第6章

Thedwarfssaid，ifyouwilltakecareofourhouse，cook，makethebeds，wash，sewandknit，andifyouwillkeepeverythingneatandcleanyoucanstaywithusandyoushallwantfornothing。

Yes，saidsnow-white，withallmyheart。Andshestayedwiththem。Shekeptthehouseinorderforthem。Inthemorningstheywenttothemountainsandlookedforcopperandgold，intheeveningstheycameback，andthentheirsupperhadtobeready。

Thegirlwasalonethewholeday，sothegooddwarfswarnedherandsaid，bewareofyourstep-mother，shewillsoonknowthatyouarehere，besuretoletnoonecomein。

Butthequeen，believingthatshehadeatensnow-white\'slungandliver，couldnotbutthinkthatshewasagainthefirstandmostbeautifulofall，andshewenttoherlooking-glassandsaid，looking-glass，looking-glass，onthewall，whointhislandisthefairestofall。

Andtheglassanswered，oh，queen，thouartfairestofallIsee，butoverthehills，wherethesevendwarfsdwell，snow-whiteisstillaliveandwell，andnoneissofairasshe。

Thenshewasastounded，forsheknewthatthelooking-glassneverspokefalsely，andsheknewthatthehuntsmanhadbetrayedher，andthatlittlesnow-whitewasstillalive。

Andsoshethoughtandthoughtagainhowshemightkillher，forsolongasshewasnotthefairestinthewholeland，envyletherhavenorest。Andwhenshehadatlastthoughtofsomethingtodo，shepaintedherface，anddressedherselflikeanoldpedlar-woman，andnoonecouldhaveknownher。Inthisdisguiseshewentoverthesevenmountainstothesevendwarfs，andknockedatthedoorandcried，prettythingstosell，verycheap，verycheap。Littlesnow-whitelookedoutofthewindowandcalledout，good-daymygoodwoman，whathaveyoutosell。Goodthings，prettythings，sheanswered，stay-lacesofallcolors，andshepulledoutonewhichwaswovenofbright-coloredsilk。Imaylettheworthyoldwomanin，thoughtsnow-white，andsheunboltedthedoorandboughttheprettylaces。Child，saidtheoldwoman，whatafrightyoulook，come，Iwilllaceyouproperlyforonce。

Snow-whitehadnosuspicion，butstoodbeforeher，andletherselfbelacedwiththenewlaces。Buttheoldwomanlacedsoquicklyandsotightlythatsnow-whitelostherbreathandfelldownasifdead。NowIamthemostbeautiful，saidthequeentoherself，andranaway。

Notlongafterwards，intheevening，thesevendwarfscamehome，buthowshockedtheywerewhentheysawtheirdearlittlesnow-whitelyingontheground，andthatsheneitherstirrednormoved，andseemedtobedead。Theyliftedherup，and，astheysawthatshewaslacedtootightly，theycutthelaces，thenshebegantobreathealittle，andafterawhilecametolifeagain。

Whenthedwarfsheardwhathadhappenedtheysaid，theoldpedlar-womanwasnooneelsethanthewickedqueen，takecareandletnoonecomeinwhenwearenotwithyou。

Butthewickedwomanwhenshehadreachedhomewentinfrontoftheglassandasked，looking-glass，looking-glass，onthewall，whointhislandisthefairestofall。

Anditansweredasbefore，oh，queen，thouartfairestofallIsee，butoverthehills，wherethesevendwarfsdwell，snow-whiteisstillaliveandwell，andnoneissofairasshe。

Whensheheardthat，allherbloodrushedtoherheartwithfear，forshesawplainlythatlittlesnow-whitewasagainalive。

Butnow，shesaid，Iwillthinkofsomethingthatshallreallyputanendtoyou。Andbythehelpofwitchcraft，whichsheunderstood，shemadeapoisonouscomb。Thenshedisguisedherselfandtooktheshapeofanotheroldwoman。Soshewentoverthesevenmountainstothesevendwarfs，knockedatthedoor，andcried，goodthingstosell，cheap，cheap。Littlesnow-whitelookedoutandsaid，goaway，Icannotletanyonecomein。Isupposeyoucanlook，saidtheoldwoman，andpulledthepoisonouscomboutandhelditup。Itpleasedthegirlsowellthatsheletherselfbebeguiled，andopenedthedoor。Whentheyhadmadeabargaintheoldwomansaid，nowIwillcombyouproperlyforonce。Poorlittlesnow-whitehadnosuspicion，andlettheoldwomandoasshepleased，buthardlyhadsheputthecombinherhairthanthepoisoninittookeffect，andthegirlfelldownsenseless。Youparagonofbeauty，saidthewickedwoman，youaredonefornow，andshewentaway。

Butfortunatelyitwasalmostevening，whenthesevendwarfscamehome。Whentheysawsnow-whitelyingasifdeaduponthegroundtheyatoncesuspectedthestep-mother，andtheylookedandfoundthepoisonedcomb。Scarcelyhadtheytakenitoutwhensnow-whitecametoherself，andtoldthemwhathadhappened。

Thentheywarnedheroncemoretobeuponherguardandtoopenthedoortonoone。

Thequeen，athome，wentinfrontoftheglassandsaid，looking-glass，looking-glass，onthewall，whointhislandisthefairestofall。

Thenitansweredasbefore，oh，queen，thouartfairestofallIsee，butoverthehills，wherethesevendwarfsdwell，snow-whiteisstillaliveandwell，andnoneissofairasshe。

Whensheheardtheglassspeakthusshetrembledandshookwithrage。Snow-whiteshalldie，shecried，evenifitcostsmemylife。

Thereuponshewentintoaquitesecret，lonelyroom，wherenooneevercame，andthereshemadeaverypoisonousapple。

Outsideitlookedpretty，whitewitharedcheek，sothateveryonewhosawitlongedforit，butwhoeverateapieceofitmustsurelydie。

Whentheapplewasreadyshepaintedherface，anddressedherselfupasafarmer\'swife，andsoshewentoverthesevenmountainstothesevendwarfs。Sheknockedatthedoor。Snow-whiteputherheadoutofthewindowandsaid，Icannotletanyonein，thesevendwarfshaveforbiddenme。Itisallthesametome，answeredthewoman，Ishallsoongetridofmyapples。

There，Iwillgiveyouone。

No，saidsnow-white，Idarenottakeanything。Areyouafraidofpoison，saidtheoldwoman，look，Iwillcuttheappleintwopieces，youeattheredcheek，andIwilleatthewhite。Theapplewassocunninglymadethatonlytheredcheekwaspoisoned。Snow-whitelongedforthefineapple，andwhenshesawthatthewomanatepartofitshecouldresistnolonger，andstretchedoutherhandandtookthepoisonoushalf。Buthardlyhadsheabitofitinhermouththanshefelldowndead。Thenthequeenlookedatherwithadreadfullook，andlaughedaloudandsaid，whiteassnow，redasblood，blackasebony-wood，thistimethedwarfscannotwakeyouupagain。

Andwhensheaskedofthelooking-glassathome，looking-glass，looking-glass，onthewall，whointhislandisthefairestofall。

Anditansweredatlast，oh，queen，inthislandthouartfairestofall。

Thenherenvioushearthadrest，sofarasanenviousheartcanhaverest。

Thedwarfs，whentheycamehomeintheevening，foundsnow-whitelyingupontheground，shebreathednolongerandwasdead。

Theyliftedherup，lookedtoseewhethertheycouldfindanythingpoisonous，unlacedher，combedherhair，washedherwithwaterandwine，butitwasallofnouse，thepoorchildwasdead，andremaineddead。Theylaidheruponabier，andallsevenofthemsatrounditandweptforher，andweptthreedayslong。

Thentheyweregoingtoburyher，butshestilllookedasifshewereliving，andstillhadherprettyredcheeks。Theysaid，wecouldnotburyherinthedarkground，andtheyhadatransparentcoffinofglassmade，sothatshecouldbeseenfromallsides，andtheylaidherinit，andwrotehernameuponitingoldenletters，andthatshewasaking\'sdaughter。Thentheyputthecoffinoutuponthemountain，andoneofthemalwaysstayedbyitandwatchedit。Andbirdscametoo，andweptforsnow-white，firstanowl，thenaraven，andlastadove。

Andnowsnow-whitelayalong，longtimeinthecoffin，andshedidnotchange，butlookedasifshewereasleep，forshewasaswhiteassnow，asredasblood，andherhairwasasblackasebony。

Ithappened，however，thataking\'ssoncameintotheforest，andwenttothedwarfs，housetospendthenight。Hesawthecoffinonthemountain，andthebeautifulsnow-whitewithinit，andreadwhatwaswrittenuponitingoldenletters。Thenhesaidtothedwarfs，letmehavethecoffin，Iwillgiveyouwhateveryouwantforit。Butthedwarfsanswered，wewillnotpartwithitforallthegoldintheworld。Thenhesaid，letmehaveitasagift，forIcannotlivewithoutseeingsnow-white。Iwillhonorandprizeherasmydearestpossession。Ashespokeinthiswaythegooddwarfstookpityuponhim，andgavehimthecoffin。

Andnowtheking\'ssonhaditcarriedawaybyhisservantsontheirshoulders。Andithappenedthattheystumbledoveratree-stump，andwiththeshockthepoisonouspieceofapplewhichsnow-whitehadbittenoffcameoutofherthroat。Andbeforelongsheopenedhereyes，liftedupthelidofthecoffin，satup，andwasoncemorealive。Oh，heavens，whereamI，shecried。Theking\'sson，fullofjoy，said，youarewithme。Andtoldherwhathadhappened，andsaid，Iloveyoumorethaneverythingintheworld，comewithmetomyfather\'spalace，youshallbemywife。

Andsnow-whitewaswilling，andwentwithhim，andtheirweddingwasheldwithgreatshowandsplendor。Butsnow-white\'swickedstep-motherwasalsobiddentothefeast。Whenshehadarrayedherselfinbeautifulclothesshewentbeforethelooking-glass，andsaid，looking-glass，looking-glass，onthewall，whointhislandisthefairestofall。

Theglassanswered，oh，queen，ofallherethefairestartthou，buttheyoungqueenisfairerbyfarasItrow。

Thenthewickedwomanutteredacurse，andwassowretched，soutterlywretchedthatsheknewnotwhattodo。Atfirstshewouldnotgototheweddingatall，butshehadnopeace，andhadtogotoseetheyoungqueen。Andwhenshewentinsherecognizedsnow-white，andshestoodstillwithrageandfear，andcouldnotstir。Butironslippershadalreadybeenputuponthefire，andtheywerebroughtinwithtongs，andsetbeforeher。Thenshewasforcedtoputonthered-hotshoes，anddanceuntilshedroppeddowndead。

Therewereoncethreebrotherswhohadfallendeeperanddeeperintopoverty，andatlasttheirneedwassogreatthattheyhadtoendurehunger，andhadnothingtoeatordrink。Thensaidthey，itcannotgoonlikethis，wehadbettergointotheworldandseekourfortune。

Theythereforesetout，andhadalreadywalkedovermanyalongroadandmanyabladeofgrass，buthadnotyetmetwithgoodluck。Onedaytheyarrivedinagreatforest，andinthemidstofitwasahill，andwhentheycamenearertheysawthatthehillwasallsilver。Thenspoketheeldest，nowIhavefoundthegoodluckI

wishedfor，andIdesirenothingmore。Hetookasmuchofthesilverashecouldpossiblycarry，andthenturnedbackandwenthomeagain。

Butthetwootherssaid，wewantsomethingmorefromgoodluckthanmeresilver，anddidnottouchit，butwentonwards。Aftertheyhadwalkedfortwodayslongerwithoutstopping，theycametoahillwhichwasallgold。Thesecondbrotherstopped，tookthoughtwithhimself，andwasundecided。WhatshallIdo，saidhe，shallItakeformyselfsomuchofthisgold，thatIhavesufficientforalltherestofmylife，orshallIgofarther。Atlengthhemadeadecision，andputtingasmuchintohispocketsaswouldgoin，saidfarewelltohisbrother，andwenthome。

Butthethirdsaid，silverandgolddonotmoveme，Iwillnotrenouncemychanceoffortune，perhapssomethingbetterstillwillbegivenme。Hejourneyedonwards，andwhenhehadwalkedforthreedays，hecametoaforestwhichwasstilllargerthantheonebefore，andneverwouldcometoanend，andashefoundnothingtoeatortodrink，hewasallbutexhausted。Thenheclimbedupahightreetofindoutifuptherehecouldseetheendoftheforest，butsofarashiseyecouldpiercehesawnothingbutthetopsoftrees。Thenhebegantodescendthetreeagain，buthungertormentedhim，andhethoughttohimself，ifIcouldbuteatmyfilloncemore。

Whenhegotdownhesawwithastonishmentatablebeneaththetreerichlyspreadwithfood，thesteamofwhichroseuptomeethim。

Thistime，saidhe，mywishhasbeenfulfilledattherightmoment。

Andwithoutinquiringwhohadbroughtthefood，orwhohadcookedit，heapproachedthetable，andatewithenjoymentuntilhehadappeasedhishunger。Whenhewasdone，hethought，itwouldafterallbeapityiftheprettylittletable-clothweretobespoiltintheforesthere，andfoldedituptidilyandputitinhispocket。Thenhewentonwards，andintheevening，whenhungeroncemorereturnedtohim，hewantedtomakeatrialofhislittlecloth，andspreaditoutandsaid，Iwishyoutobecoveredwithgoodcheeragain，andscarcelyhadthewishcrossedhislipsthanasmanydisheswiththemostexquisitefoodonthemstoodonthetableastherewasroomfor。NowIperceive，saidhe，inwhatkitchenmycookingisdone。Youshallbedearertomethanthemountainsofsilverandgold。Forhesawplainlythatitwasawishing-cloth。Thecloth，however，wasstillnotenoughtoenablehimtositdownquietlyathome，hepreferredtowanderabouttheworldandpursuehisfortunefarther。

Onenighthemet，inalonelywood，adusty，blackcharcoal-burner，whowasburningcharcoalthere，andhadsomepotatoesbythefire，onwhichhewasgoingtomakeameal。Goodevening，blackbird，saidtheyouth。Howdoyougetoninyoursolitude。

Onedayislikeanother，repliedthecharcoal-burner，andeverynightpotatoes。Haveyouamindtohavesome，andwillyoubemyguest。

Manythanks，repliedthetraveler，Iwon\'trobyouofyoursupper，youdidnotreckononavisitor，butifyouwillputupwithwhatI

have，youshallhaveaninvitation。Whoistoprepareitforyou，saidthecharcoal-burner。Iseethatyouhavenothingwithyou，andthereisnoonewithinatwohours\'walkwhocouldgiveyouanything。

Andyetthereshallbeameal，answeredtheyouth，andbetterthananyyouhaveevertasted。Thereuponhebroughthisclothoutofhisknapsack，spreaditontheground，andsaid，littlecloth，coveryourself，andinstantlyboiledmeatandbakedmeatstoodthere，andashotasifithadjustcomeoutofthekitchen。

Thecharcoal-burnerstaredwithwide-openeyes，butdidnotrequiremuchpressing，hefellto，andthrustlargerandlargermouthfulsintohisblackmouth。Whentheyhadeateneverything，thecharcoal-burnersmiledcontentedly，andsaid，listen，yourtable-clothhasmyapproval，itwouldbeafinethingformeinthisforest，wherenooneevercooksmeanythinggood。Iwillproposeanexchangetoyou，thereinthecornerhangsasoldier\'sknapsack，whichiscertainlyoldandshabby，butinitlieconcealedwonderfulpowers，but，asInolongeruseit，Iwillgiveittoyouforthetable-cloth。

Imustfirstknowwhatthesewonderfulpowersare，answeredtheyouth。

ThatwillItellyou，repliedthecharcoal-burner，everytimeyoutapitwithyourhand，acorporalcomeswithsixmenarmedfromheadtofoot，andtheydowhatsoveryoucommandthem。SofarasIamconcerned，saidtheyouth，ifnothingelsecanbedone，wewillexchange，andhegavethecharcoal-burnerthecloth，tooktheknapsackfromthehook，putiton，andbadefarewell。Whenhehadwalkedawhile，hewishedtomakeatrialofthemagicalpowersofhisknapsackandtappedit。Immediatelythesevenwarriorssteppeduptohim，andthecorporalsaid，whatdoesmylordandrulerwishfor。

Marchwithallspeedtothecharcoal-burner，anddemandmywishing-clothback。Theyfacedtotheleft，anditwasnotlongbeforetheybroughtwhatherequired，andhadtakenitfromthecharcoal-burnerwithoutaskingmanyquestions。Theyoungmanbadethemretire，wentonwards，andhopedfortunewouldshineyetmorebrightlyonhim。Bysunsethecametoanothercharcoal-burner，whowasmakinghissupperreadybythefire。Ifyouwilleatsomepotatoeswithsalt，butwithnodripping，comeandsitdownwithme，saidthesootyfellow。

No，hereplied，thistimeyoushallbemyguest，andhespreadouthiscloth，whichwasinstantlycoveredwiththemostbeautifuldishes。Theyateanddranktogether，andenjoyedthemselvesheartily。Afterthemealwasover，thecharcoal-burnersaid，upthereonthatshelfliesalittleoldworn-outhatwhichhasstrangeproperties-themomentsomeoneputsiton，andturnsitroundonhishead，thecannonsgooffasiftwelvewerefiredalltogether，andtheydemolisheverythingsothatnoonecanwithstandthem。Thehatisofnousetome，andIwillwillinglygiveitforyourtablecloth。

Thatsuitsmeverywell，heanswered，tookthehat，putiton，andlefthistable-clothbehindhim。Buthardlyhadhewalkedawaythanhetappedonhisknapsack，andhissoldiershadtofetchtheclothbackagain。Onethingcomesonthetopofanother，thoughthe，andI

feelasifmyluckhadnotyetcometoanend。Neitherhadhisthoughtsdeceivedhim。Afterhehadwalkedonforthewholeofoneday，hecametoathirdcharcoal-burner，wholikethepreviousone，invitedhimtopotatoeswithoutdripping。Buthelethimalsodinewithhimfromhiswishing-cloth，andthecharcoal-burnerlikeditsowell，thatatlastheofferedhimahornforit，whichhadverydifferentpropertiesfromthoseofthehat。Themomentsomeoneblewitallthewallsandfortificationsfelldown，andalltownsandvillagesbecameruins。Forthisheimmediatelygavethecharcoal-burnerthecloth，butheafterwardssenthissoldierstodemanditbackagain，sothatatlengthhehadtheknapsack，hatandhorn，allthree。Now，saidhe，Iamamademan，anditistimeformetogohomeandseehowmybrothersaregettingon。

Whenhereachedhome，hisbrothershadbuiltthemselvesahandsomehousewiththeirsilverandgold，andwerelivinginclover。Hewenttoseethem，butashecameinaraggedcoat，withhisshabbyhatonhishead，andhisoldknapsackonhisback，theywouldnotacknowledgehimastheirbrother。Theymockedandsaid，yougiveoutthatyouareourbrotherwhodespisedsilverandgold，andcravedforsomethingstillbetterforhimself。Suchapersonarrivesinhiscarriageinfullsplendorlikeamightyking，notlikeabeggar，andtheydrovehimoutofdoors。Thenhefellintoarage，andtappedhisknapsackuntilahundredandfiftymenstoodbeforehimarmedfromheadtofoot。Hecommandedthemtosurroundhisbrothers，house，andtwoofthemweretotakehazelstickswiththem，andbeatthetwoinsolentmenuntiltheyknewwhohewas。

Aviolentdisturbancebrokeout，peoplerantogether，andwantedtolendthetwosomehelpintheirneed，butagainstthesoldierstheycoulddonothing。Newsofthisatlengthcametotheking，whowasveryangry，andorderedacaptaintomarchoutwithhistroop，anddrivethisdisturberofthepeaceoutofthetown，butthemanwithknapsacksoongotagreaterbodyofmentogether，whorepulsedthecaptainandhismen，sothattheywereforcedtoretirewithbloodynoses。Thekingsaid，thisvagabondisnotbroughttoorderyet，andnextdaysentastilllargertroopagainsthim，buttheycoulddoevenless。Theyouthsetstillmoremenagainstthem，andinordertobedonethesooner，heturnedhishattwiceroundonhishead，andheavygunsbegantoplay，andtheking\'smenwerebeatenandputtoflight。

Andnow，saidhe，Iwillnotmakepeaceuntilthekinggivesmehisdaughtertowife，andIgovernthewholekingdominhisname。Hecausedthistobeannouncedtotheking，andthelattersaidtohisdaughter，necessityisahardnuttocrack。Whatelseisthereformetodobutwhathedesires。IfIwantpeaceandtokeepthecrownonmyhead，Imustgiveyouaway。

Sotheweddingwascelebrated，buttheking\'sdaughterwasvexedthatherhusbandshouldbeacommonman，whoworeashabbyhat，andputonanoldknapsack。Shelongedtogetridofhim，andnightanddaystudiedhowshecouldaccomplishedthis。Thenshethoughttoherself，isitpossiblethathiswonderfulpowerslieintheknapsack，andshefeignedaffectionandcaressedhim，andwhenhisheartwassoftened，shesaid，ifyouwouldbutlayasidethathorridknapsack，itmakesyoulooksougly，thatIcan\'thelpbeingashamedofyou。Dearchild，saidhe，thisknapsackismygreatesttreasure，aslongasIhaveit，thereisnopoweronearththatIamafraidof。

Andherevealedtoherthewonderfulvirtuewithwhichitwasendowed。

Thenshethrewherselfinhisarmsasifsheweregoingtokisshim，butcleverlytooktheknapsackoffhisshoulders，andranawaywithit。Assoonasshewasaloneshetappedit，andcommandedthewarriorstoseizetheirformermaster，andtakehimoutoftheroyalpalace。Theyobeyed，andthefalsewifesentstillmoremenafterhim，whoweretodrivehimquiteoutofthecountry。Thenhewouldhavebeenruinedifhehadnothadthelittlehat。Andhardlywerehishandsfreebeforeheturnedittwice。Immediatelythecannonbegantothunder，anddemolishedeverything，andtheking\'sdaughterherselfwasforcedtocomeandbegformercy。Assheentreatedinsuchmovingterms，andpromisedtobetterherways，heallowedhimselftobepersuadedandgrantedherpeace。

Shebehavedinafriendlymannertohim，andactedasifshelovedhimverymuch，andaftersometimemanagedsotobefoolhim，thatheconfidedtoherthatevenifsomeonegottheknapsackintohispower，hecoulddonothingagainsthimsolongastheoldhatwasstillhis。

Whensheknewthesecret，shewaiteduntilhewasasleep，andthenshetookthehatawayfromhim，andhaditthrownoutintothestreet。Butthehornstillremainedtohim，andingreatangerheblewitwithallhisstrength。

Instantlyallwalls，fortifications，towns，andvillages，toppleddown，andcrushedthekingandhisdaughtertodeath。Andhadhenotputdownthehornandhadblownjustalittlelonger，everythingwouldhavebeeninruins，andnotonestonewouldhavebeenleftstandingonanother。Thennooneopposedhimanylonger，andhemadehimselfkingofthewholecountry。

RumpelstiltskinOncetherewasamillerwhowaspoor，butwhohadabeautifuldaughter。Nowithappenedthathehadtogoandspeaktotheking，andinordertomakehimselfappearimportanthesaidtohim，Ihaveadaughterwhocanspinstrawintogold。Thekingsaidtothemiller，thatisanartwhichpleasesmewell，ifyourdaughterisascleverasyousay，bringherto-morrowtomypalace，andIwillputhertothetest。

Andwhenthegirlwasbroughttohimhetookherintoaroomwhichwasquitefullofstraw，gaveheraspinning-wheelandareel，andsaid，nowsettowork，andifbyto-morrowmorningearlyyouhavenotspunthisstrawintogoldduringthenight，youmustdie。Thereuponhehimselflockeduptheroom，andleftherinitalone。Sotheresatthepoormiller\'sdaughter，andforthelifeofhercouldnottellwhattodo，shehadnoideahowstrawcouldbespunintogold，andshegrewmoreandmorefrightened，untilatlastshebegantoweep。

Butallatoncethedooropened，andincamealittleman，andsaid，goodevening，mistressmiller，whyareyoucryingso。

Alas，answeredthegirl，Ihavetospinstrawintogold，andIdonotknowhowtodoit。Whatwillyougiveme，saidthemanikin，ifIdoitforyou。Mynecklace，saidthegirl。Thelittlemantookthenecklace，seatedhimselfinfrontofthewheel，andwhirr，whirr，whirr，threeturns，andthereelwasfull，thenheputanotheron，andwhirr，whirr，whirr，threetimesround，andthesecondwasfulltoo。Andsoitwentonuntilthemorning，whenallthestrawwasspun，andallthereelswerefullofgold。

Bydaybreakthekingwasalreadythere，andwhenhesawthegoldhewasastonishedanddelighted，buthisheartbecameonlymoregreedy。Hehadthemiller\'sdaughtertakenintoanotherroomfullofstraw，whichwasmuchlarger，andcommandedhertospinthatalsoinonenightifshevaluedherlife。Thegirlknewnothowtohelpherself，andwascrying，whenthedooropenedagain，andthelittlemanappeared，andsaid，whatwillyougivemeifIspinthatstrawintogoldforyou。Theringonmyfinger，answeredthegirl。Thelittlemantookthering，againbegantoturnthewheel，andbymorninghadspunallthestrawintoglitteringgold。

Thekingrejoicedbeyondmeasureatthesight，butstillhehadnotgoldenough，andhehadthemiller\'sdaughtertakenintoastilllargerroomfullofstraw，andsaid，youmustspinthis，too，inthecourseofthisnight，butifyousucceed，youshallbemywife。

Evenifshebeamiller\'sdaughter，thoughthe，Icouldnotfindaricherwifeinthewholeworld。

Whenthegirlwasalonethemanikincameagainforthethirdtime，andsaid，whatwillyougivemeifIspinthestrawforyouthistimealso。IhavenothingleftthatIcouldgive，answeredthegirl。Thenpromiseme，ifyoushouldbecomequeen，togivemeyourfirstchild。Whoknowswhetherthatwilleverhappen，thoughtthemiller\'sdaughter，and，notknowinghowelsetohelpherselfinthisstrait，shepromisedthemanikinwhathewanted，andforthatheoncemorespunthestrawintogold。

Andwhenthekingcameinthemorning，andfoundallashehadwished，hetookherinmarriage，andtheprettymiller\'sdaughterbecameaqueen。

Ayearafter，shebroughtabeautifulchildintotheworld，andshenevergaveathoughttothemanikin。Butsuddenlyhecameintoherroom，andsaid，nowgivemewhatyoupromised。

Thequeenwashorror-struck，andofferedthemanikinalltherichesofthekingdomifhewouldleaveherthechild。Butthemanikinsaid，no，somethingaliveisdearertomethanallthetreasuresintheworld。Thenthequeenbegantolamentandcry，sothatthemanikinpitiedher。Iwillgiveyouthreedays，time，saidhe，ifbythattimeyoufindoutmyname，thenshallyoukeepyourchild。

Sothequeenthoughtthewholenightofallthenamesthatshehadeverheard，andshesentamessengeroverthecountrytoinquire，farandwide，foranyothernamesthattheremightbe。

Whenthemanikincamethenextday，shebeganwithcaspar，melchior，balthazar，andsaidallthenamessheknew，oneafteranother，buttoeveryonethelittlemansaid，thatisnotmyname。Ontheseconddayshehadinquiriesmadeintheneighborhoodastothenamesofthepeoplethere，andsherepeatedtothemanikinthemostuncommonandcurious。Perhapsyournameisshortribs，orsheepshanks，orlaceleg，buthealwaysanswered，thatisnotmyname。

Onthethirddaythemessengercamebackagain，andsaid，I

havenotbeenabletofindasinglenewname，butasIcametoahighmountainattheendoftheforest，wherethefoxandtheharebideachothergoodnight，thereIsawalittlehouse，andbeforethehouseafirewasburning，androundaboutthefirequitearidiculouslittlemanwasjumping，hehoppedupononeleg，andshouted-

to-dayIbake，to-morrowbrew，thenextI\'llhavetheyoungqueen\'schild。

Ha，gladamIthatnooneknewthatRumpelstiltskinIamstyled。

Youmayimaginehowgladthequeenwaswhensheheardthename。Andwhensoonafterwardsthelittlemancamein，andasked，now，mistressqueen，whatismyname，atfirstshesaid，isyournameConrad？No。IsyournameHarry？No。

PerhapsyournameisRumpelstiltskin？

Thedevilhastoldyouthat！Thedevilhastoldyouthat，criedthelittleman，andinhisangerheplungedhisrightfootsodeepintotheearththathiswholelegwentin，andtheninragehepulledathisleftlegsohardwithbothhandsthathetorehimselfintwo。

Therewasonceuponatimeawomanwhowasarealwitchandhadtwodaughters，oneuglyandwicked，andthisoneshelovedbecauseshewasherowndaughter，andonebeautifulandgood，andthisoneshehated，becauseshewasherstep-daughter。Thestep-daughteroncehadaprettyapron，whichtheotherfanciedsomuchthatshebecameenvious，andtoldhermotherthatshemustandwouldhavethatapron。

Bequiet，mychild，saidtheoldwoman，andyoushallhaveit。Yourstep-sisterhaslongdeserveddeath，to-nightwhensheisasleepI

willcomeandcutherheadoff。Onlybecarefulthatyouareatthefar-sideofthebed，andpushherwelltothefront。Itwouldhavebeenalloverwiththepoorgirlifshehadnotjustthenbeenstandinginacorner，andheardeverything。

Alldaylongshedarednotgooutofdoors，andwhenbed-timehadcome，thewitch\'sdaughtergotintobedfirst，soastolieatthefarside，butwhenshewasasleep，theotherpushedhergentlytothefront，andtookforherselftheplaceattheback，closebythewall。

Inthenight，theoldwomancamecreepingin，sheheldanaxeinherrighthand，andfeltwithherlefttoseeifanyonewerelyingattheoutside，andthenshegraspedtheaxewithbothhands，andcutherownchild\'sheadoff。

Whenshehadgoneaway，thegirlgotupandwenttohersweetheart，whowascalledroland，andknockedathisdoor。Whenhecameout，shesaidtohim，listen，dearestroland，wemustflyinallhaste。

Mystep-motherwantedtokillme，buthasstruckherownchild。Whendaylightcomes，andsheseeswhatshehasdone，weshallbelost。

But，saidroland，Icounselyoufirsttotakeawayhermagicwand，orwecannotescapeifshepursuesus。Themaidenfetchedthemagicwand，andshetookthedeadgirl\'sheadanddroppedthreedropsofbloodontheground，oneinfrontofthebed，oneinthekitchen，andoneonthestairs。Thenshehurriedawaywithherlover。

Whentheoldwitchgotupnextmorning，shecalledherdaughter，andwantedtogivehertheapron，butshedidnotcome。Thenthewitchcried，whereareyou。Here，onthestairs，Iamsweeping，answeredthefirstdropofblood。Theoldwomanwentout，butsawnooneonthestairs，andcriedagain，whereareyou。Hereinthekitchen，I

amwarmingmyself，criedtheseconddropofblood。Shewentintothekitchen，butfoundnoone。Thenshecriedagain，whereareyou。Ah，hereinthebed，Iamsleeping，criedthethirddropofblood。Shewentintotheroomtothebed。Whatdidsheseethere。Herownchild，whoseheadshehadcutoff，bathedinherblood。

Thewitchfellintoapassion，sprangtothewindow，andasshecouldlookforthquitefarintotheworld，sheperceivedherstep-daughterhurryingawaywithhersweetheartroland。Thatshallnothelpyou，criedshe，evenifyouhavegotalongwayoff，youshallstillnotescapeme。Sheputonhermanyleagueboots，inwhichshecoveredanhour\'swalkateverystep，anditwasnotlongbeforesheovertookthem。Thegirl，however，whenshesawtheoldwomanstridingtowardsher，changed，withhermagicwand，hersweetheartrolandintoalake，andherselfintoaduckswimminginthemiddleofit。

Thewitchplacedherselfontheshore，threwbread-crumbsin，andwenttoendlesstroubletoenticetheduck，buttheduckdidnotletherselfbeenticed，andtheoldwomanhadtogohomeatnightasshehadcome。Atthisthegirlandhersweetheartrolandresumedtheirnaturalshapesagain，andtheywalkedonthewholenightuntildaybreak。Thenthemaidenchangedherselfintoabeautifulflowerwhichstoodinthemidstofabriarhedge，andhersweetheartrolandintoafiddler。Itwasnotlongbeforethewitchcamestridinguptowardsthem，andsaidtothemusician，dearmusician，mayIpluckthatbeautifulflowerformyself。

Oh，yes，hereplied，Iwillplaytoyouwhileyoudoit。Asshewashastilycreepingintothehedgeandwasjustgoingtoplucktheflower，knowingperfectlywellwhotheflowerwas，hebegantoplay，andwhethershewouldornot，shewasforcedtodance，foritwasamagicaldance。Thefasterheplayed，themoreviolentspringswassheforcedtomake，andthethornstoreherclothesfromherbody，andprickedherandwoundedhertillshebled，andashedidnotstop，shehadtodancetillshelaydeadontheground。

Astheywerenowsetfree，rolandsaid，nowIwillgotomyfatherandarrangeforthewedding。TheninthemeantimeIwillstayhereandwaitforyou，saidthegirl，andthatnoonemayrecognizeme，I

willchangemyselfintoaredstoneland-mark。

Thenrolandwentaway，andthegirlstoodlikearedland-markinthefieldandwaitedforherbeloved。Butwhenrolandgothome，hefellintothesnaresofanother，whosofascinatedhimthatheforgotthemaiden。Thepoorgirlremainedtherealongtime，butatlength，ashedidnotreturnatall，shewassad，andchangedherselfintoaflower，andthought，someonewillsurelycomethisway，andtramplemedown。

Itbefell，however，thatashepherdkepthissheepinthefield，andsawtheflower，andasitwassopretty，pluckedit，tookitwithhim，andlaiditawayinhischest。Fromthattimeforth，strangethingshappenedintheshepherd\'shouse。Whenhearoseinthemorningalltheworkwasalreadydone，theroomwasswept，thetableandbenchescleaned，thefireonthehearthwaslighted，andthewaterwasfetched，andatnoon，whenhecamehome，thetablewaslaid，andagooddinnerserved。Hecouldnotconceivehowthiscametopass，forheneversawahumanbeinginhishouse，andnoonecouldhaveconcealedhimselfinit。

Hewascertainlypleasedwiththisgoodattendance，butstillatlasthewassoafraidthathewenttoawisewomanandaskedforheradvice。Thewisewomansaid，thereissomeenchantmentbehindit，listenveryearlysomemorningifanythingismovingintheroom，andifyouseeanything，nomatterwhatitis，throwawhiteclothoverit，andthenthemagicwillbestopped。

Theshepherddidasshebadehim，andnextmorningjustasdaydawned，hesawthechestopen，andtheflowercomeout。Swiftlyhesprangtowardsit，andthrewawhiteclothoverit。Instantlythetransformationcametoanend，andabeautifulgirlstoodbeforehim，whoadmittedtohimthatshehadbeentheflower，andthatuptothistimeshehadattendedtohishousekeeping。Shetoldhimherstory，andasshepleasedhimheaskedherifshewouldmarryhim，butsheanswered，no，forshewantedtoremainfaithfultohersweetheartroland，althoughhehaddesertedher。Nevertheless，shepromisednottogoaway，buttocontinuekeepinghousefortheshepherd。

Andnowthetimedrewnearwhenroland\'sweddingwastobecelebrated，andthen，accordingtoanoldcustominthecountry，itwasannouncedthatallthegirlsweretobepresentatit，andsinginhonorofthebridalpair。Whenthefaithfulmaidenheardofthis，shegrewsosadthatshethoughtherheartwouldbreak，andshewouldnotgothither，buttheothergirlscameandtookher。Whenitcametoherturntosing，shesteppedback，untilatlastshewastheonlyoneleft，andthenshecouldnotrefuse。

Butwhenshebeganhersong，anditreachedroland\'sears，hesprangupandcried，Iknowthevoice，thatisthetruebride，Iwillhavenoother。Everythinghehadforgotten，andwhichhadvanishedfromhismind，hadsuddenlycomehomeagaintohisheart。Thenthefaithfulmaidenheldherweddingwithhersweetheartroland，andgriefcametoanendandjoybegan。

Inoldentimestherewasaking，whohadbehindhispalaceabeautifulpleasure-gardeninwhichtherewasatreethatboregoldenapples。Whentheapplesweregettingripetheywerecounted，butontheverynextmorningonewasmissing。Thiswastoldtotheking，andheorderedthatawatchshouldbekepteverynightbeneaththetree。

Thekinghadthreesons，theeldestofwhomhesent，assoonasnightcameon，intothegarden，butwhenmidnightcamehecouldnotkeephimselffromsleeping，andnextmorningagainanapplewasgone。

Thefollowingnightthesecondsonhadtokeepwatch，butitfarednobetterwithhim，assoonastwelveo\'clockhadstruckhefellasleep，andinthemorninganapplewasgone。

Nowitcametotheturnofthethirdsontowatch，andhewasquiteready，butthekinghadnotmuchtrustinhim，andthoughtthathewouldbeoflessuseeventhanhisbrothers，butatlasthelethimgo。Theyouthlaydownbeneaththetree，butkeptawake，anddidnotletsleepmasterhim。Whenitstrucktwelve，somethingrustledthroughtheair，andinthemoonlighthesawabirdcomingwhosefeatherswereallshiningwithgold。

Thebirdalightedonthetree，andhadjustpluckedoffanapple，whentheyouthshotanarrowathim。Thebirdflewoff，butthearrowhadstruckhisplumage，andoneofhisgoldenfeathersfelldown。Theyouthpickeditup，andthenextmorningtookittothekingandtoldhimwhathehadseeninthenight。Thekingcalledhiscounciltogether，andeveryonedeclaredthatafeatherlikethiswasworthmorethanthewholekingdom。Ifthefeatherissoprecious，declaredtheking，onealonewillnotdoforme，Imustandwillhavethewholebird。

Theeldestsonsetout，andtrustingtohisclevernessthoughtthathewouldeasilyfindthegoldenbird。Whenhehadgonesomedistancehesawafoxsittingattheedgeofawoodsohecockedhisgunandtookaimathim。Thefoxcried，donotshootme，andinreturnI

willgiveyousomegoodcounsel。Youareonthewaytothegoldenbird，andthiseveningyouwillcometoavillageinwhichstandtwoinnsoppositetooneanother。

Oneofthemislightedupbrightly，andallgoesonmerrilywithin，butdonotgointoit，goratherintotheother，eventhoughitlookslikeabadone。Howcansuchasillybeastgivewiseadvice，thoughttheking\'sson，andhepulledthetrigger。Buthemissedthefox，whostretchedouthistailandranquicklyintothewood。

Sohepursuedhisway，andbyeveningcametothevillagewherethetwoinnswere，inonetheyweresinginganddancing，theotherhadapoor，miserablelook。Ishouldbeafool，indeed，hethought，ifI

weretogointotheshabbytavern，andpassbythegoodone。Sohewentintothecheerfulone，livedthereinriotandrevel，andforgotthebirdandhisfather，andallgoodcounsels。

Whenmanymonthshadpassed，andtheeldestsondidnotcomebackhome，thesecondsetout，wishingtofindthegoldenbird。Thefoxmethimashehadmettheeldest，andgavehimthegoodadviceofwhichhetooknoheed。Hecametothetwoinns，andhisbrotherwasstandingatthewindowoftheonefromwhichcamethemusic，andcalledouttohim。Hecouldnotresist，butwentinsideandlivedonlyforpleasure。

Againsometimepassed，andthentheking\'syoungestsonwantedtosetoffandtryhisluck，buthisfatherwouldnotallowit。Itisofnouse，saidhe，hewillfindthegoldenbirdstilllessthanhisbrothers，andifamishapweretobefallhimheknowsnothowtohelphimself，he\'snottoobrightatthebest。Butatlast，ashehadnopeace，helethimgo。

Againthefoxwassittingoutsidethewood，andbeggedforhislife，andofferedhisgoodadvice。Theyouthwasgood-natured，andsaid，beeasy，littlefox，Iwilldoyounoharm。Youshallnotrepentit，answeredthefox，andthatyoumaygetonmorequickly，getupbehindonmytail。Andscarcelyhadheseatedhimselfwhenthefoxbegantorun，andawayhewentoverstockandstonetillhishairwhistledinthewind。Whentheycametothevillagetheyouthgotoff，hefollowedthegoodadvice，andwithoutlookingroundturnedintothelittleinn，wherehespentthenightquietly。

Thenextmorning，assoonashegotintotheopencountry，theresatthefoxalready，andsaid，Iwilltellyoufurtherwhatyouhavetodo。Goonquitestraight，andatlastyouwillcometoacastle，infrontofwhichawholeregimentofsoldiersislying，butdonottroubleyourselfaboutthem，fortheywillallbeasleepandsnoring。

Gothroughthemidstofthemstaightintothecastle，andgothroughalltherooms，tillatlastyouwillcometoachamberwhereagoldenbirdishanginginawoodencage。Closeby，therestandsanemptygoldcageforshow，butbewareoftakingthebirdoutofthecommoncageandputtingitintothefineone，oritmaygobadlywithyou。

Withthesewordsthefoxagainstretchedouthistail，andtheking\'ssonseatedhimselfuponit，andawayhewentoverstockandstonetillhishairwhistledinthewind。

Whenhecametothecastlehefoundeverythingasthefoxhadsaid。

Theking\'ssonwentintothechamberwherethegoldenbirdwasshutupinawoodencage，whilstagoldenonestoodby，andthethreegoldenappleslayabouttheroom。But，thoughthe，itwouldbeabsurdifIweretoleavethebeautifulbirdinthecommonanduglycage，soheopenedthedoor，laidholdofit，andputitintothegoldencage。Butatthesamemomentthebirdutteredashrillcry。

Thesoldiersawoke，rushedin，andtookhimofftoprison。Thenextmorninghewastakenbeforeacourtofjustice，andasheconfessedeverything，wassentencedtodeath。

Theking，however，saidthathewouldgranthimhislifeononecondition-namely，ifhebroughthimthegoldenhorsewhichranfasterthanthewind，andinthatcaseheshouldreceive，overandabove，asareward，thegoldenbird。

Theking\'ssonsetoff，buthesighedandwassorrowful，forhowwashetofindthegoldenhorse。Butallatoncehesawhisoldfriendthefoxsittingontheroad。Lookyou，saidthefox，thishashappenedbecauseyoudidnotgiveheedtome。However，beofgoodcourage。Iwillgiveyoumyhelp，andtellyouhowtogettothegoldenhorse。Youmustgostraighton，andyouwillcometoacastle，whereinthestablestandsthehorse。Thegroomswillbelyinginfrontofthestable，buttheywillbeasleepandsnoring，andyoucanquietlyleadoutthegoldenhorse。Butofonethingyoumusttakeheed，putonhimthecommonsaddleofwoodandleather，andnotthegoldenone，whichhangscloseby，elseitwillgoillwithyou。Thenthefoxstretchedouthistail，theking\'ssonseatedhimselfuponit，andawayhewentoverstockandstoneuntilhishairwhistledinthewind。

Everythinghappenedjustasthefoxhadsaid，theprincecametothestableinwhichthegoldenhorsewasstanding，butjustashewasgoingtoputthecommonsaddleuponhim，hethought，suchabeautifulbeastwillbeshamedifIdonotgivehimthegoodsaddlewhichbelongstohimbyright。Butscarcelyhadthegoldensaddletouchedthehorsethanhebegantoneighloudly。Thegroomsawoke，seizedtheyouth，andthrewhimintoprison。

Thenextmorninghewassentencedbythecourttodeath，butthekingpromisedtogranthimhislife，andthegoldenhorseaswell，ifhecouldbringbackthebeautifulprincessfromthegoldencastle。

Withaheavyhearttheyouthsetout，yetluckilyforhimhesoonfoundthetrustyfox。Ioughtonlytoleaveyoutoyourill-luck，saidthefox，butIpityyou，andwillhelpyouoncemoreoutofyourtrouble。Thisroadtakesyoustraighttothegoldencastle，youwillreachitbyeventide，andatnightwheneverythingisquietthebeautifulprincessgoestothebathing-housetobathe。Whensheentersit，runuptoherandgiveherakiss，thenshewillfollowyou，andyoucantakeherawaywithyou，onlydonotallowhertotakeleaveofherparentsfirst，oritwillgoillwithyou。

Thenthefoxstretchedouthistail，theking\'ssonseatedhimselfuponit，andawaywentthefox，overstockandstone，tillhishairwhistledinthewind。

Whenhereachedthegoldencastleitwasjustasthefoxhadsaid。Hewaiteduntilmidnight，wheneverythinglayindeepsleep，andthebeautifulprincesswasgoingtothebathing-house。Thenhesprangoutandgaveherakiss。Shesaidthatshewouldliketogowithhim，butsheaskedhimpitifully，andwithtears，toallowherfirsttotakeleaveofherparents。Atfirsthewithstoodherprayer，butwhensheweptmoreandmore，andfellathisfeet，heatlastgavein。Butnosoonerhadthemaidenreachedthebedsideofherfatherthanheandalltherestinthecastleawoke，andtheyouthwaslaidholdofandputintoprison。

Thenextmorningthekingsaidtohim，yourlifeisforfeited，andyoucanonlyfindmercyifyoutakeawaythehillwhichstandsinfrontofmywindows，andpreventsmyseeingbeyondit，andyoumustfinishitallwithineightdays。Ifyoudothatyoushallhavemydaughterasyourreward。

Theking\'ssonbegan，anddugandshoveledwithoutstopping，butwhenaftersevendayshesawhowlittlehehaddone，andhowallhisworkwasasgoodasnothing，hefellintogreatsorrowandgaveupallhope。Butontheeveningoftheseventhdaythefoxappearedandsaid，youdonotdeservethatIshouldtakemytroubleaboutyou，butjustgoawayandliedowntosleep，andIwilldotheworkforyou。

Thenextmorningwhenheawokeandlookedoutofthewindowthehillhadgone。Theyouthran，fullofjoy，totheking，andtoldhimthatthetaskwasfulfilled，andwhetherhelikeditornot，thekinghadtoholdtohiswordandgivehimhisdaughter。

Sothetwosetforthtogether，anditwasnotlongbeforethetrustyfoxcameupwiththem。Youhavecertainlygotwhatisbest，saidhe，butthegoldenhorsealsobelongstothemaidenofthegoldencastle。

HowshallIgetit，askedtheyouth。ThatIwilltellyou，answeredthefox，firsttakethebeautifulmaidentothekingwhosentyoutothegoldencastle。Therewillbeunheard-ofrejoicing，theywillgladlygiveyouthegoldenhorse，andwillbringitouttoyou。

Mountitassoonaspossible，andofferyourhandtoallinfarewell，lastofalltothebeautifulmaiden。Andassoonasyouhavetakenherhandswingherupontothehorse，andgallopaway，andnoonewillbeabletobringyouback，forthehorserunsfasterthanthewind。

Allwascarriedoutsuccessfully，andtheking\'ssoncarriedoffthebeautifulprincessonthegoldenhorse。

Thefoxdidnotremainbehind，andhesaidtotheyouth，nowIwillhelpyoutogetthegoldenbird。Whenyoucomeneartothecastlewherethegoldenbirdistobefound，letthemaidengetdown，andI

willtakeherintomycare。Thenridewiththegoldenhorseintothecastle-yard，therewillbegreatrejoicingatthesight，andtheywillbringoutthegoldenbirdforyou。Assoonasyouhavethecageinyourhandgallopbacktous，andtakethemaidenawayagain。

Whentheplanhadsucceeded，andtheking\'ssonwasabouttoridehomewithhistreasures，thefoxsaid，nowyoushallrewardmeformyhelp。Whatdoyourequireforit，askedtheyouth。Whenyougetintothewoodyonder，shootmedead，andchopoffmyheadandfeet。

Thatwouldbefinegratitude，saidtheking\'sson。Icannotpossiblydothatforyou。

Thefoxsaid，ifyouwillnotdoitImustleaveyou，butbeforeIgoawayIwillgiveyouapieceofgoodadvice。Becarefulabouttwothings。Buynogallows\'-flesh，anddonotsitattheedgeofanywell。Andthenheranintothewood。

Theyouththought，thatisawonderfulbeast，hehasstrangewhims，whoonearthwouldwanttobuygallows\'-flesh。Asforthedesiretositattheedgeofawellithasneveryetoccurredtome。

Herodeonwiththebeautifulmaiden，andhisroadtookhimagainthroughthevillageinwhichhistwobrothershadremained。Therewasagreatstirandnoise，and，whenheaskedwhatwasgoingon，hewastoldthattwomenweregoingtobehanged。Ashecamenearertotheplacehesawthattheywerehisbrothers，whohadbeenplayingallkindsofwickedpranks，andhadsquanderedalltheirwealth。Heinquiredwhethertheycouldnotbesetfree。Ifyouwillpayforthem，answeredthepeople，butwhyshouldyouwasteyourmoneyonwickedmen，andbuythemfree。Hedidnotthinktwiceaboutit，butpaidforthem，andwhentheyweresetfreetheyallwentontheirwaytogether。

Theycametothewoodwherethefoxhadfirstmetthem，andasitwasahotday，butcoolandpleasantwithinthewood，thetwobrotherssaid，letusrestalittlebythewell，andeatanddrink。Heagreed，andwhilsttheyweretalkingheforgothimself，andsatdownupontheedgeofthewellwithoutthinkingofanyevil。Butthetwobrothersthrewhimbackwardsintothewell，tookthemaiden，thehorse，andthebird，andwenthometotheirfather。Herewebringyounotonlythegoldenbird，saidthey，wehavewonthegoldenhorsealso，andthemaidenfromthegoldencastle。Thenwastheregreatjoy，butthehorsewouldnoteat，thebirdwouldnotsing，andthemaidensatandwept。

Buttheyoungestbrotherwasnotdead。Bygoodfortunethewellwasdry，andhefelluponsoftmosswithoutbeinghurt，buthecouldnotgetoutagain。Eveninthisstraitthefaithfulfoxdidnotleavehim，itcameandleaptdowntohim，andupbraidedhimforhavingforgottenitsadvice。ButyetIcannotgiveup，hesaid，Iwillhelpyouupagainintodaylight。Hebadehimgrasphistailandkeeptightholdofit，andthenhepulledhimup。Youarenotoutofalldangeryet，saidthefox。Yourbrotherswerenotsureofyourdeath，andhavesurroundedthewoodwithwatchers，whoaretokillyouifyouletyourselfbeseen。Butapoormanwassittingupontheroad，withwhomtheyouthchangedclothes，andinthiswayhegottotheking\'spalace。

Nooneknewhim，butthebirdbegantosing，thehorsebegantoeat，andthebeautifulmaidenleftoffweeping。Theking，astonished，asked，whatdoesthismean。Thenthemaidensaid，Idonotknow，butIhavebeensosorrowfulandnowIamsohappy。Ifeelasifmytruebridegroomhadcome。Shetoldhimallthathadhappened，althoughtheotherbrothershadthreatenedherwithdeathifsheweretobetrayanything。

Thekingcommandedthatallpeoplewhowereinhiscastleshouldbebroughtbeforehim，andamongstthemcametheyouthinhisraggedclothes，butthemaidenknewhimatonceandfelluponhisneck。Thewickedbrotherswereseizedandputtodeath，buthewasmarriedtothebeautifulmaidenanddeclaredheirtotheking。

Butwhathappenedtothepoorfox。Longafterwardstheking\'ssonwasonceagainwalkinginthewood，whenthefoxmethimandsaid，youhaveeverythingnowthatyoucanwishfor，butthereisneveranendtomymisery，andyetitisinyourpowertofreeme，andagainheaskedhimwithtearstoshoothimdeadandchopoffhisheadandfeet。Sohedidit，andscarcelywasitdonewhenthefoxwaschangedintoaman，andwasnootherthanthebrotherofthebeautifulprincess，whoatlastwasfreedfromthemagiccharmwhichhadbeenlaiduponhim。Andnowtheyhadallthehappinesstheywantedaslongastheylived。

Therewereonceuponatimetwobrothers，onerichandtheotherpoor。Therichonewasagoldsmithandevil-hearted。Thepooronesupportedhimselfbymakingbrooms，andwasgoodandhonorable。Hehadtwochildren，whoweretwinbrothersandaslikeeachotherastwodropsofwater。Thetwoboyswentinandoutoftherichhouse，andoftengotsomeofthescrapstoeat。Ithappenedoncewhenthepoormanwasgoingintotheforesttofetchbrush-wood，thathesawabirdwhichwasquitegoldenandmorebeautifulthananyhehadeverchancedtomeetwith。Hepickedupasmallstone，threwitatit，andwasluckyenoughtohitit，butonegoldenfeatheronlyfelldown，andthebirdflewaway。Themantookthefeatherandcarriedittohisbrother，wholookedatitandsaid，itispuregold。Andgavehimagreatdealofmoneyforit。Nextdaythemanclimbedintoabirch-tree，andwasabouttocutoffacoupleofbrancheswhenthesamebirdflewout，andwhenthemansearchedhefoundanest，andanegglayinsideit，whichwasofgold。Hetooktheegghomewithhim，andcarriedittohisbrother，whoagainsaid，itispuregold，andgavehimwhatitwasworth。Atlastthegoldsmithsaid，Ishouldindeedliketohavethebirditself。Thepoormanwentintotheforestforthethirdtime，andagainsawthegoldenbirdsittingonthetree，sohetookastoneandbroughtitdownandcarriedittohisbrother，whogavehimagreatheapofgoldforit。NowIcangeton，thoughthe，andwentcontentedlyhome。

Thegoldsmithwascraftyandcunning，andknewverywellwhatkindofabirditwas。Hecalledhiswifeandsaid，roastmethegoldbird，andtakecarethatnoneofitislost。Ihaveafancytoeatitallmyself。Thebird，however，wasnocommonone，butofsowondrousakindthatwhosoeverateitsheartandliverfoundeverymorningapieceofgoldbeneathhispillow。Thewomanpreparedthebird，putitonthespit，andletitroast。Nowithappenedthatwhileitwasonthefire，andthewomanwasforcedtogooutofthekitchenonaccountofsomeotherwork，thetwochildrenofthepoorbroom-makerranin，stoodbythespitandturneditroundonceortwice。Andasatthatverymomenttwolittlebitsofthebirdfelldownintothepan，oneoftheboyssaid，wewilleatthesetwolittlebits。Iamsohungry，andnoonewillevermissthem。Thenthetwoatethepieces，butthewomancameintothekitchenandsawthattheywereeatingsomethingandsaid，whathaveyoubeeneating。Twolittlemorselswhichfelloutofthebird，answeredthey。Thatmusthavebeentheheartandtheliver，saidthewoman，quitefrightened，andinorderthatherhusbandmightnotmissthemandbeangry，shequicklykilledayoungcock，tookouthisheartandliver，andputthembesidethegoldenbird。Whenitwasready，shecarriedittothegoldsmith，whoconsumeditallalone，andleftnoneofit。Nextmorning，however，whenhefeltbeneathhispillow，andexpectedtobringoutthepieceofgold，nomoregoldpiecesweretherethantherehadalwaysbeen。

Thetwochildrendidnotknowwhatapieceofgood-fortunehadfallentotheirlot。Nextmorningwhentheyarose，somethingfellrattlingtotheground，andwhentheypickeditupthereweretwogoldpieces。

Theytookthemtotheirfather，whowasastonishedandsaid，howcanthathavehappened。Whennextmorningtheyagainfoundtwo，andsoondaily，hewenttohisbrotherandtoldhimthestrangestory。Thegoldsmithatonceknewhowithadhappened，andthatthechildrenhadeatentheheartandliverofthegoldenbird，andinordertorevengehimself，andbecausehewasenviousandhard-hearted，hesaidtothefather，yourchildrenareinleaguewiththeevilone，donottakethegold，anddonotsufferthemtostayanylongerinyourhouse，forhehastheminhispower，andmayruinyoulikewise。Thefatherfearedtheevilone，andpainfulasitwastohim，heneverthelessledthetwinsforthintotheforest，andwithasadheartleftthemthere。

Andnowthetwochildrenranabouttheforest，andsoughtthewayhomeagain，butcouldnotfindit，andonlylostthemselvesmoreandmore。Atlengththeymetwithahuntsman，whoasked，towhomdoyouchildrenbelong。Wearethepoorbroom-maker\'sboys，theyreplied，andtheytoldhimthattheirfatherwouldnotkeepthemanylongerinthehousebecauseapieceofgoldlayeverymorningundertheirpillows。Come，saidthehuntsman，thatisnothingsoverybad，ifatthesametimeyouremainhonest，andarenotidle。Asthegoodmanlikedthechildren，andhadnoneofhisown，hetookthemhomewithhimandsaid，Iwillbeyourfather，andbringyouuptillyouarebig。Theylearnthuntsmanshipfromhim，andthepieceofgoldwhicheachofthemfoundwhenheawoke，waskeptforthembyhimincasetheyshouldneeditinthefuture。

Whentheyweregrownup，theirfoster-fatheronedaytookthemintotheforestwithhim，andsaid，to-dayshallyoumakeyourtrialshot，sothatImayreleaseyoufromyourapprenticeship，andmakeyouhuntsmen。Theywentwithhimtolieinwaitandstayedtherealongtime，butnogameappeared。Thehuntsman，however，lookedabovehimandsawacoveyofwildgeeseflyingintheformofatriangle，andsaidtooneofthem，shootmedownonefromeachcorner。Hedidit，andthusaccomplishedhistrialshot。

Soonafteranothercoveycameflyingbyintheformofthefiguretwo，andthehuntsmanbadetheotheralsobringdownonefromeachcorner，andhistrialshotwaslikewisesuccessful。Now，saidthefoster-father，Ipronounceyououtofyourapprenticeship。Youareskilledhuntsmen。Thereuponthetwobrotherswentforthtogetherintotheforest，andtookcounselwitheachotherandplannedsomething。Andintheeveningwhentheyhadsatdowntosupper，theysaidtotheirfoster-father，wewillnottouchfood，ortakeonemouthful，untilyouhavegrantedusarequest。Saidhe，what，then，isyourrequest。Theyreplied，wehavenowfinishedlearning，andwemustproveourselvesintheworld，soallowustogoawayandtravel。

Thenspoketheoldmanjoyfully，youtalklikebravehuntsmen，thatwhichyoudesirehasbeenmywish。Goforth，allwillgowellwithyou。Thereupontheyateanddrankjoyouslytogether。

Whentheappointeddaycame，theirfoster-fatherpresentedeachofthemwithagoodgunandadog，andleteachofthemtakeasmanyofhissaved-upgoldpiecesashechose。Thenheaccompaniedthemapartoftheway，andwhentakingleave，hegavethemabrightknife，andsaid，ifeveryouseparate，stickthisknifeintoatreeattheplacewhereyoupart，andwhenoneofyoureturns，hewillwillbeabletoseehowhisabsentbrotherisfaring，forthesideoftheknifewhichisturnedinthedirectionbywhichhewent，willrustifhedies，butwillremainbrightaslongasheisalive。Thetwobrotherswentstillfartheronwards，andcametoaforestwhichwassolargethatitwasimpossibleforthemtogetoutofitinoneday。

Sotheypassedthenightinit，andatewhattheyhadputintheirhunting-pouches，buttheywalkedalltheseconddaylikewise，andstilldidnotgetout。Astheyhadnothingtoeat，oneofthemsaid，wemustshootsomethingforourselvesorweshallsufferfromhunger，andloadedhisgun，andlookedabouthim。Andwhenanoldharecamerunninguptowardsthem，helaidhisgunonhisshoulder，buttheharecried，dearhuntsman，dobutletmelive，twolittleonestotheeI\'llgive，andspranginstantlyintothethicket，andbroughttwoyoungones。

Butthelittlecreaturesplayedsomerrily，andweresopretty，thatthehuntsmencouldnotfinditintheirheartstokillthem。Theythereforekeptthemwiththem，andthelittleharesfollowedonfoot。

Soonafterthis，afoxcreptpast。Theywerejustgoingtoshootit，butthefoxcried，dearhunstman，dobutletmelive，twolittleonestotheeI\'llgive。

He，too，broughttwolittlefoxes，andthehuntsmendidnotliketokillthemeither，butgavethemtotheharesforcompany，andtheyfollowedbehind。Itwasnotlongbeforeawolfstrodeoutofthethicket。Thehuntsmenmadereadytoshoothim，butthewolfcried，dearhuntsman，dobutletmelive，twolittleonestotheeI\'llgive。

Thehuntsmanputthetwowolvesbesidetheotheranimals，andtheyfollowedbehindthem。Thenabearcamewhowantedtotrotaboutalittlelonger，andcried，dearhuntsman，dobutletmelive，twolittleonestotheeI\'llgive。

Thetwoyoungbearswereaddedtotheothers，andtherewerealreadyeightofthem。Thenwhoshouldcome。Alioncame，andtossedhismane。Butthehuntsmendidnotletthemselvesbefrightenedandaimedathimlikewise，butthelionalsosaid，dearhuntsman，dobutletmelive，twolittleonestotheeI\'llgive。

Andhebroughthislittleonestothem，andnowthehuntsmenhadtwolions，twobears，twowolves，twofoxes，andtwohares，whofollowedthemandservedthem。Inthemeantimetheirhungerwasnotappeasedbythis，andtheysaidtothefoxes，listenyousneakers，provideuswithsomethingtoeat。Youarecraftyandcunning。Theyreplied，notfarfromhereliesavillage，fromwhichwehavealreadybroughtmanyafowl。Wewillshowyouthewaythere。Sotheywentintothevillage，boughtthemselvessomethingtoeat，hadsomefoodgiventotheirbeasts，andthentraveledonwards。Thefoxesknewtheirwayverywellaboutthedistrictandwherethepoultry-yardswere，andwerewereabletoguidethehuntsmen。

Nowtheytraveledaboutforawhile，butcouldfindnosituationwheretheycouldremaintogether，sotheysaid，thereisnothingelseforit，wemustpart。Theydividedtheanimals，sothateachofthemhadalion，abear，awolf，afox，andahare，thentheytookleaveofeachother，promisedtoloveeachotherlikebrotherstilltheirdeath，andstucktheknifewhichtheirfoster-fatherhadgiventhem，intoatree，afterwhichonewenteastandtheotherwentwest。

Theyounger，however，arrivedwithhisbeastsinatownwhichwasallhungwithblackcrape。Hewentintoaninn，andaskedthehostifhecouldaccommodatehisanimals。Theinnkeepergavehimastable，wheretherewasaholeinthewall，andtheharecreptoutandfetchedhimselftheheadofacabbage，andthefoxfetchedhimselfahen，andwhenhehaddevoureditgotthecockaswell，butthewolf，thebear，andthelioncouldnotgetoutbecausetheyweretoobig。

Thentheinnkeeperletthembetakentoaplacewhereacowhappenedtobelyingonthegrass，thattheymighteattilltheyweresatisfied。Andwhenthehuntsmanhadtakencareofhisanimals，heaskedtheinnkeeperwhythetownwasthushungwithblackcrape。

Saidthehost，becauseourking\'sonlydaughteristodieto-morrow。

Thehuntsmaninquired，isshesickuntodeath。No，answeredthehost，sheisvigorousandhealthy，neverthelessshemustdie。Howisthat，askedthehuntsman。

Thereisahighhillwithoutthetown，whereondwellsadragonwhoeveryyearmusthaveapurevirgin，orhelaysthewholecountrywaste，andnowallthemaidenshavealreadybeengiventohim，andthereisnolongeranyoneleftbuttheking\'sdaughter，yetthereisnomercyforher。Shemustbegivenuptohim，andthatistobedoneto-morrow。Saidthehuntsman，whyisthedragonnotkilled。

Ah，repliedthehost，somanyknightshavetriedit，butithascostallofthemtheirlives。Thekinghaspromisedthathewhoconquersthedragonshallhavehisdaughtertowife，andshalllikewisegovernthekingdomafterhisowndeath。

Thehuntsmansaidnothingmoretothis，butnextmorningtookhisanimals，andwiththemascendedthedragon\'shill。Alittlechurchstoodatthetopofit，andonthealtarthreefullcupswerestanding，withtheinscription。Whosoeveremptiesthecupswillbecomethestrongestmanonearth，andwillbeabletowieldtheswordwhichisburiedbeforethethresholdofthedoor。Thehuntsmandidnotdrink，butwentoutandsoughtfortheswordintheground，butwasunabletomoveitfromitsplace。Thenhewentinandemptiedthecups，andnowhewasstrongenoughtotakeupthesword，andhishandcouldquiteeasilywieldit。Asthehourcamewhenthemaidenwastobedeliveredovertothedragon，theking，themarshal，andcourtiersaccompaniedher。Fromafarshesawthehuntsmanonthedragon\'shill，andthoughtitwasthedragonstandingtherewaitingforher，anddidnotwanttogouptohim，butatlast，becauseotherwisethewholetownwouldhavebeendestroyed，shewasforcedtotakethefataljourney。Thekingandcourtiersreturnedhomefullofgrief。Theking\'smarshal，however，wastostandstill，andseeallfromadistance。

Whentheking\'sdaughtergottothetopofthehill，itwasnotthedragonwhichstoodthere，buttheyounghuntsman，whocomfortedher，andsaidhewouldsaveher，ledherintothechurch，andlockedherin。Itwasnotlongbeforetheseven-headeddragoncamethitherwithloudroaring。Whenheperceivedthehuntsman，hewasastonishedandsaid，whatbusinesshaveyouhereonthehill。Thehuntsmananswered，Iwanttofightwithyou。Saidthedragon，manyknightshavelefttheirliveshere，Ishallsoonhavemadeanendofyoutoo，andhebreathedfireoutofsevenjaws。

Thefirewastohavelightedthedrygrass，andthehuntsmanwastohavebeensuffocatedintheheatandsmoke，buttheanimalscamerunningupandtrampledoutthefire。Thenthedragonrusheduponthehuntsman，butheswunghissworduntilitsangthroughtheair，andstruckoffthreeofhisheads。Thenthedragongrewreallyfurious，androseupintheair，andspatoutflamesoffireoverthehuntsman，andwasabouttoplungedownonhim，butthehuntsmanoncemoredrewouthissword，andagaincutoffthreeofhisheads。Themonsterbecamefaintandsankdown。

Neverthelessitwasjustabletorushuponthehuntsman，whenhewithhislaststrengthsmoteitstailoff，andashecouldfightnolonger，calleduphisanimalswhotoreitinpieces。Whenthestrugglewasended，thehuntsmanunlockedthechurch，andfoundtheking\'sdaughterlyingonthefloor，asshehadlosthersenseswithanguishandterrorduringthecontest。Hecarriedherout，andwhenshecametoherselfoncemore，andopenedhereyes，heshowedherthedragonallcuttopieces，andtoldherthatshewasnowsetfree。Sherejoicedandsaid，nowyouwillbemydearesthusband，formyfatherhaspromisedmetohimwhokillsthedragon。Thereuponshetookoffhernecklaceofcoral，anddivideditamongsttheanimalsinordertorewardthem，andthelionreceivedthegoldenclasp。Herpocket-handkerchief，however，onwhichwashername，shegavetothehuntsman，whowentandcutthetonguesoutofthedragons，sevenheads，wrappedtheminthehandkerchief，andpreservedthemcarefully。

Thatdone，ashewassofaintandwearywiththefireandthebattle，hesaidtothemaiden，wearebothfaintandweary，wewillsleepawhile。Thenshesaid，yes，andtheylaydownontheground，andthehuntsmansaidtothelion，youshallkeepwatch，thatnoonesurprisesusinoursleep，andbothfellasleep。Thelionlaydownbesidethemtowatch，buthealsowassowearywiththefight，thathecalledtothebearandsaid，liedownnearme，Imustsleepalittle。Ifanythingcomes，wakenme。Thenthebearlaydownbesidehim，buthealsowastired，andcalledthewolfandsaid，liedownbyme，Imustsleepalittle，butifanythingcomes，wakenme。Thenthewolflaydownbyhim，buthewastiredlikewise，andcalledthefoxandsaid，liedownbyme，Imustsleepalittle，ifanythingcomeswakenme。Thenthefoxlaydownbesidehim，buthetoowasweary，andcalledthehareandsaid，liedownnearme，Imustsleepalittle，andifanythingshouldcome，wakenme。Thentheharesatdownbyhim，butthepoorharewastiredtoo，andhadnoonewhomhecouldcalltheretokeepwatch，andfellasleep。Andnowtheking\'sdaughter，thehuntsman，thelion，thebear，thewolf，thefox，andthehare，wereallsleepingasoundsleep。Themarshal，however，whowastolookonfromadistance，tookcouragewhenhedidnotseethedragonflyingawaywiththemaiden，andfindingthatallthehillhadbecomequiet，ascendedit。

Therelaythedragonhackedandhewntopiecesontheground，andnotfarfromitweretheking\'sdaughterandahuntsmanwithhisanimals，andallofthemweresunkinasoundsleep。Andashewaswickedandgodlesshetookhissword，cutoffthehuntsman\'shead，andseizedthemaideninhisarms，andcarriedherdownthehill。Thensheawokeandwasterrified，butthemarshalsaid，youareinmyhands，youshallsaythatitwasIwhokilledthedragon。

Icannotdothat，shereplied，foritwasahuntsmanwithhisanimalswhodidit。Thenhedrewhissword，andthreatenedtokillherifshedidnotobeyhim，andsocompelledherthatshepromisedit。

Thenhetookhertotheking，whodidnotknowhowtocontainhimselfforjoywhenheoncemorelookedonhisdearchildinlife，whomhehadbelievedtohavebeentorntopiecesbythemonster。Themarshalsaidtohim，Ihavekilledthedragon，anddeliveredthemaidenandthewholekingdomaswell，thereforeIdemandherasmywife，aswaspromised。Thekingsaidtothemaiden，iswhathesaystrue。Ah，yes，sheanswered，itmustindeedbetrue，butIwillnotconsenttohavetheweddingcelebrateduntilafterayearandaday，forshethoughtinthattimesheshouldhearsomethingofherdearhuntsman。

Theanimals，however，werestilllyingsleepingbesidetheirdeadmasteronthedragon\'shill，andtherecameagreatbumble-beeandlightedonthehare\'snose，buttheharewipeditoffwithhispaw，andwentonsleeping。Thebumble-beecameasecondtime，butthehareagainrubbeditoffandslepton。Thenitcameforthethirdtime，andstunghisnosesothatheawoke。Assoonastheharewasawake，herousedthefox，andthefox，thewolf，andthewolfthebear，andthebearthelion。Andwhenthelionawokeandsawthatthemaidenwasgone，andhismasterwasdead，hebegantoroarfrightfullyandcried，whohasdonethat。Bear，whydidyounotwakenme。Thebearaskedthewolf，whydidyounotwakenme。Andthewolfthefox，whydidyounotwakenme。Andthefoxthehare，whydidyounotwakenme。Thepoorharealonedidnotknowwhatanswertomake，andtheblamerestedwithhim。Thentheywerejustgoingtofalluponhim，butheentreatedthemandsaid，killmenot，Iwillbringourmastertolifeagain。Iknowamountainonwhicharootgrowswhich，whenplacedinthemouthofanyone，cureshimofallillnessandeverywound。Butthemountainliestwohundredhours，journeyfromhere。

Thelionsaid，infour-and-twentyhoursmustyouhaverunthitherandhavecomeback，andhavebroughttherootwithyou。Thentheharesprangaway，andinfour-and-twentyhourshewasback，andbroughttherootwithhim。Thelionputthehuntsman\'sheadonagain，andthehareplacedtherootinhismouth，andimmediatelyeverythingunitedtogetheragain，andhisheartbeat，andlifecameback。Thenthehuntsmanawoke，andwasalarmedwhenhedidnotseethemaiden，andthought，shemusthavegoneawaywhilstIwassleeping，inordertogetridofme。Thelioninhisgreathastehadputhismaster\'sheadonthewrongwayround，butthehuntsmandidnotobserveitbecauseofhismelancholythoughtsabouttheking\'sdaughter。Butatnoon，whenhewasgoingtoeatsomething，hesawthathisheadwasturnedbackwardsandcouldnotunderstandit，andaskedtheanimalswhathadhappenedtohiminhissleep。Thentheliontoldhimthatthey，too，hadallfallenasleepfromweariness，andonawaking，hadfoundhimdeadwithhisheadcutoff，thattheharehadbroughtthelife-givingroot，andthathe，inhishaste，hadlaidholdoftheheadthewrongway，butthathewouldrepairhismistake。Thenhetorethehuntsman\'sheadoffagain，turneditround，andtheharehealeditwiththeroot。

Thehuntsman，however，wassadatheart，andtraveledabouttheworld，andmadehisanimalsdancebeforepeople。Itcametopassthatpreciselyattheendofoneyearhecamebacktothesametownwherehehadrescuedtheking\'sdaughterfromthedragon，andthistimethetownwasgailyhungwithredcloth。Thenhesaidtothehost，whatdoesthismean。Lastyearthetownwasallhungwithblackcrape，whatmeanstheredclothto-day。Thehostanswered，lastyearourking\'sdaughterwastohavebeendeliveredovertothedragon，butthemarshalfoughtwithitandkilledit，andsoto-morrowtheirweddingistobesolemnized，andthatiswhythetownwasthenhungwithblackcrapeformourning，andisto-daycoveredwithredclothforjoy。

Nextdaywhentheweddingwastotakeplace，thehuntsmansaidatmid-daytotheinn-keeper，doyoubelieve，sirhost，thatIwhilewithyouhereto-dayshalleatbreadfromtheking\'sowntable。

Nay，saidthehost，Iwouldbetahundredpiecesofgoldthatthatwillnotcometrue。Thehuntsmanacceptedthewager，andsetagainstitapursewithjustthesamenumberofgoldpieces。Thenhecalledthehareandsaid，go，mydearrunner，andfetchmesomeofthebreadwhichthekingiseating。Nowthelittleharewasthelowestoftheanimals，andcouldnottransferthisordertoanytheothers，buthadtogetonhislegshimself。Alas。Thoughthe，ifIboundthroughthestreetsthusalone，thebutchers，dogswillallbeafterme。Ithappenedasheexpected，andthedogscameafterhimandwantedtomakeholesinhisgoodskin。Buthesprangaway，youhaveneverseenthelike，andshelteredhimselfinasentry-boxwithoutthesoldierbeingawareofit。Thenthedogscameandwantedtohavehimout，butthesoldierdidnotunderstandajest，andstruckthemwiththebutt-endofhisgun，tilltheyranawayyellingandhowling。Assoonastheharesawthatthewaywasclear，heranintothepalaceandstraighttotheking\'sdaughter，satdownunderherchair，andscratchedatherfoot。Thenshesaid，willyougetaway，andthoughtitwasherdog。Theharescratchedherfootforthesecondtime，andsheagainsaid，willyougetaway，andthoughtitwasherdog。Buttheharedidnotletitselfbeturnedfromitspurpose，andscratchedherforthethirdtime。Thenshepeepeddown，andknewtheharebyitscollar。

Shetookhimonherlap，carriedhimintoherchamber，andsaid，dearhare，whatdoyouwant。Heanswered，mymaster，whokilledthedragon，ishere，andhassentmetoaskforaloafofbreadlikethatwhichthekingeats。Thenshewasfullofjoyandhadthebakersummoned，andorderedhimtobringaloafsuchaswaseatenbytheking。Thelittleharesaid，butthebakermustlikewisecarryitthitherforme，thatthebutchers，dogsmaydonoharmtome。Thebakercarriedifforhimasfarasthedooroftheinn，andthentheharegotonhishindlegs，tooktheloafinhisfrontpaws，andcarriedittohismaster。Thensaidthehuntsman，behold，sirhost，thehundredpiecesofgoldaremine。Thehostwasastonished，butthehuntsmanwentontosay，yes，sirhost，Ihavethebread，butnowIwilllikewisehavesomeoftheking\'sroastmeat。

Thehostsaid，Ishouldindeedliketoseethat，buthewouldmakenomorewagers。Thehuntsmancalledthefoxandsaid，mylittlefox，goandfetchmesomeroastmeat，suchasthekingeats。