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THELILACFAIRYBOOK
AndrewLang
Illustrator:HenryJusticeFord
Firstpublishedin1910
TableofContents
1. Preface2. TheShiftyLad3. TheFalsePrinceandtheTrue4. TheJogi’sPunishment5. TheHeartofaMonkey6. TheFairyNurse7. ALostParadise8. HowBraveWalterHuntedWolves9. TheKingoftheWaterfalls10. AFrenchPuck11. TheThreeCrowns12. TheStoryofaVeryBadBoy13. TheBrownBearofNorway14. LittleLasse15. ‘Moti’16. TheEnchantedDeer17. AFishStory18. TheWonderfulTune19. TheRichBrotherandthePoorBrother20. TheOne-handedGirl21. TheBonesofDjulung22. TheSeaKing’sGift23. TheRaspberryWorm24. TheStonesofPlouhinec25. TheCastleofKerglas26. TheBattleoftheBirds27. TheLadyoftheFountain28. TheFourGifts29. TheGroac’hoftheIsleofLok30. TheEscapeoftheMouse31. TheBelievingHusbands32. TheHoodie-crow33. TheBrownieoftheLake34. TheWinningofOlwen
PREFACE‘WHATcasesareyouengagedinatpresent?’‘Areyoustoppingmanyteethjustnow?’‘Whatpeoplehaveyouconvertedlately?’Doladiesputthesequestionstothemen—lawyers,dentists,clergymen,andsoforth—whohappentositnextthematdinnerparties?
Idonotknowwhetherladiesthusindicatetheirinterestintheoccupationsoftheircasualneighboursatthehospitableboard.Butiftheydonotknowme,ordonotknowmewell,theygenerallyask‘Areyouwritinganythingnow?’(asiftheyshouldaskapainter‘Areyoupaintinganythingnow?’oralawyer‘Haveyouanycasesatpresent?’).Sometimestheyaremoredefiniteandinquire‘Whatareyouwritingnow?’asifImustbewritingsomething—which,indeed,isthecase,thoughIdislikebeingremindedofit.Itisanawkwardquestion,becausethefairbeingdoesnotcareabawbeewhatIamwriting;norwouldshebemuchenlightenedifIreplied‘Madam,IamengagedonatreatiseintendedtoprovethatNormalispriortoConceptionalTotemism’—thoughthatanswerwouldbeastrueinfactasobscureinsignificance.ThebestplanseemstobetoanswerthatIhaveentirelyabandonedmereliterature,andamcontemplatingabookon‘TheCausesofEarlyBlightinthePotato,’amelancholycircumstancewhichthreatenstodepriveusofourchiefesculentroot.Theinquirerwouldneverbeundeceived.Onenymphwho,liketherest,couldnotkeepoffthehorridtopicofmyoccupation,said‘Youneverwriteanythingbutfairybooks,doyou?’AFrenchgentleman,too,aneducationistandexpertinportraitsofQueenMary,oncesentmeanewspaperarticleinwhichhehadwrittenthatIwasexclusivelydevotedtothecompositionoffairybooks,andnothingelse.HethencametoEngland,visitedme,andfoundthatIknewrathermoreaboutportraitsofQueenMarythanhedid.
IntruthIneverdidwriteanyfairybooksinmylife,except‘PrincePrigio,’‘PrinceRicardo,’and‘TalesfromaFairyCourt’—thatoftheaforesaidPrigio.Itakethisopportunityofrecommendingthesefairybooks—poorthings,butmyown—toparentsandguardianswhomayneverhaveheardofthem.Theyarerichinromanticadventure,andthePrincesalwaysmarrytherightPrincessesandlivehappyeverafterwards;whilethewickedwitches,stepmothers,tutorsandgovernessesarenevercruellypunished,butretiretothecountryonamplepensions.Ihatecruelty:Ineverputawickedstepmotherinabarrelandsendhertobogganingdownahill.ItistruethatPrinceRicardodidkilltheYellowDwarf;butthatwasinfairfight,swordinhand,andthedwarf,peacetohisashes!diedinharness.
Theobjectoftheseconfessionsisnotonlythatofadvertisingmyownfairybooks(whicharenot‘outofprint’;ifyourbooksellersaysso,thetruthisnotinhim),butofgivingcreditwherecreditisdue.ThefairybookshavebeenalmostwhollytheworkofMrs.Lang,whohastranslatedandadaptedthemfromtheFrench,German,Portuguese,Italian,Spanish,Catalan,andotherlanguages.
MyparthasbeenthatofAdam,accordingtoMarkTwain,intheGardenofEden.Eveworked,Adamsuperintended.Ialsosuperintend.Ifindoutwherethestoriesare,andadvise,and,inshort,superintend.Idonotwritethestoriesoutofmyownhead.The
reputationofhavingwrittenallthefairybooks(anEuropeanreputationinnurseriesandtheUnitedStatesofAmerica)is‘theburdenofanhonouruntowhichIwasnotborn.’Itweighsuponandiskillingme,asthegeneralfashofbeingthewifeoftheLordofBurleigh,BurleighHousebyStamfordTown,wastoomuchforthevillagemaidenespousedbythatpeer.
Nobodyreallywrotemostofthestories.PeopletoldtheminallpartsoftheworldlongbeforeEgyptianhieroglyphicsorCretansignsorCypriansyllabaries,oralphabetswereinvented.Theyareolderthanreadingandwriting,andaroselikewildflowersbeforemenhadanyeducationtoquarrelover.Thegranniestoldthemtothegrandchildren,andwhenthegrandchildrenbecamegranniestheyrepeatedthesameoldtalestothenewgeneration.Homerknewthestoriesandmadeupthe‘Odyssey’outofhalfadozenofthem.AllthehistoryofGreecetillabout800B.C.isastringofthefairytales,allaboutTheseusandHeraclesandOedipusandMinosandPerseusisaCabinetdesFées,acollectionoffairytales.Shakespearetookthemandputbitsoftheminto‘KingLear’andotherplays;hecouldnothavemadethemuphimself,greatashewas.Letladiesandgentlementhinkofthiswhentheysitdowntowritefairytales,andhavethemnicelytyped,andsendthemtoMessrs.Longman&Co.tobepublished.Theythinkthattowriteanewfairytaleiseasywork.Theyaremistaken:thethingisimpossible.Nobodycanwriteanewfairytale;youcanonlymixupanddressuptheold,oldstories,andputthecharactersintonewdresses,asMissThackeraydidsowellin‘FiveOldFriends.’Ifanybiggirloffourteenreadsthispreface,letherinsistonbeingpresentedwith‘FiveOldFriends.’
Butthethreehundredandsixty–fiveauthorswhotrytowritenewfairytalesareverytiresome.Theyalwaysbeginwithalittleboyorgirlwhogoesoutandmeetsthefairiesofpolyanthusesandgardeniasandappleblossoms:‘Flowersandfruits,andotherwingedthings.’Thesefairiestrytobefunny,andfail;ortheytrytopreach,andsucceed.Realfairiesneverpreachortalkslang.Attheend,thelittleboyorgirlwakesupandfindsthathehasbeendreaming.
Sucharethenewfairystories.Maywebepreservedfromallthesortofthem!
Ourstoriesarealmostallold,somefromIreland,beforethatislandwasascelebratedforherwrongsasforherverdure;somefromAsia,made,Idaresay,beforetheAryaninvasion;somefromMoydart,Knoydart,MorarandArdnamurchan,wheretheseastreamsrunlikegreatclearriversandthesaw–edgedhillsareblue,andmenrememberPrinceCharlie.SomearefromPortugal,wherethegoldenfruitsgrowintheGardenoftheHesperides;andsomearefromwildWales,andweretoldatArthur’sCourt;andotherscomefromthefiresidesofthekinsmenoftheWelsh,theBretons.TherearealsomoderntalesbyalearnedScandinaviannamedTopelius.
AllthestoriesweretranslatedoradaptedbyMrs.Lang,except‘TheJogi’sPunishment’and‘Moti,’donebyMajorCampbelloutofthePushtoolanguage;‘HowBraveWalterhuntedWolves,’which,with‘LittleLasse’and‘TheRaspberryWorm,’wasdonefromTopeliusbyMissHarding;and‘TheSeaKing’sGift,’byMissChristie,fromthesameauthor.
IthasbeensuggestedtotheEditorthatchildrenandparentsandguardianswouldlike‘TheGreyTrueGhost–StoryBook.’Heknowsthatthechildrenwouldlikeitwell,andhe
wouldgladlygiveittothem;butaboutthetasteoffondanxiousmothersandkindauntsheisnotquitesocertain.BeforehewastwelvetheEditorknewtrueghoststoriesenoughtofillavolume.Theywereapurejoytillbedtime,butthen,andlater,werenotwhollyasourceofunmixedpleasure.AtthattimetheEditorwasnotafraidofthedark,forhethought,‘Ifaghostishere,wecan’tseehim.’Butwhenolderandbetterinformedpersonssaidthatghostsbroughttheirownlightwiththem(whichistootrue),thenone’semotionsweresuchasparentsdonotdesiretheyoungtoendure.Forthisreason‘TheGreyTrueGhost–StoryBook’isneverlikelytobeillustratedbyMr.Ford.
THESHIFTYLAD
INthelandofErintheredweltlongagoawidowwhohadanonlyson.Hewasacleverboy,soshesavedupenoughmoneytosendhimtoschool,and,assoonashewasoldenough,toapprenticehimtoanytradethathewouldchoose.Butwhenthetimecame,hesaidhewouldnotbeboundtoanytrade,andthathemeanttobeathief.
Nowhismotherwasverysorrowfulwhensheheardofthis,butsheknewquitewellthatifshetriedtostophishavinghisownwayhewouldonlygrowmoredeterminedtogetit.SoalltheanswershemadewasthattheendofthieveswashangingatthebridgeofDublin,andthenshelefthimalone,hopingthatwhenhewasolderhemightbecomemoresensible.
Onedayshewasgoingtochurchtohearasermonfromagreatpreacher,andshebeggedtheShiftyLad,astheneighbourscalledhimfromthetricksheplayed,tocomewithher.Butheonlylaughedanddeclaredthathedidnotlikesermons,adding:
‘However,Iwillpromiseyouthis,thatthefirsttradeyouhearnamedafteryoucomeoutfromchurchshallbemytradefortherestofmylife.’
Thesewordsgavealittlecomforttothepoorwoman,andherheartwaslighterthanbeforeasshebadehimfarewell.
WhentheShiftyLadthoughtthatthehourhadnearlycomeforthesermontobeover,hehidhimselfinsomebushesinalittlepaththatledstraighttohismother’shouse,andasshepassedalong,thinkingofallthegoodthingsshehadheard,avoiceshoutedclosetoherear‘Robbery!Robbery!Robbery!’Thesuddennessofitmadeherjump.Thenaughtyboyhadmanagedtochangehisvoice,sothatshedidnotknowitforhis,andhehadconcealedhimselfsowellthat,thoughshepeeredaboutallroundher,shecouldseenoone.AssoonasshehadturnedthecornertheShiftyLadcameout,andbyrunningveryfastthroughthewoodhecontrivedtoreachhomebeforehismother,whofoundhimstretchedoutcomfortablybeforethefire.
‘Well,haveyougotanynewstotellme?’askedhe.
‘No,nothing;forIleftthechurchatonce,anddidnotstoptospeaktoanyone.’
‘Oh,thennoonehasmentionedatradetoyou?’hesaidintonesofdisappointment.
‘Ye—es,’sherepliedslowly.‘Atleast,asIwalkeddownthepathavoicecriedout“Robbery!Robbery!Robbery!”butthatwasall.’
‘Andquiteenoughtoo,’answeredtheboy.‘WhatdidItellyou?Thatisgoingtobemytrade.’
‘ThenyourendwillbehangingatthebridgeofDublin,’saidshe.Buttherewasnosleepforherthatnight,forshelayinthedarkthinkingaboutherson.
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‘Ifheistobeathiefatall,hehadbetterbeagoodone.Andwhoistherethatcanteach
him?’themotheraskedherself.Butanideacametoher,andshearoseearly,beforethesunwasup,andsetoffforthehomeoftheBlackRogue,orGallowsBird,whowassuchawonderfulthiefthat,thoughallhadbeenrobbedbyhim,noonecouldcatchhim.
‘Good–morningtoyou,’saidthewomanasshereachedtheplacewheretheBlackGallowsBirdlivedwhenhewasnotawayonhisbusiness.‘Mysonhasafancytolearnyourtrade.Willyoubekindenoughtoteachhim?’
‘Ifheisclever,Idon’tmindtrying,’answeredtheBlackGallowsBird;‘and,ofcourse,ifanyonecanturnhimintoafirst–ratethief,itisI.Butifheisstupid,itisnouseatall;Ican’tbearstupidpeople.’
‘No,heisn’tstupid,’saidthewomanwithasigh.‘Soto–night,afterdark,Iwillsendhimtoyou.’
TheShiftyLadjumpedforjoywhenhismothertoldhimwhereshehadbeen.
‘IwillbecomethebestthiefinallErin!’hecried,andpaidnoheedwhenhismothershookherheadandmurmuredsomethingabout‘thebridgeofDublin.’
EveryeveningafterdarktheShiftyLadwenttothehomeoftheBlackGallowsBird,andmanywerethenewtrickshelearned.ByandbyehewasallowedtogooutwiththeBirdandwatchhimatwork,andatlasttherecameadaywhenhismasterthoughtthathehadgrowncleverenoughtohelpinabigrobbery.
‘Thereisarichfarmerupthereonthehill,whohasjustsoldallhisfatcattleformuchmoneyandhasboughtsomeleanoneswhichwillcosthimlittle.Nowithappensthat,whilehehasreceivedthemoneyforthefatcattle,hehasnotyetpaidthepriceofthethinones,whichhehasinthecowhouse.To–morrowhewillgotothemarketwiththemoneyinhishand,soto–nightwemustgetatthechest.Whenallisquietwewillhideintheloft.’
Therewasnomoon,anditwasthenightofHallowe’en,andeveryonewasburningnutsandcatchingapplesinatubofwaterwiththeirhandstied,andplayingallsortsofothergames,tilltheShiftyLadgrewquitetiredofwaitingforthemtogettobed.TheBlackGallowsBird,whowasmoreaccustomedtothebusiness,tuckedhimselfuponthehayandwenttosleep,tellingtheboytowakehimwhenthemerry–makershaddeparted.ButtheShiftyLad,whocouldkeepstillnolonger,creptdowntothecowshedandloosenedtheheadsofthecattlewhichweretied,andtheybegantokickeachotherandbellow,andmadesuchanoisethatthecompanyinthefarmhouseranouttotiethemupagain.ThentheShiftyLadenteredtheroomandpickedupabighandfulofnuts,andreturnedtotheloft,wheretheBlackRoguewasstillsleeping.AtfirsttheShiftyLadshuthiseyestoo,butverysoonhesatup,and,takingabigneedleandthreadfromhispocket,hesewedthehemoftheBlackGallowsBird’scoattoaheavypieceofbullock’shidethatwashangingathisback.
Bythistimethecattlewerealltiedupagain,butasthepeoplecouldnotfindtheirnutstheysatroundthefireandbegantotellstories.
‘Iwillcrackanut,’saidtheShiftyLad.
‘Youshallnot,’criedtheBlackGallowsBird;‘theywillhearyou.’
‘Idon’tcare,’answeredtheShiftyLad.‘IneverspentHallowe’enyetwithoutcrackinganut’;andhecrackedone.
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‘Someoneiscrackingnutsupthere,’saidoneofthemerry–makersinthefarmhouse.‘Comequickly,andwewillseewhoitis.’
Hespokeloudly,andtheBlackGallowsBirdheard,andranoutoftheloft,draggingthebigleatherhideafterhimwhichtheShiftyLadhadsewedtohiscoat.
‘Heisstealingmyhide!’shoutedthefarmer,andtheyalldartedafterhim;buthewastooswiftforthem,andatlasthemanagedtotearthehidefromhiscoat,andthenheflewlikeaharetillhereachedhisoldhiding–place.Butallthistookalongtime,andmeanwhiletheShiftyLadgotdownfromtheloft,andsearchedthehousetillhefoundthechestwiththegoldandsilverinit,concealedbehindaloadofstrawandcoveredwithloavesofbreadandagreatcheese.TheShiftyLadslungthemoneybagsroundhisshouldersandtookthebreadandthecheeseunderhisarm,thensetoutquietlyfortheBlackRogue’shouse.
‘Hereyouareatlast,youvillain!’criedhismasteringreatwrath.‘ButIwillberevengedonyou.’
‘Itisallright,’repliedtheShiftyLadcalmly.‘Ihavebroughtwhatyouwanted’;andhelaidthethingshewascarryingdownontheground.
‘Ah!youarethebetterthief,’saidtheBlackRogue’swife;andtheBlackRogueadded:
‘Yes,itisyouwhoarethecleverboy’;andtheydividedthespoil,andtheBlackGallowsBirdhadonehalfandtheShiftyLadtheotherhalf.
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AfewweeksafterthattheBlackGallowsBirdhadnewsofaweddingthatwastobeheldnearthetown;andthebridegroomhadmanyfriendsandeverybodysenthimapresent.Nowarichfarmerwholivedupnearthemoorthoughtthatnothingwassousefultoayoungcouplewhentheyfirstbegantokeephouseasafinefatsheep,sohebadehisshepherdgoofftothemountainwheretheflockwerefeeding,andbringhimbackthebesthecouldfind.Andtheshepherdchoseoutthelargestandfattestofthesheepandtheonewiththewhitestfleece;thenhetieditsfeettogetherandputitacrosshisshoulder,forhehadalongwaytogo.
ThatdaytheShiftyLadhappenedtobewanderingoverthemoor,whenhesawthemanwiththesheeponhisshoulderwalkingalongtheroadwhichledpasttheBlackRogue’shouse.Thesheepwasheavyandthemanwasinnohurry,sohecameslowlyandtheboyknewthathehimselfcouldeasilygetbacktohismasterbeforetheshepherdwaseveninsight.
‘Iwillwager,’hecried,ashepushedquicklythroughthebusheswhichhidthecabin—‘IwillwagerthatIwillstealthesheepfromthemanthatiscomingbeforehepasseshere.’
‘Willyouindeed?’saidtheGallowsBird.‘Iwillwageryouahundredsilverpiecesthatyoucandonothingofthesort.’
‘Well,Iwilltryit,anyway,’repliedtheboy,anddisappearedinthebushes.Heranfasttillheenteredawoodthroughwhichtheshepherdmustgo,andthenhestopped,andtakingoffoneofhisshoessmeareditwithmudandsetitinthepath.Whenthiswasdoneheslippedbehindarockandwaited.
Verysoonthemancameup,and,seeingtheshoelyingthere,hestoppedandlookedatit.
‘Itisagoodshoe,’hesaidtohimself,‘butverydirty.Still,ifIhadthefellow,Iwouldbeatthetroubleofcleaningit’;sohethrewtheshoedownagainandwenton.
TheShiftyLadsmiledasheheardhim,and,pickinguptheshoe,hecreptroundbyashortwayandlaidtheothershoeonthepath.Afewminutesaftertheshepherdarrived,andbeheldthesecondshoelyingonthepath.
‘Why,thatisthefellowofthedirtyshoe!’heexclaimedwhenhesawit.‘Iwillgobackandpickuptheotherone,andthenIshallhaveapairofgoodshoes,’andheputthesheeponthegrassandreturnedtofetchtheshoe.ThentheShiftyLadputonhisshoes,and,pickingupthesheep,carriedithome.AndtheBlackRoguepaidhimthehundredmarksofhiswager.
Whentheshepherdreachedthefarmhousethatnighthetoldhistaletohismaster,whoscoldedhimforbeingstupidandcareless,andbadehimgothenextdaytothemountainandfetchhimakid,andhewouldsendthatasaweddinggift.ButtheShiftyLadwasonthelookout,andhidhimselfinthewood,andthemomentthemandrewnearwiththekidonhisshouldersbegantobleatlikeasheep,andnoone,noteventhesheep’sownmother,couldhavetoldthedifference.
THESHOEINTHEROAD
‘Why,itmusthavegotitsfeetloose,andhavestrayedafterall,’thoughttheman;andheputthekidonthegrassandhurriedoffinthedirectionofthebleating.Thentheboyranbackandpickedupthekid,andtookittotheBlackGallowsBird.
Theshepherdcouldhardlybelievehiseyeswhenhereturnedfromseekingthesheepandfoundthatthekidhadvanished.Hewasafraidtogohomeandtellthesametalethathehadtoldyesterday;sohesearchedthewoodthroughandthroughtillnightwasnearlycome.Thenhefeltthattherewasnohelpforit,andhemustgohomeandconfesstohismaster.
Ofcourse,thefarmerwasveryangryatthissecondmisfortune;butthistimehetoldhimtodriveoneofthebigbullsfromthemountain,andwarnedhimthatifhelostthathewouldlosehisplacealso.AgaintheShiftyLad,whowasonthewatch,perceivedhimpassby,andwhenhesawthemanreturningwiththegreatbullhecriedtotheBlackRogue:
‘Bequickandcomeintothewood,andwewilltryandgetthebullalso.’
‘Buthowcanwedothat?’askedtheBlackRogue.
‘Oh,quiteeasily!Youhideyourselfoutthereandbaalikeasheep,andIwillgointhe
otherdirectionandbleatlikeakid.Itwillbeallright,Iassureyou.’
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Theshepherdwaswalkingslowly,drivingthebullbeforehim,whenhesuddenlyheardaloudbaaamongstthebushesfarawayononesideofthepath,andafeeblebleatansweringitfromtheotherside.
‘Why,itmustbethesheepandthekidthatIlost,’saidhe.‘Yes,surelyitmust’;andtyingthebullhastilytoatree,hewentoffafterthesheepandthekid,andsearchedthewoodtillhewastired.Ofcoursebythetimehecamebackthetwothieveshaddriventhebullhomeandkilledhimformeat,sothemanwasobligedtogotohismasterandconfessthathehadbeentrickedagain.
AfterthistheBlackRogueandtheShiftyLadgrewbolderandbolder,andstolegreatquantitiesofcattleandsoldthemandgrewquiterich.Onedaytheywerereturningfromthemarketwithalargesumofmoneyintheirpocketswhentheypassedagallowserectedonthetopofahill.
‘Letusstopandlookatthatgallows,’exclaimedtheShiftyLad.‘Ihaveneverseenonesoclosebefore.Yetsomesaythatitistheendofallthieves.’
Therewasnooneinsight,andtheycarefullyexaminedeverypartofit.
‘Iwonderhowitfeelstobehung,’saidtheShiftyLad.‘Ishouldliketoknow,incasetheyevercatchme.I’lltryfirst,andthenyoucandoso.’
Ashespokehefastenedtheloosecordabouthisneck,andwhenitwasquitesecurehetoldtheBlackRoguetotaketheotherendoftheropeanddrawhimupfromtheground.
‘WhenIamtiredofitIwillshakemylegs,andthenyoumustletmedown,’saidhe.
TheBlackRoguedrewuptherope,butinhalfaminutetheShiftyLad’slegsbegantoshake,andhequicklyletitdownagain.
‘Youcan’timaginewhatafunnyfeelinghanginggivesyou,’murmuredtheShiftyLad,wholookedratherpurpleinthefaceandspokeinanoddvoice.‘Idon’tthinkyouhaveevertriedit,oryouwouldn’thaveletmegoupfirst.Why,itisthepleasantestthing,Ihaveeverdone.Iwasshakingmylegsfromsheerdelight,andifyouhadbeenthereyouwouldhaveshakenyourlegstoo.’
‘Well,letmetry,ifitissonice,’answeredtheBlackRogue.‘Butbesureyoutietheknotsecurely,forIdon’twanttofalldownandbreakmyneck.’
‘Oh,Iwillseetothat!’repliedtheShiftyLad.‘Whenyouaretired,justwhistle,andI’llletyoudown.’
HOWTHEBLACKROGUEWASTRICKED
SotheBlackRoguewasdrawnup,andassoonashewasashighastheropewouldallowhimtogotheShiftyLadcalledtohim:
‘Don’tforgettowhistlewhenyouwanttocomedown;butifyouareenjoyingyourselfasIdid,shakeyourlegs.’
AndinamomenttheBlackRogue’slegsbegantoshakeandtokick,andtheShiftyLadstoodbelow,watchinghimandlaughingheartily.
‘Oh,howfunnyyouare!Ifyoucouldonlyseeyourself!Oh,youarefunny!Butwhenyouhavehadenough,whistleandyoushallbeletdown’;andherockedagainwithlaughter.
Butnowhistlecame,andsoonthelegsceasedtoshakeandtokick,fortheBlackGallowsBirdwasdead,astheShiftyLadintendedheshouldbe.
ThenhewenthometotheBlackRogue’swife,andtoldherthatherhusbandwasdead,andthathewasreadytomarryherifsheliked.ButthewomanhadbeenfondoftheBlackRogue,thiefthoughhewas,andsheshrankfromtheShiftyLadinhorror,andsetthepeopleafterhim,andhehadtoflytoanotherpartofthecountrywherenoneknewofhisdoings.
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PerhapsiftheShiftyLad’smotherknewanythingofallthis,shemayhavethoughtthatbythistimehersonmightbetiredofstealing,andreadytotrysomehonesttrade.Butinrealityhelovedthetricksanddanger,andlifewouldhaveseemedverydullwithoutthem.Sohewentonjustasbefore,andmadefriendswhomhetaughttobeaswickedashimself,tilltheytooktorobbingtheking’sstorehouses,andbytheadviceoftheWiseManthekingsentoutsoldierstocatchthebandofthieves.
Foralongwhiletheytriedinvaintolayhandsonthem.TheShiftyLadwastoocleverforthemall,andiftheylaidtrapshelaidbetterones.Atlastonenighthestoleuponsomesoldierswhiletheywereasleepinabarnandkilledthem,andpersuadedthevillagersthatiftheydidnotkilltheothersoldiersbeforemorningtheywouldcertainlybekilledthemselves.Thusithappenedthatwhenthesunrosenotasinglesoldierwasaliveinthevillage.
Ofcoursethisnewssoonreachedtheking’sears,andhewasveryangry,andsummonedtheWiseMantotakecounselwithhim.AndthiswasthecounseloftheWiseMan—thatheshouldinviteallthepeopleinthecountrysidetoaball,andamongthemtheboldandimpudentthiefwouldbesuretocome,andwouldbesuretoasktheking’sdaughtertodancewithhim.
‘Yourcounselisgood,’saidtheking,whomadehisfeastandpreparedforhisball;andallthepeopleofthecountrysidewerepresent,andtheShiftyLadcamewiththem.
Wheneveryonehadeatenanddrunkasmuchastheywantedtheywentintotheballroom.Therewasagreatthrong,andwhiletheywerepressingthroughthedoorwaytheWiseMan,whohadabottleofblackointmenthiddeninhisrobes,placedatinydotonthecheekoftheShiftyLadnearhisear.TheShiftyLadfeltnothing,butasheapproachedtheking’sdaughtertoaskhertobehispartnerhecaughtsightoftheblackdotinasilvermirror.Instantlyheguessedwhohadputitthereandwhy,buthesaidnothing,anddancedsobeautifullythattheprincesswasquitedelightedwithhim.Attheendofthedancehebowedlowtohispartnerandlefther,tominglewiththecrowdthatwasfillingthedoorway.AshepassedtheWiseManhecontrivednotonlytostealthebottle,buttoplacetwoblackdotsonhisface,andoneonthefacesoftwentyothermen.ThenheslippedthebottlebackintheWiseMan’srobe.
THECHILDFINDSOUTTHETRUTH
Byandbyehewentuptotheking’sdaughteragain,andbeggedforthehonourofanotherdance.Sheconsented,andwhilehewasstoopingtotietheribbonsonhisshoeshetookoutfromherpocketanotherbottle,whichtheWizardhadgivenher,andputablackdotonhischeek.ButshewasnotasskilfulastheWiseMan,andtheShiftyLadfeltthetouchofherfingers;soassoonasthedancewasoverhecontrivedtoplaceasecondblackdotonthefacesofthetwentymenandtwomoreontheWizard,afterwhichheslippedthebottleintoherpocket.
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Atlengththeballcametoanend,andthenthekingorderedallthedoorstobeshut,andsearchmadeforamanwithtwoblackdotsonhischeek.Thechamberlainwentamongtheguests,andsoonfoundsuchaman,butjustashewasgoingtoarresthimandbringhimbeforethekinghiseyefellonanotherwiththesamemark,andanother,andanother,tillhehadcountedtwenty—besidestheWiseMan—onwhosefacewerefoundspots.
Notknowingwhattodo,thechamberlainhurriedbackwithhistaletotheking,whoimmediatelysentfortheWiseMan,andthenforhisdaughter.
‘Thethiefmusthavestolenyourbottle,’saidthekingtotheWizard.
‘No,mylord,itishere,’answeredtheWiseMan,holdingitout.
‘Thenhemusthavegotyours,’hecried,turningtohisdaughter.
‘Indeed,father,itissafeinmypocket,’repliedshe,takingitoutasshespoke;andtheyallthreelookedateachotherandremainedsilent.
‘Well,’saidthekingatlast,‘themanwhohasdonethisisclevererthanmostmen,andifhewillmakehimselfknowntomeheshallmarrytheprincessandgovernhalfmykingdomwhileIamalive,andthewholeofitwhenIamdead.Goandannouncethisintheballroom,’headdedtoanattendant,‘andbringthefellowhither.’
Sotheattendantwentintotheballroomanddidasthekinghadbiddenhim,when,tohissurprise,notoneman,buttwenty,steppedforward,allwithblackdotsontheirfaces.
‘Iamthepersonyouwant,’theyallexclaimedatonce,andtheattendant,asmuchbewilderedasthechamberlainhadbeen,desiredthemtofollowhimintotheking’spresence.
Butthequestionwastoodifficultforthekingtodecide,sohecalledtogetherhiscouncil.Forhourstheytalked,buttonopurpose,andintheendtheyhituponaplanwhichtheymightjustaswellhavethoughtofatthebeginning.
Andthiswastheplan.Achildwastobebroughttothepalace,andnexttheking’sdaughterwouldgiveheranapple.Thenthechildwastotaketheappleandbeledintoaroomwherethetwentymenwiththeblackdotsweresittinginaring.Andtowhomsoeverthechildgavetheapple,thatmanshouldmarrytheking’sdaughter.
‘Ofcourse,’saidtheking,‘itmaynotbetherightman,afterall,butthenagainitmaybe.Anyhow,itisthebestwecando.’
Theprincessherselfledthechildintotheroomwherethetwentymenwerenowseated.Shestoodinthecentreoftheringforamoment,lookingatonemanafteranother,andthenheldouttheappletotheShiftyLad,whowastwistingashavingofwoodroundhisfinger,andhadthemouthpieceofabagpipehangingfromhisneck.
‘Yououghtnottohaveanythingwhichtheothershavenotgot,’saidthechamberlain,whohadaccompaniedtheprincess;andhebadethechildstandoutsideforaminute,whilehetookawaytheshavingandthemouthpiece,andmadetheShiftyLadchangehisplace.Thenhecalledthechildin,butthelittlegirlknewhimagain,andwentstraightuptohimwiththeapple.
HOWTHESHIFTYLADWASHUNGONDUBLINBRIDGE
‘Thisisthemanwhomthechildhastwicechosen,’saidthechamberlain,signingtotheShiftyLadtokneelbeforetheking.‘Itwasallquitefair;wetriedittwiceover.’InthiswaytheShiftyLadwontheking’sdaughter,andtheyweremarriedthenextday.
*****
Afewdayslaterthebrideandbridegroomweretakingawalktogether,andthepathleddowntotheriver,andovertheriverwasabridge.
‘Andwhatbridgemaythisbe?’askedtheShiftyLad;andtheprincesstoldhimthatthiswasthebridgeofDublin.
‘Isitindeed?’criedhe.‘Well,now,manyisthetimethatmymotherhassaid,whenIplayedheratrickthatmyendwouldbethatIshouldhangonthebridgeofDublin.’
‘Oh,ifyouwanttofulfilherprophecies,’laughedtheprincess,‘youhaveonlytoletmetiemyhandkerchiefroundyourankle,andIwillholdyouasyouhangoverthewallofthebridge.’
‘Thatwouldbefinefun,’saidhe;‘butyouarenotstrongenoughtoholdmeup.’
‘Ohyes,Iam,’saidtheprincess;‘justtry.’Soatlastheletherbindthehandkerchiefround
hisankleandhanghimoverthewall,andtheybothlaughedandjestedatthestrengthoftheprincess.‘Nowpullmeupagain,’calledhe;butashespokeagreatcryarosethatthepalacewasburning.Theprincessturnedroundwithastart,andletgoherhandkerchief,andtheShiftyLadfell,andstruckhisheadonastone,anddiedinaninstant.
Sohismother’sprophecyhadcometrue,afterall.
WestHighlandTales.
THEFALSEPRINCEANDTHETRUE
THEkinghadjustawakenedfromhismiddaysleep,foritwassummer,andeveryoneroseearlyandrestedfromtwelvetothree,astheydoinhotcountries.Hehaddressedhimselfincoolwhiteclothes,andwaspassingthroughthehallonhiswaytothecouncilchamber,whenanumberofyoungnoblessuddenlyappearedbeforehim,andoneamongstthemsteppedforwardandspoke.
‘Sire,thismorningwewereallplayingtennisinthecourt,theprinceandthisgentlemanwiththerest,whentherebrokeoutsomedisputeaboutthegame.Theprincelosthistemper,andsaidmanyinsultingthingstotheother,whowasplayingagainsthim,tillatlengththegentlemanwhomyouseetherestruckhimviolentlyintheface,sothatthebloodranfromhismouthandnose.Wewereallsohorrifiedatthesight,thatweshouldmostlikelyhavekilledthemanthenandthere,fordaringtolayhandsontheprince,hadnothisgrandfatherthedukesteppedbetweenandcommandedustolaytheaffairbeforeyou.’
Thekinghadlistenedattentivelytothestory,andwhenitwasendedhesaid:
‘Isupposetheprincehadnoarmswithhim,orelsehewouldhaveusedthem?’
‘Yes,sire,hehadarms;healwayscarriesadaggerinhisbelt.Butwhenhesawthebloodpouringfromhisface,hewenttoacornerofthecourtandbegantocry,whichwasthestrangestthingofall.’
Onhearingthisthekingwalkedtothewindowandstoodforafewminuteswithhisbacktotheroom,wherethecompanyofyoungmenremainedsilent.Thenhecameback,hisfacewhiteandstern.
TheQuarrelintheTennisCourt
‘Itellyou,’hesaid,‘anditisthesolemntruth,thatIwouldratheryouhadtoldmethattheprincewasdead,thoughheismyonlyson,thanknowthathewouldsuffersuchaninjurywithoutattemptingtoavengeit.Asforthegentlemanwhostruckhim,hewillbebroughtbeforemyjudges,andwillpleadhisowncause,butIhardlythinkhecanescapedeath,afterhavingassaultedtheheirtothecrown.’
Theyoungmanraisedhisheadasiftoreply,butthekingwouldnotlisten,andcommandedhisguardstoputhimunderarrest,adding,however,thatiftheprisonerwishedtovisitanypartofthecity,hewasatlibertytodosoproperlyguarded,andinfifteendayshewouldbebroughttotrialbeforethehighestjudgesintheland.
*****
Theyoungmanlefttheking’spresence,surroundedbysoldiers,andaccompaniedbymanyofhisfriends,forhewasagreatfavourite.Bytheiradvicehespentthefourteendaysthatremainedtohimgoingabouttoseekcounselfromwisemenofallsorts,astohowhemightescapedeath,butnoonecouldhelphim,fornonecouldfindanyexcusefortheblowhehadgiventotheprince.
Thefourteenthnighthadcome,andindespairtheprisonerwentouttotakehislastwalkthroughthecity.Hewanderedonhardlyknowingwherehewent,andhisfacewassowhiteanddesperatethatnoneofhiscompanionsdaredspeaktohim.Thesadlittleprocessionhadpassedsomehoursinthismanner,when,nearthegateofamonastery,anoldwomanappearedroundacorner,andsuddenlystoodbeforetheyoungman.Shewasbentalmostdouble,andwassowizenedandwrinkledthatshelookedatleastninety;only
hereyeswerebrightandquickasthoseofagirl.
‘Sir,’shesaid,‘Iknowallthathashappenedtoyou,andhowyouareseekingifinanywiseyoucansaveyourlife.ButthereisnonethatcananswerthatquestionsaveonlyImyself,ifyouwillpromisetodoallIask.’
Atherwordstheprisonerfeltasifaloadhadallatoncebeenrolledoffhim.
‘Oh,saveme,andIwilldoanything!’hecried.‘Itissohardtoleavetheworldandgooutintothedarkness.’
‘Youwillnotneedtodothat,’answeredtheoldwoman,‘youhaveonlygottomarryme,andyouwillsoonbefree.’
‘Marryyou?’exclaimedhe,‘but—but—Iamnotyettwenty,andyou—why,youmustbeahundredatleast!Oh,no,itisquiteimpossible.’
Hespokewithoutthinking,buttheflashofangerwhichdartedfromhereyesmadehimfeeluncomfortable.However,allshesaidwas:
‘Asyoulike;sinceyourejectme,letthecrowshaveyou,’andhurriedawaydownthestreet.
*****
Lefttohimself,thefullhorrorofhiscomingdeathrushedupontheyoungman,andheunderstoodthathehadthrownawayhissolechanceoflife.Well,ifhemust,hemust,hesaidtohimself,andbegantorunasfastashecouldaftertheoldcrone,whobythistimecouldscarcelybeseen,eveninthemoonlight.Whowouldhavebelievedawomanpastninetycouldwalkwithsuchspeed?Itseemedmorelikeflying!Butatlength,breathlessandexhausted,hereachedherside,andgaspedout:
‘Madam,pardonmeformyhastywordsjustnow;Iwaswrong,andwillthankfullyaccepttheofferyoumademe.’
‘Ah,Ithoughtyouwouldcometoyoursenses,’answeredshe,inratheranoddvoice.‘Wehavenotimetolose—followmeatonce,’andtheywentonsilentlyandswiftlytilltheystoppedatthedoorofasmallhouseinwhichthepriestlived.Beforehimtheoldwomanbadetheprisonerswearthatsheshouldbehiswife,andthishedidinthepresenceofwitnesses.Then,beggingthepriestandtheguardstoleavethemaloneforalittle,shetoldtheyoungmanwhathewastodo,whenthenextmorninghewasbroughtbeforethekingandthejudges.
*****
Thehallwasfulltooverflowingwhentheprisonerenteredit,andallmarvelledatthebrightnessofhisface.Thekinginquiredifhehadanyexcusetopleadforthehightreasonhehadcommittedbystrikingtheheirtothethrone,and,ifso,tobequickinsettingitforth.Withalowbowtheyouthmadeanswerinaclearvoice:
‘Omylordandgraciousking,andyou,noblesandwisemenoftheland,Ileavemycausewithoutfearinyourhands,knowingthatyouwilllistenandjudgerightly,andthatyouwillsuffermetospeaktotheend,beforeyougivejudgment.
‘Forfouryears,you,Oking,hadbeenmarriedtothequeenandyethadnochildren,
whichgrievedyougreatly.Thequeensawthis,andlikewisethatyourlovewasgoingfromher,andthoughtnightanddayofsomeplanthatmightputanendtothisevil.Atlength,whenyouwereawayfightingindistantcountries,shedecidedwhatshewoulddo,andadoptedinsecretthebabyofapoorquarryman,sendingamessengertotellyouthatyouhadason.Noonesuspectedthetruthexceptapriesttowhomthequeenconfessedthetruth,andinafewweeksshefellillanddied,leavingthebabytobebroughtupasbecameaprince.Andnow,ifyourhighnesswillpermitme,Iwillspeakofmyself.’
‘Whatyouhavealreadytoldme,’answeredtheking,‘issostrangethatIcannotimaginewhatmorethereistotell,butgoonwithyourstory.’
‘Oneday,shortlyafterthedeathofthequeen,’continuedtheyoungman,‘yourhighnesswashunting,andoutstrippedallyourattendantswhilechasingthedeer.Youwereinapartofthecountrywhichyoudidnotknow,soseeinganorchardallpinkandwhitewithapple–blossoms,andagirltossingaballinonecorner,youwentuptohertoaskyourway.Butwhensheturnedtoansweryou,youweresostruckwithherbeautythatallelsefledfromyourmind.Againandagainyourodebacktoseeher,andatlengthpersuadedhertomarryyou.Sheonlythoughtyouapoorknight,andagreedthat,asyouwishedit,themarriageshouldbekeptsecret.
‘Aftertheceremonyyougaveherthreeringsandacharmwithacrossonit,andthenputherinacottageintheforest,thinkingtohidethemattersecurely.
‘Forsomemonthsyouvisitedthecottageeveryweek;butarebellionbrokeoutinadistantpartofthekingdom,andcalledforyourpresence.Whennextyourodeuptothecottage,itwasempty,andnonecouldinformyouwhitheryourbridehadgone.That,sire,Icannowtellyou,’andtheyoungmanpausedandlookedattheking,whocoloureddeeply.‘Shewentbacktoherfathertheoldduke,onceyourchamberlain,andthecrossonherbreastrevealedatoncewhoyouwere.Fiercewashisangerwhenheheardhisdaughter’stale,andhevowedthathewouldhidehersafelyfromyou,tillthedaycamewhenyouwouldclaimherpubliclyasyourqueen.
‘ByandbyeIwasborn,andwasbroughtupbymygrandfatherinoneofhisgreathouses.Herearetheringsyougavetomymother,andhereisthecross,andthesewillproveifIamyoursonornot.’
Ashespoketheyoungmanlaidthejewelsatthefeetoftheking,andthenoblesandthejudgespressedroundtoexaminethem.Thekingalonedidnotmovefromhisseat,forhehadforgottenthehallofjusticeandallabouthim,andsawonlytheapple–orchardasitwastwentyyearsago,andthebeautifulgirlplayingatball.Asuddensilenceroundhimmadehimlookup,andhefoundtheeyesoftheassemblyfixedonhim.
‘Itistrue;itishewhoismyson,andnottheother,’hesaidwithaneffort,‘andleteverymanpresentsweartoacknowledgehimasking,aftermydeath.’
Thereforeonebyonetheyallkneltbeforehimandtooktheoath,andamessagewassenttothefalseprince,forbiddinghimeveragaintoappearatcourt,thoughahandsomepensionwasgrantedhim.
*****
Atlasttheceremonywasover,andtheking,signingtohisnewlyfoundsontofollowhim,
roseandwentintoanotherroom.
‘Tellmehowyouknewallthat,’hesaid,throwinghimselfintoacarvedchairfilledwithcrimsoncushions,andtheprincetoldofhismeetingwiththeoldwomanwhohadbroughthimthejewelsfromhismother,andhowhehadswornbeforeapriesttomarryher,thoughhedidnotwanttodoit,onaccountofthedifferenceintheirages,andbesides,hewouldratherreceiveabridechosenbythekinghimself.Butthekingfrowned,andansweredsharply:
‘Yousworetomarryherifshesavedyourlife,and,comewhatmay,youmustfulfilyourpromise.’Then,strikingasilvershieldthathungcloseby,hesaidtotheequerrywhoappearedimmediately:
‘Goandseekthepriestwholivesnearthedooroftheprison,andaskhimwhereyoucanfindtheoldwomanwhovisitedhimlastnight;andwhenyouhavefoundher,bringhertothepalace.’
*****
Ittooksometimetodiscoverthewhereaboutsoftheoldwoman,butatlengthitwasaccomplished,andwhenshearrivedatthepalacewiththeequerry,shewasreceivedwithroyalhonours,asbecamethebrideoftheprince.Theguardslookedateachotherwithastonishedeyes,asthewizenedcreature,bowedwithage,passedbetweentheirlines;buttheyweremoreamazedstillatthelightnessofherstepassheskippedupthestepstothegreatdoorbeforewhichthekingwasstanding,withtheprinceathisside.Iftheybothfeltashockattheappearanceoftheagedladytheydidnotshowit,andtheking,withagravebow,tookherhand,andledhertothechapel,whereabishopwaswaitingtoperformthemarriageceremony.
Forthenextfewweekslittlewasseenoftheprince,whospentallhisdaysinhunting,andtryingtoforgettheoldwifeathome.Asfortheprincess,noonetroubledhimselfabouther,andshepassedthedaysaloneinherapartments,forshehadabsolutelydeclinedtheservicesoftheladies–in–waitingwhomthekinghadappointedforher.
Onenighttheprincereturnedafteralongerchasethanusual,andhewassotiredthathewentupstraighttobed.Suddenlyhewasawakenedbyastrangenoiseintheroom,andsuspectingthatarobbermighthavestolenin,hejumpedoutofbed,andseizedhissword,whichlayreadytohishand.Thenheperceivedthatthenoiseproceededfromthenextroom,whichbelongedtotheprincess,andwaslightedbyaburningtorch.Creepingsoftlytothedoor,hepeepedthroughit,andbeheldherlyingquietly,withacrownofgoldandpearlsuponherhead,herwrinklesallgone,andherface,whichwaswhiterthanthesnow,asfreshasthatofagirloffourteen.Couldthatreallybehiswife—thatbeautiful,beautifulcreature?
*****
Theprincewasstillgazinginsurprisewhentheladyopenedhereyesandsmiledathim.
‘Yes,Ireallyamyourwife,’shesaid,asifshehadguessedhisthoughts,‘andtheenchantmentisended.NowImusttellyouwhoIam,andwhatbefelltocausemetotaketheshapeofanoldwoman.
‘ThekingofGranadaismyfather,andIwasborninthepalacewhichoverlookstheplainoftheVega.Iwasonlyafewmonthsoldwhenawickedfairy,whohadaspiteagainstmyparents,castaspelloverme,bendingmybackandwrinklingmyskintillIlookedasifIwasahundredyearsold,andmakingmesuchanobjectofdisgusttoeveryone,thatatlengththekingorderedmynursetotakemeawayfromthepalace.Shewastheonlypersonwhocaredaboutme,andwelivedtogetherinthiscityonasmallpensionallowedmebytheking.
‘WhenIwasaboutthreeanoldmanarrivedatourhouse,andbeggedmynursetolethimcomeinandrest,ashecouldwalknolonger.Shesawthathewasveryill,soputhimtobedandtooksuchcareofhimthatbyandbyehewasasstrongasever.Ingratitudeforhergoodnesstohim,hetoldherthathewasawizardandcouldgiveheranythingshechosetoaskfor,exceptlifeordeath,sosheansweredthatwhatshelongedformostintheworldwasthatmywrinkledskinshoulddisappear,andthatIshouldregainthebeautywithwhichIwasborn.Tothisherepliedthatasmymisfortuneresultedfromaspell,thiswasratherdifficult,buthewoulddohisbest,andatanyratehecouldpromisethatbeforemyfifteenthbirthdayIshouldbefreedfromtheenchantmentifIcouldgetamanwhowouldsweartomarrymeasIwas.
‘Asyoumaysuppose,thiswasnoteasy,asmyuglinesswassuchthatnoonewouldlookatmeasecondtime.MynurseandIwerealmostindespair,asmyfifteenthbirthdaywasdrawingnear,andIhadneversomuchasspokentoaman.Atlastwereceivedavisitfromthewizard,whotolduswhathadhappenedatcourt,andyourstory,biddingmetoputmyselfinyourwaywhenyouhadlostallhope,andoffertosaveyouifyouwouldconsenttomarryme.
‘Thatismyhistory,andnowyoumustbegthekingtosendmessengersatoncetoGranada,toinformmyfatherofourmarriage,andIthink,’sheaddedwithasmile,‘thathewillnotrefuseushisblessing.’
AdaptedfromthePortuguese.
THEJOGI’SPUNISHMENT
ONCEuponatimetherecametotheancientcityofRahmatabadajogi[1]ofholyappearance,whotookuphisabodeunderatreeoutsidethecity,wherehewouldsitfordaysatatimefastingfromfoodanddrink,motionlessexceptforthefingersthatturnedrestlesslyhisstringofbeads.Thefameofsuchholinessasthissoonspread,anddailythecitizenswouldflocktoseehim,eagertogethisblessing,towatchhisdevotions,ortohearhisteaching,ifhewereinthemoodtospeak.Verysoontherajahhimselfheardofthejogi,andbeganregularlytovisithimtoseekhiscounselandtoaskhisprayersthatasonmightbevouchsafedtohim.Dayspassedby,andatlasttherajahbecamesopossessedwiththethoughtoftheholymanthathedeterminedifpossibletogethimalltohimself.Sohebuiltintheneighbourhoodalittleshrine,witharoomortwoaddedtoit,andasmallcourtyardcloselywalledup;and,whenallwasready,besoughtthejogitooccupyit,andtoreceivenoothervisitorsexcepthimselfandhisqueenandsuchpupilsasthejogimightchoose,whowouldhanddownhisteaching.Tothisthejogiconsented;andthushelivedforsometimeupontheking’sbounty,whilstthefameofhisgodlinessgrewdaybyday.
Now,althoughtherajahofRahmatabadhadnoson,hepossessedadaughter,whoasshegrewupbecamethemostbeautifulcreaturethateyeeverrestedupon.HerfatherhadlongbeforebetrothedhertothesonoftheneighbouringrajahofDilaram,butasyetshehadnotbeenmarriedtohim,andlivedthequietlifepropertoamaidenofherbeautyandposition.Theprincesshadofcourseheardoftheholymanandofhismiraclesandhisfastings,andshewasfilledwithcuriositytoseeandtospeaktohim;butthiswasdifficult,sinceshewasnotallowedtogooutexceptintothepalacegrounds,andthenwasalwayscloselyguarded.However,atlengthshefoundanopportunity,andmadeherwayoneeveningalonetothehermit’sshrine.
Unhappily,thehermitwasnotreallyasholyasheseemed;fornosoonerdidheseetheprincessthanhefellinlovewithherwonderfulbeauty,andbegantoplotinhishearthowhecouldwinherforhiswife.Butthemaidenwasnotonlybeautiful,shewasalsoshrewd;andassoonasshereadintheglanceofthejogithelovethatfilledhissoul,shesprangtoherfeet,and,gatheringherveilabouther,ranfromtheplaceasfastasshecould.Thejogitriedtofollow,buthewasnomatchforher;so,besidehimselfwithrageatfindingthathecouldnotovertakeher,heflungatheralance,whichwoundedherintheleg.Thebraveprincessstoopedforasecondtopluckthelanceoutofthewound,andthenranonuntilshefoundherselfsafeathomeagain.Thereshebathedandboundupthewoundsecretly,andtoldnoonehownaughtyshehadbeen,forsheknewthatherfatherwouldpunishherseverely.
Nextday,whenthekingwenttovisitthejogi,theholymanwouldneitherspeaktonorlookathim.
‘Whatisthematter?’askedtheking.‘Won’tyouspeaktometo–day?’
‘Ihavenothingtosaythatyouwouldcaretohear,’answeredthejogi.
‘Why?’saidtheking.‘SurelyyouknowthatIvalueallthatyousay,whateveritmaybe.’
UNHAPPILYtheHermitwasnotreallyasHOLYasheseemed
Butstillthejogisatwithhisfaceturnedaway,andthemorethekingpressedhimthemoresilentandmysterioushebecame.Atlast,aftermuchpersuasion,hesaid:
‘Letmetellyou,then,thatthereisinthiscityacreaturewhich,ifyoudonotputanendtoit,willkilleverysinglepersonintheplace.’
Theking,whowaseasilyfrightened,grewpale.
‘What,’hegasped—‘whatisthisdreadfulthing?HowamItoknowitandtocatchit?Onlycounselmeandhelpme,andIwilldoallthatyouadvise.’
‘Ah!’repliedthejogi,‘itisindeeddreadful.Itisintheshapeofabeautifulgirl,butitisreallyanevilspirit.Lasteveningitcametovisitme,andwhenIlookeduponititsbeautyfadedintohideousness,itsteethbecamehorriblefangs,itseyesglaredlikecoalsoffire,greatclawssprangfromitsslenderfingers,andwereInotwhatIamitmighthaveconsumedme.’
Thekingcouldhardlyspeakfromalarm,butatlasthesaid:
‘HowamItodistinguishthisawfulthingwhenIseeit?’
‘Search,’saidthejogi,‘foralovelygirlwithalancewoundinherleg,andwhensheisfoundsecurehersafelyandcomeandtellme,andIwilladviseyouwhattodonext.’
Awayhurriedtheking,andsoonsetallhissoldiersscouringthecountryforagirlwithalancewoundinherleg.Fortwodaysthesearchwenton,andthenitwassomehowdiscoveredthattheonlypersonwithalancewoundinthelegwastheprincessherself.Theking,greatlyagitated,wentofftotellthejogi,andtoassurehimthattheremustbesomemistake.Butofcoursethejogiwaspreparedforthis,andhadhisanswerready.
‘Sheisnotreallyyourdaughter,whowasstolenawayatherbirth,butanevilspiritthathastakenherform,’saidhesolemnly.‘Youcandowhatyoulike,butifyoudon’ttakemyadviceshewillkillyouall.’Andsosolemnheappeared,andsounshakeninhisconfidence,thattheking’swisdomwasblinded,andhedeclaredthathewoulddowhateverthejogiadvised,andbelievewhateverhesaid.Sothejogidirectedhimtosendhimsecretlytwocarpenters;andwhentheyarrivedhesetthemtomakeagreatchest,socunninglyjointedandputtogetherthatneitherairnorwatercouldpenetrateit.Thereandthenthechestwasmade,and,whenitwasready,thejogibadethekingtobringtheprincessbynight;andtheytwothrustthepoorlittlemaidenintothechestandfasteneditdownwithlongnails,andbetweenthemcarriedittotheriverandpusheditoutintothestream.
Assoonasthejogigotbackfromthisdeedhecalledtwoofhispupils,andpretendedthatithadbeenrevealedtohimthatthereshouldbefoundfloatingontheriverachestwithsomethingofgreatpricewithinit;andhebadethemgoandwatchforitatsuchaplacefardownthestream,andwhenthechestcameslowlyalong,bobbingandturninginthetide,theyweretoseizeitandsecretlyandswiftlybringittohim,forhewasnowdeterminedtoputtheprincesstodeathhimself.Thepupilssetoffatonce,wonderingatthestrangenessoftheirerrand,andstillmoreattheholinessofthejogitowhomsuchsecretswererevealed.
ThePrincessreleasedfromthebox
Ithappenedthat,asthenextmorningwasdawning,thegallantyoungprinceofDilaramwashuntingbythebanksoftheriver,withagreatfollowingofwazirs,attendants,andhuntsmen,andasherodehesawfloatingontheriveralargechest,whichcameslowlyalong,bobbingandturninginthetide.Raisinghimselfinhissaddle,hegaveanorder,andhalfadozenmenplungedintothewateranddrewthechestoutontotheriverbank,whereeveryonecrowdedaroundtoseewhatitcouldcontain.Theprincewascertainlynottheleastcuriousamongthem;buthewasacautiousyoungman,and,ashepreparedtoopenthechesthimself,hebadeallbutafewstandback,andthesefewtodrawtheirswords,soastobepreparedincasethechestshouldholdsomeevilbeast,ordjinn,orgiant.Whenallwerereadyandexpectant,theprincewithhisdaggerforcedopenthelidandflungitback,andtherelay,livingandbreathing,themostlovelymaidenhehadeverseeninhislife.
Althoughshewashalfstifledfromherconfinementinthechest,theprincessspeedilyrevived,and,whenshewasabletositup,theprincebegantoquestionherastowhoshewasandhowshecametobeshutupinthechestandsetafloatuponthewater;andshe,blushingandtremblingtofindherselfinthepresenceofsomanystrangers,toldhimthatshewastheprincessofRahmatabad,andthatshehadbeenputintothechestbyherownfather.WhenheonhisparttoldherthathewastheprinceofDilaram,theastonishmentoftheyoungpeoplewasunboundedtofindthatthey,whohadbeenbetrothedwithoutever
havingseenoneanother,shouldhaveactuallymetforthefirsttimeundersuchstrangecircumstances.Infact,theprincewassomovedbyherbeautyandmodestwaysthathecalleduphiswazirsanddemandedtobemarriedatoncetothislovelyladywhohadsocompletelywonhisheart.Andmarriedtheywerethenandthereupontheriverbank,andwenthometotheprince’spalace,where,whenthestorywastold,theywerewelcomedbytheoldrajah,theprince’sfather,andtheremainderofthedaywasgivenovertofeastingandrejoicing.Butwhenthebanquetwasover,thebridetoldherhusbandthatnow,onthethresholdoftheirmarriedlife,shehadmoretorelateofheradventuresthanhehadgivenhertheopportunitytotellasyet;andthen,withouthidinganything,sheinformedhimofallthathappenedtoherfromthetimeshehadstolenouttovisitthewickedjogi.Inthemorningtheprincecalledhischiefwazirandorderedhimtoshutupinthechestinwhichtheprincesshadbeenfoundagreatmonkeythatlivedchainedupinthepalace,andtotakethechestbacktotheriverandsetitafloatoncemoreandwatchwhatbecameofit.Sothemonkeywascaughtandputintothechest,andsomeoftheprince’sservantstookitdowntotheriverandpusheditoffintothewater.Thentheyfollowedsecretlyalongwayofftoseewhatbecameofit.
TheTerribleEndoftheJogi
Meanwhilethejogi’stwopupilswatchedandwatchedforthechestuntiltheywerenearlytiredofwatching,andwerebeginningtowonderwhetherthejogiwasrightafterall,whenontheseconddaytheyspiedthegreatchestcomingfloatingontheriver,slowlybobbingandturningonthetide;andinstantlyagreatjoyandexultationseizedthem,fortheythoughtthathereindeedwasfurtherproofofthewonderfulwisdomoftheirmaster.Withsomedifficultytheysecuredthechest,andcarrieditbackasswiftlyandsecretlyas
possibletothejogi’shouse.Assoonastheybroughtinthechest,thejogi,whohadbeengettingverycrossandimpatient,toldthemtoputitdown,andtogooutsidewhilstheopenedthemagicchest.‘Andevenifyouhearcriesandsounds,howeveralarming,youmustonnoaccountenter,’saidthejogi,walkingovertoaclosetwherelaythesilkencordthatwastostrangletheprincess.
Andthetwopupilsdidastheyweretold,andwentoutsideandshutcloseallthedoors.Presentlytheyheardagreatoutcrywithin,andthejogi’svoicecryingaloudforhelp;buttheydarednotenter,forhadtheynotbeentoldthatwhateverthenoise,theymustnotcomein?Sotheysatoutside,waitingandwondering;andatlastallgrewstillandquiet,andremainedsoforsuchalongtimethattheydeterminedtoenterandseeifallwaswell.Nosoonerhadtheyopenedthedoorleadingintothecourtyardthantheywerenearlyupsetbyahugemonkeythatcameleapingstraighttothedoorwayandescapedpastthemintotheopenfields.Thentheysteppedintotheroom,andtheretheysawthejogi’sbodylyingtorntopiecesonthethresholdofhisdwelling!
Verysoonthestoryspread,asstorieswill,andreachedtheearsoftheprincessandherhusband,andwhensheknewthatherenemywasdeadshemadeherpeacewithherfather.
FromMajorCampbell,Feroshepore.
[1]AHinduholyman.
THEHEARTOFAMONKEY
ALONGtimeagoalittletownmadeupofacollectionoflowhutsstoodinatinygreenvalleyatthefootofacliff.Ofcoursethepeoplehadtakengreatcaretobuildtheirhousesoutofreachofthehighesttidewhichmightbedrivenonshorebyawestwind,butontheveryedgeofthetowntherehadsprungupatreesolargethathalfitsboughshungoverthehutsandtheotherhalfoverthedeepsearightunderthecliff,wheresharkslovedtocomeandsplashintheclearwater.Thebranchesofthetreeitselfwereladenwithfruit,andeverydayatsunriseabiggreymonkeymighthavebeenseensittinginthetopmostbrancheshavinghisbreakfast,andchatteringtohimselfwithdelight.
Afterhehadeatenallthefruitonthetownsideofthetreethemonkeyswunghimselfalongthebranchestothepartwhichhungoverthewater.Whilehewaslookingoutforaniceshadyplacewherehemightperchcomfortablyhenoticedasharkwatchinghimfrombelowwithgreedyeyes.
‘CanIdoanythingforyou,myfriend?’askedthemonkeypolitely.
‘Oh!ifyouonlywouldthrowmedownsomeofthosedeliciousthings,Ishouldbesograteful,’answeredtheshark.‘Afteryouhavelivedonfishforfiftyyearsyoubegintofeelyouwouldlikeachange.AndIamsovery,verytiredofthetasteofsalt.’
‘Well,Idon’tlikesaltmyself,’saidthemonkey;‘soifyouwillopenyourmouthIwillthrowthisbeautifuljuicykuyuintoit,’and,ashespoke,hepulledoneoffthebranchjustoverhishead.Butitwasnotsoeasytohittheshark’smouthashesupposed,evenwhenthecreaturehadturnedonhisback,andthefirstkuyuonlystruckoneofhisteethandrolledintothewater.However,thesecondtimethemonkeyhadbetterluck,andthefruitfellrightin.
TheMonkeyfeedstheShark
‘Ah,howgood!’criedtheshark.‘Sendmeanother,please,’andthemonkeygrewtiredofpickingthekuyulongbeforethesharkwastiredofeatingthem.
‘Itisgettinglate,andImustbegoinghometomychildren,’hesaidatlength,‘butifyouarehereatthesametimeto–morrowIwillgiveyouanothertreat.’
‘Thankyou,thankyou,’saidtheshark,showingallhisgreatuglyteethashegrinnedwithdelight;‘youcan’tguesshowhappyyouhavemademe,’andheswamawayintotheshadow,hopingtosleepawaythetimetillthemonkeycameagain.
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Forweeksthemonkeyandthesharkbreakfastedtogether,anditwasawonderthatthetreehadanyfruitleftforthem.Theybecamefastfriends,andtoldeachotherabouttheirhomesandtheirchildren,andhowtoteachthemalltheyoughttoknow.Byandbyethemonkeybecameratherdiscontentedwithhisgreenhouseinagroveofpalmsbeyondthetown,andlongedtoseethestrangethingsundertheseawhichhehadheardoffromtheshark.Thesharkperceivedthisveryclearly,anddescribedgreatermarvels,andthemonkeyashelistenedgrewmoreandmoregloomy.
Matterswereinthisstatewhenonedaythesharksaid:‘Ireallyhardlyknowhowtothankyouforallyourkindnesstomeduringtheseweeks.HereIhavenothingofmyowntoofferyou,butifyouwouldonlyconsenttocomehomewithme,howgladlywouldIgiveyouanythingthatmighthappentotakeyourfancy.’
‘Ishouldlikenothingbetter,’criedthemonkey,histeethchattering,astheyalwaysdid
whenhewaspleased.‘ButhowcouldIgetthere?Notbywater.Ugh!Itmakesmeilltothinkofit!’‘Oh!don’tletthattroubleyou,’repliedtheshark,‘youhaveonlytositonmybackandIwillundertakethatnotadropofwatershalltouchyou.’
Soitwasarranged,anddirectlyafterbreakfastnextmorningthesharkswamcloseupunderthetreeandthemonkeydroppedneatlyonhisback,withoutevenasplash.Afterafewminutes—foratfirsthefeltalittlefrightenedathisstrangeposition—themonkeybegantoenjoyhimselfvastly,andaskedthesharkathousandquestionsaboutthefishandthesea–weedsandtheoddly–shapedthingsthatfloatedpastthem,andasthesharkalwaysgavehimsomesortofanswer,themonkeyneverguessedthatmanyoftheobjectstheysawwereasnewtohisguideastohimself.
Thesunhadrisenandsetsixtimeswhenthesharksuddenlysaid,‘Myfriend,wehavenowperformedhalfourjourney,anditistimethatIshouldtellyousomething.’
‘Whatisit?’askedthemonkey.‘Nothingunpleasant,Ihope,foryousoundrathergrave?’
‘Oh,no!Nothingatall.ItisonlythatshortlybeforeweleftIheardthatthesultanofmycountryisveryill,andthattheonlythingtocurehimisamonkey’sheart.’
‘Poorman,Iamverysorryforhim,’repliedthemonkey;‘butyouwereunwisenottotellmetillwehadstarted.’
‘Whatdoyoumean?’askedtheshark;butthemonkey,whonowunderstoodthewholeplot,didnotansweratonce,forhewasconsideringwhatheshouldsay.
‘Whyareyousosilent?’inquiredthesharkagain.
‘IwasthinkingwhatapityitwasyoudidnottellmewhileIwasstillonland,andthenIwouldhavebroughtmyheartwithme.’
‘Yourheart!Why,isn’tyourhearthere?’saidtheshark,withapuzzledexpression.
‘Oh,no!Ofcoursenot.Isitpossibleyoudon’tknowthatwhenweleavehomewealwayshangupourheartsontrees,topreventtheirbeingtroublesome?However,perhapsyouwon’tbelievethat,andwilljustthinkIhaveinventeditbecauseIamafraid,soletusgoontoyourcountryasfastaswecan,andwhenwearriveyoucanlookformyheart,andifyoufindityoucankillme.’
Themonkeyspokeinsuchacalm,indifferentwaythatthesharkwasquitedeceived,andbegantowishhehadnotbeeninsuchahurry.
TheMonkeyhasaride
‘Butthereisnousegoingonifyourheartisnotwithyou,’hesaidatlast.‘Wehadbetterturnbacktothetown,andthenyoucanfetchit.’
Ofcourse,thiswasjustwhatthemonkeywanted,buthewascarefulnottoseemtoopleased.
‘Well,Idon’tknow,’heremarkedcarelessly,‘itissuchalongway;butyoumayberight.’
‘IamsureIam,’answeredtheshark,‘andIwillswimasquicklyasIcan,’andsohedid,andinthreedaystheycaughtsightofthekuyutreehangingoverthewater.
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Withasighofreliefthemonkeycaughtholdofthenearestbranchandswunghimselfup.
‘Waitformehere,’hecalledouttotheshark.‘IamsohungryImusthavealittlebreakfast,andthenIwillgoandlookformyheart,’andhewentfurtherandfurtherintothebranchessothatthesharkcouldnotseehim.Thenhecurledhimselfupandwenttosleep.
‘Areyouthere?’criedtheshark,whowassoontiredofswimmingaboutunderthecliff,andwasinhastetobegone.
Themonkeyawokewithastart,butdidnotanswer.
‘Areyouthere?’calledthesharkagain,louderthanbefore,andinaverycrossvoice.
‘Oh,yes.Iamhere,’repliedthemonkey;‘butIwishyouhadnotwakenedmeup.Iwas
havingsuchanicenap.’
‘Haveyougotit?’askedtheshark.‘Itistimeweweregoing.’
‘Goingwhere?’inquiredthemonkey.
‘Why,tomycountry,ofcourse,withyourheart.Youcan’thaveforgotten!’
‘Mydearfriend,’answeredthemonkey,withachuckle,‘Ithinkyoumustbegoingalittlemad.Doyoutakemeforawasherman’sdonkey?’
‘Don’ttalknonsense,’exclaimedtheshark,whodidnotlikebeinglaughedat.‘Whatdoyoumeanaboutawasherman’sdonkey?AndIwishyouwouldbequick,orwemaybetoolatetosavethesultan.’
‘Didyoureallyneverhearofthewasherman’sdonkey?’askedthemonkey,whowasenjoyinghimselfimmensely.‘Why,heisthebeastwhohasnoheart.AndasIamnotfeelingverywell,andamafraidtostartwhilethesunissohighlestIshouldgetasunstroke,ifyoulike,Iwillcomealittlenearerandtellyouhisstory.’
‘Verywell,’saidthesharksulkily,‘ifyouwon’tcome,IsupposeImayaswelllistentothatasdonothing.’
Sothemonkeybegan.
‘Awashermanoncelivedinthegreatforestontheothersideofthetown,andhehadadonkeytokeephimcompanyandtocarryhimwhereverhewantedtogo.Foratimetheygotonverywell,butbyandbyethedonkeygrewlazyandungratefulforhermaster’skindness,andranawayseveralmilesintotheheartoftheforest,whereshedidnothingbuteatandeatandeat,tillshegrewsofatshecouldhardlymove.
‘Onedayasshewastastingquiteanewkindofgrassandwonderingifitwasasgoodaswhatshehadhadfordinnerthedaybefore,aharehappenedtopassby.
‘“Well,thatisafatcreature,”thoughtshe,andturnedoutofherpathtotellthenewstoalionwhowasafriendofhers.Nowthelionhadbeenveryill,andwasnotstrongenoughtogohuntingforhimself,andwhentheharecameandtoldhimthataveryfatdonkeywastobefoundonlyafewhundredyardsoff,tearsofdisappointmentandweaknessfilledhiseyes.
‘“Whatisthegoodoftellingmethat?”heasked,inaweepyvoice;“youknowIcannotevenwalkasfarasthatpalm.”
‘“Nevermind,”answeredtheharebriskly.“Ifyoucan’tgotoyourdinneryourdinnershallcometoyou,”andnoddingafarewelltothelionshewentbacktothedonkey.
‘“Goodmorning,”saidshe,bowingpolitelytothedonkey,wholiftedherheadinsurprise.“Excusemyinterruptingyou,butIhavecomeonveryimportantbusiness.”
‘“Indeed,”answeredthedonkey,“itismostkindofyoutotakethetrouble.MayIinquirewhatthebusinessis?”
‘“Certainly,”repliedthehare.“Itismyfriendthelionwhohasheardsomuchofyourcharmsandgoodqualitiesthathehassentmetobegthatyouwillgivehimyourpawinmarriage.Heregretsdeeplythatheisunabletomaketherequestinperson,buthehas
beenillandistooweaktomove.”
TheDonkeyexpectedtheLionwouldspeakoftheirMarriage
‘“Poorfellow!Howsad!”saidthedonkey.“ButyoumusttellhimthatIfeelhonouredbyhisproposal,andwillgladlyconsenttobeQueenoftheBeasts.”
‘“Willyounotcomeandtellhimsoyourself?”askedthehare.
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‘Sidebysidetheywentdowntheroadwhichledtothelion’shouse.Ittookalongwhile,forthedonkeywassofatwitheatingshecouldonlywalkveryslowly,andthehare,whocouldhaverunthedistanceinaboutfiveminutes,wasobligedtocreepalongtillshealmostdroppedwithfatigueatnotbeingabletogoatherownpace.Whenatlasttheyarrivedthelionwassittingupattheentrance,lookingverypaleandthin.Thedonkeysuddenlygrewshyandhungherhead,butthelionputonhisbestmannersandinvitedbothhisvisitorstocomeinandmakethemselvescomfortable.
‘Verysoontheharegotupandsaid,“Well,asIhaveanotherengagementIwillleaveyoutomakeacquaintancewithyourfuturehusband,”andwinkingatthelionsheboundedaway.
‘Thedonkeyexpectedthatassoonastheywereleftalonethelionwouldbegintospeakoftheirmarriage,andwheretheyshouldlive,butashesaidnothingshelookedup.Tohersurpriseandterrorshesawhimcrouchinginthecorner,hiseyesglaringwitharedlight,andwithaloudroarhesprangtowardsher.Butinthatmomentthedonkeyhadhadtimetoprepareherself,andjumpingononesidedealtthelionsuchahardkickthatheshrieked
withthepain.Againandagainhestruckatherwithhisclaws,butthedonkeycouldbitetoo,aswellasthelion,whowasveryweakafterhisillness,andatlastawell–plantedkickknockedhimrightover,andherolledonthefloor,groaningwithpain.Thedonkeydidnotwaitforhimtogetup,butranawayasfastasshecouldandwaslostintheforest.‘Nowthehare,whoknewquitewellwhatwouldhappen,hadnotgonetodoherbusiness,buthidherselfinsomebushesbehindthecave,whereshecouldhearquiteclearlythesoundsofthebattle.Whenallwasquietagainshecreptgentlyout,andstoleroundthecorner.
‘“Well,lion,haveyoukilledher?”askedshe,runningswiftlyupthepath.
‘“Killedher,indeed!”answeredthelionsulkily,“itisshewhohasnearlykilledme.Ineverknewadonkeycouldkicklikethat,thoughItookcaresheshouldcarryawaythemarksofmyclaws.”
‘“Dearme!Fancysuchagreatfatcreaturebeingabletofight,”criedthehare.“Butdon’tvexyourself.Justliestill,andyourwoundswillsoonheal,”andshebadeherfriendgoodbye,andreturnedtoherfamily.
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‘Twoorthreeweekspassed,andonlybareplacesonthedonkey’sbackshowedwherethelion’sclawshadbeen,while,onhisside,thelionhadrecoveredfromhisillnessandwasnowasstrongasever.Hewasbeginningtothinkthatitwasalmosttimeforhimtobeginhuntingagain,whenonemorningarustlewasheardinthecreepersoutside,andthehare’sheadpeepedthrough.
‘“Ah!thereisnoneedtoaskhowyouare,”shesaid.“Stillyoumustn’tovertireyourself,youknow.ShallIgoandbringyouyourdinner?”
‘“IfyouwillbringmethatdonkeyIwilltearitintwo,”criedthelionsavagely,andtheharelaughedandnoddedandwentonhererrand.
‘Thistimethedonkeywasmuchfurtherthanbefore,andittooklongertofindher.Atlasttheharecaughtsightoffourhoofsintheair,andrantowardsthem.Thedonkeywaslyingonasoftcoolbedofmossnearastream,rollingherselfbackwardsandforwardsfrompleasure.
‘“Goodmorning,”saidtheharepolitely,andthedonkeygotslowlyontoherlegs,andlookedtoseewhohervisitorcouldbe.
‘“Oh,itisyou,isit?”sheexclaimed.“Comeinandhaveachat.Whatnewshaveyougot?”
‘“Imustn’tstay,”answeredthehare;“butIpromisedtheliontobegyoutopayhimavisit,asheisnotwellenoughtocallonyou.”
‘“Well,Idon’tknow,”repliedthedonkeygloomily,“thelasttimewewenthescratchedmeverybadly,andreallyIwasquiteafraid.”
‘“Hewasonlytryingtokissyou,”saidthehare,“andyoubithim,andofcoursethatmadehimcross.”
‘“IfIweresureofthat,”hesitatedthedonkey.
‘“Oh,youmaybequitesure,”laughedthehare.“Ihavealargeacquaintanceamonglions.Butletusbequick,”andratherunwillinglythedonkeysetout.
‘Thelionsawthemcomingandhidhimselfbehindalargetree.Asthedonkeywentpast,followedbythehare,hesprangout,andwithoneblowofhispawstretchedthepoorfoolishcreaturedeadbeforehim.
‘“Takethismeatandskinitandroastit,”hesaidtothehare;“butmyappetiteisnotsogoodasitwas,andtheonlypartIwantformyselfistheheart.Therestyoucaneithereatforyourselforgiveawaytoyourfriends.”
‘“Thankyou,”repliedthehare,balancingthedonkeyonherbackaswellasshewasable,andthoughthelegstrailedalongthegroundshemanagedtodragittoanopenspacesomedistanceoff,whereshemadeafireandroastedit.Assoonasitwascookedtheharetookouttheheartandhadjustfinishedeatingitwhenthelion,whowastiredofwaiting,cameup.
‘“Iamhungry,”saidhe.“Bringmethecreature’sheart;itisjustwhatIwantforsupper.”
‘“Butthereisnoheart,”answeredthehare,lookingupatthelionwithapuzzledface.
‘“Whatnonsense!”saidthelion.“Asifeverybeasthadnotgotaheart.Whatdoyoumean?”
‘“Thisisawasherman’sdonkey,”repliedtheharegravely.
‘“Well,andsupposeitis?”
‘“Oh,fie!”exclaimedthehare.“Youalionandagrown–upperson,andaskquestionslikethat.Ifthedonkeyhadhadaheartwouldshebeherenow?Thefirsttimeshecamesheknewyouweretryingtokillher,andranaway.Yetshecamebackasecondtime.Well,ifshehadhadaheartwouldshehavecomebackasecondtime?Nowwouldshe?”
‘Andthelionansweredslowly,“No,shewouldnot.”
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‘SoyouthinkIamawasherman’sdonkey?’saidthemonkeytotheshark,whenthestorywasended.‘Youarewrong;Iamnot.Andasthesunisgettinglowinthesky,itistimeforyoutobeginyourhomewardjourney.Youwillhaveanicecoolvoyage,andIhopeyouwillfindthesultanbetter.Farewell!’Andthemonkeydisappearedamongthegreenbranches,andwasgone.
From‘SwahiliTales,’byEdwardSteere,LL.D.
THEFAIRYNURSE
THEREwasoncealittlefarmerandhiswifelivingnearCoolgarrow.Theyhadthreechildren,andmystoryhappenedwhiletheyoungestwasababy.Thewifewasagoodwifeenough,buthermindwasallonherfamilyandherfarm,andshehardlyeverwenttoherkneeswithoutfallingasleep,andshethoughtthetimespentinthechapelwastwiceaslongasitneedbe.So,friends,shelethermanandhertwochildrengobeforeheronedaytoMass,whileshecalledtoconsultafairymanaboutadisorderoneofhercowshad.Shewaslateatthechapel,andwassorryallthedayafter,forherhusbandwasingriefaboutit,andshewasveryfondofhim.
Latethatnighthewaswakenedupbythecriesofhischildrencallingout,‘Mother!mother!’Whenhesatupandrubbedhiseyes,therewasnowifebyhisside,andwhenheaskedthelittleoneswhatwasbecomeoftheirmother,theysaidtheysawtheroomfullofnicelittlemenandwomen,dressedinwhiteandredandgreen,andtheirmotherinthemiddleofthem,goingoutbythedoorasifshewaswalkinginhersleep.Outheran,andsearchedeverywhereroundthehouse,butneithertalenortidingsdidhegetofherformanyaday.
Well,thepoormanwasmiserableenough,forhewasasfondofhiswomanasshewasofhim.Itusedtobringthesalttearsdownhischeekstoseehispoorchildrenneglectedanddirty,astheyoftenwere,andthey’dbebadenoughonlyforakindneighbourthatusedtolookinwhenevershecouldsparetime.Theinfantwasawaywithanurse.
TheFairiesgooffwiththeFarmer’sWife
Aboutsixweeksafter—justashewasgoingouttohisworkonemorning—aneighbour,thatusedtomindwomenwhentheywereill,cameuptohim,andkeptstepbystepwithhimtothefield,andthisiswhatshetoldhim.
‘JustasIwasfallingasleeplastnight,Iheardahorse’stramponthegrassandaknockatthedoor,andthere,whenIcameout,wasafine–lookingdarkman,mountedonablackhorse,andhetoldmetogetreadyinallhaste,foraladywasingreatwantofme.AssoonasIputonmycloakandthings,hetookmebythehand,andIwassittingbehindhimbeforeIfeltmyselfstirring.“Wherearewegoing,sir?”saysI.“You’llsoonknow,”sayshe;andhedrewhisfingersacrossmyeyes,andnotaraycouldIsee.Ikeptatightgripofhim,andIlittleknewwhetherhewasgoingbackwardsorforwards,orhowlongwewereaboutit,tillmyhandwastakenagain,andIfeltthegroundunderme.Thefingerswenttheotherwayacrossmyeyes,andtherewewerebeforeacastledoor,andinwewentthroughabighallandgreatroomsallpaintedinfinegreencolours,withredandgoldbandsandornaments,andthefinestcarpetsandchairsandtablesandwindowcurtains,andgrandladiesandgentlemenwalkingabout.Atlastwecametoabedroom,withabeautifulladyinbed,withafinebouncingboybesideher.Theladyclappedherhands,andincametheDarkManandkissedherandthebaby,andpraisedme,andgavemeabottleofgreenointmenttorubthechildallover.
‘Well,thechildIrubbed,sureenough;butmyrighteyebegantosmart,andIputupmyfingerandgaveitarub,andthenstared,forneverinallmylifewasIsofrightened.Thebeautifulroomwasabig,roughcave,withwateroozingovertheedgesofthestonesandthroughtheclay;andthelady,andthelord,andthechildweazened,poverty–bittencreatures—nothingbutskinandbone—andtherichdresseswereoldrags.Ididn’tletonthatIfoundanydifference,andafterabitsaystheDarkMan,“Gobeforeme,tothehalldoor,andIwillbewithyouinafewmoments,andseeyousafehome.”Well,justasIturnedintotheoutsidecave,whoshouldIseewatchingnearthedoorbutpoorMolly.Shelookedroundallterrified,andsaysshetomeinawhisper,“I’mbroughtheretonursethechildofthekingandqueenofthefairies;butthereisonechanceofsavingme.AllthecourtwillpassthecrossnearTempleshambonextFridaynight,onavisittothefairiesofOldRoss.IfJohncancatchmebythehandorcloakwhenIrideby,andhascouragenottoletgohisgrip,I’llbesafe.Here’stheking.Don’topenyourmouthtoanswer.Isawwhathappenedwiththeointment.”
‘TheDarkMandidn’toncecasthiseyetowardsMolly,andheseemedtohavenosuspicionofme.WhenwecameoutIlookedaboutme,andwheredoyouthinkwewerebutinthedykeoftheRathofCromogue.Iwasonthehorseagain,whichwasnothingbutabigrag–weed,andIwasindreadeveryminuteI’dfalloff;butnothinghappenedtillIfoundmyselfinmyowncabin.ThekingslippedfiveguineasintomyhandassoonasIwasontheground,andthankedme,andbademegood–night.IhopeI’llneverseehisfaceagain.Igotintobed,andcouldn’tsleepforalongtime;andwhenIexaminedmyfiveguineasthismorning,thatIleftinthetabledrawerthelastthing,Ifoundfivewitheredleavesofoak—badlucktothegiver!’
Well,youmayallthinkthefright,andthejoy,andthegriefthepoormanwasinwhenthewomanfinishedherstory.Theytalkedandtheytalked,butweneedn’tmindwhattheysaidtillFridaynightcame,whenbothwerestandingwherethemountainroadcrossestheonegoingtoRoss.
Theretheystood,lookingtowardsthebridgeofThuar,inthedeadofthenight,withalittlemoonlightshiningfromoverKilachdiarmid.Atlastshegaveastart,and‘Bythisandbythat,’saysshe,‘heretheycome,bridlesjinglingandfeatherstossing!’Helooked,butcouldseenothing;andshestoodtremblingandhereyeswideopen,lookingdownthewaytothefordofBallinacoola.‘Iseeyourwife,’saysshe,‘ridingontheoutsidejustsoastorubagainstus.We’llwalkonquietly,asifwesuspectednothing,andwhenwearepassingI’llgiveyouashove.Ifyoudon’tdoyourdutythen,woebewithyou!’
Well,theywalkedoneasy,andthepoorheartsbeatinginboththeirbreasts;andthoughhecouldseenothing,heheardafaintjingleandtramplingandrustling,andatlasthegotthepushthatshepromised.Hespreadouthisarms,andtherewashiswife’swaistwithinthem,andhecouldseeherplain;butsuchahullabullooroseasiftherewasanearthquake,andhefoundhimselfsurroundedbyhorrible–lookingthings,roaringathimandstrivingtopullhiswifeaway.ButhemadethesignofthecrossandbidthembegoneinGod’sname,andheldhiswifeasifitwasironhisarmsweremadeof.Bedad,inonemomenteverythingwasassilentasthegrave,andthepoorwomanlyinginafaintinthearmsofherhusbandandhergoodneighbour.Well,allingoodtimeshewasmindingherfamilyandherbusinessagain;andI’llgobail,afterthefrightshegot,shespentmoretimeonher
knees,andavoidedfairymenallthedaysoftheweek,andparticularlyonSunday.
HOWJOHNGOTHISWIFEBACKFROMTHEFAIRIES
Itishardtohaveanythingtodowiththegoodpeoplewithoutgettingamarkfromthem.Mybravenursedidn’tescapenomorethananother.ShewasoneThursdayatthemarketofEnniscorthy,whenwhatdidsheseewalkingamongthetubsofbutterbuttheDarkMan,veryhungry–looking,andtakingascoopoutofonetubandoutofanother.‘Oh,sir,’saysshe,veryfoolish,‘Ihopeyourladyiswell,andthebaby.’‘Prettywell,thankyou,’sayshe,ratherfrightenedlike.‘HowdoIlookinthisnewsuit?’sayshe,gettingtoonesideofher.‘Ican’tseeyouplainatall,sir,’saysshe.‘Well,now?’sayshe,gettingroundherbacktotheotherside.‘Musha,indeed,sir,yourcoatlooksnobetterthanawithereddock–leaf.’‘Maybe,then,’sayshe,‘itwillbedifferentnow,’andhestrucktheeyenexthimwithaswitch.
Friends,sheneversawaglimmerafterwiththatonetillthedayofherdeath.
‘LegendaryFictionsoftheIrishCelts,’byPatrickKennedy.
ALOSTPARADISEINthemiddleofagreatforesttherelivedalongtimeagoacharcoal–burnerandhiswife.Theywerebothyoungandhandsomeandstrong,andwhentheygotmarried,theythoughtworkwouldneverfailthem.Butbadtimescame,andtheygrewpoorerandpoorer,andthenightsinwhichtheywenthungrytobedbecamemoreandmorefrequent.
Nowoneeveningthekingofthatcountrywashuntingnearthecharcoal–burner’shut.Ashepassedthedoor,heheardasoundofsobbing,andbeingagood–naturedmanhestoppedtolisten,thinkingthatperhapshemightbeabletogivesomehelp.
‘Werethereevertwopeoplesounhappy!’saidawoman’svoice.‘Hereweare,readytoworklikeslavesthewholedaylong,andnoworkcanweget.AnditisallbecauseofthecuriosityofoldmotherEve!Ifshehadonlybeenlikeme,whoneverwanttoknowanything,weshouldallhavebeenashappyaskingsto–day,withplentytoeat,andwarmclothestowear.Why―’butatthispointaloudknockinterruptedherlamentations.
‘Whoisthere?’askedshe.
‘I!’repliedsomebody.
‘Andwhois“I”?’
‘Theking.Letmein.’
Fullofsurprisethewomanjumpedupandpulledthebarawayfromthedoor.Asthekingentered,henoticedthattherewasnofurnitureintheroomatall,notevenachair,sohepretendedtobeintoogreatahurrytoseeanythingaroundhim,andonlysaid,‘Youmustnotletmedisturbyou,Ihavenotimetostay,butyouseemedtobeintrouble.Tellme;areyouveryunhappy?’
‘Oh,mylord,wecanfindnoworkandhaveeatennothingfortwodays!’answeredshe.‘Nothingremainsforusbuttodieofhunger.’
‘No,no,youshan’tdothat,’criedtheking,‘orifyoudo,itwillbeyourownfault.Youshallcomewithmeintomypalace,andyouwillfeelasifyouwereinParadise,Ipromiseyou.Inreturn,Ionlyaskonethingofyou,thatyoushallobeymyordersexactly.’
Thecharcoal–burnerandhiswifebothstaredathimforamoment,asiftheycouldhardlybelievetheirears;and,indeed,itwasnottobewonderedat!Thentheyfoundtheirtongues,andexclaimedtogether:
‘Oh,yes,yes,mylord!wewilldoeverythingyoutellus.Howcouldwebesoungratefulastodisobeyyou,whenyouaresokind?’
Thekingsmiled,andhiseyestwinkled.
‘Well,letusstartatonce,’saidhe.‘Lockyourdoor,andputthekeyinyourpocket.’
Thewomanlookedasifshethoughtthiswasneedless,seeingitwasquite,quitecertaintheywouldnevercomeback.Butshedarednotsayso,anddidasthekingtoldher.
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Afterwalkingthroughtheforestforacoupleofmiles,theyallthreereachedthepalace,andbytheking’sordersservantsledthecharcoal–burnerandhiswifeintoroomsfilledwithbeautifulthingssuchastheyhadneverevendreamedof.Firsttheybathedingreenmarblebathswherethewaterlookedlikethesea,andthentheyputonsilkenclothesthatfeltsoftandpleasant.Whentheywereready,oneoftheking’sspecialservantsentered,andtookthemintoasmallhall,wheredinnerwaslaid,andthispleasedthembetterthananythingelse.
Theywerejustabouttositdowntothetablewhenthekingwalkedin.
‘Ihopeyouhavebeenattendedtoproperly,’saidhe,‘andthatyouwillenjoyyourdinner.Mystewardwilltakecareyouhaveallyouwant,andIwishyoutodoexactlyasyouplease.Oh,bythebye,thereisonething!Younoticethatsoup–tureeninthemiddleofthetable?Well,becarefulonnoaccounttoliftthelid.Ifonceyoutakeoffthecover,thereisanendofyourgoodfortune.’Thenbowingtohisguests,helefttheroom.
‘Didyouhearwhathesaid?’inquiredthecharcoal–burnerinanawe–strickenvoice.‘Wearetohavewhatwewant,anddowhatweplease.Onlywemustnottouchthesoup–tureen.’
‘No,ofcoursewewon’t,’answeredthewife.‘Whyshouldwewishto?Butallthesameitisratherodd,andonecan’thelpwonderingwhatisinside.’
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Formanydayslifewentonlikeabeautifuldreamtothecharcoal–burnerandhiswife.Theirbedsweresocomfortable,theycouldhardlymakeuptheirmindstogetup,theirclothesweresolovelytheycouldscarcelybringthemselvestotakethemoff;theirdinnersweresogoodthattheyfounditverydifficulttoleaveoffeating.Thenoutsidethepalaceweregardensfilledwithrareflowersandfruitsandsingingbirds,oriftheydesiredtogofurther,agoldencoach,paintedwithwreathsofforget–me–notsandlinedwithbluesatin,awaitedtheirorders.Sometimesithappenedthatthekingcametoseethem,andhesmiledasheglancedattheman,whowasgettingrosierandplumpereachday.Butwhenhiseyesrestedonthewoman,theytookonalookwhichseemedtosay‘Iknewit,’thoughthisneitherthecharcoal–burnernorhiswifeevernoticed.
‘Whyareyousosilent?’askedthemanonemorningwhendinnerhadpassedbeforehiswifehadutteredoneword.‘Alittlewhileagoyouusedtobechatteringallthedaylong,andnowIhavealmostforgottenthesoundofyourvoice.’
‘Oh,nothing;Ididnotfeelinclinedtotalk,thatwasall!’Shestopped,andaddedcarelesslyafterapause,‘Don’tyoueverwonderwhatisinthatsoup–tureen?’
‘No,never,’repliedtheman.‘Itisnoaffairofours,’andtheconversationdroppedoncemore,butastimewenton,thewomanspokelessandless,andseemedsowretchedthatherhusbandgrewquitefrightenedabouther.Astoherfood,sherefusedonethingafteranother.
‘Mydearwife,’saidthemanatlast,‘youreallymusteatsomething.Whatintheworldisthematterwithyou?Ifyougoonlikethisyouwilldie.’
‘Iwouldratherdiethannotknowwhatisinthattureen,’sheburstforthsoviolentlythatthehusbandwasquitestartled.
‘Isthatit?’criedhe;‘areyoumakingyourselfmiserablebecauseofthat?Why,youknowweshouldbeturnedoutofthepalace,andsentawaytostarve.’
‘Ohno,weshouldn’t.Thekingistoogood–natured.Ofcoursehedidn’tmeanalittlethinglikethis!Besides,thereisnoneedtoliftthelidoffaltogether.JustraiseonecornersothatImaypeep.Wearequitealone:nobodywilleverknow.’
Themanhesitated:itdidseema‘littlething,’andifitwastomakehiswifecontentedandhappyitwaswellworththerisk.Sohetookholdofthehandleofthecoverandraiseditveryslowlyandcarefully,whilethewomanstoopeddowntopeep.Suddenlyshestartedbackwithascream,forasmallmousehadsprungfromtheinsideofthetureen,andhadnearlyhitherintheeye.Roundandroundtheroomitran,roundandroundtheybothranafterit,knockingdownchairsandvasesintheireffortstocatchthemouseandputitbackinthetureen.Inthemiddleofallthenoisethedooropened,andthemouseranoutbetweenthefeetoftheking.Inoneinstantboththemanandhiswifewerehidingunderthetable,andtoallappearancetheroomwasempty.
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‘Youmayaswellcomeout,’saidtheking,‘andhearwhatIhavetosay.’
‘Iknowwhatitis,’answeredthecharcoal–burner,hanginghishead.‘Themousehasescaped.’
‘Aguardofsoldierswilltakeyoubacktoyourhut,’saidtheking.‘Yourwifehasthekey.’
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‘Weren’ttheysilly?’criedthegrandchildrenofthecharcoal–burnerswhentheyheardthestory.‘Howwewishthatwehadhadthechance!Weshouldneverhavewantedtoknowwhatwasinthesoup–tureen!’
From‘LittératureOraledel’Auvergne,’parP.Sébillot.
HOWBRAVEWALTERHUNTEDWOLVES
ALITTLEbackfromthehighroadtherestandsahousewhichiscalled‘Hemgard.’Perhapsyourememberthetwobeautifulmountainashtreesbythereddish–brownpalings,andthehighgate,andthegardenwiththebeautifulbarberrybusheswhicharealwaysthefirsttobecomegreeninspring,andwhichinsummerareweigheddownwiththeirbeautifulberries.
Behindthegardenthereisahedgewithtallaspenswhichrustleinthemorningwind,behindthehedgeisaroad,behindtheroadisawood,andbehindthewoodthewideworld.
Butontheothersideofthegardenthereisalake,andbeyondthelakeisavillage,andallaroundstretchmeadowsandfields,nowyellow,nowgreen.
Intheprettyhouse,whichhaswhitewindow–frames,aneatporchandcleansteps,whicharealwaysstrewnwithfinely–cutjuniperleaves,Walter’sparentslive.HisbrotherFrederick,hissisterLotta,oldLena,Jonas,CaroandBravo,PutteandMurre,andKuckeliku.
Carolivesinthedoghouse,Bravointhestable,Puttewiththestableman,Murrealittlehereandalittlethere,andKuckelikulivesinthehenhouse,thatishiskingdom.
Walterissixyearsold,andhemustsoonbegintogotoschool.Hecannotreadyet,buthecandomanyotherthings.Hecanturncartwheels,standonhishead,ridesee–saw,throwsnowballs,playball,crowlikeacock,eatbreadandbutteranddrinksourmilk,tearhistrousers,wearholesinhiselbows,breakthecrockeryinpieces,throwballsthroughthewindowpanes,drawoldmenonimportantpapers,walkovertheflower–beds,eathimselfsickwithgooseberries,andbewellafterawhipping.Fortheresthehasagoodheartbutabadmemory,andforgetshisfather’sandhismother’sadmonitions,andsooftengetsintotroubleandmeetswithadventures,asyoushallhear,butfirstofallImusttellyouhowbravehewasandhowhehuntedwolves.
Onceinthespring,alittlebeforeMidsummer,Walterheardthattherewereagreatmanywolvesinthewood,andthatpleasedhim.Hewaswonderfullybravewhenhewasinthemidstofhiscompanionsorathomewithhisbrothersandsister,thenheusedoftentosay‘Onewolfisnothing,thereoughttobeatleastfour.’
WhenhewrestledwithKlasBogenstromorFrithiofWaderfeltandstruckthemintheback,hewouldsay:‘ThatiswhatIshalldotoawolf!’andwhenheshotarrowsatJonasandtheyrattledagainsthissheepskincoathewouldsay‘ThatishowIshouldshootyouifyouwereawolf!’
Indeed,somethoughtthatthebraveboyboastedalittle;butonemustindeedbelievehimsincehesaidsohimself.SoJonasandLenausedtosayofhim‘Look,theregoesWalter,whoshootsthewolves.’Andotherboysandgirlswouldsay:‘Look,theregoesbraveWalterwhoisbraveenoughtofightwithfour.’
TherewasnoonesofullyconvincedofthisasWalterhimself,andonedayheprepared
himselfforarealwolfhunt.Hetookwithhimhisdrum,whichhadholesinoneend,sincethetimehehadclimbeduponittoreachaclusterofrowanberries,andhistinsabre,whichwasalittlebrokenbecausehehadwithincrediblecouragefoughthiswaythroughawholeunfriendlyarmyofgooseberrybushes.
Hedidnotforgettoarmhimselfquitetotheteethwithhispop–gun,hisbow,andhisair–pistol.Hehadaburntcorkinhispockettoblackenhismoustache,andaredcock’sfeathertoputinhiscaptomakehimselflookfierce.Hehadbesidesinhistrouserpocketaclasp–knifewithabonehandle,tocutofftheearsofthewolvesassoonashehadkilledthem,forhethoughtitwouldbecrueltodothatwhiletheywerestillliving.
ItwassuchagoodthingthatJonaswasgoingwithcorntothemill,forWaltergotaseatontheload,whileCaroranbarkingbesidethem.AssoonastheycametothewoodWalterlookedcautiouslyaroundhimtoseeperchancetherewasawolfinthebushes,andhedidnotomittoaskJonasifwolveswereafraidofadrum.‘Ofcoursetheyare’(thatisunderstood)saidJonas.ThereuponWalterbegantobeathisdrumwithallhismightwhiletheyweregoingthroughthewood.
WhentheycametothemillWalterimmediatelyaskediftherehadbeenanywolvesintheneighbourhoodlately.
‘Alas!yes,’saidthemiller,‘lastnightthewolveshaveeatenourfattestramtherebythekilnnotfarfromhere.’
‘Ah!’saidWalter,‘doyouthinkthatthereweremany?’
‘Wedon’tknow,’answeredthemiller.
‘Oh,itisallthesame,’saidWalter.‘IonlyaskedsothatIshouldknowifIshouldtakeJonaswithme.
‘Icouldmanageverywellalonewiththree,butifthereweremore,Imightnothavetimetokillthemallbeforetheyranaway.’
‘InWalter’splaceIshouldgoquitealone,itismoremanly,’saidJonas.
‘No,itisbetterforyoutocome,too,’saidWalter.‘Perhapstherearemany.’
‘No,Ihavenottime,’saidJonas,‘andbesidestherearesurenottobemorethanthree.Waltercanmanagethemverywellalone.’
‘Yes,’saidWalter,‘certainlyIcould;but,yousee,Jonas,itmighthappenthatoneofthemmightbitemeintheback,andIshouldhavemoretroubleinkillingthem.IfIonlyknewthattherewerenotmorethantwoIshouldnotmind,forthenIshouldtakeoneineachhandandgivethemagoodshaking,likeSusannaonceshookme.’
‘Icertainlythinkthattherewillnotbemorethantwo,’saidJonas,‘therearenevermorethantwowhentheyslaychildrenandrams;Waltercanverywellshakethemwithoutme.’
‘But,youseeJonas,’saidWalter,‘iftherearetwo,itmightstillhappenthatoneofthemescapesandbitesmeintheleg,foryouseeIamnotsostronginthelefthandasintheright.Youcanverywellcomewithme,andtakeagoodstickincasetherearereallytwo.Look,ifthereisonlyone,Ishalltakehimsowithbothmyhandsandthrowhimlivingontohisback,andhecankickasmuchashelikes,Ishallholdhimfast.’
‘Now,whenIreallythinkoverthething,’saidJonas,‘Iamalmostsuretherewillnotbemorethanone.Whatwouldtwodowithoneram?Therewillcertainlynotbemorethanone.’
‘Butyoushouldcomewithmeallthesame,Jonas,’saidWalter.‘YouseeIcanverywellmanageone,butIamnotquiteaccustomedtowolvesyet,andhemighttearholesinmynewtrousers.’
‘Well,justlisten,’saidJonas,‘IambeginningtothinkthatWalterisnotsobraveaspeoplesay.FirstofallWalterwouldfightagainstfour,andthenagainstthree,thentwo,andthenone,andnowWalterwantshelpwithone.Suchathingmustneverbe;whatwouldpeoplesay?PerhapstheywouldthinkthatWalterisacoward?’
‘That’salie,’saidWalter,‘Iamnotatallfrightened,butitismoreamusingwhentherearetwo.IonlywantsomeonewhowillseehowIstrikethewolfandhowthedustfliesoutofhisskin.’
‘Well,then,Waltercantakethemiller’slittleLisawithhim.Shecansitonastoneandlookon,’saidJonas.
‘No,shewouldcertainlybefrightened,’saidWalter,‘andhowwoulditdoforagirltogowolf–hunting?Comewithme,Jonas,andyoushallhavetheskin,andIwillbecontentwiththeearsandthetail.’
‘No,thankyou,’saidJonas,‘Waltercankeeptheskinforhimself.NowIseequitewellthatheisfrightened.Fie,shameonhim!’
ThistouchedWalter’sprideverynear.‘IshallshowthatIamnotfrightened,’hesaid;andsohetookhisdrum,sabre,cock’sfeather,clasp–knife,pop–gunandair–pistol,andwentoffquitealonetothewoodtohuntwolves.
Itwasabeautifulevening,andthebirdsweresinginginallthebranches.Walterwentveryslowlyandcautiously.Ateverystephelookedallroundhimtoseeifperchancetherewasanythinglurkingbehindthestones.Hequitethoughtsomethingmovedawaythereintheditch.Perhapsitwasawolf.ItisbetterformetobeatthedrumalittlebeforeIgothere,thoughtWalter.
Br–r–r,sohebegantobeathisdrum.Thensomethingmovedagain.Caw!caw!acrowflewupfromtheditch.Walterimmediatelyregainedcourage.‘ItwaswellItookmydrumwithme,’hethought,andwentstraightonwithcourageoussteps.Verysoonhecamequiteclosetothekiln,wherethewolveshadkilledtheram.Butthenearerhecamethemoredreadfulhethoughtthekilnlooked.Itwassogreyandold.Whoknewhowmanywolvestheremightbehiddenthere?Perhapstheveryoneswhichkilledtheramwerestillsittingthereinacorner.Yes,itwasnotatallsafehere,andtherewerenootherpeopletobeseenintheneighbourhood.Itwouldbehorribletobeeatenuphereinthedaylight,thoughtWaltertohimself;andthemorehethoughtaboutittheuglierandgrayertheoldkilnlooked,andthemorehorribleanddreadfulitseemedtobecomethefoodofwolves.
‘ShallIgobackandsaythatIstruckonewolfanditescaped?’thoughtWalter.‘Fie!’saidhisconscience,‘Doyounotrememberthatalieisoneoftheworstsins,bothinthesightofGodandman?Ifyoutellalieto–dayandsayyoustruckawolf,to–morrowsurelyitwilleatyouup.’
‘No,Iwillgotothekiln,’thoughtWalter,andsohewent.Buthedidnotgoquitenear.Hewentonlysonearthathecouldseetheram’sbloodwhichcolouredthegrassred,andsometuftsofwoolwhichthewolveshadtornfromthebackofthepooranimal.
Itlookedsodreadful.
‘Iwonderwhattheramthoughtwhentheyatehimup,’thoughtWaltertohimself;andjustthenacoldshiverranthroughhimfromhiscollarrightdowntohisboots.
‘Itisbetterformetobeatthedrum,’hethoughttohimselfagain,andsohebegantobeatit.Butitsoundedhorrid,andanechocameoutfromthekilnthatseemedalmostlikethehowlofawolf.Thedrum–sticksstiffenedinWalter’shands,andhethoughtnowtheyarecoming....!
Yes,sureenough,justthenashaggy,reddish–brownwolf’sheadlookedoutfromunderthekiln!
WhatdidWalterdonow?Yes,thebraveWalterwhoalonecouldmanagefour,threwhisdrumfaraway,tooktohisheelsandran,andranasfastashecouldbacktothemill.
But,alas!thewolfranafterhim.Walterlookedback;thewolfwasquickerthanheandonlyafewstepsbehindhim.ThenWalterranfaster.Butfeargotthebetterofhim,heneitherheardnorsawanythingmore.Heranoversticks,stonesandditches;helostdrum–sticks,sabre,bow,andair–pistol,andinhisterriblehurryhetrippedoveratuftofgrass.Therehelay,andthewolfjumpedontohim....
Itwasagruesometale!NowyoumaywellbelievethatitwasalloverwithWalterandallhisadventures.Thatwouldhavebeenapity.Butdonotbesurprisedifitwasnotquitesobadasthat,forthewolfwasquiteafriendlyone.HecertainlyjumpedontoWalter,butheonlyshookhiscoatandrubbedhisnoseagainsthisface;andWaltershrieked.Yes,heshriekedterribly!
HappilyJonasheardhiscryofdistress,forWalterwasquitenearthemillnow,andheranandhelpedhimup.
‘Whathashappened?’heasked.‘WhydidWalterscreamsoterribly?’
‘Awolf!Awolf!’criedWalter,andthatwasallhecouldsay.
‘Whereisthewolf?’saidJonas,‘Idon’tseeanywolf.’
‘Takecare,heishere,hehasbittenmetodeath,’groanedWalter.
ThenJonasbegantolaugh;yes,helaughedsothathenearlybursthisskinbelt.
Well,well,wasthatthewolf?WasthatthewolfwhichWalterwastotakebytheneckandshakeandthrowdownonitsback,nomatterhowmuchitstruggled?Justlookalittlecloserathim,heisyouroldfriend,yourowngoodoldCaro.Iquiteexpecthefoundalegoftheraminthekiln.WhenWalterbeathisdrum,Carocreptout,andwhenWalterranaway,Caroranafterhim,ashesooftendoeswhenWalterwantstorompandplay.
‘Down,Caro,yououghttoberatherashamedtohaveputsuchagreatherotoflight!’
Waltergotupfeelingveryfoolish.
‘Down,Caro!’hesaid,bothrelievedandannoyed.
‘Itwasonlyadog,thenifithadbeenawolfIcertainlyshouldhavekilledhim....’
‘IfWalterwouldlistentomyadvice,andboastalittleless,anddoalittlemore,’saidJonas,consolingly.‘Walterisnotacowardishe?’
‘I!YoushallseeJonaswhenwenextmeetabear.YouseeIlikesomuchbettertofightwithbears.’
‘Indeed!’laughedJonas.‘Areyouatitagain?’
‘DearWalter,rememberthatitisonlycowardswhoboast;areallybravemannevertalksofhisbravery.’
FromZ.Topelius.
THEKINGOFTHEWATERFALLS
WHENtheyoungkingofEasaidhRuadhcameintohiskingdom,thefirstthinghethoughtofwashowhecouldamusehimselfbest.Thesportsthatallhislifehadpleasedhimbestsuddenlyseemedtohavegrowndull,andhewantedtodosomethinghehadneverdonebefore.Atlasthisfacebrightened.
‘Iknow!’hesaid,‘IwillgoandplayagamewiththeGruagach.NowtheGruagachwasakindofwickedfairy,withlongcurlybrownhair,andhishousewasnotveryfarfromtheking’shouse.
Butthoughthekingwasyoungandeager,hewasalsoprudent,andhisfatherhadtoldhimonhisdeathbedtobeverycarefulinhisdealingswiththe‘goodpeople,’asthefairieswerecalled.ThereforebeforegoingtotheGruagach,thekingsoughtoutawisemanofthecountryside.
‘Iamwantingtoplayagamewiththecurly–hairedGruagach,’saidhe.
‘Areyou,indeed?’repliedthewizard.‘Ifyouwilltakemycounsel,youwillplaywithsomeoneelse.’
‘No;IwillplaywiththeGruagach,’persistedtheking.
‘Well,ifyoumust,youmust,Isuppose,’answeredthewizard;‘butifyouwinthatgame,askasaprizetheuglycrop–headedgirlthatstandsbehindthedoor.’
‘Iwill,’saidtheking.
SobeforethesunrosehegotupandwenttothehouseoftheGruagach,whowassittingoutside.
‘Oking,whathasbroughtyouhereto–day?’askedtheGruagach.‘Butrightwelcomeyouare,andmorewelcomewillyoubestillifyouwillplayagamewithme.’
‘ThatisjustwhatIwant,’saidtheking,andtheyplayed;andsometimesitseemedasifonewouldwin,andsometimestheother,butintheenditwasthekingwhowasthewinner.
‘Andwhatistheprizethatyouwillchoose?’inquiredtheGruagach.
‘Theuglycrop–headedgirlthatstandsbehindthedoor,’repliedtheking.
‘Why,therearetwentyothersinthehouse,andeachfairerthanshe,’exclaimedtheGruagach.
‘Fairertheymaybe,butitisshewhomIwishformywife,andnoneother,’andtheGruagachsawthattheking’smindwassetuponher,soheenteredhishouse,andbadeallthemaidensinitcomeoutonebyone,andpassbeforetheking.
Onebyonetheycame;tallandshort,darkandfair,plumpandthin,andeachsaid,‘Iamshewhomyouwant.Youwillbefoolishindeedifyoudonottakeme.’
Buthetooknoneofthem,neithershortnortall,darknorfair,plumpnorthin,tillatthe
lastthecrop–headedgirlcameout.
‘Thisismine,’saidtheking,thoughshewassouglythatmostmenwouldhaveturnedfromher.‘Wewillbemarriedatonce,andIwillcarryyouhome.’Andmarriedtheywere,andtheysetforthacrossameadowtotheking’shouse.Astheywent,thebridestoopedandpickedasprigofshamrock,whichgrewamongstthegrass,andwhenshestooduprightagainheruglinesshadallgone,andthemostbeautifulwomanthateverwasseenstoodbytheking’sside.
Thenextday,beforethesunrose,thekingsprangfromhisbed,andtoldhiswifehemusthaveanothergamewiththeGruagach.
“Whenshestooduprightheruglinesshadallgone.”
‘Ifmyfatherlosesthatgame,andyouwinit,’saidshe,‘acceptnothingforyourprizebuttheshaggyyounghorsewiththesticksaddle.’
‘Iwilldothat,’answeredtheking,andhewent.
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‘Doesyourbridepleaseyou?’askedtheGruagach,whowasstandingathisowndoor.
‘Ah!doesshenot!’answeredthekingquickly,‘otherwiseIshouldbehardindeedto
please.Butwillyouplayagameto–day?’
‘Iwill,’repliedtheGruagach,andtheyplayed,andsometimesitseemedasifonewouldwin,andsometimestheother,butintheendthekingwasthewinner.
‘Whatistheprizethatyouwillchoose?’askedtheGruagach.
‘Theshaggyyounghorsewiththesticksaddle,’answeredtheking,buthenoticedthattheGruagachheldhispeace,andhisbrowwasdarkasheledoutthehorsefromthestable.Roughwasitsmaneanddullwasitsskin,butthekingcarednothingforthat,andthrowinghislegoverthesticksaddle,rodeawaylikethewind.
Onthethirdmorningthekinggotupasusualbeforedawn,andassoonashehadeatenfoodhepreparedtogoout,whenhiswifestoppedhim.‘Iwouldrather,’shesaid,‘thatyoudidnotgotoplaywiththeGruagach,forthoughtwiceyouhavewonyetsomedayhewillwin,andthenhewillputtroubleuponyou.’
‘Oh!Imusthaveonemoregame,’criedtheking;‘justthisone,’andhewentofftothehouseoftheGruagach.
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JoyfilledtheheartoftheGruagachwhenhesawhimcoming,andwithoutwaitingtotalktheyplayedtheirgame.Somehoworother,theking’sstrengthandskillhaddepartedfromhim,andsoontheGruagachwasthevictor.
‘Chooseyourprize,’saidtheking,whenthegamewasended,‘butdonotbetoohardonme,oraskwhatIcannotgive.’
‘TheprizeIchoose,’answeredtheGruagach,‘isthatthecrop–headedcreatureshouldtakethyheadandthyneck,ifthoudostnotgetformetheSwordofLightthathangsinthehouseofthekingoftheoakwindows.’
‘Iwillgetit,’repliedtheyoungmanbravely,butassoonashewasoutofsightoftheGruagach,hepretendednomore,andhisfacegrewdarkandhisstepslagging.
‘Youhavebroughtnothingwithyouto–night,’saidthequeen,whowasstandingonthestepsawaitinghim.Shewassobeautifulthatthekingwasfaintosmilewhenhelookedather,butthenherememberedwhathadhappened,andhisheartgrewheavyagain.
‘Whatisit?Whatisthematter?TellmethysorrowthatImaybearitwiththee,or,itmaybe,helpthee!’Thenthekingtoldhereverythingthathadbefallenhim,andshestrokedhishairthewhile.
‘Thatisnothingtogrieveabout,’shesaidwhenthetalewasfinished.‘YouhavethebestwifeinErin,andthebesthorseinErin.OnlydoasIbidyou,andallwillgowell.’Andthekingsufferedhimselftobecomforted.
Hewasstillsleepingwhenthequeenroseanddressedherself,tomakeeverythingreadyforherhusband’sjourney,andthefirstplaceshewenttowasthestable,whereshefedandwateredtheshaggybrownhorseandputthesaddleonit.Mostpeoplethoughtthissaddlewasofwood,anddidnotseethelittlesparklesofgoldandsilverthatwerehiddeninit.Shestrappeditlightlyonthehorse’sback,andthenleditdownbeforethehouse,wherethekingwaited.
‘Goodlucktoyouandvictoriesinallyourbattles,’shesaid,asshekissedhimbeforehemounted.‘Ineednotbetellingyouanything.Taketheadviceofthehorse,andseeyouobeyit.’
HowTheQUEENbringsTheShaggyBrownHorsetotheKING
Sohewavedhishandandsetoutonhisjourney,andthewindwasnotswifterthanthebrownhorse—no,noteventheMarchwindwhichracedit,andcouldnotcatchit.Butthehorseneverstoppednorlookedbehind,tillinthedarkofthenighthereachedthecastleofthekingoftheoakwindows.
‘Weareattheendofthejourney,’saidthehorse,‘andyouwillfindtheSwordofLightintheking’sownchamber.Ifitcomestoyouwithoutscrapeorsound,thetokenisagoodone.Atthishourthekingiseatinghissupper,andtheroomisempty,sononewillseeyou.Theswordhasaknobattheend,andtakeheedthatwhenyougraspit,youdrawitsoftlyoutofitssheath.Nowgo!Iwillbeunderthewindow!’
Stealthilytheyoungmancreptalongthepassage,pausingnowandthentomakesurethatnomanwasfollowinghim,andenteredtheking’schamber.Astrangewhitelineoflighttoldhimwheretheswordwas,andcrossingtheroomontiptoe,heseizedtheknob,anddrewitslowlyoutofthesheath.Thekingcouldhardlybreathewithexcitementlestitshouldmakesomenoiseandbringallthepeopleinthecastlerunningtoseewhatwasthematter.Buttheswordslidswiftlyandsilentlyalongthecasetillonlythepointwaslefttouchingit.Thenalowsoundwasheard,asoftheedgeofaknifetouchingasilverplate,
andthekingwassostartledthathenearlydroppedtheknob.
‘Quick!quick!’criedthehorse,andthekingscrambledhastilythroughthesmallwindow,andleaptintothesaddle.
‘Hehasheardandhewillfollow,’saidthehorse;‘butwehaveagoodstart.’Andontheysped,onandon,leavingthewindsbehindthem.
Atlengththehorseslackeneditspace.‘Lookandseewhoisbehindyou,’itsaid,andtheyoungmanlooked.
‘Iseeaswarmofbrownhorsesracingmadlyafterus,’heanswered.
‘Weareswifterthanthose,’saidthehorse,andflewonagain.
‘Lookagain,Oking!Isanyonecomingnow?’
‘Aswarmofblackhorses,andonehasawhiteface,andonthathorseamanisseated.Heisthekingoftheoakwindows.’
‘Thatismybrother,andswifterstillthanI,’saidthehorse,‘andhewillflypastmewitharush.Thenyoumusthaveyourswordready,andtakeofftheheadofthemanwhositsonhim,asheturnsandlooksatyou.Andthereisnoswordintheworldthatwillcutoffhishead,saveonlythatone.’
‘Iwilldoit,’repliedtheking,andhelistenedwithallhismight,tillhejudgedthatthewhite–facedhorsewasclosetohim.Thenhesatupverystraightandmadeready.
Thenextmomenttherewasarushingnoiseasofamightytempest,andtheyoungmancaughtaglimpseofafaceturnedtowardhim.Almostblindlyhestruck,notknowingwhetherhehadkilledoronlywoundedtherider.Buttheheadrolledoff,andwascaughtinthebrownhorse’smouth.
‘Jumponmybrother,theblackhorse,andgohomeasfastasyoucan,andIwillfollowasquicklyasImay,’criedthebrownhorse;andleapingforwardthekingalightedonthebackoftheblackhorse,butsonearthetailthathealmostfelloffagain.Buthestretchedouthisarmandclutchedwildlyatthemaneandpulledhimselfintothesaddle.
Beforetheskywasstreakedwithredhewasathomeagain,andthequeenwassittingwaitingtillhearrived,forsleepwasfarfromhereyes.Gladwasshetoseehimenter,butshesaidlittle,onlytookherharpandsangsoftlythesongswhichheloved,tillhewenttobed,soothedandhappy.
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Itwasbroaddaywhenhewoke,andhesprangupsaying,
‘NowImustgototheGruagach,tofindoutifthespellshelaidonmeareloose.’
‘Haveacare,’answeredthequeen,‘foritisnotwithasmileasontheotherdaysthathewillgreetyou.Furiouslyhewillmeetyou,andwillaskyouinhiswrathifyouhavegotthesword,andyouwillreplythatyouhavegotit.Nexthewillwanttoknowhowyougotit,andtothisyoumustsaythatbutfortheknobyouhadnotgotitatall.Thenhewillraisehisheadtolookattheknob,andyoumuststabhiminthemolewhichisontherightsideofhisneck;buttakeheed,forifyoumissthemolewiththepointofthesword,then
mydeathandyourdeatharecertain.Heisbrothertothekingoftheoakwindows,andsurewillhebethatthekingmustbedead,ortheswordwouldnotbeinyourhands.’Afterthatshekissedhim,andbadehimgoodspeed.
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‘Didstthougetthesword?’askedtheGruagach,whentheymetintheusualplace.
‘Igotthesword.’
‘Andhowdidstthougetit?’
‘Ifithadnothadaknobonthetop,thenIhadnotgotit,’answeredtheking.
‘Givemetheswordtolookat,’saidtheGruagach,peeringforward;butlikeaflashthekinghaddrawnitfromunderhisnoseandpiercedthemole,sothattheGruagachrolledoverontheground.
‘NowIshallbeatpeace,’thoughttheking.Buthewaswrong,forwhenhereachedhomehefoundhisservantstiedtogetherbacktoback,withclothsboundroundtheirmouths,sothattheycouldnotspeak.Hehastenedtosetthemfree,andheaskedwhohadtreatedtheminsoevilamanner.
‘Nosoonerhadyougonethanagreatgiantcame,anddealtwithusasyousee,andcarriedoffyourwifeandyourtwohorses,’saidthemen.
‘ThenmyeyeswillnotclosenorwillmyheadlayitselfdowntillIfetchmywifeandhorseshomeagain,’answeredhe,andhestoopedandnotedthetracksofthehorsesonthegrass,andfollowedafterthemtillhearrivedatthewoodwhenthedarknessfell.
‘Iwillsleephere,’hesaidtohimself,‘butfirstIwillmakeafire.’Andhegatheredtogethersometwigsthatwerelyingabout,andthentooktwodrysticksandrubbedthemtogethertillthefirecame,andhesatbyit.
Thetwigscrackledandtheflameblazedup,andaslimyellowdogpushedthroughthebushesandlaidhisheadontheking’sknee,andthekingstrokedhishead.
‘Wuf,wuf,’saidthedog.‘Sorewastheplightofthywifeandthyhorseswhenthegiantdrovethemlastnightthroughtheforest.’
‘ThatiswhyIhavecome;’answeredtheking,andsuddenlyhisheartseemedtofailhimandhefeltthathecouldnotgoon.’
‘Icannotfightthatgiant,’hecried,lookingatthedogwithawhiteface.‘Iamafraid,letmeturnhomewards.’
‘No,don’tdothat,’repliedthedog.‘Eatandsleep,andIwillwatchoveryou.’Sothekingateandlaydown,andslepttillthesunwakedhim.
‘Itistimeforyoutostartonyourway,’saidthedog,‘andifdangerpresses,callonme,andIwillhelpyou.’
‘Farewell,then,’answeredtheking;‘Iwillnotforgetthatpromise,’andonhewent,andon,andon,tillhereachedatallcliffwithmanystickslyingabout.
‘Itisalmostnight,’hethought;‘Iwillmakeafireandrest,’andthushedid,andwhenthe
flamesblazedup,thehoaryhawkofthegreyrockflewontoaboughabovehim.
‘Sorewastheplightofthywifeandthyhorseswhentheypassedherewiththegiant,’saidthehawk.
‘NevershallIfindthem,’answeredtheking,‘andnothingshallIgetforallmytrouble.’
‘Oh,takeheart,’repliedthehawk,‘thingsareneversobadbutwhattheymightbeworse.EatandsleepandIwillwatchthee,’andthekingdidashewasbiddenbythehawk,andbythemorninghefeltbraveagain.
‘Farewell,’saidthebird,‘andifdangerpressescalltome,andIwillhelpyou.’
Onhewalked,andon,andon,tillastheduskwasfallinghecametoagreatriver,andonthebanktherewerestickslyingabout.
‘Iwillmakemyselfafire,’hethought,andthushedid,andbyandbyeasmoothbrownheadpeeredathimfromthewater,andalongbodyfollowedit.
‘Sorewastheplightofthywifeandthyhorseswhentheypassedtheriverlastnight,’saidtheotter.
‘Ihavesoughtthemandnotfoundthem,’answeredtheking,‘andnoughtshallIgetformytrouble.’
‘Benotsodowncast,’repliedtheotter;‘beforenoonto–morrowthoushaltbeholdthywife.ButeatandsleepandIwillwatchoverthee.’Sothekingdidastheotterbidhim,andwhenthesunrosehewokeandsawtheotterlyingonthebank.
‘Farewell,’criedtheotterashejumpedintothewater,‘andifdangerpresses,calltomeandIwillhelpyou.’
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Formanyhoursthekingwalked,andatlengthhereachedahighrock,whichwasrentintwobyagreatearthquake.Throwinghimselfonthegroundhelookedovertheside,andrightattheverybottomhesawhiswifeandhishorses.Hisheartgaveagreatbound,andallhisfearslefthim,buthewasforcedtobepatient,forthesidesoftherockweresmooth,andnotevenagoatcouldfindfoothold.Sohegotupagain,andmadehiswayroundthroughthewood,pushingbytrees,scramblingoverrocks,wadingthroughstreams,tillatlasthewasonflatgroundagain,closetothemouthofthecavern.
Hiswifegaveashriekofjoywhenhecamein,andthenburstintotears,forshewastiredandveryfrightened.Butherhusbanddidnotunderstandwhyshewept,andhewastiredandbruisedfromhisclimb,andalittlecrosstoo.
‘Yougivemebutasorrywelcome,’grumbledhe,‘whenIhavehalf–killedmyselftogettoyou.’
‘Donotheedhim,’saidthehorsestotheweepingwoman,‘puthiminfrontofus,wherehewillbesafe,andgivehimfoodforheisweary.’Andshedidasthehorsestoldher,andheateandrested,tillbyandbyealongshadowfelloverthem,andtheirheartsbeatwithfear,fortheyknewthatthegiantwascoming.
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‘Ismellastranger,’criedthegiant,asheentered,butitwasdarkinsidethechasm,andhedidnotseetheking,whowascrouchingdownbetweenthefeetofthehorses.
‘Astranger,mylord!nostrangerevercomeshere,noteventhesun!’andtheking’swifelaughedgailyasshewentuptothegiantandstrokedthehugehandwhichhungdownbyhisside.
‘Well,Iperceivenothing,certainly,’answeredhe,‘butitisveryodd.However,itistimethatthehorseswerefed’;andhelifteddownanarmfulofhayfromashelfofrockandheldoutahandfultoeachanimal,whomovedforwardtomeethim,leavingthekingbehind.Assoonasthegiant’shandswereneartheirmouthstheyeachmadeasnap,andbegantobitethem,sothathisgroansandshrieksmighthavebeenheardamileoff.Thentheywheeledroundandkickedhimtilltheycouldkicknomore.Atlengththegiantcrawledaway,andlayquiveringinacorner,andthequeenwentuptohim.
‘Poorthing!poorthing!’shesaid,‘theyseemtohavegonemad;itwasawfultobehold.’
‘IfIhadhadmysoulinmybodytheywouldcertainlyhavekilledme,’groanedthegiant.
‘Itwasluckyindeed,’answeredthequeen;‘buttellme,whereisthysoul,thatImaytakecareofit?’
‘Upthere,intheBonnachstone,’answeredthegiant,pointingtoastonewhichwasbalancedlooselyonanedgeofrock.‘Butnowleaveme,thatImaysleep,forIhavefartogoto–morrow.’
Soonsnoreswereheardfromthecornerwherethegiantlay,andthenthequeenlaydowntoo,andthehorses,andthekingwashiddenbetweenthem,sothatnonecouldseehim.
Beforethedawnthegiantroseandwentout,andimmediatelythequeenranuptotheBonnachstone,andtuggedandpushedatittillitwasquitesteadyonitsledge,andcouldnotfallover.Andsoitwasintheeveningwhenthegiantcamehome;andwhentheysawhisshadow,thekingcreptdowninfrontofthehorses.
‘Why,whathaveyoudonetotheBonnachstone?’askedthegiant.
‘Ifearedlestitshouldfallover,andbebroken,withyoursoulinit,’saidthequeen,‘soIputitfurtherbackontheledge.
‘Itisnottherethatmysoulis,’answeredhe,‘itisonthethreshold.Butitistimethehorseswerefed’;andhefetchedthehay,andgaveittothem,andtheybitandkickedhimasbefore,tillhelayhalfdeadontheground.
Nextmorningheroseandwentout,andthequeenrantothethresholdofthecave,andwashedthestones,andpulledupsomemossandlittleflowersthatwerehiddeninthecrannies,andbyandbyewhenduskhadfallenthegiantcamehome.
‘Youhavebeencleaningthethreshold,’saidhe.
‘AndwasInotrighttodoit,seeingthatyoursoulisinit?’askedthequeen.
THEGIANT’SSHADOW
‘Itisnottherethatmysoulis,’answeredthegiant.‘Underthethresholdisastone,andunderthestoneisasheep,andinthesheep’sbodyisaduck,andintheduckisanegg,andintheeggismysoul.Butitislate,andImustfeedthehorses’;andhebroughtthemthehay,buttheyonlybitandkickedhimasbefore,andifhissoulhadbeenwithinhim,theywouldhavekilledhimoutright.
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Itwasstilldarkwhenthegiantgotupandwenthisway,andthenthekingandthequeenranforwardtotakeupthethreshold,whilethehorseslookedon.Butsureenough!justasthegianthadsaid,underneaththethresholdwastheflagstone,andtheypulledandtuggedtillthestonegaveway.Thensomethingjumpedoutsosuddenly,thatitnearlyknockedthemdown,andasitfledpast,theysawitwasasheep.
‘Iftheslimyellowdogofthegreenwoodwereonlyhere,hewouldsoonhavethatsheep,’criedtheking;andashespoke,theslimyellowdogappearedfromtheforest,withthesheepinhismouth.Withablowfromtheking,thesheepfelldead,andtheyopeneditsbody,onlytobeblindedbyarushofwingsastheduckflewpast.
‘Ifthehoaryhawkoftherockwereonlyherehewouldsoonhavethatduck,’criedtheking;andashespokethehoaryhawkwasseenhoveringabovethem,withtheduckinhis
mouth.Theycutofftheduck’sheadwithaswingoftheking’ssword,andtooktheeggoutofitsbody,butinhistriumphthekinghelditcarelessly,anditslippedfromhishand,androlledswiftlydownthehillrightintotheriver.‘Ifthebrownotterofthestreamwereonlyhere,hewouldsoonhavethategg,’criedtheking;andthenextminutetherewasthebrownotter,drippingwithwater,holdingtheegginhismouth.Butbesidethebrownotter,ahugeshadowcamestealingalong—theshadowofthegiant.
Thekingstoodstaringatit,asifhewereturnedintostone,butthequeensnatchedtheeggfromtheotterandcrusheditbetweenhertwohands.Andafterthattheshadowsuddenlyshrankandwasstill,andtheyknewthatthegiantwasdead,becausetheyhadfoundhissoul.
Nextdaytheymountedthetwohorsesandrodehomeagain,visitingtheirfriendsthebrownotterandthehoaryhawkandtheslimyellowdogbytheway.
From‘WestHighlandTales.’
AFRENCHPUCKAMONGthemountainpasturesandvalleysthatlieinthecentreofFrancetheredweltamischievouskindofspirit,whosedelightitwastoplaytricksoneverybody,andparticularlyontheshepherdsandthecowboys.Theyneverknewwhentheyweresafefromhim,ashecouldchangehimselfintoaman,womanorchild,astick,agoat,aploughshare.Indeed,therewasonlyonethingwhoseshapehecouldnottake,andthatwasaneedle.Atleast,hecouldtransformhimselfintoaneedle,buttryashemightheneverwasabletoimitatethehole,soeverywomanwouldhavefoundhimoutatonce,andthisheknew.
Nowthehouroftenestchosenbythisnaughtysprite(whomwewillcallPuck)forperforminghisprankswasaboutmidnight,justwhentheshepherdsandcowherds,tiredoutwiththeirlongday’swork,weresoundasleep.Thenhewouldgointothecowshedsandunfastenthechainsthatfixedeachbeastinitsownstall,andletthemfallwithaheavyclangtotheground.Thenoisewassoloudthatitwascertaintoawakenthecowboys,howeverfatiguedtheymightbe,andtheydraggedthemselveswearilytothestabletoputbackthechains.Butnosoonerhadtheyreturnedtotheirbedsthanthesamethinghappenedagain,andsoontillthemorning.OrperhapsPuckwouldspendhisnightinplaitingtogetherthemanesandtailsoftwoofthehorses,sothatitwouldtakethegroomshoursoflabourtogetthemrightinthemorning,whilePuck,hiddenamongthehayintheloft,wouldpeepouttowatchthem,enjoyinghimselfamazinglyallthetime.
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OneeveningmorethaneightyyearsagoamannamedWilliamwaspassingalongthebankofastreamwhenhenoticedasheepwhowasbleatingloudly.Williamthoughtitmusthavestrayedfromtheflock,andthathehadbettertakeithomewithhimtillhecoulddiscoveritsowner.Sohewentuptowhereitwasstanding,andasitseemedsotiredthatitcouldhardlywalk,hehoisteditonhisshouldersandcontinuedonhisway.Thesheepwasprettyheavy,butthegoodmanwasmercifulandstaggeredalongasbesthecouldunderhisload.
‘Itisnotmuchfurther,’hethoughttohimselfashereachedanavenueofwalnuttrees,whensuddenlyavoicespokeoutfromoverhishead,andmadehimjump.
‘Whereareyou?’saidthevoice,andthesheepanswered:
‘Hereontheshouldersofadonkey.’
InanothermomentthesheepwasstandingonthegroundandWilliamwasrunningtowardshomeasfastashislegswouldcarryhim.Butashewent,alaugh,whichyetwassomethingofableat,ranginhisears,andthoughhetriednottohear,thewordsreachedhim,‘Oh,dear!WhatfunIhavehad,tobesure!’
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Puckwascarefulnotalwaystoplayhistricksinthesameplace,butvisitedonevillageafteranother,sothateveryonetrembledlestheshouldbethenextvictim.Afterabithe
grewtiredofcowboysandshepherds,andwonderediftherewasnooneelsetogivehimsomesport.Atlengthhewastoldofayoungcouplewhoweregoingtothenearesttowntobuyallthattheyneededforsettinguphouse.Quitecertainthattheywouldforgetsomethingwhichtheycouldnotdowithout,Puckwaitedpatientlytilltheywerejoggingalongintheircartontheirreturnjourney,andchangedhimselfintoaflyinordertooverheartheirconversation.
Foralongtimeitwasverydull—allabouttheirweddingdaynextmonth,andwhoweretobeinvited.Thisledthebridetoherweddingdress,andshegavealittlescream.
‘Justthink!Oh!howcouldIbesostupid!Ihaveforgottentobuythedifferentcolouredreelsofcottontomatchmyclothes!’
‘Dear,dear!’exclaimedtheyoungman.‘Thatisunlucky;anddidn’tyoutellmethatthedressmakerwascominginto–morrow?’
‘Yes,Idid,’andthensuddenlyshegaveanotherlittlescream,whichhadquiteadifferentsoundfromthefirst.‘Look!Look!’
Thebridegroomlooked,andononesideoftheroadhesawalargeballofthreadofallcolours—ofallthecolours,thatis,ofthedressesthatweretiedontothebackofthecart.
‘Well,thatisawonderfulpieceofgoodfortune,’criedhe,ashesprangouttogetit.‘Onewouldthinkafairyhadputitthereonpurpose.’
‘Perhapsshehas,’laughedthegirl,andasshespokesheseemedtohearanechoofherlaughtercomingfromthehorse,butofcoursethatwasnonsense.
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Thedressmakerwasdelightedwiththethreadthatwasgivenher.Itmatchedthestuffssoperfectly,andnevertieditselfinknots,orbrokeperpetually,asmostthreaddid.Shefinishedherworkmuchquickerthansheexpected,andthebridesaidshewastobesuretocometothechurchandseeherinherweddingdress.
Therewasagreatcrowdassembledtowitnesstheceremony,fortheyoungpeoplewereimmensefavouritesintheneighbourhood,andtheirparentswereveryrich.Thedoorswereopen,andthebridecouldbeseenfromafar,walkingunderthechestnutavenue.
‘Whatabeautifulgirl!’exclaimedthemen.‘Whatalovelydress!’whisperedthewomen.Butjustassheenteredthechurchandtookthehandofthebridegroom,whowaswaitingforher,aloudnoisewasheard.
‘Crick!crack!Crick!crack!’andtheweddinggarmentsfelltotheground,tothegreatconfusionofthewearer.
Notthattheceremonywasputoffforalittlethinglikethat.Cloaksinprofusionwereinstantlyofferedtotheyoungbride,butshewassoupsetthatshecouldhardlykeepfromtears.Oneoftheguests,morecuriousthantherest,stayedbehindtoexaminethedress,determined,ifshecould,tofindoutthecauseofthedisaster.
‘Thethreadmusthavebeenrotten,’shesaidtoherself.‘IwillseeifIcanbreakit.’Butsearchasshewouldshecouldfindnone.
Thethreadhadvanished.
From‘LittératureOraledel’Auvergne,’parPaulSébillot.
THETHREECROWNS
THEREwasonceakingwhohadthreedaughters.Thetwoeldestwereveryproudandquarrelsome,buttheyoungestwasasgoodastheywerebad.Well,threeprincescametocourtthem,andtwoofthemwereexactlyliketheeldestladies,andonewasjustaslovableastheyoungest.Onedaytheywereallwalkingdowntoalakethatlayatthebottomofthelawnwhentheymetapoorbeggar.Thekingwouldn’tgivehimanything,andtheeldestprincesseswouldn’tgivehimanything,northeirsweethearts;buttheyoungestdaughterandhertruelovedidgivehimsomething,andkindwordsalongwithit,andthatwasbetterthanall.
Whentheygottotheedgeofthelakewhatdidtheyfindbutthebeautifullestboatyoueversawinyourlife;andsaystheeldest,‘I’lltakeasailinthisfineboat’;andsaysthesecondeldest,‘I’lltakeasailinthisfineboat’;andsaystheyoungest,‘Iwon’ttakeasailinthatfineboat,forIamafraidit’sanenchantedone.’Buttheotherspersuadedhertogoin,andherfatherwasjustgoinginafterher,whenupsprungonthedeckalittlemanonlysevenincheshigh,andorderedhimtostandback.Well,allthemenputtheirhandstotheirswords;andifthesameswordswereonlyplaythings,theyweren’tabletodrawthem,forallstrengththatwaslefttheirarms.SevenInchesloosenedthesilverchainthatfastenedtheboat,andpushedaway,andaftergrinningatthefourmen,sayshetothem,‘Bidyourdaughtersandyourbridesfarewellforawhile.You,’sayshetotheyoungest,‘needn’tfear,you’llrecoveryourprincessallingoodtime,andyouandshewillbeashappyasthedayislong.Badpeople,iftheywererollingstarknakedingold,wouldnotberich.Good–bye.’Awaytheysailed,andtheladiesstretchedouttheirhands,butweren’tabletosayaword.
Well,theyweren’tcrossingthelakewhileacat‘udbelickin’herear,andthepoormencouldn’tstirhandorfoottofollowthem.TheysawSevenIncheshandingthethreeprincessesoutoftheboat,andlettingthemdownbyabasketintoadraw–well,butkingnorprinceseversawanopeningbeforeinthesameplace.Whenthelastladywasoutofsight,themenfoundthestrengthintheirarmsandlegsagain.Roundthelaketheyran,andneverdrewreintilltheycametothewellandwindlass;andtherewasthesilkroperolledontheaxle,andthenicewhitebaskethangingtoit.‘Letmedown,’saystheyoungestprince.‘I’lldieorrecoverthemagain.’‘No,’saystheseconddaughter’ssweetheart,‘itismyturnfirst.’Andsaystheother,‘Iamtheeldest.’Sotheygavewaytohim,andinhegotintothebasket,anddowntheylethim.Firsttheylostsightofhim,andthen,afterwindingoffahundredperchesofthesilkrope,itslackened,andtheystoppedturning.Theywaitedtwohours,andthentheywenttodinner,becausetherewasnopullmadeattherope.
SEVENINCHESCARRIESAWAYTHEPRINCESSES
INCAMESEVENINCHESHANDINHANDWITHTHEYOUNGESTSISTER
Guardsweresettillnextmorning,andthendownwentthesecondprince,andsure
enough,theyoungestofallgothimselfletdownonthethirdday.Hewentdownperchesandperches,whileitwasasdarkabouthimasifhewasinabigpotwithacoveron.Atlasthesawaglimmerfardown,andinashorttimehefelttheground.Outhecamefromthebiglime–kiln,and,lo!andbeholdyou,therewasawood,andgreenfields,andacastleinalawn,andabrightskyoverall.‘It’sinTir–na–n–OgeIam,’sayshe.‘Let’sseewhatsortofpeopleareinthecastle.’Onhewalked,acrossfieldsandlawn,andnoonewastheretokeephimoutorlethimintothecastle;butthebighall–doorwaswideopen.Hewentfromonefineroomtoanotherthatwasfiner,andatlasthereachedthehandsomestofall,withatableinthemiddle.Andsuchadinneraswaslaiduponit!Theprincewashungryenough,buthewastoomannerlytoeatwithoutbeinginvited.Sohesatbythefire,andhedidnotwaitlongtillheheardsteps,andincameSevenIncheswiththeyoungestsisterbythehand.Well,princeandprincessflewintooneanother’sarms,andsaysthelittleman,sayshe,‘Whyaren’tyoueating?’‘Ithink,sir,’saystheprince,‘itwasonlygoodmannerstowaittobeasked.’‘Theotherprincesdidn’tthinkso,’sayshe.‘Eacho’themfelltowithoutleave,andonlygavemetheroughwordswhenItoldthemtheyweremakingmorefreethanwelcome.Well,Idon’tthinktheyfeelmuchhungernow.Theretheyare,goodmarbleinsteadoffleshandblood,’sayshe,pointingtotwostatues,oneinonecorner,andtheotherintheothercorneroftheroom.Theprincewasfrightened,buthewasafraidtosayanything,andSevenInchesmadehimsitdowntodinnerbetweenhimselfandhisbride;andhe’dbeashappyasthedayislong,onlyforthesightofthestonemeninthecorner.Well,thatdaywentby,andwhenthenextcame,saysSevenInchestohim,‘Now,you’llhavetosetoutthatway,’pointingtothesun,‘andyou’llfindthesecondprincessinagiant’scastlethisevening,whenyou’llbetiredandhungry,andtheeldestprincessto–morrowevening;andyoumayaswellbringthemherewithyou.Youneednotaskleaveoftheirmasters;andperhapsiftheyevergethome,they’lllookonpoorpeopleasiftheywerefleshandbloodlikethemselves.’
Awaywenttheprince,andbedad!it’stiredandhungryhewaswhenhereachedthefirstcastle,atsunset.Oh,wasn’tthesecondprincessgladtoseehim!andwhatagoodsuppershegavehim.Butsheheardthegiantatthegate,andshehidtheprinceinacloset.Well,whenhecamein,hesnuffed,an’hesnuffed,andsayshe,‘Bythelife,Ismellfreshmeat.’‘Oh,’saystheprincess,‘it’sonlythecalfIgotkilledto–day.’‘Ay,ay,’sayshe,‘issupperready?’‘Itis,’saysshe;andbeforeherosefromthetableheatethree–quartersofacalf,andaflaskofwine.‘Ithink,’sayshe,whenallwasdone,‘Ismellfreshmeatstill.’‘It’ssleepyyouare,’saysshe;‘gotobed.’‘Whenwillyoumarryme?’saysthegiant.‘You’reputtingmeofftoolong.’‘St.Tibb’sEve,’saysshe.‘IwishIknewhowfaroffthatis,’sayshe;andhefellasleep,withhisheadinthedish.
Nextday,hewentoutafterbreakfast,andshesenttheprincetothecastlewheretheeldestsisterwas.Thesamethinghappenedthere;butwhenthegiantwassnoring,theprincesswakeneduptheprince,andtheysaddledtwosteedsinthestablesandrodeintothefieldonthem.Butthehorses’heelsstruckthestonesoutsidethegate,andupgotthegiantandstrodeafterthem.Heroaredandheshouted,andthemoreheshouted,thefasterranthehorses,andjustasthedaywasbreakinghewasonlytwentyperchesbehind.Buttheprincedidn’tleavethecastleofSevenIncheswithoutbeingprovidedwithsomethinggood.Hereinedinhissteed,andflungashort,sharpknifeoverhisshoulder,andupsprungathickwoodbetweenthegiantandthemselves.Theycaughtthewindthatblew
beforethem,andthewindthatblewbehindthemdidnotcatchthem.Atlasttheywerenearthecastlewheretheothersisterlived;andthereshewas,waitingforthemunderahighhedge,andafinesteedunderher.
Butthegiantwasnowinsight,roaringlikeahundredlions,andtheothergiantwasoutinamoment,andthechasekepton.Foreverytwospringsthehorsesgave,thegiantsgavethree,andatlasttheywereonlyseventyperchesoff.Thentheprincestoppedagain,andflungthesecondknifebehindhim.Downwentalltheflatfield,tilltherewasaquarrybetweenthemaquarterofamiledeep,andthebottomfilledwithblackwater;andbeforethegiantscouldgetroundit,theprinceandprincesseswereinsidethekingdomofthegreatmagician,wherethehighthornyhedgeopenedofitselftoeveryonethathechosetoletin.Therewasjoyenoughbetweenthethreesisters,tillthetwoeldestsawtheirloversturnedintostone.Butwhiletheyweresheddingtearsforthem,SevenInchescamein,andtouchedthemwithhisrod.Sotheywereflesh,andblood,andlifeoncemore,andtherewasgreathuggingandkissing,andallsatdowntobreakfast,andSevenInchessatattheheadofthetable.
Whenbreakfastwasover,hetookthemintoanotherroom,wheretherewasnothingbutheapsofgold,andsilver,anddiamonds,andsilks,andsatins;andonatabletherewaslyingthreesetsofcrowns:agoldcrownwasinasilvercrown,andthatwaslyinginacoppercrown.Hetookuponesetofcrowns,andgaveittotheeldestprincess;andanotherset,andgaveittothesecondyoungestprincess;andanother,andgaveittotheyoungestofall;andsayshe,‘Nowyoumayallgotothebottomofthepit,andyouhavenothingtodobutstirthebasket,andthepeoplethatarewatchingabovewilldrawyouup.Butremember,ladies,youaretokeepyourcrownssafe,andbemarriedinthem,allthesameday.Ifyoubemarriedseparately,orifyoubemarriedwithoutyourcrowns,acursewillfollow—mindwhatIsay.’
Sotheytookleaveofhimwithgreatrespect,andwalkedarm–in–armtothebottomofthedraw–well.Therewasaskyandasunoverthem,andagreathighwall,coveredwithivy,rosebeforethem,andwassohightheycouldnotseetothetopofit;andtherewasanarchinthiswall,andthebottomofthedraw–wellwasinsidethearch.Theyoungestpairwentlast;andsaystheprincesstotheprince,‘I’msurethetwoprincesdon’tmeananygoodtoyou.Keepthesecrownsunderyourcloak,andifyouareobligedtostaylast,don’tgetintothebasket,butputabigstone,oranyheavythinginside,andseewhatwillhappen.’
Assoonastheywereinsidethedarkcave,theyputintheeldestprincessfirst,andstirredthebasket,andupshewent.Thenthebasketwasletdownagain,andupwentthesecondprincess,andthenupwenttheyoungest;butfirstsheputherarmsroundherprince’sneck,andkissedhim,andcriedalittle.Atlastitcametotheturnoftheyoungestprince,andinsteadofgoingintothebasketheputinabigstone.Hedrewononesideandlistened,andafterthebasketwasdrawnupabouttwentyperches,downcameitandthestonelikethunder,andthestonewasbrokenintolittlebits.
Well,thepoorprincehadnothingforitbuttowalkbacktothecastle;andthroughitandroundithewalked,andthefinestofeatinganddrinkinghegot,andabedofbog–downtosleepon,andlongwalkshetookthroughgardensandlawns,butnotasightcouldheget,highorlow,ofSevenInches.He,beforeaweek,gottiredofit,hewassolonesomeforhistruelove;andattheendofamonthhedidn’tknowwhattodowithhimself.
Onemorninghewentintothetreasureroom,andtooknoticeofabeautifulsnuff–boxonthetablethathedidn’trememberseeingtherebefore.Hetookitinhishandsandopenedit,andoutSevenIncheswalkedonthetable.‘Ithink,prince,’sayshe,‘you’regettingalittletiredofmycastle?’‘Ah!’saystheother,‘ifIhadmyprincesshere,andcouldseeyounowandthen,I’dneverknowadismalday.’‘Well,you’relongenoughherenow,andyou’rewantedthereabove.Keepyourbride’scrownssafe,andwheneveryouwantmyhelp,openthissnuff–box.Nowtakeawalkdownthegarden,andcomebackwhenyou’retired.’
Theprincewasgoingdownagravelwalkwithaquick–sethedgeoneachside,andhiseyesontheground,andhewasthinkingofonethingandanother.Atlastheliftedhiseyes,andtherehewasoutsideofasmith’sgate,thatheoftenpassedbefore,aboutamileawayfromthepalaceofhisbetrothedprincess.Theclotheshehadonhimwereasraggedasyouplease,buthehadhiscrownssafeunderhisoldcloak.
Thenthesmithcameout,andsayshe,‘It’sashameforastrong,bigfellowlikeyoutobelazy,andsomuchworktobedone.Areyouanygoodwithhammerandtongs?Comeinandbearahand,anI’llgiveyoudietandlodging,andafewpencewhenyouearnthem.’‘Neversay’ttwice,’saystheprince.‘Iwantnothingbuttobebusy.’Sohetookthehammer,andpoundedawayatthered–hotbarthatthesmithwasturningontheanviltomakeintoasetofhorse–shoes.
Theyhadn’tbeenlongatworkwhenatailorcamein,andhesatdownandbegantotalk.‘Youallheardhowthetwoprincesseswerelothtobemarriedtilltheyoungestwouldbereadywithhercrownsandhersweetheart.Butafterthewindlassloosenedaccidentallywhentheywerepullingupherbridegroomthatwastobe,therewasnomoresignofawell,orarope,orawindlass,thanthereisonthepalmofyourhand.Sotheprincesthatwerecourtingtheeldestladieswouldn’tgivepeaceoreasetotheirloversnorthekingtilltheygotconsenttothemarriage,anditwastotakeplacethismorning.Myselfwentdownouto’curiosity,andtobesureIwasdelightedwiththegranddressesofthetwobrides,andthethreecrownsontheirheads—gold,silver,andcopper,oneinsidetheother.Theyoungestwasstandingbymournfulenough,andallwasready.Thetwobridegroomscameinasproudandgrandasyouplease,anduptheywerewalkingtothealtarrails,whentheboardsopenedtwoyardswideundertheirfeetanddowntheywentamongthedeadmenandthecoffinsinthevaults.Oh,suchshrieksastheladiesgave!andsuchrunningandracingandpeepingdownastherewas!buttheclerksoonopenedthedoorofthevault,andupcamethetwoprinces,theirfineclothescoveredaninchthickwithcobwebsandmould.
DOWNWENTTHETWOBRIDEGROOMS
Sothekingsaidtheyshouldputoffthemarriage.‘For,’sayshe,‘Iseethereisnouseinthinkingofittilltheyoungestgetsherthreecrowns,andismarriedwiththeothers.I’llgivemyyoungestdaughterforawifetowhoeverbringsthreecrownstomeliketheothers;andifhedoesn’tcaretobemarried,someotheronewill,andI’llmakehisfortune.’
‘Iwish,’saysthesmith,‘Icoulddoit;butIwaslookingatthecrownsaftertheprincessesgothome,andIdon’tthinkthere’sablackorawhitesmithonthefaceoftheearththatcouldimitatethem.’‘Faintheartneverwonfairlady,’saystheprince.‘Gotothepalaceandaskforaquarterofapoundofgold,aquarterofapoundofsilver,andaquarterofapoundofcopper.Getonecrownforapattern,andmyheadforapledge,I’llgiveyououttheverythingsthatarewantedinthemorning.’‘Areyouinearnest?’saysthesmith.‘Faith,Iamso,’sayshe.‘Go!youcan’tdoworsethanlose.’
Tomakealongstoryshort,thesmithgotthequarterofapoundofgold,andthequarterofapoundofsilver,andthequarterofapoundofcopper,andgavethemandthepatterncrowntotheprince.Heshuttheforgedooratnightfall,andtheneighboursallgatheredintheyard,andtheyheardhimhammering,hammering,hammering,fromthattoday–break;andeverynowandthenhe’dthrowoutthroughthewindowbitsofgold,silver,andcopper;andtheidlersscrambledforthem,andcursedoneanother,andprayedforthe
goodluckoftheworkman.
Well,justasthesunwasthinkingtorise,heopenedthedoor,andbroughtoutthethreecrownshegotfromhistruelove,andsuchshoutingandhuzzaingastherewas!Thesmithaskedhimtogoalongwithhimtothepalace,butherefused;sooffsetthesmith,andthewholetownlandwithhim;andwasn’tthekingrejoicedwhenhesawthecrowns!‘Well,’sayshetothesmith,‘you’reamarriedman.What’stobedone?’‘Faith,yourmajesty,Ididn’tmakethemcrownsatall.Itwasabigfellowthattookservicewithmeyesterday.’‘Well,daughter,willyoumarrythefellowthatmadethesecrowns?’‘Letmeseethemfirst,father,’saidshe;butwhensheexaminedthemsheknewthemrightwell,andguesseditwashertruelovethatsentthem.‘Iwillmarrythemanthatthesecrownscamefrom,’saysshe.
‘Well,’saysthekingtotheeldestofthetwoprinces,‘gouptothesmith’sforge,takemybestcoaches,andbringhomethebridegroom.’Hedidnotlikedoingthis,hewassoproud,buthecouldnotrefuse.Whenhecametotheforgehesawtheprincestandingatthedoor,andbeckonedhimovertothecoach.‘Areyouthefellow,’sayshe,‘thatmadethesecrowns?’‘Yes,’saystheother.‘Then,’sayshe,‘maybeyou’dgiveyourselfabrushing,andgetintothatcoach;thekingwantstoseeyou.Ipitytheprincess.’Theyoungprincegotintothecarriage,andwhiletheywereonthewayheopenedthesnuff–box,andoutwalkedSevenInches,andstoodonhisthigh.‘Well,’sayshe,‘whattroubleisonyounow?’‘Master,’saystheother,‘pleaseletmegobacktomyforge,andletthiscarriagebefilledwithpavingstones.’Nosoonersaidthandone.Theprincewassittinginhisforge,andthehorseswonderedwhatwasafterhappeningtothecarriage.
Whentheycameintothepalaceyard,thekinghimselfopenedthecarriagedoor,forrespecttohisnewson–in–law.Assoonasheturnedthehandle,ashowerofsmallstonesfellonhispowderedwigandhissilkcoat,anddownhefellunderthem.Therewasgreatfrightandsomelaughter,andtheking,afterhewipedthebloodfromhisforehead,lookedverycrossattheeldestprince.‘Mylord,’sayshe,‘I’mverysorryforthisaccident,butI’mnottoblame.Isawtheyoungsmithgetintothecarriage,andweneverstoppedaminutesince.’‘It’suncivilyouweretohim.Go,’sayshetotheotherprince,‘andbringtheyoungsmithhere,andbepolite.’‘Neverfear,’sayshe.
Butthere’ssomepeoplethatcouldn’tbegood–naturediftheytried,andnotabitcivillerwasthenewmessengerthantheold,andwhenthekingopenedthecarriagedoorasecondtime,it’sashowerofmudthatcamedownonhim.‘There’snouse,’sayshe,‘goingonthisway.Thefoxnevergotabettermessengerthanhimself.’
Sohechangedhisclothes,andwashedhimself,andouthesettotheprince’sforgeandaskedhimtositalongwithhimself.Theprincebeggedtobeallowedtositintheothercarriage,andwhentheywerehalf–wayheopenedhissnuff–box.‘Master,’sayshe,‘I’dwishtobedressednowaccordingtomyrank.’‘Youshallbethat,’saysSevenInches.‘AndnowI’llbidyoufarewell.Continueasgoodandkindasyoualwayswere;loveyourwife;andthat’salltheadviceI’llgiveyou.’SoSevenInchesvanished;andwhenthecarriagedoorwasopenedintheyard,outwalkstheprinceasfineashandscouldmakehim,andthefirstthinghedidwastorunovertohisbrideandembraceher.
Everyonewasfullofjoybutthetwootherprinces.Therewasnotmuchdelayaboutthe
marriages,andtheywereallcelebratedontheoneday.Soonafter,thetwoeldercoupleswenttotheirowncourts,buttheyoungestpairstayedwiththeoldking,andtheywereashappyasthehappiestmarriedcoupleyoueverheardofinastory.
From‘WestHighlandTales.’
THESTORYOFAVERYBADBOY
ONCEuponatimetherelivedinalittlevillageintheverymiddleofFranceawidowandheronlyson,aboyaboutfifteen,whosenamewasAntoine,thoughnooneevercalledhimanythingbutTouéno–Bouéno.Theywereverypoorindeed,andtheirhutshookabouttheirearsonwindynights,tilltheyexpectedthewallstofallinandcrushthem,butinsteadofgoingtoworkasaboyofhisageoughttodo,Touéno–Bouénodidnothingbutloungealongthestreet,hiseyesfixedontheground,seeingnothingthatwentonroundhim.
‘Youarevery,verystupid,mydearchild,’hismotherwouldsometimessaytohim,andthenshewouldaddwithalaugh,‘Certainlyyouwillnevercatchawolfbythetail.’
*****
OnedaytheoldwomanbadeAntoinegointotheforestandcollectenoughdryleavestomakebedsforherselfandhim.Beforehehadfinisheditbegantorainheavily,sohehidhimselfinthehollowtrunkofatree,wherehewassodryandcomfortablethathesoonfellfastasleep.Byandbyehewasawakenedbyanoisewhichsoundedlikeadogscratchingatthedoor,andhesuddenlyfeltfrightened,whyhedidnotknow.Verycautiouslyheraisedhishead,andrightabovehimhesawabighairyanimal,comingdowntailforemost.
‘Itisthewolfthattheytalksomuchabout,’hesaidtohimself,andhemadehimselfassmallashecouldandshrunkintoacorner.
Thewolfcamedowntheinsideofthetree,slowly,slowly;Antoinefeltturnedtostone,soterrifiedwashe,andhardlydaredtobreathe.Suddenlyanideaenteredhismind,whichhethoughtmightsavehimstill.Herememberedtohaveheardfromhismotherthatawolfcouldneitherbendhisbacknorturnhishead,soastolookbehindhim,andquickaslightninghestretcheduphishand,andseizingthewolf’stail,pulledittowardshim.
Thenheleftthetreeanddraggedtheanimaltohismother’shouse.
‘Mother,youhaveoftendeclaredthatIwastoostupidtocatchawolfbythetail.Nowsee,’hecriedtriumphantly.
‘Well,well,wonderswillnevercease,’answeredthegoodwoman,whotookcaretokeepatasafedistance.‘Butasyoureallyhavegothim,letusseeifwecan’tputhimtosomeuse.Fetchtheskinoftheramwhichdiedlastweekoutofthechest,andwewillsewthewolfupinit.Hewillmakeasplendidram,andto–morrowwewilldrivehimtothefairandsellhim.’
Verylikelythewolf,whowascunningandclever,mayhaveunderstoodwhatshesaid,buthethoughtitbesttogivenosign,andsufferedtheskintobesewnuponhim.
‘IcanalwaysgetawayifIchoose,’thoughthe,‘itisbetternottobeinahurry’;soheremainedquitestillwhiletheskinwasdrawnoverhishead,whichmadehimveryhotanduncomfortable,andresistedthetemptationtosnapoffthefingersornosesthatwereso
closetohismouth.
*****
ThefairwasatitsheightnextdaywhenTouéno–Bouénoarrivedwithhiswolfinram’sclothing.Allthefarmerscrowdedroundhim,eachofferingahigherpricethanthelast.Neverhadtheybeheldsuchabeautifulbeast,saidthey,andatlast,aftermuchbargaining,hewashandedovertothreebrothersforagoodsumofmoney.
HewillmakeaSplendidRam
Ithappenedthatthesethreebrothersownedlargeflocksofsheep,thoughnonesolargeandfineastheonetheyhadjustbought.
‘Myflockisthenearest,’observedtheeldestbrother;‘wewillleavehiminthefoldforthenight,andto–morrowwewilldecidewhichpastureswillbebestforhim.’Andthewolfgrinnedashelistened,andhelduphisheadalittlehigherthanbefore.
Earlynextmorningtheyoungfarmerbegantogohisrounds,andthesheep–foldwasthefirstplacehevisited.Tohishorror,thesheepwereallstretchedoutdeadbeforehim,exceptone,whichthewolfhadeaten,bonesandall.Instantlythetruthflasheduponhim.Itwasnoramthatlaycurledupinthecornerpretendingtobeasleep(forinrealityhecouldbendbackandturnhisheadasmuchasheliked),butawolfwhowaswatchinghimoutofthecornerofhiseye,andmightspringuponhimatanymoment.Sothefarmertooknonotice,andonlythoughtthatherewasafinechanceofrevenginghimselfonhisnextbrotherforatrickwhichhehadplayed,andmerelytoldhimthattheramwouldnoteatthegrassinthatfield,anditmightbewelltodrivehimtothepasturebytheriver,wherehisownflockwasfeeding.Thesecondbrothereagerlyswallowedthebait,andthatevening
thewolfwasdrivendowntothefieldwheretheyoungmankeptthesheepwhichhadbeenlefthimbyhisfather.Bythenextmorningtheyalsowerealldead,butthesecondbrotherlikewiseheldhispeace,andallowedthesheepwhichbelongedtotheyoungesttosharethefateoftheothertwo.Thentheymetandconfessedtoeachothertheirdisasters,andresolvedtotaketheanimalasfastaspossiblebacktoTouéno–Bouéno,whoshouldgetasoundthrashing.
*****
Antoinewassittingonaplumtreebelongingtoaneighbour,eatingtheripefruit,whenhesawthethreeyoungfarmerscomingtowardshim.Swinginghimselfdown,heflewhometothehut,cryingbreathlessly,‘Mother,mother,thefarmersareclosebywiththewolf.Theyhavefoundoutallaboutit,andwillcertainlykillme,andperhapsyoutoo.ButifyoudoasItellyou,Imaybeabletosaveusboth.Liedownonthefloor,andpretendtobedead,andbesurenottospeak,whateverhappens.’
Thuswhenthethreebrothers,eacharmedwithawhip,enteredthehutafewsecondslater,theyfoundawomanextendedonthefloor,andTouénokneelingatherside,whistlingloudlyintoherears.
‘Whatareyoudoingnow,yourascal?’askedtheeldest.
‘WhatamIdoing?Oh,mypoorfriends,Iamthemostmiserablecreatureintheworld!Ihavelostthebestofmothers,andIdon’tknowwhatwillbecomeofme,’andhehidhisfaceinhishandsandsobbedagain.
‘Butwhatareyouwhistlinglikethatfor?’
‘Well,itistheonlychance.Thiswhistlehasbeenknowntobringthedeadbacktolife,andIhoped—’hereheburiedhisfaceinhishandsagain,butpeepingbetweenhisfingershesawthatthebrothershadopenedtheirsixeyesaswideassaucers.
‘Look!’hesuddenlyexclaimedwithacry,‘Look!IamsureIfeltherbodymove!Andnowhernostrilsaretwitching.Ah!thewhistlehasnotlostitspowerafterall,’andstoopingdown,Touénowhistledmoreloudlythanbefore,sothattheoldwoman’sfeetandhandsshowedsignsoflife,andshesoonwasabletoliftherhead.
Thefarmersweresoastonishedatherrestoration,thatitwassometimebeforetheycouldspeak.Atlengththeeldestturnedtotheboyandsaid:
‘Nowlistentome.Thereisnomannerofdoubtthatyouareayoungvillain.Yousoldusaramknowingfullwellthatitwasawolf,andwecamehereto–daytopayyououtforit.Butifyouwillgiveusthatwhistle,wewillpardonwhatyouhavedone,andwillleaveyoualone.’
‘Itismyonlytreasure,andIsetgreatstorebyit,’answeredtheboy,pretendingtohesitate.‘Butasyouwishforitsomuch,well,IsupposeIcan’trefuse,’andheheldoutthewhistle,whichtheeldestbrotherputinhispocket.
*****
Armedwiththepreciouswhistle,thethreebrothersreturnedhomefullofjoy,andastheywenttheyoungestsaidtotheothers,‘Ihavesuchagoodidea!Ourwivesarealllazyand
grumbling,andmakeourlivesaburden.Letusgivethemalesson,andkillthemassoonaswegetin.Ofcoursewecanrestorethemtolifeatonce,buttheywillhavehadararefright.’
‘Ah,howcleveryouare,’answeredtheothertwo.‘Nobodyelsewouldhavethoughtofthat.’
Sogailythethreehusbandsknockeddowntheirthreewives,whofelldeadtotheground.Thenonebyonethementriedthewhistle,andblewsoloudlythatitseemedasiftheirlungswouldburst,butthewomenlaystarkandstiffandnevermovedaneyelid.Thehusbandsgrewpaleandcold,fortheyhadneverdreamedofthis,normeantanyharm,andafterawhiletheyunderstoodthattheireffortswereofnouse,andthatoncemoretheboyhadtrickedthem.Withsternfacestheyrosetotheirfeet,andtakingalargesacktheyretracedtheirstepstothehut.
Thistimetherewasnoescape.Touénohadbeenasleep,andonlyopenedhiseyesastheyentered.Withoutawordoneithersidetheythrusthimintothesack,andtyingupthemouth,theeldestthrewitoverhisshoulders.Afterthattheyallsetouttotheriver,wheretheyintendedtodrowntheboy.
Buttheriverwasalongwayoff,andthedaywasveryhotandAntoinewasheavy,heavierthanawholesheafofcorn.Theycarriedhiminturns,butevensotheygrewverytiredandthirsty,andwhenalittletaverncameinsightontheroadside,theythankfullyflungthesackdownonabenchandenteredtorefreshthemselves.Theynevernoticedthatabeggarwassittingintheshadeoftheendofthebench,butTouéno’ssharpearscaughtthesoundofsomeoneeating,andassoonasthefarmershadgoneintotheinn,hebegantogroansoftly.
‘Whatisthematter?’askedthebeggardrawingalittlenearer.‘Whyhavetheyshutyouup,poorboy?’
‘Becausetheywantedtomakemeabishop,andIwouldnotconsent,’answeredTouéno.
‘Dearme,’exclaimedthebeggar,‘yetitisn’tsuchabadthingtobeabishop.’
‘Idon’tsayitis,’repliedtheyoungrascal,‘butIshouldneverlikeit.However,ifyouhaveanyfancyforwearingamitre,youneedonlyuntiethesack,andtakemyplace.’
‘Ishouldlikenothingbetter,’saidtheman,ashestoopedtoundothebigknot.
SoitwasthebeggarandnotTouéno–Buénowhowasflungintothewater.
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Thenextmorningthethreewiveswereburied,andonreturningfromthecemetery,theirhusbandsmetTouéno–Buénodrivingamagnificentflockofsheep.Atthesightofhimthethreefarmersstoodstillwithastonishment.
‘What!youscoundrel!’theycriedatlast,‘wedrownedyouyesterday,andto–daywefindyouagain,aswellasever!’
‘Itdoesseemodd,doesn’tit?’answeredhe.‘Butperhapsyoudon’tknowthatbeneaththisworldthereliesanotheryetmorebeautifulandfar,farricher.Well,itwastherethatyousentmewhenyouflungmeintotheriver,andthoughIfeltalittlestrangeatfirst,yetI
soonbegantolookaboutme,andtoseewhatwashappening.ThereInoticedthatclosetotheplaceIhadfallen,asheepfairwasbeingheld,andabystandertoldmethateverydayhorsesorcattleweresoldsomewhereinthetown.IfIhadonlyhadthelucktobethrownintotheriveronthesideofthehorsefairImighthavemademyfortune!Asitwas,Ihadtocontentmyselfwithbuyingthesesheep,whichyoucangetfornothing.’
‘Anddoyouknowexactlythespotintheriverwhichliesoverthehorsefair?’
‘AsifIdidnotknowit,whenIhaveseenitwithmyowneyes.’
‘Thenifyoudonotwantustoavengeourdeadflocksandourmurderedwives,youwillhavetothrowusintotheriverjustovertheplaceofthehorsefair.’
‘Verywell;onlyyoumustgetthreesacksandcomewithmetothatrockwhichjutsintotheriver.Iwillthrowyouinfromthere,andyouwillfallnearlyontothehorses’backs.’
Sohethrewthemin,andastheywereneverseenagain,nooneeverknewintowhichfairtheyhadfallen.
From‘LittératureOraledel’Auvergne,’parPaulSébillot.
THEBROWNBEAROFNORWAY
THEREwasonceakinginIreland,andhehadthreedaughters,andveryniceprincessestheywere.Andoneday,whentheyandtheirfatherwerewalkingonthelawn,thekingbegantojokewiththem,andtoaskthemwhomtheywouldliketobemarriedto.‘I’llhavethekingofUlsterforahusband,’saysone;‘andI’llhavethekingofMunster,’saysanother;‘and,’saystheyoungest,‘I’llhavenohusbandbuttheBrownBearofNorway.’Foranurseofhersusedtobetellingherofanenchantedprincethatshecalledbythatname,andshefellinlovewithhim,andhisnamewasthefirstnameonhertongue,fortheverynightbeforeshewasdreamingofhim.Well,onelaughed,andanotherlaughed,andtheyjokedwiththeprincessalltherestoftheevening.Butthatverynightshewokeupoutofhersleepinagreathallthatwaslightedupwithathousandlamps;therichestcarpetswereonthefloor,andthewallswerecoveredwithclothofgoldandsilver,andtheplacewasfullofgrandcompany,andtheverybeautifulprinceshesawinherdreamswasthere,anditwasn’tamomenttillhewasononekneebeforeher,andtellingherhowmuchhelovedher,andaskingherwouldn’tshebehisqueen.Well,shehadn’tthehearttorefusehim,andmarriedtheywereinthesameevening.
‘Now,mydarling,’sayshe,whentheywereleftbythemselves,‘youmustknowthatIamunderenchantment.Asorceress,thathadabeautifuldaughter,wishedmeforherson–in–law;butthemothergotpoweroverme,andwhenIrefusedtowedherdaughtershemademetaketheformofabearbyday,andIwastocontinuesotillaladywouldmarrymeofherownfreewill,andendurefiveyearsofgreattrialsafter.’
Well,whentheprincesswokeinthemorning,shemissedherhusbandfromherside,andspentthedayverysadly.Butassoonasthelampswerelightedinthegrandhall,whereshewassittingonasofacoveredwithsilk,thefoldingdoorsflewopen,andhewassittingbyhersidethenextminute.Sotheyspentanotherhappyevening,buthewarnedherthatwhenevershebegantotireofhim,orceasedtohavefaithinhim,theywouldbepartedforever,andhe’dbeobligedtomarrythewitch’sdaughter.
Shegotusedtofindhimabsentbyday,andtheyspentahappytwelvemonthtogether,andatlastabeautifullittleboywasborn;andhappyasshewasbefore,shewastwiceashappynow,forshehadherchildtokeephercompanyinthedaywhenshecouldn’tseeherhusband.
Atlast,oneevening,whenherself,andhimself,andherchildweresittingwithawindowopenbecauseitwasasultrynight,inflewaneagle,tooktheinfant’ssashinhisbeak,andflewupintheairwithhim.Shescreamed,andwasgoingtothrowherselfoutthroughthewindowafterhim,buttheprincecaughther,andlookedatherveryseriously.Shebethoughtofwhathesaidsoonaftertheirmarriage,andshestoppedthecriesandcomplaintsthatwereonhertongue.Shespentherdaysverylonelyforanothertwelvemonth,whenabeautifullittlegirlwassenttoher.Thenshethoughttoherselfshe’dhaveasharpeyeaboutherthistime;sosheneverwouldallowawindowtobemorethanafewinchesopen.
Butallhercarewasinvain.Anotherevening,whentheywereallsohappy,andtheprincedandlingthebaby,abeautifulgreyhoundstoodbeforethem,tookthechildoutofthefather’shand,andwasoutofthedoorbeforeyoucouldwink.Thistimesheshoutedandranoutoftheroom,butthereweresomeoftheservantsinthenextroom,andalldeclaredthatneitherchildnordogpassedout.Shefelt,somehow,asifitwasherhusband’sfault,butstillshekeptcommandoverherself,anddidn’toncereproachhim.
Whenthethirdchildwasbornshewouldhardlyallowawindoworadoortobeleftopenforamoment;butshewasn’tthenearertokeepthechildtoherself.Theyweresittingoneeveningbythefire,whenaladyappearedstandingbythem.Theprincessopenedhereyesinagreatfrightandstaredather,andwhileshewasdoingso,theladywrappedashawlroundthebabythatwassittinginitsfather’slap,andeithersankthroughthegroundwithitorwentupthroughthewidechimney.Thistimethemotherkeptherbedforamonth.
‘Mydear,’saidshetoherhusband,whenshewasbeginningtorecover,‘IthinkI’dfeelbetterifIwastoseemyfatherandmotherandsistersoncemore.Ifyougivemeleavetogohomeforafewdays,I’dbeglad.’‘Verywell,’saidhe,‘Iwilldothat,andwheneveryoufeelinclinedtoreturn,onlymentionyourwishwhenyouliedownatnight.’Thenextmorningwhensheawokeshefoundherselfinherownoldchamberinherfather’spalace.Sherangthebell,andinashorttimeshehadhermotherandfatherandmarriedsistersabouther,andtheylaughedtilltheycriedforjoyatfindinghersafebackagain.
ThePrincesslosesherfirstBaby
Intimeshetoldthemallthathappenedtoher,andtheydidn’tknowwhattoadvisehertodo.Shewasasfondofherhusbandasever,andsaidshewassurethathecouldn’thelplettingthechildrengo;butstillshewasafraidbeyondtheworldtohaveanotherchildtornfromher.Well,themotherandsistersconsultedawisewomanthatusedtobringeggstothecastle,fortheyhadgreatfaithinherwisdom.Shesaidtheonlyplanwastosecurethebear’sskinthattheprincewasobligedtoputoneverymorning,andgetitburned,andthenhecouldn’thelpbeingamannightandday,andtheenchantmentwouldbeatanend.
Sotheyallpersuadedhertodothat,andshepromisedshewould;andaftereightdaysshefeltsogreatalongingtoseeherhusbandagainthatshemadethewishthesamenight,andwhenshewokethreehoursafter,shewasinherhusband’spalace,andhehimselfwaswatchingoverher.Therewasgreatjoyonbothsides,andtheywerehappyformanydays.
Nowshebegantothinkhowshenevermindedherhusbandleavingherinthemorning,andhowsheneverfoundhimneglectingtogiveherasweetdrinkoutofagoldcupjustasshewasgoingtobed.
Onenightshecontrivednottodrinkanyofit,thoughshepretendedtodoso;andshewaswakefulenoughinthemorning,andsawherhusbandpassingoutthroughapanelinthewainscot,thoughshekepthereyelidsnearlyclosed.Thenextnightshegotafewdropsofthesleepypossetthatshesavedtheeveningbeforeputintoherhusband’snightdrink,andthatmadehimsleepsoundenough.Shegotupaftermidnight,passedthroughthepanel,andfoundabeautifulbrownbear’shidehanginginthecorner.Thenshestoleback,andwentdowntotheparlourfire,andputthehideintothemiddleofittillitwasallfineashes.Shethenlaydownbyherhusband,gavehimakissonthecheek,andfellasleep.
Ifshewastoliveahundredyearsshe’dneverforgethowshewakenednextmorning,andfoundherhusbandlookingdownonherwithmiseryandangerinhisface.‘Unhappywoman,’saidhe,‘youhaveseparatedusforever!Whyhadn’tyoupatienceforfiveyears?Iamnowobliged,whetherIlikeorno,togoathreedays’journeytothewitch’scastle,andmarryherdaughter.Theskinthatwasmyguardyouhaveburnedit,andtheegg–wifethatgaveyouthecounselwasthewitchherself.Iwon’treproachyou:yourpunishmentwillbesevereenoughwithoutit.Farewellforever!’
Hekissedherforthelasttime,andwasoffthenextminute,walkingasfastashecould.Sheshoutedafterhim,andthenseeingtherewasnouse,shedressedherselfandpursuedhim.Heneverstopped,norstayed,norlookedback,andstillshekepthiminsight;andwhenhewasonthehillshewasinthehollow,andwhenhewasinthehollowshewasonthehill.Herlifewasalmostleavingher,when,justasthesunwassetting,heturnedupalane,andwentintoalittlehouse.Shecrawledupafterhim,andwhenshegotinsidetherewasabeautifullittleboyonhisknees,andhekissingandhugginghim.‘Here,mypoordarling,’sayshe,‘isyoureldestchild,andthere,’sayshe,pointingtoawomanthatwaslookingonwithasmileonherface,‘istheeaglethatcarriedhimaway.’Sheforgotallhersorrowsinamoment,huggingherchild,andlaughingandcryingoverhim.Thewomanwashedtheirfeet,andrubbedthemwithanointmentthattookallthesorenessoutoftheirbones,andmadethemasfreshasadaisy.Nextmorning,justbeforesunrise,hewasup,andpreparedtobeoff.‘Here,’saidhetoher,‘isathingwhichmaybeofusetoyou.It’sascissors,andwhateverstuffyoucutwithitwillbeturnedintosilk.Themomentthesun
rises,I’llloseallmemoryofyourselfandthechildren,butI’llgetitatsunsetagain.Farewell!’Buthewasn’tfargonetillshewasinsightofhimagain,leavingherboybehind.Itwasthesameto–dayasyesterday:theirshadowswentbeforetheminthemorningandfollowedthemintheevening.Heneverstopped,andsheneverstopped,andasthesunwassettingheturnedupanotherlane,andtheretheyfoundtheirlittledaughter.Itwasalljoyandcomfortagaintillmorning,andthenthethirdday’sjourneycommenced.
Butbeforehestartedhegaveheracomb,andtoldherthatwheneversheusedit,pearlsanddiamondswouldfallfromherhair.Stillhehadhismemoryfromsunsettosunrise;butfromsunrisetosunsethetravelledonunderthecharm,andneverthrewhiseyebehind.Thisnighttheycametowheretheyoungestbabywas,andthenextmorning,justbeforesunrise,theprincespoketoherforthelasttime.‘Here,mypoorwife,’saidhe,‘isalittlehand–reel,withgoldthreadthathasnoend,andthehalfofourmarriagering.Ifyouevergettomyhouse,andputyourhalf–ringtomine,Ishallrecollectyou.Thereisawoodyonder,andthemomentIenteritIwillforgeteverythingthateverhappenedbetweenus,justasifIwasbornyesterday.Farewell,dearwifeandchild,forever!’Justthenthesunrose,andawayhewalkedtowardsthewood.Shesawitopenbeforehim,andcloseafterhim,andwhenshecameup,shecouldnomoregetinthanshecouldbreakthroughastonewall.Shewrungherhandsandshedtears,butthensherecollectedherself,andcriedout,‘Wood,Ichargeyoubymythreemagicgifts,thescissors,thecomb,andthereel—toletmethrough’;anditopened,andshewentalongawalktillshecameinsightofapalace,andalawn,andawoodman’scottageontheedgeofthewoodwhereitcamenearestthepalace.
Shewentintothislodge,andaskedthewoodmanandhiswifetotakeherintotheirservice.Theywerenotwillingatfirst;butshetoldthemshewouldasknowages,andwouldgivethemdiamonds,andpearls,andsilkstuffs,andgoldthreadwhenevertheywishedforthem,andthentheyagreedtoletherstay.
Itwasn’tlongtillsheheardhowayoungprince,thatwasjustarrived,waslivinginthepalaceoftheyoungmistress.Heseldomstirredabroad,andeveryonethatsawhimremarkedhowsilentandsorrowfulhewentabout,likeapersonthatwassearchingforsomelostthing.
Theservantsandconceitedfolkatthebighousebegantotakenoticeofthebeautifulyoungwomanatthelodge,andtoannoyherwiththeirimpudence.Theheadfootmanwasthemosttroublesome,andatlastsheinvitedhimtocomeandtaketeawithher.Oh,howrejoicedhewas,andhowhebraggedofitintheservants’hall!Well,theeveningcame,andthefootmanwalkedintothelodge,andwasshowntohersitting–room;forthelodge–keeperandhiswifestoodingreataweofher,andgavehertwoniceroomsforherself.Well,hesatdownasstiffasaramrod,andwastalkinginagrandstyleaboutthegreatdoingsatthecastle,whileshewasgettingtheteaandtoastready.‘Oh,’saysshetohim,‘wouldyouputyourhandoutatthewindowandcutmeoffasprigortwoofhoneysuckle?Hegotupingreatglee,andputouthishandandhead;andsaidshe,‘Bythevirtueofmymagicgifts,letapairofhornsspringoutofyourhead,andsingtothelodge.’Justasshewished,soitwas.Theysprungfromthefrontofeachear,andmetattheback.Oh,thepoorwretch!Andhowhebawledandroared!andtheservantsthatheusedtobeboastingtoweresoonflockingfromthecastle,andgrinningandhuzzaing,andbeating
tunesontongsandshovelsandpans;andhecursingandswearing,andtheeyesreadytostartoutofhishead,andhesoblackintheface,andkickingouthislegsbehindlikemad.
Atlastshepitiedhim,andremovedthecharm,andthehornsdroppeddownontheground,andhewouldhavekilledheronthespot,onlyhewasasweakaswater,andhisfellow–servantscameinandcarriedhimuptothebighouse.
Well,somewayorotherthestorycametotheearsoftheprince,andhestrolleddownthatway.Shehadonlythedressofacountrywomanonherasshesatsewingatthewindow,butthatdidnothideherbeauty,andhewasgreatlypuzzledafterhehadagoodlook,justasabodyispuzzledtoknowwhethersomethinghappenedtohimwhenhewasyoungorifheonlydreamedit.Well,thewitch’sdaughterheardaboutittoo,andshecametoseethestrangegirl;andwhatdidshefindherdoingbutcuttingoutthepatternofagownfrombrownpaper;andasshecutaway,thepaperbecametherichestsilksheeversaw.Thewitch’sdaughterlookedonwithgreedyeyes,and,saysshe,‘Whatwouldyoubesatisfiedtotakeforthatscissors?’‘I’lltakenothing,’saysshe,‘butleavetospendonenightoutsidetheprince’schamber.’Well,theproudladyfiredup,andwasgoingtosaysomethingdreadful;butthescissorskeptoncutting,andthesilkgrowingricherandrichereveryinch.Soshepromisedwhatthegirlhadaskedher.
Whenthenightcameonshewasletintothepalaceandlaydowntilltheprincewasinsuchadeadsleepthatallshedidcouldn’tawakehim.Shesungthisversetohim,sighingandsobbing,andkeptsingingitthenightlong,anditwasallinvain:
FourlongyearsIwasmarriedtothee;ThreesweetbabesIboretothee;BrownBearofNorway,won’tyouturntome?
Atthefirstdawntheproudladywasinthechamber,andledheraway,andthefootmanofthehornsputouthistongueatherasshewasquittingthepalace.
Sotherewasnolucksofar;butthenextdaytheprincepassedbyagainandlookedather,andsalutedherkindly,asaprincemightafarmer’sdaughter,andpassedon;andsoonthewitch’sdaughterpassedby,andfoundhercombingherhair,andpearlsanddiamondsdroppingfromit.
Well,anotherbargainwasmade,andtheprincessspentanothernightofsorrow,andsheleftthecastleatdaybreak,andthefootmanwasathispostandenjoyedhisrevenge.
Thethirddaytheprincewentby,andstoppedtotalkwiththestrangewoman.Heaskedhercouldhedoanythingtoserveher,andshesaidhemight.Sheaskedhimdidheeverwakeatnight.Hesaidthatheoftendid,butthatduringthelasttwonightshewaslisteningtoasweetsonginhisdreams,andcouldnotwake,andthatthevoicewasonethathemusthaveknownandlovedinsomeotherworldlongago.Saysshe,‘Didyoudrinkanysleepyposseteitheroftheseeveningsbeforeyouwenttobed?’‘Idid,’saidhe.‘Thetwoeveningsmywifegavemesomethingtodrink,butIdon’tknowwhetheritwasasleepypossetornot.’‘Well,prince,’saidshe,‘asyousayyouwouldwishtoobligeme,youcandoitbynottastinganydrinkto–night.’‘Iwillnot,’sayshe,andthenhewentonhiswalk.
Well,thegreatladycamesoonaftertheprince,andfoundthestrangerusingherhand–reel
andwindingthreadofgoldoffit,andthethirdbargainwasmade.
Thateveningtheprincewaslyingonhisbedattwilight,andhismindmuchdisturbed;andthedooropened,andinhisprincesswalked,anddownshesatbyhisbedsideandsung:
FourlongyearsIwasmarriedtothee;ThreesweetbabesIboretothee;BrownBearofNorway,won’tyouturntome?
‘BrownBearofNorway!’saidhe.‘Idon’tunderstandyou.’‘Don’tyouremember,prince,thatIwasyourweddedwifeforfouryears?’‘Idonot,’saidhe,‘butI’msureIwishitwasso.’‘Don’tyourememberourthreebabes,thatarestillalive?’‘Showmethem.Mymindisallaheapofconfusion.’‘Lookforthehalfofourmarriagering,thathangsatyourneck,andfitittothis.’Hedidso,andthesamemomentthecharmwasbroken.Hisfullmemorycamebackonhim,andheflunghisarmsroundhiswife’sneck,andbothburstintotears.
Well,therewasagreatcryoutside,andthecastlewallswereheardsplittingandcracking.Everyoneinthecastlewasalarmed,andmadetheirwayout.Theprinceandprincesswentwiththerest,andbythetimeallweresafeonthelawn,downcamethebuilding,andmadethegroundtrembleformilesround.Nooneeversawthewitchandherdaughterafterwards.Itwasnotlongtilltheprinceandprincesshadtheirchildrenwiththem,and
thentheysetoutfortheirownpalace.ThekingsofIreland,andofMunster,andUlster,andtheirwives,sooncametovisitthem,andmayeveryonethatdeservesitbeashappyastheBrownBearofNorwayandhisfamily.
From‘WestHighlandTales.’
LITTLELASSE
THEREwasoncealittleboywhosenamewasLars,andbecausehewassolittlehewascalledLittleLasse;hewasabravelittleman,forhesailedroundtheworldinapea–shellboat.
Itwassummertime,whenthepeashellsgrewlongandgreeninthegarden.LittleLassecreptintothepeabedwherethepeastalksrosehighabovehiscap,andhepickedseventeenlargeshells,thelongestandstraightesthecouldfind.
LittleLassethought,perhaps,thatnoonesawhim;butthatwasfoolish,forGodseeseverywhere.
Thenthegardenercamewithhisgunoverhisshoulder,andheheardsomethingrustlinginthepeabed.
‘Ithinkthatmustbeasparrow,’hesaid.‘Ras!Ras!’Butnosparrowsflewout,forLittleLassehadnowings,onlytwosmalllegs.‘Wait!Iwillloadmygunandshootthesparrows,’saidthegardener.
ThenLittleLassewasfrightened,andcreptoutontothepath.
‘Forgiveme,deargardener!’hesaid.‘Iwantedtogetsomefineboats.’
‘Well,Iwillthistime,’saidthegardener.‘ButanothertimeLittleLassemustaskleavetogoandlookforboatsinthepeabed.’
‘Iwill,’answeredLasse;andhewentofftotheshore.Thenheopenedtheshellswithapin,splitthemcarefullyintwo,andbrokesmalllittlebitsofsticksfortherowers’seats.Thenhetookthepeaswhichwereintheshellsandputthemintheboatsforcargo.Someoftheshellsgotbroken,someremainedwhole,andwhenallwerereadyLassehadtwelveboats.Buttheyshouldnotbeboats,theyshouldbelargewarships.Hehadthreeliners,threefrigates,threebrigsandthreeschooners.ThelargestlinerwascalledHercules,andthesmallestschoonerTheFlea.LittleLasseputallthetwelveintothewater,andtheyfloatedassplendidlyandasproudlyasanygreatshipoverthewavesoftheocean.
Andnowtheshipsmustsailroundtheworld.ThegreatislandovertherewasAsia;thatlargestoneAfrica;thelittleislandAmerica;thesmallstoneswerePolynesia;andtheshorefromwhichtheshipssailedoutwasEurope.Thewholefleetsetoffandsailedfarawaytootherpartsoftheworld.TheshipsofthelinesteeredastraightcoursetoAsia,thefrigatessailedtoAfrica,thebrigstoAmerica,andtheschoonerstoPolynesia.ButLittleLasseremainedinEurope,andthrewsmallstonesoutintothegreatsea.
Now,therewasontheshoreofEuropearealboat,father’sown,abeautifulwhite–paintedboat,andLittleLassegotintoit.Fatherandmotherhadforbiddenthis,butLittleLasseforgot.Hethoughtheshouldverymuchliketotraveltosomeotherpartoftheworld.
‘Ishallrowoutalittleway—onlyaverylittleway,’hethought.Thepea–shellboatshadtravelledsofarthattheyonlylookedlikelittlespecksontheocean.‘IshallseizeHerculesonthecoastofAsia,’saidLasse,‘andthenrowhomeagaintoEurope.’
Heshooktheropethatheldtheboat,and,strangetosay,theropebecameloose.Ditsch,ratsch,amanisaman,andsoLittleLassemannedtheboat.
Nowhewouldrow—andhecouldrow,forhehadrowedsooftenonthestepsathome,whenthestepspretendedtobeaboatandfather’sbigstickanoar.ButwhenLittleLassewantedtorowtherewerenooarstobefoundintheboat.Theoarswerelockedupintheboat–house,andLittleLassehadnotnoticedthattheboatwasempty.ItisnotsoeasyasonethinkstorowtoAsiawithoutoars.
WhatcouldLittleLassedonow?Theboatwasalreadysomedistanceoutonthesea,andthewind,whichblewfromland,wasdrivingitstillfurtherout.Lassewasfrightenedandbegantocry.Buttherewasnooneontheshoretohearhim.Onlyabigcrowperchedaloneinthebirchtree;andthegardener’sblackcatsatunderthebirchtree,waitingtocatchthecrow.NeitherofthemtroubledthemselvesintheleastaboutLittleLasse,whowasdriftingouttosea.
Ah!howsorryLittleLassewasnowthathehadbeendisobedientandgotintotheboat,whenfatherandmotherhadsooftenforbiddenhimtodoso!Nowitwastoolate,hecouldnotgetbacktoland.Perhapshewouldbelostoutonthegreatsea.Whatshouldhedo?
Whenhehadshouteduntilhewastiredandnooneheardhim,heputhistwolittlehandstogetherandsaid,‘GoodGod,donotbeangrywithLittleLasse.’Andthenhewenttosleep.Foralthoughitwasdaylight,oldNukkuMattiwassittingontheshoresofthe‘LandofNod,’andwasfishingforlittlechildrenwithhislongfishingrod.HeheardthelowwordswhichLittleLassesaidtoGod,andheimmediatelydrewtheboattohimselfandlaidLittleLassetosleeponabedofroseleaves.
ThenNukkuMattisaidtooneoftheDreams,‘PlaywithLittleLasse,sothathedoesnotfeellonesome.’
Itwasalittledream–boy,solittle,solittle,thathewaslessthanLassehimself;hehadblueeyesandfairhair,aredcapwithasilverband,andwhitecoatwithpearlsonthecollar.HecametoLittleLasseandsaid,‘Wouldyouliketosailroundtheworld?’
‘Yes,’saidLasseinhissleep,‘Ishouldliketo.’
‘Come,then,’saidthedream–boy,‘andletussailinyourpea–shellboats.YoushallsailinHerculesandIshallsailinTheFlea.’
Sotheysailedawayfromthe‘LandofNod,’andinalittlewhileHerculesandTheFleawereontheshoresofAsiaawayattheotherendoftheworld,wheretheIceSeaflowsthroughBehringStraitsintothePacificOcean.AlongwayoffinthewintermisttheycouldseetheexplorerNordenskiöldwithhisshipVegatryingtofindanopeningbetweentheice.Itwassocold,socold;thegreaticebergsglitteredstrangely,andthehugewhalesnowlivedundertheice,fortheycouldnotmakeaholethroughwiththeirawkwardheads.Allaroundonthedrearyshoretherewassnowandsnowasfarastheeyecouldsee;littlegreymeninshaggyskinsmovedabout,anddroveinsmallsledgesthroughthesnowdrifts,butthesledgesweredrawnbydogs.
‘Shallwelandhere?’askedthedream–boy.
‘No,’saidLittleLasse.‘Iamsoafraidthatthewhaleswouldswallowusup,andthebig
dogsbiteus.Letussailinsteadtoanotherpartoftheworld.’
‘Verywell,’saidthedream–boywiththeredcapandthesilverband;‘itisnotfartoAmerica’—andatthesamemomenttheywerethere.
Thesunwasshininganditwasverywarm.Tallpalmtreesgrewinlongrowsontheshoreandborecoconutsintheirtopbranches.Menredascoppergallopedovertheimmensegreenprairiesandthrewtheirarrowsatthebuffaloes,whoturnedagainstthemwiththeirsharphorns.Anenormouscobrawhichhadcreptupthestemofatallpalmtreethrewitselfontoalittlellamathatwasgrazingatthefoot.Knaps!itwasalloverwiththelittlellama.
‘Shallwelandhere?’askedthedream–boy.
‘No,’saidLittleLasse.‘Iamsoafraidthatthebuffaloeswillbuttus,andthegreatserpenteatusup.Letustraveltoanotherpartoftheworld.’
‘Verywell,’saidthedream–boywiththewhitecoat,‘itisonlyalittlewaytoPolynesia’—andthentheywerethere.
Itwasverywarmthere,aswarmasinahotbathinFinland.Costlyspicesgrewontheshores:thepepperplant,thecinnamontree,ginger,saffron;thecoffeeplantandtheteaplant.Brownpeoplewithlongearsandthicklips,andhideouslypaintedfaces,huntedayellow–spottedtigeramongthehighbamboosontheshore,andthetigerturnedonthemandstuckitsclawsintooneofthebrownmen.Thenalltheotherstooktoflight.
‘Shallwelandhere?’askedthedream–boy.
‘No,’saidLittleLasse.‘Don’tyouseethetigerawaytherebythepepperplant?Letustraveltoanotherpartoftheworld.’
‘Wecandoso,’saidthedream–boywiththeblueeyes.‘WearenotfarfromAfrica’—andashesaidthattheywerethere.
Theyanchoredatthemouthofagreatriverwheretheshoreswereasgreenasthegreenestvelvet.Alittledistancefromtheriveranimmensedesertstretchedaway.Theairwasyellow;thesunshonesohot,sohotasifitwouldburntheearthtoashes,andthepeoplewereasblackastheblackestjet.Theyrodeacrossthedesertontallcamels;thelionsroaredwiththirst,andthegreatcrocodileswiththeirgreylizardheadsandsharpwhiteteethgapedupoutoftheriver.
‘Shallwelandhere?’askedthedream–boy.
‘No,’saidLittleLasse.‘Thesunwouldburnus,andthelionsandthecrocodileswouldeatusup.Letustraveltoanotherpartoftheworld.’
‘WecantravelbacktoEurope,’saidthedream–boywiththefairhair.Andwiththattheywerethere.
Theycametoashorewhereitwasallsocoolandfamiliarandfriendly.Therestoodthetallbirchtreewithitsdroopingleaves;atthetopsattheoldcrow,andatitsfootcreptthegardener’sblackcat.NotfarawaywasahousewhichLittleLassehadseenbefore;nearthehousetherewasagarden,andinthegardenapeabedwithlongpeashells.Anoldgardenerwithagreencoatwalkedaboutandwonderedifthecucumberswereripe.Fylax
wasbarkingonthesteps,andwhenhesawLittleLassehewaggedhistail.OldStinawasmilkingthecowsinthefarmyard,andtherewasaveryfamiliarladyinacheckwoollenshawlonherwaytothebleachinggreentoseeiftheclotheswerebleached.Therewas,too,awell–knowngentlemaninayellowsummercoat,withalongpipeinhismouth;hewasgoingtoseeifthereapershadcuttherye.Aboyandagirlwererunningontheshoreandcallingout,‘LittleLasse!Comehomeforbread–and–butter!’
‘Shallwelandhere?’askedthedream–boy,andheblinkedhisblueeyesroguishly.
‘Comewithme,andIshallaskmothertogiveyousomebread–and–butterandaglassofmilk,’saidLittleLasse.
‘Waitalittle,’saidthedream–boy.AndnowLittleLassesawthatthekitchendoorwasopen,andfromwithintherewasheardalow,pleasantfrizzling,likethatwhichisheardwhenonewhisksyellowbatterwithawoodenladleintoahotfrying–pan.
‘PerhapsweshouldsailbacktoPolynesianow?’saidthedream–boy.
‘No;theyarefryingpancakesinEuropejustnow,’saidLittleLasse;andhewantedtojumpashore,buthecouldnot.Thedream–boyhadtiedhimwithachainofflowers,sothathecouldnotmove.Andnowallthelittledreamscameabouthim,thousandsandthousandsoflittlechildren,andtheymadearingaroundhimandsangalittlesong:
Theworldisvery,verywide,LittleLasse,Lasse,Andthoughyou’vesailedbeyondthetide,YoucannevertellhowwideItisontheotherside,Lasse,LittleLasse.Youhavefounditcoldandhot,LittleLasse,Lasse;ButinnolandisGodnot,Lasse,LittleLasse.Manymenlivethereashere,ButtheyalltoGodaredear,LittleLasse,Lasse.WhenHisangelisyourguide,LittleLasse,Lasse,Thennoharmcane’erbetide,EvenontheothersideWherethewildbeastswander.Buttellusnow,Whene’eryouroam,DoyounotfindthebestishomeOfallthelandsyou’velookedupon,Lasse,LittleLasse?
Whenthedreamshadsungtheirsongtheyskippedaway,andNukkuMatticarriedLasse
backtotheboat.Helaythereforalongtimequitestill,andhestillheardthefrying–panfrizzlingathomeonthefire,thefrizzlingwasveryplain,LittleLassehearditquitenearhim;andsohewokeupandrubbedhiseyes.
Therehelayintheboat,wherehehadfallenasleep.Thewindhadturned,andtheboathaddriftedoutwithonewindanddriftedinwithanotherwhileLittleLasseslept,andwhatLassethoughtwasfrizzlinginafrying–panwasthelowmurmurofthewavesastheywashedagainstthestonesontheshore.Buthewasnotaltogetherwrong,fortheclearblueseaislikeagreatpaninwhichGod’ssunalldaymakescakesforgoodchildren.
LittleLasserubbedthesleepoutofhiseyesandlookedaroundhim.Everythingwasthesameasbefore;thecrowinthebirchtree,thecatonthegrass,andthepea–shellfleetontheshore.Someoftheshipshadfoundered,andsomehaddriftedbacktoland.HerculeshadcomebackwithitscargofromAsia,TheFleahadarrivedfromPolynesia,andtheotherpartsoftheworldwerejustwheretheywerebefore.
LittleLassedidnotknowwhattothink.Hehadsooftenbeeninthatgrottointhe‘LandofNod’anddidnotknowwhattricksdreamscanplay.ButLittleLassedidnottroublehisheadwithsuchthings;hegatheredtogetherhisboatsandwalkeduptheshorebacktothehouse.
Hisbrotherandsisterrantomeethim,andcalledoutfromthedistance,‘Wherehaveyoubeensolong,Lasse?Comehomeandgetsomebread–and–butter.’Thekitchendoorstoodopen,andinsidewasheardastrangefrizzling.
Thegardenerwasnearthegate,wateringthedillandparsley,thecarrotsandparsnips.
‘Well,’hesaid,‘wherehasLittleLassebeensolong?’
LittleLassestraightenedhimselfupstiff,andanswered:‘Ihavesailedroundtheworldinapea–shellboat.’
‘Oh!’saidthegardener.
HehadforgottenDreamland.Butyouhavenotforgottenit;youknowthatitexists.Youknowthebeautifulgrottoandthebrightsilverwallswhoselustreneverfades,thesparklingdiamondswhichnevergrowdim,themusicwhichneverceasesitslow,softmurmurthroughthesweeteveningtwilight.TheairyfairyfanciesofhappyDreamlandnevergrowold;they,likethegloriousstarsaboveus,arealwaysyoung.Perhapsyouhavecaughtaglimpseoftheiretherealwingsastheyflewaroundyourpillow.Perhapsyouhavemetthesamedream–boywiththeblueeyesandthefairhair,theonewhoworetheredcapwiththesilverbandandthewhitecoatwithpearlsonthecollar.Perhapshehastakenyoutoseeallthecountriesoftheworldandthepeoples,thecoldwastelandsandtheburningdeserts,themanycolouredmenandthewildcreaturesintheseaandinthewoods,sothatyoumaylearnmanythings,butcomegladlyhomeagain.Yes,whoknows?Perhapsyoualsohavesailedroundthewideworldonceinapea–shellboat.
FromZ.Topelius.
‘MOTI’ONCEuponatimetherewasayouthcalledMoti,whowasverybigandstrong,buttheclumsiestcreatureyoucanimagine.Soclumsywashethathewasalwaysputtinghisgreatfeetintothebowlsofsweetmilkorcurdswhichhismothersetoutonthefloortocool,alwayssmashing,upsetting,breaking,untilatlasthisfathersaidtohim:
‘Here,Moti,arefiftysilverpieceswhicharethesavingsofyears;takethemandgoandmakeyourlivingoryourfortuneifyoucan.’
ThenMotistartedoffoneearlyspringmorningwithhisthickstaffoverhisshouldersinginggailytohimselfashewalkedalong.
Inonewayandanotherhegotalongverywelluntilahoteveningwhenhecametoacertaincitywhereheenteredthetravellers’‘serai’orinntopassthenight.Nowaserai,youmustknow,isgenerallyjustalargesquareenclosedbyahighwallwithanopencolonnadealongtheinsideallroundtoaccommodatebothmenandbeasts,andwithperhapsafewroomsintowersatthecornersforthosewhoaretoorichortooproudtocareaboutsleepingbytheirowncamelsandhorses.Moti,ofcourse,wasacountryladandhadlivedwithcattleallhislife,andhewasn’trichandhewasn’tproud,sohejustborrowedabedfromtheinnkeeper,setitdownbesideanoldbuffalowhoremindedhimofhome,andinfiveminuteswasfastasleep.
Inthemiddleofthenighthewoke,feelingthathehadbeendisturbed,andputtinghishandunderhispillowfoundtohishorrorthathisbagofmoneyhadbeenstolen.Hejumpedupquietlyandbegantoprowlaroundtoseewhetheranyoneseemedtobeawake,but,thoughhemanagedtoarouseafewmenandbeastsbyfallingoverthem,hewalkedintheshadowofthearchwaysroundthewholeseraiwithoutcomingacrossalikelythief.Hewasjustabouttogiveitupwhenheoverheadtwomenwhispering,andonelaughedsoftly,and,peeringbehindapillar,hesawtwoAfghanhorse–dealerscountingouthisbagofmoney!ThenMotiwentbacktobed!
InthemorningMotifollowedthetwoAfghansoutsidethecitytothehorsemarketinwhichtheirhorseswereofferedforsale.Choosingthebest–lookinghorseamongstthemhewentuptoitandsaid:
‘Isthishorseforsale?mayItryit?’and,themerchantsassenting,hescrambleduponitsback,duginhisheels,andofftheyflew.NowMotihadneverbeenonahorseinhislife,andhadsomuchadotoholdonwithbothhandsaswellaswithbothlegsthattheanimalwentjustwhereitliked,andverysoonbrokeintoabreak–neckgallopandmadestraightbacktotheseraiwhereithadspentthelastfewnights.
‘Thiswilldoverywell,’thoughtMotiastheywhirledinattheentrance.AssoonasthehorsehadarrivedatitsstableitstoppedofitsownaccordandMotiimmediatelyrolledoff;buthejumpedupatonce,tiedthebeastup,andcalledforsomebreakfast.PresentlytheAfghansappeared,outofbreathandfurious,andclaimedthehorse.
‘Whatdoyoumean?’criedMoti,withhismouthfullofrice,‘it’smyhorse;Ipaidyou
fiftypiecesofsilverforit—quiteabargain,I’msure!’
‘Nonsense!itisourhorse,’answeredoneoftheAfghans,beginningtountiethebridle.
‘Leaveoff,’shoutedMoti,seizinghisstaff;‘ifyoudon’tletmyhorsealoneI’llcrackyourskulls!youthieves!Iknowyou!Lastnightyoutookmymoney,soto–dayItookyourhorse;that’sfairenough!’
NowtheAfghansbegantolookalittleuncomfortable,butMotiseemedsodeterminedtokeepthehorsethattheyresolvedtoappealtothelaw,sotheywentoff,andlaidacomplaintbeforethekingthatMotihadstolenoneoftheirhorsesandwouldnotgiveitupnorpayforit.
PresentlyasoldiercametosummonMotitotheking;and,whenhearrivedandmadehisobeisance,thekingbegantoquestionhimastowhyhehadgallopedoffwiththehorseinthisfashion.ButMotideclaredthathehadgottheanimalinexchangeforfiftypiecesofsilver,whilstthehorsemerchantsvowedthatthemoneytheyhadonthemwaswhattheyhadreceivedforthesaleofotherhorses;andinonewayandanotherthedisputegotsoconfusingthattheking(whoreallythoughtthatMotihadstolenthehorse)saidatlast,‘Well,ItellyouwhatIwilldo.Iwilllocksomethingintothisboxbeforeme,andifheguesseswhatitis,thehorseishis,andifhedoesn’t,thenitisyours.’
TothisMotiagreed,andthekingaroseandwentoutalonebyalittledooratthebackoftheCourt,andpresentlycamebackclaspingsomethingcloselywrappedupinaclothunderhisrobe,slippeditintothelittlebox,lockedthebox,andsetitupwhereallmightsee.
‘Now,’saidthekingtoMoti,‘guess!’
Ithappenedthatwhenthekinghadopenedthedoorbehindhim,Motinoticedthattherewasagardenoutside:withoutwaitingfortheking’sreturnhebegantothinkwhatcouldbegotoutofthegardensmallenoughtobeshutinthebox.‘Isitlikelytobeafruitoraflower?No,notaflowerthistime,forheclaspedittootight.Thenitmustbeafruitorastone.Yetnotastone,becausehewouldn’twrapadirtystoneinhisnicecleancloth.Thenitisafruit!Andafruitwithoutmuchscent,orelsehewouldbeafraidthatImightsmellit.Nowwhatfruitwithoutmuchscentisinseasonjustnow?WhenIknowthatIshallhaveguessedtheriddle!’
Ashasbeensaidbefore,Motiwasacountrylad,andwasaccustomedtoworkinhisfather’sgarden.Heknewallthecommonfruits,sohethoughtheoughttobeabletoguessright,butsoasnottoletitseemtooeasy,hegazedupattheceilingwithapuzzledexpression,andlookeddownatthefloorwithanairofwisdomandhisfingerspressedagainsthisforehead,andthenhesaid,slowly,withhiseyesontheking,—
‘Itisfreshlyplucked!itisroundanditisred!itisapomegranate!’
Nowthekingknewnothingaboutfruitsexceptthattheyweregoodtoeat;and,asforseasons,heaskedforwhateverfruithewantedwheneverhewantedit,andsawthathegotit;sotohimMoti’sguesswaslikeamiracle,andclearproofnotonlyofhiswisdombutofhisinnocence,foritwasapomegranatethathehadputintothebox.OfcoursewhenthekingmarvelledandpraisedMoti’swisdom,everybodyelsedidsotoo;and,whilsttheAfghanswentoffcrestfallen,Motitookthehorseandenteredtheking’sservice.
Verysoonafterthis,Moti,whocontinuedtoliveintheserai,camebackonewetandstormyeveningtofindthathisprecioushorsehadstrayed.Nothingremainedofhimbutabrokenhaltercord,andnooneknewwhathadbecomeofhim.Afterinquiringofeveryonewhowaslikelytoknow,Motiseizedthecordandhisbigstaffandsalliedouttolookforhim.Awayandawayhetrampedoutofthecityandintotheneighbouringforest,trackinghoof–marksinthemud.Presentlyitgrewlate,butstillMotiwanderedonuntilsuddenlyinthegatheringdarknesshecamerightuponatigerwhowascontentedlyeatinghishorse.
‘Youthief!’shriekedMoti,andranup,and,justasthetiger,inastonishment,droppedabone—whack!cameMoti’sstaffonhisheadwithsuchgoodwillthatthebeastwashalfstunnedandcouldhardlybreatheorsee.ThenMoticontinuedtoshoweruponhimblowsandabuseuntilthepoortigercouldhardlystand,whereuponhistormentortiedtheendofthebrokenhalterroundhisneckanddraggedhimbacktotheserai.
‘Ifyouhadmyhorse,’hesaid,‘Iwillatleasthaveyou,that’sfairenough!’Andhetiedhimupsecurelybytheheadandheels,muchasheusedtotiethehorse;then,thenightbeingfargone,heflunghimselfbesidehimandsleptsoundly.
Youcannotimagineanythinglikethefrightofthepeopleintheserai,whentheywokeupandfoundatiger—verybatteredbutstillatiger—securelytetheredamongstthemselvesandtheirbeasts!Mengatheredingroupstalkingandexclaiming,andfindingfaultwiththeinnkeeperforallowingsuchadangerousbeastintotheserai,andallthewhiletheinnkeeperwasjustastroubledastherest,andnonedaredgoneartheplacewherethetigerstoodblinkingmiserablyoneveryone,andwhereMotilaystretchedoutsnoringlikethunder.
AtlastnewsreachedthekingthatMotihadexchangedhishorseforalivetiger;andthemonarchhimselfcamedown,halfdisbelievingthetale,toseeifitwerereallytrue.SomeoneatlastawakedMotiwiththenewsthathisroyalmasterwascome;andhearoseyawning,andwassoondelightedlyexplainingandshowingoffhisnewpossession.Theking,however,didnotsharehispleasureatall,butcalledupasoldiertoshootthetiger,muchtothereliefofalltheinmatesoftheseraiexceptMoti.Iftheking,however,wasbeforeconvincedthatMotiwasoneofthewisestofmen,hewasnowstillmoreconvincedthathewasthebravest,andheincreasedhispayahundredfold,sothatourherothoughtthathewastheluckiestofmen.
SOME–ONEATLASTAWAKEDMOTI
AweekortwoafterthisincidentthekingsentforMoti,whoonarrivalfoundhismasterindespair.Aneighbouringmonarch,heexplained,whohadmanymoresoldiersthanhe,haddeclaredwaragainsthim,andhewasathiswits’end,forhehadneithermoneytobuyhimoffnorsoldiersenoughtofighthim—whatwashetodo?
‘Ifthatisall,don’tyoutrouble,’saidMoti.‘Turnoutyourmen,andI’llgowiththem,andwe’llsoonbringthisrobbertoreason.’
Thekingbegantoreviveatthesehopefulwords,andtookMotiofftohisstablewherehebadehimchooseforhimselfanyhorseheliked.Therewereplentyoffinehorsesinthestalls,buttotheking’sastonishmentMotichoseapoorlittleratofaponythatwasusedtocarrygrassandwaterfortherestofthestable.
‘Butwhydoyouchoosethatbeast?’saidtheking.
‘Well,yousee,yourmajesty,’repliedMoti,‘therearesomanychancesthatImayfalloff,andifIchooseoneofyourfinebighorsesIshallhavesofartofallthatIshallprobablybreakmylegormyarm,ifnotmyneck,butifIfalloffthislittlebeastIcan’thurtmyselfmuch.’
AverycomicalsightwasMotiwhenherodeouttothewar.Theonlyweaponhecarriedwashisstaff,andtohelphimtokeephisbalanceonhorsebackhehadtiedtoeachofhisanklesabigstonethatnearlytouchedthegroundashesatastridethelittlepony.Therest
oftheking’scavalrywerenotverynumerous,buttheyprancedalonginarmouronfinehorses.Behindthemcameagreatrabbleofmenonfootarmedwithallsortsofweapons,andlastofallwasthekingwithhisattendants,verynervousandillatease.Sothearmystarted.Theyhadnotveryfartogo,butMoti’slittlepony,weightedwithaheavymanandtwobigrocks,soonbegantolagbehindthecavalry,andwouldhavelaggedbehindtheinfantrytoo,onlytheywerenotveryanxioustobetooearlyinthefight,andhungbacksoastogiveMotiplentyoftime.Theyoungmanjoggedalongmoreandmoreslowlyforsometime,untilatlast,gettingimpatientattheslownessofthepony,hegavehimsuchatremendousthwackwithhisstaffthattheponycompletelylosthistemperandbolted.Firstonestonebecameuntiedandrolledawayinacloudofdusttoonesideoftheroad,whilstMotinearlyrolledofftoo,butclaspedhissteedvaliantlybyitsraggedmane,and,droppinghisstaff,heldonfordearlife.Thenfortunatelytheotherrockbrokeawayfromhisotherlegandrolledthunderouslydownaneighbouringravine.MeanwhiletheadvancedcavalryhadbarelytimetodrawtoonesidewhenMoticamedashingby,yellingbloodthirstythreatstohispony:
‘YouwaittillIgetholdofyou!I’llskinyoualive!I’llwringyourneck!I’llbreakeveryboneinyourbody!’Thecavalrythoughtthatthisdreadfullanguagewasmeantfortheenemy,andwerefilledwithadmirationofhiscourage.Manyoftheirhorsestoowerequiteupsetbythiswhirlwindthatgallopedhowlingthroughtheirmidst,andinafewminutes,afteralittleplungingandrearingandkicking,thewholetroopwerefollowingonMoti’sheels.
Farinadvance,Moticontinuedhiswildcareer.Presentlyinhiscoursehecametoagreatfieldofcastor–oilplants,tenortwelvefeethigh,bigandbushy,butquitegreenandsoft.HopingtoescapefromthebackofhisfierysteedMotigraspedoneinpassing,butitsrootsgaveway,andhedashedon,withthewholeplantlookinglikeayoungtreeflourishinginhisgrip.
Theenemywereinbattlearray,advancingovertheplain,theirkingwiththemconfidentandcheerful,whensuddenlyfromthefrontcameadesperaterideratafuriousgallop.
‘Sire!’hecried,‘saveyourself!theenemyarecoming!’
‘Whatdoyoumean?’saidtheking.
‘Oh,sire!’pantedthemessenger,‘flyatonce,thereisnotimetolose.Foremostoftheenemyridesamadgiantatafuriousgallop.Heflourishesatreeforaclubandiswildwithanger,forashegoeshecries,“YouwaittillIgetholdofyou!I’llskinyoualive!I’llwringyourneck!I’llbreakeveryboneinyourbody!”Othersridebehind,andyouwilldowelltoretirebeforethiswhirlwindofdestructioncomesuponyou.’
JustthenoutofacloudofdustinthedistancethekingsawMotiapproachingatahardgallop,lookingindeedlikeagiantcomparedwiththelittlebeastherode,whirlinghiscastor–oilplant,whichinthedistancemighthavebeenanoaktree,andthesoundofhisrevilingsandshoutingscamedownuponthebreeze!Behindhimthedustcloudmovedtothesoundofthethunderofhoofs,whilsthereandthereflashedtheglitterofsteel.Thesightandthesoundstruckterrorintotheking,and,turninghishorse,hefledattopspeed,thinkingthataregimentofyellinggiantswasuponhim;andallhisforcefollowedhimas
fastastheymightgo.Onefatofficeralonecouldnotkeepuponfootwiththatmadrush,andasMoticamegallopingupheflunghimselfonthegroundinabjectfear.ThiswastoomuchforMoti’sexcitedpony,whoshiedsosuddenlythatMotiwentflyingoverhisheadlikeaskyrocket,andalightedrightonthetopofhisfatfoe.
QuicklyregaininghisfeetMotibegantoswinghisplantroundhisheadandtoshout:
‘Whereareyourmen?BringthemupandI’llkillthem.Myregiments!Comeon,thewholelotofyou!Where’syourking?Bringhimtome.Hereareallmyfinefellowscomingupandwe’lleachpullupatreebytherootsandlayyouallflatandyourhousesandtownsandeverythingelse!Comeon!’
Butthepoorfatofficercoulddonothingbutsquatonhiskneeswithhishandstogether,gasping.Atlast,whenhegothisbreath,Motisenthimofftobringhisking,andtotellhimthatifhewasreasonablehislifeshouldbespared.Offthepoormanwent,andbythetimethetroopsofMoti’ssidehadcomeupandarrangedthemselvestolookasformidableaspossible,hereturnedwithhisking.Thelatterwasveryhumbleandapologetic,andpromisednevertomakewaranymore,topayalargesumofmoney,andaltogetherdowhateverhisconquerorwished.
Sothearmiesonbothsideswentrejoicinghome,andthiswasreallythemakingofthefortuneofclumsyMoti,wholivedlongandcontrivedalwaystobelookeduptoasafountainofwisdom,valour,anddiscretionbyallexcepthisrelations,whocouldneverunderstandwhathehaddonetobeconsideredsomuchwiserthananyoneelse.
APushtoStory.
THEENCHANTEDDEER
AYOUNGmanwasoutwalkingonedayinErin,leadingastoutcart–horsebythebridle.Hewasthinkingofhismotherandhowpoortheyweresincehisfather,whowasafisherman,hadbeendrownedatsea,andwonderingwhatheshoulddotoearnalivingforbothofthem.Suddenlyahandwaslaidonhisshoulder,andavoicesaidtohim:
‘Willyousellmeyourhorse,sonofthefisherman?’andlookinguphebeheldamanstandingintheroadwithaguninhishand,afalcononhisshoulder,andadogbyhisside.
‘Whatwillyougivemeformyhorse?’askedtheyouth.‘Willyougivemeyourgun,andyourdog,andyourfalcon?’
‘Iwillgivethem,’answeredtheman,andhetookthehorse,andtheyouthtookthegunandthedogandthefalcon,andwenthomewiththem.Butwhenhismotherheardwhathehaddoneshewasveryangry,andbeathimwithastickwhichshehadinherhand.
‘Thatwillteachyoutosellmyproperty,’saidshe,whenherarmwasquitetired,butIanhersonansweredhernothing,andwentofftohisbed,forhewasverysore.
Thatnightherosesoftly,andleftthehousecarryingthegunwithhim.‘Iwillnotstayheretobebeaten,’thoughthe,andhewalkedandhewalkedandhewalked,tillitwasdayagain,andhewashungryandlookedabouthimtoseeifhecouldgetanythingtoeat.Notveryfaroffwasafarm–house,sohewentthere,andknockedatthedoor,andthefarmerandhiswifebeggedhimtocomein,andsharetheirbreakfast.
INSTEADOFADEERAWOMANWITHLONGBLACKHAIRWASSTANDINGTHERE
‘Ah,youhaveagun,’saidthefarmerastheyoungmanplaceditinacorner.‘Thatiswell,foradeercomeseveryeveningtoeatmycorn,andIcannotcatchit.Itisfortunethathassentyoutome.’
‘Iwillgladlyremainandshootthedeerforyou,’repliedtheyouth,andthatnighthehidhimselfandwatchedtillthedeercametothecornfield;thenheliftedhisguntohisshoulderandwasjustgoingtopullthetrigger,when,behold!insteadofadeer,awomanwithlongblackhairwasstandingthere.Atthissighthisgunalmostdroppedfromhishandinsurprise,butashelooked,therewasthedeereatingthecornagain.Andthricethishappened,tillthedeerranawayoverthemoor,andtheyoungmanafterher.
Ontheywent,onandonandon,tilltheyreachedacottagewhichwasthatchedwithheather.Withaboundthedeersprangontheroof,andlaydownwherenonecouldseeher,butasshedidsoshecalledout,‘Goin,fisher’sson,andeatanddrinkwhileyoumay.’Soheenteredandfoundfoodandwineonthetable,butnoman,forthehousebelongedtosomerobbers,whowerestillawayattheirwickedbusiness.
AfterIan,thefisher’sson,hadeatenallhewanted,hehidhimselfbehindagreatcask,andverysoonheheardanoise,asofmencomingthroughtheheather,andthesmalltwigssnappingundertheirfeet.Fromhisdarkcornerhecouldseeintotheroom,andhecountedfourandtwentyofthem,allbig,cross–lookingmen.
‘Someonehasbeeneatingourdinner,’criedthey,‘andtherewashardlyenoughfor
ourselves.’
‘Itisthemanwhoislyingunderthecask,’answeredtheleader.‘Goandkillhim,andthencomeandeatyourfoodandsleep,forwemustbeoffbetimesinthemorning.’
Sofourofthemkilledthefisher’ssonandlefthim,andthenwenttobed.
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Bysunrisetheywerealloutofthehouse,fortheyhadfartogo.Andwhentheyhaddisappearedthedeercameofftheroof,towherethedeadmanlay,andsheshookherheadoverhim,andwaxfellfromherear,andhejumpedupaswellasever.
‘Trustmeandeatasyoudidbefore,andnoharmshallhappentoyou,’saidshe.SoIanateanddrank,andfellsoundasleepunderthecask.Intheeveningtherobbersarrivedverytired,andcrosserthantheyhadbeenyesterday,fortheirluckhadturnedandtheyhadbroughtbackscarcelyanything.
‘Someonehaseatenourdinneragain,’criedthey.
‘Itisthemanunderthebarrel,’answeredthecaptain.‘Letfourofyougoandkillhim,butfirstslaytheotherfourwhopretendedtokillhimlastnightanddidn’t,becauseheisstillalive.’
ThenIanwaskilledasecondtime,andaftertherestoftherobbershadeaten,theylaydownandslepttillmorning.
Nosoonerweretheirfacestouchedwiththesun’sraysthantheywereupandoff.Thenthedeerenteredanddroppedthehealingwaxonthedeadman,andhewasaswellasever.Bythistimehedidnotmindwhatbefellhim,sosurewashethatthedeerwouldtakecareofhim,andintheeveningthatwhichhadhappenedbeforehappenedagain—thefourrobberswereputtodeathandthefisher’ssonalso,butbecausetherewasnofoodleftforthemtoeat,theywerenearlymadwithrage,andbegantoquarrel.Fromquarrellingtheywentontofighting,andfoughtsohardthatbyandbyetheywereallstretcheddeadonthefloor.
Thenthedeerentered,andthefisher’ssonwasrestoredtolife,andbiddinghimfollowher,sheranontoalittlewhitecottagewheredweltanoldwomanandherson,whowasthinanddark.
‘HereImustleaveyou,’saidthedeer,‘butto–morrowmeetmeatmiddayinthechurchthatisyonder.’Andjumpingacrossthestream,shevanishedintoawood.
Shecombedhishairwithagoldencombbuthiseyesopenednot
Nextdayhesetoutforthechurch,buttheoldwomanofthecottagehadgonebeforehim,andhadstuckanenchantedstickcalled‘thespikeofhurt’inacrackofthedoor,sothathewouldbrushagainstitashesteppedacrossthethreshold.Suddenlyhefeltsosleepythathecouldnotstandup,andthrowinghimselfonthegroundhesankintoadeepslumber,notknowingthatthedarkladwaswatchinghim.Nothingcouldwakenhim,noteventhesoundofsweetestmusic,northetouchofaladywhobentoverhim.Asadlookcameonherface,asshesawitwasnouse,andatlastshegaveitup,andliftinghisarm,wrotehernameacrosshisside—‘thedaughterofthekingofthetownunderthewaves.’
‘Iwillcometo–morrow,’shewhispered,thoughhecouldnothearher,andshewentsorrowfullyaway.
Thenheawoke,andthedarkladtoldhimwhathadbefallenhim,andhewasverygrieved.Butthedarkladdidnottellhimofthenamethatwaswrittenunderneathhisarm.
Onthefollowingmorningthefisher’ssonagainwenttothechurch,determinedthathewouldnotgotosleep,whateverhappened.Butinhishurrytoenterhetouchedwithhishandthespikeofhurt,andsankdownwherehestood,wrappedinslumber.Asecondtimetheairwasfilledwithmusic,andtheladycamein,steppingsoftly,butthoughshelaidhisheadonherknee,andcombedhishairwithagoldencomb,hiseyesopenednot.Thensheburstintotears,andplacingabeautifullywroughtboxinhispocketshewentherway.
Thenextdaythesamethingbefellthefisher’sson,andthistimetheladyweptmore
bitterlythanbefore,forshesaiditwasthelastchance,andshewouldneverbeallowedtocomeanymore,forhomeshemustgo.
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Assoonastheladyhaddepartedthefisher’ssonawoke,andthedarkladtoldhimofhervisit,andhowhewouldneverseeheraslongashelived.Atthisthefisher’ssonfeltthecoldcreepinguptohisheart,yetheknewthefaulthadnotbeenhisthatsleephadovertakenhim.
‘IwillsearchthewholeworldthroughtillIfindher,’criedhe,andthedarkladlaughedasheheardhim.Butthefisher’ssontooknoheed,andoffhewent,followingthesundayafterday,tillhisshoeswereinholesandhisfeetweresorefromthejourney.Noughtdidheseebutthebirdsthatmadetheirnestsinthetrees,notsomuchasagoatorarabbit.Onandonandonhewent,tillsuddenlyhecameuponalittlehouse,withawomanstandingoutsideit.
‘Allhail,fisher’sson!’saidshe.‘Iknowwhatyouareseeking;enterinandrestandeat,andto–morrowIwillgiveyouwhathelpIcan,andsendyouonyourway.’
GladlydidIanthefisher’ssonacceptheroffer,andallthatdayherested,andthewomangavehimointmenttoputonhisfeet,whichhealedhissores.Atdaybreakhegotup,readytobegone,andthewomanbadehimfarewell,saying:
‘Ihaveasisterwhodwellsontheroadwhichyoumusttravel.Itisalongroad,anditwouldtakeyouayearandadaytoreachit,butputontheseoldbrownshoeswithholesalloverthem,andyouwillbetherebeforeyouknowit.Thenshakethemoff,andturntheirtoestotheknown,andtheirheelstotheunknown,andtheywillcomehomeofthemselves.’
Thefisher’ssondidasthewomantoldhim,andeverythinghappenedjustasshehadsaid.Butatpartingthesecondsistersaidtohim,asshegavehimanotherpairofshoes:
‘Gotomythirdsister,forshehasasonwhoiskeeperofthebirdsoftheair,andsendsthemtosleepwhennightcomes.Heisverywise,andperhapshecanhelpyou.’
Thentheyoungmanthankedher,andwenttothethirdsister.
Thethirdsisterwasverykind,buthadnocounseltogivehim,soheateanddrankandwaitedtillhersoncamehome,afterhehadsentallthebirdstosleep.Hethoughtalongwhileafterhismotherhadtoldhimtheyoungman’sstory,andatlasthesaidthathewashungry,andthecowmustbekilled,ashewantedsomesupper.Sothecowwaskilledandthemeatcooked,andabagmadeofitsredskin.
‘Nowgetintothebag,’badetheson,andtheyoungmangotinandtookhisgunwithhim,butthedogandthefalconheleftoutside.Thekeeperofthebirdsdrewthestringatthetopofthebag,andleftittofinishhissupper,wheninflewaneaglethroughtheopendoor,andpickedthebagupinherclawsandcarrieditthroughtheairtoanisland.Therewasnothingtoeatontheisland,andthefisher’ssonthoughthewoulddieforlackoffood,whenherememberedtheboxthattheladyhadputinhispocket.Heopenedthelid,andthreetinylittlebirdsflewout,andflappingtheirwingstheyasked,
‘Goodmaster,isthereanythingwecandoforthee?’
‘Bearmetothekingdomofthekingunderthewaves,’heanswered,andonelittlebirdflewontohishead,andtheothersperchedoneachofhisshoulders,andheshuthiseyes,andinamomenttherehewasinthecountryunderthesea.Thenthebirdsflewaway,andtheyoungmanlookedabouthim,hisheartbeatingfastatthethoughtthatheredwelttheladywhomhehadsoughtalltheworldover.
Hewalkedonthroughthestreets,andpresentlyhereachedthehouseofaweaverwhowasstandingathisdoor,restingfromhiswork.
‘Youareastrangerhere,thatisplain,’saidtheweaver,‘butcomein,andIwillgiveyoufoodanddrink.’Andtheyoungmanwasglad,forheknewnotwheretogo,andtheysatandtalkedtillitgrewlate.
‘Staywithme,Ipray,forIlovecompanyandamlonely,’observedtheweaveratlast,andhepointedtoabedinacorner,wherethefisher’ssonthrewhimself,andslepttilldawn.
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‘Thereistobeahorse–raceinthetownto–day,’remarkedtheweaver,‘andthewinneristohavetheking’sdaughtertowife.’Theyoungmantrembledwithexcitementatthenews,andhisvoiceshookasheanswered:
‘Thatwillbeaprizeindeed,Ishouldliketoseetherace.’
‘Oh,thatisquiteeasy—anyonecango,’repliedtheweaver.‘Iwouldtakeyoumyself,butIhavepromisedtoweavethisclothfortheking.’
‘Thatisapity,’returnedtheyoungmanpolitely,butinhisheartherejoiced,forhewishedtobealone.
Leavingthehouse,heenteredagroveoftreeswhichstoodbehind,andtooktheboxfromhispocket.Heraisedthelid,andoutflewthethreelittlebirds.
‘Goodmaster,whatshallwedoforthee?’askedthey,andheanswered,‘Bringmethefinesthorsethateverwasseen,andthegrandestdress,andglassshoes.’
‘Theyarehere,master,’saidthebirds,andsotheywere,andneverhadtheyoungmanseenanythingsosplendid.
Mountingthehorseherodeintothegroundwherethehorseswereassemblingforthegreatrace,andtookhisplaceamongthem.Manygoodbeastsweretherewhichhadwonmanyraces,butthehorseofthefisher’ssonleftthemallbehind,andhewasfirstatthewinningpost.Theking’sdaughterwaitedforhiminvaintoclaimhisprize,forhewentbacktothewood,andgotoffhishorse,andputonhisoldclothes,andbadetheboxplacesomegoldinhispockets.Afterthathewentbacktotheweaver’shouse,andtoldhimthatthegoldhadbeengivenhimbythemanwhohadwontherace,andthattheweavermighthaveitforhiskindnesstohim.
Nowasnobodyhadappearedtodemandthehandoftheprincess,thekingorderedanotherracetoberun,andthefisher’ssonrodeintothefield,stillmoresplendidlydressedthanhewasbefore,andeasilydistancedeverybodyelse.Butagainhelefttheprizeunclaimed,andsoithappenedonthethirdday,whenitseemedasifallthepeopleinthekingdomweregatheredtoseetherace,fortheywerefilledwithcuriositytoknowwhothewinner
couldbe.
‘Ifhewillnotcomeofhisownfreewill,hemustbebrought,’saidtheking,andmessengerswhohadseenthefaceofthevictorweresenttoseekhimineverystreetofthetown.Thistookmanydays,andwhenatlasttheyfoundtheyoungmanintheweaver’scottage,hewassodirtyanduglyandhadsuchastrangeappearance,thattheydeclaredhecouldnotbethewinnertheyhadbeensearchingfor,butawickedrobberwhohadmurderedeversomanypeople,buthadalwaysmanagedtoescape.
‘Yes,itmustbetherobber,’saidtheking,whenthefisher’ssonwasledintohispresence;‘buildagallowsatonceandhanghiminthesightofallmysubjects,thattheymaybeholdhimsufferthepunishmentofhiscrimes.’
Sothegallowswasbuiltuponahighplatform,andthefisher’ssonmountedthestepsuptoit,andturnedatthetoptomakethespeechthatwasexpectedfromeverydoomedman,innocentorguilty.Ashespokehehappenedtoraisehisarm,andtheking’sdaughter,whowasthereatherfather’sside,sawthenamewhichshehadwrittenunderit.Withashriekshesprangfromherseat,andtheeyesofthespectatorswereturnedtowardsher.
‘Stop!stop!’shecried,hardlyknowingwhatshesaid.‘Ifthatmanishangedthereisnotasoulinthekingdombutshalldiealso.’Andrunninguptowherethefisher’ssonwasstanding,shetookhimbythehand,saying,
‘Father,thisisnorobberormurderer,butthevictorinthethreeraces,andheloosedthespellsthatwerelaiduponme.’
Then,withoutwaitingforareply,sheconductedhimintothepalace,andhebathedinamarblebath,andallthedirtthatthefairieshadputuponhimdisappearedlikemagic,andwhenhehaddressedhimselfinthefinegarmentstheprincesshadsenttohim,helookedamatchforanyking’sdaughterinErin.Hewentdownintothegreathallwhereshewasawaitinghim,andtheyhadmuchtotelleachotherbutlittletimetotellitin,fortheking,herfather,andtheprinceswhowerevisitinghim,andallthepeopleofthekingdomwerestillintheirplacesexpectingherreturn.
‘Howdidyoufindmeout?’shewhisperedastheywentdownthepassage.
‘Thebirdsintheboxtoldme,’answeredhe,buthecouldsaynomore,astheysteppedoutintotheopenspacethatwascrowdedwithpeople.Theretheprincessstopped.
‘Okings!’shesaid,turningtowardsthem,‘ifoneofyouwerekilledto–day,therestwouldfly;butthismanputhistrustinme,andhadhisheadcutoffthreetimes.Becausehehasdonethis,Iwillmarryhimratherthanoneofyou,whohavecomehithertowedme,formanykingsheresoughttofreemefromthespells,butnonecoulddoitsaveIanthefisher’sson.’
From‘PopularTalesoftheWestHighlands.’
AFISHSTORYPERHAPSyouthinkthatfisheswerealwaysfishes,andneverlivedanywhereexceptinthewater,butifyouwenttoAustraliaandtalkedtotheblackpeopleinthesandydesertinthecentreofthecountryyouwouldlearnsomethingquitedifferent.Theywouldtellyouthatlong,longagoyouwouldhavemetfishesontheland,wanderingfromplacetoplace,andhuntingallsortsofanimals,andifyouconsiderhowfishesaremade,youwillunderstandhowdifficultthismusthavebeenandhowclevertheyweretodoit.Indeed,socleverweretheythattheymighthavebeenhuntingstillifaterriblethinghadnothappened.
Onedaythewholefishtribecamebackverytiredfromahuntingexpedition,andlookedaboutforanicecoolspotinwhichtopitchtheircamp.Itwasveryhot,andtheythoughtthattheycouldnotfindamorecomfortableplacethanunderthebranchesofalargetreewhichgrewbythebankofariver.Sotheymadetheirfiretocooksomefood,rightontheedgeofasteepbank,whichhadadeeppoolofwaterlyingbeneathitatthebottom.Whilethefoodwascookingtheyallstretchedthemselveslazilyoutunderthetree,andwerejustdroppingofftosleepwhenabigblackcloudwhichtheyhadnevernoticedspreadoverthesun,andheavydropsofrainbegantofall,sothatthefirewasalmostputout,andthat,youknow,isaveryseriousthinginsavagecountrieswheretheyhavenomatches,foritisveryhardtolightitagain.Tomakemattersworse,anicywindbegantoblow,andthepoorfisheswerechilledrightthroughtheirbodies.
‘Thiswillneverdo,’saidThuggai,theoldestofallthefishtribe.‘Weshalldieofcoldunlesswecanlightthefireagain,’andhebadehissonsrubtwostickstogetherinthehopeofkindlingaflame,butthoughtheyrubbedtilltheyweretired,notasparkcouldtheyproduce.
‘Letmetry,’criedBiernuga,thebonyfish,buthehadnobetterluck,andnomorehadKumbal,thebream,noranyoftherest.
HowTheFishgotintotheWater
‘Itisnouse,’exclaimedThuggai,atlast.‘Thewoodistoowet.Wemustjustsitandwaittillthesuncomesoutagainanddriesit.’Thenaverylittlefishindeed,notmorethanfourincheslongandtheyoungestofthetribe,bowedhimselfbeforeThuggai,saying,‘Askmyfather,Guddhuthecod,tolightthefire.Heisskilledinmagicmorethanmostfishes.’SoThuggaiaskedhim,andGuddhustrippedsomepiecesofbarkoffatree,andplacedthemontopofthesmoulderingashes.Thenhekneltbythesideofthefireandblewatitforalongwhile,tillslowlythefeebleredglowbecamealittlestrongerandtheedgesofthebarkshowedsignsofcurlingup.Whentherestofthetribesawthistheypressedclose,keepingtheirbackstowardsthepiercingwind,butGuddhutoldthemtheymustgototheotherside,ashewantedthewindtofanhisfire.Byandbyethesparkgrewintoaflame,andamerrycracklingwasheard.
‘Morewood,’criedGuddhu,andtheyallranandgatheredwoodandheapeditontheflames,whichleapedandroaredandsputtered.
‘Weshallsoonbewarmnow,’saidthepeopleonetoanother.‘TrulyGuddhuisgreat’;andtheycrowdedroundagain,closerandcloser.Suddenly,withashriek,ablastofwindsweptdownfromthehillsandblewthefireouttowardsthem.Theysprangbackhurriedly,quiteforgettingwheretheystood,andallfelldownthebank,eachtumblingovertheother,tilltheyrolledintothepoolthatlaybelow.Oh,howcolditwasinthatdarkwateronwhichthesunnevershone!Theninaninstanttheyfeltwarmagain,forthefire,drivenbythestrongwind,hadfollowedthemrightdowntothebottomofthepool,whereitburnedasbrightlyasever.Andthefishesgatheredrounditastheyhaddoneonthetopofthecliff,andfoundtheflamesashotasbefore,andthatfireneverwentout,likethoseuponland,butkeptburningforever.Sonowyouknowwhy,ifyoudivedeepdownbelowthecoldsurfaceofthewateronafrostyday,youwillfinditcomfortableandpleasant
underneath,andbequitesorrythatyoucannotstaythere.
Australian‘Folk’Tale.
THEWONDERFULTUNE
MAURICECONNORwastheking,andthat’snosmallword,ofallthepipersinMunster.Hecouldplayjigandreelwithoutend,andOllistrum’sMarch,andtheEagle’sWhistle,andtheHen’sConcert,andoddtunesofeverysortandkind.Butheknewonefarmoresurprisingthantherest,whichhadinitthepowertoseteverythingdeadoralivedancing.
Inwhatwayhelearneditisbeyondmyknowledge,forhewasmightycautiousabouttellinghowhecamebysowonderfulatune.Attheveryfirstnoteofthattunetheshoesbeganshakinguponthefeetofallwhoheardit—oldoryoung,itmatterednot—justasiftheshoeshadtheague;thenthefeetbegangoing,going,goingfromunderthem,andatlastupandawaywiththem,dancinglikemad,whiskinghere,there,andeverywhere,likeastrawinastorm—therewasnohaltingwhilethemusiclasted.
Notafair,norawedding,norafeastinthesevenparishesround,wascountedworththespeakingofwithout‘blindMauriceandhispipes.’Hismother,poorwoman,usedtoleadhimaboutfromoneplacetoanotherjustlikeadog.
DownthroughIveragh,MauriceConnorandhismotherweretakingtheirrounds.BeyondallotherplacesIveraghistheplaceforstormycoastsandsteepmountains,asproperaspotitisasanyinIrelandtogetyourselfdrowned,oryourneckbrokenontheland,shouldyoupreferthat.But,notwithstanding,inBallinskelligBaythereisaneatbitofground,wellfittedfordiversion,anddownfromit,towardsthewater,isacleansmoothpieceofstrand,thedeadimageofacalmsummer’sseaonamoonlightnight,withjustthecurlofthesmallwavesuponit.
HereitwasthatMaurice’smusichadbroughtfromallpartsagreatgatheringoftheyoungmenandtheyoungwomen;for‘twasnoteverydaythestrandofTrafraskawasstirredupbythevoiceofabagpipe.Thedancebegan;andasprettyadanceitwasaseverwasdanced.‘Bravemusic,’saideverybody,‘andwelldone,’whenMauricestopped.
‘Morepowertoyourelbow,Maurice,andafairwindinthebellows,’criedPaddyDorman,ahumpbackeddancingmaster,whowastheretokeeporder.”Tisapity,’saidhe,‘ifwe’dletthepiperrundryaftersuchmusic;‘twouldbeadisgracetoIveragh,thatdidn’tcomeonitsincetheweekofthethreeSundays.’So,aswellbecamehim,forhewasalwaysadecentman,sayshe,‘Didyoudrink,piper?’
‘Iwill,sir,’saidMaurice,answeringthequestiononthesafeside,foryouneveryetknewpiperorschoolmasterwhorefusedhisdrink.
‘Whatwillyoudrink,Maurice?’saysPaddy.
‘I’mnowaysparticular,’saysMaurice;‘Idrinkanythingbarringrawwater;butifit’sallthesametoyou,MisterDorman,may–beyouwouldn’tlendmetheloanofaglassofwhisky.’
‘I’venoglass,Maurice,’saidPaddy;‘I’veonlythebottle.’
‘Letthatbenohindrance,’answeredMaurice;‘mymouthjustholdsaglasstothedrop;
oftenI’vetrieditsure.’
SoPaddyDormantrustedhimwiththebottle—morefoolwashe;and,tohiscost,hefoundthatthoughMaurice’smouthmightnotholdmorethantheglassatonetime,yet,owingtotheholeinhisthroat,ittookmanyafilling.
‘Thatwasnobadwhiskyneither,’saysMaurice,handingbacktheemptybottle.
‘Bytheholyfrost,then!’saysPaddy,”tisbutcoldcomfortthere’sinthatbottlenow;and‘tisyourwordwemusttakeforthestrengthofthewhisky,foryou’veleftusnosampletojudgeby’;andtobesureMauricehadnot.
NowIneednottellanygentlemanorladythatifheorshewastodrinkanhonestbottleofwhiskyatonepull,itisnotatallthesamethingasdrinkingabottleofwater;andinthewholecourseofmylifeIneverknewmorethanfivemenwhocoulddosowithoutbeingtheworse.OftheseMauriceConnorwasnotone,thoughhehadastiffheadenoughofhisown.Don’tthinkIblamehimforit;buttrueisthewordthatsays,‘Whenliquor’sinsenseisout’;andpuff,atabreath,outheblastedhiswonderfultune.
‘Twasreallythenbeyondallbeliefortellingthedancing.Mauricehimselfcouldnotkeepquiet;staggeringnowononeleg,nowontheother,androllingaboutlikeashipinacrosssea,tryingtohumourthetune.Therewashismother,too,movingheroldbonesaslightastheyoungestgirlofthemall;butherdancing,no,northedancingofalltherest,isnotworthythespeakingabouttotheworkthatwasgoingondownuponthestrand.Everyinchofitcoveredwithallmanneroffishjumpingandplungingabouttothemusic,andeverymomentmoreandmorewouldtumbleinoutofthewater,charmedbythewonderfultune.Crabsofmonstroussizespunroundandroundononeclawwiththenimblenessofadancingmaster,andtwirledandtossedtheirotherclawsaboutlikelimbsthatdidnotbelongtothem.Itwasasightsurprisingtobehold.ButperhapsyoumayhaveheardofFatherFlorenceConry,aspleasantamanasonewouldwishtodrinkwithofahotsummer’sday;andhehadrhymedoutallaboutthedancingfishessoneatlythatitwouldbeathousandpitiesnottogiveyouhisverses;soheretheyareinEnglish:
Thebigsealsinmotion,Likewavesoftheocean,Orgoutyfeetprancing,Cameheadingthegayfish,Crabs,lobsters,andcray–fish,Determinedondancing.
Thesweetsoundstheyfollowed,Thegaspingcodswallow’d—‘Twaswonderful,really;Andturbotandflounder,‘Midfishthatwererounder,Justcaper’dasgaily.
John–doriescametripping;
Dullhake,bytheirskipping,Tofriskitseem’dgiven;Brightmackrelwentspringing,LikesmallrainbowswingingTheirflightuptoheaven.
ThewhitingandhaddockLeftsaltwaterpaddockThisdancetobeputin;WhereskatewithflatfacesEdgedoutsomeoldplaices;Butsoleskepttheirfooting.
SpratsandherringsinpowersOfsilveryshowersAllnumberout–numbered;AndgreatlingsolengthyWasthereinsuchplentyTheshorewasencumber’d.
ThescollopandoysterTheirtwoshellsdidroister,Likecastanetsflitting;Whilelimpetsmovedclearly,AndrocksverynearlyWithlaughterweresplitting.
Neverwassuchahullabullointhisworld,beforeorsince;‘twasasifheavenandearthwerecomingtogether;andalloutofMauriceConnor’swonderfultune!
Intheheightofallthesedoings,whatshouldtherebedancingamongtheoutlandishsetoffishesbutabeautifulyoungwoman—asbeautifulasthedawnofday!Shehadacockedhatuponherhead;fromunderitherlonggreenhair—justthecolourofthesea—felldownbehind,withouthindrancetoherdancing.Herteethwerelikerowsofpearls;herlipsforalltheworldlookedlikeredcoral;andshehadashininggownpalegreenasthehollowofthewave,withlittlerowsofpurpleandredseaweedssettledoutuponit;foryouneveryetsawalady,underthewateroroverthewater,whohadnotagoodnotionofdressingherselfout.
UpshedancedaslasttoMaurice,whowasflinginghisfeetfromunderhimasfastashops—fornothinginthisworldcouldkeepstillwhilethattuneofhiswasgoingon—andsaysshetohim,chantingitoutwithavoiceassweetashoney:
I’maladyofhonourWholiveinthesea;Comedown,MauriceConnor,
Andbemarriedtome.SilverplatesandgolddishesYoushallhave,andshallbeThekingofthefishes,Whenyou’remarriedtome.
DrinkwasstronginMaurice’shead,andouthechantedinreturnforhergreatcivility.Itisnoteverylady,may–be,thatwouldbeaftermakingsuchanoffertoablindpiper;therefore‘twasonlyrightinhimtogiveherasgoodasshegaveherself,sosaysMaurice:
I’mobligedtoyou,madam:Offagolddishorplate,Ifaking,andIhad‘em,Icoulddineingreatstate.
Withyourownfather’sdaughterI’dbesuretoagree,ButtodrinkthesaltwaterWouldn’tdosowithme!
Theladylookedathimquiteamazed,andswingingherheadfromsidetosidelikeagreatscholar,‘Well,’saysshe,‘Maurice,ifyou’renotapoet,whereispoetrytobefound?’
Inthiswaytheykeptonatit,framinghighcompliments;oneansweringtheother,andtheirfeetgoingwiththemusicasfastastheirtongues.Allthefishkeptdancing,too;Mauriceheardtheclatterandwasafraidtostopplayinglestitmightbedispleasingtothefish,andnotknowingwhatsomanyofthemmaytakeitintotheirheadstodotohimiftheygotvexed.
Well,theladywiththegreenhairkeptoncoaxingMauricewithsoftspeeches,tillatlastsheover–persuadedhimtopromisetomarryher,andbekingoverthefishes,greatandsmall.Mauricewaswellfittedtobetheirking,iftheywantedonethatcouldmakethemdance;andhesurelywoulddrink,barringthesaltwater,withanyfishofthemall.
TheSea–ladyalluresMauriceintotheSea.
WhenMaurice’smothersawhimwiththatunnaturalthingintheformofagreen–hairedladyashisguide,andheandshedancingdowntogethersolovinglytothewater’sedge,throughthethickofthefishes,shecalledoutafterhimtostopandcomeback.‘Oh,then,’saysshe,‘asifIwasnotwidowenoughbefore,thereheisgoingawayfrommetobemarriedtothatscalywoman.Andwhoknowsbut‘tisgrandmotherImaybetoahakeoracod—Lordhelpandpityme,but‘tisamightyunnaturalthing!Andmay–be‘tisboilingandeatingmyowngrandchildI’llbe,withabitofsaltbutter,andInotknowingit!Oh,Maurice,Maurice,ifthere’sanyloveornatureleftinyou,comebacktoyourownouldmother,whorearedyoulikeadecentChristian!’Thenthepoorwomanbegantocryandsobsofinelythatitwoulddoanyonegoodtohearher.
Mauricewasnotlonggettingtotherimofthewater.Therehekeptplayinganddancingonasifnothingwasthematter,andagreatthunderingwavecomingintowardshimreadytoswallowhimupalive;butashecouldnotseeit,hedidnotfearit.Hismotheritwaswhosawitplainlythroughthebigtearsthatwererollingdownhercheeks;andthoughshesawit,andherheartwasachingasmuchasevermother’sheartachedforason,shekeptdancing,dancingallthetimeforthebarelifeofher.Certainitwasshecouldnothelpit,forMauriceneverstoppedplayingthatwonderfultuneofhis.
Heonlyturnedhiseartothesoundofhismother’svoice,fearingitmightputhimoutin
hissteps,andalltheanswerhemadebackwas,‘Whishtwithyou,mother—sureI’mgoingtobekingoverthefishesdowninthesea,andforatokenofluck,andasignthatI’maliveandwell,I’llsendyouin,everytwelvemonthonthisday,apieceofburnedwoodtoTrafraska.’Mauricehadnotthepowertosayawordmore,forthestrangeladywiththegreenhair,seeingthewavejustuponthem,coveredhimupwithherselfinathinglikeacloakwithabighoodtoit,andthewavecurlingovertwiceashighastheirheads,burstuponthestrand,witharushandaroarthatmightbeheardasfarasCapeClear.ThatdaytwelvemonththepieceofburnedwoodcameashoreinTrafraska.ItwasaqueerthingforMauricetothinkofsendingallthewayfromthebottomofthesea.Agownorapairofshoeswouldhavebeensomethinglikeapresentforhispoormother;buthehadsaidit,andhekepthisword.Thebitofburnedwoodregularlycameashoreontheappointeddayforasgood,ay,andbetterthanahundredyears.Thedayisnowforgotten,andmay–bethatisthereasonwhypeoplesayhowMauriceConnorhasstoppedsendingtheluck–tokentohismother.Poorwoman,shedidnotlivetogetasmuchasoneofthem;forwhatthroughthelossofMaurice,andthefearofeatingherowngrandchildren,shediedinthreeweeksafterthedance.Somesayitwasthefatiguethatkilledher,butwhicheveritwas,Mrs.Connorwasdecentlyburiedwithherownpeople.
Seafaringpeoplehaveoftenheard,offthecoastofKerry,onastillnight,thesoundofmusiccomingupfromthewater;andsome,whohavehadgoodearscouldplainlydistinguishMauriceConnor’svoicesingingthesewordstohispipes—
Beautifulshore,withthyspreadingstrand,Thycrystalwater,anddiamondsand;NeverwouldIhavepartedfromthee,Butforthesakeofmyfairladie.
From‘FairyTalesandTraditionsoftheSouthofIreland.’
THERICHBROTHERANDTHEPOORBROTHER
THEREwasoncearicholdmanwhohadtwosons,andashiswifewasdead,theelderlivedwithhim,andhelpedhimtolookafterhisproperty.Foralongtimeallwentwell;theyoungmangotupveryearlyinthemorning,andworkedhardallday,andattheendofeveryweekhisfathercountedupthemoneytheyhadmade,andrubbedhishandswithdelight,ashesawhowbigthepileofgoldinthestrongironchestwasbecoming.‘Itwillsoonbefullnow,andIshallhavetobuyalargerone,’hesaidtohimself,andsobusywashewiththethoughtofhismoney,thathedidnotnoticehowbrighthisson’sfacehadgrown,norhowhesometimesstartedwhenhewasspokento,asifhismindwasfaraway.
Oneday,however,theoldmanwenttothecityonbusiness,whichhehadnotdoneforthreeyearsatleast.Itwasmarketday,andhemetwithmanypeopleheknew,anditwasgettingquitelatewhenheturnedintotheinnyard,andbadeanostlersaddlehishorse,andbringitrounddirectly.Whilehewaswaitinginthehall,thelandladycameupforagossip,andafterafewremarksabouttheweatherandthevineyardssheaskedhimhowhelikedhisnewdaughter–in–law,andwhetherhehadbeensurprisedatthemarriage.
Theoldmanstaredashelistenedtoher.‘Daughter–in–law?Marriage?’saidhe.‘Idon’tknowwhatyouaretalkingabout!I’vegotnodaughter–in–law,andnobodyhasbeenmarriedlately,thateverIheardof.’
Nowthiswasexactlywhatthelandlady,whowasverycurious,wantedtofindout;butsheputonalookofgreatalarm,andexclaimed:
‘Oh,dear!IhopeIhavenotmademischief.Ihadnoidea—or,ofcourse,Iwouldnothavespoken—but’―andhereshestoppedandfumbledwithherapron,asifshewasgreatlyembarrassed.
‘Asyouhavesaidsomuchyouwillhavetosayalittlemore,’retortedtheoldman,asuspicionofwhatshemeantdartingacrosshim;andthewoman,nothingloth,answeredasbefore.
‘Ah,itwasnotallforbuyingorsellingthatyourhandsomesonhasbeencomingtotowneveryweekthesemanymonthspast.Andnotbytheshortestway,either!No,itwasovertheriverherode,andacrossthehillandpastthecottageofMiguelthevine–keeper,whosedaughter,theysay,istheprettiestgirlinthewholecountryside,thoughsheistoowhiteformytaste,’andthenthelandladypausedagain,andglancedupatthefarmer,toseehowhewastakingit.Shedidnotlearnmuch.Hewaslookingstraightbeforehim,histeethset.Butassheceasedtotalk,hesaidquietly,‘Goon.’
‘Thereisnotmuchmoretotell,’repliedthelandlady,forshesuddenlyrememberedthatshemustpreparesupperforthehungrymenwhoalwaysstoppedattheinnonmarketdays,beforestartingforhome,‘butonefinemorningtheybothwenttothelittlechurchontopofthehill,andweremarried.Mycousinisservanttothepriest,andshefoundoutaboutitandtoldme.Butgood–daytoyou,sir;hereisyourhorse,andImusthurryofftothekitchen.’
Itwasluckythatthehorsewassure–footedandknewtheroad,forhisbridlehunglooseonhisneck,andhismastertooknoheedofthewayhewasgoing.Whenthefarm–housewasreached,themanledtheanimaltohisstable,andthenwenttolookforhisson.
‘Iknoweverything—youhavedeceivedme.Getoutofmysightatonce—Ihavedonewithyou,’hestammered,chokingwithpassionashecameuptotheyoungman,whowascuttingastickinfrontofthedoor,whistlinggailythewhile.
‘But,father―’
‘Youarenosonofmine;Ihaveonlyonenow.Begone,oritwillbetheworseforyou,’andashespokehelifteduphiswhip.
Theyoungmanshrankback.Hefearedlesthisfathershouldfalldowninafit,hisfacewassoredandhiseyesseemedburstingfromhishead.Butitwasnousestaying:perhapsnextmorningtheoldmanmightlistentoreason,thoughinhisheartthesonfeltthathewouldnevertakebackhiswords.Soheturnedslowlyaway,andwalkedheavilyalongapathwhichendedinacaveonthesideofthehill,andtherehesatthroughthenight,thinkingofwhathadhappened.
Yes,hehadbeenwrong,therewasnodoubtofthat,andhedidnotquiteknowhowithadcomeabout.Hehadmeanttohavetoldhisfatherallaboutit,andhewassure,quitesure,thatifoncetheoldmanhadseenhiswife,hewouldhaveforgivenherpovertyonaccountofhergreatbeautyandgoodness.Buthehadputitofffromdaytoday,hopingalwaysforabetteropportunity,andnowthiswastheend!
*****
Ifthesonhadnosleepthatnight,nomorehadthefather,andassoonasthesunrose,hesentamessengerintothegreatcitywithorderstobringbacktheyoungerbrother.Whenhearrivedthefarmerdidnotwastewords,butinformedhimthathewasnowhisonlyheir,andwouldinheritallhislandsandmoney,andthathewastocomeandliveathome,andtohelpmanagetheproperty.
Thoughverypleasedatthethoughtofbecomingsucharichman—forthebrothershadnevercaredmuchforeachother—theyoungerwouldratherhavestayedwherehewas,forhesoongottiredofthecountry,andlongedforatownlife.However,thishekepttohimself,andmadethebestofthings,workinghardlikehisbrotherbeforehim.
Inthiswaytheyearswenton,butthecropswerenotsogoodastheyhadbeen,andtheoldmangaveordersthatsomefinehouseshewasbuildinginthecityshouldbeleftunfinished,foritwouldtakeallhissavingstocompletethem.Astotheelderson,hewouldneverevenhearhisnamementioned,anddiedatlastwithouteverseeinghisface,leavingtotheyoungerashehadpromised,allhislands,aswellashismoney.
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Meanwhile,thesonwhomhehaddisinheritedhadgrownpoorerandpoorer.Heandhiswifewerealwayslookingoutforsomethingtodo,andneverspentapennythattheycouldhelp,butluckwasagainstthem,andatthetimeofhisfather’sdeaththeyhadhardlybreadtoeatorclothestocoverthem.Iftherehadbeenonlyhimself,hewouldhavemanagedtogetonsomehow,buthecouldnotbeartowatchhischildrenbecomingweakerdaybyday,
andswallowinghispride,atlengthhecrossedthemountainstohisoldhomewherehisbrotherwasliving.
Itwasthefirsttimeforlongthatthetwomenhadcomefacetoface,andtheylookedateachotherinsilence.Thentearsroseintheeyesoftheelder,butwinkingthemhastilyaway,hesaid:
‘Brother,itisnotneedfulthatIshouldtellyouhowpoorIam;youcanseethatforyourself.Ihavenotcometobegformoney,butonlytoaskifyouwillgivemethoseunfinishedhousesofyoursinthecity,andIwillmakethemwater–tight,sothatmywifeandchildrencanliveinthem,andthatwillsaveourrent.Forastheyare,theyprofityounothing.’
Andtheyoungerbrotherlistenedandpitiedhim,andgavehimthehousesthatheaskedfor,andtheelderwentawayhappy.
*****
Forsomeyearsthingswentonastheywere,andthentherichbrotherbegantofeellonely,andthoughttohimselfthathewasgettingolder,anditwastimeforhimtobemarried.Thewifehechosewasverywealthy,butshewasalsoverygreedy,andhowevermuchshehad,shealwayswantedmore.Shewas,besides,oneofthoseunfortunatepeoplewhoinvariablyfancythatthepossessionsofotherpeoplemustbebetterthantheirown.Manyatimeherpoorhusbandregrettedthedaythathehadfirstseenher,andoftenhermeannessandshabbywaysputhimtoshame.Buthehadnotthecouragetoruleher,andsheonlygotworseandworse.
Aftershehadbeenmarriedafewmonthsthebridewantedtogointothecityandbuyherselfsomenewdresses.Shehadneverbeentherebefore,andwhenshehadfinishedhershopping,shethoughtshewouldpayavisittoherunknownsister–in–law,andrestforabit.Thehouseshewasseekingwasinabroadstreet,andoughttohavebeenverymagnificent,butthecarvedstoneporticoenclosedameanlittledoorofroughwood,whilearowofbeautifulpillarsledtonothing.Thedwellingsoneachsidewereinthesameunfinishedcondition,andwatertrickleddownthewalls.Mostpeoplewouldhaveconsidereditawretchedplace,andturnedtheirbacksonitassoonastheycould,butthisladysawthatbyspendingsomemoneythehousescouldbemadeassplendidastheywereoriginallyintendedtobe,andsheinstantlyresolvedtogetthemforherself.
Fullofthisideashewalkedupthemarblestaircase,andenteredthelittleroomwherehersister–in–lawsatmakingclothesforherchildren.Thebrideseemedfullofinterestinthehouses,andaskedagreatmanyquestionsaboutthem,sothathernewrelationslikedhermuchbetterthantheyexpected,andhopedtheymightbegoodfriends.However,assoonasshereachedhome,shewentstraighttoherhusband,andtoldhimthathemustgetbackthosehousesfromhisbrother,astheywouldexactlysuither,andshecouldeasilymakethemintoapalaceasfineastheking’s.Butherhusbandonlytoldherthatshemightbuyhousesinsomeotherpartofthetown,forshecouldnothavethose,ashehadlongsincemadeagiftofthemtohisbrother,whohadlivedthereformanyyearspast.
Atthisanswerthewifegrewveryangry.Shebegantocry,andmadesuchanoisethatalltheneighboursheardherandputtheirheadsoutofthewindows,toseewhatwasthematter.‘Itwasabsurd,’shesobbedout,‘quiteunjust.Indeed,ifyoucametothinkofit,the
giftwasworthnothing,aswhenherhusbandmadeithewasabachelor,andsincethenhehadbeenmarried,andshehadnevergivenherconsenttoanysuchthing.’Andsoshelamentedalldayandallnight,tillthepoormanwasnearlyworriedtodeath;andatlasthedidwhatshewished,andsummonedhisbrotherinacourtoflawtogiveupthehouseswhich,hesaid,hadonlybeenlenttohim.Butwhentheevidenceonbothsideshadbeenheard,thejudgedecidedinfavourofthepoorman,whichmadetherichladymorefuriousthanever,andshedeterminednottorestuntilshehadgainedtheday.Ifonejudgewouldnotgiveherthehousesanothershould,andsotimeaftertimethecasewastriedoveragain,tillatlastitcamebeforethehighestjudgeofall,inthecityofEvora.Herhusbandwasheartilytiredandashamedofthewholeaffair,buthisweaknessinnotputtingastoptoitinthebeginninghadgothimintothisdifficulty,andnowhewasforcedtogoon.
Onthesamedaythetwobrotherssetoutontheirjourneytothecity,therichoneonhorseback,withplentyoffoodinhisknapsack,thepooroneonfootwithnothingbutapieceofbreadandfouronionstoeatontheway.Theroadwashillyandneithercouldgoveryfast,andwhennightfell,theywerebothgladtoseesomelightsinawindowalittledistanceinfrontofthem.
Thelightsturnedouttohavebeenplacedtherebyafarmer,whohadplannedtohaveaparticularlygoodsupperasitwashiswife’sbirthday,andbadetherichmanenterandsitdown,whilehehimselftookthehorsetothestable.Thepoormanaskedtimidlyifhemightspendthenightinacorner,addingthathehadbroughthisownsupperwithhim.Anothertimepermissionmighthavebeenrefusedhim,forthefarmerwasnoloverofhumblefolk,butnowhegavetheelderbrotherleavetocomein,pointingoutawoodenchairwherehecouldsit.
Supperwassoonserved,andverygladtheyoungerbrotherwastoeatit,forhislongridehadmadehimveryhungry.Thefarmer’swife,however,wouldtouchnothing,andatlastdeclaredthattheonlysuppershewantedwasoneoftheonionsthepoormanwascookingatthefire.Ofcoursehegaveittoher,thoughhewouldgladlyhaveeatenithimself,asthreeonionsarenotmuchattheendofalongday’swalk,andsoonaftertheyallwenttosleep,thepoormanmakinghimselfascomfortableashecouldinhiscorner.
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Afewhourslaterthefarmerwasarousedbythecriesandgroansofhiswife.
‘Oh,Ifeelsoill,I’msureI’mgoingtodie,’weptshe.‘Itwasthatonion,Iknowitwas.IwishIhadnevereatenit.Itmusthavebeenpoisoned.’
‘Ifthemanhaspoisonedyouheshallpayforit,’saidherhusband,andseizingathickstickherandownstairsandbegantobeatthepoorman,whohadbeensoundasleep,andhadnothingtodefendhimselfwith.Luckily,thenoisearousedtheyoungerbrother,whojumpedupandsnatchedthestickfromthefarmer’shand,saying:
‘WearebothgoingtoEvoratotryalaw–suit.Cometoo,andaccusehimthereifhehasattemptedtorobyouormurderyou,butdon’tkillhimnow,oryouwillgetyourselfintotrouble.’
‘Well,perhapsyouareright,’answeredthefarmer,‘butthesoonerthatfellowhashisdeserts,thebetterIshallbepleased,’andwithoutmorewordshewenttothestablesand
broughtoutahorseforhimselfandalsotheblackAndalusianmareriddenbytherichman,whilethepoorbrother,fearingmoreill–treatment,startedatonceonfoot.
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Nowallthatnightithadrainedheavily,anddidnotseemlikelytostop,andinsomeplacestheroadwassothickwithmudthatitwasalmostimpossibletogetacrossit.Inonespotitwassoverybadthatamuleladenwithbaggagehadgotstuckinit,andtugashemight,hismasterwasquiteunabletopullhimout.Themuleteerindespairappealedtothetwohorsemen,whowerecarefullyskirtingtheswampatsomedistanceoff,buttheypaidnoheedtohiscries,andhebegantotalkcheerfullytohismule,hopingtokeepuphisspirits,declaringthatifthepoorbeastwouldonlyhavealittlepatiencehelpwassuretocome.
Andsoitdid,forverysoonthepoorbrotherreachedtheplace,bespatteredwithmudfromheadtofoot,butreadytodoallhecouldtohelpthemuleandhismaster.Firsttheysetaboutfindingsomestoutlogsofwoodtolaydownonthemarshsothattheycouldreachthemule,forbythistimehisfranticstruggleshadbrokenhisbridle,andhewasdeeperinthanever.Steppingcautiouslyalongthewood,thepoormancontrivedtolayholdoftheanimal’stail,andwithadesperateeffortthemulemanagedtoregainhisfootingondryground,butatthecostofleavinghistailinthepoorman’shand.Whenhesawthisthemuleteer’sangerknewnobounds,andforgettingthatwithoutthehelpgivenhimhewouldhavelosthismulealtogether,hebegantoabusethepoorman,declaringthathehadruinedhisbeast,andthelawwouldmakehimpayforit.Then,jumpingonthebackofthemule,whichwassogladtobeoutofthechokingmudthathedidnotseemtomindthelossofhistail,theungratefulwretchrodeon,andthateveningreachedtheinnatEvora,wheretherichmanandthefarmerhadalreadyarrivedforthenight.
Meanwhilethepoorbrotherwalkedwearilyalong,wonderingwhatotherdreadfuladventureswereinstoreforhim.
‘Ishallcertainlybecondemnedforoneorotherofthem,’thoughthesadly;‘andafterall,ifIhavetodie,Iwouldratherchoosemyowndeaththanleaveittomyenemies,’andassoonasheenteredEvorahelookedaboutforaplacesuitableforcarryingouttheplanhehadmade.Atlengthhefoundwhathesought,butasitwastoolateandtoodarkforhimtomakesureofsuccess,hecurledhimselfupunderadoorway,andslepttillmorning.
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Althoughitwaswinter,thesunroseinaclearsky,anditsraysfeltalmostwarmwhenthepoormangotupandshookhimself.Heintendedittobethedayofhisdeath,butinspiteofthat,andofthefactthathewasleavinghiswifeandchildrenbehindhim,hefeltalmostcheerful.Hehadstruggledsolong,andwassovery,verytired;buthewouldnothavemindedthatifhecouldhaveprovedhisinnocence,andtriumphedoverhisenemies.However,theyhadallbeentoocleverforhim,andhehadnostrengthtofightanymore.Sohemountedthestonestepsthatledtothebattlementsofthecity,andstoppedforamomenttogazeabouthim.
Ithappenedthatanoldsickmanwholivednearbyhadbeggedtobecarriedoutandtobelaidatthefootofthewallsothatthebeamsoftherisingsunmightfalluponhim,andhewouldbeabletotalkwithhisfriendsastheypassedbytotheirwork.Littledidheguess
thatontopofthebattlements,exactlyoverhishead,stoodamanwhowastakinghislastlookatthesamesun,beforegoingtohisdeaththatawaitedhim.Butsoitwas;andasthesteepleoppositewastouchedbythegoldenlight,thepoormanshuthiseyesandsprangforward.Thewallwashigh,andheflewrapidlythroughtheair,butitwasnotthegroundhetouched,onlythebodyofthesickman,whorolledoveranddiedwithoutagroan.Asfortheother,hewasquiteunhurt,andwasslowlyrisingtohisfeetwhenhisarmsweresuddenlyseizedandheld.
‘Youhavekilledourfather,doyousee?doyousee?’criedtwoyoungmen,‘andyouwillcomewithusthisinstantbeforethejudge,andanswerforit.’
‘Yourfather?butIdon’tknowhim.Whatdoyoumean?’askedthepoorman,whowasquitebewilderedwithhissuddenrushthroughtheair,andcouldnotthinkwhyheshouldbeaccusedofthisfreshcrime.Buthegotnoreply,andwasonlyhurriedthroughthestreetstothecourt–house,wherehisbrother,themuleteer,andthefarmerhadjustarrived,allasangryasever,alltalkingatonce,tillthejudgeenteredandorderedthemtobesilent.
‘Iwillhearyouonebyone,’hesaid,andmotionedtheyoungerbrothertobegin.
Hedidnottakelongtostatehiscase.Theunfinishedhouseswerehis,lefthimwiththerestofthepropertybyhisfather,andhisbrotherrefusedtogivethemup.Inanswer,thepoormantold,inafewwords,howhehadbeggedthehousesfromhisbrother,andproducedthedeedofgiftwhichmadehimtheirowner.
Thejudgelistenedquietlyandaskedafewquestions;thenhegavehisverdict.
‘Thehousesshallremainthepropertyofthemantowhomtheyweregiven,andtowhomtheybelong.Andasyou,’headded,turningtotheyoungerbrother,‘broughtthisaccusationknowingfullwellitwaswickedandunjust,Iorderyou,besideslosingthehouses,topayathousandpoundsdamagestoyourbrother.’
Therichmanheardthejudgewithrageinhisheart,thepoormanwithsurpriseandgratitude.Buthewasnotsafeyet,fornowitwastheturnofthefarmer.Thejudgecouldhardlyconcealasmileatthestory,andinquiredifthewifewasdeadbeforethefarmerleftthehouse,andreceivedforanswerthathewasinsuchahurryforjusticetobedonethathehadnotwaitedtosee.Thenthepoormantoldhistale,andoncemorejudgmentwasgiveninhisfavour,whiletwelvehundredpoundswasorderedtobepaidhim.Asforthemuleteer,hewasinformedveryplainlythathehadprovedhimselfmeanandungratefulforthehelpthathadbeengivenhim,andasapunishmenthemustpaytothepoormanafineoffiftypounds,andhandhimoverthemuletillhistailhadgrownagain.
Lastly,therecamethetwosonsofthesickman.
‘Thisisthewretchwhokilledourfather,’theysaid,‘andwedemandthatheshoulddiealso.’
‘Howdidyoukillhim?’askedthejudge,turningtotheaccused,andthepoormantoldhowhehadleapedfromthewall,notknowingthatanyonewasbeneath.
‘Well,thisismyjudgment,’repliedthejudge,whentheyhadallspoken:‘Lettheaccusedsitunderthewall,andletthesonsofthedeadmanjumpfromthetopandfallonhimandkillhim,andiftheywillnotdothis,thentheyarecondemnedtopayeighthundredpounds
fortheirfalseaccusation.’
Theyoungmenlookedateachother,andslowlyshooktheirheads.
‘Wewillpaythefine,’saidthey,andthejudgenodded.
Sothepoormanrodethemulehome,andbroughtbacktohisfamilyenoughmoneytokeepthemincomforttotheendoftheirdays.
AdaptedfromthePortuguese.
THEONE-HANDEDGIRL
ANoldcoupleoncelivedinahutunderagroveofpalmtrees,andtheyhadonesonandonedaughter.Theywereallveryhappytogetherformanyyears,andthenthefatherbecameveryill,andfelthewasgoingtodie.Hecalledhischildrentotheplacewherehelayonthefloor—fornoonehadanybedsinthatcountry—andsaidtohisson,‘Ihavenoherdsofcattletoleaveyou—onlythefewthingsthereareinthehouse—forIamapoorman,asyouknow.Butchoose:willyouhavemyblessingormyproperty?’
‘Yourproperty,certainly,’answeredtheson,andhisfathernodded.
‘Andyou?’askedtheoldmanofthegirl,whostoodbyherbrother.
‘Iwillhaveblessing,’sheanswered,andherfathergavehermuchblessing.
Thatnighthedied,andhiswifeandsonanddaughtermournedforhimsevendays,andgavehimaburialaccordingtothecustomofhispeople.Buthardlywasthetimeofmourningover,thanthemotherwasattackedbyadiseasewhichwascommoninthatcountry.
‘Iamgoingawayfromyou,’shesaidtoherchildren,inafaintvoice;‘butfirst,myson,choosewhichyouwillhave:blessingorproperty.’
‘Property,certainly,’answeredtheson,
‘Andyou,mydaughter?’
‘Iwillhaveblessing,’saidthegirl;andhermothergavehermuchblessing,andthatnightshedied.
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Whenthedaysofmourningwereended,thebrotherbadehissisterputoutsidethehutallthatbelongedtohisfatherandhismother.Sothegirlputthemout,andhetookthemaway,saveonlyasmallpotandavesselinwhichshecouldcleanhercorn.Butshehadnocorntoclean.
Shesatathome,sadandhungry,whenaneighbourknockedatthedoor.
‘Mypothascrackedinthefire,lendmeyourstocookmysupperin,andIwillgiveyouahandfulofcorninreturn.’
Andthegirlwasglad,andthatnightshewasabletohavesupperherself,andnextdayanotherwomanborrowedherpot,andthenanotherandanother,forneverwereknownsomanyaccidentsasbefellthevillagepotsatthattime.Shesoongrewquitefatwithallthecornsheearnedwiththehelpofherpot,andthenoneeveningshepickedupapumpkinseedinacorner,andplanteditnearherwell,anditsprangup,andgavehermanypumpkins.
Atlastithappenedthatayouthfromhervillagepassedthroughtheplacewherethegirl’sbrotherwas,andthetwometandtalked.
‘Whatnewsisthereofmysister?’askedtheyoungman,withwhomthingshadgonebadly,forhewasidle.
‘Sheisfatandwell–liking,’repliedtheyouth,‘forthewomenborrowhermortartocleantheircorn,andborrowherpottocookitin,andforallthistheygivehermorefoodthanshecaneat.’Andhewenthisway.
Nowthebrotherwasfilledwithenvyatthewordsoftheman,andhesetoutatonce,andbeforedawnhehadreachedthehut,andsawthepotandthemortarwerestandingoutside.Heslungthemoverhisshouldersanddeparted,pleasedwithhisowncleverness;butwhenhissisterawokeandsoughtforthepottocookhercornforbreakfast,shecouldfinditnowhere.Atlengthshesaidtoherself:
‘Well,somethiefmusthavestolenthemwhileIslept.Iwillgoandseeifanyofmypumpkinsareripe.’Andindeedtheywere,andsomanythatthetreewasalmostbrokenbytheweightofthem.Sosheatewhatshewantedandtooktheothers,tothevillage,andgavetheminexchangeforcorn,andthewomensaidthatnopumpkinswereassweetasthese,andthatshewastobringeverydayallthatshehad.Inthiswaysheearnedmorethansheneededforherself,andsoonwasabletogetanothermortarandcookingpotinexchangeforhercorn.Thenshethoughtshewasquiterich.
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Unluckilysomeoneelsethoughtsotoo,andthiswasherbrother’swife,whohadheardallaboutthepumpkintree,andsentherslavewithahandfulofgraintobuyherapumpkin.Atfirstthegirltoldhimthatsofewwereleftthatshecouldnotspareany;butwhenshefoundthathebelongedtoherbrother,shechangedhermind,andwentouttothetreeandgatheredthelargestandtheripestthatwasthere.
‘Takethisone,’shesaidtotheslave,‘andcarryitbacktoyourmistress,buttellhertokeepthecorn,asthepumpkinisagift.’
Thebrother’swifewasoverjoyedatthesightofthefruit,andwhenshetastedit,shedeclareditwasthenicestshehadevereaten.Indeed,allnightshethoughtofnothingelse,andearlyinthemorningshecalledanotherslave(forshewasarichwoman)andbadehimgoandaskforanotherpumpkin.Butthegirl,whohadjustbeenouttolookathertree,toldhimthattheywerealleaten,sohewentbackempty–handedtohismistress.
Intheeveningherhusbandreturnedfromhuntingalongwayoff,andfoundhiswifeintears.
‘Whatisthematter?’askedhe.
‘Isentaslavewithsomegraintoyoursistertobuysomepumpkins,butshewouldnotsellmeany,andtoldmetherewerenone,thoughIknowsheletsotherpeoplebuythem.’
‘Well,nevermindnow—gotosleep,’saidhe,‘andto–morrowIwillgoandpullupthepumpkintree,andthatwillpunishherfortreatingyousobadly.’
Sobeforesunrisehegotupandsetoutforhissister’shouse,andfoundhercleaningsomecorn.
‘Whydidyourefusetosellmywifeapumpkinyesterdaywhenshewantedone?’he
asked.
‘Theoldonesarefinished,andthenewonesarenotyetcome,’answeredthegirl.‘Whenherslavearrivedtwodaysago,therewereonlyfourleft;butIgavehimone,andwouldtakenocornforit.’
‘Idonotbelieveyou:youhavesoldthemalltootherpeople.Ishallgoandcutdownthepumpkin,’criedherbrotherinarage.
‘Ifyoucutdownthepumpkinyoushallcutoffmyhandwithit,’exclaimedthegirl,runninguptohertreeandcatchingholdofit.Butherbrotherfollowed,andwithoneblowcutoffthepumpkinandherhandtoo.
Thenhewentintothehouseandtookawayeverythinghecouldfind,andsoldthehousetoafriendofhiswhohadlongwishedtohaveit,andhissisterhadnohometogoto.
Meanwhileshehadbathedherarmcarefully,andboundonitsomehealingleavesthatgrewnearby,andwrappedaclothroundtheleaves,andwenttohideintheforest,thatherbrothermightnotfindheragain.
Forsevendaysshewanderedabout,eatingonlythefruitthathungfromthetreesaboveher,andeverynightsheclimbedupandtuckedherselfsafelyamongthecreeperswhichboundtogetherthebigbranches,sothatneitherlionsnortigersnorpanthersmightgetather.
HOWTHEGIRLLOSTHERHAND
Whenshewokeupontheseventhmorningshesawfromherperchsmokecomingupfromalittletownontheedgeoftheforest.Thesightofthehutsmadeherfeelmorelonelyandhelplessthanbefore.Shelongeddesperatelyforadraughtofmilkfromagourd,fortherewerenostreamsinthatpart,andshewasverythirsty,buthowwasshetoearnanythingwithonlyonehand?Andatthisthoughthercouragefailed,andshebegantocrybitterly.
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Ithappenedthattheking’ssonhadcomeoutfromthetownveryearlytoshootbirds,andwhenthesungrewhothefelttired.
‘Iwillliehereandrestunderthistree,’hesaidtohisattendants.‘Youcangoandshootinstead,andIwilljusthavethisslavetostaywithme!’Awaytheywent,andtheyoungmanfellasleep,andsleptlong.Suddenlyhewasawakenedbysomethingwetandsaltfallingonhisface.
‘Whatisthat?Isitraining?’hesaidtohisslave.‘Goandlook.’
‘No,master,itisnotraining,’answeredtheslave.
‘Thenclimbupthetreeandseewhatitis,’andtheslaveclimbedup,andcamebackandtoldhismasterthatabeautifulgirlwassittingupthere,andthatitmusthavebeenhertearswhichhadfallenonthefaceoftheking’sson.
‘Whywasshecrying?’inquiredtheprince.
‘Icannottell—Ididnotdaretoaskher;butperhapsshewouldtellyou.’Andthemaster,greatlywondering,climbedupthetree.
‘Whatisthematterwithyou?’saidhegently,and,assheonlysobbedlouder,hecontinued:
‘Areyouawoman,oraspiritofthewoods?’
‘Iamawoman,’sheansweredslowly,wipinghereyeswithaleafofthecreeperthathungabouther.
‘Thenwhydoyoucry?’hepersisted.
‘Ihavemanythingstocryfor,’shereplied,‘morethanyoucouldeverguess.’
‘Comehomewithme,’saidtheprince;‘itisnotveryfar.Comehometomyfatherandmother.Iamaking’sson.’
‘Thenwhyareyouhere?’shesaid,openinghereyesandstaringathim.
‘OnceeverymonthIandmyfriendsshootbirdsintheforest,’heanswered,‘butIwastiredandbadethemleavemetorest.Andyou—whatareyoudoingupinthistree?’
Atthatshebegantocryagain,andtoldtheking’ssonallthathadbefallenhersincethedeathofhermother.
‘Icannotcomedownwithyou,forIdonotlikeanyonetoseeme,’sheendedwithasob.
‘Oh!Iwillmanageallthat,’saidtheking’sson,andswinginghimselftoalowerbranch,hebadehisslavegoquicklyintothetown,andbringbackwithhimfourstrongmenanda
curtainedlitter.Whenthemanwasgone,thegirlclimbeddown,andhidherselfonthegroundinsomebushes.Verysoontheslavereturnedwiththelitter,whichwasplacedonthegroundclosetothebusheswherethegirllay.
‘Nowgo,allofyou,andcallmyattendants,forIdonotwishtostayhereanylonger,’hesaidtothemen,andassoonastheywereoutofsighthebadethegirlgetintothelitter,andfastenthecurtainstightly.Thenhegotinontheotherside,andwaitedtillhisattendantscameup.
‘Whatisthematter,Osonofaking?’askedthey,breathlesswithrunning.
‘IthinkIamill;Iamcold,’hesaid,andsigningtothebearers,hedrewthecurtains,andwascarriedthroughtheforestrightinsidehisownhouse.
‘TellmyfatherandmotherthatIhaveafever,andwantsomegruel,’saidhe,‘andbidthemsenditquickly.’
THEKING’SSONFINDSTHEGIRLINTHETREE
Sotheslavehastenedtotheking’spalaceandgavehismessage,whichtroubledboththekingandthequeengreatly.Apotofhotgruelwasinstantlyprepared,andcarriedovertothesickman,andassoonasthecouncilwhichwassittingwasover,thekingandhisministerswenttopayhimavisit,bearingamessagefromthequeenthatshewouldfollow
alittlelater.
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Nowtheprincehadpretendedtobeillinordertosoftenhisparents’hearts,andthenextdayhedeclaredhefeltbetter,and,gettingintohislitter,wascarriedtothepalaceinstate,drumsbeingbeatenallalongtheroad.
Hedismountedatthefootofthestepsandwalkedup,agreatparasolbeingheldoverhisheadbyaslave.Thenheenteredthecool,darkroomwherehisfatherandmotherweresitting,andsaidtothem:
‘IsawagirlyesterdayintheforestwhomIwishtomarry,and,unknowntomyattendants,Ibroughtherbacktomyhouseinalitter.Givemeyourconsent,Ibeg,fornootherwomanpleasesmeaswell,eventhoughshehasbutonehand!’
Ofcoursethekingandqueenwouldhavepreferredadaughter–in–lawwithtwohands,andonewhocouldhavebroughtricheswithher,buttheycouldnotbeartosay‘No’totheirson,sotheytoldhimitshouldbeashechose,andthattheweddingfeastshouldbepreparedimmediately.
Thegirlcouldscarcelybelievehergoodfortune,and,ingratitudeforallthekindnessshownher,wassousefulandpleasanttoherhusband’sparentsthattheysoonlovedher.
Byandbyeababywasborntoher,andsoonafterthattheprincewassentonajourneybyhisfathertovisitsomeofthedistanttownsofthekingdom,andtosetrightthingsthathadgonewrong.
Nosoonerhadhestartedthanthegirl’sbrother,whohadwastedallthericheshiswifehadbroughthiminrecklessnessandfolly,andwasnowverypoor,chancedtocomeintothetown,andashepassedheheardamansay,‘Doyouknowthattheking’ssonhasmarriedawomanwhohaslostoneofherhands?’Onhearingthesewordsthebrotherstoppedandasked,‘Wheredidhefindsuchawoman?’
‘Intheforest,’answeredtheman,andthecruelbrotherguessedatonceitmustbehissister.
Agreatragetookpossessionofhissoulashethoughtofthegirlwhomhehadtriedtoruinbeingafterallsomuchbetteroffthanhimself,andhevowedthathewouldworkherill.Thereforethatveryafternoonhemadehiswaytothepalaceandaskedtoseetheking.
Whenhewasadmittedtohispresence,hekneltdownandtouchedthegroundwithhisforehead,andthekingbadehimstandupandtellwhereforehehadcome.
‘Bythekindnessofyourhearthaveyoubeendeceived,Oking,’saidhe.‘Yoursonhasmarriedagirlwhohaslostahand.Doyouknowwhyshehaslostit?Shewasawitch,andhasweddedthreehusbands,andeachhusbandshehasputtodeathwithherarts.Thenthepeopleofthetowncutoffherhand,andturnedherintotheforest.AndwhatIsayistrue,forhertownismytownalso.’
Thekinglistened,andhisfacegrewdark.Unluckilyhehadahastytemper,anddidnotstoptoreason,and,insteadofsendingtothetown,anddiscoveringpeoplewhoknewhisdaughter–in–lawandcouldhavetoldhimhowhardshehadworkedandhowpoorshehad
been,hebelievedallthebrother’slyingwords,andmadethequeenbelievethemtoo.Togethertheytookcounselwhattheyshoulddo,andintheendtheydecidedthattheyalsowouldputheroutofthetown.Butthisdidnotcontentthebrother.
‘Killher,’hesaid.‘Itisnomorethanshedeservesfordaringtomarrytheking’sson.Thenshecandonomorehurttoanyone.’
‘Wecannotkillher,’answeredthey;‘ifwedid,oursonwouldassuredlykillus.Letusdoastheothersdid,andputheroutofthetown.’Andwiththistheenviousbrotherwasforcedtobecontent.
TheOne–handedGirlbefriendsasnake
Thepoorgirllovedherhusbandverymuch,butjustthenthebabywasmoretoherthanallelseintheworld,andaslongasshehadhimwithher,shedidnotverymuchmindanything.So,takinghersononherarm,andhangingalittleearthenpotforcookingroundherneck,sheleftherhousewithitsgreatpeacockfansandslavesandseatsofivory,andplungedintotheforest.
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Forawhileshewalked,notknowingwhithershewent,thenbyandbyeshegrewtired,andsatunderatreetorestandtohushherbabytosleep.Suddenlysheraisedhereyes,andsawasnakewrigglingfromunderthebushestowardsher.
‘Iamadeadwoman,’shesaidtoherself,andstayedquitestill,forindeedshewastoo
frightenedtomove.Inanotherminutethesnakehadreachedherside,andtohersurprisehespoke.‘Openyourearthenpot,andletmegoin.Savemefromsun,andIwillsaveyoufromrain,’andsheopenedthepot,andwhenthesnakehadslippedin,sheputonthecover.Soonshebeheldanothersnakecomingaftertheotherone,andwhenithadreachedheritstoppedandsaid,‘Didyouseeasmallgreysnakepassthiswayjustnow?’
‘Yes,’sheanswered,‘itwasgoingveryquickly.’
‘Ah,Imusthurryandcatchitup,’repliedthesecondsnake,andithastenedon.
Whenitwasoutofsight,avoicefromthepotsaid:
‘Uncoverme,’andsheliftedthelid,andthelittlegreysnakeslidrapidlytotheground.
‘Iamsafenow,’hesaid.‘Buttellme,whereareyougoing?’
‘Icannottellyou,forIdonotknow,’sheanswered.‘Iamjustwanderinginthewood.’
‘Followme,andletusgohometogether,’saidthesnake,andthegirlfollowedhimthroughtheforestandalongthegreenpaths,tilltheycametoagreatlake,wheretheystoppedtorest.
“MYBABY,MYBABY!”
‘Thesunishot,’saidthesnake,‘andyouhavewalkedfar.Takeyourbabyandbatheinthatcoolplacewheretheboughsofthetreestretchfaroverthewater.’
‘Yes,Iwill,’answeredshe,andtheywentin.Thebabysplashedandcrowedwithdelight,andthenhegaveaspringandfellrightin,down,down,down,andhismothercouldnotfindhim,thoughshesearchedallamongthereeds.
Fullofterror,shemadeherwaybacktothebank,andcalledtothesnake,‘Mybabyisgone!—heisdrowned,andnevershallIseehimagain.’
‘Goinoncemore,’saidthesnake,‘andfeeleverywhere,evenamongthetreesthathavetheirrootsinthewater,lestperhapshemaybeheldfastthere.’
Swiftlyshewentbackandfelteverywherewithherwholehand,evenputtingherfingersintothetiniestcrannies,whereacrabcouldhardlyhavetakenshelter.
‘No,heisnothere,’shecried.‘HowamItolivewithouthim?’Butthesnaketooknonotice,andonlyanswered,‘Putinyourotherarmtoo.’
‘Whatistheuseofthat?’sheasked,‘whenithasnohandtofeelwith?’butallthesameshedidasshewasbid,andinaninstantthewoundedarmtouchedsomethingroundandsoft,lyingbetweentwostonesinaclumpofreeds.
‘Mybaby,mybaby!’sheshouted,andliftedhimup,merryandlaughing,andnotabithurtorfrightened.
‘Haveyoufoundhimthistime?’askedthesnake.
‘Yes,oh,yes!’sheanswered,‘and,why—why—Ihavegotmyhandbackagain!’andfromsheerjoysheburstintotears.
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Thesnakeletherweepforalittlewhile,andthenhesaid—
‘Nowwewilljourneyontomyfamily,andwewillallrepayyouforthekindnessyoushowedtome.’
‘Youhavedonemorethanenoughingivingmebackmyhand,’repliedthegirl;butthesnakeonlysmiled.
‘Bequick,lestthesunshouldset,’heanswered,andbegantowrigglealongsofastthatthegirlcouldhardlyfollowhim.
Byandbyetheyarrivedatthehouseinatreewherethesnakelived,whenhewasnottravellingwithhisfatherandmother.Andhetoldthemallhisadventures,andhowhehadescapedfromhisenemy.Thefatherandmothersnakecouldnotdoenoughtoshowtheirgratitude.Theymadetheirguestliedownonahammockwovenofthestrongcreeperswhichhungfromboughtobough,tillshewasquiterestedafterherwanderings,whiletheywatchedthebabyandgavehimmilktodrinkfromthecoconutswhichtheypersuadedtheirfriendsthemonkeystocrackforthem.Theyevenmanagedtocarrysmallfruittiedupintheirtailsforthebaby’smother,whofeltatlastthatshewassafeandatpeace.Notthatsheforgotherhusband,forsheoftenthoughtofhimandlongedtoshowhimherson,andinthenightshewouldsometimeslieawakeandwonderwherehewas.
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Inthismannermanyweekspassedby.
Andwhatwastheprincedoing?
Well,hehadfallenveryillwhenhewasonthefurthestborderofthekingdom,andhewasnursedbysomekindpeoplewhodidnotknowwhohewas,sothatthekingandqueenheardnothingabouthim.Whenhewasbetterhemadehiswayslowlyhomeagain,andintohisfather’spalace,wherehefoundastrangemanstandingbehindthethronewiththepeacock’sfeathers.Thiswashiswife’sbrother,whomthekinghadtakenintohighfavour,though,ofcourse,theprincewasquiteignorantofwhathadhappened.
Foramomentthekingandqueenstaredattheirson,asifhehadbeenunknowntothem;hehadgrownsothinandweakduringhisillnessthathisshoulderswerebowedlikethoseofanoldman.
‘Haveyouforgottenmesosoon?’heasked.
Atthesoundofhisvoicetheygaveacryandrantowardshim,andpouredoutquestionsastowhathadhappened,andwhyhelookedlikethat.Buttheprincedidnotansweranyofthem.
‘Howismywife?’hesaid.Therewasapause.
Thenthequeenreplied:
‘Sheisdead.’
‘Dead!‘herepeated,steppingalittlebackwards.‘Andmychild?’
‘Heisdeadtoo.’
Theyoungmanstoodsilent.Thenhesaid,‘Showmetheirgraves.’
Atthesewordstheking,whohadbeenfeelingratheruncomfortable,tookheartagain,forhadhenotpreparedtwobeautifultombsforhissontosee,sothathemightnever,neverguesswhathadbeendonetohiswife?Allthesemonthsthekingandqueenhadbeentellingeachotherhowgoodandmercifultheyhadbeennottotakeherbrother’sadviceandtoputhertodeath.Butnow,thissomehowdidnotseemsocertain.
Thenthekingledthewaytothecourtyardjustbehindthepalace,andthroughthegateintoabeautifulgardenwherestoodtwosplendidtombsinagreenspaceunderthetrees.Theprinceadvancedalone,and,restinghisheadagainstthestone,heburstintotears.Hisfatherandmotherstoodsilentlybehindwithacuriouspangintheirsoulswhichtheydidnotquiteunderstand.Coulditbethattheywereashamedofthemselves?
Butafterawhiletheprinceturnedround,andwalkingpastthemintothepalacehebadetheslavesbringhimmourning.Forsevendaysnoonesawhim,butattheendofthemhewentouthunting,andhelpedhisfatherrulehispeopleasbefore.Onlynoonedaredtospeaktohimofhiswifeandson.
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Atlastonemorning,afterthegirlhadbeenlyingawakeallnightthinkingofherhusband,shesaidtoherfriendthesnake:
‘Youhaveallshownmemuchkindness,butnowIamwellagain,andwanttogohomeandhearsomenewsofmyhusband,andifhestillmournsforme!’Nowtheheartofthesnakewassadatherwords,butheonlysaid:
‘Yes,thusitmustbe;goandbidfarewelltomyfatherandmother,butiftheyofferyouapresent,seethatyoutakenothingbutmyfather’sringandmymother’scasket.’
TheGirlaskstheSnakesforthering&Casket
Soshewenttotheparentsnakes,whoweptbitterlyatthethoughtoflosingher,andofferedhergoldandjewelsasmuchasshecouldcarryinremembranceofthem.Butthegirlshookherheadandpushedtheshiningheapawayfromher.
‘Ishallneverforgetyou,never,’shesaidinabrokenvoice,‘buttheonlytokensIwillacceptfromyouarethatlittleringandthisoldcasket.’
Thetwosnakeslookedateachotherindismay.Theringandthecasketweretheonlythingstheydidnotwanthertohave.Thenafterashortpausetheyspoke.
‘Whydoyouwanttheringandcasketsomuch?Whohastoldyouofthem?’
‘Oh,nobody;itisjustmyfancy,’answeredshe.Buttheoldsnakesshooktheirheadsandreplied:
‘Notso;itisoursonwhotoldyou,and,ashesaid,soitmustbe.Ifyouneedfood,orclothes,orahouse,telltheringanditwillfindthemforyou.Andifyouareunhappyorindanger,tellthecasketanditwillsetthingsright.’Thentheybothgavehertheirblessing,
andshepickedupherbabyandwentherway.
Shewalkedforalongtime,tillatlengthshecamenearthetownwhereherhusbandandhisfatherdwelt.Hereshestoppedunderagroveofpalmtrees,andtoldtheringthatshewantedahouse.
‘Itisready,mistress,’whisperedaqueerlittlevoicewhichmadeherjump,and,lookingbehindher,shesawalovelypalacemadeofthefinestwoods,andarowofslaveswithtallfansbowingbeforethedoor.Gladindeedwasshetoenter,forshewasverytired,and,aftereatingagoodsupperoffruitandmilkwhichshefoundinoneoftherooms,sheflungherselfdownonapileofcushionsandwenttosleepwithherbabybesideher.
Hereshestayedquietly,andeverydaythebabygrewtallerandstronger,andverysoonhecouldrunaboutandeventalk.Ofcoursetheneighbourshadagreatdealtosayaboutthehousewhichhadbeenbuiltsoquickly—soveryquickly—ontheoutskirtsofthetown,andinventedallkindsofstoriesabouttherichladywholivedinit.Andbyandbye,whenthekingreturnedwithhissonfromthewars,someofthesetalesreachedhisears.
‘Itisreallyveryoddaboutthathouseunderthepalms,’hesaidtothequeen;‘Imustfindoutsomethingoftheladywhomnooneeversees.Idaresayitisnotaladyatall,butagangofconspiratorswhowanttogetpossessionofmythrone.To–morrowIshalltakemysonandmychiefministersandinsistongettinginside.’
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Soonaftersunrisenextdaytheprince’swifewasstandingonalittlehillbehindthehouse,whenshesawacloudofdustcomingthroughthetown.Amomentafterwardssheheardfaintlytherollofthedrumsthatannouncedtheking’spresence,andsawacrowdofpeopleapproachingthegroveofpalms.Herheartbeatfast.Couldherhusbandbeamongthem?Inanycasetheymustnotdiscoverherthere;sojustbiddingtheringpreparesomefoodforthem,sheraninside,andboundaveilofgoldengauzeroundherheadandface.Then,takingthechild’shand,shewenttothedoorandwaited.
Inafewminutesthewholeprocessioncameup,andshesteppedforwardandbeggedthemtocomeinandrest.
‘Willingly,’answeredtheking;‘gofirst,andwewillfollowyou.’
Theyfollowedherintoalongdarkroom,inwhichwasatablecoveredwithgoldcupsandbasketsfilledwithdatesandcoconutsandallkindsofripeyellowfruits,andthekingandtheprincesatuponcushionsandwereservedbyslaves,whiletheministers,amongwhomsherecognisedherownbrother,stoodbehind.
‘Ah,Ioweallmymiserytohim,’shesaidtoherself.‘Fromthefirsthehashatedme,’butoutwardlysheshowednothing.Andwhenthekingaskedherwhatnewstherewasinthetownsheonlyanswered:
‘Youhaveriddenfar;eatfirst,anddrink,foryoumustbehungryandthirsty,andthenIwilltellyoumynews.’
‘Youspeaksense,’answeredtheking,andsilenceprevailedforsometimelonger.Thenhesaid:
‘Now,lady,Ihavefinished,andamrefreshed,thereforetellme,Iprayyou,whoyouare,andwhenceyoucome?But,first,beseated.’
Shebowedherheadandsatdownonabigscarletcushion,drawingherlittleboy,whowasasleepinacorner,ontoherknee,andbegantotellthestoryofherlife.Asherbrotherlistened,hewouldfainhaveleftthehouseandhiddenhimselfintheforest,butitwashisdutytowavethefanofpeacock’sfeathersovertheking’sheadtokeepofftheflies,andheknewhewouldbeseizedbytheroyalguardsifhetriedtodeserthispost.Hemuststaywherehewas,therewasnohelpforit,andluckilyforhimthekingwastoomuchinterestedinthetaletonoticethatthefanhadceasedmoving,andthatfliesweredancingrightonthetopofhisthickcurlyhair.
Thestorywenton,butthestory–tellerneveroncelookedattheprince,eventhroughherveil,thoughheonhissidenevermovedhiseyesfromher.Whenshereachedthepartwhereshehadsatweepinginthetree,theking’ssoncouldrestrainhimselfnolonger.
‘Itismywife,’hecried,springingtowhereshesatwiththesleepingchildinherlap.‘Theyhaveliedtome,andyouarenotdeadafterall,northeboyeither!Butwhathashappened?Whydidtheylietome?andwhydidyouleavemyhousewhereyouweresafe?’Andheturnedandlookedfiercelyathisfather.
‘Letmefinishmytalefirst,andthenyouwillknow,’answeredshe,throwingbackherveil,andshetoldhowherbrotherhadcometothepalaceandaccusedherofbeingawitch,andhadtriedtopersuadethekingtoslayher.‘Buthewouldnotdothat,’shecontinuedsoftly,‘andafterall,ifIhadstayedoninyourhouse,Ishouldneverhavemetthesnake,norhavegotmyhandbackagain.Soletusforgetallaboutit,andbehappyoncemore,forsee!oursonisgrowingquiteabigboy.’
‘Andwhatshallbedonetoyourbrother?’askedtheking,whowasgladtothinkthatsomeonehadactedinthismatterworsethanhimself.
‘Puthimoutofthetown,’answeredshe.
From‘SwaheliTales,’byE.Steere.
THEBONESOFDJULUNG
INabeautifulislandthatliesinthesouthernseas,wherechainsofgayorchidsbindthetreestogether,andthedaysandnightsareequallylongandnearlyequallyhot,thereoncelivedafamilyofsevensisters.Theirfatherandmotherweredead,andtheyhadnobrothers,sotheeldestgirlruledovertherest,andtheyalldidasshebadethem.Onesisterhadtocleanthehouse,asecondcarriedwaterfromthespringintheforest,athirdcookedtheirfood,whiletotheyoungestfellthehardesttaskofall,forshehadtocutandbringhomethewoodwhichwastokeepthefirecontinuallyburning.Thiswasveryhotandtiringwork,andwhenshehadfedthefireandheapedupinacornerthesticksthatweretosupplyittillthenextday,sheoftenthrewherselfdownunderatree,andwentsoundasleep.
Onemorning,however,asshewasstaggeringalongwithherbundleonherback,shethoughtthattheriverwhichflowedpasttheirhutlookedsocoolandinvitingthatshedeterminedtobatheinit,insteadoftakingherusualnap.Hastilypilingupherloadbythefire,andthrustingsomesticksintotheflame,sherandowntotheriverandjumpedin.Howdeliciousitwasdivingandswimmingandfloatinginthedarkforest,wherethetreesweresothickthatyoucouldhardlyseethesun!Butafterawhileshebegantolookabouther,andhereyesfellonalittlefishthatseemedmadeoutofarainbow,sobrilliantwerethecoloursheflashedout.
‘Ishouldlikehimforapet,’thoughtthegirl,andthenexttimethefishswamby,sheputoutherhandandcaughthim.Thensheranalongthegrassypathtillshecametoacaveinfrontofwhichastreamfelloversomerocksintoabasin.Heresheputherlittlefish,whosenamewasDjulung–djulung,andpromisingtoreturnsoonandbringhimsomedinner,shewentaway.
THELITTLEGIRLANDDJULUNGDJULUNG
Bythetimeshegothome,thericefortheirdinnerwasreadycooked,andtheeldestsistergavetheothersixtheirportionsinwoodenbowls.Buttheyoungestdidnotfinishhers,andwhennoonewaslooking,stoleofftothefountainintheforestwherethelittlefishwasswimmingabout.
‘See!Ihavenotforgottenyou,’shecried,andonebyonesheletthegrainsofricefallintothewater,wherethefishgobbledthemupgreedily,forhehadnevertastedanythingsonice.
‘Thatisallforto–day,’shesaidatlast,‘butIwillcomeagainto–morrow,’andbiddinghimgood–byeshewentdownthepath.
Nowthegirldidnottellhersistersaboutthefish,buteverydayshesavedhalfofherricetogivehim,andcalledhimsoftlyinalittlesongshehadmadeforherself.Ifshesometimesfelthungry,nooneknewofit,and,indeed,shedidnotmindthatmuch,whenshesawhowthefishenjoyedit.Andthefishgrewfatandbig,butthegirlgrewthinandweak,andtheloadsofwoodfeltheaviereveryday,andatlasthersistersnoticedit.
Thentheytookcounseltogether,andwatchedhertoseewhatshedid,andoneofthemfollowedhertothefountainwhereDjulunglived,andsawhergivehimallthericeshehadsavedfromherbreakfast.Hasteninghomethesistertoldtheotherswhatshehadwitnessed,andthatalovelyfatfishmightbehadforthecatching.Sotheeldestsisterwentandcaughthim,andhewasboiledforsupper,buttheyoungestsisterwasawayinthe
woods,anddidnotknowanythingaboutit.
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Nextmorningshewentasusualtothecave,andsangherlittlesong,butnoDjulungcametoanswerit;twiceandthriceshesang,thenthrewherselfonherkneesbytheedge,andpeeredintothedarkwater,butthetreescastsuchadeepshadowthathereyescouldnotpierceit.
‘Djulungcannotbedead,orhisbodywouldbefloatingonthesurface,’shesaidtoherself,andrisingtoherfeetshesetouthomewards,feelingallofasuddenstrangelytired.
‘Whatisthematterwithme?’shethought,butsomehoworothershemanagedtoreachthehut,andthrewherselfdowninacorner,whereshesleptsosoundlythatfordaysnoonewasabletowakeher.
Atlength,onemorningearly,acockbegantocrowsoloudthatshecouldsleepnolonger;andashecontinuedtocrowsheseemedtounderstandwhathewassaying,andthathewastellingherthatDjulungwasdead,killedandeatenbyhersisters,andthathisboneslayburiedunderthekitchenfire.Verysoftlyshegotup,andtookupthelargestoneunderthefire,andcreepingoutcarriedthebonestothecavebythefountain,whereshedugaholeandburiedthemanew.Andasshescoopedouttheholewithastickshesangasong,biddingthebonesgrowtilltheybecameatree—atreethatreachedupsohighintotheheavensthatitsleaveswouldfallacrosstheseaintoanotherisland,whosekingwouldpickthemup.
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AstherewasnoDjulungtogiveherriceto,thegirlsoonbecamefatagain,andasshewasabletodoherworkasofold,hersistersdidnottroubleabouther.Theyneverguessedthatwhenshewentintotheforesttogatherhersticks,sheneverfailedtopayavisittothetree,whichgrewtallerandmorewonderfuldaybyday.Neverwassuchatreeseenbefore.Itstrunkwasofiron,itsleaveswereofsilk,itsflowersofgold,anditsfruitofdiamonds,andoneevening,thoughthegirldidnotknowit,asoftbreezetookoneoftheleaves,andblewitacrosstheseatothefeetofoneoftheking’sattendants.
‘Whatacuriousleaf!Ihaveneverbeheldonelikeitbefore.Imustshowittotheking,’hesaid,andwhenthekingsawithedeclaredhewouldneverrestuntilhehadfoundthetreewhichboreit,evenifhehadtospendtherestofhislifeinvisitingtheislandsthatlayallround.Happilyforhim,hebeganwiththeislandthatwasnearest,andhereintheforesthesuddenlysawstandingbeforehimtheirontree,itsboughscoveredwithshiningleavesliketheonehecarriedabouthim.
‘Butwhatsortofatreeisit,andhowdiditgethere?’heaskedoftheattendantshehadwithhim.Noonecouldanswerhim,butastheywereabouttopassoutoftheforestalittleboywentby,andthekingstoppedandinquirediftherewasanyonelivingintheneighbourhoodwhomhemightquestion.
‘Sevengirlsliveinahutdownthere,’repliedtheboy,pointingwithhisfingertowherethesunwassetting.
‘Thengoandbringthemhere,andIwillwait,’saidtheking,andtheboyranoffandtold
thesistersthatagreatchief,withstringsofjewelsroundhisneck,hadsentforthem.
Pleasedandexcitedthesixeldersistersatoncefollowedtheboy,buttheyoungest,whowasbusy,andwhodidnotcareaboutstrangers,stayedbehind,tofinishtheworkshewasdoing.Thekingwelcomedthegirlseagerly,andaskedthemallmannerofquestionsaboutthetree,butastheyhadneverevenheardofitsexistence,theycouldtellhimnothing.‘Andifwe,wholiveclosebytheforest,donotknow,youmaybesurenoonedoes,’addedtheeldest,whowasrathercrossatfindingthiswasallthatthekingwantedofthem.
‘Buttheboytoldmethereweresevenofyou,andthereareonlysixhere,’saidtheking.
‘Oh,theyoungestisathome,butsheisalwayshalfasleep,andisofnouseexcepttocutwoodforthefire,’repliedtheyinabreath.
‘Thatmaybe,butperhapsshedreams,’answeredtheking.‘Anyway,Iwillspeaktoheralso.’Thenhesignedtooneofhisattendants,whofollowedthepaththattheboyhadtakentothehut.
HOWTHEIRONTREEBOWEDDOWNANDTHEGIRLGAVEOFITSLEAVESANDFLOWERSTOTHEKING
Soonthemanreturned,withthegirlwalkingbehindhim.Andassoonasshereachedthetreeitboweditselftotheearthbeforeher,andshestretchedoutherhandandpickedsomeofitsleavesandflowersandgavethemtotheking.
‘Themaidenwhocanworksuchwondersisfittedtobethewifeofthegreatestchief,’hesaid,andsohemarriedher,andtookherwithhimacrosstheseatohisownhome,where
theylivedhappyforeverafter.
From‘FolkLore,’byA.F.Mackenzie.
THESEAKING’SGIFT
THEREwasonceafishermanwhowascalledSalmon,andhisChristiannamewasMatte.Helivedbytheshoreofthebigsea;whereelsecouldhelive?HehadawifecalledMaie;couldyoufindabetternameforher?Inwintertheydweltinalittlecottagebytheshore,butinspringtheyflittedtoaredrockoutintheseaandstayedtherethewholesummeruntilitwasautumn.Thecottageontherockwasevensmallerthantheother;ithadawoodenboltinsteadofanironlocktothedoor,astonehearth,aflagstaff,andaweathercockontheroof.
TherockwascalledAhtola,andwasnotlargerthanthemarket–placeofatown.Betweenthecrevicestheregrewalittlerowantreeandfouralderbushes.Heavenonlyknowshowtheyevercamethere;perhapstheywerebroughtbythewinterstorms.Besidesthat,thereflourishedsometuftsofvelvetygrass,somescatteredreeds,twoplantsoftheyellowherbcalledtansy,fourofaredflower,andaprettywhiteone;butthetreasuresoftherockconsistedofthreerootsofgarlic,whichMaiehadputinacleft.Rockwallsshelteredthemonthenorthside,andthesunshoneonthemonthesouth.Thisdoesnotseemmuch,butitsufficedMaieforaherbplot.
Allgoodthingsgointhrees,soMatteandhiswifefishedforsalmoninspring,forherringinsummer,andforcodinwinter.WhenonSaturdaystheweatherwasfineandthewindfavourable,theysailedtothenearesttown,soldtheirfish,andwenttochurchonSunday.ButitoftenhappenedthatforweeksatatimetheywerequitealoneontherockAhtola,andhadnothingtolookatexcepttheirlittleyellow–browndog,whichborethegrandnameofPrince,theirgrasstufts,theirbushesandblooms,theseabaysandfish,astormyskyandtheblue,white–crestedwaves.Fortherocklayfarawayfromtheland,andtherewerenogreenisletsorhumanhabitationsformilesround,onlyhereandthereappearedarockofthesameredstoneasAhtola,besprinkleddayandnightwiththeoceanspray.
MatteandMaiewereindustrious,hard–workingfolk,happyandcontentedintheirpoorhut,andtheythoughtthemselvesrichwhentheywereabletosaltasmanycasksoffishastheyrequiredforwinterandyethavesomeleftoverwithwhichtobuytobaccofortheoldman,andapoundortwoofcoffeeforhiswife,withplentyofburnedcornandchicoryinittogiveitaflavour.Besidesthat,theyhadbread,butter,fish,abeercask,andabuttermilkjar;whatmoredidtheyrequire?AllwouldhavegonewellhadnotMaiebeenpossessedwithasecretlongingwhichneverletherrest;andthiswas,howshecouldmanagetobecometheownerofacow.
‘Whatwouldyoudowithacow?’askedMatte.‘Shecouldnotswimsofar,andourboatisnotlargeenoughtobringheroverhere;andevenifwehadher,wehavenothingtofeedheron.’
‘Wehavefouralderbushesandsixteentuftsofgrass,’rejoinedMaie.
‘Yes,ofcourse,’laughedMatte,‘andwehavealsothreeplantsofgarlic.Garlicwouldbefinefeedingforher.’
‘Everycowlikessaltherring,’rejoinedhiswife.‘EvenPrinceisfondoffish.’
‘Thatmaybe,’saidherhusband.‘Methinksshewouldsoonbeadearcowifwehadtofeedheronsaltherring.AllverywellforPrince,whofightswiththegullsoverthelastmorsel.Putthecowoutofyourhead,mother,weareverywelloffasweare.’
Maiesighed.Sheknewwellthatherhusbandwasright,butshecouldnotgiveuptheideaofacow.Thebuttermilknolongertastedasgoodasusualinthecoffee;shethoughtofsweetcreamandfreshbutter,andofhowtherewasnothingintheworldtobecomparedwiththem.
OnedayasMatteandhiswifewerecleaningherringontheshoretheyheardPrincebarking,andsoonthereappearedagailypaintedboatwiththreeyoungmeninit,steeringtowardstherock.Theywerestudents,onaboatingexcursion,andwantedtogetsomethingtoeat.
‘Bringusajunket,goodmother,’criedtheytoMaie.
‘Ah!ifonlyIhadsuchathing!’sighedMaie.
‘Acanoffreshmilk,then,’saidthestudents;‘butitmustnotbeskim.’
‘Yes,ifonlyIhadit!’sighedtheoldwoman,stillmoredeeply.
‘What!haven’tyougotacow?’
Maiewassilent.Thisquestionsostruckhertotheheartthatshecouldnotreply.
‘Wehavenocow,’Matteanswered;‘butwehavegoodsmokedherring,andcancooktheminacoupleofhours.’
‘Allright,then,thatwilldo,’saidthestudents,astheyflungthemselvesdownontherock,whilefiftysilvery–whiteherringwereturningonthespitinfrontofthefire.
‘What’sthenameofthislittlestoneinthemiddleoftheocean?’askedoneofthem.
‘Ahtola,’answeredtheoldman.
‘Well,youshouldwantfornothingwhenyouliveintheSeaKing’sdominion.’
Mattedidnotunderstand.HehadneverreadKalevalaandknewnothingoftheseagodsofold,butthestudentsproceededtoexplaintohim.[2]
‘Ahti,’saidthey,‘isamightykingwholivesinhisdominionofAhtola,andhasarockatthebottomofthesea,andpossessesbesidesatreasuryofgoodthings.Herulesoverallfishandanimalsofthedeep;hehasthefinestcowsandtheswiftesthorsesthateverchewedgrassatthebottomoftheocean.HewhostandswellwithAhtiissoonarichman,butonemustbewareindealingwithhim,forheisverychangefulandtouchy.Evenalittlestonethrownintothewatermightoffendhim,andthenashetakesbackhisgift,hestirsuptheseaintoastormanddragsthesailorsdownintothedepths.Ahtiownsalsothefairestmaidens,whobearthetrainofhisqueenWellamos,andatthesoundofmusictheycombtheirlong,flowinglocks,whichglisteninthewater.’
‘Oh!’criedMatte,‘haveyourworshipsreallyseenallthat?’
‘Wehaveasgoodasseenit,’saidthestudents.‘Itisallprintedinabook,andeverythingprintedistrue.’
‘I’mnotsosureofthat,’saidMatte,asheshookhishead.
Buttheherringwerenowready,andthestudentsateenoughforsix,andgavePrincesomecoldmeatwhichtheyhappenedtohaveintheboat.Princesatonhishindlegswithdelightandmewedlikeapussycat.Whenallwasfinished,thestudentshandedMatteashiningsilvercoin,andallowedhimtofillhispipewithaspecialkindoftobacco.Theythenthankedhimforhiskindhospitalityandwentontheirjourney,muchregrettedbyPrince,whosatwithawoefulexpressionandwhinedontheshoreaslongashecouldseeaflipoftheboat’swhitesailinthedistance.
Maiehadneverutteredaword,butthoughtthemore.Shehadgoodears,andhadlaidtoheartthestoryaboutAhti.‘Howdelightful,’thoughtshetoherself,‘topossessafairycow!Howdeliciouseverymorningandeveningtodrawmilkfromit,andyethavenotroubleaboutthefeeding,andtokeepashelfnearthewindowfordishesofmilkandjunkets!Butthiswillneverbemyluck.’
‘Whatareyouthinkingof?’askedMatte.
‘Nothing,’saidhiswife;butallthetimeshewasponderingoversomemagicrhymesshehadheardinherchildhoodfromanoldlameman,whichweresupposedtobringluckinfishing.
‘WhatifIweretotry?’thoughtshe.
NowthiswasSaturday,andonSaturdayeveningsMatteneversettheherring–net,forhedidnotfishonSunday.Towardsevening,however,hiswifesaid:
‘Letussettheherring–netjustthisonce.’
‘No,’saidherhusband,‘itisaSaturdaynight.’
‘Lastnightwassostormy,andwecaughtsolittle,’urgedhiswife;‘to–nighttheseaislikeamirror,andwiththewindinthisdirectiontheherringaredrawingtowardsland.’
‘Buttherearestreaksinthenorth–westernsky,andPrincewaseatinggrassthisevening,’saidtheoldman.
‘Surelyhehasnoteatenmygarlic,’exclaimedtheoldwoman.
‘No;buttherewillberoughweatherbyto–morrowatsunset,’rejoinedMatte.
‘Listentome,’saidhiswife,‘wewillsetonlyonenetclosetotheshore,andthenweshallbeabletofinishupourhalf–filledcask,whichwillspoilifitstandsopensolong.’
Theoldmanallowedhimselftobetalkedover,andsotheyrowedoutwiththenet.Whentheyreachedthedeepestpartofthewater,shebegantohumthewordsofthemagicrhyme,alteringthewordstosuitthelongingsofherheart:
Oh,Ahti,withthelong,longbeard,Whodwellestinthedeepbluesea,FinesttreasureshaveIheard,Andglitteringfishbelongtothee.TherichestpearlsbeyondcompareArestoredupinthyrealmbelow,
AndOcean’scowssosleekandfairFeedonthegrassinthygreenmeadow.
Kingofthewaters,farandnear,Iasknotofthygoldenstore,Iwishnotjewelsofpearltowear,Norsilvereither,askIfor,Butoneisoddandevenistwo,Sogivemeacow,sea–kingsobold,AndinreturnI’llgivetoyouAsliceofthemoon,andthesun’sgold.
‘What’sthatyou’rehumming?’askedtheoldman.
‘Oh,onlythewordsofanoldrhymethatkeepsrunninginmyhead,’answeredtheoldwoman;andsheraisedhervoiceandwenton:
Oh,Ahti,withthelong,longbeard,Whodwellestinthedeepbluesea,Athousandcowsareinthyherd,Ipraytheegiveoneuntome.
‘That’sastupidsortofsong,’saidMatte.‘Whatelseshouldonebegofthesea–kingbutfish?ButsuchsongsarenotforSunday.’
Hiswifepretendednottohearhim,andsangandsangthesametuneallthetimetheywereonthewater.Matteheardnothingmoreashesatandrowedtheheavyboat,whilethinkingofhiscrackedpipeandthefinetobacco.Thentheyreturnedtotheisland,andsoonafterwenttobed.
ButneitherMattenorMaiecouldsleepawink;theonethoughtofhowhehadprofanedSunday,andtheotherofAhti’scow.
Aboutmidnightthefishermansatup,andsaidtohiswife:
‘Dostthouhearanything?’
‘No,’saidshe.
‘Ithinkthetwirlingoftheweathercockontheroofbodesill,’saidhe;‘weshallhaveastorm.’
‘Oh,itisnothingbutyourfancy,’saidhiswife.
Mattelaydown,butsoonroseagain.
‘Theweathercockissqueakingnow,’saidhe.
‘Justfancy!Gotosleep,’saidhiswife;andtheoldmantriedto.
Forthethirdtimehejumpedoutofbed.
‘Ho!howtheweathercockisroaringatthepitchofitsvoice,asifithadafireinsideit!
Wearegoingtohaveatempest,andmustbringinthenet.’
Bothrose.ThesummernightwasasdarkasifithadbeenOctober,theweathercockcreaked,andthestormwasragingineverydirection.Astheywentoutthesealayaroundthemaswhiteassnow,andthespraywasdashingrightoverthefisher–hut.InallhislifeMattehadneverrememberedsuchanight.Tolaunchtheboatandputtoseatorescuethenetwasathingnottobethoughtof.Thefishermanandhiswifestoodaghastonthedoorstep,holdingonfastbythedoorpost,whilethefoamsplashedovertheirfaces.
‘DidInottelltheethatthereisnoluckinSundayfishing?’saidMattesulkily;andhiswifewassofrightenedthatsheneverevenoncethoughtofAhti’scows.
Astherewasnothingtobedone,theywentin.Theireyeswereheavyforlackofslumber,andtheysleptassoundlyasiftherehadnotbeensuchathingasanangrysearoaringfuriouslyaroundtheirlonelydwelling.Whentheyawoke,thesunwashighintheheavens,thetempesthadceased,andonlytheswellofthesearoseinsilveryheavingsagainsttheredrock.
‘Whatcanthatbe?’saidtheoldwoman,asshepeepedoutofthedoor.
‘Itlookslikeabigseal,’saidMatte.
HOWTheSea–FairiesBroughtaCOWforMAIE
‘AssureasIlive,it’sacow!’exclaimedMaie.Andcertainlyitwasacow,afineredcow,fatandflourishing,andlookingasifithadbeenfedallitsdaysonspinach.Itwanderedpeacefullyupanddowntheshore,andneversomuchasevenlookedatthepoorlittletufts
ofgrass,asifitdespisedsuchfare.
Mattecouldnotbelievehiseyes.Butacowsheseemed,andacowshewasfoundtobe;andwhentheoldwomanbegantomilkher,everypitcherandpan,eventothebaler,wassoonfilledwiththemostdeliciousmilk.
Theoldmantroubledhisheadinvainastohowshecamethere,andsalliedforthtoseekforhislostnet.Hehadnotproceededfarwhenhefounditcastupontheshore,andsofulloffishthatnotameshwasvisible.
‘Itisallveryfinetopossessacow,’saidMatte,ashecleanedthefish;‘butwhatarewegoingtofeedheron?’
‘Weshallfindsomemeans,’saidhiswife;andthecowfoundthemeansherself.Shewentoutandcroppedtheseaweedwhichgrewingreatabundanceneartheshore,andalwayskeptingoodcondition.Everyone,Princealoneexcepted,thoughtshewasacleverbeast;butPrincebarkedather,forhehadnowgotarival.
Fromthatdaytheredrockoverflowedwithmilkandjunkets,andeverynetwasfilledwithfish.MatteandMaiegrewfatonthisfineliving,anddailybecamericher.Shechurnedquantitiesofbutter,andhehiredtwomentohelphiminhisfishing.Thesealaybeforehimlikeabigfishtank,outofwhichhehauledasmanyasherequired;andthecowcontinuedtofendforherself.Inautumn,whenMatteandMaiewentashore,thecowwenttosea,andinspring,whentheyreturnedtotherock,thereshestoodawaitingthem.
‘Weshallrequireabetterhouse,’saidMaiethefollowingsummer;‘theoldoneistoosmallforourselvesandthemen.’
‘Yes,’saidMatte.Sohebuiltalargecottage,withareallocktothedoor,andastore–houseforfishaswell;andheandhismencaughtsuchquantitiesoffishthattheysenttonsofsalmon,herring,andcodtoRussiaandSweden.
‘Iamquiteoverworkedwithsomanyfolk,’saidMaie;‘agirltohelpmewouldnotcomeamiss.’
‘Getone,then,’saidherhusband;andsotheyhiredagirl.
ThenMaiesaid:‘Wehavetoolittlemilkforallthesefolk.NowthatIhaveaservant,withthesameamountoftroubleshecouldlookafterthreecows.’
‘Allright,then,’saidherhusband,somewhatprovoked,‘youcansingasongtothefairies.’
ThisannoyedMaie,butneverthelesssherowedouttoseaonSundaynightandsangasbefore:
Oh,Ahti,withthelong,longbeard,Whodwellestinthedeepbluesea,Athousandcowsareinthyherd,Ipraytheegivethreeuntome.
Thefollowingmorning,insteadofone,threecowsstoodontheisland,andtheyallateseaweedandfendedforthemselveslikethefirstone.
‘Artthousatisfiednow?’saidMattetohiswife.
‘Ishouldbequitesatisfied,’saidhiswife,‘ifonlyIhadtwoservantstohelp,andifIhadsomefinerclothes.Don’tyouknowthatIamaddressedasMadam?’
‘Well,well,’saidherhusband.SoMaiegotseveralservants,andclothesfitforagreatlady.
‘Everythingwouldnowbeperfectifonlywehadalittlebetterdwellingforsummer.Youmightbuildusatwo–storyhouse,andfetchsoiltomakeagarden.Thenyoumightmakealittlearbouruptheretoletushaveasea–view;andwemighthaveafiddlertofiddletousofanevening,andalittlesteamertotakeustochurchinstormyweather.’
‘Anythingmore?’askedMatte;buthedideverythingthathiswifewished.TherockAhtolabecamesograndandMaiesogreatthatallthesea–urchinsandherringwerelostinwonderment.EvenPrincewasfedonbeefsteaksandcreamsconestillatlasthewasasroundasabutterjar.
‘Areyousatisfiednow?’askedMatte.
‘Ishouldbequitesatisfied,’saidMaie,‘ifonlyIhadthirtycows.Atleastthatnumberisrequiredforsuchahousehold.’
‘Gotothefairies,’saidMatte.
Hiswifesetoutinthenewsteamerandsangtothesea–king.Nextmorningthirtycowsstoodontheshore,allfindingfoodforthemselves.
‘Know’stthou,goodman,thatwearefartoocrampedonthiswretchedrock,andwhereamItofindroomforsomanycows?’
‘Thereisnothingtobedonebuttopumpoutthesea.’
‘Rubbish!’saidhiswife.‘Whocanpumpoutthesea?’
‘Trywiththynewsteamer,thereisapumpinit.’
Maieknewwellthatherhusbandwasonlymakingfunofher,butstillhermindwassetuponthesamesubject.‘Inevercouldpumptheseaout,’thoughtshe,‘butperhapsImightfillitup,ifIweretomakeabigdam.Imightheapupsandandstones,andmakeourislandasbigagain.’
Maieloadedherboatwithstonesandwentouttosea.Thefiddlerwaswithher,andfiddledsofinelythatAhtiandWellamosandallthesea’sdaughtersrosetothesurfaceofthewatertolistentothemusic.
‘Whatisthatshiningsobrightlyinthewaves?’askedMaie.
‘Thatisseafoamglintinginthesunshine,’answeredthefiddler.
‘Throwoutthestones,’saidMaie.
Thepeopleintheboatbegantothrowoutthestones,splash,splash,rightandleft,intothefoam.OnestonehitthenoseofWellamos’schieflady–in–waiting,anotherscratchedtheseaqueenherselfonthecheek,athirdplumpedclosetoAhti’sheadandtoreoffhalfofthesea–king’sbeard;thentherewasacommotioninthesea,thewavesbubbledand
bubbledlikeboilingwaterinapot.
‘Whencecomesthisgustofwind?’saidMaie;andasshespoketheseaopenedandswallowedupthesteamer.Maiesanktothebottomlikeastone,but,stretchingoutherarmsandlegs,sherosetothesurface,whereshefoundthefiddler’sfiddle,anduseditasafloat.AtthesamemomentshesawclosebesidehertheterribleheadofAhti,andhehadonlyhalfabeard!
‘Whydidyouthrowstonesatme?’roaredthesea–king.
‘Oh,yourmajesty,itwasamistake!Putsomebear’sgreaseonyourbeardandthatwillsoonmakeitgrowagain.’
‘Dame,didInotgiveyouallyouaskedfor—nay,evenmore?’
‘Truly,truly,yourmajesty.Manythanksforthecows.’
‘Well,whereisthegoldfromthesunandthesilverfromthemoonthatyoupromisedme?’
‘Ah,yourmajesty,theyhavebeenscattereddayandnightuponthesea,exceptwhentheskywasovercast,’slylyansweredMaie.
‘I’llteachyou!’roaredthesea–king;andwiththathegavethefiddlesucha‘puff’thatitsenttheoldwomanuplikeasky–rocketontoherisland.TherePrincelay,asfamishedasever,gnawingthecarcaseofacrow.TheresatMatteinhisraggedgreyjacket,quitealone,onthestepsoftheoldhut,mendinganet.
‘Heavens,mother,’saidhe,‘whereareyoucomingfromatsuchawhirlwindpace,andwhatmakesyouinsuchadrippingcondition?’
Maielookedaroundheramazed,andsaid,‘Whereisourtwo–storyhouse?’
‘Whathouse?’askedherhusband.
‘Ourbighouse,andtheflowergarden,andthemenandthemaids,andthethirtybeautifulcows,andthesteamer,andeverythingelse?’
‘Youaretalkingnonsense,mother,’saidhe.‘Thestudentshavequiteturnedyourhead,foryousangsillysongslasteveningwhilewewererowing,andthenyoucouldnotsleeptillearlymorning.Wehadstormyweatherduringthenight,andwhenitwaspastIdidnotwishtowakenyou,sorowedoutalonetorescuethenet.’
‘ButI’veseenAhti,’rejoinedMaie.
‘You’vebeenlyinginbed,dreamingfoolishfancies,mother,andtheninyoursleepyouwalkedintothewater.’
‘Butthereisthefiddle,’saidMaie.
‘Afinefiddle!Itisonlyanoldstick.No,no,oldwoman,anothertimewewillbemorecareful.GoodluckneverattendsfishingonaSunday.’
FromZ.Topelius.
[2]KalevalaisacollectionofoldFinnishsongsaboutgodsandheroes.
THERASPBERRYWORM
‘PHEW!’criedLisa.
‘Ugh!’criedAina.
‘Whatnow?’criedthebigsister.
‘Aworm!’criedLisa.
‘Ontheraspberry!’criedAina.
‘Killit!’criedOtto.
‘Whatafussoverapoorlittleworm!’saidthebigsisterscornfully.
‘Yes,whenwehadcleanedtheraspberriessocarefully,’saidLisa.
‘Itcreptoutfromthatverylargeone,’putinAina.
‘Andsupposingsomeonehadeatentheraspberry,’saidLisa.
‘Thentheywouldhaveeatentheworm,too,’saidAina.
‘Well,whatharm?’saidOtto.
‘Eataworm!’criedLisa.
‘Andkillhimwithonebite!’murmuredAina.
‘Justthinkofit!’saidOttolaughing.
‘Nowitiscrawlingonthetable,’criedAinaagain.
‘Blowitaway!’saidthebigsister.
‘Tramponit!’laughedOtto.
ButLisatookaraspberryleaf,sweptthewormcarefullyontotheleafandcarrieditoutintotheyard.ThenAinanoticedthatasparrowsittingonthefencewasjustgettingreadytopounceonthepoorlittleworm,soshetookuptheleaf,carrieditoutintothewoodandhiditunderaraspberrybushwherethegreedysparrowcouldnotfindit.Yes,andwhatmoreistheretotellaboutaraspberryworm?Whowouldgivethreestrawsforsuchamiserablelittlething?Yes,butwhowouldnotliketoliveinsuchaprettyhomeasitlivesin;insuchafreshfragrantdark–redcottage,farawayinthequietwoodamongflowersandgreenleaves!
Nowitwasjustdinnertime,sotheyallhadadinnerofraspberriesandcream.‘Becarefulwiththesugar,Otto,’saidthebigsister;butOtto’splatewaslikeasnowdriftinwinter,withjustalittleredunderthesnow.
Soonafterdinnerthebigsistersaid:‘Nowwehaveeatenuptheraspberriesandwehavenonelefttomakepreserveforthewinter;itwouldbefineifwecouldgettwobasketsfullofberries,thenwecouldcleanthemthisevening,andto–morrowwecouldcooktheminthebigpreservingpan,andthenweshouldhaveraspberryjamtoeatonourbread!’
‘Come,letusgotothewoodandpick,’saidLisa.
‘Yes,letus,’saidAina.‘YoutaketheyellowbasketandIwilltakethegreenone.’
‘Don’tgetlost,andcomebacksafelyintheevening,’saidthebigsister.
‘Greetingstotheraspberryworm,’saidOtto,mockingly.‘NexttimeImeethimIshalldohimthehonourofeatinghimup.’
SoAinaandLisawentofftothewood.Ah!howdelightfulitwasthere,howbeautiful!Itwascertainlytiresomesometimesclimbingoverthefallentrees,andgettingcaughtinthebranches,andwagingwarwiththejuniperbushesandthemidges,butwhatdidthatmatter?Thegirlsclimbedwellintheirshortdresses,andsoontheyweredeepinthewood.
Therewereplentyofbilberriesandelderberries,butnoraspberries.Theywanderedonandon,andatlasttheycame...No,itcouldnotbetrue!...theycametoalargeraspberrywood.Thewoodhadbeenonfireonce,andnowraspberrybusheshadgrownup,andtherewereraspberrybushesandraspberrybushesasfarastheeyecouldsee.Everybushwasweighedtothegroundwiththelargest,darkred,riperaspberries,suchawealthofberriesastwolittleberrypickershadneverfoundbefore!
Lisapicked,Ainapicked.Lisaate,Ainaate,andinalittlewhiletheirbasketswerefull.
‘Now,weshallgohome,’saidAina.‘No,letusgatherafewmore,’saidLisa.Sotheyputthebasketsdownonthegroundandbegantofilltheirpinafores,anditwasnotlongbeforetheirpinaforeswerefull,too.
‘Nowweshallgohome,’saidLisa.‘Yes,nowweshallgohome,’saidAina.Bothgirlstookabasketinonehandandheldupherapronintheotherandthenturnedtogohome.Butthatwaseasiersaidthandone.Theyhadneverbeensofarinthegreatwoodbefore,theycouldnotfindanyroadnorpath,andsoonthegirlsnoticedthattheyhadlosttheirway.
Theworstofitwasthattheshadowsofthetreeswerebecomingsolongintheeveningsunlight,thebirdswerebeginningtoflyhome,andthedaywasclosingin.Atlastthesunwentdownbehindthepinetops,anditwascoolandduskyinthegreatwood.
Thegirlsbecameanxiousbutwentsteadilyon,expectingthatthewoodwouldsoonend,andthattheywouldseethesmokefromthechimneysoftheirhome.
Aftertheyhadwanderedonforalongtimeitbegantogrowdark.Atlasttheyreachedagreatplainovergrownwithbushes,andwhentheylookedaroundthem,theysaw,asmuchastheycouldinthedarkness,thattheywereamongthesamebeautifulraspberrybushesfromwhichtheyhadpickedtheirbasketsandtheirapronsfull.Thentheyweresotiredthattheysatdownonastoneandbegantocry.
‘Iamsohungry,’saidLisa.
‘Yes,’saidAina,‘ifwehadonlytwogoodmeatsandwichesnow.’
Asshesaidthat,shefeltsomethinginherhand,andwhenshelookeddown,shesawalargesandwichofbreadandchicken,andatthesametimeLisasaid:‘Howveryqueer!Ihaveasandwichinmyhand.’
‘AndI,too,’saidAina.‘Willyoudaretoeatit?’
‘OfcourseIwill,’saidLisa.‘Ah,ifweonlyhadagoodglassofmilknow!’
Justasshesaidthatshefeltalargeglassofmilkbetweenherfingers,andatthesametimeAinacriedout,‘Lisa!Lisa!Ihaveaglassofmilkinmyhand!Isn’titqueer?’
Thegirls,however,wereveryhungry,sotheyateanddrankwithagoodappetite.WhentheyhadfinishedAinayawned,stretchedoutherarmsandsaid:‘Oh,ifonlywehadanicesoftbedtosleeponnow!’
Scarcelyhadshespokenbeforeshefeltanicesoftbedbyherside,andtherebesideLisawasonetoo.Thisseemedtothegirlsmoreandmorewonderful,buttiredandsleepyastheywere,theythoughtnomoreaboutit,butcreptintothelittlebeds,drewthecoverletsovertheirheadsandweresoonasleep.
Whentheyawokethesunwashighintheheavens,thewoodwasbeautifulinthesummermorning,andthebirdswereflyingaboutinthebranchesandthetreetops.
Atfirstthegirlswerefilledwithwonderwhentheysawthattheyhadsleptinthewoodamongtheraspberrybushes.Theylookedateachother,theylookedattheirbeds,whichwereofthefinestflaxcoveredoverwithleavesandmoss.AtlastLisasaid:‘Areyouawake,Aina?’
‘Yes,’saidAina.
‘ButIamstilldreaming,’saidLisa.
‘No,’saidAina,‘butthereiscertainlysomegoodfairylivingamongtheseraspberrybushes.Ah,ifwehadonlyahotcupofcoffeenow,andanicepieceofwhitebreadtodipintoit!’
Scarcelyhadshefinishedspeakingwhenshesawbesideheralittlesilvertraywithagiltcoffee–pot,twocupsofrareporcelain,asugarbasinoffinecrystal,silversugartongs,andsomegoodfreshwhitebread.Thegirlspouredoutthebeautifulcoffee,putinthecreamandsugar,andtastedit;neverintheirliveshadtheydrunksuchbeautifulcoffee.
HowLisaandAinamettheRaspberryKing
‘NowIshouldliketoknowverymuchwhohasgivenusallthis,’saidLisagratefully.
‘Ihave,mylittlegirls,’saidavoicejustthenfromthebushes.
Thechildrenlookedroundwonderingly,andsawalittlekind–lookingoldman,inawhitecoatandaredcap,limpingoutfromamongthebushes,forhewaslameinhisleftfoot;neitherLisanorAinacouldutteraword,theyweresofilledwithsurprise.
‘Don’tbeafraid,littlegirls,’hesaidsmilingkindlyatthem;hecouldnotlaughproperlybecausehismouthwascrooked.‘Welcometomykingdom!Haveyousleptwellandeatenwellanddrunkwell?’heasked.
‘Yes,indeedwehave,’saidboththegirls,‘buttellus...’andtheywantedtoaskwhotheoldmanwas,butwereafraidto.
‘IwilltellyouwhoIam,’saidtheoldman;‘Iamtheraspberryking,whoreignsoverallthiskingdomofraspberrybushes,andIhavelivedhereformorethanathousandyears.Butthegreatspiritwhorulesoverthewoods,andthesea,andthesky,didnotwantmetobecomeproudofmyroyalpowerandmylonglife.ThereforehedecreedthatonedayineveryhundredyearsIshouldchangeintoalittleraspberryworm,andliveinthatweakandhelplessformfromsunrisetillsunset.Duringthattimemylifeisdependentonthelittleworm’slife,sothatabirdcaneatme,achildcanpickmewiththeberriesandtrampleunderfootmythousandyearsoflife.Nowyesterdaywasjustmytransformationday,andIwastakenwiththeraspberryandwouldhavebeentrampledtodeathifyouhadnotsavedmylife.UntilsunsetIlayhelplessinthegrass,andwhenIwassweptawayfromyourtableItwistedoneofmyfeet,andmymouthbecamecrookedwithterror;but
wheneveningcameandIcouldtakemyownformagain,Ilookedforyoutothankyouandrewardyou.ThenIfoundyoubothhereinmykingdom,andtriedtomeetyoubothaswellasIcouldwithoutfrighteningyou.NowIwillsendabirdfrommywoodtoshowyouthewayhome.Good–bye,littlechildren,thankyouforyourkindhearts;theraspberrykingcanshowthatheisnotungrateful.’Thechildrenshookhandswiththeoldmanandthankedhim,feelingverygladthattheyhadsavedthelittleraspberryworm.Theywerejustgoingwhentheoldmanturnedround,smiledmischievouslywithhiscrookedmouth,andsaid:‘GreetingstoOttofromme,andtellhimwhenImeethimagainIshalldohimthehonourofeatinghimup.’‘Oh,pleasedon’tdothat,’criedboththegirls,veryfrightened.
‘Well,foryoursakeIwillforgivehim,’saidtheoldman,‘Iamnotrevengeful.GreetingstoOttoandtellhimthathemayexpectagiftfromme,too.Good–bye.’
Thetwogirls,lightofheart,nowtooktheirberriesandranoffthroughthewoodafterthebird;andsoonitbegantogetlighterinthewoodandtheywonderedhowtheycouldhavelosttheirwayyesterday,itseemedsoeasyandplainnow.
Onecanimaginewhatjoytherewaswhenthetworeachedhome.Everyonehadbeenlookingforthem,andthebigsisterhadnotbeenabletosleep,forshethoughtthewolveshadeatenthemup.
Ottometthem;hehadabasketinhishandandsaid:‘Look,hereissomethingthatanoldmanhasjustleftforyou.’
Whenthegirlslookedintothebaskettheysawapairofmostbeautifulbraceletsofpreciousstones,darkred,andmadeintheshapeofariperaspberryandwithaninscription:‘ToLisaandAina’;besidethemtherewasadiamondbreastpinintheshapeofaraspberryworm:onitwasinscribed‘Otto,neverdestroythehelpless!’
Ottofeltratherashamed:hequiteunderstoodwhatitmeant,buthethoughtthattheoldman’srevengewasanobleone.
Theraspberrykinghadalsorememberedthebigsister,forwhenshewentintosetthetablefordinner,shefoundelevenbigbasketsofmostbeautifulraspberries,andnooneknewhowtheyhadcomethere,buteveryoneguessed.
Andsotherewassuchajam–makingashadneverbeenseenbefore,andifyouliketogoandhelpinit,youmightperhapsgetalittle,fortheymustsurelybemakingjamstilltothisveryday.
FromZ.Topelius.
THESTONESOFPLOUHINECPERHAPSsomeofyoumayhavereadabookcalled‘Kenneth;ortheRear–GuardoftheGrandArmyofNapoleon.’Ifso,youwillrememberhowthetwoScotchchildrenfoundinRussiaweretakencareofbytheFrenchsoldiersandpreventedasfaraspossiblefromsufferingfromthehorrorsoftheterribleRetreat.Oneofthesoldiers,aBreton,oftentriedtomakethemforgethowcoldandhungrytheywerebytellingthemtalesofhisnativecountry,Brittany,whichisfullofwonderfulthings.Thebestandwarmestplaceroundthecampfirewasalwaysgiventothechildren,butevensothebitterfrostwouldcausethemtoshiver.ItwasthenthattheBretonwouldbegin:‘PlouhinecisasmalltownnearHennebonnebythesea,’andwouldcontinueuntilKennethorEffiewouldinterrupthimwithaneagerquestion.Thenheforgothowhismotherhadtoldhimthetale,andwasobligedtobeginalloveragain,sothestorylastedalongwhile,andbythetimeitwasendedthechildrenwerereadytoberolledupinwhatevercoveringscouldbefound,andgotosleep.
ItisthisstorythatIamgoingtotelltoyou.
*****
PlouhinecisasmalltownnearHennebonnebythesea.Arounditstretchesadesolatemoor,wherenocorncanbegrown,andthegrassissocoarsethatnobeastgrowsfatonit.Hereandtherearescatteredgrovesoffirtrees,andsmallpebblesaresothickonthegroundthatyoumightalmosttakeitforabeach.Onthefurtherside,thefairies,orkorigans,asthepeoplecalledthem,hadsetuplonglongagotworowsofhugestones;indeed,sotallandheavywerethey,thatitseemedasifallthefairiesintheworldcouldnothaveplacedthemupright.
Notfarofffromthisgreatstoneavenue,andonthebanksofthelittleriverIntel,therelivedamannamedMarzinneandhissisterRozennik.Theyalwayshadenoughblackbreadtoeat,andwoodenshoesorsabotstowear,andapigtofatten,sotheneighboursthoughtthemquiterich;andwhatwasstillbetter,theythoughtthemselvesrichalso.
Rozennikwasaprettygirl,whoknewhowtomakethebestofeverything,andshecould,ifshewished,havechosenahusbandfromtheyoungmenofPlouhinec,butshecaredfornoneofthemexceptBernèz,whomshehadplayedwithallherlife,andBernèz,thoughheworkedhard,wassoveryverypoorthatMarzinnetoldhimroughlyhemustlookelsewhereforawife.ButwhateverMarzinnemightsayRozenniksmiledandnoddedtohimasbefore,andwouldoftenturnherheadasshepassed,andsingsnatchesofoldsongsoverhershoulder.
*****
ChristmasEvehadcome,andallthemenwhoworkedunderMarzinneoronthefarmsroundaboutweregatheredinthelargekitchentoeatthesoupflavouredwithhoneyfollowedbyrichpuddings,towhichtheywerealwaysinvitedonthisparticularnight.Inthemiddleofthetablewasalargewoodenbowl,withwoodenspoonsplacedinacircleroundit,sothateachmightdipinhisturn.Thebencheswerefilled,andMarzinnewas
abouttogivethesignal,whenthedoorwassuddenlythrownopen,andanoldmancamein,wishingtheguestsagoodappetitefortheirsupper.Therewasapause,andsomeofthefaceslookedalittlefrightened;forthenewcomerwaswellknowntothemasabeggar,whowasalsosaidtobeawizardwhocastspellsoverthecattle,andcausedthecorntogrowblack,andoldpeopletodie,ofwhat,nobodyknew.Still,itwasChristmasEve,andbesidesitwasaswellnottooffendhim,sothefarmerinvitedhimin,andgavehimaseatatthetableandawoodenspoonliketherest.
Therewasnotmuchtalkafterthebeggar’sentrance,andeveryonewasgladwhenthemealcametoanend,andthebeggaraskedifhemightsleepinthestable,asheshoulddieofcoldifhewereleftoutside.RatherunwillinglyMarzinnegavehimleave,andbadeBernèztakethekeyandunlockthedoor.Therewascertainlyplentyofroomforadozenbeggars,fortheonlyoccupantsofthestablewereanolddonkeyandathinox;andasthenightwasbitter,thewizardlaydownbetweenthemforwarmth,withasackofreedsforapillow.
Hehadwalkedfarthatday,andevenwizardsgettiredsometimes,soinspiteofthehardfloorhewasjustdroppingofftosleep,whenmidnightstruckfromthechurchtowerofPlouhinec.Atthissoundthedonkeyraisedherheadandshookherears,andturnedtowardstheox.
‘Well,mydearcousin,’saidshe,‘andhowhaveyoufaredsincelastChristmasEve,whenwehadaconversationtogether?’
Insteadofansweringatonce,theoxeyedthebeggarwithalonglookofdisgust.
‘Whatistheuseoftalking,’herepliedroughly,‘whenagood–for–nothingcreaturelikethatcanhearallwesay?’
‘Oh,youmustn’tlosetimeingrumbling,’rejoinedthedonkeygaily,‘anddon’tyouseethatthewizardisasleep?’
‘Hiswickedpranksdonotmakehimrich,certainly,’saidtheox,‘andheisn’tevencleverenoughtohavefoundoutwhatapieceofluckmightbefallhimaweekhence.’
‘Whatpieceofluck?’askedthedonkey.
‘Why,don’tyouknow,’inquiredtheox,‘thatonceeveryhundredyearsthestonesonPlouhinecheathgodowntodrinkattheriver,andthatwhiletheyareawaythetreasuresunderneaththemareuncovered?’
‘Ah,Iremembernow,’repliedthedonkey,‘butthestonesreturnsoquicklytotheirplaces,thatyoucertainlywouldbecrushedtodeathunlessyouhaveinyourhandsabunchofcrowsfootandoffive–leavedtrefoil.’
‘Yes,butthatisnotenough,’saidtheox;‘evensupposingyougetsafelyby,thetreasuresyouhavebroughtwithyouwillcrumbleintodustifyoudonotgiveinexchangeabaptizedsoul.ItisneedfulthataChristianshoulddiebeforeyoucanenjoythewealthofPlouhinec.’
Thedonkeywasabouttoasksomefurtherquestions,whenshesuddenlyfoundherselfunabletospeak:thetimeallowedthemforconversationwasover.
*****
‘Ah,mydearcreatures,’thoughtthebeggar,whohadofcourseheardeverything,‘youaregoingtomakemericherthantherichestmenofVannesorLorient.ButIhavenotimetolose;to–morrowImustbegintohuntforthepreciousplants.’
HedidnotdaretoseektoonearPlouhinec,lestsomebodywhoknewthestorymightguesswhathewasdoing,sohewentawayfurthertowardsthesouth,wheretheairwassofterandtheplantsarealwaysgreen.Fromtheinstantitwaslight,tillthelastrayshadfadedoutofthesky,hesearchedeveryinchofgroundwherethemagicplantsmightgrow;hescarcelygavehimselfaminutetoeatanddrink,butatlengthhefoundthecrowsfootinalittlehollow!Well,thatwascertainlyagreatdeal,butafterall,thecrowsfootwasofnousewithoutthetrefoil,andtherewassolittletimeleft.
Hehadalmostgivenuphope,whenontheverylastdaybeforeitwasnecessarythatheshouldstartforPlouhinec,hecameuponalittleclumpoftrefoil,halfhiddenunderarock.Hardlyabletobreathefromexcitement,hesatdownandhuntedeagerlythroughtheplantwhichhehadtornup.Leafafterleafhethrewasideindisgust,andhehadnearlyreachedtheendwhenhegaveacryofjoy—thefive–leavedtrefoilwasinhishand.
Thebeggarscrambledtohisfeet,andwithoutapausewalkedquicklydowntheroadthatlednorthwards.Themoonwasbright,andforsomehourshekeptsteadilyon,notknowinghowmanymileshehadgone,norevenfeelingtired.Byandbyethesunrose,andtheworldbegantostir,andstoppingatafarmhousedoor,heaskedforacupofmilkandsliceofbreadandpermissiontorestforawhileintheporch.Thenhecontinuedhisjourney,andso,towardssunsetonNewYear’sEve,hecamebacktoPlouhinec.
*****
Ashewaspassingthelonglineofstones,hesawBernèzworkingwithachiselonthetallestofthemall.
‘Whatareyoudoingthere?’calledthewizard,‘doyoumeantohollowoutforyourselfabedinthathugecolumn?’
‘No,’repliedBernèzquietly,‘butasIhappenedtohavenoworktodoto–day,IthoughtIwouldjustcarveacrossonthisstone.Theholysigncannevercomeamiss.’
‘IbelieveyouthinkitwillhelpyoutowinRozennik,’laughedtheoldman.
Bernèzceasedhistaskforamomenttolookathim.
‘Ah,soyouknowaboutthat,’repliedhe;‘unluckilyMarzinnewantsabrother–in–lawwhohasmorepoundsthanIhavepence.’
‘AndsupposeIweretogiveyoumorepoundsthanMarzinneeverdreamedof?’whisperedthesorcerer,glancingroundtomakesurethatnooneoverheardhim.
‘You?’
‘Yes,I.’
‘AndwhatamItodotogainthemoney,’inquiredBernèz,whoknewquitewellthattheBretonpeasantgivesnothingfornothing.
‘WhatIwantofyouonlyneedsalittlecourage,’answeredtheoldman.
‘Ifthatisall,tellmewhatIhavegottodo,andIwilldoit,’criedBernèz,lettingfallhischisel.‘IfIhavetoriskthirtydeaths,Iamready.’
WhenthebeggarknewthatBernèzwouldgivehimnotrouble,hetoldhimhow,duringthatverynight,thetreasuresunderthestoneswouldbeuncovered,andhowinaveryfewminutestheycouldtakeenoughtomakethembothrichforlife.Buthekeptsilenceastothefatethatawaitedthemanwhowaswithoutthecrowsfootandthetrefoil,andBernèzthoughtthatnothingbutboldnessandquicknesswerenecessary.Sohesaid:
‘Oldman,Iamgrateful,indeed,forthechanceyouhavegivenme,andtherewillalwaysbeapintofmybloodatyourservice.Justletmefinishcarvingthiscross.Itisnearlydone,andIwilljoinyouinthefirwoodatwhateverhouryouplease.’
‘Youmustbetherewithoutfailanhourbeforemidnight,’answeredthewizard,andwentonhisway.
*****
AsthehourstruckfromthegreatchurchatPlouhinec,Bernèzenteredthewood.Hefoundthebeggaralreadytherewithabagineachhand,andathirdslungroundhisneck.
‘Youarepunctual,’saidtheoldman,‘butweneednotstartjustyet.Youhadbettersitdownandthinkwhatyouwilldowhenyourpocketsarefilledwithgoldandsilverandjewels.’
‘Oh,itwon’ttakemelongtoplanoutthat,’returnedBernèzwithalaugh.‘IshallgiveRozennikeverythingshecandesire,dressesofallsorts,fromcottontosilk,andgoodthingsofallkindstoeat,fromwhitebreadtooranges.’
‘Thesilveryoufindwillpayforallthat,andwhataboutthegold?’
‘WiththegoldIshallmakerichRozennik’srelationsandeveryfriendofhersintheparish,’repliedhe.
‘Somuchforthegold;andthejewels?’
‘Then,’criedBernèz,‘Iwilldividethejewelsamongsteverybodyintheworld,sothattheymaybewealthyandhappy;andIwilltellthemthatitisRozennikwhowouldhaveitso.’
‘Hush!itiscloseonmidnight—wemustgo,’whisperedthewizard,andtogethertheycrepttotheedgeofthewood.
Withthefirststrokeoftwelveagreatnoisearoseoverthesilentheath,andtheearthseemedtorockunderthefeetofthetwowatchers.Thenextmomentbythelightofthemoontheybeheldthehugestonesnearthemleavetheirplacesandgodowntheslopeleadingtotheriver,knockingagainsteachotherintheirhaste.PassingthespotwherestoodBernèzandthebeggar,theywerelostinthedarkness.Itseemedasifaprocessionofgiantshadgoneby.
‘Quick,’saidthewizard,inalowvoice,andherushedtowardstheemptyholes,whicheveninthenightshonebrightlyfromthetreasureswithinthem.Flinginghimselfonhisknees,theoldmanbeganfillingthewalletshehadbrought,listeningintentlyallthetime
forthereturnofthestonesupthehill,whileBernèzmoreslowlyputhandfulsofallhecouldseeintohispockets.
Thesorcererhadjustclosedhisthirdwallet,andwasbeginningtowonderifhecouldcarryawayanymoretreasureswhenalowmurmurasofadistantstormbrokeuponhisears.
Thestoneshadfinisheddrinking,andwerehasteningbacktotheirplaces.
Ontheycame,bentalittleforward,thetallestofthemallattheirhead,breakingeverythingthatstoodintheirway.AtthesightBernèzstoodtransfixedwithhorror,andsaid,
‘Wearelost!Theywillcrushustodeath.’
‘Notme!’answeredthesorcerer,holdingupthecrowsfootandthefive–leavedtrefoil,‘forthesewillpreserveme.Butinordertokeepmyriches,IwasobligedtosacrificeaChristiantothestones,andanevilfatethrewyouinmyway.’Andashespokehestretchedoutthemagicherbstothestones,whichwereadvancingrapidly.Asifacknowledgingapowergreaterthantheirs,themonstrousthingsinstantlypartedtotherightandleftofthewizard,butclosedtheirranksagainastheyapproachedBernèz.
Theyoungmandidnottrytoescape,heknewitwasuseless,andsankonhiskneesandclosedhiseyes.ButsuddenlythetallstonethatwasleadingstoppedstraightinfrontofBernèz,sothatnoothercouldgetpast.
ItwasthestoneonwhichBernèzhadcarvedthecross,anditwasnowabaptizedstone,andhadpowertosavehim.
Sothestoneremainedbeforetheyoungmantilltheresthadtakentheirplaces,andthen,dartinglikeabirdtoitsownhole,cameuponthebeggar,who,thinkinghimselfquitesafe,wasstaggeringalongundertheweightofhistreasures.
Seeingthestoneapproaching,heheldoutthemagicherbswhichhecarried,butthebaptizedstonewasnolongersubjecttothespellsthatboundtherest,andpassedstraightonitsway,leavingthewizardcrushedintopowderintheheather.
ThenBernèzwenthome,andshowedhiswealthtoMarzinne,whothistimedidnotrefusehimasabrother–in–law,andheandRozennikweremarried,andlivedhappyforeverafter.
From‘LeFoyerBreton,’parEmileSouvestre.
THECASTLEOFKERGLAS
PERONNIKwasapooridiotwhobelongedtonobody,andhewouldhavediedofstarvationifithadnotbeenforthekindnessofthevillagepeople,whogavehimfoodwheneverhechosetoaskforit.Andasforabed,whennightcame,andhegrewsleepy,helookedaboutforaheapofstraw,andmakingaholeinit,creptin,likealizard.Idiotthoughhewas,hewasneverunhappy,butalwaysthankedgratefullythosewhofedhim,andsometimeswouldstopforalittleandsingtothem.Forhecouldimitatealarksowell,thatnooneknewwhichwasPeronnikandwhichwasthebird.
Hehadbeenwanderinginaforestonedayforseveralhours,andwheneveningapproached,hesuddenlyfeltveryhungry.Luckily,justatthatplacethetreesgrewthinner,andhecouldseeasmallfarmhousealittlewayoff.Peronnikwentstraighttowardsit,andfoundthefarmer’swifestandingatthedoorholdinginherhandsthelargebowloutofwhichherchildrenhadeatentheirsupper.
‘Iamhungry,willyougivemesomethingtoeat?’askedtheboy.
‘Ifyoucanfindanythinghere,youarewelcometoit,’answeredshe,and,indeed,therewasnotmuchleft,aseverybody’sspoonhaddippedin.ButPeronnikatewhatwastherewithaheartyappetite,andthoughtthathehadnevertastedbetterfood.
‘Itismadeofthefinestflourandmixedwiththerichestmilkandstirredbythebestcookinallthecountryside,’andthoughhesaidittohimself,thewomanheardhim.
‘Poorinnocent,’shemurmured,‘hedoesnotknowwhatheissaying,butIwillcuthimasliceofthatnewwheatenloaf,’andsoshedid,andPeronnikateupeverycrumb,anddeclaredthatnobodylessthanthebishop’sbakercouldhavebakedit.Thisflatteredthefarmer’swifesomuchthatshegavehimsomebuttertospreadonit,andPeronnikwasstilleatingitonthedoorstepwhenanarmedknightrodeup.
‘CanyoutellmethewaytothecastleofKerglas?’askedhe.
‘ToKerglas?areyoureallygoingtoKerglas?’criedthewoman,turningpale.
‘Yes;andinordertogetthereIhavecomefromacountrysofaroffthatithastakenmethreemonths’hardridingtotravelasfarasthis.’
‘AndwhydoyouwanttogotoKerglas?’saidshe.
‘Iamseekingthebasinofgoldandthelanceofdiamondswhichareinthecastle,’heanswered.ThenPeronniklookedup.
‘Thebasinandthelanceareverycostlythings,’hesaidsuddenly.
‘Morecostlyandpreciousthanallthecrownsintheworld,’repliedthestranger,‘fornotonlywillthebasinfurnishyouwiththebestfoodthatyoucandreamof,butifyoudrinkofit,itwillcureyouofanyillnesshoweverdangerous,andwillevenbringthedeadbacktolife,ifittouchestheirmouths.Astothediamondlance,thatwillcutthroughanystoneormetal.’
‘Andtowhomdothesewondersbelong?’askedPeronnikinamazement.
‘ToamagiciannamedRogéarwholivesinthecastle,’answeredthewoman.‘Everydayhepassesalonghere,mountedonablackmare,withacoltthirteenmonthsoldtrottingbehind.Butnoonedarestoattackhim,ashealwayscarrieshislance.’
‘Thatistrue,’saidtheknight,‘butthereisaspelllaiduponhimwhichforbidshisusingitwithinthecastleofKerglas.Themomentheenters,thebasinandlanceareputawayinadarkcellarwhichnokeybutonecanopen.AndthatistheplacewhereIwishtofightthemagician.’
‘Youwillneverovercomehim,SirKnight,’repliedthewoman,shakingherhead.‘Morethanahundredgentlemenhaveriddenpastthishousebentonthesameerrand,andnotonehasevercomeback.’
‘Iknowthat,goodwoman,’returnedtheknight,‘butthentheydidnothave,likeme,instructionsfromthehermitofBlavet.’
‘Andwhatdidthehermittellyou?’askedPeronnik.
‘HetoldmethatIshouldhavetopassthroughawoodfullofallsortsofenchantmentsandvoices,whichwouldtrytofrightenmeandmakemelosemyway.Mostofthosewhohavegonebeforemehavewanderedtheyknownotwhere,andperishedfromcold,hunger,orfatigue.’
‘Well,supposeyougetthroughsafely?’saidtheidiot.
‘IfIdo,’continuedtheknight,‘Ishallthenmeetasortoffairyarmedwithaneedleoffirewhichburnstoashesallittouches.Thisdwarfstandsguardinganapple–tree,fromwhichIamboundtopluckanapple.’
‘Andnext?’inquiredPeronnik.
‘NextIshallfindtheflowerthatlaughs,protectedbyalionwhosemaneisformedofvipers.Imustpluckthatflower,andgoontothelakeofthedragonsandfighttheblackmanwhoholdsinhishandtheironballwhichnevermissesitsmarkandreturnsofitsownaccordtoitsmaster.Afterthat,Ienterthevalleyofpleasure,wheresomewhoconqueredalltheotherobstacleshavelefttheirbones.IfIcanwinthroughthis,Ishallreachariverwithonlyoneford,wherealadyinblackwillbeseated.Shewillmountmyhorsebehindme,andtellmewhatIamtodonext.’
Hepaused,andthewomanshookherhead.
‘Youwillneverbeabletodoallthat,’saidshe,buthebadeherrememberthatthesewereonlymattersformen,andgallopedawaydownthepathshepointedout.
*****
Thefarmer’swifesighedand,givingPeronniksomemorefood,badehimgood–night.Theidiotroseandwasopeningthegatewhichledintotheforestwhenthefarmerhimselfcameup.
‘Iwantaboytotendmycattle,’hesaidabruptly,‘astheoneIhadhasrunaway.Willyoustayanddoit?’andPeronnik,thoughhelovedhislibertyandhatedwork,recollectedthegoodfoodhehadeaten,andagreedtostop.
Atsunrisehecollectedhisherdcarefullyandledthemtotherichpasturewhichlayalongthebordersoftheforest,cuttinghimselfahazelwandwithwhichtokeeptheminorder.
Histaskwasnotquitesoeasyasitlooked,forthecowshadawayofstrayingintothewood,andbythetimehehadbroughtonebackanotherwasoff.Hehadgonesomedistanceintothetrees,afteranaughtyblackcowwhichgavehimmoretroublethanalltherest,whenheheardthenoiseofhorse’sfeet,andpeepingthroughtheleaveshebeheldthegiantRogéarseatedonhismare,withthecolttrottingbehind.Roundthegiant’sneckhungthegoldenbowlsuspendedfromachain,andinhishandhegraspedthediamondlance,whichgleamedlikefire.Butassoonashewasoutofsighttheidiotsoughtinvainfortracesofthepathhehadtaken.
Thishappenednotonlyoncebutmanytimes,tillPeronnikgrewsousedtohimthathenevertroubledtohide.Butoneachoccasionhesawhimthedesiretopossessthebowlandthelancebecamestronger.
*****
Oneeveningtheboywassittingaloneontheedgeoftheforest,whenamanwithawhitebeardstoppedbesidehim.‘DoyouwanttoknowthewaytoKerglas?’askedtheidiot,andthemananswered‘Iknowitwell.’
‘Youhavebeentherewithoutbeingkilledbythemagician?’criedPeronnik.
‘Oh!hehadnothingtofearfromme,’repliedthewhite–beardedman,‘IamRogéar’selderbrother,thewizardBryak.WhenIwishtovisithimIalwayspassthisway,andasevenIcannotgothroughtheenchantedwoodwithoutlosingmyself,Icallthecolttoguideme.’Stoopingdownashespokehetracedthreecirclesonthegroundandmurmuredsomewordsverylow,whichPeronnikcouldnothear.Thenheaddedaloud:
Colt,freetorunandfreetoeat,Colt,gallopfastuntilwemeet,
andinstantlythecoltappeared,friskingandjumpingtothewizard,whothrewahalteroverhisneckandleaptonhisback.
*****
Peronnikkeptsilenceatthefarmaboutthisadventure,butheunderstoodverywellthatifhewasevertogettoKerglashemustfirstcatchthecoltwhichknewtheway.Unhappilyhehadnotheardthemagicwordsutteredbythewizard,andhecouldnotmanagetodrawthethreecircles,soifhewastosummonthecoltatallhemustinventsomeothermeansofdoingit.
Alldaylong,whilehewasherdingthecows,hethoughtandthoughthowhewastocallthecolt,forhefeltsurethatonceonitsbackhecouldovercometheotherdangers.Meantimehemustbereadyincaseachanceshouldcome,andhemadehispreparationsatnight,wheneveryonewasasleep.Rememberingwhathehadseenthewizarddo,hepatchedupanoldhalterthatwashanginginacornerofthestable,twistedaropeofhemptocatchthecolt’sfeet,andanetsuchasisusedforsnaringbirds.Nexthesewedroughlytogethersomebitsofclothtoserveasapocket,andthishefilledwithglueandlarks’feathers,astringofbeads,awhistleofelderwood,andasliceofbreadrubbedoverwith
baconfat.ThenhewentouttothepathdownwhichRogéar,hismare,andthecoltalwaysrode,andcrumbledthebreadononesideofit.
Punctualtotheirhourallthreeappeared,eagerlywatchedbyPeronnik,wholayhidinthebushescloseby.Supposeitwasuseless;supposethemare,andnotthecolt,atethecrumbs?Suppose—butno!themareandherriderwentsafelyby,vanishingroundacorner,whilethecolt,trottingalongwithitsheadontheground,smeltthebread,andbegangreedilytolickupthepieces.Oh,howgooditwas!Whyhadnooneevergivenitthatbefore,andsoabsorbedwasthelittlebeast,sniffingaboutafterafewmorecrumbs,thatitneverheardPeronnikcreepuptillitfeltthehalteronitsneckandtheroperounditsfeet,and—inanothermoment—someoneonitsback.
Goingasfastasthehobbleswouldallow,thecoltturnedintooneofthewildestpartsoftheforest,whileitsridersattremblingatthestrangesightshesaw.Sometimestheearthseemedtoopeninfrontofthemandhewaslookingintoabottomlesspit;sometimesthetreesburstintoflamesandhefoundhimselfinthemidstofafire;oftenintheactofcrossingastreamthewaterroseandthreatenedtosweephimaway;andagain,atthefootofamountain,greatrockswouldrolltowardshim,asiftheywouldcrushhimandhiscoltbeneaththeirweight.TohisdyingdayPeronnikneverknewwhetherthesethingswererealorifheonlyimaginedthem,buthepulleddownhisknittedcapsoastocoverhiseyes,andtrustedthecolttocarryhimdowntherightroad.
Atlasttheforestwasleftbehind,andtheycameoutonawideplainwheretheairblewfreshandstrong.Theidiotventuredtopeepout,andfoundtohisreliefthattheenchantmentsseemedtohaveended,thoughathrillofhorrorshotthroughhimashenoticedtheskeletonsofmenscatteredovertheplain,besidetheskeletonsoftheirhorses.Andwhatwerethosegreyformstrottingawayinthedistance?Werethey—couldtheybe—wolves?
Butvastthoughtheplainseemed,itdidnottakelongtocross,andverysoonthecoltenteredasortofshadyparkinwhichwasstandingasingleapple–tree,itsbranchesboweddowntothegroundwiththeweightofitsfruit.Infrontwasthekorigan—thelittlefairyman—holdinginhishandthefierysword,whichreducedtoasheseverythingittouched.AtthesightofPeronnikheutteredapiercingscream,andraisedhissword,butwithoutappearingsurprisedtheyouthonlyliftedhiscap,thoughhetookcaretoremainatalittledistance.
‘Donotbealarmed,myprince,’saidPeronnik,‘IamjustonmywaytoKerglas,asthenobleRogéarhasbeggedmetocometohimonbusiness.’
‘Beggedyoutocome!’repeatedthedwarf,‘andwho,then,areyou?’
‘Iamthenewservanthehasengaged,asyouknowverywell,’answeredPeronnik.
‘Idonotknowatall,’rejoinedthekorigansulkily,‘andyoumaybearobberforallIcantell.’
‘Iamsosorry,’repliedPeronnik,‘butImaybewrongincallingmyselfaservant,forIamonlyabird–catcher.Butdonotdelayme,Ipray,forhishighnessthemagicianexpectsme,and,asyousee,haslentmehiscoltsothatImayreachthecastleallthequicker.’
Atthesewordsthekorigancasthiseyesforthefirsttimeonthecolt,whichheknewtobe
theonebelongingtothemagician,andbegantothinkthattheyoungmanwasspeakingthetruth.Afterexaminingthehorse,hestudiedtherider,whohadsuchaninnocent,andindeedvacant,airthatheappearedincapableofinventingastory.Still,thedwarfdidnotfeelquitesurethatallwasright,andaskedwhatthemagicianwantedwithabird–catcher.
‘Fromwhathesays,hewantsoneverybadly,’repliedPeronnik,‘ashedeclaresthatallhisgrainandallthefruitinhisgardenatKerglasareeatenupbythebirds.’
‘Andhowareyougoingtostopthat,myfinefellow?’inquiredthekorigan;andPeronnikshowedhimthesnarehehadprepared,andremarkedthatnobirdcouldpossiblyescapefromit.
‘ThatisjustwhatIshouldliketobesureof,’answeredthekorigan.‘Myapplesarecompletelyeatenupbyblackbirdsandthrushes.Layyoursnare,andifyoucanmanagetocatchthem,Iwillletyoupass.’
‘Thatisafairbargain,’andashespokePeronnikjumpeddownandfastenedhiscolttoatree;then,stooping,hefixedoneendofthenettothetrunkoftheapple–tree,andcalledtothekorigantoholdtheotherwhilehetookoutthepegs.Thedwarfdidashewasbid,whensuddenlyPeronnikthrewthenooseoverhisneckanddrewitclose,andthekoriganwasheldasfastasanyofthebirdshewishedtosnare.
Shriekingwithrage,hetriedtoundothecord,butheonlypulledtheknottighter.Hehadputdowntheswordonthegrass,andPeronnikhadbeencarefultofixthenetontheothersideofthetree,sothatitwasnoweasyforhimtopluckanappleandtomounthishorse,withoutbeinghinderedbythedwarf,whomhelefttohisfate.
*****
Whentheyhadlefttheplainbehindthem,Peronnikandhissteedfoundthemselvesinanarrowvalleyinwhichwasagroveoftrees,fullofallsortsofsweet–smellingthings—rosesofeverycolour,yellowbroom,pinkhoneysuckle—whileabovethemalltoweredawonderfulscarletpansywhosefaceboreastrangeexpression.Thiswastheflowerthatlaughs,andnoonewholookedatitcouldhelplaughingtoo.Peronnik’sheartbeathighatthethoughtthathehadreachedsafelythesecondtrial,andhegazedquitecalmlyatthelionwiththemaneofviperstwistingandtwirling,whowalkedupanddowninfrontofthegrove.
Theyoungmanpulledupandremovedhiscap,for,idiotthoughhewas,heknewthatwhenyouhavetodowithpeoplegreaterthanyourself,acapismoreusefulinthehandthanonthehead.Then,afterwishingallkindsofgoodfortunetothelionandhisfamily,heinquiredifhewasontherightroadtoKerglas.
‘AndwhatisyourbusinessatKerglas?’askedthelionwithagrowl,andshowinghisteeth.
‘Withallrespect,’answeredPeronnik,pretendingtobeveryfrightened,‘IamtheservantofaladywhoisafriendofthenobleRogéarandsendshimsomelarksforapasty.’
‘Larks?’criedthelion,lickinghislongwhiskers.‘Why,itmustbeacenturysinceIhavehadany!Haveyoualargequantitywithyou?’
‘Asmanyasthisbagwillhold,’repliedPeronnik,opening,ashespoke,thebagwhichhe
hadfilledwithfeathersandglue;andtoprovewhathesaid,heturnedhisbackonthelionandbegantoimitatethesongofalark.
‘Come,’exclaimedthelion,whosemouthwatered,‘showmethebirds!Ishouldliketoseeiftheyarefatenoughformymaster.’
‘Iwoulddoitwithpleasure,’answeredtheidiot,‘butifIonceopenthebagtheywillallflyaway.’
‘Well,openitwideenoughformetolookin,’saidthelion,drawingalittlenearer.
HowPeronniktrickedtheViper–manedLionwithabag
NowthiswasjustwhatPeronnikhadbeenhopingfor,soheheldthebagwhilethelionopeneditcarefullyandputhisheadrightinside,sothathemightgetagoodmouthfuloflarks.Butthemassoffeathersandgluestucktohim,andbeforehecouldpullhisheadoutagainPeronnikhaddrawntightthecord,andtieditinaknotthatnomancoulduntie.Then,quicklygatheringtheflowerthatlaughs,herodeoffasfastasthecoltcouldtakehim.
*****
Thepathsoonledtothelakeofthedragons,whichhehadtoswimacross.Thecolt,whowasaccustomedtoit,plungedintothewaterwithouthesitation;butassoonasthedragonscaughtsightofPeronniktheyapproachedfromallpartsofthelakeinordertodevourhim.
ThistimePeronnikdidnottroubletotakeoffhiscap,buthethrewthebeadshecarriedwithhimintothewater,asyouthrowblackcorntoaduck,andwitheachbeadthatheswallowedadragonturnedonhisbackanddied,sothattheidiotreachedtheothersidewithoutfurthertrouble.
Thevalleyguardedbytheblackmannowlaybeforehim,andfromafarPeronnikbeheldhim,chainedbyonefoottoarockattheentrance,andholdingtheironballwhichnevermisseditsmarkandalwaysreturnedtoitsmaster’shand.Inhisheadtheblackmanhad
sixeyesthatwereneverallshutatonce,butkeptwatchoneaftertheother.Atthismomenttheywereallopen,andPeronnikknewwellthatiftheblackmancaughtaglimpseofhimhewouldcasthisball.So,hidingthecoltbehindathicketofbushes,hecrawledalongaditchandcrouchedclosetotheveryrocktowhichtheblackmanwaschained.Thedaywashot,andafterawhilethemanbegantogrowsleepy.Twoofhiseyesclosed,andPeronniksanggently.Inamomentathirdeyeshut,andPeronniksangon.Thelidofafourtheyedroppedheavily,andthenthoseofthefifthandthesixth.Theblackmanwasasleepaltogether.
Then,ontiptoe,theidiotcreptbacktothecolt,whichheledoversoftmosspasttheblackmanintothevaleofpleasure,adeliciousgardenfulloffruitsthatdangledbeforeyourmouth,fountainsrunningwithwine,andflowerschantinginsoftlittlevoices.Furtheron,tableswerespreadwithfood,andgirlsdancingonthegrasscalledtohimtojointhem.
Peronnikheard,and,scarcelyknowingwhathediddrewthecoltintoaslowerpace.Hesniffedgreedilythesmellofthedishes,andraisedhisheadthebettertoseethedancers.Anotherinstantandhewouldhavestoppedaltogetherandbeenlost,likeothersbeforehim,whensuddenlytherecametohimlikeavisionthegoldenbowlandthediamondlance.Drawinghiswhistlefromhispocket,heblewitloudly,soastodrownthesweetsoundsabouthim,andatewhatwasleftofhisbreadandbacontostillthecravingofthemagicfruits.Hiseyeshefixedsteadilyontheearsofthecolt,thathemightnotseethedancers.
Inthiswayhewasabletoreachtheendofthegarden,andatlengthperceivedthecastleofKerglas,withtheriverbetweenthemwhichhadonlyoneford.Wouldtheladybethere,astheoldmanhadtoldhim?Yes,surelythatwasshe,sittingonarock,inablacksatindress,andherfacethecolourofaMoorishwoman’s.Theidiotrodeup,andtookoffhiscapmorepolitelythanever,andaskedifshedidnotwishtocrosstheriver.
‘Iwaswaitingforyoutohelpmedoso,’answeredshe.‘Comenear,thatImaygetupbehindyou.’
Peronnikdidasshebadehim,andbythehelpofhisarmshejumpednimblyontothebackofthecolt.
‘Doyouknowhowtokillthemagician?’askedthelady,astheywerecrossingtheford.
‘Ithoughtthat,beingamagician,hewasimmortal,andthatnoonecouldkillhim,’repliedPeronnik.
‘Persuadehimtotastethatapple,andhewilldie,andifthatisnotenoughIwilltouchhimwithmyfinger,forIamtheplague,’answeredshe.
‘ButifIkillhim,howamItogetthegoldenbowlandthediamondlancethatarehiddeninthecellarwithoutakey?’rejoinedPeronnik.
PERONNIKINTHEVALEOFPLEASURE
TheLadyinblackslaysRogéartheMagician
‘Theflowerthatlaughsopensalldoorsandlightensalldarkness,’saidthelady;andasshespoke,theyreachedthefurtherbank,andadvancedtowardsthecastle.
Infrontoftheentrancewasasortoftentsupportedonpoles,andunderitthegiantwassitting,baskinginthesun.AssoonashenoticedthecoltbearingPeronnikandthelady,heliftedhishead,andcriedinavoiceofthunder:
‘Why,itissurelytheidiot,ridingmycoltthirteenmonthsold!’
‘Greatestofmagicians,youareright,’answeredPeronnik.
‘Andhowdidyoumanagetocatchhim?’askedthegiant.
‘ByrepeatingwhatIlearntfromyourbrotherBryakontheedgeoftheforest,’repliedtheidiot.‘Ijustsaid—
Colt,freetorunandfreetoeat,Colt,gallopfastuntilwemeet,
anditcamedirectly.’
‘Youknowmybrother,then?’inquiredthegiant.‘Tellmewhyhesentyouhere.’
‘TobringyoutwogiftswhichhehasjustreceivedfromthecountryoftheMoors,’answeredPeronnik:‘theappleofdelightandthewomanofsubmission.Ifyoueattheappleyouwillnotdesireanythingelse,andifyoutakethewomanasyourservantyouwillneverwishforanother.’
‘Well,givemetheapple,andbidthewomangetdown,’answeredRogéar.
Theidiotobeyed,butatthefirsttasteoftheapplethegiantstaggered,andasthelongyellowfingerofthewomantouchedhimhefelldead.
Leavingthemagicianwherehelay,Peronnikenteredthepalace,bearingwithhimtheflowerthatlaughs.Fiftydoorsflewopenbeforehim,andatlengthhereachedalongflightofstepswhichseemedtoleadintothebowelsoftheearth.Downthesehewenttillhecametoasilverdoorwithoutabarorkey.Thenhehelduphightheflowerthatlaughs,andthedoorslowlyswungback,displayingadeepcavern,whichwasasbrightasdayfromtheshiningofthegoldenbowlandthediamondlance.Theidiothastilyranforwardandhungthebowlroundhisneckfromthechainwhichwasattachedtoit,andtookthelanceinhishand.Ashedidso,thegroundshookbeneathhim,andwithanawfulrumblingthepalacedisappeared,andPeronnikfoundhimselfstandingclosetotheforestwhereheledthecattletograze.
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Thoughdarknesswascomingon,Peronnikneverthoughtofenteringthefarm,butfollowedtheroadwhichledtothecourtofthedukeofBrittany.AshepassedthroughthetownofVanneshestoppedatatailor’sshop,andboughtabeautifulcostumeofbrownvelvetandawhitehorse,whichhepaidforwithahandfulofgoldthathehadpickedupinthecorridorofthecastleofKerglas.ThushemadehiswaytothecityofNantes,whichatthatmomentwasbesiegedbytheFrench.
Alittlewayoff,Peronnikstoppedandlookedabouthim.Formilesroundthecountrywasbare,fortheenemyhadcutdowneverytreeandburnteverybladeofcorn;and,idiotthoughhemightbe,Peronnikwasabletograspthatinsidethegatesmenweredyingoffamine.Hewasstillgazingwithhorror,whenatrumpeterappearedonthewalls,and,afterblowingaloudblast,announcedthatthedukewouldadoptashisheirthemanwhocoulddrivetheFrenchoutofthecountry.
Onthefoursidesofthecitythetrumpeterblewhisblast,andthelasttimePeronnik,whohadriddenupascloseashemight,answeredhim.
‘Youneedblownomore,’saidhe,‘forImyselfwillfreethetownfromherenemies.’Andturningtoasoldierwhocamerunningup,wavinghissword,hetouchedhimwiththemagiclance,andhefelldeadonthespot.Themenwhowerefollowingstoodstill,amazed.Theircomrade’sarmourhadnotbeenpierced,ofthattheyweresure,yethewasdead,asifhehadbeenstrucktotheheart.Butbeforetheyhadtimetorecoverfromtheirastonishment,Peronnikcriedout:
‘Youseehowmyfoeswillfare;nowbeholdwhatIcandoformyfriends,’and,stoopingdown,helaidthegoldenbowlagainstthemouthofthesoldier,whosatupaswellasever.Then,jumpinghishorseacrossthetrench,heenteredthegateofthecity,whichhadopenedwideenoughtoreceivehim.
Thenewsofthesemarvelsquicklyspreadthroughthetown,andputfreshspiritintothegarrison,sothattheydeclaredthemselvesabletofightunderthecommandoftheyoungstranger.AndasthebowlrestoredallthedeadBretonstolife,PeronniksoonhadanarmylargeenoughtodriveawaytheFrench,andfulfilledhispromiseofdeliveringhiscountry.
Astothebowlandthelance,nooneknowswhatbecameofthem,butsomesaythatBryakthesorcerermanagedtostealthemagain,andthatanyonewhowishestopossessthemmustseekthemasPeronnikdid.
From‘LeFoyerBreton,’parEmileSouvestre.
THEBATTLEOFTHEBIRDS
THEREwastobeagreatbattlebetweenallthecreaturesoftheearthandthebirdsoftheair.Newsofitwentabroad,andthesonofthekingofTethertownsaidthatwhenthebattlewasfoughthewouldbetheretoseeit,andwouldbringbackwordwhowastobeking.Butinspiteofthat,hewasalmosttoolate,andeveryfighthadbeenfoughtsavethelast,whichwasbetweenasnakeandagreatblackraven.Bothstruckhard,butintheendthesnakeprovedthestronger,andwouldhavetwistedhimselfroundtheneckoftheraventillhediedhadnottheking’ssondrawnhissword,andcutofftheheadofthesnakeatasingleblow.Andwhentheravenbeheldthathisenemywasdead,hewasgrateful,andsaid:
‘Forthykindnesstomethisday,Iwillshowtheeasight.Socomeupnowontherootofmytwowings.’Theking’ssondidashewasbid,andbeforetheravenstoppedflying,theyhadpassedoversevenbensandsevenglensandsevenmountainmoors.
‘Doyouseethathouseyonder?’saidtheravenatlast.‘Gostraighttoit,forasisterofminedwellsthere,andshewillmakeyourightwelcome.Andifsheasks,“Wertthouatthebattleofthebirds?”answerthatthouwert,andifsheasks,“Didstthouseemylikeness?”answerthatthousawestit,butbesurethoumeetestmeinthemorningatthisplace.’
Theking’ssonfollowedwhattheraventoldhimandthatnighthehadmeatofeachmeat,anddrinkofeachdrink,warmwaterforhisfeet,andasoftbedtoliein.
Thusithappenedthenextday,andthenext,butonthefourthmorning,insteadofmeetingtheraven,inhisplacetheking’ssonfoundwaitingforhimthehandsomestyouththateverwasseen,withabundleinhishand.
HowtheKing’sSonsavedtheRavenfromtheSnakebyH.J.Ford1910
‘Istherearavenhereabouts?’askedtheking’sson,andtheyouthanswered:
‘Iamthatraven,andIwasdeliveredbytheefromthespellsthatboundme,andinrewardthouwiltgetthisbundle.Gobackbytheroadthoucamest,andlieasbefore,anightineachhouse,butbecarefulnottounloosethebundletillthouartintheplacewhereinthouwouldstmostwishtodwell.’
Thentheking’ssonsetout,andthusithappenedasithadhappenedbefore,tillheenteredathickwoodnearhisfather’shouse.Hehadwalkedalongway,andsuddenlythebundleseemedtogrowheavier;firstheputitdownunderatree,andnexthethoughthewouldlookatit.
Thestringwaseasytountie,andtheking’ssonsoonunfastenedthebundle.Whatwasithesawthere?Why,agreatcastlewithanorchardallaboutit,andintheorchardfruitandflowersandbirdsofeverykind.Itwasallreadyforhimtodwellin,butinsteadofbeinginthemidstoftheforest,hedidwishhehadleftthebundleunloosedtillhehadreachedthegreenvalleyclosetohisfather’spalace.Well,itwasnousewishing,andwithasighheglancedup,andbeheldahugegiantcomingtowardshim.
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‘Badistheplacewherethouhastbuiltthyhouse,king’sson,’saidthegiant.
‘True;itisnotherethatIwishittobe,’answeredtheking’sson.
‘WhatrewardwiltthougivemeifIputitbackinthebundle?’askedthegiant.
‘Whatrewarddostthouask?’answeredtheking’sson.
‘Thefirstboythouhastwhenheissevenyearsold,’saidthegiant.
‘IfIhaveaboythoushaltgethim,’answeredtheking’sson,andashespokethecastleandtheorchardweretiedupinthebundleagain.
‘Nowtakethyroad,andIwilltakemine,’saidthegiant.‘Andifthouforgettestthypromise,Iwillrememberit.’
Lightofhearttheking’ssonwentonhisroad,tillhecametothegreenvalleynearhisfather’spalace.Slowlyheunloosedthebundle,fearinglestheshouldfindnothingbutaheapofstonesorrags.Butno!allwasasithadbeenbefore,andasheopenedthecastledoortherestoodwithinthemostbeautifulmaidenthateverwasseen.
‘Enter,king’sson,’saidshe,‘allisready,andwewillbemarriedatonce,’andsotheywere.
Themaidenprovedagoodwife,andtheking’sson,nowhimselfaking,wassohappythatheforgotallaboutthegiant.Sevenyearsandadayhadgoneby,whenonemorning,whilestandingontheramparts,hebeheldthegiantstridingtowardsthecastle.Thenherememberedhispromise,andremembered,too,thathehadtoldthequeennothingaboutit.Nowhemusttellher,andperhapsshemighthelphiminhistrouble.
Thequeenlistenedinsilencetohistale,andafterhehadfinished,sheonlysaid:
‘Leavethouthematterbetweenmeandthegiant,’andasshespoke,thegiantenteredthehallandstoodbeforethem.
‘Bringoutyourson,’criedhetotheking,‘asyoupromisedmesevenyearsandadaysince.’
Thekingglancedathiswife,whonodded,soheanswered:
‘Lethismotherfirstputhiminorder,’andthequeenleftthehall,andtookthecook’ssonanddressedhimintheprince’sclothes,andledhimuptothegiant,whoheldhishand,andtogethertheywentoutalongtheroad.Theyhadnotwalkedfarwhenthegiantstoppedandstretchedoutasticktotheboy.
‘Ifyourfatherhadthatstick,whatwouldhedowithit?’askedhe.
‘Ifmyfatherhadthatstick,hewouldbeatthedogsandcatsthatstealtheking’smeat,’repliedtheboy.
‘Thouartthecook’sson!’criedthegiant.‘Gohometothymother;’andturninghisbackhestrodestraighttothecastle.
‘Ifyouseektotrickmethistime,thehigheststonewillsoonbethelowest,’saidhe,andthekingandqueentrembled,buttheycouldnotbeartogiveuptheirboy.
‘Thebutler’ssonisthesameageasours,’whisperedthequeen;‘hewillnotknowthedifference,’andshetookthechildanddressedhimintheprince’sclothes,andthegiantledhimawayalongtheroad.Beforetheyhadgonefarhestopped,andheldoutastick.
‘Ifthyfatherhadthatrod,whatwouldhedowithit?’askedthegiant.
‘Hewouldbeatthedogsandcatsthatbreaktheking’sglasses,’answeredtheboy.
‘Thouartthesonofthebutler!’criedthegiant.‘Gohometothymother;’andturningroundhestrodebackangrilytothecastle.
‘Bringoutthysonatonce,’roaredhe,‘orthestonethatishighestwillbelowest,’andthistimetherealprincewasbrought.
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Butthoughhisparentsweptbitterlyandfanciedthechildwassufferingallkindsofdreadfulthings,thegianttreatedhimlikehisownson,thoughheneverallowedhimtoseehisdaughters.Theboygrewtobeabigboy,andonedaythegianttoldhimthathewouldhavetoamusehimselfaloneformanyhours,ashehadajourneytomake.Sotheboywanderedbytheriver,anddowntothesea,andatlasthewanderedtothetopofthecastle,wherehehadneverbeenbefore.Therehepaused,forthesoundofmusicbrokeuponhisears,andopeningadoornearhim,hebeheldagirlsittingbythewindow,holdingaharp.
‘Hasteandbegone,Iseethegiantcloseathand,’shewhisperedhurriedly,‘butwhenheisasleep,returnhither,forIwouldspeakwiththee.’Andtheprincedidashewasbid,andwhenmidnightstruckhecreptbacktothetopofthecastle.
‘To–morrow,’saidthegirl,whowasthegiant’sdaughter,‘to–morrowthouwiltgetthechoiceofmytwosisterstomarry,butthoumustanswerthatthouwiltnottakeeither,butonlyme.Thiswillangerhimgreatly,forhewishestobetrothmetothesonofthekingoftheGreenCity,whomIlikenotatall.’
Thentheyparted,andonthemorrow,asthegirlhadsaid,thegiantcalledhisthreedaughterstohim,andlikewisetheyoungprince,towhomhespoke.
‘Now,OsonofthekingofTethertown,thetimehascomeforustopart.Chooseoneofmytwoelderdaughterstowife,andthoushalttakehertoyourfather’shousethedayafterthewedding.’
‘Givemetheyoungestinstead,’repliedtheyouth,andthegiant’sfacedarkenedasheheardhim.
‘Threethingsmustthoudofirst,’saidhe.
‘Sayon,Iwilldothem,’repliedtheprince,andthegiantleftthehouse,andbadehimfollowtothebyre,wherethecowswerekept.
‘Forahundredyearsnomanhassweptthisbyre,’saidthegiant,‘butifbynightfall,whenIreachhome,thouhastnotcleaneditsothatagoldenapplecanrollthroughitfromendtoend,thybloodshallpayforit.’
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Alldaylongtheyouthtoiled,buthemightaswellhavetriedtoemptytheocean.Atlength,whenhewassotiredhecouldhardlymove,thegiant’syoungestdaughterstoodinthedoorway.
‘Laydownthyweariness,’saidshe,andtheking’sson,thinkinghecouldonlydieonce,sankontheflooratherbidding,andfellsoundasleep.Whenhewokethegirlhaddisappeared,andthebyrewassocleanthatagoldenapplecouldrollfromendtoendofit.Hejumpedupinsurprise,andatthatmomentincamethegiant.
‘Hastthoucleanedthebyre,king’sson?’askedhe.
‘Ihavecleanedit,’answeredhe.
‘Well,sincethouwertsoactiveto–day,to–morrowthouwiltthatchthisbyrewithafeatherfromeverydifferentbird,orelsethybloodshallpayforit,’andhewentout.
Beforethesunwasup,theyouthtookhisbowandhisquiverandsetofftokillthebirds.Offtothemoorhewent,butneverabirdwastobeseenthatday.Atlasthegotsotiredwithrunningtoandfrothathegaveupheart.
‘ThereisbutonedeathIcandie,’thoughthe.Thenatmiddaycamethegiant’sdaughter.
‘Thouarttired,king’sson?’saidshe.
‘Iam,’answeredhe;‘allthesehourshaveIwandered,andtherefellbutthesetwoblackbirds,bothofonecolour.’
‘Laydownthywearinessonthegrass,’saidshe,andhedidasshebadehim,andfellfastasleep.
Whenhewokethegirlhaddisappeared,andhegotup,andreturnedtothebyre.Ashedrewnear,herubbedhiseyeshard,thinkinghewasdreaming,forthereitwas,beautifullythatched,justasthegianthadwished.Atthedoorofthehousehemetthegiant.
‘Hastthouthatchedthebyre,king’sson?’
‘Ihavethatchedit.’
HowtheKing’sSonfetchedtheMagpie’sEggs
‘Well,sincethouhastbeensoactiveto–day,Ihavesomethingelseforthee!Besidethelochthouseestoveryondertheregrowsafirtree.Onthetopofthefirtreeisamagpie’snest,andinthenestarefiveeggs.Thouwiltbringmethoseeggsforbreakfast,andifoneiscrackedorbroken,thybloodshallpayforit.’
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Beforeitwaslightnextday,theking’ssonjumpedoutofbedandrandowntotheloch.Thetreewasnothardtofind,fortherisingsunshoneredonthetrunk,whichwasfivehundredfeetfromthegroundtoitsfirstbranch.Timeaftertimehewalkedroundit,tryingtofindsomeknots,howeversmall,wherehecouldputhisfeet,butthebarkwasquitesmooth,andhesoonsawthatifhewastoreachthetopatall,itmustbebyclimbingupwithhiskneeslikeasailor.Butthenhewasaking’ssonandnotasailor,whichmadeallthedifference.
However,itwasnousestandingtherestaringatthefir,atleasthemusttrytodohisbest,andtryhedidtillhishandsandkneesweresore,forassoonashehadstruggledupafewfeet,heslidbackagain.Onceheclimbedalittlehigherthanbefore,andhoperoseinhisheart,thendownhecamewithsuchforcethathishandsandkneessmartedworsethanever.
‘Thisisnotimeforstopping,’saidthevoiceofthegiant’sdaughter,asheleantagainstthetrunktorecoverhisbreath.
‘Alas!Iamnosoonerupthandown,’answeredhe.
‘Tryoncemore,’saidshe,andshelaidafingeragainstthetreeandbadehimputhisfootonit.Thensheplacedanotherfingeralittlehigherup,andsoontillhereachedthetop,wherethemagpiehadbuilthernest.
‘Makehastenowwiththenest,’shecried,‘formyfather’sbreathisburningmyback,’anddownhescrambledasfastashecould,butthegirl’slittlefingerhadcaughtinabranchatthetop,andshewasobligedtoleaveitthere.Butshewastoobusytopayheedtothis,forthesunwasgettinghighoverthehills.
‘Listentome,’shesaid.‘ThisnightmytwosistersandIwillbedressedinthesamegarments,andyouwillnotknowme.Butwhenmyfathersays‘Gotothywife,king’sson,’cometotheonewhoserighthandhasnolittlefinger.’
Sohewentandgavetheeggstothegiant,whonoddedhishead.
‘Makereadyforthymarriage,’criedhe,‘fortheweddingshalltakeplacethisverynight,andIwillsummonthybridetogreetthee.’Thenhisthreedaughtersweresentfor,andtheyallentereddressedingreensilkofthesamefashion,andwithgoldencircletsroundtheirheads.Theking’ssonlookedfromonetoanother.Whichwastheyoungest?Suddenlyhiseyesfellonthehandofthemiddleone,andtherewasnolittlefinger.
‘Thouhastaimedwellthistimetoo,’saidthegiant,astheking’ssonlaidhishandonhershoulder,‘butperhapswemaymeetsomeotherway;’andthoughhepretendedtolaugh,thebridesawagleaminhiseyewhichwarnedherofdanger.
Theweddingtookplacethatverynight,andthehallwasfilledwithgiantsandgentlemen,andtheydancedtillthehouseshookfromtoptobottom.Atlasteveryonegrewtired,andtheguestswentaway,andtheking’ssonandhisbridewereleftalone.
‘Ifwestayheretilldawnmyfatherwillkillthee,’shewhispered,‘butthouartmyhusbandandIwillsavethee,asIdidbefore,’andshecutanappleintoninepieces,andputtwopiecesattheheadofthebed,andtwopiecesatthefoot,andtwopiecesatthedoorofthekitchen,andtwoatthebigdoor,andoneoutsidethehouse.Andwhenthiswasdone,andsheheardthegiantsnoring,sheandtheking’ssoncreptoutsoftlyandstoleacrosstothestable,wheresheledouttheblue–greymareandjumpedonitsback,andherhusbandmountedbeforeher.Notlongafter,thegiantawoke.
‘Areyouasleep?’askedhe.
‘Notyet,’answeredtheappleattheheadofthebed,andthegiantturnedover,andsoonwassnoringasloudlyasbefore.Byandbyehecalledagain.
‘Areyouasleep?’
‘Notyet,’saidtheappleatthefootofthebed,andthegiantwassatisfied.Afterawhile,hecalledathirdtime,‘Areyouasleep?’
‘Notyet,’repliedtheappleinthekitchen,butwhen,inafewminutes,heputthequestionforthefourthtimeandreceivedananswerfromtheappleoutsidethehousedoor,he
guessedwhathadhappened,andrantotheroomtolookforhimself.
Thebedwascoldandempty!
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‘Myfather’sbreathisburningmyback,’criedthegirl,‘putthyhandintotheearofthemare,andwhateverthoufindestthere,throwitbehindthee.’Andinthemare’seartherewasatwigofsloetree,andashethrewitbehindhimtheresprunguptwentymilesofthornwoodsothickthatscarceaweaselcouldgothroughit.Andthegiant,whowasstridingheadlongforwards,gotcaughtinit,anditpulledhishairandbeard.
‘Thisisoneofmydaughter’stricks,’hesaidtohimself,‘butifIhadmybigaxeandmywood–knife,Iwouldnotbelongmakingawaythroughthis,’andoffhewenthomeandbroughtbacktheaxeandthewood–knife.
Ittookhimbutashorttimetocutaroadthroughtheblackthorn,andthenhelaidtheaxeandtheknifeunderatree.
‘IwillleavethemtheretillIreturn,’hemurmuredtohimself,butahoodiecrow,whichwassittingonabranchabove,heardhim.
‘Ifthouleavestthem,’saidthehoodie,‘wewillstealthem.’
‘Youwill,’answeredthegiant,‘andImusttakethemhome.’Sohetookthemhome,andstartedafreshonhisjourney.
‘Myfather’sbreathisburningmyback,’criedthegirlatmidday.‘Putthyfingerinthemare’searandthrowbehindtheewhateverthoufindestinit,’andtheking’ssonfoundasplinterofgreystone,andthrewitbehindhim,andinatwinklingtwentymilesofsolidrocklaybetweenthemandthegiant.
‘Mydaughter’stricksarethehardestthingsthatevermetme,’saidthegiant,‘butifIhadmyleverandmycrowbar,Iwouldnotbelonginmakingmywaythroughthisrockalso,’butashehadnotgotthem,hehadtogohomeandfetchthem.Thenittookhimbutashorttimetohewhiswaythroughtherock.
‘Iwillleavethetoolshere,’hemurmuredaloudwhenhehadfinished.
‘Ifthouleavestthem,wewillstealthem,’saidahoodiewhowasperchedonastoneabovehim,andthegiantanswered:
‘Stealthemifthouwilt;thereisnotimetogoback.’
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‘Myfather’sbreathisburningmyback,’criedthegirl;‘lookinthemare’sear,king’sson,orwearelost,’andhelooked,andfoundatinybladderfullofwater,whichhethrewbehindhim,anditbecameagreatloch.Andthegiant,whowasstridingonsofast,couldnotstophimself,andhewalkedrightintothemiddleandwasdrowned.
Theblue–greymaregallopedonlikethewind,andthenextdaytheking’ssoncameinsightofhisfather’shouse.
‘Getdownandgoin,’saidthebride,‘andtellthemthatthouhastmarriedme.Buttakeheedthatneithermannorbeastkissthee,forthenthouwiltceasetoremembermeatall.’
‘Iwilldothybidding,’answeredhe,andleftheratthegate.Allwhomethimbadehimwelcome,andhechargedhisfatherandmothernottokisshim,butashegreetedthemhisoldgreyhoundleaptonhisneck,andkissedhimonthemouth.Andafterthathedidnotrememberthegiant’sdaughter.
Allthatdayshesatonawellwhichwasnearthegate,waiting,waiting,buttheking’ssonnevercame.Inthedarknesssheclimbedupintoanoaktreethatshadowedthewell,andthereshelayallnight,waiting,waiting.
Onthemorrow,atmidday,thewifeofashoemakerwhodweltnearthewellwenttodrawwaterforherhusbandtodrink,andshesawtheshadowofthegirlinthetree,andthoughtitwasherownshadow.
SotheGiantWasDrownedintheMIDDLEOFTHELAKE
‘HowhandsomeIam,tobesure,’saidshe,gazingintothewell,andasshestoopedtobeholdherselfbetter,thejugstruckagainstthestonesandbrokeinpieces,andshewasforcedtoreturntoherhusbandwithoutthewater,andthisangeredhim.
‘Thouhastturnedcrazy,’saidheinwrath.‘Gothou,mydaughter,andfetchmeadrink,’andthegirlwent,andthesamethingbefellherashadbefallenhermother.
‘Whereisthewater?’askedtheshoemaker,whenshecameback,andassheheldnothingsavethehandleofthejughewenttothewellhimself.Hetoosawthereflectionofthewomaninthetree,butlookeduptodiscoverwhenceitcame,andthereabovehimsatthemostbeautifulwomanintheworld.
‘Comedown,’hesaid,‘forawhilethoucanststayinmyhouse,’andgladenoughthegirlwastocome.
Nowthekingofthecountrywasabouttomarry,andtheyoungmenaboutthecourtthrongedtheshoemaker’sshoptobuyfineshoestowearatthewedding.
‘Thouhastaprettydaughter,’saidtheywhentheybeheldthegirlsittingatwork.
‘Prettysheis,’answeredtheshoemaker,‘butnodaughterofmine.’
‘Iwouldgiveahundredpoundstomarryher,’saidone.
‘AndI,’‘AndI,’criedtheothers.
‘Thatisnobusinessofmine,’answeredtheshoemaker,andtheyoungmenbadehimaskherifshewouldchooseoneofthemforahusband,andtotellthemonthemorrow.Thentheshoemakeraskedher,andthegirlsaidthatshewouldmarrytheonewhowouldbringhispursewithhim.Sotheshoemakerhurriedtotheyouthwhohadfirstspoken,andhecameback,andaftergivingtheshoemakerahundredpoundsforhisnews,hesoughtthegirl,whowaswaitingforhim.
‘Isitthou?’inquiredshe.‘Iamthirsty,givemeadrinkfromthewellthatisoutyonder.’Andhepouredoutthewater,buthecouldnotmovefromtheplacewherehewas;andtherehestayedtillmanyhourshadpassedby.
‘Takeawaythatfoolishboy,’criedthegirltotheshoemakeratlast,‘Iamtiredofhim,’andthensuddenlyhewasabletowalk,andbetookhimselftohishome,buthedidnottelltheotherswhathadhappenedtohim.
Nextdaytherearrivedoneoftheotheryoungmen,andintheevening,whentheshoemakerhadgoneoutandtheywerealone,shesaidtohim,‘Seeifthelatchisonthedoor.’Theyoungmanhastenedtodoherbidding,butassoonashetouchedthelatch,hisfingersstucktoit,andtherehehadtostayformanyhours,tilltheshoemakercameback,andthegirllethimgo.Hanginghishead,hewenthome,buthetoldnoonewhathadbefallenhim.
Thenwastheturnofthethirdman,andhisfootremainedfastenedtothefloor,tillthegirlunloosedit.Andthankfullyheranoff,andwasnotseenlookingbehindhim.
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‘Takethepurseofgold,’saidthegirltotheshoemaker,‘Ihavenoneedofit,anditwillbetterthee.’Andtheshoemakertookitandtoldthegirlhemustcarrytheshoesfortheweddinguptothecastle.
‘Iwouldfaingetasightoftheking’ssonbeforehemarries,’sighedshe.
‘Comewithme,then,’answeredhe;‘theservantsareallmyfriends,andtheywillletyoustandinthepassagedownwhichtheking’ssonwillpass,andallthecompanytoo.’
Uptheywenttothecastle,andwhentheyoungmensawthegirlstandingthere,theyledherintothehallwherethebanquetwaslaidoutandpouredheroutsomewine.Shewasjustraisingtheglasstodrinkwhenaflamewentupoutofit,andoutoftheflamesprangtwopigeons,oneofgoldandoneofsilver.Theyflewroundandroundtheheadofthegirl,whenthreegrainsofbarleyfellonthefloor,andthesilverpigeondiveddown,andswallowedthem.
‘IfthouhadstrememberedhowIcleanedthebyre,thouwouldsthavegivenmemyshare,’cooedthegoldenpigeon,andashespokethreemoregrainsfell,andthesilverpigeonatethemasbefore.
‘IfthouhadstrememberedhowIthatchedthebyre,thouwouldsthavegivenmemyshare,’cooedthegoldenpigeonagain;andashespokethreemoregrainsfell,andforthethirdtimetheywereeatenbythesilverpigeon.
‘IfthouhadstrememberedhowIgotthemagpie’snest,thouwouldsthavegivenmemyshare,’cooedthegoldenpigeon.
Thentheking’ssonunderstoodthattheyhadcometoremindhimofwhathehadforgotten,andhislostmemorycameback,andheknewhiswife,andkissedher.Butasthepreparationshadbeenmade,itseemedapitytowastethem,sotheyweremarriedasecondtime,andsatdowntotheweddingfeast.
From‘TalesoftheWestHighlands.’
THELADYOFTHEFOUNTAININthecentreofthegreathallinthecastleofCaerleonuponUsk,kingArthursatonaseatofgreenrushes,overwhichwasthrownacoveringofflame–colouredsilk,andacushionofredsatinlayunderhiselbow.WithhimwerehisknightsOwenandKynonandKai,whileatthefarend,closetothewindow,wereGueneverethequeenandhermaidensembroideringwhitegarmentswithstrangedevicesofgold.
‘Iamweary,’saidArthur,‘andtillmyfoodispreparedIwouldfainsleep.Youyourselvescantelleachothertales,andKaiwillfetchyoufromthekitchenaflagonofmeadandsomemeat.’
Andwhentheyhadeatenanddrunk,Kynon,theoldestamongthem,beganhisstory.
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‘Iwastheonlysonofmyfatherandmother,andmuchstoretheysetbyme,butIwasnotcontenttostaywiththemathome,forIthoughtnodeedinalltheworldwastoomightyforme.Nonecouldholdmeback,andafterIhadwonmanyadventuresinmyownland,Ibadefarewelltomyparentsandsetouttoseetheworld.Overmountains,throughdeserts,acrossriversIwent,tillIreachedafairvalleyfulloftrees,withapathrunningbythesideofastream.Iwalkedalongthatpathalltheday,andintheeveningIcametoacastleinfrontofwhichstoodtwoyouthsclothedinyellow,eachgraspinganivorybow,witharrowsmadeofthebonesofthewhale,andwingedwithpeacock’sfeathers.Bytheirsideshunggoldendaggerswithhiltsofthebonesofthewhale.
‘Neartheseyoungmenwasamanrichlydressed,whoturnedandwentwithmetowardsthecastle,whereallthedwellersweregatheredinthehall.InonewindowIbeheldfourandtwentydamsels,andtheleastfairofthemwasfairerthanGuenevereatherfairest.Sometookmyhorse,andothersunbuckledmyarmour,andwashedit,withmyswordandspear,tillitallshonelikesilver.ThenIwashedmyselfandputonavestanddoubletwhichtheybroughtme,andIandthemanthatenteredwithmesatdownbeforeatableofsilver,andagoodlierfeastIneverhad.
‘Allthistimeneitherthemannorthedamselshadspokenoneword,butwhenourdinnerwashalfover,andmyhungerwasstilled,themanbegantoaskwhoIwas.ThenItoldhimmynameandmyfather’sname,andwhyIcamethere,forindeedIhadgrownwearyofgainingthemasteryoverallmenathome,andsoughtifperchancetherewasonewhocouldgainthemasteryoverme.Andatthisthemansmiledandanswered:
‘“IfIdidnotfeartodistresstheetoomuch,Iwouldshowtheewhatthouseekest.”Hiswordsmademesorrowfulandfearfulofmyself,whichthemanperceived,andadded,“Ifthoumeanesttrulywhatthousayest,anddesirestearnestlytoprovethyvalour,andnottoboastvainlythatnonecanovercomethee,Ihavesomewhattoshowthee.Butto–nightthoumustsleepinthiscastle,andinthemorningseethatthouriseearlyandfollowtheroadupwardsthroughthevalley,untilthoureachestawood.Inthewoodisapathbranchingtotheright;goalongthispathuntilthoucomesttoaspaceofgrasswithamoundinthemiddleofit.Onthetopofthemoundstandsablackman,largerthanany
twowhitemen;hiseyeisinthecentreofhisforeheadandhehasonlyonefoot.Hecarriesaclubofiron,andtwowhitemencouldhardlyliftit.Aroundhimgrazeathousandbeasts,allofdifferentkinds,forheistheguardianofthatwood,anditishewhowilltelltheewhichwaytogoinordertofindtheadventurethouartinquestof.”
KYNONMEETSWITHTHEBLACKMASTEROFTHEBEASTS
‘Sospaketheman,andlongdidthatnightseemtome,andbeforedawnIroseandputonmyarmour,andmountedmyhorseandrodeontillIreachedthegrassyspaceofwhichhehadtoldme.Therewastheblackmanontopofthemound,ashehadsaid,andintruthhewasmightierinallwaysthanIhadthoughthimtobe.Asfortheclub,Kai,itwouldhavebeenaburdenforfourofourwarriors.Hewaitedformetospeak,andIaskedhimwhatpowerheheldoverthebeaststhatthrongedsocloseabouthim.
‘“Iwillshowthee,littleman,”heanswered,andwithhisclubhestruckastagontheheadtillhebrayedloudly.Andathisbrayingtheanimalscamerunning,numerousasthestarsinthesky,sothatscarcewasIabletostandamongthem.Serpentsweretherealso,anddragons,andbeastsofstrangeshapes,withhornsinplaceswhereneversawIhornsbefore.Andtheblackmanonlylookedatthemandbadethemgoandfeed.Andtheybowedthemselvesbeforehim,asvassalsbeforetheirlord.
‘“Now,littleman,Ihaveansweredthyquestionandshowedtheemypower,”saidhe.“Isthereanythingelsethouwouldestknow?”ThenIinquiredofhimmyway,buthegrewangry,and,asIperceived,wouldfainhavehinderedme;butatthelast,afterIhadtold
himwhoIwas,hisangerpassedfromhim.
‘“Takethatpath,”saidhe,“thatleadstotheheadofthisgrassyglade,andgoupthewoodtillthoureachestthetop.Therethouwiltfindanopenspace,andinthemidstofitatalltree.Underthetreeisafountain,andbythefountainamarbleslab,andontheslababowlofsilver,withasilverchain.Dipthebowlinthefountain,andthrowthewaterontheslab,andthouwilthearamightypealofthunder,tillheavenandearthseemtremblingwiththenoise.Afterthethunderwillcomehail,sofiercethatscarcelycanstthouendureitandlive,forthehailstonesarebothlargeandthick.Thenthesunwillshineagain,buteveryleafofthetreewillbelyingontheground.Nextaflightofbirdswillcomeandalightonthetree,andneverdidstthouhearastrainsosweetasthatwhichtheywillsing.Andatthemomentinwhichtheirsongsoundssweetestthouwilthearamurmuringandcomplainingcomingtowardstheealongthevalley,andthouwiltseeaknightinblackvelvetbestridingablackhorse,bearingalancewithablackpennon,andhewillspurhissteedsoastofightthee.Ifthouturnesttoflee,hewillovertakethee,andifthouabidestwherethouart,hewillunhorsethee.Andifthoudostnotfindtroubleinthatadventure,thouneedestnottoseekitduringtherestofthylife.”
‘SoIbadetheblackmanfarewell,andtookmywaytothetopofthewood,andthereIfoundeverythingjustasIhadbeentold.Iwentuptothetreebeneathwhichstoodthefountain,andfillingthesilverbowlwithwater,emptieditonthemarbleslab.Thereuponthethundercame,louderbyfarthanIhadexpectedtohearit,andafterthethundercametheshower,butheavierbyfarthanIhadexpectedtofeelit,for,ofatruthItellthee,Kai,notoneofthosehailstoneswouldbestoppedbyskinorbyfleshtillithadreachedthebone.Iturnedmyhorse’sflanktowardstheshower,and,bendingoverhisneck,heldmyshieldsothatitmightcoverhisheadandmyown.Whenthehailhadpassed,Ilookedonthetreeandnotasingleleafwasleftonit,andtheskywasblueandthesunshining,whileonthebrancheswereperchedbirdsofeverykind,whosangasongsweeterthananythathascometomyears,eitherbeforeorsince.
‘Thus,Kai,Istoodlisteningtothebirds,whenlo,amurmuringvoiceapproachedme,saying:
‘“Oknight,whathasbroughttheehither?WhatevilhaveIdonetothee,thatthoushouldestdosomuchtome,forinallmylandsneithermannorbeastthatmetthatshowerhasescapedalive.”Thenfromthevalleyappearedtheknightontheblackhorse,graspingthelancewiththeblackpennon.Straightwaywechargedeachother,andthoughIfoughtmybest,hesoonovercameme,andIwasthrowntotheground,whiletheknightseizedthebridleofmyhorse,androdeawaywithit,leavingmewhereIwas,withoutevendespoilingmeofmyarmour.
‘SadlydidIgodownthehillagain,andwhenIreachedthegladewheretheblackmanwas,Iconfesstothee,Kai,itwasamarvelthatIdidnotmeltintoaliquidpool,sogreatwasmyshame.ThatnightIsleptatthecastlewhereIhadbeenbefore,andIwasbathedandfeasted,andnoneaskedmehowIhadfared.ThenextmorningwhenIaroseIfoundabayhorsesaddledforme,and,girdingonmyarmour,Ireturnedtomyowncourt.Thehorseisstillinthestable,andIwouldnotpartwithitforanyinBritain.
‘Butofatruth,Kai,nomaneverconfessedanadventuresomuchtohisowndishonour,
andstrangeindeeditseemsthatnoneothermanhaveIevermetthatknewoftheblackman,andtheknight,andtheshower.’
‘Woulditnotbewell,’saidOwen,‘togoanddiscovertheplace?’
‘Bythehandofmyfriend,’answeredKai,‘oftendostthouutterthatwiththytonguewhichthouwouldestnotmakegoodwiththydeeds.’
‘Intruth,’saidGueneverethequeen,whohadlistenedtothetale,‘thouwertbetterhanged,Kai,thanusesuchspeechtowardsamanlikeOwen.’
‘Imeantnothing,lady,’repliedKai;‘thypraiseofOwenisnotgreaterthanmine.’AndashespokeArthurawoke,andaskedifhehadnotsleptforalittle.
‘Yes,lord,’answeredOwen,‘certainlythouhastslept.’
‘Isittimeforustogotomeat?’
‘Itis,lord,’answeredOwen.
Thenthehornforwashingthemselveswassounded,andafterthatthekingandhishouseholdsatdowntoeat.Andwhentheyhadfinished,Owenleftthem,andmadereadyhishorseandhisarms.
Withthefirstraysofthesunhesetforth,andtravelledthroughdesertsandovermountainsandacrossrivers,andallbefellhimwhichhadbefallenKynon,tillhestoodundertheleaflesstreelisteningtothesongofthebirds.Thenheheardthevoice,andturningtolookfoundtheknightgallopingtomeethim.Fiercelytheyfoughttilltheirlanceswerebroken,andthentheydrewtheirswords,andablowfromOwencutthroughtheknight’shelmet,andpiercedhisskull.
Feelinghimselfwoundeduntodeaththeknightfled,andOwenpursuedhimtilltheycametoasplendidcastle.Heretheknightdashedacrossthebridgethatspannedthemoat,andenteredthegate,butassoonashewassafeinside,thedrawbridgewaspulledupandcaughtOwen’shorseinthemiddle,sothathalfofhimwasinsideandhalfout,andOwencouldnotdismountandknewnotwhattodo.
Whilehewasinthissoreplightalittledoorinthecastlegateopened,andhecouldseeastreetfacinghim,withtallhouses.ThenamaidenwithcurlinghairofgoldlookedthroughthelittledoorandbadeOwenopenthegate.
‘Bymytroth!’criedOwen,‘Icannomoreopenitfromherethanthouartabletosetmefree.’
‘Well,’saidshe,‘IwilldomybesttoreleasetheeifthouwiltdoasItellthee.Takethisringandputitonwiththestoneinsidethyhand,andclosethyfingerstight,foraslongasthoudostconcealit,itwillconcealthee.Whenthemeninsidehaveheldcounseltogether,theywillcometofetchtheetothydeath,andtheywillbemuchgrievednottofindthee.IwillstandonthehorseblockyonderandthoucanstseemethoughIcannotseethee.ThereforedrawnearandplacethyhandonmyshoulderandfollowmewheresoeverIgo.’
UponthatshewentawayfromOwen,andwhenthemencameoutfromthecastletoseekhimanddidnotfindhimtheyweresorelygrieved,andtheyreturnedtothecastle.
ThenOwenwenttothemaidenandplacedhishandonhershoulder,andsheguidedhim
toalargeroom,paintedalloverwithrichcolours,andadornedwithimagesofgold.Hereshegavehimmeatanddrink,andwatertowashwithandgarmentstowear,andhelaydownuponasoftbed,withscarletandfurtocoverhim,andsleptgladly.
Inthemiddleofthenighthewokehearingagreatoutcry,andhejumpedupandclothedhimselfandwentintothehall,wherethemaidenwasstanding.
‘Whatisit?’heasked,andsheansweredthattheknightwhoownedthecastlewasdead,andtheywerebearinghisbodytothechurch.NeverhadOwenbeheldsuchvastcrowds,andfollowingthedeadknightwasthemostbeautifulladyintheworld,whosecrywaslouderthantheshoutofthemen,orthebrayingofthetrumpets.AndOwenlookedonherandlovedher.
‘Whoisshe?’heaskedthedamsel.‘Thatismymistress,thecountessofthefountain,andthewifeofhimwhomthoudidstslayyesterday.’
‘Verily,’saidOwen,‘sheisthewomanthatIlovebest.’
‘Sheshallalsolovetheenotalittle,’saidthemaiden.
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ThensheleftOwen,andafterawhilewentintothechamberofhermistress,andspoketoher,butthecountessansweredhernothing.
‘Whataileththee,mistress?’inquiredthemaiden.
‘Whyhastthoukeptfarfrommeinmygrief,Luned?’answeredthecountess,andinherturnthedamselasked:
‘Isitwellfortheetomournsobitterlyforthedead,orforanythingthatisgonefromthee?’
HOWOWENFIRSTSAWTHECOUNTESSOFTHEFOUNTAIN
‘Thereisnomanintheworldequaltohim,’repliedthecountess,hercheeksgrowingredwithanger.‘Iwouldfainbanishtheeforsuchwords.’
‘Benotangry,lady,’saidLuned,‘butlistentomycounsel.Thouknowestwellthatalonethoucanstnotpreservethylands,thereforeseeksomeonetohelpthee.’
‘AndhowcanIdothat?’askedthecountess.
‘Iwilltellthee,’answeredLuned.‘Unlessthoucanstdefendthefountainallwillbelost,andnonecandefendthefountainexceptaknightofArthur’scourt.TherewillIgotoseekhim,andwoebetidemeifIreturnwithoutawarriorthatcanguardthefountain,aswellashewhokeptitbefore.’
‘Gothen,’saidthecountess,‘andmakeproofofthatwhichthouhastpromised.’
SoLunedsetout,ridingonawhitepalfrey,onpretenceofjourneyingtoKingArthur’scourt,butinsteadofdoingthatshehidherselfforasmanydaysasitwouldhavetakenhertogoandcome,andthensheleftherhiding–place,andwentintothecountess.
‘Whatnewsfromthecourt?’askedhermistress,whenshehadgivenLunedawarmgreeting.
‘Thebestofnews,’answeredthemaiden,‘forIhavegainedtheobjectofmymission.WhenwiltthouthatIpresenttotheetheknightwhohasreturnedwithme?’
‘To–morrowatmidday,’saidthecountess,‘andIwillcauseallthepeopleinthetowntocometogether.’
ThereforethenextdayatnoonOwenputonhiscoatofmail,andoveritheworeasplendidmantle,whileonhisfeetwereleathershoesfastenedwithclaspsofgold.AndhefollowedLunedtothechamberofhermistress.
Rightgladwasthecountesstoseethem,butshelookedcloselyatOwenandsaid:
‘Luned,thisknighthasscarcelytheairofatraveller.’
‘Whatharmisthereinthat,lady?’answeredLuned.
‘Iampersuaded,’saidthecountess,‘thatthismanandnootherchasedthesoulfromthebodyofmylord.’
‘Hadhenotbeenstrongerthanthylord,’repliedthedamsel,‘hecouldnothavetakenhislife,andforthat,andforallthingsthatarepast,thereisnoremedy.’
‘Leaveme,bothofyou,’saidthecountess,‘andIwilltakecounsel.’
Thentheywentout.
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Thenextmorningthecountesssummonedhersubjectstomeetinthecourtyardofthecastle,andtoldthemthatnowthatherhusbandwasdeadtherewasnonetodefendherlands.
‘Sochooseyouwhichitshallbe,’shesaid.‘Eitherletoneofyoutakemeforawife,orgivemeyourconsenttotakeanewlordformyself,thatmylandsbenotwithoutamaster.’
Atherwordsthechiefmenofthecitywithdrewintoonecornerandtookcounseltogether,andafterawhiletheleadercameforwardandsaidthattheyhaddecidedthatitwasbest,forthepeaceandsafetyofall,thatsheshouldchooseahusbandforherself.ThereuponOwenwassummonedtoherpresence,andheacceptedwithjoythehandthatsheofferedhim,andtheyweremarriedforthwith,andthemenoftheearldomdidhimhomage.
FromthatdayOwendefendedthefountainastheearlbeforehimhaddone,andeveryknightthatcamebywasoverthrownbyhim,andhisransomdividedamonghisbarons.Inthiswaythreeyearspassed,andnomanintheworldwasmorebelovedthanOwen.
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NowattheendofthethreeyearsithappenedthatGwalchmaitheknightwaswithArthur,andheperceivedthekingtobeverysad.
‘Mylord,hasanythingbefallenthee?’heasked.
‘Oh,Gwalchmai,IamgrievedconcerningOwen,whomIhavelostthesethreeyears,andifafourthyearpasseswithouthimIcanlivenolonger.AndsureamIthatthetaletoldbyKynonthesonofClydnocausedmetolosehim.Iwillgomyselfwiththemenofmy
householdtoavengehimifheisdead,tofreehimifheisinprison,tobringhimbackifheisalive.’
ThenArthurandthreethousandmenofhishouseholdsetoutinquestofOwen,andtookKynonfortheirguide.WhenArthurreachedthecastle,theyouthswereshootinginthesameplace,andthesameyellowmanwasstandingby,andassoonashebeheldArthurhegreetedhimandinvitedhimin,andtheyenteredtogether.Sovastwasthecastlethattheking’sthreethousandmenwereofnomoreaccountthaniftheyhadbeentwenty.
AtsunriseArthurdepartedthence,withKynonforhisguide,andreachedtheblackmanfirst,andafterwardsthetopofthewoodedhill,withthefountainandthebowlandthetree.
‘Mylord,’saidKai,‘letmethrowthewaterontheslabandreceivethefirstadventurethatmaybefall.’
‘Thoumayestdoso,’answeredArthur,andKaithrewthewater.
Immediatelyallhappenedasbefore;thethunderandtheshowerofhailwhichkilledmanyofArthur’smen;thesongofthebirdsandtheappearanceoftheblackknight.AndKaimethimandfoughthim,andwasoverthrownbyhim.Thentheknightrodeaway,andArthurandhismenencampedwheretheystood.
InthemorningKaiagainaskedleavetomeettheknightandtotrytoovercomehim,whichArthurgranted.Butoncemorehewasunhorsed,andtheblackknight’slancebrokehishelmetandpiercedtheskineventothebone,andhumbledinspirithereturnedtothecamp.
Afterthiseveryoneoftheknightsgavebattle,butnonecameoutvictor,andatlengththereonlyremainedArthurhimselfandGwalchmai.
‘Oh,letmefighthim,mylord,’criedGwalchmai,ashesawArthurtakinguphisarms.
‘Well,fightthen,’answeredArthur,andGwalchmaithrewarobeoverhimselfandhishorse,sothatnoneknewhim.Allthatdaytheyfought,andneitherwasabletothrowtheother,andsoitwasonthenextday.Onthethirddaythecombatwassofiercethattheyfellbothtothegroundatonce,andfoughtontheirfeet,andatlasttheblackknightgavehisfoesuchablowonhisheadthathishelmetfellfromhisface.
‘Ididnotknowitwasthee,Gwalchmai,’saidtheblackknight.‘Takemyswordandmyarms.’
‘No,’answeredGwalchmai,‘itisthou,Owen,whoartthevictor,takethoumysword’:butOwenwouldnot.
‘Givemeyourswords,’saidArthurfrombehindthem,‘forneitherofyouhasvanquishedtheother,’andOwenturnedandputhisarmsroundArthur’sneck.
ThenextdayArthurwouldhavegivenorderstohismentomakereadytogobackwhencetheycame,butOwenstoppedhim.
‘Mylord,’hesaid,‘duringthethreeyearsthatIhavebeenabsentfromtheeIhavebeenpreparingabanquetforthee,knowingfullwellthatthouwouldstcometoseekme.Tarrywithme,therefore,forawhile,thouandthymen.’
HOWOWENWASFOUNDBYTHELAKE
Sotheyrodetothecastleofthecountessofthefountain,andspentthreemonthsinrestingandfeasting.AndwhenitwastimeforthemtodepartArthurbesoughtthecountessthatshewouldallowOwentogowithhimtoBritainforthespaceofthreemonths.Withasoreheartshegrantedpermission,andsocontentwasOwentobeoncemorewithhisoldcompanionsthatthreeyearsinsteadofthreemonthspassedawaylikeadream.
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OnedayOwensatatmeatinthecastleofCaerleonuponUsk,whenadamselonabayhorseenteredthehall,andridingstraightuptotheplacewhereOwensatshestoopedanddrewtheringfromoffhishand.
‘Thusshallbetreatedthetraitorandthefaithless,’saidshe,andturningherhorse’sheadsherodeoutofthehall.
AtherwordsOwenrememberedallthathehadforgotten,andsorrowfulandashamedhewenttohisownchamberandmadereadytodepart.Atthedawnhesetout,buthedidnotgobacktothecastle,forhisheartwasheavy,buthewanderedfarintowildplacestillhisbodywasweakandthin,andhishairwaslong.Thewildbeastswerehisfriends,andhesleptbytheirside,butintheendhelongedtoseethefaceofamanagain,andhecamedownintoavalleyandfellasleepbyalakeinthelandsofawidowedcountess.
Nowitwasthetimewhenthecountesstookherwalk,attendedbyhermaidens,andwhentheysawamanlyingbythelaketheyshrankbackinterror,forhelaysostillthattheythoughthewasdead.Butwhentheyhadovercometheirfright,theydrewnearhim,andtouchedhim,andsawthattherewaslifeinhim.Thenthecountesshastenedtothecastle,andbroughtfromitaflaskofpreciousointmentandgaveittooneofhermaidens.
‘Takethathorsewhichisgrazingyonder,’shesaid,‘andasuitofmen’sgarments,andplacethemneartheman,andpoursomeofthisointmentnearhisheart.Ifthereisanylifeinhimthatwillbringitback.Butifhemoves,hidethyselfinthebushesnearby,andseewhathedoes.’
Thedamseltooktheflaskanddidhermistress’bidding.Soonthemanbegantomovehisarms,andthenroseslowlytohisfeet.Creepingforwardstepbystephetookthegarmentsfromoffthesaddleandputthemonhim,andpainfullyhemountedthehorse.Whenhewasseatedthedamselcameforthandgreetedhim,andgladwashewhenhesawher,andinquiredwhatcastlethatwasbeforehim.
‘Itbelongstoawidowedcountess,’answeredthemaiden.‘Herhusbandlefthertwoearldoms,butitisallthatremainsofherbroadlands,fortheyhavebeentornfromherbyayoungearl,becauseshewouldnotmarryhim.’
‘Thatisapity,’repliedOwen,buthesaidnomore,forhewastooweaktotalkmuch.Thenthemaidenguidedhimtothecastle,andkindledafire,andbroughthimfood.Andtherehestayedandwastendedforthreemonths,tillhewashandsomerthaneverhewas.
AtnoononedayOwenheardasoundofarmsoutsidethecastle,andheaskedofthemaidenwhatitwas.
‘ItistheearlofwhomIspoketothee,’sheanswered,‘whohascomewithagreathosttocarryoffmymistress.’
‘Begofhertolendmeahorseandarmour,’saidOwen,andthemaidendidso,butthecountesslaughedsomewhatbitterlyassheanswered:
‘Nay,butIwillgivethemtohim,andsuchahorseandarmourandweaponsashehasneverhadyet,thoughIknownotwhatusetheywillbetohim.Yetmayhapitwillsavethemfromfallingintothehandsofmyenemies.’
ThehorsewasbroughtoutandOwenrodeforthwithtwopagesbehindhim,andtheysawthegreathostencampedbeforethem.
‘Whereistheearl?’saidhe,andthepagesanswered:
‘Inyondertroopwherearefouryellowstandards.’
‘Awaitme,’saidOwen,atthegateofthecastle,andhecriedachallengetotheearl,whocametomeethim.Harddidtheyfight,butOwenoverthrewhisenemyanddrovehiminfronttothecastlegateandintothehall.
‘Beholdtherewardofthyblessedbalsam,’saidhe,ashebadetheearlkneeldownbeforeher,andmadehimswearthathewouldrestoreallthathehadtakenfromher.
Afterthathedeparted,andwentintothedesert,andashewaspassingthroughawoodheheardaloudyelling.Pushingasidethebusheshebeheldalionstandingonagreatmound,
andbyitarock.Neartherockwasalionseekingtoreachthemound,andeachtimehemovedoutdartedaserpentfromtherocktopreventhim.ThenOwenunsheathedhissword,andcutofftheserpent’sheadandwentonhisway,andthelionfollowedandplayedabouthim,asifhehadbeenagreyhound.Andmuchmoreusefulwashethanagreyhound,forintheeveninghebroughtlargelogsinhismouthtokindleafire,andkilledafatbuckfordinner.
Owenmadehisfireandskinnedthebuck,andputsomeofittoroast,andgavetheresttothelionforsupper.Whilehewaswaitingforthemeattocookheheardasoundofdeepsighingclosetohim,andhesaid:
‘Whoartthou?’
‘IamLuned,’repliedavoicefromacavesohiddenbybushesandgreenhangingplantsthatOwenhadnotseenit.
‘Andwhatdostthouhere?’criedhe.
‘Iamheldcaptiveinthiscaveonaccountoftheknightwhomarriedthecountessandlefther,forthepagesspokeillofhim,andbecauseItoldthemthatnomanlivingwashisequaltheydraggedmehereandsaidIshoulddieunlessheshouldcometodelivermebyacertainday,andthatisnofurtherthanthedayafterto–morrow.HisnameisOwen,thesonofUrien,butIhavenonetosendtotellhimofmydanger,orofasuretyhewoulddeliverme.’
Owenheldhispeace,butgavethemaidensomeofthemeat,andbadeherbeofgoodcheer.Then,followedbythelion,hesetoutforagreatcastleontheothersideoftheplain,andmencameandtookhishorseandplaceditinamanger,andthelionwentafterandlaydownonthestraw.Hospitableandkindwereallwithinthecastle,butsofullofsorrowthatitmighthavebeenthoughtdeathwasuponthem.Atlength,whentheyhadeatenanddrunk,Owenprayedtheearltotellhimthereasonoftheirgrief.
‘Yesterday,’answeredtheearl,‘mytwosonswereseized,whiletheywerehunting,byamonsterwhodwellsonthosemountainsyonder,andhevowsthathewillnotletthemgounlessIwillgivehimmydaughtertowife.’
‘Thatshallneverbe,’saidOwen;‘butwhatformhaththismonster?’
‘Inshapeheisaman,butinstatureheisagiant,’repliedtheearl,‘anditwerebetterbyfarthatheshouldslaymysonsthanthatIshouldgiveupmydaughter.’
Earlynextmorningthedwellersinthecastlewereawakenedbyagreatclamour,andtheyfoundthatthegianthadarrivedwiththetwoyoungmen.SwiftlyOwenputonhisarmourandwentforthtomeetthegiant,andthelionfollowedathisheels.Andwhenthegreatbeastbeheldthehardblowswhichthegiantdealthismasterheflewathisthroat,andmuchtroublehadthemonsterinbeatinghimoff.
‘Truly,’saidthegiant,‘Ishouldfindnodifficultyinfightingthee,ifitwerenotforthatlion.’WhenheheardthatOwenfeltshamethathecouldnotovercomethegiantwithhisownsword,sohetookthelionandshuthimupinoneofthetowersofthecastle,andreturnedtothefight.ButfromthesoundoftheblowsthelionknewthatthecombatwasgoingillforOwen,soheclimbeduptillhereachedthetopofthetower,wheretherewas
adoorontotheroof,andfromthetowerhesprangontothewalls,andfromthewallstotheground.Thenwithaloudroarheleapeduponthegiant,whofelldeadundertheblowofhispaw.
Nowthegloomofthecastlewasturnedintorejoicing,andtheearlbeggedOwentostaywithhimtillhecouldmakehimafeast,buttheknightsaidhehadotherworktodo,androdebacktotheplacewherehehadleftLuned,andthelionfollowedathisheels.Whenhecametherehesawagreatfirekindled,andtwoyouthsleadingoutthemaidentocastheruponthepile.
‘Stop!’hecried,dashinguptothem.‘Whatchargehaveyouagainsther?’
‘SheboastedthatnomanintheworldwasequaltoOwen,’saidthey,‘andweshutherinacave,andagreedthatnoneshoulddeliverherbutOwenhimself,andthatifhedidnotcomebyacertaindaysheshoulddie.Andnowthetimehaspastandthereisnosignofhim.’
‘Intruthheisagoodknight,andhadhebutknownthatthemaidwasinperilhewouldhavecometosaveher,’saidOwen;‘butacceptmeinhisstead,Ientreatyou.’
‘Wewill,’repliedthey,andthefightbegan.
TheyouthsfoughtwellandpressedhardonOwen,andwhenthelionsawthathecametohelphismaster.Buttheyouthsmadeasignforthefighttostop,andsaid:
‘Chieftain,itwasagreedweshouldgivebattletotheealone,anditisharderforustocontendwithyonderbeastthanwiththee.’
ThenOwenshutupthelioninthecavewherethemaidenhadbeeninprison,andblockedupthefrontwithstones.Butthefightwiththegianthadsorelytriedhim,andtheyouthsfoughtwell,andpressedhimharderthanbefore.Andwhenthelionsawthathegavealoudroar,andburstthroughthestones,andsprangupontheyouthsandslewthem.AndsoLunedwasdeliveredatthelast.
ThenthemaidenrodebackwithOwentothelandsoftheladyofthefountain.AndhetooktheladywithhimtoArthur’scourt,wheretheylivedhappilytilltheydied.
Fromthe‘Mabinogion.’
THEFOURGIFTS
INtheoldlandofBrittany,oncecalledCornwall,therelivedawomannamedBarbaïkBourhis,whospentallherdaysinlookingafterherfarmwiththehelpofhernieceTéphany.Earlyandlatethetwomightbeseeninthefieldsorinthedairy,milkingcows,makingbutter,feedingfowls;workinghardthemselvesandtakingcarethatothersworkedtoo.PerhapsitmighthavebeenbetterforBarbaïkifshehadleftherselfalittletimetorestandtothinkaboutotherthings,forsoonshegrewtolovemoneyforitsownsake,andonlygaveherselfandTéphanythefoodandclothestheyabsolutelyneeded.Andasforpoorpeople,shepositivelyhatedthem,anddeclaredthatsuchlazycreatureshadnobusinessintheworld.
Well,thisbeingthesortofpersonBarbaïkwas,itiseasytoguessatherangerwhenonedayshefoundTéphanytalkingoutsidethecow–housetoyoungDenis,whowasnothingmorethanadaylabourerfromthevillageofPlover.Seizingherniecebythearm,shepulledhersharplyaway,exclaiming:
‘Areyounotashamed,girl,towasteyourtimeoveramanwhoisaspoorasarat,whenthereareadozenmorewhowouldbeonlytoohappytobuyyouringsofsilver,ifyouwouldletthem?’
‘Denisisagoodworkman,asyouknowverywell,’answeredTéphany,redwithanger,‘andheputsbymoneytoo,andsoonhewillbeabletotakeafarmforhimself.’
‘Nonsense,’criedBarbaïk,‘hewillneversaveenoughforafarmtillheisahundred.Iwouldsoonerseeyouinyourgravethanthewifeofamanwhocarrieshiswholefortuneonhisback.’
‘Whatdoesfortunematterwhenoneisyoungandstrong?’askedTéphany,butheraunt,amazedatsuchwords,wouldhardlyletherfinish.
‘Whatdoesfortunematter?’repeatedBarbaïk,inashockedvoice.‘Isitpossiblethatyouarereallysofoolishastodespisemoney?IfthisiswhatyoulearnfromDenis,Iforbidyoutospeaktohim,andIwillhavehimturnedoutofthefarmifhedarestoshowhisfacehereagain.Nowgoandwashtheclothesandspreadthemouttodry.’
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Téphanydidnotdaretodisobey,butwithaheavyheartwentdownthepathtotheriver.
‘Sheisharderthantheserocks,’saidthegirltoherself,‘yes,athousandtimesharder.Fortherainatleastcanatlastwearawaythestone,butyoumightcryforever,andshewouldnevercare.TalkingtoDenisistheonlypleasureIhave,andifIamnottoseehimImayaswellenteraconvent.’
Thinkingthesethoughtsshereachedthebank,andbegantounfoldthelargepacketoflinenthathadtobewashed.Thetapofastickmadeherlookup,andstandingbeforehershesawalittleoldwoman,whosefacewasstrangetoher.
‘Youwouldliketositdownandrest,granny?’askedTéphany,pushingasideherbundle.
‘Whentheskyisalltheroofyouhave,yourestwhereyouwill,’repliedtheoldwomanintremblingtones.
‘Areyousolonely,then?’inquiredTéphany,fullofpity.‘Haveyounofriendswhowouldwelcomeyouintotheirhouses?’
Theoldwomanshookherhead.
‘Theyalldiedlong,longago,’sheanswered,‘andtheonlyfriendsIhavearestrangerswithkindhearts.’
Thegirldidnotspeakforamoment,thenheldoutthesmallloafandsomebaconintendedforherdinner.
‘Takethis,’shesaid;‘to–dayatanyrateyoushalldinewell,’andtheoldwomantookit,gazingatTéphanythewhile.
‘Thosewhohelpothersdeservetobehelped,’sheanswered;‘youreyesarestillredbecausethatmiserBarbaïkhasforbiddenyoutospeaktotheyoungmanfromPlover.Butcheerup,youareagoodgirl,andIwillgiveyousomethingthatwillenableyoutoseehimonceeveryday.’
‘You?’criedTéphany,stupefiedatdiscoveringthatthebeggarknewallaboutheraffairs,buttheoldwomandidnothearher.
‘Takethislongcopperpin,’shewenton,‘andeverytimeyoustickitinyourdressMotherBourhiswillbeobligedtoleavethehouseinordertogoandcounthercabbages.Aslongasthepinisinyourdressyouwillbefree,andyourauntwillnotcomebackuntilyouhaveputitinitscaseagain.’Then,rising,shenoddedtoTéphanyandvanished.
Thegirlstoodwhereshewas,asstillasastone.Ifithadnotbeenforthepininherhandsshewouldhavethoughtshewasdreaming.Butbythattokensheknewitwasnocommonoldwomanwhohadgivenittoher,butafairy,wiseintellingwhatwouldhappeninthedaystocome.ThensuddenlyTéphany’seyesfellontheclothes,andtomakeupforlosttimeshebegantowashthemwithgreatvigour.
*****
Nextevening,atthemomentwhenDeniswasaccustomedtowaitforherintheshadowofthecow–house,Téphanystuckthepininherdress,andattheverysameinstantBarbaïktookuphersabotsorwoodenshoesandwentthroughtheorchardandpasttothefields,totheplotwherethecabbagesgrew.Withaheartaslightasherfootsteps,thegirlranfromthehouse,andspenthereveninghappilywithDenis.Andsoitwasformanydaysafterthat.Then,atlast,Téphanybegantonoticesomething,andthesomethingmadeherverysad.
AtfirstDenisseemedtofindthehoursthattheyweretogetherflyasquicklyasshedid,butwhenhehadtaughtherallthesongsheknew,andtoldheralltheplanshehadmadeforgrowingrichandagreatman,hehadnothingmoretosaytoher,forhe,likeagreatmanyotherpeople,wasfondoftalkinghimself,butnotoflisteningtoanyoneelse.Sometimes,indeed,henevercameatall,andthenexteveninghewouldtellTéphanythathehadbeenforcedtogointothetownonbusiness,butthoughsheneverreproachedhimshewasnotdeceivedandsawplainlythathenolongercaredforherasheusedtodo.
Daybydayherheartgrewheavierandhercheekspaler,andoneevening,whenshehadwaitedforhiminvain,sheputherwater–potonhershoulderandwentslowlydowntothespring.Onthepathinfrontofherstoodthefairywhohadgivenherthepin,andassheglancedatTéphanyshegavealittlemischievouslaughandsaid:
‘Why,myprettymaidenhardlylookshappierthanshedidbefore,inspiteofmeetingherloverwhenevershepleases.’
‘Hehasgrowntiredofme,’answeredTéphanyinatremblingvoice,‘andhemakesexcusestostayaway.Ah!grannydear,itisnotenoughtobeabletoseehim,Imustbeabletoamusehimandtokeephimwithme.Heissoclever,youknow.Helpmetobeclevertoo.’
‘Isthatwhatyouwant?’criedtheoldwoman.‘Well,takethisfeatherandstickitinyourhair,andyouwillbeaswiseasSolomonhimself.’
BlushingwithpleasureTéphanywenthomeandstuckthefeatherintotheblueribbonwhichgirlsalwayswearinthatpartofthecountry.InamomentsheheardDeniswhistlinggaily,andasherauntwassafelycountinghercabbages,shehurriedouttomeethim.Theyoungmanwasstruckdumbbyhertalk.Therewasnothingthatshedidnotseemtoknow,andasforsongsshenotonlycouldsingthosefromeverypartofBritanny,butcouldcomposethemherself.Wasthisreallythequietgirlwhohadbeensoanxioustolearnallhecouldteachher,orwasitsomebodyelse?Perhapsshehadgonesuddenlymad,andtherewasanevilspiritinsideher.Butinanycase,nightafternighthecameback,onlytofindhergrowingwiserandwiser.Soontheneighbourswhisperedtheirsurpriseamongthemselves,forTéphanyhadnotbeenabletoresistthepleasureofputtingthefeatherinherhairforsomeofthepeoplewhodespisedherforherpoorclothes,andmanywerethejokesshemadeaboutthem.Ofcoursetheyheardofherjests,andshooktheirheadssaying:
‘Sheisanill–naturedlittlecat,andthemanthatmarriesherwillfindthatitisshewhowillholdthereinsanddrivethehorse.’
ItwasnotlongbeforeDenisbegantoagreewiththem,andashealwayslikedtobemasterwhereverhewent,hebecameafraidofTéphany’ssharptongue,andinsteadoflaughingasbeforewhenshemadefunofotherpeoplehegrewredanduncomfortable,thinkingthathisturnwouldcomenext.
*****
SomatterswentontilloneeveningDenistoldTéphanythathereallycouldnotstayamoment,ashehadpromisedtogotoadancethatwastobeheldinthenextvillage.
Téphany’sfacefell;shehadworkedhardallday,andhadbeencountingonaquiethourwithDenis.Shedidherbesttopersuadehimtoremainwithher,buthewouldnotlisten,andatlastshegrewangry.
‘Oh,Iknowwhyyouaresoanxiousnottomissthedance,’shesaid;‘itisbecauseAziliczofPenenruwillbethere.’
NowAziliczwastheloveliestgirlformilesround,andsheandDenishadknowneachotherfromchildhood.
‘Ohyes,Aziliczwillbethere,’answeredDenis,whowasquitepleasedtoseeherjealous,‘andnaturallyonewouldgoalongwaytowatchherdance.’
‘Gothen!’criedTéphany,andenteringthehousesheslammedthedoorbehindher.
Lonelyandmiserableshesatdownbythefireandstaredintotheredembers.Then,flingingthefeatherfromherhair,sheputherheadonherhands,andsobbedpassionately.
‘Whatistheuseofbeingcleverwhenitisbeautythatmenwant?ThatiswhatIoughttohaveaskedfor.Butitistoolate,Deniswillnevercomeback.’
‘Sinceyouwishitsomuchyoushallhavebeauty,’saidavoiceatherside,andlookingroundshebeheldtheoldwomanleaningonherstick.
‘Fastenthisnecklaceroundyourneck,andaslongasyouwearityouwillbethemostbeautifulwomanintheworld,’continuedthefairy.WithalittleshriekofjoyTéphanytookthenecklace,andsnappingtheclasprantothemirrorwhichhunginthecorner.Ah,thistimeshewasnotafraidofAziliczorofanyothergirl,forsurelynonecouldbeasfairandwhiteasshe.Andwiththesightofherfaceathoughtcametoher,andputtingonhastilyherbestdressandherbuckledshoesshehurriedofftothedance.
Onthewayshemetabeautifulcarriagewithayoungmanseatedinit.
‘Whatalovelymaiden!’heexclaimed,asTéphanyapproached.‘Why,thereisnotagirlinmyowncountrythatcanbecomparedtoher.She,andnoother,shallbemybride.’
Thecarriagewaslargeandbarredthenarrowroad,soTéphanywasforced,muchagainstherwill,toremainwhereshewas.Butshelookedtheyoungmanfullinthefaceassheanswered:
‘Goyourway,noblelord,andletmegomine.Iamonlyapoorpeasantgirl,accustomedtomilkandmakehayandspin.’
‘Peasantyoumaybe,butIwillmakeyouagreatlady,’saidhe,takingherhandandtryingtoleadhertothecarriage.
‘Idon’twanttobeagreatlady,IonlywanttobethewifeofDenis,’shereplied,throwingoffhishandandrunningtotheditchwhichdividedtheroadfromthecornfield,whereshehopedtohide.Unluckilytheyoungmanguessedwhatshewasdoing,andsignedtohisattendants,whoseizedherandputherinthecoach.Thedoorwasbanged,andthehorseswhippedupintoagallop.
Attheendofanhourtheyarrivedatasplendidcastle,andTéphany,whowouldnotmove,wasliftedoutandcarriedintothehall,whileapriestwassentfortoperformthemarriageceremony.Theyoungmantriedtowinasmilefromherbytellingofallthebeautifulthingssheshouldhaveashiswife,butTéphanydidnotlistentohim,andlookedabouttoseeiftherewasanymeansbywhichshecouldescape.Itdidnotseemeasy.Thethreegreatdoorswerecloselybarred,andtheonethroughwhichshehadenteredshutwithaspring,butherfeatherwasstillinherhair,andbyitsaidshedetectedacrackinthewoodenpanelling,throughwhichastreakoflightcouldbedimlyseen.Touchingthecopperpinwhichfastenedherdress,thegirlsenteveryoneinthehalltocountthecabbages,whilesheherselfpassedthroughthelittledoor,notknowingwhithershewasgoing.
Bythistimenighthadfallen,andTéphanywasverytired.Thankfullyshefoundherselfatthegateofaconvent,andaskedifshemightstaytheretillmorning.Buttheportressansweredroughlythatitwasnoplaceforbeggars,andbadeherbegone,sothepoorgirldraggedherselfslowlyalongtheroad,tillalightandthebarkofadogtoldherthatshewasnearafarm.
Infrontofthehousewasagroupofpeople;twoorthreewomenandthesonsofthefarmer.WhentheirmotherheardTéphany’srequesttobegivenabedthegoodwife’sheartsoftened,andshewasjustgoingtoinviteherinside,whentheyoungmen,whoseheadswereturnedbythegirl’sbeauty,begantoquarrelastowhichshoulddomostforher.Fromwordstheycametoblows,andthewomen,frightenedatthedisturbance,peltedTéphanywithinsultingnames.Shequicklyrandownthenearestpath,hopingtoescapetheminthedarknessofthetrees,butinaninstantsheheardtheirfootstepsbehindher.Wildwithfearherlegstrembledunderher,whensuddenlyshebethoughtherselfofhernecklace.Withaviolenteffortshebursttheclaspandflungitroundtheneckofapigwhichwasgruntinginaditch,andasshedidsosheheardthefootstepsceasefrompursuingherandrunafterthepig,forhercharmhadvanished.
Onshewent,scarcelyknowingwhereshewasgoing,tillshefoundherself,tohersurpriseandjoy,closetoheraunt’shouse.Forseveraldaysshefeltsotiredandunhappythatshecouldhardlygetthroughherwork,andtomakemattersworseDenisscarcelyevercamenearher.
‘Hewastoobusy,’hesaid,‘andreallyitwasonlyrichpeoplewhocouldaffordtowastetimeintalking.’
AsthedayswentonTéphanygrewpalerandpaler,tilleverybodynoticeditexceptheraunt.Thewater–potwasalmosttooheavyforhernow,butmorningandeveningshecarriedittothespring,thoughtheefforttoliftittohershoulderwasoftentoomuchforher.
‘HowcouldIhavebeensofoolish,’shewhisperedtoherself,whenshewentdownasusualatsunset.‘ItwasnotfreedomtoseeDenisthatIshouldhaveaskedfor,forhewassoonwearyofme,noraquicktongue,forhewasafraidofit,norbeauty,forthatbroughtmenothingbuttrouble,butricheswhichmakelifeeasybothforoneselfandothers.Ah!ifIonlydaredtobegthisgiftfromthefairy,Ishouldbewiserthanbeforeandknowhowtochoosebetter.’
‘Besatisfied,’saidthevoiceoftheoldwoman,whoseemedtobestandingunseenatTéphany’selbow.‘Ifyoulookinyourright–handpocketwhenyougohomeyouwillfindasmallbox.Rubyoureyeswiththeointmentitcontains,andyouwillseethatyouyourselfcontainapricelesstreasure.’
Téphanydidnotintheleastunderstandwhatshemeant,butranbacktothefarmasfastasshecould,andbegantofumblejoyfullyinherright–handpocket.Sureenough,therewasthelittleboxwiththepreciousointment.ShewasintheactofrubbinghereyeswithitwhenBarbaïkBourhisenteredtheroom.Eversinceshehadbeenobligedtoleaveherworkandpasshertime,shedidnotknowwhy,incountingcabbages,everythinghadgonewrong,andshecouldnotgetalabourertostaywithherbecauseofherbadtemper.When,therefore,shesawherniecestandingquietlybeforehermirror,Barbaïkbrokeout:
‘SothisiswhatyoudowhenIamoutinthefields!Ah!itisnowonderifthefarmisruined.Areyounotashamed,girl,tobehaveso?’
Téphanytriedtostammersomeexcuse,butherauntwashalfmadwithrage,andaboxontheearswasheronlyanswer.AtthisTéphany,hurt,bewilderedandexcited,couldcontrolherselfnolonger,andturningawayburstintotears.Butwhatwashersurprisewhenshesawthateachtear–dropwasaroundandshiningpearl.Barbaïk,whoalsobeheldthismarvel,utteredacryofastonishment,andthrewherselfonherkneestopickthemupfromthefloor.
ShewasstillgatheringthemwhenthedooropenedandincameDenis.
‘Pearls!Aretheyreallypearls?’heasked,fallingonhiskneesalso,andlookingupatTéphanyheperceivedothersstillmorebeautifulrollingdownthegirl’scheeks.
‘Takecarenottoletanyoftheneighbourshearofit,Denis,’saidBarbaïk.‘Ofcourseyoushallhaveyourshare,butnobodyelseshallgetasingleone.Cryon,mydear,cryon,’shecontinuedtoTéphany.Itisforyourgoodaswellasours,’andsheheldoutheraprontocatchthem,andDenishishat.
ButTéphanycouldhardlybearanymore.Shefelthalfchokedatthesightoftheirgreediness,andwantedtorushfromthehall,andthoughBarbaïkcaughtherarmtopreventthis,andsaidallsortsoftenderwordswhichshethoughtwouldmakethegirlweepthemore,Téphanywithaviolenteffortforcedbackhertears,andwipedhereyes.
‘Isshefinishedalready?’criedBarbaïk,inatoneofdisappointment.‘Oh,tryagain,mydear.Doyouthinkitwoulddoanygoodtobeatheralittle?’sheaddedtoDenis,whoshookhishead.
‘Thatisenoughforthefirsttime.Iwillgointothetownandfindoutthevalueofeachpearl.’
‘ThenIwillgowithyou,’saidBarbaïk,whonevertrustedanyoneandwasafraidofbeingcheated.Sothetwowentout,leavingTéphanybehindthem.
Shesatquitestillonherchair,herhandsclaspedtightlytogether,asifshewasforcingsomethingback.Atlastsheraisedhereyes,whichhadbeenfixedontheground,andbeheldthefairystandinginadarkcornerbythehearth,observingherwithamockinglook.Thegirltrembledandjumpedup,then,takingthefeather,thepin,andthebox,sheheldthemouttotheoldwoman.
‘Heretheyare,allofthem,’shecried;‘theybelongtoyou.Letmeneverseethemagain,butIhavelearnedthelessonthattheytaughtme.Othersmayhaveriches,beautyandwit,butasformeIdesirenothingbuttobethepoorpeasantgirlIalwayswas,workinghardforthosesheloves.’
‘Yes,youhavelearnedyourlesson,’answeredthefairy,‘andnowyoushallleadapeacefullifeandmarrythemanyoulove.Forafterallitwasnotyourselfyouthoughtofbuthim.’
NeveragaindidTéphanyseetheoldwoman,butsheforgaveDenisforsellinghertears,andintimehegrewtobeagoodhusband,whodidhisownshareofwork.
From‘LeFoyerBreton,’parE.Souvestre.
THEGROAC’HOFTHEISLEOFLOK
INoldtimes,whenallkindsofwonderfulthingshappenedinBrittany,therelivedinthevillageofLanillisayoungmannamedHouarnPogammandagirlcalledBellahPostik.Theywerecousins,andastheirmothersweregreatfriends,andconstantlyinandoutofeachother’shouses,theyhadoftenbeenlaidinthesamecradle,andhadplayedandfoughtovertheirgames.
‘Whentheyaregrownuptheywillmarry,’saidthemothers;butjustaseveryonewasbeginningtothinkofweddingbells,thetwomothersdied,andthecousins,whohadnomoney,wentasservantsinthesamehouse.Thiswasbetterthanbeingparted,ofcourse,butnotsogoodashavingalittlecottageoftheirown,wheretheycoulddoastheyliked,andsoontheymighthavebeenheardbewailingtoeachotherthehardnessoftheirlots.
‘Ifwecouldonlymanagetobuyacowandgetapigtofatten,’grumbledHouarn,‘Iwouldrentabitofgroundfromthemaster,andthenwecouldbemarried.’
‘Yes,’answeredBellah,withadeepsigh;‘butweliveinsuchhardtimes,andatthelastfairthepriceofpigshadrisenagain.’
‘Weshallhavelongtowait,thatisquiteclear,’repliedHouarn,turningawaytohiswork.
Whenevertheymettheyrepeatedtheirgrievances,andatlengthHouarn’spatiencewasexhausted,andonemorninghecametoBellahandtoldherthathewasgoingawaytoseekhisfortune.
Thegirlwasveryunhappyasshelistenedtothis,andfeltsorrythatshehadnottriedtomakethebestofthings.SheimploredHouarnnottoleaveher,buthewouldlistentonothing.
‘Thebirds,’hesaid,‘continueflyinguntiltheyreachafieldofcorn,andthebeesdonotstopunlesstheyfindthehoney–givingflowers,andwhyshouldamanhavelesssensethanthey?Likethem,IshallseektillIgetwhatIwant—thatis,moneytobuyacowandapigtofatten.Andifyouloveme,Bellah,youwon’tattempttohinderaplanwhichwillhastenourmarriage.’
Thegirlsawitwasuselesstosaymore,sosheansweredsadly:
‘Well,gothen,sinceyoumust.ButfirstIwilldividewithyouallthatmyparentsleftme,’andgoingtoherroom,sheopenedasmallchest,andtookfromitabell,aknife,andalittlestick.
‘Thisbell,’shesaid,‘canbeheardatanydistance,howeverfar,butitonlyringstowarnusthatourfriendsareingreatdanger.Theknifefreesallittouchesfromthespellsthathavebeenlaidonthem;whilethestickwillcarryyouwhereveryouwanttogo.Iwillgiveyoutheknifetoguardyouagainsttheenchantmentsofwizards,andthebelltotellmeofyourperils.ThestickIshallkeepformyself,sothatIcanflytoyouifeveryouhaveneedofme.’
Thentheycriedforalittleoneachother’snecks,andHouarnstartedforthemountains.
Butinthosedays,asinthese,beggarsabounded,andthrougheveryvillagehepassedtheyfollowedHouarnincrowds,mistakinghimforagentleman,becausetherewerenoholesinhisclothes.
‘Thereisnofortunetobemadehere,’hethoughttohimself;‘itisaplaceforspending,andnotearning.IseeImustgofurther,’andhewalkedontoPont–aven,aprettylittletownbuiltonthebankofariver.
Hewassittingonabenchoutsideaninn,whenheheardtwomenwhowereloadingtheirmulestalkingabouttheGroac’hoftheislandofLok.
‘WhatisaGroac’h?’askedhe.‘Ihavenevercomeacrossone.’Andthemenansweredthatitwasthenamegiventothefairythatdweltinthelake,andthatshewasrich—oh!richerthanallthekingsintheworldputtogether.Manyhadgonetotheislandtotryandgetpossessionofhertreasures,butnoonehadevercomeback.
AshelistenedHouarn’smindwasmadeup.
‘Iwillgo,andreturntoo,’hesaidtothemuleteers.Theystaredathiminastonishment,andbesoughthimnottobesomadandtothrowawayhislifeinsuchafoolishmanner;butheonlylaughed,andansweredthatiftheycouldtellhimofanyotherwayinwhichtoprocureacowandapigtofatten,hewouldthinknomoreaboutit.Butthemendidnotknowhowthiswastobedone,and,shakingtheirheadsoverhisobstinacy,lefthimtohisfate.
SoHouarnwentdowntothesea,andfoundaboatmanwhoengagedtotakehimtotheisleofLok.
Theislandwaslarge,andlyingalmostacrossitwasalake,withanarrowopeningtothesea.Houarnpaidtheboatmanandsenthimaway,andthenproceededtowalkroundthelake.Atoneendheperceivedasmallskiff,paintedblueandshapedlikeaswan,lyingunderaclumpofyellowbroom.Asfarashecouldsee,theswan’sheadwastuckedunderitswing,andHouarn,whohadneverbeheldaboatofthesort,wentquicklytowardsitandsteppedin,soastoexamineitthebetter.Butnosoonerwasheonboardthantheswanwokesuddenlyup;hisheademergedfromunderhiswing,hisfeetbegantomoveinthewater,andinanothermomenttheywereinthemiddleofthelake.
Assoonastheyoungmanhadrecoveredfromhissurprise,hepreparedtojumpintothelakeandswimtoshore.Butthebirdhadguessedhisintentions,andplungedbeneaththewater,carryingHouarnwithhimtothepalaceoftheGroac’h.
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Now,unlessyouhavebeenundertheseaandbeheldallthewondersthatliethere,youcanneverhaveanideawhattheGroac’h’spalacewaslike.Itwasallmadeofshells,blueandgreenandpinkandlilacandwhite,shadingintoeachothertillyoucouldnottellwhereonecolourendedandtheotherbegan.Thestaircaseswereofcrystal,andeveryseparatestairsanglikeawoodlandbirdasyouputyourfootonit.Roundthepalaceweregreatgardensfullofalltheplantsthatgrowinthesea,withdiamondsforflowers.
InalargehalltheGroac’hwaslyingonacouchofgold.Thepinkandwhiteofherfaceremindedyouoftheshellsofherpalace,whileherlongblackhairwasintertwinedwith
stringsofcoral,andherdressofgreensilkseemedformedoutofthesea.AtthesightofherHouarnstopped,dazzledbyherbeauty.
‘Comein,’saidtheGroac’h,risingtoherfeet.‘Strangersandhandsomeyouthsarealwayswelcomehere.Donotbeshy,buttellmehowyoufoundyourway,andwhatyouwant.’
‘MynameisHouarn,’heanswered,‘Lanillisismyhome,andIamtryingtoearnenoughmoneytobuyalittlecowandapigtofatten.’
‘Well,youcaneasilygetthat,’repliedshe;‘itisnothingtoworryabout.Comeinandenjoyyourself.’Andshebeckonedhimtofollowherintoasecondhallwhosefloorsandwallswereformedofpearls,whiledownthesidesthereweretablesladenwithfruitandwinesofallkinds;andasheateanddrank,theGroac’htalkedtohimandtoldhimhowthetreasureshesawcamefromshipwreckedvessels,andwerebroughttoherpalacebyamagiccurrentofwater.
‘Idonotwonder,’exclaimedHouarn,whonowfeltquiteathome—‘Idonotwonderthatthepeopleontheearthhavesomuchtosayaboutyou.’
‘Thericharealwaysenvied.’
COMELAWYER,COMETAILOR,COMEMILLER,COMESINGER
‘Formyself,’headded,withalaugh,‘Ionlyaskforthehalfofyourwealth.’
‘Youcanhaveit,ifyouwill,Houarn,’answeredthefairy.
‘Whatdoyoumean?’criedhe.
‘Myhusband,Korandon,isdead,’shereplied,‘andifyouwishit,Iwillmarryyou.’
Theyoungmangazedatherinsurprise.Couldanyonesorichandsobeautifulreallywishtobehiswife?Helookedatheragain,andBellahwasforgottenasheanswered:
‘Amanwouldbemadindeedtorefusesuchanoffer.Icanonlyacceptitwithjoy.’
‘Thenthesooneritisdonethebetter,’saidtheGroac’h,andgaveorderstoherservants.Afterthatwasfinished,shebeggedHouarntoaccompanyhertoafish–pondatthebottomofthegarden.
‘Comelawyer,comemiller,cometailor,comesinger!’criedshe,holdingoutanetofsteel;andateachsummonsafishappearedandjumpedintothenet.Whenitwasfullshewentintoalargekitchenandthrewthemallintoagoldenpot;butabovethebubblingofthewaterHouarnseemedtohearthewhisperingoflittlevoices.
‘Whoisitwhisperinginthegoldenpot,Groac’h?’heinquiredatlast.
‘Itisnothingbutthenoiseofthewoodsparkling,’sheanswered;butitdidnotsoundtheleastlikethattoHouarn.
‘Thereitisagain,’hesaid,afterashortpause.
‘Thewaterisgettinghot,anditmakesthefishjump,’shereplied;butsoonthenoisegrewlouderandlikecries.
‘Whatisit?’askedHouarn,beginningtofeeluncomfortable.
‘Justthecricketsonthehearth,’saidshe,andbrokeintoasongwhichdrownedthecriesfromthepot.
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ButthoughHouarnheldhispeace,hewasnotashappyasbefore.Somethingseemedtohavegonewrong,andthenhesuddenlyrememberedBellah.
‘IsitpossibleIcanhaveforgottenhersosoon?WhatawretchIam!’hethoughttohimself;andheremainedapartandwatchedtheGroac’hwhilesheemptiedthefishintoaplate,andbadehimeathisdinnerwhileshefetchedwinefromhercellarinacave.
HouarnsatdownandtookouttheknifewhichBellahhadgivenhim,butassoonasthebladetouchedthefishtheenchantmentceased,andfourmenstoodbeforehim.
‘Houarn,saveus,weentreatyou,andsaveyourselftoo!’murmuredthey,notdaringtoraisetheirvoices.
‘Why,itmusthavebeenyouwhowerecryingoutinthepotjustnow!’exclaimedHouarn.
‘Yes,itwasus,’theyanswered.‘Likeyou,wecametotheisleofLoktoseekourfortunes,andlikeyouweconsentedtomarrytheGroac’h,andnosoonerwastheceremonyoverthansheturnedusintofishes,asshehaddonetoallourforerunners,whoareinthefish–pondstill,whereyouwillshortlyjointhem.’
OnhearingthisHouarnleapedintotheair,asifhealreadyfelthimselffrizzlinginthegoldenpot.Herushedtothedoor,hopingtoescapethatway;buttheGroac’h,whohad
heardeverything,methimonthethreshold.Instantlyshethrewthesteelnetoverhishead,andtheeyesofalittlegreenfrogpeepedthroughthemeshes.
‘Youshallgoandplaywiththerest,’shesaid,carryinghimofftothefish–pond.
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ItwasatthisverymomentthatBellah,whowasskimmingthemilkinthefarmdairy,heardthefairybelltinkleviolently.
Atthesoundshegrewpale,forsheknewitmeantthatHouarnwasindanger;and,hastilychangingtheroughdresssheworeforherwork,sheleftthefarmwiththemagicstickinherhand.
Herkneesweretremblingunderher,butsheranasfastasshecouldtothecrossroads,whereshedroveherstickintotheground,murmuringasshedidsoaversehermotherhadtaughther:
Littlestaffofapple–tree,Overtheearthandoverthesea,Upintheairbeguidetome,Everywheretowanderfree,
andimmediatelythestickbecameasmartlittlehorse,witharosetteateachearandafeatheronhisforehead.HestoodquitestillwhileBellahscrambledup,thenhestartedoff,hispacegrowingquickerandquicker,tillatlengththegirlcouldhardlyseethetreesandhousesastheyflashedpast.But,rapidasthepacewas,itwasnotrapidenoughforBellah,whostoopedandsaid:
‘Theswallowislessswiftthanthewind,thewindislessswiftthanthelightning.Butyou,myhorse,ifyouloveme,mustbeswifterthanthemall,forthereisapartofmyheartthatsuffers—thebestpartofmyheartthatisindanger.’
Andthehorseheardher,andgallopedlikeastrawcarriedalongbyatempesttilltheyreachedthefootofarockcalledtheLeapoftheDeer.Therehestopped,fornohorseormulethateverwasborncouldclimbthatrock,andBellahknewit,soshebegantosingagain:
HorseofLéon,giventome,Overtheearthandoverthesea,Upintheairbeguidetome,Everywheretowanderfree,
andwhenshehadfinished,thehorse’sforelegsgrewshorterandspreadintowings,hishindlegsbecameclaws,featherssproutedalloverhisbody,andshesatonthebackofagreatbird,whichborehertothesummitoftherock.Hereshefoundanestmadeofclayandlinedwithdriedmoss,andinthecentreatinyman,blackandwrinkled,whogaveacryofsurpriseatthesightofBellah.
‘Ah!youaretheprettygirlwhowastocomeandsaveme!’
‘Tosaveyou!’repeatedBellah.‘Butwhoareyou,mylittlefriend?’
‘IamthehusbandoftheGroac’hoftheisleofLok,anditisowingtoherthatIamhere.’
‘Butwhatareyoudoinginthisnest?’
HOWBELLAHFOUNDKORANDON
‘Iamsittingonsixeggsofstone,andIshallnotbesetfreetilltheyarehatched.’
OnhearingthisBellahbegantolaugh.
‘Poorlittlecock!’shesaid,‘andhowamItodeliveryou?’
‘BydeliveringHouarn,whoisinthepoweroftheGroac’h.’
‘Ah!tellmehowIcanmanagethat,andifIhavetowalkroundthewholeofBrittanyonmybendedkneesIwilldoit!’
‘Well,firstyoumustdressyourselfasayoungman,andthengoandseektheGroac’h.Whenyouhavefoundheryoumustcontrivetogetholdofthenetofsteelthathangsfromherwaist,andshutherupinitforever.’
‘ButwhereamItofindayoungman’sclothes?’askedshe.
‘Iwillshowyou,’hereplied,andashespokehepulledoutthreeofhisredhairsandblewthemawaymutteringsomethingthewhile.Inthetwinklingofaneyethefourhairschangedintofourtailors,ofwhomthefirstcarriedacabbage,thesecondapairofscissors,thethirdaneedle,andthefourthaniron.Withoutwaitingfororders,theysatdowninthenestand,crossingtheirlegscomfortably,begantopreparethesuitofclothesforBellah.
Withoneoftheleavesofthecabbagetheymadeheracoat,andanotherservedfora
waistcoat;butittooktwoforthewidebreecheswhichweretheninfashion.Thehatwascutfromtheheartofthecabbage,andapairofshoesfromthethickstem.AndwhenBellahhadputthemallonyouwouldhavetakenherforagentlemandressedingreenvelvet,linedwithwhitesatin.Shethankedthelittlemengratefully,andafterafewmoreinstructions,jumpedonthebackofhergreatbirdandwasborneawaytotheisleofLok.Oncethere,shebadehimtransformhimselfbackintoastick,andwithitinherhandshesteppedintotheblueboat,whichconductedhertothepalaceofshells.
TheGroac’hseemedoverjoyedtoseeher,andtoldherthatneverbeforehadshebeheldsuchahandsomeyoungman.Verysoonsheledhervisitorintothegreathall,wherewineandfruitwerealwayswaiting,andonthetablelaythemagicknife,lefttherebyHouarn.UnseenbytheGroac’h,Bellahhiditinapocketofhergreencoat,andthenfollowedherhostessintothegarden,andtothepondwhichcontainedthefish,theirsidesshiningwithathousanddifferentcolours.
‘Oh!whatbeautiful,beautifulcreatures!’saidshe.‘I’msureIshouldneverbetiredofwatchingthem.’Andshesatdownonthebank,withherelbowsonherkneesandherchininherhands,hereyesfixedonthefishesastheyflashedpast.
‘Wouldyounotliketostayherealways?’askedtheGroac’h;andBellahansweredthatshedesirednothingbetter.
‘Thenyouhaveonlytomarryme,’saidtheGroac’h.‘Oh!don’tsayno,forIhavefallendeeplyinlovewithyou.’
‘Well,Iwon’tsay“No,”’repliedBellah,withalaugh,‘butyoumustpromisefirsttoletmecatchoneofthoselovelyfishinyournet.’
‘Itisnotsoeasyasitlooks,’rejoinedtheGroac’h,smiling,‘buttakeit,andtryyourluck.’
BellahtookthenetwhichtheGroac’hheldout,and,turningrapidly,flungitoverthewitch’shead.
‘Becomeinbodywhatyouareinsoul!’criedshe,andinaninstantthelovelyfairyoftheseawasatoad,horribletolookupon.Shestruggledhardtotearthenetasunder,butitwasnouse.Bellahonlydrewitthetighter,and,flingingthesorceressintoapit,sherolledagreatstoneacrossthemouth,andlefther.
Asshedrewnearthepondshesawagreatprocessionoffishesadvancingtomeether,cryinginhoarsetones:
‘Thisisourlordandmaster,whohassavedusfromthenetofsteelandthepotofgold!’
‘Andwhowillrestoreyoutoyourpropershapes,’saidBellah,drawingtheknifefromherpocket.Butjustasshewasgoingtotouchtheforemostfish,hereyesfellonagreenfrogonhiskneesbesideher,hislittlepawscrossedoverhislittleheart.Bellahfeltasiffingersweretighteningroundherthroat,butshemanagedtocry:
‘Isthisyou,myHouarn?Isthisyou?’
‘ItisI,’croakedthelittlefrog;andastheknifetouchedhimhewasamanagain,and,springingup,heclaspedherinhisarms.
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‘Butwemustnotforgettheothers,’shesaidatlast,andbegantotransformthefishestotheirpropershapes.Thereweresomanyofthemthatittookquitealongtime.JustasshehadfinishedtherearrivedthelittledwarffromtheDeer’sLeapinacardrawnbysixcockchafers,whichoncehadbeenthesixstoneeggs.
‘HereIam!’heexclaimed.‘Youhavebrokenthespellthatheldme,andnowcomeandgetyourreward,’and,dismountingfromhischariot,heledthemdownintothecavesfilledwithgoldandjewels,andbadeBellahandHouarntakeasmuchastheywanted.
Whentheirpocketswerefull,Bellahorderedhersticktobecomeawingedcarriage,largeenoughtobearthemandthementheyhadrescuedbacktoLanillis.
Theretheyweremarriedthenextday,butinsteadofsettinguphousekeepingwiththelittlecowandpigtofattenthattheyhadsolongwishedfor,theywereabletobuylandsformilesroundforthemselves,andgaveeachmanwhohadbeendeliveredfromtheGroac’hasmallfarm,wherehelivedhappilytotheendofhisdays.
From‘LeFoyerBreton,’parE.Souvestre.
THEESCAPEOFTHEMOUSE
MANAWYDDANtheprinceandhisfriendPryderiwerewanderers,forthebrotherofManawyddanhadbeenslain,andhisthronetakenfromhim.VerysorrowfulwasManawyddan,butPryderiwasstoutofheart,andbadehimbeofgoodcheer,asheknewawayoutofhistrouble.
‘Andwhatmaythatbe?’askedManawyddan.
‘ItisthatthoumarrymymotherRhiannonandbecomelordofthefairlandsthatIwillgiveherfordowry.Neverdidanyladyhavemorewitthanshe,andinheryouthnonewasmorelovely;evenyetsheisgoodtolookupon.’
‘Thouartthebestfriendthateveramanhad,’saidManawyddan.‘LetusgonowtoseekRhiannon,andthelandswhereshedwells.’
Thentheysetforth,butthenewsoftheircomingranswifterstill,andRhiannonandKicva,wifeofPryderi,madehastetoprepareafeastforthem.AndManawyddanfoundthatPryderihadspokenthetruthconcerninghismother,andaskedifshewouldtakehimforherhusband.Rightgladlydidsheconsent,andwithoutdelaytheyweremarried,androdeawaytothehunt,RhiannonandManawyddan,KicvaandPryderi,andtheywouldnotbepartedfromeachotherbynightorbyday,sogreatwasthelovebetweenthem.
Oneday,whentheywerereturned,theyweresittingoutinagreenplace,andsuddenlythecrashofthunderstruckloudlyontheirears,andawallofmistfellbetweenthem,sothattheywerehiddenonefromtheother.Tremblingtheysattillthedarknessfledandthelightshoneagainuponthem,butintheplacewheretheywerewonttoseecattle,andherds,anddwellings,theybeheldneitherhousenorbeast,normannorsmoke;neitherwasanyoneremaininginthegreenplacesavethesefouronly.
‘Whitherhavetheygone,andmyhostalso?’criedManawyddan,andtheysearchedthehall,andtherewasnoman,andthecastle,andtherewasnone,andinthedwellingsthatwereleftwasnothingsavewildbeasts.ForayearthesefourfedonthemeatthatManawyddanandPryderikilledouthunting,andthehoneyofthebeesthatsuckedthemountainheather.Foratimetheydesirednothingmore,butwhenthenextyearbegantheygrewweary.
‘Wecannotspendourlivesthus,’saidManawyddanatlast,‘letusgointoEnglandandlearnsometradebywhichwemaylive.’SotheyleftWales,andwenttoHereford,andtheretheymadesaddles,whileManawyddanfashionedblueenamelornamentstoputontheirtrappings.Andsogreatlydidthetownsfolklovethesesaddles,thatnootherswereboughtthroughoutthewholeofHereford,tillthesaddlersbandedtogetherandresolvedtoslayManawyddanandhiscompanions.
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WhenPryderiheardofit,hewasverywroth,andwishedtostayandfight.ButthecounselsofManawyddanprevailed,andtheymovedbynighttoanothercity.
‘Whatcraftshallwefollow?’askedPryderi.
‘Wewillmakeshields,’answeredManawyddan.
‘Butdoweknowanythingofthatcraft?’answeredPryderi.
‘Wewilltryit,’saidManawyddan,andtheybegantomakeshields,andfashionedthemaftertheshapeoftheshieldstheyhadseen;andtheselikewisetheyenamelled.Andsogreatlydidtheyprosperthatnomaninthetownboughtashieldexcepttheyhadmadeit,tillatlengththeshield–makersbandedtogetherasthesaddlershaddone,andresolvedtoslaythem.Butofthistheyhadwarning,andbynightbetookthemselvestoanothertown.
‘Letustaketomakingshoes,’saidManawyddan,‘fortherearenotanyamongtheshoemakersboldenoughtofightus.’
‘Iknownothingofmakingshoes,’answeredPryderi,whointruthdespisedsopeacefulacraft.
‘ButIknow,’repliedManawyddan,‘andIwillteachtheetostitch.Wewillbuytheleatherreadydressed,andwillmaketheshoesfromit.’
Thenstraightwayhesoughtthetownforthebestleather,andforagoldsmithtofashiontheclasps,andhehimselfwatchedtillitwasdone,sothathemightlearnforhimself.Soonhebecameknownas‘TheMakerofGoldShoes,’andprosperedsogreatly,thataslongasonecouldbeboughtfromhimnotashoewaspurchasedfromtheshoemakersofthetown.Andthecraftsmenwerewroth,andbandedtogethertoslaythem.
‘Pryderi,’saidManawyddan,whenhehadreceivednewsofit,‘wewillnotremaininEnglandanylonger.LetussetforthtoDyved.’
SotheyjourneyeduntiltheycametotheirlandsatNarberth.Theretheygatheredtheirdogsroundthem,andhuntedforayearasbefore.
Afterthatastrangethinghappened.OnemorningPryderiandManawyddanroseuptohunt,andloosenedtheirdogs,whichranbeforethem,tilltheycametoasmallbush.Atthebush,thedogsshrankawayasiffrightened,andreturnedtotheirmasters,theirhairbristlingontheirbacks.
‘Wemustseewhatisinthatbush,’saidPryderi,andwhatwasinitwasaboar,withaskinaswhiteasthesnowonthemountains.Andhecameout,andmadeastandasthedogsrushedonhim,drivenonbythemen.Longhestoodatbay;thenatlasthebetookhimselftoflight,andfledtoacastlewhichwasnewlybuilt,inaplacewherenobuildinghadeverbeenknown.Intothecastleheran,andthedogsafterhim,andlongthoughtheirmasterslookedandlistened,theyneithersawnorheardaughtconcerningdogsorboar.
‘Iwillgointothecastleandgettidingsofthedogs,’saidPryderiatlast.
‘Truly,’answeredManawyddan,‘thouwouldstdounwisely,forwhosoeverhascastaspelloverthislandhassetthiscastlehere.’
‘Icannotgiveupmydogs,’repliedPryderi,andtothecastlehewent.
Butwithinwasneithermannorbeast;neitherboarnordogs,butonlyafountainwithmarbleroundit,andontheedgeagoldenbowl,richlywrought,whichpleasedPryderigreatly.Inamomentheforgotabouthisdogs,andwentuptothebowlandtookholdofit,
andhishandsstucktothebowl,andhisfeettothemarbleslab,anddespairtookpossessionofhim.
TillthecloseofdayManawyddanwaitedforhim,andwhenthesunwasfastsinking,hewenthome,thinkingthathehadstrayedfar.
‘Wherearethyfriendandthydogs?’saidRhiannon,andhetoldherwhathadbefallenPryderi.
‘Agoodfriendhastthoulost,’answeredRhiannon,andshewentuptothecastleandthroughthegate,whichwasopen.There,inthecentreofthecourtyard,shebeheldPryderistanding,andhastenedtowardshim.
‘Whatdostthouhere?’sheasked,layingherhandonthebowl,andasshespokeshetoostuckfast,andwasnotabletoutteraword.Thenthunderwasheardandaveilofdarknessdescendeduponthem,andthecastlevanishedandtheywithit.
WhenKicva,thewifeofPryderi,foundthatneitherherhusbandnorhismotherreturnedtoher,shewasinsuchsorrowthatshecarednotwhethershelivedordied.Manawyddanwasgrievedalsoinhisheart,andsaidtoher:
‘Itisnotfittingthatweshouldstayhere,forwehavelostourdogsandcannotgetfood.LetusgointoEngland—itiseasierforustolivethere.’Sotheysetforth.
‘Whatcraftwiltthoufollow?’askedKicvaastheywentalong.
‘IshallmakeshoesasonceIdid,’repliedhe;andhegotallthefinestleatherinthetownandcausedgildedclaspstobemadefortheshoes,tilleveryoneflockedtobuy,andalltheshoemakersinthetownwereidleandbandedtogetherinangertokillhim.ButluckilyManawyddangotwordofit,andheandKicvaleftthetownonenightandproceededtoNarberth,takingwithhimasheafofwheat,whichhesowedinthreeplotsofground.Andwhilethewheatwasgrowingup,hehuntedandfished,andtheyhadfoodenoughandtospare.Thusthemonthspasseduntiltheharvest;andoneeveningManawyddanvisitedthefurthestofhisfieldsofwheat;andsawthatitwasripe.
‘To–morrowIwillreapthis,’saidhe;butonthemorrowwhenhewenttoreapthewheathefoundnothingbutthebarestraw.
Filledwithdismayhehastenedtothesecondfield,andtherethecornwasripeandgolden.
‘To–morrowIwillreapthis,’hesaid,butonthemorrowtheearshadgone,andtherewasnothingbutthebarestraw.
‘Well,thereisstillonefieldleft,’hesaid,andwhenhelookedatit,itwasstillfairerthantheothertwo.‘To–nightIwillwatchhere,’thoughthe,‘forwhosoevercarriedofftheothercornwillinlikemannertakethis,andIwillknowwhoitis.’Sohehidhimselfandwaited.
Thehoursslidby,andallwasstill,sostillthatManawyddanwell–nighdroppedasleep.Butatmidnighttherearosetheloudesttumultintheworld,andpeepingouthebeheldamightyhostofmice,whichcouldneitherbenumberednormeasured.Eachmouseclimbedupastrawtillitbentdownwithitsweight,andthenitbitoffoneoftheears,andcarrieditaway,andtherewasnotoneofthestrawsthathadnotgotamousetoit.
Fullofwrathherushedatthemice,buthecouldnomorecomeupwiththemthaniftheyhadbeengnats,orbirdsoftheair,saveoneonlywhichlingeredbehindtherest,andthismouseManawyddancameupwith.Stoopingdownheseizeditbythetail,andputitinhisglove,andtiedapieceofstringacrosstheopeningoftheglove,sothatthemousecouldnotescape.WhenheenteredthehallwhereKicvawassitting,helightedafire,andhungthegloveuponapeg.
‘Whathastthouthere?’askedshe.
‘Athief,’heanswered,‘thatIcaughtrobbingme.’
‘Whatkindofathiefmayitbewhichthoucouldstputinthyglove?’saidKicva.
‘ThatIwilltellthee,’hereplied,andthenheshowedherhowhisfieldsofcornhadbeenwasted,andhowhehadwatchedforthemice.
‘Andonewaslessnimblethantherest,andisnowinmyglove.To–morrowIwillhangit,andIonlywishIhadthemall.’
‘Itisamarvel,truly,’saidshe,‘yetitwouldbeunseemlyforamanofthydignitytohangareptilesuchasthis.Donotmeddlewithit,butletitgo.’
‘Woebetideme,’hecried,‘ifIwouldnothangthemallifIcouldcatchthem,andsuchasIhaveIwillhang.’
‘Verily,’saidshe,‘thereisnoreasonthatIshouldsuccourthisreptile,excepttopreventdiscredituntothee.’
‘IfIknewanycausethatIshouldsuccourit,Iwouldtakethycounsel,’answeredManawyddan,‘butasIknowofnone,Iammindedtodestroyit.’
‘Dosothen,’saidKicva.
Sohewentupahillandsetuptwoforksonthetop,andwhilehewasdoingthishesawascholarcomingtowardshim,whoseclothesweretattered.NowitwassevenyearssinceManawyddanhadseenmanorbeastinthatplace,andthesightamazedhim.
‘Gooddaytothee,mylord,’saidthescholar.
‘Goodgreetingtothee,scholar.Whencedostthoucome?’
‘FromsinginginEngland;butwhereforedostthouask?’
‘Becauseforsevenyearsnomanhathvisitedthisplace.’
‘IwanderwhereIwill,’answeredthescholar.‘Andwhatworkartthouupon?’
‘IamabouttohangathiefthatIcaughtrobbingme!’
‘Whatmannerofthiefisthat?’inquiredthescholar.‘Iseeacreatureinthyhandlikeuntoamouse,andilldoesitbecomeamanofthyranktotouchareptilelikethis.Letitgofree.’
‘Iwillnotletitgofree,’criedManawyddan.‘Icaughtitrobbingme,anditshallsufferthedoomofathief.’
‘Lord!’saidthescholar,‘soonerthanseeamanliketheeatsuchawork,Iwouldgivethee
apoundwhichIhavereceivedasalmstoletitgofree.’
‘Iwillnotletitgofree,neitherwillIsellit.’
‘Asthouwilt,lord,’answeredthescholar,andhewenthisway.
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Manawyddanwasplacingthecross–beamonthetwoforkedsticks,wherethemousewastohang,whenapriestrodepast.
‘Good–daytothee,lord;andwhatartthoudoing?’
‘IamhangingathiefthatIcaughtrobbingme.’
‘Whatmannerofthief,lord?’
‘Acreatureintheformofamouse.Ithasbeenrobbingme,anditshallsufferthedoomofathief.’
‘Lord,’saidthepriest,‘soonerthanseetheetouchthisreptile,Iwouldpurchaseitsfreedom.’
‘Iwillneithersellitnorsetitfree.’
‘Itistruethatamouseisworthnothing,butratherthanseetheedefilethyselfwithtouchingsuchareptileasthis,Iwillgivetheethreepoundsforit.’
‘Iwillnottakeanypriceforit.Itshallbehangedasitdeserves.’
‘Willingly,mylord,ifitisthypleasure.’Andthepriestwenthisway.
ThenManawyddannoosedthestringaboutthemouse’sneck,andwasabouttodrawittightwhenabishop,withagreatfollowingandhorsesbearinghugepacks,cameby.
‘Whatworkartthouupon?’askedthebishop,drawingrein.
‘HangingathiefthatIcaughtrobbingme.’
‘ButisnotthatamousethatIseeinthinehand?’askedthebishop.
‘Yes;thatisthethief,’answeredManawyddan.
‘Well,sinceIhavecomeatthedoomofthisreptile,Iwillransomitoftheeforsevenpounds,ratherthanseeamanofthyranktouchit.Looseit,andletitgo!’
‘Iwillnotletitloose.’
‘Iwillgivetheefourandtwentypoundstosetitfree,’saidthebishop.
‘Iwillnotsetitfreeforasmuchagain.’
‘Ifthouwiltnotsetitfreeforthis,Iwillgivetheeallthehorsesthouseestandthesevenloadsofbaggage.’
‘Iwillnotsetitfree.’
‘Thentellmeatwhatpricethouwiltlooseit,andIwillgiveit.’
‘ThespellmustbetakenoffRhiannonandPryderi,’saidManawyddan.
‘Thatshallbedone.’
‘ButnotyetwillIloosethemouse.Thecharmthathasbeencastoverallmylandsmustbetakenofflikewise.’
‘Thisshallbedonealso.’
‘ButnotyetwillIloosethemousetillIknowwhosheis.’
‘Sheismywife,’answeredthebishop.
‘Andwhereforecameshetome?’askedManawyddan.
‘Todespoilthee,’repliedthebishop,‘foritisIwhocastthecharmoverthylands,toavengeGwawlthesonofCludmyfriend.AnditwasIwhothrewthespelluponPryderitoavengeGwawlforthetrickthathadbeenplayedonhiminthegameofBadgerintheBag.AndnotonlywasIwroth,butmypeoplelikewise,andwhenitwasknownthatthouwastcometodwellintheland,theybesoughtmemuchtochangethemintomice,thattheymighteatthycorn.Thefirstandthesecondnightsitwasthemenofmyownhousethatdestroyedthytwofields,butonthethirdnightmywifeandherladiescametomeandbeggedmetochangethemalsointotheshapeofmice,thattheymighttakepartinavengingGwawl.ThereforeIchangedthem.Yethadshenotbeenillandslowoffoot,thoucouldstnothaveovertakenher.Still,sinceshewascaught,IwillrestoretheePryderiandRhiannon,andwilltakethecharmfromoffthylands.Ihavetoldtheewhosheis;sonowsetherfree.’
‘Iwillnotsetherfree,’answeredManawyddan,‘tillthouswearthatnovengeanceshallbetakenforthis,eitheruponPryderi,oruponRhiannon,oronme.’
‘Igranttheethisboon;andthouhastdonewiselytoaskit,foronthyheadwouldhavelitallthetrouble.Setnowmywifefree.’
‘IwillnotsetherfreetillPryderiandRhiannonarewithme.’
‘Behold,heretheycome,’saidthebishop.
*****
ThenManawyddanheldouthishandsandgreetedPryderiandRhiannon,andtheyseatedthemselvesjoyfullyonthegrass.
‘Ah,lord,hastthounotreceivedallthoudidstask?’saidthebishop.‘Setnowmywifefree!’
‘ThatIwillgladly,’answeredManawyddan,unloosingthecordfromherneck,andashedidsothebishopstruckherwithhisstaff,andsheturnedintoayoungwoman,thefairestthateverwasseen.
‘Lookarounduponthyland,’saidhe,‘andthouwiltseeitalltilledandpeopled,asitwaslongago.’AndManawyddanlooked,andsawcorngrowinginthefields,andcowsandsheepgrazingonthehill–side,andhutsforthepeopletodwellin.Andhewassatisfiedinhissoul,butonemorequestionheputtothebishop.
‘WhatspelldidstthoulayuponPryderiandRhiannon?’
‘Pryderihashadtheknockersofthegateofmypalacehungabouthim,andRhiannonhas
carriedthecollarsofmyassesaroundherneck,’saidthebishopwithasmile.
Fromthe‘Mabinogion.’
THEBELIEVINGHUSBANDS
ONCEuponatimetheredweltinthelandofErinayoungmanwhowasseekingawife,andofallthemaidensroundaboutnonepleasedhimaswellastheonlydaughterofafarmer.Thegirlwaswillingandthefatherwaswilling,andverysoontheyweremarriedandwenttoliveatthefarm.Byandbyetheseasoncamewhentheymustcutthepeatsandpilethemuptodry,sothattheymighthavefiresinthewinter.Soonafinedaythegirlandherhusband,andthefatherandhiswifeallwentoutuponthemoor.
Theyworkedhardformanyhours,andatlengthgrewhungry,sotheyoungwomanwassenthometobringthemfood,andalsotogivethehorsestheirdinner.Whenshewentintothestable,shesuddenlysawtheheavypack–saddleofthespeckledmarejustoverherhead,andshejumpedandsaidtoherself:
‘Supposethatpack–saddleweretofallandkillme,howdreadfulitwouldbe!’andshesatdownjustunderthepack–saddleshewassomuchafraidof,andbegantocry.
*****
Nowtheothersoutonthemoorgrewhungrierandhungrier.
‘Whatcanhavebecomeofher?’askedthey,andatlengththemotherdeclaredthatshewouldwaitnolonger,andmustgoandseewhathadhappened.
Asthebridewasnowhereinthekitchenorthedairy,theoldwomanwentintothestable,whereshefoundherdaughterweepingbitterly.
‘Whatisthematter,mydove?’andthegirlanswered,betweenhersobs:
‘WhenIcameinandsawthepack–saddleovermyhead,Ithoughthowdreadfulitwouldbeifitfellandkilledme,’andshecriedlouderthanbefore.
Theoldwomanstruckherhandstogether:‘Ah,tothinkofit!Ifthatweretobe,whatshouldIdo?’andshesatdownbyherdaughter,andtheybothwrungtheirhandsandlettheirtearsflow.
*****
‘Somethingstrangemusthaveoccurred,’exclaimedtheoldfarmeronthemoor,whobythistimewasnotonlyhungry,butcross.‘Imustgoafterthem.’Andhewentandfoundtheminthestable.
‘Whatisthematter?’askedhe.
‘Oh!’repliedhiswife,‘whenourdaughtercamehome,didshenotseethepack–saddleoverherhead,andshethoughthowdreadfulitwouldbeifitweretofallandkillher.’
‘Ah,tothinkofit!’exclaimedhe,strikinghishandstogether,andhesatdownbesidethemandwepttoo.
Assoonasnightfelltheyoungmanreturnedfullofhunger,andtheretheywere,allcryingtogetherinthestable.
‘Whatisthematter?’askedhe.
‘Whenthywifecamehome,’answeredthefarmer,‘shesawthepack–saddleoverherhead,andshethoughthowdreadfulitwouldbeifitweretofallandkillher.’
‘Well,butitdidn’tfall,’repliedtheyoungman,andhewentofftothekitchentogetsomesupper,leavingthemtocryaslongastheyliked.
Thenextmorninghegotupwiththesun,andsaidtotheoldmanandtotheoldwomanandtohiswife:
‘Farewell:myfootshallnotreturntothehousetillIhavefoundotherthreepeopleassillyasyou,’andhewalkedawaytillhecametothetown,andseeingthedoorofacottagestandingopenwide,heentered.Nomanwaspresent,butonlysomewomenspinningattheirwheels.
‘Youdonotbelongtothistown,’saidhe.
‘Youspeaktruth,’theyanswered,‘noryoueither?’
‘Idonot,’repliedhe,‘butisitagoodplacetolivein?’
Thewomenlookedateachother.
‘Themenofthetownaresosillythatwecanmakethembelieveanythingweplease,’saidthey.
‘Well,hereisagoldring,’repliedhe,‘andIwillgiveittotheoneamongstyouwhocanmakeherhusbandbelievethemostimpossiblething,’andheleftthem.
*****
Assoonasthefirsthusbandcamehomehiswifesaidtohim:
‘Thouartsick!’
‘AmI?’askedhe.
‘Yes,thouart,’sheanswered;‘takeoffthyclothesandliedown.’
Sohedid,andwhenhewasinhisbedhiswifewenttohimandsaid:
‘Thouartdead.’
‘Oh,amI?’askedhe.
‘Thouart,’saidshe;‘shutthineeyesandstirneitherhandnorfoot.’
Anddeadhefeltsurehewas.
*****
Soonthesecondmancamehome,andhiswifesaidtohim:
‘Youarenotmyhusband!’
‘Oh,amInot?’askedhe.
‘No,itisnotyou,’answeredshe,sohewentawayandsleptinthewood.
Whenthethirdmanarrivedhiswifegavehimhissupper,andafterthathewenttobed,
justasusual.Thenextmorningaboyknockedatthedoor,biddinghimattendtheburialofthemanwhowasdead,andhewasjustgoingtogetupwhenhiswifestoppedhim.
‘Timeenough,’saidshe,andhelaystilltillheheardthefuneralpassingthewindow.
‘Nowrise,andbequick,’calledthewife,andthemanjumpedoutofbedinagreathurry,andbegantolookabouthim.
‘Why,wherearemyclothes?’askedhe.
‘Sillythatyouare,theyareonyourback,ofcourse,’answeredthewoman.
‘Arethey?’saidhe.
‘Theyare,’saidshe,‘andmakehastelesttheburyingbeendedbeforeyougetthere.’
Thenoffhewent,runninghard,andwhenthemournerssawamancomingtowardsthemwithnothingonbuthisnightshirt,theyforgotintheirfrightwhattheyweretherefor,andfledtohidethemselves.Andthenakedmanstoodaloneattheheadofthecoffin.
Verysoonamancameoutofthewoodandspoketohim.
‘Doyouknowme?’
‘NotI,’answeredthenakedman.‘Idonotknowyou.’
‘Butwhyareyounaked?’askedthefirstman.
‘AmInaked?MywifetoldmethatIhadallmyclotheson,’answeredhe.
‘AndmywifetoldmethatImyselfwasdead,’saidthemaninthecoffin.
Butatthesoundofhisvoicethetwomenweresoterrifiedthattheyranstraighthome,andthemaninthecoffingotupandfollowedthem,anditwashiswifethatgainedthegoldring,ashehadbeensillierthantheothertwo.
From‘WestHighlandTales.’
THEHOODIE-CROWONCEtherelivedafarmerwhohadthreedaughters,andgoodusefulgirlstheywere,upwiththesun,anddoingalltheworkofthehouse.Onemorningtheyallrandowntotherivertowashtheirclothes,whenahoodiecameroundandsatonatreecloseby.
‘Wiltthouwedme,thoufarmer’sdaughter?’hesaidtotheeldest.
‘IndeedIwon’twedthee,’sheanswered,‘anuglybruteisthehoodie.’Andthebird,muchoffended,spreadhiswingsandflewaway.Butthefollowingdayhecamebackagain,andsaidtothesecondgirl:
‘Wiltthouwedme,farmer’sdaughter?’
‘IndeedIwillnot,’answeredshe,‘anuglybruteisthehoodie.’Andthehoodiewasmoreangrythanbefore,andwentawayinarage.However,afteranight’sresthewasinabettertemper,andthoughtthathemightbemoreluckythethirdtime,sobackhewenttotheoldplace.
‘Wiltthouwedme,farmer’sdaughter?’hesaidtotheyoungest.
‘IndeedIwillwedthee;aprettycreatureisthehoodie,’answeredshe,andonthemorrowtheyweremarried.
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‘Ihavesomethingtoaskthee,’saidthehoodiewhentheywerefarawayinhisownhouse.‘WouldstthouratherIshouldbeahoodiebydayandamanbynight,oramanbydayandahoodiebynight?’
INDEEDIWILLWEDTHEE;APRETTYCREATUREISTHEHOODIE
Thegirlwassurprisedathiswords,forshedidnotknowthathecouldbeanythingbutahoodieatalltimes.
Stillshesaidnothingofthis,andonlyreplied,‘Iwouldratherthouwertamanbydayandahoodiebynight.’Andsohewas;andahandsomermanoramorebeautifulhoodieneverwasseen.Thegirllovedthemboth,andneverwishedforthingstobedifferent.
Byandbyetheyhadason,andverypleasedtheybothwere.Butinthenightsoftmusicwasheardstealingclosetowardsthehouse,andeverymanslept,andthemothersleptalso.Whentheywokeagainitwasmorning,andthebabywasgone.Highandlowtheylookedforit,butnowherecouldtheyfindit,andthefarmer,whohadcometoseehisdaughter,wasgreatlygrieved,ashefeareditmightbethoughtthathehadstolenit,becausehedidnotwantthehoodieforason–in–law.
Thenextyearthehoodie’swifehadanotherson,andthistimeawatchwassetateverydoor.Butitwasnouse.Invaintheyalldeterminedthat,comewhatmight,theywouldnotclosetheireyes;atthefirstnoteofmusictheyallfellasleep,andwhenthefarmerarrivedinthemorningtoseehisgrandson,hefoundthemallweeping,forwhiletheyhadsleptthebabyhadvanished.
Well,thenextyearitallhappenedagain,andthehoodie’swifewassounhappythather
husbandresolvedtotakeherawaytoanotherhousehehad,andhersisterswithherforcompany.Sotheysetoutinacoachwhichwasbigenoughtoholdthem,andhadnotgoneveryfarwhenthehoodiesuddenlysaid:‘Youaresureyouhavenotforgottenanything?’
‘Ihaveforgottenmycoarsecomb,’answeredthewife,feelinginherpocket,andasshespokethecoachchangedintoawitheredfaggot,andthemanbecameahoodieagain,andflewaway.
Thetwosistersreturnedhome,butthewifefollowedthehoodie.Sometimesshewouldseehimonahilltop,andthenwouldhastenafterhim,hopingtocatchhim.Butbythetimeshehadgottothetopofthehill,hewouldbeinthevalleyontheotherside.Whennightcame,andshewastired,shelookedaboutforsomeplacetorest,andgladshewastoseealittlehousefulloflightstraightinfrontofher,andshehurriedtowardsitasfastasshecould.
Atthedoorstoodalittleboy,andthesightofhimfilledherheartwithpleasure,shedidnotknowwhy.Awomancameout,andbadeherwelcome,andsetbeforeherfood,andgaveherasoftbedtolieon.Andthehoodie’swifelaydown,andsotiredwasshe,thatitseemedtoherbutamomentbeforethesunrose,andsheawokeagain.Fromhilltohillshewentafterthehoodie,andsometimesshesawhimonthetop;butwhenshegottothetop,hehadflownintothevalley,andwhenshereachedthevalleyhewasonthetopofanotherhill—andsoithappenedtillnightcameroundagain.Thenshelookedroundforsomeplacetorestin,andshebeheldalittlehouseoflightbeforeher,andfastshehurriedtowardsit.Atthedoorstoodalittleboy,andherheartwasfilledwithpleasureatthesightofhim,shedidnotknowwhy.Afterthatawomanbadeherenter,andsetfoodbeforeher,andgaveherasoftbedtoliein.Andwhenthesunroseshegotup,andleftthehouse,insearchofthehoodie.Thisdayeverythingbefellasonthetwootherdays,butwhenshereachedthesmallhouse,thewomanbadeherkeepawake,andifthehoodieflewintotheroom,totrytoseizehim.
Butthewifehadwalkedfar,andwasverytired,andstriveasshewould,shefellsoundasleep.
Manyhourssheslept,andthehoodieenteredthroughawindow,andletfallaringonherhand.Thegirlawokewithastart,andleantforwardtograsphim,buthewasalreadyflyingoff,andsheonlyseizedafeatherfromhiswing.Andwhendawncame,shegotupandtoldthewoman.
‘Hehasgoneoverthehillofpoison,’saidshe,‘andthereyoucannotfollowhimwithouthorse–shoesonyourhandsandfeet.ButIwillhelpyou.Putonthissuitofmen’sclothes,andgodownthisroadtillyoucometothesmithy,andthereyoucanlearntomakehorse–shoesforyourself.’
Thegirlthankedher,andputontheclothesandwentdowntheroadtodoherbidding.Soharddidshework,thatinafewdaysshewasabletomakethehorse–shoes.Earlyonemorningshesetoutforthehillofpoison.Onherhandsandfeetshewent,butevenwiththehorse–shoesonshehadtobeverycarefulnottostumble,lestsomepoisonedthornsshouldenterintoherflesh,andsheshoulddie.Butwhenatlastshewasover,itwasonlytohearthatherhusbandwastobemarriedthatdaytothedaughterofagreatlord.
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Nowtherewastobearaceinthetown,andeveryonemeanttobethere,exceptthestrangerwhohadcomeoverthehillofpoison—everyone,thatis,butthecook,whowastomakethebridalsupper.Greatlyhelovedraces,andsorewashishearttothinkthatoneshouldberunwithouthisseeingit,sowhenhebeheldawomanwhomhedidnotknowcomingalongthestreet,hopesprangupinhim.
‘Willyoucooktheweddingfeastinplaceofme?’hesaid,‘andIwillpayyouwellwhenIreturnfromtherace.’
Gladlysheagreed,andcookedthefeastinakitchenthatlookedintothegreathall,wherethecompanyweretoeatit.Afterthatshewatchedtheseatwherethebridegroomwassitting,andtakingaplatefulofthebroth,shedroppedtheringandthefeatherintoit,andsetitherselfbeforehim.
Withthefirstspoonfulhetookupthering,andathrillranthroughhim;inthesecondhebeheldthefeatherandrosefromhischair.
‘Whohascookedthisfeast?’askedhe,andtherealcook,whohadcomebackfromtherace,wasbroughtbeforehim.
‘Hemaybethecook,buthedidnotcookthisfeast,’saidthebridegroom,andtheninquirywasmade,andthegirlwassummonedtothegreathall.
‘Thatismymarriedwife,’hedeclared,‘andnooneelsewillIhave,’andatthatverymomentthespellsfelloffhim,andnevermorewouldhebeahoodie.Happyindeedweretheytobetogetheragain,andlittledidtheymindthatthehillofpoisontooklongtocross,forshehadtogosomewayforwards,andthenthrowthehorse–shoesbackforhimtoputon.Still,atlasttheywereover,andtheywentbackthewayshehadcome,andstoppedatthethreehousesinordertotaketheirlittlesonstotheirownhome.
Butthestoryneversayswhohadstolenthem,norwhatthecoarsecombhadtodowithit.
From‘WestHighlandTales.’
THEBROWNIEOFTHELAKE
ONCEuponatimetherelivedinFranceamanwhosenamewasJalmRiou.Youmighthavewalkedawholedaywithoutmeetinganyonehappierormorecontented,forhehadalargefarm,plentyofmoney,and,aboveall,adaughtercalledBarbaïk,themostgracefuldancerandthebest–dressedgirlinthewholecountryside.Whensheappearedonholidaysinherembroideredcap,fivepetticoats,eachonealittleshorterthantheother,andshoeswithsilverbuckles,thewomenwereallfilledwithenvy,butlittlecaredBarbaïkwhattheymightwhisperbehindherbackaslongassheknewthatherclotheswerefinerthananyoneelse’sandthatshehadmorepartnersthananyothergirl.
NowamongstalltheyoungmenwhowantedtomarryBarbaïk,theonewhoseheartwasmostsetonherwasherfather’sheadman,butashismannerswereroughandhewasexceedinglyuglyshewouldhavenothingtosaytohim,and,whatwasworse,oftenmadefunofhimwiththerest.
Jégu,forthatwashisname,ofcourseheardofthis,anditmadehimveryunhappy.Still,hewouldnotleavethefarm,andlookforworkelsewhere,ashemighthavedone,forthenhewouldneverseeBarbaïkatall,andwhatwaslifeworthtohimwithoutthat?
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Oneeveninghewasbringingbackhishorsesfromthefields,andstoppedatalittlelakeonthewayhometoletthemdrink.Hewastiredwithalongday’swork,andstoodwithhishandonthemaneofoneoftheanimals,waitingtilltheyhaddone,andthinkingallthewhileofBarbaïk,whenavoicecameoutofthegorsecloseby.
‘Whatisthematter,Jégu?Youmustn’tdespairyet.’
Theyoungmanglancedupinsurprise,andaskedwhowasthere.
‘ItisI,thebrownieofthelake,’repliedthevoice.
‘Butwhereareyou?’inquiredJégu.
‘Lookclose,andyouwillseemeamongthereedsintheformofalittlegreenfrog.Icantake,’headdedproudly,‘anyshapeIchoose,andeven,whichismuchharder,beinvisibleifIwantto.’
‘Thenshowyourselftomeintheshapeinwhichyourfamilygenerallyappear,’repliedJégu.
‘Certainly,ifyouwish,’andthefrogjumpedonthebackofoneofthehorses,andchangedintoalittledwarf,alldressedgreen.
ThistransformationratherfrightenedJégu,butthebrowniebadehimhavenofears,forhewouldnotdohimanyharm;indeed,hehopedthatJégumightfindhimofsomeuse.
‘Butwhyshouldyoutakeallthisinterestinme?’askedthepeasantsuspiciously.
‘Becauseofaserviceyoudidmelastwinter,whichIhaveneverforgotten,’answeredthe
littlefellow.‘Youknow,Iamsure,thatthekorigans[3]whodwellintheWhiteCorncountryhavedeclaredwaronmypeople,becausetheysaythattheyarethefriendsofman.Wewerethereforeobligedtotakerefugeindistantlands,andtohideourselvesatfirstunderdifferentanimalshapes.Sincethattime,partlyfromhabitandpartlytoamuseourselves,wehavecontinuedtotransformourselves,anditwasinthiswaythatIgottoknowyou.’
‘How?’exclaimedJégu,filledwithastonishment.
‘Doyourememberwhenyouweredigginginthefieldneartheriver,threemonthsago,youfoundarobinredbreastcaughtinanet?’
‘Yes,’answeredJégu,‘Irememberitverywell,andIopenedthenetandlethimgo.’
‘Well,Iwasthatrobinredbreast,andeversinceIhavevowedtobeyourfriend,andasyouwanttomarryBarbaïk,IwillprovethetruthofwhatIsaybyhelpingyoutodoso.’
‘Ah!mylittlebrownie,ifyoucandothat,thereisnothingIwon’tgiveyou,exceptmysoul.’
‘Thenletmealone,’rejoinedthedwarf,‘andIpromiseyouthatinaveryfewmonthsyoushallbemasterofthefarmandofBarbaïk.’
‘Buthowareyougoingtodoit?’exclaimedJéguwonderingly.
‘Thatismyaffair.PerhapsImaytellyoulater.Meanwhileyoujusteatandsleep,anddon’tworryyourselfaboutanything.’
Jégudeclaredthatnothingcouldbeeasier,andthentakingoffhishat,hethankedthedwarfheartily,andledhishorsesbacktothefarm.
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Nextmorningwasaholiday,andBarbaïkwasawakeearlierthanusual,asshewishedtogetthroughherworkassoonaspossible,andbereadytostartforadancewhichwastobeheldsomedistanceoff.Shewentfirsttothecow–house,whichitwasherdutytokeepclean,buttoheramazementshefoundfreshstrawputdown,theracksfilledwithhay,thecowsmilked,andthepailsstandingneatlyinarow.
‘Ofcourse,Jégumusthavedonethisinthehopeofmygivinghimadance,’shethoughttoherself,andwhenshemethimoutsidethedoorshestoppedandthankedhimforhishelp.Tobesure,Jéguonlyrepliedroughlythathedidn’tknowwhatshewastalkingabout,butthisanswermadeherfeelallthemorecertainthatitwasheandnobodyelse.
Thesamethingtookplaceeveryday,andneverhadthecow–housebeensocleannorthecowssofat.MorningandeveningBarbaïkfoundherearthenpotsfullofmilkandapoundofbutterfreshlychurned,ornamentedwithleaves.Attheendofafewweeksshegrewsousedtothisstateofaffairsthatsheonlygotupjustintimetopreparebreakfast.
Sooneventhisgrewtobeunnecessary,foradayarrivedwhen,comingdownstairs,shediscoveredthatthehousewasswept,thefurniturepolished,thefirelit,andthefoodready,sothatshehadnothingtodoexcepttoringthegreatbellwhichsummonedthelabourersfromthefieldstocomeandeatit.This,also,shethoughtwastheworkofJégu,andshecouldnothelpfeelingthatahusbandofthissortwouldbeveryusefultoagirlwholiked
tolieinbedandtoamuseherself.
Indeed,Barbaïkhadonlytoexpressawishforittobesatisfied.Ifthewindwascoldorthesunwashotandshewasafraidtogooutlesthercomplexionshouldbespoilt,sheneedonlytorundowntothespringclosebyandsaysoftly,‘Ishouldlikemychurnstobefull,andmywetlinentobestretchedonthehedgetodry,’andsheneednevergiveanotherthoughttothematter.
Ifshefoundtheryebreadtoohardtobake,ortheoventakingtoolongtoheat,shejustmurmured,‘Ishouldliketoseemysixloavesontheshelfabovethebreadbox,’andtwohoursaftertheretheywere.
Ifshewastoolazytowalkallthewaytomarketalongadirtyroad,shewouldsayoutloudthenightbefore,‘WhyamInotalreadybackfromMorlaixwithmymilkpotempty,mybutterbowlinsideit,apoundofwildcherriesonmywoodenplate,andthemoneyIhavegainedinmyapronpocket?’andinthemorningwhenshegotup,loandbehold!therewerestandingatthefootofherbedtheemptymilkpotwiththebutterbowlinside,theblackcherriesonthewoodenplate,andsixnewpiecesofsilverinthepocketofherapron.AndshebelievedthatallthiswasowingtoJégu,andshecouldnolongerdowithouthim,eveninherthoughts.
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Whenthingshadreachedthispass,thebrownietoldtheyoungmanthathehadbetteraskBarbaïktomarryhim,andthistimethegirldidnotturnrudelyaway,butlistenedpatientlytotheend.Inhereyeshewasasuglyandawkwardasever,buthewouldcertainlymakeamostusefulhusband,andshecouldsleepeverymorningtillbreakfasttime,justlikeayounglady,andasfortherestoftheday,itwouldnotbehalflongenoughforallshemeanttodo.Shewouldwearthebeautifuldressesthatcamewhenshewishedforthem,andvisitherneighbours,whowouldbedyingofenvyallthewhile,andshewouldbeabletodanceasmuchasshewished.Jéguwouldalwaysbetheretoworkforher,andsaveforher,andwatchoverher.So,likeawell–brought–upgirl,Barbaïkansweredthatitshouldbeasherfatherpleased,knowingquitewellthatoldRiouhadoftensaidthatafterhewasdeadtherewasnoonesocapableofcarryingonthefarm.
Themarriagetookplacethefollowingmonth,andafewdayslatertheoldmandiedquitesuddenly.NowJéguhadeverythingtoseetohimself,andsomehowitdidnotseemsoeasyaswhenthefarmerwasalive.Butoncemorethebrowniesteppedin,andwasbetterthantenlabourers.Itwashewhoploughedandsowedandreaped,andif,ashappenedoccasionally,itwasneedfultogettheworkdonequickly,thebrowniecalledinsomeofhisfriends,andassoonasitwaslightahostoflittledwarfsmighthavebeenseeninthefields,busywithhoe,forkorsickle.Butbythetimethepeoplewereaboutallwasfinished,andthelittlefellowshaddisappeared.
Andallthepaymentthebrownieeveraskedforwasabowlofbroth.
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FromtheverydayofhermarriageBarbaïkhadnotedwithsurpriseandragethatthingsceasedtobedoneforherastheyhadbeendonealltheweeksandmonthsbefore.ShecomplainedtoJéguofhislaziness,andheonlystaredather,notunderstandingwhatshe
wastalkingabout.Butthebrownie,whowasstandingby,burstoutlaughing,andconfessedthatallthegoodofficesshespokeofhadbeenperformedbyhim,forthesakeofJégu,butthatnowhehadotherbusinesstodo,anditwashightimethatshelookedafterherhouseherself.
Barbaïkwasfurious.Eachmorningwhenshewasobligedtogetupbeforedawntomilkthecowsandgotomarket,andeacheveningwhenshehadtosituptillmidnightinordertochurnthebutter,herheartwasfilledwithrageagainstthebrowniewhohadcausedhertoexpectalifeofeaseandpleasure.ButwhenshelookedatJéguandbeheldhisredface,squintingeyes,anduntidyhair,herangerwasdoubled.
‘Ifithadnotbeenforyou,youmiserabledwarf!’shewouldsaybetweenherteeth,‘ifithadnotbeenforyouIshouldneverhavemarriedthatman,andIshouldstillhavebeengoingtodances,wheretheyoungmenwouldhavebroughtmepresentsofnutsandcherries,andtoldmethatIwastheprettiestgirlintheparish.WhilenowIcanreceivenopresentsexceptfrommyhusband.Icanneverdance,exceptwithmyhusband.Oh,youwretcheddwarf,Iwillnever,neverforgiveyou!’
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Inspiteofherfiercewords,nooneknewbetterthanBarbaïkhowtoputherprideinherpocketwhenitsuitedher,andafterreceivinganinvitationtoawedding,shebeggedthebrownietogetherahorsetoridethere.Tohergreatjoyheconsented,biddinghersetoutforthecityofthedwarfsandtotellthemexactlywhatshewanted.Fullofexcitement,Barbaïkstartedonherjourney.Itwasnotlong,andwhenshereachedthetownshewentstraighttothedwarfs,whowereholdingcounselinawidegreenplace,andsaidtothem,‘Listen,myfriends!Ihavecometobegyoutolendmeablackhorse,witheyes,amouth,ears,bridleandsaddle.’
Shehadhardlyspokenwhenthehorseappeared,andmountingonhisbackshestartedforthevillagewheretheweddingwastobeheld.
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Atfirstshewassodelightedwiththechanceofaholidayfromtheworkwhichshehated,thatshenoticednothing,butverysoonitstruckherasoddthatasshepassedalongtheroadsfullofpeopletheyalllaughedastheylookedatherhorse.Atlengthshecaughtsomewordsutteredbyonemantoanother,‘Why,thefarmer’swifehassoldherhorse’stail!’andturnedinhersaddle.Yes;itwastrue.Herhorsehadnotail!Shehadforgottentoaskforone,andthewickeddwarfshadcarriedoutherorderstotheletter!
‘Well,atanyrate,Ishallsoonbethere,’shethought,andshakingthereins,triedtourgethehorsetoagallop.Butitwasofnouse;hedeclinedtomoveoutofawalk;andshewasforcedtohearallthejokesthatweremadeuponher.
Intheeveningshereturnedtothefarmmoreangrythanever,andquitedeterminedtorevengeherselfonthebrowniewhenevershehadthechance,whichhappenedtobeverysoon.
Itwasthespring,andjustthetimeofyearwhenthedwarfsheldtheirfête,soonedaythebrownieaskedJéguifhemightbringhisfriendstohavesupperinthegreatbarn,andwhetherhewouldallowthemtodancethere.Ofcourse,Jéguwasonlytoopleasedtobe
abletodoanythingforthebrownie,andheorderedBarbaïktospreadherbesttable–clothsinthebarn,andtomakeaquantityoflittleloavesandpancakes,and,besides,tokeepallthemilkgivenbythecowsthatmorning.Heexpectedshewouldrefuse,asheknewshehatedthedwarfs,butshesaidnothing,andpreparedthesupperashehadbiddenher.
Whenallwasready,thedwarfs,innewgreensuits,camebustlingin,veryhappyandmerry,andtooktheirseatsatthetable.Butinamomenttheyallsprangupwithacry,andranawayscreaming,forBarbaïkhadplacedpansofhotcoalsundertheirfeet,andalltheirpoorlittletoeswereburnt.
‘Youwon’tforgetthatinahurry,’shesaid,smilinggrimlytoherself,butinamomenttheywerebackagainwithlargepotsofwater,whichtheypouredonthefire.Thentheyjoinedhandsanddancedroundit,singing:
Wickedtraitress,BarbeRiou,Ourpoortoesareburnedbyyou;Nowwehurryfromyourhall—Badlucklightuponyouall.
Thateveningtheyleftthecountryforever,andJégu,withouttheirhelp,grewpoorerandpoorer,andatlastdiedofmisery,whileBarbaïkwasgladtofindworkinthemarketofMorlaix.
From‘LeFoyerBreton,’parE.Souvestre
[3]Thespitefulfairies.
THEWINNINGOFOLWEN
THEREwasonceakingandqueenwhohadalittleboy,andtheycalledhisnameKilwch.Thequeen,hismother,fellillsoonafterhisbirth,andasshecouldnottakecareofhimherselfshesenthimtoawomansheknewupinthemountains,sothathemightlearntogooutinallweathers,andbearheatandcold,andgrowtallandstrong.Kilwchwasquitehappywithhisnurse,andranracesandclimbedhillswiththechildrenwhowerehisplayfellows,andinthewinter,whenthesnowlayontheground,sometimesamanwithaharpwouldstopandbegforshelter,andinreturnwouldsingthemsongsofstrangethingsthathadhappenedintheyearsgoneby.
Butlongbeforethis,changeshadtakenplaceinthecourtofKilwch’sfather.Soonaftershehadsentherbabyawaythequeenbecamemuchworse,andatlength,seeingthatshewasgoingtodie,shecalledherhusbandtoherandsaid:
‘NeveragainshallIrisefromthisbed,andbyandbyethouwilttakeanotherwife.Butlestsheshouldmaketheeforgetthyson,Ichargetheethatthoutakenotawifeuntilthouseeabriarwithtwoblossomsuponmygrave.’Andthishepromisedher.Thenshefurtherbadehimtoseetohergravethatnothingmightgrowthereon.Thislikewisehepromisedher,andsoonshedied,andforsevenyearsthekingsentamaneverymorningtoseethatnothingwasgrowingonthequeen’sgrave,butattheendofsevenyearsheforgot.
Onedaywhenthekingwasouthuntingherodepasttheplacewherethequeenlayburied,andtherehesawabriargrowingwithtwoblossomsonit.
‘ItistimethatItookawife,’saidhe,andafterlonglookinghefoundone.Buthedidnottellherabouthisson;indeedhehardlyrememberedthathehadonetillshehearditatlastfromanoldwomanwhomshehadgonetovisit.Andthenewqueenwasverypleased,andsentmessengerstofetchtheboy,andinhisfather’scourthestayed,whiletheyearswentbytillonedaythequeentoldhimthataprophecyhadforetoldthathewastowinforhiswifeOlwenthedaughterofYspaddadenPenkawr.
WhenheheardthisKilwchfeltproudandhappy.Surelyhemustbeamannow,hethought,ortherewouldbenotalkofawifeforhim,andhisminddweltalldayuponhispromisedbride,andwhatshewouldbelikewhenhebeheldher.
‘Whataileththee,myson?’askedhisfatheratlast,whenKilwchhadforgottensomethinghehadbeenbiddentodo,andKilwchblushedredasheanswered:
‘MystepmothersaysthatnonebutOlwen,thedaughterofYspaddadenPenkawr,shallbemywife.’
‘Thatwillbeeasilyfulfilled,’repliedhisfather.‘Arthurthekingisthycousin.Gothereforeuntohimandbeghimtocutthyhair,andtogranttheethisboon.’
KilwcharrivesattheGateofArthur’sPalace
Thentheyouthprickedforthuponadapplegreyhorseoffouryearsold,withabridleoflinkedgold,andgolduponhissaddle.Inhishandheboretwospearsofsilverwithheadsofsteel;awar–hornofivorywasslungroundhisshoulder,andbyhissidehungagoldensword.Beforehimweretwobrindledwhite–breastedgreyhoundswithcollarsofrubiesroundtheirnecks,andtheonethatwasontheleftsideboundedacrosstotherightside,andtheoneontherighttotheleft,andliketwosea–swallowssportedroundhim.Andhishorsecastupfoursodswithhisfourhoofs,likefourswallowsintheairabouthishead,nowabove,nowbelow.Abouthimwasarobeofpurple,andanappleofgoldwasateachcorner,andeveryoneoftheappleswasofthevalueofahundredcows.Andthebladesofgrassbentnotbeneathhim,solightwerehishorse’sfeetashejourneyedtowardthegateofArthur’spalace.
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‘Isthereaporter?’criedKilwch,lookingroundforsomeonetoopenthegate.
‘Thereis;andIamArthur’sportereveryfirstdayofJanuary,’answeredamancomingouttohim.‘Therestoftheyearthereareotherporters,andamongthemPennpingyon,whogoesuponhisheadtosavehisfeet.’
‘Well,opentheportal,Isay.’
‘No,thatImaynotdo,fornonecanentersavethesonofakingorapedlarwhohasgoodstosell.Butelsewheretherewillbefoodforthydogsandhayforthyhorse,andfortheecollopscookedandpeppered,andsweetwineshallbeservedintheguestchamber.’
‘Thatwillnotdoforme,’answeredKilwch.‘IfthouwiltnotopenthegateIwillsendupthreeshoutsthatshallbeheardfromCornwalluntothenorth,andyetagaintoIreland.’
‘Whatsoeverclamourthoumayestmake,’spakeGlewlwydtheporter,‘thoushaltnotenteruntilIfirstgoandspeakwithArthur.’
ThenGlewlwydwentintothehall,andArthursaidtohim:
‘Hastthounewsfromthegate?’andtheporteranswered:
‘FarhaveItravelled,bothinthisislandandelsewhere,andmanykinglymenhaveIseen;butneveryethaveIbeheldoneequalinmajestytohimwhonowstandsatthedoor.’
‘Ifwalkingthoudidstenterhere,returnthourunning,’repliedArthur,‘andleteveryonethatopensandshutstheeyeshowhimrespectandservehim,foritisnotmeettokeepsuchamaninthewindandrain.’SoGlewlwydunbarredthegateandKilwchrodeinuponhischarger.
‘Greetinguntothee,Orulerofthisland,’criedhe,‘andgreetingnolesstothelowestthantothehighest.’
‘Greetingtotheealso,’answeredArthur.‘Sitthoubetweentwoofmywarriors,andthoushalthaveminstrelsbeforetheeandallthatbelongstooneborntobeaking,whilethouremainestinmypalace.’
‘Iamnotcome,’repliedKilwch,‘formeatanddrink,buttoobtainaboon,andifthougrantitmeIwillpayitback,andwillcarrythypraisetothefourwindsofheaven.Butifthouwiltnotgrantittome,thenIwillproclaimthydiscourtesywhereverthynameisknown.’
‘Whatthouaskestthatshaltthoureceive,’saidArthur,‘asfarasthewinddriesandtherainmoistens,andthesunrevolvesandtheseaencirclesandtheearthextends.Saveonlymyshipandmymantle,myswordandmylance,myshieldandmydagger,andGuineveremywife.’
‘Iwouldthatthoublessmyhair,’spakeKilwch,andArthuranswered:
‘Thatshallbegrantedthee.’
Forthwithhebadehismenfetchhimacombofgoldandascissorswithloopsofsilver,andhecombedthehairofKilwchhisguest.
‘Tellmewhothouart,’hesaid,‘formyheartwarmstothee,andIfeelthouartcomeofmyblood.’
‘IamKilwch,sonofKilydd,’repliedtheyouth.
‘Thenmycousinthouartintruth,’repliedArthur,‘andwhatsoeverboonthoumayestaskthoushaltreceive.’
‘TheboonIcraveisthatthoumayestwinformeOlwen,thedaughterofYspaddadenPenkawr,andthisboonIseeklikewiseatthehandsofthywarriors.FromSol,whocan
standalldayupononefoot;fromOssol,who,ifheweretofindhimselfonthetopofthehighestmountainintheworld,couldmakeitintoalevelplaininthebeatofabird’swing;fromClust,who,thoughhewereburiedundertheearth,couldyetheartheantleavehernestfiftymilesaway:fromtheseandfromKaiandfromBedwyrandfromallthymightymenIcravethisboon.’
‘OKilwch,’saidArthur,‘neverhaveIheardofthemaidenofwhomthouspeakest,norofherkindred,butIwillsendmessengerstoseekherifthouwiltgivemetime.’
‘FromthisnighttotheendoftheyearrightwillinglywillIgrantthee,’repliedKilwch;butwhentheendoftheyearcameandthemessengersreturnedKilwchwaswroth,andspokeroughwordstoArthur.
ItwasKai,theboldestofthewarriorsandtheswiftestoffoot—hewhocouldpassninenightswithoutsleep,andninedaysbeneaththewater—thatansweredhim:
‘Rashyouththatthouart,darestthouspeakthustoArthur?Comewithus,andwewillnotpartcompanytillwehavewonthatmaiden,ortillthouconfessthatthereisnonesuchintheworld.’
ThenArthursummonedhisfivebestmenandbadethemgowithKilwch.TherewasBedwyrtheone–handed,Kai’scomradeandbrotherinarms,theswiftestmaninBritainsaveArthur;therewasKynddelig,whoknewthepathsinalandwherehehadneverbeenassurelyashedidthoseofhisowncountry;therewasGwrhyr,thatcouldspeakalltongues;andGwalchmaithesonofGwyar,whoneverreturnedtillhehadgainedwhathesought;andlastofalltherewasMenw,whocouldweaveaspelloverthemsothatnonemightseethem,whiletheycouldseeeveryone.
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Sothesesevenjourneyedtogethertilltheyreachedavastopenplaininwhichwasafaircastle.Butthoughitseemedsocloseitwasnotuntiltheeveningofthethirddaythattheyreallydrewneartoit,andinfrontofitaflockofsheepwasspread,somanyinnumberthatthereseemednoendtothem.Ashepherdstoodonamoundwatchingoverthem,andbyhissidewasadog,aslargeasahorseninewintersold.
‘Whoseisthiscastle,Oherdsman?’askedtheknights.
‘Stupidareyetruly,’answeredtheherdsman.‘AlltheworldknowsthatthisisthecastleofYspaddadenPenkawr.’
‘Andwhoartthou?’
‘IamcalledCustennin,brotherofYspaddaden,andillhashetreatedme.Andwhoareyou,andwhatdoyouhere?’
‘WecomefromArthurtheking,toseekOlwenthedaughterofYspaddaden,’butatthisnewstheshepherdgaveacry:
‘Omen,bewarnedandturnbackwhilethereisyettime.Othershavegoneonthatquest,butnonehaveescapedtotellthetale,’andherosetohisfeetasiftoleavethem.ThenKilwchheldouttohimaringofgold,andhetriedtoputitonhisfinger,butitwastoosmall,soheplaceditinhisglove,andwenthomeandgaveittohiswife.
‘Whencecamethisring?’askedshe,‘forsuchgoodluckisnotwonttobefallthee.’
‘Themantowhomthisringbelongedthoushaltseehereintheevening,’answeredtheshepherd;‘heisKilwch,sonofKilydd,cousintokingArthur,andhehascometoseekOlwen.’AndwhenthewifeheardthatsheknewthatKilwchwashernephew,andherheartyearnedafterhim,halfwithjoyatthethoughtofseeinghim,andhalfwithsorrowforthedoomshefeared.
FAIROLWENARRIVES
Soontheyheardstepsapproaching,andKaiandtherestenteredintothehouseandateanddrank.Afterthatthewomanopenedachest,andoutofitcameayouthwithcurlingyellowhair.
‘Itisapitytohidehimthus,’saidGwrhyr,‘forwellIknowthathehasdonenoevil.’
‘ThreeandtwentyofmysonshasYspaddadenslain,andIhavenomorehopeofsavingthisone,’repliedshe,andKaiwasfullofsorrowandanswered:
‘Lethimcomewithmeandbemycomrade,andheshallneverbeslainunlessIamslainalso.’Andsoitwasagreed.
‘Whatisyourerrandhere?’askedthewoman.
‘WeseekOlwenthemaidenforthisyouth,’answeredKai;‘doessheevercomehithersothatshemaybeseen?’
‘ShecomeseverySaturdaytowashherhair,andinthevesselwhereshewashessheleavesallherrings,andneverdoesshesomuchassendamessengertofetchthem.’
‘Willshecomeifsheisbidden?’askedKai,pondering.
‘Shewillcome;butunlessyoupledgemeyourfaiththatyouwillnotharmherIwillnotfetchher.’
‘Wepledgeit,’saidthey,andthemaidencame.
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Afairsightwassheinarobeofflame–colouredsilk,withacollarofruddygoldaboutherneck,brightwithemeraldsandrubies.Moreyellowwasherheadthantheflowerofthebroom,andherskinwaswhiterthanthefoamofthewave,andfairerwereherhandsthantheblossomofthewoodanemone.Fourwhitetrefoilssprangupwhereshetrod,andthereforewasshecalledOlwen.
Sheentered,andsatdownonabenchbesideKilwch,andhespaketoher:
‘Ah,maiden,sincefirstIheardthynameIhavelovedthee—wiltthounotcomeawaywithmefromthisevilplace?’
‘ThatIcannotdo,’answeredshe,‘forIhavegivenmywordtomyfathernottogowithouthisknowledge,forhislifewillonlylasttillIambetrothed.Whateveris,mustbe,butthiscounselIwillgiveyou.Go,andaskmeofmyfather,andwhatsoeverheshallrequireoftheegrantit,andthoushaltwinme;butifthoudenyhimanythingthouwiltnotobtainme,anditwillbewellfortheeifthouescapewiththylife.’
‘AllthisIpromise,’saidhe.
Soshereturnedtothecastle,andallArthur’smenwentafterher,andenteredthehall.
‘Greetingtothee,YspaddadenPenkawr,’saidthey.‘WecometoaskthydaughterOlwenforKilwch,sonofKilydd.’
‘Comehitherto–morrowandIwillansweryou,’repliedYspaddadenPenkawr,andastheyrosetoleavethehallhecaughtuponeofthethreepoisoneddartsthatlaybesidehimandflungitintheirmidst.ButBedwyrsawandcaughtit,andflungitbacksohardthatitpiercedthekneeofYspaddaden.
‘Agentleson–in–law,truly!’hecried,writhingwithpain.‘Ishalleverwalktheworseforthisrudeness.Cursedbethesmithwhoforgedit,andtheanvilonwhichitwaswrought!’
ThatnightthemensleptinthehouseofCustennintheherdsman,andthenextdaytheyproceededtothecastle,andenteredthehall,andsaid:
‘YspaddadenPenkawr,giveusthydaughterandthoushaltkeepherdower.Andunlessthouwiltdothiswewillslaythee.’
‘Herfourgreatgrandmothersandherfourgreatgrandfathersyetlive,’answeredYspaddadenPenkawr;‘itisneedfulthatItakecounselwiththem.’
‘Beitso;wewillgotomeat,’butastheyturnedhetookuptheseconddartthatlaybyhissideandcastitafterthem.AndMenwcaughtit,andflungitathim,andwoundedhiminthechest,sothatitcameoutathisback.
‘Agentleson–in–law,truly!’criedYspaddaden;‘theironpainsmelikethebiteofahorse–leech.Cursedbethehearthwhereonitwasheated,andthesmithwhoformedit!’
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ThethirddayArthur’smenreturnedtothepalaceintothepresenceofYspaddaden.
‘Shootnotatmeagain,’saidhe,‘unlessyoudesiredeath.Butliftupmyeyebrows,whichhavefallenovermyeyes,thatImayseemyson–in–law.’Thentheyarose,andastheydidsoYspaddadenPenkawrtookthethirdpoisoneddartandcastitatthem.AndKilwchcaughtit,andflungitback,anditpassedthroughhiseyeball,andcameoutontheothersideofhishead.
‘Agentleson–in–law,truly!Cursedbethefireinwhichitwasforgedandthemanwhofashionedit!’
ThenextdayArthur’smencameagaintothepalaceandsaid:
‘Shootnotatusanymoreunlessthoudesirestmorepainthanevennowthouhast,butgiveusthydaughterwithoutmorewords.’
‘Whereishethatseeksmydaughter?LethimcomehithersothatImayseehim.’AndKilwchsathimselfinachairandspokefacetofacewithhim.
‘Isitthouthatseekestmydaughter?’
‘ItisI,’answeredKilwch.
‘Firstgivemethywordthatthouwiltdonothingtowardsmethatisnotjust,andwhenthouhastwonformethatwhichIshallask,thenthoushaltwedmydaughter.’
‘Ipromiserightwillingly,’saidKilwch.‘Namewhatthouwilt.’
‘Seestthouyonderhill?Well,inonedayitshallberootedupandploughedandsown,andthegrainshallripen,andofthatwheatIwillbakethecakesformydaughter’swedding.’
‘Itwillbeeasyformetocompassthis,althoughthoumayestdeemitwillnotbeeasy,’answeredKilwch,thinkingofOssol,underwhosefeetthehighestmountainbecamestraightwayaplain,butYspaddadenpaidnoheed,andcontinued:
‘Seestthouthatfieldyonder?Whenmydaughterwasbornninebushelsofflaxweresowntherein,andnotonebladehassprungup.Irequiretheetosowfreshflaxinthegroundthatmydaughtermaywearaveilspunfromitonthedayofherwedding.’
‘Itwillbeeasyformetocompassthis.’
‘Thoughthoucompassthisthereisthatwhichthouwiltnotcompass.ForthoumustbringmethebasketofGwyddneuGaranhirwhichwillgivemeattothewholeworld.Itisforthyweddingfeast.Thoumustalsofetchmethedrinking–hornthatisneverempty,andtheharpthatneverceasestoplayuntilitisbidden.AlsothecombandscissorsandrazorthatliebetweenthetwoearsofTrwyththeboar,sothatImayarrangemyhairforthewedding.Andthoughthougetthisyetthereisthatwhichthouwiltnotget,forTrwyththe
boarwillnotletanymantakefromhimthecombandthescissors,unlessDrudwynthewhelphunthim.ButnoleashintheworldcanholdDrudwynsavetheleashofCantEwin,andnocollarwillholdtheleashexceptthecollarofCanhastyr.’
‘Itwillbeeasyformetocompassthis,thoughthoumayestthinkitwillnotbeeasy,’Kilwchansweredhim.
‘Thoughthougetallthesethingsyetthereisthatwhichthouwiltnotget.ThroughouttheworldthereisnonethatcanhuntwiththisdogsaveMabonthesonofModron.Hewastakenfromhismotherwhenthreenightsold,anditisnotknownwherehenowis,norwhetherheislivingordead,andthoughthoufindhimyettheboarwillneverbeslainsaveonlywiththeswordofGwrnachthegiant,andifthouobtainitnotneithershaltthouobtainmydaughter.’
‘HorsesshallIhave,andknightsfrommylordArthur.AndIshallgainthydaughter,andthoushaltlosethylife.’
ThespeechofKilwchthesonofKilyddwithYspaddadenPenkawrwasended.
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ThenArthur’smensetforth,andKilwchwiththem,andjourneyedtilltheyreachedthelargestcastleintheworld,andablackmancameouttomeetthem.
‘Whencecomestthou,Oman?’askedthey,‘andwhoseisthatcastle?’
‘ThatisthecastleofGwrnachthegiant,asalltheworldknows,’answeredtheman,‘butnoguesteverreturnedthencealive,andnonemayenterthegateexceptacraftsman,whobringshistrade.’ButlittledidArthur’smenheedhiswarning,andtheywentstraighttothegate.
‘Open!’criedGwrhyr.
‘Iwillnotopen,’repliedtheporter.
‘Andwherefore?’askedKai.
‘Theknifeisinthemeat,andthedrinkisinthehorn,andthereisrevelryinthehallofGwrnachthegiant,andsaveforacraftsmanwhobringshistradethegatewillnotbeopenedto–night.’
‘Verily,then,Imayenter,’saidKai,‘forthereisnobetterburnisherofswordsthanI.’
‘ThiswillItellGwrnachthegiant,andIwillbringtheehisanswer.’
‘Bidthemancomebeforeme,’criedGwrnach,whentheporterhadtoldhistale,‘formyswordstandsmuchinneedofpolishing,’soKaipassedinandsalutedGwrnachthegiant.
‘IsittruewhatIhearofthee,thatthoucanstburnishswords?’
‘Itistrue,’answeredKai.ThenwastheswordofGwrnachbroughttohim.
‘Shallitbeburnishedwhiteorblue?’saidKai,takingawhetstonefromunderhisarm.
‘Asthouwilt,’answeredthegiant,andspeedilydidKaipolishhalfthesword.Thegiantmarvelledathisskill,andsaid:
‘Itisawonderthatsuchamanasthoushouldstbewithoutacompanion.’
‘Ihaveacompanion,noblesir,buthehasnoskillinthisart.’
‘Whatishisname?’askedthegiant.
‘Lettheportergoforth,andIwilltellhimhowhemayknowhim.Theheadofhislancewillleaveitsshaft,anddrawbloodfromthewind,anddescenduponitsshaftagain.’SotheporteropenedthegateandBedwyrentered.
NowtherewasmuchtalkamongstthosewhoremainedwithoutwhenthegatecloseduponBedwyr,andGoreu,sonofCustennin,prevailedwiththeporter,andheandhiscompanionsgotinalsoandhidthemselves.
Bythistimethewholeoftheswordwaspolished,andKaigaveitintothehandofGwrnachthegiant,whofeltitandsaid:
‘Thyworkisgood;Iamcontent.’
ThensaidKai:
‘Itisthyscabbardthathathrustedthysword;giveittomethatImaytakeoutthewoodensidesofitandputinnewones.’Andhetookthescabbardinonehandandtheswordintheother,andcameandstoodbehindthegiant,asifhewouldhavesheathedtheswordinthescabbard.Butwithithestruckablowattheheadofthegiant,anditrolledfromhisbody.Afterthattheydespoiledthecastleofitsgoldandjewels,andreturned,bearingtheswordofthegiant,toArthur’scourt.
TheytoldArthurhowtheyhadsped,andtheyalltookcounseltogether,andagreedthattheymustsetoutonthequestforMabonthesonofModron,andGwrhyr,whoknewthelanguagesofbeastsandofbirds,wentwiththem.Sotheyjourneyeduntiltheycametothenestofanousel,andGwrhyrspoketoher.
‘TellmeifthouknowestaughtofMabonthesonofModron,whowastakenwhenthreenightsoldfrombetweenhismotherandthewall.’
Andtheouselanswered:
‘WhenIfirstcamehereIwasayoungbird,andtherewasasmith’sanvilinthisplace.Butfromthattimenoworkhasbeendoneuponit,savethateveryeveningIhavepeckedatit,tillnowthereisnotsomuchasthesizeofanutremainingthereof.YetallthattimeIhaveneveronceheardofthemanyouname.Still,thereisaraceofbeastsolderthanI,andIwillguideyoutothem.’
Sotheouselflewbeforethem,tillshereachedthestagofRedynvre;butwhentheyinquiredofthestagwhetherheknewaughtofMabonheshookhishead.
‘WhenfirstIcamehither,’saidhe,‘theplainwasbaresaveforoneoaksapling,whichgrewuptobeanoakwithahundredbranches.Allthatisleftofthatoakisawitheredstump,butneveroncehaveIheardofthemanyouname.Nevertheless,asyouareArthur’smen,IwillguideyoutotheplacewherethereisananimalolderthanI;’andthestagranbeforethemtillhereachedtheowlofCwmCawlwyd.ButwhentheyinquiredoftheowlifheknewaughtofMabonheshookhishead.
‘WhenfirstIcamehither,’saidhe,‘thevalleywasawoodedglen;thenaraceofmen
cameandrooteditup.Afterthattheregrewasecondwood,andthenathird,whichyousee.Lookatmywingsalso—aretheynotwitheredstumps?Yetuntilto–dayIhaveneverheardofthemanyouname.Still,Iwillguideyoutotheoldestanimalintheworld,andtheonethathastravelledmost,theeagleofGwernAbbey.’Andheflewbeforethem,asfastashisoldwingswouldcarryhim,tillhereachedtheeagleofGwernAbbey,butwhentheyinquiredoftheeaglewhetherheknewaughtofMabonheshookhishead.
TheStagofRedynvrebringstheSevenCompanionstotheOwlofCwmCawlwyd
‘WhenIfirstcamehither,’saidtheeagle,‘therewasarockhere,andeveryeveningIpeckedatthestarsfromthetopofit.Now,behold,itisnotevenaspanhigh!ButonlyoncehaveIheardofthemanyouname,andthatwaswhenIwentinsearchoffoodasfarasLlynLlyw.Iswoopeddownuponasalmon,andstruckmyclawsintohim,buthedrewmedownunderwatertillscarcelycouldIescapefromhim.ThenIsummonedallmykindredtodestroyhim,buthemadepeacewithme,andItookfiftyfishspearsfromhisback.UnlesshemayknowsomethingofthemanwhomyouseekIcannottellwhomay.ButIwillguideyoutotheplacewhereheis.’
Sotheyfollowedtheeagle,whoflewbeforethem,thoughsohighwasheinthesky,itwasoftenhardtomarkhisflight.Atlengthhestoppedaboveadeeppoolinariver.
‘SalmonofLlynLlyw,’hecalled,‘IhavecometotheewithanembassyfromArthurtoinquireifthouknowestaughtconcerningMabonthesonofModron?’AndtheSalmonanswered:
‘AsmuchasIknowIwilltellthee.WitheverytideIgouptheriver,tillIreachthewallsofGloucester,andtherehaveIfoundsuchwrongasIneverfoundelsewhere.AndthatyoumayseethatwhatIsayistruelettwoofyougothitheronmyshoulders.’SoKaiand
Gwrhyrwentupontheshouldersofthesalmon,andwerecarriedunderthewallsoftheprison,fromwhichproceededthesoundofgreatweeping.‘Whoisitthatthuslamentsinthishouseofstone?’
‘ItisI,MabonthesonofModron.’
‘Willsilverorgoldbringthyfreedom,oronlybattleandfighting?’askedGwrhyragain.
‘ByfightingaloneshallIbesetfree,’saidMabon.
ThentheysentamessengertoArthurtotellhimthatMabonwasfound,andhebroughtallhiswarriorstothecastleofGloucesterandfellfiercelyuponit;whileKaiandBedwyrwentontheshouldersofthesalmontothegateofthedungeon,andbrokeitdownandcarriedawayMabon.AndhenowbeingfreereturnedhomewithArthur.
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Afterthis,onacertainday,asGwrhyrwaswalkingacrossamountainheheardagrievouscry,andhehastenedtowardsit.Inalittlevalleyhesawtheheatherburningandthefirespreadingfasttowardsananthill,andalltheantswerehurryingtoandfro,notknowingwhithertogo.Gwrhyrhadpityonthem,andputoutthefire,andingratitudetheantsbroughthimtheninebushelsofflaxseedwhichYspaddadenPenkawrrequiredofKilwch.AndmanyoftheothermarvelsweredonelikewisebyArthurandhisknights,andatlastitcametothefightwithTrwyththeboar,toobtainthecombandthescissorsandtherazorthatlaybetweenhisears.Buthardwastheboartocatch,andfiercelydidhefightwhenArthur’smengavehimbattle,sothatmanyofthemwereslain.
UpanddownthecountrywentTrwyththeboar,andArthurfollowedafterhim,tilltheycametotheSevernsea.Therethreeknightscaughthisfeetunawaresandplungedhimintothewater,whileonesnatchedtherazorfromhim,andanotherseizedthescissors.Butbeforetheylaidholdofthecombhehadshakenthemalloff,andneithermannorhorsenordogcouldreachhimtillhecametoCornwall,whitherArthurhadswornheshouldnotgo.ThitherArthurfollowedafterhimwithhisknights,andifithadbeenhardtowintherazorandthescissors,thestruggleforthecombwasfiercerstill.Oftenitseemedasiftheboarwouldbethevictor,butatlengthArthurprevailed,andtheboarwasdrivenintothesea.Andwhetherhewasdrownedorwherehewentnomanknowstothisday.
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Intheendallthemarvelsweredone,andKilwchsetforward,andwithhimGoreu,thesonofCustennin,toYspaddadenPenkawr,bearingintheirhandstherazor,thescissorsandthecomb,andYspaddadenPenkawrwasshavedbyKaw.
‘Isthydaughterminenow?’askedKilwch.
‘Sheisthine,’answeredYspaddaden,‘butitisArthurandnoneotherwhohaswonherforthee.Ofmyownfreewillthoushouldstneverhavehadher,fornowImustlosemylife.’AndashespakeGoreuthesonofCustennincutoffhishead,asithadbeenordained,andArthur’shostsreturnedeachmantohisowncountry.
Fromthe‘Mabinogion.’