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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.

*****

‘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.

*****

‘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.

*****

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.’

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

‘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.

*****

‘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.”

*****

‘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.

*****

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.’

*****

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.

*****

‘Youmayaswellcomeout,’saidtheking,‘andhearwhatIhavetosay.’

‘Iknowwhatitis,’answeredthecharcoal–burner,hanginghishead.‘Themousehasescaped.’

‘Aguardofsoldierswilltakeyoubacktoyourhut,’saidtheking.‘Yourwifehasthekey.’

*****

‘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.

*****

‘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.

*****

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.

*****

Itwasbroaddaywhenhewoke,andhesprangupsaying,

‘NowImustgototheGruagach,tofindoutifthespellshelaidonmeareloose.’

‘Haveacare,’answeredthequeen,‘foritisnotwithasmileasontheotherdaysthathewillgreetyou.Furiouslyhewillmeetyou,andwillaskyouinhiswrathifyouhavegotthesword,andyouwillreplythatyouhavegotit.Nexthewillwanttoknowhowyougotit,andtothisyoumustsaythatbutfortheknobyouhadnotgotitatall.Thenhewillraisehisheadtolookattheknob,andyoumuststabhiminthemolewhichisontherightsideofhisneck;buttakeheed,forifyoumissthemolewiththepointofthesword,then

mydeathandyourdeatharecertain.Heisbrothertothekingoftheoakwindows,andsurewillhebethatthekingmustbedead,ortheswordwouldnotbeinyourhands.’Afterthatshekissedhim,andbadehimgoodspeed.

*****

‘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.’

*****

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.

*****

‘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.

*****

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.

*****

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!’

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

‘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.

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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.’

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

‘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.

*****

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.’

*****

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.’

*****

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!

*****

‘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.’

*****

‘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.

*****

‘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.

*****

‘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.

*****

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.

*****

Thenextmorningthecountesssummonedhersubjectstomeetinthecourtyardofthecastle,andtoldthemthatnowthatherhusbandwasdeadtherewasnonetodefendherlands.

‘Sochooseyouwhichitshallbe,’shesaid.‘Eitherletoneofyoutakemeforawife,orgivemeyourconsenttotakeanewlordformyself,thatmylandsbenotwithoutamaster.’

Atherwordsthechiefmenofthecitywithdrewintoonecornerandtookcounseltogether,andafterawhiletheleadercameforwardandsaidthattheyhaddecidedthatitwasbest,forthepeaceandsafetyofall,thatsheshouldchooseahusbandforherself.ThereuponOwenwassummonedtoherpresence,andheacceptedwithjoythehandthatsheofferedhim,andtheyweremarriedforthwith,andthemenoftheearldomdidhimhomage.

FromthatdayOwendefendedthefountainastheearlbeforehimhaddone,andeveryknightthatcamebywasoverthrownbyhim,andhisransomdividedamonghisbarons.Inthiswaythreeyearspassed,andnomanintheworldwasmorebelovedthanOwen.

*****

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.

*****

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.’

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

‘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.

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

‘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.

*****

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?

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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!’

*****

Inspiteofherfiercewords,nooneknewbetterthanBarbaïkhowtoputherprideinherpocketwhenitsuitedher,andafterreceivinganinvitationtoawedding,shebeggedthebrownietogetherahorsetoridethere.Tohergreatjoyheconsented,biddinghersetoutforthecityofthedwarfsandtotellthemexactlywhatshewanted.Fullofexcitement,Barbaïkstartedonherjourney.Itwasnotlong,andwhenshereachedthetownshewentstraighttothedwarfs,whowereholdingcounselinawidegreenplace,andsaidtothem,‘Listen,myfriends!Ihavecometobegyoutolendmeablackhorse,witheyes,amouth,ears,bridleandsaddle.’

Shehadhardlyspokenwhenthehorseappeared,andmountingonhisbackshestartedforthevillagewheretheweddingwastobeheld.

*****

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.

*****

‘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.

*****

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.

*****

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!’

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

Intheendallthemarvelsweredone,andKilwchsetforward,andwithhimGoreu,thesonofCustennin,toYspaddadenPenkawr,bearingintheirhandstherazor,thescissorsandthecomb,andYspaddadenPenkawrwasshavedbyKaw.

‘Isthydaughterminenow?’askedKilwch.

‘Sheisthine,’answeredYspaddaden,‘butitisArthurandnoneotherwhohaswonherforthee.Ofmyownfreewillthoushouldstneverhavehadher,fornowImustlosemylife.’AndashespakeGoreuthesonofCustennincutoffhishead,asithadbeenordained,andArthur’shostsreturnedeachmantohisowncountry.

Fromthe‘Mabinogion.’