第7章

Theredfoxknewthebywaysbetter，andwentbyholesandcornerswithoutanydogseeinghim，seatedhimselfunderthechairoftheking\'sdaughter，andscratchedherfoot。Thenshelookeddownandrecognizedthefoxbyitscollar，tookhimintoherchamberwithherandsaid，dearfox，whatdoyouwant。Heanswered，mymaster，whokilledthedragon，ishere，andhassentme。Iamtoaskforsomeroastmeatsuchasthekingiseating。Thenshemadethecookcome，whowasobligedtopreparearoastjoint，thesameaswaseatenbytheking，andtocarryitforthefoxasfarasthedoor。Thenthefoxtookthedish，wavedawaywithhistailtheflieswhichhadsettledonthemeat，andthencarriedittohismaster。Behold，sirhost，saidthehuntsman，breadandmeatareherebutnowIwillalsohavepropervegetableswithit，suchasareeatenbytheking。Thenhecalledthewolf，andsaid，dearwolf，gothitherandfetchmevegetablessuchasthekingeats。

Thenthewolfwentstraighttothepalace，ashefearednoone，andwhenhegottotheking\'sdaughter\'sparlor，hetuggedatthebackofherdress，sothatshewasforcedtolookround。Sherecognizedhimbyhiscollar，andtookhimintoherchamberwithher，andsaid，dearwolf，whatdoyouwant。Heanswered，mymaster，whokilledthedragon，ishere，Iamtoaskforsomevegetables，suchasthekingeats。Thenshemadethecookcome，andhehadtomakereadyadishofvegetables，suchasthekingate，andhadtocarryitforthewolfasfarasthedoor，andthenthewolftookthedishfromhim，andcarriedittohismaster。Behold，sirhost，saidthehuntsman，nowI

havebreadandmeatandvegetables，butIwillalsohavesomepastrytoeatlikethatwhichthekingeats。Hecalledthebear，andsaid，dearbear，youarefondoflickinganythingsweet，goandbringmesomeconfectionery，suchasthekingeats。

Thethebeartrottedtothepalace，andeveryonegotoutofhisway，butwhenhewenttotheguard，theypresentedtheirmuskets，andwouldnotlethimgointotheroyalpalace。Buthegotuponhishindlegs，andgavethemafewboxesontheears，rightandleft，withhispaws，sothatthewholewatchbrokeup，andthenhewentstraighttotheking\'sdaughter，placedhimselfbehindher，andgrowledalittle。Thenshelookedbehindher，knewthebear，andbadehimgointoherroomwithher，andsaid，dearbear，whatdoyouwant。Heanswered，mymaster，whokilledthedragon，ishere，andI

amtoaskforsomeconfectionerysuchasthekingeats。Thenshesummonedherconfectioner，whohadtobakeconfectionerysuchasthekingate，andcarryittothedoorforthebear。Thenthebearfirstlickedupthecomfitswhichhadrolleddown，andthenhestoodupright，tookthedish，andcarriedittohismaster。Behold，sirhost，saidthehuntsman，nowIhavebread，meat，vegetablesandconfectionery，butIwilldrinkwinealso，andsuchasthekingdrinks。Hecalledhisliontohimandsaid，dearlion，youyourselfliketodrinktillyouaretipsy，goandfetchmesomewine，suchasisdrunkbytheking。

Thenthelionstrodethroughthestreets，andthepeoplefledfromhim，andwhenhecametothewatch，theywantedtobarthewayagainsthim，buthedidbutroaronce，andtheyallranaway。Thenthelionwenttotheroyalapartment，andknockedatthedoorwithhistail。Thetheking\'sdaughtercameforth，andwasalmostafraidofthelion，butsheknewhimbythegoldenclaspofhernecklace，andbadehimgowithherintoherchamber，andsaid，dearlion，whatwillyouhave。Heanswered，mymaster，whokilledthedragon，ishere，andIamtoaskforsomewinesuchasisdrunkbytheking。

Thenshebadethecup-bearerbecalled，whowastogivethelionsomewinelikethatwhichwasdrunkbytheking。Thelionsaid，Iwillgowithhim，andseethatIgettherightwine。Thenhewentdownwiththecup-bearer，andwhentheywerebelow，thecup-bearerwantedtodrawhimsomeofthecommonwinethatwasdrunkbytheking\'sservants，butthelionsaid，stop，Iwilltastethewinefirst，andhedrewhalfameasure，andswalloweditdownatonedraught。No，saidhe，thatisnotright。Thecup-bearerlookedathimaskance，butwenton，andwasabouttogivehimsomeoutofanotherbarrelwhichwasfortheking\'smarshal。Thelionsaid，stop，letmetastethewinefirst，anddrewhalfameasureanddrankit。Thatisbetter，butstillnotright，saidhe。Thenthecup-bearergrewangryandsaid，howcanastupidanimallikeyouunderstandwine。Buttheliongavehimablowbehindtheears，whichmadehimfalldownbynomeansgently，andwhenhehadgotupagain，heconductedthelionquitesilentlyintoalittlecellarapart，wheretheking\'swinelay，fromwhichnooneeverdrank。Thelionfirstdrewhalfameasureandtriedthewine，andthenhesaid，thatmaypossiblybetherightsort，andbadethecup-bearerfillsixbottlesofit。Andnowtheywentupstairsagain，butwhenthelioncameoutofthecellarintotheopenair，hereeledhereandthere，andwasratherdrunk，andthecup-bearerwasforcedtocarrythewineasfarasthedoorforhim，andthentheliontookthehandleofthebasketinhismouth，andtookittohismaster。Thehuntsmansaid，behold，sirhost，herehaveIbread，meat，vegetables，confectioneryandwinesuchasthekinghas，andnowIwilldinewithmyanimals，andhesatdownandateanddrank，andgavethehare，thefox，thewolf，thebear，andthelionalsotoeatandtodrink，andwasjoyful，forhesawthattheking\'sdaughterstilllovedhim。Andwhenhehadfinishedhisdinner，hesaid，sirhost，nowhaveIeatenanddrunk，asthekingeatsanddrinks，andnowIwillgototheking\'scourtandmarrytheking\'sdaughter。

Saidthehost，howcanthatbe，whenshealreadyhasabetrothedhusband，andwhentheweddingistobesolemnizedto-day。Thenthehuntsmandrewforththehanderchiefwhichtheking\'sdaughterhadgivenhimonthedragon\'shill，andinwhichwerefoldedthemonster\'sseventongues，andsaid，thatwhichIholdinmyhandshallhelpmetodoit。Thentheinnkeeperlookedatthehandkerchief，andsaid，whateverIbelieve，Idonotbelievethat，andIamwillingtostakemyhouseandcourtyardonit。Thehuntsman，however，tookabagwithathousandgoldpieces，putitonthetable，andsaid，I

stakethatonit。

Nowthekingsaidtohisdaughter，attheroyaltable，whatdidallthewildanimalswant，whichhavebeencomingtoyou，andgoinginandoutofmypalace。Shereplied，Imaynottellyou，butsendandhavethemasteroftheseanimalsbrought，andyouwilldowell。Thekingsentaservanttotheinn，andinvitedthestranger，andtheservantcamejustasthehuntsmanhadlaidhiswagerwiththeinnkeeper。Thensaidhe，behold，sirhost，nowthekingsendshisservantandinvitesme，butIdonotgointhisway。

Andhesaidtotheservant，Irequestthelordkingtosendmeroyalclothing，andacarriagewithsixhorses，andservantstoattendme。

Whenthekingheardtheanswer，hesaidtohisdaughter，whatshallI

do。Shesaid，causehimtobefetchedashedesirestobe，andyouwilldowell。Thenthekingsentroyalapparel，acarriagewithsixhorses，andservantstowaitonhim。Whenthehuntsmansawthemcoming，hesaid，behold，sirhost，nowIamfetchedasIdesiredtobe，andheputontheroyalgarments，tookthehanderchiefwiththedragon\'stongueswithhim，anddroveofftotheking。Whenthekingsawhimcoming，hesaidtohisdaughter，howshallIreceivehim。

Sheanswered，gotomeethimandyouwilldowell。Thenthekingwenttomeethimandledhimin，andhisanimalsfollowed。Thekinggavehimaseatnearhimselfandhisdaughter，andthemarshal，asbridegroom，satontheotherside，butnolongerknewthehuntsman。

Andnowatthisverymoment，thesevenheadsofthedragonwerebroughtinasaspectacle，andthekingsaid，thesevenheadswerecutoffthedragonbythemarshal，whereforeto-dayIgivehimmydaughtertowife。Thethehuntsmanstoodup，openedthesevenmouths，andsaid，wherearetheseventonguesofthedragon。Thenwasthemarshalterrified，andgrewpaleandknewnotwhatanswerheshouldmake，andatlengthinhisanguishhesaid，dragonshavenotongues。Thehuntsmansaid，liarsoughttohavenone，butthedragon\'stonguesarethetokensofthevictor，andheunfoldedthehanderchief，andtherelayallseveninsideit。Andheputeachtongueinthemouthtowhichitbelonged，anditfittedexactly。

Thenhetookthehandkerchiefonwhichthenameoftheprincesswasembroidered，andshowedittothemaiden，andaskedtowhomshehadgivenit，andshereplied，tohimwhokilledthedragon。Andthenhecalledhisanimals，andtookthecollaroffeachofthemandthegoldenclaspfromthelion，andshowedthemtothemaidenandaskedtowhomtheybelonged。Sheanswered，thenecklaceandgoldenclaspweremine，butIdividedthemamongtheanimalswhohelpedtoconquerthedragon。Thenspokethehuntsman，whenI，tiredofthefight，wasrestingandsleeping，themarshalcameandcutoffmyhead。Thenhecarriedawaytheking\'sdaughter，andgaveoutthatitwashewhohadkilledthedragon，butthatheliedIprovewiththetongues，thehandkerchief，andthenecklace。

Andthenherelatedhowhisanimalshadhealedhimbymeansofawonderfulroot，andhowhehadtraveledaboutwiththemforoneyear，andhadatlengthcomethereandhadlearntthetreacheryofthemarshalbytheinn-keeper\'sstory。Thenthekingaskedhisdaughter，isittruethatthismankilledthedragon。

Andsheanswered，yes，itistrue。NowcanIrevealthewickeddeedofthemarshal，asithascometolightwithoutmyconnivance，forhewrungfrommeapromisetobesilent。Forthisreason，however，didImaketheconditionthatthemarriageshouldnotbesolemnizedforayearandaday。Thenthekingbadetwelvecouncillorsbesummonedwhoweretopronouncejudgmentonthemarshal，andtheysentencedhimtobetorntopiecesbyfourbulls。

Themarshalwasthereforeexecuted，butthekinggavehisdaughtertothehuntsman，andnamedhimhisviceroyoverthewholekingdom。Theweddingwascelebratedwithgreatjoy，andtheyoungkingcausedhisfatherandhisfoster-fathertobebrought，andloadedthemwithtreasures。Neitherdidheforgettheinn-keeper，butsentforhimandsaid，behold，sirhost，Ihavemarriedtheking\'sdaughter，andyourhouseandyardaremine。

Thehostsaid，yes，accordingtojusticeitisso。Buttheyoungkingsaid，itshallbedoneaccordingtomercy，andtoldhimthatheshouldkeephishouseandyard，andgavehimthethousandpiecesofgoldaswell。

Andnowtheyoungkingandqueenwerethoroughlyhappy，andlivedingladnesstogether。Heoftenwentouthuntingbecauseitwasadelighttohim，andthefaithfulanimalshadtoaccompanyhim。Intheneighborhood，however，therewasaforestofwhichitwasreportedthatitwashaunted，andthatwhosoeverdidbutenteritdidnoteasilygetoutagain。Buttheyoungkinghadagreatinclinationtohuntinit，andlettheoldkinghavenopeaceuntilheallowedhimtodoso。Soherodeforthwithagreatfollowing，andwhenhecametotheforest，hesawasnow-whitehind，andsaidtohismen，waithereuntilIreturn，Iwanttohuntthatbeautifulcreature，andherodeintotheforestafterit，followedonlybyhisanimals。Theattendantshaltedandwaiteduntilevening，buthedidnotreturn，sotheyrodehome，andtoldtheyoungqueenthattheyoungkinghadfollowedawhitehindintotheenchantedforest，andhadnotcomebackagain。Thenshewasinthegreatestconcernabouthim。He，however，hadstillcontinuedtorideonandonafterthebeautifulwildanimal，andhadneverbeenabletoovertakeit，whenhethoughthewasnearenoughtoaim，heinstantlysawitboundawayintothefardistance，andatlengthitvanishedaltogether。Andnowheperceivedthathehadpenetrateddeepintotheforest，andblewhishornbuthereceivednoanswer，forhisattendantscouldnothearit。

Andasnightwasfalling，hesawthathecouldnotgethomethatday，sohedismountedfromhishorse，lightedhimselfafirenearatree，andresolvedtospendthenightbyit。Whilehewassittingbythefire，andhisanimalsalsowerelyingdownbesidehim，itseemedtohimthatheheardahumanvoice。Helookedround，butcouldperceivednothing。Soonafterwards，heagainheardagroanasiffromabove，andthenhelookedup，andsawanoldwomansittinginthetree，whowailedunceasingly，oh，oh，oh，howcoldIam。Saidhe，comedown，andwarmyourselfifyouarecold。Butshesaid，no，youranimalswillbiteme。Heanswered，theywilldoyounoharm，oldmother，docomedown。She，however，wasawitch，andsaid，I

willthrowdownawandfromthetree，andifyoustrikethemonthebackwithit，theywilldomenoharm。Thenshethrewhimasmallwand，andhestruckthemwithit，andinstantlytheylaystillandwereturnedintostone。Andwhenthewitchwassafefromtheanimals，sheleaptdownandtouchedhimalsowithawand，andchangedhimtostone。Thereuponshelaughed，anddraggedhimandtheanimalsintoavault，wheremanymoresuchstonesalreadylay。

Astheyoungkingdidnotcomebackatall，thequeen\'sanguishandcaregrewconstantlygreater。Anditsohappenedthatatthisverytimetheotherbrotherwhohadturnedtotheeastwhentheyseparated，cameintothekingdom。Hehadsoughtasituation，andhadfoundnone，andhadthentraveledabouthereandthere，andhadmadehisanimalsdance。Thenitcameintohismindthathewouldjustgoandlookattheknifethattheyhadthrustinthetrunkofatreeattheirparting，thathemightlearnhowhisbrotherwas。Whenhegottherehisbrother\'ssideoftheknifewashalfrusted，andhalfbright。Thenhewasalarmedandthought，agreatmisfortunemusthavebefallenmybrother，butperhapsIcanstillsavehim，forhalftheknifeisstillbright。Heandhisanimalstraveledtowardsthewest，andwhenheenteredthegateofthetown，theguardcametomeethim，andaskedifhewastoannouncehimtohisconsorttheyoungqueen，whohadforacoupleofdaysbeeninthegreatestsorrowabouthisstayingaway，andwasafraidhehadbeenkilledintheenchantedforest。

Thesentries，indeed，thoughtnootherwisethanthathewastheyoungkinghimself，forhelookedsolikehim，andhadwildanimalsrunningbehindhim。Thenhesawthattheywerespeakingofhisbrother，andthought，itwillbebetterifIpassmyselfoffforhim，andthenI

canrescuehimmoreeasily。Soheallowedhimselftobeescortedintothecastlebytheguard，andwasreceivedwiththegreatestjoy。

Theyoungqueenindeedthoughtthathewasherhusband，andaskedhimwhyhehadstayedawaysolong。Heanswered，Ihadlostmyselfinaforest，andcouldnotfindmywayoutagainanysooner。Atnighthewastakentotheroyalbed，buthelaidatwo-edgedswordbetweenhimandtheyoungqueen，shedidnotknowwhatthatcouldmean，butdidnotventuretoask。

Heremainedinthepalaceacoupleofdays，andinthemeantimeinquiredintoeverythingwhichrelatedtotheenchantedforest，andatlasthesaid，Imusthuntthereoncemore。Thekingandtheyoungqueenwantedtopersuadehimnottodoit，buthestoodoutagainstthem，andwentforthwithalargerfollowing。Whenhehadgotintotheforest，itfaredwithhimaswithhisbrother，hesawawhitehindandsaidtohismen，stayhere，andwaituntilIreturn，Iwanttochasethelovelywildbeast，andthenherodeintotheforestandhisanimalsranafterhim。Buthecouldnotovertakethehind，andgotsodeepintotheforestthathewasforcedtopassthenightthere。Andwhenhehadlightedafire，heheardsomeonewailingabovehim，oh，oh，oh，howcoldIam。

Thenhelookedup，andtheself-samewitchwassittinginthetree。

Saidhe，ifyouarecold，comedown，littleoldmother，andwarmyourself。Sheanswered，no，youranimalswillbiteme。Buthesaid，theywillnothurtyou。Thenshecried，Iwillthrowdownawandtoyou，andifyousmitethemwithittheywilldomenoharm。Whenthehuntsmanheardthat，hehadnoconfidenceintheoldwoman，andsaid，Iwillnotstrikemyanimals。Comedown，orIwillfetchyou。Thenshecried，whatdoyouwant。Youshallnottouchme。Buthereplied，ifyoudonotcome，Iwillshootyou。Saidshe，shootaway，Idonotfearyourbullets。

Thenheaimed，andfiredather，butthewitchwasproofagainstallleadenbullets，andlaughedshrillyandcried，youshallnothitme。

Thehuntsmanknewwhattodo，torethreesilverbuttonsoffhiscoat，andloadedhisgunwiththem，foragainstthemherartswereuseless，andwhenhefiredshefelldownatoncewithascream。Thenhesethisfootonherandsaid，oldwitch，ifyoudonotinstantlyconfesswheremybrotheris，Iwillseizeyouwithbothmyhandsandthrowyouintothefire。Shewasinagreatfright，beggedformercyandsaid，heandhisanimalslieinavault，turnedtostone。Thenhecompelledhertogothitherwithhim，threatenedher，andsaid，oldsea-cat，nowyoushallmakemybrotherandallthehumanbeingslyinghere，aliveagain，oryoushallgointothefire。Shetookawandandtouchedthestones，andthenhisbrotherwithhisanimalscametolifeagain，andmanyothers，merchants，artisans，andshepherds，arose，thankedhimfortheirdeliverance，andwenttotheirhomes。

Butwhenthetwinbrotherssaweachotheragain，theykissedeachotherandrejoicedwithalltheirhearts。Thentheyseizedthewitch，boundherandlaidheronthefire，andwhenshewasburnttheforestopenedofitsownaccord，andwaslightandclear，andtheking\'spalacecouldbeseenataboutthedistanceofathreehours，walk。

Thereuponthetwobrotherswenthometogether，andonthewaytoldeachothertheirhistories。Andwhentheyoungersaidthathewasrulerofthewholecountryintheking\'sstead，theotherobserved，thatIremarkedverywell，forwhenIcametothetown，andwastakenforyou，allroyalhonorswerepaidme，theyoungqueenlookedonmeasherhusband，andIhadtoeatatherside，andsleepinyourbed。

Whentheotherheardthat，hebecamesojealousandangrythathedrewhissword，andstruckoffhisbrother\'shead。Butwhenhesawhimlyingtheredead，andsawhisredbloodflowing，herepentedmostviolently，mybrotherdeliveredme，criedhe，andIhavekilledhimforit，andhebewailedhimaloud。Thenhisharecameandofferedtogoandbringsomeoftherootoflife，andboundedawayandbroughtitwhileyettherewastime，andthedeadmanwasbroughttolifeagain，andknewnothingaboutthewound。

Afterthistheyjourneyedonwards，andtheyoungersaid，youlooklikeme，youhaveroyalapparelonasIhave，andtheanimalsfollowyouastheydome，wewillgoinbyoppositegates，andarriveatthesametimefromthetwosidesintheagedking\'spresence。Sotheyseparated，andatthesametimecamethewatchmenfromtheonedoorandfromtheother，andannouncedthattheyoungkingandtheanimalshadreturnedfromthechase。

Thekingsaid，itisnotpossible，thegatesliequiteamileapart。

Inthemeantime，however，thetwobrothersenteredthecourtyardofthepalacefromoppositesides，andbothmountedthesteps。Thenthekingsaidtothedaughter，saywhichisyourhusband。

Eachofthemlooksexactlyliketheother，Icannottell。Thenshewasingreatdistress，andcouldnottell，butatlastsherememberedthenecklacewhichshehadgiventotheanimals，andshesoughtforandfoundherlittlegoldenclasponthelion，andshecriedinherdelight，hewhoisfollowedbythislionismytruehusband。Thentheyoungkinglaughedandsaid，yes，heistherightone，andtheysatdowntogethertotable，andateanddrank，andweremerry。Atnightwhentheyoungkingwenttobed，hiswifesaid，whyhaveyoufortheselastnightsalwayslaidatwo-edgedswordinourbed。I

thoughtyouhadawishtokillme。Thenheknewhowtruehisbrotherhadbeen。

Twokings\'sonsoncewentoutinsearchofadventures，andfellintoawild，disorderlywayofliving，sothattheynevercamehomeagain。

Theyoungest，whowascalledsimpleton，setouttoseekhisbrothers，butwhenatlengthhefoundthemtheymockedhimforthinkingthathewithhissimplicitycouldgetthroughtheworld，whentheytwocouldnotmaketheirway，andyetweresomuchcleverer。

Theyallthreetraveledawaytogether，andcametoanant-hill。Thetwoelderwantedtodestroyit，toseethelittleantscreepingaboutintheirterror，andcarryingtheireggsaway，butsimpletonsaid，leavethecreaturesinpeace，Iwillnotallowyoutodisturbthem。

Thentheywentonwardsandcametoalake，onwhichagreatnumberofduckswereswimming。Thetwobrotherswantedtocatchacoupleandroastthem，butsimpletonwouldnotpermitit，andsaid，leavethecreaturesinpeace，Iwillnotsufferyoutokillthem。

Atlengththeycametoabee\'snest，inwhichtherewassomuchhoneythatitranoutofthetrunkofthetreewhereitwas。Thetwowantedtomakeafirebeneaththetree，andsuffocatethebeesinordertotakeawaythehoney，butsimpletonagainstoppedthemandsaid，leavethecreaturesinpeace，Iwillnotallowyoutoburnthem。

Atlengththethreebrothersarrivedatacastlewherestonehorseswerestandinginthestables，andnohumanbeingwastobeseen，andtheywentthroughallthehallsuntil，quiteattheend，theycametoadoorinwhichwerethreelocks。Inthemiddleofthedoor，however，therewasalittlepane，throughwhichtheycouldseeintotheroom。Theretheysawalittlegreyman，whowassittingatatable。Theycalledhim，once，twice，buthedidnothear，atlasttheycalledhimforthethirdtime，whenhegotup，openedthelocks，andcameout。Hesaidnothing，however，butconductedthemtoahandsomely-spreadtable，andwhentheyhadeatenanddrunk，hetookeachofthemtoabedroom。

Nextmorningthelittlegreymancametotheeldest，beckonedtohim，andconductedhimtoastonetable，onwhichwereinscribedthreetasks，bytheperformanceofwhichthecastlecouldbedeliveredfromenchantment。

Thefirstwasthatintheforest，beneaththemoss，laytheprincess\'spearls，athousandinnumber，whichmustbepickedup，andifbysunsetonesinglepearlwasmissing，hewhohadlookedforthemwouldbeturnedintostone。Theeldestwentthither，andsoughtthewholeday，butwhenitcametoanend，hehadonlyfoundonehundred，andwhatwaswrittenonthetablecametrue，andhewasturnedintostone。Nextday，thesecondbrotherundertooktheadventure，butitdidnotfaremuchbetterwithhimthanwiththeeldest，hedidnotfindmorethantwohundredpearls，andwaschangedtostone。Atlastitwassimpleton\'sturntoseekinthemoss，butitwassodifficultforhimtofindthepearls，andhegotonsoslowly，thatheseatedhimselfonastone，andwept。Andwhilehewasthussitting，thekingoftheantswhoselifehehadoncesaved，camewithfivethousandants，andbeforelongthelittlecreatureshadgotallthepearlstogether，andlaidtheminaheap。

Thesecondtask，however，wastofetchoutofthelakethekeyoftheking\'sdaughter\'sbed-chamber。Whensimpletoncametothelake，theduckswhichhehadsaved，swamuptohim，diveddown，andbroughtthekeyoutofthewater。

Butthethirdtaskwasthemostdifficult，fromamongstthethreesleepingdaughtersofthekingwastheyoungestanddearesttobesoughtout。They，however，resembledeachotherexactly，andwereonlytobedistinguishedbytheirhavingeatendifferentsweetmeatsbeforetheyfellasleep，theeldestabitofsugar，thesecondalittlesyrup，andtheyoungestaspoonfulofhoney。

Thenthequeenofthebees，whomsimpletonhadprotectedfromthefire，cameandtastedthelipsofallthree，andatlastsheremainedsittingonthemouthwhichhadeatenhoney，andthustheking\'ssonrecognizedtherightprincess。Thentheenchantmentwasatanend，everythingwasdeliveredfromsleep，andthosewhohadbeenturnedtostonereceivedoncemoretheirnaturalforms。

Simpletonmarriedtheyoungestandsweetestprincess，andafterherfather\'sdeathbecameking，andhistwobrothersreceivedthetwoothersisters。

Therewasonceuponatimeakingwhohadthreesons，ofwhomtwowerecleverandwise，butthethirddidnotspeakmuch，andwassimple，andwascalledthesimpleton。Whenthekinghadbecomeoldandweak，andwasthinkingofhisend，hedidnotknowwhichofhissonsshouldinheritthekingdomafterhim。Thenhesaidtothem，goforth，andhewhobringsmethemostbeautifulcarpetshallbekingaftermydeath。

Andthatthereshouldbenodisputeamongstthem，hetookthemoutsidehiscastle，blewthreefeathersintheair，andsaid，youshallgoastheyfly。Onefeatherflewtotheeast，theothertothewest，butthethirdflewstraightupanddidnotflyfar，butsoonfelltotheground。

Andnowonebrotherwenttotheright，andtheothertotheleft，andtheymockedsimpleton，whowasforcedtostaywherethethirdfeatherhadfallen。Hesatdownandwassad。Thenallatoncehesawthattherewasatrap-doorclosebythefeather。Heraiseditup，foundsomesteps，andwentdownthem。Thenhecametoanotherdoor，knockedatit，andheardsomebodyinsidecalling-

littlegreenwaiting-maid，waiting-maidwiththelimpingleg，littledogofthelimpingleg，hophitherandthither，andquicklyseewhoiswithout。

Thedooropened，andhesawagreat，fattoadsitting，androundaboutheracrowdoflittletoads。Thefattoadaskedwhathewanted。Heanswered，Ishouldliketohavetheprettiestandfinestcarpetintheworld。Thenshecalledayoungoneandsaid-

littlegreenwaiting-maid，waiting-maidwiththelimpingleg，littledogofthelimpingleg，hophitherandthither，andbringmethegreatbox。

Theyoungtoadbroughtthebox，andthefattoadopenedit，andgavesimpletonacarpetoutofit，sobeautifulandsofine，thatontheearthabove，nonecouldhavebeenwovenlikeit。Thenhethankedher，andclimbedoutagain。

Thetwoothers，however，hadlookedontheiryoungestbrotherassostupidthattheybelievedhewouldfindandbringnothingatall。

Whyshouldwegiveourselvesagreatdealoftroublesearching，saidthey，andgotsomecoarsehandkerchiefsfromthefirstshepherds\'

wiveswhomtheymet，andcarriedthemhometotheking。

Atthesametimesimpletonalsocameback，andbroughthisbeautifulcarpet，andwhenthekingsawithewasastonished，andsaid，ifjusticebedone，thekingdombelongstotheyoungest。Butthetwootherslettheirfatherhavenopeace，andsaidthatitwasimpossiblethatsimpleton，whoineverythinglackedunderstanding，shouldbeking，andentreatedhimtomakeanewagreementwiththem。

Thenthefathersaid，hewhobringsmethemostbeautifulringshallinheritthekingdom，andledthethreebrothersout，andblewintotheairthreefeathers，whichtheyweretofollow。Thoseofthetwoeldestagainwenteastandwest，andsimpleton\'sfeatherflewstraightup，andfelldownnearthedoorintotheearth。

Thenhewentdownagaintothefattoad，andtoldherthathewantedthemostbeautifulring。Sheatonceorderedherbigboxtobebrought，andgavehimaringoutofit，whichsparkledwithjewels，andwassobeautifulthatnogoldsmithonearthwouldhavebeenabletomakeit。

Thetwoeldestlaughedatsimpletonforgoingtoseekagoldenring。

Theygavethemselvesnotrouble，butknockedthenailsoutofanoldcarriage-ring，andtookittotheking，butwhensimpletonproducedhisgoldenring，hisfatheragainsaid，thekingdombelongstohim。

Thetwoeldestdidnotceasefromtormentingthekinguntilhemadeathirdcondition，anddeclaredthattheonewhobroughtthemostbeautifulwomanhome，shouldhavethekingdom。Heagainblewthethreefeathersintotheair，andtheyflewasbefore。

Thensimpletonwithoutmoreadowentdowntothefattoad，andsaid，Iamtotakehomethemostbeautifulwoman。Oh，answeredthetoad，themostbeautifulwoman。Sheisnotathandatthemoment，butstillyoushallhaveher。Shegavehimayellowturnipwhichhadbeenhollowedout，towhichsixmicewereharnessed。Thensimpletonsaidquitemournfully，whatamItodowiththat。Thetoadanswered，justputoneofmylittletoadsintoit。Thenheseizedoneatrandomoutofthecircle，andputherintotheyellowcoach，buthardlywassheseatedinsideitthansheturnedintoawonderfullybeautifulmaiden，andtheturnipintoacoach，andthesixmiceintohorses。Sohekissedher，anddroveoffquicklywiththehorses，andtookhertotheking。

Hisbrothers，whocameafterwards，hadgiventhemselvesnotroubleatalllookingforbeautifulgirls，buthadbroughtwiththemthefirstpeasantwomentheychancedtomeet。Whenthekingsawthemhesaid，aftermydeaththekingdombelongstomyyoungestson。Butthetwoeldestdeafenedtheking\'searsafreshwiththeirclamor，wecannotconsenttosimpleton\'sbeingking，anddemandedthattheonewhosewifecouldleapthrougharingwhichhunginthecentreofthehallshouldhavethepreference。Theythought，thepeasantwomencandothateasily，theyarestrongenough，butthedelicatemaidenwilljumpherselftodeath。

Theagedkingagreedlikewisetothis。Thenthetwopeasantwomenjumped，andjumpedthroughthering，butweresoclumsythattheyfell，andtheircoarsearmsandlegsbrokeintwo。Andthentheprettymaidenwhomsimpletonhadbroughtwithhim，sprang，andsprangthroughaslightlyasadeer，andalloppositionhadtocease。Sohereceivedthecrown，andhasruledwiselyforalengthoftime。

Therewasamanwhohadthreesons，theyoungestofwhomwascalledDummling，andwasdespised，mocked，andsneeredatoneveryoccasion。

Ithappenedthattheeldestwantedtogointotheforesttohewwood，andbeforehewenthismothergavehimabeautifulsweetcakeandabottleofwineinorderthathemightnotsufferfromhungerorthirst。

Whenheenteredtheforesthemetalittlegrey-hairedoldmanwhobadehimgood-day，andsaid，dogivemeapieceofcakeoutofyourpocket，andletmehaveadraughtofyourwine，Iamsohungryandthirsty。Butthecleversonanswered，ifIgiveyoumycakeandwine，Ishallhavenoneformyself，beoffwithyou，andheleftthelittlemanstandingandwenton。

Butwhenhebegantohewdownatree，itwasnotlongbeforehemadeafalsestroke，andtheaxecuthiminthearm，sothathehadtogohomeandhaveitboundup。Andthiswasthelittlegreyman\'sdoing。

Afterthisthesecondsonwentintotheforest，andhismothergavehim，liketheeldest，acakeandabottleofwine。Thelittleoldgreymanmethimlikewise，andaskedhimforapieceofcakeandadrinkofwine。Butthesecondson，too，saidsensiblyenough，whatI

giveyouwillbetakenawayfrommyself，beoff，andheleftthelittlemanstandingandwenton。Hispunishment，however，wasnotdelayed，whenhehadmadeafewblowsatthetreehestruckhimselfintheleg，sothathehadtobecarriedhome。

ThenDummlingsaid，father，doletmegoandcutwood。Thefatheranswered，yourbrothershavehurtthemselveswithit，leaveitalone，youdonotunderstandanythingaboutit。ButDummlingbeggedsolongthatatlasthesaid，justgothen，youwillgetwiserbyhurtingyourself。Hismothergavehimacakemadewithwaterandbakedinthecinders，andwithitabottleofsourbeer。

Whenhecametotheforestthelittleoldgreymanmethimlikewise，andgreetinghim，said，givemeapieceofyourcakeandadrinkoutofyourbottle，Iamsohungryandthirsty。

Dummlinganswered，Ihaveonlycinder-cakeandsourbeer，ifthatpleasesyou，wewillsitdownandeat。Sotheysatdown，andwhenDummlingpulledouthiscinder-cake，itwasafinesweetcake，andthesourbeerhadbecomegoodwine。Sotheyateanddrank，andafterthatthelittlemansaid，sinceyouhaveagoodheart，andarewillingtodividewhatyouhave，Iwillgiveyougoodluck。Therestandsanoldtree，cutitdown，andyouwillfindsomethingattheroots。Thenthelittlemantookleaveofhim。

Dummlingwentandcutdownthetree，andwhenitfelltherewasagoosesittingintherootswithfeathersofpuregold。Heliftedherup，andtakingherwithhim，wenttoaninnwherehethoughthewouldstaythenight。Nowthehosthadthreedaughters，whosawthegooseandwerecurioustoknowwhatsuchawonderfulbirdmightbe，andwouldhavelikedtohaveoneofitsgoldenfeathers。

Theeldestthought，Ishallsoonfindanopportunityofpullingoutafeather，andassoonasDummlinghadgoneoutsheseizedthegoosebythewing，butherfingerandhandremainedstickingfasttoit。

Thesecondcamesoonafterwards，thinkingonlyofhowshemightgetafeatherforherself，butshehadscarcelytouchedhersisterthanshewasheldfast。

Atlastthethirdalsocamewiththelikeintent，andtheothersscreamedout，keepaway，forgoodness，sakekeepaway。Butshedidnotunderstandwhyshewastokeepaway。Theothersarethere，shethought，Imayaswellbetheretoo，andrantothem，butassoonasshehadtouchedhersister，sheremainedstickingfasttoher。Sotheyhadtospendthenightwiththegoose。

ThenextmorningDummlingtookthegooseunderhisarmandsetout，withouttroublinghimselfaboutthethreegirlswhowerehangingontoit。Theywereobligedtorunafterhimcontinually，nowleft，nowright，whereverhislegstookhim。

Inthemiddleofthefieldstheparsonmetthem，andwhenhesawtheprocessionhesaid，forshame，yougood-for-nothinggirls，whyareyourunningacrossthefieldsafterthisyoungman。Isthatseemly？

Atthesametimeheseizedtheyoungestbythehandinordertopullheraway，butassoonashetouchedherhelikewisestuckfast，andwashimselfobligedtorunbehind。

Beforelongthesextoncamebyandsawhismaster，theparson，runningbehindthreegirls。Hewasastonishedatthisandcalledout，hi，yourreverence，whitherawaysoquickly。Donotforgetthatwehaveachristeningto-day，andrunningafterhimhetookhimbythesleeve，butwasalsoheldfasttoit。Whilstthefiveweretrottingthusonebehindtheother，twolaborerscamewiththeirhoesfromthefields，theparsoncalledouttothemandbeggedthattheywouldsethimandthesextonfree。Buttheyhadscarcelytouchedthesextonwhentheywereheldfast，andnowthereweresevenofthemrunningbehindDummlingandthegoose。

Soonafterwardshecametoacity，whereakingruledwhohadadaughterwhowassoseriousthatnoonecouldmakeherlaugh。Sohehadputforthadecreethatwhosoevershouldbeabletomakeherlaughshouldmarryher。WhenDummlingheardthis，hewentwithhisgooseandallhertrainbeforetheking\'sdaughter，andassoonasshesawthesevenpeoplerunningonandon，onebehindtheother，shebegantolaughquiteloudly，andasifshewouldneverstop。

ThereuponDummlingaskedtohaveherforhiswife，butthekingdidnotliketheson-in-law，andmadeallmannerofexcusesandsaidhemustfirstproduceamanwhocoulddrinkacellarfulofwine。

Dummlingthoughtofthelittlegreyman，whocouldcertainlyhelphim，sohewentintotheforest，andinthesameplacewherehehadfelledthetree，hesawamansitting，whohadaverysorrowfulface。

Dummlingaskedhimwhathewastakingtoheartsosorely，andheanswered，Ihavesuchagreatthirstandcannotquenchit，coldwaterIcannotstand，abarrelofwineIhavejustemptied，butthattomeislikeadroponahotstone。

There，Icanhelpyou，saidDummling，justcomewithmeandyoushallbesatisfied。

Heledhimintotheking\'scellar，andthemanbentoverthehugebarrels，anddrankanddranktillhisloinshurt，andbeforethedaywasouthehademptiedallthebarrels。ThenDummlingaskedoncemoreforhisbride，butthekingwasvexedthatsuchanuglyfellow，whomeveryonecalledDummling，shouldtakeawayhisdaughter，andhemadeanewcondition，hemustfirstfindamanwhocouldeatawholemountainofbread。Dummlingdidnotthinklong，butwentstraightintotheforest，whereinthesameplacetheresatamanwhowastyinguphisbodywithastrap，andmakinganawfulface，andsaying，Ihaveeatenawholeovenfulofrolls，butwhatgoodisthatwhenonehassuchahungerasI。Mystomachremainsempty，andImusttiemyselfupifIamnottodieofhunger。

AtthisDummlingwasglad，andsaid，getupandcomewithme，youshalleatyourselffull。Heledhimtotheking\'spalace，wherealltheflourinthewholekingdomwascollected，andfromithecausedahugemountainofbreadtobebaked。Themanfromtheforeststoodbeforeit，begantoeat，andbytheendofonedaythewholemountainhadvanished。ThenDummlingforthethirdtimeaskedforhisbride，butthekingagainsoughtawayout，andorderedashipwhichcouldsailonlandandonwater。Assoonasyoucomesailingbackinit，saidhe，youshallhavemydaughterforwife。

Dummlingwentstraightintotheforest，andtheresatthelittlegreymantowhomhehadgivenhiscake。WhenheheardwhatDummlingwanted，hesaid，sinceyouhavegivenmetoeatandtodrink，Iwillgiveyoutheship，andIdoallthisbecauseyouoncewerekindtome。Thenhegavehimtheshipwhichcouldsailonlandandwater，andwhenthekingsawthat，hecouldnolongerpreventhimfromhavinghisdaughter。Theweddingwascelebrated，andaftertheking\'sdeath，Dummlinginheritedhiskingdomandlivedforalongtimecontentedlywithhiswife。

AllerleirauhTherewasonceuponatimeakingwhohadawifewithgoldenhair，andshewassobeautifulthatherequalwasnottobefoundonearth。

Itcametopassthatshelayill，andasshefeltthatshemustsoondie，shecalledthekingandsaid，ifyouwishtomarryagainaftermydeath，takenoonewhoisnotquiteasbeautifulasIam，andwhohasnotjustsuchgoldenhairasIhave，thisyoumustpromiseme。

Andafterthekinghadpromisedherthissheclosedhereyesanddied。

Foralongtimethekingcouldnotbecomforted，andhadnothoughtoftakinganotherwife。Atlengthhiscouncillorssaid，thiscannotgoon。Thekingmustmarryagain，thatwemayhaveaqueen。Andnowmessengersweresentaboutfarandwide，toseekabridewhoequalledthelatequeeninbeauty。Inthewholeworld，however，nonewastobefound，andevenifonehadbeenfound，stilltherewouldhavebeennoonewhohadsuchgoldenhair。Sothemessengerscamehomeastheywent。

Nowthekinghadadaughter，whowasjustasbeautifulasherdeadmother，andhadthesamegoldenhair。Whenshewasgrownupthekinglookedatheroneday，andsawthatineveryrespectshewaslikehislatewife，andsuddenlyfeltaviolentloveforher。Thenhespoketohiscouncillors，Iwillmarrymydaughter，forsheisthecounterpartofmylatewife，otherwiseIcanfindnobridewhoresemblesher。Whenthecouncillorsheardthat，theywereshocked，andsaid，Godhasforbiddenafathertomarryhisdaughter。Nogoodcancomefromsuchacrime，andthekingdomwillbeinvolvedintheruin。

Thedaughterwasstillmoreshockedwhenshebecameawareofherfather\'sresolution，buthopedtoturnhimfromhisdesign。Thenshesaidtohim，beforeIfulfilyourwish，Imusthavethreedresses，oneasgoldenasthesun，oneassilveryasthemoon，andoneasbrightasthestars，besidesthis，Iwishforamantleofathousanddifferentkindsoffurandpeltryjoinedtogether，andoneofeverykindofanimalinyourkingdommustgiveapieceofhisskinforit。

Forshethought，togetthatwillbequiteimpossible，andthusI

shalldivertmyfatherfromhiswickedintentions。Theking，however，didnotgiveitup，andthecleverestmaidensinhiskingdomhadtoweavethethreedresses，oneasgoldenasthesun，oneassilveryasthemoon，andoneasbrightasthestars，andhishuntsmenhadtocatchoneofeverykindofanimalinthewholeofhiskingdom，andtakefromitapieceofitsskin，andoutofthesewasmadeamantleofathousanddifferentkindsoffur。Atlength，whenallwasready，thekingcausedthemantletobebrought，spreaditoutbeforeher，andsaid，theweddingshallbetomorrow。

When，therefore，theking\'sdaughtersawthattherewasnolongeranyhopeofturningherfather\'sheart，sheresolvedtorunaway。Inthenightwhilsteveryonewasasleep，shegotup，andtookthreedifferentthingsfromhertreasures，agoldenring，agoldenspinning-wheel，andagoldenreel。Thethreedressesofthesun，moon，andstarssheplacedintoanutshell，putonhermantleofallkindsoffur，andblackenedherfaceandhandswithsoot。ThenshecommendedherselftoGod，andwentaway，andwalkedthewholenightuntilshereachedagreatforest。Andasshewastired，shegotintoahollowtree，andfellasleep。

Thesunrose，andsheslepton，andshewasstillsleepingwhenitwasfullday。Thenitsohappenedthatthekingtowhomthisforestbelonged，washuntinginit。Whenhisdogscametothetree，theysniffed，andranbarkingroundaboutit。Thekingsaidtothehuntsmen，justseewhatkindofwildbeasthashiddenitselfinthere。Thehuntsmenobeyedhisorder，andwhentheycamebacktheysaid，awondrousbeastislyinginthehollowtree，wehaveneverbeforeseenonelikeit。Itsskinisfurofathousanddifferentkinds，butitislyingasleep。Saidtheking，seeifyoucancatchitalive，andthenfastenittothecarriage，andwewilltakeitwithus。Whenthehuntsmenlaidholdofthemaiden，sheawokefullofterror，andcriedtothem，Iamapoorchild，desertedbyfatherandmother，havepityonme，andtakemewithyou。Thensaidthey，Allerleirauh，youwillbeusefulinthekitchen，comewithus，andyoucansweepuptheashes。Sotheyputherinthecarriage，andtookherhometotheroyalpalace。Theretheypointedouttoheraclosetunderthestairs，wherenodaylightentered，andsaid，hairyanimal，thereyoucanliveandsleep。Thenshewassentintothekitchen，andthereshecarriedwoodandwater，sweptthehearth，pluckedthefowls，pickedthevegetables，rakedtheashes，anddidallthedirtywork。

Allerleirauhlivedthereforalongtimeingreatwretchedness。Alas，fairprincess，whatistobecomeofyounow。Ithappened，however，thatonedayafeastwasheldinthepalace，andshesaidtothecook，mayIgoupstairsforawhile，andlookon。Iwillplacemyselfoutsidethedoor。Thecookanswered，yes，go，butyoumustbebackhereinhalf-an-hourtosweepthehearth。

Thenshetookheroil-lamp，wentintoherden，putoffherdressoffur，andwashedthesootoffherfaceandhands，sothatherfullbeautyoncemorecametolight。Andsheopenedthenut，andtookoutherdresswhichshonelikethesun，andwhenshehaddonethatshewentuptothefestival，andeveryonemadewayforher，fornooneknewher，andthoughtnootherwisethanthatshewasaking\'sdaughter。Thekingcametomeether，gavehishandtoher，anddancedwithher，andthoughtinhisheart，myeyeshaveneveryetseenanyonesobeautiful。Whenthedancewasovershecurtsied，andwhenthekinglookedroundagainshehadvanished，andnoneknewwhither。Theguardswhostoodoutsidethepalacewerecalledandquestioned，butnoonehadseenher。

Shehadrunintoherlittleden，however，therequicklytakenoffherdress，madeherfaceandhandsblackagain，putonthemantleoffur，andagainwasAllerleirauh。Andnowwhenshewentintothekitchen，andwasabouttogettoherworkandsweepuptheashes，thecooksaid，leavethatalonetillmorning，andmakemethesoupfortheking，I，too，willgoupstairsawhile，andtakealook，butletnohairsfallin，orinfutureyoushallhavenothingtoeat。Sothecookwentaway，andAllerleirauhmadethesoupfortheking，andmadebreadsoupandthebestshecould，andwhenitwasreadyshefetchedhergoldenringfromherlittleden，andputitinthebowlinwhichthesoupwasserved。Whenthedancingwasover，thekinghadhissoupbroughtandateit，andhelikeditsomuchthatitseemedtohimhehadnevertastedbetter。Butwhenhecametothebottomofthebowl，hesawagoldenringlying，andcouldnotconceivehowitcouldhavegotthere。Thenheorderedthecooktoappearbeforehim。

Thecookwasterrifiedwhenheheardtheorder，andsaidtoAllerleirauh，youhavecertainlyletahairfallintothesoup，andifyouhave，youshallbebeatenforit。

Whenhecamebeforethekingthelatteraskedwhohadmadethesoup。

Thecookreplied，Imadeit。Butthekingsaid，thatisnottrue，foritwasmuchbetterthanusual，andcookeddifferently。Heanswered，ImustacknowledgethatIdidnotmakeit，itwasmadebythehairyanimal。Thekingsaid，goandbiditcomeuphere。

WhenAllerleirauhcame，thekingsaid，whoareyou。Iamapoorgirlwhonolongerhasanyfatherormother。Heaskedfurther，ofwhatuseareyouinmypalace。Sheanswered，Iamgoodfornothingbuttohavebootsthrownatmyhead。Hecontinued，wheredidyougettheringwhichwasinthesoup。Sheanswered，Iknownothingaboutthering。Sothekingcouldlearnnothing，andhadtosendherawayagain。

Afterawhile，therewasanotherfestival，andthen，asbefore，Allerleirauhbeggedthecookforleavetogoandlookon。Heanswered，yes，butcomebackagaininhalf-an-hour，andmakethekingthebreadsoupwhichhesomuchlikes。Thensheranintoherden，washedherselfquickly，andtookoutofthenutthedresswhichwasassilveryasthemoon，andputiton。Thenshewentupandwaslikeaprincess，andthekingsteppedforwardtomeether，andrejoicedtoseeheroncemore，andasthedancewasjustbeginningtheydancedittogether。Butwhenitwasended，sheagaindisappearedsoquicklythatthekingcouldnotobservewhereshewent。She，however，sprangintoherden，andoncemoremadeherselfahairyanimal，andwentintothekitchentopreparethebreadsoup。Whenthecookhadgoneupstairs，shefetchedthelittlegoldenspinning-wheel，andputitinthebowlsothatthesoupcoveredit。Thenitwastakentotheking，whoateit，andlikeditasmuchasbefore，andhadthecookbrought，whothistimelikewisewasforcedtoconfessthatAllerleirauhhadpreparedthesoup。Allerleirauhagaincamebeforetheking，butsheansweredthatshewasgoodfornothingelsebuttohavebootsthrownatherhead，andthatsheknewnothingatallaboutthelittlegoldenspinning-wheel。

When，forthethirdtime，thekingheldafestival，allhappenedjustasithaddonebefore。Thecooksaid，fur-skin，youareawitch，andalwaysputsomethinginthesoupwhichmakesitsogoodthatthekinglikesitbetterthanthatwhichIcook，butasshebeggedsohard，helethergoupattheappointedtime。Andnowsheputonthedresswhichshonelikethestars，andthusenteredthehall。Againthekingdancedwiththebeautifulmaiden，andthoughtthatsheneveryethadbeensobeautiful。

Andwhilstshewasdancing，hecontrived，withouthernoticingit，toslipagoldenringonherfinger，andhehadgivenordersthatthedanceshouldlastaverylongtime。Whenitwasended，hewantedtoholdherfastbyherhands，butshetoreherselfloose，andsprangawaysoquicklythroughthecrowdthatshevanishedfromhissight。

Sheranasfastasshecouldintoherdenbeneaththestairs，butasshehadbeentoolong，andhadstayedmorethanhalf-an-hourshecouldnottakeoffherprettydress，butonlythrewoverithermantleoffur，andinherhasteshedidnotmakeherselfquiteblack，butonefingerremainedwhite。ThenAllerleirauhranintothekitchen，andcookedthebreadsoupfortheking，andasthecookwasaway，puthergoldenreelintoit。

Whenthekingfoundthereelatthebottomofit，hecausedAllerleirauhtobesummoned，andthenheespiedthewhitefinger，andsawtheringwhichhehadputonitduringthedance。Thenhegraspedherbythehand，andheldherfast，andwhenshewantedtoreleaseherselfandrunaway，hermantleoffuropenedalittle，andthestar-dressshoneforth。Thekingclutchedthemantleandtoreitoff。Thenhergoldenhairshoneforth，andshestoodthereinfullsplendor，andcouldnolongerhideherself。Andwhenshehadwashedthesootandashesfromherface，shewasmorebeautifulthananyonewhohadeverbeenseenonearth。Butthekingsaid，youaremydearbride，andwewillnevermorepartfromeachother。Thereuponthemarriagewassolemnized，andtheylivedhappilyuntiltheirdeath。

Therewasonceawomanandherdaughterwholivedinaprettygardenwithcabbages。Andalittleharecameintoit，andduringthewintertimeateallthecabbages。Thensaysthemothertothedaughter，gointothegarden，andchasethehareaway。

Thegirlsaystothelittlehare，sh-sh，hare，youwillbeeatingallourcabbages。Saysthehare，come，maiden，andseatyourselfonmylittlehare\'stail，andcomewithmeintomylittlehare\'shut。Thegirlwillnotdoit。

Nextdaytheharecomesagainandeatsthecabbages，thensaysthemothertothedaughter，gointothegarden，anddrivethehareaway。Thegirlsaystothehare，sh-sh，littlehare，youwillbeeatingallthecabbages。Thelittleharesays，maiden，seatyourselfonmylittlehare\'stail，andcomewithmeintomylittlehare\'shut。

Themaidenrefuses。

Thethirddaytheharecomesagain，andeatsthecabbages。Onthisthemothersaystothedaughter，gointothegarden，andhuntthehareaway。Saysthemaiden，sh-sh，littlehare，youwillbeeatingallourcabbages。Saysthelittlehare，come，maiden，seatyourselfonmylittlehare\'stail，andcomewithmeintomylittlehare\'shut。

Thegirlseatsherselfonthelittlehare\'stail，andthentheharetakesherfarawaytohislittlehut，andsays，nowcookgreencabbageandmillet-seed，andIwillinvitethewedding-guests。Thenallthewedding-guestsassembled。Whowerethewedding-guests？

ThatIcantellyouasanothertoldittome。Theywereallhares，andthecrowwasthereasparsontomarrythebrideandbridegroom，andthefoxasclerk，andthealtarwasundertherainbow。

Thegirl，however，wassad，forshewasallalone。Thelittleharecomesandsays，openthedoors，openthedoors，thewedding-guestsaremerry。Thebridesaysnothing，butweeps。Thelittleharegoesaway。Thelittleharecomesbackandsays，takeoffthelid，takeoffthelid，thewedding-guestsarehungry。Thebrideagainsaysnothing，andweeps。Thelittleharegoesaway。

Thelittleharecomesbackandsays，takeoffthelid，takeoffthelid，thewedding-guestsarewaiting。Thenthebridesaysnothing，andtheharegoesaway，butshedressesastraw-dollinherclothes，andgivesheraspoontostirwith，andsetsherbythepanwiththemillet-seed，andgoesbacktohermother。Thelittleharecomesoncemoreandsays，takeoffthelid，takeoffthelid，andgetsup，andstrikesthedollontheheadsothathercapfallsoff。

Thenthelittlehareseesthatitisnothisbride，andgoesawayandissorrowful。

Therewasonceaking\'ssonwhohadabridewhomhelovedverymuch。

Andwhenhewassittingbesideherandveryhappy，newscamethathisfatherlaysickuntodeath，anddesiredtoseehimonceagainbeforehisend。Thenhesaidtohisbeloved，Imustnowgoandleaveyou，I

giveyouaringasaremembranceofme。WhenIamking，Iwillreturnandfetchyou。

Soherodeaway，andwhenhereachedhisfather，thelatterwasdangerouslyill，andnearhisdeath。Hesaidtohim，dearson，I

wishedtoseeyouonceagainbeforemyend，promisemetomarryasI

wish，andhenamedacertainking\'sdaughterwhowastobehiswife。

Thesonwasinsuchtroublethathedidnotthinkwhathewasdoing，andsaid，yes，dearfather，yourwillshallbedone，andthereuponthekingshuthiseyes，anddied。

Whenthereforethesonhadbeenproclaimedking，andthetimeofmourningwasover，hewasforcedtokeepthepromisewhichhehadgivenhisfather，andcausedtheking\'sdaughtertobeaskedinmarriage，andshewaspromisedtohim。Hisfirstbetrothedheardofthis，andfrettedsomuchabouthisfaithlessnessthatshenearlydied。Thenherfathersaidtoher，dearestchild，whyareyousosad。Youshallhavewhatsoeveryouwill。Shethoughtforamomentandsaid，dearfather，Iwishforelevengirlsexactlylikemyselfinface，figure，andsize。Thefathersaid，ifitbepossible，yourdesireshallbefulfilled，andhecausedasearchtobemadeinhiswholekingdom，untilelevenyoungmaidenswerefoundwhoexactlyresembledhisdaughterinface，figure，andsize。

Whentheycametotheking\'sdaughter，shehadtwelvesuitsofhuntsmen\'sclothesmade，allalike，andtheelevenmaidenshadtoputonthehuntsmen\'sclothes，andsheherselfputonthetwelfthsuit。

Thereuponshetookleaveofherfather，androdeawaywiththem，androdetothecourtofherformerbetrothed，whomshelovedsodearly。

Thensheaskedifherequiredanyhuntsmen，andifhewouldtakeallofthemintohisservice。Thekinglookedatheranddidnotknowher，butastheyweresuchhandsomefellows，hesaid，yes，andthathewouldwillinglytakethem，andnowtheyweretheking\'stwelvehuntsmen。

Theking，however，hadalionwhichwasawondrousanimal，forheknewallconcealedandsecretthings。Itcametopassthatoneeveninghesaidtotheking，youthinkyouhavetwelvehuntsmen。

Yes，saidtheking，theyaretwelvehuntsmen。Thelioncontinued，youaremistaken，theyaretwelvegirls。

Thekingsaid，thatcannotbetrue。Howwillyouprovethattome。

Oh，justletsomepeasbestrewnintheante-chamber，answeredsweredthelion，andthenyouwillsoonsee。Menhaveafirmstep，andwhentheywalkoverthepeasnoneofthemstir，butgirlstripandskip，anddragtheirfeet，andthepeasrollabout。Thekingwaswellpleasedwiththecounsel，andcausedthepeastobestrewn。

Therewas，however，aservantoftheking\'swhofavoredthehuntsmen，andwhenheheardthattheyweregoingtobeputtothistesthewenttothemandrepeatedeverything，andsaid，thelionwantstomakethekingbelievethatyouaregirls。Thentheking\'sdaughterthankedhim，andsaidtohermaidens，showsomestrength，andstepfirmlyonthepeas。Sonextmorningwhenthekinghadthetwelvehuntsmencalledbeforehim，andtheycameintotheante-chamberwherethepeaswerelying，theysteppedsofirmlyonthem，andhadsuchastrong，surewalk，thatnotoneofthepeaseitherrolledorstirred。

Thentheywentawayagain，andthekingsaidtothelion，youhaveliedtome，theywalkjustlikemen。Thelionsaid，theyhavebeeninformedthattheyweregoingtobeputtothetest，andhaveassumedsomestrength。Justlettwelvespinning-wheelsbebroughtintotheante-chamber，andtheywillgotothemandbepleasedwiththem，andthatiswhatnomanwoulddo。Thekinglikedtheadvice，andhadthespinning-wheelsplacedintheante-chamber。

Buttheservant，whowaswelldisposedtothehuntsmen，wenttothem，anddisclosedtheproject。Sowhentheywerealonetheking\'sdaughtersaidtoherelevengirls，showsomeconstraint，anddonotlookroundatthespinning-wheels。Andnextmorningwhenthekinghadhistwelvehuntsmensummoned，theywentthroughtheante-chamber，andneveroncelookedatthespinningwheels。

Thenthekingagainsaidtothelion，youhavedeceivedme，theyaremen，fortheyhavenotlookedatthespinning-wheels。Thelionreplied，theyhavelearntthattheyweregoingtobeputtothetest，andhaverestrainedthemselves。Theking，however，wouldnolongerbelievethelion。

Thetwelvehuntsmenalwaysfollowedthekingtothechase，andhislikingforthemcontinuallyincreased。Nowitcametopassthatoncewhentheywerehunting，newscamethattheking\'sbridewasapproaching。Whenthetruebrideheardthat，ithurthersomuchthatherheartwasalmostbroken，andshefellfaintingtotheground。Thekingthoughtsomethinghadhappenedtohisdearhuntsman，ranuptohim，wantedtohelphim，anddrewhisgloveoff。

Thenhesawtheringwhichhehadgiventohisfirstbride，andwhenhelookedinherfaceherecognizedher。

Thenhisheartwassotouchedthathekissedher，andwhensheopenedhereyeshesaid，youaremine，andIamyours，andnooneintheworldcanalterthat。Hesentamessengertotheotherbride，andentreatedhertoreturntoherownkingdom，forhehadawifealready，andsomeonewhohadfoundanoldkeydidnotrequireanewone。Thereupontheweddingwascelebrated，andthelionwasagaintakenintofavor，because，afterall，hehadtoldthetruth。

Hanswishedtoputhissontolearnatrade，sohewentintothechurchandprayedtoourLordGodtoknowwhichwouldbethemostsuitableforhim。Thentheclerkgotbehindthealtar，andsaid，thieving，thieving。OnthisHansgoesbacktohisson，andtellshimheistolearnthieving，andthattheLordGodhadsaidso。Sohegoeswithhissontoseekamanwhoisacquaintedwiththieving。

Theywalkalongtimeandcomeintoagreatforest，wherestandsalittlehousewithanoldwomaninit。Hanssays，doyouknowofamanwhoisacquaintedwiththieving。Youcanlearnthatherequitewell，saysthewoman，mysonisamasterofit。Sohespeakswiththeson，andasksifheknowsthievingreallywell。Themaster-thiefsays，Iwillteachhimwell。Comebackwhenayearisover，andthenifyourecognizeyourson，Iwilltakenopaymentatallforteachinghim，butifyoudon\'tknowhim，youmustgivemetwohundredtalers。

Thefathergoeshomeagain，andthesonlearnswitchcraftandthieving，thoroughly。Whentheyearisout，thefatherisfullofanxietytoknowhowheshallrecognizehisson。Asheisthusgoingaboutinhistrouble，hemeetsalittledwarf，whosays，man，whatailsyou，thatyouarealwaysinsuchtrouble。

Oh，saysHans，ayearagoIplacedmysonwithamaster-thiefwhotoldmeIwastocomebackwhentheyearwasout，andthatifIthendidnotknowmysonwhenIsawhim，Iwastopaytwohundredtalers，butifIdidknowhimIwastopaynothing，andnowIamafraidofnotknowinghimandcan\'ttellwhereIamtogetthemoney。Thenthedwarftellshimtotakeacrustofbreadwithhim，andtostandbeneaththechimney。Thereonthecross-beamisabasket，outofwhichalittlebirdispeeping，andthatisyourson。

Hansgoesthither，andthrowsacrustofblackbreadinfrontofthebasketwiththebirdinit，andthelittlebirdcomesout，andlooksup。Hello，myson，areyouhere，saysthefather，andthesonisdelightedtoseehisfather，butthemaster-thiefsays，thedevilmusthavepromptedyou，orhowcouldyouhaveknownyourson。

Father，letusgo，saidtheyouth。

Thenthefatherandsonsetouthomeward。Onthewayacarriagecomesdrivingby。Hereuponthesonsaystohisfather，Iwillchangemyselfintoalargegreyhound，andthenyoucanearnagreatdealofmoneybyme。Thenthegentlemancallsfromthecarriage，myman，willyousellyourdog。Yes，saysthefather。Howmuchdoyouwantforit。Thirtytalers。Well，man，thatisagreatdeal，butasitissuchaveryfinedogIwillhaveit。Thegentlemantakesitintohiscarriage，butwhentheyhavedrivenalittlefartherthedogspringsoutofthecarriagethroughthewindow，andgoesbacktohisfather，andisnolongeragreyhound。

Theygohometogether。Nextdaythereisafairintheneighboringtown，sotheyouthsaystohisfather，Iwillnowchangemyselfintoabeautifulhorse，andyoucansellme，butwhenyouhavesoldme，youmusttakeoffmybridle，orIcannotbecomeamanagain。Thenthefathergoeswiththehorsetothefair，andthemaster-thiefcomesandbuysthehorseforahundredtalers，butthefatherforgets，anddoesnottakeoffthebridle。Sothemangoeshomewiththehorse，andputsitinthestable。

Whenthemaidcrossesthethreshold，thehorsesays，takeoffmybridle，takeoffmybridle。Thenthemaidstandsstill，andsays，what，canyouspeak。Soshegoesandtakesthebridleoff，andthehorsebecomesasparrow，andfliesoutatthedoor，andthemaster-thiefbecomesasparrowalso，andfliesafterhim。

Thentheycometogetherandcastlotsagain，andthemasterloses。

Sothemasterchangeshimselfintoacock，andtheyouthbecomesafox，andbitesthemaster\'sheadoff，andhediedandhasremaineddeadtothisday。

Afatheroncecalledhisthreesonsbeforehim，andhegavetothefirstacock，tothesecondascythe，andtothethirdacat。Iamalreadyaged，saidhe，mydeathisnigh，andIhavewishedtoprovideforyoubeforemyend，moneyIhavenot，andwhatInowgiveyouseemsoflittleworth，butalldependsonyourmakingasensibleuseofit。Onlyseekoutacountrywheresuchthingsarestillunknown，andyourfortuneismade。

Afterthefather\'sdeaththeeldestwentawaywithhiscock，butwhereverhecamethecockwasalreadyknown，inthetownshesawhimfromalongdistance，sittinguponthesteeplesandturningroundwiththewind，andinthevillagesheheardmorethanonecrowing，noonewouldshowanywonderatthecreature，sothatitdidnotlookasifhewouldmakehisfortunebyit。

Atlast，however，ithappenedthathecametoanislandwherethepeopleknewnothingaboutcocks，anddidnotevenunderstandhowtodividetheirtime。Theycertainlyknewwhenitwasmorningorevening，butatnight，iftheydidnotsleepthroughit，notoneofthemknewhowtofindoutthetime。

Look。Saidhe，whataproudcreature。Ithasaruby-redcrownuponitshead，andwearsspurslikeaknight，itcallsyouthreetimesduringthenight，atfixedhours，andwhenitcallsforthelasttime，thesunsoonrises。Butifitcrowsbybroaddaylight，thentakenotice，fortherewillcertainlybeachangeofweather。

Thepeoplewerewellpleased，forawholenighttheydidnotsleep，andlistenedwithgreatdelightasthecockattwo，four，andsixo\'clock，loudlyandclearlyproclaimedthetime。Theyaskedifthecreaturewereforsale，andhowmuchhewantedforit。Aboutasmuchgoldasanasscancarry，answeredhe。Aridiculouslysmallpriceforsuchapreciouscreature。Theycriedunanimously，andwillinglygavehimwhathehadasked。

Whenhecamehomewithhiswealthhisbrotherswereastonished，andthesecondsaid，well，IwillgoforthandseewhetherIcannotgetridofmyscytheasprofitably。Butitdidnotlookasifhewould，forlaborersmethimeverywhere，andtheyhadscythesupontheirshouldersaswellashe。

Atlast，however，hechanceduponanislandwherethepeopleknewnothingofscythes。Whenthecornwasripethere，theytookcannonouttothefieldsandshotitdown。Nowthiswasratheranuncertainaffair，manyshotrightoverit，othershittheearsinsteadofthestems，andshotthemaway，wherebymuchwaslost，andbesidesallthis，itmadeaterriblenoise。Sothemansettoworkandmoweditdownsoquietlyandquicklythatthepeopleopenedtheirmouthswithastonishment。Theyagreedtogivehimwhathewantedforthescythe，andhereceivedahorseladenwithasmuchgoldasitcouldcarry。

Andnowthethirdbrotherwantedtotakehiscattotherightman。Hefaredjustliketheothers，solongashestayedonthemainlandtherewasnothingtobedone。Everyplacehadcats，andthereweresomanyofthemthatnew-bornkittensweregenerallydrownedintheponds。

Atlasthesailedovertoanisland，anditluckilyhappenedthatnocatshadeveryetbeenseenthere，andthatthemicehadgottheupperhandsomuchthattheydanceduponthetablesandbencheswhetherthemasterwereathomeornot。Thepeoplecomplainedbitterlyoftheplague，thekinghimselfinhispalacedidnotknowhowtoprotecthimselfagainstthem，micesqueakedineverycorner，andgnawedwhatevertheycouldlayholdofwiththeirteeth。

Butnowthecatbeganherchase，andsoonclearedacoupleofrooms，andthepeoplebeggedthekingtobuythewonderfulbeastforthecountry。Thekingwillinglygavewhatwasasked，whichwasamuleladenwithgold，andthethirdbrothercamehomewiththegreatesttreasureofall。

Thecatmadeherselfmerrywiththemiceintheroyalpalace，andkilledsomanythattheycouldnotbecounted。Atlastshegrewwarmwiththeworkandthirsty，soshestoodstill，liftedupherheadandcried，mew。Mew。

Whentheyheardthisstrangecry，thekingandallhispeoplewerefrightened，andintheirterrorranallatonceoutofthepalace。

Thenthekingtookcounselwhatwasbesttobedone，atlastitwasdeterminedtosendaheraldtothecat，anddemandthatsheshouldleavethepalace，orifnot，shewastoexpectthatforcewouldbeusedagainsther。Thecouncillorssaid，ratherwillweletourselvesbeplaguedwiththemice，fortothatmisfortuneweareaccustomed，thangiveupourlivestosuchamonsterasthis。Anobleyouth，therefore，wassenttoaskthecatwhethershewouldpeaceablyquitthecastle。Butthecat，whosethirsthadbecomestillgreater，merelyanswered，mew。Mew。Theyouthunderstoodhertosay，"Mostcertainlynot。Mostcertainlynot。"Andtookthisanswertotheking。

Then，saidthecouncillors，sheshallyieldtoforce。Cannonwerebroughtout，andthepalacewassooninflames。Whenthefirereachedtheroomwherethecatwassitting，shesprangsafelyoutofthewindow，butthebesiegersdidnotleaveoffuntilthewholepalacewasshotdowntotheground。

Therewasonceamanwhounderstoodallkindsofarts。Heservedinwar，andbehavedwellandbravely，butwhenthewarwasoverhereceivedhisdismissal，andthreefarthingsforhisexpensesontheway。Wait，saidhe，Ishallnotbecontentwiththis。IfIcanonlymeetwiththerightpeople，thekingwillyethavetogivemeallthetreasureofthecountry。

Thenfullofangerhewentintotheforest，andsawamanstandingthereinwhohadpluckedupsixtreesasiftheywerebladesofcorn。

Hesaidtohim，willyoubemyservantandgowithme。Yes，heanswered，but，first，Iwilltakethislittlebundleofstickshometomymother，andhetookoneofthetrees，andwrappeditroundthefiveothers，liftedthebundleonhisback，andcarrieditaway。Thenhereturnedandwentwithhismaster，whosaid，wetwooughttobeabletogetthroughtheworldverywell，andwhentheyhadwalkedonforashortwhiletheyfoundahuntsmanwhowaskneeling，hadshoulderedhisgun，andwasabouttofire。Themastersaidtohim，huntsman，whatareyougoingtoshoot。Heanswered，twomilesfromhereaflyissittingonthebranchofanoak-tree，andIwanttoshootitslefteyeout。

Oh，comewithme，saidtheman，ifwethreearetogether，wecertainlyoughttobeabletogetonintheworld。Thehuntsmanwasready，andwentwithhim，andtheycametosevenwindmillswhosesailswereturningroundwithgreatspeed，andyetnowindwasblowingeitherontherightortheleft，andnoleafwasstirring。

Thensaidtheman，Iknownotwhatisdrivingthewindmills，notabreathofairisstirring，andhewentonwardswithhisservants，andwhentheyhadwalkedtwomilestheysawamansittingonatreewhowasshuttingonenostril，andblowingoutoftheother。Goodgracious。Whatareyoudoingupthere。

Heanswered，twomilesfromherearesevenwindmills。Look，Iamblowingthemtilltheyturnround。Oh，comewithme，saidtheman。

Ifwefouraretogether，weshallcarrythewholeworldbeforeus。

Thentheblowercamedownandwentwithhim，andafterawhiletheysawamanwhowasstandingononelegandhadtakenofftheother，andlaiditbesidehim。Thenthemastersaid，youhavearrangedthingsverycomfortablytohavearest。

Iamarunner，hereplied，andtostopmyselfrunningfartoofast，I

havetakenoffoneofmylegs，forifIrunwithboth，Igoquickerthananybirdcanfly。Oh，gowithme。Ifwefivearetogether，weshallcarrythewholeworldbeforeus。

Sohewentwiththem，anditwasnotlongbeforetheymetamanwhoworeacap，butworeitentirelyoveroneear。Thenthemastersaidtohim，gracefully，gracefully，don\'tstickyourcapononeear，youlookjustlikeatom-fool。Imustnotwearitotherwise，saidhe，forifIsetmyhatstraight，aterriblefrostcomeson，andallthebirdsintheairarefrozen，anddropdeadontheground。Oh，comewithme，saidthemaster。Ifwesixaretogether，wecancarrythewholeworldbeforeus。

Nowthesixcametoatownwherethekinghadproclaimedthatwhosoeverranaracewithhisdaughterandwonthevictory，shouldbeherhusband，butwhosoeverlostit，mustlosehishead。Thenthemanpresentedhimselfandsaid，Iwill，however，letmyservantrunforme。Thekingreplied，thenhislifealsomustbestaked，sothathisheadandyoursarebothsetonthevictory。Whenthatwassettledandmadesecure，themanbuckledtheotherlegontherunner，andsaidtohim，nowbenimble，andhelpustowin。Itwasfixedthattheonewhowasfirsttobringsomewaterfromafardistantwellwastobethevictor。Therunnerreceivedapitcher，andtheking\'sdaughteronetoo，andtheybegantorunatthesametime，butinaninstant，whentheking\'sdaughterhadgotaverylittleway，thepeoplewhowerelookingoncouldseenomoreoftherunner，anditwasjustasifthewindhadwhistledby。Inashorttimehereachedthewell，filledhispitcherwithwater，andturnedback。Half-wayhome，however，hewasovercomewithfatigue，andsethispitcherdown，laydownhimself，andfellasleep。Buthehadmadeapillowofahorse\'sskullwhichwaslyingontheground，inorderthathemightlieuncomfortably，andsoonwakeupagain。Inthemeantimetheking\'sdaughter，whocouldalsorunverywell-quiteaswellasanyordinarymortalcan-hadreachedthewell，andwashurryingbackwithherpitcherfullofwater，andwhenshesawtherunnerlyingthereasleep，shewasgladandsaid，myenemyisdeliveredoverintomyhands，emptiedhispitcher，andranon。Andnowallwouldhavebeenlostifbygoodluckthehuntsmanhadnotbeenstandingatthetopofthecastle，andhadnotseeneverythingwithhissharpeyes。

Thensaidhe，theking\'sdaughtershallstillnotprevailagainstus。

Andheloadedhisgun，andshotsocleverly，thatheshotthehorse\'sskullawayfromundertherunner\'sheadwithouthurtinghim。Thentherunnerawoke，leaptup，andsawthathispitcherwasempty，andthattheking\'sdaughterwasalreadyfarinadvance。Hedidnotloseheart，however，butranbacktothewellwithhispitcher，againdrewsomewater，andwasathomeagaineventenminutesbeforetheking\'sdaughter。Behold，saidhe，onlynowhaveIbeguntousemylegs。

WhatIdidbeforedidnotdeservetobecalledrunning。

Butitpainedtheking，andstillmorehisdaughter，thatsheshouldbecarriedoffbyacommondischargedsoldierlikethat。Sotheytookcounselwitheachotherhowtogetridofhimandhiscompanions。

Thensaidthekingtoher，Ihavethoughtofaway。Don\'tbeafraid，theyshallnotcomebackagain。Andhesaidtothem，youshallnowmakemerrytogether，andeatanddrink，andheconductedthemtoaroomwhichhadafloorofiron，andthedoorsalsowereofiron，andthewindowswereguardedwithironbars。Therewasatableintheroomcoveredwithdeliciousfood，andthekingsaidtothem，goin，andenjoyyourselves。Andwhentheywereinside，heorderedthedoorstobeshutandbolted。Thenhesentforthecook，andcommandedhimtomakeafireundertheroomuntiltheironbecamered-hot。

Thisthecookdid，andthesixwhoweresittingattablebegantofeelquitewarm，andtheythoughttheheatwascausedbythefood。

Butasitbecamestillgreater，andtheywantedtogetout，andfoundthatthedoorsandwindowswerebolted，theybecameawarethatthekingmusthaveanevilintention，andwantedtosuffocatethem。Heshallnotsucceed，however，saidtheonewiththecap。Iwillcauseafrosttocome，beforewhichthefireshallbeashamed，andcreepaway。

Thenheputhiscaponstraight，andimmediatelytherecamesuchafrostthatallheatdisappeared，andthefoodonthedishesbegantofreeze。Whenanhourortwohadpassedby，andthekingbelievedthattheyhadperishedintheheat，hehadthedoorsopenedtobeholdthemhimself。Butwhenthedoorswereopened，allsixwerestandingthere，aliveandwell，andsaidthattheyshouldverymuchliketogetouttowarmthemselves，fortheveryfoodwasfastfrozentothedisheswiththecold。Then，fullofanger，thekingwentdowntothecook，scoldedhim，andaskedwhyhehadnotdonewhathehadbeenorderedtodo。Butthecookreplied，thereisheatenoughthere，justlookyourself。Thenthekingsawthatafiercefirewasburningundertheironroom，andperceivedthattherewasnogettingthebetterofthesixinthisway。

Againthekingconsideredhowtogetridofhisunpleasantguests，andcausedtheirchieftobebroughtandsaid，ifyouwilltakegoldandrenouncemydaughter，youshallhaveasmuchasyouwill。