第10章

Thentheoldwomantookhimuponherbackandcarriedhimthroughit，andhesoughtforalongtime，butcouldnotfindhisfather。

Whenayearhadgoneby，thesecondboysetouttoseekhisbrother。Hecametothewater，andallfaredwithhimjustaswithhisbrother。Andnowtherewasnooneathomebutthedaughter，andshemournedforherbrotherssomuchthatatlastshealsobeggedthefishermantolethersetforth，forshewishedtogoinsearchofherbrothers。Thenshelikewisecametothegreatstretchofwater，andshesaidtotheoldwoman，"Goodday，mother。"

"Manythanks，"repliedtheoldwoman。

"MayGodhelpyouwithyourfishing，"saidthemaiden。Whentheoldwomanheardthat，shebecamequitefriendly，andcarriedheroverthewater，gaveherawand，andsaidtoher，"Go，mydaughter，everonwardsbythisroad，andwhenyoucometoagreatblackdog，youmustpassitsilentlyandboldly，withouteitherlaughingorlookingatit。Thenyouwillcometoagreathighcastle，onthethresholdofwhichyoumustletthewandfall，andgostraightthroughthecastle，andoutagainontheotherside。Thereyouwillseeanoldfountainoutofwhichalargetreehasgrown，whereonhangsabirdinacagewhichyoumusttakedown。Takelikewiseaglassofwateroutofthefountain，andwiththesetwothingsgobackbythesameway。Pickupthewandagainfromthethresholdandtakeitwithyou，andwhenyouagainpassbythedog，strikehiminthefacewithit，butbesurethatyouhithim，andthenjustcomebackheretome。"

Themaidenfoundeverythingexactlyastheoldwomanhadsaid，andonherwaybackshefoundhertwobrotherswhohadsoughteachotheroverhalftheworld。Theywenttogethertotheplacewheretheblackdogwaslyingontheroad，shestruckitintheface，anditturnedintoahandsomeprincewhowentwiththemtotheriver。Theretheoldwomanwasstillstanding。Sherejoicedmuchtoseethemagain，andcarriedthemalloverthewater，andthenshetoowentaway，fornowshewasfreed。Theothers，however，wenttotheoldfisherman，andallweregladthattheyhadfoundeachotheragain，buttheyhungthebirdonthewall。

Butthesecondsoncouldnotsettleathome，andtookhiscrossbowandwenta-hunting。Whenhewastiredhetookhisflute，andmademusic。Thekingwashuntingtoo，andheardthatandwentthither，andwhenhemettheyouth，hesaid，"Whohasgivenyouleavetohunthere？"

"Oh，noone。"

"Towhomdoyoubelong，then？"

"Iamthefisherman\'sson。"

"Buthehasnochildren。"

"Ifyouwillnotbelieve，comewithme。"

Thatthekingdid，andquestionedthefisherman，whotoldhimeverything，andthelittlebirdonthewallbegantosing-

themothersitsalonethereintheprisonsmall，okingofroyalblood，thesearethychildrenall。

Thesisterstwainsofalse，theywroughtthechildrenwoe，thereinthewatersdeepwherethefishermencomeandgo。

Thentheywereallterrified，andthekingtookthebird，thefishermanandthethreechildrenbackwithhimtothecastle，andorderedtheprisontobeopenedandbroughthiswifeoutagain。Shehadgrownquiteillandweak，sothedaughtergavehersomeofthewaterofthefountaintodrink，andshebecamestrongandhealthy。Butthetwofalsesisterswereburnt，andthedaughtermarriedtheprince。

Therewasonceakingwhohadanillness，andnoonebelievedthathewouldcomeoutofitwithhislife。Hehadthreesonswhoweremuchdistressedaboutit，andwentdownintothepalace-gardenandwept。

Theretheymetanoldmanwhoinquiredastothecauseoftheirgrief。Theytoldhimthattheirfatherwassoillthathewouldmostcertainlydie，fornothingseemedtocurehim。Thentheoldmansaid，"Iknowofonemoreremedy，andthatisthewateroflife。Ifhedrinksofithewillbecomewellagain，butitishardtofind。"

Theeldestsaid，"Iwillmanagetofindit。"Andwenttothesickking，andbeggedtobeallowedtogoforthinsearchofthewateroflife，forthatalonecouldsavehim。"No，"saidtheking，"thedangerofitistoogreat。Iwouldratherdie。"

Buthebeggedsolongthatthekingconsented。Theprincethoughtinhisheart，"IfIbringthewater，thenIshallbebestbelovedofmyfather，andshallinheritthekingdom。"Sohesetout，andwhenhehadriddenforthalittledistance，adwarfstoodthereintheroadwhocalledtohimandsaid，"Whitherawaysofast？""Sillyshrimp，"

saidtheprince，veryhaughtily，"itisnothingtodowithyou。"Androdeon。Butthelittledwarfhadgrownangry，andhadwishedanevilwish。Soonafterthistheprinceenteredaravine，andthefurtherherodethecloserthemountainsdrewtogether，andatlasttheroadbecamesonarrowthathecouldnotadvanceastepfurther。

Itwasimpossibleeithertoturnhishorseortodismountfromthesaddle，andhewasshutinthereasifinprison。Thesickkingwaitedlongforhim，buthecamenot。

Thenthesecondsonsaid，"father，letmegoforthtoseekthewater。"Andthoughttohimself，"Ifmybrotherisdead，thenthekingdomwillfalltome。"Atfirstthekingwouldnotallowhimtogoeither，butatlastheyielded，sotheprincesetoutonthesameroadthathisbrotherhadtaken，andhetoometthedwarf，whostoppedhimtoaskwhitherhewasgoinginsuchhaste。"Littleshrimp，"saidtheprince，"thatisnothingtodowithyou。"Androdeonwithoutgivinghimanotherlook。Butthedwarfbewitchedhim，andhe，liketheother，rodeintoaravine，andcouldneithergoforwardsnorbackwards。Sofarehaughtypeople。

Asthesecondsonalsoremainedaway，theyoungestbeggedtobeallowedtogoforthtofetchthewater，andatlastthekingwasobligedtolethimgo。Whenhemetthedwarfandthelatteraskedhimwhitherhewasgoinginsuchhaste，hestopped，gavehimanexplanation，andsaid，"Iamseekingthewateroflife，formyfatherissickuntodeath。"

"Doyouknow，then，wherethatistobefound？"

"No，"saidtheprince。

"Asyouhaveborneyourselfasisseemly，andnothaughtilylikeyourfalsebrothers，Iwillgiveyoutheinformationandtellyouhowyoumayobtainthewateroflife。Itspringsfromafountaininthecourtyardofanenchantedcastle，butyouwillnotbeabletomakeyourwaytoit，ifIdonotgiveyouanironwandandtwosmallloavesofbread。Strikethricewiththewandontheirondoorofthecastleanditwillspringopen，insidelietwolionswithgapingjaws，butifyouthrowaloaftoeachofthem，theywillbequieted。

Thenhastentofetchsomeofthewateroflifebeforetheclockstrikestwelveelsethedoorwillshutagain，andyouwillbeimprisoned。"

Theprincethankedhim，tookthewandandthebread，andsetoutonhisway。Whenhearrived，everythingwasasthedwarfhadsaid。Thedoorsprangopenatthethirdstrokeofthewand，andwhenhehadappeasedthelionswiththebread，heenteredthecastle，andcametoalargeandsplendidhall，whereinsatsomeenchantedprinceswhoseringshedrewofftheirfingers。Aswordandaloafofbreadwerelyingthere，whichhecarriedaway。Afterthis，heenteredachamber，inwhichwasabeautifulmaidenwhorejoicedwhenshesawhim，kissedhim，andtoldhimthathehadsetherfree，andshouldhavethewholeofherkingdom，andthatifhewouldreturninayeartheirweddingshouldbecelebrated。Likewiseshetoldhimwherethespringofthewateroflifewas，andthathewastohastenanddrawsomeofitbeforetheclockstrucktwelve。Thenhewentonwards，andatlastenteredaroomwheretherewasabeautifulnewly-madebed，andashewasveryweary，hefeltinclinedtorestalittle。Sohelaydownandfellasleep。

Whenheawoke，itwasstrikingaquartertotwelve。Hesprangupinafright，rantothespring，drewsomewaterinacupwhichstoodnear，andhastenedaway。Butjustashewaspassingthroughtheirondoor，theclockstrucktwelve，andthedoorfelltowithsuchviolencethatitcarriedawayapieceofhisheel。

He，however，rejoicingathavingobtainedthewateroflife，wenthomewards，andagainpassedthedwarf。Whenthelattersawtheswordandtheloaf，hesaid，"Withtheseyouhavewongreatwealth，withtheswordyoucanslaywholearmies，andthebreadwillnevercometoanend。"Buttheprincewouldnotgohometohisfatherwithouthisbrothers，andsaid，"Deardwarf，canyounottellmewheremytwobrothersare？TheywentoutbeforeIdidinsearchofthewateroflife，andhavenotreturned。"

"Theyareimprisonedbetweentwomountains，"saidthedwarf。"Ihavecondemnedthemtostaythere，becausetheyweresohaughty。"Thentheprincebeggeduntilthedwarfreleasedthem，buthewarnedhimandsaid，"Bewareofthem，fortheyhavebadhearts。"Whenhisbrotherscame，herejoiced，andtoldthemhowthingshadgonewithhim，thathehadfoundthewateroflifeandhadbroughtacupfulawaywithhim，andhadrescuedabeautifulprincess，whowaswillingtowaitayearforhim，andthentheirweddingwastobecelebratedandhewouldobtainagreatkingdom。

Afterthattheyrodeontogether，andchanceduponalandwherewarandfaminereigned，andthekingalreadythoughthemustperish，forthescarcitywassogreat。Thentheprincewenttohimandgavehimtheloaf，wherewithhefedandsatisfiedthewholeofhiskingdom，andthentheprincegavehimtheswordalsowherewithheslewthehostsofhisenemies，andcouldnowliveinrestandpeace。Theprincethentookbackhisloafandhissword，andthethreebrothersrodeon。Butafterthistheyenteredtwomorecountrieswherewarandfaminereignedandeachtimetheprincegavehisloafandhisswordtothekings，andhadnowdeliveredthreekingdoms，andafterthattheywentonboardashipandsailedoverthesea。Duringthepassage，thetwoeldestconversedapartandsaid，"Theyoungesthasfoundthewateroflifeandnotwe，forthatourfatherwillgivehimthekingdom-thekingdomwhichbelongstous，andhewillrobusofallourfortune。"Theythenbegantoseekrevenge，andplottedwitheachothertodestroyhim。Theywaiteduntiltheyfoundhimfastasleep，thentheypouredthewateroflifeoutofthecup，andtookitforthemselves，butintothecuptheypouredsaltsea-water。

Nowtherefore，whentheyarrivedhome，theyoungesttookhiscuptothesickkinginorderthathemightdrinkoutofit，andbecured。

Butscarcelyhadhedrunkaverylittleofthesaltsea-waterthanhebecamestillworsethanbefore。Andashewaslamentingoverthis，thetwoeldestbrotherscame，andaccusedtheyoungestofhavingintendedtopoisonhim，andsaidthattheyhadbroughthimthetruewateroflife，andhandedittohim。Hehadscarcelytastedit，whenhefelthissicknessdeparting，andbecamestrongandhealthyasinthedaysofhisyouth。

Afterthattheybothwenttotheyoungest，mockedhim，andsaid，"Youcertainlyfoundthewateroflife，butyouhavehadthepain，andwethegain，youshouldhavebeencleverer，andshouldhavekeptyoureyesopen。Wetookitfromyouwhilstyouwereasleepatsea，andwhenayearisover，oneofuswillgoandfetchthebeautifulprincess。Butbewarethatyoudonotdiscloseaughtofthistoourfather，indeedhedoesnottrustyou，andifyousayasingleword，youshallloseyourlifeintothebargain，butifyoukeepsilent，youshallhaveitasagift。"

Theoldkingwasangrywithhisyoungestson，andthoughthehadplottedagainsthislife。Sohesummonedthecourttogetherandhadsentencepronounceduponhisson，thatheshouldbesecretlyshot。

Andoncewhentheprincewasridingforthtothechase，suspectingnoevil，theking\'shuntsmanwastoldtogowithhim，andwhentheywerequitealoneintheforest，thehuntsmanlookedsosorrowfulthattheprincesaidtohim，"Dearhuntsman，whatailsyou？"Thehuntsmansaid，"Icannottellyou，andyetIought。"Thentheprincesaid，"Sayopenlywhatitis，Iwillpardonyou。""Alas，"saidthehuntsman，"Iamtoshootyoudead，thekinghasorderedmetodoit。"

Thentheprincewasshocked，andsaid，"Dearhuntsman，letmelive，there，Igiveyoumyroyalgarments，givemeyourcommononesintheirstead。"Thehuntsmansaid，"Iwillwillinglydothat，indeedI

wouldnothavebeenabletoshootyou。"Thentheyexchangedclothes，andthehuntsmanreturnedhome，whiletheprincewentfurtherintotheforest。

Afteratimethreewaggonsofgoldandpreciousstonescametothekingforhisyoungestson，whichweresentbythethreekingswhohadslaintheirenemieswiththeprince\'ssword，andmaintainedtheirpeoplewithhisbread，andwhowishedtoshowtheirgratitudeforit。

Theoldkingthenthought，"Canmysonhavebeeninnocent？"Andsaidtohispeople，"Wouldthathewerestillalive，howitgrievesmethatIhavesufferedhimtobekilled。""Hestilllives，"saidthehuntsman，"Icouldnotfinditinmyhearttocarryoutyourcommand。"Andtoldthekinghowithadhappened。Thenastonefellfromtheking\'sheart，andhehaditproclaimedineverycountrythathissonmightreturnandbetakenintofavoragain。

Theprincess，however，hadaroadmadeuptoherpalacewhichwasquitebrightandgolden，andtoldherpeoplethatwhosoevercameridingstraightalongittoher，wouldbetherightoneandwastobeadmitted，andwhoeverrodebythesideofit，wasnottherightoneandwasnottobeadmitted。

Asthetimewasnowcloseathand，theeldestthoughthewouldhastentogototheking\'sdaughter，andgivehimselfoutasherrescuer，andthuswinherforhisbride，andthekingdomtoboot。Thereforeherodeforth，andwhenhearrivedinfrontofthepalace，andsawthesplendidgoldenroad，hethought，itwouldbeasinandashameifIweretorideoverthat。Andturnedaside，androdeontherightsideofit。Butwhenhecametothedoor，theservantstoldhimthathewasnottherightone，andwastogoawayagain。

Soonafterthisthesecondprincesetout，andwhenhecametothegoldenroad，andhishorsehadputonefootonit，hethought，itwouldbeasinandashame，apiecemightbetroddenoff。Andheturnedasideandrodeontheleftsideofit，andwhenhereachedthedoor，theattendantstoldhimhewasnottherightone，andhewastogoawayagain。

Whenatlasttheyearhadentirelyexpired，thethirdsonlikewisewishedtorideoutoftheforesttohisbeloved，andwithherforgethissorrows。Sohesetoutandthoughtofhersoincessantly，andwishedtobewithhersomuch，thathenevernoticedthegoldenroadatall。Sohishorserodeonwardsupthemiddleofit，andwhenhecametothedoor，itwasopenedandtheprincessreceivedhimwithjoy，andsaidhewashersaviour，andlordofthekingdom，andtheirweddingwascelebratedwithgreatrejoicing。Whenitwasovershetoldhimthathisfatherinvitedhimtocometohim，andhadforgivenhim。

Soherodethither，andtoldhimeverything，howhisbrothershadbetrayedhim，andhowhehadneverthelesskeptsilence。Theoldkingwishedtopunishthem，buttheyhadputtosea，andnevercamebackaslongastheylived。

Therewasonceapoorwoodcutterwhotoiledfromearlymorningtilllateatnight。Whenatlasthehadlaidbysomemoneyhesaidtohisboy，"Youaremyonlychild，IwillspendthemoneywhichIhaveearnedwiththesweatofmybrowonyoureducation，ifyoulearnsomehonesttradeyoucansupportmeinmyoldage，whenmylimbshavegrownstiffandIamobligedtostayathome。"

Thentheboywenttoahighschoolandlearneddiligentlysothathismasterspraisedhim，andheremainedtherealongtime。Whenhehadworkedthroughtwoclasses，butwasstillnotyetperfectineverything，thelittlepittancewhichthefatherhadearnedwasallspent，andtheboywasobligedtoreturnhometohim。

"Ah，"saidthefather，sorrowfully，"Icangiveyounomore，andinthesehardtimesIcannotearnafarthingmorethanwillsufficeforourdailybread。""Dearfather，"answeredtheson，"don\'ttroubleyourselfaboutit，ifitisGod\'swill，itwillturntomyadvantage。Ishallsoonaccustommyselftoit。"Whenthefatherwantedtogointotheforesttoearnmoneybyhelpingtochopandstackwood，thesonsaid，"Iwillgowithyouandhelpyou。""Nay，myson，"saidthefather，"thatwouldbehardforyou。Youarenotaccustomedtoroughwork，andwillnotbeabletobearit。Besides，Ihaveonlyoneaxeandnomoneyleftwherewithtobuyanother。""Justgototheneighbor，"answeredtheson，"hewilllendyouhisaxeuntilIhaveearnedoneformyself。"

Thefatherthenborrowedanaxeoftheneighbor，andnextmorningatbreakofdaytheywentoutintotheforesttogether。

Thesonhelpedhisfatherandwasquitemerryandbriskaboutit。Butwhenthesunwasrightovertheirheads，thefathersaid，"Wewillrest，andhaveourdinner，andthenweshallworktwiceaswell。"Thesontookhisbreadinhishands，andsaid，"Justyourest，father，Iamnottired，Iwillwalkupanddownalittleintheforest，andlookforbirds\'nests。""Oh，youfool，"

saidthefather，"whyshouldyouwanttorunaboutthere？Afterwardsyouwillbetired，andnolongerabletoraiseyourarm。

Stayhere，andsitdownbesideme。"

Theson，however，wentintotheforest，atehisbread，wasverymerryandpeeredinamongthegreenbranchestoseeifhecoulddiscoverabird\'snestanywhere。Sohewalkedtoandfrountilatlasthecametoagreatdangerous-lookingoak，whichcertainlywasalreadymanyhundredyearsold，andwhichfivemencouldnothavespanned。Hestoodstillandlookedatit，andthought，manyabirdmusthavebuiltitsnestinthat。Thenallatonceitseemedtohimthatheheardavoice。Helistenedandbecameawarethatsomeonewascryinginaverysmotheredvoice，"Letmeout，letmeout。"Helookedaround，butcoulddiscovernothing。Thenhefanciedthatthevoicecameoutoftheground。

Sohecried，"Whereareyou？"Thevoiceanswered，"Iamdownhereamongsttherootsoftheoak-tree。Letmeout。Letmeout。"

Theschoolboybegantoloosentheearthunderthetree，andsearchamongtheroots，untilatlasthefoundaglassbottleinalittlehollow。Helifteditupandhelditagainstthelight，andthensawacreatureshapedlikeafrog，springingupanddowninit。

"Letmeout。Letmeout，"itcriedanew，andtheboythinkingnoevil，drewthecorkoutofthebottle。Immediatelyaspiritascendedfromit，andbegantogrow，andgrewsofastthatinaveryfewmomentshestoodbeforetheboy，aterriblefellowasbigashalfthetree。"Doyouknow，"hecriedinanawfulvoice，"whatyourrewardisforhavingletmeout？""No，"repliedtheboyfearlessly，"howshouldIknowthat？""ThenIwilltellyou，"criedthespirit，"Imuststrangleyouforit。""Youshouldhavetoldmethatsooner，"saidtheboy，"forIshouldthenhaveleftyoushutup，butmyheadshallstandfastforallyoucando，morepersonsthanonemustbeconsultedaboutthat。""Morepersonshere，morepersonsthere，"saidthespirit。"Youshallhavetherewardyouhaveearned。DoyouthinkthatIwasshutupthereforsuchalongtimeasafavor。No，itwasapunishmentforme。IamthemightyMercurius。Whosoreleasesme，himmustIstrangle。"

"Slowly，"answeredtheboy，"notsofast。Imustfirstknowthatyoureallywereshutupinthatlittlebottle，andthatyouaretherightspirit。If，indeed，youcangetinagain，Iwillbelieveandthenyoumaydoasyouwillwithme。"Thespiritsaidhaughtily，"thatisaverytriflingfeat。"Drewhimselftogether，andmadehimselfassmallandslenderashehadbeenatfirst，sothathecreptthroughthesameopening，andrightthroughtheneckofthebottleinagain。Scarcelywashewithinthantheboythrustthecorkhehaddrawnbackintothebottle，andthrewitamongtherootsoftheoakintoitsoldplace，andthespiritwasdeceived。

Andnowtheschoolboywasabouttoreturntohisfather，butthespiritcriedverypiteously，"Ah，doletmeout，ah，doletmeout。"

"No，"answeredtheboy，"notasecondtime。Hewhohasoncetriedtotakemylifeshallnotbesetfreebyme，nowthatIhavecaughthimagain。""Ifyouwillsetmefree，"saidthespirit，"Iwillgiveyousomuchthatyouwillhaveplentyallthedaysofyourlife。"

"No，"answeredtheboy，"youwouldcheatmeasyoudidthefirsttime。"

"Youarespurningyouowngoodluck，"saidthespirit，"Iwilldoyounoharmbutwillrewardyourichly。"Theboythought，"Iwillventureit，perhapshewillkeephisword，andanyhowheshallnotgetthebetterofme。"

Thenhetookoutthecork，andthespiritroseupfromthebottleashehaddonebefore，stretchedhimselfoutandbecameasbigasagiant。"Nowyoushallhaveyourreward，"

saidhe，andhandedtheboyalittleragjustlikestiking-plaster，andsaid，"Ifyouspreadoneendofthisoverawounditwillheal，andifyourubsteelorironwiththeotherenditwillbechangedintosilver。""Imustjusttrythat，"saidtheboy，andwenttoatree，toreoffthebarkwithhisaxe，andrubbeditwithoneendoftheplaster。Itimmediatelyclosedtogetherandwashealed。"Now，itisallright，"hesaidtothespirit，"andwecanpart。"Thespiritthankedhimforhisrelease，andtheboythankedthespiritforhispresent，andwentbacktohisfather。

"Wherehaveyoubeenracingabout？"saidthefather。"Whyhaveyouforgottenyourwork？Ialwayssaidthatyouwouldnevercometoanything。""Beeasy，father，Iwillmakeitup。""Makeitupindeed，"

saidthefatherangrily，"that\'snouse。""Takecare，father，Iwillsoonhewthattreethere，sothatitwillsplit。"Thenhetookhisplaster，rubbedtheaxewithit，anddealtamightyblow，butastheironhadchangedintosilver，theedgebent。"Hi，father，justlookwhatabadaxeyou\'vegivenme，ithasbecomequitecrooked。"Thefatherwasshockedandsaid，"Ah，whathaveyoudone！

NowIshallhavetopayforthat，andhavenotthewherewithal，andthatisallthegoodIhavegotbyyourwork。""Don\'tgetangry，"saidtheson，"Iwillsoonpayfortheaxe。"

"Oh，youblockhead，"criedthefather，"Wherewithwillyoupayforit？

YouhavenothingbutwhatIgiveyou。Thesearestudents\'tricksthatarestickinginyourhead，youhavenoideaofwoodcutting。"

Afterawhiletheboysaid，"Father，Icanreallyworknomore，wehadbettertakeaholiday。""Eh，what，"answeredhe，"doyouthinkI

willsitwithmyhandslyinginmylaplikeyou。Imustgoonworking，butyoumaytakeyourselfoffhome。""Father，Iamhereinthiswoodforthefirsttime，Idon\'tknowmywayalone。Dogowithme。"Ashisangerhadnowabated，thefatheratlastlethimselfbepersuadedandwenthomewithhim。Thenhesaidtotheson，"Goandsellyourdamagedaxe，andseewhatyoucangetforit，andImustearnthedifference，inordertopaytheneighbor。"

Thesontooktheaxe，andcarrieditintotowntoagoldsmith，whotestedit，laiditinthescales，andsaid，"Itisworthfourhundredtalers，Ihavenotsomuchasthatbyme。"Thesonsaid，"Givemewhatthouhave，Iwilllendyoutherest。"Thegoldsmithgavehimthreehundredtalers，andremainedahundredinhisdebt。Thesonthereuponwenthomeandsaid，"Father，Ihavegotthemoney，goandasktheneighborwhathewantsfortheaxe。"

"Iknowthatalready，"answeredtheoldman，"onetaler，sixgroschen。"

"Thengivehimhimtwotalers，twelvegroschen，thatisdoubleandenough。See，Ihavemoneyinplenty。"Andhegavethefatherahundredtalers，andsaid，"Youshallneverknowwant，liveascomfortablyasyoulike。"

"Goodheavens，"saidthefather，"howhaveyoucomebytheseriches？"Theboythentoldhowallhadcometopass，andhowhe，trustinginhisluck，hadmadesuchapacket。

Butwiththemoneythatwasleft，hewentbacktothehighschoolandwentonlearningmore，andashecouldhealallwoundswithhisplaster，hebecamethemostfamousdoctorinthewholeworld。

Adischargedsoldierhadnothingtoliveon，anddidnotknowhowtomakehisway。Sohewentoutintotheforestandwhenhehadwalkedforashorttime，hemetalittlemanwhoturnedouttobethedevil。

Thelittlemansaidtohim，"Whatailsyou，youseemsoverysorrowful？"Thenthesoldiersaid，"Iamhungry，buthavenomoney。"

Thedevilsaid，"Ifyouwillhireyourselftome，andbemyserving-man，youshallhaveenoughforallyourlife。Youshallservemeforsevenyears，andafterthatyoushallagainbefree。ButonethingImusttellyou，andthatis，youmustnotwash，comb，ortrimyourself，orcutyourhairornails，orwipethewaterfromyoureyes。"Thesoldiersaid，"Allright，ifthereisnohelpforit，"andwentoffwiththelittleman，whostraightwayledhimdownintohell。

Thenhetoldhimwhathehadtodo。Hewastopokethefireunderthekettleswhereinthehell-brothwasstewing，keepthehouseclean，driveallthesweepingsbehindthedoors，andseethateverythingwasinorder，butifheoncepeepedintothekettles，itwouldgoillwithhim。Thesoldiersaid，"Good，Iwilltakecare。"Andthentheolddevilwentoutagainonhiswanderings，andthesoldierentereduponhisnewduties，madethefire，andsweptthedirtwellbehindthedoors，justashehadbeenbidden。

Whentheolddevilcamebackagain，helookedtoseeifallhadbeendone，appearedsatisfied，andwentforthasecondtime。Thesoldiernowtookagoodlookoneveryside，thekettleswerestandingallroundhellwithamightyfirebelowthem，andinsidetheywereboilingandsputtering。Hewouldhavegivenanythingtolookinsidethem，ifthedevilhadnotsoparticularlyforbiddenhim。

Atlasthecouldnolongerrestrainhimself，slightlyraisedthelidofthefirstkettle，andpeepedin，andtherehesawhisformercorporalsitting。"Aha，oldbird，"saidhe，"doImeetyouhere？Youoncehadmeinyourpower，nowIhaveyou。"Andhequicklyletthelidfall，pokedthefire，andaddedafreshlog。Afterthat，hewenttothesecondkettle，raiseditslidalsoalittle，andpeepedinandtheresathisformerensign。"Aha，oldbird，soIfindyouhere，youoncehadmeinyourpower，nowIhaveyou。"Heclosedthelidagain，andfetchedyetanotherlogtomakeitreallyhot。Thenhewantedtoseewhomightbesittingupinthethirdkettle-andwhoshoulditbebuthisgeneral。"Aha，oldbird，doImeetyouhere。Onceyouhadmeinyourpower，nowIhaveyou。"Andhefetchedthebellowsandmadehell-fireblazerightunderhim。

Sohedidhisworksevenyearsinhell，didnotwash，comb，ortrimhimself，orcuthishairornails，orwashthewateroutofhiseyes，andthesevenyearsseemedsoshorttohimthathethoughthehadonlybeenhalfayear。Nowwhenthetimehadfullygoneby，thedevilcameandsaid，"WellHans，whathaveyoudone？""Ipokedthefireunderthekettles，andIhavesweptallthedirtwellbehindthedoors。"

"Butyouhavepeepedintothekettlesaswell，itisluckyforyouthatyouaddedfreshlogstothem，orelseyourlifewouldhavebeenforfeited。Nowthatyourtimeisup，willyougohomeagain？""Yes，"

saidthesoldier，"Ishouldverymuchliketoseewhatmyfatherisdoingathome。"Thedevilsaid，"Inorderthatyoumayreceivethewagesyouhaveearned，goandfillyourknapsackfullofthesweepings，andtakeithomewithyou。Youmustalsogounwashedanduncombed，withlonghaironyourheadandbeard，andwithuncutnailsanddimeyes，andwhenyouareaskedwhenceyoucome，youmustsay，fromhell，andwhenyouareaskedwhoyouare，youaretosay，thedevil\'ssootybrother，andmykingaswell。"

Thesoldierheldhispeace，anddidasthedevilbadehim，buthewasnotatallsatisfiedwithhiswages。Thenassoonashewasupintheforestagain，hetookhisknapsackfromhisback，toemptyit，butonopeningit，thesweepingshadbecomepuregold。"Ishouldneverhaveexpectedthat，"saidhe，andwaswellpleased，andenteredthetown。

Thelandlordwasstandinginfrontoftheinn，andwhenhesawthesoldierapproaching，hewasterrified，becauseHanslookedsuchahorriblesight，worsethanascare-crow。Hecalledtohimandasked，"Whencedoyoucome？""Fromhell。""Whoareyou？""Thedevil\'ssootybrother，andmykingaswell。"Thenthehostwouldnotlethimenter，butwhenHansshowedhimthegold，hecameandunlatchedthedoorhimself。Hansthenorderedthebestroomandattendance，ate，anddrankhisfill，butneitherwashednorcombedhimselfasthedevilhadbiddenhim，andatlastlaydowntosleep。Buttheknapsackfullofgoldremainedbeforetheeyesofthelandlord，andlefthimnopeace，andduringthenighthecreptinandstoleitaway。Nextmorning，however，whenHansgotupandwantedtopaythelandlordandtravelfurther，beholdhisknapsackwasgone。Buthesooncomposedhimselfandthought，youhavebeenunfortunatefromnofaultofyourown。Andstraightwaywentbackagaintohell，complainedofhismisfortunetotheolddevil，andbeggedforhishelp。Thedevilsaid，"Seatyourself，Iwillwash，comb，andtrimyou，cutyourhairandnails，andwashyoureyesforyou。"Andwhenhehaddonewithhim，hegavehimtheknapsackbackagainfullofsweepings，andsaid，"Goandtellthelandlordthathemustreturnyouyourmoney，orelseIwillcomeandfetchhim，andheshallpokethefireinyourplace。"

Hanswentupandsaidtothelandlord，"Youhavestolenmymoney，ifyoudonotreturnit，youshallgodowntohellinmyplace，andwilllookashorribleasI。"Thenthelandlordgavehimthemoney，andmorebesides，onlybegginghimtokeepitsecret。AndHanswasnowarichman。

Hesetoutonhiswayhometohisfather，boughthimselfashabbysmocktowear，andstrolledaboutmakingmusic，forhehadlearnedtodothatwhilehewaswiththedevilinhell。

Therewashowever，anoldkinginthatcountry，beforewhomhehadtoplay，andthekingwassodelightedwithhisplaying，thathepromisedhimhiseldestdaughterinmarriage。Butwhensheheardthatshewastobemarriedtoacommonfellowinasmock，shesaid，"Ratherthandothat，Iwouldgointothedeepestwater。"Thenthekinggavehimtheyoungest，whowasquitewillingtodoittopleaseherfather，andthusthedevil\'ssootybrothergottheking\'sdaughter，andwhentheagedkingdied，thewholekingdomlikewise。

Therewasonceayoungfellowwhoenlistedasasoldier，conductedhimselfbravely，andwasalwaystheforemostwhenitrainedbullets。

Solongasthewarlasted，allwentwell，butwhenpeacewasmade，hereceivedhisdismissal，andthecaptainsaidhemightgowhereheliked。Hisparentsweredead，andhehadnolongerahome，sohewenttohisbrothersandbeggedthemtotakehimin，andkeephimuntilwarbrokeoutagain。Thebrothers，however，werehard-heartedandsaid，"Whatcanwedowithyou？Youareofnousetous，goandmakealivingforyourself。"Thesoldierhadnothingleftbuthisgun，sohetookthatonhisshoulder，andwentforthintotheworld。

Hecametoawideheath，onwhichnothingwastobeseenbutacircleoftrees，underthesehesatsorrowfullydown，andbegantothinkoverhisfate。Ihavenomoney，thoughthe，Ihavelearntnotradebutthatoffighting，andnowthattheyhavemadepeacetheydon\'twantmeanylonger，soIseebeforehandthatIshallhavetostarve。

Allatonceheheardarustlingandwhenhelookedround，astrangemanstoodbeforehim，whoworeagreencoatandlookedrightstately，buthadahideousclovenfoot。"Iknowalreadywhatyouareinneedof，"saidtheman，"goldandpossessionsshallyouhave，asmuchasyoucanmakeawaywith，dowhatyouwill，butfirstImustknowifyouarefearless，thatImaynotbestowmymoneyinvain。""Asoldierandfear-howcanthosetwothingsgotogether？"heanswered，"Youcanputmetotheproof。""Verywell，then，"answeredtheman，"lookbehindyou。"Thesoldierturnedround，andsawalargebear，whichcamegrowlingtowardshim。"Oho，"criedthesoldier，"Iwilltickleyournoseforyou，sothatyoushallsoonloseyourfancyforgrowling，"andheaimedatthebearandshotitthroughthemuzzle，itfelldownandneverstirredagain。"Iseequitewell，"saidthestranger，"thatyouarenotwantingincourage，butthereisstillanotherconditionwhichyouwillhavetofulfil。""Ifitdoesnotendangermysalvation，"repliedthesoldier，whoknewverywellwhowasstandingbyhim。"Ifitdoes，I\'llhavenothingtodowithit。"

"Youwilllooktothatforyourself，"answeredgreencoat，"youshallforthenextsevenyearsneitherwashyourself，norcombyourbeard，noryourhair，norcutyournails，noroncesaytheLord\'sprayer。I

willgiveyouacoatandacloak，whichduringthistimeyoumustwear。Ifyoudieduringthesesevenyears，youaremine，ifyouremainalive，youarefree，andrichtoboot，foralltherestofyourlife。"Thesoldierthoughtofthegreatextremityinwhichhenowfoundhimself，andashesooftenhadgonetomeetdeath，heresolvedtoriskitnowalso，andagreedtotheterms。Thedeviltookoffhisgreencoat，andgaveittothesoldier，andsaid，"Ifyouhavethiscoatonyourbackandputyourhandintothepocket，youwillalwaysfinditfullofmoney。"Thenhepulledtheskinoffthebearandsaid，"Thisshallbeyourcloak，andyourbedalso，forthereonshallyousleep，andandinnootherbedshallyoulie，andbecauseofthisapparelshallyoubecalledBearskin。"Whereuponthedevilvanished。

Thesoldierputthecoaton，feltatonceinthepocket，andfoundthatthethingwasreallytrue。Thenheputonthebearskinandwentforthintotheworld，andenjoyedhimself，refrainingfromnothingthatdidhimgoodandhismoneyharm。

Duringthefirstyearhisappearancewaspassable，butduringthesecondhebegantolooklikeamonster。Hishaircoverednearlythewholeofhisface，hisbeardwaslikeapieceofcoarsefelt，hisfingershadclaws，andhisfacewassocoveredwithdirtthatifcresshadbeensownonit，itwouldhavecomeup。Whosoeversawhim，ranaway，butasheeverywheregavethepoormoneytopraythathemightnotdieduringthesevenyears，andashepaidwellforeverythinghestillalwaysfoundshelter。

Inthefourthyear，heenteredaninnwherethelandlordwouldnotreceivehim，andwouldnotevenlethimhaveaplaceinthestable，becausehewasafraidthehorseswouldbescared。ButasBearskinthrusthishandintohispocketandpulledoutahandfulofducats，thehostlethimselfbepersuadedandgavehimaroominanouthouse。

Bearskin，however，wasobligedtopromisenottolethimselfbeseen，lesttheinnshouldgetabadname。

AsBearskinwassittingaloneintheevening，andwishingfromthebottomofhisheartthatthesevenyearswereover，heheardaloudlamentinginaneighboringroom。Hehadacompassionateheart，soheopenedthedoor，andsawanoldmanweepingbitterly，andwringinghishands。Bearskinwentnearer，butthemansprangtohisfeetandtriedtoescapefromhim。AtlastwhenthemanperceivedthatBearskin\'svoicewashumanhelethimselfbeprevailedupon，andbykindwordsbearskinsucceededsofarthattheoldmanrevealedthecauseofhisgrief。Hispropertyhaddwindledawaybydegrees，heandhisdaughterswouldhavetostarve，andhewassopoorthathecouldnotpaytheinnkeeper，andwastobeputinprison。"Ifthatisyouronlytrouble，"saidBearskin，"Ihaveplentyofmoney。"Hecausedtheinnkeepertobebroughtthither，paidhimandevenputapursefullofgoldintothepooroldman\'spocket。

Whentheoldmansawhimselfsetfreefromallhistroubleshedidnotknowhowtoshowhisgratitude。"Comewithme，"saidhetoBearskin，"mydaughtersareallmiraclesofbeauty，chooseoneofthemforyourselfasawife。Whenshehearswhatyouhavedoneforme，shewillnotrefuseyou。Youdointruthlookalittlestrange，butshewillsoonputyoutorightsagain。"ThispleasedBearskinwell，andhewent。Whentheeldestsawhimshewassoterriblyalarmedathisfacethatshescreamedandranaway。Thesecondstoodstillandlookedathimfromheadtofoot，butthenshesaid，"HowcanIacceptahusbandwhonolongerhasahumanform？Theshavenbearthatoncewashereandpasseditselfoffforamanpleasedmefarbetter，foratanyrateitworeahussar\'sdressandwhitegloves。Ifhewereonlyugly，Imightgetusedtothat。"Theyoungest，however，said，"Dearfather，thatmustbeagoodmantohavehelpedyououtofyourtrouble，soifyouhavepromisedhimabridefordoingit，yourpromisemustbekept。"ItwasapitythatBearskin\'sfacewascoveredwithdirtandwithhair，forifnottheymighthaveseenhowdelightedhewaswhenheheardthesewords。Hetookaringfromhisfinger，brokeitintwo，andgaveheronehalf，theotherhekeptforhimself。Thenhewrotehisnameonherhalf，andhersonhis，andbeggedhertokeepherpiececarefully。Thenhetookhisleaveandsaid，"Imuststillwanderaboutforthreeyears，andifIdonotreturnthen，youarefree，forIshallbedead。ButpraytoGodtopreservemylife。"

Thepoorbetrothedbridedressedherselfentirelyinblack，andwhenshethoughtofherfuturebridegroom，tearscameintohereyes。

Nothingbutcontemptandmockeryfelltoherlotfromhersisters。

"Takecare，"saidtheeldest，"ifyougivehimyourhand，hewillstrikehisclawsintoit。""Beware，"saidthesecond。"Bearslikesweetthings，andifhetakesafancytoyou，hewilleatyouup。"

"Youmustalwaysdoashelikes，"begantheelderagain，orelsehewillgrowl。"Andthesecondcontinued，"Buttheweddingwillbeamerryone，forbearsdancewell。"Thebridewassilent，anddidnotletthemvexher。Bearskin，however，traveledabouttheworldfromoneplacetoanother，didgoodwherehewasable，andgavegenerouslytothepoorthattheymightprayforhim。

Atlength，asthelastdayofthesevenyearsdawned，hewentoncemoreoutontotheheath，andseatedhimselfbeneaththecircleoftrees。Itwasnotlongbeforethewindwhistled，andthedevilstoodbeforehimandlookedangrilyathim，thenhethrewbearskinhiscoat，andaskedforhisowngreenoneback。"Wehavenotgotsofarasthatyet，"answeredBearskin，"youmustfirstmakemeclean。"

Whetherthedevillikeditornot，hewasforcedtofetchwater，andwashBearskin，combhishair，andcuthisnails。Afterthis，helookedlikeabravesoldier，andwasmuchhandsomerthanhehadeverbeenbefore。

Whenthedevilhadgoneaway，Bearskinwasquitelighthearted。Hewentintothetown，putonamagnificentvelvetcoat，seatedhimselfinacarriagedrawnbyfourwhitehorses，anddrovetohisbride\'shouse。Noonerecognizedhim。Thefathertookhimforadistinguishedgeneral，andledhimintotheroomwherehisdaughtersweresitting。Hewasforcedtoplacehimselfbetweenthetwoeldest，whohelpedhimtowine，gavehimthebestpiecesofmeat，andthoughtthatinalltheworldtheyhadneverseenahandsomerman。Thebride，however，satoppositetohiminherblackdress，andneverraisedhereyes，norspokeaword。Whenatlengthheaskedthefatherifhewouldgivehimoneofhisdaughterstowife，thetwoeldestjumpedup，ranintotheirbedroomstoputonsplendiddresses，foreachofthemfanciedshewasthechosenone。

Thestranger，assoonashewasalonewithhisbride，broughtouthishalfofthering，andthrewitinaglassofwinewhichhehandedacrossthetabletoher。Shetookthewine，butwhenshehaddrunkit，andfoundthehalfringlyingatthebottom，herheartbegantobeat。Shegottheotherhalf，whichsheworeonaribbonroundherneck，joinedthem，andsawthatthetwopiecesfittedexactlytogether。Thensaidhe，"Iamyourbetrothedbridegroom，whomyousawasBearskin，butthroughGod\'sgraceIhaveagainreceivedmyhumanform，andhaveoncemorebecomeclean。"Hewentuptoher，embracedher，andgaveherakiss。Inthemeantimethetwosisterscamebackinfulldress，andwhentheysawthatthehandsomemanhadfallentotheshareoftheyoungest，andheardthathewasBearskin，theyranoutfullofangerandrage。Oneofthemdrownedherselfinthewell，theotherhangedherselfonatree。Intheevening，someoneknockedatthedoor，andwhenthebridegroomopenedit，itwasthedevilinhisgreencoat，whosaid，"Yousee，Ihavenowgottwosoulsintheplaceofyourone。"

Onceinsummer-timethebearandthewolfwerewalkingintheforest，andthebearheardabirdsingingsobeautifullythathesaid，"Brotherwolf，whatbirdisitthatsingssowell？""Thatisthekingofbirds，"saidthewolf，"beforewhomwemustbowdown。"Inrealitythebirdwasthewillow-wren。"Ifthat\'sthecase，"saidthebear，"Ishouldverymuchliketoseehisroyalpalace，come，takemethither。""Thatisnotdonequiteasyouseemtothink，"saidthewolf，"youmustwaituntilthequeencomes。"Soonafterwardsthequeenarrivedwithsomefoodinherbeak，andthelordkingcametoo，andtheybegantofeedtheiryoungones。Thebearwouldhavelikedtogoatonce，butthewolfheldhimbackbythesleeve，andsaid，no，youmustwaituntilthelordandladyqueenhavegoneawayagain。

Sotheytookstockoftheholewherethenestlay，andtrottedaway。

Thebear，however，couldnotrestuntilhehadseentheroyalpalace，andwhenashorttimehadpassed，wenttoitagain。Thekingandqueenhadjustflownout，sohepeepedinandsawfiveorsixyoungoneslyingthere。"Isthattheroyalpalace，"criedthebear，"itisawretchedpalace，andyouarenotking\'schildren，youaredisreputablechildren。"Whentheyoungwrensheardthat，theywerefrightfullyangry，andscreamed，"No，thatwearenot。Ourparentsarehonestpeople。Bear，youwillhavetopayforthat。"

Thebearandthewolfgrewuneasy，andturnedbackandwentintotheirholes。Theyoungwillow-wrens，however，continuedtocryandscream，andwhentheirparentsagainbroughtfoodtheysaid，"Wewillnotsomuchastouchonefly\'sleg，no，notifweweredyingofhunger，untilyouhavesettledwhetherwearerespectablechildrenornot，thebearhasbeenhereandhasinsultedus。"Thentheoldkingsaid，"Beeasy，heshallbepunished，"andheatonceflewwiththequeentothebear\'scave，andcalledin，"Oldgrowler，whyhaveyouinsultedmychildren？Youshallsufferforit-wewillpunishyoubyabloodywar。"

Thuswarwasannouncedtothebear，andallfour-footedanimalsweresummonedtotakepartinit，oxen，asses，cows，deer，andeveryotheranimaltheearthcontained。Andthewillow-wrensummonedeverythingwhichflewintheair，notonlybirds，largeandsmall，butmidges，andhornets，beesandflieshadtocome。Whenthetimecameforthewartobegin，thewillow-wrensentoutspiestodiscoverwhowastheenemy\'scommander-in-chief。

Thegnat，whowasthemostcrafty，flewintotheforestwheretheenemywasassembled，andhidherselfbeneathaleafofthetreewherethepasswordwastobeannounced。Therestoodthebear，andhecalledthefoxbeforehimandsaid，"Fox，youarethemostcunningofallanimals，youshallbegeneralandleadus。""Good，"saidthefox，"butwhatsignalshallweagreeupon？"Nooneknewthat，sothefoxsaid，"Ihaveafinelongbushytail，whichalmostlookslikeaplumeofredfeathers。WhenIliftmytailupquitehigh，allisgoingwell，andyoumustcharge，butifIletithangdown，runawayasfastasyoucan。"Whenthegnathadheardthat，sheflewawayagain，andrevealedeverything，downtotheminutestdetail，tothewillow-wren。

Whendaybroke，andthebattlewastobegin，allthefour-footedanimalscamerunningupwithsuchanoisethattheearthtrembled。

Thewillow-wrenwithhisarmyalsocameflyingthroughtheairwithsuchahumming，andwhirring，andswarmingthateveryonewasuneasyandafraid，andonbothsidestheyadvancedagainsteachother。Butthewillow-wrensentdownthehornet，withorderstosettlebeneaththefox\'stail，andstingwithallhismight。Whenthefoxfeltthefirststing，hestartedsothatheliftedoneleg，frompain，butheboreit，andstillkepthistailhighintheair，atthesecondsting，hewasforcedtoputitdownforamoment，atthethird，hecouldholdoutnolonger，screamed，andputhistailbetweenhislegs。Whentheanimalssawthat，theythoughtallwaslost，andbegantoflee，eachintohishole，andthebirdshadwonthebattle。

Thenthekingandqueenflewhometotheirchildrenandcried，"Children，rejoice，eatanddrinktoyourheart\'scontent，wehavewonthebattle。Buttheyoungwrenssaid，wewillnoteatyet，thebearmustcometothenest，andbegforpardonandsaythatwearehonorablechildren，beforewewilldothat。"Thenthewillow-wrenflewtothebear\'sholeandcried，"Growler，youaretocometothenesttomychildren，andbegtheirpardon，orelseeveryribofyourbodyshallbebroken。"Sothebearcreptthitherinthegreatestfear，andbeggedtheirpardon。Andnowatlasttheyoungwrensweresatisfied，andsatdowntogetherandateanddrank，andmademerrytillquitelateintothenight。

Therewasapoorbutgoodlittlegirlwholivedalonewithhermother，andtheynolongerhadanythingtoeat。Sothechildwentintotheforest，andthereanagedwomanmetherwhowasawareofhersorrow，andpresentedherwithalittlepot，whichwhenshesaid，cook，littlepot，cook，wouldcookgood，sweetporridge，andwhenshesaid，stop，littlepot，itceasedtocook。Thegirltookthepothometohermother，andnowtheywerefreedfromtheirpovertyandhunger，andatesweetporridgeasoftenastheychose。Onceonatimewhenthegirlhadgoneout，hermothersaid，cook，littlepot，cook。Anditdidcookandsheatetillshewassatisfied，andthenshewantedthepottostopcooking，butdidnotknowtheword。Soitwentoncookingandtheporridgeroseovertheedge，andstillitcookedonuntilthekitchenandwholehousewerefull，andthenthenexthouse，andthenthewholestreet，justasifitwantedtosatisfythehungerofthewholeworld，andtherewasthegreatestdistress，butnooneknewhowtostopit。Atlastwhenonlyonesinglehouseremained，thechildcamehomeandjustsaid，stop，littlepot，anditstoppedandgaveupcooking，andwhosoeverwishedtoreturntothetownhadtoeathiswayback。

Onedayapeasanttookhisgoodhazel-stickoutofthecornerandsaidtohiswife，trina，Iamgoingacrosscountry，andshallnotreturnforthreedays。Ifduringthattimethecattle-dealershouldhappentocallandwanttobuyourthreecows，youmaystrikeabargainatonce，butnotunlessyoucangettwohundredtalersforthem，nothingless，doyouhear。Forheaven\'ssake，justgoinpeace，answeredthewoman，Iwillmanagethat。You，indeed，saidtheman。Youoncefellonyourheadwhenyouwerealittlechild，andthataffectsyouevennow，butletmetellyouthis，ifyoudoanythingfoolish，Iwillmakeyourbackblackandblue，andnotwithpaint，Iassureyou，butwiththestickwhichIhaveinmyhand，andthecoloringshalllastawholeyear，youmayrelyonthat。Andhavingsaidthat，themanwentonhisway。

Nextmorningthecattle-dealercame，andthewomanhadnoneedtosaymanywordstohim。Whenhehadseenthecowsandheardtheprice，hesaid，Iamquitewillingtogivethat。Honestlyspeaking，theyareworthit。Iwilltakethebeastsawaywithmeatonce。Heunfastenedtheirchainsanddrovethemoutofthebyre，butjustashewasgoingoutoftheyard-door，thewomanclutchedhimbythesleeveandsaid，youmustgivemethetwohundredtalersnow，orIcannotletthecowsgo。True，answeredtheman，butIhaveforgottentobuckleonmymoney-belt。Havenofear，however，youshallhavesecurityformypaying。Iwilltaketwocowswithmeandleaveone，andthenyouwillhaveagoodpledge。

Thewomansawtheforceofthis，andletthemangoawaywiththecows，andthoughttoherself，howpleasedHanswillbewhenhefindshowcleverlyIhavemanagedit。Thepeasantcamehomeonthethirddayashehadsaidhewould，andatonceinquiredifthecowsweresold。Yes，indeed，dearHans，answeredthewoman，andasyousaid，fortwohundredtalers。Theyarescarcelyworthsomuch，butthemantookthemwithoutmakinganyobjection。

Whereisthemoney，askedthepeasant。Oh，Ihavenotgotthemoney，repliedthewoman，hehadhappenedtoforgethismoney-belt，buthewillsoonbringit，andheleftgoodsecuritybehindhim。

Whatkindofsecurity，askedtheman。Oneofthethreecows，whichheshallnothaveuntilhehaspaidfortheothertwo。Ihavemanagedverycunningly，forIhavekeptthesmallest，whicheatstheleast。Themanwasenragedandlifteduphisstick，andwasjustgoingtogiveherthebeatinghehadpromisedher，whensuddenlyheletthestickfailandsaid，youarethestupidestgoosethateverwaddledonGod\'searth，butIamsorryforyou。IwillgooutintothehighwaysandwaitforthreedaystoseeifIfindanyonewhoisstillstupiderthanyou。

IfIsucceedindoingso，youshallgoscot-free，butifIdonotfindhim，youshallreceiveyourwell-deservedrewardwithoutanydiscount。

Hewentoutintothegreathighways，satdownonastone，andwaitedforwhatwouldhappen。Thenhesawapeasant\'swaggoncomingtowardshim，andawomanwasstandinguprightinthemiddleofit，insteadofsittingonthebundleofstrawwhichwaslyingbesideher，orwalkingneartheoxenandleadingthem。

Themanthoughttohimself，thatiscertainlyoneofthekindI

aminsearchof，andjumpedupandranbackwardsandforwardsinfrontofthewaggonlikeonewhoisnotinhisrightmind。Whatdoyouwant，myfriend，saidthewomantohim。Idon\'tknowyou，wheredoyoucomefrom。Ihavefallendownfromheaven，repliedtheman，anddon\'tknowhowtogetbackagain，couldn\'tyoudrivemeup。No，saidthewoman，Idon\'tknowtheway，butifyoucomefromheavenyoucansurelytellmehowmyhusbandis，whohasbeentherethesethreeyears。Youmusthaveseenhim。Oh，yes，I

haveseenhim，butallmencan\'tgetonwell。Hekeepssheep，andthesheepgivehimagreatdealtodo。Theyrunupthemountainsandlosetheirwayinthewilderness，andhehastorunafterthemanddrivethemtogetheragain。Hisclothesarealltorntopiecestoo，andwillsoonfalloffhisbody。Thereisnotailorthere，forsaintpeterwon\'tletanyofthemin，asyouknowbythestory。Whowouldhavethoughtit，criedthewoman，I

tellyouwhat，Iwillfetchhissundaycoatwhichisstillhangingathomeinthecupboard。Hecanwearthatandlookrespectable。

Youwillbesokindastotakeitwithyou。Thatwon\'tdoverywell，answeredthepeasant，peoplearenotallowedtotakeclothesintoheaven，theyaretakenawayatthegate。Thenlisten，saidthewoman，Isoldmyfinewheatyesterdayandgotagoodlotofmoneyforit，Iwillsendthattohim。Ifyouhidethepurseinyourpocket，noonewillknowthatyouhaveit。Ifyoucan\'tmanageitanyotherway，saidthepeasant，Iwilldoyouthatfavor。Justsitstillwhereyouare，saidshe，andIwilldrivehomeandfetchthepurse，Ishallsoonbebackagain。Idonotsitdownonthebundleofstraw，butstandupinthewaggon，becauseitmakesitlighterforthecattle。

Shedroveheroxenaway，andthepeasantthought，thatwomanhasaperfecttalentforfolly，ifshereallybringsthemoney，mywifemaythinkherselffortunate，forshewillgetnobeating。Itwasnotlongbeforeshecameinagreathurrywiththemoney，andwithherownhandsputitinhispocket。

Beforeshewentaway，shethankedhimagainathousandtimesforhiscourtesy。

Whenthewomangothomeagain，shefoundhersonwhohadcomeinfromthefield。Shetoldhimwhatunexpectedthingshadbefallenher，andthenadded，Iamtrulydelightedathavingfoundanopportunityofsendingsomethingtomypoorhusband。Whowouldeverhaveimaginedthathecouldbesufferingforwantofanythingupinheaven。Thesonwasfullofastonishment。Mother，saidhe，itisnoteverydaythatamancomesfromheaveninthisway，I

willgooutimmediately，andseeifheisstilltobefound，hemusttellmewhatitislikeupthere，andhowtheworkisdone。

Hesaddledthehorseandrodeoffwithallspeed。Hefoundthepeasantwhowassittingunderawillow-tree，andwasabouttocountthemoneyinthepurse。Haveyouseenthemanwhohasfallendownfromheaven，criedtheyouthtohim。Yes，answeredthepeasant，hehassetoutonhiswaybackthere，andhasgoneupthathill，fromwhenceitwillberathernearer，youcouldstillcatchhimup，ifyouweretoridefast。Alas，saidtheyouth，I

havebeendoingtiringworkallday，andtherideherehascompletelywornmeout，youknowtheman，besokindastogetonmyhorse，andgoandpersuadehimtocomehere。Aha，thoughtthepeasant，hereisanotherwhohasnotabraininhishead。WhyshouldInotdoyouthisfavor，saidhe，andmountedthehorseandrodeoffataquicktrot。Theyouthremainedsittingtheretillnightfell，butthepeasantnevercameback。Themanfromheavenmustcertainlyhavebeeninagreathurry，andwouldnotturnback，thoughthe，andthepeasanthasnodoubtgivenhimthehorsetotaketomyfather。Hewenthomeandtoldhismotherwhathadhappened，andthathehadsenthisfatherthehorsesothathemightnothavetobealwaysrunningabout。Youhavedonewell，answeredshe，yourlegsareyoungerthanhis，andyoucangoonfoot。

Whenthepeasantgothome，heputthehorseinthestablebesidethecowwhichhehadasapledge，andthenwenttohiswifeandsaid，trina，asyourluckwouldhaveit，Ihavefoundtwowhoarestillsillierfoolsthanyou，thistimeyouescapewithoutabeating。Iwillstoreitupforanotheroccasion。Thenhelightedhispipe，satdowninhisgrandfather\'schair，andsaid，itwasagoodstrokeofbusinesstogetasleekhorseandagreatpursefullofmoneyintothebargain，fortwoleancows。Ifstupidityalwaysbroughtinasmuchasthat，Iwouldbequitewillingtoholditinhonor。Sothoughtthepeasant，butyounodoubtprefersimpletons。

Therewasoncealittlechildwhosemothergavehereveryafternoonasmallbowlofmilkandbread，andthechildseatedherselfintheyardwithit。Butwhenshebegantoeat，apaddockcamecreepingoutofacreviceinthewall，dippeditslittleheadinthedish，andatewithher。Thechildtookpleasureinthis，andwhenshewassittingtherewithherlittledishandthepaddockdidnotcomeatonce，shecried，paddock，paddock，comeswiftlyhithercome，thoutinything，thoushalthavethycrumbsofbread，thoushaltrefreshthyselfwithmilk。

Thenthepaddockcameinhaste，andenjoyeditsfood。Itevenshowedgratitude，foritbroughtthechildallkindsofprettythingsfromitshiddentreasures，brightstones，pearls，andgoldenplaythings。Thepaddock，however，drankonlythemilk，andleftthebread-crumbsalone。Thenonedaythechildtookitslittlespoonandstruckthepaddockgentlyonitshead，andsaid，eatthebread-crumbsaswell，littlething。Themother，whowasstandinginthekitchen，heardthechildtalkingtosomeone，andwhenshesawthatshewasstrikingapaddockwithherspoon，ranoutwithalogofwood，andkilledthegoodlittlecreature。

Fromthattimeforth，achangecameoverthechild。Aslongasthepaddockhadeatenwithher，shehadgrowntallandstrong，butnowshelostherprettyrosycheeksandwastedaway。Itwasnotlongbeforethefuneralbirdbegantocryinthenight，andtheredbreasttocollectlittlebranchesandleavesforafuneralwreathandsoonafterwardsthechildlayonherbier。

II

Anorphanchildwassittingbythetownwallsspinning，whenshesawapaddockcomingoutofaholelowdowninthewall。Swiftlyshespreadoutbesideitoneofthebluesilkhandkerchiefsforwhichpaddockshavesuchastrongliking，andwhicharetheonlythingstheywillcreepon。Assoonasthepaddocksawit，itwentback，thenreturned，bringingwithitasmallgoldencrown，laiditonthehandkerchief，andthenwentawayagain。Thegirltookupthecrown，whichglitteredandwasofdelicategoldenfilagreework。Itwasnotlongbeforethepaddockcamebackforthesecondtime，butwhenitdidnotseethecrownanymore，itcreptuptothewall，andinitsgriefsmoteitslittleheadagainstitaslongasithadstrengthtodoso，untilatlastitlaytheredead。Ifthegirlhadbutleftthecrownwhereitwas，thepaddockwouldcertainlyhavebroughtstillmoreofitstreasuresoutofthehole。

III

Thepaddockcries，huhu，huhu。Thechildsays，comeout。Thepaddockcomesout，whereuponthechildinquiresaboutherlittlesister，haveyounotseenlittlered-stockings。Thepaddocksays，no，Ihavenot。Haveyou。Huhu，huhu，huhu。

Inacertainmilllivedanoldmillerwhohadneitherwifenorchild，andthreeapprenticesservedunderhim。Astheyhadbeenwithhimseveralyears，heonedaysaidtothem，"Iamold，andwanttositbehindthestove。Goout，andwhichsoeverofyoubringsmethebesthorsehome，tohimwillIgivethemill，andinreturnforitheshalltakecareofmetillmydeath。"

Thethirdoftheboys，however，wasthedunce，whowaslookedonasfoolishbytheothers，theybegrudgedthemilltohim，andafterwardshewouldnotevenhaveit。Thenallthreewentouttogether，andwhentheycametothevillage，thetwosaidtostupidHans，"Youmayjustaswellstayhere，aslongasyouliveyouwillnevergetahorse。"Hans，however，wentwiththem，andwhenitwasnighttheycametoacaveinwhichtheylaydowntosleep。ThetwosmartoneswaiteduntilHanshadfallenasleep，thentheygotup，andwentawayleavinghimwherehewas。Andtheythoughttheyhaddoneaverycleverthing，butitwascertaintoturnoutillforthem。

Whenthesunrose，andHanswokeup，hewaslyinginadeepcavern。

Helookedaroundoneverysideandexclaimed，"Oh，heavens，whereamI？"Thenhegotupandclamberedoutofthecave，wentintotheforest，andthought，"HereIamquitealoneanddeserted，howshallI

obtainahorsenow？"Whilsthewasthuswalkingfullofthought，hemetasmalltabby-catwhichsaidquitekindly，"Hans，whereareyougoing？""Alas，youcannothelpme。""Iwellknowyourdesire，"saidthecat。"Youwishtohaveabeautifulhorse。Comewithme，andbemyfaithfulservantforsevenyearslong，andthenIwillgiveyouonemorebeautifulthananyyouhaveeverseeninyourwholelife。"

"Well，thisisastrangecat，"thoughtHans，"ButIamdeterminedtoseeifsheistellingthetruth。"

Soshetookhimwithherintoherenchantedcastle，wheretherewerenothingbutkittenswhowereherservants。Theyleaptnimblyupstairsanddownstairs，andweremerryandhappy。Intheeveningwhentheysatdowntodinner，threeofthemhadtomakemusic。Oneplayedthebassviol，theotherthefiddle，andthethirdputthetrumpettohislips，andblewouthischeeksasmuchashepossiblycould。Whentheyhaddined，thetablewascarriedaway，andthecatsaid，"Now，Hans，comeanddancewithme。""No，"saidhe，"Iwon\'tdancewithapussycat。Ihaveneverdonethatyet。""Thentakehimtobed，"saidshetothecats。Sooneofthemlightedhimtohisbed-room，onepulledhisshoesoff，onehisstockings，andatlastoneofthemblewoutthecandle。Nextmorningtheyreturnedandhelpedhimoutofbed，oneputhisstockingsonforhim，onetiedhisgarters，onebroughthisshoes，onewashedhim，andonedriedhisfacewithhertail。"Thatfeelsverysoft，"saidHans。

He，however，hadtoservethecat，andchopsomewoodeveryday，andtodothat，hehadanaxeofsilver，andthewedgeandsawwereofsilverandthemalletofcopper。Sohechoppedthewoodsmall，stayedthereinthehouseandhadgoodmeatanddrink，butneversawanyonebutthetabby-catandherservants。Onceshesaidtohim，"Goandmowmymeadow，anddrythegrass，"andgavehimascytheofsilver，andawhetstoneofgold，butbadehimdeliverthemupagaincarefully。SoHanswentthither，anddidwhathewasbidden，andwhenhehadfinishedthework，hecarriedthescythe，whetstone，andhaytothehouse，andaskedifitwasnotyettimeforhertogivehimhisreward。"No，"saidthecat，"youmustfirstdosomethingmoreformeofthesamekind。Thereistimberofsilver，carpenter\'saxe，square，andeverythingthatisneedful，allofsilver-withthesebuildmeasmallhouse。"ThenHansbuiltthesmallhouse，andsaidthathehadnowdoneeverything，andstillhehadnohorse。

Neverthelessthesevenyearshadgonebywithhimasiftheyweresixmonths。Thecataskedhimifhewouldliketoseeherhorses。"Yes，"

saidHans。Thensheopenedthedoorofthesmallhouse，andwhenshehadopenedit，therestoodtwelvehorses，-suchhorses，sobrightandshining，thathisheartrejoicedatthesightofthem。Andnowshegavehimtoeatanddrink，andsaid，"Gohome，Iwillnotgiveyouyourhorsenow，butinthreedays，timeIwillfollowyouandbringit。"SoHanssetout，andsheshowedhimthewaytothemill。

She，however，hadneveroncegivenhimanewcoat，andhehadbeenobligedtokeeponhisdirtyoldsmock，whichhehadbroughtwithhim，andwhichduringthesevenyearshadeverywherebecometoosmallforhim。Whenhereachedhome，thetwootherapprenticeswerethereagainaswell，andeachofthemcertainlyhadbroughtahorsewithhim，butoneofthemwasablindone，andtheotherlame。TheyaskedHanswherehishorsewas。"Itwillfollowmeinthreedays，time。"

Thentheylaughedandsaid，"Indeed，stupidHans，wherewillyougetahorse？""Itwillbeafineone。"Hanswentintotheparlor，butthemillersaidheshouldnotsitdowntotable，forhewassoraggedandtorn，thattheywouldallbeashamedofhimifanyonecamein。Sotheygavehimamouthfuloffoodoutside，andatnight，whentheywenttorest，thetwootherswouldnotlethimhaveabed，andatlasthewasforcedtocreepintothegoose-house，andliedownonalittlehardstraw。

Inthemorningwhenheawoke，thethreedayshadpassed，andacoachcamewithsixhorsesandtheyshonesobrightthatitwasdelightfultoseethem-andaservantbroughtaseventhaswell，whichwasforthepoormiller\'sboy。Andamagnificentprincessalightedfromthecoachandwentintothemill，andthisprincesswasthelittletabby-catwhompoorHanshadservedforsevenyears。Sheaskedthemillerwherethemiller\'sboyandduncewas。Thenthemillersaid，"Wecannothavehimhereinthemill，forheissoragged，heislyinginthegoose-house。"Thentheking\'sdaughtersaidthattheyweretobringhimimmediately。Sotheybroughthimout，andhehadtoholdhislittlesmocktogethertocoverhimself。Theservantsunpackedsplendidgarments，andwashedhimanddressedhim，andwhenthatwasdone，nokingcouldhavelookedmorehandsome。Thenthemaidendesiredtoseethehorseswhichtheotherapprenticeshadbroughthomewiththem，andoneofthemwasblindandtheotherlame。

Sosheorderedtheservanttobringtheseventhhorse，andwhenthemillersawit，hesaidthatsuchahorseasthathadneveryetenteredhisyard。"Andthatisforthethirdmiller\'sboy，"saidshe。

"Thenhemusthavethemill，"saidthemiller，buttheking\'sdaughtersaidthatthehorsewasthere，andthathewastokeephismillaswell，andtookherfaithfulHansandsethiminthecoach，anddroveawaywithhim。

Theyfirstdrovetothelittlehousewhichhehadbuiltwiththesilvertools，andbeholditwasagreatcastle，andeverythinginsideitwasofsilverandgold，andthenshemarriedhim，andhewasrich，sorichthathehadenoughforalltherestofhislife。Afterthis，letnooneeversaythatanyonewhoissillycanneverbecomeapersonofimportance。

Hillandvaledonotmeet，butthechildrenofmendo，goodandbad。

Inthiswayashoemakerandatailoroncemetontheirtravels。Thetailorwasahandsomelittlefellowwhowasalwaysmerryandfullofenjoyment。Hesawtheshoemakercomingtowardshimfromtheotherside，andasheobservedbyhisbagwhatkindofatradeheplied，hesangalittlemockingsongtohim，sewmetheseam，drawmethethread，spreaditoverwithpitch，knockthenailonthehead。

Theshoemaker，however，couldnotbearajoke，hepulledafaceasifhehaddrunkvinegar，andmadeagestureasifhewereabouttoseizethetailorbythethroat。Butthelittlefellowbegantolaugh，reachedhimhisbottle，andsaid，"Noharmwasmeant，takeadrink，andswallowyourangerdown。"Theshoemakertookaveryheartydrink，andthestormonhisfacebegantoclearaway。Hegavethebottlebacktothetailor，andsaid，"Itookaheartygulp，theysayitcomesfrommuchdrinking，butnotfromgreatthirst。Shallwetraveltogether？""Allright，"answeredthetailor，"ifonlyitsuitsyoutogointoabigtownwherethereisnolackofwork。""ThatisjustwhereIwanttogo，"answeredtheshoemaker。"Inasmallhamletthereisnothingtoearn，andinthecountry，peopleliketogobarefoot。"Theytraveledthereforeonwardstogether，andalwayssetonefootbeforetheotherlikeaweaselinthesnow。

Bothofthemhadtimeenough，butlittletobiteandtobreak。Whentheyreachedatowntheywentaboutandpaidtheirrespectstothetradesmen，andbecausethetailorlookedsolivelyandmerry，andhadsuchfineredcheeks，everyonegavehimworkwillingly，andwhenluckwasgoodthemaster\'sdaughtersgavehimakissbeneaththeporch，aswell。Whenheagainfellinwiththeshoemaker，thetailorhadalwaysthemostinhisbundle。Theill-temperedshoemakermadeawryface，andthought，thegreatertherascalthemoretheluck。Butthetailorbegantolaughandtosing，andsharedallhegotwithhiscomrade。Ifacoupleofpencejingledinhispockets，heorderedgoodcheer，andthumpedthetableinhisjoytilltheglassesdancedanditwaslightlycome，lightlygo，withhim。

Whentheyhadtraveledforsometime，theycametoagreatforestthroughwhichpassedtheroadtothecapital。Twofoot-paths，however，ledthroughit，oneofwhichwasasevendays，journeyandtheotheronlytwo，butneitherofthetravelersknewwhichwaywastheshortone。Theyseatedthemselvesbeneathanoak-tree，andtookcounseltogetherhowtheyshouldforecast，andforhowmanydaystheyshouldprovidethemselveswithbread。

Theshoemakersaid，"Onemustlookbeforeoneleaps，Iwilltakewithmebreadforaweek。""What，"saidthetailor，"dragbreadforsevendaysonone\'sbacklikeabeastofburdenandnotbeabletolookabout？IshalltrustinGod，andnottroublemyselfaboutanything。

ThemoneyIhaveinmypocketisasgoodinsummerasinwinter，butinhotweatherbreadgetsdry，andmoldyintothebargain，evenmycoatdoesnotlastasfarasitmight。Besides，whyshouldwenotfindtherightway？Breadfortwodays，andthat\'senough。"Each，therefore，boughthisownbread，andthentheytriedtheirluckintheforest。

Itwasasquietthereasinachurch。Nowindstirred，nobrookmurmured，nobirdsang，andthroughthethickly-leavedbranchesnosunbeamforceditsway。Theshoemakerspokeneveraword，thebreadweighedsoheavilyonhisbackthatthesweatstreameddownhiscrossandgloomyface。Thetailor，however，wasquitemerry，hejumpedabout，whistledonaleaf，orsangasong，andthoughttohimself，Godinheavenmustbepleasedtoseemesohappy。

Thislastedtwodays，butonthethirdtheforestwouldnotcometoanend，andthetailorhadeatenupallhisbread，soafterallhisheartsankdownayarddeeper。Nevertheless，hedidnotlosecourage，butreliedonGodandonhisluck。Ontheeveningofthethirddayhelaydownhungryunderatree，androseagainnextmorninghungrystill，soalsopassedthefourthday，andwhentheshoemakerseatedhimselfonafallentreeanddevouredhisdinnerthetailorwasonlyaspectator。Ifhebeggedforalittlepieceofbread，theotherlaughedmockingly，andsaid，"Youhavealwaysbeensomerry，nowyoucanseeforoncewhatitistobesad，thebirdswhichsingtooearlyinthemorningarestruckbythehawkintheevening。"Inshort，hewaspitiless。Butonthefifthmorningthepoortailorcouldnolongerstandup，andwashardlyabletoutteronewordforweakness，hischeekswerewhite，andhiseyeswerered。

Thentheshoemakersaidtohim，"Iwillgiveyouabitofbreadto-day，butinreturnforit，Iwillputoutyourrighteye。"Theunhappytailorwhostillwishedtosavehislife，hadtosubmit，heweptoncemorewithbotheyes，andthenheldthemout，andtheshoemaker，whohadaheartofstone，putouthisrighteyewithasharpknife。Thetailorcalledtoremembrancewhathismotherhadformerlysaidtohimwhenhehadbeeneatingsecretlyinthepantry。

Eatwhatonecan，andsufferwhatonemust。Whenhehadconsumedhisdearly-boughtbread，hegotonhislegsagain，forgothismiseryandcomfortedhimselfwiththethoughtthathecouldalwaysseeenoughwithoneeye。

Butonthesixthday，hungermadeitselffeltagainandgnawedhimalmosttotheheart。Intheeveninghefelldownbyatree，andontheseventhmorninghecouldnotraisehimselfupforfaintness，anddeathwascloseathand。Thensaidtheshoemaker，"Iwillshowmercyandgiveyoubreadoncemore，butyoushallnothaveitfornothing，Ishallputoutyourothereyeforit。"

Andnowthetailorfelthowthoughtlesshislifehadbeen，prayedtoGodforforgiveness，andsaid，"Dowhatyouwill，IwillbearwhatI

must，butrememberthatourLordGoddoesnotalwayslookonpassively，andthatanhourwillcomewhentheevildeedwhichyouhavedonetome，andwhichIhavenotdeservedofyou，willberequited。Whentimesweregoodwithme，IsharedwhatIhadwithyou。Mytradeisofthatkindthateachstitchmustalwaysbeexactlyliketheother。IfInolongerhavemyeyesandcansewnomoreImustgoa-begging。AtanyratedonotleavemeherealonewhenIamblind，orIshalldieofhunger。"Theshoemaker，however，whohaddrivenGodoutofhisheart，tooktheknifeandputouthislefteye。Thenhegavehimabitofbreadtoeat，heldoutasticktohim，anddrewhimonbehindhim。

Whenthesunwentdown，theygotoutoftheforest，andbeforethemintheopencountrystoodthegallows。Thithertheshoemakerguidedtheblindtailor，andthenlefthimaloneandwenthisway。

Weariness，pain，andhungermadethewretchedmanfallasleep，andhesleptthewholenight。Whendaydawnedheawoke，butknewnotwherehelay。Twopoorsinnerswerehangingonthegallows，andacrowsatontheheadofeachofthem。Thenoneofthemenwhohadbeenhangedbegantospeak，andsaid，"Brother，areyouawake？""Yes，Iamawake，"answeredthesecond。"ThenIwilltellyousomething，"saidthefirst，"thedewwhichthisnighthasfallendownoverusfromthegallows，giveseveryonewhowasheshimselfwithithiseyesagain。

Ifblindpeopledidbutknowthis，howmanywouldregaintheirsightwhodonotbelievethattobepossible。"

Whenthetailorheardthat，hetookhispocket-handkerchief，presseditonthegrass，andwhenitwasmoistwithdew，washedthesocketsofhiseyeswithit。Immediatelywasfulfilledwhatthemanonthegallowshadsaid，andacoupleofhealthyneweyesfilledthesockets。Itwasnotlongbeforethetailorsawthesunrisebehindthemountains，intheplainbeforehimlaythegreatroyalcitywithitsmagnificentgatesandhundredtowers，andthegoldenballsandcrosseswhichwereonthespiresbegantoshine。Hecoulddistinguisheveryleafonthetrees，sawthebirdswhichflewpast，andthemidgeswhichdancedintheair。Hetookaneedleoutofhispocket，andashecouldthreaditaswellaseverhehaddone，hisheartdancedwithdelight。Hethrewhimselfonhisknees，thankedGodforthemercyhehadshownhim，andsaidhismorningprayer。Nordidheforgettoprayforthepoorsinnerswhowerehangingthereswingingagainsteachotherinthewindlikethependulumsofclocks。

Thenhetookhisbundleonhisbackandsoonforgotthepainofhearthehadendured，andwentonhiswaysingingandwhistling。

Thefirstthinghemetwasabrownfoalrunningaboutthefieldsatlarge。Hecaughtitbythemane，andwantedtospringonitandrideintothetown。Thefoal，however，beggedtobesetfree。"Iamstilltooyoung，"itsaid，"evenalighttailorsuchasyouarewouldbreakmybackintwo-letmegotillIhavegrownstrong。AtimemayperhapscomewhenImayrewardyouforit。""Runoff，"saidthetailor，"Iseeyouarestillagiddything。"Hegaveitatouchwithaswitchoveritsback，whereuponitkickedupitshindlegsforjoy，leaptoverhedgesandditches，andgallopedawayintotheopencountry。

Butthelittletailorhadeatennothingsincethedaybefore。Thesuntobesurefillsmyeyes，saidhe，butthebreaddoesnotfillmymouth。Thefirstthingthatcomesmywayandisevenhalfediblewillhavetosufferforit。Inthemeantimeastorksteppedsolemnlyoverthemeadowtowardshim。"Halt，halt，"criedthetailor，andseizedhimbytheleg。"Idon\'tknowifyouaregoodtoeatornot，butmyhungerleavesmenogreatchoice。Imustcutyourheadoff，androastyou。""Don\'tdothat，"repliedthestork，"Iamasacredbirdwhichbringsmankindgreatprofit，andnoonedoesmeaninjury。