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diff --git a/2591-h/2591-h.htm b/2591-h/2591-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4b067df --- /dev/null +++ b/2591-h/2591-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,10815 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" +"http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Grimms’ Fairy Tales, by Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm</title> + +<style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + +body { margin-left: 20%; + margin-right: 20%; + text-align: justify; } + +h1, h2, h3, h4, h5 {text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-weight: +normal; line-height: 1.5; margin-top: .5em; margin-bottom: .5em;} + +h1 {font-size: 300%; + margin-top: 0.6em; + margin-bottom: 0.6em; + letter-spacing: 0.12em; + word-spacing: 0.2em; + text-indent: 0em;} +h2 {font-size: 150%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 1em;} +h3 {font-size: 130%; margin-top: 1em;} +h4 {font-size: 120%;} +h5 {font-size: 110%;} + +.no-break {page-break-before: avoid;} /* for epubs */ + +div.chapter {page-break-before: always; margin-top: 4em;} + +hr {width: 80%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em;} + +p {text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: 0.25em; + margin-bottom: 0.25em; } + +p.poem {text-indent: 0%; + margin-left: 10%; + font-size: 90%; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em; } + +p.footnote {font-size: 90%; + text-indent: 0%; + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em; } + +.mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + +pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +a:link {color:blue; text-decoration:none} +a:visited {color:blue; text-decoration:none} +a:hover {color:red} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + +<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Grimms’ Fairy Tales, by Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and +most other parts of the world 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>. If you +are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the +country where you are located before using this eBook. +</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Grimms’ Fairy Tales</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Translators: Edgar Taylor and Marian Edwardes</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: April, 2001 [eBook #2591]<br /> +[Most recently updated: June 28, 2021]</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: Emma Dudding, John Bickers, Dagny and David Widger</div> +<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GRIMMS’ FAIRY TALES ***</div> + + +<h1>Grimms’ Fairy Tales</h1> + +<h2 class="no-break">By Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm</h2> + +<div class="mynote"> +PREPARER’S NOTE<br /> +<br /> +The text is based on translations from the Grimms’ Kinder und Hausmärchen +by Edgar Taylor and Marian Edwardes. +</div> + +<hr /> + +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> + +<table summary="" style=""> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> <b>THE BROTHERS GRIMM FAIRY TALES</b></a><br /><br /></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> THE GOLDEN BIRD</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> HANS IN LUCK</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> JORINDA AND JORINDEL</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> THE TRAVELLING MUSICIANS</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> OLD SULTAN</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> THE STRAW, THE COAL, AND THE BEAN</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> BRIAR ROSE</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> THE DOG AND THE SPARROW</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> THE TWELVE DANCING PRINCESSES</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> THE FISHERMAN AND HIS WIFE</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> THE WILLOW-WREN AND THE BEAR</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> THE FROG-PRINCE</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> CAT AND MOUSE IN PARTNERSHIP</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> THE GOOSE-GIRL</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> THE ADVENTURES OF CHANTICLEER AND PARTLET</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> RAPUNZEL</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0018"> FUNDEVOGEL</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0019"> THE VALIANT LITTLE TAILOR</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> HANSEL AND GRETEL</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0021"> THE MOUSE, THE BIRD, AND THE SAUSAGE</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0022"> MOTHER HOLLE</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0023"> LITTLE RED-CAP [LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD]</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0025"> THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0026"> TOM THUMB</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0027"> RUMPELSTILTSKIN</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0028"> CLEVER GRETEL</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0029"> THE OLD MAN AND HIS GRANDSON</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0030"> THE LITTLE PEASANT</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0031"> FREDERICK AND CATHERINE</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0032"> SWEETHEART ROLAND</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0033"> SNOWDROP</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0034"> THE PINK</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0035"> CLEVER ELSIE</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0036"> THE MISER IN THE BUSH</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0037"> ASHPUTTEL</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0038"> THE WHITE SNAKE</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0039"> THE WOLF AND THE SEVEN LITTLE KIDS</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0040"> THE QUEEN BEE</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0041"> THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0042"> THE JUNIPER-TREE</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0043"> THE TURNIP</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0044"> CLEVER HANS</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0045"> THE THREE LANGUAGES</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0046"> THE FOX AND THE CAT</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0047"> THE FOUR CLEVER BROTHERS</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0048"> LILY AND THE LION</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0049"> THE FOX AND THE HORSE</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0050"> THE BLUE LIGHT</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0051"> THE RAVEN</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0052"> THE GOLDEN GOOSE</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0053"> THE WATER OF LIFE</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0054"> THE TWELVE HUNTSMEN</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0055"> THE KING OF THE GOLDEN MOUNTAIN</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0056"> DOCTOR KNOWALL</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0057"> THE SEVEN RAVENS</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0058"> THE WEDDING OF MRS FOX</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0059"> THE SALAD</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0060"> THE STORY OF THE YOUTH WHO WENT FORTH TO LEARN WHAT FEAR WAS</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0061"> KING GRISLY-BEARD</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0062"> IRON HANS</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0063"> CAT-SKIN</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#link2H_4_0064"> SNOW-WHITE AND ROSE-RED</a></td> +</tr> + +</table> + +<hr /> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"></a> + THE BROTHERS GRIMM FAIRY TALES + </h2> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"></a> + THE GOLDEN BIRD + </h2> + <p> + A certain king had a beautiful garden, and in the garden stood a tree + which bore golden apples. These apples were always counted, and about the + time when they began to grow ripe it was found that every night one of + them was gone. The king became very angry at this, and ordered the + gardener to keep watch all night under the tree. The gardener set his + eldest son to watch; but about twelve o’clock he fell asleep, and in the + morning another of the apples was missing. Then the second son was ordered + to watch; and at midnight he too fell asleep, and in the morning another + apple was gone. Then the third son offered to keep watch; but the gardener + at first would not let him, for fear some harm should come to him: + however, at last he consented, and the young man laid himself under the + tree to watch. As the clock struck twelve he heard a rustling noise in the + air, and a bird came flying that was of pure gold; and as it was snapping + at one of the apples with its beak, the gardener’s son jumped up and shot + an arrow at it. But the arrow did the bird no harm; only it dropped a + golden feather from its tail, and then flew away. The golden feather was + brought to the king in the morning, and all the council was called + together. Everyone agreed that it was worth more than all the wealth of + the kingdom: but the king said, ‘One feather is of no use to me, I must + have the whole bird.’ + </p> + <p> + Then the gardener’s eldest son set out and thought to find the golden bird + very easily; and when he had gone but a little way, he came to a wood, and + by the side of the wood he saw a fox sitting; so he took his bow and made + ready to shoot at it. Then the fox said, ‘Do not shoot me, for I will give + you good counsel; I know what your business is, and that you want to find + the golden bird. You will reach a village in the evening; and when you get + there, you will see two inns opposite to each other, one of which is very + pleasant and beautiful to look at: go not in there, but rest for the night + in the other, though it may appear to you to be very poor and mean.’ But + the son thought to himself, ‘What can such a beast as this know about the + matter?’ So he shot his arrow at the fox; but he missed it, and it set up + its tail above its back and ran into the wood. Then he went his way, and + in the evening came to the village where the two inns were; and in one of + these were people singing, and dancing, and feasting; but the other looked + very dirty, and poor. ‘I should be very silly,’ said he, ‘if I went to + that shabby house, and left this charming place’; so he went into the + smart house, and ate and drank at his ease, and forgot the bird, and his + country too. + </p> + <p> + Time passed on; and as the eldest son did not come back, and no tidings + were heard of him, the second son set out, and the same thing happened to + him. He met the fox, who gave him the good advice: but when he came to the + two inns, his eldest brother was standing at the window where the + merrymaking was, and called to him to come in; and he could not withstand + the temptation, but went in, and forgot the golden bird and his country in + the same manner. + </p> + <p> + Time passed on again, and the youngest son too wished to set out into the + wide world to seek for the golden bird; but his father would not listen to + it for a long while, for he was very fond of his son, and was afraid that + some ill luck might happen to him also, and prevent his coming back. + However, at last it was agreed he should go, for he would not rest at + home; and as he came to the wood, he met the fox, and heard the same good + counsel. But he was thankful to the fox, and did not attempt his life as + his brothers had done; so the fox said, ‘Sit upon my tail, and you will + travel faster.’ So he sat down, and the fox began to run, and away they + went over stock and stone so quick that their hair whistled in the wind. + </p> + <p> + When they came to the village, the son followed the fox’s counsel, and + without looking about him went to the shabby inn and rested there all + night at his ease. In the morning came the fox again and met him as he was + beginning his journey, and said, ‘Go straight forward, till you come to a + castle, before which lie a whole troop of soldiers fast asleep and + snoring: take no notice of them, but go into the castle and pass on and on + till you come to a room, where the golden bird sits in a wooden cage; + close by it stands a beautiful golden cage; but do not try to take the + bird out of the shabby cage and put it into the handsome one, otherwise + you will repent it.’ Then the fox stretched out his tail again, and the + young man sat himself down, and away they went over stock and stone till + their hair whistled in the wind. + </p> + <p> + Before the castle gate all was as the fox had said: so the son went in and + found the chamber where the golden bird hung in a wooden cage, and below + stood the golden cage, and the three golden apples that had been lost were + lying close by it. Then thought he to himself, ‘It will be a very droll + thing to bring away such a fine bird in this shabby cage’; so he opened + the door and took hold of it and put it into the golden cage. But the bird + set up such a loud scream that all the soldiers awoke, and they took him + prisoner and carried him before the king. The next morning the court sat + to judge him; and when all was heard, it sentenced him to die, unless he + should bring the king the golden horse which could run as swiftly as the + wind; and if he did this, he was to have the golden bird given him for his + own. + </p> + <p> + So he set out once more on his journey, sighing, and in great despair, + when on a sudden his friend the fox met him, and said, ‘You see now what + has happened on account of your not listening to my counsel. I will still, + however, tell you how to find the golden horse, if you will do as I bid + you. You must go straight on till you come to the castle where the horse + stands in his stall: by his side will lie the groom fast asleep and + snoring: take away the horse quietly, but be sure to put the old leathern + saddle upon him, and not the golden one that is close by it.’ Then the son + sat down on the fox’s tail, and away they went over stock and stone till + their hair whistled in the wind. + </p> + <p> + All went right, and the groom lay snoring with his hand upon the golden + saddle. But when the son looked at the horse, he thought it a great pity + to put the leathern saddle upon it. ‘I will give him the good one,’ said + he; ‘I am sure he deserves it.’ As he took up the golden saddle the groom + awoke and cried out so loud, that all the guards ran in and took him + prisoner, and in the morning he was again brought before the court to be + judged, and was sentenced to die. But it was agreed, that, if he could + bring thither the beautiful princess, he should live, and have the bird + and the horse given him for his own. + </p> + <p> + Then he went his way very sorrowful; but the old fox came and said, ‘Why + did not you listen to me? If you had, you would have carried away both the + bird and the horse; yet will I once more give you counsel. Go straight on, + and in the evening you will arrive at a castle. At twelve o’clock at night + the princess goes to the bathing-house: go up to her and give her a kiss, + and she will let you lead her away; but take care you do not suffer her to + go and take leave of her father and mother.’ Then the fox stretched out + his tail, and so away they went over stock and stone till their hair + whistled again. + </p> + <p> + As they came to the castle, all was as the fox had said, and at twelve + o’clock the young man met the princess going to the bath and gave her the + kiss, and she agreed to run away with him, but begged with many tears that + he would let her take leave of her father. At first he refused, but she + wept still more and more, and fell at his feet, till at last he consented; + but the moment she came to her father’s house the guards awoke and he was + taken prisoner again. + </p> + <p> + Then he was brought before the king, and the king said, ‘You shall never + have my daughter unless in eight days you dig away the hill that stops the + view from my window.’ Now this hill was so big that the whole world could + not take it away: and when he had worked for seven days, and had done very + little, the fox came and said. ‘Lie down and go to sleep; I will work for + you.’ And in the morning he awoke and the hill was gone; so he went + merrily to the king, and told him that now that it was removed he must + give him the princess. + </p> + <p> + Then the king was obliged to keep his word, and away went the young man + and the princess; and the fox came and said to him, ‘We will have all + three, the princess, the horse, and the bird.’ ‘Ah!’ said the young man, + ‘that would be a great thing, but how can you contrive it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you will only listen,’ said the fox, ‘it can be done. When you come to + the king, and he asks for the beautiful princess, you must say, “Here she + is!” Then he will be very joyful; and you will mount the golden horse that + they are to give you, and put out your hand to take leave of them; but + shake hands with the princess last. Then lift her quickly on to the horse + behind you; clap your spurs to his side, and gallop away as fast as you + can.’ + </p> + <p> + All went right: then the fox said, ‘When you come to the castle where the + bird is, I will stay with the princess at the door, and you will ride in + and speak to the king; and when he sees that it is the right horse, he + will bring out the bird; but you must sit still, and say that you want to + look at it, to see whether it is the true golden bird; and when you get it + into your hand, ride away.’ + </p> + <p> + This, too, happened as the fox said; they carried off the bird, the + princess mounted again, and they rode on to a great wood. Then the fox + came, and said, ‘Pray kill me, and cut off my head and my feet.’ But the + young man refused to do it: so the fox said, ‘I will at any rate give you + good counsel: beware of two things; ransom no one from the gallows, and + sit down by the side of no river.’ Then away he went. ‘Well,’ thought the + young man, ‘it is no hard matter to keep that advice.’ + </p> + <p> + He rode on with the princess, till at last he came to the village where he + had left his two brothers. And there he heard a great noise and uproar; + and when he asked what was the matter, the people said, ‘Two men are going + to be hanged.’ As he came nearer, he saw that the two men were his + brothers, who had turned robbers; so he said, ‘Cannot they in any way be + saved?’ But the people said ‘No,’ unless he would bestow all his money + upon the rascals and buy their liberty. Then he did not stay to think + about the matter, but paid what was asked, and his brothers were given up, + and went on with him towards their home. + </p> + <p> + And as they came to the wood where the fox first met them, it was so cool + and pleasant that the two brothers said, ‘Let us sit down by the side of + the river, and rest a while, to eat and drink.’ So he said, ‘Yes,’ and + forgot the fox’s counsel, and sat down on the side of the river; and while + he suspected nothing, they came behind, and threw him down the bank, and + took the princess, the horse, and the bird, and went home to the king + their master, and said. ‘All this have we won by our labour.’ Then there + was great rejoicing made; but the horse would not eat, the bird would not + sing, and the princess wept. + </p> + <p> + The youngest son fell to the bottom of the river’s bed: luckily it was + nearly dry, but his bones were almost broken, and the bank was so steep + that he could find no way to get out. Then the old fox came once more, and + scolded him for not following his advice; otherwise no evil would have + befallen him: ‘Yet,’ said he, ‘I cannot leave you here, so lay hold of my + tail and hold fast.’ Then he pulled him out of the river, and said to him, + as he got upon the bank, ‘Your brothers have set watch to kill you, if + they find you in the kingdom.’ So he dressed himself as a poor man, and + came secretly to the king’s court, and was scarcely within the doors when + the horse began to eat, and the bird to sing, and the princess left off + weeping. Then he went to the king, and told him all his brothers’ roguery; + and they were seized and punished, and he had the princess given to him + again; and after the king’s death he was heir to his kingdom. + </p> + <p> + A long while after, he went to walk one day in the wood, and the old fox + met him, and besought him with tears in his eyes to kill him, and cut off + his head and feet. And at last he did so, and in a moment the fox was + changed into a man, and turned out to be the brother of the princess, who + had been lost a great many many years. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"></a> + HANS IN LUCK + </h2> + <p> + Some men are born to good luck: all they do or try to do comes right—all + that falls to them is so much gain—all their geese are swans—all + their cards are trumps—toss them which way you will, they will + always, like poor puss, alight upon their legs, and only move on so much + the faster. The world may very likely not always think of them as they + think of themselves, but what care they for the world? what can it know + about the matter? + </p> + <p> + One of these lucky beings was neighbour Hans. Seven long years he had + worked hard for his master. At last he said, ‘Master, my time is up; I + must go home and see my poor mother once more: so pray pay me my wages and + let me go.’ And the master said, ‘You have been a faithful and good + servant, Hans, so your pay shall be handsome.’ Then he gave him a lump of + silver as big as his head. + </p> + <p> + Hans took out his pocket-handkerchief, put the piece of silver into it, + threw it over his shoulder, and jogged off on his road homewards. As he + went lazily on, dragging one foot after another, a man came in sight, + trotting gaily along on a capital horse. ‘Ah!’ said Hans aloud, ‘what a + fine thing it is to ride on horseback! There he sits as easy and happy as + if he was at home, in the chair by his fireside; he trips against no + stones, saves shoe-leather, and gets on he hardly knows how.’ Hans did not + speak so softly but the horseman heard it all, and said, ‘Well, friend, + why do you go on foot then?’ ‘Ah!’ said he, ‘I have this load to carry: to + be sure it is silver, but it is so heavy that I can’t hold up my head, and + you must know it hurts my shoulder sadly.’ ‘What do you say of making an + exchange?’ said the horseman. ‘I will give you my horse, and you shall + give me the silver; which will save you a great deal of trouble in + carrying such a heavy load about with you.’ ‘With all my heart,’ said + Hans: ‘but as you are so kind to me, I must tell you one thing—you + will have a weary task to draw that silver about with you.’ However, the + horseman got off, took the silver, helped Hans up, gave him the bridle + into one hand and the whip into the other, and said, ‘When you want to go + very fast, smack your lips loudly together, and cry “Jip!”’ + </p> + <p> + Hans was delighted as he sat on the horse, drew himself up, squared his + elbows, turned out his toes, cracked his whip, and rode merrily off, one + minute whistling a merry tune, and another singing, + </p> + +<p class="poem"> +‘No care and no sorrow,<br /> +A fig for the morrow!<br /> +We’ll laugh and be merry,<br /> +Sing neigh down derry!’ +</p> + + <p> + After a time he thought he should like to go a little faster, so he + smacked his lips and cried ‘Jip!’ Away went the horse full gallop; and + before Hans knew what he was about, he was thrown off, and lay on his back + by the road-side. His horse would have ran off, if a shepherd who was + coming by, driving a cow, had not stopped it. Hans soon came to himself, + and got upon his legs again, sadly vexed, and said to the shepherd, ‘This + riding is no joke, when a man has the luck to get upon a beast like this + that stumbles and flings him off as if it would break his neck. However, + I’m off now once for all: I like your cow now a great deal better than + this smart beast that played me this trick, and has spoiled my best coat, + you see, in this puddle; which, by the by, smells not very like a nosegay. + One can walk along at one’s leisure behind that cow—keep good + company, and have milk, butter, and cheese, every day, into the bargain. + What would I give to have such a prize!’ ‘Well,’ said the shepherd, ‘if + you are so fond of her, I will change my cow for your horse; I like to do + good to my neighbours, even though I lose by it myself.’ ‘Done!’ said + Hans, merrily. ‘What a noble heart that good man has!’ thought he. Then + the shepherd jumped upon the horse, wished Hans and the cow good morning, + and away he rode. + </p> + <p> + Hans brushed his coat, wiped his face and hands, rested a while, and then + drove off his cow quietly, and thought his bargain a very lucky one. ‘If I + have only a piece of bread (and I certainly shall always be able to get + that), I can, whenever I like, eat my butter and cheese with it; and when + I am thirsty I can milk my cow and drink the milk: and what can I wish for + more?’ When he came to an inn, he halted, ate up all his bread, and gave + away his last penny for a glass of beer. When he had rested himself he set + off again, driving his cow towards his mother’s village. But the heat grew + greater as soon as noon came on, till at last, as he found himself on a + wide heath that would take him more than an hour to cross, he began to be + so hot and parched that his tongue clave to the roof of his mouth. ‘I can + find a cure for this,’ thought he; ‘now I will milk my cow and quench my + thirst’: so he tied her to the stump of a tree, and held his leathern cap + to milk into; but not a drop was to be had. Who would have thought that + this cow, which was to bring him milk and butter and cheese, was all that + time utterly dry? Hans had not thought of looking to that. + </p> + <p> + While he was trying his luck in milking, and managing the matter very + clumsily, the uneasy beast began to think him very troublesome; and at + last gave him such a kick on the head as knocked him down; and there he + lay a long while senseless. Luckily a butcher soon came by, driving a pig + in a wheelbarrow. ‘What is the matter with you, my man?’ said the butcher, + as he helped him up. Hans told him what had happened, how he was dry, and + wanted to milk his cow, but found the cow was dry too. Then the butcher + gave him a flask of ale, saying, ‘There, drink and refresh yourself; your + cow will give you no milk: don’t you see she is an old beast, good for + nothing but the slaughter-house?’ ‘Alas, alas!’ said Hans, ‘who would have + thought it? What a shame to take my horse, and give me only a dry cow! If + I kill her, what will she be good for? I hate cow-beef; it is not tender + enough for me. If it were a pig now—like that fat gentleman you are + driving along at his ease—one could do something with it; it would + at any rate make sausages.’ ‘Well,’ said the butcher, ‘I don’t like to say + no, when one is asked to do a kind, neighbourly thing. To please you I + will change, and give you my fine fat pig for the cow.’ ‘Heaven reward you + for your kindness and self-denial!’ said Hans, as he gave the butcher the + cow; and taking the pig off the wheel-barrow, drove it away, holding it by + the string that was tied to its leg. + </p> + <p> + So on he jogged, and all seemed now to go right with him: he had met with + some misfortunes, to be sure; but he was now well repaid for all. How + could it be otherwise with such a travelling companion as he had at last + got? + </p> + <p> + The next man he met was a countryman carrying a fine white goose. The + countryman stopped to ask what was o’clock; this led to further chat; and + Hans told him all his luck, how he had so many good bargains, and how all + the world went gay and smiling with him. The countryman then began to tell + his tale, and said he was going to take the goose to a christening. + ‘Feel,’ said he, ‘how heavy it is, and yet it is only eight weeks old. + Whoever roasts and eats it will find plenty of fat upon it, it has lived + so well!’ ‘You’re right,’ said Hans, as he weighed it in his hand; ‘but if + you talk of fat, my pig is no trifle.’ Meantime the countryman began to + look grave, and shook his head. ‘Hark ye!’ said he, ‘my worthy friend, you + seem a good sort of fellow, so I can’t help doing you a kind turn. Your + pig may get you into a scrape. In the village I just came from, the squire + has had a pig stolen out of his sty. I was dreadfully afraid when I saw + you that you had got the squire’s pig. If you have, and they catch you, it + will be a bad job for you. The least they will do will be to throw you + into the horse-pond. Can you swim?’ + </p> + <p> + Poor Hans was sadly frightened. ‘Good man,’ cried he, ‘pray get me out of + this scrape. I know nothing of where the pig was either bred or born; but + he may have been the squire’s for aught I can tell: you know this country + better than I do, take my pig and give me the goose.’ ‘I ought to have + something into the bargain,’ said the countryman; ‘give a fat goose for a + pig, indeed! ‘Tis not everyone would do so much for you as that. However, + I will not be hard upon you, as you are in trouble.’ Then he took the + string in his hand, and drove off the pig by a side path; while Hans went + on the way homewards free from care. ‘After all,’ thought he, ‘that chap + is pretty well taken in. I don’t care whose pig it is, but wherever it + came from it has been a very good friend to me. I have much the best of + the bargain. First there will be a capital roast; then the fat will find + me in goose-grease for six months; and then there are all the beautiful + white feathers. I will put them into my pillow, and then I am sure I shall + sleep soundly without rocking. How happy my mother will be! Talk of a pig, + indeed! Give me a fine fat goose.’ + </p> + <p> + As he came to the next village, he saw a scissor-grinder with his wheel, + working and singing, + </p> + +<p class="poem"> +‘O’er hill and o’er dale<br /> +So happy I roam,<br /> +Work light and live well,<br /> +All the world is my home;<br /> +Then who so blythe, so merry as I?’ +</p> + + <p> + Hans stood looking on for a while, and at last said, ‘You must be well + off, master grinder! you seem so happy at your work.’ ‘Yes,’ said the + other, ‘mine is a golden trade; a good grinder never puts his hand into + his pocket without finding money in it—but where did you get that + beautiful goose?’ ‘I did not buy it, I gave a pig for it.’ ‘And where did + you get the pig?’ ‘I gave a cow for it.’ ‘And the cow?’ ‘I gave a horse + for it.’ ‘And the horse?’ ‘I gave a lump of silver as big as my head for + it.’ ‘And the silver?’ ‘Oh! I worked hard for that seven long years.’ ‘You + have thriven well in the world hitherto,’ said the grinder, ‘now if you + could find money in your pocket whenever you put your hand in it, your + fortune would be made.’ ‘Very true: but how is that to be managed?’ ‘How? + Why, you must turn grinder like myself,’ said the other; ‘you only want a + grindstone; the rest will come of itself. Here is one that is but little + the worse for wear: I would not ask more than the value of your goose for + it—will you buy?’ ‘How can you ask?’ said Hans; ‘I should be the + happiest man in the world, if I could have money whenever I put my hand in + my pocket: what could I want more? there’s the goose.’ ‘Now,’ said the + grinder, as he gave him a common rough stone that lay by his side, ‘this + is a most capital stone; do but work it well enough, and you can make an + old nail cut with it.’ + </p> + <p> + Hans took the stone, and went his way with a light heart: his eyes + sparkled for joy, and he said to himself, ‘Surely I must have been born in + a lucky hour; everything I could want or wish for comes of itself. People + are so kind; they seem really to think I do them a favour in letting them + make me rich, and giving me good bargains.’ + </p> + <p> + Meantime he began to be tired, and hungry too, for he had given away his + last penny in his joy at getting the cow. + </p> + <p> + At last he could go no farther, for the stone tired him sadly: and he + dragged himself to the side of a river, that he might take a drink of + water, and rest a while. So he laid the stone carefully by his side on the + bank: but, as he stooped down to drink, he forgot it, pushed it a little, + and down it rolled, plump into the stream. + </p> + <p> + For a while he watched it sinking in the deep clear water; then sprang up + and danced for joy, and again fell upon his knees and thanked Heaven, with + tears in his eyes, for its kindness in taking away his only plague, the + ugly heavy stone. + </p> + <p> + ‘How happy am I!’ cried he; ‘nobody was ever so lucky as I.’ Then up he + got with a light heart, free from all his troubles, and walked on till he + reached his mother’s house, and told her how very easy the road to good + luck was. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"></a> + JORINDA AND JORINDEL + </h2> + <p> + There was once an old castle, that stood in the middle of a deep gloomy + wood, and in the castle lived an old fairy. Now this fairy could take any + shape she pleased. All the day long she flew about in the form of an owl, + or crept about the country like a cat; but at night she always became an + old woman again. When any young man came within a hundred paces of her + castle, he became quite fixed, and could not move a step till she came and + set him free; which she would not do till he had given her his word never + to come there again: but when any pretty maiden came within that space she + was changed into a bird, and the fairy put her into a cage, and hung her + up in a chamber in the castle. There were seven hundred of these cages + hanging in the castle, and all with beautiful birds in them. + </p> + <p> + Now there was once a maiden whose name was Jorinda. She was prettier than + all the pretty girls that ever were seen before, and a shepherd lad, whose + name was Jorindel, was very fond of her, and they were soon to be married. + One day they went to walk in the wood, that they might be alone; and + Jorindel said, ‘We must take care that we don’t go too near to the fairy’s + castle.’ It was a beautiful evening; the last rays of the setting sun + shone bright through the long stems of the trees upon the green underwood + beneath, and the turtle-doves sang from the tall birches. + </p> + <p> + Jorinda sat down to gaze upon the sun; Jorindel sat by her side; and both + felt sad, they knew not why; but it seemed as if they were to be parted + from one another for ever. They had wandered a long way; and when they + looked to see which way they should go home, they found themselves at a + loss to know what path to take. + </p> + <p> + The sun was setting fast, and already half of its circle had sunk behind + the hill: Jorindel on a sudden looked behind him, and saw through the + bushes that they had, without knowing it, sat down close under the old + walls of the castle. Then he shrank for fear, turned pale, and trembled. + Jorinda was just singing, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘The ring-dove sang from the willow spray, + Well-a-day! Well-a-day! + He mourn’d for the fate of his darling mate, + Well-a-day!’ +</pre> + <p> + when her song stopped suddenly. Jorindel turned to see the reason, and + beheld his Jorinda changed into a nightingale, so that her song ended with + a mournful <i>jug, jug</i>. An owl with fiery eyes flew three times round + them, and three times screamed: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Tu whu! Tu whu! Tu whu!’ +</pre> + <p> + Jorindel could not move; he stood fixed as a stone, and could neither + weep, nor speak, nor stir hand or foot. And now the sun went quite down; + the gloomy night came; the owl flew into a bush; and a moment after the + old fairy came forth pale and meagre, with staring eyes, and a nose and + chin that almost met one another. + </p> + <p> + She mumbled something to herself, seized the nightingale, and went away + with it in her hand. Poor Jorindel saw the nightingale was gone—but + what could he do? He could not speak, he could not move from the spot + where he stood. At last the fairy came back and sang with a hoarse voice: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Till the prisoner is fast, + And her doom is cast, + There stay! Oh, stay! + When the charm is around her, + And the spell has bound her, + Hie away! away!’ +</pre> + <p> + On a sudden Jorindel found himself free. Then he fell on his knees before + the fairy, and prayed her to give him back his dear Jorinda: but she + laughed at him, and said he should never see her again; then she went her + way. + </p> + <p> + He prayed, he wept, he sorrowed, but all in vain. ‘Alas!’ he said, ‘what + will become of me?’ He could not go back to his own home, so he went to a + strange village, and employed himself in keeping sheep. Many a time did he + walk round and round as near to the hated castle as he dared go, but all + in vain; he heard or saw nothing of Jorinda. + </p> + <p> + At last he dreamt one night that he found a beautiful purple flower, and + that in the middle of it lay a costly pearl; and he dreamt that he plucked + the flower, and went with it in his hand into the castle, and that + everything he touched with it was disenchanted, and that there he found + his Jorinda again. + </p> + <p> + In the morning when he awoke, he began to search over hill and dale for + this pretty flower; and eight long days he sought for it in vain: but on + the ninth day, early in the morning, he found the beautiful purple flower; + and in the middle of it was a large dewdrop, as big as a costly pearl. + Then he plucked the flower, and set out and travelled day and night, till + he came again to the castle. + </p> + <p> + He walked nearer than a hundred paces to it, and yet he did not become + fixed as before, but found that he could go quite close up to the door. + Jorindel was very glad indeed to see this. Then he touched the door with + the flower, and it sprang open; so that he went in through the court, and + listened when he heard so many birds singing. At last he came to the + chamber where the fairy sat, with the seven hundred birds singing in the + seven hundred cages. When she saw Jorindel she was very angry, and + screamed with rage; but she could not come within two yards of him, for + the flower he held in his hand was his safeguard. He looked around at the + birds, but alas! there were many, many nightingales, and how then should + he find out which was his Jorinda? While he was thinking what to do, he + saw the fairy had taken down one of the cages, and was making the best of + her way off through the door. He ran or flew after her, touched the cage + with the flower, and Jorinda stood before him, and threw her arms round + his neck looking as beautiful as ever, as beautiful as when they walked + together in the wood. + </p> + <p> + Then he touched all the other birds with the flower, so that they all took + their old forms again; and he took Jorinda home, where they were married, + and lived happily together many years: and so did a good many other lads, + whose maidens had been forced to sing in the old fairy’s cages by + themselves, much longer than they liked. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"></a> + THE TRAVELLING MUSICIANS + </h2> + <p> + An honest farmer had once an ass that had been a faithful servant to him a + great many years, but was now growing old and every day more and more + unfit for work. His master therefore was tired of keeping him and began to + think of putting an end to him; but the ass, who saw that some mischief + was in the wind, took himself slyly off, and began his journey towards the + great city, ‘For there,’ thought he, ‘I may turn musician.’ + </p> + <p> + After he had travelled a little way, he spied a dog lying by the roadside + and panting as if he were tired. ‘What makes you pant so, my friend?’ said + the ass. ‘Alas!’ said the dog, ‘my master was going to knock me on the + head, because I am old and weak, and can no longer make myself useful to + him in hunting; so I ran away; but what can I do to earn my livelihood?’ + ‘Hark ye!’ said the ass, ‘I am going to the great city to turn musician: + suppose you go with me, and try what you can do in the same way?’ The dog + said he was willing, and they jogged on together. + </p> + <p> + They had not gone far before they saw a cat sitting in the middle of the + road and making a most rueful face. ‘Pray, my good lady,’ said the ass, + ‘what’s the matter with you? You look quite out of spirits!’ ‘Ah, me!’ + said the cat, ‘how can one be in good spirits when one’s life is in + danger? Because I am beginning to grow old, and had rather lie at my ease + by the fire than run about the house after the mice, my mistress laid hold + of me, and was going to drown me; and though I have been lucky enough to + get away from her, I do not know what I am to live upon.’ ‘Oh,’ said the + ass, ‘by all means go with us to the great city; you are a good night + singer, and may make your fortune as a musician.’ The cat was pleased with + the thought, and joined the party. + </p> + <p> + Soon afterwards, as they were passing by a farmyard, they saw a cock + perched upon a gate, and screaming out with all his might and main. + ‘Bravo!’ said the ass; ‘upon my word, you make a famous noise; pray what + is all this about?’ ‘Why,’ said the cock, ‘I was just now saying that we + should have fine weather for our washing-day, and yet my mistress and the + cook don’t thank me for my pains, but threaten to cut off my head + tomorrow, and make broth of me for the guests that are coming on Sunday!’ + ‘Heaven forbid!’ said the ass, ‘come with us Master Chanticleer; it will + be better, at any rate, than staying here to have your head cut off! + Besides, who knows? If we care to sing in tune, we may get up some kind of + a concert; so come along with us.’ ‘With all my heart,’ said the cock: so + they all four went on jollily together. + </p> + <p> + They could not, however, reach the great city the first day; so when night + came on, they went into a wood to sleep. The ass and the dog laid + themselves down under a great tree, and the cat climbed up into the + branches; while the cock, thinking that the higher he sat the safer he + should be, flew up to the very top of the tree, and then, according to his + custom, before he went to sleep, looked out on all sides of him to see + that everything was well. In doing this, he saw afar off something bright + and shining and calling to his companions said, ‘There must be a house no + great way off, for I see a light.’ ‘If that be the case,’ said the ass, + ‘we had better change our quarters, for our lodging is not the best in the + world!’ ‘Besides,’ added the dog, ‘I should not be the worse for a bone or + two, or a bit of meat.’ So they walked off together towards the spot where + Chanticleer had seen the light, and as they drew near it became larger and + brighter, till they at last came close to a house in which a gang of + robbers lived. + </p> + <p> + The ass, being the tallest of the company, marched up to the window and + peeped in. ‘Well, Donkey,’ said Chanticleer, ‘what do you see?’ ‘What do I + see?’ replied the ass. ‘Why, I see a table spread with all kinds of good + things, and robbers sitting round it making merry.’ ‘That would be a noble + lodging for us,’ said the cock. ‘Yes,’ said the ass, ‘if we could only get + in’; so they consulted together how they should contrive to get the + robbers out; and at last they hit upon a plan. The ass placed himself + upright on his hind legs, with his forefeet resting against the window; + the dog got upon his back; the cat scrambled up to the dog’s shoulders, + and the cock flew up and sat upon the cat’s head. When all was ready a + signal was given, and they began their music. The ass brayed, the dog + barked, the cat mewed, and the cock screamed; and then they all broke + through the window at once, and came tumbling into the room, amongst the + broken glass, with a most hideous clatter! The robbers, who had been not a + little frightened by the opening concert, had now no doubt that some + frightful hobgoblin had broken in upon them, and scampered away as fast as + they could. + </p> + <p> + The coast once clear, our travellers soon sat down and dispatched what the + robbers had left, with as much eagerness as if they had not expected to + eat again for a month. As soon as they had satisfied themselves, they put + out the lights, and each once more sought out a resting-place to his own + liking. The donkey laid himself down upon a heap of straw in the yard, the + dog stretched himself upon a mat behind the door, the cat rolled herself + up on the hearth before the warm ashes, and the cock perched upon a beam + on the top of the house; and, as they were all rather tired with their + journey, they soon fell asleep. + </p> + <p> + But about midnight, when the robbers saw from afar that the lights were + out and that all seemed quiet, they began to think that they had been in + too great a hurry to run away; and one of them, who was bolder than the + rest, went to see what was going on. Finding everything still, he marched + into the kitchen, and groped about till he found a match in order to light + a candle; and then, espying the glittering fiery eyes of the cat, he + mistook them for live coals, and held the match to them to light it. But + the cat, not understanding this joke, sprang at his face, and spat, and + scratched at him. This frightened him dreadfully, and away he ran to the + back door; but there the dog jumped up and bit him in the leg; and as he + was crossing over the yard the ass kicked him; and the cock, who had been + awakened by the noise, crowed with all his might. At this the robber ran + back as fast as he could to his comrades, and told the captain how a + horrid witch had got into the house, and had spat at him and scratched his + face with her long bony fingers; how a man with a knife in his hand had + hidden himself behind the door, and stabbed him in the leg; how a black + monster stood in the yard and struck him with a club, and how the devil + had sat upon the top of the house and cried out, ‘Throw the rascal up + here!’ After this the robbers never dared to go back to the house; but the + musicians were so pleased with their quarters that they took up their + abode there; and there they are, I dare say, at this very day. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"></a> + OLD SULTAN + </h2> + <p> + A shepherd had a faithful dog, called Sultan, who was grown very old, and + had lost all his teeth. And one day when the shepherd and his wife were + standing together before the house the shepherd said, ‘I will shoot old + Sultan tomorrow morning, for he is of no use now.’ But his wife said, + ‘Pray let the poor faithful creature live; he has served us well a great + many years, and we ought to give him a livelihood for the rest of his + days.’ ‘But what can we do with him?’ said the shepherd, ‘he has not a + tooth in his head, and the thieves don’t care for him at all; to be sure + he has served us, but then he did it to earn his livelihood; tomorrow + shall be his last day, depend upon it.’ + </p> + <p> + Poor Sultan, who was lying close by them, heard all that the shepherd and + his wife said to one another, and was very much frightened to think + tomorrow would be his last day; so in the evening he went to his good + friend the wolf, who lived in the wood, and told him all his sorrows, and + how his master meant to kill him in the morning. ‘Make yourself easy,’ + said the wolf, ‘I will give you some good advice. Your master, you know, + goes out every morning very early with his wife into the field; and they + take their little child with them, and lay it down behind the hedge in the + shade while they are at work. Now do you lie down close by the child, and + pretend to be watching it, and I will come out of the wood and run away + with it; you must run after me as fast as you can, and I will let it drop; + then you may carry it back, and they will think you have saved their + child, and will be so thankful to you that they will take care of you as + long as you live.’ The dog liked this plan very well; and accordingly so + it was managed. The wolf ran with the child a little way; the shepherd and + his wife screamed out; but Sultan soon overtook him, and carried the poor + little thing back to his master and mistress. Then the shepherd patted him + on the head, and said, ‘Old Sultan has saved our child from the wolf, and + therefore he shall live and be well taken care of, and have plenty to eat. + Wife, go home, and give him a good dinner, and let him have my old cushion + to sleep on as long as he lives.’ So from this time forward Sultan had all + that he could wish for. + </p> + <p> + Soon afterwards the wolf came and wished him joy, and said, ‘Now, my good + fellow, you must tell no tales, but turn your head the other way when I + want to taste one of the old shepherd’s fine fat sheep.’ ‘No,’ said the + Sultan; ‘I will be true to my master.’ However, the wolf thought he was in + joke, and came one night to get a dainty morsel. But Sultan had told his + master what the wolf meant to do; so he laid wait for him behind the barn + door, and when the wolf was busy looking out for a good fat sheep, he had + a stout cudgel laid about his back, that combed his locks for him finely. + </p> + <p> + Then the wolf was very angry, and called Sultan ‘an old rogue,’ and swore + he would have his revenge. So the next morning the wolf sent the boar to + challenge Sultan to come into the wood to fight the matter. Now Sultan had + nobody he could ask to be his second but the shepherd’s old three-legged + cat; so he took her with him, and as the poor thing limped along with some + trouble, she stuck up her tail straight in the air. + </p> + <p> + The wolf and the wild boar were first on the ground; and when they espied + their enemies coming, and saw the cat’s long tail standing straight in the + air, they thought she was carrying a sword for Sultan to fight with; and + every time she limped, they thought she was picking up a stone to throw at + them; so they said they should not like this way of fighting, and the boar + lay down behind a bush, and the wolf jumped up into a tree. Sultan and the + cat soon came up, and looked about and wondered that no one was there. The + boar, however, had not quite hidden himself, for his ears stuck out of the + bush; and when he shook one of them a little, the cat, seeing something + move, and thinking it was a mouse, sprang upon it, and bit and scratched + it, so that the boar jumped up and grunted, and ran away, roaring out, + ‘Look up in the tree, there sits the one who is to blame.’ So they looked + up, and espied the wolf sitting amongst the branches; and they called him + a cowardly rascal, and would not suffer him to come down till he was + heartily ashamed of himself, and had promised to be good friends again + with old Sultan. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"></a> + THE STRAW, THE COAL, AND THE BEAN + </h2> + <p> + In a village dwelt a poor old woman, who had gathered together a dish of + beans and wanted to cook them. So she made a fire on her hearth, and that + it might burn the quicker, she lighted it with a handful of straw. When + she was emptying the beans into the pan, one dropped without her observing + it, and lay on the ground beside a straw, and soon afterwards a burning + coal from the fire leapt down to the two. Then the straw began and said: + ‘Dear friends, from whence do you come here?’ The coal replied: ‘I + fortunately sprang out of the fire, and if I had not escaped by sheer + force, my death would have been certain,—I should have been burnt to + ashes.’ The bean said: ‘I too have escaped with a whole skin, but if the + old woman had got me into the pan, I should have been made into broth + without any mercy, like my comrades.’ ‘And would a better fate have fallen + to my lot?’ said the straw. ‘The old woman has destroyed all my brethren + in fire and smoke; she seized sixty of them at once, and took their lives. + I luckily slipped through her fingers.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But what are we to do now?’ said the coal. + </p> + <p> + ‘I think,’ answered the bean, ‘that as we have so fortunately escaped + death, we should keep together like good companions, and lest a new + mischance should overtake us here, we should go away together, and repair + to a foreign country.’ + </p> + <p> + The proposition pleased the two others, and they set out on their way + together. Soon, however, they came to a little brook, and as there was no + bridge or foot-plank, they did not know how they were to get over it. The + straw hit on a good idea, and said: ‘I will lay myself straight across, + and then you can walk over on me as on a bridge.’ The straw therefore + stretched itself from one bank to the other, and the coal, who was of an + impetuous disposition, tripped quite boldly on to the newly-built bridge. + But when she had reached the middle, and heard the water rushing beneath + her, she was after all, afraid, and stood still, and ventured no farther. + The straw, however, began to burn, broke in two pieces, and fell into the + stream. The coal slipped after her, hissed when she got into the water, + and breathed her last. The bean, who had prudently stayed behind on the + shore, could not but laugh at the event, was unable to stop, and laughed + so heartily that she burst. It would have been all over with her, + likewise, if, by good fortune, a tailor who was travelling in search of + work, had not sat down to rest by the brook. As he had a compassionate + heart he pulled out his needle and thread, and sewed her together. The + bean thanked him most prettily, but as the tailor used black thread, all + beans since then have a black seam. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"></a> + BRIAR ROSE + </h2> + <p> + A king and queen once upon a time reigned in a country a great way off, + where there were in those days fairies. Now this king and queen had plenty + of money, and plenty of fine clothes to wear, and plenty of good things to + eat and drink, and a coach to ride out in every day: but though they had + been married many years they had no children, and this grieved them very + much indeed. But one day as the queen was walking by the side of the + river, at the bottom of the garden, she saw a poor little fish, that had + thrown itself out of the water, and lay gasping and nearly dead on the + bank. Then the queen took pity on the little fish, and threw it back again + into the river; and before it swam away it lifted its head out of the + water and said, ‘I know what your wish is, and it shall be fulfilled, in + return for your kindness to me—you will soon have a daughter.’ What + the little fish had foretold soon came to pass; and the queen had a little + girl, so very beautiful that the king could not cease looking on it for + joy, and said he would hold a great feast and make merry, and show the + child to all the land. So he asked his kinsmen, and nobles, and friends, + and neighbours. But the queen said, ‘I will have the fairies also, that + they might be kind and good to our little daughter.’ Now there were + thirteen fairies in the kingdom; but as the king and queen had only twelve + golden dishes for them to eat out of, they were forced to leave one of the + fairies without asking her. So twelve fairies came, each with a high red + cap on her head, and red shoes with high heels on her feet, and a long + white wand in her hand: and after the feast was over they gathered round + in a ring and gave all their best gifts to the little princess. One gave + her goodness, another beauty, another riches, and so on till she had all + that was good in the world. + </p> + <p> + Just as eleven of them had done blessing her, a great noise was heard in + the courtyard, and word was brought that the thirteenth fairy was come, + with a black cap on her head, and black shoes on her feet, and a + broomstick in her hand: and presently up she came into the dining-hall. + Now, as she had not been asked to the feast she was very angry, and + scolded the king and queen very much, and set to work to take her revenge. + So she cried out, ‘The king’s daughter shall, in her fifteenth year, be + wounded by a spindle, and fall down dead.’ Then the twelfth of the + friendly fairies, who had not yet given her gift, came forward, and said + that the evil wish must be fulfilled, but that she could soften its + mischief; so her gift was, that the king’s daughter, when the spindle + wounded her, should not really die, but should only fall asleep for a + hundred years. + </p> + <p> + However, the king hoped still to save his dear child altogether from the + threatened evil; so he ordered that all the spindles in the kingdom should + be bought up and burnt. But all the gifts of the first eleven fairies were + in the meantime fulfilled; for the princess was so beautiful, and well + behaved, and good, and wise, that everyone who knew her loved her. + </p> + <p> + It happened that, on the very day she was fifteen years old, the king and + queen were not at home, and she was left alone in the palace. So she roved + about by herself, and looked at all the rooms and chambers, till at last + she came to an old tower, to which there was a narrow staircase ending + with a little door. In the door there was a golden key, and when she + turned it the door sprang open, and there sat an old lady spinning away + very busily. ‘Why, how now, good mother,’ said the princess; ‘what are you + doing there?’ ‘Spinning,’ said the old lady, and nodded her head, humming + a tune, while buzz! went the wheel. ‘How prettily that little thing turns + round!’ said the princess, and took the spindle and began to try and spin. + But scarcely had she touched it, before the fairy’s prophecy was + fulfilled; the spindle wounded her, and she fell down lifeless on the + ground. + </p> + <p> + However, she was not dead, but had only fallen into a deep sleep; and the + king and the queen, who had just come home, and all their court, fell + asleep too; and the horses slept in the stables, and the dogs in the + court, the pigeons on the house-top, and the very flies slept upon the + walls. Even the fire on the hearth left off blazing, and went to sleep; + the jack stopped, and the spit that was turning about with a goose upon it + for the king’s dinner stood still; and the cook, who was at that moment + pulling the kitchen-boy by the hair to give him a box on the ear for + something he had done amiss, let him go, and both fell asleep; the butler, + who was slyly tasting the ale, fell asleep with the jug at his lips: and + thus everything stood still, and slept soundly. + </p> + <p> + A large hedge of thorns soon grew round the palace, and every year it + became higher and thicker; till at last the old palace was surrounded and + hidden, so that not even the roof or the chimneys could be seen. But there + went a report through all the land of the beautiful sleeping Briar Rose + (for so the king’s daughter was called): so that, from time to time, + several kings’ sons came, and tried to break through the thicket into the + palace. This, however, none of them could ever do; for the thorns and + bushes laid hold of them, as it were with hands; and there they stuck + fast, and died wretchedly. + </p> + <p> + After many, many years there came a king’s son into that land: and an old + man told him the story of the thicket of thorns; and how a beautiful + palace stood behind it, and how a wonderful princess, called Briar Rose, + lay in it asleep, with all her court. He told, too, how he had heard from + his grandfather that many, many princes had come, and had tried to break + through the thicket, but that they had all stuck fast in it, and died. + Then the young prince said, ‘All this shall not frighten me; I will go and + see this Briar Rose.’ The old man tried to hinder him, but he was bent + upon going. + </p> + <p> + Now that very day the hundred years were ended; and as the prince came to + the thicket he saw nothing but beautiful flowering shrubs, through which + he went with ease, and they shut in after him as thick as ever. Then he + came at last to the palace, and there in the court lay the dogs asleep; + and the horses were standing in the stables; and on the roof sat the + pigeons fast asleep, with their heads under their wings. And when he came + into the palace, the flies were sleeping on the walls; the spit was + standing still; the butler had the jug of ale at his lips, going to drink + a draught; the maid sat with a fowl in her lap ready to be plucked; and + the cook in the kitchen was still holding up her hand, as if she was going + to beat the boy. + </p> + <p> + Then he went on still farther, and all was so still that he could hear + every breath he drew; till at last he came to the old tower, and opened + the door of the little room in which Briar Rose was; and there she lay, + fast asleep on a couch by the window. She looked so beautiful that he + could not take his eyes off her, so he stooped down and gave her a kiss. + But the moment he kissed her she opened her eyes and awoke, and smiled + upon him; and they went out together; and soon the king and queen also + awoke, and all the court, and gazed on each other with great wonder. And + the horses shook themselves, and the dogs jumped up and barked; the + pigeons took their heads from under their wings, and looked about and flew + into the fields; the flies on the walls buzzed again; the fire in the + kitchen blazed up; round went the jack, and round went the spit, with the + goose for the king’s dinner upon it; the butler finished his draught of + ale; the maid went on plucking the fowl; and the cook gave the boy the box + on his ear. + </p> + <p> + And then the prince and Briar Rose were married, and the wedding feast was + given; and they lived happily together all their lives long. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"></a> + THE DOG AND THE SPARROW + </h2> + <p> + A shepherd’s dog had a master who took no care of him, but often let him + suffer the greatest hunger. At last he could bear it no longer; so he took + to his heels, and off he ran in a very sad and sorrowful mood. On the road + he met a sparrow that said to him, ‘Why are you so sad, my friend?’ + ‘Because,’ said the dog, ‘I am very very hungry, and have nothing to eat.’ + ‘If that be all,’ answered the sparrow, ‘come with me into the next town, + and I will soon find you plenty of food.’ So on they went together into + the town: and as they passed by a butcher’s shop, the sparrow said to the + dog, ‘Stand there a little while till I peck you down a piece of meat.’ So + the sparrow perched upon the shelf: and having first looked carefully + about her to see if anyone was watching her, she pecked and scratched at a + steak that lay upon the edge of the shelf, till at last down it fell. Then + the dog snapped it up, and scrambled away with it into a corner, where he + soon ate it all up. ‘Well,’ said the sparrow, ‘you shall have some more if + you will; so come with me to the next shop, and I will peck you down + another steak.’ When the dog had eaten this too, the sparrow said to him, + ‘Well, my good friend, have you had enough now?’ ‘I have had plenty of + meat,’ answered he, ‘but I should like to have a piece of bread to eat + after it.’ ‘Come with me then,’ said the sparrow, ‘and you shall soon have + that too.’ So she took him to a baker’s shop, and pecked at two rolls that + lay in the window, till they fell down: and as the dog still wished for + more, she took him to another shop and pecked down some more for him. When + that was eaten, the sparrow asked him whether he had had enough now. + ‘Yes,’ said he; ‘and now let us take a walk a little way out of the town.’ + So they both went out upon the high road; but as the weather was warm, + they had not gone far before the dog said, ‘I am very much tired—I + should like to take a nap.’ ‘Very well,’ answered the sparrow, ‘do so, and + in the meantime I will perch upon that bush.’ So the dog stretched himself + out on the road, and fell fast asleep. Whilst he slept, there came by a + carter with a cart drawn by three horses, and loaded with two casks of + wine. The sparrow, seeing that the carter did not turn out of the way, but + would go on in the track in which the dog lay, so as to drive over him, + called out, ‘Stop! stop! Mr Carter, or it shall be the worse for you.’ But + the carter, grumbling to himself, ‘You make it the worse for me, indeed! + what can you do?’ cracked his whip, and drove his cart over the poor dog, + so that the wheels crushed him to death. ‘There,’ cried the sparrow, ‘thou + cruel villain, thou hast killed my friend the dog. Now mind what I say. + This deed of thine shall cost thee all thou art worth.’ ‘Do your worst, + and welcome,’ said the brute, ‘what harm can you do me?’ and passed on. + But the sparrow crept under the tilt of the cart, and pecked at the bung + of one of the casks till she loosened it; and then all the wine ran out, + without the carter seeing it. At last he looked round, and saw that the + cart was dripping, and the cask quite empty. ‘What an unlucky wretch I + am!’ cried he. ‘Not wretch enough yet!’ said the sparrow, as she alighted + upon the head of one of the horses, and pecked at him till he reared up + and kicked. When the carter saw this, he drew out his hatchet and aimed a + blow at the sparrow, meaning to kill her; but she flew away, and the blow + fell upon the poor horse’s head with such force, that he fell down dead. + ‘Unlucky wretch that I am!’ cried he. ‘Not wretch enough yet!’ said the + sparrow. And as the carter went on with the other two horses, she again + crept under the tilt of the cart, and pecked out the bung of the second + cask, so that all the wine ran out. When the carter saw this, he again + cried out, ‘Miserable wretch that I am!’ But the sparrow answered, ‘Not + wretch enough yet!’ and perched on the head of the second horse, and + pecked at him too. The carter ran up and struck at her again with his + hatchet; but away she flew, and the blow fell upon the second horse and + killed him on the spot. ‘Unlucky wretch that I am!’ said he. ‘Not wretch + enough yet!’ said the sparrow; and perching upon the third horse, she + began to peck him too. The carter was mad with fury; and without looking + about him, or caring what he was about, struck again at the sparrow; but + killed his third horse as he done the other two. ‘Alas! miserable wretch + that I am!’ cried he. ‘Not wretch enough yet!’ answered the sparrow as she + flew away; ‘now will I plague and punish thee at thy own house.’ The + carter was forced at last to leave his cart behind him, and to go home + overflowing with rage and vexation. ‘Alas!’ said he to his wife, ‘what ill + luck has befallen me!—my wine is all spilt, and my horses all three + dead.’ ‘Alas! husband,’ replied she, ‘and a wicked bird has come into the + house, and has brought with her all the birds in the world, I am sure, and + they have fallen upon our corn in the loft, and are eating it up at such a + rate!’ Away ran the husband upstairs, and saw thousands of birds sitting + upon the floor eating up his corn, with the sparrow in the midst of them. + ‘Unlucky wretch that I am!’ cried the carter; for he saw that the corn was + almost all gone. ‘Not wretch enough yet!’ said the sparrow; ‘thy cruelty + shall cost thee thy life yet!’ and away she flew. + </p> + <p> + The carter seeing that he had thus lost all that he had, went down into + his kitchen; and was still not sorry for what he had done, but sat himself + angrily and sulkily in the chimney corner. But the sparrow sat on the + outside of the window, and cried ‘Carter! thy cruelty shall cost thee thy + life!’ With that he jumped up in a rage, seized his hatchet, and threw it + at the sparrow; but it missed her, and only broke the window. The sparrow + now hopped in, perched upon the window-seat, and cried, ‘Carter! it shall + cost thee thy life!’ Then he became mad and blind with rage, and struck + the window-seat with such force that he cleft it in two: and as the + sparrow flew from place to place, the carter and his wife were so furious, + that they broke all their furniture, glasses, chairs, benches, the table, + and at last the walls, without touching the bird at all. In the end, + however, they caught her: and the wife said, ‘Shall I kill her at once?’ + ‘No,’ cried he, ‘that is letting her off too easily: she shall die a much + more cruel death; I will eat her.’ But the sparrow began to flutter about, + and stretch out her neck and cried, ‘Carter! it shall cost thee thy life + yet!’ With that he could wait no longer: so he gave his wife the hatchet, + and cried, ‘Wife, strike at the bird and kill her in my hand.’ And the + wife struck; but she missed her aim, and hit her husband on the head so + that he fell down dead, and the sparrow flew quietly home to her nest. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"></a> + THE TWELVE DANCING PRINCESSES + </h2> + <p> + There was a king who had twelve beautiful daughters. They slept in twelve + beds all in one room; and when they went to bed, the doors were shut and + locked up; but every morning their shoes were found to be quite worn + through as if they had been danced in all night; and yet nobody could find + out how it happened, or where they had been. + </p> + <p> + Then the king made it known to all the land, that if any person could + discover the secret, and find out where it was that the princesses danced + in the night, he should have the one he liked best for his wife, and + should be king after his death; but whoever tried and did not succeed, + after three days and nights, should be put to death. + </p> + <p> + A king’s son soon came. He was well entertained, and in the evening was + taken to the chamber next to the one where the princesses lay in their + twelve beds. There he was to sit and watch where they went to dance; and, + in order that nothing might pass without his hearing it, the door of his + chamber was left open. But the king’s son soon fell asleep; and when he + awoke in the morning he found that the princesses had all been dancing, + for the soles of their shoes were full of holes. The same thing happened + the second and third night: so the king ordered his head to be cut off. + After him came several others; but they had all the same luck, and all + lost their lives in the same manner. + </p> + <p> + Now it chanced that an old soldier, who had been wounded in battle and + could fight no longer, passed through the country where this king reigned: + and as he was travelling through a wood, he met an old woman, who asked + him where he was going. ‘I hardly know where I am going, or what I had + better do,’ said the soldier; ‘but I think I should like very well to find + out where it is that the princesses dance, and then in time I might be a + king.’ ‘Well,’ said the old dame, ‘that is no very hard task: only take + care not to drink any of the wine which one of the princesses will bring + to you in the evening; and as soon as she leaves you pretend to be fast + asleep.’ + </p> + <p> + Then she gave him a cloak, and said, ‘As soon as you put that on you will + become invisible, and you will then be able to follow the princesses + wherever they go.’ When the soldier heard all this good counsel, he + determined to try his luck: so he went to the king, and said he was + willing to undertake the task. + </p> + <p> + He was as well received as the others had been, and the king ordered fine + royal robes to be given him; and when the evening came he was led to the + outer chamber. Just as he was going to lie down, the eldest of the + princesses brought him a cup of wine; but the soldier threw it all away + secretly, taking care not to drink a drop. Then he laid himself down on + his bed, and in a little while began to snore very loud as if he was fast + asleep. When the twelve princesses heard this they laughed heartily; and + the eldest said, ‘This fellow too might have done a wiser thing than lose + his life in this way!’ Then they rose up and opened their drawers and + boxes, and took out all their fine clothes, and dressed themselves at the + glass, and skipped about as if they were eager to begin dancing. But the + youngest said, ‘I don’t know how it is, while you are so happy I feel very + uneasy; I am sure some mischance will befall us.’ ‘You simpleton,’ said + the eldest, ‘you are always afraid; have you forgotten how many kings’ + sons have already watched in vain? And as for this soldier, even if I had + not given him his sleeping draught, he would have slept soundly enough.’ + </p> + <p> + When they were all ready, they went and looked at the soldier; but he + snored on, and did not stir hand or foot: so they thought they were quite + safe; and the eldest went up to her own bed and clapped her hands, and the + bed sank into the floor and a trap-door flew open. The soldier saw them + going down through the trap-door one after another, the eldest leading the + way; and thinking he had no time to lose, he jumped up, put on the cloak + which the old woman had given him, and followed them; but in the middle of + the stairs he trod on the gown of the youngest princess, and she cried out + to her sisters, ‘All is not right; someone took hold of my gown.’ ‘You + silly creature!’ said the eldest, ‘it is nothing but a nail in the wall.’ + Then down they all went, and at the bottom they found themselves in a most + delightful grove of trees; and the leaves were all of silver, and + glittered and sparkled beautifully. The soldier wished to take away some + token of the place; so he broke off a little branch, and there came a loud + noise from the tree. Then the youngest daughter said again, ‘I am sure all + is not right—did not you hear that noise? That never happened + before.’ But the eldest said, ‘It is only our princes, who are shouting + for joy at our approach.’ + </p> + <p> + Then they came to another grove of trees, where all the leaves were of + gold; and afterwards to a third, where the leaves were all glittering + diamonds. And the soldier broke a branch from each; and every time there + was a loud noise, which made the youngest sister tremble with fear; but + the eldest still said, it was only the princes, who were crying for joy. + So they went on till they came to a great lake; and at the side of the + lake there lay twelve little boats with twelve handsome princes in them, + who seemed to be waiting there for the princesses. + </p> + <p> + One of the princesses went into each boat, and the soldier stepped into + the same boat with the youngest. As they were rowing over the lake, the + prince who was in the boat with the youngest princess and the soldier + said, ‘I do not know why it is, but though I am rowing with all my might + we do not get on so fast as usual, and I am quite tired: the boat seems + very heavy today.’ ‘It is only the heat of the weather,’ said the + princess: ‘I feel it very warm too.’ + </p> + <p> + On the other side of the lake stood a fine illuminated castle, from which + came the merry music of horns and trumpets. There they all landed, and + went into the castle, and each prince danced with his princess; and the + soldier, who was all the time invisible, danced with them too; and when + any of the princesses had a cup of wine set by her, he drank it all up, so + that when she put the cup to her mouth it was empty. At this, too, the + youngest sister was terribly frightened, but the eldest always silenced + her. They danced on till three o’clock in the morning, and then all their + shoes were worn out, so that they were obliged to leave off. The princes + rowed them back again over the lake (but this time the soldier placed + himself in the boat with the eldest princess); and on the opposite shore + they took leave of each other, the princesses promising to come again the + next night. + </p> + <p> + When they came to the stairs, the soldier ran on before the princesses, + and laid himself down; and as the twelve sisters slowly came up very much + tired, they heard him snoring in his bed; so they said, ‘Now all is quite + safe’; then they undressed themselves, put away their fine clothes, pulled + off their shoes, and went to bed. In the morning the soldier said nothing + about what had happened, but determined to see more of this strange + adventure, and went again the second and third night; and every thing + happened just as before; the princesses danced each time till their shoes + were worn to pieces, and then returned home. However, on the third night + the soldier carried away one of the golden cups as a token of where he had + been. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the time came when he was to declare the secret, he was taken + before the king with the three branches and the golden cup; and the twelve + princesses stood listening behind the door to hear what he would say. And + when the king asked him. ‘Where do my twelve daughters dance at night?’ he + answered, ‘With twelve princes in a castle under ground.’ And then he told + the king all that had happened, and showed him the three branches and the + golden cup which he had brought with him. Then the king called for the + princesses, and asked them whether what the soldier said was true: and + when they saw that they were discovered, and that it was of no use to deny + what had happened, they confessed it all. And the king asked the soldier + which of them he would choose for his wife; and he answered, ‘I am not + very young, so I will have the eldest.’—And they were married that + very day, and the soldier was chosen to be the king’s heir. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"></a> + THE FISHERMAN AND HIS WIFE + </h2> + <p> + There was once a fisherman who lived with his wife in a pigsty, close by + the seaside. The fisherman used to go out all day long a-fishing; and one + day, as he sat on the shore with his rod, looking at the sparkling waves + and watching his line, all on a sudden his float was dragged away deep + into the water: and in drawing it up he pulled out a great fish. But the + fish said, ‘Pray let me live! I am not a real fish; I am an enchanted + prince: put me in the water again, and let me go!’ ‘Oh, ho!’ said the man, + ‘you need not make so many words about the matter; I will have nothing to + do with a fish that can talk: so swim away, sir, as soon as you please!’ + Then he put him back into the water, and the fish darted straight down to + the bottom, and left a long streak of blood behind him on the wave. + </p> + <p> + When the fisherman went home to his wife in the pigsty, he told her how he + had caught a great fish, and how it had told him it was an enchanted + prince, and how, on hearing it speak, he had let it go again. ‘Did not you + ask it for anything?’ said the wife, ‘we live very wretchedly here, in + this nasty dirty pigsty; do go back and tell the fish we want a snug + little cottage.’ + </p> + <p> + The fisherman did not much like the business: however, he went to the + seashore; and when he came back there the water looked all yellow and + green. And he stood at the water’s edge, and said: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘O man of the sea! + Hearken to me! + My wife Ilsabill + Will have her own will, + And hath sent me to beg a boon of thee!’ +</pre> + <p> + Then the fish came swimming to him, and said, ‘Well, what is her will? + What does your wife want?’ ‘Ah!’ said the fisherman, ‘she says that when I + had caught you, I ought to have asked you for something before I let you + go; she does not like living any longer in the pigsty, and wants a snug + little cottage.’ ‘Go home, then,’ said the fish; ‘she is in the cottage + already!’ So the man went home, and saw his wife standing at the door of a + nice trim little cottage. ‘Come in, come in!’ said she; ‘is not this much + better than the filthy pigsty we had?’ And there was a parlour, and a + bedchamber, and a kitchen; and behind the cottage there was a little + garden, planted with all sorts of flowers and fruits; and there was a + courtyard behind, full of ducks and chickens. ‘Ah!’ said the fisherman, + ‘how happily we shall live now!’ ‘We will try to do so, at least,’ said + his wife. + </p> + <p> + Everything went right for a week or two, and then Dame Ilsabill said, + ‘Husband, there is not near room enough for us in this cottage; the + courtyard and the garden are a great deal too small; I should like to have + a large stone castle to live in: go to the fish again and tell him to give + us a castle.’ ‘Wife,’ said the fisherman, ‘I don’t like to go to him + again, for perhaps he will be angry; we ought to be easy with this pretty + cottage to live in.’ ‘Nonsense!’ said the wife; ‘he will do it very + willingly, I know; go along and try!’ + </p> + <p> + The fisherman went, but his heart was very heavy: and when he came to the + sea, it looked blue and gloomy, though it was very calm; and he went close + to the edge of the waves, and said: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘O man of the sea! + Hearken to me! + My wife Ilsabill + Will have her own will, + And hath sent me to beg a boon of thee!’ +</pre> + <p> + ‘Well, what does she want now?’ said the fish. ‘Ah!’ said the man, + dolefully, ‘my wife wants to live in a stone castle.’ ‘Go home, then,’ + said the fish; ‘she is standing at the gate of it already.’ So away went + the fisherman, and found his wife standing before the gate of a great + castle. ‘See,’ said she, ‘is not this grand?’ With that they went into the + castle together, and found a great many servants there, and the rooms all + richly furnished, and full of golden chairs and tables; and behind the + castle was a garden, and around it was a park half a mile long, full of + sheep, and goats, and hares, and deer; and in the courtyard were stables + and cow-houses. ‘Well,’ said the man, ‘now we will live cheerful and happy + in this beautiful castle for the rest of our lives.’ ‘Perhaps we may,’ + said the wife; ‘but let us sleep upon it, before we make up our minds to + that.’ So they went to bed. + </p> + <p> + The next morning when Dame Ilsabill awoke it was broad daylight, and she + jogged the fisherman with her elbow, and said, ‘Get up, husband, and + bestir yourself, for we must be king of all the land.’ ‘Wife, wife,’ said + the man, ‘why should we wish to be the king? I will not be king.’ ‘Then I + will,’ said she. ‘But, wife,’ said the fisherman, ‘how can you be king—the + fish cannot make you a king?’ ‘Husband,’ said she, ‘say no more about it, + but go and try! I will be king.’ So the man went away quite sorrowful to + think that his wife should want to be king. This time the sea looked a + dark grey colour, and was overspread with curling waves and the ridges of + foam as he cried out: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘O man of the sea! + Hearken to me! + My wife Ilsabill + Will have her own will, + And hath sent me to beg a boon of thee!’ +</pre> + <p> + ‘Well, what would she have now?’ said the fish. ‘Alas!’ said the poor man, + ‘my wife wants to be king.’ ‘Go home,’ said the fish; ‘she is king + already.’ + </p> + <p> + Then the fisherman went home; and as he came close to the palace he saw a + troop of soldiers, and heard the sound of drums and trumpets. And when he + went in he saw his wife sitting on a throne of gold and diamonds, with a + golden crown upon her head; and on each side of her stood six fair + maidens, each a head taller than the other. ‘Well, wife,’ said the + fisherman, ‘are you king?’ ‘Yes,’ said she, ‘I am king.’ And when he had + looked at her for a long time, he said, ‘Ah, wife! what a fine thing it is + to be king! Now we shall never have anything more to wish for as long as + we live.’ ‘I don’t know how that may be,’ said she; ‘never is a long time. + I am king, it is true; but I begin to be tired of that, and I think I + should like to be emperor.’ ‘Alas, wife! why should you wish to be + emperor?’ said the fisherman. ‘Husband,’ said she, ‘go to the fish! I say + I will be emperor.’ ‘Ah, wife!’ replied the fisherman, ‘the fish cannot + make an emperor, I am sure, and I should not like to ask him for such a + thing.’ ‘I am king,’ said Ilsabill, ‘and you are my slave; so go at once!’ + </p> + <p> + So the fisherman was forced to go; and he muttered as he went along, ‘This + will come to no good, it is too much to ask; the fish will be tired at + last, and then we shall be sorry for what we have done.’ He soon came to + the seashore; and the water was quite black and muddy, and a mighty + whirlwind blew over the waves and rolled them about, but he went as near + as he could to the water’s brink, and said: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘O man of the sea! + Hearken to me! + My wife Ilsabill + Will have her own will, + And hath sent me to beg a boon of thee!’ +</pre> + <p> + ‘What would she have now?’ said the fish. ‘Ah!’ said the fisherman, ‘she + wants to be emperor.’ ‘Go home,’ said the fish; ‘she is emperor already.’ + </p> + <p> + So he went home again; and as he came near he saw his wife Ilsabill + sitting on a very lofty throne made of solid gold, with a great crown on + her head full two yards high; and on each side of her stood her guards and + attendants in a row, each one smaller than the other, from the tallest + giant down to a little dwarf no bigger than my finger. And before her + stood princes, and dukes, and earls: and the fisherman went up to her and + said, ‘Wife, are you emperor?’ ‘Yes,’ said she, ‘I am emperor.’ ‘Ah!’ said + the man, as he gazed upon her, ‘what a fine thing it is to be emperor!’ + ‘Husband,’ said she, ‘why should we stop at being emperor? I will be pope + next.’ ‘O wife, wife!’ said he, ‘how can you be pope? there is but one + pope at a time in Christendom.’ ‘Husband,’ said she, ‘I will be pope this + very day.’ ‘But,’ replied the husband, ‘the fish cannot make you pope.’ + ‘What nonsense!’ said she; ‘if he can make an emperor, he can make a pope: + go and try him.’ + </p> + <p> + So the fisherman went. But when he came to the shore the wind was raging + and the sea was tossed up and down in boiling waves, and the ships were in + trouble, and rolled fearfully upon the tops of the billows. In the middle + of the heavens there was a little piece of blue sky, but towards the south + all was red, as if a dreadful storm was rising. At this sight the + fisherman was dreadfully frightened, and he trembled so that his knees + knocked together: but still he went down near to the shore, and said: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘O man of the sea! + Hearken to me! + My wife Ilsabill + Will have her own will, + And hath sent me to beg a boon of thee!’ +</pre> + <p> + ‘What does she want now?’ said the fish. ‘Ah!’ said the fisherman, ‘my + wife wants to be pope.’ ‘Go home,’ said the fish; ‘she is pope already.’ + </p> + <p> + Then the fisherman went home, and found Ilsabill sitting on a throne that + was two miles high. And she had three great crowns on her head, and around + her stood all the pomp and power of the Church. And on each side of her + were two rows of burning lights, of all sizes, the greatest as large as + the highest and biggest tower in the world, and the least no larger than a + small rushlight. ‘Wife,’ said the fisherman, as he looked at all this + greatness, ‘are you pope?’ ‘Yes,’ said she, ‘I am pope.’ ‘Well, wife,’ + replied he, ‘it is a grand thing to be pope; and now you must be easy, for + you can be nothing greater.’ ‘I will think about that,’ said the wife. + Then they went to bed: but Dame Ilsabill could not sleep all night for + thinking what she should be next. At last, as she was dropping asleep, + morning broke, and the sun rose. ‘Ha!’ thought she, as she woke up and + looked at it through the window, ‘after all I cannot prevent the sun + rising.’ At this thought she was very angry, and wakened her husband, and + said, ‘Husband, go to the fish and tell him I must be lord of the sun and + moon.’ The fisherman was half asleep, but the thought frightened him so + much that he started and fell out of bed. ‘Alas, wife!’ said he, ‘cannot + you be easy with being pope?’ ‘No,’ said she, ‘I am very uneasy as long as + the sun and moon rise without my leave. Go to the fish at once!’ + </p> + <p> + Then the man went shivering with fear; and as he was going down to the + shore a dreadful storm arose, so that the trees and the very rocks shook. + And all the heavens became black with stormy clouds, and the lightnings + played, and the thunders rolled; and you might have seen in the sea great + black waves, swelling up like mountains with crowns of white foam upon + their heads. And the fisherman crept towards the sea, and cried out, as + well as he could: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘O man of the sea! + Hearken to me! + My wife Ilsabill + Will have her own will, + And hath sent me to beg a boon of thee!’ +</pre> + <p> + ‘What does she want now?’ said the fish. ‘Ah!’ said he, ‘she wants to be + lord of the sun and moon.’ ‘Go home,’ said the fish, ‘to your pigsty + again.’ + </p> + <p> + And there they live to this very day. + </p> + + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"></a> + THE WILLOW-WREN AND THE BEAR + </h2> + <p> + Once in summer-time the bear and the wolf were walking in the forest, and + the bear heard a bird singing so beautifully that he said: ‘Brother wolf, + what bird is it that sings so well?’ ‘That is the King of birds,’ said the + wolf, ‘before whom we must bow down.’ In reality the bird was the + willow-wren. ‘IF that’s the case,’ said the bear, ‘I should very much like + to see his royal palace; come, take me thither.’ ‘That is not done quite + as you seem to think,’ said the wolf; ‘you must wait until the Queen + comes,’ Soon afterwards, the Queen arrived with some food in her beak, and + the lord King came too, and they began to feed their young ones. The bear + would have liked to go at once, but the wolf held him back by the sleeve, + and said: ‘No, you must wait until the lord and lady Queen have gone away + again.’ So they took stock of the hole where the nest lay, and trotted + away. The bear, however, could not rest until he had seen the royal + palace, and when a short time had passed, went to it again. The King and + Queen had just flown out, so he peeped in and saw five or six young ones + lying there. ‘Is that the royal palace?’ cried the bear; ‘it is a wretched + palace, and you are not King’s children, you are disreputable children!’ + When the young wrens heard that, they were frightfully angry, and + screamed: ‘No, that we are not! Our parents are honest people! Bear, you + will have to pay for that!’ + </p> + <p> + The bear and the wolf grew uneasy, and turned back and went into their + holes. The young willow-wrens, however, continued to cry and scream, and + when their parents again brought food they said: ‘We will not so much as + touch one fly’s leg, no, not if we were dying of hunger, until you have + settled whether we are respectable children or not; the bear has been here + and has insulted us!’ Then the old King said: ‘Be easy, he shall be + punished,’ and he at once flew with the Queen to the bear’s cave, and + called in: ‘Old Growler, why have you insulted my children? You shall + suffer for it—we will punish you by a bloody war.’ Thus war was + announced to the Bear, and all four-footed animals were summoned to take + part in it, oxen, asses, cows, deer, and every other animal the earth + contained. And the willow-wren summoned everything which flew in the air, + not only birds, large and small, but midges, and hornets, bees and flies + had to come. + </p> + <p> + When the time came for the war to begin, the willow-wren sent out spies to + discover who was the enemy’s commander-in-chief. The gnat, who was the + most crafty, flew into the forest where the enemy was assembled, and hid + herself beneath a leaf of the tree where the password was to be announced. + There stood the bear, and he called the fox before him and said: ‘Fox, you + are the most cunning of all animals, you shall be general and lead us.’ + ‘Good,’ said the fox, ‘but what signal shall we agree upon?’ No one knew + that, so the fox said: ‘I have a fine long bushy tail, which almost looks + like a plume of red feathers. When I lift my tail up quite high, all is + going well, and you must charge; but if I let it hang down, run away as + fast as you can.’ When the gnat had heard that, she flew away again, and + revealed everything, down to the minutest detail, to the willow-wren. When + day broke, and the battle was to begin, all the four-footed animals came + running up with such a noise that the earth trembled. The willow-wren with + his army also came flying through the air with such a humming, and + whirring, and swarming that every one was uneasy and afraid, and on both + sides they advanced against each other. But the willow-wren sent down the + hornet, with orders to settle beneath the fox’s tail, and sting with all + his might. When the fox felt the first string, he started so that he + lifted one leg, from pain, but he bore it, and still kept his tail high in + the air; at the second sting, he was forced to put it down for a moment; + at the third, he could hold out no longer, screamed, and put his tail + between his legs. When the animals saw that, they thought all was lost, + and began to flee, each into his hole, and the birds had won the battle. + </p> + <p> + Then the King and Queen flew home to their children and cried: ‘Children, + rejoice, eat and drink to your heart’s content, we have won the battle!’ + But the young wrens said: ‘We will not eat yet, the bear must come to the + nest, and beg for pardon and say that we are honourable children, before + we will do that.’ Then the willow-wren flew to the bear’s hole and cried: + ‘Growler, you are to come to the nest to my children, and beg their + pardon, or else every rib of your body shall be broken.’ So the bear crept + thither in the greatest fear, and begged their pardon. And now at last the + young wrens were satisfied, and sat down together and ate and drank, and + made merry till quite late into the night. + </p> + + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"></a> + THE FROG-PRINCE + </h2> + <p> + One fine evening a young princess put on her bonnet and clogs, and went + out to take a walk by herself in a wood; and when she came to a cool + spring of water, that rose in the midst of it, she sat herself down to + rest a while. Now she had a golden ball in her hand, which was her + favourite plaything; and she was always tossing it up into the air, and + catching it again as it fell. After a time she threw it up so high that + she missed catching it as it fell; and the ball bounded away, and rolled + along upon the ground, till at last it fell down into the spring. The + princess looked into the spring after her ball, but it was very deep, so + deep that she could not see the bottom of it. Then she began to bewail her + loss, and said, ‘Alas! if I could only get my ball again, I would give all + my fine clothes and jewels, and everything that I have in the world.’ + </p> + <p> + Whilst she was speaking, a frog put its head out of the water, and said, + ‘Princess, why do you weep so bitterly?’ ‘Alas!’ said she, ‘what can you + do for me, you nasty frog? My golden ball has fallen into the spring.’ The + frog said, ‘I want not your pearls, and jewels, and fine clothes; but if + you will love me, and let me live with you and eat from off your golden + plate, and sleep upon your bed, I will bring you your ball again.’ ‘What + nonsense,’ thought the princess, ‘this silly frog is talking! He can never + even get out of the spring to visit me, though he may be able to get my + ball for me, and therefore I will tell him he shall have what he asks.’ So + she said to the frog, ‘Well, if you will bring me my ball, I will do all + you ask.’ Then the frog put his head down, and dived deep under the water; + and after a little while he came up again, with the ball in his mouth, and + threw it on the edge of the spring. As soon as the young princess saw her + ball, she ran to pick it up; and she was so overjoyed to have it in her + hand again, that she never thought of the frog, but ran home with it as + fast as she could. The frog called after her, ‘Stay, princess, and take me + with you as you said,’ But she did not stop to hear a word. + </p> + <p> + The next day, just as the princess had sat down to dinner, she heard a + strange noise—tap, tap—plash, plash—as if something was + coming up the marble staircase: and soon afterwards there was a gentle + knock at the door, and a little voice cried out and said: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Open the door, my princess dear, + Open the door to thy true love here! + And mind the words that thou and I said + By the fountain cool, in the greenwood shade.’ +</pre> + <p> + Then the princess ran to the door and opened it, and there she saw the + frog, whom she had quite forgotten. At this sight she was sadly + frightened, and shutting the door as fast as she could came back to her + seat. The king, her father, seeing that something had frightened her, + asked her what was the matter. ‘There is a nasty frog,’ said she, ‘at the + door, that lifted my ball for me out of the spring this morning: I told + him that he should live with me here, thinking that he could never get out + of the spring; but there he is at the door, and he wants to come in.’ + </p> + <p> + While she was speaking the frog knocked again at the door, and said: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Open the door, my princess dear, + Open the door to thy true love here! + And mind the words that thou and I said + By the fountain cool, in the greenwood shade.’ +</pre> + <p> + Then the king said to the young princess, ‘As you have given your word you + must keep it; so go and let him in.’ She did so, and the frog hopped into + the room, and then straight on—tap, tap—plash, plash—from + the bottom of the room to the top, till he came up close to the table + where the princess sat. ‘Pray lift me upon chair,’ said he to the + princess, ‘and let me sit next to you.’ As soon as she had done this, the + frog said, ‘Put your plate nearer to me, that I may eat out of it.’ This + she did, and when he had eaten as much as he could, he said, ‘Now I am + tired; carry me upstairs, and put me into your bed.’ And the princess, + though very unwilling, took him up in her hand, and put him upon the + pillow of her own bed, where he slept all night long. As soon as it was + light he jumped up, hopped downstairs, and went out of the house. ‘Now, + then,’ thought the princess, ‘at last he is gone, and I shall be troubled + with him no more.’ + </p> + <p> + But she was mistaken; for when night came again she heard the same tapping + at the door; and the frog came once more, and said: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Open the door, my princess dear, + Open the door to thy true love here! + And mind the words that thou and I said + By the fountain cool, in the greenwood shade.’ +</pre> + <p> + And when the princess opened the door the frog came in, and slept upon her + pillow as before, till the morning broke. And the third night he did the + same. But when the princess awoke on the following morning she was + astonished to see, instead of the frog, a handsome prince, gazing on her + with the most beautiful eyes she had ever seen, and standing at the head + of her bed. + </p> + <p> + He told her that he had been enchanted by a spiteful fairy, who had + changed him into a frog; and that he had been fated so to abide till some + princess should take him out of the spring, and let him eat from her + plate, and sleep upon her bed for three nights. ‘You,’ said the prince, + ‘have broken his cruel charm, and now I have nothing to wish for but that + you should go with me into my father’s kingdom, where I will marry you, + and love you as long as you live.’ + </p> + <p> + The young princess, you may be sure, was not long in saying ‘Yes’ to all + this; and as they spoke a gay coach drove up, with eight beautiful horses, + decked with plumes of feathers and a golden harness; and behind the coach + rode the prince’s servant, faithful Heinrich, who had bewailed the + misfortunes of his dear master during his enchantment so long and so + bitterly, that his heart had well-nigh burst. + </p> + <p> + They then took leave of the king, and got into the coach with eight + horses, and all set out, full of joy and merriment, for the prince’s + kingdom, which they reached safely; and there they lived happily a great + many years. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014"></a> + CAT AND MOUSE IN PARTNERSHIP + </h2> + <p> + A certain cat had made the acquaintance of a mouse, and had said so much + to her about the great love and friendship she felt for her, that at + length the mouse agreed that they should live and keep house together. + ‘But we must make a provision for winter, or else we shall suffer from + hunger,’ said the cat; ‘and you, little mouse, cannot venture everywhere, + or you will be caught in a trap some day.’ The good advice was followed, + and a pot of fat was bought, but they did not know where to put it. At + length, after much consideration, the cat said: ‘I know no place where it + will be better stored up than in the church, for no one dares take + anything away from there. We will set it beneath the altar, and not touch + it until we are really in need of it.’ So the pot was placed in safety, + but it was not long before the cat had a great yearning for it, and said + to the mouse: ‘I want to tell you something, little mouse; my cousin has + brought a little son into the world, and has asked me to be godmother; he + is white with brown spots, and I am to hold him over the font at the + christening. Let me go out today, and you look after the house by + yourself.’ ‘Yes, yes,’ answered the mouse, ‘by all means go, and if you + get anything very good to eat, think of me. I should like a drop of sweet + red christening wine myself.’ All this, however, was untrue; the cat had + no cousin, and had not been asked to be godmother. She went straight to + the church, stole to the pot of fat, began to lick at it, and licked the + top of the fat off. Then she took a walk upon the roofs of the town, + looked out for opportunities, and then stretched herself in the sun, and + licked her lips whenever she thought of the pot of fat, and not until it + was evening did she return home. ‘Well, here you are again,’ said the + mouse, ‘no doubt you have had a merry day.’ ‘All went off well,’ answered + the cat. ‘What name did they give the child?’ ‘Top off!’ said the cat + quite coolly. ‘Top off!’ cried the mouse, ‘that is a very odd and uncommon + name, is it a usual one in your family?’ ‘What does that matter,’ said the + cat, ‘it is no worse than Crumb-stealer, as your godchildren are called.’ + </p> + <p> + Before long the cat was seized by another fit of yearning. She said to the + mouse: ‘You must do me a favour, and once more manage the house for a day + alone. I am again asked to be godmother, and, as the child has a white + ring round its neck, I cannot refuse.’ The good mouse consented, but the + cat crept behind the town walls to the church, and devoured half the pot + of fat. ‘Nothing ever seems so good as what one keeps to oneself,’ said + she, and was quite satisfied with her day’s work. When she went home the + mouse inquired: ‘And what was the child christened?’ ‘Half-done,’ answered + the cat. ‘Half-done! What are you saying? I never heard the name in my + life, I’ll wager anything it is not in the calendar!’ + </p> + <p> + The cat’s mouth soon began to water for some more licking. ‘All good + things go in threes,’ said she, ‘I am asked to stand godmother again. The + child is quite black, only it has white paws, but with that exception, it + has not a single white hair on its whole body; this only happens once + every few years, you will let me go, won’t you?’ ‘Top-off! Half-done!’ + answered the mouse, ‘they are such odd names, they make me very + thoughtful.’ ‘You sit at home,’ said the cat, ‘in your dark-grey fur coat + and long tail, and are filled with fancies, that’s because you do not go + out in the daytime.’ During the cat’s absence the mouse cleaned the house, + and put it in order, but the greedy cat entirely emptied the pot of fat. + ‘When everything is eaten up one has some peace,’ said she to herself, and + well filled and fat she did not return home till night. The mouse at once + asked what name had been given to the third child. ‘It will not please you + more than the others,’ said the cat. ‘He is called All-gone.’ ‘All-gone,’ + cried the mouse ‘that is the most suspicious name of all! I have never + seen it in print. All-gone; what can that mean?’ and she shook her head, + curled herself up, and lay down to sleep. + </p> + <p> + From this time forth no one invited the cat to be godmother, but when the + winter had come and there was no longer anything to be found outside, the + mouse thought of their provision, and said: ‘Come, cat, we will go to our + pot of fat which we have stored up for ourselves—we shall enjoy + that.’ ‘Yes,’ answered the cat, ‘you will enjoy it as much as you would + enjoy sticking that dainty tongue of yours out of the window.’ They set + out on their way, but when they arrived, the pot of fat certainly was + still in its place, but it was empty. ‘Alas!’ said the mouse, ‘now I see + what has happened, now it comes to light! You are a true friend! You have + devoured all when you were standing godmother. First top off, then + half-done, then—’ ‘Will you hold your tongue,’ cried the cat, ‘one + word more, and I will eat you too.’ ‘All-gone’ was already on the poor + mouse’s lips; scarcely had she spoken it before the cat sprang on her, + seized her, and swallowed her down. Verily, that is the way of the world. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015"></a> + THE GOOSE-GIRL + </h2> + <p> + The king of a great land died, and left his queen to take care of their + only child. This child was a daughter, who was very beautiful; and her + mother loved her dearly, and was very kind to her. And there was a good + fairy too, who was fond of the princess, and helped her mother to watch + over her. When she grew up, she was betrothed to a prince who lived a + great way off; and as the time drew near for her to be married, she got + ready to set off on her journey to his country. Then the queen her mother, + packed up a great many costly things; jewels, and gold, and silver; + trinkets, fine dresses, and in short everything that became a royal bride. + And she gave her a waiting-maid to ride with her, and give her into the + bridegroom’s hands; and each had a horse for the journey. Now the + princess’s horse was the fairy’s gift, and it was called Falada, and could + speak. + </p> + <p> + When the time came for them to set out, the fairy went into her + bed-chamber, and took a little knife, and cut off a lock of her hair, and + gave it to the princess, and said, ‘Take care of it, dear child; for it is + a charm that may be of use to you on the road.’ Then they all took a + sorrowful leave of the princess; and she put the lock of hair into her + bosom, got upon her horse, and set off on her journey to her bridegroom’s + kingdom. + </p> + <p> + One day, as they were riding along by a brook, the princess began to feel + very thirsty: and she said to her maid, ‘Pray get down, and fetch me some + water in my golden cup out of yonder brook, for I want to drink.’ ‘Nay,’ + said the maid, ‘if you are thirsty, get off yourself, and stoop down by + the water and drink; I shall not be your waiting-maid any longer.’ Then + she was so thirsty that she got down, and knelt over the little brook, and + drank; for she was frightened, and dared not bring out her golden cup; and + she wept and said, ‘Alas! what will become of me?’ And the lock answered + her, and said: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Alas! alas! if thy mother knew it, + Sadly, sadly, would she rue it.’ +</pre> + <p> + But the princess was very gentle and meek, so she said nothing to her + maid’s ill behaviour, but got upon her horse again. + </p> + <p> + Then all rode farther on their journey, till the day grew so warm, and the + sun so scorching, that the bride began to feel very thirsty again; and at + last, when they came to a river, she forgot her maid’s rude speech, and + said, ‘Pray get down, and fetch me some water to drink in my golden cup.’ + But the maid answered her, and even spoke more haughtily than before: + ‘Drink if you will, but I shall not be your waiting-maid.’ Then the + princess was so thirsty that she got off her horse, and lay down, and held + her head over the running stream, and cried and said, ‘What will become of + me?’ And the lock of hair answered her again: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Alas! alas! if thy mother knew it, + Sadly, sadly, would she rue it.’ +</pre> + <p> + And as she leaned down to drink, the lock of hair fell from her bosom, and + floated away with the water. Now she was so frightened that she did not + see it; but her maid saw it, and was very glad, for she knew the charm; + and she saw that the poor bride would be in her power, now that she had + lost the hair. So when the bride had done drinking, and would have got + upon Falada again, the maid said, ‘I shall ride upon Falada, and you may + have my horse instead’; so she was forced to give up her horse, and soon + afterwards to take off her royal clothes and put on her maid’s shabby + ones. + </p> + <p> + At last, as they drew near the end of their journey, this treacherous + servant threatened to kill her mistress if she ever told anyone what had + happened. But Falada saw it all, and marked it well. + </p> + <p> + Then the waiting-maid got upon Falada, and the real bride rode upon the + other horse, and they went on in this way till at last they came to the + royal court. There was great joy at their coming, and the prince flew to + meet them, and lifted the maid from her horse, thinking she was the one + who was to be his wife; and she was led upstairs to the royal chamber; but + the true princess was told to stay in the court below. + </p> + <p> + Now the old king happened just then to have nothing else to do; so he + amused himself by sitting at his kitchen window, looking at what was going + on; and he saw her in the courtyard. As she looked very pretty, and too + delicate for a waiting-maid, he went up into the royal chamber to ask the + bride who it was she had brought with her, that was thus left standing in + the court below. ‘I brought her with me for the sake of her company on the + road,’ said she; ‘pray give the girl some work to do, that she may not be + idle.’ The old king could not for some time think of any work for her to + do; but at last he said, ‘I have a lad who takes care of my geese; she may + go and help him.’ Now the name of this lad, that the real bride was to + help in watching the king’s geese, was Curdken. + </p> + <p> + But the false bride said to the prince, ‘Dear husband, pray do me one + piece of kindness.’ ‘That I will,’ said the prince. ‘Then tell one of your + slaughterers to cut off the head of the horse I rode upon, for it was very + unruly, and plagued me sadly on the road’; but the truth was, she was very + much afraid lest Falada should some day or other speak, and tell all she + had done to the princess. She carried her point, and the faithful Falada + was killed; but when the true princess heard of it, she wept, and begged + the man to nail up Falada’s head against a large dark gate of the city, + through which she had to pass every morning and evening, that there she + might still see him sometimes. Then the slaughterer said he would do as + she wished; and cut off the head, and nailed it up under the dark gate. + </p> + <p> + Early the next morning, as she and Curdken went out through the gate, she + said sorrowfully: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Falada, Falada, there thou hangest!’ +</pre> + <p> + and the head answered: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Bride, bride, there thou gangest! + Alas! alas! if thy mother knew it, + Sadly, sadly, would she rue it.’ +</pre> + <p> + Then they went out of the city, and drove the geese on. And when she came + to the meadow, she sat down upon a bank there, and let down her waving + locks of hair, which were all of pure silver; and when Curdken saw it + glitter in the sun, he ran up, and would have pulled some of the locks + out, but she cried: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Blow, breezes, blow! + Let Curdken’s hat go! + Blow, breezes, blow! + Let him after it go! + O’er hills, dales, and rocks, + Away be it whirl’d + Till the silvery locks + Are all comb’d and curl’d! +</pre> + <p> + Then there came a wind, so strong that it blew off Curdken’s hat; and away + it flew over the hills: and he was forced to turn and run after it; till, + by the time he came back, she had done combing and curling her hair, and + had put it up again safe. Then he was very angry and sulky, and would not + speak to her at all; but they watched the geese until it grew dark in the + evening, and then drove them homewards. + </p> + <p> + The next morning, as they were going through the dark gate, the poor girl + looked up at Falada’s head, and cried: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Falada, Falada, there thou hangest!’ +</pre> + <p> + and the head answered: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Bride, bride, there thou gangest! + Alas! alas! if thy mother knew it, + Sadly, sadly, would she rue it.’ +</pre> + <p> + Then she drove on the geese, and sat down again in the meadow, and began + to comb out her hair as before; and Curdken ran up to her, and wanted to + take hold of it; but she cried out quickly: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Blow, breezes, blow! + Let Curdken’s hat go! + Blow, breezes, blow! + Let him after it go! + O’er hills, dales, and rocks, + Away be it whirl’d + Till the silvery locks + Are all comb’d and curl’d! +</pre> + <p> + Then the wind came and blew away his hat; and off it flew a great way, + over the hills and far away, so that he had to run after it; and when he + came back she had bound up her hair again, and all was safe. So they + watched the geese till it grew dark. + </p> + <p> + In the evening, after they came home, Curdken went to the old king, and + said, ‘I cannot have that strange girl to help me to keep the geese any + longer.’ ‘Why?’ said the king. ‘Because, instead of doing any good, she + does nothing but tease me all day long.’ Then the king made him tell him + what had happened. And Curdken said, ‘When we go in the morning through + the dark gate with our flock of geese, she cries and talks with the head + of a horse that hangs upon the wall, and says: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Falada, Falada, there thou hangest!’ +</pre> + <p> + and the head answers: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Bride, bride, there thou gangest! + Alas! alas! if thy mother knew it, + Sadly, sadly, would she rue it.’ +</pre> + <p> + And Curdken went on telling the king what had happened upon the meadow + where the geese fed; how his hat was blown away; and how he was forced to + run after it, and to leave his flock of geese to themselves. But the old + king told the boy to go out again the next day: and when morning came, he + placed himself behind the dark gate, and heard how she spoke to Falada, + and how Falada answered. Then he went into the field, and hid himself in a + bush by the meadow’s side; and he soon saw with his own eyes how they + drove the flock of geese; and how, after a little time, she let down her + hair that glittered in the sun. And then he heard her say: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Blow, breezes, blow! + Let Curdken’s hat go! + Blow, breezes, blow! + Let him after it go! + O’er hills, dales, and rocks, + Away be it whirl’d + Till the silvery locks + Are all comb’d and curl’d! +</pre> + <p> + And soon came a gale of wind, and carried away Curdken’s hat, and away + went Curdken after it, while the girl went on combing and curling her + hair. All this the old king saw: so he went home without being seen; and + when the little goose-girl came back in the evening he called her aside, + and asked her why she did so: but she burst into tears, and said, ‘That I + must not tell you or any man, or I shall lose my life.’ + </p> + <p> + But the old king begged so hard, that she had no peace till she had told + him all the tale, from beginning to end, word for word. And it was very + lucky for her that she did so, for when she had done the king ordered + royal clothes to be put upon her, and gazed on her with wonder, she was so + beautiful. Then he called his son and told him that he had only a false + bride; for that she was merely a waiting-maid, while the true bride stood + by. And the young king rejoiced when he saw her beauty, and heard how meek + and patient she had been; and without saying anything to the false bride, + the king ordered a great feast to be got ready for all his court. The + bridegroom sat at the top, with the false princess on one side, and the + true one on the other; but nobody knew her again, for her beauty was quite + dazzling to their eyes; and she did not seem at all like the little + goose-girl, now that she had her brilliant dress on. + </p> + <p> + When they had eaten and drank, and were very merry, the old king said he + would tell them a tale. So he began, and told all the story of the + princess, as if it was one that he had once heard; and he asked the true + waiting-maid what she thought ought to be done to anyone who would behave + thus. ‘Nothing better,’ said this false bride, ‘than that she should be + thrown into a cask stuck round with sharp nails, and that two white horses + should be put to it, and should drag it from street to street till she was + dead.’ ‘Thou art she!’ said the old king; ‘and as thou has judged thyself, + so shall it be done to thee.’ And the young king was then married to his + true wife, and they reigned over the kingdom in peace and happiness all + their lives; and the good fairy came to see them, and restored the + faithful Falada to life again. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016"></a> + THE ADVENTURES OF CHANTICLEER AND PARTLET + </h2> + <p> + 1. HOW THEY WENT TO THE MOUNTAINS TO EAT NUTS + </p> + <p> + ‘The nuts are quite ripe now,’ said Chanticleer to his wife Partlet, + ‘suppose we go together to the mountains, and eat as many as we can, + before the squirrel takes them all away.’ ‘With all my heart,’ said + Partlet, ‘let us go and make a holiday of it together.’ + </p> + <p> + So they went to the mountains; and as it was a lovely day, they stayed + there till the evening. Now, whether it was that they had eaten so many + nuts that they could not walk, or whether they were lazy and would not, I + do not know: however, they took it into their heads that it did not become + them to go home on foot. So Chanticleer began to build a little carriage + of nutshells: and when it was finished, Partlet jumped into it and sat + down, and bid Chanticleer harness himself to it and draw her home. ‘That’s + a good joke!’ said Chanticleer; ‘no, that will never do; I had rather by + half walk home; I’ll sit on the box and be coachman, if you like, but I’ll + not draw.’ While this was passing, a duck came quacking up and cried out, + ‘You thieving vagabonds, what business have you in my grounds? I’ll give + it you well for your insolence!’ and upon that she fell upon Chanticleer + most lustily. But Chanticleer was no coward, and returned the duck’s blows + with his sharp spurs so fiercely that she soon began to cry out for mercy; + which was only granted her upon condition that she would draw the carriage + home for them. This she agreed to do; and Chanticleer got upon the box, + and drove, crying, ‘Now, duck, get on as fast as you can.’ And away they + went at a pretty good pace. + </p> + <p> + After they had travelled along a little way, they met a needle and a pin + walking together along the road: and the needle cried out, ‘Stop, stop!’ + and said it was so dark that they could hardly find their way, and such + dirty walking they could not get on at all: he told them that he and his + friend, the pin, had been at a public-house a few miles off, and had sat + drinking till they had forgotten how late it was; he begged therefore that + the travellers would be so kind as to give them a lift in their carriage. + Chanticleer observing that they were but thin fellows, and not likely to + take up much room, told them they might ride, but made them promise not to + dirty the wheels of the carriage in getting in, nor to tread on Partlet’s + toes. + </p> + <p> + Late at night they arrived at an inn; and as it was bad travelling in the + dark, and the duck seemed much tired, and waddled about a good deal from + one side to the other, they made up their minds to fix their quarters + there: but the landlord at first was unwilling, and said his house was + full, thinking they might not be very respectable company: however, they + spoke civilly to him, and gave him the egg which Partlet had laid by the + way, and said they would give him the duck, who was in the habit of laying + one every day: so at last he let them come in, and they bespoke a handsome + supper, and spent the evening very jollily. + </p> + <p> + Early in the morning, before it was quite light, and when nobody was + stirring in the inn, Chanticleer awakened his wife, and, fetching the egg, + they pecked a hole in it, ate it up, and threw the shells into the + fireplace: they then went to the pin and needle, who were fast asleep, and + seizing them by the heads, stuck one into the landlord’s easy chair and + the other into his handkerchief; and, having done this, they crept away as + softly as possible. However, the duck, who slept in the open air in the + yard, heard them coming, and jumping into the brook which ran close by the + inn, soon swam out of their reach. + </p> + <p> + An hour or two afterwards the landlord got up, and took his handkerchief + to wipe his face, but the pin ran into him and pricked him: then he walked + into the kitchen to light his pipe at the fire, but when he stirred it up + the eggshells flew into his eyes, and almost blinded him. ‘Bless me!’ said + he, ‘all the world seems to have a design against my head this morning’: + and so saying, he threw himself sulkily into his easy chair; but, oh dear! + the needle ran into him; and this time the pain was not in his head. He + now flew into a very great passion, and, suspecting the company who had + come in the night before, he went to look after them, but they were all + off; so he swore that he never again would take in such a troop of + vagabonds, who ate a great deal, paid no reckoning, and gave him nothing + for his trouble but their apish tricks. + </p> + <p> + 2. HOW CHANTICLEER AND PARTLET WENT TO VISIT MR KORBES + </p> + <p> + Another day, Chanticleer and Partlet wished to ride out together; so + Chanticleer built a handsome carriage with four red wheels, and harnessed + six mice to it; and then he and Partlet got into the carriage, and away + they drove. Soon afterwards a cat met them, and said, ‘Where are you + going?’ And Chanticleer replied, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘All on our way + A visit to pay + To Mr Korbes, the fox, today.’ +</pre> + <p> + Then the cat said, ‘Take me with you,’ Chanticleer said, ‘With all my + heart: get up behind, and be sure you do not fall off.’ + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Take care of this handsome coach of mine, + Nor dirty my pretty red wheels so fine! + Now, mice, be ready, + And, wheels, run steady! + For we are going a visit to pay + To Mr Korbes, the fox, today.’ +</pre> + <p> + Soon after came up a millstone, an egg, a duck, and a pin; and Chanticleer + gave them all leave to get into the carriage and go with them. + </p> + <p> + When they arrived at Mr Korbes’s house, he was not at home; so the mice + drew the carriage into the coach-house, Chanticleer and Partlet flew upon + a beam, the cat sat down in the fireplace, the duck got into the washing + cistern, the pin stuck himself into the bed pillow, the millstone laid + himself over the house door, and the egg rolled himself up in the towel. + </p> + <p> + When Mr Korbes came home, he went to the fireplace to make a fire; but the + cat threw all the ashes in his eyes: so he ran to the kitchen to wash + himself; but there the duck splashed all the water in his face; and when + he tried to wipe himself, the egg broke to pieces in the towel all over + his face and eyes. Then he was very angry, and went without his supper to + bed; but when he laid his head on the pillow, the pin ran into his cheek: + at this he became quite furious, and, jumping up, would have run out of + the house; but when he came to the door, the millstone fell down on his + head, and killed him on the spot. + </p> + <p> + 3. HOW PARTLET DIED AND WAS BURIED, AND HOW CHANTICLEER DIED OF GRIEF + </p> + <p> + Another day Chanticleer and Partlet agreed to go again to the mountains to + eat nuts; and it was settled that all the nuts which they found should be + shared equally between them. Now Partlet found a very large nut; but she + said nothing about it to Chanticleer, and kept it all to herself: however, + it was so big that she could not swallow it, and it stuck in her throat. + Then she was in a great fright, and cried out to Chanticleer, ‘Pray run as + fast as you can, and fetch me some water, or I shall be choked.’ + Chanticleer ran as fast as he could to the river, and said, ‘River, give + me some water, for Partlet lies in the mountain, and will be choked by a + great nut.’ The river said, ‘Run first to the bride, and ask her for a + silken cord to draw up the water.’ Chanticleer ran to the bride, and said, + ‘Bride, you must give me a silken cord, for then the river will give me + water, and the water I will carry to Partlet, who lies on the mountain, + and will be choked by a great nut.’ But the bride said, ‘Run first, and + bring me my garland that is hanging on a willow in the garden.’ Then + Chanticleer ran to the garden, and took the garland from the bough where + it hung, and brought it to the bride; and then the bride gave him the + silken cord, and he took the silken cord to the river, and the river gave + him water, and he carried the water to Partlet; but in the meantime she + was choked by the great nut, and lay quite dead, and never moved any more. + </p> + <p> + Then Chanticleer was very sorry, and cried bitterly; and all the beasts + came and wept with him over poor Partlet. And six mice built a little + hearse to carry her to her grave; and when it was ready they harnessed + themselves before it, and Chanticleer drove them. On the way they met the + fox. ‘Where are you going, Chanticleer?’ said he. ‘To bury my Partlet,’ + said the other. ‘May I go with you?’ said the fox. ‘Yes; but you must get + up behind, or my horses will not be able to draw you.’ Then the fox got up + behind; and presently the wolf, the bear, the goat, and all the beasts of + the wood, came and climbed upon the hearse. + </p> + <p> + So on they went till they came to a rapid stream. ‘How shall we get over?’ + said Chanticleer. Then said a straw, ‘I will lay myself across, and you + may pass over upon me.’ But as the mice were going over, the straw slipped + away and fell into the water, and the six mice all fell in and were + drowned. What was to be done? Then a large log of wood came and said, ‘I + am big enough; I will lay myself across the stream, and you shall pass + over upon me.’ So he laid himself down; but they managed so clumsily, that + the log of wood fell in and was carried away by the stream. Then a stone, + who saw what had happened, came up and kindly offered to help poor + Chanticleer by laying himself across the stream; and this time he got + safely to the other side with the hearse, and managed to get Partlet out + of it; but the fox and the other mourners, who were sitting behind, were + too heavy, and fell back into the water and were all carried away by the + stream and drowned. + </p> + <p> + Thus Chanticleer was left alone with his dead Partlet; and having dug a + grave for her, he laid her in it, and made a little hillock over her. Then + he sat down by the grave, and wept and mourned, till at last he died too; + and so all were dead. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"></a> + RAPUNZEL + </h2> + <p> + There were once a man and a woman who had long in vain wished for a child. + At length the woman hoped that God was about to grant her desire. These + people had a little window at the back of their house from which a + splendid garden could be seen, which was full of the most beautiful + flowers and herbs. It was, however, surrounded by a high wall, and no one + dared to go into it because it belonged to an enchantress, who had great + power and was dreaded by all the world. One day the woman was standing by + this window and looking down into the garden, when she saw a bed which was + planted with the most beautiful rampion (rapunzel), and it looked so fresh + and green that she longed for it, she quite pined away, and began to look + pale and miserable. Then her husband was alarmed, and asked: ‘What ails + you, dear wife?’ ‘Ah,’ she replied, ‘if I can’t eat some of the rampion, + which is in the garden behind our house, I shall die.’ The man, who loved + her, thought: ‘Sooner than let your wife die, bring her some of the + rampion yourself, let it cost what it will.’ At twilight, he clambered + down over the wall into the garden of the enchantress, hastily clutched a + handful of rampion, and took it to his wife. She at once made herself a + salad of it, and ate it greedily. It tasted so good to her—so very + good, that the next day she longed for it three times as much as before. + If he was to have any rest, her husband must once more descend into the + garden. In the gloom of evening therefore, he let himself down again; but + when he had clambered down the wall he was terribly afraid, for he saw the + enchantress standing before him. ‘How can you dare,’ said she with angry + look, ‘descend into my garden and steal my rampion like a thief? You shall + suffer for it!’ ‘Ah,’ answered he, ‘let mercy take the place of justice, I + only made up my mind to do it out of necessity. My wife saw your rampion + from the window, and felt such a longing for it that she would have died + if she had not got some to eat.’ Then the enchantress allowed her anger to + be softened, and said to him: ‘If the case be as you say, I will allow you + to take away with you as much rampion as you will, only I make one + condition, you must give me the child which your wife will bring into the + world; it shall be well treated, and I will care for it like a mother.’ + The man in his terror consented to everything, and when the woman was + brought to bed, the enchantress appeared at once, gave the child the name + of Rapunzel, and took it away with her. + </p> + <p> + Rapunzel grew into the most beautiful child under the sun. When she was + twelve years old, the enchantress shut her into a tower, which lay in a + forest, and had neither stairs nor door, but quite at the top was a little + window. When the enchantress wanted to go in, she placed herself beneath + it and cried: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Rapunzel, Rapunzel, + Let down your hair to me.’ +</pre> + <p> + Rapunzel had magnificent long hair, fine as spun gold, and when she heard + the voice of the enchantress she unfastened her braided tresses, wound + them round one of the hooks of the window above, and then the hair fell + twenty ells down, and the enchantress climbed up by it. + </p> + <p> + After a year or two, it came to pass that the king’s son rode through the + forest and passed by the tower. Then he heard a song, which was so + charming that he stood still and listened. This was Rapunzel, who in her + solitude passed her time in letting her sweet voice resound. The king’s + son wanted to climb up to her, and looked for the door of the tower, but + none was to be found. He rode home, but the singing had so deeply touched + his heart, that every day he went out into the forest and listened to it. + Once when he was thus standing behind a tree, he saw that an enchantress + came there, and he heard how she cried: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Rapunzel, Rapunzel, + Let down your hair to me.’ +</pre> + <p> + Then Rapunzel let down the braids of her hair, and the enchantress climbed + up to her. ‘If that is the ladder by which one mounts, I too will try my + fortune,’ said he, and the next day when it began to grow dark, he went to + the tower and cried: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Rapunzel, Rapunzel, + Let down your hair to me.’ +</pre> + <p> + Immediately the hair fell down and the king’s son climbed up. + </p> + <p> + At first Rapunzel was terribly frightened when a man, such as her eyes had + never yet beheld, came to her; but the king’s son began to talk to her + quite like a friend, and told her that his heart had been so stirred that + it had let him have no rest, and he had been forced to see her. Then + Rapunzel lost her fear, and when he asked her if she would take him for + her husband, and she saw that he was young and handsome, she thought: ‘He + will love me more than old Dame Gothel does’; and she said yes, and laid + her hand in his. She said: ‘I will willingly go away with you, but I do + not know how to get down. Bring with you a skein of silk every time that + you come, and I will weave a ladder with it, and when that is ready I will + descend, and you will take me on your horse.’ They agreed that until that + time he should come to her every evening, for the old woman came by day. + The enchantress remarked nothing of this, until once Rapunzel said to her: + ‘Tell me, Dame Gothel, how it happens that you are so much heavier for me + to draw up than the young king’s son—he is with me in a moment.’ + ‘Ah! you wicked child,’ cried the enchantress. ‘What do I hear you say! I + thought I had separated you from all the world, and yet you have deceived + me!’ In her anger she clutched Rapunzel’s beautiful tresses, wrapped them + twice round her left hand, seized a pair of scissors with the right, and + snip, snap, they were cut off, and the lovely braids lay on the ground. + And she was so pitiless that she took poor Rapunzel into a desert where + she had to live in great grief and misery. + </p> + <p> + On the same day that she cast out Rapunzel, however, the enchantress + fastened the braids of hair, which she had cut off, to the hook of the + window, and when the king’s son came and cried: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Rapunzel, Rapunzel, + Let down your hair to me.’ +</pre> + <p> + she let the hair down. The king’s son ascended, but instead of finding his + dearest Rapunzel, he found the enchantress, who gazed at him with wicked + and venomous looks. ‘Aha!’ she cried mockingly, ‘you would fetch your + dearest, but the beautiful bird sits no longer singing in the nest; the + cat has got it, and will scratch out your eyes as well. Rapunzel is lost + to you; you will never see her again.’ The king’s son was beside himself + with pain, and in his despair he leapt down from the tower. He escaped + with his life, but the thorns into which he fell pierced his eyes. Then he + wandered quite blind about the forest, ate nothing but roots and berries, + and did naught but lament and weep over the loss of his dearest wife. Thus + he roamed about in misery for some years, and at length came to the desert + where Rapunzel, with the twins to which she had given birth, a boy and a + girl, lived in wretchedness. He heard a voice, and it seemed so familiar + to him that he went towards it, and when he approached, Rapunzel knew him + and fell on his neck and wept. Two of her tears wetted his eyes and they + grew clear again, and he could see with them as before. He led her to his + kingdom where he was joyfully received, and they lived for a long time + afterwards, happy and contented. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0018" id="link2H_4_0018"></a> + FUNDEVOGEL + </h2> + <p> + There was once a forester who went into the forest to hunt, and as he + entered it he heard a sound of screaming as if a little child were there. + He followed the sound, and at last came to a high tree, and at the top of + this a little child was sitting, for the mother had fallen asleep under + the tree with the child, and a bird of prey had seen it in her arms, had + flown down, snatched it away, and set it on the high tree. + </p> + <p> + The forester climbed up, brought the child down, and thought to himself: + ‘You will take him home with you, and bring him up with your Lina.’ He + took it home, therefore, and the two children grew up together. And the + one, which he had found on a tree was called Fundevogel, because a bird + had carried it away. Fundevogel and Lina loved each other so dearly that + when they did not see each other they were sad. + </p> + <p> + Now the forester had an old cook, who one evening took two pails and began + to fetch water, and did not go once only, but many times, out to the + spring. Lina saw this and said, ‘Listen, old Sanna, why are you fetching + so much water?’ ‘If you will never repeat it to anyone, I will tell you + why.’ So Lina said, no, she would never repeat it to anyone, and then the + cook said: ‘Early tomorrow morning, when the forester is out hunting, I + will heat the water, and when it is boiling in the kettle, I will throw in + Fundevogel, and will boil him in it.’ + </p> + <p> + Early next morning the forester got up and went out hunting, and when he + was gone the children were still in bed. Then Lina said to Fundevogel: ‘If + you will never leave me, I too will never leave you.’ Fundevogel said: + ‘Neither now, nor ever will I leave you.’ Then said Lina: ‘Then will I + tell you. Last night, old Sanna carried so many buckets of water into the + house that I asked her why she was doing that, and she said that if I + would promise not to tell anyone, and she said that early tomorrow morning + when father was out hunting, she would set the kettle full of water, throw + you into it and boil you; but we will get up quickly, dress ourselves, and + go away together.’ + </p> + <p> + The two children therefore got up, dressed themselves quickly, and went + away. When the water in the kettle was boiling, the cook went into the + bedroom to fetch Fundevogel and throw him into it. But when she came in, + and went to the beds, both the children were gone. Then she was terribly + alarmed, and she said to herself: ‘What shall I say now when the forester + comes home and sees that the children are gone? They must be followed + instantly to get them back again.’ + </p> + <p> + Then the cook sent three servants after them, who were to run and overtake + the children. The children, however, were sitting outside the forest, and + when they saw from afar the three servants running, Lina said to + Fundevogel: ‘Never leave me, and I will never leave you.’ Fundevogel said: + ‘Neither now, nor ever.’ Then said Lina: ‘Do you become a rose-tree, and I + the rose upon it.’ When the three servants came to the forest, nothing was + there but a rose-tree and one rose on it, but the children were nowhere. + Then said they: ‘There is nothing to be done here,’ and they went home and + told the cook that they had seen nothing in the forest but a little + rose-bush with one rose on it. Then the old cook scolded and said: ‘You + simpletons, you should have cut the rose-bush in two, and have broken off + the rose and brought it home with you; go, and do it at once.’ They had + therefore to go out and look for the second time. The children, however, + saw them coming from a distance. Then Lina said: ‘Fundevogel, never leave + me, and I will never leave you.’ Fundevogel said: ‘Neither now; nor ever.’ + Said Lina: ‘Then do you become a church, and I’ll be the chandelier in + it.’ So when the three servants came, nothing was there but a church, with + a chandelier in it. They said therefore to each other: ‘What can we do + here, let us go home.’ When they got home, the cook asked if they had not + found them; so they said no, they had found nothing but a church, and + there was a chandelier in it. And the cook scolded them and said: ‘You + fools! why did you not pull the church to pieces, and bring the chandelier + home with you?’ And now the old cook herself got on her legs, and went + with the three servants in pursuit of the children. The children, however, + saw from afar that the three servants were coming, and the cook waddling + after them. Then said Lina: ‘Fundevogel, never leave me, and I will never + leave you.’ Then said Fundevogel: ‘Neither now, nor ever.’ Said Lina: ‘Be + a fishpond, and I will be the duck upon it.’ The cook, however, came up to + them, and when she saw the pond she lay down by it, and was about to drink + it up. But the duck swam quickly to her, seized her head in its beak and + drew her into the water, and there the old witch had to drown. Then the + children went home together, and were heartily delighted, and if they have + not died, they are living still. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0019" id="link2H_4_0019"></a> + THE VALIANT LITTLE TAILOR + </h2> + <p> + One summer’s morning a little tailor was sitting on his table by the + window; he was in good spirits, and sewed with all his might. Then came a + peasant woman down the street crying: ‘Good jams, cheap! Good jams, + cheap!’ This rang pleasantly in the tailor’s ears; he stretched his + delicate head out of the window, and called: ‘Come up here, dear woman; + here you will get rid of your goods.’ The woman came up the three steps to + the tailor with her heavy basket, and he made her unpack all the pots for + him. He inspected each one, lifted it up, put his nose to it, and at + length said: ‘The jam seems to me to be good, so weigh me out four ounces, + dear woman, and if it is a quarter of a pound that is of no consequence.’ + The woman who had hoped to find a good sale, gave him what he desired, but + went away quite angry and grumbling. ‘Now, this jam shall be blessed by + God,’ cried the little tailor, ‘and give me health and strength’; so he + brought the bread out of the cupboard, cut himself a piece right across + the loaf and spread the jam over it. ‘This won’t taste bitter,’ said he, + ‘but I will just finish the jacket before I take a bite.’ He laid the + bread near him, sewed on, and in his joy, made bigger and bigger stitches. + In the meantime the smell of the sweet jam rose to where the flies were + sitting in great numbers, and they were attracted and descended on it in + hosts. ‘Hi! who invited you?’ said the little tailor, and drove the + unbidden guests away. The flies, however, who understood no German, would + not be turned away, but came back again in ever-increasing companies. The + little tailor at last lost all patience, and drew a piece of cloth from + the hole under his work-table, and saying: ‘Wait, and I will give it to + you,’ struck it mercilessly on them. When he drew it away and counted, + there lay before him no fewer than seven, dead and with legs stretched + out. ‘Are you a fellow of that sort?’ said he, and could not help admiring + his own bravery. ‘The whole town shall know of this!’ And the little + tailor hastened to cut himself a girdle, stitched it, and embroidered on + it in large letters: ‘Seven at one stroke!’ ‘What, the town!’ he + continued, ‘the whole world shall hear of it!’ and his heart wagged with + joy like a lamb’s tail. The tailor put on the girdle, and resolved to go + forth into the world, because he thought his workshop was too small for + his valour. Before he went away, he sought about in the house to see if + there was anything which he could take with him; however, he found nothing + but an old cheese, and that he put in his pocket. In front of the door he + observed a bird which had caught itself in the thicket. It had to go into + his pocket with the cheese. Now he took to the road boldly, and as he was + light and nimble, he felt no fatigue. The road led him up a mountain, and + when he had reached the highest point of it, there sat a powerful giant + looking peacefully about him. The little tailor went bravely up, spoke to + him, and said: ‘Good day, comrade, so you are sitting there overlooking + the wide-spread world! I am just on my way thither, and want to try my + luck. Have you any inclination to go with me?’ The giant looked + contemptuously at the tailor, and said: ‘You ragamuffin! You miserable + creature!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, indeed?’ answered the little tailor, and unbuttoned his coat, and + showed the giant the girdle, ‘there may you read what kind of a man I am!’ + The giant read: ‘Seven at one stroke,’ and thought that they had been men + whom the tailor had killed, and began to feel a little respect for the + tiny fellow. Nevertheless, he wished to try him first, and took a stone in + his hand and squeezed it together so that water dropped out of it. ‘Do + that likewise,’ said the giant, ‘if you have strength.’ ‘Is that all?’ + said the tailor, ‘that is child’s play with us!’ and put his hand into his + pocket, brought out the soft cheese, and pressed it until the liquid ran + out of it. ‘Faith,’ said he, ‘that was a little better, wasn’t it?’ The + giant did not know what to say, and could not believe it of the little + man. Then the giant picked up a stone and threw it so high that the eye + could scarcely follow it. ‘Now, little mite of a man, do that likewise,’ + ‘Well thrown,’ said the tailor, ‘but after all the stone came down to + earth again; I will throw you one which shall never come back at all,’ and + he put his hand into his pocket, took out the bird, and threw it into the + air. The bird, delighted with its liberty, rose, flew away and did not + come back. ‘How does that shot please you, comrade?’ asked the tailor. + ‘You can certainly throw,’ said the giant, ‘but now we will see if you are + able to carry anything properly.’ He took the little tailor to a mighty + oak tree which lay there felled on the ground, and said: ‘If you are + strong enough, help me to carry the tree out of the forest.’ ‘Readily,’ + answered the little man; ‘take you the trunk on your shoulders, and I will + raise up the branches and twigs; after all, they are the heaviest.’ The + giant took the trunk on his shoulder, but the tailor seated himself on a + branch, and the giant, who could not look round, had to carry away the + whole tree, and the little tailor into the bargain: he behind, was quite + merry and happy, and whistled the song: ‘Three tailors rode forth from the + gate,’ as if carrying the tree were child’s play. The giant, after he had + dragged the heavy burden part of the way, could go no further, and cried: + ‘Hark you, I shall have to let the tree fall!’ The tailor sprang nimbly + down, seized the tree with both arms as if he had been carrying it, and + said to the giant: ‘You are such a great fellow, and yet cannot even carry + the tree!’ + </p> + <p> + They went on together, and as they passed a cherry-tree, the giant laid + hold of the top of the tree where the ripest fruit was hanging, bent it + down, gave it into the tailor’s hand, and bade him eat. But the little + tailor was much too weak to hold the tree, and when the giant let it go, + it sprang back again, and the tailor was tossed into the air with it. When + he had fallen down again without injury, the giant said: ‘What is this? + Have you not strength enough to hold the weak twig?’ ‘There is no lack of + strength,’ answered the little tailor. ‘Do you think that could be + anything to a man who has struck down seven at one blow? I leapt over the + tree because the huntsmen are shooting down there in the thicket. Jump as + I did, if you can do it.’ The giant made the attempt but he could not get + over the tree, and remained hanging in the branches, so that in this also + the tailor kept the upper hand. + </p> + <p> + The giant said: ‘If you are such a valiant fellow, come with me into our + cavern and spend the night with us.’ The little tailor was willing, and + followed him. When they went into the cave, other giants were sitting + there by the fire, and each of them had a roasted sheep in his hand and + was eating it. The little tailor looked round and thought: ‘It is much + more spacious here than in my workshop.’ The giant showed him a bed, and + said he was to lie down in it and sleep. The bed, however, was too big for + the little tailor; he did not lie down in it, but crept into a corner. + When it was midnight, and the giant thought that the little tailor was + lying in a sound sleep, he got up, took a great iron bar, cut through the + bed with one blow, and thought he had finished off the grasshopper for + good. With the earliest dawn the giants went into the forest, and had + quite forgotten the little tailor, when all at once he walked up to them + quite merrily and boldly. The giants were terrified, they were afraid that + he would strike them all dead, and ran away in a great hurry. + </p> + <p> + The little tailor went onwards, always following his own pointed nose. + After he had walked for a long time, he came to the courtyard of a royal + palace, and as he felt weary, he lay down on the grass and fell asleep. + Whilst he lay there, the people came and inspected him on all sides, and + read on his girdle: ‘Seven at one stroke.’ ‘Ah!’ said they, ‘what does the + great warrior want here in the midst of peace? He must be a mighty lord.’ + They went and announced him to the king, and gave it as their opinion that + if war should break out, this would be a weighty and useful man who ought + on no account to be allowed to depart. The counsel pleased the king, and + he sent one of his courtiers to the little tailor to offer him military + service when he awoke. The ambassador remained standing by the sleeper, + waited until he stretched his limbs and opened his eyes, and then conveyed + to him this proposal. ‘For this very reason have I come here,’ the tailor + replied, ‘I am ready to enter the king’s service.’ He was therefore + honourably received, and a special dwelling was assigned him. + </p> + <p> + The soldiers, however, were set against the little tailor, and wished him + a thousand miles away. ‘What is to be the end of this?’ they said among + themselves. ‘If we quarrel with him, and he strikes about him, seven of us + will fall at every blow; not one of us can stand against him.’ They came + therefore to a decision, betook themselves in a body to the king, and + begged for their dismissal. ‘We are not prepared,’ said they, ‘to stay + with a man who kills seven at one stroke.’ The king was sorry that for the + sake of one he should lose all his faithful servants, wished that he had + never set eyes on the tailor, and would willingly have been rid of him + again. But he did not venture to give him his dismissal, for he dreaded + lest he should strike him and all his people dead, and place himself on + the royal throne. He thought about it for a long time, and at last found + good counsel. He sent to the little tailor and caused him to be informed + that as he was a great warrior, he had one request to make to him. In a + forest of his country lived two giants, who caused great mischief with + their robbing, murdering, ravaging, and burning, and no one could approach + them without putting himself in danger of death. If the tailor conquered + and killed these two giants, he would give him his only daughter to wife, + and half of his kingdom as a dowry, likewise one hundred horsemen should + go with him to assist him. ‘That would indeed be a fine thing for a man + like me!’ thought the little tailor. ‘One is not offered a beautiful + princess and half a kingdom every day of one’s life!’ ‘Oh, yes,’ he + replied, ‘I will soon subdue the giants, and do not require the help of + the hundred horsemen to do it; he who can hit seven with one blow has no + need to be afraid of two.’ + </p> + <p> + The little tailor went forth, and the hundred horsemen followed him. When + he came to the outskirts of the forest, he said to his followers: ‘Just + stay waiting here, I alone will soon finish off the giants.’ Then he + bounded into the forest and looked about right and left. After a while he + perceived both giants. They lay sleeping under a tree, and snored so that + the branches waved up and down. The little tailor, not idle, gathered two + pocketsful of stones, and with these climbed up the tree. When he was + halfway up, he slipped down by a branch, until he sat just above the + sleepers, and then let one stone after another fall on the breast of one + of the giants. For a long time the giant felt nothing, but at last he + awoke, pushed his comrade, and said: ‘Why are you knocking me?’ ‘You must + be dreaming,’ said the other, ‘I am not knocking you.’ They laid + themselves down to sleep again, and then the tailor threw a stone down on + the second. ‘What is the meaning of this?’ cried the other ‘Why are you + pelting me?’ ‘I am not pelting you,’ answered the first, growling. They + disputed about it for a time, but as they were weary they let the matter + rest, and their eyes closed once more. The little tailor began his game + again, picked out the biggest stone, and threw it with all his might on + the breast of the first giant. ‘That is too bad!’ cried he, and sprang up + like a madman, and pushed his companion against the tree until it shook. + The other paid him back in the same coin, and they got into such a rage + that they tore up trees and belaboured each other so long, that at last + they both fell down dead on the ground at the same time. Then the little + tailor leapt down. ‘It is a lucky thing,’ said he, ‘that they did not tear + up the tree on which I was sitting, or I should have had to sprint on to + another like a squirrel; but we tailors are nimble.’ He drew out his sword + and gave each of them a couple of thrusts in the breast, and then went out + to the horsemen and said: ‘The work is done; I have finished both of them + off, but it was hard work! They tore up trees in their sore need, and + defended themselves with them, but all that is to no purpose when a man + like myself comes, who can kill seven at one blow.’ ‘But are you not + wounded?’ asked the horsemen. ‘You need not concern yourself about that,’ + answered the tailor, ‘they have not bent one hair of mine.’ The horsemen + would not believe him, and rode into the forest; there they found the + giants swimming in their blood, and all round about lay the torn-up trees. + </p> + <p> + The little tailor demanded of the king the promised reward; he, however, + repented of his promise, and again bethought himself how he could get rid + of the hero. ‘Before you receive my daughter, and the half of my kingdom,’ + said he to him, ‘you must perform one more heroic deed. In the forest + roams a unicorn which does great harm, and you must catch it first.’ ‘I + fear one unicorn still less than two giants. Seven at one blow, is my kind + of affair.’ He took a rope and an axe with him, went forth into the + forest, and again bade those who were sent with him to wait outside. He + had not long to seek. The unicorn soon came towards him, and rushed + directly on the tailor, as if it would gore him with its horn without more + ado. ‘Softly, softly; it can’t be done as quickly as that,’ said he, and + stood still and waited until the animal was quite close, and then sprang + nimbly behind the tree. The unicorn ran against the tree with all its + strength, and stuck its horn so fast in the trunk that it had not the + strength enough to draw it out again, and thus it was caught. ‘Now, I have + got the bird,’ said the tailor, and came out from behind the tree and put + the rope round its neck, and then with his axe he hewed the horn out of + the tree, and when all was ready he led the beast away and took it to the + king. + </p> + <p> + The king still would not give him the promised reward, and made a third + demand. Before the wedding the tailor was to catch him a wild boar that + made great havoc in the forest, and the huntsmen should give him their + help. ‘Willingly,’ said the tailor, ‘that is child’s play!’ He did not + take the huntsmen with him into the forest, and they were well pleased + that he did not, for the wild boar had several times received them in such + a manner that they had no inclination to lie in wait for him. When the + boar perceived the tailor, it ran on him with foaming mouth and whetted + tusks, and was about to throw him to the ground, but the hero fled and + sprang into a chapel which was near and up to the window at once, and in + one bound out again. The boar ran after him, but the tailor ran round + outside and shut the door behind it, and then the raging beast, which was + much too heavy and awkward to leap out of the window, was caught. The + little tailor called the huntsmen thither that they might see the prisoner + with their own eyes. The hero, however, went to the king, who was now, + whether he liked it or not, obliged to keep his promise, and gave his + daughter and the half of his kingdom. Had he known that it was no warlike + hero, but a little tailor who was standing before him, it would have gone + to his heart still more than it did. The wedding was held with great + magnificence and small joy, and out of a tailor a king was made. + </p> + <p> + After some time the young queen heard her husband say in his dreams at + night: ‘Boy, make me the doublet, and patch the pantaloons, or else I will + rap the yard-measure over your ears.’ Then she discovered in what state of + life the young lord had been born, and next morning complained of her + wrongs to her father, and begged him to help her to get rid of her + husband, who was nothing else but a tailor. The king comforted her and + said: ‘Leave your bedroom door open this night, and my servants shall + stand outside, and when he has fallen asleep shall go in, bind him, and + take him on board a ship which shall carry him into the wide world.’ The + woman was satisfied with this; but the king’s armour-bearer, who had heard + all, was friendly with the young lord, and informed him of the whole plot. + ‘I’ll put a screw into that business,’ said the little tailor. At night he + went to bed with his wife at the usual time, and when she thought that he + had fallen asleep, she got up, opened the door, and then lay down again. + The little tailor, who was only pretending to be asleep, began to cry out + in a clear voice: ‘Boy, make me the doublet and patch me the pantaloons, + or I will rap the yard-measure over your ears. I smote seven at one blow. + I killed two giants, I brought away one unicorn, and caught a wild boar, + and am I to fear those who are standing outside the room.’ When these men + heard the tailor speaking thus, they were overcome by a great dread, and + ran as if the wild huntsman were behind them, and none of them would + venture anything further against him. So the little tailor was and + remained a king to the end of his life. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0020" id="link2H_4_0020"></a> + HANSEL AND GRETEL + </h2> + <p> + Hard by a great forest dwelt a poor wood-cutter with his wife and his two + children. The boy was called Hansel and the girl Gretel. He had little to + bite and to break, and once when great dearth fell on the land, he could + no longer procure even daily bread. Now when he thought over this by night + in his bed, and tossed about in his anxiety, he groaned and said to his + wife: ‘What is to become of us? How are we to feed our poor children, when + we no longer have anything even for ourselves?’ ‘I’ll tell you what, + husband,’ answered the woman, ‘early tomorrow morning we will take the + children out into the forest to where it is the thickest; there we will + light a fire for them, and give each of them one more piece of bread, and + then we will go to our work and leave them alone. They will not find the + way home again, and we shall be rid of them.’ ‘No, wife,’ said the man, ‘I + will not do that; how can I bear to leave my children alone in the forest?—the + wild animals would soon come and tear them to pieces.’ ‘O, you fool!’ said + she, ‘then we must all four die of hunger, you may as well plane the + planks for our coffins,’ and she left him no peace until he consented. + ‘But I feel very sorry for the poor children, all the same,’ said the man. + </p> + <p> + The two children had also not been able to sleep for hunger, and had heard + what their stepmother had said to their father. Gretel wept bitter tears, + and said to Hansel: ‘Now all is over with us.’ ‘Be quiet, Gretel,’ said + Hansel, ‘do not distress yourself, I will soon find a way to help us.’ And + when the old folks had fallen asleep, he got up, put on his little coat, + opened the door below, and crept outside. The moon shone brightly, and the + white pebbles which lay in front of the house glittered like real silver + pennies. Hansel stooped and stuffed the little pocket of his coat with as + many as he could get in. Then he went back and said to Gretel: ‘Be + comforted, dear little sister, and sleep in peace, God will not forsake + us,’ and he lay down again in his bed. When day dawned, but before the sun + had risen, the woman came and awoke the two children, saying: ‘Get up, you + sluggards! we are going into the forest to fetch wood.’ She gave each a + little piece of bread, and said: ‘There is something for your dinner, but + do not eat it up before then, for you will get nothing else.’ Gretel took + the bread under her apron, as Hansel had the pebbles in his pocket. Then + they all set out together on the way to the forest. When they had walked a + short time, Hansel stood still and peeped back at the house, and did so + again and again. His father said: ‘Hansel, what are you looking at there + and staying behind for? Pay attention, and do not forget how to use your + legs.’ ‘Ah, father,’ said Hansel, ‘I am looking at my little white cat, + which is sitting up on the roof, and wants to say goodbye to me.’ The wife + said: ‘Fool, that is not your little cat, that is the morning sun which is + shining on the chimneys.’ Hansel, however, had not been looking back at + the cat, but had been constantly throwing one of the white pebble-stones + out of his pocket on the road. + </p> + <p> + When they had reached the middle of the forest, the father said: ‘Now, + children, pile up some wood, and I will light a fire that you may not be + cold.’ Hansel and Gretel gathered brushwood together, as high as a little + hill. The brushwood was lighted, and when the flames were burning very + high, the woman said: ‘Now, children, lay yourselves down by the fire and + rest, we will go into the forest and cut some wood. When we have done, we + will come back and fetch you away.’ + </p> + <p> + Hansel and Gretel sat by the fire, and when noon came, each ate a little + piece of bread, and as they heard the strokes of the wood-axe they + believed that their father was near. It was not the axe, however, but a + branch which he had fastened to a withered tree which the wind was blowing + backwards and forwards. And as they had been sitting such a long time, + their eyes closed with fatigue, and they fell fast asleep. When at last + they awoke, it was already dark night. Gretel began to cry and said: ‘How + are we to get out of the forest now?’ But Hansel comforted her and said: + ‘Just wait a little, until the moon has risen, and then we will soon find + the way.’ And when the full moon had risen, Hansel took his little sister + by the hand, and followed the pebbles which shone like newly-coined silver + pieces, and showed them the way. + </p> + <p> + They walked the whole night long, and by break of day came once more to + their father’s house. They knocked at the door, and when the woman opened + it and saw that it was Hansel and Gretel, she said: ‘You naughty children, + why have you slept so long in the forest?—we thought you were never + coming back at all!’ The father, however, rejoiced, for it had cut him to + the heart to leave them behind alone. + </p> + <p> + Not long afterwards, there was once more great dearth throughout the land, + and the children heard their mother saying at night to their father: + ‘Everything is eaten again, we have one half loaf left, and that is the + end. The children must go, we will take them farther into the wood, so + that they will not find their way out again; there is no other means of + saving ourselves!’ The man’s heart was heavy, and he thought: ‘It would be + better for you to share the last mouthful with your children.’ The woman, + however, would listen to nothing that he had to say, but scolded and + reproached him. He who says A must say B, likewise, and as he had yielded + the first time, he had to do so a second time also. + </p> + <p> + The children, however, were still awake and had heard the conversation. + When the old folks were asleep, Hansel again got up, and wanted to go out + and pick up pebbles as he had done before, but the woman had locked the + door, and Hansel could not get out. Nevertheless he comforted his little + sister, and said: ‘Do not cry, Gretel, go to sleep quietly, the good God + will help us.’ + </p> + <p> + Early in the morning came the woman, and took the children out of their + beds. Their piece of bread was given to them, but it was still smaller + than the time before. On the way into the forest Hansel crumbled his in + his pocket, and often stood still and threw a morsel on the ground. + ‘Hansel, why do you stop and look round?’ said the father, ‘go on.’ ‘I am + looking back at my little pigeon which is sitting on the roof, and wants + to say goodbye to me,’ answered Hansel. ‘Fool!’ said the woman, ‘that is + not your little pigeon, that is the morning sun that is shining on the + chimney.’ Hansel, however little by little, threw all the crumbs on the + path. + </p> + <p> + The woman led the children still deeper into the forest, where they had + never in their lives been before. Then a great fire was again made, and + the mother said: ‘Just sit there, you children, and when you are tired you + may sleep a little; we are going into the forest to cut wood, and in the + evening when we are done, we will come and fetch you away.’ When it was + noon, Gretel shared her piece of bread with Hansel, who had scattered his + by the way. Then they fell asleep and evening passed, but no one came to + the poor children. They did not awake until it was dark night, and Hansel + comforted his little sister and said: ‘Just wait, Gretel, until the moon + rises, and then we shall see the crumbs of bread which I have strewn + about, they will show us our way home again.’ When the moon came they set + out, but they found no crumbs, for the many thousands of birds which fly + about in the woods and fields had picked them all up. Hansel said to + Gretel: ‘We shall soon find the way,’ but they did not find it. They + walked the whole night and all the next day too from morning till evening, + but they did not get out of the forest, and were very hungry, for they had + nothing to eat but two or three berries, which grew on the ground. And as + they were so weary that their legs would carry them no longer, they lay + down beneath a tree and fell asleep. + </p> + <p> + It was now three mornings since they had left their father’s house. They + began to walk again, but they always came deeper into the forest, and if + help did not come soon, they must die of hunger and weariness. When it was + mid-day, they saw a beautiful snow-white bird sitting on a bough, which + sang so delightfully that they stood still and listened to it. And when + its song was over, it spread its wings and flew away before them, and they + followed it until they reached a little house, on the roof of which it + alighted; and when they approached the little house they saw that it was + built of bread and covered with cakes, but that the windows were of clear + sugar. ‘We will set to work on that,’ said Hansel, ‘and have a good meal. + I will eat a bit of the roof, and you Gretel, can eat some of the window, + it will taste sweet.’ Hansel reached up above, and broke off a little of + the roof to try how it tasted, and Gretel leant against the window and + nibbled at the panes. Then a soft voice cried from the parlour: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Nibble, nibble, gnaw, + Who is nibbling at my little house?’ +</pre> + <p> + The children answered: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘The wind, the wind, + The heaven-born wind,’ +</pre> + <p> + and went on eating without disturbing themselves. Hansel, who liked the + taste of the roof, tore down a great piece of it, and Gretel pushed out + the whole of one round window-pane, sat down, and enjoyed herself with it. + Suddenly the door opened, and a woman as old as the hills, who supported + herself on crutches, came creeping out. Hansel and Gretel were so terribly + frightened that they let fall what they had in their hands. The old woman, + however, nodded her head, and said: ‘Oh, you dear children, who has + brought you here? do come in, and stay with me. No harm shall happen to + you.’ She took them both by the hand, and led them into her little house. + Then good food was set before them, milk and pancakes, with sugar, apples, + and nuts. Afterwards two pretty little beds were covered with clean white + linen, and Hansel and Gretel lay down in them, and thought they were in + heaven. + </p> + <p> + The old woman had only pretended to be so kind; she was in reality a + wicked witch, who lay in wait for children, and had only built the little + house of bread in order to entice them there. When a child fell into her + power, she killed it, cooked and ate it, and that was a feast day with + her. Witches have red eyes, and cannot see far, but they have a keen scent + like the beasts, and are aware when human beings draw near. When Hansel + and Gretel came into her neighbourhood, she laughed with malice, and said + mockingly: ‘I have them, they shall not escape me again!’ Early in the + morning before the children were awake, she was already up, and when she + saw both of them sleeping and looking so pretty, with their plump and rosy + cheeks she muttered to herself: ‘That will be a dainty mouthful!’ Then she + seized Hansel with her shrivelled hand, carried him into a little stable, + and locked him in behind a grated door. Scream as he might, it would not + help him. Then she went to Gretel, shook her till she awoke, and cried: + ‘Get up, lazy thing, fetch some water, and cook something good for your + brother, he is in the stable outside, and is to be made fat. When he is + fat, I will eat him.’ Gretel began to weep bitterly, but it was all in + vain, for she was forced to do what the wicked witch commanded. + </p> + <p> + And now the best food was cooked for poor Hansel, but Gretel got nothing + but crab-shells. Every morning the woman crept to the little stable, and + cried: ‘Hansel, stretch out your finger that I may feel if you will soon + be fat.’ Hansel, however, stretched out a little bone to her, and the old + woman, who had dim eyes, could not see it, and thought it was Hansel’s + finger, and was astonished that there was no way of fattening him. When + four weeks had gone by, and Hansel still remained thin, she was seized + with impatience and would not wait any longer. ‘Now, then, Gretel,’ she + cried to the girl, ‘stir yourself, and bring some water. Let Hansel be fat + or lean, tomorrow I will kill him, and cook him.’ Ah, how the poor little + sister did lament when she had to fetch the water, and how her tears did + flow down her cheeks! ‘Dear God, do help us,’ she cried. ‘If the wild + beasts in the forest had but devoured us, we should at any rate have died + together.’ ‘Just keep your noise to yourself,’ said the old woman, ‘it + won’t help you at all.’ + </p> + <p> + Early in the morning, Gretel had to go out and hang up the cauldron with + the water, and light the fire. ‘We will bake first,’ said the old woman, + ‘I have already heated the oven, and kneaded the dough.’ She pushed poor + Gretel out to the oven, from which flames of fire were already darting. + ‘Creep in,’ said the witch, ‘and see if it is properly heated, so that we + can put the bread in.’ And once Gretel was inside, she intended to shut + the oven and let her bake in it, and then she would eat her, too. But + Gretel saw what she had in mind, and said: ‘I do not know how I am to do + it; how do I get in?’ ‘Silly goose,’ said the old woman. ‘The door is big + enough; just look, I can get in myself!’ and she crept up and thrust her + head into the oven. Then Gretel gave her a push that drove her far into + it, and shut the iron door, and fastened the bolt. Oh! then she began to + howl quite horribly, but Gretel ran away and the godless witch was + miserably burnt to death. + </p> + <p> + Gretel, however, ran like lightning to Hansel, opened his little stable, + and cried: ‘Hansel, we are saved! The old witch is dead!’ Then Hansel + sprang like a bird from its cage when the door is opened. How they did + rejoice and embrace each other, and dance about and kiss each other! And + as they had no longer any need to fear her, they went into the witch’s + house, and in every corner there stood chests full of pearls and jewels. + ‘These are far better than pebbles!’ said Hansel, and thrust into his + pockets whatever could be got in, and Gretel said: ‘I, too, will take + something home with me,’ and filled her pinafore full. ‘But now we must be + off,’ said Hansel, ‘that we may get out of the witch’s forest.’ + </p> + <p> + When they had walked for two hours, they came to a great stretch of water. + ‘We cannot cross,’ said Hansel, ‘I see no foot-plank, and no bridge.’ ‘And + there is also no ferry,’ answered Gretel, ‘but a white duck is swimming + there: if I ask her, she will help us over.’ Then she cried: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Little duck, little duck, dost thou see, + Hansel and Gretel are waiting for thee? + There’s never a plank, or bridge in sight, + Take us across on thy back so white.’ +</pre> + <p> + The duck came to them, and Hansel seated himself on its back, and told his + sister to sit by him. ‘No,’ replied Gretel, ‘that will be too heavy for + the little duck; she shall take us across, one after the other.’ The good + little duck did so, and when they were once safely across and had walked + for a short time, the forest seemed to be more and more familiar to them, + and at length they saw from afar their father’s house. Then they began to + run, rushed into the parlour, and threw themselves round their father’s + neck. The man had not known one happy hour since he had left the children + in the forest; the woman, however, was dead. Gretel emptied her pinafore + until pearls and precious stones ran about the room, and Hansel threw one + handful after another out of his pocket to add to them. Then all anxiety + was at an end, and they lived together in perfect happiness. My tale is + done, there runs a mouse; whosoever catches it, may make himself a big fur + cap out of it. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0021" id="link2H_4_0021"></a> + THE MOUSE, THE BIRD, AND THE SAUSAGE + </h2> + <p> + Once upon a time, a mouse, a bird, and a sausage, entered into partnership + and set up house together. For a long time all went well; they lived in + great comfort, and prospered so far as to be able to add considerably to + their stores. The bird’s duty was to fly daily into the wood and bring in + fuel; the mouse fetched the water, and the sausage saw to the cooking. + </p> + <p> + When people are too well off they always begin to long for something new. + And so it came to pass, that the bird, while out one day, met a fellow + bird, to whom he boastfully expatiated on the excellence of his household + arrangements. But the other bird sneered at him for being a poor + simpleton, who did all the hard work, while the other two stayed at home + and had a good time of it. For, when the mouse had made the fire and + fetched in the water, she could retire into her little room and rest until + it was time to set the table. The sausage had only to watch the pot to see + that the food was properly cooked, and when it was near dinner-time, he + just threw himself into the broth, or rolled in and out among the + vegetables three or four times, and there they were, buttered, and salted, + and ready to be served. Then, when the bird came home and had laid aside + his burden, they sat down to table, and when they had finished their meal, + they could sleep their fill till the following morning: and that was + really a very delightful life. + </p> + <p> + Influenced by those remarks, the bird next morning refused to bring in the + wood, telling the others that he had been their servant long enough, and + had been a fool into the bargain, and that it was now time to make a + change, and to try some other way of arranging the work. Beg and pray as + the mouse and the sausage might, it was of no use; the bird remained + master of the situation, and the venture had to be made. They therefore + drew lots, and it fell to the sausage to bring in the wood, to the mouse + to cook, and to the bird to fetch the water. + </p> + <p> + And now what happened? The sausage started in search of wood, the bird + made the fire, and the mouse put on the pot, and then these two waited + till the sausage returned with the fuel for the following day. But the + sausage remained so long away, that they became uneasy, and the bird flew + out to meet him. He had not flown far, however, when he came across a dog + who, having met the sausage, had regarded him as his legitimate booty, and + so seized and swallowed him. The bird complained to the dog of this + bare-faced robbery, but nothing he said was of any avail, for the dog + answered that he found false credentials on the sausage, and that was the + reason his life had been forfeited. + </p> + <p> + He picked up the wood, and flew sadly home, and told the mouse all he had + seen and heard. They were both very unhappy, but agreed to make the best + of things and to remain with one another. + </p> + <p> + So now the bird set the table, and the mouse looked after the food and, + wishing to prepare it in the same way as the sausage, by rolling in and + out among the vegetables to salt and butter them, she jumped into the pot; + but she stopped short long before she reached the bottom, having already + parted not only with her skin and hair, but also with life. + </p> + <p> + Presently the bird came in and wanted to serve up the dinner, but he could + nowhere see the cook. In his alarm and flurry, he threw the wood here and + there about the floor, called and searched, but no cook was to be found. + Then some of the wood that had been carelessly thrown down, caught fire + and began to blaze. The bird hastened to fetch some water, but his pail + fell into the well, and he after it, and as he was unable to recover + himself, he was drowned. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0022" id="link2H_4_0022"></a> + MOTHER HOLLE + </h2> + <p> + Once upon a time there was a widow who had two daughters; one of them was + beautiful and industrious, the other ugly and lazy. The mother, however, + loved the ugly and lazy one best, because she was her own daughter, and so + the other, who was only her stepdaughter, was made to do all the work of + the house, and was quite the Cinderella of the family. Her stepmother sent + her out every day to sit by the well in the high road, there to spin until + she made her fingers bleed. Now it chanced one day that some blood fell on + to the spindle, and as the girl stopped over the well to wash it off, the + spindle suddenly sprang out of her hand and fell into the well. She ran + home crying to tell of her misfortune, but her stepmother spoke harshly to + her, and after giving her a violent scolding, said unkindly, ‘As you have + let the spindle fall into the well you may go yourself and fetch it out.’ + </p> + <p> + The girl went back to the well not knowing what to do, and at last in her + distress she jumped into the water after the spindle. + </p> + <p> + She remembered nothing more until she awoke and found herself in a + beautiful meadow, full of sunshine, and with countless flowers blooming in + every direction. + </p> + <p> + She walked over the meadow, and presently she came upon a baker’s oven + full of bread, and the loaves cried out to her, ‘Take us out, take us out, + or alas! we shall be burnt to a cinder; we were baked through long ago.’ + So she took the bread-shovel and drew them all out. + </p> + <p> + She went on a little farther, till she came to a tree full of apples. + ‘Shake me, shake me, I pray,’ cried the tree; ‘my apples, one and all, are + ripe.’ So she shook the tree, and the apples came falling down upon her + like rain; but she continued shaking until there was not a single apple + left upon it. Then she carefully gathered the apples together in a heap + and walked on again. + </p> + <p> + The next thing she came to was a little house, and there she saw an old + woman looking out, with such large teeth, that she was terrified, and + turned to run away. But the old woman called after her, ‘What are you + afraid of, dear child? Stay with me; if you will do the work of my house + properly for me, I will make you very happy. You must be very careful, + however, to make my bed in the right way, for I wish you always to shake + it thoroughly, so that the feathers fly about; then they say, down there + in the world, that it is snowing; for I am Mother Holle.’ The old woman + spoke so kindly, that the girl summoned up courage and agreed to enter + into her service. + </p> + <p> + She took care to do everything according to the old woman’s bidding and + every time she made the bed she shook it with all her might, so that the + feathers flew about like so many snowflakes. The old woman was as good as + her word: she never spoke angrily to her, and gave her roast and boiled + meats every day. + </p> + <p> + So she stayed on with Mother Holle for some time, and then she began to + grow unhappy. She could not at first tell why she felt sad, but she became + conscious at last of great longing to go home; then she knew she was + homesick, although she was a thousand times better off with Mother Holle + than with her mother and sister. After waiting awhile, she went to Mother + Holle and said, ‘I am so homesick, that I cannot stay with you any longer, + for although I am so happy here, I must return to my own people.’ + </p> + <p> + Then Mother Holle said, ‘I am pleased that you should want to go back to + your own people, and as you have served me so well and faithfully, I will + take you home myself.’ + </p> + <p> + Thereupon she led the girl by the hand up to a broad gateway. The gate was + opened, and as the girl passed through, a shower of gold fell upon her, + and the gold clung to her, so that she was covered with it from head to + foot. + </p> + <p> + ‘That is a reward for your industry,’ said Mother Holle, and as she spoke + she handed her the spindle which she had dropped into the well. + </p> + <p> + The gate was then closed, and the girl found herself back in the old world + close to her mother’s house. As she entered the courtyard, the cock who + was perched on the well, called out: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Cock-a-doodle-doo! + Your golden daughter’s come back to you.’ +</pre> + <p> + Then she went in to her mother and sister, and as she was so richly + covered with gold, they gave her a warm welcome. She related to them all + that had happened, and when the mother heard how she had come by her great + riches, she thought she should like her ugly, lazy daughter to go and try + her fortune. So she made the sister go and sit by the well and spin, and + the girl pricked her finger and thrust her hand into a thorn-bush, so that + she might drop some blood on to the spindle; then she threw it into the + well, and jumped in herself. + </p> + <p> + Like her sister she awoke in the beautiful meadow, and walked over it till + she came to the oven. ‘Take us out, take us out, or alas! we shall be + burnt to a cinder; we were baked through long ago,’ cried the loaves as + before. But the lazy girl answered, ‘Do you think I am going to dirty my + hands for you?’ and walked on. + </p> + <p> + Presently she came to the apple-tree. ‘Shake me, shake me, I pray; my + apples, one and all, are ripe,’ it cried. But she only answered, ‘A nice + thing to ask me to do, one of the apples might fall on my head,’ and + passed on. + </p> + <p> + At last she came to Mother Holle’s house, and as she had heard all about + the large teeth from her sister, she was not afraid of them, and engaged + herself without delay to the old woman. + </p> + <p> + The first day she was very obedient and industrious, and exerted herself + to please Mother Holle, for she thought of the gold she should get in + return. The next day, however, she began to dawdle over her work, and the + third day she was more idle still; then she began to lie in bed in the + mornings and refused to get up. Worse still, she neglected to make the old + woman’s bed properly, and forgot to shake it so that the feathers might + fly about. So Mother Holle very soon got tired of her, and told her she + might go. The lazy girl was delighted at this, and thought to herself, + ‘The gold will soon be mine.’ Mother Holle led her, as she had led her + sister, to the broad gateway; but as she was passing through, instead of + the shower of gold, a great bucketful of pitch came pouring over her. + </p> + <p> + ‘That is in return for your services,’ said the old woman, and she shut + the gate. + </p> + <p> + So the lazy girl had to go home covered with pitch, and the cock on the + well called out as she saw her: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Cock-a-doodle-doo! + Your dirty daughter’s come back to you.’ +</pre> + <p> + But, try what she would, she could not get the pitch off and it stuck to + her as long as she lived. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0023" id="link2H_4_0023"></a> + LITTLE RED-CAP [LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD] + </h2> + <p> + Once upon a time there was a dear little girl who was loved by everyone + who looked at her, but most of all by her grandmother, and there was + nothing that she would not have given to the child. Once she gave her a + little cap of red velvet, which suited her so well that she would never + wear anything else; so she was always called ‘Little Red-Cap.’ + </p> + <p> + One day her mother said to her: ‘Come, Little Red-Cap, here is a piece of + cake and a bottle of wine; take them to your grandmother, she is ill and + weak, and they will do her good. Set out before it gets hot, and when you + are going, walk nicely and quietly and do not run off the path, or you may + fall and break the bottle, and then your grandmother will get nothing; and + when you go into her room, don’t forget to say, “Good morning”, and don’t + peep into every corner before you do it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will take great care,’ said Little Red-Cap to her mother, and gave her + hand on it. + </p> + <p> + The grandmother lived out in the wood, half a league from the village, and + just as Little Red-Cap entered the wood, a wolf met her. Red-Cap did not + know what a wicked creature he was, and was not at all afraid of him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Good day, Little Red-Cap,’ said he. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you kindly, wolf.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Whither away so early, Little Red-Cap?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To my grandmother’s.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What have you got in your apron?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Cake and wine; yesterday was baking-day, so poor sick grandmother is to + have something good, to make her stronger.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Where does your grandmother live, Little Red-Cap?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A good quarter of a league farther on in the wood; her house stands under + the three large oak-trees, the nut-trees are just below; you surely must + know it,’ replied Little Red-Cap. + </p> + <p> + The wolf thought to himself: ‘What a tender young creature! what a nice + plump mouthful—she will be better to eat than the old woman. I must + act craftily, so as to catch both.’ So he walked for a short time by the + side of Little Red-Cap, and then he said: ‘See, Little Red-Cap, how pretty + the flowers are about here—why do you not look round? I believe, + too, that you do not hear how sweetly the little birds are singing; you + walk gravely along as if you were going to school, while everything else + out here in the wood is merry.’ + </p> + <p> + Little Red-Cap raised her eyes, and when she saw the sunbeams dancing here + and there through the trees, and pretty flowers growing everywhere, she + thought: ‘Suppose I take grandmother a fresh nosegay; that would please + her too. It is so early in the day that I shall still get there in good + time’; and so she ran from the path into the wood to look for flowers. And + whenever she had picked one, she fancied that she saw a still prettier one + farther on, and ran after it, and so got deeper and deeper into the wood. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the wolf ran straight to the grandmother’s house and knocked at + the door. + </p> + <p> + ‘Who is there?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Little Red-Cap,’ replied the wolf. ‘She is bringing cake and wine; open + the door.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lift the latch,’ called out the grandmother, ‘I am too weak, and cannot + get up.’ + </p> + <p> + The wolf lifted the latch, the door sprang open, and without saying a word + he went straight to the grandmother’s bed, and devoured her. Then he put + on her clothes, dressed himself in her cap laid himself in bed and drew + the curtains. + </p> + <p> + Little Red-Cap, however, had been running about picking flowers, and when + she had gathered so many that she could carry no more, she remembered her + grandmother, and set out on the way to her. + </p> + <p> + She was surprised to find the cottage-door standing open, and when she + went into the room, she had such a strange feeling that she said to + herself: ‘Oh dear! how uneasy I feel today, and at other times I like + being with grandmother so much.’ She called out: ‘Good morning,’ but + received no answer; so she went to the bed and drew back the curtains. + There lay her grandmother with her cap pulled far over her face, and + looking very strange. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! grandmother,’ she said, ‘what big ears you have!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The better to hear you with, my child,’ was the reply. + </p> + <p> + ‘But, grandmother, what big eyes you have!’ she said. + </p> + <p> + ‘The better to see you with, my dear.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But, grandmother, what large hands you have!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The better to hug you with.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! but, grandmother, what a terrible big mouth you have!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The better to eat you with!’ + </p> + <p> + And scarcely had the wolf said this, than with one bound he was out of bed + and swallowed up Red-Cap. + </p> + <p> + When the wolf had appeased his appetite, he lay down again in the bed, + fell asleep and began to snore very loud. The huntsman was just passing + the house, and thought to himself: ‘How the old woman is snoring! I must + just see if she wants anything.’ So he went into the room, and when he + came to the bed, he saw that the wolf was lying in it. ‘Do I find you + here, you old sinner!’ said he. ‘I have long sought you!’ Then just as he + was going to fire at him, it occurred to him that the wolf might have + devoured the grandmother, and that she might still be saved, so he did not + fire, but took a pair of scissors, and began to cut open the stomach of + the sleeping wolf. When he had made two snips, he saw the little Red-Cap + shining, and then he made two snips more, and the little girl sprang out, + crying: ‘Ah, how frightened I have been! How dark it was inside the wolf’; + and after that the aged grandmother came out alive also, but scarcely able + to breathe. Red-Cap, however, quickly fetched great stones with which they + filled the wolf’s belly, and when he awoke, he wanted to run away, but the + stones were so heavy that he collapsed at once, and fell dead. + </p> + <p> + Then all three were delighted. The huntsman drew off the wolf’s skin and + went home with it; the grandmother ate the cake and drank the wine which + Red-Cap had brought, and revived, but Red-Cap thought to herself: ‘As long + as I live, I will never by myself leave the path, to run into the wood, + when my mother has forbidden me to do so.’ + </p> + <p> + It also related that once when Red-Cap was again taking cakes to the old + grandmother, another wolf spoke to her, and tried to entice her from the + path. Red-Cap, however, was on her guard, and went straight forward on her + way, and told her grandmother that she had met the wolf, and that he had + said ‘good morning’ to her, but with such a wicked look in his eyes, that + if they had not been on the public road she was certain he would have + eaten her up. ‘Well,’ said the grandmother, ‘we will shut the door, that + he may not come in.’ Soon afterwards the wolf knocked, and cried: ‘Open + the door, grandmother, I am Little Red-Cap, and am bringing you some + cakes.’ But they did not speak, or open the door, so the grey-beard stole + twice or thrice round the house, and at last jumped on the roof, intending + to wait until Red-Cap went home in the evening, and then to steal after + her and devour her in the darkness. But the grandmother saw what was in + his thoughts. In front of the house was a great stone trough, so she said + to the child: ‘Take the pail, Red-Cap; I made some sausages yesterday, so + carry the water in which I boiled them to the trough.’ Red-Cap carried + until the great trough was quite full. Then the smell of the sausages + reached the wolf, and he sniffed and peeped down, and at last stretched + out his neck so far that he could no longer keep his footing and began to + slip, and slipped down from the roof straight into the great trough, and + was drowned. But Red-Cap went joyously home, and no one ever did anything + to harm her again. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0025" id="link2H_4_0025"></a> + THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM + </h2> + <p> + There was once a miller who had one beautiful daughter, and as she was + grown up, he was anxious that she should be well married and provided for. + He said to himself, ‘I will give her to the first suitable man who comes + and asks for her hand.’ Not long after a suitor appeared, and as he + appeared to be very rich and the miller could see nothing in him with + which to find fault, he betrothed his daughter to him. But the girl did + not care for the man as a girl ought to care for her betrothed husband. + She did not feel that she could trust him, and she could not look at him + nor think of him without an inward shudder. One day he said to her, ‘You + have not yet paid me a visit, although we have been betrothed for some + time.’ ‘I do not know where your house is,’ she answered. ‘My house is out + there in the dark forest,’ he said. She tried to excuse herself by saying + that she would not be able to find the way thither. Her betrothed only + replied, ‘You must come and see me next Sunday; I have already invited + guests for that day, and that you may not mistake the way, I will strew + ashes along the path.’ + </p> + <p> + When Sunday came, and it was time for the girl to start, a feeling of + dread came over her which she could not explain, and that she might be + able to find her path again, she filled her pockets with peas and lentils + to sprinkle on the ground as she went along. On reaching the entrance to + the forest she found the path strewed with ashes, and these she followed, + throwing down some peas on either side of her at every step she took. She + walked the whole day until she came to the deepest, darkest part of the + forest. There she saw a lonely house, looking so grim and mysterious, that + it did not please her at all. She stepped inside, but not a soul was to be + seen, and a great silence reigned throughout. Suddenly a voice cried: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Turn back, turn back, young maiden fair, + Linger not in this murderers’ lair.’ +</pre> + <p> + The girl looked up and saw that the voice came from a bird hanging in a + cage on the wall. Again it cried: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Turn back, turn back, young maiden fair, + Linger not in this murderers’ lair.’ +</pre> + <p> + The girl passed on, going from room to room of the house, but they were + all empty, and still she saw no one. At last she came to the cellar, and + there sat a very, very old woman, who could not keep her head from + shaking. ‘Can you tell me,’ asked the girl, ‘if my betrothed husband lives + here?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah, you poor child,’ answered the old woman, ‘what a place for you to + come to! This is a murderers’ den. You think yourself a promised bride, + and that your marriage will soon take place, but it is with death that you + will keep your marriage feast. Look, do you see that large cauldron of + water which I am obliged to keep on the fire! As soon as they have you in + their power they will kill you without mercy, and cook and eat you, for + they are eaters of men. If I did not take pity on you and save you, you + would be lost.’ + </p> + <p> + Thereupon the old woman led her behind a large cask, which quite hid her + from view. ‘Keep as still as a mouse,’ she said; ‘do not move or speak, or + it will be all over with you. Tonight, when the robbers are all asleep, we + will flee together. I have long been waiting for an opportunity to + escape.’ + </p> + <p> + The words were hardly out of her mouth when the godless crew returned, + dragging another young girl along with them. They were all drunk, and paid + no heed to her cries and lamentations. They gave her wine to drink, three + glasses full, one of white wine, one of red, and one of yellow, and with + that her heart gave way and she died. Then they tore off her dainty + clothing, laid her on a table, and cut her beautiful body into pieces, and + sprinkled salt upon it. + </p> + <p> + The poor betrothed girl crouched trembling and shuddering behind the cask, + for she saw what a terrible fate had been intended for her by the robbers. + One of them now noticed a gold ring still remaining on the little finger + of the murdered girl, and as he could not draw it off easily, he took a + hatchet and cut off the finger; but the finger sprang into the air, and + fell behind the cask into the lap of the girl who was hiding there. The + robber took a light and began looking for it, but he could not find it. + ‘Have you looked behind the large cask?’ said one of the others. But the + old woman called out, ‘Come and eat your suppers, and let the thing be + till tomorrow; the finger won’t run away.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The old woman is right,’ said the robbers, and they ceased looking for + the finger and sat down. + </p> + <p> + The old woman then mixed a sleeping draught with their wine, and before + long they were all lying on the floor of the cellar, fast asleep and + snoring. As soon as the girl was assured of this, she came from behind the + cask. She was obliged to step over the bodies of the sleepers, who were + lying close together, and every moment she was filled with renewed dread + lest she should awaken them. But God helped her, so that she passed safely + over them, and then she and the old woman went upstairs, opened the door, + and hastened as fast as they could from the murderers’ den. They found the + ashes scattered by the wind, but the peas and lentils had sprouted, and + grown sufficiently above the ground, to guide them in the moonlight along + the path. All night long they walked, and it was morning before they + reached the mill. Then the girl told her father all that had happened. + </p> + <p> + The day came that had been fixed for the marriage. The bridegroom arrived + and also a large company of guests, for the miller had taken care to + invite all his friends and relations. As they sat at the feast, each guest + in turn was asked to tell a tale; the bride sat still and did not say a + word. + </p> + <p> + ‘And you, my love,’ said the bridegroom, turning to her, ‘is there no tale + you know? Tell us something.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will tell you a dream, then,’ said the bride. ‘I went alone through a + forest and came at last to a house; not a soul could I find within, but a + bird that was hanging in a cage on the wall cried: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Turn back, turn back, young maiden fair, + Linger not in this murderers’ lair.’ +</pre> + <p> + And again a second time it said these words.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My darling, this is only a dream.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I went on through the house from room to room, but they were all empty, + and everything was so grim and mysterious. At last I went down to the + cellar, and there sat a very, very old woman, who could not keep her head + still. I asked her if my betrothed lived here, and she answered, “Ah, you + poor child, you are come to a murderers’ den; your betrothed does indeed + live here, but he will kill you without mercy and afterwards cook and eat + you.”’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My darling, this is only a dream.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The old woman hid me behind a large cask, and scarcely had she done this + when the robbers returned home, dragging a young girl along with them. + They gave her three kinds of wine to drink, white, red, and yellow, and + with that she died.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My darling, this is only a dream.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then they tore off her dainty clothing, and cut her beautiful body into + pieces and sprinkled salt upon it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My darling, this is only a dream.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And one of the robbers saw that there was a gold ring still left on her + finger, and as it was difficult to draw off, he took a hatchet and cut off + her finger; but the finger sprang into the air and fell behind the great + cask into my lap. And here is the finger with the ring.’ And with these + words the bride drew forth the finger and shewed it to the assembled + guests. + </p> + <p> + The bridegroom, who during this recital had grown deadly pale, up and + tried to escape, but the guests seized him and held him fast. They + delivered him up to justice, and he and all his murderous band were + condemned to death for their wicked deeds. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0026" id="link2H_4_0026"></a> + TOM THUMB + </h2> + <p> + A poor woodman sat in his cottage one night, smoking his pipe by the + fireside, while his wife sat by his side spinning. ‘How lonely it is, + wife,’ said he, as he puffed out a long curl of smoke, ‘for you and me to + sit here by ourselves, without any children to play about and amuse us + while other people seem so happy and merry with their children!’ ‘What you + say is very true,’ said the wife, sighing, and turning round her wheel; + ‘how happy should I be if I had but one child! If it were ever so small—nay, + if it were no bigger than my thumb—I should be very happy, and love + it dearly.’ Now—odd as you may think it—it came to pass that + this good woman’s wish was fulfilled, just in the very way she had wished + it; for, not long afterwards, she had a little boy, who was quite healthy + and strong, but was not much bigger than my thumb. So they said, ‘Well, we + cannot say we have not got what we wished for, and, little as he is, we + will love him dearly.’ And they called him Thomas Thumb. + </p> + <p> + They gave him plenty of food, yet for all they could do he never grew + bigger, but kept just the same size as he had been when he was born. + Still, his eyes were sharp and sparkling, and he soon showed himself to be + a clever little fellow, who always knew well what he was about. + </p> + <p> + One day, as the woodman was getting ready to go into the wood to cut fuel, + he said, ‘I wish I had someone to bring the cart after me, for I want to + make haste.’ ‘Oh, father,’ cried Tom, ‘I will take care of that; the cart + shall be in the wood by the time you want it.’ Then the woodman laughed, + and said, ‘How can that be? you cannot reach up to the horse’s bridle.’ + ‘Never mind that, father,’ said Tom; ‘if my mother will only harness the + horse, I will get into his ear and tell him which way to go.’ ‘Well,’ said + the father, ‘we will try for once.’ + </p> + <p> + When the time came the mother harnessed the horse to the cart, and put Tom + into his ear; and as he sat there the little man told the beast how to go, + crying out, ‘Go on!’ and ‘Stop!’ as he wanted: and thus the horse went on + just as well as if the woodman had driven it himself into the wood. It + happened that as the horse was going a little too fast, and Tom was + calling out, ‘Gently! gently!’ two strangers came up. ‘What an odd thing + that is!’ said one: ‘there is a cart going along, and I hear a carter + talking to the horse, but yet I can see no one.’ ‘That is queer, indeed,’ + said the other; ‘let us follow the cart, and see where it goes.’ So they + went on into the wood, till at last they came to the place where the + woodman was. Then Tom Thumb, seeing his father, cried out, ‘See, father, + here I am with the cart, all right and safe! now take me down!’ So his + father took hold of the horse with one hand, and with the other took his + son out of the horse’s ear, and put him down upon a straw, where he sat as + merry as you please. + </p> + <p> + The two strangers were all this time looking on, and did not know what to + say for wonder. At last one took the other aside, and said, ‘That little + urchin will make our fortune, if we can get him, and carry him about from + town to town as a show; we must buy him.’ So they went up to the woodman, + and asked him what he would take for the little man. ‘He will be better + off,’ said they, ‘with us than with you.’ ‘I won’t sell him at all,’ said + the father; ‘my own flesh and blood is dearer to me than all the silver + and gold in the world.’ But Tom, hearing of the bargain they wanted to + make, crept up his father’s coat to his shoulder and whispered in his ear, + ‘Take the money, father, and let them have me; I’ll soon come back to + you.’ + </p> + <p> + So the woodman at last said he would sell Tom to the strangers for a large + piece of gold, and they paid the price. ‘Where would you like to sit?’ + said one of them. ‘Oh, put me on the rim of your hat; that will be a nice + gallery for me; I can walk about there and see the country as we go + along.’ So they did as he wished; and when Tom had taken leave of his + father they took him away with them. + </p> + <p> + They journeyed on till it began to be dusky, and then the little man said, + ‘Let me get down, I’m tired.’ So the man took off his hat, and put him + down on a clod of earth, in a ploughed field by the side of the road. But + Tom ran about amongst the furrows, and at last slipped into an old + mouse-hole. ‘Good night, my masters!’ said he, ‘I’m off! mind and look + sharp after me the next time.’ Then they ran at once to the place, and + poked the ends of their sticks into the mouse-hole, but all in vain; Tom + only crawled farther and farther in; and at last it became quite dark, so + that they were forced to go their way without their prize, as sulky as + could be. + </p> + <p> + When Tom found they were gone, he came out of his hiding-place. ‘What + dangerous walking it is,’ said he, ‘in this ploughed field! If I were to + fall from one of these great clods, I should undoubtedly break my neck.’ + At last, by good luck, he found a large empty snail-shell. ‘This is + lucky,’ said he, ‘I can sleep here very well’; and in he crept. + </p> + <p> + Just as he was falling asleep, he heard two men passing by, chatting + together; and one said to the other, ‘How can we rob that rich parson’s + house of his silver and gold?’ ‘I’ll tell you!’ cried Tom. ‘What noise was + that?’ said the thief, frightened; ‘I’m sure I heard someone speak.’ They + stood still listening, and Tom said, ‘Take me with you, and I’ll soon show + you how to get the parson’s money.’ ‘But where are you?’ said they. ‘Look + about on the ground,’ answered he, ‘and listen where the sound comes + from.’ At last the thieves found him out, and lifted him up in their + hands. ‘You little urchin!’ they said, ‘what can you do for us?’ ‘Why, I + can get between the iron window-bars of the parson’s house, and throw you + out whatever you want.’ ‘That’s a good thought,’ said the thieves; ‘come + along, we shall see what you can do.’ + </p> + <p> + When they came to the parson’s house, Tom slipped through the window-bars + into the room, and then called out as loud as he could bawl, ‘Will you + have all that is here?’ At this the thieves were frightened, and said, + ‘Softly, softly! Speak low, that you may not awaken anybody.’ But Tom + seemed as if he did not understand them, and bawled out again, ‘How much + will you have? Shall I throw it all out?’ Now the cook lay in the next + room; and hearing a noise she raised herself up in her bed and listened. + Meantime the thieves were frightened, and ran off a little way; but at + last they plucked up their hearts, and said, ‘The little urchin is only + trying to make fools of us.’ So they came back and whispered softly to + him, saying, ‘Now let us have no more of your roguish jokes; but throw us + out some of the money.’ Then Tom called out as loud as he could, ‘Very + well! hold your hands! here it comes.’ + </p> + <p> + The cook heard this quite plain, so she sprang out of bed, and ran to open + the door. The thieves ran off as if a wolf was at their tails: and the + maid, having groped about and found nothing, went away for a light. By the + time she came back, Tom had slipped off into the barn; and when she had + looked about and searched every hole and corner, and found nobody, she + went to bed, thinking she must have been dreaming with her eyes open. + </p> + <p> + The little man crawled about in the hay-loft, and at last found a snug + place to finish his night’s rest in; so he laid himself down, meaning to + sleep till daylight, and then find his way home to his father and mother. + But alas! how woefully he was undone! what crosses and sorrows happen to + us all in this world! The cook got up early, before daybreak, to feed the + cows; and going straight to the hay-loft, carried away a large bundle of + hay, with the little man in the middle of it, fast asleep. He still, + however, slept on, and did not awake till he found himself in the mouth of + the cow; for the cook had put the hay into the cow’s rick, and the cow had + taken Tom up in a mouthful of it. ‘Good lack-a-day!’ said he, ‘how came I + to tumble into the mill?’ But he soon found out where he really was; and + was forced to have all his wits about him, that he might not get between + the cow’s teeth, and so be crushed to death. At last down he went into her + stomach. ‘It is rather dark,’ said he; ‘they forgot to build windows in + this room to let the sun in; a candle would be no bad thing.’ + </p> + <p> + Though he made the best of his bad luck, he did not like his quarters at + all; and the worst of it was, that more and more hay was always coming + down, and the space left for him became smaller and smaller. At last he + cried out as loud as he could, ‘Don’t bring me any more hay! Don’t bring + me any more hay!’ + </p> + <p> + The maid happened to be just then milking the cow; and hearing someone + speak, but seeing nobody, and yet being quite sure it was the same voice + that she had heard in the night, she was so frightened that she fell off + her stool, and overset the milk-pail. As soon as she could pick herself up + out of the dirt, she ran off as fast as she could to her master the + parson, and said, ‘Sir, sir, the cow is talking!’ But the parson said, + ‘Woman, thou art surely mad!’ However, he went with her into the + cow-house, to try and see what was the matter. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had they set foot on the threshold, when Tom called out, ‘Don’t + bring me any more hay!’ Then the parson himself was frightened; and + thinking the cow was surely bewitched, told his man to kill her on the + spot. So the cow was killed, and cut up; and the stomach, in which Tom + lay, was thrown out upon a dunghill. + </p> + <p> + Tom soon set himself to work to get out, which was not a very easy task; + but at last, just as he had made room to get his head out, fresh ill-luck + befell him. A hungry wolf sprang out, and swallowed up the whole stomach, + with Tom in it, at one gulp, and ran away. + </p> + <p> + Tom, however, was still not disheartened; and thinking the wolf would not + dislike having some chat with him as he was going along, he called out, + ‘My good friend, I can show you a famous treat.’ ‘Where’s that?’ said the + wolf. ‘In such and such a house,’ said Tom, describing his own father’s + house. ‘You can crawl through the drain into the kitchen and then into the + pantry, and there you will find cakes, ham, beef, cold chicken, roast pig, + apple-dumplings, and everything that your heart can wish.’ + </p> + <p> + The wolf did not want to be asked twice; so that very night he went to the + house and crawled through the drain into the kitchen, and then into the + pantry, and ate and drank there to his heart’s content. As soon as he had + had enough he wanted to get away; but he had eaten so much that he could + not go out by the same way he came in. + </p> + <p> + This was just what Tom had reckoned upon; and now he began to set up a + great shout, making all the noise he could. ‘Will you be easy?’ said the + wolf; ‘you’ll awaken everybody in the house if you make such a clatter.’ + ‘What’s that to me?’ said the little man; ‘you have had your frolic, now + I’ve a mind to be merry myself’; and he began, singing and shouting as + loud as he could. + </p> + <p> + The woodman and his wife, being awakened by the noise, peeped through a + crack in the door; but when they saw a wolf was there, you may well + suppose that they were sadly frightened; and the woodman ran for his axe, + and gave his wife a scythe. ‘Do you stay behind,’ said the woodman, ‘and + when I have knocked him on the head you must rip him up with the scythe.’ + Tom heard all this, and cried out, ‘Father, father! I am here, the wolf + has swallowed me.’ And his father said, ‘Heaven be praised! we have found + our dear child again’; and he told his wife not to use the scythe for fear + she should hurt him. Then he aimed a great blow, and struck the wolf on + the head, and killed him on the spot! and when he was dead they cut open + his body, and set Tommy free. ‘Ah!’ said the father, ‘what fears we have + had for you!’ ‘Yes, father,’ answered he; ‘I have travelled all over the + world, I think, in one way or other, since we parted; and now I am very + glad to come home and get fresh air again.’ ‘Why, where have you been?’ + said his father. ‘I have been in a mouse-hole—and in a snail-shell—and + down a cow’s throat—and in the wolf’s belly; and yet here I am + again, safe and sound.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ said they, ‘you are come back, and we will not sell you again for + all the riches in the world.’ + </p> + <p> + Then they hugged and kissed their dear little son, and gave him plenty to + eat and drink, for he was very hungry; and then they fetched new clothes + for him, for his old ones had been quite spoiled on his journey. So Master + Thumb stayed at home with his father and mother, in peace; for though he + had been so great a traveller, and had done and seen so many fine things, + and was fond enough of telling the whole story, he always agreed that, + after all, there’s no place like HOME! + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0027" id="link2H_4_0027"></a> + RUMPELSTILTSKIN + </h2> + <p> + By the side of a wood, in a country a long way off, ran a fine stream of + water; and upon the stream there stood a mill. The miller’s house was + close by, and the miller, you must know, had a very beautiful daughter. + She was, moreover, very shrewd and clever; and the miller was so proud of + her, that he one day told the king of the land, who used to come and hunt + in the wood, that his daughter could spin gold out of straw. Now this king + was very fond of money; and when he heard the miller’s boast his + greediness was raised, and he sent for the girl to be brought before him. + Then he led her to a chamber in his palace where there was a great heap of + straw, and gave her a spinning-wheel, and said, ‘All this must be spun + into gold before morning, as you love your life.’ It was in vain that the + poor maiden said that it was only a silly boast of her father, for that + she could do no such thing as spin straw into gold: the chamber door was + locked, and she was left alone. + </p> + <p> + She sat down in one corner of the room, and began to bewail her hard fate; + when on a sudden the door opened, and a droll-looking little man hobbled + in, and said, ‘Good morrow to you, my good lass; what are you weeping + for?’ ‘Alas!’ said she, ‘I must spin this straw into gold, and I know not + how.’ ‘What will you give me,’ said the hobgoblin, ‘to do it for you?’ ‘My + necklace,’ replied the maiden. He took her at her word, and sat himself + down to the wheel, and whistled and sang: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Round about, round about, + Lo and behold! + Reel away, reel away, + Straw into gold!’ +</pre> + <p> + And round about the wheel went merrily; the work was quickly done, and the + straw was all spun into gold. + </p> + <p> + When the king came and saw this, he was greatly astonished and pleased; + but his heart grew still more greedy of gain, and he shut up the poor + miller’s daughter again with a fresh task. Then she knew not what to do, + and sat down once more to weep; but the dwarf soon opened the door, and + said, ‘What will you give me to do your task?’ ‘The ring on my finger,’ + said she. So her little friend took the ring, and began to work at the + wheel again, and whistled and sang: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Round about, round about, + Lo and behold! + Reel away, reel away, + Straw into gold!’ +</pre> + <p> + till, long before morning, all was done again. + </p> + <p> + The king was greatly delighted to see all this glittering treasure; but + still he had not enough: so he took the miller’s daughter to a yet larger + heap, and said, ‘All this must be spun tonight; and if it is, you shall be + my queen.’ As soon as she was alone that dwarf came in, and said, ‘What + will you give me to spin gold for you this third time?’ ‘I have nothing + left,’ said she. ‘Then say you will give me,’ said the little man, ‘the + first little child that you may have when you are queen.’ ‘That may never + be,’ thought the miller’s daughter: and as she knew no other way to get + her task done, she said she would do what he asked. Round went the wheel + again to the old song, and the manikin once more spun the heap into gold. + The king came in the morning, and, finding all he wanted, was forced to + keep his word; so he married the miller’s daughter, and she really became + queen. + </p> + <p> + At the birth of her first little child she was very glad, and forgot the + dwarf, and what she had said. But one day he came into her room, where she + was sitting playing with her baby, and put her in mind of it. Then she + grieved sorely at her misfortune, and said she would give him all the + wealth of the kingdom if he would let her off, but in vain; till at last + her tears softened him, and he said, ‘I will give you three days’ grace, + and if during that time you tell me my name, you shall keep your child.’ + </p> + <p> + Now the queen lay awake all night, thinking of all the odd names that she + had ever heard; and she sent messengers all over the land to find out new + ones. The next day the little man came, and she began with TIMOTHY, + ICHABOD, BENJAMIN, JEREMIAH, and all the names she could remember; but to + all and each of them he said, ‘Madam, that is not my name.’ + </p> + <p> + The second day she began with all the comical names she could hear of, + BANDY-LEGS, HUNCHBACK, CROOK-SHANKS, and so on; but the little gentleman + still said to every one of them, ‘Madam, that is not my name.’ + </p> + <p> + The third day one of the messengers came back, and said, ‘I have travelled + two days without hearing of any other names; but yesterday, as I was + climbing a high hill, among the trees of the forest where the fox and the + hare bid each other good night, I saw a little hut; and before the hut + burnt a fire; and round about the fire a funny little dwarf was dancing + upon one leg, and singing: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Merrily the feast I’ll make. + Today I’ll brew, tomorrow bake; + Merrily I’ll dance and sing, + For next day will a stranger bring. + Little does my lady dream + Rumpelstiltskin is my name!” + </pre> + <p> + When the queen heard this she jumped for joy, and as soon as her little + friend came she sat down upon her throne, and called all her court round + to enjoy the fun; and the nurse stood by her side with the baby in her + arms, as if it was quite ready to be given up. Then the little man began + to chuckle at the thought of having the poor child, to take home with him + to his hut in the woods; and he cried out, ‘Now, lady, what is my name?’ + ‘Is it JOHN?’ asked she. ‘No, madam!’ ‘Is it TOM?’ ‘No, madam!’ ‘Is it + JEMMY?’ ‘It is not.’ ‘Can your name be RUMPELSTILTSKIN?’ said the lady + slyly. ‘Some witch told you that!—some witch told you that!’ cried + the little man, and dashed his right foot in a rage so deep into the + floor, that he was forced to lay hold of it with both hands to pull it + out. + </p> + <p> + Then he made the best of his way off, while the nurse laughed and the baby + crowed; and all the court jeered at him for having had so much trouble for + nothing, and said, ‘We wish you a very good morning, and a merry feast, Mr + RUMPLESTILTSKIN!’ + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0028" id="link2H_4_0028"></a> + CLEVER GRETEL + </h2> + <p> + There was once a cook named Gretel, who wore shoes with red heels, and + when she walked out with them on, she turned herself this way and that, + was quite happy and thought: ‘You certainly are a pretty girl!’ And when + she came home she drank, in her gladness of heart, a draught of wine, and + as wine excites a desire to eat, she tasted the best of whatever she was + cooking until she was satisfied, and said: ‘The cook must know what the + food is like.’ + </p> + <p> + It came to pass that the master one day said to her: ‘Gretel, there is a + guest coming this evening; prepare me two fowls very daintily.’ ‘I will + see to it, master,’ answered Gretel. She killed two fowls, scalded them, + plucked them, put them on the spit, and towards evening set them before + the fire, that they might roast. The fowls began to turn brown, and were + nearly ready, but the guest had not yet arrived. Then Gretel called out to + her master: ‘If the guest does not come, I must take the fowls away from + the fire, but it will be a sin and a shame if they are not eaten the + moment they are at their juiciest.’ The master said: ‘I will run myself, + and fetch the guest.’ When the master had turned his back, Gretel laid the + spit with the fowls on one side, and thought: ‘Standing so long by the + fire there, makes one sweat and thirsty; who knows when they will come? + Meanwhile, I will run into the cellar, and take a drink.’ She ran down, + set a jug, said: ‘God bless it for you, Gretel,’ and took a good drink, + and thought that wine should flow on, and should not be interrupted, and + took yet another hearty draught. + </p> + <p> + Then she went and put the fowls down again to the fire, basted them, and + drove the spit merrily round. But as the roast meat smelt so good, Gretel + thought: ‘Something might be wrong, it ought to be tasted!’ She touched it + with her finger, and said: ‘Ah! how good fowls are! It certainly is a sin + and a shame that they are not eaten at the right time!’ She ran to the + window, to see if the master was not coming with his guest, but she saw no + one, and went back to the fowls and thought: ‘One of the wings is burning! + I had better take it off and eat it.’ So she cut it off, ate it, and + enjoyed it, and when she had done, she thought: ‘The other must go down + too, or else master will observe that something is missing.’ When the two + wings were eaten, she went and looked for her master, and did not see him. + It suddenly occurred to her: ‘Who knows? They are perhaps not coming at + all, and have turned in somewhere.’ Then she said: ‘Well, Gretel, enjoy + yourself, one fowl has been cut into, take another drink, and eat it up + entirely; when it is eaten you will have some peace, why should God’s good + gifts be spoilt?’ So she ran into the cellar again, took an enormous drink + and ate up the one chicken in great glee. When one of the chickens was + swallowed down, and still her master did not come, Gretel looked at the + other and said: ‘What one is, the other should be likewise, the two go + together; what’s right for the one is right for the other; I think if I + were to take another draught it would do me no harm.’ So she took another + hearty drink, and let the second chicken follow the first. + </p> + <p> + While she was making the most of it, her master came and cried: ‘Hurry up, + Gretel, the guest is coming directly after me!’ ‘Yes, sir, I will soon + serve up,’ answered Gretel. Meantime the master looked to see that the + table was properly laid, and took the great knife, wherewith he was going + to carve the chickens, and sharpened it on the steps. Presently the guest + came, and knocked politely and courteously at the house-door. Gretel ran, + and looked to see who was there, and when she saw the guest, she put her + finger to her lips and said: ‘Hush! hush! go away as quickly as you can, + if my master catches you it will be the worse for you; he certainly did + ask you to supper, but his intention is to cut off your two ears. Just + listen how he is sharpening the knife for it!’ The guest heard the + sharpening, and hurried down the steps again as fast as he could. Gretel + was not idle; she ran screaming to her master, and cried: ‘You have + invited a fine guest!’ ‘Why, Gretel? What do you mean by that?’ ‘Yes,’ + said she, ‘he has taken the chickens which I was just going to serve up, + off the dish, and has run away with them!’ ‘That’s a nice trick!’ said her + master, and lamented the fine chickens. ‘If he had but left me one, so + that something remained for me to eat.’ He called to him to stop, but the + guest pretended not to hear. Then he ran after him with the knife still in + his hand, crying: ‘Just one, just one,’ meaning that the guest should + leave him just one chicken, and not take both. The guest, however, thought + no otherwise than that he was to give up one of his ears, and ran as if + fire were burning under him, in order to take them both with him. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0029" id="link2H_4_0029"></a> + THE OLD MAN AND HIS GRANDSON + </h2> + <p> + There was once a very old man, whose eyes had become dim, his ears dull of + hearing, his knees trembled, and when he sat at table he could hardly hold + the spoon, and spilt the broth upon the table-cloth or let it run out of + his mouth. His son and his son’s wife were disgusted at this, so the old + grandfather at last had to sit in the corner behind the stove, and they + gave him his food in an earthenware bowl, and not even enough of it. And + he used to look towards the table with his eyes full of tears. Once, too, + his trembling hands could not hold the bowl, and it fell to the ground and + broke. The young wife scolded him, but he said nothing and only sighed. + Then they brought him a wooden bowl for a few half-pence, out of which he + had to eat. + </p> + <p> + They were once sitting thus when the little grandson of four years old + began to gather together some bits of wood upon the ground. ‘What are you + doing there?’ asked the father. ‘I am making a little trough,’ answered + the child, ‘for father and mother to eat out of when I am big.’ + </p> + <p> + The man and his wife looked at each other for a while, and presently began + to cry. Then they took the old grandfather to the table, and henceforth + always let him eat with them, and likewise said nothing if he did spill a + little of anything. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0030" id="link2H_4_0030"></a> + THE LITTLE PEASANT + </h2> + <p> + There was a certain village wherein no one lived but really rich peasants, + and just one poor one, whom they called the little peasant. He had not + even so much as a cow, and still less money to buy one, and yet he and his + wife did so wish to have one. One day he said to her: ‘Listen, I have a + good idea, there is our gossip the carpenter, he shall make us a wooden + calf, and paint it brown, so that it looks like any other, and in time it + will certainly get big and be a cow.’ the woman also liked the idea, and + their gossip the carpenter cut and planed the calf, and painted it as it + ought to be, and made it with its head hanging down as if it were eating. + </p> + <p> + Next morning when the cows were being driven out, the little peasant + called the cow-herd in and said: ‘Look, I have a little calf there, but it + is still small and has to be carried.’ The cow-herd said: ‘All right,’ and + took it in his arms and carried it to the pasture, and set it among the + grass. The little calf always remained standing like one which was eating, + and the cow-herd said: ‘It will soon run by itself, just look how it eats + already!’ At night when he was going to drive the herd home again, he said + to the calf: ‘If you can stand there and eat your fill, you can also go on + your four legs; I don’t care to drag you home again in my arms.’ But the + little peasant stood at his door, and waited for his little calf, and when + the cow-herd drove the cows through the village, and the calf was missing, + he inquired where it was. The cow-herd answered: ‘It is still standing out + there eating. It would not stop and come with us.’ But the little peasant + said: ‘Oh, but I must have my beast back again.’ Then they went back to + the meadow together, but someone had stolen the calf, and it was gone. The + cow-herd said: ‘It must have run away.’ The peasant, however, said: ‘Don’t + tell me that,’ and led the cow-herd before the mayor, who for his + carelessness condemned him to give the peasant a cow for the calf which + had run away. + </p> + <p> + And now the little peasant and his wife had the cow for which they had so + long wished, and they were heartily glad, but they had no food for it, and + could give it nothing to eat, so it soon had to be killed. They salted the + flesh, and the peasant went into the town and wanted to sell the skin + there, so that he might buy a new calf with the proceeds. On the way he + passed by a mill, and there sat a raven with broken wings, and out of pity + he took him and wrapped him in the skin. But as the weather grew so bad + and there was a storm of rain and wind, he could go no farther, and turned + back to the mill and begged for shelter. The miller’s wife was alone in + the house, and said to the peasant: ‘Lay yourself on the straw there,’ and + gave him a slice of bread and cheese. The peasant ate it, and lay down + with his skin beside him, and the woman thought: ‘He is tired and has gone + to sleep.’ In the meantime came the parson; the miller’s wife received him + well, and said: ‘My husband is out, so we will have a feast.’ The peasant + listened, and when he heard them talk about feasting he was vexed that he + had been forced to make shift with a slice of bread and cheese. Then the + woman served up four different things, roast meat, salad, cakes, and wine. + </p> + <p> + Just as they were about to sit down and eat, there was a knocking outside. + The woman said: ‘Oh, heavens! It is my husband!’ she quickly hid the roast + meat inside the tiled stove, the wine under the pillow, the salad on the + bed, the cakes under it, and the parson in the closet on the porch. Then + she opened the door for her husband, and said: ‘Thank heaven, you are back + again! There is such a storm, it looks as if the world were coming to an + end.’ The miller saw the peasant lying on the straw, and asked, ‘What is + that fellow doing there?’ ‘Ah,’ said the wife, ‘the poor knave came in the + storm and rain, and begged for shelter, so I gave him a bit of bread and + cheese, and showed him where the straw was.’ The man said: ‘I have no + objection, but be quick and get me something to eat.’ The woman said: ‘But + I have nothing but bread and cheese.’ ‘I am contented with anything,’ + replied the husband, ‘so far as I am concerned, bread and cheese will do,’ + and looked at the peasant and said: ‘Come and eat some more with me.’ The + peasant did not require to be invited twice, but got up and ate. After + this the miller saw the skin in which the raven was, lying on the ground, + and asked: ‘What have you there?’ The peasant answered: ‘I have a + soothsayer inside it.’ ‘Can he foretell anything to me?’ said the miller. + ‘Why not?’ answered the peasant: ‘but he only says four things, and the + fifth he keeps to himself.’ The miller was curious, and said: ‘Let him + foretell something for once.’ Then the peasant pinched the raven’s head, + so that he croaked and made a noise like krr, krr. The miller said: ‘What + did he say?’ The peasant answered: ‘In the first place, he says that there + is some wine hidden under the pillow.’ ‘Bless me!’ cried the miller, and + went there and found the wine. ‘Now go on,’ said he. The peasant made the + raven croak again, and said: ‘In the second place, he says that there is + some roast meat in the tiled stove.’ ‘Upon my word!’ cried the miller, and + went thither, and found the roast meat. The peasant made the raven + prophesy still more, and said: ‘Thirdly, he says that there is some salad + on the bed.’ ‘That would be a fine thing!’ cried the miller, and went + there and found the salad. At last the peasant pinched the raven once more + till he croaked, and said: ‘Fourthly, he says that there are some cakes + under the bed.’ ‘That would be a fine thing!’ cried the miller, and looked + there, and found the cakes. + </p> + <p> + And now the two sat down to the table together, but the miller’s wife was + frightened to death, and went to bed and took all the keys with her. The + miller would have liked much to know the fifth, but the little peasant + said: ‘First, we will quickly eat the four things, for the fifth is + something bad.’ So they ate, and after that they bargained how much the + miller was to give for the fifth prophecy, until they agreed on three + hundred talers. Then the peasant once more pinched the raven’s head till + he croaked loudly. The miller asked: ‘What did he say?’ The peasant + replied: ‘He says that the Devil is hiding outside there in the closet on + the porch.’ The miller said: ‘The Devil must go out,’ and opened the + house-door; then the woman was forced to give up the keys, and the peasant + unlocked the closet. The parson ran out as fast as he could, and the + miller said: ‘It was true; I saw the black rascal with my own eyes.’ The + peasant, however, made off next morning by daybreak with the three hundred + talers. + </p> + <p> + At home the small peasant gradually launched out; he built a beautiful + house, and the peasants said: ‘The small peasant has certainly been to the + place where golden snow falls, and people carry the gold home in shovels.’ + Then the small peasant was brought before the mayor, and bidden to say + from whence his wealth came. He answered: ‘I sold my cow’s skin in the + town, for three hundred talers.’ When the peasants heard that, they too + wished to enjoy this great profit, and ran home, killed all their cows, + and stripped off their skins in order to sell them in the town to the + greatest advantage. The mayor, however, said: ‘But my servant must go + first.’ When she came to the merchant in the town, he did not give her + more than two talers for a skin, and when the others came, he did not give + them so much, and said: ‘What can I do with all these skins?’ + </p> + <p> + Then the peasants were vexed that the small peasant should have thus + outwitted them, wanted to take vengeance on him, and accused him of this + treachery before the mayor. The innocent little peasant was unanimously + sentenced to death, and was to be rolled into the water, in a barrel + pierced full of holes. He was led forth, and a priest was brought who was + to say a mass for his soul. The others were all obliged to retire to a + distance, and when the peasant looked at the priest, he recognized the man + who had been with the miller’s wife. He said to him: ‘I set you free from + the closet, set me free from the barrel.’ At this same moment up came, + with a flock of sheep, the very shepherd whom the peasant knew had long + been wishing to be mayor, so he cried with all his might: ‘No, I will not + do it; if the whole world insists on it, I will not do it!’ The shepherd + hearing that, came up to him, and asked: ‘What are you about? What is it + that you will not do?’ The peasant said: ‘They want to make me mayor, if I + will but put myself in the barrel, but I will not do it.’ The shepherd + said: ‘If nothing more than that is needful in order to be mayor, I would + get into the barrel at once.’ The peasant said: ‘If you will get in, you + will be mayor.’ The shepherd was willing, and got in, and the peasant shut + the top down on him; then he took the shepherd’s flock for himself, and + drove it away. The parson went to the crowd, and declared that the mass + had been said. Then they came and rolled the barrel towards the water. + When the barrel began to roll, the shepherd cried: ‘I am quite willing to + be mayor.’ They believed no otherwise than that it was the peasant who was + saying this, and answered: ‘That is what we intend, but first you shall + look about you a little down below there,’ and they rolled the barrel down + into the water. + </p> + <p> + After that the peasants went home, and as they were entering the village, + the small peasant also came quietly in, driving a flock of sheep and + looking quite contented. Then the peasants were astonished, and said: + ‘Peasant, from whence do you come? Have you come out of the water?’ ‘Yes, + truly,’ replied the peasant, ‘I sank deep, deep down, until at last I got + to the bottom; I pushed the bottom out of the barrel, and crept out, and + there were pretty meadows on which a number of lambs were feeding, and + from thence I brought this flock away with me.’ Said the peasants: ‘Are + there any more there?’ ‘Oh, yes,’ said he, ‘more than I could want.’ Then + the peasants made up their minds that they too would fetch some sheep for + themselves, a flock apiece, but the mayor said: ‘I come first.’ So they + went to the water together, and just then there were some of the small + fleecy clouds in the blue sky, which are called little lambs, and they + were reflected in the water, whereupon the peasants cried: ‘We already see + the sheep down below!’ The mayor pressed forward and said: ‘I will go down + first, and look about me, and if things promise well I’ll call you.’ So he + jumped in; splash! went the water; it sounded as if he were calling them, + and the whole crowd plunged in after him as one man. Then the entire + village was dead, and the small peasant, as sole heir, became a rich man. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0031" id="link2H_4_0031"></a> + FREDERICK AND CATHERINE + </h2> + <p> + There was once a man called Frederick: he had a wife whose name was + Catherine, and they had not long been married. One day Frederick said. + ‘Kate! I am going to work in the fields; when I come back I shall be + hungry so let me have something nice cooked, and a good draught of ale.’ + ‘Very well,’ said she, ‘it shall all be ready.’ When dinner-time drew + nigh, Catherine took a nice steak, which was all the meat she had, and put + it on the fire to fry. The steak soon began to look brown, and to crackle + in the pan; and Catherine stood by with a fork and turned it: then she + said to herself, ‘The steak is almost ready, I may as well go to the + cellar for the ale.’ So she left the pan on the fire and took a large jug + and went into the cellar and tapped the ale cask. The beer ran into the + jug and Catherine stood looking on. At last it popped into her head, ‘The + dog is not shut up—he may be running away with the steak; that’s + well thought of.’ So up she ran from the cellar; and sure enough the + rascally cur had got the steak in his mouth, and was making off with it. + </p> + <p> + Away ran Catherine, and away ran the dog across the field: but he ran + faster than she, and stuck close to the steak. ‘It’s all gone, and “what + can’t be cured must be endured”,’ said Catherine. So she turned round; and + as she had run a good way and was tired, she walked home leisurely to cool + herself. + </p> + <p> + Now all this time the ale was running too, for Catherine had not turned + the cock; and when the jug was full the liquor ran upon the floor till the + cask was empty. When she got to the cellar stairs she saw what had + happened. ‘My stars!’ said she, ‘what shall I do to keep Frederick from + seeing all this slopping about?’ So she thought a while; and at last + remembered that there was a sack of fine meal bought at the last fair, and + that if she sprinkled this over the floor it would suck up the ale nicely. + ‘What a lucky thing,’ said she, ‘that we kept that meal! we have now a + good use for it.’ So away she went for it: but she managed to set it down + just upon the great jug full of beer, and upset it; and thus all the ale + that had been saved was set swimming on the floor also. ‘Ah! well,’ said + she, ‘when one goes another may as well follow.’ Then she strewed the meal + all about the cellar, and was quite pleased with her cleverness, and said, + ‘How very neat and clean it looks!’ + </p> + <p> + At noon Frederick came home. ‘Now, wife,’ cried he, ‘what have you for + dinner?’ ‘O Frederick!’ answered she, ‘I was cooking you a steak; but + while I went down to draw the ale, the dog ran away with it; and while I + ran after him, the ale ran out; and when I went to dry up the ale with the + sack of meal that we got at the fair, I upset the jug: but the cellar is + now quite dry, and looks so clean!’ ‘Kate, Kate,’ said he, ‘how could you + do all this?’ Why did you leave the steak to fry, and the ale to run, and + then spoil all the meal?’ ‘Why, Frederick,’ said she, ‘I did not know I + was doing wrong; you should have told me before.’ + </p> + <p> + The husband thought to himself, ‘If my wife manages matters thus, I must + look sharp myself.’ Now he had a good deal of gold in the house: so he + said to Catherine, ‘What pretty yellow buttons these are! I shall put them + into a box and bury them in the garden; but take care that you never go + near or meddle with them.’ ‘No, Frederick,’ said she, ‘that I never will.’ + As soon as he was gone, there came by some pedlars with earthenware plates + and dishes, and they asked her whether she would buy. ‘Oh dear me, I + should like to buy very much, but I have no money: if you had any use for + yellow buttons, I might deal with you.’ ‘Yellow buttons!’ said they: ‘let + us have a look at them.’ ‘Go into the garden and dig where I tell you, and + you will find the yellow buttons: I dare not go myself.’ So the rogues + went: and when they found what these yellow buttons were, they took them + all away, and left her plenty of plates and dishes. Then she set them all + about the house for a show: and when Frederick came back, he cried out, + ‘Kate, what have you been doing?’ ‘See,’ said she, ‘I have bought all + these with your yellow buttons: but I did not touch them myself; the + pedlars went themselves and dug them up.’ ‘Wife, wife,’ said Frederick, + ‘what a pretty piece of work you have made! those yellow buttons were all + my money: how came you to do such a thing?’ ‘Why,’ answered she, ‘I did + not know there was any harm in it; you should have told me.’ + </p> + <p> + Catherine stood musing for a while, and at last said to her husband, ‘Hark + ye, Frederick, we will soon get the gold back: let us run after the + thieves.’ ‘Well, we will try,’ answered he; ‘but take some butter and + cheese with you, that we may have something to eat by the way.’ ‘Very + well,’ said she; and they set out: and as Frederick walked the fastest, he + left his wife some way behind. ‘It does not matter,’ thought she: ‘when we + turn back, I shall be so much nearer home than he.’ + </p> + <p> + Presently she came to the top of a hill, down the side of which there was + a road so narrow that the cart wheels always chafed the trees on each side + as they passed. ‘Ah, see now,’ said she, ‘how they have bruised and + wounded those poor trees; they will never get well.’ So she took pity on + them, and made use of the butter to grease them all, so that the wheels + might not hurt them so much. While she was doing this kind office one of + her cheeses fell out of the basket, and rolled down the hill. Catherine + looked, but could not see where it had gone; so she said, ‘Well, I suppose + the other will go the same way and find you; he has younger legs than I + have.’ Then she rolled the other cheese after it; and away it went, nobody + knows where, down the hill. But she said she supposed that they knew the + road, and would follow her, and she could not stay there all day waiting + for them. + </p> + <p> + At last she overtook Frederick, who desired her to give him something to + eat. Then she gave him the dry bread. ‘Where are the butter and cheese?’ + said he. ‘Oh!’ answered she, ‘I used the butter to grease those poor trees + that the wheels chafed so: and one of the cheeses ran away so I sent the + other after it to find it, and I suppose they are both on the road + together somewhere.’ ‘What a goose you are to do such silly things!’ said + the husband. ‘How can you say so?’ said she; ‘I am sure you never told me + not.’ + </p> + <p> + They ate the dry bread together; and Frederick said, ‘Kate, I hope you + locked the door safe when you came away.’ ‘No,’ answered she, ‘you did not + tell me.’ ‘Then go home, and do it now before we go any farther,’ said + Frederick, ‘and bring with you something to eat.’ + </p> + <p> + Catherine did as he told her, and thought to herself by the way, + ‘Frederick wants something to eat; but I don’t think he is very fond of + butter and cheese: I’ll bring him a bag of fine nuts, and the vinegar, for + I have often seen him take some.’ + </p> + <p> + When she reached home, she bolted the back door, but the front door she + took off the hinges, and said, ‘Frederick told me to lock the door, but + surely it can nowhere be so safe if I take it with me.’ So she took her + time by the way; and when she overtook her husband she cried out, ‘There, + Frederick, there is the door itself, you may watch it as carefully as you + please.’ ‘Alas! alas!’ said he, ‘what a clever wife I have! I sent you to + make the house fast, and you take the door away, so that everybody may go + in and out as they please—however, as you have brought the door, you + shall carry it about with you for your pains.’ ‘Very well,’ answered she, + ‘I’ll carry the door; but I’ll not carry the nuts and vinegar bottle also—that + would be too much of a load; so if you please, I’ll fasten them to the + door.’ + </p> + <p> + Frederick of course made no objection to that plan, and they set off into + the wood to look for the thieves; but they could not find them: and when + it grew dark, they climbed up into a tree to spend the night there. + Scarcely were they up, than who should come by but the very rogues they + were looking for. They were in truth great rascals, and belonged to that + class of people who find things before they are lost; they were tired; so + they sat down and made a fire under the very tree where Frederick and + Catherine were. Frederick slipped down on the other side, and picked up + some stones. Then he climbed up again, and tried to hit the thieves on the + head with them: but they only said, ‘It must be near morning, for the wind + shakes the fir-apples down.’ + </p> + <p> + Catherine, who had the door on her shoulder, began to be very tired; but + she thought it was the nuts upon it that were so heavy: so she said + softly, ‘Frederick, I must let the nuts go.’ ‘No,’ answered he, ‘not now, + they will discover us.’ ‘I can’t help that: they must go.’ ‘Well, then, + make haste and throw them down, if you will.’ Then away rattled the nuts + down among the boughs and one of the thieves cried, ‘Bless me, it is + hailing.’ + </p> + <p> + A little while after, Catherine thought the door was still very heavy: so + she whispered to Frederick, ‘I must throw the vinegar down.’ ‘Pray don’t,’ + answered he, ‘it will discover us.’ ‘I can’t help that,’ said she, ‘go it + must.’ So she poured all the vinegar down; and the thieves said, ‘What a + heavy dew there is!’ + </p> + <p> + At last it popped into Catherine’s head that it was the door itself that + was so heavy all the time: so she whispered, ‘Frederick, I must throw the + door down soon.’ But he begged and prayed her not to do so, for he was + sure it would betray them. ‘Here goes, however,’ said she: and down went + the door with such a clatter upon the thieves, that they cried out + ‘Murder!’ and not knowing what was coming, ran away as fast as they could, + and left all the gold. So when Frederick and Catherine came down, there + they found all their money safe and sound. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0032" id="link2H_4_0032"></a> + SWEETHEART ROLAND + </h2> + <p> + There was once upon a time a woman who was a real witch and had two + daughters, one ugly and wicked, and this one she loved because she was her + own daughter, and one beautiful and good, and this one she hated, because + she was her stepdaughter. The stepdaughter once had a pretty apron, which + the other fancied so much that she became envious, and told her mother + that she must and would have that apron. ‘Be quiet, my child,’ said the + old woman, ‘and you shall have it. Your stepsister has long deserved + death; tonight when she is asleep I will come and cut her head off. Only + be careful that you are at the far side of the bed, and push her well to + the front.’ It would have been all over with the poor girl if she had not + just then been standing in a corner, and heard everything. All day long + she dared not go out of doors, and when bedtime had come, the witch’s + daughter got into bed first, so as to lie at the far side, but when she + was asleep, the other pushed her gently to the front, and took for herself + the place at the back, close by the wall. In the night, the old woman came + creeping in, she held an axe in her right hand, and felt with her left to + see if anyone were lying at the outside, and then she grasped the axe with + both hands, and cut her own child’s head off. + </p> + <p> + When she had gone away, the girl got up and went to her sweetheart, who + was called Roland, and knocked at his door. When he came out, she said to + him: ‘Listen, dearest Roland, we must fly in all haste; my stepmother + wanted to kill me, but has struck her own child. When daylight comes, and + she sees what she has done, we shall be lost.’ ‘But,’ said Roland, ‘I + counsel you first to take away her magic wand, or we cannot escape if she + pursues us.’ The maiden fetched the magic wand, and she took the dead + girl’s head and dropped three drops of blood on the ground, one in front + of the bed, one in the kitchen, and one on the stairs. Then she hurried + away with her lover. + </p> + <p> + When the old witch got up next morning, she called her daughter, and + wanted to give her the apron, but she did not come. Then the witch cried: + ‘Where are you?’ ‘Here, on the stairs, I am sweeping,’ answered the first + drop of blood. The old woman went out, but saw no one on the stairs, and + cried again: ‘Where are you?’ ‘Here in the kitchen, I am warming myself,’ + cried the second drop of blood. She went into the kitchen, but found no + one. Then she cried again: ‘Where are you?’ ‘Ah, here in the bed, I am + sleeping,’ cried the third drop of blood. She went into the room to the + bed. What did she see there? Her own child, whose head she had cut off, + bathed in her blood. The witch fell into a passion, sprang to the window, + and as she could look forth quite far into the world, she perceived her + stepdaughter hurrying away with her sweetheart Roland. ‘That shall not + help you,’ cried she, ‘even if you have got a long way off, you shall + still not escape me.’ She put on her many-league boots, in which she + covered an hour’s walk at every step, and it was not long before she + overtook them. The girl, however, when she saw the old woman striding + towards her, changed, with her magic wand, her sweetheart Roland into a + lake, and herself into a duck swimming in the middle of it. The witch + placed herself on the shore, threw breadcrumbs in, and went to endless + trouble to entice the duck; but the duck did not let herself be enticed, + and the old woman had to go home at night as she had come. At this the + girl and her sweetheart Roland resumed their natural shapes again, and + they walked on the whole night until daybreak. Then the maiden changed + herself into a beautiful flower which stood in the midst of a briar hedge, + and her sweetheart Roland into a fiddler. It was not long before the witch + came striding up towards them, and said to the musician: ‘Dear musician, + may I pluck that beautiful flower for myself?’ ‘Oh, yes,’ he replied, ‘I + will play to you while you do it.’ As she was hastily creeping into the + hedge and was just going to pluck the flower, knowing perfectly well who + the flower was, he began to play, and whether she would or not, she was + forced to dance, for it was a magical dance. The faster he played, the + more violent springs was she forced to make, and the thorns tore her + clothes from her body, and pricked her and wounded her till she bled, and + as he did not stop, she had to dance till she lay dead on the ground. + </p> + <p> + As they were now set free, Roland said: ‘Now I will go to my father and + arrange for the wedding.’ ‘Then in the meantime I will stay here and wait + for you,’ said the girl, ‘and that no one may recognize me, I will change + myself into a red stone landmark.’ Then Roland went away, and the girl + stood like a red landmark in the field and waited for her beloved. But + when Roland got home, he fell into the snares of another, who so + fascinated him that he forgot the maiden. The poor girl remained there a + long time, but at length, as he did not return at all, she was sad, and + changed herself into a flower, and thought: ‘Someone will surely come this + way, and trample me down.’ + </p> + <p> + It befell, however, that a shepherd kept his sheep in the field and saw + the flower, and as it was so pretty, plucked it, took it with him, and + laid it away in his chest. From that time forth, strange things happened + in the shepherd’s house. When he arose in the morning, all the work was + already done, the room was swept, the table and benches cleaned, the fire + in the hearth was lighted, and the water was fetched, and at noon, when he + came home, the table was laid, and a good dinner served. He could not + conceive how this came to pass, for he never saw a human being in his + house, and no one could have concealed himself in it. He was certainly + pleased with this good attendance, but still at last he was so afraid that + he went to a wise woman and asked for her advice. The wise woman said: + ‘There is some enchantment behind it, listen very early some morning if + anything is moving in the room, and if you see anything, no matter what it + is, throw a white cloth over it, and then the magic will be stopped.’ + </p> + <p> + The shepherd did as she bade him, and next morning just as day dawned, he + saw the chest open, and the flower come out. Swiftly he sprang towards it, + and threw a white cloth over it. Instantly the transformation came to an + end, and a beautiful girl stood before him, who admitted to him that she + had been the flower, and that up to this time she had attended to his + house-keeping. She told him her story, and as she pleased him he asked her + if she would marry him, but she answered: ‘No,’ for she wanted to remain + faithful to her sweetheart Roland, although he had deserted her. + Nevertheless, she promised not to go away, but to continue keeping house + for the shepherd. + </p> + <p> + And now the time drew near when Roland’s wedding was to be celebrated, and + then, according to an old custom in the country, it was announced that all + the girls were to be present at it, and sing in honour of the bridal pair. + When the faithful maiden heard of this, she grew so sad that she thought + her heart would break, and she would not go thither, but the other girls + came and took her. When it came to her turn to sing, she stepped back, + until at last she was the only one left, and then she could not refuse. + But when she began her song, and it reached Roland’s ears, he sprang up + and cried: ‘I know the voice, that is the true bride, I will have no + other!’ Everything he had forgotten, and which had vanished from his mind, + had suddenly come home again to his heart. Then the faithful maiden held + her wedding with her sweetheart Roland, and grief came to an end and joy + began. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0033" id="link2H_4_0033"></a> + SNOWDROP + </h2> + <p> + It was the middle of winter, when the broad flakes of snow were falling + around, that the queen of a country many thousand miles off sat working at + her window. The frame of the window was made of fine black ebony, and as + she sat looking out upon the snow, she pricked her finger, and three drops + of blood fell upon it. Then she gazed thoughtfully upon the red drops that + sprinkled the white snow, and said, ‘Would that my little daughter may be + as white as that snow, as red as that blood, and as black as this ebony + windowframe!’ And so the little girl really did grow up; her skin was as + white as snow, her cheeks as rosy as the blood, and her hair as black as + ebony; and she was called Snowdrop. + </p> + <p> + But this queen died; and the king soon married another wife, who became + queen, and was very beautiful, but so vain that she could not bear to + think that anyone could be handsomer than she was. She had a fairy + looking-glass, to which she used to go, and then she would gaze upon + herself in it, and say: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Tell me, glass, tell me true! + Of all the ladies in the land, + Who is fairest, tell me, who?’ +</pre> + <p> + And the glass had always answered: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Thou, queen, art the fairest in all the land.’ +</pre> + <p> + But Snowdrop grew more and more beautiful; and when she was seven years + old she was as bright as the day, and fairer than the queen herself. Then + the glass one day answered the queen, when she went to look in it as + usual: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Thou, queen, art fair, and beauteous to see, + But Snowdrop is lovelier far than thee!’ +</pre> + <p> + When she heard this she turned pale with rage and envy, and called to one + of her servants, and said, ‘Take Snowdrop away into the wide wood, that I + may never see her any more.’ Then the servant led her away; but his heart + melted when Snowdrop begged him to spare her life, and he said, ‘I will + not hurt you, thou pretty child.’ So he left her by herself; and though he + thought it most likely that the wild beasts would tear her in pieces, he + felt as if a great weight were taken off his heart when he had made up his + mind not to kill her but to leave her to her fate, with the chance of + someone finding and saving her. + </p> + <p> + Then poor Snowdrop wandered along through the wood in great fear; and the + wild beasts roared about her, but none did her any harm. In the evening + she came to a cottage among the hills, and went in to rest, for her little + feet would carry her no further. Everything was spruce and neat in the + cottage: on the table was spread a white cloth, and there were seven + little plates, seven little loaves, and seven little glasses with wine in + them; and seven knives and forks laid in order; and by the wall stood + seven little beds. As she was very hungry, she picked a little piece of + each loaf and drank a very little wine out of each glass; and after that + she thought she would lie down and rest. So she tried all the little beds; + but one was too long, and another was too short, till at last the seventh + suited her: and there she laid herself down and went to sleep. + </p> + <p> + By and by in came the masters of the cottage. Now they were seven little + dwarfs, that lived among the mountains, and dug and searched for gold. + They lighted up their seven lamps, and saw at once that all was not right. + The first said, ‘Who has been sitting on my stool?’ The second, ‘Who has + been eating off my plate?’ The third, ‘Who has been picking my bread?’ The + fourth, ‘Who has been meddling with my spoon?’ The fifth, ‘Who has been + handling my fork?’ The sixth, ‘Who has been cutting with my knife?’ The + seventh, ‘Who has been drinking my wine?’ Then the first looked round and + said, ‘Who has been lying on my bed?’ And the rest came running to him, + and everyone cried out that somebody had been upon his bed. But the + seventh saw Snowdrop, and called all his brethren to come and see her; and + they cried out with wonder and astonishment and brought their lamps to + look at her, and said, ‘Good heavens! what a lovely child she is!’ And + they were very glad to see her, and took care not to wake her; and the + seventh dwarf slept an hour with each of the other dwarfs in turn, till + the night was gone. + </p> + <p> + In the morning Snowdrop told them all her story; and they pitied her, and + said if she would keep all things in order, and cook and wash and knit and + spin for them, she might stay where she was, and they would take good care + of her. Then they went out all day long to their work, seeking for gold + and silver in the mountains: but Snowdrop was left at home; and they + warned her, and said, ‘The queen will soon find out where you are, so take + care and let no one in.’ + </p> + <p> + But the queen, now that she thought Snowdrop was dead, believed that she + must be the handsomest lady in the land; and she went to her glass and + said: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Tell me, glass, tell me true! + Of all the ladies in the land, + Who is fairest, tell me, who?’ +</pre> + <p> + And the glass answered: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Thou, queen, art the fairest in all this land: + But over the hills, in the greenwood shade, + Where the seven dwarfs their dwelling have made, + There Snowdrop is hiding her head; and she + Is lovelier far, O queen! than thee.’ +</pre> + <p> + Then the queen was very much frightened; for she knew that the glass + always spoke the truth, and was sure that the servant had betrayed her. + And she could not bear to think that anyone lived who was more beautiful + than she was; so she dressed herself up as an old pedlar, and went her way + over the hills, to the place where the dwarfs dwelt. Then she knocked at + the door, and cried, ‘Fine wares to sell!’ Snowdrop looked out at the + window, and said, ‘Good day, good woman! what have you to sell?’ ‘Good + wares, fine wares,’ said she; ‘laces and bobbins of all colours.’ ‘I will + let the old lady in; she seems to be a very good sort of body,’ thought + Snowdrop, as she ran down and unbolted the door. ‘Bless me!’ said the old + woman, ‘how badly your stays are laced! Let me lace them up with one of my + nice new laces.’ Snowdrop did not dream of any mischief; so she stood + before the old woman; but she set to work so nimbly, and pulled the lace + so tight, that Snowdrop’s breath was stopped, and she fell down as if she + were dead. ‘There’s an end to all thy beauty,’ said the spiteful queen, + and went away home. + </p> + <p> + In the evening the seven dwarfs came home; and I need not say how grieved + they were to see their faithful Snowdrop stretched out upon the ground, as + if she was quite dead. However, they lifted her up, and when they found + what ailed her, they cut the lace; and in a little time she began to + breathe, and very soon came to life again. Then they said, ‘The old woman + was the queen herself; take care another time, and let no one in when we + are away.’ + </p> + <p> + When the queen got home, she went straight to her glass, and spoke to it + as before; but to her great grief it still said: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Thou, queen, art the fairest in all this land: + But over the hills, in the greenwood shade, + Where the seven dwarfs their dwelling have made, + There Snowdrop is hiding her head; and she + Is lovelier far, O queen! than thee.’ +</pre> + <p> + Then the blood ran cold in her heart with spite and malice, to see that + Snowdrop still lived; and she dressed herself up again, but in quite + another dress from the one she wore before, and took with her a poisoned + comb. When she reached the dwarfs’ cottage, she knocked at the door, and + cried, ‘Fine wares to sell!’ But Snowdrop said, ‘I dare not let anyone + in.’ Then the queen said, ‘Only look at my beautiful combs!’ and gave her + the poisoned one. And it looked so pretty, that she took it up and put it + into her hair to try it; but the moment it touched her head, the poison + was so powerful that she fell down senseless. ‘There you may lie,’ said + the queen, and went her way. But by good luck the dwarfs came in very + early that evening; and when they saw Snowdrop lying on the ground, they + thought what had happened, and soon found the poisoned comb. And when they + took it away she got well, and told them all that had passed; and they + warned her once more not to open the door to anyone. + </p> + <p> + Meantime the queen went home to her glass, and shook with rage when she + read the very same answer as before; and she said, ‘Snowdrop shall die, if + it cost me my life.’ So she went by herself into her chamber, and got + ready a poisoned apple: the outside looked very rosy and tempting, but + whoever tasted it was sure to die. Then she dressed herself up as a + peasant’s wife, and travelled over the hills to the dwarfs’ cottage, and + knocked at the door; but Snowdrop put her head out of the window and said, + ‘I dare not let anyone in, for the dwarfs have told me not.’ ‘Do as you + please,’ said the old woman, ‘but at any rate take this pretty apple; I + will give it you.’ ‘No,’ said Snowdrop, ‘I dare not take it.’ ‘You silly + girl!’ answered the other, ‘what are you afraid of? Do you think it is + poisoned? Come! do you eat one part, and I will eat the other.’ Now the + apple was so made up that one side was good, though the other side was + poisoned. Then Snowdrop was much tempted to taste, for the apple looked so + very nice; and when she saw the old woman eat, she could wait no longer. + But she had scarcely put the piece into her mouth, when she fell down dead + upon the ground. ‘This time nothing will save thee,’ said the queen; and + she went home to her glass, and at last it said: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Thou, queen, art the fairest of all the fair.’ +</pre> + <p> + And then her wicked heart was glad, and as happy as such a heart could be. + </p> + <p> + When evening came, and the dwarfs had gone home, they found Snowdrop lying + on the ground: no breath came from her lips, and they were afraid that she + was quite dead. They lifted her up, and combed her hair, and washed her + face with wine and water; but all was in vain, for the little girl seemed + quite dead. So they laid her down upon a bier, and all seven watched and + bewailed her three whole days; and then they thought they would bury her: + but her cheeks were still rosy; and her face looked just as it did while + she was alive; so they said, ‘We will never bury her in the cold ground.’ + And they made a coffin of glass, so that they might still look at her, and + wrote upon it in golden letters what her name was, and that she was a + king’s daughter. And the coffin was set among the hills, and one of the + dwarfs always sat by it and watched. And the birds of the air came too, + and bemoaned Snowdrop; and first of all came an owl, and then a raven, and + at last a dove, and sat by her side. + </p> + <p> + And thus Snowdrop lay for a long, long time, and still only looked as + though she was asleep; for she was even now as white as snow, and as red + as blood, and as black as ebony. At last a prince came and called at the + dwarfs’ house; and he saw Snowdrop, and read what was written in golden + letters. Then he offered the dwarfs money, and prayed and besought them to + let him take her away; but they said, ‘We will not part with her for all + the gold in the world.’ At last, however, they had pity on him, and gave + him the coffin; but the moment he lifted it up to carry it home with him, + the piece of apple fell from between her lips, and Snowdrop awoke, and + said, ‘Where am I?’ And the prince said, ‘Thou art quite safe with me.’ + </p> + <p> + Then he told her all that had happened, and said, ‘I love you far better + than all the world; so come with me to my father’s palace, and you shall + be my wife.’ And Snowdrop consented, and went home with the prince; and + everything was got ready with great pomp and splendour for their wedding. + </p> + <p> + To the feast was asked, among the rest, Snowdrop’s old enemy the queen; + and as she was dressing herself in fine rich clothes, she looked in the + glass and said: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Tell me, glass, tell me true! + Of all the ladies in the land, + Who is fairest, tell me, who?’ +</pre> + <p> + And the glass answered: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Thou, lady, art loveliest here, I ween; + But lovelier far is the new-made queen.’ +</pre> + <p> + When she heard this she started with rage; but her envy and curiosity were + so great, that she could not help setting out to see the bride. And when + she got there, and saw that it was no other than Snowdrop, who, as she + thought, had been dead a long while, she choked with rage, and fell down + and died: but Snowdrop and the prince lived and reigned happily over that + land many, many years; and sometimes they went up into the mountains, and + paid a visit to the little dwarfs, who had been so kind to Snowdrop in her + time of need. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0034" id="link2H_4_0034"></a> + THE PINK + </h2> + <p> + There was once upon a time a queen to whom God had given no children. + Every morning she went into the garden and prayed to God in heaven to + bestow on her a son or a daughter. Then an angel from heaven came to her + and said: ‘Be at rest, you shall have a son with the power of wishing, so + that whatsoever in the world he wishes for, that shall he have.’ Then she + went to the king, and told him the joyful tidings, and when the time was + come she gave birth to a son, and the king was filled with gladness. + </p> + <p> + Every morning she went with the child to the garden where the wild beasts + were kept, and washed herself there in a clear stream. It happened once + when the child was a little older, that it was lying in her arms and she + fell asleep. Then came the old cook, who knew that the child had the power + of wishing, and stole it away, and he took a hen, and cut it in pieces, + and dropped some of its blood on the queen’s apron and on her dress. Then + he carried the child away to a secret place, where a nurse was obliged to + suckle it, and he ran to the king and accused the queen of having allowed + her child to be taken from her by the wild beasts. When the king saw the + blood on her apron, he believed this, fell into such a passion that he + ordered a high tower to be built, in which neither sun nor moon could be + seen and had his wife put into it, and walled up. Here she was to stay for + seven years without meat or drink, and die of hunger. But God sent two + angels from heaven in the shape of white doves, which flew to her twice a + day, and carried her food until the seven years were over. + </p> + <p> + The cook, however, thought to himself: ‘If the child has the power of + wishing, and I am here, he might very easily get me into trouble.’ So he + left the palace and went to the boy, who was already big enough to speak, + and said to him: ‘Wish for a beautiful palace for yourself with a garden, + and all else that pertains to it.’ Scarcely were the words out of the + boy’s mouth, when everything was there that he had wished for. After a + while the cook said to him: ‘It is not well for you to be so alone, wish + for a pretty girl as a companion.’ Then the king’s son wished for one, and + she immediately stood before him, and was more beautiful than any painter + could have painted her. The two played together, and loved each other with + all their hearts, and the old cook went out hunting like a nobleman. The + thought occurred to him, however, that the king’s son might some day wish + to be with his father, and thus bring him into great peril. So he went out + and took the maiden aside, and said: ‘Tonight when the boy is asleep, go + to his bed and plunge this knife into his heart, and bring me his heart + and tongue, and if you do not do it, you shall lose your life.’ Thereupon + he went away, and when he returned next day she had not done it, and said: + ‘Why should I shed the blood of an innocent boy who has never harmed + anyone?’ The cook once more said: ‘If you do not do it, it shall cost you + your own life.’ When he had gone away, she had a little hind brought to + her, and ordered her to be killed, and took her heart and tongue, and laid + them on a plate, and when she saw the old man coming, she said to the boy: + ‘Lie down in your bed, and draw the clothes over you.’ Then the wicked + wretch came in and said: ‘Where are the boy’s heart and tongue?’ The girl + reached the plate to him, but the king’s son threw off the quilt, and + said: ‘You old sinner, why did you want to kill me? Now will I pronounce + thy sentence. You shall become a black poodle and have a gold collar round + your neck, and shall eat burning coals, till the flames burst forth from + your throat.’ And when he had spoken these words, the old man was changed + into a poodle dog, and had a gold collar round his neck, and the cooks + were ordered to bring up some live coals, and these he ate, until the + flames broke forth from his throat. The king’s son remained there a short + while longer, and he thought of his mother, and wondered if she were still + alive. At length he said to the maiden: ‘I will go home to my own country; + if you will go with me, I will provide for you.’ ‘Ah,’ she replied, ‘the + way is so long, and what shall I do in a strange land where I am unknown?’ + As she did not seem quite willing, and as they could not be parted from + each other, he wished that she might be changed into a beautiful pink, and + took her with him. Then he went away to his own country, and the poodle + had to run after him. He went to the tower in which his mother was + confined, and as it was so high, he wished for a ladder which would reach + up to the very top. Then he mounted up and looked inside, and cried: + ‘Beloved mother, Lady Queen, are you still alive, or are you dead?’ She + answered: ‘I have just eaten, and am still satisfied,’ for she thought the + angels were there. Said he: ‘I am your dear son, whom the wild beasts were + said to have torn from your arms; but I am alive still, and will soon set + you free.’ Then he descended again, and went to his father, and caused + himself to be announced as a strange huntsman, and asked if he could offer + him service. The king said yes, if he was skilful and could get game for + him, he should come to him, but that deer had never taken up their + quarters in any part of the district or country. Then the huntsman + promised to procure as much game for him as he could possibly use at the + royal table. So he summoned all the huntsmen together, and bade them go + out into the forest with him. And he went with them and made them form a + great circle, open at one end where he stationed himself, and began to + wish. Two hundred deer and more came running inside the circle at once, + and the huntsmen shot them. Then they were all placed on sixty country + carts, and driven home to the king, and for once he was able to deck his + table with game, after having had none at all for years. + </p> + <p> + Now the king felt great joy at this, and commanded that his entire + household should eat with him next day, and made a great feast. When they + were all assembled together, he said to the huntsman: ‘As you are so + clever, you shall sit by me.’ He replied: ‘Lord King, your majesty must + excuse me, I am a poor huntsman.’ But the king insisted on it, and said: + ‘You shall sit by me,’ until he did it. Whilst he was sitting there, he + thought of his dearest mother, and wished that one of the king’s principal + servants would begin to speak of her, and would ask how it was faring with + the queen in the tower, and if she were alive still, or had perished. + Hardly had he formed the wish than the marshal began, and said: ‘Your + majesty, we live joyously here, but how is the queen living in the tower? + Is she still alive, or has she died?’ But the king replied: ‘She let my + dear son be torn to pieces by wild beasts; I will not have her named.’ + Then the huntsman arose and said: ‘Gracious lord father she is alive + still, and I am her son, and I was not carried away by wild beasts, but by + that wretch the old cook, who tore me from her arms when she was asleep, + and sprinkled her apron with the blood of a chicken.’ Thereupon he took + the dog with the golden collar, and said: ‘That is the wretch!’ and caused + live coals to be brought, and these the dog was compelled to devour before + the sight of all, until flames burst forth from its throat. On this the + huntsman asked the king if he would like to see the dog in his true shape, + and wished him back into the form of the cook, in which he stood + immediately, with his white apron, and his knife by his side. When the + king saw him he fell into a passion, and ordered him to be cast into the + deepest dungeon. Then the huntsman spoke further and said: ‘Father, will + you see the maiden who brought me up so tenderly and who was afterwards to + murder me, but did not do it, though her own life depended on it?’ The + king replied: ‘Yes, I would like to see her.’ The son said: ‘Most gracious + father, I will show her to you in the form of a beautiful flower,’ and he + thrust his hand into his pocket and brought forth the pink, and placed it + on the royal table, and it was so beautiful that the king had never seen + one to equal it. Then the son said: ‘Now will I show her to you in her own + form,’ and wished that she might become a maiden, and she stood there + looking so beautiful that no painter could have made her look more so. + </p> + <p> + And the king sent two waiting-maids and two attendants into the tower, to + fetch the queen and bring her to the royal table. But when she was led in + she ate nothing, and said: ‘The gracious and merciful God who has + supported me in the tower, will soon set me free.’ She lived three days + more, and then died happily, and when she was buried, the two white doves + which had brought her food to the tower, and were angels of heaven, + followed her body and seated themselves on her grave. The aged king + ordered the cook to be torn in four pieces, but grief consumed the king’s + own heart, and he soon died. His son married the beautiful maiden whom he + had brought with him as a flower in his pocket, and whether they are still + alive or not, is known to God. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0035" id="link2H_4_0035"></a> + CLEVER ELSIE + </h2> + <p> + There was once a man who had a daughter who was called Clever Elsie. And + when she had grown up her father said: ‘We will get her married.’ ‘Yes,’ + said the mother, ‘if only someone would come who would have her.’ At + length a man came from a distance and wooed her, who was called Hans; but + he stipulated that Clever Elsie should be really smart. ‘Oh,’ said the + father, ‘she has plenty of good sense’; and the mother said: ‘Oh, she can + see the wind coming up the street, and hear the flies coughing.’ ‘Well,’ + said Hans, ‘if she is not really smart, I won’t have her.’ When they were + sitting at dinner and had eaten, the mother said: ‘Elsie, go into the + cellar and fetch some beer.’ Then Clever Elsie took the pitcher from the + wall, went into the cellar, and tapped the lid briskly as she went, so + that the time might not appear long. When she was below she fetched + herself a chair, and set it before the barrel so that she had no need to + stoop, and did not hurt her back or do herself any unexpected injury. Then + she placed the can before her, and turned the tap, and while the beer was + running she would not let her eyes be idle, but looked up at the wall, and + after much peering here and there, saw a pick-axe exactly above her, which + the masons had accidentally left there. + </p> + <p> + Then Clever Elsie began to weep and said: ‘If I get Hans, and we have a + child, and he grows big, and we send him into the cellar here to draw + beer, then the pick-axe will fall on his head and kill him.’ Then she sat + and wept and screamed with all the strength of her body, over the + misfortune which lay before her. Those upstairs waited for the drink, but + Clever Elsie still did not come. Then the woman said to the servant: ‘Just + go down into the cellar and see where Elsie is.’ The maid went and found + her sitting in front of the barrel, screaming loudly. ‘Elsie why do you + weep?’ asked the maid. ‘Ah,’ she answered, ‘have I not reason to weep? If + I get Hans, and we have a child, and he grows big, and has to draw beer + here, the pick-axe will perhaps fall on his head, and kill him.’ Then said + the maid: ‘What a clever Elsie we have!’ and sat down beside her and began + loudly to weep over the misfortune. After a while, as the maid did not + come back, and those upstairs were thirsty for the beer, the man said to + the boy: ‘Just go down into the cellar and see where Elsie and the girl + are.’ The boy went down, and there sat Clever Elsie and the girl both + weeping together. Then he asked: ‘Why are you weeping?’ ‘Ah,’ said Elsie, + ‘have I not reason to weep? If I get Hans, and we have a child, and he + grows big, and has to draw beer here, the pick-axe will fall on his head + and kill him.’ Then said the boy: ‘What a clever Elsie we have!’ and sat + down by her, and likewise began to howl loudly. Upstairs they waited for + the boy, but as he still did not return, the man said to the woman: ‘Just + go down into the cellar and see where Elsie is!’ The woman went down, and + found all three in the midst of their lamentations, and inquired what was + the cause; then Elsie told her also that her future child was to be killed + by the pick-axe, when it grew big and had to draw beer, and the pick-axe + fell down. Then said the mother likewise: ‘What a clever Elsie we have!’ + and sat down and wept with them. The man upstairs waited a short time, but + as his wife did not come back and his thirst grew ever greater, he said: + ‘I must go into the cellar myself and see where Elsie is.’ But when he got + into the cellar, and they were all sitting together crying, and he heard + the reason, and that Elsie’s child was the cause, and the Elsie might + perhaps bring one into the world some day, and that he might be killed by + the pick-axe, if he should happen to be sitting beneath it, drawing beer + just at the very time when it fell down, he cried: ‘Oh, what a clever + Elsie!’ and sat down, and likewise wept with them. The bridegroom stayed + upstairs alone for a long time; then as no one would come back he thought: + ‘They must be waiting for me below: I too must go there and see what they + are about.’ When he got down, the five of them were sitting screaming and + lamenting quite piteously, each out-doing the other. ‘What misfortune has + happened then?’ asked he. ‘Ah, dear Hans,’ said Elsie, ‘if we marry each + other and have a child, and he is big, and we perhaps send him here to + draw something to drink, then the pick-axe which has been left up there + might dash his brains out if it were to fall down, so have we not reason + to weep?’ ‘Come,’ said Hans, ‘more understanding than that is not needed + for my household, as you are such a clever Elsie, I will have you,’ and + seized her hand, took her upstairs with him, and married her. + </p> + <p> + After Hans had had her some time, he said: ‘Wife, I am going out to work + and earn some money for us; go into the field and cut the corn that we may + have some bread.’ ‘Yes, dear Hans, I will do that.’ After Hans had gone + away, she cooked herself some good broth and took it into the field with + her. When she came to the field she said to herself: ‘What shall I do; + shall I cut first, or shall I eat first? Oh, I will eat first.’ Then she + drank her cup of broth and when she was fully satisfied, she once more + said: ‘What shall I do? Shall I cut first, or shall I sleep first? I will + sleep first.’ Then she lay down among the corn and fell asleep. Hans had + been at home for a long time, but Elsie did not come; then said he: ‘What + a clever Elsie I have; she is so industrious that she does not even come + home to eat.’ But when evening came and she still stayed away, Hans went + out to see what she had cut, but nothing was cut, and she was lying among + the corn asleep. Then Hans hastened home and brought a fowler’s net with + little bells and hung it round about her, and she still went on sleeping. + Then he ran home, shut the house-door, and sat down in his chair and + worked. At length, when it was quite dark, Clever Elsie awoke and when she + got up there was a jingling all round about her, and the bells rang at + each step which she took. Then she was alarmed, and became uncertain + whether she really was Clever Elsie or not, and said: ‘Is it I, or is it + not I?’ But she knew not what answer to make to this, and stood for a time + in doubt; at length she thought: ‘I will go home and ask if it be I, or if + it be not I, they will be sure to know.’ She ran to the door of her own + house, but it was shut; then she knocked at the window and cried: ‘Hans, + is Elsie within?’ ‘Yes,’ answered Hans, ‘she is within.’ Hereupon she was + terrified, and said: ‘Ah, heavens! Then it is not I,’ and went to another + door; but when the people heard the jingling of the bells they would not + open it, and she could get in nowhere. Then she ran out of the village, + and no one has seen her since. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0036" id="link2H_4_0036"></a> + THE MISER IN THE BUSH + </h2> + <p> + A farmer had a faithful and diligent servant, who had worked hard for him + three years, without having been paid any wages. At last it came into the + man’s head that he would not go on thus without pay any longer; so he went + to his master, and said, ‘I have worked hard for you a long time, I will + trust to you to give me what I deserve to have for my trouble.’ The farmer + was a sad miser, and knew that his man was very simple-hearted; so he took + out threepence, and gave him for every year’s service a penny. The poor + fellow thought it was a great deal of money to have, and said to himself, + ‘Why should I work hard, and live here on bad fare any longer? I can now + travel into the wide world, and make myself merry.’ With that he put his + money into his purse, and set out, roaming over hill and valley. + </p> + <p> + As he jogged along over the fields, singing and dancing, a little dwarf + met him, and asked him what made him so merry. ‘Why, what should make me + down-hearted?’ said he; ‘I am sound in health and rich in purse, what + should I care for? I have saved up my three years’ earnings and have it + all safe in my pocket.’ ‘How much may it come to?’ said the little man. + ‘Full threepence,’ replied the countryman. ‘I wish you would give them to + me,’ said the other; ‘I am very poor.’ Then the man pitied him, and gave + him all he had; and the little dwarf said in return, ‘As you have such a + kind honest heart, I will grant you three wishes—one for every + penny; so choose whatever you like.’ Then the countryman rejoiced at his + good luck, and said, ‘I like many things better than money: first, I will + have a bow that will bring down everything I shoot at; secondly, a fiddle + that will set everyone dancing that hears me play upon it; and thirdly, I + should like that everyone should grant what I ask.’ The dwarf said he + should have his three wishes; so he gave him the bow and fiddle, and went + his way. + </p> + <p> + Our honest friend journeyed on his way too; and if he was merry before, he + was now ten times more so. He had not gone far before he met an old miser: + close by them stood a tree, and on the topmost twig sat a thrush singing + away most joyfully. ‘Oh, what a pretty bird!’ said the miser; ‘I would + give a great deal of money to have such a one.’ ‘If that’s all,’ said the + countryman, ‘I will soon bring it down.’ Then he took up his bow, and down + fell the thrush into the bushes at the foot of the tree. The miser crept + into the bush to find it; but directly he had got into the middle, his + companion took up his fiddle and played away, and the miser began to dance + and spring about, capering higher and higher in the air. The thorns soon + began to tear his clothes till they all hung in rags about him, and he + himself was all scratched and wounded, so that the blood ran down. ‘Oh, + for heaven’s sake!’ cried the miser, ‘Master! master! pray let the fiddle + alone. What have I done to deserve this?’ ‘Thou hast shaved many a poor + soul close enough,’ said the other; ‘thou art only meeting thy reward’: so + he played up another tune. Then the miser began to beg and promise, and + offered money for his liberty; but he did not come up to the musician’s + price for some time, and he danced him along brisker and brisker, and the + miser bid higher and higher, till at last he offered a round hundred of + florins that he had in his purse, and had just gained by cheating some + poor fellow. When the countryman saw so much money, he said, ‘I will agree + to your proposal.’ So he took the purse, put up his fiddle, and travelled + on very pleased with his bargain. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the miser crept out of the bush half-naked and in a piteous + plight, and began to ponder how he should take his revenge, and serve his + late companion some trick. At last he went to the judge, and complained + that a rascal had robbed him of his money, and beaten him into the + bargain; and that the fellow who did it carried a bow at his back and a + fiddle hung round his neck. Then the judge sent out his officers to bring + up the accused wherever they should find him; and he was soon caught and + brought up to be tried. + </p> + <p> + The miser began to tell his tale, and said he had been robbed of his + money. ‘No, you gave it me for playing a tune to you.’ said the + countryman; but the judge told him that was not likely, and cut the matter + short by ordering him off to the gallows. + </p> + <p> + So away he was taken; but as he stood on the steps he said, ‘My Lord + Judge, grant me one last request.’ ‘Anything but thy life,’ replied the + other. ‘No,’ said he, ‘I do not ask my life; only to let me play upon my + fiddle for the last time.’ The miser cried out, ‘Oh, no! no! for heaven’s + sake don’t listen to him! don’t listen to him!’ But the judge said, ‘It is + only this once, he will soon have done.’ The fact was, he could not refuse + the request, on account of the dwarf’s third gift. + </p> + <p> + Then the miser said, ‘Bind me fast, bind me fast, for pity’s sake.’ But + the countryman seized his fiddle, and struck up a tune, and at the first + note judge, clerks, and jailer were in motion; all began capering, and no + one could hold the miser. At the second note the hangman let his prisoner + go, and danced also, and by the time he had played the first bar of the + tune, all were dancing together—judge, court, and miser, and all the + people who had followed to look on. At first the thing was merry and + pleasant enough; but when it had gone on a while, and there seemed to be + no end of playing or dancing, they began to cry out, and beg him to leave + off; but he stopped not a whit the more for their entreaties, till the + judge not only gave him his life, but promised to return him the hundred + florins. + </p> + <p> + Then he called to the miser, and said, ‘Tell us now, you vagabond, where + you got that gold, or I shall play on for your amusement only,’ ‘I stole + it,’ said the miser in the presence of all the people; ‘I acknowledge that + I stole it, and that you earned it fairly.’ Then the countryman stopped + his fiddle, and left the miser to take his place at the gallows. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0037" id="link2H_4_0037"></a> + ASHPUTTEL + </h2> + <p> + The wife of a rich man fell sick; and when she felt that her end drew + nigh, she called her only daughter to her bed-side, and said, ‘Always be a + good girl, and I will look down from heaven and watch over you.’ Soon + afterwards she shut her eyes and died, and was buried in the garden; and + the little girl went every day to her grave and wept, and was always good + and kind to all about her. And the snow fell and spread a beautiful white + covering over the grave; but by the time the spring came, and the sun had + melted it away again, her father had married another wife. This new wife + had two daughters of her own, that she brought home with her; they were + fair in face but foul at heart, and it was now a sorry time for the poor + little girl. ‘What does the good-for-nothing want in the parlour?’ said + they; ‘they who would eat bread should first earn it; away with the + kitchen-maid!’ Then they took away her fine clothes, and gave her an old + grey frock to put on, and laughed at her, and turned her into the kitchen. + </p> + <p> + There she was forced to do hard work; to rise early before daylight, to + bring the water, to make the fire, to cook and to wash. Besides that, the + sisters plagued her in all sorts of ways, and laughed at her. In the + evening when she was tired, she had no bed to lie down on, but was made to + lie by the hearth among the ashes; and as this, of course, made her always + dusty and dirty, they called her Ashputtel. + </p> + <p> + It happened once that the father was going to the fair, and asked his + wife’s daughters what he should bring them. ‘Fine clothes,’ said the + first; ‘Pearls and diamonds,’ cried the second. ‘Now, child,’ said he to + his own daughter, ‘what will you have?’ ‘The first twig, dear father, that + brushes against your hat when you turn your face to come homewards,’ said + she. Then he bought for the first two the fine clothes and pearls and + diamonds they had asked for: and on his way home, as he rode through a + green copse, a hazel twig brushed against him, and almost pushed off his + hat: so he broke it off and brought it away; and when he got home he gave + it to his daughter. Then she took it, and went to her mother’s grave and + planted it there; and cried so much that it was watered with her tears; + and there it grew and became a fine tree. Three times every day she went + to it and cried; and soon a little bird came and built its nest upon the + tree, and talked with her, and watched over her, and brought her whatever + she wished for. + </p> + <p> + Now it happened that the king of that land held a feast, which was to last + three days; and out of those who came to it his son was to choose a bride + for himself. Ashputtel’s two sisters were asked to come; so they called + her up, and said, ‘Now, comb our hair, brush our shoes, and tie our sashes + for us, for we are going to dance at the king’s feast.’ Then she did as + she was told; but when all was done she could not help crying, for she + thought to herself, she should so have liked to have gone with them to the + ball; and at last she begged her mother very hard to let her go. ‘You, + Ashputtel!’ said she; ‘you who have nothing to wear, no clothes at all, + and who cannot even dance—you want to go to the ball? And when she + kept on begging, she said at last, to get rid of her, ‘I will throw this + dishful of peas into the ash-heap, and if in two hours’ time you have + picked them all out, you shall go to the feast too.’ + </p> + <p> + Then she threw the peas down among the ashes, but the little maiden ran + out at the back door into the garden, and cried out: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Hither, hither, through the sky, + Turtle-doves and linnets, fly! + Blackbird, thrush, and chaffinch gay, + Hither, hither, haste away! + One and all come help me, quick! + Haste ye, haste ye!—pick, pick, pick!’ +</pre> + <p> + Then first came two white doves, flying in at the kitchen window; next + came two turtle-doves; and after them came all the little birds under + heaven, chirping and fluttering in: and they flew down into the ashes. And + the little doves stooped their heads down and set to work, pick, pick, + pick; and then the others began to pick, pick, pick: and among them all + they soon picked out all the good grain, and put it into a dish but left + the ashes. Long before the end of the hour the work was quite done, and + all flew out again at the windows. + </p> + <p> + Then Ashputtel brought the dish to her mother, overjoyed at the thought + that now she should go to the ball. But the mother said, ‘No, no! you + slut, you have no clothes, and cannot dance; you shall not go.’ And when + Ashputtel begged very hard to go, she said, ‘If you can in one hour’s time + pick two of those dishes of peas out of the ashes, you shall go too.’ And + thus she thought she should at least get rid of her. So she shook two + dishes of peas into the ashes. + </p> + <p> + But the little maiden went out into the garden at the back of the house, + and cried out as before: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Hither, hither, through the sky, + Turtle-doves and linnets, fly! + Blackbird, thrush, and chaffinch gay, + Hither, hither, haste away! + One and all come help me, quick! + Haste ye, haste ye!—pick, pick, pick!’ +</pre> + <p> + Then first came two white doves in at the kitchen window; next came two + turtle-doves; and after them came all the little birds under heaven, + chirping and hopping about. And they flew down into the ashes; and the + little doves put their heads down and set to work, pick, pick, pick; and + then the others began pick, pick, pick; and they put all the good grain + into the dishes, and left all the ashes. Before half an hour’s time all + was done, and out they flew again. And then Ashputtel took the dishes to + her mother, rejoicing to think that she should now go to the ball. But her + mother said, ‘It is all of no use, you cannot go; you have no clothes, and + cannot dance, and you would only put us to shame’: and off she went with + her two daughters to the ball. + </p> + <p> + Now when all were gone, and nobody left at home, Ashputtel went + sorrowfully and sat down under the hazel-tree, and cried out: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Shake, shake, hazel-tree, + Gold and silver over me!’ +</pre> + <p> + Then her friend the bird flew out of the tree, and brought a gold and + silver dress for her, and slippers of spangled silk; and she put them on, + and followed her sisters to the feast. But they did not know her, and + thought it must be some strange princess, she looked so fine and beautiful + in her rich clothes; and they never once thought of Ashputtel, taking it + for granted that she was safe at home in the dirt. + </p> + <p> + The king’s son soon came up to her, and took her by the hand and danced + with her, and no one else: and he never left her hand; but when anyone + else came to ask her to dance, he said, ‘This lady is dancing with me.’ + </p> + <p> + Thus they danced till a late hour of the night; and then she wanted to go + home: and the king’s son said, ‘I shall go and take care of you to your + home’; for he wanted to see where the beautiful maiden lived. But she + slipped away from him, unawares, and ran off towards home; and as the + prince followed her, she jumped up into the pigeon-house and shut the + door. Then he waited till her father came home, and told him that the + unknown maiden, who had been at the feast, had hid herself in the + pigeon-house. But when they had broken open the door they found no one + within; and as they came back into the house, Ashputtel was lying, as she + always did, in her dirty frock by the ashes, and her dim little lamp was + burning in the chimney. For she had run as quickly as she could through + the pigeon-house and on to the hazel-tree, and had there taken off her + beautiful clothes, and put them beneath the tree, that the bird might + carry them away, and had lain down again amid the ashes in her little grey + frock. + </p> + <p> + The next day when the feast was again held, and her father, mother, and + sisters were gone, Ashputtel went to the hazel-tree, and said: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Shake, shake, hazel-tree, + Gold and silver over me!’ +</pre> + <p> + And the bird came and brought a still finer dress than the one she had + worn the day before. And when she came in it to the ball, everyone + wondered at her beauty: but the king’s son, who was waiting for her, took + her by the hand, and danced with her; and when anyone asked her to dance, + he said as before, ‘This lady is dancing with me.’ + </p> + <p> + When night came she wanted to go home; and the king’s son followed here as + before, that he might see into what house she went: but she sprang away + from him all at once into the garden behind her father’s house. In this + garden stood a fine large pear-tree full of ripe fruit; and Ashputtel, not + knowing where to hide herself, jumped up into it without being seen. Then + the king’s son lost sight of her, and could not find out where she was + gone, but waited till her father came home, and said to him, ‘The unknown + lady who danced with me has slipped away, and I think she must have sprung + into the pear-tree.’ The father thought to himself, ‘Can it be Ashputtel?’ + So he had an axe brought; and they cut down the tree, but found no one + upon it. And when they came back into the kitchen, there lay Ashputtel + among the ashes; for she had slipped down on the other side of the tree, + and carried her beautiful clothes back to the bird at the hazel-tree, and + then put on her little grey frock. + </p> + <p> + The third day, when her father and mother and sisters were gone, she went + again into the garden, and said: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Shake, shake, hazel-tree, + Gold and silver over me!’ +</pre> + <p> + Then her kind friend the bird brought a dress still finer than the former + one, and slippers which were all of gold: so that when she came to the + feast no one knew what to say, for wonder at her beauty: and the king’s + son danced with nobody but her; and when anyone else asked her to dance, + he said, ‘This lady is <i>my</i> partner, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + When night came she wanted to go home; and the king’s son would go with + her, and said to himself, ‘I will not lose her this time’; but, however, + she again slipped away from him, though in such a hurry that she dropped + her left golden slipper upon the stairs. + </p> + <p> + The prince took the shoe, and went the next day to the king his father, + and said, ‘I will take for my wife the lady that this golden slipper + fits.’ Then both the sisters were overjoyed to hear it; for they had + beautiful feet, and had no doubt that they could wear the golden slipper. + The eldest went first into the room where the slipper was, and wanted to + try it on, and the mother stood by. But her great toe could not go into + it, and the shoe was altogether much too small for her. Then the mother + gave her a knife, and said, ‘Never mind, cut it off; when you are queen + you will not care about toes; you will not want to walk.’ So the silly + girl cut off her great toe, and thus squeezed on the shoe, and went to the + king’s son. Then he took her for his bride, and set her beside him on his + horse, and rode away with her homewards. + </p> + <p> + But on their way home they had to pass by the hazel-tree that Ashputtel + had planted; and on the branch sat a little dove singing: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Back again! back again! look to the shoe! + The shoe is too small, and not made for you! + Prince! prince! look again for thy bride, + For she’s not the true one that sits by thy side.’ +</pre> + <p> + Then the prince got down and looked at her foot; and he saw, by the blood + that streamed from it, what a trick she had played him. So he turned his + horse round, and brought the false bride back to her home, and said, ‘This + is not the right bride; let the other sister try and put on the slipper.’ + Then she went into the room and got her foot into the shoe, all but the + heel, which was too large. But her mother squeezed it in till the blood + came, and took her to the king’s son: and he set her as his bride by his + side on his horse, and rode away with her. + </p> + <p> + But when they came to the hazel-tree the little dove sat there still, and + sang: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Back again! back again! look to the shoe! + The shoe is too small, and not made for you! + Prince! prince! look again for thy bride, + For she’s not the true one that sits by thy side.’ +</pre> + <p> + Then he looked down, and saw that the blood streamed so much from the + shoe, that her white stockings were quite red. So he turned his horse and + brought her also back again. ‘This is not the true bride,’ said he to the + father; ‘have you no other daughters?’ ‘No,’ said he; ‘there is only a + little dirty Ashputtel here, the child of my first wife; I am sure she + cannot be the bride.’ The prince told him to send her. But the mother + said, ‘No, no, she is much too dirty; she will not dare to show herself.’ + However, the prince would have her come; and she first washed her face and + hands, and then went in and curtsied to him, and he reached her the golden + slipper. Then she took her clumsy shoe off her left foot, and put on the + golden slipper; and it fitted her as if it had been made for her. And when + he drew near and looked at her face he knew her, and said, ‘This is the + right bride.’ But the mother and both the sisters were frightened, and + turned pale with anger as he took Ashputtel on his horse, and rode away + with her. And when they came to the hazel-tree, the white dove sang: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Home! home! look at the shoe! + Princess! the shoe was made for you! + Prince! prince! take home thy bride, + For she is the true one that sits by thy side!’ +</pre> + <p> + And when the dove had done its song, it came flying, and perched upon her + right shoulder, and so went home with her. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0038" id="link2H_4_0038"></a> + THE WHITE SNAKE + </h2> + <p> + A long time ago there lived a king who was famed for his wisdom through + all the land. Nothing was hidden from him, and it seemed as if news of the + most secret things was brought to him through the air. But he had a + strange custom; every day after dinner, when the table was cleared, and no + one else was present, a trusty servant had to bring him one more dish. It + was covered, however, and even the servant did not know what was in it, + neither did anyone know, for the king never took off the cover to eat of + it until he was quite alone. + </p> + <p> + This had gone on for a long time, when one day the servant, who took away + the dish, was overcome with such curiosity that he could not help carrying + the dish into his room. When he had carefully locked the door, he lifted + up the cover, and saw a white snake lying on the dish. But when he saw it + he could not deny himself the pleasure of tasting it, so he cut of a + little bit and put it into his mouth. No sooner had it touched his tongue + than he heard a strange whispering of little voices outside his window. He + went and listened, and then noticed that it was the sparrows who were + chattering together, and telling one another of all kinds of things which + they had seen in the fields and woods. Eating the snake had given him + power of understanding the language of animals. + </p> + <p> + Now it so happened that on this very day the queen lost her most beautiful + ring, and suspicion of having stolen it fell upon this trusty servant, who + was allowed to go everywhere. The king ordered the man to be brought + before him, and threatened with angry words that unless he could before + the morrow point out the thief, he himself should be looked upon as guilty + and executed. In vain he declared his innocence; he was dismissed with no + better answer. + </p> + <p> + In his trouble and fear he went down into the courtyard and took thought + how to help himself out of his trouble. Now some ducks were sitting + together quietly by a brook and taking their rest; and, whilst they were + making their feathers smooth with their bills, they were having a + confidential conversation together. The servant stood by and listened. + They were telling one another of all the places where they had been + waddling about all the morning, and what good food they had found; and one + said in a pitiful tone: ‘Something lies heavy on my stomach; as I was + eating in haste I swallowed a ring which lay under the queen’s window.’ + The servant at once seized her by the neck, carried her to the kitchen, + and said to the cook: ‘Here is a fine duck; pray, kill her.’ ‘Yes,’ said + the cook, and weighed her in his hand; ‘she has spared no trouble to + fatten herself, and has been waiting to be roasted long enough.’ So he cut + off her head, and as she was being dressed for the spit, the queen’s ring + was found inside her. + </p> + <p> + The servant could now easily prove his innocence; and the king, to make + amends for the wrong, allowed him to ask a favour, and promised him the + best place in the court that he could wish for. The servant refused + everything, and only asked for a horse and some money for travelling, as + he had a mind to see the world and go about a little. When his request was + granted he set out on his way, and one day came to a pond, where he saw + three fishes caught in the reeds and gasping for water. Now, though it is + said that fishes are dumb, he heard them lamenting that they must perish + so miserably, and, as he had a kind heart, he got off his horse and put + the three prisoners back into the water. They leapt with delight, put out + their heads, and cried to him: ‘We will remember you and repay you for + saving us!’ + </p> + <p> + He rode on, and after a while it seemed to him that he heard a voice in + the sand at his feet. He listened, and heard an ant-king complain: ‘Why + cannot folks, with their clumsy beasts, keep off our bodies? That stupid + horse, with his heavy hoofs, has been treading down my people without + mercy!’ So he turned on to a side path and the ant-king cried out to him: + ‘We will remember you—one good turn deserves another!’ + </p> + <p> + The path led him into a wood, and there he saw two old ravens standing by + their nest, and throwing out their young ones. ‘Out with you, you idle, + good-for-nothing creatures!’ cried they; ‘we cannot find food for you any + longer; you are big enough, and can provide for yourselves.’ But the poor + young ravens lay upon the ground, flapping their wings, and crying: ‘Oh, + what helpless chicks we are! We must shift for ourselves, and yet we + cannot fly! What can we do, but lie here and starve?’ So the good young + fellow alighted and killed his horse with his sword, and gave it to them + for food. Then they came hopping up to it, satisfied their hunger, and + cried: ‘We will remember you—one good turn deserves another!’ + </p> + <p> + And now he had to use his own legs, and when he had walked a long way, he + came to a large city. There was a great noise and crowd in the streets, + and a man rode up on horseback, crying aloud: ‘The king’s daughter wants a + husband; but whoever seeks her hand must perform a hard task, and if he + does not succeed he will forfeit his life.’ Many had already made the + attempt, but in vain; nevertheless when the youth saw the king’s daughter + he was so overcome by her great beauty that he forgot all danger, went + before the king, and declared himself a suitor. + </p> + <p> + So he was led out to the sea, and a gold ring was thrown into it, before + his eyes; then the king ordered him to fetch this ring up from the bottom + of the sea, and added: ‘If you come up again without it you will be thrown + in again and again until you perish amid the waves.’ All the people + grieved for the handsome youth; then they went away, leaving him alone by + the sea. + </p> + <p> + He stood on the shore and considered what he should do, when suddenly he + saw three fishes come swimming towards him, and they were the very fishes + whose lives he had saved. The one in the middle held a mussel in its + mouth, which it laid on the shore at the youth’s feet, and when he had + taken it up and opened it, there lay the gold ring in the shell. Full of + joy he took it to the king and expected that he would grant him the + promised reward. + </p> + <p> + But when the proud princess perceived that he was not her equal in birth, + she scorned him, and required him first to perform another task. She went + down into the garden and strewed with her own hands ten sacksful of + millet-seed on the grass; then she said: ‘Tomorrow morning before sunrise + these must be picked up, and not a single grain be wanting.’ + </p> + <p> + The youth sat down in the garden and considered how it might be possible + to perform this task, but he could think of nothing, and there he sat + sorrowfully awaiting the break of day, when he should be led to death. But + as soon as the first rays of the sun shone into the garden he saw all the + ten sacks standing side by side, quite full, and not a single grain was + missing. The ant-king had come in the night with thousands and thousands + of ants, and the grateful creatures had by great industry picked up all + the millet-seed and gathered them into the sacks. + </p> + <p> + Presently the king’s daughter herself came down into the garden, and was + amazed to see that the young man had done the task she had given him. But + she could not yet conquer her proud heart, and said: ‘Although he has + performed both the tasks, he shall not be my husband until he had brought + me an apple from the Tree of Life.’ The youth did not know where the Tree + of Life stood, but he set out, and would have gone on for ever, as long as + his legs would carry him, though he had no hope of finding it. After he + had wandered through three kingdoms, he came one evening to a wood, and + lay down under a tree to sleep. But he heard a rustling in the branches, + and a golden apple fell into his hand. At the same time three ravens flew + down to him, perched themselves upon his knee, and said: ‘We are the three + young ravens whom you saved from starving; when we had grown big, and + heard that you were seeking the Golden Apple, we flew over the sea to the + end of the world, where the Tree of Life stands, and have brought you the + apple.’ The youth, full of joy, set out homewards, and took the Golden + Apple to the king’s beautiful daughter, who had now no more excuses left + to make. They cut the Apple of Life in two and ate it together; and then + her heart became full of love for him, and they lived in undisturbed + happiness to a great age. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0039" id="link2H_4_0039"></a> + THE WOLF AND THE SEVEN LITTLE KIDS + </h2> + <p> + There was once upon a time an old goat who had seven little kids, and + loved them with all the love of a mother for her children. One day she + wanted to go into the forest and fetch some food. So she called all seven + to her and said: ‘Dear children, I have to go into the forest, be on your + guard against the wolf; if he comes in, he will devour you all—skin, + hair, and everything. The wretch often disguises himself, but you will + know him at once by his rough voice and his black feet.’ The kids said: + ‘Dear mother, we will take good care of ourselves; you may go away without + any anxiety.’ Then the old one bleated, and went on her way with an easy + mind. + </p> + <p> + It was not long before someone knocked at the house-door and called: ‘Open + the door, dear children; your mother is here, and has brought something + back with her for each of you.’ But the little kids knew that it was the + wolf, by the rough voice. ‘We will not open the door,’ cried they, ‘you + are not our mother. She has a soft, pleasant voice, but your voice is + rough; you are the wolf!’ Then the wolf went away to a shopkeeper and + bought himself a great lump of chalk, ate this and made his voice soft + with it. Then he came back, knocked at the door of the house, and called: + ‘Open the door, dear children, your mother is here and has brought + something back with her for each of you.’ But the wolf had laid his black + paws against the window, and the children saw them and cried: ‘We will not + open the door, our mother has not black feet like you: you are the wolf!’ + Then the wolf ran to a baker and said: ‘I have hurt my feet, rub some + dough over them for me.’ And when the baker had rubbed his feet over, he + ran to the miller and said: ‘Strew some white meal over my feet for me.’ + The miller thought to himself: ‘The wolf wants to deceive someone,’ and + refused; but the wolf said: ‘If you will not do it, I will devour you.’ + Then the miller was afraid, and made his paws white for him. Truly, this + is the way of mankind. + </p> + <p> + So now the wretch went for the third time to the house-door, knocked at it + and said: ‘Open the door for me, children, your dear little mother has + come home, and has brought every one of you something back from the forest + with her.’ The little kids cried: ‘First show us your paws that we may + know if you are our dear little mother.’ Then he put his paws in through + the window and when the kids saw that they were white, they believed that + all he said was true, and opened the door. But who should come in but the + wolf! They were terrified and wanted to hide themselves. One sprang under + the table, the second into the bed, the third into the stove, the fourth + into the kitchen, the fifth into the cupboard, the sixth under the + washing-bowl, and the seventh into the clock-case. But the wolf found them + all, and used no great ceremony; one after the other he swallowed them + down his throat. The youngest, who was in the clock-case, was the only one + he did not find. When the wolf had satisfied his appetite he took himself + off, laid himself down under a tree in the green meadow outside, and began + to sleep. Soon afterwards the old goat came home again from the forest. + Ah! what a sight she saw there! The house-door stood wide open. The table, + chairs, and benches were thrown down, the washing-bowl lay broken to + pieces, and the quilts and pillows were pulled off the bed. She sought her + children, but they were nowhere to be found. She called them one after + another by name, but no one answered. At last, when she came to the + youngest, a soft voice cried: ‘Dear mother, I am in the clock-case.’ She + took the kid out, and it told her that the wolf had come and had eaten all + the others. Then you may imagine how she wept over her poor children. + </p> + <p> + At length in her grief she went out, and the youngest kid ran with her. + When they came to the meadow, there lay the wolf by the tree and snored so + loud that the branches shook. She looked at him on every side and saw that + something was moving and struggling in his gorged belly. ‘Ah, heavens,’ + she said, ‘is it possible that my poor children whom he has swallowed down + for his supper, can be still alive?’ Then the kid had to run home and + fetch scissors, and a needle and thread, and the goat cut open the + monster’s stomach, and hardly had she made one cut, than one little kid + thrust its head out, and when she had cut farther, all six sprang out one + after another, and were all still alive, and had suffered no injury + whatever, for in his greediness the monster had swallowed them down whole. + What rejoicing there was! They embraced their dear mother, and jumped like + a tailor at his wedding. The mother, however, said: ‘Now go and look for + some big stones, and we will fill the wicked beast’s stomach with them + while he is still asleep.’ Then the seven kids dragged the stones thither + with all speed, and put as many of them into this stomach as they could + get in; and the mother sewed him up again in the greatest haste, so that + he was not aware of anything and never once stirred. + </p> + <p> + When the wolf at length had had his fill of sleep, he got on his legs, and + as the stones in his stomach made him very thirsty, he wanted to go to a + well to drink. But when he began to walk and to move about, the stones in + his stomach knocked against each other and rattled. Then cried he: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘What rumbles and tumbles + Against my poor bones? + I thought ‘twas six kids, + But it feels like big stones.’ +</pre> + <p> + And when he got to the well and stooped over the water to drink, the heavy + stones made him fall in, and he drowned miserably. When the seven kids saw + that, they came running to the spot and cried aloud: ‘The wolf is dead! + The wolf is dead!’ and danced for joy round about the well with their + mother. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0040" id="link2H_4_0040"></a> + THE QUEEN BEE + </h2> + <p> + Two kings’ sons once upon a time went into the world to seek their + fortunes; but they soon fell into a wasteful foolish way of living, so + that they could not return home again. Then their brother, who was a + little insignificant dwarf, went out to seek for his brothers: but when he + had found them they only laughed at him, to think that he, who was so + young and simple, should try to travel through the world, when they, who + were so much wiser, had been unable to get on. However, they all set out + on their journey together, and came at last to an ant-hill. The two elder + brothers would have pulled it down, in order to see how the poor ants in + their fright would run about and carry off their eggs. But the little + dwarf said, ‘Let the poor things enjoy themselves, I will not suffer you + to trouble them.’ + </p> + <p> + So on they went, and came to a lake where many many ducks were swimming + about. The two brothers wanted to catch two, and roast them. But the dwarf + said, ‘Let the poor things enjoy themselves, you shall not kill them.’ + Next they came to a bees’-nest in a hollow tree, and there was so much + honey that it ran down the trunk; and the two brothers wanted to light a + fire under the tree and kill the bees, so as to get their honey. But the + dwarf held them back, and said, ‘Let the pretty insects enjoy themselves, + I cannot let you burn them.’ + </p> + <p> + At length the three brothers came to a castle: and as they passed by the + stables they saw fine horses standing there, but all were of marble, and + no man was to be seen. Then they went through all the rooms, till they + came to a door on which were three locks: but in the middle of the door + was a wicket, so that they could look into the next room. There they saw a + little grey old man sitting at a table; and they called to him once or + twice, but he did not hear: however, they called a third time, and then he + rose and came out to them. + </p> + <p> + He said nothing, but took hold of them and led them to a beautiful table + covered with all sorts of good things: and when they had eaten and drunk, + he showed each of them to a bed-chamber. + </p> + <p> + The next morning he came to the eldest and took him to a marble table, + where there were three tablets, containing an account of the means by + which the castle might be disenchanted. The first tablet said: ‘In the + wood, under the moss, lie the thousand pearls belonging to the king’s + daughter; they must all be found: and if one be missing by set of sun, he + who seeks them will be turned into marble.’ + </p> + <p> + The eldest brother set out, and sought for the pearls the whole day: but + the evening came, and he had not found the first hundred: so he was turned + into stone as the tablet had foretold. + </p> + <p> + The next day the second brother undertook the task; but he succeeded no + better than the first; for he could only find the second hundred of the + pearls; and therefore he too was turned into stone. + </p> + <p> + At last came the little dwarf’s turn; and he looked in the moss; but it + was so hard to find the pearls, and the job was so tiresome!—so he + sat down upon a stone and cried. And as he sat there, the king of the ants + (whose life he had saved) came to help him, with five thousand ants; and + it was not long before they had found all the pearls and laid them in a + heap. + </p> + <p> + The second tablet said: ‘The key of the princess’s bed-chamber must be + fished up out of the lake.’ And as the dwarf came to the brink of it, he + saw the two ducks whose lives he had saved swimming about; and they dived + down and soon brought in the key from the bottom. + </p> + <p> + The third task was the hardest. It was to choose out the youngest and the + best of the king’s three daughters. Now they were all beautiful, and all + exactly alike: but he was told that the eldest had eaten a piece of sugar, + the next some sweet syrup, and the youngest a spoonful of honey; so he was + to guess which it was that had eaten the honey. + </p> + <p> + Then came the queen of the bees, who had been saved by the little dwarf + from the fire, and she tried the lips of all three; but at last she sat + upon the lips of the one that had eaten the honey: and so the dwarf knew + which was the youngest. Thus the spell was broken, and all who had been + turned into stones awoke, and took their proper forms. And the dwarf + married the youngest and the best of the princesses, and was king after + her father’s death; but his two brothers married the other two sisters. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0041" id="link2H_4_0041"></a> + THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER + </h2> + <p> + There was once a shoemaker, who worked very hard and was very honest: but + still he could not earn enough to live upon; and at last all he had in the + world was gone, save just leather enough to make one pair of shoes. + </p> + <p> + Then he cut his leather out, all ready to make up the next day, meaning to + rise early in the morning to his work. His conscience was clear and his + heart light amidst all his troubles; so he went peaceably to bed, left all + his cares to Heaven, and soon fell asleep. In the morning after he had + said his prayers, he sat himself down to his work; when, to his great + wonder, there stood the shoes all ready made, upon the table. The good man + knew not what to say or think at such an odd thing happening. He looked at + the workmanship; there was not one false stitch in the whole job; all was + so neat and true, that it was quite a masterpiece. + </p> + <p> + The same day a customer came in, and the shoes suited him so well that he + willingly paid a price higher than usual for them; and the poor shoemaker, + with the money, bought leather enough to make two pairs more. In the + evening he cut out the work, and went to bed early, that he might get up + and begin betimes next day; but he was saved all the trouble, for when he + got up in the morning the work was done ready to his hand. Soon in came + buyers, who paid him handsomely for his goods, so that he bought leather + enough for four pair more. He cut out the work again overnight and found + it done in the morning, as before; and so it went on for some time: what + was got ready in the evening was always done by daybreak, and the good man + soon became thriving and well off again. + </p> + <p> + One evening, about Christmas-time, as he and his wife were sitting over + the fire chatting together, he said to her, ‘I should like to sit up and + watch tonight, that we may see who it is that comes and does my work for + me.’ The wife liked the thought; so they left a light burning, and hid + themselves in a corner of the room, behind a curtain that was hung up + there, and watched what would happen. + </p> + <p> + As soon as it was midnight, there came in two little naked dwarfs; and + they sat themselves upon the shoemaker’s bench, took up all the work that + was cut out, and began to ply with their little fingers, stitching and + rapping and tapping away at such a rate, that the shoemaker was all + wonder, and could not take his eyes off them. And on they went, till the + job was quite done, and the shoes stood ready for use upon the table. This + was long before daybreak; and then they bustled away as quick as + lightning. + </p> + <p> + The next day the wife said to the shoemaker. ‘These little wights have + made us rich, and we ought to be thankful to them, and do them a good turn + if we can. I am quite sorry to see them run about as they do; and indeed + it is not very decent, for they have nothing upon their backs to keep off + the cold. I’ll tell you what, I will make each of them a shirt, and a coat + and waistcoat, and a pair of pantaloons into the bargain; and do you make + each of them a little pair of shoes.’ + </p> + <p> + The thought pleased the good cobbler very much; and one evening, when all + the things were ready, they laid them on the table, instead of the work + that they used to cut out, and then went and hid themselves, to watch what + the little elves would do. + </p> + <p> + About midnight in they came, dancing and skipping, hopped round the room, + and then went to sit down to their work as usual; but when they saw the + clothes lying for them, they laughed and chuckled, and seemed mightily + delighted. + </p> + <p> + Then they dressed themselves in the twinkling of an eye, and danced and + capered and sprang about, as merry as could be; till at last they danced + out at the door, and away over the green. + </p> + <p> + The good couple saw them no more; but everything went well with them from + that time forward, as long as they lived. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0042" id="link2H_4_0042"></a> + THE JUNIPER-TREE + </h2> + <p> + Long, long ago, some two thousand years or so, there lived a rich man with + a good and beautiful wife. They loved each other dearly, but sorrowed much + that they had no children. So greatly did they desire to have one, that + the wife prayed for it day and night, but still they remained childless. + </p> + <p> + In front of the house there was a court, in which grew a juniper-tree. One + winter’s day the wife stood under the tree to peel some apples, and as she + was peeling them, she cut her finger, and the blood fell on the snow. + ‘Ah,’ sighed the woman heavily, ‘if I had but a child, as red as blood and + as white as snow,’ and as she spoke the words, her heart grew light within + her, and it seemed to her that her wish was granted, and she returned to + the house feeling glad and comforted. A month passed, and the snow had all + disappeared; then another month went by, and all the earth was green. So + the months followed one another, and first the trees budded in the woods, + and soon the green branches grew thickly intertwined, and then the + blossoms began to fall. Once again the wife stood under the juniper-tree, + and it was so full of sweet scent that her heart leaped for joy, and she + was so overcome with her happiness, that she fell on her knees. Presently + the fruit became round and firm, and she was glad and at peace; but when + they were fully ripe she picked the berries and ate eagerly of them, and + then she grew sad and ill. A little while later she called her husband, + and said to him, weeping. ‘If I die, bury me under the juniper-tree.’ Then + she felt comforted and happy again, and before another month had passed + she had a little child, and when she saw that it was as white as snow and + as red as blood, her joy was so great that she died. + </p> + <p> + Her husband buried her under the juniper-tree, and wept bitterly for her. + By degrees, however, his sorrow grew less, and although at times he still + grieved over his loss, he was able to go about as usual, and later on he + married again. + </p> + <p> + He now had a little daughter born to him; the child of his first wife was + a boy, who was as red as blood and as white as snow. The mother loved her + daughter very much, and when she looked at her and then looked at the boy, + it pierced her heart to think that he would always stand in the way of her + own child, and she was continually thinking how she could get the whole of + the property for her. This evil thought took possession of her more and + more, and made her behave very unkindly to the boy. She drove him from + place to place with cuffings and buffetings, so that the poor child went + about in fear, and had no peace from the time he left school to the time + he went back. + </p> + <p> + One day the little daughter came running to her mother in the store-room, + and said, ‘Mother, give me an apple.’ ‘Yes, my child,’ said the wife, and + she gave her a beautiful apple out of the chest; the chest had a very + heavy lid and a large iron lock. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mother,’ said the little daughter again, ‘may not brother have one too?’ + The mother was angry at this, but she answered, ‘Yes, when he comes out of + school.’ + </p> + <p> + Just then she looked out of the window and saw him coming, and it seemed + as if an evil spirit entered into her, for she snatched the apple out of + her little daughter’s hand, and said, ‘You shall not have one before your + brother.’ She threw the apple into the chest and shut it to. The little + boy now came in, and the evil spirit in the wife made her say kindly to + him, ‘My son, will you have an apple?’ but she gave him a wicked look. + ‘Mother,’ said the boy, ‘how dreadful you look! Yes, give me an apple.’ + The thought came to her that she would kill him. ‘Come with me,’ she said, + and she lifted up the lid of the chest; ‘take one out for yourself.’ And + as he bent over to do so, the evil spirit urged her, and crash! down went + the lid, and off went the little boy’s head. Then she was overwhelmed with + fear at the thought of what she had done. ‘If only I can prevent anyone + knowing that I did it,’ she thought. So she went upstairs to her room, and + took a white handkerchief out of her top drawer; then she set the boy’s + head again on his shoulders, and bound it with the handkerchief so that + nothing could be seen, and placed him on a chair by the door with an apple + in his hand. + </p> + <p> + Soon after this, little Marleen came up to her mother who was stirring a + pot of boiling water over the fire, and said, ‘Mother, brother is sitting + by the door with an apple in his hand, and he looks so pale; and when I + asked him to give me the apple, he did not answer, and that frightened + me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Go to him again,’ said her mother, ‘and if he does not answer, give him a + box on the ear.’ So little Marleen went, and said, ‘Brother, give me that + apple,’ but he did not say a word; then she gave him a box on the ear, and + his head rolled off. She was so terrified at this, that she ran crying and + screaming to her mother. ‘Oh!’ she said, ‘I have knocked off brother’s + head,’ and then she wept and wept, and nothing would stop her. + </p> + <p> + ‘What have you done!’ said her mother, ‘but no one must know about it, so + you must keep silence; what is done can’t be undone; we will make him into + puddings.’ And she took the little boy and cut him up, made him into + puddings, and put him in the pot. But Marleen stood looking on, and wept + and wept, and her tears fell into the pot, so that there was no need of + salt. + </p> + <p> + Presently the father came home and sat down to his dinner; he asked, + ‘Where is my son?’ The mother said nothing, but gave him a large dish of + black pudding, and Marleen still wept without ceasing. + </p> + <p> + The father again asked, ‘Where is my son?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh,’ answered the wife, ‘he is gone into the country to his mother’s + great uncle; he is going to stay there some time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What has he gone there for, and he never even said goodbye to me!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, he likes being there, and he told me he should be away quite six + weeks; he is well looked after there.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I feel very unhappy about it,’ said the husband, ‘in case it should not + be all right, and he ought to have said goodbye to me.’ + </p> + <p> + With this he went on with his dinner, and said, ‘Little Marleen, why do + you weep? Brother will soon be back.’ Then he asked his wife for more + pudding, and as he ate, he threw the bones under the table. + </p> + <p> + Little Marleen went upstairs and took her best silk handkerchief out of + her bottom drawer, and in it she wrapped all the bones from under the + table and carried them outside, and all the time she did nothing but weep. + Then she laid them in the green grass under the juniper-tree, and she had + no sooner done so, then all her sadness seemed to leave her, and she wept + no more. And now the juniper-tree began to move, and the branches waved + backwards and forwards, first away from one another, and then together + again, as it might be someone clapping their hands for joy. After this a + mist came round the tree, and in the midst of it there was a burning as of + fire, and out of the fire there flew a beautiful bird, that rose high into + the air, singing magnificently, and when it could no more be seen, the + juniper-tree stood there as before, and the silk handkerchief and the + bones were gone. + </p> + <p> + Little Marleen now felt as lighthearted and happy as if her brother were + still alive, and she went back to the house and sat down cheerfully to the + table and ate. + </p> + <p> + The bird flew away and alighted on the house of a goldsmith and began to + sing: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘My mother killed her little son; + My father grieved when I was gone; + My sister loved me best of all; + She laid her kerchief over me, + And took my bones that they might lie + Underneath the juniper-tree + Kywitt, Kywitt, what a beautiful bird am I!’ +</pre> + <p> + The goldsmith was in his workshop making a gold chain, when he heard the + song of the bird on his roof. He thought it so beautiful that he got up + and ran out, and as he crossed the threshold he lost one of his slippers. + But he ran on into the middle of the street, with a slipper on one foot + and a sock on the other; he still had on his apron, and still held the + gold chain and the pincers in his hands, and so he stood gazing up at the + bird, while the sun came shining brightly down on the street. + </p> + <p> + ‘Bird,’ he said, ‘how beautifully you sing! Sing me that song again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay,’ said the bird, ‘I do not sing twice for nothing. Give that gold + chain, and I will sing it you again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Here is the chain, take it,’ said the goldsmith. ‘Only sing me that + again.’ + </p> + <p> + The bird flew down and took the gold chain in his right claw, and then he + alighted again in front of the goldsmith and sang: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘My mother killed her little son; + My father grieved when I was gone; + My sister loved me best of all; + She laid her kerchief over me, + And took my bones that they might lie + Underneath the juniper-tree + Kywitt, Kywitt, what a beautiful bird am I!’ +</pre> + <p> + Then he flew away, and settled on the roof of a shoemaker’s house and + sang: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘My mother killed her little son; + My father grieved when I was gone; + My sister loved me best of all; + She laid her kerchief over me, + And took my bones that they might lie + Underneath the juniper-tree + Kywitt, Kywitt, what a beautiful bird am I!’ +</pre> + <p> + The shoemaker heard him, and he jumped up and ran out in his + shirt-sleeves, and stood looking up at the bird on the roof with his hand + over his eyes to keep himself from being blinded by the sun. + </p> + <p> + ‘Bird,’ he said, ‘how beautifully you sing!’ Then he called through the + door to his wife: ‘Wife, come out; here is a bird, come and look at it and + hear how beautifully it sings.’ Then he called his daughter and the + children, then the apprentices, girls and boys, and they all ran up the + street to look at the bird, and saw how splendid it was with its red and + green feathers, and its neck like burnished gold, and eyes like two bright + stars in its head. + </p> + <p> + ‘Bird,’ said the shoemaker, ‘sing me that song again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay,’ answered the bird, ‘I do not sing twice for nothing; you must give + me something.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Wife,’ said the man, ‘go into the garret; on the upper shelf you will see + a pair of red shoes; bring them to me.’ The wife went in and fetched the + shoes. + </p> + <p> + ‘There, bird,’ said the shoemaker, ‘now sing me that song again.’ + </p> + <p> + The bird flew down and took the red shoes in his left claw, and then he + went back to the roof and sang: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘My mother killed her little son; + My father grieved when I was gone; + My sister loved me best of all; + She laid her kerchief over me, + And took my bones that they might lie + Underneath the juniper-tree + Kywitt, Kywitt, what a beautiful bird am I!’ +</pre> + <p> + When he had finished, he flew away. He had the chain in his right claw and + the shoes in his left, and he flew right away to a mill, and the mill went + ‘Click clack, click clack, click clack.’ Inside the mill were twenty of + the miller’s men hewing a stone, and as they went ‘Hick hack, hick hack, + hick hack,’ the mill went ‘Click clack, click clack, click clack.’ + </p> + <p> + The bird settled on a lime-tree in front of the mill and sang: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘My mother killed her little son; +</pre> + <p> + then one of the men left off, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My father grieved when I was gone; +</pre> + <p> + two more men left off and listened, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My sister loved me best of all; +</pre> + <p> + then four more left off, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + She laid her kerchief over me, + And took my bones that they might lie +</pre> + +<p>Now there were only eight at work,</p> + +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Underneath, +</pre> + +<p>and now only five,</p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + the juniper-tree. +</pre> + +<p>and now only one, +</p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Kywitt, Kywitt, what a beautiful bird am I!’ +</pre> + <p> + then he looked up and the last one had left off work. + </p> + <p> + ‘Bird,’ he said, ‘what a beautiful song that is you sing! Let me hear it + too; sing it again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay,’ answered the bird, ‘I do not sing twice for nothing; give me that + millstone, and I will sing it again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If it belonged to me alone,’ said the man, ‘you should have it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, yes,’ said the others: ‘if he will sing again, he can have it.’ + </p> + <p> + The bird came down, and all the twenty millers set to and lifted up the + stone with a beam; then the bird put his head through the hole and took + the stone round his neck like a collar, and flew back with it to the tree + and sang— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘My mother killed her little son; + My father grieved when I was gone; + My sister loved me best of all; + She laid her kerchief over me, + And took my bones that they might lie + Underneath the juniper-tree + Kywitt, Kywitt, what a beautiful bird am I!’ +</pre> + <p> + And when he had finished his song, he spread his wings, and with the chain + in his right claw, the shoes in his left, and the millstone round his + neck, he flew right away to his father’s house. + </p> + <p> + The father, the mother, and little Marleen were having their dinner. + </p> + <p> + ‘How lighthearted I feel,’ said the father, ‘so pleased and cheerful.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And I,’ said the mother, ‘I feel so uneasy, as if a heavy thunderstorm + were coming.’ + </p> + <p> + But little Marleen sat and wept and wept. + </p> + <p> + Then the bird came flying towards the house and settled on the roof. + </p> + <p> + ‘I do feel so happy,’ said the father, ‘and how beautifully the sun + shines; I feel just as if I were going to see an old friend again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ said the wife, ‘and I am so full of distress and uneasiness that my + teeth chatter, and I feel as if there were a fire in my veins,’ and she + tore open her dress; and all the while little Marleen sat in the corner + and wept, and the plate on her knees was wet with her tears. + </p> + <p> + The bird now flew to the juniper-tree and began singing: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘My mother killed her little son; +</pre> + <p> + the mother shut her eyes and her ears, that she might see and hear + nothing, but there was a roaring sound in her ears like that of a violent + storm, and in her eyes a burning and flashing like lightning: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My father grieved when I was gone; +</pre> + <p> + ‘Look, mother,’ said the man, ‘at the beautiful bird that is singing so + magnificently; and how warm and bright the sun is, and what a delicious + scent of spice in the air!’ + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My sister loved me best of all; +</pre> + <p> + then little Marleen laid her head down on her knees and sobbed. + </p> + <p> + ‘I must go outside and see the bird nearer,’ said the man. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah, do not go!’ cried the wife. ‘I feel as if the whole house were in + flames!’ + </p> + <p> + But the man went out and looked at the bird. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + She laid her kerchief over me, + And took my bones that they might lie + Underneath the juniper-tree + Kywitt, Kywitt, what a beautiful bird am I!’ +</pre> + <p> + With that the bird let fall the gold chain, and it fell just round the + man’s neck, so that it fitted him exactly. + </p> + <p> + He went inside, and said, ‘See, what a splendid bird that is; he has given + me this beautiful gold chain, and looks so beautiful himself.’ + </p> + <p> + But the wife was in such fear and trouble, that she fell on the floor, and + her cap fell from her head. + </p> + <p> + Then the bird began again: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘My mother killed her little son; +</pre> + <p> + ‘Ah me!’ cried the wife, ‘if I were but a thousand feet beneath the earth, + that I might not hear that song.’ + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My father grieved when I was gone; +</pre> + <p> + then the woman fell down again as if dead. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My sister loved me best of all; +</pre> + <p> + ‘Well,’ said little Marleen, ‘I will go out too and see if the bird will + give me anything.’ + </p> + <p> + So she went out. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + She laid her kerchief over me, + And took my bones that they might lie +</pre> + <p> + and he threw down the shoes to her, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Underneath the juniper-tree + Kywitt, Kywitt, what a beautiful bird am I!’ +</pre> + <p> + And she now felt quite happy and lighthearted; she put on the shoes and + danced and jumped about in them. ‘I was so miserable,’ she said, ‘when I + came out, but that has all passed away; that is indeed a splendid bird, + and he has given me a pair of red shoes.’ + </p> + <p> + The wife sprang up, with her hair standing out from her head like flames + of fire. ‘Then I will go out too,’ she said, ‘and see if it will lighten + my misery, for I feel as if the world were coming to an end.’ + </p> + <p> + But as she crossed the threshold, crash! the bird threw the millstone down + on her head, and she was crushed to death. + </p> + <p> + The father and little Marleen heard the sound and ran out, but they only + saw mist and flame and fire rising from the spot, and when these had + passed, there stood the little brother, and he took the father and little + Marleen by the hand; then they all three rejoiced, and went inside + together and sat down to their dinners and ate. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0043" id="link2H_4_0043"></a> + THE TURNIP + </h2> + <p> + There were two brothers who were both soldiers; the one was rich and the + other poor. The poor man thought he would try to better himself; so, + pulling off his red coat, he became a gardener, and dug his ground well, + and sowed turnips. + </p> + <p> + When the seed came up, there was one plant bigger than all the rest; and + it kept getting larger and larger, and seemed as if it would never cease + growing; so that it might have been called the prince of turnips for there + never was such a one seen before, and never will again. At last it was so + big that it filled a cart, and two oxen could hardly draw it; and the + gardener knew not what in the world to do with it, nor whether it would be + a blessing or a curse to him. One day he said to himself, ‘What shall I do + with it? if I sell it, it will bring no more than another; and for eating, + the little turnips are better than this; the best thing perhaps is to + carry it and give it to the king as a mark of respect.’ + </p> + <p> + Then he yoked his oxen, and drew the turnip to the court, and gave it to + the king. ‘What a wonderful thing!’ said the king; ‘I have seen many + strange things, but such a monster as this I never saw. Where did you get + the seed? or is it only your good luck? If so, you are a true child of + fortune.’ ‘Ah, no!’ answered the gardener, ‘I am no child of fortune; I am + a poor soldier, who never could get enough to live upon; so I laid aside + my red coat, and set to work, tilling the ground. I have a brother, who is + rich, and your majesty knows him well, and all the world knows him; but + because I am poor, everybody forgets me.’ + </p> + <p> + The king then took pity on him, and said, ‘You shall be poor no longer. I + will give you so much that you shall be even richer than your brother.’ + Then he gave him gold and lands and flocks, and made him so rich that his + brother’s fortune could not at all be compared with his. + </p> + <p> + When the brother heard of all this, and how a turnip had made the gardener + so rich, he envied him sorely, and bethought himself how he could contrive + to get the same good fortune for himself. However, he determined to manage + more cleverly than his brother, and got together a rich present of gold + and fine horses for the king; and thought he must have a much larger gift + in return; for if his brother had received so much for only a turnip, what + must his present be worth? + </p> + <p> + The king took the gift very graciously, and said he knew not what to give + in return more valuable and wonderful than the great turnip; so the + soldier was forced to put it into a cart, and drag it home with him. When + he reached home, he knew not upon whom to vent his rage and spite; and at + length wicked thoughts came into his head, and he resolved to kill his + brother. + </p> + <p> + So he hired some villains to murder him; and having shown them where to + lie in ambush, he went to his brother, and said, ‘Dear brother, I have + found a hidden treasure; let us go and dig it up, and share it between + us.’ The other had no suspicions of his roguery: so they went out + together, and as they were travelling along, the murderers rushed out upon + him, bound him, and were going to hang him on a tree. + </p> + <p> + But whilst they were getting all ready, they heard the trampling of a + horse at a distance, which so frightened them that they pushed their + prisoner neck and shoulders together into a sack, and swung him up by a + cord to the tree, where they left him dangling, and ran away. Meantime he + worked and worked away, till he made a hole large enough to put out his + head. + </p> + <p> + When the horseman came up, he proved to be a student, a merry fellow, who + was journeying along on his nag, and singing as he went. As soon as the + man in the sack saw him passing under the tree, he cried out, ‘Good + morning! good morning to thee, my friend!’ The student looked about + everywhere; and seeing no one, and not knowing where the voice came from, + cried out, ‘Who calls me?’ + </p> + <p> + Then the man in the tree answered, ‘Lift up thine eyes, for behold here I + sit in the sack of wisdom; here have I, in a short time, learned great and + wondrous things. Compared to this seat, all the learning of the schools is + as empty air. A little longer, and I shall know all that man can know, and + shall come forth wiser than the wisest of mankind. Here I discern the + signs and motions of the heavens and the stars; the laws that control the + winds; the number of the sands on the seashore; the healing of the sick; + the virtues of all simples, of birds, and of precious stones. Wert thou + but once here, my friend, though wouldst feel and own the power of + knowledge. + </p> + <p> + The student listened to all this and wondered much; at last he said, + ‘Blessed be the day and hour when I found you; cannot you contrive to let + me into the sack for a little while?’ Then the other answered, as if very + unwillingly, ‘A little space I may allow thee to sit here, if thou wilt + reward me well and entreat me kindly; but thou must tarry yet an hour + below, till I have learnt some little matters that are yet unknown to me.’ + </p> + <p> + So the student sat himself down and waited a while; but the time hung + heavy upon him, and he begged earnestly that he might ascend forthwith, + for his thirst for knowledge was great. Then the other pretended to give + way, and said, ‘Thou must let the sack of wisdom descend, by untying + yonder cord, and then thou shalt enter.’ So the student let him down, + opened the sack, and set him free. ‘Now then,’ cried he, ‘let me ascend + quickly.’ As he began to put himself into the sack heels first, ‘Wait a + while,’ said the gardener, ‘that is not the way.’ Then he pushed him in + head first, tied up the sack, and soon swung up the searcher after wisdom + dangling in the air. ‘How is it with thee, friend?’ said he, ‘dost thou + not feel that wisdom comes unto thee? Rest there in peace, till thou art a + wiser man than thou wert.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, he trotted off on the student’s nag, and left the poor fellow + to gather wisdom till somebody should come and let him down. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0044" id="link2H_4_0044"></a> + CLEVER HANS + </h2> + <p> + The mother of Hans said: ‘Whither away, Hans?’ Hans answered: ‘To Gretel.’ + ‘Behave well, Hans.’ ‘Oh, I’ll behave well. Goodbye, mother.’ ‘Goodbye, + Hans.’ Hans comes to Gretel. ‘Good day, Gretel.’ ‘Good day, Hans. What do + you bring that is good?’ ‘I bring nothing, I want to have something given + me.’ Gretel presents Hans with a needle, Hans says: ‘Goodbye, Gretel.’ + ‘Goodbye, Hans.’ + </p> + <p> + Hans takes the needle, sticks it into a hay-cart, and follows the cart + home. ‘Good evening, mother.’ ‘Good evening, Hans. Where have you been?’ + ‘With Gretel.’ ‘What did you take her?’ ‘Took nothing; had something given + me.’ ‘What did Gretel give you?’ ‘Gave me a needle.’ ‘Where is the needle, + Hans?’ ‘Stuck in the hay-cart.’ ‘That was ill done, Hans. You should have + stuck the needle in your sleeve.’ ‘Never mind, I’ll do better next time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Whither away, Hans?’ ‘To Gretel, mother.’ ‘Behave well, Hans.’ ‘Oh, I’ll + behave well. Goodbye, mother.’ ‘Goodbye, Hans.’ Hans comes to Gretel. + ‘Good day, Gretel.’ ‘Good day, Hans. What do you bring that is good?’ ‘I + bring nothing. I want to have something given to me.’ Gretel presents Hans + with a knife. ‘Goodbye, Gretel.’ ‘Goodbye, Hans.’ Hans takes the knife, + sticks it in his sleeve, and goes home. ‘Good evening, mother.’ ‘Good + evening, Hans. Where have you been?’ ‘With Gretel.’ What did you take + her?’ ‘Took her nothing, she gave me something.’ ‘What did Gretel give + you?’ ‘Gave me a knife.’ ‘Where is the knife, Hans?’ ‘Stuck in my sleeve.’ + ‘That’s ill done, Hans, you should have put the knife in your pocket.’ + ‘Never mind, will do better next time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Whither away, Hans?’ ‘To Gretel, mother.’ ‘Behave well, Hans.’ ‘Oh, I’ll + behave well. Goodbye, mother.’ ‘Goodbye, Hans.’ Hans comes to Gretel. + ‘Good day, Gretel.’ ‘Good day, Hans. What good thing do you bring?’ ‘I + bring nothing, I want something given me.’ Gretel presents Hans with a + young goat. ‘Goodbye, Gretel.’ ‘Goodbye, Hans.’ Hans takes the goat, ties + its legs, and puts it in his pocket. When he gets home it is suffocated. + ‘Good evening, mother.’ ‘Good evening, Hans. Where have you been?’ ‘With + Gretel.’ ‘What did you take her?’ ‘Took nothing, she gave me something.’ + ‘What did Gretel give you?’ ‘She gave me a goat.’ ‘Where is the goat, + Hans?’ ‘Put it in my pocket.’ ‘That was ill done, Hans, you should have + put a rope round the goat’s neck.’ ‘Never mind, will do better next time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Whither away, Hans?’ ‘To Gretel, mother.’ ‘Behave well, Hans.’ ‘Oh, I’ll + behave well. Goodbye, mother.’ ‘Goodbye, Hans.’ Hans comes to Gretel. + ‘Good day, Gretel.’ ‘Good day, Hans. What good thing do you bring?’ ‘I + bring nothing, I want something given me.’ Gretel presents Hans with a + piece of bacon. ‘Goodbye, Gretel.’ ‘Goodbye, Hans.’ + </p> + <p> + Hans takes the bacon, ties it to a rope, and drags it away behind him. The + dogs come and devour the bacon. When he gets home, he has the rope in his + hand, and there is no longer anything hanging on to it. ‘Good evening, + mother.’ ‘Good evening, Hans. Where have you been?’ ‘With Gretel.’ ‘What + did you take her?’ ‘I took her nothing, she gave me something.’ ‘What did + Gretel give you?’ ‘Gave me a bit of bacon.’ ‘Where is the bacon, Hans?’ ‘I + tied it to a rope, brought it home, dogs took it.’ ‘That was ill done, + Hans, you should have carried the bacon on your head.’ ‘Never mind, will + do better next time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Whither away, Hans?’ ‘To Gretel, mother.’ ‘Behave well, Hans.’ ‘I’ll + behave well. Goodbye, mother.’ ‘Goodbye, Hans.’ Hans comes to Gretel. + ‘Good day, Gretel.’ ‘Good day, Hans, What good thing do you bring?’ ‘I + bring nothing, but would have something given.’ Gretel presents Hans with + a calf. ‘Goodbye, Gretel.’ ‘Goodbye, Hans.’ + </p> + <p> + Hans takes the calf, puts it on his head, and the calf kicks his face. + ‘Good evening, mother.’ ‘Good evening, Hans. Where have you been?’ ‘With + Gretel.’ ‘What did you take her?’ ‘I took nothing, but had something given + me.’ ‘What did Gretel give you?’ ‘A calf.’ ‘Where have you the calf, + Hans?’ ‘I set it on my head and it kicked my face.’ ‘That was ill done, + Hans, you should have led the calf, and put it in the stall.’ ‘Never mind, + will do better next time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Whither away, Hans?’ ‘To Gretel, mother.’ ‘Behave well, Hans.’ ‘I’ll + behave well. Goodbye, mother.’ ‘Goodbye, Hans.’ + </p> + <p> + Hans comes to Gretel. ‘Good day, Gretel.’ ‘Good day, Hans. What good thing + do you bring?’ ‘I bring nothing, but would have something given.’ Gretel + says to Hans: ‘I will go with you.’ + </p> + <p> + Hans takes Gretel, ties her to a rope, leads her to the rack, and binds + her fast. Then Hans goes to his mother. ‘Good evening, mother.’ ‘Good + evening, Hans. Where have you been?’ ‘With Gretel.’ ‘What did you take + her?’ ‘I took her nothing.’ ‘What did Gretel give you?’ ‘She gave me + nothing, she came with me.’ ‘Where have you left Gretel?’ ‘I led her by + the rope, tied her to the rack, and scattered some grass for her.’ ‘That + was ill done, Hans, you should have cast friendly eyes on her.’ ‘Never + mind, will do better.’ + </p> + <p> + Hans went into the stable, cut out all the calves’ and sheep’s eyes, and + threw them in Gretel’s face. Then Gretel became angry, tore herself loose + and ran away, and was no longer the bride of Hans. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0045" id="link2H_4_0045"></a> + THE THREE LANGUAGES + </h2> + <p> + An aged count once lived in Switzerland, who had an only son, but he was + stupid, and could learn nothing. Then said the father: ‘Hark you, my son, + try as I will I can get nothing into your head. You must go from hence, I + will give you into the care of a celebrated master, who shall see what he + can do with you.’ The youth was sent into a strange town, and remained a + whole year with the master. At the end of this time, he came home again, + and his father asked: ‘Now, my son, what have you learnt?’ ‘Father, I have + learnt what the dogs say when they bark.’ ‘Lord have mercy on us!’ cried + the father; ‘is that all you have learnt? I will send you into another + town, to another master.’ The youth was taken thither, and stayed a year + with this master likewise. When he came back the father again asked: ‘My + son, what have you learnt?’ He answered: ‘Father, I have learnt what the + birds say.’ Then the father fell into a rage and said: ‘Oh, you lost man, + you have spent the precious time and learnt nothing; are you not ashamed + to appear before my eyes? I will send you to a third master, but if you + learn nothing this time also, I will no longer be your father.’ The youth + remained a whole year with the third master also, and when he came home + again, and his father inquired: ‘My son, what have you learnt?’ he + answered: ‘Dear father, I have this year learnt what the frogs croak.’ + Then the father fell into the most furious anger, sprang up, called his + people thither, and said: ‘This man is no longer my son, I drive him + forth, and command you to take him out into the forest, and kill him.’ + They took him forth, but when they should have killed him, they could not + do it for pity, and let him go, and they cut the eyes and tongue out of a + deer that they might carry them to the old man as a token. + </p> + <p> + The youth wandered on, and after some time came to a fortress where he + begged for a night’s lodging. ‘Yes,’ said the lord of the castle, ‘if you + will pass the night down there in the old tower, go thither; but I warn + you, it is at the peril of your life, for it is full of wild dogs, which + bark and howl without stopping, and at certain hours a man has to be given + to them, whom they at once devour.’ The whole district was in sorrow and + dismay because of them, and yet no one could do anything to stop this. The + youth, however, was without fear, and said: ‘Just let me go down to the + barking dogs, and give me something that I can throw to them; they will do + nothing to harm me.’ As he himself would have it so, they gave him some + food for the wild animals, and led him down to the tower. When he went + inside, the dogs did not bark at him, but wagged their tails quite + amicably around him, ate what he set before them, and did not hurt one + hair of his head. Next morning, to the astonishment of everyone, he came + out again safe and unharmed, and said to the lord of the castle: ‘The dogs + have revealed to me, in their own language, why they dwell there, and + bring evil on the land. They are bewitched, and are obliged to watch over + a great treasure which is below in the tower, and they can have no rest + until it is taken away, and I have likewise learnt, from their discourse, + how that is to be done.’ Then all who heard this rejoiced, and the lord of + the castle said he would adopt him as a son if he accomplished it + successfully. He went down again, and as he knew what he had to do, he did + it thoroughly, and brought a chest full of gold out with him. The howling + of the wild dogs was henceforth heard no more; they had disappeared, and + the country was freed from the trouble. + </p> + <p> + After some time he took it in his head that he would travel to Rome. On + the way he passed by a marsh, in which a number of frogs were sitting + croaking. He listened to them, and when he became aware of what they were + saying, he grew very thoughtful and sad. At last he arrived in Rome, where + the Pope had just died, and there was great doubt among the cardinals as + to whom they should appoint as his successor. They at length agreed that + the person should be chosen as pope who should be distinguished by some + divine and miraculous token. And just as that was decided on, the young + count entered into the church, and suddenly two snow-white doves flew on + his shoulders and remained sitting there. The ecclesiastics recognized + therein the token from above, and asked him on the spot if he would be + pope. He was undecided, and knew not if he were worthy of this, but the + doves counselled him to do it, and at length he said yes. Then was he + anointed and consecrated, and thus was fulfilled what he had heard from + the frogs on his way, which had so affected him, that he was to be his + Holiness the Pope. Then he had to sing a mass, and did not know one word + of it, but the two doves sat continually on his shoulders, and said it all + in his ear. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0046" id="link2H_4_0046"></a> + THE FOX AND THE CAT + </h2> + <p> + It happened that the cat met the fox in a forest, and as she thought to + herself: ‘He is clever and full of experience, and much esteemed in the + world,’ she spoke to him in a friendly way. ‘Good day, dear Mr Fox, how + are you? How is all with you? How are you getting on in these hard times?’ + The fox, full of all kinds of arrogance, looked at the cat from head to + foot, and for a long time did not know whether he would give any answer or + not. At last he said: ‘Oh, you wretched beard-cleaner, you piebald fool, + you hungry mouse-hunter, what can you be thinking of? Have you the cheek + to ask how I am getting on? What have you learnt? How many arts do you + understand?’ ‘I understand but one,’ replied the cat, modestly. ‘What art + is that?’ asked the fox. ‘When the hounds are following me, I can spring + into a tree and save myself.’ ‘Is that all?’ said the fox. ‘I am master of + a hundred arts, and have into the bargain a sackful of cunning. You make + me sorry for you; come with me, I will teach you how people get away from + the hounds.’ Just then came a hunter with four dogs. The cat sprang nimbly + up a tree, and sat down at the top of it, where the branches and foliage + quite concealed her. ‘Open your sack, Mr Fox, open your sack,’ cried the + cat to him, but the dogs had already seized him, and were holding him + fast. ‘Ah, Mr Fox,’ cried the cat. ‘You with your hundred arts are left in + the lurch! Had you been able to climb like me, you would not have lost + your life.’ + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0047" id="link2H_4_0047"></a> + THE FOUR CLEVER BROTHERS + </h2> + <p> + ‘Dear children,’ said a poor man to his four sons, ‘I have nothing to give + you; you must go out into the wide world and try your luck. Begin by + learning some craft or another, and see how you can get on.’ So the four + brothers took their walking-sticks in their hands, and their little + bundles on their shoulders, and after bidding their father goodbye, went + all out at the gate together. When they had got on some way they came to + four crossways, each leading to a different country. Then the eldest said, + ‘Here we must part; but this day four years we will come back to this + spot, and in the meantime each must try what he can do for himself.’ + </p> + <p> + So each brother went his way; and as the eldest was hastening on a man met + him, and asked him where he was going, and what he wanted. ‘I am going to + try my luck in the world, and should like to begin by learning some art or + trade,’ answered he. ‘Then,’ said the man, ‘go with me, and I will teach + you to become the cunningest thief that ever was.’ ‘No,’ said the other, + ‘that is not an honest calling, and what can one look to earn by it in the + end but the gallows?’ ‘Oh!’ said the man, ‘you need not fear the gallows; + for I will only teach you to steal what will be fair game: I meddle with + nothing but what no one else can get or care anything about, and where no + one can find you out.’ So the young man agreed to follow his trade, and he + soon showed himself so clever, that nothing could escape him that he had + once set his mind upon. + </p> + <p> + The second brother also met a man, who, when he found out what he was + setting out upon, asked him what craft he meant to follow. ‘I do not know + yet,’ said he. ‘Then come with me, and be a star-gazer. It is a noble art, + for nothing can be hidden from you, when once you understand the stars.’ + The plan pleased him much, and he soon became such a skilful star-gazer, + that when he had served out his time, and wanted to leave his master, he + gave him a glass, and said, ‘With this you can see all that is passing in + the sky and on earth, and nothing can be hidden from you.’ + </p> + <p> + The third brother met a huntsman, who took him with him, and taught him so + well all that belonged to hunting, that he became very clever in the craft + of the woods; and when he left his master he gave him a bow, and said, + ‘Whatever you shoot at with this bow you will be sure to hit.’ + </p> + <p> + The youngest brother likewise met a man who asked him what he wished to + do. ‘Would not you like,’ said he, ‘to be a tailor?’ ‘Oh, no!’ said the + young man; ‘sitting cross-legged from morning to night, working backwards + and forwards with a needle and goose, will never suit me.’ ‘Oh!’ answered + the man, ‘that is not my sort of tailoring; come with me, and you will + learn quite another kind of craft from that.’ Not knowing what better to + do, he came into the plan, and learnt tailoring from the beginning; and + when he left his master, he gave him a needle, and said, ‘You can sew + anything with this, be it as soft as an egg or as hard as steel; and the + joint will be so fine that no seam will be seen.’ + </p> + <p> + After the space of four years, at the time agreed upon, the four brothers + met at the four cross-roads; and having welcomed each other, set off + towards their father’s home, where they told him all that had happened to + them, and how each had learned some craft. + </p> + <p> + Then, one day, as they were sitting before the house under a very high + tree, the father said, ‘I should like to try what each of you can do in + this way.’ So he looked up, and said to the second son, ‘At the top of + this tree there is a chaffinch’s nest; tell me how many eggs there are in + it.’ The star-gazer took his glass, looked up, and said, ‘Five.’ ‘Now,’ + said the father to the eldest son, ‘take away the eggs without letting the + bird that is sitting upon them and hatching them know anything of what you + are doing.’ So the cunning thief climbed up the tree, and brought away to + his father the five eggs from under the bird; and it never saw or felt + what he was doing, but kept sitting on at its ease. Then the father took + the eggs, and put one on each corner of the table, and the fifth in the + middle, and said to the huntsman, ‘Cut all the eggs in two pieces at one + shot.’ The huntsman took up his bow, and at one shot struck all the five + eggs as his father wished. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now comes your turn,’ said he to the young tailor; ‘sew the eggs and the + young birds in them together again, so neatly that the shot shall have + done them no harm.’ Then the tailor took his needle, and sewed the eggs as + he was told; and when he had done, the thief was sent to take them back to + the nest, and put them under the bird without its knowing it. Then she + went on sitting, and hatched them: and in a few days they crawled out, and + had only a little red streak across their necks, where the tailor had sewn + them together. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well done, sons!’ said the old man; ‘you have made good use of your time, + and learnt something worth the knowing; but I am sure I do not know which + ought to have the prize. Oh, that a time might soon come for you to turn + your skill to some account!’ + </p> + <p> + Not long after this there was a great bustle in the country; for the + king’s daughter had been carried off by a mighty dragon, and the king + mourned over his loss day and night, and made it known that whoever + brought her back to him should have her for a wife. Then the four brothers + said to each other, ‘Here is a chance for us; let us try what we can do.’ + And they agreed to see whether they could not set the princess free. ‘I + will soon find out where she is, however,’ said the star-gazer, as he + looked through his glass; and he soon cried out, ‘I see her afar off, + sitting upon a rock in the sea, and I can spy the dragon close by, + guarding her.’ Then he went to the king, and asked for a ship for himself + and his brothers; and they sailed together over the sea, till they came to + the right place. There they found the princess sitting, as the star-gazer + had said, on the rock; and the dragon was lying asleep, with his head upon + her lap. ‘I dare not shoot at him,’ said the huntsman, ‘for I should kill + the beautiful young lady also.’ ‘Then I will try my skill,’ said the + thief, and went and stole her away from under the dragon, so quietly and + gently that the beast did not know it, but went on snoring. + </p> + <p> + Then away they hastened with her full of joy in their boat towards the + ship; but soon came the dragon roaring behind them through the air; for he + awoke and missed the princess. But when he got over the boat, and wanted + to pounce upon them and carry off the princess, the huntsman took up his + bow and shot him straight through the heart so that he fell down dead. + They were still not safe; for he was such a great beast that in his fall + he overset the boat, and they had to swim in the open sea upon a few + planks. So the tailor took his needle, and with a few large stitches put + some of the planks together; and he sat down upon these, and sailed about + and gathered up all pieces of the boat; and then tacked them together so + quickly that the boat was soon ready, and they then reached the ship and + got home safe. + </p> + <p> + When they had brought home the princess to her father, there was great + rejoicing; and he said to the four brothers, ‘One of you shall marry her, + but you must settle amongst yourselves which it is to be.’ Then there + arose a quarrel between them; and the star-gazer said, ‘If I had not found + the princess out, all your skill would have been of no use; therefore she + ought to be mine.’ ‘Your seeing her would have been of no use,’ said the + thief, ‘if I had not taken her away from the dragon; therefore she ought + to be mine.’ ‘No, she is mine,’ said the huntsman; ‘for if I had not + killed the dragon, he would, after all, have torn you and the princess + into pieces.’ ‘And if I had not sewn the boat together again,’ said the + tailor, ‘you would all have been drowned, therefore she is mine.’ Then the + king put in a word, and said, ‘Each of you is right; and as all cannot + have the young lady, the best way is for neither of you to have her: for + the truth is, there is somebody she likes a great deal better. But to make + up for your loss, I will give each of you, as a reward for his skill, half + a kingdom.’ So the brothers agreed that this plan would be much better + than either quarrelling or marrying a lady who had no mind to have them. + And the king then gave to each half a kingdom, as he had said; and they + lived very happily the rest of their days, and took good care of their + father; and somebody took better care of the young lady, than to let + either the dragon or one of the craftsmen have her again. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0048" id="link2H_4_0048"></a> + LILY AND THE LION + </h2> + <p> + A merchant, who had three daughters, was once setting out upon a journey; + but before he went he asked each daughter what gift he should bring back + for her. The eldest wished for pearls; the second for jewels; but the + third, who was called Lily, said, ‘Dear father, bring me a rose.’ Now it + was no easy task to find a rose, for it was the middle of winter; yet as + she was his prettiest daughter, and was very fond of flowers, her father + said he would try what he could do. So he kissed all three, and bid them + goodbye. + </p> + <p> + And when the time came for him to go home, he had bought pearls and jewels + for the two eldest, but he had sought everywhere in vain for the rose; and + when he went into any garden and asked for such a thing, the people + laughed at him, and asked him whether he thought roses grew in snow. This + grieved him very much, for Lily was his dearest child; and as he was + journeying home, thinking what he should bring her, he came to a fine + castle; and around the castle was a garden, in one half of which it seemed + to be summer-time and in the other half winter. On one side the finest + flowers were in full bloom, and on the other everything looked dreary and + buried in the snow. ‘A lucky hit!’ said he, as he called to his servant, + and told him to go to a beautiful bed of roses that was there, and bring + him away one of the finest flowers. + </p> + <p> + This done, they were riding away well pleased, when up sprang a fierce + lion, and roared out, ‘Whoever has stolen my roses shall be eaten up + alive!’ Then the man said, ‘I knew not that the garden belonged to you; + can nothing save my life?’ ‘No!’ said the lion, ‘nothing, unless you + undertake to give me whatever meets you on your return home; if you agree + to this, I will give you your life, and the rose too for your daughter.’ + But the man was unwilling to do so and said, ‘It may be my youngest + daughter, who loves me most, and always runs to meet me when I go home.’ + Then the servant was greatly frightened, and said, ‘It may perhaps be only + a cat or a dog.’ And at last the man yielded with a heavy heart, and took + the rose; and said he would give the lion whatever should meet him first + on his return. + </p> + <p> + And as he came near home, it was Lily, his youngest and dearest daughter, + that met him; she came running, and kissed him, and welcomed him home; and + when she saw that he had brought her the rose, she was still more glad. + But her father began to be very sorrowful, and to weep, saying, ‘Alas, my + dearest child! I have bought this flower at a high price, for I have said + I would give you to a wild lion; and when he has you, he will tear you in + pieces, and eat you.’ Then he told her all that had happened, and said she + should not go, let what would happen. + </p> + <p> + But she comforted him, and said, ‘Dear father, the word you have given + must be kept; I will go to the lion, and soothe him: perhaps he will let + me come safe home again.’ + </p> + <p> + The next morning she asked the way she was to go, and took leave of her + father, and went forth with a bold heart into the wood. But the lion was + an enchanted prince. By day he and all his court were lions, but in the + evening they took their right forms again. And when Lily came to the + castle, he welcomed her so courteously that she agreed to marry him. The + wedding-feast was held, and they lived happily together a long time. The + prince was only to be seen as soon as evening came, and then he held his + court; but every morning he left his bride, and went away by himself, she + knew not whither, till the night came again. + </p> + <p> + After some time he said to her, ‘Tomorrow there will be a great feast in + your father’s house, for your eldest sister is to be married; and if you + wish to go and visit her my lions shall lead you thither.’ Then she + rejoiced much at the thoughts of seeing her father once more, and set out + with the lions; and everyone was overjoyed to see her, for they had + thought her dead long since. But she told them how happy she was, and + stayed till the feast was over, and then went back to the wood. + </p> + <p> + Her second sister was soon after married, and when Lily was asked to go to + the wedding, she said to the prince, ‘I will not go alone this time—you + must go with me.’ But he would not, and said that it would be a very + hazardous thing; for if the least ray of the torch-light should fall upon + him his enchantment would become still worse, for he should be changed + into a dove, and be forced to wander about the world for seven long years. + However, she gave him no rest, and said she would take care no light + should fall upon him. So at last they set out together, and took with them + their little child; and she chose a large hall with thick walls for him to + sit in while the wedding-torches were lighted; but, unluckily, no one saw + that there was a crack in the door. Then the wedding was held with great + pomp, but as the train came from the church, and passed with the torches + before the hall, a very small ray of light fell upon the prince. In a + moment he disappeared, and when his wife came in and looked for him, she + found only a white dove; and it said to her, ‘Seven years must I fly up + and down over the face of the earth, but every now and then I will let + fall a white feather, that will show you the way I am going; follow it, + and at last you may overtake and set me free.’ + </p> + <p> + This said, he flew out at the door, and poor Lily followed; and every now + and then a white feather fell, and showed her the way she was to journey. + Thus she went roving on through the wide world, and looked neither to the + right hand nor to the left, nor took any rest, for seven years. Then she + began to be glad, and thought to herself that the time was fast coming + when all her troubles should end; yet repose was still far off, for one + day as she was travelling on she missed the white feather, and when she + lifted up her eyes she could nowhere see the dove. ‘Now,’ thought she to + herself, ‘no aid of man can be of use to me.’ So she went to the sun and + said, ‘Thou shinest everywhere, on the hill’s top and the valley’s depth—hast + thou anywhere seen my white dove?’ ‘No,’ said the sun, ‘I have not seen + it; but I will give thee a casket—open it when thy hour of need + comes.’ + </p> + <p> + So she thanked the sun, and went on her way till eventide; and when the + moon arose, she cried unto it, and said, ‘Thou shinest through the night, + over field and grove—hast thou nowhere seen my white dove?’ ‘No,’ + said the moon, ‘I cannot help thee but I will give thee an egg—break + it when need comes.’ + </p> + <p> + Then she thanked the moon, and went on till the night-wind blew; and she + raised up her voice to it, and said, ‘Thou blowest through every tree and + under every leaf—hast thou not seen my white dove?’ ‘No,’ said the + night-wind, ‘but I will ask three other winds; perhaps they have seen it.’ + Then the east wind and the west wind came, and said they too had not seen + it, but the south wind said, ‘I have seen the white dove—he has fled + to the Red Sea, and is changed once more into a lion, for the seven years + are passed away, and there he is fighting with a dragon; and the dragon is + an enchanted princess, who seeks to separate him from you.’ Then the + night-wind said, ‘I will give thee counsel. Go to the Red Sea; on the + right shore stand many rods—count them, and when thou comest to the + eleventh, break it off, and smite the dragon with it; and so the lion will + have the victory, and both of them will appear to you in their own forms. + Then look round and thou wilt see a griffin, winged like bird, sitting by + the Red Sea; jump on to his back with thy beloved one as quickly as + possible, and he will carry you over the waters to your home. I will also + give thee this nut,’ continued the night-wind. ‘When you are half-way + over, throw it down, and out of the waters will immediately spring up a + high nut-tree on which the griffin will be able to rest, otherwise he + would not have the strength to bear you the whole way; if, therefore, thou + dost forget to throw down the nut, he will let you both fall into the + sea.’ + </p> + <p> + So our poor wanderer went forth, and found all as the night-wind had said; + and she plucked the eleventh rod, and smote the dragon, and the lion + forthwith became a prince, and the dragon a princess again. But no sooner + was the princess released from the spell, than she seized the prince by + the arm and sprang on to the griffin’s back, and went off carrying the + prince away with her. + </p> + <p> + Thus the unhappy traveller was again forsaken and forlorn; but she took + heart and said, ‘As far as the wind blows, and so long as the cock crows, + I will journey on, till I find him once again.’ She went on for a long, + long way, till at length she came to the castle whither the princess had + carried the prince; and there was a feast got ready, and she heard that + the wedding was about to be held. ‘Heaven aid me now!’ said she; and she + took the casket that the sun had given her, and found that within it lay a + dress as dazzling as the sun itself. So she put it on, and went into the + palace, and all the people gazed upon her; and the dress pleased the bride + so much that she asked whether it was to be sold. ‘Not for gold and + silver.’ said she, ‘but for flesh and blood.’ The princess asked what she + meant, and she said, ‘Let me speak with the bridegroom this night in his + chamber, and I will give thee the dress.’ At last the princess agreed, but + she told her chamberlain to give the prince a sleeping draught, that he + might not hear or see her. When evening came, and the prince had fallen + asleep, she was led into his chamber, and she sat herself down at his + feet, and said: ‘I have followed thee seven years. I have been to the sun, + the moon, and the night-wind, to seek thee, and at last I have helped thee + to overcome the dragon. Wilt thou then forget me quite?’ But the prince + all the time slept so soundly, that her voice only passed over him, and + seemed like the whistling of the wind among the fir-trees. + </p> + <p> + Then poor Lily was led away, and forced to give up the golden dress; and + when she saw that there was no help for her, she went out into a meadow, + and sat herself down and wept. But as she sat she bethought herself of the + egg that the moon had given her; and when she broke it, there ran out a + hen and twelve chickens of pure gold, that played about, and then nestled + under the old one’s wings, so as to form the most beautiful sight in the + world. And she rose up and drove them before her, till the bride saw them + from her window, and was so pleased that she came forth and asked her if + she would sell the brood. ‘Not for gold or silver, but for flesh and + blood: let me again this evening speak with the bridegroom in his chamber, + and I will give thee the whole brood.’ + </p> + <p> + Then the princess thought to betray her as before, and agreed to what she + asked: but when the prince went to his chamber he asked the chamberlain + why the wind had whistled so in the night. And the chamberlain told him + all—how he had given him a sleeping draught, and how a poor maiden + had come and spoken to him in his chamber, and was to come again that + night. Then the prince took care to throw away the sleeping draught; and + when Lily came and began again to tell him what woes had befallen her, and + how faithful and true to him she had been, he knew his beloved wife’s + voice, and sprang up, and said, ‘You have awakened me as from a dream, for + the strange princess had thrown a spell around me, so that I had + altogether forgotten you; but Heaven hath sent you to me in a lucky hour.’ + </p> + <p> + And they stole away out of the palace by night unawares, and seated + themselves on the griffin, who flew back with them over the Red Sea. When + they were half-way across Lily let the nut fall into the water, and + immediately a large nut-tree arose from the sea, whereon the griffin + rested for a while, and then carried them safely home. There they found + their child, now grown up to be comely and fair; and after all their + troubles they lived happily together to the end of their days. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0049" id="link2H_4_0049"></a> + THE FOX AND THE HORSE + </h2> + <p> + A farmer had a horse that had been an excellent faithful servant to him: + but he was now grown too old to work; so the farmer would give him nothing + more to eat, and said, ‘I want you no longer, so take yourself off out of + my stable; I shall not take you back again until you are stronger than a + lion.’ Then he opened the door and turned him adrift. + </p> + <p> + The poor horse was very melancholy, and wandered up and down in the wood, + seeking some little shelter from the cold wind and rain. Presently a fox + met him: ‘What’s the matter, my friend?’ said he, ‘why do you hang down + your head and look so lonely and woe-begone?’ ‘Ah!’ replied the horse, + ‘justice and avarice never dwell in one house; my master has forgotten all + that I have done for him so many years, and because I can no longer work + he has turned me adrift, and says unless I become stronger than a lion he + will not take me back again; what chance can I have of that? he knows I + have none, or he would not talk so.’ + </p> + <p> + However, the fox bid him be of good cheer, and said, ‘I will help you; lie + down there, stretch yourself out quite stiff, and pretend to be dead.’ The + horse did as he was told, and the fox went straight to the lion who lived + in a cave close by, and said to him, ‘A little way off lies a dead horse; + come with me and you may make an excellent meal of his carcase.’ The lion + was greatly pleased, and set off immediately; and when they came to the + horse, the fox said, ‘You will not be able to eat him comfortably here; + I’ll tell you what—I will tie you fast to his tail, and then you can + draw him to your den, and eat him at your leisure.’ + </p> + <p> + This advice pleased the lion, so he laid himself down quietly for the fox + to make him fast to the horse. But the fox managed to tie his legs + together and bound all so hard and fast that with all his strength he + could not set himself free. When the work was done, the fox clapped the + horse on the shoulder, and said, ‘Jip! Dobbin! Jip!’ Then up he sprang, + and moved off, dragging the lion behind him. The beast began to roar and + bellow, till all the birds of the wood flew away for fright; but the horse + let him sing on, and made his way quietly over the fields to his master’s + house. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here he is, master,’ said he, ‘I have got the better of him’: and when + the farmer saw his old servant, his heart relented, and he said. ‘Thou + shalt stay in thy stable and be well taken care of.’ And so the poor old + horse had plenty to eat, and lived—till he died. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0050" id="link2H_4_0050"></a> + THE BLUE LIGHT + </h2> + <p> + There was once upon a time a soldier who for many years had served the + king faithfully, but when the war came to an end could serve no longer + because of the many wounds which he had received. The king said to him: + ‘You may return to your home, I need you no longer, and you will not + receive any more money, for he only receives wages who renders me service + for them.’ Then the soldier did not know how to earn a living, went away + greatly troubled, and walked the whole day, until in the evening he + entered a forest. When darkness came on, he saw a light, which he went up + to, and came to a house wherein lived a witch. ‘Do give me one night’s + lodging, and a little to eat and drink,’ said he to her, ‘or I shall + starve.’ ‘Oho!’ she answered, ‘who gives anything to a run-away soldier? + Yet will I be compassionate, and take you in, if you will do what I wish.’ + ‘What do you wish?’ said the soldier. ‘That you should dig all round my + garden for me, tomorrow.’ The soldier consented, and next day laboured + with all his strength, but could not finish it by the evening. ‘I see well + enough,’ said the witch, ‘that you can do no more today, but I will keep + you yet another night, in payment for which you must tomorrow chop me a + load of wood, and chop it small.’ The soldier spent the whole day in doing + it, and in the evening the witch proposed that he should stay one night + more. ‘Tomorrow, you shall only do me a very trifling piece of work. + Behind my house, there is an old dry well, into which my light has fallen, + it burns blue, and never goes out, and you shall bring it up again.’ Next + day the old woman took him to the well, and let him down in a basket. He + found the blue light, and made her a signal to draw him up again. She did + draw him up, but when he came near the edge, she stretched down her hand + and wanted to take the blue light away from him. ‘No,’ said he, perceiving + her evil intention, ‘I will not give you the light until I am standing + with both feet upon the ground.’ The witch fell into a passion, let him + fall again into the well, and went away. + </p> + <p> + The poor soldier fell without injury on the moist ground, and the blue + light went on burning, but of what use was that to him? He saw very well + that he could not escape death. He sat for a while very sorrowfully, then + suddenly he felt in his pocket and found his tobacco pipe, which was still + half full. ‘This shall be my last pleasure,’ thought he, pulled it out, + lit it at the blue light and began to smoke. When the smoke had circled + about the cavern, suddenly a little black dwarf stood before him, and + said: ‘Lord, what are your commands?’ ‘What my commands are?’ replied the + soldier, quite astonished. ‘I must do everything you bid me,’ said the + little man. ‘Good,’ said the soldier; ‘then in the first place help me out + of this well.’ The little man took him by the hand, and led him through an + underground passage, but he did not forget to take the blue light with + him. On the way the dwarf showed him the treasures which the witch had + collected and hidden there, and the soldier took as much gold as he could + carry. When he was above, he said to the little man: ‘Now go and bind the + old witch, and carry her before the judge.’ In a short time she came by + like the wind, riding on a wild tom-cat and screaming frightfully. Nor was + it long before the little man reappeared. ‘It is all done,’ said he, ‘and + the witch is already hanging on the gallows. What further commands has my + lord?’ inquired the dwarf. ‘At this moment, none,’ answered the soldier; + ‘you can return home, only be at hand immediately, if I summon you.’ + ‘Nothing more is needed than that you should light your pipe at the blue + light, and I will appear before you at once.’ Thereupon he vanished from + his sight. + </p> + <p> + The soldier returned to the town from which he came. He went to the best + inn, ordered himself handsome clothes, and then bade the landlord furnish + him a room as handsome as possible. When it was ready and the soldier had + taken possession of it, he summoned the little black manikin and said: ‘I + have served the king faithfully, but he has dismissed me, and left me to + hunger, and now I want to take my revenge.’ ‘What am I to do?’ asked the + little man. ‘Late at night, when the king’s daughter is in bed, bring her + here in her sleep, she shall do servant’s work for me.’ The manikin said: + ‘That is an easy thing for me to do, but a very dangerous thing for you, + for if it is discovered, you will fare ill.’ When twelve o’clock had + struck, the door sprang open, and the manikin carried in the princess. + ‘Aha! are you there?’ cried the soldier, ‘get to your work at once! Fetch + the broom and sweep the chamber.’ When she had done this, he ordered her + to come to his chair, and then he stretched out his feet and said: ‘Pull + off my boots,’ and then he threw them in her face, and made her pick them + up again, and clean and brighten them. She, however, did everything he + bade her, without opposition, silently and with half-shut eyes. When the + first cock crowed, the manikin carried her back to the royal palace, and + laid her in her bed. + </p> + <p> + Next morning when the princess arose she went to her father, and told him + that she had had a very strange dream. ‘I was carried through the streets + with the rapidity of lightning,’ said she, ‘and taken into a soldier’s + room, and I had to wait upon him like a servant, sweep his room, clean his + boots, and do all kinds of menial work. It was only a dream, and yet I am + just as tired as if I really had done everything.’ ‘The dream may have + been true,’ said the king. ‘I will give you a piece of advice. Fill your + pocket full of peas, and make a small hole in the pocket, and then if you + are carried away again, they will fall out and leave a track in the + streets.’ But unseen by the king, the manikin was standing beside him when + he said that, and heard all. At night when the sleeping princess was again + carried through the streets, some peas certainly did fall out of her + pocket, but they made no track, for the crafty manikin had just before + scattered peas in every street there was. And again the princess was + compelled to do servant’s work until cock-crow. + </p> + <p> + Next morning the king sent his people out to seek the track, but it was + all in vain, for in every street poor children were sitting, picking up + peas, and saying: ‘It must have rained peas, last night.’ ‘We must think + of something else,’ said the king; ‘keep your shoes on when you go to bed, + and before you come back from the place where you are taken, hide one of + them there, I will soon contrive to find it.’ The black manikin heard this + plot, and at night when the soldier again ordered him to bring the + princess, revealed it to him, and told him that he knew of no expedient to + counteract this stratagem, and that if the shoe were found in the + soldier’s house it would go badly with him. ‘Do what I bid you,’ replied + the soldier, and again this third night the princess was obliged to work + like a servant, but before she went away, she hid her shoe under the bed. + </p> + <p> + Next morning the king had the entire town searched for his daughter’s + shoe. It was found at the soldier’s, and the soldier himself, who at the + entreaty of the dwarf had gone outside the gate, was soon brought back, + and thrown into prison. In his flight he had forgotten the most valuable + things he had, the blue light and the gold, and had only one ducat in his + pocket. And now loaded with chains, he was standing at the window of his + dungeon, when he chanced to see one of his comrades passing by. The + soldier tapped at the pane of glass, and when this man came up, said to + him: ‘Be so kind as to fetch me the small bundle I have left lying in the + inn, and I will give you a ducat for doing it.’ His comrade ran thither + and brought him what he wanted. As soon as the soldier was alone again, he + lighted his pipe and summoned the black manikin. ‘Have no fear,’ said the + latter to his master. ‘Go wheresoever they take you, and let them do what + they will, only take the blue light with you.’ Next day the soldier was + tried, and though he had done nothing wicked, the judge condemned him to + death. When he was led forth to die, he begged a last favour of the king. + ‘What is it?’ asked the king. ‘That I may smoke one more pipe on my way.’ + ‘You may smoke three,’ answered the king, ‘but do not imagine that I will + spare your life.’ Then the soldier pulled out his pipe and lighted it at + the blue light, and as soon as a few wreaths of smoke had ascended, the + manikin was there with a small cudgel in his hand, and said: ‘What does my + lord command?’ ‘Strike down to earth that false judge there, and his + constable, and spare not the king who has treated me so ill.’ Then the + manikin fell on them like lightning, darting this way and that way, and + whosoever was so much as touched by his cudgel fell to earth, and did not + venture to stir again. The king was terrified; he threw himself on the + soldier’s mercy, and merely to be allowed to live at all, gave him his + kingdom for his own, and his daughter to wife. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0051" id="link2H_4_0051"></a> + THE RAVEN + </h2> + <p> + There was once a queen who had a little daughter, still too young to run + alone. One day the child was very troublesome, and the mother could not + quiet it, do what she would. She grew impatient, and seeing the ravens + flying round the castle, she opened the window, and said: ‘I wish you were + a raven and would fly away, then I should have a little peace.’ Scarcely + were the words out of her mouth, when the child in her arms was turned + into a raven, and flew away from her through the open window. The bird + took its flight to a dark wood and remained there for a long time, and + meanwhile the parents could hear nothing of their child. + </p> + <p> + Long after this, a man was making his way through the wood when he heard a + raven calling, and he followed the sound of the voice. As he drew near, + the raven said, ‘I am by birth a king’s daughter, but am now under the + spell of some enchantment; you can, however, set me free.’ ‘What am I to + do?’ he asked. She replied, ‘Go farther into the wood until you come to a + house, wherein lives an old woman; she will offer you food and drink, but + you must not take of either; if you do, you will fall into a deep sleep, + and will not be able to help me. In the garden behind the house is a large + tan-heap, and on that you must stand and watch for me. I shall drive there + in my carriage at two o’clock in the afternoon for three successive days; + the first day it will be drawn by four white, the second by four chestnut, + and the last by four black horses; but if you fail to keep awake and I + find you sleeping, I shall not be set free.’ + </p> + <p> + The man promised to do all that she wished, but the raven said, ‘Alas! I + know even now that you will take something from the woman and be unable to + save me.’ The man assured her again that he would on no account touch a + thing to eat or drink. + </p> + <p> + When he came to the house and went inside, the old woman met him, and + said, ‘Poor man! how tired you are! Come in and rest and let me give you + something to eat and drink.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ answered the man, ‘I will neither eat not drink.’ + </p> + <p> + But she would not leave him alone, and urged him saying, ‘If you will not + eat anything, at least you might take a draught of wine; one drink counts + for nothing,’ and at last he allowed himself to be persuaded, and drank. + </p> + <p> + As it drew towards the appointed hour, he went outside into the garden and + mounted the tan-heap to await the raven. Suddenly a feeling of fatigue + came over him, and unable to resist it, he lay down for a little while, + fully determined, however, to keep awake; but in another minute his eyes + closed of their own accord, and he fell into such a deep sleep, that all + the noises in the world would not have awakened him. At two o’clock the + raven came driving along, drawn by her four white horses; but even before + she reached the spot, she said to herself, sighing, ‘I know he has fallen + asleep.’ When she entered the garden, there she found him as she had + feared, lying on the tan-heap, fast asleep. She got out of her carriage + and went to him; she called him and shook him, but it was all in vain, he + still continued sleeping. + </p> + <p> + The next day at noon, the old woman came to him again with food and drink + which he at first refused. At last, overcome by her persistent entreaties + that he would take something, he lifted the glass and drank again. + </p> + <p> + Towards two o’clock he went into the garden and on to the tan-heap to + watch for the raven. He had not been there long before he began to feel so + tired that his limbs seemed hardly able to support him, and he could not + stand upright any longer; so again he lay down and fell fast asleep. As + the raven drove along her four chestnut horses, she said sorrowfully to + herself, ‘I know he has fallen asleep.’ She went as before to look for + him, but he slept, and it was impossible to awaken him. + </p> + <p> + The following day the old woman said to him, ‘What is this? You are not + eating or drinking anything, do you want to kill yourself?’ + </p> + <p> + He answered, ‘I may not and will not either eat or drink.’ + </p> + <p> + But she put down the dish of food and the glass of wine in front of him, + and when he smelt the wine, he was unable to resist the temptation, and + took a deep draught. + </p> + <p> + When the hour came round again he went as usual on to the tan-heap in the + garden to await the king’s daughter, but he felt even more overcome with + weariness than on the two previous days, and throwing himself down, he + slept like a log. At two o’clock the raven could be seen approaching, and + this time her coachman and everything about her, as well as her horses, + were black. + </p> + <p> + She was sadder than ever as she drove along, and said mournfully, ‘I know + he has fallen asleep, and will not be able to set me free.’ She found him + sleeping heavily, and all her efforts to awaken him were of no avail. Then + she placed beside him a loaf, and some meat, and a flask of wine, of such + a kind, that however much he took of them, they would never grow less. + After that she drew a gold ring, on which her name was engraved, off her + finger, and put it upon one of his. Finally, she laid a letter near him, + in which, after giving him particulars of the food and drink she had left + for him, she finished with the following words: ‘I see that as long as you + remain here you will never be able to set me free; if, however, you still + wish to do so, come to the golden castle of Stromberg; this is well within + your power to accomplish.’ She then returned to her carriage and drove to + the golden castle of Stromberg. + </p> + <p> + When the man awoke and found that he had been sleeping, he was grieved at + heart, and said, ‘She has no doubt been here and driven away again, and it + is now too late for me to save her.’ Then his eyes fell on the things + which were lying beside him; he read the letter, and knew from it all that + had happened. He rose up without delay, eager to start on his way and to + reach the castle of Stromberg, but he had no idea in which direction he + ought to go. He travelled about a long time in search of it and came at + last to a dark forest, through which he went on walking for fourteen days + and still could not find a way out. Once more the night came on, and worn + out he lay down under a bush and fell asleep. Again the next day he + pursued his way through the forest, and that evening, thinking to rest + again, he lay down as before, but he heard such a howling and wailing that + he found it impossible to sleep. He waited till it was darker and people + had begun to light up their houses, and then seeing a little glimmer ahead + of him, he went towards it. + </p> + <p> + He found that the light came from a house which looked smaller than it + really was, from the contrast of its height with that of an immense giant + who stood in front of it. He thought to himself, ‘If the giant sees me + going in, my life will not be worth much.’ However, after a while he + summoned up courage and went forward. When the giant saw him, he called + out, ‘It is lucky for that you have come, for I have not had anything to + eat for a long time. I can have you now for my supper.’ ‘I would rather + you let that alone,’ said the man, ‘for I do not willingly give myself up + to be eaten; if you are wanting food I have enough to satisfy your + hunger.’ ‘If that is so,’ replied the giant, ‘I will leave you in peace; I + only thought of eating you because I had nothing else.’ + </p> + <p> + So they went indoors together and sat down, and the man brought out the + bread, meat, and wine, which although he had eaten and drunk of them, were + still unconsumed. The giant was pleased with the good cheer, and ate and + drank to his heart’s content. When he had finished his supper the man + asked him if he could direct him to the castle of Stromberg. The giant + said, ‘I will look on my map; on it are marked all the towns, villages, + and houses.’ So he fetched his map, and looked for the castle, but could + not find it. ‘Never mind,’ he said, ‘I have larger maps upstairs in the + cupboard, we will look on those,’ but they searched in vain, for the + castle was not marked even on these. The man now thought he should like to + continue his journey, but the giant begged him to remain for a day or two + longer until the return of his brother, who was away in search of + provisions. When the brother came home, they asked him about the castle of + Stromberg, and he told them he would look on his own maps as soon as he + had eaten and appeased his hunger. Accordingly, when he had finished his + supper, they all went up together to his room and looked through his maps, + but the castle was not to be found. Then he fetched other older maps, and + they went on looking for the castle until at last they found it, but it + was many thousand miles away. ‘How shall I be able to get there?’ asked + the man. ‘I have two hours to spare,’ said the giant, ‘and I will carry + you into the neighbourhood of the castle; I must then return to look after + the child who is in our care.’ + </p> + <p> + The giant, thereupon, carried the man to within about a hundred leagues of + the castle, where he left him, saying, ‘You will be able to walk the + remainder of the way yourself.’ The man journeyed on day and night till he + reached the golden castle of Stromberg. He found it situated, however, on + a glass mountain, and looking up from the foot he saw the enchanted maiden + drive round her castle and then go inside. He was overjoyed to see her, + and longed to get to the top of the mountain, but the sides were so + slippery that every time he attempted to climb he fell back again. When he + saw that it was impossible to reach her, he was greatly grieved, and said + to himself, ‘I will remain here and wait for her,’ so he built himself a + little hut, and there he sat and watched for a whole year, and every day + he saw the king’s daughter driving round her castle, but still was unable + to get nearer to her. + </p> + <p> + Looking out from his hut one day he saw three robbers fighting and he + called out to them, ‘God be with you.’ They stopped when they heard the + call, but looking round and seeing nobody, they went on again with their + fighting, which now became more furious. ‘God be with you,’ he cried + again, and again they paused and looked about, but seeing no one went back + to their fighting. A third time he called out, ‘God be with you,’ and then + thinking he should like to know the cause of dispute between the three + men, he went out and asked them why they were fighting so angrily with one + another. One of them said that he had found a stick, and that he had but + to strike it against any door through which he wished to pass, and it + immediately flew open. Another told him that he had found a cloak which + rendered its wearer invisible; and the third had caught a horse which + would carry its rider over any obstacle, and even up the glass mountain. + They had been unable to decide whether they would keep together and have + the things in common, or whether they would separate. On hearing this, the + man said, ‘I will give you something in exchange for those three things; + not money, for that I have not got, but something that is of far more + value. I must first, however, prove whether all you have told me about + your three things is true.’ The robbers, therefore, made him get on the + horse, and handed him the stick and the cloak, and when he had put this + round him he was no longer visible. Then he fell upon them with the stick + and beat them one after another, crying, ‘There, you idle vagabonds, you + have got what you deserve; are you satisfied now!’ + </p> + <p> + After this he rode up the glass mountain. When he reached the gate of the + castle, he found it closed, but he gave it a blow with his stick, and it + flew wide open at once and he passed through. He mounted the steps and + entered the room where the maiden was sitting, with a golden goblet full + of wine in front of her. She could not see him for he still wore his + cloak. He took the ring which she had given him off his finger, and threw + it into the goblet, so that it rang as it touched the bottom. ‘That is my + own ring,’ she exclaimed, ‘and if that is so the man must also be here who + is coming to set me free.’ + </p> + <p> + She sought for him about the castle, but could find him nowhere. Meanwhile + he had gone outside again and mounted his horse and thrown off the cloak. + When therefore she came to the castle gate she saw him, and cried aloud + for joy. Then he dismounted and took her in his arms; and she kissed him, + and said, ‘Now you have indeed set me free, and tomorrow we will celebrate + our marriage.’ + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0052" id="link2H_4_0052"></a> + THE GOLDEN GOOSE + </h2> + <p> + There was a man who had three sons, the youngest of whom was called + Dummling,[*] and was despised, mocked, and sneered at on every occasion. + </p> + +<p class="footnote"> +[*] Simpleton +</p> + + <p> + It happened that the eldest wanted to go into the forest to hew wood, and + before he went his mother gave him a beautiful sweet cake and a bottle of + wine in order that he might not suffer from hunger or thirst. + </p> + <p> + When he entered the forest he met a little grey-haired old man who bade + him good day, and said: ‘Do give me a piece of cake out of your pocket, + and let me have a draught of your wine; I am so hungry and thirsty.’ But + the clever son answered: ‘If I give you my cake and wine, I shall have + none for myself; be off with you,’ and he left the little man standing and + went on. + </p> + <p> + But when he began to hew down a tree, it was not long before he made a + false stroke, and the axe cut him in the arm, so that he had to go home + and have it bound up. And this was the little grey man’s doing. + </p> + <p> + After this the second son went into the forest, and his mother gave him, + like the eldest, a cake and a bottle of wine. The little old grey man met + him likewise, and asked him for a piece of cake and a drink of wine. But + the second son, too, said sensibly enough: ‘What I give you will be taken + away from myself; be off!’ and he left the little man standing and went + on. His punishment, however, was not delayed; when he had made a few blows + at the tree he struck himself in the leg, so that he had to be carried + home. + </p> + <p> + Then Dummling said: ‘Father, do let me go and cut wood.’ The father + answered: ‘Your brothers have hurt themselves with it, leave it alone, you + do not understand anything about it.’ But Dummling begged so long that at + last he said: ‘Just go then, you will get wiser by hurting yourself.’ His + mother gave him a cake made with water and baked in the cinders, and with + it a bottle of sour beer. + </p> + <p> + When he came to the forest the little old grey man met him likewise, and + greeting him, said: ‘Give me a piece of your cake and a drink out of your + bottle; I am so hungry and thirsty.’ Dummling answered: ‘I have only + cinder-cake and sour beer; if that pleases you, we will sit down and eat.’ + So they sat down, and when Dummling pulled out his cinder-cake, it was a + fine sweet cake, and the sour beer had become good wine. So they ate and + drank, and after that the little man said: ‘Since you have a good heart, + and are willing to divide what you have, I will give you good luck. There + stands an old tree, cut it down, and you will find something at the + roots.’ Then the little man took leave of him. + </p> + <p> + Dummling went and cut down the tree, and when it fell there was a goose + sitting in the roots with feathers of pure gold. He lifted her up, and + taking her with him, went to an inn where he thought he would stay the + night. Now the host had three daughters, who saw the goose and were + curious to know what such a wonderful bird might be, and would have liked + to have one of its golden feathers. + </p> + <p> + The eldest thought: ‘I shall soon find an opportunity of pulling out a + feather,’ and as soon as Dummling had gone out she seized the goose by the + wing, but her finger and hand remained sticking fast to it. + </p> + <p> + The second came soon afterwards, thinking only of how she might get a + feather for herself, but she had scarcely touched her sister than she was + held fast. + </p> + <p> + At last the third also came with the like intent, and the others screamed + out: ‘Keep away; for goodness’ sake keep away!’ But she did not understand + why she was to keep away. ‘The others are there,’ she thought, ‘I may as + well be there too,’ and ran to them; but as soon as she had touched her + sister, she remained sticking fast to her. So they had to spend the night + with the goose. + </p> + <p> + The next morning Dummling took the goose under his arm and set out, + without troubling himself about the three girls who were hanging on to it. + They were obliged to run after him continually, now left, now right, + wherever his legs took him. + </p> + <p> + In the middle of the fields the parson met them, and when he saw the + procession he said: ‘For shame, you good-for-nothing girls, why are you + running across the fields after this young man? Is that seemly?’ At the + same time he seized the youngest by the hand in order to pull her away, + but as soon as he touched her he likewise stuck fast, and was himself + obliged to run behind. + </p> + <p> + Before long the sexton came by and saw his master, the parson, running + behind three girls. He was astonished at this and called out: ‘Hi! your + reverence, whither away so quickly? Do not forget that we have a + christening today!’ and running after him he took him by the sleeve, but + was also held fast to it. + </p> + <p> + Whilst the five were trotting thus one behind the other, two labourers + came with their hoes from the fields; the parson called out to them and + begged that they would set him and the sexton free. But they had scarcely + touched the sexton when they were held fast, and now there were seven of + them running behind Dummling and the goose. + </p> + <p> + Soon afterwards he came to a city, where a king ruled who had a daughter + who was so serious that no one could make her laugh. So he had put forth a + decree that whosoever should be able to make her laugh should marry her. + When Dummling heard this, he went with his goose and all her train before + the king’s daughter, and as soon as she saw the seven people running on + and on, one behind the other, she began to laugh quite loudly, and as if + she would never stop. Thereupon Dummling asked to have her for his wife; + but the king did not like the son-in-law, and made all manner of excuses + and said he must first produce a man who could drink a cellarful of wine. + Dummling thought of the little grey man, who could certainly help him; so + he went into the forest, and in the same place where he had felled the + tree, he saw a man sitting, who had a very sorrowful face. Dummling asked + him what he was taking to heart so sorely, and he answered: ‘I have such a + great thirst and cannot quench it; cold water I cannot stand, a barrel of + wine I have just emptied, but that to me is like a drop on a hot stone!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There, I can help you,’ said Dummling, ‘just come with me and you shall + be satisfied.’ + </p> + <p> + He led him into the king’s cellar, and the man bent over the huge barrels, + and drank and drank till his loins hurt, and before the day was out he had + emptied all the barrels. Then Dummling asked once more for his bride, but + the king was vexed that such an ugly fellow, whom everyone called + Dummling, should take away his daughter, and he made a new condition; he + must first find a man who could eat a whole mountain of bread. Dummling + did not think long, but went straight into the forest, where in the same + place there sat a man who was tying up his body with a strap, and making + an awful face, and saying: ‘I have eaten a whole ovenful of rolls, but + what good is that when one has such a hunger as I? My stomach remains + empty, and I must tie myself up if I am not to die of hunger.’ + </p> + <p> + At this Dummling was glad, and said: ‘Get up and come with me; you shall + eat yourself full.’ He led him to the king’s palace where all the flour in + the whole Kingdom was collected, and from it he caused a huge mountain of + bread to be baked. The man from the forest stood before it, began to eat, + and by the end of one day the whole mountain had vanished. Then Dummling + for the third time asked for his bride; but the king again sought a way + out, and ordered a ship which could sail on land and on water. ‘As soon as + you come sailing back in it,’ said he, ‘you shall have my daughter for + wife.’ + </p> + <p> + Dummling went straight into the forest, and there sat the little grey man + to whom he had given his cake. When he heard what Dummling wanted, he + said: ‘Since you have given me to eat and to drink, I will give you the + ship; and I do all this because you once were kind to me.’ Then he gave + him the ship which could sail on land and water, and when the king saw + that, he could no longer prevent him from having his daughter. The wedding + was celebrated, and after the king’s death, Dummling inherited his kingdom + and lived for a long time contentedly with his wife. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0053" id="link2H_4_0053"></a> + THE WATER OF LIFE + </h2> + <p> + Long before you or I were born, there reigned, in a country a great way + off, a king who had three sons. This king once fell very ill—so ill + that nobody thought he could live. His sons were very much grieved at + their father’s sickness; and as they were walking together very mournfully + in the garden of the palace, a little old man met them and asked what was + the matter. They told him that their father was very ill, and that they + were afraid nothing could save him. ‘I know what would,’ said the little + old man; ‘it is the Water of Life. If he could have a draught of it he + would be well again; but it is very hard to get.’ Then the eldest son + said, ‘I will soon find it’: and he went to the sick king, and begged that + he might go in search of the Water of Life, as it was the only thing that + could save him. ‘No,’ said the king. ‘I had rather die than place you in + such great danger as you must meet with in your journey.’ But he begged so + hard that the king let him go; and the prince thought to himself, ‘If I + bring my father this water, he will make me sole heir to his kingdom.’ + </p> + <p> + Then he set out: and when he had gone on his way some time he came to a + deep valley, overhung with rocks and woods; and as he looked around, he + saw standing above him on one of the rocks a little ugly dwarf, with a + sugarloaf cap and a scarlet cloak; and the dwarf called to him and said, + ‘Prince, whither so fast?’ ‘What is that to thee, you ugly imp?’ said the + prince haughtily, and rode on. + </p> + <p> + But the dwarf was enraged at his behaviour, and laid a fairy spell of + ill-luck upon him; so that as he rode on the mountain pass became narrower + and narrower, and at last the way was so straitened that he could not go + to step forward: and when he thought to have turned his horse round and go + back the way he came, he heard a loud laugh ringing round him, and found + that the path was closed behind him, so that he was shut in all round. He + next tried to get off his horse and make his way on foot, but again the + laugh rang in his ears, and he found himself unable to move a step, and + thus he was forced to abide spellbound. + </p> + <p> + Meantime the old king was lingering on in daily hope of his son’s return, + till at last the second son said, ‘Father, I will go in search of the + Water of Life.’ For he thought to himself, ‘My brother is surely dead, and + the kingdom will fall to me if I find the water.’ The king was at first + very unwilling to let him go, but at last yielded to his wish. So he set + out and followed the same road which his brother had done, and met with + the same elf, who stopped him at the same spot in the mountains, saying, + as before, ‘Prince, prince, whither so fast?’ ‘Mind your own affairs, + busybody!’ said the prince scornfully, and rode on. + </p> + <p> + But the dwarf put the same spell upon him as he put on his elder brother, + and he, too, was at last obliged to take up his abode in the heart of the + mountains. Thus it is with proud silly people, who think themselves above + everyone else, and are too proud to ask or take advice. + </p> + <p> + When the second prince had thus been gone a long time, the youngest son + said he would go and search for the Water of Life, and trusted he should + soon be able to make his father well again. So he set out, and the dwarf + met him too at the same spot in the valley, among the mountains, and said, + ‘Prince, whither so fast?’ And the prince said, ‘I am going in search of + the Water of Life, because my father is ill, and like to die: can you help + me? Pray be kind, and aid me if you can!’ ‘Do you know where it is to be + found?’ asked the dwarf. ‘No,’ said the prince, ‘I do not. Pray tell me if + you know.’ ‘Then as you have spoken to me kindly, and are wise enough to + seek for advice, I will tell you how and where to go. The water you seek + springs from a well in an enchanted castle; and, that you may be able to + reach it in safety, I will give you an iron wand and two little loaves of + bread; strike the iron door of the castle three times with the wand, and + it will open: two hungry lions will be lying down inside gaping for their + prey, but if you throw them the bread they will let you pass; then hasten + on to the well, and take some of the Water of Life before the clock + strikes twelve; for if you tarry longer the door will shut upon you for + ever.’ + </p> + <p> + Then the prince thanked his little friend with the scarlet cloak for his + friendly aid, and took the wand and the bread, and went travelling on and + on, over sea and over land, till he came to his journey’s end, and found + everything to be as the dwarf had told him. The door flew open at the + third stroke of the wand, and when the lions were quieted he went on + through the castle and came at length to a beautiful hall. Around it he + saw several knights sitting in a trance; then he pulled off their rings + and put them on his own fingers. In another room he saw on a table a sword + and a loaf of bread, which he also took. Further on he came to a room + where a beautiful young lady sat upon a couch; and she welcomed him + joyfully, and said, if he would set her free from the spell that bound + her, the kingdom should be his, if he would come back in a year and marry + her. Then she told him that the well that held the Water of Life was in + the palace gardens; and bade him make haste, and draw what he wanted + before the clock struck twelve. + </p> + <p> + He walked on; and as he walked through beautiful gardens he came to a + delightful shady spot in which stood a couch; and he thought to himself, + as he felt tired, that he would rest himself for a while, and gaze on the + lovely scenes around him. So he laid himself down, and sleep fell upon him + unawares, so that he did not wake up till the clock was striking a quarter + to twelve. Then he sprang from the couch dreadfully frightened, ran to the + well, filled a cup that was standing by him full of water, and hastened to + get away in time. Just as he was going out of the iron door it struck + twelve, and the door fell so quickly upon him that it snapped off a piece + of his heel. + </p> + <p> + When he found himself safe, he was overjoyed to think that he had got the + Water of Life; and as he was going on his way homewards, he passed by the + little dwarf, who, when he saw the sword and the loaf, said, ‘You have + made a noble prize; with the sword you can at a blow slay whole armies, + and the bread will never fail you.’ Then the prince thought to himself, ‘I + cannot go home to my father without my brothers’; so he said, ‘My dear + friend, cannot you tell me where my two brothers are, who set out in + search of the Water of Life before me, and never came back?’ ‘I have shut + them up by a charm between two mountains,’ said the dwarf, ‘because they + were proud and ill-behaved, and scorned to ask advice.’ The prince begged + so hard for his brothers, that the dwarf at last set them free, though + unwillingly, saying, ‘Beware of them, for they have bad hearts.’ Their + brother, however, was greatly rejoiced to see them, and told them all that + had happened to him; how he had found the Water of Life, and had taken a + cup full of it; and how he had set a beautiful princess free from a spell + that bound her; and how she had engaged to wait a whole year, and then to + marry him, and to give him the kingdom. + </p> + <p> + Then they all three rode on together, and on their way home came to a + country that was laid waste by war and a dreadful famine, so that it was + feared all must die for want. But the prince gave the king of the land the + bread, and all his kingdom ate of it. And he lent the king the wonderful + sword, and he slew the enemy’s army with it; and thus the kingdom was once + more in peace and plenty. In the same manner he befriended two other + countries through which they passed on their way. + </p> + <p> + When they came to the sea, they got into a ship and during their voyage + the two eldest said to themselves, ‘Our brother has got the water which we + could not find, therefore our father will forsake us and give him the + kingdom, which is our right’; so they were full of envy and revenge, and + agreed together how they could ruin him. Then they waited till he was fast + asleep, and poured the Water of Life out of the cup, and took it for + themselves, giving him bitter sea-water instead. + </p> + <p> + When they came to their journey’s end, the youngest son brought his cup to + the sick king, that he might drink and be healed. Scarcely, however, had + he tasted the bitter sea-water when he became worse even than he was + before; and then both the elder sons came in, and blamed the youngest for + what they had done; and said that he wanted to poison their father, but + that they had found the Water of Life, and had brought it with them. He no + sooner began to drink of what they brought him, than he felt his sickness + leave him, and was as strong and well as in his younger days. Then they + went to their brother, and laughed at him, and said, ‘Well, brother, you + found the Water of Life, did you? You have had the trouble and we shall + have the reward. Pray, with all your cleverness, why did not you manage to + keep your eyes open? Next year one of us will take away your beautiful + princess, if you do not take care. You had better say nothing about this + to our father, for he does not believe a word you say; and if you tell + tales, you shall lose your life into the bargain: but be quiet, and we + will let you off.’ + </p> + <p> + The old king was still very angry with his youngest son, and thought that + he really meant to have taken away his life; so he called his court + together, and asked what should be done, and all agreed that he ought to + be put to death. The prince knew nothing of what was going on, till one + day, when the king’s chief huntsmen went a-hunting with him, and they were + alone in the wood together, the huntsman looked so sorrowful that the + prince said, ‘My friend, what is the matter with you?’ ‘I cannot and dare + not tell you,’ said he. But the prince begged very hard, and said, ‘Only + tell me what it is, and do not think I shall be angry, for I will forgive + you.’ ‘Alas!’ said the huntsman; ‘the king has ordered me to shoot you.’ + The prince started at this, and said, ‘Let me live, and I will change + dresses with you; you shall take my royal coat to show to my father, and + do you give me your shabby one.’ ‘With all my heart,’ said the huntsman; + ‘I am sure I shall be glad to save you, for I could not have shot you.’ + Then he took the prince’s coat, and gave him the shabby one, and went away + through the wood. + </p> + <p> + Some time after, three grand embassies came to the old king’s court, with + rich gifts of gold and precious stones for his youngest son; now all these + were sent from the three kings to whom he had lent his sword and loaf of + bread, in order to rid them of their enemy and feed their people. This + touched the old king’s heart, and he thought his son might still be + guiltless, and said to his court, ‘O that my son were still alive! how it + grieves me that I had him killed!’ ‘He is still alive,’ said the huntsman; + ‘and I am glad that I had pity on him, but let him go in peace, and + brought home his royal coat.’ At this the king was overwhelmed with joy, + and made it known throughout all his kingdom, that if his son would come + back to his court he would forgive him. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the princess was eagerly waiting till her deliverer should come + back; and had a road made leading up to her palace all of shining gold; + and told her courtiers that whoever came on horseback, and rode straight + up to the gate upon it, was her true lover; and that they must let him in: + but whoever rode on one side of it, they must be sure was not the right + one; and that they must send him away at once. + </p> + <p> + The time soon came, when the eldest brother thought that he would make + haste to go to the princess, and say that he was the one who had set her + free, and that he should have her for his wife, and the kingdom with her. + As he came before the palace and saw the golden road, he stopped to look + at it, and he thought to himself, ‘It is a pity to ride upon this + beautiful road’; so he turned aside and rode on the right-hand side of it. + But when he came to the gate, the guards, who had seen the road he took, + said to him, he could not be what he said he was, and must go about his + business. + </p> + <p> + The second prince set out soon afterwards on the same errand; and when he + came to the golden road, and his horse had set one foot upon it, he + stopped to look at it, and thought it very beautiful, and said to himself, + ‘What a pity it is that anything should tread here!’ Then he too turned + aside and rode on the left side of it. But when he came to the gate the + guards said he was not the true prince, and that he too must go away about + his business; and away he went. + </p> + <p> + Now when the full year was come round, the third brother left the forest + in which he had lain hid for fear of his father’s anger, and set out in + search of his betrothed bride. So he journeyed on, thinking of her all the + way, and rode so quickly that he did not even see what the road was made + of, but went with his horse straight over it; and as he came to the gate + it flew open, and the princess welcomed him with joy, and said he was her + deliverer, and should now be her husband and lord of the kingdom. When the + first joy at their meeting was over, the princess told him she had heard + of his father having forgiven him, and of his wish to have him home again: + so, before his wedding with the princess, he went to visit his father, + taking her with him. Then he told him everything; how his brothers had + cheated and robbed him, and yet that he had borne all those wrongs for the + love of his father. And the old king was very angry, and wanted to punish + his wicked sons; but they made their escape, and got into a ship and + sailed away over the wide sea, and where they went to nobody knew and + nobody cared. + </p> + <p> + And now the old king gathered together his court, and asked all his + kingdom to come and celebrate the wedding of his son and the princess. And + young and old, noble and squire, gentle and simple, came at once on the + summons; and among the rest came the friendly dwarf, with the sugarloaf + hat, and a new scarlet cloak. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + And the wedding was held, and the merry bells run. + And all the good people they danced and they sung, + And feasted and frolick’d I can’t tell how long. +</pre> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0054" id="link2H_4_0054"></a> + THE TWELVE HUNTSMEN + </h2> + <p> + There was once a king’s son who had a bride whom he loved very much. And + when he was sitting beside her and very happy, news came that his father + lay sick unto death, and desired to see him once again before his end. + Then he said to his beloved: ‘I must now go and leave you, I give you a + ring as a remembrance of me. When I am king, I will return and fetch you.’ + So he rode away, and when he reached his father, the latter was + dangerously ill, and near his death. He said to him: ‘Dear son, I wished + to see you once again before my end, promise me to marry as I wish,’ and + he named a certain king’s daughter who was to be his wife. The son was in + such trouble that he did not think what he was doing, and said: ‘Yes, dear + father, your will shall be done,’ and thereupon the king shut his eyes, + and died. + </p> + <p> + When therefore the son had been proclaimed king, and the time of mourning + was over, he was forced to keep the promise which he had given his father, + and caused the king’s daughter to be asked in marriage, and she was + promised to him. His first betrothed heard of this, and fretted so much + about his faithfulness that she nearly died. Then her father said to her: + ‘Dearest child, why are you so sad? You shall have whatsoever you will.’ + She thought for a moment and said: ‘Dear father, I wish for eleven girls + exactly like myself in face, figure, and size.’ The father said: ‘If it be + possible, your desire shall be fulfilled,’ and he caused a search to be + made in his whole kingdom, until eleven young maidens were found who + exactly resembled his daughter in face, figure, and size. + </p> + <p> + When they came to the king’s daughter, she had twelve suits of huntsmen’s + clothes made, all alike, and the eleven maidens had to put on the + huntsmen’s clothes, and she herself put on the twelfth suit. Thereupon she + took her leave of her father, and rode away with them, and rode to the + court of her former betrothed, whom she loved so dearly. Then she asked if + he required any huntsmen, and if he would take all of them into his + service. The king looked at her and did not know her, but as they were + such handsome fellows, he said: ‘Yes,’ and that he would willingly take + them, and now they were the king’s twelve huntsmen. + </p> + <p> + The king, however, had a lion which was a wondrous animal, for he knew all + concealed and secret things. It came to pass that one evening he said to + the king: ‘You think you have twelve huntsmen?’ ‘Yes,’ said the king, + ‘they are twelve huntsmen.’ The lion continued: ‘You are mistaken, they + are twelve girls.’ The king said: ‘That cannot be true! How will you prove + that to me?’ ‘Oh, just let some peas be strewn in the ante-chamber,’ + answered the lion, ‘and then you will soon see. Men have a firm step, and + when they walk over peas none of them stir, but girls trip and skip, and + drag their feet, and the peas roll about.’ The king was well pleased with + the counsel, and caused the peas to be strewn. + </p> + <p> + There was, however, a servant of the king’s who favoured the huntsmen, and + when he heard that they were going to be put to this test he went to them + and repeated everything, and said: ‘The lion wants to make the king + believe that you are girls.’ Then the king’s daughter thanked him, and + said to her maidens: ‘Show some strength, and step firmly on the peas.’ So + next morning when the king had the twelve huntsmen called before him, and + they came into the ante-chamber where the peas were lying, they stepped so + firmly on them, and had such a strong, sure walk, that not one of the peas + either rolled or stirred. Then they went away again, and the king said to + the lion: ‘You have lied to me, they walk just like men.’ The lion said: + ‘They have been informed that they were going to be put to the test, and + have assumed some strength. Just let twelve spinning-wheels be brought + into the ante-chamber, and they will go to them and be pleased with them, + and that is what no man would do.’ The king liked the advice, and had the + spinning-wheels placed in the ante-chamber. + </p> + <p> + But the servant, who was well disposed to the huntsmen, went to them, and + disclosed the project. So when they were alone the king’s daughter said to + her eleven girls: ‘Show some constraint, and do not look round at the + spinning-wheels.’ And next morning when the king had his twelve huntsmen + summoned, they went through the ante-chamber, and never once looked at the + spinning-wheels. Then the king again said to the lion: ‘You have deceived + me, they are men, for they have not looked at the spinning-wheels.’ The + lion replied: ‘They have restrained themselves.’ The king, however, would + no longer believe the lion. + </p> + <p> + The twelve huntsmen always followed the king to the chase, and his liking + for them continually increased. Now it came to pass that once when they + were out hunting, news came that the king’s bride was approaching. When + the true bride heard that, it hurt her so much that her heart was almost + broken, and she fell fainting to the ground. The king thought something + had happened to his dear huntsman, ran up to him, wanted to help him, and + drew his glove off. Then he saw the ring which he had given to his first + bride, and when he looked in her face he recognized her. Then his heart + was so touched that he kissed her, and when she opened her eyes he said: + ‘You are mine, and I am yours, and no one in the world can alter that.’ He + sent a messenger to the other bride, and entreated her to return to her + own kingdom, for he had a wife already, and someone who had just found an + old key did not require a new one. Thereupon the wedding was celebrated, + and the lion was again taken into favour, because, after all, he had told + the truth. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0055" id="link2H_4_0055"></a> + THE KING OF THE GOLDEN MOUNTAIN + </h2> + <p> + There was once a merchant who had only one child, a son, that was very + young, and barely able to run alone. He had two richly laden ships then + making a voyage upon the seas, in which he had embarked all his wealth, in + the hope of making great gains, when the news came that both were lost. + Thus from being a rich man he became all at once so very poor that nothing + was left to him but one small plot of land; and there he often went in an + evening to take his walk, and ease his mind of a little of his trouble. + </p> + <p> + One day, as he was roaming along in a brown study, thinking with no great + comfort on what he had been and what he now was, and was like to be, all + on a sudden there stood before him a little, rough-looking, black dwarf. + ‘Prithee, friend, why so sorrowful?’ said he to the merchant; ‘what is it + you take so deeply to heart?’ ‘If you would do me any good I would + willingly tell you,’ said the merchant. ‘Who knows but I may?’ said the + little man: ‘tell me what ails you, and perhaps you will find I may be of + some use.’ Then the merchant told him how all his wealth was gone to the + bottom of the sea, and how he had nothing left but that little plot of + land. ‘Oh, trouble not yourself about that,’ said the dwarf; ‘only + undertake to bring me here, twelve years hence, whatever meets you first + on your going home, and I will give you as much as you please.’ The + merchant thought this was no great thing to ask; that it would most likely + be his dog or his cat, or something of that sort, but forgot his little + boy Heinel; so he agreed to the bargain, and signed and sealed the bond to + do what was asked of him. + </p> + <p> + But as he drew near home, his little boy was so glad to see him that he + crept behind him, and laid fast hold of his legs, and looked up in his + face and laughed. Then the father started, trembling with fear and horror, + and saw what it was that he had bound himself to do; but as no gold was + come, he made himself easy by thinking that it was only a joke that the + dwarf was playing him, and that, at any rate, when the money came, he + should see the bearer, and would not take it in. + </p> + <p> + About a month afterwards he went upstairs into a lumber-room to look for + some old iron, that he might sell it and raise a little money; and there, + instead of his iron, he saw a large pile of gold lying on the floor. At + the sight of this he was overjoyed, and forgetting all about his son, went + into trade again, and became a richer merchant than before. + </p> + <p> + Meantime little Heinel grew up, and as the end of the twelve years drew + near the merchant began to call to mind his bond, and became very sad and + thoughtful; so that care and sorrow were written upon his face. The boy + one day asked what was the matter, but his father would not tell for some + time; at last, however, he said that he had, without knowing it, sold him + for gold to a little, ugly-looking, black dwarf, and that the twelve years + were coming round when he must keep his word. Then Heinel said, ‘Father, + give yourself very little trouble about that; I shall be too much for the + little man.’ + </p> + <p> + When the time came, the father and son went out together to the place + agreed upon: and the son drew a circle on the ground, and set himself and + his father in the middle of it. The little black dwarf soon came, and + walked round and round about the circle, but could not find any way to get + into it, and he either could not, or dared not, jump over it. At last the + boy said to him. ‘Have you anything to say to us, my friend, or what do + you want?’ Now Heinel had found a friend in a good fairy, that was fond of + him, and had told him what to do; for this fairy knew what good luck was + in store for him. ‘Have you brought me what you said you would?’ said the + dwarf to the merchant. The old man held his tongue, but Heinel said again, + ‘What do you want here?’ The dwarf said, ‘I come to talk with your father, + not with you.’ ‘You have cheated and taken in my father,’ said the son; + ‘pray give him up his bond at once.’ ‘Fair and softly,’ said the little + old man; ‘right is right; I have paid my money, and your father has had + it, and spent it; so be so good as to let me have what I paid it for.’ + ‘You must have my consent to that first,’ said Heinel, ‘so please to step + in here, and let us talk it over.’ The old man grinned, and showed his + teeth, as if he should have been very glad to get into the circle if he + could. Then at last, after a long talk, they came to terms. Heinel agreed + that his father must give him up, and that so far the dwarf should have + his way: but, on the other hand, the fairy had told Heinel what fortune + was in store for him, if he followed his own course; and he did not choose + to be given up to his hump-backed friend, who seemed so anxious for his + company. + </p> + <p> + So, to make a sort of drawn battle of the matter, it was settled that + Heinel should be put into an open boat, that lay on the sea-shore hard by; + that the father should push him off with his own hand, and that he should + thus be set adrift, and left to the bad or good luck of wind and weather. + Then he took leave of his father, and set himself in the boat, but before + it got far off a wave struck it, and it fell with one side low in the + water, so the merchant thought that poor Heinel was lost, and went home + very sorrowful, while the dwarf went his way, thinking that at any rate he + had had his revenge. + </p> + <p> + The boat, however, did not sink, for the good fairy took care of her + friend, and soon raised the boat up again, and it went safely on. The + young man sat safe within, till at length it ran ashore upon an unknown + land. As he jumped upon the shore he saw before him a beautiful castle but + empty and dreary within, for it was enchanted. ‘Here,’ said he to himself, + ‘must I find the prize the good fairy told me of.’ So he once more + searched the whole palace through, till at last he found a white snake, + lying coiled up on a cushion in one of the chambers. + </p> + <p> + Now the white snake was an enchanted princess; and she was very glad to + see him, and said, ‘Are you at last come to set me free? Twelve long years + have I waited here for the fairy to bring you hither as she promised, for + you alone can save me. This night twelve men will come: their faces will + be black, and they will be dressed in chain armour. They will ask what you + do here, but give no answer; and let them do what they will—beat, + whip, pinch, prick, or torment you—bear all; only speak not a word, + and at twelve o’clock they must go away. The second night twelve others + will come: and the third night twenty-four, who will even cut off your + head; but at the twelfth hour of that night their power is gone, and I + shall be free, and will come and bring you the Water of Life, and will + wash you with it, and bring you back to life and health.’ And all came to + pass as she had said; Heinel bore all, and spoke not a word; and the third + night the princess came, and fell on his neck and kissed him. Joy and + gladness burst forth throughout the castle, the wedding was celebrated, + and he was crowned king of the Golden Mountain. + </p> + <p> + They lived together very happily, and the queen had a son. And thus eight + years had passed over their heads, when the king thought of his father; + and he began to long to see him once again. But the queen was against his + going, and said, ‘I know well that misfortunes will come upon us if you + go.’ However, he gave her no rest till she agreed. At his going away she + gave him a wishing-ring, and said, ‘Take this ring, and put it on your + finger; whatever you wish it will bring you; only promise never to make + use of it to bring me hence to your father’s house.’ Then he said he would + do what she asked, and put the ring on his finger, and wished himself near + the town where his father lived. + </p> + <p> + Heinel found himself at the gates in a moment; but the guards would not + let him go in, because he was so strangely clad. So he went up to a + neighbouring hill, where a shepherd dwelt, and borrowed his old frock, and + thus passed unknown into the town. When he came to his father’s house, he + said he was his son; but the merchant would not believe him, and said he + had had but one son, his poor Heinel, who he knew was long since dead: and + as he was only dressed like a poor shepherd, he would not even give him + anything to eat. The king, however, still vowed that he was his son, and + said, ‘Is there no mark by which you would know me if I am really your + son?’ ‘Yes,’ said his mother, ‘our Heinel had a mark like a raspberry on + his right arm.’ Then he showed them the mark, and they knew that what he + had said was true. + </p> + <p> + He next told them how he was king of the Golden Mountain, and was married + to a princess, and had a son seven years old. But the merchant said, ‘that + can never be true; he must be a fine king truly who travels about in a + shepherd’s frock!’ At this the son was vexed; and forgetting his word, + turned his ring, and wished for his queen and son. In an instant they + stood before him; but the queen wept, and said he had broken his word, and + bad luck would follow. He did all he could to soothe her, and she at last + seemed to be appeased; but she was not so in truth, and was only thinking + how she should punish him. + </p> + <p> + One day he took her to walk with him out of the town, and showed her the + spot where the boat was set adrift upon the wide waters. Then he sat + himself down, and said, ‘I am very much tired; sit by me, I will rest my + head in your lap, and sleep a while.’ As soon as he had fallen asleep, + however, she drew the ring from his finger, and crept softly away, and + wished herself and her son at home in their kingdom. And when he awoke he + found himself alone, and saw that the ring was gone from his finger. ‘I + can never go back to my father’s house,’ said he; ‘they would say I am a + sorcerer: I will journey forth into the world, till I come again to my + kingdom.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying he set out and travelled till he came to a hill, where three + giants were sharing their father’s goods; and as they saw him pass they + cried out and said, ‘Little men have sharp wits; he shall part the goods + between us.’ Now there was a sword that cut off an enemy’s head whenever + the wearer gave the words, ‘Heads off!’; a cloak that made the owner + invisible, or gave him any form he pleased; and a pair of boots that + carried the wearer wherever he wished. Heinel said they must first let him + try these wonderful things, then he might know how to set a value upon + them. Then they gave him the cloak, and he wished himself a fly, and in a + moment he was a fly. ‘The cloak is very well,’ said he: ‘now give me the + sword.’ ‘No,’ said they; ‘not unless you undertake not to say, “Heads + off!” for if you do we are all dead men.’ So they gave it him, charging + him to try it on a tree. He next asked for the boots also; and the moment + he had all three in his power, he wished himself at the Golden Mountain; + and there he was at once. So the giants were left behind with no goods to + share or quarrel about. + </p> + <p> + As Heinel came near his castle he heard the sound of merry music; and the + people around told him that his queen was about to marry another husband. + Then he threw his cloak around him, and passed through the castle hall, + and placed himself by the side of the queen, where no one saw him. But + when anything to eat was put upon her plate, he took it away and ate it + himself; and when a glass of wine was handed to her, he took it and drank + it; and thus, though they kept on giving her meat and drink, her plate and + cup were always empty. + </p> + <p> + Upon this, fear and remorse came over her, and she went into her chamber + alone, and sat there weeping; and he followed her there. ‘Alas!’ said she + to herself, ‘was I not once set free? Why then does this enchantment still + seem to bind me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘False and fickle one!’ said he. ‘One indeed came who set thee free, and + he is now near thee again; but how have you used him? Ought he to have had + such treatment from thee?’ Then he went out and sent away the company, and + said the wedding was at an end, for that he was come back to the kingdom. + But the princes, peers, and great men mocked at him. However, he would + enter into no parley with them, but only asked them if they would go in + peace or not. Then they turned upon him and tried to seize him; but he + drew his sword. ‘Heads Off!’ cried he; and with the word the traitors’ + heads fell before him, and Heinel was once more king of the Golden + Mountain. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0056" id="link2H_4_0056"></a> + DOCTOR KNOWALL + </h2> + <p> + There was once upon a time a poor peasant called Crabb, who drove with two + oxen a load of wood to the town, and sold it to a doctor for two talers. + When the money was being counted out to him, it so happened that the + doctor was sitting at table, and when the peasant saw how well he ate and + drank, his heart desired what he saw, and would willingly have been a + doctor too. So he remained standing a while, and at length inquired if he + too could not be a doctor. ‘Oh, yes,’ said the doctor, ‘that is soon + managed.’ ‘What must I do?’ asked the peasant. ‘In the first place buy + yourself an A B C book of the kind which has a cock on the frontispiece; + in the second, turn your cart and your two oxen into money, and get + yourself some clothes, and whatsoever else pertains to medicine; thirdly, + have a sign painted for yourself with the words: “I am Doctor Knowall,” + and have that nailed up above your house-door.’ The peasant did everything + that he had been told to do. When he had doctored people awhile, but not + long, a rich and great lord had some money stolen. Then he was told about + Doctor Knowall who lived in such and such a village, and must know what + had become of the money. So the lord had the horses harnessed to his + carriage, drove out to the village, and asked Crabb if he were Doctor + Knowall. Yes, he was, he said. Then he was to go with him and bring back + the stolen money. ‘Oh, yes, but Grete, my wife, must go too.’ The lord was + willing, and let both of them have a seat in the carriage, and they all + drove away together. When they came to the nobleman’s castle, the table + was spread, and Crabb was told to sit down and eat. ‘Yes, but my wife, + Grete, too,’ said he, and he seated himself with her at the table. And + when the first servant came with a dish of delicate fare, the peasant + nudged his wife, and said: ‘Grete, that was the first,’ meaning that was + the servant who brought the first dish. The servant, however, thought he + intended by that to say: ‘That is the first thief,’ and as he actually was + so, he was terrified, and said to his comrade outside: ‘The doctor knows + all: we shall fare ill, he said I was the first.’ The second did not want + to go in at all, but was forced. So when he went in with his dish, the + peasant nudged his wife, and said: ‘Grete, that is the second.’ This + servant was equally alarmed, and he got out as fast as he could. The third + fared no better, for the peasant again said: ‘Grete, that is the third.’ + The fourth had to carry in a dish that was covered, and the lord told the + doctor that he was to show his skill, and guess what was beneath the + cover. Actually, there were crabs. The doctor looked at the dish, had no + idea what to say, and cried: ‘Ah, poor Crabb.’ When the lord heard that, + he cried: ‘There! he knows it; he must also know who has the money!’ + </p> + <p> + On this the servants looked terribly uneasy, and made a sign to the doctor + that they wished him to step outside for a moment. When therefore he went + out, all four of them confessed to him that they had stolen the money, and + said that they would willingly restore it and give him a heavy sum into + the bargain, if he would not denounce them, for if he did they would be + hanged. They led him to the spot where the money was concealed. With this + the doctor was satisfied, and returned to the hall, sat down to the table, + and said: ‘My lord, now will I search in my book where the gold is + hidden.’ The fifth servant, however, crept into the stove to hear if the + doctor knew still more. But the doctor sat still and opened his A B C + book, turned the pages backwards and forwards, and looked for the cock. As + he could not find it immediately he said: ‘I know you are there, so you + had better come out!’ Then the fellow in the stove thought that the doctor + meant him, and full of terror, sprang out, crying: ‘That man knows + everything!’ Then Doctor Knowall showed the lord where the money was, but + did not say who had stolen it, and received from both sides much money in + reward, and became a renowned man. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0057" id="link2H_4_0057"></a> + THE SEVEN RAVENS + </h2> + <p> + There was once a man who had seven sons, and last of all one daughter. + Although the little girl was very pretty, she was so weak and small that + they thought she could not live; but they said she should at once be + christened. + </p> + <p> + So the father sent one of his sons in haste to the spring to get some + water, but the other six ran with him. Each wanted to be first at drawing + the water, and so they were in such a hurry that all let their pitchers + fall into the well, and they stood very foolishly looking at one another, + and did not know what to do, for none dared go home. In the meantime the + father was uneasy, and could not tell what made the young men stay so + long. ‘Surely,’ said he, ‘the whole seven must have forgotten themselves + over some game of play’; and when he had waited still longer and they yet + did not come, he flew into a rage and wished them all turned into ravens. + Scarcely had he spoken these words when he heard a croaking over his head, + and looked up and saw seven ravens as black as coal flying round and + round. Sorry as he was to see his wish so fulfilled, he did not know how + what was done could be undone, and comforted himself as well as he could + for the loss of his seven sons with his dear little daughter, who soon + became stronger and every day more beautiful. + </p> + <p> + For a long time she did not know that she had ever had any brothers; for + her father and mother took care not to speak of them before her: but one + day by chance she heard the people about her speak of them. ‘Yes,’ said + they, ‘she is beautiful indeed, but still ‘tis a pity that her brothers + should have been lost for her sake.’ Then she was much grieved, and went + to her father and mother, and asked if she had any brothers, and what had + become of them. So they dared no longer hide the truth from her, but said + it was the will of Heaven, and that her birth was only the innocent cause + of it; but the little girl mourned sadly about it every day, and thought + herself bound to do all she could to bring her brothers back; and she had + neither rest nor ease, till at length one day she stole away, and set out + into the wide world to find her brothers, wherever they might be, and free + them, whatever it might cost her. + </p> + <p> + She took nothing with her but a little ring which her father and mother + had given her, a loaf of bread in case she should be hungry, a little + pitcher of water in case she should be thirsty, and a little stool to rest + upon when she should be weary. Thus she went on and on, and journeyed till + she came to the world’s end; then she came to the sun, but the sun looked + much too hot and fiery; so she ran away quickly to the moon, but the moon + was cold and chilly, and said, ‘I smell flesh and blood this way!’ so she + took herself away in a hurry and came to the stars, and the stars were + friendly and kind to her, and each star sat upon his own little stool; but + the morning star rose up and gave her a little piece of wood, and said, + ‘If you have not this little piece of wood, you cannot unlock the castle + that stands on the glass-mountain, and there your brothers live.’ The + little girl took the piece of wood, rolled it up in a little cloth, and + went on again until she came to the glass-mountain, and found the door + shut. Then she felt for the little piece of wood; but when she unwrapped + the cloth it was not there, and she saw she had lost the gift of the good + stars. What was to be done? She wanted to save her brothers, and had no + key of the castle of the glass-mountain; so this faithful little sister + took a knife out of her pocket and cut off her little finger, that was + just the size of the piece of wood she had lost, and put it in the door + and opened it. + </p> + <p> + As she went in, a little dwarf came up to her, and said, ‘What are you + seeking for?’ ‘I seek for my brothers, the seven ravens,’ answered she. + Then the dwarf said, ‘My masters are not at home; but if you will wait + till they come, pray step in.’ Now the little dwarf was getting their + dinner ready, and he brought their food upon seven little plates, and + their drink in seven little glasses, and set them upon the table, and out + of each little plate their sister ate a small piece, and out of each + little glass she drank a small drop; but she let the ring that she had + brought with her fall into the last glass. + </p> + <p> + On a sudden she heard a fluttering and croaking in the air, and the dwarf + said, ‘Here come my masters.’ When they came in, they wanted to eat and + drink, and looked for their little plates and glasses. Then said one after + the other, + </p> + <p> + ‘Who has eaten from my little plate? And who has been drinking out of my + little glass?’ + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Caw! Caw! well I ween + Mortal lips have this way been.’ +</pre> + <p> + When the seventh came to the bottom of his glass, and found there the + ring, he looked at it, and knew that it was his father’s and mother’s, and + said, ‘O that our little sister would but come! then we should be free.’ + When the little girl heard this (for she stood behind the door all the + time and listened), she ran forward, and in an instant all the ravens took + their right form again; and all hugged and kissed each other, and went + merrily home. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0058" id="link2H_4_0058"></a> + THE WEDDING OF MRS FOX + </h2> + <p> + FIRST STORY + </p> + <p> + There was once upon a time an old fox with nine tails, who believed that + his wife was not faithful to him, and wished to put her to the test. He + stretched himself out under the bench, did not move a limb, and behaved as + if he were stone dead. Mrs Fox went up to her room, shut herself in, and + her maid, Miss Cat, sat by the fire, and did the cooking. When it became + known that the old fox was dead, suitors presented themselves. The maid + heard someone standing at the house-door, knocking. She went and opened + it, and it was a young fox, who said: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘What may you be about, Miss Cat? + Do you sleep or do you wake?’ +</pre> + <p> + She answered: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘I am not sleeping, I am waking, + Would you know what I am making? + I am boiling warm beer with butter, + Will you be my guest for supper?’ +</pre> + <p> + ‘No, thank you, miss,’ said the fox, ‘what is Mrs Fox doing?’ The maid + replied: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘She is sitting in her room, + Moaning in her gloom, + Weeping her little eyes quite red, + Because old Mr Fox is dead.’ +</pre> + <p> + ‘Do just tell her, miss, that a young fox is here, who would like to woo + her.’ ‘Certainly, young sir.’ + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The cat goes up the stairs trip, trap, + The door she knocks at tap, tap, tap, + ‘Mistress Fox, are you inside?’ + ‘Oh, yes, my little cat,’ she cried. + ‘A wooer he stands at the door out there.’ + ‘What does he look like, my dear?’ +</pre> + <p> + ‘Has he nine as beautiful tails as the late Mr Fox?’ ‘Oh, no,’ answered + the cat, ‘he has only one.’ ‘Then I will not have him.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Cat went downstairs and sent the wooer away. Soon afterwards there + was another knock, and another fox was at the door who wished to woo Mrs + Fox. He had two tails, but he did not fare better than the first. After + this still more came, each with one tail more than the other, but they + were all turned away, until at last one came who had nine tails, like old + Mr Fox. When the widow heard that, she said joyfully to the cat: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Now open the gates and doors all wide, + And carry old Mr Fox outside.’ +</pre> + <p> + But just as the wedding was going to be solemnized, old Mr Fox stirred + under the bench, and cudgelled all the rabble, and drove them and Mrs Fox + out of the house. + </p> + <p> + SECOND STORY + </p> + <p> + When old Mr Fox was dead, the wolf came as a suitor, and knocked at the + door, and the cat who was servant to Mrs Fox, opened it for him. The wolf + greeted her, and said: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Good day, Mrs Cat of Kehrewit, + How comes it that alone you sit? + What are you making good?’ +</pre> + <p> + The cat replied: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘In milk I’m breaking bread so sweet, + Will you be my guest, and eat?’ +</pre> + <p> + ‘No, thank you, Mrs Cat,’ answered the wolf. ‘Is Mrs Fox not at home?’ + </p> + <p> + The cat said: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘She sits upstairs in her room, + Bewailing her sorrowful doom, + Bewailing her trouble so sore, + For old Mr Fox is no more.’ +</pre> + <p> + The wolf answered: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘If she’s in want of a husband now, + Then will it please her to step below?’ + The cat runs quickly up the stair, + And lets her tail fly here and there, + Until she comes to the parlour door. + With her five gold rings at the door she knocks: + ‘Are you within, good Mistress Fox? + If you’re in want of a husband now, + Then will it please you to step below? +</pre> + <p> + Mrs Fox asked: ‘Has the gentleman red stockings on, and has he a pointed + mouth?’ ‘No,’ answered the cat. ‘Then he won’t do for me.’ + </p> + <p> + When the wolf was gone, came a dog, a stag, a hare, a bear, a lion, and + all the beasts of the forest, one after the other. But one of the good + qualities which old Mr Fox had possessed, was always lacking, and the cat + had continually to send the suitors away. At length came a young fox. Then + Mrs Fox said: ‘Has the gentleman red stockings on, and has a little + pointed mouth?’ ‘Yes,’ said the cat, ‘he has.’ ‘Then let him come + upstairs,’ said Mrs Fox, and ordered the servant to prepare the wedding + feast. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Sweep me the room as clean as you can, + Up with the window, fling out my old man! + For many a fine fat mouse he brought, + Yet of his wife he never thought, + But ate up every one he caught.’ +</pre> + <p> + Then the wedding was solemnized with young Mr Fox, and there was much + rejoicing and dancing; and if they have not left off, they are dancing + still. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0059" id="link2H_4_0059"></a> + THE SALAD + </h2> + <p> + As a merry young huntsman was once going briskly along through a wood, + there came up a little old woman, and said to him, ‘Good day, good day; + you seem merry enough, but I am hungry and thirsty; do pray give me + something to eat.’ The huntsman took pity on her, and put his hand in his + pocket and gave her what he had. Then he wanted to go his way; but she + took hold of him, and said, ‘Listen, my friend, to what I am going to tell + you; I will reward you for your kindness; go your way, and after a little + time you will come to a tree where you will see nine birds sitting on a + cloak. Shoot into the midst of them, and one will fall down dead: the + cloak will fall too; take it, it is a wishing-cloak, and when you wear it + you will find yourself at any place where you may wish to be. Cut open the + dead bird, take out its heart and keep it, and you will find a piece of + gold under your pillow every morning when you rise. It is the bird’s heart + that will bring you this good luck.’ + </p> + <p> + The huntsman thanked her, and thought to himself, ‘If all this does + happen, it will be a fine thing for me.’ When he had gone a hundred steps + or so, he heard a screaming and chirping in the branches over him, and + looked up and saw a flock of birds pulling a cloak with their bills and + feet; screaming, fighting, and tugging at each other as if each wished to + have it himself. ‘Well,’ said the huntsman, ‘this is wonderful; this + happens just as the old woman said’; then he shot into the midst of them + so that their feathers flew all about. Off went the flock chattering away; + but one fell down dead, and the cloak with it. Then the huntsman did as + the old woman told him, cut open the bird, took out the heart, and carried + the cloak home with him. + </p> + <p> + The next morning when he awoke he lifted up his pillow, and there lay the + piece of gold glittering underneath; the same happened next day, and + indeed every day when he arose. He heaped up a great deal of gold, and at + last thought to himself, ‘Of what use is this gold to me whilst I am at + home? I will go out into the world and look about me.’ + </p> + <p> + Then he took leave of his friends, and hung his bag and bow about his + neck, and went his way. It so happened that his road one day led through a + thick wood, at the end of which was a large castle in a green meadow, and + at one of the windows stood an old woman with a very beautiful young lady + by her side looking about them. Now the old woman was a witch, and said to + the young lady, ‘There is a young man coming out of the wood who carries a + wonderful prize; we must get it away from him, my dear child, for it is + more fit for us than for him. He has a bird’s heart that brings a piece of + gold under his pillow every morning.’ Meantime the huntsman came nearer + and looked at the lady, and said to himself, ‘I have been travelling so + long that I should like to go into this castle and rest myself, for I have + money enough to pay for anything I want’; but the real reason was, that he + wanted to see more of the beautiful lady. Then he went into the house, and + was welcomed kindly; and it was not long before he was so much in love + that he thought of nothing else but looking at the lady’s eyes, and doing + everything that she wished. Then the old woman said, ‘Now is the time for + getting the bird’s heart.’ So the lady stole it away, and he never found + any more gold under his pillow, for it lay now under the young lady’s, and + the old woman took it away every morning; but he was so much in love that + he never missed his prize. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ said the old witch, ‘we have got the bird’s heart, but not the + wishing-cloak yet, and that we must also get.’ ‘Let us leave him that,’ + said the young lady; ‘he has already lost his wealth.’ Then the witch was + very angry, and said, ‘Such a cloak is a very rare and wonderful thing, + and I must and will have it.’ So she did as the old woman told her, and + set herself at the window, and looked about the country and seemed very + sorrowful; then the huntsman said, ‘What makes you so sad?’ ‘Alas! dear + sir,’ said she, ‘yonder lies the granite rock where all the costly + diamonds grow, and I want so much to go there, that whenever I think of it + I cannot help being sorrowful, for who can reach it? only the birds and + the flies—man cannot.’ ‘If that’s all your grief,’ said the + huntsman, ‘I’ll take you there with all my heart’; so he drew her under his + cloak, and the moment he wished to be on the granite mountain they were + both there. The diamonds glittered so on all sides that they were + delighted with the sight and picked up the finest. But the old witch made + a deep sleep come upon him, and he said to the young lady, ‘Let us sit + down and rest ourselves a little, I am so tired that I cannot stand any + longer.’ So they sat down, and he laid his head in her lap and fell + asleep; and whilst he was sleeping on she took the cloak from his + shoulders, hung it on her own, picked up the diamonds, and wished herself + home again. + </p> + <p> + When he awoke and found that his lady had tricked him, and left him alone + on the wild rock, he said, ‘Alas! what roguery there is in the world!’ and + there he sat in great grief and fear, not knowing what to do. Now this + rock belonged to fierce giants who lived upon it; and as he saw three of + them striding about, he thought to himself, ‘I can only save myself by + feigning to be asleep’; so he laid himself down as if he were in a sound + sleep. When the giants came up to him, the first pushed him with his foot, + and said, ‘What worm is this that lies here curled up?’ ‘Tread upon him + and kill him,’ said the second. ‘It’s not worth the trouble,’ said the + third; ‘let him live, he’ll go climbing higher up the mountain, and some + cloud will come rolling and carry him away.’ And they passed on. But the + huntsman had heard all they said; and as soon as they were gone, he + climbed to the top of the mountain, and when he had sat there a short time + a cloud came rolling around him, and caught him in a whirlwind and bore + him along for some time, till it settled in a garden, and he fell quite + gently to the ground amongst the greens and cabbages. + </p> + <p> + Then he looked around him, and said, ‘I wish I had something to eat, if + not I shall be worse off than before; for here I see neither apples nor + pears, nor any kind of fruits, nothing but vegetables.’ At last he thought + to himself, ‘I can eat salad, it will refresh and strengthen me.’ So he + picked out a fine head and ate of it; but scarcely had he swallowed two + bites when he felt himself quite changed, and saw with horror that he was + turned into an ass. However, he still felt very hungry, and the salad + tasted very nice; so he ate on till he came to another kind of salad, and + scarcely had he tasted it when he felt another change come over him, and + soon saw that he was lucky enough to have found his old shape again. + </p> + <p> + Then he laid himself down and slept off a little of his weariness; and + when he awoke the next morning he broke off a head both of the good and + the bad salad, and thought to himself, ‘This will help me to my fortune + again, and enable me to pay off some folks for their treachery.’ So he + went away to try and find the castle of his friends; and after wandering + about a few days he luckily found it. Then he stained his face all over + brown, so that even his mother would not have known him, and went into the + castle and asked for a lodging; ‘I am so tired,’ said he, ‘that I can go + no farther.’ ‘Countryman,’ said the witch, ‘who are you? and what is your + business?’ ‘I am,’ said he, ‘a messenger sent by the king to find the + finest salad that grows under the sun. I have been lucky enough to find + it, and have brought it with me; but the heat of the sun scorches so that + it begins to wither, and I don’t know that I can carry it farther.’ + </p> + <p> + When the witch and the young lady heard of his beautiful salad, they + longed to taste it, and said, ‘Dear countryman, let us just taste it.’ ‘To + be sure,’ answered he; ‘I have two heads of it with me, and will give you + one’; so he opened his bag and gave them the bad. Then the witch herself + took it into the kitchen to be dressed; and when it was ready she could + not wait till it was carried up, but took a few leaves immediately and put + them in her mouth, and scarcely were they swallowed when she lost her own + form and ran braying down into the court in the form of an ass. Now the + servant-maid came into the kitchen, and seeing the salad ready, was going + to carry it up; but on the way she too felt a wish to taste it as the old + woman had done, and ate some leaves; so she also was turned into an ass + and ran after the other, letting the dish with the salad fall on the + ground. The messenger sat all this time with the beautiful young lady, and + as nobody came with the salad and she longed to taste it, she said, ‘I + don’t know where the salad can be.’ Then he thought something must have + happened, and said, ‘I will go into the kitchen and see.’ And as he went + he saw two asses in the court running about, and the salad lying on the + ground. ‘All right!’ said he; ‘those two have had their share.’ Then he + took up the rest of the leaves, laid them on the dish and brought them to + the young lady, saying, ‘I bring you the dish myself that you may not wait + any longer.’ So she ate of it, and like the others ran off into the court + braying away. + </p> + <p> + Then the huntsman washed his face and went into the court that they might + know him. ‘Now you shall be paid for your roguery,’ said he; and tied them + all three to a rope and took them along with him till he came to a mill + and knocked at the window. ‘What’s the matter?’ said the miller. ‘I have + three tiresome beasts here,’ said the other; ‘if you will take them, give + them food and room, and treat them as I tell you, I will pay you whatever + you ask.’ ‘With all my heart,’ said the miller; ‘but how shall I treat + them?’ Then the huntsman said, ‘Give the old one stripes three times a day + and hay once; give the next (who was the servant-maid) stripes once a day + and hay three times; and give the youngest (who was the beautiful lady) + hay three times a day and no stripes’: for he could not find it in his + heart to have her beaten. After this he went back to the castle, where he + found everything he wanted. + </p> + <p> + Some days after, the miller came to him and told him that the old ass was + dead; ‘The other two,’ said he, ‘are alive and eat, but are so sorrowful + that they cannot last long.’ Then the huntsman pitied them, and told the + miller to drive them back to him, and when they came, he gave them some of + the good salad to eat. And the beautiful young lady fell upon her knees + before him, and said, ‘O dearest huntsman! forgive me all the ill I have + done you; my mother forced me to it, it was against my will, for I always + loved you very much. Your wishing-cloak hangs up in the closet, and as for + the bird’s heart, I will give it you too.’ But he said, ‘Keep it, it will + be just the same thing, for I mean to make you my wife.’ So they were + married, and lived together very happily till they died. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0060" id="link2H_4_0060"></a> + THE STORY OF THE YOUTH WHO WENT FORTH TO LEARN WHAT FEAR WAS + </h2> + <p> + A certain father had two sons, the elder of who was smart and sensible, + and could do everything, but the younger was stupid and could neither + learn nor understand anything, and when people saw him they said: ‘There’s + a fellow who will give his father some trouble!’ When anything had to be + done, it was always the elder who was forced to do it; but if his father + bade him fetch anything when it was late, or in the night-time, and the + way led through the churchyard, or any other dismal place, he answered: + ‘Oh, no father, I’ll not go there, it makes me shudder!’ for he was + afraid. Or when stories were told by the fire at night which made the + flesh creep, the listeners sometimes said: ‘Oh, it makes us shudder!’ The + younger sat in a corner and listened with the rest of them, and could not + imagine what they could mean. ‘They are always saying: “It makes me + shudder, it makes me shudder!” It does not make me shudder,’ thought he. + ‘That, too, must be an art of which I understand nothing!’ + </p> + <p> + Now it came to pass that his father said to him one day: ‘Hearken to me, + you fellow in the corner there, you are growing tall and strong, and you + too must learn something by which you can earn your bread. Look how your + brother works, but you do not even earn your salt.’ ‘Well, father,’ he + replied, ‘I am quite willing to learn something—indeed, if it could + but be managed, I should like to learn how to shudder. I don’t understand + that at all yet.’ The elder brother smiled when he heard that, and thought + to himself: ‘Goodness, what a blockhead that brother of mine is! He will + never be good for anything as long as he lives! He who wants to be a + sickle must bend himself betimes.’ + </p> + <p> + The father sighed, and answered him: ‘You shall soon learn what it is to + shudder, but you will not earn your bread by that.’ + </p> + <p> + Soon after this the sexton came to the house on a visit, and the father + bewailed his trouble, and told him how his younger son was so backward in + every respect that he knew nothing and learnt nothing. ‘Just think,’ said + he, ‘when I asked him how he was going to earn his bread, he actually + wanted to learn to shudder.’ ‘If that be all,’ replied the sexton, ‘he can + learn that with me. Send him to me, and I will soon polish him.’ The + father was glad to do it, for he thought: ‘It will train the boy a + little.’ The sexton therefore took him into his house, and he had to ring + the church bell. After a day or two, the sexton awoke him at midnight, and + bade him arise and go up into the church tower and ring the bell. ‘You + shall soon learn what shuddering is,’ thought he, and secretly went there + before him; and when the boy was at the top of the tower and turned round, + and was just going to take hold of the bell rope, he saw a white figure + standing on the stairs opposite the sounding hole. ‘Who is there?’ cried + he, but the figure made no reply, and did not move or stir. ‘Give an + answer,’ cried the boy, ‘or take yourself off, you have no business here + at night.’ + </p> + <p> + The sexton, however, remained standing motionless that the boy might think + he was a ghost. The boy cried a second time: ‘What do you want here?—speak + if you are an honest fellow, or I will throw you down the steps!’ The + sexton thought: ‘He can’t mean to be as bad as his words,’ uttered no + sound and stood as if he were made of stone. Then the boy called to him + for the third time, and as that was also to no purpose, he ran against him + and pushed the ghost down the stairs, so that it fell down the ten steps + and remained lying there in a corner. Thereupon he rang the bell, went + home, and without saying a word went to bed, and fell asleep. The sexton’s + wife waited a long time for her husband, but he did not come back. At + length she became uneasy, and wakened the boy, and asked: ‘Do you know + where my husband is? He climbed up the tower before you did.’ ‘No, I don’t + know,’ replied the boy, ‘but someone was standing by the sounding hole on + the other side of the steps, and as he would neither give an answer nor go + away, I took him for a scoundrel, and threw him downstairs. Just go there + and you will see if it was he. I should be sorry if it were.’ The woman + ran away and found her husband, who was lying moaning in the corner, and + had broken his leg. + </p> + <p> + She carried him down, and then with loud screams she hastened to the boy’s + father, ‘Your boy,’ cried she, ‘has been the cause of a great misfortune! + He has thrown my husband down the steps so that he broke his leg. Take the + good-for-nothing fellow out of our house.’ The father was terrified, and + ran thither and scolded the boy. ‘What wicked tricks are these?’ said he. + ‘The devil must have put them into your head.’ ‘Father,’ he replied, ‘do + listen to me. I am quite innocent. He was standing there by night like one + intent on doing evil. I did not know who it was, and I entreated him three + times either to speak or to go away.’ ‘Ah,’ said the father, ‘I have + nothing but unhappiness with you. Go out of my sight. I will see you no + more.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, father, right willingly, wait only until it is day. Then will I go + forth and learn how to shudder, and then I shall, at any rate, understand + one art which will support me.’ ‘Learn what you will,’ spoke the father, + ‘it is all the same to me. Here are fifty talers for you. Take these and + go into the wide world, and tell no one from whence you come, and who is + your father, for I have reason to be ashamed of you.’ ‘Yes, father, it + shall be as you will. If you desire nothing more than that, I can easily + keep it in mind.’ + </p> + <p> + When the day dawned, therefore, the boy put his fifty talers into his + pocket, and went forth on the great highway, and continually said to + himself: ‘If I could but shudder! If I could but shudder!’ Then a man + approached who heard this conversation which the youth was holding with + himself, and when they had walked a little farther to where they could see + the gallows, the man said to him: ‘Look, there is the tree where seven men + have married the ropemaker’s daughter, and are now learning how to fly. + Sit down beneath it, and wait till night comes, and you will soon learn + how to shudder.’ ‘If that is all that is wanted,’ answered the youth, ‘it + is easily done; but if I learn how to shudder as fast as that, you shall + have my fifty talers. Just come back to me early in the morning.’ Then the + youth went to the gallows, sat down beneath it, and waited till evening + came. And as he was cold, he lighted himself a fire, but at midnight the + wind blew so sharply that in spite of his fire, he could not get warm. And + as the wind knocked the hanged men against each other, and they moved + backwards and forwards, he thought to himself: ‘If you shiver below by the + fire, how those up above must freeze and suffer!’ And as he felt pity for + them, he raised the ladder, and climbed up, unbound one of them after the + other, and brought down all seven. Then he stoked the fire, blew it, and + set them all round it to warm themselves. But they sat there and did not + stir, and the fire caught their clothes. So he said: ‘Take care, or I will + hang you up again.’ The dead men, however, did not hear, but were quite + silent, and let their rags go on burning. At this he grew angry, and said: + ‘If you will not take care, I cannot help you, I will not be burnt with + you,’ and he hung them up again each in his turn. Then he sat down by his + fire and fell asleep, and the next morning the man came to him and wanted + to have the fifty talers, and said: ‘Well do you know how to shudder?’ + ‘No,’ answered he, ‘how should I know? Those fellows up there did not open + their mouths, and were so stupid that they let the few old rags which they + had on their bodies get burnt.’ Then the man saw that he would not get the + fifty talers that day, and went away saying: ‘Such a youth has never come + my way before.’ + </p> + <p> + The youth likewise went his way, and once more began to mutter to himself: + ‘Ah, if I could but shudder! Ah, if I could but shudder!’ A waggoner who + was striding behind him heard this and asked: ‘Who are you?’ ‘I don’t + know,’ answered the youth. Then the waggoner asked: ‘From whence do you + come?’ ‘I know not.’ ‘Who is your father?’ ‘That I may not tell you.’ + ‘What is it that you are always muttering between your teeth?’ ‘Ah,’ + replied the youth, ‘I do so wish I could shudder, but no one can teach me + how.’ ‘Enough of your foolish chatter,’ said the waggoner. ‘Come, go with + me, I will see about a place for you.’ The youth went with the waggoner, + and in the evening they arrived at an inn where they wished to pass the + night. Then at the entrance of the parlour the youth again said quite + loudly: ‘If I could but shudder! If I could but shudder!’ The host who + heard this, laughed and said: ‘If that is your desire, there ought to be a + good opportunity for you here.’ ‘Ah, be silent,’ said the hostess, ‘so + many prying persons have already lost their lives, it would be a pity and + a shame if such beautiful eyes as these should never see the daylight + again.’ + </p> + <p> + But the youth said: ‘However difficult it may be, I will learn it. For + this purpose indeed have I journeyed forth.’ He let the host have no rest, + until the latter told him, that not far from thence stood a haunted castle + where anyone could very easily learn what shuddering was, if he would but + watch in it for three nights. The king had promised that he who would + venture should have his daughter to wife, and she was the most beautiful + maiden the sun shone on. Likewise in the castle lay great treasures, which + were guarded by evil spirits, and these treasures would then be freed, and + would make a poor man rich enough. Already many men had gone into the + castle, but as yet none had come out again. Then the youth went next + morning to the king, and said: ‘If it be allowed, I will willingly watch + three nights in the haunted castle.’ + </p> + <p> + The king looked at him, and as the youth pleased him, he said: ‘You may + ask for three things to take into the castle with you, but they must be + things without life.’ Then he answered: ‘Then I ask for a fire, a turning + lathe, and a cutting-board with the knife.’ + </p> + <p> + The king had these things carried into the castle for him during the day. + When night was drawing near, the youth went up and made himself a bright + fire in one of the rooms, placed the cutting-board and knife beside it, + and seated himself by the turning-lathe. ‘Ah, if I could but shudder!’ + said he, ‘but I shall not learn it here either.’ Towards midnight he was + about to poke his fire, and as he was blowing it, something cried suddenly + from one corner: ‘Au, miau! how cold we are!’ ‘You fools!’ cried he, ‘what + are you crying about? If you are cold, come and take a seat by the fire + and warm yourselves.’ And when he had said that, two great black cats came + with one tremendous leap and sat down on each side of him, and looked + savagely at him with their fiery eyes. After a short time, when they had + warmed themselves, they said: ‘Comrade, shall we have a game of cards?’ + ‘Why not?’ he replied, ‘but just show me your paws.’ Then they stretched + out their claws. ‘Oh,’ said he, ‘what long nails you have! Wait, I must + first cut them for you.’ Thereupon he seized them by the throats, put them + on the cutting-board and screwed their feet fast. ‘I have looked at your + fingers,’ said he, ‘and my fancy for card-playing has gone,’ and he struck + them dead and threw them out into the water. But when he had made away + with these two, and was about to sit down again by his fire, out from + every hole and corner came black cats and black dogs with red-hot chains, + and more and more of them came until he could no longer move, and they + yelled horribly, and got on his fire, pulled it to pieces, and tried to + put it out. He watched them for a while quietly, but at last when they + were going too far, he seized his cutting-knife, and cried: ‘Away with + you, vermin,’ and began to cut them down. Some of them ran away, the + others he killed, and threw out into the fish-pond. When he came back he + fanned the embers of his fire again and warmed himself. And as he thus + sat, his eyes would keep open no longer, and he felt a desire to sleep. + Then he looked round and saw a great bed in the corner. ‘That is the very + thing for me,’ said he, and got into it. When he was just going to shut + his eyes, however, the bed began to move of its own accord, and went over + the whole of the castle. ‘That’s right,’ said he, ‘but go faster.’ Then + the bed rolled on as if six horses were harnessed to it, up and down, over + thresholds and stairs, but suddenly hop, hop, it turned over upside down, + and lay on him like a mountain. But he threw quilts and pillows up in the + air, got out and said: ‘Now anyone who likes, may drive,’ and lay down by + his fire, and slept till it was day. In the morning the king came, and + when he saw him lying there on the ground, he thought the evil spirits had + killed him and he was dead. Then said he: ‘After all it is a pity,—for + so handsome a man.’ The youth heard it, got up, and said: ‘It has not come + to that yet.’ Then the king was astonished, but very glad, and asked how + he had fared. ‘Very well indeed,’ answered he; ‘one night is past, the two + others will pass likewise.’ Then he went to the innkeeper, who opened his + eyes very wide, and said: ‘I never expected to see you alive again! Have + you learnt how to shudder yet?’ ‘No,’ said he, ‘it is all in vain. If + someone would but tell me!’ + </p> + <p> + The second night he again went up into the old castle, sat down by the + fire, and once more began his old song: ‘If I could but shudder!’ When + midnight came, an uproar and noise of tumbling about was heard; at first + it was low, but it grew louder and louder. Then it was quiet for a while, + and at length with a loud scream, half a man came down the chimney and + fell before him. ‘Hullo!’ cried he, ‘another half belongs to this. This is + not enough!’ Then the uproar began again, there was a roaring and howling, + and the other half fell down likewise. ‘Wait,’ said he, ‘I will just stoke + up the fire a little for you.’ When he had done that and looked round + again, the two pieces were joined together, and a hideous man was sitting + in his place. ‘That is no part of our bargain,’ said the youth, ‘the bench + is mine.’ The man wanted to push him away; the youth, however, would not + allow that, but thrust him off with all his strength, and seated himself + again in his own place. Then still more men fell down, one after the + other; they brought nine dead men’s legs and two skulls, and set them up + and played at nine-pins with them. The youth also wanted to play and said: + ‘Listen you, can I join you?’ ‘Yes, if you have any money.’ ‘Money + enough,’ replied he, ‘but your balls are not quite round.’ Then he took + the skulls and put them in the lathe and turned them till they were round. + ‘There, now they will roll better!’ said he. ‘Hurrah! now we’ll have fun!’ + He played with them and lost some of his money, but when it struck twelve, + everything vanished from his sight. He lay down and quietly fell asleep. + Next morning the king came to inquire after him. ‘How has it fared with + you this time?’ asked he. ‘I have been playing at nine-pins,’ he answered, + ‘and have lost a couple of farthings.’ ‘Have you not shuddered then?’ + ‘What?’ said he, ‘I have had a wonderful time! If I did but know what it + was to shudder!’ + </p> + <p> + The third night he sat down again on his bench and said quite sadly: ‘If I + could but shudder.’ When it grew late, six tall men came in and brought a + coffin. Then he said: ‘Ha, ha, that is certainly my little cousin, who + died only a few days ago,’ and he beckoned with his finger, and cried: + ‘Come, little cousin, come.’ They placed the coffin on the ground, but he + went to it and took the lid off, and a dead man lay therein. He felt his + face, but it was cold as ice. ‘Wait,’ said he, ‘I will warm you a little,’ + and went to the fire and warmed his hand and laid it on the dead man’s + face, but he remained cold. Then he took him out, and sat down by the fire + and laid him on his breast and rubbed his arms that the blood might + circulate again. As this also did no good, he thought to himself: ‘When + two people lie in bed together, they warm each other,’ and carried him to + the bed, covered him over and lay down by him. After a short time the dead + man became warm too, and began to move. Then said the youth, ‘See, little + cousin, have I not warmed you?’ The dead man, however, got up and cried: + ‘Now will I strangle you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What!’ said he, ‘is that the way you thank me? You shall at once go into + your coffin again,’ and he took him up, threw him into it, and shut the + lid. Then came the six men and carried him away again. ‘I cannot manage to + shudder,’ said he. ‘I shall never learn it here as long as I live.’ + </p> + <p> + Then a man entered who was taller than all others, and looked terrible. He + was old, however, and had a long white beard. ‘You wretch,’ cried he, ‘you + shall soon learn what it is to shudder, for you shall die.’ ‘Not so fast,’ + replied the youth. ‘If I am to die, I shall have to have a say in it.’ ‘I + will soon seize you,’ said the fiend. ‘Softly, softly, do not talk so big. + I am as strong as you are, and perhaps even stronger.’ ‘We shall see,’ + said the old man. ‘If you are stronger, I will let you go—come, we + will try.’ Then he led him by dark passages to a smith’s forge, took an + axe, and with one blow struck an anvil into the ground. ‘I can do better + than that,’ said the youth, and went to the other anvil. The old man + placed himself near and wanted to look on, and his white beard hung down. + Then the youth seized the axe, split the anvil with one blow, and in it + caught the old man’s beard. ‘Now I have you,’ said the youth. ‘Now it is + your turn to die.’ Then he seized an iron bar and beat the old man till he + moaned and entreated him to stop, when he would give him great riches. The + youth drew out the axe and let him go. The old man led him back into the + castle, and in a cellar showed him three chests full of gold. ‘Of these,’ + said he, ‘one part is for the poor, the other for the king, the third + yours.’ In the meantime it struck twelve, and the spirit disappeared, so + that the youth stood in darkness. ‘I shall still be able to find my way + out,’ said he, and felt about, found the way into the room, and slept + there by his fire. Next morning the king came and said: ‘Now you must have + learnt what shuddering is?’ ‘No,’ he answered; ‘what can it be? My dead + cousin was here, and a bearded man came and showed me a great deal of + money down below, but no one told me what it was to shudder.’ ‘Then,’ said + the king, ‘you have saved the castle, and shall marry my daughter.’ ‘That + is all very well,’ said he, ‘but still I do not know what it is to + shudder!’ + </p> + <p> + Then the gold was brought up and the wedding celebrated; but howsoever + much the young king loved his wife, and however happy he was, he still + said always: ‘If I could but shudder—if I could but shudder.’ And + this at last angered her. Her waiting-maid said: ‘I will find a cure for + him; he shall soon learn what it is to shudder.’ She went out to the + stream which flowed through the garden, and had a whole bucketful of + gudgeons brought to her. At night when the young king was sleeping, his + wife was to draw the clothes off him and empty the bucket full of cold + water with the gudgeons in it over him, so that the little fishes would + sprawl about him. Then he woke up and cried: ‘Oh, what makes me shudder + so?—what makes me shudder so, dear wife? Ah! now I know what it is + to shudder!’ + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0061" id="link2H_4_0061"></a> + KING GRISLY-BEARD + </h2> + <p> + A great king of a land far away in the East had a daughter who was very + beautiful, but so proud, and haughty, and conceited, that none of the + princes who came to ask her in marriage was good enough for her, and she + only made sport of them. + </p> + <p> + Once upon a time the king held a great feast, and asked thither all her + suitors; and they all sat in a row, ranged according to their rank—kings, + and princes, and dukes, and earls, and counts, and barons, and knights. + Then the princess came in, and as she passed by them she had something + spiteful to say to every one. The first was too fat: ‘He’s as round as a + tub,’ said she. The next was too tall: ‘What a maypole!’ said she. The + next was too short: ‘What a dumpling!’ said she. The fourth was too pale, + and she called him ‘Wallface.’ The fifth was too red, so she called him + ‘Coxcomb.’ The sixth was not straight enough; so she said he was like a + green stick, that had been laid to dry over a baker’s oven. And thus she + had some joke to crack upon every one: but she laughed more than all at a + good king who was there. ‘Look at him,’ said she; ‘his beard is like an + old mop; he shall be called Grisly-beard.’ So the king got the nickname of + Grisly-beard. + </p> + <p> + But the old king was very angry when he saw how his daughter behaved, and + how she ill-treated all his guests; and he vowed that, willing or + unwilling, she should marry the first man, be he prince or beggar, that + came to the door. + </p> + <p> + Two days after there came by a travelling fiddler, who began to play under + the window and beg alms; and when the king heard him, he said, ‘Let him + come in.’ So they brought in a dirty-looking fellow; and when he had sung + before the king and the princess, he begged a boon. Then the king said, + ‘You have sung so well, that I will give you my daughter for your wife.’ + The princess begged and prayed; but the king said, ‘I have sworn to give + you to the first comer, and I will keep my word.’ So words and tears were + of no avail; the parson was sent for, and she was married to the fiddler. + When this was over the king said, ‘Now get ready to go—you must not + stay here—you must travel on with your husband.’ + </p> + <p> + Then the fiddler went his way, and took her with him, and they soon came + to a great wood. ‘Pray,’ said she, ‘whose is this wood?’ ‘It belongs to + King Grisly-beard,’ answered he; ‘hadst thou taken him, all had been + thine.’ ‘Ah! unlucky wretch that I am!’ sighed she; ‘would that I had + married King Grisly-beard!’ Next they came to some fine meadows. ‘Whose + are these beautiful green meadows?’ said she. ‘They belong to King + Grisly-beard, hadst thou taken him, they had all been thine.’ ‘Ah! unlucky + wretch that I am!’ said she; ‘would that I had married King Grisly-beard!’ + </p> + <p> + Then they came to a great city. ‘Whose is this noble city?’ said she. ‘It + belongs to King Grisly-beard; hadst thou taken him, it had all been + thine.’ ‘Ah! wretch that I am!’ sighed she; ‘why did I not marry King + Grisly-beard?’ ‘That is no business of mine,’ said the fiddler: ‘why + should you wish for another husband? Am not I good enough for you?’ + </p> + <p> + At last they came to a small cottage. ‘What a paltry place!’ said she; ‘to + whom does that little dirty hole belong?’ Then the fiddler said, ‘That is + your and my house, where we are to live.’ ‘Where are your servants?’ cried + she. ‘What do we want with servants?’ said he; ‘you must do for yourself + whatever is to be done. Now make the fire, and put on water and cook my + supper, for I am very tired.’ But the princess knew nothing of making + fires and cooking, and the fiddler was forced to help her. When they had + eaten a very scanty meal they went to bed; but the fiddler called her up + very early in the morning to clean the house. Thus they lived for two + days: and when they had eaten up all there was in the cottage, the man + said, ‘Wife, we can’t go on thus, spending money and earning nothing. You + must learn to weave baskets.’ Then he went out and cut willows, and + brought them home, and she began to weave; but it made her fingers very + sore. ‘I see this work won’t do,’ said he: ‘try and spin; perhaps you will + do that better.’ So she sat down and tried to spin; but the threads cut + her tender fingers till the blood ran. ‘See now,’ said the fiddler, ‘you + are good for nothing; you can do no work: what a bargain I have got! + However, I’ll try and set up a trade in pots and pans, and you shall stand + in the market and sell them.’ ‘Alas!’ sighed she, ‘if any of my father’s + court should pass by and see me standing in the market, how they will + laugh at me!’ + </p> + <p> + But her husband did not care for that, and said she must work, if she did + not wish to die of hunger. At first the trade went well; for many people, + seeing such a beautiful woman, went to buy her wares, and paid their money + without thinking of taking away the goods. They lived on this as long as + it lasted; and then her husband bought a fresh lot of ware, and she sat + herself down with it in the corner of the market; but a drunken soldier + soon came by, and rode his horse against her stall, and broke all her + goods into a thousand pieces. Then she began to cry, and knew not what to + do. ‘Ah! what will become of me?’ said she; ‘what will my husband say?’ So + she ran home and told him all. ‘Who would have thought you would have been + so silly,’ said he, ‘as to put an earthenware stall in the corner of the + market, where everybody passes? but let us have no more crying; I see you + are not fit for this sort of work, so I have been to the king’s palace, + and asked if they did not want a kitchen-maid; and they say they will take + you, and there you will have plenty to eat.’ + </p> + <p> + Thus the princess became a kitchen-maid, and helped the cook to do all the + dirtiest work; but she was allowed to carry home some of the meat that was + left, and on this they lived. + </p> + <p> + She had not been there long before she heard that the king’s eldest son + was passing by, going to be married; and she went to one of the windows + and looked out. Everything was ready, and all the pomp and brightness of + the court was there. Then she bitterly grieved for the pride and folly + which had brought her so low. And the servants gave her some of the rich + meats, which she put into her basket to take home. + </p> + <p> + All on a sudden, as she was going out, in came the king’s son in golden + clothes; and when he saw a beautiful woman at the door, he took her by the + hand, and said she should be his partner in the dance; but she trembled + for fear, for she saw that it was King Grisly-beard, who was making sport + of her. However, he kept fast hold, and led her in; and the cover of the + basket came off, so that the meats in it fell about. Then everybody + laughed and jeered at her; and she was so abashed, that she wished herself + a thousand feet deep in the earth. She sprang to the door to run away; but + on the steps King Grisly-beard overtook her, and brought her back and + said, ‘Fear me not! I am the fiddler who has lived with you in the hut. I + brought you there because I really loved you. I am also the soldier that + overset your stall. I have done all this only to cure you of your silly + pride, and to show you the folly of your ill-treatment of me. Now all is + over: you have learnt wisdom, and it is time to hold our marriage feast.’ + </p> + <p> + Then the chamberlains came and brought her the most beautiful robes; and + her father and his whole court were there already, and welcomed her home + on her marriage. Joy was in every face and every heart. The feast was + grand; they danced and sang; all were merry; and I only wish that you and + I had been of the party. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0062" id="link2H_4_0062"></a> + IRON HANS + </h2> + <p> + There was once upon a time a king who had a great forest near his palace, + full of all kinds of wild animals. One day he sent out a huntsman to shoot + him a roe, but he did not come back. ‘Perhaps some accident has befallen + him,’ said the king, and the next day he sent out two more huntsmen who + were to search for him, but they too stayed away. Then on the third day, + he sent for all his huntsmen, and said: ‘Scour the whole forest through, + and do not give up until you have found all three.’ But of these also, + none came home again, none were seen again. From that time forth, no one + would any longer venture into the forest, and it lay there in deep + stillness and solitude, and nothing was seen of it, but sometimes an eagle + or a hawk flying over it. This lasted for many years, when an unknown + huntsman announced himself to the king as seeking a situation, and offered + to go into the dangerous forest. The king, however, would not give his + consent, and said: ‘It is not safe in there; I fear it would fare with you + no better than with the others, and you would never come out again.’ The + huntsman replied: ‘Lord, I will venture it at my own risk, of fear I know + nothing.’ + </p> + <p> + The huntsman therefore betook himself with his dog to the forest. It was + not long before the dog fell in with some game on the way, and wanted to + pursue it; but hardly had the dog run two steps when it stood before a + deep pool, could go no farther, and a naked arm stretched itself out of + the water, seized it, and drew it under. When the huntsman saw that, he + went back and fetched three men to come with buckets and bale out the + water. When they could see to the bottom there lay a wild man whose body + was brown like rusty iron, and whose hair hung over his face down to his + knees. They bound him with cords, and led him away to the castle. There + was great astonishment over the wild man; the king, however, had him put + in an iron cage in his courtyard, and forbade the door to be opened on + pain of death, and the queen herself was to take the key into her keeping. + And from this time forth everyone could again go into the forest with + safety. + </p> + <p> + The king had a son of eight years, who was once playing in the courtyard, + and while he was playing, his golden ball fell into the cage. The boy ran + thither and said: ‘Give me my ball out.’ ‘Not till you have opened the + door for me,’ answered the man. ‘No,’ said the boy, ‘I will not do that; + the king has forbidden it,’ and ran away. The next day he again went and + asked for his ball; the wild man said: ‘Open my door,’ but the boy would + not. On the third day the king had ridden out hunting, and the boy went + once more and said: ‘I cannot open the door even if I wished, for I have + not the key.’ Then the wild man said: ‘It lies under your mother’s pillow, + you can get it there.’ The boy, who wanted to have his ball back, cast all + thought to the winds, and brought the key. The door opened with + difficulty, and the boy pinched his fingers. When it was open the wild man + stepped out, gave him the golden ball, and hurried away. The boy had + become afraid; he called and cried after him: ‘Oh, wild man, do not go + away, or I shall be beaten!’ The wild man turned back, took him up, set + him on his shoulder, and went with hasty steps into the forest. When the + king came home, he observed the empty cage, and asked the queen how that + had happened. She knew nothing about it, and sought the key, but it was + gone. She called the boy, but no one answered. The king sent out people to + seek for him in the fields, but they did not find him. Then he could + easily guess what had happened, and much grief reigned in the royal court. + </p> + <p> + When the wild man had once more reached the dark forest, he took the boy + down from his shoulder, and said to him: ‘You will never see your father + and mother again, but I will keep you with me, for you have set me free, + and I have compassion on you. If you do all I bid you, you shall fare + well. Of treasure and gold have I enough, and more than anyone in the + world.’ He made a bed of moss for the boy on which he slept, and the next + morning the man took him to a well, and said: ‘Behold, the gold well is as + bright and clear as crystal, you shall sit beside it, and take care that + nothing falls into it, or it will be polluted. I will come every evening + to see if you have obeyed my order.’ The boy placed himself by the brink + of the well, and often saw a golden fish or a golden snake show itself + therein, and took care that nothing fell in. As he was thus sitting, his + finger hurt him so violently that he involuntarily put it in the water. He + drew it quickly out again, but saw that it was quite gilded, and + whatsoever pains he took to wash the gold off again, all was to no + purpose. In the evening Iron Hans came back, looked at the boy, and said: + ‘What has happened to the well?’ ‘Nothing nothing,’ he answered, and held + his finger behind his back, that the man might not see it. But he said: + ‘You have dipped your finger into the water, this time it may pass, but + take care you do not again let anything go in.’ By daybreak the boy was + already sitting by the well and watching it. His finger hurt him again and + he passed it over his head, and then unhappily a hair fell down into the + well. He took it quickly out, but it was already quite gilded. Iron Hans + came, and already knew what had happened. ‘You have let a hair fall into + the well,’ said he. ‘I will allow you to watch by it once more, but if + this happens for the third time then the well is polluted and you can no + longer remain with me.’ + </p> + <p> + On the third day, the boy sat by the well, and did not stir his finger, + however much it hurt him. But the time was long to him, and he looked at + the reflection of his face on the surface of the water. And as he still + bent down more and more while he was doing so, and trying to look straight + into the eyes, his long hair fell down from his shoulders into the water. + He raised himself up quickly, but the whole of the hair of his head was + already golden and shone like the sun. You can imagine how terrified the + poor boy was! He took his pocket-handkerchief and tied it round his head, + in order that the man might not see it. When he came he already knew + everything, and said: ‘Take the handkerchief off.’ Then the golden hair + streamed forth, and let the boy excuse himself as he might, it was of no + use. ‘You have not stood the trial and can stay here no longer. Go forth + into the world, there you will learn what poverty is. But as you have not + a bad heart, and as I mean well by you, there is one thing I will grant + you; if you fall into any difficulty, come to the forest and cry: “Iron + Hans,” and then I will come and help you. My power is great, greater than + you think, and I have gold and silver in abundance.’ + </p> + <p> + Then the king’s son left the forest, and walked by beaten and unbeaten + paths ever onwards until at length he reached a great city. There he + looked for work, but could find none, and he learnt nothing by which he + could help himself. At length he went to the palace, and asked if they + would take him in. The people about court did not at all know what use + they could make of him, but they liked him, and told him to stay. At + length the cook took him into his service, and said he might carry wood + and water, and rake the cinders together. Once when it so happened that no + one else was at hand, the cook ordered him to carry the food to the royal + table, but as he did not like to let his golden hair be seen, he kept his + little cap on. Such a thing as that had never yet come under the king’s + notice, and he said: ‘When you come to the royal table you must take your + hat off.’ He answered: ‘Ah, Lord, I cannot; I have a bad sore place on my + head.’ Then the king had the cook called before him and scolded him, and + asked how he could take such a boy as that into his service; and that he + was to send him away at once. The cook, however, had pity on him, and + exchanged him for the gardener’s boy. + </p> + <p> + And now the boy had to plant and water the garden, hoe and dig, and bear + the wind and bad weather. Once in summer when he was working alone in the + garden, the day was so warm he took his little cap off that the air might + cool him. As the sun shone on his hair it glittered and flashed so that + the rays fell into the bedroom of the king’s daughter, and up she sprang + to see what that could be. Then she saw the boy, and cried to him: ‘Boy, + bring me a wreath of flowers.’ He put his cap on with all haste, and + gathered wild field-flowers and bound them together. When he was ascending + the stairs with them, the gardener met him, and said: ‘How can you take + the king’s daughter a garland of such common flowers? Go quickly, and get + another, and seek out the prettiest and rarest.’ ‘Oh, no,’ replied the + boy, ‘the wild ones have more scent, and will please her better.’ When he + got into the room, the king’s daughter said: ‘Take your cap off, it is not + seemly to keep it on in my presence.’ He again said: ‘I may not, I have a + sore head.’ She, however, caught at his cap and pulled it off, and then + his golden hair rolled down on his shoulders, and it was splendid to + behold. He wanted to run out, but she held him by the arm, and gave him a + handful of ducats. With these he departed, but he cared nothing for the + gold pieces. He took them to the gardener, and said: ‘I present them to + your children, they can play with them.’ The following day the king’s + daughter again called to him that he was to bring her a wreath of + field-flowers, and then he went in with it, she instantly snatched at his + cap, and wanted to take it away from him, but he held it fast with both + hands. She again gave him a handful of ducats, but he would not keep them, + and gave them to the gardener for playthings for his children. On the + third day things went just the same; she could not get his cap away from + him, and he would not have her money. + </p> + <p> + Not long afterwards, the country was overrun by war. The king gathered + together his people, and did not know whether or not he could offer any + opposition to the enemy, who was superior in strength and had a mighty + army. Then said the gardener’s boy: ‘I am grown up, and will go to the + wars also, only give me a horse.’ The others laughed, and said: ‘Seek one + for yourself when we are gone, we will leave one behind us in the stable + for you.’ When they had gone forth, he went into the stable, and led the + horse out; it was lame of one foot, and limped hobblety jib, hobblety jib; + nevertheless he mounted it, and rode away to the dark forest. When he came + to the outskirts, he called ‘Iron Hans’ three times so loudly that it + echoed through the trees. Thereupon the wild man appeared immediately, and + said: ‘What do you desire?’ ‘I want a strong steed, for I am going to the + wars.’ ‘That you shall have, and still more than you ask for.’ Then the + wild man went back into the forest, and it was not long before a + stable-boy came out of it, who led a horse that snorted with its nostrils, + and could hardly be restrained, and behind them followed a great troop of + warriors entirely equipped in iron, and their swords flashed in the sun. + The youth made over his three-legged horse to the stable-boy, mounted the + other, and rode at the head of the soldiers. When he got near the + battlefield a great part of the king’s men had already fallen, and little + was wanting to make the rest give way. Then the youth galloped thither + with his iron soldiers, broke like a hurricane over the enemy, and beat + down all who opposed him. They began to flee, but the youth pursued, and + never stopped, until there was not a single man left. Instead of returning + to the king, however, he conducted his troop by byways back to the forest, + and called forth Iron Hans. ‘What do you desire?’ asked the wild man. + ‘Take back your horse and your troops, and give me my three-legged horse + again.’ All that he asked was done, and soon he was riding on his + three-legged horse. When the king returned to his palace, his daughter + went to meet him, and wished him joy of his victory. ‘I am not the one who + carried away the victory,’ said he, ‘but a strange knight who came to my + assistance with his soldiers.’ The daughter wanted to hear who the strange + knight was, but the king did not know, and said: ‘He followed the enemy, + and I did not see him again.’ She inquired of the gardener where his boy + was, but he smiled, and said: ‘He has just come home on his three-legged + horse, and the others have been mocking him, and crying: “Here comes our + hobblety jib back again!” They asked, too: “Under what hedge have you been + lying sleeping all the time?” So he said: “I did the best of all, and it + would have gone badly without me.” And then he was still more ridiculed.’ + </p> + <p> + The king said to his daughter: ‘I will proclaim a great feast that shall + last for three days, and you shall throw a golden apple. Perhaps the + unknown man will show himself.’ When the feast was announced, the youth + went out to the forest, and called Iron Hans. ‘What do you desire?’ asked + he. ‘That I may catch the king’s daughter’s golden apple.’ ‘It is as safe + as if you had it already,’ said Iron Hans. ‘You shall likewise have a suit + of red armour for the occasion, and ride on a spirited chestnut-horse.’ + When the day came, the youth galloped to the spot, took his place amongst + the knights, and was recognized by no one. The king’s daughter came + forward, and threw a golden apple to the knights, but none of them caught + it but he, only as soon as he had it he galloped away. + </p> + <p> + On the second day Iron Hans equipped him as a white knight, and gave him a + white horse. Again he was the only one who caught the apple, and he did + not linger an instant, but galloped off with it. The king grew angry, and + said: ‘That is not allowed; he must appear before me and tell his name.’ + He gave the order that if the knight who caught the apple, should go away + again they should pursue him, and if he would not come back willingly, + they were to cut him down and stab him. + </p> + <p> + On the third day, he received from Iron Hans a suit of black armour and a + black horse, and again he caught the apple. But when he was riding off + with it, the king’s attendants pursued him, and one of them got so near + him that he wounded the youth’s leg with the point of his sword. The youth + nevertheless escaped from them, but his horse leapt so violently that the + helmet fell from the youth’s head, and they could see that he had golden + hair. They rode back and announced this to the king. + </p> + <p> + The following day the king’s daughter asked the gardener about his boy. + ‘He is at work in the garden; the queer creature has been at the festival + too, and only came home yesterday evening; he has likewise shown my + children three golden apples which he has won.’ + </p> + <p> + The king had him summoned into his presence, and he came and again had his + little cap on his head. But the king’s daughter went up to him and took it + off, and then his golden hair fell down over his shoulders, and he was so + handsome that all were amazed. ‘Are you the knight who came every day to + the festival, always in different colours, and who caught the three golden + apples?’ asked the king. ‘Yes,’ answered he, ‘and here the apples are,’ + and he took them out of his pocket, and returned them to the king. ‘If you + desire further proof, you may see the wound which your people gave me when + they followed me. But I am likewise the knight who helped you to your + victory over your enemies.’ ‘If you can perform such deeds as that, you + are no gardener’s boy; tell me, who is your father?’ ‘My father is a + mighty king, and gold have I in plenty as great as I require.’ ‘I well + see,’ said the king, ‘that I owe my thanks to you; can I do anything to + please you?’ ‘Yes,’ answered he, ‘that indeed you can. Give me your + daughter to wife.’ The maiden laughed, and said: ‘He does not stand much + on ceremony, but I have already seen by his golden hair that he was no + gardener’s boy,’ and then she went and kissed him. His father and mother + came to the wedding, and were in great delight, for they had given up all + hope of ever seeing their dear son again. And as they were sitting at the + marriage-feast, the music suddenly stopped, the doors opened, and a + stately king came in with a great retinue. He went up to the youth, + embraced him and said: ‘I am Iron Hans, and was by enchantment a wild man, + but you have set me free; all the treasures which I possess, shall be your + property.’ + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0063" id="link2H_4_0063"></a> + CAT-SKIN + </h2> + <p> + There was once a king, whose queen had hair of the purest gold, and was so + beautiful that her match was not to be met with on the whole face of the + earth. But this beautiful queen fell ill, and when she felt that her end + drew near she called the king to her and said, ‘Promise me that you will + never marry again, unless you meet with a wife who is as beautiful as I + am, and who has golden hair like mine.’ Then when the king in his grief + promised all she asked, she shut her eyes and died. But the king was not + to be comforted, and for a long time never thought of taking another wife. + At last, however, his wise men said, ‘this will not do; the king must + marry again, that we may have a queen.’ So messengers were sent far and + wide, to seek for a bride as beautiful as the late queen. But there was no + princess in the world so beautiful; and if there had been, still there was + not one to be found who had golden hair. So the messengers came home, and + had had all their trouble for nothing. + </p> + <p> + Now the king had a daughter, who was just as beautiful as her mother, and + had the same golden hair. And when she was grown up, the king looked at + her and saw that she was just like this late queen: then he said to his + courtiers, ‘May I not marry my daughter? She is the very image of my dead + wife: unless I have her, I shall not find any bride upon the whole earth, + and you say there must be a queen.’ When the courtiers heard this they + were shocked, and said, ‘Heaven forbid that a father should marry his + daughter! Out of so great a sin no good can come.’ And his daughter was + also shocked, but hoped the king would soon give up such thoughts; so she + said to him, ‘Before I marry anyone I must have three dresses: one must be + of gold, like the sun; another must be of shining silver, like the moon; + and a third must be dazzling as the stars: besides this, I want a mantle + of a thousand different kinds of fur put together, to which every beast in + the kingdom must give a part of his skin.’ And thus she thought he would + think of the matter no more. But the king made the most skilful workmen in + his kingdom weave the three dresses: one golden, like the sun; another + silvery, like the moon; and a third sparkling, like the stars: and his + hunters were told to hunt out all the beasts in his kingdom, and to take + the finest fur out of their skins: and thus a mantle of a thousand furs + was made. + </p> + <p> + When all were ready, the king sent them to her; but she got up in the + night when all were asleep, and took three of her trinkets, a golden ring, + a golden necklace, and a golden brooch, and packed the three dresses—of + the sun, the moon, and the stars—up in a nutshell, and wrapped + herself up in the mantle made of all sorts of fur, and besmeared her face + and hands with soot. Then she threw herself upon Heaven for help in her + need, and went away, and journeyed on the whole night, till at last she + came to a large wood. As she was very tired, she sat herself down in the + hollow of a tree and soon fell asleep: and there she slept on till it was + midday. + </p> + <p> + Now as the king to whom the wood belonged was hunting in it, his dogs came + to the tree, and began to snuff about, and run round and round, and bark. + ‘Look sharp!’ said the king to the huntsmen, ‘and see what sort of game + lies there.’ And the huntsmen went up to the tree, and when they came back + again said, ‘In the hollow tree there lies a most wonderful beast, such as + we never saw before; its skin seems to be of a thousand kinds of fur, but + there it lies fast asleep.’ ‘See,’ said the king, ‘if you can catch it + alive, and we will take it with us.’ So the huntsmen took it up, and the + maiden awoke and was greatly frightened, and said, ‘I am a poor child that + has neither father nor mother left; have pity on me and take me with you.’ + Then they said, ‘Yes, Miss Cat-skin, you will do for the kitchen; you can + sweep up the ashes, and do things of that sort.’ So they put her into the + coach, and took her home to the king’s palace. Then they showed her a + little corner under the staircase, where no light of day ever peeped in, + and said, ‘Cat-skin, you may lie and sleep there.’ And she was sent into + the kitchen, and made to fetch wood and water, to blow the fire, pluck the + poultry, pick the herbs, sift the ashes, and do all the dirty work. + </p> + <p> + Thus Cat-skin lived for a long time very sorrowfully. ‘Ah! pretty + princess!’ thought she, ‘what will now become of thee?’ But it happened + one day that a feast was to be held in the king’s castle, so she said to + the cook, ‘May I go up a little while and see what is going on? I will + take care and stand behind the door.’ And the cook said, ‘Yes, you may go, + but be back again in half an hour’s time, to rake out the ashes.’ Then she + took her little lamp, and went into her cabin, and took off the fur skin, + and washed the soot from off her face and hands, so that her beauty shone + forth like the sun from behind the clouds. She next opened her nutshell, + and brought out of it the dress that shone like the sun, and so went to + the feast. Everyone made way for her, for nobody knew her, and they + thought she could be no less than a king’s daughter. But the king came up + to her, and held out his hand and danced with her; and he thought in his + heart, ‘I never saw any one half so beautiful.’ + </p> + <p> + When the dance was at an end she curtsied; and when the king looked round + for her, she was gone, no one knew wither. The guards that stood at the + castle gate were called in: but they had seen no one. The truth was, that + she had run into her little cabin, pulled off her dress, blackened her + face and hands, put on the fur-skin cloak, and was Cat-skin again. When + she went into the kitchen to her work, and began to rake the ashes, the + cook said, ‘Let that alone till the morning, and heat the king’s soup; I + should like to run up now and give a peep: but take care you don’t let a + hair fall into it, or you will run a chance of never eating again.’ + </p> + <p> + As soon as the cook went away, Cat-skin heated the king’s soup, and + toasted a slice of bread first, as nicely as ever she could; and when it + was ready, she went and looked in the cabin for her little golden ring, + and put it into the dish in which the soup was. When the dance was over, + the king ordered his soup to be brought in; and it pleased him so well, + that he thought he had never tasted any so good before. At the bottom he + saw a gold ring lying; and as he could not make out how it had got there, + he ordered the cook to be sent for. The cook was frightened when he heard + the order, and said to Cat-skin, ‘You must have let a hair fall into the + soup; if it be so, you will have a good beating.’ Then he went before the + king, and he asked him who had cooked the soup. ‘I did,’ answered the + cook. But the king said, ‘That is not true; it was better done than you + could do it.’ Then he answered, ‘To tell the truth I did not cook it, but + Cat-skin did.’ ‘Then let Cat-skin come up,’ said the king: and when she + came he said to her, ‘Who are you?’ ‘I am a poor child,’ said she, ‘that + has lost both father and mother.’ ‘How came you in my palace?’ asked he. + ‘I am good for nothing,’ said she, ‘but to be scullion-girl, and to have + boots and shoes thrown at my head.’ ‘But how did you get the ring that was + in the soup?’ asked the king. Then she would not own that she knew + anything about the ring; so the king sent her away again about her + business. + </p> + <p> + After a time there was another feast, and Cat-skin asked the cook to let + her go up and see it as before. ‘Yes,’ said he, ‘but come again in half an + hour, and cook the king the soup that he likes so much.’ Then she ran to + her little cabin, washed herself quickly, and took her dress out which was + silvery as the moon, and put it on; and when she went in, looking like a + king’s daughter, the king went up to her, and rejoiced at seeing her + again, and when the dance began he danced with her. After the dance was at + an end she managed to slip out, so slyly that the king did not see where + she was gone; but she sprang into her little cabin, and made herself into + Cat-skin again, and went into the kitchen to cook the soup. Whilst the + cook was above stairs, she got the golden necklace and dropped it into the + soup; then it was brought to the king, who ate it, and it pleased him as + well as before; so he sent for the cook, who was again forced to tell him + that Cat-skin had cooked it. Cat-skin was brought again before the king, + but she still told him that she was only fit to have boots and shoes + thrown at her head. + </p> + <p> + But when the king had ordered a feast to be got ready for the third time, + it happened just the same as before. ‘You must be a witch, Cat-skin,’ said + the cook; ‘for you always put something into your soup, so that it pleases + the king better than mine.’ However, he let her go up as before. Then she + put on her dress which sparkled like the stars, and went into the + ball-room in it; and the king danced with her again, and thought she had + never looked so beautiful as she did then. So whilst he was dancing with + her, he put a gold ring on her finger without her seeing it, and ordered + that the dance should be kept up a long time. When it was at an end, he + would have held her fast by the hand, but she slipped away, and sprang so + quickly through the crowd that he lost sight of her: and she ran as fast + as she could into her little cabin under the stairs. But this time she + kept away too long, and stayed beyond the half-hour; so she had not time + to take off her fine dress, and threw her fur mantle over it, and in her + haste did not blacken herself all over with soot, but left one of her + fingers white. + </p> + <p> + Then she ran into the kitchen, and cooked the king’s soup; and as soon as + the cook was gone, she put the golden brooch into the dish. When the king + got to the bottom, he ordered Cat-skin to be called once more, and soon + saw the white finger, and the ring that he had put on it whilst they were + dancing: so he seized her hand, and kept fast hold of it, and when she + wanted to loose herself and spring away, the fur cloak fell off a little + on one side, and the starry dress sparkled underneath it. + </p> + <p> + Then he got hold of the fur and tore it off, and her golden hair and + beautiful form were seen, and she could no longer hide herself: so she + washed the soot and ashes from her face, and showed herself to be the most + beautiful princess upon the face of the earth. But the king said, ‘You are + my beloved bride, and we will never more be parted from each other.’ And + the wedding feast was held, and a merry day it was, as ever was heard of + or seen in that country, or indeed in any other. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0064" id="link2H_4_0064"></a> + SNOW-WHITE AND ROSE-RED + </h2> + <p> + There was once a poor widow who lived in a lonely cottage. In front of the + cottage was a garden wherein stood two rose-trees, one of which bore white + and the other red roses. She had two children who were like the two + rose-trees, and one was called Snow-white, and the other Rose-red. They + were as good and happy, as busy and cheerful as ever two children in the + world were, only Snow-white was more quiet and gentle than Rose-red. + Rose-red liked better to run about in the meadows and fields seeking + flowers and catching butterflies; but Snow-white sat at home with her + mother, and helped her with her housework, or read to her when there was + nothing to do. + </p> + <p> + The two children were so fond of one another that they always held each + other by the hand when they went out together, and when Snow-white said: + ‘We will not leave each other,’ Rose-red answered: ‘Never so long as we + live,’ and their mother would add: ‘What one has she must share with the + other.’ + </p> + <p> + They often ran about the forest alone and gathered red berries, and no + beasts did them any harm, but came close to them trustfully. The little + hare would eat a cabbage-leaf out of their hands, the roe grazed by their + side, the stag leapt merrily by them, and the birds sat still upon the + boughs, and sang whatever they knew. + </p> + <p> + No mishap overtook them; if they had stayed too late in the forest, and + night came on, they laid themselves down near one another upon the moss, + and slept until morning came, and their mother knew this and did not worry + on their account. + </p> + <p> + Once when they had spent the night in the wood and the dawn had roused + them, they saw a beautiful child in a shining white dress sitting near + their bed. He got up and looked quite kindly at them, but said nothing and + went into the forest. And when they looked round they found that they had + been sleeping quite close to a precipice, and would certainly have fallen + into it in the darkness if they had gone only a few paces further. And + their mother told them that it must have been the angel who watches over + good children. + </p> + <p> + Snow-white and Rose-red kept their mother’s little cottage so neat that it + was a pleasure to look inside it. In the summer Rose-red took care of the + house, and every morning laid a wreath of flowers by her mother’s bed + before she awoke, in which was a rose from each tree. In the winter + Snow-white lit the fire and hung the kettle on the hob. The kettle was of + brass and shone like gold, so brightly was it polished. In the evening, + when the snowflakes fell, the mother said: ‘Go, Snow-white, and bolt the + door,’ and then they sat round the hearth, and the mother took her + spectacles and read aloud out of a large book, and the two girls listened + as they sat and spun. And close by them lay a lamb upon the floor, and + behind them upon a perch sat a white dove with its head hidden beneath its + wings. + </p> + <p> + One evening, as they were thus sitting comfortably together, someone + knocked at the door as if he wished to be let in. The mother said: ‘Quick, + Rose-red, open the door, it must be a traveller who is seeking shelter.’ + Rose-red went and pushed back the bolt, thinking that it was a poor man, + but it was not; it was a bear that stretched his broad, black head within + the door. + </p> + <p> + Rose-red screamed and sprang back, the lamb bleated, the dove fluttered, + and Snow-white hid herself behind her mother’s bed. But the bear began to + speak and said: ‘Do not be afraid, I will do you no harm! I am + half-frozen, and only want to warm myself a little beside you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor bear,’ said the mother, ‘lie down by the fire, only take care that + you do not burn your coat.’ Then she cried: ‘Snow-white, Rose-red, come + out, the bear will do you no harm, he means well.’ So they both came out, + and by-and-by the lamb and dove came nearer, and were not afraid of him. + The bear said: ‘Here, children, knock the snow out of my coat a little’; + so they brought the broom and swept the bear’s hide clean; and he + stretched himself by the fire and growled contentedly and comfortably. It + was not long before they grew quite at home, and played tricks with their + clumsy guest. They tugged his hair with their hands, put their feet upon + his back and rolled him about, or they took a hazel-switch and beat him, + and when he growled they laughed. But the bear took it all in good part, + only when they were too rough he called out: ‘Leave me alive, children, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Snow-white, Rose-red, + Will you beat your wooer dead?’ +</pre> + <p> + When it was bed-time, and the others went to bed, the mother said to the + bear: ‘You can lie there by the hearth, and then you will be safe from the + cold and the bad weather.’ As soon as day dawned the two children let him + out, and he trotted across the snow into the forest. + </p> + <p> + Henceforth the bear came every evening at the same time, laid himself down + by the hearth, and let the children amuse themselves with him as much as + they liked; and they got so used to him that the doors were never fastened + until their black friend had arrived. + </p> + <p> + When spring had come and all outside was green, the bear said one morning + to Snow-white: ‘Now I must go away, and cannot come back for the whole + summer.’ ‘Where are you going, then, dear bear?’ asked Snow-white. ‘I must + go into the forest and guard my treasures from the wicked dwarfs. In the + winter, when the earth is frozen hard, they are obliged to stay below and + cannot work their way through; but now, when the sun has thawed and warmed + the earth, they break through it, and come out to pry and steal; and what + once gets into their hands, and in their caves, does not easily see + daylight again.’ + </p> + <p> + Snow-white was quite sorry at his departure, and as she unbolted the door + for him, and the bear was hurrying out, he caught against the bolt and a + piece of his hairy coat was torn off, and it seemed to Snow-white as if + she had seen gold shining through it, but she was not sure about it. The + bear ran away quickly, and was soon out of sight behind the trees. + </p> + <p> + A short time afterwards the mother sent her children into the forest to + get firewood. There they found a big tree which lay felled on the ground, + and close by the trunk something was jumping backwards and forwards in the + grass, but they could not make out what it was. When they came nearer they + saw a dwarf with an old withered face and a snow-white beard a yard long. + The end of the beard was caught in a crevice of the tree, and the little + fellow was jumping about like a dog tied to a rope, and did not know what + to do. + </p> + <p> + He glared at the girls with his fiery red eyes and cried: ‘Why do you + stand there? Can you not come here and help me?’ ‘What are you up to, + little man?’ asked Rose-red. ‘You stupid, prying goose!’ answered the + dwarf: ‘I was going to split the tree to get a little wood for cooking. + The little bit of food that we people get is immediately burnt up with + heavy logs; we do not swallow so much as you coarse, greedy folk. I had + just driven the wedge safely in, and everything was going as I wished; but + the cursed wedge was too smooth and suddenly sprang out, and the tree + closed so quickly that I could not pull out my beautiful white beard; so + now it is tight and I cannot get away, and the silly, sleek, milk-faced + things laugh! Ugh! how odious you are!’ + </p> + <p> + The children tried very hard, but they could not pull the beard out, it + was caught too fast. ‘I will run and fetch someone,’ said Rose-red. ‘You + senseless goose!’ snarled the dwarf; ‘why should you fetch someone? You + are already two too many for me; can you not think of something better?’ + ‘Don’t be impatient,’ said Snow-white, ‘I will help you,’ and she pulled + her scissors out of her pocket, and cut off the end of the beard. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the dwarf felt himself free he laid hold of a bag which lay + amongst the roots of the tree, and which was full of gold, and lifted it + up, grumbling to himself: ‘Uncouth people, to cut off a piece of my fine + beard. Bad luck to you!’ and then he swung the bag upon his back, and went + off without even once looking at the children. + </p> + <p> + Some time afterwards Snow-white and Rose-red went to catch a dish of fish. + As they came near the brook they saw something like a large grasshopper + jumping towards the water, as if it were going to leap in. They ran to it + and found it was the dwarf. ‘Where are you going?’ said Rose-red; ‘you + surely don’t want to go into the water?’ ‘I am not such a fool!’ cried the + dwarf; ‘don’t you see that the accursed fish wants to pull me in?’ The + little man had been sitting there fishing, and unluckily the wind had + tangled up his beard with the fishing-line; a moment later a big fish made + a bite and the feeble creature had not strength to pull it out; the fish + kept the upper hand and pulled the dwarf towards him. He held on to all + the reeds and rushes, but it was of little good, for he was forced to + follow the movements of the fish, and was in urgent danger of being + dragged into the water. + </p> + <p> + The girls came just in time; they held him fast and tried to free his + beard from the line, but all in vain, beard and line were entangled fast + together. There was nothing to do but to bring out the scissors and cut + the beard, whereby a small part of it was lost. When the dwarf saw that he + screamed out: ‘Is that civil, you toadstool, to disfigure a man’s face? + Was it not enough to clip off the end of my beard? Now you have cut off + the best part of it. I cannot let myself be seen by my people. I wish you + had been made to run the soles off your shoes!’ Then he took out a sack of + pearls which lay in the rushes, and without another word he dragged it + away and disappeared behind a stone. + </p> + <p> + It happened that soon afterwards the mother sent the two children to the + town to buy needles and thread, and laces and ribbons. The road led them + across a heath upon which huge pieces of rock lay strewn about. There they + noticed a large bird hovering in the air, flying slowly round and round + above them; it sank lower and lower, and at last settled near a rock not + far away. Immediately they heard a loud, piteous cry. They ran up and saw + with horror that the eagle had seized their old acquaintance the dwarf, + and was going to carry him off. + </p> + <p> + The children, full of pity, at once took tight hold of the little man, and + pulled against the eagle so long that at last he let his booty go. As soon + as the dwarf had recovered from his first fright he cried with his shrill + voice: ‘Could you not have done it more carefully! You dragged at my brown + coat so that it is all torn and full of holes, you clumsy creatures!’ Then + he took up a sack full of precious stones, and slipped away again under + the rock into his hole. The girls, who by this time were used to his + ingratitude, went on their way and did their business in town. + </p> + <p> + As they crossed the heath again on their way home they surprised the + dwarf, who had emptied out his bag of precious stones in a clean spot, and + had not thought that anyone would come there so late. The evening sun + shone upon the brilliant stones; they glittered and sparkled with all + colours so beautifully that the children stood still and stared at them. + ‘Why do you stand gaping there?’ cried the dwarf, and his ashen-grey face + became copper-red with rage. He was still cursing when a loud growling was + heard, and a black bear came trotting towards them out of the forest. The + dwarf sprang up in a fright, but he could not reach his cave, for the bear + was already close. Then in the dread of his heart he cried: ‘Dear Mr Bear, + spare me, I will give you all my treasures; look, the beautiful jewels + lying there! Grant me my life; what do you want with such a slender little + fellow as I? you would not feel me between your teeth. Come, take these + two wicked girls, they are tender morsels for you, fat as young quails; + for mercy’s sake eat them!’ The bear took no heed of his words, but gave + the wicked creature a single blow with his paw, and he did not move again. + </p> + <p> + The girls had run away, but the bear called to them: ‘Snow-white and + Rose-red, do not be afraid; wait, I will come with you.’ Then they + recognized his voice and waited, and when he came up to them suddenly his + bearskin fell off, and he stood there a handsome man, clothed all in gold. + ‘I am a king’s son,’ he said, ‘and I was bewitched by that wicked dwarf, + who had stolen my treasures; I have had to run about the forest as a + savage bear until I was freed by his death. Now he has got his + well-deserved punishment. + </p> + <p> + Snow-white was married to him, and Rose-red to his brother, and they + divided between them the great treasure which the dwarf had gathered + together in his cave. The old mother lived peacefully and happily with her + children for many years. She took the two rose-trees with her, and they + stood before her window, and every year bore the most beautiful roses, + white and red. + </p> + <hr /> + <div class="mynote"> + <p> + The Brothers Grimm, Jacob (1785-1863) and Wilhelm (1786-1859), were born + in Hanau, near Frankfurt, in the German state of Hesse. Throughout their + lives they remained close friends, and both studied law at Marburg + University. Jacob was a pioneer in the study of German philology, and + although Wilhelm’s work was hampered by poor health the brothers + collaborated in the creation of a German dictionary, not completed until + a century after their deaths. But they were best (and universally) known + for the collection of over two hundred folk tales they made from oral + sources and published in two volumes of ‘Nursery and Household Tales’ in + 1812 and 1814. Although their intention was to preserve such material as + part of German cultural and literary history, and their collection was + first published with scholarly notes and no illustration, the tales soon + came into the possession of young readers. This was in part due to Edgar + Taylor, who made the first English translation in 1823, selecting about + fifty stories ‘with the amusement of some young friends principally in + view.’ They have been an essential ingredient of children’s reading ever + since. + </p> + <br /> + </div> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GRIMMS’ FAIRY TALES ***</div> +<div style='text-align:left'> + +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will +be renamed. +</div> + +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright +law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, +so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United +States without permission and without paying copyright +royalties. 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