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_BOOK_TITLE_ : Andrew_Lang___The_Grey_Fairy_Book.txt.out
DONKEY SKIN There was once upon a time a king who was so much beloved by his subjects that he thought himself the happiest monarch in the whole world , and he had everything his heart could desire .
His palace was filled with the rarest of curiosities , and his garden with the sweetest flowers , while the marble stalls of his stables stood a row of milk-white Arabs , with big brown eyes .
Strangers who had heard of the marvels which the king had collected , and made long journeys to see them , were , however , surprised to find the most splendid stall of all occupied by a donkey , with particularly large and drooping ears .
It was a very fine donkey ; but still , as far as they could tell , nothing so very remarkable as to account for the care with which it was lodged ; and they went away wondering , for they could not know that every night , when it was asleep , bushels of gold pieces tumbled out of its ears , which were picked up each morning by the attendants .
After many years of prosperity a sudden blow fell upon the king in the death of his wife , whom he loved dearly .
But before she died , the queen , who had always thought first of his happiness , gathered all her strength , and said to him : ` Promise me one thing : you must marry again , I know , for the good of your people , as well as of yourself .
But do not set about it in a hurry .
Wait until you have found a woman more beautiful and better formed than myself . '
` Oh , do not speak to me of marrying , ' sobbed the king ; ` rather let me die with you ! '
But the queen only smiled faintly , and turned over on her pillow and died .
For some months the king 's grief was great ; then gradually he began to forget a little , and , besides , his counsellors were always urging him to seek another wife .
At first he refused to listen to them , but by-and-by he allowed himself to be persuaded to think of it , only stipulating that the bride should be more beautiful and attractive than the late queen , according to the promise he had made her .
Overjoyed at having obtained what they wanted , the counsellors sent envoys far and wide to get portraits of all the most famous beauties of every country .
The artists were very busy and did their best , but , alas !
nobody could even pretend that any of the ladies could compare for a moment with the late queen .
At length , one day , when he had turned away discouraged from a fresh collection of pictures , the king 's eyes fell on his adopted daughter , who had lived in the palace since she was a baby , and he saw that , if a woman existed on the whole earth more lovely than the queen , this was she !
He at once made known what his wishes were , but the young girl , who was not at all ambitious , and had not the faintest desire to marry him , was filled with dismay , and begged for time to think about it .
That night , when everyone was asleep , she started in a little car drawn by a big sheep , and went to consult her fairy godmother . '
I know what you have come to tell me , ' said the fairy , when the maiden stepped out of the car ; ` and if you do n't wish to marry him , I will show you how to avoid it .
Ask him to give you a dress that exactly matches the sky .
It will be impossible for him to get one , so you will be quite safe . '
The girl thanked the fairy and returned home again .
-LSB- Illustration : The King 's Pet Donkey -RSB- The next morning , when her father -LRB- as she had always called him -RRB- came to see her , she told him that she could give him no answer until he had presented her with a dress the colour of the sky .
The king , overjoyed at this answer , sent for all the choicest weavers and dressmakers in the kingdom , and commanded them to make a robe the colour of the sky without an instant 's delay , or he would cut off their heads at once .
Dreadfully frightened at this threat , they all began to dye and cut and sew , and in two days they brought back the dress , which looked as if it had been cut straight out of the heavens !
The poor girl was thunderstruck , and did not know what to do ; so in the night she harnessed her sheep again , and went in search of her godmother .
` The king is cleverer than I thought , ' said the fairy ; ` but tell him you must have a dress of moonbeams . '
And the next day , when the king summoned her into his presence , the girl told him what she wanted .
` Madam , I can refuse you nothing , ' said he ; and he ordered the dress to be ready in twenty-four hours , or every man should be hanged .
They set to work with all their might , and by dawn next day , the dress of moonbeams was laid across her bed .
The girl , though she could not help admiring its beauty , began to cry , till the fairy , who heard her , came to her help .
` Well , I could not have believed it of him ! '
said she ; ` but ask for a dress of sunshine , and I shall be surprised indeed if he manages that ! '
The goddaughter did not feel much faith in the fairy after her two previous failures ; but not knowing what else to do , she told her father what she was bid .
The king made no difficulties about it , and even gave his finest rubies and diamonds to ornament the dress , which was so dazzling , when finished , that it could not be looked at save through smoked glasses !
When the princess saw it , she pretended that the sight hurt her eyes , and retired to her room , where she found the fairy awaiting her , very much ashamed of herself .
` There is only one thing to be done now , ' cried she ; ` you must demand the skin of the ass he sets such store by .
It is from that donkey he obtains all his vast riches , and I am sure he will never give it to you . '
The princess was not so certain ; however , she went to the king , and told him she could never marry him till he had given her the ass 's skin .
The king was both astonished and grieved at this new request , but did not hesitate an instant .
The ass was sacrificed , and the skin laid at the feet of the princess .
-LSB- Illustration : The Fairy , The Princess & The Donkey 's Skin -RSB- The poor girl , seeing no escape from the fate she dreaded , wept afresh , and tore her hair ; when , suddenly , the fairy stood before her .
` Take heart , ' she said , ` all will now go well !
Wrap yourself in this skin , and leave the palace and go as far as you can .
I will look after you .
Your dresses and your jewels shall follow you underground , and if you strike the earth whenever you need anything , you will have it at once .
But go quickly : you have no time to lose . '
So the princess clothed herself in the ass 's skin , and slipped from the palace without being seen by anyone .
Directly she was missed there was a great hue and cry , and every corner , possible and impossible , was searched .
Then the king sent out parties along all the roads , but the fairy threw her invisible mantle over the girl when they approached , and none of them could see her .
The princess walked on a long , long way , trying to find some one who would take her in , and let her work for them ; but though the cottagers , whose houses she passed , gave her food from charity , the ass 's skin was so dirty they would not allow her to enter their houses .
For her flight had been so hurried she had had no time to clean it .
Tired and disheartened at her ill-fortune , she was wandering , one day , past the gate of a farmyard , situated just outside the walls of a large town , when she heard a voice calling to her .
She turned and saw the farmer 's wife standing among her turkeys , and making signs to her to come in . '
I want a girl to wash the dishes and feed the turkeys , and clean out the pig-sty , ' said the woman , ` and , to judge by your dirty clothes , you would not be too fine for the work . '
The girl accepted her offer with joy , and she was at once set to work in a corner of the kitchen , where all the farm servants came and made fun of her , and the ass 's skin in which she was wrapped .
But by-and-by they got so used to the sight of it that it ceased to amuse them , and she worked so hard and so well , that her mistress grew quite fond of her .
And she was so clever at keeping sheep and herding turkeys that you would have thought she had done nothing else during her whole life !
One day she was sitting on the banks of a stream bewailing her wretched lot , when she suddenly caught sight of herself in the water .
Her hair and part of her face was quite concealed by the ass 's head , which was drawn right over like a hood , and the filthy matted skin covered her whole body .
It was the first time she had seen herself as other people saw her , and she was filled with shame at the spectacle .
Then she threw off her disguise and jumped into the water , plunging in again and again , till she shone like ivory .
When it was time to go back to the farm , she was forced to put on the skin which disguised her , and now seemed more dirty than ever ; but , as she did so , she comforted herself with the thought that to-morrow was a holiday , and that she would be able for a few hours to forget that she was a farm girl , and be a princess once more .
So , at break of day , she stamped on the ground , as the fairy had told her , and instantly the dress like the sky lay across her tiny bed .
Her room was so small that there was no place for the train of her dress to spread itself out , but she pinned it up carefully when she combed her beautiful hair and piled it up on the top of her head , as she had always worn it .
When she had done , she was so pleased with herself that she determined never to let a chance pass of putting on her splendid clothes , even if she had to wear them in the fields , with no one to admire her but the sheep and turkeys .
Now the farm was a royal farm , and , one holiday , when ` Donkey Skin ' -LRB- as they had nicknamed the princess -RRB- had locked the door of her room and clothed herself in her dress of sunshine , the king 's son rode through the gate , and asked if he might come and rest himself a little after hunting .
Some food and milk were set before him in the garden , and when he felt rested he got up , and began to explore the house , which was famous throughout the whole kingdom for its age and beauty .
He opened one door after the other , admiring the old rooms , when he came to a handle that would not turn .
He stooped and peeped through the keyhole to see what was inside , and was greatly astonished at beholding a beautiful girl , clad in a dress so dazzling that he could hardly look at it .
The dark gallery seemed darker than ever as he turned away , but he went back to the kitchen and inquired who slept in the room at the end of the passage .
The scullery maid , they told him , whom everybody laughed at , and called ` Donkey Skin ; ' and though he perceived there was some strange mystery about this , he saw quite clearly there was nothing to be gained by asking any more questions .
So he rode back to the palace , his head filled with the vision he had seen through the keyhole .
All night long he tossed about , and awoke the next morning in a high fever .
The queen , who had no other child , and lived in a state of perpetual anxiety about this one , at once gave him up for lost , and indeed his sudden illness puzzled the greatest doctors , who tried the usual remedies in vain .
At last they told the queen that some secret sorrow must be at the bottom of all this , and she threw herself on her knees beside her son 's bed , and implored him to confide his trouble to her .
If it was ambition to be king , his father would gladly resign the cares of the crown , and suffer him to reign in his stead ; or , if it was love , everything should be sacrificed to get for him the wife he desired , even if she were daughter of a king with whom the country was at war at present !
` Madam , ' replied the prince , whose weakness would hardly allow him to speak , ` do not think me so unnatural as to wish to deprive my father of his crown .
As long as he lives I shall remain the most faithful of his subjects !
And as to the princesses you speak of , I have seen none that I should care for as a wife , though I would always obey your wishes , whatever it might cost me . '
` Ah !
my son , ' cried she , ` we will do anything in the world to save your life -- and ours too , for if you die , we shall die also . '
` Well , then , ' replied the prince , ' I will tell you the only thing that will cure me -- a cake made by the hand of `` Donkey Skin . '' '
` Donkey Skin ? '
exclaimed the queen , who thought her son had gone mad ; ` and who or what is that ? '
` Madam , ' answered one of the attendants present , who had been with the prince at the farm , ' `` Donkey Skin '' is , next to the wolf , the most disgusting creature on the face of the earth .
She is a girl who wears a black , greasy skin , and lives at your farmer 's as hen-wife . '
` Never mind , ' said the queen ; ` my son seems to have eaten some of her pastry .
It is the whim of a sick man , no doubt ; but send at once and let her bake a cake . '
The attendant bowed and ordered a page to ride with the message .
Now it is by no means certain that ` Donkey Skin ' had not caught a glimpse of the prince , either when his eyes looked through the keyhole , or else from her little window , which was over the road .
But whether she had actually seen him or only heard him spoken of , directly she received the queen 's command , she flung off the dirty skin , washed herself from head to foot , and put on a skirt and bodice of shining silver .
Then , locking herself into her room , she took the richest cream , the finest flour , and the freshest eggs on the farm , and set about making her cake .
As she was stirring the mixture in the saucepan a ring that she sometimes wore in secret slipped from her finger and fell into the dough .
Perhaps ` Donkey Skin ' saw it , or perhaps she did not ; but , any way , she went on stirring , and soon the cake was ready to be put in the oven .
When it was nice and brown she took off her dress and put on her dirty skin , and gave the cake to the page , asking at the same time for news of the prince .
But the page turned his head aside , and would not even condescend to answer .
The page rode like the wind , and as soon as he arrived at the palace he snatched up a silver tray and hastened to present the cake to the prince .
The sick man began to eat it so fast that the doctors thought he would choke ; and , indeed , he very nearly did , for the ring was in one of the bits which he broke off , though he managed to extract it from his mouth without anyone seeing him .
The moment the prince was left alone he drew the ring from under his pillow and kissed it a thousand times .
Then he set his mind to find how he was to see the owner -- for even he did not dare to confess that he had only beheld ` Donkey Skin ' through a keyhole , lest they should laugh at this sudden passion .
All this worry brought back the fever , which the arrival of the cake had diminished for the time ; and the doctors , not knowing what else to say , informed the queen that her son was simply dying of love .
The queen , stricken with horror , rushed into the king 's presence with the news , and together they hastened to their son 's bedside .
` My boy , my dear boy ! '
cried the king , ` who is it you want to marry ?
We will give her to you for a bride , even if she is the humblest of our slaves .
What is there in the whole world that we would not do for you ? '
The prince , moved to tears at these words , drew the ring , which was an emerald of the purest water , from under his pillow .
` Ah , dear father and mother , let this be a proof that she whom I love is no peasant girl .
The finger which that ring fits has never been thickened by hard work .
But be her condition what it may , I will marry no other . '
The king and queen examined the tiny ring very closely , and agreed , with their son , that the wearer could be no mere farm girl .
Then the king went out and ordered heralds and trumpeters to go through the town , summoning every maiden to the palace .
And she whom the ring fitted would some day be queen .
First came all the princesses , then all the duchesses ' daughters , and so on , in proper order .
But not one of them could slip the ring over the tip of her finger , to the great joy of the prince , whom excitement was fast curing .
At last , when the high-born damsels had failed , the shopgirls and chambermaids took their turn ; but with no better fortune .
` Call in the scullions and shepherdesses , ' commanded the prince ; but the sight of their fat , red fingers satisfied everybody .
` There is not a woman left , your Highness , ' said the chamberlain ; but the prince waved him aside .
` Have you sent for `` Donkey Skin , '' who made me the cake ? '
asked he , and the courtiers began to laugh , and replied that they would not have dared to introduce so dirty a creature into the palace .
` Let some one go for her at once , ' ordered the king . '
I commanded the presence of every maiden , high or low , and I meant it . '
The princess had heard the trumpets and the proclamations , and knew quite well that her ring was at the bottom of it all .
She too , had fallen in love with the prince in the brief glimpse she had had of him , and trembled with fear lest someone else 's finger might be as small as her own .
When , therefore , the messenger from the palace rode up to the gate , she was nearly beside herself with delight .
Hoping all the time for such a summons , she had dressed herself with great care , putting on the garment of moonlight , whose skirt was scattered over with emeralds .
But when they began calling to her to come down , she hastily covered herself with her donkey-skin and announced she was ready to present herself before his Highness .
She was taken straight into the hall , where the prince was awaiting her , but at the sight of the donkey-skin his heart sank .
Had he been mistaken after all ?
` Are you the girl , ' he said , turning his eyes away as he spoke , ` are you the girl who has a room in the furthest corner of the inner court of the farmhouse ? '
` Yes , my lord , I am , ' answered she .
` Hold out your hand then , ' continued the prince , feeling that he must keep his word , whatever the cost , and , to the astonishment of every one present , a little hand , white and delicate , came from beneath the black and dirty skin .
The ring slipped on with the utmost ease , and , as it did so , the skin fell to the ground , disclosing a figure of such beauty that the prince , weak as he was , fell on his knees before her , while the king and queen joined their prayers to his .
Indeed , their welcome was so warm , and their caresses so bewildering , that the princess hardly knew how to find words to reply , when the ceiling of the hall opened , and the fairy godmother appeared , seated in a car made entirely of white lilac .
In a few words she explained the history of the princess , and how she came to be there , and , without losing a moment , preparations of the most magnificent kind were made for the wedding .
-LSB- Illustration : The Donkey-skin falls off . -RSB-
The kings of every country in the earth were invited , including , of course , the princess 's adopted father -LRB- who by this time had married a widow -RRB- , and not one refused .
But what a strange assembly it was !
Each monarch travelled in the way he thought most impressive ; and some came borne in litters , others had carriages of every shape and kind , while the rest were mounted on elephants , tigers , and even upon eagles .
So splendid a wedding had never been seen before ; and when it was over the king announced that it was to be followed by a coronation , for he and the queen were tired of reigning , and the young couple must take their place .
The rejoicings lasted for three whole months , then the new sovereigns settled down to govern their kingdom , and made themselves so much beloved by their subjects , that when they died , a hundred years later , each man mourned them as his own father and mother .
-LSB- From Le Cabinet des Fées . -RSB-
THE GOBLIN PONY ` Do n't stir from the fireplace to-night , ' said old Peggy , ` for the wind is blowing so violently that the house shakes ; besides , this is Hallow-e ` en , when the witches are abroad , and the goblins , who are their servants , are wandering about in all sorts of disguises , doing harm to the children of men . '
` Why should I stay here ? '
said the eldest of the young people .
` No , I must go and see what the daughter of old Jacob , the rope-maker , is doing .
She would n't close her blue eyes all night if I did n't visit her father before the moon had gone down . ' '
I must go and catch lobsters and crabs , ' said the second , ` and not all the witches and goblins in the world shall hinder me . '
So they all determined to go on their business or pleasure , and scorned the wise advice of old Peggy .
Only the youngest child hesitated a minute , when she said to him , ` You stay here , my little Richard , and I will tell you beautiful stories . '
But he wanted to pick a bunch of wild thyme and some blackberries by moonlight , and ran out after the others .
When they got outside the house they said : ` The old woman talks of wind and storm , but never was the weather finer or the sky more clear ; see how majestically the moon stalks through the transparent clouds ! '
Then all of a sudden they noticed a little black pony close beside them .
` Oh , ho ! '
they said , ` that is old Valentine 's pony ; it must have escaped from its stable , and is going down to drink at the horse-pond . '
` My pretty little pony , ' said the eldest , patting the creature with his hand , ` you must n't run too far ; I 'll take you to the pond myself . '
With these words he jumped on the pony 's back and was quickly followed by his second brother , then by the third , and so on , till at last they were all astride the little beast , down to the small Richard , who did n't like to be left behind .
-LSB- Illustration : The Goblin Pony -RSB- On the way to the pond they met several of their companions , and they invited them all to mount the pony , which they did , and the little creature did not seem to mind the extra weight , but trotted merrily along .
The quicker it trotted the more the young people enjoyed the fun ; they dug their heels into the pony 's sides and called out , ` Gallop , little horse , you have never had such brave riders on your back before ! '
In the meantime the wind had risen again , and the waves began to howl ; but the pony did not seem to mind the noise , and instead of going to the pond , cantered gaily towards the sea-shore .
Richard began to regret his thyme and blackberries , and the eldest brother seized the pony by the mane and tried to make it turn round , for he remembered the blue eyes of Jacob the rope-maker 's daughter .
But he tugged and pulled in vain , for the pony galloped straight on into the sea , till the waves met its forefeet .
As soon as it felt the water it neighed lustily and capered about with glee , advancing quickly into the foaming billows .
When the waves had covered the children 's legs they repented their careless behaviour , and cried out : ` The cursed little black pony is bewitched .
If we had only listened to old Peggy 's advice we should n't have been lost . '
The further the pony advanced , the higher rose the sea ; at last the waves covered the children 's heads and they were all drowned .
Towards morning old Peggy went out , for she was anxious about the fate of her grandchildren .
She sought them high and low , but could not find them anywhere .
She asked all the neighbours if they had seen the children , but no one knew anything about them , except that the eldest had not been with the blue-eyed daughter of Jacob the rope-maker .
As she was going home , bowed with grief , she saw a little black pony coming towards her , springing and curveting in every direction .
When it got quite near her it neighed loudly , and galloped past her so quickly that in a moment it was out of her sight .
-LSB- From the French , Kletke . -RSB-
AN IMPOSSIBLE ENCHANTMENT There once lived a king who was much loved by his people , and he , too , loved them warmly .
He led a very happy life , but he had the greatest dislike to the idea of marrying , nor had he ever felt the slightest wish to fall in love .
His subjects begged him to marry , and at last he promised to try to do so .
But as , so far , he had never cared for any woman he had seen , he made up his mind to travel in hopes of meeting some lady he could love .
So he arranged all the affairs of state in an orderly manner , and set out , attended by only one equerry , who , though not very clever , had most excellent good sense .
These people indeed generally make the best fellow-travellers .
The king explored several countries , doing all he could to fall in love , but in vain ; and at the end of two years ' journeys he turned his face towards home , with as free a heart as when he set out .
As he was riding along through a forest he suddenly heard the most awful miawing and shrieking of cats you can imagine .
The noise drew nearer , and nearer , and at last they saw a hundred huge Spanish cats rush through the trees close to them .
They were so closely packed together that you could easily have covered them with a large cloak , and all were following the same track .
They were closely pursued by two enormous apes , dressed in purple suits , with the prettiest and best made boots you ever saw .
The apes were mounted on superb mastiffs , and spurred them on in hot haste , blowing shrill blasts on little toy trumpets all the time .
The king and his equerry stood still to watch this strange hunt , which was followed by twenty or more little dwarfs , some mounted on wolves , and leading relays , and others with cats in leash .
The dwarfs were all dressed in purple silk liveries like the apes .
A moment later a beautiful young woman mounted on a tiger came in sight .
She passed close to the king , riding at full speed , without taking any notice of him ; but he was at once enchanted by her , and his heart was gone in a moment .
-LSB- Illustration : The King sees Princess Mutinosa out hunting -RSB- To his great joy he saw that one of the dwarfs had fallen behind the rest , and at once began to question him .
The dwarf told him that the lady he had just seen was the Princess Mutinosa , the daughter of the king in whose country they were at that moment .
He added that the princess was very fond of hunting , and that she was now in pursuit of rabbits .
The king then asked the way to the court , and having been told it , hurried off , and reached the capital in a couple of hours .
As soon as he arrived , he presented himself to the king and queen , and on mentioning his own name and that of his country , was received with open arms .
Not long after , the princess returned , and hearing that the hunt had been very successful , the king complimented her on it , but she would not answer a word .
Her silence rather surprised him , but he was still more astonished when he found that she never spoke once all through supper-time .
Sometimes she seemed about to speak , but whenever this was the case her father or mother at once took up the conversation .
However , this silence did not cool the king 's affection , and when he retired to his rooms at night he confided his feelings to his faithful equerry .
But the equerry was by no means delighted at his king 's love affair , and took no pains to hide his disappointment .
` But why are you vexed ? '
asked the king .
` Surely the princess is beautiful enough to please anyone ? '
` She is certainly very handsome , ' replied the equerry , ` but to be really happy in love something more than beauty is required .
To tell the truth , sire , ' he added , ` her expression seems to me hard . '
` That is pride and dignity , ' said the king , ` and nothing can be more becoming . '
` Pride or hardness , as you will , ' said the equerry ; ` but to my mind the choice of so many fierce creatures for her amusements seems to tell of a fierce nature , and I also think there is something suspicious in the care taken to prevent her speaking . '
The equerry 's remarks were full of good sense ; but as opposition is only apt to increase love in the hearts of men , and especially of kings who hate being contradicted , this king begged , the very next day , for the hand of the Princess Mutinosa .
It was granted him on two conditions .
The first was that the wedding should take place the very next day ; and the second , that he should not speak to the princess till she was his wife ; to all of which the king agreed , in spite of his equerry 's objections , so that the first word he heard his bride utter was the ` Yes ' she spoke at their marriage .
Once married , however , she no longer placed any check on herself , and her ladies-in-waiting came in for plenty of rude speeches -- even the king did not escape scolding ; but as he was a good-tempered man , and very much in love , he bore it patiently .
A few days after the wedding the newly married pair set out for their kingdom without leaving many regrets behind .
The good equerry 's fears proved only too true , as the king found out to his cost .
The young queen made herself most disagreeable to all her court , her spite and bad temper knew no bounds , and before the end of a month she was known far and wide as a regular vixen .
One day , when riding out , she met a poor old woman walking along the road , who made a curtsy and was going on , when the queen had her stopped , and cried : ` You are a very impertinent person ; do n't you know that I am the queen ?
And how dare you not make me a deeper curtsy ? '
` Madam , ' said the old woman , ' I have never learnt how to measure curtsies ; but I had no wish to fail in proper respect . '
` What ! '
screamed the queen ; ` she dares to answer !
Tie her to my horse 's tail and I 'll just carry her at once to the best dancing-master in the town to learn how to curtsy . '
The old woman shrieked for mercy , but the queen would not listen , and only mocked when she said she was protected by the fairies .
At last the poor old thing submitted to be tied up , but when the queen urged her horse on he never stirred .
In vain she spurred him , he seemed turned to bronze .
At the same moment the cord with which the old woman was tied changed into wreaths of flowers , and she herself into a tall and stately lady .
Looking disdainfully at the queen , she said , ` Bad woman , unworthy of your crown ; I wished to judge for myself whether all I heard of you was true .
I have now no doubt of it , and you shall see whether the fairies are to be laughed at . '
So saying the fairy Placida -LRB- that was her name -RRB- blew a little gold whistle , and a chariot appeared drawn by six splendid ostriches .
In it was seated the fairy queen , escorted by a dozen other fairies mounted on dragons .
All having dismounted , Placida told her adventures , and the fairy queen approved all she had done , and proposed turning Mutinosa into bronze like her horse .
Placida , however , who was very kind and gentle , begged for a milder sentence , and at last it was settled that Mutinosa should become her slave for life unless she should have a child to take her place .
The king was told of his wife 's fate and submitted to it , which , as he could do nothing to help it , was the only course open to him .
The fairies then all dispersed , Placida taking her slave with her , and on reaching her palace she said : ` You ought by rights to be scullion , but as you have been delicately brought up the change might be too great for you .
I shall therefore only order you to sweep my rooms carefully , and to wash and comb my little dog . '
Mutinosa felt there was no use in disobeying , so she did as she was bid and said nothing .
After some time she gave birth to a most lovely little girl , and when she was well again the fairy gave her a good lecture on her past life , made her promise to behave better in future , and sent her back to the king , her husband .
Placida now gave herself up entirely to the little princess who was left in her charge .
She anxiously thought over which of the fairies she would invite to be godmothers , so as to secure the best gift , for her adopted child .
At last she decided on two very kindly and cheerful fairies , and asked them to the christening feast .
Directly it was over the baby was brought to them in a lovely crystal cradle hung with red silk curtains embroidered with gold .
The little thing smiled so sweetly at the fairies that they decided to do all they could for her .
They began by naming her Graziella , and then Placida said : ` You know , dear sisters , that the commonest form of spite or punishment amongst us consists of changing beauty to ugliness , cleverness to stupidity , and oftener still to change a person 's form altogether .
Now , as we can only each bestow one gift , I think the best plan will be for one of you to give her beauty , the other good understanding , whilst I will undertake that she shall never be changed into any other form . '
The two godmothers quite agreed , and as soon as the little princess had received their gifts , they went home , and Placida gave herself up to the child 's education .
She succeeded so well with it , and little Graziella grew so lovely , that when she was still quite a child her fame was spread abroad only too much , and one day Placida was surprised by a visit from the Fairy Queen , who was attended by a very grave and severe-looking fairy .
The queen began at once : ' I have been much surprised by your behaviour to Mutinosa ; she had insulted our whole race , and deserved punishment .
You might forgive your own wrongs if you chose , but not those of others .
You treated her very gently whilst she was with you , and I come now to avenge our wrongs on her daughter .
You have ensured her being lovely and clever , and not subject to change of form , but I shall place her in an enchanted prison , which she shall never leave till she finds herself in the arms of a lover whom she herself loves .
It will be my care to prevent anything of the kind happening . '
The enchanted prison was a large high tower in the midst of the sea , built of shells of all shapes and colours .
The lower floor was like a great bathroom , where the water was let in or off at will .
The first floor contained the princess 's apartments , beautifully furnished .
On the second was a library , a large wardrobe-room filled with beautiful clothes and every kind of linen , a music room , a pantry with bins full of the best wines , and a store-room with all manner of preserves , bonbons , pastry and cakes , all of which remained as fresh as if just out of the oven .
The top of the tower was laid out like a garden , with beds of the loveliest flowers , fine fruit trees , and shady arbours and shrubs , where many birds sang amongst the branches .
The fairies escorted Graziella and her governess , Bonnetta , to the tower , and then mounted a dolphin which was waiting for them .
At a little distance from the tower the queen waved her wand and summoned two thousand great fierce sharks , whom she ordered to keep close guard , and not to let a soul enter the tower .
The good governess took such pains with Graziella 's education that when she was nearly grown up she was not only most accomplished , but a very sweet , good girl .
One day , as the princess was standing on a balcony , she saw the most extraordinary figure rise out of the sea .
She quickly called Bonnetta to ask her what it could be .
It looked like some kind of man , with a bluish face and long sea-green hair .
He was swimming towards the tower , but the sharks took no notice of him .
` It must be a merman , ' said Bonnetta . '
A man , do you say ? '
cried Graziella ; ` let us hurry down to the door and see him nearer . '
When they stood in the doorway the merman stopped to look at the princess and made many signs of admiration .
His voice was very hoarse and husky , but when he found that he was not understood he took to signs .
He carried a little basket made of osiers and filled with rare shells , which he presented to the princess .
She took it with signs of thanks ; but as it was getting dusk she retired , and the merman plunged back into the sea .
When they were alone , Graziella said to her governess : ` What a dreadful-looking creature that was !
Why do those odious sharks let him come near the tower ?
I suppose all men are not like him ? '
` No , indeed , ' replied Bonnetta . '
I suppose the sharks look on him as a sort of relation , and so did not attack him . '
A few days later the two ladies heard a strange sort of music , and looking out of the window , there was the merman , his head crowned with water plants , and blowing a great sea-shell with all his might .
They went down to the tower door , and Graziella politely accepted some coral and other marine curiosities he had brought her .
After this he used to come every evening , and blow his shell , or dive and play antics under the princess 's window .
She contented herself with bowing to him from the balcony , but she would not go down to the door in spite of all his signs .
Some days later he came with a person of his own kind , but of another sex .
Her hair was dressed with great taste , and she had a lovely voice .
This new arrival induced the ladies to go down to the door .
They were surprised to find that , after trying various languages , she at last spoke to them in their own , and paid Graziella a very pretty compliment on her beauty .
The mermaid noticed that the lower floor was full of water .
` Why , ' cried she , ` that is just the place for us , for we ca n't live quite out of water . '
So saying , she and her brother swam in and took up a position in the bathroom , the princess and her governess seating themselves on the steps which ran round the room .
-LSB- Illustration : The Sea-People visit Graziella -RSB- ` No doubt , madam , ' said the mermaid , ` you have given up living on land so as to escape from crowds of lovers ; but I fear that even here you can not avoid them , for my brother is already dying of love for you , and I am sure that once you are seen in our city he will have many rivals . '
She then went on to explain how grieved her brother was not to be able to make himself understood , adding : ' I interpret for him , having been taught several languages by a fairy . '
` Oh , then , you have fairies , too ? '
asked Graziella , with a sigh .
` Yes , we have , ' replied the mermaid ; ` but if I am not mistaken you have suffered from the fairies on earth . '
The princess , on this , told her entire history to the mermaid , who assured her how sorry she felt for her , but begged her not to lose courage ; adding , as she took her leave : ` Perhaps , some day , you may find a way out of your difficulties . '
The princess was delighted with this visit and with the hopes the mermaid held out .
It was something to meet some one fresh to talk to .
` We will make acquaintance with several of these people , ' she said to her governess , ` and I dare say they are not all as hideous as the first one we saw .
Anyhow , we sha n't be so dreadfully lonely . '
` Dear me , ' said Bonnetta , ` how hopeful young people are to be sure !
As for me I feel afraid of these folk .
But what do you think of the lover you have captivated ? '
` Oh , I could never love him , ' cried the princess ; ' I ca n't bear him .
But , perhaps , as his sister says they are related to the fairy Marina , they may be of some use to us . '
The mermaid often returned , and each time she talked of her brother 's love , and each time Graziella talked of her longing to escape from her prison , till at length the mermaid promised to bring the fairy Marina to see her , in hopes she might suggest something .
Next day the fairy came with the mermaid , and the princess received her with delight .
After a little talk she begged Graziella to show her the inside of the tower and let her see the garden on the top , for with the help of crutches she could manage to move about , and being a fairy could live out of water for a long time , provided she wetted her forehead now and then .
Graziella gladly consented , and Bonnetta stayed below with the mermaid .
When they were in the garden the fairy said : ` Let us lose no time , but tell me how I can be of use to you . '
Graziella then told all her story and Marina replied : ` My dear princess , I can do nothing for you as regards dry land , for my power does not reach beyond my own element .
I can only say that if you will honour my cousin by accepting his hand , you could then come and live amongst us .
I could teach you in a moment to swim and dive with the best of us .
I can harden your skin without spoiling its colour .
My cousin is one of the best matches in the sea , and I will bestow so many gifts on him that you will be quite happy . '
The fairy talked so well and so long that the princess was rather impressed , and promised to think the matter over .
Just as they were going to leave the garden they saw a ship sailing nearer the tower than any other had done before .
On the deck lay a young man under a splendid awning , gazing at the tower through a spy-glass ; but before they could see anything clearly the ship moved away , and the two ladies parted , the fairy promising to return shortly .
As soon as she was gone Graziella told her governess what she had said .
Bonnetta was not at all pleased at the turn matters were taking , for she did not fancy being turned into a mermaid in her old age .
She thought the matter well over , and this was what she did .
She was a very clever artist , and next morning she began to paint a picture of a handsome young man , with beautiful curly hair , a fine complexion , and lovely blue eyes .
When it was finished she showed it to Graziella , hoping it would show her the difference there was between a fine young man and her marine suitor .
The princess was much struck by the picture , and asked anxiously whether there could be any man so good-looking in the world .
Bonnetta assured her that there were plenty of them ; indeed , many far handsomer . '
I can hardly believe that , ' cried the princess ; ` but , alas !
if there are , I do n't suppose I shall ever see them or they me , so what is the use ?
Oh , dear , how unhappy I am ! '
She spent the rest of the day gazing at the picture , which certainly had the effect of spoiling all the merman 's hopes or prospects .
After some days , the fairy Marina came back to hear what was decided ; but Graziella hardly paid any attention to her , and showed such dislike to the idea of the proposed marriage that the fairy went off in a regular huff .
Without knowing it , the princess had made another conquest .
On board the ship which had sailed so near was the handsomest prince in the world .
He had heard of the enchanted tower , and determined to get as near it as he could .
He had strong glasses on board , and whilst looking through them he saw the princess quite clearly , and fell desperately in love with her at once .
He wanted to steer straight for the tower and to row off to it in a small boat , but his entire crew fell at his feet and begged him not to run such a risk .
The captain , too , urged him not to attempt it .
` You will only lead us all to certain death , ' he said .
` Pray anchor nearer land , and I will then seek a kind fairy I know , who has always been most obliging to me , and who will , I am sure , try to help your Highness . '
The prince rather unwillingly listened to reason .
He landed at the nearest point , and sent off the captain in all haste to beg the fairy 's advice and help .
Meantime he had a tent pitched on the shore , and spent all his time gazing at the tower and looking for the princess through his spy-glass .
After a few days the captain came back , bringing the fairy with him .
The prince was delighted to see her , and paid her great attention . '
I have heard about this matter , ' she said ; ` and , to lose no time , I am going to send off a trusty pigeon to test the enchantment .
If there is any weak spot he is sure to find it out and get in .
I shall bid him bring a flower back as a sign of success , and if he does so I quite hope to get you in too . '
` But , ' asked the prince , ` could I not send a line by the pigeon to tell the princess of my love ? '
` Certainly , ' replied the fairy , ` it would be a very good plan . '
So the prince wrote as follows : -- ` Lovely Princess , -- I adore you , and beg you to accept my heart , and to believe there is nothing I will not do to end your misfortunes .
-- Blondel . '
This note was tied round the pigeon 's neck , and he flew off with it at once .
He flew fast till he got near the tower , when a fierce wind blew so hard against him that he could not get on .
But he was not to be beaten , but flew carefully round the top of the tower till he came to one spot which , by some mistake , had not been enchanted like the rest .
He quickly slipped into the arbour and waited for the princess .
Before long Graziella appeared alone , and the pigeon at once fluttered to meet her , and seemed so tame that she stopped to caress the pretty creature .
As she did so she saw it had a pink ribbon round its neck , and tied to the ribbon was a letter .
She read it over several times and then wrote this answer : -- ` You say you love me ; but I can not promise to love you without seeing you .
Send me your portrait by this faithful messenger .
If I return it to you , you must give up hope ; but if I keep it you will know that to help me will be to help yourself .
-- Graziella . '
Before flying back the pigeon remembered about the flower , so , seeing one in the princess 's dress , he stole it and flew away .
The prince was wild with joy at the pigeon 's return with the note .
After an hour 's rest the trusty little bird was sent back again , carrying a miniature of the prince , which by good luck he had with him .
On reaching the tower the pigeon found the princess in the garden .
She hastened to untie the ribbon , and on opening the miniature case what was her surprise and delight to find it very like the picture her governess had painted for her .
She hastened to send the pigeon back , and you can fancy the prince 's joy when he found she had kept his portrait .
` Now , ' said the fairy , ` let us lose no more time .
I can only make you happy by changing you into a bird , but I will take care to give you back your proper shape at the right time . '
The prince was eager to start , so the fairy , touching him with her wand , turned him into the loveliest humming-bird you ever saw , at the same time letting him keep the power of speech .
The pigeon was told to show him the way .
Graziella was much surprised to see a perfectly strange bird , and still more so when it flew to her saying , ` Good-morning , sweet princess . '
She was delighted with the pretty creature , and let him perch on her finger , when he said , ` Kiss , kiss , little birdie , ' which she gladly did , petting and stroking him at the same time .
After a time the princess , who had been up very early , grew tired , and as the sun was hot she went to lie down on a mossy bank in the shade of the arbour .
She held the pretty bird near her breast , and was just falling asleep , when the fairy contrived to restore the prince to his own shape , so that as Graziella opened her eyes she found herself in the arms of a lover whom she loved in return !
At the same moment her enchantment came to an end .
The tower began to rock and to split .
Bonnetta hurried up to the top so that she might at least perish with her dear princess .
Just as she reached the garden , the kind fairy who had helped the prince arrived with the fairy Placida , in a car of Venetian glass drawn by six eagles .
-LSB- Illustration : The Fairy-Car Arrives . -RSB-
` Come away quickly , ' they cried , ` the tower is about to sink ! '
The prince , princess , and Bonnetta lost no time in stepping into the car , which rose in the air just as , with a terrible crash , the tower sank into the depths of the sea , for the fairy Marina and the mermen had destroyed its foundations to avenge themselves on Graziella .
Luckily their wicked plans were defeated , and the good fairies took their way to the kingdom of Graziella 's parents .
They found that Queen Mutinosa had died some years ago , but her kind husband lived on peaceably , ruling his country well and happily .
He received his daughter with great delight , and there were universal rejoicings at the return of the lovely princess .
The wedding took place the very next day , and , for many days after , balls , dinners , tournaments , concerts and all sorts of amusements went on all day and all night .
All the fairies were carefully invited , and they came in great state , and promised the young couple their protection and all sorts of good gifts .
Prince Blondel and Princess Graziella lived to a good old age , beloved by every one , and loving each other more and more as time went on .
THE STORY OF DSCHEMIL AND DSCHEMILA There was once a man whose name was Dschemil , and he had a cousin who was called Dschemila .
They had been betrothed by their parents when they were children , and now Dschemil thought that the time had come for them to be married , and he went two or three days ' journey , to the nearest big town , to buy furniture for the new house .
While he was away , Dschemila and her friends set off to the neighbouring woods to pick up sticks , and as she gathered them she found an iron mortar lying on the ground .
She placed it on her bundle of sticks , but the mortar would not stay still , and whenever she raised the bundle to put it on her shoulders it slipped off sideways .
At length she saw the only way to carry the mortar was to tie it in the very middle of her bundle , and had just unfastened her sticks , when she heard her companions ' voices .
` Dschemila , what are you doing ?
it is almost dark , and if you mean to come with us you must be quick ! '
But Dschemila only replied , ` You had better go back without me , for I am not going to leave my mortar behind , if I stay here till midnight . '
` Do as you like , ' said the girls , and started on their walk home .
The night soon fell , and at the last ray of light the mortar suddenly became an ogre , who threw Dschemila on his back , and carried her off into a desert place , distant a whole month 's journey from her native town .
Here he shut her into a castle , and told her not to fear , as her life was safe .
Then he went back to his wife , leaving Dschemila weeping over the fate that she had brought upon herself .
Meanwhile the other girls had reached home , and Dschemila 's mother came out to look for her daughter .
` What have you done with her ? '
she asked anxiously .
` We had to leave her in the wood , ' they replied , ` for she had picked up an iron mortar , and could not manage to carry it . '
So the old woman set off at once for the forest , calling to her daughter as she hurried along .
` Do go home , ' cried the townspeople , as they heard her ; ` we will go and look for your daughter ; you are only a woman , and it is a task that needs strong men . '
But she answered , ` Yes , go ; but I will go with you !
Perhaps it will be only her corpse that we shall find after all .
She has most likely been stung by asps , or eaten by wild beasts . '
The men , seeing her heart was bent on it , said no more , but told one of the girls she must come with them , and show them the place where they had left Dschemila .
They found the bundle of wood lying where she had dropped it , but the maiden was nowhere to be seen .
` Dschemila !
Dschemila ! '
cried they ; but nobody answered .
` If we make a fire , perhaps she will see it , ' said one of the men .
And they lit a fire , and then went , one this way , and one that , through the forest , to look for her , whispering to each other that if she had been killed by a lion they would be sure to find some trace of it ; or if she had fallen asleep , the sound of their voices would wake her ; or if a snake had bitten her , they would at least come on her corpse .
All night they searched , and when morning broke and they knew no more than before what had become of the maiden , they grew weary , and said to the mother : ` It is no use .
Let us go home , nothing has happened to your daughter , except that she has run away with a man . '
` Yes , I will come , ' answered she , ` but I must first look in the river .
Perhaps some one has thrown her in there . '
But the maiden was not in the river .
For four days the father and mother waited and watched for their child to come back ; then they gave up hope , and said to each other : ` What is to be done ?
What are we to say to the man to whom Dschemila is betrothed ?
Let us kill a goat , and bury its head in the grave , and when the man returns we must tell him Dschemila is dead . '
Very soon the bridegroom came back , bringing with him carpets and soft cushions for the house of his bride .
And as he entered the town Dschemila 's father met him , saying , ` Greeting to you .
She is dead . '
At these words the young man broke into loud cries , and it was some time before he could speak .
Then he turned to one of the crowd who had gathered round him , and asked : ` Where have they buried her ? '
` Come to the churchyard with me , ' answered he ; and the young man went with him , carrying with him some of the beautiful things he had brought .
These he laid on the grass and then began to weep afresh .
All day he stayed , and at nightfall he gathered up his stuffs and carried them to his own house .
But when the day dawned he took them in his arms and returned to the grave , where he remained as long as it was light , playing softly on his flute .
And this he did daily for six months .
* * * * * One morning , a man who was wandering through the desert , having lost his way , came upon a lonely castle .
The sun was very hot , and the man was very tired , so he said to himself , ' I will rest a little in the shadow of this castle . '
He stretched himself out comfortably , and was almost asleep , when he heard a voice calling to him softly : ` Are you a ghost , ' it said , ` or a man ? '
He looked up , and saw a girl leaning out of a window , and he answered : ' I am a man , and a better one , too , than your father or your grandfather . '
` May all good luck be with you , ' said she ; ` but what has brought you into this land of ogres and horrors ? '
` Does an ogre really live in this castle ? '
asked he .
` Certainly he does , ' replied the girl , ` and as night is not far off he will be here soon .
So , dear friend , depart quickly , lest he return and snap you up for supper . '
` But I am so thirsty ! '
said the man .
` Be kind , and give me some drink , or else I shall die !
Surely , even in this desert there must be some spring ? '
` Well , I have noticed that whenever the ogre brings back water he always comes from that side ; so if you follow the same direction perhaps you may find some . '
The man jumped up at once and was about to start , when the maiden spoke again : ` Tell me , where you are going ? '
` Why do you want to know ? ' '
I have an errand for you ; but tell me first whether you go east or west . ' '
I travel to Damascus . '
` Then do this for me .
As you pass through our village , ask for a man called Dschemil , and say to him : `` Dschemila greets you , from the castle , which lies far away , and is rocked by the wind .
In my grave lies only a goat .
So take heart . '' '
And the man promised , and went his way , till he came to a spring of water .
And he drank a great draught and then lay on the bank and slept quietly .
When he woke he said to himself , ` The maiden did a good deed when she told me where to find water .
A few hours more , and I should have been dead .
So I will do her bidding , and seek out her native town and the man for whom the message was given . '
For a whole month he travelled , till at last he reached the town where Dschemil dwelt , and as luck would have it , there was the young man sitting before his door with his beard unshaven and his shaggy hair hanging over his eyes .
` Welcome , stranger , ' said Dschemil , as the man stopped .
` Where have you come from ? ' '
I come from the west , and go towards the east , ' he answered .
` Well , stop with us awhile , and rest and eat ! '
said Dschemil .
And the man entered ; and food was set before him , and he sat down with the father of the maiden and her brothers , and Dschemil .
Only Dschemil himself was absent , squatting on the threshold .
` Why do you not eat too ? '
asked the stranger .
But one of the young men whispered hastily : ` Leave him alone .
Take no notice !
It is only at night that he ever eats . '
So the stranger went on silently with his food .
Suddenly one of Dschemil 's brothers called out and said : ` Dschemil , bring us some water ! '
And the stranger remembered his message and said : ` Is there a man here named `` Dschemil '' ?
I lost my way in the desert , and came to a castle , and a maiden looked out of the window and -- ' ` Be quiet , ' they cried , fearing that Dschemil might hear .
But Dschemil had heard , and came forward and said : ` What did you see ?
Tell me truly , or I will cut off your head this instant ! '
` My lord , ' replied the stranger , ` as I was wandering , hot and tired , through the desert , I saw near me a great castle , and I said aloud , `` I will rest a little in its shadow . ''
And a maiden looked out of a window and said , `` Are you a ghost or a man ? ''
And I answered .
`` I am a man , and a better one , too , than your father or your grandfather . ''
And I was thirsty and asked for water , but she had none to give me , and I felt like to die .
Then she told me that the ogre , in whose castle she dwelt , brought in water always from the same side , and that if I too went that way most likely I should come to it .
But before I started she begged me to go to her native town , and if I met a man called Dschemil I was to say to him , `` Dschemila greets you , from the castle which lies far away , and is rocked by the wind .
In my grave lies only a goat .
So take heart . '' '
Then Dschemil turned to his family and said : ` Is this true ?
and is Dschemila not dead at all , but simply stolen from her home ? '
` No , no , ' replied they , ` his story is a pack of lies .
Dschemila is really dead .
Everybody knows it . '
` That I shall see for myself , ' said Dschemil , and , snatching up a spade , hastened off to the grave where the goat 's head lay buried .
And they answered , ` Then hear what really happened .
When you were away , she went with the other maidens to the forest to gather wood .
And there she found an iron mortar , which she wished to bring home ; but she could not carry it , neither would she leave it .
So the maidens returned without her , and as night was come , we all set out to look for her , but found nothing .
And we said , `` The bridegroom will be here to-morrow , and when he learns that she is lost , he will set out to seek her , and we shall lose him too .
Let us kill a goat , and bury it in her grave , and tell him she is dead . ''
Now you know , so do as you will .
Only , if you go to seek her , take with you this man with whom she has spoken that he may show you the way . '
` Yes ; that is the best plan , ' replied Dschemil ; ` so give me food , and hand me my sword , and we will set out directly . '
But the stranger answered : ' I am not going to waste a whole month in leading you to the castle !
If it were only a day or two 's journey I would not mind ; but a month -- no ! '
` Come with me then for three days , ' said Dschemil , ` and put me in the right road , and I will reward you richly . '
` Very well , ' replied the stranger , ` so let it be . '
For three days they travelled from sunrise to sunset , then the stranger said : ` Dschemil ? '
` Yes , ' replied he .
` Go straight on till you reach a spring , then go on a little farther , and soon you will see the castle standing before you . '
` So I will , ' said Dschemil .
` Farewell , then , ' said the stranger , and turned back the way he had come .
It was six and twenty days before Dschemil caught sight of a green spot rising out of the sandy desert , and knew that the spring was near at last .
He hastened his steps , and soon was kneeling by its side , drinking thirstily of the bubbling water .
Then he lay down on the cool grass , and began to think .
` If the man was right , the castle must be somewhere about .
I had better sleep here to-night , and to-morrow I shall be able to see where it is . '
So he slept long and peacefully .
When he awoke the sun was high , and he jumped up and washed his face and hands in the spring , before going on his journey .
He had not walked far , when the castle suddenly appeared before him , though a moment before not a trace of it could be seen .
` How am I to get in ? '
he thought . '
I dare not knock , lest the ogre should hear me .
Perhaps it would be best for me to climb up the wall , and wait to see what will happen . '
So he did , and after sitting on the top for about an hour , a window above him opened , and a voice said : ` Dschemil ! '
He looked up , and at the sight of Dschemila , whom he had so long believed to be dead , he began to weep .
` Dear cousin , ' she whispered , ` what has brought you here ? '
` My grief at losing you . '
` Oh !
go away at once .
If the ogre comes back he will kill you . ' '
I swear by your head , queen of my heart , that I have not found you only to lose you again !
If I must die , well , I must ! '
` Oh , what can I do for you ? '
` Anything you like ! '
` If I let you down a cord , can you make it fast under your arms , and climb up ? '
` Of course I can , ' said he .
So Dschemila lowered the cord , and Dschemil tied it round him , and climbed up to her window .
Then they embraced each other tenderly , and burst into tears of joy .
` But what shall I do when the ogre returns ? '
asked she .
` Trust to me , ' he said .
Now there was a chest in the room , where Dschemila kept her clothes .
And she made Dschemil get into it , and lie at the bottom , and told him to keep very still .
He was only hidden just in time , for the lid was hardly closed when the ogre 's heavy tread was heard on the stairs .
He flung open the door , bringing men 's flesh for himself and lamb 's flesh for the maiden . '
I smell the smell of a man ! '
he thundered .
` What is he doing here ? '
` How could any one have come to this desert place ? '
asked the girl , and burst into tears .
` Do not cry , ' said the ogre ; ` perhaps a raven has dropped some scraps from his claws . '
` Ah , yes , I was forgetting , ' answered she .
` One did drop some bones about . '
` Well , burn them to powder , ' replied the ogre , ` so that I may swallow it . '
So the maiden took some bones and burned them , and gave them to the ogre , saying , ` Here is the powder , swallow it . '
And when he had swallowed the powder the ogre stretched himself out and went to sleep .
In a little while the man 's flesh , which the maiden was cooking for the ogre 's supper , called out and said : ` Hist !
Hist !
A man lies in the kist ! '
And the lamb 's flesh answered : ` He is your brother , And cousin of the other . '
The ogre moved sleepily , and asked , ` What did the meat say , Dschemila ? '
` Only that I must be sure to add salt . '
` Well , add salt . '
` Yes , I have done so , ' said she .
The ogre was soon sound asleep again , when the man 's flesh called out a second time : ` Hist !
Hist !
A man lies in the kist ! '
And the lamb 's flesh answered : ` He is your brother , And cousin of the other . '
` What did it say , Dschemila ? '
asked the ogre .
` Only that I must add pepper . '
` Well , add pepper . '
` Yes , I have done so , ' said she .
The ogre had had a long day 's hunting , and could not keep himself awake .
In a moment his eyes were tight shut , and then the man 's flesh called out for the third time : ` Hist !
Hist !
A man lies in the kist . '
-LSB- Illustration : DSCHEMILA-OUTWITS-THE-OGRE -RSB- And the lamb 's flesh answered : ` He is your brother , And cousin of the other . '
` What did it say , Dschemila ? '
asked the ogre .
` Only that it was ready , and that I had better take it off the fire . '
` Then if it is ready , bring it to me , and I will eat it . '
So she brought it to him , and while he was eating she supped of the lamb 's flesh herself , and managed to put some aside for her cousin .
When the ogre had finished , and had washed his hands , he said to Dschemila : ` Make my bed , for I am tired . '
So she made his bed , and put a nice soft pillow for his head , and tucked him up .
` Father , ' she said suddenly .
` Well , what is it ? '
` Dear father , if you are really asleep , why are your eyes always open ? '
` Why do you ask that , Dschemila ?
Do you want to deal treacherously with me ? '
` No , of course not , father .
How could I , and what would be the use of it ? '
` Well , why do you want to know ? '
` Because last night I woke up and saw the whole place shining in a red light , which frightened me . '
` That happens when I am fast asleep . '
` And what is the good of the pin you always keep here so carefully ? '
` If I throw that pin in front of me , it turns into an iron mountain . '
` And this darning needle ? '
` That becomes a sea . '
` And this hatchet ? '
` That becomes a thorn hedge , which no one can pass through .
But why do you ask all these questions ?
I am sure you have something in your head . '
` Oh , I just wanted to know ; and how could anyone find me out here ? '
and she began to cry .
` Oh , do n't cry , I was only in fun , ' said the ogre .
He was soon asleep again , and a yellow light shone through the castle .
` Come quick ! '
called Dschemil from the chest ; ` we must fly now while the ogre is asleep . '
` Not yet , ' she said , ` there is a yellow light shining .
I do n't think he is asleep . '
So they waited for an hour .
Then Dschemil whispered again : ` Wake up !
There is no time to lose ! '
` Let me see if he is asleep , ' said she , and she peeped in , and saw a red light shining .
Then she stole back to her cousin , and asked , ` But how are we to get out ? '
` Get the rope , and I will let you down . '
So she fetched the rope , the hatchet , and the pin and the needles , and said , ` Take them , and put them in the pocket of your cloak , and be sure not to lose them . '
Dschemil put them carefully in his pocket , and tied the rope round her , and let her down over the wall .
` Are you safe ? '
he asked .
` Yes , quite . '
` Then untie the rope , so that I may draw it up . '
And Dschemila did as she was told , and in a few minutes he stood beside her .
Now all this time the ogre was asleep , and had heard nothing .
Then his dog came to him and said , ` O , sleeper , are you having pleasant dreams ?
Dschemila has forsaken you and run away . '
The ogre got out of bed , gave the dog a kick , then went back again , and slept till morning .
When it grew light , he rose , and called , ` Dschemila !
Dschemila ! '
but he only heard the echo of his own voice !
Then he dressed himself quickly ; buckled on his sword and whistled to his dog , and followed the road which he knew the fugitives must have taken .
` Cousin , ' said Dschemila suddenly , and turning round as she spoke .
` What is it ? '
answered he .
` The ogre is coming after us .
I saw him . '
` But where is he ?
I do n't see him . '
` Over there .
He only looks about as tall as a needle . '
Then they both began to run as fast as they could , while the ogre and his dog kept drawing always nearer .
A few more steps , and he would have been by their side , when Dschemila threw the darning needle behind her .
In a moment it became an iron mountain between them and their enemy .
` We will break it down , my dog and I , ' cried the ogre in a rage , and they dashed at the mountain till they had forced a path through , and came ever nearer and nearer .
` Cousin ! '
said Dschemila suddenly .
` What is it ? '
` The ogre is coming after us with his dog . '
` You go on in front then , ' answered he ; and they both ran on as fast as they could , while the ogre and the dog drew always nearer and nearer .
` They are close upon us ! '
cried the maiden , glancing behind , ` you must throw the pin . '
So Dschemil took the pin from his cloak and threw it behind him , and a dense thicket of thorns sprang up round them , which the ogre and his dog could not pass through . '
I will get through it somehow , if I burrow underground , ' cried he , and very soon he and the dog were on the other side .
` Cousin , ' said Dschemila , ` they are close to us now . '
` Go on in front , and fear nothing , ' replied Dschemil .
So she ran on a little way , and then stopped .
` He is only a few yards away now , ' she said , and Dschemil flung the hatchet on the ground , and it turned into a lake . '
I will drink , and my dog shall drink , till it is dry , ' shrieked the ogre , and the dog drank so much that it burst and died .
But the ogre did not stop for that , and soon the whole lake was nearly dry .
Then he exclaimed , ` Dschemila , let your head become a donkey 's head , and your hair fur ! '
-LSB- Illustration : DSCHEMILA GETS AN ASS 'S HEAD -RSB- But when it was done , Dschemil looked at her in horror , and said , ` She is really a donkey , and not a woman at all ! '
And he left her , and went home .
For two days poor Dschemila wandered about alone , weeping bitterly .
When her cousin drew near his native town , he began to think over his conduct , and to feel ashamed of himself .
` Perhaps by this time she has changed back to her proper shape , ' he said to himself , ' I will go and see ! '
So he made all the haste he could , and at last he saw her seated on a rock , trying to keep off the wolves , who longed to have her for dinner .
He drove them off and said , ` Get up , dear cousin , you have had a narrow escape . '
Dschemila stood up and answered , ` Bravo , my friend .
You persuaded me to fly with you , and then left me helplessly to my fate . '
` Shall I tell you the truth ? '
asked he .
` Tell it . ' '
I thought you were a witch , and I was afraid of you . '
` Did you not see me before my transformation ?
and did you not watch it happen under your very eyes , when the ogre bewitched me ? '
` What shall I do ? '
said Dschemil .
` If I take you into the town , everyone will laugh , and say , `` Is that a new kind of toy you have got ?
It has hands like a woman , feet like a woman , the body of a woman ; but its head is the head of an ass , and its hair is fur . '' '
` Well , what do you mean to do with me ? '
asked Dschemila .
` Better take me home to my mother by night , and tell no one anything about it . '
` So I will , ' said he .
They waited where they were till it was nearly dark , then Dschemil brought his cousin home .
` Is that Dschemil ? '
asked the mother when he knocked softly .
` Yes , it is . '
` And have you found her ? '
` Yes , and I have brought her to you . '
` Oh , where is she ?
let me see her ! '
cried the mother .
` Here , behind me , ' answered Dschemil .
But when the poor woman caught sight of her daughter , she shrieked , and exclaimed , ` Are you making fun of me ?
When did I ever give birth to an ass ? '
` Hush ! '
said Dschemil , ` it is not necessary to let the whole world know !
And if you look at her body , you will see two scars on it . '
` Mother , ' sobbed Dschemila , ` do you really not know your own daughter ? '
` Yes , of course I know her . '
` What are her two scars then ? '
` On her thigh is a scar from the bite of a dog , and on her breast is the mark of a burn , where she pulled a lamp over her when she was little . '
` Then look at me , and see if I am not your daughter , ' said Dschemila , throwing off her clothes and showing her two scars .
And at the sight her mother embraced her , weeping .
` Dear daughter , ' she cried , ` what evil fate has befallen you ? '
` It was the ogre who carried me off first , and then bewitched me , ' answered Dschemila .
` But what is to be done with you ? '
asked her mother .
` Hide me away , and tell no one anything about me .
And you , dear cousin , say nothing to the neighbours , and if they should put questions , you can make answer that I have not yet been found . '
` So I will , ' replied he .
Then he and her mother took her upstairs and hid her in a cupboard , where she stayed for a whole month , only going out to walk when all the world was asleep .
Meanwhile Dschemil had returned to his own home , where his father and mother , his brothers and neighbours , greeted him joyfully .
` When did you come back ? '
said they , ` and have you found Dschemila ? '
` No , I searched the whole world after her , and could hear nothing of her . '
` Did you part company with the man who started with you ? '
` Yes ; after three days he got so weak and useless he could not go on .
It must be a month by now since he reached home again .
I went on and visited every castle , and looked in every house .
But there were no signs of her ; and so I gave it up . '
And they answered him : ` We told you before that it was no good .
An ogre or an ogress must have snapped her up , and how can you expect to find her ? ' '
I loved her too much to be still , ' he said .
But his friends did not understand , and soon they spoke to him again about it .
` We will seek for a wife for you .
There are plenty of girls prettier than Dschemila . ' '
I dare say ; but I do n't want them . '
` But what will you do with all the cushions and carpets , and beautiful things you bought for your house ? '
` They can stay in the chests . '
` But the moths will eat them !
For a few weeks , it is of no consequence , but after a year or two they will be quite useless . '
` And if they have to lie there ten years I will have Dschemila , and her only , for my wife .
For a month , or even two months , I will rest here quietly .
Then I will go and seek her afresh . '
` Oh , you are quite mad !
Is she the only maiden in the world ?
There are plenty of others better worth having than she is . '
` If there are I have not seen them !
And why do you make all this fuss ?
Every man knows his own business best . '
` Why , it is you who are making all the fuss yourself -- ' But Dschemil turned and went into the house , for he did not want to quarrel .
Three months later a Jew , who was travelling across the desert , came to the castle , and laid himself down under the wall to rest .
In the evening the ogre saw him there and said to him , ` Jew , what are you doing here ?
Have you anything to sell ? ' '
I have only some clothes , ' answered the Jew , who was in mortal terror of the ogre .
` Oh , do n't be afraid of me , ' said the ogre , laughing . '
I shall not eat you .
Indeed , I mean to go a bit of the way with you myself . ' '
I am ready , gracious sir , ' replied the Jew , rising to his feet .
` Well , go straight on till you reach a town , and in that town you will find a maiden called Dschemila and a young man called Dschemil .
Take this mirror and this comb with you , and say to Dschemila , `` Your father , the ogre , greets you , and begs you to look at your face in this mirror , and it will appear as it was before , and to comb your hair with this comb , and it will be as formerly . ''
If you do not carry out my orders , I will eat you the next time we meet . '
` Oh , I will obey you punctually , ' cried the Jew .
After thirty days the Jew entered the gate of the town , and sat down in the first street he came to , hungry , thirsty , and very tired .
Quite by chance , Dschemil happened to pass by , and seeing a man sitting there , full in the glare of the sun , he stopped , and said , ` Get up at once , Jew ; you will have a sunstroke if you sit in such a place . '
` Ah , good sir , ' replied the Jew , ` for a whole month I have been travelling , and I am too tired to move . '
` Which way did you come ? '
asked Dschemil .
` From out there , ' answered the Jew , pointing behind him .
` And you have been travelling for a month , you say ?
Well , did you see anything remarkable ? '
` Yes , good sir ; I saw a castle , and lay down to rest under its shadow .
And an ogre woke me , and told me to come to this town , where I should find a young man called Dschemil , and a girl called Dschemila . '
` My name is Dschemil .
What does the ogre want with me ? '
` He gave me some presents for Dschemila .
How can I see her ? '
` Come with me , and you shall give them into her own hands . '
So the two went together to the house of Dschemil 's uncle , and Dschemil led the Jew into his aunt 's room .
` Aunt ! '
he cried , ` this Jew who is with me has come from the ogre , and has brought with him , as presents , a mirror and a comb which the ogre has sent her . '
` But it may be only some wicked trick on the part of the ogre , ' said she .
` Oh , I do n't think so , ' answered the young man , ` give her the things . '
Then the maiden was called , and she came out of her hiding place , and went up to the Jew , saying , ` Where have you come from , Jew ? '
` From your father the ogre . '
` And what errand did he send you on ? '
` He told me I was to give you this mirror and this comb , and to say `` Look in this mirror , and comb your hair with this comb , and both will become as they were formerly . '' '
And Dschemila took the mirror and looked into it , and combed her hair with the comb , and she had no longer an ass 's head , but the face of a beautiful maiden .
-LSB- Illustration : DSCHEMILA GETS RID OF THE ASS 'S HEAD -RSB- Great was the joy of both mother and cousin at this wonderful sight , and the news that Dschemila had returned soon spread , and the neighbours came flocking in with greetings .
` When did you come back ? '
` My cousin brought me . '
` Why , he told us he could not find you ! '
` Oh , I did that on purpose , ' answered Dschemil . '
I did not want everyone to know . '
Then he turned to his father and his mother , his brothers and his sisters-in-law , and said , ` We must set to work at once , for the wedding will be to-day . '
A beautiful litter was prepared to carry the bride to her new home , but she shrank back , saying , ' I am afraid , lest the ogre should carry me off again . '
` How can the ogre get at you when we are all here ? '
they said .
` There are two thousand of us all told , and every man has his sword . '
` He will manage it somehow , ' answered Dschemila , ` he is a powerful king ! '
` She is right , ' said an old man .
` Take away the litter , and let her go on foot if she is afraid . '
` But it is absurd ! '
exclaimed the rest ; ` how can the ogre get hold of her ? ' '
I will not go , ' said Dschemila again .
` You do not know that monster ; I do . '
And while they were disputing the bridegroom arrived .
` Let her alone .
She shall stay in her father 's house .
After all , I can live here , and the wedding feast shall be made ready . '
And so they were married at last , and died without having had a single quarrel .
-LSB- Märchen und Gedichte aus der Stadt Tripolis . -RSB-
JANNI AND THE DRAKEN Once there was a man who shunned the world , and lived in the wilderness .
He owned nothing but a flock of sheep , whose milk and wool he sold , and so procured himself bread to eat ; he also carried wooden spoons , and sold them .
He had a wife and one little girl , and after a long time his wife had another child .
The evening it was born the man went to the nearest village to fetch a nurse , and on the way he met a monk who begged him for a night 's lodging .
This the man willingly granted , and took him home with him .
There being no one far nor near to baptize the child , the man asked the monk to do him this service , and the child was given the name of Janni .
In the course of time Janni 's parents died , and he and his sister were left alone in the world ; soon affairs went badly with them , so they determined to wander away to seek their fortune .
In packing up , the sister found a knife which the monk had left for his godson , and this she gave to her brother .
Then they went on their way , taking with them the three sheep which were all that remained of their flocks .
After wandering for three days they met a man with three dogs who proposed that they should exchange animals , he taking the sheep , and they the dogs .
The brother and sister were quite pleased at this arrangement , and after the exchange was made they separated , and went their different ways .
Janni and his sister in course of time came to a great castle , in which dwelt forty Draken , who , when they heard that Janni had come , fled forty fathoms underground .
So Janni found the castle deserted , and abode there with his sister , and every day went out to hunt with the weapons the Draken had left in the castle .
One day , when he was away hunting , one of the Draken came up to get provisions , not knowing that there was anyone in the castle .
When he saw Janni 's sister he was terrified , but she told him not to be afraid , and by-and-by they fell in love with each other , for every time that Janni went to hunt the sister called the Drakos up .
Thus they went on making love to each other till at length , unknown to Janni , they got married .
Then , when it was too late , the sister repented , and was afraid of Janni 's wrath when he found it out .
One day the Drakos came to her , and said : ` You must pretend to be ill , and when Janni asks what ails you , and what you want , you must answer : `` Cherries , '' and when he inquires where these are to be found , you must say : `` There are some in a garden a day 's journey from here . ''
Then your brother will go there , and will never come back , for there dwell three of my brothers who will look after him well . '
Then the sister did as the Drakos advised , and next day Janni set out to fetch the cherries , taking his three dogs with him .
When he came to the garden where the cherries grew he jumped off his horse , drank some water from the spring , which rose there , and fell directly into a deep sleep .
The Draken came round about to eat him , but the dogs flung themselves on them and tore them in pieces , and scratched a grave in the ground with their paws , and buried the Draken so that Janni might not see their dead bodies .
When Janni awoke , and saw his dogs all covered with blood , he believed that they had caught , somewhere , a wild beast , and was angry because they had left none of it for him .
But he plucked the cherries , and took them back to his sister .
When the Drakos heard that Janni had come back , he fled for fear forty fathoms underground .
And the sister ate the cherries and declared herself well again .
The next day , when Janni was gone to hunt , the Drakos came out , and advised the sister that she should pretend to be ill again , and when her brother asked her what she would like , she should answer ` Quinces , ' and when he inquired where these were to be found , she should say : ` In a garden distant about two days ' journey . '
Then would Janni certainly be destroyed , for there dwelt six brothers of the Drakos , each of whom had two heads .
The sister did as she was advised , and next day Janni again set off , taking his three dogs with him .
When he came to the garden he dismounted , sat down to rest a little , and fell fast asleep .
First there came three Draken round about to eat him , and when these three had been worried by the dogs , there came three others who were worried in like manner .
Then the dogs again dug a grave and buried the dead Draken , that their master might not see them .
When Janni awoke and beheld the dogs all covered with blood , he thought , as before , that they had killed a wild beast , and was again angry with them for leaving him nothing .
But he took the quinces and brought them back to his sister , who , when she had eaten them , declared herself better .
The Drakos , when he heard that Janni had come back , fled for fear forty fathoms deeper underground .
Next day , when Janni was hunting , the Drakos went to the sister and advised that she should again pretend to be ill , and should beg for some pears , which grew in a garden three days ' journey from the castle .
From this quest Janni would certainly never return , for there dwelt nine brothers of the Drakos , each of whom had three heads .
The sister did as she was told , and next day Janni , taking his three dogs with him , went to get the pears .
When he came to the garden he laid himself down to rest , and soon fell asleep .
Then first came three Draken to eat him , and when the dogs had worried these , six others came and fought the dogs a long time .
The noise of this combat awoke Janni , and he slew the Draken , and knew at last why the dogs were covered with blood .
-LSB- Illustration : JANNI AND HIS DOGS FIGHT THE THREE-HEADED DRAKEN -RSB- After that he freed all whom the Draken held prisoners , amongst others , a king 's daughter .
Out of gratitude she would have taken him for her husband ; but he put her off , saying : ` For the kindness that I have been able to do to you , you shall receive in this castle all the blind and lame who pass this way . '
The princess promised him to do so , and on his departure gave him a ring .
So Janni plucked the pears and took them to his sister , who , when she had eaten them , declared she felt better .
When , however , the Drakos heard that Janni had come back yet a third time safe and sound , he fled for fright forty fathoms deeper underground ; and , next day , when Janni was away hunting , he crept out and said to the sister : ` Now are we indeed both lost , unless you find out from him wherein his strength lies , and then between us we will contrive to do away with him . '
When , therefore , Janni had come back from hunting , and sat at evening with his sister by the fire , she begged him to tell her wherein lay his strength , and he answered : ` It lies in my two fingers ; if these are bound together then all my strength disappears . '
` That I will not believe , ' said the sister , ` unless I see it for myself . '
Then he let her tie his fingers together with a thread , and immediately he became powerless .
Then the sister called up the Drakos , who , when he had come forth , tore out Janni 's eyes , gave them to his dogs to eat , and threw him into a dry well .
Now it happened that some travellers , going to draw water from this well , heard Janni groaning at the bottom .
They came near , and asked him where he was , and he begged them to draw him up from the well , for he was a poor unfortunate man .
The travellers let a rope down and drew him up to daylight .
It was not till then that he first became aware that he was blind , and he begged the travellers to lead him to the country of the king whose daughter he had freed , and they would be well repaid for their trouble .
When they had brought him there he sent to beg the princess to come to him ; but she did not recognise him till he had shown her the ring she had given him .
Then she remembered him , and took him with her into the castle .
When she learnt what had befallen him she called together all the sorceresses in the country in order that they should tell her where the eyes were .
At last she found one who declared that she knew where they were , and that she could restore them .
This sorceress then went straight to the castle where dwelt the sister and the Drakos , and gave something to the dogs to eat which caused the eyes to reappear .
She took them with her and put them back in Janni 's head , so that he saw as well as before .
Then he returned to the castle of the Drakos , whom he slew as well as his sister ; and , taking his dogs with him , went back to the princess and they were immediately married .
THE PARTNERSHIP OF THE THIEF AND THE LIAR .
There was once upon a time a thief , who , being out of a job , was wandering by himself up and down the seashore .
As he walked he passed a man who was standing still , looking at the waves . '
I wonder , ' said the thief , addressing the stranger , ` if you have ever seen a stone swimming ? '
` Most certainly I have , ' replied the other man , ` and , what is more , I saw the same stone jump out of the water and fly through the air . '
` This is capital , ' replied the thief .
` You and I must go into partnership .
We shall certainly make our fortunes .
Let us start together for the palace of the king of the neighbouring country .
When we get there , I will go into his presence alone , and will tell him the most startling thing I can invent .
Then you must follow and back up my lie . '
Having agreed to do this , they set out on their travels .
After several days ' journeying , they reached the town where the king 's palace was , and here they parted for a few hours , while the thief sought an interview with the king , and begged his majesty to give him a glass of beer .
` That is impossible , ' said the king , ` as this year there has been a failure of all the crops , and of the hops and the vines ; so we have neither wine nor beer in the whole kingdom . '
` How extraordinary ! '
answered the thief . '
I have just come from a country where the crops were so fine that I saw twelve barrels of beer made out of one branch of hops . ' '
I bet you three hundred florins that is not true , ' answered the king .
` And I bet you three hundred florins it is true , ' replied the thief .
Then each staked his three hundred florins , and the king said he would decide the question by sending a servant into that country to see if it was true .
So the servant set out on horseback , and on the way he met a man , and he asked him whence he came .
And the man told him that he came from the self-same country to which the servant was at that moment bound .
` If that is the case , ' said the servant , ` you can tell me how high the hops grow in your country , and how many barrels of beer can be brewed from one branch ? ' '
I ca n't tell you that , ' answered the man , ` but I happened to be present when the hops were being gathered in , and I saw that it took three men with axes three days to cut down one branch . '
Then the servant thought that he might save himself a long journey ; so he gave the man ten florins , and told him he must repeat to the king what he had just told him .
And when they got back to the palace , they came together into the king 's presence .
And the king asked him : ` Well , is it true about the hops ? '
` Yes , sire , it is , ' answered the servant ; ` and here is a man I have brought with me from the country to confirm the tale . '
So the king paid the thief the three hundred florins ; and the partners once more set out together in search of adventures .
As they journeyed , the thief said to his comrade : ' I will now go to another king , and will tell him something still more startling ; and you must follow and back up my lie , and we shall get some money out of him ; just see if we do n't . '
When they reached the next kingdom , the thief presented himself to the king , and requested him to give him a cauliflower .
And the king answered : ` Owing to a blight among the vegetables we have no cauliflower . '
` That is strange , ' answered the thief . '
I have just come from a country where it grows so well that one head of cauliflower filled twelve water-tubs . ' '
I do n't believe it , ' answered the king . '
I bet you six hundred florins it is true , ' replied the thief .
` And I bet you six hundred florins it is not true , ' answered the king .
And he sent for a servant , and ordered him to start at once for the country whence the thief had come , to find out if his story of the cauliflower was true .
On his journey the servant met with a man .
Stopping his horse he asked him where he came from , and the man replied that he came from the country to which the other was travelling .
` If that is the case , ' said the servant , ` you can tell me to what size cauliflower grows in your country ?
Is it so large that one head fills twelve water-tubs ? ' '
I have not seen that , ' answered the man .
` But I saw twelve waggons , drawn by twelve horses , carrying one head of cauliflower to the market . '
And the servant answered : ` Here are ten florins for you , my man , for you have saved me a long journey .
Come with me now , and tell the king what you have just told me . '
` All right , ' said the man , and they went together to the palace ; and when the king asked the servant if he had found out the truth about the cauliflower , the servant replied : ` Sire , all that you heard was perfectly true ; here is a man from the country who will tell you so . '
So the king had to pay the thief the six hundred florins .
And the two partners set out once more on their travels , with their nine hundred florins .
When they reached the country of the neighbouring king , the thief entered the royal presence , and began conversation by asking if his majesty knew that in an adjacent kingdom there was a town with a church steeple on which a bird had alighted , and that the steeple was so high , and the bird 's beak so long , that it had pecked the stars till some of them fell out of the sky . '
I do n't believe it , ' said the king .
` Nevertheless I am prepared to bet twelve hundred florins that it is true , ' answered the thief .
` And I bet twelve hundred florins that it is a lie , ' replied the king .
And he straightway sent a servant into the neighbouring country to find out the truth .
As he rode , the servant met a man coming in the opposite direction .
So he hailed him and asked him where he came from .
And the man replied that he came out of the very town to which the man was bound .
Then the servant asked him if the story they had heard about the bird with the long beak was true . '
I do n't know about that , ' answered the man , ` as I have never seen the bird ; but I once saw twelve men shoving all their might and main with brooms to push a monster egg into a cellar . '
-LSB- Illustration : `` I once saw '' 12 MEN SHOVING ALL THEIR MIGHT AND MAIN WITH BROOMS TO PUSH A MONSTER EGG INTO A CELLAR -RSB- ` That is capital , ' answered the servant , presenting the man with ten florins .
` Come and tell your tale to the king , and you will save me a long journey . '
So , when the story was repeated to the king , there was nothing for him to do but to pay the thief the twelve hundred florins .
Then the two partners set out again with their ill-gotten gains , which they proceeded to divide into two equal shares ; but the thief kept back three of the florins that belonged to the liar 's half of the booty .
Shortly afterwards they each married , and settled down in homes of their own with their wives .
One day the liar discovered that he had been done out of three florins by his partner , so he went to his house and demanded them from him .
` Come next Saturday , and I will give them to you , ' answered the thief .
But as he had no intention of giving the liar the money , when Saturday morning came he stretched himself out stiff and stark upon the bed , and told his wife she was to say he was dead .
So the wife rubbed her eyes with an onion , and when the liar appeared at the door , she met him in tears , and told him that as her husband was dead he could not be paid the three florins .
But the liar , who knew his partner 's tricks , instantly suspected the truth , and said : ` As he has not paid me , I will pay him out with three good lashes of my riding whip . '
At these words the thief sprang to his feet , and , appearing at the door , promised his partner that if he would return the following Saturday he would pay him .
So the liar went away satisfied with this promise .
But when Saturday morning came the thief got up early and hid himself under a truss of hay in the hay-loft .
When the liar appeared to demand his three florins , the wife met him with tears in her eyes , and told him that her husband was dead .
` Where have you buried him ? '
asked the liar .
` In the hay-loft , ' answered the wife .
` Then I will go there , and take away some hay in payment of his debt , ' said the liar .
And proceeding to the hay-loft , he began to toss about the hay with a pitch-fork , prodding it into the trusses of hay , till , in terror of his life , the thief crept out and promised his partner to pay him the three florins on the following Saturday .
When the day came he got up at sunrise , and going down into the crypt of a neighbouring chapel , stretched himself out quite still and stiff in an old stone coffin .
But the liar , who was quite as clever as his partner , very soon bethought him of the crypt , and set out for the chapel , confident that he would shortly discover the hiding-place of his friend .
He had just entered the crypt , and his eyes were not yet accustomed to the darkness , when he heard the sound of whispering at the grated windows .
Listening intently , he overheard the plotting of a band of robbers , who had brought their treasure to the crypt , meaning to hide it there , while they set out on fresh adventures .
All the time they were speaking they were removing the bars from the window , and in another minute they would all have entered the crypt , and discovered the liar .
Quick as thought he wound his mantle round him and placed himself , standing stiff and erect , in a niche in the wall , so that in the dim light he looked just like an old stone statue .
As soon as the robbers entered the crypt , they set about the work of dividing their treasure .
Now , there were twelve robbers , but by mistake the chief of the band divided the gold into thirteen heaps .
When he saw his mistake he said they had not time to count it all over again , but that the thirteenth heap should belong to whoever among them could strike off the head of the old stone statue in the niche with one stroke .
With these words he took up an axe , and approached the niche where the liar was standing .
But , just as he had waved the axe over his head ready to strike , a voice was heard from the stone coffin saying , in sepulchral tones : ` Clear out of this , or the dead will arise from their coffins , and the statues will descend from the walls , and you will be driven out more dead than alive . '
And with a bound the thief jumped out of his coffin and the liar from his niche , and the robbers were so terrified that they ran helter-skelter out of the crypt , leaving all their gold behind them , and vowing that they would never put foot inside the haunted place again .
So the partners divided the gold between them , and carried it to their homes ; and history tells us no more about them .
FORTUNATUS AND HIS PURSE Once upon a time there lived in the city of Famagosta , in the island of Cyprus , a rich man called Theodorus .
He ought to have been the happiest person in the whole world , as he had all he could wish for , and a wife and little son whom he loved dearly ; but unluckily , after a short time he always grew tired of everything , and had to seek new pleasures .
When people are made like this the end is generally the same , and before Fortunatus -LRB- for that was the boy 's name -RRB- was ten years old , his father had spent all his money and had not a farthing left .
But though Theodorus had been so foolish he was not quite without sense , and set about getting work at once .
His wife , too , instead of reproaching him sent away the servants and sold their fine horses , and did all the work of the house herself , even washing the clothes of her husband and child .
Thus time passed till Fortunatus was sixteen .
One day when they were sitting at supper , the boy said to Theodorus , ` Father , why do you look so sad ?
Tell me what is wrong , and perhaps I can help you . '
` Ah , my son , I have reason enough to be sad ; but for me you would now have been enjoying every kind of pleasure , instead of being buried in this tiny house . '
` Oh , do not let that trouble you , ' replied Fortunatus , ` it is time I made some money for myself .
To be sure I have never been taught any trade .
Still there must be something I can do .
I will go and walk on the seashore and think about it . '
Very soon -- sooner than he expected -- a chance came , and Fortunatus , like a wise boy , seized on it at once .
The post offered him was that of page to the Earl of Flanders , and as the Earl 's daughter was just going to be married , splendid festivities were held in her honour , and at some of the tilting matches Fortunatus was lucky enough to win the prize .
These prizes , together with presents from the lords and ladies of the court , who liked him for his pleasant ways , made Fortunatus feel quite a rich man .
But though his head was not turned by the notice taken of him , it excited the envy of some of the other pages about the Court , and one of them , called Robert , invented a plot to move Fortunatus out of his way .
So he told the young man that the Earl had taken a dislike to him and meant to kill him ; Fortunatus believed the story , and packing up his fine clothes and money , slipped away before dawn .
He went to a great many big towns and lived well , and as he was generous and not wiser than most youths of his age , he very soon found himself penniless .
Like his father , he then began to think of work , and tramped half over Brittany in search of it .
Nobody seemed to want him , and he wandered about from one place to another , till he found himself in a dense wood , without any paths , and not much light .
Here he spent two whole days , with nothing to eat and very little water to drink , going first in one direction and then in another , but never being able to find his way out .
During the first night he slept soundly , and was too tired to fear either man or beast , but when darkness came on for the second time , and growls were heard in the distance , he grew frightened and looked about for a high tree out of reach of his enemies .
Hardly had he settled himself comfortably in one of the forked branches , when a lion walked up to a spring that burst from a rock close to the tree , and crouching down drank greedily .
This was bad enough , but after all , lions do not climb trees , and as long as Fortunatus stayed up on his perch , he was quite safe .
But no sooner was the lion out of sight , than his place was taken by a bear , and bears , as Fortunatus knew very well , are tree-climbers .
His heart beat fast , and not without reason , for as the bear turned away he looked up and saw Fortunatus !
Now in those days every young man carried a sword slung to his belt , and it was a fashion that came in very handily for Fortunatus .
He drew his sword , and when the bear got within a yard of him he made a fierce lunge forward .
The bear , wild with pain , tried to spring , but the bough he was standing on broke with his weight , and he fell heavily to the ground .
Then Fortunatus descended from his tree -LRB- first taking good care to see no other wild animals were in sight -RRB- and killed him with a single blow .
He was just thinking he would light a fire and make a hearty dinner off bear 's flesh , which is not at all bad eating , when he beheld a beautiful lady standing by his side leaning on a wheel , and her eyes hidden by a bandage . '
I am Dame Fortune , ' she said , ` and I have a gift for you .
Shall it be wisdom , strength , long life , riches , health , or beauty ?
Think well , and tell me what you will have . '
But Fortunatus , who had proved the truth of the proverb that ` It 's ill thinking on an empty stomach , ' answered quickly , ` Good lady , let me have riches in such plenty that I may never again be as hungry as I am now . '
And the lady held out a purse and told him he had only to put his hand into it , and he and his children would always find ten pieces of gold .
But when they were dead it would be a magic purse no longer .
-LSB- Illustration : THE GIFT-OF-FORTUNE -RSB- At this news Fortunatus was beside himself with joy , and could hardly find words to thank the lady .
But she told him that the best thing he could do was to find his way out of the wood , and before bidding him farewell pointed out which path he should take .
He walked along it as fast as his weakness would let him , until a welcome light at a little distance showed him that a house was near .
It turned out to be an inn , but before entering Fortunatus thought he had better make sure of the truth of what the lady had told him , and took out the purse and looked inside .
Sure enough there were the ten pieces of gold , shining brightly .
Then Fortunatus walked boldly up to the inn , and ordered them to get ready a good supper at once , as he was very hungry , and to bring him the best wine in the house .
And he seemed to care so little what he spent that everybody thought he was a great lord , and vied with each other who should run quickest when he called .
After a night passed in a soft bed , Fortunatus felt so much better that he asked the landlord if he could find him some men-servants , and tell him where any good horses were to be got .
The next thing was to provide himself with smart clothes , and then to take a big house where he could give great feasts to the nobles and beautiful ladies who lived in palaces round about .
In this manner a whole year soon slipped away , and Fortunatus was so busy amusing himself that he never once remembered his parents whom he had left behind in Cyprus .
But though he was thoughtless , he was not bad-hearted .