第5章

Thumblingreflectedawhile，andatlengthhesaid，yes，andwentwiththemtothetreasure-chamber。Thenhelookedatthedoorsaboveandbelow，toseeiftherewasanycrackinthem。Itwasnotlongbeforeheespiedonewhichwasbroadenoughtolethimin。Hewasthereforeabouttogetinatonce，butoneofthetwosentrieswhostoodbeforethedoor，observedhim，andsaidtotheother，whatanuglyspideriscreepingthere，I

willkillit。Letthepoorcreaturealone，saidtheother，ithasdoneyounoharm。Thenthumblinggotsafelythroughthecreviceintothetreasure-chamber，openedthewindowbeneathwhichtherobberswerestanding，andthrewouttothemonetalerafteranother。Whenthelittletailorwasinthefullswingofhiswork，heheardthekingcomingtoinspecthistreasure-chamber，andcrepthastilyintoahiding-place。Thekingnoticedthatseveralsolidtalersweremissing，butcouldnotconceivewhocouldhavestolenthem，forlocksandboltswereingoodcondition，andallseemedwellguarded。Thenhewentawayagain，andsaidtothesentries，beonthewatch，someoneisafterthemoney。Whenthereforethumblingrecommencedhislabors，theyheardthemoneymoving，andasoundofklink，klink，klink。Theyranswiftlyintoseizethethief，butthelittletailor，whoheardthemcoming，wasstillswifter，andleaptintoacornerandcoveredhimselfwithataler，sothatnothingcouldbeseenofhim，andatthesametimehemockedthesentriesandcried，hereamI。

Thesentriesranthither，butastheygotthere，hehadalreadyhoppedintoanothercornerunderataler，andwascrying，ho，ho，hereamI。Andthushemadefoolsofthem，anddrovethemsolongroundaboutthetreasure-chamberthattheywerewearyandwentaway。Thenbydegreeshethrewallthetalersout，dispatchingthelastwithallhismight，thenhoppednimblyuponit，andflewdownwithitthroughthewindow。Therobberspaidhimgreatcompliments。Youareavalianthero，saidthey，willyoubeourcaptain。

Thumbling，however，declined，andsaidhewantedtoseetheworldfirst。Theynowdividedthebooty，butthelittletailoronlyaskedforakreuzerbecausehecouldnotcarrymore。

Thenheoncemorebuckledonhissword，badetherobbersgoodbye，andtooktotheroad。First，hewenttoworkwithsomemasters，buthehadnolikingforthat，andatlasthehiredhimselfasmanservantinaninn。Themaids，however，couldnotendurehim，forhesawalltheydidsecretly，withouttheirseeinghim，andhetoldtheiremployerswhattheyhadtakenofftheplates，andcarriedawayoutofthecellar，forthemselves。

Thensaidthey，wait，andwewillpayyouout，andarrangedwitheachothertoplayhimatrick。Soonafterwardswhenoneofthemaidswasmowinginthegarden，andsawthumblingjumpingaboutandcreepingupanddowntheplants，shemowedhimupquicklywiththegrass，tiedallinagreatcloth，andsecretlythrewittothecows。Nowamongstthemtherewasagreatblackone，whoswallowedhimdownwithouthurtinghim。Downbelow，however，itdidnotsuithim，foritwasquitedark，neitherwasanycandleburning。Whenthecowwasbeingmilkedhecried，strip，strap，strull，whenwillthepailbefull。

Butthenoiseofthemilkingpreventedhisbeingunderstood。

Afterthisthemasterofthehousecameintothestallandsaid，thatcowshallbekilledto-morrow。Thenthumblingwassoalarmedthathecriedoutinaclearvoice，letmeoutfirst，Iamsittinginsideher。Themasterheardthatquitewell，butdidnotknowfromwhencethevoicecame。Whereareyou，askedhe。Intheblackone，answeredthumbling，butthemasterdidnotunderstandwhatthatmeant，andwentout。

Nextmorningthecowwaskilled。Happilythumblingdidnotmeetwithoneblowatthecuttingupandchopping，hegotamongthesausage-meat。Andwhenthebutchercameinandbeganhiswork，hecriedoutwithallhismight，don\'tchoptoodeep，don\'tchoptoodeep，Iamamongstit。Nooneheardthisbecauseofthenoiseofthechopping-knife。Nowpoorthumblingwasintrouble，buttroublesharpensthewits，andhesprangoutsoadroitlybetweentheblowsthatnoneofthemtouchedhim，andheescapedwithawholeskin。Butstillhecouldnotgetaway，therewasnothingforitbuttolethimselfbethrustintoablack-puddingwiththebitsofbacon。Hisquarterstherewereratherconfined，andbesidesthathewashungupinthechimneytobesmoked，andtheretimedidhangterriblyheavyonhishands。

Atlengthinwinterhewastakendownagain，astheblack-puddinghadtobesetbeforeaguest。Whenthehostesswascuttingitinslices，hetookcarenottostretchouthisheadtoofarlestabitofitshouldbecutoff，atlasthesawhisopportunity，clearedapassageforhimself，andjumpedout。

Thelittletailor，however，wouldnotstayanylongerinahousewherehefaredsoill，soatoncesetoutonhisjourneyagain。

Buthislibertydidnotlastlong。Intheopencountryhemetwithafoxwhosnappedhimupwithoutthinking。HI，there，mr。Fox，criedthelittletailor，itisIwhoamstickinginyourthroat，setmeatlibertyagain。Youareright，answeredthefox。Youarenexttonothingforme，butifyouwillpromisemethefowlsinyourfather\'syardIwillletyougo。Withallmyheart，repliedthumbling。Youshallhaveallthecocksandhens，thatIpromiseyou。Thenthefoxlethimgoagain，andhimselfcarriedhimhome。Whenthefatheroncemoresawhisdearson，hewillinglygavethefoxallthefowlswhichhehad。ForthisIlikewisebringyouahandsomebitofmoney，saidthumbling，andgavehisfatherthekreuzerwhichheearnedonhistravels。

Butwhydidthefoxgetthepoorchickenstoeat。Oh，yousilly，yourfatherwouldsurelylovehischildfarmorethanthefowlsintheyard。

Therewasonceawizardwhousedtotaketheformofapoorman，andwenttohousesandbegged，andcaughtprettygirls。

Nooneknewwhitherhecarriedthem，fortheywereneverseenagain。Onedayheappearedbeforethedoorofamanwhohadthreeprettydaughters。Helookedlikeapoorweakbeggar，andcarriedabasketonhisback，asifhemeanttocollectcharitablegiftsinit。Hebeggedforalittlefood，andwhentheeldestdaughtercameoutandwasjusthandinghimapieceofbread，hedidbuttouchher，andshewasforcedtojumpintohisbasket。Thereuponhehurriedoffwithlongstrides，andcarriedherawayintoadarkforesttohishouse，whichstoodinthemidstofit。Everythinginthehousewasmagnificent。

Hegaveherwhatsoevershecouldpossiblydesire，andsaid，mydarling，youwillcertainlybehappywithme，foryouhaveeverythingyourheartcanwishfor。Thislastedafewdays，andthenhesaid，Imustjourneyforth，andleaveyoualoneforashorttime。Herearethekeysofthehouse。

Youmaygoeverywhereandlookateverythingexceptintooneroom，whichthislittlekeyopens，andthereIforbidyoutogoonpainofdeath。Helikewisegaveheraneggandsaid，preservetheeggcarefullyforme，andcarryitcontinuallyaboutwithyou，foragreatmisfortunewouldarisefromthelossofit。

Shetookthekeysandtheegg，andpromisedtoobeyhimineverything。Whenhewasgone，shewentallroundthehousefromthebottomtothetop，andexaminedeverything。Theroomsshonewithsilverandgold，andshethoughtshehadneverseensuchgreatsplendor。Atlengthshecametotheforbiddendoor。Shewishedtopassitby，butcuriosityletherhavenorest。Sheexaminedthekey，itlookedjustlikeanyother。Sheputitinthekeyholeandturneditalittle，andthedoorsprangopen。Butwhatdidsheseewhenshewentin。Agreatbloodybasinstoodinthemiddleoftheroom，andthereinlayhumanbeings，deadandhewntopieces，andhardbywasablockofwood，andagleamingaxelayuponit。

Shewassoterriblyalarmedthattheeggwhichsheheldinherhandfellintothebasin。Shegotitoutandwipedthebloodoff，butinvain，itappearedagaininamoment。Shewashedandscrubbed，butshecouldnotgetitoff。

Itwasnotlongbeforethemancamebackfromhisjourney，andthefirstthingswhichheaskedforwerethekeyandtheegg。

Shegavethemtohim，butshetrembledasshedidso，andhesawatoncebytheredspotsthatshehadbeeninthebloodychamber。

Sinceyouhavegoneintotheroomagainstmywill，saidhe，youshallgobackintoitagainstyourown。Yourlifeisended。

Hethrewherdown，draggedheralongbyherhair，cutherheadoffontheblock，andhewedherinpiecessothatherbloodranontheground。Thenhethrewherintothebasinwiththerest。

NowIwillfetchmyselfthesecond，saidthewizard，andagainhewenttothehouseintheshapeofapoorman，andbegged。Thentheseconddaughterbroughthimapieceofbread。Hecaughtherlikethefirst，bysimplytouchingher，andcarriedheraway。

Shedidnotfarebetterthanhersister。Sheallowedherselftobeledawaybyhercuriosity，openedthedoorofthebloodychamber，lookedin，andhadtoatoneforitwithherlifeonthewizard\'sreturn。Thenhewentandbroughtthethirdsister，butshewascleverandwily。Whenhehadgivenherthekeysandtheegg，andhadlefther，shefirstputtheeggawaywithgreatcare，andthensheexaminedthehouse，andatlastwentintotheforbiddenroom。Alas，whatdidshebehold。Bothherdearsisterslaythereinthebasin，cruellymurdered，andcutintopieces。Butshebegantogathertheirlimbstogetherandputtheminorder，head，body，armsandlegs。Andwhennothingfurtherwaswantingthelimbsbegantomoveandunitethemselvestogether，andboththemaidensopenedtheireyesandwereoncemorealive。Thentheyrejoicedandkissedandcaressedeachother。

Onhisarrival，themanatoncedemandedthekeysandtheegg，andashecouldperceivenotraceofanybloodonit，hesaid，youhavestoodthetest，youshallbemybride。Henowhadnolongeranypoweroverher，andwasforcedtodowhatsoevershedesired。Oh，verywell，saidshe，youshallfirsttakeabasketfulofgoldtomyfatherandmother，andcarryityourselfonyourback。InthemeantimeIwillprepareforthewedding。Thensherantohersisters，whomshehadhiddeninalittlechamber，andsaid，themomenthascomewhenIcansaveyou。Thewretchshallhimselfcarryyouhomeagain，butassoonasyouareathomesendhelptome。Sheputbothoftheminabasketandcoveredthemquiteoverwithgold，sothatnothingofthemwastobeseen。Thenshecalledinthewizardandsaidtohim，nowcarrythebasketaway，butI

shalllookthroughmylittlewindowandwatchtoseeifyoustoponthewaytostandortorest。

Thewizardraisedthebasketonhisbackandwentawaywithit，butitweighedhimdownsoheavilythatthesweatstreamedfromhisface。Thenhesatdownandwantedtorestawhile，butimmediatelyoneofthegirlsinthebasketcried，Iamlookingthroughmylittlewindow，andIseethatyouareresting。

Willyougoonatonce。Hethoughtitwashisbridewhowastalkingtohim，andhegotuponhislegsagain。Oncemorehewasgoingtositdown，butinstantlyshecried，Iamlookingthroughmylittlewindow，andIseethatyouareresting。Willyougoondirectly。Andwheneverhestoodstill，shecriedthis，andthenhewasforcedtogoonwards，untilatlast，groaningandoutofbreath，hetookthebasketwiththegoldandthetwomaidensintotheirparents，house。Athome，however，thebridepreparedthemarriage-feast，andsentinvitationstothefriendsofthewizard。Thenshetookaskullwithgrinningteeth，putsomeornamentsonitandawreathofflowers，carrieditupstairstothegarret-window，andletitlookoutfromthence。Whenallwasready，shegotintoabarrelofhoney，andthencutthefeather-bedopenandrolledherselfinit，untilshelookedlikeawondrousbird，andnoonecouldrecognizeher。Thenshewentoutofthehouse，andonherwayshemetsomeofthewedding-guests，whoasked，o，fitcher\'sbird，howcom\'stthouhere。

Icomefromfitcher\'shousequitenear。

Andwhatmaytheyoungbridebedoing。

Fromcellartogarretshe\'ssweptallclean，andnowfromthewindowshe\'speeping，Iween。

Atlastshemetthebridegroom，whowascomingslowlyback。

He，liketheothers，asked，o，fitcher\'sbird，howcom\'stthouhere。

Icomefromfitcher\'shousequitenear。

Andwhatmaytheyoungbridebedoing。

Fromcellartogarretshe\'ssweptallclean，andnowfromthewindowshe\'speeping，Iween。

Thebridegroomlookedup，sawthedecked-outskull，thoughtitwashisbride，andnoddedtoher，greetingherkindly。Butwhenheandhisguestshadallgoneintothehouse，thebrothersandkinsmenofthebride，whohadbeensenttorescueher，arrived。Theylockedallthedoorsofthehouse，thatnoonemightescape，setfiretoit，andthewizardandallhiscrewhadtoburn。

Itisnowlongago，quitetwothousandyears，sincetherewasarichmanwhohadabeautifulandpiouswife，andtheylovedeachotherdearly。Theyhad，however，nochildren，thoughtheywishedforthemverymuch，andthewomanprayedforthemdayandnight，butstilltheyhadnone。Nowtherewasacourt-yardinfrontoftheirhouseinwhichwasajunipertree，andonedayinwinterthewomanwasstandingbeneathit，paringherselfanapple，andwhileshewasparingherselftheappleshecutherfinger，andthebloodfellonthesnow。Ah，saidthewoman，andsighedrightheavily，andlookedatthebloodbeforeher，andwasmostunhappy，ah，ifIhadbutachildasredasbloodandaswhiteassnow。Andwhileshethusspoke，shebecamequitehappyinhermind，andfeltjustasifthatweregoingtohappen。

Thenshewentintothehouseandamonthwentbyandthesnowwasgone，andtwomonths，andtheneverythingwasgreen，andthreemonths，andthenalltheflowerscameoutoftheearth，andfourmonths，andthenallthetreesinthewoodgrewthicker，andthegreenbrancheswereallcloselyentwined，andthebirdssanguntilthewoodresoundedandtheblossomsfellfromthetrees，thenthefifthmonthpassedawayandshestoodunderthejunipertree，whichsmeltsosweetlythatherheartleapt，andshefellonherkneesandwasbesideherselfwithjoy，andwhenthesixthmonthwasoverthefruitwaslargeandfine，andthenshewasquitestill，andtheseventhmonthshesnatchedatthejuniper-berriesandatethemgreedily，thenshegrewsickandsorrowful，thentheeighthmonthpassed，andshecalledherhusbandtoher，andweptandsaid，ifIdiethenburymebeneaththejunipertree。Thenshewasquitecomfortedandhappyuntilthenextmonthwasover，andthenshehadachildaswhiteassnowandasredasblood，andwhenshebehelditshewassodelightedthatshedied。

Thenherhusbandburiedherbeneaththejunipertree，andhebegantoweepsore，aftersometimehewasmoreatease，andthoughhestillwepthecouldbearit，andaftersometimelongerhetookanotherwife。

Bythesecondwifehehadadaughter，butthefirstwife\'schildwasalittleson，andhewasasredasbloodandaswhiteassnow。

Whenthewomanlookedatherdaughtershelovedherverymuch，butthenshelookedatthelittleboyanditseemedtocuthertotheheart，forthethoughtcameintohermindthathewouldalwaysstandinherway，andshewasforeverthinkinghowshecouldgetallthefortuneforherdaughter，andtheevilonefilledhermindwiththistillshewasquitewrothwiththelittleboyandshepushedhimfromonecornertotheotherandslappedhimhereandcuffedhimthere，untilthepoorchildwasincontinualterror，forwhenhecameoutofschoolhehadnopeaceinanyplace。

Onedaythewomanhadgoneupstairstoherroom，andherlittledaughterwentuptoo，andsaid，mother，givemeanapple。Yes，mychild，saidthewoman，andgaveherafineappleoutofthechest，butthechesthadagreatheavylidwithagreatsharpironlock。Mother，saidthelittledaughter，isbrothernottohaveonetoo。Thismadethewomanangry，butshesaid，yes，whenhecomesoutofschool。Andwhenshesawfromthewindowthathewascoming，itwasjustasifthedevilenteredintoher，andshesnatchedattheappleandtookitawayagainfromherdaughter，andsaid，youshallnothaveonebeforeyourbrother。

Thenshethrewtheappleintothechest，andshutit。Thenthelittleboycameinatthedoor，andthedevilmadehersaytohimkindly，myson，willyouhaveanapple。Andshelookedwickedlyathim。Mother，saidthelittleboy，howdreadfulyoulook。

Yes，givemeanapple。Thenitseemedtoherasifshewereforcedtosaytohim，comewithme，andsheopenedthelidofthechestandsaid，takeoutanappleforyourself，andwhilethelittleboywasstoopinginside，thedevilpromptedher，andcrash。Sheshuttheliddown，andhisheadflewoffandfellamongtheredapples。Thenshewasoverwhelmedwithterror，andthought，ifIcouldbutmakethemthinkthatitwasnotdonebyme。Soshewentupstairstoherroomtoherchestofdrawers，andtookawhitehandkerchiefoutofthetopdrawer，andsettheheadontheneckagain，andfoldedthehandkerchiefsothatnothingcouldbeseen，andshesethimonachairinfrontofthedoor，andputtheappleinhishand。

AfterthisMarlinchencameintothekitchentohermother，whowasstandingbythefirewithapanofhotwaterbeforeherwhichshewasconstantlystirringround。"Mother，"saidMarlinchen，"brotherissittingatthedoor，andhelooksquitewhiteandhasanappleinhishand。Iaskedhimtogivemetheapple，buthedidnotanswerme，andIwasquitefrightened。""Gobacktohim，"saidhermother，"andifhewillnotansweryou，givehimaboxontheear。"SoMarlinchenwenttohimandsaid，"Brother，givemetheapple。"Buthewassilent，andshegavehimaboxontheear，whereuponhisheadfelloff。Marlinchenwasterrified，andbegancryingandscreaming，andrantohermother，andsaid，"Alas，mother，Ihaveknockedmybrother\'sheadoff，"andsheweptandweptandcouldnotbecomforted。"Marlinchen，"saidthemother，whathaveyoudone，butbequietandletnooneknowit，itcannotbehelpednow，wewillmakehimintoblack-puddings。"

Thenthemothertookthelittleboyandchoppedhiminpieces，puthimintothepanandmadehimintoblackpuddings，butMarlinchenstoodbyweepingandweeping，andallhertearsfellintothepanandtherewasnoneedofanysalt。

Thenthefathercamehome，andsatdowntodinnerandsaid，"Butwhereismyson？"Andthemotherservedupagreatdishofblack-puddings，andMarlinchenweptandcouldnotleaveoff。

Thenthefatheragainsaid，"Butwhereismyson？""Ah，"saidthemother，"hehasgoneacrossthecoutrytohismother\'sgreatuncle，hewillstaythereawhile。""Andwhatishegoingtodothere？Hedidnotevensaygood-byetome。"

"Oh，hewantedtogo，andaskedmeifhemightstaysixweeks，heiswelltakencareofthere。""Ah，"saidtheman，"Ifeelsounhappylestallshouldnotberight。Heoughttohavesaidgood-byetome。"Withthathebegantoeatandsaid，"Marlinchen，whyareyoucrying？Yourbrotherwillcertainlycomeback。"

Thenhesaid，"Ah，wife，howdeliciousthisfoodis，givemesomemore。"Andthemoreheatethemorehewantedtohave，andhesaid，"Givemesomemore，youshallhavenoneofit。

Itseemstomeasifitwereallmine。"Andheateandateandthrewallthebonesunderthetable，untilhehadfinishedthewhole。ButMarlinchenwentawaytoherchestofdrawers，andtookherbestsilkhandkerchiefoutofthebottomdraw，andgotallthebonesfrombeneaththetable，andtiedthemupinhersilkhandkerchief，andcarriedthemoutsidethedoor，weepingtearsofblood。Thenshelaydownunderthejunipertreeonthegreengrass，andaftershehadlaindownthere，shesuddenlyfeltlight-heartedanddidnotcryanymore。Thenthejunipertreebegantostiritself，andthebranchespartedasunder，andmovedtogetheragain，justasifsomeonewererejoicingandclappinghishands。Atthesametimeamistseemedtoarisefromthetree，andinthecenterofthismistitburnedlikeafire，andabeautifulbirdflewoutofthefiresingingmagnificently，andheflewhighupintheair，andwhenhewasgone，thejunipertreewasjustasithadbeenbefore，andthehandkerchiefwiththeboneswasnolongerthere。Marlinchen，however，wasasgayandhappyasifherbrotherwerestillalive。

Andshewentmerrilyintothehouse，andsatdowntodinnerandate。

Butthebirdflewawayandlightedonagoldsmith\'shouse，andbegantosing-

mymothershekilledme，myfatherheateme，mysister，littlemarlinchen，gatheredtogetherallmybones，tiedtheminasilkenhandkerchief，laidthembeneaththejunipertree，kywitt，kywitt，whatabeautifulbirdamI。

Thegoldsmithwassittinginhisworkshopmakingagoldenchain，whenheheardthebirdwhichwassittingsingingonhisroof，andverybeautifulthesongseemedtohim。Hestoodup，butashecrossedthethresholdhelostoneofhisslippers。

Buthewentawayrightupthemiddleofthestreetwithoneshoeonandonesock，hehadhisapronon，andinonehandhehadthegoldenchainandintheotherthepincers，andthesunwasshiningbrightlyonthestreet。Thenhewentrightonandstoodstill，andsaidtothebird，"Bird，"saidhethen，"howbeautifullyyoucansing。Singmethatpieceagain。""No，"saidthebird，"I\'llnotsingittwicefornothing。Givemethegoldenchain，andthenIwillsingitagainforyou。""There，"saidthegoldsmith，"thereisthegoldenchainforyou，nowsingmethatsongagain。"

Thenthebirdcameandtookthegoldenchaininhisrightclaw，andwentandsatinfrontofthegoldsmith，andsang-

mymothershekilledme，myfatherheateme，mysister，littlemarlinchen，gatheredtogetherallmybones，tiedtheminasilkenhandkerchief，laidthembeneaththejunipertree，kywitt，kywitt，whatabeautifulbirdamI。

Thenthebirdflewawaytoashoemaker，andlightedonhisroofandsang-

mymothershekilledme，myfatherheateme，mysister，littlemarlinchen，gatheredtogetherallmybones，tiedtheminasilkenhandkerchief，laidthembeneaththejunipertree，kywitt，kywitt，whatabeautifulbirdamI。

Theshoemakerheardthatandranoutofdoorsinhisshirtsleeves，andlookedupathisroof，andwasforcedtoholdhishandbeforehiseyeslestthesunshouldblindhim。"Bird，"saidhe，"howbeautifullyyoucansing。"Thenhecalledinathisdoor，"Wife，justcomeoutside，thereisabird，lookatthatbird，hecertainlycansing。"Thenhecalledhisdaughterandchildren，andapprentices，boysandgirls，andtheyallcameupthestreetandlookedatthebirdandsawhowbeautifulhewas，andwhatfineredandgreenfeathershehad，andhowlikerealgoldhisneckwas，andhowtheeyesinhisheadshonelikestars。"Bird，"

saidtheshoemaker，"nowsingmethatsongagain。""Nay，"saidthebird，"Idonotsingtwicefornothing，youmustgivemesomething。"

"Wife，"saidtheman，"gotothegarret，uponthetopshelftherestandsapairofredshoes，bringthemdown。"Thenthewifewentandbroughttheshoes。"There，bird，"saidtheman，"nowsingmethatpieceagain。"Thenthebirdcameandtooktheshoesinhisleftclaw，andflewbackontheroof，andsang-

mymothershekilledme，myfatherheateme，mysister，littleMarlinchen，gatheredtogetherallmybones，tiedtheminasilkenhandkerchief，laidthembeneaththejunipertree，kywitt，kywitt，whatabeautifulbirdamI。

andwhenhehadfinishedhissongheflewaway。Inhisrightclawhehadthechainandinhislefttheshoes，andheflewfarawaytoamill，andthemillwent，klippklapp，klippklapp，klippklapp，andinthemillsattwentymiller\'smenhewingastone，andcutting，hickhack，hickhack，hickhack，andthemillwentklippklapp，klippklapp\'klippklapp。Thenthebirdwentandsatonalime-treewhichstoodinfrontofthemill，andsang-

mymothershekilledme，thenoneofthemstoppedworking，myfatherheateme，thentwomorestoppedworkingandlistenedtothat，mysister，littleMarlinchen，thenfourmorestopped，gatheredtogetherallmybones，tiedtheminasilkenhandkerchief，noweightonlywerehewing，laidthembeneath，nowonlyfive，thejunipertree，andnowonlyone，kywitt，kywitt，whatabeautifulbirdamI。

Thenthelaststoppedalso，andheardthelastwords。"Bird，"

saidhe，"howbeautifullyyousing。Letme，too，hearthat。

Singthatoncemoreforme。"

"Nay，"saidthebird，"Iwillnotsingtwicefornothing。Givemethemillstone，andthenIwillsingitagain。"

"Yes，"saidhe，"ifitbelongedtomeonly，youshouldhaveit。"

"Yes，"saidtheothers，"ifhesingsagainheshallhaveit。"Thenthebirdcamedown，andthetwentymillersallsettoworkwithabeamandraisedthestoneup。Andthebirdstuckhisneckthroughthehole，andputthestoneonasifitwereacollar，andflewontothetreeagain，andsang-

mymothershekilledme，myfatherheateme，mysister，littleMarlinchen，gatheredtogetherallmybones，tiedtheminasilkenhandkerchief，laidthembeneaththejunipertree，kywitt，kywitt，whatabeautifulbirdamI。

Andwhenhehaddonesinging，hespreadhiswings，andinhisrightclawhehadthechain，andinhislefttheshoes，androundhisneckthemillstone，andheflewfarawaytohisfather\'shouse。

Intheroomsatthefather，themother，andMarlinchenatdinner，andthefathersaid，"Howlight-heartedIfeel，howhappyIam。"

"Nay，"saidthemother，"Ifeelsouneasy，justasifaheavystormwerecoming。"Marlinchen，however，satweepingandweeping，andthencamethebirdflying，andasitseateditselfontheroofthefathersaid，"Ah，Ifeelsotrulyhappy，andthesunisshiningsobeautifullyoutside，IfeeljustasifIwereabouttoseesomeoldfriendagain。""Nay，"saidthewoman，"Ifeelsoanxious，myteethchatter，andIseemtohavefireinmyveins。"

Andshetoreherstaysopen，butMarlinchensatinacornercrying，andheldherplatebeforehereyesandcriedtillitwasquitewet。Thenthebirdsatonthejunipertree，andsang-

mymothershekilledme，thenthemotherstoppedherears，andshuthereyes，andwouldnotseeorhear，buttherewasaroaringinherearslikethemostviolentstorm，andhereyesburntandflashedlikelightning-

myfatherheateme，"Ah，mother，"saystheman，"thatisabeautifulbird。Hesingssosplendidly，andthesunshinessowarm，andthereisasmelljustlikecinnamon。"

Mysister，littleMarlinchen，thenMarlinchenlaidherheadonherkneesandweptwithoutceasing，butthemansaid，"Iamgoingout，Imustseethebirdquiteclose。""Oh，don\'tgo，"saidthewoman，"Ifeelasifthewholehousewereshakingandonfire。"Butthemanwentoutandlookedatthebird。

gatheredtogetherallmybones，tiedtheminasilkenhandkerchief，laidthembeneaththejunipertree，kywitt，kywitt，whatabeautifulbirdamI

onthisthebirdletthegoldenchainfall，anditfellexactlyroundtheman\'sneck，andsoexactlyrounditthatitfittedbeautifully。Thenhewentinandsaid，"justlookwhatafinebirdthatis，andwhatahandsomegoldenchainhehasgivenme，andhowprettyheis。"Butthewomanwasterrified，andfelldownonthefloorintheroom，andhercapfelloffherhead。Thensangthebirdoncemore-

mymothershekilledme。

"WouldthatIwereathousandfeetbeneaththeearthsoasnottohearthat。"

Myfatherheateme，thenthewomanfelldownagainasifdead。

Mysister，littlemarlinchen，"Ah，"saidMarlinchen，"Itoowillgooutandseeifthebirdwillgivemeanything，"andshewentout。

Gatheredtogetherallmybones，tiedtheminasilkenhandkerchief，thenhethrewdowntheshoestoher。

Laidthembeneaththejunipertree，kywitt，kywitt，whatabeautifulbirdamI。

Thenshewaslight-heartedandjoyous，andsheputonthenewredshoes，anddancedandleapedintothehouse。"Ah，"saidshe，"I

wassosadwhenIwentoutandnowIamsolight-hearted，thatisasplendidbird，hehasgivenmeapairofredshoes。""Well，"

saidthewoman，andsprangtoherfeetandherhairstooduplikeflamesoffire，"Ifeelasiftheworldwerecomingtoanend。

Itoo，willgooutandseeifmyheartfeelslighter。"Andasshewentoutatthedoor，crash。Thebirdthrewdownthemillstoneonherhead，andshewasentirelycrushedbyit。

ThefatherandMarlinchenheardwhathadhappenedandwentout，andsmoke，flames，andfirewererisingfromtheplace，andwhenthatwasover，therestoodthelittlebrother，andhetookhisfatherandMarlinchenbythehand，andallthreewererightglad，andtheywentintothehousetodinner，andate。

Afarmeroncehadafaithfuldogcalledsultan，whohadgrownold，andlostallhisteeth，sothathecouldnolongerholdontoanything。Onedaythefarmerwasstandingwithhiswifebeforethehouse-door，andsaid，to-morrowIintendtoshootoldsultan，heisnolongerofanyuse。

Hiswife，whofeltpityforthefaithfulbeast，answered，hehasservedussolong，andbeensofaithful，thatwemightwellgivehimhiskeep。

What，saidtheman，youarenotverybright。Hehasnotatoothleftinhishead，andnotathiefisafraidofhim，nowhecango。Ifhehasservedus，hehashadgoodfeedingforit。

Thepoordog，whowaslyingstretchedoutinthesunnotfaroff，hadheardeverything，andwassorrythatthemorrowwastobehislastday。Hehadagoodfriend，thewolf，andhecreptoutintheeveningintotheforesttohim，andcomplainedofthefatethatawaitedhim。Listen，gossip，saidthewolf，beofgoodcheer，Iwillhelpyououtofyourtrouble。Ihavethoughtofsomething。To-morrow，earlyinthemorning，yourmasterisgoingwithhiswifetomakehay，andtheywilltaketheirlittlechildwiththem，fornoonewillbeleftbehindinthehouse。

Theyarewont，duringwork-time，tolaythechildunderthehedgeintheshade，youlayyourselftheretoo，justasifyouwishedtoguardit。ThenIwillcomeoutofthewood，andcarryoffthechild。Youmustrushswiftlyafterme，asifyouwouldseizeitagainfromme。Iwillletitfall，andyouwilltakeitbacktoitsparents，whowillthinkthatyouhavesavedit，andwillbefartoogratefultodoyouanyharm，onthecontrary，youwillbeinhighfavor，andtheywillneverletyouwantforanythingagain。

Theplanpleasedthedog，anditwascarriedoutjustasitwasarranged。Thefatherscreamedwhenhesawthewolfrunningacrossthefieldwithhischild，butwhenoldsultanbroughtitback，thenhewasfullofjoy，andstrokedhimandsaid，notahairofyoursshallbehurt，youshalleatmybreadfreeaslongasyoulive。Andtohiswifehesaid，gohomeatonceandmakeoldsultansomebread-sopthathewillnothavetobite，andbringthepillowoutofmybed，Iwillgivehimthattolieupon。

Hencefortholdsultanwasaswelloffashecouldwishtobe。

Soonafterwardsthewolfvisitedhim，andwaspleasedthateverythinghadsucceededsowell。But，gossip，saidhe，youwilljustwinkaneyeif，whenIhaveachance，Icarryoffoneofyourmaster\'sfatsheep。Donotreckonuponthat，answeredthedog，Iwillremaintruetomymaster，Icannotagreetothat。Thewolf，whothoughtthatthiscouldnotbespokeninearnest，camecreepingaboutinthenightandwasgoingtotakeawaythesheep。

Butthefarmer，towhomthefaithfulsultanhadtoldthewolf\'splan，caughthimanddressedhishidesoundlywiththeflail。

Thewolfhadtomakehimselfscarce，buthecriedouttothedog，waitabit，youscoundrel，youshallpayforthis。

Thenextmorningthewolfsenttheboartochallengethedogtocomeoutintotheforestsothattheymightsettletheaffair。

Oldsultancouldfindnoonetostandbyhimbutacatwithonlythreelegs，andastheywentouttogetherthepoorcatlimpedalong，andatthesametimestretchedouthertailintotheairwithpain。

Thewolfandhisfriendwerealreadyattheappointedplace，butwhentheysawtheirenemycomingtheythoughtthathewasbringingasabrewithhim，fortheymistooktheoutstretchedtailofthecatforone。Andwhenthepoorbeasthoppedonitsthreelegs，theycouldonlythinkeverytimethatitwaspickingupastonetothrowatthem。Sotheywerebothafraid，thewildboarcreptintotheunder-woodandthewolfjumpedupatree。

Thedogandthecat，whentheycameup，wonderedthattherewasnoonetobeseen。Thewildboar，however，hadnotbeenabletohidehimselfaltogether，oneofhisearswasstickingout。Whilstthecatwaslookingcarefullyabout，theboarmovedhisear，thecat，whothoughtitwasamousemovingthere，jumpeduponitandbitithard。Theboarmadeafearfulnoiseandranaway，cryingout，theguiltyoneisupinthetree。Thedogandcatlookedupandsawthewolf，whowasashamedofhavingshownhimselfsotimid，andmadefriendswiththedog。

Onceuponatime，acertainkingwashuntinginagreatforest，andhechasedawildbeastsoeagerlythatnoneofhisattendantscouldfollowhim。Wheneveningdrewnearhestoppedandlookedaroundhim，andthenhesawthathehadlosthisway。Hesoughtawayout，butcouldfindnone。Thenheperceivedanagedwomanwithaheadwhichnoddedperpetually，whocametowardshim，butshewasawitch。Goodwoman，saidhetoher，canyounotshowmethewaythroughtheforest。Oh，yes，lordking，sheanswered，thatIcertainlycan，butononecondition，andifyoudonotfulfilthat，youwillnevergetoutoftheforest，andwilldieofhungerinit。

Whatkindofconditionisit，askedtheking。

Ihaveadaughter，saidtheoldwoman，whoisasbeautifulasanyoneintheworld，andwelldeservestobeyourconsort，andifyouwillmakeheryourqueen，Iwillshowyouthewayoutoftheforest。Intheanguishofhisheartthekingconsented，andtheoldwomanledhimtoherlittlehut，whereherdaughterwassittingbythefire。Shereceivedthekingasifshehadbeenexpectinghim，andhesawthatshewasverybeautiful，butstillshedidnotpleasehim，andhecouldnotlookatherwithoutsecrethorror。Afterhehadtakenthemaidenuponhishorse，theoldwomanshowedhimtheway，andthekingreachedhisroyalpalaceagain，wheretheweddingwascelebrated。

Thekinghadalreadybeenmarriedonce，andhadbyhisfirstwife，sevenchildren，sixboysandagirl，whomhelovedbetterthananythingelseintheworld。Ashenowfearedthatthestepmothermightnottreatthemwell，andevendothemsomeinjury，hetookthemtoalonelycastlewhichstoodinthemidstofaforest。Itlaysoconcealed，andthewaywassodifficulttofindthathehimselfwouldnothavefoundit，ifawisewomanhadnotgivenhimaballofyarnwithwonderfulproperties。Whenhethrewitdownbeforehim，itunrolleditselfandshowedhimhispath。

Theking，however，wentsofrequentlyawaytohisdearchildrenthatthequeenobservedhisabsence，shewascuriousandwantedtoknowwhathedidwhenhewasquitealoneintheforest。Shegaveagreatdealofmoneytohisservants，andtheybetrayedthesecrettoher，andtoldherlikewiseoftheballwhichalonecouldpointouttheway。Andnowsheknewnorestuntilshehadlearntwherethekingkepttheballofyarn，andthenshemadelittleshirtsofwhitesilk，andasshehadlearnttheartofwitchcraftfromhermother，shesewedacharminsidethem。Andoncewhenthekinghadriddenforthtohunt，shetookthelittleshirtsandwentintotheforest，andtheballshowedhertheway。

Thechildren，whosawfromadistancethatsomeonewasapproaching，thoughtthattheirdearfatherwascomingtothem，andfullofjoy，rantomeethim。Thenshethrewoneofthelittleshirtsovereachofthem，andnosoonerhadtheshirtstouchedtheirbodiesthantheywerechangedintoswans，andflewawayovertheforest。Thequeenwenthomequitedelighted，andthoughtshehadgotridofherstep-children，butthegirlhadnotrunoutwithherbrothers，andthequeenknewnothingabouther。

Nextdaythekingwenttovisithischildren，buthefoundnoonebutthelittlegirl。Whereareyourbrothers，askedtheking。Alas，dearfather，sheanswered，theyhavegoneawayandleftmealone，andshetoldhimthatshehadseenfromherlittlewindowhowherbrothershadflownawayovertheforestintheshapeofswans，andsheshowedhimthefeathers，whichtheyhadletfallinthecourtyard，andwhichshehadpickedup。

Thekingmourned，buthedidnotthinkthatthequeenhaddonethiswickeddeed，andashefearedthatthegirlwouldalsobestolenawayfromhim，hewantedtotakeherawaywithhim。

Butshewasafraidofherstep-mother，andentreatedthekingtoletherstayjustthisonenightmoreintheforestcastle。

Thepoorgirlthought，Icannolongerstayhere。Iwillgoandseekmybrothers。Andwhennightcame，sheranaway，andwentstraightintotheforest。Shewalkedthewholenightlong，andnextdayalsowithoutstopping，untilshecouldgonofartherforweariness。Thenshesawaforest-hut，andwentintoit，andfoundaroomwithsixlittlebeds，butshedidnotventuretogetintooneofthem，butcreptunderone，andlaydownonthehardground，intendingtopassthenightthere。Justbeforesunset，however，sheheardarustling，andsawsixswanscomeflyinginatthewindow。Theyalightedonthegroundandblewateachother，andblewallthefeathersoff，andtheirswans，skinsstrippedofflikeashirt。Thenthemaidenlookedatthemandrecognizedherbrothers，wasgladandcreptforthfrombeneaththebed。Thebrotherswerenotlessdelightedtoseetheirlittlesister，buttheirjoywasofshortduration。Hereyoucannotabide，theysaidtoher。Thisisashelterforrobbers，iftheycomehomeandfindyou，theywillkillyou。Butcanyounotprotectme，askedthelittlesister。No，theyreplied，onlyforonequarterofanhoureacheveningcanwelayasideourswans，skinsandhaveduringthattimeourhumanform，afterthat，weareoncemoreturnedintoswans。

Thelittlesisterweptandsaid，canyounotbesetfree。Alas，no，theyanswered，theconditionsaretoohard。Forsixyearsyoumayneitherspeaknorlaugh，andinthattimeyoumustsewtogethersixlittleshirtsofstarwortforus。Andifonesinglewordfallsfromyourlips，allyourworkwillbelost。Andwhenthebrothershadsaidthis，thequarterofanhourwasover，andtheyflewoutofthewindowagainasswans。

Themaiden，however，firmlyresolvedtodeliverherbrothers，evenifitshouldcostherherlife。Sheleftthehut，wentintothemidstoftheforest，seatedherselfonatree，andtherepassedthenight。Nextmorningshewentoutandgatheredstarwortandbegantosew。Shecouldnotspeaktoanyone，andshehadnoinclinationtolaugh，shesatthereandlookedatnothingbutherwork。

Whenshehadalreadyspentalongtimethereitcametopassthatthekingofthecountrywashuntingintheforest，andhishuntsmencametothetreeonwhichthemaidenwassitting。Theycalledtoherandsaid，whoareyou。Butshemadenoanswer。Comedowntous，saidthey。Wewillnotdoyouanyharm。Sheonlyshookherhead。Astheypressedherfurtherwithquestionsshethrewhergoldennecklacedowntothem，andthoughttocontentthemthus。They，however，didnotcease，andthenshethrewhergirdledowntothem，andasthisalsowastonopurpose，hergarters，andbydegreeseverythingthatshehadonthatshecoulddowithoutuntilshehadnothingleftbuthershift。

Thehuntsmen，however，didnotletthemselvesbeturnedasidebythat，butclimbedthetreeandfetchedthemaidendownandledherbeforetheking。Thekingasked，whoareyou。Whatareyoudoingonthetree。Butshedidnotanswer。Heputthequestionineverylanguagethatheknew，butsheremainedasmuteasafish。Asshewassobeautiful，theking\'sheartwastouched，andhewassmittenwithagreatloveforher。Heputhismantleonher，tookherbeforehimonhishorse，andcarriedhertohiscastle。Thenhecausedhertobedressedinrichgarments，andsheshoneinherbeautylikebrightdaylight，butnowordcouldbedrawnfromher。Heplacedherbyhissideattable，andhermodestbearingandcourtesypleasedhimsomuchthathesaid，sheistheonewhomIwishtomarry，andnootherwomanintheworld。Andaftersomedaysheunitedhimselftoher。

Theking，however，hadawickedmotherwhowasdissatisfiedwiththismarriageandspokeilloftheyoungqueen。Whoknows，saidshe，fromwhencethecreaturewhocan\'tspeak，comes。

Sheisnotworthyofaking。Afterayearhadpassed，whenthequeenbroughtherfirstchildintotheworld，theoldwomantookitawayfromher，andsmearedhermouthwithbloodassheslept。Thenshewenttothekingandaccusedthequeenofbeingaman-eater。Thekingwouldnotbelieveit，andwouldnotsufferanyonetodoheranyinjury。She，however，satcontinuallysewingattheshirts，andcaredfornothingelse。

Thenexttime，whensheagainboreabeautifulboy，thefalsemother-in-lawusedthesametreachery，butthekingcouldnotbringhimselftogivecredittoherwords。Hesaid，sheistoopiousandgoodtodoanythingofthatkind，ifshewerenotdumb，andcoulddefendherself，herinnocencewouldcometolight。

Butwhentheoldwomanstoleawaythenewly-bornchildforthethirdtime，andaccusedthequeen，whodidnotutteronewordofdefence，thekingcoulddonootherwisethandeliverherovertojustice，andshewassentencedtosufferdeathbyfire。

Whenthedaycameforthesentencetobecarriedout，itwasthelastdayofthesixyearsduringwhichshewasnottospeakorlaugh，andshehaddeliveredherdearbrothersfromthepoweroftheenchantment。Thesixshirtswereready，onlytheleftsleeveofthesixthwaswanting。When，therefore，shewasledtothestake，shelaidtheshirtsonherarm，andwhenshestoodonhighandthefirewasjustgoingtobelighted，shelookedaroundandsixswanscameflyingthroughtheairtowardsher。Thenshesawthatherdeliverancewasnear，andherheartleaptwithjoy。Theswansswepttowardsherandsankdownsothattheyweretouchedbythem，theirswans，skinsfelloff，andherbrothersstoodintheirownbodilyformbeforeher，andwerevigorousandhandsome。Theyoungestonlylackedhisleftarm，andhadintheplaceofitaswan\'swingonhisshoulder。Theyembracedandkissedeachother，andthequeenwenttotheking，whowasgreatlymoved，andshebegantospeakandsaid，dearesthusband，nowImayspeakanddeclaretoyouthatIaminnocent，andfalselyaccused。Andshetoldhimofthetreacheryoftheoldwomanwhohadtakenawayherthreechildrenandhiddenthem。

Thentothegreatjoyofthekingtheywerebroughtthither，andasapunishment，thewickedmother-in-lawwasboundtothestake，andburnttoashes。Butthekingandthequeenwithhersixbrotherslivedmanyyearsinhappinessandpeace。

Briar-RoseAlongtimeagotherewereakingandqueenwhosaideveryday，ah，ifonlywehadachild，buttheyneverhadone。Butithappenedthatoncewhenthequeenwasbathing，afrogcreptoutofthewaterontotheland，andsaidtoher，yourwishshallbefulfilled，beforeayearhasgoneby，youshallhaveadaughter。

Whatthefroghadsaidcametrue，andthequeenhadalittlegirlwhowassoprettythatthekingcouldnotcontainhimselfforjoy，andorderedagreatfeast。Heinvitednotonlyhiskindred，friendsandacquaintances，butalsothewisewomen，inorderthattheymightbekindandwell-disposedtowardsthechild。Therewerethirteenoftheminhiskingdom，but，ashehadonlytwelvegoldenplatesforthemtoeatoutof，oneofthemhadtobeleftathome。

Thefeastwasheldwithallmannerofsplendorandwhenitcametoanendthewisewomenbestowedtheirmagicgiftsuponthebaby-onegavevirtue，anotherbeauty，athirdriches，andsoonwitheverythingintheworldthatonecanwishfor。

Whenelevenofthemhadmadetheirpromises，suddenlythethirteenthcamein。Shewishedtoavengeherselffornothavingbeeninvited，andwithoutgreeting，orevenlookingatanyone，shecriedwithaloudvoice，theking\'sdaughtershallinherfifteenthyearprickherselfwithaspindle，andfalldowndead。And，withoutsayingawordmore，sheturnedroundandlefttheroom。

Theywereallshocked，butthetwelfth，whosegoodwishstillremainedunspoken，cameforward，andasshecouldnotundotheevilsentence，butonlysoftenit，shesaid，itshallnotbedeath，butadeepsleepofahundredyears，intowhichtheprincessshallfall。

Theking，whowouldfainkeephisdearchildfromthemisfortune，gaveordersthateveryspindleinthewholekingdomshouldbeburnt。Meanwhilethegiftsofthewisewomenwereplenteouslyfulfilledontheyounggirl，forshewassobeautiful，modest，good-natured，andwise，thateveryonewhosawherwasboundtoloveher。

Ithappenedthatontheverydaywhenshewasfifteenyearsold，thekingandqueenwerenotathome，andthemaidenwasleftinthepalacequitealone。Soshewentroundintoallsortsofplaces，lookedintoroomsandbed-chambersjustassheliked，andatlastcametoanoldtower。Sheclimbedupthenarrowwinding-staircase，andreachedalittledoor。

Arustykeywasinthelock，andwhensheturneditthedoorsprangopen，andthereinalittleroomsatanoldwomanwithaspindle，busilyspinningherflax。

Goodday，oldmother，saidtheking\'sdaughter，whatareyoudoingthere。Iamspinning，saidtheoldwoman，andnoddedherhead。Whatsortofthingisthat，thatrattlesroundsomerrily，saidthegirl，andshetookthespindleandwantedtospintoo。Butscarcelyhadshetouchedthespindlewhenthemagicdecreewasfulfilled，andsheprickedherfingerwithit。

And，intheverymomentwhenshefelttheprick，shefelldownuponthebedthatstoodthere，andlayinadeepsleep。

Andthissleepextendedoverthewholepalace，thekingandqueenwhohadjustcomehome，andhadenteredthegreathall，begantogotosleep，andthewholeofthecourtwiththem。

Thehorses，too，wenttosleepinthestable，thedogsintheyard，thepigeonsupontheroof，thefliesonthewall，eventhefirethatwasflamingonthehearthbecamequietandslept，theroastmeatleftofffrizzling，andthecook，whowasjustgoingtopullthehairofthesculleryboy，becausehehadforgottensomething，lethimgo，andwenttosleep。Andthewindfell，andonthetreesbeforethecastlenotaleafmovedagain。

Butroundaboutthecastletherebegantogrowahedgeofthorns，whicheveryyearbecamehigher，andatlastgrewcloseuproundthecastleandalloverit，sothattherewasnothingofittobeseen，noteventheflagupontheroof。Butthestoryofthebeautifulsleepingbriar-rose，forsotheprincesswasnamed，wentaboutthecountry，sothatfromtimetotimekings\'sonscameandtriedtogetthroughthethornyhedgeintothecastle。

Buttheyfounditimpossible，forthethornsheldfasttogether，asiftheyhadhands，andtheyouthswerecaughtinthem，couldnotgetlooseagain，anddiedamiserabledeath。

Afterlong，longyearsaking\'ssoncameagaintothatcountry，andheardanoldmantalkingaboutthethorn-hedge，andthatacastlewassaidtostandbehinditinwhichawonderfullybeautifulprincess，namedbriar-rose，hadbeenasleepforahundredyears，andthatthekingandqueenandthewholecourtwereasleeplikewise。Hehadheard，too，fromhisgrandfather，thatmanykings，sonshadalreadycome，andhadtriedtogetthroughthethornyhedge，buttheyhadremainedstickingfastinit，andhaddiedapitifuldeath。

Thentheyouthsaid，Iamnotafraid，Iwillgoandseethebeautifulbriar-rose。Thegoodoldmanmightdissuadehimashewould，hedidnotlistentohiswords。

Butbythistimethehundredyearshadjustpassed，andthedayhadcomewhenbriar-rosewastoawakeagain。Whentheking\'ssoncameneartothethorn-hedge，itwasnothingbutlargeandbeautifulflowers，whichpartedfromeachotheroftheirownaccord，andlethimpassunhurt，thentheyclosedagainbehindhimlikeahedge。Inthecastleyardhesawthehorsesandthespottedhoundslyingasleep，ontheroofsatthepigeonswiththeirheadsundertheirwings。Andwhenheenteredthehouse，theflieswereasleepuponthewall，thecookinthekitchenwasstillholdingouthishandtoseizetheboy，andthemaidwassittingbytheblackhenwhichshewasgoingtopluck。

Hewentonfarther，andinthegreathallhesawthewholeofthecourtlyingasleep，andupbythethronelaythekingandqueen。

Thenhewentonstillfarther，andallwassoquietthatabreathcouldbeheard，andatlasthecametothetower，andopenedthedoorintothelittleroomwherebriar-rosewassleeping。

Thereshelay，sobeautifulthathecouldnotturnhiseyesaway，andhestoopeddownandgaveherakiss。Butassoonashekissedher，briar-roseopenedhereyesandawoke，andlookedathimquitesweetly。

Thentheywentdowntogether，andthekingawoke，andthequeen，andthewholecourt，andlookedateachotheringreatastonishment。Andthehorsesinthecourtyardstoodupandshookthemselves，thehoundsjumpedupandwaggedtheirtails，thepigeonsupontheroofpulledouttheirheadsfromundertheirwings，lookedround，andflewintotheopencountry，thefliesonthewallcreptagain，thefireinthekitchenburnedupandflickeredandcookedthemeat，thejointbegantoturnandsizzleagain，andthecookgavetheboysuchaboxontheearthathescreamed，andthemaidfinishedpluckingthefowl。

Andthenthemarriageoftheking\'ssonwithbriar-rosewascelebratedwithallsplendor，andtheylivedcontentedtotheendoftheirdays。

Therewasonceaforesterwhowentintotheforesttohunt，andasheentereditheheardasoundofscreamingasifalittlechildwerethere。Hefollowedthesound，andatlastcametoahightree，andatthetopofthisalittlechildwassitting，forthemotherhadfallenasleepunderthetreewiththechild，andabirdofpreyhadseenitinherarms，hadflowndown，snatcheditaway，andsetitonthehightree。

Theforesterclimbedup，broughtthechilddown，andthoughttohimself，youwilltakehimhomewithyou，andbringhimupwithyourlina。Hetookithome，therefore，andthetwochildrengrewuptogether。Andtheone，whichhehadfoundonatreewascalledfundevogel，becauseabirdhadcarrieditaway。Fundevogelandlinalovedeachothersodearlythatwhentheydidnotseeeachothertheyweresad。

Nowtheforesterhadanoldcook，whooneeveningtooktwopailsandbegantofetchwater，anddidnotgoonceonly，butmanytimes，outtothespring。Linasawthisandsaid，listenoldsanna，whyareyoufetchingsomuchwater。Ifyouwillneverrepeatittoanyone，Iwilltellyouwhy。Solinasaid，no，shewouldneverrepeatittoanyone，andthenthecooksaid，earlytomorrowmorning，whentheforesterisouthunting，Iwillheatthewater，andwhenitisboilinginthekettle，Iwillthrowinfundevogel，andwillboilhiminit。

Earlynextmorningtheforestergotupandwentouthunting，andwhenhewasgonethechildrenwerestillinbed。Thenlinasaidtofundevogel，ifyouwillneverleaveme，Itoowillneverleaveyou。Fundevogelsaid，neithernow，noreverwillIleaveyou。Thensaidlina，thenIwilltellyou。Lastnight，oldsannacarriedsomanybucketsofwaterintothehousethatIaskedherwhyshewasdoingthat，andshesaidthatifIwouldpromisenottotellanyoneshewouldtellme，andIsaidIwouldbesurenottotellanyone，andshesaidthatearlyto-morrowmorningwhenfatherwasouthunting，shewouldsetthekettlefullofwater，throwyouintoitandboilyou，butwewillgetupquickly，dressourselves，andgoawaytogether。

Thetwochildrenthereforegotup，dressedthemselvesquickly，andwentaway。Whenthewaterinthekettlewasboiling，thecookwentintothebed-roomtofetchfundevogelandthrowhimintoit。Butwhenshecamein，andwenttothebeds，boththechildrenweregone。Thenshewasterriblyalarmed，andshesaidtoherself，whatshallIsaynowwhentheforestercomeshomeandseesthatthechildrenaregone。Theymustbefollowedinstantlytogetthembackagain。

Thenthecooksentthreeservantsafterthem，whoweretorunandovertakethechildren。Thechildren，however，weresittingoutsidetheforest，andwhentheysawfromafarthethreeservantsrunning，linasaidtofundevoel，neverleaveme，andIwillneverleaveyou。Fundevogelsaid，neithernow，norever。Thensaidlina，doyoubecomearose-tree，andItheroseuponit。Whenthethreeservantscametotheforest，nothingwastherebutarose-treeandoneroseonit，butthechildrenwerenowhere。

Thensaidthey，thereisnothingtobedonehere，andtheywenthomeandtoldthecookthattheyhadseennothingintheforestbutalittlerose-bushwithoneroseonit。Thentheoldcookscoldedandsaid，yousimpletons，yousimpletons，youshouldhavecuttherose-bushintwo，andhavebrokenofftheroseandbroughtithomewithyou，go，anddoitonce。Theyhadthereforetogooutandlookforthesecondtime。Thechildren，however，sawthemcomingfromadistance。Thenlinasaid，fundevogel，neverleaveme，andIwillneverleaveyou。Fundevogelsaid，neithernow，norever。Saidlina，thendoyoubecomeachurch，andI\'llbethechandelierinit。Sowhenthethreeservantscame，nothingwastherebutachurch，withachandelierinit。Theysaidthereforetoeachother，whatcanwedohere，letusgohome。

Whentheygothome，thecookaskediftheyhadnotfoundthem，sotheysaidno，theyhadfoundnothingbutachurch，andthattherewasachandelierinit。Andthecookscoldedthemandsaid，youfools，whydidyounotpullthechurchtopieces，andbringthechandelierhomewithyou。Andnowtheoldcookherselfgotonherlegs，andwentwiththethreeservantsinpursuitofthechildren。Thechildren，however，sawfromafarthatthethreeservantswerecoming，andthecookwaddlingafterthem。Thensaidlina，fundevogel，neverleaveme，andIwillneverleaveyou。Thensaidfundevogel，neithernow，norever。Saidlina，beafishpond，andIwillbetheduckuponit。Thecook，however，cameuptothem，andwhenshesawthepondshelaydownbyit，andwasabouttodrinkitup。Buttheduckswamquicklytoher，seizedherheadinitsbeakanddrewherintothewater，andtheretheoldwitchhadtodrown。Thenthechildrenwenthometogether，andwereheartilydelighted，andiftheyhavenotdied，theyarelivingstill。

Akinghadadaughterwhowasbeautifulbeyondallmeasure，butsoproudandhaughtywithalthatnosuitorwasgoodenoughforher。Shesentawayoneaftertheother，andridiculedthemaswell。

Oncethekingmadeagreatfeastandinvitedthereto，fromfarandnear，alltheyoungmenlikelytomarry。Theywereallmarshalledinarowaccordingtotheirrankandstanding。Firstcamethekings，thenthegrand-dukes，thentheprinces，theearls，thebarons，andthegentry。Thentheking\'sdaughterwasledthroughtheranks，buttoeachoneshehadsomeobjectiontomake。Onewastoofat，thewine-barrel，shesaid。Anotherwastootall，longandthinhaslittlein。Thethirdwastooshort，shortandthickisneverquick。Thefourthwastoopale，aspaleasdeath。Thefifthtoored，afightingcock。

Thesixthwasnotstraightenough，agreenlogdriedbehindthestove。

Soshehadsomethingtosayagainsteachone，butshemadeherselfespeciallymerryoveragoodkingwhostoodquitehighupintherow，andwhosechinhadgrownalittlecrooked。

Look，shecriedandlaughed，hehasachinlikeathrush\'sbeak。Andfromthattimehegotthenameofkingthrushbeard。

Buttheoldking，whenhesawthathisdaugherdidnothingbutmockthepeople，anddespisedallthesuitorswhoweregatheredthere，wasveryangry，andsworethatsheshouldhaveforherhusbandtheveryfirstbeggarthatcametohisdoors。

Afewdaysafterwardsafiddlercameandsangbeneaththewindows，tryingtoearnafewpennies。Whenthekingheardhimhesaid，lethimcomeup。Sothefiddlercamein，inhisdirty，raggedclothes，andsangbeforethekingandhisdaughter，andwhenhehadendedheaskedforatriflinggift。Thekingsaid，yoursonghaspleasedmesowellthatIwillgiveyoumydaughterthere，towife。

Theking\'sdaughtershuddered，butthekingsaid，Ihavetakenanoathtogiveyoutotheveryfirstbeggar-manandIwillkeepit。Allshecouldsaywasinvain。Thepriestwasbrought，andshehadtoletherselfbeweddedtothefiddleronthespot。Whenthatwasdonethekingsaid，nowitisnotproperforyou，abeggar-woman，tostayanylongerinmypalace，youmayjustgoawaywithyourhusband。

Thebeggar-manledheroutbythehand，andshewasobligedtowalkawayonfootwithhim。Whentheycametoalargeforestsheasked，towhomdoesthatbeautifulforestbelong。Itbelongstokingthrushbeard。Ifyouhadtakenhim，itwouldhavebeenyours。Ah，unhappygirlthatIam，ifIhadbuttakenkingthrushbeard。

Afterwardstheycametoameadow，andsheaskedagain，towhomdoesthisbeautifulgreenmeadowbelong。Itbelongstokingthrushbeard。Ifyouhadtakenhim，itwouldhavebeenyours。Ah，unhappygirlthatIam，ifIhadbuttakenkingthrushbeard。

Thentheycametoalargetown，andsheaskedagain，towhomdoesthisfinelargetownbelong。Itbelongstokingthrushbeard。

Ifyouhadtakenhim，itwouldhavebeenyours。Ah，unhappygirlthatIam，ifIhadbuttakenkingthrushbeard。

Itdoesnotpleaseme，saidthefiddler，tohearyoualwayswishingforanotherhusband。AmInotgoodenoughforyou。

Atlasttheycametoaverylittlehut，andshesaid，ohgoodness。Whatasmallhouse。Towhomdoesthismiserable，tinyhovelbelong。Thefiddleranswered，thatismyhouseandyours，whereweshalllivetogether。

Shehadtostoopinordertogoinatthelowdoor。Wherearetheservants，saidtheking\'sdaughter。Whatservants，answeredthebeggar-man。Youmustyourselfdowhatyouwishtohavedone。

Justmakeafireatonce，andsetonwatertocookmysupper，Iamquitetired。Buttheking\'sdaughterknewnothingaboutlightingfiresorcooking，andthebeggar-manhadtolendahandhimselftogetanythingfairlydone。Whentheyhadfinishedtheirscantymealtheywenttobed。Butheforcedhertogetupquiteearlyinthemorninginordertolookafterthehouse。

Forafewdaystheylivedinthiswayaswellasmightbe，andcametotheendofalltheirprovisions。Thenthemansaid，wife，wecannotgoonanylongereatinganddrinkinghereandearningnothing。Youmustmakebaskets。Hewentout，cutsomewillows，andbroughtthemhome。Thenshebegantomakebaskets，butthetoughwillowswoundedherdelicatehands。

Iseethatthiswillnotdo，saidtheman。Youhadbetterspin，perhapsyoucandothatbetter。Shesatdownandtriedtospin，butthehardthreadsooncuthersoftfingerssothatthebloodrandown。See，saidtheman，youarefitfornosortofwork。

Ihavemadeabadbargainwithyou。NowIwilltrytomakeabusinesswithpotsandearthenware。Youmustsitinthemarket-placeandselltheware。Alas，thoughtshe，ifanyofthepeoplefrommyfather\'skingdomcometothemarketandseemesittingthere，selling，howtheywillmockme。Butitwasofnouse，shehadtoyieldunlessshechosetodieofhunger。

Forthefirsttimeshesucceededwell，forthepeopleweregladtobuythewoman\'swaresbecauseshewasgood-looking，andtheypaidherwhatsheasked。Manyevengaveherthemoneyandleftthepotswithheraswell。Sotheylivedonwhatshehadearnedaslongasitlasted，thenthehusbandboughtalotofnewcrockery。Withthisshesatdownatthecornerofthemarket-place，andsetitoutroundaboutherreadyforsale。

Butsuddenlytherecameadrunkenhussargallopingalong，andheroderightamongstthepotssothattheywereallbrokenintoathousandbits。Shebegantoweep，anddidnowknowwhattodoforfear。Alas，whatwillhappentome，criedshe。Whatwillmyhusbandsaytothis。

Sheranhomeandtoldhimofthemisfortune。Whowouldseatherselfatacornerofthemarket-placewithcrockery，saidtheman。Leaveoffcrying，Iseeverywellthatyoucannotdoanyordinarywork，soIhavebeentoourking\'spalaceandhaveaskedwhethertheycannotfindaplaceforakitchen-maid，andtheyhavepromisedmetotakeyou。Inthatwayyouwillgetyourfoodfornothing。

Theking\'sdaughterwasnowakitchen-maid，andhadtobeatthecook\'sbeckandcall，anddothedirtiestwork。Inbothherpocketsshefastenedalittlejar，inwhichshetookhomehershareoftheleavings，anduponthistheylived。

Ithappenedthattheweddingoftheking\'seldestsonwastobecelebrated，sothepoorwomanwentupandplacedherselfbythedoorofthehalltolookon。Whenallthecandleswerelit，andpeople，eachmorebeautifulthantheother，entered，andallwasfullofpompandsplendor，shethoughtofherlotwithasadheart，andcursedtheprideandhaughtinesswhichhadhumbledherandbroughthertosogreatpoverty。

Thesmellofthedeliciousdisheswhichwerebeingtakeninandoutreachedher，andnowandthentheservantsthrewherafewmorselsofthem。Thesesheputinherjarstotakehome。

Allatoncetheking\'ssonentered，clothedinvelvetandsilk，withgoldchainsabouthisneck。Andwhenhesawthebeautifulwomanstandingbythedoorheseizedherbythehand，andwouldhavedancedwithher。Butsherefusedandshrankwithfear，forshesawthatitwaskingthrushbeard，hersuitorwhomshehaddrivenawaywithscorn。Herstruggleswereofnoavail，hedrewherintothehall。Butthestringbywhichherpocketswerehungbroke，thepotsfelldown，thesoupranout，andthescrapswerescatteredallabout。Andwhenthepeoplesawit，therearosegenerallaughterandderision，andshewassoashamedthatshewouldratherhavebeenathousandfathomsbelowtheground。Shesprangtothedoorandwouldhaverunaway，butonthestairsamancaughtherandbroughtherback。Andwhenshelookedathimitwaskingthrushbeardagain。Hesaidtoherkindly，donotbeafraid，Iandthefiddlerwhohasbeenlivingwithyouinthatwretchedhovelareone。ForloveofyouIdisguisedmyselfso。AndIalsowasthehussarwhorodethroughyourcrockery。

Thiswasalldonetohumbleyourproudspirit，andtopunishyoufortheinsolencewithwhichyoumockedme。

Thensheweptbitterlyandsaid，Ihavedonegreatwrong，andamnotworthytobeyourwife。Buthesaid，becomforted，theevildaysarepast。Nowwewillcelebrateourwedding。

Thenthemaids-in-waitingcameandputonherthemostsplendidclothing，andherfatherandhiswholecourtcameandwishedherhappinessinhermarriagewithkingthrushbeard，andthejoynowbeganinearnest。IwishyouandIhadbeentheretoo。

SnowWhiteandtheSevenDwarfsOnceuponatimeinthemiddleofwinter，whentheflakesofsnowwerefallinglikefeathersfromthesky，aqueensatatawindowsewing，andtheframeofthewindowwasmadeofblackebony。Andwhilstshewassewingandlookingoutofthewindowatthesnow，sheprickedherfingerwiththeneedle，andthreedropsofbloodfelluponthesnow。Andtheredlookedprettyuponthewhitesnow，andshethoughttoherself，wouldthatIhadachildaswhiteassnow，asredasblood，andasblackasthewoodofthewindow-frame。

Soonafterthatshehadalittledaughter，whowasaswhiteassnow，andasredasblood，andherhairwasasblackasebony，andshewasthereforecalledlittlesnow-white。Andwhenthechildwasborn，thequeendied。

Afterayearhadpassedthekingtooktohimselfanotherwife。

Shewasabeautifulwoman，butproudandhaughty，andshecouldnotbearthatanyoneelsechouldsurpassherinbeauty。Shehadawonderfullooking-glass，andwhenshestoodinfrontofitandlookedatherselfinit，andsaid，looking-glass，looking-glass，onthewall，whointhislandisthefairestofall。

Thelooking-glassanswered，thou，oqueen，artthefairestofall。

Thenshewassatisfied，forsheknewthatthelooking-glassspokethetruth。

Butsnow-whitewasgrowingup，andgrewmoreandmorebeautiful，andwhenshewassevenyearsoldshewasasbeautifulastheday，andmorebeautifulthanthequeenherself。Andoncewhenthequeenaskedherlooking-glass，looking-glass，looking-glass，onthewall，whointhislandisthefairestofall。

Itanswered，thouartfairerthanallwhoarehere，ladyqueen。

Butmorebeautifulstillissnow-white，asIween。

Thenthequeenwasshocked，andturnedyellowandgreenwithenvy。Fromthathour，whenevershelookedatsnow-white，herheartheavedinherbreast，shehatedthegirlsomuch。

Andenvyandpridegrewhigherandhigherinherheartlikeaweed，sothatshehadnopeacedayornight。Shecalledahuntsman，andsaid，takethechildawayintotheforest。Iwillnolongerhaveherinmysight。Killher，andbringmebackherlungandliverasatoken。Thehuntsmanobeyed，andtookherawaybutwhenhehaddrawnhisknife，andwasabouttopiercesnow-white\'sinnocentheart，shebegantoweep，andsaid，ahdearhuntsman，leavememylife。Iwillrunawayintothewildforest，andnevercomehomeagain。

Andasshewassobeautifulthehuntsmanhadpityonherandsaid，runaway，then，youpoorchild。Thewildbeastswillsoonhavedevouredyou，thoughthe，andyetitseemedasifastonehadbeenrolledfromhisheartsinceitwasnolongerneedfulforhimtokillher。Andasayoungbearjustthencamerunningbyhestabbedit，andcutoutitslungandliverandtookthemtothequeenasproofthatthechildwasdead。Thecookhadtosaltthem，andthewickedqueenatethem，andthoughtshehadeatenthelungandliverofsnow-white。

Butnowthepoorchildwasallaloneinthegreatforest，andsoterrifiedthatshelookedatalltheleavesonthetrees，anddidnotknowwhattodo。Thenshebegantorun，andranoversharpstonesandthroughthorns，andthewildbeastsranpasther，butdidhernoharm。

Sheranaslongasherfeetwouldgountilitwasalmostevening，thenshesawalittlecottageandwentintoittorestherself。

Everythinginthecottagewassmall，butneaterandcleanerthancanbetold。Therewasatableonwhichwasawhitecover，andsevenlittleplates，andoneachplatealittlespoon，moreover，thereweresevenlittleknivesandforks，andsevenlittlemugs。

Againstthewallstoodsevenlittlebedssidebyside，andcoveredwithsnow-whitecounterpanes。

Littlesnow-whitewassohungryandthirstythatsheatesomevegetablesandbreadfromeachplateanddrankadropofwineoutofeachmug，forshedidnotwishtotakeallfromoneonly。

Then，asshewassotired，shelaidherselfdownononeofthelittlebeds，butnoneofthemsuitedher，onewastoolong，anothertooshort，butatlastshefoundthattheseventhonewasright，andsosheremainedinit，saidaprayerandwenttosleep。

Whenitwasquitedarktheownersofthecottagecameback。

Theyweresevendwarfswhoduganddelvedinthemountainsforore。Theylittheirsevencandles，andasitwasnowlightwithinthecottagetheysawthatsomeonehadbeenthere，foreverythingwasnotinthesameorderinwhichtheyhadleftit。

Thefirstsaid，whohasbeensittingonmychair。

Thesecond，whohasbeeneatingoffmyplate。

Thethird，whohasbeentakingsomeofmybread。

Thefourth，whohasbeeneatingmyvegetables。

Thefifth，whohasbeenusingmyfork。

Thesixth，whohasbeencuttingwithmyknife。

Theseventh，whohasbeendrinkingoutofmymug。

Thenthefirstlookedroundandsawthattherewasalittlehollowonhisbed，andhesaid，whohasbeengettingintomybed。Theotherscameupandeachcalledout，somebodyhasbeenlyinginmybedtoo。Buttheseventhwhenhelookedathisbedsawlittlesnow-white，whowaslyingasleeptherein。Andhecalledtheothers，whocamerunningup，andtheycriedoutwithastonishment，andbroughttheirsevenlittlecandlesandletthelightfallonlittlesnow-white。Oh，heavens，oh，heavens，criedthey，whatalovelychild。Andtheyweresogladthattheydidnotwakeherup，butlethersleeponinthebed。Andtheseventhdwarfsleptwithhiscompanions，onehourwitheach，andsopassedthenight。

Whenitwasmorninglittlesnow-whiteawoke，andwasfrightenedwhenshesawthesevendwarfs。Buttheywerefriendlyandaskedherwhathernamewas。Mynameissnow-white，sheanswered。

Howhaveyoucometoourhouse，saidthedwarfs。Thenshetoldthemthatherstep-motherhadwishedtohaveherkilled，butthatthehuntsmanhadsparedherlife，andthatshehadrunforthewholeday，untilatlastshehadfoundtheirdwelling。