drew out of his pocket five beans" /></div>
+
+<p>"Did you say right into the very sky?" he asked at last; for, see you,
+Jack had wondered more about the sky than about anything else.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>RIGHT UP INTO THE VERY SKY</i>" repeated the queer old man, with a nod
+between each word. "It's a good bargain, Jack; and, as fair play's a
+jewel, if they don't&mdash;why! meet me here to-morrow morning and you shall
+have Milky-White back again. Will that please you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Right as a trivet," cried Jack, without stopping to think, and the next
+moment he found himself standing on an empty road.</p>
+
+<p>"Two in each hand and one in my mouth," repeated<a name="l_137" id="l_137"></a> Jack. "That is what I
+said, and what I'll do. Everything in order, and if what the queer
+little old man said isn't true, I shall get Milky-White back to-morrow
+morning."</p>
+
+<p>So whistling and munching the bean he trudged home cheerfully, wondering
+what the sky would be like if he ever got there.</p>
+
+<p>"What a long time you've been!" exclaimed his mother, who was watching
+anxiously for him at the gate. "It is past sun-setting; but I see you
+have sold Milky-White. Tell me quick how much you got for her."</p>
+
+<p>"You'll never guess," began Jack.</p>
+
+<p>"Laws-a-mercy! You don't say so," interrupted the good woman. "And I
+worriting all day lest they should take you in. What was it? Ten
+pounds&mdash;fifteen&mdash;sure it <i>can't</i> be twenty!"</p>
+
+<p>Jack held out the beans triumphantly.</p>
+
+<p>"There," he said. "That's what I got for her, and a jolly good bargain
+too!"</p>
+
+<p>It was his mother's turn to be flabbergasted; but all she said was:</p>
+
+<p>"What! Them beans!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," replied Jack, beginning to doubt his own wisdom; "but
+they're <i>magic</i> beans. If you plant them over-night, by morning
+they&mdash;grow&mdash;right up&mdash;into&mdash;the&mdash;sky&mdash;Oh! Please don't hit so hard!"</p>
+
+<p>For Jack's mother for once had lost her temper, and was belabouring the
+boy for all she was worth. And when she had finished scolding and
+beating, she flung the <a name="l_138" id="l_138"></a>miserable beans out of window and sent him,
+supperless, to bed.</p>
+
+<p>If this was the magical effect of the beans, thought Jack ruefully, he
+didn't want any more magic, if you please.</p>
+
+<p>However, being healthy and, as a rule, happy, he soon fell asleep and
+slept like a top.</p>
+
+<p>When he woke he thought at first it was moonlight, for everything in the
+room showed greenish. Then he stared at the little window. It was
+covered as if with a curtain by leaves. He was out of bed in a trice,
+and the next moment, without waiting to dress, was climbing up the
+biggest beanstalk you ever saw. For what the queer little old man had
+said was true! One of the beans which his mother had chucked into the
+garden had found soil, taken root, and grown in the night....</p>
+
+<p>Where?...</p>
+
+<p>Up to the very sky? Jack meant to see at any rate.</p>
+
+<p>So he climbed, and he climbed, and he climbed. It was easy work, for the
+big beanstalk with the leaves growing out of each side was like a
+ladder; for all that he soon was out of breath. Then he got his second
+wind, and was just beginning to wonder if he had a third when he saw in
+front of him a wide, shining white road stretching away, and away, and
+away.</p>
+
+<p>So he took to walking, and he walked, and walked, and walked, till he
+came to a tall, shining white house with a wide white doorstep.</p>
+
+<p>And on the doorstep stood a great big woman with a <a name="l_139" id="l_139"></a>black porridge-pot
+in her hand. Now Jack, having had no supper, was hungry as a hunter, and
+when he saw the porridge-pot he said quite politely:</p>
+
+<p>"Good-morning, 'm. I wonder if you <i>could</i> give me some breakfast?"</p>
+
+<p>"Breakfast!" echoed the woman, who, in truth, was an ogre's wife. "If it
+is breakfast you're wanting, it's breakfast you'll likely be; for I
+expect my man home every instant, and there is nothing he likes better
+for breakfast than a boy&mdash;a fat boy grilled on toast."</p>
+
+<p>Now Jack was not a bit of a coward, and when he wanted a thing he
+generally got it, so he said cheerful-like:</p>
+
+<p>"I'd be fatter if I'd had my breakfast!" Whereat the ogre's wife laughed
+and bade Jack come in; for she was not, really, half as bad as she
+looked. But he had hardly finished the great bowl of porridge and milk
+she gave him when the whole house began to tremble and quake. It was the
+ogre coming home!</p>
+
+<p class='center'>Thump! THUMP!! THUMP!!!</p>
+
+<p>"Into the oven with you, sharp!" cried the ogre's wife; and the iron
+oven door was just closed when the ogre strode in. Jack could see him
+through the little peep-hole slide at the top where the steam came out.</p>
+
+<p>He was a big one for sure. He had three sheep strung to his belt, and
+these he threw down on the table. "Here, wife," he cried, "roast me
+these snippets for breakfast; they are all I've been able to get this
+morning, worse luck!<a name="l_140" id="l_140"></a> I hope the oven's hot?" And he went to touch the
+handle, while Jack burst out all of a sweat, wondering what would happen
+next.</p>
+
+<p>"Roast!" echoed the ogre's wife. "Pooh! the little things would dry to
+cinders. Better boil them."</p>
+
+<p>So she set to work to boil them; but the ogre began sniffing about the
+room. "They don't smell&mdash;mutton meat," he growled. Then he frowned
+horribly and began the real ogre's rhyme:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"<i>Fee-fi-fo-fum,</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;"><i>I smell the blood of an Englishman.</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;"><i>Be he alive, or be he dead,</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;"><i>I'll grind his bones to make my bread</i>."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be silly!" said his wife. "It's the bones of the little boy you
+had for supper that I'm boiling down for soup! Come, eat your breakfast,
+there's a good ogre!"</p>
+
+<p>So the ogre ate his three sheep, and when he had done he went to a big
+oaken chest and took out three big bags of golden pieces. These he put
+on the table, and began to count their contents while his wife cleared
+away the breakfast things. And by and by his head began to nod, and at
+last he began to snore, and snored so loud that the whole house shook.</p>
+
+<p>Then Jack nipped out of the oven and, seizing one of the bags of gold,
+crept away, and ran along the straight, wide, shining white road as fast
+as his legs would carry him till he came to the beanstalk. He couldn't
+climb down it with the bag of gold, it was so heavy, so he just flung
+his burden down first, and, helter-skelter, climbed after it.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_141" id="l_141"></a>And when he came to the bottom, there was his mother picking up gold
+pieces out of the garden as fast as she could; for, of course, the bag
+had burst.</p>
+
+<p>"Laws-a-mercy me!" she says. "Wherever have you been? See! It's been
+rainin' gold!"</p>
+
+<p>"No, it hasn't," began Jack. "I climbed up&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Then he turned to look for the beanstalk; but, lo and behold! it wasn't
+there at all! So he knew, then, it was all real magic.</p>
+
+<p>After that they lived happily on the gold pieces for a long time, and
+the bed-ridden father got all sorts of nice things to eat; but, at last,
+a day came when Jack's mother showed a doleful face as she put a big
+yellow sovereign into Jack's hand and bade him be careful marketing,
+because there was not one more in the coffer. After that they must
+starve.</p>
+
+<p>That night Jack went supperless to bed of his own accord. If he couldn't
+make money, he thought, at any rate he could eat less money. It was a
+shame for a big boy to stuff himself and bring no grist to the mill.</p>
+
+<p>He slept like a top, as boys do when they don't overeat themselves, and
+when he woke....</p>
+
+<p>Hey, presto! the whole room showed greenish, and there was a curtain of
+leaves over the window! Another bean had grown in the night, and Jack
+was up it like a lamp-lighter before you could say knife.</p>
+
+<p>This time he didn't take nearly so long climbing until he reached the
+straight, wide, white road, and in a trice he <a name="l_142" id="l_142"></a>found himself before the
+tall white house, where on the wide white steps the ogre's wife was
+standing with the black porridge-pot in her hand.</p>
+
+<p>And this time Jack was as bold as brass. "Good-morning, 'm," he said.
+"I've come to ask you for breakfast, for I had no supper, and I'm as
+hungry as a hunter."</p>
+
+<p>"Go away, bad boy!" replied the ogre's wife. "Last time I gave a boy
+breakfast my man missed a whole bag of gold. I believe you are the same
+boy."</p>
+
+<p>"Maybe I am, maybe I'm not," said Jack, with a laugh. "I'll tell you
+true when I've had my breakfast; but not till then."</p>
+
+<p>So the ogre's wife, who was dreadfully curious, gave him a big bowl full
+of porridge; but before he had half finished it he heard the ogre
+coming&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class='center'>Thump! THUMP! THUMP!</p>
+
+<p>"In with you to the oven," shrieked the ogre's wife. "You shall tell me
+when he has gone to sleep."</p>
+
+<p>This time Jack saw through the steam peep-hole that the ogre had three
+fat calves strung to his belt.</p>
+
+<p>"Better luck to-day, wife!" he cried, and his voice shook the house.
+"Quick! Roast these trifles for my breakfast! I hope the oven's hot?"</p>
+
+<p>And he went to feel the handle of the door, but his wife cried out
+sharply:</p>
+
+<p>"Roast! Why, you'd have to wait hours before they were done! I'll broil
+them&mdash;see how bright the fire is!"</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_143" id="l_143"></a>"Umph!" growled the ogre. And then he began sniffing and calling out:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><i>"Fee-fi-fo-fum</i>,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;"><i>I smell the blood of an Englishman</i>.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;"><i>Be he alive, or be he dead</i>,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;"><i>I'll grind his bones to make my bread</i>."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>"Twaddle!" said the ogre's wife. "It's only the bones of the boy you had
+last week that I've put into the pig-bucket!"</p>
+
+<p>"Umph!" said the ogre harshly; but he ate the broiled calves, and then
+he said to his wife, "Bring me my hen that lays the magic eggs. I want
+to see gold."</p>
+
+<p>So the ogre's wife brought him a great big black hen with a shiny red
+comb. She plumped it down on the table and took away the breakfast
+things.</p>
+
+<p>Then the ogre said to the hen, "Lay!" and it promptly laid&mdash;what do you
+think?&mdash;a beautiful, shiny, yellow, golden egg!</p>
+
+<p>"None so dusty, henny-penny," laughed the ogre. "I shan't have to beg as
+long as I've got you." Then he said, "Lay!" once more; and, lo and
+behold! there was another beautiful, shiny, yellow, golden egg!</p>
+
+<p>Jack could hardly believe his eyes, and made up his mind that he would
+have that hen, come what might. So, when the ogre began to doze, he just
+out like a flash from the oven, seized the hen, and ran for his life!
+But, you see, he reckoned without his prize; for hens, you know, always
+cackle when they leave their nests after laying an egg, and this one set
+up such a scrawing that it woke the ogre.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_144" id="l_144"></a>"Where's my hen?" he shouted, and his wife came rushing in, and they
+both rushed to the door; but Jack had got the better of them by a good
+start, and all they could see was a little figure right away down the
+wide white road, holding a big, scrawing, cackling, fluttering black hen
+by the legs!</p>
+
+<p>How Jack got down the beanstalk he never knew. It was all wings, and
+leaves, and feathers, and cacklings; but get down he did, and there was
+his mother wondering if the sky was going to fall!</p>
+
+<p>But the very moment Jack touched ground he called out, "Lay!" and the
+black hen ceased cackling and laid a great, big, shiny, yellow, golden
+egg.</p>
+
+<p>So every one was satisfied; and from that moment everybody had
+everything that money could buy. For, whenever they wanted anything,
+they just said, "Lay!" and the black hen provided them with gold.</p>
+
+<p>But Jack began to wonder if he couldn't find something else besides
+money in the sky. So one fine moonlight midsummer night he refused his
+supper, and before he went to bed stole out to the garden with a big
+watering-can and watered the ground under his window; for, thought he,
+"there must be two more beans somewhere, and perhaps it is too dry for
+them to grow." Then he slept like a top.</p>
+
+<p>And, lo and behold! when he woke, there was the green light shimmering
+through his room, and there he was in an instant on the beanstalk,
+climbing, climbing, climbing for all he was worth.</p>
+
+<p>But this time he knew better than to ask for his break<a name="l_145" id="l_145"></a>fast; for the
+ogre's wife would be sure to recognise him. So he just hid in some
+bushes beside the great white house, till he saw her in the scullery,
+and then he slipped out and hid himself in the copper; for he knew she
+would be sure to look in the oven first thing.</p>
+
+<p>And by and by he heard&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class='center'>Thump! THUMP! THUMP!</p>
+
+<p>And peeping through a crack in the copper-lid, he could see the ogre
+stalk in with three huge oxen strung at his belt. But this time, no
+sooner had the ogre got into the house than he began shouting:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><i>"Fee-fi-fo-fum</i>,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;"><i>I smell the blood of an Englishman</i>.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;"><i>Be he alive, or be he dead</i>,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;"><i>I'll grind his bones to make my bread</i>."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>For, see you, the copper-lid didn't fit tight like the oven door, and
+ogres have noses like a dog's for scent.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I declare, so do I!" exclaimed the ogre's wife. "It will be that
+horrid boy who stole the bag of gold and the hen. If so, he's hid in the
+oven!"</p>
+
+<p>But when she opened the door, lo and behold! Jack wasn't there! Only
+some joints of meat roasting and sizzling away. Then she laughed and
+said, "You and me be fools for sure. Why, it's the boy you caught last
+night as I was getting ready for your breakfast. Yes, we be fools to
+take dead meat for live flesh! So eat your breakfast, there's a good
+ogre!"</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_146" id="l_146"></a>But the ogre, though he enjoyed roast boy very much, wasn't satisfied,
+and every now and then he would burst out with "<i>Fee-fi-fo-fum</i>," and
+get up and search the cupboards, keeping Jack in a fever of fear lest he
+should think of the copper.</p>
+
+<p>But he didn't. And when he had finished his breakfast he called out to
+his wife, "Bring me my magic harp! I want to be amused."</p>
+
+<p>So she brought out a little harp and put it on the table. And the ogre
+leant back in his chair and said lazily:</p>
+
+<p class='center'>"Sing!"</p>
+
+<p>And, lo and behold! the harp began to sing. If you want to know what it
+sang about? Why! It sang about everything! And it sang so beautifully
+that Jack forgot to be frightened, and the ogre forgot to think of
+"<i>Fee-fi-fo-fum</i>," and fell asleep and</p>
+
+
+<p class='center'>did<br />
+NOT<br />
+<big>SNORE</big>.<br /></p>
+
+<p>Then Jack stole out of the copper like a mouse and crept hands and knees
+to the table, raised himself up ever so softly and laid hold of the
+magic harp; for he was determined to have it.</p>
+
+<p>But, no sooner had he touched it, than it cried out quite loud, "Master!
+Master!" So the ogre woke, saw Jack making off, and rushed after him.</p>
+
+<p>My goodness, it was a race! Jack was nimble, but the ogre's stride was
+twice as long. So, though Jack turned, and twisted, and doubled like a
+hare, yet at last, when he got to the beanstalk, the ogre was not a
+dozen yards behind him. There wasn't time to think, so Jack just flung
+himself on to the stalk and began to go down as fast as he could, while
+the harp kept calling, "Master! Master!" at the very top of its voice.
+He had only got down about a quarter of the way when there was the most
+awful lurch you can think of, and Jack nearly fell off the beanstalk. It
+was the ogre beginning to climb down, and his weight made the stalk sway
+like a tree in a storm. Then Jack knew it was life or death, and he
+climbed down faster and faster, and as he climbed he shouted, "Mother!
+Mother! Bring an axe! Bring an axe!"</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_147" id="l_147"></a>Now his mother, as luck would have it, was in the backyard chopping
+wood, and she ran out thinking that this time the sky must have fallen.
+Just at that moment Jack touched ground, and he flung down the
+harp&mdash;which immediately began to sing of all sorts of beautiful
+things&mdash;and he seized the axe and gave a great chop at the beanstalk,
+which shook and swayed and bent like barley before a breeze.</p>
+
+<p>"Have a care!" shouted the ogre, clinging on as hard as he could. But
+Jack <i>did</i> have a care, and he dealt that beanstalk such a shrewd blow
+that the whole of it, ogre and all, came toppling down, and, of course,
+the ogre broke his crown, so that he died on the spot.</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/illus-7.jpg"><img id="illus-7" src="images/illus-7-tb.jpg" alt="Fee-fi-fo-fum, I smell the blood of an Englishman." title="Fee-fi-fo-fum, I smell the blood of an Englishman." /></a></div>
+
+<h4><a name="l_148" id="l_148"></a>"Fee-fi-fo-fum, I smell the blood of an Englishman."</h4>
+<p><a name="l_149" id="l_149"></a></p>
+
+
+<table style="background: url(images/illus-150.jpg); height: 750px;" width="558" summary="Jack seized the axe and gave a great chop at the beanstalk">
+<tr><td valign="middle" colspan="2"></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td valign="middle">
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">After that every</span><span style="margin-left: 14em;">one was quite happy. For</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">they had gold to spare</span><span style="margin-left: 11.5em;">and if the bedridden</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">father was dull, Jack</span><span style="margin-left: 12.3em;">just brought out the harp</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">and said, "Sing!"</span><span style="margin-left: 13.8em;">And lo and behold, it</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">sang about everything</span><span style="margin-left: 11.8em;">under the sun.</span><br /><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">So Jack ceased wondering</span><span style="margin-left: 10em;">so much and became</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">quite a useful</span><span style="margin-left: 15.3em;">person.</span><br /><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And the last bean</span><span style="margin-left: 13.8em;">still hasn't grown yet.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It is still in</span><span style="margin-left: 16.8em;">the garden.</span><br /><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I wonder if it will</span><span style="margin-left: 14em;">ever grow?</span><br /><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And what little child will climb</span><span style="margin-left: 9em;">it's beanstalk into the sky?</span><br /><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And what will that</span><span style="margin-left: 13.5em;">child find?</span><br /><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Goody me!</span>
+</td></tr></table>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_150" id="l_150"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="THE_BLACK_BULL_OF_NORROWAY" id="THE_BLACK_BULL_OF_NORROWAY"></a>THE BLACK BULL OF NORROWAY</h2>
+
+
+<p>Long ago in Norroway there lived a lady who had three daughters. Now
+they were all pretty, and one night they fell a-talking of whom they
+meant to marry.</p>
+
+<p>And the eldest said, "I will have no one lower than an Earl."</p>
+
+<p>And the second said, "I will have none lower than a Lord."</p>
+
+<p>But the third, the prettiest and the merriest, tossed her head and said,
+with a twinkle in her eye, "Why so proud? As for me I would be content
+with the Black Bull of Norroway."</p>
+
+<p>At that the other sisters bade her be silent and not talk lightly of
+such a monster. For, see you, is it not written:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To wilder measures now they turn,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The black black Bull of Norroway;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Sudden the tapers cease to burn,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The minstrels cease to play.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>So, no doubt, the Black Bull of Norroway was held to be a horrid
+monster.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_151" id="l_151"></a>But the youngest daughter would have her laugh, so she said three times
+that she would be content with the Black Bull of Norroway.</p>
+
+<p>Well! It so happened that the very next morning a coach-and-six came
+swinging along the road, and in it sate an Earl who had come to ask the
+hand of the eldest daughter in marriage. So there were great rejoicings
+over the wedding, and the bride and bridegroom drove away in the
+coach-and-six.</p>
+
+<p>Then the next thing that happened was that a coach-and-four with a Lord
+in it came swinging along the road; and he wanted to marry the second
+daughter. So they were wed, and there were great rejoicings, and the
+bride and bridegroom drove away in the coach-and-four.</p>
+
+<p>Now after this there was only the youngest, the prettiest and the
+merriest, of the sisters left, and she became the apple of her mother's
+eye. So you may imagine how the mother felt when one morning a terrible
+bellowing was heard at the door, and there was a great big Black Bull
+waiting for his bride.</p>
+
+<p>She wept and she wailed, and at first the girl ran away and hid herself
+in the cellar for fear, but there the Bull stood waiting, and at last
+the girl came up and said:</p>
+
+<p>"I promised I would be content with the Black Bull of Norroway, and I
+must keep my word. Farewell, mother, you will not see me again."</p>
+
+<p>Then she mounted on the Black Bull's back, and it walked away with her
+quite quietly. And ever it chose the <a name="l_152" id="l_152"></a>smoothest paths and the easiest
+roads, so that at last the girl grew less afraid. But she became very
+hungry and was nigh to faint when the Black Bull said to her, in quite a
+soft voice that wasn't a bellow at all:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Eat out of my left ear,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">Drink out of my right,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">And set by what you leave</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">To serve the morrow's night."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>So she did as she was bid, and, lo and behold! the left ear was full of
+delicious things to eat, and the right was full of the most delicious
+drinks, and there was plenty left over for several days.</p>
+
+<p>Thus they journeyed on, and they journeyed on, through many dreadful
+forests and many lonely wastes, and the Black Bull never paused for bite
+or sup, but ever the girl he carried ate out of his left ear and drank
+out of his right, and set by what she left to serve the morrow's night.
+And she slept soft and warm on his broad back.</p>
+
+<p>Now at last they reached a noble castle where a large company of lords
+and ladies were assembled, and greatly the company wondered at the sight
+of these strange companions. And they invited the girl to supper, but
+the Black Bull they turned into the field, and left to spend the night
+after his kind.</p>
+
+<p>But when the next morning came, there he was ready for his burden again.
+Now, though the girl was loth to leave her pleasant companions, she
+remembered her promise, and mounted on his back, so they journeyed on,
+and journeyed <a name="l_153" id="l_153"></a>on, and journeyed on, through many tangled woods and over
+many high mountains. And ever the Black Bull chose the smoothest paths
+for her and set aside the briars and brambles, while she ate out of his
+left ear and drank out of his right.</p>
+
+<p>So at last they came to a magnificent mansion where Dukes and Duchesses
+and Earls and Countesses were enjoying themselves. Now the company,
+though much surprised at the strange companions, asked the girl in to
+supper; and the Black Bull they would have turned into the park for the
+night, but that the girl, remembering how well he had cared for her,
+asked them to put him into the stable and give him a good feed.</p>
+
+<p>So this was done, and the next morning he was waiting before the
+hall-door for his burden; and she, though somewhat loth at leaving the
+fine company, mounted him cheerfully enough, and they rode away, and
+they rode away, and they rode away, through thick briar brakes and up
+fearsome cliffs. But ever the Black Bull trod the brambles underfoot and
+chose the easiest paths, while she ate out of his left ear and drank out
+of his right, and wanted for nothing, though he had neither bite nor
+sup. So it came to pass that he grew tired and was limping with one foot
+when, just as the sun was setting, they came to a beautiful palace where
+Princes and Princesses were disporting themselves with ball on the green
+grass. Now, though the company greatly wondered at the strange
+companions, they asked the girl to join them, and ordered the grooms to
+lead away the Black Bull to a field.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_154" id="l_154"></a>But she, remembering all he had done for her, said, "Not so! He will
+stay with me!" Then seeing a large thorn in the foot with which he had
+been limping, she stooped down and pulled it out.</p>
+
+<p>And, lo and behold! in an instant, to every one's surprise, there
+appeared, not a frightful monstrous bull, but one of the most beautiful
+Princes ever beheld, who fell at his deliverer's feet, thanking her for
+having broken his cruel enchantment.</p>
+
+<p>A wicked witch-woman who wanted to marry him had, he said, spelled him
+until a beautiful maiden of her own free will should do him a favour.</p>
+
+<p>"But," he said, "the danger is not all over. You have broken the
+enchantment by night; that by day has yet to be overcome."</p>
+
+<p>So the next morning the Prince had to resume the form of a bull, and
+they set out together; and they rode, and they rode, and they rode, till
+they came to a dark and ugsome glen. And here he bade her dismount and
+sit on a great rock.</p>
+
+<p>"Here you must stay," he said, "while I go yonder and fight the Old One.
+And mind! move neither hand nor foot whilst I am away, else I shall
+never find you again. If everything around you turns blue, I shall have
+beaten the Old One; but if everything turns red, he will have conquered
+me."</p>
+
+<p>And with that, and a tremendous roaring bellow, he set off to find his
+foe.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_155" id="l_155"></a>Well, she sate as still as a mouse, moving neither hand nor foot, nor
+even her eyes, and waited, and waited, and waited. Then at last
+everything turned blue. But she was so overcome with joy to think that
+her lover was victorious that she forgot to keep still, and lifting one
+of her feet, crossed it over the other!</p>
+
+<p>So she waited, and waited, and waited. Long she sate, and aye she
+wearied; and all the time he was seeking for her, but he never found
+her.</p>
+
+<p>At last she rose and went she knew not whither, determined to seek for
+her lover through the whole wide world. So she journeyed on, and she
+journeyed on, and she journeyed on, until one day in a dark wood she
+came to a little hut where lived an old, old woman who gave her food and
+shelter, and bid her God-speed on her errand, giving her three nuts, a
+walnut, a filbert, and a hazel nut, with these words:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"When your heart is like to break,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">And once again is like to break,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Crack a nut and in its shell</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">That will be that suits you well."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>After this she felt heartened up, and wandered on till her road was
+blocked by a great hill of glass; and though she tried all she could to
+climb it, she could not; for aye she slipped back, and slipped back, and
+slipped back; for it was like ice.</p>
+
+<p>Then she sought a passage elsewhere, and round and about the foot of the
+hill she went sobbing and wailing, but <a name="l_156" id="l_156"></a>ne'er a foothold could she find.
+At last she came to a smithy; and the smith promised if she would serve
+him faithfully for seven years and seven days, that he would make her
+iron shoon wherewith to climb the hill of glass. So for seven long years
+and seven short days she toiled, and span, and swept, and washed in the
+smith's house. And for wage he gave her a pair of iron shoon, and with
+them she clomb the glassy hill and went on her way.</p>
+
+<p>Now she had not gone far before a company of fine lords and ladies rode
+past her talking of all the grand doings that were to be done at the
+young Duke of Norroway's wedding. Then she passed a number of people
+carrying all sorts of good things which they told her were for the
+Duke's wedding. And at last she came to a palace castle where the
+courtyards were full of cooks and bakers, some running this way, some
+running that, and all so busy that they did not know what to do first.</p>
+
+<p>Then she heard the horns of hunters and cries of "Room! Room for the
+Duke of Norroway and his bride!"</p>
+
+<p>And who should ride past but the beautiful Prince she had but half
+unspelled, and by his side was the witch-woman who was determined to
+marry him that very day.</p>
+
+<p>Well! at the sight she felt that her heart was indeed like to break, and
+over again was like to break, so that the time had come for her to crack
+one of the nuts. So she broke the walnut, as it was the biggest, and out
+of it came a wonderful wee woman carding wool as fast as ever she could
+card.</p>
+
+<p>Now when the witch-woman saw this wonderful thing <a name="l_157" id="l_157"></a>she offered the girl
+her choice of anything in the castle for it.</p>
+
+<p>"If you will put off your wedding with the Duke for a day, and let me
+watch in his room to-night," said the girl, "you shall have it."</p>
+
+<p>Now, like all witch-women, the bride wanted everything her own way, and
+she was so sure she had her groom safe, that she consented; but before
+the Duke went to rest she gave him, with her own hands, a posset so made
+that any one who drank it would sleep till morning.</p>
+
+<p>Thus, though the girl was allowed alone into the Duke's chamber, and
+though she spent the livelong night sighing and singing:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Far have I sought for thee,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Long have I wrought for thee,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Near am I brought to thee,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Dear Duke o' Norroway;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Wilt thou say naught to me?"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>the Duke never wakened, but slept on. So when day came the girl had to
+leave him without his ever knowing she had been there.</p>
+
+<p>Then once again her heart was like to break, and over and over again
+like to break, and she cracked the filbert nut, because it was the next
+biggest. And out of it came a wonderful wee, wee woman spinning away as
+fast as ever she could spin. Now when the witch-bride saw this wonderful
+thing she once again put off her wedding so that she might possess it.
+And once again the girl spent the livelong night in the Duke's chamber
+sighing and singing:</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_158" id="l_158"></a></p><p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Far have I sought for thee,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Long have I wrought for thee,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Near am I brought to thee,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Dear Duke o' Norroway;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Wilt thou say naught to me?"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>But the Duke, who had drunk the sleeping-draught from the hands of his
+witch-bride, never stirred, and when dawn came the girl had to leave him
+without his ever knowing she had been there.</p>
+
+<p>Then, indeed, the girl's heart was like to break, and over and over and
+over again like to break, so she cracked the last nut&mdash;the hazel
+nut&mdash;and out of it came the most wonderful wee, wee, wee-est woman
+reeling away at yarn as fast as she could reel.</p>
+
+<p>And this marvel so delighted the witch-bride that once again she
+consented to put off her wedding for a day, and allow the girl to watch
+in the Duke's chamber the night through, in order to possess it.</p>
+
+<p>Now it so happened that when the Duke was dressing that morning he heard
+his pages talking amongst themselves of the strange sighing and singing
+they had heard in the night; and he said to his faithful old valet,
+"What do the pages mean?"</p>
+
+<p>And the old valet, who hated the witch-bride, said:</p>
+
+<p>"If the master will take no sleeping-draught to-night, mayhap he may
+also hear what for two nights has kept me awake."</p>
+
+<p>At this the Duke marvelled greatly, and when the witch-<a name="l_159" id="l_159"></a>bride brought
+him his evening posset, he made excuse it was not sweet enough, and
+while she went away to get honey to sweeten it withal, he poured away
+the posset and made believe he had swallowed it.</p>
+
+<p>So that night when dark had come, and the girl stole in to his chamber
+with a heavy heart thinking it would be the very last time she would
+ever see him, the Duke was really broad awake. And when she sate down by
+his bedside and began to sing:</p>
+
+<p class='center'>"Far have I sought for thee,"</p>
+
+<p>he knew her voice at once, and clasped her in his arms.</p>
+
+<p>Then he told her how he had been in the power of the witch-woman and had
+forgotten everything, but that now he remembered all and that the spell
+was broken for ever and aye.</p>
+
+<p>So the wedding feast served for their marriage, since the witch-bride,
+seeing her power was gone, quickly fled the country and was never heard
+of again.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_160" id="l_160"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="CATSKIN" id="CATSKIN"></a>CATSKIN</h2>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time there lived a gentleman who owned fine lands and
+houses, and he very much wanted to have a son to be heir to them. So
+when his wife brought him a daughter, though she was bonny as bonny
+could be, he cared nought for her, and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Let me never see her face."</p>
+
+<p>So she grew up to be a beautiful maiden, though her father never set
+eyes on her till she was fifteen years old and was ready to be married.</p>
+
+<p>Then her father said roughly, "She shall marry the first that comes for
+her." Now when this became known, who should come along and be first but
+a nasty, horrid old man! So she didn't know what to do, and went to the
+hen-wife and asked her advice. And the hen-wife said, "Say you will not
+take him unless they give you a coat of silver cloth." Well, they gave
+her a coat of silver cloth, but she wouldn't take him for all that, but
+went again to the hen-wife, who said, "Say you will not take him unless
+they give you a coat of beaten gold." Well, they gave her a coat of
+beaten gold, <a name="l_161" id="l_161"></a>but still she would not take the old man, but went again
+to the hen-wife, who said, "Say you will not take him unless they give
+you a coat made of the feathers of all the birds of the air." So they
+sent out a man with a great heap of peas; and the man cried to all the
+birds of the air, "Each bird take a pea and put down a feather." So each
+bird took a pea and put down one of its feathers: and they took all the
+feathers and made a coat of them and gave it to her; but still she would
+not take the nasty, horrid old man, but asked the hen-wife once again
+what she was to do, and the hen-wife said, "Say they must first make you
+a coat of catskin." Then they made her a coat of catskin; and she put it
+on, and tied up her other coats into a bundle, and when it was
+night-time ran away with it into the woods.</p>
+
+<p>Now she went along, and went along, and went along, till at the end of
+the wood she saw a fine castle. Then she hid her fine dresses by a
+crystal waterfall and went up to the castle gates and asked for work.
+The lady of the castle saw her, and told her, "I'm sorry I have no
+better place, but if you like you may be our scullion." So down she went
+into the kitchen, and they called her Catskin, because of her dress. But
+the cook was very cruel to her, and led her a sad life.</p>
+
+<p>Well, soon after that it happened that the young lord of the castle came
+home, and there was to be a grand ball in honour of the occasion. And
+when they were speaking about it among the servants, "Dear me, Mrs.
+Cook," said Catskin, "how much I should like to go!"</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_162" id="l_162"></a>"What! You dirty, impudent slut," said the cook, "you go among all the
+fine lords and ladies with your filthy catskin? A fine figure you'd
+cut!" and with that she took a basin of water and dashed it into
+Catskin's face. But Catskin only shook her ears and said nothing.</p>
+
+<p>Now when the day of the ball arrived, Catskin slipped out of the house
+and went to the edge of the forest where she had hidden her dresses.
+Then she bathed herself in a crystal waterfall, and put on her coat of
+silver cloth, and hastened away to the ball. As soon as she entered all
+were overcome by her beauty and grace, while the young lord at once lost
+his heart to her. He asked her to be his partner for the first dance;
+and he would dance with none other the livelong night.</p>
+
+<p>When it came to parting time, the young lord said, "Pray tell me, fair
+maid, where you live?"</p>
+
+<p>But Catskin curtsied and said:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Kind sir, if the truth I must tell,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">At the sign of the 'Basin of Water' I dwell."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Then she flew from the castle and donned her catskin robe again, and
+slipped into the scullery, unbeknown to the cook.</p>
+
+<p>The young lord went the very next day and searched for the sign of the
+"Basin of Water"; but he could not find it. So he went to his mother,
+the lady of the castle, and declared he would wed none other but the
+lady of the silver dress, and would never rest till he had found her.<a name="l_163" id="l_163"></a>
+So another ball was soon arranged in hopes that the beautiful maid would
+appear again.</p>
+
+<p>So Catskin said to the cook, "Oh, how I should like to go!" Whereupon
+the cook screamed out in a rage, "What, you, you dirty, impudent slut!
+You would cut a fine figure among all the fine lords and ladies." And
+with that she up with a ladle and broke it across Catskin's back. But
+Catskin only shook her ears, and ran off to the forest, where, first of
+all, she bathed, and then she put on her coat of beaten gold, and off
+she went to the ball-room.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as she entered all eyes were upon her; and the young lord at
+once recognised her as the lady of the "Basin of Water," claimed her
+hand for the first dance, and did not leave her till the last. When that
+came, he again asked her where she lived. But all that she would say
+was:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Kind sir, if the truth I must tell,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">At the sign of the 'Broken Ladle' I dwell";</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>and with that she curtsied and flew from the ball, off with her golden
+robe, on with her catskin, and into the scullery without the cook's
+knowing.</p>
+
+<p>Next day, when the young lord could not find where the sign of the
+"Basin of Water" was, he begged his mother to have another grand ball,
+so that he might meet the beautiful maid once more.</p>
+
+<p>Then Catskin said to the cook, "Oh, how I wish I could go to the ball!"
+Whereupon the cook called out: "A fine figure you'd cut!" and broke the
+skimmer across her head. But Catskin only shook her ears, and went off
+to the forest, where she first bathed in the crystal spring, and then
+donned her coat of feathers, and so off to the ball-room.</p>
+
+<p>When she entered every one was surprised at so beautiful a face and form
+dressed in so rich and rare a dress; but the young lord at once
+recognised his beautiful sweetheart, and would dance with none but her
+the whole evening. When the ball came to an end he pressed her to tell
+him where she lived, but all she would answer was:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Kind sir, if the truth I must tell,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">At the sign of the 'Broken Skimmer' I dwell";</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>and with that she curtsied,<a name="l_164" id="l_164"></a> and was off to the forest. But this time the
+young lord followed her, and watched her change her fine dress of
+feathers for her catskin dress, and then he knew her for his own
+scullery-maid.</p>
+
+<p>Next day he went to his mother, and told her that he wished to marry the
+scullery-maid, Catskin.</p>
+
+<p>"Never," said the lady of the castle&mdash;"never so long as I live."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/illus-8.jpg"><img id="illus-8" src="images/illus-8-tb.jpg" alt="She went along, and went along, and went along." title="She went along, and went along, and went along." /></a></div>
+
+<h4>She went along, and went along, and went along.</h4>
+
+<p>Well, the young lord was so grieved that he took to his bed and was very
+ill indeed. The doctor tried to cure him, but he would not take any
+medicine unless from the hands of Catskin. At last the doctor went to
+the mother, and said that her son would die if she did not consent to
+his marriage with Catskin; so she had to give way. Then she summoned
+Catskin to her, and Catskin put on her coat of beaten <a name="l_165" id="l_165"></a>gold before she
+went to see the lady; and she, of course, was overcome at once, and was
+only too glad to wed her son to so beautiful a maid.</p>
+
+<p>So they were married, and after a time a little son was born to them,
+and grew up a fine little lad. Now one day, when he was about four years
+old, a beggar woman came to the door, and Lady Catskin gave some money
+to the little lord and told him to go and give it to the beggar woman.
+So he went and gave it, putting it into the hand of the woman's baby
+child; and the child leant forward and kissed the little lord.</p>
+
+<p>Now the wicked old cook (who had never been sent away, because Catskin
+was too kind-hearted) was looking on, and she said, "See how beggars'
+brats take to one another!"</p>
+
+<p>This insult hurt Catskin dreadfully: and she went to her husband, the
+young lord, and told him all about her father, and begged he would go
+and find out what had become of her parents. So they set out in the
+lord's grand coach, and travelled through the forest till they came to
+the house of Catskin's father. Then they put up at an inn near, and
+Catskin stopped there, while her husband went to see if her father would
+own she was his daughter.</p>
+
+<p>Now her father had never had any other child, and his wife had died; so
+he was all alone in the world, and sate moping and miserable. When the
+young lord came in he hardly looked up, he was so miserable. Then
+Catskin's husband drew a chair close up to him, and asked him, "Pray,
+<a name="l_167" id="l_167"></a>sir, had you not once a young daughter whom you would never see or
+own?"</p>
+
+<p>And the miserable man said with tears, "It is true; I am a hardened
+sinner. But I would give all my worldly goods if I could but see her
+once before I die."</p>
+
+<p>Then the young lord told him what had happened to Catskin, and took him
+to the inn, and afterwards brought his father-in-law to his own castle,
+where they lived happy ever afterwards.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_168" id="l_168"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="THE_THREE_LITTLE_PIGS" id="THE_THREE_LITTLE_PIGS"></a>THE THREE LITTLE PIGS</h2>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time there was an old sow who had three little pigs, and as
+she had not enough for them to eat, she said they had better go out into
+the world and seek their fortunes.</p>
+
+<p>Now the eldest pig went first, and as he trotted along the road he met a
+man carrying a bundle of straw. So he said very politely:</p>
+
+<p>"If you please, sir, could you give me that straw to build me a house?"</p>
+
+<p>And the man, seeing what good manners the little pig had, gave him the
+straw, and the little pig set to work and built a beautiful house with
+it.</p>
+
+<p>Now, when it was finished, a wolf happened to pass that way; and he saw
+the house, and <i>he smelt the pig inside</i>.</p>
+
+<p>So he knocked at the door and said:</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Little pig! Little pig! Let me in! Let me in!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>But the little pig saw the wolf's big paws through the keyhole, so he
+answered back:</p>
+
+<p>"<i>No! No! No! by the hair of my chinny chin chin!</i>"<a name="l_169" id="l_169"></a></p>
+
+<p>Then the wolf showed his teeth and said:</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Then I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house in.</i>"</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-170" src="images/illus-170.jpg" alt="So he huffed and he puffed and he blew the house in" title="So he huffed and he puffed and he blew the house in" /></div>
+
+<p>So he huffed and he puffed and he blew the house in. Then he ate up
+little piggy and went on his way.</p>
+
+<p>Now, the next piggy, when he started, met a man carrying a bundle of
+furze, and, being very polite, he said to him:</p>
+
+<p>"If you please, sir, could you give me that furze to build me a house?"</p>
+
+<p>And the man, seeing what good manners the little pig had, gave him the
+furze, and the little pig set to work and built himself a beautiful
+house.</p>
+
+<p>Now it so happened that when the house was finished the wolf passed that
+way; and he saw the house, and <i>he smelt the pig inside</i>.</p>
+
+<p>So he knocked at the door and said:</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Little pig! Little pig! Let me in! Let me in!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>But the little pig peeped through the keyhole and saw the wolf's great
+ears, so he answered back:</p>
+
+<p>"<i>No! No! No! by the hair of my chinny chin chin!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>Then the wolf showed his teeth and<a name="l_170" id="l_170"></a> said:</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Then I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house in!</i>"</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-171b" src="images/illus-171b.jpg" alt="So he huffed and he puffed and he blew the house in" title="So he huffed and he puffed and he blew the house in" /></div>
+
+<p>So he huffed and he puffed and he blew the house in. Then he ate up
+little piggy and went on his way.</p>
+
+<p>Now the third little piggy, when he started, met a man carrying a load
+of bricks, and, being very polite, he said:
+</p>
+
+<p>"If you please sir, could you give me those bricks to build me a house?"</p>
+
+<p>And the man, seeing that he had been well brought up, gave him the
+bricks, and the little pig set to work and built himself a beautiful
+house.</p>
+
+<p>And once again it happened that when it was finished the wolf chanced to
+come that way; and he saw the house, and he <i>smelt the pig inside</i>.</p>
+
+<p>So he knocked at the door and said:</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Little pig! Little pig! Let me in! Let me in!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>But the little pig peeped through the keyhole and saw the wolf's great
+eyes, so he answered:</p>
+
+<p>"<i>No! No! No! by the hair of my chinny chin chin!</i>"</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_171" id="l_171"></a>"<i>Then I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house in!</i>" says the
+wolf, showing his teeth.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-171a" src="images/illus-171a.jpg" alt="Well! he huffed and he puffed ... but he could not blow the house
+down" title="Well! he huffed and he puffed ... but he could not blow the house
+down" /></div>
+
+<p>Well! he huffed and he puffed. He puffed and he huffed. And he huffed,
+huffed, and he puffed, puffed; but he could <i>not</i> blow the house down.
+At last he was so out of breath that he couldn't huff and he couldn't
+puff any more. So he thought a bit. Then he said:</p>
+
+<p>"Little pig! I know where there is ever such a nice field of turnips."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you," says little piggy, "and where may that be?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll show you," says the wolf; "if you will be ready at six o'clock
+to-morrow morning, I will call round for you, and we can go together to
+Farmer Smith's field and get turnips for dinner."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you kindly," says the little piggy. "I will be ready at six
+o'clock sharp."</p>
+
+<p>But, you see, the little pig was not one to be taken in with chaff, so
+he got up at five, trotted off to Farmer Smith's field, rooted up the
+turnips, and was home eating them for breakfast when the wolf clattered
+at the door and cried:</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_172" id="l_172"></a>"Little pig! Little pig! Aren't you ready?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ready?" says the little piggy. "Why! what a sluggard you are! I've been
+to the field and come back again, and I'm having a nice potful of
+turnips for breakfast."</p>
+
+<p>Then the wolf grew red with rage; but he was determined to eat little
+piggy, so he said, as if he didn't care:</p>
+
+<p>"I'm glad you like them; but I know of something better than turnips."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed," says little piggy, "and what may that be?"</p>
+
+<p>"A nice apple tree down in Merry gardens with the juiciest, sweetest
+apples on it! So if you will be ready at five o'clock to-morrow morning
+I will come round for you and we can get the apples together."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you kindly," says little piggy. "I will sure and be ready at five
+o'clock sharp."</p>
+
+<p>Now the next morning he bustled up ever so early, and it wasn't four
+o'clock when he started to get the apples; but, you see, the wolf had
+been taken in once and wasn't going to be taken in again, so he also
+started at four o'clock, and the little pig had but just got his basket
+half full of apples when he saw the wolf coming down the road licking
+his lips.</p>
+
+<p>"Hullo!" says the wolf, "here already! You <i>are</i> an early bird! Are the
+apples nice?"</p>
+
+<p>"Very nice," says little piggy; "I'll throw you down one to try."</p>
+
+<p>And he threw it so far away, that when the wolf had gone <a name="l_173" id="l_173"></a>to pick it up,
+the little pig was able to jump down with his basket and run home.</p>
+
+<p>Well, the wolf was fair angry; but he went next day to the little
+piggy's house and called through the door, as mild as milk:</p>
+
+<p>"Little pig! Little pig! You are so clever, I should like to give you a
+fairing; so if you will come with me to the fair this afternoon you
+shall have one."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you kindly," says little piggy. "What time shall we start?"</p>
+
+<p>"At three o'clock sharp," says the wolf, "so be sure to be ready."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll be ready before three," sniggered the little piggy. And he was! He
+started early in the morning and went to the fair, and rode in a swing,
+and enjoyed himself ever so much, and bought himself a butter-churn as a
+fairing, and trotted away towards home long before three o'clock. But
+just as he got to the top of the hill, what should he see but the wolf
+coming up it, all panting and red with rage!</p>
+
+<p>Well, there was no place to hide in but the butter-churn; so he crept
+into it, and was just pulling down the cover when the churn started to
+roll down the hill&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><i>Bumpety, bumpety, bump!</i></p>
+
+<p>Of course piggy, inside, began to squeal, and when the wolf heard the
+noise, and saw the butter-churn rolling down on top of him&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><i>Bumpety, bumpety, bump!</i></p>
+
+<p>&mdash;he was so frightened that he turned tail and ran away.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_174" id="l_174"></a>But he was still determined to get the little pig for his dinner; so he
+went next day to the house and told the little pig how sorry he was not
+to have been able to keep his promise of going to the fair, because of
+an awful, dreadful, terrible Thing that had rushed at him, making a
+fearsome noise.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear me!" says the little piggy, "that must have been me! I hid inside
+the butter-churn when I saw you coming, and it started to roll! I am
+sorry I frightened you!"</p>
+
+<p>But this was too much. The wolf danced about with rage and swore he
+would come down the chimney and eat up the little pig for his supper.
+But while he was climbing on to the roof the little pig made up a
+blazing fire and put on a big pot full of water to boil. Then, just as
+the wolf was coming down the chimney, the little piggy off with the lid,
+and plump! in fell the wolf into the scalding water.</p>
+
+<p>So the little piggy put on the cover again, boiled the wolf up, and ate
+<i>him</i> for supper.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_175" id="l_175"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="NIX_NAUGHT_NOTHING" id="NIX_NAUGHT_NOTHING"></a>NIX NAUGHT NOTHING</h2>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time there lived a King and a Queen who didn't differ much
+from all the other kings and queens who have lived since Time began. But
+they had no children, and this made them very sad indeed. Now it so
+happened that the King had to go and fight battles in a far country, and
+he was away for many long months. And, lo and behold! while he was away
+the Queen at long last bore him a little son. As you may imagine, she
+was fair delighted, and thought how pleased the King would be when he
+came home and found that his dearest wish had been fulfilled. And all
+the courtiers were fine and pleased too, and set about at once to
+arrange a grand festival for the naming of the little Prince. But the
+Queen said, "No! The child shall have no name till his father gives it
+to him. Till then we will call him 'Nix! Naught! Nothing!' because his
+father knows nothing about him!"</p>
+
+<p>So little Prince Nix Naught Nothing grew into a strong, hearty little
+lad; for his father did not come back for a long time, and did not even
+know that he had a son.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_176" id="l_176"></a>But at long last he turned his face homewards. Now, on the way, he came
+to a big rushing river which neither he nor his army could cross, for it
+was flood-time and the water was full of dangerous whirlpools, where
+nixies and water-wraiths lived, always ready to drown men.</p>
+
+<p>So they were stopped, until a huge giant appeared, who could take the
+river, whirlpool and all, in his stride; and he said kindly, "I'll carry
+you all over, if you like." Now, though the giant smiled and was very
+polite, the King knew enough of the ways of giants to think it wiser to
+have a hard and fast bargain. So he said, quite curt, "What's your pay?"</p>
+
+<p>"Pay?" echoed the giant, with a grin, "what do you take me for? Give me
+Nix Naught Nothing, and I'll do the job with a glad heart."</p>
+
+<p>Now the King felt just a trifle ashamed at the giant's generosity; so he
+said, "Certainly, certainly. I'll give you nix naught nothing and my
+thanks into the bargain."</p>
+
+<p>So the giant carried them safely over the stream and past the
+whirlpools, and the King hastened homewards. If he was glad to see his
+dear wife, the Queen, you may imagine how he felt when she showed him
+his young son, tall and strong for his age.</p>
+
+<p>"And what's your name, young sir?" he asked of the child fast clasped in
+his arms.</p>
+
+<p>"Nix Naught Nothing," answered the boy; "that's what they call me till
+my father gives me a name."</p>
+
+<p>Well! the King nearly dropped the child, he was so <a name="l_177" id="l_177"></a>horrified. "What
+have I done?" he cried. "I promised to give nix naught nothing to the
+giant who carried us over the whirlpools where the nixies and
+water-wraiths live."</p>
+
+<p>At this the Queen wept and wailed; but being a clever woman she thought
+out a plan whereby to save her son. So she said to her husband the King,
+"If the giant comes to claim his promise, we will give him the
+hen-wife's youngest boy. She has so many she will not mind if we give
+her a crown piece, and the giant will never know the difference."</p>
+
+<p>Now sure enough the very next morning the giant appeared to claim Nix
+Naught Nothing, and they dressed up the hen-wife's boy in the Prince's
+clothes and wept and wailed when the giant, fine and satisfied, carried
+his prize off on his back. But after a while he came to a big stone and
+sat down to ease his shoulders. And he fell a-dozing. Now, when he woke,
+he started up in a fluster, and called out:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Hodge, Hodge, on my shoulders! Say</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">What d'ye make the time o' day?"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>And the hen-wife's little boy replied:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">"Time that my mother the hen-wife takes</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">The eggs for the wise Queen's breakfast cakes!"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Then the giant saw at once the trick that had been played on him, and he
+threw the hen-wife's boy on the ground, so that his head hit on the
+stone and he was killed.</p>
+
+<p>Then the giant strode back to the palace in a tower of a temper, and
+demanded "Nix Naught Nothing." So this <a name="l_178" id="l_178"></a>time they dressed up the
+gardener's boy, and wept and wailed when the giant, fine and satisfied,
+carried his prize off on his back. Then the same thing happened. The
+giant grew weary of his burden, and sate down on the big stone to rest.
+So he fell a-dozing, woke with a start, and called out:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Hodge, Hodge, on my shoulders! Say</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">What d'ye make the time o' day?"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>And the gardener's boy replied:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">"Time that my father the gardener took</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">Greens for the wise Queen's dinner to cook!"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>So the giant saw at once that a second trick had been played on him and
+became quite mad with rage. He flung the boy from him so that he was
+killed, and then strode back to the palace, where he cried with fury:
+"Give me what you promised to give, Nix Naught Nothing, or I will
+destroy you all, root and branch."</p>
+
+<p>So then they saw they must give up the dear little Prince, and this time
+they really wept and wailed as the giant carried off the boy on his
+back. And this time, after the giant had had his rest at the big stone,
+and had woke up and called:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Hodge, Hodge, on my shoulders! Say</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">What d'ye make the time o' day?"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>the little Prince replied:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">"Time for the King my father to call,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">'Let supper be served in the banqueting hall.'"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_179" id="l_179"></a>Then the giant laughed with glee and rubbed his hands saying, "I've got
+the right one at last." So he took Nix Naught Nothing to his own house
+under the whirlpools; for the giant was really a great Magician who
+could take any form he chose. And the reason he wanted a little prince
+so badly was that he had lost his wife, and had only one little daughter
+who needed a playmate sorely. So Nix Naught Nothing and the Magician's
+daughter grew up together, and every year made them fonder and fonder of
+each other, until she promised to marry him.</p>
+
+<p>Now the Magician had no notion that his daughter should marry just an
+ordinary human prince, the like of whom he had eaten a thousand times,
+so he sought some way in which he could quietly get rid of Nix Naught
+Nothing. So he said one day, "I have work for you, Nix Naught Nothing!
+There is a stable hard by which is seven miles long, and seven miles
+broad, and it has not been cleaned for seven years. By to-morrow evening
+you must have cleaned it, or I will have you for my supper."</p>
+
+<p>Well, before dawn, Nix Naught Nothing set to work at his task; but, as
+fast as he cleared the muck, it just fell back again. So by
+breakfast-time he was in a terrible sweat; yet not one whit nearer the
+end of his job was he. Now the Magician's daughter, coming to bring him
+his breakfast, found him so distraught and distracted that he could
+scarce speak to her.</p>
+
+<p>"We'll soon set that to rights," she said. So she just clapped her hands
+and called:</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_180" id="l_180"></a></p><p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Beasts and birds o' each degree,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Clean me this stable for love o' me."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>And, lo and behold! in a minute the beasts of the fields came trooping,
+and the sky was just dark with the wings of birds, and they carried away
+the muck, and the stable was clean as a new pin before the evening.</p>
+
+<p>Now when the Magician saw this, he grew hot and angry, and he guessed it
+was his daughter's magic that had wrought the miracle. So he said:
+"Shame on the wit that helped you; but I have a harder job for you
+to-morrow. Yonder is a lake seven miles long, seven miles broad, and
+seven miles deep. Drain it by nightfall, so that not one drop remains,
+or, of a certainty, I eat you for supper."</p>
+
+<p>So once again Nix Naught Nothing rose before dawn, and began his task;
+but though he baled out the water without ceasing, it ever ran back, so
+that though he sweated and laboured, by breakfast-time he was no nearer
+the end of his job.</p>
+
+<p>But when the Magician's daughter came with his breakfast she only
+laughed and said, "I'll soon mend that!" Then she clapped her hands and
+called:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">"Oh! all ye fish of river and sea,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">Drink me this water for love of me!"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>And, lo and behold! the lake was thick with fishes. And they drank and
+drank, till not one drop remained.</p>
+
+<p>Now when the Magician returned in the morning and saw this he was as
+angry as angry. And he knew it was <a name="l_181" id="l_181"></a>his daughter's magic, so he said:
+"Double shame on the wit that helped you! Yet it betters you not, for I
+will give you a yet harder task than the last. If you do that, you may
+have my daughter. See you, yonder is a tree, seven miles high, and no
+branch to it till the top, and there on the fork is a nest with some
+eggs in it. Bring those eggs down without breaking one or, sure as fate,
+I'll eat you for my supper."</p>
+
+<p>Then the Magician's daughter was very sad; for with all her magic she
+could think of no way of helping her lover to fetch the eggs and bring
+them down unbroken. So she sate with Nix Naught Nothing underneath the
+tree, and thought, and thought, and thought; until an idea came to her,
+and she clapped her hands and cried:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Fingers of mine, for love of me,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Help my true lover to climb the tree."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Then her fingers dropped off her hands one by one and ranged themselves
+like the steps of a ladder up the tree; but they were not quite enough
+of them to reach the top, so she cried again:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Oh! toes of mine, for love o' me,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Help my true lover to climb the tree."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Then her toes began to drop off one by one and range themselves like the
+rungs of a ladder; but when the toes of one foot had gone to their
+places the ladder was tall enough. So Nix Naught Nothing climbed up it,
+reached the nest, and got the seven eggs. Now, as he was coming down
+with <a name="l_182" id="l_182"></a>the last, he was so overjoyed at having finished his task, that he
+turned to see if the Magician's daughter was overjoyed too: and lo! the
+seventh egg slipped from his hand and fell</p>
+
+<p class='center'>Crash!</p>
+
+<p>"Quick! Quick!" cried the Magician's daughter, who, as you will observe,
+always had her wits about her. "There is nothing for it now but to fly
+at once. But first I must have my magic flask, or I shall be unable to
+help. It is in my room and the door is locked. Put your fingers, since I
+have none, in my pocket, take the key, unlock the door, get the flask,
+and follow me fast. I shall go slower than you, for I have no toes on
+one foot!"</p>
+
+<p>So Nix Naught Nothing did as he was bid, and soon caught up the
+Magician's daughter. But alas! they could not run very fast, so ere long
+the Magician, who had once again taken a giant's form in order to have a
+long stride, could be seen behind them. Nearer and nearer he came until
+he was just going to seize Nix Naught Nothing, when the Magician's
+daughter cried: "Put your fingers, since I have none, into my hair, take
+my comb and throw it down." So Nix Naught Nothing did as he was bid,
+and, lo and behold! out of every one of the comb-prongs there sprang up
+a prickly briar, which grew so fast that the Magician found himself in
+the middle of a thorn hedge! You may guess how angry and scratched he
+was before he tore his way out. So Nix Naught Nothing and his sweetheart
+had time for a good start; but the Magician's daughter could not run
+<a name="l_183" id="l_183"></a>fast because she had lost her toes on one foot! Therefore the Magician
+in giant form soon caught them up, and he was just about to grip Nix
+Naught Nothing when the Magician's daughter cried: "Put your fingers,
+since I have none, to my breast. Take out my veil-dagger and throw it
+down."</p>
+
+<p>So he did as he was bid, and in a moment the dagger had grown to
+thousands and thousands of sharp razors, criss-cross on the ground, and
+the Magician giant was howling with pain as he trod among them. You may
+guess how he danced and stumbled and how long it took for him to pick
+his way through as if he were walking on eggs!</p>
+
+<p>So Nix Naught Nothing and his sweetheart were nearly out of sight ere
+the giant could start again; yet it wasn't long before he was like to
+catch them up; for the Magician's daughter, you see, could not run fast
+because she had lost her toes on one foot! She did what she could, but
+it was no use. So just as the giant was reaching out a hand to lay hold
+of Nix Naught Nothing she cried breathlessly:</p>
+
+<p>"There's nothing left but the magic flask. Take it out and sprinkle some
+of what it holds on the ground."</p>
+
+<p>And Nix Naught Nothing did as he was bid; but in his hurry he nearly
+emptied the flask altogether; and so the big, big wave of water which
+instantly welled up, swept him off his feet, and would have carried him
+away, had not the Magician's daughter's loosened veil caught him and
+held him fast. But the wave grew, and grew, and grew behind them, until
+it reached the giant's waist; then it grew and <a name="l_184" id="l_184"></a>grew until it reached
+his shoulders; and it grew and grew until it swept over his head: a
+great big sea-wave full of little fishes and crabs and sea-snails and
+all sorts of strange creatures.</p>
+
+<p>So that was the last of the Magician giant. But the poor little
+Magician's daughter was so weary that, after a time she couldn't move a
+step further, and she said to her lover, "Yonder are lights burning. Go
+and see if you can find a night's lodging: I will climb this tree by the
+pool where I shall be safe, and by the time you return I shall be
+rested."</p>
+
+<p>Now, by chance, it happened that the lights they saw were the lights of
+the castle where Nix Naught Nothing's father and mother, the King and
+Queen, lived (though of course, he did not know this); so, as he walked
+towards the castle, he came upon the hen-wife's cottage and asked for a
+night's lodging.</p>
+
+<p>"Who are you?" asked the hen-wife suspiciously.</p>
+
+<p>"I am Nix Naught Nothing," replied the young man.</p>
+
+<p>Now the hen-wife still grieved over her boy who had been killed, so she
+instantly resolved to be revenged.</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot give you a night's lodging," she said, "but you shall have a
+drink of milk, for you look weary. Then you can go on to the castle and
+beg for a bed there."</p>
+
+<p>So she gave him a cup of milk; but, being a witch-woman, she put a
+potion to it so that the very moment he saw his father and mother he
+should fall fast asleep, and none should be able to waken him so he
+would be no use to anybody, and would not recognize his father and
+mother.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_185" id="l_185"></a>Now the King and Queen had never ceased grieving for their lost son.
+They were always very kind to wandering young men, and when they heard
+that one was begging a night's lodging, they went down to the hall to
+see him. And lo, the moment Nix Naught Nothing caught sight of his
+father and mother, there he was on the floor fast asleep, and none could
+waken him! He did not recognize his father and mother nor they did not
+recognize him.</p>
+
+<p>But Prince Nix Naught Nothing had grown into a very handsome young man,
+so they pitied him very much, and when none, do what they would, could
+waken him, the King said, "A maiden will likely take more trouble to
+waken him than others, seeing how handsome he is. Send forth a
+proclamation that if any maiden in my realm can waken this young man,
+she shall have him in marriage, and a handsome dowry to boot."</p>
+
+<p>So the proclamation was sent forth, and all the pretty maidens of the
+realm came to try their luck, but they had no success.</p>
+
+<p>Now the gardener whose boy had been killed by the giant had a daughter
+who was very ugly indeed&mdash;so ugly that she thought it no use to try her
+luck, and went about her work as usual. So she took her pitcher to the
+pool to fill it. Now the Magician's daughter was still hiding in the
+tree waiting for her lover to return. Thus it came to pass that the
+gardener's ugly daughter, bending down to fill her pitcher in the pool,
+saw a beautiful shadow in the water, and thought it was her own!</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_186" id="l_186"></a>"If I am as pretty as that," she cried, "I'll draw water no longer!"</p>
+
+<p>So she threw down her pitcher, and went straight to the castle to see if
+she hadn't a chance of the handsome stranger and the handsome dowry. But
+of course she hadn't; though at the sight of Nix Naught Nothing she fell
+so much in love with him, that, knowing the hen-wife to be a witch, she
+went straight to her, and offered all her savings for a charm by which
+she could awaken the sleeper.</p>
+
+<p>Now when the hen-wife witch heard her tale, she thought it would be a
+rare revenge to marry the King and Queen's long-lost son to a gardener's
+ugly daughter; so she straightway took the girl's savings and gave her a
+charm by which she could unspell the Prince or spell him again at her
+pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>So away went the gardener's daughter to the castle, and sure enough, no
+sooner had she sung her charm, than Nix Naught Nothing awoke.</p>
+
+<p>"I am going to marry you, my charmer," she said coaxingly; but Nix
+Naught Nothing said he would prefer sleep. So she thought it wiser to
+put him to sleep again till the marriage feast was ready and she had got
+her fine clothes. So she spelled him asleep again.</p>
+
+<p>Now the gardener had, of course, to draw the water himself, since his
+daughter would not work. And he took the pitcher to the pool; and he
+also saw the Magician's daughter's shadow in the water; but he did not
+think the face was his own, for, see you, he had a beard!</p>
+
+<p>Then he looked up and saw the lady in the tree.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_187" id="l_187"></a>She, poor thing, was half dead with sorrow, and hunger, and fatigue,
+so, being a kind man, he took her to his house and gave her food. And he
+told her that that <i>very day</i> his daughter was to marry a handsome young
+stranger at the castle, and to get a handsome dowry to boot from the
+King and Queen, in memory of their son, Nix Naught Nothing, who had been
+carried off by a giant when he was a little boy.</p>
+
+<p>Then the Magician's daughter felt sure that something had happened to
+her lover; so she went to the castle, and there she found him fast
+asleep in a chair.</p>
+
+<p>But she could not waken him, for, see you, her magic had gone from her
+with the magic flask which Nix Naught Nothing had emptied.</p>
+
+<p>So, though she put her fingerless hands on his and wept and sang:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"I cleaned the stable for love o' thee,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">I laved the lake and I clomb the tree,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Wilt thou not waken for love o' me?"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>he never stirred nor woke.</p>
+
+<p>Now one of the old servants there, seeing how she wept, took pity on her
+and said, "She that is to marry the young man will be back ere long, and
+unspell him for the wedding. Hide yourself and listen to her charm."</p>
+
+<p>So the Magician's daughter hid herself, and, by and by, in comes the
+gardener's daughter in her fine wedding-dress, and begins to sing her
+charm. But the Magician's daughter didn't wait for her to finish it; for
+the moment Nix Naught<a name="l_188" id="l_188"></a> Nothing opened his eyes, she rushed out of her
+hiding-place, and put her fingerless hands in his.</p>
+
+<p>Then Nix Naught Nothing remembered everything. He remembered the castle,
+he remembered his father and mother, he remembered the Magician's
+daughter and all that she had done for him.</p>
+
+<p>Then he drew out the magic flask and said, "Surely, surely there must be
+enough magic in it to mend your hands." And there was. There were just
+fourteen drops left, ten for the fingers and four for the toes; but
+there was not one for the little toe, so it could not be brought back.
+Of course, after that there was great rejoicing, and Prince Nix Naught
+Nothing and the Magician's daughter were married and lived happy ever
+after, even though she only had four toes on one foot. As for the
+hen-wife witch, she was burnt, and so the gardener's daughter got back
+her earnings; but she was not happy, because her shadow in the water was
+ugly again.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_189" id="l_189"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="MR_AND_MRS_VINEGAR" id="MR_AND_MRS_VINEGAR"></a>MR. AND MRS. VINEGAR</h2>
+
+
+<p>Mr. and Mrs. Vinegar, a worthy couple, lived in a glass pickle-jar. The
+house, though small, was snug, and so light that each speck of dust on
+the furniture showed like a mole-hill; so while Mr. Vinegar tilled his
+garden with a pickle-fork and grew vegetables for pickling, Mrs.
+Vinegar, who was a sharp, bustling, tidy woman, swept, brushed, and
+dusted, brushed and dusted and swept to keep the house clean as a new
+pin. Now one day she lost her temper with a cobweb and swept so hard
+after it that bang! bang! the broom-handle went right through the glass,
+and crash! crash! clitter! clatter! there was the pickle-jar house about
+her ears all in splinters and bits.</p>
+
+<p>She picked her way over these as best she might, and rushed into the
+garden.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Vinegar, Vinegar!" she cried. "We are clean ruined and done for!
+Quit these vegetables! they won't be wanted! What is the use of pickles
+if you haven't a pickle-jar to put them in, and&mdash;I've broken ours&mdash;into
+little bits!" And with that she fell to crying bitterly.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_190" id="l_190"></a>But Mr. Vinegar was of different mettle; though a small man, he was a
+cheerful one, always looking at the best side of things, so he said,
+"Accidents will happen, lovey! But there are as good pickle-bottles in
+the shop as ever came out of it. All we need is money to buy another. So
+let us go out into the world and seek our fortunes."</p>
+
+<p>"But what about the furniture?" sobbed Mrs. Vinegar.</p>
+
+<p>"I will take the door of the house with me, lovey," quoth Mr. Vinegar
+stoutly. "Then no one will be able to open it, will they?"</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Vinegar did not quite see how this fact would mend matters, but,
+being a good wife, she held her peace. So off they trudged into the
+world to seek fortune, Mr. Vinegar bearing the door on his back like a
+snail carries its house.</p>
+
+<p>Well, they walked all day long, but not a brass farthing did they make,
+and when night fell they found themselves in a dark, thick forest. Now
+Mrs. Vinegar, for all she was a smart, strong woman, was tired to death,
+and filled with fear of wild beasts, so she began once more to cry
+bitterly; but Mr. Vinegar was cheerful as ever.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't alarm yourself, lovey," he said. "I will climb into a tree, fix
+the door firmly in a fork, and you can sleep there as safe and
+comfortable as in your own bed."</p>
+
+<p>So he climbed the tree, fixed the door, and Mrs. Vinegar lay down on it,
+and being dead tired was soon fast asleep. But her weight tilted the
+door sideways, so, after a time, Mr. Vinegar, being afraid she might
+slip off, sate down on the other side to balance her and keep watch.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_191" id="l_191"></a>Now in the very middle of the night, just as he was beginning to nod,
+what should happen but that a band of robbers should meet beneath that
+very tree in order to divide their spoils. Mr. Vinegar could hear every
+word said quite distinctly, and began to tremble like an aspen as he
+listened to the terrible deeds the thieves had done to gain their ends.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't shake so!" murmured Mrs. Vinegar, half asleep. "You'll have me
+off the bed."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm not shaking, lovey," whispered back Mr. Vinegar in a quaking voice.
+"It is only the wind in the trees."</p>
+
+<p>But for all his cheerfulness he was not really <i>very</i> brave <i>inside</i>, so
+he went on trembling and shaking, and shaking and trembling, till, just
+as the robbers were beginning to parcel out the money, he actually shook
+the door right out of the tree-fork, and down it came&mdash;with Mrs. Vinegar
+still asleep upon it&mdash;right on top of the robbers' heads!</p>
+
+<p>As you may imagine, they thought the sky had fallen, and made off as
+fast as their legs would carry them, leaving their booty behind them.
+But Mr. Vinegar, who had saved himself from the fall by clinging to a
+branch, was far too frightened to go down in the dark to see what had
+happened. So up in the tree he sate like a big bird until dawn came.</p>
+
+<p>Then Mrs. Vinegar woke, rubbed her eyes, yawned, and said, "Where am I?"</p>
+
+<p>"On the ground, lovey," answered Mr. Vinegar, scrambling down.</p>
+
+<p>And when they lifted up the door, what do you think they found?</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_192" id="l_192"></a>One robber squashed flat as a pancake, and forty golden guineas all
+scattered about!</p>
+
+<p>My goodness! How Mr. and Mrs. Vinegar jumped for joy!</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Vinegar!" said his wife when they had gathered up all the gold
+pieces, "I will tell you what we must do. You must go to the next
+market-town and buy a cow; for, see you, money makes the mare to go,
+truly; but it also goes itself. Now a cow won't run away, but will give
+us milk and butter, which we can sell. So we shall live in comfort for
+the rest of our days."</p>
+
+<p>"What a head you have, lovey!" said Mr. Vinegar admiringly, and started
+off on his errand.</p>
+
+<p>"Mind you make a good bargain," bawled his wife after him.</p>
+
+<p>"I always do," bawled back Mr. Vinegar. "I made a good bargain when I
+married such a clever wife, and I made a better one when I shook her
+down from the tree. I am the happiest man alive!"</p>
+
+<p>So he trudged on, laughing and jingling the forty gold pieces in his
+pocket.</p>
+
+<p>Now the first thing he saw in the market was an old red cow.</p>
+
+<p>"I am in luck to-day," he thought; "that is the very beast for me. I
+shall be the happiest of men if I get that cow." So he went up to the
+owner, jingling the gold in his pocket.</p>
+
+<p>"What will you take for your cow?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_193" id="l_193"></a>And the owner of the cow, seeing he was a simpleton, said, "What you've
+got in your pocket."</p>
+
+<p>"Done!" said Mr. Vinegar, handed over the forty guineas, and led off the
+cow, marching her up and down the market, much against her will, to show
+off his bargain.</p>
+
+<p>Now, as he drove it about, proud as Punch, he noticed a man who was
+playing the bagpipes. He was followed about by a crowd of children who
+danced to the music, and a perfect shower of pennies fell into his cap
+every time he held it out.</p>
+
+<p>"Ho, ho!" thought Mr. Vinegar. "That is an easier way of earning a
+livelihood than by driving about a beast of a cow! Then the feeding, and
+the milking, and the churning! Ah, I should be the happiest man alive if
+I had those bagpipes!"</p>
+
+<p>So he went up to the musician and said, "What will you take for your
+bagpipes?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well," replied the musician, seeing he was a simpleton, "it is a
+beautiful instrument, and I make so much money by it, that I cannot take
+anything less than that red cow."</p>
+
+<p>"Done!" cried Mr. Vinegar in a hurry, lest the man should repent of his
+offer.</p>
+
+<p>So the musician walked off with the red cow, and Mr. Vinegar tried to
+play the bagpipes. But, alas and alack! though he blew till he almost
+burst, not a sound could he make at first, and when he did at last, it
+was such a terrific squeal and screech that all the children ran away
+frightened, and the people stopped their ears.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_194" id="l_194"></a>But he went on and on, trying to play a tune, and never earning
+anything, save hootings and peltings, until his fingers were almost
+frozen with the cold, when of course the noise he made on the bagpipes
+was worse than ever.</p>
+
+<p>Then he noticed a man who had on a pair of warm gloves, and he said to
+himself, "Music is impossible when one's fingers are frozen. I believe I
+should be the happiest man alive if I had those gloves."</p>
+
+<p>So he went up to the owner and said, "You seem, sir, to have a very good
+pair of gloves." And the man replied, "Truly, sir, my hands are as warm
+as toast this bitter November day."</p>
+
+<p>That quite decided Mr. Vinegar, and he asked at once what the owner
+would take for them; and the owner, seeing he was a simpleton, said, "As
+your hands seem frozen, sir, I will, as a favour, let you have them for
+your bagpipes."</p>
+
+<p>"Done!" cried Mr. Vinegar, delighted, and made the exchange.</p>
+
+<p>Then he set off to find his wife, quite pleased with himself. "Warm
+hands, warm heart!" he thought. "I'm the happiest man alive!"</p>
+
+<p>But as he trudged he grew very, very tired, and at last began to limp.
+Then he saw a man coming along the road with a stout stick.</p>
+
+<p>"I should be the happiest man alive if I had that stick," he thought.
+"What is the use of warm hands if your feet ache!" So he said to the man
+with the stick, "What will <a name="l_195" id="l_195"></a>you take for your stick?" and the man,
+seeing he was a simpleton, replied:</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I don't want to part with my stick, but as you are so pressing
+I'll oblige you, as a friend, for those warm gloves you are wearing."</p>
+
+<p>"Done for you!" cried Mr. Vinegar delightedly; and trudged off with the
+stick, chuckling to himself over his good bargain.</p>
+
+<p>But as he went along a magpie fluttered out of the hedge and sate on a
+branch in front of him, and chuckled and laughed as magpies do. "What
+are you laughing at?" asked Mr. Vinegar.</p>
+
+<p>"At you, forsooth!" chuckled the magpie, fluttering just a little
+further. "At you, Mr. Vinegar, you foolish man&mdash;you simpleton&mdash;you
+blockhead! You bought a cow for forty guineas when she wasn't worth ten,
+you exchanged her for bagpipes you couldn't play&mdash;you changed the
+bagpipes for a pair of gloves, and the pair of gloves for a miserable
+stick. Ho, ho! Ha, ha! So you've nothing to show for your forty guineas
+save a stick you might have cut in any hedge. Ah, you fool! you
+simpleton! you blockhead!"</p>
+
+<p>And the magpie chuckled, and chuckled,<a name="l_196" id="l_196"></a> and chuckled in such guffaws,
+fluttering from branch to branch as Mr. Vinegar trudged along, that at
+last he flew into a violent rage and flung his stick at the bird. And
+the stick stuck in a tree out of his reach; so he had to go back to his
+wife without anything at all.</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-198" src="images/illus-198.jpg" alt="At last he flew into a violent rage and flung his stick at the bird" title="At last he flew into a violent rage and flung his stick at the bird" /></div>
+
+<p>But he was glad the stick had stuck in a tree, for Mrs. Vinegar's hands
+were quite hard enough.</p>
+
+<p>When it was all over Mr. Vinegar said cheerfully, "You are too violent,
+lovey. You broke the pickle-jar, and now you've nearly broken every bone
+in my body. I think we <a name="l_197" id="l_197"></a>had better turn over a new leaf and begin
+afresh. I shall take service as a gardener, and you can go as a
+housemaid, until we have enough money to buy a new pickle-jar. There are
+as good ones in the shop as ever came out of it."</p>
+
+<p>And that is the story of Mr. and Mrs. Vinegar.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/illus-9.jpg"><img id="illus-9" src="images/illus-9-tb.jpg" alt="And that is the story of Mr. and Mrs. Vinegar." title="And that is the story of Mr. and Mrs. Vinegar." /></a></div>
+
+<h4><a name="l_198" id="l_198"></a>And that is the story of Mr. and Mrs. Vinegar.</h4>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_199" id="l_199"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="THE_TRUE_HISTORY_OF_SIR_THOMAS_THUMB" id="THE_TRUE_HISTORY_OF_SIR_THOMAS_THUMB"></a>THE TRUE HISTORY OF SIR THOMAS THUMB</h2>
+
+
+<p>At the court of great King Arthur, who lived, as all know, when knights
+were bold, and ladies were fair indeed, one of the most renowned of men
+was the wizard Merlin. Never before or since was there such another. All
+that was to be known of wizardry he knew, and his advice was ever good
+and kindly.</p>
+
+<p>Now once when he was travelling in the guise of a beggar, he chanced
+upon an honest ploughman and his wife who, giving him a hearty welcome,
+supplied him, cheerfully, with a big wooden bowl of fresh milk and some
+coarse brown bread on a wooden platter. Still, though both they and the
+little cottage where they dwelt were neat and tidy, Merlin noticed that
+neither the husband nor the wife seemed happy; and when he asked the
+cause they said it was because they had no children.</p>
+
+<p>"Had I but a son, no matter if he were no bigger than my goodman's
+thumb," said the poor woman, "we should be quite content."</p>
+
+<p>Now this idea of a boy no bigger than a man's thumb <a name="l_200" id="l_200"></a>so tickled Wizard
+Merlin's fancy that he promised straight away that such a son should
+come in due time to bring the good couple content. This done, he went
+off at once to pay a visit to the Queen of the Fairies, since he felt
+that the little people would best be able to carry out his promise. And,
+sure enough, the droll fancy of a mannikin no bigger than his father's
+thumb tickled the Fairy Queen also, and she set about the task at once.</p>
+
+<p>So behold the ploughman and his wife as happy as King and Queen over the
+tiniest of tiny babies; and all the happier because the Fairy Queen,
+anxious to see the little fellow, flew in at the window, bringing with
+her clothes fit for the wee mannikin to wear.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">An oak-leaf hat he had for his crown;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His jacket was woven of thistle-down.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His shirt was a web by spiders spun;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His breeches of softest feathers were done.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His stockings of red-apple rind were tyne</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">With an eyelash plucked from his mother's eyne.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His shoes were made of a mouse's skin,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Tanned with the soft furry hair within.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Dressed in this guise he looked the prettiest little fellow ever seen,
+and the Fairy Queen kissed him over and over again, and gave him the
+name of Tom Thumb.</p>
+
+<p>Now as he grew older&mdash;though, mind you, he never grew bigger&mdash;he was so
+full of antics and tricks that he was for ever getting into trouble.
+Once his mother was making a batter pudding, and Tom, wanting to see how
+it was made, climbed up to the edge of the bowl. His mother was so busy
+<a name="l_201" id="l_201"></a>beating the batter that she didn't notice him; and when his foot
+slipped, and he plumped head and ears into the bowl, she just went on
+beating until the batter was light enough. Then she put it into the
+pudding-cloth and set it on the fire to boil.</p>
+
+<p>Now the batter had so filled poor Tom's mouth that he couldn't cry; but
+no sooner did he feel the hot water than he began to struggle and kick
+so much that the pudding bobbed up and down, and jumped about in such
+strange fashion that the ploughman's wife thought it was bewitched, and
+in a great fright flung it to the door.</p>
+
+<p>Here a poor tinker passing by picked it up and put it in his wallet. But
+by this time Tom had got his mouth clear of the batter, and he began
+holloaing, and making such a to-do, that the tinker, even more
+frightened than Tom's mother had been, threw the pudding in the road,
+and ran away as fast as he could run. Luckily for Tom, this second fall
+broke the pudding string and he was able to creep out, all covered with
+half-cooked batter, and make his way home, where his mother, distressed
+to see her little dear in such a woeful state, put him into a teacup of
+water to clean him, and then tucked him up in bed.</p>
+
+<p>Another time Tom's mother went to milk her red cow in the meadow and
+took Tom with her, for she was ever afraid lest he should fall into
+mischief when left alone. Now the wind was high, and fearful lest he
+should be blown away, she tied him to a thistle-head with one of her own
+long hairs, and then began to milk. But the red cow, nosing about for
+<a name="l_202" id="l_202"></a>something to do while she was being milked, as all cows will, spied
+Tom's oak-leaf hat, and thinking it looked good, curled its tongue round
+the thistle-stalk and&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>There was Tom dodging the cow's teeth, and roaring as loud as he could:</p>
+
+<p>"Mother! Mother! Help! Help!"</p>
+
+<p>"Lawks-a-mercy-me," cried his mother, "where's the child got to now?
+Where are you, you bad boy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Here!" roared Tom, "in the red cow's mouth!"</p>
+
+<p>With that his mother began to weep and wail, not knowing what else to
+do; and Tom, hearing her, roared louder than ever. Whereat the red cow,
+alarmed&mdash;and no wonder!&mdash;at the dreadful noise in her throat, opened
+her mouth, and Tom dropped out, luckily into his mother's apron;
+otherwise he would have been badly hurt falling so far.</p>
+
+<p>Adventures like these were not Tom's fault. He could not help being so
+small, but he got into dreadful trouble once for which he was entirely
+to blame. This is what happened. He loved playing cherry-stones with the
+big boys, and when he had lost all his own he would creep unbeknownst
+into the other players' pockets or bags, and make off with cherry-stones
+enough and galore to carry on the game!</p>
+
+<p>Now one day it so happened that one of the boys saw Master Tom on the
+point of coming out of a bag with a whole fistful of cherry-stones. So
+he just drew the string of the bag tight.</p>
+
+<p>"Ha! ha! Mr. Thomas Thumb," says he jeeringly,<a name="l_203" id="l_203"></a> "so you were going to
+pinch my cherry-stones, were you? Well! you shall have more of them than
+you like." And with that he gave the cherry-stone bag such a hearty
+shake that all Tom's body and legs were sadly bruised black and blue;
+nor was he let out till he had promised never to steal cherry-stones
+again.</p>
+
+<p>So the years passed, and when Tom was a lad, still no bigger than a
+thumb, his father thought he might begin to make himself useful. So he
+made him a whip out of a barley straw, and set him to drive the cattle
+home. But Tom, in trying to climb a furrow's ridge&mdash;which to him, of
+course, was a steep hill&mdash;slipped down and lay half stunned, so that a
+raven, happening to fly over, thought he was a frog, and picked him up
+intending to eat him. Not relishing the morsel, however, the bird
+dropped him above the battlements of a big castle that stood close to
+the sea. Now the castle belonged to one Grumbo, an ill-tempered giant
+who happened to be taking the air on the roof of his tower. And when Tom
+dropped on his bald pate the giant put up his great hand to catch what
+he thought was an impudent fly, and finding something that smelt man's
+meat, he just swallowed the little fellow as he would have swallowed a
+pill!</p>
+
+<p>He began, however, to repent very soon, for Tom kicked and struggled in
+the giant's inside as he had done in the red cow's throat until the
+giant felt quite squeamish, and finally got rid of Tom by being sick
+over the battlements into the sea.</p>
+
+<p>And here, doubtless, would have been Tom Thumb's <a name="l_204" id="l_204"></a>end by drowning, had
+not a big fish, thinking that he was a shrimp, rushed at him and gulped
+him down!</p>
+
+<p>Now by good chance some fishermen were standing by with their nets, and
+when they drew them in, the fish that had swallowed Tom was one of the
+haul. Being a very fine fish it was sent to the Court kitchen, where,
+when the fish was opened, out popped Tom on the dresser, as spry as
+spry, to the astonishment of the cook and the scullions! Never had such
+a mite of a man been seen, while his quips and pranks kept the whole
+buttery in roars of laughter. What is more, he soon became the favourite
+of the whole Court, and when the King went out a-riding Tom sat in the
+Royal waistcoat pocket ready to amuse Royalty and the Knights of the
+Round Table.</p>
+
+<p>After a while, however, Tom wearied to see his parents again; so the
+King gave him leave to go home and take with him as much money as he
+could carry. Tom therefore chose a threepenny bit, and putting it into a
+purse made of a water bubble, lifted it with difficulty on to his back,
+and trudged away to his father's house, which was some half a mile
+distant.</p>
+
+<p>It took him two days and two nights to cover the ground, and he was fair
+outwearied by his heavy burden ere he reached home. However, his mother
+put him to rest in a walnut shell by the fire and gave him a whole hazel
+nut to eat; which, sad to say, disagreed with him dreadfully. However,
+he recovered in some measure, but had grown so thin and light that to
+save him the trouble of walking back <a name="l_205" id="l_205"></a>to the Court, his mother tied him
+to a dandelion-clock, and as there was a high wind, away he went as if
+on wings. Unfortunately, however, just as he was flying low in order to
+alight, the Court cook, an ill-natured fellow, was coming across the
+palace yard with a bowl of hot furmenty for the King's supper. Now Tom
+was unskilled in the handling of dandelion horses, so what should happen
+but that he rode straight into the furmenty, spilt the half of it, and
+splashed the other half, scalding hot, into the cook's face.</p>
+
+<p>He was in a fine rage, and going straight to King Arthur said that Tom,
+at his old antics, had done it on purpose.</p>
+
+<p>Now the King's favourite dish was hot furmenty; so he also fell into a
+fine rage and ordered Tom to be tried for high treason. He was therefore
+imprisoned in a mouse-trap, where he remained for several days tormented
+by a cat, who, thinking him some new kind of mouse, spent its time in
+sparring at him through the bars. At the end of a week, however, King
+Arthur, having recovered the loss of the furmenty, sent for Tom and once
+more received him into favour. After this Tom's life was happy and
+successful. He became so renowned for his dexterity and wonderful
+activity, that he was knighted, by the King under the name of Sir Thomas
+Thumb, and as his clothes, what with the batter and the furmenty, to say
+nothing of the insides of giants and fishes, had become somewhat shabby,
+His Majesty ordered him a new suit of clothes fit for a mounted knight
+to wear. He also gave him a beautiful prancing grey mouse as a charger.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_206" id="l_206"></a>It was certainly very diverting to see Tom dressed up to the nines, and
+as proud as Punch.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Of butterflies' wings his shirt was made,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His boots of chicken hide,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And by a nimble fairy blade,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">All learned in the tailoring trade,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His coat was well supplied.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A needle dangled at his side,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And thus attired in stately pride</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A dapper mouse he used to ride.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>In truth the King and all the Knights of the Round Table were ready to
+expire with laughter at Tom on his fine curveting steed.</p>
+
+<p>But one day, as the hunt was passing a farm-house, a big cat, lurking
+about, made one spring and carried both Tom and the mouse up a tree.
+Nothing daunted, Tom boldly drew his needle sword and attacked the enemy
+with such fierceness that she let her prey fall. Luckily one of the
+nobles caught the little fellow in his cap, otherwise he must have been
+killed by the fall. As it was he became very ill, and the doctor almost
+despaired of his life. However, his friend and guardian, the Queen of
+the Fairies, arrived in a chariot drawn by flying mice, and then and
+there carried Tom back with her to Fairyland, where, amongst folk of his
+own size, he, after a time, recovered. But time runs swiftly in
+Fairyland, and when Tom Thumb returned to Court he was surprised to find
+that his father and mother and nearly all his old friends were dead, and
+that King<a name="l_207" id="l_207"></a> Thunstone reigned in King Arthur's place. So every one was
+astonished at his size, and carried him as a curiosity to the Audience
+Hall.</p>
+
+<p>"Who art thou, mannikin?" asked King Thunstone. "Whence dost come? And
+where dost live?"</p>
+
+<p>To which Tom replied with a bow:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"My name is well known.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">From the Fairies I come.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">When King Arthur shone,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">This Court was my home.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">By him I was knighted,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">In me he delighted</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">&mdash;Your servant&mdash;Sir Thomas Thumb."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>This address so pleased His Majesty that he ordered a little golden
+chair to be made, so that Tom might sit beside him at table. Also a
+little palace of gold, but a span high, with doors a bare inch wide, in
+which the little fellow might take his ease.</p>
+
+<p>Now King Thunstone's Queen was a very jealous woman, and could not bear
+to see such honours showered on the little fellow; so she up and told
+the King all sorts of bad tales about his favourite; amongst others,
+that he had been saucy and rude to her.</p>
+
+<p>Whereupon the King sent for Tom; but forewarned is forearmed, and
+knowing by bitter experience the danger of royal displeasure, Tom hid
+himself in an empty snail-shell, where he lay till he was nigh starved.
+Then seeing a fine large butterfly on a dandelion close by, he climbed
+<a name="l_208" id="l_208"></a>up and managed to get astride it. No sooner had he gained his seat than
+the butterfly was off, hovering from tree to tree, from flower to
+flower.</p>
+
+<p>At last the royal gardener saw it and gave chase, then the nobles joined
+in the hunt, even the King himself, and finally the Queen, who forgot
+her anger in the merriment. Hither and thither they ran, trying in vain
+to catch the pair, and almost expiring with laughter, until poor Tom,
+dizzy with so much fluttering, and doubling, and flittering, fell from
+his seat into a watering-pot, where he was nearly drowned.</p>
+
+<p>So they all agreed he must be forgiven, because he had afforded them so
+much amusement.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-209" src="images/illus-209.jpg" alt="A spider one day attacked him" title="A spider one day attacked him" /></div>
+
+<p>Thus Tom was once more in favour; but he did not live long to enjoy his
+good luck, for a spider one day attacked him, and though he fought well,
+the creature's poisonous breath proved too much for him; he fell dead on
+the <a name="l_209" id="l_209"></a>ground where he stood, and the spider soon sucked every drop of his
+blood.</p>
+
+<p>Thus ended Sir Thomas Thumb; but the King and the Court were so sorry at
+the loss of their little favourite that they went into mourning for him.
+And they put a fine white marble monument over his grave whereon was
+carven the following epitaph:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Here lyes Tom Thumb, King Arthur's Knight,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Who died by a spider's fell despite.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He was well known in Arthur's Court,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Where he afforded gallant sport.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He rode at tilt and tournament,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And on a mouse a-hunting went.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Alive he filled the Court with mirth,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His death to sadness must give birth.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">So wipe your eyes and shake your head,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And say, "Alas, Tom Thumb is dead!"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_210" id="l_210"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="HENNY_PENNY" id="HENNY_PENNY"></a>HENNY-PENNY</h2>
+
+
+<p>One day Henny-penny was picking up corn in the rickyard when&mdash;whack!&mdash;an
+acorn hit her upon the head. "Goodness gracious me!" said Henny-penny,
+"the sky's a-going to fall; I must go and tell the King."</p>
+
+<p>So she went along, and she went along, and she went along, till she met
+Cocky-locky. "Where are you going, Henny-penny?" says Cocky-locky. "Oh!
+I'm going to tell the King the sky's a-falling," says Henny-penny. "May
+I come with you?" says Cocky-locky. "Certainly," says Henny-penny. So
+Henny-penny and Cocky-locky went to tell the King the sky was falling.</p>
+
+<p>They went along, and they went along, and they went along, till they met
+Ducky-daddles. "Where are you going to, Henny-penny and Cocky-locky?"
+says Ducky-daddles. "Oh! we're going to tell the King the sky's
+a-falling," said Henny-penny and Cocky-locky. "May I come with you?"
+says Ducky-daddles. "Certainly," said Henny-penny and Cocky-locky. So
+Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, and Ducky-daddles went to tell the King the
+sky was a-falling.</p>
+
+<p>So they went along, and they went along, and they went along, till they
+met Goosey-poosey. "Where are you going to, Henny-penny, Cocky-locky,
+and Ducky-daddles?" said Goosey-poosey. "Oh! we're going to tell the
+King the sky's a-falling," said Henny-penny and Cocky-locky and
+Ducky-daddles. "May I come with you?" said Goosey-poosey. "Certainly,"
+said Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, and Ducky-daddles. So Henny-penny,
+Cocky-locky, Ducky-<a name="l_211" id="l_211"></a>daddles, and Goosey-poosey went to tell the King the
+sky was a-falling.</p>
+
+<p>So they went along, and they went along, and they went along, till they
+met Turkey-lurkey. "Where are you going, Henny-penny, Cocky-locky,
+Ducky-daddles, and Goosey-poosey?" says Turkey-lurkey. "Oh! we're going
+to tell the King the sky's a-falling," said Henny-penny, Cocky-locky,
+Ducky-daddles, and Goosey-poosey. "May I come with you, Henny-penny,
+Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles, and Goosey-poosey?" said Turkey-lurkey. "Oh,
+certainly, Turkey-lurkey," said Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles,
+and Goosey-poosey. So Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles,
+Goosey-poosey, and Turkey-lurkey all went to tell the King the sky was
+a-falling.</p>
+
+<p>So they went along, and they went along, and they went along, till they
+met Foxy-woxy, and Foxy-woxy said to Henny-penny, Cocky-locky,
+Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, and Turkey-lurkey, "Where are you going,
+Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, and
+Turkey-lurkey?" And Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles,
+Goosey-poosey, and Turkey-lurkey said to Foxy-woxy, "We're going to tell
+the King the sky's a-falling." "Oh! but this is not the way to the King,
+Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, and
+Turkey-lurkey," says Foxy-woxy; "I know the proper way; shall I show it
+you?" "Oh, certainly, Foxy-woxy," said Henny-penny, Cocky-locky,
+Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, and Turkey-lurkey. So Henny-penny,
+Cocky-<a name="l_212" id="l_212"></a>locky, Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, Turkey-lurkey, and Foxy-woxy
+all went to tell the King the sky was a-falling. So they went along, and
+they went along, and they went along, till they came to a narrow and
+dark hole. Now this was the door of Foxy-woxy's burrow. But Foxy-woxy
+said to Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddies, Goosey-poosey, and
+Turkey-lurkey, "This is the short cut to the King's palace: you'll
+soon get there if you follow me. I will go first and you come after,
+Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, and
+Turkey-lurkey." "Why, of course, certainly, without doubt, why not?"
+said Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, and
+Turkey-lurkey.</p>
+<p><a name="l_213" id="l_213"></a></p>
+<div class="figcenter" style="margin-top: 0em;"><img id="illus-214" src="images/illus-214.jpg" alt="I will go first and you come after" title="I will go first and you come after" /></div>
+
+<p>So Foxy-woxy went into his burrow, and he didn't go very far but turned
+round to wait for Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles,
+Goosey-poosey, and Turkey-lurkey. Now Turkey-lurkey was the first to go
+through the dark hole into the burrow. He hadn't got far when&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Hrumph!"</p>
+
+<p>Foxy-woxy snapped off Turkey-lurkey's head and threw his body over his
+left shoulder. Then Goosey-poosey went in,<a name="l_214" id="l_214"></a> and&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Hrumph!"</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-214a" src="images/illus-214a.jpg" alt="Henny-penny, Cocky-locky Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, and Turkey-lurkey" title="Henny-penny, Cocky-locky Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, and Turkey-lurkey" /></div>
+
+
+<p>Off went her head and Goosey-poosey was thrown beside Turkey-lurkey.
+Then Ducky-daddles waddled down, and&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Hrumph!"</p>
+
+<p>Foxy-woxy had snapped off Ducky-daddles' head and Ducky-daddles was
+thrown alongside Turkey-lurkey and Goosey-poosey. Then Cocky-locky
+strutted down into the burrow, and he hadn't gone far when&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Hrumph!"</p>
+
+<p>But Cocky-locky <i>will</i> always crow whether you want him to do so or not,
+and so he had just time for one "Cock-a-doo-dle d&mdash;" before he went to
+join Turkey-lurkey, Goosey-poosey, and Ducky-daddles over Foxy-woxy's
+shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>Now when Henny-penny, who had just got into the dark burrow, heard
+Cocky-locky crow, she said to herself:</p>
+
+<p>"My goodness! it must be dawn.<a name="l_215" id="l_215"></a> Time for me to lay my egg."</p>
+
+<p>So she turned round and bustled off to her nest; so she escaped, but she
+never told the King the sky was falling!</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-215" src="images/illus-215.jpg" alt="So she escaped" title="So she escaped" /></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/illus-10.jpg"><img id="illus-10" src="images/illus-10-tb.jpg" alt="They thanked her and said-good-bye, and she went on her
+journey" title="They thanked her and said-good-bye, and she went on her
+journey" /></a></div>
+
+<h4>They thanked her and said good-bye, and she went on her
+journey.</h4>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_216" id="l_216"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="THE_THREE_HEADS_OF_THE_WELL" id="THE_THREE_HEADS_OF_THE_WELL"></a>THE THREE HEADS OF THE WELL</h2>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time there reigned a King in Colchester, valiant, strong,
+wise, famous as a good ruler.</p>
+
+<p>But in the midst of his glory his dear Queen died, leaving him with a
+daughter just touching woman's estate; and this maiden was renowned, far
+and wide, for beauty, kindness, grace. Now strange things happen, and
+the King of Colchester, hearing of a lady who had immense riches, had a
+mind to marry her, though she was old, ugly, hook-nosed, and
+ill-tempered; and though she was, furthermore, possessed of a daughter
+as ugly as herself. None could give the reason why, but only a few weeks
+after the death of his dear Queen, the King brought this loathly bride
+to Court, and married her with great pomp and festivities. Now the very
+first thing she did was to poison the King's mind against his own
+beautiful, kind, gracious daughter, of whom, naturally, the ugly Queen
+and her ugly daughter were dreadfully jealous.</p>
+
+<p>Now when the young Princess found that even her father had turned
+against her, she grew weary of Court life, and <a name="l_217" id="l_217"></a>longed to get away from
+it; so, one day, happening to meet the King alone in the garden, she
+went down on her knees, and begged and prayed him to give her some help,
+and let her go out into the world to seek her fortune. To this the King
+agreed, and told his consort to fit the girl out for her enterprise in
+proper fashion. But the jealous woman only gave her a canvas bag of
+brown bread and hard cheese, with a bottle of small-beer.</p>
+
+<p>Though this was but a pitiful dowry for a King's daughter, the Princess
+was too proud to complain; so she took it, returned her thanks, and set
+off on her journey through woods and forests, by rivers and lakes, over
+mountain and valley.</p>
+
+<p>At last she came to a cave at the mouth of which, on a stone, sate an
+old, old man with a white beard.</p>
+
+<p>"Good morrow, fair damsel," he said; "whither away so fast?"</p>
+
+<p>"Reverend father," replies she, "I go to seek my fortune."</p>
+
+<p>"And what hast thou for dowry, fair damsel," said he, "in thy bag and
+bottle?"</p>
+
+<p>"Bread and cheese and small-beer, father," says she, smiling. "Will it
+please you to partake of either?"</p>
+
+<p>"With all my heart," says he, and when she pulled out her provisions he
+ate them nearly all. But once again she made no complaint, but bade him
+eat what he needed, and welcome.</p>
+
+<p>Now when he had finished he gave her many thanks, and said:</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_218" id="l_218"></a>"For your beauty, and your kindness, and your grace, take this wand.
+There is a thick thorny hedge before you which seems impassable. But
+strike it thrice with this wand, saying each time, 'Please, hedge, let
+me through,' and it will open a pathway for you. Then, when you come to
+a well, sit down on the brink of it; do not be surprised at anything you
+may see, but, whatever you are asked to do, that do!"</p>
+
+<p>So saying the old man went into the cave, and she went on her way. After
+a while she came to a high, thick thorny hedge; but when she struck it
+three times with the wand, saying, "Please, hedge, let me through," it
+opened a wide pathway for her. So she came to the well, on the brink of
+which she sate down, and no sooner had she done so, than a golden head
+without any body came up through the water, singing as it came:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Wash me, and comb me, lay me on a bank to dry</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Softly and prettily to watch the passers-by."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly," she said, pulling out her silver comb. Then, placing the
+head on her lap, she began to comb the golden hair. When she had combed
+it, she lifted the golden head softly, and laid it on a primrose bank to
+dry. No sooner had she done this than another golden head appeared,
+singing as it came:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Wash me, and comb me, lay me on a bank to dry</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Softly and prettily to watch the passers-by."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly," says she, and after combing the golden <a name="l_219" id="l_219"></a>hair, placed the
+golden head softly on the primrose bank, beside the first one.</p>
+
+<p>Then came a third head out of the well, and it said the same thing:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Wash me, and comb me, lay me on a bank to dry</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Softly and prettily to watch the passers-by."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>"With all my heart," says she graciously, and after taking the head on
+her lap, and combing its golden hair with her silver comb, there were
+the three golden heads in a row on the primrose bank. And she sate down
+to rest herself and looked at them, they were so quaint and pretty; and
+as she rested she cheerfully ate and drank the meagre portion of the
+brown bread, hard cheese, and small-beer which the old man had left to
+her; for, though she was a king's daughter, she was too proud to
+complain.</p>
+
+<p>Then the first head spoke. "Brothers, what shall we weird for this
+damsel who has been so gracious unto us? I weird her to be so beautiful
+that she shall charm every one she meets."</p>
+
+<p>"And I," said the second head, "weird her a voice that shall exceed the
+nightingale's in sweetness."</p>
+
+<p>"And I," said the third head, "weird her to be so fortunate that she
+shall marry the greatest King that reigns."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you with all my heart," says she; "but don't you think I had
+better put you back in the well before I go on? Remember you are golden,
+and the passers-by might steal you."</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_220" id="l_220"></a>To this they agreed; so she put them back. And when they had thanked
+her for her kind thought and said good-bye, she went on her journey.</p>
+
+<p>Now she had not travelled far before she came to a forest where the King
+of the country was hunting with his nobles, and as the gay cavalcade
+passed down the glade she stood back to avoid them; but the King caught
+sight of her, and drew up his horse, fairly amazed at her beauty.</p>
+
+<p>"Fair maid," he said, "who art thou, and whither goest thou through the
+forest thus alone?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am the King of Colchester's daughter, and I go to seek my fortune,"
+says she, and her voice was sweeter than the nightingale's.</p>
+
+<p>Then the King jumped from his horse, being so struck by her that he felt
+it would be impossible to live without her, and falling on his knee
+begged and prayed her to marry him without delay.</p>
+
+<p>And he begged and prayed so well that at last she consented. So, with
+all courtesy, he mounted her on his horse behind him, and commanding the
+hunt to follow, he returned to his palace, where the wedding festivities
+took place with all possible pomp and merriment. Then, ordering out the
+royal chariot, the happy pair started to pay the King of Colchester a
+bridal visit: and you may imagine the surprise and delight with which,
+after so short an absence, the people of Colchester saw their beloved,
+beautiful, kind, and gracious princess return in a chariot all gemmed
+with gold, as the bride of the most powerful King in the world. The
+bells <a name="l_221" id="l_221"></a>rang out, flags flew, drums beat, the people huzzaed, and all was
+gladness, save for the ugly Queen and her ugly daughter, who were ready
+to burst with envy and malice; for, see you, the despised maiden was now
+above them both, and went before them at every Court ceremonial.</p>
+
+<p>So, after the visit was ended, and the young King and his bride had gone
+back to their own country, there to live happily ever after, the ugly
+ill-natured princess said to her mother, the ugly Queen:</p>
+
+<p>"I also will go into the world and seek my fortune. If that drab of a
+girl with her mincing ways got so much, what may I not get?"</p>
+
+<p>So her mother agreed, and furnished her forth with silken dresses and
+furs, and gave her as provisions sugar, almonds, and sweetmeats of every
+variety, besides a large flagon of Malaga sack. Altogether a right royal
+dowry.</p>
+
+<p>Armed with these she set forth, following the same road as her
+step-sister. Thus she soon came upon the old man with a white beard, who
+was seated on a stone by the mouth of a cave.</p>
+
+<p>"Good morrow," says he. "Whither away so fast?"</p>
+
+<p>"What's that to you, old man?" she replied rudely.</p>
+
+<p>"And what hast thou for dowry in bag and bottle?" he asked quietly.</p>
+
+<p>"Good things with which you shall not be troubled," she answered pertly.</p>
+
+<p>"Wilt thou not spare an old man something?" he said.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_222" id="l_222"></a></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-223" src="images/illus-223.jpg" alt="The thorns closed in around her so that she was all scratched and torn" title="The thorns closed in around her so that she was all scratched and torn" /></div>
+
+<p>Then she laughed. "Not a bite, not a sup, lest they should choke you:
+though that would be small matter to me," she replied, with a toss of
+her head.</p>
+
+<p>"Then ill luck go with thee," remarked the old man as he rose and went
+into the cave.</p>
+
+<p>So she went on her way, and after a time came to the thick thorny hedge,
+and seeing what she thought was a gap in it, she tried to pass through;
+but no sooner had she got well into the middle of the hedge than the
+thorns closed in around her so that she was all scratched and torn
+before she won her way. Thus, streaming with blood, she went on to the
+well, and seeing water, sate on the brink intending to cleanse herself.
+But just as she dipped her hands, up came a golden head singing as it
+came:</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_223" id="l_223"></a></p><p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Wash me, and comb me, lay me on the bank to dry</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Softly and prettily to watch the passers-by."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>"A likely story," says she. "I'm going to wash myself." And with that
+she gave the head such a bang with her bottle that it bobbed below the
+water. But it came up again, and so did a second head, singing as it
+came:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Wash me, and comb me, lay me on the bank to dry</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Softly and prettily to watch the passers-by."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>"Not I," scoffs she. "I'm going to wash my hands and face and have my
+dinner." So she fetches the second head a cruel bang with the bottle,
+and both heads ducked down in the water.</p>
+
+<p>But when they came up again all draggled and dripping, the third head
+came also, singing as it came:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Wash me, and comb me, lay me on the bank to dry</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Softly and prettily to watch the passers-by."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>By this time the ugly princess had cleansed herself, and, seated on the
+primrose bank, had her mouth full of sugar and almonds.</p>
+
+<p>"Not I," says she as well as she could. "I'm not a washerwoman nor a
+barber. So take that for your washing and combing."</p>
+
+<p>And with that, having finished the Malaga sack, she flung the empty
+bottle at the three heads.</p>
+
+<p>But this time they didn't duck. They looked at each other and said, "How
+shall we weird this rude girl for her bad manners?" Then the first head
+said:</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_224" id="l_224"></a>"I weird that to her ugliness shall be added blotches on her face."</p>
+
+<p>And the second head said:</p>
+
+<p>"I weird that she shall ever be hoarse as a crow and speak as if she had
+her mouth full."</p>
+
+<p>Then the third head said:</p>
+
+<p>"And I weird that she shall be glad to marry a cobbler."</p>
+
+<p>Then the three heads sank into the well and were no more seen, and the
+ugly princess went on her way. But, lo and behold! when she came to a
+town, the children ran from her ugly blotched face screaming with
+fright, and when she tried to tell them she was the King of Colchester's
+daughter, her voice squeaked like a corn-crake's, was hoarse as a
+crow's, and folk could not understand a word she said, because she spoke
+as if her mouth was full!</p>
+
+<p>Now in the town there happened to be a cobbler who not long before had
+mended the shoes of a poor old hermit; and the latter, having no money,
+had paid for the job by the gift of a wonderful ointment which would
+cure blotches on the face, and a bottle of medicine that would banish
+any hoarseness.</p>
+
+<p>So, seeing the miserable, ugly princess in great distress, he went up to
+her and gave her a few drops out of his bottle; and then understanding
+from her rich attire and clearer speech that she was indeed a King's
+daughter, he craftily said that if she would take him for a husband he
+would undertake to cure her.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_225" id="l_225"></a>"Anything! Anything!" sobbed the miserable princess.</p>
+
+<p>So they were married, and the cobbler straightway set off with his bride
+to visit the King of Colchester. But the bells did not ring, the drums
+did not beat, and the people, instead of huzzaing, burst into loud
+guffaws at the cobbler in leather, and his wife in silks and satins.</p>
+
+<p>As for the ugly Queen, she was so enraged and disappointed that she went
+mad, and hanged herself in wrath. Whereupon the King, really pleased at
+getting rid of her so soon, gave the cobbler a hundred pounds and bade
+him go about his business with his ugly bride.</p>
+
+<p>Which he did quite contentedly, for a hundred pounds means much to a
+poor cobbler. So they went to a remote part of the kingdom and lived
+unhappily for many years, he cobbling shoes, and she spinning the thread
+for him.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_226" id="l_226"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="MR_FOX" id="MR_FOX"></a>MR. FOX</h2>
+
+
+<p>Lady Mary was young and Lady Mary was fair, and she had more lovers than
+she could count on the fingers of both hands.</p>
+
+<p>She lived with her two brothers, who were very proud and very fond of
+their beautiful sister, and very anxious that she should choose well
+amongst her many suitors.</p>
+
+<p>Now amongst them there was a certain Mr. Fox, handsome and young and
+rich; and though nobody quite knew who he was, he was so gallant and so
+gay that every one liked him. And he wooed Lady Mary so well that at
+last she promised to marry him. But though he talked much of the
+beautiful home to which he would take her, and described the castle and
+all the wonderful things that furnished it, he never offered to show it
+to her, neither did he invite Lady Mary's brothers to see it.</p>
+
+<p>Now this seemed to her very strange indeed; and, being a lass of spirit,
+she made up her mind to see the castle if she could.</p>
+
+<p>So one day, just before the wedding, when she knew Mr.<a name="l_227" id="l_227"></a> Fox would be
+away seeing the lawyers with her brothers, she just kilted up her skirts
+and set out unbeknownst&mdash;for, see you, the whole household was busy
+preparing for the marriage feastings&mdash;to see for herself what Mr. Fox's
+beautiful castle was like.</p>
+
+<p>After many searchings, and much travelling, she found it at last; and a
+fine strong building it was, with high walls and a deep moat to it. A
+bit frowning and gloomy, but when she came up to the wide gateway she
+saw these words carven over the arch:</p>
+
+<p class='center'><i>BE BOLD&mdash;BE BOLD</i>.</p>
+
+<p>So she plucked up courage, and the gate being open, went through it and
+found herself in a wide, empty, open courtyard. At the end of this was a
+smaller door, and over this was carven:</p>
+
+<p class='center'><i>BE BOLD, BE BOLD; BUT NOT TOO BOLD</i>.</p>
+
+<p>So she went through it to a wide, empty hall, and up the wide, empty
+staircase. Now at the top of the staircase there was a wide, empty
+gallery at one end of which were wide windows with the sunlight
+streaming through them from a beautiful garden, and at the other end a
+narrow door, over the archway of which was carven:</p>
+
+<p class='center'>
+<i>BE BOLD, BE BOLD; BUT NOT TOO BOLD,<br />
+LEST THAT YOUR HEART'S BLOOD SHOULD RUN COLD</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Now Lady Mary was a lass of spirit, and so, of course, she turned her
+back on the sunshine, and opened the narrow, dark door. And there she
+was in a narrow, dark passage.<a name="l_228" id="l_228"></a> But at the end there was a chink of
+light. So she went forward and put her eye to the chink&mdash;and what do you
+think she saw?</p>
+
+<p>Why! a wide saloon lit with many candles, and all round it, some hanging
+by their necks, some seated on chairs, some lying on the floor, were the
+skeletons and bodies of numbers of beautiful young maidens in their
+wedding-dresses that were all stained with blood.</p>
+
+<p>Now Lady Mary, for all she was a lass of spirit, and brave as brave,
+could not look for long on such a horrid sight, so she turned and fled.
+Down the dark narrow passage, through the dark narrow door (which she
+did not forget to close behind her), and along the wide gallery she fled
+like a hare, and was just going down the wide stairs into the wide hall
+when, what did she see, through the window, but Mr. Fox dragging a
+beautiful young lady across the wide courtyard! There was nothing for
+it, Lady Mary decided, but to hide herself as quickly and as best she
+might; so she fled faster down the wide stairs, and hid herself behind a
+big wine-butt that stood in a corner of the wide hall. She was only just
+in time, for there at the wide door was Mr. Fox dragging the poor young
+maiden along by the hair; and he dragged her across the wide hall and up
+the wide stairs. And when she clutched at the bannisters to stop
+herself, Mr. Fox cursed and swore dreadfully; and at last he drew his
+sword and brought it down so hard on the poor young lady's wrist that
+the hand, cut off, jumped up into the air so that the diamond ring on
+the finger flashed in the <a name="l_229" id="l_229"></a>sunlight as it fell, of all places in the
+world, into Lady Mary's very lap as she crouched behind the wine-butt!</p>
+
+<p>Then she was fair frightened, thinking Mr. Fox would be sure to find
+her; but after looking about a little while in vain (for, of course, he
+coveted the diamond ring), he continued his dreadful task of dragging
+the poor, beautiful young maiden upstairs to the horrid chamber,
+intending, doubtless, to return when he had finished his loathly work,
+and seek for the hand.</p>
+
+<p>But by that time Lady Mary had fled; for no sooner did she hear the
+awful, dragging noise pass into the gallery, than she upped and ran for
+dear life&mdash;through the wide door with</p>
+
+<p class='center'><i>BE BOLD, BE BOLD; BUT NOT TOO BOLD</i></p>
+
+<p>engraven over the arch, across the wide courtyard past the wide gate
+with</p>
+
+<p class='center'><i>BE BOLD&mdash;BE BOLD</i></p>
+
+<p>engraven over it, never stopping, never thinking till she reached her
+own chamber. And all the while the hand with the diamond ring lay in her
+kilted lap.</p>
+
+<p>Now the very next day, when Mr. Fox and Lady Mary's brothers returned
+from the lawyers, the marriage-contract had to be signed. And all the
+neighbourhood was asked to witness it and partake of a splendid
+breakfast. And there was Lady Mary in bridal array, and there was Mr.
+Fox, looking so gay and so gallant. He was seated at the table just
+opposite Lady Mary, and he looked at her and said:</p>
+
+<p>"How pale you are this morning, dear heart."</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_230" id="l_230"></a>Then Lady Mary looked at him quietly and said, "Yes, dear sir! I had a
+bad night's rest, for I had horrible dreams."</p>
+
+<p>Then Mr. Fox smiled and said, "Dreams go by contraries, dear heart; but
+tell me your dream, and your sweet voice will speed the time till I can
+call you mine."</p>
+
+<p>"I dreamed," said Lady Mary, with a quiet smile, and her eyes were
+clear, "that I went yesterday to seek the castle that is to be my home,
+and I found it in the woods with high walls and a deep dark moat. And
+over the gateway were carven these words:</p>
+
+<p class='center'><i>BE BOLD&mdash;BE BOLD</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Then Mr. Fox spoke in a hurry. "But it is not so&mdash;nor it was not so."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I crossed the wide courtyard and went through a wide door over
+which was carven:</p>
+
+<p class='center'><i>BE BOLD, BE BOLD; BUT NOT TOO BOLD</i>,"</p>
+
+<p>went on Lady Mary, still smiling, and her voice was cold; "but, of
+course, it is not so, and it was not so."</p>
+
+<p>And Mr. Fox said nothing; he sate like a stone.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I dreamed," continued Lady Mary, still smiling, though her eyes
+were stern, "that I passed through a wide hall and up a wide stair and
+along a wide gallery until I came to a dark narrow door, and over it was
+carven:</p>
+
+<p class='center'>
+<i>BE BOLD, BE BOLD; BUT NOT TOO BOLD,<br />
+LEST THAT YOUR HEART'S BLOOD SHOULD RUN COLD</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p>"But it is not so, of course, and it was not so."</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_231" id="l_231"></a>And Mr. Fox said nothing; he sate frozen.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I dreamed that I opened the door and went down a dark narrow
+passage," said Lady Mary, still smiling, though her voice was ice. "And
+at the end of the passage there was a door, and the door had a chink in
+it. And through the chink I saw a wide saloon lit with many candles, and
+all round it were the bones and bodies of poor dead maidens, their
+clothes all stained with blood; but of course it is not so, and it was
+not so."</p>
+
+<p>By this time all the neighbours were looking Mr. Fox-ways with all their
+eyes, while he sate silent.</p>
+
+<p>But Lady Mary went on, and her smiling lips were set:</p>
+
+<p>"Then I dreamed that I ran downstairs and had just time to hide myself
+when you, Mr. Fox, came in dragging a young lady by the hair. And the
+sunlight glittered on her diamond ring as she clutched the stair-rail,
+and you out with your sword and cut off the poor lady's hand."</p>
+
+<p>Then Mr. Fox rose in his seat stonily and glared about him as if to
+escape, and his eye-teeth showed like a fox beset by the dogs, and he
+grew pale.</p>
+
+<p>And he said, trying to smile, though his whispering voice could scarcely
+be heard:</p>
+
+<p>"But it is not so, dear heart, and it was not so, and God forbid it
+should be so!"</p>
+
+<p>Then Lady Mary rose in her seat also, and the smile left her face, and
+her voice rang as she cried:<a name="l_232" id="l_232"></a></p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"But it is so, and it was so;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Here's hand and ring I have to show."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/illus-11.jpg"><img id="illus-11" src="images/illus-11-tb.jpg" alt="Many's the beating he had from the broomstick or the
+ladle." title="Many's the beating he had from the broomstick or the
+ladle." /></a></div>
+
+<h4>Many's the beating he had from the broomstick or the
+ladle.</h4>
+
+<p><a name="l_233" id="l_233"></a>And with that she pulled out the poor dead hand with the glittering
+ring from her bosom and pointed it straight at Mr. Fox.</p>
+
+<p>At this all the company rose, and drawing their swords cut Mr. Fox to
+pieces.</p>
+
+<p>And served him very well right.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_234" id="l_234"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="DICK_WHITTINGTON_AND_HIS_CAT" id="DICK_WHITTINGTON_AND_HIS_CAT"></a>DICK WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT</h2>
+
+
+<p>More than five hundred years ago there was a little boy named Dick
+Whittington, and this is true. His father and mother died when he was
+too young to work, and so poor little Dick was very badly off. He was
+quite glad to get the parings of the potatoes to eat and a dry crust of
+bread now and then, and more than that he did not often get, for the
+village where he lived was a very poor one and the neighbours were not
+able to spare him much.</p>
+
+<p>Now the country folk in those days thought that the people of London
+were all fine ladies and gentlemen, and that there was singing and
+dancing all the day long, and so rich were they there that even the
+streets, they said, were paved with gold. Dick used to sit by and listen
+while all these strange tales of the wealth of London were told, and it
+made him long to go and live there and have plenty to eat and fine
+clothes to wear, instead of the rags and hard fare that fell to his lot
+in the country.</p>
+
+<p>So one day when a great waggon with eight horses stopped on its way
+through the village, Dick made friends <a name="l_235" id="l_235"></a>with the waggoner and begged to
+be taken with him to London. The man felt sorry for poor little Dick
+when he heard that he had no father or mother to take care of him, and
+saw how ragged and how badly in need of help he was. So he agreed to
+take him, and off they set.</p>
+
+<p>How far it was and how many days they took over the journey I do not
+know, but in due time Dick found himself in the wonderful city which he
+had heard so much of and pictured to himself so grandly. But oh! how
+disappointed he was when he got there. How dirty it was! And the people,
+how unlike the gay company, with music and singing, that he had dreamt
+of! He wandered up and down the streets, one after another, until he was
+tired out, but not one did he find that was paved with gold. Dirt in
+plenty he could see, but none of the gold that he thought to have put in
+his pockets as fast as he chose to pick it up.</p>
+
+<div class="figright"><img id="illus-236" src="images/illus-236.jpg" alt="Dick finds that the streets of London are not paved with gold" title="Dick finds that the streets of London are not paved with gold" /></div>
+<p>Little Dick ran about till he was tired and it was growing dark. And at
+last he sat himself down in a corner and fell asleep. When morning came
+he was very cold and hungry, <a name="l_236" id="l_236"></a>and though he asked every one he met to
+help him, only one or two gave him a halfpenny to buy some bread. For
+two or three days he lived in the streets in this way, only just able to
+keep himself alive, when he managed to get some work to do in a
+hayfield, and that kept him for a short time longer, till the haymaking
+was over.</p>
+
+<p>After this he was as badly off as ever, and did not know where to turn.
+One day in his wanderings he lay down to rest in the doorway of the
+house of a rich merchant whose name was Fitzwarren. But here he was soon
+seen by the cook-maid, who was an unkind, bad-tempered woman, and she
+cried out to him to be off. "Lazy rogue," she called him; and she said
+she'd precious quick throw some dirty dishwater over him, boiling hot,
+if he didn't go. However, just then Mr. Fitzwarren himself came home to
+dinner, and when he saw what was happening, he asked Dick why he was
+lying there. "You're old enough to be at work, my boy," he said. "I'm
+afraid you have a mind to be lazy."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, sir," said Dick to him, "indeed that is not so"; and he told
+him how hard he had tried to get work to do, and how ill he was for want
+of food. Dick, poor fellow, was now so weak that though he tried to
+stand he had to lie down again, for it was more than three days since he
+had had anything to eat at all. The kind merchant gave orders for him to
+be taken into the house and gave him a good dinner, and then he said
+that he was to be kept, to do what work he could to help the cook.</p>
+
+<p>And now Dick would have been happy enough in this <a name="l_237" id="l_237"></a>good family if it had
+not been for the ill-natured cook, who did her best to make life a
+burden to him. Night and morning she was for ever scolding him. Nothing
+he did was good enough. It was "Look sharp here" and "Hurry up there,"
+and there was no pleasing her. And many's the beating he had from the
+broomstick or the ladle, or whatever else she had in her hand.</p>
+
+<p>At last it came to the ears of Miss Alice, Mr. Fitzwarren's daughter,
+how badly the cook was treating poor Dick. And she told the cook that
+she would quickly lose her place if she didn't treat him more kindly,
+for Dick had become quite a favourite with the family.</p>
+
+<p>After that the cook's behaviour was a little better, but Dick still had
+another hardship that he bore with difficulty. For he slept in a garret
+where were so many holes in the walls and the floor that every night as
+he lay in bed the room was overrun with rats and mice, and sometimes he
+could hardly sleep a wink. One day when he had earned a penny for
+cleaning a gentleman's shoes, he met a little girl with a cat in her
+arms, and asked whether she would not sell it to him. "Yes, she would,"
+she said, though the cat was such a good mouser that she was sorry to
+part with her. This just suited Dick, who kept pussy up in his garret,
+feeding her on scraps of his own dinner that he saved for her every day.
+In a little while he had no more bother with the rats and mice. Puss
+soon saw to that, and he slept sound every night.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after this Mr. Fitzwarren had a ship ready to sail; and <a name="l_238" id="l_238"></a>as it was
+his custom that all his servants should be given a chance of good
+fortune as well as himself, he called them all into the counting-house
+and asked them what they would send out.</p>
+
+<p>They all had something that they were willing to venture except poor
+Dick, who had neither money nor goods, and so could send nothing. For
+this reason he did not come into the room with the rest. But Miss Alice
+guessed what was the matter, and ordered him to be called in. She then
+said, "I will lay down some money for him out of my own purse"; but her
+father told her that would not do, for it must be something of his own.</p>
+
+<p>When Dick heard this he said, "I have nothing whatever but a cat, which
+I bought for a penny some time ago."</p>
+
+<p>"Go, my boy, fetch your cat then," said his master, "and let her go."</p>
+
+<p>Dick went upstairs and fetched poor puss, but there were tears in his
+eyes when he gave her to the captain. "For," he said, "I shall now be
+kept awake all night by the rats and mice." All the company laughed at
+Dick's odd venture, and Miss Alice, who felt sorry for him, gave him
+some money to buy another cat.</p>
+
+<p>Now this, and other marks of kindness shown him by Miss Alice, made the
+ill-tempered cook jealous of poor Dick, and she began to use him more
+cruelly than ever, and was always making game of him for sending his cat
+to sea. "What do you think your cat will sell for?" she'd ask. "As much
+money as would buy a stick to beat you with?"</p>
+
+<p>At last poor Dick could not bear this usage any longer, <a name="l_239" id="l_239"></a>and he thought
+he would run away. So he made a bundle of his things&mdash;he hadn't
+many&mdash;and started very early in the morning, on All-hallows Day, the
+first of November. He walked as far as Holloway, and there he sat down
+to rest on a stone, which to this day, they say, is called
+"Whittington's Stone," and began to wonder to himself which road he
+should take.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-240" src="images/illus-240.jpg" alt="Dick Whittington hears Bow Bells" title="Dick Whittington hears Bow Bells" /></div>
+
+
+<p>While he was thinking what he should do the Bells of Bow Church in
+Cheapside began to chime, and as they rang he fancied that they were
+singing over and over again:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Turn again, Whittington,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Lord Mayor of London."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>"Lord Mayor of London!" said he to himself. "Why, to be sure, wouldn't I
+put up with almost anything now to be Lord Mayor of London, and ride in
+a fine coach, when I grow to be a man! Well, I'll go back, and think
+nothing of the cuffing and scolding of the cross old cook if I am to be
+Lord Mayor of London at last."</p>
+
+<p>So back he went, and he was lucky enough to get into the house and set
+about his work before the cook came down.</p>
+
+<p>But now you must hear what befell Mrs. Puss all this while. The ship
+<i>Unicorn</i> that she was on was a long time at sea, and the cat made
+herself useful, as she would, among the unwelcome rats that lived on
+board too. At last the ship put into harbour on the coast of Barbary,
+where the only people are the Moors. They had never before seen a ship
+from England, and flocked in numbers to see the sailors, whose different
+colour and foreign dress were a great wonder to them. They were soon
+eager to buy the goods with which the ship was laden, and patterns were
+sent ashore for the King to see. He was so much pleased with them that
+he sent for the captain to come to the palace, and honoured him with an
+invitation to dinner.<a name="l_240" id="l_240"></a> But no sooner were they seated, as is the custom
+there, on the fine rugs and carpets that covered the floor, than great
+numbers of rats and mice came scampering in, swarming over all the
+dishes, and helping themselves from all the good things there were to
+eat. The captain was amazed, and wondered whether they didn't find such
+a pest most unpleasant.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/illus-12.jpg"><img id="illus-12" src="images/illus-12-tb.jpg" alt="When Puss saw the rats and mice she didn't wait to be
+told." title="When Puss saw the rats and mice she didn't wait to be
+told." /></a></div>
+
+<h4>When Puss saw the rats and mice she didn't wait to be told.</h4>
+
+<p>"Oh yes," said they, "it was so, and the King would give half his
+treasure to be freed of them, for they not only <a name="l_241" id="l_241"></a>spoil his dinner, but
+they even attack him in his bed at night, so that a watch has to be kept
+while he is sleeping, for fear of them."</p>
+
+<p>The captain was overjoyed; he thought at once of poor Dick Whittington
+and his cat, and said he had a creature on board ship that would soon do
+for all these vermin if she were there. Of course, when the King heard
+this he was eager to possess this wonderful animal.</p>
+
+<p>"Bring it to me at once," he said; "for the vermin are dreadful, and if
+only it will do what you say, I will load your ship with gold and jewels
+in exchange for it."</p>
+
+<p>The captain, who knew his business, took care not to underrate the value
+of Dick's cat. He told His Majesty how inconvenient it would be to part
+with her, as when she was gone the rats might destroy the goods in the
+ship; however, to oblige the King, he would fetch her.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, make haste, do!" cried the Queen; "I, too, am all impatience to see
+this dear creature."</p>
+
+<p>Off went the captain, while another dinner was got ready. He took Puss
+under his arm and got back to the palace just in time to see the carpet
+covered with rats and mice once again. When Puss saw them, she didn't
+wait to be told, but jumped out of the captain's arms, and in no time
+almost all the rats and mice were dead at her feet, while the rest of
+them had scuttled off to their holes in fright.</p>
+
+<p>The King was delighted to get rid so easily of such an intolerable
+plague, and the Queen desired that the animal who had done them such a
+service might be brought to her.<a name="l_243" id="l_243"></a> Upon which the captain called out,
+"Puss, puss, puss," and she came running to him. Then he presented her
+to the Queen, who was rather afraid at first to touch a creature who had
+made such a havoc with her claws. However, when the captain called her,
+"Pussy, pussy," and began to stroke her, the Queen also ventured to
+touch her and cried, "Putty, putty," in imitation of the captain, for
+she hadn't learned to speak English. He then put her on to the Queen's
+lap, where she purred and played with Her Majesty's hand and was soon
+asleep.</p>
+
+<p>The King having seen what Mrs. Puss could do, and learning that her
+kittens would soon stock the whole country, and keep it free from rats,
+after bargaining with the captain for the whole ship's cargo, then gave
+him ten times as much for the cat as all the rest amounted to.</p>
+
+<p>The captain then said farewell to the court of Barbary, and after a fair
+voyage reached London again with his precious load of gold and jewels
+safe and sound.</p>
+
+<p>One morning early Mr. Fitzwarren had just come to his counting-house and
+settled himself at the desk to count the cash, when there came a knock
+at the door. "Who's there?" said he. "A friend," replied a voice. "I
+come with good news of your ship the <i>Unicorn</i>." The merchant in haste
+opened the door, and who were there but the ship's captain and the mate,
+bearing a chest of jewels and a bill of lading. When he had looked this
+over he lifted his eyes and thanked heaven for sending him such a
+prosperous voyage.</p>
+
+<p>The honest captain next told him all about the cat, and <a name="l_244" id="l_244"></a>showed him the
+rich present the King had sent for her to poor Dick. Rejoicing on behalf
+of Dick as much as he had done over his own good fortune, he called out
+to his servants to come and to bring up Dick:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Go fetch him, and we'll tell him of his fame;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Pray call him Mr. Whittington by name."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>The servants, some of them, hesitated at this, and said so great a
+treasure was too much for a lad like Dick; but Mr. Fitzwarren now showed
+himself the good man that he was and refused to deprive him of the value
+of a single penny. "God forbid!" he cried. "It's all his own, and he
+shall have it, to a farthing."</p>
+
+<p>He then sent for Dick, who at the moment was scouring pots for the cook
+and was black with dirt. He tried to excuse himself from coming into the
+room in such a plight, but the merchant made him come, and had a chair
+set for him. And he then began to think they must be making game of him,
+so he begged them not to play tricks on a poor simple boy, but to let
+him go downstairs again back to his work in the scullery.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, Mr. Whittington," said the merchant, "we are all quite in
+earnest with you, and I most heartily rejoice at the news that these
+gentlemen have brought. For the captain has sold your cat to the King of
+Barbary, and brings you in return for her more riches than I possess in
+the whole world; and may you long enjoy them!"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Fitzwarren then told the men to open the great <a name="l_245" id="l_245"></a>treasure they had
+brought with them, saying, "There is nothing more now for Mr.
+Whittington to do but to put it in some place of safety."</p>
+
+<p>Poor Dick hardly knew how to behave himself for joy. He begged his
+master to take what part of it he pleased, since he owed it all to his
+kindness. "No, no," answered Mr. Fitzwarren, "this all belongs to you;
+and I have no doubt that you will use it well."</p>
+
+<p>Dick next begged his mistress, and then Miss Alice, to accept a part of
+his good fortune, but they would not, and at the same time told him what
+great joy they felt at his great success. But he was far too
+kind-hearted to keep it all to himself; so he made a present to the
+captain, the mate, and the rest of Mr. Fitzwarren's servants; and even
+to his old enemy, the cross cook.</p>
+
+<p>After this Mr. Fitzwarren advised him to send for a tailor and get
+himself dressed like a gentleman, and told him he was welcome to live in
+his house till he could provide himself with a better.</p>
+
+<p>When Whittington's face was washed, his hair curled, and he was dressed
+in a smart suit of clothes, he was just as handsome and fine a young man
+as any who visited at Mr. Fitzwarren's, and so thought fair Alice
+Fitzwarren, who had once been so kind to him and looked upon him with
+pity. And now she felt he was quite fit to be her sweetheart, and none
+the less, no doubt, because Whittington was always thinking what he
+could do to please her, and making her the prettiest presents that could
+be.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_246" id="l_246"></a>Mr. Fitzwarren soon saw which way the wind blew, and ere long proposed
+to join them in marriage, and to this they both readily agreed. A day
+for the wedding was soon fixed; and they were attended to church by the
+Lord Mayor, the court of aldermen, the sheriffs, and a great number of
+the richest merchants in London, whom they afterwards treated with a
+magnificent feast.</p>
+
+<p>History tells us that Mr. Whittington and his lady lived in great
+splendour, and were very happy. They had several children. He was
+Sheriff, and thrice Lord Mayor of London, and received the honour of
+knighthood from Henry V.</p>
+
+<p>After the King's conquest of France, Sir Richard Whittington entertained
+him and the Queen at dinner at the Mansion House in so sumptuous a
+manner that the King said, "Never had Prince such a subject!" To which
+Sir Richard replied, "Never had subject such a Prince."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_247" id="l_247"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="THE_OLD_WOMAN_AND_HER_PIG" id="THE_OLD_WOMAN_AND_HER_PIG"></a>THE OLD WOMAN AND HER PIG</h2>
+
+
+<p>An old woman was sweeping her house, and she found a little crooked
+sixpence. "What," said she, "shall I do with this little sixpence? I
+will go to market, and buy a little pig."</p>
+
+<p>So she bought a little pig; but as she was coming home, she came to a
+stile, and the piggy would not go over the stile.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-248" src="images/illus-248.jpg" alt="The old woman and her pig" title="The old woman and her pig" /></div>
+
+<p>She went a little further, and she met a dog. So she said to him, "Dog!
+dog! bite pig; piggy won't go over the stile; and I shan't get home till
+midnight." But the dog wouldn't.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_248" id="l_248"></a>She went a little further, and she met a stick. So she said, "Stick!
+stick! beat dog; dog won't bite pig; piggy won't get over the stile; and
+I shan't get home till midnight." But the stick wouldn't.</p>
+
+<p>She went a little further, and she met a fire. So she said, "Fire! fire!
+burn stick; stick won't beat dog; dog won't bite pig; pig won't get over
+the stile; and I shan't get home till midnight." But the fire wouldn't.</p>
+
+<p>She went a little further, and she met some water. So she said, "Water!
+water! quench fire; fire won't burn stick; stick won't beat dog; dog
+won't bite pig; pig won't get over the stile; and I shan't get home till
+midnight." But the water wouldn't.</p>
+
+<p>She went a little further, and she met an ox. So she said, "Ox! ox!
+drink water; water won't quench fire; fire won't burn stick; stick won't
+beat dog; dog won't bite pig; pig won't get over the stile; and I shan't
+get home till midnight." But the ox wouldn't.</p>
+
+<p>She went a little further, and she met a butcher. So she said, "Butcher!
+butcher! kill ox; ox won't drink water; water won't quench fire; fire
+won't burn stick; stick won't beat dog; dog won't bite pig; pig won't
+get over the stile; and I shan't get home till midnight." But the
+butcher wouldn't.</p>
+
+<p>She went a little further, and she met a rope. So she said, "Rope! rope!
+hang butcher; butcher won't kill ox; ox won't drink water; water won't
+quench fire; fire won't burn stick; stick won't beat dog; dog won't bite
+pig; <a name="l_249" id="l_249"></a>pig won't get over the stile; and I shan't get home till
+midnight." But the rope wouldn't.</p>
+
+<p>She went a little further, and she met a rat. So she said, "Rat! rat!
+gnaw rope; rope won't hang butcher; butcher won't kill ox; ox won't
+drink water; water won't quench fire; fire won't burn stick; stick won't
+beat dog; dog won't bite pig; pig won't get over the stile; and I shan't
+get home till midnight." But the rat wouldn't.</p>
+
+<p>She went a little further, and she met a cat. So she said, "Cat! cat!
+kill rat; rat won't gnaw rope; rope won't hang butcher; butcher won't
+kill ox; ox won't drink water; water won't quench fire; fire won't burn
+stick; stick won't beat dog; dog won't bite pig; pig won't get over the
+stile; and I shan't get home till midnight." But the cat said to her,
+"If you will go to yonder cow, and fetch me a saucer of milk, I will
+kill the rat." So away went the old woman to the cow.</p>
+
+<p>But the cow said to her, "If you will go to yonder haystack, and fetch
+me a handful of hay, I'll give you the milk." So away went the old woman
+to the haystack; and she brought the hay to the cow.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the cow had eaten the hay, she gave the old woman the milk;
+and away she went with it in a saucer to the cat.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the cat had lapped up the milk, the cat began to kill the
+rat; the rat began to gnaw the rope; the rope began to hang the butcher;
+the butcher began to kill the <a name="l_250" id="l_250"></a>ox; the ox began to drink the water; the
+water began to quench the fire; the fire began to burn the stick; the
+stick began to beat the dog; the dog began to bite the pig; the little
+pig squealed and jumped over the stile; and so the old woman got home
+before midnight.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_251" id="l_251"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="THE_WEE_BANNOCK" id="THE_WEE_BANNOCK"></a>THE WEE BANNOCK</h2>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time there was an old man and his old wife who lived in a
+wee cottage beside a wee burnie. They had two cows, five hens, and a
+cock, a cat and two kittens. Now the old man looked after the cows, the
+cock looked after the hens, the cat looked after a mouse in the
+cupboard, and the two kittens looked after the old wife's spindle as it
+twirled and tussled about on the hearthstone. But though the old wife
+should have looked after the kittens, the more she said, "Sho! Sho! Go
+away, kitty!" the more they looked after the spindle!</p>
+
+<p>So, one day, when she was quite tired out with saying, "Sho! Sho!" the
+old wife felt hungry and thought she could take a wee bite of something.
+So she up and baked two wee oatmeal bannocks and set them to toast
+before the fire. Now just as they were toasting away, smelling so fresh
+and tasty, in came the old man, and seeing them look so crisp and nice,
+takes up one of them and snaps a piece out of it. On this the other
+bannock thought it high time to be off, so up it jumps and away it
+trundles as fast as ever it <a name="l_252" id="l_252"></a>could. And away ran the old wife after it
+as fast as she could run, with her spindle in one hand and her distaff
+in the other. But the wee bannock trundled faster than she could run, so
+it was soon out of sight, and the old wife was obliged to go back and
+tussle with the kittens again.</p>
+
+<p>The wee bannock meanwhile trundled gaily down the hill till it came to a
+big thatched house, and it ran boldly in at the door and sate itself
+down by the fireside quite comfortably. Now there were three tailors in
+the room working away on a big bench, and being tailors they were, of
+course, dreadfully afraid, and jumped up to hide behind the goodwife who
+was carding wool by the fire.</p>
+
+<p>"Hout-tout!" she cried. "What are ye a-feared of? 'Tis naught but a wee
+bit bannock. Just grip hold o' it, and I'll give ye a sup o' milk to
+drink with it."</p>
+
+<p>So up she gets with the carders in her hands, and the tailor had his
+iron goose, and the apprentices, one with the big scissors and the other
+with the ironing-board, and they all made for the wee bannock; but it
+was too clever for them, and dodged about the fireside until the
+apprentice, thinking to snap it with the big scissors, fell into the hot
+ashes and got badly burnt. Then the tailor cast the goose at it, and the
+other apprentice the ironing-board; but it wouldn't do. The wee bannock
+got out at the doorway, where the goodwife flung the carders at it; but
+it dodged them and trundled away gaily till it came to a small house by
+the road-side. So in it ran bold as bold and sate itself down by the
+hearth where the wife was winding a clue of <a name="l_253" id="l_253"></a>yarn for her husband, the
+weaver, who was click-clacking away at his loom.</p>
+
+<p>"Tibby!" quoth the weaver. "Whatever's that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Naught but a wee bannock," quoth she.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, come and welcome," says he, "for the porridge was thin the morn;
+so grip it, woman! grip it!"</p>
+
+<p>"Aye," says she, and reaches out her hand to it. But the wee bannock
+just dodged.</p>
+
+<p>"Man!" says she, "yon's a clever wee bannockie! Catch it, man! Catch it
+if you can."</p>
+
+<p>But the wee bannock just dodged. "Cast the clue at it, woman!" shouted
+the weaver.</p>
+
+<p>But the wee bannock was out at the door, trundling away over the hill
+like a new tarred sheep or a mad cow!</p>
+
+<p>And it trundled away till it came to a cowherd's house where the
+goodwife was churning her butter.</p>
+
+<p>"Come in by," cried the goodwife when she saw the wee bannock all crisp
+and fresh and tasty; "I've plenty cream to eat with you."</p>
+
+<p>But at this the wee bannock began dodging about, and it dodged so
+craftily that the goodwife overset the churn in trying to grip it, and
+before she set it straight again the wee bannock was off, trundling away
+down the hill till it came to a mill-house where the miller was sifting
+meal. So in it ran and sate down by the trough.</p>
+
+<p>"Ho, ho!" says the miller. "It's a sign o' plenty when the likes of you
+run about the country-side with none to look after you. But come in by.
+I like bannock and <a name="l_254" id="l_254"></a>cheese for supper, so I'll give ye a night's
+quarters." And with that he tapped his fat stomach.</p>
+
+<p>At this the wee bannock turned and ran; it wasn't going to trust itself
+with the miller and his cheese; and the miller, having nothing but the
+meal to fling after it, just stood and stared; so the wee bannock
+trundled quietly along the level till it came to the smithy where the
+smith was welding horse-nails.</p>
+
+<p>"Hullo!" says he, "you're a well-toasted bannock. You'll do fine with a
+glass of ale! So come in by and I'll give you a lodging inside." And
+with that he laughed, and tapped his fat stomach.</p>
+
+<p>But the wee bannock thought the ale was as bad as the cheese, so it up
+and away, with the smith after it. And when he couldn't come up with it,
+he just cast his hammer at it. But the hammer missed and the wee bannock
+was out of sight in a crack, and trundled and trundled till it came to a
+farm-house where the goodman and his wife were beating out flax and
+combing it. So it ran in to the fireside and began to toast itself
+again.</p>
+
+<p>"Janet," says the goodman, "yon is a well-toasted wee bannock. I'll have
+the half of it."</p>
+
+<p>"And I'll take t'other half," says the goodwife, and reached out a hand
+to grip it. But the wee bannock played dodgings again.</p>
+
+<p>"My certy," says the wife, "but you're spirity!" And with that she cast
+the flax comb at it. But it was too clever for her, so out it trundled
+through the door and away <a name="l_255" id="l_255"></a>was it down the road, till it came to another
+house where the goodwife was stirring the scalding soup and the goodman
+was plaiting a thorn collar for the calf. So it trundled in, and sate
+down by the fire.</p>
+
+<p>"Ho, Jock!" quoth the goodwife, "you're always crying on a well-toasted
+bannock. Here's one! Come and eat it!"</p>
+
+<p>Then the wee bannock tried dodgings again, and the goodwife cried on the
+goodman to help her grip it.</p>
+
+<p>"Aye, mother!" says he, "but where's it gone?"</p>
+
+<p>"Over there!" cries she. "Quick! run to t'other side o' yon chair." And
+the chair upset, and down came the goodman among the thorns. And the
+goodwife she flung the soup spoon at it, and the scalding soup fell on
+the goodman and scalded him, so the wee bannock ran out in a crack and
+was away to the next house, where the folk were just sitting down to
+their supper and the goodwife was scraping the pot.</p>
+
+<p>"Look!" cries she, "here's a wee well-toasted bannock for him as catches
+it!"</p>
+
+<p>"Let's shut the door first," says the cautious goodman, "afore we try to
+get a grip on it."</p>
+
+<p>Now when the wee bannock heard this it judged it was time to be off; so
+away it trundled and they after it helter-skelter. But though they threw
+their spoons at it, and the goodman cast his best hat, the wee bannock
+was too clever for them, and was out of sight in a crack.</p>
+
+<p>Then away it trundled till it came to a house where the folk were just
+away to their beds. The goodwife she was <a name="l_256" id="l_256"></a>raking out the fire, and the
+goodman had taken off his breeches.</p>
+
+<p>"What's yon?" says he, for it was nigh dark.</p>
+
+<p>"It will just be a wee bannock," says she.</p>
+
+<p>"I could eat the half of it," says he.</p>
+
+<p>"And I could eat t'other," quoth she.</p>
+
+<p>Then they tried to grip it; but the wee bannock tried dodging. And the
+goodman and the goodwife tumbled against each other in the dark and grew
+angry.</p>
+
+<p>"Cast your breeches at it, man!" cries the goodwife at last. "What's the
+use of standing staring like a stuck pig?"</p>
+
+<p>So the goodman cast his breeches at it and thought he had smothered it
+sure enough; but somehow it wriggled out, and away it was, the goodman
+after it without his breeches. You never saw such a race&mdash;a real clean
+chase over the park, and through the whins, and round by the bramble
+patch. But there the goodman lost sight of it and had to go back all
+scratched and tired and shivering.</p>
+
+<p>The wee bannock, however, trundled on till it was too dark even for a
+wee bannock to see.</p>
+
+<p>Then it came to a fox's hole in the side of a big whinbush and trundled
+in to spend the night there; but the fox had had no meat for three whole
+days, so he just said, "You're welcome, friend! I wish there were two of
+you!"</p>
+
+<p>And there were two! For he snapped the wee bannock into halves with one
+bite. So that was an end of <i>it</i>!</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_257" id="l_257"></a></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-257" src="images/illus-257.jpg" alt="How Jack went out to seek his Fortune" title="How Jack went out to seek his Fortune" /></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="HOW_JACK_WENT_OUT_TO_SEEK_HIS_FORTUNE" id="HOW_JACK_WENT_OUT_TO_SEEK_HIS_FORTUNE"></a>HOW JACK WENT OUT TO SEEK HIS FORTUNE</h2>
+
+
+<p>Once on a time there was a boy named Jack, and one morning he started to
+go and seek his fortune.</p>
+
+<p>He hadn't gone very far before he met a cat.</p>
+
+<p>"Where are you going, Jack?" said the cat.</p>
+
+<p>"I am going to seek my fortune."</p>
+
+<p>"May I go with you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said Jack, "the more the merrier."</p>
+
+<p>So on they went, Jack and the cat. Jiggelty-jolt, jiggelty-jolt,
+jiggelty-jolt!</p>
+
+<p>They went a little farther and they met a dog.</p>
+
+<p>"Where are you going, Jack?" said the dog.</p>
+
+<p>"I am going to seek my fortune."</p>
+
+<p>"May I go with you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said Jack, "the more the merrier."</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_258" id="l_258"></a>So on they went, Jack, the cat, and the dog! Jiggelty-jolt,
+jiggelty-jolt, jiggelty-jolt!</p>
+
+<p>They went a little farther and they met a goat.</p>
+
+<p>"Where are you going, Jack?" said the goat.</p>
+
+<p>"I am going to seek my fortune."</p>
+
+<p>"May I go with you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said Jack, "the more the merrier."</p>
+
+<p>So on they went, Jack, the cat, the dog, and the goat. Jiggelty-jolt,
+jiggelty-jolt, jiggelty-jolt!</p>
+
+<p>They went a little farther and they met a bull.</p>
+
+<p>"Where are you going, Jack?" said the bull.</p>
+
+<p>"I am going to seek my fortune."</p>
+
+<p>"May I go with you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said Jack, "the more the merrier."</p>
+
+<p>So on they went, Jack, the cat, the dog, the goat, and the bull.
+Jiggelty-jolt, jiggelty-jolt, jiggelty-jolt!</p>
+
+<p>They went a little farther and they met a rooster.</p>
+
+<p>"Where are you going, Jack?" said the rooster.</p>
+
+<p>"I am going to seek my fortune."</p>
+
+<p>"May I go with you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said Jack, "the more the merrier."</p>
+
+<p>So on they went, Jack, the cat, the dog, the goat, the bull, and the
+rooster. Jiggelty-jolt, jiggelty-jolt, jiggelty-jolt!</p>
+
+<p>And they went on jiggelty-jolting till it was about dark, and it was
+time to think of some place where they could spend the night. Now, after
+a bit, they came in sight of a house, and Jack told his companions to
+keep still while <a name="l_259" id="l_259"></a>he went up and looked in through the window to see if
+all was safe. And what did he see through the window but a band of
+robbers seated at a table counting over great bags of gold!</p>
+
+<p>"That gold shall be mine," quoth Jack to himself. "I have found my
+fortune already."</p>
+
+<p>Then he went back and told his companions to wait till he gave the word,
+and then to make all the noise they possibly could in their own fashion.
+So when they were all ready Jack gave the word, and the cat mewed, and
+the dog barked, and the goat bleated, and the bull bellowed, and the
+rooster crowed, and all together they made such a terrific hubbub that
+the robbers jumped up in a fright and ran away, leaving their gold on
+the table. So, after a good laugh, Jack and his companions went in and
+took possession of the house and the gold.</p>
+
+<p>Now Jack was a wise boy, and he knew that the robbers would come back in
+the dead of the night to get their gold, and so when it came time to go
+to bed he put the cat in the rocking-chair, and he put the dog under the
+table, and he put the goat upstairs, and he put the bull in the cellar,
+and bade the rooster fly up on to the roof.</p>
+
+<p>Then he went to bed.</p>
+
+<p>Now sure enough, in the dead of the night, the robbers sent one man back
+to the house to look after their money. But before long he came back in
+a great fright and told them a fearsome tale!</p>
+
+<p>"I went back to the house," said he, "and went in and <a name="l_260" id="l_260"></a>tried to sit down
+in the rocking-chair, and there was an old woman knitting there, and
+she&mdash;oh my!&mdash;stuck her knitting-needles into me."</p>
+
+<p>(<i>That was the cat, you know</i>.)</p>
+
+<p>"Then I went to the table to look after the money, but there was a
+shoemaker under the table, and my! how he stuck his awl into me."</p>
+
+<p>(<i>That was the dog, you know</i>.)</p>
+
+<p>"So I started to go upstairs, but there was a man up there threshing,
+and goody! how he knocked me down with his flail!"</p>
+
+<p>(<i>That was the goat, you know</i>.)</p>
+
+<p>"Then I started to go down to the cellar, but&mdash;oh dear me!&mdash;there was a
+man down there chopping wood, and he knocked me up and he knocked me
+down just terrible with his axe."</p>
+
+<p>(<i>That was the bull, you know</i>.)</p>
+
+<p>"But I shouldn't have minded all that if it hadn't been for an awful
+little fellow on the top of the house by the kitchen chimney, who kept
+a-hollering and hollering, 'Cook him in a stew! Cook him in a stew! Cook
+him in a stew!'"</p>
+
+<p>(<i>And that, of course, was the cock-a-doodle-doo</i>.)</p>
+
+<p>Then the robbers agreed that they would rather lose their gold than meet
+with such a fate; so they made off, and Jack next morning went gaily
+home with his booty. And each of the animals carried a portion of it.
+The cat hung a bag on its tail (a cat when it walks always carries <a name="l_261" id="l_261"></a>its
+tail stiff), the dog on his collar, the goat and the bull on their
+horns, but Jack made the rooster carry a golden guinea in its beak to
+prevent it from calling all the time:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Cock-a-doodle-doo,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Cook him in a stew!"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_262" id="l_262"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="THE_BOGEY-BEAST" id="THE_BOGEY-BEAST"></a>THE BOGEY-BEAST</h2>
+
+
+<p>There was once a woman who was very, very cheerful, though she had
+little to make her so; for she was old, and poor, and lonely. She lived
+in a little bit of a cottage and earned a scant living by running
+errands for her neighbours, getting a bite here, a sup there, as reward
+for her services. So she made shift to get on, and always looked as spry
+and cheery as if she had not a want in the world.</p>
+
+<p>Now one summer evening, as she was trotting, full of smiles as ever,
+along the high road to her hovel, what should she see but a big black
+pot lying in the ditch!</p>
+
+<p>"Goodness me!" she cried, "that would be just the very thing for me if I
+only had something to put in it! But I haven't! Now who could have left
+it in the ditch?"</p>
+
+<p>And she looked about her expecting the owner would not be far off; but
+she could see nobody.</p>
+
+<p>"Maybe there is a hole in it," she went on, "and that's why it has been
+cast away. But it would do fine to put a flower in for my window; so
+I'll just take it home with me."</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_263" id="l_263"></a>And with that she lifted the lid and looked inside. "Mercy me!" she
+cried, fair amazed. "If it isn't full of gold pieces. Here's luck!"</p>
+
+<p>And so it was, brimful of great gold coins. Well, at first she simply
+stood stock-still, wondering if she was standing on her head or her
+heels. Then she began saying:</p>
+
+<p>"Lawks! But I do feel rich. I feel awful rich!"</p>
+
+<p>After she had said this many times, she began to wonder how she was to
+get her treasure home. It was too heavy for her to carry, and she could
+see no better way than to tie the end of her shawl to it and drag it
+behind her like a go-cart.</p>
+
+<p>"It will soon be dark," she said to herself as she trotted along. "So
+much the better! The neighbours will not see what I'm bringing home, and
+I shall have all the night to myself, and be able to think what I'll do!
+Mayhap I'll buy a grand house and just sit by the fire with a cup o' tea
+and do no work at all like a queen. Or maybe I'll bury it at the garden
+foot and just keep a bit in the old china teapot on the chimney-piece.
+Or maybe&mdash;Goody! Goody! I feel that grand I don't know myself."</p>
+
+<p>By this time she was a bit tired of dragging such a heavy weight, and,
+stopping to rest a while, turned to look at her treasure.</p>
+
+<p>And lo! it wasn't a pot of gold at all! It was nothing but a lump of
+silver.</p>
+
+<p>She stared at it, and rubbed her eyes, and stared at it again.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_264" id="l_264"></a>"Well! I never!" she said at last. "And me thinking it was a pot of
+gold! I must have been dreaming. But this is luck! Silver is far less
+trouble&mdash;easier to mind, and not so easy stolen. Them gold pieces would
+have been the death o' me, and with this great lump of silver&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>So she went off again planning what she would do, and feeling as rich as
+rich, until becoming a bit tired again she stopped to rest and gave a
+look round to see if her treasure was safe; and she saw nothing but a
+great lump of iron!</p>
+
+<p>"Well! I never!" says she again. "And I mistaking it for silver! I must
+have been dreaming. But this is luck! It's real convenient. I can get
+penny pieces for old iron, and penny pieces are a deal handier for me
+than your gold and silver. Why! I should never have slept a wink for
+fear of being robbed. But a penny piece comes in useful, and I shall
+sell that iron for a lot and be real rich&mdash;rolling rich."</p>
+
+<p>So on she trotted full of plans as to how she would spend her penny
+pieces, till once more she stopped to rest and looked round to see her
+treasure was safe. And this time she saw nothing but a big stone.</p>
+
+<p>"Well! I never!" she cried, full of smiles. "And to think I mistook it
+for iron. I must have been dreaming. But here's luck indeed, and me
+wanting a stone terrible bad to stick open the gate. Eh my! but it's a
+change for the better! It's a fine thing to have good luck."</p>
+
+<p>So, all in a hurry to see how the stone would keep the gate open, she
+trotted off down the hill till she came to her own cottage. She
+unlatched the gate and then turned to unfasten her shawl from the stone
+which lay on the path behind her. Aye! It was a stone sure enough. There
+was plenty light to see it lying there, douce and peaceable as a stone
+should.</p>
+
+<p>So she bent over it to unfasten the shawl end, when&mdash;"Oh my!" All of a
+sudden it gave a jump, a squeal, and in one moment was as big as a
+haystack. Then it let down four great lanky legs and threw out two long
+ears, nourished a great long tail and romped off, kicking and squealing
+and whinnying and laughing like a naughty, mischievous boy!</p>
+
+<p>The old woman stared after it till it was fairly out of sight,<a name="l_265" id="l_265"></a> then she
+burst out laughing too.</p>
+
+<p>"Well!" she chuckled, "I am in luck! Quite the luckiest body hereabouts.
+Fancy my seeing the Bogey-Beast all to myself; and making myself so free
+with it too! My goodness! I do feel that uplifted&mdash;that <i>GRAND</i>!"&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>So she went into her cottage and spent the evening chuckling over her
+good luck.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/illus-13.jpg"><img id="illus-13" src="images/illus-13-tb.jpg" alt="Well! she chuckled, I am in luck!" title="Well! she chuckled, I am in luck!" /></a></div>
+
+<h4><a name="l_266" id="l_266"></a>"Well!" she chuckled, "I am in luck!"</h4>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_267" id="l_267"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="LITTLE_RED_RIDING_HOOD" id="LITTLE_RED_RIDING_HOOD"></a>LITTLE RED RIDING-HOOD</h2>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time there was a little girl who was called little Red
+Riding-Hood, because she was quite small and because she always wore a
+red cloak with a big red hood to it, which her grandmother had made for
+her.</p>
+
+<p>Now one day her mother, who had been churning and baking cakes, said to
+her:</p>
+
+<p>"My dear, put on your red cloak with the hood to it, and take this cake
+and this pot of butter to your Grannie, and ask how she is, for I hear
+she is ailing."</p>
+
+<p>Now little Red Riding-Hood was very fond of her grandmother, who made
+her so many nice things, so she put on her cloak joyfully and started on
+her errand. But her grandmother lived some way off, and to reach the
+cottage little Red Riding-Hood had to pass through a vast lonely forest.
+However, some wood-cutters were at work in it, so little Red Riding-Hood
+was not so very much alarmed when she saw a great big wolf coming
+towards her, because she knew that wolves were cowardly things.</p>
+
+<p>And sure enough the wolf, though but for the wood-<a name="l_268" id="l_268"></a>cutters he would
+surely have eaten little Red Riding-Hood, only stopped and asked her
+politely where she was going.</p>
+
+<p>"I am going to see Grannie, take her this cake and this pot of butter,
+and ask how she is," says little Red Riding-Hood.</p>
+
+<p>"Does she live a very long way off?" asks the wolf craftily.</p>
+
+<p>"Not so very far if you go by the straight road," replied little Red
+Riding-Hood. "You only have to pass the mill and the first cottage on
+the right is Grannie's; but I am going by the wood path because there
+are such a lot of nuts and flowers and butterflies."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish you good luck," says the wolf politely. "Give my respects to
+your grandmother and tell her I hope she is quite well."</p>
+
+<p>And with that he trotted off. But instead of going his ways he turned
+back, took the straight road to the old woman's cottage, and knocked at
+the door.</p>
+
+<p>Rap! Rap! Rap!</p>
+
+<p>"Who's there?" asked the old woman, who was in bed.</p>
+
+<p>"Little Red Riding-Hood," sings out the wolf, making his voice as shrill
+as he could. "I've come to bring dear Grannie a pot of butter and a cake
+from mother, and to ask how you are."</p>
+
+<p>"Pull the bobbin, and the latch will go up," says the old woman, well
+satisfied.</p>
+
+<p>So the wolf pulled the bobbin, the latch went up, and&mdash;<a name="l_269" id="l_269"></a>oh my!&mdash;it
+wasn't a minute before he had gobbled up old Grannie, for he had had
+nothing to eat for a week.</p>
+
+<p>Then he shut the door, put on Grannie's nightcap, and, getting into bed,
+rolled himself well up in the clothes.</p>
+
+<p>By and by along comes little Red Riding-Hood, who had been amusing
+herself by gathering nuts, running after butterflies, and picking
+flowers.</p>
+
+<p>So she knocked at the door.</p>
+
+<p>Rap! Rap! Rap!</p>
+
+<p>"Who's there?" says the wolf, making his voice as soft as he could.</p>
+
+<p>Now little Red Riding-Hood heard the voice was very gruff, but she
+thought her grandmother had a cold; so she said:</p>
+
+<p>"Little Red Riding-Hood, with a pot of butter and a cake from mother, to
+ask how you are."</p>
+
+<p>"Pull the bobbin, and the latch will go up."</p>
+
+<p>So little Red Riding-Hood pulled the bobbin, the latch went up, and
+there, she thought, was her grandmother in the bed; for the cottage was
+so dark one could not see well. Besides, the crafty wolf turned his face
+to the wall at first. And he made his voice as soft, as soft as he
+could, when he said:</p>
+
+<p>"Come and kiss me, my dear."</p>
+
+<p>Then little Red Riding-Hood took off her cloak and went to the bed.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Grandmamma, Grandmamma," says she, "what big arms you've got!"</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_270" id="l_270"></a>"All the better to hug you with," says he.</p>
+
+<p>"But, Grandmamma, Grandmamma, what big legs you have!"</p>
+
+<p>"All the better to run with, my dear."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Grandmamma, Grandmamma, what big ears you've got!"</p>
+
+<p>"All the better to hear with, my dear."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Grandmamma, Grandmamma, what big eyes you've got!"</p>
+
+<p>"All the better to see you with, my dear!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Grandmamma, Grandmamma, what big teeth you've got!"</p>
+
+<p>"All the better to eat you with, my dear!" says that wicked, wicked
+wolf, and with that he gobbled up little Red Riding-Hood.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_271" id="l_271"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="CHILDE_ROWLAND" id="CHILDE_ROWLAND"></a>CHILDE ROWLAND</h2>
+
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Childe Rowland and his brothers twain</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Were playing at the ball.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Their sister, Burd Helen, she played</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">In the midst among them all.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>For Burd Helen loved her brothers, and they loved her exceedingly. At
+play she was ever their companion and they cared for her as brothers
+should. And one day when they were at ball close to the churchyard&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Childe Rowland kicked it with his foot</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And caught it on his knee.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">At last as he plunged among them all,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">O'er the church he made it flee.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Now Childe Rowland was Burd Helen's youngest, dearest brother, and there
+was ever a loving rivalry between them as to which should win. So with a
+laugh&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Burd Helen round about the aisle</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To seek the ball is gone.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Now the ball had trundled to the right of the church; so, as Burd Helen
+ran the nearest way to get it, she ran <a name="l_272" id="l_272"></a>contrary to the sun's course,
+and the light, shining full on her face, sent her shadow behind her.
+Thus that happened which will happen at times when folk forget and run
+widershins, that is against the light, so that their shadows are out of
+sight and cannot be taken care of properly.</p>
+
+<p>Now what happened you will learn by and by; meanwhile, Burd Helen's
+three brothers waited for her return.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But long they waited, and longer still,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And she came not back again.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Then they grew alarmed, and&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They sought her east, they sought her west,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They sought her up and down.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And woe were the hearts of her brethren,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Since she was not to be found.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Not to be found anywhere&mdash;she had disappeared like dew on a May morning.</p>
+
+<p>So at last her eldest brother went to Great Merlin the Magician, who
+could tell and foretell, see and foresee all things under the sun and
+beyond it, and asked him where Burd Helen could have gone.</p>
+
+<p>"Fair Burd Helen," said the Magician, "must have been carried off with
+her shadow by the fairies when she was running round the church
+widershins; for fairies have power when folk go against the light. She
+will now be in the Dark Tower of the King of Elfland, and none but the
+boldest knight in Christendom will be able to bring her back."</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_273" id="l_273"></a>"If it be possible to bring her back," said the eldest brother, "I will
+do it, or perish in the attempt."</p>
+
+<p>"Possible it is," quoth Merlin the Magician gravely. "But woe be to the
+man or mother's son who attempts the task if he be not well taught
+beforehand what he is to do."</p>
+
+<p>Now the eldest brother of fair Burd Helen was brave indeed, danger did
+not dismay him, so he begged the Magician to tell him exactly what he
+should do, and what he should not do, as he was determined to go and
+seek his sister. And the Great Magician told him, and schooled him, and
+after he had learnt his lesson right well he girt on his sword, said
+good-bye to his brothers and his mother, and set out for the Dark Tower
+of Elfland to bring Burd Helen back.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But long they waited, and longer still,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">With doubt and muckle pain.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But woe were the hearts of his brethren,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For he came not back again.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>So after a time Burd Helen's second brother went to Merlin the Magician
+and said:</p>
+
+<p>"School me also, for I go to find my brother and sister in the Dark
+Tower of the King of Elfland and bring them back." For he also was brave
+indeed, danger did not dismay him.</p>
+
+<p>Then when he had been well schooled and had learnt his lesson, he said
+good-bye to Childe Rowland, his brother, and to his mother the good
+Queen, girt on his sword, and <a name="l_274" id="l_274"></a>set out for the Dark Tower of Elfland to
+bring back Burd Helen and her brother.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But long they waited, and longer still,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">With muckle doubt and pain.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And woe were his mother's and brother's hearts,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For he came not back again.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Now when they had waited and waited a long, long time, and none had come
+back from the Dark Tower of Elfland, Childe Rowland, the youngest, the
+best beloved of Burd Helen's brothers, besought his mother to let him
+also go on the quest; for he was the bravest of them all, and neither
+death nor danger could dismay him. But at first his mother the Queen
+said:</p>
+
+<p>"Not so! You are the last of my children; if you are lost, all is lost
+indeed!"</p>
+
+<p>But he begged so hard that at length the good Queen his mother bade him
+God-speed, and girt about his waist his father's sword, the brand that
+never struck in vain, and as she girt it on she chanted the spell that
+gives victory.</p>
+
+<p>So Childe Rowland bade her good-bye and went to the cave of the Great
+Magician Merlin.</p>
+
+<p>"Yet once more, Master," said the youth, "and but once more, tell how
+man or mother's son may find fair Burd Helen and her brothers twain in
+the Dark Tower of Elfland."</p>
+
+<p>"My son," replied the wizard Merlin, "there be things twain; simple they
+seem to say, but hard are they to perform. One thing is to do, and one
+thing is not to do.<a name="l_275" id="l_275"></a> Now the first thing you have to do is this: after
+you have once entered the Land of Faery, <i>whoever speaks to you</i>, you
+must out with your father's brand and cut off their head. In this you
+must not fail. And the second thing you have not to do is this: after
+you have entered the Land of Faery, bite no bit, sup no drop; for if in
+Elfland you sup one drop or bite one bit, never again will you see
+Middle Earth."</p>
+
+<p>Then Childe Rowland said these two lessons over and over until he knew
+them by heart; so, well schooled, he thanked the Great Master and went
+on his way to seek the Dark Tower of Elfland.</p>
+
+<p>And he journeyed far, and he journeyed fast, until at last on a wide
+moorland he came upon a horse-herd feeding his horses; and the horses
+were wild, and their eyes were like coals of fire.</p>
+
+<p>Then he knew they must be the horses of the King of Elfland, and that at
+last he must be in the Land of Faery.</p>
+
+<p>So Childe Rowland said to the horse-herd, "Canst tell me where lies the
+Dark Tower of the Elfland King?"</p>
+
+<p>And the horse-herd answered, "Nay, that is beyond my ken; but go a
+little farther and thou wilt come to a cow-herd who mayhap can tell
+thee."</p>
+
+<p>Then at once Childe Rowland drew his father's sword that never struck in
+vain, and smote off the horse-herd's head, so that it rolled on the wide
+moorland and frightened the King of Elfland's horses. And he journeyed
+further <a name="l_276" id="l_276"></a>till he came to a wide pasture where a cow-herd was herding
+cows. And the cows looked at him with fiery eyes, so he knew that they
+must be the King of Elfland's cows, and that he was still in the Land of
+Faery. Then he said to the cow-herd:</p>
+
+<p>"Canst tell me where lies the Dark Tower of the Elfland King?"</p>
+
+<p>And the cow-herd answered, "Nay, that is beyond my ken; but go a little
+farther and thou wilt come to a hen-wife who, mayhap, can tell thee."</p>
+
+<p>So at once Childe Rowland, remembering his lesson, out with his father's
+good sword that never struck in vain, and off went the cow-herd's head
+spinning amongst the grasses and frightening the King of Elfland's cows.</p>
+
+<p>Then he journeyed further till he came to an orchard where an old woman
+in a grey cloak was feeding fowls.</p>
+
+<p>And the fowls' little eyes were like little coals of fire, so he knew
+that they were the King of Elfland's fowls, and that he was still in the
+Land of Faery.</p>
+
+<p>And he said to the hen-wife, "Canst tell me where lies the Dark Tower of
+the King of Elfland?"</p>
+
+<p>Now the hen-wife looked at him and smiled. "Surely I can tell you," said
+she. "Go on a little farther. There you will find a low green hill;
+green and low against the sky. And the hill will have three
+terrace-rings upon it from bottom to top. Go round the first terrace
+saying:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">'Open from within;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Let me in! Let me in!'</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_277" id="l_277"></a>"Then go round the second terrace and say:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">'Open wide, open wide;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Let me inside.'</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>"Then go round the third terrace and say:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">'Open fast, open fast;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Let me in at last.'</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>"Then a door will open and let you in to the Dark Tower of the King of
+Elfland. Only remember to go round widershins. If you go round with the
+sun the door will not open. So good luck to you!"</p>
+
+<p>Now the hen-wife spoke so fair, and smiled so frank, that Childe Rowland
+forgot for a moment what he had to do. Therefore he thanked the old
+woman for her courtesy and was just going on, when, all of a sudden, he
+remembered his lesson. And he out with his father's sword that never yet
+struck in vain, and smote off the hen-wife's head, so that it rolled
+among the corn and frightened the fiery-eyed fowls of the King of
+Elfland.</p>
+
+<p>After that he went on and on, till, against the blue sky, he saw a round
+green hill set with three terraces from top to bottom.</p>
+
+<p>Then he did as the hen-wife had told him, not forgetting to go round
+widershins, so that the sun was always on his face.</p>
+
+<p>Now when he had gone round the third terrace saying:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Open fast, open fast;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Let me in at last,"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_278" id="l_278"></a>what should happen but that he should see a door in the hill-side. And
+it opened and let him in. Then it closed behind him with a click, and
+Childe Rowland was left in the dark; for he had gotten at last to the
+Dark Tower of the King of Elfland.</p>
+
+<p>It was very dark at first, perhaps because the sun had part blinded his
+eyes; for after a while it became twilight, though where the light came
+from none could tell, unless through the walls and the roof; for there
+were neither windows nor candles. But in the gloaming light he could see
+a long passage of rough arches made of rock that was transparent and all
+encrusted with sheep-silver, rock-spar, and many bright stones. And the
+air was warm as it ever is in Elfland. So he went on and on in the
+twilight that came from nowhere, till he found himself before two wide
+doors all barred with iron. But they flew open at his touch, and he saw
+a wonderful, large, and spacious hall that seemed to him to be as long
+and as broad as the green hill itself. The roof was supported by pillars
+wide and lofty beyond the pillars of a cathedral; and they were of gold
+and silver, fretted into foliage, and between and around them were woven
+wreaths of flowers. And the flowers were of diamonds, and rubies, and
+topaz, and the leaves of emerald. And the arches met in the middle of
+the roof where hung, by a golden chain, an immense lamp made of a
+hollowed pearl, white and translucent. And in the middle of this lamp
+was a mighty carbuncle, blood-red, that kept spinning round and round,
+shedding its light to the very ends of the huge hall, <a name="l_279" id="l_279"></a>which thus seemed
+to be filled with the shining of the setting sun.</p>
+
+<p>Now at one end of the hall was a marvelous, wondrous, glorious couch of
+velvet, silk and gold, and on it sate fair Burd Helen combing her
+beautiful golden hair with a golden comb. But her face was all set and
+wan, as if it were made of stone. When she saw Childe Rowland she never
+moved, and her voice came like the voice of the dead as she said:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"God pity you, poor luckless fool!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">What have you here to do?"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Now at first Childe Rowland felt he must clasp this semblance of his
+dear sister in his arms, but he remembered the lesson which the Great
+Magician Merlin had taught him, and drawing his father's brand which had
+never yet been drawn in vain, and turning his eyes from the horrid
+sight, he struck with all his force at the enchanted form of fair Burd
+Helen.</p>
+
+<p>And lo, when he turned to look in fear and trembling, there she was her
+own self, her joy fighting with her fears. And she clasped him in her
+arms and cried:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Oh, hear you this, my youngest brother,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Why didn't you bide at home?</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Had you a hundred thousand lives,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Ye couldn't spare ne'er a one!</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"But sit you down, my dearest dear,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Oh! woe that ye were born,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">For, come the King of Elfland in,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Your fortune is forlorn."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_280" id="l_280"></a>So with tears and smiles she seated him beside her on the wondrous
+couch, and they told each other what they each had suffered and done. He
+told her how he had come to Elfland. She told him how she had been
+carried off, shadow and all, because she ran round a church widershins,
+and how her brothers had been enchanted, and lay intombed as if dead, as
+she had been. Because they had not had the courage to obey the Great
+Magician's lesson to the letter, and cut off her head.</p>
+
+<p>Now after a time Childe Rowland, who had travelled far and travelled
+fast, became very hungry, and forgetting all about the second lesson of
+the Magician Merlin, asked his sister for some food; and she, being
+still under the spell of Elfland, could not warn him of his danger. She
+could only look at him sadly as she rose up and brought him a golden
+basin full of bread and milk.</p>
+
+<p>Now in those days it was manners before taking food from anyone to say
+thank you with your eyes, and so just as Childe Rowland was about to put
+the golden bowl to his lips, he raised his eyes to his sister's.</p>
+
+<p>And in an instant he remembered what the Great Magician had said: "Bite
+no bit, sup no drop, for if in Elfland you sup one drop or bite one bit,
+never again will you see Middle Earth."</p>
+
+<p>So he dashed the bowl to the ground, and standing square and fair, lithe
+and young and strong, he cried like a challenge:</p>
+
+<p>"Not a sup will I swallow, not a bit will I bite, till fair Burd Helen
+is set free."</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_281" id="l_281"></a>Then immediately there was a loud noise like thunder, and a voice was
+heard saying:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Fee, fi, fo, fum,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">I smell the blood of a Christian Man.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Be he alive or dead, my brand</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Shall dash his brains from his brain-pan."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Then the folding-doors of the vast hall burst open and the King of
+Elfland entered like a storm of wind. What he was really like Childe
+Rowland had not time to see, for with a bold cry:</p>
+
+<p>"Strike, Bogle! thy hardest if thou darest!" he rushed to meet the foe,
+his good sword, that never yet did fail, in his hand.</p>
+
+<p>And Childe Rowland and the King of Elfland fought, and fought, and
+fought, while Burd Helen, with her hands clasped, watched them in fear
+and hope.</p>
+
+<p>So they fought, and fought, and fought, until at last Childe Rowland
+beat the King of Elfland to his knees. Whereupon he cried, "I yield me.
+Thou hast beaten me in fair fight."</p>
+
+<p>Then Childe Rowland said, "I grant thee mercy if thou wilt release my
+sister and my brothers from all spells and enchantments, and let us go
+back to Middle Earth."</p>
+
+<p>So that was agreed; and the Elfin King went to a golden chest whence he
+took a phial that was filled with a blood-red liquor. And with this
+liquor he anointed the ears and the eyelids, the nostrils, the lips, and
+the finger-tips of the <a name="l_282" id="l_282"></a>bodies of Burd Helen's two brothers that lay as
+dead in two golden coffers.</p>
+
+<p>And immediately they sprang to life and declared that their souls only
+had been away, but had now returned.</p>
+
+<p>After this the Elfin King said a charm which took away the very last bit
+of enchantment, and adown the huge hall that showed as if it were lit by
+the setting sun, and through the long passage of rough arches made of
+rock that was transparent and all encrusted with sheep-silver,
+rock-spar, and many bright stones, where twilight reigned, the three
+brothers and their sister passed. Then the door opened in the green
+hill, it clicked behind them, and they left the Dark Tower of the King
+of Elfland never to return.</p>
+
+<p>For, no sooner were they in the light of day,<a name="l_283" id="l_283"></a> than they found themselves
+at home.</p>
+
+<p>But fair Burd Helen took care never to go widershins round a church
+again.</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-284" src="images/illus-284.jpg" alt="They both met together upon Nottingham bridge" title="They both met together upon Nottingham bridge" /></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_WISE_MEN_OF_GOTHAM" id="THE_WISE_MEN_OF_GOTHAM"></a>THE WISE MEN OF GOTHAM</h2>
+
+
+<h4>OF BUYING OF SHEEP</h4>
+
+<p>There were two men of Gotham, and one of them was going to market to
+Nottingham to buy sheep, and the other came from the market, and they
+both met together upon Nottingham bridge.</p>
+
+<p>"Where are you going?" said the one who came from Nottingham.</p>
+
+<p>"Marry," said he that was going to Nottingham, "I am going to buy
+sheep."</p>
+
+<p>"Buy sheep?" said the other; "and which way will you bring them home?"</p>
+
+<p>"Marry," said the other, "I will bring them over this bridge."</p>
+
+<p>"By Robin Hood," said he that came from Nottingham, "but thou shalt
+not."</p>
+
+<p>"By Maid Marion," said he that was going thither, "but I will."</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_284" id="l_284"></a>"You will not," said the one.</p>
+
+<p>"I will."</p>
+
+<p>Then they beat their staves against the ground, one against the other,
+as if there had been a hundred sheep between them.</p>
+
+<p>"Hold in," said one; "beware lest my sheep leap over the bridge."</p>
+
+<p>"I care not," said the other; "they shall not come this way."</p>
+
+<p>"But they shall," said the other.</p>
+
+<p>Then the other said, "If that thou make much to do, I will put my
+fingers in thy mouth."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you?" said the other.</p>
+
+<p>Now, as they were at their contention, another man of Gotham came from
+the market with a sack of meal upon a horse, and seeing and hearing his
+neighbours at strife about sheep, though there were none between them,
+said:</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, fools! will you ever learn wisdom? Help me, and lay my sack upon my
+shoulders."</p>
+
+<p>They did so, and he went to the side of the bridge, unloosened the mouth
+of the sack, and shook all his meal out into the river.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, neighbours," he said, "how much meal is there in my sack?"</p>
+
+<p>"Marry," said they, "there is none at all."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, by my faith," said he, "even as much wit as is in your two heads
+to stir up strife about a thing you have not."</p>
+
+<p>Which was the wisest of these three persons, judge yourself.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_285" id="l_285"></a></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-286" src="images/illus-286.jpg" alt="A vengeance on her! said they. We did not make our hedge high enough" title="A vengeance on her! said they. We did not make our hedge high enough" /></div>
+
+<h4>OF HEDGING A CUCKOO</h4>
+
+<p>Once upon a time the men of Gotham would have kept the Cuckoo so that
+she might sing all the year, and in the midst of their town they made a
+hedge round in compass and they got a Cuckoo, and put her into it, and
+said, "Sing there all through the year, or thou shalt have neither meat
+nor water." The Cuckoo, as soon as she perceived herself within the
+hedge, flew away. "A vengeance on her!" said they. "We did not make our
+hedge high enough."</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_286" id="l_286"></a></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-287" src="images/illus-287.jpg" alt="He took out the cheeses and rolled them down the hill" title="He took out the cheeses and rolled them down the hill" /></div>
+
+<h4>OF SENDING CHEESES</h4>
+
+<p>There was a man of Gotham who went to the market at Nottingham to sell
+cheese, and as he was going down the hill to Nottingham bridge, one of
+his cheeses fell out of his wallet and rolled down the hill. "Ah,
+gaffer," said the fellow, "can you run to market alone? I will send one
+after another after you." Then he laid down his wallet and took out the
+cheeses and rolled them down the hill. Some went into one bush, and some
+went into another.</p>
+
+<p>"I charge you all to meet me near the market-place," cried he; and when
+the fellow came to the market to meet his cheeses, he stayed there till
+the market was nearly done. Then he went about to inquire of his friends
+and neighbours, and other men, if they did see his cheeses come to the
+market.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_287" id="l_287"></a>"Who should bring them?" said one of the market men.</p>
+
+<p>"Marry, themselves," said the fellow; "they know the way well enough."</p>
+
+<p>He said, "A vengeance on them all. I did fear, to see them run so fast,
+that they would run beyond the market. I am now fully persuaded that
+they must be now almost at York." Whereupon he forthwith hired a horse
+to ride to York, to seek his cheeses where they were not; but to this
+day no man can tell him of his cheeses.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-288" src="images/illus-288.jpg" alt="And they left the eel to drown" title="And they left the eel to drown" /></div>
+
+<h4>OF DROWNING EELS</h4>
+
+<p>When Good Friday came, the men of Gotham cast their heads together what
+to do with their white herrings, their red herrings, their sprats, and
+other salt fish. One consulted <a name="l_288" id="l_288"></a>with the other, and agreed that such
+fish should be cast into their pond (which was in the middle of the
+town), that they might breed against the next year, and every man that
+had salt fish left cast them into the pool.</p>
+
+<p>"I have many white herrings," said one.</p>
+
+<p>"I have many sprats," said another.</p>
+
+<p>"I have many red herrings," said the other.</p>
+
+<p>"I have much salt fish. Let all go into the pond or pool, and we shall
+fare like lords next year."</p>
+
+<p>At the beginning of next year following the men drew near the pond to
+have their fish, and there was nothing but a great eel. "Ah," said they
+all, "a mischief on this eel, for he has eaten up all our fish."</p>
+
+<p>"What shall we do to him?" said one to the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Kill him," said one.</p>
+
+<p>"Chop him into pieces," said another.</p>
+
+<p>"Not so," said another; "let us drown him."</p>
+
+<p>"Be it so," said all. And they went to another pond, and cast the eel
+into the pond. "Lie there and shift for yourself, for no help thou shalt
+have from us"; and they left the eel to drown.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_289" id="l_289"></a></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-290" src="images/illus-290.jpg" alt="The hare ran on along the country way" title="The hare ran on along the country way" /></div>
+
+<h4>OF SENDING RENT</h4>
+
+<p>Once on a time the men of Gotham had forgotten to pay their landlord.
+One said to the other, "To-morrow is our pay-day, and what shall we find
+to send our money to our landlord?"</p>
+
+<p>The one said, "This day I have caught a hare, and he shall carry it, for
+he is light of foot."</p>
+
+<p>"Be it so," said all; "he shall have a letter and a purse to put our
+money in, and we shall direct him the right way." So when the letters
+were written and the money put in a purse, they tied it round the hare's
+neck, saying, "First you go to Lancaster, then thou must go to
+Loughborough, and Newarke is our landlord, and commend us to him, and
+there is his dues."</p>
+
+<p>The hare, as soon as he was out of their hands, ran on along the country
+way. Some cried, "Thou must go to Lancaster first."</p>
+
+<p>"Let the hare alone," said another; "he can tell a nearer way than the
+best of us all. Let him go."</p>
+
+<p>Another said, "It is a subtle hare; let her alone; she will not keep the
+highway for fear of dogs."</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_290" id="l_290"></a></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-291" src="images/illus-291.jpg" alt="A courtier came riding by, and he did ask what they were seeking" title="A courtier came riding by, and he did ask what they were seeking" /></div>
+
+<h4>OF COUNTING</h4>
+
+<p>On a certain time there were twelve men of Gotham who went fishing, and
+some went into the water and some on dry ground; and, as they were
+coming back, one of them said, "We have ventured much this day wading; I
+pray God that none of us that did come from home be drowned."</p>
+
+<p>"Marry," said one, "let us see about that. Twelve of us came out." And
+every man did count eleven, and the twelfth man did never count himself.</p>
+
+<p>"Alas!" said one to another, "one of us is drowned." They went back to
+the brook where they had been fishing, and looked up and down for him
+that was drowned, and made great lamentation. A courtier came riding by,
+and he did ask what they were seeking, and why they were so sorrowful.
+"Oh," said they, "this day we came to fish in this brook, and there were
+twelve of us, and one is drowned."</p>
+
+<p>"Why," said the courtier, "count me how many of you there be"; and one
+counted eleven and did not count himself.<a name="l_291" id="l_291"></a> "Well," said the courtier,
+"what will you give me if I find the twelfth man?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sir," said they, "all the money we have."</p>
+
+<p>"Give me the money," said the courtier; and he began with the first, and
+gave him a whack over the shoulders that he groaned, and said, "There is
+one," and he served all of them that they groaned; but when he came to
+the last he gave him a good blow, saying, "Here is the twelfth man."</p>
+
+<p>"God bless you on your heart," said all the company; "you have found our
+neighbour."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_292" id="l_292"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="CAPORUSHES" id="CAPORUSHES"></a>CAPORUSHES</h2>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time, a long, long while ago, when all the world was young
+and all sorts of strange things happened, there lived a very rich
+gentleman whose wife had died leaving him three lovely daughters. They
+were as the apple of his eye, and he loved them exceedingly.</p>
+
+<p>Now one day he wanted to find out if they loved him in return, so he
+said to the eldest, "How much do you love me, my dear?"</p>
+
+<p>And she answered as pat as may be, "As I love my life."</p>
+
+<p>"Very good, my dear," said he, and gave her a kiss. Then he said to the
+second girl, "How much do you love me, my dear?"</p>
+
+<p>And she answered as swift as thought, "Better than all the world
+beside."</p>
+
+<p>"Good!" he replied, and patted her on the cheek. Then he turned to the
+youngest, who was also the prettiest.</p>
+
+<p>"And how much do <i>you</i> love me, my dearest?"</p>
+
+<p>Now the youngest daughter was not only pretty, she was clever. So she
+thought a moment, then she said slowly:</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_293" id="l_293"></a>"I love you as fresh meat loves salt!"</p>
+
+<p>Now when her father heard this he was very angry, because he really
+loved her more than the others.</p>
+
+<p>"What!" he said. "If that is all you give me in return for all I've
+given you, out of my house you go." So there and then he turned her out
+of the home where she had been born and bred, and shut the door in her
+face.</p>
+
+<p>Not knowing where to go, she wandered on, and she wandered on, till she
+came to a big fen where the reeds grew ever so tall and the rushes
+swayed in the wind like a field of corn. There she sate down and plaited
+herself an overall of rushes and a cap to match, so as to hide her fine
+clothes, and her beautiful golden hair that was all set with milk-white
+pearls. For she was a wise girl, and thought that in such lonely
+country, mayhap, some robber might fall in with her and kill her to get
+her fine clothes and jewels.</p>
+
+<p>It took a long time to plait the dress and cap, and while she plaited
+she sang a little song:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Hide my hair, O cap o' rushes,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Hide my heart, O robe o' rushes.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Sure! my answer had no fault,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">I love him more than he loves salt."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>And the fen birds sate and listened and sang back to her:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Cap o' rushes, shed no tear,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Robe o' rushes, have no fear;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">With these words if fault he'd find,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Sure your father must be blind."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_294" id="l_294"></a>When her task was finished she put on her robe of rushes and it hid all
+her fine clothes, and she put on the cap and it hid all her beautiful
+hair, so that she looked quite a common country girl. But the fen birds
+flew away, singing as they flew:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Cap-o-rushes! we can see,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Robe o' rushes! what you be,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Fair and clean, and fine and tidy,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">So you'll be whate'er betide ye."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>By this time she was very, very hungry, so she wandered on, and she
+wandered on; but ne'er a cottage or a hamlet did she see, till just at
+sun-setting she came on a great house on the edge of the fen. It had a
+fine front door to it; but mindful of her dress of rushes she went round
+to the back. And there she saw a strapping fat scullion washing pots and
+pans with a very sulky face. So, being a clever girl, she guessed what
+the maid was wanting, and said:</p>
+
+<p>"If I may have a night's lodging, I will scrub the pots and pans for
+you."</p>
+
+<p>"Why! Here's luck," replied the scullery-maid, ever so pleased. "I was
+just wanting badly to go a-walking with my sweetheart. So if you will do
+my work you shall share my bed and have a bite of my supper. Only mind
+you scrub the pots clean or cook will be at me."</p>
+
+<p>Now next morning the pots were scraped so clean that they looked like
+new, and the saucepans were polished like silver, and the cook said to
+the scullion, "Who cleaned these pots? Not you, I'll swear." So the maid
+had to up and out <a name="l_295" id="l_295"></a>with the truth. Then the cook would have turned away
+the old maid and put on the new, but the latter would not hear of it.</p>
+
+<p>"The maid was kind to me and gave me a night's lodging," she said. "So
+now I will stay without wage and do the dirty work for her."</p>
+
+<p>So Caporushes&mdash;for so they called her since she would give no other
+name&mdash;stayed on and cleaned the pots and scraped the saucepans.</p>
+
+<p>Now it so happened that her master's son came of age, and to celebrate
+the occasion a ball was given to the neighbourhood, for the young man
+was a grand dancer, and loved nothing so well as a country measure. It
+was a very fine party, and after supper was served, the servants were
+allowed to go and watch the quality from the gallery of the ball-room.</p>
+
+<p>But Caporushes refused to go, for she also was a grand dancer, and she
+was afraid that when she heard the fiddles starting a merry jig, she
+might start dancing. So she excused herself by saying she was too tired
+with scraping pots and washing saucepans; and when the others went off,
+she crept up to her bed.</p>
+
+<p>But alas! and alack-a-day! The door had been left open, and as she lay
+in her bed she could hear the fiddlers fiddling away and the tramp of
+dancing feet.</p>
+
+<p>Then she upped and off with her cap and robe of rushes, and there she
+was ever so fine and tidy. She was in the ball-room in a trice joining
+in the jig, and none was more <a name="l_296" id="l_296"></a>beautiful or better dressed than she.
+While as for her dancing...!</p>
+
+<p>Her master's son singled her out at once, and with the finest of bows
+engaged her as his partner for the rest of the night. So she danced away
+to her heart's content, while the whole room was agog, trying to find
+out who the beautiful young stranger could be. But she kept her own
+counsel and, making some excuse, slipped away before the ball finished;
+so when her fellow-servants came to bed, there she was in hers in her
+cap and robe of rushes, pretending to be fast asleep.</p>
+
+<p>Next morning, however, the maids could talk of nothing but the beautiful
+stranger.</p>
+
+<p>"You should ha' seen her," they said. "She was the loveliest young lady
+as ever you see, not a bit like the likes o' we. Her golden hair was all
+silvered wi' pearls, and her dress&mdash;law! You wouldn't believe how she
+was dressed. Young master never took his eyes off her."</p>
+
+<p>And Caporushes only smiled and said, with a twinkle in her eye, "I
+should like to see her, but I don't think I ever shall."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh yes, you will," they replied, "for young master has ordered another
+ball to-night in hopes she will come to dance again."</p>
+
+<p>But that evening Caporushes refused once more to go to the gallery,
+saying she was too tired with cleaning pots and scraping saucepans. And
+once more when she heard the fiddlers fiddling she said to herself, "I
+must have one dance&mdash;<a name="l_297" id="l_297"></a>just one with the young master: he dances so
+beautifully." For she felt certain he would dance with her.</p>
+
+<p>And sure enough, when she had upped and offed with her cap and robe of
+rushes, there he was at the door waiting for her to come; for he had
+determined to dance with no one else.</p>
+
+<p>So he took her by the hand, and they danced down the ball-room. It was a
+sight of all sights! Never were such dancers! So young, so handsome, so
+fine, so gay!</p>
+
+<p>But once again Caporushes kept her own counsel and just slipped away on
+some excuse in time, so that when her fellow-servants came to their beds
+they found her in hers, pretending to be fast asleep; but her cheeks
+were all flushed and her breath came fast. So they said, "She is
+dreaming. We hope her dreams are happy."</p>
+
+<p>But next morning they were full of what she had missed. Never was such a
+beautiful young gentleman as young master! Never was such a beautiful
+young lady! Never was such beautiful dancing! Every one else had stopped
+theirs to look on.</p>
+
+<p>And Caporushes, with a twinkle in her eyes, said, "I should like to see
+her; but I'm <i>sure</i> I never shall!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh yes!" they replied. "If you come to-night you're sure to see her;
+for young master has ordered another ball in hopes the beautiful
+stranger will come again; for it's easy to see he is madly in love with
+her."</p>
+
+<p>Then Caporushes told herself she would not dance again, since it was not
+fit for a gay young master to be in love with his scullery-maid; but,
+alas! the moment she heard the <a name="l_298" id="l_298"></a>fiddlers fiddling, she just upped and
+offed with her rushes, and there she was fine and tidy as ever! She
+didn't even have to brush her beautiful golden hair! And once again she
+was in the ball-room in a trice, dancing away with young master, who
+never took his eyes off her, and implored her to tell him who she was.
+But she kept her own counsel and only told him that she never, never,
+never would come to dance any more, and that he must say good-bye. And
+he held her hand so fast that she had a job to get away, and lo and
+behold! his ring came off his finger, and as she ran up to her bed there
+it was in her hand! She had just time to put on her cap and robe of
+rushes, when her fellow-servants came trooping in and found her awake.</p>
+
+<p>"It was the noise you made coming upstairs," she made excuse; but they
+said, "Not we! It is the whole place that is in an uproar searching for
+the beautiful stranger. Young master he tried to detain her; but she
+slipped from him like an eel. But he declares he will find her; for if
+he doesn't he will die of love for her."</p>
+
+<p>Then Caporushes laughed. "Young men don't die of love," says she. "He
+will find some one else."</p>
+
+<p>But he didn't. He spent his whole time looking for his beautiful dancer,
+but go where he might, and ask whom he would, he never heard anything
+about her. And day by day he grew thinner and thinner, and paler and
+paler, until at last he took to his bed.</p>
+
+<p>And the housekeeper came to the cook and said, "Cook the nicest dinner
+you can cook, for young master eats nothing."</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_299" id="l_299"></a>Then the cook prepared soups, and jellies, and creams, and roast
+chicken, and bread sauce; but the young man would none of them.</p>
+
+<p>And Caporushes cleaned the pots and scraped the saucepans and said
+nothing.</p>
+
+<p>Then the housekeeper came crying and said to the cook, "Prepare some
+gruel for young master. Mayhap he'd take that. If not he will die for
+love of the beautiful dancer. If she could see him now she would have
+pity on him."</p>
+
+<p>So the cook began to make the gruel, and Caporushes left scraping
+saucepans and watched her.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me stir it," she said, "while you fetch a cup from the
+pantry-room."</p>
+
+<p>So Caporushes stirred the gruel, and what did she do but slips young
+master's ring into it before the cook came back!</p>
+
+<p>Then the butler took the cup upstairs on a silver salver. But when the
+young master saw it he waved it away, till the butler with tears begged
+him just to taste it.</p>
+
+<p>So the young master took a silver spoon and stirred the gruel; and he
+felt something hard at the bottom of the cup. And when he fished it up,
+lo! it was his own ring! Then he sate up in bed and said quite loud,
+"Send for the cook!" And when she came he asked her who made the gruel.</p>
+
+<p>"I did," she said, for she was half-pleased and half-frightened.</p>
+
+<p>Then he looked at her all over and said, "No, you didn't! You're too
+stout! Tell me who made it and you shan't be harmed!"</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_300" id="l_300"></a>Then the cook began to cry. "If you please, sir, I <i>did</i> make it; but
+Caporushes stirred it."</p>
+
+<p>"And who is Caporushes?" asked the young man.</p>
+
+<p>"If you please, sir, Caporushes is the scullion," whimpered the cook.</p>
+
+<p>Then the young man sighed and fell back on his pillow. "Send Caporushes
+here," he said in a faint voice; for he really was very near dying.</p>
+
+<p>And when Caporushes came he just looked at her cap and her robe of
+rushes and turned his face to the wall; but he asked her in a weak
+little voice, "From whom did you get that ring?"</p>
+
+<p>Now when Caporushes saw the poor young man so weak and worn with love
+for her, her heart melted, and she replied softly:</p>
+
+<p>"From him that gave it me," quoth she, and offed with her cap and robe
+of rushes, and there she was as fine and tidy as ever with her beautiful
+golden hair all silvered over with pearls.</p>
+
+<p>And the young man caught sight of her with the tail of his eye, and sate
+up in bed as strong as may be, and drew her to him and gave her a great
+big kiss.</p>
+
+<p>So, of course, they were to be married in spite of her being only a
+scullery-maid, for she told no one who she was. Now every one far and
+near was asked to the wedding. Amongst the invited guests was
+Caporushes' father, who, from grief at losing his favourite daughter,
+had lost his sight, and was very dull and miserable. However, as a
+friend of the family, he had to come to the young master's wedding.</p>
+
+<p>Now the marriage feast was to be the finest ever seen; but Caporushes
+went to her friend the cook and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Dress every dish without one mite of salt."</p>
+
+<p>"That'll be rare and nasty," replied the cook; but because she prided
+herself on having let Caporushes stir the gruel and so saved the young
+master's life, she did as she was asked, and dressed every dish for the
+wedding breakfast without one mite of salt.</p>
+
+<p>Now when the company sate down to table their faces were full of smiles
+and content, for all the dishes looked so nice and tasty; but no sooner
+had the guests begun to eat than their faces fell; for nothing can be
+tasty without salt.</p>
+
+<p>Then Caporushes' blind father, whom his daughter had seated next to her,
+burst out crying.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the matter?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p>Then the old man sobbed, "I had a daughter whom I loved dearly, dearly.
+And I asked her how much she loved me, and she replied, 'As fresh meat
+loves salt.' And I was angry with her and turned her out of house and
+home, for I thought she didn't love me at all. But now I see she loved
+me best of all."</p>
+
+<p>And as he said the words his eyes were opened, and there beside him was
+his daughter lovelier than ever.</p>
+
+<p>And she gave him one hand, and her husband, the young master, the other,
+and laughed saying, "I love you both as fresh meat loves salt." And
+after that they were all happy for evermore.<a name="l_301" id="l_301"></a></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/illus-14.jpg"><img id="illus-14" src="images/illus-14-tb.jpg" alt="She sate down and plaited herself an overall of rushes
+and a cap to match." title="She sate down and plaited herself an overall of rushes
+and a cap to match." /></a></div>
+
+<h4>She sate down and plaited herself an overall of rushes
+and a cap to match.</h4>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_302" id="l_302"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="THE_BABES_IN_THE_WOOD" id="THE_BABES_IN_THE_WOOD"></a>THE BABES IN THE WOOD</h2>
+
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Now ponder well, you parents dear,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">These words which I shall write;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A doleful story you shall hear,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">In time brought forth to light.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A gentleman of good account</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">In Norfolk dwelt of late,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Who did in honour far surmount</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Most men of his estate.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Sore sick he was and like to die,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">No help his life could save;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His wife by him as sick did lie,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And both possest one grave.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">No love between these two was lost,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Each was to other kind;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">In love they lived, in love they died,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And left two babes behind:</span><br />
+<br /><a name="l_303" id="l_303"></a>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The one a fine and pretty boy</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Not passing three years old,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The other a girl more young than he,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And framed in beauty's mould.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The father left his little son,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">As plainly did appear,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When he to perfect age should come,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Three hundred pounds a year;</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And to his little daughter Jane</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Five hundred pounds in gold,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To be paid down on marriage-day,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Which might not be controlled.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But if the children chanced to die</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Ere they to age should come,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Their uncle should possess their wealth;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">For so the will did run.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Now, brother," said the dying man,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">"Look to my children dear;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Be good unto my boy and girl,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">No friends else have they here;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To God and you I recommend</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">My children dear this day;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But little while be sure we have</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Within this world to stay.</span><br />
+<br /><a name="l_304" id="l_304"></a>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"You must be father and mother both,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And uncle, all in one;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">God knows what will become of them</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">When I am dead and gone."</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">With that bespake their mother dear:</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">"O brother kind," quoth she,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"You are the man must bring our babes</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To wealth or misery.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"And if you keep them carefully,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Then God will you reward;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But if you otherwise should deal,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">God will your deeds regard."</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">With lips as cold as any stone,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">They kissed their children small:</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"God bless you both, my children dear!"</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">With that the tears did fall.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">These speeches then their brother spake</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To this sick couple there:</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"The keeping of your little ones,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Sweet sister, do not fear;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">God never prosper me nor mine,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Nor aught else that I have,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If I do wrong your children dear</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">When you are laid in grave!"</span><br />
+<br /><a name="l_305" id="l_305"></a>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The parents being dead and gone,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The children home he takes,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And brings them straight unto his house,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Where much of them he makes.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He had not kept these pretty babes</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">A twelvemonth and a day,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But, for their wealth, he did devise</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To make them both away.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He bargained with two ruffians strong,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Which were of furious mood,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That they should take these children young.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And slay them in a wood.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He told his wife an artful tale</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">He would the children send</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To be brought up in London town</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">With one that was his friend.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Away then went those pretty babes,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Rejoicing at that tide,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Rejoicing with a merry mind</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">They should on cock-horse ride.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They prate and prattle pleasantly,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">As they ride on the way,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To those that should their butchers be</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And work their lives' decay:</span><br />
+<br /><a name="l_306" id="l_306"></a>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">So that the pretty speech they had</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Made Murder's heart relent;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And they that undertook the deed</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Full sore now did repent.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Yet one of them, more hard of heart,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Did vow to do his charge,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Because the wretch that hired him</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Had paid him very large.</span><br />
+<br /><a name="l_307" id="l_307"></a>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The other won't agree thereto,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">So there they fall to strife;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">With one another they did fight</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">About the children's life;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And he that was of mildest mood</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Did slay the other there,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Within an unfrequented wood;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The babes did quake for fear!</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He took the children by the hand,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Tears standing in their eye,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And bade them straightway follow him,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And look they did not cry;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And two long miles he led them on,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">While they for food complain:</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Stay here," quoth he, "I'll bring you bread,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">When I come back again."</span><br /><a name="l_308" id="l_308"></a><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">These pretty babes, with hand in hand,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Went wandering up and down;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But never more could see the man</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Approaching from the town.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Their pretty lips with blackberries</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Were all besmeared and dyed;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And when they saw the darksome night,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">They sat them down and cried.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Thus wandered these poor innocents,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Till death did end their grief;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">In one another's arms they died,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">As wanting due relief:</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">No burial this pretty pair</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">From any man receives,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Till Robin Redbreast piously</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Did cover them with leaves.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And now the heavy wrath of God</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Upon their uncle fell;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Yea, fearful fiends did haunt his house,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">His conscience felt an hell:</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His barns were fired, his goods consumed,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">His lands were barren made,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His cattle died within the field,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And nothing with him stayed.</span><br />
+<br /><a name="l_309" id="l_309"></a>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And in a voyage to Portugal</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Two of his sons did die;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And to conclude, himself was brought</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To want and misery:</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He pawned and mortgaged all his land</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Ere seven years came about.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And now at last this wicked act</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Did by this means come out.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The fellow that did take in hand</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">These children for to kill,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Was for a robbery judged to die,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Such was God's blessed will:</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Who did confess the very truth,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">As here hath been displayed:</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The uncle having died in jail,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Where he for debt was laid.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You that executors be made,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And overseers eke,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Of children that be fatherless,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And infants mild and meek,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Take you example by this thing,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And yield to each his right,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Lest God with suchlike misery</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Your wicked minds requite.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_310" id="l_310"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="THE_RED_ETTIN" id="THE_RED_ETTIN"></a>THE RED ETTIN</h2>
+
+
+<p>There was once a widow that lived on a small bit of ground, which she
+rented from a farmer. And she had two sons; and by and by it was time
+for the wife to send them away to seek their fortune. So she told her
+eldest son one day to take a can and bring her water from the well, that
+she might bake a cake for him; and however much or however little water
+he might bring, the cake would be great or small accordingly, and that
+cake was to be all that she could give him when he went on his travels.</p>
+
+<p>The lad went away with the can to the well, and filled it with water,
+and then came away home again; but the can being broken, the most part
+of the water had run out before he got back. So his cake was very small;
+yet small as it was, his mother asked him if he was willing to take the
+half of it with her blessing, telling him that, if he chose rather to
+take the whole, he would only get it with her curse. The young man,
+thinking he might have to travel a far way, and not knowing when or how
+he might get other provisions, said he would like to have the whole
+cake, come of his mother's <a name="l_311" id="l_311"></a>malison what might; so she gave him the
+whole cake, and her malison along with it. Then he took his brother
+aside, and gave him a knife to keep till he should come back, desiring
+him to look at it every morning, and as long as it continued to be
+clear, then he might be sure that the owner of it was well; but if it
+grew dim and rusty, then for certain some ill had befallen him.</p>
+
+<p>So the young man went to seek his fortune. And he went all that day, and
+all the next day; and on the third day, in the afternoon, he came up to
+where a shepherd was sitting with a flock of sheep. And he went up to
+the shepherd and asked him to whom the sheep belonged; and he answered:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"To the Red Ettin of Ireland</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">Who lives in Ballygan,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">He stole King Malcolm's daughter,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">The king of fair Scotland.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">He beats her, he binds her,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">He lays her on a hand;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">And every day he strikes her</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">With a bright silver wand.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">'Tis said there's one predestinate</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">To be his mortal foe;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">But sure that man is yet unborn,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">And long may it be so!"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>After this the shepherd told him to beware of the beasts he should next
+meet, for they were of a very different kind from any he had yet seen.</p>
+
+<p>So the young man went on, and by and by he saw a multitude of very
+dreadful, terrible, horrible beasts, with two <a name="l_312" id="l_312"></a>heads, and on every head
+four horns! And he was sore frightened, and ran away from them as fast
+as he could; and glad was he when he came to a castle that stood on a
+hillock, with the door standing wide open to the wall. And he went in to
+the castle for shelter, and there he saw an old wife sitting beside the
+kitchen fire. He asked the wife if he might stay for the night, as he
+was tired with a long journey; and the wife said he might, but it was
+not a good place for him to be in, as it belonged to the Red Ettin, who
+was a very terrible monster with three heads, who spared no living man
+it could get hold of. The young man would have gone away, but he was
+afraid of the two-headed four-horned beasts outside; so he beseeched the
+old woman to hide him as best she could, and not tell the Ettin he was
+there. He thought, if he could put over the night, he might get away in
+the morning, without meeting with the dreadful, terrible, horrible
+beasts, and so escape.</p>
+
+<p>But he had not been long in his hiding-hole, before the awful Ettin came
+in; and no sooner was he in, than he was heard crying:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Snouk but! and snouk ben!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">I find the smell of an earthly man;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Be he living, or be he dead,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">His heart this night shall kitchen my bread."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Well, the monster began to search about, and he soon found the poor
+young man, and pulled him from his hiding-place. And when he had got him
+out, he told him that if he could answer him three questions his life
+should be spared.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_313" id="l_313"></a>So the first head asked: "A thing without an end; what's that?"</p>
+
+<p>But the young man knew not.</p>
+
+<p>Then the second head said: "The smaller the more dangerous; what's
+that?"</p>
+
+<p>But the young man knew not.</p>
+
+<p>And then the third head asked: "The dead carrying the living? riddle me
+that."</p>
+
+<p>But the young man knew not.</p>
+
+<p>So the lad not being able to answer one of these questions, the Red
+Ettin took a mallet from behind the door, knocked him on the head, and
+turned him into a pillar of stone.</p>
+
+<p>Now on the morning after this happened the younger brother took out the
+knife to look at it, and he was grieved to find it all brown with rust.
+So he told his mother that the time was now come for him to go away upon
+his travels also. At first she refused to let him go; but at last she
+requested him to take the can to the well for water, that she might make
+a cake for him. So he went, but as he was bringing home the water, a
+raven over his head cried to him to look, and he would see that the
+water was running out. Now being a young man of sense, and seeing the
+water running out, he took some clay and patched up the holes, so that
+he brought home enough water to bake a large cake. And when his mother
+put it to him to take the half cake with her blessing, he took it
+instead of having the whole with her malison.</p>
+
+<p>So he went away on his journey with his mother's blessing.<a name="l_314" id="l_314"></a> Now after he
+had travelled a far way, he met with an old woman who asked him if he
+would give her a bit of his cake. And he said, "I will gladly do that";
+so he gave her a piece of the cake. Then the old woman, who was a fairy,
+gave him a magic wand, that might yet be of service to him, if he took
+care to use it rightly; and she told him a great deal that would happen
+to him, and what he ought to do in all circumstances; and after that,
+she vanished in an instant, out of his sight. Then he went on his way
+until he came up to the old man who was herding the sheep; and when he
+asked him to whom the sheep belonged, the answer was:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"To the Red Ettin of Ireland</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">Who lives in Ballygan,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">He stole King Malcolm's daughter,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">The king of fair Scotland.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">He beats her, he binds her,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">He lays her on a band;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">And every day he strikes her</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">With a bright silver wand.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">But now I fear his end is near,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">And death is close at hand;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">For you're to be, I plainly see,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">The heir of all his land."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>So the younger brother went on his way; but when he came to the place
+where the dreadful, terrible, horrible beasts were standing, he did not
+stop nor run away, but went boldly through amongst them. One came up
+roaring with open mouth to devour him, when he struck it with his wand,
+and laid it in an instant dead at his feet. He soon came to the<a name="l_315" id="l_315"></a> Ettin's
+castle, where he found the door shut, but he knocked boldly, and was
+admitted. Then the old woman who sat by the fire warned him of the
+terrible Ettin, and what had been the fate of his brother; but he was
+not to be daunted, and would not even hide.</p>
+
+<p>Then by and by the monster came in, crying as before:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Snouk but! and snouk ben!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">I find the smell of an earthly man;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Be he living, or be he dead,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">His heart this night shall kitchen my bread."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Well, he quickly espied the young man, and bade him stand forth on the
+floor, and told him that if he could answer three questions his life
+would be spared.</p>
+
+<p>So the first head asked: "What's the thing without an end?"</p>
+
+<p>Now the younger brother had been told by the fairy to whom he had given
+a piece of his cake what he ought to say; so he answered:</p>
+
+<p>"A bowl."</p>
+
+<p>Then the first head frowned, but the second head asked:</p>
+
+<p>"The smaller the more dangerous; what's that?"</p>
+
+<p>"A bridge," says the younger brother, quite fast.</p>
+
+<p>Then the first and the second heads frowned, but the third head asked:</p>
+
+<p>"When does the dead carry the living? riddle me that."</p>
+
+<p>At this the young man answered up at once and said:</p>
+
+<p>"When a ship sails on the sea with men inside her."</p>
+
+<p>When the Red Ettin found all his riddles answered, he <a name="l_316" id="l_316"></a>knew that his
+power was gone, so he tried to escape, but the young man took up an axe
+and hewed off the monster's three heads. Then he asked the old woman to
+show him where the king's daughter lay; and the old woman took him
+upstairs, and opened a great many doors, and out of every door came a
+beautiful lady who had been imprisoned there by the Red Ettin; and last
+of all the ladies was the king's daughter. Then the old woman took him
+down into a low room, and there stood a stone pillar; but he had only to
+touch it with his wand, and his brother started into life.</p>
+
+<p>So the whole of the prisoners were overjoyed at their deliverance, for
+which they thanked the younger brother again and again. Next day they
+all set out for the king's court, and a gallant company they made. Then
+the king married his daughter to the young man who had delivered her,
+and gave a noble's daughter to his brother.</p>
+
+<p>So they all lived happily all the rest of their days.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_317" id="l_317"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="THE_FISH_AND_THE_RING" id="THE_FISH_AND_THE_RING"></a>THE FISH AND THE RING</h2>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time there lived a Baron who was a great magician, and could
+tell by his arts and charms everything that was going to happen at any
+time.</p>
+
+<p>Now this great lord had a little son born to him as heir to all his
+castles and lands. So, when the little lad was about four years old,
+wishing to know what his fortune would be, the Baron looked in his Book
+of Fate to see what it foretold.</p>
+
+<p>And, lo and behold! it was written that this much-loved, much-prized
+heir to all the great lands and castles was to marry a low-born maiden.
+So the Baron was dismayed, and set to work by more arts and charms to
+discover if this maiden were already born, and if so, where she lived.</p>
+
+<p>And he found out that she had just been born in a very poor house, where
+the poor parents were already burdened with five children.</p>
+
+<p>So he called for his horse and rode away, and away, until he came to the
+poor man's house, and there he found the poor man sitting at his
+doorstep very sad and doleful.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the matter, my friend?" asked he; and the poor man replied:</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_318" id="l_318"></a>"May it please your honour, a little lass has just been born to our
+house; and we have five children already, and where the bread is to come
+from to fill the sixth mouth, we know not."</p>
+
+<p>"If that be all your trouble," quoth the Baron readily, "mayhap I can
+help you: so don't be down-hearted. I am just looking for such a little
+lass to companion my son, so, if you will, I will give you ten crowns
+for her."</p>
+
+<p>Well! the man he nigh jumped for joy, since he was to get good money,
+and his daughter, so he thought, a good home. Therefore he brought out
+the child then and there, and the Baron, wrapping the babe in his cloak,
+rode away. But when he got to the river he flung the little thing into
+the swollen stream, and said to himself as he galloped back to his
+castle:</p>
+
+<p>"There goes Fate!"</p>
+
+<p>But, you see, he was just sore mistaken. For the little lass didn't
+sink. The stream was very swift, and her long clothes kept her up till
+she caught in a snag just opposite a fisherman, who was mending his
+nets.</p>
+
+<p>Now the fisherman and his wife had no children, and they were just
+longing for a baby; so when the goodman saw the little lass he was
+overcome with joy, and took her home to his wife, who received her with
+open arms.</p>
+
+<p>And there she grew up, the apple of their eyes, into the most beautiful
+maiden that ever was seen.</p>
+
+<p>Now, when she was about fifteen years of age, it so happened that the
+Baron and his friends went a-hunting <a name="l_319" id="l_319"></a>along the banks of the river and
+stopped to get a drink of water at the fisherman's hut. And who should
+bring the water out but, as they thought, the fisherman's daughter.</p>
+
+<p>Now the young men of the party noticed her beauty, and one of them said
+to the Baron, "She should marry well; read us her fate, since you are so
+learned in the art."</p>
+
+<p>Then the Baron, scarce looking at her, said carelessly: "I could guess
+her fate! Some wretched yokel or other. But, to please you, I will cast
+her horoscope by the stars; so tell me, girl, what day you were born?"</p>
+
+<p>"That I cannot tell, sir," replied the girl, "for I was picked up in the
+river about fifteen years ago."</p>
+
+<p>Then the Baron grew pale, for he guessed at once that she was the little
+lass he had flung into the stream, and that Fate had been stronger than
+he was. But he kept his own counsel and said nothing at the time.
+Afterwards, however, he thought out a plan, so he rode back and gave the
+girl a letter.</p>
+
+<p>"See you!" he said. "I will make your fortune. Take this letter to my
+brother, who needs a good girl, and you will be settled for life."</p>
+
+<p>Now the fisherman and his wife were growing old and needed help; so the
+girl said she would go, and took the letter.</p>
+
+<p>And the Baron rode back to his castle saying to himself once more:</p>
+
+<p>"There goes Fate!"</p>
+
+<p>For what he had written in the letter was this:</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_320" id="l_320"></a>"<span class="smcap">Dear Brother</span>,</p>
+
+<p>"Take the bearer and put her to death immediately."</p>
+
+<p>But once again he was sore mistaken; since on the way to the town where
+his brother lived, the girl had to stop the night in a little inn. And
+it so happened that that very night a gang of thieves broke into the
+inn, and not content with carrying off all that the innkeeper possessed,
+they searched the pockets of the guests, and found the letter which the
+girl carried. And when they read it, they agreed that it was a mean
+trick and a shame. So their captain sat down and, taking pen and paper,
+wrote instead:</p>
+
+<p>"<span class="smcap">Dear Brother</span>,</p>
+
+<p>"Take the bearer and marry her to my son without delay."</p>
+
+<p>Then, after putting the note into an envelope and sealing it up, they
+gave it to the girl and bade her go on her way. So when she arrived at
+the brother's castle, though rather surprised, he gave orders for a
+wedding feast to be prepared. And the Baron's son, who was staying with
+his uncle, seeing the girl's great beauty, was nothing loth, so they
+were fast wedded.</p>
+
+<p>Well! when the news was brought to the Baron, he was nigh beside
+himself; but he was determined not to be done by Fate. So he rode
+post-haste to his brother's and pretended to be quite pleased. And then
+one day, when no one was nigh, he asked the young bride to come for a
+walk with <a name="l_321" id="l_321"></a>him, and when they were close to some cliffs, seized hold of
+her, and was for throwing her over into the sea. But she begged hard for
+her life.</p>
+
+<p>"It is not my fault," she said. "I have done nothing. It is Fate. But if
+you will spare my life I promise that I will fight against Fate also. I
+will never see you or your son again until you desire it. That will be
+safer for you; since, see you, the sea may preserve me, as the river
+did."</p>
+
+<p>Well! the Baron agreed to this. So he took off his gold ring from his
+finger and flung it over the cliffs into the sea and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Never dare to show me your face again till you can show me that ring
+likewise."</p>
+
+<p>And with that he let her go.</p>
+
+<p>Well! the girl wandered on, and she wandered on, until she came to a
+nobleman's castle; and there, as they needed a kitchen girl, she engaged
+as a scullion, since she had been used to such work in the fisherman's
+hut.</p>
+
+<p>Now one day, as she was cleaning a big fish, she looked out of the
+kitchen window, and who should she see driving up to dinner but the
+Baron and his young son, her husband. At first she thought that, to keep
+her promise, she must run away; but afterwards she remembered they would
+not see her in the kitchen, so she went on with her cleaning of the big
+fish.</p>
+
+<p>And, lo and behold! she saw something shine in its inside, and there,
+sure enough, was the Baron's ring! She was glad enough to see it, I can
+tell you; so she slipped it <a name="l_322" id="l_322"></a>on to her thumb. But she went on with her
+work, and dressed the fish as nicely as ever she could, and served it up
+as pretty as may be, with parsley sauce and butter.</p>
+
+<p>Well! when it came to table the guests liked it so well that they asked
+the host who cooked it. And he called to his servants, "Send up the cook
+who cooked that fine fish, that she may get her reward."</p>
+
+<p>Well! when the girl heard she was wanted she made herself ready, and
+with the gold ring on her thumb, went boldly into the dining-hall. And
+all the guests when they saw her were struck dumb by her wonderful
+beauty. And the young husband started up gladly; but the Baron,
+recognising her, jumped up angrily and looked as if he would kill her.
+So, without one word, the girl held up her hand before his face, and the
+gold ring shone and glittered on it; and she went straight up to the
+Baron, and laid her hand with the ring on it before him on the table.</p>
+
+<p>Then the Baron understood that Fate had been too strong for him; so he
+took her by the hand, and, placing her beside him, turned to the guests
+and said:</p>
+
+<p>"This is my son's wife. Let us drink a toast in her honour."</p>
+
+<p>And after dinner he took her and his son home to his castle, where they
+all lived as happy as could be for ever afterwards.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_323" id="l_323"></a></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-324" src="images/illus-324.jpg" alt="Lawkamercyme" title="Lawkamercyme" /></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="LAWKAMERCYME" id="LAWKAMERCYME"></a>LAWKAMERCYME</h2>
+
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">There was an old woman, as I've heard tell,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">She went to the market her eggs for to sell;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">She went to the market, all on a market-day,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And she fell asleep on the king's highway.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">There came by a pedlar, whose name it was Stout,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He cut all her petticoats all round about;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He cut her petticoats up to the knees,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Which made the old woman to shiver and freeze.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When this old woman first did awake,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">She 'gan to shiver, she 'gan to shake;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">She 'gan to wonder, she 'gan to cry&mdash;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Lawkamercyme! this is none of I!</span><br />
+<br /><a name="l_324" id="l_324"></a>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"But if it be I, as I do hope it be,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I've a little dog at home, and sure he'll know me;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If it be I, he'll wag his little tail,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And if it be not I, then he'll bark and wail."</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Home went the old woman, all in the dark;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Up got the little dog, and he began to bark,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He began to bark, and she began to cry&mdash;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Lawkamercyme! this is none of I!"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_325" id="l_325"></a></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-326" src="images/illus-326.jpg" alt="A funny-looking old gentleman engaged her and took her home" title="A funny-looking old gentleman engaged her and took her home" /></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="MASTER_OF_ALL_MASTERS" id="MASTER_OF_ALL_MASTERS"></a>MASTER OF ALL MASTERS</h2>
+
+
+<p>A Girl once went to the fair to hire herself for servant. At last a
+funny-looking old gentleman engaged her and took her home to his house.
+When she got there, he told her that he had something to teach her, for
+that in his house he had his own names for things.</p>
+
+<p>He said to her, "What will you call me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Master or mister, or whatever you please, sir," says she.</p>
+
+<p>He said, "You must call me 'master of all masters.' And what would you
+call this?" pointing to his bed.</p>
+
+<p>"Bed or couch, or whatever you please, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"No, that's my 'barnacle'. And what do you call these?" said he,
+pointing to his pantaloons.</p>
+
+<p>"Breeches or trousers, or whatever you please, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"You must call them 'squibs and crackers.' And what would you call her?"
+pointing to the cat.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_326" id="l_326"></a>"Cat or kit, or whatever you please, sir.'</p>
+
+<p>"You must call her 'white-faced simminy' And this now," showing the
+fire, "what would you call this?"</p>
+
+<p>"Fire or flame, or whatever you please, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"You must call it 'hot cockalorum'; and what this?" he went on, pointing
+to the water.</p>
+
+<p>"Water or wet, or whatever you please, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"No, 'pondalorum' is its name. And what do you call all this?" asked he,
+as he pointed to the house.</p>
+
+<p>"House or cottage, or whatever you please, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"You must call it 'high topper mountain.'"</p>
+
+<p>That very night the servant woke her master up in a fright and said,
+"Master of all masters, get out of your barnacle and put on your squibs
+and crackers. For white-faced simminy has got a spark of hot cockalorum
+on its tail, and unless you get some pondalorum high topper mountain
+will be all on hot cockalorum...."</p>
+
+<p>That's all!!</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img id="illus-327" src="images/illus-327.jpg" alt="White-faced simminy has got a spark of hot cockalorum on its tail" title="White-faced simminy has got a spark of hot cockalorum on its tail" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_327" id="l_327"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="MOLLY_WHUPPIE_AND_THE_DOUBLE-FACED_GIANT" id="MOLLY_WHUPPIE_AND_THE_DOUBLE-FACED_GIANT"></a>MOLLY WHUPPIE AND THE DOUBLE-FACED GIANT</h2>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time there was a man and his wife who were not over rich.
+And they had so many children that they couldn't find meat for them; so,
+as the three youngest were girls, they just took them out to the forest
+one day, and left them there to fend for themselves as best they might.</p>
+
+<p>Now the two eldest were just ordinary girls, so they cried a bit and
+felt afraid; but the youngest, whose name was Molly Whuppie, was bold,
+so she counselled her sisters not to despair, but to try and find some
+house where they might get a night's lodging. So they set off through
+the forest, and journeyed, and journeyed, and journeyed, but never a
+house did they see. It began to grow dark, her sisters were faint with
+hunger, and even Molly Whuppie began to think of supper. At last in the
+distance they saw a great big light, and made for it. Now when they drew
+near they saw that it came from a huge window in a huge house.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_328" id="l_328"></a>"It will be a giant's house," said the two elder girls, trembling with
+fright.</p>
+
+<p>"If there were two giants in it I mean to have my supper," quoth Molly
+Whuppie, and knocked at a huge door, as bold as brass. It was opened by
+the giant's wife, who shook her head when Molly Whuppie asked for
+victuals and a night's lodging.</p>
+
+<p>"You wouldn't thank me for it," she said, "for my man is a giant, and
+when he comes home he will kill you of a certainty."</p>
+
+<p>"But if you give us supper at once," says Molly craftily, "we shall have
+finished it before the giant comes home; for we are very sharp-set."</p>
+
+<p>Now the giant's wife was not unkindly; besides, her three daughters, who
+were just of an age with Molly and her sisters, tugged at her skirts
+well pleased; so she took the girls in, set them by the fire, and gave
+them each a bowl of bread and milk. But they had hardly begun to gobble
+it up before the door burst open, and a fearful giant strode in saying:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><i>"Fee-fi-fo-fum</i>,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;"><i>I smell the smell of some earthly one</i>."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>"Don't put yourself about, my dear," said the giant's wife, trying to
+make the best of it. "See for yourself. They are only three poor little
+girlies like our girlies. They were cold and hungry so I gave them some
+supper; but they have promised to go away as soon as they have
+finished.<a name="l_329" id="l_329"></a> Now be a good giant and don't touch them. They've eaten of
+our salt, so don't <i>you</i> be at fault!"</p>
+
+<p>Now this giant was not at all a straightforward giant. He was a
+double-faced giant. So he only said,</p>
+
+<p class='center'>"Umph!"</p>
+
+<p>and remarked that as they had come, they had better stay all night,
+since they could easily sleep with his three daughters. And after he had
+had his supper he made himself quite pleasant, and plaited chains of
+straw for the little strangers to wear round their necks, to match the
+gold chains his daughters wore. Then he wished them all pleasant dreams
+and sent them to bed.</p>
+
+<p>Dear me! He <i>was</i> a double-faced giant!</p>
+
+<p>But Molly Whuppie, the youngest of the three girls, was not only bold,
+she was clever. So when she was in bed, instead of going to sleep like
+the others, she lay awake and thought, and thought, and thought; until
+at last she up ever so softly, took off her own and her sisters' straw
+chains, put them round the neck of the ogre's daughters, and placed
+their gold chains round her own and her sisters' necks.</p>
+
+<p>And even then she did not go to sleep, but lay still and waited to see
+if she was wise; and she was! For in the very middle of the night, when
+everybody else was dead asleep and it was pitch dark, in comes the
+giant, all stealthy, feels for the straw chains, twists them tight round
+the wearers' necks, half strangles his daughters, drags them on to the
+floor, and beats them till they were quite dead; so, all <a name="l_330" id="l_330"></a>stealthy and
+satisfied, goes back to his own bed, thinking he had been very clever.</p>
+
+<p>But he was no match, you see, for Molly Whuppie; for she at once roused
+her sisters, bade them be quiet, and follow her. Then she slipped out of
+the giant's house and ran, and ran, and ran until the dawn broke and
+they found themselves before another great house. It was surrounded by a
+wide deep moat, which was spanned by a drawbridge. But the drawbridge
+was up. However, beside it hung a Single-Hair rope over which any one
+very light-footed could cross.</p>
+
+<p>Now Molly's sisters were feared to try it; besides, they said that for
+aught they knew the house might be another giant's house, and they had
+best keep away.</p>
+
+<p>"Taste and try," says Molly Whuppie, laughing, and was over the Bridge
+of a Single Hair before you could say knife. And, after all, it was not
+a giant's house but a King's castle. Now it so happened that the very
+giant whom Molly had tricked was the terror of the whole country-side,
+and it was to gain safety from him that the drawbridge was kept up, and
+the Bridge of a Single Hair had been made. So when the sentry heard
+Molly Whuppie's tale, he took her to the King and said:</p>
+
+<p>"My lord! Here is a girlie who has tricked the giant!"</p>
+
+<p>Then the King when he had heard the story said, "You are a clever girl,
+Molly Whuppie, and you managed very well; but if you could manage still
+better and steal the <a name="l_331" id="l_331"></a>giant's sword, in which part of his strength lies,
+I will give your eldest sister in marriage to my eldest son."</p>
+
+<p>Well! Molly Whuppie thought this would be a very good downsitting for
+her sister, so she said she would try.</p>
+
+<p>So that evening, all alone, she ran across the Bridge of One Hair, and
+ran and ran till she came to the giant's house. The sun was just
+setting, and shone on it so beautifully that Molly Whuppie thought it
+looked like a castle in Spain, and could hardly believe that such a
+dreadful, double-faced giant lived within. However, she knew he did; so
+she slipped into the house unbeknownst, stole up to the giant's room,
+and crept in behind the bed. By and by the giant came home, ate a huge
+supper, and came crashing up the stairs to his bed. But Molly kept very
+still and held her breath. So after a time he fell asleep, and soon he
+began to snore. Then Molly crept out from under the bed, ever so softly,
+and crept up the bed-clothes, and crept past his great snoring face, and
+laid hold of the sword that hung above it. But alas! as she jumped from
+the bed in a hurry, the sword rattled in the scabbard. The noise woke
+the giant, and up he jumped and ran after Molly, who ran as she had
+never run before, carrying the sword over her shoulder. And he ran, and
+she ran, and they both ran, until they came to the Bridge of One Hair.
+Then she fled over it light-footed, balancing the sword, but he
+couldn't. So he stopped, foaming at the mouth with rage, and called
+after her:</p>
+
+<p>"Woe worth you, Molly Whuppie! Never you dare to come again!"</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_332" id="l_332"></a>And she, turning her head about as she sped over the One Hair Bridge,
+laughed lightly:</p>
+
+<p>"Twice yet, gaffer, will I come to the Castle in Spain!"</p>
+
+<p>So Molly gave the sword to the King, and, as he had promised, his eldest
+son wedded her eldest sister.</p>
+
+<p>But after the marriage festivities were over the King says again to
+Molly Whuppie:</p>
+
+<p>"You're a main clever girl, Molly, and you have managed very well, but
+if you could manage still better and steal the giant's purse, in which
+part of his strength lies, I will marry my second son to your second
+sister. But you need to be careful, for the giant sleeps with the purse
+under his pillow!"</p>
+
+<p>Well! Molly Whuppie thought this would be a very good downsitting,
+indeed, for her second sister, so she said she would try her luck.</p>
+
+<p>So that evening, just at sunsetting, she ran over the One Hair Bridge,
+and ran, and ran, and ran until she came to the giant's house looking
+for all the world like a castle in the air, all ruddy and golden and
+glinting. She could scarce believe such a dreadful double-faced giant
+lived within. However, she <i>knew</i> he did; so she slipped into the house
+unbeknownst, stole up to the giant's room, and crept in below the
+giant's bed. By and by the giant came home, ate a hearty supper, and
+then came crashing upstairs, and soon fell a-snoring. Then Molly Whuppie
+slipped from under the bed, and slipped up the bed-clothes, and reaching
+out her hand slipped it under the pillow, and got hold of <a name="l_333" id="l_333"></a>the purse.
+But the giant's head was so heavy on it she had to tug and tug away. At
+last out it came, she fell backward over the bedside, the purse opened,
+and some of the money fell out with a crash. The noise wakened the
+giant, and she had only time to grab the money off the floor, when he
+was after her. How they ran, and ran, and ran, and ran! At last she
+reached the One Hair Bridge and, with the purse in one hand, the money
+in the other, she sped across it while the giant shook his fist at her
+and cried:</p>
+
+<p>"Woe worth you, Molly Whuppie! Never you dare to come again!"</p>
+
+<p>And she, turning her head, laughed lightly:</p>
+
+<p>"Yet once more, gaffer, will I come to the Castle in Spain."</p>
+
+<p>So she took the purse to the King, and he ordered a splendid marriage
+feast for his second son and her second sister.</p>
+
+<p>But after the wedding was over the King says to her, says he:</p>
+
+<p>"Molly! You are the most main clever girl in the world; but if you would
+do better yet, and steal me from his finger the giant's ring, in which
+all his strength lies, I will give you my dearest, youngest, handsomest
+son for yourself."</p>
+
+<p>Now Molly thought the King's son was the nicest young prince she had
+ever seen, so she said she would try, and that evening, all alone, she
+sped across the One Hair Bridge as light as a feather, and ran, and ran,
+and ran until she came <a name="l_334" id="l_334"></a>to the giant's house all lit up with the red
+setting sun like any castle in the air. And she slipped inside, stole
+upstairs, and crept under the bed in no time. And the giant came in, and
+supped, and crashed up to bed, and snored. Oh! he snored louder than
+ever!</p>
+
+<p>But you know he was a double-faced giant; so perhaps he snored louder
+on purpose. For no sooner had Molly Whuppie began to tug at his ring
+than ... My!...</p>
+
+<p>He had her fast between his finger and thumb. And he sate up in bed, and
+shook his head at her and said, "Molly Whuppie, you are a main clever
+girl! Now, if I had done as much ill to you as you have done to me, what
+would you do to me?"</p>
+
+<p>Then Molly thought for a moment and she said, "I'd put you in a sack,
+and I'd put the cat inside with you, and I'd put the dog inside with
+you, and I'd put a needle and thread and a pair of shears inside with
+you, and I'd hang you up on a nail, and I'd go to the wood and cut the
+thickest stick I could get, and come home and take you down and bang
+you, and bang, and bang, and bang you till you were dead!"</p>
+
+<p>"Right you are!" cried the giant gleefully, "and that's just what I'll
+do to you!"</p>
+
+<p>So he got a sack and put Molly into it with the dog and the cat, and the
+needle and thread and the shears, and hung her on a nail in the wall,
+and went out to the wood to choose a stick.</p>
+
+<p>Then Molly Whuppie began to laugh like anything, and the dog joined in
+with barks, and the cat with mews.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_335" id="l_335"></a>Now the giant's wife was sitting in the next room, and when she heard
+the commotion she went in to see what was up.</p>
+
+<p>"Whatever is the matter?" quoth she.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing, 'm," quoth Molly Whuppie from inside the sack, laughing like
+anything. "Ho, ho! Ha, ha! If you saw what we see you'd laugh too. Ho,
+ho! Ha, ha!"</p>
+
+<p>And no matter how the giant's wife begged to know what she saw, there
+never was any answer but, "Ho, ho! Ha, ha! Could ye but see what I
+see!!!"</p>
+
+<p>At last the giant's wife begged Molly to let her see, so Molly took the
+shears, cut a hole in the sack, jumped out, helped the giant's wife in,
+and sewed up the hole! For of course she hadn't forgotten to take out
+the needle and thread with her.</p>
+
+<p>Now, just at that very moment, the giant burst in, and Molly had barely
+time to hide behind the door before he rushed at the sack, tore it down,
+and began to batter it with a huge tree he had cut in the wood.</p>
+
+<p>"Stop! stop!" cried his wife. "It's me! It's me!"</p>
+
+<p>But he couldn't hear, for, see you, the dog and the cat had tumbled one
+on the top of the other, and such a growling and spitting, and yelling
+and caterwauling you never heard! It was fair deafening, and the giant
+would have gone on battering till his wife was dead had he not caught
+sight of Molly Whuppie escaping with the ring which he had left on the
+table.</p>
+
+<p>Well, he threw down the tree and ran after her. Never <a name="l_336" id="l_336"></a>was such a race.
+They ran, and they ran, and they ran, and they ran, until they came to
+the One Hair Bridge. And then, balancing herself with the ring like a
+hoop, Molly Whuppie sped over the bridge light as a feather, but the
+giant had to stand on the other side, and shake his fist at her, and cry
+louder than ever:</p>
+
+<p>"Woe worth you, Molly Whuppie! Never you dare to come again!"</p>
+
+<p>And she, turning her head back as she sped, laughed gaily:</p>
+
+<p>"Never more, gaffer, will I come to the castle in the air!"</p>
+
+<p>So she took the ring to the King, and she and the handsome young prince
+were married, and no one ever saw the double-faced giant again.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_337" id="l_337"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="THE_ASS_THE_TABLE_AND_THE_STICK" id="THE_ASS_THE_TABLE_AND_THE_STICK"></a>THE ASS, THE TABLE, AND THE STICK</h2>
+
+
+<p>A lad named Jack was once so unhappy at home through his father's
+ill-treatment, that he made up his mind to run away and seek his fortune
+in the wide world.</p>
+
+<p>He ran, and he ran, till he could run no longer, and then he ran right
+up against a little old woman who was gathering sticks. He was too much
+out of breath to beg pardon, but the woman was good-natured, and she
+said he seemed to be a likely lad, so she would take him to be her
+servant, and would pay him well. He agreed, for he was very hungry, and
+she brought him to her house in the wood, where he served her for a
+twelvemonths and a day. When the year had passed, she called him to her,
+and said she had good wages for him. So she presented him with an ass
+out of the stable, and he had but to pull Neddy's ears to make him begin
+at once to hee-haw! And when he brayed there dropped from his mouth
+silver sixpences, and half-crowns, and golden guineas.</p>
+
+<p>The lad was well pleased with the wage he had received, and away he rode
+till he reached an inn. There he ordered <a name="l_338" id="l_338"></a>the best of everything, and
+when the innkeeper refused to serve him without being paid beforehand,
+the boy went off to the stable, pulled the ass's ears, and obtained his
+pocket full of money. The host had watched all this through a crack in
+the door, and when night came on he put an ass of his own for the
+precious Neddy belonging to the youth. So Jack, without knowing that any
+change had been made, rode away next morning to his father's house.</p>
+
+<p>Now I must tell you that near his home dwelt a poor widow with an only
+daughter. The lad and the maiden were fast friends and true-loves. So
+when Jack returned he asked his father's leave to marry the girl.</p>
+
+<p>"Never till you have the money to keep her," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"I have that, father," said the lad, and going to the ass he pulled its
+long ears; well, he pulled, and he pulled, till one of them came off in
+his hands; but Neddy, though he hee-hawed and he hee-hawed, let fall no
+half-crowns or guineas. Then the father picked up a hayfork and beat his
+son out of the house.</p>
+
+<p>I promise you he ran; he ran and ran till he came bang against a door,
+and burst it open, and there he was in a joiner's shop. "You're a likely
+lad," said the joiner; "serve me for a twelvemonths and a day and I will
+pay you well." So he agreed, and served the carpenter for a year and a
+day. "Now," said the master, "I will give you your wage"; and he
+presented him with a table, telling him he had but to say, "Table, be
+covered," and at once it would be spread with lots to eat and drink.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_339" id="l_339"></a>Jack hitched the table on his back, and away he went with it till he
+came to the inn. "Well, host," shouted he, putting down the table, "my
+dinner to-day, and that of the best."</p>
+
+<p>"Very sorry, sir," says the host, "but there is nothing in the house but
+ham and eggs."</p>
+
+<p>"No ham and eggs for me!" exclaimed Jack. "I can do better than
+that.&mdash;Come, my table, be covered!"</p>
+
+<p>So at once the table was spread with turkey and sausages, roast mutton,
+potatoes, and greens. The innkeeper opened his eyes, but he said
+nothing, not he! But that night he fetched down from his attic a table
+very like the magic one, and exchanged the two, and Jack, none the
+wiser, next morning hitched the worthless table on to his back and
+carried it home.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, father, may I marry my lass?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Not unless you can keep her," replied the father.</p>
+
+<p>"Look here!" exclaimed Jack. "Father, I have a table which does all my
+bidding."</p>
+
+<p>"Let me see it," said the old man.</p>
+
+<p>The lad set it in the middle of the room, and bade it be covered; but
+all in vain, the table remained bare. Then, in a rage, the father caught
+the warming-pan down from the wall and warmed his son's back with it so
+that the boy fled howling from the house, and ran and ran till he came
+to a river and tumbled in. A man picked him out and bade him help in
+making a bridge over the river by casting a tree across. Then Jack
+climbed up to the top of the tree and threw his weight on it, so that
+when the man had rooted <a name="l_340" id="l_340"></a>the tree up, Jack and the tree-head dropped on
+the farther bank.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/illus-15.jpg"><img id="illus-15" src="images/illus-15-tb.jpg" alt="The fisherman and his wife had no children, and they were
+just longing for a baby." title="The fisherman and his wife had no children, and they were
+just longing for a baby." /></a></div>
+
+<h4>The fisherman and his wife had no children, and they were
+just longing for a baby.</h4>
+
+<p>"Thank you," said the man; "and now for what you have done I will pay
+you"; so saying, he tore a branch from the tree, and fettled it up into
+a club with his knife. "There," exclaimed he; "take this stick, and when
+you say to it, 'Up, stick, and bang him,' it will knock any one down who
+angers you."</p>
+
+<p>The lad was overjoyed to get this stick, for he had begun to see he had
+been tricked by the innkeeper, so away he went with it to the inn, and
+as soon as the man appeared he cried:</p>
+
+<p>"Up, stick, and bang him!"</p>
+
+<p>At the word the cudgel flew from his hand and battered the old fellow on
+the back, rapped his head, bruised his arms, tickled his ribs, till he
+fell groaning on the floor; and still the stick belaboured the prostrate
+man, nor would Jack call it off till he had got back the stolen ass and
+table. Then he galloped home on the ass, with the table on his
+shoulders, and the stick in his hand. When he arrived there he found his
+father was dead, so he brought his ass into the stable, and pulled its
+ears till he had filled the manger with money.</p>
+
+<p>It was soon known through the town that Jack had returned rolling in
+wealth, and accordingly all the girls in the place set their caps at
+him.</p>
+
+<p>"Now," said Jack, "I shall marry the richest lass in the place; so
+to-morrow do you all come in front of my house with your money in your
+aprons."</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_342" id="l_342"></a>Next morning the street was full of girls with aprons held out, and
+gold and silver in them; but Jack's own sweetheart was among them, and
+she had neither gold nor silver; nought but two copper pennies, that was
+all she had.</p>
+
+<p>"Stand aside, lass," said Jack to her, speaking roughly. "Thou hast no
+silver nor gold&mdash;stand off from the rest." She obeyed, and the tears ran
+down her cheeks, and filled her apron with diamonds.</p>
+
+<p>"Up, stick, and bang them!" exclaimed Jack; whereupon the cudgel leaped
+up, and running along the line of girls, knocked them all on the heads
+and left them senseless on the pavement. Jack took all their money and
+poured it into his true-love's lap. "Now, lass," he exclaimed, "thou art
+the richest, and I shall marry thee."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_343" id="l_343"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="THE_WELL_OF_THE_WORLDS_END" id="THE_WELL_OF_THE_WORLDS_END"></a>THE WELL OF THE WORLD'S END</h2>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time, and a very good time it was, though it wasn't in my
+time, nor in your time, nor any one else's time, there was a girl whose
+mother had died, and her father had married again. And her stepmother
+hated her because she was more beautiful than she was. And she was very
+cruel to her; she used to make her do all the servant's work, and never
+let her have any peace. At last, one day, the stepmother thought to get
+rid of her altogether; so she handed her a sieve and said to her:</p>
+
+<p>"Go, fill it at the Well of the World's End and bring it home to me
+full, or woe betide you." For she thought she would never be able to
+find the Well of the World's End, and, if she did, how could she bring
+home a sieve full of water?</p>
+
+<p>Well, the girl started off, and asked every one she met to tell her
+where was the Well of the World's End. But nobody knew, and she didn't
+know what to do, when a queer little old woman, all bent double, told
+her where it was, and how she could get to it. So she did what the old
+<a name="l_344" id="l_344"></a>woman told her, and at last arrived at the Well of the World's End. But
+when she dipped the sieve in the cold cold water, it all ran out again.
+She tried and she tried again, but every time it was the same; and at
+last she sate down and cried as if her heart would break.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly she heard a croaking voice, and she looked up and saw a great
+frog with goggle eyes looking at her and speaking to her.</p>
+
+<p>"What's the matter, dearie?" it said.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh dear! oh dear!" she said, "my stepmother has sent me all this long
+way to fill this sieve with water from the Well of the World's End, and
+I can't fill it no how at all."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said the frog, "if you promise me to do whatever I bid you for a
+whole night long, I'll tell you how to fill it."</p>
+
+<p>So the girl agreed, and then the frog said:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Stop it with moss and daub it with clay,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">And then it will carry the water away";</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>and then it gave a hop, skip, and jump, and went flop into the Well of
+the World's End.</p>
+
+<p>So the girl looked about for some moss, and lined the bottom of the
+sieve with it, and over that she put some clay, and then she dipped it
+once-again into the Well of the World's End; and this time the water
+didn't run out, and she turned to go away.</p>
+
+<p>Just then the frog popped up its head out of the Well of the World's
+End, and said, "Remember your promise."</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_345" id="l_345"></a>"All right," said the girl; for, thought she, "what harm can a frog do
+me?"</p>
+
+<p>So she went back to her stepmother, and brought the sieve full of water
+from the Well of the World's End. The stepmother was angry as angry, but
+she said nothing at all.</p>
+
+<p>That very evening they heard something tap-tapping at the door low down,
+and a voice cried out:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Open the door, my hinny, my heart,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">Open the door, my own darling;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Remember the words that you and I spoke,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">At the World's End Well but this morning."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>"Whatever can that be?" cried out the stepmother.</p>
+
+<p>Then the girl had to tell her all about it, and what she had promised
+the frog.</p>
+
+<p>"Girls must keep their promises," said the stepmother, who was glad the
+girl would have to obey a nasty frog. "Go and open the door this
+instant."</p>
+
+<p>So the girl went and opened the door, and there was the frog from the
+Well of the World's End. And it hopped, and it hopped, and it jumped,
+till it reached the girl, and then it said:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Lift me up, my hinny, my heart,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">Lift to your knee, my own darling;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Remember the words that you and I spoke,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">At the World's End Well but this morning."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>But the girl would not do the frog's bidding, till her stepmother said,
+"Lift it up this instant, you hussy! Girls <i>must</i> keep their promises!"</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_346" id="l_346"></a>So she lifted the frog up on to her lap, and it lay there comfortably
+for a time; till at last it said:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Give me some supper, my hinny, my heart,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">Give me some supper, my darling;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Remember the words you and I spoke,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">At the World's End Well but this morning."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Well, that she did not mind doing, so she got it a bowl of milk and
+bread, and fed it well. But when the frog had finished, it said:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Take me to bed, my hinny, my heart,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">Take me to bed, my own darling;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Remember the promise you promised to me,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">At the World's End Well but this morning."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>But that the girl refused to do, till her stepmother said harshly:</p>
+
+<p>"Do what you promised, girl; girls <i>must</i> keep their promises. Do what
+you're bid, or out you go, you and your froggie."</p>
+
+<p>So the girl took the frog with her to bed, and kept it as far away from
+her as she could. Well, just as the day was beginning to break, what
+should the frog say but:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Chop off my head, my hinny, my heart,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">Chop off my head, my own darling;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Remember the promise you promised to me,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.3em;">At the World's End Well but this morning."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>At first the girl wouldn't, for she thought of what the frog had done
+for her at the Well of the World's End. But when the frog said the words
+over and over again in a <a name="l_347" id="l_347"></a>pleading voice, she went and took an axe and
+chopped off its head, and, lo and behold! there stood before her a
+handsome young prince, who told her that he had been enchanted by a
+wicked magician, and he could never be unspelled till some girl would do
+his bidding for a whole night, and chop off his head at the end of it.</p>
+
+<p>The stepmother was surprised indeed when she found the young prince
+instead of the nasty frog, and she was not best pleased, you may be
+sure, when the prince told her that he was going to marry her
+stepdaughter because she had unspelled him. But married they were, and
+went away to live in the castle of the king, his father; and all the
+stepmother had to console her was, that it was all through <i>her</i> that
+her stepdaughter was married to a prince.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><a name="l_348" id="l_348"></a></p>
+<h2><a name="THE_ROSE_TREE" id="THE_ROSE_TREE"></a>THE ROSE TREE</h2>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time, long long years ago, in the days when one had to be
+careful about witches, there lived a good man, whose young wife died,
+leaving him a baby girl.</p>
+
+<p>Now this good man felt he could not look after the baby properly, so he
+married a young woman whose husband had died leaving her with a baby
+boy.</p>
+
+<p>Thus the two children grew up together, and loved each other dearly,
+dearly.</p>
+
+<p>But the boy's mother was really a wicked witch-woman, and so jealous
+that she wanted all the boy's love for herself, and when the girl-baby
+grew white as milk, with cheeks like roses and lips like cherries, and
+when her hair, shining like golden silk, hung down to her feet so that
+her father and all the neighbours began to praise her looks, the
+stepmother fairly hated her, and did all in her power to spoil her
+looks. She would set the child hard tasks, and send her out in all
+weathers to do difficult messages, and if they were not well performed
+would beat her and scold her cruelly.</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_349" id="l_349"></a>Now one cold winter evening when the snow was drifting fast, and the
+wild rose tree in the garden under which the children used to play in
+summer was all brown and barren save for snowflake flowers, the
+stepmother said to the little girl:</p>
+
+<p>"Child! go and buy me a bunch of candles at the grocer's. Here is some
+money; go quickly, and don't loiter by the way."</p>
+
+<p>So the little girl took the money and set off quickly through the snow,
+for already it was growing dark. Now there was such a wind blowing that
+it nearly blew her off her feet, and as she ran her beautiful hair got
+all tangled and almost tripped her up. However, she got the candles,
+paid for them, and started home again. But this time the wind was behind
+her and blew all her beautiful golden hair in front of her like a cloud,
+so that she could not see her steps, and, coming to a stile, had to stop
+and put down the bundle of candles in order to see how to get over it.
+And when she was climbing it a big black dog came by and ran off with
+the bunch of candles! Now she was so afraid of her stepmother that she
+durst not go home, but turned back and bought another bunch of candles
+at the grocer's, and when she arrived at the stile once more, the same
+thing happened. A big black dog came down the road and ran away with the
+bunch of candles. So yet once again she journeyed back to the grocer's
+through wind and snow, and, with her last penny, bought yet another
+bunch of candles. To no purpose, for alas, and alack-a-<a name="l_350" id="l_350"></a>day! when she
+laid them down in order to part her beautiful golden hair and to see how
+to get over the stile, a big black dog ran away with them.</p>
+
+<p>So nothing was left save to go back to her stepmother in fear and
+trembling. But, for a wonder, her stepmother did not seem very angry.
+She only scolded her for being so late, for, see you, her father and her
+little playmate had gone to their beds and were in the Land of Nod.</p>
+
+<p>Then she said to the child, "I must take the tangles out of your hair
+before you go to sleep. Come, put your head on my lap."</p>
+
+<p>So the little girl put her head on her stepmother's lap, and, lo and
+behold! her beautiful yellow-silk hair rolled right over the woman's
+knees and lay upon the ground.</p>
+
+<p>Then the beauty of it made the stepmother more jealous than before, so
+she said, "I cannot part your hair properly on my knee, fetch me a
+billet of wood."</p>
+
+<p>So the little girl fetched one. Then said the stepmother, "Your hair is
+so thick I cannot part it with a comb; fetch me an axe!"</p>
+
+<p>So the child fetched an axe.</p>
+
+<p>"Now," said that wicked, wicked woman, "lay your head down on the billet
+while I part your hair."</p>
+
+<p>And the child did as she was bid without fear; and lo! the beautiful
+little golden head was off in a second, by one blow of the axe.</p>
+
+<p>Now the wicked stepmother had thought it all out before, so she took the
+poor little dead girl out to the garden, <a name="l_351" id="l_351"></a>dug a hollow in the snow under
+the rose tree, and said to herself, "When spring comes and the snow
+melts if people find her bones, they will say she lost her way and fell
+asleep in the snow."</p>
+
+<p>But first, because she was a wicked witch-woman, knowing spells and
+charms, she took out the heart of the little girl and made it into two
+savoury pasties, one for her husband's breakfast and one for the little
+boy's, for thus would the love they bore to the little girl become hers.
+Nevertheless, she was mistaken, for when morning came and the little
+child could not be found, the father sent away his breakfast barely
+tasted, and the little boy wept so that he could eat nothing.</p>
+
+<p>So they grieved and grieved. And when the snow melted and they found the
+bones of the poor child, they said, "She must have lost her way that
+dark night going to the grocer's to buy candles." So they buried the
+bones under the children's rose tree, and every day the little boy sate
+there and wept and wept for his lost playmate.</p>
+
+<p>Now when summer came the wild rose tree flowered. It was covered with
+white roses, and amongst the flowers there sate a beautiful white bird.
+And it sang and sang and sang like an angel out of heaven; but what it
+sang the little boy could never make out, for he could hardly see for
+weeping, hardly hear for sobbing.</p>
+
+<p>So at last the beautiful white bird unfolded its broad white wings and
+flew to a cobbler's shop, where a myrtle bush hung over the man and his
+last, on which he was <a name="l_352" id="l_352"></a>making a dainty little pair of rose-red shoes.
+Then it perched on a bough and sang ever so sweetly:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Stepmother slew me,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Father nigh ate me,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">He whom I dearly love</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Sits below, I sing above,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Stick! Stock! Stone dead!"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>"Sing that beautiful song again," said the cobbler. "It is better than a
+nightingale's."</p>
+
+<p>"That will I gladly," sang the bird, "if you will give me the little
+rose-red shoes you are making."</p>
+
+<p>And the cobbler gave them willingly, so the white bird sang its song
+once more. Then with the rose-red shoes in one foot it flew to an ash
+tree that grew close beside a goldsmith's bench, and sang:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Stepmother slew me,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Father nigh ate me,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">He whom I dearly love</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Sits below, I sing above,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Stick! Stock! Stone dead!"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, what a beautiful song!" cried the goldsmith.</p>
+
+<p>"Sing again, dear bird, it is sweeter than a nightingale's."</p>
+
+<p>"That will I gladly," sang the bird, "if you will give me the gold chain
+you're making."</p>
+
+<p>And the goldsmith gave the bauble willingly, and the bird sang its song
+once more. Then with the rose-red shoes in one foot and the golden chain
+in the other, the bird flew to an oak tree which overhung the mill
+stream, <a name="l_353" id="l_353"></a>beside which three millers were busy picking out a millstone,
+and, perching on a bough, sang its song ever so sweetly:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"My stepmother slew me,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">My father nigh ate me,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">He whom I dearly love</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Sits below, I sing above,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">Stick!&mdash;"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Just then one of the millers put down his tool and listened.</p>
+
+<p>"Stock!" sang the bird.</p>
+
+<p>And the second miller put aside his tool and listened.</p>
+
+<p>"Stone," sang the bird.</p>
+
+<p>Then the third miller put aside his tool and listened.</p>
+
+<p>"Dead!" sang the bird so sweetly that with one accord the millers looked
+up and cried with one voice:</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, what a beautiful song! Sing it again, dear bird, it is sweeter than
+a nightingale's."</p>
+
+<p>"That will I gladly," answered the bird, "if you will hang the millstone
+you are picking round my neck."</p>
+
+<p>So the millers hung it as they were asked; and when the song was
+finished, the bird spread its wide white wings and, with the millstone
+round its neck and the little rose-red shoes in one foot, the golden
+chain in the other, it flew back to the rose tree. But the little
+playmate was not there; he was inside the house eating his dinner.</p>
+
+<p>Then the bird flew to the house, and rattled the millstone about the
+eaves until the stepmother cried, "Hearken! How it thunders!"</p>
+
+<p><a name="l_354" id="l_354"></a>So the little boy ran out to see, and down dropped the dainty rose-red
+shoes at his feet.</p>
+
+<p>"See what fine things the thunder has brought!" he cried with glee as he
+ran back.</p>
+
+<p>Then the white bird rattled the millstone about the eaves once more, and
+once again the stepmother said, "Hearken! How it thunders!"</p>
+
+<p>So this time the father went out to see, and down dropped the golden
+chain about his neck.</p>
+
+<p>"It is true," he said when he came back. "The thunder does bring fine
+things!"</p>
+
+<p>Then once more the white bird rattled the millstone about the eaves, and
+this time the stepmother said hurriedly, "Hark! there it is again!
+Perhaps it has got something for me!"</p>
+
+<p>Then she ran out; but the moment she stepped outside the door, down fell
+the millstone right on her head and killed her.</p>
+
+<p>So that was an end of her. And after that the little boy was ever so
+much happier, and all the summer time he sate with his little
+rose-coloured shoes under the wild rose tree and listened to the white
+bird's song. But when winter came and the wild rose tree was all barren
+and bare save for snowflake flowers, the white bird came no longer and
+the little boy grew tired of waiting for it. So one day he gave up
+altogether, and they buried him under the rose tree beside his little
+playmate.</p>
+
+<p>Now when the spring came and the rose tree blossomed, <a name="l_355" id="l_355"></a>the flowers were
+no longer white. They were edged with rose colour like the little boy's
+shoes, and in the centre of each blossom there was a beautiful tuft of
+golden silk like the little girl's hair.</p>
+
+<p>And if you look in a wild rose you will find these things there still.</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ENGLISH FAIRY TALES***</p>
+<p>******* This file should be named 17034-h.txt or 17034-h.zip *******</p>
+<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br />
+<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/0/3/17034">https://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/0/3/17034</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.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.</p>
+
+
+
+<pre>
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+<a href="https://gutenberg.org/license">https://gutenberg.org/license)</a>.
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  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 www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS,' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://www.gutenberg.org/about/contact
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit:
+https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's
+eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII,
+compressed (zipped), HTML and others.
+
+Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks replace the old file and take over
+the old filename and etext number.  The replaced older file is renamed.
+VERSIONS based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving
+new filenames and etext numbers.
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">https://www.gutenberg.org</a>
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
+EBooks posted prior to November 2003, with eBook numbers BELOW #10000,
+are filed in directories based on their release date.  If you want to
+download any of these eBooks directly, rather than using the regular
+search system you may utilize the following addresses and just
+download by the etext year.
+
+<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext06/">https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext06/</a>
+
+    (Or /etext 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 00, 99,
+     98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90)
+
+EBooks posted since November 2003, with etext numbers OVER #10000, are
+filed in a different way.  The year of a release date is no longer part
+of the directory path.  The path is based on the etext number (which is
+identical to the filename).  The path to the file is made up of single
+digits corresponding to all but the last digit in the filename.  For
+example an eBook of filename 10234 would be found at:
+
+https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/0/2/3/10234
+
+or filename 24689 would be found at:
+https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/4/6/8/24689
+
+An alternative method of locating eBooks:
+<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/GUTINDEX.ALL">https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/GUTINDEX.ALL</a>
+
+*** END: FULL LICENSE ***
+</pre>
+</body>
+</html>
diff --git a/17034-h/images/frontis-tb.jpg b/17034-h/images/frontis-tb.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..91b3566
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/frontis-tb.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/frontis.jpg b/17034-h/images/frontis.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..38073cf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/frontis.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-001.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-001.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6854ef8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-001.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-003.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-003.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..73ca729
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-003.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-013.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-013.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..eefeb23
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-013.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-021.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-021.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..34534ce
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-021.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-025.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-025.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..45a1671
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-025.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-027.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-027.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..17aaddb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-027.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-034.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-034.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bfb15b1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-034.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-049.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-049.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3bd63c0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-049.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-070.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-070.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..83f19bf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-070.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-079.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-079.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..095d7d7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-079.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-087.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-087.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1eee8d7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-087.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-091.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-091.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9e61621
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-091.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-093.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-093.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3ec53cb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-093.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-095a.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-095a.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3c6428d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-095a.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-095b.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-095b.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..afd0fab
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-095b.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-1-tb.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-1-tb.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..713394a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-1-tb.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-1.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-1.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1f6ccde
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-1.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-10-tb.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-10-tb.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7e4cf50
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-10-tb.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-10.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-10.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..04978ac
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-10.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-100.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-100.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e4f5230
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-100.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-108.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-108.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7fcba0f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-108.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-11-tb.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-11-tb.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..74cd477
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-11-tb.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-11.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-11.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0dca24a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-11.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-110.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-110.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e429490
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-110.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-12-tb.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-12-tb.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e20f422
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-12-tb.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-12.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-12.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9702488
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-12.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-122.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-122.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7e48c9c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-122.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-13-tb.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-13-tb.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e06209b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-13-tb.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-13.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-13.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..11641f1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-13.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-130.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-130.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b532c37
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-130.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-137.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-137.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..658304c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-137.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-14-tb.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-14-tb.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..72b3441
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-14-tb.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-14.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-14.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9383389
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-14.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-15-tb.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-15-tb.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2486989
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-15-tb.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-15.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-15.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cdc11e0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-15.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-150.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-150.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ea51c1a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-150.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-170.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-170.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0008b26
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-170.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-171a.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-171a.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..96878b6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-171a.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-171b.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-171b.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..68960e3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-171b.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-198.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-198.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4e76974
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-198.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-2-tb.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-2-tb.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..67c4b4a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-2-tb.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-2.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-2.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a0b55bc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-2.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-209.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-209.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ec24afb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-209.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-214.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-214.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..afad312
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-214.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-214a.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-214a.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ef38b7b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-214a.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-215.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-215.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fde2bf6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-215.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-223.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-223.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..826350d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-223.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-236.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-236.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0d62491
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-236.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-240.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-240.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2b4233d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-240.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-248.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-248.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ebefc7c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-248.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-257.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-257.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e97e95a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-257.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-284.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-284.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7ad01ff
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-284.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-286.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-286.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..aeb1029
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-286.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-287.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-287.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f2ff9c8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-287.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-288.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-288.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..527655a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-288.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-290.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-290.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d97b872
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-290.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-291.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-291.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fbaeeec
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-291.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-3-tb.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-3-tb.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2862534
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-3-tb.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-3.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-3.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d647789
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-3.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-324.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-324.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9f52741
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-324.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-326.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-326.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2ae29e1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-326.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-327.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-327.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..77291c6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-327.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-4-tb.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-4-tb.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ee541a9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-4-tb.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-4.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-4.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..31abf49
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-4.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-5-tb.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-5-tb.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..abca58c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-5-tb.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-5.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-5.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..79b37a3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-5.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-6-tb.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-6-tb.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c472a6c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-6-tb.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-6.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-6.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..967b31f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-6.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-7-tb.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-7-tb.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ac4d120
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-7-tb.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-7.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-7.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c31cb2d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-7.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-8-tb.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-8-tb.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ddea71d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-8-tb.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-8.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-8.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9c55a25
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-8.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-9-tb.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-9-tb.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8882f4d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-9-tb.jpg
diff --git a/17034-h/images/illus-9.jpg b/17034-h/images/illus-9.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f6f3850
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034-h/images/illus-9.jpg
diff --git a/17034.txt b/17034.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1a37b7a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,9909 @@
+The Project Gutenberg eBook, English Fairy Tales, by Flora Annie Steel,
+Illustrated by Arthur Rackham
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  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 www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: English Fairy Tales
+
+
+Author: Flora Annie Steel
+
+
+
+Release Date: November 9, 2005  [eBook #17034]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ENGLISH FAIRY TALES***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Suzanne Shell, Janet Blenkinship, and the Project
+Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net/)
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original illustrations.
+      See 17034-h.htm or 17034-h.zip:
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/0/3/17034/17034-h/17034-h.htm)
+      or
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/0/3/17034/17034-h.zip)
+
+
+
+
+
+ENGLISH FAIRY-TALES
+
+Retold by
+
+FLORA ANNIE STEEL
+
+Illustrated by Arthur Rackham
+
+First published by Macmillan & Co. 1918
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Mr. and Mrs. Vinegar at home (page 190).]
+
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+   ST. GEORGE OF MERRIE ENGLAND
+
+   THE STORY OF THE THREE BEARS
+
+   TOM-TIT-TOT
+
+   THE GOLDEN SNUFF-BOX
+
+   TATTERCOATS
+
+   THE THREE FEATHERS
+
+   LAZY JACK
+
+   JACK THE GIANT-KILLER
+
+   THE THREE SILLIES
+
+   THE GOLDEN BALL
+
+   THE TWO SISTERS
+
+   THE LAIDLY WORM
+
+   TITTY MOUSE AND TATTY MOUSE
+
+   JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
+
+   THE BLACK BULL OF NORROWAY
+
+   CATSKIN
+
+   THE THREE LITTLE PIGS
+
+   NIX NAUGHT NOTHING
+
+   MR. AND MRS. VINEGAR
+
+   THE TRUE HISTORY OF SIR THOMAS THUMB
+
+   HENNY-PENNY
+
+   THE THREE HEADS OF THE WELL
+
+   MR. FOX
+
+   DICK WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT
+
+   THE OLD WOMAN AND HER PIG
+
+   THE WEE BANNOCK
+
+   HOW JACK WENT OUT TO SEEK HIS FORTUNE
+
+   THE BOGEY-BEAST
+
+   LITTLE RED RIDING-HOOD
+
+   CHILDE ROWLAND
+
+   THE WISE MEN OF GOTHAM
+
+   CAPORUSHES
+
+   THE BABES IN THE WOOD
+
+   THE RED ETTIN
+
+   THE FISH AND THE RING
+
+   LAWKAMERCYME
+
+   MASTER OF ALL MASTERS
+
+   MOLLY WHUPPIE AND THE DOUBLE-FACED GIANT
+
+   THE ASS, THE TABLE, AND THE STICK
+
+   THE WELL OF THE WORLD'S END
+
+   THE ROSE TREE
+
+
+
+
+
+ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+   IN COLOUR
+
+
+      Mr. and Mrs. Vinegar at home
+
+      "Somebody has been at my porridge, and has eaten it all up!"
+
+      Tattercoats dancing while the gooseherd pipes
+
+      The giant Cormoran was the terror of all the country-side
+
+      Taking the keys of the castle, Jack unlocked all the doors
+
+      The giant Galligantua and the wicked old magician transform the
+      duke's daughter into a white hind
+
+      "Tree of mine! O Tree of mine! Have you seen my naughty little
+      maid?"
+
+      "Fee-fi-fo-fum, I smell the blood of an Englishman"
+
+      She went along, and went along, and went along
+
+      And that is the story of Mr. and Mrs. Vinegar
+
+      They thanked her and said good-bye, and she went on her journey
+
+      Many's the beating he had from the broomstick or the ladle
+
+      When Puss saw the rats and mice she didn't wait to be told
+
+      "Well!" she chuckled, "I am in luck!"
+
+      She sat down and plaited herself an overall of rushes and a cap
+      to match
+
+      The fisherman and his wife had no children, and they were just
+      longing for a baby
+
+
+   IN TEXT
+
+
+      Headpiece--St. George of Merrie England
+
+      When she came to St. George she started and laid her hand on
+      her heart
+
+      "Somebody has been lying in my bed,--and here she is!"
+
+      "What is that you are singing, my good woman?"
+
+      A small, little, black Thing with a long tail
+
+      Away That flew into the dark, and she never saw it no more
+
+      They brought the Castle of the golden pillars
+
+      Jack found it hard to hoist the donkey on his shoulders
+
+      "Odds splutter hur nails!" cried the giant, not to be outdone.
+      "Hur can do that hurself!"
+
+      "Ah! Cousin Jack! Kind cousin Jack! This is heavy news indeed"
+
+      Seated on a huge block of timber near the entrance to a dark
+      cave
+
+      On his way ... to be revenged
+
+      The country folk flying before him like chaff before the wind
+
+      Headpiece--The Three Sillies
+
+      Headpiece--The Golden Ball
+
+      He heard the bogles striving under the bed
+
+      Headpiece--The Laidly Worm
+
+      Tatty sat down and wept
+
+      As he spoke he drew out of his pocket five beans
+
+      Jack seized the axe and gave a great chop at the beanstalk
+
+      So he huffed and he puffed and he blew the house in
+
+      So he huffed and he puffed and he blew the house in
+
+      Well! he huffed and he puffed ... but he could _not_
+      blow the house down
+
+      At last he flew into a violent rage and flung his stick at the
+      bird
+
+      A spider one day attacked him
+
+      "I will go first and you come after, Henny-penny, Cocky-locky,
+      Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, and Turkey-lurkey"
+
+      So she escaped
+
+      The thorns closed in around her so that she was all scratched
+      and torn
+
+      Dick finds that the streets of London are not paved with gold
+
+      Dick Whittington hears Bow Bells
+
+      The old woman and her pig
+
+      Headpiece--How Jack went out to seek his Fortune
+
+      They both met together upon Nottingham bridge
+
+      "A vengeance on her!" said they. "We did not make our hedge
+      high enough"
+
+      He took out the cheeses and rolled them down the hill
+
+      And they left the eel to drown
+
+      The hare ran on along the country way
+
+      A courtier came riding by, and he did ask what they were
+      seeking
+
+      Headpiece--Lawkamercyme
+
+      A funny-looking old gentleman engaged her and took her home
+
+      White-faced simminy has got a spark of hot cockalorum on its
+      tail
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Headpiece--St. George of Merrie England]
+
+
+
+
+ST. GEORGE OF MERRIE ENGLAND
+
+
+In the darksome depths of a thick forest lived Kalyb the fell
+enchantress. Terrible were her deeds, and few there were who had the
+hardihood to sound the brazen trumpet which hung over the iron gate that
+barred the way to the Abode of Witchcraft. Terrible were the deeds of
+Kalyb; but above all things she delighted in carrying off innocent
+new-born babes, and putting them to death.
+
+And this, doubtless, she meant to be the fate of the infant son of the
+Earl of Coventry, who long long years ago was Lord High Steward of
+England. Certain it is that the babe's father being absent, and his
+mother dying at his birth, the wicked Kalyb, with spells and charms,
+managed to steal the child from his careless nurses.
+
+But the babe was marked from the first for doughty deeds; for on his
+breast was pictured the living image of a dragon, on his right hand was
+a blood-red cross, and on his left leg showed the golden garter.
+
+And these signs so affected Kalyb, the fell enchantress, that she stayed
+her hand; and the child growing daily in beauty and stature, he became
+to her as the apple of her eye. Now, when twice seven years had passed
+the boy began to thirst for honourable adventures, though the wicked
+enchantress wished to keep him as her own.
+
+But he, seeking glory, utterly disdained so wicked a creature; thus she
+sought to bribe him. And one day, taking him by the hand, she led him to
+a brazen castle and showed him six brave knights, prisoners therein.
+Then said she:
+
+"Lo! These be the six champions of Christendom. Thou shalt be the
+seventh and thy name shall be St. George of Merrie England if thou wilt
+stay with me."
+
+But he would not.
+
+Then she led him into a magnificent stable where stood seven of the most
+beautiful steeds ever seen. "Six of these," said she, "belong to the six
+Champions. The seventh and the best, the swiftest and the most powerful
+in the world, whose name is Bayard, will I bestow on thee, if thou wilt
+stay with me."
+
+But he would not.
+
+Then she took him to the armoury, and with her own hand buckled on a
+corselet of purest steel, and laced on a helmet inlaid with gold. Then,
+taking a mighty falchion, she gave it into his hand, and said: "This
+armour which none can pierce, this sword called Ascalon, which will hew
+in sunder all it touches, are thine; surely now thou wilt stop with me?"
+
+But he would not.
+
+Then she bribed him with her own magic wand, thus giving him power over
+all things in that enchanted land, saying:
+
+"Surely now wilt thou remain here?"
+
+But he, taking the wand, struck with it a mighty rock that stood by; and
+lo! it opened, and laid in view a wide cave garnished by the bodies of a
+vast number of innocent new-born infants whom the wicked enchantress had
+murdered.
+
+Thus, using her power, he bade the sorceress lead the way into the place
+of horror, and when she had entered, he raised the magic wand yet again,
+and smote the rock; and lo! it closed for ever, and the sorceress was
+left to bellow forth her lamentable complaints to senseless stones.
+
+Thus was St. George freed from the enchanted land, and taking with him
+the six other champions of Christendom on their steeds, he mounted
+Bayard and rode to the city of Coventry.
+
+Here for nine months they abode, exercising themselves in all feats of
+arms. So when spring returned they set forth, as knights errant, to seek
+for foreign adventure.
+
+And for thirty days and thirty nights they rode on, until, at the
+beginning of a new month, they came to a great wide plain. Now in the
+centre of this plain, where seven several ways met, there stood a great
+brazen pillar, and here, with high heart and courage, they bade each
+other farewell, and each took a separate road.
+
+Hence, St. George, on his charger Bayard, rode till he reached the
+seashore where lay a good ship bound for the land of Egypt. Taking
+passage in her, after long journeying he arrived in that land when the
+silent wings of night were outspread, and darkness brooded on all
+things. Here, coming to a poor hermitage, he begged a night's lodging,
+on which the hermit replied:
+
+"Sir Knight of Merrie England--for I see her arms graven on thy
+breastplate--thou hast come hither in an ill time, when those alive are
+scarcely able to bury the dead by reason of the cruel destruction waged
+by a terrible dragon, who ranges up and down the country by day and by
+night. If he have not an innocent maiden to devour each day, he sends a
+mortal plague amongst the people. And this has not ceased for twenty and
+four years, so that there is left throughout the land but one maiden,
+the beautiful Sabia, daughter to the King. And to-morrow must she die,
+unless some brave knight will slay the monster. To such will the King
+give his daughter in marriage, and the crown of Egypt in due time."
+
+"For crowns I care not," said St. George boldly, "but the beauteous
+maiden shall not die. I will slay the monster."
+
+So, rising at dawn of day, he buckled on his armour, laced his helmet,
+and with the falchion Ascalon in his hand, bestrode Bayard, and rode
+into the Valley of the Dragon. Now on the way he met a procession of old
+women weeping and wailing, and in their midst the most beauteous damsel
+he had ever seen. Moved by compassion he dismounted, and bowing low
+before the lady entreated her to return to her father's palace, since he
+was about to kill the dreaded dragon. Whereupon the beautiful Sabia,
+thanking him with smiles and tears, did as he requested, and he,
+re-mounting, rode on his emprise.
+
+Now, no sooner did the dragon catch sight of the brave Knight than its
+leathern throat sent out a sound more terrible than thunder, and
+weltering from its hideous den, it spread its burning wings and prepared
+to assail its foe.
+
+Its size and appearance might well have made the stoutest heart tremble.
+From shoulder to tail ran full forty feet, its body was covered with
+silver scales, its belly was as gold, and through its flaming wings the
+blood ran thick and red.
+
+So fierce was its onset, that at the very first encounter the Knight was
+nigh felled to the ground; but recovering himself he gave the dragon
+such a thrust with his spear that the latter shivered to a thousand
+pieces; whereupon the furious monster smote him so violently with its
+tail that both horse and rider were overthrown.
+
+Now, by great good chance, St. George was flung under the shade of a
+flowering orange tree, whose fragrance hath this virtue in it, that no
+poisonous beast dare come within the compass of its branches. So there
+the valiant knight had time to recover his senses, until with eager
+courage he rose, and rushing to the combat, smote the burning dragon on
+his burnished belly with his trusty sword Ascalon; and thereinafter
+spouted out such black venom, as, falling on the armour of the Knight,
+burst it in twain. And ill might it have fared with St. George of Merrie
+England but for the orange tree, which once again gave him shelter under
+its branches, where, seeing the issue of the fight was in the Hands of
+the Most High, he knelt and prayed that such strength of body should be
+given him as would enable him to prevail. Then with a bold and
+courageous heart, he advanced again, and smote the fiery dragon under
+one of his flaming wings, so that the weapon pierced the heart, and all
+the grass around turned crimson with the blood that flowed from the
+dying monster. So St. George of England cut off the dreadful head, and
+hanging it on a truncheon made of the spear which at the beginning of
+the combat had shivered against the beast's scaly back, he mounted his
+steed Bayard, and proceeded to the palace of the King.
+
+Now the King's name was Ptolemy, and when he saw that the dreaded dragon
+was indeed slain, he gave orders for the city to be decorated. And he
+sent a golden chariot with wheels of ebony and cushions of silk to bring
+St. George to the palace, and commanded a hundred nobles dressed in
+crimson velvet, and mounted on milk-white steeds richly caparisoned, to
+escort him thither with all honour, while musicians walked before and
+after, filling the air with sweetest sounds.
+
+Now the beautiful Sabia herself washed and dressed the weary Knight's
+wounds, and gave him in sign of betrothal a diamond ring of purest
+water. Then, after he had been invested by the King with the golden
+spurs of knighthood and had been magnificently feasted, he retired to
+rest his weariness, while the beautiful Sabia from her balcony lulled
+him to sleep with her golden lute.
+
+So all seemed happiness; but alas! dark misfortune was at hand.
+
+Almidor, the black King of Morocco, who had long wooed the Princess
+Sabia in vain, without having the courage to defend her, seeing that the
+maiden had given her whole heart to her champion, resolved to compass
+his destruction.
+
+So, going to King Ptolemy, he told him--what was perchance true--namely,
+that the beauteous Sabia had promised St. George to become Christian,
+and follow him to England. Now the thought of this so enraged the King
+that, forgetting his debt of honour, he determined on an act of basest
+treachery.
+
+Telling St. George that his love and loyalty needed further trial, he
+entrusted him with a message to the King of Persia, and forbade him
+either to take with him his horse Bayard or his sword Ascalon; nor would
+he even allow him to say farewell to his beloved Sabia.
+
+St. George then set forth sorrowfully, and surmounting many dangers,
+reached the Court of the King of Persia in safety; but what was his
+anger to find that the secret missive he bore contained nothing but an
+earnest request to put the bearer of it to death. But he was helpless,
+and when sentence had been passed upon him, he was thrown into a loathly
+dungeon, clothed in base and servile weeds, and his arms strongly
+fettered up to iron bolts, while the roars of the two hungry lions who
+were to devour him ere long, deafened his ears. Now his rage and fury at
+this black treachery was such that it gave him strength, and with mighty
+effort he drew the staples that held his fetters; so being part free he
+tore his long locks of amber-coloured hair from his head and wound them
+round his arms instead of gauntlets. So prepared he rushed on the lions
+when they were let loose upon him, and thrusting his arms down their
+throats choked them, and thereinafter tearing out their very hearts,
+held them up in triumph to the gaolers who stood by trembling with fear.
+
+After this the King of Persia gave up the hopes of putting St. George to
+death, and, doubling the bars of the dungeon, left him to languish
+therein. And there the unhappy Knight remained for seven long years, his
+thoughts full of his lost Princess; his only companions rats and mice
+and creeping worms, his only food and drink bread made of the coarsest
+bran and dirty water.
+
+At last one day, in a dark corner of his dungeon, he found one of the
+iron staples he had drawn in his rage and fury. It was half consumed
+with rust, yet it was sufficient in his hands to open a passage through
+the walls of his cell into the King's garden. It was the time of night
+when all things are silent; but St. George, listening, heard the voices
+of grooms in the stables; which, entering, he found two grooms
+furnishing forth a horse against some business. Whereupon, taking the
+staple with which he had redeemed himself from prison, he slew the
+grooms, and mounting the palfrey rode boldly to the city gates, where he
+told the watchman at the Bronze Tower that St. George having escaped
+from the dungeon, he was in hot pursuit of him. Whereupon the gates were
+thrown open, and St. George, clapping spurs to his horse, found himself
+safe from pursuit before the first red beams of the sun shot up into the
+sky.
+
+Now, ere long, being most famished with hunger, he saw a tower set on a
+high cliff, and riding thitherward determined to ask for food. But as he
+neared the castle he saw a beauteous damsel in a blue and gold robe
+seated disconsolate at a window. Whereupon, dismounting, he called aloud
+to her:
+
+"Lady! If thou hast sorrow of thine own, succour one also in distress,
+and give me, a Christian Knight, now almost famished, one meal's meat."
+To which she replied quickly:
+
+"Sir Knight! Fly quickly as thou canst, for my lord is a mighty giant, a
+follower of Mahomed, who hath sworn to destroy all Christians."
+
+Hearing this St. George laughed loud and long. "Go tell him then, fair
+dame," he cried, "that a Christian Knight waits at his door, and will
+either satisfy his wants within his castle or slay the owner thereof."
+
+Now the giant no sooner heard this valiant challenge than he rushed
+forth to the combat, armed with a hugeous crowbar of iron. He was a
+monstrous giant, deformed, with a huge head, bristled like any boar's,
+with hot, glaring eyes and a mouth equalling a tiger's. At first sight
+of him St. George gave himself up for lost, not so much for fear, but
+for hunger and faintness of body. Still, commending himself to the Most
+High, he also rushed to the combat with such poor arms as he had, and
+with many a regret for the loss of his magic sword Ascalon. So they
+fought till noon, when, just as the champion's strength was nigh
+finished, the giant stumbled on the root of a tree, and St. George,
+taking his chance, ran him through the mid-rib, so that he gasped and
+died.
+
+After which St. George entered the tower; whereat the beautiful lady,
+freed from her terrible lord, set before him all manner of delicacies
+and pure wine with which he sufficed his hunger, rested his weary body,
+and refreshed his horse.
+
+So, leaving the tower in the hands of the grateful lady, he went on his
+way, coming ere long to the Enchanted Garden of the necromancer
+Ormadine, where, embedded in the living rock, he saw a magic sword, the
+like of which for beauty he had never seen, the belt being beset with
+jaspers and sapphire stones, while the pommel was a globe of the purest
+silver chased in gold with these verses:
+
+  My magic will remain most firmly bound
+  Till that a knight from the far north be found
+  To pull this sword from out its bed of stone.
+  Lo! when he comes wise Ormadine must fall.
+  Farewell, my magic power, my spell, my all.
+
+Seeing this St. George put his hand to the hilt, thinking to essay
+pulling it out by strength; but lo! he drew it out with as much ease as
+though it had hung by a thread of untwisted silk. And immediately every
+door in the enchanted garden flew open, and the magician Ormadine
+appeared, his hair standing on end; and he, after kissing the hand of
+the champion, led him to a cave where a young man wrapped in a sheet of
+gold lay sleeping, lulled by the songs of four beautiful maidens.
+
+"The Knight whom thou seest here!" said the necromancer in a hollow
+voice, "is none other than thy brother-in-arms, the Christian Champion
+St. David of Wales. He also attempted to draw my sword but failed. Him
+hast thou delivered from my enchantments since they come to an end."
+
+Now, as he spoke, came such a rattling of the skies, such a lumbering of
+the earth as never was, and in the twinkling of an eye the Enchanted
+Garden and all in it vanished from view, leaving the Champion of Wales,
+roused from his seven years' sleep, giving thanks to St. George, who
+greeted his ancient comrade heartily.
+
+After this St. George of Merrie England travelled far and travelled
+fast, with many adventures by the way, to Egypt where he had left his
+beloved Princess Sabia. But, learning to his great grief and horror from
+the same hermit he had met on first landing, that, despite her denials,
+her father, King Ptolemy, had consented to Almidor the black King of
+Morocco carrying her off as one of his many wives, he turned his steps
+towards Tripoli, the capital of Morocco; for he was determined at all
+costs to gain a sight of the dear Princess from whom he had been so
+cruelly rent.
+
+To this end he borrowed an old cloak of the hermit, and, disguised as a
+beggar, gained admittance to the gate of the Women's Palace, where were
+gathered together on their knees many others, poor, frail, infirm.
+
+And when he asked them wherefore they knelt, they answered:
+
+"Because good Queen Sabia succours us that we may pray for the safety of
+St. George of England, to whom she gave her heart."
+
+Now when St. George heard this his own heart was like to break for very
+joy, and he could scarce keep on his knees when, lovely as ever, but
+with her face pale and sad and wan from long distress, the Princess
+Sabia appeared clothed in deep mourning.
+
+In silence she handed an alms to each beggar in turn; but when she came
+to St. George she started and laid her hand on her heart. Then she said
+softly:
+
+"Rise up, Sir Beggar! Thou art too like one who rescued me from death,
+for it to be meet for thee to kneel before me!"
+
+Then St. George rising, and bowing low, said quietly: "Peerless lady!
+Lo! I am that very knight to whom thou did'st condescend to give this."
+
+And with this he slipped the diamond ring she had given him on her
+finger. But she looked not at it, but at him, with love in her eyes.
+
+Then he told her of her father's base treachery and Almidor's part in
+it, so that her anger grew hot and she cried:
+
+"Waste no more time in talk. I remain no longer in this detested place.
+Ere Almidor returns from hunting we shall have escaped."
+
+[Illustration: When she came to St. George she started and laid her
+hand on her heart]
+
+So she led St. George to the armoury, where he found his trusty sword
+Ascalon, and to the stable, where his swift steed Bayard stood ready
+caparisoned.
+
+Then, when her brave Knight had mounted, and she, putting her foot on
+his, had leapt like a bird behind him, St. George touched the proud
+beast lightly with his spurs, and, like an arrow from a bow, Bayard
+carried them together over city and plain, through woods and forests,
+across rivers, and mountains, and valleys, until they reached the Land
+of Greece.
+
+And here they found the whole country in festivity over the marriage of
+the King. Now amongst other entertainments was a grand tournament, the
+news of which had spread through the world. And to it had come all the
+other Six Champions of Christendom; so St. George arriving made the
+Seventh. And many of the champions had with them the fair lady they had
+rescued. St. Denys of France brought beautiful Eglantine, St. James of
+Spain sweet Celestine, while noble Rosalind accompanied St. Anthony of
+Italy. St. David of Wales, after his seven years' sleep, came full of
+eager desire for adventure. St. Patrick of Ireland, ever courteous,
+brought all the six Swan-princesses who, in gratitude, had been seeking
+their deliverer St. Andrew of Scotland; since he, leaving all worldly
+things, had chosen to fight for the faith.
+
+So all these brave knights and fair ladies joined in the joyful
+jousting, and each of the Seven Champions was in turn Chief Challenger
+for a day.
+
+Now in the midst of all the merriment appeared a hundred heralds from a
+hundred different parts of the Paynim world, declaring war to the death
+against all Christians.
+
+Whereupon the Seven Champions agreed that each should return to his
+native land to place his dearest lady in safety, and gather together an
+army, and that six months later they should meet, and, joining as one
+legion, go forth to fight for Christendom.
+
+And this was done. So, having chosen St. George as Chief General, they
+marched on Tripoli with the cry:
+
+  "For Christendom we fight,
+   For Christendom we die."
+
+Here the wicked Almidor fell in single combat with St. George, to the
+great delight of his subjects, who begged the Champion to be King in his
+stead. To this he consented, and, after he was crowned, the Christian
+host went on towards Egypt where King Ptolemy, in despair of vanquishing
+such stalwart knights, threw himself down from the battlements of the
+palace and was killed. Whereupon, in recognition of the chivalry and
+courtesy of the Christian Champions, the nobles offered the Crown to one
+of their number, and they with acclaim chose St. George of Merrie
+England.
+
+Thence the Christian host journeyed to Persia, where a fearsome battle
+raged for seven days, during which two hundred thousand pagans were
+slain, beside many who were drowned in attempting to escape. Thus they
+were compelled to yield, the Emperor himself happening into the hands of
+St. George, and six other viceroys into the hands of the six other
+Champions.
+
+And these were most mercifully and honourably entreated after they had
+promised to govern Persia after Christian rules. Now the Emperor, having
+a heart fraught with despite and tyranny, conspired against them, and
+engaged a wicked wizard named Osmond to so beguile six of the Champions
+that they gave up fighting, and lived an easy slothful life. But St.
+George would not be beguiled; neither would he consent to the
+enchantment of his brothers; and he so roused them that they never
+sheathed their swords nor unlocked their armour till the wicked Emperor
+and his viceroys were thrown into that very dungeon in which St. George
+had languished for seven long years.
+
+Whereupon St. George took upon himself the government of Persia, and
+gave the six other Champions the six viceroyalties.
+
+So, attired in a beautiful green robe, richly embroidered, over which
+was flung a scarlet mantle bordered with white fur and decorated with
+ornaments of pure gold, he took his seat on the throne which was
+supported by elephants of translucent alabaster. And the Heralds at
+arms, amid the shouting of the people, cried:
+
+"Long live St. George of Merrie England, Emperor of Morocco, King of
+Egypt, and Sultan of Persia!"
+
+Now, after that he had established good and just laws to such effect
+that innumerable companies of pagans flocked to become Christians, St.
+George, leaving the Government in the hands of his trusted counsellors,
+took truce with the world and returned to England, where, at Coventry,
+he lived for many years with the Egyptian Princess Sabia, who bore him
+three stalwart sons. So here endeth the tale of St. George of Merrie
+England, first and greatest of the Seven Champions.
+
+
+
+
+THE STORY OF THE THREE BEARS
+
+
+Once upon a time there were three Bears, who lived together in a house
+of their own, in a wood. One of them was a Little Wee Bear, and one was
+a Middle-sized Bear, and the other was a Great Big Bear. They had each a
+bowl for their porridge; a little bowl for the Little Wee Bear; and a
+middle-sized bowl for the Middle-sized Bear; and a great bowl for the
+Great Big Bear. And they had each a chair to sit in; a little chair for
+the Little Wee Bear; and a middle-sized chair for the Middle-sized Bear;
+and a great chair for the Great Big Bear. And they had each a bed to
+sleep in; a little bed for the Little Wee Bear; and a middle-sized bed
+for the Middle-sized Bear; and a great bed for the Great Big Bear.
+
+One day, after they had made the porridge for their breakfast, and
+poured it into their porridge-bowls, they walked out into the wood while
+the porridge was cooling, that they might not burn their mouths by
+beginning too soon, for they were polite, well-brought-up Bears. And
+while they were away a little girl called Goldilocks, who lived at the
+other side of the wood and had been sent on an errand by her mother,
+passed by the house, and looked in at the window. And then she peeped in
+at the keyhole, for she was not at all a well-brought-up little girl.
+Then seeing nobody in the house she lifted the latch. The door was not
+fastened, because the Bears were good Bears, who did nobody any harm,
+and never suspected that anybody would harm them. So Goldilocks opened
+the door and went in; and well pleased was she when she saw the porridge
+on the table. If she had been a well-brought-up little girl she would
+have waited till the Bears came home, and then, perhaps, they would have
+asked her to breakfast; for they were good Bears--a little rough or so,
+as the manner of Bears is, but for all that very good-natured and
+hospitable. But she was an impudent, rude little girl, and so she set
+about helping herself.
+
+First she tasted the porridge of the Great Big Bear, and that was too
+hot for her. Next she tasted the porridge of the Middle-sized Bear, but
+that was too cold for her. And then she went to the porridge of the
+Little Wee Bear, and tasted it, and that was neither too hot nor too
+cold, but just right, and she liked it so well that she ate it all up,
+every bit!
+
+Then Goldilocks, who was tired, for she had been catching butterflies
+instead of running on her errand, sate down in the chair of the Great
+Big Bear, but that was too hard for her. And then she sate down in the
+chair of the Middle-sized Bear, and that was too soft for her. But when
+she sat down in the chair of the Little Wee Bear, that was neither too
+hard nor too soft, but just right. So she seated herself in it, and
+there she sate till the bottom of the chair came out, and down she came,
+plump upon the ground; and that made her very cross, for she was a
+bad-tempered little girl.
+
+Now, being determined to rest, Goldilocks went upstairs into the
+bedchamber in which the Three Bears slept. And first she lay down upon
+the bed of the Great Big Bear, but that was too high at the head for
+her. And next she lay down upon the bed of the Middle-sized Bear, and
+that was too high at the foot for her. And then she lay down upon the
+bed of the Little Wee Bear, and that was neither too high at the head
+nor at the foot, but just right. So she covered herself up comfortably,
+and lay there till she fell fast asleep.
+
+By this time the Three Bears thought their porridge would be cool enough
+for them to eat it properly; so they came home to breakfast. Now
+careless Goldilocks had left the spoon of the Great Big Bear standing in
+his porridge.
+
+                "SOMEBODY HAS BEEN AT MY PORRIDGE!"
+
+said the Great Big Bear in his great, rough, gruff voice.
+
+Then the Middle-sized Bear looked at his porridge and saw the spoon was
+standing in it too.
+
+                "SOMEBODY HAS BEEN AT MY PORRIDGE!"
+
+said the Middle-sized Bear in his middle-sized voice.
+
+Then the Little Wee Bear looked at his, and there was the spoon in the
+porridge-bowl, but the porridge was all gone!
+
+      "SOMEBODY HAS BEEN AT MY PORRIDGE, AND HAS EATEN IT ALL UP!"
+
+said the Little Wee Bear in his little wee voice.
+
+Upon this the Three Bears, seeing that some one had entered their house,
+and eaten up the Little Wee Bear's breakfast, began to look about them.
+Now the careless Goldilocks had not put the hard cushion straight when
+she rose from the chair of the Great Big Bear.
+
+                "SOMEBODY HAS BEEN SITTING IN MY CHAIR!"
+
+said the Great Big Bear in his great, rough, gruff voice.
+
+And the careless Goldilocks had squatted down the soft cushion of the
+Middle-sized Bear.
+
+                "SOMEBODY HAS BEEN SITTING IN MY CHAIR!"
+
+said the Middle-sized Bear in his middle-sized voice.
+
+      "SOMEBODY HAS BEEN SITTING IN MY CHAIR, AND HAS SATE THE BOTTOM
+       THROUGH!"
+
+said the Little Wee Bear in his little wee voice.
+
+Then the Three Bears thought they had better make further search in case
+it was a burglar, so they went upstairs into their bedchamber. Now
+Goldilocks had pulled the pillow of the Great Big Bear out of its place.
+
+                "SOMEBODY HAS BEEN LYING IN MY BED!"
+
+said the Great Big Bear in his great, rough, gruff voice.
+
+And Goldilocks had pulled the bolster of the Middle-sized Bear out of
+its place.
+
+                "SOMEBODY HAS BEEN LYING IN MY BED!"
+
+said the Middle-sized Bear in his middle-sized voice.
+
+But when the Little Wee Bear came to look at his bed, there was the
+bolster in its place!
+
+And the pillow was in its place upon the bolster!
+
+And upon the pillow----?
+
+There was Goldilocks's yellow head--which was not in its place, for she
+had no business there.
+
+      "SOMEBODY HAS BEEN LYING IN MY BED,--AND HERE SHE IS STILL!"
+
+said the Little Wee Bear in his little wee voice.
+
+[Illustration: "Somebody has been lying in my bed,--and here she is!"]
+
+Now Goldilocks had heard in her sleep the great, rough, gruff voice of
+the Great Big Bear; but she was so fast asleep that it was no more to
+her than the roaring of wind, or the rumbling of thunder. And she had
+heard the middle-sized voice of the Middle-sized Bear, but it was only
+as if she had heard some one speaking in a dream. But when she heard the
+little wee voice of the Little Wee Bear, it was so sharp, and so shrill,
+that it awakened her at once. Up she started, and when she saw the Three
+Bears on one side of the bed, she tumbled herself out at the other, and
+ran to the window. Now the window was open, because the Bears, like
+good, tidy Bears, as they were, always opened their bedchamber window
+when they got up in the morning. So naughty, frightened little
+Goldilocks jumped; and whether she broke her neck in the fall, or ran
+into the wood and was lost there, or found her way out of the wood and
+got whipped for being a bad girl and playing truant, no one can say. But
+the Three Bears never saw anything more of her.
+
+[Illustration: "Somebody has been at my porridge, and has eaten it all
+up!"]
+
+
+
+
+TOM-TIT-TOT
+
+
+Once upon a time there was a woman and she baked five pies. But when
+they came out of the oven they were over-baked, and the crust was far
+too hard to eat. So she said to her daughter:
+
+"Daughter," says she, "put them pies on to the shelf and leave 'em there
+awhile. Surely they'll come again in time."
+
+By that, you know, she meant that they would become softer; but her
+daughter said to herself, "If Mother says the pies will come again, why
+shouldn't I eat these now?" So, having good, young teeth, she set to
+work and ate the lot, first and last.
+
+Now when supper-time came the woman said to her daughter, "Go you and
+get one of the pies. They are sure to have come again by now."
+
+Then the girl went and looked, but of course there was nothing but the
+empty dishes.
+
+So back she came and said, "No, Mother, they ain't come again."
+
+"Not one o' them?" asked the mother, taken aback like.
+
+"Not one o' them," says the daughter, quite confident.
+
+"Well," says the mother, "come again, or not come again, I will have one
+of them pies for my supper."
+
+"But you can't," says the daughter. "How can you if they ain't come? And
+they ain't, as sure's sure."
+
+"But I can," says the mother, getting angry. "Go you at once, child, and
+bring me the best on them. My teeth must just tackle it."
+
+"Best or worst is all one," answered the daughter, quite sulky, "for
+I've ate the lot, so you can't have one till it comes again--so there!"
+
+Well, the mother she bounced up to see; but half an eye told her there
+was nothing save the empty dishes; so she was dished up herself and done
+for.
+
+So, having no supper, she sate her down on the doorstep, and, bringing
+out her distaff, began to spin. And as she span she sang:
+
+  "My daughter ha' ate five pies to-day,
+   My daughter ha' ate five pies to-day,
+   My daughter ha' ate five pies to-day,"
+
+for, see you, she was quite flabbergasted and fair astonished.
+
+Now the King of that country happened to be coming down the street, and
+he heard the song going on and on, but could not quite make out the
+words. So he stopped his horse, and asked:
+
+"What is that you are singing, my good woman?"
+
+[Illustration: "What is that you are singing, my good woman?"]
+
+Now the mother, though horrified at her daughter's appetite, did not
+want other folk, leastwise the King, to know about it, so she sang
+instead:
+
+  "My daughter ha' spun five skeins to-day,
+   My daughter ha' spun five skeins to-day,
+   My daughter ha' spun five skeins to-day."
+
+"Five skeins!" cried the King. "By my garter and my crown, I never heard
+tell of any one who could do that! Look you here, I have been searching
+for a maiden to wife, and your daughter who can spin five skeins a day
+is the very one for me. Only, mind you, though for eleven months of the
+year she shall be Queen indeed, and have all she likes to eat, all the
+gowns she likes to get, all the company she likes to keep, and
+everything her heart desires, in the twelfth month she must set to work
+and spin five skeins a day, and if she does not she must die. Come! is
+it a bargain?"
+
+So the mother agreed. She thought what a grand marriage it was for her
+daughter. And as for the five skeins? Time enough to bother about them
+when the year came round. There was many a slip between cup and lip,
+and, likely as not, the King would have forgotten all about it by then.
+
+Anyhow, her daughter would be Queen for eleven months. So they were
+married, and for eleven months the bride was happy as happy could be.
+She had everything she liked to eat, and all the gowns she liked to get,
+all the company she cared to keep, and everything her heart desired. And
+her husband the King was kind as kind could be. But in the tenth month
+she began to think of those five skeins and wonder if the King
+remembered. And in the eleventh month she began to dream about them as
+well. But ne'er a word did the King, her husband, say about them; so she
+hoped he had forgotten.
+
+But on the very last day of the eleventh month, the King, her husband,
+led her into a room she had never set eyes on before. It had one window,
+and there was nothing in it but a stool and a spinning-wheel.
+
+"Now, my dear," he said quite kind like, "you will be shut in here
+to-morrow morning with some victuals and some flax, and if by evening
+you have not spun five skeins, your head will come off."
+
+Well she was fair frightened, for she had always been such a gatless
+thoughtless girl that she had never learnt to spin at all. So what she
+was to do on the morrow she could not tell; for, see you, she had no one
+to help her; for, of course, now she was Queen, her mother didn't live
+nigh her. So she just locked the door of her room, sat down on a stool,
+and cried and cried and cried until her pretty eyes were all red.
+
+Now as she sate sobbing and crying she heard a queer little noise at the
+bottom of the door. At first she thought it was a mouse. Then she
+thought it must be something knocking.
+
+So she upped and opened the door and what did she see? Why! a small,
+little, black Thing with a long tail that whisked round and round ever
+so fast.
+
+"What are you crying for?" said that Thing, making a bow, and twirling
+its tail so fast that she could scarcely see it.
+
+"What's that to you?" said she, shrinking a bit, for that Thing was very
+queer like.
+
+"Don't look at my tail if you're frightened," says That, smirking. "Look
+at my toes. Ain't they beautiful?"
+
+And sure enough That had on buckled shoes with high heels and big bows,
+ever so smart.
+
+[Illustration: A small, little, black Thing with a long tail]
+
+So she kind of forgot about the tail, and wasn't so frightened, and
+when That asked her again why she was crying, she upped and said, "It
+won't do no good if I do."
+
+"You don't know that," says That, twirling its tail faster and faster,
+and sticking out its toes. "Come, tell me, there's a good girl."
+
+"Well," says she, "it can't do any harm if it doesn't do good." So she
+dried her pretty eyes and told That all about the pies, and the skeins,
+and everything from first to last.
+
+And then that little, black Thing nearly burst with laughing. "If that
+is all, it's easy mended!" it says. "I'll come to your window every
+morning, take the flax, and bring it back spun into five skeins at
+night. Come! shall it be a bargain?"
+
+Now she, for all she was so gatless and thoughtless, said, cautious
+like:
+
+"But what is your pay?"
+
+Then That twirled its tail so fast you couldn't see it, and stuck out
+its beautiful toes, and smirked and looked out of the corners of its
+eyes. "I will give you three guesses every night to guess my name, and
+if you haven't guessed it before the month is up, why"--and That twirled
+its tail faster and stuck out its toes further, and smirked and
+sniggered more than ever--"you shall be mine, my beauty."
+
+Three guesses every night for a whole month! She felt sure she would be
+able for so much; and there was no other way out of the business, so she
+just said, "Yes! I agree!"
+
+And lor! how That twirled its tail, and bowed, and smirked, and stuck
+out its beautiful toes.
+
+Well, the very next day her husband led her to the strange room again,
+and there was the day's food, and a spinning-wheel and a great bundle of
+flax.
+
+"There you are, my dear," says he as polite as polite. "And remember! if
+there are not five whole skeins to-night, I fear your head will come
+off!"
+
+At that she began to tremble, and after he had gone away and locked the
+door, she was just thinking of a good cry, when she heard a queer
+knocking at the window. She upped at once and opened it, and sure enough
+there was the small, little, black Thing sitting on the window-ledge,
+dangling its beautiful toes and twirling its tail so that you could
+scarcely see it.
+
+"Good-morning, my beauty," says That. "Come! hand over the flax, sharp,
+there's a good girl."
+
+So she gave That the flax and shut the window and, you may be sure, ate
+her victuals, for, as you know, she had a good appetite, and the King,
+her husband, had promised to give her everything she liked to eat. So
+she ate to her heart's content, and when evening came and she heard that
+queer knocking at the window again, she upped and opened it, and there
+was the small, little, black Thing with five spun skeins on his arm!
+
+And it twirled its tail faster than ever, and stuck out its beautiful
+toes, and bowed and smirked and gave her the five skeins.
+
+Then That said, "And now, my beauty, what is That's name?"
+
+And she answered quite easy like:
+
+"That is Bill."
+
+"No, it ain't," says That, and twirled its tail.
+
+"Then That is Ned," says she.
+
+"No, it ain't," says That, and twirled its tail faster.
+
+"Well," says she a bit more thoughtful, "That is Mark."
+
+"No, it ain't," says That, and laughs and laughs and laughs, and twirls
+its tail so as you couldn't see it, as away it flew.
+
+Well, when the King, her husband, came in, he was fine and pleased to
+see the five skeins all ready for him, for he was fond of his pretty
+wife.
+
+"I shall not have to order your head off, my dear," says he. "And I hope
+all the other days will pass as happily." Then he said good-night and
+locked the door and left her.
+
+But next morning they brought her fresh flax and even more delicious
+foods. And the small, little, black Thing came knocking at the window
+and stuck out its beautiful toes and twirled its tail faster and faster,
+and took away the bundle of flax and brought it back all spun into five
+skeins by evening.
+
+Then That made her guess three times what That's name was; but she could
+not guess right, and That laughed and laughed and laughed as it flew
+away.
+
+Now every morning and evening the same thing happened, and every evening
+she had her three guesses; but she never guessed right. And every day
+the small, little, black Thing laughed louder and louder and smirked
+more and more, and looked at her quite maliceful out of the corners of
+its eyes until she began to get frightened, and instead of eating all
+the fine foods left for her, spent the day in trying to think of names
+to say. But she never hit upon the right one.
+
+So it came to the last day of the month but one, and when the small,
+little, black Thing arrived in the evening with the five skeins of flax
+all ready spun, it could hardly say for smirking:
+
+"Ain't you got That's name yet?"
+
+So says she--for she had been reading her Bible:
+
+"Is That Nicodemus?"
+
+"No, it ain't," says That, and twirled its tail faster than you could
+see.
+
+"Is That Samuel?" says she all of a flutter.
+
+"No, it ain't, my beauty," chuckles That, looking maliceful.
+
+"Well--is That Methuselah?" says she, inclined to cry.
+
+Then That just fixes her with eyes like a coal a-fire, and says, "No, it
+ain't that neither, so there is only to-morrow night and then you'll be
+mine, my beauty."
+
+And away the small, little, black Thing flew, its tail twirling and
+whisking so fast that you couldn't see it.
+
+Well, she felt so bad she couldn't even cry; but she heard the King, her
+husband, coming to the door, so she made bold to be cheerful, and tried
+to smile when he said, "Well done, wife! Five skeins again! I shall not
+have to order your head off after all, my dear, of that I'm quite sure,
+so let us enjoy ourselves." Then he bade the servants bring supper, and
+a stool for him to sit beside his Queen, and down they sat, lover-like,
+side by side.
+
+But the poor Queen could eat nothing; she could not forget the small,
+little, black Thing. And the King hadn't eaten but a mouthful or two
+when he began to laugh, and he laughed so long and so loud that at last
+the poor Queen, all lackadaisical as she was, said:
+
+"Why do you laugh so?"
+
+"At something I saw to-day, my love," says the King. "I was out
+a-hunting, and by chance I came to a place I'd never been in before. It
+was in a wood, and there was an old chalk-pit there, and out of the
+chalk-pit there came a queer kind of a sort of a humming, humming noise.
+So I got off my hobby to see what made it, and went quite quiet to the
+edge of the pit and looked down. And what do you think I saw? The
+funniest, queerest, smallest, little, black Thing you ever set eyes
+upon. And it had a little spinning-wheel and it was spinning away for
+dear life, but the wheel didn't go so fast as its tail, and that span
+round and round--_ho-ho-ha-ha!_--you never saw the like. And its little
+feet had buckled shoes and bows on them, and they went up and down in a
+desperate hurry. And all the time that small, little, black Thing kept
+bumming and booming away at these words:
+
+  "Name me, name me not,
+   Who'll guess it's Tom-Tit-Tot."
+
+Well, when she heard these words the Queen nearly jumped out of her
+skin for joy; but she managed to say nothing, but ate her supper quite
+comfortably.
+
+And she said no word when next morning the small, little, black Thing
+came for the flax, though it looked so gleeful and maliceful that she
+could hardly help laughing, knowing she had got the better of it. And
+when night came and she heard that knocking against the window-panes,
+she put on a wry face, and opened the window slowly as if she was
+afraid. But that Thing was as bold as brass and came right inside,
+grinning from ear to ear. And oh, my goodness! how That's tail was
+twirling and whisking!
+
+"Well, my beauty," says That, giving her the five skeins all ready spun,
+"what's my name?"
+
+Then she put down her lip, and says, tearful like,
+"Is--is--That--Solomon?"
+
+"No, it ain't," laughs That, smirking out of the corner of That's eye.
+And the small, little, black Thing came further into the room.
+
+So she tried again--and this time she seemed hardly able to speak for
+fright.
+
+"Well--is That--Zebedee?" she says.
+
+"No, it ain't," cried the impet, full of glee. And it came quite close
+and stretched out its little black hands to her, and O-oh, ITS
+TAIL...!!!
+
+"Take time, my beauty," says That, sort of jeering like, and its small,
+little, black eyes seemed to eat her up. "Take time! Remember! next
+guess and you're mine!" Well, she backed just a wee bit from it, for it
+was just horrible to look at; but then she laughed out and pointed her
+finger at it and said, says she:
+
+          "Name me, name me not,
+          _Your_ name is
+               _Tom_
+                TIT
+               _TOT_."
+
+And you never heard such a shriek as that small, little, black Thing
+gave out. Its tail dropped down straight, its feet all crumpled up, and
+away That flew into the dark, and she never saw it no more.
+
+And she lived happy ever after with her husband, the King.
+
+[Illustration: Away That flew into the dark, and she never saw it no
+more]
+
+
+
+
+THE GOLDEN SNUFF-BOX
+
+
+Once upon a time, and a very good time too, though it was not in my
+time, nor your time, nor for the matter of that in any one's time, there
+lived a man and a woman who had one son called Jack, and he was just
+terribly fond of reading books. He read, and he read, and then, because
+his parents lived in a lonely house in a lonely forest and he never saw
+any other folk but his father and his mother, he became quite crazy to
+go out into the world and see charming princesses and the like.
+
+So one day he told his mother he must be off, and she called him an
+air-brained addle-pate, but added that, as he was no use at home, he had
+better go seek his fortune. Then she asked him if he would rather take a
+small cake with her blessing to eat on his journey, or a large cake with
+her curse? Now Jack was a very hungry lad, so he just up and said:
+
+"A big cake, if you please, 'm."
+
+So his mother made a great big cake, and when he started she just off to
+the top of the house and cast malisons on him, till he got out of
+sight. You see she had to do it, but after that she sate down and cried.
+
+Well, Jack hadn't gone far till he came to a field where his father was
+ploughing. Now the goodman was dreadfully put out when he found his son
+was going away, and still more so when he heard he had chosen his
+mother's malison. So he cast about what to do to put things straight,
+and at last he drew out of his pocket a little golden snuff-box, and
+gave it to the lad, saying:
+
+"If ever you are in danger of sudden death you may open the box; but not
+till then. It has been in our family for years and years; but, as we
+have lived, father and son, quietly in the forest, none of us have ever
+been in need of help--perhaps you may."
+
+So Jack pocketed the golden snuff-box and went on his way.
+
+Now, after a time, he grew very tired, and very hungry, for he had eaten
+his big cake first thing, and night closed in on him so that he could
+scarce see his way.
+
+But at last he came to a large house and begged board and lodging at the
+back door. Now Jack was a good-looking young fellow, so the maid-servant
+at once called him in to the fireside and gave him plenty good meat and
+bread and beer. And it so happened that while he was eating his supper
+the master's gay young daughter came into the kitchen and saw him. So
+she went to her father and said that there was the prettiest young
+fellow she had ever seen in the back kitchen, and that if her father
+loved her he would give the young man some employment. Now the
+gentleman of the house was exceedingly fond of his gay young daughter,
+and did not want to vex her; so he went into the back kitchen and
+questioned Jack as to what he could do.
+
+"Anything," said Jack gaily, meaning, of course, that he could do any
+foolish bit of work about a house.
+
+But the gentleman saw a way of pleasing his gay young daughter and
+getting rid of the trouble of employing Jack; so he laughs and says, "If
+you can do anything, my good lad," says he, "you had better do this. By
+eight o'clock to-morrow morning you must have dug a lake four miles
+round in front of my mansion, and on it there must be floating a whole
+fleet of vessels. And they must range up in front of my mansion and fire
+a salute of guns. And the very last shot must break the leg of the
+four-post bed on which my daughter sleeps, for she is always late of a
+morning!"
+
+Well! Jack was terribly flabbergasted, but he faltered out:
+
+"And if I don't do it?"
+
+"Then," said the master of the house quite calmly, "your life will be
+the forfeit."
+
+So he bade the servants take Jack to a turret-room and lock the door on
+him.
+
+Well! Jack sate on the side of his bed and tried to think things out,
+but he felt as if he didn't know _b_ from a battledore, so he decided to
+think no more, and after saying his prayers he lay down and went to
+sleep. And he did sleep! When he woke it was close on eight o'clock,
+and he had only time to fly to the window and look out, when the great
+clock on the tower began to whirr before it struck the hour. And there
+was the lawn in front of the house all set with beds of roses and stocks
+and marigolds! Well! all of a sudden he remembered the little golden
+snuff-box.
+
+"I'm near enough to death," quoth he to himself, as he drew it out and
+opened it.
+
+And no sooner had he opened it than out hopped three funny little red
+men in red night-caps, rubbing their eyes and yawning; for, see you,
+they had been locked up in the box for years, and years, and years.
+
+"What do you want, Master?" they said between their yawns. But Jack
+heard that clock a-whirring and knew he hadn't a moment to lose, so he
+just gabbled off his orders. Then the clock began to strike, and the
+little men flew out of the window, and suddenly
+
+              Bang! bang! bang! bang! bang! bang!
+
+went the guns, and the last one must have broken the leg of the
+four-post bed, for there at the window was the gay young daughter in her
+nightcap, gazing with astonishment at the lake four miles round, with
+the fleet of vessels floating on it!
+
+And so did Jack! He had never seen such a sight in his life, and he was
+quite sorry when the three little red men disturbed him by flying in at
+the window and scrambling into the golden snuff-box.
+
+"Give us a little more time when you want us next, Master," they said
+sulkily. Then they shut down the lid, and Jack could hear them yawning
+inside as they settled down to sleep.
+
+As you may imagine, the master of the house was fair astonished, while
+as for the gay young daughter, she declared at once that she would never
+marry any one else but the young man who could do such wonderful things;
+the truth being that she and Jack had fallen in love with each other at
+first sight.
+
+But her father was cautious. "It is true, my dear," says he, "that the
+young fellow seems a bully boy; but for aught we know it may be chance,
+not skill, and he may have a broken feather in his wing. So we must try
+him again."
+
+Then he said to Jack, "My daughter must have a fine house to live in.
+Therefore by to-morrow morning at eight o'clock there must be a
+magnificent castle standing on twelve golden pillars in the middle of
+the lake, and there must be a church beside it. And all things must be
+ready for the bride, and at eight o'clock precisely a peal of bells from
+the church must ring out for the wedding. If not you will have to
+forfeit your life."
+
+This time Jack intended to give the three little red men more time for
+their task; but what with having enjoyed himself so much all day, and
+having eaten so much good food, he overslept himself, so that the big
+clock on the tower was whirring before it struck eight when he woke,
+leapt out of bed, and rushed to the golden snuff-box. But he had
+forgotten where he had put it, and so the clock had _really_ begun to
+strike before he found it under his pillow, opened it, and gabbled out
+his orders. And then you never saw how the three little red men tumbled
+over each other and yawned and stretched and made haste all at one time,
+so that Jack thought his life would surely be forfeit. But just as the
+clock struck its last chime, out rang a peal of merry bells, and there
+was the Castle standing on twelve golden pillars and a church beside it
+in the middle of the lake. And the Castle was all decorated for the
+wedding, and there were crowds and crowds of servants and retainers, all
+dressed in their Sunday best.
+
+Never had Jack seen such a sight before; neither had the gay young
+daughter who, of course, was looking out of the next window in her
+nightcap. And she looked so pretty and so gay that Jack felt quite cross
+when he had to step back to let the three little red men fly to their
+golden snuff-box. But they were far crosser than he was, and mumbled and
+grumbled at the hustle, so that Jack was quite glad when they shut the
+box down and began to snore.
+
+Well, of course, Jack and the gay young daughter were married, and were
+as happy as the day is long; and Jack had fine clothes to wear, fine
+food to eat, fine servants to wait on him, and as many fine friends as
+he liked.
+
+So he was in luck; but he had yet to learn that a mother's malison is
+sure to bring misfortune some time or another.
+
+Thus it happened that one day when he was going a-hunting with all the
+ladies and gentlemen, Jack forgot to change the golden snuff-box (which
+he always carried about with him for fear of accidents) from his
+waistcoat pocket to that of his scarlet hunting-coat; so he left it
+behind him. And what should happen but that the servant let it fall on
+the ground when he was folding up the clothes, and the snuff-box flew
+open and out popped the three little red men yawning and stretching.
+
+Well! when they found out that they hadn't really been summoned, and
+that there was no fear of death, they were in a towering temper and said
+they had a great mind to fly away with the Castle, golden pillars and
+all.
+
+On hearing this the servant pricked up his ears.
+
+"Could you do that?" he asked.
+
+"Could we?" they said, and they laughed loud. "Why, we can do anything."
+
+Then the servant said ever so sharp, "Then move me this Castle and all
+it contains right away over the sea where the master can't disturb us."
+
+Now the little red men need not really have obeyed the order, but they
+were so cross with Jack that hardly had the servant said the words
+before the task was done; so when the hunting-party came back, lo and
+behold! the Castle, and the church, and the golden pillars had all
+disappeared!
+
+At first all the rest set upon Jack for being a knave and a cheat; and,
+in particular, his wife's father threatened to have at him for deceiving
+the gay young daughter; but at last he agreed to let Jack have twelve
+months and a day to find the Castle and bring it back.
+
+So off Jack starts on a good horse with some money in his pocket.
+
+And he travelled far and he travelled fast, and he travelled east and
+west, north and south, over hills, and dales, and valleys, and
+mountains, and woods, and sheepwalks, but never a sign of the missing
+castle did he see. Now at last he came to the palace of the King of all
+the Mice in the Wide World. And there was a little mousie in a fine
+hauberk and a steel cap doing sentry at the front gate, and he was not
+for letting Jack in until he had told his errand. And when Jack had told
+it, he passed him on to the next mouse sentry at the inner gate; so by
+degrees he reached the King's chamber, where he sate surrounded by mice
+courtiers.
+
+Now the King of the Mice received Jack very graciously, and said that he
+himself knew nothing of the missing Castle, but, as he was King of all
+the Mice in the whole world, it was possible that some of his subjects
+might know more than he. So he ordered his chamberlain to command a
+Grand Assembly for the next morning, and in the meantime he entertained
+Jack right royally.
+
+But the next morning, though there were brown mice, and black mice, and
+grey mice, and white mice, and piebald mice, from all parts of the
+world, they all answered with one breath:
+
+"If it please your Majesty, we have not seen the missing Castle."
+
+Then the King said, "You must go and ask my elder brother the King of
+all the Frogs. He may be able to tell you. Leave your horse here and
+take one of mine. It knows the way and will carry you safe."
+
+So Jack set off on the King's horse, and as he passed the outer gate he
+saw the little mouse sentry coming away, for its guard was up. Now Jack
+was a kind-hearted lad, and he had saved some crumbs from his dinner in
+order to recompense the little sentry for his kindness. So he put his
+hand in his pocket and pulled out the crumbs.
+
+"Here you are, mousekin," he said. "That's for your trouble!"
+
+Then the mouse thanked him kindly and asked if he would take him along
+to the King of the Frogs.
+
+"Not I," says Jack. "I should get into trouble with your King."
+
+But the mousekin insisted. "I may be of some use to you," it said. So it
+ran up the horse's hind leg and up by its tail and hid in Jack's pocket.
+And the horse set off at a hard gallop, for it didn't half like the
+mouse running over it.
+
+So at last Jack came to the palace of the King of all the Frogs, and
+there at the front gate was a frog doing sentry in a fine coat of mail
+and a brass helmet. And the frog sentry was for not letting Jack in; but
+the mouse called out that they came from the King of all the Mice and
+must be let in without delay. So they were taken to the King's chamber,
+where he sate surrounded by frog courtiers in fine clothes; but alas!
+he had heard nothing of the Castle on golden pillars, and though he
+summoned all the frogs of all the world to a Grand Assembly next
+morning, they all answered his question with:
+
+  "_Kro kro, Kro kro_"
+
+which every one knows stands for "No" in frog language.
+
+So the King said to Jack, "There remains but one thing. You must go and
+ask my eldest brother, the King of all the Birds. His subjects are
+always on the wing, so mayhap they have seen something. Leave the horse
+you are riding here, and take one of mine. It knows the way, and will
+carry you safe."
+
+So Jack set off, and being a kind-hearted lad he gave the frog sentry,
+whom he met coming away from his guard, some crumbs he had saved from
+his dinner. And the frog asked leave to go with him, and when Jack
+refused to take him he just gave one hop on to the stirrup, and a second
+hop on to the crupper, and the next hop he was in Jack's other pocket.
+
+Then the horse galloped away like lightning, for it didn't like the
+slimy frog coming down "plop" on its back.
+
+Well, after a time, Jack came to the palace of the King of all the
+Birds, and there at the front gate were a sparrow and a crow marching up
+and down with matchlocks on their shoulders. Now at this Jack laughed
+fit to split, and the mouse and the frog from his pockets called out:
+
+"We come from the King! Sirrahs! Let us pass."
+
+So that the sentries were right mazed, and let them pass in without more
+ado.
+
+But when they came to the King's chamber, where he sate surrounded by
+all manner of birds, tomtits, wrens, cormorants, turtle-doves, and the
+like, the King said he was sorry, but he had no news of the missing
+Castle. And though he summoned all the birds of all the world to a Grand
+Assembly next morning, not one of them had seen or heard tell of it.
+
+So Jack was quite disconsolate till the King said, "But where is the
+eagle? I don't see my eagle."
+
+Then the Chamberlain--he was a tomtit--stepped forward with a bow and
+said:
+
+"May it please your Majesty he is late."
+
+"Late?" says the King in a fume. "Summon him at once."
+
+So two larks flew up into the sky till they couldn't be seen and sang
+ever so loud, till at last the eagle appeared all in a perspiration from
+having flown so fast.
+
+Then the King said, "Sirrah! Have you seen a missing Castle that stands
+upon twelve pillars of gold?"
+
+And the eagle blinked its eyes and said, "May it please your Majesty
+that is where I've been."
+
+Then everybody rejoiced exceedingly, and when the eagle had eaten a
+whole calf so as to be strong enough for the journey, he spread his wide
+wings, on which Jack stood, with the mouse in one pocket and the frog in
+the other, and started to obey the King's order to take the owner back
+to his missing Castle as quickly as possible.
+
+And they flew over land and they flew over sea, until at last in the far
+distance they saw the Castle standing on its twelve golden pillars. But
+all the doors and windows were fast shut and barred, for, see you, the
+servant-master who had run away with it had gone out for the day
+a-hunting, and he always bolted doors and windows while he was absent
+lest some one else should run away with it.
+
+Then Jack was puzzled to think how he should get hold of the golden
+snuff-box, until the little mouse said:
+
+"Let me fetch it. There is always a mouse-hole in every castle, so I am
+sure I shall be able to get in."
+
+So it went off, and Jack waited on the eagle's wings in a fume; till at
+last mousekin appeared.
+
+"Have you got it?" shouted Jack, and the little mousie cried:
+
+                             "Yes!"
+
+So every one rejoiced exceedingly, and they set off back to the palace
+of the King of all the Birds, where Jack had left his horse; for now
+that he had the golden snuff-box safe he knew he could get the Castle
+back whenever he chose to send the three little red men to fetch it. But
+on the way over the sea, while Jack, who was dead tired with standing so
+long, lay down between the eagle's wings and fell asleep, the mouse and
+the eagle fell to quarrelling as to which of them had helped Jack the
+most, and they quarrelled so much that at last they laid the case before
+the frog. Then the frog, who made a very wise judge, said he must see
+the whole affair from the very beginning; so the mouse brought out the
+golden snuff-box from Jack's pocket, and began to relate where it had
+been found and all about it. Now, at that very moment Jack awoke, kicked
+out his leg, and plump went the golden snuff-box down to the very bottom
+of the sea!
+
+"I thought my turn would come," said the frog, and went plump in after
+it.
+
+Well, they waited, and waited, and waited for three whole days and three
+whole nights; but froggie never came up again, and they had just given
+him up in despair when his nose showed above the water.
+
+"Have you got it?" they shouted.
+
+"No!" says he, with a great gasp.
+
+"Then what do you want?" they cried in a rage.
+
+"My breath," says froggie, and with that he sinks down again.
+
+Well, they waited two days and two nights more, and at last up comes the
+little frog with the golden snuff-box in its mouth.
+
+Then they all rejoiced exceedingly, and the eagle flew ever so fast to
+the palace of the King of the Birds.
+
+But alas and alack-a-day! Jack's troubles were not ended; his mother's
+malison was still bringing him ill-luck, for the King of the Birds flew
+into a fearsome rage because Jack had not brought the Castle of the
+golden pillars back with him. And he said that unless he saw it by eight
+o'clock next morning Jack's head should come off as a cheat and a liar.
+
+Then Jack being close to death opened the golden snuff-box, and out
+tumbled the three little red men in their three little red caps. They
+had recovered their tempers and were quite glad to be back with a master
+who knew that they would only, as a rule, work under fear of death; for,
+see you, the servant-master had been for ever disturbing their sleep
+with opening the box to no purpose.
+
+So before the clock struck eight next morning, there was the Castle on
+its twelve golden pillars, and the King of the Birds was fine and
+pleased, and let Jack take his horse and ride to the palace of the King
+of the Frogs. But there exactly the same thing happened, and poor Jack
+had to open the snuff-box again and order the Castle to come to the
+palace of the King of the Frogs. At this the little red men were a wee
+bit cross; but they said they supposed it could not be helped; so,
+though they yawned, they brought the Castle all right, and Jack was
+allowed to take his horse and go to the palace of the King of all the
+Mice in the World. But here the same thing happened, and the little red
+men tumbled out of the golden snuff-box in a real rage, and said fellows
+might as well have no sleep at all! However, they did as they were
+bidden; they brought the Castle of the golden pillars from the palace of
+the King of the Frogs to the palace of the King of the Birds, and Jack
+was allowed to take his own horse and ride home.
+
+[Illustration: They brought the Castle of the golden pillars]
+
+But the year and a day which he had been allowed was almost gone, and
+even his gay young wife, after almost weeping her eyes out after her
+handsome young husband, had given up Jack for lost; so every one was
+astounded to see him, and not over-pleased either to see him come
+without his Castle. Indeed his father-in-law swore with many oaths that
+if it were not in its proper place by eight o'clock next morning Jack's
+life should be forfeit.
+
+Now this, of course, was exactly what Jack had wanted and intended from
+the beginning; because when death was nigh he could open the golden
+snuff-box and order about the little red men. But he had opened it so
+often of late and they had become so cross that he was in a stew what to
+do; whether to give them time to show their temper, or to hustle them
+out of it. At last he decided to do half and half. So just as the hands
+of the clock were at five minutes to eight he opened the box, and
+stopped his ears!
+
+Well! you never heard such a yawning, and scolding, and threatening, and
+blustering. What did he mean by it? Why should he take four bites at one
+cherry? If he was always in fear of death why didn't he die and have
+done with it?
+
+In the midst of all this the tower clock began to whirr--
+
+"Gentlemen!" says Jack--he was really quaking with fear--"do as you are
+told."
+
+"For the last time," they shrieked. "We won't stay and serve a master
+who thinks he is going to die every day."
+
+And with that they flew out of the window.
+
+                    _AND THEY NEVER CAME BACK._
+
+The golden snuff-box remained empty for evermore.
+
+But when Jack looked out of window there was the Castle in the middle of
+the lake on its twelve golden pillars, and there was his young wife ever
+so pretty and gay in her nightcap looking out of the window too.
+
+So they lived happily ever after.
+
+
+
+
+TATTERCOATS
+
+
+In a great Palace by the sea there once dwelt a very rich old lord, who
+had neither wife nor children living, only one little granddaughter,
+whose face he had never seen in all her life. He hated her bitterly,
+because at her birth his favourite daughter died; and when the old nurse
+brought him the baby he swore that it might live or die as it liked, but
+he would never look on its face as long as it lived.
+
+So he turned his back, and sat by his window looking out over the sea,
+and weeping great tears for his lost daughter, till his white hair and
+beard grew down over his shoulders and twined round his chair and crept
+into the chinks of the floor, and his tears, dropping on to the
+window-ledge, wore a channel through the stone, and ran away in a little
+river to the great sea. Meanwhile, his granddaughter grew up with no one
+to care for her, or clothe her; only the old nurse, when no one was by,
+would sometimes give her a dish of scraps from the kitchen, or a torn
+petticoat from the rag-bag; while the other servants of the palace would
+drive her from the house with blows and mocking words, calling her
+"Tattercoats," and pointing to her bare feet and shoulders, till she ran
+away, crying, to hide among the bushes.
+
+So she grew up, with little to eat or to wear, spending her days out of
+doors, her only companion a crippled gooseherd, who fed his flock of
+geese on the common. And this gooseherd was a queer, merry little chap,
+and when she was hungry, or cold, or tired, he would play to her so
+gaily on his little pipe, that she forgot all her troubles, and would
+fall to dancing with his flock of noisy geese for partners.
+
+Now one day people told each other that the King was travelling through
+the land, and was to give a great ball to all the lords and ladies of
+the country in the town near by, and that the Prince, his only son, was
+to choose a wife from amongst the maidens in the company. In due time
+one of the royal invitations to the ball was brought to the Palace by
+the sea, and the servants carried it up to the old lord, who still sat
+by his window, wrapped in his long white hair and weeping into the
+little river that was fed by his tears.
+
+But when he heard the King's command, he dried his eyes and bade them
+bring shears to cut him loose, for his hair had bound him a fast
+prisoner, and he could not move. And then he sent them for rich clothes,
+and jewels, which he put on; and he ordered them to saddle the white
+horse, with gold and silk, that he might ride to meet the King; but he
+quite forgot he had a granddaughter to take to the ball.
+
+Meanwhile Tattercoats sat by the kitchen-door weeping, because she could
+not go to see the grand doings. And when the old nurse heard her crying
+she went to the Lord of the Palace, and begged him to take his
+granddaughter with him to the King's ball.
+
+But he only frowned and told her to be silent; while the servants
+laughed and said, "Tattercoats is happy in her rags, playing with the
+gooseherd! Let her be--it is all she is fit for."
+
+A second, and then a third time, the old nurse begged him to let the
+girl go with him, but she was answered only by black looks and fierce
+words, till she was driven from the room by the jeering servants, with
+blows and mocking words.
+
+Weeping over her ill-success, the old nurse went to look for
+Tattercoats; but the girl had been turned from the door by the cook, and
+had run away to tell her friend the gooseherd how unhappy she was
+because she could not go to the King's ball.
+
+Now when the gooseherd had listened to her story, he bade her cheer up,
+and proposed that they should go together into the town to see the King,
+and all the fine things; and when she looked sorrowfully down at her
+rags and bare feet he played a note or two upon his pipe, so gay and
+merry, that she forgot all about her tears and her troubles, and before
+she well knew, the gooseherd had taken her by the hand, and she and he,
+and the geese before them, were dancing down the road towards the town.
+
+"Even cripples can dance when they choose," said the gooseherd.
+
+Before they had gone very far a handsome young man, splendidly dressed,
+riding up, stopped to ask the way to the castle where the King was
+staying, and when he found that they too were going thither, he got off
+his horse and walked beside them along the road.
+
+"You seem merry folk," he said, "and will be good company."
+
+"Good company, indeed," said the gooseherd, and played a new tune that
+was not a dance.
+
+It was a curious tune, and it made the strange young man stare and stare
+and stare at Tattercoats till he couldn't see her rags--till he
+couldn't, to tell the truth, see anything but her beautiful face.
+
+Then he said, "You are the most beautiful maiden in the world. Will you
+marry me?"
+
+Then the gooseherd smiled to himself, and played sweeter than ever.
+
+But Tattercoats laughed. "Not I," said she; "you would be finely put to
+shame, and so would I be, if you took a goose-girl for your wife! Go and
+ask one of the great ladies you will see to-night at the King's ball,
+and do not flout poor Tattercoats."
+
+But the more she refused him the sweeter the pipe played, and the deeper
+the young man fell in love; till at last he begged her to come that
+night at twelve to the King's ball, just as she was, with the gooseherd
+and his geese, in her torn petticoat and bare feet, and see if he
+wouldn't dance with her before the King and the lords and ladies, and
+present her to them all, as his dear and honoured bride.
+
+[Illustration: Tattercoats dancing while the gooseherd pipes]
+
+Now at first Tattercoats said she would not; but the gooseherd said,
+"Take fortune when it comes, little one."
+
+So when night came, and the hall in the castle was full of light and
+music, and the lords and ladies were dancing before the King, just as
+the clock struck twelve, Tattercoats and the gooseherd, followed by his
+flock of noisy geese, hissing and swaying their heads, entered at the
+great doors, and walked straight up the ball-room, while on either side
+the ladies whispered, the lords laughed, and the King seated at the far
+end stared in amazement.
+
+But as they came in front of the throne Tattercoats' lover rose from
+beside the King, and came to meet her. Taking her by the hand, he kissed
+her thrice before them all, and turned to the King.
+
+"Father!" he said--for it was the Prince himself--"I have made my
+choice, and here is my bride, the loveliest girl in all the land, and
+the sweetest as well!"
+
+Before he had finished speaking, the gooseherd had put his pipe to his
+lips and played a few notes that sounded like a bird singing far off in
+the woods; and as he played Tattercoats' rags were changed to shining
+robes sewn with glittering jewels, a golden crown lay upon her golden
+hair, and the flock of geese behind her became a crowd of dainty pages,
+bearing her long train.
+
+And as the King rose to greet her as his daughter the trumpets sounded
+loudly in honour of the new Princess, and the people outside in the
+street said to each other:
+
+"Ah! now the Prince has chosen for his wife the loveliest girl in all
+the land!"
+
+But the gooseherd was never seen again, and no one knew what became of
+him; while the old lord went home once more to his Palace by the sea,
+for he could not stay at Court, when he had sworn never to look on his
+granddaughter's face.
+
+So there he still sits by his window,--if you could only see him, as you
+may some day--weeping more bitterly than ever. And his white hair has
+bound him to the stones, and the river of his tears runs away to the
+great sea.
+
+
+
+
+THE THREE FEATHERS
+
+
+Once upon a time there lived a girl who was wooed and married by a man
+she never saw; for he came a-courting her after nightfall, and when they
+were married he never came home till it was dark, and always left before
+dawn.
+
+Still he was good and kind to her, giving her everything her heart could
+desire, so she was well content for a while. But, after a bit, some of
+her friends, doubtless full of envy for her good luck, began to whisper
+that the unseen husband must have something dreadful the matter with him
+which made him averse to being seen.
+
+Now from the very beginning the girl had wondered why her lover did not
+come a-courting her as other girls' lovers came, openly and by day, and
+though, at first, she paid no heed to her neighbours' nods and winks,
+she began at last to think there might be something in what they said.
+So she determined to see for herself, and one night when she heard her
+husband come into her room, she lit her candle suddenly and saw him.
+
+And, lo and behold! he was handsome as handsome; beautiful enough to
+make every woman in the world fall in love with him on the spot. But
+even as she got her glimpse of him, he changed into a big brown bird
+which looked at her with eyes full of anger and blame.
+
+"Because you have done this faithless thing," it said, "you will see me
+no more, unless for seven long years and a day you serve for me
+faithfully."
+
+And she cried with tears and sobs, "I will serve seven times seven years
+and a day if you will only come back. Tell me what I am to do."
+
+Then the bird-husband said, "I will place you in service, and there you
+must remain and do good work for seven years and a day, and you must
+listen to no man who may seek to beguile you to leave that service. If
+you do I will never return."
+
+To this the girl agreed, and the bird, spreading its broad brown wings,
+carried her to a big mansion.
+
+"Here they need a laundry-maid," said the bird-husband. "Go in, ask to
+see the mistress, and say you will do the work; but remember you must do
+it for seven years and a day."
+
+"But I cannot do it for seven days," answered the girl. "I cannot wash
+or iron."
+
+"That matters nothing," replied the bird. "All you have to do is to
+pluck three feathers from under my wing close to my heart, and these
+feathers will do your bidding whatever it may be. You will only have to
+put them on your hand, and say, 'By virtue of these three feathers from
+over my true love's heart may this be done,' and it will be done."
+
+So the girl plucked three feathers from under the bird's wing, and after
+that the bird flew away.
+
+Then the girl did as she was bidden, and the lady of the house engaged
+her for the place. And never was such a quick laundress; for, see you,
+she had only to go into the wash-house, bolt the door and close the
+shutters, so that no one should see what she was at; then she would out
+with the three feathers and say, "By virtue of these three feathers from
+over my true love's heart may the copper be lit, the clothes sorted,
+washed, boiled, dried, folded, mangled, ironed," and lo! there they came
+tumbling on to the table, clean and white, quite ready to be put away.
+So her mistress set great store by her and said there never was such a
+good laundry-maid. Thus four years passed and there was no talk of her
+leaving. But the other servants grew jealous of her, all the more so,
+because, being a very pretty girl, all the men-servants fell in love
+with her and wanted to marry her.
+
+But she would have none of them, because she was always waiting and
+longing for the day when her bird-husband would come back to her in
+man's form.
+
+Now one of the men who wanted her was the stout butler, and one day as
+he was coming back from the cider-house he chanced to stop by the
+laundry, and he heard a voice say, "By virtue of these three feathers
+from over my true love's heart may the copper be lit, the clothes
+sorted, boiled, dried, folded, mangled, and ironed."
+
+He thought this very queer, so he peeped through the keyhole. And there
+was the girl sitting at her ease in a chair, while all the clothes came
+flying to the table ready and fit to put away.
+
+Well, that night he went to the girl and said that if she turned up her
+nose at him and his proposal any longer, he would up and tell the
+mistress that her fine laundress was nothing but a witch; and then, even
+if she were not burnt alive, she would lose her place.
+
+Now the girl was in great distress what to do, since if she were not
+faithful to her bird-husband, or if she failed to serve her seven years
+and a day in one service, he would alike fail to return; so she made an
+excuse by saying she could think of no one who did not give her enough
+money to satisfy her.
+
+At this the stout butler laughed. "Money?" said he. "I have seventy
+pounds laid by with master. Won't that satisfy thee?"
+
+"Happen it would," she replied.
+
+So the very next night the butler came to her with the seventy pounds in
+golden sovereigns, and she held out her apron and took them, saying she
+was content; for she had thought of a plan. Now as they were going
+upstairs together she stopped and said:
+
+"Mr. Butler, excuse me for a minute. I have left the shutters of the
+wash-house open, and I must shut them, or they will be banging all night
+and disturb master and missus!"
+
+Now though the butler was stout and beginning to grow old, he was
+anxious to seem young and gallant; so he said at once:
+
+"Excuse me, my beauty, you shall not go. I will go and shut them. I
+shan't be a moment!"
+
+So off he set, and no sooner had he gone than she out with her three
+feathers, and putting them on her hand, said in a hurry:
+
+"By virtue of the three feathers from over my true love's heart may the
+shutters never cease banging till morning, and may Mr. Butler's hands be
+busy trying to shut them."
+
+And so it happened.
+
+Mr. Butler shut the shutters, but--bru-u-u! there they were hanging open
+again. Then he shut them once more, and this time they hit him on the
+face as they flew open. Yet he couldn't stop; he had to go on. So there
+he was the whole livelong night. Such a cursing, and banging, and
+swearing, and shutting, never was, until dawn came, and, too tired to be
+really angry, he crept back to his bed, resolving that come what might
+he would not tell what had happened to him and thus get the laugh on
+him. So he kept his own counsel, and the girl kept the seventy pounds,
+and laughed in her sleeve at her would-be lover.
+
+Now after a time the coachman, a spruce middle-aged man, who had long
+wanted to marry the clever, pretty laundry-maid, going to the pump to
+get water for his horses overheard her giving orders to the three
+feathers, and peeping through the keyhole as the butler had done, saw
+her sitting at her ease in a chair while the clothes, all washed and
+ironed and mangled, came flying to the table.
+
+So, just as the butler had done, he went to the girl and said, "I have
+you now, my pretty. Don't dare to turn up your nose at me, for if you do
+I'll tell mistress you are a witch."
+
+Then the girl said quite calmly, "I look on none who has no money."
+
+"If that is all," replied the coachman, "I have forty pounds laid by
+with master. That I'll bring and ask for payment to-morrow night."
+
+So when the night came the girl held out her apron for the money, and as
+she was going up the stairs she stopped suddenly and said, "Goody me!
+I've left my clothes on the line. Stop a bit till I fetch them in."
+
+Now the coachman was really a very polite fellow, so he said at once:
+
+"Let me go. It is a cold, windy night and you'll be catching your
+death."
+
+So off he went, and the girl out with her feathers and said:
+
+"By virtue of the three feathers from over my true love's heart may the
+clothes slash and blow about till dawn, and may Mr. Coachman not be able
+to gather them up or take his hand from the job."
+
+And when she had said this she went quietly to bed, for she knew what
+would happen. And sure enough it did. Never was such a night as Mr.
+Coachman spent with the wet clothes flittering and fluttering about his
+ears, and the sheets wrapping him into a bundle, and tripping him up,
+while the towels slashed at his legs. But though he smarted all over he
+had to go on till dawn came, and then a very weary, woebegone coachman
+couldn't even creep away to his bed, for he had to feed and water his
+horses! And he, also, kept his own counsel for fear of the laugh going
+against him; so the clever laundry-maid put the forty pounds with the
+seventy in her box, and went on with her work gaily. But after a time
+the footman, who was quite an honest lad and truly in love, going by the
+laundry peeped through the keyhole to get a glimpse of his dearest dear,
+and what should he see but her sitting at her ease in a chair, and the
+clothes coming all ready folded and ironed on to the table.
+
+Now when he saw this he was greatly troubled. So he went to his master
+and drew out all his savings; and then he went to the girl and told her
+that he would have to tell the mistress what he had seen, unless she
+consented to marry him.
+
+"You see," he said, "I have been with master this while back, and have
+saved up this bit, and you have been here this long while back and must
+have saved as well. So let us put the two together and make a home, or
+else stay on at service as pleases you."
+
+Well, she tried to put him off; but he insisted so much that at last she
+said:
+
+"James! there's a dear, run down to the cellar and fetch me a drop of
+brandy. You've made me feel so queer!" And when he had gone she out
+with her three feathers, and said, "By virtue of the three feathers from
+over my true love's heart may James not be able to pour the brandy
+straight, except down his throat."
+
+Well! so it happened. Try as he would, James could not get the brandy
+into the glass. It splashed a few drops into it, then it trickled over
+his hand, and fell on the floor. And so it went on and on till he grew
+so tired that he thought he needed a dram himself. So he tossed off the
+few drops and began again; but he fared no better. So he took another
+little drain, and went on, and on, and on, till he got quite fuddled.
+And who should come down into the cellar but his master to know what the
+smell of brandy meant!
+
+Now James the footman was truthful as well as honest, so he told the
+master how he had come down to get the sick laundry-maid a drop of
+brandy, but that his hand had shaken so that he could not pour it out,
+and it had fallen on the ground, and that the smell of it had got to his
+head.
+
+"A likely tale," said the master, and beat James soundly.
+
+Then the master went to the mistress, his wife, and said: "Send away
+that laundry-maid of yours. Something has come over my men. They have
+all drawn out their savings as if they were going to be married, yet
+they don't leave, and I believe that girl is at the bottom of it."
+
+But his wife would not hear of the laundry-maid being blamed; she was
+the best servant in the house, and worth all the rest of them put
+together; it was his men who were at fault. So they quarrelled over it;
+but in the end the master gave in, and after this there was peace, since
+the mistress bade the girl keep herself to herself, and none of the men
+would say ought of what had happened for fear of the laughter of the
+other servants.
+
+So it went on until one day when the master was going a-driving, the
+coach was at the door, and the footman was standing to hold the coach
+open, and the butler on the steps all ready, when who should pass
+through the yard, so saucy and bright with a great basket of clean
+clothes, but the laundry-maid. And the sight of her was too much for
+James, the footman, who began to blub.
+
+"She is a wicked girl," he said. "She got all my savings, and got me a
+good thrashing besides."
+
+Then the coachman grew bold. "Did she?" he said. "That was nothing to
+what she served me." So he up and told all about the wet clothes and the
+awful job he had had the livelong night. Now the butler on the steps
+swelled with rage until he nearly burst, and at last he out with his
+night of banging shutters.
+
+"And one," he said, "hit me on the nose."
+
+This settled the three men, and they agreed to tell their master the
+moment he came out, and get the girl sent about her business. Now the
+laundry-maid had sharp ears and had paused behind a door to listen; so
+when she heard this she knew she must do something to stop it. So she
+out with her three feathers and said, "By virtue of the three feathers
+from over my true love's heart may there be striving as to who suffered
+most between the men so that they get into the pond for a ducking."
+
+Well! no sooner had she said the words than the three men began
+disputing as to which of them had been served the worst; then James up
+and hit the stout butler, giving him a black eye, and the fat butler
+fell upon James and pommelled him hard, while the coachman scrambled
+from his box and belaboured them both, and the laundry-maid stood by
+laughing.
+
+So out comes the master, but none of them would listen, and each wanted
+to be heard, and fought, and shoved, and pommelled away until they
+shoved each other into the pond, and all got a fine ducking.
+
+Then the master asked the girl what it was all about, and she said:
+
+"They all wanted to tell a story against me because I won't marry them,
+and one said his was the best, and the next said his was the best, so
+they fell a-quarrelling as to which was the likeliest story to get me
+into trouble. But they are well punished, so there is no need to do
+more."
+
+Then the master went to his wife and said, "You are right. That
+laundry-maid of yours is a very wise girl."
+
+So the butler and the coachman and James had nothing to do but look
+sheepish and hold their tongues, and the laundry-maid went on with her
+duties without further trouble.
+
+Then when the seven years and a day were over, who should drive up to
+the door in a fine gilded coach but the bird-husband restored to his
+shape as a handsome young man. And he carried the laundry-maid off to be
+his wife again, and her master and mistress were so pleased at her good
+fortune that they ordered all the other servants to stand on the steps
+and give her good luck. So as she passed the butler she put a bag with
+seventy pounds in it into his hand and said sweetly, "That is to
+recompense you for shutting the shutters."
+
+And when she passed the coachman she put a bag with forty pounds into
+his hand and said, "That is your reward for bringing in the clothes."
+But when she passed the footman she gave him a bag with a hundred pounds
+in it, and laughed, saying, "That is for the drop of brandy you never
+brought me!"
+
+So she drove off with her handsome husband, and lived happy ever after.
+
+
+
+
+LAZY JACK
+
+
+Once upon a time there was a boy whose name was Jack, and he lived with
+his mother on a common. They were very poor, and the old woman got her
+living by spinning, but Jack was so lazy that he would do nothing but
+bask in the sun in the hot weather, and sit by the corner of the hearth
+in the winter-time. So they called him Lazy Jack. His mother could not
+get him to do anything for her, and at last told him, one Monday, that
+if he did not begin to work for his porridge she would turn him out to
+get his living as he could.
+
+This roused Jack, and he went out and hired himself for the next day to
+a neighbouring farmer for a penny; but as he was coming home, never
+having had any money before, he lost it in passing over a brook.
+
+"You stupid boy," said his mother, "you should have put it in your
+pocket."
+
+"I'll do so another time," replied Jack.
+
+Well, the next day, Jack went out again and hired himself to a
+cowkeeper, who gave him a jar of milk for his day's work. Jack took the
+jar and put it into the large pocket of his jacket, spilling it all,
+long before he got home.
+
+"Dear me!" said the old woman; "you should have carried it on your
+head."
+
+"I'll do so another time," said Jack.
+
+So the following day, Jack hired himself again to a farmer, who agreed
+to give him a cream cheese for his services. In the evening Jack took
+the cheese, and went home with it on his head. By the time he got home
+the cheese was all spoilt, part of it being lost, and part matted with
+his hair.
+
+"You stupid lout," said his mother, "you should have carried it very
+carefully in your hands."
+
+"I'll do so another time," replied Jack.
+
+Now the next day, Lazy Jack again went out, and hired himself to a
+baker, who would give him nothing for his work but a large tom-cat. Jack
+took the cat, and began carrying it very carefully in his hands, but in
+a short time pussy scratched him so much that he was compelled to let it
+go.
+
+When he got home, his mother said to him, "You silly fellow, you should
+have tied it with a string, and dragged it along after you."
+
+"I'll do so another time," said Jack.
+
+So on the following day, Jack hired himself to a butcher, who rewarded
+him by the handsome present of a shoulder of mutton. Jack took the
+mutton, tied it with a string, and trailed it along after him in the
+dirt, so that by the time he had got home the meat was completely
+spoilt. His mother was this time quite out of patience with him, for the
+next day was Sunday, and she was obliged to do with cabbage for her
+dinner.
+
+[Illustration: Jack found it hard to hoist the donkey on his shoulders]
+
+"You ninney-hammer," said she to her son, "you should have carried it on
+your shoulder."
+
+"I'll do so another time," replied Jack.
+
+Well, on the Monday, Lazy Jack went once more and hired himself to a
+cattle-keeper, who gave him a donkey for his trouble. Now though Jack
+was strong he found it hard to hoist the donkey on his shoulders, but at
+last he did it, and began walking home slowly with his prize. Now it so
+happened that in the course of his journey he passed a house where a
+rich man lived with his only daughter, a beautiful girl, who was deaf
+and dumb. And she had never laughed in her life, and the doctors said
+she would never speak till somebody made her laugh. So the father had
+given out that any man who made her laugh would receive her hand in
+marriage. Now this young lady happened to be looking out of the window
+when Jack was passing by with the donkey on his shoulders; and the poor
+beast with its legs sticking up in the air was kicking violently and
+heehawing with all its might. Well, the sight was so comical that she
+burst out into a great fit of laughter, and immediately recovered her
+speech and hearing. Her father was overjoyed, and fulfilled his promise
+by marrying her to Lazy Jack, who was thus made a rich gentleman. They
+lived in a large house, and Jack's mother lived with them in great
+happiness until she died.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: The giant Cormoran was the terror of all the country-side]
+
+JACK THE GIANT-KILLER
+
+
+I
+
+When good King Arthur reigned with Guinevere his Queen, there lived,
+near the Land's End in Cornwall, a farmer who had one only son called
+Jack. Now Jack was brisk and ready; of such a lively wit that none nor
+nothing could worst him.
+
+In those days, the Mount of St. Michael in Cornwall was the fastness of
+a hugeous giant whose name was Cormoran.
+
+He was full eighteen feet in height, some three yards about his middle,
+of a grim fierce face, and he was the terror of all the country-side. He
+lived in a cave amidst the rocky Mount, and when he desired victuals he
+would wade across the tides to the mainland and furnish himself forth
+with all that came in his way. The poor folk and the rich folk alike ran
+out of their houses and hid themselves when they heard the swish-swash
+of his big feet in the water; for if he saw them, he would think nothing
+of broiling half-a-dozen or so of them for breakfast. As it was, he
+seized their cattle by the score, carrying off half-a-dozen fat oxen on
+his back at a time, and hanging sheep and pigs to his waistbelt like
+bunches of dip-candles. Now this had gone on for long years, and the
+poor folk of Cornwall were in despair, for none could put an end to the
+giant Cormoran.
+
+It so happened that one market day Jack, then quite a young lad, found
+the town upside down over some new exploit of the giant's. Women were
+weeping, men were cursing, and the magistrates were sitting in Council
+over what was to be done. But none could suggest a plan. Then Jack,
+blithe and gay, went up to the magistrates, and with a fine
+courtesy--for he was ever polite--asked them what reward would be given
+to him who killed the giant Cormoran.
+
+"The treasures of the Giant's Cave," quoth they.
+
+"Every whit of it?" quoth Jack, who was never to be done.
+
+"To the last farthing," quoth they.
+
+"Then will I undertake the task," said Jack, and forthwith set about the
+business.
+
+It was winter-time, and having got himself a horn, a pickaxe, and a
+shovel, he went over to the Mount in the dark evening, set to work, and
+before dawn he had dug a pit, no less than twenty-two feet deep and nigh
+as big across. This he covered with long thin sticks and straw,
+sprinkling a little loose mould over all to make it look like solid
+ground. So, just as dawn was breaking, he planted himself fair and
+square on the side of the pit that was farthest from the giant's cave,
+raised the horn to his lips, and with full blast sounded:
+
+                    "Tantivy! Tantivy! Tantivy!"
+
+just as he would have done had he been hunting a fox.
+
+Of course this woke the giant, who rushed in a rage out of his cave, and
+seeing little Jack, fair and square blowing away at his horn, as calm
+and cool as may be, he became still more angry, and made for the
+disturber of his rest, bawling out, "I'll teach you to wake a giant, you
+little whipper-snapper. You shall pay dearly for your tantivys, I'll
+take you and broil you whole for break--"
+
+He had only got as far as this when crash--he fell into the pit! So
+there was a break indeed; such an one that it caused the very
+foundations of the Mount to shake.
+
+But Jack shook with laughter. "Ho, ho!" he cried, "how about breakfast
+now, Sir Giant? Will you have me broiled or baked? And will no diet
+serve you but poor little Jack? Faith! I've got you in Lob's pound now!
+You're in the stocks for bad behaviour, and I'll plague you as I like.
+Would I had rotten eggs; but this will do as well." And with that he up
+with his pickaxe and dealt the giant Cormoran such a most weighty knock
+on the very crown of his head, that he killed him on the spot.
+
+Whereupon Jack calmly filled up the pit with earth again and went to
+search the cave, where he found much treasure.
+
+Now when the magistrates heard of Jack's great exploit, they proclaimed
+that henceforth he should be known as--
+
+JACK THE GIANT-KILLER.
+
+And they presented him with a sword and belt, on which these words were
+embroidered in gold:
+
+  Here's the valiant Cornishman
+  Who slew the giant Cormoran.
+
+
+II
+
+Of course the news of Jack's victory soon spread over all England, so
+that another giant named Blunderbore who lived to the north, hearing of
+it, vowed if ever he came across Jack he would be revenged upon him. Now
+this giant Blunderbore was lord of an enchanted castle that stood in the
+middle of a lonesome forest.
+
+It so happened that Jack, about four months after he had killed
+Cormoran, had occasion to journey into Wales, and on the road he passed
+this forest. Weary with walking, and finding a pleasant fountain by the
+wayside, he lay down to rest and was soon fast asleep.
+
+Now the giant Blunderbore, coming to the well for water, found Jack
+sleeping, and knew by the lines embroidered on his belt that here was
+the far-famed giant-killer. Rejoiced at his luck, the giant, without
+more ado, lifted Jack to his shoulder and began to carry him through the
+wood to the enchanted castle.
+
+But the rustling of the boughs awakened Jack, who, finding himself
+already in the clutches of the giant, was terrified; nor was his alarm
+decreased by seeing the courtyard of the castle all strewn with men's
+bones.
+
+"Yours will be with them ere long," said Blunderbore as he locked poor
+Jack into an immense chamber above the castle gateway. It had a
+high-pitched, beamed roof, and one window that looked down the road.
+Here poor Jack was to stay while Blunderbore went to fetch his
+brother-giant, who lived in the same wood, that he might share in the
+feast.
+
+Now, after a time, Jack, watching through the window, saw the two giants
+tramping hastily down the road, eager for their dinner.
+
+"Now," quoth Jack to himself, "my death or my deliverance is at hand."
+For he had thought out a plan. In one corner of the room he had seen two
+strong cords. These he took, and making a cunning noose at the end of
+each, he hung them out of the window, and, as the giants were unlocking
+the iron door of the gate, managed to slip them over their heads without
+their noticing it. Then, quick as thought, he tied the other ends to a
+beam, so that as the giants moved on the nooses tightened and throttled
+them until they grew black in the face. Seeing this, Jack slid down the
+ropes, and drawing his sword, slew them both.
+
+So, taking the keys of the castle, he unlocked all the doors and set
+free three beauteous ladies who, tied by the hair of their heads, he
+found almost starved to death. "Sweet ladies," quoth Jack, kneeling on
+one knee--for he was ever polite--"here are the keys of this enchanted
+castle. I have destroyed the giant Blunderbore and his brutish brother,
+and thus have restored to you your liberty. These keys should bring you
+all else you require."
+
+So saying he proceeded on his journey to Wales.
+
+
+III
+
+He travelled as fast as he could; perhaps too fast, for, losing his way,
+he found himself benighted and far from any habitation. He wandered on
+always in hopes, until on entering a narrow valley he came on a very
+large, dreary-looking house standing alone. Being anxious for shelter he
+went up to the door and knocked. You may imagine his surprise and alarm
+when the summons was answered by a giant with two heads. But though this
+monster's look was exceedingly fierce, his manners were quite polite;
+the truth being that he was a Welsh giant, and as such double-faced and
+smooth, given to gaining his malicious ends by a show of false
+friendship.
+
+So he welcomed Jack heartily in a strong Welsh accent, and prepared a
+bedroom for him, where he was left with kind wishes for a good rest.
+Jack, however, was too tired to sleep well, and as he lay awake, he
+overheard his host muttering to himself in the next room. Having very
+keen ears he was able to make out these words, or something like them:
+
+  "Though here you lodge with me this night,
+   You shall not see the morning light.
+   My club shall dash your brains outright."
+
+"Say'st thou so!" quoth Jack to himself, starting up at once, "So that
+is your Welsh trick, is it? But I will be even with you." Then, leaving
+his bed, he laid a big billet of wood among the blankets, and taking one
+of these to keep himself warm, made himself snug in a corner of the
+room, pretending to snore, so as to make Mr. Giant think he was asleep.
+
+And sure enough, after a little time, in came the monster on tiptoe as
+if treading on eggs, and carrying a big club. Then--
+
+  WHACK! WHACK! WHACK!
+
+Jack could hear the bed being belaboured until the Giant, thinking every
+bone of his guest's skin must be broken, stole out of the room again;
+whereupon Jack went calmly to bed once more and slept soundly! Next
+morning the giant couldn't believe his eyes when he saw Jack coming down
+the stairs fresh and hearty.
+
+"Odds splutter hur nails!" he cried, astonished. "Did she sleep well?
+Was there not nothing felt in the night?"
+
+"Oh," replied Jack, laughing in his sleeve, "I think a rat did come and
+give me two or three flaps of his tail."
+
+[Illustration: Taking the keys of the castle, Jack unlocked all the doors]
+
+[Illustration: "Odds splutter hur nails!" cried the giant, not to be
+outdone. "Hur can do that hurself!"]
+
+On this the giant was dumbfoundered, and led Jack to breakfast, bringing
+him a bowl which held at least four gallons of hasty-pudding, and
+bidding him, as a man of such mettle, eat the lot. Now Jack when
+travelling wore under his cloak a leathern bag to carry his things
+withal; so, quick as thought, he hitched this round in front with the
+opening just under his chin; thus, as he ate, he could slip the best
+part of the pudding into it without the giant's being any the wiser. So
+they sate down to breakfast, the giant gobbling down his own measure of
+hasty-pudding, while Jack made away with his.
+
+"See," says crafty Jack when he had finished. "I'll show you a trick
+worth two of yours," and with that he up with a carving-knife and,
+ripping up the leathern bag, out fell all the hasty-pudding on the
+floor!
+
+"Odds splutter hur nails!" cried the giant, not to be outdone. "Hur can
+do that hurself!" Whereupon he seized the carving-knife, and ripping
+open his own belly fell down dead.
+
+Thus was Jack quit of the Welsh giant.
+
+
+IV
+
+Now it so happened that in those days, when gallant knights were always
+seeking adventures, King Arthur's only son, a very valiant Prince,
+begged of his father a large sum of money to enable him to journey to
+Wales, and there strive to set free a certain beautiful lady who was
+possessed by seven evil spirits. In vain the King denied him; so at last
+he gave way and the Prince set out with two horses, one of which he
+rode, the other laden with gold pieces. Now after some days' journey the
+Prince came to a market-town in Wales where there was a great commotion.
+On asking the reason for it he was told that, according to law, the
+corpse of a very generous man had been arrested on its way to the grave,
+because, in life, it had owed large sums to the money-lenders.
+
+"That is a cruel law," said the young Prince. "Go, bury the dead in
+peace, and let the creditors come to my lodgings; I will pay the debts
+of the dead."
+
+So the creditors came, but they were so numerous that by evening the
+Prince had but twopence left for himself, and could not go further on
+his journey.
+
+Now it so happened that Jack the Giant-Killer on his way to Wales passed
+through the town, and, hearing of the Prince's plight, was so taken with
+his kindness and generosity that he determined to be the Prince's
+servant. So this was agreed upon, and next morning, after Jack had paid
+the reckoning with his last farthing, the two set out together. But as
+they were leaving the town, an old woman ran after the Prince and called
+out, "Justice! Justice! The dead man owed me twopence these seven years.
+Pay me as well as the others."
+
+And the Prince, kind and generous, put his hand to his pocket and gave
+the old woman the twopence that was left to him. So now they had not a
+penny between them, and when the sun grew low the Prince said:
+
+"Jack! Since we have no money, how are we to get a night's lodging?"
+
+Then Jack replied, "We shall do well enough, Master; for within two or
+three miles of this place there lives a huge and monstrous giant with
+three heads, who can fight four hundred men in armour and make them fly
+from him like chaff before the wind."
+
+"And what good will that be to us?" quoth the Prince. "He will for sure
+chop us up in a mouthful."
+
+"Nay," said Jack, laughing. "Let me go and prepare the way for you. By
+all accounts this giant is a dolt. Mayhap I may manage better than
+that."
+
+So the Prince remained where he was, and Jack pricked his steed at full
+speed till he came to the giant's castle, at the gate of which he
+knocked so loud that he made the neighbouring hills resound.
+
+On this the giant roared from within in a voice like thunder:
+
+"Who's there?"
+
+Then said Jack as bold as brass, "None but your poor cousin Jack."
+
+"Cousin Jack!" quoth the giant, astounded. "And what news with my poor
+cousin Jack?" For, see you, he was quite taken aback; so Jack made haste
+to reassure him.
+
+"Dear coz, heavy news, God wot!"
+
+"Heavy news," echoed the giant, half afraid. "God wot, no heavy news can
+come to me. Have I not three heads? Can I not fight five hundred men in
+armour? Can I not make them fly like chaff before the wind?"
+
+"True," replied crafty Jack, "but I came to warn you because the great
+King Arthur's son with a thousand men in armour is on his way to kill
+you."
+
+At this the giant began to shiver and to shake. "Ah! Cousin Jack! Kind
+cousin Jack! This is heavy news indeed," quoth he. "Tell me, what am I
+to do?"
+
+[Illustration: "Ah! Cousin Jack! Kind cousin Jack! This is heavy news
+indeed"]
+
+"Hide yourself in the vault," says crafty Jack, "and I will lock and
+bolt and bar you in; and keep the key till the Prince has gone. So you
+will be safe."
+
+Then the giant made haste and ran down into the vault, and Jack locked,
+and bolted, and barred him in. Then being thus secure, he went and
+fetched his master, and the two made themselves heartily merry over what
+the giant was to have had for supper, while the miserable monster
+shivered and shook with fright in the underground vault.
+
+Well, after a good night's rest Jack woke his master in early morn, and
+having furnished him well with gold and silver from the giant's
+treasure, bade him ride three miles forward on his journey. So when Jack
+judged that the Prince was pretty well out of the smell of the giant,
+he took the key and let his prisoner out. He was half dead with cold and
+damp, but very grateful; and he begged Jack to let him know what he
+would be given as a reward for saving the giant's life and castle from
+destruction, and he should have it.
+
+"You're very welcome," said Jack, who always had his eyes about him.
+"All I want is the old coat and cap, together with the rusty old sword
+and slippers which are at your bed-head."
+
+When the giant heard this he sighed and shook his head. "You don't know
+what you are asking," quoth he. "They are the most precious things I
+possess, but as I have promised, you must have them. The coat will make
+you invisible, the cap will tell you all you want to know, the sword
+will cut asunder whatever you strike, and the slippers will take you
+wherever you want to go in the twinkling of an eye!"
+
+So Jack, overjoyed, rode away with the coat and cap, the sword and the
+slippers, and soon overtook his master; and they rode on together until
+they reached the castle where the beautiful lady lived whom the Prince
+sought.
+
+Now she was very beautiful, for all she was possessed of seven devils,
+and when she heard the Prince sought her as a suitor, she smiled and
+ordered a splendid banquet to be prepared for his reception. And she
+sate on his right hand, and plied him with food and drink.
+
+And when the repast was over she took out her own handkerchief and
+wiped his lips gently, and said, with a smile:
+
+"I have a task for you, my lord! You must show me that kerchief
+to-morrow morning or lose your head."
+
+And with that she put the handkerchief in her bosom and said,
+"Good-night!"
+
+The Prince was in despair, but Jack said nothing till his master was in
+bed. Then he put on the old cap he had got from the giant, and lo! in a
+minute he knew all that he wanted to know. So, in the dead of the night,
+when the beautiful lady called on one of her familiar spirits to carry
+her to Lucifer himself, Jack was beforehand with her, and putting on his
+coat of darkness and his slippers of swiftness, was there as soon as she
+was. And when she gave the handkerchief to the Devil, bidding him keep
+it safe, and he put it away on a high shelf, Jack just up and nipped it
+away in a trice!
+
+So the next morning, when the beauteous enchanted lady looked to see the
+Prince crestfallen, he just made a fine bow and presented her with the
+handkerchief.
+
+At first she was terribly disappointed, but, as the day drew on, she
+ordered another and still more splendid repast to be got ready. And this
+time, when the repast was over, she kissed the Prince full on the lips
+and said:
+
+"I have a task for you, my lover. Show me to-morrow morning the last
+lips I kiss to-night or you lose your head."
+
+Then the Prince, who by this time was head over ears in love, said
+tenderly, "If you will kiss none but mine, I will." Now the beauteous
+lady, for all she was possessed by seven devils, could not but see that
+the Prince was a very handsome young man; so she blushed a little, and
+said:
+
+"That is neither here nor there: you must show me them, or death is your
+portion."
+
+So the Prince went to his bed, sorrowful as before; but Jack put on the
+cap of knowledge and knew in a moment all he wanted to know.
+
+Thus when, in the dead of the night, the beauteous lady called on her
+familiar spirit to take her to Lucifer himself, Jack in his coat of
+darkness and his shoes of swiftness was there before her.
+
+"Thou hast betrayed me once," said the beauteous lady to Lucifer,
+frowning, "by letting go my handkerchief. Now will I give thee something
+none can steal, and so best the Prince, King's son though he be."
+
+With that she kissed the loathly demon full on the lips, and left him.
+Whereupon Jack with one blow of the rusty sword of strength cut off
+Lucifer's head, and, hiding it under his coat of darkness, brought it
+back to his master.
+
+Thus next morning when the beauteous lady, with malice in her beautiful
+eyes, asked the Prince to show her the lips she had last kissed, he
+pulled out the demon's head by the horns. On that the seven devils,
+which possessed the poor lady, gave seven dreadful shrieks and left her.
+Thus the enchantment being broken, she appeared in all her perfect
+beauty and goodness.
+
+So she and the Prince were married the very next morning. After which
+they journeyed back to the court of King Arthur, where Jack the
+Giant-Killer, for his many exploits, was made one of the Knights of the
+Round Table.
+
+
+V
+
+This, however, did not satisfy our hero, who was soon on the road again
+searching for giants. Now he had not gone far when he came upon one,
+seated on a huge block of timber near the entrance to a dark cave. He
+was a most terrific giant. His goggle eyes were as coals of fire, his
+countenance was grim and gruesome; his cheeks, like huge flitches of
+bacon, were covered with a stubbly beard, the bristles of which
+resembled rods of iron wire, while the locks of hair that fell on his
+brawny shoulders showed like curled snakes or hissing adders. He held a
+knotted iron club, and breathed so heavily you could hear him a mile
+away. Nothing daunted by this fearsome sight, Jack alighted from his
+horse and, putting on his coat of darkness, went close up to the giant
+and said softly: "Hullo! is that you? It will not be long before I have
+you fast by your beard."
+
+[Illustration: Seated on a huge block of timber near the entrance to a
+dark cave]
+
+So saying he made a cut with the sword of strength at the giant's head,
+but, somehow, missing his aim, cut off the nose instead, clean as a
+whistle! My goodness! How the giant roared! It was like claps of
+thunder, and he began to lay about him with the knotted iron club, like
+one possessed. But Jack in his coat of darkness easily dodged the
+blows, and running in behind, drove the sword up to the hilt into the
+giant's back, so that he fell stone dead.
+
+Jack then cut off the head and sent it to King Arthur by a waggoner whom
+he hired for the purpose. After which he began to search the giant's
+cave to find his treasure. He passed through many windings and turnings
+until he came to a huge hall paved and roofed with freestone. At the
+upper end of this was an immense fireplace where hung an iron cauldron,
+the like of which, for size, Jack had never seen before. It was boiling
+and gave out a savoury steam; while beside it, on the right hand, stood
+a big massive table set out with huge platters and mugs. Here it was
+that the giants used to dine. Going a little further he came upon a
+sort of window barred with iron, and looking within beheld a vast number
+of miserable captives.
+
+"Alas! Alack!" they cried on seeing him. "Art come, young man, to join
+us in this dreadful prison?"
+
+"That depends," quoth Jack: "but first tell me wherefore you are thus
+held imprisoned?"
+
+"Through no fault," they cried at once. "We are captives of the cruel
+giants and are kept here and well nourished until such time as the
+monsters desire a feast. Then they choose the fattest and sup off them."
+
+On hearing this Jack straightway unlocked the door of the prison and set
+the poor fellows free. Then, searching the giants' coffers, he divided
+the gold and silver equally amongst the captives as some redress for
+their sufferings, and taking them to a neighbouring castle gave them a
+right good feast.
+
+
+VI
+
+Now as they were all making merry over their deliverance, and praising
+Jack's prowess, a messenger arrived to say that one Thunderdell, a huge
+giant with two heads, having heard of the death of his kinsman, was on
+his way from the northern dales to be revenged, and was already within a
+mile or two of the castle, the country folk with their flocks and herds
+flying before him like chaff before the wind.
+
+[Illustration: On his way ... to be revenged]
+
+Now the castle with its gardens stood on a small island that was
+surrounded by a moat twenty feet wide and thirty feet deep, having very
+steep sides. And this moat was spanned by a drawbridge. This, without a
+moment's delay, Jack ordered should be sawn on both sides at the middle,
+so as to only leave one plank uncut over which he in his invisible coat
+of darkness passed swiftly to meet his enemy, bearing in his hand the
+wonderful sword of strength.
+
+Now though the giant could not, of course, see Jack, he could smell him,
+for giants have keen noses. Therefore Thunderdell cried out in a voice
+like his name:
+
+  "Fee, fi, fo, fum!
+   I smell the blood of an Englishman.
+   Be he alive, or be he dead,
+   I'll grind his bones to make my bread!"
+
+[Illustration: The country folk flying before him like chaff before the
+wind]
+
+"Is that so?" quoth Jack, cheerful as ever. "Then art thou a monstrous
+miller for sure!"
+
+On this the giant, peering round everywhere for a glimpse of his foe,
+shouted out:
+
+"Art thou, indeed, the villain who hath killed so many of my kinsmen?
+Then, indeed, will I tear thee to pieces with my teeth, suck thy blood,
+and grind thy bones to powder."
+
+"Thou'lt have to catch me first," quoth Jack, laughing, and throwing off
+his coat of darkness and putting on his slippers of swiftness, he began
+nimbly to lead the giant a pretty dance, he leaping and doubling light
+as a feather, the monster following heavily like a walking tower, so
+that the very foundations of the earth seemed to shake at every step.
+At this game the onlookers nearly split their sides with laughter, until
+Jack, judging there had been enough of it, made for the drawbridge, ran
+neatly over the single plank, and reaching the other side waited in
+teasing fashion for his adversary.
+
+On came the giant at full speed, foaming at the mouth with rage, and
+flourishing his club. But when he came to the middle of the bridge his
+great weight, of course, broke the plank, and there he was fallen
+headlong into the moat, rolling and wallowing like a whale, plunging
+from place to place, yet unable to get out and be revenged.
+
+The spectators greeted his efforts with roars of laughter, and Jack
+himself was at first too overcome with merriment to do more than scoff.
+At last, however, he went for a rope, cast it over the giant's two
+heads, so, with the help of a team of horses, drew them shorewards,
+where two blows from the sword of strength settled the matter.
+
+
+VII
+
+After some time spent in mirth and pastimes, Jack began once more to
+grow restless, and taking leave of his companions set out for fresh
+adventures.
+
+He travelled far and fast, through woods, and vales, and hills, till at
+last he came, late at night, on a lonesome house set at the foot of a
+high mountain. Knocking at the door, it was opened by an old man whose
+head was white as snow.
+
+"Father," said Jack, ever courteous, "can you lodge a benighted
+traveller?"
+
+"Ay, that will I, and welcome to my poor cottage," replied the old man.
+
+Whereupon Jack came in, and after supper they sate together chatting in
+friendly fashion. Then it was that the old man, seeing by Jack's belt
+that he was the famous Giant-Killer, spoke in this wise:
+
+"My son! You are the great conqueror of evil monsters. Now close by
+there lives one well worthy of your prowess. On the top of yonder high
+hill is an enchanted castle kept by a giant named Galligantua, who, by
+the help of a wicked old magician, inveigles many beautiful ladies and
+valiant knights into the castle, where they are transformed into all
+sorts of birds and beasts, yea, even into fishes and insects. There they
+live pitiably in confinement; but most of all do I grieve for a duke's
+daughter whom they kidnapped in her father's garden, bringing her hither
+in a burning chariot drawn by fiery dragons. Her form is that of a white
+hind; and though many valiant knights have tried their utmost to break
+the spell and work her deliverance, none have succeeded; for, see you,
+at the entrance to the castle are two dreadful griffins who destroy
+every one who attempts to pass them by."
+
+Now Jack bethought him of the coat of darkness which had served him so
+well before, and he put on the cap of knowledge, and in an instant he
+knew what had to be done. Then the very next morning, at dawn-time, Jack
+arose and put on his invisible coat and his slippers of swiftness. And
+in the twinkling of an eye there he was on the top of the mountain! And
+there were the two griffins guarding the castle gates--horrible
+creatures with forked tails and tongues. But they could not see him
+because of the coat of darkness, so he passed them by unharmed.
+
+And hung to the doors of the gateway he found a golden trumpet on a
+silver chain, and beneath it was engraved in red lettering:
+
+  Whoever shall this trumpet blow
+  Will cause the giant's overthrow.
+  The black enchantment he will break,
+  And gladness out of sadness make.
+
+No sooner had Jack read these words than he put the horn to his lips and
+blew a loud
+
+                "Tantivy! Tantivy! Tantivy!"
+
+Now at the very first note the castle trembled to its vast foundations,
+and before he had finished the measure, both the giant and the magician
+were biting their thumbs and tearing their hair, knowing that their
+wickedness must now come to an end. But the giant showed fight and took
+up his club to defend himself; whereupon Jack, with one clean cut of the
+sword of strength, severed his head from his body, and would doubtless
+have done the same to the magician, but that the latter was a coward,
+and, calling up a whirlwind, was swept away by it into the air, nor
+has he ever been seen or heard of since. The enchantments being thus
+broken, all the valiant knights and beautiful ladies, who had been
+transformed into birds and beasts and fishes and reptiles and insects,
+returned to their proper shapes, including the duke's daughter, who,
+from being a white hind, showed as the most beauteous maiden upon whom
+the sun ever shone. Now, no sooner had this occurred than the whole
+castle vanished away in a cloud of smoke, and from that moment giants
+vanished also from the land.
+
+[Illustration: The giant Galligantua and the wicked old magician
+transform the duke's daughter into a white hind]
+
+So Jack, when he had presented the head of Galligantua to King Arthur,
+together with all the lords and ladies he had delivered from
+enchantment, found he had nothing more to do. As a reward for past
+services, however, King Arthur bestowed the hand of the duke's daughter
+upon honest Jack the Giant-Killer. So married they were, and the whole
+kingdom was filled with joy at their wedding. Furthermore, the King
+bestowed on Jack a noble castle with a magnificent estate belonging
+thereto, whereon he, his lady, and their children lived in great joy and
+content for the rest of their days.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Headpiece--The Three Sillies]
+
+THE THREE SILLIES
+
+
+Once upon a time, when folk were not so wise as they are nowadays, there
+lived a farmer and his wife who had one daughter. And she, being a
+pretty lass, was courted by the young squire when he came home from his
+travels.
+
+Now every evening he would stroll over from the Hall to see her and stop
+to supper in the farm-house, and every evening the daughter would go
+down into the cellar to draw the cider for supper.
+
+So one evening when she had gone down to draw the cider and had turned
+the tap as usual, she happened to look up at the ceiling, and there she
+saw a big wooden mallet stuck in one of the beams.
+
+It must have been there for ages and ages, for it was all covered with
+cobwebs; but somehow or another she had never noticed it before, and at
+once she began thinking how dangerous it was to have the mallet just
+there.
+
+"For," thought she, "supposing him and me was married, and supposing we
+was to have a son, and supposing he were to grow up to be a man, and
+supposing he were to come down to draw cider like as I'm doing, and
+supposing the mallet were to fall on his head and kill him, how dreadful
+it would be!"
+
+And with that she put down the candle she was carrying and, seating
+herself on a cask, began to cry. And she cried and cried and cried.
+
+Now, upstairs, they began to wonder why she was so long drawing the
+cider; so after a time her mother went down to the cellar to see what
+had come to her, and found her, seated on the cask, crying ever so hard,
+and the cider running all over the floor.
+
+"Lawks a mercy me!" cried her mother, "whatever is the matter?"
+
+"O mother!" says she between her sobs, "it's that horrid mallet.
+Supposing him and me was married, and supposing we was to have a son,
+and supposing he was to grow up to be a man, and supposing he was to
+come down to draw cider like as I'm doing, and supposing the mallet were
+to fall on his head and kill him, how dreadful it would be!"
+
+"Dear heart!" said the mother, seating herself beside her daughter and
+beginning to cry: "How dreadful it would be!"
+
+So they both sat a-crying.
+
+Now after a time, when they did not come back, the farmer began to
+wonder what had happened, and going down to the cellar found them
+seated side by side on the cask, crying hard, and the cider running all
+over the floor.
+
+"Zounds!" says he, "whatever is the matter?"
+
+"Just look at that horrid mallet up there, father," moaned the mother.
+"Supposing our daughter was to marry her sweetheart, and supposing they
+was to have a son, and supposing he was to grow to man's estate, and
+supposing he was to come down to draw cider like as we're doing, and
+supposing that there mallet was to fall on his head and kill him, how
+dreadful it would be!"
+
+"Dreadful indeed!" said the father and, seating himself beside his wife
+and daughter, started a-crying too.
+
+Now upstairs the young squire wanted his supper; so at last he lost
+patience and went down into the cellar to see for himself what they were
+all after. And there he found them seated side by side on the cask
+a-crying, with their feet all a-wash in cider, for the floor was fair
+flooded. So the first thing he did was to run straight and turn off the
+tap. Then he said:
+
+"What are you three after, sitting there crying like babies, and letting
+good cider run over the floor?"
+
+Then they all three began with one voice, "Look at that horrid mallet!
+Supposing you and me/she was married, and supposing we/you had a
+son, and supposing he was to grow to man's estate, and supposing he was
+to come down here to draw cider like as we be, and supposing that there
+mallet was to fall down on his head and kill him, how dreadful it would
+be!"
+
+Then the young squire burst out a-laughing, and laughed till he was
+tired. But at last he reached up to the old mallet and pulled it out,
+and put it safe on the floor. And he shook his head and said, "I've
+travelled far and I've travelled fast, but never have I met with three
+such sillies as you three. Now I can't marry one of the three biggest
+sillies in the world. So I shall start again on my travels, and if I can
+find three bigger sillies than you three, then I'll come back and be
+married--not otherwise."
+
+So he wished them good-bye and started again on his travels, leaving
+them all crying; this time because the marriage was off!
+
+Well, the young man travelled far and he travelled fast, but never did
+he find a bigger silly, until one day he came upon an old woman's
+cottage that had some grass growing on the thatched roof.
+
+And the old woman was trying her best to cudgel her cow into going up a
+ladder to eat the grass. But the poor thing was afraid and durst not go.
+Then the old woman tried coaxing, but it wouldn't go. You never saw such
+a sight! The cow getting more and more flustered and obstinate, the old
+woman getting hotter and hotter.
+
+At last the young squire said, "It would be easier if _you_ went up the
+ladder, cut the grass, and threw it down for the cow to eat."
+
+"A likely story that," says the old woman. "A cow can cut grass for
+herself. And the foolish thing will be quite safe up there, for I'll tie
+a rope round her neck, pass the rope down the chimney, and fasten
+t'other end to my wrist, so as when I'm doing my bit o' washing, she
+can't fall off the roof without my knowing it. So mind your own
+business, young sir."
+
+Well, after a while the old woman coaxed and codgered and bullied and
+badgered the cow up the ladder, and when she got it on to the roof she
+tied a rope round its neck, passed the rope down the chimney, and
+fastened t'other end to her wrist. Then she went about her bit of
+washing, and young squire he went on his way.
+
+But he hadn't gone but a bit when he heard the awfullest hullabaloo. He
+galloped back, and found that the cow had fallen off the roof and got
+strangled by the rope round its neck, while the weight of the cow had
+pulled the old woman by her wrist up the chimney, where she had got
+stuck half-way and been smothered by the soot!
+
+"That is one bigger silly," quoth the young squire as he journeyed on.
+"So now for two more!"
+
+He did not find any, however, till late one night he arrived at a little
+inn. And the inn was so full that he had to share a room with another
+traveller. Now his room-fellow proved quite a pleasant fellow, and they
+forgathered, and each slept well in his bed.
+
+But next morning, when they were dressing, what does the stranger do but
+carefully hang his breeches on the knobs of the tallboy!
+
+"What are you doing?" asks young squire.
+
+"I'm putting on my breeches," says the stranger; and with that he goes
+to the other end of the room, takes a little run, and tried to jump into
+the breeches.
+
+But he didn't succeed, so he took another run and another try, and
+another and another and another, until he got quite hot and flustered,
+as the old woman had got over her cow that wouldn't go up the ladder.
+And all the time young squire was laughing fit to split, for never in
+his life did he see anything so comical.
+
+Then the stranger stopped a while and mopped his face with his
+handkerchief, for he was all in a sweat. "It's very well laughing," says
+he, "but breeches are the most awkwardest things to get into that ever
+were. It takes me the best part of an hour every morning before I get
+them on. How do you manage yours?"
+
+Then young squire showed him, as well as he could for laughing, how to
+put on his breeches, and the stranger was ever so grateful and said he
+never should have thought of that way.
+
+"So that," quoth young squire to himself, "is a second bigger silly."
+But he travelled far and he travelled fast without finding the third,
+until one bright night when the moon was shining right overhead he came
+upon a village. And outside the village was a pond, and round about the
+pond was a great crowd of villagers. And some had got rakes, and some
+had got pitchforks, and some had got brooms. And they were as busy as
+busy, shouting out, and raking, and forking, and sweeping away at the
+pond.
+
+"What is the matter?" cried young squire, jumping off his horse to help.
+"Has any one fallen in?"
+
+"Aye! Matter enough," says they. "Can't 'ee see moon's fallen into the
+pond, an' we can't get her out nohow."
+
+And with that they set to again raking, and forking, and sweeping away.
+Then the young squire burst out laughing, told them they were fools for
+their pains, and bade them look up over their heads where the moon was
+riding broad and full. But they wouldn't, and they wouldn't believe that
+what they saw in the water was only a reflection. And when he insisted
+they began to abuse him roundly and threaten to duck him in the pond. So
+he got on his horse again as quickly as he could, leaving them raking,
+and forking, and sweeping away; and for all we know they may be at it
+yet!
+
+But the young squire said to himself, "There are many more sillies in
+this world than I thought for; so I'll just go back and marry the
+farmer's daughter. She is no sillier than the rest."
+
+So they were married, and if they didn't live happy ever after, that has
+nothing to do with the story of the three sillies.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Headpiece--The Golden Ball]
+
+THE GOLDEN BALL
+
+
+Once upon a time there lived two lasses, who were sisters, and as they
+came from the fair they saw a right handsome young man standing at a
+house door before them. They had never seen such a handsome young man
+before. He had gold on his cap, gold on his finger, gold on his neck,
+gold at his waist! And he had a golden ball in each hand. He gave a ball
+to each lass, saying she was to keep it; but if she lost it, she was to
+be hanged.
+
+Now the youngest of the lasses lost her ball, and this is how. She was
+by a park paling, and she was tossing her ball, and it went up, and up,
+and up, till it went fair over the paling; and when she climbed to look
+for it, the ball ran along the green grass, and it ran right forward to
+the door of a house that stood there, and the ball went into the house
+and she saw it no more.
+
+So she was taken away to be hanged by the neck till she was dead,
+because she had lost her ball.
+
+But the lass had a sweetheart, and he said he would go and get the ball.
+So he went to the park gate, but 'twas shut; then he climbed the
+railing, and when he got to the top of it an old woman rose up out of
+the ditch before him and said that if he wanted to get the ball he must
+sleep three nights in the house: so he said he would.
+
+Well! when it was evening, he went into the house, and looked everywhere
+for the ball, but he could not find it, nor any one in the house at all;
+but when night came on he thought he heard bogles moving about in the
+courtyard; so he looked out o' window, and, sure enough, the yard was
+full of them!
+
+Presently he heard steps coming upstairs, so he hid behind the door, and
+was as still as a mouse. Then in came a big giant five times as tall as
+the lad, and looked around; but seeing nothing he went to the window and
+bowed himself to look out; and as he bowed on his elbows to see the
+bogles in the yard, the lad stepped behind him, and with one blow of his
+sword he cut him in twain, so that the top part of him fell in the yard,
+and the bottom part remained standing looking out of the window.
+
+Well! there was a great cry from the bogles when they saw half the giant
+come tumbling down to them, and they called out, "There comes half our
+master; give us the other half."
+
+Then the lad said, "It's no use of thee, thou pair of legs, standing
+alone at the window, as thou hast no eye to see with, so go join thy
+brother"; and he cast the lower part of the giant after the top part.
+Now when the bogles had gotten all the giant they were quiet.
+
+Next night the lad went to sleep in the house again, and this time a
+second giant came in at the door, and as he came in the lad cut him in
+twain; but the legs walked on to the fire and went straight up the
+chimney.
+
+"Go, get thee after thy legs," said the lad to the head, and he cast the
+other half of the giant up the chimney.
+
+Now the third night nothing happened, so the lad got into bed; but
+before he went to sleep he heard the bogles striving under the bed, and
+he wondered what they were at. So he peeped, and saw that they had the
+ball there, and were playing with it, casting it to and fro.
+
+Now after a time one of them thrust his leg out from under the bed, and
+quick as anything the lad brings his sword down, and cuts it off. Then
+another bogle thrust his arm out at t'other side of the bed, and in a
+twinkling the lad cuts that off too. So it went on, till at last he had
+maimed them all, and they all went off, crying and wailing, and forgot
+the ball! Then the lad got out of bed, found the ball, and went off at
+once to seek his true love.
+
+[Illustration: He heard the bogles striving under the bed]
+
+Now the lass had been taken to York to be hanged; she was brought out on
+the scaffold, and the hangman said, "Now, lass, thou must hang by the
+neck till thou be'st dead." But she cried out:
+
+  "Stop, stop, I think I see my mother coming!
+   O mother, hast thou brought my golden ball
+      And come to set me free?"
+
+And the mother answered:
+
+  "I've neither brought thy golden ball
+     Nor come to set thee free,
+   But I have come to see thee hung
+     Upon this gallows-tree."
+
+Then the hangman said, "Now, lass, say thy prayers for thou must die."
+But she said:
+
+  "Stop, stop, I think I see my father coming!
+   O father, hast thou brought my golden ball
+      And come to set me free?"
+
+And the father answered:
+
+  "I've neither brought thy golden ball
+     Nor come to set thee free,
+   But I have come to see thee hung
+     Upon this gallows-tree."
+
+Then the hangman said, "Hast thee done thy prayers? Now, lass, put thy
+head into the noose."
+
+But she answered, "Stop, stop, I think I see my brother coming!" And
+again she sang her little verse, and the brother sang back the same
+words. And so with her sister, her uncle, her aunt, and her cousin. But
+they all said the same:
+
+  "I've neither brought thy golden ball
+     Nor come to set thee free,
+   But I have come to see thee hung
+     Upon this gallows-tree."
+
+Then the hangman said, "I will stop no longer, thou'rt making game of
+me. Thou must be hung at once."
+
+But now, at long last, she saw her sweetheart coming through the crowd,
+so she cried to him:
+
+  "Stop, stop, I see my sweetheart coming!
+   Sweetheart, hast thou brought my golden ball
+      And come to set me free?"
+
+Then her sweetheart held up her golden ball and cried:
+
+  "Aye, I have brought to thee thy golden ball
+     And come to set thee free;
+   I have not come to see thee hung
+     Upon this gallows-tree."
+
+So he took her home, then and there, and they lived happy ever after.
+
+
+
+
+THE TWO SISTERS
+
+
+Once upon a time there were two sisters who were as like each other as
+two peas in a pod; but one was good, and the other was bad-tempered. Now
+their father had no work, so the girls began to think of going to
+service.
+
+"I will go first and see what I can make of it," said the younger
+sister, ever so cheerfully, "then you, sis, can follow if I have good
+luck."
+
+So she packed up a bundle, said good-bye, and started to find a place;
+but no one in the town wanted a girl, and she went farther afield into
+the country. And as she journeyed she came upon an oven in which a lot
+of loaves were baking. Now as she passed, the loaves cried out with one
+voice:
+
+"Little girl! Little girl! Take us out! Please take us out! We have been
+baking for seven years, and no one has come to take us out. Do take us
+out or we shall soon be burnt!"
+
+Then, being a kind, obliging little girl, she stopped, put down her
+bundle, took out the bread, and went on her way saying:
+
+"You will be more comfortable now."
+
+After a time she came to a cow lowing beside an empty pail, and the cow
+said to her:
+
+"Little girl! Little girl! Milk me! Please milk me! Seven years have I
+been waiting, but no one has come to milk me!"
+
+So the kind girl stopped, put down her bundle, milked the cow into the
+pail, and went on her way saying:
+
+"Now you will be more comfortable."
+
+By and by she came to an apple tree so laden with fruit that its
+branches were nigh to break, and the apple tree called to her:
+
+"Little girl! Little girl! Please shake my branches. The fruit is so
+heavy I can't stand straight!"
+
+Then the kind girl stopped, put down her bundle, and shook the branches
+so that the apples fell off, and the tree could stand straight. Then she
+went on her way saying:
+
+"You will be more comfortable now."
+
+So she journeyed on till she came to a house where an old witch-woman
+lived. Now this witch-woman wanted a servant-maid, and promised good
+wages. Therefore the girl agreed to stop with her and try how she liked
+service. She had to sweep the floor, keep the house clean and tidy, the
+fire bright and cheery. But there was one thing the witch-woman said she
+must never do; and that was look up the chimney!
+
+[Illustration: "Tree of mine! O Tree of mine! Have you seen my naughty
+little maid?"]
+
+"If you do," said the witch-woman, "something will fall down on you, and
+you will come to a bad end." Well! the girl swept, and dusted, and
+made up the fire; but ne'er a penny of wages did she see. Now the girl
+wanted to go home as she did not like witch-service; for the witch used
+to have boiled babies for supper, and bury the bones under some stones
+in the garden. But she did not like to go home penniless; so she stayed
+on, sweeping, and dusting, and doing her work, just as if she was
+pleased. Then one day, as she was sweeping up the hearth, down tumbled
+some soot, and, without remembering she was forbidden to look up the
+chimney, she looked up to see where the soot came from. And, lo and
+behold! a big bag of gold fell plump into her lap.
+
+Now the witch happened to be out on one of her witch errands; so the
+girl thought it a fine opportunity to be off home.
+
+So she kilted up her petticoats and started to run home; but she had
+only gone a little way when she heard the witch-woman coming after her
+on her broomstick. Now the apple tree she had helped to stand straight
+happened to be quite close; so she ran to it and cried:
+
+  "Apple tree! Apple tree, hide me
+   So the old witch can't find me,
+   For if she does she'll pick my bones,
+   And bury me under the garden stones."
+
+Then the apple tree said, "Of course I will. You helped me to stand
+straight, and one good turn deserves another."
+
+So the apple tree hid her finely in its green branches; and when the
+witch flew past saying:
+
+  "Tree of mine! O Tree of mine!
+   Have you seen my naughty little maid
+   With a willy willy wag and a great big bag,
+   She's stolen my money--all I had?"
+
+The apple tree answered:
+
+  "No, mother dear,
+   Not for seven year!"
+
+So the witch flew on the wrong way, and the girl got down, thanked the
+tree politely, and started again. But just as she got to where the cow
+was standing beside the pail, she heard the witch coming again, so she
+ran to the cow and cried:
+
+  "Cow! Cow, please hide me
+   So the witch can't find me;
+   If she does she'll pick my bones,
+   And bury me under the garden stones!"
+
+"Certainly I will," answered the cow. "Didn't you milk me and make me
+comfortable? Hide yourself behind me and you'll be quite safe."
+
+And when the witch flew by and called to the cow:
+
+  "O Cow of mine! Cow of mine!
+   Have you seen my naughty little maid
+   With a willy willy wag and a great big bag,
+   Who stole my money--all that I had?"
+
+She just said politely:
+
+  "No, mother dear,
+   Not for seven year!"
+
+Then the old witch went on in the wrong direction, and the girl started
+afresh on her way home; but just as she got to where the oven stood, she
+heard that horrid old witch coming behind her again; so she ran as fast
+as she could to the oven and cried:
+
+  "O Oven! Oven! hide me
+   So as the witch can't find me,
+   For if she does she'll pick my bones,
+   And bury them under the garden stones."
+
+Then the oven said, "I am afraid there is no room for you, as another
+batch of bread is baking; but there is the baker--ask him."
+
+So she asked the baker, and he said, "Of course I will. You saved my
+last batch from being burnt; so run into the bakehouse, you will be
+quite safe there, and I will settle the witch for you."
+
+So she hid in the bakehouse, only just in time, for there was the old
+witch calling angrily:
+
+  "O Man of mine! Man of mine!
+   Have you seen my naughty little maid
+   With a willy willy wag and a great big bag,
+   Who's stole my money--all I had?"
+
+Then the baker replied, "Look in the oven. She may be there."
+
+And the witch alighted from her broomstick and peered into the oven: but
+she could see no one.
+
+"Creep in and look in the farthest corner," said the baker slyly, and
+the witch crept in, when----
+
+                           Bang!----
+
+he shut the door in her face, and there she was roasting. And when she
+came out with the bread she was all crisp and brown, and had to go home
+as best she could and put cold cream all over her!
+
+But the kind, obliging little girl got safe home with her bag of money.
+
+Now the ill-tempered elder sister was very jealous of this good luck,
+and determined to get a bag of gold for herself. So she in her turn
+packed up a bundle and started to seek service by the same road. But
+when she came to the oven, and the loaves begged her to take them out
+because they had been baking seven years and were nigh to burning, she
+tossed her head and said:
+
+"A likely story indeed, that I should burn my fingers to save your
+crusts. No, thank you!"
+
+And with that she went on till she came across the cow standing waiting
+to be milked beside the pail. But when the cow said:
+
+"Little girl! Little girl! Milk me! Please milk me, I've waited seven
+years to be milked----"
+
+She only laughed and replied, "You may wait another seven years for all
+I care. I'm not your dairymaid!"
+
+And with that she went on till she came to the apple tree, all
+overburdened by its fruit. But when it begged her to shake its branches,
+she only giggled, and plucking one ripe apple, said:
+
+"One is enough for me: you can keep the rest yourself." And with that
+she went on munching the apple, till she came to the witch-woman's
+house.
+
+Now the witch-woman, though she had got over being crisp and brown from
+the oven, was dreadfully angry with all little maid-servants, and made
+up her mind this one should not trick her. So for a long time she never
+went out of the house; thus the ill-tempered sister never had a chance
+of looking up the chimney, as she had meant to do at once. And she had
+to dust, and clean, and brush, and sweep ever so hard, until she was
+quite tired out.
+
+But one day, when the witch-woman went into the garden to bury her
+bones, she seized the moment, looked up the chimney, and, sure enough, a
+bag of gold fell plump into her lap!
+
+Well! she was off with it in a moment, and ran and ran till she came to
+the apple tree, when she heard the witch-woman behind her. So she cried
+as her sister had done:
+
+  "Apple tree! Apple tree, hide me
+   So the old witch can't find me,
+   For if she does she'll break my bones,
+   Or bury me under the garden stones."
+
+But the apple tree said:
+
+"No room here! I've too many apples."
+
+So she had to run on; and when the witch-woman on her broomstick came
+flying by and called:
+
+  "O Tree of mine! Tree of mine!
+   Have you seen a naughty little maid
+   With a willy willy wag and a great big bag,
+   Who's stolen my money--all I had?"
+
+The apple tree replied:
+
+  "Yes, mother dear,
+   She's gone down there."
+
+Then the witch-woman went after her, caught her, gave her a thorough
+good beating, took the bag of money away from her, and sent her home
+without a penny payment for all her dusting, and sweeping, and brushing,
+and cleaning.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Headpiece--The Laidly Worm]
+
+THE LAIDLY WORM
+
+
+In Bamborough Castle there once lived a King who had two children, a son
+named Childe Wynde, and a daughter who was called May Margret. Their
+mother, a fair woman, was dead, and the King mourned her long and
+faithfully. But, after his son Childe Wynde went to seek his fortune,
+the King, hunting in the forest, came across a lady of such great beauty
+that he fell in love with her at once and determined to marry her.
+
+Now Princess May Margret was not over-pleased to think that her mother's
+place should be taken by a strange woman, nor was she pleased to think
+that she would have to give up keeping house for her father the King.
+For she had always taken a pride in her work. But she said nothing,
+though she stood long on the castle walls looking out across the sea
+wishing for her dear brother's return; for, see you, they had mothered
+each other.
+
+Still no news came of Childe Wynde; so on the day when the old King was
+to bring the new Queen home, May Margret counted over the keys of the
+castle chambers, knotted them on a string, and after casting them over
+her left shoulder for luck--more for her father's sake than for the new
+Queen's regard--she stood at the castle gate ready to hand over the keys
+to her stepmother.
+
+Now as the bridal procession approached with all the lords of the north
+countrie, and some of the Scots lords in attendance, she looked so fair
+and so sweet, that the lords whispered to one another of her beauty. And
+when, after saying in a voice like a mavis--
+
+  "Oh welcome, welcome, father,
+   Unto your halls and towers!
+   And welcome too, my stepmother,
+   For all that's here is yours!"
+
+she turned upon the step and tripped into the yard, the Scots lords said
+aloud:
+
+  "Forsooth! May Margret's grace
+   Surpasses all that we have met, she has so fair a face!"
+
+Now the new Queen overheard this, and she stamped her foot and her face
+flushed with anger as she turned her about and called:
+
+  "You might have excepted me,
+   But I will bring May Margret to a Laidly Worm's degree;
+   I'll bring her low as a Laidly Worm
+   That warps about a stone,
+   And not till the Childe of Wynde come back
+   Will the witching be undone."
+
+Well! hearing this May Margret laughed, not knowing that her new
+stepmother, for all her beauty, was a witch; and the laugh made the
+wicked woman still more angry. So that same night she left her royal
+bed, and, returning to the lonely cave where she had ever done her
+magic, she cast Princess May Margret under a spell with charms three
+times three, and passes nine times nine. And this was her spell:
+
+  "I weird ye to a Laidly Worm,
+   And such sail ye ever be
+   Until Childe Wynde the King's dear son
+   Comes home across the sea.
+   Until the world comes to an end
+   Unspelled ye'll never be,
+   Unless Childe Wynde of his own free will
+   Sail give you kisses three!"
+
+So it came to pass that Princess May Margret went to her bed a beauteous
+maiden, full of grace, and rose next morning a Laidly Worm; for when her
+tire-women came to dress her they found coiled up in her bed an awesome
+dragon, which uncoiled itself and came towards them. And when they ran
+away terrified, the Laidly Worm crawled and crept, and crept and crawled
+down to the sea till it reached the rock of the Spindlestone which is
+called the Heugh. And there it curled itself round the stone, and lay
+basking in the sun.
+
+Then for seven miles east and seven miles west and seven miles north and
+south the whole country-side knew the hunger of the Laidly Worm of
+Spindlestone Heugh, for it drove the awesome beast to leave its
+resting-place at night and devour everything it came across.
+
+At last a wise warlock told the people that if they wished to be quit of
+these horrors, they must take every drop of the milk of seven white
+milch kine every morn and every eve to the trough of stone at the foot
+of the Heugh, for the Laidly Worm to drink. And this they did, and after
+that the Laidly Worm troubled the country-side no longer; but lay warped
+about the Heugh, looking out to sea with its terrible snout in the air.
+
+But the word of its doings had gone east and had gone west; it had even
+gone over the sea and had come to Childe Wynde's ears; and the news of
+it angered him; for he thought perchance it had something to do with his
+beloved sister May Margret's disappearance. So he called his men-at-arms
+together and said:
+
+"We must sail to Bamborough and land by Spindlestone, so as to quell and
+kill this Laidly Worm."
+
+Then they built a ship without delay, laying the keel with wood from the
+rowan tree. And they made masts of rowan wood also, and oars likewise;
+and, so furnished, set forth.
+
+Now the wicked Queen knew by her arts they were coming, so she sent out
+her imps to still the winds so that the fluttering sails of silk hung
+idle on the masts. But Childe Wynde was not to be bested; so he called
+out the oarsmen. Thus it came to pass that one morn the wicked Queen,
+looking from the Keep, saw the gallant ship in Bamborough Bay, and she
+sent out all her witch-wives and her impets to raise a storm and sink
+the ship; but they came back unable to hurt it, for, see you, it was
+built of rowan wood, over which witches have no power.
+
+Then, as a last device, the Witch Queen laid spells upon the Laidly Worm
+saying:
+
+  "Oh! Laidly Worm! Go make their topmast heel,
+   Go! Worm the sand, and creep beneath the keel."
+
+Now the Laidly Worm had no choice but to obey. So:
+
+  "The Worm leapt up, the Worm leapt down
+   And plaited round each plank,
+   And aye as the ship came close to shore
+   She heeled as if she sank."
+
+Three times three did Childe Wynde attempt to land, and three times
+three the Laidly Worm kept the good ship from the shore. At last Childe
+Wynde gave the word to put the ship about, and the Witch Queen, who was
+watching from the Keep, thought he had given up: but he was not to be
+bested: for he only rounded the next point to Budley sands. And there,
+jumping into the shoal water, he got safely to land, and drawing his
+sword of proof, rushed up to fight the awesome Worm. But as he raised
+his sword to strike he heard a voice, soft as the western wind:
+
+  "Oh quit thy sword, unbend thy bow,
+     And give me kisses three,
+   For though I seem a Laidly Worm
+     No harm I'll do to thee!"
+
+And the voice seemed to him like the voice of his dear sister May
+Margret. So he stayed his hand. Then once again the Laidly Worm said:
+
+  "Oh quit thy sword, unbend thy bow,
+     My laidly form forget.
+   Forgive the wrong and kiss me thrice
+     For love of May Margret."
+
+Then Childe Wynde, remembering how he had loved his sister, put his arms
+round the Laidly Worm and kissed it once. And he kissed the loathly
+thing twice. And he kissed it yet a third time as he stood with the wet
+sand at his feet.
+
+Then with a hiss and a roar the Laidly Worm sank to the sand, and in his
+arms was May Margret!
+
+He wrapped her in his mantle, for she trembled in the cold sea air, and
+carried her to Bamborough Castle, where the wicked Queen, knowing her
+hour was come, stood, all deserted by her imps and witch-wives, on the
+stairs, twisting her hands.
+
+Then Childe Wynde looking at her cried:
+
+  "Woe! Woe to thee, thou wicked Witch!
+     An ill fate shalt thine be!
+   The doom thou dreed on May Margret
+     The same doom shalt thou dree.
+
+   Henceforth thou'lt be a Laidly Toad
+     That in the clay doth wend,
+   And unspelled thou wilt never be
+     Till this world hath an end."
+
+And as he spoke the wicked Queen began to shrivel, and she shrivelled
+and shrivelled to a horrid wrinkled toad that hopped down the castle
+steps and disappeared in a crevice.
+
+But to this day a loathsome toad is sometimes seen haunting Bamborough
+Keep; and that Laidly Toad is the wicked Witch Queen!
+
+But Childe Wynde and Princess May Margret loved each other as much as
+ever, and lived happily ever after.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Tatty sat down and wept]
+
+TITTY MOUSE AND TATTY MOUSE
+
+
+Titty Mouse and Tatty Mouse both lived in a house.
+
+Titty Mouse went a-gleaning, and Tatty Mouse went a-gleaning.
+
+So they both went a-gleaning.
+
+Titty Mouse gleaned an ear of corn, and Tatty Mouse gleaned an ear of
+corn.
+
+So they both gleaned an ear of corn.
+
+Titty Mouse made a pudding, and Tatty Mouse made a pudding.
+
+So they both made a pudding.
+
+And Tatty Mouse put her pudding into the pot to boil.
+
+But when Titty went to put hers in, the pot tumbled over, and scalded
+her to death, and Tatty sat down and wept.
+
+Then the three-legged stool said, "Tatty, why do you weep?"
+
+"Titty's dead," said Tatty, "and so I weep."
+
+"Then," said the stool, "I'll hop," so the stool hopped.
+
+Then a broom in the corner of the room said, "Stool, why do you hop?"
+
+"Oh!" said the stool, "Titty's dead, and Tatty weeps, and so I hop."
+
+"Then," said the broom, "I'll sweep," so the broom began to sweep.
+
+Then said the door, "Broom, why do you sweep?"
+
+"Oh!" said the broom, "Titty's dead, and Tatty weeps, and the stool
+hops, and so I sweep."
+
+"Then," said the door, "I'll jar," so the door jarred.
+
+Then the window said, "Door, why do you jar?"
+
+"Oh!" said the door, "Titty's dead, and Tatty weeps, and the stool hops,
+and the broom sweeps, and so I jar."
+
+"Then," said the window, "I'll creak," so the window creaked.
+
+Now there was an old form outside the house, and when the window
+creaked, the form said, "Window, why do you creak?"
+
+"Oh!" said the window, "Titty's dead, and Tatty weeps, and the stool
+hops, and the broom sweeps, the door jars, and so I creak!"
+
+"Then," said the old form, "I'll gallop round the house." So the old
+form galloped round the house.
+
+Now there was a fine large walnut tree growing by the cottage, and the
+tree said to the form, "Form, why do you gallop round the house?"
+
+"Oh!" says the form, "Titty's dead, and Tatty weeps, and the stool
+hops, and the broom sweeps, the door jars, and the window creaks, and so
+I gallop round the house."
+
+"Then," said the walnut tree, "I'll shed my leaves." So the walnut tree
+shed all its beautiful green leaves.
+
+Now there was a little bird perched on one of the boughs of the tree,
+and when all the leaves fell, it said, "Walnut tree, why do you shed
+your leaves?"
+
+"Oh!" said the tree, "Titty's dead, and Tatty weeps, the stool hops, and
+the broom sweeps, the door jars, and the window creaks, the old form
+gallops round the house, and so I shed my leaves."
+
+"Then," said the little bird, "I'll moult all my feathers," so he
+moulted all his gay feathers.
+
+Now there was a little girl walking below, carrying a jug of milk for
+her brothers' and sisters' supper, and when she saw the poor little bird
+moult all its feathers, she said, "Little bird, why do you moult all
+your feathers?"
+
+"Oh!" said the little bird, "Titty's dead, and Tatty weeps, the stool
+hops, and the broom sweeps, the door jars, and the window creaks, the
+old form gallops round the house, the walnut tree sheds its leaves, and
+so I moult all my feathers."
+
+"Then," said the little girl, "I'll spill the milk." So she dropt the
+pitcher and spilt the milk.
+
+Now there was an old man just by on the top of a ladder thatching a
+rick, and when he saw the little girl spill the milk, he said, "Little
+girl, what do you mean by spilling the milk? your little brothers and
+sisters must go without their suppers."
+
+Then said the little girl, "Titty's dead, and Tatty weeps, the stool
+hops, and the broom sweeps, the door jars, and the window creaks, the
+old form gallops round the house, the walnut tree sheds all its leaves,
+the little bird moults all its feathers, and so I spill the milk."
+
+"Oh!" said the old man, "then I'll tumble off the ladder and break my
+neck."
+
+So he tumbled off the ladder and broke his neck; and when the old man
+broke his neck, the great walnut tree fell down with a crash and upset
+the old form and house, and the house falling knocked the window out,
+and the window knocked the door down, and the door upset the broom, and
+the broom upset the stool, and poor little Tatty Mouse was buried
+beneath the ruins.
+
+
+
+
+JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
+
+
+A long long time ago, when most of the world was young and folk did what
+they liked because all things were good, there lived a boy called Jack.
+
+His father was bed-ridden, and his mother, a good soul, was busy early
+morns and late eves planning and placing how to support her sick husband
+and her young son by selling the milk and butter which Milky-White, the
+beautiful cow, gave them without stint. For it was summer-time. But
+winter came on; the herbs of the fields took refuge from the frosts in
+the warm earth, and though his mother sent Jack to gather what fodder he
+could get in the hedgerows, he came back as often as not with a very
+empty sack; for Jack's eyes were so often full of wonder at all the
+things he saw that sometimes he forgot to work!
+
+So it came to pass that one morning Milky-White gave no milk at all--not
+one drain! Then the good hard-working mother threw her apron over her
+head and sobbed:
+
+"What shall we do? What shall we do?"
+
+Now Jack loved his mother; besides, he felt just a bit sneaky at being
+such a big boy and doing so little to help, so he said, "Cheer up! Cheer
+up! I'll go and get work somewhere." And he felt as he spoke as if he
+would work his fingers to the bone; but the good woman shook her head
+mournfully.
+
+"You've tried that before, Jack," she said, "and nobody would keep you.
+You are quite a good lad but your wits go a-wool-gathering. No, we must
+sell Milky-White and live on the money. It is no use crying over milk
+that is not here to spill!"
+
+You see, she was a wise as well as a hard-working woman, and Jack's
+spirits rose.
+
+"Just so," he cried. "We will sell Milky-White and be richer than ever.
+It's an ill wind that blows no one good. So, as it is market-day, I'll
+just take her there and we shall see what we shall see."
+
+"But--" began his mother.
+
+"But doesn't butter parsnips," laughed Jack. "Trust me to make a good
+bargain."
+
+So, as it was washing-day, and her sick husband was more ailing than
+usual, his mother let Jack set off to sell the cow.
+
+"Not less than ten pounds," she bawled after him as he turned the
+corner.
+
+Ten pounds, indeed! Jack had made up his mind to twenty! Twenty solid
+golden sovereigns!
+
+He was just settling what he should buy his mother as a fairing out of
+the money, when he saw a queer little old man on the road who called
+out, "Good-morning, Jack!"
+
+"Good-morning," replied Jack, with a polite bow, wondering how the queer
+little old man happened to know his name; though, to be sure, Jacks were
+as plentiful as blackberries.
+
+"And where may you be going?" asked the queer little old man. Jack
+wondered again--he was always wondering, you know--what the queer little
+old man had to do with it; but, being always polite, he replied:
+
+"I am going to market to sell Milky-White--and I mean to make a good
+bargain."
+
+"So you will! So you will!" chuckled the queer little old man. "You
+look the sort of chap for it. I bet you know how many beans make five?"
+
+"Two in each hand and one in my mouth," answered Jack readily. He really
+was sharp as a needle.
+
+"Just so, just so!" chuckled the queer little old man; and as he spoke
+he drew out of his pocket five beans. "Well, here they are, so give us
+Milky-White."
+
+Jack was so flabbergasted that he stood with his mouth open as if he
+expected the fifth bean to fly into it.
+
+"What!" he said at last. "My Milky-White for five common beans! Not if I
+know it!"
+
+"But they aren't common beans," put in the queer little old man, and
+there was a queer little smile on his queer little face. "If you plant
+these beans over-night, by morning they will have grown up right into
+the very sky."
+
+Jack was too flabbergasted this time even to open his mouth; his eyes
+opened instead.
+
+[Illustration: As he spoke he drew out of his pocket five beans]
+
+"Did you say right into the very sky?" he asked at last; for, see you,
+Jack had wondered more about the sky than about anything else.
+
+"_RIGHT UP INTO THE VERY SKY_" repeated the queer old man, with a nod
+between each word. "It's a good bargain, Jack; and, as fair play's a
+jewel, if they don't--why! meet me here to-morrow morning and you shall
+have Milky-White back again. Will that please you?"
+
+"Right as a trivet," cried Jack, without stopping to think, and the next
+moment he found himself standing on an empty road.
+
+"Two in each hand and one in my mouth," repeated Jack. "That is what I
+said, and what I'll do. Everything in order, and if what the queer
+little old man said isn't true, I shall get Milky-White back to-morrow
+morning."
+
+So whistling and munching the bean he trudged home cheerfully, wondering
+what the sky would be like if he ever got there.
+
+"What a long time you've been!" exclaimed his mother, who was watching
+anxiously for him at the gate. "It is past sun-setting; but I see you
+have sold Milky-White. Tell me quick how much you got for her."
+
+"You'll never guess," began Jack.
+
+"Laws-a-mercy! You don't say so," interrupted the good woman. "And I
+worriting all day lest they should take you in. What was it? Ten
+pounds--fifteen--sure it _can't_ be twenty!"
+
+Jack held out the beans triumphantly.
+
+"There," he said. "That's what I got for her, and a jolly good bargain
+too!"
+
+It was his mother's turn to be flabbergasted; but all she said was:
+
+"What! Them beans!"
+
+"Yes," replied Jack, beginning to doubt his own wisdom; "but they're
+_magic_ beans. If you plant them over-night, by morning
+they--grow--right up--into--the--sky--Oh! Please don't hit so hard!"
+
+For Jack's mother for once had lost her temper, and was belabouring the
+boy for all she was worth. And when she had finished scolding and
+beating, she flung the miserable beans out of window and sent him,
+supperless, to bed.
+
+If this was the magical effect of the beans, thought Jack ruefully, he
+didn't want any more magic, if you please.
+
+However, being healthy and, as a rule, happy, he soon fell asleep and
+slept like a top.
+
+When he woke he thought at first it was moonlight, for everything in the
+room showed greenish. Then he stared at the little window. It was
+covered as if with a curtain by leaves. He was out of bed in a trice,
+and the next moment, without waiting to dress, was climbing up the
+biggest beanstalk you ever saw. For what the queer little old man had
+said was true! One of the beans which his mother had chucked into the
+garden had found soil, taken root, and grown in the night....
+
+Where?...
+
+Up to the very sky? Jack meant to see at any rate.
+
+So he climbed, and he climbed, and he climbed. It was easy work, for the
+big beanstalk with the leaves growing out of each side was like a
+ladder; for all that he soon was out of breath. Then he got his second
+wind, and was just beginning to wonder if he had a third when he saw in
+front of him a wide, shining white road stretching away, and away, and
+away.
+
+So he took to walking, and he walked, and walked, and walked, till he
+came to a tall, shining white house with a wide white doorstep.
+
+And on the doorstep stood a great big woman with a black porridge-pot
+in her hand. Now Jack, having had no supper, was hungry as a hunter, and
+when he saw the porridge-pot he said quite politely:
+
+"Good-morning, 'm. I wonder if you _could_ give me some breakfast?"
+
+"Breakfast!" echoed the woman, who, in truth, was an ogre's wife. "If it
+is breakfast you're wanting, it's breakfast you'll likely be; for I
+expect my man home every instant, and there is nothing he likes better
+for breakfast than a boy--a fat boy grilled on toast."
+
+Now Jack was not a bit of a coward, and when he wanted a thing he
+generally got it, so he said cheerful-like:
+
+"I'd be fatter if I'd had my breakfast!" Whereat the ogre's wife laughed
+and bade Jack come in; for she was not, really, half as bad as she
+looked. But he had hardly finished the great bowl of porridge and milk
+she gave him when the whole house began to tremble and quake. It was the
+ogre coming home!
+
+                     Thump! THUMP!! THUMP!!!
+
+"Into the oven with you, sharp!" cried the ogre's wife; and the iron
+oven door was just closed when the ogre strode in. Jack could see him
+through the little peep-hole slide at the top where the steam came out.
+
+He was a big one for sure. He had three sheep strung to his belt, and
+these he threw down on the table. "Here, wife," he cried, "roast me
+these snippets for breakfast; they are all I've been able to get this
+morning, worse luck! I hope the oven's hot?" And he went to touch the
+handle, while Jack burst out all of a sweat, wondering what would happen
+next.
+
+"Roast!" echoed the ogre's wife. "Pooh! the little things would dry to
+cinders. Better boil them."
+
+So she set to work to boil them; but the ogre began sniffing about the
+room. "They don't smell--mutton meat," he growled. Then he frowned
+horribly and began the real ogre's rhyme:
+
+  "_Fee-fi-fo-fum,
+   I smell the blood of an Englishman.
+   Be he alive, or be he dead,
+   I'll grind his bones to make my bread._"
+
+"Don't be silly!" said his wife. "It's the bones of the little boy you
+had for supper that I'm boiling down for soup! Come, eat your breakfast,
+there's a good ogre!"
+
+So the ogre ate his three sheep, and when he had done he went to a big
+oaken chest and took out three big bags of golden pieces. These he put
+on the table, and began to count their contents while his wife cleared
+away the breakfast things. And by and by his head began to nod, and at
+last he began to snore, and snored so loud that the whole house shook.
+
+Then Jack nipped out of the oven and, seizing one of the bags of gold,
+crept away, and ran along the straight, wide, shining white road as fast
+as his legs would carry him till he came to the beanstalk. He couldn't
+climb down it with the bag of gold, it was so heavy, so he just flung
+his burden down first, and, helter-skelter, climbed after it.
+
+And when he came to the bottom, there was his mother picking up gold
+pieces out of the garden as fast as she could; for, of course, the bag
+had burst.
+
+"Laws-a-mercy me!" she says. "Wherever have you been? See! It's been
+rainin' gold!"
+
+"No, it hasn't," began Jack. "I climbed up--"
+
+Then he turned to look for the beanstalk; but, lo and behold! it wasn't
+there at all! So he knew, then, it was all real magic.
+
+After that they lived happily on the gold pieces for a long time, and
+the bed-ridden father got all sorts of nice things to eat; but, at last,
+a day came when Jack's mother showed a doleful face as she put a big
+yellow sovereign into Jack's hand and bade him be careful marketing,
+because there was not one more in the coffer. After that they must
+starve.
+
+That night Jack went supperless to bed of his own accord. If he couldn't
+make money, he thought, at any rate he could eat less money. It was a
+shame for a big boy to stuff himself and bring no grist to the mill.
+
+He slept like a top, as boys do when they don't overeat themselves, and
+when he woke....
+
+Hey, presto! the whole room showed greenish, and there was a curtain of
+leaves over the window! Another bean had grown in the night, and Jack
+was up it like a lamp-lighter before you could say knife.
+
+This time he didn't take nearly so long climbing until he reached the
+straight, wide, white road, and in a trice he found himself before the
+tall white house, where on the wide white steps the ogre's wife was
+standing with the black porridge-pot in her hand.
+
+And this time Jack was as bold as brass. "Good-morning, 'm," he said.
+"I've come to ask you for breakfast, for I had no supper, and I'm as
+hungry as a hunter."
+
+"Go away, bad boy!" replied the ogre's wife. "Last time I gave a boy
+breakfast my man missed a whole bag of gold. I believe you are the same
+boy."
+
+"Maybe I am, maybe I'm not," said Jack, with a laugh. "I'll tell you
+true when I've had my breakfast; but not till then."
+
+So the ogre's wife, who was dreadfully curious, gave him a big bowl full
+of porridge; but before he had half finished it he heard the ogre
+coming--
+
+                    Thump! THUMP! THUMP!
+
+"In with you to the oven," shrieked the ogre's wife. "You shall tell me
+when he has gone to sleep."
+
+This time Jack saw through the steam peep-hole that the ogre had three
+fat calves strung to his belt.
+
+"Better luck to-day, wife!" he cried, and his voice shook the house.
+"Quick! Roast these trifles for my breakfast! I hope the oven's hot?"
+
+And he went to feel the handle of the door, but his wife cried out
+sharply:
+
+"Roast! Why, you'd have to wait hours before they were done! I'll broil
+them--see how bright the fire is!"
+
+"Umph!" growled the ogre. And then he began sniffing and calling out:
+
+  "_Fee-fi-fo-fum,
+   I smell the blood of an Englishman.
+   Be he alive, or be he dead,
+   I'll grind his bones to make my bread._"
+
+"Twaddle!" said the ogre's wife. "It's only the bones of the boy you had
+last week that I've put into the pig-bucket!"
+
+"Umph!" said the ogre harshly; but he ate the broiled calves, and then
+he said to his wife, "Bring me my hen that lays the magic eggs. I want
+to see gold."
+
+So the ogre's wife brought him a great big black hen with a shiny red
+comb. She plumped it down on the table and took away the breakfast
+things.
+
+Then the ogre said to the hen, "Lay!" and it promptly laid--what do you
+think?--a beautiful, shiny, yellow, golden egg!
+
+"None so dusty, henny-penny," laughed the ogre. "I shan't have to beg as
+long as I've got you." Then he said, "Lay!" once more; and, lo and
+behold! there was another beautiful, shiny, yellow, golden egg!
+
+Jack could hardly believe his eyes, and made up his mind that he would
+have that hen, come what might. So, when the ogre began to doze, he just
+out like a flash from the oven, seized the hen, and ran for his life!
+But, you see, he reckoned without his prize; for hens, you know, always
+cackle when they leave their nests after laying an egg, and this one set
+up such a scrawing that it woke the ogre.
+
+"Where's my hen?" he shouted, and his wife came rushing in, and they
+both rushed to the door; but Jack had got the better of them by a good
+start, and all they could see was a little figure right away down the
+wide white road, holding a big, scrawing, cackling, fluttering black hen
+by the legs!
+
+How Jack got down the beanstalk he never knew. It was all wings, and
+leaves, and feathers, and cacklings; but get down he did, and there was
+his mother wondering if the sky was going to fall!
+
+But the very moment Jack touched ground he called out, "Lay!" and the
+black hen ceased cackling and laid a great, big, shiny, yellow, golden
+egg.
+
+So every one was satisfied; and from that moment everybody had
+everything that money could buy. For, whenever they wanted anything,
+they just said, "Lay!" and the black hen provided them with gold.
+
+But Jack began to wonder if he couldn't find something else besides
+money in the sky. So one fine moonlight midsummer night he refused his
+supper, and before he went to bed stole out to the garden with a big
+watering-can and watered the ground under his window; for, thought he,
+"there must be two more beans somewhere, and perhaps it is too dry for
+them to grow." Then he slept like a top.
+
+And, lo and behold! when he woke, there was the green light shimmering
+through his room, and there he was in an instant on the beanstalk,
+climbing, climbing, climbing for all he was worth.
+
+But this time he knew better than to ask for his breakfast; for the
+ogre's wife would be sure to recognise him. So he just hid in some
+bushes beside the great white house, till he saw her in the scullery,
+and then he slipped out and hid himself in the copper; for he knew she
+would be sure to look in the oven first thing.
+
+And by and by he heard--
+
+                   Thump! THUMP! THUMP!
+
+And peeping through a crack in the copper-lid, he could see the ogre
+stalk in with three huge oxen strung at his belt. But this time, no
+sooner had the ogre got into the house than he began shouting:
+
+  "_Fee-fi-fo-fum,
+   I smell the blood of an Englishman.
+   Be he alive, or be he dead,
+   I'll grind his bones to make my bread._"
+
+For, see you, the copper-lid didn't fit tight like the oven door, and
+ogres have noses like a dog's for scent.
+
+"Well, I declare, so do I!" exclaimed the ogre's wife. "It will be that
+horrid boy who stole the bag of gold and the hen. If so, he's hid in the
+oven!"
+
+But when she opened the door, lo and behold! Jack wasn't there! Only
+some joints of meat roasting and sizzling away. Then she laughed and
+said, "You and me be fools for sure. Why, it's the boy you caught last
+night as I was getting ready for your breakfast. Yes, we be fools to
+take dead meat for live flesh! So eat your breakfast, there's a good
+ogre!"
+
+But the ogre, though he enjoyed roast boy very much, wasn't satisfied,
+and every now and then he would burst out with "_Fee-fi-fo-fum_," and
+get up and search the cupboards, keeping Jack in a fever of fear lest he
+should think of the copper.
+
+But he didn't. And when he had finished his breakfast he called out to
+his wife, "Bring me my magic harp! I want to be amused."
+
+So she brought out a little harp and put it on the table. And the ogre
+leant back in his chair and said lazily:
+
+                    "Sing!"
+
+And, lo and behold! the harp began to sing. If you want to know what it
+sang about? Why! It sang about everything! And it sang so beautifully
+that Jack forgot to be frightened, and the ogre forgot to think of
+"_Fee-fi-fo-fum_," and fell asleep and
+
+                    did
+                    NOT
+                   SNORE.
+
+Then Jack stole out of the copper like a mouse and crept hands and knees
+to the table, raised himself up ever so softly and laid hold of the
+magic harp; for he was determined to have it.
+
+But, no sooner had he touched it, than it cried out quite loud, "Master!
+Master!" So the ogre woke, saw Jack making off, and rushed after him.
+
+My goodness, it was a race! Jack was nimble, but the ogre's stride was
+twice as long. So, though Jack turned, and twisted, and doubled like a
+hare, yet at last, when he got to the beanstalk, the ogre was not a
+dozen yards behind him. There wasn't time to think, so Jack just flung
+himself on to the stalk and began to go down as fast as he could, while
+the harp kept calling, "Master! Master!" at the very top of its voice.
+He had only got down about a quarter of the way when there was the most
+awful lurch you can think of, and Jack nearly fell off the beanstalk. It
+was the ogre beginning to climb down, and his weight made the stalk sway
+like a tree in a storm. Then Jack knew it was life or death, and he
+climbed down faster and faster, and as he climbed he shouted, "Mother!
+Mother! Bring an axe! Bring an axe!"
+
+Now his mother, as luck would have it, was in the backyard chopping
+wood, and she ran out thinking that this time the sky must have fallen.
+Just at that moment Jack touched ground, and he flung down the
+harp--which immediately began to sing of all sorts of beautiful
+things--and he seized the axe and gave a great chop at the beanstalk,
+which shook and swayed and bent like barley before a breeze.
+
+"Have a care!" shouted the ogre, clinging on as hard as he could. But
+Jack _did_ have a care, and he dealt that beanstalk such a shrewd blow
+that the whole of it, ogre and all, came toppling down, and, of course,
+the ogre broke his crown, so that he died on the spot.
+
+[Illustration: "Fee-fi-fo-fum, I smell the blood of an Englishman."]
+
+[Illustration: Jack seized the axe and gave a great chop at the
+beanstalk]
+
+After that every one was quite happy. For they had gold and to spare,
+and if the bed-ridden father was dull, Jack just brought out the harp
+and said, "Sing!" And, lo and behold! It sang about everything under the
+sun.
+
+So Jack ceased wondering so much and became quite a useful person.
+
+And the last bean still hasn't grown yet. It is still in the garden.
+
+I wonder if it will ever grow?
+
+And what little child will climb its beanstalk into the sky?
+
+And what will that child find?
+
+Goody me!
+
+
+
+
+THE BLACK BULL OF NORROWAY
+
+
+Long ago in Norroway there lived a lady who had three daughters. Now
+they were all pretty, and one night they fell a-talking of whom they
+meant to marry.
+
+And the eldest said, "I will have no one lower than an Earl."
+
+And the second said, "I will have none lower than a Lord."
+
+But the third, the prettiest and the merriest, tossed her head and said,
+with a twinkle in her eye, "Why so proud? As for me I would be content
+with the Black Bull of Norroway."
+
+At that the other sisters bade her be silent and not talk lightly of
+such a monster. For, see you, is it not written:
+
+  To wilder measures now they turn,
+    The black black Bull of Norroway;
+  Sudden the tapers cease to burn,
+    The minstrels cease to play.
+
+So, no doubt, the Black Bull of Norroway was held to be a horrid
+monster.
+
+But the youngest daughter would have her laugh, so she said three times
+that she would be content with the Black Bull of Norroway.
+
+Well! It so happened that the very next morning a coach-and-six came
+swinging along the road, and in it sate an Earl who had come to ask the
+hand of the eldest daughter in marriage. So there were great rejoicings
+over the wedding, and the bride and bridegroom drove away in the
+coach-and-six.
+
+Then the next thing that happened was that a coach-and-four with a Lord
+in it came swinging along the road; and he wanted to marry the second
+daughter. So they were wed, and there were great rejoicings, and the
+bride and bridegroom drove away in the coach-and-four.
+
+Now after this there was only the youngest, the prettiest and the
+merriest, of the sisters left, and she became the apple of her mother's
+eye. So you may imagine how the mother felt when one morning a terrible
+bellowing was heard at the door, and there was a great big Black Bull
+waiting for his bride.
+
+She wept and she wailed, and at first the girl ran away and hid herself
+in the cellar for fear, but there the Bull stood waiting, and at last
+the girl came up and said:
+
+"I promised I would be content with the Black Bull of Norroway, and I
+must keep my word. Farewell, mother, you will not see me again."
+
+Then she mounted on the Black Bull's back, and it walked away with her
+quite quietly. And ever it chose the smoothest paths and the easiest
+roads, so that at last the girl grew less afraid. But she became very
+hungry and was nigh to faint when the Black Bull said to her, in quite a
+soft voice that wasn't a bellow at all:
+
+  "Eat out of my left ear,
+     Drink out of my right,
+   And set by what you leave
+     To serve the morrow's night."
+
+So she did as she was bid, and, lo and behold! the left ear was full of
+delicious things to eat, and the right was full of the most delicious
+drinks, and there was plenty left over for several days.
+
+Thus they journeyed on, and they journeyed on, through many dreadful
+forests and many lonely wastes, and the Black Bull never paused for bite
+or sup, but ever the girl he carried ate out of his left ear and drank
+out of his right, and set by what she left to serve the morrow's night.
+And she slept soft and warm on his broad back.
+
+Now at last they reached a noble castle where a large company of lords
+and ladies were assembled, and greatly the company wondered at the sight
+of these strange companions. And they invited the girl to supper, but
+the Black Bull they turned into the field, and left to spend the night
+after his kind.
+
+But when the next morning came, there he was ready for his burden again.
+Now, though the girl was loth to leave her pleasant companions, she
+remembered her promise, and mounted on his back, so they journeyed on,
+and journeyed on, and journeyed on, through many tangled woods and over
+many high mountains. And ever the Black Bull chose the smoothest paths
+for her and set aside the briars and brambles, while she ate out of his
+left ear and drank out of his right.
+
+So at last they came to a magnificent mansion where Dukes and Duchesses
+and Earls and Countesses were enjoying themselves. Now the company,
+though much surprised at the strange companions, asked the girl in to
+supper; and the Black Bull they would have turned into the park for the
+night, but that the girl, remembering how well he had cared for her,
+asked them to put him into the stable and give him a good feed.
+
+So this was done, and the next morning he was waiting before the
+hall-door for his burden; and she, though somewhat loth at leaving the
+fine company, mounted him cheerfully enough, and they rode away, and
+they rode away, and they rode away, through thick briar brakes and up
+fearsome cliffs. But ever the Black Bull trod the brambles underfoot and
+chose the easiest paths, while she ate out of his left ear and drank out
+of his right, and wanted for nothing, though he had neither bite nor
+sup. So it came to pass that he grew tired and was limping with one foot
+when, just as the sun was setting, they came to a beautiful palace where
+Princes and Princesses were disporting themselves with ball on the green
+grass. Now, though the company greatly wondered at the strange
+companions, they asked the girl to join them, and ordered the grooms to
+lead away the Black Bull to a field.
+
+But she, remembering all he had done for her, said, "Not so! He will
+stay with me!" Then seeing a large thorn in the foot with which he had
+been limping, she stooped down and pulled it out.
+
+And, lo and behold! in an instant, to every one's surprise, there
+appeared, not a frightful monstrous bull, but one of the most beautiful
+Princes ever beheld, who fell at his deliverer's feet, thanking her for
+having broken his cruel enchantment.
+
+A wicked witch-woman who wanted to marry him had, he said, spelled him
+until a beautiful maiden of her own free will should do him a favour.
+
+"But," he said, "the danger is not all over. You have broken the
+enchantment by night; that by day has yet to be overcome."
+
+So the next morning the Prince had to resume the form of a bull, and
+they set out together; and they rode, and they rode, and they rode, till
+they came to a dark and ugsome glen. And here he bade her dismount and
+sit on a great rock.
+
+"Here you must stay," he said, "while I go yonder and fight the Old One.
+And mind! move neither hand nor foot whilst I am away, else I shall
+never find you again. If everything around you turns blue, I shall have
+beaten the Old One; but if everything turns red, he will have conquered
+me."
+
+And with that, and a tremendous roaring bellow, he set off to find his
+foe.
+
+Well, she sate as still as a mouse, moving neither hand nor foot, nor
+even her eyes, and waited, and waited, and waited. Then at last
+everything turned blue. But she was so overcome with joy to think that
+her lover was victorious that she forgot to keep still, and lifting one
+of her feet, crossed it over the other!
+
+So she waited, and waited, and waited. Long she sate, and aye she
+wearied; and all the time he was seeking for her, but he never found
+her.
+
+At last she rose and went she knew not whither, determined to seek for
+her lover through the whole wide world. So she journeyed on, and she
+journeyed on, and she journeyed on, until one day in a dark wood she
+came to a little hut where lived an old, old woman who gave her food and
+shelter, and bid her God-speed on her errand, giving her three nuts, a
+walnut, a filbert, and a hazel nut, with these words:
+
+  "When your heart is like to break,
+     And once again is like to break,
+   Crack a nut and in its shell
+     That will be that suits you well."
+
+After this she felt heartened up, and wandered on till her road was
+blocked by a great hill of glass; and though she tried all she could to
+climb it, she could not; for aye she slipped back, and slipped back, and
+slipped back; for it was like ice.
+
+Then she sought a passage elsewhere, and round and about the foot of the
+hill she went sobbing and wailing, but ne'er a foothold could she find.
+At last she came to a smithy; and the smith promised if she would serve
+him faithfully for seven years and seven days, that he would make her
+iron shoon wherewith to climb the hill of glass. So for seven long years
+and seven short days she toiled, and span, and swept, and washed in the
+smith's house. And for wage he gave her a pair of iron shoon, and with
+them she clomb the glassy hill and went on her way.
+
+Now she had not gone far before a company of fine lords and ladies rode
+past her talking of all the grand doings that were to be done at the
+young Duke of Norroway's wedding. Then she passed a number of people
+carrying all sorts of good things which they told her were for the
+Duke's wedding. And at last she came to a palace castle where the
+courtyards were full of cooks and bakers, some running this way, some
+running that, and all so busy that they did not know what to do first.
+
+Then she heard the horns of hunters and cries of "Room! Room for the
+Duke of Norroway and his bride!"
+
+And who should ride past but the beautiful Prince she had but half
+unspelled, and by his side was the witch-woman who was determined to
+marry him that very day.
+
+Well! at the sight she felt that her heart was indeed like to break, and
+over again was like to break, so that the time had come for her to crack
+one of the nuts. So she broke the walnut, as it was the biggest, and out
+of it came a wonderful wee woman carding wool as fast as ever she could
+card.
+
+Now when the witch-woman saw this wonderful thing she offered the girl
+her choice of anything in the castle for it.
+
+"If you will put off your wedding with the Duke for a day, and let me
+watch in his room to-night," said the girl, "you shall have it."
+
+Now, like all witch-women, the bride wanted everything her own way, and
+she was so sure she had her groom safe, that she consented; but before
+the Duke went to rest she gave him, with her own hands, a posset so made
+that any one who drank it would sleep till morning.
+
+Thus, though the girl was allowed alone into the Duke's chamber, and
+though she spent the livelong night sighing and singing:
+
+  "Far have I sought for thee,
+   Long have I wrought for thee,
+   Near am I brought to thee,
+   Dear Duke o' Norroway;
+   Wilt thou say naught to me?"
+
+the Duke never wakened, but slept on. So when day came the girl had to
+leave him without his ever knowing she had been there.
+
+Then once again her heart was like to break, and over and over again
+like to break, and she cracked the filbert nut, because it was the next
+biggest. And out of it came a wonderful wee, wee woman spinning away as
+fast as ever she could spin. Now when the witch-bride saw this wonderful
+thing she once again put off her wedding so that she might possess it.
+And once again the girl spent the livelong night in the Duke's chamber
+sighing and singing:
+
+  "Far have I sought for thee,
+   Long have I wrought for thee,
+   Near am I brought to thee,
+   Dear Duke o' Norroway;
+   Wilt thou say naught to me?"
+
+But the Duke, who had drunk the sleeping-draught from the hands of his
+witch-bride, never stirred, and when dawn came the girl had to leave him
+without his ever knowing she had been there.
+
+Then, indeed, the girl's heart was like to break, and over and over and
+over again like to break, so she cracked the last nut--the hazel
+nut--and out of it came the most wonderful wee, wee, wee-est woman
+reeling away at yarn as fast as she could reel.
+
+And this marvel so delighted the witch-bride that once again she
+consented to put off her wedding for a day, and allow the girl to watch
+in the Duke's chamber the night through, in order to possess it.
+
+Now it so happened that when the Duke was dressing that morning he heard
+his pages talking amongst themselves of the strange sighing and singing
+they had heard in the night; and he said to his faithful old valet,
+"What do the pages mean?"
+
+And the old valet, who hated the witch-bride, said:
+
+"If the master will take no sleeping-draught to-night, mayhap he may
+also hear what for two nights has kept me awake."
+
+At this the Duke marvelled greatly, and when the witch-bride brought
+him his evening posset, he made excuse it was not sweet enough, and
+while she went away to get honey to sweeten it withal, he poured away
+the posset and made believe he had swallowed it.
+
+So that night when dark had come, and the girl stole in to his chamber
+with a heavy heart thinking it would be the very last time she would
+ever see him, the Duke was really broad awake. And when she sate down by
+his bedside and began to sing:
+
+                "Far have I sought for thee,"
+
+he knew her voice at once, and clasped her in his arms.
+
+Then he told her how he had been in the power of the witch-woman and had
+forgotten everything, but that now he remembered all and that the spell
+was broken for ever and aye.
+
+So the wedding feast served for their marriage, since the witch-bride,
+seeing her power was gone, quickly fled the country and was never heard
+of again.
+
+
+
+
+CATSKIN
+
+
+Once upon a time there lived a gentleman who owned fine lands and
+houses, and he very much wanted to have a son to be heir to them. So
+when his wife brought him a daughter, though she was bonny as bonny
+could be, he cared nought for her, and said:
+
+"Let me never see her face."
+
+So she grew up to be a beautiful maiden, though her father never set
+eyes on her till she was fifteen years old and was ready to be married.
+
+Then her father said roughly, "She shall marry the first that comes for
+her." Now when this became known, who should come along and be first but
+a nasty, horrid old man! So she didn't know what to do, and went to the
+hen-wife and asked her advice. And the hen-wife said, "Say you will not
+take him unless they give you a coat of silver cloth." Well, they gave
+her a coat of silver cloth, but she wouldn't take him for all that, but
+went again to the hen-wife, who said, "Say you will not take him unless
+they give you a coat of beaten gold." Well, they gave her a coat of
+beaten gold, but still she would not take the old man, but went again
+to the hen-wife, who said, "Say you will not take him unless they give
+you a coat made of the feathers of all the birds of the air." So they
+sent out a man with a great heap of peas; and the man cried to all the
+birds of the air, "Each bird take a pea and put down a feather." So each
+bird took a pea and put down one of its feathers: and they took all the
+feathers and made a coat of them and gave it to her; but still she would
+not take the nasty, horrid old man, but asked the hen-wife once again
+what she was to do, and the hen-wife said, "Say they must first make you
+a coat of catskin." Then they made her a coat of catskin; and she put it
+on, and tied up her other coats into a bundle, and when it was
+night-time ran away with it into the woods.
+
+Now she went along, and went along, and went along, till at the end of
+the wood she saw a fine castle. Then she hid her fine dresses by a
+crystal waterfall and went up to the castle gates and asked for work.
+The lady of the castle saw her, and told her, "I'm sorry I have no
+better place, but if you like you may be our scullion." So down she went
+into the kitchen, and they called her Catskin, because of her dress. But
+the cook was very cruel to her, and led her a sad life.
+
+Well, soon after that it happened that the young lord of the castle came
+home, and there was to be a grand ball in honour of the occasion. And
+when they were speaking about it among the servants, "Dear me, Mrs.
+Cook," said Catskin, "how much I should like to go!"
+
+"What! You dirty, impudent slut," said the cook, "you go among all the
+fine lords and ladies with your filthy catskin? A fine figure you'd
+cut!" and with that she took a basin of water and dashed it into
+Catskin's face. But Catskin only shook her ears and said nothing.
+
+Now when the day of the ball arrived, Catskin slipped out of the house
+and went to the edge of the forest where she had hidden her dresses.
+Then she bathed herself in a crystal waterfall, and put on her coat of
+silver cloth, and hastened away to the ball. As soon as she entered all
+were overcome by her beauty and grace, while the young lord at once lost
+his heart to her. He asked her to be his partner for the first dance;
+and he would dance with none other the livelong night.
+
+When it came to parting time, the young lord said, "Pray tell me, fair
+maid, where you live?"
+
+But Catskin curtsied and said:
+
+  "Kind sir, if the truth I must tell,
+   At the sign of the 'Basin of Water' I dwell."
+
+Then she flew from the castle and donned her catskin robe again, and
+slipped into the scullery, unbeknown to the cook.
+
+The young lord went the very next day and searched for the sign of the
+"Basin of Water"; but he could not find it. So he went to his mother,
+the lady of the castle, and declared he would wed none other but the
+lady of the silver dress, and would never rest till he had found her.
+So another ball was soon arranged in hopes that the beautiful maid would
+appear again.
+
+So Catskin said to the cook, "Oh, how I should like to go!" Whereupon
+the cook screamed out in a rage, "What, you, you dirty, impudent slut!
+You would cut a fine figure among all the fine lords and ladies." And
+with that she up with a ladle and broke it across Catskin's back. But
+Catskin only shook her ears, and ran off to the forest, where, first of
+all, she bathed, and then she put on her coat of beaten gold, and off
+she went to the ball-room.
+
+As soon as she entered all eyes were upon her; and the young lord at
+once recognised her as the lady of the "Basin of Water," claimed her
+hand for the first dance, and did not leave her till the last. When that
+came, he again asked her where she lived. But all that she would say
+was:
+
+  "Kind sir, if the truth I must tell,
+   At the sign of the 'Broken Ladle' I dwell";
+
+and with that she curtsied and flew from the ball, off with her golden
+robe, on with her catskin, and into the scullery without the cook's
+knowing.
+
+Next day, when the young lord could not find where the sign of the
+"Basin of Water" was, he begged his mother to have another grand ball,
+so that he might meet the beautiful maid once more.
+
+Then Catskin said to the cook, "Oh, how I wish I could go to the ball!"
+Whereupon the cook called out: "A fine figure you'd cut!" and broke the
+skimmer across her head. But Catskin only shook her ears, and went off
+to the forest, where she first bathed in the crystal spring, and then
+donned her coat of feathers, and so off to the ball-room.
+
+When she entered every one was surprised at so beautiful a face and form
+dressed in so rich and rare a dress; but the young lord at once
+recognised his beautiful sweetheart, and would dance with none but her
+the whole evening. When the ball came to an end he pressed her to tell
+him where she lived, but all she would answer was:
+
+  "Kind sir, if the truth I must tell,
+   At the sign of the 'Broken Skimmer' I dwell";
+
+and with that she curtsied, and was off to the forest. But this time the
+young lord followed her, and watched her change her fine dress of
+feathers for her catskin dress, and then he knew her for his own
+scullery-maid.
+
+Next day he went to his mother, and told her that he wished to marry the
+scullery-maid, Catskin.
+
+"Never," said the lady of the castle--"never so long as I live."
+
+[Illustration: She went along, and went along, and went along]
+
+Well, the young lord was so grieved that he took to his bed and was very
+ill indeed. The doctor tried to cure him, but he would not take any
+medicine unless from the hands of Catskin. At last the doctor went to
+the mother, and said that her son would die if she did not consent to
+his marriage with Catskin; so she had to give way. Then she summoned
+Catskin to her, and Catskin put on her coat of beaten gold before she
+went to see the lady; and she, of course, was overcome at once, and was
+only too glad to wed her son to so beautiful a maid.
+
+So they were married, and after a time a little son was born to them,
+and grew up a fine little lad. Now one day, when he was about four years
+old, a beggar woman came to the door, and Lady Catskin gave some money
+to the little lord and told him to go and give it to the beggar woman.
+So he went and gave it, putting it into the hand of the woman's baby
+child; and the child leant forward and kissed the little lord.
+
+Now the wicked old cook (who had never been sent away, because Catskin
+was too kind-hearted) was looking on, and she said, "See how beggars'
+brats take to one another!"
+
+This insult hurt Catskin dreadfully: and she went to her husband, the
+young lord, and told him all about her father, and begged he would go
+and find out what had become of her parents. So they set out in the
+lord's grand coach, and travelled through the forest till they came to
+the house of Catskin's father. Then they put up at an inn near, and
+Catskin stopped there, while her husband went to see if her father would
+own she was his daughter.
+
+Now her father had never had any other child, and his wife had died; so
+he was all alone in the world, and sate moping and miserable. When the
+young lord came in he hardly looked up, he was so miserable. Then
+Catskin's husband drew a chair close up to him, and asked him, "Pray,
+sir, had you not once a young daughter whom you would never see or
+own?"
+
+And the miserable man said with tears, "It is true; I am a hardened
+sinner. But I would give all my worldly goods if I could but see her
+once before I die."
+
+Then the young lord told him what had happened to Catskin, and took him
+to the inn, and afterwards brought his father-in-law to his own castle,
+where they lived happy ever afterwards.
+
+
+
+
+THE THREE LITTLE PIGS
+
+
+Once upon a time there was an old sow who had three little pigs, and as
+she had not enough for them to eat, she said they had better go out into
+the world and seek their fortunes.
+
+Now the eldest pig went first, and as he trotted along the road he met a
+man carrying a bundle of straw. So he said very politely:
+
+"If you please, sir, could you give me that straw to build me a house?"
+
+And the man, seeing what good manners the little pig had, gave him the
+straw, and the little pig set to work and built a beautiful house with
+it.
+
+Now, when it was finished, a wolf happened to pass that way; and he saw
+the house, and _he smelt the pig inside_.
+
+So he knocked at the door and said:
+
+"_Little pig! Little pig! Let me in! Let me in!_"
+
+But the little pig saw the wolf's big paws through the keyhole, so he
+answered back:
+
+"_No! No! No! by the hair of my chinny chin chin!_" Then the wolf
+showed his teeth and said:
+
+"_Then I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house in._"
+
+[Illustration: So he huffed and he puffed and he blew the house in]
+
+So he huffed and he puffed and he blew the house in. Then he ate up
+little piggy and went on his way.
+
+Now, the next piggy, when he started, met a man carrying a bundle of
+furze, and, being very polite, he said to him:
+
+"If you please, sir, could you give me that furze to build me a house?"
+
+And the man, seeing what good manners the little pig had, gave him the
+furze, and the little pig set to work and built himself a beautiful
+house.
+
+Now it so happened that when the house was finished the wolf passed that
+way; and he saw the house, and _he smelt the pig inside_.
+
+So he knocked at the door and said:
+
+"_Little pig! Little pig! Let me in! Let me in!_"
+
+But the little pig peeped through the keyhole and saw the wolf's great
+ears, so he answered back:
+
+"_No! No! No! by the hair of my chinny chin chin!_"
+
+Then the wolf showed his teeth and said:
+
+"_Then I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house in!_"
+
+[Illustration: So he huffed and he puffed and he blew the house in]
+
+So he huffed and he puffed and he blew the house in. Then he ate up
+little piggy and went on his way.
+
+Now the third little piggy, when he started, met a man carrying a load
+of bricks, and, being very polite, he said:
+
+"If you please sir, could you give me those bricks to build me a house?"
+
+And the man, seeing that he had been well brought up, gave him the
+bricks, and the little pig set to work and built himself a beautiful
+house.
+
+And once again it happened that when it was finished the wolf chanced to
+come that way; and he saw the house, and he _smelt the pig inside_.
+
+So he knocked at the door and said:
+
+"_Little pig! Little pig! Let me in! Let me in!_"
+
+But the little pig peeped through the keyhole and saw the wolf's great
+eyes, so he answered:
+
+"_No! No! No! by the hair of my chinny chin chin!_"
+
+"_Then I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house in!_" says the
+wolf, showing his teeth.
+
+[Illustration: Well! he huffed and he puffed ... but he could _not_
+blow the house down]
+
+Well! he huffed and he puffed. He puffed and he huffed. And he huffed,
+huffed, and he puffed, puffed; but he could _not_ blow the house down.
+At last he was so out of breath that he couldn't huff and he couldn't
+puff any more. So he thought a bit. Then he said:
+
+"Little pig! I know where there is ever such a nice field of turnips."
+
+"Do you," says little piggy, "and where may that be?"
+
+"I'll show you," says the wolf; "if you will be ready at six o'clock
+to-morrow morning, I will call round for you, and we can go together to
+Farmer Smith's field and get turnips for dinner."
+
+"Thank you kindly," says the little piggy. "I will be ready at six
+o'clock sharp."
+
+But, you see, the little pig was not one to be taken in with chaff, so
+he got up at five, trotted off to Farmer Smith's field, rooted up the
+turnips, and was home eating them for breakfast when the wolf clattered
+at the door and cried:
+
+"Little pig! Little pig! Aren't you ready?"
+
+"Ready?" says the little piggy. "Why! what a sluggard you are! I've been
+to the field and come back again, and I'm having a nice potful of
+turnips for breakfast."
+
+Then the wolf grew red with rage; but he was determined to eat little
+piggy, so he said, as if he didn't care:
+
+"I'm glad you like them; but I know of something better than turnips."
+
+"Indeed," says little piggy, "and what may that be?"
+
+"A nice apple tree down in Merry gardens with the juiciest, sweetest
+apples on it! So if you will be ready at five o'clock to-morrow morning
+I will come round for you and we can get the apples together."
+
+"Thank you kindly," says little piggy. "I will sure and be ready at five
+o'clock sharp."
+
+Now the next morning he bustled up ever so early, and it wasn't four
+o'clock when he started to get the apples; but, you see, the wolf had
+been taken in once and wasn't going to be taken in again, so he also
+started at four o'clock, and the little pig had but just got his basket
+half full of apples when he saw the wolf coming down the road licking
+his lips.
+
+"Hullo!" says the wolf, "here already! You _are_ an early bird! Are the
+apples nice?"
+
+"Very nice," says little piggy; "I'll throw you down one to try."
+
+And he threw it so far away, that when the wolf had gone to pick it up,
+the little pig was able to jump down with his basket and run home.
+
+Well, the wolf was fair angry; but he went next day to the little
+piggy's house and called through the door, as mild as milk:
+
+"Little pig! Little pig! You are so clever, I should like to give you a
+fairing; so if you will come with me to the fair this afternoon you
+shall have one."
+
+"Thank you kindly," says little piggy. "What time shall we start?"
+
+"At three o'clock sharp," says the wolf, "so be sure to be ready."
+
+"I'll be ready before three," sniggered the little piggy. And he was! He
+started early in the morning and went to the fair, and rode in a swing,
+and enjoyed himself ever so much, and bought himself a butter-churn as a
+fairing, and trotted away towards home long before three o'clock. But
+just as he got to the top of the hill, what should he see but the wolf
+coming up it, all panting and red with rage!
+
+Well, there was no place to hide in but the butter-churn; so he crept
+into it, and was just pulling down the cover when the churn started to
+roll down the hill--
+
+_Bumpety, bumpety, bump!_
+
+Of course piggy, inside, began to squeal, and when the wolf heard the
+noise, and saw the butter-churn rolling down on top of him--
+
+_Bumpety, bumpety, bump!_
+
+--he was so frightened that he turned tail and ran away.
+
+But he was still determined to get the little pig for his dinner; so he
+went next day to the house and told the little pig how sorry he was not
+to have been able to keep his promise of going to the fair, because of
+an awful, dreadful, terrible Thing that had rushed at him, making a
+fearsome noise.
+
+"Dear me!" says the little piggy, "that must have been me! I hid inside
+the butter-churn when I saw you coming, and it started to roll! I am
+sorry I frightened you!"
+
+But this was too much. The wolf danced about with rage and swore he
+would come down the chimney and eat up the little pig for his supper.
+But while he was climbing on to the roof the little pig made up a
+blazing fire and put on a big pot full of water to boil. Then, just as
+the wolf was coming down the chimney, the little piggy off with the lid,
+and plump! in fell the wolf into the scalding water.
+
+So the little piggy put on the cover again, boiled the wolf up, and ate
+_him_ for supper.
+
+
+
+
+NIX NAUGHT NOTHING
+
+
+Once upon a time there lived a King and a Queen who didn't differ much
+from all the other kings and queens who have lived since Time began. But
+they had no children, and this made them very sad indeed. Now it so
+happened that the King had to go and fight battles in a far country, and
+he was away for many long months. And, lo and behold! while he was away
+the Queen at long last bore him a little son. As you may imagine, she
+was fair delighted, and thought how pleased the King would be when he
+came home and found that his dearest wish had been fulfilled. And all
+the courtiers were fine and pleased too, and set about at once to
+arrange a grand festival for the naming of the little Prince. But the
+Queen said, "No! The child shall have no name till his father gives it
+to him. Till then we will call him 'Nix! Naught! Nothing!' because his
+father knows nothing about him!"
+
+So little Prince Nix Naught Nothing grew into a strong, hearty little
+lad; for his father did not come back for a long time, and did not even
+know that he had a son.
+
+But at long last he turned his face homewards. Now, on the way, he came
+to a big rushing river which neither he nor his army could cross, for it
+was flood-time and the water was full of dangerous whirlpools, where
+nixies and water-wraiths lived, always ready to drown men.
+
+So they were stopped, until a huge giant appeared, who could take the
+river, whirlpool and all, in his stride; and he said kindly, "I'll carry
+you all over, if you like." Now, though the giant smiled and was very
+polite, the King knew enough of the ways of giants to think it wiser to
+have a hard and fast bargain. So he said, quite curt, "What's your pay?"
+
+"Pay?" echoed the giant, with a grin, "what do you take me for? Give me
+Nix Naught Nothing, and I'll do the job with a glad heart."
+
+Now the King felt just a trifle ashamed at the giant's generosity; so he
+said, "Certainly, certainly. I'll give you nix naught nothing and my
+thanks into the bargain."
+
+So the giant carried them safely over the stream and past the
+whirlpools, and the King hastened homewards. If he was glad to see his
+dear wife, the Queen, you may imagine how he felt when she showed him
+his young son, tall and strong for his age.
+
+"And what's your name, young sir?" he asked of the child fast clasped in
+his arms.
+
+"Nix Naught Nothing," answered the boy; "that's what they call me till
+my father gives me a name."
+
+Well! the King nearly dropped the child, he was so horrified. "What
+have I done?" he cried. "I promised to give nix naught nothing to the
+giant who carried us over the whirlpools where the nixies and
+water-wraiths live."
+
+At this the Queen wept and wailed; but being a clever woman she thought
+out a plan whereby to save her son. So she said to her husband the King,
+"If the giant comes to claim his promise, we will give him the
+hen-wife's youngest boy. She has so many she will not mind if we give
+her a crown piece, and the giant will never know the difference."
+
+Now sure enough the very next morning the giant appeared to claim Nix
+Naught Nothing, and they dressed up the hen-wife's boy in the Prince's
+clothes and wept and wailed when the giant, fine and satisfied, carried
+his prize off on his back. But after a while he came to a big stone and
+sat down to ease his shoulders. And he fell a-dozing. Now, when he woke,
+he started up in a fluster, and called out:
+
+  "Hodge, Hodge, on my shoulders! Say
+   What d'ye make the time o' day?"
+
+And the hen-wife's little boy replied:
+
+  "Time that my mother the hen-wife takes
+   The eggs for the wise Queen's breakfast cakes!"
+
+Then the giant saw at once the trick that had been played on him, and he
+threw the hen-wife's boy on the ground, so that his head hit on the
+stone and he was killed.
+
+Then the giant strode back to the palace in a tower of a temper, and
+demanded "Nix Naught Nothing." So this time they dressed up the
+gardener's boy, and wept and wailed when the giant, fine and satisfied,
+carried his prize off on his back. Then the same thing happened. The
+giant grew weary of his burden, and sate down on the big stone to rest.
+So he fell a-dozing, woke with a start, and called out:
+
+  "Hodge, Hodge, on my shoulders! Say
+   What d'ye make the time o' day?"
+
+And the gardener's boy replied:
+
+  "Time that my father the gardener took
+   Greens for the wise Queen's dinner to cook!"
+
+So the giant saw at once that a second trick had been played on him and
+became quite mad with rage. He flung the boy from him so that he was
+killed, and then strode back to the palace, where he cried with fury:
+"Give me what you promised to give, Nix Naught Nothing, or I will
+destroy you all, root and branch."
+
+So then they saw they must give up the dear little Prince, and this time
+they really wept and wailed as the giant carried off the boy on his
+back. And this time, after the giant had had his rest at the big stone,
+and had woke up and called:
+
+  "Hodge, Hodge, on my shoulders! Say
+   What d'ye make the time o' day?"
+
+the little Prince replied:
+
+  "Time for the King my father to call,
+  'Let supper be served in the banqueting hall.'"
+
+Then the giant laughed with glee and rubbed his hands saying, "I've got
+the right one at last." So he took Nix Naught Nothing to his own house
+under the whirlpools; for the giant was really a great Magician who
+could take any form he chose. And the reason he wanted a little prince
+so badly was that he had lost his wife, and had only one little daughter
+who needed a playmate sorely. So Nix Naught Nothing and the Magician's
+daughter grew up together, and every year made them fonder and fonder of
+each other, until she promised to marry him.
+
+Now the Magician had no notion that his daughter should marry just an
+ordinary human prince, the like of whom he had eaten a thousand times,
+so he sought some way in which he could quietly get rid of Nix Naught
+Nothing. So he said one day, "I have work for you, Nix Naught Nothing!
+There is a stable hard by which is seven miles long, and seven miles
+broad, and it has not been cleaned for seven years. By to-morrow evening
+you must have cleaned it, or I will have you for my supper."
+
+Well, before dawn, Nix Naught Nothing set to work at his task; but, as
+fast as he cleared the muck, it just fell back again. So by
+breakfast-time he was in a terrible sweat; yet not one whit nearer the
+end of his job was he. Now the Magician's daughter, coming to bring him
+his breakfast, found him so distraught and distracted that he could
+scarce speak to her.
+
+"We'll soon set that to rights," she said. So she just clapped her hands
+and called:
+
+  "Beasts and birds o' each degree,
+   Clean me this stable for love o' me."
+
+And, lo and behold! in a minute the beasts of the fields came trooping,
+and the sky was just dark with the wings of birds, and they carried away
+the muck, and the stable was clean as a new pin before the evening.
+
+Now when the Magician saw this, he grew hot and angry, and he guessed it
+was his daughter's magic that had wrought the miracle. So he said:
+"Shame on the wit that helped you; but I have a harder job for you
+to-morrow. Yonder is a lake seven miles long, seven miles broad, and
+seven miles deep. Drain it by nightfall, so that not one drop remains,
+or, of a certainty, I eat you for supper."
+
+So once again Nix Naught Nothing rose before dawn, and began his task;
+but though he baled out the water without ceasing, it ever ran back, so
+that though he sweated and laboured, by breakfast-time he was no nearer
+the end of his job.
+
+But when the Magician's daughter came with his breakfast she only
+laughed and said, "I'll soon mend that!" Then she clapped her hands and
+called:
+
+  "Oh! all ye fish of river and sea,
+   Drink me this water for love of me!"
+
+And, lo and behold! the lake was thick with fishes. And they drank and
+drank, till not one drop remained.
+
+Now when the Magician returned in the morning and saw this he was as
+angry as angry. And he knew it was his daughter's magic, so he said:
+"Double shame on the wit that helped you! Yet it betters you not, for I
+will give you a yet harder task than the last. If you do that, you may
+have my daughter. See you, yonder is a tree, seven miles high, and no
+branch to it till the top, and there on the fork is a nest with some
+eggs in it. Bring those eggs down without breaking one or, sure as fate,
+I'll eat you for my supper."
+
+Then the Magician's daughter was very sad; for with all her magic she
+could think of no way of helping her lover to fetch the eggs and bring
+them down unbroken. So she sate with Nix Naught Nothing underneath the
+tree, and thought, and thought, and thought; until an idea came to her,
+and she clapped her hands and cried:
+
+  "Fingers of mine, for love of me,
+   Help my true lover to climb the tree."
+
+Then her fingers dropped off her hands one by one and ranged themselves
+like the steps of a ladder up the tree; but they were not quite enough
+of them to reach the top, so she cried again:
+
+  "Oh! toes of mine, for love o' me,
+   Help my true lover to climb the tree."
+
+Then her toes began to drop off one by one and range themselves like the
+rungs of a ladder; but when the toes of one foot had gone to their
+places the ladder was tall enough. So Nix Naught Nothing climbed up it,
+reached the nest, and got the seven eggs. Now, as he was coming down
+with the last, he was so overjoyed at having finished his task, that he
+turned to see if the Magician's daughter was overjoyed too: and lo! the
+seventh egg slipped from his hand and fell
+
+                         Crash!
+
+"Quick! Quick!" cried the Magician's daughter, who, as you will observe,
+always had her wits about her. "There is nothing for it now but to fly
+at once. But first I must have my magic flask, or I shall be unable to
+help. It is in my room and the door is locked. Put your fingers, since I
+have none, in my pocket, take the key, unlock the door, get the flask,
+and follow me fast. I shall go slower than you, for I have no toes on
+one foot!"
+
+So Nix Naught Nothing did as he was bid, and soon caught up the
+Magician's daughter. But alas! they could not run very fast, so ere long
+the Magician, who had once again taken a giant's form in order to have a
+long stride, could be seen behind them. Nearer and nearer he came until
+he was just going to seize Nix Naught Nothing, when the Magician's
+daughter cried: "Put your fingers, since I have none, into my hair, take
+my comb and throw it down." So Nix Naught Nothing did as he was bid,
+and, lo and behold! out of every one of the comb-prongs there sprang up
+a prickly briar, which grew so fast that the Magician found himself in
+the middle of a thorn hedge! You may guess how angry and scratched he
+was before he tore his way out. So Nix Naught Nothing and his sweetheart
+had time for a good start; but the Magician's daughter could not run
+fast because she had lost her toes on one foot! Therefore the Magician
+in giant form soon caught them up, and he was just about to grip Nix
+Naught Nothing when the Magician's daughter cried: "Put your fingers,
+since I have none, to my breast. Take out my veil-dagger and throw it
+down."
+
+So he did as he was bid, and in a moment the dagger had grown to
+thousands and thousands of sharp razors, criss-cross on the ground, and
+the Magician giant was howling with pain as he trod among them. You may
+guess how he danced and stumbled and how long it took for him to pick
+his way through as if he were walking on eggs!
+
+So Nix Naught Nothing and his sweetheart were nearly out of sight ere
+the giant could start again; yet it wasn't long before he was like to
+catch them up; for the Magician's daughter, you see, could not run fast
+because she had lost her toes on one foot! She did what she could, but
+it was no use. So just as the giant was reaching out a hand to lay hold
+of Nix Naught Nothing she cried breathlessly:
+
+"There's nothing left but the magic flask. Take it out and sprinkle some
+of what it holds on the ground."
+
+And Nix Naught Nothing did as he was bid; but in his hurry he nearly
+emptied the flask altogether; and so the big, big wave of water which
+instantly welled up, swept him off his feet, and would have carried him
+away, had not the Magician's daughter's loosened veil caught him and
+held him fast. But the wave grew, and grew, and grew behind them, until
+it reached the giant's waist; then it grew and grew until it reached
+his shoulders; and it grew and grew until it swept over his head: a
+great big sea-wave full of little fishes and crabs and sea-snails and
+all sorts of strange creatures.
+
+So that was the last of the Magician giant. But the poor little
+Magician's daughter was so weary that, after a time she couldn't move a
+step further, and she said to her lover, "Yonder are lights burning. Go
+and see if you can find a night's lodging: I will climb this tree by the
+pool where I shall be safe, and by the time you return I shall be
+rested."
+
+Now, by chance, it happened that the lights they saw were the lights of
+the castle where Nix Naught Nothing's father and mother, the King and
+Queen, lived (though of course, he did not know this); so, as he walked
+towards the castle, he came upon the hen-wife's cottage and asked for a
+night's lodging.
+
+"Who are you?" asked the hen-wife suspiciously.
+
+"I am Nix Naught Nothing," replied the young man.
+
+Now the hen-wife still grieved over her boy who had been killed, so she
+instantly resolved to be revenged.
+
+"I cannot give you a night's lodging," she said, "but you shall have a
+drink of milk, for you look weary. Then you can go on to the castle and
+beg for a bed there."
+
+So she gave him a cup of milk; but, being a witch-woman, she put a
+potion to it so that the very moment he saw his father and mother he
+should fall fast asleep, and none should be able to waken him so he
+would be no use to anybody, and would not recognize his father and
+mother.
+
+Now the King and Queen had never ceased grieving for their lost son.
+They were always very kind to wandering young men, and when they heard
+that one was begging a night's lodging, they went down to the hall to
+see him. And lo, the moment Nix Naught Nothing caught sight of his
+father and mother, there he was on the floor fast asleep, and none could
+waken him! He did not recognize his father and mother nor they did not
+recognize him.
+
+But Prince Nix Naught Nothing had grown into a very handsome young man,
+so they pitied him very much, and when none, do what they would, could
+waken him, the King said, "A maiden will likely take more trouble to
+waken him than others, seeing how handsome he is. Send forth a
+proclamation that if any maiden in my realm can waken this young man,
+she shall have him in marriage, and a handsome dowry to boot."
+
+So the proclamation was sent forth, and all the pretty maidens of the
+realm came to try their luck, but they had no success.
+
+Now the gardener whose boy had been killed by the giant had a daughter
+who was very ugly indeed--so ugly that she thought it no use to try her
+luck, and went about her work as usual. So she took her pitcher to the
+pool to fill it. Now the Magician's daughter was still hiding in the
+tree waiting for her lover to return. Thus it came to pass that the
+gardener's ugly daughter, bending down to fill her pitcher in the pool,
+saw a beautiful shadow in the water, and thought it was her own!
+
+"If I am as pretty as that," she cried, "I'll draw water no longer!"
+
+So she threw down her pitcher, and went straight to the castle to see if
+she hadn't a chance of the handsome stranger and the handsome dowry. But
+of course she hadn't; though at the sight of Nix Naught Nothing she fell
+so much in love with him, that, knowing the hen-wife to be a witch, she
+went straight to her, and offered all her savings for a charm by which
+she could awaken the sleeper.
+
+Now when the hen-wife witch heard her tale, she thought it would be a
+rare revenge to marry the King and Queen's long-lost son to a gardener's
+ugly daughter; so she straightway took the girl's savings and gave her a
+charm by which she could unspell the Prince or spell him again at her
+pleasure.
+
+So away went the gardener's daughter to the castle, and sure enough, no
+sooner had she sung her charm, than Nix Naught Nothing awoke.
+
+"I am going to marry you, my charmer," she said coaxingly; but Nix
+Naught Nothing said he would prefer sleep. So she thought it wiser to
+put him to sleep again till the marriage feast was ready and she had got
+her fine clothes. So she spelled him asleep again.
+
+Now the gardener had, of course, to draw the water himself, since his
+daughter would not work. And he took the pitcher to the pool; and he
+also saw the Magician's daughter's shadow in the water; but he did not
+think the face was his own, for, see you, he had a beard!
+
+Then he looked up and saw the lady in the tree.
+
+She, poor thing, was half dead with sorrow, and hunger, and fatigue,
+so, being a kind man, he took her to his house and gave her food. And he
+told her that that _very day_ his daughter was to marry a handsome young
+stranger at the castle, and to get a handsome dowry to boot from the
+King and Queen, in memory of their son, Nix Naught Nothing, who had been
+carried off by a giant when he was a little boy.
+
+Then the Magician's daughter felt sure that something had happened to
+her lover; so she went to the castle, and there she found him fast
+asleep in a chair.
+
+But she could not waken him, for, see you, her magic had gone from her
+with the magic flask which Nix Naught Nothing had emptied.
+
+So, though she put her fingerless hands on his and wept and sang:
+
+  "I cleaned the stable for love o' thee,
+   I laved the lake and I clomb the tree,
+   Wilt thou not waken for love o' me?"
+
+he never stirred nor woke.
+
+Now one of the old servants there, seeing how she wept, took pity on her
+and said, "She that is to marry the young man will be back ere long, and
+unspell him for the wedding. Hide yourself and listen to her charm."
+
+So the Magician's daughter hid herself, and, by and by, in comes the
+gardener's daughter in her fine wedding-dress, and begins to sing her
+charm. But the Magician's daughter didn't wait for her to finish it; for
+the moment Nix Naught Nothing opened his eyes, she rushed out of her
+hiding-place, and put her fingerless hands in his.
+
+Then Nix Naught Nothing remembered everything. He remembered the castle,
+he remembered his father and mother, he remembered the Magician's
+daughter and all that she had done for him.
+
+Then he drew out the magic flask and said, "Surely, surely there must be
+enough magic in it to mend your hands." And there was. There were just
+fourteen drops left, ten for the fingers and four for the toes; but
+there was not one for the little toe, so it could not be brought back.
+Of course, after that there was great rejoicing, and Prince Nix Naught
+Nothing and the Magician's daughter were married and lived happy ever
+after, even though she only had four toes on one foot. As for the
+hen-wife witch, she was burnt, and so the gardener's daughter got back
+her earnings; but she was not happy, because her shadow in the water was
+ugly again.
+
+
+
+
+MR. AND MRS. VINEGAR
+
+
+Mr. and Mrs. Vinegar, a worthy couple, lived in a glass pickle-jar. The
+house, though small, was snug, and so light that each speck of dust on
+the furniture showed like a mole-hill; so while Mr. Vinegar tilled his
+garden with a pickle-fork and grew vegetables for pickling, Mrs.
+Vinegar, who was a sharp, bustling, tidy woman, swept, brushed, and
+dusted, brushed and dusted and swept to keep the house clean as a new
+pin. Now one day she lost her temper with a cobweb and swept so hard
+after it that bang! bang! the broom-handle went right through the glass,
+and crash! crash! clitter! clatter! there was the pickle-jar house about
+her ears all in splinters and bits.
+
+She picked her way over these as best she might, and rushed into the
+garden.
+
+"Oh, Vinegar, Vinegar!" she cried. "We are clean ruined and done for!
+Quit these vegetables! they won't be wanted! What is the use of pickles
+if you haven't a pickle-jar to put them in, and--I've broken ours--into
+little bits!" And with that she fell to crying bitterly.
+
+But Mr. Vinegar was of different mettle; though a small man, he was a
+cheerful one, always looking at the best side of things, so he said,
+"Accidents will happen, lovey! But there are as good pickle-bottles in
+the shop as ever came out of it. All we need is money to buy another. So
+let us go out into the world and seek our fortunes."
+
+"But what about the furniture?" sobbed Mrs. Vinegar.
+
+"I will take the door of the house with me, lovey," quoth Mr. Vinegar
+stoutly. "Then no one will be able to open it, will they?"
+
+Mrs. Vinegar did not quite see how this fact would mend matters, but,
+being a good wife, she held her peace. So off they trudged into the
+world to seek fortune, Mr. Vinegar bearing the door on his back like a
+snail carries its house.
+
+Well, they walked all day long, but not a brass farthing did they make,
+and when night fell they found themselves in a dark, thick forest. Now
+Mrs. Vinegar, for all she was a smart, strong woman, was tired to death,
+and filled with fear of wild beasts, so she began once more to cry
+bitterly; but Mr. Vinegar was cheerful as ever.
+
+"Don't alarm yourself, lovey," he said. "I will climb into a tree, fix
+the door firmly in a fork, and you can sleep there as safe and
+comfortable as in your own bed."
+
+So he climbed the tree, fixed the door, and Mrs. Vinegar lay down on it,
+and being dead tired was soon fast asleep. But her weight tilted the
+door sideways, so, after a time, Mr. Vinegar, being afraid she might
+slip off, sate down on the other side to balance her and keep watch.
+
+Now in the very middle of the night, just as he was beginning to nod,
+what should happen but that a band of robbers should meet beneath that
+very tree in order to divide their spoils. Mr. Vinegar could hear every
+word said quite distinctly, and began to tremble like an aspen as he
+listened to the terrible deeds the thieves had done to gain their ends.
+
+"Don't shake so!" murmured Mrs. Vinegar, half asleep. "You'll have me
+off the bed."
+
+"I'm not shaking, lovey," whispered back Mr. Vinegar in a quaking voice.
+"It is only the wind in the trees."
+
+But for all his cheerfulness he was not really _very_ brave _inside_, so
+he went on trembling and shaking, and shaking and trembling, till, just
+as the robbers were beginning to parcel out the money, he actually shook
+the door right out of the tree-fork, and down it came--with Mrs. Vinegar
+still asleep upon it--right on top of the robbers' heads!
+
+As you may imagine, they thought the sky had fallen, and made off as
+fast as their legs would carry them, leaving their booty behind them.
+But Mr. Vinegar, who had saved himself from the fall by clinging to a
+branch, was far too frightened to go down in the dark to see what had
+happened. So up in the tree he sate like a big bird until dawn came.
+
+Then Mrs. Vinegar woke, rubbed her eyes, yawned, and said, "Where am I?"
+
+"On the ground, lovey," answered Mr. Vinegar, scrambling down.
+
+And when they lifted up the door, what do you think they found?
+
+One robber squashed flat as a pancake, and forty golden guineas all
+scattered about!
+
+My goodness! How Mr. and Mrs. Vinegar jumped for joy!
+
+"Now, Vinegar!" said his wife when they had gathered up all the gold
+pieces, "I will tell you what we must do. You must go to the next
+market-town and buy a cow; for, see you, money makes the mare to go,
+truly; but it also goes itself. Now a cow won't run away, but will give
+us milk and butter, which we can sell. So we shall live in comfort for
+the rest of our days."
+
+"What a head you have, lovey!" said Mr. Vinegar admiringly, and started
+off on his errand.
+
+"Mind you make a good bargain," bawled his wife after him.
+
+"I always do," bawled back Mr. Vinegar. "I made a good bargain when I
+married such a clever wife, and I made a better one when I shook her
+down from the tree. I am the happiest man alive!"
+
+So he trudged on, laughing and jingling the forty gold pieces in his
+pocket.
+
+Now the first thing he saw in the market was an old red cow.
+
+"I am in luck to-day," he thought; "that is the very beast for me. I
+shall be the happiest of men if I get that cow." So he went up to the
+owner, jingling the gold in his pocket.
+
+"What will you take for your cow?" he asked.
+
+And the owner of the cow, seeing he was a simpleton, said, "What you've
+got in your pocket."
+
+"Done!" said Mr. Vinegar, handed over the forty guineas, and led off the
+cow, marching her up and down the market, much against her will, to show
+off his bargain.
+
+Now, as he drove it about, proud as Punch, he noticed a man who was
+playing the bagpipes. He was followed about by a crowd of children who
+danced to the music, and a perfect shower of pennies fell into his cap
+every time he held it out.
+
+"Ho, ho!" thought Mr. Vinegar. "That is an easier way of earning a
+livelihood than by driving about a beast of a cow! Then the feeding, and
+the milking, and the churning! Ah, I should be the happiest man alive if
+I had those bagpipes!"
+
+So he went up to the musician and said, "What will you take for your
+bagpipes?"
+
+"Well," replied the musician, seeing he was a simpleton, "it is a
+beautiful instrument, and I make so much money by it, that I cannot take
+anything less than that red cow."
+
+"Done!" cried Mr. Vinegar in a hurry, lest the man should repent of his
+offer.
+
+So the musician walked off with the red cow, and Mr. Vinegar tried to
+play the bagpipes. But, alas and alack! though he blew till he almost
+burst, not a sound could he make at first, and when he did at last, it
+was such a terrific squeal and screech that all the children ran away
+frightened, and the people stopped their ears.
+
+But he went on and on, trying to play a tune, and never earning
+anything, save hootings and peltings, until his fingers were almost
+frozen with the cold, when of course the noise he made on the bagpipes
+was worse than ever.
+
+Then he noticed a man who had on a pair of warm gloves, and he said to
+himself, "Music is impossible when one's fingers are frozen. I believe I
+should be the happiest man alive if I had those gloves."
+
+So he went up to the owner and said, "You seem, sir, to have a very good
+pair of gloves." And the man replied, "Truly, sir, my hands are as warm
+as toast this bitter November day."
+
+That quite decided Mr. Vinegar, and he asked at once what the owner
+would take for them; and the owner, seeing he was a simpleton, said, "As
+your hands seem frozen, sir, I will, as a favour, let you have them for
+your bagpipes."
+
+"Done!" cried Mr. Vinegar, delighted, and made the exchange.
+
+Then he set off to find his wife, quite pleased with himself. "Warm
+hands, warm heart!" he thought. "I'm the happiest man alive!"
+
+But as he trudged he grew very, very tired, and at last began to limp.
+Then he saw a man coming along the road with a stout stick.
+
+"I should be the happiest man alive if I had that stick," he thought.
+"What is the use of warm hands if your feet ache!" So he said to the man
+with the stick, "What will you take for your stick?" and the man,
+seeing he was a simpleton, replied:
+
+"Well, I don't want to part with my stick, but as you are so pressing
+I'll oblige you, as a friend, for those warm gloves you are wearing."
+
+"Done for you!" cried Mr. Vinegar delightedly; and trudged off with the
+stick, chuckling to himself over his good bargain.
+
+But as he went along a magpie fluttered out of the hedge and sate on a
+branch in front of him, and chuckled and laughed as magpies do. "What
+are you laughing at?" asked Mr. Vinegar.
+
+"At you, forsooth!" chuckled the magpie, fluttering just a little
+further. "At you, Mr. Vinegar, you foolish man--you simpleton--you
+blockhead! You bought a cow for forty guineas when she wasn't worth ten,
+you exchanged her for bagpipes you couldn't play--you changed the
+bagpipes for a pair of gloves, and the pair of gloves for a miserable
+stick. Ho, ho! Ha, ha! So you've nothing to show for your forty guineas
+save a stick you might have cut in any hedge. Ah, you fool! you
+simpleton! you blockhead!"
+
+And the magpie chuckled, and chuckled, and chuckled in such guffaws,
+fluttering from branch to branch as Mr. Vinegar trudged along, that at
+last he flew into a violent rage and flung his stick at the bird. And
+the stick stuck in a tree out of his reach; so he had to go back to his
+wife without anything at all.
+
+[Illustration: At last he flew into a violent rage and flung his stick
+at the bird]
+
+But he was glad the stick had stuck in a tree, for Mrs. Vinegar's hands
+were quite hard enough.
+
+When it was all over Mr. Vinegar said cheerfully, "You are too violent,
+lovey. You broke the pickle-jar, and now you've nearly broken every bone
+in my body. I think we had better turn over a new leaf and begin
+afresh. I shall take service as a gardener, and you can go as a
+housemaid, until we have enough money to buy a new pickle-jar. There are
+as good ones in the shop as ever came out of it."
+
+And that is the story of Mr. and Mrs. Vinegar.
+
+[Illustration: And that is the story of Mr. and Mrs. Vinegar]
+
+
+
+
+THE TRUE HISTORY OF SIR THOMAS THUMB
+
+
+At the court of great King Arthur, who lived, as all know, when knights
+were bold, and ladies were fair indeed, one of the most renowned of men
+was the wizard Merlin. Never before or since was there such another. All
+that was to be known of wizardry he knew, and his advice was ever good
+and kindly.
+
+Now once when he was travelling in the guise of a beggar, he chanced
+upon an honest ploughman and his wife who, giving him a hearty welcome,
+supplied him, cheerfully, with a big wooden bowl of fresh milk and some
+coarse brown bread on a wooden platter. Still, though both they and the
+little cottage where they dwelt were neat and tidy, Merlin noticed that
+neither the husband nor the wife seemed happy; and when he asked the
+cause they said it was because they had no children.
+
+"Had I but a son, no matter if he were no bigger than my goodman's
+thumb," said the poor woman, "we should be quite content."
+
+Now this idea of a boy no bigger than a man's thumb so tickled Wizard
+Merlin's fancy that he promised straight away that such a son should
+come in due time to bring the good couple content. This done, he went
+off at once to pay a visit to the Queen of the Fairies, since he felt
+that the little people would best be able to carry out his promise. And,
+sure enough, the droll fancy of a mannikin no bigger than his father's
+thumb tickled the Fairy Queen also, and she set about the task at once.
+
+So behold the ploughman and his wife as happy as King and Queen over the
+tiniest of tiny babies; and all the happier because the Fairy Queen,
+anxious to see the little fellow, flew in at the window, bringing with
+her clothes fit for the wee mannikin to wear.
+
+  An oak-leaf hat he had for his crown;
+  His jacket was woven of thistle-down.
+  His shirt was a web by spiders spun;
+  His breeches of softest feathers were done.
+  His stockings of red-apple rind were tyne
+  With an eyelash plucked from his mother's eyne.
+  His shoes were made of a mouse's skin,
+  Tanned with the soft furry hair within.
+
+Dressed in this guise he looked the prettiest little fellow ever seen,
+and the Fairy Queen kissed him over and over again, and gave him the
+name of Tom Thumb.
+
+Now as he grew older--though, mind you, he never grew bigger--he was so
+full of antics and tricks that he was for ever getting into trouble.
+Once his mother was making a batter pudding, and Tom, wanting to see how
+it was made, climbed up to the edge of the bowl. His mother was so busy
+beating the batter that she didn't notice him; and when his foot
+slipped, and he plumped head and ears into the bowl, she just went on
+beating until the batter was light enough. Then she put it into the
+pudding-cloth and set it on the fire to boil.
+
+Now the batter had so filled poor Tom's mouth that he couldn't cry; but
+no sooner did he feel the hot water than he began to struggle and kick
+so much that the pudding bobbed up and down, and jumped about in such
+strange fashion that the ploughman's wife thought it was bewitched, and
+in a great fright flung it to the door.
+
+Here a poor tinker passing by picked it up and put it in his wallet. But
+by this time Tom had got his mouth clear of the batter, and he began
+holloaing, and making such a to-do, that the tinker, even more
+frightened than Tom's mother had been, threw the pudding in the road,
+and ran away as fast as he could run. Luckily for Tom, this second fall
+broke the pudding string and he was able to creep out, all covered with
+half-cooked batter, and make his way home, where his mother, distressed
+to see her little dear in such a woeful state, put him into a teacup of
+water to clean him, and then tucked him up in bed.
+
+Another time Tom's mother went to milk her red cow in the meadow and
+took Tom with her, for she was ever afraid lest he should fall into
+mischief when left alone. Now the wind was high, and fearful lest he
+should be blown away, she tied him to a thistle-head with one of her own
+long hairs, and then began to milk. But the red cow, nosing about for
+something to do while she was being milked, as all cows will, spied
+Tom's oak-leaf hat, and thinking it looked good, curled its tongue round
+the thistle-stalk and--
+
+There was Tom dodging the cow's teeth, and roaring as loud as he could:
+
+"Mother! Mother! Help! Help!"
+
+"Lawks-a-mercy-me," cried his mother, "where's the child got to now?
+Where are you, you bad boy?"
+
+"Here!" roared Tom, "in the red cow's mouth!"
+
+With that his mother began to weep and wail, not knowing what else to
+do; and Tom, hearing her, roared louder than ever. Whereat the red cow,
+alarmed--and no wonder!--at the dreadful noise in her throat, opened
+her mouth, and Tom dropped out, luckily into his mother's apron;
+otherwise he would have been badly hurt falling so far.
+
+Adventures like these were not Tom's fault. He could not help being so
+small, but he got into dreadful trouble once for which he was entirely
+to blame. This is what happened. He loved playing cherry-stones with the
+big boys, and when he had lost all his own he would creep unbeknownst
+into the other players' pockets or bags, and make off with cherry-stones
+enough and galore to carry on the game!
+
+Now one day it so happened that one of the boys saw Master Tom on the
+point of coming out of a bag with a whole fistful of cherry-stones. So
+he just drew the string of the bag tight.
+
+"Ha! ha! Mr. Thomas Thumb," says he jeeringly, "so you were going to
+pinch my cherry-stones, were you? Well! you shall have more of them than
+you like." And with that he gave the cherry-stone bag such a hearty
+shake that all Tom's body and legs were sadly bruised black and blue;
+nor was he let out till he had promised never to steal cherry-stones
+again.
+
+So the years passed, and when Tom was a lad, still no bigger than a
+thumb, his father thought he might begin to make himself useful. So he
+made him a whip out of a barley straw, and set him to drive the cattle
+home. But Tom, in trying to climb a furrow's ridge--which to him, of
+course, was a steep hill--slipped down and lay half stunned, so that a
+raven, happening to fly over, thought he was a frog, and picked him up
+intending to eat him. Not relishing the morsel, however, the bird
+dropped him above the battlements of a big castle that stood close to
+the sea. Now the castle belonged to one Grumbo, an ill-tempered giant
+who happened to be taking the air on the roof of his tower. And when Tom
+dropped on his bald pate the giant put up his great hand to catch what
+he thought was an impudent fly, and finding something that smelt man's
+meat, he just swallowed the little fellow as he would have swallowed a
+pill!
+
+He began, however, to repent very soon, for Tom kicked and struggled in
+the giant's inside as he had done in the red cow's throat until the
+giant felt quite squeamish, and finally got rid of Tom by being sick
+over the battlements into the sea.
+
+And here, doubtless, would have been Tom Thumb's end by drowning, had
+not a big fish, thinking that he was a shrimp, rushed at him and gulped
+him down!
+
+Now by good chance some fishermen were standing by with their nets, and
+when they drew them in, the fish that had swallowed Tom was one of the
+haul. Being a very fine fish it was sent to the Court kitchen, where,
+when the fish was opened, out popped Tom on the dresser, as spry as
+spry, to the astonishment of the cook and the scullions! Never had such
+a mite of a man been seen, while his quips and pranks kept the whole
+buttery in roars of laughter. What is more, he soon became the favourite
+of the whole Court, and when the King went out a-riding Tom sat in the
+Royal waistcoat pocket ready to amuse Royalty and the Knights of the
+Round Table.
+
+After a while, however, Tom wearied to see his parents again; so the
+King gave him leave to go home and take with him as much money as he
+could carry. Tom therefore chose a threepenny bit, and putting it into a
+purse made of a water bubble, lifted it with difficulty on to his back,
+and trudged away to his father's house, which was some half a mile
+distant.
+
+It took him two days and two nights to cover the ground, and he was fair
+outwearied by his heavy burden ere he reached home. However, his mother
+put him to rest in a walnut shell by the fire and gave him a whole hazel
+nut to eat; which, sad to say, disagreed with him dreadfully. However,
+he recovered in some measure, but had grown so thin and light that to
+save him the trouble of walking back to the Court, his mother tied him
+to a dandelion-clock, and as there was a high wind, away he went as if
+on wings. Unfortunately, however, just as he was flying low in order to
+alight, the Court cook, an ill-natured fellow, was coming across the
+palace yard with a bowl of hot furmenty for the King's supper. Now Tom
+was unskilled in the handling of dandelion horses, so what should happen
+but that he rode straight into the furmenty, spilt the half of it, and
+splashed the other half, scalding hot, into the cook's face.
+
+He was in a fine rage, and going straight to King Arthur said that Tom,
+at his old antics, had done it on purpose.
+
+Now the King's favourite dish was hot furmenty; so he also fell into a
+fine rage and ordered Tom to be tried for high treason. He was therefore
+imprisoned in a mouse-trap, where he remained for several days tormented
+by a cat, who, thinking him some new kind of mouse, spent its time in
+sparring at him through the bars. At the end of a week, however, King
+Arthur, having recovered the loss of the furmenty, sent for Tom and once
+more received him into favour. After this Tom's life was happy and
+successful. He became so renowned for his dexterity and wonderful
+activity, that he was knighted, by the King under the name of Sir Thomas
+Thumb, and as his clothes, what with the batter and the furmenty, to say
+nothing of the insides of giants and fishes, had become somewhat shabby,
+His Majesty ordered him a new suit of clothes fit for a mounted knight
+to wear. He also gave him a beautiful prancing grey mouse as a charger.
+
+It was certainly very diverting to see Tom dressed up to the nines, and
+as proud as Punch.
+
+  Of butterflies' wings his shirt was made,
+  His boots of chicken hide,
+  And by a nimble fairy blade,
+  All learned in the tailoring trade,
+  His coat was well supplied.
+  A needle dangled at his side,
+  And thus attired in stately pride
+  A dapper mouse he used to ride.
+
+In truth the King and all the Knights of the Round Table were ready to
+expire with laughter at Tom on his fine curveting steed.
+
+But one day, as the hunt was passing a farm-house, a big cat, lurking
+about, made one spring and carried both Tom and the mouse up a tree.
+Nothing daunted, Tom boldly drew his needle sword and attacked the enemy
+with such fierceness that she let her prey fall. Luckily one of the
+nobles caught the little fellow in his cap, otherwise he must have been
+killed by the fall. As it was he became very ill, and the doctor almost
+despaired of his life. However, his friend and guardian, the Queen of
+the Fairies, arrived in a chariot drawn by flying mice, and then and
+there carried Tom back with her to Fairyland, where, amongst folk of his
+own size, he, after a time, recovered. But time runs swiftly in
+Fairyland, and when Tom Thumb returned to Court he was surprised to find
+that his father and mother and nearly all his old friends were dead, and
+that King Thunstone reigned in King Arthur's place. So every one was
+astonished at his size, and carried him as a curiosity to the Audience
+Hall.
+
+"Who art thou, mannikin?" asked King Thunstone. "Whence dost come? And
+where dost live?"
+
+To which Tom replied with a bow:
+
+  "My name is well known.
+   From the Fairies I come.
+   When King Arthur shone,
+   This Court was my home.
+   By him I was knighted,
+   In me he delighted
+   --Your servant--Sir Thomas Thumb."
+
+This address so pleased His Majesty that he ordered a little golden
+chair to be made, so that Tom might sit beside him at table. Also a
+little palace of gold, but a span high, with doors a bare inch wide, in
+which the little fellow might take his ease.
+
+Now King Thunstone's Queen was a very jealous woman, and could not bear
+to see such honours showered on the little fellow; so she up and told
+the King all sorts of bad tales about his favourite; amongst others,
+that he had been saucy and rude to her.
+
+Whereupon the King sent for Tom; but forewarned is forearmed, and
+knowing by bitter experience the danger of royal displeasure, Tom hid
+himself in an empty snail-shell, where he lay till he was nigh starved.
+Then seeing a fine large butterfly on a dandelion close by, he climbed
+up and managed to get astride it. No sooner had he gained his seat than
+the butterfly was off, hovering from tree to tree, from flower to
+flower.
+
+At last the royal gardener saw it and gave chase, then the nobles joined
+in the hunt, even the King himself, and finally the Queen, who forgot
+her anger in the merriment. Hither and thither they ran, trying in vain
+to catch the pair, and almost expiring with laughter, until poor Tom,
+dizzy with so much fluttering, and doubling, and flittering, fell from
+his seat into a watering-pot, where he was nearly drowned.
+
+So they all agreed he must be forgiven, because he had afforded them so
+much amusement.
+
+[Illustration: A spider one day attacked him]
+
+Thus Tom was once more in favour; but he did not live long to enjoy his
+good luck, for a spider one day attacked him, and though he fought well,
+the creature's poisonous breath proved too much for him; he fell dead on
+the ground where he stood, and the spider soon sucked every drop of his
+blood.
+
+Thus ended Sir Thomas Thumb; but the King and the Court were so sorry at
+the loss of their little favourite that they went into mourning for him.
+And they put a fine white marble monument over his grave whereon was
+carven the following epitaph:
+
+  Here lyes Tom Thumb, King Arthur's Knight,
+  Who died by a spider's fell despite.
+  He was well known in Arthur's Court,
+  Where he afforded gallant sport.
+  He rode at tilt and tournament,
+  And on a mouse a-hunting went.
+  Alive he filled the Court with mirth,
+  His death to sadness must give birth.
+  So wipe your eyes and shake your head,
+  And say, "Alas, Tom Thumb is dead!"
+
+
+
+
+HENNY-PENNY
+
+
+One day Henny-penny was picking up corn in the rickyard when--whack!--an
+acorn hit her upon the head. "Goodness gracious me!" said Henny-penny,
+"the sky's a-going to fall; I must go and tell the King."
+
+So she went along, and she went along, and she went along, till she met
+Cocky-locky. "Where are you going, Henny-penny?" says Cocky-locky. "Oh!
+I'm going to tell the King the sky's a-falling," says Henny-penny. "May
+I come with you?" says Cocky-locky. "Certainly," says Henny-penny. So
+Henny-penny and Cocky-locky went to tell the King the sky was falling.
+
+They went along, and they went along, and they went along, till they met
+Ducky-daddles. "Where are you going to, Henny-penny and Cocky-locky?"
+says Ducky-daddles. "Oh! we're going to tell the King the sky's
+a-falling," said Henny-penny and Cocky-locky. "May I come with you?"
+says Ducky-daddles. "Certainly," said Henny-penny and Cocky-locky. So
+Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, and Ducky-daddles went to tell the King the
+sky was a-falling.
+
+So they went along, and they went along, and they went along, till they
+met Goosey-poosey. "Where are you going to, Henny-penny, Cocky-locky,
+and Ducky-daddles?" said Goosey-poosey. "Oh! we're going to tell the
+King the sky's a-falling," said Henny-penny and Cocky-locky and
+Ducky-daddles. "May I come with you?" said Goosey-poosey. "Certainly,"
+said Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, and Ducky-daddles. So Henny-penny,
+Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles, and Goosey-poosey went to tell the King the
+sky was a-falling.
+
+So they went along, and they went along, and they went along, till they
+met Turkey-lurkey. "Where are you going, Henny-penny, Cocky-locky,
+Ducky-daddles, and Goosey-poosey?" says Turkey-lurkey. "Oh! we're going
+to tell the King the sky's a-falling," said Henny-penny, Cocky-locky,
+Ducky-daddles, and Goosey-poosey. "May I come with you, Henny-penny,
+Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles, and Goosey-poosey?" said Turkey-lurkey. "Oh,
+certainly, Turkey-lurkey," said Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles,
+and Goosey-poosey. So Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles,
+Goosey-poosey, and Turkey-lurkey all went to tell the King the sky was
+a-falling.
+
+So they went along, and they went along, and they went along, till they
+met Foxy-woxy, and Foxy-woxy said to Henny-penny, Cocky-locky,
+Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, and Turkey-lurkey, "Where are you going,
+Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, and
+Turkey-lurkey?" And Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles,
+Goosey-poosey, and Turkey-lurkey said to Foxy-woxy, "We're going to tell
+the King the sky's a-falling." "Oh! but this is not the way to the King,
+Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, and
+Turkey-lurkey," says Foxy-woxy; "I know the proper way; shall I show it
+you?" "Oh, certainly, Foxy-woxy," said Henny-penny, Cocky-locky,
+Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, and Turkey-lurkey. So Henny-penny,
+Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, Turkey-lurkey, and Foxy-woxy
+all went to tell the King the sky was a-falling. So they went along, and
+they went along, and they went along, till they came to a narrow and
+dark hole. Now this was the door of Foxy-woxy's burrow. But Foxy-woxy
+said to Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, and
+Turkey-lurkey, "This is the short cut to the King's palace: you'll
+soon get there if you follow me. I will go first and you come after,
+Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, and
+Turkey-lurkey." "Why, of course, certainly, without doubt, why not?"
+said Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, and
+Turkey-lurkey.
+
+[Illustration: "I will go first and you come after, Henny-penny,
+Cocky-locky Ducky-daddles, Goosey-poosey, and Turkey-lurkey"]
+
+So Foxy-woxy went into his burrow, and he didn't go very far but turned
+round to wait for Henny-penny, Cocky-locky, Ducky-daddles,
+Goosey-poosey, and Turkey-lurkey. Now Turkey-lurkey was the first to go
+through the dark hole into the burrow. He hadn't got far when--
+
+"Hrumph!"
+
+Foxy-woxy snapped off Turkey-lurkey's head and threw his body over his
+left shoulder. Then Goosey-poosey went in, and--
+
+"Hrumph!"
+
+[Illustration: So she escaped]
+
+Off went her head and Goosey-poosey was thrown beside Turkey-lurkey.
+Then Ducky-daddles waddled down, and--
+
+"Hrumph!"
+
+Foxy-woxy had snapped off Ducky-daddles' head and Ducky-daddles was
+thrown alongside Turkey-lurkey and Goosey-poosey. Then Cocky-locky
+strutted down into the burrow, and he hadn't gone far when--
+
+"Hrumph!"
+
+But Cocky-locky _will_ always crow whether you want him to do so or not,
+and so he had just time for one "Cock-a-doo-dle d--" before he went to
+join Turkey-lurkey, Goosey-poosey, and Ducky-daddles over Foxy-woxy's
+shoulders.
+
+Now when Henny-penny, who had just got into the dark burrow, heard
+Cocky-locky crow, she said to herself:
+
+"My goodness! it must be dawn. Time for me to lay my egg."
+
+So she turned round and bustled off to her nest; so she escaped, but she
+never told the King the sky was falling!
+
+[Illustration: So she escaped]
+
+
+[Illustration: They thanked her and said good-bye, and she went on her
+journey.]
+
+
+
+
+THE THREE HEADS OF THE WELL
+
+
+Once upon a time there reigned a King in Colchester, valiant, strong,
+wise, famous as a good ruler.
+
+But in the midst of his glory his dear Queen died, leaving him with a
+daughter just touching woman's estate; and this maiden was renowned, far
+and wide, for beauty, kindness, grace. Now strange things happen, and
+the King of Colchester, hearing of a lady who had immense riches, had a
+mind to marry her, though she was old, ugly, hook-nosed, and
+ill-tempered; and though she was, furthermore, possessed of a daughter
+as ugly as herself. None could give the reason why, but only a few weeks
+after the death of his dear Queen, the King brought this loathly bride
+to Court, and married her with great pomp and festivities. Now the very
+first thing she did was to poison the King's mind against his own
+beautiful, kind, gracious daughter, of whom, naturally, the ugly Queen
+and her ugly daughter were dreadfully jealous.
+
+Now when the young Princess found that even her father had turned
+against her, she grew weary of Court life, and longed to get away from
+it; so, one day, happening to meet the King alone in the garden, she
+went down on her knees, and begged and prayed him to give her some help,
+and let her go out into the world to seek her fortune. To this the King
+agreed, and told his consort to fit the girl out for her enterprise in
+proper fashion. But the jealous woman only gave her a canvas bag of
+brown bread and hard cheese, with a bottle of small-beer.
+
+Though this was but a pitiful dowry for a King's daughter, the Princess
+was too proud to complain; so she took it, returned her thanks, and set
+off on her journey through woods and forests, by rivers and lakes, over
+mountain and valley.
+
+At last she came to a cave at the mouth of which, on a stone, sate an
+old, old man with a white beard.
+
+"Good morrow, fair damsel," he said; "whither away so fast?"
+
+"Reverend father," replies she, "I go to seek my fortune."
+
+"And what hast thou for dowry, fair damsel," said he, "in thy bag and
+bottle?"
+
+"Bread and cheese and small-beer, father," says she, smiling. "Will it
+please you to partake of either?"
+
+"With all my heart," says he, and when she pulled out her provisions he
+ate them nearly all. But once again she made no complaint, but bade him
+eat what he needed, and welcome.
+
+Now when he had finished he gave her many thanks, and said:
+
+"For your beauty, and your kindness, and your grace, take this wand.
+There is a thick thorny hedge before you which seems impassable. But
+strike it thrice with this wand, saying each time, 'Please, hedge, let
+me through,' and it will open a pathway for you. Then, when you come to
+a well, sit down on the brink of it; do not be surprised at anything you
+may see, but, whatever you are asked to do, that do!"
+
+So saying the old man went into the cave, and she went on her way. After
+a while she came to a high, thick thorny hedge; but when she struck it
+three times with the wand, saying, "Please, hedge, let me through," it
+opened a wide pathway for her. So she came to the well, on the brink of
+which she sate down, and no sooner had she done so, than a golden head
+without any body came up through the water, singing as it came:
+
+  "Wash me, and comb me, lay me on a bank to dry
+   Softly and prettily to watch the passers-by."
+
+"Certainly," she said, pulling out her silver comb. Then, placing the
+head on her lap, she began to comb the golden hair. When she had combed
+it, she lifted the golden head softly, and laid it on a primrose bank to
+dry. No sooner had she done this than another golden head appeared,
+singing as it came:
+
+  "Wash me, and comb me, lay me on a bank to dry
+   Softly and prettily to watch the passers-by."
+
+"Certainly," says she, and after combing the golden hair, placed the
+golden head softly on the primrose bank, beside the first one.
+
+Then came a third head out of the well, and it said the same thing:
+
+  "Wash me, and comb me, lay me on a bank to dry
+   Softly and prettily to watch the passers-by."
+
+"With all my heart," says she graciously, and after taking the head on
+her lap, and combing its golden hair with her silver comb, there were
+the three golden heads in a row on the primrose bank. And she sate down
+to rest herself and looked at them, they were so quaint and pretty; and
+as she rested she cheerfully ate and drank the meagre portion of the
+brown bread, hard cheese, and small-beer which the old man had left to
+her; for, though she was a king's daughter, she was too proud to
+complain.
+
+Then the first head spoke. "Brothers, what shall we weird for this
+damsel who has been so gracious unto us? I weird her to be so beautiful
+that she shall charm every one she meets."
+
+"And I," said the second head, "weird her a voice that shall exceed the
+nightingale's in sweetness."
+
+"And I," said the third head, "weird her to be so fortunate that she
+shall marry the greatest King that reigns."
+
+"Thank you with all my heart," says she; "but don't you think I had
+better put you back in the well before I go on? Remember you are golden,
+and the passers-by might steal you."
+
+To this they agreed; so she put them back. And when they had thanked
+her for her kind thought and said good-bye, she went on her journey.
+
+Now she had not travelled far before she came to a forest where the King
+of the country was hunting with his nobles, and as the gay cavalcade
+passed down the glade she stood back to avoid them; but the King caught
+sight of her, and drew up his horse, fairly amazed at her beauty.
+
+"Fair maid," he said, "who art thou, and whither goest thou through the
+forest thus alone?"
+
+"I am the King of Colchester's daughter, and I go to seek my fortune,"
+says she, and her voice was sweeter than the nightingale's.
+
+Then the King jumped from his horse, being so struck by her that he felt
+it would be impossible to live without her, and falling on his knee
+begged and prayed her to marry him without delay.
+
+And he begged and prayed so well that at last she consented. So, with
+all courtesy, he mounted her on his horse behind him, and commanding the
+hunt to follow, he returned to his palace, where the wedding festivities
+took place with all possible pomp and merriment. Then, ordering out the
+royal chariot, the happy pair started to pay the King of Colchester a
+bridal visit: and you may imagine the surprise and delight with which,
+after so short an absence, the people of Colchester saw their beloved,
+beautiful, kind, and gracious princess return in a chariot all gemmed
+with gold, as the bride of the most powerful King in the world. The
+bells rang out, flags flew, drums beat, the people huzzaed, and all was
+gladness, save for the ugly Queen and her ugly daughter, who were ready
+to burst with envy and malice; for, see you, the despised maiden was now
+above them both, and went before them at every Court ceremonial.
+
+So, after the visit was ended, and the young King and his bride had gone
+back to their own country, there to live happily ever after, the ugly
+ill-natured princess said to her mother, the ugly Queen:
+
+"I also will go into the world and seek my fortune. If that drab of a
+girl with her mincing ways got so much, what may I not get?"
+
+So her mother agreed, and furnished her forth with silken dresses and
+furs, and gave her as provisions sugar, almonds, and sweetmeats of every
+variety, besides a large flagon of Malaga sack. Altogether a right royal
+dowry.
+
+Armed with these she set forth, following the same road as her
+step-sister. Thus she soon came upon the old man with a white beard, who
+was seated on a stone by the mouth of a cave.
+
+"Good morrow," says he. "Whither away so fast?"
+
+"What's that to you, old man?" she replied rudely.
+
+"And what hast thou for dowry in bag and bottle?" he asked quietly.
+
+"Good things with which you shall not be troubled," she answered pertly.
+
+"Wilt thou not spare an old man something?" he said.
+
+[Illustration: The thorns closed in around her so that she was all
+scratched and torn]
+
+Then she laughed. "Not a bite, not a sup, lest they should choke you:
+though that would be small matter to me," she replied, with a toss of
+her head.
+
+"Then ill luck go with thee," remarked the old man as he rose and went
+into the cave.
+
+So she went on her way, and after a time came to the thick thorny hedge,
+and seeing what she thought was a gap in it, she tried to pass through;
+but no sooner had she got well into the middle of the hedge than the
+thorns closed in around her so that she was all scratched and torn
+before she won her way. Thus, streaming with blood, she went on to the
+well, and seeing water, sate on the brink intending to cleanse herself.
+But just as she dipped her hands, up came a golden head singing as it
+came:
+
+  "Wash me, and comb me, lay me on the bank to dry
+   Softly and prettily to watch the passers-by."
+
+"A likely story," says she. "I'm going to wash myself." And with that
+she gave the head such a bang with her bottle that it bobbed below the
+water. But it came up again, and so did a second head, singing as it
+came:
+
+  "Wash me, and comb me, lay me on the bank to dry
+   Softly and prettily to watch the passers-by."
+
+"Not I," scoffs she. "I'm going to wash my hands and face and have my
+dinner." So she fetches the second head a cruel bang with the bottle,
+and both heads ducked down in the water.
+
+But when they came up again all draggled and dripping, the third head
+came also, singing as it came:
+
+  "Wash me, and comb me, lay me on the bank to dry
+   Softly and prettily to watch the passers-by."
+
+By this time the ugly princess had cleansed herself, and, seated on the
+primrose bank, had her mouth full of sugar and almonds.
+
+"Not I," says she as well as she could. "I'm not a washerwoman nor a
+barber. So take that for your washing and combing."
+
+And with that, having finished the Malaga sack, she flung the empty
+bottle at the three heads.
+
+But this time they didn't duck. They looked at each other and said, "How
+shall we weird this rude girl for her bad manners?" Then the first head
+said:
+
+"I weird that to her ugliness shall be added blotches on her face."
+
+And the second head said:
+
+"I weird that she shall ever be hoarse as a crow and speak as if she had
+her mouth full."
+
+Then the third head said:
+
+"And I weird that she shall be glad to marry a cobbler."
+
+Then the three heads sank into the well and were no more seen, and the
+ugly princess went on her way. But, lo and behold! when she came to a
+town, the children ran from her ugly blotched face screaming with
+fright, and when she tried to tell them she was the King of Colchester's
+daughter, her voice squeaked like a corn-crake's, was hoarse as a
+crow's, and folk could not understand a word she said, because she spoke
+as if her mouth was full!
+
+Now in the town there happened to be a cobbler who not long before had
+mended the shoes of a poor old hermit; and the latter, having no money,
+had paid for the job by the gift of a wonderful ointment which would
+cure blotches on the face, and a bottle of medicine that would banish
+any hoarseness.
+
+So, seeing the miserable, ugly princess in great distress, he went up to
+her and gave her a few drops out of his bottle; and then understanding
+from her rich attire and clearer speech that she was indeed a King's
+daughter, he craftily said that if she would take him for a husband he
+would undertake to cure her.
+
+"Anything! Anything!" sobbed the miserable princess.
+
+So they were married, and the cobbler straightway set off with his bride
+to visit the King of Colchester. But the bells did not ring, the drums
+did not beat, and the people, instead of huzzaing, burst into loud
+guffaws at the cobbler in leather, and his wife in silks and satins.
+
+As for the ugly Queen, she was so enraged and disappointed that she went
+mad, and hanged herself in wrath. Whereupon the King, really pleased at
+getting rid of her so soon, gave the cobbler a hundred pounds and bade
+him go about his business with his ugly bride.
+
+Which he did quite contentedly, for a hundred pounds means much to a
+poor cobbler. So they went to a remote part of the kingdom and lived
+unhappily for many years, he cobbling shoes, and she spinning the thread
+for him.
+
+
+
+
+MR. FOX
+
+
+Lady Mary was young and Lady Mary was fair, and she had more lovers than
+she could count on the fingers of both hands.
+
+She lived with her two brothers, who were very proud and very fond of
+their beautiful sister, and very anxious that she should choose well
+amongst her many suitors.
+
+Now amongst them there was a certain Mr. Fox, handsome and young and
+rich; and though nobody quite knew who he was, he was so gallant and so
+gay that every one liked him. And he wooed Lady Mary so well that at
+last she promised to marry him. But though he talked much of the
+beautiful home to which he would take her, and described the castle and
+all the wonderful things that furnished it, he never offered to show it
+to her, neither did he invite Lady Mary's brothers to see it.
+
+Now this seemed to her very strange indeed; and, being a lass of spirit,
+she made up her mind to see the castle if she could.
+
+So one day, just before the wedding, when she knew Mr. Fox would be
+away seeing the lawyers with her brothers, she just kilted up her skirts
+and set out unbeknownst--for, see you, the whole household was busy
+preparing for the marriage feastings--to see for herself what Mr. Fox's
+beautiful castle was like.
+
+After many searchings, and much travelling, she found it at last; and a
+fine strong building it was, with high walls and a deep moat to it. A
+bit frowning and gloomy, but when she came up to the wide gateway she
+saw these words carven over the arch:
+
+                _BE BOLD--BE BOLD._
+
+So she plucked up courage, and the gate being open, went through it and
+found herself in a wide, empty, open courtyard. At the end of this was a
+smaller door, and over this was carven:
+
+        _BE BOLD, BE BOLD; BUT NOT TOO BOLD._
+
+So she went through it to a wide, empty hall, and up the wide, empty
+staircase. Now at the top of the staircase there was a wide, empty
+gallery at one end of which were wide windows with the sunlight
+streaming through them from a beautiful garden, and at the other end a
+narrow door, over the archway of which was carven:
+
+    _BE BOLD, BE BOLD; BUT NOT TOO BOLD,
+    LEST THAT YOUR HEART'S BLOOD SHOULD RUN COLD._
+
+Now Lady Mary was a lass of spirit, and so, of course, she turned her
+back on the sunshine, and opened the narrow, dark door. And there she
+was in a narrow, dark passage. But at the end there was a chink of
+light. So she went forward and put her eye to the chink--and what do you
+think she saw?
+
+Why! a wide saloon lit with many candles, and all round it, some hanging
+by their necks, some seated on chairs, some lying on the floor, were the
+skeletons and bodies of numbers of beautiful young maidens in their
+wedding-dresses that were all stained with blood.
+
+Now Lady Mary, for all she was a lass of spirit, and brave as brave,
+could not look for long on such a horrid sight, so she turned and fled.
+Down the dark narrow passage, through the dark narrow door (which she
+did not forget to close behind her), and along the wide gallery she fled
+like a hare, and was just going down the wide stairs into the wide hall
+when, what did she see, through the window, but Mr. Fox dragging a
+beautiful young lady across the wide courtyard! There was nothing for
+it, Lady Mary decided, but to hide herself as quickly and as best she
+might; so she fled faster down the wide stairs, and hid herself behind a
+big wine-butt that stood in a corner of the wide hall. She was only just
+in time, for there at the wide door was Mr. Fox dragging the poor young
+maiden along by the hair; and he dragged her across the wide hall and up
+the wide stairs. And when she clutched at the bannisters to stop
+herself, Mr. Fox cursed and swore dreadfully; and at last he drew his
+sword and brought it down so hard on the poor young lady's wrist that
+the hand, cut off, jumped up into the air so that the diamond ring on
+the finger flashed in the sunlight as it fell, of all places in the
+world, into Lady Mary's very lap as she crouched behind the wine-butt!
+
+Then she was fair frightened, thinking Mr. Fox would be sure to find
+her; but after looking about a little while in vain (for, of course, he
+coveted the diamond ring), he continued his dreadful task of dragging
+the poor, beautiful young maiden upstairs to the horrid chamber,
+intending, doubtless, to return when he had finished his loathly work,
+and seek for the hand.
+
+But by that time Lady Mary had fled; for no sooner did she hear the
+awful, dragging noise pass into the gallery, than she upped and ran for
+dear life--through the wide door with
+
+            _BE BOLD, BE BOLD; BUT NOT TOO BOLD_
+
+engraven over the arch, across the wide courtyard past the wide gate
+with
+
+                _BE BOLD--BE BOLD_
+
+engraven over it, never stopping, never thinking till she reached her
+own chamber. And all the while the hand with the diamond ring lay in her
+kilted lap.
+
+Now the very next day, when Mr. Fox and Lady Mary's brothers returned
+from the lawyers, the marriage-contract had to be signed. And all the
+neighbourhood was asked to witness it and partake of a splendid
+breakfast. And there was Lady Mary in bridal array, and there was Mr.
+Fox, looking so gay and so gallant. He was seated at the table just
+opposite Lady Mary, and he looked at her and said:
+
+"How pale you are this morning, dear heart."
+
+Then Lady Mary looked at him quietly and said, "Yes, dear sir! I had a
+bad night's rest, for I had horrible dreams."
+
+Then Mr. Fox smiled and said, "Dreams go by contraries, dear heart; but
+tell me your dream, and your sweet voice will speed the time till I can
+call you mine."
+
+"I dreamed," said Lady Mary, with a quiet smile, and her eyes were
+clear, "that I went yesterday to seek the castle that is to be my home,
+and I found it in the woods with high walls and a deep dark moat. And
+over the gateway were carven these words:
+
+                   _BE BOLD--BE BOLD._"
+
+Then Mr. Fox spoke in a hurry. "But it is not so--nor it was not so."
+
+"Then I crossed the wide courtyard and went through a wide door over
+which was carven:
+
+            _BE BOLD, BE BOLD; BUT NOT TOO BOLD,_"
+
+went on Lady Mary, still smiling, and her voice was cold; "but, of
+course, it is not so, and it was not so."
+
+And Mr. Fox said nothing; he sate like a stone.
+
+"Then I dreamed," continued Lady Mary, still smiling, though her eyes
+were stern, "that I passed through a wide hall and up a wide stair and
+along a wide gallery until I came to a dark narrow door, and over it was
+carven:
+
+    _BE BOLD, BE BOLD; BUT NOT TOO BOLD,
+     LEST THAT YOUR HEART'S BLOOD SHOULD RUN COLD._
+
+"But it is not so, of course, and it was not so."
+
+And Mr. Fox said nothing; he sate frozen.
+
+"Then I dreamed that I opened the door and went down a dark narrow
+passage," said Lady Mary, still smiling, though her voice was ice. "And
+at the end of the passage there was a door, and the door had a chink in
+it. And through the chink I saw a wide saloon lit with many candles, and
+all round it were the bones and bodies of poor dead maidens, their
+clothes all stained with blood; but of course it is not so, and it was
+not so."
+
+By this time all the neighbours were looking Mr. Fox-ways with all their
+eyes, while he sate silent.
+
+But Lady Mary went on, and her smiling lips were set:
+
+"Then I dreamed that I ran downstairs and had just time to hide myself
+when you, Mr. Fox, came in dragging a young lady by the hair. And the
+sunlight glittered on her diamond ring as she clutched the stair-rail,
+and you out with your sword and cut off the poor lady's hand."
+
+Then Mr. Fox rose in his seat stonily and glared about him as if to
+escape, and his eye-teeth showed like a fox beset by the dogs, and he
+grew pale.
+
+And he said, trying to smile, though his whispering voice could scarcely
+be heard:
+
+"But it is not so, dear heart, and it was not so, and God forbid it
+should be so!"
+
+Then Lady Mary rose in her seat also, and the smile left her face, and
+her voice rang as she cried:
+
+  "But it is so, and it was so;
+   Here's hand and ring I have to show."
+
+[Illustration: Many's the beating he had from the broomstick or the
+ladle]
+
+And with that she pulled out the poor dead hand with the glittering
+ring from her bosom and pointed it straight at Mr. Fox.
+
+At this all the company rose, and drawing their swords cut Mr. Fox to
+pieces.
+
+And served him very well right.
+
+
+
+
+DICK WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT
+
+
+More than five hundred years ago there was a little boy named Dick
+Whittington, and this is true. His father and mother died when he was
+too young to work, and so poor little Dick was very badly off. He was
+quite glad to get the parings of the potatoes to eat and a dry crust of
+bread now and then, and more than that he did not often get, for the
+village where he lived was a very poor one and the neighbours were not
+able to spare him much.
+
+Now the country folk in those days thought that the people of London
+were all fine ladies and gentlemen, and that there was singing and
+dancing all the day long, and so rich were they there that even the
+streets, they said, were paved with gold. Dick used to sit by and listen
+while all these strange tales of the wealth of London were told, and it
+made him long to go and live there and have plenty to eat and fine
+clothes to wear, instead of the rags and hard fare that fell to his lot
+in the country.
+
+So one day when a great waggon with eight horses stopped on its way
+through the village, Dick made friends with the waggoner and begged to
+be taken with him to London. The man felt sorry for poor little Dick
+when he heard that he had no father or mother to take care of him, and
+saw how ragged and how badly in need of help he was. So he agreed to
+take him, and off they set.
+
+How far it was and how many days they took over the journey I do not
+know, but in due time Dick found himself in the wonderful city which he
+had heard so much of and pictured to himself so grandly. But oh! how
+disappointed he was when he got there. How dirty it was! And the people,
+how unlike the gay company, with music and singing, that he had dreamt
+of! He wandered up and down the streets, one after another, until he was
+tired out, but not one did he find that was paved with gold. Dirt in
+plenty he could see, but none of the gold that he thought to have put in
+his pockets as fast as he chose to pick it up.
+
+[Illustration: Dick finds that the streets of London are not paved with
+gold]
+
+Little Dick ran about till he was tired and it was growing dark. And at
+last he sat himself down in a corner and fell asleep. When morning came
+he was very cold and hungry, and though he asked every one he met to
+help him, only one or two gave him a halfpenny to buy some bread. For
+two or three days he lived in the streets in this way, only just able to
+keep himself alive, when he managed to get some work to do in a
+hayfield, and that kept him for a short time longer, till the haymaking
+was over.
+
+After this he was as badly off as ever, and did not know where to turn.
+One day in his wanderings he lay down to rest in the doorway of the
+house of a rich merchant whose name was Fitzwarren. But here he was soon
+seen by the cook-maid, who was an unkind, bad-tempered woman, and she
+cried out to him to be off. "Lazy rogue," she called him; and she said
+she'd precious quick throw some dirty dishwater over him, boiling hot,
+if he didn't go. However, just then Mr. Fitzwarren himself came home to
+dinner, and when he saw what was happening, he asked Dick why he was
+lying there. "You're old enough to be at work, my boy," he said. "I'm
+afraid you have a mind to be lazy."
+
+"Indeed, sir," said Dick to him, "indeed that is not so"; and he told
+him how hard he had tried to get work to do, and how ill he was for want
+of food. Dick, poor fellow, was now so weak that though he tried to
+stand he had to lie down again, for it was more than three days since he
+had had anything to eat at all. The kind merchant gave orders for him to
+be taken into the house and gave him a good dinner, and then he said
+that he was to be kept, to do what work he could to help the cook.
+
+And now Dick would have been happy enough in this good family if it had
+not been for the ill-natured cook, who did her best to make life a
+burden to him. Night and morning she was for ever scolding him. Nothing
+he did was good enough. It was "Look sharp here" and "Hurry up there,"
+and there was no pleasing her. And many's the beating he had from the
+broomstick or the ladle, or whatever else she had in her hand.
+
+At last it came to the ears of Miss Alice, Mr. Fitzwarren's daughter,
+how badly the cook was treating poor Dick. And she told the cook that
+she would quickly lose her place if she didn't treat him more kindly,
+for Dick had become quite a favourite with the family.
+
+After that the cook's behaviour was a little better, but Dick still had
+another hardship that he bore with difficulty. For he slept in a garret
+where were so many holes in the walls and the floor that every night as
+he lay in bed the room was overrun with rats and mice, and sometimes he
+could hardly sleep a wink. One day when he had earned a penny for
+cleaning a gentleman's shoes, he met a little girl with a cat in her
+arms, and asked whether she would not sell it to him. "Yes, she would,"
+she said, though the cat was such a good mouser that she was sorry to
+part with her. This just suited Dick, who kept pussy up in his garret,
+feeding her on scraps of his own dinner that he saved for her every day.
+In a little while he had no more bother with the rats and mice. Puss
+soon saw to that, and he slept sound every night.
+
+Soon after this Mr. Fitzwarren had a ship ready to sail; and as it was
+his custom that all his servants should be given a chance of good
+fortune as well as himself, he called them all into the counting-house
+and asked them what they would send out.
+
+They all had something that they were willing to venture except poor
+Dick, who had neither money nor goods, and so could send nothing. For
+this reason he did not come into the room with the rest. But Miss Alice
+guessed what was the matter, and ordered him to be called in. She then
+said, "I will lay down some money for him out of my own purse"; but her
+father told her that would not do, for it must be something of his own.
+
+When Dick heard this he said, "I have nothing whatever but a cat, which
+I bought for a penny some time ago."
+
+"Go, my boy, fetch your cat then," said his master, "and let her go."
+
+Dick went upstairs and fetched poor puss, but there were tears in his
+eyes when he gave her to the captain. "For," he said, "I shall now be
+kept awake all night by the rats and mice." All the company laughed at
+Dick's odd venture, and Miss Alice, who felt sorry for him, gave him
+some money to buy another cat.
+
+Now this, and other marks of kindness shown him by Miss Alice, made the
+ill-tempered cook jealous of poor Dick, and she began to use him more
+cruelly than ever, and was always making game of him for sending his cat
+to sea. "What do you think your cat will sell for?" she'd ask. "As much
+money as would buy a stick to beat you with?"
+
+At last poor Dick could not bear this usage any longer, and he thought
+he would run away. So he made a bundle of his things--he hadn't
+many--and started very early in the morning, on All-hallows Day, the
+first of November. He walked as far as Holloway, and there he sat down
+to rest on a stone, which to this day, they say, is called
+"Whittington's Stone," and began to wonder to himself which road he
+should take.
+
+[Illustration: Dick Whittington hears Bow Bells]
+
+While he was thinking what he should do the Bells of Bow Church in
+Cheapside began to chime, and as they rang he fancied that they were
+singing over and over again:
+
+  "Turn again, Whittington,
+   Lord Mayor of London."
+
+"Lord Mayor of London!" said he to himself. "Why, to be sure, wouldn't I
+put up with almost anything now to be Lord Mayor of London, and ride in
+a fine coach, when I grow to be a man! Well, I'll go back, and think
+nothing of the cuffing and scolding of the cross old cook if I am to be
+Lord Mayor of London at last."
+
+So back he went, and he was lucky enough to get into the house and set
+about his work before the cook came down.
+
+But now you must hear what befell Mrs. Puss all this while. The ship
+_Unicorn_ that she was on was a long time at sea, and the cat made
+herself useful, as she would, among the unwelcome rats that lived on
+board too. At last the ship put into harbour on the coast of Barbary,
+where the only people are the Moors. They had never before seen a ship
+from England, and flocked in numbers to see the sailors, whose different
+colour and foreign dress were a great wonder to them. They were soon
+eager to buy the goods with which the ship was laden, and patterns were
+sent ashore for the King to see. He was so much pleased with them that
+he sent for the captain to come to the palace, and honoured him with an
+invitation to dinner. But no sooner were they seated, as is the custom
+there, on the fine rugs and carpets that covered the floor, than great
+numbers of rats and mice came scampering in, swarming over all the
+dishes, and helping themselves from all the good things there were to
+eat. The captain was amazed, and wondered whether they didn't find such
+a pest most unpleasant.
+
+[Illustration: When Puss saw the rats and mice she didn't wait to be
+told]
+
+"Oh yes," said they, "it was so, and the King would give half his
+treasure to be freed of them, for they not only spoil his dinner, but
+they even attack him in his bed at night, so that a watch has to be kept
+while he is sleeping, for fear of them."
+
+The captain was overjoyed; he thought at once of poor Dick Whittington
+and his cat, and said he had a creature on board ship that would soon do
+for all these vermin if she were there. Of course, when the King heard
+this he was eager to possess this wonderful animal.
+
+"Bring it to me at once," he said; "for the vermin are dreadful, and if
+only it will do what you say, I will load your ship with gold and jewels
+in exchange for it."
+
+The captain, who knew his business, took care not to underrate the value
+of Dick's cat. He told His Majesty how inconvenient it would be to part
+with her, as when she was gone the rats might destroy the goods in the
+ship; however, to oblige the King, he would fetch her.
+
+"Oh, make haste, do!" cried the Queen; "I, too, am all impatience to see
+this dear creature."
+
+Off went the captain, while another dinner was got ready. He took Puss
+under his arm and got back to the palace just in time to see the carpet
+covered with rats and mice once again. When Puss saw them, she didn't
+wait to be told, but jumped out of the captain's arms, and in no time
+almost all the rats and mice were dead at her feet, while the rest of
+them had scuttled off to their holes in fright.
+
+The King was delighted to get rid so easily of such an intolerable
+plague, and the Queen desired that the animal who had done them such a
+service might be brought to her. Upon which the captain called out,
+"Puss, puss, puss," and she came running to him. Then he presented her
+to the Queen, who was rather afraid at first to touch a creature who had
+made such a havoc with her claws. However, when the captain called her,
+"Pussy, pussy," and began to stroke her, the Queen also ventured to
+touch her and cried, "Putty, putty," in imitation of the captain, for
+she hadn't learned to speak English. He then put her on to the Queen's
+lap, where she purred and played with Her Majesty's hand and was soon
+asleep.
+
+The King having seen what Mrs. Puss could do, and learning that her
+kittens would soon stock the whole country, and keep it free from rats,
+after bargaining with the captain for the whole ship's cargo, then gave
+him ten times as much for the cat as all the rest amounted to.
+
+The captain then said farewell to the court of Barbary, and after a fair
+voyage reached London again with his precious load of gold and jewels
+safe and sound.
+
+One morning early Mr. Fitzwarren had just come to his counting-house and
+settled himself at the desk to count the cash, when there came a knock
+at the door. "Who's there?" said he. "A friend," replied a voice. "I
+come with good news of your ship the _Unicorn_." The merchant in haste
+opened the door, and who were there but the ship's captain and the mate,
+bearing a chest of jewels and a bill of lading. When he had looked this
+over he lifted his eyes and thanked heaven for sending him such a
+prosperous voyage.
+
+The honest captain next told him all about the cat, and showed him the
+rich present the King had sent for her to poor Dick. Rejoicing on behalf
+of Dick as much as he had done over his own good fortune, he called out
+to his servants to come and to bring up Dick:
+
+  "Go fetch him, and we'll tell him of his fame;
+   Pray call him Mr. Whittington by name."
+
+The servants, some of them, hesitated at this, and said so great a
+treasure was too much for a lad like Dick; but Mr. Fitzwarren now showed
+himself the good man that he was and refused to deprive him of the value
+of a single penny. "God forbid!" he cried. "It's all his own, and he
+shall have it, to a farthing."
+
+He then sent for Dick, who at the moment was scouring pots for the cook
+and was black with dirt. He tried to excuse himself from coming into the
+room in such a plight, but the merchant made him come, and had a chair
+set for him. And he then began to think they must be making game of him,
+so he begged them not to play tricks on a poor simple boy, but to let
+him go downstairs again back to his work in the scullery.
+
+"Indeed, Mr. Whittington," said the merchant, "we are all quite in
+earnest with you, and I most heartily rejoice at the news that these
+gentlemen have brought. For the captain has sold your cat to the King of
+Barbary, and brings you in return for her more riches than I possess in
+the whole world; and may you long enjoy them!"
+
+Mr. Fitzwarren then told the men to open the great treasure they had
+brought with them, saying, "There is nothing more now for Mr.
+Whittington to do but to put it in some place of safety."
+
+Poor Dick hardly knew how to behave himself for joy. He begged his
+master to take what part of it he pleased, since he owed it all to his
+kindness. "No, no," answered Mr. Fitzwarren, "this all belongs to you;
+and I have no doubt that you will use it well."
+
+Dick next begged his mistress, and then Miss Alice, to accept a part of
+his good fortune, but they would not, and at the same time told him what
+great joy they felt at his great success. But he was far too
+kind-hearted to keep it all to himself; so he made a present to the
+captain, the mate, and the rest of Mr. Fitzwarren's servants; and even
+to his old enemy, the cross cook.
+
+After this Mr. Fitzwarren advised him to send for a tailor and get
+himself dressed like a gentleman, and told him he was welcome to live in
+his house till he could provide himself with a better.
+
+When Whittington's face was washed, his hair curled, and he was dressed
+in a smart suit of clothes, he was just as handsome and fine a young man
+as any who visited at Mr. Fitzwarren's, and so thought fair Alice
+Fitzwarren, who had once been so kind to him and looked upon him with
+pity. And now she felt he was quite fit to be her sweetheart, and none
+the less, no doubt, because Whittington was always thinking what he
+could do to please her, and making her the prettiest presents that could
+be.
+
+Mr. Fitzwarren soon saw which way the wind blew, and ere long proposed
+to join them in marriage, and to this they both readily agreed. A day
+for the wedding was soon fixed; and they were attended to church by the
+Lord Mayor, the court of aldermen, the sheriffs, and a great number of
+the richest merchants in London, whom they afterwards treated with a
+magnificent feast.
+
+History tells us that Mr. Whittington and his lady lived in great
+splendour, and were very happy. They had several children. He was
+Sheriff, and thrice Lord Mayor of London, and received the honour of
+knighthood from Henry V.
+
+After the King's conquest of France, Sir Richard Whittington entertained
+him and the Queen at dinner at the Mansion House in so sumptuous a
+manner that the King said, "Never had Prince such a subject!" To which
+Sir Richard replied, "Never had subject such a Prince."
+
+
+
+
+THE OLD WOMAN AND HER PIG
+
+
+An old woman was sweeping her house, and she found a little crooked
+sixpence. "What," said she, "shall I do with this little sixpence? I
+will go to market, and buy a little pig."
+
+So she bought a little pig; but as she was coming home, she came to a
+stile, and the piggy would not go over the stile.
+
+[Illustration: The old woman and her pig]
+
+She went a little further, and she met a dog. So she said to him, "Dog!
+dog! bite pig; piggy won't go over the stile; and I shan't get home till
+midnight." But the dog wouldn't.
+
+She went a little further, and she met a stick. So she said, "Stick!
+stick! beat dog; dog won't bite pig; piggy won't get over the stile; and
+I shan't get home till midnight." But the stick wouldn't.
+
+She went a little further, and she met a fire. So she said, "Fire! fire!
+burn stick; stick won't beat dog; dog won't bite pig; pig won't get over
+the stile; and I shan't get home till midnight." But the fire wouldn't.
+
+She went a little further, and she met some water. So she said, "Water!
+water! quench fire; fire won't burn stick; stick won't beat dog; dog
+won't bite pig; pig won't get over the stile; and I shan't get home till
+midnight." But the water wouldn't.
+
+She went a little further, and she met an ox. So she said, "Ox! ox!
+drink water; water won't quench fire; fire won't burn stick; stick won't
+beat dog; dog won't bite pig; pig won't get over the stile; and I shan't
+get home till midnight." But the ox wouldn't.
+
+She went a little further, and she met a butcher. So she said, "Butcher!
+butcher! kill ox; ox won't drink water; water won't quench fire; fire
+won't burn stick; stick won't beat dog; dog won't bite pig; pig won't
+get over the stile; and I shan't get home till midnight." But the
+butcher wouldn't.
+
+She went a little further, and she met a rope. So she said, "Rope! rope!
+hang butcher; butcher won't kill ox; ox won't drink water; water won't
+quench fire; fire won't burn stick; stick won't beat dog; dog won't bite
+pig; pig won't get over the stile; and I shan't get home till
+midnight." But the rope wouldn't.
+
+She went a little further, and she met a rat. So she said, "Rat! rat!
+gnaw rope; rope won't hang butcher; butcher won't kill ox; ox won't
+drink water; water won't quench fire; fire won't burn stick; stick won't
+beat dog; dog won't bite pig; pig won't get over the stile; and I shan't
+get home till midnight." But the rat wouldn't.
+
+She went a little further, and she met a cat. So she said, "Cat! cat!
+kill rat; rat won't gnaw rope; rope won't hang butcher; butcher won't
+kill ox; ox won't drink water; water won't quench fire; fire won't burn
+stick; stick won't beat dog; dog won't bite pig; pig won't get over the
+stile; and I shan't get home till midnight." But the cat said to her,
+"If you will go to yonder cow, and fetch me a saucer of milk, I will
+kill the rat." So away went the old woman to the cow.
+
+But the cow said to her, "If you will go to yonder haystack, and fetch
+me a handful of hay, I'll give you the milk." So away went the old woman
+to the haystack; and she brought the hay to the cow.
+
+As soon as the cow had eaten the hay, she gave the old woman the milk;
+and away she went with it in a saucer to the cat.
+
+As soon as the cat had lapped up the milk, the cat began to kill the
+rat; the rat began to gnaw the rope; the rope began to hang the butcher;
+the butcher began to kill the ox; the ox began to drink the water; the
+water began to quench the fire; the fire began to burn the stick; the
+stick began to beat the dog; the dog began to bite the pig; the little
+pig squealed and jumped over the stile; and so the old woman got home
+before midnight.
+
+
+
+
+THE WEE BANNOCK
+
+
+Once upon a time there was an old man and his old wife who lived in a
+wee cottage beside a wee burnie. They had two cows, five hens, and a
+cock, a cat and two kittens. Now the old man looked after the cows, the
+cock looked after the hens, the cat looked after a mouse in the
+cupboard, and the two kittens looked after the old wife's spindle as it
+twirled and tussled about on the hearthstone. But though the old wife
+should have looked after the kittens, the more she said, "Sho! Sho! Go
+away, kitty!" the more they looked after the spindle!
+
+So, one day, when she was quite tired out with saying, "Sho! Sho!" the
+old wife felt hungry and thought she could take a wee bite of something.
+So she up and baked two wee oatmeal bannocks and set them to toast
+before the fire. Now just as they were toasting away, smelling so fresh
+and tasty, in came the old man, and seeing them look so crisp and nice,
+takes up one of them and snaps a piece out of it. On this the other
+bannock thought it high time to be off, so up it jumps and away it
+trundles as fast as ever it could. And away ran the old wife after it
+as fast as she could run, with her spindle in one hand and her distaff
+in the other. But the wee bannock trundled faster than she could run, so
+it was soon out of sight, and the old wife was obliged to go back and
+tussle with the kittens again.
+
+The wee bannock meanwhile trundled gaily down the hill till it came to a
+big thatched house, and it ran boldly in at the door and sate itself
+down by the fireside quite comfortably. Now there were three tailors in
+the room working away on a big bench, and being tailors they were, of
+course, dreadfully afraid, and jumped up to hide behind the goodwife who
+was carding wool by the fire.
+
+"Hout-tout!" she cried. "What are ye a-feared of? 'Tis naught but a wee
+bit bannock. Just grip hold o' it, and I'll give ye a sup o' milk to
+drink with it."
+
+So up she gets with the carders in her hands, and the tailor had his
+iron goose, and the apprentices, one with the big scissors and the other
+with the ironing-board, and they all made for the wee bannock; but it
+was too clever for them, and dodged about the fireside until the
+apprentice, thinking to snap it with the big scissors, fell into the hot
+ashes and got badly burnt. Then the tailor cast the goose at it, and the
+other apprentice the ironing-board; but it wouldn't do. The wee bannock
+got out at the doorway, where the goodwife flung the carders at it; but
+it dodged them and trundled away gaily till it came to a small house by
+the road-side. So in it ran bold as bold and sate itself down by the
+hearth where the wife was winding a clue of yarn for her husband, the
+weaver, who was click-clacking away at his loom.
+
+"Tibby!" quoth the weaver. "Whatever's that?"
+
+"Naught but a wee bannock," quoth she.
+
+"Well, come and welcome," says he, "for the porridge was thin the morn;
+so grip it, woman! grip it!"
+
+"Aye," says she, and reaches out her hand to it. But the wee bannock
+just dodged.
+
+"Man!" says she, "yon's a clever wee bannockie! Catch it, man! Catch it
+if you can."
+
+But the wee bannock just dodged. "Cast the clue at it, woman!" shouted
+the weaver.
+
+But the wee bannock was out at the door, trundling away over the hill
+like a new tarred sheep or a mad cow!
+
+And it trundled away till it came to a cowherd's house where the
+goodwife was churning her butter.
+
+"Come in by," cried the goodwife when she saw the wee bannock all crisp
+and fresh and tasty; "I've plenty cream to eat with you."
+
+But at this the wee bannock began dodging about, and it dodged so
+craftily that the goodwife overset the churn in trying to grip it, and
+before she set it straight again the wee bannock was off, trundling away
+down the hill till it came to a mill-house where the miller was sifting
+meal. So in it ran and sate down by the trough.
+
+"Ho, ho!" says the miller. "It's a sign o' plenty when the likes of you
+run about the country-side with none to look after you. But come in by.
+I like bannock and cheese for supper, so I'll give ye a night's
+quarters." And with that he tapped his fat stomach.
+
+At this the wee bannock turned and ran; it wasn't going to trust itself
+with the miller and his cheese; and the miller, having nothing but the
+meal to fling after it, just stood and stared; so the wee bannock
+trundled quietly along the level till it came to the smithy where the
+smith was welding horse-nails.
+
+"Hullo!" says he, "you're a well-toasted bannock. You'll do fine with a
+glass of ale! So come in by and I'll give you a lodging inside." And
+with that he laughed, and tapped his fat stomach.
+
+But the wee bannock thought the ale was as bad as the cheese, so it up
+and away, with the smith after it. And when he couldn't come up with it,
+he just cast his hammer at it. But the hammer missed and the wee bannock
+was out of sight in a crack, and trundled and trundled till it came to a
+farm-house where the goodman and his wife were beating out flax and
+combing it. So it ran in to the fireside and began to toast itself
+again.
+
+"Janet," says the goodman, "yon is a well-toasted wee bannock. I'll have
+the half of it."
+
+"And I'll take t'other half," says the goodwife, and reached out a hand
+to grip it. But the wee bannock played dodgings again.
+
+"My certy," says the wife, "but you're spirity!" And with that she cast
+the flax comb at it. But it was too clever for her, so out it trundled
+through the door and away was it down the road, till it came to another
+house where the goodwife was stirring the scalding soup and the goodman
+was plaiting a thorn collar for the calf. So it trundled in, and sate
+down by the fire.
+
+"Ho, Jock!" quoth the goodwife, "you're always crying on a well-toasted
+bannock. Here's one! Come and eat it!"
+
+Then the wee bannock tried dodgings again, and the goodwife cried on the
+goodman to help her grip it.
+
+"Aye, mother!" says he, "but where's it gone?"
+
+"Over there!" cries she. "Quick! run to t'other side o' yon chair." And
+the chair upset, and down came the goodman among the thorns. And the
+goodwife she flung the soup spoon at it, and the scalding soup fell on
+the goodman and scalded him, so the wee bannock ran out in a crack and
+was away to the next house, where the folk were just sitting down to
+their supper and the goodwife was scraping the pot.
+
+"Look!" cries she, "here's a wee well-toasted bannock for him as catches
+it!"
+
+"Let's shut the door first," says the cautious goodman, "afore we try to
+get a grip on it."
+
+Now when the wee bannock heard this it judged it was time to be off; so
+away it trundled and they after it helter-skelter. But though they threw
+their spoons at it, and the goodman cast his best hat, the wee bannock
+was too clever for them, and was out of sight in a crack.
+
+Then away it trundled till it came to a house where the folk were just
+away to their beds. The goodwife she was raking out the fire, and the
+goodman had taken off his breeches.
+
+"What's yon?" says he, for it was nigh dark.
+
+"It will just be a wee bannock," says she.
+
+"I could eat the half of it," says he.
+
+"And I could eat t'other," quoth she.
+
+Then they tried to grip it; but the wee bannock tried dodging. And the
+goodman and the goodwife tumbled against each other in the dark and grew
+angry.
+
+"Cast your breeches at it, man!" cries the goodwife at last. "What's the
+use of standing staring like a stuck pig?"
+
+So the goodman cast his breeches at it and thought he had smothered it
+sure enough; but somehow it wriggled out, and away it was, the goodman
+after it without his breeches. You never saw such a race--a real clean
+chase over the park, and through the whins, and round by the bramble
+patch. But there the goodman lost sight of it and had to go back all
+scratched and tired and shivering.
+
+The wee bannock, however, trundled on till it was too dark even for a
+wee bannock to see.
+
+Then it came to a fox's hole in the side of a big whinbush and trundled
+in to spend the night there; but the fox had had no meat for three whole
+days, so he just said, "You're welcome, friend! I wish there were two of
+you!"
+
+And there were two! For he snapped the wee bannock into halves with one
+bite. So that was an end of _it_!
+
+[Illustration: Headpiece--How Jack went out to seek his Fortune]
+
+
+
+
+HOW JACK WENT OUT TO SEEK HIS FORTUNE
+
+
+Once on a time there was a boy named Jack, and one morning he started to
+go and seek his fortune.
+
+He hadn't gone very far before he met a cat.
+
+"Where are you going, Jack?" said the cat.
+
+"I am going to seek my fortune."
+
+"May I go with you?"
+
+"Yes," said Jack, "the more the merrier."
+
+So on they went, Jack and the cat. Jiggelty-jolt, jiggelty-jolt,
+jiggelty-jolt!
+
+They went a little farther and they met a dog.
+
+"Where are you going, Jack?" said the dog.
+
+"I am going to seek my fortune."
+
+"May I go with you?"
+
+"Yes," said Jack, "the more the merrier."
+
+So on they went, Jack, the cat, and the dog! Jiggelty-jolt,
+jiggelty-jolt, jiggelty-jolt!
+
+They went a little farther and they met a goat.
+
+"Where are you going, Jack?" said the goat.
+
+"I am going to seek my fortune."
+
+"May I go with you?"
+
+"Yes," said Jack, "the more the merrier."
+
+So on they went, Jack, the cat, the dog, and the goat. Jiggelty-jolt,
+jiggelty-jolt, jiggelty-jolt!
+
+They went a little farther and they met a bull.
+
+"Where are you going, Jack?" said the bull.
+
+"I am going to seek my fortune."
+
+"May I go with you?"
+
+"Yes," said Jack, "the more the merrier."
+
+So on they went, Jack, the cat, the dog, the goat, and the bull.
+Jiggelty-jolt, jiggelty-jolt, jiggelty-jolt!
+
+They went a little farther and they met a rooster.
+
+"Where are you going, Jack?" said the rooster.
+
+"I am going to seek my fortune."
+
+"May I go with you?"
+
+"Yes," said Jack, "the more the merrier."
+
+So on they went, Jack, the cat, the dog, the goat, the bull, and the
+rooster. Jiggelty-jolt, jiggelty-jolt, jiggelty-jolt!
+
+And they went on jiggelty-jolting till it was about dark, and it was
+time to think of some place where they could spend the night. Now, after
+a bit, they came in sight of a house, and Jack told his companions to
+keep still while he went up and looked in through the window to see if
+all was safe. And what did he see through the window but a band of
+robbers seated at a table counting over great bags of gold!
+
+"That gold shall be mine," quoth Jack to himself. "I have found my
+fortune already."
+
+Then he went back and told his companions to wait till he gave the word,
+and then to make all the noise they possibly could in their own fashion.
+So when they were all ready Jack gave the word, and the cat mewed, and
+the dog barked, and the goat bleated, and the bull bellowed, and the
+rooster crowed, and all together they made such a terrific hubbub that
+the robbers jumped up in a fright and ran away, leaving their gold on
+the table. So, after a good laugh, Jack and his companions went in and
+took possession of the house and the gold.
+
+Now Jack was a wise boy, and he knew that the robbers would come back in
+the dead of the night to get their gold, and so when it came time to go
+to bed he put the cat in the rocking-chair, and he put the dog under the
+table, and he put the goat upstairs, and he put the bull in the cellar,
+and bade the rooster fly up on to the roof.
+
+Then he went to bed.
+
+Now sure enough, in the dead of the night, the robbers sent one man back
+to the house to look after their money. But before long he came back in
+a great fright and told them a fearsome tale!
+
+"I went back to the house," said he, "and went in and tried to sit down
+in the rocking-chair, and there was an old woman knitting there, and
+she--oh my!--stuck her knitting-needles into me."
+
+(_That was the cat, you know._)
+
+"Then I went to the table to look after the money, but there was a
+shoemaker under the table, and my! how he stuck his awl into me."
+
+(_That was the dog, you know._)
+
+"So I started to go upstairs, but there was a man up there threshing,
+and goody! how he knocked me down with his flail!"
+
+(_That was the goat, you know._)
+
+"Then I started to go down to the cellar, but--oh dear me!--there was a
+man down there chopping wood, and he knocked me up and he knocked me
+down just terrible with his axe."
+
+(_That was the bull, you know._)
+
+"But I shouldn't have minded all that if it hadn't been for an awful
+little fellow on the top of the house by the kitchen chimney, who kept
+a-hollering and hollering, 'Cook him in a stew! Cook him in a stew! Cook
+him in a stew!'"
+
+(_And that, of course, was the cock-a-doodle-doo._)
+
+Then the robbers agreed that they would rather lose their gold than meet
+with such a fate; so they made off, and Jack next morning went gaily
+home with his booty. And each of the animals carried a portion of it.
+The cat hung a bag on its tail (a cat when it walks always carries its
+tail stiff), the dog on his collar, the goat and the bull on their
+horns, but Jack made the rooster carry a golden guinea in its beak to
+prevent it from calling all the time:
+
+  "Cock-a-doodle-doo,
+   Cook him in a stew!"
+
+
+
+
+THE BOGEY-BEAST
+
+
+There was once a woman who was very, very cheerful, though she had
+little to make her so; for she was old, and poor, and lonely. She lived
+in a little bit of a cottage and earned a scant living by running
+errands for her neighbours, getting a bite here, a sup there, as reward
+for her services. So she made shift to get on, and always looked as spry
+and cheery as if she had not a want in the world.
+
+Now one summer evening, as she was trotting, full of smiles as ever,
+along the high road to her hovel, what should she see but a big black
+pot lying in the ditch!
+
+"Goodness me!" she cried, "that would be just the very thing for me if I
+only had something to put in it! But I haven't! Now who could have left
+it in the ditch?"
+
+And she looked about her expecting the owner would not be far off; but
+she could see nobody.
+
+"Maybe there is a hole in it," she went on, "and that's why it has been
+cast away. But it would do fine to put a flower in for my window; so
+I'll just take it home with me."
+
+And with that she lifted the lid and looked inside. "Mercy me!" she
+cried, fair amazed. "If it isn't full of gold pieces. Here's luck!"
+
+And so it was, brimful of great gold coins. Well, at first she simply
+stood stock-still, wondering if she was standing on her head or her
+heels. Then she began saying:
+
+"Lawks! But I do feel rich. I feel awful rich!"
+
+After she had said this many times, she began to wonder how she was to
+get her treasure home. It was too heavy for her to carry, and she could
+see no better way than to tie the end of her shawl to it and drag it
+behind her like a go-cart.
+
+"It will soon be dark," she said to herself as she trotted along. "So
+much the better! The neighbours will not see what I'm bringing home, and
+I shall have all the night to myself, and be able to think what I'll do!
+Mayhap I'll buy a grand house and just sit by the fire with a cup o' tea
+and do no work at all like a queen. Or maybe I'll bury it at the garden
+foot and just keep a bit in the old china teapot on the chimney-piece.
+Or maybe--Goody! Goody! I feel that grand I don't know myself."
+
+By this time she was a bit tired of dragging such a heavy weight, and,
+stopping to rest a while, turned to look at her treasure.
+
+And lo! it wasn't a pot of gold at all! It was nothing but a lump of
+silver.
+
+She stared at it, and rubbed her eyes, and stared at it again.
+
+"Well! I never!" she said at last. "And me thinking it was a pot of
+gold! I must have been dreaming. But this is luck! Silver is far less
+trouble--easier to mind, and not so easy stolen. Them gold pieces would
+have been the death o' me, and with this great lump of silver--"
+
+So she went off again planning what she would do, and feeling as rich as
+rich, until becoming a bit tired again she stopped to rest and gave a
+look round to see if her treasure was safe; and she saw nothing but a
+great lump of iron!
+
+"Well! I never!" says she again. "And I mistaking it for silver! I must
+have been dreaming. But this is luck! It's real convenient. I can get
+penny pieces for old iron, and penny pieces are a deal handier for me
+than your gold and silver. Why! I should never have slept a wink for
+fear of being robbed. But a penny piece comes in useful, and I shall
+sell that iron for a lot and be real rich--rolling rich."
+
+So on she trotted full of plans as to how she would spend her penny
+pieces, till once more she stopped to rest and looked round to see her
+treasure was safe. And this time she saw nothing but a big stone.
+
+"Well! I never!" she cried, full of smiles. "And to think I mistook it
+for iron. I must have been dreaming. But here's luck indeed, and me
+wanting a stone terrible bad to stick open the gate. Eh my! but it's a
+change for the better! It's a fine thing to have good luck."
+
+So, all in a hurry to see how the stone would keep the gate open, she
+trotted off down the hill till she came to her own cottage. She
+unlatched the gate and then turned to unfasten her shawl from the stone
+which lay on the path behind her. Aye! It was a stone sure enough. There
+was plenty light to see it lying there, douce and peaceable as a stone
+should.
+
+So she bent over it to unfasten the shawl end, when--"Oh my!" All of a
+sudden it gave a jump, a squeal, and in one moment was as big as a
+haystack. Then it let down four great lanky legs and threw out two long
+ears, nourished a great long tail and romped off, kicking and squealing
+and whinnying and laughing like a naughty, mischievous boy!
+
+The old woman stared after it till it was fairly out of sight, then she
+burst out laughing too.
+
+"Well!" she chuckled, "I am in luck! Quite the luckiest body hereabouts.
+Fancy my seeing the Bogey-Beast all to myself; and making myself so free
+with it too! My goodness! I do feel that uplifted--that _GRAND_!"--
+
+So she went into her cottage and spent the evening chuckling over her
+good luck.
+
+[Illustration: "Well!" she chuckled, "I am in luck!"]
+
+
+
+
+LITTLE RED RIDING-HOOD
+
+
+Once upon a time there was a little girl who was called little Red
+Riding-Hood, because she was quite small and because she always wore a
+red cloak with a big red hood to it, which her grandmother had made for
+her.
+
+Now one day her mother, who had been churning and baking cakes, said to
+her:
+
+"My dear, put on your red cloak with the hood to it, and take this cake
+and this pot of butter to your Grannie, and ask how she is, for I hear
+she is ailing."
+
+Now little Red Riding-Hood was very fond of her grandmother, who made
+her so many nice things, so she put on her cloak joyfully and started on
+her errand. But her grandmother lived some way off, and to reach the
+cottage little Red Riding-Hood had to pass through a vast lonely forest.
+However, some wood-cutters were at work in it, so little Red Riding-Hood
+was not so very much alarmed when she saw a great big wolf coming
+towards her, because she knew that wolves were cowardly things.
+
+And sure enough the wolf, though but for the wood-cutters he would
+surely have eaten little Red Riding-Hood, only stopped and asked her
+politely where she was going.
+
+"I am going to see Grannie, take her this cake and this pot of butter,
+and ask how she is," says little Red Riding-Hood.
+
+"Does she live a very long way off?" asks the wolf craftily.
+
+"Not so very far if you go by the straight road," replied little Red
+Riding-Hood. "You only have to pass the mill and the first cottage on
+the right is Grannie's; but I am going by the wood path because there
+are such a lot of nuts and flowers and butterflies."
+
+"I wish you good luck," says the wolf politely. "Give my respects to
+your grandmother and tell her I hope she is quite well."
+
+And with that he trotted off. But instead of going his ways he turned
+back, took the straight road to the old woman's cottage, and knocked at
+the door.
+
+Rap! Rap! Rap!
+
+"Who's there?" asked the old woman, who was in bed.
+
+"Little Red Riding-Hood," sings out the wolf, making his voice as shrill
+as he could. "I've come to bring dear Grannie a pot of butter and a cake
+from mother, and to ask how you are."
+
+"Pull the bobbin, and the latch will go up," says the old woman, well
+satisfied.
+
+So the wolf pulled the bobbin, the latch went up, and--oh my!--it
+wasn't a minute before he had gobbled up old Grannie, for he had had
+nothing to eat for a week.
+
+Then he shut the door, put on Grannie's nightcap, and, getting into bed,
+rolled himself well up in the clothes.
+
+By and by along comes little Red Riding-Hood, who had been amusing
+herself by gathering nuts, running after butterflies, and picking
+flowers.
+
+So she knocked at the door.
+
+Rap! Rap! Rap!
+
+"Who's there?" says the wolf, making his voice as soft as he could.
+
+Now little Red Riding-Hood heard the voice was very gruff, but she
+thought her grandmother had a cold; so she said:
+
+"Little Red Riding-Hood, with a pot of butter and a cake from mother, to
+ask how you are."
+
+"Pull the bobbin, and the latch will go up."
+
+So little Red Riding-Hood pulled the bobbin, the latch went up, and
+there, she thought, was her grandmother in the bed; for the cottage was
+so dark one could not see well. Besides, the crafty wolf turned his face
+to the wall at first. And he made his voice as soft, as soft as he
+could, when he said:
+
+"Come and kiss me, my dear."
+
+Then little Red Riding-Hood took off her cloak and went to the bed.
+
+"Oh, Grandmamma, Grandmamma," says she, "what big arms you've got!"
+
+"All the better to hug you with," says he.
+
+"But, Grandmamma, Grandmamma, what big legs you have!"
+
+"All the better to run with, my dear."
+
+"Oh, Grandmamma, Grandmamma, what big ears you've got!"
+
+"All the better to hear with, my dear."
+
+"But, Grandmamma, Grandmamma, what big eyes you've got!"
+
+"All the better to see you with, my dear!"
+
+"Oh, Grandmamma, Grandmamma, what big teeth you've got!"
+
+"All the better to eat you with, my dear!" says that wicked, wicked
+wolf, and with that he gobbled up little Red Riding-Hood.
+
+
+
+
+CHILDE ROWLAND
+
+
+  Childe Rowland and his brothers twain
+  Were playing at the ball.
+  Their sister, Burd Helen, she played
+  In the midst among them all.
+
+For Burd Helen loved her brothers, and they loved her exceedingly. At
+play she was ever their companion and they cared for her as brothers
+should. And one day when they were at ball close to the churchyard--
+
+  Childe Rowland kicked it with his foot
+  And caught it on his knee.
+  At last as he plunged among them all,
+  O'er the church he made it flee.
+
+Now Childe Rowland was Burd Helen's youngest, dearest brother, and there
+was ever a loving rivalry between them as to which should win. So with a
+laugh--
+
+  Burd Helen round about the aisle
+  To seek the ball is gone.
+
+Now the ball had trundled to the right of the church; so, as Burd Helen
+ran the nearest way to get it, she ran contrary to the sun's course,
+and the light, shining full on her face, sent her shadow behind her.
+Thus that happened which will happen at times when folk forget and run
+widershins, that is against the light, so that their shadows are out of
+sight and cannot be taken care of properly.
+
+Now what happened you will learn by and by; meanwhile, Burd Helen's
+three brothers waited for her return.
+
+  But long they waited, and longer still,
+  And she came not back again.
+
+Then they grew alarmed, and--
+
+  They sought her east, they sought her west,
+  They sought her up and down.
+  And woe were the hearts of her brethren,
+  Since she was not to be found.
+
+Not to be found anywhere--she had disappeared like dew on a May morning.
+
+So at last her eldest brother went to Great Merlin the Magician, who
+could tell and foretell, see and foresee all things under the sun and
+beyond it, and asked him where Burd Helen could have gone.
+
+"Fair Burd Helen," said the Magician, "must have been carried off with
+her shadow by the fairies when she was running round the church
+widershins; for fairies have power when folk go against the light. She
+will now be in the Dark Tower of the King of Elfland, and none but the
+boldest knight in Christendom will be able to bring her back."
+
+"If it be possible to bring her back," said the eldest brother, "I will
+do it, or perish in the attempt."
+
+"Possible it is," quoth Merlin the Magician gravely. "But woe be to the
+man or mother's son who attempts the task if he be not well taught
+beforehand what he is to do."
+
+Now the eldest brother of fair Burd Helen was brave indeed, danger did
+not dismay him, so he begged the Magician to tell him exactly what he
+should do, and what he should not do, as he was determined to go and
+seek his sister. And the Great Magician told him, and schooled him, and
+after he had learnt his lesson right well he girt on his sword, said
+good-bye to his brothers and his mother, and set out for the Dark Tower
+of Elfland to bring Burd Helen back.
+
+  But long they waited, and longer still,
+  With doubt and muckle pain.
+  But woe were the hearts of his brethren,
+  For he came not back again.
+
+So after a time Burd Helen's second brother went to Merlin the Magician
+and said:
+
+"School me also, for I go to find my brother and sister in the Dark
+Tower of the King of Elfland and bring them back." For he also was brave
+indeed, danger did not dismay him.
+
+Then when he had been well schooled and had learnt his lesson, he said
+good-bye to Childe Rowland, his brother, and to his mother the good
+Queen, girt on his sword, and set out for the Dark Tower of Elfland to
+bring back Burd Helen and her brother.
+
+  But long they waited, and longer still,
+  With muckle doubt and pain.
+  And woe were his mother's and brother's hearts,
+  For he came not back again.
+
+Now when they had waited and waited a long, long time, and none had come
+back from the Dark Tower of Elfland, Childe Rowland, the youngest, the
+best beloved of Burd Helen's brothers, besought his mother to let him
+also go on the quest; for he was the bravest of them all, and neither
+death nor danger could dismay him. But at first his mother the Queen
+said:
+
+"Not so! You are the last of my children; if you are lost, all is lost
+indeed!"
+
+But he begged so hard that at length the good Queen his mother bade him
+God-speed, and girt about his waist his father's sword, the brand that
+never struck in vain, and as she girt it on she chanted the spell that
+gives victory.
+
+So Childe Rowland bade her good-bye and went to the cave of the Great
+Magician Merlin.
+
+"Yet once more, Master," said the youth, "and but once more, tell how
+man or mother's son may find fair Burd Helen and her brothers twain in
+the Dark Tower of Elfland."
+
+"My son," replied the wizard Merlin, "there be things twain; simple they
+seem to say, but hard are they to perform. One thing is to do, and one
+thing is not to do. Now the first thing you have to do is this: after
+you have once entered the Land of Faery, _whoever speaks to you_, you
+must out with your father's brand and cut off their head. In this you
+must not fail. And the second thing you have not to do is this: after
+you have entered the Land of Faery, bite no bit, sup no drop; for if in
+Elfland you sup one drop or bite one bit, never again will you see
+Middle Earth."
+
+Then Childe Rowland said these two lessons over and over until he knew
+them by heart; so, well schooled, he thanked the Great Master and went
+on his way to seek the Dark Tower of Elfland.
+
+And he journeyed far, and he journeyed fast, until at last on a wide
+moorland he came upon a horse-herd feeding his horses; and the horses
+were wild, and their eyes were like coals of fire.
+
+Then he knew they must be the horses of the King of Elfland, and that at
+last he must be in the Land of Faery.
+
+So Childe Rowland said to the horse-herd, "Canst tell me where lies the
+Dark Tower of the Elfland King?"
+
+And the horse-herd answered, "Nay, that is beyond my ken; but go a
+little farther and thou wilt come to a cow-herd who mayhap can tell
+thee."
+
+Then at once Childe Rowland drew his father's sword that never struck in
+vain, and smote off the horse-herd's head, so that it rolled on the wide
+moorland and frightened the King of Elfland's horses. And he journeyed
+further till he came to a wide pasture where a cow-herd was herding
+cows. And the cows looked at him with fiery eyes, so he knew that they
+must be the King of Elfland's cows, and that he was still in the Land of
+Faery. Then he said to the cow-herd:
+
+"Canst tell me where lies the Dark Tower of the Elfland King?"
+
+And the cow-herd answered, "Nay, that is beyond my ken; but go a little
+farther and thou wilt come to a hen-wife who, mayhap, can tell thee."
+
+So at once Childe Rowland, remembering his lesson, out with his father's
+good sword that never struck in vain, and off went the cow-herd's head
+spinning amongst the grasses and frightening the King of Elfland's cows.
+
+Then he journeyed further till he came to an orchard where an old woman
+in a grey cloak was feeding fowls.
+
+And the fowls' little eyes were like little coals of fire, so he knew
+that they were the King of Elfland's fowls, and that he was still in the
+Land of Faery.
+
+And he said to the hen-wife, "Canst tell me where lies the Dark Tower of
+the King of Elfland?"
+
+Now the hen-wife looked at him and smiled. "Surely I can tell you," said
+she. "Go on a little farther. There you will find a low green hill;
+green and low against the sky. And the hill will have three
+terrace-rings upon it from bottom to top. Go round the first terrace
+saying:
+
+  'Open from within;
+   Let me in! Let me in!'
+
+"Then go round the second terrace and say:
+
+  'Open wide, open wide;
+   Let me inside.'
+
+"Then go round the third terrace and say:
+
+  'Open fast, open fast;
+   Let me in at last.'
+
+"Then a door will open and let you in to the Dark Tower of the King of
+Elfland. Only remember to go round widershins. If you go round with the
+sun the door will not open. So good luck to you!"
+
+Now the hen-wife spoke so fair, and smiled so frank, that Childe Rowland
+forgot for a moment what he had to do. Therefore he thanked the old
+woman for her courtesy and was just going on, when, all of a sudden, he
+remembered his lesson. And he out with his father's sword that never yet
+struck in vain, and smote off the hen-wife's head, so that it rolled
+among the corn and frightened the fiery-eyed fowls of the King of
+Elfland.
+
+After that he went on and on, till, against the blue sky, he saw a round
+green hill set with three terraces from top to bottom.
+
+Then he did as the hen-wife had told him, not forgetting to go round
+widershins, so that the sun was always on his face.
+
+Now when he had gone round the third terrace saying:
+
+  "Open fast, open fast;
+   Let me in at last,"
+
+what should happen but that he should see a door in the hill-side. And
+it opened and let him in. Then it closed behind him with a click, and
+Childe Rowland was left in the dark; for he had gotten at last to the
+Dark Tower of the King of Elfland.
+
+It was very dark at first, perhaps because the sun had part blinded his
+eyes; for after a while it became twilight, though where the light came
+from none could tell, unless through the walls and the roof; for there
+were neither windows nor candles. But in the gloaming light he could see
+a long passage of rough arches made of rock that was transparent and all
+encrusted with sheep-silver, rock-spar, and many bright stones. And the
+air was warm as it ever is in Elfland. So he went on and on in the
+twilight that came from nowhere, till he found himself before two wide
+doors all barred with iron. But they flew open at his touch, and he saw
+a wonderful, large, and spacious hall that seemed to him to be as long
+and as broad as the green hill itself. The roof was supported by pillars
+wide and lofty beyond the pillars of a cathedral; and they were of gold
+and silver, fretted into foliage, and between and around them were woven
+wreaths of flowers. And the flowers were of diamonds, and rubies, and
+topaz, and the leaves of emerald. And the arches met in the middle of
+the roof where hung, by a golden chain, an immense lamp made of a
+hollowed pearl, white and translucent. And in the middle of this lamp
+was a mighty carbuncle, blood-red, that kept spinning round and round,
+shedding its light to the very ends of the huge hall, which thus seemed
+to be filled with the shining of the setting sun.
+
+Now at one end of the hall was a marvelous, wondrous, glorious couch of
+velvet, silk and gold, and on it sate fair Burd Helen combing her
+beautiful golden hair with a golden comb. But her face was all set and
+wan, as if it were made of stone. When she saw Childe Rowland she never
+moved, and her voice came like the voice of the dead as she said:
+
+  "God pity you, poor luckless fool!
+   What have you here to do?"
+
+Now at first Childe Rowland felt he must clasp this semblance of his
+dear sister in his arms, but he remembered the lesson which the Great
+Magician Merlin had taught him, and drawing his father's brand which had
+never yet been drawn in vain, and turning his eyes from the horrid
+sight, he struck with all his force at the enchanted form of fair Burd
+Helen.
+
+And lo, when he turned to look in fear and trembling, there she was her
+own self, her joy fighting with her fears. And she clasped him in her
+arms and cried:
+
+  "Oh, hear you this, my youngest brother,
+   Why didn't you bide at home?
+   Had you a hundred thousand lives,
+   Ye couldn't spare ne'er a one!
+
+  "But sit you down, my dearest dear,
+   Oh! woe that ye were born,
+   For, come the King of Elfland in,
+   Your fortune is forlorn."
+
+So with tears and smiles she seated him beside her on the wondrous
+couch, and they told each other what they each had suffered and done. He
+told her how he had come to Elfland. She told him how she had been
+carried off, shadow and all, because she ran round a church widershins,
+and how her brothers had been enchanted, and lay intombed as if dead, as
+she had been. Because they had not had the courage to obey the Great
+Magician's lesson to the letter, and cut off her head.
+
+Now after a time Childe Rowland, who had travelled far and travelled
+fast, became very hungry, and forgetting all about the second lesson of
+the Magician Merlin, asked his sister for some food; and she, being
+still under the spell of Elfland, could not warn him of his danger. She
+could only look at him sadly as she rose up and brought him a golden
+basin full of bread and milk.
+
+Now in those days it was manners before taking food from anyone to say
+thank you with your eyes, and so just as Childe Rowland was about to put
+the golden bowl to his lips, he raised his eyes to his sister's.
+
+And in an instant he remembered what the Great Magician had said: "Bite
+no bit, sup no drop, for if in Elfland you sup one drop or bite one bit,
+never again will you see Middle Earth."
+
+So he dashed the bowl to the ground, and standing square and fair, lithe
+and young and strong, he cried like a challenge:
+
+"Not a sup will I swallow, not a bit will I bite, till fair Burd Helen
+is set free."
+
+Then immediately there was a loud noise like thunder, and a voice was
+heard saying:
+
+  "Fee, fi, fo, fum,
+   I smell the blood of a Christian Man.
+   Be he alive or dead, my brand
+   Shall dash his brains from his brain-pan."
+
+Then the folding-doors of the vast hall burst open and the King of
+Elfland entered like a storm of wind. What he was really like Childe
+Rowland had not time to see, for with a bold cry:
+
+"Strike, Bogle! thy hardest if thou darest!" he rushed to meet the foe,
+his good sword, that never yet did fail, in his hand.
+
+And Childe Rowland and the King of Elfland fought, and fought, and
+fought, while Burd Helen, with her hands clasped, watched them in fear
+and hope.
+
+So they fought, and fought, and fought, until at last Childe Rowland
+beat the King of Elfland to his knees. Whereupon he cried, "I yield me.
+Thou hast beaten me in fair fight."
+
+Then Childe Rowland said, "I grant thee mercy if thou wilt release my
+sister and my brothers from all spells and enchantments, and let us go
+back to Middle Earth."
+
+So that was agreed; and the Elfin King went to a golden chest whence he
+took a phial that was filled with a blood-red liquor. And with this
+liquor he anointed the ears and the eyelids, the nostrils, the lips, and
+the finger-tips of the bodies of Burd Helen's two brothers that lay as
+dead in two golden coffers.
+
+And immediately they sprang to life and declared that their souls only
+had been away, but had now returned.
+
+After this the Elfin King said a charm which took away the very last bit
+of enchantment, and adown the huge hall that showed as if it were lit by
+the setting sun, and through the long passage of rough arches made of
+rock that was transparent and all encrusted with sheep-silver,
+rock-spar, and many bright stones, where twilight reigned, the three
+brothers and their sister passed. Then the door opened in the green
+hill, it clicked behind them, and they left the Dark Tower of the King
+of Elfland never to return.
+
+For, no sooner were they in the light of day, than they found themselves
+at home.
+
+But fair Burd Helen took care never to go widershins round a church
+again.
+
+[Illustration: They both met together upon Nottingham bridge]
+
+
+
+
+THE WISE MEN OF GOTHAM
+
+
+OF BUYING OF SHEEP
+
+There were two men of Gotham, and one of them was going to market to
+Nottingham to buy sheep, and the other came from the market, and they
+both met together upon Nottingham bridge.
+
+"Where are you going?" said the one who came from Nottingham.
+
+"Marry," said he that was going to Nottingham, "I am going to buy
+sheep."
+
+"Buy sheep?" said the other; "and which way will you bring them home?"
+
+"Marry," said the other, "I will bring them over this bridge."
+
+"By Robin Hood," said he that came from Nottingham, "but thou shalt
+not."
+
+"By Maid Marion," said he that was going thither, "but I will."
+
+"You will not," said the one.
+
+"I will."
+
+Then they beat their staves against the ground, one against the other,
+as if there had been a hundred sheep between them.
+
+"Hold in," said one; "beware lest my sheep leap over the bridge."
+
+"I care not," said the other; "they shall not come this way."
+
+"But they shall," said the other.
+
+Then the other said, "If that thou make much to do, I will put my
+fingers in thy mouth."
+
+"Will you?" said the other.
+
+Now, as they were at their contention, another man of Gotham came from
+the market with a sack of meal upon a horse, and seeing and hearing his
+neighbours at strife about sheep, though there were none between them,
+said:
+
+"Ah, fools! will you ever learn wisdom? Help me, and lay my sack upon my
+shoulders."
+
+They did so, and he went to the side of the bridge, unloosened the mouth
+of the sack, and shook all his meal out into the river.
+
+"Now, neighbours," he said, "how much meal is there in my sack?"
+
+"Marry," said they, "there is none at all."
+
+"Now, by my faith," said he, "even as much wit as is in your two heads
+to stir up strife about a thing you have not."
+
+Which was the wisest of these three persons, judge yourself.
+
+[Illustration: "A vengeance on her!" said they. "We did not make our
+hedge high enough"]
+
+OF HEDGING A CUCKOO
+
+Once upon a time the men of Gotham would have kept the Cuckoo so that
+she might sing all the year, and in the midst of their town they made a
+hedge round in compass and they got a Cuckoo, and put her into it, and
+said, "Sing there all through the year, or thou shalt have neither meat
+nor water." The Cuckoo, as soon as she perceived herself within the
+hedge, flew away. "A vengeance on her!" said they. "We did not make our
+hedge high enough."
+
+[Illustration: He took out the cheeses and rolled them down the hill]
+
+OF SENDING CHEESES
+
+There was a man of Gotham who went to the market at Nottingham to sell
+cheese, and as he was going down the hill to Nottingham bridge, one of
+his cheeses fell out of his wallet and rolled down the hill. "Ah,
+gaffer," said the fellow, "can you run to market alone? I will send one
+after another after you." Then he laid down his wallet and took out the
+cheeses and rolled them down the hill. Some went into one bush, and some
+went into another.
+
+"I charge you all to meet me near the market-place," cried he; and when
+the fellow came to the market to meet his cheeses, he stayed there till
+the market was nearly done. Then he went about to inquire of his friends
+and neighbours, and other men, if they did see his cheeses come to the
+market.
+
+"Who should bring them?" said one of the market men.
+
+"Marry, themselves," said the fellow; "they know the way well enough."
+
+He said, "A vengeance on them all. I did fear, to see them run so fast,
+that they would run beyond the market. I am now fully persuaded that
+they must be now almost at York." Whereupon he forthwith hired a horse
+to ride to York, to seek his cheeses where they were not; but to this
+day no man can tell him of his cheeses.
+
+[Illustration: And they left the eel to drown]
+
+OF DROWNING EELS
+
+When Good Friday came, the men of Gotham cast their heads together what
+to do with their white herrings, their red herrings, their sprats, and
+other salt fish. One consulted with the other, and agreed that such
+fish should be cast into their pond (which was in the middle of the
+town), that they might breed against the next year, and every man that
+had salt fish left cast them into the pool.
+
+"I have many white herrings," said one.
+
+"I have many sprats," said another.
+
+"I have many red herrings," said the other.
+
+"I have much salt fish. Let all go into the pond or pool, and we shall
+fare like lords next year."
+
+At the beginning of next year following the men drew near the pond to
+have their fish, and there was nothing but a great eel. "Ah," said they
+all, "a mischief on this eel, for he has eaten up all our fish."
+
+"What shall we do to him?" said one to the other.
+
+"Kill him," said one.
+
+"Chop him into pieces," said another.
+
+"Not so," said another; "let us drown him."
+
+"Be it so," said all. And they went to another pond, and cast the eel
+into the pond. "Lie there and shift for yourself, for no help thou shalt
+have from us"; and they left the eel to drown.
+
+[Illustration: The hare ran on along the country way]
+
+OF SENDING RENT
+
+Once on a time the men of Gotham had forgotten to pay their landlord.
+One said to the other, "To-morrow is our pay-day, and what shall we find
+to send our money to our landlord?"
+
+The one said, "This day I have caught a hare, and he shall carry it, for
+he is light of foot."
+
+"Be it so," said all; "he shall have a letter and a purse to put our
+money in, and we shall direct him the right way." So when the letters
+were written and the money put in a purse, they tied it round the hare's
+neck, saying, "First you go to Lancaster, then thou must go to
+Loughborough, and Newarke is our landlord, and commend us to him, and
+there is his dues."
+
+The hare, as soon as he was out of their hands, ran on along the country
+way. Some cried, "Thou must go to Lancaster first."
+
+"Let the hare alone," said another; "he can tell a nearer way than the
+best of us all. Let him go."
+
+Another said, "It is a subtle hare; let her alone; she will not keep the
+highway for fear of dogs."
+
+[Illustration: A courtier came riding by, and he did ask what they were
+seeking]
+
+OF COUNTING
+
+On a certain time there were twelve men of Gotham who went fishing, and
+some went into the water and some on dry ground; and, as they were
+coming back, one of them said, "We have ventured much this day wading; I
+pray God that none of us that did come from home be drowned."
+
+"Marry," said one, "let us see about that. Twelve of us came out." And
+every man did count eleven, and the twelfth man did never count himself.
+
+"Alas!" said one to another, "one of us is drowned." They went back to
+the brook where they had been fishing, and looked up and down for him
+that was drowned, and made great lamentation. A courtier came riding by,
+and he did ask what they were seeking, and why they were so sorrowful.
+"Oh," said they, "this day we came to fish in this brook, and there were
+twelve of us, and one is drowned."
+
+"Why," said the courtier, "count me how many of you there be"; and one
+counted eleven and did not count himself. "Well," said the courtier,
+"what will you give me if I find the twelfth man?"
+
+"Sir," said they, "all the money we have."
+
+"Give me the money," said the courtier; and he began with the first, and
+gave him a whack over the shoulders that he groaned, and said, "There is
+one," and he served all of them that they groaned; but when he came to
+the last he gave him a good blow, saying, "Here is the twelfth man."
+
+"God bless you on your heart," said all the company; "you have found our
+neighbour."
+
+
+
+
+CAPORUSHES
+
+
+Once upon a time, a long, long while ago, when all the world was young
+and all sorts of strange things happened, there lived a very rich
+gentleman whose wife had died leaving him three lovely daughters. They
+were as the apple of his eye, and he loved them exceedingly.
+
+Now one day he wanted to find out if they loved him in return, so he
+said to the eldest, "How much do you love me, my dear?"
+
+And she answered as pat as may be, "As I love my life."
+
+"Very good, my dear," said he, and gave her a kiss. Then he said to the
+second girl, "How much do you love me, my dear?"
+
+And she answered as swift as thought, "Better than all the world
+beside."
+
+"Good!" he replied, and patted her on the cheek. Then he turned to the
+youngest, who was also the prettiest.
+
+"And how much do _you_ love me, my dearest?"
+
+Now the youngest daughter was not only pretty, she was clever. So she
+thought a moment, then she said slowly:
+
+"I love you as fresh meat loves salt!"
+
+Now when her father heard this he was very angry, because he really
+loved her more than the others.
+
+"What!" he said. "If that is all you give me in return for all I've
+given you, out of my house you go." So there and then he turned her out
+of the home where she had been born and bred, and shut the door in her
+face.
+
+Not knowing where to go, she wandered on, and she wandered on, till she
+came to a big fen where the reeds grew ever so tall and the rushes
+swayed in the wind like a field of corn. There she sate down and plaited
+herself an overall of rushes and a cap to match, so as to hide her fine
+clothes, and her beautiful golden hair that was all set with milk-white
+pearls. For she was a wise girl, and thought that in such lonely
+country, mayhap, some robber might fall in with her and kill her to get
+her fine clothes and jewels.
+
+It took a long time to plait the dress and cap, and while she plaited
+she sang a little song:
+
+  "Hide my hair, O cap o' rushes,
+   Hide my heart, O robe o' rushes.
+   Sure! my answer had no fault,
+   I love him more than he loves salt."
+
+And the fen birds sate and listened and sang back to her:
+
+  "Cap o' rushes, shed no tear,
+   Robe o' rushes, have no fear;
+   With these words if fault he'd find,
+   Sure your father must be blind."
+
+When her task was finished she put on her robe of rushes and it hid all
+her fine clothes, and she put on the cap and it hid all her beautiful
+hair, so that she looked quite a common country girl. But the fen birds
+flew away, singing as they flew:
+
+  "Cap-o-rushes! we can see,
+   Robe o' rushes! what you be,
+   Fair and clean, and fine and tidy,
+   So you'll be whate'er betide ye."
+
+By this time she was very, very hungry, so she wandered on, and she
+wandered on; but ne'er a cottage or a hamlet did she see, till just at
+sun-setting she came on a great house on the edge of the fen. It had a
+fine front door to it; but mindful of her dress of rushes she went round
+to the back. And there she saw a strapping fat scullion washing pots and
+pans with a very sulky face. So, being a clever girl, she guessed what
+the maid was wanting, and said:
+
+"If I may have a night's lodging, I will scrub the pots and pans for
+you."
+
+"Why! Here's luck," replied the scullery-maid, ever so pleased. "I was
+just wanting badly to go a-walking with my sweetheart. So if you will do
+my work you shall share my bed and have a bite of my supper. Only mind
+you scrub the pots clean or cook will be at me."
+
+Now next morning the pots were scraped so clean that they looked like
+new, and the saucepans were polished like silver, and the cook said to
+the scullion, "Who cleaned these pots? Not you, I'll swear." So the maid
+had to up and out with the truth. Then the cook would have turned away
+the old maid and put on the new, but the latter would not hear of it.
+
+"The maid was kind to me and gave me a night's lodging," she said. "So
+now I will stay without wage and do the dirty work for her."
+
+So Caporushes--for so they called her since she would give no other
+name--stayed on and cleaned the pots and scraped the saucepans.
+
+Now it so happened that her master's son came of age, and to celebrate
+the occasion a ball was given to the neighbourhood, for the young man
+was a grand dancer, and loved nothing so well as a country measure. It
+was a very fine party, and after supper was served, the servants were
+allowed to go and watch the quality from the gallery of the ball-room.
+
+But Caporushes refused to go, for she also was a grand dancer, and she
+was afraid that when she heard the fiddles starting a merry jig, she
+might start dancing. So she excused herself by saying she was too tired
+with scraping pots and washing saucepans; and when the others went off,
+she crept up to her bed.
+
+But alas! and alack-a-day! The door had been left open, and as she lay
+in her bed she could hear the fiddlers fiddling away and the tramp of
+dancing feet.
+
+Then she upped and off with her cap and robe of rushes, and there she
+was ever so fine and tidy. She was in the ball-room in a trice joining
+in the jig, and none was more beautiful or better dressed than she.
+While as for her dancing...!
+
+Her master's son singled her out at once, and with the finest of bows
+engaged her as his partner for the rest of the night. So she danced away
+to her heart's content, while the whole room was agog, trying to find
+out who the beautiful young stranger could be. But she kept her own
+counsel and, making some excuse, slipped away before the ball finished;
+so when her fellow-servants came to bed, there she was in hers in her
+cap and robe of rushes, pretending to be fast asleep.
+
+Next morning, however, the maids could talk of nothing but the beautiful
+stranger.
+
+"You should ha' seen her," they said. "She was the loveliest young lady
+as ever you see, not a bit like the likes o' we. Her golden hair was all
+silvered wi' pearls, and her dress--law! You wouldn't believe how she
+was dressed. Young master never took his eyes off her."
+
+And Caporushes only smiled and said, with a twinkle in her eye, "I
+should like to see her, but I don't think I ever shall."
+
+"Oh yes, you will," they replied, "for young master has ordered another
+ball to-night in hopes she will come to dance again."
+
+But that evening Caporushes refused once more to go to the gallery,
+saying she was too tired with cleaning pots and scraping saucepans. And
+once more when she heard the fiddlers fiddling she said to herself, "I
+must have one dance--just one with the young master: he dances so
+beautifully." For she felt certain he would dance with her.
+
+And sure enough, when she had upped and offed with her cap and robe of
+rushes, there he was at the door waiting for her to come; for he had
+determined to dance with no one else.
+
+So he took her by the hand, and they danced down the ball-room. It was a
+sight of all sights! Never were such dancers! So young, so handsome, so
+fine, so gay!
+
+But once again Caporushes kept her own counsel and just slipped away on
+some excuse in time, so that when her fellow-servants came to their beds
+they found her in hers, pretending to be fast asleep; but her cheeks
+were all flushed and her breath came fast. So they said, "She is
+dreaming. We hope her dreams are happy."
+
+But next morning they were full of what she had missed. Never was such a
+beautiful young gentleman as young master! Never was such a beautiful
+young lady! Never was such beautiful dancing! Every one else had stopped
+theirs to look on.
+
+And Caporushes, with a twinkle in her eyes, said, "I should like to see
+her; but I'm _sure_ I never shall!"
+
+"Oh yes!" they replied. "If you come to-night you're sure to see her;
+for young master has ordered another ball in hopes the beautiful
+stranger will come again; for it's easy to see he is madly in love with
+her."
+
+Then Caporushes told herself she would not dance again, since it was not
+fit for a gay young master to be in love with his scullery-maid; but,
+alas! the moment she heard the fiddlers fiddling, she just upped and
+offed with her rushes, and there she was fine and tidy as ever! She
+didn't even have to brush her beautiful golden hair! And once again she
+was in the ball-room in a trice, dancing away with young master, who
+never took his eyes off her, and implored her to tell him who she was.
+But she kept her own counsel and only told him that she never, never,
+never would come to dance any more, and that he must say good-bye. And
+he held her hand so fast that she had a job to get away, and lo and
+behold! his ring came off his finger, and as she ran up to her bed there
+it was in her hand! She had just time to put on her cap and robe of
+rushes, when her fellow-servants came trooping in and found her awake.
+
+"It was the noise you made coming upstairs," she made excuse; but they
+said, "Not we! It is the whole place that is in an uproar searching for
+the beautiful stranger. Young master he tried to detain her; but she
+slipped from him like an eel. But he declares he will find her; for if
+he doesn't he will die of love for her."
+
+Then Caporushes laughed. "Young men don't die of love," says she. "He
+will find some one else."
+
+But he didn't. He spent his whole time looking for his beautiful dancer,
+but go where he might, and ask whom he would, he never heard anything
+about her. And day by day he grew thinner and thinner, and paler and
+paler, until at last he took to his bed.
+
+And the housekeeper came to the cook and said, "Cook the nicest dinner
+you can cook, for young master eats nothing."
+
+Then the cook prepared soups, and jellies, and creams, and roast
+chicken, and bread sauce; but the young man would none of them.
+
+And Caporushes cleaned the pots and scraped the saucepans and said
+nothing.
+
+Then the housekeeper came crying and said to the cook, "Prepare some
+gruel for young master. Mayhap he'd take that. If not he will die for
+love of the beautiful dancer. If she could see him now she would have
+pity on him."
+
+So the cook began to make the gruel, and Caporushes left scraping
+saucepans and watched her.
+
+"Let me stir it," she said, "while you fetch a cup from the
+pantry-room."
+
+So Caporushes stirred the gruel, and what did she do but slips young
+master's ring into it before the cook came back!
+
+Then the butler took the cup upstairs on a silver salver. But when the
+young master saw it he waved it away, till the butler with tears begged
+him just to taste it.
+
+So the young master took a silver spoon and stirred the gruel; and he
+felt something hard at the bottom of the cup. And when he fished it up,
+lo! it was his own ring! Then he sate up in bed and said quite loud,
+"Send for the cook!" And when she came he asked her who made the gruel.
+
+"I did," she said, for she was half-pleased and half-frightened.
+
+Then he looked at her all over and said, "No, you didn't! You're too
+stout! Tell me who made it and you shan't be harmed!"
+
+Then the cook began to cry. "If you please, sir, I _did_ make it; but
+Caporushes stirred it."
+
+"And who is Caporushes?" asked the young man.
+
+"If you please, sir, Caporushes is the scullion," whimpered the cook.
+
+Then the young man sighed and fell back on his pillow. "Send Caporushes
+here," he said in a faint voice; for he really was very near dying.
+
+And when Caporushes came he just looked at her cap and her robe of
+rushes and turned his face to the wall; but he asked her in a weak
+little voice, "From whom did you get that ring?"
+
+Now when Caporushes saw the poor young man so weak and worn with love
+for her, her heart melted, and she replied softly:
+
+"From him that gave it me," quoth she, and offed with her cap and robe
+of rushes, and there she was as fine and tidy as ever with her beautiful
+golden hair all silvered over with pearls.
+
+And the young man caught sight of her with the tail of his eye, and sate
+up in bed as strong as may be, and drew her to him and gave her a great
+big kiss.
+
+So, of course, they were to be married in spite of her being only a
+scullery-maid, for she told no one who she was. Now every one far and
+near was asked to the wedding. Amongst the invited guests was
+Caporushes' father, who, from grief at losing his favourite daughter,
+had lost his sight, and was very dull and miserable. However, as a
+friend of the family, he had to come to the young master's wedding.
+
+Now the marriage feast was to be the finest ever seen; but Caporushes
+went to her friend the cook and said:
+
+"Dress every dish without one mite of salt."
+
+"That'll be rare and nasty," replied the cook; but because she prided
+herself on having let Caporushes stir the gruel and so saved the young
+master's life, she did as she was asked, and dressed every dish for the
+wedding breakfast without one mite of salt.
+
+Now when the company sate down to table their faces were full of smiles
+and content, for all the dishes looked so nice and tasty; but no sooner
+had the guests begun to eat than their faces fell; for nothing can be
+tasty without salt.
+
+Then Caporushes' blind father, whom his daughter had seated next to her,
+burst out crying.
+
+"What is the matter?" she asked.
+
+Then the old man sobbed, "I had a daughter whom I loved dearly, dearly.
+And I asked her how much she loved me, and she replied, 'As fresh meat
+loves salt.' And I was angry with her and turned her out of house and
+home, for I thought she didn't love me at all. But now I see she loved
+me best of all."
+
+And as he said the words his eyes were opened, and there beside him was
+his daughter lovelier than ever.
+
+And she gave him one hand, and her husband, the young master, the other,
+and laughed saying, "I love you both as fresh meat loves salt." And
+after that they were all happy for evermore.
+
+[Illustration: She sate down and plaited herself an overall of rushes
+and a cap to match]
+
+
+    THE BABES IN THE WOOD
+
+
+    Now ponder well, you parents dear,
+      These words which I shall write;
+    A doleful story you shall hear,
+      In time brought forth to light.
+    A gentleman of good account
+      In Norfolk dwelt of late,
+    Who did in honour far surmount
+      Most men of his estate.
+
+    Sore sick he was and like to die,
+      No help his life could save;
+    His wife by him as sick did lie,
+      And both possest one grave.
+    No love between these two was lost,
+      Each was to other kind;
+    In love they lived, in love they died,
+      And left two babes behind:
+
+    The one a fine and pretty boy
+      Not passing three years old,
+    The other a girl more young than he,
+      And framed in beauty's mould.
+    The father left his little son,
+      As plainly did appear,
+    When he to perfect age should come,
+      Three hundred pounds a year;
+
+    And to his little daughter Jane
+      Five hundred pounds in gold,
+    To be paid down on marriage-day,
+      Which might not be controlled.
+    But if the children chanced to die
+      Ere they to age should come,
+    Their uncle should possess their wealth;
+      For so the will did run.
+
+    "Now, brother," said the dying man,
+      "Look to my children dear;
+    Be good unto my boy and girl,
+      No friends else have they here;
+    To God and you I recommend
+      My children dear this day;
+    But little while be sure we have
+      Within this world to stay.
+
+    "You must be father and mother both,
+      And uncle, all in one;
+    God knows what will become of them
+      When I am dead and gone."
+    With that bespake their mother dear:
+      "O brother kind," quoth she,
+    "You are the man must bring our babes
+      To wealth or misery.
+
+    "And if you keep them carefully,
+      Then God will you reward;
+    But if you otherwise should deal,
+      God will your deeds regard."
+    With lips as cold as any stone,
+      They kissed their children small:
+    "God bless you both, my children dear!"
+      With that the tears did fall.
+
+    These speeches then their brother spake
+      To this sick couple there:
+    "The keeping of your little ones,
+      Sweet sister, do not fear;
+    God never prosper me nor mine,
+      Nor aught else that I have,
+    If I do wrong your children dear
+      When you are laid in grave!"
+
+    The parents being dead and gone,
+      The children home he takes,
+    And brings them straight unto his house,
+      Where much of them he makes.
+    He had not kept these pretty babes
+      A twelvemonth and a day,
+    But, for their wealth, he did devise
+      To make them both away.
+
+    He bargained with two ruffians strong,
+      Which were of furious mood,
+    That they should take these children young.
+      And slay them in a wood.
+    He told his wife an artful tale
+      He would the children send
+    To be brought up in London town
+      With one that was his friend.
+
+    Away then went those pretty babes,
+      Rejoicing at that tide,
+    Rejoicing with a merry mind
+      They should on cock-horse ride.
+    They prate and prattle pleasantly,
+      As they ride on the way,
+    To those that should their butchers be
+      And work their lives' decay:
+
+    So that the pretty speech they had
+      Made Murder's heart relent;
+    And they that undertook the deed
+      Full sore now did repent.
+    Yet one of them, more hard of heart,
+      Did vow to do his charge,
+    Because the wretch that hired him
+      Had paid him very large.
+
+    The other won't agree thereto,
+      So there they fall to strife;
+    With one another they did fight
+      About the children's life;
+    And he that was of mildest mood
+      Did slay the other there,
+    Within an unfrequented wood;
+      The babes did quake for fear!
+
+    He took the children by the hand,
+      Tears standing in their eye,
+    And bade them straightway follow him,
+      And look they did not cry;
+    And two long miles he led them on,
+      While they for food complain:
+    "Stay here," quoth he, "I'll bring you bread,
+      When I come back again."
+
+    These pretty babes, with hand in hand,
+      Went wandering up and down;
+    But never more could see the man
+      Approaching from the town.
+    Their pretty lips with blackberries
+      Were all besmeared and dyed;
+    And when they saw the darksome night,
+      They sat them down and cried.
+
+    Thus wandered these poor innocents,
+      Till death did end their grief;
+    In one another's arms they died,
+      As wanting due relief:
+    No burial this pretty pair
+      From any man receives,
+    Till Robin Redbreast piously
+      Did cover them with leaves.
+
+    And now the heavy wrath of God
+      Upon their uncle fell;
+    Yea, fearful fiends did haunt his house,
+      His conscience felt an hell:
+    His barns were fired, his goods consumed,
+      His lands were barren made,
+    His cattle died within the field,
+      And nothing with him stayed.
+
+    And in a voyage to Portugal
+      Two of his sons did die;
+    And to conclude, himself was brought
+      To want and misery:
+    He pawned and mortgaged all his land
+      Ere seven years came about.
+    And now at last this wicked act
+      Did by this means come out.
+
+    The fellow that did take in hand
+      These children for to kill,
+    Was for a robbery judged to die,
+      Such was God's blessed will:
+    Who did confess the very truth,
+      As here hath been displayed:
+    The uncle having died in jail,
+      Where he for debt was laid.
+
+    You that executors be made,
+      And overseers eke,
+    Of children that be fatherless,
+      And infants mild and meek,
+    Take you example by this thing,
+      And yield to each his right,
+    Lest God with suchlike misery
+      Your wicked minds requite.
+
+
+
+
+THE RED ETTIN
+
+
+There was once a widow that lived on a small bit of ground, which she
+rented from a farmer. And she had two sons; and by and by it was time
+for the wife to send them away to seek their fortune. So she told her
+eldest son one day to take a can and bring her water from the well, that
+she might bake a cake for him; and however much or however little water
+he might bring, the cake would be great or small accordingly, and that
+cake was to be all that she could give him when he went on his travels.
+
+The lad went away with the can to the well, and filled it with water,
+and then came away home again; but the can being broken, the most part
+of the water had run out before he got back. So his cake was very small;
+yet small as it was, his mother asked him if he was willing to take the
+half of it with her blessing, telling him that, if he chose rather to
+take the whole, he would only get it with her curse. The young man,
+thinking he might have to travel a far way, and not knowing when or how
+he might get other provisions, said he would like to have the whole
+cake, come of his mother's malison what might; so she gave him the
+whole cake, and her malison along with it. Then he took his brother
+aside, and gave him a knife to keep till he should come back, desiring
+him to look at it every morning, and as long as it continued to be
+clear, then he might be sure that the owner of it was well; but if it
+grew dim and rusty, then for certain some ill had befallen him.
+
+So the young man went to seek his fortune. And he went all that day, and
+all the next day; and on the third day, in the afternoon, he came up to
+where a shepherd was sitting with a flock of sheep. And he went up to
+the shepherd and asked him to whom the sheep belonged; and he answered:
+
+    "To the Red Ettin of Ireland
+     Who lives in Ballygan,
+   He stole King Malcolm's daughter,
+     The king of fair Scotland.
+   He beats her, he binds her,
+     He lays her on a hand;
+   And every day he strikes her
+     With a bright silver wand.
+   'Tis said there's one predestinate
+     To be his mortal foe;
+   But sure that man is yet unborn,
+     And long may it be so!"
+
+After this the shepherd told him to beware of the beasts he should next
+meet, for they were of a very different kind from any he had yet seen.
+
+So the young man went on, and by and by he saw a multitude of very
+dreadful, terrible, horrible beasts, with two heads, and on every head
+four horns! And he was sore frightened, and ran away from them as fast
+as he could; and glad was he when he came to a castle that stood on a
+hillock, with the door standing wide open to the wall. And he went in to
+the castle for shelter, and there he saw an old wife sitting beside the
+kitchen fire. He asked the wife if he might stay for the night, as he
+was tired with a long journey; and the wife said he might, but it was
+not a good place for him to be in, as it belonged to the Red Ettin, who
+was a very terrible monster with three heads, who spared no living man
+it could get hold of. The young man would have gone away, but he was
+afraid of the two-headed four-horned beasts outside; so he beseeched the
+old woman to hide him as best she could, and not tell the Ettin he was
+there. He thought, if he could put over the night, he might get away in
+the morning, without meeting with the dreadful, terrible, horrible
+beasts, and so escape.
+
+But he had not been long in his hiding-hole, before the awful Ettin came
+in; and no sooner was he in, than he was heard crying:
+
+  "Snouk but! and snouk ben!
+   I find the smell of an earthly man;
+   Be he living, or be he dead,
+   His heart this night shall kitchen my bread."
+
+Well, the monster began to search about, and he soon found the poor
+young man, and pulled him from his hiding-place. And when he had got him
+out, he told him that if he could answer him three questions his life
+should be spared.
+
+So the first head asked: "A thing without an end; what's that?"
+
+But the young man knew not.
+
+Then the second head said: "The smaller the more dangerous; what's
+that?"
+
+But the young man knew not.
+
+And then the third head asked: "The dead carrying the living? riddle me
+that."
+
+But the young man knew not.
+
+So the lad not being able to answer one of these questions, the Red
+Ettin took a mallet from behind the door, knocked him on the head, and
+turned him into a pillar of stone.
+
+Now on the morning after this happened the younger brother took out the
+knife to look at it, and he was grieved to find it all brown with rust.
+So he told his mother that the time was now come for him to go away upon
+his travels also. At first she refused to let him go; but at last she
+requested him to take the can to the well for water, that she might make
+a cake for him. So he went, but as he was bringing home the water, a
+raven over his head cried to him to look, and he would see that the
+water was running out. Now being a young man of sense, and seeing the
+water running out, he took some clay and patched up the holes, so that
+he brought home enough water to bake a large cake. And when his mother
+put it to him to take the half cake with her blessing, he took it
+instead of having the whole with her malison.
+
+So he went away on his journey with his mother's blessing. Now after he
+had travelled a far way, he met with an old woman who asked him if he
+would give her a bit of his cake. And he said, "I will gladly do that";
+so he gave her a piece of the cake. Then the old woman, who was a fairy,
+gave him a magic wand, that might yet be of service to him, if he took
+care to use it rightly; and she told him a great deal that would happen
+to him, and what he ought to do in all circumstances; and after that,
+she vanished in an instant, out of his sight. Then he went on his way
+until he came up to the old man who was herding the sheep; and when he
+asked him to whom the sheep belonged, the answer was:
+
+  "To the Red Ettin of Ireland
+     Who lives in Ballygan,
+   He stole King Malcolm's daughter,
+     The king of fair Scotland.
+   He beats her, he binds her,
+     He lays her on a band;
+   And every day he strikes her
+     With a bright silver wand.
+   But now I fear his end is near,
+     And death is close at hand;
+   For you're to be, I plainly see,
+     The heir of all his land."
+
+So the younger brother went on his way; but when he came to the place
+where the dreadful, terrible, horrible beasts were standing, he did not
+stop nor run away, but went boldly through amongst them. One came up
+roaring with open mouth to devour him, when he struck it with his wand,
+and laid it in an instant dead at his feet. He soon came to the Ettin's
+castle, where he found the door shut, but he knocked boldly, and was
+admitted. Then the old woman who sat by the fire warned him of the
+terrible Ettin, and what had been the fate of his brother; but he was
+not to be daunted, and would not even hide.
+
+Then by and by the monster came in, crying as before:
+
+  "Snouk but! and snouk ben!
+   I find the smell of an earthly man;
+   Be he living, or be he dead,
+   His heart this night shall kitchen my bread."
+
+Well, he quickly espied the young man, and bade him stand forth on the
+floor, and told him that if he could answer three questions his life
+would be spared.
+
+So the first head asked: "What's the thing without an end?"
+
+Now the younger brother had been told by the fairy to whom he had given
+a piece of his cake what he ought to say; so he answered:
+
+"A bowl."
+
+Then the first head frowned, but the second head asked:
+
+"The smaller the more dangerous; what's that?"
+
+"A bridge," says the younger brother, quite fast.
+
+Then the first and the second heads frowned, but the third head asked:
+
+"When does the dead carry the living? riddle me that."
+
+At this the young man answered up at once and said:
+
+"When a ship sails on the sea with men inside her."
+
+When the Red Ettin found all his riddles answered, he knew that his
+power was gone, so he tried to escape, but the young man took up an axe
+and hewed off the monster's three heads. Then he asked the old woman to
+show him where the king's daughter lay; and the old woman took him
+upstairs, and opened a great many doors, and out of every door came a
+beautiful lady who had been imprisoned there by the Red Ettin; and last
+of all the ladies was the king's daughter. Then the old woman took him
+down into a low room, and there stood a stone pillar; but he had only to
+touch it with his wand, and his brother started into life.
+
+So the whole of the prisoners were overjoyed at their deliverance, for
+which they thanked the younger brother again and again. Next day they
+all set out for the king's court, and a gallant company they made. Then
+the king married his daughter to the young man who had delivered her,
+and gave a noble's daughter to his brother.
+
+So they all lived happily all the rest of their days.
+
+
+
+
+THE FISH AND THE RING
+
+
+Once upon a time there lived a Baron who was a great magician, and could
+tell by his arts and charms everything that was going to happen at any
+time.
+
+Now this great lord had a little son born to him as heir to all his
+castles and lands. So, when the little lad was about four years old,
+wishing to know what his fortune would be, the Baron looked in his Book
+of Fate to see what it foretold.
+
+And, lo and behold! it was written that this much-loved, much-prized
+heir to all the great lands and castles was to marry a low-born maiden.
+So the Baron was dismayed, and set to work by more arts and charms to
+discover if this maiden were already born, and if so, where she lived.
+
+And he found out that she had just been born in a very poor house, where
+the poor parents were already burdened with five children.
+
+So he called for his horse and rode away, and away, until he came to the
+poor man's house, and there he found the poor man sitting at his
+doorstep very sad and doleful.
+
+"What is the matter, my friend?" asked he; and the poor man replied:
+
+"May it please your honour, a little lass has just been born to our
+house; and we have five children already, and where the bread is to come
+from to fill the sixth mouth, we know not."
+
+"If that be all your trouble," quoth the Baron readily, "mayhap I can
+help you: so don't be down-hearted. I am just looking for such a little
+lass to companion my son, so, if you will, I will give you ten crowns
+for her."
+
+Well! the man he nigh jumped for joy, since he was to get good money,
+and his daughter, so he thought, a good home. Therefore he brought out
+the child then and there, and the Baron, wrapping the babe in his cloak,
+rode away. But when he got to the river he flung the little thing into
+the swollen stream, and said to himself as he galloped back to his
+castle:
+
+"There goes Fate!"
+
+But, you see, he was just sore mistaken. For the little lass didn't
+sink. The stream was very swift, and her long clothes kept her up till
+she caught in a snag just opposite a fisherman, who was mending his
+nets.
+
+Now the fisherman and his wife had no children, and they were just
+longing for a baby; so when the goodman saw the little lass he was
+overcome with joy, and took her home to his wife, who received her with
+open arms.
+
+And there she grew up, the apple of their eyes, into the most beautiful
+maiden that ever was seen.
+
+Now, when she was about fifteen years of age, it so happened that the
+Baron and his friends went a-hunting along the banks of the river and
+stopped to get a drink of water at the fisherman's hut. And who should
+bring the water out but, as they thought, the fisherman's daughter.
+
+Now the young men of the party noticed her beauty, and one of them said
+to the Baron, "She should marry well; read us her fate, since you are so
+learned in the art."
+
+Then the Baron, scarce looking at her, said carelessly: "I could guess
+her fate! Some wretched yokel or other. But, to please you, I will cast
+her horoscope by the stars; so tell me, girl, what day you were born?"
+
+"That I cannot tell, sir," replied the girl, "for I was picked up in the
+river about fifteen years ago."
+
+Then the Baron grew pale, for he guessed at once that she was the little
+lass he had flung into the stream, and that Fate had been stronger than
+he was. But he kept his own counsel and said nothing at the time.
+Afterwards, however, he thought out a plan, so he rode back and gave the
+girl a letter.
+
+"See you!" he said. "I will make your fortune. Take this letter to my
+brother, who needs a good girl, and you will be settled for life."
+
+Now the fisherman and his wife were growing old and needed help; so the
+girl said she would go, and took the letter.
+
+And the Baron rode back to his castle saying to himself once more:
+
+"There goes Fate!"
+
+For what he had written in the letter was this:
+
+"DEAR BROTHER,
+
+"Take the bearer and put her to death immediately."
+
+But once again he was sore mistaken; since on the way to the town where
+his brother lived, the girl had to stop the night in a little inn. And
+it so happened that that very night a gang of thieves broke into the
+inn, and not content with carrying off all that the innkeeper possessed,
+they searched the pockets of the guests, and found the letter which the
+girl carried. And when they read it, they agreed that it was a mean
+trick and a shame. So their captain sat down and, taking pen and paper,
+wrote instead:
+
+"DEAR BROTHER,
+
+"Take the bearer and marry her to my son without delay."
+
+Then, after putting the note into an envelope and sealing it up, they
+gave it to the girl and bade her go on her way. So when she arrived at
+the brother's castle, though rather surprised, he gave orders for a
+wedding feast to be prepared. And the Baron's son, who was staying with
+his uncle, seeing the girl's great beauty, was nothing loth, so they
+were fast wedded.
+
+Well! when the news was brought to the Baron, he was nigh beside
+himself; but he was determined not to be done by Fate. So he rode
+post-haste to his brother's and pretended to be quite pleased. And then
+one day, when no one was nigh, he asked the young bride to come for a
+walk with him, and when they were close to some cliffs, seized hold of
+her, and was for throwing her over into the sea. But she begged hard for
+her life.
+
+"It is not my fault," she said. "I have done nothing. It is Fate. But if
+you will spare my life I promise that I will fight against Fate also. I
+will never see you or your son again until you desire it. That will be
+safer for you; since, see you, the sea may preserve me, as the river
+did."
+
+Well! the Baron agreed to this. So he took off his gold ring from his
+finger and flung it over the cliffs into the sea and said:
+
+"Never dare to show me your face again till you can show me that ring
+likewise."
+
+And with that he let her go.
+
+Well! the girl wandered on, and she wandered on, until she came to a
+nobleman's castle; and there, as they needed a kitchen girl, she engaged
+as a scullion, since she had been used to such work in the fisherman's
+hut.
+
+Now one day, as she was cleaning a big fish, she looked out of the
+kitchen window, and who should she see driving up to dinner but the
+Baron and his young son, her husband. At first she thought that, to keep
+her promise, she must run away; but afterwards she remembered they would
+not see her in the kitchen, so she went on with her cleaning of the big
+fish.
+
+And, lo and behold! she saw something shine in its inside, and there,
+sure enough, was the Baron's ring! She was glad enough to see it, I can
+tell you; so she slipped it on to her thumb. But she went on with her
+work, and dressed the fish as nicely as ever she could, and served it up
+as pretty as may be, with parsley sauce and butter.
+
+Well! when it came to table the guests liked it so well that they asked
+the host who cooked it. And he called to his servants, "Send up the cook
+who cooked that fine fish, that she may get her reward."
+
+Well! when the girl heard she was wanted she made herself ready, and
+with the gold ring on her thumb, went boldly into the dining-hall. And
+all the guests when they saw her were struck dumb by her wonderful
+beauty. And the young husband started up gladly; but the Baron,
+recognising her, jumped up angrily and looked as if he would kill her.
+So, without one word, the girl held up her hand before his face, and the
+gold ring shone and glittered on it; and she went straight up to the
+Baron, and laid her hand with the ring on it before him on the table.
+
+Then the Baron understood that Fate had been too strong for him; so he
+took her by the hand, and, placing her beside him, turned to the guests
+and said:
+
+"This is my son's wife. Let us drink a toast in her honour."
+
+And after dinner he took her and his son home to his castle, where they
+all lived as happy as could be for ever afterwards.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Headpiece--Lawkamercyme]
+
+    LAWKAMERCYME
+
+
+    There was an old woman, as I've heard tell,
+    She went to the market her eggs for to sell;
+    She went to the market, all on a market-day,
+    And she fell asleep on the king's highway.
+
+    There came by a pedlar, whose name it was Stout,
+    He cut all her petticoats all round about;
+    He cut her petticoats up to the knees,
+    Which made the old woman to shiver and freeze.
+
+    When this old woman first did awake,
+    She 'gan to shiver, she 'gan to shake;
+    She 'gan to wonder, she 'gan to cry--
+    "Lawkamercyme! this is none of I!
+
+    "But if it be I, as I do hope it be,
+    I've a little dog at home, and sure he'll know me;
+    If it be I, he'll wag his little tail,
+    And if it be not I, then he'll bark and wail."
+
+    Home went the old woman, all in the dark;
+    Up got the little dog, and he began to bark,
+    He began to bark, and she began to cry--
+    "Lawkamercyme! this is none of I!"
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: A funny-looking old gentleman engaged her and took her
+home]
+
+MASTER OF ALL MASTERS
+
+
+A Girl once went to the fair to hire herself for servant. At last a
+funny-looking old gentleman engaged her and took her home to his house.
+When she got there, he told her that he had something to teach her, for
+that in his house he had his own names for things.
+
+He said to her, "What will you call me?"
+
+"Master or mister, or whatever you please, sir," says she.
+
+He said, "You must call me 'master of all masters.' And what would you
+call this?" pointing to his bed.
+
+"Bed or couch, or whatever you please, sir."
+
+"No, that's my 'barnacle'. And what do you call these?" said he,
+pointing to his pantaloons.
+
+"Breeches or trousers, or whatever you please, sir."
+
+"You must call them 'squibs and crackers.' And what would you call her?"
+pointing to the cat.
+
+"Cat or kit, or whatever you please, sir.'
+
+"You must call her 'white-faced simminy' And this now," showing the
+fire, "what would you call this?"
+
+"Fire or flame, or whatever you please, sir."
+
+"You must call it 'hot cockalorum'; and what this?" he went on, pointing
+to the water.
+
+"Water or wet, or whatever you please, sir."
+
+"No, 'pondalorum' is its name. And what do you call all this?" asked he,
+as he pointed to the house.
+
+"House or cottage, or whatever you please, sir."
+
+"You must call it 'high topper mountain.'"
+
+That very night the servant woke her master up in a fright and said,
+"Master of all masters, get out of your barnacle and put on your squibs
+and crackers. For white-faced simminy has got a spark of hot cockalorum
+on its tail, and unless you get some pondalorum high topper mountain
+will be all on hot cockalorum...."
+
+That's all!!
+
+[Illustration: White-faced simminy has got a spark of hot cockalorum on
+its tail]
+
+
+
+
+MOLLY WHUPPIE AND THE DOUBLE-FACED GIANT
+
+
+Once upon a time there was a man and his wife who were not over rich.
+And they had so many children that they couldn't find meat for them; so,
+as the three youngest were girls, they just took them out to the forest
+one day, and left them there to fend for themselves as best they might.
+
+Now the two eldest were just ordinary girls, so they cried a bit and
+felt afraid; but the youngest, whose name was Molly Whuppie, was bold,
+so she counselled her sisters not to despair, but to try and find some
+house where they might get a night's lodging. So they set off through
+the forest, and journeyed, and journeyed, and journeyed, but never a
+house did they see. It began to grow dark, her sisters were faint with
+hunger, and even Molly Whuppie began to think of supper. At last in the
+distance they saw a great big light, and made for it. Now when they drew
+near they saw that it came from a huge window in a huge house.
+
+"It will be a giant's house," said the two elder girls, trembling with
+fright.
+
+"If there were two giants in it I mean to have my supper," quoth Molly
+Whuppie, and knocked at a huge door, as bold as brass. It was opened by
+the giant's wife, who shook her head when Molly Whuppie asked for
+victuals and a night's lodging.
+
+"You wouldn't thank me for it," she said, "for my man is a giant, and
+when he comes home he will kill you of a certainty."
+
+"But if you give us supper at once," says Molly craftily, "we shall have
+finished it before the giant comes home; for we are very sharp-set."
+
+Now the giant's wife was not unkindly; besides, her three daughters, who
+were just of an age with Molly and her sisters, tugged at her skirts
+well pleased; so she took the girls in, set them by the fire, and gave
+them each a bowl of bread and milk. But they had hardly begun to gobble
+it up before the door burst open, and a fearful giant strode in saying:
+
+  "_Fee-fi-fo-fum,
+   I smell the smell of some earthly one._"
+
+"Don't put yourself about, my dear," said the giant's wife, trying to
+make the best of it. "See for yourself. They are only three poor little
+girlies like our girlies. They were cold and hungry so I gave them some
+supper; but they have promised to go away as soon as they have
+finished. Now be a good giant and don't touch them. They've eaten of
+our salt, so don't _you_ be at fault!"
+
+Now this giant was not at all a straightforward giant. He was a
+double-faced giant. So he only said,
+
+  "Umph!"
+
+and remarked that as they had come, they had better stay all night,
+since they could easily sleep with his three daughters. And after he had
+had his supper he made himself quite pleasant, and plaited chains of
+straw for the little strangers to wear round their necks, to match the
+gold chains his daughters wore. Then he wished them all pleasant dreams
+and sent them to bed.
+
+Dear me! He _was_ a double-faced giant!
+
+But Molly Whuppie, the youngest of the three girls, was not only bold,
+she was clever. So when she was in bed, instead of going to sleep like
+the others, she lay awake and thought, and thought, and thought; until
+at last she up ever so softly, took off her own and her sisters' straw
+chains, put them round the neck of the ogre's daughters, and placed
+their gold chains round her own and her sisters' necks.
+
+And even then she did not go to sleep, but lay still and waited to see
+if she was wise; and she was! For in the very middle of the night, when
+everybody else was dead asleep and it was pitch dark, in comes the
+giant, all stealthy, feels for the straw chains, twists them tight round
+the wearers' necks, half strangles his daughters, drags them on to the
+floor, and beats them till they were quite dead; so, all stealthy and
+satisfied, goes back to his own bed, thinking he had been very clever.
+
+But he was no match, you see, for Molly Whuppie; for she at once roused
+her sisters, bade them be quiet, and follow her. Then she slipped out of
+the giant's house and ran, and ran, and ran until the dawn broke and
+they found themselves before another great house. It was surrounded by a
+wide deep moat, which was spanned by a drawbridge. But the drawbridge
+was up. However, beside it hung a Single-Hair rope over which any one
+very light-footed could cross.
+
+Now Molly's sisters were feared to try it; besides, they said that for
+aught they knew the house might be another giant's house, and they had
+best keep away.
+
+"Taste and try," says Molly Whuppie, laughing, and was over the Bridge
+of a Single Hair before you could say knife. And, after all, it was not
+a giant's house but a King's castle. Now it so happened that the very
+giant whom Molly had tricked was the terror of the whole country-side,
+and it was to gain safety from him that the drawbridge was kept up, and
+the Bridge of a Single Hair had been made. So when the sentry heard
+Molly Whuppie's tale, he took her to the King and said:
+
+"My lord! Here is a girlie who has tricked the giant!"
+
+Then the King when he had heard the story said, "You are a clever girl,
+Molly Whuppie, and you managed very well; but if you could manage still
+better and steal the giant's sword, in which part of his strength lies,
+I will give your eldest sister in marriage to my eldest son."
+
+Well! Molly Whuppie thought this would be a very good downsitting for
+her sister, so she said she would try.
+
+So that evening, all alone, she ran across the Bridge of One Hair, and
+ran and ran till she came to the giant's house. The sun was just
+setting, and shone on it so beautifully that Molly Whuppie thought it
+looked like a castle in Spain, and could hardly believe that such a
+dreadful, double-faced giant lived within. However, she knew he did; so
+she slipped into the house unbeknownst, stole up to the giant's room,
+and crept in behind the bed. By and by the giant came home, ate a huge
+supper, and came crashing up the stairs to his bed. But Molly kept very
+still and held her breath. So after a time he fell asleep, and soon he
+began to snore. Then Molly crept out from under the bed, ever so softly,
+and crept up the bed-clothes, and crept past his great snoring face, and
+laid hold of the sword that hung above it. But alas! as she jumped from
+the bed in a hurry, the sword rattled in the scabbard. The noise woke
+the giant, and up he jumped and ran after Molly, who ran as she had
+never run before, carrying the sword over her shoulder. And he ran, and
+she ran, and they both ran, until they came to the Bridge of One Hair.
+Then she fled over it light-footed, balancing the sword, but he
+couldn't. So he stopped, foaming at the mouth with rage, and called
+after her:
+
+"Woe worth you, Molly Whuppie! Never you dare to come again!"
+
+And she, turning her head about as she sped over the One Hair Bridge,
+laughed lightly:
+
+"Twice yet, gaffer, will I come to the Castle in Spain!"
+
+So Molly gave the sword to the King, and, as he had promised, his eldest
+son wedded her eldest sister.
+
+But after the marriage festivities were over the King says again to
+Molly Whuppie:
+
+"You're a main clever girl, Molly, and you have managed very well, but
+if you could manage still better and steal the giant's purse, in which
+part of his strength lies, I will marry my second son to your second
+sister. But you need to be careful, for the giant sleeps with the purse
+under his pillow!"
+
+Well! Molly Whuppie thought this would be a very good downsitting,
+indeed, for her second sister, so she said she would try her luck.
+
+So that evening, just at sunsetting, she ran over the One Hair Bridge,
+and ran, and ran, and ran until she came to the giant's house looking
+for all the world like a castle in the air, all ruddy and golden and
+glinting. She could scarce believe such a dreadful double-faced giant
+lived within. However, she _knew_ he did; so she slipped into the house
+unbeknownst, stole up to the giant's room, and crept in below the
+giant's bed. By and by the giant came home, ate a hearty supper, and
+then came crashing upstairs, and soon fell a-snoring. Then Molly Whuppie
+slipped from under the bed, and slipped up the bed-clothes, and reaching
+out her hand slipped it under the pillow, and got hold of the purse.
+But the giant's head was so heavy on it she had to tug and tug away. At
+last out it came, she fell backward over the bedside, the purse opened,
+and some of the money fell out with a crash. The noise wakened the
+giant, and she had only time to grab the money off the floor, when he
+was after her. How they ran, and ran, and ran, and ran! At last she
+reached the One Hair Bridge and, with the purse in one hand, the money
+in the other, she sped across it while the giant shook his fist at her
+and cried:
+
+"Woe worth you, Molly Whuppie! Never you dare to come again!"
+
+And she, turning her head, laughed lightly:
+
+"Yet once more, gaffer, will I come to the Castle in Spain."
+
+So she took the purse to the King, and he ordered a splendid marriage
+feast for his second son and her second sister.
+
+But after the wedding was over the King says to her, says he:
+
+"Molly! You are the most main clever girl in the world; but if you would
+do better yet, and steal me from his finger the giant's ring, in which
+all his strength lies, I will give you my dearest, youngest, handsomest
+son for yourself."
+
+Now Molly thought the King's son was the nicest young prince she had
+ever seen, so she said she would try, and that evening, all alone, she
+sped across the One Hair Bridge as light as a feather, and ran, and ran,
+and ran until she came to the giant's house all lit up with the red
+setting sun like any castle in the air. And she slipped inside, stole
+upstairs, and crept under the bed in no time. And the giant came in, and
+supped, and crashed up to bed, and snored. Oh! he snored louder than
+ever!
+
+But you know he was a double-faced giant; so perhaps he snored louder
+on purpose. For no sooner had Molly Whuppie began to tug at his ring
+than ... My!...
+
+He had her fast between his finger and thumb. And he sate up in bed, and
+shook his head at her and said, "Molly Whuppie, you are a main clever
+girl! Now, if I had done as much ill to you as you have done to me, what
+would you do to me?"
+
+Then Molly thought for a moment and she said, "I'd put you in a sack,
+and I'd put the cat inside with you, and I'd put the dog inside with
+you, and I'd put a needle and thread and a pair of shears inside with
+you, and I'd hang you up on a nail, and I'd go to the wood and cut the
+thickest stick I could get, and come home and take you down and bang
+you, and bang, and bang, and bang you till you were dead!"
+
+"Right you are!" cried the giant gleefully, "and that's just what I'll
+do to you!"
+
+So he got a sack and put Molly into it with the dog and the cat, and the
+needle and thread and the shears, and hung her on a nail in the wall,
+and went out to the wood to choose a stick.
+
+Then Molly Whuppie began to laugh like anything, and the dog joined in
+with barks, and the cat with mews.
+
+Now the giant's wife was sitting in the next room, and when she heard
+the commotion she went in to see what was up.
+
+"Whatever is the matter?" quoth she.
+
+"Nothing, 'm," quoth Molly Whuppie from inside the sack, laughing like
+anything. "Ho, ho! Ha, ha! If you saw what we see you'd laugh too. Ho,
+ho! Ha, ha!"
+
+And no matter how the giant's wife begged to know what she saw, there
+never was any answer but, "Ho, ho! Ha, ha! Could ye but see what I
+see!!!"
+
+At last the giant's wife begged Molly to let her see, so Molly took the
+shears, cut a hole in the sack, jumped out, helped the giant's wife in,
+and sewed up the hole! For of course she hadn't forgotten to take out
+the needle and thread with her.
+
+Now, just at that very moment, the giant burst in, and Molly had barely
+time to hide behind the door before he rushed at the sack, tore it down,
+and began to batter it with a huge tree he had cut in the wood.
+
+"Stop! stop!" cried his wife. "It's me! It's me!"
+
+But he couldn't hear, for, see you, the dog and the cat had tumbled one
+on the top of the other, and such a growling and spitting, and yelling
+and caterwauling you never heard! It was fair deafening, and the giant
+would have gone on battering till his wife was dead had he not caught
+sight of Molly Whuppie escaping with the ring which he had left on the
+table.
+
+Well, he threw down the tree and ran after her. Never was such a race.
+They ran, and they ran, and they ran, and they ran, until they came to
+the One Hair Bridge. And then, balancing herself with the ring like a
+hoop, Molly Whuppie sped over the bridge light as a feather, but the
+giant had to stand on the other side, and shake his fist at her, and cry
+louder than ever:
+
+"Woe worth you, Molly Whuppie! Never you dare to come again!"
+
+And she, turning her head back as she sped, laughed gaily:
+
+"Never more, gaffer, will I come to the castle in the air!"
+
+So she took the ring to the King, and she and the handsome young prince
+were married, and no one ever saw the double-faced giant again.
+
+
+
+
+THE ASS, THE TABLE, AND THE STICK
+
+
+A lad named Jack was once so unhappy at home through his father's
+ill-treatment, that he made up his mind to run away and seek his fortune
+in the wide world.
+
+He ran, and he ran, till he could run no longer, and then he ran right
+up against a little old woman who was gathering sticks. He was too much
+out of breath to beg pardon, but the woman was good-natured, and she
+said he seemed to be a likely lad, so she would take him to be her
+servant, and would pay him well. He agreed, for he was very hungry, and
+she brought him to her house in the wood, where he served her for a
+twelvemonths and a day. When the year had passed, she called him to her,
+and said she had good wages for him. So she presented him with an ass
+out of the stable, and he had but to pull Neddy's ears to make him begin
+at once to hee-haw! And when he brayed there dropped from his mouth
+silver sixpences, and half-crowns, and golden guineas.
+
+The lad was well pleased with the wage he had received, and away he rode
+till he reached an inn. There he ordered the best of everything, and
+when the innkeeper refused to serve him without being paid beforehand,
+the boy went off to the stable, pulled the ass's ears, and obtained his
+pocket full of money. The host had watched all this through a crack in
+the door, and when night came on he put an ass of his own for the
+precious Neddy belonging to the youth. So Jack, without knowing that any
+change had been made, rode away next morning to his father's house.
+
+Now I must tell you that near his home dwelt a poor widow with an only
+daughter. The lad and the maiden were fast friends and true-loves. So
+when Jack returned he asked his father's leave to marry the girl.
+
+"Never till you have the money to keep her," was the reply.
+
+"I have that, father," said the lad, and going to the ass he pulled its
+long ears; well, he pulled, and he pulled, till one of them came off in
+his hands; but Neddy, though he hee-hawed and he hee-hawed, let fall no
+half-crowns or guineas. Then the father picked up a hayfork and beat his
+son out of the house.
+
+I promise you he ran; he ran and ran till he came bang against a door,
+and burst it open, and there he was in a joiner's shop. "You're a likely
+lad," said the joiner; "serve me for a twelvemonths and a day and I will
+pay you well." So he agreed, and served the carpenter for a year and a
+day. "Now," said the master, "I will give you your wage"; and he
+presented him with a table, telling him he had but to say, "Table, be
+covered," and at once it would be spread with lots to eat and drink.
+
+Jack hitched the table on his back, and away he went with it till he
+came to the inn. "Well, host," shouted he, putting down the table, "my
+dinner to-day, and that of the best."
+
+"Very sorry, sir," says the host, "but there is nothing in the house but
+ham and eggs."
+
+"No ham and eggs for me!" exclaimed Jack. "I can do better than
+that.--Come, my table, be covered!"
+
+So at once the table was spread with turkey and sausages, roast mutton,
+potatoes, and greens. The innkeeper opened his eyes, but he said
+nothing, not he! But that night he fetched down from his attic a table
+very like the magic one, and exchanged the two, and Jack, none the
+wiser, next morning hitched the worthless table on to his back and
+carried it home.
+
+"Now, father, may I marry my lass?" he asked.
+
+"Not unless you can keep her," replied the father.
+
+"Look here!" exclaimed Jack. "Father, I have a table which does all my
+bidding."
+
+"Let me see it," said the old man.
+
+The lad set it in the middle of the room, and bade it be covered; but
+all in vain, the table remained bare. Then, in a rage, the father caught
+the warming-pan down from the wall and warmed his son's back with it so
+that the boy fled howling from the house, and ran and ran till he came
+to a river and tumbled in. A man picked him out and bade him help in
+making a bridge over the river by casting a tree across. Then Jack
+climbed up to the top of the tree and threw his weight on it, so that
+when the man had rooted the tree up, Jack and the tree-head dropped on
+the farther bank.
+
+[Illustration: The fisherman and his wife had no children, and they were
+just longing for a baby]
+
+"Thank you," said the man; "and now for what you have done I will pay
+you"; so saying, he tore a branch from the tree, and fettled it up into
+a club with his knife. "There," exclaimed he; "take this stick, and when
+you say to it, 'Up, stick, and bang him,' it will knock any one down who
+angers you."
+
+The lad was overjoyed to get this stick, for he had begun to see he had
+been tricked by the innkeeper, so away he went with it to the inn, and
+as soon as the man appeared he cried:
+
+"Up, stick, and bang him!"
+
+At the word the cudgel flew from his hand and battered the old fellow on
+the back, rapped his head, bruised his arms, tickled his ribs, till he
+fell groaning on the floor; and still the stick belaboured the prostrate
+man, nor would Jack call it off till he had got back the stolen ass and
+table. Then he galloped home on the ass, with the table on his
+shoulders, and the stick in his hand. When he arrived there he found his
+father was dead, so he brought his ass into the stable, and pulled its
+ears till he had filled the manger with money.
+
+It was soon known through the town that Jack had returned rolling in
+wealth, and accordingly all the girls in the place set their caps at
+him.
+
+"Now," said Jack, "I shall marry the richest lass in the place; so
+to-morrow do you all come in front of my house with your money in your
+aprons."
+
+Next morning the street was full of girls with aprons held out, and
+gold and silver in them; but Jack's own sweetheart was among them, and
+she had neither gold nor silver; nought but two copper pennies, that was
+all she had.
+
+"Stand aside, lass," said Jack to her, speaking roughly. "Thou hast no
+silver nor gold--stand off from the rest." She obeyed, and the tears ran
+down her cheeks, and filled her apron with diamonds.
+
+"Up, stick, and bang them!" exclaimed Jack; whereupon the cudgel leaped
+up, and running along the line of girls, knocked them all on the heads
+and left them senseless on the pavement. Jack took all their money and
+poured it into his true-love's lap. "Now, lass," he exclaimed, "thou art
+the richest, and I shall marry thee."
+
+
+
+
+THE WELL OF THE WORLD'S END
+
+
+Once upon a time, and a very good time it was, though it wasn't in my
+time, nor in your time, nor any one else's time, there was a girl whose
+mother had died, and her father had married again. And her stepmother
+hated her because she was more beautiful than she was. And she was very
+cruel to her; she used to make her do all the servant's work, and never
+let her have any peace. At last, one day, the stepmother thought to get
+rid of her altogether; so she handed her a sieve and said to her:
+
+"Go, fill it at the Well of the World's End and bring it home to me
+full, or woe betide you." For she thought she would never be able to
+find the Well of the World's End, and, if she did, how could she bring
+home a sieve full of water?
+
+Well, the girl started off, and asked every one she met to tell her
+where was the Well of the World's End. But nobody knew, and she didn't
+know what to do, when a queer little old woman, all bent double, told
+her where it was, and how she could get to it. So she did what the old
+woman told her, and at last arrived at the Well of the World's End. But
+when she dipped the sieve in the cold cold water, it all ran out again.
+She tried and she tried again, but every time it was the same; and at
+last she sate down and cried as if her heart would break.
+
+Suddenly she heard a croaking voice, and she looked up and saw a great
+frog with goggle eyes looking at her and speaking to her.
+
+"What's the matter, dearie?" it said.
+
+"Oh dear! oh dear!" she said, "my stepmother has sent me all this long
+way to fill this sieve with water from the Well of the World's End, and
+I can't fill it no how at all."
+
+"Well," said the frog, "if you promise me to do whatever I bid you for a
+whole night long, I'll tell you how to fill it."
+
+So the girl agreed, and then the frog said:
+
+  "Stop it with moss and daub it with clay,
+   And then it will carry the water away";
+
+and then it gave a hop, skip, and jump, and went flop into the Well of
+the World's End.
+
+So the girl looked about for some moss, and lined the bottom of the
+sieve with it, and over that she put some clay, and then she dipped it
+once-again into the Well of the World's End; and this time the water
+didn't run out, and she turned to go away.
+
+Just then the frog popped up its head out of the Well of the World's
+End, and said, "Remember your promise."
+
+"All right," said the girl; for, thought she, "what harm can a frog do
+me?"
+
+So she went back to her stepmother, and brought the sieve full of water
+from the Well of the World's End. The stepmother was angry as angry, but
+she said nothing at all.
+
+That very evening they heard something tap-tapping at the door low down,
+and a voice cried out:
+
+  "Open the door, my hinny, my heart,
+     Open the door, my own darling;
+   Remember the words that you and I spoke,
+     At the World's End Well but this morning."
+
+"Whatever can that be?" cried out the stepmother.
+
+Then the girl had to tell her all about it, and what she had promised
+the frog.
+
+"Girls must keep their promises," said the stepmother, who was glad the
+girl would have to obey a nasty frog. "Go and open the door this
+instant."
+
+So the girl went and opened the door, and there was the frog from the
+Well of the World's End. And it hopped, and it hopped, and it jumped,
+till it reached the girl, and then it said:
+
+  "Lift me up, my hinny, my heart,
+     Lift to your knee, my own darling;
+   Remember the words that you and I spoke,
+     At the World's End Well but this morning."
+
+But the girl would not do the frog's bidding, till her stepmother said,
+"Lift it up this instant, you hussy! Girls _must_ keep their promises!"
+
+So she lifted the frog up on to her lap, and it lay there comfortably
+for a time; till at last it said:
+
+  "Give me some supper, my hinny, my heart,
+     Give me some supper, my darling;
+   Remember the words you and I spoke,
+     At the World's End Well but this morning."
+
+Well, that she did not mind doing, so she got it a bowl of milk and
+bread, and fed it well. But when the frog had finished, it said:
+
+  "Take me to bed, my hinny, my heart,
+     Take me to bed, my own darling;
+   Remember the promise you promised to me,
+     At the World's End Well but this morning."
+
+But that the girl refused to do, till her stepmother said harshly:
+
+"Do what you promised, girl; girls _must_ keep their promises. Do what
+you're bid, or out you go, you and your froggie."
+
+So the girl took the frog with her to bed, and kept it as far away from
+her as she could. Well, just as the day was beginning to break, what
+should the frog say but:
+
+  "Chop off my head, my hinny, my heart,
+     Chop off my head, my own darling;
+   Remember the promise you promised to me,
+     At the World's End Well but this morning."
+
+At first the girl wouldn't, for she thought of what the frog had done
+for her at the Well of the World's End. But when the frog said the words
+over and over again in a pleading voice, she went and took an axe and
+chopped off its head, and, lo and behold! there stood before her a
+handsome young prince, who told her that he had been enchanted by a
+wicked magician, and he could never be unspelled till some girl would do
+his bidding for a whole night, and chop off his head at the end of it.
+
+The stepmother was surprised indeed when she found the young prince
+instead of the nasty frog, and she was not best pleased, you may be
+sure, when the prince told her that he was going to marry her
+stepdaughter because she had unspelled him. But married they were, and
+went away to live in the castle of the king, his father; and all the
+stepmother had to console her was, that it was all through _her_ that
+her stepdaughter was married to a prince.
+
+
+
+
+THE ROSE TREE
+
+
+Once upon a time, long long years ago, in the days when one had to be
+careful about witches, there lived a good man, whose young wife died,
+leaving him a baby girl.
+
+Now this good man felt he could not look after the baby properly, so he
+married a young woman whose husband had died leaving her with a baby
+boy.
+
+Thus the two children grew up together, and loved each other dearly,
+dearly.
+
+But the boy's mother was really a wicked witch-woman, and so jealous
+that she wanted all the boy's love for herself, and when the girl-baby
+grew white as milk, with cheeks like roses and lips like cherries, and
+when her hair, shining like golden silk, hung down to her feet so that
+her father and all the neighbours began to praise her looks, the
+stepmother fairly hated her, and did all in her power to spoil her
+looks. She would set the child hard tasks, and send her out in all
+weathers to do difficult messages, and if they were not well performed
+would beat her and scold her cruelly.
+
+Now one cold winter evening when the snow was drifting fast, and the
+wild rose tree in the garden under which the children used to play in
+summer was all brown and barren save for snowflake flowers, the
+stepmother said to the little girl:
+
+"Child! go and buy me a bunch of candles at the grocer's. Here is some
+money; go quickly, and don't loiter by the way."
+
+So the little girl took the money and set off quickly through the snow,
+for already it was growing dark. Now there was such a wind blowing that
+it nearly blew her off her feet, and as she ran her beautiful hair got
+all tangled and almost tripped her up. However, she got the candles,
+paid for them, and started home again. But this time the wind was behind
+her and blew all her beautiful golden hair in front of her like a cloud,
+so that she could not see her steps, and, coming to a stile, had to stop
+and put down the bundle of candles in order to see how to get over it.
+And when she was climbing it a big black dog came by and ran off with
+the bunch of candles! Now she was so afraid of her stepmother that she
+durst not go home, but turned back and bought another bunch of candles
+at the grocer's, and when she arrived at the stile once more, the same
+thing happened. A big black dog came down the road and ran away with the
+bunch of candles. So yet once again she journeyed back to the grocer's
+through wind and snow, and, with her last penny, bought yet another
+bunch of candles. To no purpose, for alas, and alack-a-day! when she
+laid them down in order to part her beautiful golden hair and to see how
+to get over the stile, a big black dog ran away with them.
+
+So nothing was left save to go back to her stepmother in fear and
+trembling. But, for a wonder, her stepmother did not seem very angry.
+She only scolded her for being so late, for, see you, her father and her
+little playmate had gone to their beds and were in the Land of Nod.
+
+Then she said to the child, "I must take the tangles out of your hair
+before you go to sleep. Come, put your head on my lap."
+
+So the little girl put her head on her stepmother's lap, and, lo and
+behold! her beautiful yellow-silk hair rolled right over the woman's
+knees and lay upon the ground.
+
+Then the beauty of it made the stepmother more jealous than before, so
+she said, "I cannot part your hair properly on my knee, fetch me a
+billet of wood."
+
+So the little girl fetched one. Then said the stepmother, "Your hair is
+so thick I cannot part it with a comb; fetch me an axe!"
+
+So the child fetched an axe.
+
+"Now," said that wicked, wicked woman, "lay your head down on the billet
+while I part your hair."
+
+And the child did as she was bid without fear; and lo! the beautiful
+little golden head was off in a second, by one blow of the axe.
+
+Now the wicked stepmother had thought it all out before, so she took the
+poor little dead girl out to the garden, dug a hollow in the snow under
+the rose tree, and said to herself, "When spring comes and the snow
+melts if people find her bones, they will say she lost her way and fell
+asleep in the snow."
+
+But first, because she was a wicked witch-woman, knowing spells and
+charms, she took out the heart of the little girl and made it into two
+savoury pasties, one for her husband's breakfast and one for the little
+boy's, for thus would the love they bore to the little girl become hers.
+Nevertheless, she was mistaken, for when morning came and the little
+child could not be found, the father sent away his breakfast barely
+tasted, and the little boy wept so that he could eat nothing.
+
+So they grieved and grieved. And when the snow melted and they found the
+bones of the poor child, they said, "She must have lost her way that
+dark night going to the grocer's to buy candles." So they buried the
+bones under the children's rose tree, and every day the little boy sate
+there and wept and wept for his lost playmate.
+
+Now when summer came the wild rose tree flowered. It was covered with
+white roses, and amongst the flowers there sate a beautiful white bird.
+And it sang and sang and sang like an angel out of heaven; but what it
+sang the little boy could never make out, for he could hardly see for
+weeping, hardly hear for sobbing.
+
+So at last the beautiful white bird unfolded its broad white wings and
+flew to a cobbler's shop, where a myrtle bush hung over the man and his
+last, on which he was making a dainty little pair of rose-red shoes.
+Then it perched on a bough and sang ever so sweetly:
+
+  "Stepmother slew me,
+   Father nigh ate me,
+   He whom I dearly love
+   Sits below, I sing above,
+   Stick! Stock! Stone dead!"
+
+"Sing that beautiful song again," said the cobbler. "It is better than a
+nightingale's."
+
+"That will I gladly," sang the bird, "if you will give me the little
+rose-red shoes you are making."
+
+And the cobbler gave them willingly, so the white bird sang its song
+once more. Then with the rose-red shoes in one foot it flew to an ash
+tree that grew close beside a goldsmith's bench, and sang:
+
+  "Stepmother slew me,
+   Father nigh ate me,
+   He whom I dearly love
+   Sits below, I sing above,
+   Stick! Stock! Stone dead!"
+
+"Oh, what a beautiful song!" cried the goldsmith.
+
+"Sing again, dear bird, it is sweeter than a nightingale's."
+
+"That will I gladly," sang the bird, "if you will give me the gold chain
+you're making."
+
+And the goldsmith gave the bauble willingly, and the bird sang its song
+once more. Then with the rose-red shoes in one foot and the golden chain
+in the other, the bird flew to an oak tree which overhung the mill
+stream, beside which three millers were busy picking out a millstone,
+and, perching on a bough, sang its song ever so sweetly:
+
+  "My stepmother slew me,
+   My father nigh ate me,
+   He whom I dearly love
+   Sits below, I sing above,
+   Stick!--"
+
+Just then one of the millers put down his tool and listened.
+
+"Stock!" sang the bird.
+
+And the second miller put aside his tool and listened.
+
+"Stone," sang the bird.
+
+Then the third miller put aside his tool and listened.
+
+"Dead!" sang the bird so sweetly that with one accord the millers looked
+up and cried with one voice:
+
+"Oh, what a beautiful song! Sing it again, dear bird, it is sweeter than
+a nightingale's."
+
+"That will I gladly," answered the bird, "if you will hang the millstone
+you are picking round my neck."
+
+So the millers hung it as they were asked; and when the song was
+finished, the bird spread its wide white wings and, with the millstone
+round its neck and the little rose-red shoes in one foot, the golden
+chain in the other, it flew back to the rose tree. But the little
+playmate was not there; he was inside the house eating his dinner.
+
+Then the bird flew to the house, and rattled the millstone about the
+eaves until the stepmother cried, "Hearken! How it thunders!"
+
+So the little boy ran out to see, and down dropped the dainty rose-red
+shoes at his feet.
+
+"See what fine things the thunder has brought!" he cried with glee as he
+ran back.
+
+Then the white bird rattled the millstone about the eaves once more, and
+once again the stepmother said, "Hearken! How it thunders!"
+
+So this time the father went out to see, and down dropped the golden
+chain about his neck.
+
+"It is true," he said when he came back. "The thunder does bring fine
+things!"
+
+Then once more the white bird rattled the millstone about the eaves, and
+this time the stepmother said hurriedly, "Hark! there it is again!
+Perhaps it has got something for me!"
+
+Then she ran out; but the moment she stepped outside the door, down fell
+the millstone right on her head and killed her.
+
+So that was an end of her. And after that the little boy was ever so
+much happier, and all the summer time he sate with his little
+rose-coloured shoes under the wild rose tree and listened to the white
+bird's song. But when winter came and the wild rose tree was all barren
+and bare save for snowflake flowers, the white bird came no longer and
+the little boy grew tired of waiting for it. So one day he gave up
+altogether, and they buried him under the rose tree beside his little
+playmate.
+
+Now when the spring came and the rose tree blossomed, the flowers were
+no longer white. They were edged with rose colour like the little boy's
+shoes, and in the centre of each blossom there was a beautiful tuft of
+golden silk like the little girl's hair.
+
+And if you look in a wild rose you will find these things there still.
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ENGLISH FAIRY TALES***
+
+
+******* This file should be named 17034.txt or 17034.zip *******
+
+
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/0/3/17034
+
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+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.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  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 www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://www.gutenberg.org/about/contact
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit:
+https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
diff --git a/17034.zip b/17034.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0d3c84c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17034.zip
diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6312041
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LICENSE.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ecc38b1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #17034 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/17034)
author	Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org>	2025-10-15 04:50:13 -0700
committer	Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org>	2025-10-15 04:50:13 -0700
commit	d192f42f300c1d57f0aa0f47efa093d83598088f (patch)
tree	f530a6c71a891b683e53207c0bd08d274f925d5e