下载辰思小说免费APP
Inoldentimeswhenwishingstillhelpedone，therelivedakingwhosedaughterswereallbeautiful，buttheyoungestwassobeautifulthatthesunitself，whichhasseensomuch，wasastonishedwheneveritshoneinherface。Closebytheking\'scastlelayagreatdarkforest，andunderanoldlime-treeintheforestwasawell，andwhenthedaywasverywarm，theking\'schildwentoutintotheforestandsatdownbythesideofthecoolfountain，andwhenshewasboredshetookagoldenball，andthrewituponhighandcaughtit，andthisballwasherfavoriteplaything。
Nowitsohappenedthatononeoccasiontheprincess\'sgoldenballdidnotfallintothelittlehandwhichshewasholdingupforit，butontothegroundbeyond，androlledstraightintothewater。Theking\'sdaughterfolloweditwithhereyes，butitvanished，andthewellwasdeep，sodeepthatthebottomcouldnotbeseen。Atthisshebegantocry，andcriedlouderandlouder，andcouldnotbecomforted。Andasshethuslamentedsomeonesaidtoher，"Whatailsyou，king\'sdaughter？Youweepsothatevenastonewouldshowpity。"
Shelookedroundtothesidefromwhencethevoicecame，andsawafrogstretchingforthitsbig，uglyheadfromthewater。"Ah，oldwater-splasher，isityou，"shesaid，"Iamweepingformygoldenball，whichhasfallenintothewell。""Bequiet，anddonotweep，"answeredthefrog，"Icanhelpyou，butwhatwillyougivemeifIbringyourplaythingupagain？""Whateveryouwillhave，dearfrog，"saidshe，"Myclothes，mypearlsandjewels，andeventhegoldencrownwhichIamwearing。"Thefroganswered，"Idonotcareforyourclothes，yourpearlsandjewels，norforyourgoldencrown，butifyouwilllovemeandletmebeyourcompanionandplay-fellow，andsitbyyouatyourlittletable，andeatoffyourlittlegoldenplate，anddrinkoutofyourlittlecup，andsleepinyourlittlebed-ifyouwillpromisemethisIwillgodownbelow，andbringyouyourgoldenballupagain。"
"Ohyes，"saidshe，"Ipromiseyouallyouwish，ifyouwillbutbringmemyballbackagain。"Butshethought，"Howthesillyfrogdoestalk。Allhedoesistositinthewaterwiththeotherfrogs，andcroak。Hecanbenocompaniontoanyhumanbeing。"
Butthefrogwhenhehadreceivedthispromise，puthisheadintothewaterandsankdown；andinashortwhilecameswimmmingupagainwiththeballinhismouth，andthrewitonthegrass。Theking\'sdaughterwasdelightedtoseeherprettyplaythingoncemore，andpickeditup，andranawaywithit。"Wait，wait，"saidthefrog。"Takemewithyou。Ican\'trunasyoucan。"Butwhatdiditavailhimtoscreamhiscroak，croak，afterher，asloudlyashecould。Shedidnotlistentoit，butranhomeandsoonforgotthepoorfrog，whowasforcedtogobackintohiswellagain。
Thenextdaywhenshehadseatedherselfattablewiththekingandallthecourtiers，andwaseatingfromherlittlegoldenplate，somethingcamecreepingsplishsplash，splishsplash，upthemarblestaircase，andwhenithadgottothetop，itknockedatthedoorandcried，"Princess，youngestprincess，openthedoorforme。"Sherantoseewhowasoutside，butwhensheopenedthedoor，theresatthefroginfrontofit。Thensheslammedthedoorto，ingreathaste，satdowntodinneragain，andwasquitefrightened。Thekingsawplainlythatherheartwasbeatingviolently，andsaid，"Mychild，whatareyousoafraidof？Isthereperchanceagiantoutsidewhowantstocarryyouaway？""Ah，no，"repliedshe。"Itisnogiantbutadisgustingfrog。"
"Whatdoesafrogwantwithyou？""Ah，dearfather，yesterdayasIwasintheforestsittingbythewell，playing，mygoldenballfellintothewater。AndbecauseIcriedso，thefrogbroughtitoutagainforme，andbecausehesoinsisted，Ipromisedhimheshouldbemycompanion，butIneverthoughthewouldbeabletocomeoutofhiswater。Andnowheisoutsidethere，andwantstocomeintome。"
Inthemeantimeitknockedasecondtime，andcried，"Princess，youngestprincess，openthedoorforme，doyounotknowwhatyousaidtomeyesterdaybythecoolwatersofthewell。Princess，youngestprincess，openthedoorforme。"
Thensaidtheking，"Thatwhichyouhavepromisedmustyouperform。
Goandlethimin。"Shewentandopenedthedoor，andthefroghoppedinandfollowedher，stepbystep，toherchair。Therehesatandcried，"Liftmeupbesideyou。"Shedelayed，untilatlastthekingcommandedhertodoit。Oncethefrogwasonthechairhewantedtobeonthetable，andwhenhewasonthetablehesaid，"Now，pushyourlittlegoldenplatenearertomethatwemayeattogether。"Shedidthis，butitwaseasytoseethatshedidnotdoitwillingly。Thefrogenjoyedwhatheate，butalmosteverymouthfulshetookchokedher。Atlengthhesaid，"Ihaveeatenandamsatisfied，nowIamtired，carrymeintoyourlittleroomandmakeyourlittlesilkenbedready，andwewillbothliedownandgotosleep。"
Theking\'sdaughterbegantocry，forshewasafraidofthecoldfrogwhichshedidnotliketotouch，andwhichwasnowtosleepinherpretty，cleanlittlebed。Butthekinggrewangryandsaid，"Hewhohelpedyouwhenyouwereintroubleoughtnotafterwardstobedespisedbyyou。"Soshetookholdofthefrogwithtwofingers，carriedhimupstairs，andputhiminacorner，butwhenshewasinbedhecrepttoherandsaid，"Iamtired，Iwanttosleepaswellasyou，liftmeuporIwilltellyourfather。"Atthisshewasterriblyangry，andtookhimupandthrewhimwithallhermightagainstthewall。"Now，willyoubequiet，odiousfrog，"saidshe。Butwhenhefelldownhewasnofrogbutaking\'ssonwithkindandbeautifuleyes。Hebyherfather\'swillwasnowherdearcompanionandhusband。Thenhetoldherhowhehadbeenbewitchedbyawickedwitch，andhownoonecouldhavedeliveredhimfromthewellbutherself，andthatto-morrowtheywouldgotogetherintohiskingdom。
Thentheywenttosleep，andnextmorningwhenthesunawokethem，acarriagecamedrivingupwitheightwhitehorses，whichhadwhiteostrichfeathersontheirheads，andwereharnessedwithgoldenchains，andbehindstoodtheyoungking\'sservantFaithfulHenry。
FaithfulHenryhadbeensounhappywhenhismasterwaschangedintoafrog，thathehadcausedthreeironbandstobelaidroundhisheart，lestitshouldburstwithgriefandsadness。Thecarriagewastoconducttheyoungkingintohiskingdom。FaithfulHenryhelpedthembothin，andplacedhimselfbehindagain，andwasfullofjoybecauseofthisdeliverance。Andwhentheyhaddrivenapartofthewaytheking\'ssonheardacrackingbehindhimasifsomethinghadbroken。
Soheturnedroundandcried，"Henry，thecarriageisbreaking。"
"No，master，itisnotthecarriage。Itisabandfrommyheart，whichwasputthereinmygreatpainwhenyouwereafrogandimprisonedinthewell。"Againandonceagainwhiletheywereontheirwaysomethingcracked，andeachtimetheking\'ssonthoughtthecarriagewasbreaking，butitwasonlythebandswhichwerespringingfromtheheartofFaithfulHenrybecausehismasterwassetfreeandwashappy。
Hardbyagreatforestdweltawood-cutterwithhiswife，whohadanonlychild，alittlegirlthreeyearsold。Theyweresopoor，however，thattheynolongerhaddailybread，anddidnotknowhowtogetfoodforher。Onemorningthewood-cutterwentoutsorrowfullytohisworkintheforest，andwhilehewascuttingwood，suddenlytherestoodbeforehimatallandbeautifulwomanwithacrownofshiningstarsonherhead，whosaidtohim\'Iamthevirginmary，motherofthechildjesus。Youarepoorandneedy，bringyourchildtome，Iwilltakeherwithmeandbehermother，andcareforher。\'
Thewood-cutterobeyed，broughthischild，andgavehertothevirginmary，whotookheruptoheavenwithher。Therethechildfaredwell，atesugar-cakes，anddranksweetmilk，andherclotheswereofgold，andthelittleangelsplayedwithher。Andwhenshewasfourteenyearsofage，thevirginmarycalledheronedayandsaid\'dearchild，Iamabouttomakealongjourney，sotakeintoyourkeepingthekeysofthethirteendoorsofheaven。Twelveoftheseyoumayopen，andbeholdtheglorywhichiswithinthem，butthethirteenth，towhichthislittlekeybelongs，isforbiddenyou。Takecarenottoopenit，oryouwillbeunhappy。\'Thegirlpromisedtobeobedient，andwhenthevirginmarywasgone，shebegantoexaminethedwellingsofthekingdomofheaven。Eachdaysheopenedoneofthem，untilshehadmadetheroundofthetwelve。Ineachofthemsatoneoftheapostlesinthemidstofagreatlight，andsherejoicedinallthemagnificenceandsplendor，andthelittleangelswhoalwaysaccompaniedherrejoicedwithher。Thentheforbiddendooraloneremained，andshefeltagreatdesiretoknowwhatcouldbehiddenbehindit，andsaidtotheangels\'Iwillnotopenitentirely，andI
willnotgoinside，butIwillunlockitsothatwecanseejustalittlethroughtheopening。\'\'Oh\'no，saidthelittleangels，\'thatwouldbeasin。Thevirginmaryhasforbiddenit，anditmighteasilycauseyourunhappiness。\'Thenshewassilent，butthedesireinherheartwasnotstilled，butgnawedthereandtormentedher，andletherhavenorest。Andoncewhentheangelshadallgoneout，shethought\'nowIamquitealone，andIcouldpeepin。IfIdo，noonewilleverknow。\'Shesoughtoutthekey，andwhenshehadgotitinherhand，sheputitinthelock，andwhenshehadputitin，sheturneditroundaswell。Thenthedoorsprangopen，andshesawtherethetrinitysittinginfireandsplendor。Shestayedthereawhile，andlookedateverythinginamazement，thenshetouchedthelightalittlewithherfinger，andherfingerbecamequitegolden。
Immediatelyagreatfearfellonher。Sheshutthedoorviolently，andranhithere。Butherterrorwouldnotquither，letherdowhatshe\'Yes，saidthegirl，forthesecondtime。Thensheperceivedthefingerwhichhadbecomegoldenfromtouchingthefireofheaven，andsawwellthatthechildhadsinned，andsaidforthethirdtime\'haveyounotdoneit。\'\'No，saidthegirlforthethirdtime。Thensaidthevirginmary\'youhavenotobeyedme，andbesidesthatyouhavelied，youarenolongerworthytobeinheaven。\'Thenthegirlfellintoadeepsleep，andwhensheawokeshelayontheearthbelow，andinthemidstofawilderness。Shewantedtocryout，butshecouldbringforthnosound。Shesprangupandwantedtorunaway，butwhithersoeversheturnedherself，shewascontinuallyheldbackbythickhedgesofthornsthroughwhichshecouldnotbreak。Inthedesert，inwhichshewasimprisoned，therestoodanoldhollowtree，andthishadtobeherdwelling-place。Intothisshecreptwhennightcame，andheresheslept。Here，too，shefoundashelterfrommight，andherheartbeatcontinuallyandwouldnotbestill，thegoldtoostayedonherfinger，andwouldnotgoaway，letherrubitandwashitneversomuch。Itwasnotlongbeforethevirginmarycamebackfromherjourney。Shecalledthegirlbeforeher，andaskedtohavethekeysofheavenback。Whenthemaidengaveherthebunch，thevirginlookedintohereyesandsaid\'haveyounotopenedthethirteenthdooralso。\'\'No，shereplied。Thenshelaidherhandonthegirl\'sheart，andfelthowitbeatandbeat，andsawrightwellthatshehaddisobeyedherorderandhadopenedthedoor。Thenshesaidonceagain\'areyoucertainthatyouhavenotdoneit。\'
stormandrain，butitwasamiserablelife，andbitterlydidsheweepwhensherememberedhowhappyshehadbeeninheaven，andhowtheangelshadplayedwithher。Rootsandwildberrieswereheronlyfood，andfortheseshesoughtasfarasshecouldgo。Intheautumnshepickedupthefallennutsandleaves，andcarriedthemintothehole。Thenutswereherfoodinwinter，andwhensnowandicecame，shecreptamongsttheleaveslikeapoorlittleanimalthatshemightnotfreeze。Beforelongherclotheswerealltorn，andonebitofthemafteranotherfelloffher。Assoon，however，asthesunshonewarmagain，shewentoutandsatinfrontofthetree，andherlonghaircoveredheronallsideslikeamantle。Thusshesatyearafteryear，andfeltthepainandthemiseryoftheworld。Oneday，whenthetreeswereoncemoreclothedinfreshgreen，thekingofthecountrywashuntingintheforest，andfollowedaroe，andasithadfledintothethicketwhichshutinthispartoftheforest，hegotoffhishorse，torethebushesasunder，andcuthimselfapathwithhissword。Whenhehadatlastforcedhiswaythrough，hesawawonderfullybeautifulmaidensittingunderthetree，andshesatthereandwasentirelycoveredwithhergoldenhairdowntoherveryfeet。Hestoodstillandlookedatherfullofsurprise，thenhespoketoherandsaid\'whoareyou。Whyareyousittinghereinthewilderness。\'Butshegavenoanswer，forshecouldnotopenhermouth。Thekingcontinued\'willyougowithmetomycastle。Thenshejustnoddedherheadalittle。Thekingtookherinhisarms，carriedhertohishorse，androdehomewithher，andwhenhereachedtheroyalcastlehecausedhertobedressedinbeautifulgarments，andgaveherallthingsinabundance。Althoughshecouldnotspeak，shewasstillsobeautifulandcharmingthathebegantoloveherwithallhisheart，anditwasnotlongbeforehemarriedher。Afterayearorsohadpassed，thequeenbroughtasonintotheworld。
Thereuponthevirginmaryappearedtoherinthenightwhenshelayinherbedalone，andsaid\'ifyouwilltellthetruthandconfessthatyoudidunlocktheforbiddendoor，Iwillopenyourmouthandgiveyoubackyourspeech，butifyoupersevereinyoursin，anddenyobstinately，Iwilltakeyournew-bornchildawaywithme。\'Thethequeenwaspermittedtoanswer，butsheremainedhard，andsaid\'no，I
didnotopentheforbiddendoor，andthevirginmarytookthenew-bornchildfromherarms，andvanishedwithit。Nextmorningwhenthechildwasnottobefound，itwaswhisperedamongthepeoplethatthequeenwasaman-eater，andhadputherownchildtodeath。
Sheheardallthisandcouldsaynothingtothecontrary，butthekingwouldnotbelieveit，forhelovedhersomuch。Whenayearhadgonebythequeenagainboreason，andinthenightthevirginmaryagaincametoher，andsaid\'ifyouwillconfessthatyouopenedtheforbiddendoor，Iwillgiveyouyourchildbackanduntieyourtonguebutifyoucontinueinsinanddenyit，Iwilltakeawaywithmethisnewchildalso。\'Thenthequeenagainsaid\'no，Ididnotopentheforbiddendoor。\'Andthevirgintookthechildoutofherarms，andawaywithhertoheaven。Nextmorning，whenthischildalsohaddisappeared，thepeopledeclaredquiteloudlythatthequeenhaddevouredit，andtheking\'scouncillorsdemandedthatsheshouldbebroughttojustice。Thekinghowever，lovedhersodearlythathewouldnotbelieveit，andcommandedthecouncillorsunderpainofdeathnottosayanymoreaboutit。Thefollowingyearthequeengavebirthtoabeautifullittledaughter，andforthethirdtimethevirginmaryappearedtoherinthenightandsaid\'followme。\'Shetookthequeenbythehandandledhertoheaven，andshowedhertherehertwoeldestchildren，whosmiledather，andwereplayingwiththeballoftheworld。Whenthequeenrejoicedthereat，thevirginmarysaid\'isyourheartnotyetsoftened。Ifyouwillownthatyouopenedtheforbiddendoor，Iwillgiveyoubackyourtwolittlesons。\'Butforthethirdtimethequeenanswered\'no，Ididnotopentheforbiddendoor。\'Thenthevirginlethersinkdowntoearthoncemore，andtookfromherlikewiseherthirdchild。
Nextmorning，whenthelosswasreportedabroad，allthepeoplecriedloudly\'thequeenisaman-eater。Shemustbejudged，andthekingwasnolongerabletorestrainhiscouncillors。Thereuponatrialwasheld，andasshecouldnotanswer，anddefendherself，shewascondemnedtobeburntatthestake。Thewoodwasgottogether，andwhenshewasfastboundtothestake，andthefirebegantoburnroundabouther，thehardiceofpridemelted，herheartwasmovedbyrepentance，andshethought\'ifIcouldbutconfessbeforemydeaththatIopenedthedoor。\'Thenhervoicecamebacktoher，andshecriedoutloudly\'yes，mary，Ididit，andstraight-wayrainfellfromtheskyandextinguishedtheflamesoffire，andalightbrokeforthaboveher，andthevirginmarydescendedwiththetwolittlesonsbyherside，andthenew-borndaughterinherarms。Shespokekindlytoher，andsaid\'hewhorepentshissinandacknowledgesit，isforgiven。\'Thenshegaveherthethreechildren，untiedhertongue，andgrantedherhappinessforherwholelife。
Acertainfatherhadtwosons，theelderofwhomwassmartandsensible，andcoulddoeverything，buttheyoungerwasstupidandcouldneitherlearnnorunderstandanything，andwhenpeoplesawhimtheysaid\'there\'safellowwhowillgivehisfathersometrouble。\'
Whenanythinghadtobedone，itwasalwaystheelderwhowasforcedtodoit，butifhisfatherbadehimfetchanythingwhenitwaslate，orinthenight-time，andthewayledthroughthechurchyard，oranyotherdismalplace，heanswered\'oh，no，father，I\'llnotgothere，itmakesmeshudder。\'Forhewasafraid。Orwhenstoriesweretoldbythefireatnightwhichmadethefleshcreep，thelistenerssometimessaid\'oh，itmakesusshudder。\'Theyoungersatinacornerandlistenedwiththerestofthem，andcouldnotimaginewhattheycouldmean。\'Theyarealwayssaying\'itmakesmeshudder，itmakesmeshudder，itdoesnotmakemeshudder。\'Thoughthe。\'That，too，mustbeanartofwhichIunderstandnothing。\'
Nowitcametopassthathisfathersaidtohimoneday\'hearkentome，youfellowinthecornerthere，youaregrowingtallandstrong，andyoutoomustlearnsomethingbywhichyoucanearnyourbread。
Lookhowyourbrotherworks，butyoudonotevenearnyoursalt。\'
\'Well，father，hereplied，\'Iamquitewillingtolearnsomething-
indeed，ifitcouldbutbemanaged，Ishouldliketolearnhowtoshudder。Idon\'tunderstandthatatallyet。\'Theelderbrothersmiledwhenheheardthat，andthoughttohimself\'goodGod，whatablockheadthatbrotherofmineis。Hewillneverbegoodforanythingaslongashelives。Hewhowantstobeasicklemustbendhimselfbetimes。\'Thefathersighed，andansweredhim\'youshallsoonlearnwhatitistoshudder，butyouwillnotearnyourbreadbythat。\'Soonafterthisthesextoncametothehouseonavisit，andthefatherbewailedhistrouble，andtoldhimhowhisyoungersonwassobackwardineveryrespectthatheknewnothingandlearntnothing。
\'Justthink，saidhe，\'whenIaskedhimhowhewasgoingtoearnhisbread，heactuallywantedtolearntoshudder。\'\'Ifthatbeall，repliedthesexton，\'hecanlearnthatwithme。Sendhimtome，andIwillsoonpolishhim。\'Thefatherwasgladtodoit，forhethought\'itwilltraintheboyalittle。\'Thesextonthereforetookhimintohishouse，andhehadtoringthechurchbell。Afteradayortwo，thesextonawokehimatmidnight，andbadehimariseandgoupintothechurchtowerandringthebell。\'Youshallsoonlearnwhatshudderingis，thoughthe，andsecretlywenttherebeforehim，andwhentheboywasatthetopofthetowerandturnedround，andwasjustgoingtotakeholdofthebellrope，hesawawhitefigurestandingonthestairsoppositethesoundinghole。\'Whoisthere。\'
Criedhe，butthefiguremadenoreply，anddidnotmoveorstir。
\'Giveananswer，criedtheboy，\'ortakeyourselfoff，youhavenobusinesshereatnight。\'
Thesexton，however，remainedstandingmotionlessthattheboymightthinkhewasaghost。Theboycriedasecondtime\'whatdoyouwanthere-Speakifyouareanhonestfellow，orIwillthrowyoudownthesteps。\'Thesextonthought\'hecan\'tmeantobeasbadashiswords，utterednosoundandstoodasifheweremadeofstone。Thentheboycalledtohimforthethirdtime，andasthatwasalsotonopurpose，heranagainsthimandpushedtheghostdownthestairs，sothatitfelldowntenstepsandremainedlyingthereinacorner。
Thereuponherangthebell，wenthome，andwithoutsayingawordwenttobed，andfellasleep。Thesexton\'swifewaitedalongtimeforherhusband，buthedidnotcomeback。Atlengthshebecameuneasy，andwakenedtheboy，andasked\'doyounotknowwheremyhusbandis。
Heclimbedupthetowerbeforeyoudid。\'\'No，Idon\'tknow，repliedtheboy，\'butsomeonewasstandingbythesoundingholeontheothersideofthesteps，andashewouldneithergiveananswernorgoaway，Itookhimforascoundrel，andthrewhimdownstairs。Justgothereandyouwillseeifitwashe。Ishouldbesorryifitwere。\'
Thewomanranawayandfoundherhusband，whowaslyingmoaninginthecorner，andhadbrokenhisleg。
Shecarriedhimdown，andthenwithloudscreamsshehastenedtotheboy\'sfather。\'Yourboy，criedshe，\'hasbeenthecauseofagreatmisfortune。Hehasthrownmyhusbanddownthestepssothathebrokehisleg。Takethegood-for-nothingfellowoutofourhouse。\'Thefatherwasterrified，andranthitherandscoldedtheboy。\'Whatwickedtricksarethese。\'Saidhe，\'thedevilmusthaveputthemintoyourhead。\'\'Father，hereplied，\'dolistentome。Iamquiteinnocent。Hewasstandingtherebynightlikeoneintentondoingevil。Ididnotknowwhoitwas，andIentreatedhimthreetimeseithertospeakortogoaway。\'\'Ah，saidthefather，\'Ihavenothingbutunhappinesswithyou。Gooutofmysight。Iwillseeyounomore。\'
\'Yes，father，rightwillingly，waitonlyuntilitisday。ThenwillIgoforthandlearnhowtoshudder，andthenIshall，atanyrate，understandoneartwhichwillsupportme。\'\'Learnwhatyouwill，spokethefather，\'itisallthesametome。Herearefiftytalersforyou。Taketheseandgointothewideworld，andtellnoonefromwhenceyoucome，andwhoisyourfather，forIhavereasontobeashamedofyou。\'\'Yes，father，itshallbeasyouwill。Ifyoudesirenothingmorethanthat，Icaneasilykeepitinmind。\'
Whendaydawned，therefore，theboyputhisfiftytalersintohispocket，andwentforthonthegreathighway，andcontinuallysaidtohimself\'ifIcouldbutshudder。IfIcouldbutshudder。\'Thenamanapproachedwhoheardthisconversationwhichtheyouthwasholdingwithhimself，andwhentheyhadwalkedalittlefarthertowheretheycouldseethegallows，themansaidtohim\'look，thereisthetreewheresevenmenhavemarriedtheropemaker\'sdaughter，andarenowlearninghowtofly。Sitdownbeneathit，andwaittillnightcomes，andyouwillsoonlearnhowtoshudder。\'\'Ifthatisallthatiswanted，answeredtheyouth，\'itiseasilydone，butifIlearnhowtoshudderasfastasthat，youshallhavemyfiftytalers。Justcomebacktomeearlyinthemorning。\'Thentheyouthwenttothegallows，satdownbeneathit，andwaitedtilleveningcame。Andashewascold，helightedhimselfafire，butatmidnightthewindblewsosharplythatinspiteofhisfire，hecouldnotgetwarm。Andasthewindknockedthehangedmenagainsteachother，andtheymovedbackwardsandforwards，hethoughttohimself\'ifyoushiverbelowbythefire，howthoseupabovemustfreezeandsuffer。\'Andashefeltpityforthem，heraisedtheladder，andclimbedup，unboundoneofthemaftertheother，andbroughtdownallseven。Thenhestokedthefire，blewit，andsetthemallroundittowarmthemselves。Buttheysatthereanddidnotstir，andthefirecaughttheirclothes。
Sohesaid\'takecare，orIwillhangyouupagain。\'Thedeadmen，however，didnothear，butwerequitesilent，andlettheirragsgoonburning。Atthishegrewangry，andsaid\'ifyouwillnottakecare，Icannothelpyou，Iwillnotbeburntwithyou，andhehungthemupagaineachinhisturn。Thenhesatdownbyhisfireandfellasleep，andthenextmorningthemancametohimandwantedtohavethefiftytalers，andsaid\'well，doyouknowhowtoshudder。\'\'No，answeredhe，\'howshouldIknow。Thosefellowsuptheredidnotopentheirmouths，andweresostupidthattheyletthefewoldragswhichtheyhadontheirbodiesgetburnt。\'Thenthemansawthathewouldnotgetthefiftytalersthatday，andwentawaysaying\'suchayouthhasnevercomemywaybefore。\'Theyouthlikewisewenthisway，andoncemorebegantomuttertohimself\'ah，ifIcouldbutshudder。
Ah，ifIcouldbutshudder。\'Awaggonerwhowasstridingbehindhimheardthisandasked\'whoareyou。\'\'Idon\'tknow，answeredtheyouth。Thenthewaggonerasked\'fromwhencedoyoucome。\'\'Iknownot。\'\'Whoisyourfather。\'\'ThatImaynottellyou。\'\'Whatisitthatyouarealwaysmutteringbetweenyourteeth。\'\'Ah，repliedtheyouth，\'IdosowishIcouldshudder，butnoonecanteachmehow。\'
\'Enoughofyourfoolishchatter，saidthewaggoner。\'Come，gowithme，Iwillseeaboutaplaceforyou。\'Theyouthwentwiththewaggoner，andintheeveningtheyarrivedataninnwheretheywishedtopassthenight。Thenattheentranceoftheparlortheyouthagainsaidquiteloudly\'ifIcouldbutshudder。IfIcouldbutshudder。\'Thehostwhoheardthis，laughedandsaid\'ifthatisyourdesire，thereoughttobeagoodopportunityforyouhere。\'\'Ah，besilent，saidthehostess，\'somanypryingpersonshavealreadylosttheirlives，itwouldbeapityandashameifsuchbeautifuleyesastheseshouldneverseethedaylightagain。\'Buttheyouthsaid\'howeverdifficultitmaybe，Iwilllearnit。ForthispurposeindeedhaveIjourneyedforth。\'Heletthehosthavenorest，untilthelattertoldhim，thatnotfarfromthencestoodahauntedcastlewhereanyonecouldveryeasilylearnwhatshudderingwas，ifhewouldbutwatchinitforthreenights。Thekinghadpromisedthathewhowouldventureshouldhavehisdaughtertowife，andshewasthemostbeautifulmaidenthesunshoneon。Likewiseinthecastlelaygreattreasures，whichwereguardedbyevilspirits，andthesetreasureswouldthenbefreed，andwouldmakeapoormanrichenough。
Alreadymanymenhadgoneintothecastle，butasyetnonehadcomeoutagain。Thentheyouthwentnextmorningtothekingandsaid\'ifitbeallowed，Iwillwillinglywatchthreenightsinthehauntedcastle。\'Thekinglookedathim，andastheyouthpleasedhim，hesaid\'youmayaskforthreethingstotakeintothecastlewithyou，buttheymustbethingswithoutlife。\'Thenheanswered\'thenIaskforafire，aturninglathe，andacutting-boardwiththeknife。\'Thekinghadthesethingscarriedintothecastleforhimduringtheday。
Whennightwasdrawingnear，theyouthwentupandmadehimselfabrightfireinoneoftherooms，placedthecutting-boardandknifebesideit，andseatedhimselfbytheturning-lathe。\'Ah，ifIcouldbutshudder。\'Saidhe，\'butIshallnotlearnithereeither。\'
Towardsmidnighthewasabouttopokehisfire，andashewasblowingit，somethingcriedsuddenlyfromonecorner\'au，miau。Howcoldweare。\'\'Youfools。\'Criedhe，\'whatareyoucryingabout。Ifyouarecold，comeandtakeaseatbythefireandwarmyourselves。\'Andwhenhehadsaidthat，twogreatblackcatscamewithonetremendousleapandsatdownoneachsideofhim，andlookedsavagelyathimwiththeirfieryeyes。Afterashorttime，whentheyhadwarmedthemselves，theysaid\'comrade，shallwehaveagameofcards。\'\'Whynot。\'Hereplied，\'butjustshowmeyourpaws。\'Thentheystretchedouttheirclaws。\'Oh，saidhe，\'whatlongnailsyouhave。Wait，I
mustfirstcutthemforyou。\'Thereuponheseizedthembythethroats，putthemonthecutting-boardandscrewedtheirfeetfast。
\'Ihavelookedatyourfingers，saidhe，\'andmyfancyforcard-playinghasgone，andhestruckthemdeadandthrewthemoutintothewater。Butwhenhehadmadeawaywiththesetwo，andwasabouttositdownagainbyhisfire，outfromeveryholeandcornercameblackcatsandblackdogswithred-hotchains，andmoreandmoreofthemcameuntilhecouldnolongermove，andtheyyelledhorribly，andgotonhisfire，pulledittopieces，andtriedtoputitout。
Hewatchedthemforawhilequietly，butatlastwhentheyweregoingtoofar，heseizedhiscutting-knife，andcried\'awaywithyou，vermin，andbegantocutthemdown。Someofthemranaway，theothershekilled，andthrewoutintothefish-pond。Whenhecamebackhefannedtheembersofhisfireagainandwarmedhimself。Andashethussat，hiseyeswouldkeepopennolonger，andhefeltadesiretosleep。Thenhelookedroundandsawagreatbedinthecorner。
\'Thatistheverythingforme，saidhe，andgotintoit。Whenhewasjustgoingtoshuthiseyes，however，thebedbegantomoveofitsownaccord，andwentoverthewholeofthecastle。\'That\'sright，saidhe，\'butgofaster。\'Thenthebedrolledonasifsixhorseswereharnessedtoit，upanddown，overthresholdsandstairs，butsuddenlyhop，hop，itturnedoverupsidedown，andlayonhimlikeamountain。Buthethrewquiltsandpillowsupintheair，gotoutandsaid\'nowanyonewholikes，maydrive，andlaydownbyhisfire，andslepttillitwasday。Inthemorningthekingcame，andwhenhesawhimlyingthereontheground，hethoughttheevilspiritshadkilledhimandhewasdead。Thensaidhe\'afterallitisapity，——forsohandsomeaman。\'Theyouthheardit，gotup，andsaid\'ithasnotcometothatyet。\'Thenthekingwasastonished，butveryglad，andaskedhowhehadfared。\'Verywellindeed，answeredhe，\'onenightispast，thetwootherswillpasslikewise。\'Thenhewenttotheinnkeeper，whoopenedhiseyesverywide，andsaid\'Ineverexpectedtoseeyoualiveagain。Haveyoulearnthowtoshudderyet。\'\'No，saidhe，\'itisallinvain。Ifsomeonewouldbuttellme。\'Thesecondnightheagainwentupintotheoldcastle，satdownbythefire，andoncemorebeganhisoldsong\'ifIcouldbutshudder。\'Whenmidnightcame，anuproarandnoiseoftumblingaboutwasheard，atfirstitwaslow，butitgrewlouderandlouder。Thenitwasquietforawhile，andatlengthwithaloudscream，halfamancamedownthechimneyandfellbeforehim。\'Hullo。\'Criedhe，\'anotherhalfbelongstothis。Thisisnotenough。\'Thentheuproarbeganagain，therewasaroaringandhowling，andtheotherhalffelldownlikewise。\'Wait，saidhe，\'Iwilljuststokeupthefirealittleforyou。\'Whenhehaddonethatandlookedroundagain，thetwopieceswerejoinedtogether，andahideousmanwassittinginhisplace。\'Thatisnopartofourbargain，saidtheyouth，\'thebenchismine。\'Themanwantedtopushhimaway，theyouth，however，wouldnotallowthat，butthrusthimoffwithallhisstrength，andseatedhimselfagaininhisownplace。Thenstillmoremenfelldown，oneaftertheother，theybroughtninedeadmen\'slegsandtwoskulls，andsetthemupandplayedatnine-pinswiththem。Theyouthalsowantedtoplayandsaid\'listenyou，canIjoinyou。\'\'Yes，ifyouhaveanymoney。\'Moneyenough，repliedhe，\'butyourballsarenotquiteround。\'Thenhetooktheskullsandputtheminthelatheandturnedthemtilltheywereround。\'There，nowtheywillrollbetter。\'Saidhe。\'Hurrah。Nowwe\'llhavefun。\'Heplayedwiththemandlostsomeofhismoney，butwhenitstrucktwelve，everythingvanishedfromhissight。Helaydownandquietlyfellasleep。Nextmorningthekingcametoinquireafterhim。\'Howhasitfaredwithyouthistime。\'Askedhe。\'Ihavebeenplayingatnine-pins，heanswered，\'andhavelostacoupleoffarthings。\'\'Haveyounotshudderedthen。\'\'What。\'Saidhe，\'Ihavehadawonderfultime。IfIdidbutknowwhatitwastoshudder。\'Thethirdnighthesatdownagainonhisbenchandsaidquitesadly\'ifIcouldbutshudder。\'
Whenitgrewlate，sixtallmencameinandbroughtacoffin。Thensaidhe\'ha，ha，thatiscertainlymylittlecousin，whodiedonlyafewdaysago，andhebeckonedwithhisfinger，andcried\'come，littlecousin，come。\'Theyplacedthecoffinontheground，buthewenttoitandtookthelidoff，andadeadmanlaytherein。Hefelthisface，butitwascoldasice。\'Wait，saidhe，\'Iwillwarmyoualittle，andwenttothefireandwarmedhishandandlaiditonthedeadman\'sface，butheremainedcold。Thenhetookhimout，andsatdownbythefireandlaidhimonhisbreastandrubbedhisarmsthatthebloodmightcirculateagain。Asthisalsodidnogood，hethoughttohimself\'whentwopeoplelieinbedtogether，theywarmeachother，andcarriedhimtothebed，coveredhimoverandlaydownbyhim。Afterashorttimethedeadmanbecamewarmtoo，andbegantomove。Thensaidtheyouth，\'see，littlecousin，haveInotwarmedyou。\'Thedeadman，however，gotupandcried\'nowwillIstrangleyou。\'\'What。\'Saidhe，\'isthatthewayyouthankme。Youshallatoncegointoyourcoffinagain，andhetookhimup，threwhimintoit，andshutthelid。Thencamethesixmenandcarriedhimawayagain。\'Icannotmanagetoshudder，saidhe。\'IshallneverlearnithereaslongasIlive。\'Thenamanenteredwhowastallerthanallothers，andlookedterrible。Hewasold，however，andhadalongwhitebeard。\'Youwretch，criedhe，\'youshallsoonlearnwhatitistoshudder，foryoushalldie。\'\'Notsofast，repliedtheyouth。
\'IfIamtodie，Ishallhavetohaveasayinit。\'\'Iwillsoonseizeyou，saidthefiend。\'Softly，softly，donottalksobig。I
amasstrongasyouare，andperhapsevenstronger。\'\'Weshallsee，saidtheoldman。\'Ifyouarestronger，Iwillletyougo-come，wewilltry。\'Thenheledhimbydarkpassagestoasmith\'sforge，tookanaxe，andwithoneblowstruckananvilintotheground。\'Icandobetterthanthat，saidtheyouth，andwenttotheotheranvil。Theoldmanplacedhimselfnearandwantedtolookon，andhiswhitebeardhungdown。Thentheyouthseizedtheaxe，splittheanvilwithoneblow，andinitcaughttheoldman\'sbeard。\'NowIhaveyou，saidtheyouth。\'Nowitisyourturntodie。\'Thenheseizedanironbarandbeattheoldmantillhemoanedandentreatedhimtostop，whenhewouldgivehimgreatriches。Theyouthdrewouttheaxeandlethimgo。Theoldmanledhimbackintothecastle，andinacellarshowedhimthreechestsfullofgold。\'Ofthese，saidhe，\'onepartisforthepoor，theotherfortheking，thethirdyours。\'
Inthemeantimeitstrucktwelve，andthespiritdisappeared，sothattheyouthstoodindarkness。\'Ishallstillbeabletofindmywayout，saidheandfeltabout，foundthewayintotheroom，andslepttherebyhisfire。Nextmorningthekingcameandsaid\'nowyoumusthavelearntwhatshudderingis。\'\'No，heanswered\'whatcanitbe。
Mydeadcousinwashere，andabeardedmancameandshowedmeagreatdealofmoneydownbelow，butnoonetoldmewhatitwastoshudder。\'
\'Then，saidtheking，\'youhavesavedthecastle，andshallmarrymydaughter。\'\'Thatisallverywell，saidhe，\'butstillIdonotknowwhatitistoshudder。\'Thenthegoldwasbroughtupandtheweddingcelebrated，buthowsoevermuchtheyoungkinglovedhiswife，andhoweverhappyhewas，hestillsaidalways\'ifIcouldbutshudder-
ifIcouldbutshudder。\'Andthisatlastangeredher。Herwaiting-maidsaid\'Iwillfindacureforhim，heshallsoonlearnwhatitistoshudder。Shewentouttothestreamwhichflowedthroughthegarden，andhadawholebucketfulofgudgeonsbroughttoher。
Atnightwhentheyoungkingwassleeping，hiswifewastodrawtheclothesoffhimandemptythebucketfulofcoldwaterwiththegudgeonsinitoverhim，sothatthelittlefisheswouldsprawlabouthim。Thenhewokeupandcried\'oh，whatmakesmeshudderso-Whatmakesmeshudderso，dearwife。Ah。NowIknowwhatitistoshudder。\'
Therewasonceuponatimeanoldgoatwhohadsevenlittlekids，andlovedthemwithalltheloveofamotherforherchildren。Onedayshewantedtogointotheforestandfetchsomefood。Soshecalledallseventoherandsaid，dearchildren，Ihavetogointotheforest，beonyourguardagainstthewolf，ifhecomesin，hewilldevouryouall-skin，hair，andeverything。Thewretchoftendisguiseshimself，butyouwillknowhimatoncebyhisroughvoiceandhisblackfeet。Thekidssaid，dearmother，wewilltakegoodcareofourselves，youmaygoawaywithoutanyanxiety。Thentheoldonebleated，andwentonherwaywithaneasymind。
Itwasnotlongbeforesomeoneknockedatthehouse-doorandcalled，openthedoor，dearchildren，yourmotherishere，andhasbroughtsomethingbackwithherforeachofyou。Butthelittlekidsknewthatitwasthewolf，bytheroughvoice。Wewillnotopenthedoor，criedthey，youarenotourmother。Shehasasoft，pleasantvoice，butyourvoiceisrough，youarethewolf。Thenthewolfwentawaytoashopkeeperandboughthimselfagreatlumpofchalk，atethisandmadehisvoicesoftwithit。Thehecameback，knockedatthedoorofthehouse，andcalled，openthedoor，dearchildren，yourmotherishereandhasbroughtsomethingbackwithherforeachofyou。Butthewolfhadlaidhisblackpawsagainstthewindow，andthechildrensawthemandcried，wewillnotopenthedoor，ourmotherhasnotblackfeetlikeyou，youarethewolf。Thenthewolfrantoabakerandsaid，Ihavehurtmyfeet，rubsomedoughoverthemforme。Andwhenthebakerhadrubbedhisfeetover，herantothemillerandsaid，strewsomewhitemealovermyfeetforme。Themillerthoughttohimself，thewolfwantstodeceivesomeone，andrefused，butthewolfsaid，ifyouwillnotdoit，Iwilldevouryou。
Thenthemillerwasafraid，andmadehispawswhiteforhim。Truly，thisthewayofmankind。
Sonowthewretchwentforthethirdtimetothehouse-door，knockedatitandsaid，openthedoorforme，children，yourdearlittlemotherhascomehome，andhasbroughteveryoneofyousomethingbackfromtheforestwithher。Thelittlekidscried，firstshowusyourpawsthatwemayknowifyouareourdearlittlemother。Thenheputhispawsinthroughthewindow，andwhenthekidssawthattheywerewhite，theybelievedthatallhesaidwastrue，andopenedthedoor。
Butwhoshouldcomeinbutthewolftheywereterrifiedandwantedtohidethemselves。Onesprangunderthetable，thesecondintothebed，thethirdintothestove，thefourthintothekitchen，thefifthintothecupboard，thesixthunderthewashing-bowl，andtheseventhintotheclock-case。Butthewolffoundthemall，andusednogreatceremony，oneaftertheotherheswallowedthemdownhisthroat。Theyoungest，whowasintheclock-case，wastheonlyonehedidnotfind。Whenthewolfhadsatisfiedhisappetitehetookhimselfoff，laidhimselfdownunderatreeinthegreenmeadowoutside，andbegantosleep。Soonafterwardstheoldgoatcamehomeagainfromtheforest。Ah。Whatasightshesawthere。Thehouse-doorstoodwideopen。Thetable，chairs，andbencheswerethrowndown，thewashing-bowllaybrokentopieces，andthequiltsandpillowswerepulledoffthebed。Shesoughtherchildren，buttheywerenowheretobefound。Shecalledthemoneafteranotherbyname，butnooneanswered。Atlast，whenshecaametotheyoungest，asoftvoicecried，dearmother，Iamintheclock-case。Shetookthekidout，andittoldherthatthewolfhadcomeandhadeatenalltheothers。
Thenyoumayimaginehowsheweptoverherpoorchildren。
Atlengthinhergriefshewentout，andtheyoungestkidranwithher。Whentheycametothemeadow，therelaythewolfbythetreeandsnoredsoloudthatthebranchesshook。Shelookedathimoneverysideandsawthatsomethingwasmovingandstrugglinginhisgorgedbelly。Ah，heavens，shesaid，isitpossiblethatmypoorchildrenwhomhehasswalloweddownforhissupper，canbestillalive。Thenthekidhadtorunhomeandfetchscissors，andaneedleandthreadandthegoatcutopenthemonster\'sstomach，andhardlyhadshemakeonecut，thanonelittlekidthrustitsheadout，andwhenshecutfarther，allsixsprangoutoneafteranother，andwereallstillalive，andhadsufferednoinjurywhatever，forinhisgreedinessthemonsterhadswallowedthemdownwhole。Whatrejoicingtherewas。Theyembracedtheirdearmother，andjumpedlikeasailorathiswedding。Themother，however，said，nowgoandlookforsomebigstones，andwewillfillthewickedbeast\'sstomachwiththemwhileheisstillasleep。Thenthesevenkidsdraggedthestonesthitherwithallspeed，andputasmanyofthemintohisstomachastheycouldgetin，andthemothersewedhimupagaininthegreatesthaste，sothathewasnotawareofanythingandneveroncestirred。
Whenthewolfatlengthhadhadhisfillofsleep，hegotonhislegs，andasthestonesinhisstomachmadehimverythirsty，hewantedtogotoawelltodrink。Butwhenhebegantowalkandmoveabout，thestonesinhisstomachknockedagainsteachotherandrattled。Thencriedhe，whatrumblesandtumblesagainstmypoorbones。Ithought\'twassixkids，butitfeelslikebigstones。Andwhenhegottothewellandstoopedoverthewatertodrink，theheavystonesmadehimfallin，andhehadtodrownmiserably。Whenthesevenkidssawthat，theycamerunningtothespotandcriedaloud，thewolfisdead。Thewolfisdead，anddancedforjoyroundaboutthewellwiththeirmother。
Therewasonceuponatimeanoldkingwhowasillandthoughttohimself\'Iamlyingonwhatmustbemydeathbed。\'Thensaidhe\'tellfaithfulJohntocometome。\'FaithfulJohnwashisfavoriteservant，andwassocalled，becausehehadforhiswholelifelongbeensotruetohim。Whenthereforehecamebesidethebed，thekingsaidtohim\'mostfaithfulJohn，Ifeelmyendapproaching，andhavenoanxietyexceptaboutmyson。Heisstilloftenderage，andcannotalwaysknowhowtoguidehimself。Ifyoudonotpromisemetoteachhimeverythingthatheoughttoknow，andtobehisfoster-father，I
cannotclosemyeyesinpeace。\'ThenansweredfaithfulJohn\'Iwillnotforsakehim，andwillservehimwithfidelity，evenifitshouldcostmemylife。\'Atthis，theoldkingsaid\'nowIdieincomfortandpeace。\'Thenheadded\'aftermydeath，youshallshowhimthewholecastle-allthechambers，halls，andvaults，andallthetreasureswhichlietherein，butthelastchamberinthelonggallery，inwhichisthepictureoftheprincessofthegoldendwelling，shallyounotshow。Ifheseesthatpicture，hewillfallviolentlyinlovewithher，andwilldropdowninaswoon，andgothroughgreatdangerforhersake，thereforeyoumustprotecthimfromthat。\'AndwhenfaithfulJohnhadoncemoregivenhispromisetotheoldkingaboutthis，thekingsaidnomore，butlaidhisheadonhispillow，anddied。
Whentheoldkinghadbeencarriedtohisgrave，faithfulJohntoldtheyoungkingallthathehadpromisedhisfatheronhisdeathbed，andsaid\'thiswillIassuredlykeep，andwillbefaithfultoyouasIhavebeenfaithfultohim，evenifitshouldcostmemylife。\'Whenthemourningwasover，faithfulJohnsaidtohim\'itisnowtimethatyoushouldseeyourinheritance。Iwillshowyouyourfather\'spalace。\'Thenhetookhimabouteverywhere，upanddown，andlethimseealltheriches，andthemagnificentapartments，onlytherewasoneroomwhichhedidnotopen，thatinwhichhungthedangerouspicture。Thepicture，however，wassoplacedthatwhenthedoorwasopenedyoulookedstraightonit，anditwassoadmirablypaintedthatitseemedtobreatheandlive，andtherewasnothingmorecharmingormorebeautifulinthewholeworld。Theyoungkingnoticed，however，thatfaithfulJohnalwayswalkedpastthisonedoor，andsaid\'whydoyouneveropenthisoneforme。\'\'Thereissomethingwithinit，hereplied，\'whichwouldterrifyyou。\'Butthekinganswered\'Ihaveseenallthepalace，andIwanttoknowwhatisinthisroomalso，andhewentandtriedtobreakopenthedoorbyforce。ThenfaithfulJohnheldhimbackandsaid\'Ipromisedyourfatherbeforehisdeaththatyoushouldnotseethatwhichisinthischamber，itmightbringthegreatestmisfortuneonyouandonme。\'
\'Ah，no，repliedtheyoungking，\'ifIdonotgoin，itwillbemycertaindestruction。IshouldhavenorestdayornightuntilIhadseenitwithmyowneyes。Ishallnotleavetheplacenowuntilyouhaveunlockedthedoor。\'
ThenfaithfulJohnsawthattherewasnohelpforitnow，andwithaheavyheartandmanysighs，soughtoutthekeyfromthegreatbunch。
Whenheopenedthedoor，hewentinfirst，andthoughtbystandingbeforehimhecouldhidetheportraitsothatthekingshouldnotseeitinfrontofhim。Butwhatgoodwasthis。Thekingstoodontip-toeandsawitoverhisshoulder。Andwhenhesawtheportraitofthemaiden，whichwassomagnificentandshonewithgoldandpreciousstones，hefellfaintingtotheground。FaithfulJohntookhimup，carriedhimtohisbed，andsorrowfullythought\'themisfortunehasbefallenus，LordGod，whatwillbetheendofit。\'
Thenhestrengthenedhimwithwine，untilhecametohimselfagain。
Thefirstwordsthekingsaidwere\'ah，thebeautifulportrait。
Whoseitit。\'\'Thatistheprincessofthegoldendwelling，answeredfaithfulJohn。Thenthekingcontinued\'myloveforherissogreat，thatifalltheleavesonallthetreesweretongues，theycouldnotdeclareit。Iwillgivemylifetowinher。YouaremymostfaithfulJohn，youmusthelpme。
Thefaithfulservantconsideredwithinhimselfforalongtimehowtosetaboutthematter，foritwasdifficulteventoobtainasightoftheking\'sdaughter。Atlengthhethoughtofaway，andsaidtotheking\'everythingwhichshehasaboutherisofgold-tables，chairs，dishes，glasses，bowls，andhouseholdfurniture。Amongyourtreasuresarefivetonsofgold，letoneofthegoldsmithsofthekingdomfashiontheseintoallmannerofvesselsandutensils，intoallkindsofbirds，wildbeastsandstrangeanimals，suchasmaypleaseher，andwewillgotherewiththemandtryourluck。\'
Thekingorderedallthegoldsmithstobebroughttohim，andtheyhadtoworknightanddayuntilatlastthemostsplendidthingswereprepared。Wheneverythingwasstowedonboardaship，faithfulJohnputonthedressofamerchant，andthekingwasforcedtodothesameinordertomakehimselfquiteunrecognizable。Thentheysailedacrossthesea，andsailedonuntiltheycametothetownwhereindwelttheprincessofthegoldendwelling。
FaithfulJohnbadethekingstaybehindontheship，andwaitforhim。\'PerhapsIshallbringtheprincesswithme，saidhe，\'thereforeseethateverythingisinorder，havethegoldenvesselssetoutandthewholeshipdecorated。\'Thenhegatheredtogetherinhisapronallkindsofgoldenthings，wentonshoreandwalkedstraighttotheroyalpalace。Whenheenteredthecourtyardofthepalace，abeautifulgirlwasstandingtherebythewellwithtwogoldenbucketsinherhand，drawingwaterwiththem。Andwhenshewasjustturningroundtocarryawaythesparklingwatershesawthestranger，andaskedwhohewas。Soheanswered\'Iamamerchant，andopenedhisapron，andletherlookin。Thenshecried\'oh，whatbeautifulgoldenthings。\'Andputherpailsdownandlookedatthegoldenwaresoneaftertheother。Thensaidthegirl\'theprincessmustseethese，shehassuchgreatpleasureingoldenthings，thatshewillbuyallyouhave。\'Shetookhimbythehandandledhimupstairs，forshewasthewaiting-maid。Whentheking\'sdaughtersawthewares，shewasquitedelightedandsaid\'theyaresobeautifullyworked，thatIwillbuythemallfromyou。\'ButfaithfulJohnsaid\'I
amonlytheservantofarichmerchant。ThethingsIhaveherearenottobecomparedwiththosemymasterhasinhisship。Theyarethemostbeautifulandvaluablethingsthathaveeverbeenmadeingold。\'Whenshewantedtohaveeverythingbroughtuptoher，hesaid\'therearesomanyofthemthatitwouldtakeagreatmanydaystodothat，andsomanyroomswouldberequiredtoexhibitthem，thatyourhouseisnotbigenough。\'Thenhercuriosityandlongingwerestillmoreexcited，untilatlastshesaid\'conductmetotheship，Iwillgotheremyself，andbeholdthetreasuresofyourmaster。\'AtthisfaithfulJohnwasquitedelighted，andledhertotheship，andwhenthekingsawher，heperceivedthatherbeautywasevengreaterthanthepicturehadrepresentedittobe，andthoughtnootherthanthathisheartwouldburstintwain。Thensheboardedtheship，andthekingledherwithin。FaithfulJohn，however，remainedwiththehelmsman，andorderedtheshiptobepushedoff，saying\'setallsail，tillitflylikeabirdintheair。\'Within，thekingshowedherthegoldenvessels，everyoneofthem，alsothewildbeastsandstrangeanimals。Manyhourswentbywhilstshewasseeingeverything，andinherdelightshedidnotobservethattheshipwassailingaway。Aftershehadlookedatthelast，shethankedthemerchantandwantedtogohome，butwhenshecametothesideoftheship，shesawthatitwasonthehighseasfarfromland，andhurryingonwardswithallsailset。\'Ah，criedsheinheralarm，\'I
ambetrayed。Iamcarriedawayandhavefallenintothepowerofamerchant-Iwouldratherdie。\'Theking，however，seizedherhand，andsaid\'Iamnotamerchant。Iamaking，andofnomeaneroriginthanyouare，andifIhavecarriedyouawaywithsubtlety，thathascometopassbecauseofmyexceedinggreatloveforyou。ThefirsttimethatIlookedonyourportrait，Ifellfaintingtotheground。\'
Whentheprincessofthegoldendwellingheardthis，shewascomforted，andherheartwasdrawntohim，sothatshewillinglyconsentedtobehiswife。Itsohappened，whiletheyweresailingonwardsoverthedeepsea，thatfaithfulJohn，whowassittingontheforepartofthevessel，makingmusic，sawthreeravensintheair，whichcameflyingtowardsthem。Atthishestoppedplayingandlistenedtowhattheyweresayingtoeachother，forthathewellunderstood。Onecried\'oh，thereheiscarryinghometheprincessofthegoldendwelling。\'\'Yes，repliedthesecond，\'buthehasnotgotheryet。\'Saidthethird\'buthehasgother，sheissittingbesidehimintheship。\'Thenthefirstbeganagain，andcried\'whatgoodwillthatdohim。Whentheyreachlandachestnuthorsewillleapforwardtomeethim，andtheprincewillwanttomountit，butifhedoesthat，itwillrunawaywithhim，andriseupintotheair，andhewillneverseehismaidenmore。\'Spokethesecond\'butistherenoescape。\'\'Oh，yes，ifsomeoneelsemountsitswiftly，andtakesoutthepistolwhichhewillfindinitsholster，andshootsthehorsedead，theyoungkingissaved。Butwhoknowsthat。Andwhosoeverdoesknowit，andtellsittohim，willbeturnedtostonefromthetoetotheknee。\'Thensaidthesecond\'Iknowmorethanthat，evenifthehorsebekilled，theyoungkingwillstillnotkeephisbride。
Whentheygointothecastletogether，awroughtbridalgarmentwillbelyingthereinadish，andlookingasifitwerewovenofgoldandsilver，itis，however，nothingbutsulphurandpitch，andifheputiton，itwillburnhimtotheveryboneandmarrow。\'Saidthethird\'istherenoescapeatall。\'\'Oh，yes，repliedthesecond，\'ifanyonewithglovesonseizesthegarmentandthrowsitintothefireandburnsit，theyoungkingwillbesaved。Butwhatgoodwillthatdo。
Whosoeverknowsitandtellsittohim，halfhisbodywillbecomestonefromthekneetotheheart。\'Thensaidthethird\'Iknowstillmore，evenifthebridalgarmentbeburnt，theyoungkingwillstillnothavehisbride。Afterthewedding，whenthedancingbeginsandtheyoungqueenisdancing，shewillsuddenlyturnpaleandfalldownasifdead，andifsomeonedoesnotliftherupanddrawthreedropsofbloodfromherrightbreastandspitthemoutagain，shewilldie。
Butifanyonewhoknowsthatweretodeclareit，hewouldbecomestonefromthecrownofhisheadtothesoleofhisfoot。\'Whentheravenshadspokenofthistogether，theyflewonwards，andfaithfulJohnhadwellunderstoodeverything，butfromthattimeforthhebecamequietandsad，forifheconcealedwhathehadheardfromhismaster，thelatterwouldbeunfortunate，andifhedisclosedittohim，hehimselfmustsacrificehislife。Atlength，however，hesaidtohimself\'Iwillsavemymaster，evenifitbringdestructiononmyself。\'Whenthereforetheycametoshore，allhappenedashadbeenforetoldbytheravens，andamagnificentchestnuthorsesprangforward。\'Good，saidtheking，\'heshallcarrymetomypalace，andwasabouttomountitwhenfaithfulJohngotbeforehim，jumpedquicklyonit，drewthepistoloutoftheholster，andshotthehorse。Thentheotherattendantsoftheking，whowerenotveryfondoffaithfulJohn，cried\'howshamefultokillthebeautifulanimal，thatwastohavecarriedthekingtohispalace。\'Butthekingsaid\'holdyourpeaceandleavehimalone，heismymostfaithfulJohn。
Whoknowswhatgoodmaycomeofthis。\'Theywentintothepalace，andinthehalltherestoodadish，andthereinlaythebridalgarmentlookingnootherwisethanasifitweremadeofgoldandsilver。Theyoungkingwenttowardsitandwasabouttotakeholdofit，butfaithfulJohnpushedhimaway，seizeditwithgloveson，carrieditquicklytothefireandburntit。Theotherattendantsagainbegantomurmur，andsaid\'behold，nowheisevenburningtheking\'sbridalgarment。\'Buttheyoungkingsaid\'whoknowswhatgoodhemayhavedone，leavehimalone，heismymostfaithfulJohn。\'Andnowtheweddingwassolemnized-thedancebegan，andthebridealsotookpartinit，thenfaithfulJohnwaswatchfulandlookedintoherface，andsuddenlysheturnedpaleandfelltothegroundasifsheweredead。Onthisheranhastilytoher，liftedherupandboreherintoachamber-thenhelaidherdown，andkneltandsuckedthethreedropsofbloodfromherrightbreast，andspatthemout。Immediatelyshebreathedagainandrecoveredherself，buttheyoungkinghadseenthis，andbeingignorantwhyfaithfulJohnhaddoneit，wasangryandcried\'throwhimintoadungeon。\'NextmorningfaithfulJohnwascondemned，andledtothegallows，andwhenhestoodonhigh，andwasabouttobeexecuted，hesaid\'everyonewhohastodieispermittedbeforehisendtomakeonelastspeech，mayItooclaimtheright。\'
\'Yes，answeredtheking，\'itshallbegranteduntoyou。\'ThensaidfaithfulJohn\'Iamunjustlycondemned，andhavealwaysbeentruetoyou，andherelatedhowhehadhearkenedtotheconversationoftheravenswhenonthesea，andhowhehadbeenobligedtodoallthesethingsinordertosavehismaster。Thencriedtheking\'oh，mymostfaithfulJohn。Pardon，pardon-bringhimdown。\'ButasfaithfulJohnspokethelastwordhehadfallendownlifelessandbecomeastone。
Thereuponthekingandthequeensufferedgreatanguish，andthekingsaid\'ah，howillIhaverequitedgreatfidelity。\'Andorderedthestonefiguretobetakenupandplacedinhisbedroombesidehisbed。
Andasoftenashelookedonitheweptandsaid\'ah，ifIcouldbringyoutolifeagain，mymostfaithfulJohn。\'
Sometimepassedandthequeenboretwins，twosonswhogrewfastandwereherdelight。Oncewhenthequeenwasatchurchandthefatherwassittingwithhistwochildrenplayingbesidehim，helookedatthestonefigureagain，sighed，andfullofgriefhesaid\'ah，ifI
couldbutbringyoutolifeagain，mymostfaithfulJohn。\'Thenthestonebegantospeakandsaid\'youcanbringmetolifeagainifyouwilluseforthatpurposewhatisdearesttoyou。\'Thencriedtheking\'IwillgiveeverythingIhaveintheworldforyou。\'Thestonecontinued\'ifyouwillcutofftheheadsofyourtwochildrenwithyourownhand，andsprinklemewiththeirblood，Ishallberestoredtolife。\'
Thekingwasterrifiedwhenheheardthathehimselfmustkillhisdearestchildren，buthethoughtoffaithfulJohn\'sgreatfidelity，andhowhehaddiedforhim，drewhissword，andwithhisownhandcutoffthechildren\'sheads。Andwhenhehadsmearedthestonewiththeirblood，lifereturnedtoit，andfaithfulJohnstoodoncemoresafeandhealthybeforehim。Hesaidtotheking\'yourtruthshallnotgounrewarded，andtooktheheadsofthechildren，putthemonagain，andrubbedthewoundswiththeirblood，atwhichtheybecamewholeagainimmediately，andjumpedabout，andwentonplayingasifnothinghadhappened。Thenthekingwasfullofjoy，andwhenhesawthequeencominghehidfaithfulJohnandthetwochildreninagreatcupboard。Whensheentered，hesaidtoher\'haveyoubeenprayinginthechurch。\'\'Yes，answeredshe，\'butIhaveconstantlybeenthinkingoffaithfulJohnandwhatmisfortunehasbefallenhimthroughus。\'
Thensaidhe\'dearwife，wecangivehimhislifeagain，butitwillcostusourtwolittlesons，whomwemustsacrifice。\'Thequeenturnedpale，andherheartwasfullofterror，butshesaid\'weoweittohim，forhisgreatfidelity。\'Thenthekingwasrejoicedthatshethoughtashehadthought，andwentandopenedthecupboard，andbroughtforthfaithfulJohnandthechildren，andsaid\'Godbepraised，heisdelivered，andwehaveourlittlesonsagainalso，andtoldherhoweverythinghadoccurred。Thentheydwelttogetherinmuchhappinessuntiltheirdeath。
Therewasonceapeasantwhohaddrivenhiscowtothefair，andsoldherforseventalers。Onthewayhomehehadtopassapond，andalreadyfromafarheheardthefrogscrying，aik，aik，aik，aik。
Well，saidhetohimself，theyaretalkingwithoutrhymeorreason，itisseventhatIhavereceived，noteight。Whenhegottothewater，hecriedtothem，stupidanimalsthatyouare。Don\'tyouknowbetterthanthat。Itisseventhalersandnoteight。Thefrogs，however，stucktotheir，aikaik，aik，aik。Come，then，ifyouwon\'tbelieveit，Icancountitouttoyou。Andhetookhismoneyoutofhispocketandcountedouttheseventalers，alwaysreckoningfourandtwentygroschentoataler。Thefrogs，however，paidnoattentiontohisreckoning，butstillcried，aik，aik，aik，aik。
What，criedthepeasant，quiteangry，ifyouknowbetterthanI，countityourselves，andthrewallthemoneyatthemintothewater。
Hestoodstillandwantedtowaituntiltheywerethroughandhadreturnedtohimwhatwashis，butthefrogsmaintainedtheiropinionandcriedcontinually，aik，aik，aik，aik。Andbesidesthat，didnotthrowthemoneyoutagain。Hestillwaitedalongwhileuntileveningcameonandhewasforcedtogohome。Thenheabusedthefrogsandcried，youwater-splashers，youthick-heads，yougoggle-eyes，youhavegreatmouthsandcanscreechtillyouhurtone\'sears，butyoucannotcountseventalers。DoyouthinkI\'mgoingtostandheretillyougetthrough。Andwiththathewentaway，butthefrogsstillcried，aik，aik，aik，aik，afterhimtillhewenthomesorelyvexed。Afterawhileheboughtanothercow，whichheslaughtered，andhemadethecalculationthatifhesoldthemeatwellhemightgainasmuchasthetwocowswereworth，andhavethehideintothebargain。Whenthereforehegottothetownwiththemeat，agreatpackofdogsweregatheredtogetherinfrontofthegate，withalargegreyhoundattheheadofthem，whichjumpedatthemeat，sniffedatit，andbarked，wow，wow，wow。Astherewasnostoppinghim，thepeasantsaidtohim，yes，yes，Iknowquitewellthatyouaresayingwow，wow，wow，becauseyouwantsomeofthemeat，butIshouldbeinafinestateifIweretogiveittoyou。Thedog，however，answerednothingbutwow，wow。Willyoupromisenottodevouritallthen，andwillyougobailforyourcompanions。Wow，wow，wow，saidthedog。Well，ifyouinsistonit，Iwillleaveitforyou，Iknowyouwell，andknowwhomyouserve，butthisItellyou，Imusthavemymoneyinthreedaysorelseitwillgoillwithyou，youcanjustbringitouttome。Thereuponheunloadedthemeatandturnedbackagain。Thedogsfelluponitandloudlybarked，wow，wow。Thecountryman，whoheardthemfromafar，saidtohimself，hark，nowtheyallwantsome，butthebigoneisresponsibletomeforit。
Whenthreedayshadpassed，thecountrymanthought，to-nightmymoneywillbeinmypocket，andwasquitedelighted。Butnoonewouldcomeandpayit。Thereisnotrustinganyonenow，saidhe。Atlasthelostpatience，andwentintothetowntothebutcheranddemandedhismoney。Thebutcherthoughtitwasajoke，butthepeasantsaid，jestingapart，Iwillhavemymoney。Didnotthebigdogbringyouthewholeoftheslaughteredcowthreedaysago。Thenthebutchergrewangry，snatchedabroomstickanddrovehimout。Wait，saidthepeasant，thereisstillsomejusticeintheworld，andwenttotheroyalpalaceandbeggedforanaudience。Hewasledbeforetheking，whosattherewithhisdaughter，andaskedhimwhatinjuryhehadsuffered。Alas，saidhe，thefrogsandthedogshavetakenfrommewhatismine，andthebutcherhaspaidmeforitwiththestick。Andherelatedatfulllengthwhathadhappened。Thereupontheking\'sdaughterbegantolaughheartily，andthekingsaidtohim，Icannotgiveyoujusticeinthis，butyoushallhavemydaughtertowifeforit-inherwholelifeshehasneveryetlaughedasshehasjustdoneatyou，andIhavepromisedhertohimwhocouldmakeherlaugh。YoumaythankGodforyourgoodfortune。Oh，answeredthepeasant，Idonotwantheratall。Ihaveawifealready，andsheisonetoomanyforme，whenIgohome，itisjustasifIhadawifestandingineverycorner。Thenthekinggrewangry，andsaid，youareaboor。
Ah，lordking，repliedthepeasant，whatcanyouexpectfromanox，butbeef。Stop，answeredtheking，youshallhaveanotherreward。
Beoffnow，butcomebackinthreedays，andthenyoushallhavefivehundredcountedoutinfull。Whenthepeasantwentoutbythegate，thesentrysaid，youhavemadetheking\'sdaughterlaugh，soyouwillcertainlyreceivesomethinggood。Yes，thatiswhatIthink，answeredthepeasant，fivehundredaretobecountedouttome。
Listen，saidthesoldier，givemesomeofit。Whatcanyoudowithallthatmoney。Asitisyou，saidthepeasant，youshallhavetwohundred，presentyourselfinthreedays，timebeforetheking，andletitbepaidtoyou。AJew，whowasstandingbyandhadheardtheconversation，ranafterthepeasant，heldhimbythecoat，andsaid，oh，wonderofGod，whatachildoffortuneyouare。Iwillchangeitforyou，Iwillchangeitforyouintosmallcoins，whatdoyouwantwiththegreattalers。Jew，saidthecountryman，threehundredcanyoustillhave，giveittomeatonceincoin，inthreedaysfromthis，youwillbepaidforitbytheking。TheJewwasdelightedwiththesmallprofit，andbroughtthesuminbadgroschen，threeofwhichwereworthtwogoodones。Afterthreedayshadpassed，accordingtotheking\'scommand，thepeasantwentbeforetheking。
Pullhiscoatoff，saidthelatter，andheshallhavehisfivehundred。Ah，saidthepeasant，theynolongerbelongtome，I
presentedtwohundredofthemtothesentry，andthreehundredtheJewhaschangedforme，sobyrightnothingatallbelongstome。InthemeantimethesoldierandtheJewenteredandclaimedwhattheyhadgainedfromthepeasant，andtheyreceivedtheblowsstrictlycountedout。Thesoldierboreitpatientlyandknewalreadyhowittasted，buttheJewsaidsorrowfully，alas，alas，arethesetheheavytalers。Thekingcouldnothelplaughingatthepeasant，andwhenallhisangerwasspent，hesaid，asyouhavealreadylostyourrewardbeforeitfelltoyourlot，Iwillgiveyoucompensation。Gointomytreasurechamberandgetsomemoneyforyourself，asmuchasyouwill。Thepeasantdidnotneedtobetoldtwice，andstuffedintohisbigpocketswhatsoeverwouldgoin。Afterwardshewenttoaninnandcountedouthismoney。TheJewhadcreptafterhimandheardhowhemutteredtohimself，thatrogueofakinghascheatedmeafterall，whycouldhenothavegivenmethemoneyhimself，andthenIshouldhaveknownwhatIhad。HowcanItellnowifwhatIhavehadthelucktoputinmypocketsisrightornot。Goodheavens，saidtheJewtohimself，thatmanisspeakingdisrespectfullyofourlordtheking，Iwillrunandinform，andthenIshallgetareward，andhewillbepunishedaswell。Whenthekingheardofthepeasant\'swordshefellintoapassion，andcommandedtheJewtogoandbringtheoffendertohim。TheJewrantothepeasant，youaretogoatoncetothelordkingintheveryclothesyouhaveon。Iknowwhat\'srightbetterthanthat，answeredthepeasant，Ishallhaveanewcoatmadefirst。Doyouthinkthatamanwithsomuchmoneyinhispocketshouldgothereinhisraggedoldcoat。TheJew，ashesawthatthepeasantwouldnotstirwithoutanothercoat，andashefearedthatiftheking\'sangercooled，hehimselfwouldlosehisreward，andthepeasanthispunishment，said，Iwilloutofpurefriendshiplendyouacoatfortheshorttime。Whatpeoplewillnotdoforlove。Thepeasantwascontentedwiththis，puttheJew\'scoaton，andwentoffwithhim。ThekingreproachedthecountrymanbecauseoftheevilspeakingofwhichtheJewhadinformedhim。Ah，saidthepeasant，whataJewsaysisalwaysfalse-notruewordevercomesoutofhismouth。ThatrascalthereiscapableofmaintainingthatIhavehiscoaton。Whatisthat，shriekedtheJew，isthecoatnotmine。HaveInotlentittoyououtofpurefriendship，inorderthatyoumightappearbeforethelordking。Whenthekingheardthat，hesaid，theJewhasassuredlydeceivedoneortheotherofus，eithermyselforthepeasant。Andagainheorderedsomethingtobecountedouttohiminhardthalers。Thepeasant，however，wenthomeinthegoodcoat，withthegoodmoneyinhispocket，andsaidtohimself，thistimeI
havemadeit。
Therewereonceuponatimeakingandaqueenwholivedhappilytogetherandhadtwelvechildren，buttheywereallboys。Thensaidthekingtohiswife，ifthethirteenthchildwhichyouareabouttobringintotheworld，isagirl，thetwelveboysshalldie，inorderthatherpossessionsmaybegreat，andthatthekingdommayfalltoheralone。Heevencausedtwelvecoffinstobemade，whichwerealreadyfilledwithshavings，andineachlayalittledeathpillow，andhehadthemtakenintoalocked-uproom，andthenhegavethequeenthekeyofit，andbadehernottospeakofthistoanyone。
Themother，however，nowsatandlamentedalldaylong，untiltheyoungestson，whowasalwayswithher，andwhomshehadnamedbenjamin，fromthebible，saidtoher，dearmother，whyareyousosad。
Dearestchild，sheanswered，Imaynottellyou。Butheletherhavenorestuntilshewentandunlockedtheroom，andshowedhimthetwelvecoffinsreadyfilledwithshavings。Thenshesaid，mydearestbenjamin，yourfatherhashadthesecoffinsmadeforyouandforyourelevenbrothers，forifIbringalittlegirlintotheworld，youarealltobekilledandburiedinthem。Andassheweptwhileshewassayingthis，thesoncomfortedherandsaid，weepnot，dearmother，wewillsaveourselves，andgohence。Butshesaid，goforthintotheforestwithyourelevenbrothers，andletonesitconstantlyonthehighesttreewhichcanbefound，andkeepwatch，lookingtowardsthetowerhereinthecastle。IfIgivebirthtoalittleson，Iwillputupawhiteflag，andthenyoumayventuretocomeback。ButifIbearadaughter，Iwillhoistaredflag，andthenflyhenceasquicklyasyouareable，andmaythegoodGodprotectyou。AndeverynightIwillriseupandprayforyou-inwinterthatyoumaybeabletowarmyourselfatafire，andinsummerthatyoumaynotfaintawayintheheat。
Aftershehadblessedhersonstherefore，theywentforthintotheforest。Theyeachkeptwatchinturn，andsatonthehighestoakandlookedtowardsthetower。Whenelevendayshadpassedandtheturncametobenjamin，hesawthataflagwasbeingraised。
Itwas，however，notthewhite，buttheblood-redflagwhichannouncedthattheywerealltodie。Whenthebrothersheardthat，theywereveryangryandsaid，arewealltosufferdeathforthesakeofagirl。Weswearthatwewillavengeourselves-
wheresoeverwefindagirl，herredbloodshallflow。
Thereupontheywentdeeperintotheforest，andinthemidstofit，whereitwasthedarkest，theyfoundalittlebewitchedhut，whichwasstandingempty。Thensaidthey，herewewilldwell，andyoubenjamin，whoaretheyoungestandweakest，youshallstayathomeandkeephouse，weotherswillgooutandfetchfood。
Thentheywentintotheforestandshothares，wilddeer，birdsandpigeons，andwhatsoevertherewastoeat。Thistheytooktobenjamin，whohadtodressitfortheminorderthattheymightappeasetheirhunger。Theylivedtogethertenyearsinthelittlehut，andthetimedidnotappearlongtothem。
Thelittledaughterwhichtheirmotherthequeenhadgivenbirthto，wasnowgrownup。Shewasgoodofheart，andfairofface，andhadagoldenstaronherforehead。Once，onagreatwashing，shesawtwelvemen\'sshirtsamongthethings，andaskedhermother，towhomdothesetwelveshirtsbelong，fortheyarefartoosmallforfather。Thenthequeenansweredwithaheavyheart，dearchild，thesebelongtoyourtwelvebrothers。Saidthemaiden，wherearemytwelvebrothers，Ihaveneveryetheardofthem。Shereplied，Godknowswheretheyare，theyarewanderingabouttheworld。Thenshetookthemaidenandopenedthechamberforher，andshowedherthetwelvecoffinswiththeshavings，andthedeathpillows。Thesecoffins，saidshe，weredestinedforyourbrothers，whowentawaysecretlybeforeyouwereborn，andsherelatedtoherhoweverythinghadhappened。
Thensaidthemaiden，dearmother，weepnot，Iwillgoandseekmybrothers。
Soshetookthetwelveshirtsandwentforth，andstraightintothegreatforest。Shewalkedthewholeday，andintheeveningshecametothebewitchedhut。Thensheentereditandfoundayoungboy，whoasked，fromwhencedoyoucome，andwhitherareyoubound，andwasastonishedthatshewassobeautiful，andworeroyalgarments，andhadastaronherforehead。Andsheanswered，Iamaking\'sdaughter，andamseekingmytwelvebrothers，andIwillwalkasfarastheskyisblueuntilIfindthem。Andsheshowedhimthetwelveshirtswhichbelongedtothem。Thenbenjaminsawthatshewashissister，andsaid，Iambenjamin，youryoungestbrother。Andshebegantoweepforjoy，andbenjaminweptalso，andtheykissedandembracedeachotherwiththegreatestlove。Butafterthishesaid，dearsister，thereisstillonedifficulty。Wehaveagreedthateverymaidenwhomwemeetshalldie，becausewehavebeenobligedtoleaveourkingdomonaccountofagirl。Thensaidshe，Iwillwillinglydie，ifbysodoingIcansavemytwelvebrothers。
No，answeredhe，youshallnotdie。Seatyourselfbeneaththistubuntilourelevenbrotherscome，andthenIwillsooncometoanagreementwiththem。
Shedidso，andwhenitwasnighttheotherscamefromhunting，andtheirdinnerwasready。Andastheyweresittingattable，andeating，theyasked，whatnewsisthere。Saidbenjamin，don\'tyouknowanything。No，theyanswered。Hecontinued，youhavebeenintheforestandIhavestayedathome，andyetIknowmorethanyoudo。Tellusthen，theycried。Heanswered，butpromisemethatthefirstmaidenwhomeetsusshallnotbekilled。
Yes，theyallcried，sheshallhavemercy，onlydotellus。
Thensaidhe，oursisterishere，andheliftedupthetub，andtheking\'sdaughtercameforthinherroyalgarmentswiththegoldenstaronherforehead，andshewasbeautiful，delicateandfair。Thentheywereallrejoiced，andfellonherneck，andkissedandlovedherwithalltheirhearts。
Nowshestayedathomewithbenjaminandhelpedhimwiththework。Theelevenwentintotheforestandcaughtgame，anddeer，andbirds，andwood-pigeonsthattheymighthavefood，andthelittlesisterandbenjamintookcaretomakeitreadyforthem。
Shesoughtforthewoodforcookingandherbsforvegetables，andputthepansonthefiresothatthedinnerwasalwaysreadywhentheelevencame。Shelikewisekeptorderinthelittlehouse，andputbeautifullywhitecleancoveringsonthelittlebedsandthebrotherswerealwayscontentedandlivedingreatharmonywithher。
Onceuponatimethetwoathomehadpreparedawonderfulfeast，andwhentheywerealltogether，theysatdownandateanddrankandwerefullofgladness。Therewas，however，alittlegardenbelongingtothebewitchedhousewhereinstoodtwelvelilyflowers，whicharelikewisecalledstudent-lilies。Shewishedtogiveherbrotherspleasure，andpluckedthetwelveflowers，andthoughtshewouldpresenteachbrotherwithonewhileatdinner。
Butattheself-samemomentthatshepluckedtheflowersthetwelvebrotherswerechangedintotwelveravens，andflewawayovertheforest，andthehouseandgardenvanishedlikewise。Andnowthepoormaidenwasaloneinthewildforest，andwhenshelookedaround，anoldwomanwasstandingnearherwhosaid，mychild，whathaveyoudone。Whydidyounotleavethetwelvewhiteflowersgrowing。Theywereyourbrothers，whoarenowforevermorechangedintoravens。Themaidensaid，weeping，istherenowayofsavingthem。
No，saidthewoman，thereisbutoneinthewholeworld，andthatissohardthatyouwillnotsavethembyit，foryoumustbedumbforsevenyears，andmaynotspeakorlaugh，andifyouspeakonesingleword，andonlyanhourofthesevenyearsiswanting，allisinvain，andyourbrotherswillbekilledbytheoneword。
Thensaidthemaideninherheart，IknowwithcertaintythatIshallsetmybrothersfree，andwentandsoughtahightreeandseatedherselfinitandspun，andneitherspokenorlaughed。Nowitsohappenedthatakingwashuntingintheforest，whohadagreatgreyhoundwhichrantothetreeonwhichthemaidenwassitting，andsprangaboutit，whining，andbarkingather。Thenthekingcamebyandsawthebeautifulking\'sdaughterwiththegoldenstaronherbrow，andwassocharmedwithherbeautythathecalledtoaskherifshewouldbehiswife。Shemadenoanswer，butnoddedalittlewithherhead。Soheclimbedupthetreehimself，carriedherdown，placedheronhishorse，andboreherhome。Thentheweddingwassolemnizedwithgreatmagnificenceandrejoicing，butthebrideneitherspokenorsmiled。Whentheyhadlivedhappilytogetherforafewyears，theking\'smother，whowasawickedwoman，begantoslandertheyoungqueen，andsaidtotheking，thisisacommonbeggargirlwhomyouhavebroughtbackwithyou。Whoknowswhatwickedtricksshepractisessecretly。
