第11章

Leavememylife，andImaydoyougoodinsomeotherway。""Well，beoff，cousinlonglegs，"saidthetailor。Thestorkroseup，letitslonglegshangdown，andflewgentlyaway。

"What\'stobetheendofthis，"saidthetailortohimselfatlast，"myhungergrowsgreaterandgreater，andmystomachmoreandmoreempty。Whatsoevercomesinmywaynowislost。"Atthispointhesawacoupleofyoungduckswhichwereonapondcomeswimmingtowardshim。"Youcomejustattherightmoment，"saidhe，andlaidholdofoneofthemandwasabouttowringitsneck。Onthisanoldduckwhichwashiddenamongthereeds，begantoscreamloudly，andswamtohimwithopenbeak，andbeggedhimurgentlytospareherdearchildren。"Canyounotimagine，"saidshe，"howyourmotherwouldmournifanyonewantedtocarryyouoff，andgiveyouyourfinishingstroke。""Justbequiet，"saidthegood-temperedtailor，"youshallkeepyourchildren，"andputtheprisonerbackintothewater。

Whenheturnedround，hewasstandinginfrontofanoldtreewhichwaspartlyhollow，andsawsomewildbeesflyinginandoutofit。

"ThereIshallatoncefindtherewardofmygooddeed，"saidthetailor，"thehoneywillrefreshme。"Butthequeen-beecameout，threatenedhimandsaid，"Ifyoutouchmypeopleanddestroymynest，ourstingsshallpierceyourskinliketenthousandred-hotneedles。

Butifyouleaveusinpeaceandgoyourway，wewilldoyouaserviceforitanothertime。"

Thelittletailorsawthatherealsonothingwastobedone。Threedishesemptyandnothingonthefourthisabaddinner。Hedraggedhimselfthereforewithhisstarved-outstomachintothetown，andasitwasjuststrikingtwelve，allwasready-cookedforhimintheinn，andhewasabletositdownatoncetodinner。Whenhewassatisfiedhesaid，"NowIwillgettowork。"Hewentroundthetown，soughtamaster，andsoonfoundagoodsituation。Andashehadthoroughlylearnthistrade，itwasnotlongbeforehebecamefamous，andeveryonewantedtohavehisnewcoatmadebythelittletailor，whoseimportanceincreaseddaily。"Icangonofurtherinskill，"saidhe，"andyetthingsimproveeveryday。"Atlastthekingappointedhimcourt-tailor。

Butwhatoddthingsdohappenintheworld。Ontheverysamedayhisformercomradetheshoemakeralsobecamecourt-shoemaker。Whenthelattercaughtsightofthetailor，andsawthathehadoncemoretwohealthyeyes，hisconsciencetroubledhim。"Beforehetakesrevengeonme，"thoughthetohimself，"Imustdigapitforhim。"He，however，whodigsapitforanother，fallsintoithimself。Intheeveningwhenworkwasoverandithadgrowndusk，hestoletothekingandsaid，"Lordking，thetailorisanarrogantfellowandhasboastedthathewillgetthegoldencrownbackagainwhichwaslostinancienttimes。""Thatwouldpleasemeverymuch，"saidtheking，andhecausedthetailortobebroughtbeforehimnextmorning，andorderedhimtogetthecrownbackagain，ortoleavethetownforever。"Oho，"thoughtthetailor，"aroguegivesmorethanhehasgot。Ifthesurlykingwantsmetodowhatcanbedonebynoone，I

willnotwaittillmorning，butwillgooutofthetownatonce，to-day。"

Hepackeduphisbundle，therefore，butwhenhewaswithoutthegatehecouldnothelpbeingsorrytogiveuphisgoodfortune，andturnhisbackonthetowninwhichallhadgonesowellwithhim。Hecametothepondwherehehadmadetheacquaintanceoftheducks，atthatverymomenttheoldonewhoseyoungoneshehadspared，wassittingtherebytheshore，plumingherselfwithherbeak。Sheknewhimagaininstantly，andaskedwhyhewashanginghisheadso。"Youwillnotbesurprisedwhenyouhearwhathasbefallenme，"repliedthetailor，andtoldherhisfate。"Ifthatbeall，"saidtheduck，"wecanhelpyou。Thecrownfellintothewater，anditliesdownbelowatthebottom，wewillsoonbringitupagainforyou。Inthemeantimejustspreadoutyourhandkerchiefonthebank。"Shediveddownwithhertwelveyoungones，andinfiveminutesshewasupagainandsatwiththecrownrestingonherwings，andthetwelveyoungoneswereswimmingroundaboutandhadputtheirbeaksunderit，andwerehelpingtocarryit。Theyswamtotheshoreandputthecrownonthehandkerchief。Noonecanimaginehowmagnificentthecrownwas，whenthesunshoneonit，itgleamedlikeahundredthousandcarbuncles。

Thetailortiedhishandkerchieftogetherbythefourcorners，andcarriedittotheking，whowasfullofjoy，andputagoldchainroundthetailor\'sneck。

Whentheshoemakersawthatoneblowhadfailed，hecontrivedasecond，andwenttothekingandsaid，"Lordking，thetailorhasbecomeinsolentagain，heboaststhathewillcopyinwaxthewholeoftheroyalpalace，witheverythingthatpertainstoit，looseorfast，insideandout。"Thekingsentforthetailorandorderedhimtocopyinwaxthewholeoftheroyalpalace，witheverythingthatpertainedtoit，movableorimmovable，withinandwithout，andifhedidnotsucceedindoingthis，orifsomuchasonenailonthewallwerewanting，heshouldbeimprisonedforhiswholelifeunderground。

Thetailorthought，"Itgetsworseandworse。Noonecanendurethat，"andthrewhisbundleonhisback，andwentforth。Whenhecametothehollowtree，hesatdownandhunghishead。Thebeescameflyingout，andthequeen-beeaskedhimifhehadastiffneck，sincehehunghisheadso。"Alas，no，"answeredthetailor，"somethingquitedifferentweighsmedown，"andhetoldherwhatthekinghaddemandedofhim。Thebeesbegantobuzzandhumamongstthemselves，andthequeen-beesaid，"Justgohomeagain，butcomebackto-morrowatthistime，andbringalargesheetwithyou，andthenallwillbewell。"Soheturnedbackagain，butthebeesflewtotheroyalpalaceandstraightintoitthroughtheopenwindows，creptroundaboutintoeverycorner，andinspectedeverythingmostcarefully。Thentheyhurriedbackandmodelledthepalaceinwaxwithsuchrapiditythatanyonelookingonwouldhavethoughtitwasgrowingbeforehiseyes。Bytheeveningallwasready，andwhenthetailorcamenextmorning，thewholeofthesplendidbuildingwasthere，andnotonenailinthewallortileoftheroofwaswanting，anditwasdelicatewithal，andwhiteassnow，andsmeltsweetashoney。Thetailorwrappeditcarefullyinhisclothandtookittotheking，whocouldnotadmireitenough，placeditinhislargesthall，andinreturnforitpresentedthetailorwithalargestonehouse。

Theshoemaker，however，didnotgiveup，butwentforthethirdtimetothekingandsaid，"Lordking，ithascometothetailor\'searsthatnowaterwillspringupinthecourt-yardofthecastleandhehasboastedthatitshallriseupinthemidstofthecourt-yardtoaman\'sheightandbeclearascrystal。"Thenthekingorderedthetailortobebroughtbeforehimandsaid，"Ifastreamofwaterdoesnotriseinmycourt-yardbyto-morrowasyouhavepromised，theexecutionershallinthatveryplacemakeyoushorterbyahead。"Thepoortailordidnottakelongtothinkaboutit，buthurriedouttothegate，andbecausethistimeitwasamatteroflifeanddeathtohim，tearsrolleddownhisface。

Whilehewasthusgoingforthfullofsorrow，thefoaltowhichhehadformerlygivenitsliberty，andwhichhadnowbecomeabeautifulchestnuthorse，cameleapingtowardshim。"Thetimehascome，"itsaidtothetailor，"whenIcanrepayyouforyourgooddeed。Iknowalreadywhatisneedfultoyou，butyoushallsoonhavehelp，getonme，mybackcancarrytwosuchasyou。"Thetailor\'scouragecamebacktohim，hejumpedupinonebound，andthehorsewentfullspeedintothetown，andrightuptothecourt-yardofthecastle。Itgallopedasquickaslightningthriceroundit，andatthethirdtimeitfellviolentlydown。Atthesameinstant，however，therewasaterrificclapofthunder，afragmentofearthinthemiddleofthecourt-yardspranglikeacannon-ballintotheair，andoverthecastle，anddirectlyafteritajetofwaterroseashighasamanonhorseback，andthewaterwasaspureascrystal，andthesunbeamsbegantodanceonit。Whenthekingsawthis，hearoseinamazement，andwentandembracedthetailorinthesightofallmen。

Butgoodfortunedidnotlastlong。Thekinghaddaughtersinplenty，onestillprettierthantheother，buthehadnoson。Sothemaliciousshoemakerbetookhimselfforthefourthtimetotheking，andsaid，"Lordking，thetailorhasnotgivenuphisarrogance。Hehasnowboastedthatifheliked，hecouldcauseasontobebroughttothelordkingthroughtheair。"Thekingcommandedthetailortobesummoned，andsaid，"Ifyoucauseasontobebroughttomewithinninedays，youshallhavemyeldestdaughtertowife。""Therewardisindeedgreat，"thoughtthelittletailor，"onewouldwillinglydosomethingforit，butthecherriesgrowtoohighforme，ifIclimbforthem，theboughwillbreakbeneathme，andIshallfall。"

Hewenthome，seatedhimselfcross-leggedonhiswork-table，andthoughtoverwhatwastobedone。"Itcan\'tbemanaged，"criedheatlast，"Iwillgoaway，afterall，Ican\'tliveinpeacehere。"Hetieduphisbundleandhurriedawaytothegate。Whenhegottothemeadow，heperceivedhisoldfriendthestork，whowaswalkingbackwardsandforwardslikeaphilosopher。Sometimeshestoodstill，tookafrogintocloseconsideration，andatlengthswalloweditdown。Thestorkcametohimandgreetedhim。"Isee，"hebegan，"thatyouhaveyourpackonyourback。Whyareyouleavingthetown？"Thetailortoldhimwhatthekinghadrequiredofhim，andhowhecouldnotperformit，andlamentedhismisfortune。"Don\'tletthatturnyourhairgrey，"saidthestork，"Iwillhelpyououtofyourdifficulty。Foralongtimenow，Ihavecarriedthechildreninswaddling-clothesintothetown，soforonceinaway，Icanfetchalittleprinceoutofthewell。Gohomeandbeeasy。Inninedaysfromthistimerepairtotheroyalpalace，andtherewillIcome。"

Thelittletailorwenthome，andattheappointedtimewasatthecastle。Itwasnotlongbeforethestorkcameflyingthitherandtappedatthewindow。Thetailoropenedit，andcousinlonglegscamecarefullyin，andwalkedwithsolemnstepsoverthesmoothmarblepavement。Hehad，moreover，ababyinhisbeakthatwasaslovelyasanangel，andstretchedoutitslittlehandstothequeen。Thestorklaiditinherlap，andshecaresseditandkissedit，andwasbesideherselfwithdelight。Beforethestorkflewaway，hetookhistravelingbagoffhisbackandhandeditovertothequeen。Inittherewerelittlepaperparcelswithcoloredsweetmeats，andtheyweredividedamongstthelittleprincesses。Theeldest，however，receivednoneofthem，butinsteadgotthemerrytailorforahusband。"Itseemstome，"saidhe，"justasifIhadwonthehighestprize。Mymotherwasifrightafterall，shealwayssaidthatwhoevertrustsinGodandonlyhasgoodluck，canneverfail。"

Theshoemakerhadtomaketheshoesinwhichthelittletailordancedattheweddingfestival，afterwhichhewascommandedtoquitthetownforever。Theroadtotheforestledhimtothegallows。Wornoutwithanger，rage，andtheheatoftheday，hethrewhimselfdown。

Whenhehadclosedhiseyesandwasabouttosleep，thetwocrowsflewdownfromtheheadsofthemenwhowerehangingthere，andpeckedhiseyesout。Inhismadnessheranintotheforestandmusthavediedthereofhunger，fornoonehasevereitherseenhimorheardofhimagain。

HanstheHedgehogTherewasonceacountrymanwhohadmoneyandlandinplenty，buthoweverrichhewas，hishappinesswasstilllackinginonerespect-

hehadnochildren。Oftenwhenhewentintothetownwiththeotherpeasantstheymockedhimandaskedwhyhehadnochildren。Atlasthebecameangry，andwhenhegothomehesaid，"Iwillhaveachild，evenifitbeahedgehog。"Thenhiswifehadachildthatwasahedgehogintheupperpartofhisbodyandaboyinthelower，andwhenshesawthechild，shewasterrified，andsaid，"See，thereyouhavebroughtill-luckonus。"Thensaidtheman，"Whatcanbedonenow？Theboymustbechristened，butweshallnotbeabletogetagodfatherforhim。"Thewomansaid，"AndwecannotcallhimanythingelsebutHansthehedgehog。"

Whenhewaschristened，theparsonsaid，"Hecannotgointoanyordinarybedbecauseofhisspikes。"Soalittlestrawwasputbehindthestove，andHansthehedgehogwaslaidonit。Hismothercouldnotsucklehim，forhewouldhaveprickedherwithhisquills。Sohelaytherebehindthestoveforeightyears，andhisfatherwastiredofhimandthought，ifhewouldbutdie。Hedidnotdie，however，butremainedlyingthere。

Nowithappenedthattherewasafairinthetown，andthepeasantwasabouttogotoit，andaskedhiswifewhatheshouldbringbackwithhimforher。"Alittlemeatandacoupleofwhiterollswhicharewantedforthehouse，"saidshe。Thenheaskedtheservant，andshewantedapairofslippersandsomestockingswithclocks。Atlasthesaidalso，"Andwhatwillyouhave，Hansmyhedgehog？""Dearfather，"hesaid，"dobringmebagpipes。"When，therefore，thefathercamehomeagain，hegavehiswifewhathehadboughtforher，meatandwhiterolls，andthenhegavethemaidtheslippers，andthestockingswithclocks，and，lastly，hewentbehindthestove，andgaveHansthehedgehogthebagpipes。

AndwhenHansthehedgehoghadthebagpipes，hesaid，"Dearfather，dogototheforgeandgetthecockshod，andthenIwillrideaway，andnevercomebackagain。"Atthis，thefatherwasdelightedtothinkthathewasgoingtogetridofhim，andhadthecockshodforhim，andwhenitwasdone，Hansthehedgehoggotonit，androdeaway，buttookswineandasseswithhimwhichheintendedtokeepintheforest。Whentheygottherehemadethecockflyontoahightreewithhim，andtherehesatformanyalongyear，andwatchedhisassesandswineuntiltheherdwasquitelarge，andhisfatherknewnothingabouthim。Andwhilehewassittinginthetree，heplayedhisbagpipes，andmademusicwhichwasverybeautiful。

Onceakingcametravelingbywhohadlosthiswayandheardthemusic。Hewasastonishedatit，andsenthisservantforthtolookallroundandseefromwhencethismusiccame。Hespiedabout，butsawnothingbutalittleanimalsittingupaloftonthetree，whichlookedlikeacockwithahedgehogonitwhichmadethismusic。Thenthekingtoldtheservanthewastoaskwhyhesatthere，andifheknewtheroadwhichledtohiskingdom。SoHansthehedgehogdescendedfromthetree，andsaidhewouldshowthewayifthekingwouldwriteabondandpromisehimwhateverhefirstmetintheroyalcourtyardassoonashearrivedathome。Thenthekingthought，I

caneasilydothat，Hansthehedgehogunderstandsnothing，andIcanwritewhatIlike。Sothekingtookpenandinkandwrotesomething，andwhenhehaddoneit，Hansthehedgehogshowedhimtheway，andhegotsafelyhome。Buthisdaughter，whenshesawhimfromafar，wassooverjoyedthatsherantomeethim，andkissedhim。ThenherememberedHansthehedgehog，andtoldherwhathadhappened，andthathehadbeenforcedtopromisewhatsoeverfirstmethimwhenhegothome，toaverystrangeanimalwhichsatonacockasifitwereahorse，andmadebeautifulmusic，butthatinsteadofwritingthatheshouldhavewhathewanted，hehadwrittenthatheshouldnothaveit。Thereupontheprincesswasglad，andsaidhehaddonewell，forsheneverwouldhavegoneawaywiththehedgehog。

Hansthehedgehog，however，lookedafterhisassesandpigs，andwasalwaysmerryandsatonthetreeandplayedhisbagpipes。Nowitcametopassthatanotherkingcamejourneyingbywithhisattendantsandrunner，andhealsohadlosthisway，anddidnotknowhowtogethomeagainbecausetheforestwassolarge。Helikewiseheardthebeautifulmusicfromadistance，andaskedhisrunnerwhatthatcouldbe，andtoldhimtogoandsee。Thentherunnerwentunderthetree，andsawthecocksittingatthetopofit，andHansthehedgehogonthecock。Therunneraskedhimwhathewasdoingupthere。Iamkeepingmyassesandmypigs，butwhatisyourdesire。Themessengersaidthattheyhadlosttheirway，andcouldnotgetbackintotheirownkingdom，andaskedifhewouldnotshowthemtheway。ThenHansthehedgehogdescendedthetreewiththecock，andtoldtheagedkingthathewouldshowhimtheway，ifhewouldgivehimforhisownwhatsoeverfirstmethiminfrontofhisroyalpalace。Thekingsaid，"Yes，"andwroteapromisetoHansthehedgehogthatheshouldhavethis。Thatdone，Hansrodeonbeforehimonthecock，andpointedouttheway，andthekingreachedhiskingdomagaininsafety。Whenhegottothecourtyard，thereweregreatrejoicings。

Nowhehadanonlydaughterwhowasverybeautiful，sherantomeethim，threwherarmsroundhisneck，andwasdelightedtohaveheroldfatherbackagain。Sheaskedhimwhereintheworldhehadbeensolong。Sohetoldherhowhehadlosthisway，andhadverynearlynotcomebackatall，butthatashewastravelingthroughagreatforest，acreature，halfhedgehog，halfman，whowassittingastrideacockinahightree，andmakingmusic，hadshownhimthewayandhelpedhimtogetout，butthatinreturnhehadpromisedhimwhatsoeverfirstmethimintheroyalcourt-yard，andhowthatwassheherself，whichmadehimunhappynow。Butonthisshepromisedthat，forloveofherfather，shewouldwillinglygowiththisHansifhecame。

Hansthehedgehog，however，tookcareofhispigs，andthepigsbecamemorepigsuntilthereweresomanyinnumberthatthewholeforestwasfilledwiththem。ThenHansthehedgehogresolvednottoliveintheforestanylonger，andsentwordtohisfathertohaveeverystyeinthevillageemptied，forhewascomingwithsuchagreatherdthatallmightkillwhowishedtodoso。Whenhisfatherheardthat，hewastroubled，forhethoughtHansthehedgehoghaddiedlongago。Hansthehedgehog，however，seatedhimselfonthecock，anddrovethepigsbeforehimintothevillage，andorderedtheslaughtertobegin。

Ha-Thentherewasabutcheryandachoppingthatmighthavebeenheardtwomilesoff。AfterthisHansthehedgehogsaid，"Father，letmehavethecockshodoncemoreattheforge，andthenIwillrideawayandnevercomebackaslongasIlive。"Thenthefatherhadthecockshodoncemore，andwaspleasedthatHansthehedgehogwouldneverreturnagain。

Hansthehedgehogrodeawaytothefirstkingdom。Therethekinghadcommandedthatwhosoevercamemountedonacockandhadbagpipeswithhimshouldbeshotat，cutdown，orstabbedbyeveryone，sothathemightnotenterthepalace。When，therefore，Hansthehedgehogcameridingthither，theyallpressedforwardagainsthimwiththeirpikes，buthespurredthecockanditflewupoverthegateinfrontoftheking\'swindowandlightedthere，andHanscriedthatthekingmustgivehimwhathehadpromised，orhewouldtakebothhislifeandhisdaughter\'s。Thenthekingbegantospeaktohisdaughter，andtobeghertogoawaywithHansinordertosaveherownlifeandherfather\'s。Soshedressedherselfinwhite，andherfathergaveheracarriagewithsixhorsesandmagnificentattendantstogetherwithgoldandpossessions。Sheseatedherselfinthecarriage，andplacedHansthehedgehogbesideherwiththecockandthebagpipes，andthentheytookleaveanddroveaway，andthekingthoughtheshouldneverseeheragain。Buthewasdeceivedinhisexpectationforwhentheywereatashortdistancefromthetown，Hansthehedgehogtookherprettyclothesoff，andpiercedherwithhishedgehog\'sspikesuntilshebledallover。"Thatistherewardofyourfalseness，"saidhe。"Goyourway，Iwillnothaveyou，"andonthathechasedherhomeagain，andshewasdisgracedfortherestofherlife。

Hansthehedgehog，however，rodeonfurtheronthecock，withhisbagpipes，tothedominionsofthesecondkingtowhomhehadshowntheway。ButthisonehadarrangedthatifanyoneresemblingHansthehedgehogshouldcome，theyweretopresentarms，givehimsafeconduct，crylonglifetohim，andleadhimtotheroyalpalace。

Butwhentheking\'sdaughtersawhimshewasterrified，forhereallylookedtoostrange。Thensherememberedthatshecouldnotchangehermind，forshehadgivenherpromisetoherfather。SoHansthehedgehogwaswelcomedbyher，andmarriedtoher，andhadtogowithhertotheroyaltable，andsheseatedherselfbyhisside，andtheyateanddrank。Whentheeveningcameandtheywantedtogotosleep，shewasafraidofhisquills，buthetoldhershewasnottofear，fornoharmwouldbefallher，andhetoldtheoldkingthathewastoappointfourmentowatchbythedoorofthechamber，andlightagreatfire，andwhenheenteredtheroomandwasabouttogetintobed，hewouldcreepoutofhishedgehog\'sskinandleaveitlyingtherebythebedside，andthatthemenweretorunnimblytoit，throwitinthefire，andstaybyituntilitwasconsumed。

Whentheclockstruckeleven，hewentintothechamber，strippedoffthehedgehog\'sskin，andleftitlyingbythebed。Thencamethemenandfetcheditswiftly，andthrewitinthefire，andwhenthefirehadconsumedit，hewassaved，andlaythereinbedinhumanform，buthewascoal-blackasifhehadbeenburnt。Thekingsentforhisphysicianwhowashedhimwithprecioussalves，andanointedhim，andhebecamewhite，andwasahandsomeyoungman。Whentheking\'sdaughtersawthatshewasglad，andthenextmorningtheyarosejoyfully，ateanddrank，andthenthemarriagewasproperlysolemnized，andHansthehedgehogreceivedthekingdomfromtheagedking。

Whenseveralyearshadpassedhewentwithhiswifetohisfather，andsaidthathewashisson。Thefather，however，declaredhehadnoson-hehadneverhadbutone，andhehadbeenbornlikeahedgehogwithspikes，andhadgoneforthintotheworld。ThenHansmadehimselfknown，andtheoldfatherrejoicedandwentwithhimtohiskingdom。

Mytaleisdone，andawayithasruntolittleaugusta\'shouse。

Therewasonceamotherwhohadalittleboyofsevenyearsold，whowassohandsomeandlovablethatnoonecouldlookathimwithoutlikinghim，andsheherselfworshippedhimaboveeverythingintheworld。Nowitsohappenedthathesuddenlybecameill，andGodtookhimtohimself，andforthisthemothercouldnotbecomfortedandweptbothdayandnight。Butsoonafterwards，whenthechildhadbeenburied，itappearedbynightintheplaceswhereithadsatandplayedduringitslife，andifthemotherwept，itweptalso，andwhenmorningcameitdisappeared。Butasthemotherwouldnotstopcrying，itcameonenight，inthelittlewhiteshroudinwhichithadbeenlaidinitscoffin，andwithitswreathofflowersrounditshead，andstoodonthebedatherfeet，andsaid，"Oh，mother，dostopcrying，orIshallneverfallasleepinmycoffin，formyshroudwillnotdrybecauseofallyourtears，whichfalluponit。"Themotherwasafraidwhensheheardthat，andweptnomore。Thenextnightthechildcameagain，andheldalittlelightinitshand，andsaid，"Look，mother，myshroudisnearlydry，andIcanrestinmygrave。"ThenthemothergavehersorrowintoGod\'skeeping，andboreitquietlyandpatiently，andthechildcamenomore，butsleptinitslittlebedbeneaththeearth。

Therewasonceayoungfellowwhohadlearntthetradeoflocksmith，andtoldhisfatherhewouldnowgooutintotheworldandseekhisfortune。Verywell，saidthefather，Iamquitecontentwiththat，andgavehimsomemoneyforhisjourney。Sohetraveledaboutandlookedforwork。Afteratimeheresolvednottofollowthetradeoflocksmithanymore，forhenolongerlikedit，buthetookafancyforhunting。

Thentheremethiminhisramblesahuntsmandressedingreen，whoaskedwhencehecameandwhitherhewasgoing。Theyouthsaidhewasalocksmith\'sapprentice，butthatthetradenolongerpleasedhim，andhehadalikingforhuntsmanship，wouldheteachittohim。"Oh，yes，"saidthehuntsman，"ifyouwillgowithme。"Thentheyoungfellowwentwithhim，apprenticedhimselftohimforsomeyears，andlearnttheartofhunting。Afterthishewishedtotryhisluckelsewhere，andthehuntsmangavehimnothinginthewayofpaymentbutanair-gun，whichhad，however，thisproperty，thatithititsmarkwithoutfailwheneverheshotwithit。Thenhesetoutandfoundhimselfinaverylargeforest，whichhecouldnotgettotheendofinoneday。Wheneveningcameheseatedhimselfinahightreeinordertoescapefromthewildbeasts。

Towardsmidnight，itseemedtohimasifatinylittlelightglimmeredinthedistance。Thenhelookeddownthroughthebranchestowardsit，andkeptwellinhismindwhereitwas。Butinthefirstplacehetookoffhishatandthrewitdowninthedirectionofthelight，sothathemightgotothehatasamarkwhenhehaddescended。Hegotdownandwenttohishat，putitonagainandwentstraightforwards。Thefartherhewent，thelargerthelightgrew，andwhenhegotclosetoithesawthatitwasanenormousfire，andthatthreegiantsweresittingbyit，whohadanoxonthespit，andwereroastingit。Presentlyoneofthemsaid，"Imustjusttasteifthemeatwillsoonbefittoeat，"andpulledapieceoff，andwasabouttoputitinhismouthwhenthehuntsmanshotitoutofhishand。"Well，really，"saidthegiant，"ifthewindhasnotblownthebitoutofmyhand，"andhelpedhimselftoanother。Butwhenhewasjustabouttobiteintoit，thehuntsmanagainshotitawayfromhim。

Onthisthegiantgavetheonewhowassittingnexthimaboxontheear，andcriedangrily，"Whyareyousnatchingmypieceawayfromme？""Ihavenotsnatcheditaway，"saidtheother，"asharpshootermusthaveshotitawayfromyou。"

Thegianttookanotherpiece，butagaincouldnotkeepitinhishand，forthehuntsmanshotitout。Thenthegiantsaid，"Thatmustbeagoodshottoshootthebitoutofone\'sverymouth，suchanonewouldbeusefultous。"Andhecriedaloud，"Comehere，yousharpshooter，seatyourselfatthefirebesideusandeatyourfill，wewillnothurtyou，butifyouwillnotcome，andwehavetobringyoubyforce，youarealostman。"

Onthistheyouthwentuptothemandtoldthemhewasaskilledhuntsman，andthatwhateverheaimedatwithhisgun，hewascertaintohit。Thentheysaidifhewouldgowiththemheshouldbewelltreated，andtheytoldhimthatoutsidetheforesttherewasagreatlake，behindwhichstoodatower，andinthetowerwasimprisonedalovelyprincess，whomtheywishedverymuchtocarryoff。"Yes，"

saidhe，"Iwillsoongetherforyou。"Thentheyadded，"Butthereisstillsomethingelse，thereisatinylittledog，whichbeginstobarkdirectlyanyonegoesnear，andassoonasitbarkseveryoneintheroyalpalacewakensup，andforthisreasonwecannotgetthere，canyouundertaketoshootitdead？""Yes，"saidhe，"thatwillbequitefunforme。"Afterthishegotintoaboatandrowedoverthelake，andassoonashelanded，thelittledogcamerunningout，andwasabouttobark，butthehuntsmantookhisairgunandshotitdead。

Whenthegiantssawthat，theyrejoiced，andthoughttheyalreadyhadtheking\'sdaughtersafe，butthehuntsmanwishedfirsttoseehowmattersstood，andtoldthemthattheymuststayoutsideuntilhecalledthem。Thenhewentintothecastle，andallwasperfectlyquietwithin，andeveryonewasasleep。Whenheopenedthedoorofthefirstroom，aswordwashangingonthewallwhichwasmadeofpuresilver，andtherewasagoldenstaronit，andthenameoftheking，andonatablenearitlayasealedletterwhichhebrokeopen，andinsideitwaswrittenthatwhosoeverhadtheswordcouldkilleverythingwhichopposedhim。Sohetooktheswordfromthewall，hungitathissideandwentonwards，thenheenteredtheroomwheretheking\'sdaughterwaslyingsleeping，andshewassobeautifulthathestoodstilland，holdinghisbreath，lookedather。Hethoughttohimself，"HowcanIgiveaninnocentmaidenintothepowerofthewildgiants，whohaveevilintheirminds？"Helookedaboutfurther，andunderthebedstoodapairofslippers，ontherightonewasherfather\'snamewithastar，andontheleftherownnamewithastar。

Sheworealsoalargescarfofsilkembroideredwithgold，andontherightsidewasherfather\'sname，andontheleftherown，allingoldenletters。Thenthehuntsmantookapairofscissorsandcuttherightcorneroff，andputitinhisknapsack，andthenhealsotooktherightslipperwiththeking\'sname，andthrustthatin。Nowthemaidenstilllaysleeping，andshewasquitesewnintohernight-dress，andhecutamorselfromthisalso，andthrustitinwiththerest，buthedidallwithouttouchingher。

Thenhewentforthandleftherlyingasleepundisturbed，andwhenhecametothegateagain，thegiantswerestillstandingoutsidewaitingforhim，andexpectingthathewasbringingtheprincess。

Buthecriedtothemthattheyweretocomein，forthemaidenwasalreadyintheirpower，thathecouldnotopenthegatetothem，buttherewasaholethroughwhichtheymustcreep。Thenthefirstapproached，andthehuntsmanwoundthegiant\'shairroundhishand，pulledtheheadin，andcutitoffatonestrokewithhissword，andthendrewtherestofhimin。Hecalledtothesecondandcuthisheadofflikewise，andthenhekilledthethirdalso，andhewaswellpleasedthathehadfreedthebeautifulmaidenfromherenemies，andhecutouttheirtonguesandputtheminhisknapsack。Thenthoughthe，"IwillgohometomyfatherandlethimseewhatIhavealreadydone，andafterwardsIwilltravelabouttheworld，theluckwhichGodispleasedtograntmewilleasilyfindme。"

Butwhenthekinginthecastleawoke，hesawthethreegiantslyingtheredead。Sohewentintothesleeping-roomofhisdaughter，awokeher，andaskedwhocouldhavekilledthegiants。Thensaidshe，"Dearfather，Iknownot，Ihavebeenasleep。"Butwhenshearoseandwouldhaveputonherslippers，therightonewasgone，andwhenshelookedatherscarfitwascut，andtherightcornerwasmissing，andwhenshelookedathernight-dressapiecewascutoutofit。Thekingsummonedhiswholecourttogether，soldiersandeveryoneelsewhowasthere，andaskedwhohadsethisdaughteratliberty，andkilledthegiants。

Nowithappenedthathehadacaptain，whowasone-eyedandahideousman，andhesaidthathehaddoneit。Thentheoldkingsaidthatashehadaccomplishedthis，heshouldmarryhisdaughter。Butthemaidensaid，"Ratherthanmarryhim，dearfather，Iwillgoawayintotheworldasfarasmylegscancarryme。"Butthekingsaidthatifshewouldnotmarryhimsheshouldtakeoffherroyalgarmentsandwearpeasant\'sclothing，andgoforth，andthatsheshouldgotoapotter，andbeginatradeinearthenvessels。

Sosheputoffherroyalapparel，andwenttoapotterandborrowedcrockeryenoughforastall，andshepromisedhimalsothatifshehadsolditbytheevening，shewouldpayforit。Thenthekingsaidshewastoseatherselfinacornerwithitandsellit，andhearrangedwithsomepeasantstodriveoveritwiththeircarts，sothateverythingshouldbebrokenintoathousandpieces。Whenthereforetheking\'sdaughterhadplacedherstallinthestreet，bycamethecarts，andbrokeallshehadintotinyfragments。Shebegantoweepandsaid，"Alas，howshallIeverpayforthepotsnow。"Theking，however，hadwishedbythistoforcehertomarrythecaptain；

butinsteadofthat，sheagainwenttothepotter，andaskedhimifhewouldlendtoheroncemore。Hesaid，no，shemustfirstpayforwhatshealreadyhad。

Thenshewenttoherfatherandcriedandlamented，andsaidshewouldgoforthintotheworld。Thensaidhe，"Iwillhavealittlehutbuiltforyouintheforestoutside，andinityoushallstayallyourlifelongandcookforeveryone，butyoushalltakenomoneyforit。"Whenthehutwasready，asignwashungonthedoorwhereonwaswritten，to-daygiven，to-morrowsold。Theresheremainedalongtime，anditwasrumoredabouttheworldthatamaidenwastherewhocookedwithoutaskingforpayment，andthatthiswassetforthonasignoutsideherdoor。

Thehuntsmanhearditlikewise，andthoughttohimself，thatwouldsuityou。Youarepoor，andhavenomoney。Sohetookhisair-gunandhisknapsack，whereinallthethingswhichhehadformerlycarriedawaywithhimfromthecastleastokensofhistruthfulnesswerestilllying，andwentintotheforest，andfoundthehutwiththesign，to-daygiven，to-morrowsold。Hehadputontheswordwithwhichhehadcutofftheheadsofthethreegiants，andthusenteredthehut，andorderedsomethingtoeattobegiventohim。Hewascharmedwiththebeautifulmaiden，whowasindeedaslovelyasanypicture。Sheaskedhimwhencehecameandwhitherhewasgoing，andhesaid，"Iamroamingabouttheworld。"Thensheaskedhimwherehehadgotthesword，forthattrulyherfather\'snamewasonit。Heaskedherifsheweretheking\'sdaughter。"Yes，"answeredshe。

"Withthissword，"saidhe，"didIcutofftheheadsofthreegiants。"Andhetooktheirtonguesoutofhisknapsackinproof。

Thenhealsoshowedhertheslipper，andthecornerofthescarf，andthepieceofthenight-dress。

Hereuponshewasoverjoyed，andsaidthathewastheonewhohaddeliveredher。Onthistheywenttogethertotheoldking，andfetchedhimtothehut，andsheledhimintoherroom，andtoldhimthatthehuntsmanwasthemanwhohadreallysetherfreefromthegiants。Andwhentheagedkingsawalltheproofsofthis，hecouldnolongerdoubt，andsaidthathewasverygladheknewhoweverythinghadhappened，andthatthehuntsmanshouldhavehertowife，onwhichthemaidenwasgladatheart。Thenshedressedthehuntsmanasifhewereaforeignlord，andthekingorderedafeasttobeprepared。Whentheywenttotable，thecaptainsatontheleftsideoftheking\'sdaughter，butthehuntsmanwasontheright，andthecaptainthoughthewasaforeignlordwhohadcomeonavisit。

Whentheyhadeatenanddrunk，theoldkingsaidtothecaptainthathewouldsetbeforehimsomethingwhichhemustguess。"Supposingsomeonesaidthathehadkilledthethreegiantsandhewereaskedwherethegiants，tongueswere，andhewereforcedtogoandlook，andtherewerenoneintheirheads。Howcouldthathavehappened？"

Thecaptainsaid，"Thentheycannothavehadany。""Notso，"saidtheking。"Everyanimalhasatongue，"andthenhelikewiseaskedwhatpunishmentshouldbemetedouttoanyonewhomadesuchananswer。

Thecaptainreplied，"Heoughttobetorninpieces。"Thenthekingsaidhehadpronouncedhisownsentence，andthecaptainwasputinprisonandthentorninfourpieces，buttheking\'sdaughterwasmarriedtothehuntsman。Afterthishebroughthisfatherandmother，andtheylivedwiththeirsoninhappiness，andafterthedeathoftheoldkinghereceivedthekingdom。

Therewasonceuponatimeakingwhohadalittleboyinwhosestarsithadbeenforetoldthatheshouldbekilledbyastagwhenhewassixteenyearsofage，andwhenhehadreachedthatagethehuntsmenoncewenthuntingwithhim。Intheforest，theking\'ssonwasseparatedfromtheothers，andallatoncehesawagreatstagwhichhewantedtoshoot，butcouldnothit。Atlengthhechasedthestagsofarthattheywerequiteoutoftheforest，andthensuddenlyagreattallmanwasstandingthereinsteadofthestag，andsaid，"ItiswellthatIhaveyou。Ihavealreadyruinedsixpairsofglassskateswithrunningafteryou，andhavenotbeenabletoreachyou。"

Thenhetooktheking\'ssonwithhim，anddraggedhimthroughagreatlaketoagreatpalace，andhehadtositdowntotablewithhimandeatsomething。Whentheyhadeatensomethingtogetherthekingsaid，"Ihavethreedaughters，youmustkeepwatchovertheeldestforonenight，fromnineintheeveningtillsixinthemorning，andeverytimetheclockstrikes，Iwillcomemyselfandcall，andifyouthengivemenoanswer，to-morrowmorningyoushallbeputtodeath，butifyoualwaysgivemeananswer，youshallhavehertowife。"

WhentheyoungfolkswenttothebedroomtherestoodastoneimageofSt。Christopher，andtheking\'sdaughtersaidtoit，"Myfatherwillcomeatnineo\'clock，andeveryhourtillitstrikesthree，whenhecalls，givehimananswerinsteadoftheking\'sson。"ThenthestoneimageofSt。Christophernoddeditsheadquitequickly，andthenmoreandmoreslowlytillatlastitagainstoodstill。Thenextmorningthekingsaidtohim，"Youhavedonethebusinesswell，butIcannotgivemydaughteraway。Youmustnowwatchanightbymyseconddaughter，andthenIwillconsiderwithmyself，whetheryoucanhavemyeldestdaughtertowife，butIshallcomeeveryhourmyself，andwhenIcallyou，answerme，andifIcallyouandyoudonotreply，yourbloodshallflow。"

Thentheybothwentintothesleeping-room，andtherestoodastilllargerstoneimageofSt。Christopher，andtheking\'sdaughtersaidtoit，"Ifmyfathercalls，answerhim。"ThenthegreatstoneimageofSt。Christopheragainnoddeditsheadquitequicklyandthenmoreandmoreslowly，untilatlastitstoodstillagain。Andtheking\'ssonlaydownonthethreshold，puthishandunderhisheadandslept。

Thenextmorningthekingsaidtohim，"Youhavedonethebusinessreallywell，butIcannotgivemydaughteraway，youmustnowwatchanightbytheyoungestprincess，andthenIwillconsiderwithmyselfwhetheryoucanhavemyseconddaughtertowife。ButIshallcomeeveryhourmyself，andwhenIcallyouanswerme，andifIcallyouandyouanswernot，yourbloodshallflowforme。"

Thentheyoncemorewenttothesleeping-roomtogether，andtherewasamuchgreaterandmuchtallerimageofSt。Christopherthanthetwofirsthadbeen。Theking\'sdaughtersaidtoit，"Whenmyfathercalls，answer。"ThenthegreattallstoneimageofSt。Christophernoddedquitehalfanhourwithitshead，untilatlengththeheadstoodstillagain。Andtheking\'ssonlaidhimselfdownonthethresholdofthedoorandslept。Thenextmorningthekingsaid，"Youhaveindeedwatchedwell，butIcannotgiveyoumydaughternow，Ihaveagreatforest，ifyoucutitdownformebetweensixo\'clockthismorningandsixatnight，Iwillthinkaboutit。"

Thenhegavehimaglassaxe，aglasswedge，andaglassmallet。

Whenhegotintothewood，hebeganatoncetocut，buttheaxebrokeintwo。Thenhetookthewedge，andstruckitoncewiththemallet，anditbecameasshortandassmallassand。Thenhewasmuchtroubledandbelievedhewouldhavetodie，andsatdownandwept。

Nowwhenitwasnoonthekingsaid，"Oneofyougirlsmusttakehimsomethingtoeat。""No，"saidthetwoeldest，"wewillnottakeittohim，theonebywhomhelastwatched，cantakehimsomething。"Thentheyoungestwasforcedtogoandtakehimsomethingtoeat。Whenshegotintotheforest，sheaskedhimhowhewasgettingon。"Oh，"

saidhe，"Iamgettingonverybadly。"Thenshesaidhewastocomeandjusteatalittle。"Nay，"saidhe，"Icannotdothat，Ihavetodieanyway，soIwilleatnomore。"Thenshespokesokindlytohimandbeggedhimjusttotry，thathecameandatesomething。Whenhehadeatensomethingshesaid，"Iwillpickyourliceawhile，andthenyouwillfeelhappier。"

Soshelousedhim，andhebecamewearyandfellasleep，andthenshetookherhandkerchiefandmadeaknotinit，andstruckitthreetimesontheearth，andsaid，"Earth-workers，comeforth。"Inamoment，numbersoflittleearth-mencameforth，andaskedwhattheking\'sdaughtercommanded。Thensaidshe，"Inthreehours，timethegreatforestmustbecutdown，andallthewoodlaidinheaps。"Sothelittleearth-menwentaboutandgottogetherthewholeoftheirkindredtohelpthemwiththework。Theybeganatonce，andwhenthethreehourswereover，allwasdone，andtheycamebacktotheking\'sdaughterandtoldherso。Thenshetookherwhitehandkerchiefagainandsaid，"Earth-workers，gohome。"Atthistheyalldisappeared。

Whentheking\'ssonawoke，hewasdelighted，andshesaid，"Comehomewhenithasstrucksixo\'clock。"Hedidasshetoldhim，andthenthekingasked，"Haveyoumadeawaywiththeforest？""Yes，"saidtheking\'sson。Whentheyweresittingattable，thekingsaid，"I

cannotyetgiveyoumydaughtertowife，youmuststilldosomethingmoreforhersake。"Soheaskedwhatitwastobe。"Ihaveagreatfish-pond，"saidtheking。"Youmustgotoitto-morrowmorningandclearitofallmuduntilitisasbrightasamirror，andfillitwitheverykindoffish。"

Thenextmorningthekinggavehimaglassshovelandsaid，"Thefish-pondmustbedonebysixo\'clock。"Sohewentaway，andwhenhecametothefish-pondhestuckhisshovelinthemudanditbrokeintwo。Thenhestuckhishoeinthemud，anditbrokealso。Thenhewasmuchtroubled。Atnoontheyoungestdaughterbroughthimsomethingtoeat，andaskedhimhowhewasgettingon。Sotheking\'ssonsaideverythingwasgoingveryillwithhim，andhewouldcertainlyhavetolosehishead。"Mytoolshavebrokentopiecesagain。""Oh，"saidshe，"youmustjustcomeandeatsomething，andthenyouwillbeinanotherframeofmind。""No，"saidhe，"Icannoteat，Iamfartoounhappyforthat。"Thenshegavehimmanygoodwordsuntilatlasthecameandatesomething。

Thenshelousedhimagain，andhefellasleep，sooncemoreshetookherhandkerchief，tiedaknotinit，andstruckthegroundthricewiththeknot，andsaid，"Earth-workers，comeforth。"Inamomentagreatmanylittleearth-mencameandaskedwhatshedesired，andshetoldthemthatinthreehours，time，theymusthavethefish-pondentirelycleanedout，anditmustbesoclearthatpeoplecouldseethemselvesreflectedinit，andeverykindoffishmustbeinit。

Thelittleearth-menwentawayandsummonedalltheirkindredtohelpthem，andintwohoursitwasdone。Thentheyreturnedtoherandsaid，"Wehavedoneasyouhavecommanded。"Theking\'sdaughtertookthehandkerchiefandoncemorestruckthriceonthegroundwithit，andsaid，"earth-workers，gohomeagain。"Thentheyallwentaway。

Whentheking\'ssonawokethefish-pondwasdone。Thentheking\'sdaughterwentawayalso，andtoldhimthatwhenitwassixhewastocometothehouse。Whenhearrivedatthehousethekingasked，"Haveyougotthefish-ponddone？""Yes，"saidtheking\'sson。Thatwasverygood。

Whentheywereagainsittingattablethekingsaid，"Youhavecertainlydonethefish-pond，butIcannotgiveyoumydaughteryet，youmustjustdoonethingmore。""Whatisthat，then？"askedtheking\'sson。Thekingsaidhehadagreatmountainonwhichtherewasnothingbutbriarswhichmustallbecutdown，andatthetopofittheyouthmustbuildagreatcastle，whichmustbeasstrongascouldbeconceived，andallthefurnitureandfittingsbelongingtoacastlemustbeinsideit。

Andwhenhearosenextmorningthekinggavehimaglassaxeandaglassgimlet，andhewastohavealldonebysixo\'clock。Ashewascuttingdownthefirstbriarwiththeaxe，itbrokeoffshort，andsosmallthatthepiecesflewallroundabout，andhecouldnotusethegimleteither。Thenhewasquitemiserable，andwaitedforhisdearesttoseeifshewouldnotcomeandhelphiminhisneed。Whenitwasmid-dayshecameandbroughthimsomethingtoeat。Hewenttomeetherandtoldherall，andatesomething，andletherlousehimandfellasleep。

Thensheoncemoretooktheknotandstrucktheearthwithit，andsaid，"Earth-workers，comeforth。"Thencameonceagainnumbersofearth-men，andaskedwhatherdesirewas。Thensaidshe，"Inthespaceofthreehoursyoumustcutdownthewholeofthebriars，andacastlemustbebuiltonthetopofthemountainthatmustbeasstrongasanyonecouldconceive，andallthefurniturethatpertainstoacastlemustbeinsideit。"Theywentaway，andsummonedtheirkindredtohelpthemandwhenthetimewascome，allwasready。Thentheycametotheking\'sdaughterandtoldherso，andtheking\'sdaughtertookherhandkerchiefandstruckthriceontheearthwithit，andsaid，"Earth-workers，gohome，onwhichtheyalldisappeared。"Whenthereforetheking\'ssonawokeandsaweverythingdone，hewasashappyasabirdinair。

Whenithadstrucksix，theywenthometogether。Thensaidtheking，"Isthecastleready？""Yes，"saidtheking\'sson。Whentheysatdowntotable，thekingsaid，"Icannotgiveawaymyyoungestdaughteruntilthetwoeldestaremarried。"Thentheking\'ssonandtheking\'sdaughterwerequitetroubled，andtheking\'ssonhadnoideawhattodo。Buthewentbynighttotheking\'sdaughterandranawaywithher。Whentheyhadgotalittledistanceaway，theking\'sdaughterpeepedroundandsawherfatherbehindher。"Oh，"saidshe，"whatarewetodo？Myfatherisbehindus，andwilltakeusbackwithhim。Iwillatoncechangeyouintoabriar，andmyselfintoarose，andIwillsheltermyselfinthemidstofthebush。"

Whenthefatherreachedtheplace，therestoodabriarwithoneroseonit，andhewasabouttogathertherose，whenthethornprickedhisfingersothathewasforcedtogohomeagain。Hiswifeaskedwhyhehadnotbroughttheirdaughterbackwithhim。Sohesaidhehadnearlygotuptoher，butthatallatoncehehadlostsightofher，andabriarwithonerosewasgrowingonthespot。Thensaidthequeen，"Ifyouhadbutgatheredtherose，thebriarwouldhavebeenforcedtocometoo。"Sohewentbackagaintofetchtherose，butinthemeantimethetwowerealreadyfarovertheplain，andthekingranafterthem。Thenthedaughteroncemorelookedroundandsawherfathercoming，andsaid，"Oh，whatshallwedonow？Iwillinstantlychangeyouintoachurchandmyselfintoapriest，andIwillstandupinthepulpit，andpreach。"Whenthekinggottotheplace，therestoodachurch，andinthepulpitwasapriestpreaching。Sohelistenedtothesermon，andthenwenthomeagain。

Thenthequeenaskedwhyhehadnotbroughttheirdaughterwithhim，andhesaid，"Nay，Iranalongtimeafterher，andjustasIthoughtIshouldsoonovertakeher，achurchwasstandingthereandapriestwasinthepulpitpreaching。""Youshouldjusthavebroughtthepriest，"saidhiswife，"andthenthechurchwouldsoonhavecome。

Itisnousetosendyou，Imustgotheremyself。"Whenshehadwalkedforsometime，andcouldseethetwointhedistance，theking\'sdaughterpeepedroundandsawhermothercoming，andsaid，"Nowweareundone，formymotheriscomingherself，Iwillimmediatelychangeyouintoafish-pondandmyselfintoafish。"

Whenthemothercametotheplace，therewasalargefish-pond，andinthemidstofitafishwasleapingaboutandpeepingoutofthewater，anditwasquitemerry。Shewantedtocatchthefish，butshecouldnot。Thenshewasveryangry，anddrankupthewholepondinordertocatchthefish，butitmadehersoillthatshewasforcedtovomit，andvomitedthewholepondoutagain。Thenshecried，"I

seeverywellthatnothingcanbedonenow，andaskedthemtocomebacktoher。"Thentheking\'sdaughterwentbackagain，andthequeengaveherdaughterthreewalnuts，andsaid，"Withtheseyoucanhelpyourselfwhenyouareinyourgreatestneed。"

Sotheyoungfolksoncemorewentawaytogether。Andwhentheyhadwalkedquitetenmiles，theyarrivedatthecastlefromwhencetheking\'ssoncame，andnearitwasavillage。Whentheyreachedit，theking\'ssonsaid，"Stayhere，mydearest，Iwilljustgotothecastle，andthenwillIcomewithacarriageandwithattendantstofetchyou。"

Whenhegottothecastletheyallrejoicedgreatlyathavingtheking\'ssonbackagain，andhetoldthemhehadabridewhowasnowinthevillage，andtheymustgowiththecarriagetofetchher。Thentheyharnessedthehorsesatonce，andmanyattendantsseatedthemselvesoutsidethecarriage。Whentheking\'ssonwasabouttogetin，hismothergavehimakiss，andheforgoteverythingwhichhadhappened，andalsowhathewasabouttodo。Atthishismotherorderedthehorsestobetakenoutofthecarriageagain，andeveryonewentbackintothehouse。Butthemaidensatinthevillageandwatchedandwatched，andthoughthewouldcomeandfetchher，butnoonecame。Thentheking\'sdaughtertookserviceinthemillwhichbelongedtothecastle，andwasobligedtositbythepondeveryafternoonandcleanthetubs。

Andthequeencameonedayonfootfromthecastle，andwentwalkingbythepond，andsawthewell-grownmaidensittingthere，andsaid，"Whatafinestronggirlthatis。Shepleasesmewell。"Thensheandallwithherlookedatthemaid，butnooneknewher。Soalongtimepassedbyduringwhichthemaidenservedthemillerhonorablyandfaithfully。Inthemeantime，thequeenhadsoughtawifeforherson，whocamefromquiteadistantpartoftheworld。Whenthebridecame，theywereatoncetobemarried。Andmanypeoplehurriedtogether，allofwhomwantedtoseeeverything。Thenthegirlsaidtothemillerthathemightbesogoodastogiveherleavetogoalso。Sothemillersaid，"Yes，dogothere。"Whenshewasabouttogo，sheopenedoneofthethreewalnuts，andabeautifuldresslayinsideit。Sheputiton，andwentintothechurchandstoodbythealtar。Suddenlycamethebrideandbridegroom，andseatedthemselvesbeforethealtar，andwhenthepriestwasjustgoingtoblessthem，thebridepeepedhalfroundandsawthemaidenstandingthere。Thenshestoodupagain，andsaidshewouldnotbegivenawayuntilshealsohadasbeautifuladressasthatladythere。

Sotheywentbacktothehouseagain，andsenttoasktheladyifshewouldsellthatdress。No，shewouldnotsellit，butthebridemightperhapsearnit。Thenthebrideaskedherhowshewastodothis。Thenthemaidensaidifshemightsleeponenightoutsidetheking\'sson\'sdoor，thebridemighthavewhatshewanted。Sothebridesaid，"Yes，"shewaswillingtodothat。Buttheservantswereorderedtogivetheking\'ssonasleepingdraught，andthenthemaidenlaidherselfdownonthethresholdandlamentedallnightlong。Shehadhadtheforestcutdownforhim，shehadhadthefish-pondcleanedoutforhim，shehadhadthecastlebuiltforhim，shehadchangedhimintoabriar，andthenintoachurch，andatlastintoafish-pond，andyethehadforgottenhersoquickly。

Theking\'ssondidnothearonewordofit，buttheservantshadbeenawakened，andhadlistenedtoit，andhadnotknownwhatitcouldmean。Thenextmorningwhentheywereallup，thebrideputonthedress，andwentawaytothechurchwiththebridegroom。Inthemeantimethemaidenopenedthesecondwalnut，andastillmorebeautifuldresswasinsideit。Sheputiton，andwentandstoodbythealtarinthechurch，andeverythinghappenedasithadhappenedthetimebefore。Andthemaidenagainlayallnightonthethresholdwhichledtothechamberoftheking\'sson，andtheservantwasoncemoretogivehimasleepingdraught。Theservant，however，wenttohimandgavehimsomethingtokeephimawake，andthentheking\'ssonwenttobed，andthemiller\'smaidenbemoanedherselfasbeforeonthethresholdofthedoor，andtoldofallthatshehaddone。Allthistheking\'ssonheard，andwassoretroubled，andwhatwaspastcamebacktohim。Thenhewantedtogotoher，buthismotherhadlockedthedoor。

Thenextmorning，however，hewentatoncetohisbeloved，andtoldhereverythingwhichhadhappenedtohim，andprayedhernottobeangrywithhimforhavingforgottenher。Thentheking\'sdaughteropenedthethirdwalnut，andwithinitwasastillmoremagnificentdress，whichsheputon，andwentwithherbridegroomtochurch，andnumbersofchildrencamewhogavethemflowers，andofferedthemgayribbonstobindabouttheirfeet，andtheywereblessedbythepriest，andhadamerrywedding。Butthefalsemotherandthebridehadtodepart。Andthemouthofthepersonwholasttoldallthisisstillwarm。

Therewasonceuponatimeaprincesswhowasextremelyproud。Ifawooercameshegavehimsomeriddletoguess，andifhecouldnotguessit，hewassentcontemptuouslyaway。Sheletitbemadeknownalsothatwhosoeversolvedherriddleshouldmarryher，lethimbewhohemight。Atlength，threetailorsfellinwitheachother，thetwoeldestofwhomthoughttheyhaddonesomanydexterousjobsofworksuccessfullythattheycouldnotfailtosucceedinthisalso，thethirdwasalittle，uselessharum-scarum，whodidnotevenknowhistrade，butthoughthemusthavesomeluckinthisventure，forwhereelsewasittocomefrom。Thenthetwootherssaidtohim，juststayathome，youcannotdomuchwithyourlittleunderstanding。

Thelittletailor，however，didnotlethimselfbediscouraged，andsaidhehadsethismindtoworkonthisforonce，andhewouldmanagewellenough，andhewentforthasifthewholeworldwerehis。

Theyallthreeannouncedthemselvestotheprincess，andsaidshewastopropoundherriddletothem，andthattherightpersonswerenowcome，whohadunderstandingssofinethattheycouldbethreadedinaneedle。Thensaidtheprincess，"Ihavetwokindsofhaironmyhead，ofwhatcolorisit。""Ifthatbeall，"saidthefirst，"itmustbeblackandwhite，liketheclothwhichiscalledpepperandsalt。"Theprincesssaid，"Wronglyguessed，letthesecondanswer。"

Thensaidthesecond，"Ifitbenotblackandwhite，thenitisbrownandred，likemyfather\'ssundaycoat。""Wronglyguessed，"saidtheprincess，"letthethirdgivetheanswerforIseeverywellheknowsitforcertain。"Thenthelittletailorsteppedboldlyforthandsaid，"Theprincesshasasilverandagoldenhaironherhead，andthosearethetwodifferentcolors。"

Whentheprincessheardthat，sheturnedpaleandnearlyfelldownwithterror，forthelittletailorhadguessedherriddle，andshehadfirmlybelievedthatnomanonearthcoulddiscoverit。Whenhercouragereturnedshesaid，"Youhavenotwonmeyetbythat。Thereisstillsomethingelsethatyoumustdo。Below，inthestableisabearwithwhichyoushallpassthenight，andwhenIgetupinthemorningifyouarestillalive，youshallmarryme。"Sheexpected，however，shewouldthusgetridofthetailor，forthebearhadneveryetleftanyonealivewhohadfallenintohisclutches。Thelittletailordidnotlethimselfbefrightenedaway，butwasquitedelighted，andsaid，"Boldlyventuredishalfwon。"

Sowhentheeveningcame，ourlittletailorwastakendowntothebear。Thebearwasabouttosetonthelittlefellowatonce，andgivehimaheartywelcomewithhispaws。"Softly，softly，"saidthelittletailor，"Iwillsoonmakeyouquiet。"Thenquitecomposedly，andasifhehadnoanxietyintheworld，hetooksomenutsoutofhispocket，crackedthem，andatethekernels。Whenthebearsawthat，hewasseizedwithadesiretohavesomenutstoo。Thetailorfeltinhispockets，andreachedhimahandful，theywere，however，notnuts，butpebbles。Thebearputtheminhismouth，butcouldgetnothingoutofthem，lethimbiteashewould。"Eh，"thoughthe，"whatastupidblockheadamI，Icannotevencrackanut。"Andthenhesaidtothetailor，"Here，crackmethenuts。""There，seewhatastupidfellowyouare，"saidthelittletailor，"tohavesuchagreatmouth，andnotbeabletocrackasmallnut。"Thenhetookthepebbleandnimblyputanutinhismouthintheplaceofit，andcrack，itwasintwo。"Imusttrythethingagain，"saidthebear，"whenI

watchyou，IthenthinkIoughttobeabletodoittoo。"Sothetailoroncemoregavehimapebble，andthebeartriedandtriedtobiteintoitwithallthestrengthofhisbody。Butevenyoudonotbelievethathemanagedit。

Whenthatwasover，thetailortookoutaviolinfrombeneathhiscoat，andplayedsomethingtohimself。Whenthebearheardthemusic，hecouldnothelpbeginningtodance，andwhenhehaddancedawhile，thethingpleasedhimsowellthathesaidtothelittletailor，"Listen，isitdifficulttofiddle？""Easyenoughforachild。Look，withthelefthandIlaymyfingersonit，andwiththerightIstrokeitwiththebow，andthenitgoesmerrily，hopsasavivallalera。""So，"saidthebear，"fiddlingisathingIshouldliketolearntoo，thatImightdancewheneverIfeltlikeit。Whatdoyouthinkofthat？Willyougivemelessons？""Withallmyheart，"

saidthetailor，"ifyouhaveatalentforit。Butjustletmeseeyourclaws，theyareterriblylong，Imustcutyournailsalittle。"

Thenavisewasbrought，andthebearputhisclawsinit，andthelittletailorscrewedittight，andsaid，"NowwaituntilIcomewiththescissors。"Andheletthebeargrowlasheliked，andlaydowninthecorneronabundleofstraw，andfellasleep。

Whentheprincessheardthebeargrowlingsofiercelyduringthenight，shebelievednothingelsebutthathewasgrowlingforjoy，andhadmadeanendofthetailor。Inthemorningshearosecarelessandhappy，butwhenshepeepedintothestable，thetailorstoodgailybeforeher，andwasashealthyasafishinwater。Nowshecouldnotsayanotherwordagainsttheweddingbecauseshehadgivenapromisebeforeeveryone，andthekingorderedacarriagetobebroughtinwhichshewastodrivetochurchwiththetailor，andthereshewastobemarried。

Whentheyhadclimbedintothecarriage，thetwoothertailors，whohadfalseheartsandenviedhimhisgoodfortune，wentintothestableandunscrewedthebearagain。Thebearingreatfuryranafterthecarriage。Theprincessheardsnortingandgrowling。Shewasterrified，andshecried，"Ah，thebearisbehindusandwantstogetyou。"Thetailorwasquickandstoodonhishead，stuckhislegsoutofthewindow，andcried，"Doyouseethevise？Ifyoudonotbeoffyoushallbeputintoitagain。"Whenthebearsawthat，heturnedroundandranaway。Thetailordrovequietlytochurch，andtheprincesswasmarriedtohimatonce，andhelivedwithherashappyasawoodlark。Whosoeverdoesnotbelievethis，mustpayataler。

Atailor\'sapprenticewastravelingabouttheworldinsearchofwork，andatonetimehecouldfindnone，andhispovertywassogreatthathehadnotafarthingtoliveon。PresentlyhemetaJewontheroad，andashethoughthewouldhaveagreatdealofmoneyabouthim，thetailorthrustGodoutofhisheart，fellontheJew，andsaid，givemeyourmoney，orIwillstrikeyoudead。ThensaidtheJew，grantmemylife，Ihavenomoneybuteightfarthings。Butthetailorsaid，moneyyouhave，anditshallbeproduced，andusedviolenceandbeathimuntilhewasneardeath。AndwhentheJewwasdying，thelastwordshesaidwere，thebrightsunwillbringittolight，andthereuponhedied。Thetailor\'sapprenticefeltinhispocketsandsoughtformoney，buthefoundnothingbuteightfarthings，astheJewhadsaid。Thenhetookhimupandcarriedhimbehindaclumpoftrees，andwentonwardstoseekwork。Afterhehadtraveledaboutalongwhile，hefoundworkinatownwithamasterwhohadaprettydaughter，withwhomhefellinlove，andhemarriedher，andlivedingoodandhappywedlock。

Afteralongtimewhenheandhiswifehadtwochildren，thewife\'sfatherandmotherdied，andtheyoungpeoplekepthousealone。Onemorning，whenthehusbandwassittingonthetablebeforethewindow，hiswifebroughthimhiscoffee，andwhenhehadpoureditoutintothesaucer，andwasjustgoingtodrink，thesunshoneonitandthereflectiongleamedhitherandthitheronthewallabove，andmadecirclesonit。Thenthetailorlookedupandsaid，yes，itwouldlikeverymuchtobringittolight，andcannot。Thewomansaid，o，dearhusband，andwhatisthat，then。Whatdoyoumeanbythat。Heanswered，Imustnottellyou。Butshesaid，ifyouloveme，youmusttellme，andusedhermostaffectionatewords，andsaidthatnooneshouldeverknowit，andlefthimnorest。Thenhetoldherhowyearsago，whenhewastravelingaboutseekingworkandquitewornoutandpenniless，hehadkilledaJew，andthatinthelastagoniesofdeath，theJewhadspokenthewords，thebrightsunwillbringittolight。Andnow，thesunhadjustwantedtobringittolight，andhadgleamedandmadecirclesonthewall，buthadnotbeenabletodoit。Afterthis，heagainchargedherparticularlynevertotellthis，orhewouldlosehislife，andshedidpromise。However，whenhehadsatdowntoworkagain，shewenttohergreatfriendandconfidedthestorytoher，andaskedhernevertorepeatittoanyhumanbeing，butbeforethreedayswereover，thewholetownknewit，andthetailorwasbroughttotrial，andcondemned。Andthus，afterall，thebrightsundidbringittolight。

Therewasonceonatimeasoldierwhoformanyyearshadservedthekingfaithfully，butwhenthewarcametoanendcouldservenolongerbecauseofthemanywoundswhichhehadreceived。Thekingsaidtohim，"Youmayreturntoyourhome，Ineedyounolonger，andyouwillnotreceiveanymoremoney，forheonlyreceiveswageswhorendersmeserveforthem。"Thenthesoldierdidnotknowhowtoearnaliving，wentawaygreatlytroubled，andwalkedthewholeday，untilintheeveningheenteredaforest。Whendarknesscameon，hesawalight，whichhewentupto，andcametoahousewhereinlivedawitch。"Dogivemeonenight\'slodging，andalittletoeatanddrink，"saidhetoher，"orIshallstarve。""Oho，"sheanswered，"whogivesanythingtoarun-awaysoldier？YetwillIbecompassionate，andtakeyouin，ifyouwilldowhatIwish。""Whatdoyouwish？"saidthesoldier。"Thatyoushoulddigallroundmygardenforme，tomorrow。"Thesoldierconsented，andnextdaylaboredwithallhisstrength，butcouldnotfinishitbytheevening。"I

seewellenough，"saidthewitch，"thatyoucandonomoretoday，butIwillkeepyouyetanothernight，inpaymentforwhichyoumusttomorrowchopmealoadofwood，andchopitsmall。"Thesoldierspentthewholedayindoingit，andintheeveningthewitchproposedthatheshouldstayonenightmore。"Tomorrow，youshallonlydomeaverytriflingpieceofwork。Behindmyhouse，thereisanolddrywell，intowhichmylighthasfallen，itburnsblue，andnevergoesout，andyoushallbringitupagain。"

Nextdaytheoldwomantookhimtothewell，andlethimdowninabasket。Hefoundthebluelight，andmadeherasignaltodrawhimupagain。Shediddrawhimup，butwhenhecameneartheedge，shestretcheddownherhandandwantedtotakethebluelightawayfromhim。"No，"saidhe，perceivingherevilintention，"IwillnotgiveyouthelightuntilIamstandingwithbothfeetupontheground。"

Thewitchfellintoapassion，lethimfallagainintothewell，andwentaway。

Thepoorsoldierfellwithoutinjuryonthemoistground，andthebluelightwentonburning，butofwhatusewasthattohim。Hesawverywellthathecouldnotescapedeath。Hesatforawhileverysorrowfully，thensuddenlyhefeltinhispocketandfoundhistobaccopipe，whichwasstillhalffull。"Thisshallbemylastpleasure，"thoughthe，pulleditout，lititatthebluelightandbegantosmoke。Whenthesmokehadcircledaboutthecavern，suddenlyalittleblackdwarfstoodbeforehim，andsaid，"Lord，whatareyourcommands？""Whatmycommandsare？"repliedthesoldier，quiteastonished。"Imustdoeverythingyoubidme，"saidthelittleman。"Good，"saidthesoldier，"theninthefirstplacehelpmeoutofthiswell。"Thelittlemantookhimbythehand，andledhimthroughanundergroundpassage，buthedidnotforgettotakethebluelightwithhim。Onthewaythedwarfshowedhimthetreasureswhichthewitchhadcollectedandhiddenthere，andthesoldiertookasmuchgoldashecouldcarry。Whenhewasabove，hesaidtothelittleman，"Nowgoandbindtheoldwitch，andcarryherbeforethejudge。"

Inashorttimeshecamebylikethewind，ridingonawildtom-catandscreamingfrightfully。Norwasitlongbeforethelittlemanre-appeared。"Itisalldone，"saidhe，"andthewitchisalreadyhangingonthegallows。Whatfurthercommandshasmylord，"inquiredthedwarf。"Atthismoment，none，"answeredthesoldier，"Youcanreturnhome，onlybeathandimmediately，ifIsummonyou。""Nothingmoreisneededthanthatyoushouldlightyourpipeatthebluelight，andIwillappearbeforeyouatonce。"Thereuponhevanishedfromhissight。

Thesoldierreturnedtothetownfromwhichhehadcome。Hewenttothebestinn，orderedhimselfhandsomeclothes，andthenbadethelandlordfurnishhimaroomashandsomeaspossible。Whenitwasreadyandthesoldierhadtakenpossessionofit，hesummonedthelittleblackmannikinandsaid，"Ihaveservedthekingfaithfully，buthehasdismissedme，andleftmetohunger，andnowIwanttotakemyrevenge。""WhatamItodo？"askedthelittleman。"Lateatnight，whentheking\'sdaughterisinbed，bringherhereinhersleep，sheshalldoservant\'sworkforme。"Themannikinsaid，"Thatisaneasythingformetodo，butaverydangerousthingforyou，forifitisdiscovered，youwillfareill。"Whentwelveo\'clockhadstruck，thedoorsprangopen，andthemannikincarriedintheprincess。"Aha，areyouthere？"criedthesoldier，"Gettoyourworkatonce。Fetchthebroomandsweepthechamber。"Whenshehaddonethis，heorderedhertocometohischair，andthenhestretchedouthisfeetandsaid，"Pulloffmyboots，"andthenhethrewtheminherface，andmadeherpickthemupagain，andcleanandbrightenthem。

She，however，dideverythinghebadeher，withoutopposition，silentlyandwithhalf-shuteyes。Whenthefirstcockcrowed，themannikincarriedherbacktotheroyalpalace，andlaidherinherbed。

Nextmorningwhentheprincessaroseshewenttoherfather，andtoldhimthatshehadhadaverystrangedream。"Iwascarriedthroughthestreetswiththerapidityoflightning，"saidshe，"andtakenintoasoldier\'sroom，andIhadtowaituponhimlikeaservant，sweephisroom，cleanhisboots，anddoallkindsofmenialwork。Itwasonlyadream，andyetIamjustastiredasifIreallyhaddoneeverything。""Thedreammayhavebeentrue，"saidtheking，"Iwillgiveyouapieceofadvice。Fillyourpocketfullofpeas，andmakeasmallholeinthepocket，andthenifyouarecarriedawayagain，theywillfalloutandleaveatrackinthestreets。"Butunseenbytheking，themannikinwasstandingbesidehimwhenhesaidthat，andheardall。Atnightwhenthesleepingprincesswasagaincarriedthroughthestreets，somepeascertainlydidfalloutofherpocket，buttheymadenotrack，forthecraftymannikinhadjustbeforescatteredpeasineverystreettherewas。Andagaintheprincesswascompelledtodoservant\'sworkuntilcock-crow。

Nextmorningthekingsenthispeopleouttoseekthetrack，butitwasallinvain，forineverystreetpoorchildrenweresitting，pickinguppeas，andsaying，"Itmusthaverainedpeas，lastnight。"

"Wemustthinkofsomethingelse，"saidtheking，"keepyourshoesonwhenyougotobed，andbeforeyoucomebackfromtheplacewhereyouaretaken，hideoneofthemthere，Iwillsooncontrivetofindit。"

Theblackmannikinheardthisplot，andatnightwhenthesoldieragainorderedhimtobringtheprincess，revealedittohim，andtoldhimthatheknewofnoexpedienttocounteractthisstratagem，andthatiftheshoewerefoundinthesoldier\'shouseitwouldgobadlywithhim。"DowhatIbidyou，"repliedthesoldier，andagainthisthirdnighttheprincesswasobligedtoworklikeaservant，butbeforeshewentaway，shehidhershoeunderthebed。

Nextmorningthekinghadtheentiretownsearchedforhisdaughter\'sshoe。Itwasfoundatthesoldier\'s，andthesoldierhimself，whoattheentreatyofthedwarfhadgoneoutsidethegate，wassoonbroughtback，andthrownintoprison。Inhisflighthehadforgottenthemostvaluablethingshehad，thebluelightandthegold，andhadonlyoneducatinhispocket。Andnowloadedwithchains，hewasstandingatthewindowofhisdungeon，whenhechancedtoseeoneofhiscomradespassingby。Thesoldiertappedatthepaneofglass，andwhenthismancameup，saidtohim，"BesokindastofetchmethatsmallbundleIhavelyingintheinn，andIwillgiveyouaducatfordoingit。"

Hiscomraderanthitherandbroughthimwhathewanted。Assoonasthesoldierwasaloneagain，helightedhispipeandsummonedtheblackmannikin。"Havenofear，"saidthelattertohismaster。"Gowheresoevertheytakeyou，andletthemdowhattheywill，onlytakethebluelightwithyou。"Nextdaythesoldierwastried，andthoughhehaddonenothingwicked，thejudgecondemnedhimtodeath。Whenhewasledforthtodie，hebeggedalastfavoroftheking。"Whatisit？"askedtheking。"ThatImaysmokeonemorepipeonmyway。"

"Youmaysmokethree，"answeredtheking，"butdonotimaginethatI

willspareyourlife。"Thenthesoldierpulledouthispipeandlighteditatthebluelight，andassoonasafewwreathsofsmokehadascended，themannikinwastherewithasmallcudgelinhishand，andsaid，"Whatdoesmylordcommand？""Strikedowntoearththatfalsejudgethere，andhisconstable，andsparenotthekingwhohastreatedmesoill。"Thenthemannikinfellonthemlikelightning，dartingthiswayandthatway，andwhosoeverwassomuchastouchedbyhiscudgelfelltoearth，anddidnotventuretostiragain。Thekingwasterrified，hethrewhimselfonthesoldier\'smercy，andmerelytobeallowedtoliveatall，gavehimhiskingdomforhisown，andhisdaughtertowife。

Onceuponatimetherewasachildwhowaswillful，andwouldnotdowhathermotherwished。ForthisreasonGodhadnopleasureinher，andletherbecomeill，andnodoctorcoulddoheranygood，andinashorttimeshelayonherdeath-bed。Whenshehadbeenloweredintohergrave，andtheearthwasspreadoverher，allatonceherarmcameoutagain，andstretchedupwards，andwhentheyhadputitinandspreadfreshearthoverit，itwasalltonopurpose，forthearmalwayscameoutagain。Thenthemotherherselfwasobligedtogotothegrave，andstrikethearmwitharod，andwhenshehaddonethat，itwasdrawnin，andthenatlastthechildhadrestbeneaththeground。

Therewasonceaking\'sson，whowasnolongercontenttostayathomeinhisfather\'shouse，andashehadnofearofanything，hethought，Iwillgoforthintothewideworld，therethetimewillnotseemlongtome，andIshallseewondersenough。Sohetookleaveofhisparents，andwentforth，andonandonfrommorningtillnight，andwhicheverwayhispathleditwasthesametohim。Itcametopassthathearrivedatthehouseofagiant，andashewassotiredhesatdownbythedoorandrested。Andashelethiseyesroamhereandthere，hesawthegiant\'splaythingslyingintheyard。Thesewereacoupleofenormousballs，andnine-pinsastallasaman。

Afterawhilehehadafancytosetthenine-pinsupandthenrolledtheballsatthem，andscreamedandcriedoutwhenthenine-pinsfell，andhadamerrytimeofit。

Thegiantheardthenoise，stretchedhisheadoutofthewindow，andsawamanwhowasnottallerthanothermen，andyetplayedwithhisnine-pins。"Littleworm，"criedhe，"whyareyouplayingwithmyballs？Whogaveyoustrengthtodoit？"Theking\'ssonlookedup，sawthegiant，andsaid，"Oh，youblockhead，youthinkindeedthatyouonlyhavestrongarms，IcandoeverythingIwanttodo。"Thegiantcamedownandwatchedthebowlingwithgreatadmiration，andsaid，"Childofman，ifyouareoneofthatkind，goandbringmeanappleofthetreeoflife。""Whatdoyouwantwithit？"saidtheking\'sson。"Idonotwanttheappleformyself，"answeredthegiant，"butIhaveabetrothedbridewhowishesforit。Ihavetraveledfarabouttheworldandcannotfindthetree。""Iwillsoonfindit，"saidtheking\'sson，"andIdonotknowwhatistopreventmefromgettingtheappledown。"Thegiantsaid，"Youreallybelieveittobesoeasy。Thegardeninwhichthetreestandsissurroundedbyanironrailing，andinfrontoftherailingliewildbeasts，eachclosetotheother，andtheykeepwatchandletnomangoin。""Theywillbesuretoletmein，"saidtheking\'sson。"Yes，butevenifyoudogetintothegarden，andseetheapplehangingtothetree，itisstillnotyours。Aringhangsinfrontofit，throughwhichanyonewhowantstoreachtheappleandbreakitoff，mustputhishand，andnoonehasyethadthelucktodoit。""Thatluckwillbemine，"

saidtheking\'sson。Thenhetookleaveofthegiant，andwentforthovermountainandvalley，andthroughplainsandforests，untilatlengthhecametothewondrousgarden。

Thebeastslayroundaboutit，buttheyhadputtheirheadsdownandwereasleep。Moreover，theydidnotawakewhenhewentuptothem，sohesteppedoverthem，climbedthefence，andgotsafelyintothegarden。There，intheverymiddleofit，stoodthetreeoflife，andtheredappleswereshininguponthebranches。Heclimbedupthetrunktothetop，andashewasabouttoreachoutforanapple，hesawaringhangingbeforeit，buthethrusthishandthroughthatwithoutanydifficulty，andpickedtheapple。Theringclosedtightlyonhisarm，andallatoncehefeltaprodigiousstrengthflowingthroughhisveins。Whenhehadcomedownagainfromthetreewiththeapple，hewouldnotclimboverthefence，butgraspedthegreatgate，andhadnoneedtoshakeitmorethanoncebeforeitsprangopenwithaloudcrash。Thenhewentout，andthelionwhichhadbeenlyinginfrontofthegate，wasawakeandsprangafterhim，notinrageandfierceness，butfollowinghimhumblyasitsmaster。

Theking\'ssontookthegianttheapplehehadpromisedhim，andsaid，"Yousee，Ihavebroughtitwithoutdifficulty。"Thegiantwasgladthathisdesirehadbeensosoonsatisfied，hastenedtohisbride，andgavehertheappleforwhichshehadwished。Shewasabeautifulandwisemaiden，andasshedidnotseetheringonhisarm，shesaid，"Ishallneverbelievethatyouhavebroughttheapple，untilIseetheringonyourarm。"Thegiantsaid，"Ihavenothingtodobutgohomeandfetchit，"andthoughtitwouldbeeasytotakeawaybyforcefromtheweakman，whathewouldnotgiveofhisownfreewill。Hethereforedemandedtheringfromhim，buttheking\'ssonrefusedit。"Wheretheappleis，theringmustbealso，"

saidthegiant。"Ifyouwillnotgiveitofyourownaccord，youmustfightmeforit。"

Theywrestledwitheachotherforalongtime，butthegiantcouldnotharmtheking\'sson，whowasstrengthenedbythemagicalpowerofthering。Thenthegiantthoughtofaruse，andsaid，"Ihavegotwarmwithfighting，andsohaveyou。Wewillbatheintheriver，andcoolourselvesbeforewebeginagain。"Theking\'sson，whoknewnothingoffalsehood，wentwithhimtothewater，andpulledoffwithhisclothestheringalsofromhisarm，andsprangintotheriver。

Thegiantinstantlysnatchedthering，andranawaywithit，butthelion，whichhadobservedthetheft，pursuedthegiant，toretheringoutofhishand，andbroughtitbacktoitsmaster。Thenthegiantplacedhimselfbehindanoak-tree，andwhiletheking\'ssonwasbusyputtingonhisclothesagain，surprisedhim，andputbothhiseyesout。

Andnowtheunhappyking\'ssonstoodthere，andwasblindandknewnothowtohelphimself。Thenthegiantcamebacktohim，tookhimbythehandasifheweresomeonewhowantedtoguidehim，andledhimtothetopofahighrock。Therehelefthimstanding，andthought，"Justtwostepsmore，andhewillfalldownandkillhimself，andIcantaketheringfromhim。"Butthefaithfullionhadnotdeserteditsmaster。Itheldhimfastbytheclothes，anddrewhimgraduallybackagain。

Whenthegiantcameandwantedtorobthedeadman，hesawthathiscunninghadbeeninvain。"Istherenoway，then，ofdestroyingaweakchildofmanlikethat？"saidheangrilytohimself，andseizedtheking\'ssonandledhimbackagaintotheprecipicebyanotherway，butthelionwhichsawhisevildesign，helpeditsmasteroutofdangerherealso。Whentheyhadcomeclosetotheedge，thegiantlettheblindman\'shanddrop，andwasgoingtoleavehimbehindalone，butthelionpushedthegiantsothathewasthrowndownandfell，dashedtopieces，ontheground。