第9章

Thentheybothleftthecastlesecretlyinthenight，fortheyfearedthefatheroftheprincess，whowasasorcerer，andtheyseatedthemselvesonthegriffinwhichborethemacrosstheredsea，andwhentheywereinthemidstofit，sheletfallthenut。Immediatelyatallnut-treegrewup，whereonthebirdrested，andthencarriedthemhome，wheretheyfoundtheirchild，whohadgrowntallandbeautiful，andtheylivedthenceforthhappilyuntiltheirdeath。

Therewasonceuponatimeanoldqueenwhosehusbandhadbeendeadformanyyears，andshehadabeautifuldaughter。Whentheprincessgrewupshewasbetrothedtoaprincewholivedatagreatdistance。

Whenthetimecameforhertobemarried，andshehadtojourneyforthintothedistantkingdom，theagedqueenpackedupforhermanycostlyvesselsofsilverandgold，andtrinketsalsoofgoldandsilver，andcupsandjewels，inshort，everythingwhichappertainedtoaroyaldowry，forshelovedherchildwithallherheart。

Shelikewisesenthermaid-in-waiting，whowastoridewithher，andhandherovertothebridegroom，andeachhadahorseforthejourney，butthehorseoftheking\'sdaughterwascalledfalada，andcouldspeak。Sowhenthehourofpartinghadcome，theagedmotherwentintoherbedroom，tookasmallknifeandcutherfingerwithituntilitbled。Thensheheldawhitehandkerchieftoitintowhichsheletthreedropsofbloodfall，gaveittoherdaughterandsaid，dearchild，preservethiscarefully，itwillbeofservicetoyouonyourway。

Sotheytookasorrowfulleaveofeachother，theprincessputthepieceofclothinherbosom，mountedherhorse，andthenwentawaytoherbridegroom。Aftershehadriddenforawhileshefeltaburningthirst，andsaidtoherwaiting-maid，dismount，andtakemycupwhichyouhavebroughtwithyouforme，andgetmesomewaterfromthestream，forIshouldliketodrink。Ifyouarethirsty，saidthewaiting-maid，getoffyourhorseyourself，andliedownanddrinkoutofthewater，Idon\'tchoosetobeyourservant。

Soinhergreatthirsttheprincessalighted，bentdownoverthewaterinthestreamanddrank，andwasnotallowedtodrinkoutofthegoldencup。Thenshesaid，ah，heaven，andthethreedropsofbloodanswered，ifthisyourmotherknew，herheartwouldbreakintwo。Buttheking\'sdaughterwashumble，saidnothing，andmountedherhorseagain。

Sherodesomemilesfurther，butthedaywaswarm，thesunscorchedher，andshewasthirstyoncemore，andwhentheycametoastreamofwater，sheagaincriedtoherwaiting-maid，dismount，andgivemesomewaterinmygoldencup，forshehadlongagoforgottenthegirl\'sillwords。Butthewaiting-maidsaidstillmorehaughtily，ifyouwishtodrink，getityourself，Idon\'tchoosetobeyourmaid。

Theninhergreatthirsttheking\'sdaughteralighted，bentovertheflowingstream，weptandsaid，ah，heaven，andthedropsofbloodagainreplied，ifthisyourmotherknew，herheartwouldbreakintwo。

Andasshewasthusdrinkingandleaningrightoverthestream，thehandkerchiefwiththethreedropsofbloodfelloutofherbosom，andfloatedawaywiththewaterwithoutherobservingit，sogreatwashertrouble。Thewaiting-maid，however，hadseenit，andsherejoicedtothinkthatshehadnowpoweroverthebride，forsincetheprincesshadlostthedropsofblood，shehadbecomeweakandpowerless。

Sonowwhenshewantedtomountherhorseagain，theonethatwascalledfalada，thewaiting-maidsaid，faladaismoresuitableforme，andmynagwilldoforyou，andtheprincesshadtobecontentwiththat。Thenthewaiting-maid，withmanyhardwords，badetheprincessexchangeherroyalapparelforherownshabbyclothes，andatlengthshewascompelledtoswearbytheclearskyaboveher，thatshewouldnotsayonewordofthistoanyoneattheroyalcourt，andifshehadnottakenthisoathshewouldhavebeenkilledonthespot。Butfaladasawallthis，andobserveditwell。

Thewaiting-maidnowmountedfalada，andthetruebridethebadhorse，andthustheytraveledonwards，untilatlengththeyenteredtheroyalpalace。Thereweregreatrejoicingsoverherarrival，andtheprincesprangforwardtomeether，liftedthewaiting-maidfromherhorse，andthoughtshewashisconsort。

Shewasconductedupstairs，buttherealprincesswasleftstandingbelow。Thentheoldkinglookedoutofthewindowandsawherstandinginthecourtyard，andnoticedhowdaintyanddelicateandbeautifulshewas，andinstantlywenttotheroyalapartment，andaskedthebrideaboutthegirlshehadwithherwhowasstandingdownbelowinthecourtyard，andwhoshewas。Ipickedheruponmywayforacompanion，givethegirlsomethingtoworkat，thatshemaynotstandidle。

Buttheoldkinghadnoworkforher，andknewofnone，sohesaid，I

havealittleboywhotendsthegeese，shemayhelphim。Theboywascalledconrad，andthetruebridehadtohelphimtotendthegeese。

Soonafterwardsthefalsebridesaidtotheyoungking，dearesthusband，Ibegyoutodomeafavor。Heanswered，Iwilldosomostwillingly。Thensendfortheknacker，andhavetheheadofthehorseonwhichIrodeherecutoff，foritvexedmeontheway。Inreality，shewasafraidthatthehorsemighttellhowshehadbehavedtotheking\'sdaughter。

Thenshesucceededinmakingthekingpromisethatitshouldbedone，andthefaithfulfaladawastodie，thiscametotheearsoftherealprincess，andshesecretlypromisedtopaytheknackerapieceofgoldifhewouldperformasmallserviceforher。Therewasagreatdark-lookinggatewayinthetown，throughwhichmorningandeveningshehadtopasswiththegeese，wouldhebesogooodastonailupfalada\'sheadonit，sothatshemightseehimagain，morethanonce。

Theknacker\'smanpromisedtodothat，andcutoffthehead，andnaileditfastbeneaththedarkgateway。

Earlyinthemorning，whensheandconraddroveouttheirflockbeneaththisgateway，shesaidinpassing，alas，falada，hangingthere。

Thentheheadanswered，alas，youngqueen，howillyoufare。

Ifthisyourmotherknew，herheartwouldbreakintwo。

Thentheywentstillfurtheroutofthetown，anddrovetheirgeeseintothecountry。Andwhentheyhadcometothemeadow，shesatdownandunboundherhairwhichwaslikepuregold，andconradsawitanddelightedinitsbrightness，andwantedtopluckoutafewhairs。

Thenshesaid，blow，blow，thougentlewind，Isay，blowconrad\'slittlehataway，andmakehimchaseithereandthere，untilIhavebraidedallmyhair，andbounditupagain。

Andtherecamesuchaviolentwindthatitblewconrad\'shatfarawayacrosscountry，andhewasforcedtorunafterit。Whenhecamebackshehadfinishedcombingherhairandwasputtingitupagain，andhecouldnotgetanyofit。Thenconradwasangry，andwouldnotspeaktoher，andthustheywatchedthegeeseuntiltheevening，andthentheywenthome。Nextdaywhentheyweredrivingthegeeseoutthroughthedarkgateway，themaidensaid，alas，falada，hangingthere。

Faladaanswered，alas，youngqueen，howillyoufare。

Ifthisyourmotherknew，herheartwouldbreakintwo。

Andshesatdownagaininthefieldandbegantocomboutherhair，andconradranandtriedtoclutchit，soshesaidinhaste，blow，blow，thougentlewind，Isay，blowconrad\'slittlehataway，andmakehimchaseithereandthere，untilIhavebraidedallmyhair，andbounditupagain。

Thenthewindblew，andblewhislittlehatoffhisheadandfaraway，andconradwasforcedtorunafterit，andwhenhecameback，herhairhadbeenputupalongtime，andhecouldgetnoneofit，andsotheylookedaftertheirgeesetilleveningcame。

Butintheeveningaftertheyhadgothome，conradwenttotheoldking，andsaid，Iwon\'ttendthegeesewiththatgirlanylonger。

Whynot，inquiredtheagedking。Oh，becauseshevexesmethewholedaylong。Thentheagedkingcommandedhimtorelatewhatitwasthatshedidtohim。Andconradsaid，inthemorningwhenwepassbeneaththedarkgatewaywiththeblock，thereisahorse\'sheadonthewall，andshesaystoit，alas，falada，hangingthere。

Andtheheadreplies，alas，youngqueenhowillyoufare。

Ifthisyourmotherknew，herheartwouldbreakintwo。

Andconradwentontorelatewhathappenedonthegoosepasture，andhowwhentherehehadtochasehishat。

Theagedkingcommandedhimtodrivehisblockoutagainnextday，andassoonasmorningcame，heplacedhimselfbehindthedarkgateway，andheardhowthemaidenspoketotheheadoffalada，andthenhetoowentintothecountry，andhidhimselfinthethicketinthemeadow。Therehesoonsawwithhisowneyesthegoose-girlandthegoose-boybringingtheirflock，andhowafterawhileshesatdownandunplaitedherhair，whichshonewithradiance。Andsoonshesaid，blow，blow，thougentlewind，Isay，blowconrad\'slittlehataway，andmakehimchaseithereandthere，untilIhavebraidedallmyhair，andbounditupagain。

Thencameablastofwindandcarriedoffconrad\'shat，sothathehadtorunfaraway，whilethemaidenquietlywentoncombingandplaitingherhair，allofwhichthekingobserved。Then，quiteunseen，hewentaway，andwhenthegoose-girlcamehomeintheevening，hecalledheraside，andaskedwhyshedidallthesethings。

Imaynottellthat，andIdarenotlamentmysorrowstoanyhumanbeing，forIhaveswornnottodosobytheheavenwhichisaboveme，ifIhadnotdonethat，Ishouldhavelostmylife。

Heurgedherandlefthernopeace，buthecoulddrawnothingfromher。Thensaidhe，ifyouwillnottellmeanything，tellyoursorrowstotheiron-stovethere，andhewentaway。Thenshecreptintotheiron-stove，andbegantoweepandlament，andemptiedherwholeheart，andsaid，hereamIdesertedbythewholeworld，andyetIamaking\'sdaughter，andafalsewaiting-maidhasbyforcebroughtmetosuchapassthatIhavebeencompelledtoputoffmyroyalapparel，andshehastakenmyplacewithmybridegroom，andIhavetoperformmenialserviceasagoose-girlifthismymotherknew，herheartwouldbreakintwo。

Theagedking，however，wasstandingoutsidebythepipeofthestove，andwaslisteningtowhatshesaid，andheardit。Thenhecamebackagain，andbadehercomeoutofthestove。Androyalgarmentswereplacedonher，anditwasmarvelloushowbeautifulshewas。Theagedkingsummonedhisson，andrevealedtohimthathehadgotthefalsebridewhowasonlyawaiting-maid，butthatthetrueonewasstandingthere，astheformergoose-girl。Theyoungkingrejoicedwithallhisheartwhenhesawherbeautyandyouth，andagreatfeastwasmadereadytowhichallthepeopleandallgoodfriendswereinvited。

Attheheadofthetablesatthebridegroomwiththeking\'sdaughteratonesideofhim，andthewaiting-maidontheother，butthewaiting-maidwasblinded，anddidnotrecognizetheprincessinherdazzlingarray。Whentheyhadeatenanddrunk，andweremerry，theagedkingaskedthewaiting-maidasariddle，whatpunishmentapersondeservedwhohadbehavedinsuchandsuchawaytohermaster，andatthesametimerelatedthewholestory，andaskedwhatsentencesuchapersonmerited。Thenthefalsebridesaid，shedeservesnobetterfatethantobestrippedentirelynaked，andputinabarrelwhichisstuddedinsidewithpointednails，andtwowhitehorsesshouldbeharnessedtoit，whichwilldragheralongthroughonestreetafteranother，tillsheisdead。

Itisyou，saidtheagedking，andyouhavepronouncedyourownsentence，andthusshallitbedoneuntoyou。Andwhenthesentencehadbeencarriedout，theyoungkingmarriedhistruebride，andbothofthemreignedovertheirkingdominpeaceandhappiness。

Onceuponatimeacountrymanhadasonwhowasasbigasathumb，anddidnotbecomeanybigger，andduringseveralyearsdidnotgrowonehair\'sbreadth。Oncewhenthefatherwasgoingouttoplough，thelittleonesaid，father，Iwillgooutwithyou。Youwouldgooutwithme，saidthefather。Stayhere，youwillbeofnouseoutthere，besidesyoumightgetlost。Thenthumblingbegantocry，andforthesakeofpeacehisfatherputhiminhispocket，andtookhimwithhim。

Whenhewasoutsideinthefield，hetookhimoutagain，andsethiminafreshlycutfurrow。Whilsthesatthere，agreatgiantcameoverthehill。Doyouseethatgreatbogie，saidthefather，forhewantedtofrightenthelittlefellowtomakehimbehavewell，heiscomingtofetchyou。Thegiant，however，hadscarcelytakentwostepswithhislonglegsbeforehewasinthefurrow。

Hetookuplittlethumblingcarefullywithtwofingers，examinedhim，andwithoutsayingonewordwentawaywithhim。Hisfatherstoodby，butcouldnotutterasoundforterror，andhethoughtnothingelsebutthathischildwaslost，andthataslongashelivedheshouldneverseteyesonhimagain。

Butthegiantcarriedhimhome，lethimsuckleathisbreast，andthumblinggrewandbecametallandstrongafterthemannerofgiants。

Whentwoyearshadpassed，theoldgianttookhimintotheforest，wantedtotesthim，andsaid，pullupastickforyourself。Thentheboywasalreadysostrongthathetoreupayoungtreeoutoftheearthbytheroots。Butthegiantthought，wemustdobetterthanthat，tookhimbackagain，andsuckledhimtwoyearslonger。Whenhetestedhim，hisstrengthhadincreasedsomuchthathecouldtearanoldtreeoutoftheground。

Thatwasstillnotenoughforthegiant，heagainsuckledhimfortwoyears，andwhenhethenwentwithhimintotheforestandsaid，nowjusttearuparealstick，theboytoreupthebiggestoak-treefromtheearth，sothatitcracked，andthatwasameretrifletohim。

Nowthatwilldo，saidthegiant，youareperfect。Andtookhimbacktothefieldfromwhencehehadbroughthim。Hisfatherwastherefollowingtheplough。Theyounggiantwentuptohim，andsaid，doesmyfatherseewhatafinemanhissonhasgrowninto。

Thefarmerwasalarmed，andsaid，no，youarenotmyson。Idon\'twantyou-leaveme。TrulyIamyourson，allowmetodoyourwork，Icanploughaswellasyou，naybetter。No，no，youarenotmyson，andyoucannotplough-goaway。However，ashewasafraidofthisgreatman，heletgooftheplough，steppedbackandsatdownatthesideoftheland。Thentheyouthtooktheplough，andjustgraspeditwithonehand，buthispressurewassostrongthattheploughwentdeepintotheearth。

Thefarmercouldnotbeartoseethat，andcalledtohim，ifyouaredeterminedtoplough，youmustnotpresssohardonit，thatmakesbadwork。Theyouth，however，unharnessedthehorses，anddrewtheploughhimself，saying，justgohome，father，andbidmymothermakereadyalargedishoffood，andinthemeantimeIwillgooverthefield。Thenthefarmerwenthome，andorderedhiswifetopreparethefood，buttheyouthploughedthefieldwhichwastwoacreslarge，quitealone，andthenheharnessedhimselftotheharrow，andharrowedthewholeoftheland，usingtwoharrowsatonce。Whenhehaddoneit，hewentintotheforest，andpulleduptwooak-trees，laidthemacrosshisshoulders，andhungonthemoneharrowbehindandonebefore，andalsoonehorsebehindandonebefore，andcarriedallasifithadbeenabundleofstraw，tohisparents，house。

Whenheenteredtheyard，hismotherdidnotrecognizehim，andasked，whoisthathorribletallman。Thefathersaid，thatisourson。Shesaid，nothatcannotbeourson，weneverhadsuchatallone，ourswasalittlething。Shecalledtohim，goaway，wedonotwantyou。Theyouthwassilent，butledhishorsestothestable，gavethemsomeoatsandhay，andallthattheywanted。Whenhehaddonethis，hewentintotheparlor，satdownonthebenchandsaid，mother，nowIshouldlikesomethingtoeat，willitsoonbeready？

Shesaid，yes，andbroughtintwoimmensedishesfulloffood，whichwouldhavebeenenoughtosatisfyherselfandherhusbandforaweek。

Theyouth，however，atethewholeofithimself，andaskedifshehadnothingmoretosetbeforehim。No，shereplied，thatisallwehave。Butthatwasonlyataste，Imusthavemore。

Shedidnotdaretoopposehim，andwentandputahugepig\'stroughfulloffoodonthefire，andwhenitwasready，carrieditin。Atlengthcomeafewcrumbs，saidhe，andgobbledalltherewas，butitwasstillnotsufficienttoappeasehishunger。Thensaidhe，father，IseewellthatwithyouIshallneverhavefoodenough，ifyouwillgetmeanironstaffwhichisstrong，andwhichIcannotbreakagainstmyknees，Iwillgooutintotheworld。Thefarmerwasglad，puthistwohorsesinhiscart，andfetchedfromthesmithastaffsolargeandthick，thatthetwohorsescouldonlyjustbringitaway。

Theyouthlaiditacrosshisknees，andsnap，hebrokeitintwointhemiddlelikeabean-stalk，andthrewitaway。Thefatherthenharnessedfourhorses，andbroughtabarwhichwassolongandthick，thatthefourhorsescouldonlyjustdragit。Thesonsnappedthisalsointwainagainsthisknees，threwitaway，andsaid，father，thiscanbeofnousetome，youmustharnessmorehorses，andbringastrongerstaff。Sothefatherharnessedeighthorses，andbroughtonewhichwassolongandthick，thattheeighthorsescouldonlyjustcarryit。Whenthesontookitinhishand，heimmediatelysnappedofftheendofit，andsaid，father，IseethatyouwillnotbeabletoprocuremeanysuchstaffasIwant，Iwillremainnolongerwithyou。

Sohewentaway，andgaveoutthathewasasmith\'sapprentice。Hearrivedatavillage，whereinlivedasmithwhowasastingyfellow，whoneverdidakindnesstoanyone，butwantedeverythingforhimself。Theyouthwentintothesmithyandaskedifheneededajourneyman。Yes，saidthesmith，andlookedathim，andthought，thatisastrongfellowwhowillstrikeoutwell，andearnhisbread。

Soheasked，howmuchwagesdoyouwant。

Idon\'twantanyatall，hereplied，onlyeveryfortnight，whentheotherjourneymenarepaid，Iwillgiveyoutwoblows，andyoumustbearthem。Themiserwasheartilysatisfied，andthoughthewouldthussavemuchmoney。Nextmorning，thestrangejourneymanwastobegintowork，butwhenthemasterbroughttheglowingbar，andtheyouthstruckhisfirstblow，theironflewasunder，andtheanvilsanksodeepintotheearth，thattherewasnobringingitoutagain。

Thenthemisergrewangry，andsaid，oh，butIcan\'tmakeanyuseofyou，youstrikefartoopowerfully。Howmuchwillyouhavefortheoneblow。

Thensaidhe，Iwillgiveyouonlyquiteasmallblow，that\'sall。

Andheraisedhisfoot，andgavehimsuchakickthatheflewawayoverfourloadsofhay。Thenhesoughtoutthethickestironbarinthesmithyforhimself，tookitasastickinhishandandwentonwards。

Whenhehadwalkedforsometime，hecametoasmallfarm，andaskedthebailiffifhedidnotrequireahead-man。Yes，saidthebailiff，Icanmakeuseofone。Youlookacapablefellowwhocandosomething，howmuchayeardoyouwantaswages。Heagainrepliedthathewantednowagesatall，butthateveryyearhewouldgivehimthreeblows，whichhemustbear。Thenthebailiffwassatisfied，forhe，too，wasacovetousfellow。Nextmorningalltheservantsweretogointothewood，andtheotherswerealreadyup，butthehead-manwasstillinbed。Thenoneofthemcalledtohim，getup，itistime，wearegoingintothewood，andyoumustgowithus。Ah，saidhequiteroughlyandsurlily，youmayjustgo，then，Ishallbebackagainbeforeanyofyou。Thentheotherswenttothebailiff，andtoldhimthatthehead-manwasstilllyinginbed，andwouldnotgointothewoodwiththem。Thebailiffsaidtheyweretoawakenhimagain，andtellhimtoharnessthehorses。Thehead-man，however，saidasbefore，justgothere，Ishallbebackagainbeforeanyofyou。Andthenhestayedinbedtwohourslonger。Atlengthhearosefromthefeathers，butfirsthegothimselftwobushelsofpeasfromtheloft，madehimselfsomebroth，ateitathisleisure，andwhenthatwasdone，wentandharnessedthehorses，anddroveintothewood。

Notfarfromthewoodwasaravinethroughwhichhehadtopass，sohefirstdrovethehorseson，andthenstoppedthem，andwentbehindthecart，tooktreesandbrushwood，andmadeagreatbarricade，sothatnohorsecouldgetthrough。Whenhewasenteringthewood，theotherswerejustdrivingoutofitwiththeirloadedcartstogohome。Thensaidhetothem，driveon，Iwillstillgethomebeforeyoudo。Hedidnotdrivefarintothewood，butatoncetoretwooftheverylargesttreesofalloutoftheearth，threwthemonhiscart，andturnedround。Whenhecametothebarricade，theotherswerestillstandingthere，notabletogetthrough。Don\'tyousee，saidhe，thatifyouhadstayedwithme，youwouldhavegothomejustasquickly，andwouldhavehadanotherhour\'ssleep。Henowwantedtodriveon，buthishoresescouldnotworktheirwaythrough，soheunharnessedthem，laidthemonthetopofthecart，tooktheshaftsinhisownhands，andpulleditallthrough，andhedidthisjustaseasilyasifithadbeenladenwithfeathers。Whenhewasover，hesaidtotheothers，there，yousee，Ihavegotoverquickerthanyou。

Anddroveon，andtheothershadtostaywheretheywere。Intheyard，however，hetookatreeinhishand，showedittothebailiff，andsaid，isn\'tthatafinecordofwood。

Thensaidthebailifftohiswife，theservantisagoodone-evenifhedoessleeplong，heisstillhomebeforetheothers。Soheservedthebailiffforayear，andwhenthatwasover，andtheotherservantsweregettingtheirwages，hesaiditwastimeforhimtotakehistoo。Thebailiff，however，wasafraidoftheblowswhichhewastoreceive，andearnestlyentreatedhimtoexcusehimfromhavingthem，forratherthanthat，hehimselfwouldbehead-man，andtheyouthshouldbebailiff。Nosaidhe，Iwillnotbeabailiff，Iamhead-man，andwillremainso，butIwilladministerthatwhichweagreedon。Thebailiffwaswillingtogivehimwhatsoeverhedemanded，butitwasofnouse，thehead-mansaidnotoeverything。

Thenthebailiffdidnotknowwhattodo，andbeggedforafortnight\'sdelay，forhewantedtofindsomewayofescape。Thehead-manconsentedtothisdelay。Thebailiffsummonedallhisclerkstogether，andtheyweretothinkthematterover，andgivehimadvice。Theclerksponderedforalongtime，butatlasttheysaidthatnoonewassureofhislifewithhead-man，forhecouldkillamanaseasilyasamidge，andthatthebailiffoughttomakehimgetintothewellandcleanit，andwhenhewasdownbelow，theywouldrolluponeofthemill-stoneswhichwaslyingthere，andthrowitonhishead，andthenhewouldneverreturntodaylight。

Theadvicepleasedthebailiff，andthehead-manwasquitewillingtogodownthewell。Whenhewasstandingdownbelowatthebottom，theyrolleddownthelargestmill-stoneandthoughttheyhadbrokenhisskull，buthecried，chaseawaythosehensfromthewell，theyarescratchinginthesandupthere，andthrowingthegrainsintomyeyes，sothatIcan\'tsee。Sothebailiffcried，sh-sh，-andpretendedtofrightenthehensaway。Whenthehead-manhadfinishedhiswork，heclimbedupandsaid，justlookwhatabeautifulneck-tieIhaveon。Andbeholditwasthemill-stonewhichhewaswearingroundhisneck。

Thehead-mannowwantedtotakehisreward，butthebailiffagainbeggedforafortnight\'sdelay。Theclerksmettogetherandadvisedhimtosendthehead-mantothehauntedmilltogrindcornbynight，forfromthenceasyetnomanhadeverreturnedinthemorningalive。

Theproposalpleasedthebailiff，hecalledthehead-manthatveryevening，andorderedhimtotakeeightbushelsofcorntothemill，andgrinditthatnight，foritwaswanted。Sothehead-manwenttotheloft，andputtwobushelsinhisrightpocket，andtwoinhisleft，andtookfourinawallet，halfonhisback，andhalfonhisbreast，andthusladenwenttothehauntedmill。Themillertoldhimthathecouldgrindthereverywellbyday，butnotbynight，forthemillwashaunted，andthatuptothepresenttimewhosoeverhadgoneintoitatnighthadbeenfoundinthemorninglyingdeadinside。Hesaid，Iwillmanageit，justyougoandputyourheadonthepillow。

Thenhewentintothemill，andpouredoutthecorn。Abouteleveno\'clockhewentintothemiller\'sroom，andsatdownonthebench。

Whenhehadsatthereawhile，adoorsuddenlyopened，andalargetablecamein，andonthetable，wineandroastedmeatsplacedthemselves，andmuchgoodfoodbesides，buteverythingcameofitself，fornoonewastheretocarryit。

Afterthisthechairspushedthemselvesup，butnopeoplecame，untilallatoncehebeheldfingers，whichhandledknivesandforks，andlaidfoodontheplates，butwiththisexceptionhesawnothing。Ashewashungry，andsawthefood，he，too，placehimselfatthetable，atewiththosewhowereeatingandenjoyedit。Whenhehadhadenough，andtheothersalsohadquiteemptiedtheirdishes，hedistinctlyheardallthecandlesbeingsuddenlysnuffedout，andasitwasnowpitchdark，hefeltsomethinglikeaboxontheear。Thenhesaid，ifanythingofthatkindcomesagain，Ishallstrikeoutinreturn。Andwhenhehadreceivedasecondboxontheear，he，toostruckout。

Andsoitcontinuedthewholenight。Hetooknothingwithoutreturningit，butrepaideverythingwithinterest，anddidnotslayabouthiminvain。Atdaybreak，however，everythingceased。Whenthemillerhadgotup，hewantedtolookafterhim，andwonderedifhewerestillalive。Thentheyouthsaid，Ihavegivensomeinreturn。Themillerrejoiced，andsaidthatthemillwasnowreleasedfromthespell，andwantedtogivehimmuchmoneyasareward。Buthesaid，money，Iwillnothave，Ihaveenoughofit。Sohetookhismealonhisback，wenthome，andtoldthebailiffthathehaddonewhathehadbeentoldtodo，andwouldnowhavetherewardagreedon。

Whenthebailiffheardthat，hewasseriouslyalarmedandquitebesidehimself。Hewalkedtoandfrointheroom，anddropsofsweatrandownfromhisforehead。Thenheopenedthewindowtogetsomefreshair，butbeforehewasaware，thehead-manhadgivenhimsuchakickthatheflewthroughthewindowoutintotheair，andsofarawaythatnooneeversawhimagain。

Thensaidthehead-mantothebailiff\'swife，ifhedoesnotcomeback，youmusttaketheotherblow。Shecried，no，noIcannotbearit。Andopenedtheotherwindow，becausedropsofsweatwererunningdownherforehead。Thenhegavehersuchakickthatshe，too，flewout，andasshewaslightershewentmuchhigherthanherhusband。

Herhusbandcried，docometome，butshereplied，comeyoutome，I

cannotcometoyou。

Andtheyhoveredaboutthereintheair，andcouldnotgettoeachother，andwhethertheyarestillhoveringaboutornot，Idonotknow，buttheyounggianttookuphisironbar，andwentonhisway。

Therewasonceuponatimearichkingwhohadthreedaughters，whodailywenttowalkinthepalacegarden，andthekingwasagreatloverofallkindsoffinetrees，buttherewasoneforwhichhehadsuchanaffection，thatifanyonegatheredanapplefromithewishedhimahundredfathomsunderground。Andwhenharvesttimecame，theapplesonthistreewereallasredasblood。Thethreedaughterswenteverydaybeneaththetree，andlookedtoseeifthewindhadnotblowndownanapple，buttheyneverbyanychancefoundone，andthetreewassoloadedwiththemthatitwasalmostbreaking，andthebrancheshungdowntotheground。

Thentheking\'syoungestchildhadagreatdesireforanapple，andsaidtohersisters，ourfatherlovesusfartoomuchtowishusunderground，itismybeliefthathewouldonlydothattopeoplewhowerestrangers。Andwhileshewasspeaking，thechildpluckedoffquitealargeapple，andrantohersisters，saying，justtaste，mydearlittlesisters，forneverinmylifehaveItastedanythingsodelightful。Thenthetwoothersistersalsoatesomeoftheapple，whereuponallthreesankdeepdownintotheearth，wheretheycouldhearnocockcrow。

Whenmid-daycame，thekingwishedtocallthemtocometodinner，buttheywerenowheretobefound。Hesoughtthemeverywhereinthepalaceandgarden，butcouldnotfindthem。Thenhewasmuchtroubled，andmadeknowntothewholelandthatwhosoeverbroughthisdaughtersbackagainshouldhaveoneofthemtowife。Hereuponsomanyyoungmenwentaboutthecountryinsearch，thattherewasnocountingthem，foreveryonelovedthethreechildrenbecausetheyweresokindtoall，andsofairofface。

Threeyounghuntsmenalsowentout，andwhentheyhadtraveledaboutforeightdays，theyarrivedatagreatcastle，inwhichwerebeautifulapartments，andinoneroomatablewaslaidonwhichweredelicatedisheswhichwerestillsowarmthattheyweresmoking，butinthewholeofthecastlenohumanbeingwaseithertobeseenorheard。Theywaitedthereforhalfaday，andthefoodstillremainedwarmandsmoking，andatlengththeyweresohungrythattheysatdownandate，andagreedwitheachotherthattheywouldstayandliveinthatcastle，andthatoneofthem，whoshouldbechosenbycastinglots，shouldremaininthehouse，andthetwoothersseektheking\'sdaughters。

Theycastlots，andthelotfellontheeldest，sonextdaythetwoyoungerwentouttoseek，andtheeldesthadtostayhome。Atmid-daycameasmall，smallmannikinandbeggedforapieceofbread，thenthehuntsmantookthebreadwhichhehadfoundthere，andcutaroundofftheloafandwasabouttogiveittohim，butwhilehewasgivingittothemannikin，thelatterletitfall，andaskedthehuntsmantobesogoodastogivehimthatpieceagain。Thehuntsmanwasabouttodosoandstooped，onwhichthemannikintookastick，seizedhimbythehair，andgavehimagoodbeating。

Nextday，thesecondstayedathome，andhefarednobetter。Whenthetwoothersreturnedintheevening，theeldestsaid，well，howhaveyougoton？Oh，verybadly，saidhe，andthentheylamentedtheirmisfortunetogether，buttheysaidnothingaboutittotheyoungest，fortheydidnotlikehimatall，andalwayscalledhimstupidHans，becausehedidnotknowthewaysoftheworld。

Onthethirdday，theyoungeststayedathome，andagainthelittlemannikincameandbeggedforapieceofbread。Whentheyouthgaveittohim，theelfletitfallasbefore，andaskedhimtobesogoodastogivehimthatpieceagain。ThensaidHanstothelittlemannikin，what，canyounotpickupthatpieceyourself？Ifyouwillnottakeasmuchtroubleasthatforyourdailybread，youdonotdeservetohaveit。Thenthemannikingrewveryangryandsaidhewastodoit，butthehuntsmanwouldnot，andtookmydearmannikin，andgavehimathoroughbeating。Thenthemannikinscreamedterribly，andcried，stop，stop，andletmego，andIwilltellyouwheretheking\'sdaughtersare。

WhenHansheardthat，heleftoffbeatinghimandthemannikintoldhimthathewasagnome，andthatthereweremorethanathousandlikehim，andthatifhewouldgowithhimhewouldshowhimwheretheking\'sdaughterswere。Thenheshowedhimadeepwell，buttherewasnowaterinit。AndtheelfsaidthatheknewwellthatthecompanionsHanshadwithhimdidnotintendtodealhonorablywithhim，thereforeifhewishedtodelivertheking\'schildren，hemustdoitalone。

Thetwootherbrotherswouldalsobeverygladtorecovertheking\'sdaughters，buttheydidnotwanttohaveanytroubleordanger。Hanswasthereforetotakealargebasket，andhemustseathimselfinitwithhishuntingknifeandabell，andbeletdown。Belowarethreerooms，andineachofthemwasaprincess，whowaslousingadragonwithmanyheads，whichhemustcutoff。Andhavingsaidallthis，theelfvanished。

Whenitwaseveningthetwobrotherscameandaskedhowhehadgoton，andhesaid，prettywellsofar，andthathehadseennooneexceptatmid-daywhenalittlemannikinhadcomeandbeggedforapieceofbread，thathehadgivensometohim，butthatthemannikinhadletitfallandhadaskedhimtopickitupagain，butashedidnotchoosetodothat，theelfhadbeguntoscold，andthathehadlosthistemper，andhadgiventheelfabeating，atwhichhehadtoldhimwheretheking\'sdaughterswere。Thenthetwoweresoangryatthisthattheygrewgreenandyellow。

Nextmorningtheywenttothewelltogether，anddrewlotswhoshouldfirstseathimselfinthebasket，andagainthelotfellontheeldest，andhewastoseathimselfinit，andtakethebellwithhim。

Thenhesaid，ifIring，youmustdrawmeupagainimmediately。Whenhehadgonedownforashortdistance，herang，andtheyatoncedrewhimupagain。Thenthesecondseatedhimselfinthebasket，buthedidjustthesameasthefirst，andthenitwastheturnoftheyoungest，buthelethimselfbeloweredquitetothebottom。

Whenhehadgotoutofthebasket，hetookhisknife，andwentandstoodoutsidethefirstdoorandlistened，andheardthedragonsnoringquiteloudly。Heopenedthedoorslowly，andoneoftheprincesseswassittingthere，andhadninedragon\'sheadslyinguponherlap，andwaslousingthem。Thenhetookhisknifeandhewedatthem，andtheninefelloff。Theprincesssprangup，threwherarmsroundhisneck，embracedandkissedhimrepeatedly，andtookherstomacher，whichwasmadeofpuregold，andhungitroundhisneck。

Thenhewenttothesecondprincess，whohadadragonwithfiveheadstolouse，anddeliveredheralso，andtotheyoungest，whohadadragonwithfourheads，hewentlikewise。Andtheyallrejoiced，andembracedhimandkissedhimwithoutstopping。Thenherangveryloud，sothatthoseaboveheardhim，andheplacedtheprincessesoneaftertheotherinthebasket，andhadthemalldrawnup，butwhenitcametohisownturnherememberedthewordsoftheelf，whohadtoldhimthathiscomradesdidnotmeanwellbyhim。Sohetookagreatstonewhichwaslyingthere，andplaceditinthebasket，andwhenitwasabouthalfwayup，hisfalsebrothersabovecuttherope，sothatthebasketwiththestonefelltotheground，andtheythoughtthathewasdead，andranawaywiththethreeprincesses，makingthempromisetotelltheirfatherthatitwastheywhohaddeliveredthem。

Thentheywenttotheking，andeachdemandedaprincessinmarriage。

Inthemeantimetheyoungesthuntsmanwaswanderingaboutthethreechambersingreattrouble，fullyexpectingtohavetoendhisdaysthere，whenhesaw，hangingonthewall，aflute，thensaidhe，whydoyouhangthere。Noonecanbemerryhere。

Helookedatthedragons，headslikewiseandsaid，youtoocannothelpmenow。Hewalkedtoandfroforsuchalongtimethathemadethesurfaceofthegroundquitesmooth。Butatlastotherthoughtscametohismind，andhetooktheflutefromthewall，andplayedafewnotesonit，andsuddenlyanumberofelvesappeared，andwitheverynotethathesoundedonemorecame。Thenheplayeduntiltheroomwasentirelyfilled。

Theyallaskedwhathedesired，sohesaidhewishedtogetabovegroundbacktodaylight，onwhichtheyseizedhimbyeveryhairthatgrewonhishead，andthustheyflewwithhimontotheearthagain。

Whenhewasaboveground，heatoncewenttotheking\'spalace，justastheweddingofoneprincesswasabouttobecelebrated，andhewenttotheroomwherethekingandhisthreedaughterswere。Whentheprincessessawhimtheyfainted。

Hereuponthekingwasangry，andorderedhimtobeputinprisonatonce，becausehethoughthemusthavedonesomeinjurytothechildren。Whentheprincessescametothemselves，however，theyentreatedthekingtosethimfreeagain。

Thekingaskedwhy，andtheysaidthattheywerenotallowedtotellthat，buttheirfathersaidthattheyweretotellittothestove。

Andhewentout，listenedatthedoor，andheardeverything。Thenhecausedthetwobrotherstobehangedonthegallows，andtothethirdhegavehisyoungestdaughter，andonthatoccasionIworeapairofglassshoes，andIstruckthemagainstastone，andtheysaid，klink，andwerebroken。

Therewasacertainmerchantwhohadtwochildren，aboyandagirl，theywerebothyoung，andcouldnotwalk。Andtworichly-ladenshipsofhissailedforthtoseawithallhispropertyonboard，andjustashewasexpectingtowinmuchmoneybythem，newscamethattheyhadgonetothebottom，andnowinsteadofbeingarichmanhewasapoorone，andhadnothingleftbutonefieldoutsidethetown。Inordertodrivehismisfortunealittleoutofhisthoughts，hewentouttothisfield，andashewaswalkingtoandfroinit，alittleblackmannikinstoodsuddenlybyhisside，andaskedwhyhewassosad，andwhathewastakingsomuchtoheart。

Thensaidthemerchant，ifyoucouldhelpmeIwouldwillinglytellyou。Whoknows，repliedtheblackdwarf。Perhaps，Icanhelpyou。

Thenthemerchanttoldhimthatallhepossessedhadgonetothebottomofthesea，andthathehadnothingleftbutthisfield。Donottroubleyourself，saidthedwarf。Ifyouwillpromisetogivemethefirstthingthatrubsitselfagainstyourlegwhenyouareathomeagain，andtobringitheretothisplaceintwelveyears，time，youshallhaveasmuchmoneyasyouwill。Themerchantthought，whatcanthatbebutmydog，anddidnotrememberhislittleboy，sohesaidyes，gavetheblackmanawrittenandsealedpromise，andwenthome。

Whenhereachedhome，hislittleboywassodelightedthatheheldhimselfbyabench，trotteduptohimandseizedhimfastbythelegs。Thefatherwasshocked，forherememberedhispromise，andnowknewwhathehadpledgedhimselftodo，ashowever，hestillfoundnomoneyinhischest，hethoughtthedwarfhadonlybeenjesting。A

monthafterwardshewentuptothegarret，intendingtogathertogethersomeoldtinandtosellit，andsawlyingthereagreatheapofmoney。Thenhewashappyagain，madepurchases，becameagreatermerchantthanbefore，andfeltthatGodwasgoodtohim。Inthemeantimetheboygrewtall，andatthesametimebrightandclever。Butthenearerthetwelfthyearapproachedthemoreanxiousgrewthemerchant，sothathisdistressmightbeseeninhisface。

Onedayhissonaskedwhatailedhim，butthefatherwouldnotsay。

Theboy，however，persistedsolong，thatatlasthetoldhimthatwithoutbeingawareofwhathewasdoing，hehadpromisedhimtoablackdwarf，andhadreceivedmuchmoneyfordoingso。Hesaidlikewisethathehadsethishandandsealtothis，andthatnowwhentwelveyearshadgonebyhewouldhavetogivehimup。

Thensaidtheson，oh，father，donotbeuneasy，allwillgowell。

Theblackmanhasnopoweroverme。Thesonhadhimselfblessedbythepriest，andwhenthetimecame，fatherandsonwenttogethertothefield，andthesonmadeacircleandplacedhimselfinsideitwithhisfather。Thencametheblackdwarfandsaidtotheoldman，haveyoubroughtwithyouthatwhichyouhavepromisedme。Hewassilent，butthesonasked，whatdoyouwanthere？Thensaidtheblackdwarf，Ihavetospeakwithyourfather，andnotwithyou。Thesonreplied，youhavebetrayedandmisledmyfather，givebackthewriting。No，saidtheblackdwarf，Iwillnotgiveupmyrights。

Theyspoketogetherforalongtimeafterthis，butatlasttheyagreedthattheson，ashedidnotbelongtotheenemyofmankind，noryettohisfather，shouldseathimselfinasmallboat，whichshouldlieonwaterwhichwasflowingawayfromthem，andthatthefathershouldpushitoffwithhisownfoot，andthenthesonshouldremaingivenuptothewater。Sohetookleaveofhisfather，placedhimselfinalittleboat，andthefatherhadtopushitoffwithhisownfoot。Theboatcapsizedsothatthekeelwasuppermostandthedeckunderwater，andthefatherbelievedhissonwaslost，andwenthomeandmournedforhim。

Theboat，however，didnotsink，butfloatedquietlyaway，andtheboysatsafelyinsideit，anditfloatedthusforalongtime，untilatlastitranintoanunknownshore。Thenhelandedandsawabeautifulcastlebeforehim，andsetouttogotoit。Butwhenheenteredit，hefoundthatitwasbewitched。Hewentthrougheveryroom，butallwereemptyuntilhereachedthelast，whereasnakelaycoiledinaring。Thesnake，however，wasanenchantedmaiden，whorejoicedtoseehim，andsaid，haveyoucome，oh，mydeliverer。I

havealreadywaitedtwelveyearsforyou，thiskingdomisbewitched，andyoumustsetitfree。HowcanIdothat，heinquired。To-nightcometwelveblackmen，coveredwithchainswhowillaskwhatyouaredoinghere，butbesilent，givethemnoanswer，andletthemdowhattheywillwithyou，theywilltormentyou，beatyou，stabyou，leteverythingpass，onlydonotspeak，attwelveo\'clock，theymustgoawayagain。Onthesecondnighttwelveotherswillcome，onthethird，four-and-twenty，whowillcutoffyourhead，butattwelveo\'clocktheirpowerwillbeover，andthenifyouhaveenduredall，andhavenotspokentheslightestword，Ishallbereleased。Iwillcometoyou，andwillhave，inabottle，someofthewateroflife。

Iwillrubyouwiththat，andthenyouwillcometolifeagain，andbeashealthyasbefore。Thensaidhe，Iwillgladlysetyoufree。

Andeverythinghappenedjustasshehadsaid，theblackmencouldnotforceasinglewordfromhim，andonthethirdnightthesnakebecameabeautifulprincess，whocamewiththewateroflifeandbroughthimbacktolifeagain。

Soshethrewherselfintohisarmsandkissedhim，andtherewasjoyandgladnessinthewholecastle。Afterthistheirmarriagewascelebrated，andhewaskingofthegoldenmountain。

Theylivedveryhappilytogether，andthequeenboreafineboy。

Eightyearshadalreadygoneby，whenthekingbethoughthimofhisfather，hisheartwasmoved，andhewishedtovisithim。Thequeen，however，wouldnotlethimgoaway，andsaid，Iknowbeforehandthatitwillcausemyunhappiness，buthesufferedhertohavenorestuntilsheconsented。Attheirpartingshegavehimawishing-ring，andsaid，takethisringandputitonyourfinger，andthenyouwillimmediatelybetransportedwhithersoeveryouwouldbe，onlyyoumustpromisemenottouseitinwishingmeawayfromthisplaceandwiththyfather。Thathepromisedher，puttheringonhisfinger，andwishedhimselfathome，justoutsidethetownwherehisfatherlived。

Instantlyhefoundhimselfthere，andmadeforthetown，butwhenhecametothegate，thesentrieswouldnotlethimin，becauseheworesuchstrangeandyetsuchrichandmagnificentclothing。Thenhewenttoahillwhereashepherdwaswatchinghissheep，changedclotheswithhim，putonhisoldshepherd\'s-coat，andthenenteredthetownwithouthindrance。

Whenhecametohisfather，hemadehimselfknowntohim，buthedidnotatallbelievethattheshepherdwashisson，andsaidhecertainlyhadhadason，butthathewasdeadlongago，however，ashesawhewasapoor，needyshepherd，hewouldgivehimsomethingtoeat。Thentheshepherdsaidtohisparents，Iamverilyyourson。

Doyouknowofnomarkonmybodybywhichyoucouldrecognizeme。

Yes，saidhismother，oursonhadaraspberrymarkunderhisrightarm。Heslippedbackhisshirt，andtheysawtheraspberryunderhisrightarm，andnolongerdoubtedthathewastheirson。Thenhetoldthemthathewaskingofthegoldenmountain，andaking\'sdaughterwashiswife，andthattheyhadafinesonofsevenyearsold。

Thensaidthefather，thatiscertainlynottrue，itisafinekindofakingwhogoesaboutinaraggedshepherd\'s-coat。Onthisthesonfellinapassion，andwithoutthinkingofhispromise，turnedhisringround，andwishedbothhiswifeandchildwithhim。Theywerethereinasecond，butthequeenwept，andreproachedhim，andsaidthathehadbrokenhisword，andhadbroughtmisfortuneuponher。Hesaid，Ihavedoneitthoughtlessly，andnotwithevilintention，andtriedtocalmher，andshepretendedtobelievethis，butshehadmischiefinhermind。

Thenheledheroutofthetownintothefield，andshowedherthestreamwherethelittleboathadbeenpushedoff，andthenhesaid，I

amtired，sitdown，Iwillsleepawhileonyourlap。Andhelaidhisheadonherlap，andshepickedhisliceforawhileuntilhefellasleep。Whenhewasasleep，shefirstdrewtheringfromhisfinger，thenshedrewawaythefootwhichwasunderhim，leavingonlytheslipperbehindher，andshetookherchildinherarms，andwishedherselfbackinherownkingdom。

Whenheawoke，therehelayquitedeserted，andhiswifeandchildweregone，andsowastheringfromhisfinger，theslipperonlywasstillthereasatoken。Hometoyourparentsyoucannotreturn，thoughthe，theywouldsaythatyouwereawizard，youmustbeoff，andwalkonuntilyouarriveinyourownkingdom。Sohewentawayandcameatlengthtoahillbywhichthreegiantswerestanding，disputingwitheachotherbecausetheydidnotknowhowtodividetheirfather\'sproperty。

Whentheysawhimpassingby，theycalledtohimandsaidlittlemenhadquickwits，andthathewastodividetheirinheritanceforthem。

Theinheritance，however，consistedofasword，which，ifanyonetookitinhishand，andsaid，allheadsoffbutmine，everyheadwouldlieontheground，secondly，ofacloakwhichmadeanyonewhoputitoninvisible，thirdly，ofapairofbootswhichcouldtransportthewearertoanyplacehewishedinamoment。Hesaid，givemethethreethingsthatImayseeiftheyarestillingoodcondition。

Theygavehimthecloak，andwhenhehadputiton，hewasinvisibleandchangedintoafly。Thenheresumedhisownformandsaid，thecloakisagoodone，nowgivemethesword。Theysaid，no，wewillnotgiveyouthat，ifyouweretosay，allheadsoffbutmine，allourheadswouldbeoff，andyoualonewouldbeleftwithyours。

Neverthelesstheygaveittohimontheconditionthathewasonlytotryitagainstatree。Thishedid，andtheswordcutintwothetrunkofatreeasifithadbeenabladeofstraw。Thenhewantedtohavethebootslikewise，buttheysaid，no，wewillnotgivethem，ifyouhadthemonyourfeetandweretowishyourselfatthetopofthehill，weshouldbeleftdownherewithnothing。Oh，no，saidhe，Iwillnotdothat。Sotheygavehimthebootsaswell。Andnowwhenhehadgotallthesethings，hethoughtofnothingbuthiswifeandhischild，andsaidasthoughtohimself，oh，ifIwerebutonthegoldenmountain，andatthesamemomenthevanishedfromthesightofthegiants，andthustheirinheritancewasdivided。

Whenhewasnearhispalace，heheardsoundsofjoy，andfiddles，andflutes，andthepeopletoldhimthathiswifewascelebratingherweddingwithanother。Thenhefellintoarage，andsaid，falsewoman，shebetrayedanddesertedmewhilstIwasasleep。Soheputonhiscloak，andunseenbyallwentintothepalace。Whenheenteredthedining-hallagreattablewasspreadwithdeliciousfood，andtheguestswereeatinganddrinking，andlaughing，andjesting。

Shesatonaroyalseatinthemidstoftheminsplendidapparel，withacrownonherhead。

Heplacedhimselfbehindher，andnoonesawhim。Whensheputapieceofmeatonaplateforherself，hetookitawayandateit，andwhenshepouredoutaglassofwineforherself，hetookitawayanddrankit。Shewasalwayshelpingherselftosomething，andyetshenevergotanything，forplateandglassdisappearedimmediately。

Thendismayedandashamed，shearoseandwenttoherchamberandwept，buthefollowedherthere。Shesaid，hasthedevilpoweroverme，ordidmydeliverernevercome？Thenhestruckherintheface，andsaid，didyourdeliverernevercome。Itishewhohasyouinhispower，youtraitor。HaveIdeservedthisfromyou。

Thenhemadehimselfvisible，wentintothehall，andcried，theweddingisatanend，thetruekinghasreturned。Thekings，princes，andcouncillorswhowereassembledthere，ridiculedandmockedhim，buthedidnottroubletoanswerthem，andsaid，willyougoaway，ornot。Onthistheytriedtoseizehimandpresseduponhim，buthedrewhisswordandsaid，allheadsoffbutmine，andalltheheadsrolledontheground，andhealonewasmaster，andoncemorekingofthegoldenmountain。

Therewasonceuponatimeaqueenwhohadalittledaughterwhowasstillsoyoungthatshehadtobecarried。Onedaythechildwasnaughty，andthemothermightsaywhatsheliked，butthechildwouldnotbequiet。Thenshebecameimpatient，andastheravenswereflyingaboutthepalace，sheopenedthewindowandsaid，Iwishyouwerearavenandwouldflyaway，andthenIshouldhavesomerest。Scarcelyhadshespokenthewords，beforethechildwaschangedintoaraven，andflewfromherarmsoutofthewindow。Itflewintoadarkforest，andstayedinitalongtime，andtheparentsheardnothingoftheirchild。

Thenonedayamanwasonhiswaythroughthisforestandheardtheravencrying，andfollowedthevoice，andwhenhecamenearer，thebirdsaid，Iamaking\'sdaughterbybirth，andambewitched，butyoucansetmefree。WhatamItodo，askedhe。Shesaid，gofurtherintotheforest，andyouwillfindahouse，whereinsitsanagedwoman，whowillofferyoumeatanddrink，butyoumustacceptnothing，forifyoueatanddrinkanything，youwillfallintoasleep，andthenyouwillnotbeabletosetmefree。Inthegardenbehindthehousethereisagreatheapoftan，andonthisyoushallstandandwaitforme。ForthreedaysIwillcomeeveryafternoonattwoo\'clockinacarriage。Onthefirstdayfourwhitehorseswillbeharnessedtoit，thenfourchestnuthorses，andlastlyfourblackones，butifyouarenotawake，butsleeping，Ishallnotbesetfree。Themanpromisedtodoeverythingthatshedesired，buttheravensaid，alas，Iknowalreadythatyouwillnotsetmefree，youwillacceptsomethingfromthewoman。Thenthemanoncemorepromisedthathewouldcertainlynottouchanythingeithertoeatortodrink。

Butwhenheenteredthehousetheoldwomancametohimandsaid，poorman，howfaintyouare，comeandrefreshyourself，eatanddrink。No，saidtheman，Iwillnoteatordrink。She，however，lethimhavenopeace，andsaid，ifyouwillnoteat，takeonedrinkoutoftheglass，oneisnothing。Thenhelethimselfbepersuaded，anddrank。Shortlybeforetwoo\'clockintheafternoonhewentintothegardentothetanheaptowaitfortheraven。Ashewasstandingthere，hiswearinessallatoncebecamesogreatthathecouldnotstruggleagainstit，andlaydownforashorttime，buthewasdeterminednottogotosleep。Hardly，however，hadhelaindown，thanhiseyesclosedoftheirownaccord，andhefellasleepandsleptsosoundlythatnothingintheworldcouldhavearousedhim。

Attwoo\'clocktheravencamedrivingupwithfourwhitehorses，butshewasalreadyindeepgriefandsaid，Iknowheisasleep。

Andwhenshecameintothegarden，hewasindeedlyingthereasleepontheheapoftan。Shealightedfromthecarriage，wenttohim，shookhim，andcalledhim，buthedidnotawake。Nextdayaboutnoon，theoldwomancameagainandbroughthimfoodanddrink，buthewouldnottakeanyofit。Butshelethimhavenorestandpersuadedhimuntilatlengthheagaintookonedrinkoutoftheglass。Towardstwoo\'clockhewentintothegardentothetanheaptowaitfortheraven，butallatoncefeltsuchagreatwearinessthathislimbswouldnolongersupporthim。

Hecouldnothelphimself，andwasforcedtoliedown，andfellintoaheavysleep。

Whentheravendroveupwithfourbrownhorses，shewasalreadyfullofgrief，andsaid，Iknowheisasleep。Shewenttohim，buttherehelaysleeping，andtherewasnowakeninghim。Nextdaytheoldwomanaskedwhatwasthemeaningofthis。Hewasneithereatingnordrinkinganything，didhewanttodie。Hereplied，Iamnotallowedtoeatordrink，andwillnotdoso。Butshesetadishwithfood，andaglasswithwinebeforehim，andwhenhesmeltithecouldnotresist，andswallowedadeepdraught。Whenthetimecame，hewentoutintothegardentotheheapoftan，andwaitedfortheking\'sdaughter，buthebecamestillmorewearythanonthedaybefore，andlaydownandsleptassoundlyasifhehadbeenastone。Attwoo\'clocktheravencamewithfourblackhorses，andthecoachmanandeverythingelsewasblack。Shewasalreadyinthedeepestgrief，andsaid，Iknowthatheisasleepandcannotsetmefree。

Whenshecametohim，therehewaslyingfastasleep。Sheshookhimandcalledhim，butshecouldnotwakenhim。Thenshelaidaloafbesidehim，andafterthatapieceofmeat，andthirdlyabottleofwine，andhemightconsumeasmuchofallofthemasheliked，buttheywouldnevergrowless。Afterthisshetookagoldringfromherfinger，andputitonhis，andhernamewasgravenonit。Lastly，shelaidaletterbesidehimwhereinwaswrittenwhatshehadgivenhim，andthatnoneofthethingswouldevergrowless，andinitwasalsowritten，Iseerightwellthathereyouwillneverbeabletosetmefree，butifyouarestillwillingtodoso，cometothegoldencastleofStromberg；itliesinyourpower，ofthatI

amcertain。Andwhenshehadgivenhimallthesethings，sheseatedherselfinhercarriage，anddrovetothegoldencastleofStromberg。

Whenthemanawokeandsawthathehadslept，hewassadatheart，andsaid，shehascertainlydrivenby，andIhavenotsetherfree。

Thenheperceivedthethingswhichwerelyingbesidehim，andreadtheletterwhereinwaswrittenhoweverythinghadhappened。Sohearoseandwentaway，intendingtogotothegoldencastleofStromberg，buthedidnotknowwhereitwas。Afterhehadwalkedabouttheworldforalongtime，heenteredintoadarkforest，andwalkedforfourteendays，andstillcouldnotfindhiswayout。Thenitwasoncemoreevening，andhewassotiredthathelaydowninathicketandfellasleep。Nextdayhewentonwards，andintheevening，ashewasagainabouttoliedownbeneathsomebushes，heheardsuchahowlingandcryingthathecouldnotgotosleep。Andatthetimewhenpeoplelightthecandles，hesawoneglimmering，andaroseandwenttowardsit。

Thenhecametoahousewhichseemedverysmall，forinfrontofitagreatgiantwasstanding。Hethoughttohimself，ifIgoin，andthegiantseesme，itwillverylikelycostmemylife。

Atlengthheventureditandwentin。Whenthegiantsawhim，hesaid，itiswellthatyoucome，foritislongsinceIhaveeaten，Iwillatoncedevouryouformysupper。I\'dratheryoudidnot，saidtheman，Idonotliketobeeaten，butifyouhaveanydesiretoeat，Ihavequiteenoughheretosatisfyyou。Ifthatbetrue，saidthegiant，youmaybeeasy，IwasonlygoingtodevouryoubecauseIhadnothingelse。

Thentheywent，andsatdowntothetable，andthemantookoutthebread，wine，andmeatwhichwouldnevercometoanend。Thispleasesmewell，saidthegiant，andatetohisheart\'scontent。Thenthemansaidtohim，canyoutellmewherethegoldencastleofStrombergis。Thegiantsaid，Iwilllookatmymap，allthetowns，andvillages，andhousesaretobefoundonit。

Hebroughtoutthemapwhichhehadintheroomandlookedforthecastle，butitwasnottobefoundonit。It\'snomatter，saidhe，Ihavesomestilllargermapsinmycupboardupstairs，andwewilllookatthem。Butthere，too，itwasinvain。Themannowwantedtosetoutagain，butthegiantbeggedhimtowaitafewdayslongeruntilhisbrother，whohadgoneouttobringsomeprovisions，camehome。WhenthebrothercamehometheyinquiredaboutthegoldencastleofStromberg。Hereplied，whenIhaveeatenandhavehadenough，Iwilllookatthemap。

Thenhewentwiththemuptohischamber，andtheysearchedonhismap，butcouldnotfindit。Thenhebroughtoutstilloldermaps，andtheyneverresteduntiltheyfoundthegoldencastleofStromberg，butitwasmanythousandmilesaway。HowamItogetthere，askedtheman。Thegiantsaid，Ihavetwohours，time，duringwhichIwillcarryyouintotheneighborhood，butafterthatImustbeathometosucklethechildthatwehave。

Sothegiantcarriedthemantoaboutahundredleaguesfromthecastle，andsaid，youcanverywellwalktherestofthewayalone。Andheturnedback，butthemanwentonwardsdayandnight，untilatlengthhecametothegoldencastleofStromberg。

Itstoodonaglass-mountain，andthebewitchedmaidenwasdrivinginhercarriageroundthecastle，andthenwentinsideit。Herejoicedwhenhesawherandwantedtoclimbuptoher，butwhenhebegantodosohealwaysslippeddowntheglassagain。

Andwhenhesawthathecouldnotreachher，hewasveryworried，andsaidtohimself，Iwillstaydownherebelow，andwaitforher。Sohebuilthimselfahutandstayedinitforawholeyear，andeverydaysawtheking\'sdaughterdrivingaboutabove，butnevercouldreachher。

Thenonedayhesawfromhishutthreerobberswhowerebeatingeachother，andcriedtothem，Godbewithyou。Theystoppedwhentheyheardthecry，butastheysawnoone，theyoncemorebegantobeateachother，andthattoomostdangerously。Soheagaincried，Godbewithyou。Againtheystopped，lookedroundabout，butastheysawnoonetheywentonbeatingeachother。Thenhecriedforthethirdtime，Godbewithyou，andthought，Imustseewhatthesethreeareabout，andwentthitherandaskedwhytheywerebeatingeachothersofuriously。Oneofthemsaidthathefoundastick，andthatwhenhestruckadoorwithit，thatdoorwouldspringopen。Thenextsaidthathehadfoundamantle，andthatwheneverheputiton，hewasinvisible，butthethirdsaidhehadfoundahorseonwhichamancouldrideeverywhereevenuptheglass-mountain。Andnowtheydidnotknowwhethertheyoughttohavethesethingsincommon，orwhethertheyoughttodividethem。

Thenthemansaid，Iwillgiveyousomethinginexchangeforthesethreethings。MoneyindeedhaveInot，butIhaveotherthingsofmorevalue，butfirstI

mustmakeanexperimenttoseeifyouhavetoldthetruth。Thentheyputhimonthehorse，threwthemantleroundhim，andgavehimthestickinhishand，andwhenhehadallthesethingstheywerenolongerabletoseehim。Sohegavethemsomevigorousblowsandcried，now，vagabonds，youhavegotwhatyoudeserve，areyousatisfied。Andherodeuptheglass-mountain，butwhenhecameinfrontofthecastleatthetop，itwasshut。

Thenhestruckthedoorwithhisstick，anditsprangopenimmediately。Hewentinandascendedthestairsuntilhecametothehallwherethemaidenwassittingwithagoldenglobletofwinebeforeher。She，however，couldnotseehimbecausehehadthemantleon。Andwhenhecameuptoher，hedrewfromhisfingertheringwhichshehadgivenhim，andthrewitintothegobletsothatitrang。Thenshecried，thatismyring，sothemanwhoistosetmefreemustbehere。

Theysearchedthewholecastleanddidnotfindhim，buthehadgoneout，andhadseatedhimselfonthehorseandthrownoffthemantle。Whentheycametothedoor，theysawhimandcriedaloudintheirdelight。Thenhealightedandtooktheking\'sdaughterinhisarms，butshekissedhimandsaid，nowhaveyousetmefree，andto-morrowwewillcelebrateourwedding。

Therewasonceapoorpeasantwhohadnoland，butonlyasmallhouse，andonedaughter。Thensaidthedaughter，weoughttoaskourlordthekingforabitofnewly-clearedland。Whenthekingheardoftheirpoverty，hepresentedthemwithapieceofland，whichsheandherfatherdugup，andintendedtosowwithalittlecornandgrainofthatkind。Whentheyhaddugnearlythewholeofthefield，theyfoundintheearthamortarmadeofpuregold。Listen，saidthefathertothegirl，asourlordthekinghasbeensograciousandpresenteduswiththefield，weoughttogivehimthismortarinreturnforit。Thedaughter，however，wouldnotconsenttothis，andsaid，father，ifwehavethemortarwithouthavingthepestleaswell，weshallhavetogetthepestle，soyouhadmuchbettersaynothingaboutit。Buthewouldnotobeyher，andtookthemortarandcarriedittotheking，saidthathehadfounditintheclearedland，andaskedifhewouldacceptitasapresent。Thekingtookthemortar，andaskedifhehadfoundnothingbesidesthat。No，answeredthecountryman。

Thenthekingsaidthathemustnowbringhimthepestle。Thepeasantsaidtheyhadnotfoundthat，buthemightjustaswellhavespokentothewind，hewasputinprison，andwastostaythereuntilheproducedthepestle。Theservantshaddailytocarryhimbreadandwater，whichiswhatpeoplegetinprison，andtheyheardhowthemancriedoutcontinually，ah，ifIhadbutlistenedtomydaughter。

Alas，alas，ifIhadbutlistenedtomydaughter，andwouldneithereatnordrink。Sohecommandedtheservantstobringtheprisonerbeforehim，andthenthekingaskedthepeasantwhyhewasalwayscrying，ah，ifIhadbutlistenedtomydaughter，andwhatitwasthathisdaughterhadsaid。ShetoldmethatIoughtnottotakethemortartoyou，forIshouldhavetoproducethepestleaswell。Ifyouhaveadaughterwhoisaswiseasthat，lethercomehere。

Shewasthereforeobligedtoappearbeforetheking，whoaskedherifshereallywassowise，andsaidhewouldsetherariddle，andifshecouldguessthat，hewouldmarryher。Sheatoncesaidyes，shewouldguessit。Thensaidtheking，cometomenotclothed，notnaked，notriding，notwalking，notintheroad，andnotofftheroad，andifyoucandothatIwillmarryyou。

Soshewentaway，putoffeverythingshehadon，andthenshewasnotclothed，andtookagreatfishingnet，andseatedherselfinitandwrappeditentirelyroundandroundher，sothatshewasnotnaked，andshehiredanass，andtiedthefisherman\'snettoitstail，sothatitwasforcedtodragheralong，andthatwasneitherridingnorwalking。Theasshadalsotodragherintheruts，sothatsheonlytouchedthegroundwithherbigtoe，andthatwasneitherbeingintheroadnorofftheroad。Andwhenshearrivedinthatfashion，thekingsaidshehadguessedtheriddleandfulfilledalltheconditions。

Thenheorderedherfathertobereleasedfromtheprison，tookhertowife，andgaveintohercarealltheroyalpossessions。Nowwhensomeyearshadpassed，thekingwasoncereviewinghistroopsonparade，whenithappenedthatsomepeasantswhohadbeensellingwoodstoppedwiththeirwaggonsbeforethepalace，someofthemhadoxenyokedtothem，andsomehorses。Therewasonepeasantwhohadthreehorses，oneofwhichwasdeliveredofayoungfoal，anditranawayandlaydownbetweentwooxenwhichwereinfrontofthewaggon。

Whenthepeasantscametogether，theybegantodispute，tobeateachotherandmakeadisturbance，andthepeasantwiththeoxenwantedtokeepthefoal，andsaidoneoftheoxenhadgivenbirthtoit，andtheothersaidhishorsehadhadit，andthatitwashis。Thequarrelcamebeforetheking，andhegivetheverdictthatthefoalshouldstaywhereithadbeenfound，andsothepeasantwiththeoxen，towhomitdidnotbelong，gotit。

Thentheotherwentaway，andweptandlamentedoverhisfoal。Nowhehadheardhowgracioushisladythequeenwasbecausesheherselfhadsprungfrompoorpeasantfolks，sohewenttoherandbeggedhertoseeifshecouldnothelphimtogethisfoalbackagain。Saidshe，yes，Iwilltellyouwhattodo，ifyouwillpromisemenottobetrayme。

Earlyto-morrowmorning，whenthekingparadestheguard，placeyourselfthereinthemiddleoftheroadbywhichhemustpass，takeagreatfishing-netandpretendtobefishing，goonfishing，andemptyoutthenetasifyouhadgotitfull，andthenshetoldhimalsowhathewastosayifhewasquestionedbytheking。Thenextday，therefore，thepeasantstoodthere，andfishedondryground。

Whenthekingpassedby，andsawthat，hesenthismessengertoaskwhatthestupidmanwasabout。Heanswered，Iamfishing。Themessengeraskedhowhecouldfishwhentherewasnowaterthere。Thepeasantsaid，itisaseasyformetofishondrylandasitisforanoxtohaveafoal。

Themessengerwentbackandtooktheanswertotheking，whoorderedthepeasanttobebroughttohimandtoldhimthatthiswasnothisownidea，andhewantedtoknowwhoseitwas。Thepeasant，saidtheking，mustconfessthisatonce。Thepeasant，however，wouldnotdoso，andsaidalways，Godforbidheshould，theideawashisown。Sotheylaidhimonaheapofstraw，andbeathimandtormentedhimsolongthatatlastheadmittedthathehadgottheideafromthequeen。

Whenthekingreachedhomeagain，hesaidtohiswife，whyhaveyoubehavedsofalselytome。Iwillnothaveyouanylongerforawife，yourtimeisup，gobacktotheplacefromwhenceyoucame-toyourpeasant\'shut。Onefavor，however，hegrantedher，shemighttakewithhertheonethingthatwasdearestandbestinhereyes，andthuswasshedismissed。

Shesaid，yes，mydearhusband，ifyoucommandthis，Iwilldoit，andsheembracedhimandkissedhim，andsaidshewouldtakeleaveofhim。Thensheorderedapowerfulsleepingdraughttobebrought，todrinkfarewelltohim，thekingtookalongdraught，butshetookonlyalittle。Hesoonfellintoadeepsleep，andwhensheperceivedthat，shecalledaservantandtookafairwhitelinenclothandwrappedthekinginit，andtheservantwasforcedtocarryhimintoacarriagethatstoodbeforethedoor，andshedrovewithhimtoherownlittlehouse。

Shelaidhiminherownlittlebed，andhesleptonedayandonenightwithoutawakening，andwhenheawokehelookedroundandsaid，goodGod，whereamI。Hecalledhisattendants，butnoneofthemwerethere。Atlengthhiswifecametohisbedsideandsaid，mydearlordandking，youtoldmeImightbringawaywithmefromthepalacethatwhichwasdearestandmostpreciousinmyeyes-Ihavenothingmorepreciousanddearthanyourself，soIhavebroughtyouwithme。

Tearsrosetotheking\'seyesandhesaid，dearwife，youshallbemineandIwillbeyours，andhetookherbackwithhimtotheroyalpalaceandwasmarriedagaintoher，andatthepresenttimetheyareverylikelystillliving。

Aboutathousandormoreyearsago，therewereinthiscountrynothingbutsmallkings，andoneofthemwholivedontheKeuterbergwasveryfondofhunting。Onceonatimewhenhewasridingforthfromhiscastlewithhishuntsmen，threegirlswerewatchingtheircowsuponthemountain，andwhentheysawthekingwithallhisfollowers，theeldestgirlpointedtohim，andcalledtothetwoothergirls，hullo。Hullo。

IfIdonotgetthatone，Iwillhavenone。Thenthesecondgirlansweredfromtheothersideofthehill，andpointedtotheonewhowasontheking\'srighthand，hullo。Hullo。IfIdonotgethim，Iwillhavenoone。These，however，werethetwoministers。Thekingheardallthis，andwhenhehadcomebackfromthechase，hecausedthethreegirlstobebroughttohim，andaskedthemwhattheyhadsaidyesterdayonthemountain。Thistheywouldnottellhim，sothekingaskedtheeldestifshereallywouldtakehimforherhusband。Thenshesaid，yes，andthetwoministersmarriedthetwosisters，fortheywereallthreefairandbeautifulofface，especiallythequeen，whohadhairlikeflax。

Butthetwosistershadnochildren，andoncewhenthekingwasobligedtogofromhomeheinvitedthemtocometothequeeninordertocheerher，forshewasabouttobearachild。Shehadalittleboywhobroughtabrightredstarintotheworldwithhim。Thenthetwosisterssaidtoeachotherthattheywouldthrowthebeautifulboyintothewater。Whentheyhadthrownhimin-IbelieveitwasintotheWeser-alittlebirdflewupintotheair，whichsang-

tothydeathartthouspeduntilGod\'swordbesaid。

Inthewhitelilybloom，braveboy，isthytomb。

Whenthetwoheardthat，theywerefrightenedtodeath，andranawayingreathaste。Whenthekingcamehometheytoldhimthatthequeenhadbeendeliveredofadog。Thenthekingsaid，whatGoddoes，iswelldone。Butafishermanwhodweltnearthewaterfishedthelittleboyoutagainwhilehewasstillalive，andashiswifehadnochildren，theyrearedhim。

Whenayearhadgoneby，thekingagainwentaway，andthequeenhadanotherlittleboy，whomthefalsesisterslikewisetookandthrewintothewater。Thenupflewalittlebirdagainandsang-

tothydeathartthouspeduntilGod\'swordbesaid。

Inthewhitelilybloom，braveboy，isthytomb。

Andwhenthekingcameback，theytoldhimthatthequeenhadoncemoregivenbirthtoadog，andheagainsaid，whatGoddoes，iswelldone。Thefisherman，however，fishedthisonealsooutofthewater，andrearedhim。

Thenthekingagainjourneyedforth，andthequeenhadalittlegirl，whomalsothefalsesistersthrewintothewater。Thenagainalittlebirdflewuponhighandsang-

tothydeathartthouspeduntilGod\'swordbesaid。

Inthewhitelilybloom，bonnygirl，isthytomb。

Andwhenthekingcamehometheytoldhimthatthequeenhadbeendeliveredofacat。Thenthekinggrewangry，andorderedhiswifetobecastintoprison，andthereinwassheshutupformanylongyears。

Whenthechildrenhadgrownup，theeldestoncewentoutwithsomeotherboystofish，buttheotherboyswouldnothavehimwiththem，andsaid，goyourway，foundling。

Hereuponhewasmuchtroubled，andaskedtheoldfishermanifthatwastrue。Thefishermantoldhimthatoncewhenhewasfishinghehaddrawnhimoutofthewater。Sotheboysaidhewouldgoforthandseekhisfather。Thefisherman，however，entreatedhimtostay，buthewouldnotlethimselfbehindered，andatlastthefishermanconsented。Thentheboywentonhiswayandwalkedformanydays，andatlasthecametoagreatstretchofwaterbythesideofwhichstoodanoldwomanfishing。

"Goodday，mother，"saidtheboy。

"Manythanks，"saidshe。

"Youwillfishlongenoughbeforeyoucatchanything。"

"Andyouwillseeklongenoughbeforeyoufindyourfather。Howwillyougetoverthewater，"saidthewoman。

"Godknows。"