Childhood's Favorites and Fairy Stories

Childhood'sFavorites
andFairyStories
HamiltonWrightMabie
EdwardEverettHale
WilliamByronForbush
Editors
JennieEllisBurdick
AssistantEditor
NEWYORK
THEUNIVERSITYSOCIETY
incorporated
EDITORS
HAMILTONWRIGHTMABIE,L.H.D.,LL.D.
EDWARDEVERETTHALE,D.D.,LL.D.
WILLIAMBYRONFORBUSH,Ph.D.,Litt.D.
ASSISTANTEDITOR
JennieEllisBurdick
PartialListofAuthorsandEditorsRepresentedinThe
YoungFolksTreasurybySelectionsfrom
TheirWritings:
WoodrowWilson,TwentyeighthPresidentoftheUnitedStates.
TheodoreRoosevelt,TwentysixthPresidentoftheUnitedStates.
HenryVanDyke,poet,essayist,anddiplomatist.
LymanAbbott,editorof"TheOutlook."
RudyardKipling,poetandstoryteller.
GeneralSirR.S.BadenPowell,founderoftheBoyScouts.
BecklesWillson,authorof"TheRomanceofCanada."
IdaPrenticeWhitcomb,authorof"YoungPeople'sStoryofArt."
EllenVelvin,writerofanimalstories.
MaryMacgregor,authorof"KingArthur'sKnights,"etc.
RalphHenryBarbour,authorofboys'stories.
T.GilbertPearson,executivesecretary,NationalAssociationofAudubon
Societies.
JosephJacobs,authorityuponfolklore.
TheodoreWood,writeronnaturalhistory.
ErnestThompsonSeton,writerofstoriesaboutnaturalhistoryandfounderof
theWoodcraftLeague.
AmySteedman,writeronbiography.
[pagevi]EverettT.Tomlinson,authorofboys'stories.
RalphD.Paine,authorofboys'stories.
A.FrederickCollins,authorofboys'books.
DonC.Bliss,educator.
BlissCarman,poetandessayist.
SirJamesMatthewBarrie,novelist.
WilliamCanton,storyteller.
HermannHagedorn,poet.
ElbridgeS.Brooks,writerofboys'stories.
AlfredG.Gardiner,editorof"TheLondonNews."
FranklinK.Lane,UnitedStatesSecretaryoftheInterior.
JoelChandlerHarris,creatorof"UncleRemus."
ErnestIngersoll,naturalist.
WilliamL.Finley,Statebiologist,Oregon.
CharlesG.D.Roberts,writerofanimalstories.
E.Nesbit,novelistandpoet.
ArchibaldWilliams,authorof"HowItIsDone,"etc.
IraRemsen,formerpresidentofJohnsHopkinsUniversity.
GiffordPinchot,professorofforestry,YaleUniversity.
GustaveKobb,writerofbiographies.
JacobA.Riis,philanthropistandauthor.
EmilyHuntingtonMiller,storywriterandpoet.
JohnLang,writerofchildren'sbooks.
JeanieLang,writerofchildren'sbooks.
JohnH.Clifford,editorandwriter.
HerbertT.Wade,editorandwriteronphysics.
CharlesR.Gibson,writeronelectricity.
LilianCask,writeronnaturalhistory.
BlancheMarchesi,operasingerandteacher.
JohnFinnemore,travelerandwriterofboys'stories.
AlexanderGrahamBell,inventorofthetelephone.
JamesWhitcombRiley,poet.
CharlesH.Caffin,authorof"AGuidetoPictures."
JamesCardinalGibbons.
AndrewF.Currier,M.D.,popularmedicalwriter.
HelenKeller,theblindanddeafwriter.
OliverHerford,humoristandillustrator.
[pagevii]
GENERALINTRODUCTION
B
OOKSareasmuchapartofthefurnishingofahouseastablesandchairs,andinthemakingofa
hometheybelong,notwiththeluxuriesbutwiththenecessities.Abooklesshouseisnotahome;fora
homeaffordsfoodandshelterforthemindaswellasforthebody.Itisasgreatanoffenceagainsta
childtostarvehismindastostarvehisbody,andthereisasmuchdangerofreducinghisvitalityand
puttinghimatadisadvantageinhislifeworkintheoneasintheotherformofdeprivation.Therewasa
timewhenitwasfeltthatshelter,clothing,foodandphysicaloversightcomprisedthewholedutyofa
charitableinstitutiontodependentchildren;todaynocommunitywouldpermitsuchaninstitutionto
existunlessitprovidedschoolprivileges.Anacutesenseofresponsibilitytowardchildrenisoneofthe
primecharacteristicsofAmericansociety,showninthevastexpendituresforpubliceducationinall
forms,intheincreasingattentionpaidtolight,ventilation,andsafetyinschoolbuildings,inthe
openingofplaygroundsinlargecities,inphysicalsupervisionofchildreninschools,andtheagitation
againsttheemploymentofchildreninfactories,andinotherandlessobviousways.
Childrenarehelplesstoprotectthemselvesandsecurewhattheyneedforhealthofbodyandmind;
theyareexceedinglyimpressionable;andthefutureisalwaysintheirhands.Thefirstandmost
imperativedutyofparentsistogivetheirchildrenthebestattainablepreparationforlife,nomatterat
whatsacrificetothemselves.Therearehostsoffathersandmotherswhorecognizethisobligationbut
donotknowhowtodischargeit;whoareeagertogivetheirchildrenthemostwholesomeconditions,
butdonotknowhowtosecurethem;whoareespeciallyanxiousthattheirchildrenshouldstartearly
andstartrightonthathighwayofeducationwhichistheopenroadtohonorablesuccess.Thereare
manyhomesinwhichbooks[pageviii]wouldfindabundantroomiftheheadsofthefamiliesknew
whatbookstobuy,orhadthemeanstoputintothehandsofthegrowingchildthereadingmatterit
needsinthesuccessiveperiodsofitsgrowth.
Thisconditionofeagernesstogivethebest,andofignoranceofhoworwheretofindthebestisthe
justificationforthepublicationofthissetofbooks.Theattempthasbeenmadeinaseriesoftwelve
volumestobringtogetherinconvenientformthefairystories,myths,andlegendswhichhavefedthe
childrenofmanygenerationsintheyearswhentheimaginationisawakeningandcravingstimulusand
materialtoworkupon;thatageofmythmakingwhichisapreludetothemorescientificusesofthe
mindandofimmenseimportanceinanintenselypracticalage;agroupoftalesofstandardquality
andaninterestandvaluewhichhaveplacedthemamongthepermanentpossessionsofEnglish
literature;acarefulselectionofstoriesofanimallife;anaturalhistory,familiarinstyleandthoroughly
trustworthyinfact;anaccountofthosetravelsandadventureswhichhaveopeneduptheearthand
madeitsresourcesavailable,andwhichconstituteoneofthemostheroicchaptersinthehistoryofthe
longstruggleofmentopossesstheearthandmakeitahomeforthehighestkindofcivilization;a
recordofheroismtakenfromtheannalsofthepatriotsandofthosebravemenwho,inallages,ranks
ofsocietyandoccupations,havedaredtofacegreatdangersinthepathofdutyandscience,with
specialattentiontothateverydayheroisminwhichtheageisspeciallyrichandofwhichsomanygood
peoplearegrosslyignorant;asurveyofscientificachievement,withreportsofrecentdiscoveriesin
knowledgeandadaptationofknowledgetohumanneed;agroupofbiographiesofthemenandwomen
mostlyAmericanswhoarethemoststimulatingcompanionsforboysandgirls;avolumeonthe
FineArtsdealingwithmusic,painting,sculpture,architecture,inawaytoinstructyoungreadersand
makingaccessiblealargenumberofthosesongswhichappealinthebestwaytochildreninschools
andhomes;acollectionofthebestpoetryfortheyoungestandoldestreaders,chosennotonlyfor
excellencefromthestandpointofart,butdeepandabidinghumaninterest;andavolumedevotedto
[pageix]theoccupationsandresourcesofthehome,addressedtoparentsnolessthantochildren,with
practicalsuggestionsaboutbooksandreading,gamesandamusements,exerciseandhealth,andthose
kindredtopicswhichhavetodowithmakingthehomewholesomeandattractive.
Thesetwelvevolumesaim,inbrief,tomakethehomethemostinspiringschoolandthemostattractive
placeforpleasure,andtobringthebesttheworldhastoofferofadventure,heroism,achievementand
beautywithinitsfourwalls.
Specialattentionhasbeengiventotheyoungestchildrenwhoseinterestsareoftenneglectedbecause
theyarethoughttobetooimmaturetoreceiveseriousimpressionsfromwhatisreadtothem.
Psychologyisbeginningtomakeusunderstandthatnogreatermistakecanbemadeintheeducationof
childrenthanunderratingtheimportanceoftheyearswhenthesoilreceivestheseedmostquickly.For
educationofthedeepestsorttheplantingofthoseformativeideaswhichgivefinaldirectionand
qualitytotheintellectuallifethereisnoperiodsoimportantastheyearsbetweenthreeandsix,and
nonesofruitful.Toputintheseedatthattimeis,asarule,todecidethekindofharvestthechildwill
reaplater;whetherheshallbeashrewd,keen,clever,ambitiousman,withahard,mechanicalmind,
bentongettingthebestoftheworld;oragenerous,fruitful,openmindedman,intentonlivingthe
fullestlifeinmindandheart.Noapologyisofferedforgivinglargespacetomyths,legends,fairy
stories,talesofallsorts,andtopoetry;forintheseexpressionsofthecreativemindistobefoundthe
materialonwhichtheimaginationhasfedineveryageandwhichis,forthemostpart,conspicuously
absentfromoureducationalprogrammes.
Americahasatpresentgreaterfacilityinproducing"smart"menthaninproducingablemen;thealert,
quickwitted,moneymakerabounds,butthemenwholivewithideas,whocarefortheprinciplesof
things,andwhomakeliferichinresourceandinterestarecomparativelyfew.Americaneedspoetry
morethanitneedsindustrialtraining;thoughthetwooughtnevertobeseparated.Thetimetoawaken
theimagination,whichisthecreativefaculty,isearlychildhood;andthemostaccessible[pagex]
materialforthiseducationistheliteraturewhichtheracecreatedinitschildhood.Thecreativeman,
whetherintheartsorinpracticalaffairs,inpoetry,inengineeringorinbusiness,isalwaysthemanof
imagination.
Inthislibraryforyoungpeopletheattempthasbeenmadenotonlytogivethechildwhatitneedsbut
intheformwhichismosteasilyunderstood.Forthisreasonsomewellknownstorieshavebeenretold
insimplerEnglishthantheirclassicformspresent.Thisisespeciallytrueofmanytalesforanyyoung
childrenreprintedbyspecialarrangementfromrecentEnglishsources.Insomecases,wherethe
substancehasseemedofmoreimportancetothechildthantheform,simplerwordsandformsof
expressionhavebeensubstitutedformorecomplexorabstractphrases,andpassagesofminor
importancehavebeencondensedoromitted.
Theaiminmakingtheselectionsinthissetofbookshasbeentointerestthechildandgiveitwhatit
needsfornormalgrowth;thematerialhasbeentakenfrommanysourcesoldandnew;muchofthe
readingmatterpresentedhasbeenfamiliarinoneformoranother,togenerationsofchildren;muchhas
appearedforthefirsttimewithinthelasttenyears;aconsiderableparthasbeenpreparedespeciallyfor
theTreasuryandalargeparthasbeenselectedfromthebestwritinginthevariousfields.
ItisthehopeoftheEditorthatthis"Treasury"or"Library"willjustifyitstitlebyitsrealand
fundamentalservicetochildrenandparentsalike.
HamiltonW.Mabie
[pagexi]
INTRODUCTION
S
INCEthisseriesofbooksisintendedforallyoungpeoplefromonetoonehundred,itopenswith
abouteightyoftheoldMotherGooseRhymes.Nothingbetterwaseverinventedtotelltolittlefolks
whoareyoungenoughforlullabies.Theirrhythm,theirhumor,andtheirpithwillalwayscauseusto
prizethemastheBabies'Classics.
NextcomeascoreofthemostfamousNurseryTales,thekindthatchildrencryforandlovetohear
fiftytimesover.Andsince,justassoonaslittlefolkslikestoriestheylovetoheartheminrhyme,here
arefortyChildren'sFavoritePoems.
Whatwouldyounglifebewithout"PussinBoots"and"LittleRedRidingHood"and"TheSleeping
Beauty"?OurTreasurywouldindeedbepoorwithoutthem,sotheseFavoriteStoriescomenext,yoked
withsomeOldFashionedPoemsinstoryform,as"TheNightbeforeChristmas,""TheWonderful
World,"and"LittleOrphantAnnie."AllwholovepetsandanimalshavealwayslikedFables,sohere
arethenotedparablesofsop,andthelesserknownbutevenmorejollytalesfromEastIndian
sources.
Thefairytaleageissupposedtocomefromfourtonine,buttheeditorsaresureitlastsmuchlonger
thanthat.Howeverthismaybe,thebetterhalfofourfirstvolumeisgivenuptoFairyTalesand
LaughterStoriesfromallovertheworld.
ItendswithTalesforTinyTots,thekindthatmotherreadsbesidethefireatbedtime,someofthem
old,likethe"LittleRedHen"and"PeterRabbit,"andsomeofthemnewer,like"TheGreedyBrownie"
and"TheBirthdayHonorsoftheFairyQueen."
WilliamByronForbush.
[pagexii]
CONTENTS
GeneralIntroductiontoYoungFolks'Treasury
Introduction
vii
xi
NURSERYRHYMES
Hushabye,Baby,ontheTreetop;Rockabye,Baby,thyCradleisGreen;
Bye,BabyBunting;HushThee,myBabby;Sleep,Baby,Sleep;
ThisLittlePigWenttoMarket;etc.,etc.
131
NURSERYTALES
TheThreeBears
Cinderella
TheThreeBrothers
TheWrenandtheBear
ChickenLicken
TheFoxandtheCat
TheRatsandtheirSoninLaw
TheMouseandtheSausage
JohnnyandtheGoldenGoose
TittyMouseandTattyMouse
TeenyTiny
TheSpiderandtheFlea
TheLittleShepherdBoy
TheThreeSpinners
TheCatandtheMouseinPartnership
TheSweetSoup
TheStraw,theCoal,andtheBean
WhytheBearHasaStumpyTail
TheThreeLittlePigs
32
35
41
42
45
47
48
50
51
56
58
60
61
62
65
68
68
70
71
CHILDREN'SFAVORITEPOEMS
TheThreeChildren
TheOwlandthePussyCatEdwardLear
KindnesstoAnimals[pagexiv]
HowDoththeLittleBusyBeeIsaacWatts
SupposePhoebeCary
Twinkle,Twinkle
PrettyCowJaneTaylor
TheThreeLittleKittensElizaLeeFollen
TheLandofCounterpaneRobertLouisStevenson
TherewasaLittleGirlHenryWadsworthLongfellow
75
75
77
77
78
79
80
80
82
82
TheBoywhoneverToldaLie
ForeignChildrenRobertLouisStevenson
TheUnseenPlaymateRobertLouisStevenson
IsawThreeShips
AWasanAntEdwardLear
TheTableandtheChairEdwardLear
PrecociousPiggyThomasHood
ABoy'sSongJamesHogg
ButtercupsandDaisiesMaryHowitt
TheVioletJaneTaylor
IfeverISeeLydiaMariaChild
TheLittleLandRobertLouisStevenson
ALobsterQuadrilleLewisCarroll
WhereGotheBoatsRobertLouisStevenson
TheWindandtheMoonGeorgeMacdonald
WhereareyouGoingmyPrettyMaid
TheLostDollCharlesKingsley
ForeignLandsRobertLouisStevenson
BedinSummerRobertLouisStevenson
TryAgain
AGoodPlayRobertLouisStevenson
GoodNightandGoodMorningRichardMoncktonMilnes
TheWindRobertLouisStevenson
TheSpiderandtheFlyMaryHowitt
LetDogsDelighttoBarkandBiteIsaacWatts
Child'sEveningHymnSabineBaringGould
83
84
84
85
86
91
93
94
95
96
97
97
99
100
101
103
104
104
105
106
106
107
108
109
110
111
CHILDREN'SFAVORITESTORIES
HanselandGretel
TheFairCatherineandPifPafPoltrie
TheWolfandtheFox[pagexv]
DescreetHans
PussinBoots
TheElvesandtheShoemaker
HansinLuck
MasterofAllMasters
BellingtheCat
LittleRedRidingHood
TheNail
JackandtheBeanstalk
HowtoTellaTruePrincess
TheSleepingBeauty
113
120
122
123
126
131
133
138
139
140
144
145
149
150
OLDFASHIONEDPOEMS
TheManintheMoonJamesWhitcombeRiley
SageCounselArthurThomasQuillerCouch
LimericksEdwardLear
158
160
161
MoreLimericksRudyardKiplingandAnonymous
TheDeadDollMargaretVandergrift
LittleThingsAscribedtoJuliaA.F.Carney
TheGoldenRuleUnknown
DotheBestYouCanUnknown
TheVoiceofSpring
TheLarkandtheRookUnknown
ThanksgivingDayLydiaMariaChild
TheMagpie'sNestUnknown
TheFairiesofCaldonLowMaryHowitt
TheLandofStoryBooksRobertLouisStevenson
AVisitFromSt.NicholasClementClarkeMoore
LittleOrphantAnnieJamesWhitcombeRiley
TheChatterboxAnnTaylor
TheVoiceofSpringFeliciaDorotheaHemans
TheHistoryLessonAnonymous
SongofLifeCharlesMackay
TheGoodTimeComingCharlesMackay
WindyNightsRobertLouisStevenson
TheWonderfulWorldWilliamBrightyRands
Hark!Hark!TheLarkWilliamShakespeare
JogOn,JogOnWilliamShakespeare[pagexvi]
SweetStoryofOldJemimaLuke
MyShadowRobertLouisStevenson
ByCoolSiloam'sShadyRillReginaldHeber
TheWindinaFrolicWilliamHowitt
TheGravesofaHouseholdFeliciaDorotheaHemans
WeAreSevenWilliamWordsworth
TheBetterLandFeliciaDorotheaHemans
TheJuvenileOratorDavidEverett
TheFoxandtheCrowLittleB.(Taylor?)
TheUseofFlowersMaryHowitt
ContentedJohnJaneTaylor
TheOldMan'sComforts,andHowHeGainedThemRobertSouthey
TheFrostHannahFlaggGould
TheBattleofBlenheimRobertSouthey
TheChameleonJamesMerrick(fromM.deLamotte)
TheBlackberryGirlUnknown
MabelonMidsummerDayMaryHowitt
LlewellynandhisDogWillimRobertSpencer
TheSnowbird'sSongFrancisC.Woodworth
ForA'ThatandA'ThatRobertBurns
162
163
165
165
165
166
166
168
169
169
172
173
175
177
178
179
180
181
183
184
185
185
186
186
187
188
189
190
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
202
205
207
214
217
218
FABLES
FABLESFROMSOP
TheGoosethatLaidGoldenEggs
TheBoysandtheFrogs
220
220
TheLionandtheMouse
TheFoxandtheGrapes
TheFrogandtheOx
TheCat,theMonkey,andtheChestnuts
TheCountryMaidandHerMilkpail
TheAssintheLion'sSkin
TheTortoiseandtheHare
TheVainJackdaw
TheFoxWithoutaTail
TheWolfinSheep'sClothing[pagexvii]
TheCrowandthePitcher
TheMan,hisSon,andhisAss
220
221
221
221
222
222
223
223
224
224
225
225
FABLESOFINDIA
AdaptedbyP.V.RamaswamiRaju
TheCamelandthePig
TheManandhisPieceofCloth
TheSea,theFox,andtheWolf
TheBirdsandtheLime
TheRavenandtheCattle
TinselandLightning
TheAssandtheWatchdog
TheLarkanditsYoungOnes
TheTwoGems
226
227
227
228
228
229
229
230
230
FAIRYTALESANDLAUGHTERSTORIES
SCANDINAVIANSTORIES
TheHardyTinSoldierHansChristianAndersen
TheFirTreeHansChristianAndersen
TheDarningNeedleHansChristianAndersen
ThumbelinaHansChristianAndersen
TheTinderBoxHansChristianAndersen
BootsandhisBrothersGeorgeWebbeDasent
TheHusbandwhowastoMindtheHouseGeorgeWebbeDasent
ButtercupGeorgeWebbeDasent
232
236
245
248
258
268
273
275
GERMANSTORIES
SevenatOneBlowWilhelmandJakobGrimm
OneEye,TwoEyes,ThreeEyesWilhelmandJakobGrimm
TheMusiciansofBremenWilhelmandJakobGrimm
TheFishermanandhisWifeWilhelmandJakobGrimm
LittleSnowWhiteWilhelmandJakobGrimm[pagexviii]
TheGooseGirlWilhelmandJakobGrimm
279
286
293
296
304
313
TheGoldenBirdWilhelmandJakobGrimm
318
FRENCHSTORIES
BeautyandtheBeastAdaptedbyE.Nesbit
TheWhiteCatTheComtessed'Aulnoy
TheStoryofPrettyGoldilocks
ToadsandDiamonds
326
335
341
346
ENGLISHSTORIES
TheHistoryofTomThumbAdaptedbyErnestRhys
JacktheGiantKillerAdaptedbyJosephJacobs
TheThreeSilliesAdaptedbyJosephJacobs
349
356
366
CELTICSTORIES
KingO'TooleandhisGooseAdaptedbyJosephJacobs
TheHaughtyPrincessAdaptedbyPatrickKennedy
JackandhisMasterAdaptedbyJosephJacobs
HuddenandDuddenandDonaldO'NearyAdaptedbyJosephJacobs
ConnlaoftheGoldenHairandtheFairyMaidenAdaptedbyPatrick
WestonJoyce
370
373
376
383
389
ITALIANSTORIES
Pinocchio'sAdventuresinWonderlandCarloLorenzini
394
JAPANESESTORIES
TheStoryoftheManwhodidnotwishtoDieAdaptedbyYeiTheodora
Ozaki
TheAccomplishedandLuckyTeakettleAdaptedbyA.B.Mitford
TheTonguecutSparrow
BattleoftheMonkeyandtheCrab[pagexix]
Momotaro,orLittlePeachling
UraschinaTaroandtheTurtle
420
427
428
429
431
432
EASTINDIANSTORIES
TheSonofSevenQueensAdaptedbyJosephJacobs
WhoKilledtheOtter'sBabiesAdaptedbyWalterSkeat
TheAlligatorandtheJackalAdaptedbyM.Frere
TheFarmerandtheMoneyLender
TitforTatAdaptedbyM.Frere
SinghRajahandtheCunningLittleJackalsAdaptedbyM.Frere
436
444
446
450
452
454
10
AMERICANINDIANSTORIES
TheWhiteStoneCanoeAdaptedbyH.R.Schoolcraft
TheMaidenwhoLovedaFish
TheStarWife
456
459
462
ARABIANSTORIES
TheStoryofCaliphStork
PersevereandProsperAdaptedbyA.R.Montalba
468
473
CHINESESTORIES
TheMostFrugalofMen
TheMoonCake
TheLadlethatFellfromtheMoon
TheYoungHeadoftheFamily
ADreadfulBoar
476
477
478
480
484
RUSSIANSTORIES
KingKojata
TheStoryofKingFrost
487
492
[pagexx]
TALESFORTINYTOTS
TellUsaTaleEdwardShirley
LittleRedHen
InSearchofaBabyF.Tapsell
JockandIandtheOthers
DollyDimpleF.Tapsell
TheTaleofPeterRabbitBeatrixPotter
TheMiller,HisSon,andTheirAss
TheVisittoSantaClausLand
TheGreedyBrownie
TheFairies'PassageJamesClarenceMangan
TheWorld
496
497
498
500
502
503
506
507
511
513
515
FANCIFULSTORIES
WhiteMagic
TheBrowniesJulianaHoratiaEwing
TheStoryofPeterPan
SirLarkandKingSunGeorgeMacDonald
TheImpsintheHeavenlyMeadowKateE.Bunce
516
517
522
525
526
11
TheBirthdayHonorsoftheFairyQueenHapgoodMoore
[pagexxi]
531
ILLUSTRATIONS
ThumbelinaCametoLivewiththeFieldMouse(color)
SimpleSimonWentaFishing
ThereWasanOldWomanWhoLivedinaShoe
LittleMissMuffet
OldMotherHubbard
TheDeathofCockRobin
"WhoHasBeenTastingMySoup?"
ItWasHerFairyGodmother!
IWastheGiantGreatandStill,thatSitsUponthePillowHill
IFoundMyPoorLittleDoll
AFairLittleGirlSatUnderaTree
HanselandGretel
DoNotGrieve,DearMaster
LittleRedRidingHood
RedRidingHoodandtheWolf
PrinceFlorimondFindstheSleepingBeauty
TheTortoiseandtheHare
TheFoxwithoutaTail
AVoiceSaidAloud,"TheTinSoldier!"
TwoEyes,theGoat,andthe'MagicTable
LittleSnowWhiteandthePeddlerWoman
ThePrinceStartsHomewardwithHisTreasure
TheCastleoftheWhiteCat
SheWasHappyAllDayLonginFairyland[pagexxii]
ThisistheValiantCornishmanWhoSlewtheGiantCormoran
ConnlaandtheFairyMaiden
APheasantAlsoCameFlyingandSaid:"GiveMeaDumpling"
Frontispiece
facing
page
6
9
9
18
25
34
37
82
104
107
118
126
140
142
150
222
222
234
286
306
322
336
340
358
390
434
(ManyoftheillustrationsinthisvolumearereproducedbyspecialpermissionofE.P.Dutton&
Company,ownersoftheAmericanrights.)
12
[page1]
CHILDHOOD'SFAVORITES
AND
FAIRYSTORIES
NURSERYRHYMES
13
H
USHABYE,baby,onthetreetop,
Whenthewindblowsthecradlewillrock;
Whentheboughbreaksthecradlewillfall,
Downwillcomebaby,bough,cradle,andall.
Rockabye,baby,thycradleisgreen;
Father'sanobleman,mother'saQueen;
Betty'salady,andwearsagoldring;
AndJohnny'sadrummer,anddrumsfortheKing.
Bye,babybunting,
Daddy'sgoneahunting,
Togetalittlerabbitskin,
Towraphisbabybuntingin.
Hushthee,mybabby,
Liestillwiththydaddy,
Thymammyhasgonetothemill,
Togrindtheesomewheat
Tomaketheesomemeat,
Andso,mydearbabby,liestill.
[page2]
Sleep,baby,sleep!
Thyfatherwatchesthesheep;
Thymotherisshakingthedreamlandtree,
14
Anddownfallsalittledreamonthee:
Sleep,baby,sleep!
Sleep,baby,sleep.
Thelargestarsarethesheep,
Theweestarsarethelambs,Iguess,
Thefairmoonistheshepherdess:
Sleep,baby,sleep!
Thislittlepigwenttomarket;
Thislittlepigstayedathome;
Thislittlepighadroastbeef;
Thislittlepighadnone;
Thislittlepigsaid,"Wee,wee!
Ican'tfindmywayhome."
Browbender,
Eyepeeper,
Nosesmeller,
Moutheater,
Chinchopper.
Knockatthedoorpeepin
Liftupthelatchwalkin
Eyewinker,
TomTinker,
Nosesmeller,
Moutheater,
Chinchopper.
15
Chinchopper.
[page3]
HeresitstheLordMayor,
Heresithistwomen,
Heresitsthecock,
Andheresitsthehen;
Heresitthechickens,
Andheretheygoin,
Chippety,chippety,chippetychin.
Patacake,patacake,baker'sman!
SoIdo,master,asfastasIcan:
Patit,andprickit,andmarkitwithT,
PutitintheovenforTommyandme.
Patit,kissit,
Strokeit,blessit;
Threedays'sunshine,threedays'rain,
Littlehandallwellagain.
Baa,baa,blacksheep,
Haveyouanywool?
Yes,marry,haveI,
Threebagsfull:
Oneformymaster,
Oneformydame,
16
Andoneforthelittleboy
Wholivesinthelane.
Pussycat,pussycat,
Wherehaveyoubeen?
I'vebeentoLondon
TolookattheQueen
[page4]
Pussycat,pussycat,
Whatdidyouthere?
Ifrightenedalittlemouse
Underherchair.
RideacockhorsetoBanburyCross,
Toseeanoldladyuponawhitehorse,
Ringsonherfingers,andbellsonhertoes,
Sheshallhavemusicwherevershegoes.
BobbyShaftoe'sgonetosea,
Silverbucklesonhisknee;
He'llcomebackandmarryme,
PrettyBobbyShaftoe.
BobbyShaftoe'sfatandfair,
Combingdownhisyellowhair;
He'smyloveforevermair,
PrettyBobbyShaftoe.
17
Tom,hewasapiper'sson,
Helearnedtoplaywhenhewasyoung,
Andallthetunethathecouldplay
Was,"Overthehillsandfaraway,"
Overthehills,andagreatwayoff,
Thewindwillblowmytopknotoff.
Now,Tomwithhispipemadesuchanoise
Thathewellpleasedboththegirlsandboys,
Andtheyalwaysstoppedtohearhimplay
"Overthehillsandfaraway."
[page5]
Ladybird,ladybird,flyawayhome,
Thyhouseisonfire,thychildrenallgone:
AllbutonewhosenameisAnn,
Andshecreptunderthepuddingpan.
Thenorthwinddothblow,
Andweshallhavesnow,
Andwhatwilltherobindothen,
Poorthing?
He'llsitinabarn,
Andkeephimselfwarm,
Andhidehisheadunderhiswing,
Poorthing!
18
Ihadalittlepony,
HisnamewasDapplegray,
Ilenthimtoalady,
Torideamileaway;
Shewhippedhim,shelashedhim,
Sherodehimthroughthemire;
Iwouldnotlendmyponynow
Forallthelady'shire.
Ihadalittledoggythatusedtositandbeg;
ButDoggytumbleddownthestairsandbrokehislittleleg.
Oh!Doggy,Iwillnurseyou,andtrytomakeyouwell,
Andyoushallhaveacollarwithalittlesilverbell.
[page6]
19
SimpleSimonWentaFishing.
SimpleSimonmetapieman,
Goingtothefair;
SaysSimpleSimontothepieman,
"Letmetasteyourware."
SaysthepiemantoSimpleSimon,
"Showmefirstyourpenny."
SaysSimpleSimontothepieman,
"IndeedIhavenotany."
20
SimpleSimonwentafishing
Fortocatchawhale;
Butallthewaterhecouldfind
Wasinhismother'spail!
JackandJillwentupthehill,
Tofetchapailofwater;
Jackfelldown,andbrokehiscrown
AndJillcametumblingafter.
UpJackgotandhomedidtrot
Asfastashecouldcaper;
Wenttobedtomendhishead
Withvinegarandbrownpaper.
Jillcameinandshedidgrin,
Toseehispaperplaster,
Mother,vexed,didwhiphernext,
ForcausingJack'sdisaster.
LittleBoyBlue,comeblowyourhorn,
Thesheep'sinthemeadow,thecow'sinthecorn,
Where'stheboythatlooksafterthesheep?
He'sunderthehaycock,fastasleep.
[page7]
OldMotherGoose,when
Shewantedtowander,
Wouldridethroughtheair
21
Onaveryfinegander.
MotherGoosehadahouse,
'Twasbuiltinawood,
Whereanowlatthedoor
Forsentinelstood.
ShehadasonJack,
Aplainlookinglad;
Hewasnotverygood,
Noryetverybad.
Shesenthimtomarket,
Alivegoosehebought:
"Here!mother,"sayshe,
"Itwillnotgofornought."
Jack'sgooseandhergander
Grewveryfond;
They'dbotheattogether,
Orswiminonepond.
Jackfoundonemorning,
AsIhavebeentold,
Hisgoosehadlaidhim
Aneggofpuregold.
Jackrodetohismother,
Thenewsfortotell.
Shecalledhimagoodboy,
Andsaiditwaswell.
[page8]
22
Goosey,goosey,gander,
WhereshallIwander?
Upstairs,downstairs,
Andinmylady'schamber.
ThereImetanoldman
Whowouldnotsayhisprayers;
Itookhimbytheleftleg,
Andthrewhimdownstairs.
I'lltellyouastory
AboutMaryMorey,
Andnowmystory'sbegun,
I'lltellyouanother
Aboutherbrother,
Andnowmystory'sdone.
ThreewisemenofGotham,
Wenttoseainabowl;
Ifthebowlhadbeenstronger,
Mysonghadbeenlonger.
Therewasacrookedman,
Andhewentacrookedmile,
Hefoundacrookedsixpence
Uponacrookedstile:
Heboughtacrookedcat,
23
Thatcaughtacrookedmouse
Andtheyalllivedtogether
Inalittlecrookedhouse.
Therewasamaninourtown,
Andhewaswondrouswise,
Hejumpedintoabramblebush,
Andscratchedoutbothhiseyes;
[page9]
Butwhenhesawhiseyeswereout,
Withallhismightandmain,
Hejumpedintoanotherbush,
Andscratched'eminagain.
Hey!diddlediddle,
Thecatandthefiddle,
Thecowjumpedoverthemoon;
Thelittledoglaughed
Toseesuchsport,
Whilethedishranawaywiththespoon.
Hickory,dickory,dock,
Themouseranuptheclock;
Theclockstruckone,
Themouserandown,
Hickory,dickory,dock.
24
ThereWasanOldWomanWhoLivedinaShoe.
Therewasanoldwomanwholivedinashoe,
Shehadsomanychildrenshedidn'tknowwhattodo;
Shegavethemsomebrothwithoutanybread,
Shewhippedthemallsoundlyandputthemtobed.
25
LittleMissMuffet.
LittleMissMuffet
Satonatuffet,
Eatinghercurdsandwhey;
Therecameagreatspider,
Andsatdownbesideher,
AndfrightenedMissMuffetaway.
[page10]
Ifalltheseaswereonesea,
Whatagreatseathatwouldbe!
Andifallthetreeswereonetree,
Whatagreattreethatwouldbe!
Andifalltheaxeswereoneaxe,
26
Whatagreataxethatwouldbe!
Andifallthemenwereoneman,
Whatagreatmanhewouldbe!
Andifthegreatmantookthegreataxe,
Andcutdownthegreattree,
Andletitfallintothegreatsea,
Whatasplishsplashthatwouldbe!
Therewasanoldman,
Andhehadacalf,
Andthat'shalf;
Hetookhimoutofthestall,
Andtiedhimtothewall,
Andthat'sall.
Themaninthewildernessaskedme,
Howmanystrawberriesgrewinthesea?
IansweredhimasIthoughtgood,
Asmanyasredherringsgrewinthewood
Ifalltheworldwereapplepie,
Andalltheseawereink,
Andallthetreeswerebreadandcheese,
Whatshouldwehavefordrink?
Isawashipasailing,
27
Asailingonthesea;
Anditwasfullofprettythings
Forbabyandforme.
[page11]
Thereweresweetmeatsinthecabin,
Andapplesinthehold;
Thesailsweremadeofsilk,
Andthemastsweremadeofgold.
Thefourandtwentysailors
Thatstoodbetweenthedecks,
Werefourandtwentywhitemice.
Withchainsabouttheirnecks.
Thecaptainwasaduck,
Withapacketonhisback;
Andwhentheshipbegantomove,
Thecaptaincried,"Quack,quack!"
Mydear,doyouknow,
Howalongtimeago,
Twopoorlittlechildren,
WhosenamesIdon'tknow,
Werestolenawayonafinesummer'sday,
Andleftinawood,asI'veheardpeoplesay.
Andwhenitwasnight,
Sosadwastheirplight!
Thesunitwentdown,
Andthemoongavenolight!
28
Theysobbedandtheysighed,andtheybitterlycried
Andthepoorlittlethings,theylaydownanddied.
Andwhentheyweredead,
Therobinssored,
Broughtstrawberryleaves
Andoverthemspread;
Andallthedaylong,
Theysungthemthissong:
"Poorbabesinthewood!Poorbabesinthewood!
Ohdon'tyourememberthebabesinthewood?"
[page12]
TheQueenofHearts,shemadesometarts
Allonasummer'sday;
TheKnaveofHearts,hestolethetarts,
Andtookthemcleanaway.
TheKingofHeartscalledforthetarts,
AndbeattheKnavefullsore;
TheKnaveofHeartsbroughtbackthetarts,
Andvowedhe'dstealnomore.
Ihadalittlehusband,
Nobiggerthanmythumb;
Iputhiminapintpot,
AndthereIbadehimdrum.
Iboughtalittlehorse,
Thatgallopedupanddown;
29
Ibridledhim,andsaddled
Andsenthimoutoftown.
Igavehimlittlegarters,
Togarteruphishose,
Andalittlehandkerchief,
Towipehislittlenose.
Singasongofsixpence,
Apocketfullofrye;
Fourandtwentyblackbirds
Bakedinapie;
Whenthepiewasopened
Thebirdsbegantosing;
Wasnotthatadaintydish
TosetbeforetheKing?
[page13]
TheKingwasinhiscountinghouse,
Countingouthismoney;
TheQueenwasintheparlor,
Eatingbreadandhoney;
Themaidwasinthegarden
Hangingouttheclothes;
Whenupcameablackbird,
Andnippedoffhernose.
LittleBopeep,shelosthersheep,
Andcan'ttellwheretofindthem;
30
Leavethemalone,andthey'llcomehome,
Andbringtheirtailsbehindthem.
LittleBopeepfellfastasleep,
Anddreamedsheheardthembleating;
Whensheawokeshefounditajoke,
Fortheystillwereallfleeting.
Thenupshetookherlittlecrook,
Determinedfortofindthem;
Shefoundthemindeed,butitmadeherheartbleed,
Forthey'dlefttheirtailsbehindthem!
Ithappenedoneday,asBopeepdidstray,
Untoameadowhardby
Theresheespiedtheirtailssidebyside,
Allhungonatreetodry.
Sheheavedasigh,andwipedhereye,
Andoverthehillockssheraced;
Andtriedwhatshecould,asashepherdessshould,
Thateachtailshouldbeproperlyplaced.
[page14]
Whatarelittleboysmadeof,madeof?
Whatarelittleboysmadeof?
Snipsandsnails,andpuppydogs'tails;
Andthat'swhatlittleboysaremadeof,madeof.
Whatarelittlegirlsmadeof,madeof?
Whatarelittlegirlsmadeof?
Sugarandspice,andallthat'snice;
31
Andthat'swhatlittlegirlsaremadeof,madeof.
Afarmerwenttrotting
Uponhisgraymare;
Bumpety,bumpety,bump!
Withhisdaughterbehindhim,
Sorosyandfair;
Lumpety,lumpety,lump!
Aravencried"Croak";
Andtheyalltumbleddown;
Themarebrokeherknees,
Andthefarmerhiscrown;
Lumpety,lumpety,lump.
Themischievousraven
Flewlaughingaway;
Andvowedhewouldservethem
Thesamethenextday;
Thisisthewaytheladiesride
Saddleaside,saddleaside!
Thisisthewaythegentlemenride
Sittingastride,sittingastride!
[page15]
Thisisthewaythegrandmothersride
32
Bundledandtied,bundledandtied!
Thisisthewaythebabykinsride
Snuggledinside,snuggledinside!
WHATDOESLITTLEBIRDIESAY?
Whatdoeslittlebirdiesay,
Inhernestatpeepofday?
"Letmefly,"sayslittlebirdie,
"Mother,letmeflyaway."
Birdie,restalittlelonger,
Tillthelittlewingsarestronger.
Sosherestsalittlelonger,
Thenshefliesaway.
Whatdoeslittlebabysay,
Inherbedatpeepofday?
Babysays,likelittlebirdie,
"Letmeriseandflyaway."
Baby,sleepalittlelonger,
Tillthelittlelimbsarestronger.
Ifshesleepsalittlelonger,
Baby,too,shallflyaway.
Alfred,LordTennyson
GOODNIGHT
Littlebaby,layyourhead
Onyourprettycradlebed;
33
[page16]
Shutyoureyepeeps,nowtheday
Andthelightaregoneaway;
Alltheclothesaretuckedintight;
Littlebabydear,goodnight.
Yes,mydarling,wellIknow
Howthebitterwinddothblow;
Andthewinter'ssnowandrain
Patteronthewindowpane:
Buttheycannotcomeinhere,
Tomylittlebabydear;
Forthewindowshuttethfast,
Tillthestormynightispast;
Andthecurtainswarmarespread
Roundabouthercradlebed:
Sotillmorningshinethbright,
Littlebabydear,goodnight.
JaneTaylor
SWEETANDLOW
Sweetandlow,sweetandlow,
Windofthewesternsea,
Low,low,breatheandblow,
Windofthewesternsea!
Overtherollingwatersgo,
Comefromthedyingmoon,andblow,
34
Blowhimagaintome:
Whilemylittleone,whilemyprettyone,sleeps.
Sleepandrest,sleepandrest,
Fatherwillcometotheesoon;
Rest,rest,onmother'sbreast,
Fatherwillcometotheesoon;
[page17]
Fatherwillcometohisbabeinthenest,
Silversailsalloutofthewest
Underthesilvermoon:
Sleep,mylittleone,sleep,myprettyone,sleep.
Alfred,LordTennyson
BABYLAND
WhichisthewaytoBabyLand?
Anyonecantell;
Uponeflight,
Toyourright;
Pleasetoringthebell.
WhatcanyouseeinBabyLand?
Littlefolksinwhite,
Downyheads,
Cradlebeds,
Facespureandbright.
WhatdotheydoinBabyLand?
Dreamandwakeandplay,
35
Laughandcrow,
Shoutandgrow,
Jollytimeshavethey.
WhatdotheysayinBabyLand?
Why,theoddestthings;
Mightaswell
Trytotell
Whatabirdiesings.
WhoistheQueenofBabyLand?
Motherkindandsweet;
Andherlove,
Bornabove,
Guidesthelittlefeet.
GeorgeCooper
[page18]
36
OldMotherHubbard.
OldMotherHubbard,shewenttothecupboard,
Togetherpoordogabone.
Whenshegotthere,thecupboardwasbare,
Andsothepoordoghadnone.
Shewenttothebaker'stobuyhimsomebread,
Butwhenshecamebackthepoordogwasdead.
Shewenttotheundertaker'stobuyhimacoffin,
Andwhenshecamebackthedogwaslaughing.
37
Shewenttothedraper'stobuyhimsomelinen,
Andwhenshecamebackthegooddogwasspinning.
Shewenttothehosier'stobuyhimsomehose,
Andwhenshecamebackhewasdressedinhisclothes.
Thedamemadeacurtsy,thedogmadeabow,
Thedamesaid"yourservant,"thedogsaid"Bowwow."
Shewenttothehatter'stobuyhimahat,
Andwhenshecamebackhewasfeedingthecat.
[page19]
Shewenttothetailor'stobuyhimacoat,
Andwhenshecamebackhewasridingthegoat.
Shewenttothebarber'stobuyhimawig,
Andwhenshecamebackhewasdancingajig.
Shewenttothebutcher'stogethimsometripe,
Andwhenshecamebackhewassmokingapipe.
Shewenttothefishshoptobuyhimsomefish,
Andwhenshecamebackhewaswashingthedish.
Shewenttothetavernforwhitewineandred,
Andwhenshecamebackthedogstoodonhishead.
AsIwasgoingtoSt.Ives
Imetamanwithsevenwives;
Everywifehadsevensacks,
Everysackhadsevencats,
Everycathadsevenkits.
Kits,cats,sacks,andwives,
HowmanyweregoingtoSt.Ives?
38
POLLY
Browneyes,straightnose;
Dirtpies,rumpledclothes.
[page20]
Tornbooks,spoilttoys:
Archlooks,unlikeaboy's;
Littlerages,obviousarts;
(Threeherageis),cakes,tarts;
Fallingdownoffchairs;
Breakingcrowndownstairs;
Catchingfliesonthepane;
Deepsighscausenotplain;
Bribingyouwithkisses
Forafewfarthingblisses.
Wideawake;asyouhear,
"Mercy'ssake,quiet,dear!"
Newshoes,newfrock;
Vagueviewsofwhat'so'clock
Whenit'stimetogotobed,
Andscornsublimeforwhatissaid
Foldedhands,sayingprayers,
Understandsnotnorcares
Thinksitodd,smilesaway;
YetmayGodhearherpray!
Bedgownwhite,kissDolly;
39
Goodnight!that'sPolly,
Fastasleep,asyousee,
Heavenkeepmygirlforme!
WilliamBrightyRands
[page21]
CRADLEHYMN
Hush,mydear,liestillandslumber;
Holyangelsguardthybed;
Heavenlyblessingswithoutnumber
Gentlyfallingonthyhead.
Sleep,mybabe,thyfoodandraiment,
Houseandhome,thyfriendsprovide;
Allwithoutthycare,orpayment,
Allthywantsarewellsupplied.
Howmuchbetterthou'rtattended
ThantheSonofGodcouldbe,
WhenfromheavenHedescended,
Andbecameachildlikethee!
Softandeasyisthycradle;
CoarseandhardthySaviourlay,
WhenHisbirthplacewasastable,
AndHissoftestbedwashay.
Seethekindlyshepherdsroundhim,
Tellingwondersfromthesky!
WhentheysoughtHim,theretheyfoundHim,
WithhisVirginMotherby.
40
Seethelovelybabeadressing;
Lovelyinfant,howHesmiled!
WhenHewept,themother'sblessing
Soothedandhushedtheholychild.
Lo,HeslumbersinHismanger,
Wherethehonestoxenfed;
Peace,mydarling!here'snodanger!
Here'snooxanearthybed!
[page22]
MaystthoulivetoknowandfearHim,
TrustandloveHimallthydays;
ThengodwellforevernearHim,
SeeHisface,andsingHispraise!
Icouldgivetheethousandkisses,
HopingwhatImostdesire;
Notamother'sfondestwishes
Cantogreaterjoysaspire.
IsaacWatts
ILIKELITTLEPUSSY
IlikelittlePussy,
Hercoatissowarm;
AndifIdon'thurther
She'lldomenoharm.
SoI'llnotpullhertail,
Nordriveheraway,
41
ButPussyandI
Verygentlywillplay;
Sheshallsitbymyside,
AndI'llgivehersomefood;
Andshe'lllovemebecause
Iamgentleandgood.
I'llpatlittlePussy,
Andthenshewillpurr,
Andthusshowherthanks
Formykindnesstoher;
I'llnotpinchherears,
Nortreadonherpaw,
LestIshouldprovokeher
Tousehersharpclaw;
[page23]
Ineverwillvexher,
Normakeherdispleased,
ForPussycan'tbear
Tobeworriedorteased.
JaneTaylor
THEGRAVELPATH
Babymustn'tfrown,
Whenshetumblesdown;
IfthewindshouldchangeAhme,
Whatafaceherfacewouldbe!
42
Rubawaythedirt,
Sayshewasn'thurt;
Whataworld'twouldbeOmy,
Ifallwhofellbegantocry!
LaurenceAlmaTadema
LittleRobinRedbreastsatuponatree,
Upwentpussycat,anddownwenthe;
Downcamepussycat,andawayRobinran;
SaidlittleRobinRedbreast,"Catchmeifyoucan."
LittleRobinRedbreastjumpeduponawall,
Pussycatjumpedafterhim,andalmostgotafall;
LittleRobinchirpedandsang,andwhatdidpussysay?
Pussycatsaidnaughtbut"Mew,"andRobinflewaway.
SLEEP,MYTREASURE
Sleep,sleep,mytreasure,
Thelongday'spleasure
Hastiredthebirds,totheirneststheycreep;
Thegardenstillis
Alightwithlilies,
Butallthedaisiesarefastasleep.
[page24]
Sleep,sleep,mydarling,
Dawnwakesthestarling,
Thesparrowstirswhenheseesdaybreak;
43
Butallthemeadow
Iswrappedinshadow,
Andyoumustsleeptillthedaisieswake!
E.Nesbit
LULLABYOFANINFANTCHIEF
Oh,hushthee,mybabie,thysirewasaknight,
Thymotheralady,bothlovelyandbright;
Thewoodsandtheglensfromthetowerwhichwesee,
Theyallarebelonging,dearbabie,tothee.
Oh,fearnotthebugle,thoughloudlyitblows,
Itcallsbutthewardersthatguardthyrepose;
Theirbowswouldbebended,theirbladeswouldbered,
Erethestepofafoemandrawsneartothybed.
Oh,hushthee,mybabie,thetimewillsooncome,
Whenthysleepshallbebrokenbytrumpetanddrum;
Thenhushthee,mydarling,takerestwhileyoumay,
Forstrifecomeswithmanhood,andwakingwithday.
SirWalterScott
THEORPHAN'SSONG
Ihadalittlebird,
Itookitfromthenest;
Iprestitandblestit,
Andnurstitinmybreast.
[page25]
44
Isetitontheground,
Dancedroundandround,
Andsangaboutitsocheerly,
With"Hey,mylittlebird,
Andho!mylittlebird,
Andoh!butIlovetheedearly!"
Imakealittlefeast
Offoodsoftandsweet,
Iholditinmybreast,
Andcoaxittoeat;
Ipit,andIpat,
Icallthisandthat,
AndIsingaboutsocheerly,
With"Hey,mylittlebird,
Andho!mylittlebird,
Andoh!butIlovetheedearly!"
SydneyDobell
THEDEATHANDBURIALOFCOCKROBIN
45
TheDeathofCockRobin.
WhokilledCockRobin?
"I,"saidtheSparrow,
"Withmybowandarrow,
IkilledCockRobin."
Whosawhimdie?
"I,"saidtheFly,
"Withmylittleeye,
Isawhimdie."
46
Whocaughthisblood?
"I,"saidtheFish,
"Withmylittledish,
Icaughthisblood."
[page26]
Who'llmakehisshroud?
"I,"saidtheBeetle,
"Withmythreadandneedle,
I'llmakehisshroud."
Who'llbearthetorch?
"I,"saidtheLinnet,
"I'llcomeinaminute,
I'llbearthetorch."
Who'llbetheclerk?
"I,"saidtheLark,
"I'llsayAmeninthedark;
I'llbetheclerk."
Who'lldighisgrave?
"I,"saidtheOwl,
"Withmyspadeandtrowel,
I'lldighisgrave."
Who'llbetheparson?
"I,"saidtheRook,
"Withmylittlebook,
I'llbetheparson."
Who'llbechiefmourner?
"I,"saidtheDove,
47
"Imournformylove;
I'llbechiefmourner."
Who'llsinghisdirge?
"I,"saidtheThrush,
"AsIsinginabush,
I'llsinghisdirge."
DOYOUKNOWHOWMANYSTARS?
Doyouknowhowmanystars
Thereareshiningintheskies?
[page27]
Doyouknowhowmanyclouds
Ev'rydaygofloatingby?
Godinheavenhascountedall,
Hewouldmissoneshoulditfall.
Doyouknowhowmanychildren
Gotolittlebedsatnight,
Andwithoutacareorsorrow,
Wakeupinthemorninglight?
Godinheaveneachnamecantell,
Lovesyou,too,andlovesyouwell.
WHEREDOALLTHEDAISIESGO?
Wheredoallthedaisiesgo?
Iknow,Iknow!
Underneaththesnowtheycreep,
48
Nodtheirlittleheadsandsleep,
Inthespringtimeouttheypeep;
Thatiswheretheygo!
Wheredoallthebirdiesgo?
Iknow,Iknow!
Farawayfromwintersnow
Tothefair,warmSouththeygo;
Theretheystaytilldaisiesblow,
Thatiswheretheygo!
Wheredoallthebabiesgo?
Iknow,Iknow!
Intheglancingfirelightwarm,
Safelyshelteredfromallharm,
Softtheylieonmother'sarm,
Thatiswheretheygo!
Unknown
[page28]
Cockcrowsinthemorn,
Totellustorise,
Andhewholieslate
Willneverbewise.
Forearlytobed,
Andearlytorise,
Isthewaytobehealthy
Andwealthyandwise.
49
THEHOUSETHATJACKBUILT
ThisisthehousethatJackbuilt.
Thisisthemalt
ThatlayinthehousethatJackbuilt.
Thisistherat
Thatatethemalt
Thisisthecat,
Thatkilledtherat,
Thatatethemalt
Thisisthedog,
Thatworriedthecat,
Thatkilledtherat,
Thatatethemalt
Thisisthecowwiththecrumpledhorn
Thattossedthedog,
Thatworriedthecat,
Thatkilledtherat,
Thatatethemalt
[page29]
Thisisthemaidenallforlorn,
Thatmilkedthecowwiththecrumpledhorn,
Thattossedthedog,
Thatworriedthecat,
50
Thatkilledtherat,
Thatatethemalt
Thisisthemanalltatteredandtorn,
Thatkissedthemaidenallforlorn,
Thattossedthedog,
Thatworriedthecat,
Thatkilledtherat,
Thatatethemalt
Thisisthepriestallshavenandshorn,
Thatmarriedthemanalltatteredandtorn,
Thattossedthedog,
Thatworriedthecat,
Thatkilledtherat,
Thatatethemalt
Thisisthecockthatcrowedinthemorn,
Thatwakedthepriestallshavenandshorn,
Thattossedthedog,
Thatworriedthecat,
51
Thatkilledtherat,
Thatatethemalt
[page30]
Thisisthefarmersowinghiscorn,
Thatkeptthecockthatcrowedinthemorn,
Thatwakedthepriestallshavenandshorn,
Thattossedthedog,
Thatworriedthecat,
Thatkilledtherat,
Thatatethemalt
TREEONTHEHILL
Onyonderhilltherestandsatree;
Treeonthehill,andthehillstoodstill.
Andonthetreetherewasabranch;
Branchonthetree,treeonthehill,andthehillstoodstill.
Andonthebranchtherewasanest;
Nestonthebranch,branchonthetree,treeonthehill,
andthehillstoodstill.
Andinthenesttherewasanegg;
Egginthenest,nestonthebranch,branchonthetree,
52
treeonthehill,andthehillstoodstill.
Andintheeggtherewasabird;
Birdintheegg,egginthenest,nestonthebranch,
branchonthetree,treeonthehill,andthehillstoodstill.
[page31]
Andonthebirdtherewasafeather;
Featheronthebird,birdintheegg,egginthenest,
nestonthebranch,branchonthetree,treeonthehill,
andthehillstoodstill.
ALITTLEBOY'SPOCKET
Doyouknowwhat'sinmypottet?
Suchalotoftreasuresinit!
ListennowwhileIbedinit:
Suchalotofsingsitholds,
Andeverysindatsinmypottet,
Andwhen,andwhere,andhowIdotit.
Firstofall,here'sinmypottet
Abeautyshell,Ipit'ditup:
Andhere'sthehandleofatup
Thatsomebodyhasbrokedattea;
Theshell'saholeinit,yousee:
NobodyknowsdatIdotit,
Iteepitsafehereinmypottet.
Andhere'smyballtooinmypottet,
Andhere'smypennies,one,two,free,
53
ThatAuntyMarydavetome,
TomorrowdayI'llbuyaspade,
WhenI'moutwalkingwiththemaid;
Itantputthatinheremypottet!
ButIcanuseitwhenI'vedotit.
Here'ssomemoresingsinmypottet,
Here'smylead,andhere'smystring;
AndonceIhadanironring,
Butthroughaholeitlostoneday,
AndthisiswhatIalwayssay
Ahole'stheworstsinginapottet,
Besureandmenditwhenyou'vedotit.
Unknown
[page32]
NURSERYTALES
THETHREEBEARS
L
ITTLEGoldilockswasaprettygirlwholivedonceuponatimeinafaroffcountry.
Onedayshewassittingonthehearthrugplayingwithhertwokittens,andyouwouldhavethoughtshe
wasashappyasaqueen,andquitecontentedtostaywhereshewasinsteadofwantingtorunaboutthe
worldmeddlingwithotherpeople'sproperty.Butithappenedthatshewasratheramischievouslittle
maid,andcouldnotresistteasingherpets,sooneofthemscratchedher,andthenshewouldplaywith
themnolonger.
Shegotupandtrottedawayintothewoodbehindhermother'shouse,anditwassuchawarm,pleasant
daythatshewanderedonandonuntilshecameintoapartofthewoodwhereshehadneverbeen
before.
54
Now,inthiswoodtherelivedafamilyofthreeBears.ThefirstwasaGREATBIGBEAR,
thesecondwasaMIDDLINGSIZEDBEAR,andthethirdwasalittleteenytinybear,andtheyall
livedtogetherinafunnylittlehouse,andveryhappytheywere.
GoldilocksstoppedwhenshecametotheBears'house,andbegantowonderwholivedthere.
"I'lljustlookinandsee,"shesaid,andsoshedid;buttherewasnoonethere,fortheBearshadall
goneoutforamorningwalk,whilstthesouptheyweregoingtohavefordinnercooleduponthetable.
Goldilockswasratherhungryafterherwalk,andthesoupsmeltsogoodthatshebegantowishthe
peopleofthehousewouldcomehomeandinvitehertohavesome.Butalthoughshelooked
everywhere,underthetableandintothecupboards,shecouldfindnoone,andatlastshecouldresist
nolonger,[page33]butmadeuphermindtotakejustalittlesiptoseehowthesouptasted.Thesoup
hadbeenputintothreebowlsaGreatBigBowlfortheGreatBigBear,aMiddlingsizedBowlfor
theMiddlingsizedBear,andaTeenyTinyBowlfortheTeenyTinyBear;besideeachbowllaya
spoon,andGoldilockstookoneandhelpedherselftoaspoonfulofsoupfromtheGreatBigBowl.
Ugh!howitburnthermouth;itwassohotwithpepperthatshedidnotlikeitatall;still,shewasvery
hungry,soshethoughtshewouldtryagain.
ThistimeshetookasipoftheMiddlingsizedBear'ssoup,butshelikedthatnobetter,foritwastoo
salt.ButwhenshetastedtheTeenyTinyBear'ssoupitwasjustasshelikedit;sosheateitupevery
drop,withoutthinkingtwiceaboutit.
Whenshehadfinishedherdinnershenoticedthreechairsstandingbythewall.OnewasaGreatBig
Chair,andsheclimbeduponthatandsatdown.Oh,dear!howharditwas!Shewassureshecouldnot
sitthereforlong,sosheclimbeduponthenext,whichwasonlyaMiddlingsizedChair,butthatwas
toosoftforhertaste;soshewentontothelast,whichwasaTeenyTinyChairandsuitedherexactly.
Itwassocomfortablethatshesatonandonuntil,ifyou'llbelieveit,sheactuallysatthebottomout.
Then,ofcourse,shewascomfortablenolonger,soshegotupandbegantowonderwhatsheshoulddo
next.
TherewasastaircaseintheBears'house,andGoldilocksthoughtshewouldgoupitandseewhereit
ledto.Soupshewent,andwhenshereachedthetopshelaughedoutright,fortheBears'bedroomwas
thefunniestshehadeverseen.InthemiddleoftheroomstoodaGreatBigBed,ononesideofitthere
wasaMiddlingsizedBed,andontheothersidetherewasaTeenyTinyBed.
Goldilockswassleepy,soshethoughtshewouldliedownandhavealittlenap.Firstshegotuponthe
GreatBigBed,butitwasjustashardastheGreatBigChairhadbeen;soshejumpedoffandtriedthe
MiddlingsizedBed,butitwassosoftthatshesankrightdownintothefeathercushionsandwas
nearlysmothered.
[page34]
"IwilltrytheTeenyTinyBed,"shesaid,andsoshedid,anditwassocomfortablethatshesoonfell
fastasleep.
55
WhoHasBeenTastingMySoup?
Whilstshelaythere,dreamingofallsortsofpleasantthings,thethreeBearscamehomefromtheir
walkveryhungryandquitereadyfortheirdinners.
But,oh!dearme!howcrosstheGreatBigBearlookedwhenhesawhisspoonhadbeenusedand
thrownunderthetable.
"WHOHASBEENTASTINGMYSOUP?"hecried,inaGreatBigVoice.
"ANDWHOHASBEENTASTINGMINE?"criedtheMiddlingsizedBear,inaMiddlingsized
Voice.
"butwhohasbeentastingmineandtasteditallup?"criedthepoorlittleTeenyTinyBearina
TeenyTinyVoice,withthetearsrunningdownhisTeenyTinyFace.
WhentheGreatBigBearwenttositdowninhisGreatBigChair,hecriedoutinhisGreatBigVoice:
56
"WHOHASBEENSITTINGONMYCHAIR?"
AndtheMiddlingsizedBearcried,inaMiddlingsizedVoice:
"WHOHASBEENSITTINGONMYCHAIR?"
ButtheTeenyTinyBearcriedoutinaTeenyTinyVoiceofanger:
"whohasbeensittingonmychair,andsatthebottomout?"
BythistimetheBearsweresurethatsomeonehadbeenintheirhousequitelately;sotheylooked
abouttoseeifsomeonewerenottherestill.
Therewascertainlynoonedownstairs,sotheywentupthestaircasetotheirbedroom.
AssoonastheGreatBigBearlookedathisbed,hecriedout,inhisGreatBigVoice:
"WHOHASBEENLYINGONMYBED?"
AndtheMiddlingsizedBear,seeingthatthecoverletwasallrumpled,criedout,inaMiddlingsized
Voice:
"WHOHASBEENLYINGONMYBED?"
[page35]
ButtheTeenyTinyBearcriedout,inaTeenyTinyVoiceofastonishment:
"whohasbeenlyingonmybedandliestherestill?"
Now,whentheGreatBigBearbegantospeak,Goldilocksdreamtthattherewasabeebuzzinginthe
room,andwhentheMiddlingsizedBearbegantospeak,shedreamtthatitwasflyingoutofthe
window;butwhentheTeenyTinyBearbegantospeak,shedreamtthatthebeehadcomebackand
stungherontheear,andupshejumped.Oh!howfrightenedshewaswhenshesawthethreeBears
standingbesideher.
Shehoppedoutofbedandinasecondwasoutthroughtheopenwindow.Neverstoppingtowonderif
thefallhadhurther,shegotupandranandranandranuntilshecouldgonofarther,alwaysthinking
thattheBearswereclosebehindher.Andwhenatlengthshefelldowninaheapontheground,
becauseshewastootiredtorunanymore,itwasherownmotherwhopickedherup,becauseinher
frightshehadrunstraighthomewithoutknowingit.
CINDERELLA
O
NCEuponatimetherelivedanoblegentlemanwhohadonedearlittledaughter.Poorchild!herown
kindmotherwasdead,andherfather,wholovedherverydearly,wasafraidthathislittlegirlwas
57
sometimeslonely.Sohemarriedagrandladywhohadtwodaughtersofherown,andwho,hethought,
wouldbekindandgoodtohislittleone.Butnosoonerdidthestepmotherenterhernewhomethanshe
begantoshowhertruecharacter.Herstepdaughterwassomuchprettierandsweeterthanherown
children,thatshewasjealousofher,andgaveherallthehardworkofthehousetodo,whilstthetwo
proudsistersspenttheirtimeatpleasantpartiesandentertainments.
Theonlypleasurethepoorchildhadwastospendhereveningssittinginthechimneycorner,resting
herwearylimbs,andforthisreasonhersistersmockinglynicknamedher"Cinderella."[page36]The
sisters'fineclothesmadeCinderellafeelveryshabby;but,inherlittletornfrockandraggedshoes,she
wasathousandtimesmorelovelythanthey.
Now,itchancedthattheKing'ssongaveagrandball,towhichheinvitedallthelordsandladiesinthe
country,and,amongsttherest,Cinderella'stwosisterswereasked.Howpleasedandexcitedtheywere
whentheinvitationarrived!Fordaystheycouldtalkofnothingbuttheclothestheyshouldwearand
thegrandfolktheyhopedtomeet.
Whenatlastthegreatdayarrived,Cinderellawaskeptrunningaboutfromearlytilllate,deckingthe
sisters,anddressingtheirhair.
"Don'tyouwishyouweregoingtotheball?"saidoneofthem.
"IndeedIdo,"sighedthepoorlittlemaid.Thesistersburstoutlaughing."Aprettyspectacleyouwould
be,"theysaidrudely."Gobacktoyourcinderstheyarefitcompanyforrags."Then,stepping
carefullyintotheircarriagesothattheymightnotcrushtheirfineclothes,theydroveawaytotheball.
Cinderellawentbacktoherchimneycorner,andtriednottofeelenvious,butthetearswouldgatherin
theprettyeyes,andtrickledownthesorrowfullittleface.
"Whatareyoucryingfor,child?"criedasilveryvoice.
Cinderellastarted,andraisedhereyes.Whocoulditbe?Theninamomentsheknewitwasherfairy
Godmother!
58
ItWasHerFairyGodmother!
"Idosowant"beganCinderella;thenhersobsstoppedher.
"Togototheball,"finishedtheGodmother.Cinderellanodded."Well,leaveoffcryingbeagood
girl,andyoushallgo.Runquicklyintothegarden,andbringthelargestpumpkinyoucanfind."
Cinderellacouldnotimaginehowapumpkincouldhelphertogototheball,butheronlythoughtwas
toobeyherGodmother.Inafewmomentsshewasbackagain,withasplendidpumpkin.Her
Godmotherscoopedouttheinsideonetouchofthewand,andthepumpkinwasagoldencoach,lined
withwhitesatin.
[page37]
"Now,godchild,quickthemousetrapfromthepantry!"
"Hereitis,Godmother,"saidCinderellabreathlessly.
59
Onebyonesixfatsleekmicepassedthroughthetrapdoor.Aseachappeared,atouchofthewand
transformeditintoacreamcoloredhorse,fitforaqueen.
"Now,Cinderella,canyoufindacoachman?"
"Thereisalargegrayratintherattrapwouldhedo,Godmother?"
"Runandfetchhim,child,andthenIcanjudge,"SoCinderellarantofetchtherat,andherGodmother
saidhewasjustmadeforacoachman;andIthinkyouwouldhaveagreedwithherhadyouseenhima
momentlater,withhispowderedwigandsilkstockings.
Sixlizardsfrombehindthepumpkinframebecamesixfootmeninsplendidliveriesyouwouldhave
thoughttheyhadbeenfootmenalltheirlives.Cinderellawassoexcitedthatshecouldscarcelyspeak.
"Oh!Godmother,"shecried,"itisallsolovely!"Thensuddenlyshethoughtofhershabbyfrock.
"Thereismywhitemuslin,"shesaidwistfully,"ifdoyouthink"
ButbeforeCinderellacouldrealizewhatwashappening,herGodmother'swandtappedherlightlyon
theshoulder,andinplaceoftheshabbyfrock,therewasagleamofsatin,silver,andpearls.
Ah!whocandescribearobemadebythefairies?Itwaswhiteassnow,andasdazzling;roundthehem
hungafringeofdiamonds,sparklinglikedewdropsinthesunshine.Thelaceaboutthethroatand
armscouldonlyhavebeenspunbyfairyspiders.Surelyitwasadream!Cinderellaputherdaintily
glovedhandtoherthroat,andsoftlytouchedthepearlsthatencircledherneck.
"Come,child,"saidtheGodmother,"oryouwillbelate."
AsCinderellamoved,thefirelightshoneuponherdaintyshoes.
"Theyareofdiamonds,"shesaid.
"No,"answeredherGodmother,smiling;"theyarebetterthanthattheyareofglass,madebythe
fairies.Andnow,child,go,andenjoyyourselftoyourheart'scontent.Only[page38]remember,ifyou
stayatthepalaceoneinstantaftermidnight,yourcoachandservantswillvanish,andyouwillbethe
littlegrayCinderellaoncemore!"
Afewmomentslater,thecoachdashedintotheroyalcourtyard,thedoorwasflungopen,and
Cinderellaalighted.Asshewalkedslowlyuptherichlycarpetedstaircase,therewasamurmurof
admiration,andtheKing'ssonhastenedtomeether."Never,"saidhetohimself,"haveIseenanyone
solovely!"Heledherintotheballroom,wheretheKing,whowasmuchtakenwithhersweetface
andpretty,modestmanners,whisperedtotheQueenthatshemustsurelybeaforeignPrincess.
Theeveningpassedawayinadreamofdelight,Cinderelladancingwithnoonebutthehandsome
youngPrince,andbeingwaitedonbyhisownhandsatsuppertime.Thetwosisterscouldnot
recognizetheirraggedlittlesisterinthebeautifulandgracefulladytowhomthePrincepaidsomuch
attention,andfeltquitepleasedandflatteredwhensheaddressedafewwordstothem.
Presentlyaclockchimedthethreequarterspasteleven,and,rememberingherGodmother'swarning,
CinderellaatoncetookleaveofthePrince,and,jumpingintohercoach,wasdrivenrapidlyhome.
HereshefoundherGodmotherwaitingtohearallabouttheball."Itwaslovely,"saidCinderella;"and
oh!Godmother,thereistobeanothertomorrownight,andIshouldsomuchliketogotoit!"
"Thenyoushall,"repliedthekindfairy,and,kissinghergodchildtenderly,shevanished.Whenthe
sistersreturnedfromtheball,theyfoundasleepylittlemaidensittinginthechimneycorner,waiting
forthem.
60
"Howlateyouare!"criedCinderella,yawning."Areyounotverytired?"
"Notintheleast,"theyanswered,andthentheytoldherwhatadelightfulballithadbeen,andhowthe
loveliestPrincessintheworldhadbeenthere,andhadspokentothem,andadmiredtheirpretty
dresses.
"Whowasshe?"askedCinderellaslyly.
"Thatwecannotsay,"answeredthesisters."Shewould[page39]nottellhername,thoughthePrince
beggedhertodosoonbendedknee."
"Dearsister,"saidCinderella,"I,too,shouldliketoseethebeautifulPrincess.Willyounotlendme
youroldyellowgown,thatImaygototheballtomorrowwithyou?"
"What!"criedhersisterangrily;"lendoneofmydressestoalittlecindermaid?Don'ttalknonsense,
child!"
Thenextnight,thesistersweremoreparticularthaneverabouttheirattire,butatlasttheywere
dressed,andassoonastheircarriagehaddrivenaway,theGodmotherappeared.Oncemoreshe
touchedhergodchildwithherwand,andinamomentshewasarrayedinabeautifuldressthatseemed
asthoughithadbeenwovenofmoonbeamsandsunshine,soradiantlydiditgleamandshimmer.She
putherarmsroundherGodmother'sneckandkissedandthankedher."Goodbye,childie;enjoy
yourself,butwhateveryoudo,remembertoleavetheballbeforetheclockstrikestwelve,"the
Godmothersaid,andCinderellapromised.
ButthehoursflewbysohappilyandsoswiftlythatCinderellaforgotherpromise,untilshehappened
tolookataclockandsawthatitwasonthestrokeoftwelve.Withacryofalarmshefledfromthe
room,dropping,inherhaste,oneofthelittleglassslippers;but,withthesoundoftheclockstrokesin
herears,shedarednotwaittopickitup.ThePrincehurriedafterherinalarm,butwhenhereachedthe
entrancehall,thebeautifulPrincesshadvanished,andtherewasnoonetobeseenbutaforlornlittle
beggarmaidcreepingawayintothedarkness.
PoorlittleCinderella!shehurriedhomethroughthedarkstreets,weary,andoverwhelmedwith
shame.
Thefirewasoutwhenshereachedherhome,andtherewasnoGodmotherwaitingtoreceiveher;but
shesatdowninthechimneycornertowaithersisters'return.Whentheycameintheycouldspeakof
nothingbutthewonderfulthingsthathadhappenedattheball.
ThebeautifulPrincesshadbeenthereagain,theysaid,buthaddisappearedjustastheclockstruck
twelve,andthoughthePrincehadsearchedeverywhereforher,hehadbeenunable[page40]tofind
her."Hewasquitebesidehimselfwithgrief,"saidtheeldersister,"forthereisnodoubthehopedto
makeherhisbride."
Cinderellalistenedinsilencetoalltheyhadtosay,and,slippingherhandintoherpocket,feltthatthe
oneremainingglassslipperwassafe,foritwastheonlythingofallhergrandapparelthatremainedto
her.
Onthefollowingmorningtherewasagreatnoiseoftrumpetsanddrums,andaprocessionpassed
throughthetown,attheheadofwhichrodetheKing'sson.Behindhimcameaherald,bearingavelvet
cushion,uponwhichrestedalittleglassslipper.Theheraldblewablastuponthetrumpet,andthen
readaproclamationsayingthattheKing'ssonwouldwedanyladyinthelandwhocouldfittheslipper
uponherfoot,ifshecouldproduceanothertomatchit.
61
Ofcourse,thesisterstriedtosqueezetheirfeetintotheslipper,butitwasofnousetheyweremuch
toolarge.ThenCinderellashylybeggedthatshemighttry.Howthesisterslaughedwithscornwhen
thePrinceknelttofittheslipperonthecindermaid'sfoot;butwhatwastheirsurprisewhenitslipped
onwiththegreatestease,andthenextmomentCinderellaproducedtheotherfromherpocket.Once
moreshestoodintheslippers,andoncemorethesisterssawbeforethemthelovelyPrincesswhowas
tobethePrince'sbride.Foratthetouchofthemagicshoes,thelittlegrayfrockdisappearedforever,
andinplaceofitsheworethebeautifulrobethefairyGodmotherhadgiventoher.
Thesistershungtheirheadswithsorrowandvexation;butkindlittleCinderellaputherarmsround
theirnecks,kissedthem,andforgavethemforalltheirunkindness,sothattheycouldnothelpbutlove
her.
ThePrincecouldnotbeartopartfromhislittleloveagain,sohecarriedherbacktothepalaceinhis
grandcoach,andtheyweremarriedthatveryday.Cinderella'sstepsisterswerepresentatthefeast,but
intheplaceofhonorsatthefairyGodmother.
SothepoorlittlecindermaidmarriedthePrince,andintimetheycametobeKingandQueen,and
livedhappilyeverafter.
[page41]
THETHREEBROTHERS
T
HEREwasonceamanwhohadthreesons,butnofortuneexceptthehousehelivedin.Now,eachof
themwantedtohavethehouseafterhisdeath;buttheirfatherwasjustasfondofoneasoftheother,
anddidnotknowhowtotreatthemallfairly.Hedidnotwanttosellthehouse,becauseithad
belongedtohisforefathers,orhemighthavedividedthemoneybetweenthem.
Atlastanideacameintohishead,andhesaidtohissons:"Gooutintotheworld,andeachlearna
trade,andwhenyoucomehome,theonewhomakesbestuseofhishandicraftshallhavethehouse."
Thesonswerequitecontentwiththisplan,andtheeldestdecidedtobeafarrier,thesecondabarber,
andthethirdafencingmaster.Theyfixedatimewhentheywouldallmeetathomeagain,andthen
theysetoff.
Itsohappenedthattheyeachfoundaclevermasterwithwhomtheylearnedtheirbusinessthoroughly.
ThefarriershodtheKing'shorses,andhethought,"Ishallcertainlybetheonetohavethehouse."
Thebarbershavednobodybutgrandgentlemen,sohethoughtitwouldfalltohim.
Thefencingmastergotmanyblows,buthesethisteeth,andwouldnotlethimselfbeputout,because
hethought,"IfIamafraidofablow,Ishallnevergetthehouse."
Now,whenthegiventimehadpassed,theyallwenthometogethertotheirfather;buttheydidnot
knowhowtogetagoodopportunityofshowingofftheirpowers,andsatdowntodiscussthematter.
Suddenlyaharecamerunningoverthefield.
"Ah!"criedthebarber,"shecomesjustinthenickoftime."
62
Hetookuphisbowlandhissoap,andgothislatherbythetimetheharecamequiteclose,thenhe
soapedherandshavedherassheracedalong,withoutgivingheracutormissingasinglehair.His
father,astonished,said:"Iftheothersdon'tlookout,thehousewillbeyours."
[page42]
Beforelongagentlemancamealonginhiscarriageatfullgallop.
"Now,father,youshallseewhatIcando,"saidthefarrierandheranafterthecarriageandtorethe
fourshoesoffthehorseashegallopedalong,then,withoutstoppingasecond,shodhimwithnew
ones.
"Youareafinefellow,indeed,"saidhisfather."Youknowyourbusinessaswellasyourbrother.I
don'tknowwhichIshallgivethehousetoatthisrate."
Thenthethirdonesaid:"Letmehaveachance,too,father."
Asitwasbeginningtorain,hedrewhisswordandswirleditroundandroundhishead,sothatnota
dropfellonhim.Evenwhentheraingrewheavier,soheavythatitseemedasifitwerebeingpoured
fromtheskyoutofbuckets,heswungtheswordfasterandfaster,andremainedasdryasifhehad
beenunderaroof.
Hisfatherwasamazed,andsaid:"Youhavedonethebest;thehouseisyours."
Boththeotherbrotherswerequitesatisfiedwiththisdecision,andastheywereallsodevotedtoone
another,theylivedtogetherinthehouse,andcarriedontheirtrades,bywhichtheymadeplentyof
money,sincetheyweresoperfectinthem.
Theylivedhappilytogethertoagoodoldage,andwhenonefellillanddied,theothersgrievedso
muchoverhimthattheypinedawayandsoonafterdepartedthislife.
Then,astheyhadbeensofondofoneanother,theywereallburiedinonegrave.
THEWRENANDTHEBEAR
O
NEsummer'sdaythebearandthewolfwerewalkingintheforest,andthebearheardabirdsinging
verysweetly,andsaid:"BrotherWolf,whatkindofbirdisthatwhichissingingsodelightfully?"
[page43]
"ThatistheKingofthebirds,beforewhomwemustdoreverence,"repliedthewolf;butitwasonly
thewren.
"Ifthatbeso,"saidthebear,"Ishouldliketoseehisroyalpalace;come,leadmetoit.""Thatcannot
beasyoulike,"repliedthewolf."YoumustwaittilltheQueenreturns."SoonafterwardtheQueen
arrivedwithsomefoodinherbill,andtheKing,too,tofeedtheiryoungones,andthebearwouldhave
goneofftoseethem,butthewolf,pullinghisear,said:"No,youmustwaittilltheQueenandtheKing
arebothoffagain."
63
So,afterobservingwellthesituationofthenest,thetwotrampedoff,butthebearhadnorest,forhe
wishedstilltoseetheroyalpalace,andafterashortdelayhesetofftoitagain.HefoundtheKingand
Queenabsent,and,peepingintothenest,hesawfiveorsixyoungbirdslyinginit."Isthistheroyal
palace?"exclaimedthebear;"thismiserableplace!YouarenoKing'schildren,butwretchedyoung
vagabonds.""No,no,thatwearenot!"burstoutthelittlewrenstogetherinagreatpassion,fortothem
thisspeechwasaddressed."No,no,wearebornofhonorableparents,andyou,Mr.Bear,shallmake
yourwordsgood!"Atthisspeechthebearandthewolfweremuchfrightened,andranbacktotheir
holes;butthelittlewrenskeptupanunceasing,clamortilltheirparents'return.Assoonastheycame
backwithfoodintheirmouthsthelittlebirdsbegan,"Wewillnoneofustouchafly'sleg,butwill
starverather,untilyoudecidewhetherwearefineandhandsomechildrenornot,forthebearhasbeen
hereandinsultedus!"
"Bequiet,"repliedtheKing,"andthatshallsoonbesettled."AndthereuponheflewwithhisQueento
theresidenceofthebear,andcalledtohimfromtheentrance,"Oldgrumbler,whyhaveyouinsulted
mychildren?Thatshallcostyoudear,forwewilldecidethematterbyapitchedbattle."
Warhavingthusbeendeclaredagainstthebear,allthefourfootedbeastsweresummoned:theox,the
ass,thecow,thegoat,thestag,andeveryanimalonthefaceoftheearth.Thewren,ontheotherhand,
summonedeveryflyingthing;notonlythebirds,greatandsmall,butalsothegnat,thehornet,thebee,
andtheflies.
Whenthetimearrivedforthecommencementofthewar,[page44]thewrenKingsentoutspiestosee
whowasappointedcommanderinchiefoftheenemy.Thegnatwasthemostcunningofallthearmy,
andhe,therefore,buzzedawayintotheforestwheretheenemywasencamped,andalightedonaleaf
ofthetreebeneathwhichthewatchwordwasgivenout.Therestoodthebearandcalledthefoxtohim,
andsaid:"Youarethemostcraftyofanimals,soyoumustbegeneral,andleaduson.""Well,"saidthe
fox,"butwhatsignshallweappoint?"Nobodyanswered.Thenthefoxsaid:"Ihaveafinelongbushy
tail,whichlookslikearedfeatheratadistance;ifIholdthistailstraightup,allisgoingwellandyou
mustmarchafterme;butifIsufferittohangdown,runawayasfastasyoucan."Assoonasthegnat
heardallthissheflewhomeandtoldthewrenKingeverythingtoahair.
Whenthedayarrivedforthebattletobegin,thefourfootedbeastsallcamerunningalongtothefield,
shakingtheearthwiththeirroaringandbellowing.ThewrenKingalsocamewithhisarmy,whirring
andbuzzingandhummingenoughtoterrifyanyoneoutofhissenses.ThenthewrenKingsentthe
hornetforwardtosettleuponthefox'stailandstingitwithallhispower.Assoonasthefoxfeltthe
firststinghedrewuphishindlegwiththepain,stillcarrying,however,histailashighintheairas
before;atthesecondstinghewasobligedtodropitalittlebit;butatthethirdhecouldnolongerbear
thepain,butwasforcedtodrophistailbetweenhislegs.Assoonastheotherbeastssawthis,they
thoughtallwaslost,andbegantoruneachonetohisownhole;sothebirdswonthebattlewithout
difficulty.
WhenallwasoverthewrenKingandhisQueenflewhometotheirchildren,andcriedout:"Rejoice!
rejoice!wehavewonthebattle;noweatanddrinkasmuchasyouplease."
Theyoungwrens,however,said:"Stillwewillnoteattillthebearhascometoournestandbegged
pardon,andadmittedthatwearefineandhandsomechildren."
SothewrenKingflewbacktothecaveofthebear,andcalledout,"Oldgrumbler,youmustcometo
thenestandbegpardonofmychildrenforcallingthemwretchedyoungbrats,elseyourribsshallbe
crushedinyourbody!"
[page45]
Ingreatterrorthebearcreptoutandbeggedpardon;andafterwardtheyoungwrens,beingnowmade
happyintheirminds,settleddowntoeatinganddrinking,andIamafraidtheywereoverexcitedand
keptuptheirmerrimentfartoolate.
64
CHICKENLICKEN
A
SChickenlickenwasgoingonedaytothewood,whack!anacornfellfromatreeontohishead.
"Graciousgoodnessme!"saidChickenlicken,"theskymusthavefallen;ImustgoandtelltheKing."
SoChickenlickenturnedback,andmetHenlen.
"Well,Henlen,whereareyougoing?"saidhe.
"I'mgoingtothewood,"saidshe.
"Oh,Henlen,don'tgo!"saidhe,"forasIwasgoingtheskyfellontomyhead,andI'mgoingtotell
theKing."
SoHenlenturnedbackwithChickenlicken,andmetCocklock.
"I'mgoingtothewood,"saidhe.
ThenHenlensaid:"OhCocklock,don'tgo,forIwasgoing,andImetChickenlicken,andChicken
lickenhadbeenatthewood,andtheskyhadfallenontohishead,andwearegoingtotelltheKing."
SoCocklockturnedback,andtheymetDuckluck.
"Well,Duckluck,whereareyougoing?"
AndDucklucksaid:"I'mgoingtothewood."
ThenCocklocksaid:"Oh!Duckluck,don'tgo,forIwasgoing,andImetHenlen,andHenlenmet
Chickenlicken,andChickenlickenhadbeenatthewood,andtheskyhadfallenontohishead,and
wearegoingtotelltheKing."
SoDuckluckturnedback,andmetDrakelake.
"Well,Drakelake,whereareyougoing?"
[page46]
AndDrakelakesaid:"I'mgoingtothewood."
ThenDucklucksaid:"Oh!Drakelake,don'tgo,forIwasgoing,andImetCocklock,andCocklock
metHenlen,andHenlenmetChickenlicken,andChickenlickenhadbeenatthewood,andthesky
hadfallenontohishead,andwearegoingtotelltheKing."
SoDrakelaketurnedback,andmetGooseloose.
"Well,Gooseloose,whereareyougoing?"
65
AndGooseloosesaid:"I'mgoingtothewood."
ThenDrakelakesaid:"Oh,Gooseloose,don'tgo,forIwasgoing,andImetDuckluck,andDuck
luckmetCocklock,andCocklockmetHenlen,andHenlenmetChickenlicken,andChickenlicken
hadbeenatthewood,andtheskyhadfallenontohishead,andwearegoingtotelltheKing."
SoGooselooseturnedback,andmetGanderlander.
"Well,Ganderlander,whereareyougoing?"
AndGanderlandersaid:"I'mgoingtothewood."
ThenGooseloosesaid:"Oh!Ganderlander,don'tgo,forIwasgoing,andImetDrakelake,and
DrakelakemetDuckluck,andDuckluckmetCocklock,andCocklockmetHenlen,andHenlen
metChickenlicken,andChickenlickenhadbeenatthewood,andtheskyhadfallenontohishead,
andwearegoingtotelltheKing."
SoGanderlanderturnedback,andmetTurkeylurkey.
"Well,Turkeylurkey,whereareyougoing?"
AndTurkeylurkeysaid:"I'mgoingtothewood."
ThenGanderlandersaid:"Oh!Turkeylurkey,don'tgo,forIwasgoing,andImetGooseloose,and
GooseloosemetDrakelake,andDrakelakemetDuckluck,andDuckluckmetCocklock,andCock
lockmetHenlen,andHenlenmetChickenlicken,andChickenlickenhadbeenatthewood,andthe
skyhadfallenontohishead,andwearegoingtotelltheKing."
SoTurkeylurkeyturnedback,andwalkedwithGanderlander,Gooseloose,Drakelake,Duckluck,
Cocklock,Henlen,andChickenlicken.
Andastheyweregoingalong,theymetFoxlox.AndFoxloxsaid:
[page47]
"Whereareyougoing?"
Andtheysaid:"Chickenlickenwenttothewood,andtheskyfellontohishead,andwearegoingto
telltheKing."
AndFoxloxsaid:"Comealongwithme,andIwillshowyoutheway."
ButFoxloxtookthemintothefox'shole,andheandhisyoungonessoonateuppoorChickenlicken,
Henlen,Cocklock,Duckluck,Drakelake,Gooseloose,Ganderlander,andTurkeylurkey;andthey
neversawtheKingtotellhimthattheskyhadfallen.
THEFOXANDTHECAT
I
66
ThappenedoncethatthecatmetMr.Foxinthewood,andbecauseshethoughthewascleverand
experiencedinallthewaysoftheworld,sheaddressedhiminafriendlymanner.
"Goodmorning,dearMr.Fox!howareyou,andhowdoyougetalonginthesehardtimes?"
Thefox,fullofpride,lookedatthecatfromheadtofootforsometime,hardlyknowingwhetherhe
woulddeigntoanswerornot.Atlasthesaid:
"Oh,youpoorwhiskerwiper,yousillypiebald,youstarvelingmousehunter!whathascomeintoyour
head?HowdareyouaskmehowIamgettingon?Whatsortofeducationhaveyouhad?Howmany
artsareyoumasterof?"
"Onlyone,"saidthecatmeekly.
"Andwhatmightthatonebe?"askedthefox.
"Whenthedogsrunafterme,Icanjumpintoatreeandsavemyself."
"Isthatall?"saidthefox."Iammasterofahundredarts,andIhaveasackfulofcunningtricksin
addition.ButIpityyou.Comewithme,andIwillteachyouhowtoescapefromthedogs."
[page48]
Justthenahuntsmancamealongwithfourhounds.Thecatsprangtremblingintoatree,andcrept
stealthilyuptothetopmostbranch,whereshewasentirelyhiddenbytwigsandleaves.
"Openyoursack,Mr.Fox!openyoursack!"criedthecat,butthedogshadgrippedhim,andheldhim
fast.
"Oh,Mr.Fox!"criedthecat,"youwithyourhundredarts,andyoursackfuloftricks,areheldfast,
whileI,withmyone,amsafe.Hadyoubeenabletocreepuphere,youwouldnothavelostyoulife."
THERATSANDTHEIRSONINLAW
T
HEREoncelivedinJapanaratandhiswife,folkofnoblerace,whohadonebeautifuldaughter.They
wereexceedinglyproudofhercharms,anddreamed,asparentswill,ofthegrandmarriageshewas
suretomakeintime.Proudofhispurerodentblood,thefathersawnosoninlawmoretobedesired
thanayoungratofancientlineage,whoseattentionstohisdaughterwereverymarked.Thismatch,
however,brilliantasitwas,seemednottothemother'staste.Likemanypeoplewhothinkthemselves
madeoutofspecialclay,shehadaverypooropinionofherownkind,andwasambitiousforan
alliancewiththehighestcircles.Tothestars!washermotto,shealwayssaid,andreally,whenonehas
adaughterofincomparablebeauty,onemaywellhopeforanequallyincomparablesoninlaw.
"Addressyourselftothesunatonce,then,"criedtheimpatientfatheroneday;"thereisnothingabove
him,surely."
"Quiteso;Ihadalreadythoughtofit,"sheanswered,"andsinceyou,too,areinsympathywiththe
idea,wewillmakeourcalltomorrow."
67
So,onthefollowingmorningtheproudfatherandthe[page49]haughtymotherratwenttogetherto
presenttheirlovelydaughtertotheorbofday.
"LordSun,"saidthemother,"letmepresentouronlydaughter,whoissobeautifulthatthereisnothing
likeherinthewholeworld.Naturallywedesireasoninlawaswonderfulasshe,and,asyousee,we
havecometoyoufirstofall."
"Really,"saidthesun,"Iamextremelyflatteredbyyourproposal,butyoudometoomuchhonor;
thereissomeonegreaterthanI;itisthecloud.Look,ifyoudonotbelieve."...Andatthatmomentthe
cloudarrived,andwithonewaftofhisfoldsextinguishedthesunwithallhisgoldenrays.
"Verywell;letusspeaktothecloud,then,"saidthemotherrat,notintheleastdisconcerted.
"Immenselyhonored,Iamsure,"repliedthecloudinhisturn,"butyouareagainmistaken;thereis
someonegreaterthanI;itisthewind.Youshallsee."
Atthesamemomentalongcamethewind,andwithoneblowsweptthecloudoutofsight,afterwhich,
overturningfather,mother,anddaughter,hetumbledwiththem,pellmell,atthefootofanoldwall.
"Quick,quick,"criedthemotherrat,strugglingtoherfeet,"andletusrepeatourcomplimentstothe
wind."
"You'dbetteraddressyourselftothewall,"growledthewindroughly."Youseeverywellheisgreater
thanI,forhestopsmeandmakesmedrawback."
Nosoonerhadsheheardthesewordsthanmotherratfacedaboutandpresentedherdaughtertothe
wall.Ah,butnowthefairratmaidenimitatedthewind;shedrewbackalso.Hewhomshereally
adoredinherheartofheartswasthefascinatingyoungratwhohadpaidhiscourttohersowell.
However,topleasehermother,shehadconsentedtowedtheSun,inspiteofhisblindingrays,orthe
cloud,inspiteofhissulkylook,eventhewind,inspiteofhisbrusquemanner;butanold,brokenwall!
...No!deathwouldbebetterathousandtimes.
Fortunatelythewallexcusedhimself,likealltherest."Certainly,"hesaid,"Icanstopthewind,who
cansweepawaythecloud,whocancoveruptheSun,butthereissome[page50]onegreaterthanI:it
istherat,whocanpassthroughmybody,andcaneven,ifhechooses,reducemetopowderwithhis
teeth.Believeme,youneedseeknobettersoninlaw;greaterthantherat,thereisnothinginthe
world."
"Doyouhearthat,wife,doyouhearit?"criedfatherratintriumph."Didn'tIalwayssayso?"
"Quitetrue!youalwaysdid,"returnedthemotherratinwonder,andsuddenlyglowedwithprideinher
ancientnameandlineage.
Sotheyallthreewenthome,veryhappyandcontented,andonthemorrowthelovelyratmaiden
marriedherfaithfulratlover.
THEMOUSEANDTHESAUSAGE
O
68
NCEuponatimealittlemouseandalittlesausage,wholovedeachotherlikesisters,decidedtolive
together,andmadetheirarrangementsinsuchawaythateverydayonewouldgotowalkinthefields,
ormakepurchasesintown,whiletheotherremainedathometokeepthehouse.
Oneday,whenthelittlesausagehadpreparedcabbagefordinner,thelittlemouse,whohadcomeback
fromtownwithafineappetite,enjoyeditsogreatlythatsheexclaimed:"Howdeliciousthecabbageis
today,mydear!"
"Ah!"answeredthelittlesausage,"thatisbecauseIpoppedmyselfintothepotwhileitwascooking."
Onthenextday,asitwasherturntopreparethemeals,thelittlemousesaidtoherself:"NowIwilldo
asmuchformyfriendasshedidforme;wewillhavelentilsfordinner,andIwilljumpintothepot
whiletheyareboiling,"andshelettheactionfollowtheword,withoutreflectingthatasimplesausage
candosomethingswhichareoutofthereachofeventhewisestmouse.
[page51]
Whenthesausagecamehome,shefoundthehouselonelyandsilent.Shecalledagainandagain,"My
littlemouse!Mouseofmyheart!"butnooneanswered.Thenshewenttolookatthelentilsboilingon
thestove,and,alas!foundwithinthepothergoodlittlefriend,whohadperishedatthepostofduty.
Poormousie,withthebestintentionsintheworld,hadstayedtoolongathercookery,andwhenshe
desiredtoclimboutofthepot,hadnolongerthestrengthtodoso.
Andthepoorsausagecouldneverbeconsoled!Thatiswhytoday,whenyouputoneinthepanoron
thegridiron,youwillhearherweepandsigh,"Mmyppoormmouse!Ah,mmyppoormmouse!"
JOHNNYANDTHEGOLDENGOOSE
T
HEREwasonceamanwhohadthreesons.Johnny,theyoungest,wasalwayslookeduponasthe
simpletonofthefamily,andhadverylittleconsiderationorkindnessshownhim.
Ithappenedonedaythattheeldestsonwasgoingoutintothewoodtocutfuel;andbeforehestarted,
hismothergavehimasliceofrichplumcakeandaflaskofwine,sothathemightnotsufferfrom
hungerorthirst.
Justashereachedthewood,hemetaqueeroldman,dressedingray,whowishedhim"Goodday,"
andbeggedforapieceoftheyoungman'scakeandadrinkofwine.
Butthegreedyyouthreplied:"IfIweretogiveyoucakeandwine,Ishouldnothaveenoughleftfor
myself;sobeoffwithyou,andleavemeinpeace."
Thenhepushedthelittlemanrudelyononesideandwenthisway.Hesooncametoalikelylooking
tree,andbegantohewitdown,buthemadeafalsestroke,andinsteadofstriking[page52]thetreehe
buriedhisaxeinhisownarm,andwasobligedtohurryhomeasfastashecouldtohavethewound
dressed.
Andthiswaswhatcameofoffendingthelittlegrayman!
69
Thefollowingdaythesecondsonsetouttothewood,andhismothertreatedhimjustasshehaddone
hereldestsongavehimasliceofcakeandaflaskofwine,incaseheshouldfeelhungry.Thelittle
graymanmethimattheentrancetothewood,andbeggedforashareofhisfood,buttheyoungman
answered:
"ThemoreIgivetoyou,thelessIhaveformyself.Beoffwithyou."
Thenheleftthelittlegraymanstandingintheroad,andwentonhisway.Butitwasnotlongbefore
he,too,waspunished;forthefirststrokeheaimedatatreeglancedasideandwoundedhisleg,sothat
hewasobligedtobecarriedhome.
ThensaidtheSimpleton:"Father,letmegotothewoodforonce.Iwillbringyouhomeplentyoffuel."
"Nonsense,"answeredthefather."Bothyourbrothershavegotintotrouble,anditisnotlikelythatI
amgoingtotrustyou."
ButJohnnywouldnotgiveuptheidea,andworriedhisfather,tillatlasthesaid:
"Verywell,myson,haveyourownway.YoushalllearnbyexperiencethatIknowbetterthanyou."
Therewasnorichcakeforthesimpletonofthefamily.Hismotherjustgavehimalittleloafofdough
andabottleofsourbeer.
Nosoonerdidhereachthewoodthanthelittlegraymanappeared.
"Givemeapieceofyourcakeandadrinkofyourwine?"saidhe.
Buttheyoungmantoldhimhehadonlyadoughloafandabottleofsourbeer.
"Still,"saidhe,"youarewelcometoashareofthefood,suchasitis."
Sothetwosatdowntogether;butwhenJohnnytookhishumblefarefromhispocket,whatwashis
surprisetofinditchangedintothemostdeliciouscakeandwine.Thenthe[page53]youngmanand
hisguestmadeaheartymeal,andwhenitwasendedthelittlegraymansaid:
"Becauseyouhavesuchakindheart,andhavewillinglysharedyourfoodwithme,Iamgoingto
rewardyou.Yonderstandsanoldtree:hewitdown,anddeepintheheartoftherootsyouwillfind
something."
Theoldmanthennoddedkindly,anddisappearedinamoment.
Johnnyatoncedidashehadbeentold,andassoonasthetreefellhesaw,sittinginthemidstofthe
roots,agoosewithfeathersofpurestgold.Helifteditcarefullyout,andcarrieditwithhimtotheinn,
wherehemeanttospendthenight.
Now,thelandlordhadthreedaughters,andnosoonerdidtheyseethegoosethantheywantedtoknow
whatcuriouskindofbirditmightbe,forneverbeforehadtheyseenafowlofanykindwithfeathersof
puregold.Theeldestmadeuphermindtowaitforagoodopportunityandthenpluckafeatherfor
herself.SoassoonasJohnnywentoutoftheroomsheputoutherhandandseizedthewingofthe
goose,butwhatwasherhorrortofindthatshecouldnotunclaspherfingersagain,norevenmoveher
handfromthegoldengoose!
Verysoonthesecondsistercamecreepingintotheroom,meaningalsotostealafeather;butnosooner
didshetouchhersisterthanshe,too,wasunabletodrawherhandaway.
70
Lastlycamethethird,anxioustosecureafeatherbeforethegoose'smasterreturned.
"Goaway!goaway!"screamedhertwosisters,butshecouldnotunderstandwhysheshouldnothelp
herselfaswellastheothers.
Soshepaidnoheedtotheircries,butcametowardthemandstretchedoutherhandtothegoose.
Indoingsoshetouchedhersecondsister,andthen,alas!shetoo,washeldfast.
Theypulledandtuggedwithmightandmain,butitwasallofnouse;theycouldnotgetaway,and
theretheyhadtoremainthewholenight.
ThenextmorningJohnnytuckedthegooseunderhisarm,[page54]andwentonhisway,never
troublinghimselfaboutthethreegirlshangingonbehind.
Thenwhatadanceheledthem:overhedgesandditches,highwaysandbyways!Whereverheledthey
wereboundtofollow.Halfwayacrossasunnymeadow,theymettheparson,whowasterribly
shockedtoseethethreegirlsrunningafterayoungman.
"Forshame!"hecriedangrily,andseizedtheyoungestbythehandtodragheraway.
Butnosoonerdidhetouchherthanthepoorparsonwasmadefasttoo,andhadtorunbehindthegirls,
whetherhewouldorno.
Theyhadscarcelygonehalfadozenpacesbeforetheymetthesexton,whostaredwithastonishmentto
seehismasterrunningattheheelsofthethreegirls.
"Hi!stop,yourreverence,"hecried."Youwillbelateforthechristening."
Heseizedtheparson'ssleeveasheranpasthim,butthepoorsextonhadtojointheprocessiontoo.
Sonowtherewerefiveofthem,andjustastheyturnedacornertheparsonsawtwopeasants,and
calledtothemtosethimandhissextonfree.
Theythrewdowntheirspadesatonceandtriedtodoso,buttheytoo,stuckfast,andsoJohnnyhada
finestringofsevenfolkhangingontothewingofhisgoldengoose.
Onandontheyran,untilatlengththeycameintothecountryofapowerfulKing.
ThisKinghadanonlydaughter,whoallherlifehadbeensosadthatnoonehadeverbeenableto
makeherlaugh.SotheKingmadeadecreethatthemanwhocouldbringasmiletohisdaughter'sface
shouldhaveherforhisbride.
WhenJohnnyheardwhattheKinghadpromised,heatoncemadehiswayintothePrincess'spresence,
andwhenshesawthegoose,withthesevenqueerlookingcompanionshangingonbehind,sheburst
intosuchaheartyfitoflaughterthatitwasthoughtshewouldneverbeabletostopagain.
Ofcourse,theSimpletonclaimedherashisbride,buttheKingdidnotfancyhimforasoninlaw,so
hemadeallsortsofexcuses.
[page55]
"Youshallhaveher,"saidhe,"ifyoucanfirstbringmeamanwhocandrinkupawholecellarfulof
wine."
71
Johnnyatoncerememberedthelittlegrayman,and,feelingsurethathewouldhelphim,hesetoutfor
thewoodwherehehadfirstmethim.
Whenhereachedthestumpoftheoldtreewhichhehadhimselfhewndown,henoticedamansitting
besideit,withafaceasgloomyasarainyday.
Johnnyaskedpolitelywhatailedhim,andthemananswered:
"IsufferfromathirstIcannotquench.Coldwaterdisagreeswithme,andthoughIhave,itistrue,
emptiedabarrelofwine,itwasnomoretomethanasingledropofwateruponahotstone."
YoucanthinkhowpleasedJohnnywastohearthesewords.HetookthemantotheKing'scellar,
whereheseatedhimselfbeforethehugebarrels,anddrankanddranktill,attheendoftheday,nota
dropofwinewasleft.
ThenJohnnyclaimedhisbride,buttheKingcouldnotmakeuphismindtogivehisdaughterto"a
ne'erdoweel"whowentbysuchanameas"Simpleton."
Sohemadefreshexcuses,andsaidthathewouldnotgiveherupuntiltheyoungmanhadfound
someonewhocouldeatupamountainofbreadinasingleday.
Sotheyoungmanhadnochoicebuttosetoutoncemoreforthewood.
Andagainhefoundamansittingbesidethestumpofthetree.Hewasverysadandhungrylooking,
andsattighteningthebeltroundhiswaist.
"Ihaveeatenawholeovenfulofbread,"hesaidsadly,"butwhenoneisashungryasIam,suchameal
onlyservestomakeonemorehungrystill.IamsoemptythatifIdidnottightenmybeltIshoulddie
ofhunger."
"Youarethemanforme!"saidJohnny."Followme,andIwillgiveyouamealthatwillsatisfyeven
yourhunger."
HeledthemanintothecourtyardoftheKing'spalace,whereallthemealinthekingdomhadbeen
collectedtogetherandmixedintoanenormousmountainofbread.
[page56]
Themanfromthewoodplacedhimselfinfrontofitandbegantoeat,andbeforethedaywasoverthe
mountainofbreadhadvanished.
AthirdtimetheSimpletondemandedhisbride,butagaintheKingfoundanexcuse.
"Firstbringmeashipthatcansailbothonlandandsea,andthenyoushallwedthePrincess,"hesaid.
Johnnywentstraightwaytothewood,wherehemetthelittlegraymanwithwhomhehadonceshared
hisfood.
"Goodday,"hesaid,noddinghiswiselittlehead."Soyou'vecometovisitmeagain,eh?ItwasI,you
know,whodrankthewineandatethebreadforyou,andnowIwillfinishbygivingyouthewonderful
shipwhichistosailoneitherlandorsea.AllthisIdoforyoubecauseyouwerekindandgoodtome."
Thenhegavehimtheship,andwhentheKingsawithecouldfindnofurtherexcuse.
72
Sohegavetheyoungmanhisdaughter,andthepairweremarriedthatveryday.
WhentheoldKingdied,theSimpletonbecameKinginhisstead,andheandhiswifelivedhappily
everafter.
TITTYMOUSEANDTATTYMOUSE
T
ITTYMouseandTattyMousebothlivedinahouse,
TittyMousewentaleasingandTattyMousewentaleasing,
Sotheybothwentaleasing.
TittyMouseleasedanearofcorn,andTattyMouseleasedanearofcorn,
Sotheybothleasedanearofcorn.
TittyMousemadeapudding,andTattyMousemadeapudding,
Sotheybothmadeapudding.
AndTattyMouseputherpuddingintothepottoboil,[page57]But,whenTittywenttoputhersin,
thepottumbledover,andscaldedhertodeath.
ThenTattysatdownandwept,andathreeleggedstoolsaid:"Tatty,whydoyouweep?""Titty's
dead,"saidTatty,"andsoIweep.""Then,"saidthestool,"I'llhop."Sothestoolhopped.
Thenabroominthecorneroftheroomsaid:"Stool,whydoyouhop?""Oh!"saidthestool,"Titty's
dead,andTattyweeps,andsoIhop.""Then,"saidthebroom,"I'llsweep."Sothebroombeganto
sweep.
"Then,"saidthedoor,"Broom,whydoyousweep?""Oh!"saidthebroom,"Titty'sdead,andTatty
weeps,andthestoolhops,andsoIsweep.""Then,"saidthedoor,"I'lljar."Sothedoorjarred.
"Then,"saidthewindow,"Door,whydoyoujar?""Oh!"saidthedoor,"Titty'sdead,andTattyweeps,
andthestoolhops,andthebroomsweeps,andsoIjar."
"Then,"saidthewindow,"I'llcreak."Sothewindowcreaked.Nowtherewasanoldformoutsidethe
house,andwhenthewindowcreaked,theformsaid:"Window,whydoyoucreak?""Oh!"saidthe
window,"Titty'sdead,andTattyweeps,andthestoolhops,andthebroomsweeps,thedoorjars,and
soIcreak."
"Then,"saidtheoldform,"I'llrunroundthehouse."Thentheoldformranroundthehouse.Nowthere
wasafinelargewalnuttreegrowingbythecottage,andthetreesaidtotheform:"Form,whydoyou
runroundthehouse?""Oh!"saidtheform,"Titty'sdead,andTattyweeps,andthestoolhops,andthe
broomsweeps,thedoorjars,andthewindowcreaks,andsoIrunroundthehouse."
73
"Then,"saidthewalnuttree,"I'llshedmyleaves."Sothewalnuttreeshedallitsbeautifulgreen
leaves.Nowtherewasalittlebirdperchedononeoftheboughsofthetree,andwhenalltheleaves
fell,itsaid:"Walnuttree,whydoyoushedyourleaves?""Oh!"saidthetree,"Titty'sdead,andTatty
weeps,thestoolhops,andthebroomsweeps,thedoorjars,andthewindowcreaks,theoldformruns
roundthehouse,andsoIshedmyleaves."
[page58]
"Then,"saidthelittlebird,"I'llmoultallmyfeathers."Sohemoultedallhisprettyfeathers.Nowthere
wasalittlegirlwalkingbelow,carryingajugofmilkforherbrothers'andsisters'supper,andwhenshe
sawthepoorlittlebirdmoultallitsfeathers,shesaid:"Littlebird,whydoyoumoultallyour
feathers?""Oh!"saidthelittlebird,"Titty'sdead,andTattyweeps,thestoolhops,andthebroom
sweeps,thedoorjars,andthewindowcreaks,theoldformrunsroundthehouse,thewalnuttreesheds
itsleaves,andsoImoultallmyfeathers."
"Then,"saidthelittlegirl,"I'llspillthemilk."Soshedroppedthepitcherandspiltthemilk.Nowthere
wasanoldmanjustbyonthetopofaladderthatchingarick,andwhenhesawthelittlegirlspillthe
milk,hesaid:"Littlegirl,whatdoyoumeanbyspillingthemilk?Yourlittlebrothersandsistersmust
gowithouttheirsupper."Thensaidthelittlegirl:"Titty'sdead,andTattyweeps,thestoolhops,andthe
broomsweeps,thedoorjars,andthewindowcreaks,theoldformrunsroundthehouse,thewalnuttree
shedsallitsleaves,thelittlebirdmoultsallitsfeathers,andsoIspillthemilk."
"Oh!"saidtheoldman,"thenI'lltumbleofftheladderandbreakmyneck."Sohetumbledoffthe
ladderandbrokehisneck;andwhentheoldmanbrokehisneck,thegreatwalnuttreefelldownwitha
crash,andupsettheoldformandhouse,andthehousefallingknockedthewindowout,andthe
windowknockedthedoordown,andthedoorupsetthebroom,andthebroomupsetthestool,andpoor
littleTattyMousewasburiedbeneaththeruins.
TEENYTINY
T
HEREwasonceuponatimeateenytinywomanwholivedinateenytinyhouseinateenytiny
village.Now,onedaythisteenytinywomanputonherteenytinybonnet,andwent[page59]outof
herteenytinyhousetotakeateenytinywalk.Andwhenthisteenytinywomanhadgoneateenytiny
way,shecametoateenytinygate;sotheteenytinywomanopenedtheteenytinygate,andwentinto
ateenytinychurchyard.Andwhenthisteenytinywomanhadgotintotheteenytinychurchyard,she
sawateenytinyboneonateenytinygrave,andtheteenytinywomansaidtoherteenytinyself:"This
teenytinybonewillmakemesometeenytinysoupformyteenytinysupper."Sotheteenytiny
womanputtheteenytinyboneintoherteenytinypocket,andwenthometoherteenytinyhouse.
Now,whentheteenytinywomangothometoherteenytinyhouse,shewasateenytinytired;soshe
wentupherteenytinystairstoherteenytinybed,andputtheteenytinyboneintoateenytiny
cupboard.Andwhenthisteenytinywomanhadbeentosleepateenytinytime,shewasawakenedby
ateenytinyvoicefromtheteenytinycupboard,whichsaid
"givememybone!"
Andthisteenytinywomanwasateenytinyfrightened,soshehidherteenytinyheadundertheteeny
tinyclothes,andwenttosleepagain.Andwhenshehadbeenasleepagainateenytinytime,theteeny
tinyvoicecriedoutfromtheteenytinycupboardateenytinylouder
74
"GIVEMEMYBONE!"
Thismadetheteenytinywomanateenytinymorefrightened,soshehidherteenytinyheadateeny
tinyfartherundertheteenytinyclothes.Andwhentheteenytinywomanhadbeenasleepagaina
teenytinytime,theteenytinyvoicefromtheteenytinycupboardsaidagainateenytinylouder
"GIVEMEMYBONE!"
Atthistheteenytinywomanwasateenytinybitmorefrightened;butsheputherteenytinyheadout
oftheteenytinyclothes,andsaidinherloudestteenytinyvoice
"TAKEIT!!"
[page60]
THESPIDERANDTHEFLEA
A
SPIDERandaFleadwelttogetherinonehouse,andbrewedtheirbeerinaneggshell.Oneday,when
theSpiderwasstirringitup,shefellinandscaldedherself.ThereupontheFleabegantoscream.And
thenthedoorasked:"Whyareyouscreaming,Flea?"
"BecauselittleSpiderhasscaldedherselfinthebeertub,"repliedshe.
Thereuponthedoorbegantocreakasifitwereinpain;andabroom,whichstoodinthecorner,asked,
"Whatareyoucreakingfor,door?"
"MayInotcreak?"itreplied:
"ThelittleSpider'sscaltherself,
AndtheFleaweeps."
Sothebroombegantosweepindustriously,andpresentlyalittlecartcameby,andaskedthereason.
"MayInotsweep?"repliedthebroom:
AndtheFleaweeps;
Thelittledoorcreakswiththepain,"
Thereuponthelittlecartsaid:"SowillIrun,"andbegantorunveryfast,pastaheapofashes,which
criedout:"Whydoyourun,littlecart?"
"Because,"repliedthecart:
75
AndtheFleaweeps;
Thelittledoorcreakswiththepain,
Andthebroomsweeps."
"Then,"saidtheashes,"Iwillburnfuriously."Now,nexttheashestheregrewatree,whichasked:
"Littleheap,whydoyouburn?"
"Because,"wasthereply:
AndtheFleaweeps;
Andthebroomsweeps;
Thelittlecartrunsonsofast,"
[page61]
Thereuponthetreecried,"Iwillshakemyself!"andwentonshakingtillallitsleavesfelloff.
Alittlegirlpassingbywithawaterpitchersawitshaking,andasked:"Whydoyoushakeyourself,
littletree?"
"WhymayInot?"saidthetree:
AndtheFleaweeps;
Andthebroomsweeps;
Thelittlecartrunsonsofast,
Andtheashesburn."
Thenthemaidensaid:"Ifso,Iwillbreakmypitcher;"andshethrewitdownandbrokeit.
Atthisthestreamlet,fromwhichshedrewthewater,asked:
"Whydoyoubreakyourpitcher,mylittlegirl?"
"WhymayInot?"shereplied;for
76
AndtheFleaweeps;
Andthebroomsweeps;
Thelittlecartrunsonsofast,
Andtheashesburn;
Thelittletreeshakesdownitsleaves
Nowitismyturn!"
"Ah,then,"saidthestreamlet,"nowmustIbegintoflow."Anditflowedandflowedalong,inagreat
stream,whichkeptgettingbiggerandbigger,untilatlastitswallowedupthelittlegirl,thelittletree,
theashes,thecart,thebroom,thedoor,theFlea,and,lastofall,theSpider,alltogether.
THELITTLESHEPHERDBOY
O
NCEuponatimetherewasalittleshepherdboywhowasfamedfarandwideforthewiseanswers
whichhegavetoallquestions.NowtheKingofthecountryheardofthislad,buthewouldnotbelieve
whatwassaidabouthim,sotheboywasorderedtocometocourt.WhenhearrivedtheKing[page62]
saidtohim:"IfyoucangivemeanswerstoeachofthethreequestionswhichIwillnowputtoyou,I
willbringyouupasmyownchild,andyoushallliveherewithmeinmypalace."
"Whatarethesethreequestions?"askedtheboy.
"Thefirstis:Howmanydropsofwaterarethereinthesea?"
"MylordKing,"repliedtheshepherdboy,"letallthewatersbestoppedupontheearth,sothatnotone
dropshallrunintotheseabeforeIcountit,andthenIwilltellyouhowmanydropsthereareinthe
sea!"
"Thesecondquestion,"saidtheKing,"is:Howmanystarsarethereinthesky?"
"Givemealargesheetofpaper,"saidtheboy;andthenhemadeinitwithapinsomanyminuteholes
thattheywerefartoonumeroustoseeortocount,anddazzledtheeyesofwhomsoeverlookedatthem.
Thisdone,hesaid:"Somanystarsarethereintheskyasthereareholesinthispaper;nowcount
them."Butnobodywasable.ThereupontheKingsaid:"Thethirdquestionis:Howmanysecondsare
thereineternity?"
"InLowerPomeraniaissituatedtheadamantinemountain,onemileinheight,onemileinbreadth,and
onemiledeep;andthithercomesabirdonceineverythousandyearswhichrubsitsbeakagainstthe
hill,and,whenthewholeshallberubbedaway,thenwillthefirstsecondofeternitybegoneby."
"Youhaveansweredthethreequestionslikeasage,"saidtheKing,"andfromhenceforwardyoushall
livewithmeinmypalace,andIwilltreatyouasmyownchild."
77
THETHREESPINNERS
O
NCEuponatimetherewasalazymaidenwhowouldnotspin,and,lethermothersaywhatshewould,
shecouldnotmakeherdoit.Atlast,themother,inafitofimpatience,gaveherablowwhichmade
thegirlcryoutloudly.
[page63]
Atthatveryinstant,theQueendroveby,and,hearingthescreams,shestoppedthecarriage,cameinto
thehouse,andaskedthemotherwhyshebeatherdaughterinsuchawaythatpeopleinpassingcould
hearthecries.
Thenthemotherfeltashamedthatherdaughter'slazinessshouldbeknown,soshesaid:"Oh,your
Majesty,Icannottakeherawayfromherspinning:shespinsfrommorningtillnight,andIamsopoor
thatIcannotaffordtobuytheflax."
"ThereisnothingIlikebetterthantohearthesoundofspinning,"theQueenreplied,"andnothing
pleasesmemorethanthewhirlofspinningwheels.Letmetakeyourdaughterhomewithmetothe
castle;Ihaveflaxenough,andshemayspintheretoherheart'scontent."
Themotherrejoicedgreatlyinherheart,andtheQueentookthemaidenhomewithher.Whenthey
arrivedinthecastle,sheledherupintothreerooms,whichwerepiledfromtoptobottomwiththe
finestflax.
"Nowspinmethisflax,"saidtheQueen,"andwhenthouhasspunitall,thoushalthavemyeldestson
forahusband.Althoughthouartpoor,yetIdonotdespisetheeonthataccount,forthyuntiring
industryisdowryenough."
Themaidenwasfilledwithinwardterror,forshecouldnothavespuntheflaxhadshesattheredayand
nightuntilshewasthreehundredyearsold!Whenshewasleftalone,shebegantoweep,andthusshe
satforthreedayswithoutstirringafinger.
OnthethirddaytheQueencame,andwhenshesawthatnothingwasasyetspun,shewonderedover
it,butthemaidenexcusedherselfbysayingthatshecouldnotbegininconsequenceofthegreat
sorrowshefeltinbeingseparatedfromhermother.
ThissatisfiedtheQueen,who,onleavingher,said:
"Thoumustbegintoworkformetomorrow."
Butwhenthemaidenwasoncemorealone,shedidnotknowwhattodo,orhowtohelpherself,andin
herdistressshewenttothewindowandlookedout.Shesawthreewomenpassingby,thefirstof
whomhadagreatbroadfoot,thesecondsuchalargeunderlipthatithungdowntoherchin,andthe
thirdanenormousthumb.
[page64]
Theystoppedunderthewindow,and,lookingup,askedthemaidenwhatwasthematter.
78
Whenshehadtoldthemofhertrouble,theyimmediatelyofferedhertheirhelp,andsaid:
"Wiltthouinviteustothewedding,andnotbeashamedofus,butcallusthyaunts,andletussitatthy
table?Ifthouwilt,wewillspinalltheflax,anddoitinaveryshorttime."
"Withallmyheart,"answeredthegirl,"onlycomein,andbeginatonce."
Thensheadmittedthethreestrangewomen,and,makingaclearspaceinthefirstroom,theysat
themselvesdownandbeganspinning.
Onedrewthethreadandtrodthewheel,theothermoistenedthethread,thethirdpresseditandbeatit
onthetable,andeverytimeshedidso,apileofthreadfellonthegroundspuninthefinestway.
ThemaidenconcealedthethreespinnersfromtheQueen,butshowedhertheheapsofspunyarn
whenevershecame,andreceivednoendofpraiseforit.
Whenthefirstroomwasempty,thesecondwascommenced,andwhenthatwasfinished,thethirdwas
begun,andverysooncleared.
Thenthethreespinnerstooktheirleave,sayingtothemaiden:
"Forgetnotwhatthouhastpromisedus;itwillmakethyfortune."
WhenthegirlshowedtheQueentheemptyroomsandthegreatpilesofthread,theweddingwas
announced.Thebridegroomrejoicedthathehadwonsocleverandindustriousawife,andhepraised
herexceedingly.
"Ihavethreeaunts,"saidthemaiden,"andastheyhavedonememanykindnesses,Icouldnotforget
theminmygoodfortune;permitmetoinvitethemtoourweddingandallowthemtositwithmeat
table."
SotheQueenandthebridegroomconsented.
Whenthefeastcommenced,thethreeoldwomenentered,clothedinthegreatestsplendor,andthe
bridesaid
"Welcome,mydearaunts!"
[page65]
"Alas!"exclaimedthebridegroom,"howisityouhavesuchuglyrelations?"andgoinguptotheone
withabroadfoot,heasked:
"Whyhaveyousuchabroadfoot?"
"Fromthreading,fromthreading,"sheanswered.
Thenhewenttothesecond,andasked:
"Whyhaveyousuchanoverhanginglip?"
"Frommoisteningthethread,"shereplied,"frommoisteningthethread."
Thenheaskedthethird:
79
"Whyhaveyousuchabigthumb?"
"Frompressingthethread,"answeredshe.
ThenthePrincebecamefrightened,andsaid:
"Thenshallmylovelybridenevermoreturnaspinningwheel,aslongasshelives!"
Thuswasthemaidenfreedfromthehatedflaxspinning.
THECATANDTHEMOUSEINPARTNERSHIP
A
CAThavingmadetheacquaintanceofamouse,toldhersomuchofthegreatloveandaffectionthathe
hadforher,thatthemouseatlastconsentedtoliveinthesamehousewithhim,andtohavetheir
domesticaffairsincommon."Butwemustprovideforthewinter,"saidthecat,"orweshallbestarved;
you,littlemouse,cannotgoeverywherelookingforfood,oryouwillmeetwithanaccident."
Thisadvicewasfollowed,andapotwasbroughtwithsomegreaseinit.However,whentheyhadgot
it,theycouldnotimaginewhereitshouldbeput;butatlast,afteralongconsideration,thecatsaid:"I
knownobetterplacetoputitthaninthechurch,fortherenoonedarestostealanything;wewillsetit
beneaththeorgan,andnottouchittillwereallywantit."
Sothepotwasputawayinsafety;butnotlongafterwardthe[page66]catbegantowishforitagain,
sohespoketothemouseandsaid:"IhavetotellyouthatIamaskedbymyaunttostandgodfatherto
alittleson,whitewithbrownmarks,whomshehasjustbroughtintotheworld,andsoImustgotothe
christening.Letmegoouttoday,anddoyoustopathomeandkeephouse."
"Certainly,"answeredthemouse;"pray,go;andifyoueatanythingnice,thinkofme;Iwouldalso
willinglydrinkalittleofthesweetredchristeningwine."
But,alas!itwasallastory;forthecathadnoaunt,andhadnotbeenaskedtostandgodfathertoany
one.Hewentstraighttothechurch,creptuptothegreasepot,andlickedittillhehadeatenoffthetop;
thenhetookawalkontheroofsofthehousesinthetown,thinkingoverhissituation,andnowand
thenstretchinghimselfinthesunandstrokinghiswhiskersasoftenashethoughtofhismeal.Whenit
waseveninghewenthomeagain,andthemousesaid:"Soyouhavecomeatlast;whatacharmingday
youmusthavehad!"
"Yes,"answeredthecat;"itwentoffverywell!"
"Whathaveyounamedthekitten?"askedthemouse.
"Topoff,"saidthecatveryquickly.
"Topoff!"repliedthemouse;"thatisacuriousandremarkablename;isitcommoninyourfamily?"
"Whatdoesthatmatter?"saidthecat;"itisnotworsethanCrumbstealer,asyourchildrenarecalled."
80
Notlongafterwardthecatfeltthesamelongingasbefore,andsaidtothemouse:"Youmustobligeme
bytakingcareofthehouseoncemorebyyourself;Iamagainaskedtostandgodfather,and,sincethe
youngsterhasawhiteringroundhisneck,Icannotgetofftheinvitation."Sothegoodlittlemouse
consented,andthecatcreptawaybehindthewalltothechurchagain,andatehalfthecontentsofthe
greasepot."Nothingtastesbetterthanwhatoneeatsbyone'sself,"saidhe,quitecontentedwithhis
day'swork;andwhenhecamehomethemouseaskedhowthischildwasnamed.
"Halfout,"answeredthecat.
"Halfout!Whatdoyoumean?Ineverheardsuchanamebeforeinmylife;Iwillwageranythingitis
notinthecalendar,"butthecatrepliednothing.
[page67]
Pussy'smouthsoonbegantowateragainattherecollectionofthefeasting."Allgoodthingscomein
threes,"saidhetothemouse."Iamagainrequiredtobegodfather;thischildisquiteblack,andhas
littlewhiteclaws,butnotasinglewhitehaironhisbody;suchathingonlyhappensonceintwoyears,
soprayexcusemethistime."
"Topoff!Halfout!"answeredthemouse;"thosearesuchcuriousnames,theymakemeabit
suspicious."
"Ah!"repliedthecat,"thereyousitinyourgraycoatandlongtail,thinkingnonsense.Thatcomesof
nevergoingout."
Themousebusiedherselfduringthecat'sabsenceinputtingthehouseinorder,butmeanwhilegreedy
pusslickedthegreasepotcleanout."Whenitisalldoneonewillrestinpeace,"thoughthetohimself,
andassoonasnightcamehewenthomefatandtired.Themouse,however,againaskedwhatnamethe
thirdchildhadreceived."Itwillnotpleaseyouanybetter,"answeredthecat,"forheiscalledAllout."
"Allout!"exclaimedthemouse;"well,thatiscertainlythemostcuriousnamebyfar.Ihaveneveryet
seenitinprint.Allout!Whatcanthatmean?"and,shakingherhead,sherolledherselfupandwentto
sleep.
Afterthatnobodyelseaskedthecattostandgodfather;butthewinterhadarrived,andnothingmore
wastobepickedupoutofdoors;sothemousebethoughtherselfoftheirstoreofprovision,andsaid,
"Come,friendcat,wewillgotoourgreasepotwhichwelaidby;itwilltastewellnow."
"Yes,indeed,"repliedthecat;"itwilltasteaswellasifyoustrokedyourtongueagainstthewindow."
Sotheysetoutontheirjourney,andwhentheyarrivedatthechurchthepotstoodinitsoldplacebut
itwasempty!"Ah,"saidthemouse,"Iseewhathashappened;nowIknowyouareindeedafaithful
friend.Youhaveeatenthewholeasyoustoodgodfather;firstTopoff,thenHalfout,then"
"Willyoubequiet?"criedthecat."Notaword,orI'lleatyou."Butthepoormousehad"Allout"ather
tongue'send,andhadscarcelyuttereditwhenthecatmadeaspring,seizedherinhismouth,and
swallowedher.
Thishappenseverydayintheworld.
[page68]
THESWEETSOUP
81
O
NCEonatimetherewasapoorbutverygoodlittlegirl,wholivedalonewithhermother,andwhen
mystorybegins,theyhadnothinginthehousetoeat.Sothechildwentoutintotheforest,andthere
shemetanoldwoman,whoalreadyknewherdistress,andwhopresentedherwithapotwhichhadthe
followingpower.Ifonesaidtoit,"Boil,littlepot!"itwouldcooksweetsoup;andwhenonesaid:
"Stop,littlepot!"itwouldimmediatelyceasetoboil.Thelittlegirltookthepothometohermother,
andnowtheirpovertyanddistresseswereatanend,fortheycouldhavesweetbrothasoftenasthey
pleased.
Oneday,however,thelittlegirlwentout,andinherabsencethemothersaid:"Boil,littlepot!"Soit
begantocook,andshesoonateallshewished;butwhenthepoorwomanwantedtohavethepotstop,
shefoundshedidnotknowtheword.Away,therefore,thepotboiled,andveryquicklywasoverthe
edge;andasitboiledandboiledthekitchenpresentlybecamefull,thenthehouse,andthenexthouse,
andsoonthewholestreet.Itseemedlikelytosatisfyalltheworld,for,thoughtherewasthegreatest
necessitytodoso,nobodyknewhowtostopit.Atlast,whenonlyaverysmallcottageofallthe
villagewasleftunfilledwithsoup,thechildreturnedandsaidatonce:"Stop,littlepot!"
Immediatelyitceasedtoboil;butwhoeverwishestoenterthevillagenowmusteathiswaythrough
thesoup!!!
THESTRAWTHECOALANDTHEBEAN
A
LLalone,inaquietlittlevillage,livedapooroldwoman.Onedayshehadadishofbeanswhichshe
wantedtocookfordinner,soshemadeafireonthehearth,andinorderthatitshouldburnupquickly
shelighteditwithahandfulofstraw.
[page69]
Shehungthepotoverthefire,andpouredinthebeans;butonefellontothefloorwithouthernoticing
it,androlledawaybesideapieceofstraw.Soonafterwardsalivecoalflewoutofthefireandjoined
theircompany.Thenthestrawbegantospeak.
"Dearfriends,"saidhe,"whencecomeyou?"
"Iwasfortunateenoughtospringoutofthefire,"answeredthecoal."HadInotexertedmyselftoget
outwhenIdid,Ishouldmostcertainlyhavebeenburnttoashes."
"Ihavealsojustmanagedtosavemyskin,"saidthebean."Hadtheoldwomansucceededinputting
meintothepot,Ishouldhavebeenstewedwithoutmercy,justasmycomradesarebeingservednow."
"Myfatemighthavebeennobetter,"thestrawtoldthem."Theoldwomanburntsixtyofmybrothers
atonce,butfortunatelyIwasabletoslipthroughherfingers."
"Whatshallwedonow?"saidthecoal.
82
"Well,"answeredthebean,"myopinionisthat,aswehaveallbeensofortunateastoescapedeath,we
shouldleavethisplacebeforeanynewmisfortuneovertakesus.Letusallthreebecometraveling
companionsandsetoutuponajourneytosomeunknowncountry."
Thissuggestionpleasedboththestrawandthecoal,soawaytheyallwentatonce.Beforelongthey
cametoabrook,andastherewasnobridgeacrossittheydidnotknowhowtogettotheotherside;
butthestrawhadagoodidea:"Iwilllaymyselfoverthewater,andyoucanwalkacrossmeasthough
Iwereabridge,"hesaid.Sohestretchedhimselffromonebanktotheother,andthecoal,whowasof
ahastydisposition,atoncetrippedgailyontothenewlybuiltbridge.Halfwayacrossshehesitated,
andbegantofeelafraidoftherushingwaterbeneathher.Shedaredgonofarther,butneitherwould
shereturn;butshestoodtheresolongthatthestrawcaughtfire,brokeintwo,andfellintothestream.
Ofcourse,thecoalwasboundtofollow.Nosoonerdidshetouchthewaterthanhiss,zish!outshe
went,andneverglowedagain.
Thebean,whowasacarefulfellow,hadstayedonthebank,towatchhowthecoalgotacross,before
trustinghimselfto[page70]suchaslenderbridge.Butwhenhesawwhatveryqueerfigureshis
friendscut,hecouldnothelplaughing.Helaughedandlaughedtillhecouldnotstop,andatlengthhe
splithisside.
Itwouldhavegonebadlywithhimthen,hadnotatailorhappenedtopassby.Hewasakindhearted
fellow,andatoncetookouthisneedleandthreadandbegantorepairthemischief.
Thebeanthankedhimpolitely,forheknewthatthetailorhadsavedhislife,butunfortunatelyhehad
usedblackthread,andfromthattimetilltodayeverybeanhasalittleblackstitchinitsside.
WHYTHEBEARHASASTUMPYTAIL
O
NEwinter'sdaythebearmetthefox,whocameslinkingalongwithastringoffishhehadstolen.
"Hi!stopaminute!Wheredidyougetthosefrom?"demandedthebear.
"Oh,myLordBruin,I'vebeenoutfishingandcaughtthem,"saidthefox.
Sothebearhadamindtolearntofish,too,andbadethefoxtellhimhowhewastosetaboutit.
"Oh,itisquiteeasy,"answeredthefox,"andsoonlearned.You'veonlygottogoupontheice,andcut
aholeandstickyourtaildownthroughit,andholditthereaslongasyoucan.You'renottomindifit
smartsalittle;that'swhenthefishbite.Thelongeryouholditthere,themorefishyou'llget;andthen
allatonceoutwithit,withacrosspullsidewaysandastrongpull,too."
Well,thebeardidasthefoxsaid,andthoughhefeltverycold,andhistailsmartedverymuch,hekept
italong,longtimedowninthehole,tillatlastitwasfrozenin,thoughof[page71]coursehedidnot
knowthat.Thenhepulleditoutwithastrongpull,anditsnappedshortoff,andthat'swhyBruingoes
aboutwithastumpytailtothisday!
83
THETHREELITTLEPIGS
O
NCEuponatime,whenpigscouldtalkandnoonehadeverheardofbacon,therelivedanoldpiggy
motherwithherthreelittlesons.
Theyhadaverypleasanthomeinthemiddleofanoakforest,andwerealljustashappyasthedaywas
long,untilonesadyeartheacorncropfailed;then,indeed,poorMrs.Piggywiggyoftenhadhardwork
tomakebothendsmeet.
Onedayshecalledhersonstoher,and,withtearsinhereyes,toldthemthatshemustsendthemout
intothewideworldtoseektheirfortune.
Shekissedthemallround,andthethreelittlepigssetoutupontheirtravels,eachtakingadifferent
road,andcarryingabundleslungonastickacrosshisshoulder.
Thefirstlittlepighadnotgonefarbeforehemetamancarryingabundleofstraw;sohesaidtohim:
"Please,man,givemethatstrawtobuildmeahouse?"Themanwasverygoodnatured,sohegave
himthebundleofstraw,andthelittlepigbuiltaprettylittlehousewithit.
Nosoonerwasitfinished,andthelittlepigthinkingofgoingtobed,thanawolfcamealong,knocked
atthedoor,andsaid:"Littlepig,littlepig,letmecomein."
Butthelittlepiglaughedsoftly,andanswered:"No,no,bythehairofmychinnychinchin."
Thensaidthewolfsternly:"Iwillmakeyouletmein;forI'llhuff,andI'llpuff,andI'llblowyour
housein!"
Sohehuffedandhepuffed,andheblewhishousein,because,yousee,itwasonlyofstrawandtoo
light;andwhenhehad[page72]blownthehousein,heateupthelittlepig,anddidnotleavesomuch
asthetipofhistail.
Thesecondlittlepigalsometaman,andhewascarryingabundleoffurze;sopiggysaidpolitely:
"Please,kindman,willyougivemethatfurzetobuildmeahouse?"
Themanagreed,andpiggysettoworktobuildhimselfasnuglittlehousebeforethenightcameon.It
wasscarcelyfinishedwhenthewolfcamealong,andsaid:"Littlepig,littlepig,letmecomein."
"No,no,bythehairofmychinnychinchin,"answeredthesecondlittlepig.
"ThenI'llhuff,andI'llpuff,andI'llblowyourhousein!"saidthewolf.Sohehuffedandhepuffed,
andhepuffed,andhehuffed,andatlastheblewthehousein,andgobbledthelittlepigupinatrice.
Now,thethirdlittlepigmetamanwithaloadofbricksandmortar,andhesaid:"Please,man,willyou
givemethosebrickstobuildahousewith?"
Sothemangavehimthebricksandmortar,andalittletrowelaswell,andthelittlepigbuilthimselfa
nicestronglittlehouse.Assoonasitwasfinishedthewolfcametocall,justashehaddonetothe
otherlittlepigs,andsaid:"Littlepig,littlepig,letmein!"
Butthelittlepiganswered:"No,no,bythehairofmychinnychinchin."
84
"Then,"saidthewolf,"I'llhuff,andI'llpuff,andI'llblowyourhousein."
Well,hehuffed,andhepuffed,andhepuffed,andhehuffed,andhehuffed,andhepuffed;buthe
couldnotgetthehousedown.Atlasthehadnobreathlefttohuffandpuffwith,sohesatdownoutside
thelittlepig'shouseandthoughtforawhile.
Presentlyhecalledout:"Littlepig,Iknowwherethereisanicefieldofturnips."
"Where?"saidthelittlepig.
"Behindthefarmer'shouse,threefieldsaway,andifyouwillbereadytomorrowmorningIwillcall
foryou,andwewillgotogetherandgetsomebreakfast."
[page73]
"Verywell,"saidthelittlepig;"Iwillbesuretobeready.Whattimedoyoumeantostart?"
"Atsixo'clock,"repliedthewolf.
Well,thewiselittlepiggotupatfive,scamperedawaytothefield,andbroughthomeafineloadof
turnipsbeforethewolfcame.Atsixo'clockthewolfcametothelittlepig'shouseandsaid:"Littlepig,
areyouready?"
"Ready!"criedthelittlepig."Why,Ihavebeentothefieldandcomebacklongago,andnowIam
busyboilingapotfulofturnipsforbreakfast."
Thewolfwasveryangryindeed;buthemadeuphismindtocatchthelittlepigsomehoworother;so
hetoldhimthatheknewwheretherewasaniceappletree.
"Where?"saidthelittlepig.
"Roundthehillinthesquire'sorchard,"thewolfsaid."Soifyouwillpromisetoplaymenotricks,I
willcomeforyoutomorrowmorningatfiveo'clock,andwewillgotheretogetherandgetsomerosy
cheekedapples."
Thenextmorningpiggygotupatfouro'clockandwasoffandawaylongbeforethewolfcame.
Buttheorchardwasalongwayoff,andbesides,hehadthetreetoclimb,whichisadifficultmatterfor
alittlepig,sothatbeforethesackhehadbroughtwithhimwasquitefilledhesawthewolfcoming
towardshim.
Hewasdreadfullyfrightened,buthethoughtitbettertoputagoodfaceonthematter,sowhenthe
wolfsaid:"Littlepig,whyareyouherebeforeme?Aretheyniceapples?"herepliedatonce:"Yes,
very;Iwillthrowdownoneforyoutotaste."Sohepickedanappleandthrewitsofarthatwhilstthe
wolfwasrunningtofetchithehadtimetojumpdownandscamperawayhome.
Thenextdaythewolfcameagain,andtoldthelittlepigthattherewasgoingtobeafairinthetown
thatafternoon,andaskedhimifhewouldgowithhim.
"Oh!yes,"saidthepig,"Iwillgowithpleasure.Whattimewillyoubereadytostart?"
"Athalfpastthree,"saidthewolf.
85
Ofcourse,thelittlepigstartedlongbeforethetime,wentto[page74]thefair,andboughtafinelarge
butterchurn,andwastrottingawaywithitonhisbackwhenhesawthewolfcoming.
Hedidnotknowwhattodo,sohecreptintothechurntohide,andbysodoingstarteditrolling.
Downthehillitwent,rollingoverandover,withthelittlepigsqueakinginside.
Thewolfcouldnotthinkwhatthestrangethingrollingdownthehillcouldbe;soheturnedtailandran
awayhomeinafrightwithoutevergoingtothefairatall.Hewenttothelittlepig'shousetotellhim
howfrightenedhehadbeenbyalargeroundthingwhichcamerollingpasthimdownthehill.
"Ha!ha!"laughedthelittlepig;"soIfrightenedyou,eh?Ihadbeentothefairandboughtabutter
churn;whenIsawyouIgotinsideitandrolleddownthehill."
Thismadethewolfsoangrythathedeclaredthathewouldeatupthelittlepig,andthatnothingshould
savehim,forhewouldjumpdownthechimney.
Butthecleverlittlepighungapotfullofwateroverthehearthandthenmadeablazingfire,andjustas
thewolfwascomingdownthechimneyhetookoffthecoverandinfellthewolf.Inasecondthelittle
pighadpoppedthelidonagain.
Thenheboiledthewolf,andatehimforsupper,andafterthathelivedquietlyandcomfortablyallhis
days,andwasnevertroubledbyawolfagain.
[page75]
CHILDREN'SFAVORITEPOEMS
THETHREECHILDREN
Threechildrenslidingontheice
Uponasummer'sday,
Asitfellouttheyallfellin,
Theresttheyranaway.
Now,hadthesechildrenbeenathome,
Orslidingondryground,
Tenthousandpoundstoonepenny
Theyhadnotallbeendrowned.
Youparentsallthatchildrenhave,
Andyoutoothathavenone,
86
Ifyouwouldhavethemsafeabroad
Praykeepthemsafeathome.
Anonymous
THEOWLANDTHEPUSSYCAT
I
TheOwlandthePussycatwenttosea
Inabeautifulpeagreenboat:
Theytooksomehoney,andplentyofmoney
Wrappedupinafivepoundnote.
[page76]
TheOwllookeduptothestarsabove,
Andsangtoasmallguitar,
"OhlovelyPussy,OPussy,mylove,
WhatabeautifulPussyyouare,
Youare,
Youare!
WhatabeautifulPussyyouare!"
II
PussysaidtotheOwl,"Youelegantfowl,
Howcharminglysweetyousing!
Oh!letusbemarried;toolongwehavetarried;
Butwhatshallwedoforaring?"
Theysailedaway,forayearandaday,
Tothelandwherethebongtreegrows;
AndthereinawoodaPiggywigstood,
87
Witharingattheendofhisnose,
Hisnose,
Hisnose,
Witharingattheendofhisnose.
III
"DearPig,areyouwillingtosellforoneshilling
Yourring?"SaidthePiggy,"Iwill."
Sotheytookitaway,andweremarriednextday
Bytheturkeywholivesonthehill.
Theydinedonminceandslicesofquince,
Whichtheyatewitharunciblespoon;
Andhandinhand,ontheedgeofthesand,
Theydancedbythelightofthemoon,
Themoon,
Themoon,
Theydancedbythelightofthemoon.
EdwardLear
[page77]
KINDNESSTOANIMALS
Littlechildren,nevergive
Paintothingsthatfeelandlive:
Letthegentlerobincome
Forthecrumbsyousaveathome,
Ashismeatyouthrowalong
He'llrepayyouwithasong;
Neverhurtthetimidhare
88
Peepingfromhergreengrasslair,
Lethercomeandsportandplay
Onthelawnatcloseofday;
Thelittlelarkgoessoaringhigh
Tothebrightwindowsofthesky,
Singingasif'twerealwaysspring,
Andflutteringonanuntiredwing,
Oh!lethimsinghishappysong,
Nordothesegentlecreatureswrong.
Unknown
HOWDOTHTHELITTLEBUSYBEE
Howdoththelittlebusybee
Improveeachshininghour,
Andgatherhoneyalltheday
Fromeveryopeningflow'r!
Howskilfullyshebuildshercell!
Howneatshespreadsthewax!
Andlaborshardtostoreitwell
Withthesweetfoodshemakes.
Inworksoflabororofskill,
Iwouldbebusytoo;
ForSatanfindssomemischiefstill
Foridlehandstodo.
[page78]
Inbooks,orwork,orhealthfulplay,
89
Letmyfirstyearsbepast,
ThatImaygiveforev'ryday
Somegoodaccountatlast.
IsaacWatts
SUPPOSE!
Suppose,mylittlelady,
Yourdollshouldbreakherhead,
Couldyoumakeitwholebycrying
Tillyoureyesandnosearered?
Andwouldn'titbepleasanter
Totreatitasajoke,
Andsayyou'reglad'twasDolly's,
Andnotyourheadthatbroke?
Supposeyou'redressedforwalking,
Andtheraincomespouringdown,
Willitclearoffanysooner
Becauseyouscoldandfrown?
Andwouldn'titbenicer
Foryoutosmilethanpout,
Andsomakesunshineinthehouse
Whenthereisnonewithout?
Supposeyourtask,mylittleman,
Isveryhardtoget,
Willitmakeitanyeasier
Foryoutositandfret?
90
Andwouldn'titbewiser
Thanwaiting,likeadunce,
Togotoworkinearnest
Andlearnthethingatonce?
[page79]
Supposethatsomeboyshaveahorse,
Andsomeacoachandpair,
Willittireyoulesswhilewalking
Tosay,"Itisn'tfair?"
Andwouldn'titbenobler
Tokeepyourtempersweet,
Andinyourheartbethankful
Youcanwalkuponyourfeet?
Andsupposetheworlddon'tpleaseyou,
Northewaysomepeopledo,
Doyouthinkthewholecreation
Willbealteredjustforyou?
Andisn'tit,myboyorgirl,
Thewisest,bravestplan,
Whatevercomes,ordoesn'tcome,
Todothebestyoucan?
PhbeCary
TWINKLE,TWINKLE
Twinkle,twinkle,littlestar;
HowIwonderwhatyouare!
91
Upabovetheworldsohigh,
Likeadiamondinthesky.
Whentheglorioussunisset,
Whenthegrasswithdewiswet,
Thenyoushowyourlittlelight,
Twinkle,twinkle,allthenight.
Whentheblazingsunisgone,
Whenhenothingshinesupon,
Thenyoushowyourlittlelight,
Twinkle,twinkle,allthenight.
[page80]
Inthedarkblueskyyoukeep,
Andoftenthroughmycurtainspeep;
Foryounevershutyoureye
Tillthesunisinthesky.
Asyourbrightandtinyspark
Lightsthetravelerinthedark,
ThoughIknownotwhatyouare,
Twinkle,twinkle,littlestar!
Anonymous
PRETTYCOW
Thankyou,prettycow,thatmade
Pleasantmilktosoakmybread,
Everydayandeverynight,
Warm,andfresh,andsweet,andwhite
92
Donotchewthehemlockrank,
Growingontheweedybank;
Buttheyellowcowslipseat,
Thatwillmakeitverysweet.
Wherethepurplevioletgrows,
Wherethebubblingwaterflows,
Wherethegrassisfreshandfine,
Prettycow,gothereanddine.
JaneTaylor
THETHREELITTLEKITTENS
(ACAT'STALE,WITHADDITIONS)
Threelittlekittenslosttheirmittens;
Andtheybegantocry,
Omotherdear,
Weverymuchfear
Thatwehavelostourmittens.
[page81]
Lostyourmittens!
Younaughtykittens!
Thenyoushallhavenopie.
Meeow,meeow,meeow.
No,youshallhavenopie.
Meeow,meeow,meeow.
Thethreelittlekittensfoundtheirmittens,
Andtheybegantocry,
93
Omotherdear,
Seehere,seehere;
See,wehavefoundourmittens.
Putonyourmittens,
Yousillykittens,
Andyoumayhavesomepie.
Purrr,purrr,purrr,
Oletushavethepie.
Purrr,purrr,purrr.
Thethreelittlekittensputontheirmittens,
Andsoonateupthepie;
Omotherdear,
Wegreatlyfear
Thatwehavesoiledourmittens.
Soiledyourmittens!
Younaughtykittens!
Thentheybegantosigh,
Meeow,meeow,meeow,
Thentheybegantosigh.
Meeow,meeow,meeow.
Thethreelittlekittenswashedtheirmittens,
Andhungthemouttodry;
Omotherdear,
Donotyouhear,
Thatwehavewashedourmittens?
[page82]
Washedyourmittens!
94
O,you'regoodkittens.
ButIsmellaratcloseby;
Hush!hush!meeow,meeow.
Wesmellaratcloseby,
Meeow,meeow,meeow.
ElizaLeeFollen
THELANDOFCOUNTERPANE
IWastheGiantGreatandStill,thatSitsUponthePillowHill
95
WhenIwassickandlayabed,
Ihadtwopillowsatmyhead,
Andallmytoysbesidemelay
Tokeepmehappyalltheday.
Andsometimesforanhourorso
Iwatchedmyleadensoldiersgo,
Withdifferentuniformsanddrills,
Amongthebedclothes,throughthehills;
Andsometimessentmyshipsinfleets
Allupanddownamongthesheets;
Orbroughtmytreesandhousesout,
Andplantedcitiesallabout.
Iwasthegiantgreatandstill
Thatsitsuponthepillowhill,
Andseesbeforehim,daleandplain,
Thepleasantlandofcounterpane.
RobertLouisStevenson
THEREWASALITTLEGIRL
Therewasalittlegirl,
Andshehadalittlecurl
Rightinthemiddleofherforehead.
Whenshewasgood
Shewasvery,verygood,
Andwhenshewasbadshewashorrid.
[page83]
96
Onedayshewentupstairs,
Whenherparents,unawares,
Inthekitchenwereoccupiedwithmeals,
Andshestooduponherhead
Inherlittletrundlebed,
Andthenbeganhoorayingwithherheels.
Hermotherheardthenoise,
Andshethoughtitwastheboys
Aplayingatacombatintheattic;
Butwhensheclimbedthestair,
AndfoundJemimathere,
Shetookandshedidspankhermostemphatic.
HenryWadsworthLongfellow
THEBOYWHONEVERTOLDALIE
Oncetherewasalittleboy,
Withcurlyhairandpleasanteye
Aboywhoalwaystoldthetruth,
Andnever,nevertoldalie.
Andwhenhetrottedofftoschool,
Thechildrenallaboutwouldcry,
"Theregoesthecurlyheadedboy
Theboythatnevertellsalie."
Andeverybodylovedhimso,
Becausehealwaystoldthetruth,
Thateveryday,ashegrewup,
97
'Twassaid,"Theregoesthehonestyouth."
Andwhenthepeoplethatstoodnear
Wouldturntoaskthereasonwhy,
Theanswerwouldbealwaysthis:
"Becausehenevertellsalie."
[page84]
FOREIGNCHILDREN
LittleIndian,SiouxorCrow,
LittlefrostyEskimo,
LittleTurkorJapanee,
O!don'tyouwishthatyouwereme?
Youhaveseenthescarlettrees
Andthelionsoverseas;
Youhaveeatenostricheggs,
Andturnedtheturtlesofftheirlegs.
Suchalifeisveryfine,
Butit'snotsoniceasmine:
Youmustoften,asyoutrod,
Haveweariednottobeabroad.
Youhavecuriousthingstoeat,
Iamfedonpropermeat;
Youmustdwellbeyondthefoam,
ButIamsafeandliveathome.
LittleIndian,SiouxorCrow,
LittlefrostyEskimo,
LittleTurkorJapanee,
98
O!don'tyouwishthatyouwereme?
THEUNSEENPLAYMATE
Whenchildrenareplayingaloneonthegreen,
Incomestheplaymatethatneverwasseen.
Whenchildrenarehappyandlonelyandgood,
TheFriendoftheChildrencomesoutofthewood.
[page85]
Nobodyheardhimandnobodysaw,
Hisisapictureyounevercoulddraw,
Buthe'ssuretobepresent,abroadorathome,
Whenchildrenarehappy,andplayingalone.
Heliesinthelaurels,herunsonthegrass,
Hesingswhenyoutinklethemusicalglass;
Whene'eryouarehappyandcannottellwhy,
TheFriendoftheChildrenissuretobeby!
Helovestobelittle,hehatestobebig,
'Tishethatinhabitsthecavesthatyoudig;
'Tishewhenyouplaywithyoursoldiersoftin
ThatsideswiththeFrenchmenandnevercanwin.
'Tishewhenatnight;yougoofftoyourbed,
Bidsyougotoyoursleepandnottroubleyourhead;
Forwhereverthey'relying,incupboardorshelf,
'Tishewilltakecareofyourplaythingshimself!
99
ISAWTHREESHIPS
Isawthreeshipscomesailingin,
OnChristmasday,onChristmasday;
Isawthreeshipscomesailingin,
OnChristmasdayinthemorning.
Praywhithersailedthoseshipsallthree
OnChristmasday,onChristmasday?
Praywhithersailedthoseshipsallthree
OnChristmasdayinthemorning?
[page86]
Oh,theysailedintoBethlehem
Oh,theysailedintoBethlehem
Andallthebellsonearthshallring
Andallthebellsonearthshallring
Andalltheangelsinheavenshallsing
Andalltheangelsinheavenshallsing
Andallthesoulsonearthshallsing
Andallthesoulsonearthshallsing
100
OldCarol
AWASANANT
Awasanant
Whoseldomstoodstill,
Andwhomadeanicehouse
Inthesideofahill.
a
Nicelittleant!
Bwasabook
Withabindingofblue,
Andpicturesandstories
Formeandforyou.
b
Nicelittlebook!
[page87]
Cwasacat
Whoranafterarat;
Buthiscouragedidfail
Whensheseizedonhistail.
c
Craftyoldcat!
Dwasaduck
Withspotsonhisback,
Wholivedinthewater,
101
Andalwayssaid"Quack!"
d
Dearlittleduck!
Ewasanelephant,
Statelyandwise:
Hehadtusksandatrunk,
Andtwoqueerlittleeyes,
e
Oh,whatfunnysmalleyes!
Fwasafish
Whowascaughtinanet;
Buthegotoutagain,
Andisquitealiveyet.
f
Livelyyoungfish!
Gwasagoat
Whowasspottedwithbrown:
Whenhedidnotliestill
Hewalkedupanddown.
g
Goodlittlegoat!
[page88]
Hwasahat
Whichwasallononeside;
Itscrownwastoohigh,
Anditsbrimwastoowide.
102
h
Oh,whatahat!
Iwassomeice
Sowhiteandsonice,
Butwhichnobodytasted;
Andsoitwaswasted.
i
Allthatgoodice!
Jwasajackdaw
Whohoppedupanddowa
Intheprincipalstreet
Ofaneighboringtown.
j
Allthroughthetown!
Kwasakite
Whichflewoutofsight,
Abovehousessohigh,
Quiteintothesky.
k
Flyaway,kite!
Lwasalight
Whichburnedallthenight,
Andlightedthegloom
Ofaverydarkroom.
l
Usefulnicelight!
103
[page89]
Mwasamill
Whichstoodonahill,
Andturnedroundandround
Withaloudhummysound.
m
Usefuloldmill!
Nwasanet
Whichwasthrowninthesea
Tocatchfishfordinner
Foryouandforme.
n
Nicelittlenet!
Owasanorange
Soyellowandround:
Whenitfelloffthetree,
Itfelldowntotheground;
o
Downtotheground!
Pwasapig,
Whowasnotverybig;
Buthistailwastoocurly,
Andthatmadehimsurly.
p
Crosslittlepig!
Qwasaquail
104
Withaveryshorttail;
Andhefeduponcorn
Intheeveningandmorn.
q
Quaintlittlequail!
[page90]
Rwasarabbit,
Whohadabadhabit
Ofeatingtheflowers
Ingardensandbowers.
r
Naughtyfatrabbit!
Swasthesugartongs,
Nippitynee,
Totakeupthesugar
Toputinourtea.
s
Nippitynee!
Twasatortoise,
Allyellowandblack:
Hewalkedslowlyaway,
Andhenevercameback.
t
Tortynevercameback!
Uwasanurn
Allpolishedandbright,
105
Andfullofhotwater
Atnoonandatnight.
u
Usefuloldurn!
Vwasavilla
Whichstoodonahill,
Bythesideofariver,
Andclosetoamill.
v
Nicelittlevilla!
[page91]
Wwasawhale
Withaverylongtail,
Whosemovementswerefrantic
AcrosstheAtlantic.
w
Monstrousoldwhale!
XwasKingXerxes,
Who,morethanallTurksis,
Renownedforhisfashion
Offuryandpassion.
x
AngryoldXerxes!
Ywasayew,
Whichflourishedandgrew
Byaquietabode
106
Nearthesideofaroad.
y
Darklittleyew!
Zwassomezinc,
Soshinyandbright,
Whichcausedyoutowink
Inthesun'smerrylight.
z
Beautifulzinc!
EdwardLear
THETABLEANDTHECHAIR
I
SaidtheTabletotheChair,
"Youcanhardlybeaware
HowIsufferfromtheheat
Andfromchilblainsonmyfeet.
[page92]
Ifwetookalittlewalk,
Wemighthavealittletalk;
Prayletustaketheair,"
SaidtheTabletotheChair.
II
SaidtheChairuntotheTable,
"Now,youknowwearenotable:
Howfoolishlyyoutalk,
107
Whenyouknowwecannotwalk!"
SaidtheTablewithasigh,
"Itcandonoharmtotry.
I'veasmanylegsasyou:
Whycan'twewalkontwo?"
III
Sotheybothwentslowlydown,
Andwalkedaboutthetown
Withacheerfulbumpysound
Astheytoddledroundandround;
Andeverybodycried,
Astheyhastenedtotheirside,
"See!theTableandtheChair
Havecomeouttotaketheair!"
IV
Butingoingdownanalley,
Toacastleinavalley,
Theycompletelylosttheirway,
Andwanderedalltheday;
Till,toseethemsafelyback,
TheypaidaDuckyquack,
AndaBeetle,andaMouse,
Whotookthemtotheirhouse.
[page93]
V
Thentheywhisperedtoeachother,
"Odelightfullittlebrother,
108
Whatalovelywalkwe'vetaken!
Letusdineonbeansandbacon."
SotheDuckyandtheleetle
BrownyMousyandtheBeetle
Dined,anddancedupontheirheads
Tilltheytoddledtotheirbeds.
EdwardLear
PRECOCIOUSPIGGY
Whereareyougoingto,youlittlepig?
"I'mleavingmyMother,I'mgrowingsobig!"
Sobig,youngpig,
Soyoung,sobig!
What,leavingyourMother,youfoolishyoungpig?
"I'vegotanewspade,andI'mgoingtodig!"
Todig,littlepig!
Alittlepigdig!
Well,Ineversawapigwithaspadethatcoulddig!
"Why,I'mgoingtohaveanicerideinagig!"
Inagig,littlepig!
What,apiginagig!
Well,Ineveryetsawapigrideinagig!
"Well,I'mgoingtotheQueen'sHeadtohaveaniceswig!"
109
Aswig,littlepig!
Apighaveaswig!
What,apigattheQueen'sHeadhavingaswig!
[page94]
"Why,I'mgoingtotheBalltodanceafinejig!"
Ajig,littlepig!
Apigdanceajig!
Well,Ineverbeforesawapigdanceajig!
"I'mgoingtothefairtorunafinerig!"
Arig,littlepig!
Apigrunarig!
Well,Ineverbeforesawapigrunarig!
"I'mgoingtotheBarber'stobuymeawig!"
Awig,littlepig!
Apiginawig!
Why,whoeverbeforesawapiginawig!
ThomasHood
ABOY'SSONG
Wherethepoolsarebrightanddeep,
Wherethegraytroutliesasleep,
Uptheriverando'erthelea,
110
That'sthewayforBillyandme.
Wheretheblackbirdsingsthelatest,
Wherethehawthornbloomsthesweetest,
Wherethenestlingschirpandflee,
Wherethemowersmowthecleanest,
Wherethehayliesthickandgreenest,
Theretotracethehomewardbee,
[page95]
Wherethehazelbankissteepest,
Wheretheshadowfallsthedeepest,
Wheretheclusteringnutsfallfree,
Whytheboysshoulddriveaway
Littlesweetmaidensfromtheplay,
Orlovetobanterandfightsowell,
That'sthethingInevercouldtell.
ButthisIknow,Ilovetoplay,
Throughthemeadow,amongthehay;
Upthewaterando'erthelea,
JamesHogg
BUTTERCUPSANDDAISIES
Buttercupsanddaisies,
111
Oh,theprettyflowers;
Comingerethespringtime,
Totellofsunnyhours.
Whilethetreesareleafless,
Whilethefieldsarebare,
Buttercupsanddaisies
Springuphereandthere.
Erethesnowdroppeepeth,
Erethecrocusbold,
Eretheearlyprimrose
Opesitspalygold,
Somewhereonthesunnybank
Buttercupsarebright;
Somewhere'mongthefrozengrass
Peepsthedaisywhite.
[page96]
Littlehardyflowers,
Liketochildrenpoor,
Playingintheirsturdyhealth
Bytheirmother'sdoor,
Purplewiththenorthwind,
Yetalertandbold;
Fearingnot,andcaringnot,
Thoughtheybeacold!
Whattothemiswinter!
Whatarestormyshowers!
Buttercupsanddaisies
112
Arethesehumanflowers!
Hewhogavethemhardships
Andalifeofcare,
Gavethemlikewisehardystrength
Andpatientheartstobear.
MaryHowitt
THEVIOLET
Downinagreenandshadybed
Amodestvioletgrew;
Itsstalkwasbent,ithungitshead,
Asiftohidefromview.
Andyetitwasalovelyflower,
Itscolorbrightandfair;
Itmighthavegracedarosybower
Insteadofhidingthere.
Yetthereitwascontenttobloom,
Inmodesttintsarrayed;
Andtherediffuseditssweetperfume
Withinthesilentshade.
[page97]
Thenletmetothevalleygo,
Thisprettyflowertosee,
ThatImayalsolearntogrow
Insweethumility.
JaneTaylor
113
IFEVERISEE
IfeverIsee,
Onbushortree,
Youngbirdsintheirprettynest,
Imustnotinplay,
Stealthebirdsaway,
Togrievetheirmother'sbreast.
Mymother,Iknow,
Wouldsorrowso,
ShouldIbestolenaway;
SoI'llspeaktothebirds
Inmysoftestwords,
Norhurttheminmyplay.
Andwhentheycanfly
Inthebrightbluesky,
They'llwarbleasongtome;
AndthenifI'msad
Itwillmakemeglad
Tothinktheyarehappyandfree.
LydiaMariaChild
THELITTLELAND
WhenathomealoneIsit
Andamverytiredofit,
Ihavejusttoshutmyeyes
114
Togosailingthroughtheskies
[page98]
Togosailingfaraway
TothepleasantLandofPlay;
Tothefairylandafar
WheretheLittlePeopleare;
Wheretheclovertopsaretrees,
Andtherainpoolsaretheseas,
Andtheleaveslikelittleships
Sailaboutontinytrips;
Andabovethedaisytree
Throughthegrasses,
Higho'erheadtheBumbleBee
Humsandpasses.
Inthatforesttoandfro
Icanwander,Icango;
Seethespiderandthefly,
Andtheantsgomarchingby
Carryingparcelswiththeirfeet
Downthegreenandgrassystreet
Icaninthesorrelsit
Wheretheladybirdalit.
Icanclimbthejointedgrass;
Andonhigh
Seethegreaterswallowspass
Inthesky,
Andtheroundsunrollingby
115
HeedingnosuchthingasI.
ThroughtheforestIcanpass
Till,asinalookingglass,
Hummingflyanddaisytree
AndmytinyselfIsee,
Paintedveryclearandneat
Ontherainpoolatmyfeet.
Shouldaleafletcometoland
DriftingneartowhereIstand,
StraightI'llboardthattinyboat
Roundtherainpoolseatofloat.
[page99]
Littlethoughtfulcreaturessit
Onthegrassycoastsofit;
Littlethingswithlovelyeyes
Seemesailingwithsurprise.
Somearecladinarmorgreen
(Thesehavesuretobattlebeen!)
Somearepiedwithev'ryhue,
Blackandcrimson,goldandblue;
Somehavewingsandswiftaregone;
Buttheyalllookkindlyon.
WhenmyeyesIonceagain
Openandseeallthingsplain;
Highbarewalls,greatbarefloor;
Greatbigknobsondraweranddoor;
Greatbigpeopleperchedonchairs,
116
Stitchingtucksandmendingtears,
EachahillthatIcouldclimb,
Andtalkingnonsenseallthetime
Odearme,
ThatIcouldbe
Asailorontherainpoolsea,
Aclimberintheclovertree,
Andjustcomeback,asleepyhead,
Lateatnighttogotobed.
ALOBSTERQUADRILLE
"Willyouwalkalittlefaster?"saidawhitingtoasnail,
"There'saporpoiseclosebehindus,andhe'streadingonmytail.
Seehoweagerlythelobstersandtheturtlesalladvance!
Theyarewaitingontheshinglewillyoucomeandjointhedance?
[page100]
Willyou,won'tyou,willyou,won'tyou,willyoujointhedance?
Willyou,won'tyou,willyou,won'tyou,won'tyoujointhedance?
"Youcanreallyhavenonotionhowdelightfulitwillbe
Whentheytakeusupandthrowus,withthelobsters,outtosea!"
Butthesnailreplied,"Toofar,toofar!"andgavealookaskance
Saidhethankedthewhitingkindly,buthewouldnotjointhedance.
Wouldnot,couldnot,wouldnot,couldnot,wouldnotjointhedance,
Wouldnot,couldnot,wouldnot,couldnot,couldnotjointhedance.
"Whatmattersithowfarwego?"hisscalyfriendreplied,
117
"Thereisanothershore,youknow,upontheotherside.
ThefurtherofffromEnglandtheneareristoFrance
Thenturnnotpale,belovedsnail,butcomeandjointhedance.
Willyou,won'tyou,willyou,won'tyou,willyoujointhedance?
Willyou,won'tyou,willyou,won'tyou,won'tyoujointhedance?"
LewisCarroll
WHEREGOTHEBOATS?
Darkbrownistheriver,
Goldenisthesand.
Itflowsalongforever
Withtreesoneitherhand.
[page101]
Greenleavesafloating,
Castlesofthefoam,
Boatsofmineaboating
Wherewillallcomehome?
Ongoestheriver
Andoutpastthemill,
Awaydownthevalley,
Awaydownthehill.
Awaydowntheriver,
Ahundredmilesormore,
Otherlittlechildren
Shallbringmyboatsashore.
118
THEWINDANDTHEMOON
SaidtheWindtotheMoon,"Iwillblowyouout;
Youstare
Intheair
Likeaghostinachair,
AlwayslookingwhatIamabout
Ihatetobewatched;I'llblowyouout."
TheWindblewhard,andoutwenttheMoon.
So,deep
Onaheap
Ofcloudstosleep,
DownlaytheWind,andslumberedsoon,
Mutteringlow,"I'vedoneforthatMoon."
Heturnedinhisbed;shewasthereagain!
Onhigh
Inthesky,
Withheroneghosteye,
TheMoonshonewhiteandaliveandplain.
SaidtheWind,"Iwillblowyououtagain."
[page102]
TheWindblewhard,andtheMoongrewdim.
"Withmysledge,
Andmywedge,
Ihaveknockedoffheredge!
IfonlyIblowrightfierceandgrim,
119
Thecreaturewillsoonbedimmerthandim."
Heblewandheblew,andshethinnedtoathread,
"Onepuff
More'senough
Toblowhertosnuff!
Onegoodpuffmorewherethelastwasbred,
Andglimmer,glimmer,glumwillgothethread."
Heblewagreatblast,andthethreadwasgone.
Intheair
Nowhere
Wasamoonbeambare;
Faroffandharmlesstheshystarsshone
SureandcertaintheMoonwasgone!
TheWindhetooktohisrevelsoncemore;
Ondown,
Intown,
Likeamerrymadclown,
Heleapedandhallooedwithwhistleandroar
"What'sthat?"Theglimmeringthreadoncemore!
Heflewinaragehedancedandblew;
Butinvain
Wasthepain
Ofhisburstingbrain;
ForstillthebroadertheMoonscrapgrew,
Thebroaderheswelledhisbigcheeksandblew.
[page103]
Slowlyshegrewtillshefilledthenight,
120
Andshone
Onherthrone
Intheskyalone,
Amatchless,wonderfulsilverylight,
Radiantandlovely,thequeenofthenight.
SaidtheWind:"WhatamarvelofpoweramI!
Withmybreath,
Goodfaith!
Iblewhertodeath
Firstblewherawayrightoutofthesky
Thenblewherin;whatstrengthhaveI!"
ButtheMoonsheknewnothingabouttheaffair;
Forhigh
Inthesky,
Withheronewhiteeye,
Motionless,milesabovetheair,
ShehadneverheardthegreatWindblare.
GeorgeMacdonald
WHEREAREYOUGOING,MYPRETTYMAID?
"Whereareyougoing,myprettymaid?"
"Iamgoingamilking,sir,"shesaid.
"MayIgowithyou,myprettymaid?"
"You'rekindlywelcome,sir,"shesaid.
"Whatisyourfather,myprettymaid?"
"Myfather'safarmer,sir,"shesaid.
121
"Whatisyourfortune,myprettymaid?"
"Myfaceismyfortune,sir,"shesaid.
"ThenIwon'tmarryyourmyprettymaid."
"Nobodyaskedyou,sir,"shesaid.
Anonymous
[page104]
THELOSTDOLL
IFoundMyPoorLittleDoll
122
Ioncehadasweetlittledoll,dears,
Theprettiestdollintheworld;
Hercheeksweresoredandwhite,dears,
Andherhairwassocharminglycurled.
ButIlostmypoorlittledoll,dears,
AsIplayedontheheathoneday;
AndIcriedforhermorethanaweek,dears,
ButInevercouldfindwhereshelay.
Ifoundmypoorlittledoll,dears,
AsIplayedontheheathoneday;
Folkssaysheisterriblychanged,dears,
Forherpaintisallwashedaway,
Andherarmstroddenoffbythecows,dears,
Andherhairnottheleastbitcurled;
Yetforoldsake'ssake,sheisstill,dears,
Theprettiestdollintheworld.
CharlesKingsley
FOREIGNLANDS
Upintothecherrytree
Whoshouldclimbbutlittleme?
Iheldthetrunkwithbothmyhands
Andlookedabroadonforeignlands.
Isawthenextdoorgardenlie,
Adornedwithflowers,beforemyeye,
Andmanypleasantfacesmore
123
ThatIhadneverseenbefore.
[page105]
Isawthedimplingriverpass
Andbethesky'sbluelookingglass;
Thedustyroadsgoupanddown
Withpeopletrampingintotown.
IfIcouldfindahighertree
FartherandfartherIshouldsee,
Towherethegrownupriverslips
Intotheseaamongtheships,
Towheretheroadsoneitherhand
Leadonwardintofairyland,
Whereallthechildrendineatfive,
Andalltheplaythingscomealive.
BEDINSUMMER
InwinterIgetupatnight
Anddressbyyellowcandlelight.
Insummer,quitetheotherway,
Ihavetogotobedbyday.
Ihavetogotobedandsee
Thebirdsstillhoppingonthetree,
Orhearthegrownuppeople'sfeet
Stillgoingpastmeinthestreet.
Anddoesitnotseemhardtoyou,
124
Whenalltheskyisclearandblue,
AndIshouldlikesomuchtoplay,
Tohavetogotobedbyday?
[page106]
TRYAGAIN
'Tisalessonyoushouldheed,
Try,try,tryagain;
Ifatfirstyoudon'tsucceed,
Try,try,tryagain.
Onceortwicethoughyoushouldfail
Tryagain;
Ifyouwouldatlastprevail,
Tryagain.
Ifwestrive,'tisnodisgrace
Thoughwemaynotwintherace;
Whatshouldyoudointhatcase?
Tryagain.
Ifyoufindyourtaskishard,
Tryagain;
Timewillbringyouyourreward,
Tryagain.
Allthatotherfolkscando,
Withyourpatienceshouldnotyou?
Onlykeepthisruleinview
Tryagain.
125
Anonymous
AGOODPLAY
Webuiltashipuponthestairs
Allmadeofthebackbedroomchairs,
Andfilleditfullofsofapillows
Togoasailingonthebillows.
[page107]
Wetookasawandseveralnails,
Andwaterinthenurserypails;
AndTomsaid,"Letusalsotake
Anappleandasliceofcake;"
WhichwasenoughforTomandme
Togoasailingon,tilltea.
Wesailedalongfordaysanddays,
Andhadtheverybestofplays;
ButTomfelloutandhurthisknee,
Sotherewasnooneleftbutme.
GOODNIGHTANDGOODMORNING
126
AFairLittleGirlSatUnderaTree
Afairlittlegirlsatunderatree
Sewingaslongashereyescouldsee;
Thensmoothedherworkandfoldeditright,
Andsaid,"Dearwork,goodnight,goodnight!"
Suchanumberofrookscameoverherhead,
Crying,"Caw,caw!"ontheirwaytobed,
Shesaid,asshewatchedtheircuriousflight,
"Littleblackthings,goodnight,goodnight!"
127
Thehorsesneighed,andtheoxenlowed,
Thesheep's"Bleat!bleat!"cameovertheroad;
Allseemingtosay,withaquietdelight,
"Goodlittlegirl,goodnight,goodnight!"
Shedidnotsaytothesun,"Goodnight!"
Thoughshesawhimtherelikeaballoflight;
ForsheknewhehadGod'stimetokeep
Allovertheworldandnevercouldsleep.
[page108]
Thetallpinkfoxglovebowedhishead;
Thevioletscourtesied,andwenttobed;
AndgoodlittleLucytiedupherhair,
Andsaid,onherknees,herfavoriteprayer.
And,whileonherpillowshesoftlylay,
Sheknewnothingmoretillagainitwasday;
Andallthingssaidtothebeautifulsun,
"Goodmorning,goodmorning!ourworkisbegun."
RichardMoncktonMilnes
(LordHoughton)
THEWIND
Isawyoutossthekitesonhigh
Andblowthebirdsaboutthesky;
AndallaroundIheardyoupass,
Likeladies'skirtsacrossthegrass
Owind,ablowingalldaylong,
128
Owind,thatsingssoloudasong!
Isawthedifferentthingsyoudid,
Butalwaysyouyourselfyouhid.
Ifeltyoupush,Iheardyoucall,
Icouldnotseeyourselfatall
Oyouthataresostrongandcold,
Oblower,areyouyoungorold?
Areyouabeastoffieldandtree,
Orjustastrongerchildthanme?
[page109]
THESPIDERANDTHEFLY
"Willyouwalkintomyparlor?"saidthespidertothefly;
"'Tistheprettiestlittleparlorthateveryoudidspy.
Thewayintomyparlorisupawindingstair,
AndIhavemanycuriousthingstoshowwhenyouarethere."
"Ohno,no,"saidthelittlefly;"toaskmeisinvain,
Forwhogoesupyourwindingstaircanne'ercomedownagain."
"I'msureyoumustbeweary,dear,withsoaringupsohigh.
Willyourestuponmylittlebed?"saidthespidertothefly.
"Thereareprettycurtainsdrawnaround;thesheetsarefineandthin,
Andifyouliketorestawhile,I'llsnuglytuckyouin!"
129
"Ohno,no,"saidthelittlefly,"forI'veoftenhearditsaid,
Theynever,neverwakeagainwhosleepuponyourbed!"
Saidthecunningspidertothefly:"Dearfriend,whatcanIdo
ToprovethewarmaffectionI'vealwaysfeltforyou?
Ihavewithinmypantrygoodstoreofallthat'snice;
I'msureyou'reverywelcomewillyoupleasetotakeaslice?"
"Ohno,no,"saidthelittlefly;"kindsir,thatcannotbe:
I'veheardwhat'sinyourpantry,andIdonotwishtosee!"
"Sweetcreature!"saidthespider,"you'rewittyandyou'rewise;
Howhandsomeareyourgauzywings;howbrilliantareyoureyes!
Ihavealittlelookingglassuponmyparlorshelf;
Ifyou'llstepinonemoment,dear,youshallbeholdyourself."
"Ithankyou,gentlesir,"shesaid,"forwhatyou'repleasedtosay,
And,biddingyougoodmorningnow,I'llcallanotherday."
[page110]
Thespiderturnedhimroundabout,andwentintohisden,
Forwellheknewthesillyflywouldsooncomebackagain:
Sohewoveasubtlewebinalittlecornersly,
Andsethistablereadytodineuponthefly;
Thencameouttohisdooragain,andmerrilydidsing:
"Comehither,hither,prettyfly,withpearlandsilverwing;
Yourrobesaregreenandpurple;there'sacrestuponyourhead;
Youreyesarelikethediamondbright,butminearedullaslead!"
Alas,alas!howverysoonthissillylittlefly,
Hearinghiswily,flatteringwords,cameslowlyflittingby;
Withbuzzingwingsshehungaloft,thennearandnearerdrew,
Thinkingonlyofherbrillianteyesandgreenandpurplehue,
130
Thinkingonlyofhercrestedhead.Poor,foolishthing!atlast
Upjumpedthecunningspider,andfiercelyheldherfast;
Hedraggedheruphiswindingstair,intothedismalden
Withinhislittleparlorbutshene'ercameoutagain!
Andnow,dearlittlechildren,whomaythisstoryread,
Toidle,silly,flatteringwordsIprayyoune'ergiveheed;
Untoanevilcounselorcloseheartandearandeye,
Andtakealessonfromthistaleofthespiderandthefly.
MaryHowitt
LETDOGSDELIGHTTOBARKANDBITE
Letdogsdelighttobarkandbite,
ForGodhathmadethemso;
Letbearsandlionsgrowlandfight,
For'tistheirnatureto;
[page111]
But,children,youshouldneverlet
Yourangrypassionsrise:
Yourlittlehandswerenevermade
Toteareachother'seyes.
Letlovethroughallyouractionsrun,
Andallyourwordsbemild;
LiveliketheblessdVirgin'sSon,
Thatsweetandlovelychild.
Hissoulwasgentleasalamb;
Andashisstaturegrew,
131
Hegrewinfavorbothwithman
AndGodhisfather,too.
Now,Lordofall,hereignsabove;
Andfromhisheavenlythrone,
Heseeswhatchildrendwellinlove,
Andmarksthemforhisown.
IsaacWatts
CHILD'SEVENINGHYMN
Nowthedayisover,
Nightisdrawingnigh,
Shadowsoftheevening
Stealacrossthesky.
Nowthedarknessgathers,
Starsbegintopeep,
Birdsandbeastsandflowers
Soonwillbeasleep.
Jesu,givetheweary
Calmandsweetrepose;
Withthytenderestblessing
Mayoureyelidsclose.
[page112]
Granttolittlechildren
Visionsbrightofthee;
Guardthesailorstossing
Onthedeepbluesea.
132
Comforteverysufferer
Watchinglateinpain;
Thosewhoplansomeevil
Fromtheirsinrestrain.
Throughthelongnightwatches
Maythineangelsspread
Theirwhitewingsaboveme,
Watchingroundmybed.
Whenthemorningwakens,
ThenmayIarise
Pureandfreshandsinless
Inthyholyeyes.
GlorytotheFather,
GlorytotheSon,
Andtothee,blessedSpirit,
Whilstallagesrun.Amen.
SabineBaringGould
[page113]
CHILDREN'SFAVORITESTORIES
HANSELANDGRETEL
M
ANYyearsago,awoodcutterandhiswife,withtheirtwochildren,HanselandGretel,liveduponthe
outskirtsofadensewood.Theywereverypoor,sothatwhenafaminefellupontheland,andbread
becamedear,theycouldnolongeraffordtobuysufficientfoodforthewholefamily.
133
Onenight,asthepoormanlaytossingonhishardbed,hecriedaloudinhisgriefandanguish:
"Alas!whatwillbecomeofus?HowcanIfeedmyhungrylittleoneswhenwehavenofoodfor
ourselves?"
"Listentome,goodman,"answeredhiswife,whowasstepmothertothechildren."Asitisnolonger
possibleforustokeepourchildren,wewilltakethemintothewoodwithustomorrow,lightafirefor
them,andgiveeachapieceofbreadandleavethem.Theywillnoteasilyfindtheirwayback,andso
weshallberidoftheburdenofthem."
Butthefathersaid:"No,no!Icouldnotfinditinmyhearttoleavemydarlingstoperish.Thewild
beastswouldtearthemlimbfromlimb."
"Then,"answeredthewife,"wemustallfourdieofhunger."Shegaveherhusbandnopeaceuntilhe
promisedtodoasshewished,andatlast,veryunwillingly,heconsented.
Now,thetwochildrenhadbeentoohungrytogotosleepthatnight,andsoithappenedthatthey
overheardallthattheirparentsweresaying.Gretelweptbitterly,butbravelittleHanseldidhisbestto
comforther."Don'tbeafraid,"hesaid;"Iwilltakecareofyou."
Assoonashisfatherandstepmotherwereasleep,heslippedonhiscoat,andopeningthedoorsoftly,
wentoutintothe[page114]garden.Themoonwasshiningbrightly,andbyitslighthecouldseethe
littlewhitepebblesthatlayscatteredinfrontofthehouse,shininglikelittlepiecesofsilver.He
stoopedandfilledhispocketsasfullashecould,andthenwentbacktoGretel,andoncemorebidding
herbecomforted,forGodwouldbesuretowatchoverthem,hejumpedintobed,andtheybothfell
fastasleep.
Earlyinthemorning,beforethesunhadrisen,thestepmothercameandwakenedthechildren."Rise,
littlelieabeds,"shesaid,"andcomewithusintothewoodtogatherfuel."
Shegavethemeachapieceofbreadfortheirdinner,andtoldthemtobesurenottoeatittoosoon,for
theywouldgetnothingmore.
Gretelcarriedthebreadinherpinafore,becauseHanselhadhispocketsfull,andthentheyallsetout
upontheirwaytothewood.
Astheytrudgedalong,thefathernoticedthathislittlesonkeptturningbacktolookatthehouse."Take
care,myboy,"hesaid,"oryouwillslip.Whatareyoulookingatsoearnestly?"
"Iamwatchingmykitten,father:sheissittingontherooftobidmegoodby."
"Sillylittlelad,thatisnotyourcat,"saidthestepmother;"itisonlythemorningsunshiningonthe
chimney."
ButHanselhadnotbeenwatchinghiscatatall;hehadstayedbehindtodropthepebblesuponthe
path.
Whentheyreachedthethickestpartoftheforest,thefatherbadethechildrengatherwood,thathe
mightkindleafireforthem,sothattheymightrestbesideitandwarmthemselveswhilstheandhis
wifewerecuttingthefuel.Sotheygatheredapileofbrushwoodandtwigs,andassoonasitwaswell
alight,theparentsleftthem,promisingtoreturnassoonastheyhadfinishedtheirwork.
HanselandGretelsatdownbythefire,andwhenmiddaycametheyatetheirbreadandsatlisteningto
thestrokesoftheirfather'saxe,thinkingallthetimethathewasneartothem.Butwhattheyheardwas
onlyadrybranchwhichthemanhadboundtoatree,sothatthewindswungithitherandthither,and
134
[page115]thenoiseitmadedeceivedthechildren.Atlastthepoor,tired,littleeyelidsclosed,and,
sidebyside,brotherandsisterfellasleep.
Whentheyawoke,thenightwasverydark,andGretelwasfrightened,andbegantocry.Hanselputhis
armsaroundherandwhispered."Wait,dearie,tillthemoonrises;weshallsoonfindourwayhome
then."
Assoonasthebrightmoonrose,Hanseltookhislittlesisterbythehand,andallnightlongthey
followedthetrackofthelittlewhitepebbles,untilatdaybreaktheycametotheirfather'shouse.
Theyknockedatthedoor,andnosoonerdidthestepmotheropenitthanshebegantoscoldthemfor
havingstayedoutsolonginthewood;butthefathergreetedthemkindly,forhehadgrievedsorelyfor
hislittleones.
Inashorttimetheywereasbadlyoffasever,andonenighttheyagainheardtheirmothertryingto
persuadeherhusbandtotakethemoutintothewoodandlosethem."Thereisnothingleftinthehouse
buthalfaloafofbread,"shesaid;"forourownsakesitisbettertogetridofthechildren;butthistime
wewillleadthemfartheraway,sothattheywillnotbeabletofindtheirwayhome."
Butthemanwouldnotagree."Bettertodivideourlastmorselwiththem,"hesaid,"andthendie
together."
Hiswifewouldnotlistentowhathesaid,butscoldedhimforhiswantofthoughtforher;andatlast
thepoormangavewayasecondtime,justashehaddoneatfirst.
Butthechildrenhadoverheardallthatwassaid,andassoonasthemotherandfatherwereasleep,
Hanselstoledowntothedoor,meaningtogoandcollectpebblesashehaddonebefore;butthedoor
waslockedandbolted,andhecouldnotgetout."Nevermind,Gretel,"hesaidconsolingly,"thegood
Godwillsurelyhelpus."
Earlyinthemorningthewomanwakenedthechildren,and,givingthemasmallpieceofbread,bade
themfollowherandtheirfatherintothewood.Astheywent,Hanselcrumbledhismorselofbreadin
hispocketandstrewedthecrumbsuponthepath.
[page116]
"Come,Hansel,"saidthefather,"don'tloiterso,sonny.Whatcanyouseetostareatsooften?"
"Mylittledove,father.Itissittingonthehousetop,biddingmegoodby."
"Nonsense,"saidthewoman,"itisnotyourdove;itisonlytherisingsunshininguponthechimney."
Hanseldidnotanswer,buthewentonstrewinghiscrumbscarefullyuntilthelastmorselofbreadwas
gone.
Deeperanddeeperintothewoodtheywent,wherethechildrenhadneverbeenbefore.Thereagreat
firewaskindled,andthemothersaid:"Stayhere,children,whilstyourfatherandIgotocutwood.If
youaretiredyoumaysleepawhile,andwewillfetchyouwhenitistimetogohome."
Whendinnertimecame,GreteldividedherpieceofbreadwithHansel,becausehehadscatteredallhis
shareupontheroad;andthentheywenttosleep.Theeveningshadowsfell,butstillnoonecameto
fetchthepoorchildren,anditwasnotuntilmidnightthattheyawakened.
Hanselputhisarmsroundhissisterandtoldhernottofear,forwhenthemoonrosetheywouldeasily
beabletoseethecrumbs,andsofindtheirwayhomeagain.
135
Sowhenthemoonrosetheysetoutupontheirway;butalas!therewerenocrumbstobeseen,forthe
littlebirdsthatlivedinthegreenwoodwereashungryasthechildren,andhadeatenthemallup.
"Wewillfindthewaysomehow,"criedcheerfullittleHansel;butthoughtheytraveledallnightlong,
andthenextdaytoo,theycouldnotfindit.Poorlittlemites,howtiredandhungrytheywere,forthey
hadnothingtoeatbuttheberriesthatgrewbytheroadside!
Whenatlengththewearylittlefeetcouldgonofarther,thechildrenlaydownbeneathatreeandslept.
Onthethirddaytheywerestillasfarawayasever,anditseemedtothemthatthelongertheywalked
thedeepertheygotintothewood,andtheybegantobeafraidthattheywoulddieofcoldandhunger.
Butpresently,whenthemiddaysunwasshiningbrightly,theynoticedalittlesnowwhitebirdsinging
sosweetlythatthey[page117]couldnothelpbutstaytolisten.Whenthebirdie'ssongwasended,he
spreadhiswingsandflewaway.
Thechildrenfollowedhimuntiltheyreachedalittlehouse,ontheroofofwhichheperched.Thenthe
childrensawwithsurprisethatthestrangelittlehousewasbuiltentirelyofbread,roofedwithcakes,
andwithwindowsofbarleysugar.
"See,Gretel,"criedHanseljoyfully,"thereisfoodforusinplenty.Iwilltakeapieceoftheroof,and
youshallhaveoneofthewindows."
Hestretchedouthishandtohelphimself,andGretelhadalreadybeguntonibbleoneofthewindow
panes,whensuddenlytheyheardavoicecallfromwithin:
"Nibbly,nibbly,mouse!
Who'snibblingatmyhouse?"
Thechildrenansweredquickly:
"'TismyLadyWindthatblows,
Asroundaboutthehouseshegoes."
Andthentheywentoneatingasthoughnothinghadhappenedforthecakeofwhichtheroofwasmade
justsuitedHansel'staste,whilstthebarleysugarwindowpaneswerebetterthananysweetmeatGretel
hadevertastedbefore.
136
HanselandGretel.
Allatoncethedoorofthecottageflewwideopen,andoutcameanold,oldwoman,leaningupona
crutch.Thechildrenweresofrightenedthattheydroppedtheirfoodandclungtoeachother.
Theoldwomannoddedherheadtothem,andsaid:"Whobroughtyouhere,mypets?Comeinside,
comeinside;noonewillhurtyou."
Shetooktheirhandsandledthemintothehouse,andsetbeforethemallkindsofdeliciousfoods,milk,
sugaredpancakes,apples,andnuts.Whentheyhadfinishedtheirmealsheshowedthemtwocosylittle
whitebeds,andasHanselandGretellaysnuglytuckedupinthem,theythoughttothemselvesthat
surelytheyhadnowfoundthemostdelightfulplaceinthewholewideworld.
Buttheoldwomanhadonlypretendedtobefriendlyandkind,forshewasreallyawickedoldwitch,
whowasalways[page118]lyinginwaittocatchlittlechildren,indeed,shehadbuiltthelittlehouse
ofbreadandcakesespeciallytoenticethemin.Wheneveranyonecameintoherpower,shecookedand
atehim,andthoughtwhatafinefeastshehadhad.
137
Witcheshaveredeyesandcannotseefar,buttheyhavekeenscent,likeanimals,andcantellatonce
whenahumanbeingisneartothem.
AssoonasHanselandGretelcameintoherneighborhoodshelaughedtoherselfandsaidmockingly:
"Ha,ha!theyareminealready;theywillnoteasilyescapeme."
Earlyinthemorning,beforethechildrenwereawake,shestoodbesidethemandadmiredtheirrosy
cheeksandsoftroundlimbs.
"Whatnicetitbitsforme,"murmuredshe.Then,seizingHanselbythehand,sheledhimtoalittle
stable,and,inspiteofhiscriesandscreams,shuthimupandlefthim.ThensheshookGreteluntilshe
wasawake,andbadehergetupatonceandcarryfoodanddrinktoherbrother,anditmustbeofthe
besttoo,forshewishedtofattenhim.
"Whenheisniceandplump,Ishalleathim,"saidthecrueloldwitch.Gretelweptbitterly,butitwas
quiteinvain,forshewasobligedtodothewitch'sbidding;andeverydayshecookedthechoicestfood
forherbrother,whilesheherselfliveduponnothingbutoystershells.
DaybydaytheoldwomanvisitedthestableandcalledtoHanseltoputhisfingerthroughthewindow
bars,thatshemightseeifheweregettingfat;butthelittlefellowheldoutaboneinstead,andasher
eyesweredimwithage,shemistookthebonefortheboy'sfinger,andthoughthowthinandleanhe
was.WhenawholemonthhadpassedwithoutHanselbecomingtheleastbitfatter,theoldwitchlost
patienceanddeclaredshewouldwaitnolonger."Hurry,Gretel,"shesaidtothelittlegirl,"fillthepot
withwater,fortomorrow,beheleanorfat,Hanselshallbecookedformydinner."
ThetearschasedeachotherdownGretel'scheeksasshecarriedinthewater,andshesobbedaloudin
hergrief."DearGod,"shecried,"wehavenoonetohelpusbutThou.Alas!ifonlythewildbeastsin
thewoodhaddevouredus,atleastweshouldhavediedtogether."
[page119]
"Ceaseyourchattering,"criedtheoldwitchangrily."Itwillnothelpyou,soyoumayaswellbestill."
ThenextmorningpoorGretelwasforcedtolightthefireandhangthegreatpotofwateroverit,and
thenthewitchsaid:"Firstwewillbake.Ihavekneadedthedough,andheatedtheoven;youshallcreep
insideittoseeifitishotenoughtobakethebread."
ButGretelguessedthattheoldwitchmeanttoshutthedooruponherandroasther,soshepretended
thatshedidnotknowhowtogetin.
"Sillygoose,"saidthewitch."Thedooriswideenough,tobesure.Why,evenIcouldgetinsideit."As
shespoke,shepoppedherheadintotheoven.InamomentGretelsprangtowardsher,pushedher
inside,shuttheirondoor,andshotthebolt.Oh!howshesquealedandshrieked,butGretelranoffas
fastasshecould,andsotherewasanendofthecrueloldwitch.
Quickasthought,Gretelrantoherbrother."Wearesaved,Hansel,"shecried,openingthedoorofthe
stable,"thewickedoldwitchisdead."
Hanselflewfromhisprisonasabirdfromitscage,andthetwohappylittlechildrenkissedeachother
andjumpedforjoy.Nolongerafraidoftheoldwitch,theyenteredthehouse,handinhand,andthen
theysawthatineverycorneroftheroomwereboxesofpearlsanddiamonds,andallkindsofprecious
gems.
138
"Ah!"saidHanselmerrily,"thesearebetterthanpebbles,Gretel,"andhestuffedhispocketswiththe
jewels,whilstGretelfilledherpinafore."Now,"saidHansel,"wewillleavethewitch'swoodbehindus
asfastaswecan."
Soofftheyran,andneverstoppeduntiltheycametoalake,uponwhichswamalargewhiteduck.
"Howcanwecross,"saidHansel,"forthereisnobridgeanywhere?"
"Andnoshipeither,"Gretelanswered;"butwewillasktheprettywhiteducktocarryusover."Sothey
criedaloud:
"Littleduck,littleduck,
Withwingssowhite,
Carryusover
Thewatersbright."
[page120]
Theduckcameatonce,and,takingHanseluponherback,carriedhimovertotheotherside,andthen
didthesameforGretel.Theywentmerrilyontheirway,andverysoontheyfoundthemselvesinapart
ofthewoodtheyknewquitewell.
Whentheysawtheroofoftheirfather'shouseinthedistancetheybegantorun,and,breathlesswith
haste,halflaughingandhalfcrying,theyrushedintothecottageandflungthemselvesintotheirfather's
arms.
Oh!howpleasedhewastoseethemonceagain,forhehadnotknownahappyhoursincehehadleft
themaloneinthewood.Gretelshookoutherpinafore,andHanselemptiedhispockets,andthefloor
ofthelittleroomwasquitecoveredwithglitteringpreciousstones.
Sonowtheirtroubleswereatanend,forthecruelstepmotherwasdead,andHanselandGreteland
theirfatherlivedtogetherhappilyeverafter.
Mystoryisended,andsee,thererunsalittlemouse,andthefirstwhocatcheshimshallhaveafurcap
madefromhisskin.
THEFAIRCATHERINEANDPIFPAFPOLTRIE
G
OODday,FatherHollenthe.Howdoyoudo?""Verywell,Ithankyou,PifpafPoltrie.""MayImarry
yourdaughter?""Oh,yes!ifthemotherMalcho(MilkCow),thebrotherHohenstolz(Highand
Mighty),thesisterKsetraut(Cheesemaker),andthefairCatherinearewilling,itmaybeso."
"Whereis,then,themotherMalcho?"
139
"Inthestable,milkingthecow."
"Goodday,motherMalcho.Howdoyoudo?""Verywell,Ithankyou,PifpafPoltrie.""MayImarry
yourdaughter?""Oh,yes!ifthefatherHollenthe,thebrotherHohenstolz,thesisterKsetraut,andthe
fairCatherinearewilling,itmaybeso."
[page121]
"Whereis,then,thebrotherHohenstolz?"
"Intheyard,choppingupthewood."
"Goodday,brotherHohenstolz.Howareyou?""Verywell,Ithankyou,PifpafPoltrie.""MayImarry
yoursister?""Oh,yes!ifthefatherHollenthe,themotherMalcho,thesisterKsetraut,andthefair
Catherinearewilling,itmaybeso.
"Whereis,then,thesisterKsetraut?"
"Inthegarden,cuttingthecabbages."
"Goodday,sisterKsetraut.Howdoyoudo?""Verywell,Ithankyou,PifpafPoltrie.""MayImarry
yoursister?""Oh,yes!ifthefatherHollenthe,themotherMalcho,thebrotherHohenstolz,andthefair
Catherinearewilling,itmaybeso."
"Whereis,then,thefairCatherine?"
"Inherchamber,countingoutherpennies."
"Goodday,fairCatherine.Howdoyoudo?""Verywell,Ithankyou,PifpafPoltrie.""Willyoubemy
bride?""Oh,yes!ifthefatherHollenthe,themotherMalcho,thebrotherHohenstolz,andthesister
Ksetrautarewilling,soamI."
"Howmuchmoneyhaveyou,fairCatherine?"
"Fourteenpenniesinbaremoney,twoandahalffarthingsowingtome,halfapoundofdriedapples,a
handfulofprunes,andahandfulofroots;anddon'tyoucallthatacapitaldowry?PifpafPoltrie,what
tradeareyou?Areyouatailor?"
"Betterthanthat."
"Ashoemaker?"
"Betterstill!"
"Aplowman?"
"Betterstill!"
"Ajoiner?"
"Betterstill!"
"Asmith?"
140
"Betterstill!"
"Amiller?"
"Betterstill!"
"Perhapsabroombinder?"
"Yes,soIam;now,isnotthataprettytrade?"
[page122]
THEWOLFANDTHEFOX
A
WOLF,onceuponatime,caughtafox.Ithappenedonedaythattheywerebothgoingthroughthe
forest,andthewolfsaidtohiscompanion:"Getmesomefood,orIwilleatyouup."
Thefoxreplied:"Iknowafarmyardwherethereareacoupleofyounglambs,which,ifyouwish,we
willfetch."
Thisproposalpleasedthewolf,sotheywent,andthefox,stealingfirstoneofthelambs,broughtitto
thewolf,andthenranaway.Thewolfdevoureditquickly,butwasnotcontented,andwenttofetchthe
otherlambbyhimself,buthediditsoawkwardlythathearousedtheattentionofthemother,who
begantocryandbleatloudly,sothatthepeasantsranup.Theretheyfoundthewolf,andbeathimso
unmercifullythatheran,howlingandlimping,tothefox,andsaid:"Youhaveledmetoaniceplace,
for,whenIwenttofetchtheotherlamb,thepeasantscameandbeatmeterribly!"
"Whyareyousuchaglutton,then?"askedthefox.
Thenextdaytheywentagainintothefields,andthecovetouswolfsaidtothefox:"Getmesomething
toeatnow,orIwilldevouryou!"
Thefoxsaidheknewacountryhousewherethecookwasgoingthateveningtomakesomepancakes,
andthithertheywent.Whentheyarrived,thefoxsneakedandcreptaroundroundthehouse,untilheat
lastdiscoveredwherethedishwasstanding,outofwhichhestolesixpancakes,andtookthemtothe
wolf,saying,"Thereissomethingforyoutoeat!"andthenranaway.Thewolfdispatchedtheseina
minuteortwo,and,wishingtotastesomemore,hewentandseizedthedish,buttookitawayso
hurriedlythatitbrokeinpieces.Thenoiseofitsfallbroughtoutthewoman,who,assoonasshesaw
thewolf,calledherpeople,who,hasteningup,beathimwithsuchagoodwillthatheranhometothe
fox,howling,withtwolamelegs!"Whatahorridplaceyouhavedrawnmeintonow,"criedhe;"the
peasantshavecaughtme,anddressedmyskinfinely!"
[page123]
"Why,then,areyousuchaglutton?"saidthefox.
Whentheywentoutagainthethirdday,thewolflimpingalongwithweariness,hesaidtothefox:"Get
mesomethingtoeatnow,orIwilldevouryou!"
141
Thefoxsaidheknewamanwhohadjustkilledapig,andsaltedthemeatdowninacaskinhiscellar,
andthattheycouldgetatit.Thewolfrepliedthathewouldgowithhimonconditionthathehelped
himifhecouldnotescape."Oh,ofcourseIwill,onmineownaccount!"saidthefox,andshowedhim
thetricksandwaysbywhichtheycouldgetintothecellar.Whentheywentintherewasmeatin
abundance,andthewolfwasenrapturedatthesight.Thefox,too,hadataste,butkeptlookinground
whileeating,andranfrequentlytotheholebywhichtheyhadentered,toseeifhisbodywouldslip
throughiteasily.Presentlythewolfasked:"Whyareyourunningaboutso,youfox,jumpinginand
out?""Iwanttoseeifanyoneiscoming,"repliedthefoxcunningly;"butmindyoudonoteattoo
much!"
Thewolfsaidhewouldnotleavetillthecaskwasquiteempty;andmeanwhilethepeasant,whohad
heardthenoisemadebythefox,enteredthecellar.Thefox,assoonashesawhim,madeaspring,and
wasthroughtheholeinajiffy;andthewolftriedtofollowhisexample,buthehadeatensomuchthat
hisbodywastoobigfortheopening,andhestuckfast.Thencamethepeasantwithacudgel,andbeat
himsorely;butthefoxleapedawayintotheforest,verygladtogetridoftheoldglutton.
DISCREETHANS
H
ANS'Smotherasked:"Whitherareyougoing,Hans?""ToGrethel's,"repliedhe."Behavewell,Hans."
"Iwilltakecare;goodby,mother.""Goodby,Hans."
HanscametoGrethel."Goodday,"saidhe."Good[page124]day,"repliedGrethel,"whattreasuredo
youbringtoday?""Ibringnothing.Haveyouanythingtogive?"GrethelpresentedHanswitha
needle."Goodby,"saidhe."Goodby,Hans."Hanstooktheneedle,stuckitinaloadofhay,and
walkedhomebehindthewagon.
"Goodevening,mother.""Goodevening,Hans.Wherehaveyoubeen?""ToGrethel's.""Andwhat
haveyougivenher?""Nothing;shehasgivenmesomething.""WhathasGrethelgivenyou?""A
needle,"saidHans."Andwherehaveyouputit?""Intheloadofhay.""Thenyouhavebehaved
stupidly,Hans;youshouldputneedlesonyourcoatsleeve.""Tobehavebetter,donothingatall,"
thoughtHans.
"Whitherareyougoing,Hans?""ToGrethel's,mother.""Behavewell,Hans.""Iwilltakecare;good
by,mother.""Goodby,Hans."
HanscametoGrethel."Goodday,"saidhe."Goodday,Hans.Whattreasuredoyoubring?""Ibring
nothing.Haveyouanythingtogive?"GrethelgaveHansaknife."Goodby,Grethel.""Goodby,
Hans."Hanstooktheknife,putitinhissleeve,andwenthome.
"Goodevening,mother.""Goodevening,Hans.Wherehaveyoubeen?""ToGrethel's.""Andwhatdid
youtaketoher?""Itooknothing;shehasgiventome.""Andwhatdidshegiveyou?""Aknife,"said
Hans."Andwherehaveyouputit?""Inmysleeve.""Thenyouhavebehavedfoolishlyagain,Hans;
youshouldputknivesinyourpocket.""Tobehavebetter,donothingatall,"thoughtHans.
"Whitherareyougoing,Hans?""ToGrethel's,mother.""Behavewell,Hans.""Iwilltakecare;good
by,mother.""Goodby,Hans."
142
HanscametoGrethel."Goodday,Grethel.""Goodday,Hans.Whattreasuredoyoubring?""Ibring
nothing.Haveyouanythingtogive?"GrethelgaveHansayounggoat."Goodby,Grethel.""Goodby,
Hans."Hanstookthegoat,tieditslegs,andputitinhispocket.
Justashereachedhomeitwassuffocated."Goodevening,mother.""Goodevening,Hans.Wherehave
youbeen?"[page125]"ToGrethel's.""Andwhatdidyoutaketoher?""Itooknothing;shegaveto
me.""AndwhatdidGrethelgiveyou?""Agoat.""Wheredidyouputit,Hans?""Inmypocket."
"Thereyouactedstupidly,Hans;youshouldhavetiedthegoatwitharope.""Tobehavebetter,do
nothing,"thoughtHans.
"Whitheraway,Hans?""ToGrethel's,mother.""Behavewell,Hans.""I'lltakecare;goodby,mother."
"Goodby,Hans."
nothing.Haveyouanythingtogive?"GrethelgaveHansapieceofbacon."Goodby,Grethel.""Good
by,Hans."Hanstookthebacon,tieditwitharope,andswungittoandfrosothatthedogscameand
ateitup.Whenhereachedhomeheheldtheropeinhishand,buttherewasnothingonit.
"Goodevening,mother,"saidhe."Goodevening,Hans.Wherehaveyoubeen?""ToGrethel's,
mother.""Whatdidyoutakethere?""Itooknothing;shegavetome.""AndwhatdidGrethelgive
you?""Apieceofbacon,"saidHans."Andwherehaveyouputit?""Itieditwitharope,swungit
about,andthedogscameandateitup.""Thereyouactedstupidly,Hans;youshouldhavecarriedthe
bacononyourhead.""Tobehavebetter,donothing,"thoughtHans.
"Goodby,Hans."
nothing.Haveyouanythingtogive?"GrethelgaveHansacalf."Goodby,"saidHans."Goodby."
Hanstookthecalf,setitonhishead,andthecalfscratchedhisface.
"Goodevening,mother.""Goodevening,Hans.Wherehaveyoubeen?""ToGrethel's.""Whatdidyou
takeher?""Itooknothing;shegavetome.""AndwhatdidGrethelgiveyou?""Acalf,"saidHans.
"Andwhatdidyoudowithit?""Isetitonmyhead,anditkickedmyface.""Thenyouactedstupidly,
Hans;youshouldhaveledthecalf[page126]home,andputitinthestall.""Tobehavebetter,do
nothing,"thoughtHans.
"Goodby,Hans."
nothing.Haveyouanythingtogive?"Grethelsaid:"Iwillgowithyou,Hans."Hanstiedaroperound
Grethel,ledherhome,putherinthestall,andmadetheropefast;andthenhewenttohismother.
"Goodevening,mother.""Goodevening,Hans.Wherehaveyoubeen?""ToGrethel's.""Whatdidyou
takeher?""Itooknothing.""WhatdidGrethelgiveyou?""Shegavenothing;shecamewithme."
"Andwherehaveyoulefther,then?""Itiedherwitharope,putherinthestall,andthrewinsome
grass.""Thenyouactedstupidly,Hans;youshouldhavelookedatherwithfriendlyeyes.""Tobehave
better,donothing,"thoughtHans;andthenhewentintothestall,andmadesheep'seyesatGrethel.
AndafterthatGrethelbecameHans'swife.
143
PUSSINBOOTS
O
NCEuponatimetherewasamiller,whowassopoorthatathisdeathhehadnothingtoleavetohis
threechildrenbuthismill,hisass,andhiscat.Theeldestsontookthemill,andthesecondtheass,so
therewasnothingleftforpoorJackbuttotakePuss.
Jackcouldnothelpthinkingthathehadbeentreatedshabbily."Mybrotherswillbeabletoearnan
honestlivelihood,"hesighed,"butasforme,thoughPussmayfeedhimselfbycatchingmice,Ishall
certainlydieofhunger."
DonotGrieve,DearMaster.
144
Thecat,whohadoverheardhisyoungmaster,jumpedupon[page127]hisshoulder,and,rubbing
himselfgentlyagainsthischeek,begantospeak."Dearmaster,"saidhe,"donotgrieve.Iamnotas
uselessasyouthinkme,andwillundertaketomakeyourfortuneforyou,ifonlyyouwillbuymea
pairofboots,andgivemethatoldbag."
Now,Jackhadverylittlemoneytospare,but,knowingPusstobeafaithfuloldfriend,hemadeuphis
mindtotrusthim,andsospentallhepossesseduponasmartpairofbootsmadeofbuffcolored
leather.Theyfittedperfectly,soPussputthemon,tooktheoldbagwhichhismastergavehim,and
trottedofftoaneighboringwarreninwhichheknewtherewasagreatnumberofrabbits.
Havingputsomebranandfreshparsleyintothebag,helaiditupontheground,hidhimself,and
waited.Presentlytwofoolishlittlerabbits,sniffingthefood,ranstraightintothebag,whentheclever
catdrewthestringsandcaughtthem.
Then,slingingthebagoverhisshoulder,hehastenedofftothepalace,whereheaskedtospeaktothe
King.Havingbeenshownintotheroyalpresence,hebowedandsaid:
"Sire,myLordtheMarquisofCarabashascommandedmetopresenttheserabbitstoyourMajesty,
withhisrespects."
ThemonarchhavingdesiredhisthankstobegiventotheMarquis(who,asyouwillguess,wasreally
ourpoorJack),thenorderedhisheadcooktodresstherabbitsfordinner,andheandhisdaughter
partookofthemwithgreatenjoyment.
DaybydayPussbroughthomestoresofgoodfood,sothatheandhismasterlivedinplenty,and
besidesthat,hedidnotfailtokeeptheKingandhiscourtierswellsuppliedwithgame.
Sometimeshewouldlayabraceofpartridgesattheroyalfeet,sometimesafinelargehare,but
whateveritwas,italwayscamewiththesamemessage:"FrommyLordtheMarquisofCarabas";so
thateveryoneatCourtwastalkingofthisstrangenobleman,whomnoonehadeverseen,butwhosent
suchgenerouspresentstohisMajesty.
AtlengthPussdecidedthatitwastimeforhismastertobeintroducedatCourt.Soonedayhe
persuadedhimtogoandbatheinarivernear,havingheardthattheKingwouldsoonpassthatway.
[page128]
Jackstoodshiveringuptohisneckinwater,wonderingwhatwastohappennext,whensuddenlythe
King'scarriageappearedinsight.AtoncePussbegantocalloutasloudlyashecould:
"Help,help!MyLordtheMarquisofCarabasisdrowning!"
TheKingputhisheadoutofthecarriagewindowand,recognizingthecat,orderedhisattendantstogo
totheassistanceoftheMarquis.WhileJackwasbeingtakenoutofthewater,PussrantotheKingand
toldhimthatsomerobbershadrunoffwithhismaster'sclotheswhilsthewasbathing,thetruthofthe
matterbeingthatthecunningcathadhiddenthemunderastone.
OnhearingthisstorytheKinginstantlydespatchedoneofhisgroomstofetchahandsomesuitof
purpleandgoldfromtheroyalwardrobe,andarrayedinthis,Jack,whowasafine,handsomefellow,
lookedsowellthatnooneforamomentsupposedbutthathewassomenobleforeignlord.
TheKingandhisdaughterweresopleasedwithhisappearancethattheyinvitedhimintotheir
carriage.AtfirstJackhesitated,forhefeltalittleshyaboutsittingnexttoaPrincess,butshesmiledat
himsosweetly,andwassokindandgentle,thathesoonforgothisfearsandfellinlovewithherthere
andthen.
145
AssoonasPusshadseenhismasterseatedintheroyalcarriage,hewhispereddirectionstothe
coachman,andthenranonaheadasfastashecouldtrot,untilhecametoafieldofcorn,wherethe
reaperswerebusy.
"Reapers,"saidhefiercely,"theKingwillshortlypassthisway.Ifheshouldaskyoutowhomthis
fieldbelongs,rememberthatyousay,'TotheMarquisofCarabas.'Ifyoudaretodisobeyme,Iwill
haveyouallchoppedupasfineasmincemeat."Thereapersweresoafraidthecatwouldkeephisword
thattheypromisedtoobey.Pussthenranonandtoldalltheotherlaborerswhomhemettogivethe
sameanswer,threateningthemwithterriblepunishmentsiftheydisobeyed.
Now,theKingwasinaverygoodhumor,forthedaywasfine,andhefoundtheMarquisavery
pleasantcompanion,sohetoldthecoachmantodriveslowly,inorderthathemightadmire[page129]
thebeautifulcountry."Whatafinefieldofwheat!"hesaidpresently."Towhomdoesitbelong?"Then
themenansweredastheyhadbeentold:"ToourLordtheMarquisofCarabas."Nexttheymetaherd
ofcattle,andagaintotheKing'squestion,"Towhomdotheybelong?"theyweretold,"TotheMarquis
ofCarabas."Anditwasthesamewitheverythingtheypassed.
TheMarquislistenedwiththegreatestastonishment,andthoughtwhataverywonderfulcathisdear
Pusswas;andtheKingwasdelightedtofindthathisnewfriendwasaswealthyashewascharming.
MeanwhilePuss,whowaswellinadvanceoftheRoyalparty,hadarrivedatastatelycastle,which
belongedtoacruelOgre,therichesteverknown,forallthelandstheKinghadadmiredsomuch
belongedtohim.PussknockedatthedoorandaskedtoseetheOgre,whoreceivedhimquitecivilly,
forhehadneverseenacatinbootsbefore,andthesightamusedhim.
SoheandPussweresoonchattingawaytogether.
TheOgre,whowasveryconceited,begantoboastofwhatclevertrickshecouldplay,andPusssatand
listened,withasmileonhisface.
"Ionceheard,greatOgre,"hesaidatlast,"thatyoupossessedthepowerofchangingyourselfintoany
kindofanimalyouchosealionoranelephant,forinstance."
"Well,soIcan,"repliedtheOgre.
"Dearme!howmuchIshouldliketoseeyoudoitnow,"saidPusssweetly.
TheOgrewasonlytoopleasedtofindachanceofshowinghowverycleverhewas,sohepromisedto
transformhimselfintoanyanimalPussmightmention.
"Oh!Iwillleavethechoicetoyou,"saidthecatpolitely.
ImmediatelythereappearedwheretheOgrehadbeenseated,anenormouslion,roaring,andlashing
withitstail,andlookingasthoughitmeanttogobblethecatupinatrice.
Pusswasreallyverymuchfrightened,and,jumpingoutofthewindow,managedtoscrambleontothe
roof,thoughhecouldscarcelyholdontothetilesonaccountofhishighheeledboots.
[page130]
Therehesat,refusingtocomedown,untiltheOgrechangedhimselfintohisnaturalform,and
laughinglycalledtohimthathewouldnothurthim.
ThenPussventuredbackintotheroom,andbegantocomplimenttheOgreonhiscleverness.
146
"Ofcourse,itwasallverywonderful,"hesaid,"butitwouldbemorewonderfulstillifyou,whoareso
greatandfierce,couldtransformyourselfintosometimidlittlecreature,suchasamouse.That,I
suppose,wouldbequiteimpossible?"
"Notatall,"saidthevainOgre;"oneisquiteaseasytomeastheother,asIwillshowyou."Andina
momentalittlebrownmousewasfriskingaboutalloverthefloor,whilsttheOgrehadvanished.
"Nowornever,"saidPuss,andwithaspringheseizedthemouseandgobbleditupasfastashecould.
AtthesamemomentallthegentlemenandladieswhomthewickedOgrehadheldinhiscastleundera
spell,becamedisenchanted.Theyweresogratefultotheirdelivererthattheywouldhavedone
anythingtopleasehim,andreadilyagreedtoenterintotheserviceoftheMarquisofCarabaswhen
Pussaskedthemtodoso.
Sonowthecathadasplendidcastle,whichheknewtobefullofheapeduptreasures,athiscommand,
andorderingamagnificentfeasttobeprepared,hetookuphisstationatthecastlegatestowelcome
hismasterandtheroyalparty.
Assoonasthecastleappearedinsight,theKingenquiredwhoseitwas,"For,"saidhe,"Ihavenever
seenafiner."
ThenPuss,bowinglow,threwopenthecastlegates,andcried:
"MayitpleaseyourMajestytoalightandenterthehomeofthemostnobletheMarquisofCarabas."
Fullofsurprise,theKingturnedtotheMarquis."Isthissplendidcastleindeedyours?"heasked."Not
evenourownpalaceismorebeautiful,anddoubtlessitisassplendidwithinaswithout."
PussthenhelpedhisMajestytoalight,andconductedhimintothecastle,whereagroupofnoble
gentlemenandfairladieswerewaitingtoreceivethem.Jack,ortheMarquisashewas[page131]now
called,gavehishandtotheyoungPrincess,andledhertothebanquet.Longandmerrilytheyfeasted,
andwhenatlengththeguestsrosetodepart,theKingembracedtheMarquis,andcalledhimhisdear
son;andthePrincessblushedsocharminglyandlookedsoshyandsweet,thatJackventuredtolayhis
heartandfortuneatherfeet.
Andsothemiller'ssonmarriedtheKing'sdaughter,andthereweregreatrejoicingsthroughoutthe
land.
Ontheeveningoftheweddingdayagreatballwasgiven,towhichprincesandnoblemenfromfarand
nearwereinvited.Pussopenedtheball,wearingfortheoccasionapairofbootsmadeofthefinest
leather,withgoldtasselsandscarletheels.Ionlywishyoucouldhaveseenhim.
WhentheoldKingdied,thePrincessandherhusbandreignedinhisstead,andtheirmosthonoredand
faithfulfriendatCourtwasPusshimself,forhismasterneverforgottowhomheowedallhisgood
fortune.Heliveduponthedaintiestmeatandmostdeliciouscream,andwaspettedandmademuchof
allthedaysofhislife,andneveragainranaftermiceandrats,exceptforexerciseandamusement.
THEELVESANDTHESHOEMAKER
147
T
HEREwasonceashoemakerwho,throughnofaultofhisown,hadbecomesopoorthatatlasthehad
onlyleatherenoughleftforonepairofshoes.Ateveninghecutouttheshoeswhichheintendedto
beginuponthenextmorning,andsincehehadagoodconscience,helaydownquietly,saidhis
prayers,andfellasleep.
Inthemorningwhenhehadprayed,asusual,andwaspreparingtositdowntowork,hefoundthepair
ofshoesstandingfinishedonhistable.Hewasamazed,andcouldnotunderstanditintheleast.
[page132]
Hetooktheshoesinhishandtoexaminethemmoreclosely.Theyweresoneatlysewnthatnotastitch
wasoutofplace,andwereasgoodastheworkofamasterhand.
Soonafterapurchasercamein,andashewasmuchpleasedwiththeshoes,hepaidmorethanthe
ordinarypriceforthem,sothattheshoemakerwasabletobuyleatherfortwopairswiththemoney.
Hecutthemoutintheevening,andnextday,withfreshcouragewasabouttogotowork;buthehad
noneedto,forwhenhegotup,theshoeswerefinished,andbuyerswerenotlacking.Thesegavehim
somuchmoneythathewasabletobuyleatherforfourpairsofshoes.
Earlynextmorninghefoundthefourpairsfinished,andsoitwenton;whathecutoutateveningwas
finishedinthemorning,sothathewassoonagainincomfortablecircumstances,andbecameawellto
doman.
Nowithappenedoneevening,notlongbeforeChristmas,whenhehadcutoutshoesasusual,thathe
saidtohiswife:"Howwoulditbeifweweretosituptonighttoseewhoitisthatlendsussucha
helpinghand?"
Thewifeagreed,lightedacandle,andtheyhidthemselvesinthecorneroftheroombehindtheclothes
whichwerehangingthere.
Atmidnightcametwolittlenakedmen,whosatdownattheshoemaker'stable,tookupthecutout
work,andbeganwiththeirtinyfingerstostitch,sew,andhammersoneatlyandquickly,thatthe
shoemakercouldnotbelievehiseyes.Theydidnotstoptilleverythingwasquitefinished,andstood
completeonthetable;thentheyranswiftlyaway.
Thenextdaythewifesaid:"Thelittlemenhavemadeusrich,andweoughttoshowourgratitude.
Theyrunaboutwithnothingon,andmustfreezewithcold.NowIwillmakethemlittleshirts,coats,
waistcoats,andhose,andwillevenknitthemstoutstockings,andyoushallmakethemeachapairof
shoes."
Thehusbandagreed,andatevening,whentheyhadeverythingready,theylaidoutthepresentsonthe
table,andhidthemselvestoseehowthelittlemenwouldbehave.
Atmidnighttheycameskippingin,andwereabouttosetto[page133]work;but,insteadofthe
leatherreadycutout,theyfoundthecharminglittleclothes.
Atfirsttheyweresurprised,thenexcessivelydelighted.Withthegreatestspeedtheyputonand
smootheddowntheprettyclothes,singing:
"Nowwe'redressedsofineandneat,
148
Whycobblemoreforothers'feet?"
Thentheyhoppedanddancedabout,andleapedoverchairsandtablesandoutatthedoor.
Henceforward,theycamebacknomore,buttheshoemakerfaredwellaslongashelived,andhad
goodluckinallhisundertakings.
HANSINLUCK
H
ANShadservedhismastersevenlongyears;sohesaidtohim:"Master,mytimeisout,andmywish
istoreturnhometomymother:giveme,ifyouplease,myreward."
Themasteranswered:"Thouhasttrulyandfaithfullyservedme;astheservicewas,soshallthereward
be."AndhegaveHansapieceofgoldasbigashishead.
Hanspulledouthishandkerchief,wrappedupthelumpofgoldinit,and,throwingitoverhisshoulder,
madehiswayhome.Ashewentonhisway,alwaysputtingonefootbeforetheother,hemetaman
gallopingbrisklyalongonafinehorse.
"Ah!"saidHans,quitealoud,"whatacapitalthingitistoride!Thereyousitascomfortablyasina
chair,kickingagainstnostones,savingyourshoeleather,andgettingtoyourjourney'sendalmost
withoutknowingit!"
Thehorseman,whoheardthis,pulledupandcried,"Hullo,Hanswhydoyoutrudgeonfoot?"
"BecauseImust,"answeredhe;"forIhavethisbiglumptocarryhome.Itisrealgold,youknow;but,
allthesame,Icanscarcelyholdupmyhead,itweighssoterriblyonmyshoulders."
[page134]
"I'lltellyouwhat,"saidthehorseman:"we'lljustexchange.I'llgiveyoumyhorseandyougiveme
yourlumpofgold."
"Withallmyheart!"saidHans."ButIwarnyou,you'llhaveajobtocarryit."
Thehorsemandismounted,tookthegold,andhelpedHansup;and,givingthebridleintohishand,
said:"Ifyouwanthimtogoatfullspeed,youmustcluckwithyourtongueandcry'C'ck!c'ck!'"
Hanswasheartilydelighted,ashesatonhishorseandrodegailyalong.
Afterawhilehefanciedhewouldliketogofaster,sohebegantocluckwithhistongueandcry"C'ck!
c'ck!"Thehorsebrokeintoasmarttrot,andbeforeHanswasawarehewasthrownoffsplash!into
aditchwhichdividedthehighwayfromthefields,andtherehelay.Thehorse,too,wouldhaverun
awayhaditnotbeenstoppedbyapeasant,ashecamealongtheroad,drivinghiscowbeforehim.
Hanspulledhimselftogetherandgotuponhislegsagain.Hefeltverydowncast,andsaidtothe
peasant:"It'sapoorjoke,thatriding,especiallywhenonelightsuponsuchabruteasthis,whichkicks
andthrowsoneoffsothatonecomesneartobreakingone'sneck.Youdon'tcatchmeonhisback
149
again.Now,there'smoresenseinacowlikeyours,behindwhichyoucanwalkinpeaceandquietness,
besideshavingyourbutter,milk,andcheeseeverymorningforcertain.WhatwouldInotgiveforsuch
acow!"
"Well,"saidthepeasant,"ifitwouldgiveyousomuchpleasure,Iwillexchangemycowforyour
horse."
Hansgladlyconsented,andthepeasantflunghimselfonthehorseandrodequicklyoff.
Hansdrovethecowpeacefullyalong,thinking:"WhataluckyfellowIam!Ihavejusttogetabitof
bread(andthatisn'tadifficultmatter)andthen,asoftenasIlike,Icaneatmybutterandcheesewith
it.IfIamthirsty,Ijustmilkmycowanddrink.WhatmorecouldIdesire?"
Whenhecametoaninn,hemadeastop,andinhisgreatjoyateallthefoodhehadwithhimrightup,
bothdinnerandsupper.
[page135]
Withhistwolastfarthings,heboughthimselfhalfaglassofbeer.Thenhedrovehiscowtowardshis
mother'svillage.
Asthemorningwenton,themoreoppressivetheheatbecame,andHansfoundhimselfinafieldsome
threemileslong.
Thenhefeltsohotthathistonguewasparchedwiththirst."Thisissooncured,"thoughtHans."Ihave
onlytomilkmycow,drink,andrefreshmyself."
Hetiedthecowtoawitheredtree,andashehadnopitcherheplacedhisleatherncapunderneathher;
butinspiteofallhistroublenotadropofmilkcouldbegot.
Andhewenttoworksoclumsilythattheimpatientbrutegavehimsuchakickwithherhindlegthat
hewasknockedoverandquitedazed,andforalongtimedidnotknowwherehewas.
Luckilyabutchercamebyjustthen,wheelingayoungpiginabarrow.
"Whatkindofjokeisthis?"criedhe,helpingourfriendHanstorise.
Hanstoldhimwhathadhappened.Thebutcherpassedhimhisbottleandsaid:
"There,drinkandreviveyourself.Thatcowwillnevergiveanymilk;sheisanoldanimaland,atthe
best,isonlyfitfortheploworthebutcher."
"Oho!"saidHans,runninghisfingersthroughhishair."Whowouldhavethoughtit?Itisallright
indeedwhenyoucanslaughtersuchabeastinyourownhouse.ButIdon'tthinkmuchofcow'sflesh;it
isnottenderenough.Now,ifonehadayoungpig!Thatwouldtastefardifferent,tosaynothingofthe
sausages!"
"Listen,Hans,"saidthebutcher."Foryoursake,Iwillexchange,andletyouhavemypigforyour
cow."
"MayHeavenrewardyourfriendship!"saidHans,andatoncegavehimthecow.
Themanuntiedthepigfromthewheelbarrow,andgavetheropewithwhichitwasboundintoHans's
hand.
150
Hansmarchedon,thinking:"WhataluckyfellowIam.Assoonasanythinggoeswrong,something
turnsupandall'srightagain."
Justthen,upcameayouth,carryingafinewhitegooseunder[page136]hisarm.Theywerefriends,
andHansbegantotalkabouthisluckandhowhealwayscameoffbestinhisexchanges.Theyouth
toldhimhewastakingthegoosetoachristeningfeast.
"Justholdit,"hecontinued,seizingitbythewings,"andfeelhowheavyitis:yetitwasonlyfattened
foreightweeks.Itwillbearichmorselwhenroasted."
"Yes,"saidHans,weighingitwithhishand,"itiscertainlyheavy,butmypigisbynomeanstobe
despised."
Meanwhiletheladwaslookingthoughtfullyaround,shakinghishead."Listen,"hesaid,"Idon'tthink
it'sallrightaboutyourpig.InthevillageIhavejustcomethrough,onehaslatelybeenstolenfromthe
magistrate'sownsty.Ifearitistheoneyouhave.Theyhavesentpeopleout,anditwouldbeabad
businessiftheyfoundyouwiththepig.Theleasttheywoulddowouldbetothrowyouintojail."
OurfriendHanswasdowncast."Alas,"hecried,"helpmeinmyneed!Youknowyourwayherebetter
thanI.Takemypigthen,andgivemeyourgoose."
"Ishallberunninggreatrisks,"saidtheyouth,"butatleastIwillpreventyourgettingintotrouble."
Hetooktheropeinhishandanddrovethepigquicklyawaydownabypath,andHanswenton
relievedofhissorrow,towardshome,withthegooseunderhisarm.
"WhataluckyfellowIam!"hesaidtohimself."First,Ishallhaveagoodroast;thenthereisthe
quantityofdrippingthatwillfallout,whichwillkeepmeinbreadanddrippingforaquarterofayear;
andlastly,thesplendidwhitefeathers,withwhichIwillhavemypillowstuffed;thenIshallfallasleep
withoutrocking.Howgladmymotherwillbe!"
Whenhewasatlengthcometothevillage,therestoodinthestreetascissorsgrinderwithhistruck.
Hiswheelhummed,andhesangthewhile:
"MywheelIturn,andthescissorsIgrind,
Andmycloakhangsflowingfreeinthewind."
Hansremainedstanding,andwatchedhim;atlengthhespoketohim,andsaid:
"Youmustbedoingwellsinceyouaresomerryoveryourgrinding."
[page137]
"Yes,"saidthescissorsgrinder;"theworkhasgoldatthebottomofit.Aproperscissorsgrinderisthe
sortofmanwho,wheneverheputshishandinhispocket,findsmoneythere.Butwherehaveyou
boughtthatfinegoose?"
"Ididnotbuyit,butexchangeditformypig."
"Andthepig?"
"Iobtainedhimforacow."
151
"Andthecow?"
"Ihadherforahorse."
"Andthehorse?"
"ForhimIgavealumpofgoldasbigasmyhead."
"Andthegold?"
"Why,thatwasmyrewardforsevenyearsofservice."
"Youhavecertainlydonewellforyourselfeachtime,"saidthescissorsgrinder."Ifyoucouldonly
hearmoneyrattlinginyourpocketeverytimeyougotup,yourfortunewouldbemade."
"HowshallIsetaboutit?"saidHans.
"Youmustbecomeagrinder,likeme.Allyouwantisagrindstone:therestcomesofitself.Ihaveone
whichisalittledamagedindeed,butforwhichIwouldasknothingmorethanyourgoose;wouldthat
suityou?"
"Howcanyouaskme?"answeredHans."Ishallbetheluckiestfellowonearth.IfIhavemoneyas
oftenasIfeelinmypocket,whatelseshallIhavetocareabout?"Andhehandedoverthegoose,and
tookthegrindstoneinreceipt.
"Now,"saidthegrinder,liftingupanordinaryheavyfieldstone,whichlaybesidehim."Thereyou
haveacapitalstone,whichwillbejustthethingtohammeryouroldnailsstraightupon.Takeitandlift
itupcarefully."
Hansraisedthestoneandmarchedonwithajoyfulheart,hiseyesshiningwithpleasure.
"Imusthavebeenbornlucky,"hecriedout."AllthatIdesirecomestome,astoaSundaychild."
Meanwhile,havingbeenonhislegssincedaybreak,hebegantofeeltired;besideswhich,hewas
tormentedbyhunger,forhehadeatenupallhisprovisioninhisjoyovertheexchangeofthecow.
Atlengthhecouldonlyproceedwithgreattroubleandmust[page138]needsstopeveryminute;the
stones,too,crushedhimterribly.Thenhecouldnotconcealthethought:"Howniceitwouldbenowto
havenothingtocarry!"
Likeasnailhecreptuptoawell,wishingtoresthimselfandenjoyarefreshingdrink.
Inordernottospoilthestonesinsettingthemdown,helaidthemcarefullyonthegroundonebeside
theother,andbenthimselfdowntodrink,butbyanaccidenthegavethemalittlepush,andboth
stoneswentsplashingdown.
Hans,whenhesawthemsinkinginthedepthsofthewell,jumpedupwithjoy,kneeleddownand
thankedGod,withtearsinhiseyes,thatHehadshownhimthisgraceand,withouttroublinghimto
thinkwhattodowiththem,hadrelievedhimoftheheavystoneswhichwouldhavebeensucha
hindrancetohim.
"Thereisnomanunderthesun,"hecriedout,"soluckyasI."
Withabrightheartandfreefromallcare,hespranguponhisway,untilhewashomeathismother's.
152
MASTEROFALLMASTERS
A
GIRLoncewenttothefairtohireherselfforaservant.Atlastafunnylookingoldgentleman
engagedher,andtookherhometohishouse.Whenshegotthere,hetoldherthathehadsomethingto
teachher,forthatinhishousehehadhisownnamesforthings.
Hesaidtoher:"Whatwillyoucallme?"
"Masterormister,orwhateveryouplease,sir,"saysshe.
Hesaid:"Youmustcallme'MasterofallMasters.'Andwhatwouldyoucallthis?"pointingtohisbed.
"Bedorcouch,orwhateveryouplease,sir."
"No,that'smy'barnacle.'Andwhatdoyoucallthese?"saidhe,pointingtohispantaloons.
[page139]
"Breechesortrousers,orwhateveryouplease,sir."
"Youmustcallthem'squibsandcrackers,'Andwhatwouldyoucallher?"pointingtothecat.
"Catorkit,orwhateveryouplease,sir."
"Youmustcallher'whitefacedsimminy.'Andthis,now,"showingthefire,"whatwouldyoucall
this?"
"Fireorflame,orwhateveryouplease,sir."
"Youmustcallit'hotcockalorum.'Andwhat,this?"hewenton,pointingtothewater.
"Waterorwet,orwhateveryouplease,sir."
"No,'pondalorum'isitsname.Andwhatdoyoucallallthis?"askedhe,ashepointedtothehouse.
"Houseorcottage,orwhateveryouplease,sir."
"Youmustcallit'hightoppermountain.'"
Thatverynighttheservantwokehermasterupinafrightandsaid:"MasterofallMasters,getoutof
yourbarnacleandputonyoursquibsandcrackers.Forwhitefacedsimminyhasgotasparkofhot
cockalorumonitstail,andunlessyougetsomepondalorum,hightoppermountainwillbeallonhot
cockalorum."...That'sall.
153
BELLINGTHECAT
O
NCEuponatimethemicesatincouncilandtalkedofhowtheymightoutwittheirenemy,theCat.But
goodadvicewasscarce,andinvainthepresidentcalleduponallthemostexperiencedmicepresentto
findaway.
Atlastaveryyoungmousehelduptwofingersandaskedtobeallowedtospeak,andassoonashe
couldgetpermissionhesaid:
"I'vebeenthinkingforalongtimewhytheCatissuchadangerousenemy.Now,it'snotsomuch
becauseofherquickness,thoughpeoplemakesomuchfussaboutthat.Ifwecouldonlynoticeherin
time,I'venodoubtwe'renimbleenoughto[page140]jumpintoourholesbeforeshecoulddousany
harm.It'sinhervelvetpaws,there'swhereshehideshercruelclawstillshegetsusinherclutches
that'swhereherpowerlies.Withthosepawsshecantreadsolightlythatwecan'thearhercoming.
Andso,whilewearestilldancingheedlesslyabouttheplace,shecreepscloseup,andbeforeweknow
whereweareshepouncesdownonusandhasusinherclutches.Well,then,it'smyopinionweought
tohangabellroundhernecktowarnusofhercomingwhilethere'syettime."
Everyoneapplaudedthisproposal,andthecouncildecidedthatitshouldbecarriedout.
Nowthequestiontobesettledwas,whoshouldundertaketofastenthebellroundtheCat'sneck?
Thepresidentdeclaredthatnoonecouldbebetterfittedforthetaskthanhewhohadgivensuch
excellentadvice.
Butatthattheyoungmousebecamequiteconfusedandstammeredanexcuse.Hewastooyoungfor
thedeed,hesaid.Hedidn'tknowtheCatwellenough.Hisgrandfather,whoknewherbetter,wouldbe
moresuitedtothejob.
ButthegrandfatherdeclaredthatjustbecauseheknewtheCatverywellhewouldtakegoodcarenot
toattemptsuchatask.
Andthelongandtheshortofitwasthatnoothermousewouldundertaketheduty;andsothisclever
proposalwasnevercarriedout,andtheCatremainedmistressofthesituation.
LITTLEREDRIDINGHOOD
154
LittleRedRidingHood.
I
Nagreatwideforest,fullofbeautifultrees,andgreenglades,andthornythickets,therelivedalong
timeagoawoodcutterandhiswife,whohadonlyonechild,alittlegirl.Shewassopretty,andso
good,thatthesunseemedtoshinemorebrightlywhenitslightfelluponherrosylittleface,andthe
birdswouldseemtosingmoresweetlywhenshewaspassingby.
HerrealnamewasMaisie;buttheneighborsroundabout[page141]allcalledher"LittleRedRiding
Hood,"becauseofascarletridinghoodandcloakthatherkindoldgrandmotherhadmadeforher,and
whichshenearlyalwayswore.
Shewasahappy,merrylittlechild,withasmileandagentlewordforeverybody,andsoyoumay
easilybelievethateverybodylovedher,andwasgladtocatchaglimpseofhergoldencurlsandher
scarletcloakasshetrippedalong,singing,underthegreenboughs.
155
Now,this,letmetellyoubeforeIforget,wasatthetimewhenallthebirdsandbeasts,orverynearly
all,couldspeakjustaswellasyouorI;andnobodywassurprisedtohearthemtalk,asIsupposeone
wouldbenowadays.
Well,asIwassaying,LittleRedRidingHoodlivedwithherparentsinalittlewhitecottagewitha
greendoorandathatchedroof,andredandwhiterosesclimbingalloverthewalls,andevenputting
theirprettyheadsinatthelatticedwindows,topeepatthechildwhowassolikethem.
ItwasonabrightspringmorningearlyinMay,whenlittleRedRidingHoodhadjustfinishedputting
awaythebreakfastcupsthathermothercamebustlinginfromthedairy.
"Here'satodo,"shesaid."FarmerHodgehasthisveryminutetoldmethathehearsyourGrannieisn't
quitewell,andIcan'tleavethecheesemakingthismorningforloveormoney!Doyougo,mydear,
andfindouthowsheisandstaytakeherthislittlepotofsweetfreshbutter,andthesetwonew
laideggs,andthesenicetastylittlepasties.Maybethey'lltempthertoeatabit.Here'syourbasket,and
don'tbetoolongaway,honey."
SolittleRedRidingHoodpulledherhoodoverhercurls,andsetoffdownthesunnygreenslope,with
herbasketinherhand,atabriskpace.Butasshegotdeeperintotheforest,shewalkedmoreslowly.
Everythingwassobeautiful;thegreattreeswavedtheirhugearmsoverher,thebirdswerecallingto
oneanotherfromthethornsallwhitewithblossom,andthechildbegansingingasshewent,shecould
nothavetoldwhy,butIthinkitwasbecausethebeautifulworldmadeherfeelglad.
156
RidingHoodandtheWolf.
Thepathwoundalongthroughthetrees,and,asitgrewwiderafterturningacorner,RedRidingHood
sawthatshewaslikely[page142]tohavecompanyonherwalk;for,wheretwocrosspathsdivided,
theresatabiggraywolflickinghislongpaws,andlookingsharplyabouthim.And"Goodmorning,
RedRidingHood,"saidhe.
"Goodmorning,Mr.Wolf,"sheanswered.
"Andwheremayyoubegoing,sweetlass?"saidtheWolf,ashewalkedbesideher.
"Oh,Grannieisn'tverywell,andmothercannotleavethecheesemakingthismorning,andsoI'm
takinghersomelittledaintiesinmybasket,andIamtoseehowsheis,andtellmotherwhenIget
back,"saidthechildwithasmile.
"And,"saidthewolf,"wheredoesyourgoodGrannielive,littlelady?"
"Throughthecopse,anddownthehollow,andoverthebridge,andthreemeadowsafterthemill."
157
"Doessheindeed?"criedhe."Why,then,Idobelievesheisaverydearoldfriendofmine,whomI
havenotseenforyearsandyears.Now,I'lltellyouwhatwe'lldo,youandI:Iwillgobythisway,and
youshalltakethat,andwhoevergetstherefirstshallbethewinnerofthegame."
SotheWolftrottedoffoneway,andRedRidingHoodwenttheother;andIamsorrytosaythatshe
lingeredandloiteredmorethansheoughttohavedoneontheroad.
Well,whatwithonethingandanother,thesunwasrightupintheverymidmostmiddleofthesky
whenshecrossedthelastmeadowfromthemillandcameinsightofhergrandmother'scottage,and
thebiglilacbushesthatgrewbythegardengate.
"Oh!dear,howImusthavelingered!"saidthechild,whenshesawhowhighthesunhadclimbed
sinceshesetoutonherjourney;and,patteringupthegardenpath,shetappedatthecottagedoor.
"Who'sthere?"saidaverygruffkindofvoicefrominside.
"It'sonlyI,Granniedear,yourlittleRedRidingHoodwithsomegoodiesforyouinmybasket,
answeredthechild.
"Thenpullthebobbin,"criedthevoice,"andthelatchwillgoup."
"WhatadreadfulcoldpoorGranniemusthave,tobesure,tomakehersohoarse,"thoughtthechild.
Thenshepulledthe[page143]bobbin,andthelatchwentup,andRedRidingHoodpushedopenthe
door,andsteppedinsidethecottage.
Itseemedverydarkinthereafterthebrightsunlightoutside,andallRedRidingHoodcouldseewas
thatthewindowcurtainsandthebedcurtainswerestilldrawn,andhergrandmotherseemedtobe
lyinginbedwiththebedclothespulledalmostoverherhead,andhergreatwhitefrillednightcap
nearlyhidingherface.
Now,youandIhaveguessedbythistime,althoughpoorRedRidingHoodnevereventhoughtofsuch
athing,thatitwasnotherGrannieatall,butthewickedWolf,whohadhurriedtothecottageandput
onGrannie'snightcapandpoppedintoherbed,topretendthathewasGrannieherself.
AndwherewasGrannieallthistime,youwillsay?Well,weshallseepresently.
"Comeandsitdownbesidemybed,dearie,"wheezedtheWolf,"andletushavealittlechat."Thenthe
Wolfstretchedouthislargehairypawsandbegantounfastenthebasket.
"Oh!"saidRedRidingHood,"whatgreatarmsyouhave,Grannie!"
"Allthebettertohugyouwith,"saidtheWolf.
"Andwhatgreatroughearsyouhave,Grannie!"
"Allthebettertohearyouwith,mylittledear."
"Andyoureyes,Grannie;whatgreatyelloweyesyouhave!"
"Allthebettertoseeyouwith,mypet,"grinnedtheWolf.
"Andoh!oh!Grannie,"criedthechild,inasadfright,"whatgreatsharpteethyouhave!"
158
"Allthebettertoeatyouwith!"growledtheWolf,springingupsuddenlyatRedRidingHood.Butjust
atthatverymomentthedoorflewopen,andtwotallwoodcuttersrushedinwiththeirheavyaxes,and
killedthewickedWolfinfarlesstimethanittakesmetotellyouaboutit.
"ButwhereisGrannie?"askedLittleRedRidingHood,whenshehadthankedthebravewoodcutters.
"Oh!wherecanpoorGranniebe?CanthecruelWolfhaveeatenherup?"
Andshebegantocryandsobbitterlywhen,whoshouldwalkinbutGrannieherself,aslargeaslife,
andasheartyasever,withhermarketingbasketonherarm!Foritwasanother[page144]olddame
inthevillagewhowasnotverywell,andGranniehadbeendowntovisitherandgivehersomeofher
ownfamousherbtea.
Soeverythingturnedoutrightintheend,andalllivedhappilyeverafter;butIpromiseyouthatlittle
RedRidingHoodnevermadefriendswithaWolfagain!
THENAIL
A
TRADESMANhadoncetransactedagoodday'sbusinessatafair,disposedofallhisgoods,and
filledhispursewithgoldandsilver.Hepreparedafterwardtoreturn,inordertoreachhomebythe
evening,sohestrappedhisportmanteau,withthemoneyinit,uponhishorse'sback,androdeoff.At
noonhehaltedinasmalltown,andashewasabouttosetoutagain,thestableboywhobroughthis
horsesaidtohim:"Sir,anailiswantingintheshoeonthelefthindfootofyouranimal."
"Letitbewanting,"repliedthetradesman;"Iaminahurryandtheironwilldoubtlessholdthesix
hoursIhaveyettotravel."
Lateintheafternoonhehadtodismountagain,andfeedhishorse,andatthisplacealsotheboycame
andtoldhimthatanailwaswantinginoneoftheshoes,andaskedhimwhetherheshouldtakethe
horsetoafarrier."No,no,letitbe!"repliedthemaster;"itwilllastoutthecoupleofhoursthatIhave
nowtotravel;Iaminhaste."Sosayingherodeoff;buthishorsesoonbegantolimp,andfromlimping
itcametostumbling,andpresentlythebeastfelldownandbrokeitsleg.Thereuponthetradesmanhad
toleavehisunfortunatehorselyingontheroad,tounbuckletheportmanteau,andtowalkhomewithit
uponhisshoulder,wherehearrivedatlastlateatnight.
"Andallthismisfortune,"saidhetohimself,"isowingtothewantofanail.Morehaste,theless
speed!"
[page145]
JACKANDTHEBEANSTALK
O
159
NCEuponatimetherelivedapoorwidowwhohadanonlysonnamedJack.Shewasverypoor,for
timeshadbeenhard,andJackwastooyoungtowork.Almostallthefurnitureofthelittlecottagehad
beensoldtobuybread,untilatlasttherewasnothingleftworthselling.Onlythegoodcow,Milky
White,remained,andshegavemilkeverymorning,whichtheytooktomarketandsold.Butonesad
dayMilkyWhitegavenomilk,andthenthingslookedbadindeed.
"Nevermind,mother,"saidJack."WemustsellMilkyWhite.Trustmetomakeagoodbargain,"and
awayhewenttothemarket.
Forsometimehewentalongverysadly,butafteralittlehequiterecoveredhisspirits."Imayaswell
rideaswalk,"saidhe;soinsteadofleadingthecowbythehalter,hejumpedonherback,andsohe
wentwhistlingalonguntilhemetabutcher.
"Goodmorning,"saidthebutcher.
"Goodmorning,sir,"answeredJack.
"Whereareyougoing?"saidthebutcher.
"Iamgoingtomarkettosellthecow."
"It'sluckyImetyou,"saidthebutcher."Youmaysaveyourselfthetroubleofgoingsofar."
Withthis,heputhishandinhispocket,andpulledoutfivecuriouslookingbeans."Whatdoyoucall
these?"hesaid.
"Beans,"saidJack.
"Yes,"saidhe,"beans,butthey'rethemostwonderfulbeansthateverwereknown.Ifyouplantthem
overnight,bythenextmorningthey'llgrowupandreachthesky.Buttosaveyouthetroubleofgoing
allthewaytomarket,Idon'tmindexchangingthemforthatcowofyours."
"Done!"criedJack,whowassodelightedwiththebargainthatheranallthewayhometotellhis
motherhowluckyhehadbeen.
Butoh!howdisappointedthepoorwidowwas.
"Offtobedwithyou!"shecried;andshewassoangrythatshethrewthebeansoutofthewindowinto
thegarden.Sopoor[page146]Jackwenttobedwithoutanysupper,andcriedhimselftosleep.
Whenhewokeupthenextmorning,theroomwasalmostdark;andJackjumpedoutofbedandranto
thewindowtoseewhatwasthematter.Thesunwasshiningbrightlyoutside,butfromthegroundright
upbesidehiswindowtherewasgrowingagreatbeanstalk,whichstretchedupandupasfarashecould
see,intothesky.
"I'lljustseewhereitleadsto,"thoughtJack,andwiththathesteppedoutofthewindowontothe
beanstalk,andbegantoclimbupwards.Heclimbedupandup,tillafteratimehismother'scottage
lookedamerespeckbelow,butatlastthestalkended,andhefoundhimselfinanewandbeautiful
country.Alittlewayofftherewasagreatcastle,withabroadroadleadingstraightuptothefrontgate.
ButwhatmostsurprisedJackwastofindabeautifulmaidensuddenlystandingbesidehim.
"Goodmorning,ma'am,"saidhe,verypolitely.
"Goodmorning,Jack,"saidshe;andJackwasmoresurprisedthanever,forhecouldnotimaginehow
shehadlearnedhisname.Buthesoonfoundthatsheknewagreatdealmoreabouthimthanhisname;
160
forshetoldhimhow,whenhewasquitealittlebaby,hisfather,agallantknight,hadbeenslainbythe
giantwholivedinyondercastle,andhowhismother,inordertosaveJack,hadbeenobligedto
promisenevertotellthesecret.
"Allthatthegianthasisyours,"shesaid,andthendisappearedquiteassuddenlyasshecame.
"Shemustbeafairy,"thoughtJack.
Ashedrewneartothecastle,hesawthegiant'swifestandingatthedoor.
"Ifyouplease,ma'am,"saidhe,"wouldyoukindlygivemesomebreakfast?Ihavehadnothingtoeat
sinceyesterday."
Now,thegiant'swife,althoughverybigandveryugly,hadakindheart,soshesaid:"Verywell,little
man,comein;butyoumustbequickaboutit,forifmyhusband,thegiant,findsyouhere,hewilleat
youup,bonesandall."
SoinJackwent,andthegiant'swifegavehimagoodbreakfast,butbeforehehadhalffinisheditthere
cameaterribleknockatthefrontdoor,whichseemedtoshakeeventhethickwallsofthecastle.
[page147]
"Dearieme,thatismyhusband!"saidthegiantess,inaterriblefright;"wemusthideyousomehow,"
andsheliftedJackupandpoppedhimintotheemptykettle.
Nosoonerhadthegiant'swifeopenedthedoorthanherhusbandroaredout:
"Fee,fi,fo,fum,
IsmellthebloodofanEnglishman;
Behealive,orbehedead,
I'llgrindhisbonestomakemybread!"
"It'saboy,I'msureitis,"hecontinued."Whereishe?I'llhavehimformybreakfast."
"Nonsense!"saidhiswife;"youmustbemistaken.It'stheox'shideyousmell."Sohesatdown,andate
upthegreaterpartoftheox.Whenhehadfinishedhesaid:"Wife,bringmemymoneybags."Sohis
wifebroughthimtwofullbagsofgold,andthegiantbegantocounthismoney.Buthewassosleepy
thathisheadsoonbegantonod,andthenhebegantosnore,liketherumblingofthunder.ThenJack
creptout,snatchedupthetwobags,andthoughthegiant'sdogbarkedloudly,hemadehiswaydown
thebeanstalkbacktothecottagebeforethegiantawoke.
Jackandhismotherwerenowquiterich;butitoccurredtohimonedaythathewouldliketoseehow
mattersweregoingonatthegiant'scastle.Sowhilehismotherwasawayatmarket,heclimbedup,and
up,andup,andup,untilhegottothetopofthebeanstalkagain.
Thegiantesswasstandingatthedoor,justasbefore,butshedidnotknowJack,who,ofcourse,was
morefinelydressedthanonhisfirstvisit."Ifyouplease,ma'am,"saidhe,"willyougivemesome
breakfast?"
"Runaway,"saidshe,"ormyhusbandthegiantwilleatyouup,bonesandall.Thelastboywhocame
herestoletwobagsofgoldoffwithyou!"Butthegiantesshadakindheart,andafteratimeshe
allowedJacktocomeintothekitchen,whereshesetbeforehimenoughbreakfasttolasthimaweek.
161
Scarcelyhadhebeguntoeatthantherewasagreatrumblinglikeanearthquake,andthegiantesshad
onlytimetobundleJackintotheovenwhenincamethegiant.Nosoonerwasheinsidetheroomthan
heroared:
[page148]
"Fee,fi,fo,fum,
Behealive,orbehedead,
Buthiswifetoldhimhewasmistaken,andafterbreakfastingoffaroastedbullock,justasifitwerea
lark,hecalledout:"Wife,bringthelittlebrownhen!"Thegiantesswentoutandbroughtinalittle
brownhen,whichsheplacedonthetable.
"Lay!"saidthegiant;andthehenatoncelaidagoldenegg."Lay!"saidthegiantasecondtime;and
shelaidanothergoldenegg."Lay!"saidthegiantathirdtime;andshelaidathirdgoldenegg.
"Thatwilldofortoday,"saidhe,andstretchedhimselfouttogotosleep.Assoonashebeganto
snore,Jackcreptoutoftheoven,wentontiptoetothetable,and,snatchingupthelittlebrownhen,
madeadashforthedoor.Thenthehenbegantocackle,andthegiantbegantowakeup;butbeforehe
wasquiteawake,Jackhadescapedfromthecastle,and,climbingasfastashecoulddownthe
beanstalk,gotsafehometohismother'scottage.
ThelittlebrownhenlaidsomanygoldeneggsthatJackandhismotherhadnowmoremoneythanthey
couldspend.ButJackwasalwaysthinkingaboutthebeanstalk;andonedayhecreptoutofthewindow
again,andclimbedup,andup,andup,andup,untilhereachedthetop.
Thistime,youmaybesure,hewascarefulnottobeseen;sohecreptroundtothebackofthecastle,
andwhenthegiant'swifewentoutheslippedintothekitchenandhidhimselfintheoven.Incamethe
giant,roaringlouderthanever:
"Fee,fi,fo,fum,
Behealive;orbehedead,
Butthegiantesswasquitesurethatshehadseennolittleboysthatmorning;andaftergrumblinga
greatdeal,thegiantsatdowntobreakfast.Eventhenhewasnotquitesatisfied,foreverynowand
againhewouldsay:
"Fee,fi,fo,fum,
IsmellthebloodofanEnglishman;"
[page149]
andoncehegotupandlookedinthekettle.But,ofcourse,Jackwasintheovenallthetime!
162
Whenthegianthadfinished,hecalledout:"Wife,bringmethegoldenharp!"Soshebroughtinthe
goldenharp,andplaceditonthetable."Sing!"saidthegiant;andtheharpatoncebegantosingthe
mostbeautifulsongsthateverwereheard.Itsangsosweetlythatthegiantsoonfellfastasleep;and
thenJackcreptquietlyoutoftheoven,andgoingontiptoetothetable,seizedholdofthegoldenharp.
Buttheharpatoncecalledout:"Master!master!"andthegiantwokeupjustintimetocatchsightof
Jackrunningoutofthekitchendoor.
Withafearfulroar,heseizedhisoaktreeclub,anddashedafterJack,whoheldtheharptight,andran
fasterthanhehadeverrunbefore.Thegiant,brandishinghisclub,andtakingterriblylongstrides,
gainedonJackateveryinstant,andhewouldhavebeencaughtifthegianthadn'tslippedovera
boulder.Beforehecouldpickhimselfup,Jackbegantoclimbdownthebeanstalk,andwhenthegiant
arrivedattheedgehewasnearlyhalfwaytothecottage.Thegiantbegantoclimbdowntoo;butas
soonasJacksawhimcoming,hecalledout:"Mother,bringmeanaxe!"andthewidowhurriedout
withachopper.Jackhadnosoonerreachedthegroundthanhecutthebeanstalkrightintwo.Down
camethegiantwithaterriblecrash,andthat,youmaybesure,wastheendofhim.Whatbecameofthe
giantessandthecastlenobodyknows.ButJackandhismothergrewveryrich,andlivedhappyever
after.
HOWTOTELLATRUEPRINCESS
T
HEREwasonceuponatimeaPrincewhowantedtomarryaPrincess,butshemustbeatruePrincess.
Sohetraveledthroughthewholeworldtofindone,buttherewasalwayssomethingagainsteach.
TherewereplentyofPrincesses,buthecouldnotfindoutiftheyweretruePrincesses.Ineverycase
therewassomelittledefect,whichshowedthegenuinearticle[page150]wasnotyetfound.Sohe
camehomeagaininverylowspirits,forhehadwantedverymuchtohaveatruePrincess.Onenight
therewasadreadfulstorm;itthunderedandlightenedandtherainstreameddownintorrents.Itwas
fearful!Therewasaknockingheardatthepalacegate,andtheoldKingwenttoopenit.
TherestoodaPrincessoutsidethegate;butoh,inwhatasadplightshewasfromtherainandthe
storm!Thewaterwasrunningdownfromherhairandherdressintothepointsofhershoesandoutat
theheelsagain.AndyetshesaidshewasatruePrincess!
"Well,weshallsoonfindout!"thoughttheoldQueen.Butshesaidnothingandwentintothesleeping
room,tookoffallthebedclothes,andlaidapeaonthebottomofthebed.Thensheputtwenty
mattressesontopofthepeaandtwentyeiderdownquiltsonthetopofthemattresses.Andthiswasthe
bedinwhichtheprincesswastosleep.
Thenextmorningshewasaskedhowshehadslept.
"Oh,verybadly!"saidthePrincess."Iscarcelyclosedmyeyesallnight!IamsureIdon'tknowwhat
wasinthebed.Ilayonsomethingsohardthatmywholebodyisblackandblue.Itisdreadful!"
NowtheyperceivedthatshewasatruePrincess,becauseshehadfeltthepeathroughthetwenty
mattressesandthetwentyeiderdownquilts.
NoonebutatruePrincesscouldbesosensitive.
163
SothePrincemarriedher,fornowheknewthatatlasthehadgotholdofatruePrincess.Andthepea
wasputintotheRoyalMuseum,whereitisstilltobeseenifnoonehasstolenit.Now,thisisatrue
story.
THESLEEPINGBEAUTY
PrinceFlorimondFindstheSleepingBeauty.
164
NCEuponatimelongagosolong,indeed,thateventheveryoldestpeoplenowalivecouldnot
rememberittherelivedaKingandQueeninabeautifulpalace,agreatwhite[page151]marble
palace,withwidehallsandhightowers,andagoldenroofthatflashedinthesun.
Andallroundthepalace,formilesandmiles,therewerelovelygardensandpleasuregrounds,with
terracesandgreenlawns,andancienttreeswherethebirdswouldsitandsingalldayandallnight
long,andmoreflowersthanyoucouldeverthinkofifyouweretothinkawholesummerthrough.
Therewerepeacocksandbirdsofparadiseonthebroadlawns,andprettyslenderbrowndeerinthe
shadyglades,andgoldandsilverfishesinthepondsandfountains,andgreatredandyellowfruits
ripenedintheorchards.
Therewaseverythingtherethatheartcouldwishexceptjustone,andthatwastheonethinginallthe
worldthatthisKingandQueenwantedtomakethemperfectlyhappy.Fortherewasnolittlechildto
runandplayaboutthesunnygardensandpicktheflowers,andpetthebirdsandbeaststhatwandered
there.Andthiswouldoftenmakethemverysad.
Butatlast,aftermanyyears,theyhadtheirwish,andalittlebabydaughterwasborntothematiny
childwithafacelikeablushrosebud,eyeslikeviolets,andalittleredmouthlikethepimpernel
flowersthatgrowinthecornfieldsandbythewaysideinsummertime.
Now,youcaneasilythinkhowgladthisKingandQueenwere,andwhatgreatrejoicingsweremade
overallthecountry.
Bonfiresasbigashaystackswerekeptburningallnight,fatoxenwereroastedwholeinthemarket
placeofeverytown,thechurchbellswererungandrungagainuntiltheringerswereoutofbreathand
theirarmswereaching,andeverylittlechildinthekingdomwasgivenabeautifulpresentforthebaby
Princess'ssake.
Inthepalace,ofcourse,allwasbustleandhurrytomakereadyforthechristeningfeast;themaids
werebusyputtingflowersallaboutthehallsandchambers,andsprinklingtheshiningfloorswith
sweetsmellingleavesandpetals.
Forthemostimportantguestsinvitedtothischristeningweresevenverypowerfulfairies,andyou
know,Iamsure,howparticularfairiesareaboutwhattheyeatanddrink.Notthattheyaregreedy;but
theyareusedtosuchdelicatefoodthateven[page152]theverybestofoursseemsstrangetothem.
SotheQueenwasveryanxiousthattheyshouldbepleased;fortheyhadbeenaskedtobegodmothers
tothebabyPrincess,andshewantedthemtobeinagoodhumorsothattheyshouldbekindtoher
littleone.
Itwasabeautifulsummerafternoon,andtherosesonthepalaceterracewerenoddingtheirheads
sleepilyinthewarmbreeze,whenthefairies'chariotscameintosight,sailingthroughtheblueskylike
aflightofbrightwingedbutterflies.
Theywereallgoodfairies,andhadknowntheKingandQueenalltheirliveslong,andastheyhadnot
seenthemforsometimetherewasagreatdealtotalkaboutandmuchnewstotell.And,dearme!how
pleasedtheywerewiththebaby!Theyallagreedthatshewastheprettiestlittledarlingtheyhadever
seenalmostasprettyasarealfairybabyandthatwasacomplimentindeed,Icantellyou.
Andwhentheywentintothegreatbanquetinghallandsatdowntotable,theywereevenmore
delightedthanatfirst.Foreachoneofthemtherewasasetofsixgoldendinnerthingsknife,spoon,
fork,cup,dish,andplatemadeonpurposeasapresentforeach,andalldifferent.Onewassetwith
pearls,anotherwithdiamonds,thethirdwithrubies,thefourthwithopals,thefifthwithamethysts,the
sixthwithemeralds,theseventhwithsapphires;andnobodycouldtellwhichwasthemostbeautiful.
Theywerejustgoingtobegin,andeverybodywasashappyashappycouldbe,when,allofasudden,
therewasaclashingofbrazenclawsandarushingofwings,andsomethinglikeablackcloudseemed
165
topassbeforethetallwindowsanddarkenalltheroom,sothattheguestscouldhardlyseetheirplates.
Thenthegreatdoorsburstopenwithaterriblebang,andanoldfairyinalongtrailingblackgown,
withherfacealmosthiddeninablackhood,jumpedoutofablackchariotdrawnbyfiercegriffins,and
stalkeduptothetable.
TheKingturnedpale,andtheQueennearlyfaintedaway,forthiswasthespitefulfairyTormentilla,
wholivedallalone,animmensedistanceawayfromeverywhereandeveryone,inadismalblackstone
castleinthemiddleofadesert.Thepoor[page153]Queenhadbeensohappyandsobusythatshe
hadforgottenallabouther,andneversentheraninvitation.
However,theyalltriedtomakethebestofit,andanotherchairwasbrought,andanotherplacelaidfor
Tormentilla;andboththeKingandQueentoldheroverandoveragainhowvery,verysorrytheywere
nottohaveaskedher.
Itwasallinvain.Nothingcouldpleaseher;shewouldeatanddrinknothing,andshesat,scowlingand
lookingangrilyattheotherfairies'jeweledcupsanddishes,untilthefeastwasover,anditwastimeto
givethepresents.
ThentheyallwentintothegreattapestriedroomwherethetinyPrincesslaysleepinginhermothero'
pearlcradle,andthesevenfairiesbegantosaywhattheywouldeachgiveher.
Thefirststeppedforwardandsaid:"Sheshallalwaysbeasgoodasgold";thesecond:"Sheshallbethe
cleverestPrincessintheworld";thethird:"Sheshallbethemostbeautiful";thefourth:"Sheshallbe
thehappiest";thefifth:"Sheshallhavethesweetestvoicethatwaseverheard";thesixth:"Everyone
shallloveher."Andthenthewickedoldcrossfairystrodeovertothecradlewithlongquicksteps,and
said,shakingherblackcrookedstickattheKingandQueen:"AndIsaythatsheshallprickherhand
withaspindleanddieofthewound!"
AtthistheQueenfellonherkneesandbeggedandprayedTormentillatocallbackhercruelwords;but
suddenlytheseventhfairy,theyoungestofall,whoknewTormentillawell,andhadhiddenherself
behindthecurtainsforfearthatsomesuchthingmighthappen,cameoutandsaid:
"Donotcryso,dearQueen;Icannotquiteundomycousin'swickedenchantment,butIcanpromise
youthatyourdaughtershallnotdie,butonlyfallasleepforahundredyears.And,whenthesearepast
andgone,aPrinceshallcomeandawakenherwithakiss."
SotheKingandQueendriedtheirtearsandthankedthekindfairyHeartseaseforhergoodness;andall
thefairieswentbacktotheirhomes,andthingswentonmuchasusualinthepalace.Butyoucan
imaginehowcarefultheQueenwasofherlittlegirl;andtheKingmadealawthateveryspindleinthe
countrymustbedestroyed,andthatnomoreshouldbemade,[page154]andthatanyonewhohada
spindleshouldbeheavilypunishedifnotexecutedatonce.
Well,theyearswentbyhappilyenoughuntilthePrincessMirandawasalmosteighteenyearsold,and
allthatthesixfairieshadpromisedcametrue,forshewasthebestandtheprettiestandthecleverest
Princessinalltheworld,andeverybodylovedher.And,indeed,bythistimeTormentilla'sspiteful
wordswerealmostforgotten.
"Pooroldthing,"theQueenwouldsometimessay,"shewassoangryathavingbeenleftoutthatshe
didnotknowwhatshewassaying.Ofcourse,shedidnotreallymeanit."
Now,theKingandQueenhadtogoawayforafewdaystoagreatentertainmentthatoneoftheir
richestnobleswasgivingathiscountryhouse;and,asthePrincessdidnotwishtogo,theylefther
behindwithherladiesinwaitinginthebeautifuloldpalace.Forthefirsttwodayssheamusedherself
verywell,butonthethirdshemissedherfatherandmothersomuchthat,topassthetimetillthey
cameback,shebeganexploringalltheoldlumberroomsandoutofthewayatticsinthepalace,and
laughingatthedustyfurnitureandqueercuriositiesshefoundthere.
166
Atlastshefoundherselfatthetopofanarrowwindingstairwayinatallturretthatseemedevenolder
thanalltherestofthepalace.Andwhensheliftedthelatchofthedoorinfrontofhershesawalittle
lowchamberwithcuriouslypaintedwalls,andtheresatalittleold,oldwomaninahighwhitecap,
spinningatawheel.
Forsometimeshestoodatthedoor,watchingtheoldwomancuriously;shecouldnotimaginewhat
shewasdoing,forthePrincesshadneverseenaspinningwheelinherlifebefore,because,asItold
you,theKinghadorderedthemalltobedestroyed.
Now,ithappenedthatthepooroldwomanwholivedinthistowerhadneverheardtheKing's
command,forshewassodeafthatifyoushouteduntilyouwerehoarseshewouldneverhavebeen
abletounderstandyou.
"Whatprettyworkyouaredoingthere,Goody?Andwhydoesthatwheelgowhirr,whirr,whirr?"said
thePrincess.[page155]Theoldwomanneitheranswerednorlookedup,for,ofcourse,shedidnot
hear.
SothePrincesssteppedintotheroomandlaidherhandupontheoldwoman'sshoulder.
Goodystartedthen,lookedup,andrubbedhereyes.
"Deary,dearyme!"criedshe,inahigh,crackedvoice."Andwhomayyoube,myprettydarling?"
"I'mthePrincessMiranda,"screamedthemaideninherear,buttheoldwomanonlyshookherhead
shecouldhearnothing.
ThenthePrincesspointedtothespindle,andmadetheoldwomanunderstandthatshewantedtotryif
shecouldworkit.
SoGoodynodded,andlaughed,andgotupfromherseat,andthePrincesssatdownandtookthe
spindleinherhand.Butnosoonerdidshetouchitthansheprickedthepalmofherhandwiththe
point,andsankdowninaswoon.
Immediatelyadeepsilencefellonallaround.Thelittlebirdthatonlyamomentbeforehadbeen
singingsosweetlyuponthewindowsillhushedhissong.Thedistanthumofvoicesfromthecourtyard
beneathceased;evenGoodystoppedshortinthedirectionsshewasgivingthePrincess,andneither
movedhandnorfoottowardsthepoorlittlemaid,andallbecauseshehadfallenfastasleepasshe
stood.
Belowinthecastleitwasjustthesame.TheKingandQueen,whohadthatmomentreturnedfrom
theirjourneyandwereenquiringfortheirdaughter,fellasleepbeforetheladyinwaitingcouldanswer
them,andastotheladyherselfshehadbeguntosnoreinaladylikemanner,ofcoursebeforeyou
couldhavewinkedyoureye.
Thesoldiersandmenatarmsslumberedastheystood.Thepageboyfellasleepwrithhismouthwide
open,andaflythathadjustbeengoingtosettleonhisnosefellasleeptooinmidair.
AlthoughthesunhadbeenshiningbrightlywhenthePrincesstookthespindleinherhand,nosooner
didsheprickherselfwiththepointthandeepshadowsdarkenedthesunnyroomsandgardens.
Itwasjustasthoughnighthadovertakenthem,butthere[page156]wasnooneinornearthepalace
toheedwhetheritweredarkorlight.
Thissuddendarknesshadbeencausedbyamagicwoodwhichhadsprungupallaroundthepalaceand
itsgrounds.Itwasatleasthalfamilethick,andwascomposedofthornsandpricklyplants,through
167
whichitseemedimpossibleforanyonetopenetrate.Itwassothickandhighthatithideventhe
topmosttowersoftheenchantedcastle,andnooneoutsidecouldhavedreamedthatsuchacastlelay
behindit.
Well,andsotheyearswenton,andon,andon,untilahundredyearshadpassed,andthepalaceand
thestoryofitwereallbutforgotten.AndithappenedthataKing'ssonfromaneighboringcountry
camehuntingthatwaywithhismen,andhorses,anddogs.Andintheexcitementofthechaseherode
onandonuntilhebecameseparatedfromhisservantsandattendants,andfoundhimselfinapartof
thecountrywherehehadneverbeenbefore.Invainhetriedtoretracehissteps;heonlyseemedto
wanderfartherawayinthewrongdirection.
Presentlyhecametoawoodcutter'scottage,anddismountedtoaskhisway.Anold,oldmanlivedin
thishut,andafterhehaddirectedthePrinceastothebestwayback,theyoungmanpointedtoathick
woodahead,andaskedwhatlaybeyondit.Thentheoldmantoldhimthattherewasalegendthat
beyondthewoodwasanenchantedpalacewhereabeautifulPrincesshadlainsleepingforahundred
years,andwhomaPrincewastoawakenwithakiss.
DirectlythePrinceFlorimondheardthis,nothingwouldservebuthemustgothereandseeforhimself
ifthetaleweretrue.Soherodeandherodeuntilhecametotheedgeofthewood,andtherehegotoff
hishorseandbegantopushhiswaythroughthethornythicket.Itwashardworkindeed,forthebriars
weresostrongandsosharpthatyouwouldneverbelievethatanyonecouldgetpastthem,andthey
closedupbehindhimashewent.
Buthewasstrongandbrave,andafteratimethewaybecameeasier,untilatlasthecametothepalace.
Thereeveryonewassleepingthesentinelsandsoldiersinthecourtyard,thecooksinthekitchen,
andpagesandlords[page157]andladiesinwaitinginthecorridorsandchambers;and,inthegreat
throneroomtheKingandQueenontheirgoldenandivorythrones.
PrinceFlorimondpassedon,wonderingmoreandmore,tillhecameatlengthtothenarrowstaircase
whichledtothelittletowerinwhichthePrincesshadfallenasleep.Hemountedthis,andthencame
thegreatestwonderofallthebeautifulsleepinglady,inherglisteningwhiterobes.Shewasso
beautifulthattoseeheralmosttookawayhisbreath;and,fallingonhisknees,hebenttokissher
cheek.Andashekissedher,sheopenedherlovelyblueeyesandsaid,smiling:"Oh!Prince,haveyou
comeatlast?Ihavehadsuchpleasantdreams."
Thenshesatuplaughingandrubbinghereyes,andgavehimherhand,andtheywenthandinhand
togetherdownthestairsandalongthecorridors,tilltheycametothethroneroom.Andtherewerethe
KingandQueenrubbingtheireyestoo,andtheykissedtheirdaughterandwelcomedthePrincemost
gladly.
And,allatthesametime,thewholepalacewasawake.Cockscrowed,dogsbarked,thecatsbeganto
mew,thespitstoturn,theclockstostrike,thesoldierspresentedarms,theheraldsblewtheirtrumpets,
theheadcookboxedalittlescullion'sears,thebutlerwentondrinkinghishalffinishedtankardof
wine,thefirstladyinwaitingfinishedwindingherskeinofsilk.
Everything,inshort,wentonexactlyasthoughthespellhadlastedahundredsecondsinsteadofyears.
Tobesure,PrincessMiranda'sprettywhitedresswasjustsuchaoneasPrinceFlorimond'sgreat
grandmothermighthaveworn.Butthatgavethemsomethingtolaughat.
Andnowmystoryisdone,forIneedhardlytellyouthatthePrinceandPrincessweremarriedamid
greatrejoicings,andlivedhappilyeverafter;andthatthesevenfairygodmothersdancedatthe
wedding.Soallendedwell,andwhatmorecouldanyonewish?
168
[page158]
OLDFASHIONEDPOEMS
THEMANINTHEMOON
SaidtheRaggedyManonahotafternoon,
"My!
Sakes!
Whataloto'mistakes
SomelittlefolksmakesontheManintheMoon!
Butpeoplethat'sbeenuptoseehimlikeMe,
Andcallsonhimfrequentandintimutly,
Mightdropafewhintsthatwouldinterestyou
Clean!
Through!
Ifyouwanted'emto
Someactualfactsthatmightinterestyou!
"OtheManintheMoonhasacrickinhisback;
Whee!
Whimm!
Ain'tyousorryforhim?
Andamoleonhisnosethatispurpleandblack;
Andhiseyesaresoweakthattheywaterandrun
Ifhedarestodreamevenhelooksatthesun,
Sohejes'dreamsofstars,asthedoctorsadvise
My!
Eyes!
169
Butisn'thewise
Tojes'dreamofstars,asthedoctorsadvise?
[page159]
"AndtheManintheMoonhasaboilonhisear
Whee!
Whing!
Whatasingularthing!
Iknow!butthesefactsareauthentic,mydear,
There'saboilonhisear;andacornonhischin,
Hecallsitadimplebutdimplesstickin
Yetitmightbeadimpleturnedover,youknow!
Whang!
Ho!
Whycertainlyso!
Itmightbeadimpleturnedover,youknow:
"AndtheManintheMoonhasarheumaticknee,
Gee!
Whizz!
Whatapitythatis!
Andhistoeshaveworkedroundwherehisheelsoughttobe.
SowheneverhewantstogoNorthhegoesSouth,
Andcomesbackwiththeporridgecrumbsallroundhismouth,
AndhebrushesthemoffwithaJapanesefan,
Whing!
Whann!
Whatamarvelousman!
Whataveryremarkablymarvelousman!
170
"AndtheManintheMoon,"sighedtheRaggedyMan,
"Gits!
So!
Sullonesome,youknow!
Uptherebyhimselfsincecreationbegan!
ThatwhenIcallonhimandthencomeaway,
Hegrabsmeandholdsmeandbegsmetostay,
[page160]
Tillwell,ifitwasn'tforJimmycumJim,
Dadd!
Limb!
I'dgopardnerswithhim!
Jes'jumpmybobhereandbepardnerswithhim!"
JamesWhitcombRiley
(From"TheRaggedyMan,"copyright1907.
Usedbyspecialpermissionofthepublishers,TheBobbsMerrillCompany.)
SAGECOUNSEL
Thelionisthebeasttofight,
Heleapsalongtheplain,
Andifyourunwithallyourmight,
Herunswithallhismane.
I'mgladI'mnotaHottentot,
ButifIwere,withoutwardcallum
I'deitherfaintuponthespot
Orhiemeupaleafypallum.
Thechamoisisthebeasttohunt;
171
He'sfleeterthanthewind,
Andwhenthechamoisisinfront,
Thehunterisbehind.
TheTyrolesemakefamouscheese
Andhuntthechamoiso'erthechazzums:
I'dchoosetheformerifyouplease,
Forprecipicesgivemespazzums.
Thepolarbearwillmakearug
Almostaswhiteassnow;
Butifhegetsyouinhishug,
Herarelyletsyougo.
[page161]
AndPolaricelooksverynice,
Withallthecolorsofaprissum;
But,ifyou'llfollowmyadvice,
Stayhomeandlearnyourcatechissum.
ArthurThomasQuillerCouch
LIMERICKS
TherewasanOldManinatree,
WhowashorriblyboredbyaBee;
Whentheysaid,"Doesitbuzz?"hereplied,
"Yes,itdoes!
It'saregularbruteofaBee."
TherewasanOldManonsomerocks,
WhoshuthisWifeupinabox:
172
Whenshesaid,"Letmeout,"heexclaimed,
"Withoutdoubt
Youwillpassallyourlifeinthatbox."
TherewasanOldManwhosaid"How
ShallIfleefromthishorribleCow?
Iwillsitonthisstile,andcontinuetosmile,
WhichmaysoftentheheartofthatCow."
TherewasanOldManwhosaid,"Hush!
Iperceiveayoungbirdinthisbush!"
Whentheysaid,"Isitsmall?"hereplied,"Notatall;
Itisfourtimesasbigasthebush!"
TherewasonceanOldManwithabeard,
Whosaid,"ItisjustasIfeared!
TwoOwlsandaHen,
FourLarksandaWren
Haveallbuilttheirnestsinmybeard."
[page162]
TherewasanoldpersonofWare
Whorodeonthebackofabear;
Whentheysaid,"Doesittrot?"
Hesaid,"Certainlynot,
It'saMoppsikonFloppsikonbear."
Therewasayoungladyinblue,
Whosaid,"Isityou?Isityou?"
Whentheysaid,"Yes,itis,"sherepliedonly,
"Whizz!"
Thatungraciousyoungladyinblue.
173
EdwardLear
MORELIMERICKS
TherewasasmallboyofQuebec,
Whowasburiedinsnowtohisneck;
Whentheysaid."Areyoufriz?"
Hereplied,"Yes,Iis
Butwedon'tcallthiscoldinQuebec."
RudyardKipling
TherewasayoungladyofNiger
WhosmiledassherodeonaTiger;
Theycamebackfromtheride
Withtheladyinside,
AndthesmileonthefaceoftheTiger.
Therewasayoungmaidwhosaid,"Why
Can'tIlookinmyearwithmyeye?
IfIgivemymindtoit,
I'msureIcandoit
Younevercantelltillyoutry."
Anonymous
[page163]
THEDEADDOLL
Youneedn'tbetryingtocomfortmeItellyoumydollyisdead!
There'snouseinsayingsheisn't,withacracklikethatinherhead.
It'sjustlikeyousaiditwouldn'thurtmuchtohavemytoothout,thatday;
174
Andthen,whentheman'mostpulledmyheadoff,youhadn'tawordtosay.
AndIguessyoumustthinkI'mababy,whenyousayyoucanmenditwithglue:
AsifIdidn'tknowbetterthanthat!Why,justsupposeitwasyou?
YoumightmakeherlookallmendedbutwhatdoIcareforlooks?
Why,glue'sforchairsandtables,andtoysandthebacksofbooks!
Mydolly!myownlittledaughter!Oh,butit'stheawfullestcrack!
Itjustmakesmesicktothinkofthesoundwhenherpoorheadwentwhack
Againstthathorriblebrassthingthatholdsupthelittleshelf.
Now,Nursey,whatmakesyouremindme?IknowthatIdiditmyself!
Ithinkyoumustbecrazyyou'llgetheranotherhead!
Whatgoodwouldfortyheadsdoher?Itellyoumydollyisdead!
AndtothinkIhadn'tquitefinishedherelegantnewspringhat!
AndItookasweetribbonofherslastnighttotieonthathorridcat!
[page164]
WhenmymammagavemethatribbonIwasplayingoutintheyard
Shesaidtome,mostexpressly,"Here'saribbonforHildegarde."
AndIwentandputitonTabby,andHildegardesawmedoit;
ButIsaidtomyself,"Oh,nevermind,Idon'tbelievesheknewit!"
ButIknowthatsheknewitnow,andIjustbelieve,Ido,
Thatherpoorlittleheartwasbroken,andsoherheadbroketoo.
Oh,mybaby!mylittlebaby!Iwishmyheadhadbeenhit!
ForI'vehititoverandover,andithasn'tcrackedabit.
Butsincethedarlingisdead,she'llwanttobeburied,ofcourse:
Wewilltakemylittlewagon,Nurse,andyoushallbethehorse;
AndI'llwalkbehindandcry,andwe'llputherinthis,yousee
Thisdearlittleboxandwe'llburyherthereoutunderthemapletree.
Andpapawillmakemeatombstone,liketheonehemadeformybird;
175
Andhe'llputwhatItellhimonityes,everysingleword!
Ishallsay:"HereliesHildegarde,abeautifuldoll,whoisdead;
Shediedofabrokenheart,andadreadfulcrackinherhead."
MargaretVandergrift
[page165]
LITTLETHINGS
Littledropsofwater
Littlegrainsofsand,
Makethemightyocean,
Andthepleasantland.
Thusthelittlemoments,
Humblethoughtheybe,
Makethemightyages
Ofeternity.
Thusourlittleerrors
Leadthesoulaway
Fromthepathofvirtue,
Offinsintostray.
Littledeedsofkindness,
Littlewordsoflove,
MakeourearthanEden,
Liketheheavenabove.
AscribedtoJuliaA.F.Carney
THEGOLDENRULE
TodotoothersasIwould
176
Thattheyshoulddotome,
Willmakemegentle,kind,andgood,
Aschildrenoughttobe.
Unknown
DOTHEBESTYOUCAN
IfIwasacobbleritshouldbemypride
Thebestofallcobblerstobe;
IfIwasatinker,notinkerbeside
Shouldmendanoldkettlelikeme.
Unknown
[page166]
THEVOICEOFSPRING
Iamcoming,Iamcoming!
Hark!thelittlebeeishumming;
See,thelarkissoaringhigh
Intheblueandsunnysky;
Andthegnatsareonthewing,
Wheelingroundinairyring.
See,theyellowcatkinscover
Alltheslenderwillowsover!
Andonthebanksofmossygreen
Starlikeprimrosesareseen;
And,theirclusteringleavesbelow,
Whiteandpurplevioletsgrow.
Hark!thenewbornlambsarebleating
177
Andthecawingrooksaremeeting
Intheelms,anoisycrowd;
Allthebirdsaresingingloud;
Andthefirstwhitebutterfly
Inthesunshinedancesby.
Lookaroundthee,lookaround!
Flowersinallthefieldsabound;
Everyrunningstreamisbright;
Alltheorchardtreesarewhite;
Andeachsmallandwavingshoot
Promisessweetflowersandfruit.
THELARKANDTHEROOK
"Goodnight,SirRook!"saidalittlelark.
"Thedaylightfades;itwillsoonbedark;
[page167]
I'vebathedmywingsinthesun'slastray;
I'vesungmyhymntothepartingday;
SonowIhastetomyquietnook
Inyondewymeadowgoodnight,SirRook!"
"Goodnight,poorLark,"saidhistitledfriend
Withahaughtytossandadistantbend;
"Ialsogotomyrestprofound,
Butnottosleeponthecold,dampground.
Thefittestplaceforabirdlikeme
Isthetopmostboughofyontallpinetree.
178
"Iopenedmyeyesatpeepofday
Andsawyoutakingyourupwardway,
Dreamingyourfondromanticdreams,
Anuglyspeckinthesun'sbrightbeams;
Soaringtoohightobeseenorheard;
AndIsaidtomyself:'Whatafoolishbird!'
"Itrodtheparkwithaprincelyair,
Ifilledmycropwiththerichestfare;
Icawedallday'midalordlycrew,
AndImademorenoiseintheworldthanyou!
Thesunshoneforthonmyebonwing;
Ilookedandwonderedgoodnight,poorthing!"
"Goodnight,oncemore,"saidthelark'ssweetvoice.
"Iseenocausetorepentmychoice;
Youbuildyournestintheloftypine,
Butisyourslumbermoresweetthanmine?
YoumakemorenoiseintheworldthanI,
Butwhoseisthesweeterminstrelsy?"
Unknown
[page168]
THANKSGIVINGDAY
Overtheriverandthroughthewood,
Tograndfather'shousewego;
Thehorseknowstheway
Tocarrythesleigh
Throughthewhiteanddriftedsnow.
179
Overtheriverandthroughthewood
Oh,howthewinddoesblow!
Itstingsthetoes
Andbitesthenose,
Asoverthegroundwego.
Tohaveafirstrateplay.
Hearthebellsring,
"Tingalingding!"
HurrahforThanksgivingDay!
Trotfast,mydapplegray!
Springovertheground,
Likeahuntinghound!
ForthisisThanksgivingDay.
Andstraightthroughthebarnyardgate
Weseemtogo
Extremelyslow,
Itissohardtowait!
Nowgrandmother'scapIspy!
Hurrahforthefun!
Isthepuddingdone?
Hurrahforthepumpkinpie?
LydiaMariaChild
180
[page169]
THEMAGPIE'SNEST
AFABLE
WhentheArtsintheirinfancywere,
Inafableofold'tisexpress'd
Awisemagpieconstructedthatrare
Littlehouseforyoungbirds,call'danest.
Thiswastalk'dofthewholecountryround;
Youmighthearitoneveryboughsung,
"Nownolongerupontheroughground
Willfondmothersbroodovertheiryoung:"
"Forthemagpiewithexquisiteskill
Hasinventedamosscover'dcell
Withinwhichawholefamilywill
Intheutmostsecuritydwell."
Unknown
THEFAIRIESOFTHECALDONLOW
AMIDSUMMERLEGEND
"Andwherehaveyoubeen,myMary,
Andwherehaveyoubeenfromme?"
"I'vebeentothetopoftheCaldonLow,
Themidsummernighttosee."
"Andwhatdidyousee,myMary,
AllupontheCaldonLow?"
"Isawthegladsunshinecomedown,
181
AndIsawthemerrywindsblow."
[page170]
"Andwhatdidyouhear,myMary,
AllupontheCaldonhill?"
"Iheardthedropsofthewatermade.
Andtheearsofthegreencornfill."
"Oh!tellmeall,myMary
All,allthateveryouknow;
Foryoumusthaveseenthefairies,
LastnightontheCaldonLow."
"Thentakemeonyourknee,mother;
Andlisten,motherofmine:
Ahundredfairiesdancedlastnight,
Andtheharperstheywerenine;"
"Andtheirharpstringsrungsomerrily
Totheirdancingfeetsosmall;
Butoh!thewordsoftheirtalking
Weremerrierfarthanall."
"Andwhatwerethewords,myMary,
Thatthenyouheardthemsay?"
"I'lltellyouall,mymother;
Butletmehavemyway.
"Someofthemplayedwiththewater,
Androlleditdownthehill;
'Andthis,'theysaid,'shallspeedilyturn
Thepooroldmiller'smill;
"'Fortherehasbeennowater
182
EversincethefirstofMay;
Andabusymanwillthemillerbe
Atdawningoftheday.
"'Oh!themiller,howhewilllaugh
Whenheseesthemilldamrise!
Thejollyoldmiller,howhewilllaugh
Tillthetearsfillbothhiseyes!'
[page171]
"Andsometheyseizedthelittlewinds
Thatsoundedoverthehill;
Andeachputahornuntohismouth,
Andblewbothloudandshrill;
"'Andthere,'theysaid,'themerrywindsgo
Awayfromeveryhorn;
Andtheyshallclearthemildewdank
Fromtheblindoldwidow'scorn.
"'Oh!thepoor,blindwidow,
Thoughshehasbeenblindsolong,
She'llbeblitheenoughwhenthemildew'sgone,
Andthecornstandstallandstrong.'
"Andsometheybroughtthebrownlintseed,
AndflungitdownfromtheLow;
'Andthis,'theysaid,'bysunrise,
Intheweaver'scroftshallgrow.
"'Oh!thepoor,lameweaver,
Howwillhelaughoutright
Whenheseeshisdwindlingflaxfield
183
Allfullofflowersbynight!'
"Andthenoutspokeabrownie,
Withalongbeardonhischin;
'Ihavespunupallthetow,'saidhe,
'AndIwantsomemoretospin.
"'I'vespunapieceofhempencloth,
AndIwanttospinanother;
AlittlesheetforMary'sbed,
Andanapronforhermother.
"WiththatIcouldnothelpbutlaugh,
AndIlaughedoutloudandfree;
AndthenonthetopoftheCaldonLow
Therewasnooneleftbutme.
[page172]
"AndonthetopoftheCaldonLow
Themistswerecoldandgray,
AndnothingIsawbutthemossystones
Thatroundaboutmelay.
"But,comingdownfromthehilltop,
Iheardafarbelow,
Howbusythejollymillerwas,
Andhowthewheeldidgo.
"AndIpeepedintothewidow'sfield,
And,sureenough,wereseen
Theyellowearsofthemildewedcorn,
Allstandingstoutandgreen.
"Anddownbytheweaver'scroftIstole,
184
Toseeiftheflaxweresprung;
AndImettheweaverathisgate,
Withthegoodnewsonhistongue.
"NowthisisallIheard,mother,
AndallthatIdidsee;
So,pr'ythee,makemybed,mother,
ForI'mtiredasIcanbe."
MaryHowitt
THELANDOFSTORYBOOKS
Ateveningwhenthelampislit,
Aroundthefiremyparentssit;
Theysitathomeandtalkandsing.
Anddonotplayatanything.
[page173]
Now,withmylittlegun,Icrawl
Allinthedarkalongthewall,
Andfollowroundtheforesttrack
Awaybehindthesofaback.
There,inthenight,wherenonecanspy,
Allinmyhunter'scampIlie,
AndplayatbooksthatIhaveread
Tillitistimetogotobed.
Thesearethehills,thesearethewoods,
Thesearemystarrysolitudes;
Andtheretheriverbywhosebrink
185
Theroaringlionscometodrink.
Iseetheothersfaraway
Asifinfirelitcamptheylay,
AndI,liketoanIndianscout,
Aroundtheirpartyprowledabout.
So,whenmynursecomesinforme,
HomeIreturnacrossthesea,
Andgotobedwithbackwardlooks
AtmydearlandofStorybooks.
AVISITFROMST.NICHOLAS
'TwasthenightbeforeChristmas,whenallthroughthehouse
Notacreaturewasstirring,notevenamouse;
Thestockingswerehungbythechimneywithcare,
InhopesthatSt.Nicholassoonwouldbethere;
Thechildrenwerenestledallsnugintheirbeds,
Whilevisionsofsugarplumsdancedintheirheads;
[page174]
Andmammainherkerchief,andIinmycap,
Hadjustsettledourbrainsforalongwinter'snap,
Whenoutonthelawntherearosesuchaclatter,
Isprangfrommybedtoseewhatwasthematter.
AwaytothewindowIflewlikeaflash,
Toreopentheshuttersandthrewupthesash.
Themoononthebreastofthenewfallensnow
186
Gavealustreofmiddaytoobjectsbelow;
Whenwhattomywonderingeyesshouldappear,
Butaminiaturesleighandeighttinyreindeer,
Withalittleolddriver,solivelyandquick
IknewinamomentitmustbeSt.Nick.
Morerapidthaneagleshiscourserstheycame,
Andhewhistledandshouted,andcalledthembyname;
"Now,Dasher!now,Dancer!now,PrancerandVixen!
On,Comet!on,Cupid,on,DonderandBlitzen!
Tothetopoftheporch,tothetopofthewall!
Nowdashaway,dashaway,dashawayall!"
Asdryleavesthatbeforethewildhurricanefly,
Whentheymeetwithanobstacle,mounttothesky,
Souptothehousetopthecourserstheyflew,
Withthesleighfulloftoys,andSt.Nicholastoo.
AndtheninatwinklingIheardontheroof
Theprancingandpawingofeachlittlehoof.
AsIdrewinmyhead,andwasturningaround,
DownthechimneySt.Nicholascamewithabound.
Hewasdressedallinfurfromhisheadtohisfoot,
Andhisclotheswerealltarnishedwithashesandsoot;
Abundleoftoyshehadflungonhisback,
Andhelookedlikeapedlerjustopeninghispack.
Hiseyeshowtheytwinkled!hisdimpleshowmerry!
Hischeekswerelikeroses,hisnoselikeacherry;
Hisdrolllittlemouthwasdrawnuplikeabow,
Andthebeardonhischinwasaswhiteasthesnow.
187
Thestumpofapipeheheldtightinhisteeth,
Andthesmokeitencircledhisheadlikeawreath.
Hehadabroadfaceandalittleroundbelly
Thatshook,whenhelaughed,likeabowlfullofjelly.
[page175]
Hewaschubbyandplumparightjollyoldelf;
AndIlaughed,whenIsawhim,inspiteofmyself.
Awinkofhiseyeandatwistofhishead
SoongavemetoknowIhadnothingtodread.
Hespokenotaword,butwentstraighttohiswork,
Andfilledallthestockings;thenturnedwithajerk,
Andlayinghisfingerasideofhisnose,
Andgivinganod,upthechimneyherose.
Hesprangtohissleigh,tohisteamgaveawhistle,
Andawaytheyallflewlikethedownofathistle;
ButIheardhimexclaim,erehedroveoutofsight,
"HappyChristmastoall,andtoallagoodnight!"
ClementClarkeMoore
LITTLEORPHANTANNIE
LittleOrphantAnnie'scometoourhousetostay,
An'washthecupsandsaucersup,an'brushthecrumbsaway,
An'shoothechickensofftheporch,an'dustthehearth,an'sweep,
An'makethefire,an'bakethebread,an'earnherboardan'keep;
An'allusotherchildren,whenthesupperthingsisdone,
Wesetaroundthekitchenfirean'hasthemostestfun
188
Alist'nin'tothewitchtales'atAnnietellsabout.
An'theGobbleuns'atgitsyou
Efyou
Don't
Watch
Out!
[page176]
Onc'ttheywasalittleboywouldn'tsayhisprayers,
Sowhenhewenttobedatnight,awayupstairs,
HisMammyheerdhimholler,an'hisDaddyheerdhimbawl,
An'whentheyturn'tthekiversdown,hewasn'tthereatall!
An'theyseekedhimintherafterroom,an'cubbyhole,anpress,
An'seekedhimupthechimblyflue,an'ever'wheres,Iguess;
Butalltheyeverfoundwasthisthispantsan'roundabout!
An'theGobbleunsgityou
Efyou
Don't
Watch
Out!
An'onetimealittlegirl'udalluslaughan'grin,
An'makefunofever'one,an'allherbloodan'kin;
An'onc'twhentheywas"company,"an'olefolkswasthere,
Shemocked'eman'shocked'em,an'saidshedidn'tcare!
An'thistasshekickedherheels,an'turn'ttorunan'hide,
TheywastwogreatbigblackThingsastandin'byherside,
An'theysnatchedherthroughtheceilin''foresheknowedwhatshe'sabout!
An'theGobbleuns'llgityou
189
Efyou
Don't
Watch
Out!
[page177]
An'littleOrphantAnniesays,whentheblazeisblue,
An'thelampwicksputters,an'thewindgoeswoooo!
An'youhearthecricketsquit,an'themoonisgray,
An'thelightnin'bugsindewisallsquenchedaway,
Youbettermindyerparents,andyerteachersfondanddear,
An'churishthem'atlovesyou,an'drytheorphant'stear,
An'he'ptheporean'needyones'atclustersallabout,
ErtheGobbleuns'llgityou
Efyou
Don't
Watch
Out!
JamesWhitcombRiley
(From"RileyChildRhymes,"copyright,1899.
Usedbyspecialpermissionofthepublishers,TheBobbsMerrillCompany.)
THECHATTERBOX
Frommorningtonight'twasLucy'sdelight
Tochatterandtalkwithoutstopping;
Therewasnotadaybutsherattledaway,
Likewaterforeveradropping!
Assoonassherose,whilesheputonherclothes,
190
'Twasvaintoendeavortostillher;
Noroncedidshelacktocontinueherclack,
Tillagainshelaydownonherpillow.
[page178]
You'llthinknow,perhaps,therewouldhavebeengaps,
Ifshehadn'tbeenwonderfulclever;
Thathersensewassogreat,andsowittyherpate
Thatitwouldbeforthcomingforever.
Butthat'squiteabsurd;forhaveyounotheard,
Muchtongueandfewbrainsareconnected,
Thattheyaresupposedtothinkleastwhotalkmost,
Andtheirwisdomisalwayssuspected?
WhileLucywasyoung,hadshebridledhertongue
Withalittlegoodsenseandexertion,
Whoknowsbutshemighthavebeenourdelight,
Insteadofourjestandaversion?
AnnTaylor
THEVOICEOFSPRING
Icome,Icome!yehavecalledmelong;
Icomeo'erthemountains,withlightandsong.
Yemaytracemystepo'erthewakingearth
Bythewindswhichtelloftheviolet'sbirth,
Bytheprimrosestarsintheshadowygrass,
BythegreenleavesopeningasIpass.
IhavebreathedontheSouth,andthechestnutflowers
191
Bythousandshaveburstfromtheforestbowers,
Andtheancientgravesandthefallenfanes
AreveiledwithwreathesonItalianplains;
Butitisnotforme,inmyhourofbloom,
Tospeakoftheruinorthetomb!
Ihavelookedo'erthehillsofthestormyNorth,
Andthelarchhashungallhistasselsforth;
[page179]
Thefisherisoutonthesunnysea,
Andthereindeerboundso'erthepasturesfree,
Andthepinehasafringeofsoftergreen,
Andthemosslooksbright,wheremystephasbeen.
Ihavesentthroughthewoodpathsaglowingsigh,
Andcalledouteachvoiceofthedeepbluesky,
Fromthenightbird'slaythroughthestarrytime,
InthegrovesofthesoftHesperianclime,
Totheswan'swildnotebytheIcelandlakes,
Whenthedarkfirbranchintoverdurebreaks.
FromthestreamsandfountsIhaveloosedthechain;
Theyaresweepingontothesilverymain.
Theyareflashingdownfromthemountainbrows,
Theyareflingingsprayo'ertheforestboughs,
Theyareburstingfreshfromtheirsparrycaves,
Andtheearthresoundswiththejoyofwaves.
FeliciaDorotheaHemans
192
THEHISTORYLESSON
Therewasamonkeyclimbedupatree,
Whenhefelldown,thendownfellhe.
Therewasacrowsatonastone,
Whenhewasgone,thentherewasnone.
Therewasanoldwifedideatanapple,
Whenshehadeattwo,shehadeatacouple.
Therewasahorsegoingtothemill,
Whenhewenton,hestoodnotstill.
Therewasabutchercuthisthumb,
Whenitdidbleed,thenblooddidcome.
[page180]
Therewasalackeyranarace,
Whenheranfast,heranapace.
Therewasacobblercloutingshoon,
Whentheyweremended,theyweredone.
Therewasachandlermakingcandle,
Whenhethemstrip,hedidthemhandle.
TherewasanavywentintoSpain,
Whenitreturned,itcameagain.
Anonymous
SONGOFLIFE
Atravelleronadustyroad
Strewedacornsonthelea;
Andonetookrootandsproutedup,
193
Andgrewintoatree.
Lovesoughtitsshadeateveningtime,
Tobreatheitsearlyvows;
AndAgewaspleased,inheightsofnoon,
Tobaskbeneathitsboughs.
Thedormouseloveditsdanglingtwigs,
Thebirdssweetmusicbore
Itstoodagloryinitsplace,
Ablessingevermore.
Alittlespringhadlostitsway
Amidthegrassandfern;
Apassingstrangerscoopedawell
Wherewearymenmightturn,
[page181]
Hewalleditin,andhungwithcare
Aladleonthebrink;
Hethoughtnotofthedeedhedid,
ButjudgedthatToilmightdrink.
Hepassedagain;andlo!thewell,
Bysummerneverdried,
Hadcooledtenthousandparchdtongues,
Andsavedalifebeside.
Anamelessman,amidthecrowd
Thatthrongedthedailymart,
Letfallawordofhopeandlove,
Unstudiedfromtheheart,
Awhisperonthetumultthrown,
194
Atransitorybreath,
Itraisedabrotherfromthedust,
Itsavedasoulfromdeath.
Ogerm!Ofount!Owordoflove!
Othoughtatrandomcast!
Yewerebutlittleatthefirst,
Butmightyatthelast.
CharlesMackay
THEGOODTIMECOMING
There'sagoodtimecoming,boys.
Agoodtimecoming:
Wemaynotlivetoseetheday,
Butearthshallglistenintheray
Ofthegoodtimecoming.
Cannonballsmayaidthetruth,
Butthought'saweaponstronger;
We'llwinourbattlebyitsaid;
Waitalittlelonger.
[page182]
There'sagoodtimecoming,boys,
Agoodtimecoming:
Thepenshallsupersedethesword,
AndRight,notMight,shallbethelord
Inthegoodtimecoming.
Worth,notBirth,shallrulemankind,
195
Andbeacknowledgedstronger;
Theproperimpulsehasbeengiven;
Waitalittlelonger.
There'sagoodtimecoming,boys
Agoodtimecoming:
Warinallmen'seyesshallbe
Amonsterofiniquity
Nationsshallnotquarrelthen,
Toprovewhichisthestronger;
Norslaughtermenforglory'ssake;
Waitalittlelonger.
Agoodtimecoming:
Hatefulrivalriesofcreed
Shallnotmaketheirmartyrsbleed
Religionshallbeshornofpride,
Andflourishallthestronger;
AndCharityshalltrimherlamp;
Waitalittlelonger.
Agoodtimecoming:
Andapoorman'sfamily
Shallnotbehismisery
Everychildshallbeahelp
196
Tomakehisrightarmstronger;
Thehappierhe,themorehehas:
Waitalittlelonger.
[page183]
Agoodtimecoming:
Littlechildrenshallnottoil
Under,orabove,thesoil
Inthegoodtimecoming;
Butshallplayinhealthfulfields,
Tilllimbsandmindgrowstronger;
Andeveryoneshallreadandwrite;
Waitalittlelonger.
Agoodtimecoming:
Thepeopleshallbetemperate,
Andshallloveinsteadofhate,
Theyshalluse,andnotabuse,
Andmakeallvirtuestronger;
Thereformationhasbegun;
Waitalittlelonger.
Agoodtimecoming:
Letusaiditallwecan,
Everywoman,everyman,
Thegoodtimecoming:
197
Smallesthelps,ifrightlygiven,
Maketheimpulsestronger;
'Twillbestrongenoughoneday;
Waitalittlelonger.
CharlesMackay
WINDYNIGHTS
Wheneverthemoonandstarsareset,
Wheneverthewindishigh,
Allnightlonginthedarkandwet.
Amangoesridingby,
[page184]
Lateatnightwhenthefiresareout,
Whydoeshegallopandgallopabout?
Wheneverthetreesarecryingaloud,
Andshipsaretossedatsea,
By,onthehighway,lowandloud,
Byatthegallopgoeshe.
Byatthegallophegoes,andthen
Byhecomesbackatthegallopagain.
THEWONDERFULWORLD
Great,wide,beautiful,wonderfulWorld,
Withthewonderfulwaterroundyoucurled,
Andthewonderfulgrassuponyourbreast,
198
World,youarebeautifullydrest.
Thewonderfulairisoverme,
Andthewonderfulwindisshakingthetree
Itwalksonthewater,andwhirlsthemills,
Andtalkstoitselfonthetopofthehills.
YoufriendlyEarth,howfardoyougo,
Withthewheatfieldsthatnodandtheriversthatflow,
Withcitiesandgardens,andcliffsandisles,
Andpeopleuponyouforthousandsofmiles?
Ah!youaresogreat,andIamsosmall,
Ihardlycanthinkofyou,World,atall;
Andyet,whenIsaidmyprayerstoday,
Mymotherkissedme,andsaid,quitegay,
[page185]
"IfthewonderfulWorldisgreattoyou,
Andgreattofatherandmother,too,
YouaremorethantheEarth,thoughyouaresuchadot!
Youcanloveandthink,andtheEarthcannot!"
WilliamBrightyRands
HARK!HARK!THELARK
Hark!hark!thelarkatheaven'sgatesings,
AndPhbus'ginsarise,
Hissteedstowateratthosesprings
Onchalicedflowersthatlies;
AndwinkingMarybudsbegin
199
Toopetheirgoldeneyes;
Witheverythingthatprettybin,
Myladysweet,arise;
Arise,arise.
WilliamShakespeare
JOGON,JOGON
Jogon,jogon,thefootpathway,
Andmerrilyhentthestilea;
Amerryheartgoesalltheday,
Yoursadtiresinamilea.
WilliamShakespeare
[page186]
SWEETSTORYOFOLD
IthinkwhenIreadthatsweetstoryofold,
WhenJesuswashereamongmen,
HowHecall'dlittlechildrenaslambstoHisfold,
Ishouldliketohavebeenwiththemthen.
IwishthatHishandshadbeenplacedonmyhead,
ThatHisarmhadbeenthrownaroundme,
AndthatImighthaveseenHiskindlookwhenHesaid,
"Letthelittleonescomeuntome."
YetstilltoHisfootstoolinprayerImaygo,
AndaskforashareinHislove;
AndifIthusearnestlyseekHimbelow,
IshallseeHimandhearHimabove;
200
InthatbeautifulplaceHehasgonetoprepare
Forallwhoarewashedandforgiven;
AndmanydearchildrenshallbewithHimthere,
Forofsuchisthekingdomofheaven.
Butthousandsandthousandswhowanderandfall,
Neverheardofthatheavenlyhome;
Iwishtheycouldknowthereisroomforthemall,
AndthatJesushasbidthemtocome.
JemimaLuke
MYSHADOW
Ihavealittleshadowthatgoesinandoutwithme,
AndwhatcanbetheuseofhimismorethanIcansee,
Heisvery,verylikemefromtheheelsuptothehead;
AndIseehimjumpbeforeme,whenIjumpintomybed.
[page187]
Thefunniestthingabouthimisthewayhelikestogrow
Notatalllikeproperchildren,whichisalwaysveryslow;
Forhesometimesshootsuptallerlikeanindiarubberball,
Andhesometimesgetssolittlethatthere'snoneofhimatall.
Hehasn'tgotanotionofhowchildrenoughttoplay,
Andcanonlymakeafoolofmeineverysortofway.
Hestayssoclosebesideme,he'sacowardyoucansee;
I'dthinkshametosticktonursieasthatshadowstickstome!
Onemorning,veryearly,beforethesunwasup,
Iroseandfoundtheshiningdewoneverybuttercup;
201
Butmylazylittleshadow,likeanarrantsleepyhead,
Hadstayedathomebehindmeandwasfastasleepinbed!
BYCOOLSILOAM'SSHADYRILL
BycoolSiloam'sshadyrill
Howsweetthelilygrows!
Howsweetthebreathbeneaththehill
OfSharon'sdewyrose!
Lo,suchthechildwhoseearlyfeet
Thepathsofpeacehavetrod;
Whosesecretheart,withinfluencesweet,
IsupwarddrawntoGod.
BycoolSiloam'sshadyrill
Thelilymustdecay;
Therosethatbloomsbeneaththehill
Mustshortlyfadeaway.
Andsoon,toosoon,thewintryhour
Ofman'smaturerage
Willshakethesoulwithsorrow'spower,
Andstormypassion'srage.
[page188]
OThou,whoseinfantfeetwerefound
WithinthyFather'sshrine,
Whoseyears,withchangelessvirtuecrowned,
Wereallalikedivine;
202
Dependentonthybounteousbreath,
Weseekthygracealone,
Inchildhood,manhood,age,anddeath,
Tokeepusstillthineown.
ReginaldHeber
THEWINDINAFROLIC
Thewindonemorningsprangupfromsleep,
Saying,"Nowforafrolic!nowforaleap!
Nowforamadcapgallopingchase!
I'llmakeacommotionineveryplace!"
Soitsweptwithabustlerightthroughagreattown,
Creakingthesigns,andscatteringdown
Shutters,andwhisking,withmercilesssqualls,
Oldwomen'sbonnetsandgingerbreadstalls.
Thereneverwasheardamuchlustiershout,
Astheapplesandorangestumbledabout;
Andtheurchins,thatstandwiththeirthievisheyes
Foreveronwatch,ranoffeachwithaprize.
Thenawaytothefieldsitwentblusteringandhumming,
Andthecattleallwonderedwhateverwascoming.
Itpluckedbytheirtailsthegrave,matronlycows,
Andtossedthecolts'manesallabouttheirbrows,
Till,offendedatsuchafamiliarsalute,
Theyallturnedtheirbacksandstoodsilentlymute.
Soonitwent,caperingandplayingitspranks;
203
Whistlingwithreedsonthebroadriverbanks;
Puffingthebirds,astheysatonthespray,
OrthetravelergraveontheKing'shighway.
Itwasnottoonicetobustlethebags
Ofthebeggar,andflutterhisdirtyrags,
[page189]
'Twassoboldthatitfearednottoplayitsjoke
Withthedoctor'swig,andthegentleman'scloak.
Throughtheforestitroared,andcriedgayly,"Now,
Yousturdyoldoaks,I'llmakeyoubow!"
Anditmadethembowwithoutmoreado,
Oritcrackedtheirgreatbranchesthroughandthrough.
Thenitrushedlikeamonstero'ercottageandfarm,
Strikingtheirinmateswithsuddenalarm;
Andtheyranoutlikebeesinamidsummerswarm.
Thereweredameswiththeirkerchiefstiedovertheircaps,
Toseeiftheirpoultrywerefreefrommishaps;
Theturkeys,theygobbled,thegeesescreamedaloud,
Andthehenscrepttoroostinaterrifiedcrowd;
Therewasrearingofladders,andlogslayingon,
Wherethethatchfromtheroofthreatenedsoontobegone.
Butthewindhadpassedon,andhadmetinalane
Withaschoolboy,whopantedandstruggledinvain,
Forittossedhim,andtwirledhim,thenpassed,andhestood
Withhishatinapool,andhisshoeinthemud.
WilliamHowitt
204
THEGRAVESOFAHOUSEHOLD
Theygrewinbeauty,sidebyside,
Theyfilledonehomewithglee;
Theirgravesareseveredfarandwide,
Bymount,andstream,andsea.
Thesamefondmotherbentatnight
O'ereachfair,sleepingbrow;
Shehadeachfoldedflowerinsight:
Wherearethosesleepersnow?
One,midsttheforestoftheWest,
Byadarkstreamislaid;
TheIndianknowshisplaceofrest,
Farinthecedarshade.
[page190]
Thesea,theblue,lonesea,hathone;
Helieswherepearlsliedeep;
Hewasthelovedofall,yetnone
O'erhislowbedmayweep.
Onesleepswheresouthernvinesaredressed
Abovethenobleslain;
Hewrappedthecolorsroundhisbreast
OnabloodredfieldofSpain.
Andoneo'erherthemyrtleshowers
Itsleavesbysoftwindsfanned;
ShefadedmidstItalianflowers
Thelastofthatfairband.
Andpartedthus,theyrestwhoplayed
205
Beneaththesamegreentree;
Whosevoicesmingledastheyprayed
Aroundoneparentknee.
Theythatwithsmileslitupthehall,
Andcheeredwithsongthehearth;
Alasforlove!ifthouwertall,
Andnaughtbeyond,Oearth!
WEARESEVEN
...Asimplechild
Thatlightlydrawsitsbreath,
Andfeelsitslifeineverylimb,
Whatshoulditknowofdeath?
Imetalittlecottagegirl:
Shewaseightyearsold,shesaid;
Herhairwasthickwithmanyacurl
Thatclusteredroundherhead.
[page191]
Shehadarustic,woodlandair,
Andshewaswildlyclad;
Hereyeswerebright,andveryfair
Herbeautymademeglad.
"Sistersandbrothers,littlemaid,
Howmanymayyoube?"
"Howmany?Seveninall,"shesaid,
Andwond'ringlookedatme.
206
"Andwherearethey?Iprayyoutell."
Sheanswered,"Sevenarewe;
AndtwoofusatConwaydwell,
Andtwoaregonetosea.
"Twoofusinthechurchyardlie,
Mysisterandmybrother;
And,inthechurchyardcottage,I
Dwellnearthemwithmymother."
"YousaythattwoatConwaydwell,
Andtwoaregonetosea,
Yetyeareseven?Iprayyoutell,
Sweetmaid,howthismaybe?"
Thendidthelittlemaidreply,
"Sevenboysandgirlsarewe;
Twoofusinthechurchyardlie,
Beneaththechurchyardtree."
"Yourunabout,mylittlemaid,
Yourlimbstheyarealive:
Iftwoareinthechurchyardlaid,
Thenyeareonlyfive."
"Theirgravesaregreen,theymaybeseen,"
Thelittlemaidreplied;
"Twelvestepsormorefrommymother'sdoor,
Andtheyaresidebyside.
[page192]
"MystockingsthereIoftenknit,
MykerchiefthereIhem;
207
AndthereuponthegroundIsit
Isitandsingtothem.
"Andoftenaftersunset,sir,
Whenitislightandfair,
Itakemylittleporringer,
Andeatmysupperthere.
"ThefirstthatdiedwaslittleJane;
Inbedshemoaninglay,
TillGodreleasedherofherpain,
Andthenshewentaway.
"Sointhechurchyardshewaslaid;
Andwhenthegrasswasdry,
Togetherroundhergraveweplayed,
MybrotherJohnandI.
"Andwhenthegroundwaswhitewithsnow,
AndIcouldrunandslide,
MybrotherJohnwasforcedtogo,
Andheliesbyherside."
"Howmanyareyou,then,"saidI,
"Iftheytwoareinheaven?"
Thelittlemaidendidreply,
"Omaster!weareseven."
"Buttheyaredead;thesetwoaredead!
Theirspiritsareinheaven!"
'Twasthrowingwordsaway;forstill
Thelittlemaidwouldhaveherwill,
Andsaid,"Nay,weareseven!"
208
WilliamWordsworth
[page193]
THEBETTERLAND
"Iheartheespeakofthebetterland;
Thoucall'stitschildrenahappyband;
Mother!oh,whereisthatradiantshore?
Shallwenotseekitandweepnomore?
Isitwherethefloweroftheorangeblows,
Andthefirefliesdancethroughthemyrtleboughs?"
"Notthere,nottheremychild!"
"Isitwherethefeatherypalmtreesrise,
Andthedategrowsripeundersunnyskies?
Ormidstthegreenislandsofglitteringseas,
Wherefragrantforestsperfumethebreeze,
Andstrangebrightbirdsontheirstarrywings
Beartherichhuesofallgloriousthings?"
"Notthere,notthere,mychild!"
"Isitfaraway,insomeregionold,
Wheretheriverswandero'ersandsofgold?
Wheretheburningraysoftherubyshine,
Andthediamondlightsupthesecretmine,
Andthepearlgleamsforthfromthecoralstrand?
Isitthere,sweetmother,thatbetterland?"
"Notthere,notthere,mychild!"
"Eyehathnotseenit,mygentleboy;
Earhathnothearditsdeepsongsofjoy;
209
Dreamscannotpictureaworldsofair,
Sorrowanddeathmaynotenterthere;
Timedothnotbreatheonitsfadelessbloom;
Forbeyondthecloudsandbeyondthetomb,
Itisthere,itisthere,mychild!"
[page194]
THEJUVENILEORATOR
You'dscarceexpectoneofmyage
Tospeakinpublic,onthestage;
AndifIchancetofallbelow
DemosthenesorCicero,
Don'tviewmewithacritic'seye,
Butpassmyimperfectionsby.
Largestreamsfromlittlefountainsflow;
Talloaksfromlittleacornsgrow;
AndthoughInowamsmallandyoung,
Ofjudgmentweak,andfeebletongue,
Yetallgreatlearnedmenlikeme
OncelearnedtoreadtheirA,B,C.
AndwhymaynotColumbia'ssoil
RearmenasgreatasBritain'sisle,
ExceedwhatGreeceandRomehavedone,
Oranylandbeneaththesun?
Mayn'tMassachusettsproveasgreat
Asanyothersisterstate?
210
Or,where'sthetown,gofarornear,
Thatdoesnotfindarivalhere?
Or,where'stheboybutthreefeethigh
Who'smadeimprovementmorethanI?
Thosethoughtsinspiremyyouthfulmind
Tobethegreatestofmankind;
Great,notlikeCsar,stainedwithblood;
Butonlygreat,asIamgood.
DavidEverett
[page195]
THEFOXANDTHECROW
AFABLE
Thefoxandthecrow,
Inprose,Iwellknow,
Manygoodlittlegirlscanrehearse:
Perhapsitwilltell
Prettynearlyaswell,
Ifwetrythesamefableinverse.
Inadairyacrow,
Havingventuredtogo,
Somefoodforheryoungonestoseek,
Flewupinthetrees,
Withafinepieceofcheese,
Whichshejoyfullyheldinherbeak.
Afox,wholivedby,
Tothetreesawherfly,
211
Andtoshareintheprizemadeavow;
Forhavingjustdined,
Heforcheesefeltinclined,
Sohewentandsatunderthebough.
Shewascunning,heknew,
Butsowashetoo,
Andwithflatteryadaptedhisplan;
Forheknewifshe'dspeak,
Itmustfallfromherbeak,
So,bowingpolitely,began.
"'Tisaveryfineday"
(Notaworddidshesay):
"Thewind,Ibelieve,ma'am,issouth:
Afineharvestforpeas:"
Hethenlookedatthecheese,
Butthecrowdidnotopenhermouth.
[page196]
SlyReynard,nottired,
Herplumageadmired,
"Howcharming!howbrilliantitshue!
Thevoicemustbefine,
Ofabirdsodivine,
Ah,letmejusthearit,praydo.
"Believeme,Ilong
Tohearasweetsong!"
Thesillycrowfoolishlytries:
Shescarcegaveonesquall,
212
Whenthecheesesheletfall,
Andthefoxranawaywiththeprize.
MORAL
Yeinnocentfair,
Ofcoxcombsbeware,
Toflatterynevergiveear;
Trywelleachpretense,
Andkeeptoplainsense,
Andthenyouhavelittletofear.
LittleB.(Taylor?)
THEUSEOFFLOWERS
Godmighthavebadetheearthbringforth
Enoughforgreatandsmall,
Theoaktreeandthecedartree,
Withoutafloweratall.
Wemighthavehadenough,enough
Foreverywantofours,
Forluxury,medicine,andtoil,
Andyethavehadnoflowers.
[page197]
Theorewithinthemountainmine
Requirethnonetogrow;
Nordothitneedthelotusflower
Tomaketheriverflow.
Thecloudsmightgiveabundantrain,
213
Thenightlydewsmightfall,
Andtheherbthatkeepethlifeinman
Mightyethavedrunkthemall.
Thenwherefore,whereforeweretheymade,
Alldyedwithrainbowlight,
Allfashionedwithsupremestgrace,
Upspringingdayandnight,
Springinginvalleysgreenandlow,
Andonthemountainhigh,
Andinthesilentwilderness,
Wherenomanpassesby?
Ouroutwardliferequiresthemnot,
Thenwhereforehadtheybirth?
Toministerdelighttoman,
Tobeautifytheearth;
Tocomfortman,towhisperhope
Whene'erhisfaithisdim;
ForWhosocarethfortheflowers
Willmuchmorecareforhim.
MaryHowitt
CONTENTEDJOHN
OnehonestJohnTomkins,ahedgerandditcher,
Althoughhewaspoor,didnotwanttobericher;
Forallsuchvainwishesinhimwereprevented
Byafortunatehabitofbeingcontented.
214
[page198]
Thoughcoldwastheweather,ordearwasthefood,
Johnneverwasfoundinamurmuringmood;
Forthishewasconstantlyheardtodeclare,
Whathecouldnotpreventhewouldcheerfullybear.
"ForwhyshouldIgrumbleandmurmur?"hesaid;
"IfIcannotgetmeat,Icansurelygetbread;
And,thoughfrettingmaymakemycalamitiesdeeper,
Itcannevercausebreadandcheesetobecheaper."
IfJohnwasafflictedwithsicknessorpain,
Hewishedhimselfbetter,butdidnotcomplain,
Norliedownandfretindespondenceandsorrow,
Butsaidthathehopedtobebettertomorrow.
Ifanyonewrongedhimortreatedhimill,
Why,Johnwasgoodnaturedandsociablestill;
Forhesaidthatrevengingtheinjurydone
Wouldbemakingtworogueswhenthereneedbebutone,
AndthushonestJohn,thoughhisstationwashumble,
Passedthroughthissadworldwithoutevenagrumble;
AndIwishthatsomefolks,whoaregreaterandricher,
WouldcopyJohnTomkins,thehedgerandditcher.
JaneTaylor
THEOLDMAN'SCOMFORTS,ANDHOWHEGAINEDTHEM
"Youareold,FatherWilliam,"theyoungmancried;
"Thefewlockswhichareleftyouaregray;
215
Youarehale,FatherWilliamaheartyoldman:
Nowtellmethereason,Ipray."
"Inthedaysofmyyouth,"FatherWilliamreplied,
"Irememberedthatyouthwouldflyfast,
Andabusednotmyhealthandmyvigoratfirst,
ThatInevermightneedthematlast."
[page199]
"Youareold,FatherWilliam,"theyoungmancried,
"Andpleasureswithyouthpassaway;
Andyetyoulamentnotthedaysthataregone:
"Inthedaysofmyyouth,"FatherWilliamreplied,
"Irememberedthatyouthcouldnotlast;
Ithoughtofthefuture,whateverIdid,
ThatInevermightgrieveforthepast."
"Youareold,FatherWilliam,"theyoungmancried,
"Andlifemustbehasteningaway;
Youarecheerful,andlovetoconverseupondeath:
"Iamcheerful,youngman,"FatherWilliamreplied;
"Letthecausethyattentionengage:
InthedaysofmyyouthIrememberedmyGod;
Andhehathnotforgottenmyage."
RobertSouthey
THEFROST
216
Thefrostlookedforthonastill,clearnight,
Andwhispered,"NowIshallbeoutofsight;
Sothroughthevalleyandovertheheight
I'llsilentlytakemyway.
Iwillnotgoonlikethatblusteringtrain,
Thewindandthesnow,thehailandtherain,
Thatmakesomuchbustleandnoiseinvain,
ButI'llbeasbusyasthey!"
Heflewup,andpowderedthemountain'screst;
Helitonthetrees,andtheirboughshedressed
Withdiamondsandpearls;andoverthebreast
Ofthequiveringlakehespread
[page200]
Abrightcoatofmail,thatitneednotfear
Theglitteringpointofmanyaspear
Thathehungonitsmargin,farandnear,
Wherearockwasrearingitshead.
Hewenttothewindowsofthosewhoslept,
Andovereachpane,likeafairycrept;
Whereverhebreathedwhereverhestepped
Mostbeautifulthingswereseen
Bymorning'sfirstlight!Therewereflowersandtrees,
Withbeviesofbirdsandswarmsofbrightbees;
Therewerecitiestemples,andtowers;andthese,
Allpicturedinsilverysheen!
Butonethinghedidthatwashardlyfair
Hepeepedinthecupboard,andfindingthere
217
Thatnonehadrememberedforhimtoprepare,
"Now,justtosetthemathinking,
I'llbitetheirrichbasketoffruit,"saidhe,
"ThisburlyoldpitcherI'llburstitinthree!
Andtheglasswiththewaterthey'veleftforme
Shall'tchick!'totellthemI'mdrinking!"
HannahFlaggGould
THEBATTLEOFBLENHEIM
Itwasasummerevening,
OldKaspar'sworkwasdone,
Andhebeforehiscottagedoor
Wassittinginthesun,
Andbyhimsportedonthegreen
HislittlegrandchildWilhelmine.
ShesawherbrotherPeterkin
Rollsomethinglargeandround,
Whichhebesidetherivulet
Inplayingtherehadfound;
[page201]
Hecametoaskwhathehadfound,
Thatwassolargeandsmoothandround.
OldKaspartookitfromtheboy,
Whostoodexpectantby;
Andthentheoldmanshookhishead,
Andwithanaturalsigh,
218
"'Tissomepoorfellow'sskull,"saidhe,
"Whofellinthegreatvictory.
"Ifindtheminthegarden,
Forthere'smanyhereabout;
Andoften,whenIgotoplow
Theplowshareturnsthemout!
Formanythousandmen,"saidhe,
"Wereslaininthatgreatvictory."
"Nowtelluswhat'twasallabout,"
YoungPeterkinhecries;
WhilelittleWilhelminelooksup
Withwonderwaitingeyes;
"Nowtellusallaboutthewar,
Andwhattheykilledeachotherfor."
"ItwastheEnglish,"Kasparcried,
"WhoputtheFrenchtorout;
Butwhattheykilledeachotherfor
Icouldnotwellmakeout.
Buteverybodysaid,"quothhe,
"That'twasafamousvictory.
"MyfatherlivedatBlenheimthen,
Yonlittlestreamhardby;
Theyburnthisdwellingtotheground,
Andhewasforcedtofly:
Sowithhiswifeandchildhefled,
Norhadhewheretoresthishead.
[page202]
219
"Withfireandswordthecountryround
Waswastedfarandwide,
Andmanyachildingmotherthen
Andnewbornbabydied:
Butthingslikethat,youknow,mustbe
Ateveryfamousvictory.
"Theysayitwasashockingsight
Afterthefieldwaswon;
Formanythousandbodieshere
Layrottinginthesun:
Butthingslikethat,youknow,mustbe
Afterafamousvictory.
"GreatpraisetheDukeofMarlbro'won,
AndourgoodPrinceEugene."
"Why'twasaverywickedthing!"
SaidlittleWilhelmine.
"Naynaymylittlegirl,"quothhe,
"Itwasafamousvictory.
"AndeverybodypraisedtheDuke
Whothisgreatfightdidwin."
"Andwhatgoodcameofitatlast?"
QuothlittlePeterkin.
"Why,thatIcannottell,"saidhe,
"But'twasafamousvictory."
RobertSouthey
220
THECHAMELEON
AFABLE
FROMM.DELAMOTTE
Ofthasitbeenmylottomark
Aproud,conceited,talkingspark,
Witheyes,thathardlyservedatmost
Toguardtheirmaster'gainstapost;
[page203]
Yetroundtheworldthebladehasbeen
Toseewhatevercouldbeseen,
Returningfromhisfinishedtour,
Growntentimesperterthanbefore;
Whateverwordyouchancetodrop,
Thetraveledfoolyourmouthwillstop:
"Sir,ifmyjudgmentyou'llallow,
I'veseenandsureIoughttoknow,"
Sobegsyou'dpayaduesubmission,
Andacquiesceinhisdecision.
Twotravelersofsuchacast,
Aso'erArabia'swildstheypassed
Andontheirwayinfriendlychat,
Nowtalkedofthis,andthenofthat,
Discoursedawhile,'mongstothermatter.
Ofthechameleon'sformandnature.
"Astrangeranimal,"criesone,
"Sureneverlivedbeneaththesun.
Alizard'sbody,leanandlong,
221
Afish'shead,aserpent'stongue,
Itsfootwithtripleclawdisjoined;
Andwhatalengthoftailbehind!
Howslowitspace;andthenitshue
Whoeversawsofineablue?"
"Hold,there,"theotherquickreplies,
"'Tisgreen,Isawitwiththeseeyes,
Aslatewithopenmouthitlay,
Andwarmeditinthesunnyray:
Stretchedatitsease,thebeastIviewed
Andsawiteattheairforfood."
"I'veseenit,sir,aswellasyou,
Andmustagainaffirmitblue;
AtleisureIthebeastsurveyed,
Extendinginthecoolingshade."
"'Tisgreen,'tisgreen,sirIassureye!"
"Green!"criestheotherinafury
[page204]
"Why,sir!d'yethinkI'velostmyeyes?"
"'Twerenogreatloss,"thefriendreplies,
"For,iftheyalwaysserveyouthus,
You'llfindthemofbutlittleuse."
Sohighatlastthecontestrose,
Fromwordstheyalmostcametoblows;
Whenluckilycamebyathird
Tohimthequestiontheyreferred,
Andbeggedhe'dtell'em,ifheknew,
222
Whetherthethingwasgreenorblue.
"Sirs,"criestheumpire,"ceaseyourpother!
Thecreature'sneitheronenort'other.
Icaughttheanimallastnight,
Andviewedito'erbycandlelight:
Imarkeditwell'twasblackasjet
Youstarebutsirs,I'vegotityet,
Andcanproduceit.""Pray,sir,do:
I'lllaymylifethethingisblue."
"AndI'llbesworn,thatwhenyou'veseen
Thereptile,you'llpronouncehimgreen."
"Well,then,atoncetoeasethedoubt,"
Repliestheman,"I'llturnhimout:
AndwhenbeforeyoureyesI'vesethim,
Ifyoudon'tfindhimblack,I'lleathim."
Hesaid:thenfullbeforetheirsight
Producedthebeast,andlo!'twaswhite.
Bothstared,themanlookedwondrouswise
"Mychildren,"thechameleoncries,
(Thenfirstthecreaturefoundatongue,)
"Youareallright,andallarewrong:
Whennextyoutalkofwhatyouview,
Thinkothersseeaswellasyou;
Norwonder,ifyoufindthatnone
Prefersyoureyesighttohisown."
JamesMerrick
223
[page205]
THEBLACKBERRYGIRL
"Why,Phebe,areyoucomesosoon?
Whereareyourberries,child?
Youcannot,sure,havesoldthemall,
Youhadabasketpiled."
"No,mother,asIclimbedthefence,
Thenearestwaytotown,
Myaproncaughtuponthestake,
AndsoItumbleddown.
"Iscratchedmyarmandtoremyhair,
Butstilldidnotcomplain;
Andhadmyblackberriesbeensafe,
Shouldnothavecaredagrain.
"ButwhenIsawthemontheground.
Allscatteredbymyside,
Ipickedmyemptybasketup,
AnddownIsatandcried.
"JustthenaprettylittleMiss
Chancedtobewalkingby;
Shestopped,andlookingpitiful,
Shebeggedmenottocry.
"'Poorlittlegirl,youfell,'saidshe,
'Andmustbesadlyhurt;'
'Oh,no,'Icried;'butseemyfruit,
Allmixedwithsandanddirt.'
"'Well,donotgrieveforthat,'shesaid;
224
'Gohome,andgetsomemore,'
'Ah,no,forIhavestrippedthevines,
Thesewerethelasttheybore.
[page206]
"'Myfather,Miss,isverypoor,
Andworksinyonderstall;
Hehassomanylittleones,
Hecannotclotheusall.
"'Ialwayslongedtogotochurch,
ButnevercouldIgo;
ForwhenIaskedhimforagown,
Healwaysanswered,"No.
"'"There'snotafatherintheworld
Thatloveshischildrenmore;
I'dgetyouonewithallmyheart,
But,Phebe,Iampoor."
"'Butwhentheblackberrieswereripe,
Hesaidtomeoneday,
"Phebe,ifyouwilltakethetime
That'sgivenyouforplay,
"'"Andgatherblackberriesenough,
Andcarrythemtotown,
Tobuyyourbonnetandyourshoes,
I'lltrytogetagown."
"'Oh,Miss,Ifairlyjumpedforjoy,
Myspiritsweresolight;
Andso,whenIhadleavetoplay,
225
Ipickedwithallmymight.
"'Isoldenoughtogetmyshoes,
Aboutaweekago;
Andthese,iftheyhadnotbeenspilt,
Wouldbuyabonnet,too.
"'Butnowthey'regone,theyallaregone,
AndIcangetnomore,
AndSundaysImuststayathome,
JustasIdidbefore.'
[page207]
"And,mother,thenIcriedagain
AshardasIcouldcry;
Andlookingup,Isawatear
Wasstandinginhereye.
"Shecaughtherbonnetfromherhead,
'Here,here,'shecried,'takethis!'
'Oh,no,indeedIfearyourma
Wouldbeoffended,Miss.'
"'Myma!no,never;shedelights
Allsorrowtobeguile;
And'tisthesweetestjoyshefeels,
Tomakethewretchedsmile.
"'ShetaughtmewhenIhadenough,
Toshareitwiththepoor;
Andneverletaneedychild,
Goemptyfromthedoor.
"'Sotakeit,foryouneednotfear
226
Offendingher,yousee;
Ihaveanother,too,athome,
Andone'senoughforme,'
"SothenItookithereitis
ForpraywhatcouldIdo?
And,mother,IshalllovethatMiss
AslongasIloveyou."
Unknown
MABELONMIDSUMMERDAY
ASTORYOFTHEOLDENTIME
PARTI
"Arise,mymaiden,Mabel,"
Themothersaid;"arise,
Forthegoldensunofmidsummer
Isshiningintheskies.
[page208]
"Arise,mylittlemaiden,
Forthoumustspeedaway,
Towaituponthygrandmother
Thislivelongsummerday.
"Andthoumustcarrywiththee
Thiswheatencakesofine,
Thisnewmadepatofbutter,
Thislittleflaskofwine;
"Andtellthedearoldbody,
227
ThisdayIcannotcome,
Forthegoodmanwentoutyestermorn.
Andheisnotcomehome.
"Andmorethanthis,poorAmy
Uponmykneedothlie;
Ifearme,withthisfeverpain
Thelittlechildwilldie!
"Andthoucansthelpthygrandmother:
Thetablethoucanstspread;
Canstfeedthelittledogandbird;
Andthoucanstmakeherbed.
"Andthoucanstfetchthewater
Fromtheladywellhardby;
Andthoucanstgatherfromthewood
Thefagotsbrownanddry;
"Canstgodowntothelonesomeglen,
Tomilkthemotherewe;
Thisisthework,myMabel,
Thatthouwilthavetodo.
"Butlistennow,myMabel,
Thisismidsummerday,
Whenallthefairypeople
Fromelflandcomeaway.
[page209]
"Andwhenthou'rtinthelonesomeglen,
Keepbytherunningburn,
Anddonotpluckthestrawberryflower,
228
Norbreaktheladyfern.
"Butthinknotofthefairyfolk,
Lestmischiefshouldbefall;
ThinkonlyofpoorAmy,
Andhowthoulov'stusall.
"Yetkeepgoodheart,myMabel,
Ifthouthefairiessee,
Andgivethemkindlyanswer
Iftheyshouldspeaktothee.
"Andwhenintothefirwood
Thougoestforfagotsbrown,
Donot,likeidlechildren,
Gowanderingupanddown.
"Butfillthylittleapron,
Mychild,withearnestspeed;
Andthatthoubreaknolivingbough
Withinthewoodtakeheed.
"Fortheyarespitefulbrownies
Whointhewoodabide;
Sobethoucarefulofthisthing,
Lestevilshouldbetide.
"Butthinknot,littleMabel,
Whilstthouartinthewood,
Ofdwarfish,willfulbrownies,
ButoftheFathergood.
"Andwhenthougoesttothespring
Tofetchthewaterthence,
229
Donotdisturbthelittlestream,
Lestthisshouldgiveoffense.
[page210]
"Forthequeenofallthefairies,
Shelovesthatwaterbright;
I'veseenherdrinkingtheremyself
Onmanyasummernight.
"Butshe'sagraciouslady,
Andherthouneed'stnotfear;
Onlydisturbthounotthestream,
Norspillthewaterclear."
"NowallthisIwillheed,mother,
Willnoworddisobey,
Andwaituponthegrandmother
Thislivelongsummerday."
PARTII
AwaytrippedlittleMabel,
Withthewheatencakesofine,
Withthenewmadepatofbutter,
Andthelittleflaskofwine.
Andlongbeforethesunwashot,
Andthesummermisthadcleared,
Besidethegoodoldgrandmother
Thewillingchildappeared.
Andallhermother'smessage
Shetoldwithrightgoodwill,
Howthatthefatherwasaway,
230
Andthelittlechildwasill.
Andthenshesweptthehearthupclean,
Andthenthetablespread;
Andnextshefedthedogandbird;
Andthenshemadethebed.
[page211]
"Andgonow,"saidthegrandmother,
"Tenpacesdownthedell,
Andbringinwaterfortheday,
Thouknow'sttheladywell."
ThefirsttimethatgoodMabelwent,
Nothingatallsawshe,
Exceptabird,askybluebird,
Thatsatuponatree.
ThenexttimethatgoodMabelwent,
Theresataladybright
Besidethewell,aladysmall,
Allclothedingreenandwhite.
AcourtesylowmadeMabel,
Andthenshestoopedtofill
Herpitcheratthesparklingspring,
Butnodropdidshespill.
"Thouartahandymaiden,"
Thefairyladysaid;
"Thouhastnotspiltadrop,noryet
Thefairyspringtroubled!
"Andforthisthingwhichthouhastdone,
231
Yetmaystnotunderstand,
Igivetotheeabettergift
Thanhousesorthanland.
"Thoushaltdowellwhate'erthoudost,
Asthouhastdonethisday;
Shalthavethewillandpowertoplease,
Andshaltbelovedalway."
Thushavingsaid,shepassedfromsight,
AndnaughtcouldMabelsee,
Butthelittlebird,theskybluebird,
Upontheleafytree.
[page212]
"Andnowgo,"saidthegrandmother,
"Andfetchinfagotsdry;
Allintheneighboringfirwood
Beneaththetreestheylie."
Awaywentkind,goodMabel,
Intothefirwoodnear,
Whereallthegroundwasdryandbrown.
Andthegrassgrewthinandsear.
Shedidnotwanderupanddown,
Noryetalivebranchpull,
Butsteadilyofthefallenboughs
Shepickedherapronfull.
Andwhenthewildwoodbrownies
Cameslidingtohermind,
Shedrovethemthence,asshewastold,
232
Withhomethoughtssweetandkind.
Butallthatwhilethebrownies
Withinthefirwoodstill,
Theywatchedherhowshepickedthewood,
Andstrovetodonoill.
"And,oh,butsheissmallandneat,"
Saidone;"'twereshametospite
Acreaturesodemureandmeek,
Acreatureharmlessquite!"
"Lookonly,"saidanother,
"Atherlittlegownofblue;
Atherkerchiefpinnedaboutherhead,
Andatherlittleshoe!"
"Oh,butsheisacomelychild,"
Saidathird;"andwewilllay
Agoodluckpennyinherpath,
Aboonforherthisday,
Seeingshebrokenolivingwood;
Nolivethingdidaffray!"
[page213]
Withthatthesmallestpenny,
Ofthefinestsilverore,
Uponthedryandslipperypath,
LayMabel'sfeetbefore.
Withjoyshepickedthepennyup,
Thefairypennygood;
Andwithherfagotsdryandbrown
233
Wentwanderingfromthewood.
"Nowshehasthat,"saidthebrownies,
"Letflaxbeeversodear,
'Twillbuyherclothesoftheverybest,
Formanyandmanyayear!"
"Andgonow,"saidthegrandmother,
"Sincefallingisthedew,
Godownuntothelonesomeglen,
Andmilkthemotherewe!"
Alldownintothelonesomeglen,
Throughcopsesthickandwild,
Throughmoistrankgrass,bytricklingstreams,
Wentonthewillingchild.
Andwhenshecametothelonesomeglen,
Shekeptbesidetheburn,
Andneitherpluckedthestrawberryflower
Norbroketheladyfern.
Andwhileshemilkedthemotherewe
Withinthislonesomeglen,
ShewishedthatlittleAmy
Werestrongandwellagain.
Andsoonasshethoughtthisthought,
Sheheardacomingsound,
Asifathousandfairyfolk
Weregatheringallaround.
[page214]
Andthensheheardalittlevoice,
234
Shrillasthemidge'swing,
Thatspakealoud,"Ahumanchild
Ishere;yetmarkthisthing,
"Theladyfernisallunbroke,
Thestrawberryflowerunta'en!
Whatshallbedoneforherwhostill
Frommischiefcanrefrain?"
"Giveherafairycake!"saidone;
"Grantherawish!"saidthree;
"Thelatestwishthatshehathwished,"
Saidall,"whate'eritbe!"
KindMabelheardthewordstheyspake,
Andfromthelonesomeglen
Untothegoodoldgrandmother
Wentgladlybackagain.
ThushappenedittoMabel
Onthatmidsummerday,
Andthesethreefairyblessings
Shetookwithheraway.
'Tisgoodtomakealldutysweet,
Tobealertandkind;
'Tisgood,likelittleMabel,
Tohaveawillingmind.
MaryHowitt
LLEWELLYNANDHISDOG
235
Thespearmenheardthebuglesound,
Andcheer'lysmiledthemorn;
Andmanyabrach,andmanyahound,
AttendLlewellyn'shorn.
[page215]
Andstillheblewalouderblast,
Andgavealoudercheer;
"Come,Gelert!whyartthouthelast
Llewellyn'shorntohear?
"Oh,wheredoesfaithfulGelertroam,
Theflowerofallhisrace?
Sotrue,sobravealambathome,
Alioninthechase."
ThatdayLlewellynlittleloved
Thechaseofhartorhare,
Andscantandsmallthebootyproved,
ForGelertwasnotthere.
Unpleased,Llewellynhomewardhied,
When,neartheportalseat,
HistruantGelertheespied,
Boundinghislordtogreet.
Butwhenhegainedthecastledoor,
Aghastthechieftainstood;
Thehoundwassmearedwithgoutsofgore
Hislipsandfangsranblood!
Llewellyngazedwithwildsurprise;
Unusedsuchlookstomeet,
236
Hisfav'ritecheckedhisjoyfulguise,
Andcrouched,andlickedhisfeet.
OnwardinhasteLlewellynpassed
(AndonwentGelerttoo),
Andstill,where'erhiseyeswerecast,
Freshbloodgoutsshockedhisview!
O'erturnedhisinfant'sbedhefound,
Thebloodstainedcoverrent;
Andallaroundthewallsandground
Withrecentbloodbesprent.
[page216]
Hecalledhischildnovoicereplied;
Hesearchedwithterrorwild;
Blood!blood!hefoundoneveryside,
Butnowherefoundhischild!
"Hellhound!bytheemychild'sdevoured!"
Thefranticfathercried;
Andtothehilthisvengefulsword
HeplungedinGelert'sside.
Hissuppliant,astoearthhefell,
Nopitycouldimpart;
ButstillhisGelert'sdyingyell
Passedheavyo'erhisheart.
ArousedbyGelert'sdyingyell,
Someslumbererwakenednigh;
Whatwordstheparent'sjoycantell,
Tohearhisinfantcry!
237
Concealedbeneathamangledheap,
Hishurriedsearchhadmissed,
Allglowingfromhisrosysleep,
Hischerubboyhekissed!
Norscratchhadhe,norharm,nordread,
Butthesamecouchbeneath
Layagreatwolf,alltornanddead,
Tremendousstillindeath!
Ah,whatwasthenLlewellyn'spain!
Fornowthetruthwasclear;
Thegallanthoundthewolfhadslain,
TosaveLlewellyn'sheir.
Vain,vainwasallLlewellyn'swoe;
"Bestofthykind,adieu!
Thefranticdeedwhichlaidtheelow
Thisheartshalleverrue!"
[page217]
Andnowagallanttombtheyraised,
Withcostlysculpturedecked;
Andmarblesstoriedwithhispraise
PoorGelert'sbonesprotect.
Herenevercouldthespearmenpass,
Orforester,unmoved,
Hereoftthetearbesprinkledgrass
Llewellyn'ssorrowproved.
Andherehehunghishornandspear,
Andoft,aseveningfell,
238
Infancy'spiercingsoundswouldhear
PoorGelert'sdyingyell.
WilliamRobertSpencer
THESNOWBIRD'SSONG
Thegroundwasallcoveredwithsnowoneday,
Andtwolittlesisterswerebusyatplay,
Whenasnowbirdwassittingclosebyonatree,
Andmerrilysinginghischickadedee,
Chickadedee,chickadedee,
Andmerrilysinginghischickadedee.
Hehadnotbeensingingthattuneverylong,
EreEmilyheardhim,soloudwashissong:
"Oh,sister,lookoutofthewindow,"saidshe;
"Here'sadearlittlebirdsingingchickadedee.
Chickadedee,etc.
"Oh,mother,dogethimsomestockingsandshoes,
Andanicelittlefrock,andahatifhechoose;
Iwishhe'dcomeintotheparlorandsee
Howwarmwewouldmakehim,poorchickadedee."
Chickadedee,etc.
[page218]
"Thereisone,mydearchild,thoughIcannottellwho,
Hasclothedmealready,andwarmenoughtoo.
Goodmorning!Oh,whoaresohappyaswe?"
Andawayhewentsinginghischickadedee.
239
Chickadedee,etc.
FrancisC.Woodworth
FORA'THATANDA'THAT
Isthereforhonestpoverty
Whahangshishead,anda'that?
Thecowardslave,wepasshimby;
Wedarebepoorfora'that.
Fora'that,anda'that,
Ourtoilsobscure,anda'that;
Therankisbuttheguinea'sstamp,
Theman'sthegowdfora'that.
Whatthoughonhamelyfarewedine,
Wearhoddingray,anda'that?
Giefoolstheirsilks,andknavestheirwine,
Aman'samanfora'that.
Theirtinselshow,anda'that;
Thehonestman,thoughe'ersaepoor,
Iskingo'menfora'that.
Yeseeyonbirkieca'dalord,
Whastruts,andstares,anda'that
Thoughhundredsworshipathisword,
He'sbutacooffora'that;
Hisriband,star,anda'that;
240
Themanofindependentmind,
Helooksandlaughsata'that.
[page219]
Aprincecanmakabeltedknight,
Amarquis,duke,anda'that;
Butanhonestman'saboonhismight,
Guidfaith,hemaunnafa'that!
Fora'that,anda'that;
Theirdignities,anda'that,
Thepitho'sense,andprideo'worth,
Arehigherranksthana'that.
Thenletuspraythatcomeitmay,
Ascomeitwillfora'that,
Thatsenseandworth,o'era'theearth,
Maybearthegree,anda'that.
It'scomingyet,fora'that,
Whenmantoman,thewarldo'er,
Shallbrothersbefora'that!
RobertBurns
[page220]
FABLES
FABLESFROMSOP
241
THEGOOSETHATLAIDGOLDENEGGS
T
HEREwasamanwhooncehadaveryhandsomegoose,thatalwayslaidgoldeneggs.Now,he
thoughttheremustbegoldinsideofher,sohewrungherneckstraightway,andfoundshewasexactly
likeallothergeese.Hethoughttofindriches,andlostthelittlehehad.
Thefableteachesthatonewhohasanythingshouldbecontentwithit,andavoidcovetousness,lesthe
losewhathehas.
THEBOYSANDTHEFROGS
Acompanyofidleboyswerewatchingsomefrogsbythesideofapond,andasfastasanyofthefrogs
liftedtheirheadstheboyswouldpeltthemdownagainwithstones.
"Boys,"saidoneofthefrogs,"youforgetthat,thoughthismaybefunforyou,itisdeathtous."
THELIONANDTHEMOUSE
Amousehappenedtorunintothemouthofasleepinglion,whorousedhimself,caughthim,andwas
justabouteatinghim,whenthelittlefellowbeggedhimtolethimgo,saying,"IfIamsaved,Ishallbe
everlastinglygrateful."So,withasmile,thelionlethimoff.Itbefellhimnotlongaftertobesavedby
themouse'sgratitude,forwhenhewascaughtbysomehuntersandboundbyropestoatree,the
mouse,hearinghisroaringgroans,[page221]cameandgnawedtheropes,andsethimfree,saying,
"Youlaughedatmeonce,asifyoucouldreceivenoreturnfromme,butnow,yousee,itisyouwho
havetobegratefultome."
Thestoryshowsthattherecomesuddenchangesofaffairs,whenthemostpowerfuloweeverythingto
theweakest.
THEFOXANDTHEGRAPES
Ahungryfoxdiscoveredsomebunchesofgrapeshangingfromavinehighupatree,and,ashegazed,
longedtogetatthem,andcouldnot;soheleftthemhangingthereandwentoffmuttering,"They're
sourgrapes."
242
THEFROGANDTHEOX
Anox,grazinginaswampymeadow,chancedtosethisfootamongaparcelofyoungfrogs,and
crushednearlythewholebroodtodeath.Onethatescapedranofftohismotherwiththe3dreadful
news."Omother,"saidhe,"itwasabeastsuchabigfourfootedbeast,thatdidit!""Big?"quoththe
oldfrog,"Howbig?wasitasbig"andshepuffedherselfout"asbigasthis?""Oh,agreatdeal
biggerthanthat.""Well,wasitsobig?"andsheswelledherselfoutyetmore."Indeed,mother,butit
was;andifyouweretoburstyourself,youwouldneverreachhalfitssize."Theoldfrogmadeone
moretrial,determinedtobeasbigastheox,andburstherself,indeed.
THECAT,THEMONKEY,ANDTHE
CHESTNUTS
Acatandamonkeyweresittingonedayinthechimneycornerwatchingsomechestnutswhichtheir
masterhadlaiddowntoroastintheashes.Thechestnutshadbeguntoburstwiththeheat,andthe
monkeysaidtothecat,"Itisplainthat[page222]yourpawsweremadeespeciallyforpullingout
thosechestnuts.Doyoureachforthanddrawthemout.Yourpawsare,indeed,exactlylikeour
master'shands."Thecatwasgreatlyflatteredbythisspeech,andreachedforwardforthetempting
chestnuts,butscarcelyhadhetouchedthehotashesthanhedrewbackwithacry,forhehadburnthis
paw;buthetriedagain,andmanagedtopullonechestnutout;thenhepulledanother,andathird,
thougheachtimehesingedthehaironhispaws.Whenhecouldpullnomoreoutheturnedaboutand
foundthatthemonkeyhadtakenthetimetocrackthechestnutsandeatthem.
THECOUNTRYMAIDANDHERMILKPAIL
Acountrymaidwaswalkingslowlyalongwithapailofmilkuponherhead,andthinkingthus:
"ThemoneyforwhichIshallsellthismilkwillbuymethreehundredeggs.Theseeggs,allowingfor
whatmayproveaddled,willproduceatleasttwohundredandfiftychickens.Thechickenswillbefit
tocarrytomarketaboutChristmas,whenpoultryalwaysbringsagoodprice,sothatbyMaydayI
shallhavemoneyenoughtobuyanewgown.Letmeseegreensuitsme;yes,itshallbegreen.Inthis
dressIwillgotothefair,wherealltheyoungfellowswillwantmeforapartner,butIshallrefuse
everyoneofthem."Bythistimeshewassofullofherfancythatshetossedherheadproudly,when
overwentthepail,whichshehadentirelyforgotten,andallthemilkwasspilledontheground.
Moral.Don'tcountyourchickensbeforetheyarehatched.
THEASSINTHELION'SSKIN
243
TheAssoncedressedhimselfintheLion'sskinandwentaboutfrighteningallthelittlebeasts.Nowhe
happenedontheFox,andtriedtofrightenhimtoo;buttheFoxchancedtohear[page223]himspeak,
andsaid:"Well,tobesure,Ishouldhavebeenfrightenedtoo,ifIhadn'theardyoubray,andseenyour
earsstickingout."
Sotherearesomemenwhomakethemselvesappearveryfineoutwardly,butarebetrayedassoonas
theybegintotalk.
THETORTOISEANDTHEHARE
TheTortoiseandtheHare.
"Whatadull,heavycreature,"saystheHare,"isthisTortoise!""Andyet,"saystheTortoise,"I'llrun
withyouforawager.""Done,"saystheHare,andthentheyaskedtheFoxtobethejudge.Theystarted
together,andtheTortoisekeptjoggingonstill,tillhecametotheendofthecourse.TheHarelaid
himselfdownmidwayandtookanap;"for,"sayshe,"IcancatchupwiththeTortoisewhenIplease."
Butitseemsheoverslepthimself,forwhenhecametowake,thoughhescuddedawayasfastas
possible,theTortoisehadgottothepostbeforehimandwonthewager.
Slowandsteadywinstherace.
244
THEVAINJACKDAW
Ajackdawpickedupsomebeautifulfeathersleftbythepeacocksontheground.Hestucktheminto
hisowntail,and,thinkinghimselftoofinetomixwiththeotherdaws,struttedofftothepeacocks,
expectingtobewelcomedasoneofthemselves.
Thepeacocksatoncesawthroughhisdisguise,and,despisinghimforhisfoolishnessandconceit,
begantopeckhim,andsoonhewasstrippedofallhisborrowedplumes.
Verymuchashamed,thejackdawwentsadlyhome,meaningtojoinhisoldfriendsasifnothinghad
happened.Butthey,rememberinghowhehadscornedthembefore,chasedhimawayandwouldhave
nothingtodowithhim.
"Ifyouhadbeencontent,"saidone,"toremainasnature[page224]madeyou,insteadoftryingtobe
whatyouarenot,youwouldhaveneitherbeenpunishedbyyourbettersnordespisedbyyourequals."
THEFOXWITHOUTATAIL
TheFoxwithoutaTail.
245
Afoxlosthistailinescapingfromasteeltrap.Whenhebegantogoaboutagain,hefoundthatevery
onelookeddownuponorlaughedathim.Notlikingthis,hethoughttohimselfthatifhecould
persuadetheotherfoxestocutofftheirtails,hisownlosswouldnotbesonoticeable.
Accordinglyhecalledtogetherthefoxesandsaid:"Howisitthatyoustillwearyourtails?Ofwhatuse
arethey?Theyareintheway,theyoftengetcaughtintraps,theyareheavytocarryandnotprettyto
lookupon.Believeme,wearefarbetterwithoutthem.Cutoffyourtails,myfriends,andyouwillsee
howmuchmorecomfortableitis.Iformyparthaveneverenjoyedmyselfsomuchnorfoundlifeso
pleasantasIhavesinceIlostmine."
Uponthis,aslyoldfox,seeingthroughthetrick,cried,"Itseemstome,myfriend,thatyouwouldnot
besoanxiousforustocutoffourtails,ifyouhadnotalreadylostyours."
THEWOLFINSHEEP'SCLOTHING
Awolfputontheskinofasheep,andgettinginamongtheflockbymeansofthisdisguise,killed
manyofthesheep.Theshepherd,whowonderedwhysomanyofhisflockhaddisappeared,atlast
discoveredthedeceit.Hefastenedaropecunninglyroundthepretendedsheep'sneck,ledhimtoatree,
andtherehangedhim.
Someothershepherdspassingthatwayandseeingwhattheythoughtwasasheephangingfromatree,
said,"What,brother!Surelyyoudonothangsheep?"
"No,"answeredtheshepherd,"butIhangwolveswhenIcatchthemdressedupinsheep'sskins!"
[page225]
Thenheshowedthemtheirmistake,andtheypraisedthejusticeofthedeedhehaddone.
THECROWANDTHEPITCHER
Acrow,whosethroatwasparchedanddrywiththirst,sawapitcherinthedistance.Ingreatjoyhe
flewtoit,butfoundthatitheldonlyalittlewater,andeventhatwastoonearthebottomtobereached,
forallhisstoopingandstraining.Nexthetriedtooverturnthepitcher,thinkingthathewouldatleast
beabletocatchsomeofthewaterasittrickledout.Butthishewasnotstrongenoughtodo.Intheend
hefoundsomepebbleslyingnear,andbydroppingthemonebyoneintothepitcher,hemanagedat
lasttoraisethewateruptotheverybrim,andthuswasabletoquenchhisthirst.
THEMAN,HISSON,ANDHISASS
Amanandhissonwereleadingtheirasstomarket.Agirl,seeingthem,cried,"Whywalkwhenyou
canride?"Onhearingthis,themansethissonupontheass.
246
Goingfurther,theyheardanoldmansay,"Shamefortheyoungtoridewhileoldpeoplewalk!"
Thereuponthemanmadehissongetdownandrodehimself.
Presentlytheymetsomewomenwhocried,"Lookatthepoortiredsonandlazyfather!"Hearingthis,
themantookhissonupbesidehimandsotheyrodeintothetown.
Thereayoungmancalledtothem,"Twomenononebeast!Itseemstomeyouaremorefittocarrythe
assthanheistocarryyou."
Thentheygotdown,tiedthebeast'slegstoapole,andcarriedhimthustilltheycametoabridge.As
theywent,thechildrenshoutedsoloudlythattheasstookfrightkickedhislegsfree,andjumped
overthebridgeintotheriver.
Thushavinglosthisass,themanwenthome,crying,"Trytopleaseeverybodyandyouwillplease
nobody,notevenyourself!"
[page226]
FABLESOFINDIA
ADAPTEDBYP.V.RAMASWAMIRAJU
THECAMELANDTHEPIG
A
CAMELsaid,"Nothinglikebeingtall!SeehowtallIam."Apigwhoheardthesewordssaid,
"Nothinglikebeingshort;seehowshortIam!"
Thecamelsaid,"Well,ifIfailtoprovethetruthofwhatIsaid,Iwillgiveyoumyhump."
Thepigsaid,"IfIfailtoprovethetruthofwhatIhavesaid,Iwillgiveupmysnout."
"Agreed!"saidthecamel.
"Justso!"saidthepig.
Theycametoagardeninclosedbyalowwallwithoutanyopening.Thecamelstoodonthissidethe
wall,and,reachingtheplantswithinbymeansofhislongneck,madeabreakfastonthem.Thenhe
turnedjeeringlytothepig,whohadbeenstandingatthebottomofthewall,withoutevenhavinga
lookatthegoodthingsinthegarden,andsaid,"Now,wouldyoubetallorshort?"
Nexttheycametoagardeninclosedbyahighwall,withawicketgateatoneend.Thepigenteredby
thegate,and,afterhavingeatenhisfillofthevegetableswithin,cameout,laughingatthepoorcamel,
whohadhadtostayoutside,becausehewastootalltoenterthegardenbythegate,andsaid,"Now,
wouldyoubetallorshort?"
247
Thentheythoughtthematterover,andcametotheconclusionthatthecamelshouldkeephishump
andthepighissnout,observing:
"Tallisgood,wheretallwoulddo;
Ofshort,again,'tisalsotrue!"
[page227]
THEMANANDHISPIECEOFCLOTH
AmanintheEast,wheretheydonotrequireasmuchclothingasincolderclimates,gaveupall
worldlyconcernsandretiredtoawood,wherehebuiltahutandlivedinit.
Hisonlyclothingwasapieceofclothwhichheworeroundhiswaist.But,asillluckwouldhaveit,
ratswereplentifulinthewood,sohehadtokeepacat.Thecatrequiredmilktokeepit,soacowhad
tobekept.Thecowrequiredtending,soacowboywasemployed.Theboyrequiredahousetolivein,
soahousewasbuiltforhim.Tolookafterthehouseamaidhadtobeengaged.Toprovidecompany
forthemaidafewmorehouseshadtobebuilt,andpeopleinvitedtoliveinthem.Inthismannera
littletownshipsprangup.
Themansaid,"Thefurtherweseektogofromtheworldanditscares,themoretheymultiply!"
THESEA,THEFOX,ANDTHEWOLF
Afoxthatlivedbytheseashoreoncemetawolfthathadneverseenthesea.Thewolfsaid,"Whatis
thesea?"
"Itisagreatpieceofwaterbymydwelling,"saidthefox.
"Isitunderyourcontrol?"askedthewolf.
"Certainly,"saidthefox.
"Willyoushowmethesea,then?"saidthewolf.
"Withpleasure,"saidthefox.Sothefoxledthewolftothesea,andsaidtothewaves,"Nowgo
back,"theywentback."Nowcomeup,"andtheycameup!Thenthefoxsaidtothewaves,"My
friend,thewolf,hascometoseeyou,soyouwillcomeupandgobacktillIbidyoustop;"andthewolf
saw,withwonder,thewavescomingupandgoingback.
Hesaidtothefox,"MayIgointothesea?"
"Asfarasyoulike.Don'tbeafraid,for,ataword,theseawouldgoorcomeasIbid,andasyouhave
alreadyseen."
[page228]
248
Thewolfbelievedthefox,andfollowedthewavesratherfarfromtheshore.Agreatwavesoonupset
him,andthrewuphiscarcassontheshore.Thefoxmadeaheartybreakfastonit,saying,"Thefool's
earwasmadefortheknave'stongue."
THEBIRDSANDTHELIME
AfowlerintheEastoncewenttoawood,scatteredsomegrainontheground,spreadanetoveritwith
somelimeinit,andwaswatchingfromadistancetoseewhatluckwouldattendhisefforts.
Agreatmanybirdsassembledonthetreesaroundthenet,andsaid,"Whatfinecornthatis!Wecan
seldomhopetogetanythinglikeit."
Anowlthatwasclosebysaid,"Hownicethatwhitethinginthenetis!"
"Whatisit?"saidthebirds.
"Why,itisourbestfriendintheworld;itislime.Whenitholdsusinitsembrace,wecanneverhope
togetaway."
Thebirdslefttheplaceatonce.Saidthefowler,"Acleverbirdknowsthelime!"
THERAVENANDTHECATTLE
Oneevening,assomecattlewerewendingtheirwayhome,aravenrodeonthehornsofabullinthe
herd;andasheapproachedthecottage,criedtothefarmer,"Friend,myworkforthedayisover;you
maynowtakechargeofyourcattle."
"Whatwasyourwork?"askedthefarmer.
"Why,"saidtheraven,"thearduoustaskofwatchingthesecattleandbringingthemhome."
"AmItounderstandyouhavebeendoingalltheworkforme?"saidthefarmer.
"Certainly,"saidtheraven,andflewawaywithalaugh.
[page229]
Quoththefarmerwithsurprise,"Howmanytherearethattakecreditforthingswhichtheyhavenever
done!"
TINSELANDLIGHTNING
249
Apieceoftinselonarockoncesaidtoapebble,"YouseehowbrightIam!Iambybirthrelatedtothe
lightning."
"Indeed!"saidthepebble;"thenacceptmyhumblerespects."
Sometimeafter,aflashoflightningstrucktherock,andthetinsellostallitsbrilliancybythe
scorchingeffectsoftheflash.
"Whereisyourbrilliancynow?"saidthepebble.
"Oh,itisgonetotheskies,"saidthetinsel,"forIhavelentittothelightningthatcamedownamoment
agotoborrowitofme."
"Dearme!"saidthepebble;"howmanyfibsdothgoodbraggingneed!"
THEASSANDTHEWATCHDOG
Awatchdoginavillagewasbarkingallnighttokeepthievesofffromhismaster'shouse.Anass,who
observedthis,thoughtthatthedogamusedhimselfbybarking.Sohebrayedallnight.Whentheday
dawned,theowneroftheassthoughtthepooranimalhadbeensufferingfromsomedisorder.
Thereforehesentforthevillagedoctor,andlaidthecasebeforehim.
Thedoctorexaminedtheanimalclosely,andsaid,"Friend,youmustbrandthisassforthwith,elsehe
willsoongointofitsanddie."
Theasssaid,"Iassureyounothingiswrongwithme;Isimplyamusedmyselflastnight."
"Oh,no,"saidtheinexorableleech;"Iknowwhatthewilybrutemeans.Hewouldratherdie,andmake
youtheloser,thanbebrandedandrecoverhishealth."
[page230]
Sotheyboundtheasswithropes,andbrandedhimalloverwithredhotirons.Sometimeaftertheass
movedouttoseehowthevillagehadfaredduringhisillness.Thedogaskedwhyhehadbeenbranded.
Theassnarratedthestory.Quoththedog,"Hethatmistakesworkforamusementmustpayforhis
error."
THELARKANDITSYOUNGONES
Achildwentuptoalark,andsaid,"Goodlark,haveyouanyyoungones?"
"Yes,child,Ihave,"saidthelark;"andtheyareveryprettyonesindeed!"Thenshepointedtothem,
andsaid,"ThisisFairWing,thatisTinyBill,andthatotherisBrightEye."
Thechildsaid,"Yes,athome,wearethreemyselfandmytwosisters,JaneandAlice;andmamma
saysweareprettylittlechildren,andthatsheisveryfondofus."
250
Tothisthelittlelarksreplied,"Ohyes,mammaisveryfondofustoo."
Thenthechildsaid,"Goodlark,willyousendhomeTinyBilltoplaywithme?"Beforethelarkcould
reply,BrightEyesaid,"Yes,ifyouwillsendlittleAlicetoplaywithusinournest."
Thechildsaid,"Oh,Alicewillbesosorrytoleavehome,andcomeawayfrommamma!"
Bright.Eyesaid,"TinyBillwillbesosorrytoleaveournest,andgoawayfrommamma!"
Thechildwasabashed,andwenthome,saying,"Ah,everyoneisfondofhome!"
THETWOGEMS
AdespotintheEastoncesaidtohisfawningcourtiers,"Hethatgoesroundmykingdomintheshortest
possibletimeshallhaveoneofthesetwogems."
[page231]
AcourtierwentroundtheKing,andsaid,"Sire,mayIhavetheprize?"
"Howso?"saidtheKing.
"Why,youarethekingdom,areyounot?"saidthecourtier.
Thedespotwassowellpleasedwiththecourtierthathegavehimboththegems.
Theothercourtierssaid,inawhisper,"Flattererspreyuponfools."
[page232]
FAIRYTALESANDLAUGHTER
STORIES
SCANDINAVIANSTORIES
THEHARDYTINSOLDIER
BYHANSCHRISTIANANDERSEN
251
T
HEREwereoncefiveandtwentytinsoldiers;theywereallbrothers,fortheyhadallbeenbornofone
oldtinspoon.Theyshoulderedtheirmuskets,andlookedstraightbeforethem;theiruniformwasred
andblue,andverysplendid.Thefirstthingtheyhadheardintheworld,whenthelidwastakenoff
theirbox,hadbeenthewords"Tinsoldiers!"Thesewordswereutteredbyalittleboy,clappinghis
hands:thesoldiershadbeengiventohim,foritwashisbirthday;andnowheputthemuponthetable.
Eachsoldierwasexactlyliketherest;butoneofthemhadbeencastlastofall,andtherehadnotbeen
enoughtintofinishhim;buthestoodasfirmlyuponhisonelegastheothersontheirtwo;anditwas
justthisSoldierwhobecameremarkable.
Onthetableonwhichtheyhadbeenplacedstoodmanyotherplaythings,butthetoythatattracted
mostattentionwasaneatcastleofcardboard.Throughthelittlewindowsonecouldseestraightinto
thehall.Beforethecastlesomelittletreeswereplacedroundalittlelookingglass,whichwasto
representaclearlake.Waxenswansswamonthislake,andweremirroredinit.Thiswasallvery
pretty;buttheprettiestofallwasalittlelady,whostoodattheopendoorofthecastle;shewasalsocut
outinpaper,butshehadadressoftheclearestgauze,andalittlenarrowblueribbonoverher
shoulders,thatlookedlikeascarf;andinthemiddleofthisribbonwasashining[page233]tinselrose
asbigasherwholeface.Thelittleladystretchedoutbothherarms,forshewasadancer;andthenshe
liftedonelegsohighthattheTinSoldiercouldnotseeitatall,andthoughtthat,likehimself,shehad
butoneleg.
"Thatwouldbethewifeforme,"thoughthe;"butsheisverygrand.Shelivesinacastle,andIhave
onlyabox,andtherearefiveandtwentyofusinthat.Itisnoplaceforher.ButImusttrytomake
acquaintancewithher."
Andthenhelaydownatfulllengthbehindasnuffboxwhichwasonthetable;therehecouldeasily
watchthelittledaintylady,whocontinuedtostandupononelegwithoutlosingherbalance.
Whentheeveningcamealltheothertinsoldierswereputintotheirbox,andthepeopleinthehouse
wenttobed.Nowthetoysbegantoplayat"visiting,"andat"war,"and"givingballs."Thetinsoldiers
rattledintheirbox,fortheywantedtojoin,butcouldnotliftthelid.Thenutcrackerthrewsomersaults,
andthepencilamuseditselfonthetable:therewassomuchnoisethatthecanarywokeup,andbegan
tospeaktoo,andeveninverse.TheonlytwowhodidnotstirfromtheirplacesweretheTinSoldier
andtheDancingLady:shestoodstraightuponthepointofoneofhertoes,andstretchedoutbothher
arms;andhewasjustasenduringonhisoneleg;andheneverturnedhiseyesawayfromher.
Nowtheclockstrucktwelveand,bounce!thelidflewoffthesnuffbox;buttherewasnosnuffinit,
butalittleblackGoblin:yousee,itwasatrick.
"TinSoldier!"saidtheGoblin,"don'tstareatthingsthatdon'tconcernyou."
ButtheTinSoldierpretendednottohearhim.
"Justyouwaittilltomorrow!"saidtheGoblin.
Butwhenthemorningcame,andthechildrengotup,theTinSoldierwasplacedinthewindow;and
whetheritwastheGoblinorthedraughtthatdidit,allatoncethewindowflewopen,andtheSoldier
fellheadoverheelsoutofthethirdstory.Thatwasaterriblepassage!Heputhislegstraightup,and
stuckwithhelmetdownwardandhisbayonetbetweenthepavingstones.
[page234]
252
Theservantmaidandthelittleboycamedowndirectlytolookforhim,butthoughtheyalmosttrod
uponhim,theycouldnotseehim.IftheSoldierhadcriedout"HereIam!"theywouldhavefound
him;buthedidnotthinkitfittingtocalloutloudly,becausehewasinuniform.
Nowitbegantorain;thedropssoonfellthicker,andatlastitcamedownintoacompletestream.
Whentherainwaspast,twostreetboyscameby.
"Justlook!"saidoneofthem:"thereliesaTinSoldier.Hemustcomeoutandrideintheboat."
Andtheymadeaboatoutofanewspaper,andputtheTinSoldierinthemiddleofit,andsohesailed
downthegutter,andthetwoboysranbesidehimandclappedtheirhands.Goodnesspreserveus!how
thewavesroseinthatgutter,andhowfastthestreamran!Butthenithadbeenaheavyrain.Thepaper
boatrockedupanddown,andsometimesturnedroundsorapidlythattheTinSoldiertrembled;buthe
remainedfirm,andneverchangedcountenance,andlookedstraightbeforehim,andshoulderedhis
musket.
Allatoncetheboatwentintoalongdrain,anditbecameasdarkasifhehadbeeninhisbox.
"WhereamIgoingnow?"hethought."Yes,yes,that'stheGoblin'sfault.Ah!ifthelittleladyonlysat
herewithmeintheboat,itmightbetwiceasdarkforwhatIshouldcare."
SuddenlytherecameagreatWaterRat,whichlivedunderthedrain.
"Haveyouapassport?"saidtheRat."Givemeyourpassport."
ButtheTinSoldierkeptsilence,andheldhismuskettighterthanever.Theboatwenton,buttheRat
cameafterit.Hu!howhegnashedhisteeth,andcalledouttothebitsofstrawandwood.
"Holdhim!holdhim!Hehasn'tpaidtollhehasn'tshownhispassport!"
Butthestreambecamestrongerandstronger.TheTinSoldiercouldseethebrightdaylightwherethe
archended;butheheardaroaringnoise,whichmightwellfrightenabolderman.Onlythinkjust
wherethetunnelended,thedrainran[page235]intoagreatcanal;andforhimthatwouldhavebeen
asdangerousasforustobecarrieddownagreatwaterfall.
Nowhewasalreadysonearitthathecouldnotstop.Theboatwascarriedout,thepoorTinSoldier
stiffeninghimselfasmuchashecould,andnoonecouldsaythathemovedaneyelid.Theboatwhirled
roundthreeorfourtimes,andwasfullofwatertotheveryedgeitmustsink.TheTinSoldierstood
uptohisneckinwater,andtheboatsankdeeperanddeeper,andthepaperwasloosenedmoreand
more;andnowthewaterclosedoverthesoldier'shead.ThenhethoughtoftheprettylittleDancer,and
howheshouldneverseeheragain;anditsoundedintheSoldier'sears:
"Farewell,farewell,thouwarriorbrave,
Forthisdaythoumustdie!"
Andnowthepaperparted,andtheTinSoldierfellout;butatthatmomenthewassnappedupbya
greatfish.
Oh,howdarkitwasinthatfish'sbody!Itwasdarkeryetthaninthedraintunnel;andthenitwasvery
narrowtoo.ButtheTinSoldierremainedunmoved,andlayatfulllengthshoulderinghismusket.
253
AVoiceSaidAloud,"TheTinSoldier!"
Thefishswamtoandfro;hemadethemostwonderfulmovements,andthenbecamequitestill.Atlast
somethingflashedthroughhimlikelightning.Thedaylightshonequiteclear,andavoicesaidaloud,
"TheTinSoldier!"Thefishhadbeencaught,carriedtomarket,bought,andtakenintothekitchen,
wherethecookcuthimopenwithalargeknife.SheseizedtheSoldierroundthebodywithbothher
handsandcarriedhimintotheroom,whereallwereanxioustoseetheremarkablemanwhohad
traveledaboutintheinsideofafish;buttheTinSoldierwasnotatallproud.Theyplacedhimonthe
table,andthereno!Whatcuriousthingsmayhappenintheworld.TheTinSoldierwasinthevery
roominwhichhehadbeenbefore!hesawthesamechildren,andthesametoysstoodonthetable;and
therewastheprettycastlewiththegracefullittleDancer.Shewasstillbalancingherselfononeleg,
andheldtheotherextendedintheair.Shewashardytoo.ThatmovedtheTinSoldier;hewasvery
nearlyweepingtintears,butthatwouldnot[page236]havebeenproper.Helookedather,butthey
saidnothingtoeachother.
ThenoneofthelittleboystooktheTinSoldierandflunghimintothestove.Hegavenoreasonfor
doingthis.ItmusthavebeenthefaultoftheGoblininthesnuffbox.
254
TheTinSoldierstoodtherequiteilluminated,andfeltaheatthatwasterrible;butwhetherthisheat
proceededfromtherealfireorfromlovehedidnotknow.Thecolorshadquitegoneofffromhim;but
whetherthathadhappenedonthejourney,orhadbeencausedbygrief,noonecouldsay.Helookedat
thelittlelady,shelookedathim,andhefeltthathewasmelting;buthestillstoodfirm,shoulderinghis
musket.Thensuddenlythedoorflewopen,andthedraughtofaircaughttheDancer,andsheflewlike
asylphjustintothestovetotheTinSoldier,andflashedupinaflame,andshewasgone.ThentheTin
Soldiermelteddownintoalump;andwhentheservantmaidtooktheashesoutnextday,shefound
himintheshapeofalittletinheart.ButoftheDancernothingremainedbutthetinselrose,andthat
wasburnedasblackasacoal.
THEFIRTREE
O
UTintheforeststoodaprettylittleFirTree.Ithadagoodplace;itcouldhavesunlight,airtherewas
inplenty,andallaroundgrewmanylargercomradespinesaswellasfirs.ButthelittleFirTree
wishedardentlytobecomegreater.Itdidnotcareforthewarmsunandthefreshair;ittooknonotice
ofthepeasantchildren,whowentabouttalkingtogether,whentheyhadcomeouttolookfor
strawberriesandraspberries.Oftentheycamewithawholepotfull,orhadstrungberriesonastraw;
thentheywouldsitdownbythelittleFirTreeandsay,"Howprettyandsmallthatoneis!"andtheFir
Treedidnotliketohearthatatall.
Nextyearhehadgrownagreatjoint,andthefollowingyear[page237]hewaslongerstill,forinfir
treesonecanalwaystellbythenumberofringstheyhavehowmanyyearstheyhavebeengrowing.
"Oh,ifIwereonlyasgreatatreeastheother!"sighedthelittleFir,"thenIwouldspreadmybranches
fararound,andlookoutfrommycrownintothewideworld.Thebirdswouldthenbuildnestsinmy
boughs,andwhenthewindblewIcouldnodjustasgrandlyastheothersyonder."
Ittooknopleasureinthesunshine,inthebirds,andintheredcloudsthatwentsailingoverhim
morningandevening.
Whenitwaswinter,andthesnowlayallaround,whiteandsparkling,aharewouldoftencome
jumpingalong,andspringrightoverthelittleFirTree.Oh!thismadehimsoangry.Buttwowinters
wentby,andwhenthethirdcamethelittleTreehadgrownsotallthattheharewasobligedtorun
roundit.
"Oh!togrow,togrow,andbecomeold;that'stheonlyfinethingintheworld,"thoughttheTree.
Intheautumnwoodcuttersalwayscameandfelledafewofthelargesttrees;thatwasdonethisyear
too,andthelittleFirTree,thatwasnowquitewellgrown,shudderedwithfear,forthegreatstately
treesfelltothegroundwithacrash,andtheirbrancheswerecutoff,sothatthetreeslookedquite
naked,long,andslendertheycouldhardlyberecognized.Butthentheywerelaiduponwagons,and
horsesdraggedthemawayoutofthewood.Whereweretheygoing?Whatdestinyawaitedthem?
Inthespring,whentheSwallowsandtheStorkcame,theTreeaskedthem,"Doyouknowwherethey
weretaken?Didyounotmeetthem?"
255
TheSwallowsknewnothingaboutit,buttheStorklookedthoughtful,noddedhishead,andsaid:
"Yes,Ithinkso.ImetmanynewshipswhenIflewoutofEgypt;ontheshipswerestatelymasts;I
fancythesewerethetrees.Theysmeltlikefir.Icanassureyouthey'restatelyverystately."
"OhthatIwereonlybigenoughtogooverthesea!Whatkindofthingisthissea,andhowdoesit
look?"
"Itwouldtaketoolongtoexplainallthat,"saidtheStork,andhewentaway.
[page238]
"Rejoiceinthyyouth,"saidtheSunbeams;"rejoiceinthyfreshgrowth,andintheyounglifethatis
withinthee."
AndtheWindkissedtheTree,andtheDewwepttearsuponit;buttheFirTreedidnotunderstandthat.
WhenChristmastimeapproached,quiteyoungtreeswerefelled,sometimestreeswhichwereneither
sooldnorsolargeasthisFirTree,thatneverrested,butalwayswantedtogoaway.Theseyoungtrees,
whichwerealwaysthemostbeautiful,keptalltheirbranches;theywereputuponwagons,andhorses
draggedthemawayoutofthewood.
"Wherearetheyallgoing?"askedtheFirTree."TheyarenotgreaterthanIindeed,oneofthemwas
muchsmaller.Whydotheykeepalltheirbranches?Whitheraretheytaken?"
"Weknowthat!Weknowthat!"chirpedtheSparrows."Yonderinthetownwelookedinatthe
windows.Weknowwheretheygo.Oh!theyaredressedupinthegreatestpompandsplendorthatcan
beimagined.Wehavelookedinatthewindows,andhaveperceivedthattheyareplantedinthemiddle
ofawarmroom,andadornedwiththemostbeautifulthingsgiltapples,honeycakes,playthings,and
manyhundredofcandles."
"Andthen?"askedtheFirTree,andtrembledthroughallitsbranches."Andthen?Whathappens
then?"
"Why,wehavenotseenanythingmore.Butitwasincomparable."
"PerhapsImaybedestinedtotreadthisgloriouspathoneday!"criedtheFirTree,rejoicingly."Thatis
evenbetterthantravelingacrossthesea.HowpainfullyIlongforit!IfitwereonlyChristmasnow!
NowIamgreatandgrownup,liketherestwhowereledawaylastyear.Oh,ifIwereonlyonthe
carriage!IfIwereonlyinthewarmroom,amongallthepompandsplendor!Andthen?Yes,then
somethingevenbetterwillcome,somethingfarmorecharming,orelsewhyshouldtheyadornmeso?
Theremustbesomethinggrander,somethinggreaterstilltocome;butwhat?Oh!I'msuffering,I'm
longing!Idon'tknowmyselfwhatisthematterwithme!"
"Rejoiceinus,"saidAirandSunshine."Rejoiceinthyfreshyouthhereinthewoodland."
ButtheFirTreedidnotrejoiceatall,butitgrewandgrew;[page239]winterandsummeritstood
there,green,darkgreen.Thepeoplewhosawitsaid,"That'sahandsometree!"andatChristmastimeit
wasfelledbeforeanyoneoftheothers.Theaxecutdeepintoitsmarrow,andthetreefelltotheground
withasigh;itfeltapain,asensationoffaintness,andcouldnotthinkatallofhappiness,foritwassad
atpartingfromitshome,fromtheplacewhereithadgrownup;itknewthatitshouldneveragainsee
thedearoldcompanions,thelittlebushesandflowersallaroundperhapsnoteventhebirds.The
partingwasnotatallagreeable.
TheTreeonlycametoitselfwhenitwasunloadedinayard,withothertrees,andheardamansay:
256
"Thisoneisfamous;weonlywantthisone!"
Nowtwoservantscameingayliveries,andcarriedtheFirTreeintoalarge,beautifulparlor.All
aroundthewallshungpictures,andbythegreatstovestoodlargeChinesevaseswithlionsonthe
covers;therewererockingchairs,silkensofas,greattablescoveredwithpicturebooks,andtoysworth
ahundredtimesahundreddollars,atleastthechildrensaidso.AndtheFirTreewasputintoagreat
tubfilledwithsand;butnoonecouldseethatitwasatub,foritwashungroundwithgreencloth,and
stoodonalarge,manycoloredcarpet.Oh,howtheTreetrembled!Whatwastohappennow?The
servants,andtheyoungladiesalso,deckeditout.Ononebranchtheyhunglittlenets,cutoutof
coloredpaper;everynetwasfilledwithsweetmeats;goldenapplesandwalnutshungdown,asifthey
grewthere,andmorethanahundredlittlecandles,red,white,andblue,werefastenedtothedifferent
boughs.Dollsthatlookedexactlylikerealpeoplethetreehadneverseensuchbeforeswungamong
thefoliage,andhighonthesummitofthetreewasfixedatinselstar.Itwassplendid,particularly
splendid.
"Thisevening,"saidall,"thiseveningitwillshine."
"Oh,"thoughttheTree,"thatitwereeveningalready!Oh,thatthelightsmaybesoonlitup!Whenmay
thatbedone?Iwonderiftreeswillcomeoutoftheforesttolookatme?Willthesparrowsflyagainst
thepanes?ShallIgrowfasthere,andstandadornedinsummerandwinter?"
[page240]
Yes,hedidnotguessbadly.Buthehadacompletebackachefrommerelonging,andthebackacheis
justasbadforaTreeastheheadacheforaperson.
Atlastthecandleswerelighted.Whatabrilliance,whatsplendor!TheTreetrembledsoinallits
branchesthatoneofthecandlessetfiretoagreentwig,anditwasscorched.
"Heavenpreserveus!"criedtheyoungladies;andtheyhastilyputthefireout.
NowtheTreemightnoteventremble.Oh,thatwasterrible!Itwassoafraidofsettingfiretosomeof
itsornaments,anditwasquitebewilderedwithallthebrilliance.Andnowthefoldingdoorswere
thrownopen,andanumberofchildrenrushedinasiftheywouldhaveoverturnedthewholeTree;the
olderpeoplefollowedmoredeliberately.Thelittleonesstoodquitesilent,butonlyforaminute;then
theyshoutedtilltheroomrang:theydancedgleefullyroundtheTree,andonepresentafteranotherwas
pluckedfromit.
"Whataretheyabout?"thoughttheTree."What'sgoingtobedone?"
Andthecandlesburneddowntothetwigs,andastheyburneddowntheywereextinguished,andthen
thechildrenreceivedpermissiontoplundertheTree.Oh!theyrushedinuponit,sothateverybranch
crackedagain:ifithadnotbeenfastenedbythetopandbythegoldenstartotheceiling,itwouldhave
fallendown.
Thechildrendancedaboutwiththeirprettytoys.NoonelookedattheTreeexceptoneoldman,who
cameupandpeepedamongthebranches,butonlytoseeifafigoranapplehadbeenforgotten.
"Astory!Astory!"shoutedthechildren;andtheydrewalittlefatmantowardthetree;andhesat
downjustbeneathit"forthenweshallbeinthegreenwood,"saidhe,"andthetreemayhavethe
advantageoflisteningtomytale.ButIcanonlytellone.WillyouhearthestoryofIvedeAvede,orof
KlumpeyDumpey,whofelldownstairs,andstillwasraiseduptohonorandmarriedthePrincess?"
"IvedeAvede!"criedsome,"KlumpeyDumpey!"criedothers,andtherewasagreatcryingand
shouting.Onlythe[page241]FirTreewasquitesilent,andthought,"ShallInotbeinit?ShallIhave
257
nothingtodoinit?"Buthehadbeenintheevening'samusement,andhaddonewhatwasrequiredof
him.
AndthefatmantoldaboutKlumpeyDumpeywhofelldownstairs,andyetwasraisedtohonorand
marriedthePrincess.Andthechildrenclappedtheirhands,andcried,"Tellanother!tellanother!"for
theywantedtohearaboutIvedeAvede;buttheyonlygotthestoryofKlumpeyDumpey.TheFirTree
stoodquitesilentandthoughtful;neverhadthebirdsinthewoodtoldsuchastoryasthat.Klumpey
DumpeyfelldownstairsandyetcametohonorandmarriedthePrincess!
"Yes,soithappensintheworld!"thoughttheFirTree,andbelieveditmustbetrue,becausethatwas
suchanicemanwhotoldit."Well,whocanknow?PerhapsIshallfalldownstairs,too,andmarrya
Princess!"Anditlookedforwardwithpleasuretobeingadornedagain,thenextevening,withcandles
andtoys,goldandfruit."TomorrowIshallnottremble,"itthought.
"Iwillrejoiceinallmysplendor.TomorrowIshallherethestoryofKlumpeyDumpeyagain,and
perhapsthatofIvedeAvede,too."
AndtheTreestoodallnightquietandthoughtful.
Inthemorningtheservantsandthechambermaidcamein.
"Nowmysplendorwillbeginafresh,"thoughttheTree.Buttheydraggedhimoutoftheroom,and
upstairstothegarret,andheretheyputhiminadarkcornerwherenodaylightshone.
"What'sthemeaningofthis?"thoughttheTree."WhatamItodohere?Whatistohappen?"
Andheleanedagainstthewall,andthought,andthought.Andhehadtimeenough,fordaysandnights
wentby,andnobodycameup;andwhenatlengthsomeonecame,itwasonlytoputsomegreatboxes
inacorner.NowtheTreestoodquitehiddenaway,andthesuppositionisthatitwasquiteforgotten.
"Nowit'swinteroutside,"thoughttheTree."Theearthishardandcoveredwithsnow,andpeople
cannotplant[page242]me;thereforeIsupposeI'mtobeshelteredhereuntilspringcomes.How
consideratethatis!Howgoodpeopleare!Ifitwereonlynotsodarkhere,andsoterriblysolitary!not
evenalittlehare?Thatwasprettyoutthereinthewood,whenthesnowlaythickandtheharesprang
past;yes,evenwhenhejumpedoverme;butthenIdidnotlikeit.Itisterriblylonelyuphere!"
"Piep!piep!"saidalittleMouse,andcreptforward,andthencameanotherlittleone.Theysmeltatthe
FirTree,andthenslippedamongthebranches.
"It'shorriblycold,"saidthetwolittleMice,"orelseitwouldbecomfortablehere.Don'tyouthinkso,
youoldFirTree?"
"I'mnotoldatall,"saidtheFirTree."TherearemanymucholderthanI."
"Wheredoyoucomefrom?"askedtheMice."Andwhatdoyouknow?"Theyweredreadfully
inquisitive."Tellusaboutthemostbeautifulspotonearth.Haveyoubeenthere?Haveyoubeeninthe
storeroom,wherecheeseslieontheshelves,andhamshangfromtheceiling,whereonedanceson
tallowcandles,andgoesinthinandcomesoutfat?"
"Idon'tknowthat,"repliedtheTree;"butIknowthewood,wherethesunshinesandthebirdssing."
Andthenittoldallaboutitsyouth.
AndthelittleMicehadneverheardanythingofthekind;andtheylistenedandsaid:
258
"Whatanumberofthingsyouhaveseen!Howhappyyoumusthavebeen!"
"I?"repliedtheFirTree;anditthoughtaboutwhatithadtold."Yes,thosewerereallyquitehappy
times."ButthenhetoldoftheChristmasEve,whenhehadbeenhungwithsweetmeatsandcandles.
"Oh!"saidthelittleMice,"howhappyyouhavebeen,youoldFirTree!"
"I'mnotoldatall,"saidtheTree."Ionlycameoutofthewoodthiswinter.I'monlyratherbackwardin
mygrowth."
"Whatsplendidstoriesyoucantell!"saidthelittleMice.
AndnextnighttheycamewithfourotherlittleMice,to[page243]hearwhattheTreehadtorelate;
andthemoreitsaid,themoreclearlydiditremembereverything,andthought,"Thosewerequite
merrydays!Buttheymaycomeagain.KlumpeyDumpeyfelldownstairsandyethemarriedthe
Princess.PerhapsImaymarryaPrincesstoo?"AndthentheFirTreethoughtofaprettylittleBirch
Treethatgrewoutintheforest:fortheFirTree,thatBirchwasarealPrincess.
"Who'sKlumpeyDumpey?"askedthelittleMice.
AndthentheFirTreetoldthewholestory.Itcouldremembereverysingleword;andthelittleMice
werereadytoleaptotheverytopofthetreewithpleasure.NextnightagreatmanymoreMicecame,
andonSundaytwoRatsevenappeared;butthesethoughtthestorywasnotpretty,andthelittleMice
weresorryforthat,fornowtheyalsodidnotlikeitsomuchasbefore.
"Doyouonlyknowonestory?"askedtheRats.
"Onlythatone,"repliedtheTree."Iheardthatonthehappiesteveningofmylife;Ididnotthinkthen
howhappyIwas."
"That'saverymiserablestory.Don'tyouknowanyaboutbaconandtallowcandlesastoreroom
story?"
"No,"saidtheTree.
"Thenwe'drathernothearyou,"saidtheRats.
Andtheywentbacktotheirownpeople.ThelittleMiceatlaststayedawayalso;andthentheTree
sighedandsaid:
"Itwasverynicewhentheysatroundme,themerrylittleMice,andlistenedwhenIspoketothem.
Nowthat'spasttoo.ButIshallremembertobepleasedwhentheytakemeout."
Butwhendidthathappen?Why,itwasonemorningthatpeoplecameandrummagedinthegarret;the
boxeswereputaway,andtheTreebroughtout;theycertainlythrewhimratherroughlyonthefloor,
butaservantdraggedhimawayatoncetothestairs,wherethedaylightshone.
"Nowlifeisbeginningagain!"thoughttheTree.
Itfeltthefreshairandthefirstsunbeams,andnowitwasoutinthecourtyard.Everythingpassedso
quicklythattheTreequiteforgottolookatitself,therewassomuchtolookatallround.Thecourtyard
wasclosetoagarden,andhereeverything[page244]wasblooming;theroseshungfreshandfragrant
overthelittlepaling,thelindentreeswereinblossom,andtheswallowscried,"Quinzewit!quinze
wit!myhusband'scome!"ButitwasnottheFirTreethattheymeant.
259
"NowIshalllive!"saidtheTree,rejoicingly,andspreaditsbranchesfarout;but,alas!theywereall
witheredandyellow;anditlayinthecorneramongnettlesandweeds.Thetinselstarwasstilluponit,
andshoneinthebrightsunshine.
Inthecourtyardacoupleofthemerrychildrenwereplayingwhohaddancedroundthetreeat
Christmastime,andhadrejoicedoverit.Oneoftheyoungestranupandtoreoffthegoldenstar.
"Lookwhatisstickingtotheuglyoldfirtree!"saidthechild,andhetroduponthebranchestillthey
crackedagainunderhisboots.
AndtheTreelookedatallthebloomingflowersandthesplendorofthegarden,andthenlookedat
itself,andwishedithadremainedinthedarkcornerofthegarret;itthoughtofitsfreshyouthinthe
wood,ofthemerryChristmasEve,andofthelittleMicewhichhadlistenedsopleasantlytothestory
ofKlumpeyDumpey.
"Past!past!"saidtheoldTree."HadIbutrejoicedwhenIcouldhavedoneso!Past!past!"
AndtheservantcameandchoppedtheTreeintolittlepieces;awholebundlelaythere;itblazed
brightlyunderthegreatbrewingkettle,anditsigheddeeply,andeachsighwaslikealittleshot;and
thechildrenwhowereatplaythereranupandseatedthemselvesatthefire,lookedintoit,andcried
"Puff!puff!"Butateachexplosion,whichwasadeepsigh,theTreethoughtofasummerdayinthe
woods,orofawinternightthere,whenthestarsbeamed;hethoughtofChristmasEveandof
KlumpeyDumpey,theonlystoryhehadeverheardorknewhowtotell;andthentheTreewasburned.
Theboysplayedinthegarden,andtheyoungesthadonhisbreastagoldenstar,whichtheTreehad
wornonitshappiestevening.Nowthatwaspast,andtheTree'slifewaspast,andthestoryispasttoo:
past!past!andthat'sthewaywithallstories.
[page245]
THEDARNINGNEEDLE
T
HEREwasonceaDarningneedle,whothoughtherselfsofine,sheimaginedshewasan
embroideringneedle.
"Takecare,andmindyouholdmetight!"shesaidtotheFingersthattookherout."Don'tletmefall!If
IfallonthegroundIshallcertainlyneverbefoundagain,forIamsofine!"
"That'sasitmaybe,"saidtheFingers;andtheygraspedherroundthebody.
"See,I'mcomingwithatrain!"saidtheDarningneedle,andshedrewalongthreadafterher,butthere
wasnoknotinthethread.
TheFingerspointedtheneedlejustatthecook'sslipper,inwhichtheupperleatherhadburst,andwas
tobesewntogether.
260
"That'svulgarwork,"saidtheDarningneedle."Ishallnevergetthrough.I'mbreaking!I'mbreaking!"
Andshereallybroke."DidInotsayso?"saidtheDarningneedle;"I'mtoofine!"
"Nowit'squiteuseless,"saidtheFingers;buttheywereobligedtoholdherfast,allthesame;forthe
cookdroppedsomesealingwaxupontheneedle,andpinnedherhandkerchieftogetherwithitinfront.
"So,nowI'mabreastpin!"saidtheDarningneedle."IknewverywellthatIshouldcometohonor;
whenoneissomething,onecomestosomething!"
Andshelaughedquietlytoherselfandonecanneverseewhenadarningneedlelaughs.Thereshe
sat,asproudasifshewereinastatecoach,andlookedallabouther.
"MayIbepermittedtoaskifyouareofgold?"sheinquiredofthepin,herneighbor."Youhaveavery
prettyappearanceandapeculiarhead,butitisonlylittle.Youmusttakepainstogrow,forit'snot
everyonethathassealingwaxdroppeduponhim."
AndtheDarningneedledrewherselfupsoproudlythatshefelloutofthehandkerchiefrightintothe
sink,whichthecookwasrinsingout.
[page246]
"Nowwe'regoingonajourney,"saidtheDarningneedle."IfIonlydon'tgetlost!"
Butshereallywaslost.
"I'mtoofineforthisworld,"sheobserved,asshelayinthegutter."ButIknowwhoIam,andthere's
alwayssomethinginthat!"
SotheDarningneedlekeptherproudbehavior,anddidnotlosehergoodhumor.Andthingsofmany
kindsswamoverher,chipsandstrawsandpiecesofoldnewspapers.
"Onlylookhowtheysail!"saidtheDarningneedle."Theydon'tknowwhatisunderthem!I'mhere,I
remainfirmlyhere.See,theregoesachipthinkingofnothingintheworldbutofhimselfofachip!
There'sastrawgoingbynow.Howheturns!howhetwirlsabout!Don'tthinkonlyofyourself,you
mighteasilyrunupagainstastone.Thereswimsabitofnewspaper.What'swrittenuponithaslong
beenforgotten,andyetitgivesitselfairs.Isitquietlyandpatientlyhere.IknowwhoIam,andIshall
remainwhatIam."
Onedaysomethinglayclosebesideherthatglitteredsplendidly;thentheDarningneedlebelievedthat
itwasadiamond;butitwasabitofbrokenbottle;andbecauseitshonetheDarningneedlespoketoit,
introducingherselfasabreastpin.
"Isupposeyouareadiamond?"sheobserved.
"Why,yes,somethingofthatkind."
Andtheneachbelievedtheothertobeaveryvaluablething;andtheybeganspeakingabouttheworld,
andhowveryconceiteditwas.
"Ihavebeeninalady'sbox,"saidtheDarningneedle,"andthisladywasacook.Shehadfivefingers
oneachhand,andIneversawanythingsoconceitedasthosefivefingers.Andyettheywereonlythere
thattheymighttakemeoutoftheboxandputmebackintoit."
"Weretheyofgoodbirth?"askedtheBitofBottle.
261
"No,indeed,"repliedtheDarningneedle:"butveryhaughty.Therewerefivebrothers,allofthefinger
family.Theykeptveryproudlytogetherthoughtheywereofdifferent[page247]lengths:the
outermost,thethumbling,wasshortandfat;hewalkedoutinfrontoftheranks,andonlyhadonejoint
inhisback,andcouldonlymakeasinglebow;buthesaidthatifhewerehackedoffaman,thatman
wasuselessforserviceinwar.Daintymouth,thesecondfinger,thrusthimselfintosweetandsour,
pointedtosunandmoon,andgavetheimpressionwhentheywrote.Longman,thethird,lookedatall
theothersoverhisshoulder.Goldborder,thefourth,wentaboutwithagoldenbeltroundhiswaist;and
littlePlaymandidnothingatall,andwasproudofit.Therewasnothingbutbraggingamongthem,and
thereforeIwentaway."
"Andnowwesithereandglitter!"saidtheBitofBottle.
Atthatmomentmorewatercameintothegutter,sothatitoverflowed,andtheBitofBottlewas
carriedaway.
"Soheisdisposedof,"observedtheDarningneedle."Iremainhere.Iamtoofine.Butthat'smypride,
andmyprideishonorable."Andproudlyshesatthere,andhadmanygreatthoughts."Icouldalmost
believeIhadbeenbornofasunbeam,I'msofine!Itreallyappearsasifthesunbeamswerealways
seekingformeunderthewater.Ah!I'msofinethatmymothercannotfindme.IfIhadmyoldeye,
whichbrokeoff,IthinkIshouldcry;but,no,Ishouldnotdothat;it'snotgenteeltocry."
Onedayacoupleofstreetboyslaygrubbinginthegutter,wheretheysometimesfoundoldnails,
farthings,andsimilartreasures.Itwasdirtywork,buttheytookgreatdelightinit.
"Oh!"criedone,whohadprickedhimselfwiththeDarningneedle,"there'safellowforyou!"
"I'mnotafellow;I'mayounglady!"saidtheDarningneedle.
Butnobodylistenedtoher.Thesealingwaxhadcomeoff,andshehadturnedblack;butblackmakes
onelookslender,andshethoughtherselffinereventhanbefore.
"Herecomesaneggshellsailingalong!"saidtheboys;andtheystucktheDarningneedlefastinthe
eggshell.
"Whitewalls,andblackmyself!thatlookswell,"remarkedtheDarningneedle."Nowonecanseeme.
Ionlyhope[page248]Ishallnotbeseasick!"Butshewasnotseasickatall."Itisgoodagainst
seasickness,ifonehasasteelstomach,anddoesnotforgetthatoneisalittlemorethananordinary
person!Nowmyseasicknessisover.Thefineroneis,themoreonecanbear."
"Crack!"wenttheeggshell,forawagonwentoverher.
"GoodHeavens,howitcrushesone!"saidtheDarningneedle."I'mgettingseasicknowI'mquite
sick."
Butshewasnotreallysick,thoughthewagonwentoverher;shelaythereatfulllength,andthereshe
maylie.
THUMBELINA
262
T
HEhadalittlehouseofherown,alittlegardentoo,thiswomanofwhomIamgoingtotellyou,but
forallthatshewasnotquitehappy.
"IfonlyIhadalittlechildofmyown,"shesaid,"howthewallswouldringwithherlaughter,andhow
theflowerswouldbrightenathercoming.Then,indeed,Ishouldbequitehappy."
Andanoldwitchheardwhatthewomanwished,andsaid,"Oh,butthatiseasilymanaged.Hereisa
barleycorn.Plantitinaflowerpotandtenditcarefully,andthenyouwillseewhatwillhappen."
Thewomanwasinagreathurrytogohomeandplantthebarleycorn,butshedidnotforgettosay
"thankyou"totheoldwitch.Shenotonlythankedher,sheevenstayedtogivehersixsilverpennies.
Thenshehurriedawaytoherhome,tookaflowerpotandplantedherpreciousbarleycorn.
Andwhatdoyouthinkhappened?Almostbeforethecornwasplanted,upshotalargeandbeautiful
flower.Itwasstillunopened.Thepetalswerefoldedcloselytogether,butitlookedlikeatulip.Itreally
wasatulip,aredandyellowone,too.
Thewomanlovedflowers.Shestoopedandkissedthe[page249]beautifulbud.Asherlipstouched
thepetals,theyburstopen,andoh!wonderofwonders!there,intheverymiddleoftheflower,there
satalittlechild.Suchatiny,prettylittlemaidenshewas.
TheycalledherThumbelina.Thatwasbecauseshewasnobiggerthanthewoman'sthumb.
Andwheredoyouthinksheslept?Alittlewalnutshell,linedwithblue,thatwashercradle.
WhenshesleptlittleThumbelinalayinhercradleonatinyheapofviolets,withthepetalofapale
pinkrosetocoverher.
Andwheredoyouthinksheplayed?Atablewasherplayground.Onthetablethewomanplaceda
plateofwater.LittleThumbelinacalledthatherlake.
Roundtheplatewerescentedflowers,theblossomslyingontheedge,whilethepalegreenstalks
reachedthirstilydowntothewater.
Inthelakefloatedalargetulipleaf.ThiswasThumbelina'slittleboat.Seatedthereshesailedfromside
tosideofherlittlelake,rowingcleverlywithtwowhitehorsehairs.Assherowedbackwardsand
forwardsshesangsoftlytoherself.Thewomanlisteningheard,andthoughtshehadneverknownso
sweetasong.
Andnowsuchasadthinghappened.
Inthroughthebrokenwindowpanehoppedabigtoad,oh!suchanuglybigtoad.Shehoppedrighton
tothetable,whereThumbelinalaydreaminginhertinycradle,underthepalepinkroseleaf.
Shepeepedather,thisuglyoldtoad.
"Howbeautifulthelittlemaidenis,"shecroaked."Shewillmakealovelybrideformyhandsomeson."
Andsheliftedthelittlecradle,withThumbelinainit,andhoppedoutthroughthebrokenwindow
pane,downintothegarden.
263
Atthefootofthegardenwasabroadstream.Here,underthemuddybankslivedtheoldtoadwithher
son.
Howhandsomeshethoughthim!Buthewasreallyveryugly.Indeed,hewasexactlylikehismother.
WhenhesawlittleThumbelinainhertinycradle,hecroakedwithdelight.
[page250]
"Donotmakesomuchnoise,"saidhismother,"oryouwillwakethetinycreature.Wemayloseherif
wearenotcareful.Theslightestbreezewouldwaftherfaraway.Sheisaslightasgossamer."
ThentheoldtoadcarriedThumbelinaoutintothemiddleofthestream."Shewillbesafehere,"she
said,asshelaidhergentlyononeoftheleavesofalargewaterlily,andpaddledbacktoherson.
"Wewillmakereadythebestroomsunderthemud,"shetoldhim,"andthenyouandthelittlemaiden
willbemarried."
PoorlittleThumbelina!Shehadnotseentheuglybigtoadyet,norheruglyson.
Whenshewokeupearlyinthemorning,howshewept!Waterallaroundher!Howcouldshereachthe
shore?PoorlittleThumbelina!
Downunderthemudtheoldtoadwasverybusy,deckingthebestroomwithbuttercupsandbudsof
waterliliestomakeitgayforherlittledaughterinlaw,Thumbelina.
"Nowwewillgotobringherlittlebedandplaceitready,"saidtheoldtoad,andtogethersheandher
sonswamouttotheleafwherelittleThumbelinasat.
"Hereismyhandsomeson,"shesaid,"heistobeyourhusband,"andshebowedlowinthewater,for
shewishedtobeverypolitetothelittlemaiden.
"Croak,croak,"wasalltheyoungtoadcouldsay,ashelookedathisprettylittlebride.
Thentheytookawaythetinylittlebed,andThumbelinawasleftallalone.
Howthetearsstainedherprettylittleface!Howfasttheyfellintothestream!Eventhefishasthey
swamhitherandthitherthought,"Howitrainstoday,"asthetinydropsfellthickandfast.
Theypoppeduptheirheadsandsawtheforlornlittlemaiden.
"Sheshallnotmarrytheuglytoad,"theysaid,astheylookedwitheagereyesattheprettychild."No,
sheshallnotmarrytheuglytoad."
ButwhatcouldthelittlefishdotohelpThumbelina?
Oh!theyweresuchcleverlittlefish!
[page251]
TheyfoundthegreenstemwhichheldtheleafonwhichThumbelinasat.Theybititwiththeirlittle
sharpteeth,andtheyneverstoppedbiting,tillatlasttheybitthegreenstemthrough;andaway,down
thestream,floatedtheleaf,carryingwithitlittleThumbelina.
264
"Free,free!"shesang,andhervoicetinkledasachimeoffairybells."Free,free!"shesangmerrilyas
shefloateddownthestream,away,farawayoutofreachoftheuglyoldtoadandheruglyson.
Andasshefloatedon,thelittlewildbirdssangroundher,andonthebanksthelittlewildharebells
bowedtoher.
Butterflieswereflittinghereandthereinthesunshine.Aprettylittlewhiteoneflutteredontotheleaf
onwhichsatThumbelina.Helovedthetinymaidensowellthathesettleddownbesideher.
Nowshewasquitehappy!Birdsaroundher,flowersnearher,andthewatergleaminglikegoldinthe
summersunshine.WhatbesidescouldlittleThumbelinawish?
Shetookoffhersashandthrewoneendofitroundthebutterfly.Theotherendshefastenedfirmlyto
theleaf.Onandonfloatedtheleaf,thelittlemaidenandthebutterfly.
Suddenlyagreatcockchaferbuzzedalong.Alas!hecaughtsightoflittleThumbelina.Heflewtoher,
puthisclawroundhertinywaistandcarriedheroff,upontoatree.
PoorlittleThumbelina!Howfrightenedshewas!Howgrievedshewas,too,forhadshenotlosther
littlefriendthebutterfly?
Wouldheflyaway,shewondered,orwouldhersashholdhimfast?
Thecockchaferwascharmedwiththelittlemaiden.Heplacedhertenderlyonthelargestleafhecould
find.Hegatheredhoneyforherfromtheflowers,andasshesippedit,hesatnearandtoldherhow
beautifulshelooked.
Buttherewereotherchaferslivinginthetree,andwhentheycametoseelittleThumbelina,theysaid,
"Sheisnotprettyatall."
"Shehasonlytwolegs,"saidone.
"Shehasnofeelers,"saidanother.
[page252]
Somesaidshewastoothin,othersthatshewastoofat,andthentheyallbuzzedandhummedtogether,
"Howuglysheis,howuglysheis!"ButallthetimelittleThumbelinawastheprettiest,daintiestlittle
maidenthateverlived.
AndnowthecockchaferwhohadflownoffwithlittleThumbelinathoughthehadbeenratherfoolish
toadmireher.
Helookedatheragain."Pretty?No,afterallshewasnotverypretty."Hewouldhavenothingtodo
withher,andawayheandalltheotherchafersflew.OnlyfirsttheycarriedlittleThumbelinadown
fromthetreeandplacedheronadaisy.Sheweptbecauseshewassouglysouglythatthechafers
couldnotlivewithher.Butallthetime,youknow,shewastheprettiestlittlemaidenintheworld.
Shewaslivingallaloneinthewoodnow,butitwassummerandshecouldnotfeelsadorlonelywhile
thewarmgoldensunshinetouchedhersogently,whilethebirdssangtoher,andtheflowersbowedto
her.
Yes,littleThumbelinawashappy.Sheatehoneyfromtheflowers,anddrankdewoutofthegolden
buttercupsanddancedandsangthelivelongday.
265
Butsummerpassedawayandautumncame.Thebirdsbegantowhisperofflyingtowarmercountries,
andtheflowersbegantofadeandhangtheirheads,andasautumnpassedaway,wintercame,cold,
drearywinter.
Thumbelinashiveredwithcold.Herlittlefrockwasthinandold.Shewouldcertainlybefrozento
death,shethought,asshewrappedherselfupinawitheredleaf.
Thenthesnowbegantofall,andeachsnowflakeseemedtosmotherher.Shewassoverytiny.
Closetothewoodlayacornfield.Thebeautifulgoldengrainhadbeencarriedawaylongago,now
therewasonlydryshortstubble.ButtolittleThumbelinathestubblewaslikeagreatforest.
Shewalkedthroughthehardfield.Shewasshakingwithcold.Allatonceshesawalittledoorjust
beforeher.Shelookedagainyes,itwasadoor.
Thefieldmousehadmadealittlehouseunderthestubble,[page253]andlivedsocosilythere.She
hadabigroomfullofcorn,andshehadakitchenandpantryaswell.
"PerhapsIshallgetsomefoodhere,"thoughtthecoldandhungrylittlemaiden,asshestoodknocking
atthedoor,justlikeatinybeggarchild.Shehadhadnothingtoeatfortwolongdays.Oh,shewasvery
hungry!
"Whatatinythingyouare!"saidthefieldmouse,assheopenedthedoorandsawThumbelina."Come
inanddinewithme."
HowgladThumbelinawas,andhowsheenjoyeddiningwiththefieldmouse.
Shebehavedsoprettilythattheoldfieldmousetoldhershemightlivewithherwhilethecoldweather
lasted."Andyoushallkeepmyroomcleanandneat,andyoushalltellmestories,"sheadded.
ThatishowThumbelinacametolivewiththefieldmouseandtomeetMr.Mole.
"Weshallhaveavisitorsoon,"saidthefieldmouse."Myneighbor,Mr.Mole,comestoseemeevery
weekday.Hishouseisverylarge,andhewearsabeautifulcoatofblackvelvet.Unfortunately,heis
blind.Ifyoutellhimyourprettieststorieshemaymarryyou."
Nowthemolewasverywiseandveryclever,buthowcouldlittleThumbelinaevercareforhim?Why,
hedidnotlovethesun,northeflowers,andhelivedinahouseunderground.No,Thumbelinadidnot
wishtomarrythemole.
Howevershemustsingtohimwhenhecametovisithisneighborthefieldmouse.Whenshehadsung
"Ladybird,Ladybird,flyawayhome,"and"Boysandgirlscomeouttoplay,"themolewascharmed,
andthoughthewouldliketomarrythelittlemaidenwiththebeautifulvoice.
Thenhetriedtobeveryagreeable.HeinvitedthefieldmouseandThumbelinatowalkalongthe
undergroundpassagehehaddugbetweentheirhouses.Mr.Molewasveryfondofdigging
underground.
Asitwasdarkthemoletookapieceoftinderwoodinhismouthandledtheway.Thetinderwood
shonelikeatorchinthedarkpassage.
[page254]
Alittlebirdlayinthepassage,alittlebirdwhohadnotflownawaywhentheflowersfadedandthe
coldwindsblew.
266
Itwasdead,themolesaid.
Whenhereachedthebird,themolestoppedandpushedhisnoserightupthroughtheceilingtomakea
hole,throughwhichthedaylightmightshine.
Therelaytheswallow,hiswingspressedclosetohissideHislittleheadandlegsdrawninunderhis
feathers.Hehaddiedofcold.
"Poorlittleswallow!"thoughtThumbelina.Allwildbirdswereherfriends.Hadtheynotsungtoher
andflutteredroundherallthelonggladsummerdays?
Butthemolekickedtheswallowwithhisshortlegs."Thatonewillsingnomore,"hesaidroughly."It
mustbesadtobebornabirdandtobeableonlytosingandfly.Iamthankfulnoneofmychildrenwill
bebirds,"andheproudlysmootheddownhisvelvetcoat.
"Yes,"saidthefieldmouse;"whatcanabirddobutsing?Whenthecoldweathercomesitisuseless."
Thumbelinasaidnothing.Onlywhentheothersmovedon,shestoopeddownandstrokedthebird
gentlywithhertinyhand,andkisseditsclosedeyes.
Thatnightthelittlemaidencouldnotsleep."Iwillgotoseethepoorswallowagain,"shethought.
Shegotupoutofhertinybed.Shewovealittlecarpetoutofhay.Downthelongundergroundpassage
littleThumbelinawalked,carryingthecarpet.Shereachedthebirdatlast,andspreadthecarpetgently
roundhim.Shefetchedwarmcottonandlaiditoverthebird.
"Evendownonthecoldearthhewillbewarmnow,"thoughtthegentlelittlemaiden.
"Farewell,"shesaidsadly,"farewell,littlebird!Didyousingtomethroughthelongsummerdays,
whentheleavesweregreenandtheskywasblue?Farewell,littleswallow!"andshestoopedtopress
hertinycheeksagainstthesoftfeathers.
Asshedidso,sheheardwhatcoulditbe?Pit,pat,pit,pat!Couldthebirdbealive?Little
Thumbelinalistenedstill.Yes,itwasthebeatingofthelittlebird'sheartthatsheheard.[page255]He
hadnotbeendeadafterall,onlyfrozenwithcold.Thelittlecarpetandthecoveringthelittlemaidhad
broughtwarmedthebird.Hewouldgetwellnow.
WhatabigbirdheseemedtoThumbelina!Shewasalmostafraidnow,forshewassotiny.Shewas
tiny,butshewasbrave.Drawingthecoveringmorecloselyroundthepoorswallow,shebroughther
ownlittlepillow,thatthebird'sheadmightrestsoftly.
Thumbelinastoleoutagainthenextnight."Wouldtheswallowlookather,"shewondered.
Yes,heopenedhiseyes,andlookedatlittleThumbelina,whostoodtherewithatinytorchoftinder
wood.
"Thanks,thanks,littleThumbelina,"hetwitteredfeebly."SoonIshallgrowstrongandflyoutinthe
brightsunshineoncemore;thanks,thanks,littlemaiden."
"Oh!butitistoocold,itsnowsandfreezes,fornowitiswinter,"saidThumbelina."Stayhereandbe
warm,andIwilltakecareofyou,"andshebroughttheswallowwaterinaleaf.
Andthelittlebirdtoldherallhisstory,howhehadtriedtoflytothewarmcountries,andhowhehad
tornhiswingonablackthornbushandfallentotheground.Buthecouldnottellherhowhehadcome
totheundergroundpassage.
267
Allwintertheswallowstayedthere,andThumbelinawasofteninthelongpassage,withherlittletorch
oftinderwood.ButthemoleandthefieldmousedidnotknowhowThumbelinatendedandcaredfor
theswallow.
Atlastspringcame,andthesunsentitswarmthdownwheretheswallowlayintheunderground
passage.
LittleThumbelinaopenedtheholewhichthemolehadmadeintheceiling,andthesunshinestreamed
downontheswallowandthelittlegirl.
Howtheswallowlongedtosoaraway,upandup,tobelosttosightintheblue,bluesky!
"Comewithme,littleThumbelina,"saidtheswallow,"comewithmetotheblueskiesandthegreen
woods."
ButThumbelinarememberedhowkindthefieldmousehadbeentoherwhenshewascoldandhungry,
andshewouldnotleaveher.
[page256]
"Farewell!farewell!then,littlemaiden,"twitteredtheswallowasheflewoutandup,upintothe
sunshine.
Thumbelinalovedtheswallowdearly.Hereyeswerefulloftearsasshewatchedthebirddisappearing
tillhewasonlyatinyspeckofblack.
AndnowsaddayscametolittleThumbelina.
Thegoldencornwasoncemorewavinginthesunshineabovethehouseofthefieldmouse,but
Thumbelinamustnotgooutlestsheloseherselfamongthecorn.
Notgooutinthebrightsunshine!Oh,poorlittleThumbelina!
"Youmustgetyourweddingclothesreadythissummer,"saidthefieldmouse."Youmustbewell
providedwithlinenandworsted.Myneighborthemolewillwishawelldressedbride."
ThemolehadsaidhewishedtomarrylittleThumbelinabeforethecoldwintercameagain.
SoThumbelinasatatthespinningwheelthroughthelongsummerdays,spinningandweavingwith
fourlittlespiderstohelpher.
Intheeveningthemolecametovisither."Summerwillsoonbeover,"hesaid,"andweshallbe
married."
Butoh!littleThumbelinadidnotwishthesummertoend.
Livewiththedulloldmole,whohatedthesunshine,whowouldnotlistentothesongofthebirds
liveundergroundwithhim!LittleThumbelinawishedthesummerwouldneverend.
Thespinningandweavingwereovernow.Alltheweddingclotheswereready.Autumnwascome.
"Onlyfourweeksandtheweddingdaywillhavecome,"saidthefieldmouse.
AndlittleThumbelinawept.
268
"Iwillnotmarrythetiresomeoldmole,"shesaid.
"Ishallbiteyouwithmywhitetoothifyoutalksuchnonsense,"saidthefieldmouse."Amongallmy
friendsnotoneofthemhassuchafinevelvetcoatasthemole.Hiscellarsarefullandhisroomsare
large.Yououghttobegladtomarrysowell,"sheended.
"Wastherenoescapefromtheundergroundhome?"littleThumbelinawondered.
[page257]
Theweddingdaycame.Themolearrivedtofetchhislittlebride.
Howcouldshesaygoodbyforevertothebeautifulsunshine?
"Farewell,farewell!"shecried,andwavedherlittlehandstowardstheglorioussun.
"Farewell,farewell!"shecried,andthrewhertinyarmsroundalittleredflowergrowingatherfeet.
"Tellthedearswallow,whenhecomesagain,"shewhisperedtotheflower,"tellhimIwillnever
forgethim."
"Tweet,tweet!"whatwasthatThumbelinaheard?"Tweet,tweet!"Coulditbetheswallow?
Theflutterofwingswasroundher.LittleThumbelinalooked.Howgladshewas,forthere,indeed,
wasthelittlebirdshehadtendedandcaredforsolong.Shetoldhim,weeping,shemustnotstay.She
mustmarrythemoleandliveunderground,andneverseethesun,theglorioussun.
"Comewithme,comewithme,littleThumbelina,"twitteredtheswallow."Youcansitonmyback,
andIwillflywithyoutowarmercountries,farfromthetiresomeoldmole.Overmountainsandseas
wewillflytothecountrywherethesummerneverends,andthesunlightalwaysshines."
ThenlittleThumbelinaseatedherselfonherdearswallow'sback,andputhertinyfeetonhis
outstretchedwing.Shetiedherselffirmlywithherlittlesashtothestrongestfeatherofthebird.
Andtheswallowsoaredhighintotheair.Highaboveforestsandlakes,highabovethebigmountains
thatwerecrestedwithsnow,hesoared.
AndlittleThumbelinashiveredasshefeltthecoldair,butsoonshecreptunderthebird'swarm
feathers,andonlypushedoutherlittleheadtoseethebeautyallaroundher.
Theyhadreachedthewarmcountriesnow.Thesunwasmorebrillianthere,theflowersmoreradiant.
Onandonflewtheswallow,tillhecametoawhitemarblepalace.Halfruineditwas,andvineleaves
trailedupthelongslenderpillars.Andamongthebroad,greenleavesmanyaswallowhadbuilthis
nest,andoneofthesenestsbelongedtoThumbelina'slittleswallow.
[page258]
"Thisismyhome,"saidthebird,"butyoushallliveinoneofthesebrilliantflowers,intheloveliestof
themall'."
AndlittleThumbelinaclappedherhandswithjoy.
269
Theswallowflewwithhertoastatelysunflower,andsethercarefullyononeofthebroadyellow
petals.
Butthink,whatwashersurprise!IntheveryheartoftheflowerstoodalittlePrince,fairand
transparentascrystal.Onhisheadheworeacrownofgold,onhisshouldersapairofdelicatewings,
andhewassmall,everybitassmallasThumbelina.Hewasthespiritoftheflower.
Foryouknowineachflowerthereisaspirit,atinylittleboyorgirl,butthislittlePrincewasKingof
alltheflowerspirits.
ThelittleKingthoughtThumbelinatheloveliestmaidenhehadeverseen.Hetookoffhisgolden
crownandplaceditonthetinyheadofthelittlemaid,andinasilveryvoiceheasked,"Willyoubemy
bride,littleThumbelina,andreignwithmeovertheflowerspirits?"
HowgladThumbelinawas!
ThelittleKingwishedtomarryher.Yes,shewouldbehislittleQueen.
Thenoutofeachblossomsteppedtinylittlechildren.Theycametopaytheirhomagetolittle
Thumbelina.
Eachonebroughtherapresent,andthemostbeautifulofallthepresentswasapairofwings,delicate
asgossamer.AndwhentheywerefastenedontheshouldersofthelittleQueen,shecouldflyfrom
flowertoflower.
Andtheswallowsatonhisnestabove,andsanghissweetestbridalsongfortheweddingoflittle
Thumbelina.
THETINDERBOX
A
STORYaboutatinderbox?Yes,butthenitwassuchawonderfulone!Why,itmustcertainlyhave
beenamagicbox!
Itbelongedtoanoldwitch,thistinderbox,butithadbeen[page259]leftrightdowninsideatreeby
theuglyoldwitch'sgrandmother.Butgetitagainshemust,forsheknewitreallywasamagictinder
box.
Buthowcouldshegetit?
Ah!herewasherchance.
Tramp,tramp;right,left,right,left.Sheheardthestepscomenearerandnearer.Shelooked!Therewas
asoldiercomingalong;tramp,tramp.
270
Shecouldseehimnow,withaknapsackonhisback,andhisswordathisside.
Thesoldierhadbeentothewarsandwascominghome.
"Goodevening,"saidthewitch,ashecameclosetoher."Goodevening;whatabrightswordyouwear,
andwhatabigknapsack!Youshallhaveasmuchmoneyasyouwishforyourself!"
"Thankyou,oldwitch,"saidthesoldier.Buthedidnottellherthatshedidnotlookasthoughshehad
muchmoneytospare.Hewastoowisetosayanythingbut,"Thankyou,oldwitch."
"Doyouseethatbigtree?"shesaid,andshepointedtoonethatstoodclosebythewayside."Itis
hollowinside.Climbuptothetop,andyouwillseeahole.Itislarge.Youmustcreepthroughitand
letyourselfdown,rightdownunderthetree.Tiearoperoundyourwaist,andIwillhaulyouupagain
whenyoucall."
"ButwhatamItodounderthetree?"askedthesoldier.
"Whatareyoutodo?Why,didInottellyouyoushouldhavemoney.Itisthere,underthetree,copper,
silver,gold.Gold!"criedthewitch,inaroughandeagervoice."Whenyoucometothebottomofthe
treethereisalargepassage.Itisquitelight,indeeditisablazewithlight.Morethanahundredlamps
areburning.Thereyouwillseethreedoors.Thekeysareinthekeyholes.Unlockthedoorsandwalk
in.Inthefirstroominthemiddleofthefloor,isabigbox.Onthetopofitsitsadog.Hehasbigeyes,
theyareasbigassaucers,butdonotletthattroubleyou.Youshallhavemybluecheckedapron.
Spreaditonthefloor.Goforwardquickly,seizethedogandplacehimonit.Afterthatisdone,you
canopenthe[page260]box,andtakeoutasmuchmoneyasyouwish.Itistruetheboxholdsonly
coppercoins,butifyouwouldratherhavesilver,justwalkintothenextroom.Theresitsanotherdog,
onanotherbox,withbigeyes,eyesasbigasoh,asbigasmillwheels,butnevermindthat.Placethe
dogonmyapron,thenopentheboxandtakeasmuchsilverasyouwish.Butifyouwouldratherhave
gold,why,thenopenthethirddoor.Thereyouwillseeanotherdog,sittingonanotherbox.Thisoneis
tremendous,quitegigantic,andhehaseyes,oh!suchgreat,rollingeyes!Theyareaslargeasthe
RoundTower.Heisadogindeed,butdonotletthattroubleyou.Placehimonmybluecheckedapron
andhewillnothurtyou.Thentakegold,asmuchgoldaseveryouwish."
"Splendid!"saidthesoldier.Youseehehadbeentothewarsandwasabraveman."Splendid!But
whatamItogiveyou,oldwitch?Youwillwishsomething,Iamquitecertainofthat."
"No,"saidthewitch:"Idonotwishonesinglecoin.ButIdowishmyoldtinderbox.Mygrandmother
leftitbehindher,thelasttimeshewentdownthetree."
"Well,tietheroperoundmywaist,"saidthesoldier.
"Hereitis,"saidthewitch,"andhereismybluecheckedapron.Itisveryimportant."
Upthetreeclimbedthesoldier,intothetreehecreptthroughtheholeatthetop,anddown,downthe
hollowinsideheslipped,andtherehewas,inawidepassage,lighted,asthewitchhadsaid,bya
hundredburninglamps.
Thesoldierunlockedthefirstdoorhesaw.Theresatthedogwitheyesasbigassaucers,staringathim
ingreatsurprise.
"Imustobeymyorders,"thoughtthesoldier.
Heplacedthewitch'saprononthefloor,seizedthedogbravely,andplacedhimontheapron.
271
Thenheopenedthebox.Itwasfullofcoppercoins.Hecrammedasmanyashecouldintohispocket,
shutthelid,placedthedogagainonthebox,andpassedontotheseconddoor.
Heunlockedit.Yes!theresatanotherdogonanotherbox,withgreateyes,asbigasmillwheels.
"Ifyoustareatmesohard,youwillhurtyoureyes,"said[page261]thesoldier,andthoughtwhata
jokehehadmade.Thenheseizedthedog,placeditonthewitch'sapron,andraisedthelidofthe
secondbox.
Silver,everycoinwassilver!Thesoldierthrewawayallhiscoppercoinsinagreathurry.Hemust
havesilver.Hestuffedhispocketsandhisknapsackwiththesilvercoins,andclappedhishands.He
wasrichnow.
Onhewenttothethirdroom.Heunlockedit.Thereindeedwasanotherboxandanotherdog,andoh,
horrible!thesoldieralmostshuthiseyes.Thedoghadeyes,greatbigrollingeyes,eyesaslargeasthe
RoundTower.Andtheywouldnotkeepstill.No,roundandroundtheyrolled.
Butthesoldierwasbrave;hehadbeentothewars.
"Goodevening,"hesaid,andheliftedhishatrespectfully,forneverbeforeinallhislife,hadheseen
sobig,soenormousacreature.
Thenhewalkedstraightuptothedog.Couldhelifthim?Yes,hetooktheimmenseanimalinhisarms,
sethimonthewitch'sapron,andopenedthethirdbox.
Gold!Itwasfullofgold.Hewouldbeabletobuythewholetown,andallthesugarplums,andallthe
tinsoldiers,andalltherockinghorsesandwhipsintheworld.
Thesoldierwasdelighted.Hethrewawayhissilvermoney.Silver!Hedidnotwantsilver.Herewas
gold,gold!
Hefilledhispocketsandhisknapsack,buthecouldnotbeartostopthere.No,hecrammedhiscapand
hisbootssofullthathecouldhardlywalk.Hewasreallyrichatlast.Heshutthelid,placedthedog
againonthebox,andwentoutoftheroom,alongthepassage.
Thenheshoutedupthetree,"Halloo,oldwitch!haulmeupagain."
"Haveyougotthetinderbox?"saidthewitch.
"Oh,thatIhadquiteforgotten,"answeredthesoldier,andbackhewenttofetchit.
Whenhecamebackthewitchtooktheropeandhauledandhauled,tilltherewasthesoldier,once
more,safeonthehighroad,justashewasbefore,onlynowhewasrich,sorichthathehadbecome
verybold.
[page262]
Hehadgoldinhispockets,goldinhisknapsack,goldinhiscap,goldinhisboots.
"Whatareyougoingtodowiththetinderbox,justtellmethat?"saidthesoldier.
"Thatisnobusinessofyours,"saidthewitch."Youhavethegold,givemethetinderbox!"
272
"Rubbish!"saidthesoldier.Hehadgrownrudeaswellasrich,yousee."Rubbishtakeyourchoice
tellmeatoncewhatyoumeantodowiththetinkerbox,orIwilldrawmyswordandcutoffyour
head."
"Iwon'ttellyou,"screamedthewitch.
Thenthesoldiercutoffherhead,andthepoorwitchlaytheredead.Butthesoldierdidnotstaytolook
ather.Inagreathurryhetookallhisgoldandtieditupinthebluecheckedapron.
Heslungitacrosshisshoulder,putthetinderboxinhispocket,andmarchedofftotown.
Howgrandhefelt!Whatheapsofgoldhehadinhisbundle!
Whenthesoldierreachedthetownhewalkedstraighttothefinesthotel,andaskedforthebestrooms,
andfordinnerorderedallhisfavoritepuddingsandfruits.
Theservantwhocleanedhisbootstossedherhead."Shabbybootsforarichmantowear,"shesaid.
Butnextdaythesoldierhadboughthimselfverygrandnewboots,andgayclothing,sothatnoone
couldpossiblycallhimshabby.
Shabby!No,hewasagreatmannow,andpeoplecrowdedroundthisrichfellow,toldhimallthe
sightsthereweretobeseenintheircity,allabouttheirKingtoo,andthebeautifulPrincess,his
daughter.
"Ishouldliketoseeher,thiswonderfulPrincess,"saidthesoldier.
"Butyoucannotseeher,"theytoldhim."Shelives,thebeautifulPrincess,inagreatcoppercastle,with
wallsandtowersallround.OnlytheKingvisitsherthere,foritwasonceforetoldthatshewouldmarry
acommonsoldier,andthatourKingdoesnotwish."
[page263]
"Imustseeheronce,justonce,"thoughtthesoldier.Buthowwashegoingtofindthewayintothe
castle,thatwasthequestion?
Meanwhileheledamerrylife.HedroveaboutintheKing'sPark;hewenttothetheater;hegave
moneytothepoor,becauseherememberedhowmiserableitwastohavenomoneyinhisownpocket.
Thesoldierwasalwaysgailydressednow.Hehadagreatmanyfriendswhosaidhewasareal
gentleman,andthatpleasedhimverymuch.
Andsohewentondayafterday,spendingmoneyandgivingmoney,butgettingnone,tillatlastthe
goldcametoanend.Hehadonlytwocoppercoinsleft:hewasonlyapoorsoldieroncemore.
Leavingthegrandhotelhewenttoliveinasmallroom.Hefoundatinyattic,justunderaroof,up,oh!
somanystairs.Herehelived,mendinghisownclothes,brushinghisownboots.Hehadnovisitors,for
hisgrandfriendswouldnottakethetroubletowalkupsomanystairstohislittleattic.
Hungry?Yes,hewashungrytoo,andashehadnomoneytobuyevenafarthingcandle,hehadtosit
aloneinthedark.
Oneeveninghesuddenlythoughtofthewitch'stinderbox.Surelyinittherewerematches.
273
Thesoldieropenediteagerly.Yes,therelaythematches.Heseizedoneandstruckitonthetinderbox.
Nosoonerhadhedonethis,thanthedoorburstsuddenlyopen,andthere,there,staringathim,stood
thedogwitheyesasbigassaucers.
"Whatdoesmymastercommand?"askedthedog.
"Nowondertheoldwitchwishedthetinderboxforherveryown,"thoughtthesoldier.Aloudhesaid
tothedog,"Fetchmesomemoney,"andthedoginstantlyvanishedtodohismaster'sbidding.
Hewasbackinamoment,andlo!inhismouthwasabigbag,fullofpennies.
"Why,thisisamagicbox,"saidthesoldier."Ihaveatreasureindeed."Andsohehad,forlisten!Strike
theboxonce,thedogwitheyesaslargeassaucersappeared.Strikeit[page264]twiceandthedog
witheyesasbigasmillwheelsappeared.Strikeitthriceandthereappearedthemonsterdogwitheyes
thatrolledroundandroundandwereaslargeastheRoundToweritself.Allthreedogsdidthesoldier's
bidding.
Nowthesoldiercouldhavegoldagain.Goldasmuchaseverhewished.
Hemovedoncemoretothegrandroomsinthefinehotel.Hehadgayclothesagain;andnow,
strangelyenough,allhisfriendscametoseehimandlikedhimasmuchasever.
Oneeveningthesoldier'sthoughtswanderedawaytothebeautifulPrincess,thebeautifulPrincesswho
wasshutupsosafelyinthegreatcopperpalace.
"ItisridiculousthatnooneseesthePrincess,"thoughtthesoldier."Iwanttoseeher,andIshall."
Hepulledouthistinderbox,struckalight,andlo!therestoodthedogwitheyesaslargeassaucers.
"Itisthemiddleofthenight,"saidthesoldier,"butImustseethePrincess,ifitisonlyforamoment."
Thedogboundedoutofthedoor,andbeforethesoldierhadtimetowonderwhathewoulddoorsayif
thebeautifulPrincessreallyappeared,thereshewas.
Yes,thereshewas,fastasleeponthedog'sback.Shewasbeautiful,sobeautifulthatthesoldierwas
quitesurethatshewasarealPrincess.Hestoopedandkissedherhand.Shewassobeautifulhecould
nothelpit.Thenoffranthedog,backtothecopperpalacewiththePrincess.
"Ihadsuchastrangedreamlastnight,"thePrincesstoldtheKingandQueenatbreakfastnext
morning."Idreamedthatanenormousdogcameandcarriedmeofftoasoldier,andthesoldierkissed
myhand.Itwasastrangedream,"shemurmured.
"ThePrincessmustnotbeleftalonetonight,"saidtheQueen."Shemaybefrightenedifshedreams
again."AndshetoldanolddamewholivedatcourttositinthePrincess'sroomatnight.
ButwhatwouldtheQueenhavesaidifshehadknownthatwhatthePrincesstoldthemwasnodream,
butsomethingthathadreallyandtrulyhappened?
[page265]
Well,thateveningthesoldierthoughthewouldliketoseethePrincessagain.
Hestruckalight,andtherestoodoneofhisobedientdogs.
274
"BringthePrincess,"orderedthesoldier,andthedogvanishedtodohismaster'swill.
TheolddamesatbesidethePrincess'sbed.ShehadheardallaboutthePrincess'sdream.
"Wasshedreamingherselfnow?"shewondered.Shepinchedherself.No,shewaswideawake,yet
shesawadog,arealdogwitheyesaslargeassaucers,infrontofher.
ThedogseizedthePrincess,andranoff;butalthoughheranveryquickly,theolddamefoundtimeto
putonhergoloshesbeforeshefollowed.
Howshepantedalong!Howsheran,thefaithfulolddame!ShewasjustintimetoseethePrincesson
thedog'sbackdisappearintoalargehouse.
"Ishallmarkthehouse,sothatImayknowitinthemorning,"shethought.Andshetookapieceof
whitechalkandmadeagreatwhitecrossonthedoor.
Thenshewalkedhomeandslept.
SoonafterwardsthedogcarriedthePrincessbacktothecopperpalace,andnoticedthegreatwhite
crossonthedoorofthehotelwherehismasterlived.
Andwhatdoyouthinkhedid?Oh,hewasawisedog.Hetookapieceofchalk,andheputagreat
whitecrossoneverydoorinthetown.
EarlynextmorningtheKingandQueenandallthelordsandladiesofthecourtwereastir.Theyhad
heardtheolddame'sstory,andweregoingtoseethehousewiththegreatwhitecross.
Theyhadscarcelystarted,whentheKing'seyesfellonagreatwhitecross!"Hereitis,"criedtheKing
eagerly.
"Whatnonsenseyoutalk,mydear!itishere,"saidtheQueen,foralmostatthesamemomentshetoo
hadseenadoorwithagreatwhitecross.
Thenallthelordsandladiescried:"Itishere,itishere,"asoneafteranothertheysawdoorsmarked
withgreatwhitecrosses.Thehubbubwasterrible,andthepoorolddamewasquitebewildered.How
couldshetellwhichdoorshehadmarked?It[page266]wasquiteuseless.Thedoghadperplexed
everybody,andtheywentbacktothecopperpalaceknowingnomorethanwhentheyleftit.
ButtheQueenwasacleverwoman.Shecoulddomorethanjustsitveryproperlyonathrone.
Thesameevening,shetookherbiggoldscissorsandcutupalargepieceofsilkintosmallpieces.
Theseshesewedtogetherintoaprettylittlebag.Thenshefilledthebagwiththefinestgrainsofwheat.
WithherownhandsshetiedthebagroundthePrincess'swaist,afterwhichshetookhergoldscissors
againandcutatinylittleholeinthebag,aholejustbigenoughtoletthegrainsofwheatdropout
wheneverthePrincessmoved.
ThatnightthedogcameagainandcarriedthePrincessofftothesoldier,andthesoldierwishedhe
wereaPrince,forthenhewouldmarrythisbeautifulPrincess.
Nowalthoughthedoghadverybigeyes,eyesaslargeassaucers,hedidnotnoticethetinygrainsof
wheatastheydroppedoutallalongtheroadfromthepalacetothesoldier'swindow.Underthe
windowthedogstoppedandclimbedupthewallwiththePrincess,intothesoldier'sroom.
ThenextmorningtheKingandQueenfollowedthelittlegrainsofwheatandveryeasilyfoundout
wherethePrincesshadbeen.
275
Thenthesoldierwasseizedandputintoprison.
Oh,howdarkandtiresomeitwas!Butitwasworsethanthatoneday,whentheytoldhimhewastobe
hanged,"hangedtomorrow,"theytoldhim.
Whatafrightthesoldierwasin,and,worstofall,hehadlefthistinderboxatthehotel.
Morningcame!Throughthenarrowbarsofhislittlewindowthesoldiercouldseethepeopleall
hurryingoutoftown.Theyweregoingtoseehimhanged.
Heheardthedrums,hesawthesoldiersmarchingalong.Hewishedheweremarchingwiththem.Alas,
alas!thatcouldneverbenow
Alittleshoemaker'sapprentice,withaleatherapron,camerunningalong.Hewasinsuchahurrythat
helostoneofhisslippers.Itfellcloseunderthesoldier'swindow,ashesatpeeringoutthroughthe
narrowbars.
[page267]
Thesoldiercalledtotheboy,"Thereisnohurry,forIamstillhere.NothingwillhappentillIgo.Iwill
giveyoutwopenceifyouwillruntothehousewhereIusedtoliveandfetchmemytinderbox.You
mustrunalltheway."
Theshoemaker'sboythoughthewouldliketoearntwopence,andoffheracedtobringthetinderbox.
Hefoundit."Auselesslittlebox,"hesaidtohimself,butbackheracedwithittothesoldier;andthen
whatdoyouthinkhappened?
Outsidethetownthescaffoldhadbeenraised,thesoldiersweredrawnuproundit,aswellascrowdsof
people.
TheKingandQueenweretheretoo,seatedonamagnificentthrone,exactlyoppositethejudgesand
councilors.
Theropewasbeingputroundthesoldier'sneck,whenheturnedtotheKingandQueenandearnestly
entreatedonelastfavoronlytobeallowedtosmokeonepipeoftobacco.
Whataharmlessrequest!HowcouldtheKingrefusesoharmlessarequest?
"Yes,"saidhisMajesty,"youmaysmokeonepipeoftobacco."
Thesoldiertookouthistinderbox,struckamatch,once,twice,thrice,andlo!therebeforehimstood
thethreeenormousdogs,waitinghiscommands.
"Helpme,"shoutedthesoldier;"donotletmebehanged."
Atoncethethreeterribledogsrushedatthejudgesandcouncilors,tossedthemhighintotheair,sothat
astheyfelltheywerebrokenintopieces.
TheKingbegantospeak;perhapshewasgoingtoforgivethesoldier,butnooneknowswhathewas
goingtosay,forthebiggestdoggavehimnotimetofinishhissentence.
HerushedattheKingandQueen,flungthemhighintotheair,sothatwhentheyfelldown,theytoo
werebrokenalltopieces.
276
Thenthesoldiersandthepeople,whowereallterriblyfrightened,shoutedinagreathurry,"Brave
soldier,youshallbeourKing,andthebeautifulPrincessshallbeourQueen!"
Andwhiletheyledthesoldiertotheroyalcarriagethegreatbigdogsboundedalonginfront.
[page268]
Littleboyswhistledgaily,andtheguardspresentedarms.
ThenthePrincesswassentfor,andmadeQueen,whichshelikedmuchbetterthanlivingshutupina
copperpalace.Andtheweddingfeastlastedforeightwholedays,andthethreemonsterwizarddogs
satatthetable,staringaroundthemwithalltheireyes.
BOOTSANDHISBROTHERS
BYGEORGEWEBBEDASENT
O
NCEonatimetherewasamanwhohadthreesons,Peter,Paul,andJohn.JohnwasBoots,ofcourse,
becausehewastheyoungest.Ican'tsaythemanhadanythingmorethanthesethreesons,forhehadn't
onepennytorubagainstanother;andsohetoldhissonsoverandoveragaintheymustgooutintothe
worldandtrytoearntheirbread,forthereathometherewasnothingtobelookedforbutstarvingto
death.
Now,neartheman'scottagewastheKing'spalace,and,youmustknow,justagainsttheKing's
windowsagreatoakhadsprungup,whichwassostoutandbigthatittookawayallthelightfromthe
King'spalace.TheKinghadsaidhewouldgivemany,manydollarstothemanwhocouldfelltheoak,
butnoonewasmanenoughforthat,forassoonaseveronechipoftheoak'strunkflewoff,twogrew
initsstead.Awell,too,theKingwouldhavedug,whichwastoholdwaterforthewholeyear;forall
hisneighborshadwells,buthehadn'tany,andthathethoughtashame.SotheKingsaidhewouldgive
toanyonewhocoulddighimsuchawellaswouldholdwaterforawholeyearround,bothmoneyand
goods;butnoonecoulddoit,fortheKing'spalacelayhigh,highuponahill,andtheyhaddugonlya
fewinchesbeforetheycameuponthelivingrock.
ButastheKinghadsethisheartonhavingthesetwo[page269]thingsdone,hehaditgivenoutfar
andwide,inallthechurchesofhiskingdom,thathewhocouldfellthebigoakintheKing'scourtyard,
andgethimawellthatwouldholdwaterthewholeyearround,shouldhavethePrincessandhalfthe
kingdom.Well,youmayeasilyknowtherewasmanyamanwhocametotryhisluck;butforalltheir
hackingandhewing,andalltheirdigginganddelving,itwasnogood.Theoakgotbiggerandstouter
ateverystroke,andtherockdidn'tgetsofter,either.Soonedaythosethreebrothersthoughtthey'dset
offandtrytoo,andtheirfatherhadn'tawordagainstit;foreveniftheydidn'tgetthePrincessandhalf
thekingdom,itmighthappentheymightgetaplacesomewherewithagoodmaster;andthatwasall
hewanted.Sowhenthebrotherssaidtheythoughtofgoingtothepalace,theirfathersaid"yes"at
once.SoPeter,Paul,andJackwentofffromtheirhome.
Well,theyhadn'tgonefarbeforetheycametoafirwood,andupalongonesideofitroseasteep
hillside,andastheywent,theyheardsomethinghewingandhackingawayuponthehillamongthe
trees.
277
"Iwonder,now,whatitisthatishewingawayupyonder,"saidJack.
"You'realwayssocleverwithyourwonderings,"saidPeterandPaulbothatonce."Whatwonderisit,
pray,thatawoodcuttershouldstandandhackuponahillside?"
"Still,I'dliketoseewhatitis,afterall,"saidJack;anduphewent.
"Oh,ifyou'resuchachild,'twilldoyougoodtogoandtakealesson,"bawledouthisbrothersafter
him.
ButJackdidn'tcareforwhattheysaid;heclimbedthesteephillsidetowardswherethenoisecame,and
whenhereachedtheplace,whatdoyouthinkhesaw?Why,anaxethatstoodtherehackingand
hewing,allofitself,atthetrunkofafir.
"Goodday!"saidJack."Soyoustandhereallaloneandhew,doyou?"
"Yes;hereI'vestoodandhewedandhackedalong,longtime,waitingforyou,"saidtheAxe.
[page270]
"Well,hereIamatlast,"saidJack,ashetooktheaxe,pulleditoffitshandle,andstuffedbothhead
andhandleintohiswallet.
Sowhenhegotdownagaintohisbrothers,theybegantojeerandlaughathim.
"Andnow,whatfunnythingwasityousawupyonderonthehillside?"theysaid.
"Oh,itwasonlyanaxeweheard,"saidJack.
Sowhentheyhadgoneabitfarther,theycameunderasteepspurofrock,anduptheretheyheard
somethingdiggingandshoveling.
"Iwondernow,"saidJack,"whatitisdiggingandshovelingupyonderatthetopoftherock."
"Ah,you'realwayssocleverwithyourwonderings,"saidPeterandPaulagain;"asifyou'dneverheard
awoodpeckerhackingandpeckingatahollowtree."
"Well,well,"saidJack,"Ithinkitwouldbeapieceoffunjusttoseewhatitreallyis."
Andsooffhesettoclimbtherock,whiletheotherslaughedandmadegameofhim.Buthedidn'tcare
abitforthat;upheclimbed,andwhenhegotnearthetop,whatdoyouthinkhesaw?Why,aspade
thatstoodtheredigginganddelving.
"Goodday!"saidJack."Soyoustandhereallalone,anddiganddelve!"
"Yes,that'swhatIdo,"saidtheSpade,"andthat'swhatI'vedonethismanyalongday,waitingfor
you."
"Well,hereIam,"saidJackagain,ashetookthespadeandknockeditoffitshandle,andputitintohis
wallet,andthendownagaintohisbrothers.
"Well,whatwasit,sorareandstrange,"saidPeterandPaul,"thatyousawupthereatthetopofthe
rock?"
278
"Oh,"saidJack,"nothingmorethanaspade;thatwaswhatweheard."
Sotheywentonagainagoodbit,tilltheycametoabrook.Theywerethirsty,allthree,aftertheirlong
walk,andsotheylaydownbesidethebrooktohaveadrink.
"Iwondernow,"saidJack,"whereallthiswatercomesfrom."
[page271]
"Iwonderifyou'rerightinyourhead,"saidPeterandPaulinonebreath."Ifyou'renotmadalready,
you'llgomadverysoon,withyourwonderings.Wherethebrookcomesfrom,indeed!Haveyounever
heardhowwaterrisesfromaspringintheearth?"
"Yes;butstillI'veagreatfancytoseewherethisbrookcomesfrom,"saidJack.
Soupalongsidethebrookhewent,inspiteofallthathisbrothersbawledafterhim.Nothingcouldstop
him.Onhewent.So,ashewentupandup,thebrookgotsmallerandsmaller,andatlast,alittleway
fartheron,whatdoyouthinkhesaw?Why,agreatwalnut,andoutofthatthewatertrickled.
"Goodday!"saidJackagain;"Soyouliehere,andtrickleandrundownallalone?"
"Yes,Ido,"saidtheWalnut;"andherehaveItrickledandrunthismanyalongday,waitingforyou."
"Well,hereIam,"saidJack,ashetookupalumpofmoss,andpluggedupthehole,thatthewater
mightn'trunout.Thenheputthewalnutintohiswallet,andrandowntohisbrothers.
"Well,now,"saidPeterandPaul,"haveyoufoundoutwherethewatercomesfrom?Araresightit
musthavebeen!"
"Oh,afterall,itwasonlyaholeitranoutof,"saidJack;andsotheotherslaughedandmadegameof
himagain,butJackdidn'tmindthatabit.
"Afterall,Ihadthefunofseeingit,"saidhe.
SowhentheyhadgoneabitfarthertheycametotheKing'spalace;butaseveryoneinthekingdom
hadheardhowtheymightwinthePrincessandhalftherealm,iftheycouldonlyfellthebigoakand
digtheKing'swell,somanyhadcometotrytheirluckthattheoakwasnowtwiceasstoutandbigasit
hadbeenatfirst,fortwochipsgrewforeveryonetheyhewedoutwiththeiraxes,asIdaresayyouall
bearinmind.SotheKinghadnowlaiditdownasapunishmentthatifanyonetriedandcouldn'tfell
theoak,heshouldbeputonabarrenisland,andbothhisearsweretobeclippedoff.Butthetwo
brothersdidn'tletthemselvesbescaredbythat;theywerequitesuretheycouldfelltheoak,andPeter,
ashewaseldest,wastotryhishandfirst;butitwentwithhimaswithalltherestwhohad[page272]
hewnattheoak;foreverychiphecutout,twogrewinitsplace.SotheKing'smenseizedhim,and
clippedoffbothhisears,andputhimoutontheisland.
NowPaul,hewastotryhisluck,buthefaredjustthesame;whenhehadhewntwoorthreestrokes,
theybegantoseetheoakgrow,andsotheKing'smenseizedhimtoo,andclippedhisears,andputhim
outontheisland;andhisearstheyclippedcloser,becausetheysaidheoughttohavetakenalesson
fromhisbrother.
SonowJackwastotry.
"Ifyouwilllooklikeamarkedsheep,we'requitereadytoclipyourearsatonce,andthenyou'llsave
yourselfsomebother,"saidtheKing,forhewasangrywithhimforhisbrothers'sake.
279
"Well,I'dliketojusttryfirst,"saidJack,andsohegotleave.Thenhetookhisaxeoutofhiswallet
andfittedittoitshandle.
"Hewaway!"saidhetohisaxe;andawayithewed,makingthechipsflyagain,sothatitwasn'tlong
beforedowncametheoak.
Whenthatwasdone,Jackpulledouthisspade,andfittedittoitshandle.
"Digaway!"saidhetothespade;andsothespadebegantodiganddelvetilltheearthandrockflew
outinsplinters,andsohehadthewellsoondugout,youmaythink.
Andwhenhehadgotitasbiganddeepashechose,Jacktookouthiswalnutandlaiditinonecorner
ofthewell,andpulledtheplugofmossout.
"Trickleandrun,"saidJack,andsothenuttrickledandran,tillthewatergushedoutoftheholeina
stream,andinashorttimethewellwasbrimful.
ThenJackhadfelledtheoakwhichshadedtheKing'spalace,anddugawellinthepalaceyard,andso
hegotthePrincessandhalfthekingdom,astheKinghadsaid;butitwasluckyforPeterandPaulthat
theyhadlosttheirears,elsetheyhadheardeachhouranddayhoweveryonesaid,"Well,afterall,Jack
wasn'tsomuchoutofhismindwhenhetooktowondering."
[page273]
THEHUSBANDWHOWASTOMINDTHE
HOUSE
BYGEORGEWEBBEDASENT
O
NCEonatimetherewasamansosurlyandcrossheneverthoughthiswifedidanythingrightinthe
house.Sooneevening,inhaymakingtime,hecamehome,scoldingandswearing,andshowinghis
teethandmakingadust.
"Dearlove,don'tbesoangry;there'sagoodman,"saidhisgoody;"tomorrowlet'schangeourwork.
I'llgooutwiththemowersandmow,andyoushallmindthehouseathome."
Yes,thehusbandthoughtthatwoulddoverywell.Hewasquitewilling,hesaid.
So,earlynextmorning,hisgoodytookascytheoverherneck,andwentoutintothehayfieldwiththe
mowersandbegantomow;butthemanwastomindthehouse,anddotheworkathome.
Firstofallhewantedtochurnthebutter;butwhenhehadchurnedawhilehegotthirsty,andwent
downtothecellartotapabarrelofale.So,justwhenhehadknockedinthebung,andwasputtingthe
tapintothecask,heheardoverheadthepigcomeintothekitchen.Thenoffheranupthecellarsteps,
withthetapinhishand,asfastashecould,tolookafterthepig,lestitshouldupsetthechurn;but
whenhegotup,andsawthepighadalreadyknockedthechurnover,andstoodthere,routingand
gruntingamongstthecreamwhichwasrunningalloverthefloor,hegotsowildwithragethathequite
280
forgotthealebarrel,andranatthepigashardashecould.Hecaughtit,too,justasitranoutofdoors,
andgaveitsuchakickthatpiggylayfordeadonthespot.Thenallatonceherememberedhehadthe
tapinhishand;butwhenhegotdowntothecellar,everydropofalehadrunoutofthecask.
Thenhewentintothedairyandfoundenoughcreamlefttofillthechurnagain,andsohebeganto
churn,forbuttertheymusthaveatdinner.Whenhehadchurnedabit,he[page274]rememberedthat
theirmilkingcowwasstillshutupinthestable,andhadn'thadabittoeatoradroptodrinkallthe
morning,thoughthesunwashigh.Thenallatoncehethought'twastoofartotakeherdowntothe
meadow,sohe'djustgetheruponthehousetopforthehouse,youmustknow,wasthatchedwith
sods,andafinecropofgrasswasgrowingthere.Nowtheirhouselaycloseupagainstasteepdown,
andhethoughtifhelaidaplankacrosstothethatchatthebackhe'deasilygetthecowup.
Butstillhecouldn'tleavethechurn,fortherewashislittlebabecrawlingaboutonthefloor,and"ifI
leaveit,"hethought,"thechildissuretoupsetit."Sohetookthechurnonhisback,andwentoutwith
it;butthenhethoughthe'dbetterfirstwaterthecowbeforeheturnedheroutonthethatch;sohetook
upabuckettodrawwateroutofthewell;but,ashestoopeddownatthewell'sbrink,allthecreamran
outofthechurnoverhisshoulders,andsodownintothewell.
Nowitwasneardinnertime,andhehadn'tevengotthebutteryet;sohethoughthe'dbestboilthe
porridge,andfilledthepotwithwater,andhungitoverthefire.Whenhehaddonethat,hethoughtthe
cowmightperhapsfalloffthethatchandbreakherlegsorherneck.Sohegotuponthehousetotie
herup.Oneendoftheropehemadefasttothecow'sneck,andtheotherheslippeddownthechimney
andtiedroundhisownthigh;andhehadtomakehaste,forthewaternowbegantoboilinthepot,and
hehadstilltogrindtheoatmeal.
Sohebegantogrindaway;butwhilehewashardatit,downfellthecowoffthehousetopafterall,and
asshefellshedraggedthemanupthechimney,bytherope.Therehestuckfast;andasforthecow,
shehunghalfwaydownthewall,swingingbetweenheavenandearth,forshecouldneithergetdown
norup.
Andnowthegoodyhadwaitedsevenlengthsandsevenbreadthsforherhusbandtocomeandcall
themhometodinner;butneveracalltheyhad.Atlastshethoughtshe'dwaitedlongenough,andwent
home.Butwhenshegotthereandsawthecowhanginginsuchanuglyplace,sheranupandcut
[page275]theropeintwowithherscythe.Butasshedidthis,downcameherhusbandoutofthe
chimney;andsowhenhisolddamecameinsidethekitchen,thereshefoundhimstandingonhishead
intheporridgepot.
BUTTERCUP
BYGEORGEWEBBEDASENT
O
NCEonatimetherewasanoldwifewhosatandbaked.Nowyoumustknowthatthisoldwifehada
littleson,whowassoplumpandfat,andsofondofgoodthings,thattheycalledhimButtercup;she
hadadog,too,whosenamewasGoldtooth,andasshewasbaking,allatonceGoldtoothbegantobark.
"Runout,Buttercup,there'sadear!"saidtheoldwife,"andseewhatGoldtoothisbarkingat."
281
Sotheboyranout,andcamebackcryingout,
"Oh,Heavenhelpus!herecomesagreatbigwitch,withherheadunderherarm,andabagather
back."
"Jumpunderthekneadingtroughandhideyourself,"saidhismother.
Soincametheoldhag.
"Goodday,"saidshe.
"Godblessyou!"saidButtercup'smother.
"Isn'tyourButtercupathometoday?"askedthehag.
"No,thatheisn't.He'soutinthewoodwithhisfather,shootinggrouse."
"Plaguetakeit,"saidthehag,"forIhadsuchanicelittlesilverknifeIwantedtogivehim."
"Pip,pip!hereIam,"saidButtercupunderthekneadingtrough,andouthecame.
"I'msooldandstiffintheback,"saidthehag,"youmustcreepintothebagandfetchitoutfor
yourself."
[page276]
ButwhenButtercupwaswellintothebag,thehagthrewitoverherbackandstrodeoff,andwhenthey
hadgoneagoodbitoftheway,theoldhaggottiredandasked,
"HowfarisitofftoSnoring?"
"Halfamile,"answeredButtercup.
Sothehagputdownthesackontheroad,andwentasidebyherselfintothewood,andlaydownto
sleep.MeantimeButtercupsettoworkandcutaholeinthesackwithhisknife;thenhecreptoutand
putagreatrootofafirtreeintothesack,andranhometohismother.
Whenthehaggothomeandsawwhattherewasinthesack,youmayfancyshewasinafinerage.
Nextdaytheoldwifesatandbakedagain,andherdogbegantobark,justashedidthedaybefore.
"Runout,Buttercup,myboy,"saidshe,"andseewhatGoldtoothisbarkingat."
"Well,Inever!"criedButtercup,assoonashegotout;"ifthereisn'tthatuglyoldbeastcomingagain
withherheadunderherarmandagreatsackatherback."
"Underthekneadingtroughwithyouandhide,"saidhismother.
"Goodday!"saidthehag;"isyourButtercupathometoday?"
"I'msorrytosayheisn't,"saidhismother;"he'soutinthewoodwithhisfather,shootinggrouse."
"Whatabore!"saidthehag;"hereIhaveabeautifullittlesilverspoonIwanttogivehim."
282
"Pip,pip!hereIam,"saidButtercup,andcreptout.
"I'msostiffintheback,"saidtheoldwitch,"youmustcreepintothesackandfetchitoutfor
yourself."
SowhenButtercupwaswellintothesack,thehagswungitoverhershouldersandsetoffhomeasfast
asherlegscouldcarryher.Butwhentheyhadgoneagoodbitshegrewweary,andasked,
"HowfarisitofftoSnoring?"
"Amileandahalf,"answeredButtercup.
Sothehagsetdownthesack,andwentasideintothewoodtosleepabit,butwhileshesleptButtercup
madeaholeinthe[page277]sackandgotout,andputagreatstoneintoit.Now,whentheoldwitch
gothome,shemadeagreatfireonthehearth,andputabigpotonit,andgoteverythingreadytoboil
Buttercup;butwhenshetookthesack,andthoughtshewasgoingtoturnoutButtercupintothepot,
downplumpedthestoneandmadeaholeinthebottomofthepot,sothatthewaterranoutand
quenchedthefire.Thentheoldhagwasinadreadfulrage,andsaid,"Ifhemakeshimselfeverso
heavynexttime,heshan'ttakemeinagain."
Thethirddayeverythingwentjustasithadgonetwicebefore;Goldtoothbegantobark,and
Buttercup'smothersaidtohim,
"Dorunoutandseewhatourdogisbarkingat."
Soouthewent,buthesooncamebackcryingout,
"Heavensaveus!Herecomestheoldhagagainwithherheadunderherarmandasackatherback."
"Jumpunderthekneadingtroughandhide,"saidhismother.
"Goodday!"saidthehag,asshecameinatthedoor;"isyourButtercupathometoday?"
"You'reverykindtoaskafterhim,"saidhismother;"buthe'soutinthewoodwithhisfather,shooting
grouse."
"Whatabore,now,"saidtheoldhag;"herehaveIgotsuchabeautifullittlesilverforkforhim."
"Pip,pip!hereIam,"saidButtercup,ashecameoutfromunderthekneadingtrough.
"I'msostiffintheback,"saidthehag,"youmustcreepintothesackandfetchitoutforyourself."
ButwhenButtercupwaswellinsidethesacktheoldhagswungitacrosshershoulders,andsetoffas
fastasshecould.Thistimeshedidnotturnasidetosleepbytheway,butwentstraighthomewith
Buttercupinthesack,andwhenshereachedherhouseitwasSunday.
Sotheoldhagsaidtoherdaughter:
"NowyoumusttakeButtercupandkillhim,andboilhimnicelytillIcomeback,forI'mofftochurch
tobidmygueststodinner."
So,whenallinthehouseweregonetochurch,thedaughter[page278]wastotakeButtercupandkill
him,butthenshedidn'tknowhowtosetaboutitatall.
283
"Stopabit,"saidButtercup;"I'llsoonshowyouhowtodoit;justlayyourheadonthechoppingblock,
andyou'llsoonsee."
Sothepoorsillythinglaidherheaddown,andButtercuptookanaxeandchoppedherheadoff,justas
ifshehadbeenachicken.Thenhelaidherheadinthebed,andpoppedherbodyintothepot,and
boileditsonicely;andwhenhehaddonethat,heclimbedupontheroof,anddraggedupwithhimthe
firtreerootandthestone,andputoneoverthedoor,andtheotheratthetopofthechimney.
Sowhenthehouseholdcamebackfromchurch,andsawtheheadonthebed,theythoughtitwasthe
daughterwholaythereasleep;andthentheythoughttheywouldjusttastethebroth.
"Good,bymytroth!
Buttercupbroth,"
saidtheoldhag.
"Good,bymytroth!
Daughterbroth,"
saidButtercupdownthechimney,butnooneheededhim.
Sotheoldhag'shusband,whowaseverybitasbadasshe,tookthespoontohaveataste.
"Good,bymytroth!
Buttercupbroth,"
saidhe.
"Good,bymytroth!
Daughterbroth,"
saidButtercupdownthechimneypipe.
Thentheyallbegantowonderwhoitcouldbethatchatteredso,andranouttosee.Butwhenthey
cameoutatthedoor,Buttercupthrewdownonthemthefirtreerootandthestone,andbrokealltheir
headstobits.Afterthathetookallthegoldandsilverthatlayinthehouse,andwenthometohis
mother,andbecamearichman.
[page279]
GERMANSTORIES
SEVENATONEBLOW
284
BYWILHELMANDJAKOBGRIMM
A
TAILORsatinhisworkroomonemorning,stitchingawaybusilyatacoatfortheLordMayor.He
whistledandsangsogailythatallthelittleboyswhopassedtheshopontheirwaytoschoolthought
whatafinethingitwastobeatailor,andtoldoneanotherthatwhentheygrewtobementhey'dbe
tailors,too.
"HowhungryIfeel,tobesure!"criedthelittleman,atlast;"butI'mfartoobusytotroubleabout
eating.Imustfinishhislordship'scoatbeforeItouchamorseloffood,"andhebrokeoncemoreintoa
merrysong.
"Finenewjamforsale,"sangoutanoldwoman,asshewalkedalongthestreet.
"Jam!Ican'tresistsuchatreat,"saidthetailor;and,runningtothedoor,heshouted,"Thiswayfor
jam,dame;showmeapotofyourveryfinest."
Thewomanhandedhimjarafterjar,buthefoundfaultwithall.Atlasthehituponsometohisliking.
"Andhowmanypoundswillyoutake,sir?"
"I'lltakefourounces,"hereplied,inasolemntone,"andmindyougivemegoodweight."
Theoldwomanwasveryangry,forshehadexpectedtosellseveralpounds,atleast;andshewentoff
grumbling,aftershehadweighedoutthefourounces.
"Nowforafeed!"criedthelittleman,takingaloaffromthecupboardashespoke.Hecutoffahuge
slice,andspreadthejamonquitehalfaninchthick;thenhesuddenlyrememberedhiswork.
"ItwillneverdotogetjamontheLordMayor'scoat,soI'llfinishitoffbeforeItakeevenonebite,"
saidhe.Sohepickeduphisworkoncemore,andhisneedleflewinandoutlikelightning.
[page280]
IamafraidtheLordMayorhadsomestitchesinhisgarmentthatwerequiteaquarterofaninchlong.
Thetailorglancedlonginglyathissliceofbreadandjamonceortwice,butwhenhelookedthethird
timeitwasquitecoveredwithflies,andafinefeasttheywerehavingoffit.
Thiswastoomuchforthelittlefellow.Uphejumped,crying:
"SoyouthinkIprovidebreadandjamforyou,indeed!Well,we'llverysoonsee!Takethat!"andhe
struckthefliessuchaheavyblowwithadusterthatnofewerthansevenlaydeaduponthetable,while
theothersflewuptotheceilingingreathaste.
"Sevenatoneblow!"saidthelittlemanwithgreatpride."Suchabravedeedoughttobeknownall
overthetown,anditwon'tbemyfaultiffolksfailtohearofit."
Sohecutoutawidebelt,andstitchedonitinbiggoldenlettersthewords"Sevenatoneblow."When
thiswasdonehefasteneditroundhim,crying:
285
"I'mcutoutforsomethingbetterthanatailor,it'squiteclear.I'moneoftheworld'sgreatheroes,and
I'llbeoffatoncetoseekmyfortune."
Heglancedroundthecottage,buttherewasnothingofvaluetotakewithhim.Theonlythinghe
possessedintheworldwasasmallcheese.
"Youmayaswellcome,too,"saidhe,stowingawaythecheeseinhispocket,"andnowI'moff."
Whenhegotintothestreettheneighborsallcrowdedroundhimtoreadthewordsonhisbelt.
"Sevenatoneblow!"saidtheytooneanother."Whatablessinghe'sgoing;foritwouldn'tbesafeto
haveamanaboutuswhocouldkillsevenofusatonestroke."
Yousee,theydidn'tknowthatthetailorhadonlykilledflies;theytookittomeanmen.
Hejoggedalongforsomemilesuntilhecametoahedge,wherealittlebirdwascaughtinthe
branches.
"Comealong,"saidthetailor;"I'llhaveyoutokeepmycheesecompany";sohecaughtthebirdand
putitcarefullyintohispocketwiththecheese.
[page281]
Soonhereachedaloftymountain,andhemadeuphismindtoclimbitandseewhatwasgoingonat
theotherside.Whenhereachedthetop,therestoodahugegiant,gazingdownintothevalleybelow.
"Goodday,"saidthetailor.
Thegiantturnedround,andseeingnobodybutthelittletailorthere,hecriedwithscorn:
"Andwhatmightyoubedoinghere,mightIask?You'dbestbeoffatonce."
"Notsofast,myfriend,"saidthelittleman;"readthis."
"Sevenatoneblow,"readthegiant,andhebegantowishhe'dbeenmorecivil.
"Well,I'msurenobodywouldthinkittolookatyou,"hereplied;"butsinceyouaresoclever,dothis,"
andhepickedupastoneandsqueezedituntilwaterranout.
"Dothat!Why,it'smerechild'splaytome,"andthemantookouthischeeseandsqueezedituntilthe
wheyranfromit."Nowwhoiscleverer?"askedthetailor."Yousee,Icansqueezemilkout,whileyou
onlygetwater."
Thegiantwastoosurprisedtoutterawordforafewminutes;then,takingupanotherstone,hethrewit
sohighintotheairthatforamomenttheycouldn'tseewhereitwent;thendownitfelltotheground
again.
"Good!"saidthetailor;"butI'llthrowastonethatwon'tcomebackagainatall."
Takingthelittlebirdfromhispocket,hethrewitintotheair,andthebird,gladtogetaway,flewright
offandneverreturned.
Thissortofthingdidn'tsuitthegiantatall,forhewasn'tusedtobeingbeatenbyanyone.
286
"Here'ssomethingthatyou'llnevermanage,"saidhetothelittleman."Justcomeandhelpmetocarry
thisfallenoaktreeforafewmiles."
"Delighted!"saidthetailor,"andI'lltaketheendwiththebranches,forit'ssuretobeheavier."
"Agreed,"repliedthegiant,andheliftedtheheavytrunkontohisshoulder,whilethetailorclimbedup
amongthebranchesattheotherend,andsangwithallhismight,asthoughcarryingatreewasnothing
tohim.
[page282]
Thepoorgiant,whowasholdingthetreetrunkandthelittletailoraswell,soongrewtired.
"I'mgoingtoletitfall!"heshouted,andthetailorjumpeddownfromthebranches,andpretendedhe
hadbeenhelpingallthetime.
"Theideaofamanyoursizefindingatreetooheavytocarry!"laughedthelittletailor.
"Youareacleverlittlefellow,andnomistake,"repliedthegiant,"andifyou'llonlycomeandspend
thenightinourcave,weshallbedelightedtohaveyou."
"Ishallhavegreatpleasureincoming,myfriend,"answeredthelittletailor,andtogethertheysetoff
forthegiant'shome.
Thereweresevenmoregiantsinthecave,andeachoneofthemwaseatingaroastedpigforhissupper.
Theygavethelittlemansomefood,andthenshowedhimabedinwhichhemightpassthenight.It
wassobigthat,aftertossingaboutforhalfanhourinit,thetailorthoughthewouldbemore
comfortableifhesleptinthecorner,sohecreptoutwithoutbeingnoticed.
Inthemiddleofthenightthegiantstoleoutofbedandwentuptotheonewherehethoughtthelittle
manwasfastasleep.Takingabigbarofiron,hestrucksuchaheavyblowatitthathewokeupallthe
othergiants.
"Keepquiet,friends,"saidhe."I'vejustkilledthelittlescamp."
Thetailormadehisescapeassoonaspossible,andhejourneyedonformanymiles,untilhebeganto
feelverytired,sohelaydownunderatree,andwassoonfastasleep.Whenheawoke,hefoundabig
crowdofpeoplestandingroundhim.Upwalkedoneverywiselookingoldman,whowasreallythe
King'sprimeminister.
"Isittruethatyouhavekilledsevenatoneblow?"heasked
"Itisafact,"answeredthelittletailor.
"ThencomewithmetotheKing,myfriend,forhe'sbeensearchingforabravemanlikeyouforsome
timepast.Youaretobemadecaptainofhisarmy,andtheKingwillgiveyouafinehousetolivein."
[page283]
"ThatIwill,"repliedthelittleman."Itisjustthesortofthingthatwillsuitme,andI'llcomeatonce."
Hehadn'tbeenintheKing'sservicelongbeforeeveryonegrewjealousofhim.Thesoldierswere
afraidthat,iftheyoffendedhim,hewouldmakeshortworkofthemall,whilethemembersofthe
King'shouseholddidn'tfancytheideaofmakingsuchafussoverastranger.
287
SothesoldierswentinabodytotheKingandaskedthatanothercaptainshouldbeputoverthem,for
theywereafraidofthisone.
TheKingdidn'tliketorefuse,forfeartheyshouldalldesert,andyethedidn'tdaregetridofthe
captain,incasesuchastrongandbravemanshouldtrytohavehisrevenge.
AtlasttheKinghituponaplan.Insomewoodsclosebytherelivedtwogiants,whoweretheterrorof
thecountryside;theyrobbedallthetravelers,andifanyresistancewasofferedtheykilledthemenon
thespot.
Sendingforthelittletailor,hesaid:
"Knowingyoutobethebravestmaninmykingdom,Iwanttoaskafavorofyou.Ifyouwillkillthese
twogiants,andbringmebackproofthattheyaredead,youshallmarrythePrincess,mydaughter,and
havehalfmykingdom.Youshallalsotakeonehundredmentohelpyou,andyouaretosetoffat
once."
"Ahundredmen,yourMajesty!Pray,whatdoIwantwithahundredmen?IfIcankillsevenatone
blow,Ineedn'tbeafraidoftwo.I'llkillthemfastenough,neverfear."
Thetailorchosetenstrongmen,andtoldthemtoawaithimontheborderofthewood,whilehewent
onquitealone.Hecouldhearthegiantssnoringforquitehalfanhourbeforehereachedthem,sohe
knewinwhichdirectiontogo.
Hefoundthepairfastasleepunderatree,sohefilledhispocketswithstonesandclimbedupintothe
branchesovertheirheads.Thenhebegantopeltoneofthegiantswiththemissiles,untilafterafew
minutesoneofthemenawoke.Givingtheotheraroughpush,hecried:
"Ifyoustrikemelikethatagain,I'llknowthereasonwhy."
"Ididn'ttouchyou,"saidtheothergiantcrossly,andtheyweresoonfastasleeponcemore.
[page284]
Thenthetailorthrewstonesattheotherman,andsoonheawokeasthefirsthaddone.
"Whatdidyouthrowthatatmefor?"saidhe.
"Youaredreaming,"answeredtheother,"Ididn'tthrowanything."
Nosoonerweretheyfastasleepagain,thanthelittlemanbegantopeltthemafresh.
Uptheybothsprang,andseizingeachother,theybegantofightinrealearnest.Notcontentwithusing
theirfists,theytoreuphugetreesbytheroots,andbeateachotheruntilverysoonthepairlaydeadon
theground.
Downclimbedthelittletailor,andtakinghisswordinhishandheplungeditintoeachgiant,andthen
wentbacktotheedgeoftheforestwherethetenmenwerewaitingforhim.
"Theyareasdeadastwodoornails,"shoutedthelittleman."Idon'tsaythatIhadaneasytask,for
theytoreuptreesbytheirrootstotrytoprotectthemselveswith,but,ofcourse,itwasnogood.What
weretwogiantstoamanwhohasslainsevenatoneblow?"
Butthemenwouldn'tbelieveituntiltheywentintotheforestandsawthetwodeadbodies,lyingeach
inapoolofblood,whilethegroundwascoveredwithuprootedtrees.
288
BacktheywenttotheKing,butinsteadofhandingoverhalfhiskingdom,ashehadpromised,his
Majestytoldthelittletailorthattherewasstillanotherbravedeedforhimtodobeforehegotthe
Princessforhisbride.
"Justnameit,then;I'mmorethanready,"wastheman'sreply.
"Youaretokillthefamousunicornthatisrunningwildintheforestanddoingsomuchdamage.When
thisisdoneyoushallhaveyourrewardatonce."
"Notroubleatall,yourMajesty.I'llgetridofhiminatwinkling."
Hemadethetenmenwaitforhimattheentrancetothewoodastheyhaddonethefirsttime,and
takingastoutropeandasawheenteredtheforestalone.
Upcametheunicorn,butjustasitwasabouttorushatthemanhedartedbehindabigtree.
[page285]
Theunicorndashedwithsuchforceagainstthetreethatitshornwascaughtquitefastanditwaskepta
prisoner.
Takinghisrope,hetiedittightlyroundtheanimal,and,aftersawingoffthehorn,backhewenttothe
palace,leadingtheunicornbyhisside.
ButeventhentheKingwasnotsatisfied,andhemadethelittletailorcatchawildboarthathadbeen
seenwanderinginthewoods.
Hetookapartyofhuntsmenwithhim,butagainhemadethemwaitontheoutskirtsoftheforestwhile
hewentonbyhimself.
Thewildboarmadeadashatthelittletailor;butthemanwastooquickforit.Heslippedintoalittle
buildingcloseby,withtheanimalathisheels.Then,catchingsightofasmallwindow,heforcedhis
wayoutintotheforestagain,andwhiletheboar,whowastoobigandclumsytofollow,stoodgazing
atthespotwherehehaddisappeared,thetailorranroundandclosedthedoor,keepingtheanimalquite
secureinside.Thenhecalledthehunters,whoshottheboarandcarriedthebodybacktothepalace.
ThistimetheKingwasobligedtokeephispromise;sothelittletailorbecameaPrince,andagrand
weddingtheyhad,too.
Whentheyhadbeenmarriedforaboutacoupleofyears,thePrincessonceoverheardherhusband
talkinginhissleep.
"Boy,ifyouhaveputapatchonthatwaistcoat,taketheLordMayor'scoathomeatonce,orI'llbox
yourears,"hesaid.
"Oh,dear,"criedthePrincess,"tothinkthatI'vemarriedacommontailor!WhatevercanIdotogetrid
ofhim?"
Soshetoldherfatherthestory,andtheKingsaidsheneednotworry,forhewouldfindawayoutof
thedifficulty.Shewastoleavethedooropenthatnight,andwhilethetailorwassleeping,theKing's
servantsshouldstealintotheroom,bindthetailor,andtakehimawaytobekilled.
ThePrincesspromisedtoseethateverythingwasinreadiness,andshetrippedaboutalldaywitha
verylightheart.
289
Shelittleknewthatoneofthetailor'sservantshadoverheard[page286]theircruelplot,andcarried
thenewsstraighttohismaster.
Thatnight,whenthePrincessthoughtherhusbandwassleepingfast,shecrepttothedoorandopened
it.
Tohergreatterror,thetailorbegantospeak.
"Boy,taketheLordMayor'scoathome,orI'llboxyourears.Haven'tIkilledsevenatoneblow?
Haven'tIslaintwogiants,aunicorn,andawildboar?WhatdoIcareforthemenwhoarestanding
outsidemydooratthismoment?"
Atthesewordsoffflewthemenasthoughtheyhadbeenshotfromagun,andnomoreattemptswere
evermadeonhislife.SothePrincesshadtomakethebestofabadjob.
HelivedonandwhentheoldKingdiedheascendedthethroneinhisstead.Sothebravelittletailor
becameruleroverthewholekingdom;andhismottothroughouthiswholelifewas,"Sevenatone
blow."
ONEEYE,TWOEYES,THREEEYES
T
HEREwasonceawomanwhohadthreedaughters,ofwhomtheeldestwasnamed"OneEye,"
becauseshehadonlyoneeyeinthemiddleofherforehead.Thesecondhadtwoeyes,likeother
people,andshewascalled"TwoEyes."Theyoungesthadthreeeyes,twolikehersecondsister,and
oneinthemiddleofherforehead,liketheeldest,andsheborethenameof"ThreeEyes."
NowbecauselittleTwoEyeslookedjustlikeotherpeople,hermotherandsisterscouldnotendureher.
Theysaidtoher,"Youarenotbetterthancommonfolks,withyourtwoeyes;youdon'tbelongtous."
Sotheypushedherabout,andthrewalltheiroldclothestoherforhertowear,andgaveheronlythe
piecesthatwerelefttoeat,anddideverythingthattheycouldtomakehermiserable.[page287]Itso
happenedthatlittleTwoEyeswassentintothefieldstotakecareofthegoats,andshewasoftenvery
hungry,althoughhersistershadasmuchastheylikedtoeat.Soonedaysheseatedherselfonamound
inthefield,andbegantoweepandcrysobitterlythattwolittlerivuletsflowedfromhereyes.Once,in
themidstofhersorrowshelookedup,andsawawomanstandingnearherwhosaid,"Whatareyou
weepingfor,littleTwoEyes?"
"Icannothelpweeping,"shereplied;"forbecauseIhavetwoeyes,likeotherpeople,mymotherand
sisterscannotbearme;theypushmeaboutfromonecornertoanotherandmakemeweartheirold
clothes,andgivemenothingtoeatbutwhatisleft,sothatIamalwayshungry.Todaytheygaveme
solittlethatIamnearlystarved."
"Dryupyourtears,littleTwoEyes,"saidthewisewoman;"Iwilltellyousomethingtodowhichwill
preventyoufromeverbeinghungryagain.Youhaveonlytosaytoyourowngoat:
290
"'Littlegoat,ifyou'reable,
Praydeckoutmytable,'
andimmediatelytherewillbeaprettylittletablebeforeyoufullofallsortsofgoodthingsforyouto
eat,asmuchasyoulike.Andwhenyouhavehadenough,andyoudonotwantthetableanymore,you
needonlysay:
"'Littlegoat,whenyou'reable,
Removemynicetable,'
anditwillvanishfromyoureyes."
Thenthewisewomanwentaway."Now,"thoughtlittleTwoEyes,"Iwilltryifwhatshesaysistrue,
forIamhungry,"soshesaid:
"Littlegoat,ifyou'reable,
Comeanddeckmyprettytable."
291
TwoEyes,theGoat,andthe'MagicTable.
Thewordswerescarcelyspoken,whenabeautifullittletablestoodreallybeforeher;ithadawhite
clothandplates,andknivesandforks,andsilverspoons,andsuchadeliciousdinner,smokinghotasif
ithadjustcomefromthekitchen.[page288]ThenlittleTwoEyessatdownandsaidtheshortestgrace
sheknew"PrayGodbeourguestforalltime.Amen"beforesheallowedherselftotasteanything.
Butoh,howshedidenjoyherdinner!andwhenshehadfinished,shesaid,asthewisewomanhad
taughther:
"Littlegoat,whenyou'reable,
Removemynicetable."
Inamoment,thetableandeverythinguponithaddisappeared."Thatisapleasantwaytokeephouse,"
saidlittleTwoEyes,andfeltquitecontentedandhappy.Intheevening,whenshewenthomewiththe
goat,shefoundanearthenwaredishwithsomescrapswhichhersistershadleftforher,butshedidnot
touchthem.Thenextmorningshewentawaywiththegoat,leavingthembehindwheretheyhadbeen
placedforher.Thefirstandsecondtimesthatshedidso,thesistersdidnotnoticeit;butwhenthey
292
foundithappenedeveryday,theysaidonetotheother,"ThereissomethingstrangeaboutlittleTwo
Eyes,sheleaveshersuppereveryday,andallthathasbeenputforherhasbeenwasted;shemustget
foodsomewhereelse."
Sotheydeterminedtofindoutthetruth,andtheyarrangedthatwhenTwoEyestookhergoattothe
field,OneEyeshouldgowithhertotakeparticularnoticeofwhatshedid,anddiscoverifanything
wasbroughtforhertoeatanddrink.
SowhenTwoEyesstartedwithhergoat,OneEyesaidtoher,"Iamgoingwithyoutodaytoseeifthe
goatgetsherfoodproperlywhileyouarewatchingtherest."
ButTwoEyesknewwhatshehadinhermind.Soshedrovethegoatintothelonggrass,andsaid,
"Come,OneEye,letussitdownhereandrest,andIwillsingtoyou."
OneEyeseatedherself,and,notbeingaccustomedtowalksofar,ortobeoutintheheatofthesun,
shebegantofeeltired,andaslittleTwoEyeskeptonsinging,sheclosedheroneeyeandfellfast
asleep.
WhenTwoEyessawthis,sheknewthatOneEyecouldnotbetrayher,soshesaid:
"Littlegoat,ifyouareable,
Comeanddeckmyprettytable."
[page289]
Sheseatedherselfwhenitappeared,andateanddrankveryquickly,andwhenshehadfinishedshe
said:
"Littlegoat,whenyouareable,
Comeandclearawaymytable."
Itvanishedinthetwinklingofaneye;andthenTwoEyeswokeupOneEye,andsaid:"LittleOneEye,
youareacleveronetowatchgoats;for,whileyouareasleep,theymightberunningallovertheworld.
Come,letusgohome!"
Sotheywenttothehouse,andlittleTwoEyesagainleftthescrapsonthedishuntouched,andOne
EyecouldnottellhermotherwhetherlittleTwoEyeshadeatenanythinginthefield;forshesaidto
excuseherself,"Iwasasleep."
ThenextdaythemothersaidtoThreeEyes,"Youmustgotothefieldthistime,andfindoutwhether
thereisanyonewhobringsfoodtolittleTwoEyes;forshemusteatanddrinksecretly."
SowhenlittleTwoEyesstartedwithhergoat,ThreeEyesfollowedandsaid,"Iamgoingwithyouto
day,toseeifthegoatsareproperlyfedandwatched."
ButTwoEyesknewherthoughts;sosheledthegoatthroughthelonggrasstotireThreeEyes,andat
lastshesaid,"Letussitdownhereandrest,andIwillsingtoyou,ThreeEyes."
Shewasgladtositdown,forthewalkandtheheatofthesunhadreallytiredher;and,ashersister
continuedhersong,shewasobligedtoclosetwoofhereyes,andtheyslept,butnotthethird.Infact,
ThreeEyeswaswideawakewithoneeye,andheardandsawallthatTwoEyesdid;forpoorlittleTwo
Eyes,thinkingshewasasleep,saidherspeechtothegoat,andthetablecamewithallthegoodthings
onit,andwascarriedawaywhenTwoEyeshadeatenenough;andthecunningThreeEyessawitall
293
withheroneeye.Butshepretendedtobeasleepwhenhersistercametowakeherandtoldhershewas
goinghome.
Thatevening,whenlittleTwoEyesagainleftthesuppertheyplacedasideforher,ThreeEyessaidto
hermother,"Iknowwheretheproudthinggetshergoodeatinganddrinking;"andthenshedescribed
allshehadseeninthefield."Isaw[page290]itallwithoneeye,"shesaid;"forshehadmademy
othertwoeyesclosewithherfinesinging,butluckilytheoneinmyforeheadremainedopen."
ThentheenviousmothercriedouttopoorlittleTwoEyes,"Youwishtohavebetterfoodthanwe,do
you?Youshallloseyourwish!"Shetookupabutcher'sknife,wentout,andstuckthegoodlittlegoat
intheheart,anditfelldead.
WhenlittleTwoEyessawthis,shewentoutintothefield,seatedherselfonamound,andweptmost
bittertears.
Presentlythewisewomanstoodagainbeforeher,andsaid,"LittleTwoEyes,whydoyouweep?"
"Ah!"shereplied,"Imustweep.Thegoat,whoeverydayspreadmytablesobeautifully,hasbeen
killedbymymother,andIshallhaveagaintosufferfromhungerandsorrow."
"LittleTwoEyes,"saidthewisewoman,"Iwillgiveyousomegoodadvice.Gohome,andaskyour
sistertogiveyoutheheartoftheslaughteredgoat,andthengoandburyitinthegroundinfrontofthe
housedoor."
Onsayingthisthewisewomanvanished.
LittleTwoEyeswenthomequickly,andsaidtohersister,"Dearsister,givemesomepartofmypoor
goat.Idon'twantanythingvaluable;onlygivemetheheart."
Hersisterlaughed,andsaid:"Ofcourseyoucanhavethatifyoudon'twantanythingelse."
SolittleTwoEyestooktheheart;andintheevening,whenallwasquiet,burieditintheground
outsidethehousedoor,asthewisewomanhadtoldhertodo.
Thenextmorning,whentheyallroseandlookedoutofthewindow,therestoodamostwonderfultree,
withleavesofsilverandapplesofgoldhangingbetweenthem.Nothinginthewideworldcouldbe
morebeautifulormorecostly.Theynoneofthemknewhowthetreecouldcomethereinonenight,
exceptinglittleTwoEyes.Shesupposedithadgrownupfromtheheartofthegoat;foritstoodover
whereshehadburieditintheearth.
ThensaidthemothertolittleOneEye,"Climbup,mychild,andbreakoffsomeofthefruitfromthe
tree."
OneEyeclimbedup,butwhenshetriedtocatchabranch[page291]andpluckoneoftheapples,it
escapedfromherhand,andsoithappenedeverytimeshemadetheattempt,and,dowhatshewould,
shecouldnotreachone.
"ThreeEyes,"saidthemother,"climbup,andtrywhatyoucando;perhapsyouwillbeabletosee
betterwithyourthreeeyesthanOneEyecan."
OneEyesliddownfromthetree,andThreeEyesclimbedup.ButThreeEyeswasnotmoreskilful;
withallhereffortsshecouldnotdrawthebranches,northefruit,nearenoughtopluckevenaleaf,for
theysprangbackassheputoutherhand.
294
Atlastthemotherwasimpatient,andclimbedupherself,butwithnomoresuccess,for,asshe
appearedtograspabranch,orfruit,herhandcloseduponthinair.
"MayItry?"saidlittleTwoEyes;"perhapsImaysucceed."
"You,indeed!"criedhersisters;"you,withyourtwoeyes,whatcanyoudo?"
ButTwoEyesclimbedup,andthegoldenapplesdidnotflybackfromherwhenshetouchedthem,but
almostlaidthemselvesonherhand,andshepluckedthemoneafteranother,tillshecarrieddownher
ownlittleapronfull.
Themothertookthemfromher,andgavethemtohersisters,asshesaidlittleTwoEyesdidnothandle
themproperly,butthiswasonlyfromjealousy,becauselittleTwoEyeswastheonlyonewhocould
reachthefruit,andshewentintothehousefeelingmorespitefultoherthanever.
Ithappenedthatwhileallthreesisterswerestandingunderthetreetogetherayoungknightrodeby.
"Runaway,quick,andhideyourself,littleTwoEyes;hideyourselfsomewhere,forweshallbequite
ashamedforyoutobeseen."Thentheypushedthepoorgirl,ingreathaste,underanemptycask,
whichstoodnearthetree,andseveralofthegoldenapplesthatshehadpluckedalongwithher.
Astheknightcamenearertheysawhewasahandsomeman;andpresentlyhehalted,andlookedwith
wonderandpleasureatthebeautifultreewithitssilverleavesandgoldenfruit.
Atlasthespoketothesisters,andasked:"Towhomdoesthisbeautifultreebelong?Ifamanpossessed
onlyonebranchhemightobtainallhewishedforintheworld."
[page292]
"Thistreebelongstous,"saidthetwosisters,"andwewillbreakoffabranchforyouifyoulike."
Theygavethemselvesagreatdealoftroubleintryingtodoastheyoffered;butalltonopurpose,for
thebranchesandthefruitevadedtheirefforts,andsprungbackateverytouch.
"Thisiswonderful,"exclaimedtheknight,"thatthetreeshouldbelongtoyou,andyetyouarenotable
togatherevenabranch."
Theypersisted,however,indeclaringthatthetreewastheirownproperty.AtthismomentlittleTwo
Eyes,whowasangrybecausehersistershadnottoldthetruth,causedtwoofthegoldenapplestoslip
outfromunderthecask,andtheyrolledontilltheyreachedthefeetoftheknight'shorse.Whenhesaw
them,heaskedinastonishmentwheretheycamefrom.
Thetwouglymaidensrepliedthattheyhadanothersister,buttheydarednotlethimseeher,forshe
hadonlytwoeyes,likecommonpeople,andwasnamedlittleTwoEyes.
Buttheknightfeltveryanxioustoseeher,andcalledout,"LittleTwoEyes,comehere."Thencame
TwoEyes,quitecomforted,fromtheemptycask,andtheknightwasastonishedtofindherso
beautiful.
Thenhesaid:"LittleTwoEyes,canyoubreakoffabranchofthetreeforme?"
"Ohyes,"shereplied,"Ican,veryeasily,forthetreebelongstome."Andsheclimbedup,and,without
anytrouble,brokeoffabranchwithitssilverleavesandgoldenfruitandgaveittotheknight.
Helookeddownatherasshestoodbyhishorse,andsaid:"LittleTwoEyes,whatshallIgiveyoufor
this?"
295
"Ah!"sheanswered,"Isufferfromhungerandthirst,andsorrow,andtrouble,fromearlymorningtill
lateatnight;ifyouwouldonlytakemewithyou,andreleaseme,Ishouldbesohappy."
Thentheknightliftedthelittlemaidenonhishorse,androdehomewithhertohisfather'scastle.There
shewasgivenbeautifulclothestowear,andasmuchtoeatanddrinkasshewished,andasshegrew
uptheyoungknightlovedhersodearlythattheyweremarriedwithgreatrejoicings.
[page293]
Now,whenthetwosisterssawlittleTwoEyescarriedawaybythehandsomeyoungknight,theywere
overjoyedattheirgoodfortune."Thewonderfultreebelongstousnow,"theysaid;"evenifwecannot
breakoffabranch,yeteverybodywhopasseswillstoptoadmireit,andmakeacquaintancewithus,
and,whoknows?wemaygethusbandsafterall."
Butwhentheyrosethenextmorning,lo!thetreehadvanished,andwithitalltheirhopes.Andonthis
verymorning,whenlittleTwoEyeslookedoutofherchamberwindowofthecastle,shesaw,toher
greatjoy,thatthetreehadfollowedher.
LittleTwoEyeslivedforalongtimeingreathappiness;butsheheardnothingofhersisters,tillone
daytwopoorwomencametothecastle,tobegforalms.LittleTwoEyessawthem,and,looking
earnestlyintheirfaces,sherecognizedhertwosisters,whohadbecomesopoorthattheywereobliged
tobegtheirbreadfromdoortodoor.
Butthegoodsisterreceivedthemmostkindly,andpromisedtotakecareofthemandgivethemall
theywanted.Andthentheydidindeedrepentandfeelsorryforhavingtreatedhersobadlyintheir
youthfuldays.
THEMUSICIANSOFBREMEN
A
CERTAINmanhadadonkeythathadservedhimfaithfullyformanylongyears,butwhosestrength
wassofargonethatatlasthewasquiteunfitforwork.Sohismasterbegantoconsiderhowmuchhe
couldmakeofthedonkey'sskin,butthebeast,perceivingthatnogoodwindwasblowing,ranaway
alongtheroadtoBremen."There,"thoughthe,"Icanbetownmusician."Whenhehadrunsomeway,
hefoundahoundlyingbytheroadside,yawninglikeonewhowasverytired."Whatareyouyawning
fornow,youbigfellow?"askedtheass.
[page294]
"Ah,"repliedthehound,"becauseeverydayIgrowolderandweaker;Icannotgoanymoretothe
hunt,andmymasterhaswellnighbeatenmetodeath,sothatItooktoflight;andnowIdonotknow
howtoearnmybread."
"Well,doyouknow,"saidtheass,"IamgoingtoBremen,tobetownmusicianthere;supposeyougo
withmeandtakeashareinthemusic.Iwillplayonthelute,andyoushallbeatthekettledrums."The
dogwassatisfied,andofftheyset.
296
Presentlytheycametoacat,sittinginthemiddleofthepath,withafacelikethreerainydays!"Now,
then,oldshaver,whathascrossedyou?"askedtheass.
"Howcanonebemerrywhenone'sneckhasbeenpinchedlikemine?"answeredthecat."BecauseI
amgrowingold,andmyteethareallworntostumps,andbecauseIwouldrathersitbythefireand
spin,thanrunaftermice,mymistresswantedtodrownme;andsoIranaway.Butnowgoodadviceis
dear,andIdonotknowwhattodo."
"GowithustoBremen.Youunderstandnocturnalmusic,soyoucanbetownmusician."Thecat
consented,andwentwiththem.Thethreevagabondssooncamenearafarmyard,where,uponthebarn
door,thecockwassittingcrowingwithallhismight."Youcrowthroughmarrowandbone,"saidthe
ass;"whatdoyoudothatfor?"
"ThatisthewayIprophesyfineweather,"saidthecock;"butbecausegrandguestsarecomingforthe
Sunday,thehousewifehasnopity,andhastoldthecookmaidtomakemeintosoupforthemorrow;
andthiseveningmyheadwillbecutoff.NowIamcrowingwithafullthroataslongasIcan."
"Ah,butyou,Redcomb,"repliedtheass,"rathercomeawaywithus.WearegoingtoBremen,tofind
theresomethingbetterthandeath;youhaveagoodvoice,andifwemakemusictogetheritwillhave
fullplay."
Thecockconsentedtothisplan,andsoallfourtraveledontogether.Theycouldnot,however,reach
Bremeninoneday,andateveningtheycameintoaforest,wheretheymeanttopassthenight.Theass
andthedoglaidthemselvesdownunderalargetree,thecatandthecockclimbedupintothebranches,
[page295]butthelatterflewrighttothetop,wherehewasmostsafe.Beforehewenttosleephe
lookedallroundthefourquarters,andsoonthoughthesawalittlesparkinthedistance;so,callinghis
companions,hesaidtheywerenotfarfromahouse,forhesawalight.Theasssaid:"Ifitisso,wehad
bettergetupandgofarther,forthepasturagehereisverybad";andthedogcontinued:"Yes,indeed!a
coupleofboneswithsomemeatonwouldbeveryacceptable!"Sotheymadehastetowardthespot
wherethelightwas,andwhichshonenowbrighterandbrighter,untiltheycametoawelllighted
robber'scottage.Theass,asthebiggest,wenttothewindowandpeepedin."Whatdoyousee,Gray
horse?"askedthecock."WhatdoIsee?"repliedtheass;"atablelaidoutwithsavorymeatsanddrinks,
withrobberssittingaroundenjoyingthemselves."
"Thatwouldbetherightsortofthingforus,"saidthecock.
"Yes,yes,Iwishwewerethere,"repliedtheass.Thentheseanimalstookcounseltogetherhowthey
shouldcontrivetodriveawaytherobbers,andatlasttheythoughtofaway.Theassplacedhisforefeet
uponthewindowledge,thehoundgotonhisback,thecatclimbedupuponthedog,and,lastly,the
cockflewupandperchedupontheheadofthecat.Whenthiswasaccomplished,atagivensignalthey
commencedtogethertoperformtheirmusic:theassbrayed,thedogbarked,thecatmewed,andthe
cockcrew;andtheymadesuchatremendousnoise,andsoloud,thatthepanesofthewindowwere
shivered!Terrifiedattheseunearthlysounds,therobbersgotupwithgreatprecipitation,thinking
nothinglessthanthatsomespiritshadcome,andfledoffintotheforest,sothefourcompanions
immediatelysatdownatthetable,andquicklyateupallthatwasleft,asiftheyhadbeenfastingfor
sixweeks.
Assoonastheyhadfinished,theyextinguishedthelight,andeachsoughtforhimselfasleepingplace,
accordingtohisnatureandcustom.Theasslaidhimselfdownuponsomestraw,thehoundbehindthe
door,thecatuponthehearth,nearthewarmashes,andthecockflewuponabeamwhichranacross
theroom.Wearywiththeirlongwalk,theysoonwenttosleep.
Atmidnighttherobbersperceivedfromtheirretreatthatno[page296]lightwasburningintheir
house,andallappearedquiet;sothecaptainsaid:"Weneednothavebeenfrightenedintofits";and,
callingoneoftheband,hesenthimforwardtoreconnoiter.Themessenger,findingallstill,wentinto
thekitchentostrikealight,and,takingtheglistening,fieryeyesofthecatforlivecoals,hehelda
297
lucifermatchtothem,expectingittotakefire.Butthecat,notunderstandingthejoke,flewinhisface,
spittingandscratching,whichdreadfullyfrightenedhim,sothathemadeforthebackdoor;butthe
dog,wholaidthere,sprangupandbithisleg;andashelimpeduponthestrawwheretheasswas
stretchedout,itgavehimapowerfulkickwithitshindfoot.Thiswasnotall,forthecock,awakingat
thenoise,clappedhiswings,andcriedfromthebeam:"Cockadoodledoo,cockadoodledo!"
Thentherobberranbackaswellashecouldtohiscaptain,andsaid:"Ah,mymaster,theredwellsa
horriblewitchinthehouse,whospatonmeandscratchedmyfacewithherlongnails;andthenbefore
thedoorstandsamanwithaknife,whochoppedatmyleg;andintheyardthereliesablackmonster,
whobeatmewithagreatwoodenclub;andbesidesall,upontheroofsitsajudge,whocalledout,
'Bringtheknaveup,do!'soIranawayasfastasIcould."
Afterthistherobbersdarednotagaingoneartheirhouse;buteverythingprosperedsowellwiththe
fourtownmusiciansofBremen,thattheydidnotforsaketheirsituation!Andtheretheyaretothisday,
foranythingIknow.
THEFISHERMANANDHISWIFE
T
HEREwasonceafishermanwholivedwithhiswifeinamiserablelittlehovelclosetothesea.He
wenttofisheveryday,andhefishedandfished,andatlastoneday,whenhewas[page297]sitting
lookingdeepdownintotheshiningwater,hefeltsomethingonhisline.Whenhehauleditupthere
wasagreatflounderontheendoftheline.Thefloundersaidtohim:"Lookhere,fisherman,don'tyou
killme;Iamnocommonflounder,Iamanenchantedprince!Whatgoodwillitdoyoutokillme?I
sha'n'tbegoodtoeat;putmebackintothewater,andleavemetoswimabout."
"Well,"saidthefisherman,"youneednotmakesomanywordsaboutit.Iamquitereadytoputbacka
flounderthatcantalk."Andsosaying,heputbacktheflounderintotheshiningwater,anditsank
downtothebottom,leavingastreakofbloodbehindit.
Thenthefishermangotupandwentbacktohiswifeinthehovel."Husband,"shesaid,"hastthou
caughtnothingtoday?"
"No,"saidtheman;"allIcaughtwasoneflounder,andhesaidhewasanenchantedprince,soIlethim
goswimagain."
"Didstthounotwishforanythingthen?"askedthegoodwife.
"No,"saidtheman;"whatwastheretowishfor?"
"Alas!"saidhiswife;"isn'titbadenoughalwaystoliveinthiswretchedhovel?Thoumightestatleast
havewishedforanicecleancottage.Gobackandcallhim;tellhimIwantaprettycottage;hewill
surelygiveusthat!"
"Alas,"saidtheman,"whatamItogobacktherefor?"
298
"Well,"saidthewoman,"itwasthouwhocaughthimandlethimgoagain;forcertainhewilldothat
forthee.Beoffnow!"
Themanwasstillnotverywillingtogo,buthedidnotwanttovexhiswife,andatlasthewentbackto
thesea.
Hefoundtheseanolongerbrightandshining,butdullandgreen.Hestoodbyitandsaid:
"Flounder,flounderinthesea,
Prythee,hearkenuntome:
Mywife,Ilsebil,willhaveherownway
WhateverIwish,whateverIsay."
Thefloundercameswimmingup,andsaid:"Well,whatdoyouwant?"
[page298]
"Alas!"saidtheman;"Ihadtocallyou,formywifesaidIoughttohavewishedforsomething,asI
caughtyou.Shedoesn'twanttoliveinourmiserablehovelanylonger;shewantsaprettycottage."
"Gohomeagain,then,"saidtheflounder;"shehasherwishfully."
Themanwenthomeandfoundhiswifenolongerintheoldhut,butaprettylittlecottagestoodinits
place,andhiswifewassittingonabenchbythedoor.
Shetookhimbythehand,andsaid:"Comeandlookinhereisn'tthismuchbetter?"
Theywentinsideandfoundaprettysittingroom,andabedroomwithabedinit,akitchen,anda
larderfurnishedwitheverythingofthebestintinandbrass,andeverypossiblerequisite.Outsidethere
wasalittleyardwithchickensandducks,andalittlegardenfullofvegetablesandfruit.
"Look!"saidthewoman,"isnotthisnice?"
"Yes,"saidtheman;"andsoletitremain.Wecanlivehereveryhappily."
"Wewillseeaboutthat,"saidthewoman,andwiththattheyatesomethingandwenttobed.
Everythingwentwellforaweekormore,andthensaidthewife:"Listen,husband;thiscottageistoo
cramped,andthegardenistoosmall.Thefloundermighthavegivenusabiggerhouse.Iwanttolive
inabigstonecastle.Gototheflounder,andtellhimtogiveusacastle."
"Alas,wife!"saidtheman;"thecottageisgoodenoughforus;whatshouldwedowithacastle?"
"Nevermind,"saidhiswife;"dothoubutgototheflounder,andhewillmanageit."
"Nay,wife,"saidtheman;"thefloundergaveusthecottage.Idon'twanttogoback;aslikelyasnot
he'llbeangry."
"Go,allthesame,"saidthewoman."Hecandoiteasilyenough,andwillinglyintothebargain.Just
go!"
299
Theman'sheartwasheavy,andhewasveryunwillingtogo.Hesaidtohimself:"It'snotright."Butat
lasthewent.
Hefoundtheseawasnolongergreen;itwasstillcalm,butdarkvioletandgray.Hestoodbyitand
said:
[page299]
"Now,whatdoyouwant?"saidtheflounder.
"Alas,"saidtheman,halfscared,"mywifewantsabigstonecastle."
"Gohomeagain,"saidtheflounder;"sheisstandingatthedoorofit."
Thenthemanwentaway,thinkinghewouldfindnohouse,butwhenhegotbackhefoundagreat
stonepalace,andhiswifestandingatthetopofthesteps,waitingtogoin.
Shetookhimbythehandandsaid,"Comeinwithme."
Withthattheywentinandfoundagreathallpavedwithmarbleslabs,andnumbersofservantsin
attendance,whoopenedthegreatdoorsforthem.Thewallswerehungwithbeautifultapestries,and
theroomswerefurnishedwithgoldenchairsandtables,whilerichcarpetscoveredthefloors,and
crystalchandeliershungfromtheceilings.Thetablesgroanedundereverykindofdelicatefoodand
themostcostlywines.Outsidethehousetherewasagreatcourtyard,withstablingforhorses,and
cows,andmanyfinecarriages.Beyondthistherewasagreatgardenfilledwiththeloveliestflowers,
andfinefruittrees.Therewasalsoapark,halfamilelong,andinitwerestagsandhinds,andhares,
andeverythingofthekindonecouldwishfor.
"Now,"saidthewoman,"isnotthisworthhaving?"
"Oh,yes,"saidtheman;"andsoletitremain.Wewillliveinthisbeautifulpalaceandbecontent."
"Wewillthinkaboutthat,"saidhiswife,"andsleepuponit."
Withthattheywenttobed.
Nextmorningthewifewokeupfirst;daywasjustdawning,andfromherbedshecouldseethe
beautifulcountryaroundher.Herhusbandwasstillasleep,butshepushedhimwithherelbow,and
said,"Husband,getupandpeepoutofthewindow.Seehere,now,couldwenotbekingoverallthis
land?Gototheflounder.Wewillbeking."
[page300]
"Alas,wife,"saidtheman,"whatshouldwebekingfor?Idon'twanttobeking."
"Ah,"saidhiswife,"ifthouwiltnotbeking,Iwill.Gototheflounder.Iwillbeking."
300
"Alas,wife,"saidtheman,"whateverdostthouwanttobekingfor?Idon'tliketotellhim."
"Whynot?"saidthewoman."Gothoumust.Iwillbeking."
Sothemanwent;buthewasquitesadbecausehiswifewouldbeking.
"Itisnotright,"hesaid;"itisnotright."
Whenhereachedthesea,hefounditdark,gray,andrough,andevilsmelling.Hestoodthereandsaid:
"Now,whatdoesshewant?"saidtheflounder.
"Alas,"saidtheman,"shewantstobekingnow."
"Goback.Sheiskingalready,"saidtheflounder.
Sothemanwentback,andwhenhereachedthepalacehefoundthatithadgrownmuchlarger,anda
greattowerhadbeenadded,withhandsomedecorations.Therewasasentryatthedoor,andnumbers
ofsoldierswereplayingdrumsandtrumpets.Assoonashegotinsidethehouse,hefoundeverything
wasmarbleandgold;andthehangingswereofvelvet,withgreatgoldentassels.Thedoorsofthe
saloonwerethrownwideopenandhesawthewholecourtassembled.Hiswifewassittingonalofty
throneofgoldanddiamonds;sheworeagoldencrown,andcarriedinonehandascepterofpuregold.
Oneachsideofherstoodherladiesinalongrow,eachoneaheadshorterthanthenext.
Hestoodbeforeher,andsaid,"Alas,wife,artthounowking?"
"Yes,"shesaid;"nowIamking."
Hestoodlookingatherforsometime,andthenhesaid,"Ah,wife,itisafinethingfortheetobeking;
nowwewillnotwishtobeanythingmore."
[page301]
"Nay,husband,"sheanswered,quiteuneasily,"Ifindthetimehangsveryheavyonmyhands.Ican't
bearitanylonger.Gobacktotheflounder.KingIam,butImustalsobeemperor."
"Alas,wife,"saidtheman,"whydostthounowwanttobeemperor?"
"Husband,"sheanswered,"gototheflounder.EmperorIwillbe."
"Alas,wife,"saidtheman,"emperorhecan'tmakethee,andIwon'taskhim.Thereisonlyone
emperorinthecountry;andemperorthefloundercannotmakethee,thathecan't."
"What?"saidthewoman."Iamking,andthouartbutmyhusband.Tohimthoumustgo,andthatright
quickly.Ifhecanmakeaking,hecanalsomakeanemperor.EmperorIwillbe,soquicklygo."
301
Hehadtogo,buthewasquitefrightened.Andashewent,hethought,"Thiswon'tendwell;emperor
istooshameless.Theflounderwillmakeanendofthewholething."
Withthathecametothesea,butnowhefounditquiteblack,andheavingupfrombelowingreat
waves.Ittossedtoandfro,andasharpwindblewoverit,andthemantrembled.Sohestoodthere,and
said:
"Whatdoesshewantnow?"saidtheflounder.
"Alas,flounder,"hesaid,"mywifewantstobeemperor."
"Goback,"saidtheflounder."Sheisemperor."
Sothemanwentback,andwhenhegottothedoor,hefoundthatthewholepalacewasmadeof
polishedmarble,withalabasterfiguresandgoldendecorations.Soldiersmarchedupanddownbefore
thedoors,blowingtheirtrumpetsandbeatingtheirdrums.Insidethepalace,counts,barons,anddukes
walkedaboutasattendants,andtheyopenedtohimthedoors,whichwereofpuregold.
Hewentin,andsawhiswifesittingonahugethronemadeofsolidgold.Itwasatleasttwomileshigh.
Shehadonher[page302]headagreatgoldencrown,setwithdiamonds,threeyardshigh.Inonehand
sheheldthescepter,andintheothertheballofempire.Oneachsideofherstoodthegentlemenat
armsintworows,eachonealittlesmallerthantheother,fromgiantstwomileshigh,downtothe
tiniestdwarfnobiggerthanmylittlefinger.Shewassurroundedbyprincesanddukes.
Herhusbandstoodstill,andsaid,"Wife,artthounowemperor?"
"Yes,"saidshe;"nowIamemperor."
Thenhelookedatherforsometime,andsaid,"Alas,wife,howmuchbetteroffartthouforbeing
emperor?"
"Husband,"shesaid,"whatartthoustandingtherefor?NowIamemperor,Imeantobepope!Goback
totheflounder."
"Alas,wife,"saidtheman,"whatwiltthounotwant?Popethoucanstnotbe.Thereisonlyonepopein
Christendom.That'smorethanthefloundercando."
"Husband,"shesaid,"popeIwillbe;sogoatonce.Imustbepopethisveryday."
"No,wife,"hesaid,"Idarenottellhim.It'snogood;it'stoomonstrousaltogether.Thefloundercannot
maketheepope."
"Husband,"saidthewoman,"don'ttalknonsense.Ifhecanmakeanemperor,hecanmakeapope.Go
immediately.Iamemperor,andthouartbutmyhusband,andthoumustobey."
302
Sohewasfrightened,andwent;buthewasquitedazed.Heshiveredandshook,andhisknees
trembled.
Agreatwindaroseovertheland,thecloudsflewacrossthesky,anditgrewasdarkasnight;theleaves
fellfromthetrees,andthewaterfoamedanddashedupontheshore.Inthedistancetheshipswere
beingtossedtoandfroonthewaves,andheheardthemfiringsignalsofdistress.Therewasstillalittle
patchofblueintheskyamongthedarkclouds,buttowardthesouththeywereredandheavy,asina
badstorm.Indespair,hestoodandsaid;
[page303]
"Now,whatdoesshewant?"saidtheflounder.
"Alas"saidtheman,"shewantstobepope."
"Goback.Popesheis,"saidtheflounder.
Sobackhewent,andhefoundagreatchurch,surroundedwithpalaces.Hepressedthroughthecrowd,
andinsidehefoundthousandsandthousandoflights,andhiswife,entirelycladingold,wassittingon
astillhigherthrone,withthreegoldencrownsuponherhead,andshewassurroundedwithpriestly
state.Oneachsideofherweretworowsofcandles,thebiggestasthickasatower,downtothetiniest
littletaper.Kingsandemperorswereontheirkneesbeforeher,kissinghershoe.
"Wife,"saidtheman,lookingather,"artthounowpope?"
"Yes,"saidshe;"nowIampope."
Sotherehestoodgazingather,anditwaslikelookingatashiningsun.
"Alas,wife,"hesaid,"artthoubetteroffforbeingpope?"Atfirstshesatasstiffasapost,without
stirring.Thenhesaid,"Now,wife,becontentwithbeingpope;higherthoucanstnotgo."
"Iwillthinkaboutthat,"saidthewoman,andwiththattheybothwenttobed.Stillshewasnotcontent,
andcouldnotsleepforherinordinatedesires.Themansleptwellandsoundly,forhehadwalkedabout
agreatdealintheday;buthiswifecouldthinkofnothingbutwhatfurthergrandeurshecoulddemand.
Whenthedawnreddenedthesky,sheraisedherselfupinbedandlookedoutofthewindow,andwhen
shesawthesunriseshesaid:
"Ha!canInotcausethesunandthemoontorise?Husband!"shecried,diggingherelbowintohis
side,"wakeupandgototheflounder.Iwillbelordoftheuniverse."
Herhusband,whowasstillmorethanhalfasleep,wassoshockedthathefelloutofbed.Hethoughthe
musthaveheardwrong.Herubbedhiseyesandsaid:
"Alas,wife,whatdidstthousay?"
303
"Husband,"shesaid,"ifIcannotbelordoftheuniverse,andcausethesunandmoontosetandrise,I
shallnotbeabletobearit.Ishallneverhaveanotherhappymoment."
[page304]
Shelookedathimsowildlythatitcausedashuddertorunthroughhim.
"Alas,wife,"hesaid,fallingonhiskneesbeforeher,"thefloundercan'tdothat.Emperorandpopehe
canmake,butthatisindeedbeyondhim.Ipraythee,controlthyselfandremainpope."
Thensheflewintoaterriblerage.Herhairstoodonend;shepantedforbreath,andscreamed:
"Iwon'tbearitanylonger;wiltthougo?"
Thenhepulledonhistrousersandtoreawaylikeamadman.Suchastormwasragingthathecould
hardlykeephisfeet;housesandtreesquiveredandswayed,mountainstrembled,andtherocksrolled
intothesea.Theskywaspitchyblack;itthunderedandlightened,andthesearaninblackwaves,
mountainshigh,crestedwithwhitefoam.Heshriekedout,butcouldhardlymakehimselfheard:
"Now,whatdoesshewant?"askedtheflounder.
"Alas,"hesaid,"shewantstobeLordoftheUniverse."
"Nowshemustgobacktoheroldhovel,"saidtheflounder;"andthereyouwillfindher."
Andtheretheyaretothisveryday!
LITTLESNOWWHITE
O
NCEuponatimeitwasthemiddleofwinter;theflakesofsnowwerefallinglikefeathersfromthe
sky;aQueensatatawindowsewing,andtheframeofthewindowwasmadeofblackebony.Asshe
wassewingandlookingoutofthewindow[page305]atthesnow,sheprickedherfingerwiththe
needle,andthreedropsofbloodfelluponthesnow.Andtheredlookedprettyuponthewhitesnow,
andshethoughttoherself:
304
"WouldthatIhadachildaswhiteassnow,asredasblood,andasblackasthewoodofthewindow
frame!"Soonafterthatshehadalittledaughter,whowasaswhiteassnow,andasredasblood,and
herhairwasasblackasebony;soshewascalledLittleSnowwhite.Andwhenthechildwasborn,the
Queendied.
Ayearafter,theKingtooktohimselfanotherwife.Shewasbeautifulbutproud,andshecouldnot
beartohaveanyoneelsemorebeautiful.ShehadawonderfulLookingglass,andwhenshestoodin
frontofit,andlookedatherselfinit,andsaid:
"Lookingglass,Lookingglass,onthewall,
Whointhislandisthefairestofall?"
theLookingglassanswered:
"Thou,OQueen,artthefairestofall!"
Atlastshewaswellpleased,forsheknewtheLookingglassspokethetruth.
NowSnowwhitegrewup,andbecamemoreandmorebeautiful;andwhenshewassevenyearsold
shewasasbeautifulastheday,andmorebeautifulthantheQueenherself.Andoncewhenthequeen
askedherLookingglass:
itanswered:
"Thouartfairerthanallwhoarehere,LadyQueen,
ButmorebeautifulbyfarisSnowwhite,Iween."
ThentheQueenwasangry,andturnedgreenwithenvy.Fromthathour,whenevershelookedatSnow
white,herbreathcameandwent,shehatedthegirlsomuch.
Andenvygrewhigherandhigherinherheartlikeaweed,sothatshehadnopeacedayornight.She
calledahuntsman,andsaid:
[page306]
"Takethechildawayintothewood;Iwillnolongerhaveherinmysight.Killher,andbringmeback
herheartasatoken."Thehuntsmandidashewastold,andtookheraway;butwhenhehaddrawnhis
knife,andwasabouttopierceSnowwhite'slittleheart,shebegantoweep,andsaid:
"Ah,dearhuntsman,leavememylife!Iwillrunawayintothewildwood,andnevercomehome
again."
Andasshewassobeautifulthehuntsmanhadpityonherandsaid:
"Runaway,then,youpoorchild."Thewildbeastswillsoonkillher,thoughthe;andyetitseemedasif
astonehadbeenrolledfromhisheart,sinceitwasnolongerneedfulforhimtokillher.Asayoung
boarjustthencamerunningbyhestabbedit,andcutoutitsheartandtookittotheQueenasaproof
305
thatthechildwasdead.Thecookhadtosaltthis,andthewickedQueenateit,andthoughtshehad
eatentheheartofSnowwhite.
Butnowthepoorchildwasallaloneinthegreatwood,andsoafraidthatshestartedateverybush,and
didnotknowwhattodo.Thenshebegantorun,andranoversharpstonesandthroughthorns,andthe
wildbeastsranpasther,butdidhernoharm.
Sheranaslongasherfeetwouldgo,untilitwasalmostevening;thenshesawalittlecottage,andwent
intoittorestherself.Everythinginthecottagewassmall,butneaterandcleanerthancanbetold.
Therewasatableonwhichwasawhitecover,andsevenlittleplates,andbyeachplatewasalittle
spoon;thereweresevenlittleknivesandforks,andsevenlittlemugs.Againstthewallstoodseven
littlebedssidebyside,coveredwithsnowwhitecoverlets.
LittleSnowwhitewassohungryandthirstythatsheatesomefruitandbreadfromeachplate,and
drankadropofmilkoutofeachmug,forshedidnotwishtotakeallfromoneonly.Then,asshewas
sotired,shelaydownononeofthelittlebeds,butnoneofthemsuitedher;onewastoolong,another
tooshort;butatlastshefoundtheseventhonewasjustright,andsoshestayedinit,saidherprayers,
andwenttosleep.
Whenitwasquitedarktheownersofthecottagecameback;[page307]theyweresevendwarfswho
duginthehillsforgold.Theylittheirsevencandles,andasitwasnowlightwithinthecottagethey
couldseethatsomeonehadbeenthere,foreverythingwasnotinthesameorderinwhichtheyhadleft
it.
Thefirstsaid,"Whohasbeensittingonmychair?"
Thesecond,"Whohasbeeneatingoffmyplate?"
Thethird,"Whohasbeentakingsomeofmybread?"
Thefourth,"Whohasbeeneatingmyfruit?"
Thefifth,"Whohasbeenusingmyfork?"
Thesixth,"Whohasbeencuttingwithmyknife?"
Theseventh,"Whohasbeendrinkingoutofmymug?"
Thenthefirstlookedroundandsawthattherewasalittleholeinhisbed,andhesaid:
"Whohasbeengettingintomybed?"Theotherscameupandeachcalledout:
"Somebodyhasbeenlyinginmybedtoo."Buttheseventh,whenhelookedathisbed,sawlittle
Snowwhite,whowaslyingasleepthere.Andhecalledtheothers,whocamerunningup,andthey
criedoutwithwonder,andbroughttheirsevenlittlecandlesandletthelightfallonlittleSnowwhite.
"Oh,heavens!oh,heavens!"criedthey,"whatalovelychild!"andtheyweresogladthattheydidnot
wakeher,butlethersleeponinthebed.Andtheseventhdwarfsleptwiththeothers,onehourwith
each,andsogotthroughthenight.
WhenitwasmorninglittleSnowwhiteawoke,andwasafraidwhenshesawthesevendwarfs.But
theywerefriendlyandaskedherwhathernamewas.
"MynameisSnowwhite,"sheanswered.
306
"Howhaveyoucometoourhouse?"saidthedwarfs.ThenshetoldthemthattheQueenhadwishedto
haveherkilled,butthatthehuntsmanhadsparedherlife;shehadrunforthewholeday,untilatlast
shehadfoundtheirhouse.Thedwarfssaid:
"Ifyouwilltakecareofourhouse,cook,makethebeds,wash,sew,andknit;andifyouwillkeep
everythingneatandclean,youcanstaywithus,andyoushallwantfornothing."
"Yes,"saidSnowwhite,"withallmyheart,"andshestayedwiththem.Shekeptthehouseinorderfor
them;in[page308]themorningstheywenttothehillsandlookedforgold;intheeveningstheycame
back,andthentheirsupperhadtobeready.Thegirlwasalonethewholeday,sothegooddwarfs
warnedherandsaid:
"BewareoftheQueen;shewillsoonknowthatyouarehere;besuretoletnoonecomein."
ButtheQueen,thinkingshehadeatenSnowwhite'sheart,begantosupposeshewasagainthefirstand
mostbeautifulpersonintheworld;andshewenttoherLookingglassandsaid:
AndtheGlassanswered:
"OQueen,thouartfairestofallIsee,
Butoverthehills,wherethesevendwarfsdwell,
Snowwhiteisstillaliveandwell,
Andnooneelseissofairasshe."
AndsoshethoughtandthoughtagainhowshemightkillSnowwhite,forsolongasshewasnotthe
fairestinthewholeland,envyletherhavenorest.Andwhenshehadatlastthoughtofsomethingto
do,shepaintedherfaceanddressedherselflikeanoldpeddlerwoman,andnoonecouldhaveknown
her.Thenshewentoverthesevenhillstothesevendwarfs,andknockedatthedoorandcried:
"Prettythingstosell,verycheap,verycheap."LittleSnowwhitelookedoutofthewindowandcalled
out:
"Goodday,mygoodwoman,whathaveyoutosell?"
"Goodthings,prettythings,"sheanswered;"staylacesofallcolors,"andshepulledoutonewhichwas
wovenofbrightsilk.
"Imayletthegoodoldwomanin,"thoughtSnowwhite,andsheunboltedthedoorandboughtthe
prettylaces.
"Child,"saidtheoldwoman,"whatafrightyoulook!Come,Iwilllaceyouproperlyforonce."
307
LittleSnowWhiteandthePeddlerWoman.
Snowwhitestoodbeforeher,andletherselfbelacedwiththenewlaces.Buttheoldwomanlacedso
quicklyandlacedsotightlythatSnowwhitelostherbreathandfelldownasifdead."NowIamthe
mostbeautiful,"saidtheQueentoherself,andranaway.
[page309]
Notlongafter,intheevening,thesevendwarfscamehome,buthowshockedtheywerewhentheysaw
theirdearlittleSnowwhitelyingontheground!Shedidnotstirormove,andseemedtobedead.They
liftedherup,and,astheysawthatshewaslacedtootightly,theycutthelaces;thenshebeganto
breathealittle,andafterawhilecametolifeagain.Whenthedwarfsheardwhathadhappenedthey
said:
"TheoldpeddlerwomanwasnooneelsethanthewickedQueen;takecareandletnoonecomein
whenwearenotwithyou."
Butthewickedwoman,whenshewasathomeagain,wentinfrontoftheGlassandasked:
308
Anditansweredasbefore:
Whensheheardthat,allherbloodrushedtoherheartwithfear,forshesawplainlythatlittleSnow
whitewasagainalive.
"Butnow,"shesaid,"Iwillthinkofsomethingthatshallputanendtoyou,"andsoshemadeacomb
thatwasfullofpoison.Thenshetooktheshapeofanotheroldwoman.Soshewentoverthesevenhills
tothesevendwarfs,knockedatthedoor,andcried,"Goodthingstosell,cheap,cheap!"LittleSnow
whitelookedoutandsaid:
"Goaway;Icannotletanyonecomein."
"Isupposeyoucanlook,"saidtheoldwoman,andpulledthecomboutandhelditup.Itpleasedthe
girlsowellthatsheletherselfbecoaxedandopenedthedoor.Whentheyhadmadeabargaintheold
womansaid,"NowIwillcombyouproperlyforonce."PoorlittleSnowwhitehadnofear,andletthe
oldwomandoasshepleased,buthardlyhadsheputthecombinherhairthanthepoisonworked,and
thegirlfelldownsenseless.
"Youpieceofbeauty,"saidthewickedwoman,"youaredonefornow,"andshewentaway.
[page310]
Butasgoodluckwouldhaveit,itwasalmostevening,andthesevendwarfssooncamehome.When
theysawSnowwhitelyingasifdeadupontheground,theyknewatoncetheQueenhadbeenthere,
andtheylookedandfoundthecomb.ScarcelyhadtheytakenitoutwhenSnowwhitecametoherself,
andtoldthemwhathadhappened.Thentheywarnedheroncemoretobeuponherguardandtoopen
thedoortonoone.
TheQueen,athome,wentinfrontoftheGlass,andsaid:
Thenitansweredasbefore:
309
WhensheheardtheGlassspeakthusshetrembledandshookwithrage.
"Snowwhiteshalldie,"shecried,"evenifitcostsmemylife!"
Shewentintoaquiet,secret,lonelyroom,wherenooneevercame,andthereshemadeanapplefullof
poison.Itwaswhitewitharedcheek,sothateveryonewhosawitlongedforit;butwhoeveratea
pieceofitmustsurelydie.
Whentheapplewasreadyshepaintedherface,anddressedherselfupasacountrywoman,andsoshe
wentoverthesevenhillstothesevendwarfs.Sheknockedatthedoor.Snowwhiteputherheadoutof
thewindowandsaid:
"Icannotletanyonein;thesevendwarfshavetoldmenotto."
"Itisallthesametome,"saidthewoman."Ishallsoongetridofmyapples.There,Iwillgiveyou
one."
"No,"saidSnowwhite,"Idarenottakeanything."
"Areyouafraidofpoison?"saidtheoldwoman."Look,Iwillcuttheappleintwopieces;youeatthe
redcheek,andIwilleatthewhite."Theapplewassocunninglymadethatonlytheredcheekwas
poisoned.Snowwhitelongedforthefineapple,andwhenshesawthatthewomanatepartofit
[page311]shecouldstanditnolonger,andstretchedoutherhandandtooktheotherhalf.Buthardly
hadsheabitofitinhermouthwhenshefelldowndead.ThentheQueenlookedatherwithadreadful
look,andlaughedaloudandsaid:
"Whiteassnow,redasblood,blackasebonywood!Thistimethedwarfscannotwakeyouupagain."
AndwhensheaskedoftheLookingglassathome:
Whointhislandisfairestofall?"
itansweredatlast:
"OQueen,inthislandthouartfairestofall."
Thenherenvioushearthadrest,sofarasanenviousheartcanhaverest.
Whenthedwarfscamehomeintheevening,theyfoundSnowwhitelyingupontheground;she
breathednolonger,andwasdead.Theyliftedherup,unlacedher,combedherhair,washedherwith
waterandwine,butitwasallofnouse;thepoorchildwasdead,andstayeddead.Theylaidherupona
bier,andallsevenofthemsatrounditandweptforher,andweptthreewholedays.
Thentheyweregoingtoburyher,butshestilllookedasifshewereliving,andstillhadherprettyred
cheeks.Theysaid:
"Wecouldnotburyherinthedarkground,"andtheyhadacoffinofglassmade,sothatshecouldbe
seenfromallsides,andtheylaidherinit,andwrotehernameuponitingoldenletters,andthatshe
wasaKing'sdaughter.Thentheyputthecoffinoutuponthehill,andoneofthemalwaysstayedbyit
andwatchedit.Andbirdscametoo,andweptforSnowwhite;firstanowl,thenaraven,andlasta
dove.
310
AndnowSnowwhitelayalong,longtimeinthecoffin,andshedidnotchange,butlookedasifshe
wereasleep;forshewasaswhiteassnow,asredasblood,andherhairwasasblackasebony.
IthappenedthataKing'ssoncameintothewood,andwenttothedwarfs'housetospendthenight.He
sawthe[page312]coffinonthehill,andthebeautifulSnowwhitewithinit,andreadwhatwaswritten
uponitingoldenletters.Thenhesaidtothedwarfs:
"Letmehavethecoffin,Iwillgiveyouwhateveryouwantforit."Butthedwarfsanswered:
"Wewillnotpartwithitforallthegoldintheworld."Thenhesaid:
"Letmehaveitasagift,forIcannotlivewithoutseeingSnowwhite.Iwillhonorandprizeherasthe
dearestthingIhave."Ashespokeinthiswaythegooddwarfstookpityuponhim,andgavehimthe
coffin.
AndnowtheKing'ssonhaditcarriedawaybyhisservantsontheirshoulders.Andithappenedthat
theystumbledoveratreestump,andwiththeshockthepieceofapplewhichSnowwhitehadbitten
offcameoutofherthroat.Andbeforelongsheopenedhereyes,liftedupthelidofthecoffin,satup,
andwasoncemorealive.
"Oh,heavens,whereamI?"shecried.TheKing'sson,fullofjoy,said:
"Youarewithme,"andtoldherwhathadhappened,andsaid,"Iloveyoumorethaneverythinginthe
world;comewithmetomyfather'spalace;youshallbemywife."
Snowwhitewaswilling,andwentwithhim,andtheirweddingwasheldwithgreatshowandsplendor.
ThewickedQueenwasalsobiddentothefeast.Whenshehadputonherbeautifulclothes,shewent
beforetheLookingglass,andsaid:
TheGlassanswered:
"OQueen,ofallherethefairestartthou,
ButtheyoungQueenisfairerbyfarItrow."
Thenthewickedwomangaveascream,andwassowretched,soutterlywretched,thatsheknewnot
whattodo.Atfirstshewouldnotgototheweddingatall,butshehadnopeace,andmustgotoseethe
youngQueen.AndwhenshewentinsheknewSnowwhite;andshestoodstillwithrageandfear,
[page313]andcouldnotstir.Butironslippershadalreadybeenputuponthefire,andtheywere
broughtinwithtongs,andsetbeforeher.Thenshewasforcedtoputontheredhotshoes,anddance
untilshedroppeddowndead.
THEGOOSEGIRL
311
A
NoldQueenhadabeautifuldaughter,whowasbetrothedtoayoungPrinceofaneighboringkingdom.
Whenthetimeforthemarriagecamenear,itwasarrangedthatshewastotraveltohiscountry
accompaniedonlybyherwaitingmaid.Hermother,theQueen,providedherwithmanycostlyrobes
andjewels,suchasaPrincessabouttomarrythePrinceofagreatkingdomwouldrequire.Shealso
gaveherahorsenamedFalada,whichhadthegiftofspeech.
JustbeforethePrincessstartedonherjourney,theQueenprickedherfinger,anddroppedthreedrops
ofblooduponahandkerchief."Takethis,"shetoldherdaughter,"andguarditcarefully.Itwillserve
youwhenindanger."
ThePrincesstookthehandkerchief,andembracedhermother.Theyshedmanytearsatparting,butat
lastthePrincessmountedthewonderfulhorseandstartedonthejourney.Whensheandthemaidhad
riddenforsometime,theycametoastreamofclear,coldwater.Beingverythirsty,thePrincessasked
themaidtobringheradrinkinthegoldencup.Themaidinsolentlyrepliedthatshemightgetthewater
forherself,asshedidnotintendtoserveheranylonger.ThePrincesswassothirstythatshe
dismountedanddrankfromthestream.Asshebentovertoplaceherlipstothewater,shesaidto
herself,"O,Heaven!whatamItodo?"Thethreedropsofblooduponthehandkerchiefmadeanswer:
"Ifsheknewthis,forthysake
Thyqueenmother'sheartwouldbreak."
[page314]
WhenthePrincesshadslakedherthirst,shemountedherhorseandresumedherjourney,andbeing
gentleandforgiving,shesoonforgotthemaid'srudeness.Thesunshoneonthemfiercely,andtheroad
wasfilledwithdust,sothattheyhadnotgonefarbeforethePrincessagainbecamethirsty.Whenthey
cametoabrook,shecalledtothemaid:
"Prayfetchmeadrinkinmygoldencup."
Themaid'sanswerwasevenmoreinsolentthanbefore."Ifyouarethirsty,getdownanddrink.Idonot
meantoserveyouanylonger."
ThePrincess'sthroatwasparched,soshedismountedanddrankfromthestream,atthesametime
murmuring,"O,Heaven!whatamItodo?"Thethreedropsofbloodagainreplied:
"Ifsheknewthis,forthysake
Assheraisedherheadfromthewater,thehandkerchiefbearingthethreedropsofbloodfellunnoticed
fromherdressandfloateddownthestream.Themaid,however,hadobservedthelosswithnosmall
satisfaction.Withoutthethreedropsofblood,thePrincesswascompletelyinherpower,andthe
traitorousservantimmediatelytookadvantageofherhelplessness.SheobligedthePrincesstodisrobe
andexchangetheroyaldressforherownmeanone.Aftermakingherswear,onfearofdeath,neverto
betraythesecret,themaidmountedFaladaandleftherownhorseforthePrincess.
FaladaborethefalsePrincesstothepalace;butthehorsehadnotedall,andbidedhistime.ThePrince
cameouttomeetthem,andtooktheimpostorbridetotheroyalchamber,whilethetrueonewasleft
waitinginthecourtbelow.Seeingherthere,forlornandbeautiful,theoldKinginquiredofthebride
whoitwasshehadthusleftoutside.
312
"Onlyawomanwhokeptmecompany,"shecarelesslyreplied."Givehersomeworktocontenther."
TheKingcouldthinkofnothingsuitableforsuchasshe;butlackingsomethingbettertooffer,senther
tohelptheboyCurdkenherdgeese.Soithappenedthattherealbridebecameagoosegirl.
[page315]
ThefalsebrideatlengthrememberedFalada'sgiftofspeechandbecamealarmedlestheshouldbetray
thesecretofhertreachery.ShetoldthePrincethatthehorsewhichhadbroughtherwasviciousand
hadgivenhermuchtrouble,andthatshedesiredhisheadcutoffimmediately.ThePrinceatonce
grantedherrequest,andgaveordersthatFaladabebeheaded.
WhentherealPrincessheardthesadnews,shedriedhertearsandsoughttheexecutioner.Shecould
notsaveherdearFaladafromhisdoom,butwiththeaidofagoldpieceshepersuadedtheslaughterer
tonailhisheadoverthegreatgatethroughwhichshehadtopassonherwaytoandfromthegoose
pasture.
Thenextmorning,whensheandCurdkendrovetheirgeeseunderthegate,thePrincesswrungher
handsandcried:
"OFalada,hangyouthere?"
Andtheheadrepliedtoher:
"'TisFalada,Princessfair.
Ifsheknewthis,forthysake
Whenshehaddriventhegeesetothefield,shesatdownandloosedhergoldenhair.Curdken,seeingit
shininginthesun,caughtatittopullsomeout.Whereuponshesang:
"Wind,blowgentlyhere,Ipray,
AndtakeCurdken'shataway.
Keephimchasingo'erthewold,
WhileIbindmyhairofgold."
WhenCurdkenhadrecoveredhishatandreturnedtowhereshewassitting,herhairwasplaited,andhe
couldgetnoneofit.Thismadehimveryangryallday.
ThenextmorningtheyagaincametothegatewhereFalada'sheadwasnailed,andthegoosegirlsaid
asbefore:
"OFalada,hangyouthere?"
Andtheheadasbeforerepliedtoher:
313
[page316]
AgainshepassedonwiththegeeseandCurdkenunderthegate,andwhenshecametothefieldwhere
theywereherded,satdownandloosedherhair.Thesunshoneuponit,andCurdkenagaincaughtatits
goldenthreads.Thegoosegirlcalledtothewind:
Thewinddidassheasked,andCurdkenransofarforhishatthatwhenhereturnedthegoldenhairwas
plaitedandboundaboutherhead.
Curdkenwassullenalldaylong,andwhenatnighttheyhaddriventhegeesehome,hecomplainedto
theKing:
"ThegoosegirlsoteasesmethatIwillnolongerherdthegeesewithher."
Whenaskedhowshehadoffended,hetoldtheKingthatshespokeeverymorningtothehorse'shead
thatwasoverthegate,andthattheheadrepliedandcalledherPrincess.Healsorelatedhowthegoose
girlsatinthesunandcombedhergoldenhair,whileshesenthimchasingforhishat.
TheKingbadeCurdkengothenextdaywithhisflockasusual.WhenmorningcametheKingarose
earlyandstoodintheshadowofthetowngate.Heheardthegoosegirlsay,"OFalada,hangyou
there?"andheheardtheheadmakeanswer:
ThentheKingfollowedontothefield,wherehehidbehindabushandwatchedthemherdthegeese.
Afteratimethegoosegirlundidherglitteringhair;andasCurdkensnatchedatit,theKingheardher
say:
[page317]
Thewindcameatherbidding,andcarriedtheherdboy'shatacrossthefields;whileshecombedthe
shininghairandmadeitfast.
314
TheKingquietlyreturnedtothepalace,andthatnighthesentforthegoosegirl.Hetoldherhehad
watchedheratthegateandinthefield,andaskedherthemeaningofherstrangeactions.
"OKing!Imaynottell;forIhavesworn,ifmylifewerespared,tospeaktonooneofmywoes,"she
replied.
TheKingpleadedwithher,butshewasfirm;andatlasthetoldhertotellhertroublestotheironstove,
sinceshewouldnotconfideinhim.Whenhehadlefther,shefelluponherkneesbeforethestoveand
pouredforthhersorrows:
"HereamI,thedaughterofaQueen,doomedtothelowlyserviceofagoosegirl,whilethefalse
waitingmaidstealsmytreasuresandmybridegroom."
Shesobbedandwept,untiltheKing,whohadstoodoutsideandheardall,cameinandbadeherdryher
eyes.Heorderedherarrayedinroyalrobes;andthensheappearedaslovelyasthesun.ThePrincewas
summoned;andtheoldKingtoldhimthestory,andshowedhimthetruebride.Shewassobeautiful
thatthePrincekneltatherfeetinadmiration,andknewhertobetherealPrincess.
Agreatbanquetwasgiven,towhichmanyguestswereinvited.OnonesideofthePrincesatthefalse
bride,andontheothertherealPrincess,whowassoradiantlylovelythatthemaiddidnotknowher.
TheKingatlastaskedthewaitingmaidwhatpunishmentshouldbedealttoatraitor.
Notknowingthatshewaspassingsentenceonherself,thewaitingmaid'sanswerwasascruelasshe
waswicked.Saidshe:
"Letherbeputintoabarrel,anddrawnbytwowhitehorses,uphillanddown,tillsheisdead."
Whenthewickedmaidhadbeenpunishedaccordingtoherowndecree,thePrincesswasweddedtothe
youngPrince,andreignedwithhimformanyhappyyearsoverthekingdomwhereshehadfirstserved
asagoosegirl.
[page318]
THEGOLDENBIRD
T
HEREwasonceaKingwhohadabeautifulpleasuregardenbehindhispalace,inwhichgrewatree
thatboregoldenapples.Asfastastheapplesripenedtheywerecounted,butthenextdayonewas
alwaysmissing.
ThiswasmadeknowntotheKing,whocommandedthatawatchshouldbekepteverynightunderthe
tree.Now,theKinghadthreesons,andhesenttheeldestintothegardenwhennightwascomingon;
butatmidnighthefellfastasleep,andinthemorninganotherapplewasmissing.Thefollowingnight
thesecondsonhadtowatch,buthedidnotsucceedanybetter,andagainanotherapplewasmissingin
themorning.Nowcametheturnoftheyoungestson,whowaseagertogo;buttheKingdidnotrely
muchuponhim,andthoughthewouldwatchevenworsethanhisbrothers;however,atlasthe
consented.
315
Theyouththrewhimselfonthegroundunderthetreeandwatchedsteadily,withoutlettingsleep
masterhim.Astwelveo'clockstruck,somethingrustledintheair,andhesawabirdflybyinthe
moonlight,whosefeatherswereofshininggold.Thebirdalightedonthetreeandwasjustpickingoff
oneoftheappleswhentheyoungPrinceshotaboltatit.Awayflewthebird,butthearrowhad
knockedoffoneofitsfeathers,whichwasofthefinestgold.Theyouthpickeditupandshoweditto
theKingnextmorning,andtoldhimallhehadseeninthenight.
ThereupontheKingassembledhiscouncil,andeachonedeclaredthatasinglefeatherlikethisonewas
ofgreatervaluethanthewholekingdom.
"Howevervaluablethisfeathermaybe,"saidtheKing,"onewillnotbeofmuchusetomeImust
havethewholebird."
Sotheeldestsonwentforthonhistravels,tolookforthewonderfulbird,andhehadnodoubtthathe
wouldbeabletofindit.
[page319]
Whenhehadgoneashortdistance,hesawafoxsittingclosetotheedgeoftheforest,sohedrewhis
bowtoshoot.Butthefoxcriedout:"Donotshootme,andIwillgiveyouapieceofgoodadvice!You
arenowontheroadtothegoldenbird,andthiseveningyouwillcometoavillagewheretwoinns
standoppositetoeachotheronewillbebrilliantlylighted,andgreatmerrimentwillbegoingon
inside;donot,however,goin,butratherentertheother,eventhoughitappearsbutapoorplaceto
you."
"Howcansucharidiculousanimalgivemerationaladvice?"thoughttheyoungPrince,andshotatthe
fox,butmissedit,soitranawaywithitstailintheair.TheKing'ssonthenwalkedon,andinthe
eveninghecametoavillagewherethetwoinnsstood:inonetherewasdancingandsinging,butthe
otherwasquiet,andhadaverymeanandwretchedappearance.
"Ishouldbeanidiot,"thoughthetohimself,"ifIweretogotothisgloomyoldinnwhiletheotheris
sobrightandcheerful."Therefore,hewentintothemerryone,livedthereinriotingandrevelry,andso
forgotthegoldenbird,hisfather,andallgoodbehavior.
Astimepassedaway,andtheeldestsondidnotreturnhome,thesecondsonsetoutonhistravelsto
seekthegoldenbird.Liketheeldestbrother,hemetwiththefox,anddidnotfollowthegoodadviceit
gavehim.Helikewisecametothetwoinns,andatthewindowofthenoisyonehisbrotherstood
entreatinghimtocomein.Thishecouldnotresist,sohewentin,andbegantolivealifeofpleasure
only.
Againalongtimepassedbywithoutanynews,sotheyoungestPrincewishedtotryhisluck,buthis
fatherwouldnothearofit.Atlast,forthesakeofpeace,theKingwasobligedtoconsent,forhehad
norestaslongasherefused.Thefoxwasagainsittingattheedgeoftheforest,andoncemoreit
beggedforitsownlifeandgaveitsgoodadvice.Theyouthwasgoodhearted,andsaid:
"Havenofear,littlefox;Iwillnotdotheeanyharm."
"Thouwiltneverrepentofthygoodnature,"repliedthefox,"andinorderthatthoumayesttravelmore
quickly,getupbehindonmytail."
[page320]
Scarcelyhadtheyouthseatedhimself,whenawaywentthefoxoverhillanddale,sofastthatthe
Prince'shairwhistledinthewind.Whentheycametothevillage,theyouthdismounted,andfollowing
316
thefox'sadvice,heturnedatonceintotheshabbylookinginn,wherehesleptpeacefullythroughthe
night.Thenextmorning,whenthePrincewentintothefields,thefoxwasalreadythere,andsaid:
"Iwilltelltheewhatfurtherthoumustdo.Gostraighton,andthouwiltcometoacastlebeforewhicha
wholetroopofsoldierswillbelyingasleep.Gorightthroughthemidstofthemintothecastle,and
thouwiltcometoachamberwhereishangingawoodencagecontainingagoldenbird.Closebystands
anemptygoldencage,forshow;butbecarefulthatthoudostnottakethebirdoutofitsuglycageand
putitinthesplendidone,oritwillbeveryunluckyforthee."
Withthesewordsthefoxoncemorestretchedoutitstail,andtheKing'ssonsatuponitagain,and
awaytheywentoverhillanddale,withtheirhairwhistlinginthewind.
Whentheyarrivedatthecastle,thePrincefoundeverythingasthefoxhadsaid,andhesoon
discoveredtheroominwhichthegoldenbirdwassittinginitswoodencage;byitstoodagoldenone;
whilethreegoldenappleswerelyingabouttheroom.ButthePrincethoughtitwouldbesillytoput
suchalovelybirdinsouglyandcommonacage;so,openingthedoor,heplaceditinthegoldencage.
Inaninstantthebirdsetupapiercingshriek,whichawakenedallthesoldiers,whorushedinandmade
himprisoner.
Thenextmorninghewasbroughtbeforeajudge,whoatoncecondemnedhimtodeath.Still,theKing
saidhislifeshouldbesparedononecondition,andthatwas,thathebroughthimthegoldenhorse,
whichranfasterthanthewind;andifhesucceededheshouldalsoreceivethegoldenbirdasareward.
TheyoungPrincesetoutonhisjourney,buthesighedandfeltverysorrowful,forwherewashetofind
thegoldenhorse?Allatonce,hesawhisoldfriend,thefox,sittingbythewayside.
"Ah!"exclaimedthefox,"thouseestnowwhathashappenedthroughnotlisteningtome.Butbeof
goodcourage;Iwilllookafterthee,andtelltheehowthoumayestdiscoverthe[page321]horse.Thou
musttravelstraightalongthisroaduntilthoucomesttoacastle;thehorseisthereinoneofthestables.
Thouwiltfindastableboylyingbeforethestall,buthewillbefastasleepandsnoring,sothouwiltbe
abletoleadoutthegoldenhorsequitequietly.Butthereisonethingthoumustbecarefulabout,and
thatistoputontheshabbyoldsaddleofwoodandleather,andnotthegoldenonewhichhangsbeside
itotherwiseeverythingwillgowrongwiththee."Thenthefoxstretchedouthistail,thePrincetooka
seatuponit,andawaytheywentoverhillanddale,withtheirhairwhistlinginthewind.
Everythinghappenedasthefoxhadsaid.ThePrincecametothestablewherethegoldenhorsewas
standing,but,ashewasabouttoputontheshabbyoldsaddle,hethoughttohimself,"Itdoesseema
shamethatsuchalovelyanimalshouldbedisgracedwiththis.Thefinesaddleishisbyright;itmust
goon."
Scarcelyhadthegoldensaddlerestedonthehorse'sbackwhenitbegantoneighloudly.This
awakenedthestableboy,whoawakenedthegrooms,whorushedinandseizedthePrinceandmade
himaprisoner.Thefollowingmorninghewasbroughttotrialandcondemnedtodeath,buttheKing
promisedhimhislife,aswellasthegoldenhorse,iftheyouthcouldfindthebeautifuldaughterofthe
Kingofthegoldencastle.Oncemore,withaheavyheart,thePrincesetoutonhisjourney,andby
greatgoodfortunehesooncameacrossthefaithfulfox.
"Ireallyshouldhavelefttheetotheconsequencesofthyfolly,"saidthefox;"butasIfeelgreat
compassionforthee,Iwillhelptheeoutofthynewmisfortune.Thepathtothecastleliesstraight
beforethee;thouwiltreachitabouttheevening.Atnight,wheneverythingisquiet,thelovelyPrincess
willgotothebathhouse,tobathethere.Assoonassheenters,thoumustspringforwardandgivehera
kiss;thenshewillfollowtheewhereverthoucaresttoleadher;onlybecarefulthatshedoesnottake
leaveofherparents,oreverythingwillgowrong."
Thenthefoxstretchedouthistail,thePrinceseatedhimself[page322]onit,andawaytheybothwent
overhillanddale,theirhairwhistlinginthewind.
317
WhentheKing'ssoncametothegoldenpalace,everythinghappenedasthefoxhadpredicted.He
waiteduntilmidnight,andwheneveryonewassoundlyasleepthebeautifulPrincesswentintothebath
house,sohesprangforwardandkissedher.ThePrincessthensaidshewouldjoyfullyfollowhim,but
shebesoughthimwithtearsinhereyestoallowhertosayfarewelltoherparents.Atfirsthewithstood
herentreaties,butassheweptstillmore,andfellathisfeet,heatlastyielded.
Scarcelywasthemaidenatthebedsideofherfather,whenheawoke,andsodideveryoneelseinthe
palace;sothefoolishyouthwascapturedandputintoprison.
OnthefollowingmorningtheKingsaidtohim:"Thylifeisforfeited,andthoucanstonlyfindmercyif
thouclearestawaythemountainthatliesbeforemywindows,andoverwhichIcannotsee,butitmust
beremovedwithineightdays.Ifthoudostsucceedthoushalthavemydaughterasareward."
SothePrincecommencedatoncetodigandtoshovelawaytheearthwithoutcessation,butwhenafter
sevendayshesawhowlittlehehadbeenabletoaccomplish,andthatallhislaborwasasnothing,he
fellintoagreatgriefandgaveupallhope.
Ontheeveningoftheseventhday,however,thefoxappeared."ThoudostnotdeservethatIshould
takethypartorbefriendthee,butdothougoawayandliedowntosleep,andIwilldotheworkfor
thee."
Andthenextmorning,whenheawokeandlookedoutofthewindow,themountainhaddisappeared!
ThenthePrince,quiteoverjoyed,hastenedtotheKingandtoldhimthattheconditionswerefulfilled,
sothattheKing,whetherhewouldornot,wasobligedtokeephiswordandgivehimhisdaughter.
Thenthesetwowentawaytogether,anditwasnotlongbeforethefaithfulfoxcametothem.
"Thouhastindeedgainedthebestofall,"saidhe;"buttothemaidenofthegoldencastlebelongsalso
thegoldenhorse."
"HowcanIgetit?"enquiredtheyouth.
[page323]
"Iwilltellthee,"answeredthefox;"firstofall,takethelovelyPrincesstotheKingwhosentyoutothe
goldenpalace.Therewillthenbeunheardofjoy;theywillgladlyleadthegoldenhorsetotheeand
giveitthee.Mountitinstantly,andgiveyourhandtoeveryoneatparting,andlastofalltothe
Princess.Graspherhandfirmly;makeherspringintothesaddlebehindthee,andthengallopaway;no
onewillbeabletoovertakethee,forthegoldenhorserunsfasterthanthewind."
Thiswasallhappilyaccomplished,andtheKing'ssoncarriedoffthebeautifulPrincessonthegolden
horse.Thefoxdidnotremainbehind,andspokethustotheyoungPrince:
"NowIwillhelptheetofindthegoldenbird.Whenthoucomestnearthecastlewherethebirdistobe
found,letthePrincessdismount,andIwilltakeherundermyprotection.Thenrideonthegoldenhorse
tothecourtyardofthepalace,wherethycomingwillcausegreatjoy,andtheywillfetchthegolden
birdforthee.Directlythecageisinthyhands,gallopbacktousandfetchthemaidenagain."
318
ThePrinceStartsHomewardwithHisTreasure.
Whenthisplotwassuccessfullycarriedout,andthePrincewasabouttoridehomewithhistreasure,
thefoxsaid,"Nowmustthourewardmeforallmyservices."
"Whatisitthatthoudostdesire?"enquiredthePrince.
"Whenwecometoyonderwood,thoumustshootmedeadandcutoffmyheadandpaws."
"Thatwouldbeafinesortofgratitude,"saidtheKing'sson;"thatIcannotpossiblypromisethee."
"Then,"repliedthefox,"ifthouwiltnot,Imustleavethee;butbeforeIgoIwillgivetheeagainsome
goodadvice.Bewareoftwothingsbuynogallows'flesh,andseethatthoudostnotsitonthebrink
ofawell!"
Withthisthefoxranoffintotheforest!
319
"Ah!"thoughttheyoungPrince,"thatisawonderfulanimalwithverywhimsicalideas!Whowould
buygallows'flesh,andwhenhaveIeverhadtheslightestdesiretositonthebrinkofawell?"
Soherodeonwiththebeautifulmaiden,andhispathled[page324]himoncemorethroughthevillage
inwhichhistwobrothershadstopped.Heretherewasgreattumultandlamentation,andwhenhe
askedwhatitallmeant,hewastoldthattwomenweregoingtobehanged.Whenhecamenearer,he
sawthattheywerehistwobrothers,whohadcommittedeverykindofwickedfollyandhad
squanderedalltheirmoney.ThentheyoungPrinceaskediftheycouldnotbefreed.
"Supposingyoudopayforthem,"thepeopleanswered,"whereisthegoodofwastingyourmoneyin
ordertofreesuchvillains?"
Nevertheless,hedidnothesitate,butpaidforthem,andwhenthebrotherswerefreedtheyallrode
awaytogether.Theycametotheforestwheretheyfirstencounteredthefox,andasitwascooland
pleasantawayfromtheburningsun,thetwobrotherssaid:
"Letussitandrestalittlebythiswell,andeatanddrinksomething."
TheyoungPrinceconsented,andwhiletheywerealltalkingtogetherhequiteforgotthefox'swarning,
andsuspectednoevil.
Butsuddenlythetwobrothersthrewhimbackwardsintothewell,and,seizingthemaiden,thehorse,
andthegoldenbird,theywenthometotheirfather.
"Wenotonlybringyouthegoldenbird,"saidthey,"butwehavealsofoundthegoldenpalace."
Therewasgreatrejoicing,butthehorsewouldnoteat,neitherwouldthebirdsing,andthemaidenonly
satandwept.
Buttheyoungestbrotherhadnotperished.Bygoodfortunethewellwasdry,andhehadfallenonsoft
mosswithouthurtinghimself,buthecouldnotgetoutagain.
Eveninthismisfortunethefaithfulfoxdidnotdeserthim,butcamespringingdowntohimand
scoldedhimfornotfollowinghisadvice.
"StillIcannotforsakethee,"saidhe,"andIwillhelptoshowtheedaylightoncemore."
Thenhetoldhimtoseizeholdofhistailandholdontightly;andsosaying,heliftedhimupintheair.
"Evennowthouartnotoutofdanger,"saidthefox,"for[page325]thybrotherswerenotcertainofthy
death,andhavesetspiestowatchfortheeintheforest,whowillcertainlykilltheeiftheyseethee."
TherewasanoldmansittingbythewaysidewithwhomtheyoungPrincechangedclothes,and,thus
disguised,hereachedthecourtoftheKing.
Noonerecognizedhim,butthegoldenbirdbegantosing,andthegoldenhorsecommencedtoeat,and
thelovelymaidenceasedtoweep.
TheKingwasastonishedandasked:"Whatdoesthisallmean?"
Thensaidthemaiden:"Iknownot,butIwassosad,andnowIfeellighthearted;itisasifmytrue
husbandhadreturned."
Thenshetoldhimallthathadhappened,althoughtheotherbrothershadthreatenedtokillherifshe
betrayedthem.
320
TheKingthensummonedallthepeopleinthecastlebeforehim:andtherecamewiththemtheyoung
Princedressedasabeggarinhisrags,butthemaidenrecognizedhiminstantlyandfelluponhisneck.
Sothewickedbrotherswereseizedandexecuted,buttheyoungPrincemarriedthelovelyPrincessand
wasmadehisfather'sheir.
Butwhatbecameofthepoorfox?
LongafterwardstheyoungPrincewentagainintotheforest,andtherehemetoncemorewiththefox,
whosaid:
"Thouhastnoweverythingintheworldthoucanstdesire,buttomymisfortunestherecanbenoend,
althoughitisinthypowertoreleasemefromthem."
SoheentreatedthePrincetoshoothimdeadandcutoffhisheadandfeet.
AtlastthePrinceconsentedtodoso,andscarcelywasthedeeddonethanthefoxwaschangedintoa
man,whowasnootherthanthebrotherofthebeautifulPrincess,atlastreleasedfromthespellthathad
boundhim.
SonownothingwaswantingtothehappinessofthePrinceandhisbrideaslongastheylived.
[page326]
FRENCHSTORIES
BEAUTYANDTHEBEAST
ADAPTEDBYE.NESBIT
O
NCEuponatimetherewasarichmerchant,whohadthreedaughters.Theylivedinaveryfinehouse
inabeautifulcity,andhadmanyservantsingrandliveriestowaituponthem.Alltheirfoodwas
servedongoldandsilverdishes,andtheirgownsweremadeofthericheststuffsewnwithjewels.
ThetwoeldestwerecalledMarigoldandDressalinda.Neveradaypassedbutthesetwowentoutto
somefeastorjunketing;butBeauty,theyoungest,lovedtostayathomeandkeepheroldfather
company.
Now,ithappenedthatmisfortunecameuponthemerchant.Shipsofhiswhichweresailingthehigh
seasladenwithmerchandiseofgreatprice,werewrecked,andinonedayhefoundthathewasno
longertherichestmerchantinthecity,butaverypoorman.
Therewasstilllefttohimalittlehouseinthecountry,andtothis,wheneverythingelsehadbeensold,
heretired.Histhreedaughters,ofcourse,wentwithhim.
321
MarigoldandDressalindawereverycrosstothinkthattheyhadlostalltheirmoney,andafterbeingso
richandsoughtafter,theymustnowliveinamiserablecottage.
ButBeauty'sonlythoughtwastocheerheroldfather,andwhilehertwosisterssatonwoodenchairs
andcriedandbewailedthemselves,Beautylightedthefireandgotthesupperready,forthemerchant
wasnowsopoorthathecouldnotevenkeepaservant.
Andsoitwenton.Thetwoeldestsisterswoulddonothingbutsulkincorners,whileBeautysweptthe
floorsandwashedthedishes,anddidherbesttomakethepoorcottagepleasant.[page327]Theyled
theirsisteradreadfullifetoo,withtheircomplaints,fornotonlydidtheyrefusetodoanything
themselves,buttheysaidthateverythingshedidwasdonewrong.ButBeautyborealltheirunkindness
patiently,forherfather'ssake.
Inthiswayawholeyearwentby,andthenonedayalettercameforthemerchant.
Hehastenedtofindhisdaughters,forhewasanxioustotellthemthegoodnewscontainedintheletter.
"Mydearchildren,"hesaid,"atlastourluckhasturned.Thislettersaysthatoneoftheshipssupposed
tohavebeenlosthascomesafelyhometoport,andifthatbeso,weneednolongerliveinpoverty.We
shallnotbesorichasbefore,butweshallhaveenoughtokeepusincomfort.Getmemytraveling
cloak,Beauty.Iwillsetoutatoncetoclaimmyship.Andnowtellme,girls,whatshallIbringyou
whenIcomeback?"
"Ahundredpounds,"saidMarigold,withouthesitatinganinstant.
"Iwantanewsilkdress,"saidDressalinda,"anapplegreenone,sewnwithseedpearls,andgreen
shoeswithredheels,andanecklaceofemeralds,andaboxofgloves."
"AndwhatshallIbringforyou,myBeauty?"askedthefather,ashislittledaughterhelpedhimtoput
onhistravelingcloak.
"Oh,bringmearose,"saidBeautyhastily.
Herfatherkissedherfondly,andsetout.
"Yousillygirl,"saidMarigold,"youjustwantourfathertothinkyouaremoreunselfishthanweare
that'swhatyouwant!Arose,indeed!"
"Indeed,sister,"saidBeauty,"thatwasnotthereason.Ithoughtourfatherwouldhaveenoughtodoin
seeingtothesafetyofhisship,withoutbeingtroubledtodoshoppingforme."
Butthesisterswereverymuchoffended,andwentofftositintheirownroomtotalkofthefinethings
theywouldhavewhentheirfathercameback.
Inthemeantimethemerchantwenthiswaytothecity,fullofhopeandgreatplansastowhathewould
dowithhismoney.
[page328]
Butwhenhegotthere,hefoundthatsomeonehadplayedatrickonhim,andnoshipofhishadcome
intoharbor,sohewasjustasbadlyoffasbefore.
Hespentthewholedaylookingabouttomakesuretherewasnotruthintheletterhehadreceived,and
itwasbeginningtogetduskwhenhestartedout,withasadheart,tomakethejourneyhomeagain.He
wastiredandmiserable,andhehadtastednofoodsincehelefthomeinthemorning.
322
Itwasquitedarkbythetimehecametothegreatwoodthroughwhichhehadtopasstogettohis
cottage,andwhenhesawalightshiningthroughthetrees,hedecidednottogotohishomethatnight,
buttomakehiswaytowardsthelightinthewoodandaskforfoodandshelter.
Heexpectedtofindawoodcutter'scottage,butwhatwashissurprise,ashedrewneartothelight,to
findthatitcamefromthewindowsofalargeandbeautifulpalace!
Heknockedatthegates,butnooneanswered,andpresently,drivenbyhungerandcold,hemadebold
toenter,andmountedthemarblestepsintothegreathall.
Allthewayheneversawasoul.Therewasabigfireinthehall,andwhenhehadwarmedhimself,he
setouttolookforthemasterofthehouse.Buthedidnotlookfar,forbehindthefirstdoorheopened
wasacosylittleroomwithsuppersetforone,asupperthemerelookofwhichmadeyouhungry.
Sothemerchantsatdownasboldasyouplease,andmadeaveryheartysupper,afterwhichheagain
thoughthewouldlookforthemasterofthehouse.
Hestartedoffandopenedanotherdoor,buttherehesawabed,merelytolookatwhichmadeyou
sleepy,sohesaidtohimself:
"Thisissomefairies'work.Ihadbetternotlookanyfartherforthemasterofthehouse."
Andwiththathetumbledintobed,and,beingverytired,hewenttosleepatonce,andsleptlikeatop
tillitwastimetogetupinthemorning.
Whenheawokehewasquitesurprisedtofindhimselfinsuchasoftandcomfortablebed,butpresently
herememberedallthathadhappenedtohim.
[page329]
"Imustbegoing,"hesaidtohimself,"butIwishIcouldthankmyhostformygoodrestandmygood
supper."
Whenhegotoutofbedhefoundhehadsomethingelsetobegratefulfor,foronthechairbythe
bedsidelayafinesuitofnewclothes,markedwithhisname,andwithtengoldpiecesineverypocket.
Hefeltquiteadifferentmanwhenhehadputonthesuitofblueandsilver,andjingledthegoldpieces
ofmoneyinhispockets.
Whenhewentdownstairs,hefoundagoodbreakfastwaitingforhiminthelittleroomwherehehad
suppedthenightbefore,andwhenhehadmadeagoodmeal,hethoughthewouldgoforastrollinthe
garden.
Downthemarblestepshewent,andwhenhecametothegarden,hesawthatitwasfullofroses,red
andwhiteandpinkandyellow,andthemerchantlookedatthem,andrememberedBeauty'swish.
"Oh,mypoordaughters,"hesaid,"whatadisappointmentitwillbetothemtoknowthatmyshiphas
notcomehomeafterall,butBeautyatanyratecanhavewhatshewanted."
Sohestretchedouthishandandpluckedthebiggestredrosewithinhisreach.
Asthestalksnappedinhisfingers,hestartedbackinterror,forheheardanangryroar,andthenext
minuteadreadfulBeastspranguponhim.Itwastallerthananyman,anduglierthananyanimal,but,
whatseemedmostdreadfulofalltothemerchant,itspoketohimwithaman'svoice,afterithad
roaredathimwiththeBeast's.
323
"Ungratefulwretch!"saidtheBeast."HaveInotfedyou,lodgedyou,andclothedyou,andnowyou
mustrepaymyhospitalitybystealingtheonlythingIcarefor,myroses?"
"Mercy!mercy!"criedthemerchant.
"No,"saidtheBeast,"youmustdie!"Thepoormerchantfelluponhiskneesandtriedtothinkof
somethingtosaytosoftentheheartofthecruelBeast;andatlasthesaid,"Sir,Ionlystolethisrose
becausemyyoungestdaughteraskedmetobringherone.Ididnotthink,afterallyouhavegivenme,
thatyouwouldgrudgemeaflower."
[page330]
"Tellmeaboutthisdaughterofyours,"saidtheBeastsuddenly."Issheagoodgirl?"
"Thebestanddearestintheworld,"saidtheoldmerchant.Andthenhebegantoweep,tothinkthathe
mustdieandleavehisBeautyaloneintheworld,withnoonetobekindtoher.
"Oh!"hecried,"whatwillmypoorchildrendowithoutme?"
"Youshouldhavethoughtofthatbeforeyoustoletherose,"saidtheBeast."However,ifoneofyour
daughterslovesyouwellenoughtosufferinsteadofyou,shemay.Gobackandtellthemwhathas
happenedtoyou,butyoumustgivemeyourpromisethateitheryou,oroneofyourdaughters,shallbe
atmypalacedoorinthreemonths'timefromtoday."
Thewretchedmanpromised.
"Atanyrate,"hethought,"Ishallhavethreemonthsmoreoflife."
ThentheBeastsaid,"Iwillnotletyougoemptyhanded."
Sothemerchantfollowedhimbackintothepalace.There,onthefloorofthehall,layagreatand
beautifulchestofwroughtsilver.
"Fillthiswithanytreasuresthattakeyourfancy,"saidtheBeast.
AndthemerchantfilleditupwithpreciousthingsfromtheBeast'streasurehouse.
"Iwillsendithomeforyou,"saidtheBeast,shuttingdownthelid.
Andso,withaheavyheart,themerchantwentaway;butashewentthroughthepalacegate,theBeast
calledtohimthathehadforgottenBeauty'srose,andatthesametimeheldouttohimalargebunchof
theverybest.
ThemerchantputtheseintoBeauty'shandwhensherantomeethimatthedooroftheircottage.
"Takethem,mychild,"hesaid,"andcherishthem,fortheyhavecostyourpoorfatherhislife."
Andwiththathesatdownandtoldthemthewholestory.Thetwoeldersistersweptandwailed,andof
courseblamedBeautyforallthathadhappened.
"Ifithadnotbeenforyourwantingarose,ourfatherwould[page331]haveleftthepalaceinsafety,
withhisnewsuitandhisgoldpieces;butyourfoolishnesshascosthimhislife."
324
"No,"saidBeauty,"itismylifethatshallbesacrificed,forwhenthethreemonthsareover,Ishallgo
totheBeast,andhemaykillmeifhewill,butheshallneverhurtmydearfather."
Thefathertriedhardtopersuadehernottogo,butshehadmadeuphermind,andattheendofthe
threemonthsshesetoutfortheBeast'spalace.
Herfatherwentwithher,toshowhertheway.Asbefore,hesawthelightsshiningthroughthewood,
knockedandranginvainatthegreatgate,warmedhimselfatthefireinthebighall,andthenfound
thelittleroomwiththesupperonthetablethatmadeyouhungrytolookat.Onlythistimethetable
waslaidfortwo.
"Come,fatherdear,"saidBeauty,"takecomfort.IdonotthinktheBeastmeanstokillme,orsurelyhe
wouldnothavegivenmesuchagoodsupper."
ButthenextmomenttheBeastcameintotheroom.Beautyscreamedandclungtoherfather.
"Don'tbefrightened,"saidtheBeastgently,"buttellme,doyoucomehereofyourownfreewill?"
"Yes,"saidBeauty,trembling.
"Youareagoodgirl,"saidtheBeast,andthen,turningtotheoldman,hetoldhimthathemightsleep
thereforthatnight,butinthemorninghemustgoandleavehisdaughterbehindhim.
Theywenttobedandsleptsoundly,andthenextmorningthefatherdeparted,weepingbitterly.
Beauty,leftalone,triednottofeelfrightened.Sheranhereandtherethroughthepalace,andfoundit
morebeautifulthananythingshehadeverimagined.
Themostbeautifulsetofroomsinthepalacehadwrittenoverthedoors,"Beauty'sRooms,"andin
themshefoundbooksandmusic,canarybirdsandPersiancats,andeverythingthatcouldbethought
oftomakethetimepasspleasantly.
"Oh,dear!"shesaid;"ifonlyIcouldseemypoorfatherIshouldbealmosthappy."
[page332]
Asshespoke,shehappenedtolookatabigmirror,andinitshesawtheformofherfatherreflected,
justridinguptothedoorofhiscottage.
Thatnight,whenBeautysatdowntosupper,theBeastcamein.
"MayIhavesupperwithyou?"saidhe.
"Thatmustbeasyouplease,"saidBeauty.
SotheBeastsatdowntosupperwithher,andwhenitwasfinished,hesaid:
"Iamveryugly,Beauty,andIamverystupid,butIloveyou;willyoumarryme?"
"No,Beast,"saidBeautygently.
ThepoorBeastsighedandwentaway.
325
Andeverynightthesamethinghappened.Heatehissupperwithher,andthenaskedherifshewould
marryhim.Andshealwayssaid,"No,Beast."
Allthistimeshewaswaitedonbyinvisiblehands,asthoughshehadbeenaqueen.Beautifulmusic
cametoherearswithoutherbeingabletoseethemusicians,butthemagiclookingglasswasbestof
all,forinitshecouldseewhatevershewished.Asthedayswentby,andherslightestwishwas
granted,almostbeforesheknewwhatshewanted,shebegantofeelthattheBeastmustlovehervery
dearly,andshewasverysorrytoseehowsadhelookedeverynightwhenshesaid"No"tohisofferof
marriage.
Oneday,shesawinhermirrorthatherfatherwasill,sothatnightshesaidtotheBeast:
"DearBeast,youaresogoodtome,willyouletmegohometoseemyfather?Heisill,andhethinks
thatIamdead.Doletmegoandcheerhimup,andIwillpromisefaithfullytoreturntoyou."
"Verywell,"saidtheBeastkindly,"butdon'tstayawaymorethanaweek,forifyoudo,Ishalldieof
grief,becauseIloveyousodearly."
"HowshallIreachhome?"saidBeauty;"Idonotknowtheway."
ThentheBeastgaveheraring,andtoldhertoputitonherfingerwhenshewenttobed,turntheruby
towardsthepalm[page333]ofherhand,andthenshewouldwakeupinherfather'scottage.Whenshe
wantedtocomeback,shewastodothesamething.
Sointhemorning,whensheawoke,shefoundherselfatherfather'shouse,andtheoldmanwasbeside
himselfwithjoytoseehersafeandsound.
Buthersistersdidnotwelcomeherverykindly,andwhentheyheardhowkindtheBeastwastoher,
theyenviedherhergoodluckinlivinginabeautifulpalace,whilsttheyhadtobecontentwitha
cottage.
"Iwishwehadgone,"saidMarigold."Beautyalwaysgetsthebestofeverything."
"Tellusallaboutyourgrandpalace,"saidDressalinda,"andwhatyoudo,andhowyouspendyour
time."
SoBeauty,thinkingitwouldamusethemtohear,toldthem,andtheirenvyincreaseddaybyday.At
lastDressalindasaidtoMarigold:
"Shehaspromisedtoreturninaweek.Ifwecouldonlymakeherforgettheday,theBeastmightbe
angryandkillher,andthentherewouldbeachanceforus."
Soonthedaybeforesheoughttohavegoneback,theyput,somepoppyjuiceinacupofwinewhich
theygaveher,andthismadehersosleepythatshesleptfortwowholedaysandnights.Attheendof
thattimehersleepgrewtroubled,andshedreamedthatShesawtheBeastlyingdeadamongtheroses
inthebeautifulgardensofhispalace;andfromthisdreamsheawokecryingbitterly.
AlthoughshedidnotknowthataweekandtwodayshadgonebysinceshelefttheBeast,yetafterthat
dreamsheatonceturnedtherubytowardsherpalm,andthenextmorningthereshewas,sureenough,
inherbedintheBeast'spalace.
Shedidnotknowwherehisroomsinthepalacewere,butshefeltshecouldnotwaittillsuppertime
beforeseeinghim,sosheranhitherandthither,callinghisname.Butthepalacewasempty,andno
oneansweredherwhenshecalled.
326
Thensheranthroughthegardens,callinghisnameagainandagain,butstilltherewassilence.
"Oh!whatshallIdoifIcannotfindhim?"shesaid."Ishallneverbehappyagain."
[page334]
Thensherememberedherdream,andrantotherosegarden,andthere,sureenough,besidethebasin
ofthebigfountain,laythepoorBeastwithoutanysignoflifeinhim.
Beautyflungherselfonherkneesbesidehim.
"Oh,dearBeast,"shecried,"andareyoureallydead?Alas!alas!thenI,too,willdie,forIcannotlive
withoutyou."
ImmediatelytheBeastopenedhiseyes,sighed,andsaid:
"Beauty,willyoumarryme?"
AndBeauty,besideherselfwithjoywhenshefoundthathewasstillalive,answered:
"Yes,yes,dearBeast,forIloveyoudearly."
Atthesewordstheroughfurdroppedtotheground,andinplaceoftheBeaststoodahandsomePrince,
dressedinadoubletofwhiteandsilver,likeonemadereadyforawedding.HekneltatBeauty'sfeet
andclaspedherhands.
"DearBeauty,"hesaid,"nothingbutyourlovecouldhavedisenchantedme.Awickedfairyturnedme
intoaBeast,andcondemnedmetoremainoneuntilsomefairandgoodmaidenshouldlovemewell
enoughtomarryme,inspiteofmyuglinessandstupidity.Now,dearone,theenchantmentisbroken;
letusgobacktomypalace.Youwillfindthatallmyservantswho,too,havebeenenchanted,and
havewaitedonyouallthislongtimewithinvisiblehandswillnowbecomevisible."
Sotheyreturnedtothepalace,whichbythistimewascrowdedwithcourtiers,eagertokissthehands
ofthePrinceandhisbride.AndthePrincewhisperedtooneofhisattendants,whowentout,andina
verylittletimecamebackwithBeauty'sfatherandsisters.
Thesisterswerecondemnedtobechangedintostatues,andtostandattherightandleftofthepalace
gatesuntiltheirheartsshouldbesoftened,andtheyshouldbesorryfortheirunkindnesstotheirsister.
ButBeauty,happilymarriedtoherPrince,wentsecretlytothestatueseverydayandweptoverthem.
Andbyhertearstheirstonyheartsweresoftened,andtheywerechangedintofleshandbloodagain,
andweregoodandkindfortherestoftheirlives.
[page335]
AndBeautyandtheBeast,whowasaBeastnomore,butahandsomePrince,livedhappilyeverafter.
AndindeedIbelievetheyarelivinghappilystill,inthebeautifullandwheredreamscometrue.
THEWHITECAT
327
BYTHECOMTESSED'AULNOY
T
HEREwasonceaKingwhohadthreesons,andbecausetheywereallsogoodandsohandsome,he
couldnotmakeuphismindtowhichofthemtogivehiskingdom.Forhewasgrowinganoldman,
andbegantothinkitwouldsoonbetimeforhimtoletoneofthemreigninhisstead.
Sohedeterminedtosetthematasktoperform,andwhichevershouldbethemostsuccessfulwasto
havethekingdomashisreward.
Itwassometimebeforehecoulddecidewhatthetaskshouldbe.Butatlasthetoldthemthathehada
fancyforaverybeautifullittledog,andthattheywerealltosetouttofindoneforhim.Theywereto
haveawholeyearinwhichtosearch,andwerealltoreturntothecastleonthesameday,andpresent
thevariousdogstheyhadchosenatthesamehour.
ThethreePrincesweregreatlysurprisedbytheirfather'ssuddenfancyforalittledog,butwhenthey
heardthatwhicheverofthembroughtbacktheprettiestlittleanimalwastosucceedhisfatheronthe
throne,theymadenofurtherobjection,foritgavethetwoyoungersonsachancetheywouldnot
otherwisehavehadofbeingKing.
Sotheybadetheirfathergoodbye,andafteragreeingtobebackatthecastleatthesamehour,andon
thesameday,whenayearshouldhavepassedaway,thethreebrothersallstartedtogether.
Agreatnumberoflordsandservantsaccompaniedthemout[page336]ofthecity,butwhentheyhad
riddenaboutaleaguetheysenteveryoneback,andafterembracingoneanotheraffectionately,theyall
setouttotrytheirluckindifferentdirections.
Thetwoeldestmetwithmanyadventuresontheirtravels,buttheyoungestsawthemostwonderful
sightsofall.
Hewasyoungandhandsome,andascleverasaPrinceshouldbe,besidesbeingbrave.
Whereverhewentheenquiredfordogs,andhardlyadaypassedwithouthisbuyingseveral,bigand
little,greyhounds,spaniels,lapdogs,andsheepdogsinfact,everykindofdogthatyoucouldthink
of,andverysoonhehadatroopoffiftyorsixtytrottingalongbehindhim,oneofwhichhethought
wouldsurelywintheprize.
Sohejourneyedonfromdaytoday,notknowingwherehewasgoing,untilonenighthelosthisway
inathickdarkforest,andafterwanderingmanywearymilesinthewindandrainhewasgladtoseeat
lastabrightlightshiningthroughthetrees.Hethoughthemustbenearsomewoodcutter'scottage,but
whatwashissurprisewhenhefoundhimselfbeforethegatewayofasplendidcastle!
328
TheCastleoftheWhiteCat.
Atfirsthehesitatedaboutentering,forhisgarmentsweretravelstained,andhewasdrenchedwith
rain,sothatnoonecouldhavepossiblytakenhimforaPrince.Allthebeautifullittledogshehad
takensomuchtroubletocollecthadbeenlostintheforest,andhewasthoroughlywearyand
disheartened.
However,somethingseemedtobidhimenterthecastle,sohepulledthebell.Immediatelythegateway
flewopen,andanumberofbeautifulwhitehandsappeared,andbeckonedtohimtocrossthecourtyard
andenterthegreathall.
Herehefoundasplendidfireblazing,besidewhichstoodacomfortablearmchair;thehandspointed
invitinglytowardsit,andassoonasthePrincehadseatedhimselftheyproceededtotakeoffhiswet,
muddyclothes,anddresshiminamagnificentsuitofsilkandvelvet.
Whenhewasready,thehandsledhimintoabrilliantlylightedroom,inwhichwasatablespreadfor
supper.Attheendoftheroomwasaraisedplatform,uponwhichanumberofcatswereseated,all
playingdifferentmusicalinstruments.
329
[page337]
ThePrincebegantothinkhemustbedreaming,whenthedooropened,andalovelylittleWhiteCat
camein.Sheworealongblackveil,andwasaccompaniedbyanumberofcats,dressedinblack,and
carryingswords.
ShecamestraightuptothePrince,andinasweet,sadlittlevoicebadehimwelcome.Thensheordered
suppertobeserved,andthewholecompanysatdowntogether.
Theywerewaiteduponbythemysterioushands,butmanyofthedisheswerenottothePrince'sliking.
Stewedratsandmicemaybeafirstratemealforacat,butthePrincedidnotfeelinclinedtotrythem.
However,theWhiteCatorderedthehandstoservethePrincewiththedisheshelikedbest,andat
once,withouthisevenmentioninghisfavoritefood,hewassuppliedwitheverydaintyhecouldthink
of.
AfterthePrincehadsatisfiedhishunger,henoticedthattheCatworeabraceletuponherpaw,in
whichwassetaminiatureofhimself;butwhenhequestionedheraboutit,shesighed,andseemedso
sadthat,likeawellbehavedPrince,hesaidnomoreaboutthematter.
Soonaftersupper,thehandsconductedhimtobed,whenheatoncefellfastasleep,anddidnot
awakenuntillatethenextmorning.Onlookingoutofhiswindow,hesawthattheWhiteCatandher
attendantswereabouttostartoutonahuntingexpedition.
Assoonasthehandshaddressedhiminahuntingsuitofgreen,hehurrieddowntojoinhishostess.
Thehandsledhimuptoawoodenhorse,andseemedtoexpecthimtomount.AtfirstthePrincewas
inclinedtobeangry,buttheWhiteCattoldhimsogentlythatshehadnobettersteedtoofferhim,that
heatoncemounted,feelingverymuchashamedofhisillhumor.
Theyhadanexcellentday'ssport.TheWhiteCat,whorodeamonkey,provedherselfaclever
huntress,climbingthetallesttreeswiththegreatestease,andwithoutoncefallingfromhersteed.
Neverwasthereapleasanterhuntingparty,anddayafterdaythetimepassedsohappilyawaythatthe
Princeforgotall[page338]aboutthelittledoghewassearchingfor,andevenforgothisownhome
andhisfather'spromise.
AtlengththeWhiteCatremindedhimthatinthreedayshemustappearatcourt,andthePrincewas
terriblyupsettothinkthathehadnownochanceofwinninghisfather'skingdom.ButtheWhiteCat
toldhimthatallwouldbewell,andgivinghimanacorn,badehimmountthewoodenhorseandride
away.
ThePrincethoughtshemustbemockinghim,butwhensheheldtheacorntohisear,heheardquite
plainlyalittledog'sbark.
"Insidethisacorn,"shesaid,"istheprettiestlittledogintheworld.Butbesureyoudonotopenthe
fruituntilyouareintheKing'spresence."
ThePrincethankedher,andhavingbiddenherasorrowfulfarewell,mountedhiswoodensteedand
rodeaway.
Beforehereachedthecastle,hemethistwobrothers,whomadefinefunofthewoodenhorse,andalso
ofthebiguglydogwhichtrottedbyhisside.
330
Theyimaginedthistobetheonetheirbrotherhadbroughtbackfromhistravels,hopingthatitwould
gaintheprize.
Whentheyreachedthepalace,everyonewasloudinpraiseofthetwolovelylittledogstheelder
brothershadbroughtbackwiththem,butwhentheyoungestopenedhisacornandshowedatinydog,
lyinguponawhitesatincushion,theyknewthatthismustbetheprettiestlittledogintheworld.
However,theKingdidnotfeelinclinedtogiveuphisthronejustyet,sohetoldthebrothersthatthere
wasonemoretasktheymustfirstperform:theymustbringhimapieceofmuslinsofinethatitwould
passthroughtheeyeofaneedle.
Sooncemorethebrotherssetoutupontheirtravels.Asfortheyoungest,hemountedhiswoodenhorse
androdestraightbacktohisdearWhiteCat.
Shewasdelightedtowelcomehim,andwhenthePrincetoldherthattheKinghadnoworderedhimto
findapieceofmuslinfineenoughtogothroughtheeyeofaneedle,shesmiledathimverysweetly,
andtoldhimtobeofgoodcheer.
"InmypalaceIhavesomeverycleverspinners,"shesaid;"andIwillsetthemtoworkuponthe
muslin."
[page339]
ThePrincehadbeguntosuspectbythistimethattheWhiteCatwasnoordinarypussy,butwhenever
hebeggedhertotellhimherhistory,sheonlyshookherheadmournfullyandsighed.
Well,thesecondyearpassedawayasquicklyasthefirst,andthenightbeforethedayonwhichthe
threePrinceswereexpectedattheirfather'scourt,theWhiteCatgavetheyoungPrinceawalnut,
tellinghimthatitcontainedthemuslin.Thenshebadehimgoodby,andhemountedthewoodenhorse
androdeaway.
ThistimetheyoungPrincewassolatethathisbrothershadalreadybeguntodisplaytheirpiecesof
muslintotheKingwhenhearrivedatthecastlegates.Thematerialstheyhadbroughtwereof
extremelyfinetexture,andpassedeasilythroughtheeyeofadarningneedle,butthroughthesmall
needletheKinghadprovidedtheywouldnotpass.ThentheyoungestPrincesteppedintothegreathall
andproducedhiswalnut.Hecrackeditcarefully,andfoundinsideahazelnut.Thiswhencrackedheld
acherrystone,insidethecherrystonewasagrainofwheat,andinthewheatamilletseed.ThePrince
himselfbegantomistrusttheWhiteCat,butheinstantlyfeltacat'sclawscratchhimgently,sohe
persevered,openedthemilletseed,andfoundinsideabeautifulpieceofsoftwhitemuslinthatwas
fourhundredellslongattheveryleast.Itpassedwiththegreatesteasethroughtheeyeofthesmallest
needleinthekingdom,andthePrincefeltthatnowtheprizemustbehis.
ButtheoldKingwasstillverylothtogiveupruling,sohetoldthePrincesthatbeforeanyoneofthem
couldbecomeKinghemustfindaPrincesstomarryhimwhowouldbelovelyenoughtograceher
highstation;andwhicheverofthePrincesbroughthomethemostbeautifulbrideshouldreallyhave
thekingdomforhisown.
Ofcourse,thePrincewentbacktotheWhiteCat,andtoldherhowveryunfairlyhisfatherhad
behavedtohim.Shecomfortedhimasbestshecould,andtoldhimnottobeafraid,forshewould
introducehimtotheloveliestPrincessthesunhadevershoneupon.
Theappointedtimepassedhappilyaway,andoneeveningtheWhiteCatremindedthePrincethaton
thenextdayhemustreturnhome.
[page340]
331
"Alas!"saidhe,"whereshallIfindaPrincessnow?ThetimeissoshortthatIcannotevenlookfor
one."
ThentheWhiteCattoldhimthatifonlyhewoulddoasshebadehimallwouldbewell.
"Takeyoursword,cutoffmyheadandmytail,andcastthemintotheflames,"shesaid.
ThePrincedeclaredthatonnoaccountwouldhetreathersocruelly;butshebeggedhimsoearnestly
todoassheaskedthatatlastheconsented.
NosoonerhadhecasttheheadandthetailintothefirethanabeautifulPrincessappearedwherethe
bodyofthecathadbeen.Thespellthathadbeencastuponherwasbroken,andatthesametimeher
courtiersandattendants,whohadalsobeenchangedintocats,hastenedinintheirproperformsagain,
topaytheirrespectstotheirmistress.
ThePrinceatoncefelldeeplyinlovewiththecharmingPrincess,andbeggedhertoaccompanyhimto
hisfather'scourtashisbride.
Sheconsented,andtogethertheyrodeaway.Duringthejourney,thePrincesstoldherhusbandthe
storyofherenchantment.
332
SheWasHappyAllDayLonginFairyland.
Shehadbeenbroughtupbythefairies,whotreatedherwithgreatkindnessuntilsheoffendedthemby
fallinginlovewiththeyoungmanwhoseportraitthePrincehadseenuponherpaw,andwhoexactly
resembledhim.
Now,thefairieswishedhertomarrytheKingoftheDwarfs,andweresoangrywhenshedeclaredshe
wouldmarrynoonebutherowntruelove,thattheychangedherintoaWhiteCatasapunishment.
WhenthePrinceandhisbridereachedthecourt,allwereboundtoacknowledgethatthePrincesswas
byfartheloveliestladytheyhadeverseen.
SothepooroldKingfeltthatnowhewouldbeobligedtogiveuphiskingdom.ButthePrincessknelt
byhisside,kissedhishandgently,andtoldhimthattherewasnoreasonforhimtoceaseruling,for
shewasrichenoughtogiveamightykingdomtoeachofhiseldersons,andstillhavethreeleftfor
herselfandherdearhusband.
[page341]
333
Soeveryonewaspleased,andtherewasgreatrejoicingandfeastingintheKing'spalace,andtheyall
livedhappilyeverafter.
THESTORYOFPRETTYGOLDILOCKS
T
HEREwasonceaPrincesssolovelythatnoonecouldseeherwithoutlovingher.Herhairfellabout
hershouldersinwavingmasses,andbecauseitwasthecolorofgold,shewascalledPrettyGoldilocks.
Shealwaysworeacrownofflowers,andherdresseswereembroideredwithpearlsanddiamonds.
ThefameofherbeautyreachedayoungKing,whodeterminedtomarryher,althoughhehadnever
seenher.Hesentanambassadortoaskherhandinmarriage;andsoconfidentwashethatthePrincess
wouldreturnwithhim,thathemadeeverypreparationtoreceiveher.Theambassadorarrivedatthe
palaceofthePrincesswithahundredhorsesandasmanyservants.Withgreatceremony,hepresented
theKing'sgiftsofpearlsanddiamonds,togetherwithhismessage.ThePrincess,however,didnot
favortheKing'ssuit,andsentbackhisgiftswithapoliterefusal.Whentheambassadorreturned
withoutthePrincess,everyoneblamedhimforhisfailure;andtheKing'sdisappointmentwassogreat
thatnoonecouldconsolehim.
NowattheKing'scourtwasayoungmansohandsomeandcleverthathewascalledCharming.Every
onelovedhim,exceptsomewhowereenviousbecausehewastheKing'sfavorite.OnedayCharming
rashlyremarkedthatiftheKinghadsenthimforthePrincess,shewouldhavecomebackwithhim.
HisenemiesatoncewenttotheKingandusedtheremarktoinfluencehimagainstCharming.
"HethinkshimselfsohandsomethatthePrincesscouldnothaveresistedhim,althoughsherefusedhis
King,"theytoldhisMajesty.
TheboastfulwordssooffendedtheKingthatheorderedCharmingtobeshutupinthetower,wherehe
hadonlystraw[page342]tolieonandbreadandwatertoeat.Inthismiserablestatehelanguishedfor
sometime,notknowingwhyhehadbeenimprisoned.OnedaytheKinghappenedtobepassingthe
towerandheardhimexclaim:
"IamtheKing'smostfaithfulsubject;howhaveIincurredhisdispleasure?"Then,inspiteofthe
protestsofCharming'senemies,theKingorderedthetowerdooropenedandCharmingbroughtforth.
Hisoldfavoritesadlykneltandkissedhishand,saying:
"Sire,howhaveIoffended?"
TheKingtoldhimoftheboasthisenemieshadrepeated.
"True,Sire,IdidsaythathadIbeensenttopleadyourcause,itwouldnothavefailedforlackof
eloquence.CouldthePrincessseeyouasmytonguewouldpictureyou,Iwouldnotreturnwithout
her."
TheKingatoncesawthathehadbeendeceived,andrestoredCharmingtofavor.Whileatsupperthat
night,heconfidedtohimthathewasasmuchinlovewithGoldilocksasever,andcouldnotbe
reconciledtoheranswer.
334
"Doyouthink,"askedtheKing,"thatshecouldbeinducedtochangehermind?"
CharmingrepliedthathewasattheKing'sserviceandwillingtoundertakethetaskofwinningthe
Princessforhim.TheKingwasdelightedandofferedhimasplendidescort,butheaskedonlyfora
goodhorse.
Earlythenextdayhesetforth,witharesoluteheartandtheKing'slettertothePrincess.Onedaywhen
hehadriddenagreatdistance,hedismountedandsatdownunderatreethatgrewbesideariver.He
tookfromhispocketalittlebook,inwhichhejotteddownsomehappythoughtsthathemeanttouse
inhispleatothePrincess.Notfarfromwherehesat,agoldencarpwasspringingfromthewaterto
catchflies,andaboundtoohighlandeditonthegrassatCharming'sfeet.Itpantedhelplessly,and
wouldhavediedhadhenottakenpityonitandthrownitbackintotheriver.Itsankoutofsight,but
presentlyreturnedtothesurfacelongenoughtosay:
"Thankyou,Charming,forsavingmylife.SomedayI[page343]mayrepayyou."Naturally,hewas
greatlysurprisedatsomuchpolitenessfromafish.
Afewdayslater,whileridingalonghisway,hesawaravenpursuedbyaneagle.Inamomentmore
theeaglewouldhaveovertakentheraven,hadnotCharmingaimedhisarrowintimeandkilledthe
pursuer.Theravenperchedonatreenearbyandcroakeditsgratitude:
"Youhaverescuedmefromadreadfulfate,"itsaid."SomedayIwillrepayyou."
Adayortwoafterward,intheduskofearlymorning,heheardthedistressfulcriesofanowl.Hunting
about,hefoundtheunfortunatebirdcaughtinanetwhichsomebirdcatchershadspread."Whywill
menpersecuteandtormentharmlesscreatures!"exclaimedCharming,ashesetthebirdfree.Theowl
flutteredabovehishead,saying:
"Youhavesavedmefromthefowlers,whowouldhavekilledme.Iamnotungrateful,andsomedayI
willrepayyou!"Afterthatitflewswiftlyaway.
CharmingatlastreachedthepalaceofthePrincess,andaskedanaudience.Hisnamesopleasedher
thatsheatoncereceivedhim.HewasusheredintothepresenceofthePrincess,whosatonathroneof
goldandivory.Hersatindresswasembroideredwithjewels,andhergoldenhairwasconfinedbya
crownofflowers.Softmusicandperfumefilledtheair,andCharmingwassoawedbyallthissplendor
thatatfirsthecouldnotspeak.Recoveringhimselfinamoment,hetoldofhismission,andsetforth
thegoodqualitiesoftheKinginsuchglowingtermsthatthePrincesslistened.
"Youhavearguedsoeloquently,"repliedshe,"thatIregrettodenyyou;butIhavemadeavownotto
marry,untiltheambassadorcanreturntomearingwhichIlostintheriveramonthago.Ivaluedit
morethanallmyotherjewels,andnothingbutitsrecoverycanpersuademetoyoursuit."
Charmingcouldurgenomore,butofferedanembroideredscarfandhislittledogFriskastokensof
devotion.Theseweredeclined,sobowinglow,hereluctantlytookleaveofthePrincess.Hebelieved
thatshehadbutusedthismeansto[page344]puthimoff,andhisdisappointmentwassogreatthathe
couldnotsleep.
InthemorningheandFriskwerewalkingbytheriversidewhenthedograntothewater'sedge,
barkingfuriously.Joiningthelittleanimal,hesawthathisexcitementwascausedbyagoldencarp
whichcameswimmingswiftlytowardthem.Initsmouthwasabeautifulringwhichitlaidin
Charming'shand.
"Yousavedmylifebythewillowtree,"saidthecarp,"andInowrepayyoubygivingtoyouthe
Princess'sring."
335
CharminglostnotimeinpresentingittothePrincessandclaiminghisreward.
"Whatfairyaidsyou?"askedthePrincess.
"Onlymywishtoserveyou,"Charmingreplied.
"Alas!"saidthePrincess,"IcannotmarryuntilGalifron,thegiant,isdead.BecauseIwouldnottake
himformyhusband,hepersecutesmysubjectsandlayswastemyland."
"Princess,Iwillbringbackthegiant'sheadtoyouordieinyourdefense,"bravelydeclaredCharming.
ThePrincessandallthepeopletriedtodissuadehim,buthemountedhishorseandrodeoff,
accompaniedonlybyhislittledog,Frisk.Hetraveledstraighttothegiant'scastle.Allaboutitwere
strewnthebonesofGalifron'svictims.Insidethecastlethegiantwassinginginaterriblevoice:
"LittlechildrenIlovetoeat;
Theirbonesaretender,theirfleshissweet.
Idonotcare,Ieatsomany,
Iftheirhairbestraight,oriftheyhaven'tany."
Charmingcalledoutloudlyinreply:
"Benotsoboastful,Galifron,
Tillyou'vemetaknight,who
Maybegoodtofeedupon,
Butisheretofightyou."
Thegiantappearedatthedoor,clubinhand.WhenhesawCharmingfearlesslyawaitinghim,hecame
towardhiminaterriblerage.Butbeforehecouldwieldhisclub,aravenlitonhisheadandpeckedat
hiseyes,sothathedroppedhisweaponandwasatCharming'smercy.Whenthevaliant[page345]
knighthadkilledthegiant,theravencroakedfromatreenearby:
"Yousavedmefromtheeagle,andIinturnhavesavedyoufromthegiant."
Charmingcutofftheheadofthegiant,andcarrieditbackwithhimtothePrincess.Thenthepeople
shouteduntiltheywerehoarse,andwelcomedhimasagreathero.
"Yourenemyisdead,"CharmingtoldthePrincess."Willyounowmakemymasterthehappiestof
kings?"
"Thereis,"repliedthereluctantPrincess,"somewaterwhichgiveseternalhealthandbeautytothose
whodrinkit.Iwouldregrettoleavemykingdomwithoutpossessingsomeofit;butnoonehasdared
tobravethetwodragonsthatguardthecavernwherethefountainistobefound."
"Youdonotneedthewater,Princess;butmylifeisyourstocommand,"gallantlyrepliedCharming;
andhesetoutatonceontheperilousmission.
336
Whenhecametothemouthofthecavern,blacksmokeissuedforth;andpresentlyheperceivedthe
terribleformofadragon,fromwhosemouthandeyesfirewasdarting.Biddinggoodbytofaithful
Frisk,hegraspedhisswordinonehandandthecrystalflaskwhichthePrincesshadgivenhiminthe
other.Justthenheheardhisnamecalledtwice,and,lookingback,hesawanowlflyingtowardhim.
"Icanenterthegloomycavernwithoutdanger,"theowlsaid."Givetheflasktome,andIwillrepay
thedebtIoweyouforhavingsavedmefromthenet."
Charminggladlysurrenderedtheflasktotheowl,whoinashorttimereturnedittohimfilledwiththe
preciouswater.
ThePrincessthistimeconsentedtomarrytheKing,andaftermanypreparationssheandCharming
startedforhiskingdom.ThejourneywasmadesoentertainingforthePrincessthatsheonedaysaidto
Charming:
"WhydidInotmakeyouKing,andremaininmyowncountry?"Charmingrepliedthathemusthave
consideredhisdutytohisKing,evenbeforeahappinesssogreat.
TheKing,withpresentsofrichjewelsandasplendidescort,metthemonthewaytothepalace.The
marriagewas[page346]celebratedwithgreatpomp,andCharmingstoodfirstintheKing'sfavor.His
goodfortune,however,didnotcontinuelong,forenviousenemiespointedouttotheKingthatthe
PrincesswasneverhappyunlessCharmingwasnear.Theunhappyknightwasagainputintoprison,
wherehewascruellychainedandfedonbreadandwater.
WhenGoldilockslearnedthis,sheweptandimploredtheKingtosethimfree."ButforhimInever
wouldhavebeenhere,"shesaid."DidhenotperformeverytaskIrequired,eventhatofgettingforme
thewaterwherebyIshallnevergrowold?"
ThePrincess'sgriefonlymadetheKingmorejealous,buthedeterminedtomakeuseofthiswonderful
waterofwhichshehadtold.ItsohappenedthatoneofthePrincess'sladieshadbrokenthecrystalflask
andspilledallofthewater.Notdaringtoconfess,sheputanotherinitsplacethatexactlyresembledit
inappearance.This,however,containedadeadlypoison.WhentheKingbathedhisfacewithit,hefell
intoasleepfromwhichheneverawoke.
TherewasgreatconfusioninthepalacewhentheKingwasfounddead.Friskranimmediatelyto
Charmingandtoldhimthenews.InashorttimeGoldilocksalsoappeared,unlockedhischains,andset
himfree.
"Youshallbemyhusband,"saidshe,"andIwillmakeyouKing."
Charmingfellatherfeetandexpressedhisgratitudeandjoy.Theyweremarriedsoonafterward,and
theyreignedtogetherformanyhappyyears.
TOADSANDDIAMONDS
337
BADTEMPEREDwidowhadtwodaughters.Theeldestwaslikehermother,bothinfeatureand
disposition,whiletheyoungestresembledherfather.Shewassweetnaturedalways,andasprettyas
shewasamiable.
[page347]
Thewidowdotedonthedaughterwhowassolikeherself,buthadnolovefortheother,whomshe
compelledtoworkhardallday,andtoliveupontheleavingsofhereldersister.Amongherotherhard
tasks,shewasobligedtocarrywatereverydayfromagreatdistance.
Onedaywhenshehadjustfilledherpitcheratthefountain,anoldwomanaskedtodrinkfromit.
"Withallmyheart,"repliedtheprettygirl.Gladtoshowakindnesstooneoldandinfirm,sheheldthe
pitcherwhilethewomanslakedherthirst.
Now,thiswasnotatremblingoldpeasant,assheappeared,butafairywhorewardedgooddeeds.
"Yourfaceisprettyandyourheartisgentle,"saidshe."Foryourkindnesstoapooroldwoman,Iwill
makeyouagift.Everytimeyouspeak,fromyourmouthshallcomeaflowerorajewel."
Whenthegirlreachedhomehermotherscoldedherforherlongabsence."Pardonmeforbeingaway
solong,"shesweetlyreplied.Asshespokesomepearlsanddiamondsissuedfromherlips.
"WhatisthisIsee,child?"askedtheastonishedwidow.
Theforlorngirlwassohappytobecalledchildbyhermotherthatsheeagerlyrelatedherexperience
withtheoldwomanatthefountain,while,withherwords,droppedpreciousstonesandroses.The
widowimmediatelycalledherfavoritedaughtertoher.
"Fanny,wouldstthouhavethesamegiftasthysister?"askedshe."Gothoutothefountainandfetch
water.Andifanoldwomanaskstheeforadrink,mindthoutreathercivilly."
Thegirlrefusedtoperformthemenialtask,untilthewidowlostpatienceanddrovehertoit.Finally,
shetookthesilvertankardandsullenlyobeyed.Nosoonerwassheatthefountainthanfromthewood
camealadymosthandsomelyattired,whoaskedthehaughtygirlforadrinkfromherpitcher.
"Ihavenotcomeheretoserveyou,"sherudelyreplied,"buttakethepitcherandhelpyourself,forallI
care.IwouldhaveyouknowthatIamasgoodasyou."
Theladywasthefairy,whohadtakentheappearanceofa[page348]princesstoseehowfarthegirl's
insolencewouldgo."Iwillmakeyouagift,"shesaid,"toequalyourdiscourtesyandillbreeding.
Everytimeyouspeak,thereshallcomefromyourmouthasnakeoratoad."
Thegirlranhometohermother,whometheratthedoor."Well,daughter,"shesaid,impatienttohear
herspeak.Whensheopenedhermouth,tothemother'shorror,twovipersandtwotoadssprangfrom
it."Thisisthefaultofyourwretchedsister,"theunhappymothercried.Sherantobeatthepoor
youngersister,whofledtotheforesttoescapethecruelblows.Whenshewaspastpursuit,shethrew
herselfuponthegreengrassandweptbitterly.
TheKing'sson,returningfromthehunt,foundherthus,andaskedthecauseofhertears.
"Mymotherhasdrivenmefrommyhome,"shetoldhim.Shewassoprettythathefellinlovewithher
atonce,andpressedhertotellhimmore.Shethenrelatedtohimthewholestory,whilepearlsand
diamondskeptfallingfromherlips.Enraptured,hetookhertotheKing,whogavehisconsenttotheir
immediatemarriage.
338
Meanwhiletheuglyandselfishsisterhadmadeherselfsodisagreeablethatevenherownmother
turnedagainsther.She,too,wasdrivenforthintotheforest,whereshediedmiserableandalone.
[page349]
ENGLISHSTORIES
THEHISTORYOFTOMTHUMB
ADAPTEDBYERNESTRHYS
I
TissaidthatinthedaysofthefamedPrinceArthur,whowaskingofBritain,intheyear516there
livedagreatmagician,calledMerlin,themostlearnedandskilfulenchanterintheworldatthattime.
Thisgreatmagician,whocouldassumeanyformhepleased,wastravelinginthedisguiseofapoor
beggar,andbeingverymuchfatigued,hestoppedatthecottageofanhonestplowmantoresthimself,
andaskforsomerefreshment.
Thecountrymangavehimaheartywelcome,andhiswife,whowasaverygoodhearted,hospitable
woman,soonbroughthimsomemilkinawoodenbowl,andsomecoarsebrownbreadonaplatter.
Merlinwasmuchpleasedwiththishomelyrepastandthekindnessoftheplowmanandhiswife;buthe
couldnothelpseeingthatthougheverythingwasneatandcomfortableinthecottage,theyseemedboth
tobesadandmuchcastdown.Hethereforequestionedthemonthecauseoftheirsadness,andlearned
thattheyweremiserablebecausetheyhadnochildren.
Thepoorwomandeclared,withtearsinhereyes,thatsheshouldbethehappiestcreatureintheworld
ifshehadason;andalthoughhewasnobiggerthanherhusband'sthumb,shewouldbesatisfied.
Merlinwassomuchamusedwiththeideaofaboynobiggerthanaman'sthumb,thathemadeuphis
mindtopayavisittothequeenofthefairies,andaskhertograntthepoorwoman'swish.Thedroll
fancyofsuchalittlepersonamongthehumanracepleasedthefairyqueentoo,greatly,andshe
promisedMerlinthatthewishshouldbegranted.Accordingly,ina[page350]shorttimeafter,the
plowman'swifehadason,who,wonderfultorelate,wasnotabitbiggerthanhisfather'sthumb.
Thefairyqueen,wishingtoseethelittlefellowthusbornintotheworld,cameinatthewindowwhile
themotherwassittingupinbedadmiringhim.Thequeenkissedthechild,andgivingitthenameof
TomThumb,sentforsomeofthefairies,whodressedherlittlefavoriteasshebadethem.
"Anoakleafhathehadforhiscrown;
Hisshirtofwebbyspidersspun;
Withjacketwoveofthistle'sdown;
339
Histrouserswereoffeathersdone.
Hisstockings,ofapplerind,theytie
Witheyelashfromhismother'seye:
Hisshoesweremadeofmouses'skin,
Tann'dwiththedownyhairwithin."
ItisremarkablethatTomnevergrewanylargerthanhisfather'sthumb,whichwasonlyofanordinary
size;butashegotolderhebecameverycunningandfulloftricks.Whenhewasoldenoughtoplay
withtheboys,andhadlostallhisowncherrystones,heusedtocreepintothebagsofhisplayfellows,
fillhispockets,and,gettingoutunseen,wouldagainjoininthegame.
Oneday,however,ashewascomingoutofabagofcherrystones,wherehehadbeenpilferingas
usual,theboytowhomitbelongedchancedtoseehim."Ah,ha!mylittleTommy,"saidtheboy,"soI
havecaughtyoustealingmycherrystonesatlast,andyoushallberewardedforyourthievishtricks."
Onsayingthis,hedrewthestringtightroundhisneck,andgavethebagsuchaheartyshake,thatpoor
littleTom'slegs,thighs,andbodyweresadlybruised.Heroaredoutwiththepain,andbeggedtobelet
out,promisingnevertobeguiltyofsuchbadpracticesagain.
Ashorttimeafterwardshismotherwasmakingabatterpudding,andTombeingveryanxioustosee
howitwasmade,climbeduptotheedgeofthebowl;butunfortunatelyhisfootslippedandhe
plumpedoverheadandearsintothebatter,unseenbyhismother,whostirredhimintothepudding
bag,andputhiminthepottoboil.
ThebatterhadfilledTom'smouth,andpreventedhimfrom[page351]crying;but,onfeelingthehot
water,hekickedandstruggledsomuchinthepot,thathismotherthoughtthatthepuddingwas
bewitched,and,instantlypullingitoutofthepot,shethrewittothedoor.Apoortinker,whowas
passingby,liftedupthepudding,and,puttingitintohisbudget,hethenwalkedoff.AsTomhadnow
gothismouthclearedofthebatter,hethenbegantocryaloud,whichsofrightenedthetinkerthathe
flungdownthepuddingandranaway.Thepuddingbeingbroketopiecesbythefall,Tomcreptout
coveredoverwiththebatter,andwithdifficultywalkedhome.Hismother,whowasverysorrytosee
herdarlinginsuchawofulstate,puthimintoateacup,andsoonwashedoffthebatter;afterwhichshe
kissedhim,andlaidhiminbed.
Soonaftertheadventureofthepudding,Tom'smotherwenttomilkhercowinthemeadow,andshe
tookhimalongwithher.Asthewindwasveryhigh,fearinglestheshouldbeblownaway,shetied
himtoathistlewithapieceoffinethread.Thecowsoonsawtheoakleafhat,and,likingthelookofit,
tookpoorTomandthethistleatonemouthful.WhilethecowwaschewingthethistleTomwasafraid
ofhergreatteeth,whichthreatenedtocrushhimtopieces,andheroaredoutasloudashecould,
"Mother,mother!"
"Whereareyou,Tommy,mydearTommy?"saidhismother.
"Here,mother,"repliedhe,"inthecow'smouth."
Hismotherbegantocryandwringherhands;butthecow,surprisedattheoddnoiseinherthroat,
openedhermouthandletTomdropout.Fortunatelyhismothercaughthiminherapronashewas
fallingtotheground,orhewouldhavebeendreadfullyhurt.ShethenputTominherbosomandran
homewithhim.
340
Tom'sfathermadehimawhipofabarleystrawtodrivethecattlewith,andhavingonedaygoneinto
thefields,heslippedafootandrolledintothefurrow.Araven,whichwasflyingover,pickedhimup,
andflewwithhimtothetopofagiant'scastlethatwasneartheseaside,andtherelefthim.
Tomwasinadreadfulstate,anddidnotknowwhattodo;buthewassoonmoredreadfullyfrightened;
foroldGrumbo[page352]thegiantcameuptowalkontheterrace,andseeingTom,hetookhimup
andswallowedhimlikeapill.
ThegianthadnosoonerswallowedTomthanhebegantorepentwhathehanddone;forTombeganto
kickandjumpaboutsomuchthathefeltveryuncomfortable,andatlastthrewhimupagainintothe
sea.AlargefishswallowedTomthemomenthefellintothesea,whichwassoonaftercaught,and
boughtforthetableofKingArthur.Whentheyopenedthefishinordertocookit,everyonewas
astonishedatfindingsuchalittleboy,andTomwasquitedelightedtobeoutagain.Theycarriedhim
totheKing,whomadeTomhisdwarf,andhesoongrewagreatfavoriteatcourt;forbyhistricksand
gambolshenotonlyamusedtheKingandQueen,butalsoalltheKnightsoftheRoundTable.
ItissaidthatwhentheKingrodeoutonhorseback,heoftentookTomalongwithhim,andifashower
cameon,heusedtocreepintohisMajesty'swaistcoatpocket,whereheslepttilltherainwasover.
KingArthuronedayaskedTomabouthisparents,wishingtoknowiftheywereassmallashewas,
andwhetherrichorpoor.TomtoldtheKingthathisfatherandmotherwereastallasanyofthesons
aboutcourt,butratherpoor.Onhearingthis,theKingcarriedTomtohistreasury,theplacewherehe
keptallhismoney,andtoldhimtotakeasmuchmoneyashecouldcarryhometohisparents,which
madethepoorlittlefellowcaperwithjoy.Tomwentimmediatelytofetchapurse,whichwasmadeof
awaterbubble,andthenreturnedtothetreasury,wherehegotasilverthreepennypiecetoputintoit.
Ourlittleherohadsometroubleinliftingtheburdenuponhisback;butheatlastsucceededingetting
itplacedtohismind,andsetforwardonhisjourney.However,withoutmeetingwithanyaccidentand
afterrestinghimselfmorethanahundredtimesbytheway,intwodaysandtwonightshereachedhis
father'shouseinsafety.
Tomhadtraveledfortyeighthourswithahugesilverpieceonhisback,andwasalmosttiredtodeath,
whenhismotherranouttomeethim,andcarriedhimintothehouse.
Tom'sparentswerebothhappytoseehim,andthemoreso[page353]ashehadbroughtsuchan
amazingsumofmoneywithhim;butthepoorlittlefellowwasexcessivelywearied,havingtraveled
halfamileinfortyeighthours,withahugesilverthreepennypieceonhisback.Hismother,inorder
torecoverhim,placedhiminawalnutshellbythefireside,andfeastedhimforthreedaysonahazel
nut,whichmadehimverysick;forawholenutusedtoservehimamonth.
Tomwassoonwellagain;butastherehadbeenafallofrain,andthegroundwasverywet,hecould
nottravelbacktoKingArthur'sCourt;thereforehismother,onedaywhenthewindwasblowingin
thatdirection,madealittleparasolofcambricpaper,andtyingTomtoit,shegavehimapuffintothe
airwithhermouth,whichsooncarriedhimtotheKing'spalace.
JustatthetimewhenTomcameflyingacrossthecourtyard,thecookhappenedtobepassingwiththe
King'sgreatbowlofporridge,whichwasadishhisMajestywasveryfondof;butunfortunatelythe
poorlittlefellowfellplumpintothemiddleofit,andsplashedthehotporridgeaboutthecook'sface.
Thecook,whowasanillnaturedfellow,beinginaterriblerageatTomforfrighteningandscalding
himwiththeporridge,wentstraighttotheKing,andsaidthatTomhadjumpedintotheroyalporridge,
andthrownitdownoutofmeremischief.TheKingwassoenragedwhenheheardthis,thatheordered
Tomtobeseizedandtriedforhightreason;andtherebeingnopersonwhodaredtopleadforhim,he
wascondemnedtobebeheadedimmediately.
341
Onhearingthisdreadfulsentencepronounced,poorTomfellatremblingwithfear,but,seeingno
meansofescape,andobservingamillerclosetohimgapingwithhisgreatmouth,ascountryboobies
doatafair,hetookaleap,andfairlyjumpeddownhisthroat.Thisexploitwasdonewithsuchactivity
thatnotonepersonpresentsawit,andeventhemillerdidnotknowthetrickwhichTomhadplayed
uponhim.Now,asTomhaddisappeared,thecourtbrokeup,andthemillerwenthometohismill.
WhenTomheardthemillatworkheknewhewasclear[page354]ofthecourt,andthereforehebegan
torollandtumbleabout,sothatthepoormillercouldgetnorest,thinkinghewasbewitched;sohesent
foradoctor.Whenthedoctorcame,Tombegantodanceandsing;andthedoctor,beingasmuch
frightenedasthemiller,sentinhasteforfiveotherdoctorsandtwentylearnedmen.
Whentheyweredebatingaboutthisextraordinarycase,themillerhappenedtoyawn,whenTom,
seizingthechance,madeanotherjump,andalightedsafelyuponhisfeetonthemiddleofthetable.
Themiller,whowasverymuchprovokedatbeingtormentedbysuchalittlepigmycreature,fellintoa
terriblerage,and,layingholdofTom,rantotheKingwithhim;buthisMajesty,beingengagedwith
stateaffairs,orderedhimtobetakenaway,andkeptincustodytillhesentforhim.
ThecookwasdeterminedthatTomshouldnotslipoutofhishandsthistime,soheputhimintoa
mousetrap,andlefthimtopeepthroughthewires.Tomhadremainedinthetrapawholeweek,when
hewassentforbyKingArthur,whopardonedhimforthrowingdowntheporridge,andtookhimagain
intofavor.Onaccountofhiswonderfulfeatsofactivity,TomwasknightedbytheKing,andwent
underthenameoftherenownedSirThomasThumb.AsTom'sclotheshadsufferedmuchinthebatter
pudding,theporridge,andtheinsidesofthegiant,miller,andfishes,hisMajestyorderedhimanew
suitofclothes,andtobemountedasaknight.
"OfButterfly'swingshisshirtwasmade,
Hisbootsofchicken'shide;
Andbyanimblefairyblade,
Welllearnedinthetailoringtrade,
Hisclothingwassupplied
Aneedledangledbyhisside;
Adappermouseheusedtoride,
ThusstruttedTominstatelypride!"
ItwascertainlyverydivertingtoseeTominthisdress,andmountedonthemouse,asherodeouta
huntingwiththeKingandnobility,whowereallreadytoexpirewithlaughteratTomandhisfine
prancingcharger.
[page355]
Oneday,astheywereridingbyafarmhouse,alargecat,whichwaslurkingaboutthedoor,madea
spring,andseizedbothTomandhismouse.Shethenranupatreewiththem,andwasbeginningto
devourthemouse;butTomboldlydrewhissword,andattackedthecatsofiercelythatsheletthem
bothfall,whenoneofthenoblescaughthiminhishat,andlaidhimonabedofdown,inalittleivory
cabinet.
342
ThequeenofthefairiescamesoonaftertopayTomavisit,andcarriedhimbacktoFairyland,where
helivedseveralyears.Duringhisresidencethere,KingArthur,andallthepersonswhoknewTom,had
died;andashewasdesirousofbeingagainatcourt,thefairyqueen,afterdressinghiminasuitof
clothes,senthimflyingthroughtheairtothepalace,inthedaysofKingThunstone,thesuccessorof
Arthur.Everyoneflockedroundtoseehim,andbeingcarriedtotheKing,hewasaskedwhohewas
whencehecameandwherehelived?Tomanswered:
"MynameisTomThumb,
FromthefairiesI'vecome.
WhenKingArthurshone,
HisCourtwasmyhome.
Inmehedelighted,
ByhimIwasknighted;
DidyouneverhearofSirThomasThumb?"
TheKingwassocharmedwiththisaddressthatheorderedalittlechairtobemade,inorderthatTom
mightsituponhistable,andalsoapalaceofgold,aspanhigh,withadooraninchwide,tolivein.He
alsogavehimacoach,drawnbysixsmallmice.
TheQueenwassoenragedatthehonorpaidtoSirThomasthatsheresolvedtoruinhim,andtoldthe
Kingthatthelittleknighthadbeensaucytoher.
TheKingsentforTomingreathaste,butbeingfullyawareofthedangerofroyalanger,hecreptinto
anemptysnailshell,wherehelayforalongtime,untilhewasalmoststarvedwithhunger;butatlast
heventuredtopeepout,andseeingafinelargebutterflyontheground,nearhishidingplace,he
approachedverycautiously,andgettinghimselfplacedastrideonit,wasimmediatelycarriedupinto
theair.Thebutterflyflewwithhimfromtreetotreeandfromfieldtofield,andat[page356]lasthe
returnedtothecourt,wheretheKingandnobilityallstrovetocatchhim;butatlastpoorTomfellfrom
hisseatintoawateringpot,inwhichhewasalmostdrowned.
WhentheQueensawhimshewasinarage,andsaidheshouldbebeheaded;andhewasagainputinto
amousetrapuntilthetimeofhisexecution.
However,acat,observingsomethingaliveinthetrap,patteditabouttillthewiresbroke,andset
Thomasatliberty.
TheKingreceivedTomagainintofavor,whichhedidnotlivetoenjoy,foralargespideroneday
attackedhim;andalthoughhedrewhisswordandfoughtwell,yetthespider'spoisonousbreathatlast
overcamehim:
"Hefelldeadonthegroundwherehestood,
Andthespidersuck'deverydropofhisblood."
KingThunstoneandhiswholecourtweresosorryatthelossoftheirlittlefavorite,thattheywentinto
mourning,andraisedafinewhitemarblemonumentoverhisgrave,withthefollowingepitaph:
"HereliesTomThumb,KingArthur'sknight,
343
Whodiedbyaspider'scruelbite.
HewaswellknowninArthur'sCourt,
Whereheaffordedgallantsport;
Herodeattiltandtournament,
Andonamouseahuntingwent.
AlivehefilledtheCourtwithmirth;
Hisdeathtosorrowsoongavebirth.
Wipe,wipeyoureyes,andshakeyourhead
AndcryAlas!TomThumbisdead!"
JACKTHEGIANTKILLER
ADAPTEDBYJOSEPHJACOBS
W
HENgoodKingArthurreigned,therelivedneartheLand'sEndofEngland,inthecountyofCornwall,
afarmerwhohadoneonlysoncalledJack.Hewasbriskandofready,livelywit,sothatnobodyor
nothingcouldworsthim.
[page357]
InthosedaystheMountofCornwallwaskeptbyahugegiantnamedCormoran.Hewaseighteenfeet
inheight,andaboutthreeyardsroundthewaist,ofafierceandgrimcountenance,theterrorofallthe
neighboringtownsandvillages.HelivedinacaveinthemidstoftheMount,andwheneverhewanted
foodhewouldwadeovertothemainland,wherehewouldfurnishhimselfwithwhatevercameinhis
way.Everybodyathisapproachranoutoftheirhouses,whileheseizedontheircattle,makingnothing
ofcarryinghalfadozenoxenonhisbackatatime;andasfortheirsheepandhogs,hewouldtiethem
roundhiswaistlikeabunchoftallowdips.Hehaddonethisformanyyears,sothatallCornwallwas
indespair.
OnedayJackhappenedtobeatthetownhallwhenthemagistratesweresittingincouncilaboutthe
giant.Heasked,"WhatrewardwillbegiventothemanwhokillsCormoran?""Thegiant'streasure,"
theysaid,"willbethereward."QuothJack,"Thenletmeundertakeit."
Sohegotahorn,shovel,andpickaxe,andwentovertotheMountinthebeginningofadarkwinter's
evening,whenhefelltowork,andbeforemorninghaddugapittwentytwofeetdeep,andnearlyas
broad,coveringitoverwithlongsticksandstraw.Thenhestrewedalittlemoldoverit,sothatit
appearedlikeplainground.Jackthenplacedhimselfontheoppositesideofthepit,farthestfromthe
giant'slodging,and,justatthebreakofday,heputthehorntohismouth,andblew.Thisnoiseroused
344
thegiant,whorushedfromhiscave,crying:"Youincorrigiblevillain,areyoucomeheretodisturbmy
rest?Youshallpaydearlyforthis.SatisfactionIwillhave,andthisitshallbe,Iwilltakeyouwhole
andbroilyouforbreakfast."Hehadnosoonerutteredthis,thanhetumbledintothepit,andmadethe
veryfoundationsoftheMounttoshake."OhGiant,"quothJack,"whereareyounow?Oh,faith,you
aregottennowintoatightplace,whereIwillsurelyplagueyouforyourthreateningwords;whatdo
youthinknowofbroilingmeforyourbreakfast?WillnootherdietserveyoubutpoorJack?"Then
havingtantalizedthegiantforawhile,hegavehimamostweightyknockwithhis[page358]pickaxe
ontheverycrownofhishead,andkilledhimonthespot.
Jackthenfilledupthepitwithearth,andwenttosearchthecave,whichhefoundcontainedmuch
treasure.Whenthemagistratesheardofthistheymadeadeclarationheshouldhenceforthbetermed:
JACKTHEGIANTKILLER
andpresentedhimwithaswordandabelt,onwhichwerewrittenthesewordsembroideredinlettersof
gold:
"Here'stherightvaliantCornishman.
WhoslewthegiantCormoran."
ThisistheValiantCornishmanWhoSlewtheGiantCormoran.
ThenewsofJack'svictorysoonspreadoveralltheWestofEngland,sothatanothergiant,named
Blunderbore,hearingofit,vowedtoberevengedonJack,ifeverheshouldlightonhim.Thisgiant
wasthelordofanenchantedcastlesituatedinthemidstofalonesomewood.NowJack,aboutfour
monthsafterwards,walkingnearthiswoodinhisjourneytoWales,beingweary,seatedhimselfneara
pleasantfountainandfellfastasleep.Whilehewassleeping,thegiant,comingthereforwater,
discoveredhim,andknewhimtobethefarfamedJacktheGiantkillerbythelineswrittenonthebelt.
Withoutado,hetookJackonhisshouldersandcarriedhimtowardshiscastle.Now,astheypassed
345
throughathicket,therustlingoftheboughsawakenedJack,whowasstrangelysurprisedtofind
himselfintheclutchesofthegiant.Histerrorwasonlybegun,for,onenteringthecastle,hesawthe
groundstrewedwithhumanbones,andthegianttoldhimhisownwoulderelongbeamongthem.
AfterthisthegiantlockedpoorJackinanimmensechamber,leavinghimtherewhilehewenttofetch
anothergiant,hisbrother,livinginthesamewood,whomightshareinthemealonJack.
AfterwaitingsometimeJack,ongoingtothewindowbeheldafaroffthetwogiantscomingtowards
thecastle."Now,"quothJacktohimself,"mydeathormydeliveranceisathand."
[page359]
Now,therewerestrongcordsinacorneroftheroominwhichJackwas,andtwoofthesehetook,and
madeastrongnooseattheend;andwhilethegiantswereunlockingtheirongateofthecastlehethrew
theropesovereachoftheirheads.Thenhedrewtheotherendsacrossabeam,andpulledwithallhis
might,sothathethrottledthem.Then,whenhesawtheywereblackintheface,hesliddowntherope,
anddrawinghissword,slewthemboth.Then,takingthegiant'skeys,andunlockingtherooms,he
foundthreefairladiestiedbythehairoftheirheads,almoststarvedtodeath."Sweetladies,"quoth
Jack,"Ihavedestroyedthismonsterandhisbrutishbrother,andobtainedyourliberty."Thissaidhe
presentedthemwiththekeys,andsoproceededonhisjourneytoWales.
Jackmadethebestofhiswaybytravelingasfastashecould,butlosthisroad,andwasbenighted,and
couldfindnohabitationuntil,comingintoanarrowvalley,hefoundalargehouse,andinordertoget
sheltertookcouragetoknockatthegate.Butwhatwashissurprisewhentherecameforthamonstrous
giantwithtwoheads;yethedidnotappearsofieryastheotherswere,forhewasaWelshgiant,and
whathedidwasbyprivateandsecretmaliceunderthefalseshowoffriendship.Jack,havingtoldhis
conditiontothegiant,wasshownintoabedroom,where,inthedeadofnight,heheardhishostin
anotherapartmentmutteringthesewords:
"Thoughhereyoulodgewithmethisnight,
Youshallnotseethemorninglight:
Myclubshalldashyourbrainsoutright!"
"Say'stthouso,"quothJack;"thatislikeoneofyourWelshtricks,yetIhopetobecunningenoughfor
you."Then,gettingoutofbed,helaidaloginthebedinhisstead,andhidhimselfinacornerofthe
room.AtthedeadtimeofthenightincametheWelshgiant,whostruckseveralheavyblowsonthe
bedwithhisclub,thinkinghehadbrokeneveryboneinJack'sskin.ThenextmorningJack,laughing
inhissleeve,gavehimheartythanksforhisnight'slodging."Howhaveyourested?"quoththegiant;
"didyounotfeelanythinginthenight?""No,"quothJack,"nothingbutarat,which[page360]gave
metwoorthreeslapswithhertail."Withthat,greatlywondering,thegiantledJacktobreakfast,
bringinghimabowlcontainingfourgallonsofhastypudding.Beinglothtoletthegiantthinkittoo
muchforhim,Jackputalargeleatherbagunderhisloosecoat,insuchawaythathecouldconveythe
puddingintoitwithoutitsbeingperceived.Then,tellingthegianthewouldshowhimatrick,takinga
knife,Jackrippedopenthebag,andoutcameallthehastypudding.Whereupon,saying,"Odds
spluttershernails,hercandothattrickherself,"themonstertooktheknife,andrippingopenhisbelly,
felldowndead.
Now,ithappenedinthesedaysthatKingArthur'sonlysonaskedhisfathertogivehimalargesumof
money,inorderthathemightgoandseekhisfortuneintheprincipalityofWales,whereliveda
beautifulladypossessedwithsevenevilspirits.TheKingdidhisbesttopersuadehissonfromit,but
invain;soatlastgavewayandthePrincesetoutwithtwohorses,oneloadedwithmoney,theother
forhimselftorideupon.Now,afterseveraldays'travel,hecametoamarkettowninWales,wherehe
beheldavastcrowdofpeoplegatheredtogether.ThePrinceaskedthereasonofit,andwastoldthat
theyhadarrestedacorpseforseverallargesumsofmoneywhichthedeceasedowedwhenhedied.
ThePrincerepliedthatitwasapitycreditorsshouldbesocruel,andsaid,"Goburythedead,andlet
346
hiscreditorscometomylodging,andtheretheirdebtsshallbepaid."Theycame,insuchgreat
numbersthatbeforenighthehadonlytwopenceleftforhimself.
NowJacktheGiantkiller,comingthatway,wassotakenwiththegenerosityofthePrince,thathe
desiredtobehisservant.Thisbeingagreedupon,thenextmorningtheysetforwardontheirjourney
together,when,astheywereridingoutofthetown,anoldwomancalledafterthePrince,saying,"He
hasowedmetwopencethesesevenyears;praypaymeaswellastherest."Puttinghishandintohis
pocket,thePrincegavethewomanallhehadleft,sothataftertheirday'sfood,whichcostwhatsmall
storeJackhadbyhim,theywerewithoutapennybetweenthem.
[page361]
Whenthesungotlow,theKing'ssonsaid,"Jack,sincewehavenomoney,wherecanwelodgethis
night?"
ButJackreplied,"Master,we'lldowellenough,forIhaveanuncleliveswithintwomilesofthis
place;heisahugeandmonstrousgiantwiththreeheads;he'llfightfivehundredmeninarmor,and
makethemtoflybeforehim."
"Alas!"quoththePrince,"whatshallwedothere?He'llcertainlychopusupatamouthful.Nay,weare
scarceenoughtofilloneofhishollowteeth!"
"Itisnomatterforthat,"quothJack;"Imyselfwillgobeforeandpreparethewayforyou;therefore
stophereandwaittillIreturn."Jackthenrodeawayatfullspeed,andcomingtothegateofthecastle,
heknockedsoloudthathemadetheneighboringhillsresound.Thegiantroaredoutatthislike
thunder,"Who'sthere?"
Jackanswered,"NonebutyourpoorcousinJack."
Quothhe,"WhatnewswithmypoorcousinJack?"
Hereplied,"Dearuncle,badnews,Godwilling!"
"Prithee,"quoththegiant,"whatbadnewscancometome?Iamagiantwiththreeheads,andbesides
thouknowestIcanfightfivehundredmeninarmor,andmakethemflylikechaffbeforethewind."
"Oh,but,"quothJack,"here'stheKing'ssonacomingwithathousandmeninarmortokillyouand
destroyallthatyouhave!"
"Oh,cousinJack,"saidthegiant,"thisisbadnewsindeed!Iwillimmediatelyrunandhidemyself,and
thoushaltlock,bolt,andbarmein,andkeepthekeysuntilthePrinceisgone."Havingsecuredthe
giant,Jackfetchedhismaster,whentheymadethemselvesheartilymerrywhilstthepoorgiantlay
tremblinginavaultundertheground.
EarlyinthemorningJackfurnishedhismasterwithafreshsupplyofgoldandsilver,andthensenthim
threemilesforwardonhisjourney,atwhichtimethePrincewasprettywelloutofthesmellofthe
giant.Jackthenreturned,andletthegiantoutofthevault,whoaskedwhatheshouldgivehimfor
keepingthecastlefromdestruction."Why,"quothJack,"Iwantnothingbuttheoldcoatandcap,
togetherwiththeoldrustyswordandslipperswhichareatyourbed'shead."
[page362]
Quoththegiant:"Youknownotwhatyouask;theyarethemostpreciousthingsIhave.Thecoatwill
keepyouinvisible,thecapwilltellyouallyouwanttoknow,theswordcutsasunderwhateveryou
strike,andtheshoesareofextraordinaryswiftness.Butyouhavebeenveryserviceabletome,
347
thereforetakethemwithallmyheart."Jackthankedhisuncle,andthenwentoffwiththem.Hesoon
overtookhismasterandtheyquicklyarrivedatthehouseoftheladythePrincesought,who,finding
thePrincetobeasuitor,preparedasplendidbanquetforhim.Aftertherepastwasconcluded,shetold
himshehadataskforhim.Shewipedhismouthwithahandkerchief,saying,"Youmustshowmethat
handkerchieftomorrowmorning,orelseyouwillloseyourhead."Withthatsheputitinherbosom.
ThePrincewenttobedingreatsorrow,butJack'scapofknowledgeinformedhimhowitwastobe
obtained.InthemiddleofthenightshecalleduponherfamiliarspirittocarryhertoLucifer.ButJack
putonhiscoatofdarknessandhisshoesofswiftness,andwasthereassoonasshewas.Whenshe
enteredtheplaceofthedemon,shegavethehandkerchieftohim,andhelaidituponashelf,whence
Jacktookitandbroughtittohismaster,whoshowedittotheladynextday,andsosavedhislife.On
thatday,shegavethePrinceakissandtoldhimhemustshowherthelipstomorrowmorningthatshe
kissedlastnight,orlosehishead.
"Ah!"hereplied,"ifyoukissnonebutmine,Iwill."
"Thatisneitherherenorthere,"saidshe;"ifyoudonot,death'syourportion!"
Atmidnightshewentasbefore,andwasangrywiththedemonforlettingthehandkerchiefgo."But
now,"quothshe,"IwillbetoohardfortheKing'sson,forIwillkisstheeandheistoshowmethy
lips."Whichshedid,andJack,whenshewasnotstandingby,cutoffLucifer'sheadand,broughtit
underhisinvisiblecoattohismaster,whothenextmorningpulleditoutbythehornsbeforethelady.
Thisbroketheenchantmentandtheevilspiritlefther,andsheappearedinallherbeauty.Theywere
marriedthenextmorning,andsoonafterwenttotheCourtofKingArthur,whereJackforhismany
greatexploits,wasmadeoneoftheKnightsoftheRoundTable.
[page363]
Jacksoonwentsearchingforgiantsagain,buthehadnotriddenfar,whenhesawacave,nearthe
entranceofwhichhebeheldagiantsittinguponablockoftimber,withaknottedironclubbyhisside.
Hisgoggleeyeswerelikeflamesoffire,hiscountenancegrimandugly,andhischeekslikeacouple
oflargeflitchesofbacon,whilethebristlesofhisbeardresembledrodsofironwire,andthelocksthat
hungdownuponhisbrawnyshoulderswerelikecurledsnakesorhissingadders.Jackalightedfromhis
horse,and,puttingonthecoatofdarkness,wentupclosetothegiant,andsaidsoftly,"Oh!areyou
there?ItwillnotbelongbeforeItakeyoufastbythebeard."Thegiantallthiswhilecouldnotseehim,
onaccountofhisinvisiblecoat,sothatJack,comingupclosetothemonster,struckablowwithhis
swordathishead,but,missinghisaim,hecutoffthenoseinstead.Atthis,thegiantroaredlikeclaps
ofthunder,andbegantolayabouthimwithhisironclublikeonestarkmad.ButJack,runningbehind,
drovehissworduptothehiltinthegiant'sback,sothathefelldowndead.Thisdone,Jackcutoffthe
giant'shead,andsentit,withhisbrother'salso,toKingArthur,byawagonerhehiredforthatpurpose.
Jacknowresolvedtoenterthegiant'scaveinsearchofhistreasure,and,passingalongthroughagreat
manywindingsandturnings,hecameatlengthtoalargeroompavedwithfreestone,attheupperend
ofwhichwasaboilingcaldron,andontherighthandalargetable,atwhichthegiantusedtodine.
Thenhecametoawindow,barredwithiron,throughwhichhelookedandbeheldavastnumberof
miserablecaptives,who,seeinghim,criedout:"Alas!youngman,artthoucometobeoneamongstus
inthismiserableden?"
"Ay,"quothJack,"butpraytellmewhatisthemeaningofyourcaptivity?"
"Wearekepthere,"saidone,"tillsuchtimeasthegiantshaveawishtofeast,andthenthefattest
amongusisslaughtered!Andmanyarethetimestheyhavedineduponmurderedmen!"
"Sayyouso,"quothJack,andstraightwayunlockedthegateandletthemfree,whoallrejoicedlike
condemnedmenat[page364]sightofapardon.Thensearchingthegiant'scoffers,hesharedthegold
andsilverequallyamongstthemandtookthemtoaneighboringcastle,wheretheyallfeastedand
mademerryovertheirdeliverance.
348
ButinthemidstofallthismirthamessengerbroughtnewsthatThunderdell,agiantwithtwoheads,
havingheardofthedeathofhiskinsman,hadcomefromthenortherndalestoberevengedonJack,
andwaswithinamileofthecastle,thecountrypeopleflyingbeforehimlikechaff.ButJackwasnota
bitdaunted,andsaid,"Lethimcome!Ihaveatooltoquiethim;andyou,ladiesandgentlemen,walk
outintothegarden,andyoushallwitnessthisgiantThunderdell'sdeathanddestruction."
Thecastlewassituatedinthemidstofasmallislandsurroundedbyamoatthirtyfeetdeepandtwenty
feetwide,overwhichlayadrawbridge.SoJackemployedmentocutthroughthisbridgeonboth
sides,nearlytothemiddle;andthen,dressinghimselfinhisinvisiblecoat,hemarchedagainstthe
giantwithhisswordofsharpness.AlthoughthegiantcouldnotseeJack,hesmelthisapproach,and
criedoutinthesewords:
"Fee,fi,fo,fum!
IsmellthebloodofanEnglishman!
Behealiveorbehedead,
I'llgrindhisbonestomakemebread!"
"Say'stthouso,"saidJack;"thenthouartamonstrousmillerindeed."
Thegiantcriedoutagain,"Artthouthatvillainwhokilledmykinsmen?ThenIwillteartheewithmy
teeth,suckthyblood,andgrindthybonestopowder."
"You'llhavetocatchmefirst,"quothJack,andthrowingoffhisinvisiblecoat,sothatthegiantmight
seehim,andputtingonhisshoesofswiftness,heranfromthegiant,whofollowedlikeawalking
castle,sothattheveryfoundationsoftheearthseemedtoshakeateverystep.Jackledhimalong
dance,inorderthatthegentlemenandladiesmightsee;andatlasttoendthematter,ranlightlyover
thedrawbridge,thegiant,infullspeed,pursuinghimwithhisclub.Then,comingtothemiddleofthe
bridge,thegiant'sgreatweightbrokeitdown,[page365]andhetumbledheadlongintothewater,
whereherolledandwallowedlikeawhale.Jack,standingbythemoat,laughedathimallthewhile;
butthoughthegiantfoamedtohearhimscoff,andplungedfromplacetoplaceinthemoat,yethe
couldnotgetouttoberevenged.Jackatlengthgotacartropeandcastitoverthetwoheadsofthe
giantanddrewhimashorebyateamofhorses,andthencutoffbothhisheadswithhisswordof
sharpness,andsentthemtoKingArthur.
Aftersometimespentinmirthandpastime,Jack,takingleaveoftheknightsandladies,setoutfornew
adventures.Throughmanywoodshepassed,andcameatlengthtothefootofahighmountain.Here,
lateatnight,hefoundalonesomehouse,andknockedatthedoor,whichwasopenedbyanagedman
withaheadaswhiteassnow."Father,"saidJack,"canyoulodgeabenightedtravelerthathaslosthis
way?""Yes,"saidtheoldman;"youarerightwelcometomypoorcottage."WhereuponJackentered,
anddowntheysattogether,andtheoldmanbegantospeakasfollows:"Son,Iseebyyourbeltyouare
thegreatconquerorofgiants,andbehold,myson,onthetopofthismountainisanenchantedcastle;
thisiskeptbyagiantnamedGalligantua,andhe,bythehelpofanoldconjurer,betraysmanyknights
andladiesintohiscastle,wherebymagicarttheyaretransformedintosundryshapesandforms.But
aboveall,Igrieveforaduke'sdaughter,whomtheyfetchedfromherfather'sgarden,carryingher
throughtheairinaburningchariotdrawnbyfierydragons.Whentheysecuredherwithinthecastle,
theytransformedherintoawhitehind.Andthoughmanyknightshavetriedtobreaktheenchantment,
andworkherdeliverance,yetnoonecouldaccomplishit,onaccountoftwodreadfulgriffinswhichare
placedatthecastlegateandwhichdestroyeveryonewhocomesnear.Butyou,myson,maypassby
themundiscovered,thenonthegatesofthecastleyouwillfindengraveninlargelettershowthespell
maybebroken."Jackgavetheoldmanhishand,andpromisedthatinthemorninghewouldventure
hislifetofreethelady.
349
InthemorningJackaroseandputonhisinvisiblecoatandmagiccapandshoes,andpreparedhimself
forthefray.[page366]Now,whenhehadreachedthetopofthemountainhesoondiscoveredthetwo
fierygriffins,butpassedthemwithoutfear,becauseofhisinvisiblecoat.Whenhehadgotbeyond
them,hefounduponthegatesofthecastleagoldentrumpethungbyasilverchain,underwhichthese
lineswereengraved:
"Whoevershallthistrumpetblow,
Shallsoonthegiantoverthrow,
Andbreaktheblackenchantmentstraight;
Soallshallbeinhappystate."
Jackhadnosoonerreadthisbutheblewthetrumpet,atwhichthecastletrembledtoitsvast
foundations,andthegiantandconjurerwereinhorridconfusion,bitingtheirthumbsandtearingtheir
hair,knowingtheirwickedreignwasatanend.Thenthegiantstoopingtotakeuphisclub,Jackatone
blowcutoffhishead;whereupontheconjurer,mountingupintotheair,wascarriedawayina
whirlwind.Thentheenchantmentwasbroken,andallthelordsandladieswhohadsolongbeen
transformedintobirdsandbeastsreturnedtotheirpropershapes,andthecastlevanishedawayina
cloudofsmoke.Thisbeingdone,theheadofGalligantuawaslikewise,intheusualmanner,conveyed
totheCourtofKingArthur,where,theverynextday,Jackfollowed,withtheknightsandladieswho
hadbeendelivered.Whereupon,asarewardforhisgoodservices,theKingprevailedupontheduketo
bestowhisdaughterinmarriageonhonestJack.Somarriedtheywere,andthewholekingdomwas
filledwithjoyatthewedding.Furthermore,theKingbestowedonJackanoblecastle,withavery
beautifulestatetheretobelonging,whereheandhisladylivedingreatjoyandhappinessalltherestof
theirdays.
THETHREESILLIES
O
NCEuponatimetherewasafarmerandhiswifewhohadonedaughter,andshewascourtedbya
gentleman.Everyeveningheusedtocomeandseeher,andstoptosupperatthe[page367]farmhouse,
andthedaughterusedtobesentdownintothecellartodrawthebeerforsupper.Sooneeveningshe
hadgonedowntodrawthebeer,andshehappenedtolookupattheceilingwhileshewasdrawing,and
shesawamalletstuckinoneofthebeams.Itmusthavebeentherealong,longtime,butsomehowor
othershehadnevernoticeditbefore,andshebeganathinking.Andshethoughtitwasverydangerous
tohavethatmalletthere,forshesaidtoherself:"Supposehimandmewastobemarried,andwewas
tohaveason,andhewastogrowuptobeaman,andcomedownintothecellartodrawthebeer,like
asI'mdoingnow,andthemalletwastofallonhisheadandkillhim,whatadreadfulthingitwould
be!"Andsheputdownthecandleandthejug,andsatherselfdownandbeganacrying.
Well,theybegantowonderupstairshowitwasthatshewassolongdrawingthebeer,andhermother
wentdowntoseeafterher,andshefoundhersittingonthesettlecrying,andthebeerrunningoverthe
floor."Why,whateveristhematter?"saidhermother."Oh,mother!"saysshe,"lookatthathorrid
mallet!Supposewewastobemarried,andwastohaveason,andhewastogrowup,andwastocome
350
downtothecellartodrawthebeer,andthemalletwastofallonhisheadandkillhim,whatadreadful
thingitwouldbe!""Dear,dear!whatadreadfulthingitwouldbe!"saidthemother,andshesather
downbesidethedaughterandstartedcryingtoo.Thenafterabitthefatherbegantowonderthatthey
didn'tcomeback,andhewentdownintothecellartolookafterthemhimself,andtheretheytwosat
crying,andthebeerrunningalloverthefloor."Whateveristhematter?"sayshe."Why,"saysthe
mother,"lookatthathorridmallet.Justsuppose,ifourdaughterandhersweetheartwastobemarried,
andwastohaveason,andhewastogrowup,andwastocomedownintothecellartodrawthebeer,
andthemalletwastofallonhisheadandkillhim,whatadreadfulthingitwouldbe!""Dear,dear,
dear!soitwould!"saidthefather,andhesathimselfdownasideoftheothertwo,andstartedacrying.
Nowthegentlemangottiredofstoppingupinthekitchenbyhimself,andatlasthewentdownintothe
cellartoo,toseewhattheywereafter;andtheretheythreesatcryingsidebyside,[page368]andthe
beerrunningalloverthefloor.Andheranstraightandturnedthetap.Thenhesaid:"Whateverareyou
threedoing,sittingtherecrying,andlettingthebeerrunalloverthefloor?""Oh!"saysthefather,"look
atthathorridmallet!Supposeyouandourdaughterwastobemarried,andwastohaveason,andhe
wastogrowup,andwastocomedownintothecellartodrawthebeer,andthemalletwastofallon
hisheadandkillhim!"Andthentheyallstartedcryingworsethanbefore.Butthegentlemanburstout
laughing,andreachedupandpulledoutthemallet,andthenhesaid:"I'vetraveledmanymiles,andI
nevermetthreesuchbigsilliesasyouthreebefore;andnowIshallstartoutonmytravelsagain,and
whenIcanfindthreebiggersilliesthanyouthree,thenI'llcomebackandmarryyourdaughter."Sohe
wishedthemgoodby,andstartedoffonhistravels,andleftthemallcryingbecausethegirlhadlost
hersweetheart.
Well,hesetout,andhetraveledalongway,andatlasthecametoawoman'scottagethathadsome
grassgrowingontheroof.Andthewomanwastryingtogethercowtogoupaladdertothegrass,and
thepoorthingdurstnotgo.Sothegentlemanaskedthewomanwhatshewasdoing."Why,lookye,"
shesaid,"lookatallthatbeautifulgrass.I'mgoingtogetthecowontotherooftoeatit.She'llbequite
safe,forIshalltieastringroundherneck,andpassitdownthechimney,andtieittomywristasIgo
aboutthehouse,soshecan'tfalloffwithoutmyknowingit.""Oh,youpoorsilly!"saidthegentleman,
"youshouldcutthegrassandthrowitdowntothecow!"Butthewomanthoughtitwaseasiertoget
thecowuptheladderthantogetthegrassdown,soshepushedherandcoaxedherandgotherup,and
tiedastringroundherneck,andpasseditdownthechimney,andfastenedittoherownwrist.Andthe
gentlemanwentonhisway,buthehadn'tgonefarwhenthecowtumbledofftheroof,andhungbythe
stringtiedroundherneck,anditstrangledher.Andtheweightofthecowtiedtoherwristpulledthe
womanupthechimney,andshestuckfasthalfwayandwassmotheredinthesoot.
Well,thatwasonebigsilly.
Andthegentlemanwentonandon,andhewenttoaninnto[page369]stopthenight,andtheywere
sofullattheinnthattheyhadtoputhiminadoublebeddedroom,andanothertravelerwastosleepin
theotherbed.Theothermanwasaverypleasantfellow,andtheygotveryfriendlytogether;butinthe
morning,whentheywerebothgettingup,thegentlemanwassurprisedtoseetheotherhanghis
trousersontheknobsofthechestofdrawersandrunacrosstheroomandtrytojumpintothem,andhe
triedoverandoveragain,andcouldn'tmanageit;andthegentlemanwonderedwhateverhewasdoing
itfor.Atlasthestoppedandwipedhisfacewithhishandkerchief."Ohdear,"hesays,"Idothink
trousersarethemostawkwardestkindofclothesthateverwere.Ican'tthinkwhocouldhaveinvented
suchthings.Ittakesmethebestpartofanhourtogetintomineeverymorning,andIgetsohot!How
doyoumanageyours?"Sothegentlemanburstoutlaughing,andshowedhimhowtoputthemon;and
hewasverymuchobligedtohim,andsaidhenevershouldhavethoughtofdoingitthatway.
Sothatwasanotherbigsilly.
Thenthegentlemanwentonhistravelsagain;andhecametoavillage,andoutsidethevillagethere
wasapond,androundthepondwasacrowdofpeople.Andtheyhadrakes,andbrooms,and
pitchforks,reachingintothepond;andthegentlemanaskedwhatwasthematter."Why,"theysay,
"matterenough!Moon'stumbledintothepond,andwecan'trakeheroutanyhow!"Sothegentleman
351
burstoutlaughing,andtoldthemtolookupintothesky,andthatitwasonlytheshadowinthewater.
Buttheywouldn'tlistentohim,andabusedhimshamefullyandhegotawayasquickashecould.
Sotherewereawholelotofsilliesbiggerthanthethreesilliesathome.Sothegentlemanturnedback
homeagainandmarriedthefarmer'sdaughter,andiftheydidn'tlivehappyforeverafter,that'snothing
todowithyouorme.
[page370]
CELTICSTORIES
KINGO'TOOLEANDHISGOOSE
O
CH,Ithoughtalltheworld,farandnear,hadheerdofKingO'Toolewell,well,butthedarknessof
mankindisuntellable!Well,sir,youmustknow,asyoudidn'thearitafore,thattherewasaKing,
calledKingO'Toole,whowasafineoldKingintheoldancienttimes,longago;anditwashethat
ownedthechurchesintheearlydays.TheKing,youseewastherightsort;hewastherealboy,and
lovedsportashelovedhislife,andhuntinginparticular;andfromtherisingo'thesun,uphegot,and
awayhewentoverthemountainsafterthedeer;andfinetimestheywere.
Well,itwasallmightygood,aslongastheKinghadhishealth;but,yousee,inthecourseoftimethe
Kinggrewold,byraisonhewasstiffinhislimbs,andwhenhegotstrickeninyears,hisheartfailed
him,andhewaslostentirelyforwanto'diversion,becausehecouldn'tgoahuntingnolonger;and,by
dadthepoorKingwasobligedatlasttogetagoosetodiverthim.Oh,youmaylaugh,ifyoulike,but
it'struthI'mtellingyou;andthewaythegoosedivertedhimwasthisaway:Yousee,thegooseused
toswimacrossthelake,andgodivingfortrout,andcatchfishonaFridayfortheKing,andflewevery
otherdayroundaboutthelake,divertingthepoorKing.Allwentonmightywelluntil,bydad,the
goosegotstrickeninyearslikehermaster,andcouldn'tdiverthimnolonger,andthenitwasthatthe
poorKingwaslostentirely.TheKingwaswalkin'onemornin'bytheedgeofthelake,lamentin'his
cruelfate,andthinkingofdrowninghimself,thatcouldgetnodiversioninlife,whenallofasudden,
turningroundthecorner,whom[page371]shouldhemeetbutamightydecentyoungmancomingup
tohim.
"Godsaveyou,"saystheKingtotheyoungman.
"Godsaveyoukindly,KingO'Toole,"saystheyoungman.
"Trueforyou,"saystheKing."IamKingO'Toole,"sayshe,"princeandplennypennytincheryofthese
parts,"sayshe;"buthowcameyetoknowthat?"sayshe.
"Oh,nevermind,"saysSaintKavin.
352
YouseeitwasSaintKavin,sureenoughthesainthimselfindisguise,andnobodyelse."Oh,never
mind,"sayshe,"Iknowmorethanthat.MayImakeboldtoaskhowisyourgoose,KingO'Toole?"
sayshe.
"Bluranagers,howcameyetoknowaboutmygoose?"saystheKing.
"Oh,nomatter;Iwasgiventounderstandit,"saysSaintKavin.
AftersomemoretalktheKingsays,"Whatareyou?"
"I'manhonestman,"saysSaintKavin.
"Well,honestman,"saystheKing,"andhowisityoumakeyourmoneysoaisy?"
"Bymakin'oldthingsasgoodasnew,"saysSaintKavin.
"Isitatinkeryouare?"saystheKing.
"No,"saysthesaint;"I'mnotinkerbytrade,KingO'Toole;I'veabettertradethanatinker,"sayshe
"whatwouldyousay,"sayshe,"IfImadeyouroldgooseasgoodasnew?"
Mydear,atthewordofmakinghisgooseasgoodasnew,you'dthinkthepooroldKing'seyeswere
readytojumpoutofhishead.WiththattheKingwhistled,anddowncamethepoorgoose,justlikea
hound,waddlinguptothepoorcripple,hermaster,andaslikehimastwopeas.Theminutethesaint
clapthiseyesonthegoose,"I'lldothejobforyou,"sayshe,"KingO'Toole."
"ByJaminee!"saysKingO'Toole,"ifyoudo,I'llsayyou'rethecleverestfellowinthesevenparishes."
"Oh,bydad,"saysSt.Kavin,"youmustsaymorenorthatmyhorn'snotsosoftallout,"sayshe,"as
torepairyouroldgoosefornothing;what'llyougi'meifIdothejobforyou?that'sthechat,"says
SaintKavin.
[page372]
"I'llgiveyouwhateveryouask,"saystheKing;"isn'tthatfair?"
"Divilafairer,"saysthesaint,"that'sthewaytodobusiness.Now,"sayshe,"thisisthebargainI'll
makewithyou,KingO'Toole:willyougi'meallthegroundthegoosefliesover,thefirstoffer,afterI
makeherasgoodasnew?"
"Iwill,"saystheKing.
"Youwon'tgobacko'yourword?"saysSaintKavin.
"Honorbright!"saysKingO'Toole,holdingouthisfist.
"Honorbright!"saysSaintKavin,backagain,"it'sabargain.Comehere!"sayshetothepoorold
goose"comehere,youunfortunateouldcripple,andit'sIthat'llmakeyouthesportingbird."With
that,mydear,hetookupthegoosebythetwowings"Crisso'mycrossanyou,"sayshe,markin'her
togracewiththeblessedsignatthesameminuteandthrowingherupintheair,"whew,"sayshe,jist
givin'herablasttohelpher;andwiththat,myjewel,shetooktoherheels,flyin'likeoneo'theeagles
themselves,andcuttingasmanycapersasaswallowbeforeashowerofrain.
353
Well,mydear,itwasabeautifulsighttoseetheKingstandingwithhismouthopen,lookingathis
pooroldgooseflyingaslightasalark,andbetterthanevershewas;andwhenshelitathisfeet,patted
heronthehead,and"Mavourneen,"sayshe,"butyouarethedarlinto'theworld."
"Andwhatdoyousaytome,"saysSaintKavin,"formakingherthelike?"
"ByJabers,"saystheKing,"Isaynothingbeatsthearto'man,barringthebees."
"Anddoyousaynomorenorthat?"saysSaintKavin.
"AndthatI'mbeholdentoyou,"saystheKing.
"Butwillyougi'meallthegroundthegooseflewover?"saysSaintKavin.
"Iwill,"saysKingO'Toole,"andyou'rewelcometoit,"sayshe,"thoughit'sthelastacreIhaveto
give."
"Butyou'llkeepyourwordtrue,"saysthesaint.
"Astrueasthesun,"saystheKing.
"It'swellforyou,KingO'Toole,thatyousaidthatword,"[page373]sayshe;"forifyoudidn'tsaythat
word,thedivilthebito'yourgoosewouldeverflyagin."
WhentheKingwasasgoodashisword,SaintKavinwaspleasedwithhim,andthenitwasthathe
madehimselfknowntotheKing."And,"sayshe,"KingO'Toole,you'readacentman,forIonlycame
heretotryyou.Youdon'tknowme,"sayshe,"becauseI'mdisguised."
"Musha!then,"saystheKing,"whoareyou?"
"I'mSaintKavin,"saidthesaint,blessinghimself.
"Oh,queenofheaven!"saystheKing,makingthesignofthecrossbetweenhiseyes,andfallingdown
onhiskneesbeforethesaint;"isitthegreatSaintKavin,"sayshe,"thatI'vebeendiscoursingallthis
timewithoutknowingit,"sayshe,"allasoneasifhewasalumpofagossoon?andsoyou'rea
saint?"saystheKing.
"Iam,"saysSaintKavin.
"ByJabers,IthoughtIwasonlytalkingtoadacentboy,"saystheKing.
"Well,youknowthedifferencenow,"saysthesaint."I'mSaintKavin,"sayshe,"thegreatestofallthe
saints."
AndsotheKinghadhisgooseasgoodasnew,todiverthimaslongashelived;andthesaint
supportedhimafterhecameintohisproperty,asItoldyou,untilthedayofhisdeathandthatwas
soonafter;forthepoorgoosethoughthewascatchingatroutoneFriday;but,myjewel,itwasa
mistakehemadeandinsteadofatrout,itwasathievinghorseeel;andinsteadofthegoosekillinga
troutfortheKing'ssupperbydad,theeelkilledtheKing'sgooseandsmallblametohim;buthe
didn'tateher,becausehedarn'tatewhatSaintKavinhadlaidhisblessedhandson.
354
THEHAUGHTYPRINCESS
ADAPTEDBYPATRICKKENNEDY
T
HEREwasonceaveryworthyKing,whosedaughterwasthegreatestbeautythatcouldbeseenfaror
near,butshewasasproudasLucifer,andnokingorprincewouldsheagreetomarry.[page374]Her
fatherwastiredoutatlast,andinvitedeveryking,andprince,andduke,andearlthatheknewordidn't
knowtocometohiscourttogiveheronetrialmore.Theyallcame,andnextdayafterbreakfastthey
stoodinarowinthelawn,andthePrincesswalkedalonginthefrontofthemtomakeherchoice.One
wasfat,andsaysshe:"Iwon'thaveyou,Beerbarrel!"Onewastallandthin,andtohimshesaid,"I
won'thaveyou,Ramrod!"Toawhitefacedmanshesaid,"Iwon'thaveyou,PaleDeath;"andtoared
cheekedmanshesaid,"Iwon'thaveyou,Cockscomb!"Shestoppedalittlebeforethelastofall,forhe
wasafinemaninfaceandform.Shewantedtofindsomedefectinhim,buthehadnothingremarkable
butaringofbrowncurlinghairunderhischin.Sheadmiredhimalittle,andthencarrieditoffwith,"I
won'thaveyou,Whiskers!"
Soallwentaway,andtheKingwassovexed,hesaidtoher,"Nowtopunishyourimpedence,I'llgive
youtothefirstbeggarmanorsingingsthronshuchthatcalls;"and,assureasthehearthmoney,a
fellowalloverrags,withhairthatcametohisshoulders,andabushyredbeardalloverhisface,came
nextmorning,andbegantosingbeforetheparlorwindow.
Whenthesongwasover,thehalldoorwasopened,thesingeraskedin,thepriestbrought,andthe
PrincessmarriedtoBeardy.Sheroaredandshebawled,butherfatherdidn'tmindher."There,"sayshe
tothebridegroom,"isfiveguineasforyou.Takeyourwifeoutofmysight,andneverletmelayeyes
onyouorheragain."
Offheledher,anddismalenoughshewas.Theonlythingthatgaveherreliefwasthetonesofher
husband'svoiceandhisgenteelmanners."Whosewoodisthis?"saidshe,astheyweregoingthrough
one."ItbelongstotheKingyoucalledWhiskersyesterday."Hegaveherthesameanswerabout
meadowsandcornfields,andatlastafinecity."Ah,whatafoolIwas!"saidshetoherself."Hewasa
fineman,andImighthavehimforahusband."Atlasttheywerecominguptoapoorcabin."Whyare
youbringingmehere?"saysthepoorlady."Thiswasmyhouse,"saidhe,"andnowit'syours."She
begantocry,butshewastiredandhungry,andshewentinwithhim.
[page375]
Ovoch!therewasneitheratablelaidout,norafireburning,andshewasobligedtohelpherhusbandto
lightit,andboiltheirdinner,andcleanuptheplaceafter;andnextdayhemadeherputonastuff
gownandacottonhandkerchief.Whenshehadherhousereadiedup,andnobusinesstokeepher
employed,hebroughthomesallies[willows],peeledthem,andshowedherhowtomakebaskets.But
thehardtwigsbruisedherdelicatefingers,andshebegantocry.Well,thenheaskedhertomendtheir
clothes,buttheneedledrewbloodfromherfingers,andshecriedagain.Hecouldn'tbeartoseeher
tears,soheboughtacreelofearthenware,andsenthertothemarkettosellthem.Thiswasthehardest
trialofall,butshelookedsohandsomeandsorrowful,andhadsuchaniceairabouther,thatallher
pans,andjugs,andplates,anddishesweregonebeforenoon,andtheonlymarkofheroldprideshe
showedwasaslapshegaveabuckeenacrossthefacewhenheaxedheranimpudentquestion.
Well,herhusbandwassoglad,hesentherwithanothercreelthenextday;but,faith!herluckwasafter
desertingher.Adrunkenhuntsmancameupriding,andhisbeastgotinamongherware,andmade
brisheofeverymother'ssonof'em.Shewenthomecryin',andherhusbandwasn'tatallpleased."I
355
see,"saidhe,"you'renotfitforbusiness.Comealong,I'llgetyouakitchenmaid'splaceinthepalace.I
knowthecook."
Sothepoorthingwasobligedtostifleherprideoncemore.Shewaskeptverybusy,andthefootman
andthebutlerwouldbeveryimpudentaboutlookingforakiss,butsheletascreechoutofherthefirst
attemptwasmade,andthecookgavethefellowsuchalambastingwiththebesomthathemadeno
secondoffer.Shewenthometoherhusbandeverynight,andshecarriedbrokenvictualswrappedin
papersinhersidepockets.
Aweekaftershegotservicetherewasgreatbustleinthekitchen.TheKingwasgoingtobemarried,
butnooneknewwhothebridewastobe.Well,intheeveningthecookfilledthePrincess'spockets
withcoldmeatandpuddens,and,saysshe,"Beforeyougo,letushavealookatthegreatdoingsinthe
bigparlor."Sotheycamenearthedoortogetapeep,andwhoshouldcomeoutbuttheKinghimself,
ashandsomeasyouplease,[page376]andnootherbutKingWhiskershimself."Yourhandsome
helpermustpayforherpeeping,"saidhetothecook,"anddanceajigwithme."Whethershewouldor
no,heheldherhandandbroughtherintotheparlor.Thefiddlersstruckup,andawaywenthimwith
her.Buttheyhadn'tdancedtwostepswhenthemeatandthepuddensflewoutofherpockets.Every
oneroaredout,andsheflewtothedoor,cryingpiteously.ButshewassooncaughtbytheKing,and
takenintothebackparlor."Don'tyouknowme,mydarling?"saidhe."I'mbothKingWhiskers,your
husbandtheballadsinger,andthedrunkenhuntsman.Yourfatherknewmewellenoughwhenhegave
youtome,andallwastodriveyourprideoutofyou."Well,shedidn'tknowhowshewas,withfright,
andshame,andjoy.Lovewasuppermost,anyhow,forshelaidherheadonherhusband'sbreastand
criedlikeachild.Themaidsofhonorsoonhadherawayanddressedherasfineashandsandpins
coulddoit;andtherewerehermotherandfather,too.Whilethecompanywerewonderingwhatwould
betheendofthehandsomegirlandtheKing,heandhisQueen,whotheydidn'tknowinherfine
clothes,camein,andsuchrejoicingsandfinedoingsastherewas,noneofuswilleversee,anyway.
JACKANDHISMASTER
A
POORwomanhadthreesons.Theeldestandsecondeldestwerecunning,cleverfellows,butthey
calledtheyoungestJacktheFool,becausetheythoughthewasnobetterthanasimpleton.Theeldest
gottiredofstayingathome,andsaidhe'dgolookforservice.Hestayedawayawholeyear,andthen
camebackoneday,draggingonefootaftertheother,andapoor,wizenedfaceonhim,andhewasas
crossastwosticks.Whenhewasrestedandhadgotsomethingtoeat,hetoldthemhowhehadtaken
servicewiththeGrayChurloftheTownlandofMischance,andthattheagreementwaswhoeverwould
firstsayhe[page377]wassorryforhisbargainshouldgetaninchwideoftheskinofhisback,from
shouldertohips,takenoff.Ifitwasthemaster,heshouldalsopaydoublewages;ifitwastheservant,
heshouldgetnowagesatall."Butthethief,"sayshe,"gavemesolittletoeat,andkeptmesohardat
work,thatfleshandbloodcouldn'tstandit;andwhenheaskedmeonce,whenIwasinapassion,ifI
wassorryformybargain,IwasmadenoughtosayIwas,andhereIamdisabledforlife."
Vexedenoughwerethepoormotherandbrothers;andthesecondeldestsaidonthespothe'dgoand
takeservicewiththeGrayChurl,andpunishhimbyalltheannoyancehe'dgivehimtillhe'dmakehim
sayhewassorryforhisagreement."Oh,won'tIbegladtoseetheskincomingofftheoldvillain's
back!"saidhe.Alltheycouldsayhadnoeffect:hestartedofffortheTownlandofMischance,andina
twelvemonthhewasbackjustasmiserableandhelplessashisbrother.
356
Allthepoormothercouldsaydidn'tpreventJacktheFoolfromstartingtoseeifhewasableto
regulatetheGrayChurl.Heagreedwithhimforayearfortwentypounds,andthetermswerethe
same.
"Now,Jack,"saidtheGrayChurl,"ifyourefusetodoanythingyouareabletodo,youmustlosea
month'swages."
"I'msatisfied,"saidJack;"andifyoustopmefromdoingathingaftertellingmetodoit,youareto
givemeanadditionalmonth'swages."
"Iamsatisfied,"saidthemaster.
"Orifyoublamemeforobeyingyourorders,youmustgivemethesame."
"Iamsatisfied,"saidthemasteragain.
ThefirstdaythatJackservedhewasfedverypoorly,andwasworkedtothesaddleskirts.Nextdayhe
cameintotheparlorjustbeforethedinnerwasservedup.Theyweretakingthegooseoffthespit,but,
wellbecomesJack,hewhippedaknifeoffthedresser,andcutoffonesideofthebreast,onelegand
thigh,andonewing,andfellto.Incamethemaster,andbegantoabusehimforhisassurance."Oh,
youknow,master,you'retofeedme,andwhereverthegoosegoeswon'thavetobefilledagaintill
supper.Areyousorryforouragreement?"
[page378]
Themasterwasgoingtocryouthewas,buthebethoughthimselfintime."Oh;no,notatall,"saidhe.
"That'swell,"saidJack.
NextdayJackwastogoclampturfonthebog.Theyweren'tsorrytohavehimawayfromthekitchen
atdinnertime.Hedidn'tfindhisbreakfastveryheavyonhisstomach;sohesaidtothemistress,"I
think,ma'am,itwillbebetterformetogetmydinnernow,andnotlosetimecominghomefromthe
bog."
"That'strue,Jack,"saidshe.Soshebroughtoutagoodcake,andaprintofbutter,andabottleofmilk,
thinkinghe'dtakethemawaytothebog.ButJackkepthisseat,andneverdrewreintillbread,butter,
andmilkhadgonedowntheredlane.
"Now,mistress,"saidhe,"I'llbeearlieratmyworktomorrowifIsleepcomfortablyonthesheltery
sideofapileofdrypeatondrygrass,andnotbecominghereandgoingback.Soyoumayaswellgive
memysupper,andbedonewiththeday'strouble."Shegavehimthat,thinkinghe'dtakeittothebog;
buthefelltoonthespot,anddidnotleaveascraptotelltalesonhim;andthemistresswasalittle
astonished.
Hecalledtospeaktothemasterinthehaggard,andsaidhe,"Whatareservantsaskedtodointhis
countryafteratentheirsupper?"
"Nothingatall,buttogotobed."
"Oh,verywell,sir."Hewentuponthestableloft,stripped,andlaydown,andsomeonethatsawhim
toldthemaster.Hecameup.
"Jack,youanointedscoundrel,whatdoyoumean?"
357
"Togotosleep,master.Themistress,Godblessher,isaftergivingmemybreakfast,dinner,and
supper,andyourselftoldmethatbedwasthenextthing.Doyoublameme,sir?"
"Yes,yourascal,Ido."
"Handmeoutonepoundthirteenandfourpence,ifyouplease,sir."
"Onedivilandthirteenimps,youtinker!whatfor?"
"Oh,Isee,you'veforgotyourbargain.Areyousorryforit?"
[page379]
"Oh,yaNO,Imean.I'llgiveyouthemoneyafteryournap."
NextmorningearlyJackaskedhowhe'dbeemployedthatday."Youaretobeholdingtheplowinthat
fallow,outsidethepaddock."Themasterwentoveraboutnineo'clocktoseewhatkindofaplowman
wasJack,andwhatdidheseebutthelittleboydrivingthebastes,andthesockandcoulteroftheplow
skimmingalongthesod,andJackpullingdingdongagin'thehorses.
"Whatareyoudoing,youcontrarythief?"saidthemaster.
"An'ain'tIstrivin'toholdthisdivilofaplow,asyoutoldme;butthatounkrawnofaboykeeps
whippingonthebastesinspiteofallIsay;willyouspeaktohim?"
"No,butI'llspeaktoyou.Didn'tyouknow,youbosthoon,thatwhenIsaid'holdingtheplow,'Imeant
reddening[plowingup]theground?"
"Faith,an'ifyoudid,Iwishyouhadsaidso.DoyoublamemeforwhatIhavedone?"
Themastercaughthimselfintime,buthewassostomached[disconcerted],hesaidnothing.
"Goonandreddenthegroundnow,youknave,asotherplowmendo."
"An'areyousorryforouragreement?"
"Oh,notatall,notatall!"
Jackplowedawaylikeagoodworkmanalltherestoftheday.
Inadayortwothemasterbadehimgoandmindthecowsinafieldthathadhalfofitunderyoung
corn."Besure,particularly,"saidhe,"tokeepBrowneyfromthewheat;whileshe'soutofmischief
there'snofearoftherest."
AboutnoonhewenttoseehowJackwasdoinghisduty,andwhatdidhefindbutJackasleepwithhis
facetothesod,Browneygrazingnearathorntree,oneendofalongroperoundherhorns,andthe
otherendroundthetree,andtherestofthebeastsalltramplingandeatingthegreenwheat.Down
cametheswitchonJack.
"Jack,youvagabone,doyouseewhatthecowsareat?"
"Anddoyoublameme,master?"
[page380]
358
"Tobesure,youlazysluggard,Ido."
"Handmeoutonepoundthirteenandfourpence,master.YousaidifIonlykeptBrowneyoutof
mischief,therestwould,donoharm.Theresheisasharmlessasalamb.Areyousorryforhiringme,
master?"
"Tobethatis,notatall.I'llgiveyouyourmoneywhenyougotodinner.Now,understandme;don't
letacowgooutofthefieldnorintothewheattherestoftheday."
"Neverfear,master!"andneitherdidhe.Butthechurlwouldratherthanagreatdealhehadnothired
him.
Thenextdaythreeheifersweremissing,andthemasterbadeJackgoinsearchofthem.
"WhereshallIlookforthem?"saidJack.
"Oh,everyplacelikelyandunlikelyforthemalltobein."
Thechurlwasgettingveryexactinhiswords.Whenhewascomingintotheyardatdinnertime,what
workdidhefindJackatbutpullingarmfulsofthethatchofftheroof,andpeepingintotheholeshe
wasmaking.
"Whatareyoudoingthere,yourascal?"
"Sure,I'mlookingfortheheifers,poorthings!"
"Whatwouldbringthemthere?"
"Idon'tthinkanythingcouldbringtheminit;butIlookedfirstintothelikelyplaces,thatisthe
cowhouses,andthepastures,andthefieldsnext'em,andnowI'mlookingintheunlikeliestplaceIcan
thinkof.Maybeit'snotpleasingtoyouitis."
"Andtobesureitisn'tpleasingtome,youaggravatinggoosecap!"
"Please,sir,handmeonepoundthirteenandfourpencebeforeyousitdowntoyourdinner.I'mafraid
it'ssorrowthat'sonyouforhiringmeatall."
"Maythedivoh,no;I'mnotsorry.Willyoubegin,ifyouplease,andputinthethatchagain,justasif
youweredoingitforyourmother'scabin?"
"Oh,faithIwill,sir,withaheartandahalf;"andbythetimethefarmercameoutfromhisdinner,Jack
hadtheroofbetterthanitwasbefore,forhemadetheboygivehimnewstraw.
[page381]
Saysthemasterwhenhecameout:"Go,Jack,andlookfortheheifers,andbringthemhome."
"AndwhereshallIlookfor'em?"
"Goandsearchforthemasiftheywereyourown."Theheiferswereallinthepaddockbeforesunset.
Nextmorningsaysthemaster:"Jack,thepathacrossthebogtothepastureisverybad;thesheepdoes
besinkinginiteverystep;goandmakethesheep'sfeetagoodpath."Aboutanhourafterhecameto
359
theedgeofthebog,andwhatdidhefindJackatbutsharpeningacarvingknife,andthesheepstanding
orgrazingaround.
"Isthisthewayyouaremendingthepath,Jack?"saidhe.
"Everythingmusthaveabeginning,master,"saidJack,"andathingwellbegunishalfdone.Iam
sharpeningtheknife,andI'llhavethefeetoffeverysheepintheflockwhileyou'dbeblessing
yourself."
"Feetoffmysheep,youanointedrogue!andwhatwouldyoubetakingtheirfeetofffor?"
"An',sure,tomendthepathasyoutoldme.Saysyou,'Jack,makeapathwiththefootofthesheep.'"
"Oh,youfool,Imeantmakegoodthepathforthesheep'sfeet."
"It'sapityyoudidn'tsayso,master.Handmeoutonepoundthirteenandfourpenceifyoudon'tlike
metofinishmyjob."
"Divildoyougoodwithyouronepoundthirteenandfourpence!"
"It'sbetterpraythancurse,master.Maybeyou'resorryforyourbargain?"
"AndtobesureIamnotyet,anyway."
Thenextnightthemasterwasgoingtoawedding;andsayshetoJack,beforehesetout:"I'llleaveat
midnight,andIwishyoutocomeandbewithmehome,forfearImightbeovertakenwiththedrink.If
you'retherebefore,youmaythrowasheep'seyeatme,andI'llbesuretoseethatthey'llgiveyou
somethingforyourself."
Abouteleveno'clock,whilethemasterwasingreatspirits,hefeltsomethingclammyhithimonthe
cheek.Itfellbeside[page382]histumbler,andwhenhelookedatit,whatwasitbuttheeyeofa
sheep.Well,hecouldn'timaginewhothrewitathim,orwhyitwasthrownathim.Afteralittlehegot
ablowontheothercheek,andstillitwasbyanothersheep'seye.Well,hewasmuchvexed,buthe
thoughtbettertosaynothing.Intwominutesmore,whenhewasopeninghismouthtotakeasup,
anothersheep'seyewasslappedintoit.Hesputtereditout,andcried,"Mano'thehouse,isn'titagreat
shameforyoutohaveanyoneintheroomthatwoulddosuchanastything?"
"Master,"saysJack,"don'tblamethehonestman.Sureit'sonlymyselfthatwasthrowin'themsheep's
eyesatyou,toremindyouIwashere,andthatIwantedtodrinkthebrideandbridegroom'shealth.
Youknowyourselfbademe."
"Iknowthatyouareagreatrascal;andwheredidyougettheeyes?"
"An'wherewouldIget'embutintheheadsofyourownsheep?Wouldyouhavememeddlewiththe
bastesofanyneighbor,whomightputmeintheStoneJugforit?"
"SorrowonmethateverIhadthebadlucktomeetwithyou."
"You'reallwitness,"saidJack,"thatmymastersaysheissorryforhavingmetwithme.Mytimeisup.
Master,handmeoverdoublewages,andcomeintothenextroom,andlayyourselfoutlikeamanthat
hassomedecencyinhim,tillItakeastripofskinaninchbroadfromyourshouldertoyourhip."
Everyoneshoutedoutagainstthat;but,saysJack,"Youdidn'thinderhimwhenhetookthesamestrips
fromthebacksofmytwobrothers,andsentthemhomeinthatstate,andpenniless,totheirpoor
mother."
360
Whenthecompanyheardtherightsofthebusiness,theywereonlytooeagertoseethejobdone.The
masterbawledandroared,buttherewasnohelpathand.Hewasstrippedtohiships,andlaidonthe
floorinthenextroom,andJackhadthecarvingknifeinhishandreadytobegin.
"Nowyoucrueloldvillain,"saidhe,givingtheknifeacoupleofscrapesalongthefloor:"I'llmakeyou
anoffer.Giveme,alongwithmydoublewages,twohundredguineastosupportmypoorbrothers,and
I'lldowithoutthestrip."
"No!"saidhe,"I'dletyouskinmefromheadtofootfirst."
[page383]
"Heregoes,then,"saidJackwithagrin;butthefirstlittlescarhegave,Churlroaredout,"Stopyour
hand;I'llgivethemoney."
"Now,neighbors,"saidJack,"youmustn'tthinkworseofmethanIdeserve.Iwouldn'thavetheheart
totakeaneyeoutofaratitself;Igothalfadozenofthemfromthebutcher,andonlyusedthreeof
them."
Soallcameagainintotheotherroom,andJackwasmadetositdown,andeverybodydrankhishealth,
andhedrankeverybody'shealthatoneoffer.Andsixstoutfellowssawhimselfandthemasterhome,
andwaitedintheparlorwhilehewentupandbroughtdownthetwohundredguineas,anddouble
wagesforJackhimself.Whenhegothome,hebroughtthesummeralongwithhimtothepoormother
andthedisabledbrothers;andhewasnomoreJacktheFoolinthepeople'smouths,but"SkinChurl
Jack."
HUDDENANDDUDDENANDDONALD
O'NEARY
T
HEREwasonceuponatimetwofarmers,andtheirnameswereHuddenandDudden.Theyhad
poultryintheiryards,sheepontheuplands,andscoresofcattleinthemeadowlandalongsidethe
river.Butforallthattheyweren'thappy,forjustbetweentheirtwofarmstherelivedapoormanbythe
nameofDonaldO'Neary.Hehadahoveloverhisheadandastripofgrassthatwasbarelyenoughto
keephisonecow,Daisy,fromstarving,and,thoughshedidherbest,itwasbutseldomthatDonaldgot
adrinkofmilkorarollofbutterfromDaisy.YouwouldthinktherewaslittleheretomakeHudden
andDuddenjealous,butsoitis,themoreonehasthemoreonewants,andDonald'sneighborslay
awakeofnightsscheminghowtheymightgetholdofhislittlestripofgrassland.
OnedayHuddenmetDudden,andtheyweresoongrumbling[page384]asusual,andalltothetune
of,"Ifonlywecouldgetthatvagabond,DonaldO'Neary,outofthecountry."
"Let'skillDaisy,"saidHuddenatlast;"ifthatdoesn'tmakehimclearout,nothingwill."
361
Nosoonersaidthanagreed;anditwasn'tdarkbeforeHuddenandDuddencreptuptothelittleshed
wherelaypoorDaisy,tryingherbesttochewthecud,thoughshehadn'thadasmuchgrassintheday
aswouldcoveryourhand.AndwhenDonaldcametoseeifDaisywasallsnugforthenight,thepoor
beasthadonlytimetolickhishandoncebeforeshedied.
Well,Donaldwasashrewdfellow,and,downheartedthoughhewas,begantothinkifhecouldgetany
goodoutofDaisy'sdeath.Hethoughtandhethought,andthenextdayyoumighthaveseenhim
trudgingoffearlytothefair,Daisy'shideoverhisshoulder,everypennyhehadjinglinginhispockets.
Justbeforehegottothefair,hemadeseveralslitsinthehide,putapennyineachslit,walkedintothe
bestinnofthetownasboldasifitbelongedtohim,and,hangingthehideuptoanailinthewall,sat
down.
"Someofyourbestwhisky,"sayshetothelandlord.Butthelandlorddidn'tlikehislooks."Isitfearing
Iwon'tpayyou,youare?"saysDonald;"why,IhaveahideherethatgivesmeallthemoneyIwant."
Andwiththathehititawhackwithhisstick,andouthoppedapenny.Thelandlordopenedhiseyes,
asyoumayfancy.
"What'llyoutakeforthathide?"
"It'snotforsale,mygoodman."
"Willyoutakeagoldpiece?"
"It'snotforsale,Itellyou.Hasn'titkeptmeandmineforyears?"andwiththatDonaldhitthehide
anotherwhack,andoutjumpedasecondpenny.
Well,thelongandtheshortofitwasthatDonaldletthehidego,and,thatveryevening,whobuthe
shouldwalkuptoHudden'sdoor?
"Goodevening,Hudden.Willyoulendmeyourbestpairofscales?"
HuddenstaredandHuddenscratchedhishead,buthelentthescales.
[page385]
WhenDonaldwassafeathome,hepulledouthispocketfulofbrightgoldandbegantoweigheach
pieceinthescales.ButHuddenhadputalumpofbutteratthebottom,andsothelastpieceofgold
stuckfasttothescaleswhenhetookthembacktoHudden.
IfHuddenhadstaredbefore,hestaredtentimesmorenow,andnosoonerwasDonald'sbackturned,
thanhewasoffashardashecouldpelttoDudden's.
"Goodevening,Dudden.Thatvagabond,badlucktohim"
"YoumeanDonaldO'Neary?"
"AndwhoelseshouldImean?He'sbackhereweighingoutsackfulsofgold."
"Howdoyouknowthat?"
"Herearemyscalesthatheborrowed,andhere'sagoldpiecestillstickingtothem."
Offtheywenttogether,andtheycametoDonald'sdoor.Donaldhadfinishedmakingthelastpileoften
goldpieces.Andhecouldn'tfinish,becauseapiecehadstucktothescales.
362
Intheywalkedwithoutan"Ifyouplease"or"Byyourleave."
"Well,Inever!"thatwasalltheycouldsay.
"Goodevening,Hudden;goodevening,Dudden.Ah!youthoughtyouhadplayedmeafinetrick,but
youneverdidmeabetterturninallyourlives.WhenIfoundpoorDaisydead,Ithoughttomyself:
'Well,herhidemayfetchsomething';anditdid.Hidesareworththeirweightingoldinthemarketjust
now."
HuddennudgedDudden,andDuddenwinkedatHudden.
"Goodevening,DonaldO'Neary."
"Goodevening,kindfriends."
Thenextdaytherewasn'tacoworacalfthatbelongedtoHuddenorDuddenbutherhidewasgoingto
thefairinHudden'sbiggestcart,drawnbyDudden'sstrongestpairofhorses.
Whentheycametothefair,eachonetookahideoverhisarm,andtheretheywerewalkingthroughthe
fair,bawlingoutatthetopoftheirvoices,"Hidestosell!hidestosell.'"
Outcamethetanner:
[page386]
"Howmuchforyourhides,mygoodmen?"
"Theirweightingold."
"It'searlyinthedaytocomeoutofthetavern."Thatwasallthetannersaid,andbackhewenttohis
yard.
"Hidestosell!Finefreshhidestosell!"
Outcamethecobbler:
"Howmuchforyourhides,mymen?"
"Theirweightingold."
"Isitmakinggameofmeyouare?Takethatforyourpains,"andthecobblerdealtHuddenablowthat
madehimstagger.
Upthepeoplecamerunningfromoneendofthefairtotheother."What'sthematter?What'sthe
matter?"criedthey.
"Hereareacoupleofvagabondssellinghidesattheirweightingold,"saidthecobbler.
"Hold'emfast;hold'emfast!"bawledtheinnkeeper,whowasthelasttocomeup,hewassofat."I'll
wagerit'soneoftherogueswhotrickedmeoutofthirtygoldpiecesyesterdayforawretchedhide."
ItwasmorekicksthanhalfpencethatHuddenandDuddengotbeforetheywerewellontheirway
homeagain,andtheydidn'truntheslowerbecauseallthedogsofthetownwereattheirheels.
363
Well,asyoumayfancy,iftheylovedDonaldlittlebefore,theylovedhimlessnow.
"What'sthematter,friends?"saidhe,ashesawthemtearingalong,theirhatsknockedin,andtheir
coatstornoff,andtheirfacesblackandblue."Isitfightingyou'vebeen?ormayhapyoumetthepolice,
illlucktothem?"
"We'llpoliceyou,youvagabond.It'smightysmartyouthoughtyourself,deludinguswithyourlying
tales."
"Whodeludedyou?Didn'tyouseethegoldwithyourowntwoeyes?"
Butitwasnousetalking.Payforithemustandshould.Therewasamealsackhandy,andintoit
HuddenandDuddenpoppedDonaldO'Neary,tiedhimuptight,ranapolethroughtheknot,andoff
theystartedfortheBrownLakeoftheBog,eachwithapoleendonhisshoulder,andDonaldO'Neary
between.
[page387]
ButtheBrownLakewasfar,theroadwasdusty,HuddenandDuddenweresoreandweary,and
parchedwiththirst.Therewasaninnbytheroadside.
"Let'sgoin,"saidHudden;"I'mdeadbeat.It'sheavyheisforthelittlehehadtoeat."
IfHuddenwaswilling,sowasDudden.AsforDonald,youmaybesurehisleavewasn'tasked,buthe
wasdumpeddownattheinndoorforalltheworldasifhehadbeenasackofpotatoes.
"Sitstill,youvagabond,"saidDudden;"ifwedon'tmindwaiting,youneedn't."
Donaldheldhispeace,butafterawhileheheardtheglassesclink,andHuddensingingawayatthetop
ofhisvoice.
"Iwon'thaveher,Itellyou;Iwon'thaveher!"saidDonald.Butnobodyheededwhathesaid.
"Iwon'thaveher,Itellyou;Iwon'thaveher!"saidDonald;andthistimehesaiditlouder;butnobody
heededwhathesaid.
"Iwon'thaveher,Itellyou;Iwon'thaveher!"saidDonald;andthistimehesaiditasloudashecould.
"Andwhowon'tyouhave,mayIbesoboldastoask?"saidafarmer,whohadjustcomeupwitha
droveofcattle,andwasturninginforaglass.
"It'stheKing'sdaughter.Theyarebotheringthelifeoutofmetomarryher."
"You'retheluckyfellow.I'dgivesomethingtobeinyourshoes."
"Doyouseethat,now!Wouldn'titbeafinethingforafarmertobemarryingaPrincess,alldressedin
goldandjewels?"
"Jewels,yousay?Ah,now,couldn'tyoutakemewithyou?"
"Well,you'reanhonestfellow,andasIdon'tcarefortheKing'sdaughter,thoughshe'sasbeautifulas
theday,andiscoveredwithjewelsfromtoptotoe,youshallhaveher.Justundothecordandletme
out;theytiedmeuptight,astheyknewI'drunawayfromher."
364
OutcrawledDonald;increptthefarmer.
"Nowliestill,anddon'tmindtheshaking;it'sonlyrumbling[page388]overthepalacestepsyou'llbe.
Andmaybethey'llabuseyouforavagabond,whowon'thavetheKing'sdaughter;butyouneedn't
mindthat.Ah,it'sadealI'mgivingupforyou,sureasitisthatIdon'tcareforthePrincess."
"Takemycattleinexchange,"saidthefarmer;andyoumayguessitwasn'tlongbeforeDonaldwasat
theirtails,drivingthemhomeward.
OutcameHuddenandDudden,andtheonetookoneendofthepole,andtheothertheother.
"I'mthinkinghe'sheavier,"saidHudden.
"Ah,nevermind,"saidDudden;"it'sonlyastepnowtotheBrownLake."
"I'llhavehernow!I'llhavehernow!"bawledthefarmerfrominsidethesack.
"Bymyfaithandyoushall,though,"saidHudden,andhelaidhisstickacrossthesack.
"I'llhaveher!I'llhaveher!"bawledthefarmer,louderthanever.
"Well,hereyouare,"saidDudden,fortheywerenowcometotheBrownLake,and,unslingingthe
sack,theypitcheditplumpintothelake.
"You'llnotbeplayingyourtricksonusanylonger,"saidHudden.
"Trueforyou,"saidDudden."Ah,Donald,myboy,itwasanilldaywhenyouborrowedmyscales!"
Offtheywent,withalightstepandaneasyheart,butwhentheywerenearhome,whomshouldthey
seebutDonaldO'Neary,andallaroundhimthecowsweregrazing,andthecalveswerekickingup
theirheelsandbuttingtheirheadstogether.
"Isityou,Donald?"saidDudden."Faith,you'vebeenquickerthanwehave."
"Trueforyou,Dudden,andletmethankyoukindly;theturnwasgood,ifthewillwasill.You'llhave
heard,likeme,thattheBrownLakeleadstotheLandofPromise.Ialwaysputitdownaslies,butitis
justastrueasmyword.Lookatthecattle."
Huddenstared,andDuddengaped;buttheycouldn'tgetoverthecattle;fine,fatcattletheywere,too.
[page389]
"It'sonlytheworstIcouldbringupwithme,"saidDonaldO'Neary;"theothersweresofat,therewas
nodrivingthem.Faith,too,it'slittlewondertheydidn'tcaretoleave,withgrassasfarasyoucould
see,andassweetandjuicyasfreshbutter."
"Ahnow,Donald,wehaven'talwaysbeenfriends,"saidDudden,"but,asIwasjustsaying,youwere
everadecentlad,andyou'llshowustheway,won'tyou?"
"Idon'tseethatI'mcalledupontodothat;thereisapowermorecattledownthere.Whyshouldn'tI
havethemalltomyself?"
"Faith,theymaywellsay,thericheryouget,thehardertheheart.Youalwayswereaneighborlylad,
Donald.Youwouldn'twishtokeeptheluckalltoyourself?"
365
"Trueforyou,Hudden,thoughit'sabadexampleyousetme.ButI'llnotbethinkingofoldtimes.
Thereisplentyforallthere,socomealongwithme."
Offtheytrudged,withalightheartandaneagerstep.WhentheycametotheBrownLaketheskywas
fulloflittlewhiteclouds,and,iftheskywasfull,thelakewasasfull.
"Ah,now,look!theretheyare!"criedDonaldashepointedtothecloudsinthelake.
"Where?where?"criedHudden,and"Don'tbegreedy!"criedDudden,ashejumpedhishardesttobe
upfirstwiththefatcattle.Butifhejumpedfirst,Huddenwasn'tlongbehind.
Theynevercameback.Maybetheygottoofat,likethecattle.AsforDonaldO'Neary,hehadcattle
andsheepallhisdaystohisheart'scontent.
CONNLAOFTHEGOLDENHAIRANDTHE
FAIRYMAIDEN
ADAPTEDBYPATRICKWESTONJOYCE
366
C
ONNLAoftheGoldenHairwasthesonofConntheHundredfighter.Onedayashestoodwithhis
fatherontheroyalHillofUsna,hesawaladyalittlewayoff,verybeautiful,[page390]anddressedin
strangeattire.Sheapproachedthespotwherehestood;andwhenshewasnear,hespoketoher,and
askedwhoshewas,andfromwhatplaceshehadcome.
Theladyreplied:"IhavecomefromtheLandoftheLivingalandwherethereisneitherdeathnor
oldage,noranybreachoflaw.TheinhabitantsofearthcallusAesshee,forwehaveourdwellings
withinlarge,pleasant,greenhills.Wepassourtimeverypleasantlyinfeastingandharmless
amusements,nevergrowingold;andwehavenoquarrelsorcontentions."
TheKingandhiscompanymarveledverymuch;forthoughtheyheardthisconversation,noonesaw
theladyexceptConnlaalone.
"Whoisthisthouarttalkingto,myson?"saidtheKing.
367
Andanonsheansweredfortheyouth:"Connlaisspeakingwithalovely,noblebornyounglady,who
willneverdie,andwhowillnevergrowold.IloveConnlaoftheGoldenHair,andIhavecometo
bringhimwithmetoMoymell,theplainofneverendingpleasure.Onthedaythathecomeswithme
heshallbemadeKing,andheshallreignforeverinFairyland,withoutweepingandwithoutsorrow.
Comewithme,OgentleConnlaoftheruddycheek,thefair,freckledneck,andthegoldenhair!Come
withme,belovedConnla,andthoushaltretainthecomelinessanddignityofthyform,freefromthe
wrinklesofoldage,tilltheawfuldayofjudgment."
"Thyflowinggoldenhair,thycomelyface,
Thyallmajesticformofpeerlessgrace,
ThatshowtheesprungfromConn'sexaltedrace."
KingConntheHundredfighterbeingmuchtroubled,calledthenonhisdruidCoran,toputforthhis
poweragainstthewitcheryofthebanshee:"OCoranofthemysticartsandofthemightyincantations,
hereisacontestsuchasIhaveneverbeenengagedinsinceIwasmadeKingatTaraacontestwith
aninvisiblelady,whoisbeguilingmysontoFairylandbyherbalefulcharms.Hercunningisbeyond
myskill,andIamnotabletowithstandherpower;andifthou,Coran,help[page391]not,mysonwill
betakenawayfrommebythewilesandwitcheryofawomanfromthefairyhills."
Coranthedruidthencameforward,andbegantochantagainstthevoiceofthelady.Andhispower
wasgreaterthanhersforthattime,sothatshewasforcedtoretire.
AsshewasgoingawayshethrewanappletoConnla,whostraightwaylostsightofher;andtheKing
andhispeoplenolongerheardhervoice.
TheKingandthePrincereturnedwiththeircompanytothepalace;andConnlaremainedforawhole
monthwithouttastingfoodordrinkexcepttheapple.Andthoughheateofiteachday,itwasnever
lessened,butwasaswholeandperfectintheendasatthebeginning.Moreover,whentheyofferedhim
aughtelsetoeatordrinkherefusedit;forwhilehehadhisapplehedidnotdeemanyotherfood
worthytobetasted.Andhebegantobeverymoodyandsorrowful,thinkingofthelovelyfairy
maiden.
Attheendofthemonth,asConnlastoodbyhisfather'ssideamongthenobles,onthePlainof
Arcomin,hesawtheladyapproachinghimfromthewest.Andwhenshehadcomenear,sheaddressed
himinthismanner:"Agloriousseat,indeed,hasConnlaamongwretched,shortlivedmortals,
awaitingthedreadfulstrokeofdeath!Butnow,theeveryouthfulpeopleofMoymell,whoneverfeel
age,andwhofearnotdeath,seeingtheedaybydayamongthyfriends,intheassembliesofthy
fatherland,lovetheewithastrangelove,andtheywillmaketheeKingoverthemifthouwiltcome
withme."
WhentheKingheardthewordsofthelady,hecommandedhispeopletocallthedruidagaintohim,
saying,"BringmydruidCorantome;forIseethatthefairyladyhasthisdayregainedthepowerofher
voice."
Atthistheladysaid:"ValiantConn,fighterofahundred,thefaithofthedruidshascometolittle
honoramongtheupright,mighty,numberlesspeopleofthisland.Whentherighteouslawshallbe
restored,itwillsealupthelipsofthefalseblackdemon;andhisdruidsshallnolongerhavepowerto
worktheirguilefulspells."
NowtheKingobserved,andmarveledgreatly,thatwhenever[page392]theladywaspresenthisson
neverspokeonewordtoanyone,eventhoughtheyaddressedhimmanytimes.Andwhentheladyhad
ceasedtospeak,theKingsaid:"Connla,myson,hasthymindbeenmovedbythewordsofthelady?"
368
Connlaspakethen,andreplied,"Father,Iamveryunhappy;forthoughIlovemypeoplebeyondall,I
amfilledwithsadnessonaccountofthislady!"
WhenConnlahadsaidthis,themaidenagainaddressedhim,andchantedthesewordsinaverysweet
voice:
"Alandofyouth,alandofrest,
Alandfromsorrowfree;
Itliesfaroffinthegoldenwest,
Onthevergeoftheazuresea.
Aswiftcanoeofcrystalbright,
Thatnevermetmortalview
Weshallreachthelanderefallofnight,
Inthatstrongandswiftcanoe;
Weshallreachthestrand
Ofthatsunnyland,
Fromdruidsanddemonsfree;
Thelandofrest
Inthegoldenwest,
Onthevergeoftheazuresea!
"Apleasantlandofwindingvales,brightstreams,andverdurousplains,
Wheresummerallthelivelongyearinchangelesssplendorreigns;
Apeacefullandofcalmdelight,ofeverlastingbloom;
Oldageanddeathweneverknow,nosickness,care,orgloom;
Thelandofyouth,
Ofloveandtruth,
Frompainandsorrowfree,
Thelandofrest,
Inthegoldenwest,
369
"Therearestrangedelightsformortalmeninthatislandofthewest;
Thesuncomesdowneacheveninginitslovelyvalestorest;
Andthoughfaranddim
Ontheocean'srim
Itseemstomortalview,
Weshallreachitshalls
Eretheeveningfalls,
Inmystrongandswiftcanoe;
Andevermore
Thatverdantshore
Ourhappyhomeshallbe;
Thelandofrest,
Inthegoldenwest,
[page393]
"Itwillguardthee,gentleConnlaoftheflowinggoldenhair,
Itwillguardtheefromthedruids,fromthedemonsoftheair,
Mycrystalboatwillguardthee,tillwereachthatwesternshore,
WhenthouandIinjoyandloveshallliveforevermore:
Fromthedruid'sincantation,
Fromhisblackanddeadlysnare,
Fromthewitheringimprecation
Ofthedemonoftheair,
"Itwillguardthee,gentleConnlaoftheflowinggoldenhair;
Mycrystalboatshallguardthee,tillwereachthatsilverstrand
Wherethoushaltreigninendlessjoy,theKingoftheFairyland!"
370
Whenthemaidenhadendedherchant,Connlasuddenlywalkedawayfromhisfather'sside,and
sprangintothecurragh,thegleaming,straightgliding,strong,crystalcanoe.TheKingandhispeople
sawthemafaroff,anddimlymovingawayoverthebrightseatowardsthesunset.Theygazedsadly
afterthem,tilltheylostsightofthecanoeovertheutmostverge;andnoonecantellwhithertheywent,
forConnlawasneveragainseeninhisnativeland.
[page394]
ITALIANSTORIES
PINOCCHIO'SADVENTURESIN
WONDERLAND*
BYCARLOLORENZINI
I
MASTERCHERRYFINDSAQUEERPIECEOFWOOD
T
HEREwasonceuponatime...
"Aking!"mylittlereaderswillinstantlyexclaim.
No,children,youarewrong.Therewasonceuponatimeapieceofwood.
Thiswoodwasnotvaluable;itwasonlyacommonloglikethosethatareburntinwinterinthestoves
andfireplacestomakeacheerfulblazeandwarmtherooms.
Icannotsayhowitcameabout,butthefactis,thatonefinedaythispieceofwoodwaslyinginthe
shopofanoldcarpenterofthenameofMasterAntonio.Hewas,however,calledbyeverybodyMaster
Cherry,onaccountoftheendofhisnose,whichwasalwaysasredandpolishedasaripecherry.
NosoonerhadMasterCherrysethiseyesonthepieceofwoodthanhisfacebeamedwithdelight;and,
rubbinghishandstogetherwithsatisfaction,hesaidsoftlytohimself:
"Thiswoodhascomeattherightmoment;itwilljustdotomakethelegofalittletable."
Havingsaidthisheimmediatelytookasharpaxewithwhichtoremovethebarkandtheroughsurface.
Just,however,ashewasgoingtogivethefirststrokeheremainedwithhisarmsuspendedintheair,
forheheardaverysmallvoicesayingimploringly:"Donotstrikemesohard!"
PicturetoyourselvestheastonishmentofgoodoldMasterCherry!
371
[page395]
Heturnedhisterrifiedeyesallaroundtheroomtotryanddiscoverwherethelittlevoicecouldpossibly
havecomefrom,buthesawnobody!Helookedunderthebenchnobody;helookedintoacupboard
thatwasalwaysshutnobody;helookedintoabasketofshavingsandsawdustnobody;heeven
openedthedooroftheshopandgaveaglanceintothestreetandstillnobody.Who,then,coulditbe?
"Iseehowitis;"hesaid,laughingandscratchinghiswig;"evidentlythatlittlevoicewasallmy
imagination.Letussettoworkagain."
Andtakinguptheaxehestruckatremendousblowonthepieceofwood.
"Oh!oh!youhavehurtme!"criedthesamelittlevoicedolefully.
ThistimeMasterCherrywaspetrified.Hiseyesstartedoutofhisheadwithfright,hismouthremained
open,andhistonguehungoutalmosttotheendofhischinlikeamaskonafountain.Assoonashe
hadrecoveredtheuseofhisspeech,hebegantosay,stutteringandtremblingwithfear:
"Butwhereonearthcanthatlittlevoicehavecomefromthatsaid'Oh!oh!?'...Herethereiscertainly
notalivingsoul.Isitpossiblethatthispieceofwoodcanhavelearnttocryandtolamentlikeachild?
Icannotbelieveit.Thispieceofwoodhereitis;alogforfuellikeallothers,andthrownonthefireit
wouldaboutsufficetoboilasaucepanofbeans....Howthen?Cananyonebehiddeninsideit?If
anyoneishiddeninside,somuchtheworseforhim.Iwillsettlehimatonce."
Sosayingheseizedthepoorpieceofwoodandcommencedbeatingitwithoutmercyagainstthewalls
oftheroom.
Thenhestoppedtolistenifhecouldhearanylittlevoicelamenting.Hewaitedtwominutesnothing;
fiveminutesnothing;tenminutesstillnothing!
"Iseehowitis,"hethensaid,forcinghimselftolaughandpushinguphiswig;"evidently,thelittle
voicethatsaid'Oh!oh!'wasallmyimagination!Letustoworkagain."
Butallthesamehewasinagreatfright;hetriedtosingtogivehimselfalittlecourage.
Puttingtheaxeasidehetookhisplanetoplaneandpolish[page396]thebitofwood;butwhilsthe
wasrunningitupanddownheheardthesamelittlevoicesay,laughing:
"Havedone!youareticklingmeallover!"
ThistimepoorMasterCherryfelldownasifhehadbeenstruckbylightning.Whenheatlastopened
hiseyeshefoundhimselfseatedonthefloor.
Hisfacewasquitechanged;eventheendofhisnose,insteadofbeingcrimson,asitwasnearlyalways,
hadbecomebluefromfright.
II
GEPPETTOPLANSAWONDERFULPUPPET
Atthatmomentsomeoneknockedatthedoor.
"Comein,"saidthecarpenter,withouthavingthestrengthtorisetohisfeet.
372
Alivelylittleoldmanimmediatelywalkedintotheshop.HisnamewasGeppetto,butwhentheboysin
theneighborhoodwishedtoputhiminapassiontheycalledhimbythenicknameofPolendina,
becausehisyellowwiggreatlyresembledapuddingmadeofIndiancorn.
Geppettowasveryfiery.WoetohimwhocalledhimPolendina!Hebecamefurious,andtherewasno
holdinghim.
"Goodday,MasterAntonio,"saidGeppetto;"whatareyoudoingthereonthefloor?"
"Iamteachingthealphabettotheants."
"Muchgoodmaythatdoyou."
"Whathasbroughtyoutome,neighborGeppetto?"
"Mylegs.Buttosaythetruth,MasterAntonio,Iamcometoaskafavorofyou."
"HereIamreadytoserveyou,"repliedthecarpentergettingonhisknees.
"Thismorninganideacameintomyhead."
"Letushearit."
"IthoughtIwouldmakeabeautifulwoodenpuppetthatshouldknowhowtodance,tofence,andto
leaplikeanacrobat.WiththispuppetIwouldtravelabouttheworldtoearnapieceofbreadanda
glassofwine.Whatdoyouthinkofit?"
[page397]
"Bravo,Polendina!"exclaimedthesamelittlevoice,anditwasimpossibletosaywhereitcamefrom.
HearinghimselfcalledPolendina,Geppettobecameasredasaturkeycockfromrage,andturningto
thecarpenterhesaidinafury:
"Whydoyouinsultme?"
"Whoinsultsyou?"
"YoucalledmePolendina!"
"ItwasnotI!"
"Wouldyouhaveitthen,thatitwasI?Itwasyou,Isay!"
"No!"
"Yes!"
"No!"
"Yes!"
Andbecomingmoreandmoreangry,fromwordstheycametoblows,andflyingateachothertheybit,
andfought,andscratchedmanfully.
373
WhenthefightwasoverMasterAntoniowasinpossessionofGeppetto'syellowwig,andGeppetto
discoveredthatthegraywigbelongingtothecarpenterhadremainedbetweenhisteeth.
"Givemebackmywig,"screamedMasterAntonio.
"Andyoureturnmemine,andletusmakefriends."
Thetwooldmenhavingeachrecoveredhisownwigshookhands,andsworethattheywouldremain
friendstotheendoftheirlives.
"Wellthen,neighborGeppetto,"saidthecarpenter,toprovethatpeacewasmade,"whatisthefavor
thatyouwishofme?"
"Iwantalittlewoodtomakemypuppet;willyougivemesome?"
MasterAntoniowasdelighted,andheimmediatelywenttothebenchandfetchedthepieceofwood
thathadcausedhimsomuchfear.Justashewasgoingtogiveittohisfriendthepieceofwoodgavea
shakeandwrigglingviolentlyoutofhishandsstruckwithallitsforceagainstthedriedupshinsof
poorGeppetto.
"Ah!isthatthecourteouswayinwhichyoumakeyourpresents,MasterAntonio?Youhavealmost
lamedme!"
[page398]
"IsweartoyouthatitwasnotI!"
"ThenyouwouldhaveitthatitwasI?"
"Thewoodisentirelytoblame!"
"Iknowthatitwasthewood,butitwasyouthathitmylegswithit!"
"Ididnothityouwithit!"
"Liar!"
"Geppetto,don'tinsultmeorIwillcallyouPolendina!"
"Ass!"
"Polendina!"
"Donkey!"
"Polendina!"
"Baboon!"
"Polendina!"
OnhearinghimselfcalledPolendinaforthethirdtimeGeppetto,blindwithrage,felluponthe
carpenterandtheyfoughtdesperately.
374
Whenthebattlewasover,MasterAntoniohadtwomorescratchesonhisnose,andhisadversaryhad
twobuttonslessonhiswaistcoat.Theiraccountsbeingthussquaredtheyshookhands,andsworeto
remaingoodfriendsfortherestoftheirlives.
Geppettocarriedoffhisfinepieceofwood,andthankingMasterAntonioreturnedlimpingtohis
house.
III
THEPUPPETISNAMEDPINOCCHIO
Geppettolivedinasmallgroundfloorroomthatwasonlylightedfromthestaircase.Thefurniture
couldnothavebeensimplerabadchair,apoorbed,andabrokendowntable.Attheendoftheroom
therewasafireplacewithalightedfire;butthefirewaspainted,andbythefirewaspaintedasaucepan
thatwasboilingcheerfully,andsendingoutacloudofsmokethatlookedexactlylikerealsmoke.
AssoonashereachedhomeGeppettotookhistoolsandsettoworktocutoutandmodelhispuppet.
[page399]
"WhatnameshallIgivehim?"hesaidtohimself;"IthinkIwillcallhimPinocchio.Itisanamethat
willbringhimluck.Ionceknewawholefamilysocalled.TherewasPinocchiothefather,Pinocchia
themother,andPinocchithechildren,andallofthemdidwell.Therichestofthemwasabeggar."
Havingfoundanameforhispuppethebegantoworkingoodearnest,andhefirstmadehishair,then
hisforeheadandthenhiseyes.
Theeyesbeingfinished,imaginehisastonishmentwhenheperceivedthattheymovedandlooked
fixedlyathim.
Geppettoseeinghimselfstaredatbythosetwowoodeneyes,tookitalmostinbadpart,andsaidinan
angryvoice:
"Wickedwoodeneyes,whydoyoulookatme?"
Nooneanswered.
Thenheproceededtocarvethenose;butnosoonerhadhemadeitthanitbegantogrow.Anditgrew,
andgrew,andgrewuntilinafewminutesithadbecomeanimmensenosethatseemedasifitwould
neverend.
PoorGeppettotiredhimselfoutwithcuttingitoff.Butthemorehecutandshortenedit,thelongerdid
thatimpertinentnosebecome!
Themouthwasnotevencompletedwhenitbegantolaughandderidehim.
"Stoplaughing!"saidGeppettoprovoked;buthemightaswellhavespokentothewall.
"Stoplaughing,Isay!"heroaredinathreateningtone.
Themouththenceasedlaughing,butputoutitstongueasfarasitwouldgo.
Geppetto,nottospoilhishandiwork,pretendednottosee,andcontinuedhislabors.Afterthemouthhe
fashionedthechin,thenthethroat,andthentheshoulders,thestomach,thearmsandthehands.
375
ThehandswerescarcelyfinishedwhenGeppettofelthiswigsnatchedfromhishead.Heturnedround,
andwhatdidhesee?Hesawhisyellowwiginthepuppet'shand.
"Pinocchio!...Givemebackmywiginstantly!"
[page400]
ButPinocchioinsteadofreturningit,putitonhisownhead,andwasinconsequencenearlysmothered.
Geppettoatthisinsolentandderisivebehaviorfeltsadderandmoremelancholythanhehadeverbeen
inhislifebefore;andturningtoPinocchiohesaidtohim:
"Youyoungrascal!Youarenotyetcompleted,andyouarealreadybeginningtoshowwantofrespect
toyourfather!Thatisbad,myboy,verybad."
Andhedriedatear.
Thelegsandfeetremainedtobedone.
WhenGeppettohadfinishedthefeethereceivedakickonthepointofthenose.
"Ideserveit!"hesaidtohimself;"Ishouldhavethoughtofitsooner!Nowitistoolate!"
Hethentookthepuppetunderthearmsandplacedhimonthefloortoteachhimtowalk.
Pinocchio'slegswerestiffandhecouldnotmove,butGeppettoledhimbythehandandshowedhim
howtoputonefootbeforetheother.
WhenhislegsbecameflexiblePinocchiobegantowalkbyhimselfandtorunabouttheroom;until,
havinggoneoutofthehousedoor,hejumpedintothestreetandescaped.
PoorGeppettorushedafterhimbutwasnotabletoovertakehim,forthatrascalPinocchioleaptin
frontofhimlikeahare,andknockinghiswoodenfeettogetheragainstthepavementmadeasmuch
clatterastwentypairsofpeasant'sclogs.
"Stophim!stophim!"shoutedGeppetto;butthepeopleinthestreet,seeingawoodenpuppetrunning
likearacehorsestoodstillinastonishmenttolookatit,andlaughed,andlaughed,andlaughed,untilit
beatsdescription....
IV
THEFIREEATERFRIGHTENSPINOCCHIO
WhenPinocchiocameintothelittlepuppettheater,anincidentoccurredthatalmostproduceda
revolution.[page401]Imusttellyouthatthecurtainwasdrawnup,andtheplayhadalreadybegun.
OnthestageHarlequinandPunchinellowereasusualquarrelingwitheachother,andthreatening
everymomenttocometoblows.
Theaudience,allattention,laughedtilltheywereillastheylistenedtothebickeringsofthesetwo
puppets,whogesticulatedandabusedeachothersonaturallythattheymighthavebeentworeasonable
beings,andtwopersonsoftheworld.
376
AllatonceHarlequinstoppedshort,andturningtothepublichepointedwithhishandtosomeonefar
downinthepit,andexclaimedinadramatictone:
"Godsofthefirmament!doIdream,oramIawake?ButsurelythatisPinocchio!"
"ItisindeedPinocchio!"criedPunchinello.
"Itisindeedhimself!"screamedMissRose,peepingfrombehindthescenes.
"ItisPinocchio!itisPinocchio!"shoutedallthepuppetsinchorus,leapingfromallsidesontothe
stage."ItisPinocchio!ItisourbrotherPinocchio!LonglivePinocchio!"
"Pinocchio,comeupheretome,"criedHarlequin,"andthrowyourselfintothearmsofyourwooden
brothers!"
AtthisaffectionateinvitationPinocchiomadealeapfromtheendofthepitintothereservedseats;
anotherleaplandedhimontheheadoftheleaderoftheorchestra,andthenhespranguponthestage.
Theembraces,thehugs,thefriendlypinches,andthedemonstrationsofwarmbrotherlyaffectionthat
Pinocchioreceivedfromtheexcitedcrowdofactorsandactressesofthepuppetdramaticcompanybeat
description.
Thesightwasdoubtlessamovingone,butthepublicinthepit,findingthattheplaywasstopped,
becameimpatient,andbegantoshout"Wewillhavetheplaygoonwiththeplay!"
Itwasallbreaththrownaway.Thepuppets,insteadofcontinuingtherecital,redoubledtheirnoiseand
outcries,andputtingPinocchioontheirshoulderstheycarriedhimintriumphbeforethefootlights.
Atthatmomentoutcametheshowman.Hewasverybig[page402]andsouglythatthesightofhim
wasenoughtofrightenanyone.Hisbeardwasasblackasink,andsolongthatitreachedfromhischin
totheground.Ineedonlysaythathetroduponitwhenhewalked.Hismouthwasasbigasanoven,
andhiseyeswereliketwolanternsofredglasswithlightsburninginsideofthem.Hecarriedawhip
madeofsnakesandfoxes'tailstwistedtogether,whichhecrackedconstantly.
Athisunexpectedappearancetherewasaprofoundsilence:noonedaredtobreathe.Aflymighthave
beenheardinthestillness.Thepoorpuppetsofbothsexestrembledlikesomanyleaves.
"Whyhaveyoucometoraiseadisturbanceinmytheater?"askedtheshowmanofPinocchiointhe
gruffvoiceofahobgoblinsufferingfromaseverecoldinthehead.
"Believeme,honoredsir,thatitwasnotmyfault!"
"Thatisenough!Tonightwewillsettleouraccounts."
Assoonastheplaywasovertheshowmanwentintothekitchenwhereafinesheep,preparingforhis
supper,wasturningslowlyonthespitinfrontofthefire.Astherewasnotenoughwoodtofinish
roastingandbrowningit,hecalledHarlequinandPunchinello,andsaidtothem:
"Bringthatpuppethere;youwillfindhimhangingonanail.Itseemstomethatheismadeofverydry
wood,andIamsurethatifhewasthrownonthefirehewouldmakeabeautifulblazefortheroast."
AtfirstHarlequinandPunchinellohesitated;but,appalledbyasevereglancefromtheirmaster,they
obeyed.InashorttimetheyreturnedtothekitchencarryingpoorPinocchio,whowaswrigglinglikean
eeltakenoutofwater,andscreamingdesperately,"Papa!papa!saveme!Iwillnotdie,Iwillnotdie!"
377
V.
FIREEATERSNEEZESANDPARDONSPINOCCHIO
TheshowmanFireeaterforthatwashisnamelooked,Imustsay,aterribleman,especiallywith
hisblackbeardthatcoveredhischestandlegslikeanapron.Onthewhole,however,[page403]hehad
notabadheart.Inproofofthis,whenhesawPinocchiobroughtbeforehim,strugglingandscreaming
"Iwillnotdie,Iwillnotdie!"hewasquitemovedandfeltsorryforhim.Hetriedtoholdout,butafter
alittlehecouldstanditnolongerandhesneezedviolently.Whenheheardthesneeze,Harlequin,who
uptothatmomenthadbeeninthedeepestaffliction,andboweddownlikeaweepingwillow,became
quitecheerful,andleaningtowardsPinocchiohewhisperedtohimsoftly:
"Goodnews,brother.Theshowmanhassneezed,andthatisasignthathepitiesyou,andconsequently
youaresaved."
Foryoumustknowthatwhilstmostmenwhentheyfeelcompassionforsomebodyeitherweep,orat
leastpretendtodrytheireyes,Fireeater,onthecontrary,hadthehabitofsneezing.
Afterhehadsneezed,theshowman,stillactingtheruffian,shoutedtoPinocchio:
"Havedonecrying!Yourlamentationshavegivenmeapaininmystomach...Ifeelaspasm,that
almost...Etci!etci!"andhesneezedagaintwice.
"Blessyou!"saidPinocchio.
"Thankyou!Andyourpapaandyourmamma,aretheystillalive?"askedFireeater.
"Papa,yes:mymammaIhaveneverknown."
"WhocansaywhatasorrowitwouldbetoyourpooroldfatherifIwastohaveyouthrownamongst
thoseburningcoals!Pooroldman!Icompassionatehim!...Etci!etci!etci!"andhesneezedthree
times.
"Blessyou!"saidPinocchio.
"Thankyou!Allthesame,somecompassionisduetome,foryouseeIhavenomorewoodwithwhich
tofinishroastingmymutton,andtotellyouthetruth,underthecircumstancesyouwouldhavebeenof
greatusetome!However,Ihavehadpityonyou,soImusthavepatience.InsteadofyouIwillburn
underthespitoneofthepuppetsbelongingtomycompany.Hothere,gendarmes!"
Atthiscalltwowoodengendarmesimmediatelyappeared.[page404]Theywereverylongandvery
thinandhadoncockedhats,andheldunsheathedswordsintheirhands.
Theshowmansaidtotheminahoarsevoice:
"TakeHarlequin,bindhimsecurely,andthenthrowhimonthefiretoburn.Iamdeterminedthatmy
muttonshallbewellroasted."
OnlyimaginethatpoorHarlequin!Histerrorwassogreatthathislegsbentunderhim,andhefellwith
hisfaceontheground.
AtthisagonizingsightPinocchio,weepingbitterly,threwhimselfattheshowman'sfeet,andbathing
hislongbeardwithhistearshebegantosayinasupplicatingvoice:
378
"Havepity,SirFireeater!"
"Heretherearenosirs,"theshowmanansweredseverely.
"Havepity,SirKnight!"
"Heretherearenoknights!"
"Havepity,Commander!"
"Heretherearenocommanders!"
"Havepity,Excellence!"
UponhearinghimselfcalledExcellencetheshowmanbegantosmile,andbecameatoncekinderand
moretractable.TurningtoPinocchioheasked:
"Well,whatdoyouwantfromme?"
"IimploreyoutopardonpoorHarlequin."
"Forhimtherecanbenopardon.AsIhavesparedyouhemustbeputonthefire,forIamdetermined
thatmymuttonshallbewellroasted."
"Inthatcase,"criedPinocchioproudly,risingandthrowingawayhiscapofbreadcrumb"inthatcaseI
knowmyduty.Comeon,gendarmes!Bindmeandthrowmeamongsttheflames.No,itisnotjustthat
poorHarlequin,mytruefriend,shoulddieforme!"
Thesewords,pronouncedinaloudheroicvoice,madeallthepuppetswhowerepresentcry.Eventhe
gendarmes,althoughtheyweremadeofwood,weptliketwonewlybornlambs.
Fireeateratfirstremainedashardandunmovedasice,butlittlebylittlehebegantomeltandto
sneeze.Andhaving[page405]sneezedfourorfivetimes,heopenedhisarmsaffectionately,andsaid
toPinocchio:
"Youareagoodbraveboy!Comehereandgivemeakiss."
Pinocchioranatonce,andclimbinglikeasquirreluptheshowman'sbeardhedepositedaheartykiss
onthepointofhisnose.
"Thenthepardonisgranted?"askedpoorHarlequininafaintvoicethatwasscarcelyaudible.
"Thepardonisgranted!"answeredFireeater.Hethenadded,sighingandshakinghishead:
"Imusthavepatience!TonightIshallhavetoresignmyselftoeatthemuttonhalfraw;butanother
time,woetohimwhochances!"
Atthenewsofthepardonallthepuppetsrantothestage,andhavinglightedthelampsandchandeliers
asifforafulldressperformance,theybegantoleapandtodancemerrily.Atdawntheywerestill
dancing.
VI
379
THESHOWMANBECOMESGENEROUS
ThefollowingdayFireeatercalledPinocchiotoonesideandaskedhim:
"Whatisyourfather'sname?"
"Geppetto."
"Andwhattradedoeshefollow?"
"Heisabeggar."
"Doeshegainmuch?"
"Gainmuch?Why,hehasneverapennyinhispocket.Onlythink,tobuyaspellingbookformetogo
toschool,hewasobligedtoselltheonlycoathehadtowearacoatthatbetweenpatchesanddarns
wasnotfittobeseen."
"Poordevil!Ifeelalmostsorryforhim!Herearefivegoldpieces.Goatonceandtakethemtohim
withmycompliments."
YoucaneasilyunderstandthatPinocchiothankedthe[page406]showmanathousandtimes.He
embracedallthepuppetsofthecompanyonebyone,eventothegendarmes,andbesidehimselfwith
delightsetouttoreturnhome.
ButhehadnotgonefarwhenhemetontheroadaFoxlameinonefoot,andaCatblindinbotheyes,
whoweregoingalonghelpingeachotherlikegoodcompanionsinmisfortune.TheFoxwhowaslame
walkedleaningontheCat,andtheCatwhowasblindwasguidedbytheFox.
"Goodday,Pinocchio,"saidtheFox,accostinghimpolitely.
"Howdoyoucometoknowmyname?"askedthepuppet.
"Iknowyourfatherwell."
"Wheredidyouseehim?"
"Isawhimyesterdayatthedoorofhishouse."
"Andwhatwashedoing?"
"Hewasinhisshirtsleevesandshiveringwithcold."
"Poorpapa!Butthatisover;forthefutureheshallshivernomore."
"Why?"
"BecauseIambecomeagentleman."
"Agentlemanyou!"saidtheFox,andhebegantolaughrudelyandscornfully.TheCatalsobeganto
laugh,buttoconcealitshecombedherwhiskerswithherforepaws.
"Thereislittletolaughat,"criedPinocchioangrily."Iamreallysorrytomakeyourmouthswater,but
ifyouknowanythingaboutit,youcanseethatherearefivegoldpieces."
380
AndhepulledoutthemoneythatFireeaterhadmadehimapresentof.
AtthesympatheticringofthemoneytheFoxwithaninvoluntarymovementstretchedoutthepawthat
hadseemedcrippled,andthecatopenedwidetwoeyesthatlookedliketwogreenlanterns.Itistrue
thatsheshutthemagain,andsoquicklythatPinocchioobservednothing.
"Andnow,"askedtheFox,"whatareyougoingtodowithallthatmoney?"
"Firstofall,"answeredthePuppet,"Iintendtobuyanewcoatformypapa,madeofgoldandsilver,
andwithdiamondbuttons,andthenIwillbuyaspellingbookformyself."
[page407]
"Foryourself?"
"Yes,indeed,forIwishtogotoschooltostudyinearnest."
"Lookatme!"saidtheFox."ThroughmyfoolishpassionforstudyIhavelostaleg."
"Lookatme!"saidtheCat."ThroughmyfoolishpassionforstudyIhavelostthesightofbothmy
eyes."
AtthatmomentawhiteBlackbird,thatwasperchedonthehedgebytheroad,beganhisusualsong,
andsaid:
"Pinocchio,don'tlistentotheadviceofbadcompanions;ifyoudoyouwillrepentit!"
PoorBlackbird!Ifonlyhehadnotspoken!TheCatwithagreatleapspranguponhimandwithout
evengivinghimtimetosay"Oh!"atehiminamouthful,feathersandall.
Havingeatenhimandcleanedhermouthsheshuthereyesagainandfeignedblindnessasbefore.
"PoorBlackbird!"saidPinocchiototheCat."Whydidyoutreathimsobadly?"
"Ididittogivehimalesson.Hewilllearnanothertimenottomeddleinotherpeople'sconversation."
TheyhadgonealmosthalfwaywhentheFox,haltingsuddenly,saidtothepuppet:
"Wouldyouliketodoubleyourmoney?"
"Inwhatway?"
"Wouldyouliketomakeoutofyourfivemiserablegoldpieces,ahundred,athousand,twothousand?"
"Ishouldthinkso!Butinwhatway?"
"Thewayiseasyenough.Insteadofreturninghomeyoumustgowithus."
"Andwheredoyouwishtotakeme?"
"TotheLandoftheOwls."
Pinocchioreflectedamoment,andthenhesaidresolutely:
381
"No,Iwillnotgo.Iamalreadyclosetothehouse,andIwillreturnhometomypapawhoiswaiting
forme.WhocantellhowoftenthepooroldmanmusthavesighedyesterdaywhenIdidnotcome
back!Ihavebeenabadson,indeed,andtheTalkingcricketwasrightwhenhesaid'Disobedientboys
nevercometoanygoodintheworld.'Ihavefoundit[page408]tomycost,formanymisfortuneshave
happenedtome.EvenyesterdayinFireeater'shouseIrantherisk....Oh!itmakesmeshudderonlyto
thinkofit."
"Well,then,"saidtheFox,"youarequitedecidedtogohome?Go,then,andsomuchtheworsefor
you."
"Somuchtheworseforyou!"repeatedtheCat.
"Thinkwellofit,Pinocchio,foryouaregivingakicktofortune."
"Tofortune!"repeatedtheCat.
"Betweentodayandtomorrowyourfivegoldpieceswouldhavebecometwothousand."
"Twothousand!"repeatedtheCat.
"Buthowisitpossiblethattheycouldhavebecomesomany?"askedPinocchio,remainingwithhis
mouthopenfromastonishment.
"Iwillexplainittoyouatonce,"saidtheFox."YoumustknowthatintheLandoftheOwlsthereisa
sacredfieldcalledbyeverybodytheFieldofMiracles.Inthisfieldyoumustdigalittlehole,andyou
putintoit,wewillsayonegoldpiece.Thenyoucoveruptheholewithalittleearth;youwateritwith
twopailsofwaterfromthefountain,thensprinkleitwithtwopinchesofsalt,andwhennightcomes
youcangoquietlytobed.Inthemeanwhile,duringthenight,thegoldpiecewillgrowandflower,and
inthemorningwhenyoureturntothefield,whatdoyoufind?Youfindabeautifultreeladenwithas
manygoldpiecesasanearofcornhasgrainsinthemonthofJune."
"Sothat,"saidPinocchio,moreandmorebewildered,"supposingIburiedmyfivegoldpiecesinthat
field,howmanyshouldIfindtherethefollowingmorning?"
"Thatisexceedinglyeasycalculation,"repliedtheFox,"acalculationthatyoucanmakeontheendsof
yourfingers.Supposethateverygoldpiecegivesyouanincreaseoffivehundred;multiplyfive
hundredbyfive,andthefollowingmorningwillfindyouwithtwothousandfivehundredshininggold
piecesinyourpocket."
"Oh!howdelightful!"criedPinocchio,dancingforjoy,"AssoonaseverIhaveobtainedthosegold
pieces,Iwillkeep[page409]twothousandformyself,andtheotherfivehundredIwillmakea
presentoftoyoutwo."
"Apresenttous?"criedtheFoxwithindignation,andappearingmuchoffended."Whatareyou
dreamingof?"
"Whatareyoudreamingof?"repeatedtheCat.
"Wedonotwork,"saidtheFox,"fordirtyinterest,weworksolelytoenrichothers."
"Others!"repeatedtheCat.
"Whatgoodpeople!"thoughtPinocchiotohimself;andforgettingthereandthenhispapa,thenew
coat,thespellingbook,andallhisgoodresolutions,hesaidtotheFoxandtheCat:
382
"Letusbeoffatonce.Iwillgowithyou."
VII
THEINNOFTHEREDCRAWFISH
Theywalked,andwalked,andwalked,untilatlast,towardsevening,theyarriveddeadtiredattheInn
ofTheRedCrawfish.
"Letusstophere,alittle,"saidtheFox,"thatwemayhavesomethingtoeatandrestourselvesforan
hourortwo.Wewillstartagainatmidnight,soastoarriveattheFieldofMiraclesbydawntomorrow
morning."
Havinggoneintotheinntheyallthreesatdowntotable,butnoneofthemhadanyappetite.
TheCat,whowassufferingfromindigestionandfeelingseriouslyindisposed,couldonlyeatthirty
fivemulletwithtomatosauce,andfourportionsoftripewithParmesancheese;andbecauseshe
thoughtthetripewasnotseasonedenough,sheaskedthreetimesforthebutterandgratedcheese!
TheFoxwouldalsowillinglyhavepickedalittle,butashisdoctorhadorderedhimastrictdiet,hewas
forcedtocontenthimselfsimplywithaharedressedwithasweetandsoursauce,andgarnishedlightly
withfatchickensandearlypullets.Aftertheharehesentforamadedishofpartridges,rabbits,frogs,
lizards,andotherdelicacies;hecouldnottouchanything[page410]else.Hehadsuchadisgustfor
food,hesaid,thathecouldputnothingtohislips.
TheonewhoatetheleastwasPinocchio.Heaskedforsomewalnutsandahunchofbread,andleft
everythingonhisplate.Thepoorboy,whosethoughtswerecontinuallyfixedontheFieldofMiracles,
hadgotinanticipationanindigestionofgoldpieces.
WhentheyhadsuppedtheFoxsaidtothehost:
"Giveustwogoodrooms,oneforMr.Pinocchio,andtheotherformeandmycompanion.Wewill
snatchalittlesleepbeforeweleave.Remember,however,thatatmidnightwewishtobecalledto
continueourjourney."
"Yes,gentlemen,"answeredthehost,andhewinkedattheFoxandtheCatasmuchastosay:"Iknow
whatyouareupto.Weunderstandoneanother!"
NosoonerhadPinocchiogotintobedthanhefellasleepatonceandbegantodream.Andhedreamt
thathewasinthemiddleofafield,andthefieldwasfilledwithshrubscoveredwithclustersofgold
pieces,andastheyswunginthewindtheywentzin,zin,zin,almostasiftheywouldsay:"Letwho
willcomeandtakeus."ButwhenPinocchiowasatthemostinterestingmoment,thatis,justashewas
stretchingouthishandtopickhandfulsofthosebeautifulgoldpiecesandputtheminhispockets,he
wassuddenlywakenedbythreeviolentblowsonthedoorofhisroom.
Itwasthehostwhohadcometotellhimthatmidnighthadstruck.
"Aremycompanionsready?"askedthepuppet.
"Ready!Why,theylefttwohoursago."
"Whyweretheyinsuchahurry?"
383
"BecausetheCathadreceivedamessagetosaythathereldestkittenwasillwithchilblainsonhisfeet,
andwasindangerofdeath."
"Didtheypayforsupper?"
"Whatareyouthinkingof?Theyaretoohighlyeducatedtodreamofofferingsuchaninsulttoa
gentlemanlikeyou."
"Whatapity!Itisaninsultthatwouldhavegivenme[page411]somuchpleasure!"saidPinocchio,
scratchinghishead.Hethenasked:
"Andwheredidmygoodfriendssaytheywouldwaitforme?"
"AttheFieldofMiracles,tomorrowmorningatdaybreak."
Pinocchiopaidagoldpieceforhissupperandthatofhiscompanionsandthenheleft.
Outsidetheinnitwassopitchdarkthathehadalmosttogropehisway,foritwasimpossibletoseea
hand'sbreadthinfrontofhim.Intheadjacentcountrynotaleafmoved.Onlysomenightbirdsflying
acrosstheroadfromonehedgetotheotherbrushedPinocchio'snosewiththeirwingsastheypassed,
whichcausedhimsomuchterrorthatspringingback,heshouted:"Whogoesthere?"andtheechoin
thesurroundinghillsrepeatedinthedistance:"Whogoesthere?Whogoesthere?Whogoesthere?"...
VIII
THEPUPPETFALLSAMONGASSASSINS
Heturnedtolook,andsawinthegloomtwoevillookingblackfigurescompletelyenvelopedin
charcoalsacks.Theywererunningafterhimontiptoe,andmakinggreatleapsliketwophantoms.
"Heretheyareinreality!"hesaidtohimself,andnotknowingwheretohidehisgoldpiecesheput
theminhismouthpreciselyunderhistongue.
Thenhetriedtoescape.Buthehadnotgoneastepwhenhefelthimselfseizedbythearm,andheard
twosepulchralvoicessayingtohim:
"Yourmoneyoryourlife!"
Pinocchio,notbeingabletoanswerinwords,owingtothemoneyinhismouth,madeathousandlow
bowsandathousandpantomimes.Hetriedthustomakethetwomuffledfigures,whoseeyeswere
onlyvisiblethroughtheholesintheirsacks,[page412]understandthathewasapoorpuppet,andthat
hehadnotasmuchasafalsepennyinhispocket.
"Comenow!Lessnonsenseandoutwiththemoney!"criedthetwobrigandsthreateningly.
Andthepuppetmadeagesturewithhishandstosignify"Ihavegotnone."
"Deliverupyourmoneyoryouaredead,"saidthetallestofthebrigands.
"Dead!"repeatedtheother.
"Andafterwehavekilledyou,wewillalsokillyourfather!"
384
"Alsoyourfather!"
"No,no,no,notmypoorpapa!"criedPinocchioinadespairingtone;andashesaidit,thegoldpieces
clinkedinhismouth.
"Ah!Yourascal!Thenyouhavehiddenyourmoneyunderyourtongue!Spititoutatonce!"
ButPinocchiowasobdurate.
Andoneofthemseizedthepuppetbytheendofhisnose,andtheothertookhimbythechin,and
begantopullthembrutally,theoneup,andtheotherdown,toconstrainhimtoopenhismouth,butit
wasalltonopurpose.Pinocchio'smouthseemedtobenailedandrivetedtogether.
Thentheshortestassassindrewoutanuglyknifeandtriedtoforceitbetweenhislipslikealeveror
chisel.ButPinocchioasquickaslightningcaughthishandwithhisteeth,andwithonebitebititclean
offandspatitout.Imaginehisastonishmentwheninsteadofahandheperceivedthathehadspata
cat'spawontotheground.
Encouragedbyhisfirstvictoryheusedhisnailstosuchpurposethathesucceededinliberatinghimself
fromhisassailants,andjumpingthehedgebytheroadsidehebegantoflyacrossthecountry.The
assassinsranafterhimliketwodogschasingahare;andtheonewhohadlostthepawranononeleg
andnooneeverknewhowhemanagedit.
AfteraraceofsomemilesPinocchiocoulddonomore.Givinghimselfupforlostheclimbedthestem
ofaveryhighpinetreeandseatedhimselfinthetopmostbranches.Theassassinsattemptedtoclimb
afterhim,butwhentheyhad[page413]reachedhalfwayupthestemtheysliddownagain,andarrived
onthegroundwiththeskingrazedfromtheirhandsandknees.
Buttheywerenottobebeatenbysolittle;collectingaquantityofdrywoodtheypileditbeneaththe
pineandsetfiretoit.Inlesstimethanittakestotellthepinebegantoburnandflamelikeacandle
blownbythewind.Pinocchio,seeingthattheflamesweremountinghighereveryinstant,andnot
wishingtoendhislifelikearoastedpigeon,madeastupendousleapfromthetopofthetreeand
startedafreshacrossthefieldsandvineyards.Theassassinsfollowedhim,andkeptbehindhimwithout
oncegivingin.
Thedaybegantobreakandtheywerestillpursuinghim.SuddenlyPinocchiofoundhiswaybarredby
awide,deepditchfullofdirtywaterthecolorofcoffee.Whatwashetodo?"One!two!three!"cried
thepuppet,andmakingarushhesprangtotheotherside.Theassassinsalsojumped,butnothaving
measuredthedistanceproperlysplash,splash!...theyfellintotheverymiddleoftheditch.Pinocchio
whoheardtheplungeandthesplashingofwater,shoutedout,laughingandwithoutstopping:
"Afinebathtoyou,gentlemenassassins."
Hefeltconvincedthattheyweredrowned,when,turningtolookheperceivedthat,onthecontrary,
theywerebothrunningafterhim,stillenvelopedintheirsackswiththewaterdrippingfromthemasif
theyhadbeentwohollowbaskets....
IX
THEFOXANDTHECAT
Pinocchiosetout;andassoonashewasinthewoodhebegantorunlikeakid.Butwhenhehad
reachedacertainspot,almostinfrontoftheBigOak,hestoppedbecausehethoughtthatheheard
peopleamongstthebushes.Infact,twopersonscameoutontheroad.Canyouguesswhotheywere?...
385
Histwotravelingcompanions,theFoxandtheCat,withwhomhehadsuppedattheInnoftheRed
Crawfish.
[page414]
"WhyhereisourdearPinocchio!"criedtheFox,kissingandembracinghim."Howcomeyoutobe
here?"
"Howcomeyoutobehere?"repeatedtheCat.
"Itisalongstory,"answeredthepuppet,"whichIwilltellyouwhenIhavetime.Butdoyouknowthat
theothernight,whenyouleftmealoneattheinn,Imetwithassassinsontheroad."
"Assassins!...Oh,poorPinocchio!Andwhatdidtheywant?"
"Theywantedtorobmeofmygoldpieces."
"Villains!"saidtheFox.
"Infamousvillains!"repeatedtheCat.
"ButIranawayfromthem,"continuedthepuppet,"andtheyfollowedme,andatlasttheyovertookme
andhungmetoabranchofthatoaktree."
AndPinocchiopointedtotheBigOak,whichwastwostepsfromthem.
"Isitpossibletohearofanythingmoredreadful?"saidtheFox."Inwhataworldwearecondemnedto
live!Wherecanrespectablepeoplelikeusfindasaferefuge?"
WhilsttheywerethustalkingPinocchioobservedthattheCatwaslameofherfrontrightleg,forin
factshehadlostherpawwithallitsclaws.Hethereforeaskedher:
"Whathaveyoudonewithyourpaw!"
TheCattriedtoanswerbutbecameconfused.ThereforetheFoxsaidimmediately:
"Myfriendistoomodest,andthatiswhyshedoesn'tspeak.Iwillanswerforher.Imusttellyouthat
anhouragowemetanoldwolfontheroad,almostfaintingfromwantoffood,whoaskedalmsofus.
Nothavingsomuchasafishbonetogivetohim,whatdidmyfriend,whohasreallytheheartofa
Csar,do?Shebitoffoneofherforepaws,andthrewittothatpoorbeastthathemightappeasehis
hunger."
AndtheFox,inrelatingthis,driedatear.
Pinocchiowasalsotouched,andapproachingtheCathewhisperedintoherear:
"Ifallcatsresembleyou,howfortunatethemicewouldbe!"
[page415]
"Andnow,whatareyoudoinghere?"askedtheFoxofthepuppet.
"Iamwaitingformypapa,whomIexpecttoarriveeverymoment."
386
"Andyourgoldpieces?"
"Ihavegottheminmypocket,allbutonethatIspentattheInnoftheRedCrawfish."
"Andtothinkthat,insteadoffourpieces,bytomorrowtheymightbecomeoneortwothousand!Why
doyounotlistentomyadvice?whywillyounotgoandburythemintheFieldofMiracles?"
"Todayitisimpossible,Iwillgoanotherday."
"Anotherdayitwillbetoolate!"saidtheFox.
"Why?"
"Becausethefieldhasbeenboughtbyagentleman,andaftertomorrownoonewillbeallowedtobury
moneythere."
"HowfaroffistheFieldofMiracles?"
"Nottwomiles.Willyoucomewithus?Inhalfanhouryouwillbethere.Youcanburyyourmoneyat
once,andinafewminutesyouwillcollecttwothousand,andthiseveningyouwillreturnwithyour
pocketsfull.Willyoucomewithus?"
PinocchiothoughtofthegoodFairy,oldGeppetto,andthewarningoftheTalkingcricket,andhe
hesitatedalittlebeforeanswering.Heendedhowever,bydoingasallboysdowhohavenotagrainof
senseandwhohavenoheartheendedbygivinghisheadalittleshake,andsayingtotheFoxand
Cat:
"Letusgo:Iwillcomewithyou."
Andtheywent.
Afterhavingwalkedhalfthedaytheyreachedatownthatwascalled"TrapforBlockheads."Assoon
asPinocchioenteredthistown,hesawthatthestreetswerecrowdedwithdogswhohadlosttheircoats
andwhowereyawningfromhunger,shornsheeptremblingwithcold,cockswithoutcombsorcrests
whowerebeggingforagrainofIndiancorn,largebutterflieswhocouldnolongerflybecausetheyhad
soldtheirbeautifulcoloredwings,peacockswhohadnotailsandwere[page416]ashamedtobeseen,
andpheasantswhowentscratchingaboutinasubduedfashion,mourningfortheirbrilliantgoldand
silverfeathersgoneforever.
Inthemidstofthiscrowdofbeggarsandshamefacedcreatures,somelordlycarriagepassedfromtime
totimecontainingaFox,orathievingMagpie,orsomeotherravenousbirdofprey.
"AndwhereistheFieldofMiracles?"askedPinocchio.
"Itishere,nottwostepsfromus."
Theycrossedthetown,andhavinggonebeyondthewallstheycametoasolitaryfieldwhichtolookat
resembledallotherfields.
"Wearearrived,"saidtheFoxtothepuppet."Nowstoopdownanddigwithyourhandsalittleholein
thegroundandputyourgoldpiecesintoit."
Pinocchioobeyed.Hedugahole,putintoitthefourgoldpiecesthathehadleft,andthenfilledupthe
holewithalittleearth.
387
"Now,then,"saidtheFox,"gotothatcanalclosetous,fetchacanofwater,andwatertheground
whereyouhavesowedthem."
Pinocchiowenttothecanal,andashehadnocanhetookoffoneofhisoldshoesandfillingitwith
waterhewateredthegroundoverthehole.
Hethenasked:
"Isthereanythingelsetobedone?"
"Nothingelse,"answeredtheFox."Wecannowgoaway.Youcanreturninabouttwentyminutes,and
youwillfindashrubalreadypushingthroughtheground,withitsbranchesquiteloadedwithmoney."
Thepoorpuppet,besidehimselfwithjoy,thankedtheFoxandtheCatathousandtimes,andpromised
themabeautifulpresent.
"Wewishfornopresents,"answeredthetworascals."Itisenoughforustohavetaughtyouthewayto
enrichyourselfwithoutundergoinghardwork,andweareashappyasfolkoutforaholiday."
ThussayingtheytookleaveofPinocchio,andwishinghimagoodharvestwentabouttheirbusiness.
[page417]
X
PINOCCHIOISROBBED
Thepuppetreturnedtothetownandbegantocounttheminutesonebyone;andwhenhethoughtit
mustbetimehetooktheroadleadingtotheFieldofMiracles.
Andashewalkedalongwithhurriedstepshisheartbeatfast,tic,tac,tic,tac,likeadrawingroom
clockwhenitisreallygoingwell.Meanwhilehewasthinkingtohimself:
"Andifinsteadofathousandgoldpieces,Iwastofindonthebranchesofthetreetwothousand?...
AndinsteadoftwothousandsupposingIfoundfivethousand?andinsteadoffivethousandthatI
foundahundredthousand?Oh!whatafinegentlemanIshouldthenbecome!...Iwouldhavea
beautifulpalace,athousandlittlewoodenhorsesandathousandstablestoamusemyselfwith,acellar
fullofcurrantwine,andsweetsyrups,andalibraryquitefullofcandies,tarts,plumcakes,macaroons,
andbiscuitswithcream."
Whilsthewasbuildingthesecastlesintheairhehadarrivedintheneighborhoodofthefield,andhe
stoppedtolookifbychancehecouldperceiveatreewithitsbranchesladenwithmoney;buthesaw
nothing.Headvancedanotherhundredstepsnothing;heenteredthefield...hewentrightuptothe
littleholewherehehadburiedhisgoldpiecesandnothing.Hethenbecameverythoughtful,and
forgettingtherulesofsocietyandgoodmannershetookhishandsoutofhispocketsandgavehishead
alongscratch.
Atthatmomentheheardanexplosionoflaughterclosetohim,andlookinguphesawalargeParrot
perchedonatree,whowaspreeningthefewfeathershehadleft.
"Whyareyoulaughing?"askedPinocchioinanangryvoice.
"IamlaughingbecauseinpreeningmyfeathersItickledmyselfundermywings."
388
Thepuppetdidnotanswer,butwenttothecanaland,fillingthesameoldshoefullofwater,he
proceededtowatertheearthafreshthatcoveredhisgoldpieces.
[page418]
Whilsthewasthusoccupiedanotherlaugh,andstillmoreimpertinentthanthefirst,rangoutinthe
silenceofthatsolitaryplace.
"Onceforall,"shoutedPinocchioinarage,"mayIknow,youilleducatedParrot,whatareyou
laughingat?"
"Iamlaughingatthosesimpletonswhobelieveinallthefoolishthingsthataretoldthem,andwho
allowthemselvestobeentrappedbythosewhoaremorecunningthantheyare."
"Areyouperhapsspeakingofme?"
"Yes,Iamspeakingofyou,poorPinocchioofyouwhoaresimpleenoughtobelievethatmoneycan
besownandgatheredinfieldsinthesamewayasbeansandgourds.Ialsobelieveditonce,andtoday
Iamsufferingforit.TodaybutitistoolateIhaveatlastlearntthattoputafewpennieshonestly
togetheritisnecessarytoknowhowtoearnthem,eitherbytheworkofourownhandsorbythe
clevernessofourownbrains."
"Idon'tunderstandyou,"saidthepuppetwhowasalreadytremblingwithfear.
"Havepatience!Iwillexplainmyselfbetter,"rejoinedtheParrot."Youmustknow,then,thatwhilst
youwereinthetowntheFoxandtheCatreturnedtothefield;theytooktheburiedmoneyandthen
fledlikethewind.Andnowhethatcatchesthemwillbeclever."
Pinocchioremainedwithhismouthopen,andnotchoosingtobelievetheParrot'swordshebeganwith
hishandsandnailstodiguptheearththathehadwatered.Andhedug,anddug,anddug,andmade
suchadeepholethatarickofstrawmighthavestoodupinit;butthemoneywasnolongerthere.
Herushedbacktothetowninastateofdesperation,andwentatoncetotheCourtsofJusticeto
denouncethetwoknaveswhohadrobbedhimtothejudge.
Thejudgewasabigapeofthegorillatribeanoldaperespectableforhisage,hiswhitebeard,but
especiallyforhisgoldspectacleswithoutglassesthathealwayswasobligedtowear,onaccountofan
inflammationoftheeyesthathadtormentedhimformanyyears.
Pinocchiorelatedinthepresenceofthejudgealltheparticulars[page419]oftheinfamousfraudof
whichhehadbeenthevictim.Hegavethenames,thesurnames,andotherdetails,ofthetworascals,
andendedbydemandingjustice.
Thejudgelistenedwithgreatbenignity;tookalivelyinterestinthestory;andwasmuchtouchedand
moved;andwhenthepuppethadnothingfurthertosayhestretchedouthishandandrangabell.
Atthissummonstwomastiffsimmediatelyappeareddressedasgendarmes.Thejudgethen,pointingto
Pinocchiosaidtothem:
"Thatpoordevilhasbeenrobbedoffourgoldpieces;takehimup,andputhimimmediatelyinto
prison."
Thepuppetwaspetrifiedonhearingthisunexpectedsentence,andtriedtoprotest;butthegendarmes,
toavoidlosingtime,stoppedhismouth,andcarriedhimofftothelockup.
389
Andthereheremainedforfourmonthsfourlongmonthsandhewouldhaveremainedlongerstillif
afortunatechancehadnotreleasedhim.ForImusttellyouthattheyoungEmperorwhoreignedover
thetownof"TrapforBlockheads,"havingwonasplendidvictoryoverhisenemies,orderedgreat
publicrejoicings.Therewereilluminations,fireworks,horseraces,andvelocipederaces,andasa
furthersignoftriumphhecommandedthattheprisonsshouldbeopenedandallprisonersliberated.
"Iftheothersaretobeletoutofprison,Iwillgoalso,"saidPinocchiotothejailor.
"No,notyou,"saidthejailor,"becauseyoudonotbelongtothefortunateclass."
"Ibegyourpardon,"repliedPinocchio,"Iamalsoacriminal."
"Inthatcaseyouareperfectlyright,"saidthejailor;andtakingoffhishatandbowingtohim
respectfullyheopenedtheprisondoorandlethimescape.
*
Copyright,1898,byJordan,MarshandCo.Usedbypermission.
[page420]
JAPANESESTORIES
THESTORYOFTHEMANWHODIDNOTWISH
TODIE
ADAPTEDBYYEITHEODORAOZAKI
L
ONG,longagotherelivedamancalledSentaro.Hissurnamemeant"Millionaire,"butalthoughhe
wasnotsorichasallthat,hewasstillveryfarremovedfrombeingpoor.Hehadinheritedasmall
fortunefromhisfatherandlivedonthis,spendinghistimecarelessly,withoutanyseriousthoughtsof
work,tillhewasaboutthirtytwoyearsofage.
Oneday,withoutanyreasonwhatsoever,thethoughtofdeathandsicknesscametohim.Theideaof
fallingillordyingmadehimverywretched.
"Ishouldliketolive,"hesaidtohimself,"tillIamfiveorsixhundredyearsoldatleast,freefromall
sickness.Theordinaryspanofaman'slifeisveryshort."
Hewonderedwhetheritwerepossible,bylivingsimplyandfrugallyhenceforth,toprolonghislifeas
longashewished.
Heknewthereweremanystoriesinancienthistoryofemperorswhohadlivedathousandyears,and
therewasaPrincessofYamato,whoitwassaid,livedtotheageoffivehundred.Thiswasthelatest
storyofaverylonglifeonrecord.
390
SentarohadoftenheardthetaleoftheChineseKingnamedShinnoShiko.Hewasoneofthemost
ableandpowerfulrulersinChinesehistory.Hebuiltallthelargepalaces,andalsothefamousgreat
wallofChina.Hehadeverythingintheworldhecouldwishfor,butinspiteofallhishappiness,and
theluxuryandsplendorofhiscourt,thewisdomofhiscouncilorsandthegloryofhisreign,hewas
miserablebecauseheknewthatonedayhemustdieandleaveitall.
[page421]
WhenShinnoShikowenttobedatnight,whenheroseinthemorning,ashewentthroughhisday,the
thoughtofdeathwasalwayswithhim.Hecouldnotgetawayfromit.Ahifonlyhecouldfindthe
ElixirofLife,hewouldbehappy.
TheEmperoratlastcalledameetingofhiscourtiersandaskedthemalliftheycouldnotfindforhim
theElixirofLifeofwhichhehadsooftenreadandheard.
Oneoldcourtier,Jofukubyname,saidthatfarawayacrosstheseastherewasacountrycalled
Horaizan,andthatcertainhermitslivedtherewhopossessedthesecretoftheElixirofLife.Whoever
drankofthiswonderfuldraughtlivedforever.
TheEmperororderedJofukutosetoutforthelandofHoraizan,tofindthehermits,andtobringhim
backaphialofthemagicelixir.HegaveJofukuoneofhisbestjunks,fitteditoutforhim,andloaded
itwithgreatquantitiesoftreasuresandpreciousstonesforJofukutotakeaspresentstothehermits.
JofukusailedforthelandofHoraizan,butheneverreturnedtothewaitingEmperor;buteversince
thattimeMountFujihasbeensaidtobethefabledHoraizanandthehomeofhermitswhohadthe
secretoftheelixir,andJofukuhasbeenworshippedastheirpatrongod.
NowSentarodeterminedtosetouttofindthehermits,andifhecould,tobecomeone,sothathemight
obtainthewaterofperpetuallife.Herememberedthatasachildhehadbeentoldthatnotonlydid
thesehermitsliveonMountFuji,butthattheyweresaidtoinhabitalltheveryhighpeaks.
Sohelefthisoldhometothecareofhisrelatives,andstartedoutonhisquest.Hetraveledthroughall
themountainousregionsoftheland,climbingtothetopsofthehighestpeaks,butneverahermitdid
hefind.
Atlast,afterwanderinginanunknownregionformanydays,hemetahunter.
"Canyoutellme,"askedSentaro,"wherethehermitslivewhohavetheElixirofLife?"
"No,"saidthehunter;"Ican'ttellyouwheresuchhermits[page422]live,butthereisanotorious
robberlivingintheseparts.Itissaidthatheischiefofabandoftwohundredfollowers."
ThisoddanswerirritatedSentaroverymuch,andhethoughthowfoolishitwastowastemoretimein
lookingforthehermitsinthisway,sohedecidedtogoatoncetotheshrineofJofuku,whois
worshippedasthepatrongodofthehermitsintheSouthofJapan.
Sentaroreachedtheshrineandprayedforsevendays,entreatingJofukutoshowhimthewaytoa
hermitwhocouldgivehimwhathewantedsomuchtofind.
Atmidnightoftheseventhday,asSentarokneltinthetemple,thedooroftheinnermostshrineflew
open,andJofukuappearedinaluminouscloud,andcallingtoSentarotocomenearer,spokethus:
"Yourdesireisaveryselfishoneandcannotbeeasilygranted.Youthinkthatyouwouldliketo
becomeahermitsoastofindtheElixirofLife.Doyouknowhowhardahermit'slifeis?Ahermitis
onlyallowedtoeatfruitandberriesandthebarkofpinetrees;ahermitmustcuthimselfofffromthe
391
worldsothathisheartmaybecomeaspureasgoldandfreefromeveryearthlydesire.Graduallyafter
followingthesestrictrules,thehermitceasestofeelhungerorcoldorheat,andhisbodybecomesso
lightthathecanrideonacraneoracarp,andcanwalkonwaterwithoutgettinghisfeetwet.
"You,Sentaro,arefondofgoodlivingandofeverycomfort.Youarenotevenlikeanordinaryman,
foryouareexceptionallyidle,andmoresensitivetoheatandcoldthanmostpeople.Youwouldnever
beabletogobarefootortowearonlyonethingarmentinthewintertime!Doyouthinkthatyou
wouldeverhavethepatienceortheendurancetoliveahermit'slife?
"Inanswertoyourprayer,however,Iwillhelpyouinanotherway.Iwillsendyoutothecountryof
PerpetualLife,wheredeathnevercomeswherethepeopleliveforever!"
Sayingthis,JofukuputintoSentaro'shandalittlecrane[page423]madeofpaper,tellinghimtositon
itsbackanditwouldcarryhimthere.
Sentaroobeyedwonderingly.Thecranegrewlargeenoughforhimtorideonitwithcomfort.Itthen
spreaditswings,rosehighintheair,andflewawayoverthemountainsrightouttosea.
Sentarowasatfirstquitefrightened;butbydegreeshegrewaccustomedtotheswiftflightthroughthe
air.Onandontheywentforthousandsofmiles.Thebirdneverstoppedforrestorfood,butasitwasa
paperbirditdoubtlessdidnotrequireanynourishment,andstrangetosay,neitherdidSentaro.
Afterseveraldaystheyreachedanisland.Thecraneflewsomedistanceinlandandthenalighted.
AssoonasSentarogotdownfromthebird'sback,thecranefoldedupofitsownaccordandflewinto
hispocket.
NowSentarobegantolookabouthimwonderingly,curioustoseewhatthecountryofPerpetualLife
waslike.Hewalkedfirstroundaboutthecountryandthenthroughthetown.Everythingwas,of
course,quitestrange,anddifferentfromhisownland.Butboththelandandthepeopleseemed
prosperous,sohedecidedthatitwouldbegoodforhimtostaythereandtookuplodgingsatoneofthe
hotels.
Theproprietorwasakindman,andwhenSentarotoldhimthathewasastrangerandhadcometolive
there,hepromisedtoarrangeeverythingthatwasnecessarywiththegovernorofthecityconcerning
Sentaro'ssojournthere.Heevenfoundahouseforhisguest,andinthiswaySentaroobtainedhisgreat
wishandbecamearesidentinthecountryofPerpetualLife.
Withinthememoryofalltheislandersnomanhadeverdiedthere,andsicknesswasathingunknown.
PriestshadcomeoverfromIndiaandChinaandtoldthemofabeautifulcountrycalledParadise,where
happinessandblissandcontentmentfillallmen'shearts,butitsgatescouldonlybereachedbydying.
Thistraditionwashandeddownforagesfromgenerationtogenerationbutnoneknewexactlywhat
deathwasexceptthatitledtoParadise.
[page424]
QuiteunlikeSentaroandotherordinarypeople,insteadofhavingagreatdreadofdeath,theyall,both
richandpoor,longedforitassomethinggoodanddesirable.Theywerealltiredoftheirlong,long
lives,andlongedtogotothehappylandofcontentmentcalledParadiseofwhichthepriestshadtold
themcenturiesago.
AllthisSentarosoonfoundoutbytalkingtotheislanders.Hefoundhimself,accordingtohisideas,in
thelandofTopsyturvydom.Everythingwasupsidedown.Hehadwishedtoescapefromdying.He
hadcometothelandofPerpetualLifewithgreatreliefandjoy,onlytofindthattheinhabitants
themselves,doomednevertodie,wouldconsideritblisstofinddeath.
392
Whathehadhithertoconsideredpoisonthesepeopleateasgoodfood,andallthethingstowhichhe
hadbeenaccustomedasfoodtheyrejected.Wheneveranymerchantsfromothercountriesarrived,the
richpeoplerushedtothemeagertobuypoisons.Thesetheyswallowedeagerlyhopingfordeathto
comesothattheymightgotoParadise.
Butwhatweredeadlypoisonsinotherlandswerewithouteffectinthisstrangeplace,andpeoplewho
swallowedthemwiththehopeofdying,onlyfoundthatinashorttimetheyfeltbetterinhealthinstead
ofworse.
Vainlytheytriedtoimaginewhatdeathcouldbelike.Thewealthywouldhavegivenalltheirmoney
andalltheirgoodsiftheycouldbutshortentheirlivestotwoorthreehundredyearseven.Withoutany
change,toliveonforever,seemedtothispeoplewearisomeandsad.
Inthedrugshopstherewasadrugwhichwasinconstantdemand,becauseafterusingitforahundred
years,itwassupposedtoturnthehairslightlygrayandtobringaboutdisordersofthestomach.
Sentarowasastonishedtofindthatthepoisonousglobefishwasservedupinrestaurantsasa
delectabledish,andhawkersinthestreetswentaboutsellingsaucesmadeofSpanishflies.Henever
sawanyoneillaftereatingthesehorriblethings,nordidheeverseeanyonewithasmuchasacold.
Sentarowasdelighted.Hesaidtohimselfthathewould[page425]nevergrowtiredofliving,andthat
heconsidereditprofanetowishfordeath.Hewastheonlyhappymanontheisland.Forhisparthe
wishedtolivethousandsofyearsandtoenjoylife.Hesethimselfupinbusiness,andforthepresent
neverevendreamedofgoingbacktohisnativeland.
Asyearswentby,however,thingsdidnotgoassmoothlyasatfirst.Hehadheavylossesinbusiness,
andseveraltimessomeaffairswentwrongwithhisneighbors.Thiscausedhimgreatannoyance.
Timepassedliketheflightofanarrowforhim,forhewasbusyfrommorningtillnight.Threehundred
yearswentbyinthismonotonousway,andthenatlasthebegantogrowtiredoflifeinthiscountry,
andhelongedtoseehisownlandandhisoldhome.Howeverlonghelivedhere,lifewouldalwaysbe
thesame,sowasitnotfoolishandwearisometostayonhereforever?
Sentaro,inhiswishtoescapefromthecountryofPerpetualLife,recollectedJofuku,whohadhelped
himbeforewhenhewaswishingtoescapefromdeathandheprayedtothesainttobringhimbackto
hisownlandagain.
Nosoonerdidhepraythanthepapercranepoppedoutofhispocket.Sentarowasamazedtoseethatit
hadremainedundamagedafteralltheseyears.Oncemorethebirdgrewandgrewtillitwaslarge
enoughforhimtomountit.Ashedidso,thebirdspreaditswingsandflewswiftlyoutacrossthesea
inthedirectionofJapan.
Suchwasthewilfulnessoftheman'snaturethathelookedbackandregrettedallhehadleftbehind.He
triedtostopthebirdinvain.Thecraneheldonitswayforthousandsofmilesacrosstheocean.
Thenastormcameon,andthewonderfulpapercranegotdamp,crumpledup,andfellintothesea.
Sentarofellwithit.Verymuchfrightenedatthethoughtofbeingdrowned,hecriedoutloudlyto
Jofukutosavehim.Helookedround,buttherewasnoshipinsight.Heswallowedaquantityofsea
water,whichonlyincreasedhismiserableplight.Whilehewasthusstrugglingtokeephimselfafloat,
hesawamonstroussharkswimmingtowardshim.Asitcameneareritopened[page426]itshuge
mouthreadytodevourhim.Sentarowasallbutparalyzedwithfearnowthathefelthisendsonear,
andscreamedoutasloudlyaseverhecouldtoJofukutocomeandrescuehim.
393
Lo,andbehold,Sentarowasawakenedbyhisownscreams,tofindthatduringhislongprayerhehad
fallenasleepbeforetheshrine,andthatallhisextraordinaryandfrightfuladventureshadbeenonlya
wilddream.Hewasinacoldperspirationwithfright,andutterlybewildered.
Suddenlyabrightlightcametowardshim,andinthelightstoodamessenger.Themessengerhelda
bookinhishandandspoketoSentaro:
"IamsenttoyoubyJofuku,whoinanswertoyourprayer,haspermittedyouinadreamtoseetheland
ofPerpetualLife.Butyougrewwearyoflivingthere,andbeggedtobeallowedtoreturntoyournative
landsothatyoumightdie.Jofuku,sothathemighttryyou,allowedyoutodropintothesea,andthen
sentasharktoswallowyouup.Yourdesirefordeathwasnotreal,forevenatthatmomentyoucried
outloudlyandshoutedforhelp.
"Itisalsovainforyoutowishtobecomeahermit,ortofindtheElixirofLife.Thesethingsarenotfor
suchasyouyourlifeisnotaustereenough.Itisbestforyoutogobacktoyourpaternalhome,andto
liveagoodandindustriouslife.Neverneglecttokeeptheanniversariesofyourancestors,andmakeit
yourdutytoprovideforyourchildren'sfuture.Thuswillyoulivetoagoodoldageandbehappy,but
giveupthevaindesiretoescapedeath,fornomancandothat,andbythistimeyouhavesurelyfound
outthatevenwhenselfishdesiresaregrantedtheydonotbringhappiness.
"InthisbookIgiveyoutherearemanypreceptsgoodforyoutoknowifyoustudythem,youwillbe
guidedinthewayIhavepointedouttoyou."
Theangeldisappearedassoonashehadfinishedspeaking,andSentarotookthelessontoheart.With
thebookinhishandhereturnedtohisoldhome,andgivingupallhisoldvainwishes,triedtolivea
goodandusefullifeandtoobservethelessonstaughthiminthebook,andheandhishouseprospered
henceforth.
[page427]
THEACCOMPLISHEDANDLUCKY
TEAKETTLE
ADAPTEDBYA.B.MITFORD
A
LONGtimeago,atatemplecalledMorinji,intheprovinceofJhsiu,therewasanoldteakettle.One
day,whenthepriestofthetemplewasabouttohangitoverthehearthtoboilthewaterforhistea,to
hisamazementthekettleallofasuddenputforththeheadandtailofabadger.Whatawonderful
kettle,tocomeoutalloverfur!Thepriest,thunderstruck,calledinthenovicesofthetempletoseethe
sight;andwhilsttheywerestupidlystaring,onesuggestingonethingandanotheranother,thekettle,
jumpingupintotheair,beganflyingabouttheroom.Moreastonishedthanever,thepriestandhis
pupilstriedtopursueit;butnothieforcatwaseverhalfsosharpasthiswonderfulbadgerkettle.At
last,however,theymanagedtoknockitdownandsecureit;and,holdingitinwiththeirunitedefforts,
theyforceditintoabox,intendingtocarryitoffandthrowitawayinsomedistantplace,sothatthey
mightbenomoreplaguedbythegoblin.Forthisdaytheirtroubleswereover;but,asluckwouldhave
it,thetinkerwhowasinthehabitofworkingforthetemplecalledin,andthepriestsuddenly
bethoughthimthatitwasapitytothrowthekettleawayfornothing,andthathemightaswellgeta
trifleforit,nomatterhowsmall.Sohebroughtoutthekettle,whichhadresumeditsformershapeand
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hadgotridofitsheadandtail,andshowedittothetinker.Whenthetinkersawthekettle,heoffered
twentycoppercoinsforit,andthepriestwasonlytoogladtoclosethebargainandberidofhis
troublesomepieceoffurniture.Butthetinkertrudgedoffhomewithhispackandhisnewpurchase.
Thatnight,ashelayasleep,heheardastrangenoisenearhispillow;sohepeeredoutfromunderthe
bedclothes,andtherehesawthekettlethathehadboughtinthetemplecoveredwithfur,andwalking
aboutonfourlegs.Thetinkerstartedupinafrighttoseewhatitcouldallmean,whenallofasudden
thekettleresumeditsformer[page428]shape.Thishappenedoverandoveragain,untilatlastthe
tinkershowedtheteakettletoafriendofhis,whosaid:"Thisiscertainlyanaccomplishedandlucky
teakettle.Youshouldtakeitaboutasashow,withsongsandaccompanimentsofmusicalinstruments,
andmakeitdanceandwalkonthetightrope."
Thetinker,thinkingthisgoodadvice,madearrangementswithashowman,andsetupanexhibition.
Thenoiseofthekettle'sperformancessoonspreadabroad,untileventhePrincesofthelandsentto
orderthetinkertocometothem;andhegrewrichbeyondallhisexpectations.EventhePrincesses,
too,andthegreatladiesofthecourt,tookgreatdelightinthedancingkettle,sothatnosoonerhadit
shownitstricksinoneplacethanitwastimeforthemtokeepsomeotherengagement.Atlastthe
tinkergrewsorichthathetookthekettlebacktothetemple,whereitwaslaidupasaprecious
treasure,andworshipedasasaint.
THETONGUECUTSPARROW
O
NCEuponatimeacrossoldwomanlaidsomestarchinabasin,intendingtoputitintheclothesinher
washtub;butaSparrowthatawoman,herneighbor,keptasapet,ateitup.Seeingthis,thecrossold
womanseizedtheSparrowand,saying"Youhatefulthing!"cutitstongueandletitgo.
WhentheneighborwomanheardthatherpetSparrowhadgotitstonguecutforitsoffense,shewas
greatlygrieved,andsetoutwithherhusbandovermountainsandplainstofindwhereithadgone,
crying,"WheredoesthetonguecutSparrowstay?WheredoesthetonguecutSparrowstay?"
Atlasttheyfounditshome.WhentheSparrowsawthatitsoldmasterandmistresshadcometoseeit,
itrejoiced,andbroughtthemintoitshouseandthankedthemfortheirkindnessinoldtimes.Itspreada
tableforthem,andloadeditwithricewineandfishtilltherewasnomoreroom,andmadeitswifeand
childrenandgrandchildrenallservethetable.
[page429]
Atlast,throwingawayitsdrinkingcup,itdancedajigcalledtheSparrow'sdance,andthustheyspent
theday.Whenitbegantogrowdark,andtherewastalkofgoinghome,theSparrowbroughtouttwo
wickerbasketsandsaid,"Willyoutaketheheavyone,orshallIgiveyouthelightone?"Theold
peoplereplied,"Weareold,sogiveusthelightone;itwillbeeasiertocarryit."TheSparrowthen
gavethemthelightbasket,andtheyreturnedwithittotheirhome."Letusopenandseewhatisinit,"
theysaid.Andwhentheyhadopeneditandlooked,theyfoundgoldandsilverandjewelsandrollsof
silk.Theyneverexpectedanythinglikethis.Themoretheytookoutthemoretheyfoundinside.The
supplywasinexhaustible,sothatthehouseatoncebecamerichandprosperous.Whenthecrossold
womanwhohadcuttheSparrow'stonguesawthis,shewasfilledwithenvy,andwentandaskedher
neighborwheretheSparrowlivedandallabouttheway."Iwillgo,too,"shesaid,andatoncesetout
onhersearch.
395
AgaintheSparrowbroughtouttwowickerbaskets,andaskedasbefore,"Willyoutaketheheavyone,
orshallIgiveyouthelightone?"
Thinkingthetreasurewouldbegreatinproportiontotheweightofthebasket,theoldwomanreplied,
"Letmehavetheheavyone."
Receivingthis,shestartedhomewithitonherback,thesparrowslaughingatherasshewent.Itwasas
heavyasastone,andhardtocarry,butatlastshegotbackwithittoherhouse.
Then,whenshetookoffthelidandlookedin,awholetroopoffrightfulcreaturescamebouncingout
fromtheinside,andatoncetheycaughtherupandflewawaywithher.
BATTLEOFTHEMONKEYANDTHECRAB
A
MONKEYandaCraboncemetwhengoingroundamountain.
TheMonkeyhadpickedupapersimmonseed,andthe[page430]Crabhadapieceoftoastedrice
cake.TheMonkey,seeingthis,andwishingtogetsomethingthatcouldbeturnedtogoodaccountat
once,said,"Pray,exchangethatricecakeforthispersimmonseed."TheCrab,withoutaword,gaveup
hiscake,andtookthepersimmonseedandplantedit.Atonceitsprungup,andsoonbecameatreeso
highonehadtolookfaruptoseeit.Thetreewasfullofpersimmons,buttheCrabhadnomeansof
climbingit,soheaskedtheMonkeytoscrambleupandgetthefruitforhim.TheMonkeygotupona
limbofthetreeandbegantoeatthepersimmons.TheunripeoneshethrewattheCrab,butalltheripe
andgoodonesheputinhispouch.TheCrabunderthetreethusgothisshellbadlybruised,andonly
bygoodluckescapedintohishole,wherehelaydistressedwithpain,andnotabletogetup.Now,
whentherelativesandhouseholdoftheCrabheardhowmattersstood,theyweresurprisedandangry,
anddeclaredwar,andattackedtheMonkey,who,leadingforthanumerousfollowing,badedefianceto
theotherparty.Thecrabs,findingthemselvesunabletomeetandcopewiththisforce,becamestill
moreexasperatedandenraged,andretreatedintotheirholeandheldacouncilofwar.Thencamea
ricemortar,apestle,abee,andanegg,andtogethertheydevisedadeeplaidplottobeavenged.
First,theyrequestedthatpeacebemadewiththecrabs;andthustheyinducedthekingofthemonkeys
toentertheirholeunattended,andseatedhimonthehearth.TheMonkey,notsuspectinganyplot,took
thehibashi,orpoker,tostiruptheslumberingfire,whenbang!wenttheegg,whichwaslyinghidden
intheashes,andburnedtheMonkey'sarm.Surprisedandalarmed,heplungedhisarmintothepickle
tubinthekitchentorelievethepainoftheburn.Thenthebeewhichwashiddennearthetubstunghim
sharplyinhisface,alreadywetwithtears.Withoutwaitingtobrushoffthebee,andhowlingbitterly,
herushedforthebackdoor;butjustthensomeseaweedentangledhislegsandmadehimslip.Then
downcamethepestle,tumblingonhimfromashelf,andthemortar,too,camerollingdownonhim
fromtheroofoftheporchandbrokehisback,andsoweakened[page431]himthathewasunableto
riseup.Thenoutcamethecrabsinacrowd,andbrandishingonhightheirpincherstheypinchedthe
Monkeysosorelythathebeggedthemforforgivenessandpromisednevertorepeathismeannessand
treachery.
396
MOMOTARO,ORLITTLEPEACHLING
A
LONGlongtimeagotherelivedanoldmanandanoldwoman.Onedaytheoldmanwenttothe
mountainstocutgrass;andtheoldwomanwenttotherivertowashclothes.Whileshewaswashinga
greatthingcametumblingandsplashingdownthestream.Whentheoldwomansawitshewasvery
glad,andpulledittoherwithapieceofbamboothatlaynearby.Whenshetookitupandlookedatit
shesawthatitwasaverylargepeach.Shethenquicklyfinishedherwashingandreturnedhome
intendingtogivethepeachtoheroldmantoeat.
Whenshecutthepeachintwo,outcameachildfromthelargekernel.Seeingthistheoldcouple
rejoiced,andnamedthechildMomotaro,orLittlePeachling,becausehecameoutofapeach.Asboth
theoldpeopletookgoodcareofhim,hegrewandbecamestrongandenterprising.Sotheoldcouple
hadtheirexpectationsraised,andbestowedstillmorecareonhiseducation.
Momotarofindingthatheexcelledeverybodyinstrength,determinedtocrossovertotheislandofthe
devils,taketheirriches,andcomeback.Heatonceconsultedwiththeoldmanandtheoldwoman
aboutthematter,andgotthemtomakehimsomedumplings.Theseheputinhispouch.Besidesthis
hemadeeverykindofpreparationforhisjourneytotheislandofthedevilsandsetout.
397
APheasantAlsoCameFlyingandSaid:"GiveMeaDumpling."
Thenfirstadogcametothesideofthewayandsaid,"Momotaro!Whathaveyoutherehangingat
yourbelt?"Hereplied,"IhavesomeoftheverybestJapanesemillet[page432]dumplings.""Giveme
oneandIwillgowithyou,"saidthedog.SoMomotarotookadumplingoutofhispouchandgaveitto
thedog.Thenamonkeycameandgotonethesameway.Apheasantalsocameflyingandsaid,"Give
meadumplingtoo,andIwillgoalongwithyou."Soallthreewentalongwithhim.Innotimethey
arrivedattheislandofthedevils,andatoncebrokethroughthefrontgate;Momotarofirst;thenhis
threefollowers.Heretheymetagreatmultitudeofthedevils'retainerswhoshowedfight,butthey
pressedstillinwards,andatlastencounteredthechiefofthedevils,calledAkandoji.Thencamethe
tugofwar.AkandojihitatMomotarowithanironclub,butMomotarowasreadyforhim,anddodged
himadroitly.Atlasttheygrappledeachother,andwithoutdifficultyMomotarojustcrusheddown
Akandojiandtiedhimwitharopesotightlythathecouldnotevenmove.Allthiswasdoneinafair
fight.
AfterthisAkandojithechiefofthedevilssaidhewouldsurrenderallhisriches."Outwithyourriches
then,"saidMomotarolaughing.Havingcollectedandrangedinorderagreatpileofpreciousthings,
Momotarotookthem,andsetoutforhishome,rejoicing,ashemarchedbravelyback,that,withthe
398
helpofhisthreecompanions,towhomheattributedallhissuccess,hehadbeenablesoeasilyto
accomplishhisend.
GreatwasthejoyoftheoldmanandtheoldwomanwhenMomotarocameback.Hefeasted
everybodybountifully,toldmanystoriesofhisadventure,displayedhisriches,andatlastbecamea
leadingman,amanofinfluence,veryrichandhonorable;amantobeverymuchcongratulated
indeed!!
URASCHIMATAROANDTHETURTLE
U
RASCHIMATaro,whichmeansinJapanese"SonoftheIsland,"wastheonlyanddearlybelovedson
ofanoldfishermanandhiswife:
Hewasafine,strongyouth,whocouldmanageaboat[page433]morecleverlythananyoneelseon
theneighboringcoast.Heoftenventuredsofarouttoseathatneighborswarnedhisparentsthathe
wouldsometimegotoofarandneverreturn.
Hisparentsknew,however,thatheunderstoodhisboatandtheseaverywell,andtheywerenever
muchconcernedabouthim.Evenwhenhefailedtocomebackassoonashewasexpected,they
awaitedhisreturnwithoutanxiety.Theylovedhimbetterthantheirownlives,andwereproudthathe
wasbraverandstrongerthantheirneighbors'sons.
Earlyonemorning,UraschimaTarowenttohaulinhisnets,whichhadbeensetthenightbefore.In
oneofthem,amongsomefishes,hefoundasmallturtle.Thisheplacedintheboat,byitself,whereit
wouldsafelykeep,untilhecouldtakeithome.Tohisamazement,theturtlebeggedforitslifeinmost
pitifultones."OfwhatuseamItoyou?"itasked."Iamtoosmalltoeat,andsoyoungthatitwilltake
mealongtimetogrow.Havemercyandputmebackintothesea,forIdonotwanttodie."Uraschima
Tarohadaverykindheartandcouldnotbeartoseeanythingthatwassmallandhelplesssuffer;sohe
didastheturtleaskedhim.
Severalyearsafterthis,whenUraschimaTarowasonedayfaroutatsea,aterriblewhirlwindstruck
hisboatandshatteredit.Hewasagoodswimmer,andmanagedforalongtimetomakeprogress
towardtheland;butashewassofarfromshoreintheroughsea,hisstrengthatlastgaveoutandhe
felthimselfsinking.Justashehadgivenuphope,andthoughtthathewouldneverseehisdearparents
again,heheardhisnamecalledandsawalargeturtleswimmingtowardhim.
"Climbonmyback,"shoutedtheturtle,"andIwillcarryyoutoland."WhenUraschimaTarowas
safelysittingontheturtle'sbackitcontinued:"Iamtheturtlewhoselifeyousavedwhenyoufound
me,littleandhelpless,inyournet,andIamgladofthisopportunitytoshowthatIamnotungrateful."
Beforetheyreachedtheshore,theturtleaskedUraschimaTarohowhewouldliketobeshownsomeof
thewonderfulbeautieshiddenunderthesea.Theyoungfishermanrepliedthattheexperiencewould
pleasehim.Inamomenttheywere[page434]shootingdownthroughthegreenwater.Heclungtothe
turtle'sback,whocarriedhimmany,manyfathomsbelow.Afterthreenightstheyreachedthebottom
ofthesea,andcametoawonderfulpalaceofgoldandcrystal.Coralandpearlsandpreciousstones
dazzledhiseyes;butinside,thepalacewasmorebeautifulstill,andblazingfishscaleslightedit.
399
"This,"saidtheturtle,"isthepalaceoftheseagod.Iamawaitingmaidtohislovelydaughter,the
Princess."
TheturtlewenttoannouncethearrivalofUraschimaTarotothePrincess,andsoonreturning,ledhim
toherpresence.Shewassobeautifulthatwhensheaskedhimtoremaininthepalacehegladly
consented.
"Donotleaveme,andyoushallalwaysbeashandsomeasyouarenow,andoldagecannotcometo
you,"shesaid.
SoithappenedthatUraschimaTarolivedinthemarvelouspalaceatthebottomoftheseawiththe
daughteroftheseagod.Hewassohappythatthetimepassedbyunheeded.Howlonghedweltthere
hecouldnothavetold.Butonedayhethoughtofhisparents;thenherememberedthattheymustbe
troubledbyhisabsence.Thethoughtofthemkeptcomingtohimcontinually,andthelongingtosee
themgrewsostrongthatatlasthetoldthePrincesshemustgotovisitthem.Shebeggedhimnotto
leaveherandweptbitterly.
"Ifyougo,Ishallneverseeyouagain,"shesobbed.
Buthetoldherthathemustseehisfatherandmotheronceagain;thenhewouldreturntothepalacein
thesea,tobewithheralways.Whenshefoundthatshecouldnotpersuadehimtoremain,shegave
himasmallgoldbox,which,shetoldhim,hemustonnoaccountopen.
"Ifyouheedmywords,"saidshe,"youmaycomebacktome.Whenyouareready,theturtlewillbe
theretobringyou;butifyouforgetwhatIhavetoldyou,Ishallneverseeyouagain."
UraschimaTarofondlyassuredherthatnothingintheworldshouldkeephimfromher,andbadeher
farewell.Mountingtheturtle'sback,hesoonleftthepalacefarbelow.Forthreedaysandthreenights
theyswam,andthentheturtlelefthimonthefamiliarsandsnearhisoldhome.
[page435]
Heeagerlyrantothevillageandlookedaboutforsomeofhiscomrades.Allofthefaceswerestrange,
andeventhehousesseemeddifferent.Thechildren,playinginthestreetwherehehadlived,hehad
neverseenbefore.Stoppinginfrontofhisownhouse,heregardeditwithasinkingheart.Therewas
thesoundofmusicfromawindowabove,andastrangewomanopenedthedoortohim.Shecouldtell
himnothingofhisparents,andhadneverheardtheirnames.Everyonewhomhequestionedlookedat
himcuriously.Atlasthewanderedfromthevillageandcametotheburyingground.Searchingabout
amongthegraves,hesoonfoundhimselfbesideastonebearingthedearnameshesought.Thedate
showedhimthathisfatherandmotherhaddiedsoonafterheleftthem;andthenhediscoveredthathe
hadbeenawayfromhishomethreehundredyears.Bowedwithsorrow,hewentbacktothecity.At
eachstephehopedtowakeandfinditalladream,butthepeopleandstreetswerereal.
HethoughtofthePrincess,andrememberedthegoldboxshehadgiventohim.Itmightbethathewas
undersomecruelenchantment,andthatthisboxcontainedthecharmtobreakthespell.Heeagerly
raisedthecover,andapurplevaporescapedandlefttheboxempty.Tohisalarm,henoticedthatthe
handthatheldithadshriveledandgrownsuddenlyold.Tremblingwithhorror,herantoastreamof
waterwhichrandownfromthemountain,andsawreflectedinitswatersthefaceofamummy.
Hecrawledfearfullybacktothevillage,andnoonerecognizedhimasthestrongyouthwhohad
entereditafewhoursbefore.Nearlyexhausted;hefinallyreachedtheshore,wherehesatwearilyona
rockandcriedtotheturtle.Buthecalledtoitinvain;theturtlenevercame,andsoonhisquavering
voicewashushedindeath.
400
Beforehedied,thepeopleofthevillagegatheredabouthimandlistenedtohisstrangestory.Long
afterwardtheytoldtheirchildrenoftheyoungmanwho,fortheloveofhisparents,leftamarvelous
palaceinthesea,andaPrincessmorebeautifulthantheday.
[page436]
EASTINDIANSTORIES
THESONOFSEVENQUEENS
O
NCEuponatimetherelivedaKingwhohadsevenQueens,butnochildren.Thiswasagreatgriefto
him,especiallywhenherememberedthatonhisdeaththerewouldbenoheirtoinheritthekingdom.
NowithappenedonedaythatapooroldfakircametotheKingandsaid,"Yourprayersareheard,your
desireshallbeaccomplished,andoneofyoursevenQueensshallbearason."
TheKing'sdelightatthispromiseknewnobounds,andhegaveordersforappropriatefestivitiestobe
preparedagainstthecomingeventthroughoutthelengthandbreadthoftheland.
MeanwhilethesevenQueenslivedluxuriouslyinasplendidpalace,attendedbyhundredsoffemale
slaves,andfedtotheirhearts'contentonsweetmeatsandconfectionery.
NowtheKingwasveryfondofhunting,andoneday,beforehestarted,thesevenQueenssenthima
messagesaying,"Mayitpleaseourdearestlordnottohunttowardthenorthtoday,forwehave
dreamedbaddreams,andfearlestevilshouldbefallyou."
TheKing,toallaytheiranxiety,promisedregardfortheirwishes,andsetouttowardthesouth;butas
luckwouldhaveit,althoughhehunteddiligently,hefoundnogame.Norhadhemoresuccesstothe
eastorwest,sothat,beingakeensportsman,anddeterminednottogohomeemptyhanded,heforgot
allabouthispromiseandturnedtothenorth.Herealsohewasatfirstunsuccessful,butjustashehad
madeuphismindtogiveupforthatday,awhitehindwithgolden[page437]hornsandsilverhoofs
flashedpasthimintoathicket.Soquicklydiditpassthathescarcelysawit;nevertheless,aburning
desiretocaptureandpossessthebeautifulstrangecreaturefilledhisbreast.Heinstantlyorderedhis
attendantstoformaringroundthethicket,andsoencirclethehind;then,graduallynarrowingthe
circle,hepressedforwardtillhecoulddistinctlyseethewhitehindpantinginthemidst.Nearerand
nearerheadvanced,tilljustashethoughttolayholdofthebeautifulstrangecreature,itgaveone
mightybound,leapedcleanovertheKing'shead,andfledtowardthemountains.Forgetfulofallelse,
theKing,settingspurstohishorse,followedatfullspeed.On,onhegalloped,leavinghisretinuefar
behind,keepingthewhitehindinview,neverdrawingbridleuntil,findinghimselfinanarrowravine
withnooutlet,hereinedinhissteed.Beforehimstoodamiserablehovel,intowhich,beingtiredafter
hislong,unsuccessfulchase,heenteredtoaskforadrinkofwater.Anoldwoman,seatedinthehutat
aspinningwheel,answeredhisrequestbycallingtoherdaughter,andimmediatelyfromaninnerroom
401
cameamaidensolovelyandcharming,sowhiteskinnedandgoldenhaired,thattheKingwas
transfixedbyastonishmentatseeingsobeautifulasightinthewretchedhovel.
SheheldthevesselofwatertotheKing'slips,andashedrankhelookedintohereyes,andthenit
becamecleartohimthatthegirlwasnootherthanthewhitehindwiththegoldenhornsandsilverfeet
hehadchasedsofar.
Herbeautybewitchedhim,sohefellonhisknees,begginghertoreturnwithhimashisbride;butshe
onlylaughed,sayingsevenQueenswerequiteenoughevenforaKingtomanage.However,whenhe
wouldtakenorefusal,butimploredhertohavepityonhim,promisinghereverythingshecoulddesire,
shereplied,"GivemetheeyesofyoursevenQueens,andthenperhapsImaybelieveyoumeanwhat
yousay."
TheKingwassocarriedawaybytheglamorofthewhitehind'smagicalbeautythathewenthomeat
once,hadtheeyesofhissevenQueenstakenout,and,afterthrowingthepoorblindcreaturesintoa
noisomedungeonwhencetheycouldnotescape,setoffoncemoreforthehovelintheravine,bearing
[page438]withhimhishorribleoffering.Butthewhitehindonlylaughedcruellywhenshesawthe
fourteeneyes,andthreadingthemasanecklace,flungitroundhermother'sneck,saying,"Wearthat,
littlemother,asakeepsake,whileIamawayintheKing'spalace."
ThenshewentbackwiththebewitchedMonarch,ashisbride,andhegaveherthesevenQueens'rich
clothesandjewelstowear,thesevenQueens'palacetolivein,andthesevenQueens'slavestowait
uponher;sothatshereallyhadeverythingevenawitchcoulddesire.
Now,verysoonafterthesevenwretchedhaplessQueenshadtheireyestornout,andwerecastinto
prison,ababywasborntotheyoungestoftheQueens.Itwasahandsomeboy,buttheotherQueens
wereveryjealousthattheyoungestamongthemshouldbesofortunate.Butthoughatfirstthey
dislikedthehandsomelittleboy,hesoonprovedsousefultothem,thaterelongtheyalllookedonhim
astheirson.Almostassoonashecouldwalkabouthebeganscrapingatthemudwalloftheir
dungeon,andinanincrediblyshortspaceoftimehadmadeaholebigenoughforhimtocrawl
through.Throughthishedisappeared,returninginanhourorsoladenwithsweetmeats,whichhe
dividedequallyamongthesevenblindQueens.
Ashegrewolderheenlargedthehole,andslippedouttwoorthreetimeseverydaytoplaywiththe
littlenoblesinthetown.Nooneknewwhothetinyboywas,buteverybodylikedhim,andhewasso
fulloffunnytricksandantics,somerryandbright,thathewassuretoberewardedbysomegirdle
cakes,ahandfulofparchedgrain,orsomesweetmeats.Allthese,thingshebroughthometohisseven
mothers,ashelovedtocallthesevenblindQueens,whobyhishelplivedonintheirdungeonwhenall
theworldthoughttheyhadstarvedtodeathagesbefore.
Atlast,whenhewasquiteabiglad,heonedaytookhisbowandarrow,andwentouttoseekfor
game.Comingbychancepastthepalacewherethewhitehindlivedinwickedsplendorand
magnificence,hesawsomepigeonsflutteringroundthewhitemarbleturrets,and,takinggoodaim,
shotonedead.Itcametumblingpasttheverywindowwherethe[page439]whiteQueenwassitting;
sherosetoseewhatwasthematter,andlookedout.Atthefirstglanceofthehandsomeyounglad
standingtherebowinhand,sheknewbywitchcraftthatitwastheKing'sson.
Shenearlydiedofenvyandspite,determiningtodestroytheladwithoutdelay;therefore,sendinga
servanttobringhimtoherpresence,sheaskedhimifhewouldsellherthepigeonhehadjustshot.
"No,"repliedthesturdylad,"thepigeonisformysevenblindmothers,wholiveinthenoisome
dungeon,andwhowoulddieifIdidnotbringthemfood."
"Poorsouls!"criedthecunningwhitewitch."Wouldyounotliketobringthemtheireyesagain?Give
methepigeon,mydear,andIfaithfullypromisetoshowyouwheretofindthem."
402
Hearingthis,theladwasdelightedbeyondmeasure,andgaveupthepigeonatonce.Whereuponthe
whiteQueentoldhimtoseekhermotherwithoutdelay,andaskfortheeyeswhichsheworeasa
necklace.
"Shewillnotfailtogivethem,"saidthecruelQueen,"ifyoushowherthistokenonwhichIhave
writtenwhatIwantdone."
Sosaying,shegavetheladapieceofbrokenpotsherd,withthesewordsinscribedonit,"Killthe
beareratonce,andsprinklehisbloodlikewater!"
Now,asthesonofsevenQueenscouldnotread,hetookthefatalmessagecheerfully,andsetoffto
findthewhiteQueen'smother.
Whilehewasjourneyinghepassedthroughatownwhereeveryoneoftheinhabitantslookedsosad
thathecouldnothelpaskingwhatwasthematter.TheytoldhimitwasbecausetheKing'sonly
daughterrefusedtomarry;thereforewhenherfatherdiedtherewouldbenoheirtothethrone.They
greatlyfearedshemustbeoutofhermind,forthougheverygoodlookingyoungmaninthekingdom
hadbeenshowntoher,shedeclaredshewouldonlymarryonewhowasthesonofsevenmothers,and
whohadeverheardofsuchathing?TheKing,indespair,hadorderedeverymanwhoentered
[page440]thecitygatestobeledbeforethePrincess;so,muchtothelad'simpatience,forhewasin
animmensehurrytofindhismothers'eyes,hewasdraggedintothepresencechamber.
NosoonerdidthePrincesscatchsightofhimthansheblushed,and,turningtotheKing,said,"Dear
father,thisismychoice!"
Neverweresuchrejoicingsasthesefewwordsproduced.Theinhabitantsnearlywentwildwithjoy,
butthesonofsevenQueenssaidhewouldnotmarrythePrincessunlesstheyfirstlethimrecoverhis
mothers'eyes.Whenthebeautifulbrideheardhisstory,sheaskedtoseethepotsherd,forshewasvery
learnedandclever.Seeingthetreacherouswords,shesaidnothing,buttakinganothersimilarshaped
bitofpotsherd,shewroteonitthesewords,"Takecareofthislad,givinghimallhedesires,"and
returnedittothesonofsevenQueens,who,nonethewiser,setoffonhisquest.
Erelonghearrivedatthehovelintheravinewherethewhitewitch'smother,ahideousoldcreature,
grumbleddreadfullyonreadingthemessage,especiallywhentheladaskedforthenecklaceofeyes.
Neverthelessshetookitoffandgaveithim,saying,"Thereareonlythirteenof'emnow,forIlostone
lastweek."
Thelad,however,wasonlytoogladtogetanyatall,sohehurriedhomeasfastashecouldtohis
sevenmothers,andgavetwoeyesapiecetothesixelderQueens;buttotheyoungesthegaveone,
saying,"Dearestlittlemother!Iwillbeyourothereyealways!"
AfterthishesetofftomarrythePrincess,ashehadpromised,butwhenpassingbythewhiteQueen's
palacehesawsomepigeonsontheroof.Drawinghisbow,heshotone,anditcameflutteringpastthe
window.Thewhitehindlookedout,andlo!therewastheKing'ssonaliveandwell.
Shecriedwithhatredanddisgust,butsendingforthelad,askedhimhowhehadreturnedsosoon,and
whensheheardhowhehadbroughthomethethirteeneyes,andgiventhemtothesevenblindQueens,
shecouldhardlyrestrainherrage.Neverthelessshepretendedtobecharmedwithhissuccess,andtold
himthatifhewouldgiveherthispigeon[page441]also,shewouldrewardhimwiththeJogi's
wonderfulcow,whosemilkflowsalldaylong,andmakesapondasbigasakingdom.Thelad,
nothingloth,gaveherthepigeon;whereupon,asbefore,shebadehimgoandaskhermotherforthe
cow,andgavehimapotsherdwhereonwaswritten,"Killthisladwithoutfail,andsprinklehisblood
likewater!"
ButonthewaythesonofsevenQueenslookedinonthePrincess,justtotellherhowhecametobe
delayed,andshe,afterreadingthemessageonthepotsherd,gavehimanotherinitsstead;sothatwhen
403
theladreachedtheoldhag'shutandaskedherfortheJogi'scow,shecouldnotrefuse,buttoldtheboy
howtofindit;andbiddinghimofallthingsnottobeafraidoftheeighteenthousanddemonswhokept
watchandwardoverthetreasure,toldhimtobeoffbeforeshebecametooangryatherdaughter's
foolishnessinthusgivingawaysomanygoodthings.
Thentheladbravelydidashehadbeentold.Hejourneyedonandontillhecametoamilkwhite
pond,guardedbytheeighteenthousanddemons.Theywerereallyfrightfultobehold,but,pluckingup
courage,hewhistledatuneashewalkedthroughthem,lookingneithertotherightnortheleft.Byand
byhecameupontheJogi'scow,tall,white,andbeautiful,whiletheJogihimself,whowaskingofall
thedemons,satmilkingherdayandnight,andthemilkstreamedfromherudder,fillingthemilkwhite
tank.
TheJogi,seeingthelad,calledoutfiercely,"Whatdoyouwanthere?"
Thentheladanswered,accordingtotheoldhag'sbidding,"Iwantyourskin,forKingIndraismaking
anewkettledrum,andsaysyourskinisniceandtough."
UponthistheJogibegantoshiverandshake(fornoJinnorJogidaresdisobeyKingIndra'scommand),
and,fallingatthelad'sfeet,cried,"IfyouwillsparemeIwillgiveyouanythingIpossess,evenmy
beautifulwhitecow!"
TothisthesonofsevenQueens,afteralittlepretendedhesitation,agreed,sayingthatafterallitwould
notbedifficulttofindanicetoughskinliketheJogi'selsewhere;sodrivingthewonderfulcowbefore
him,hesetoffhomeward.
[page442]
ThesevenQueensweredelightedtopossesssomarvelousananimal,andthoughtheytoiledfrom
morningtillnightmakingcurdsandwhey,besidessellingmilktotheconfectioners,theycouldnotuse
halfthecowgave,andbecamericherandricherdaybyday.
Seeingthemsocomfortablyoff,thesonofsevenQueensstartedwithalighthearttomarrythe
Princess;butwhenpassingthewhitehind'spalacehecouldnotresistsendingaboltatsomepigeons
thatwerecooingontheparapet.OnefelldeadjustbeneaththewindowwherethewhiteQueenwas
sitting.Lookingout,shesawthelad,haleandhearty,standingbeforeher,andgrewwhiterthanever
withrageandspite.
Shesentforhimtoaskhowhehadreturnedsosoon,andwhensheheardhowkindlyhermotherhad
receivedhim,sheverynearlyhadafit.However,shedissembledherfeelingsaswellasshecould,and,
smilingsweetly,saidshewasgladtohavebeenabletofulfilherpromise,andthatifhewouldgiveher
thisthirdpigeon,shewoulddoyetmoreforhimthanshehaddonebefore,bygivinghimthe
millionfoldrice,whichripensinonenight.
Theladwasofcoursedelightedattheveryidea,and,givingupthepigeon,setoffonhisquest,armed
asbeforewithapotsherd,onwhichwaswritten,"Donotfailthistime.Killthelad,andsprinklehis
bloodlikewater!"
ButwhenhelookedinonhisPrincess,justtopreventherbecominganxiousabouthim,sheaskedto
seethepotsherdasusual,andsubstitutedanother,onwhichwaswritten,"Yetagaingivethisladallhe
requires,forhisbloodshallbeasyourblood!"
Nowwhentheoldhagsawthis,andheardhowtheladwantedthemillionfoldricewhichripensina
singlenight,shefellintothemostfuriousrage,butbeingterriblyafraidofherdaughter,shecontrolled
herself,andbadetheboygoandfindthefieldguardedbyeighteenmillionsofdemons,warninghim
onnoaccounttolookbackafterhavingpluckedthetallestspikeofrice,whichgrewinthecenter.
404
SothesonofsevenQueenssetoff,andsooncametothefieldwhere,guardedbyeighteenmillionsof
demons,themillionfold[page443]ricegrew.Hewalkedonbravely,lookingneithertotherightnor
left,tillhereachedthecenterandpluckedthetallestear,butasheturnedhomewardathousandsweet
voicesrosebehindhim,cryingintenderestaccents,"Pluckmetoo!oh,pleasepluckmetoo!"He
lookedback,andlo!therewasnothingleftofhimbutalittleheapofashes!
Nowastimepassedbyandtheladdidnotreturn,theoldhaggrewuneasy,rememberingthemessage
"Hisbloodshallbeasyourblood";soshesetofftoseewhathadhappened.
Soonshecametotheheapofashes,andknowingbyherartswhatitwas,shetookalittlewater,and
kneadingtheashesintoapaste,formeditintothelikenessofaman;then,puttingadropofbloodfrom
herlittlefingerintoitsmouth,sheblewonit,andinstantlythesonofsevenQueensstartedupaswell
asever.
"Don'tyoudisobeyordersagain!"grumbledtheoldhag,"ornexttimeI'llleaveyoualone.Nowbeoff,
beforeIrepentofmykindness!"
SothesonofsevenQueensreturnedjoyfullytohissevenmothers,who,bytheaidofthemillionfold
rice,soonbecametherichestpeopleinthekingdom.Thentheycelebratedtheirson'smarriagetothe
cleverPrincesswithallimaginablepomp;butthebridewassoclever,shewouldnotrestuntilshehad
madeknownherhusbandtohisfather,andpunishedthewickedwhitewitch.Soshemadeherhusband
buildapalaceexactlyliketheoneinwhichthesevenQueenshadlived,andinwhichthewhitewitch
nowdweltinsplendor.Then,whenallwasprepared,shebadeherhusbandgiveagrandfeasttothe
King.NowtheKinghadheardmuchofthemysterioussonofsevenqueens,andhismarvelouswealth,
sohegladlyacceptedtheinvitation;butwhatwashisastonishmentwhenonenteringthepalacehe
founditwasafacsimileofhisownineveryparticular!Andwhenhishost,richlyattired,ledhim
straighttotheprivatehall,whereonroyalthronessatthesevenQueens,dressedashehadlastseen
them,hewasspeechlesswithsurprise,untilthePrincess,comingforward,threwherselfathisfeetand
toldhimthewholestory.ThentheKingawokefromhisenchantment,andhisangerroseagainst
[page444]thewickedwhitehindwhohadbewitchedhimsolong,untilhecouldnotcontainhimself.
Soshewasputtodeath,andhergraveplowedover,andafterthatthesevenQueensreturnedtotheir
ownsplendidpalace,andeverybodylivedhappily.
WHOKILLEDTHEOTTER'SBABIES
ADAPTEDBYWALTERSKEAT
T
HEOttersaidtotheMousedeer,"FriendMousedeer,willyoubesogoodastotakechargeofthe
childrentillIcomeback?Iamgoingdowntotherivertocatchfish,andwhenIcomeback,I'llshare
thecatchwithyou."TheMousedeerreplied,"Verywell!goalong,andI'lllookafterthechildren."So
theOtterwentdowntotherivertocatchfish.
(HerethestoryofWhattheOtterDidstopsandthestoryofWhatHappenedwhentheWoodpecker
SoundedtheWargongcommences.)TheMousedeerwasChiefDanceroftheWardance,andashe
dancedhetrodontheOtter'sbabiesandcrushedthemflat.PresentlytheOtterreturnedhome,bringing
astringoffishwithhim.Oharrivinghesawthathischildrenhadbeenkilled,andexclaimed,"How
comesit,FriendMousedeer,thatmybabieshavedied?"TheMousedeerreplied:"TheWoodpecker
405
cameandsoundedthewargong,andI,beingChiefWarDancer,danced;and,forgettingaboutyour
children,Itroduponthemandcrushedthemflat."
OnhearingthistheOtterwentandmadecomplaintuntoKingSolomon,prostratinghimselfand
saying:"YourMajesty'smosthumbleslavecravespardonforpresumingtoaddressyourMajesty,but
FriendMousedeerhasmurderedyourslave'schildren,andyourslavedesirestolearnwhetherheis
guiltyornotaccordingtotheLawoftheLand."KingSolomonreplied,saying,"IftheMousedeerhath
donethisthingwittingly,assuredlyheisguiltyofdeath."ThenhesummonedtheMousedeerbefore
him.
[page445]
AndwhentheMousedeercameintothepresenceoftheKing,theKinginquiredoftheOtter,"Whatis
yourchargeagainsthim?"TheOtterreplied,"Yourslaveaccuseshimofthemurderofyourslave's
children;yourslavewouldheartheLawoftheLand."ThentheKingsaiduntotheMousedeer,"Was
ityourdoingthattheOtter'schildrenwerekilled?"TheMousedeerreplied,"Assuredlyitwas,butI
cravepardonfordoingso.""Howwasit,then,"saidtheKing,"thatyoucametokillthem?"The
Mousedeerreplied,"YourslavecametokillthembecausetheWoodpeckerappearedandsoundedthe
Wargong.Yourslave,asyourMajestyisaware,isChiefDanceroftheWardance;thereforeyour
slavedanced,and,forgettingabouttheOtter'schildren,yourslavetroduponthemandcrushedthem
flat."HeretheKingsentfortheWoodpeckeralso,andtheWoodpeckercamebeforehim."Wasityou,
Woodpecker,"saidtheKing,"whosoundedthewargong?""Assuredlyitwas,"saidtheWoodpecker,
"forasmuchasyourslavesawtheGreatLizardwearinghissword."TheKingreplied,"Ifthatisthe
case,thereisnofaulttobefoundintheWoodpecker"(fortheWoodpeckerwasChiefBeaterofthe
Wargong).ThentheKingcommandedtheGreatLizardtobesummoned,andwhenhearrived,the
Kinginquired,"Wasityou,Lizard,wearingyoursword?"TheGreatLizardreplied,"Assuredlyitwas,
yourMajesty.""Andwhywereyouwearingyoursword?"TheGreatLizardreplied,"Yourslavewore
itforasmuchasyourslavesawthattheTortoisehaddonnedhiscoatofmail."SotheTortoisewas
summonedlikewise."Whydidyou,Tortoise,donyourcoatofmail?"TheTortoisereplied,"Your
slavedonneditforasmuchasyourslavesawtheKingcrabtrailinghisthreeedgedpike."Thenthe
Kingcrabwassentfor."Whywereyou,Kingcrab,trailingyourthreeedgedpike?""Becauseyour
slavesawthattheCrayfishhadshoulderedhislance."ThentheKingsentfortheCrayfish,andsaid,
"Wasityou,Crayfish,whowasshoulderingyourlance?"AndtheCrayfishreplied,"Assuredlyitwas,
yourMajesty.""Andwhydidyoushoulderit?""BecauseyourslavesawtheOttercomingdownto
devouryourslave'sownchildren.""Oh,"[page446]saidKingSolomon,"ifthatisthecase,you,Otter
aretheguiltyparty,andyourcomplaintofyourchildren'sdeathcannotbesustainedagainsttheMouse
deerbytheLawoftheLand."
THEALLIGATORANDTHEJACKAL
ADAPTEDBYM.FRERE
A
HUNGRYJackaloncewentdowntotheriversideinsearchoflittlecrabs,bitsoffish,andwhatever
elsehecouldfindforhisdinner.NowitchancedthatinthisrivertherelivedagreatbigAlligator,who,
beingalsoveryhungry,wouldhavebeenextremelygladtoeattheJackal.
TheJackalranupanddown,hereandthere,butforalongtimecouldfindnothingtoeat.Atlast,close
towheretheAlligatorwaslyingamongsometallbulrushesundertheclear,shallowwater,hesawa
406
littlecrabsidlingalongasfastashislegscouldcarryhim.TheJackalwassohungrythatwhenhesaw
thishepokedhispawintothewatertotrytocatchthecrab,whensnap!theoldAlligatorcaughthold
ofhim."Oh,dear!"thoughttheJackaltohimself,"whatcanIdo?Thisgreat,bigAlligatorhascaught
mypawinhismouth,andinanotherminutehewilldragmedownbyitunderthewaterandkillme.
Myonlychanceistomakehimthinkhehasmadeamistake."Sohecalledoutinacheerfulvoice:
"CleverAlligator,cleverAlligator,tocatchholdofabulrushrootinsteadofmypaw!Ihopeyoufindit
verytender."TheAlligator,whowassoburiedamongthebulrushesthathecouldhardlysee,thought,
onhearingthis:"Dearme,howtiresome!IfanciedIhadcaughtholdoftheJackal'spaw;buttherehe
is,callingoutinacheerfulvoice.IsupposeImusthaveseizedabulrushrootinstead,ashesays,"and
helettheJackalgo.
TheJackalranawayasfastashecould,crying,"OwiseAlligator,wiseAlligator!Soyouletmego
again!"
[page447]
ThentheAlligatorwasverymuchvexed,buttheJackalhadrunawaytoofartobecaught.Nextday
theJackalreturnedtotheriversidetogethisdinnerasbefore;butbecausehewasverymuchafraidof
theAlligatorhecalledout:"WheneverIgotolookformydinner,Iseethenicelittlecrabspeepingup
throughthemud;thenIcatchthemandeatthem.IwishIcouldseeonenow."
TheAlligator,whowasburiedinthemudatthebottomoftheriver,heardeveryword.Sohepopped
thelittlepointofhissnoutaboveit,thinking:"IfIdobutjustshowthetipofmynose,theJackalwill
takemeforacrabandputinhispawtocatchme,andassoonaseverhedoesI'llgobblehimup."
ButnosoonerdidtheJackalseethelittletipoftheAlligator'snosethanhecalledout,"Aha,myfriend!
thereyouare.Nodinnerformeinthispartoftheriver,then,Ithink."Andsosaying,heranfartheron
andfishedforhisdinneralongwayfromthatplace.TheAlligatorwasveryangryatmissinghispreya
secondtime,anddeterminednottolethimescapeagain.
Soonthefollowingday,whenhislittletormentorreturnedtothewaterside,theAlligatorhidhimself
closetothebank,inordertocatchhimifhecould.NowtheJackalwasratherafraidofgoingnearthe
river,forhethought,"PerhapstheAlligatorwillcatchmetoday."Butyet,beinghungry,hedidnot
wishtogowithouthisdinner;sotomakeallassafeashecould,hecried:"Whereareallthelittlecrabs
gone?ThereisnotonehereandIamsohungry;andgenerally,evenwhentheyareunderwater,one
canseethemgoingbubble,bubble,bubble,andallthelittlebubblesgopop!pop!pop!"Onhearing
thistheAlligator,whowasburiedinthemudundertheriverbank,thought:"Iwillpretendtobealittle
crab."Andhebegantoblow,"Puff,puff,puff!Bubble,bubble,bubble!"andallthegreatbubbles
rushedtothesurfaceoftheriverandburstthere,andthewaterseddiedroundandroundlikea
whirlpool;andtherewassuchacommotionwhenthehugemonsterbegantoblowbubblesinthisway
thattheJackalsawverywellwhomustbethere,andheranawayasfastashecould,saying,"Thank
you,kindAlligator,thank[page448]you;thankyou!Indeed,IwouldnothavecomeherehadIknown
youweresoclose."
ThisenragedtheAlligatorextremely;itmadehimquitecrosstothinkofbeingsooftendeceivedbya
littleJackal,andhesaidtohimself,"Iwillbetakeninnomore.NexttimeIwillbeverycunning."So
foralongtimehewaitedandwaitedfortheJackaltoreturntotheriverside;buttheJackaldidnot
come,forhehadthoughttohimself:"Ifmattersgooninthisway,Ishallsomedaybecaughtandeaten
bythewickedoldAlligator.Ihadbettercontentmyselfwithlivingonwildfigs,"andhewentnomore
neartheriver,butstayedinthejunglesandatewildfigs,androotswhichhedugupwithhispaws.
WhentheAlligatorfoundthisout,hedeterminedtotryandcatchtheJackalonland;so,goingunder
thelargestofthewildfigtrees,wherethegroundwascoveredwiththefallenfruit,hecollecteda
quantityofittogether,and,buryinghimselfunderthegreatheap,waitedfortheJackaltoappear.But
nosoonerdidthecunninglittleanimalseethisgreatheapofwildfigsallcollectedtogetherthanhe
thought,"ThatlooksverylikemyfriendtheAlligator."Andtodiscoverifitweresoornot,hecalled
407
out:"ThejuicylittlewildfigsIlovetoeatalwaystumbledownfromthetree,androllhereandthereas
thewinddrivesthem;butthisgreatheapoffigsisquitestill;thesecannotbegoodfigs;Iwillnoteat
anyofthem.""Ho,ho!"thoughttheAlligator,"isthatall?HowsuspiciousthisJackalis!Iwillmake
thefigsrollaboutalittle,then,andwhenheseesthat,hewilldoubtlesscomeandeatthem."
Sothegreatbeastshookhimself,andalltheheapoflittlefigswentroll,roll,rollsomeamilethis
way,someamilethat,fartherthantheyhadeverrolledbeforeorthanthemostblusteringwindcould
havedriventhem.
Seeingthis,theJackalscamperedaway,saying:"Iamsomuchobligedtoyou,Alligator,forlettingme
knowyouarethere,forindeedIshouldhardlyhaveguessedit.Youweresoburiedunderthatheapof
figs."TheAlligator,hearingthis,wassoangrythatheranaftertheJackal,[page449]butthelatterran
very,veryfastaway,tooquicklytobecaught.
ThentheAlligatorsaidtohimself:"Iwillnotallowthatlittlewretchtomakefunofmeanothertime
andthenrunawayoutofreach;IwillshowhimthatIcanbemorecunningthanhefancies."Andearly
thenextmorninghecrawledasfastashecouldtotheJackal'sden(whichwasaholeinthesideofa
hill)andcreptintoit,andhidhimself,waitingfortheJackal,whowasout,toreturnhome.Butwhen
theJackalgotneartheplace,helookedabouthimandthought:"Dearme!thegroundlooksasifsome
heavycreaturehadbeenwalkingoverit,andherearegreatclodsofearthknockeddownfromeach
sideofthedoorofmyden,asifaverybiganimalhadbeentryingtosqueezehimselfthroughit.I
certainlywillnotgoinsideuntilIknowthatallissafethere."Sohecalledout:"Littlehouse,pretty
house,mysweetlittlehouse,whydoyounotgiveananswerwhenIcall?IfIcome,andallissafeand
right,youalwayscallouttome.Isanythingwrong,thatyoudonotspeak?"
ThentheAlligator,whowasinside,thought,"IfthatisthecaseIhadbettercallout,thathemayfancy
allisrightinhishouse."Andinasgentleavoiceashecould,hesaid,"SweetlittleJackal."
AthearingthesewordstheJackalfeltquitefrightened,andthoughttohimself:"Sothedreadfulold
Alligatoristhere.ImusttrytokillhimifIcan,forifIdonothewillcertainlycatchandkillmesome
day."Hethereforeanswered:"Thankyou,mydearlittlehouse.Iliketohearyourprettyvoice.Iam
comingininaminute,butfirstImustcollectfirewoodtocookmydinner."Andheranasfastashe
could,anddraggedallthedrybranchesandbitsofstickhecouldfindcloseuptothemouthoftheden.
Meantime,theAlligatorinsidekeptasquietasamouse,buthecouldnothelplaughingalittleto
himselfashethought:"SoIhavedeceivedthistiresomelittleJackalatlast.Inafewminuteshewill
runinhere,andthenwon'tIsnaphimup!"
WhentheJackalhadgatheredtogetherallthestickshecouldfindandputthemroundthemouthofhis
den,heset[page450]themonfireandpushedthemasfarintoitaspossible.Therewassucha
quantityofthemthattheysoonblazedupintoagreatfire,andthesmokeandflamesfilledthedenand
smotheredthewickedoldAlligatorandburnedhimtodeath,whilethelittleJackalranupanddown
outsidedancingforjoyandsinging:
"Howdoyoulikemyhouse,myfriend?Isitniceandwarm?Dingdong!dingdong!TheAlligatoris
dying!dingdong,dingdong!Hewilltroublemenomore.Ihavedefeatedmyenemy!Ringating!
dingating!dingdingdong!"
THEFARMERANDTHEMONEYLENDER
T
408
HEREwasonceaFarmerwhosufferedmuchatthehandsofaMoneylender.Goodharvestsorbad
theFarmerwasalwayspoor,theMoneylenderrich.Atthelast,whenhehadn'tafarthingleft,the
FarmerwenttotheMoneylender'shouseandsaid,"Youcan'tsqueezewaterfromastone,and,asyou
havenothingtogetbymenow,youmighttellmethesecretofbecomingrich."
"Myfriend,"returnedtheMoneylenderpiously,"richescomefromRamaskhim."
"Thankyou,Iwill!"repliedthesimpleFarmer;sohepreparedthreegirdlecakestolasthimonthe
journey,andsetouttofindRam.
FirsthemetaBrahman,andtohimhegaveacake,askinghimtopointouttheroadtoRam;butthe
Brahmanonlytookthecake,andwentonhiswaywithoutaword.NexttheFarmermetayogi,or
devotee,andtohimhegaveacake,withoutreceivinganyhelpinreturn.Atlasthecameuponapoor
mansittingunderatree,andfindingouthewashungrythekindlyFarmergavehimhislastcake,and,
sittingdowntorestbesidehim,enteredintoconversation.
"Andwhereareyougoing?"askedthepoorman,atlength.
"Oh,Ihavealongjourneybeforeme,forIamgoingto[page451]findRam!"repliedtheFarmer."I
don'tsupposeyoucouldtellmewhichwaytogo?"
"PerhapsIcan,"saidthepoorman,smiling,"forIamRam!Whatdoyouwantofme?"
ThentheFarmertoldthewholestory,andRam,takingpityonhim,gavehimaconchshell,and
showedhimhowtoblowitinaparticularway,saying:"Remember!whateveryouwishfor,youhave
onlytoblowtheconchthatway,andyourwishwillbefulfilled.Only,haveacareofthatMoney
lender,forevenmagicisnotproofagainsthiswiles!"
TheFarmerwentbacktohisvillagerejoicing.Infact,theMoneylendernoticedhishighspiritsat
once,andsaidtohimself,"Somegoodfortunemusthavebefallenthestupidfellow,tomakehimhold
hisheadsojauntily."ThereforehewentovertothesimpleFarmer'shouse,andcongratulatedhimon
hisgoodfortuneinsuchcunningwords,pretendingtohaveheardallaboutit,thatbeforelongthe
Farmerfoundhimselftellingthewholestoryallexceptthesecretofblowingtheconch,for,withall
hissimplicity,theFarmerwasnotquitesuchafoolastotellthat.
Nevertheless,theMoneylenderdeterminedtohavetheconchbyhookorbycrook,and,ashewas
villainenoughnottostickattrifles,hewaitedforafavorableopportunityandstoletheconch.
But,afternearlyburstinghimselfwithblowingtheconchineveryconceivableway,hewasobligedto
giveupthesecretasabadjob.However,beingdeterminedtosucceed,hewentbacktotheFarmer,and
saidcoolly:"Lookhere!I'vegotyourconch,butIcan'tuseit;youhaven'tgotit,soit'sclearyoucan't
useiteither.Businessisatastandstillunlesswemakeabargain.Now,Ipromisetogiveyoubackyour
conch,andnevertointerferewithyourusingit,ononecondition,whichisthiswhateveryouget
fromit,Iamtogetdouble."
"Never!"criedtheFarmer;"thatwouldbetheoldbusinessalloveragain!"
"Notatall!"repliedthewilyMoneylender;"youwillhaveyourshare!Now,don'tbeadoginthe
manger,for,ifyougetallyouwant,whatcanitmattertoyouifIamrichorpoor?"
[page452]
Atlast,thoughitwentsorelyagainstthegraintobeofanybenefittoaMoneylender,theFarmerwas
forcedtoyield,andfromthattime,nomatterwhathegainedbythepoweroftheconch,theMoney
409
lendergaineddouble.Andtheknowledgethatthiswasso,preyedupontheFarmer'sminddayand
night,sothathehadnosatisfactionoutofanything.
AtlasttherecameaverydryseasonsodrythattheFarmer'scropswitheredforwantofrain.Thenhe
blewhisconch,andwishedforawelltowaterthem,andlo!therewasthewell,buttheMoneylender
hadtwo!twobeautifulnewwells!ThiswastoomuchforanyFarmertostand;andourfriend
broodedoverit,andbroodedoverit,tillatlastabrightideacameintohishead.Heseizedtheconch,
blewitloudly,andcriedout,"Oh,Ram!Iwishtobeblindofoneeye!"Andsohewas,inatwinkling,
buttheMoneylender,ofcourse,wasblindofboth,andintryingtosteerhiswaybetweenthetwonew
wellshefellintoone,andwasdrowned.
Now,thistruestoryshowsthataFarmeroncegotthebetterofaMoneylenderbutonlybylosing
oneofhiseyes.
TITFORTAT
ADAPTEDBYM.FRERE
T
HEREoncelivedaCamelandaJackalwhoweregreatfriends.OnedaytheJackalsaidtotheCamel,
"Iknowthatthereisafinefieldofsugarcaneontheothersideoftheriver.Ifyouwilltakemeacross,
I'llshowyoutheplace.Thisplanwillsuitmeaswellasyou.Youwillenjoyeatingthesugarcane,and
Iamsuretofindmanycrabs'bonesandbitsoffishbytheriverside,onwhichtomakeagooddinner."
TheCamelconsented,andswamacrosstheriver,takingtheJackal,whocouldnotswim,onhisback.
Whentheyreachedtheotherside,theCamelwenttoeatingthesugarcane,[page453]andtheJackal
ranupanddowntheriverbank,devouringallthecrabs,bitsoffish,andboneshecouldfind.
Butbeingamuchsmalleranimal,hehadmadeanexcellentmealbeforetheCamelhadeatenmore
thantwoorthreemouthfuls;andnosoonerhadhefinishedhisdinnerthanheranroundandroundthe
sugarcanefield,yelpingandhowlingwithallhismight.
Thevillagersheardhim,andthought,"Thereisajackalamongthesugarcanes;hewillbescratching
holesinthegroundandspoilingtherootsoftheplants."Andtheyallwentdowntotheplacetodrive
himaway.ButwhentheygottheretheyfoundtotheirsurprisenotonlyaJackal,butaCamelwhowas
eatingthesugarcanes!Thismadethemveryangry,andtheycaughtthepoorCamelanddrovehim
fromthefieldandbeathimandbeathimuntilhewasnearlydead.
Whentheyhadgone,theJackalsaidtotheCamel,"Wehadbettergohome."AndtheCamelsaid,
"Verywell;thenjumpuponmyback,asyoudidbefore."
SotheJackaljumpedupontheCamel'sback,andtheCamelbegantorecrosstheriver.Whentheyhad
gotwellintothewater,theCamelsaid:"Thisisaprettywayinwhichyouhavetreatedme,friend
Jackal.Nosoonerhadyoufinishedyourowndinnerthanyoumustgoyelpingabouttheplaceloud
enoughtoarousethewholevillage,andbringallthevillagersdowntobeatmeblackandblue,andturn
meoutofthefieldbeforeIhadeatentwomouthfuls!Whatintheworlddidyoumakesuchanoise
for?"
410
"Idon'tknow,"saidtheJackal."ItisacustomIhave.Ialwaysliketosingalittleafterdinner."
TheCamelwadedonthroughtheriver.Thewaterreacheduptohiskneesthenabovethemup,up,
up,higherandhigher,untilhewasobligedtoswim.ThenturningtotheJackal,hesaid,"Ifeelvery
anxioustoroll.""Oh,praydon't;whydoyouwishtodoso?"askedtheJackal."Idon'tknow,"
answeredtheCamel."ItisacustomIhave.Ialwaysliketohavealittlerollafterdinner."Sosaying,he
rolledoverinthewater,shakingtheJackaloffashedidso.AndtheJackalwasdrowned,butthe
Camelswamsafelyashore.
[page454]
SINGHRAJAHANDTHECUNNINGLITTLE
JACKALS
ADAPTEDBYM.FRERE
O
NCEuponatime,inagreatjungle,therelivedagreatlion.Hewasrajahofallthecountryround,and
everydayheusedtoleavehisden,inthedeepestshadowoftherocks,androarwithaloud,angry
voice;andwhenheroared,theotheranimalsinthejungle,whowereallhissubjects,gotverymuch
frightenedandranhereandthere;andSinghRajahwouldpounceuponthemandkillthem,andgobble
themupforhisdinner.
Thiswentonforalong,longtimeuntil,atlast,therewerenolivingcreaturesleftinthejunglebuttwo
littlejackalsaRajahJackalandaRaneeJackalhusbandandwife.
Averyhardtimeofitthepoorlittlejackalshad,runningthiswayandthattoescapetheterribleSingh
Rajah;andeverydaythelittleRaneeJackalwouldsaytoherhusband:"Iamafraidhewillcatchusto
day;doyouhearhowheisroaring?Oh,dear!oh,dear!"Andhewouldanswerher:"Neverfear;Iwill
takecareofyou.Letusrunonamileortwo.Come;comequick,quick,quick!"Andtheywouldboth
runawayasfastastheycould.
Aftersometimespentinthisway,theyfound,however,onefineday,thatthelionwassocloseupon
themthattheycouldnotescape.ThenthelittleRaneeJackalsaid:"Husband,husband,Ifeelmuch
frightened.TheSinghRajahissoangryhewillcertainlykillusatonce.Whatcanwedo?"Buthe
answered:"Cheerup;wecansaveourselvesyet.Come,andI'llshowyouhowwemaymanageit."
Sowhatdidthesecunninglittlejackalsdobuttheywenttothegreatlion'sden;and,whenhesawthem
coming,hebegantoroarandshakehismane,andhesaid:"Youlittlewretches,comeandbeeatenat
once!Ihavehadnodinnerforthreewholedays,andallthattimeIhavebeenrunningoverhilland
daletofindyou.Roaar!Roaar!Come[page455]andbeeaten,Isay!"andhelashedhistailand
gnashedhisteeth,andlookedveryterribleindeed.ThentheJackalRajah,creepingquitecloseupto
him,said:"Oh,greatSinghRajah,weallknowyouareourmaster,andwewouldhavecomeatyour
biddinglongago;but,indeed,sir,thereisamuchbiggerrajaheventhanyouinthisjungle,andhetried
tocatchholdofusandeatusup,andfrightenedussomuchthatwewereobligedtorunaway."
"Whatdoyoumean?"growledSinghRajah."Thereisnokinginthisjunglebutme!""Ah,sire,"
answeredthejackal,"intruthonewouldthinkso,foryouareverydreadful.Yourveryvoiceisdeath.
411
Butitisaswesay,forwe,withourowneyes,haveseenonewithwhomyoucouldnotcompete
whoseequalyoucannomorebethanweareyourswhosefaceisasflamingfire,hisstepasthunder,
andhispowersupreme.""Itisimpossible!"interruptedtheoldlion;"butshowmethisrajahofwhom
youspeaksomuch,thatImaydestroyhiminstantly!"
Thenthelittlejackalsranonbeforehimuntiltheyreachedagreatwell,and,pointingdowntohisown
reflectioninthewater,theysaid,"See,sire,therelivestheterriblekingofwhomwespoke."When
SinghRajahlookeddownthewellhebecameveryangry,forhethoughthesawanotherlionthere.He
roaredandshookhisgreatmane,andtheshadowlionshookhisandlookedterriblydefiant.Atlast,
besidehimselfwithrageattheviolenceofhisopponent,SinghRajahsprangdowntokillhimatonce,
butnootherlionwasthereonlythetreacherousreflectionandthesidesofthewellweresosteep
thathecouldnotgetoutagaintopunishthetwojackals,whopeepedoverthetop.Afterstrugglingfor
sometimeinthedeepwater,hesanktorisenomore.Andthelittlejackalsthrewstonesdownupon
himfromabove,anddancedroundandroundthewell,singing:"Ao!Ao!Ao!Ao!Thekingofthe
forestisdead,isdead!Wehavekilledthegreatlionwhowouldhavekilledus!Ao!Ao!Ao!Ao!Ring
atingdingating!Ringatingdingating!Ao!Ao!Ao!"
[page456]
AMERICANINDIANSTORIES
THEWHITESTONECANOE
ADAPTEDBYH.R.SCHOOLCRAFT
T
HEREwasonceaverybeautifulIndianmaiden,whodiedsuddenlyonthedayshewastohavebeen
marriedtoahandsomeyoungwarrior.Hewasalsobrave,buthisheartwasnotproofagainstthisloss.
Fromthehourshewasburied,therewasnomorejoyorpeaceforhim.
Hewentoftentovisitthespotwherethewomenhadburiedher,andsatmusingthere,when,itwas
thoughtbysomeofhisfriends,hewouldhavedonebettertotrytoamusehimselfinthechase,orby
divertinghisthoughtsinthewarpath.Butwarandhuntinghadbothlosttheircharmsforhim.Hisheart
wasalreadydeadwithinhim.Hepushedasidebothhiswarclubandhisbowandarrows.
Hehadheardtheoldpeoplesay,thattherewasapaththatledtothelandofsouls,andhedetermined
tofollowit.Heaccordinglysetout,onemorning,afterhavingcompletedhispreparationsforthe
journey.Atfirsthehardlyknewwhichwaytogo.Hewasonlyguidedbythetraditionthathemustgo
south.Forawhilehecouldseenochangeinthefaceofthecountry.Forests,andhills,andvalleys,and
streamshadthesamelookswhichtheyworeinhisnativeplace.
Therewassnowonthegroundwhenhesetout,anditwassometimesseentobepiledandmattedon
thethicktreesandbushes.Atlengthitbegantodiminish,andfinallydisappeared.Theforestassumed
amorecheerfulappearance,theleavesputforththeirbuds,andbeforehewasawareofthe
completenessofthechange,hefoundhimselfsurroundedbyspring.
412
Hehadleftbehindhimthelandofsnowandice.Theair[page457]becamemild,thedarkcloudsof
winterhadrolledawayfromthesky;apurefieldofbluewasabovehim,andashewenthesaw
flowersbesidehispath,andheardthesongsofbirds.Bythesesignsheknewthathewasgoingthe
rightway,fortheyagreedwiththetraditionsofhistribe.Atlengthhespiedapath.Itledhimthrougha
grove,thenupalongandelevatedridge,ontheverytopofwhichhecametoalodge.Atthedoor
stoodanoldman,withwhitehair,whoseeyes,thoughdeeplysunk,hadafierybrilliancy.Hehada
longrobeofskinsthrownlooselyaroundhisshoulders,andastaffinhishands.
TheyoungChippewayanbegantotellhisstory;butthevenerablechiefarrestedhimbeforehehad
proceededtospeaktenwords."Ihaveexpectedyou,"hereplied,"andhadjustrisentobidyou
welcometomyabode.Shewhomyouseekpassedherebutafewdayssince,andbeingfatiguedwith
herjourney,restedherselfhere.Entermylodgeandbeseated,andIwillthensatisfyyourinquiries,
andgiveyoudirectionsforyourjourneyfromthispoint."Havingdonethis,theybothissuedforthto
thelodgedoor.
"Youseeyondergulf,"saidhe,"andthewidestretchingblueplainsbeyond.Itisthelandofsouls.You
standuponitsborders,andmylodgeisthegateofentrance.Butyoucannottakeyourbodyalong.
Leaveitherewithyourbowandarrows,yourbundle,andyourdog.Youwillfindthemsafeonyour
return."Sosaying,hereenteredthelodge,andthefreedtravelerboundedforwardasifhisfeethad
suddenlybeenendowedwiththepowerofwings.
Butallthingsretainedtheirnaturalcolorsandshapes.Thewoodsandleaves,andstreamsandlakes,
wereonlymorebrightandcomelythanhehadeverwitnessed.Animalsboundedacrosshispath,with
afreedomandaconfidencewhichseemedtotellhimtherewasnobloodshedhere.Birdsofbeautiful
plumageinhabitedthegroves,andsportedinthewaters.Therewasbutonethinginwhichhesawa
veryunusualeffect.Henoticedthathispassagewasnotstoppedbytreesorotherobjects.Heappeared
towalkdirectlythroughthem.Theywere,infact,butthesoulsorshadowsofmaterialtrees.He
becamesensiblethathewasinalandofshadows.
[page458]
Whenhehadtraveledhalfaday'sjourney,throughacountrywhichwascontinuallybecomingmore
attractive,hecametothebanksofabroadlake,inthecenterofwhichwasalargeandbeautifulisland.
Hefoundacanoeofshiningwhitestone,tiedtotheshore.Hewasnowsurethathehadtakentheright
path,fortheagedmanhadtoldhimthis.Therewerealsoshiningpaddles.Heimmediatelyenteredthe
canoe,andtookthepaddlesinhishands,when,tohisjoyandsurprise,onturningroundhebeheldthe
objectofhissearchinanothercanoe,exactlyitscounterpartineverything.Shehadexactlyimitatedhis
motions,andtheyweresidebyside.
Theyatoncepushedoutfromshoreandbegantocrossthelake.Itswavesseemedtoberising,andata
distancelookedreadytoswallowthemup;butjustastheyenteredthewhitenededgeofthemthey
seemedtomeltaway,asiftheywerebuttheimagesofwaves.Butnosoonerwasonewreathoffoam
passed,thananother,morethreateningstill,arose.
Thustheywereinperpetualfear;andwhataddedtoit,wastheclearnessofthewater,throughwhich
theycouldseeheapsofbeingswhohadperishedbefore,andwhoseboneslaystrewedonthebottomof
thelake.TheMasterofLifehad,however,decreedtoletthempass,fortheactionsofneitherofthem
hadbeenbad.Buttheysawmanyothersstrugglingandsinkinginthewaves.Oldandyoungofallages
andranks,werethere:somepassedandsomesank.Itwasonlythelittlechildrenwhosecanoesseemed
tomeetnowaves.
Atlengtheverydifficultywasgone,asinamoment,andtheybothleapedoutonthehappyisland.
Theyfeltthattheveryairwasfood.Itstrengthenedandnourishedthem.Theywanderedtogetherover
theblissfulfields,whereeverythingwasformedtopleasetheeyeandtheear.Therewerenotempests
therewasnoice,nochillywindsnooneshiveredforthewantofwarmclothes:noonesuffered
hungernoonemournedforthedead.Theysawnograves.Theyheardofnowars.Therewasno
413
huntingofanimals;fortheairitselfwastheirfood.Gladlywouldtheyoungwarriorhaveremained
[page459]thereforever,buthewasobligedtogobackforhisbody.HedidnotseetheMasterofLife,
butheheardhisvoiceinasoftbreeze.
"Goback,"saidthisvoice,"tothelandfromwhenceyoucame.Yourtimehasnotyetcome.Theduties
forwhichImadeyou,andwhichyouaretoperform,arenotyetfinished.Returntoyourpeople,and
accomplishthedutiesofagoodman.Youwillbetherulerofyourtribeformanydays.Therulesyou
mustobservewillbetoldyoubymymessenger,whokeepsthegate.Whenhesurrendersbackyour
body,hewilltellyouwhattodo.Listentohimandyoushallafterwardrejointhespirit,whichyou
mustnowleavebehind.Sheisacceptedandwillbeeverhere,asyoungandashappyasshewaswhen
Ifirstcalledherfromthelandofsnows."Whenthisvoiceceased,thenarratorawoke.Itwasallthe
fabricofadream,andhewasstillinthebitterlandofsnows,andhunger,andtears.
THEMAIDENWHOLOVEDAFISH
T
HEREwasonceamongtheMarshpees,asmalltribewhohavetheirhuntinggroundsontheshoresof
theGreatLake,neartheCapeofStorms,awomanwhosenamewasAwashanks.Shewasrathersilly
andveryidle.Fordaystogethershewouldsitdoingnothing.Thenshewassouglyandillshapedthat
notoneoftheyouthsofthevillagewouldhaveaughttosaytoherbywayofcourtshipormarriage.
Shesquintedverymuch;herfacewaslongandthin,hernoseexcessivelylargeandhumped,herteeth
crookedandprojecting,herchinalmostassharpasthebillofaloon,andherearsaslargeasthoseofa
deer.Altogethershewasaveryoddandstrangelyformedwoman,andwherevershewentshenever
failedtoexcitemuchlaughterandderisionamongthosewhothoughtthatuglinessanddeformitywere
fitsubjectsforridicule.
Thoughsoveryugly,therewasonefacultyshepossessed[page460]inamoreremarkabledegreethan
anywomanofthetribe.Itwasthatofsinging.Nothing,unlesssuchcouldbefoundinthelandof
spirits,couldequalthesweetnessofhervoiceorthebeautyofhersongs.Herfavoriteplaceofresort
wasasmallhill,alittleremovedfromtheriverofherpeople,andthere,seatedbeneaththeshadytrees,
shewouldwhileawaythehoursofsummerwithhercharmingsongs.Sobeautifulandmelodiouswere
thethingssheutteredthat,bythetimeshehadsungasinglesentence,thebranchesaboveherhead
wouldbefilledwiththebirdsthatcamethithertolisten,thethicketsaroundherwouldbecrowded
withbeasts,andthewatersrollingbesideherwouldbealivewithfishes,allattractedbythesweet
sounds.Fromtheminnowtotheporpoise,fromthewrentotheeagle,fromthesnailtothelobster,
fromthemousetothemoleallhastenedtothespottolistentothecharmingsongsofthehideous
Marshpeemaiden.
AmongthefisheswhichrepairedeverynighttothevicinityoftheLittleHillock,whichwasthechosen
restingplaceoftheuglysongstress,wasthegreatchiefofthetrouts,atribeoffishinhabitingtheriver
nearby.Thechiefwasofafargreatersizethanthepeopleofhisnationusuallyare,beingaslongasa
manandquiteasbroad.
OfallthecreatureswhichcametolistentothesingingofAwashanksnoneappearedtoenjoyitso
highlyasthechiefofthetrouts.Ashisbulkpreventedhimfromapproachingsonearashewished,he,
fromtimetotime,inhiseagernesstoenjoythemusictothebestadvantage,ranhisnoseintothe
ground,andthusworkedhiswayaconsiderabledistanceintotheland.Nightlyhecontinuedhis
exertionstoapproachthesourceofthedelightfulsoundsheheard,tillatlengthhehadplowedouta
wideandhandsomechannel,andsoeffectedhispassagefromtherivertothehill,adistanceextending
414
anarrow'sflight.Thitherherepairedeverynightatthecommencementofdarkness,suretomeetthe
maidenwhohadbecomesonecessarytohishappiness.Soonhebegantospeakofthepleasurehe
enjoyed,andtofilltheearsofAwashankswithfondprotestationsofhisloveandaffection.Insteadof
singingtohim,she[page461]nowbegantolistentohisvoice.Itwassomethingsonewandstrangeto
hertohearthetonesofloveandcourtship,athingsounusualtobetoldshewasbeautiful,thatitisnot
wonderfulherheadwasturnedbythenewincident,andthatshebegantothinkthevoiceofherlover
thesweetestshehadeverheard.Onethingmarredtheirhappiness.Thiswasthatthetroutcouldnot
liveuponland,northemaideninthewater.Thisstateofthingsgavethemmuchsorrow.
Theyhadmetoneeveningattheusualplace,andwerediscoursingtogether,lamentingthattwowho
lovedeachotherso,shouldbedoomedalwaystoliveapart,whenamanappearedclosetoAwashanks.
Heaskedtheloverswhytheyseemedtobesosad.
Thechiefofthetroutstoldthestrangerthecauseoftheirsorrow.
"Benotgrievednorhopeless,"saidthestranger,whenthechiefhadfinished."Theimpedimentscanbe
removed.Iamthespiritwhopresidesoverfishes,andthoughIcannotmakeamanorwomanofafish,
Icanmakethemintofish.UndermypowerAwashanksshallbecomeabeautifultrout."
Withthathebadethegirlfollowhimintotheriver.Whentheyhadwadedinsomelittledepthhetook
upsomewaterinhishandandpoureditonherhead,mutteringsomewords,ofwhichnonebuthimself
knewthemeaning.Immediatelyachangetookplaceinher.Herbodytooktheformofafish,andina
fewmomentsshewasacompletetrout.Havingaccomplishedthistransformationthespiritgaveherto
thechiefofthetrouts,andthepairglidedoffintothedeepandquietwaters.Shedidnot,however,
forgetthelandofherbirth.Everyseason,onthesamenightasthatuponwhichherdisappearancefrom
hertribehadbeenwrought,thereweretobeseentwotroutsofenormoussizeplayinginthewateroff
theshore.Theycontinuedtheirvisitstillthepalefacescametothecountry,when,deemingthemselves
tobeindangerfromapeoplewhopaidnoreverencetothespiritsoftheland,theybadeitadieu
forever.
[page462]
THESTARWIFE
I
Nthedayswhenthebuffaloracedandthunderedovertheearthandthestarsdancedandsanginthe
sky,abraveyounghunterlivedonthebankofBattleRiver.Hewasfondoftheredflowersandthe
bluesky;andwhentherestoftheIndianswentouttohuntinwaistclothsofskinheputonhisfringed
leggingsallheavywithbluebeads,andpaintedredringsandstripesonhisface,tillhewasasgayas
theearthandtheskyhimself.Highfeatherwashisname,andhealwaysworearedswan'sfeatheron
hishead.
Oneday,whenHighfeatherwasoutwithhisbowandarrows,hecameonalittlebeatentrailthathe
hadneverseenbefore,andhefolloweditbuthefoundthatitwentroundandroundandbroughthim
backtowherehehadstarted.Itcamefromnowhere,anditwenttonowhere.
"Whatsortofanimalhasmadethis?"hesaid.Andhelaydowninthemiddleoftheringtothink,
lookingupintothebluesky.
415
Whilehelaythinking,hesawalittlespeckupabovehiminthesky,andthoughtitwasaneagle.But
thespeckgrewbigger,andsankdownanddown,tillhesawitwasagreatbasketcomingdownoutof
thesky.Hejumpedupandranbacktoalittlehollowandlaydowntohideinapatchoftallred
flowers.Thenhepeepedoutandsawthebasketcomedowntotheearthandrestonthegrassinthe
middleofthering.Twelvebeautifulmaidenswereleaningovertheedgeofthebasket.Theywerenot
Indianmaidens,fortheirfaceswerepinkandwhite,andtheirlonghairwasbrightredbrownlikea
fox'sfur,andtheirclotheswereskyblueandfloatinglightascobwebs.
Themaidensjumpedoutofthebasketandbegantodanceroundandroundtheringtrail,onebehind
theother,drummingwiththeirfingersonlittledrumsofeagleskin,andsingingsuchbeautifulsongsas
Highfeatherhadneverheard.
ThenHighfeatherjumpedupandrantowardsthering,cryingout,"Letmedanceandsingwithyou!"
[page463]
Themaidenswerefrightened,andrantothebasketandjumpedin,andthebasketflewupintothesky,
andgrewsmallertillatlasthecouldnotseeitatall.
Theyoungmanwenthometohiswigwam,andhismotherroastedbuffalomeatforhisdinner;buthe
couldnoteat,andhecouldnotthinkofanythingbutthetwelvebeautifulmaidens.Hismotherbegged
himtotellherwhatthematterwas;andatlasthetoldher,andsaidhewouldneverbehappytillhe
broughtoneofthemaidenshometobehiswife.
"ThosemustbetheStarpeople,"saidhismother,whowasagreatmagiciantheprairiewasfullof
magicinthosedays,beforethewhitemancameandthebuffalowent."YouhadbettertakeanIndian
girlforyourwife.Don'tthinkanymoreoftheStarmaidens,oryouwillhavemuchtrouble."
"IcarelittlehowmuchtroubleIhave,solongasIgetaStarmaidenformywife,"hesaid;"andIam
goingtogetone,ifIhavetowaittilltheworldends."
"Ifyoumust,youmust,"saidhismother.
Sonextmorningshesewedabitofgopher'sfurontohisfeather;andheateagoodbreakfastofbuffalo
meatandtrampedawayovertheprairietothedancingring.Assoonashecameintotheringheturned
intoagopher;buttherewerenogophers'holesthereforhimtohidein,sohehadtolieinthegrassand
wait.
Presentlyhesawaspeckupinthesky,andthespeckgrewlargerandlargertillitbecameabasket,and
thebasketcamedownanddowntillitrestedontheearthinthemiddleofthering.
Theeldestmaidenputherheadovertheedgeandlookedallaround,northandeastandsouthandwest.
"Thereisnomanhere,"shesaid.Sotheyalljumpedouttohavetheirdance.Butbeforetheycameto
thebeatenringtheyoungestmaidenspiedthegopher,andcalledouttohersisterstolookatit.
"Away!away!"criedtheeldestmaiden."Nogopherwoulddaretocomeonourdancingground.Itisa
conjurorindisguise!"
Soshetookheryoungestsisterbythearmandpulledherawaytothebasket,andtheyalljumpedin
andthebasketwent[page464]sailingupintotheskybeforeHighfeathercouldgetoutofhisgopher
skinorsayaword.
416
Theyoungmanwenthomeverymiserable;butwhenhismotherheardwhathadhappenedshesaid:"It
isahardthingyouwanttodo;butifyoumust,youmust.TonightIwillmakesomefreshmagic,and
youcantryagaintomorrow."
NextmorningHighfeatheraskedforhisbreakfast;buthismothersaid,"Youmustnothaveany
buffalomeat,oritwillspoilthemagic.Youmustnoteatanythingbutthewildstrawberriesyoufind
ontheprairieasyougo."
Thenshesewedalittlebitofamouse'swhiskerontohisredfeather;andhetrampedawayacrossthe
prairie,pickingwildstrawberriesandeatingthemashewent,tillhecametothedancingring.Assoon
ashewasinsidetheringheturnedintoalittlemouse,andmadefriendswiththefamilyofmicethat
livedinaholeunderthegrass;andthemothermousepromisedtohelphimallshecould.
Theyhadnotwaitedlongwhenthebasketcamedroppingdownoutofthesky.Theeldestsisterputher
headovertheedge,andlookedallaround,northandwestandsouthandeastanddownontheground.
"Thereisnomanhere,"shesaid,"andIdonotseeanygopher;butyoumustbeverycareful."
Sotheyallgotoutofthebasket,andbegantodanceroundthering,drummingandsingingasthey
went.Butwhentheycamenearthemouse'snesttheeldestsisterheldupherhand,andtheystopped
dancingandheldtheirbreath.Thenshetappedonthegroundandlistened.
"Itdoesnotsoundsohollowasitdid,"shesaid,"Themicehaveavisitor."
Andshetappedagain,andcalledout,"Comeandshowyourselves,youlittletraitors,orwewilldig
youup!"
Butthemothermousehadmadeanotherdoortohernest,justoutsidethering,workingveryfastwith
allhertoes;andwhilethemaidenswerelookingforherinsidetheringshecameoutattheotherdoor
withallherchildrenandscamperedawayacrosstheprairie.
Themaidensturnedroundandranafterthem;allbut[page465]theyoungestsister,whodidnotwant
anyonetobekilled;andHighfeathercameoutoftheholeandturnedhimselfintowhathewas,and
caughtherbythearm.
"Comehomeandmarryme,"hesaid,"anddancewiththeIndianmaidens;andIwillhuntforyou,and
mymotherwillcookforyou,andyouwillbemuchhappierthanupinthesky."
Hersisterscamerushingroundher,andbeggedhertogobackhometotheskywiththem;butshe
lookedintotheyoungman'seyes,andsaidshewouldgowithhimwhereverhewent.Sotheother
maidenswentweepingandwailingupintothesky,andHighfeathertookhisStarwifehometohis
tentonthebankoftheBattleRiver.
Highfeather'smotherwasgladtoseethemboth;butshewhisperedinhisear:"Youmustneverlether
outofyoursightifyouwanttokeepher;youmusttakeherwithyoueverywhereyougo."
Andhedidso.Hetookherwithhimeverytimehewenthunting,andhemadeherabowandarrows,
butshewouldneverusethem;shewouldpickwildstrawberriesandgooseberriesandraspberriesas
theywentalong,butshewouldneverkillanything;andshewouldnevereatanythingthatanyoneelse
hadkilled.Sheonlyateberriesandcrushedcorn.
Oneday,whiletheyoungman'swifewasembroideringfeatherstarsonadancingcloth,andhis
motherwasgossipinginatentattheendofthevillage,alittleyellowbirdflewinandperchedon
Highfeather'sshoulder,andwhisperedinhisear:
417
"ThereisagreatflockofwildredswansjustoveronLoonLake.Ifyoucomequicklyandquietlyyou
cancatchthembeforetheyflyaway;butdonottellyourwife,forredswanscannotbearthesightofa
woman,andtheycantellifonecomeswithinamileofthem."
Highfeatherhadneverseenorheardofaredswanbefore;alltheredfeathersheworehehadhadto
paint.Helookedathiswife,andasshewassewingbusilyandlookingdownatherstarembroidering
hethoughthecouldslipawayandgetbackbeforesheknewhehadgone.Butassoonashewasoutof
sightthelittleyellowbirdflewinandperchedonhershoulder,[page466]andsanghersucha
beautifulsongabouthersistersintheskythatsheforgoteverythingelseandslippedoutandranlike
thewind,andgottothedancingringjustashersisterscamedownintheirbasket.Thentheyall
gatheredroundher,andbeggedhertogohomewiththem.
Butsheonlysaid,"Highfeatherisabraveman,andheisverygoodtome,andIwillneverleavehim."
Whentheysawtheycouldnotmakeherleaveherhusband,theeldestsistersaid:"Ifyoumuststay,you
must.Butjustcomeupforanhour,toletyourfatherseeyou,becausehehasbeenmourningforyou
eversinceyouwentaway."
TheStarwifedidnotwishtogo,butshewantedtoseeherfatheroncemore,soshegotintothebasket
anditsailedawayupintothesky.Herfatherwasverygladtoseeher,andshewasverygladtosee
him,andtheytalkedandtheytalkedtilltheblueskywasgettinggray.Thensherememberedthatshe
oughttohavegonehomelongbefore.
"NowImustgobacktomyhusband,"shesaid.
"Thatyoushallneverdo!"saidherfather.
Andheshutherupinawhitecloudandsaidsheshouldstaytheretillshepromisednevertogobackto
theprairie.Shebeggedtobeletout,butitwasnouse.
Thenshebegantoweep;andsheweptsomuchthatthecloudbegantoweeptoo,anditwasweeping
itselfquiteaway.Soherfathersawshewouldgodowntotheearthinrainifhekeptherinthecloud
anylonger,andheletherout.
"WhatmustIdoforyou,"hesaid,"tomakeyoustaywithushereandbehappy?"
"Iwillnotstayhere,"shesaid,"unlessmyhusbandcomesandlivesheretoo."
"Iwillsendforhimatonce,"saidherfather.Sohesentthebasketdownempty,anditrestedinthe
middleofthedancingring.
NowwhenHighfeatherreachedLoonLakehefounditcoveredwithredswans.Heshottwowithone
arrow,andthenalltherestflewaway.Hepickedupthetwoswansandhurriedbacktohistent,and
therelaythedancingclothwiththefeatherstarsonithalffinished,butnowifecouldhesee.
[page467]Hecalledher,butshedidnotanswer.Herushedout,withthetworedswansstillslung
roundhisneckandhangingdownhisback,andrantothedancingring,butnobodywasthere.
"Iwillwaittillshecomesback,"hesaidtohimself,"ifIhavetowaittilltheworldends."Sohethrew
himselfdownonthegrassandlaylookingupatthestarstillhewenttosleep.
Earlyinthemorningheheardarustlingonthegrass,andwhenheopenedhiseyeshesawthegreat
basketclosebesidehim.Hejumpedup,withthetworedswansstillslungroundhisneck,andclimbed
intothebasket.Therewasnobodythere;andwhenhebegantoclimboutagainhefoundthatthebasket
washalfwayuptothesky.Itwentupandup,andatlastitcameintotheStarcountry,wherehiswife
waswaitingforhim.Herfathergavethemabeautifulbluetenttolivein,andHighfeatherwashappy
418
enoughforawhile;buthesoongrewtiredofthecloudberriesthattheStarpeopleate,andhelonged
totrampoverthesolidgreenprairie,soheaskedhiswife'sfathertolethimtakeherbacktotheearth.
"No,"saidtheStarman,"becausethenIshouldneverseeheragain.Ifyoustaywithusyouwillsoon
forgetthedulloldearth."
Theyoungmansaidnothing;butheputonthewingsofoneoftheredswans,andheputtheotherred
swan'swingsonhiswife,andtheyleaptovertheedgeoftheStarcountryandflewdownthroughthe
airtotheprairie,andcametothetentwhereHighfeather'smotherwasmourningforthem;andthere
wasagreatfeastinthevillagebecausetheyhadcomebacksafeandsound.TheStarwifefinished
embroideringherdancingcloththatday;andwhenevertheIndiansdancedshedancedwiththem.She
neverwentbacktotheStarmaidens'dancingring;butshestilllivedonberriesandcorn,becauseshe
wouldneverkillanything,exceptonething,andthatwasthelittleyellowbird.Itflewintothetent
onedaywhenHighfeatherhadhisbackturned,andbegantowhisperintotheStarwife'sear;butit
nevercametotroubleheragain.
[page468]
ARABIANSTORIES
THESTORYOFCALIPHSTORK
C
ALIPHCharid,ofBagdad,wasrecliningonhisdivanonepleasantafternoon,smokinghislongpipe
andsippingcoffeefromahandsomedishwhichaslavewasholdingforhim,whenhisGrandVizier,
Mansor,enteredandtoldhimofapeddlerinthecourtbelowwhosewaresmightinteresthim.The
Caliph,beinginanaffablestateofmind,summonedthepeddler,who,delightedwiththeopportunity,
displayedallthetreasuresofhispack.Therewerepearls,rings,silks,andmanyotherrichthings.The
Caliphselectedsomethingforhimself,ahandsomepresentfortheVizier,andanotherfortheVizier's
wife.
Justasthepeddlerwasputtingthethingsbackintohisbox,theCaliphnoticedasmalldrawerand
askedwhatitcontained.
"Onlysomethingofnovalue,whichIpickedupinastreetofMecca,"thepeddlerreplied.He
thereuponopenedthedrawerandshowedtheCaliphasmallbox,containingablackpowderanda
scrollwrittenincharacterswhichneithertheCaliphnorhisGrandViziercouldmakeout.TheCaliph
immediatelydecidedthathewantedthisstrangescroll,andthepeddlerwaspersuadedtopartwithit
foratrifle.ThentheVizierwasaskedtofindsomeonetodecipheritsmeaning.
NearthemosquelivedamancalledSelim,whowassolearnedthathekneweverylanguageinthe
world.WhentheVizierbroughthimtointerpretthescroll,theCaliphsaidtohim:
"Theytellmethatyouareascholarandcanreadalllanguages.Ifyoucandecipherwhatiswritten
here,Ishall[page469]knowthatitistrue,andwillgiveyouarobeofhonor;butifyoufail,Ishall
haveyoupunishedwithmanystrokes,becauseyouarefalselynamed."
419
SelimprostratedhimselfatthefeetoftheCaliph,andthentookthescroll.Hehadnotlookedatitlong
whenheexclaimed:
"Mylordandmaster,IhopetodieifthisisnotLatin."
"Well,ifso,letushearwhatitsays,"theCaliphimpatientlyanswered.Selimatoncebegan:
"LethimwhofindsthisboxpraiseAllah.Ifhesnuffsthepowderitcontains,atthesametime
pronouncingtheword'Matabor,'hewillbetransformedintoanycreaturethathedesires,andwill
understandthelanguageofallanimals.Whenhewishestoreturntohisownform,lethimbowtothe
eastthreetimes,repeatingtheword'Matabor.'Butrememberif,whileheisbirdorbeast,heshould
laugh,themagicwordwouldbeforgotten,andtheenchantmentwouldbeonhimforever."
TheCaliphwasdelightedwiththeknowledgeofSelim.Hemadehimasplendidpresent,andtoldhim
tokeepthesecret.Whenhehaddismissedthelearnedman,heturnedtotheGrandVizier,and
expressedawishtotrythepowder.
"Cometomorrowmorningearly,"saidhe,"andwewillgotogethertothecountryandlearnwhatthe
animalsaretalkingabout."
TheViziercameashewasordered,andtheyleftthepalacewithoutattendants.Beyondthetownwasa
largepondwheresomehandsomestorkswereoftenseen,andtothisplacetheypresentlycame.A
graveandstatelystorkwashuntingforfrogs,whileanotherflewaboutandkepthimcompany.
"Mostgraciouslord,"saidtheVizier,"whatthinkyouofthesedignifiedlonglegs,andhowwouldyou
liketoknowtheirchatter?"
TheCaliphrepliedthatthestorkhadalwaysinterestedhim,andhewouldverymuchlikeamore
intimateacquaintance.Takingtheboxfromhisgirdle,hehelpedhimselftoapinchofsnuffand
offeredittotheVizier,whofollowedhisexample.
Togethertheycried"Matabor,"andinstantlytheirbeardsdisappeared,andfeatherscoveredtheir
bodies;theirnecks[page470]stretchedoutlongandslender,andtheirlegsshriveledintoredand
shapelesssticks.TheCaliphlifteduphisfoottostrokehisbeardinastonishment,butfoundalongbill
initsplace.
"BythebeardoftheProphet,sinceIhavenotoneofmyowntoswearby,butweareaprettypairof
birds,Mansor!"
"IfImaysayso,yourHighness,youareequallyhandsomeasastorkaswhenyouwereaCaliph,"
repliedtheVizier."Iseeourtworelationsareconversingoverthere;shallwejointhem?"
Whentheycameneartowherethestorksweresmoothingtheirfeathersandtouchingbillsinthemost
friendlymanner,thiswastheconversationtheyoverheard,"Willyouhavesomeofmyfrog'slegsfor
breakfast,DameYellowlegs?""No,thankyou;Iamobligedtopractiseadanceformyfather'sguests,
andcannoteat."ThereuponDameYellowlegssteppedout,andbegantoposemostgracefully.The
CaliphandtheVizierwatchedher,untilshestoodononefootandspreadherwings;thentheyboth,at
thesametime,burstintosuchpealsoflaughterthatthetwostorksflewaway.
Suddenly,however,theVizierceasedhismirth,andcommencedbowingtotheeast.TheCaliph
recoveredhimselfanddidthesame,butneithercouldthinkofthemagicword.
"Mansor,justrecallthatunholyword,andIwillbecomeCaliphoncemore,andyoumyGrandVizier.
Ihavehadenoughofbeingabirdforoneday."
420
"Mostgraciouslord,thatdancingstorkhasundoneus,for,sincelaughingatherantics,Icannot
rememberthewordthatwillrestoreustohumanshape."
Soatlast,indespair,thetwounhappybirdswanderedthroughthemeadows.Theyappeasedtheir
hungerwithfruits,fortheycouldnotbringthemselvestoeatfrogsandlizards.Astheydarednotreturn
toBagdadandtellthepeopletheirchagrin,theyflewoverthecity,andhadthesatisfactionofseeing
signsofmourningandconfusion.Inafewdays,however,whilesittingontheroofofahouse,theysaw
asplendidprocessioncomingupthestreet,andthepeoplewelcomingthenewruler."Hail!HailMirza,
rulerofBagdad!"theyshouted.
Theprocessioncamenearer.AttheheadofittheCaliph[page471]sawamandressedinscarletand
gold,ridingahandsomehorse.Heatoncerecognizedthenewrulerasthesonofhisworstenemy.
"Behold,"saidhe,"theexplanationofourenchantment!ThisisthesonofKaschnur,themagician,who
ismygreatenemy,whoseeksrevenge.Letusnotlosehope,butflytothesacredgraveoftheProphet
andpraytobereleasedfromthespell."
TheyatoncespreadtheirwingsandsoaredawaytowardMedina,butnotbeingaccustomedtosuch
longflights,theysoonbecamefatiguedanddescendedtoaruinwhichstoodinavalleybelow.Thetwo
enchantedbirdsdecidedtoremainthereforthenight;thenwanderedthroughthedesertedroomsand
corridors,whichgaveofevidenceofformersplendor.SuddenlytheVizierstoppedandremarkedthatif
itwerenotridiculousforastorktobeafraidofghosts,hewouldfeeldecidedlynervous.TheCaliph
listened,andheardalowmoaningandsobbing,whichseemedtocomefromaroomdownthepassage.
Hestartedtorushtowardit,buttheVizierheldhimfastbyawing.Hehadretainedthebraveheartthat
hehadpossessedwhenaCaliph,however,andfreeinghimselffromtheVizier'sbill,hehurriedtothe
roomwhencecamethepitifulsounds.Themoonshonethroughabarredwindowandshowedhima
screechowlsittingontheflooroftheruinedchamber,lamentinginahoarsevoice.TheVizierhad
cautiouslystolenupbesidetheCaliph;andatsightofthetwostorks,thescreechowlutteredacryof
pleasure.TotheirastonishmentitaddressedtheminArabic,inthefollowingwords:
"Ihaveabandonedmyselftodespair,butIbelievemydeliveranceisnear,foritwasprophesiedinmy
youththatastorkwouldbringmegoodfortune."
TheCaliph,thusappealedto,archedhisneckmostgracefullyandreplied:
"Alas!ScreechOwl,Ifearweareunabletoaidyou,asyouwillunderstandwhenyouhaveheardour
miserablestory."
Hethenrelatedhowthemagician,Kaschnur,hadchangedthemintostorksandmadehisownsonruler
ofBagdad.Thescreechowlbecameverymuchexcitedandexclaimed:
[page472]
"Howstrangethatmisfortuneshouldhavecometousthroughthesameman.IamTusa,thedaughter
oftheKingoftheIndies.Themagician,Kaschnur,cameonedaytomyfather,toaskmyhandin
marriageforhissonMirza.Myfatherorderedhimthrowndownstairs,andinrevengehemanagedto
havemegivenapowderwhichchangedmeintothishideousshape.Hethenconveyedmetothis
lonelycastle,andsworeIshouldremainhereuntilsomeoneaskedmetobehiswife,andsofreedme
fromtheenchantment."
Attheconclusionofherstory,thescreechowlweptanewandwouldnotbeconsoled.Suddenly,
however,shewipedhereyesonherwingandsaid:
"Ihaveanideathatmayleadtoourdeliverance.Onceeverymonththemagician,Kaschnur,andhis
companionsmeetinalargehallatthiscastle,wheretheyfeastandrelatetheirevildeeds.Wewill
421
listenoutsidethedoor,andperhapsyoumayheartheforgottenword.Then,whenyouhaveresumed
humanform,oneofyoucanasktomarryme,thatItoomaybefreedfromthiswretchedenchantment;
andtheprophecythatastorkwouldbringmehappinesswouldbefulfilled."
TheCaliphandtheVizierwithdrewandconsultedoverthesituation."Itisunfortunate,"saidthe
Caliph,"butifwearetomeetagain,Ithinkyouwillhavetoaskthescreechowltomarryyou."
"Notso,yourHighness,Ialreadyhaveawife,andwouldratherremainastorkforeverthantake
another;besides,Iamanoldman,whileyouareyoungandunmarried,andmuchbettersuitedtoa
beautifulPrincess."
"Thatisit,"saidtheCaliph."HowdoIknowthatshewillnotprovetobesomeoldfright?"Asthe
Vizierwasfirm,theCaliphatlastsaidhewouldtakethechancesanddoasthescreechowlrequired.
Thatverynightitsohappenedthatthemagiciansmetattheruinedcastle.Thescreechowlledthetwo
storksthroughdifficultpassagestilltheycametoaholeinthewall,throughwhichtheycouldplainly
seeallthattranspiredinthelightedhall.Handsomelycarvedpillarsadornedtheroom,andatablewas
spreadwithmanydishes.Aboutthetablesateightmen,[page473]amongwhomwastheirenemy,the
magician.Heentertainedthecompanywithmanystories,andatlastcametohislatestthatofturning
theCaliphandVizierintostorksinrelatingwhichhepronouncedthemagicword.Thestorksdidnot
waittohearmore,butrantothedoorofthecastle.Thescreechowlfollowedasfastasshecould,and
whentheCaliphsawherheexclaimed:
"Toprovemygratitude,Oourdeliverer!Ibegyoutotakemeforyourhusband."
Thenthetwostorksfacedtherisingsun,andbowedtheirlongnecksthreetimes."Matabor!"they
solemnlycried,together;andinaninstanttheywerenolongerstorks,butstoodbeforeeachotherin
theirnaturalforms.Intheirjoytheyfelloneachother'snecksandforgotallaboutthescreechowl,
untiltheyheardasweetvoicebesidethem,andturningbeheldabeautifulPrincess.WhentheCaliph
recoveredfromhisastonishmenthesaidthathewasnow,indeed,enchantedandhopedtoremainso
always.
TheythenstartedatonceforthegateofBagdad;andwhentheyarrived,thepeoplewereoverjoyed,for
theyhadbelievedtheirrulerdead.Themagicianwastakentotheruinedcastleandhanged,andhisson
wasgiventhechoiceoftheblackpowderordeath.Choosingthepowder,hewaschangedintoastork,
andwaskeptinthepalacegardens.
CaliphCharidandthePrincessweremarried;andwhentheirchildrengrewoldenough,theCaliph
oftenamusedthemwithimitationsoftheGrandVizierwhenhewasastork,whileMansorsat
smilingandpullinghislongbeard.
PERSEVEREANDPROSPER
ADAPTEDBYA.R.MONTALBA
"
Ethatseeketh,shallfind,andtohimthatknockethshallbeopened,"saysanoldArabproverb.
422
"Iwilltrythat,"saidayouthoneday.Tocarryouthis[page474]intentionhejourneyedtoBagdad,
wherehepresentedhimselfbeforetheVizier.
"Lord!"saidhe,"formanyyearsIhavelivedaquietandsolitarylife,themonotonyofwhichwearies
me.Ihaveneverpermittedmyselfearnestlytowillanything.Butasmyteacherdailyrepeatedtome,
'Hethatseekethshallfind,andtohimthatknockethshallbeopened,'sohaveInowcometothe
resolutionwithmightandhearttowill,andtheresolutionofmywillisnothinglessthantohavethe
Caliph'sdaughterformywife."
TheVizierthoughtthepoormanwasmad,andtoldhimtocallagainsomeothertime.
Perseveringlyhedailyreturned,andneverfeltdisconcertedatthesameoftenrepeatedanswer.One
day,theCaliphcalledontheVizier,astheyouthwasrepeatinghisstatement.
FullofastonishmenttheCaliphlistenedtothestrangedemand,andbeinginnohumorforhavingthe
pooryouth'sheadtakenoff,butonthecontrary,beingratherinclinedforpleasantry,hisMightiness
condescendinglysaid:"Forthegreat,thewise,orthebrave,torequestaPrincessforwife,isa
moderatedemand;butwhatareyourclaims?Tobethepossessorofmydaughteryoumustdistinguish
yourselfbyoneoftheseattributes,orelsebysomegreatundertaking.Agesagoacarbuncleof
inestimablevaluewaslostintheTigris;hewhofindsitshallhavethehandofmydaughter."
Theyouth,satisfiedwiththepromiseoftheCaliph,wenttotheshoresoftheTigris.Withasmall
vesselhewenteverymorningtotheriver,scoopingoutthewaterandthrowingitontheland;andafter
havingforhoursthusemployedhimself,hekneltdownandprayed.Thefishesbecameatlastuneasyat
hisperseverance;andbeingfearfulthat,inthecourseoftime,hemightexhaustthewaters,they
assembledingreatcouncil.
"Whatisthepurposeofthisman?"demandedthemonarchofthefishes.
"ThepossessionofthecarbunclethatliesburiedinthebottomoftheTigris,"wasthereply.
"Iadviseyou,then,"saidtheagedmonarch,"togiveituptohim;forifhehasthesteadywill,andhas
positivelyresolved[page475]tofindit,hewillworkuntilhehasdrainedthelastdropofwaterfrom
theTigris,ratherthandeviateahair'sbreadthfromhispurpose."
Thefishes,outoffear,threwthecarbuncleintothevesseloftheyouth;andthelatter,asareward,
receivedthedaughteroftheCaliphforhiswife."
"Hewhoearnestlywills,candomuch!"
[page476]
CHINESESTORIES
THEMOSTFRUGALOFMEN
423
A
MANwhowasconsideredthemostfrugalofallthedwellersinacertainkingdomheardofanother
manwhowasthemostfrugalinthewholeworld.Hesaidtohissonthereupon:"We,indeed,liveupon
little,butifweweremorefrugalstill,wemightliveuponnothingatall.Itwillbewellworthwhilefor
ustogetinstructionsineconomyfromtheMostFrugalofMen."Thesonagreed,andthetwodecided
thatthesonshouldgoandinquirewhetherthemasterineconomicsciencewouldtakepupils.An
exchangeofpresentsbeinganecessarypreliminarytocloserintercourse,thefathertoldthesontotake
thesmallestofcoins,onefarthing,andtobuyasheetofpaperofthecheapestsort.Theboy,by
bargaining,gottwosheetsofpaperforthefarthing.Thefatherputawayonesheet,cuttheothersheet
inhalves,andononehalfdrewapictureofapig'shead.Thisheputintoalargecoveredbasket,asifit
werethethingwhichitrepresentedtheusualgiftsentintokenofgreatrespect.Thesontookthe
basket,andafteralongjourneyreachedtheabodeofthemostfrugalmanintheworld.
Themasterofthehousewasabsent,buthissonreceivedthetraveler,learnedhiserrand,andaccepted
theoffering.Havingtakenfromthebasketthepictureofthepig'shead,hesaidcourteouslytohis
visitor:"Iamsorrythatwehavenothinginthehousethatisworthytotaketheplaceofthepig'shead
inyourbasket.Iwill,however,signifyourfriendlyreceptionofitbyputtinginfourorangesforyouto
takehomewithyou."
Thereupontheyoungman,withouthavinganyorangesathand,madethemotionsnecessaryfor
puttingthefruitinto[page477]thebasket.Thesonofthemostfrugalmaninthekingdomthentook
thebasketandwenttohisfathertotellofthriftsurpassinghisown.
Whenthemostfrugalmanintheworldreturnedhome,hissontoldhimthatavisitorhadbeenthere,
havingcomefromagreatdistancetotakelessonsineconomy.Thefatherinquiredwhatofferinghe
broughtasanintroduction,andthesonshowedthesmalloutlineofthepig'sheadonthinbrownpaper.
Thefatherlookedatit,andthenaskedhissonwhathehadsentasareturnpresent.Thesontoldhimhe
hadmerelymadethemotionsnecessaryfortransferringfouroranges,andshowedhowhehadclasped
theimaginaryfruitanddepositeditinthevisitor'sbasket.Thefatherimmediatelyflewintoaterrible
rageandboxedtheboy'sears,exclaiming:"Youextravagantwretch!Withyourfingersthusfarapart
youappearedtogivehimlargeoranges.Whydidn'tyoumeasureoutsmallones?"
THEMOONCAKE
A
LITTLEboyhadacakethatabigboycoveted.Designingtogetthecakewithoutmakingthelittle
boycrysoloudastoattracthismother'sattention,thebigboyremarkedthatthecakewouldbeprettier
ifitweremorelikethemoon.Thelittleboythoughtthatacakelikethemoonmustbedesirable,and
onbeingassuredbythebigboythathehadmademanysuch,hehandedoverhiscakefor
manipulation.Thebigboytookoutamouthful,leavingacrescentwithjaggededge.Thelittleboywas
notpleasedbythechange,andbegantowhimper;whereuponthebigboypacifiedhimbysayingthat
hewouldmakethecakeintoahalfmoon.Sohenibbledoffthehornsofthecrescent,andgnawedthe
edgesmooth;butwhenthehalfmoonwasmade,thelittleboyperceivedthattherewashardlyanycake
left,andheagainbegantosnivel.Thebigboyagaindivertedhimbytellinghimthat,ifhedidnot
[page478]likesosmallamoon,heshouldhaveonethatwasjustthesizeoftherealorb.Hethentook
thecake,andexplainedthat,justbeforethenewmoonisseen,theoldmoondisappears.Thenhe
swallowedtherestofthecakeandranoff,leavingthelittleboywaitingforthenewmoon.
424
THELADLETHATFELLFROMTHEMOON
O
NCEtherewasanoldwomanwholivedonwhatshegotbywilefromherrelativesandneighbors.Her
husband'sbrotherlivedalonewithhisonlyson,inahousenearhers,andwhenthesonbroughthomea
wifetheoldwomanwenttocallonthebride.Duringthecallsheinquiredofthebridewhethershehad
not,sinceherarrivalinthehouse,heardascratchingatnightamongtheboxescontainingherwedding
outfit.Thebridesaidshehadnot.Afewdayslatertheoldwomancameagain,andduringthevisitthe
brideremarkedthat,beforethematterwasmentioned,shehadheardnoscratchingamongherboxes,
butthatsincethattimeshehadlistenedforit,andhadhearditeverynight.Theoldwomanadvisedher
tolookcarefullyafterherclothing,sayingthattherewereevidentlymanymiceinthehouse,andthat
shewouldbelikelyatanytimetofindherbestgarmentsnibbledintoshreds.Theoldwomanknew
therewasnocatinthehouse,butsheinquiredwhethertherewasone,andonhearingthattherewas
not,sheofferedtolendtheyoungwomanherownblackandwhitecat,sayingthatitwouldsoon
extirpateallthemice.Thebrideacceptedtheloan,andtheoldwomanbroughtthecat,andleftitinthe
bride'sapartment.Afterafewhoursthecatdisappeared,andthebride,supposingittohavegonehome,
madenosearchforit.Itdid,indeed,gohome,andtheoldwomansecretlydisposedofit;butseveral
dayslatershecametotheyoungwomanandsaidthat,whenshelentthecat,herhousehadbeenfree
frommice,butthat,assoonasthecatwasgone,[page479]themicecameandmultipliedsofastthat
noweverythingwasoverrunbythem,andshewouldbeobligedtotakethecathomeagain.Theyoung
womantoldherthatthecatwentawaythesamedaythatitcame,andshehadsupposedithadgone
home.Theoldwomansaidithadnot,andthatnothingcouldcompensateherforthelossofit,forshe
hadreareditherself;thattherewasneverbeforeseensuchacatforcatchingmice;thatacat,spottedas
thatonewas,wasseldomfound;andthatitwasoftherarebreedwhichgaverisetothecommon
saying:
"Acoalblackcat,withsnowyloins,
Isworthitsweightinsilvercoins."
andthattheweightofhercatwastwohundredounces.
Theyoungwomanwasgreatlysurprisedbythisestimateofthevalueofthelostcat,andwenttoher
fatherinlawandrelatedallthathadoccurred.Thefatherinlaw,knowingthecharacteroftheold
woman,couldneithereatnorsleep,soharassedwashebytheexpectationthatshewouldworryhis
daughterinlawtillthetwohundredouncesofsilvershouldbepaid.Theyoungwoman,beinganew
comer,thoughtbutlightlyofthematter,tilltheoldwomancameagainandagaintomakementionof
thecat.Whenitbecameapparentthatshemustdefendherself,theyoungwomanaskedherfatherin
lawifhehadeverlentanythingtotheoldwoman;andwhenhesaidhecouldnotrememberhaving
lentanything,shebeggedhimtothinkcarefully,andseeifhecouldnotrecalltheloanofatool,adish,
orafagot.Hefinallyrecollectedthathehadlenttoheranoldwoodenladle,buthesaiditoriginally
costbutafewfarthings,andwascertainlynotworthspeakingabout.
Thenexttimetheoldwomancametodunfortheamountdueforhercat,theyoungwomanaskedher
toreturntheborrowedladle.Theoldwomansaidthattheladlewasoldandvalueless;thatshehad
allowedthechildrentoplaywithit,andthattheyhaddroppeditinthedirt,whereithadlainuntilshe
hadpickeditupanduseditforkindlings.Thebrideresponded:"Youexpecttoenrichyourselfand
yourfamilybymeansofyourcat.Iandmyfamilyalsowantmoney.[page480]Sinceyoucannotgive
backtheladle,wewillbothgobeforethemagistrateandpresentourcases.Ifyourcatisadjudgedtobe
425
worthmorethanmyladleIwillpayyoutheexcess;andifmyladlebeworthmorethanyourcat,then
youmustpayme."Beingsurethatthecatwould,byanyjudge,beconsideredofgreatervaluethanthe
ladle,theoldwomanagreedtotheproposition,andthetwowentbeforethemagistrate.Theyoung
womancourteouslygaveprecedencetotheelder,andallowedhertomaketheaccusation.Theold
womansetforthhercase,andclaimedtwohundredouncesofsilverasacompensationforthelossof
thecat.Whenshehadconcludedherstatement,thejudgecalledontheyoungwomanforherdefense.
Shesaidshecouldnotdisprovethestatement,butthattheclaimwasoffsetbyaladlethathadbeen
borrowedbytheplaintiff.Therewasacommonsaying:
"Inthemoonoverhead,atitsfull,youcansee
Thetrunk,branchandleafofacinnamontree."
Abranchfromthistreehadonenightbeenblowndownbeforeherfatherinlaw'sdoor,andhehadhad
aladlemadefromthewood.Whatevertheladlewasputintoneverdiminishedbyuse.Whetherwine,
oil,rice,ormoney,thebulkremainedthesameifnoladlebesidethisonewereusedindippingit.A
foreigninnkeeper,hearingofthisladle,cameandofferedherfatherinlawthreethousandouncesof
silverforit,buttheofferwasrefused.Andthisladlewastheonethattheplaintiffhadborrowedand
destroyed.
Themagistrate,onhearingthisdefense,understoodthatthecathadbeenapretextforextortion,and
decidedthatthetwoclaimsoffseteachother,sothatnopaymentwasduefromeitherone.
THEYOUNGHEADOFTHEFAMILY
T
HEREwasonceafamilyconsistingofafather,histhreesons,andhistwodaughtersinlaw.Thetwo
daughtersinlaw,wivesofthetwoeldersons,hadbutrecently[page481]beenbroughtintothehouse,
andwerebothfromonevillageafewmilesaway.Havingnomotherinlawliving,theywereobliged
toappealtotheirfatherinlawwhenevertheywishedtovisittheirformerhomes,andastheywere
lonesomeandhomesicktheyperpetuallybotheredtheoldmanbyaskingleaveofabsence.
Vexedbytheseconstantpetitions,hesethimselftoinventamethodofputtinganendtothem,andat
lastgavethemleaveinthiswise:"Youarealwaysbeggingmetoallowyoutogoandvisityour
mothers,andthinkingthatIamveryhardheartedbecauseIdonotletyougo.Nowyoumaygo,but
onlyuponconditionthatwhenyoucomebackyouwilleachbringmesomethingIwant.Theoneshall
bringmesomefirewrappedinpaper,andtheothersomewindinapaper.Unlessyoupromisetobring
methese,youarenevertoaskmetoletyougohome;andifyougo,andfailtogettheseforme,you
arenevertocomeback."
Theoldmandidnotsupposethattheseconditionswouldbeaccepted,butthegirlswereyoungand
thoughtless,andintheiranxietytogetawaydidnotconsidertheimpossibilityofobtainingthearticles
required.Sotheymadereadywithspeed,andingreatgleestartedoffonfoottovisittheirmothers.
Aftertheyhadwalkedalongdistance,chattingaboutwhattheyshoulddoandwhomtheyshouldsee
intheirnativevillage,thehighheelofoneofthemslippedfromunderherfoot,andshefelldown.
Owingtothismishapbothstoppedtoadjustthemisplacedfootgear,andwhiledoingthisthe
conditionsunderwhichalonetheycouldreturntotheirhusbandscametomind,andtheybegantocry.
426
Whiletheysattherecryingbytheroadsideayounggirlcameridingalongfromthefieldsonawater
buffalo.Shestoppedandaskedthemwhatwasthematter,andwhethershecouldhelpthem.Theytold
hershecoulddothemnogood;butshepersistedinofferinghersympathyandinvitingtheir
confidence,tilltheytoldtheirstory,andthensheatoncesaidthatiftheywouldgohomewithhershe
wouldshowthemawayoutortheirtrouble.Theircaseseemedsohopelesstothemselves,andthe
childwassosureofherownpower[page482]tohelpthem,thattheyfinallyaccompaniedhertoher
father'shouse,wheresheshowedthemhowtocomplywiththeirfatherinlaw'sdemand.
Forthefirstapaperlanternonlywouldbeneeded.Whenlighteditwouldbeafire,anditspaper
surfacewouldcompasstheblaze,sothatitwouldtrulybe"somefirewrappedinpaper."Forthe
secondapaperfanwouldsuffice.Whenflapped,windwouldissuefromit,andthe"windwrappedin
paper"couldthusbecarriedtotheoldman.
Thetwoyoungwomenthankedthewisechild,andwentontheirwayrejoicing.Afterapleasantvisitto
theiroldhomes,theytookalanternandafan,andreturnedtotheirfatherinlaw'shouse.Assoonashe
sawthemhebegantoventhisangerattheirlightregardforhiscommands,buttheyassuredhimthat
theyhadperfectlyobeyedhim,andshowedhimthatwhattheyhadbroughtfulfilledtheconditions
prescribed.Muchastonished,heinquiredhowitwasthattheyhadsuddenlybecomesoastute,andthey
toldhimthestoryoftheirjourney,andofthelittlegirlwhohadsoopportunelycometotheirrelief.He
inquiredwhetherthelittlegirlwasalreadybetrothed,and,findingthatshewasnot,engagedago
betweentoseeifhecouldgetherforawifeforhisyoungestson.
Havingsucceededinsecuringthegirlasadaughterinlaw,hebroughtherhome,andtoldalltherest
ofthefamilythatastherewasnomotherinthehouse,andasthisgirlhadshownherselftobe
possessedofextraordinarywisdom,sheshouldbetheheadofthehousehold.
Theweddingfestivitiesbeingover,thesonsoftheoldmanmadereadytoreturntotheirusual
occupationsonthefarm;but,accordingtotheirfather'sorder,theycametotheyoungbridefor
instructions.Shetoldthemthattheywerenevertogotoorfromthefieldsemptyhanded.Whenthey
wenttheymustcarryfertilizersofsomesortfortheland,andwhentheyreturnedtheymustbring
bundlesofsticksforfuel.Theyobeyed,andsoonhadthelandinfinecondition,andsomuchfuel
gatheredthatnoneneedbebought.Whentherewerenomoresticks,roots,orweedstobring;shetold
themtobring[page483]stonesinstead;andtheysoonaccumulatedanimmensepileofstones,which
wereheapedinayardneartheirhouse.
Onedayanexpertinthediscoveryofpreciousstonescamealong,andsawinthispileablockofjade
ofgreatvalue.Inordertogetpossessionofthisstoneatasmallcost,heundertooktobuythewhole
heap,pretendingthathewishedtouseitinbuilding.Thelittleheadofthefamilyaskedanexorbitant
priceforthem,and,ashecouldnotinducehertotakeless,hepromisedtopayherthesumsheasked,
andtocometwodayslatertobringthemoneyandtoremovethestones.Thatnightthegirlthought
aboutthereasonforthebuyer'sbeingwillingtopaysolargeasumforthestones,andconcludedthat
theheapmustcontainagem.Thenextmorningshesentherfatherinlawtoinvitethebuyertosupper,
andsheinstructedthemenofherfamilyinregardtohisentertainment.Thebestofwinewastobe
provided,andthefatherinlawwastoinducehimtotalkofpreciousstones,andtocajolehiminto
tellinginwhatwaytheyweretobedistinguishedfromotherstones.
Theheadofthefamily,listeningbehindacurtain,heardhowthevaluablestoneinherheapcouldbe
discovered.Shehastenedtofindandremoveitfromthepile;and,whenherguesthadrecoveredfrom
theeffectofthebanquet,hesawthatthevaluehaddepartedfromhispurchase.Hewenttonegotiate
againwiththeseller,andsheconductedtheconferencewithsuchskillthatsheobtainedtheprice
originallyagreeduponfortheheapofstones,andalargesumbesidesfortheoneinherpossession.
Thefamily,havingbecomewealthy,builtanancestralhalloffinedesignandelaborateworkmanship,
andputthewords"NoSorrow"asaninscriptionovertheentrance.Soonafter,amandarinpassedthat
way,and,noticingthisremarkableinscription,hadhissedanchairsetdown,thathemightinquirewho
werethepeoplethatprofessedtohavenosorrow.Hesentfortheheadofthefamily,wasmuch
427
surprisedonseeingsoyoungawomanthusappear,andremarked:"Yoursisasingularfamily.Ihave
neverbeforeseenonewithoutsorrow,noronewithsoyoungahead.Iwillfineyoufor[page484]
yourimpudence.Goandweavemeapieceofclothaslongasthisroad."
"Verywell,"respondedthelittlewoman;"sosoonasyourExcellencyshallhavefoundthetwoendsof
theroad,andinformedmeastothenumberoffeetinitslength,Iwillatoncebegintheweaving."
Findinghimselfatfault,themandarinadded,"AndIalsofineyouasmuchoilasthereiswaterinthe
sea."
"Certainly,"respondedthewoman;"assoonasyoushallhavemeasuredthesea,andsentmecorrect
informationastothenumberofgallons,Iwillatoncebegintopressouttheoilfrommybeans."
"Indeed,"saidthemandarin,"sinceyouaresosharp,perhapsyoucanpenetratemythoughts.Ifyou
can,Iwillfineyounomore.Iholdthispetquailinmyhand;nowtellmewhetherImeantosqueezeit
todeath,ortoletitflyintheair."
"Well,"saidthewoman,"Iamanobscurecommoner,andyouareafamedmagistrate;ifyouareno
moreknowingthanI,youhavenorighttofinemeatall.NowIstandwithonefootononesidemy
thresholdandtheotherfootontheotherside;tellmewhetherImeantogoinorcomeout.Ifyou
cannotguessmyriddle,youshouldnotrequiremetoguessyours."
Beingunabletoguessherintentionthemandarintookhisdeparture,andthefamilylivedlongin
opulenceandgoodreputeunderitschosenhead.
ADREADFULBOAR
A
POORoldwomanwholivedwithheronelittlegranddaughterinawoodwasoutgatheringsticksfor
fuel,andfoundagreenstalkofsugarcane,whichsheaddedtoherbundle.Shepresentlymetanelfin
theformofawildBoar,thataskedherforthecane,butshedeclinedgivingittohim,[page485]
sayingthat,atherage,tostoopandtoriseagainwastoearnwhatshepickedup,andthatshewas
goingtotakethecanehome,andletherlittlegranddaughtersuckitssap.TheBoar,angryather
refusal,saidthathewould,duringthecomingnight,eathergranddaughterinsteadofthecane,and
wentoffintothewood.
Whentheoldwomanreachedhercabinshesatdownbythedoorandwailed,forsheknewshehadno
meansofdefendingherselfagainsttheBoar.Whileshesatcrying,avenderofneedlescamealongand
askedherwhatwasthematter.Shetoldhim,andhesaidthatallhecoulddoforherwastogivehera
boxofneedles.Thishedid,andwentonhisway.Theoldwomanstucktheneedlesthicklyoverthe
lowerhalfofherdoor,onitsouterside,andthenshewentoncrying.Justthenamancamealongwith
abasketofcrabs,heardherlamentations,andstoppedtoinquirewhatailedher.Shetoldhim,andhe
saidheknewnohelpforher,buthewoulddothebesthecouldforherbygivingherhalfhiscrabs.The
oldwomanputthecrabsinherwaterjar,behindherdoor,andagainsatdownandcried.Afarmersoon
camealongfromthefields,leadinghisox,andhealsoaskedthecauseofherdistressandheardhersad
story.Hesaidhewassorryhecouldnotthinkofanywayofpreventingtheevilsheexpected,butthat
hewouldleavehisoxtostayallnightwithher,asitmightbeasortofcompanyforherinher
loneliness.Sheledtheoxintohercabin,tiedittotheheadofherbedstead,gaveitsomestraw,and
thencriedagain.
428
Acourier,returningonhorsebackfromaneighboringtown,nextpassedherdoor,anddismountedto
inquirewhattroubledher.Havingheardhertale,hesaidhewouldleavehishorsetostaywithher,and
maketheoxmorecontented.Soshetiedthehorsetothefootofherbed,and,thinkinghowsurelyevil
wascominguponherwiththenight,sheburstoutcryinganew.Aboyjustthencamealongwitha
snappingturtlethathehadcaught,andstoppedtoaskwhathadhappenedtoher.Onlearningthecause
ofherweeping,hesaiditwasofnousetocontendagainstsprites,butthathewouldgiveherhis
snappingturtleasaproof,ofhissympathy.Shetook[page486]theturtle,tieditinfrontofher
bedstead,andcontinuedtocry.
Somemenwhowerecarryingmillstonesthencamealong,inquiredintohertrouble,andexpressed
theircompassionbygivingheramillstone,whichtheyrolledintoherbackyard.Alittlelateraman
arrivedcarryinghoesandpickax,andaskedherwhyshewascryingsohard.Shetoldhimhergrief,
andhesaidhewouldgladlyhelpherifhecould,buthewasonlyawelldigger,andcoulddonothing
forherotherthantodigherawell.Shepointedoutaplaceinthemiddleofherbackyard,andhewent
toworkandquicklydugawell.
Onhisdeparturetheoldwomancriedagain,untilapapersellercameandinquiredwhatwasthe
matter.Whenshehadtoldhim,hegaveheralargesheetofwhitepaper,asatokenofpity,andshelaid
itsmoothlyoverthemouthofthewell.
Nightfallcame;theoldwomanshutandbarredherdoor,puthergranddaughtersnuglyonthewallside
ofthebed,andthenlaydownbesideher,toawaitthefoe.
AtmidnighttheBoarcame,andthrewhimselfagainstthedoortobreakitin.Theneedleswounded
himsorely,sothatwhenhehadgainedanentrancehewasheatedandthirsty,andwenttothewaterjar
todrink.Whenhethrustinhissnoutthecrabsattackedhim,clungtohisbristlesandpinchedhisears,
tillherolledoverandovertodisencumberhimself.Theninarageheapproachedthefrontofthebed,
butthesnappingturtlenippedhistail,andmadehimretreatunderthefeetofthehorse,whokicked
himovertotheox,whotossedhimbacktothehorse;andthusbesethewasgladtoescapetotheback
yardtotakearest,andtoconsiderthesituation.Seeingacleanpaperspreadontheground,hewentto
lieuponit,andfellintothewell.Theoldwomanheardthefall,rushedout,rolledthemillstonedown
onhim,andcrushedhim.
[page487]
RUSSIANSTORIES
KINGKOJATA
K
INGKojataruledoveramightykingdom,andwasbelovedbyhissubjects;butbecausehehadnoheir
tohiscrown,bothheandtheQueenlamented.Once,whiletravelingthroughhisterritories,hecameto
awellthatwasfilledtothebrimwithclearcoldwater;andbeingverythirsty,hestoppedtodrink.On
thetopofthewaterfloatedagoldenvessel,whichtheKingattemptedtoseize;butjustashishand
touchedit,awayitfloatedtotheothersideofthewell.Hewentaroundtowherethevesselrestedand
triedagain,withthesameresult.EverytimetheKingtouchedthebasinitglidedfromhisgrasp.At
429
last,losingpatience,hegaveuptryingtoseizethevessel,andbendingoverthewell,hebegantodrink.
Hislongbeardhadfallenintothewater,andwhenhehadslakedhisthirstandattemptedtorise,he
foundhimselfheldfastbyit.Aftervainlypullingandjerkingforsometime,helookeddownintothe
waterandsawahideousfacegrinningathim.Itseyesweregreenandshining,itsteethshowedfrom
eartoear,anditheldhimbythebeardwithtwobonyclaws.Inhorror,thekingtriedtoextricate
himself,butaterriblevoicecamefromthedepthsofthewell:
"Youcannotgetaway,KingKojata,sodonotmakemepullyourbeardtoohard.Thereissomethingat
thepalaceofwhichyoudonotknow;promisetogiveittome,andIwillreleaseyou."
TheKingdidnotknowofanythingthatcouldhavearrivedatthepalaceduringhisabsenceworththe
discomforthewasexperiencing;soheveryreadilygavehispromise,andwasfreed.Whenhehad
shakenthewaterfromhisbeard,helookedinthewellfortheuglymonsterwhichhadheldhim
[page488]captive,buthewasnowheretobeseen.Summoninghisattendants,heatoncesetoutfor
home,wherehearrivedinafewdays.Thepeoplealongthewayhailedhimwithdelight;andwhenhe
reachedthepalace,theQueenledhimtotheroyalchamberandshowedhimabeautifulsonthathad
beenbornduringhisabsence.Hisjoywassogreatthatheforgotallelse;butafteratimeherecalled
withhorrorhiscompactwiththemonsterofthewell,andthemeaningwasallplaintohim.The
thoughtofwhathehadpromisedhauntedhimdayandnight,andthefearthatsomethingwouldhappen
tohislittlesontorturedhim.Butasdaysandmonthspassed,andthelittlePrincegrewmorebeautiful
allthetime,theKingatlastforgothisfearsandbecamehappyoncemore.
Yearswentbywithoutanythinghappeningtodisturbhispeaceofmind,andthePrincegrewtobea
beautifulyouth,whowasthejoyandprideoftheKingandQueen.Onedayhewentwiththehuntersto
theforest,andwhilepursuingawildboar,becameseparatedfromthem.Hegotfartherandfarther
awayfromhiscompanions,andatlastfoundhimselfaloneinadarkpartofthewoodwherehenever
beforehadbeen.Notknowinginwhichdirectionhispathlay,hecalledagainandagaintothehunters.
Atlastahoarsevoiceansweredhim,andfromthehollowtrunkofalimetreeappearedahideousman
withgreeneyesandterribleteeth.
"I'vewaitedforyoualongtime,PrinceMilan,"saidhe.
"Whoonearthmayyoube?"askedthePrince.
"YourfatherwilltellyouwhoIam.JustgivemygreetingstohisMajesty,andtellhimthatIamready
toclaimthedebtheowesme."
Thegreeneyedmanthendisappearedintothehollowtreefromwhichhecame;andwhenthePrince
reachedhome,herelatedhisexperiencetohisfather.TheKingturnedwhite,andcried:
"Atlast,ithascome!"ThenheexplainedtothePrincewhathadoccurredatthewell,andadded,"Now
myhappinessisatanend,foryou,myson,willbetakenfromme."
ThePrincetoldtheKingnottodespair,forthoughhemightgoaway,hewascertaintoreturntohim.
Hisfather[page489]providedhimwithahandsomehorsewithgoldenstirrups,andtheQueengave
himacrosstowearabouthisneck.Whenhehadsaidfarewelltohisunhappyparents,hemountedhis
horseandrodefortwodayswithoutstopping.
Onthethirddayhecametoalakeonwhosesmoothsurfacethirtyduckswereswimming,whilespread
aboutuponthegrasswerethirtywhitegarments.ThePrincedismounted,andtakinguponeofthe
garments,seatedhimselfbehindabushandwaitedtoseewhatwouldhappen.Theducksdivedunder
thewateranddisportedthemselvesforatime,thencameashoreandputtingonthelittlewhite
garments,theybecamebeautifulmaidens,anddisappeared.Buttherewasonelittleduck,thatremained
onthelakeandswamaboutinthemostdistractedmanner,utteringpiteouscries.ThePrincecame
frombehindthebushandthelittleduckbeggedhimtogivebackhergarment.Hehadnosoonerdone
sothanbeforehimstoodtheloveliestmaidenhehadeverseen.
430
"Thankyou,PrinceMilan,forrestoringmygarment,"saidshe."MynameisHyacinthia,andIamone
ofthethirtydaughtersofaKingoftheUnderworld,towhosecastleIwillleadyou,forhehaswaited
longforyou.Approachhimonyourkneesanddonotfearhim,forIwillbetheretohelpyou,
whateverhappens."
Shetappedherlittlefootontheground,whichopened;andtheywereimmediatelytransportedtothe
palaceofherfatherintheUnderworld,whichwascarvedfromasinglecarbuncle.Whenhiseyes
becameaccustomedtotheradiantlight,thePrincesawthemagicianofthelimetreesittingona
dazzlingthrone.Hisgreeneyeslookedoutfromunderagoldencrown,andhishideousclawsclutched
theairwithragewhenhesawthePrince.Rememberingwhatthemaidenhadtoldhim,PrinceMilan
walkedboldlyuptothethroneandkneltatthefeetofthemagician,whocursedinavoicethatshook
theUnderworld.Astheyouthwasnotatallfrightened,themagicianatlaststoppedswearing.
Laughingathiscourage,hewelcomedhimtohispalace,andshowedhimtoabeautifulchamberwhich
hewastooccupy.Onthefollowingdayhesentforhimandsaid;
[page490]
"Youareverybrave,PrinceMilan,butyoumustpaythepenaltyforkeepingmewaitingsolongfor
you.Tonightbuildmeapalaceofgoldandmarble,withwindowsofcrystal,andaboutitthemost
beautifulgardensintheworld,ortomorrowIshallcutoffyourhead."
ThePrincewentbacktohischamberandsadlyawaitedhisdoom.Thateveningasmallbeeflewin
throughhiswindow,andassoonasitenteredtheroomitbecameHyacinthia."Whyareyousad,
PrinceMilan?"sheasked.Hetoldherofherfather'simpossiblecommandandadded,"Naturally,Iam
nothappyatthethoughtoflosingmyhead."
"Donotbedistressedaboutthat,"saidshe,"buttrusttome."Inthemorninghelookedoutofthe
windowandsawawonderfulmarblepalace,witharoofofgold.
Whenthemagicianbeheldit,heexclaimed,"Youhaveaccomplishedagreatwonder,butIcannotlet
youoffsoeasily.TomorrowIwillplacemythirtydaughtersinarow,andifyoucannottellmewhich
oneistheyoungest,youwillloseyourhead."
ThePrince,however,wasnotcastdownatthis,forhethoughthewouldhavenotroubleinrecognizing
Hyacinthia.Thateveningthelittlebeeenteredtheroomandtoldhimthatthistaskwasquiteas
difficultasthefirst,becausethesisterswereallexactlyalike."Butyouwillknowme,"saidshe,"bya
littleflywhichyouwilldiscoveronmycheek."
Thenextdaythemagiciansummonedhimtohispresence,andshowedhimthethirtydaughters
standinginarow.ThePrincepassedbeforethemtwice,withoutdaringtochoose;buthesawthelittle
flyonthepinkcheekofoneofthemaidens.
"ThisisHyacinthia!"exclaimedhe.Themagicianwasgreatlyastonished;butnotyetsatisfied,he
requiredofthePrincestillanothertask.
"If,beforethiscandleburnstothebottom,"saidhe,"youmakemeapairofbootsreachingtomy
knees,Iwillletyougo;butifyoufail,youwillloseyourhead."
"Thenwemustfly,forIloveyoudearly,"saidHyacinthia,whenthePrincehadtoldherofthisnew
task.Shebreathedonthewindowpane,andstraightwayitwascoveredwithfrost;[page491]then,
leadingPrinceMilanfromthechamber,shelockedthedoor,andtheyfledthroughthepassageby
whichtheyhadenteredtheUnderworld.Besidethesmoothlakehishorsewasstillgrazing,and
mountingit,theywereborneswiftlyaway.
431
WhenthemagiciansentforthePrincetocometohim,thefrozenbreathrepliedtothemessengers,and
sodelayedthediscoveryofhisescape.Atlastthemagicianlostpatienceandorderedthedoorburst
open.Thefrozenbreathmockedathim,andhehastenedinpursuitofthefugitives.
"Ihearthesoundofhorses'feetbehindus,"saidHyacinthia.ThePrincedismounted,andputtinghis
eartotheground,answered,"Yes,theyarenear."Hyacinthiathereuponchangedherselfintoariver,
andthePrincebecameabridge,andhishorseablackbird.Theirpursuers,nolongerfindingtheir
footprints,wereobligedtoreturntothemagician,whocursedthem,andagainsentthemforth.
"Ihearthesoundofhorses'feetbehindus,"againsaidHyacinthia.ThePrinceputhiseartotheearth
andsaid,"Yes,theyarenearlyuponus."ThereuponHyacinthiachangedherself,thePrinceandthe
horse,allintoadenseforestinwhichmanypathscrossed,sothatthefollowerswerebewildered;and
theyagainreturnedtothemagician.
"Ihearhorses'feetbehindus,"saidHyacinthiaathirdtime;andthistimeitwasthemagicianhimself.
HyacinthiatookthelittlecrossfromtheneckofthePrince,andchangedherselfintoachurch,the
Princeintoamonk,andthehorseintothebelfry;sothatwhenthemagiciancameuphelostalltraceof
them,andwasobligedtoreturntotheUnderworldingreatchagrin.
Whenhehaddeparted,thePrinceandHyacinthiamountedthehorseandrodetilltheycametoa
beautifultown.
"Wemustnotenter,"saidshe,"forwemaynotcomeoutagain."ButthePrincewouldnottakeher
advice,andinsisteduponpassingthroughthegates.
"Then,"sadlyrepliedthemaiden,"whentheKingandQueenofthetowncomeouttomeetyou,donot
kissthelittlechildwhichtheywillleadbythehand,oryouwillforgetme[page492]andnevercome
back.Asforme,Iwillbecomeamilestoneandwaitforyouhere."
ItwasallasHyacinthiahadsaid.TheKingandQueencameouttogreethim,andwhenthelovelylittle
childranuptohimforacaress,hekisseditsprettyfaceandforgotHyacinthia.
Thefirstandseconddaywentby;andwhenthethirddaycame,Hyacinthiawept,andbecamealittle
blueflowergrowingbytheroadside.Anoldmancamealong,anddigginguptheflowercarriedit
homewithhimandplanteditinhisgarden.Hewateredandtendeditcarefully,andonedaythelittle
flowerbecameabeautifulmaiden.
"Whydidyounotleavemetodiebytheroadside?"sheasked,andtoldtheoldmanherstory.
"TomorrowisPrinceMilan'sweddingday,"saidtheoldman.
Hyacinthiaatoncedriedhertears,andpresentedherselfatthepalace,dressedlikeapeasant.Shewent
tothecookandaskedtobeallowedtomaketheweddingcake.Thecookwassostruckwithherbeauty
thathecouldnotrefusetherequest.Whentheguestswereallseatedaboutthetable,PrinceMilanwas
calledupontocutthecake.Assoonashehaddoneso,outflewtwobeautifuldoves,whichcircled
abouthishead.
"Dearmate,"criedoneofthedoves,"donotleavemeasPrinceMilanleftHyacinthia."
ThePrince,whosuddenlyrecollectedallhehadforgotten,ranfromtheroomandatthedoorfound
Hyacinthiaandhishorseawaitinghim.TheymountedandrodeswiftlyawaytothekingdomofKing
Kojata,wheretheKingandQueenreceivedthemwithtearsofjoy,andtheyalllivedinhappinessto
theendoftheirdays.
432
THESTORYOFKINGFROST
A
SHREWISHpeasantwomanhadadaughteronwhomshelavishedeverythingshecouldget,anda
stepdaughterwhomsheneglectedandilltreated.Inthemother'seyesthedaughterhadnofaults,while
thestepdaughterwasalways[page493]blamed,and,tryasshemight,thepoorgirlnevercouldplease.
Sounhappywasshemadethathereyeswereoftenredfromweeping.Thesightofhertearstainedface
onlyangeredthestepmotherthemore,andcausedhertosaytothegirl'sfather:
"Sendheraway,oldman.Myeyesaretiredofthesightofher,andmyearsofthesoundofhervoice.
Sendheroutofthehouse."
Thefatherbeggedtohavehisdaughterremain,buttheshrewwasdeterminedtoberidofher,andgave
himnopeace.Atlast,whenhecouldgainsayhernolonger,heplacedhisdaughterinasledgeand
drovehertotheopenfields.Herehelefther,withnothingtoshieldherfromthebittercold.Kissing
hergoodby,hedroveaway,notdaringtolookbackatHer.
Leftalonebyherfather,thegirlwanderedacrossthebleakfieldstotheedgeoftheforest,whereshe
satdownunderafirtreeandwept.Acracklingsoundcausedhertolookup,andshesawKingFrost
springingfromonetreetoanother.Whenhereachedthefirtreehejumpeddownbesideherwitha
bound.Snappinghisfingersinherlovelyface,heasked:
"DoyouknowwhoIam?Iwilltellyou.IamKingFrost."
"Hailtoyou,greatKing!"smiledthemaiden."Haveyoucomeforme?"
"Areyouwarm,fairmaiden?"heaskedinanswer.
"Yes,quitewarm,KingFrost,"themaidenreplied,althoughshewasshivering.
KingFrostbentoverherandsnappedhisfingersabouther,untiltheairseemedfullofneedles.Again
heasked,"Areyoustillwarm,dearmaiden?"
Herlipscouldscarcelymovetoutterthewords,"Quitewarm,KingFrost."
Hesnappedhisteethandcrackedhisfingers,tillalltheairwasfilledwithstingingthings.Hiseyes
glistenedandforthelasttimeheasked,"Areyouwarm,now,beautifulmaiden?Areyoustillwarm,
mydear?"
Shewasnowscarcelyabletospeak,butmanagedtogasp,"Stillwarm,KingFrost."
Thegentlegirl'spatienceanduncomplainingendurance[page494]causedKingFrosttotakepityon
hersuffering.Hearrayedherinarobe,embroideredinsilverandgold,anddeckedherwithsparkling
diamonds.Sheglitteredandshone,andwasdazzlingtobehold.Thenplacingherinhissleigh,he
wrappedherinfurs;andsixwhitehorsesborethemswiftlyaway.
Thestepmother,athome,wasbakingpancakesforthegirl'sfuneralfeast."Gointhefield,"shesaidto
herhusband,"andbringyourdaughter'sbodyhome,sowecanburyher."Theoldmanrosetoobey,
whenthelittledogbarked:
433
"Yourdaughtershallnotdie;
Her'scoldandstiffshalllie."
Thewomankickedthedog,thentriedtocoaxitwithapancake,tellingittosay:
"Herdaughtershallhavegold;
Hisbefrozenstiffandcold."
Whenthelittledoghadswallowedthepancake,hebarked:
"Hisdaughtershallbewed;
Her'sshallbefrozendead."
Thewomanbeatthedog,thencoaxeditwithmorepancakes;buttheblowscouldnotterrifyitnorfood
persuade.Itbarkedalwaysthesame.Suddenlythedooropened,andahugechestwasthrustintothe
room,followedbytheradiantstepdaughter,inadressthatdazzledthemwithitsbeauty.
Assoonasthestepmotherrecoveredfromherastonishment,sheorderedherhusbandtoyokethe
horsestothesledge,andtakeherowndaughtertothefield."Takecareyouleaveherinthesame
place,"theoldwomancautioned.Thefatherleftthegirlashewasbidden,andreturnedtohishome.
ShewasnotlongalonewhenKingFrostcameby.
"Areyouwarm,maiden?"heasked.
"Youmustbeafoolnottoseethatmyhandsandfeetarenearlyfrozen,"sheangrilyreplied.
TheKingdancedinfrontofher,andcrackedhisfingers.
"Areyouwarm,maiden?"heaskedher,overandover.Shecriedwithrage,andcalledhimrudenames,
untilhefrozethewordsonherlips,andshewasdead.
[page495]
Themotherwaitedforherdaughter'sreturnuntilshebecameimpatient;thenshetoldherhusbandto
takethesledgeandgoforher."Butdon'tlosethechest,"sheadded.
Thedogunderthetable,barked:
"Yourdaughterfrozencold,
Willneverneedachestofgold."
Theoldwomanwasscoldingthedogfortellinglies,whenthedooropened.Rushingouttowelcome
herdaughterandhertreasures,sheclaspedthefrozenbodyinherarms;andthechillofitkilledher.
[page496]
434
TALESFORTINYTOTS
TELLUSATALE
BYEDWARDSHIRLEY
"
T
435
ELLusatale,dearmother
Afairytale,do,please,
Takebabybrotheronyourlap,
We'llsitbesideyourknees,
Wewillnotspeak,wewillnotstir,
Untilthetaleistold;
Andwe'llbe,oh!socomfy,
Andjustasgoodasgold."
"Whatshallitbe,mychildren?
AladdinandhisLamp?
OrshallItellthestory
OfPussinBootsthescamp?
Orwouldyouliketohearthetale
OfBlueBeard,fierceandgrim?
OrJackwhoclimbedthegreatbeanstalk?
Ithinkyou'refondofhim.
"OrshallItellyou,children,
AboutRedRidingHood?
OrwhatbefellthoselittleBabes
WhowanderedintheWood?
OrhowsweetCinderellawent
Sogailytotheball?"
"Yes,yes!"wecried,andclappedourhands;
"Wewanttohearthemall!"
[page497]
LITTLEREDHEN
L
ITTLERedHenfoundagrainofwheat.
"Whowillplantthis?"sheasked.
"NotI,"saidthecat.
"NotI,"saidthegoose.
"NotI,"saidtherat.
"ThenIwill,"saidLittleRedHen.
Sosheburiedthewheatintheground.Afterawhileitgrew
upyellowandripe.
"Thewheatisripenow,"saidLittleRedHen."Whowillcut
436
andthreshit?"
"NotI,"saidthecat.
"NotI,"saidtherat.
Soshecutitwithherbillandthresheditwithherwings.
Thensheasked,"Whowilltakethiswheattothemill?"
"NotI,"saidthecat.
"NotI,"saidtherat.
Soshetookthewheattothemill,whereitwasground.Then
shecarriedtheflourhome.
"Whowillmakemesomebreadwiththisflour?"sheasked.
"NotI,"saidthecat.
"NotI,"saidtherat.
Soshemadeandbakedthebread.
Thenshesaid,"Nowweshallseewhowilleatthisbread."
"Wewill,"saidcat,goose,andrat.
"Iamquitesureyouwould,"saidLittleRedHen,"ifyou
couldgetit."
Thenshecalledherchicks,andtheyateupallthebread.
Therewasnoneleftatallforthecat,orthegoose,ortherat.
[page498]
INSEARCHOFABABY
437
BYF.TAPSELL
"
LEASE,I'mlost."Thesewords,andathump!thump!onthe
doorwerewhatMrs.Stoneheardasshesatatsupperinher
tinyhouseinthewood.
Shewenttoopenthedoor,andthereshesawadearlittlegirl
aboutthreeyearsold.
"Please,I'mlost,"againcamethewords,andtwofatlittle
fistswentuptoapairofbigblueeyes.
"Comein,littlegirl,andtellmeallaboutit,"saidthewoman.
"MaybeIcanhelpyoutofindyourway."
Thechildletherselfbeledintotheroom;thenallatoncethe
twotinyfistscamedownfromthetwoblueeyes,andshe
gaveaquicklookatthetable.
"Areyouhavingsupper?"shesaid."MayIhavesuppertoo?
Iameversohungry."
"Yes,dear;ofcourseyoushallhavesome,"wasthereply.
"See,youshallsitonthischairbymyside.Nowwhatwill
youhave?"
"IthinkIwouldlikesomebreadandbutterwithsugaronit
brownsugar,youknow;"andsoonthelittlegirlwasashappy
ascouldbe.
"Whatisyourname,dear?"askedMrs.Stone,whensupper
wasoverandthelittlegirlhadbeguntothinkoncemore
abouthowshewastofindherwayhome.
"Meg,"wasthereply.
"Butyourothername,foryoumusthavetwonames."
"No,mynameisjustMeg,ofcourse;Idon'thaveanyother
name,"shesaid,alookofwonderinthebigblueeyes.
"Doyouknowwhereyoulive?"
"Yes;Ilivesinthenursery.Didn'tyouknowthat?"
Shewassosurethatitdidnotseemanygoodtosayany
moreaboutit.SoMrs.Stoneonlyasked,"Wherewereyou
438
goingwhenyoucametomyhouse?"
"Tofindababy,"wasthereply."RobsaidthatifIwent
[page499]toahouseinthewoodtheywouldgivemeone.
Haveyougotababytogiveme?"
"No,dear;IamafraidIhavenot.Butwhydoyouwanta
baby?Iamsureyouhavelotsofdolls."
"Yes,ofcourseIhave;butthenyouseedollsarenotalive.I
wantarealbabytoplaywith.
"Enidwon'tplaywithmemuchnow,forshesaysIamtoo
small,andRobisatschoolallthetime."
"Why,whoisthat?"saidavoice,andamancameinwitha
bagoftools.
Thenthetwolittlefistsagainwentuptotheblueeyes,for
thelittlemaidwasshyofthisgreatbigman.
"Well,wife,soyouhaveafriend,Isee,"hesaid."Whoisthe
littlelass?"
"Idon'tknow,"saidhiswife."Itseemsshewaslost,and
cameheretoaskherway.Shesaysshecametofindababy."
"Comehere,littleone,anddon'tbeafraid,"saidtheman.
"Thereneverwasachildyetwhowouldnotcometome,"
andashespokehedrewherontohisknee."Now,then,tell
meallaboutit."
Afteroneglanceattheman'skindfaceMegnestledupto
himandbegan,
"Nursewassobusyshecouldnotbeintheroomwithme.
"SoIputonmyhatandcametolookforababy;butIgot
lostontheway.AtlastIcametothewoodandsawthis
house.ShecouldnotgivemeababyasRobsaidshewould,
butshegavemesometea,andbreadandbutterwithsugaron
it.WeonlyhavethatonSundayathome.IsthisSunday?"
"No,littlemiss,"saidtheman."ButIexpectyouhaditjust
foratreat,asyouhadgotlost."
Butjustthenstepswereheardonthepath,andtherewasa
sharpknockatthedoor.
Thelatchwaslifted,andavoicesaid,
"Haveyouseenalittlegirlinawhitefrockpassthisway?"
439
"Why,thatmustbeNurse,"criedMeg.
InspiteofbeingcrossatMeg'shavingrunaway,Nursehad
tolaugh;thenshebentdownandsaid,"Butwhatmadeyou
runawaylikethis,MissMeg?"
[page500]
"RobtoldmethatifIcametothehouseinthewoodIshould
findareallivebaby;buthewaswrong,forshe,"withasmile
atMrs.Stone,"isverynice,butshehasnotgotababyto
giveme."
"Ofcoursenot,child;butdoyouknowthatIhavesome
newsforyou?"
"Whatisit?Dotellme?"criedthelittlegirl.
"Whileyouwereawayinthewoodtolookforababywe
havefoundababyathome.Youhaveanewbabybrother.
Comehomewithmenowandyoushallseehim."
"Anewlittlebrother,"saidMeg,hereyeswideopenwith
wonder."HemusthaveknownIhadgoneouttolookfor
one.SonowIhavegottwonewfriendsandababytoo.
Comealong,quick."
"Goodbye,"shesaidtohernewfriends."Thankyoueverso
muchforbeingsokind,andforthesupper.
"Iamcomingtohavesupperwithyouagainsoon,andthenI
willbringthenewbabywithme.Youwillgivemeandbaby
breadandbutterwithsugaronit,won'tyou?"andMeg
trottedoffashappyasalittlequeen.
JOCKANDIANDTHE
OTHERS
F
IRSTofall,ImusttellyouwhoIam.
MynameisPENELOPE,butJockalwayscallsmePen.I
ameightyearsold;Jockishalfpastsix.
WelivewithmotherandfatherandRoverandTibbyina
440
housenotveryfarfromalargecity.
MotheristhenicestpersonIknowinalltheworld.
Fatherisaverybigman.Healwayshaslotsofmoneyinhis
pocket.Hegoestobusinessinatraineveryday.
Wehavearealfarm,quiteneartoourhouse,wherethey
keepcows,chickens,pigs,horses,andgeese.JockandIoften
gotoseethemall.
[page501]
Onedayinsummerwewenttoseethefarmer.Ihadmyblue
dresson,sothatthecowswouldnotbeangrywhentheysaw
me.
Wemetthefarmernearthestable."Come,"hesaid;"Ihave
somethingtoshowyoutoday."
"Whatisit?"wesaidbothatthesametime.
"Comeandsee,"wasallthathewouldsay.
ThenhetookusintothestablewherehekeepsNobby,the
bigbrownhorse,wholikessugar.
NowNobbywasnotthere,butinthestrawweresevenlittle
puppydogsoh,sosweetandcuddly!
Jockdancedroundandroundthefarmer."Maywehave
one?"hesaid.
"Askmother,"saidthefarmer,andoffweranatonce.
Motherwasatthegardengate.
Weranuptoher.Jockwasfirst,butitwasnearlyadead
heat.Motheropenedthegateandsaid,
"Well,whathaveyouseentoday?"
"Omother,"saidJock,outofbreath.
"Omotherdear"Isaid,outofbreathalso.
"Farmerhassuchlovelypuppies,"webothsaidatonce.
"Maywehaveonetokeep?"
Bythistimewebothhadourarmsroundmother'swaist,and
shewaslaughing.
441
"Yes,wecan,"Isaid,forIknew.
"Iffathersaysyes,"saidmother."Youmustaskhimwhenhe
comeshome."
Sowewenttothestationtomeethim.Jocktookhisbag,and
Itookhispaperparceltocarryithomeforhim.
OnthewayhomeIaskedhimifhelikeddogs,andhesaid,
"Ofcourse."
ThenJocksaid,"Littledogs?"
"Oh,yes."
"Puppydogs?"
"Oneatatimeisallright."
"Onepuppydogwithbrownspotsonwhite?"Jockwenton.
"Whereisit?"askedfather,andhiseyeswerelaughing;you
couldnotseehismouthforhisbeard.
[page502]
Thenwetoldhim,andhesaid"Yes,"justatthegardengate.
SothatwashowwegotRover.
Roverwasverysoftanddownywhenhefirstcametous.But
hesoongrewtobeabigdog.
JockandItaughthimmanytricks;andhecanbegvery
nicely,ifwelethimgetonthecouchinthediningroom.
Weputsugaronhisnose,andhewaitsuntilwecountOne,
Two,THREE.
Thenhethrowsthesugarintotheairandcatchesit.
DOLLYDIMPLE
BYF.TAPSELL
442
"
Hdear,Iamsolonely,anditissodark!Idowantmydear
DollyDimple.IthinkIwillgoandfetchher."Andlittlefour
yearoldBabsgotoutofbedandfeltherwaytothedoor.
Thedoorwasjustaweecrackopen.Asshepeepedin,Babs
sawthattherewasalightintheroom,andthesightwhich
methereyesalmostmadehercryout.
OnthefloorstoodDollyDimpleinherverybestfrock,and
Mr.Jollymanwasaskinghertodancewithhim.
TeddyBearwasatworkonthebigdrum,andtheclownwas
turningtheorgantomakemusicforthedollstodanceto.
Thetinsoldiers,onthebacksofcows,pigs,andsheepfrom
theNoah'sArkwerehavingashamfight.
Thedollsfromthedolls'houseweregoingforarideinthe
bighorseandcart.
"Itistoobadofthemtogoandhaveagoodtimelikethis
whenIaminbed,"thoughtBabs,"andIamgoingtotake
DollyDimpleawaywithmeallthesame."
Butwhenshetriedtopickupthedollandcarryheroff,Mr.
Jollymanflewatherinafury.
HebegantokickherbarelegstillBabsthoughtshewould
havenoshinsleftatall;butshewouldnotrunaway.
[page503]
"IwantDollyDimple,"shesaid."Sheismydoll,andyou
havenorighttotrytokeepherawayfromme."
"Sheisyoursintheday,butnotatnight,"wasthereply.
"Howdoyouthinkwetoyscouldliveifwehadnolifebut
theoneweendureatyourhands?Itisinthenightthatwe
liveandhaveourgoodtimes,forweknowyouaresafein
bedthen."
"Idon'tcarewhatyousay;Iwillhaveher,"criedBabs,very
angrynow.
ShetriedoncemoretogetholdofDollyDimple;butbefore
shecoulddoso,Mr.Jollymanturnedtothesoldiers,andsaid
theoneword,"Charge."
Therewasagreatnoiseandarush,andrightdownuponthe
443
littlegirlcamecamels,horses,lions,tigers,sheep,andpigs.
Butjustasshethoughtherlasthourwascome,sheheard,the
word"Halt,"andthenthesoundofDollyDimplesaying,
"No,don'tkillher.Sheisverygoodtomemostofthetime."
Therestofthedollshadbeguntodanceoncemore,butDolly
Dimplecameuptothelittlegirlandtookholdofherarm.
"Iamqueenhereinthenight,"shesaid."Iwillnothurtyou,
asyouhavebeengoodtome,andIknowyouloveme.Ifyou
like,Iwillcomeandstaywithyoutillyougotosleep.Pick
meup."
SoBabspickedupthedoll,andtookitbacktobedwithher,
andhuggeditinherarms.
THETALEOFPETER
RABBIT
BYBEATRIXPOTTER
O
NCEuponatimetherewerefourlittleRabbits,andtheir
nameswereFlopsy,Mopsy,CottonTail,andPeter.They
livedwiththeirMotherinasandbank,underneaththerootof
averybigfirtree.
[page504]
"Now,mydears,"saidoldMrs.Rabbit,onemorning,"you
maygointothefieldsordownthelane,butdon'tgointoMr.
McGregor'sgarden:yourFatherhadanaccidentthere;he
wasputinapiebyMrs.McGregor."
"Nowrunalong,anddon'tgetintomischief.Iamgoingout."
ThenoldMrs.Rabbittookabasketandherumbrellaand
wentthroughthewoodtothebaker's.Sheboughtaloafof
brownbreadandfivecurrantbuns.
Flopsy,Mopsy,andCottontail,whoweregoodlittle
bunnies,wentdownthelanetogatherblackberries.
ButPeter,whowasverynaughty,ranstraightawaytoMr.
444
McGregor'sgarden,andsqueezedunderthegate!
FirstheatesomelettucesandsomeFrenchbeans,andthen
heatesomeradishes;andthen,feelingrathersick,hewentto
lookforsomeparsley.
Butroundtheendofacucumberframe,whomshouldhe
meetbutMr.McGregor!
Mr.McGregorwasonhishandsandkneesplantingout
youngcabbages,buthejumpedupandranafterPeter,
wavingarakeandcallingout,"Stop,thief!"
Peterwasmostdreadfullyfrightened;herushedalloverthe
garden,forhehadforgottenthewaybacktothegate.Helost
oneofhisshoesamongthecabbages,andtheothershoe
amongstthepotatoes.
Afterlosingthem,heranonfourlegsandwentfaster,sothat
Ithinkhemighthavegotawayaltogetherifhehadnot
unfortunatelyrunintoagooseberrynet,andgotcaughtbythe
largebuttonsonhisjacket.Itwasabluejacketwithbrass
buttons,quitenew.
Petergavehimselfupforlost,andshedbigtears;buthissobs
wereoverheardbysomefriendlysparrows,whoflewtohim
ingreatexcitement,andimploredhimtoexerthimself.
Mr.McGregorcameupwithasieve,whichheintendedto
popuponthetopofPeter,butPeterwriggledoutjustintime,
leavinghisjacketbehindhim;andrushedintothetoolshed,
andjumpedintoacan.Itwouldhavebeenabeautifulthing
tohidein,ifithadnothadsomuchwaterinit.
[page505]
Mr.McGregorwasquitesurethatPeterwassomewherein
thetoolshed,perhapshiddenunderneathaflowerpot.He
begantoturnthemovercarefully,lookingundereach.
PresentlyPetersneezed"Kertyschoo!"Mr.McGregorwas
afterhiminnotime,andtriedtoputhisfootuponPeter,who
jumpedoutofawindow,upsettingthreeplants.Thewindow
wastoosmallforMr.McGregor,andhewastiredofrunning
afterPeter.Hewentbacktohiswork.
Petersatdowntorest;hewasoutofbreathandtrembling
withfright,andhehadnottheleastideawhichwaytogo.
Alsohewasverydampwithsittinginthatcan.
Afteratimehebegantowanderabout,goinglippitylippity
notveryfast,andlookingallaround.
Hefoundadoorinawall;butitwaslocked,andtherewas
445
noroomforafatlittlerabbittosqueezeunderneath.
Anoldmousewasrunninginandoutoverthestone
doorstep,carryingpeasandbeanstoherfamilyinthewood.
Peteraskedherthewaytothegate,butshehadsuchalarge
peainhermouththatshecouldnotanswer.Sheonlyshook
herheadathim.Peterbegantocry.
Thenhetriedtofindhiswaystraightacrossthegarden,but
hebecamemoreandmorepuzzled.Presently,hecametoa
pondwhereMr.McGregorfilledhiswatercans.Awhitecat
wasstaringatsomegoldfish;shesatvery,verystill,butnow
andthenthetipofhertailtwitchedasifitwerealive.Peter
thoughtitbesttogoawaywithoutspeakingtoher;hehad
heardaboutcatsfromhiscousin,littleBenjaminBunny.
Hewentbacktowardthetoolshed,butsuddenly,quiteclose
tohim,heheardthenoiseofahoescrrritch,scratch,
scratch,scratch.Peterscutteredunderneaththebushes.But,
presently,asnothinghappened,hecameout,andclimbed
uponawheelbarrow,andpeepedover.Thefirstthinghesaw
wasMr.McGregorhoeingonions.Hisbackwasturned
towardPeter,andbeyondhimwasthegate!
Petergotdownveryquietlyoffthewheelbarrow,andstarted
runningasfastashecouldgo,alongastraightwalkbehind
someblackcurrantbushes.
Mr.McGregorcaughtsightofhimatthecorner,but
[page506]Peterdidnotcare.Heslippedunderneaththegate,
andwassafeatlastinthewoodoutsidethegarden.
Mr.McGregorhungupthelittlejacketandtheshoesfora
scarecrowtofrightentheblackbirds.
Peterneverstoppedrunningorlookedbehindhimtillhegot
hometothebigfirtree.
Hewassotiredthathefloppeddownuponthenicesoftsand
ontheflooroftherabbithole,andshuthiseyes.
Hismotherwasbusycooking;shewonderedwhathehad
donewithhisclothes.Itwasthesecondlittlejacketandpair
ofshoesthatPeterhadlostinafortnight!
IamsorrytosaythatPeterwasnotverywellduringthe
evening.
Hismotherputhimtobed,andmadesomecamomiletea;
andshegaveadoseofittoPeter!
"Onetablespoonfultobetakenatbedtime."
ButFlopsy,Mopsy,andCottontailhadbreadandmilkand
446
blackberriesforsupper.
THEMILLER,HISSON,AND
THEIRASS
O
NCEuponatimetherewasamillerwholivedinalittle
housebesidehismill.Alldaylongheworkedhard,butat
nighthewenthometohiswifeandhislittleboy.
Onedaythismillermadeuphismindthathewouldtakehis
asstothefairandsellit.Soheandhisboysaidfarewellto
thedameandstartedoff.Theyhadnotgonefarwhenthey
metanumberofgirlscomingfromthetown.
"Look!"saidoneofthem."Didyoueverseesuchstupid
fellows?Theyarewalkingwhenoneofthemmightbe
riding."
Whenthemillerheardthishebadetheboygetupontheass,
whilehetrampedalongmerrilybyitsside.Soontheycame
toanumberofoldmenstandingbythesideoftheroad
talkingtogether.
"Lookatthat,"saidoneofthem,"Lookatthatyoung
[page507]rascalriding,whilehispoorfatherhastowalk.
Getdown,youidlefellow,andletyourfatherride."
Uponthisthesongotdownfromtheass,andthemillertook
hisplace.Theyhadnotgoneveryfarwhentheymettwo
womencominghomefrommarket.
"Youlazyoldman!"theycriedatonce."Howdareyouride
whenyourpoorlittleboyiswalkingandcanhardlykeep
pacewithyou?"
Thenthemiller,whowasagoodnaturedman,tookhisson
upbehindhim,andinthiswaytheywenttothetown.
"Mygoodfellow,"saidatownsmanwhomtheymet,"isthat
assyourown?"
"Yes,"repliedthemiller.
"Ishouldnothavethoughtso,bythewayyouloadhim,"said
theman."Why,youtwoarebetterabletocarrythebeast
447
thanheistocarryyou."
"Well,"saidthemiller,"wecanbuttry."
Soheandhissongotdown,andtiedthelegsoftheass
together.Thentheyslunghimonapole,andcarriedhimon
theirshoulders.Itwassuchafunnysightthatthepeople
laughedandjeeredatthem.
Thepoorasswasveryuncomfortable,andtriedhardtoget
offthepole.Atlast,astheywerepassingoverabridge,he
pulledhislegsoutoftheropeandtumbledtotheground.He
wassofrightenedthathejumpedoffthebridgeintotheriver
andwasdrowned.
Doyouknowwhatthisstoryteachesyou?
Ifyoutrytopleaseeverybody,youwillpleasenobody.
THEVISITTOSANTA
CLAUSLAND
J
ACKandMargaretweregrowingmoreexcitedeachday,
becauseChristmaswassonear.Theytalkedofnothingbut
SantaClaus.
"Don'tyouwishyoucouldseehim?"theysaidoverandover.
[page508]
Onenight,justbeforeChristmas,Mothertuckedtheminbed
andleftthemtogotosleep.ButJackwiggled,Margaret
wriggled.Atlasttheybothsatupinbed.
"Jack,"Margaretwhispered,"areyouasleep?"
"No,"saidJack,"Ican'tgotosleep.Margaret,don'tyouwish
youcouldseeSantaClaus?What'sthat?"
Theybothlistened,andtheyheardalittletap,taponthe
window.Theylooked,andthere,rightinthewindow,they
sawafunnylittleBrownie.
"What'sthatIheardyousay?YouwanttoseeSantaClaus?
Well,IamoneofhisBrownies.Iamonmywaybackto
448
SantaClausLand.I'lltakeyouwithmeifyouwanttogo."
JackandMargaretscrambledfromtheirbeds.
"Comeon,showustheway!"theycriedingreatexcitement.
"No,indeed,"saidtheBrownie."Noonemustknowtheway
toSantaClausLand.Kindlywaitamoment."
ThentheBrownietooksomethingsoftandthickanddark,
andtieditaroundJack'seyes.Nexthetooksomethingsoft
andthickanddark,andtieditaroundMargaret'seyes.
"Howmanyfingersbeforeyou?"heasked.
Bothofthemshooktheirheads.Theycouldnotseeawink.
"Verywell,nowwe'reoff,"saidtheBrownie.
HetookJack'shandononeside,andMargaret'sontheother.
Itseemedasiftheyflewthroughthewindow.Theywenton
swiftlyforalittlewhile,thentheBrowniewhirledthem
roundandrounduntiltheyweredizzy,andofftheywent
again.Thechildrencouldnottellwhethertheyweregoing
north,south,east,orwest.Afteratimetheystopped.
"Hereweare,"saidtheBrownie.
Heuncoveredtheireyes,andthechildrensawthattheywere
standingbeforeabig,thickgate.
TheBrownieknockedandthegatewasswungopen.They
wentthroughit,rightintoSantaClaus'sgarden.
Itwasaveryqueergarden.Therewererowsandrowsof
Christmastrees,allglitteringwithballsandcobwebby
[page509]tinsel,andinsteadofflowerbedstherewerebeds
ofeverykindoftoyintheworld.Margaretatonceranover
toabedofdolls.
"Let'sseeifanyofthemareripe,"saidtheBrownie.
"Ripe?"saidMargaretingreatsurprise.
"Why,ofcourse,"saidtheBrownie."Nowifthisoneisripe
itwillshutitseyes."
TheBrowniepickedalittledollfromthebedandlaiditin
Margaret'sarms.Itseyeswenthalfshut,andthenstuck.
"No,it'snotripeyet,"saidtheBrownie."Trythisone."
Hepickedanotherone,andthisoneshutitseyesjustasifit
449
hadgonetosleep.
"We'lltakethatone,"hesaid,andhedroppeditintoabig
sackhewascarrying.
"Nowthisonecries,ifit'sripe,"hesaidashepickedalovely
infantdoll.TheBrowniegaveitasqueeze,andthedollmade
afunnysqueakingnoise.
"Notquiteripe,"hesaid,andheputitbackintothebed.He
triedseveralothers,andhepickedagoodmany.Someof
themcried,somesaid"Mamma"and"Papa,"andsome
dancedwhentheywerewoundup.
"Oh,docomeoverhere,Margaret!"Jackcalled.
Margaretranovertoanotherbedandthereweredrumsbig
drums,littledrums,andmiddlesizeddrums;yellowdrums,
bluedrums,greendrums,reddrums.
"Canwegathersomeofthese?"saidJacktotheBrownie.
"Why,ofcourse.Let'sseeifthisoneisripe."
TheBrownietookupalittlereddrum,andgaveitathump
withadrumstick.ButitmadesuchaqueersoundthatJack
andMargaretbothlaughedoutloud.Thelittlereddrumwas
putbackintothebed,andtheBrownietriedanotherbigone.
ItwentBoom!Boom!Boom!Boom!Boom!andJackand
Margaretmarchedallalongthebed,keepingsteptoit.
Whentheyhadfinishedpickingdrums,theywentovertoa
bedfilledwithhorns.Thatwasthemostfunofall.Someof
themmadeveryqueernoises,andonsometheBrownie
playedjollylittletunes.
[page510]
Thenextbedtheycametowasfilledwithtoyswhichcould
bewoundup.Thereweretrains,automobiles,dancingdolls,
climbingmonkeys,hoppingbirds,funnywobblingducks,
andeverykindoftoyyoucouldthinkof.Thechildrenstayed
atthisbedforalongtime.
AtlastMargaretsaid:"ButwhereisSantaClaus?Wewanted
toseehim."
"Oh,tobesure,"saidtheBrownie."Comealong,"andheled
themdownalong,windingwalk,totheedgeofthegarden.
Thenhepointedtoahillinthedistance.
"Doyouseethatlargewhitehouse?Thereiswherehelives."
Thechildrenstaredatit.Itwassowhitethatitseemedto
450
shineinthedistance.
"Walkrightacrosshere,"saidtheBrownie,"thenupthehill
toSantaClaus'shouse."
"Oh,mustwewalkacrossthere?"saidMargaret.Shestared
downatthedeepdarkchasmbetweenthegardenandthehill;
acrossitwasstretchedanarrowplank.
"Walkcarefully,"saidtheBrownie,"andmindyoudon'tlook
down;forifyoudo,I'mafraidyouwon'tseeSantaClausto
night."
"We'llbeverycareful,"saidJack."Comealong,Margaret,"
andhetookhislittlesister'shandandtheystartedacrossthe
plank.
TheyhadalmostreachedthemiddleofitwhenJacklooked
down.
"Oh!"hesaid,andgaveMargaretapull.
Shelookeddowntoo,andcried"Oh,Oh!"anddown,down,
downtheywent.
Suddenlytheylandedwithathump.Theysatupandrubbed
theireyes.Theretheywererightintheirownbedsathome.
Motheropenedthedoor.
"Areyouawake,children?"shesaid.
"Oh,Mother,wehaven'tbeenasleep.We'vebeentoSanta
ClausLand,andwenearlysawSantaClaus!"
Thentheytoldherallaboutit,andMotherjustsmiled.
[page511]
THEGREEDYBROWNIE
T
HEREwasoncealittleBrowniewholivedinahollowtreestump.Hehadbeenbusyalltheday
playingpranks.Hisprankshadtakenhimfarawayfromhometothehouseofaveryimportantlaird.
Intothelaird'scupofwinehehaddroppedsomesourberrieswhichhehadpickedonhisway.Healso
putthistlesintohisboots,sothatwhenthelairdhaddrawnthemonhehadscreamedoutwithpain.
TheBrowniehadbeenawayalltheday,sothatwhenatlastheturnedtogobacktohishomehefelt
reallyverytired.Onhiswaybacktothewoodhepassedbyacozylookingfarmhouse.Thedoorofthe
451
dairywasopen.TheBrowniethoughtthiswouldbeaverynicecoolplaceinwhichtorestforafew
moments.Soheslippedintothedairy,andcurledhimselfupunderneaththebenchtohaveanicelittle
doze.
Hewassowearythatoncehehadfallenasleepheneverwokeupagainuntilitwasquitedark,whenhe
wasdisturbedbytwolassieswhohadcomeintothedairy.
Onewascarryingacandleinherhand,andbyitslightthepairespiedabigbowlofcreamontheshelf.
Thenaughtygirlsthoughtthattheywoulddrinkitforsupper.Theycouldonlyfindonespoononthe
shelf,sotheydecidedtheywouldeachhaveaspoonfulinturn.LassieJeantookthebowlandcarriedit
toabenchinthecorner,andLassieMegfolloweditwiththecandle.Nosoonerhadthetwogirls
settledthemselvesthantheBrownie,whowasnowwideawake,andwhowashimselffeelingthat
somesuppermightnotbeoutofplace,creptupbehindthemandblewoutthecandle.
Thelassiesatfirstwereverymuchconcernedatbeinginthedark;neverthelesstheydeterminedthey
woulddrinkthecream,allthesame.
LassieJeanfilledthespoonwiththerichdelicacy.Shewasabouttoraiseittoherlipswhenthe
naughtyBrowniepokedhisheadoverhershoulder,andlappeditoutofthespoonbeforeithadreached
hermouth.LassieMeg,believingthatLassieJeanhadalreadyswallowedsomecreamwhileshe
[page512]hadhadnone,stretchedoutherhandtotakeawaythespoonfromherfriend.LassieJean
wasnotwillingtogiveitup,sinceshesaidshehadnotyettastedanycream.LassieMegwasunwilling
tobelieveher,forshedeclaredshehadheardherlappingthecream.
WithoutwaitingforLassieJeantoexplain,shesnatchedthespoonoutofherfriend'shand.Shefilledit
withcreamfromthebowl,andwasabouttoraiseittoherlipswhentheBrowniejumpedfrombehind
LassieJean,andsettlinghimselfbehindLassieMeg'sshoulders,pokedforwardhishead,andagain
lappedupthecreamfromoutofthespoon.
LassieJeaninherturnsnatchedbackthespoonfromLassieMeg.Thustheywenton,foreverytime
oneortheotherraisedthespoonfulofcreamtoherlipsitwaslappedupbytheBrownie.This
continueduntilthebowlwasemptied.TheBrowniewasfullofcream,butthepoorlassieshadnotso
muchastastedonedrop,althougheachbelievedtheotherhaddrunkitall.
Thelassieswerestillquarrelingwhenthedoorofthedairywasopened,andthefarmer'swifeentered,
carryingalightedcandleinherhand.ThemomentthatshedidsotheBrowniehoppedunderthebench
andthelassiesstartedupguiltily.
Thefarmer'swifecaughtsightoftheemptybasin.Shewasveryangrywiththemindeed.Whenthey
triedhastilytoexplain,eachblamingtheother,thefarmer'swifewouldnotlisten,butonlygrewthe
moreangry.Shetoldthemthat,sincetheyhadsuppedsowell,theyshouldhavenoneofthesconesand
eggswhichshehadpreparedfortheeveningmealinthekitchen.
Whenthefarmer'swifehadenteredshehadleftthedooropen,sowhileshewasbusilyscoldingthe
lassiestheBrownieslippedoutfromunderthebenchandmadehisescape.Asheranchucklingdown
theroad,hecouldstillhearherangryvoicedrowningtheattemptedexplanationsofthebewildered
lassies.Whenthelittlefellowcurledhimselfupsometimelaterinthetreetrunkhewasstilllaughing.
[page513]
THEFAIRIES'PASSAGE
BYJAMESCLARENCEMANGAN
452
T
AP,tap,tap,rap!"Getup,gafferFerryman,"
"Eh!Whoisthere?"Theclockstrikesthree.
"Getup,do,gaffer!Youaretheveryman
Wehavebeenlong,long,longingtosee."
Theferrymanrises,growlingandgrumbling,
Andgoesfumfumbling,andstumbling,andtumbling
Overthewaresonhiswaytothedoor.
Butheseesnomore
Thanhesawbefore;
Tillavoiceisheard:"OFerrymandear!
Herewearewaiting,allofus,here.
Weareawee,weecolony,we;
Sometwohundredinall,orthree,
FerryusovertheriverLee,
Eredawnofday,
Andwewillpay
Themostwemay
Inourownweeway!"
"Whoareyou?Whencecameyou?
Whatplaceareyougoingto?"
"Oh,wehavedweltoverlonginthisland;
Thepeoplegetcross,andaregrowingsoknowing,too!
Nothingatallbuttheynowunderstand.
Wearedailyvanishingunderthethunder
Ofsomehugeengineorironwonder;
Thatiron,ah!ithasenteredoursouls."
"Yoursouls?Ogholes,
Youqueerlittledrolls,
Doyoumean....?""Goodgaffer,doaiduswithspeed,
Forourtime,likeourstature,isshortindeed!
Andaverylongwaywehavetogo;
Eightortenthousandmilesorso,
Hitherandthither,andtoandfro,
[page514]Withourpotsandpans
Andlittlegoldcans;
Butourlightcaravans
Runswifterthanman's."
"Well,well,youmaycome,"saidtheferrymanaffably;
"Patrick,turnout,andgetreadythebarge."
Thenagaintothelittlefolk;"Tho'youseemlaughably
Small,Idon'tmind,ifyourcoppersbelarge."
Oh,dear,whatarushing,whatpushing,whatcrushing
(Thewatermenmakingvaineffortsathushing
Thehubbubthewhile),therefollowedthesewords.
Whatclappingofboards,
Whatstrappingofcords,
Whatstowingawayofchildrenandwives,
Andplattersandmugs,andspoonsandknives,
Tillallhadsafelygotintotheboat,
Andtheferryman,cladinhistiptopcoat,
453
Andhisweelittlefairiesweresafelyafloat!
Thending,ding,ding,
Andkling,kling,kling,
Howthecoppersdidring
Inthetinpitcherling.
Off,then,wenttheboat,atfirstverypleasantly,
Smoothly,andsoforth;butafterawhile
Itswayedanditsaggedthisandthatway,andpresently
Chestafterchest,andpileafterpile,
Ofthelittlefolks'goodsbegantossingandrolling,
Andpitchinglikefun,beyondfairycontrolling.
OMab!ifthehubbubweregreatbefore,
Itwasnowsometwoorthreemilliontimesmore.
Crash!wenttheweecrocksandtheclocks;andthelocks
Ofeachlittleweeboxwerestoveinbyhardknocks;
Andthentherewereoaths,andprayers,andcries:
"Takecare""Seethere""O,dear,myeyes!"
"Iamkilled!""Iamdrowned!"withgroansandsighs,
Tilltolandtheydrew.
[page515]"Yeoho!Pullto
Tillerropethro'andthro'!"
Andall'srightanew.
"Now,jumpuponshore,yequeerlittleoddities.
(Eh,whatisthis?...wherearethey,atall?
Wherearethey,andwherearetheirtinycommodities?
Well,asIlive"...)Helooksblankasawall,
Poorferryman!Roundhimandroundhimhegazes,
Butonlygetsdeeplierlostinthemazes
Ofutterbewilderment.All,allaregone,
Andhestandsalone,
Likeastatueofstone,
Inadoldrumofwonder.Heturnstosteer,
Andatinklinglaughsaluteshisear,
Withotheroddsounds:"Ha,ha,ha,ha!
Follol!zidzizzle!queequee!bah!bah!
Fizzigiggiggidy!pshee!shasha!"
"Oyethieves,yethieves,yerascallythieves!"
Thegoodmancries.Heturnstohispitcher,
Andthere,alas,tohishorrorperceives
Thatthelittlefolk'smodeofmakinghimricher
Hasbeentopayhimwithwitheredleaves!
THEWORLD
"
454
HEworldiswet,"saidthelittlefrog;
"Whatisn'twaterismostlybog."
"Oh,notatall!"saidthelittlefly;
"It'sfullofspiders,andverydry!"
"Theworldisdark,"saidthemothpolite,
"Withruddywindowsandbowsoflight."
"Mypooryoungfriend,youhavemuchtolearn:
Theworldisgreen,"saidtheswayingfern.
"Olistentome,"sangthelittlelark:
"It'swetanddry,andit'sgreenanddark.
Tothinkthat'sallwouldbeverywrong;
It'sarchedwithblue,andit'sfilledwithsong."
[page516]
FANCIFULSTORIES
WHITEMAGIC
B
LINDfolksseethefairies,
Oh,betterfarthanwe,
Whomisstheshiningoftheirwings
Becauseoureyesarefilledwiththings
Wedonotwishtosee.
Theyneednotseekenchantment
Fromsolemnprintedbooks,
Forallaboutthemastheygo
Thefairiesfluttertoandfro
Withsmilingfriendlylooks.
Deaffolkhearthefairies,
Howeversofttheirsong;
Tiswewholosethehoneysound
Amidtheclamorallaround
Thatbeatsthewholedaylong.
Buttheywithgentlefaces
Sitquietlyapart;
Whatroomhavetheyforsorrowing
Whilefairyminstrelssitandsing
Closetoeachlisteningheart?
FromLondonPunch.
455
[page517]
THEBROWNIES
BYJULIANAHORATIAEWING
"
HILDRENareaburden,"saidthetailor,ashesatonhisbenchstitchingaway.
"Childrenareablessing,"saidthekindladyinthewindow.
Itwasthetailor'smotherwhospoke.Shewasaveryoldwomanandnearlyhelpless.Alldayshesatin
alargearmchairknittingrugs.
"Whathavemytwoladseverdonetohelpme?"continuedthetailor,sadly."Theydonothingbutplay.
IfIsendTommyonanerrand,heloiters.IfIaskhimtowork,hedoesitsounwillinglythatIwould
ratherdoitmyself.SincetheirmotherdiedIhaveindeedhadahardtime."
Atthismomentthetwoboyscamein,theirarmsfullofmosswhichtheydroppedonthefloor.
"Isthereanysupper,grandmother?"askedTommy.
"No,mychild,onlysomebreadforbreakfasttomorrow."
"Oh,grandmother,wearesohungry!"andtheboy'seyesfilledwithtears.
"WhatcanIdoforyou,mypoorchildren?"saidthegoodwoman.
"Tellusastory,please,sothatwecanforgetwearehungry.Tellusaboutthebrowniethatusedtolive
inyourgrandfather'shouse.Whatwashelike?"
"Likealittleman,theysay."
"Whatdidhedo?"
"Hecameearlyinthemorningbeforeanyoneinthehousewasawake,andlightedthefireandswept
theroomandsetoutthebreakfast.Heneverwouldbeseenandwasoffbeforetheycouldcatchhim.
Buttheyoftenheardhimlaughingandplayingaboutthehouse."
"Didtheygivehimanywages,grandmother?"
"No,mydear,hedidtheworkforlove.Theyalwaysset[page518]apanofclearwaterforhim,and
nowandthenabowlofbreadandmilk."
"Oh,grandmother,wheredidhego?"
456
"TheOldOwlinthewoodsknows;Idonot.WhenIwasyoungmanypeopleusedtogotoseetheOld
Owlatmoonrise,andaskherwhattheywantedtoknow."
"HowIwishabrowniewouldcomeandlivewithus!"criedTommy.
"SodoI,"saidJohnny.
"Willyouletussetoutapanofwaterforthebrownie,father?"askedTommy.
"Youmaysetoutwhatyoulike,mylad,butyoumustgotobednow."
Theboysbroughtoutapanofwater.Thentheyclimbedtheladdertotheloftoverthekitchen.
Johnnywassooninthelandofdreams,butTommylayawakethinkinghowhecouldfindabrownie
andgethimtoliveinthehouse."Thereisanowlthatlivesinthegrove,"hethought."Itmaybethe
OldOwlherself.Whenthemoonrises,I'llgoandfindher."
II
Themoonroselikegoldandwentupintheheavenslikesilver.Tommyopenedhiseyesandrantothe
window."Themoonhasrisen,"saidhe,"anditistimeformetogo."Downstairshecreptsoftlyand
outintothestillnight.
"Hoot!hoot!"criedavoicefromthegrovenearthehouse.
"That'stheOldOwl,"thoughtTommy.Herantoabigtreeandlookedup.TherehesawtheOldOwl,
sittingonabranchandstaringathimwithyelloweyes.
"Oh,dear!"saidTommy,forhedidnotliketheOwlverywell.
"Comeuphere!Comeuphere!"shecried.
Tommyclimbedthetreeandsatfacetofacewithheronthebigbranch.
"Now,whatdoyouwant?"saidtheOwl.
"Please,"saidTommy,"Iwanttoknowwheretofindthebrownies,andhowtogetonetocomeand
livewithus."
[page519]
"Oohoo!oohoo!"saidtheOwl."That'sit,isit?Iknowofthreebrownies."
"Hurrah!"saidTommy."Wheredotheylive?"
"Inyourhouse,"saidtheOwl.
"Inourhouse!Whereabouts?Whydon'ttheywork?"criedTommy.
"Oneofthemistoolittle,"saidtheOwl.
"Butwhydon'ttheothertwodosomething?"saidTommy."Nobodydoesanyworkatourhouse
exceptfather."
457
"Theyareidle,theyareidle,"saidtheOldOwl.
"Thenwedon'twantthem,"saidTommy."Whatistheuseofhavingbrowniesinthehouseiftheydo
nothingtohelpus?"
"Perhapstheydon'tknowwhattodo."
"Iwishyouwouldtellmewheretofindthem,"saidTommy."Icouldtellthemwhattodo."
"Couldyou,couldyou?Oohoo!oohoo!"andTommycouldnottellwhethertheOwlwashootingor
laughing.
"OfcourseIcould.Theymightgetupearlyinthemorningandsweepthehouse,andlightthefire,and
spreadthetablebeforemyfathercomesdownstairs."
"Sotheymight!"saidtheOwl."Well,Icantellyouwheretofindoneofthebrownies,andhecantell
youwheretofindhisbrother.Gotothenorthsideofthepond,wherethemoonisshiningonthewater,
turnyourselfaroundthreetimes,whileyousaythischarm:
'Twistmeandturnmeandshowmetheelf
Ilookedinthewaterandsaw'
Thenlookinthewater,andthinkofawordwhichrhymeswith'elf'andmakesthecharmcomplete."
Tommyknewtheplaceverywell.Herantothenorthsideofthepond,andturninghimselfaround
threetimes,herepeatedthecharm.Thenhelookedinandsawhimself.
"Why,there'snoonebutmyself.Ican'tthinkoftherightword.Whatcanitbe?I'llgobackandaskthe
OldOwl,"thoughtTommy.Andbackhewent.TheresattheOwlasbefore.
[page520]
"Oohoo,"saidshe,asTommyclimbedup."Didyoufindouttheword?"
"No,"saidTommy,"Icouldfindnowordthatrhymeswith'elf'except'myself.'"
"Well,thatistheword!Now,doyouknowwhereyourbrotheris?"
"Inbedintheloft,"saidTommy.
"Thenallyourquestionsareanswered.Goodnight;"andtheOldOwlbegantoshakeherfeathers.
"Don'tgoyet,"saidTommy,humbly;"Idon'tunderstandyou.Iamnotabrownie,amI?"
"Yes,youare,andaveryidleone,too,"saidtheOldOwl."Allchildrenarebrownies."
"Butaretherereallyanybrowniesexceptchildren?"inquiredTommy,inadismaltone.
"No,therearenot.Nowlistentome,Tommy.Littlepeoplecandoonlylittlethings.Whentheyareidle
andmischievous,theyarecalledboggarts,andtheyareaburdentothehousetheylivein.Whenthey
arethoughtfulanduseful,theyarebrownies,andareablessingtoeveryone."
"I'llbeabrownie,"saidTommy."Iwon'tbeaboggart.NowI'llgohomeandtellJohnny."
458
"I'lltakeyouhome,"saidtheOwl,andinamomentTommyfoundhimselfinbed,withJohnny
sleepingbyhisside.
"Howquicklywecame,"saidTommytohimself."Butisitmorning?Thatisverystrange!Ithought
themoonwasshining.Come,Johnny,getup,Ihaveastorytotellyou."
III
WhilehisbrotherwasrubbinghiseyesTommytoldhimofhisvisittotheOldOwlinthegrove.
"Isthatalltrue?"askedJohnny.
"ItisalljustasItellyou,andifwedon'twanttobeboggarts,wemustgetupandgotowork."
"Iwon'tbeaboggart,"saidJohnny,andsothetwobrowniescreptsoftlydowntheladderintothe
kitchen."I[page521]willlightthefire,"saidTommy."Andyou,Johnny,candigsomepotatoesto
roastforbreakfast."Theyswepttheroomandlaidthetable.Justastheywereputtingthepotatoesina
dishtheyheardfootsteps.
"There'sfather,"saidTommy;"wemustrun."
Thepoortailorcamewearilydownthestairs.Morningaftermorninghehadfoundanuntidyroomand
anemptytable.Butnowwhenheenteredthekitchen,helookedaroundingreatsurprise.Heputhis
handouttothefiretoseeifitwasreallywarm.Hetouchedthepotatoesandlookedattheneatroom.
Thenheshouted,"Mother,mother!boys,boys,thebrowniehascome!"
Therewasgreatexcitementinthesmallhouse,buttheboyssaidnothing.Alldaythetailortalked
aboutthebrownie."IhaveoftenheardofLittlePeople,"hesaid,"butthisiswonderful.Tocomeand
dotheworkforapanofcoldwater!Whowouldhavebelievedit?"
Theboyssaidnothinguntiltheywerebothinbed.ThenTommysaid:"TheOldOwlwasright,andwe
muststicktotheworkifwedon'twanttobeboggarts.ButIdon'tliketohavefatherthinkingthatwe
arestillidle.Iwishheknewthatwearethebrownies."
"SodoI,"saidJohnny.
Dayafterdaywentbyandstilltheboysroseearly,andeachdaytheyfoundmoreandmoretodo.The
brownieswerethejoyofthetailor'slife.
Onedayamessagecameforthetailortogotoafarmhouseseveralmilesaway.Thefarmergavehim
anorderforasuitofclothes,andpaidhimatonce.Fullofjoyathisgoodfortune,hehurriedhome.As
hecamenearthehouse,hesawthatthegardenhadbeenweeded."It'sthatbrownie!"hesaid;"andI
shallmakeasuitofclothesforhim."
"Ifyoumakeclothesforthebrownie,hewillleavethehouse,"saidthegrandmother.
"Notiftheclothesareagoodfit,mother.IshallmeasurethembyTommy,fortheysaythebrownies
areabouthissize."
Atlastafinenewsuitwithbrassbuttonswasfinishedandlaidoutforthebrownie.
[page522]
"Don'ttheclotheslookfine?"saidTommy,whenhecamedowninthemorning;"I'lltrythemon."
459
Thetailorroseearlierthanusualthatday,forhewishedtocatchaglimpseofthebrownies.Hewent
softlydownstairs.TherewasJohnnysweepingthefloor,andTommytryingonthenewsuit.
"Whatdoesthismean?"shoutedthefather.
"It'sthebrownies,"saidtheboys.
"Thisisnojoke,"criedthetailor,angrily."Wherearetherealbrownies,Isay?"
"Wearetheonlybrownies,father,"saidTommy.
"Ican'tunderstandthis.Whohasbeensweepingthekitchenlately,Ishouldliketoknow?"
"Wehave,"saidtheboys.
"Whogetsbreakfastandputsthingsinorder?"
"Wedo!wedo!"theyshouted.
"Butwhendoyoudoit?"
"Earlyinthemorningbeforeyoucomedown."
"Butifyoudothework,whereisthebrownie?"
"Here,"criedtheboys;"wearethebrownies,andwearesorrythatwewereboggartssolong."
Thefatherwasdelightedtofindhowhelpfulhisboyshadbecome.Thegrandmother,however,could
hardlybelievethatarealbrowniehadnotbeeninthehouse.Butasshesatinherchairdayafterday
watchingtheboysattheirwork,sheoftenrepeatedherfavoritesaying,"Childrenareablessing."
THESTORYOFPETERPAN
O
NCEuponatimetherewerethreechildrennamedWendy,John,andMichael,wholivedwiththeir
fatherandmotherinLondon.Oneeveningthefatherandmotherwereinvitedtoaparty,andthe
mother,afterlightingthedimlampinthenurseryandkissingthemgoodnight,wentaway.That
eveningalittleboyclimbedinthroughthewindow,whosename[page523]wasPeterPan.Hewasa
curiouslittlefellow,veryconceited,veryforgetful,andyetverylovable.Themostremarkablething
abouthimwasthathenevergrewup.Therecameflittinginthroughthewindowwithhimhisfairy,
whosenamewasTinkerBell.PeterPanwokeallthechildrenup,andafterhehadsprinkledfairydust
ontheirshoulders,hetookthemawaytotheNeverland,wherehelivedwithafamilyoflostboys.
TinkerBellwasjealousofthelittlegirlWendy,andshehurriedaheadofPeterPanandpersuadedthe
boysthatWendywasabirdwhomightdothemharm,andsooneoftheboysshotherwithhisbow
andarrow.
WhenPeterPancameandfoundWendylyinglifelessuponthegroundinthewoodshewasvery
angry,buthewasalsoveryquickwitted.Sohetoldtheboysthatiftheywouldbuildahousearound
460
Wendyhewassurethatshewouldbebetter.Sotheyhurriedtocollecteverythingtheyhadoutof
whichtheycouldmakeahouse.Thoughshewasnotyetstrongenoughtotalk,theythoughtperhaps
shemightsingthekindofhouseshewouldliketohave,soWendysangsoftlythislittleverse:
"IwishIhadaprettyhouse,
Thelittlesteverseen,
Withfunnylittleredwalls
Androofofmossygreen."
WhenthehousewasdonePeterPantookJohn'shatforthechimney,andthelittlehousewasso
pleasedtohavesuchacapitalchimneythatsmokeatoncebegantocomeoutthroughthehat.Allthat
nightPeterPanwalkedupanddowninfrontofWendy'shouse,towatchoverherandkeepherfrom
dangerwhilesheslept.
Allthesechildrenlivedinanundergroundcave,andthenextday,whenWendygotwell,theyallwent
downintothecaveandWendyagreedtobetheirmotherandPetertheirfather.Theyhadmanygood
timestogether.Theyalsohadsomeexcitingadventureswiththeredskinsandwithapiratenamed
CaptainHookandhiscrew.Afteratimetheredskinsbecametheirfriends,andPeterrescuedhis
familyfromthepirates'ship.
[page524]
OnedayWendyandherbrothersrealizedthattheyhadbeenawaysolongthatperhapstheirmother
hadforgottenthemandshutthewindowofthenurserysothattheycouldnotgetback.Theydecidedto
hurryhome.WhentheyreachedhomePeterPanwasbeforethem,andheclosedthewindowsothat
theycouldnotgetback.Butwhenheheardthechildren'smothersingingsuchasadsonginside,his
heartwasmadetenderandheopenedthewindowandthechildrencreptbacksafelyintotheirmother's
arms.Wendy'smotherinvitedPeterPantostayandbeherchild,butPeterwassoafraidthathewould
havetogotoschoolandgrowupandbeamanthathewentbacktohishomeinfairyland.
WendypromisedtogoonceayearandstayafewdayswithPeterPanandcleanhouseandmendhis
clothes.LetuspicturetheminthelittlehousethatwasbuiltforWendy,whichthefairieshadputupin
thebranchesofapinetree.Thebirdsaresingingintheirnestsandinthebranches,andfarbelowthe
cloudsyoucanseethelandandthesea.WendyissewingforPeterandPeterPanisplayinghispipes
whilesheworks.Whennightcomesthewoodsarefullofflashinglightslikelittlestars,becausethe
fairiesareflittingaroundthehousewherePeterandWendylive,andaresingingtothemastheygoto
sleep.
InafewdaysWendywillgobacktoJohnandMichaeltotellthemwhatagoodtimeshehadonher
visitinthelittlehouseinthewoods.
[page525]
SIRLARKANDKINGSUN
BYGEORGEMACDONALD
461
"
OODmorrow,mylord!"intheskyalone,
Sangthelarkasthesunascendedhisthrone.
"Shineonme,mylord;Ionlyamcome,
Ofallyourservants,towelcomeyouhome.
Ihaveflownrightup,awholehour,Iswear,
Tocatchthefirstshineofyourgoldenhair."
"MustIthankyouthen,"saidtheking,"SirLark,
Forflyingsohighandhatingthedark?
Youaskafullcupforhalfathirst:
Halfwasloveofme,andhalflovetobefirst.
There'smanyabirdmakesnosuchhaste,
ButwaitstillIcome;that'sasmuchtomytaste."
AndKingSunhidhisheadinaturbanofcloud,
AndSirLarkstoppedsinging,quitevexedandcowed;
Butheflewuphigher,andthought,"Anon
Thewrathofthekingwillbeoverandgone;
Andhiscrown,shiningoutofitscloudyfold,
Willchangemybrownfeatherstoagloryofgold."
Soheflewwiththestrengthofalarkheflew;
But,asherose,thecloudrosetoo;
Andnotonegleamofthegoldenhair
Camethroughthedepthsofthemistyair;
Till,wearywithflying,withsighingsore,
Thestrongsunseekercoulddonomore.
Hiswingshadhadnochrismofgold;
Andhisfeathersfeltwitheredandwornandold;
Hefaltered,andsank,anddroppedlikeastone.
Andthereonhisnest,wherehelefther,alone
Sathislittlewifeonherlittleeggs,
Keepingthemwarmwithwingsandlegs.
[page526]DidIsayalone?Ah,nosuchthing!
Fullinherfacewasshiningtheking.
"Welcome,SirLark!Youlooktired,"saidhe;
"Upisnotalwaysthebestwaytome.
Whileyouhavebeensingingsohighandaway,
I'vebeenshiningtoyourlittlewifeallday."
Hehadsethiscrownallaboutthenest,
Andoutofthemidstshoneherlittlebrownbreast;
Andsogloriouswassheinrussetgold,
ThatforwonderandaweSirLarkgrewcold.
Hepoppedhisheadunderherwing,andlay
Asstillasastone,tillKingSunwasaway.
462
THEIMPSINTHEHEAVENLYMEADOW
BYKATEE.BUNCE(afterRUDOLFBAUNBACH)
T
OHeaven'sMeadows,brightwithflowersandsunshine,
Thelittlechildrengo,
Whentheyhavehadenoughoflife'ssaddreaming,
Andleavetheearthbelow.
Butastheyhadnottimetolearntheirlessons
Beforetheywentaway,
Thereisaschool,wherealltheangelchildren
Mustworkfourhoursaday.
Withgoldenpencilsuponsilvertablets,
Theycopyfairytales,
Andlearntokeeptheirhalosbrightandshining,
Andsing,andplaytheirscales.
Andtwiceaweektheyglidewithmerrylaughter
AlldowntheMilkyWay,
Andhomewardintheeveningwandersoftly
Uponasunsetray.
[page527]ButSundayisthedaytheyloveandlongfor,
Thenallthechildrengo
Andplayfrommorntillnightwithinameadow
Whereflowersinthousandsgrow.
Themeadowisnotgreen,butblueandgolden
Theflowerslikedewdropsbright;
Whenitisnight,theyburnandglowandglisten
Mencallthemstarsoflight.
ThroughHeaven'sgatetheyallmustpasstofindit,
WherePeterwiththekey
Keepswatchandwarnsthelittleangelskindly
Howgoodtheyallmustbe.
Theymustnotflyaboutorruntooquickly,
Norgotoofaraway,
Andwhenuponhisgoldenkeyhecallsthem,
Thentheymustallobey.
OnedayitwassoveryhotinHeaven
ThatgoodSt.Peterslept,
Andwhenthelittleangelchildrensawit,
Awaytheyquicklycrept.
Ah!thentheyranandflewaboutwithlaughter,
Andflutteredfarandwide,
463
SofartheywanderedthatofHeaven'smeadow
Theyreachedtheotherside.
Theycametowherethestrong,tall,woodenpaling
Shutsallthatplaceaway,
Whereidle,careless,mischiefloving,naughty,
TheImpsofDarknessstray.
Andtheretheangelsstopped,devoutlywishing
Someopeningtheremightbe,
Sothattheymighteachoneinturnpeepthroughit,
Andseewhattheycouldsee.
[page528]Butnotachinkorhole,foralltheirseeking,
Nogleamoflightpiercedthrough,
Sowiththeirlittlewingsoutspreadandeager,
Righttothetoptheyflew.
Andlookingdowntheysawwithaweandwonder.
Impsallasblackassoot;
Eachhadtwohornsandeachatailtoplaywith,
Andhoof,insteadoffoot.
Theyheardtherustleoftheangelfeathers,
Theyfeltthecoolsweetair,
And,liftinguptheirlittlecoalblackfaces,
TheysawHeaven'schildrenthere.
Thenwithonevoicetheycried:"Oh!angelChildren,
Youlooksogoodandfair,
Weprayyou,letuscomeupintoHeaven
Andplayalittlethere.
"Wewillnottweaknorpullyourshiningfeathers,
Butbesoverygood;
Wewillnottryandstealyourlittlehalos,
Butalldoasweshould."
ThenquicktheyflewawayforJacob'sladder,
(Peterwasstillasleep),
Andplaceditsafely,wherefromHeaventoImpland
Thewaywasdarkandsteep.
Theneverylittleimp,withshoutsandlaughter,
Helpedbyanangel'shand,
Scrambledrightoverthegreatwoodenpaling,
AndstoodinHeaven'sland.
Theyall,withairsedateandpiousfaces,
Discreetlywalkedaround,
Theirtailsliketrainsupontheirarmsupholding,
Andeyesupontheground.
[page529]Thelittleangelsflutteredroundinrapture,
Andshowedthelovelyflowers,
Andbadethemlistentothethrillingvoices
464
OfbirdsinHeaven'sbowers.
Andgentlyledthembythecrystalstreamlets,
Badethemondewdropsfeast,
Andshowedthemwherethesilvermoonwasrising
Tolightthemfromtheeast.
Alas!whenallthelittledemonssawher,
Themoon,solargeandround,
Theyallbegantoroar,andgrowl,andgibber,
Andleapfromofftheground;
Andmockedthegreatwhitemoonwithuglyfaces,
Turnedsomersaultsinair,
Andwhentheangelsprayedthemcease,interror,
Theyvowedtheydidnotcare.
TheytrampleddownthegrassinHeaven'sMeadow,
Theytoretheflowersabout,
Andflungthemontheearthbeyondthepaling,
Withgibe,andjeer,andshout.
Theychasedthebirdsthatsangamongthetreetops
Andhushedtheirmusicsweet,
Theypulledthelittleangels'tenderfeathers
Andtrodupontheirfeet.
ThentothegoodSt.Petercriedtheangels
Tohelpthemintheirpain,
Andifhewouldbutthisonetimeforgivethem,
Theywouldbegoodagain.
ThenroseSt.Peterfromhispeacefuldreaming
Anangrysaintwashe
Hewrunghishandsandclaspedhisheadinhorror,
Andseizedhisgoldenkey.
[page530]Thenblewamightyblastinwrathuponit;
Backalltheangelsflew,
Andwidehethrewthedoorofheavenopen,
Andthrustthechildrenthrough.
Andthenhecalledtwogreatandpowerfulangels,
Thestrongestoftherace,
TochasethelittledemonsoutofHeaven,
Andcleartheholyplace.
Theygatheredupthelittleimpsinarmfuls,
Borethemwithmightystride,
Andflungthemoverthestrongwoodenpaling
Downontheotherside.
Andthoughtheyfoughtandlashedtheirtailsandwhimpered,
Andkickedwithmightandmain,
ToHeaven'sMeadow,brightwithsunandflowers
Theynevercameagain.
465
Fortwolongmonthsthelittleangelchildren
Werenotallowedtoplay
BeforethedoorofHeaveninthemeadow,
Butstayedinalltheday.
AndwhenagaintheysoughttheHeavenlyMeadow
Eachchildwithhumblemind
Mustlayasideitslittleshininghalo,
Andleaveitswingsbehind.
Butalltheflowersthatonthatdayofsorrow,
Flungoutandscatteredwere,
Tookrootandbloomagaininearth'sgreenmeadows,
Asdaisieswhiteandfair.
[page531]
THEBIRTHDAYHONORSOFTHEFAIRY
QUEEN*
BYHAPGOODMOORE
O
NCEuponatimetherelivedingreenErinalittlegirlbythenameofNora.Herhomewasasmall
thatchedcottageofstonebesidethebraeatthefootofamountain,inthemidstofawoodlandsodeep
thatinthesummertimewhenthetreeswerefullthesungotitsraysinsidebutafewhoursoftheday
andyoucouldseeofthestardustthatcoversthefieldsoftheskynopiecelargerthanthepalmofyour
hand.
Itwasafamousmeetingplaceforthefairies,thishauntatthefootofthemountainbythestream,for
theLittleFolkfromtheheatheraboveusednightlytoforegatherinthemeadowwiththeLittleFolk
fromthewoodlandbelow,andtheretheydancedthelongnightthroughamongtheshamrocks.But
althoughNorahadheardaboutthefairiesfromhergrandmother,whosatalldaytendingthepeatfire,
andsomethingmoreaboutthemfromhermotherwhenofaneveningaftersuppershehadtimeto
speaktoNoraofherselfwhenshewasagirl,yetNorahadneverinallherlifeseteyesupononeof
thesefeastersoftheforest.Forthefairies,mindyou,comeonlytotwokindsoffolk,tothosewho
believeinthemandtothosewhoneedthem.NowNorabelievedinthefairiesallright,allright,but
shehadneverbeeninneedofthemuntilnow,atthistimethatI'mtellingyeof.
NowthissameNorawasoneoftheselassesthatisaweebitgloomery.Andyedon'tknowwhatthis
samegloomeryis?Well,shewasattimeshinderedbyarainymornin'disposition.Soitwasplain
enoughtothefairiesthatshewasinsomeneedofthem.
OnedayNorawentintothedeepofthewildwoodafewstepsbelowhermother'scottagetoatrysting
placewheresheoftenresortedwhenshehadthetimefromherdailyduties.
466
[page532]
Shehadbeenunusuallyheckledthatmorning,asallofusareattimes,bybeingobligedtodomany
thingsforthewhichshehadlittleliking.ThespotwasafavoriteoneofNora's.
Therewasashelterofrocksabove,almostlikeacaveorroof,andbelowtherewasatinystreamof
waterthatranoutofaspringinthebackofthehillandsangitswaydowntheslopetothebraebelow.
InthispoolNoranearlyalwayslaidsomefieldflowers,becausetheykeptfreshertherethananywhere
else.FromthelowseatthatNorahadmadeoutofastoneinthebackofhersheltershelookedoutinto
asunnyplaceinthewoods,aroundwhichstood,asiftheywerepillarsofawoodlandpalace,sixgray
beeches.
NowuponthissunnyafternoonthatIamspeakingof,hardlyhadNorareclineduponherbench,feeling
abitdrowsynodoubtwiththeheat,yetnotquitesleepyyouknow,listeningtoarobinsingingwiththe
voiceofEden,whensheheardalighttappingonthewallofthelargestbeech,theonethatwasnearest
totheplacewhereshewaslying.Atfirstwhensheheardthissoundshethoughtthatitwastherobin
redbreastthatshehadnoticedhoppingupanddownintheopenplaceinthesunlight,andyetsheknew
wellthatrobinsdonotdrumuponthebarkoftreeslikewoodpeckers.Soshejumpedlightlyupandran
tothetree,andatonceshewasawarethatthetappingwasfrominsidethetree.Andbetweenthetaps
thatwerenolouderthanthoseofabranchagainstawindowpaneshedistinctlyheardaverytinyvoice.
"Howtinywasthevoice,Michaelaroon?"
Youareaskingmehowtinywasthevoice?LetmeseeifIcantellyou.Youhaveheardthesoundof
therivuletwhenitfallsuponthemossystonesinthepasturebythebarway?Well,itwasaboutas
loudastheechoofthatifyoushouldwalkthirtypacesawayandthenlisten.SoNorahadtoputherear
upcloseagainstthebreastofthebeechtreeandeventhenthevoicesoundednolouderthanthesound
ofabeechleafwhenitfallsfromabranchintothemossbed.Butshecouldhearwhatthatvoicewas
saying,anditwasthesewords:"Nora,mydarling,turnthekeyandletmeout."Noralookedaroundin
amazement,butsureenough,thereonthe[page533]breastofthebeech,abouttheheightofherheart,
wasasmallkeyofthecolorofthebark,thatshehadnevernoticedbefore,thoughshehadhuggedthat
beechtreeeverymorningofherlife.SoNoraturnedthekeyatonce,andoutstepped"
"Afairy,Michael?"
Yes,betterthanafairy,adryad,thatisafairyofthetree.Forafairyofatreeisasmuchhigherinrank
thanafairyofthemeadowasaduchessisthanagoosegirl.Shewasaboutthesizeoftherobin
redbreast,andshewasdressedallingreen,exceptalovelycloakofredthat,whenitwasfoldedabout
her,madeherlookverymuchindeedliketheredbreasthimself,andshewasnobitbiggerthanthe
robineither.
"NoraMavourneen,"saidthedryad,"Ihavebeennoticingthatyouseemabitsadheartedoflate,and
fornoreasoneitherthatanybodyknows,soifyoudon'tmindIwilltakeyouwithmeforawalkthis
afternoonthroughfairyland,andwewillseeifwecannotdosomethingtorestoreyourgoodspirits
again."
AtthesewordsNoradancedforjoy,andyouwouldneverhavebeenabletoguessthatshehadever
knownadownheartedmoment.Sothedryadclappedhertinyhandsthreetimes,andoutoftheopen
doorintothebeechtreesteppedalittlegnomewhocameandbowedlowbeforethem,holdinginhis
handsasilversalveronwhichlayalittlepellet.
"Howlittlewasthepellet,uncle?"
"Well,whatwouldyousayifItoldyouthatitwasassmallasahummingbird'segg?Oh,youthinkit
wassmallerthanthat?Well,howabouttheseedofacoriander?No?ThenIwilltellyouthetruth.It
wasassmallasthegnatthatgetsintoyoureye,thatfeelsasbigasarat."
467
SoNoratookthepelletfromtheplatterandthankedthegnomekindlyandsheateitdown,andno
soonerhadsheswalloweditthanshewasnobiggerthanthedryadherself.
Sothedryadtookherbythehandandtheywalkedgailyintothebeechtreedoor,andthedoorshut
behindthem.
Theywentdownanddownalotofwindingstairsthatwerelightedonlybysmallwindowsinthebark
ofthetreethatNorahadnevernoticedbeforeandcouldneverfindafterward.It[page534]wasvery
coolandpleasant,fortheycouldhearthesapgosingingonitswayfromtherootsuptothebranches
andleavesandwhenasummershowerwentbytheycouldheartheraindropsastheywentsinging
downthetrunkoutsidetotheroots.Aftertheyhadreachedthefootofthestairstheywalkedforalong
waythroughacoolcorridor.Itwasnotquitedark,forLittlePeoplestoodateveryturnwhoseemedto
bedoingwhatfirefliesdoonsummernightsinthegrass,andeachonewhistlingtohimselfasheheld
hissoftlyshadedlanternaloft.DownthesidepassagesNoracouldseethousandsoftinyminersat
work.Andwhatdoyouthinktheyaredoing?
"Diggingforgoldanddiamonds."
Theyweretendingthewoodlandplantsthathangtheirgoldenblossomsinthepathwaysandcarrying
upthedewdropsthatsparklelikediamondsfromtheirleavesinthedaybreak.Anditwaspleasantto
seethemwork,fortheywereallsinging.
ByandbyNoraandthedryadcametoaplacewheretherewasabrighterlightahead,andastheydrew
nearerNoracouldseethattheyhadcometothebankofthepondthatisbelowNora'scottage,onlythat
theywereunderthesurface,lookingupthroughalightsosoftthatitcastnoshadows.Andnowthe
dryadtookNora'shandandshefoundherselfinalittleboat,nobiggerthanaleaf,sailingacrossthe
pondbutstillbeneathitssurface.Andhereshesawoneveryhand,workingamidthemireandthe
mirk,suchjollylittledivers,whowerefeedingthefishandtendingthepondlilyroots,and,likeallthe
others,singingattheirtasks.
Nowyouwillknowofcoursethattheywereontheirwaytothehomeofthefairyqueen.Anditwas
butashortwhilebeforetheywerethere.Ineednottellyou,children,howlovelyisherpalace,withits
goldenfloorandsilverwallsanditshangingsofthecolorsoftherainbow.NorneedIsayhow
beautifulishermajestyherself,withwingslikethemostsplendidbutterflyandagownlikethe
morningandafacelikethesunshine.
ItseemsthatNorahadcomeuponthequeen'sbirthday,andshewasjustgivingthebirthdayhonors.So
Noraand[page535]thedryadstoodinthebackgroundandwatchedthescene.Aroundthethrone
stoodgallantfairygentlemencladlikebeetlesanddragonfliesforsplendorandladieswhoselong
gownshunglikethelightonthewaterfallofLoughmareen.ButtotheamazementofNora,thosewho
cameforwardtoreceivethehonorswereforthemostpartdressedlikeworkmenandmanyofthem
werebentwithhardlabor.Aseachadvancedandmadeobeisance,theroyalheraldreadtheexploitfor
whichtherankofknighthoodwasabouttobeconferred.Foroneheread:"Toourfaithfulservantwho
coveredtheliliesofMoirafromtheattackoftheFrostKing";andtoanother:"Tothegallantyeoman
whowateredthegrainfieldofKilvellin";andtostillanother:"Tohimwhodugthetrenchbythe
roadsideandkeptsafethehighwaytoThroselwaitFair."Andaseachcameforwardthetrumpets
pealedintriumph,andafteragoldstarhadbeenpinneduponthenewknight'sbreastthegentlemen
andladiesofthecourtgreetedthemwithheartyreverence.AndNoralookedinthesmilingfaceofthe
dryad,butsaidnothing.
ThenNoraherself,inabreathlessmomentoffear,waspresentedtothequeen,andthequeenkissedher
daintilyjustaboveherlipsonbothsides.AndsuddenlyNorafoundherselfbackonherstonybenchby
thespringwiththebranchesofthebeechtreewavingsilentlybeforeher.
"Oh,mothereenandgrandmotherkin,"shecriedassoonasshegothome,andsheranhomealltheway
"letmetellyouaboutthewonderfulvisitIhavebeenmakingoutinthewildwood."Andaftershe
468
hadtoldherstory,mothereensaid,"IthinkNorahasbeendreaming,"butgrandmotherkinsaid,"No,
daughter,Ithinkourlittleacushlahashadhereyesopenedtheday."ThenNoraintriumphshowedthe
twodimpleswherethefairyqueenhadkissedher.Anddoyouknow,mydarlings,Icannotbutthink
thatshetoldthetruthafterall,foreverafter,ifonekissedNorauponthosetwodimplesoreven
touchedthemorevenlookedatthem,shewouldbreakintothesweetestsmile,andsheneverwas
gloomerin'orlowerin'anymore.
*
FirstpublishedinJohnMartin'sBook.Reprintedbyspecialpermission.
[page536]
LISTOFBESTBOOKSOFFAIRYTALESANDCHILDREN'S
POEMS
ANDERSEN,HANSCHRISTIAN
ANDERSEN,HANSCHRISTIAN
ASBJRNSEN,P.C.
BALLARD,SUSAN
BARINGGOULD,S..
BRENTANO,CLEMENS
BREWER,DAVIDH.
BROWNE,F.
BUNGE,JOHNTHACKERY
CARMENSYLVA
CARROLL,LEWIS
CARROLL,LEWIS
CHISHOLM,LOUEY
COATES,H.T.
CROKER,T.CROFTON
CURTIN,JEREMIAH
EWING,J.H.
FRERE,M.
GRIMM,THEBROTHERS
HARRISON,MRS.BURTON
HERFORD,OLIVER
HAUFF,WILLIAM
HIGGINSON,THOMASW.
HORWITZ,CARRIENORRIS
INGELOW,JEAN
JACOBS,JOSEPH
[page537]
JACOBS,JOSEPH
JACOBS,JOSEPH
JERROLD,W.
FairyTales
WonderStories
FairyTalesfromtheFarNorth
FairyTalesfromFarJapan
TheCrockofGold
NewFairyTales
AdventuresinFairyland
TheWonderfulChair
FairyTales:TheirOriginand
Meaning
ARealQueen'sFairyTales
AliceinWonderland
ThroughtheLookingGlass
TheGoldenStaircase
Children'sBookofPoetry
FairyLegendsandTraditionsof
Ireland
TalesoftheFairiesandofthe
GhostWorld
TheBrownies
OldDeccanDays,orHindoo
FairyLegends
FairyTales
TheOldFashionedFairyBook
Child'sPrimerofNatural
History
FairyTales
TalesoftheEnchantedIslands
oftheAtlantic
FairyLore
FairyStories
CelticFairyTales(2vols.)
EnglishFairyTales(2vols.)
IndianFairyTales
TheReignofKingOberon
469
KEIGHTLEY,T.
KENNEDY,H.A.
KUPPER,GRACEH.
LABOULAYE,E.
LANG,ANDREW
LANG,ANDREW
LANG,ANDREW
LANG,ANDREW
LANG,ANDREW
LANG,ANDREW
LEAR,EDWARD
LOCKWOOD,INGERSOLL
MULLNEY,IONE
MULOCK,DINAHM.
MULOCK,DINAHM.
MUNKITTRICK,J.
MOTHERGOOSE
NAAKE,J.T.
NICHOLS,IDAPRESTON
OZAKI,YEITHEODORA
PAULDING,JAMESKIRKE
PYLE,HOWARD
RHYS,ERNEST
ROLFE,W.F.
STOCKTON,F.R.
STEVENSON,ROBERTLOUIS
STODDARD,R.H.
WAHLENBERG,ANNA
WATERHOUSE,A.J.
WIGGIN,KATEDOUGLAS,ANDNORA
ARCHIBALDSMITH
WIGGIN,KATEDOUGLAS,ANDNORA
ARCHIBALDSMITH
FairyMythology
TheNewWorldFairyBook
StoriesofLongAgo
FairyTales
NurseryRhymeBook
TheArabianNights
TheGreenFairyBook
TheRedFairyBook
TheYellowFairyBook
ThePrincessNobody
NonsenseBooks
BaronTrump'sMarvelous
UndergroundJourney
FairyTalesfromAfar
AdventuresofaBrownie
TheLittleLamePrince
TheMoonPrince
NurseryRhymes
SlavonicFairyTales
PrincessGirlikinandother
FairyTales
TheJapaneseStoryBook
AChristmasGiftfrom
Fairyland
TheWonderClock
FairyGold
FairyTalesinProseandVerse
TheFloatingPrince
Child'sGardenofVerses
AdventuresinFairyland
SwedishFairyTales
Children'sPoems
TalesofLaughter
MagicCasements
Transcriber'sNote:
TOC:vii[correctedfromv]xi[missing;added]
Page47:'?'correctedto'.'
"Whenthedogsrunafterme,Icanjumpintoatreeandsavemyself."
Page49:replacedmissingopeningquote
..."YouseeverywellheisgreaterthanI,forhestopsmeandmakesmedrawback."
Page62:replacedmissingclosingquote
"Somanystarsarethereintheskyasthereareholesinthispaper;nowcountthem.
Page114:replacedmissingendquote
470
"Rise,littlelieabeds,"shesaid,"and...
Page120:replacedmissingopening
"Goodday,FatherHollenthe.Howdoyoudo?"
Page147:replacedopeningquote
"It'saboy,I'msureitis,"hecontinued...
Page153:'.'correctedto'?'
"...buthowcouldlittleThumbelinaevercareforhim?..."
"Well,then,"saidtheFox,...
"...UndermypowerAwashanksshallbecomeabeautifultrout."
Page473:replacedmissingopeningquote
"Hethatseeketh,shallfind,andtohimthatknockethshallbeopened,"saysanoldArabproverb.
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