第13章

Nextmorning，whentheyallawoke，andwenttothehouse-door，therestoodastrangelymagnificenttreewithleavesofsilver，andfruitofgoldhangingamongthem，sothatinallthewideworldtherewasnothingmorebeautifulorprecious。Theydidnotknowhowthetreecouldhavecomethereduringthenight，butTwo-Eyessawthatithadgrownupoutoftheentrailsofthegoat，foritwasstandingontheexactspotwhereshehadburiedthem。ThenthemothersaidtoOne-Eye，"Climbup，mychild，andgathersomeofthefruitofthetreeforus。"One-eyeclimbedup，butwhenshewasabouttogetholdofoneofthegoldenapples，thebranchescapedfromherhands，andthathappenedeachtime，sothatshecouldnotpluckasingleapple，letherdowhatshemight。Thensaidthemother，"Three-Eyes，youclimbup，youwithyourthreeeyescanlookaboutyoubetterthanOne-Eye。"One-Eyeslippeddown，andThree-Eyesclimbedup。

Three-Eyeswasnotmoreskillful，andmighttryasshewould，butthegoldenapplesalwaysescapedher。

Atlengththemothergrewimpatient，andclimbedupherself，butcouldgetholdofthefruitnobetterthanOne-EyeandThree-Eyes，forshealwaysclutchedemptyair。ThensaidTwo-Eyes，"Letmegoup，perhapsImaysucceedbetter。"Thesisterscried，"Youindeed，withyourtwoeyes，whatcanyoudo？"ButTwo-Eyesclimbedup，andthegoldenapplesdidnotavoidher，butcameintoherhandoftheirownaccord，sothatshecouldpluckthemoneaftertheother，andbroughtawholeapronfuldownwithher。Themothertookthemawayfromher，andinsteadoftreatingpoorTwo-Eyesanybetterforthis，sheandOne-EyeandThree-Eyeswereonlyenvious，becauseTwo-Eyesalonehadbeenabletogetthefruit，andtheytreatedherstillmorecruelly。

Itsobefellthatoncewhentheywereallstandingtogetherbythetree，ayoungknightcameup。"Quick，Two-Eyes，"criedthetwosisters，"creepunderthis，anddon\'tdisgraceus，"andwithallspeedtheyturnedanemptybarrelwhichwasstandingclosebythetreeoverpoorTwo-Eyes，andtheysweptthegoldenappleswhichshehadbeengathering，underittoo。Whentheknightcamenearerhewasahandsomelord，whostoppedandadmiredthemagnificentgoldandsilvertree，andsaidtothetwosisters，"Towhomdoesthisfinetreebelong？Anyonewhowouldbestowonebranchofitonmemightinreturnforitaskwhatsoeverhedesired。"ThenOne-EyeandThree-Eyesrepliedthatthetreebelongedtothem，andthattheywouldgivehimabranch。Theybothtookgreattrouble，buttheywerenotabletodoit，forthebranchesandfruitbothmovedawayfromthemeverytime。

Thensaidtheknight，"Itisverystrangethatthetreeshouldbelongtoyou，andthatyoushouldnothavethepowertobreakapieceoff。"

Theyagainassertedthatthetreewastheirproperty。

Whilsttheyweresayingso，Two-Eyesrolledoutacoupleofgoldenapplesfromunderthebarreltothefeetoftheknight，forshewasvexedwithOne-EyeandThree-Eyes，fornotspeakingthetruth。Whentheknightsawtheappleshewasastonished，andaskedwheretheycamefrom。One-EyeandThree-Eyesansweredthattheyhadanothersister，whowasnotallowedtoshowherself，forshehadonlytwoeyeslikeanycommonperson。Theknight，however，desiredtoseeher，andcried，"Two-Eyes，comeforth。"ThenTwo-Eyes，quitecomforted，camefrombeneaththebarrel，andtheknightwassurprisedathergreatbeauty，andsaid，"You，Two-Eyes，cancertainlybreakoffabranchfromthetreeforme。""Yes，"repliedTwo-Eyes，"thatI

certainlyshallbeabletodo，forthetreebelongstome。"Andsheclimbedup，andwiththegreatesteasebrokeoffabranchwithbeautifulsilverleavesandgoldenfruit，andgaveittotheknight。

Thensaidtheknight，"Two-Eyes，whatshallIgiveyouforit？"

"Alas，answeredtwo-eyes，"Isufferfromhungerandthirst，griefandwant，fromearlymorningtilllatenight。Ifyouwouldtakemewithyou，andrescueme，Ishouldbehappy。"SotheknightliftedTwo-Eyesontohishorse，andtookherhomewithhimtohisfather\'scastle，andtherehegaveherbeautifulclothes，andmeatanddrinktoherheart\'scontent，andashelovedhersomuchhemarriedher，andtheweddingwassolemnizedwithgreatrejoicing。

WhenTwo-Eyeswasthuscarriedawaybythehandsomeknight，hertwosistersgrudgedhergoodfortuneindownrightearnest。"Thewonderfultree，however，stillremainswithus，"thoughtthey，"andevenifwecangathernofruitfromit，stilleveryonewillstandstillandlookatit，andcometousandadmireit。Whoknowswhatgoodthingsmaybeinstoreforus。"Butnextmorning，thetreehadvanished，andalltheirhopeswereatanend。AndwhenTwo-Eyeslookedoutofthewindowofherownroom，tohergreatdelightitwasstandinginfrontofit，andsoithadfollowedher。

Two-Eyeslivedalongtimeinhappiness。Oncetwopoorwomencametoherinhercastle，andbeggedforalms。Shelookedintheirfaces，andrecognizedhersisters，One-Eye，andThree-Eyes，whohadfallenintosuchpovertythattheyhadtowanderaboutandbegtheirbreadfromdoortodoor。Two-Eyes，however，madethemwelcome，andwaskindtothem，andtookcareofthem，sothattheybothwithalltheirheartsrepentedtheevilthattheyhaddonetheirsisterintheiryouth。

"Good-day，fatherhollenthe。""Manythanks，pif-paf-poltrie。""MayI

beallowedtohaveyourdaughter？""Oh，yes，ifmothermalchomilchcow，brotherhigh-and-mighty，sisterkasetraut，andfairkatrineljearewilling，youcanhaveher。""Whereismothermalcho，then？""Sheisinthecow-house，milkingthecow。"

"Good-day，mothermalcho。""Manythanks，pif-paf-poltrie。""MayIbeallowedtohaveyourdaughter？""Oh，yes，iffatherhollenthe，brotherhigh-and-mighty，sisterkasetraut，andfairkatrineljearewilling，youcanhaveher。""Whereisbrotherhigh-and-mighty，then？"

"Heisintheroomchoppingsomewood。"

"Good-day，brotherhigh-and-mighty。""Manythanks，pif-paf-poltrie。"

"MayIbeallowedtohaveyoursister？""Oh，yes，iffatherhollenthe，mothermalcho，sisterkasetraut，andfairkatrineljearewilling，youcanhaveher。""Whereissisterkasetraut，then？""Sheisinthegardencuttingcabbages。"

"Good-day，sisterkasetraut。""Manythanks，pif-paf-poltrie。""MayI

beallowedtohaveyoursister？""Oh，yes，iffatherhollenthe，mothermalcho，brotherhigh-and-mighty，andfairkatrineljearewilling，youmayhaveher。""Whereisfairkatrinelje，then。""Sheisintheroomcountingoutherfarthings。"

"Goodday，fairkatrinelje。""Manythanks，pif-paf-poltrie。""Willyoubemybride？""Oh，yes，iffatherhollenthe，mothermalcho，brotherhigh-and-mighty，andsisterkasetrautarewilling，Iamready。"

"Fairkatrinelje，howmuchdowrydoyouhave？""Fourteenfarthingsinreadymoney，threeandahalfgroschenowingtome，halfapoundofdriedapples，ahandfulofpretzels，andahandfulofroots。

Andmanyotherthingsaremine，HaveInotadowryfine？"

"Pif-paf-poltrie，whatisyourtrade？Areyouatailor？""Somethingbetter。""Ashoemaker？""Somethingbetter。""Ahusbandman？"

"Somethingbetter。""Ajoiner？""Somethingbetter。""Asmith？"

"Somethingbetter。""Amiller？""Somethingbetter。""Perhapsabroom-maker？""Yes，that\'swhatIam，isitnotafinetrade？"

Therewasonceuponatimeakingwhohadtwelvedaughters，eachonemorebeautifulthantheother。Theyallslepttogetherinonechamber，inwhichtheirbedsstoodsidebyside，andeverynightwhentheywereinthemthekinglockedthedoor，andboltedit。Butinthemorningwhenheunlockedthedoor，hesawthattheirshoeswerewornoutwithdancing，andnoonecouldfindouthowthathadcometopass。Thenthekingcausedittobeproclaimedthatwhosoevercoulddiscoverwheretheydancedatnight，shouldchooseoneofthemforhiswifeandbekingafterhisdeath，butthatwhosoevercameforwardandhadnotdiscovereditwithinthreedaysandnights，shouldhaveforfeitedhislife。

Itwasnotlongbeforeaking\'ssonpresentedhimself，andofferedtoundertaketheenterprise。Hewaswellreceived，andintheeveningwasledintoaroomadjoiningtheprincesses，sleeping-chamber。Hisbedwasplacedthere，andhewastoobservewheretheywentanddanced，andinorderthattheymightdonothingsecretlyorgoawaytosomeotherplace，thedooroftheirroomwasleftopen。Buttheeyelidsoftheprincegrewheavyaslead，andhefellasleep，andwhenheawokeinthemorning，alltwelvehadbeentothedance，fortheirshoeswerestandingtherewithholesinthesoles。Onthesecondandthirdnightstherewasnodifference，andthenhisheadwasstruckoffwithoutmercy。

Manyotherscameafterthisandundertooktheenterprise，butallforfeitedtheirlives。Nowitcametopassthatapoorsoldier，whohadawound，andcouldservenolonger，foundhimselfontheroadtothetownwherethekinglived。Therehemetanoldwoman，whoaskedhimwherehewasgoing。"Ihardlyknowmyself，"answeredhe，andaddedinjest，"Ihadhalfamindtodiscoverwheretheprincessesdancedtheirshoesintoholes，andthusbecomeking。""Thatisnotsodifficult，"saidtheoldwoman，"youmustnotdrinkthewinewhichwillbebroughttoyouatnight，andmustpretendtobesoundasleep。"Withthatshegavehimalittlecloak，andsaid，"Ifyouwearthis，youwillbeinvisible，andthenyoucanstealafterthetwelve。"Whenthesoldierhadreceivedthisgoodadvice，hefelltoinearnest，tookheart，wenttotheking，andannouncedhimselfasasuitor。Hewasaswellreceivedastheothers，androyalgarmentswereputuponhim。Hewasconductedthateveningatbed-timeintotheantechamber，andashewasabouttogotobed，theeldestcameandbroughthimacupofwine，buthehadtiedaspongeunderhischin，andletthewinerundownintoit，withoutdrinkingadrop。

Thenhelaydownandwhenhehadlainawhile，hebegantosnore，asifinthedeepestsleep。Thetwelveprincessesheardthat，andlaughed，andtheeldestsaid，"He，too，mightaswellhavesavedhislife。"Withthattheygotup，openedwardrobes，presses，cupboards，andbroughtoutprettydresses，dressedthemselvesbeforethemirrors，sprangabout，andrejoicedattheprospectofthedance。

Onlytheyoungestsaid，"Iknownothowitis，youareveryhappy，butIfeelverystrange，somemisfortuneiscertainlyabouttobefallus。""Youareagoose，whoarealwaysfrightened，"saidtheeldest。

"Haveyouforgottenhowmanykings\'sonshavealreadycomehereinvain。Ihadhardlyanyneedtogivethesoldierasleeping-draught，theboobywouldnothaveawakenedanyway。"

Whentheywereallreadytheylookedcarefullyatthesoldier，buthehadclosedhiseyesanddidnotmoveorstir，sotheyfeltthemselvessafeenough。Theeldestthenwenttoherbedandtappedit，whereuponitimmediatelysankintotheearth，andoneaftertheothertheydescendedthroughtheopening，theeldestgoingfirst。Thesoldier，whohadwatchedeverything，tarriednolonger，putonhislittlecloak，andwentdownlastwiththeyoungest。Half-waydownthesteps，hejusttrodalittleonherdress，shewasterrifiedatthat，andcriedout，"Whatisthat？Whoispullingmydress？""Don\'tbesosilly，"saidtheeldest，"youhavecaughtitonanail。"

Thentheywentallthewaydown，andwhentheywereatthebottom，theywerestandinginawonderfullyprettyavenueoftrees，alltheleavesofwhichwereofsilver，andshoneandglistened。Thesoldierthought，"Imustcarryatokenawaywithme，"andbrokeoffatwigfromoneofthem，onwhichthetreecrackedwithaloudreport。Theyoungestcriedoutagain。"Somethingiswrong，didyouhearthecrack？"Buttheeldestsaid，"Itisagunfiredforjoy，becausewehavegotridofourprincesoquickly。"Afterthattheycameintoanavenuewherealltheleaveswereofgold，andlastlyintoathirdwheretheywereofbrightdiamonds，hebrokeoffatwigfromeach，whichmadesuchacrackeachtimethattheyoungeststartedbackinterror，buttheeldeststillmaintainedthattheyweresalutes。

Theywentonandcametoagreatlakewhereonstoodtwelvelittleboats，andineveryboatsatahandsomeprince，allofwhomwerewaitingforthetwelve，andeachtookoneofthemwithhim，butthesoldierseatedhimselfbytheyoungest。Thenherprincesaid，"I

wonderwhytheboatissomuchheavierto-day。Ishallhavetorowwithallmystrength，ifIamtogetitacross。""Whatshouldcausethat，"saidtheyoungest，"butthewarmweather？""Ifeelverywarmtoo。"Ontheoppositesideofthelakestoodasplendid，brightly-litcastle，fromwhenceresoundedthejoyousmusicoftrumpetsandkettle-drums。Theyrowedthere，entered，andeachprincedancedwiththegirlheloved，butthesoldierdancedwiththemunseen，andwhenoneofthemhadacupofwineinherhandhedrankitup，sothatthecupwasemptywhenshecarriedittohermouth，theyoungestwasalarmedatthis，buttheeldestalwayssilencedher。Theydancedtheretillthreeo\'clockinthemorningwhenalltheshoesweredancedintoholes，andtheywereforcedtoleaveoff，theprincesrowedthembackagainoverthelake，andthistimethesoldierseatedhimselfbytheeldest。

Ontheshoretheytookleaveoftheirprinces，andpromisedtoreturnthefollowingnight。Whentheyreachedthestairsthesoldierranoninfrontandlaydowninhisbed，andwhenthetwelvehadcomeupslowlyandwearily，hewasalreadysnoringsoloudlythattheycouldallhearhim，andtheysaid，"Sofarasheisconcerned，wearesafe。"Theytookofftheirbeautifuldresses，laidthemaway，puttheworn-outshoesunderthebed，andlaydown。Nextmorningthesoldierwasresolvednottospeak，buttowatchthewonderfulgoings-on，andagainwentwiththemasecondandathirdnight。

Theneverythingwasjustasithadbeenthefirsttime，andeachtimetheydanceduntiltheirshoeswereworntopieces。Butthethirdtimehetookacupawaywithhimasatoken。Whenthehourhadarrivedforhimtogivehisanswer，hetookthethreetwigsandthecup，andwenttotheking，butthetwelvestoodbehindthedoor，andlistenedforwhathewasgoingtosay。Whenthekingputthequestion，"Wherehavemytwelvedaughtersdancedtheirshoestopiecesinthenight？"Heanswered，"Inanundergroundcastlewithtwelveprinces，"andrelatedhowithadcometopass，andbroughtoutthetokens。Thekingthensummonedhisdaughters，andaskedthemifthesoldierhadtoldthetruth，andwhentheysawthattheywerebetrayed，andthatfalsehoodwouldbeofnoavail，theywereobligedtoconfessall。Thereuponthekingaskedwhichofthemhewouldhavetowife。Heanswered，"Iamnolongeryoung，sogivemetheeldest。"

Thentheweddingwascelebratedontheself-sameday，andthekingdomwaspromisedhimaftertheking\'sdeath。Buttheprinceswerebewitchedforasmanydaysastheyhaddancednightswiththetwelve。

Inoldentimestherelivedanagedqueenwhowasasorceress，andherdaughterwasthemostbeautifulmaidenunderthesun。Theoldwoman，however，hadnootherthoughtthanhowtoluremankindtodestruction，andwhenawooerappeared，shesaidthatwhosoeverwishedtohaveherdaughter，mustfirstperformatask，ordie。Manyhadbeendazzledbythedaughter\'sbeauty，andhadactuallyriskedthis，buttheynevercouldaccomplishwhattheoldwomanenjoinedthemtodo，andthennomercywasshown，theyhadtokneeldown，andtheirheadswerestruckoff。

Acertainking\'ssonwhohadalsoheardofthemaiden\'sbeauty，saidtohisfather，"Letmegothere，Iwanttodemandherinmarriage。"

"Never，"answeredtheking，"ifyouweretogo，itwouldbegoingtoyourdeath。"Onthisthesonlaydownandwassickuntodeath，andforsevenyearshelaythere，andnophysiciancouldhealhim。Whenthefatherperceivedthatallhopewasover，withaheavyhearthesaidtohim，"Gothither，andtryyourluck，forIknownoothermeansofcuringyou。"Whenthesonheardthat，herosefromhisbedandwaswellagain，andjoyfullysetoutonhisway。

Anditcametopassthatashewasridingacrossaheath，hesawfromafarsomethinglikeagreatheapofhaylayingontheground，andwhenhedrewnearer，hecouldseethatitwasthestomachofaman，whohadlaidhimselfdownthere，butthestomachlookedlikeasmallmountain。Whenthefatmansawthetraveler，hestoodupandsaid，"Ifyouareinneedofanyone，takemeintoyourservice。"Theprinceanswered，"WhatcanIdowithsuchaclumsyman？""Oh，"saidthestoutone，"thisisnothing，whenIreallypuffmyselfup，Iamthreethousandtimesfatter。""Ifthat\'sthecase，"saidtheprince，"Icanmakeuseofyou，comewithme。"

Sothestoutonefollowedtheprince，andafterawhiletheyfoundanothermanwhowaslyingonthegroundwithhisearlaidtotheturf。"Whatareyoudoingthere？"askedtheking\'sson。"Iamlistening，"repliedtheman。"Whatareyoulisteningtosoattentively？""Iamlisteningtowhatisjustgoingonintheworld，fornothingescapesmyears，Ievenhearthegrassgrowing。""Tellme，"saidtheprince，"whatyouhearatthecourtoftheoldqueenwhohasthebeautifuldaughter。"Thenheanswered，"Ihearthewhizzingoftheswordthatisstrikingoffawooer\'shead。"Theking\'ssonsaid，"Icanmakeuseofyou，comewithme。"

Theywentonwards，andthensawapairoffeetlyingandpartofapairoflegs，butcouldnotseetherestofthebody。Whentheyhadwalkedonforagreatdistance，theycametothebody，andatlasttotheheadalso。"Why，"saidtheprince，"whatatallrascalyouare。"

"Oh，"repliedthetallone，"thatisnothingatallyet，whenI

reallystretchoutmylimbs，Iamthreethousandtimesastall，andtallerthanthehighestmountainonearth。Iwillgladlyenteryourservice，ifyouwilltakeme。""Comewithme，"saidtheprince，"I

canmakeuseofyou。"

Theywentonwardsandfoundamansittingbytheroadwhohadbounduphiseyes。Theprincesaidtohim，"Haveyouweakeyes，thatyoucannotlookatthelight？""No，"repliedtheman，"butImustnotremovethebandage，forwhatsoeverIlookatwithmyeyes，splitstopieces，sopowerfulismyglance。Ifyoucanusethat，Ishallbegladtoserveyou。""Comewithme，"repliedtheking\'sson，"Icanmakeuseofyou。"

Theyjourneyedonwardsandfoundamanwhowaslyinginthehotsunshine，tremblingandshiveringalloverhisbody，sothatnotalimbwasstill。"Howcanyoushiverwhenthesunisshiningsowarm？"saidtheking\'sson。"Alas，"repliedtheman，"Iamofquiteadifferentnature。Thehotteritis，thecolderIam，andthefrostpiercesthroughallmybones，andthecolderitis，thehotterIam。

Inthemidstofice，Icannotenduretheheat，norinthemidstoffire，thecold。""Youareastrangefellow，"saidtheprince，"butifyouwillentermyservice，followme。"

Theytraveledonwards，andsawamanstandingwhomadealongneckandlookedabouthim，andcouldseeoverallthemountains。"Whatareyoulookingatsoeagerly？"saidtheking\'sson。Themanreplied，"IhavesuchsharpeyesthatIcanseeintoeveryforestandfield，andhillandvalley，allovertheworld。"Theprincesaid，"Comewithmeifyouwill，forIamstillinwantofsuchanone。"

Andnowtheking\'ssonandhissixservantscametothetownwheretheagedqueendwelt。Hedidnottellherwhohewas，butsaid，"Ifyouwillgivemeyourbeautifuldaughter，Iwillperformanytaskyousetme。"Thesorceresswasdelightedtogetsuchahandsomeyouthasthisintohernet，andsaid，"Iwillsetyouthreetasks，andifyouareabletoperformthemall，youshallbehusbandandmasterofmydaughter。""Whatisthefirsttobe？""YoushallfetchmemyringwhichIhavedroppedintotheredsea。"

Sotheking\'ssonwenthometohisservantsandsaid，"Thefirsttaskisnoteasy。Aringistobegotoutoftheredsea。Come，findsomewayofdoingit。"Thenthemanwiththesharpsightsaid，"I

willseewhereitislying，"andlookeddownintothewaterandsaid，"Itishangingthere，onapointedstone。"Thetallonecarriedthemthither，andsaid，"Iwouldsoongetitout，ifIcouldonlyseeit。"

"Oh，isthatall，"criedthestoutone，andlaydownandputhismouthtothewater，onwhichallthewavesfellintoitjustasifithadbeenawhirlpool，andhedrankupthewholeseatillitwasasdryasameadow。Thetallonestoopeddownalittle，andbroughtouttheringwithhishand。

Thentheking\'ssonrejoicedwhenhehadthering，andtookittotheoldqueen。Shewasastonished，andsaid，"Yes，itistherightring。

Youhavesafelyperformedthefirsttask，butnowcomesthesecond。

Doyouseethemeadowinfrontofmypalace？Threehundredfatoxenarefeedingthere，andthesemustyoueat，skin，hair，bones，hornsandall，anddownbelowinmycellarliethreehundredcasksofwine，andtheseyoumustdrinkupaswell，andifonehairoftheoxen，oronelittledropofthewineisleft，yourlifewillbeforfeitedtome。""MayIinvitenogueststothisrepast？"inquiredtheprince，"Nodinnerisgoodwithoutsomecompany。"Theoldwomanlaughedmaliciously，andreplied，"Youmayinviteoneforthesakeofcompanionship，butnomore。"

Theking\'ssonwenttohisservantsandsaidtothestoutone，"Youshallbemyguestto-day，andshalleatyourfill。"Hereuponthestoutonepuffedhimselfupandatethethreehundredoxenwithoutleavingonesinglehair，andthenheaskedifhewastohavenothingbuthisbreakfast。Thenhedrankthewinestraightfromthecaskswithoutfeelinganyneedofaglass，anddrainedthemdowntotheirdregs。

Whenthemealwasover，theprincewenttotheoldwoman，andtoldherthatthesecondtaskalsowasperformed。Shewonderedatthisandsaid，"Noonehaseverdonesomuchbefore，butonetaskstillremains，"andshethoughttoherself，"Youshallnotescapeme，andwillnotkeepyourheadonyourshoulders。""Thisnight，"saidshe，"Iwillbringmydaughtertoyouinyourchamber，andyoushallputyourarmsroundher，butwhenyouaresittingtheretogether，bewareoffallingasleep。Whentwelveo\'clockisstriking，Iwillcome，andifsheisthennolongerinyourarms，youarelost。"

Theprincethought，"Thetaskiseasy，Iwillmostcertainlykeepmyeyesopen。"Neverthelesshecalledhisservants，toldthemwhattheoldwomanhadsaid，andremarked，"Whoknowswhattreacherylurksbehindthis？Foresightisagoodthing-keepwatch，andtakecarethatthemaidendoesnotgooutofmyroomagain。"Whennightfell，theoldwomancamewithherdaughter，andgaveherintotheprinces\'sarms，andthenthetallonewoundhimselfroundthetwoinacircle，andthestoutoneplacedhimselfbythedoor，sothatnolivingcreaturecouldenter。Therethetwosat，andthemaidenspokeneveraword，butthemoonshonethroughthewindowonherface，andtheprincecouldbeholdherwondrousbeauty。Hedidnothingbutgazeather，andwasfilledwithloveandhappiness，andhiseyesneverfeltweary。Thislasteduntileleveno\'clock，whentheoldwomancastsuchaspelloverallofthemthattheyfellasleep，andattheself-samemomentthemaidenwascarriedaway。

Thentheyallsleptsoundlyuntilaquartertotwelve，whenthemagiclostitspower，andallawokeagain。"Oh，miseryandmisfortune，"

criedtheprince，"nowIamlost。"Thefaithfulservantsalsobegantolament，butthelistenersaid，"Bequiet，Iwanttolisten。"Thenhelistenedforaninstantandsaid，"Sheisonarock，threehundredleaguesfromhence，bewailingherfate。Youalone，tallone，canhelpher，ifyouwillstandup，youwillbethereinacoupleofsteps。"

"Yes，"answeredthetallone，"buttheonewiththesharpeyesmustgowithme，thatwemaydestroytherock。"Thenthetallonetooktheonewithbandagedeyesonhisback，andinthetwinklingofaneyetheywereontheenchantedrock。Thetalloneimmediatelytookthebandagefromtheother\'seyes，andhedidbutlookround，andtherockshiveredintoathousandpieces。Thenthetallonetookthemaideninhisarms，carriedherbackinasecond，thenfetchedhiscompanionwiththesamerapidity，andbeforeitstrucktwelvetheywereallsittingastheyhadsatbefore，quitemerrilyandhappily。

Whentwelvestruck，theagedsorceresscamestealinginwithamaliciousface，asmuchastosay，"Nowheismine，forshebelievedthatherdaughterwasontherockthreehundredleaguesoff。"Butwhenshesawherintheprince\'sarms，shewasalarmed，andsaid，"HereisonewhoknowsmorethanIdo。"Shedarednotmakeanyopposition，andwasforcedtogivehimherdaughter。Butshewhisperedinherear，"Itisadisgracetoyoutohavetoobeycommonpeople，andthatyouarenotallowedtochooseahusbandtoyourownliking。"

Onthistheproudheartofthemaidenwasfilledwithanger，andshemeditatedrevenge。Nextmorningshecausedthreehundredgreatbundlesofwoodtobegottogether，andsaidtotheprincethatthoughthethreetaskswereperformed，shewouldstillnotbehiswifeuntilsomeonewasreadytoseathimselfinthemidstofthewood，andbearthefire。Shethoughtthatnoneofhisservantswouldletthemselvesbeburntforhim，andthatoutofloveforher，hehimselfwouldplacehimselfuponit，andthenshewouldbefree。Buttheservantssaid，"Everyoneofushasdonesomethingexceptthefrostyone，hemustsettowork，andtheyputhiminthemiddleofthepile，andsetfiretoit。"Thenthefirebegantoburn，andburntforthreedaysuntilallthewoodwasconsumed，andwhentheflameshadburntout，thefrostyonewasstandingamidtheashes，tremblinglikeanaspenleaf，andsaying，"Ineverfeltsuchafrostduringthewholecourseofmylife，ifithadlastedmuchlonger，Ishouldhavebeenbenumbed。"

Asnootherpretextwastobefound，thebeautifulmaidenwasnowforcedtotaketheunknownyouthasahusband。Butwhentheydroveawaytochurch，theoldwomansaid，"Icannotendurethedisgrace，"

andsentherwarriorsafterthemwithorderstocutdownallwhoopposedthem，andbringbackherdaughter。Butthelistenerhadsharpenedhisears，andheardthesecretdiscourseoftheoldwoman。

"Whatshallwedo？"saidhetothestoutone。Butheknewwhattodo，andspatoutonceortwicebehindthecarriagesomeofthesea-waterwhichhehaddrunk，andagreatlakearoseinwhichthewarriorswerecaughtanddrowned。

Whenthesorceressperceivedthat，shesenthermailedknights，butthelistenerheardtherattlingoftheirarmor，andundidthebandagefromoneeyeofsharp-eyes，wholookedforawhileratherfixedlyattheenemy\'stroops，onwhichtheyallsprangtopieceslikeglass。

Thentheyouthandthemaidenwentontheirwayundisturbed，andwhenthetwohadbeenblessedinchurch，thesixservantstookleave，andsaidtotheirmaster，"Yourwishesarenowsatisfied，youneedusnolonger，wewillgoourwayandseekourfortunes。"

Halfaleaguefromthepalaceoftheprince\'sfatherwasavillagenearwhichaswineherdtendedhisherd，andwhentheycamethithertheprincesaidtohiswife，"DoyouknowwhoIreallyam？Iamnoprince，butaherderofswine，andthemanwhoistherewiththatherd，ismyfather。Wetwoshallhavetosettoworkalso，andhelphim。"Thenhealightedwithherattheinn，andsecretlytoldtheinnkeeperstotakeawayherroyalapparelduringthenight。Sowhensheawokeinthemorning，shehadnothingtoputon，andtheinnkeeper\'swifegaveheranoldgownandapairofworstedstockings，andatthesametimeseemedtoconsideritagreatpresent，andsaid，"IfitwerenotforthesakeofyourhusbandI

shouldhavegivenyounothingatall。"Thentheprincessbelievedthathereallywasaswineherd，andtendedtheherdwithhim，andthoughttoherself，"Ihavedeservedthisformyhaughtinessandpride。"

Thislastedforaweek，andthenshecouldendureitnolonger，forshehadsoresonherfeet。Andnowcameacoupleofpeoplewhoaskedifsheknewwhoherhusbandwas。"Yes，"sheanswered，"heisaswineherd，andhasjustgoneoutwithcordsandropestotrytodrivealittlebargain。"Buttheysaid，"Justcomewithus，andwewilltakeyoutohim，"andtheytookheruptothepalace，andwhensheenteredthehall，therestoodherhusbandinkinglyraiment。Butshedidnotrecognizehimuntilhetookherinhisarms，kissedher，andsaid，"Isufferedsomuchforyouthatyou，too，hadtosufferforme。"Andthentheweddingwascelebrated，andhewhohasrelatedthis，wishesthathe，too，hadbeenpresentatit。

Awomanwaswalkingaboutthefieldswithherdaughterandherstep-daughtercuttingfodder，whentheLordcametowardsthemintheformofapoorman，andasked，"Whichisthewayintothevillage？"

"Ifyouwanttoknow，"saidthemother，"seekitforyourself，"andthedaughteradded，"Ifyouareafraidyouwillnotfindit，takeaguidewithyou。"Butthestep-daughtersaid，"Poorman，Iwilltakeyouthere，comewithme。"

ThenGodwasangrywiththemotheranddaughter，andturnedHisbackonthem，andwishedthattheyshouldbecomeasblackasnightandasuglyassin。Tothepoorstep-daughter，however，Godwasgracious，andwentwithher，andwhentheywerenearthevillage，Hesaidablessingoverher，andspoke，"Choosethreethingsforyourself，andIwillgrantthemtoyou。"Thensaidthemaiden，"Ishouldliketobeasbeautifulandfairasthesun，"andinstantlyshewaswhiteandfairasday。"ThenIshouldliketohaveapurseofmoneywhichwouldnevergrowempty。"ThattheLordgaveheralso，butHesaid，"Donotforgetwhatisbestofall。"Saidshe，"Formythirdwish，I

desire，aftermydeath，toinhabittheeternalkingdomofheaven。"

Thatalsowasgranteduntoher，andthentheLordlefther。

Whenthestep-mothercamehomewithherdaughter，andtheysawthattheywerebothasblackascoalandugly，butthatthestep-daughterwaswhiteandbeautiful，wickednessincreasedstillmoreintheirhearts，andtheythoughtofnothingelsebuthowtheycoulddoheraninjury。Thestep-daughter，however，hadabrothercalledReginer，whomshelovedmuch，andshetoldhimallthathadhappened。AndReginersaidtoher，"Dearsister，Iwillpaintyourportrait，thatI

maycontinuallyseeyoubeforemyeyes，formyloveforyouissogreatthatIshouldlikealwaystolookatyou。"Thensheanswered，"But，Iprayyou，letnooneseethepicture。"

Sohepaintedhissisterandhungupthepictureinhisroom，he，however，dweltintheking\'spalace，forhewashiscoachman。Everydayhewentandstoodbeforethepicture，andthankedGodforthehappinessofhavingsuchadearsister。Nowithappenedthatthekingwhomheserved，hadjustlosthiswife，whohadbeensobeautifulthatnoonecouldbefoundtocomparewithher，andonthisaccountthekingwasindeepgrief。Theattendantsaboutthecourt，however，noticedthatthecoachmanstooddailybeforethisbeautifulpicture，andtheywerejealousofhim，sotheyinformedtheking。

Thenthelatterorderedthepicturetobebroughttohim，andwhenhesawthatitwaslikehislostwifeineveryrespect，exceptthatitwasstillmorebeautiful，hefellmortallyinlovewithitHecausedthecoachmantobebroughtbeforehim，andaskedwhomtheportraitrepresented。Thecoachmansaiditwashissister，sothekingresolvedtotakenoonebutherashiswife，andgavehimacarriageandhorsesandsplendidgarmentsofclothofgold，andsenthimforthtofetchhischosenbride。

WhenReginercameonthiserrand，hissisterwasglad，buttheblackmaidenwasjealousofhergoodfortune，andgrewangryaboveallmeasure，andsaidtohermother，"Ofwhatuseareallyourartstousnowwhenyoucannotprocuresuchapieceofluckforme。""Bequiet，"

saidtheoldwoman，"Iwillsoondivertittoyou，"-andbyherartsofwitchcraft，shesotroubledtheeyesofthecoachmanthathewashalf-blind，andshestoppedtheearsofthewhitemaidensothatshewashalf-deaf。Thentheygotintothecarriage，firstthebrideinhernobleroyalapparel，thenthestep-motherwithherdaughter，andReginersatontheboxtodrive。Whentheyhadbeenonthewayforsometimethecoachmancried，"Covertheewell，mysisterdear，Thattherainmaynotwetthee，Thatthewindmaynotloadtheewithdust，Thatthoumay\'stbefairandbeautifulWhenthouappearestbeforetheking。"

Thebrideasked，"Whatismydearbrothersaying？""Ah，"saidtheoldwoman，"hesaysthatyououghttotakeoffyourgoldendressandgiveittoyoursister。"Thenshetookitoff，andputitontheblackmaiden，whogaveherinexchangeforitashabbygreygown。Theydroveonwards，andashorttimeafterwards，thebrotheragaincried，"Covertheewell，mysisterdear，Thattherainmaynotwetthee，Thatthewindmaynotloadtheewithdust，Thatthoumay\'stbefairandbeautifulWhenthouappearestbeforetheking。"

Thebrideasked，"Whatismydearbrothersaying？""Ah，"saidtheoldwoman，"hesaysthatyououghttotakeoffyourgoldenhoodandgiveittoyoursister。"Soshetookoffthehoodandputitonhersister，andsatwithherownheaduncovered。Andtheydroveonfarther。Afterawhile，thebrotheroncemorecried，"Covertheewell，mysisterdear，Thattherainmaynotwetthee，Thatthewindmaynotloadtheewithdust，Thatthoumay\'stbefairandbeautifulWhenthouappearestbeforetheking。"

Thebrideasked，"Whatismydearbrothersaying？""Ah，"saidtheoldwoman，"hesaysyoumustlookoutofthecarriage。"Theyhappenedtobeonabridge，whichcrosseddeepwater。Whenthebridestoodupandleantforwardoutofthecarriage，theybothpushedherout，andshefellintothemiddleofthewater。Atthesamemomentthatshesank，asnow-whiteduckaroseoutofthemirror-smoothwater，andswamdowntheriver。

Thebrotherhadobservednothingofit，anddrovethecarriageonuntiltheyreachedthecourt。Thenhetooktheblackmaidentothekingashissister，andthoughtshereallywasso，becausehiseyesweredim，andhesawthegoldengarmentsglittering。Whenthekingsawtheboundlessuglinessofhisintendedbride，hewasveryangry，andorderedthecoachmantobethrownintoapitwhichwasfullofaddersandnestsofsnakes。Theoldwitch，however，knewsowellhowtoflatterthekinganddeceivehiseyesbyherarts，thathekeptherandherdaughteruntilsheappearedquiteendurabletohim，andhereallymarriedher。

Oneeveningwhentheblackbridewassittingontheking\'sknee，awhiteduckcameswimminguptheguttertothekitchen，andsaidtothekitchen-boy，"Boy，lightafire，thatImaywarmmyfeathers。"

Thekitchen-boydidit，andlightedafireonthehearth。Thencametheduckandsatdownbyit，andshookherselfandsmoothedherfeatherstorightswithherbill。Whileshewasthussittingandenjoyingherself，sheasked，"WhatismybrotherReginerdoing？"Thescullery-boyreplied，"Heisimprisonedinthepitwithaddersandwithsnakes。"Thensheasked，"Whatistheblackwitchdoinginthehouse？"Theboyanswered，"Sheislovedbythekingandhappy。""MayGodhavemercyonhim，"saidtheduck，andswamforthbythegutter。

Thenextnightshecameagainandputthesamequestions，andthethirdnightalso。Thenthekitchen-boycouldbearitnolonger，andwenttothekingandrevealedalltohim。Theking，however，wantedtoseeitforhimself，andnexteveningwentthither，andwhentheduckthrustherheadinthroughthegutter，hetookhisswordandcutthroughherneck，andsuddenlyshechangedintoamostbeautifulmaiden，exactlylikethepicture，whichherbrotherhadmadeofher。

Thekingwasfullofjoy，andasshestoodtherequitewet，hecausedsplendidappareltobebroughtandhadherclothedinit。

Thenshetoldhowshehadbeenbetrayedbycunningandfalsehood，andatlastthrowndownintothewater，andherfirstrequestwasthatherbrothershouldbebroughtforthfromthepitofsnakes，andwhenthekinghadfulfilledthisrequest，hewentintothechamberwheretheoldwitchwas，andaskedifsheknewthepunishmentforonewhodoesthisandthat，andrelatedwhathadhappened。Thenwasshesoblindedthatshewasawareofnothingandsaid，"Shedeservestobestrippednaked，andputintoabarrelwithnails，andthatahorseshouldbeharnessedtothebarrel，andthehorsesentallovertheworld。"Allofwhichwasdonetoher，andtoherblackdaughter。Butthekingmarriedthewhiteandbeautifulbride，andrewardedherfaithfulbrother，andmadehimarichanddistinguishedman。

***Therewasonceuponatimeakingwhohadagreatforestnearhispalace，fullofallkindsofwildanimals。Onedayhesentoutahuntsmantoshoothimaroe，buthedidnotcomeback。

Perhapssomeaccidenthasbefallenhim，saidtheking，andthenextdayhesentouttwomorehuntsmenwhoweretosearchforhim，buttheytoostayedaway。Thenonthethirdday，hesentforallhishuntsmen，andsaid，scourthewholeforestthrough，anddonotgiveupuntilyouhavefoundallthree。Butofthesealso，nonecamehomeagain，andofthepackofhoundswhichtheyhadtakenwiththem，nonewereseenagain。Fromthattimeforth，noonewouldanylongerventureintotheforest，anditlaythereindeepstillnessandsolitude，andnothingwasseenofit，butsometimesaneagleorahawkflyingoverit。Thislastedformanyyears，whenanunknownhuntsmanannouncedhimselftothekingasseekingasituation，andofferedtogointothedangerousforest。Theking，however，wouldnotgivehisconsent，andsaid，itisnotsafeinthere，Ifearitwouldfarewithyounobetterthanwiththeothers，andyouwouldnevercomeoutagain。Thehuntsmanreplied，lord，Iwillventureitatmyownrisk，offearIknownothing。

Thehuntsmanthereforebetookhimselfwithhisdogtotheforest。

Itwasnotlongbeforethedogfellinwithsomegameontheway，andwantedtopursueit，buthardlyhadthedogruntwostepswhenitstoodbeforeadeeppool，couldgonofarther，andanakedarmstretcheditselfoutofthewater，seizedit，anddrewitunder。Whenthehuntsmansawthat，hewentbackandfetchedthreementocomewithbucketsandbaleoutthewater。Whentheycouldseetothebottomtherelayawildmanwhosebodywasbrownlikerustyiron，andwhosehairhungoverhisfacedowntohisknees。Theyboundhimwithcords，andledhimawaytothecastle。Therewasgreatastonishmentoverthewildman，theking，however，hadhimputinanironcageinhiscourt-yard，andforbadethedoortobeopenedonpainofdeath，andthequeenherselfwastotakethekeyintoherkeeping。

Andfromthistimefortheveryonecouldagaingointotheforestwithsafety。

Thekinghadasonofeightyears，whowasonceplayinginthecourt-yard，andwhilehewasplaying，hisgoldenballfellintothecage。Theboyranthitherandsaid，givememyballout。

Nottillyouhaveopenedthedoorforme，answeredtheman。No，saidtheboy，Iwillnotdothat，thekinghasforbiddenit，andranaway。Thenextdayheagainwentandaskedforhisball。Thewildmansaid，openmydoor，buttheboywouldnot。Onthethirddaythekinghadriddenouthunting，andtheboywentoncemoreandsaid，I

cannotopenthedoorevenifIwished，forIhavenotthekey。

Thenthewildmansaid，itliesunderyourmother\'spillow，youcangetitthere。Theboy，whowantedtohavehisballback，castallthoughttothewinds，andbroughtthekey。Thedooropenedwithdifficulty，andtheboypinchedhisfingers。Whenitwasopenthewildmansteppedout，gavehimthegoldenball，andhurriedaway。Theboyhadbecomeafraid，hecalledandcriedafterhim，oh，wildman，donotgoaway，orIshallbebeaten。Thewildmanturnedback，tookhimup，sethimonhisshoulder，andwentwithhastystepsintotheforest。Whenthekingcamehome，heobservedtheemptycage，andaskedthequeenhowthathadhappened。Sheknewnothingaboutit，andsoughtthekey，butitwasgone。Shecalledtheboy，butnooneanswered。

Thekingsentoutpeopletoseekforhiminthefields，buttheydidnotfindhim。Thenhecouldeasilyguesswhathadhappened，andmuchgriefreignedintheroyalcourt。

Whenthewildmanhadoncemorereachedthedarkforest，hetooktheboydownfromhisshoulder，andsaidtohim，youwillneverseeyourfatherandmotheragain，butIwillkeepyouwithme，foryouhavesetmefree，andIhavecompassiononyou。IfyoudoallIbidyou，youshallfarewell。OftreasureandgoldhaveIenough，andmorethananyoneintheworld。Hemadeabedofmossfortheboyonwhichheslept，andthenextmorningthemantookhimtoawell，andsaid，behold，thegoldwellisasbrightandclearascrystal，youshallsitbesideit，andtakecarethatnothingfallsintoit，oritwillbepolluted。Iwillcomeeveryeveningtoseeifyouhaveobeyedmyorder。Theboyplacedhimselfbythebrinkofthewell，andoftensawagoldenfishoragoldensnakeshowitselftherein，andtookcarethatnothingfellin。Ashewasthussitting，hisfingerhurthimsoviolentlythatheinvoluntarilyputitinthewater。Hedrewitquicklyoutagain，butsawthatitwasquitegilded，andwhatsoeverpainshetooktowashthegoldoffagain，allwastonopurpose。IntheeveningironHanscameback，lookedattheboy，andsaid，whathashappenedtothewell。Nothing，nothing，heanswered，andheldhisfingerbehindhisback，thatthemanmightnotseeit。Buthesaid，youhavedippedyourfingerintothewater，thistimeitmaypass，buttakecareyoudonotagainletanythinggoin。Bydaybreaktheboywasalreadysittingbythewellandwatchingit。Hisfingerhurthimagainandhepasseditoverhishead，andthenunhappilyahairfelldownintothewell。Hetookitquicklyout，butitwasalreadyquitegilded。IronHanscame，andalreadyknewwhathadhappened。Youhaveletahairfallintothewell，saidhe。Iwillallowyoutowatchbyitoncemore，butifthishappensforthethirdtimethenthewellispolluted，andyoucannolongerremainwithme。

Onthethirdday，theboysatbythewell，anddidnotstirhisfinger，howevermuchithurthim。Butthetimewaslongtohim，andhelookedatthereflectionofhisfaceonthesurfaceofthewater。Andashestillbentdownmoreandmorewhilehewasdoingso，andtryingtolookstraightintotheeyes，hislonghairfelldownfromhisshouldersintothewater。Heraisedhimselfupquickly，butthewholeofthehairofhisheadwasalreadygoldenandshonelikethesun。Youcanimaginehowterrifiedthepoorboywas。Hetookhispocket-handkerchiefandtieditroundhishead，inorderthatthemanmightnotseeit。Whenhecamehealreadykneweverything，andsaid，takethehandkerchiefoff。Thenthegoldenhairstreamedforth，andlettheboyexcusehimselfashemight，itwasofnouse。

Youhavenotstoodthetrial，andcanstayherenolonger。Goforthintotheworld，thereyouwilllearnwhatpovertyis。Butasyouhavenotabadheart，andasImeanwellbyyou，thereisonethingIwillgrantyou。Ifyoufallintoanydifficulty，cometotheforestandcry，ironHans，andthenIwillcomeandhelpyou。Mypowerisgreat，greaterthanyouthink，andIhavegoldandsilverinabundance。

Thentheking\'ssonlefttheforest，andwalkedbybeatenandunbeatenpathseveronwardsuntilatlengthhereachedagreatcity。Therehelookedforwork，butcouldfindnone，andhehadlearntnothingbywhichhecouldhelphimself。Atlengthhewenttothepalace，andaskediftheywouldtakehimin。

Thepeopleaboutcourtdidnotatallknowwhatusetheycouldmakeofhim，buttheylikedhim，andtoldhimtostay。Atlengththecooktookhimintohisservice，andsaidhemightcarrywoodandwater，andrakethecinderstogether。Oncewhenitsohappenedthatnooneelsewasathand，thecookorderedhimtocarrythefoodtotheroyaltable，butashedidnotliketolethisgoldenhairbeseen，hekepthislittlecapon。Suchathingasthathadneveryetcomeundertheking\'snotice，andhesaid，whenyoucometotheroyaltableyoumusttakeyourhatoff。Heanswered，ah，lord，Icannot。Ihaveabadsoreplaceonmyhead。Thenthekinghadthecookcalledbeforehimandscoldedhim，andaskedhowhecouldtakesuchaboyasthatintohisservice，andthathewastosendhimawayatonce。Thecook，however，hadpityonhim，andexchangedhimforthegardener\'sboy。

Andnowtheboyhadtoplantandwaterthegarden，hoeanddig，andbearthewindandbadweather。Onceinsummerwhenhewasworkingaloneinthegarden，thedaywassowarmhetookhislittlecapoffthattheairmightcoolhim。Asthesunshoneonhishairitglitteredandflashedsothattheraysfellintothebed-roomoftheking\'sdaughter，andupshesprangtoseewhatthatcouldbe。Thenshesawtheboy，andcriedtohim，boy，bringmeawreathofflowers。Heputhiscaponwithallhaste，andgatheredwildfield-flowersandboundthemtogether。Whenhewasascendingthestairswiththem，thegardenermethim，andsaid，howcanyoutaketheking\'sdaughteragarlandofsuchcommonflowers。Goquickly，andgetanother，andseekouttheprettiestandrarest。Oh，no，repliedtheboy，thewildoneshavemorescent，andwillpleaseherbetter。

Whenhegotintotheroom，theking\'sdaughtersaid，takeyourcapoff，itisnotseemlytokeepitoninmypresence。

Heagainsaid，Imaynot，Ihaveasorehead。She，however，caughtathiscapandpulleditoff，andthenhisgoldenhairrolleddownonhisshoulders，anditwassplendidtobehold。

Hewantedtorunout，butsheheldhimbythearm，andgavehimahandfulofducats。Withthesehedeparted，buthecarednothingforthegoldpieces。Hetookthemtothegardener，andsaid，Ipresentthemtoyourchildren，theycanplaywiththem。Thefollowingdaytheking\'sdaughteragaincalledtohimthathewastobringherawreathoffield-flowers，andwhenhewentinwithit，sheinstantlysnatchedathiscap，andwantedtotakeitawayfromhim，buthehelditfastwithbothhands。Sheagaingavehimahandfulofducats，buthewouldnotkeepthem，andgavethemtothegardenerforplaythingsforhischildren。Onthethirddaythingswentjustthesame。Shecouldnotgethiscapawayfromhim，andhewouldnothavehermoney。

Notlongafterwards，thecountrywasoverrunbywar。Thekinggatheredtogetherhispeople，anddidnotknowwhetherornothecouldofferanyoppositiontotheenemy，whowassuperiorinstrengthandhadamightyarmy。Thensaidthegardener\'sboy，Iamgrownup，andwillgotothewarsalso，onlygivemeaIamgrownup，andwillgothethewarsalso，onlygivemeahorse。Theotherslaughed，andsaid，seekoneforyourselfwhenwearegone，wewillleaveonebehindusinthestableforyou。

Whentheyhadgoneforth，hewentintothestable，andledthehorseout。Itwaslameofonefoot，andlimpedhobbletyjig，hobbletyjig，neverthelesshemountedit，androdeawaytothedarkforest。Whenhecametotheoutskirts，hecalled\'ironHans，threetimessoloudlythatitechoedthroughthetrees。Thereuponthewildmanappearedimmediately，andsaid，whatdoyoudesire。Iwantastrongsteed，forIamgoingtothewars。Thatyoushallhave，andstillmorethanyouaskfor。

Thenthewildmanwentbackintotheforest，anditwasnotlongbeforeastable-boycameoutofit，wholedahorsethatsnortedwithitsnostrils，andcouldhardlyberestrained，andbehindthemfollowedagreattroopofwarriorsentirelyequippediniron，andtheirswordsflashedinthesun。Theyouthmadeoverhisthree-leggedhorsetothestable-boy，mountedtheother，androdeattheheadofthesoldiers。Whenhegotnearthebattle-fieldagreatpartoftheking\'smenhadalreadyfallen，andlittlewaswantingtomaketherestgiveway。

Thentheyouthgallopedthitherwithhisironsoldiers，brokelikeahurricaneovertheenemy，andbeatdownallwhoopposedhim。Theybegantoflee，buttheyouthpursued，andneverstopped，untiltherewasnotasinglemanleft。Insteadofreturningtotheking，however，heconductedhistroopbybywaysbacktotheforest，andcalledforthironHans。

Whatdoyoudesire，askedthewildman。Takebackyourhorseandyourtroops，andgivememythree-leggedhorseagain。Allthatheaskedwasdone，andsoonhewasridingonhisthree-leggedhorse。Whenthekingreturnedtohispalace，hisdaughterwenttomeethim，andwishedhimjoyofhisvictory。Iamnottheonewhocarriedawaythevictory，saidhe，butastrangeknightwhocametomyassistancewithhissoldiers。Thedaughterwantedtohearwhothestrangeknightwas，butthekingdidnotknow，andsaid，hefollowedtheenemy，andIdidnotseehimagain。Sheinquiredofthegardenerwherehisboywas，buthesmiled，andsaid，hehasjustcomehomeonhisthree-leggedhorse，andtheothershavebeenmockinghim，andcrying，herecomesourhobbletyjigbackagain。Theyasked，too，underwhathedgehaveyoubeenlyingsleepingallthetime。Sohesaid，Ididthebestofall，anditwouldhavegonebadlywithoutme。Andthenhewasstillmoreridiculed。

Thekingsaidtohisdaughter，Iwillproclaimagreatfeastthatshalllastforthreedays，andyoushallthrowagoldenapple。Perhapstheunknownmanwillshowhimself。Whenthefeastwasannounced，theyouthwentouttotheforest，andcalledironHans。Whatdoyoudesire，askedhe。ThatImaycatchtheking\'sdaughter\'sgoldenapple。Itisassafeasifyouhaditalready，saidironHans。Youshalllikewisehaveasuitofredarmorfortheoccasion，andrideonaspiritedchestnut-horse。

Whenthedaycame，theyouthgallopedtothespot，tookhisplaceamongsttheknights，andwasrecognizedbynoone。Theking\'sdaughtercameforward，andthrewagoldenappletotheknights，butnoneofthemcaughtitbuthe，onlyassoonashehadithegallopedaway。

OntheseconddayironHansequippedhimasawhiteknight，andgavehimawhitehorse。Againhewastheonlyonewhocaughttheapple，andhedidnotlingeraninstant，butgallopedoffwithit。Thekinggrewangry，andsaid，thatisnotallowed。

Hemustappearbeforemeandtellhisname。Hegavetheorderthatiftheknightwhocaughttheapple，shouldgoawayagaintheyshouldpursuehim，andifhewouldnotcomebackwillingly，theyweretocuthimdownandstabhim。

Onthethirdday，hereceivedfromironHansasuitofblackarmorandablackhorse，andagainhecaughttheapple。Butwhenhewasridingoffwithit，theking\'sattendantspursuedhim，andoneofthemgotsonearhimthathewoundedtheyouth\'slegwiththepointofhissword。Theyouthneverthelessescapedfromthem，buthishorseleaptsoviolentlythatthehelmetfellfromtheyouth\'shead，andtheycouldseethathehadgoldenhair。Theyrodebackandannouncedthistotheking。

Thefollowingdaytheking\'sdaughteraskedthegardenerabouthisboy。Heisatworkinthegarden。Thequeercreaturehasbeenatthefestivaltoo，andonlycamehomeyesterdayevening。

Hehaslikewiseshownmychildrenthreegoldenappleswhichhehaswon。

Thekinghadhimsummonedintohispresence，andhecameandagainhadhislittlecaponhishead。Buttheking\'sdaughterwentuptohimandtookitoff，andthenhisgoldenhairfelldownoverhisshoulders，andhewassohandsomethatallwereamazed。

Areyoutheknightwhocameeverydaytothefestival，alwaysindifferentcolors，andwhocaughtthethreegoldenapples，askedtheking。Yes，answeredhe，andheretheapplesare，andhetookthemoutofhispocket，andreturnedthemtotheking。Ifyoudesirefurtherproof，youmayseethewoundwhichyourpeoplegavemewhentheyfollowedme。ButIamlikewisetheknightwhohelpedyoutoyourvictoryoveryourenemies。Ifyoucanperformsuchdeedsasthat，youarenogardener\'sboy，tellme，whoisyourfather。Myfatherisamightyking，andgoldhaveIinplentyasgreatasIrequire。Iwellsee，saidtheking，thatIowethankstoyou，canIdoanythingtopleaseyou。Yes，answeredhe，thatindeedyoucan。Givemeyourdaughtertowife。

Themaidenlaughed，andsaid，hedoesnotstandmuchonceremony，butIhavealreadyseenbyhisgoldenhairthathewasnogardener\'sboy，andthenshewentandkissedhim。Hisfatherandmothercametothewedding，andwereingreatdelight，fortheyhadgivenupallhopeofeverseeingtheirdearsonagain。Andastheyweresittingatthemarriage-feast，themusicsuddenlystopped，thedoorsopened，andastatelykingcameinwithagreatretinue。Hewentuptotheyouth，embracedhimandsaid，IamironHans，andwasbyenchantmentawildman，butyouhavesetmefree。AllthetreasureswhichIpossess，shallbeyourproperty。

Eastindiawasbesiegedbyanenemywhowouldnotretireuntilhehadreceivedsixhundreddollars。Thenthetownsfolkcausedittobeproclaimedbybeatofdrumthatwhosoeverwasabletoprocurethemoneyshouldbeburgomaster。Nowtherewasapoorfishermanwhofishedontheseawithhisson，andtheenemycameandtookthesonprisoner，andgavethefathersixhundreddollarsforhim。Sothefatherwentandgavethemtothegreatmenofthetown，andtheenemydeparted，andthefishermanbecameburgomaster。Thenitwasproclaimedthatwhosoeverdidnotsay\'mr。Burgomaster，shouldbeputtodeathonthegallows。

Thesongotawayagainfromtheenemy，andcametoagreatforestonahighmountain。Themountainopened，andhewentintoagreatenchantedcastle，whereinchairs，tables，andbencheswereallhungwithblack。Thencamethreeyoungprincesseswhoweredressedentirelyinblack，buthadalittlewhiteontheirfaces。Theytoldhimhewasnottobeafraid，theywouldnothurthim，andthathecouldrescuethem。Hesaidhewouldgladlydothat，ifhedidbutknowhow。Atthis，theytoldhimhemustforawholeyearnotspeaktothemandalsonotlookatthem，andwhathewantedtohavehewasjusttoaskfor，andiftheydaredgivehimananswertheywoulddoso。Whenhehadbeenthereforalongwhilehesaidheshouldliketogotohisfather，andtheytoldhimhemightgo。Hewastotakewithhimthispursewithmoney，putonthiscoat，andinaweekhemustbebackthereagain。

Thenhewasliftedup，andwasinstantlyineastindia。Hecouldnolongerfindhisfatherinthefisherman\'shut，andaskedthepeoplewherethepoorfishermancouldbe，andtheytoldhimhemustnotsaythat，orhewouldcometothegallows。Thenhewenttohisfatherandsaid，fisherman，howhaveyougothere。

Thenthefathersaid，youmustnotsaythat，ifthegreatmenofthetownknewofthat，youwouldcometothegallows。He，however，wouldnotgivein，andwasbroughttothegallows。

Whenhewasthere，hesaid，o，mymasters，justgivemeleavetogototheoldfisherman\'shut。Thenheputonhisoldsmock，andcamebacktothegreatmen，andsaid，doyounotnowsee。AmI

notthesonofthepoorfisherman。DidInotearnbreadformyfatherandmotherinthisdress。Hereuponhisfatherknewhimagain，andbeggedhispardon，andtookhimhomewithhim，andthenrelatedallthathadhappenedtohim，andhowhehadgotintoaforestonahighmountain，andthemountainhadopenedandhehadgoneintoanenchantedcastle，whereallwasblack，andthreeyoungprincesseshadcometohimwhowereblackexceptalittlewhiteontheirfaces。Andtheyhadtoldhimnottofear，andthathecouldrescuethem。Thenhismothersaidthatmightverylikelynotbeagoodthingtodo，andthatheoughttotakeablessedcandlewithhim，anddropsomeboilingwaxontheirfaces。

Hewentbackagain，andhewasingreatfear，andhedroppedthewaxontheirfacesastheyweresleeping，andtheyallturnedhalf-white。Thenallthethreeprincessessprangup，andsaid，youaccurseddog，ourbloodshallcryforvengeanceonyou。

Nowthereisnomanbornintheworld，norwillanyeverbebornwhocansetusfree。Wehavestillthreebrotherswhoareboundbysevenchains-theyshalltearyoutopieces。Thentherewasaloudshriekingalloverthecastle，andhesprangoutofthewindow，andbrokehisleg，andthecastlesankintotheearthagain，themountainclosedagain，andnooneknewwherethecastlehadstood。

Betweenwerrelandsoisttherelivedamanwhosenamewasknoist，andhehadthreesons。Onewasblind，theotherlame，andthethirdstark-naked。Onceonatimetheywentintoafield，andtheretheysawahare。Theblindoneshotit，thelameonecaughtit，thenakedoneputitinhispocket。Thentheycametoamightybiglake，onwhichtherewerethreeboats，onesailed，onesank，thethirdhadnobottomtoit。Theyallthreegotintotheonewithnobottomtoit。Thentheycametoamightybigforestinwhichtherewasamightybigtree，inthetreewasamightybigchapel-inthechapelwasasextonmadeofbeech-woodandabox-woodparson，whodealtoutholywaterwithcudgels。

Howtrulyhappyisthatonewhocanfromholywaterrun。

AgirlfrombrakeloncewenttoSt。Anne\'schapelatthefootofthehinnenberg，andasshewantedtohaveahusband，andthoughttherewasnooneelseinthechapel，shesang，oh，holysaintanne。

Helpmesoontoaman。

Thouknow\'sthimrightwell，bysuttmergatedoeshedwell，hishairitisyellow，thouknow\'sthimrightwell。

Theclerk，however，wasstandingbehindthealtarandheardthat，sohecriedinaverygruffvoice，youshallnothavehim。

Youshallnothavehim。

Themaidenthoughtthatthechildmarywhostoodbyhermotherannehadcalledoutthattoher，andwasangry，andcried，fiddlededee，conceitedthing，holdyourtongue，andletyourmotherspeak。

Whitherdoyougo。Towalpe。Itowalpe，youtowalpe，so，so，togetherwe\'llgo。

Haveyouaman。Whatishisname。Cham。Mymancham，yourmancham。Itowalpe，youtowalpe，so，so，togetherwe\'llgo。

Haveyouachild，howishestyled。Wild。Mychildwild，yourchildwild，mymancham，yourmancham。Itowalpe，youtowalpe，so，so，togetherwe\'llgo。

Haveyouacradle。Howdoyoucallyourcradle。Hippodadle。Mycradlehippodadle，yourcradlehippodadle，mychildwild，yourchildwild，mymancham，yourmancham。Itowalpe，youtowalpe，so，so，togetherwe\'llgo。

Haveyoualsoadrudge。Whatnamehasyourdrudge。

From-work-do-not-budge。Mydrudgefrom-work-do-not-budge，yourdrudgefrom-work-do-not-budge，mycradlehippodadle，yourcradlehippodadle，mychildwild，yourchildwild，mymancham，yourmancham。Itowalpe，youtowalpe，so，so，togetherwe\'llgo。

Therewereoncealittlebrotherandalittlesister，wholovedeachotherwithalltheirhearts。Theirownmother，however，wasdead，andtheyhadastep-motherwhowasnotkindtothem，andsecretlydideverythingshecouldtohurtthem。Itsohappenedthatthetwowereplayingwithotherchildreninameadowbeforethehouse，andtherewasapondinthemeadowwhichcameuptoonesideofthehouse。Thechildrenranaboutit，andcaughteachother，andplayedatcountingout。

Enekebeneke，letmelive，andItoyoumybirdwillgive。

Thelittlebird，itstrawshallseek，thestrawI\'llgivetothecowtoeat。

Theprettycowshallgivememilk，themilkI\'lltothebakertake。

Thebakerheshallbakeacake，thecakeI\'llgiveuntothecat。

Thecatshallcatchsomemiceforthat，themiceI\'llhangupinthesmoke，andthenyou\'llseethesnow。

Theystoodinacirclewhiletheyplayedthis，andtheonetowhomthewordsnowfell，hadtorunawayandalltheothersranafterhimandcaughthim。Astheywererunningaboutsomerrilythestep-motherwatchedthemfromthewindow，andgrewangry。

Andassheunderstoodartsofwitchcraftshebewitchedthemboth，andchangedthelittlebrotherintoafish，andthelittlesisterintoalamb。Thenthefishswamhereandthereaboutthepondandwasverysad，andthelambkinwalkedupanddownthemeadow，andwasmiserable，andcouldnoteatortouchonebladeofgrass。

Thuspassedalongtime，andthenstrangerscameasvisitorstothecastle。Thefalsestep-motherthought，thisisagoodopportunity，andcalledthecookandsaidtohim，goandfetchthelambfromthemeadowandkillit，wehavenothingelseforthevisitors。

Thenthecookwentawayandgotthelamb，andtookitintothekitchenandtieditsfeet，andallthisitborepatiently。Whenhehaddrawnouthisknifeandwaswhettingitonthedoor-steptokillthelamb，henoticedalittlefishswimmingbackwardsandforwardsinthewater，infrontofthegutter-stoneandlookingupathim。This，however，wasthebrother，forwhenthefishsawthecooktakethelambaway，itfollowedthemandswamalongthepondtothehouse，thenthelambcrieddowntoit，ah，brother，inthepondsodeep，howsadismypoorheart。

Thecookhewhetshisknifetotakeawaymylife。

Thelittlefishanswered，ah，littlesister，uponhighhowsadismypoorheartwhileinthispondIlie。

Whenthecookheardthatthelambkincouldspeakandsaidsuchsadwordstothefishdownbelow，hewasterrifiedandthoughtthiscouldbenocommonlamb，butmustbebewitchedbythewickedwomaninthehouse。Thensaidhe，beeasy，Iwillnotkillyou，andtookanothersheepandmadeitreadyfortheguests，andconveyedthelambkintoagoodpeasantwoman，towhomherelatedallthathehadseenandheard。

Thepeasant，however，wastheverywomanwhohadbeenfoster-mothertothelittlesister，andshesuspectedatoncewhothelambwas，andwentwithittoawisewoman。Thenthewisewomanpronouncedablessingoverthelambkinandthelittlefish，bymeansofwhichtheyregainedtheirhumanforms，andafterthisshetookthembothintoalittlehutinagreatforest，wheretheylivedalone，butwerecontentedandhappy。

Therewereoncetwobrothers，theonerich，theotherpoor。

Therichone，however，gavenothingtothepoorone，andhegainedascantylivingbytradingincorn，andoftendidsobadlythathehadnobreadforhiswifeandchildren。Oncewhenhewaswheelingabarrowthroughtheforesthesaw，ononesideofhim，agreat，bare，naked-lookingmountain，andashehadneverseenitbefore，hestoodstillandstaredatitwithamazement。

Whilehewasthusstandinghesawtwelvegreat，wildmencomingtowardshim，andashebelievedtheywererobbershepushedhisbarrowintothethicket，climbedupatree，andwaitedtoseewhatwouldhappen。Thetwelvemen，however，wenttothemountainandcried，semsimountain，semsimountain，openup，andimmediatelythebarrenmountainopeneddownthemiddle，andthetwelvewentintoit，andassoonastheywerewithin，itshut。Afterashorttime，itopenedagain，andthemencameforthcarryingheavysacksontheirshoulders，andwhentheywerealloncemoreinthedaylighttheysaid，semsimountain，semsimountain，shutyourself，thenthemountainclosedtogether，andtherewasnolongeranyentrancetobeseentoit，andthetwelvewentaway。

Whentheywerequiteoutofsightthepoormangotdownfromthetree，andwascurioustoknowwhatwassecretlyhiddeninthemountain。Sohewentuptoitandsaid，semsimountain，semsimountain，openup，andthemountainopeneduptohimalso。

Thenhewentinside，andthewholemountainwasacavernfullofsilverandgold，andbehindlaygreatpilesofpearlsandsparklingjewels，heapeduplikecorn。Thepoormanhardlyknewwhattodo，andwhetherhemighttakeanyofthesetreasuresforhimselfornot。Atlasthefilledhispocketswithgold，butheleftthepearlsandpreciousstoneswheretheywere。Whenhecameoutagainhealsosaid，semsimountain，semsimountain，shutyourself，andthemountaincloseditself，andhewenthomewithhisbarrow。

Andnowhehadnomorecauseforanxiety，butcouldbuybreadforhiswifeandchildrenwithhisgold，andwineintothebargain。

Helivedjoyouslyandhonorably，gavehelptothepoor，anddidgoodtoeveryone。Whenthemoneycametoanend，however，hewenttohisbrother，borrowedameasurethatheldabushel，andbroughthimselfsomemore，butdidnottouchanyofthemostvaluablethings。Whenforthethirdtimehewantedtofetchsomething，heagainborrowedthemeasureofhisbrother。

Buttherichmanhadlongbeenenviousofhisbrother\'spossessions，andofthehandsomehouseholdwhichhekeptup，andcouldnotunderstandfromwhencetherichescame，andwhathisbrotherwantedwiththemeasure。Thenhethoughtofacunningtrick，andcoveredthebottomofthemeasurewithpitch，andwhenhegotthemeasurebackapieceofgoldwasstickingtoit。Heatoncewenttohisbrotherandaskedhim，whathaveyoubeenmeasuringinthebushelmeasure。Cornandbarley，saidtheother。

Thenheshowedhimthepieceofgoldandthreatenedthatifhedidnottellthetruthhewouldaccusehimbeforeacourtofjustice。Thepoormanthentoldhimeverything，justasithadhappened。Sotherichmanorderedhiscarriagetobemadeready，anddroveaway，resolvedtousetheopportunitybetterthanhisbrotherhaddone，andtobringbackwithhimquitedifferenttreasures。

Whenhecametothemountainhecried，semsimountain，semsimountain，openup。Themountainopened，andhewentinsideit。

Therelaythetreasuresallbeforehim，andforalongtimehedidnotknowwhichtograbfirst。Atlengthheloadedhimselfwithasmanypreciousstonesashecouldcarry。Hewishedtocarryhisburdenoutside，butashisheartandsoulwereentirelyfullofthetreasures，hehadforgottenthenameofthemountain，andcried，simelimountain，simelimountain，openup。That，however，wasnottherightname，andthemountainneverstirred，butremainedshut。Thenhewasalarmed，andthelongerhethoughtaboutitthemorehisthoughtsconfusedthemselves，andallhistreasureswereofnohelptohim。Intheeveningthemountainopened，andthetwelverobberscamein，andwhentheysawhimtheylaughed，andcriedout，bird，havewecaughtyouatlast。Didyouthinkwehadnevernoticedthatyouhadbeeninheretwice。Wecouldnotcatchyouthen，thisthirdtimeyoushallnotgetoutagain。Thenhecried，itwasnotI，itwasmybrother，butlethimbegforhislifeandsaywhathewould，theycutoffhishead。

Therewasonceapoorwomanwhohadason，whomuchwishedtotravel，buthismothersaid，howcanyoutravel。Wehavenomoneyatallforyoutotakeawaywithyou。Thensaidtheson，Iwillmanageverywellformyself。Iwillalwayssay，notmuch，notmuch，notmuch。

Sohewalkedforalongtimeandalwayssaid，notmuch，notmuch，notmuch。Thenhepassedbyacompanyoffishermenandsaid，Godspeedyou。Notmuch，notmuch，notmuch。Whatdoyousay，churl，notmuch。Andwhenthenetwasdrawnouttheyhadnotcaughtmuchfish。Sooneofthemfellontheyouthwithastickandsaid，haveyouneverseenmethreshing。WhatoughtItosay，then，askedtheyouth。Youmustsay-getitfull，getitfull。

Afterthisheagainwalkedalongtime，andsaid，getitfull，getitfull，untilhecametothegallows，wheretheyhadgotapoorsinnerwhomtheywereabouttohang。Thensaidhe，goodmorning，getitfull，getitfull。Whatdoyousay，knave，getitfull。Doyouwanttomakeoutthattherearestillmorewickedpeopleintheworld。Isnotthisenough。Andheagaingotsomeblowsonhisback。WhatamItosay，then，saidhe。Youmustsay，mayGodhavepityonthepoorsoul。

Againtheyouthwalkedonforalongwhileandsaid，mayGodhavepityonthepoorsoul。Thenhecametoapitbywhichstoodaknackerwhowascuttingupahorse。Theyouthsaid，goodmorning。Godhavepityonthepoorsoul。Whatdoyousay，youill-temperedknave，andtheknackergavehimsuchaboxontheear，thathecouldnotseeoutofhiseyes。WhatamItosay，then。Youmustsay，letthecarrionlieinthepit。

Sohewalkedon，andalwayssaid，letthecarrionlieinthepit，letthecarrionlieinthepit。Andhecametoacartfullofpeople，sohesaid，goodmorning，letthecarrionlieinthepit。Thenthecartfellintoapit，andthedrivertookhiswhipandcrackeditupontheyouth，tillhewasforcedtocrawlbacktohismother，andaslongashelivedheneverwentoutatravelingagain。

Onceuponatimetherelivedakingandaqueen，whowererich，andhadeverythingtheywanted，butnochildren。Thequeenlamentedoverthisdayandnight，andsaid，Iamlikeafieldonwhichnothinggrows。AtlastGodgaveherherwish，butwhenthechildcameintotheworld，itdidnotlooklikeahumanchild，butwasalittledonkey。Whenthemothersawthat，herlamentationsandoutcriesbeganinrealearnest。Shesaidshewouldfarratherhavehadnochildatallthanhaveadonkey，andthattheyweretothrowitintothewaterthatthefishesmightdevourit。Butthekingsaid，no，sinceGodhassenthimheshallbemysonandheir，andaftermydeathsitontheroyalthrone，andwearthekinglycrown。Thedonkey，therefore，wasbroughtupandgrewbigger，andhisearsgrewuphighandstraight。Andhewasofamerrydisposition，jumpedabout，playedandtookespecialpleasureinmusic，sothathewenttoacelebratedmusicianandsaid，teachmeyourart，thatImayplaytheluteaswellasyoudo。

Ah，dearlittlemaster，answeredthemusician，thatwouldcomeveryhardtoyou，yourfingersarenotquitesuitedtoit，andarefartoobig。Iamafraidthestringswouldnotlast。Butnoexcuseswereofanyuse。Thedonkeywasdeterminedtoplaythelute。Andsincehewasperseveringandindustrious，heatlastlearnttodoitaswellasthemasterhimself。Theyounglordlingoncewentoutwalkingfullofthoughtandcametoawell。Helookedintoitandinthemirror-clearwatersawhisdonkey\'sform。Hewassodistressedaboutit，thathewentoutintothewideworldandonlytookwithhimonefaithfulcompanion。Theytraveledupanddown，andatlasttheycameintoakingdomwhereandoldkingreignedwhohadasinglebutwonderfullybeautifuldaughter。Thedonkeysaid，herewewillstay，knockedatthegate，andcried，aguestiswithout。Open，thathemayenter。Whenthegatewasnotopened，hesatdown，tookhisluteandplayeditinthemostdelightfulmannerwithhistwofore-feet。Thenthedoor-keeperopenedhiseyes，andgaped，andrantothekingandsaid，outsidebythegatesitsayoungdonkeywhichplaystheluteaswellasanexperiencedmaster。Thenletthemusiciancometome，saidtheking。Butwhenadonkeycamein，everyonebegantolaughatthelute-player。Andwhenthedonkeywasaskedtositdownandeatwiththeservants，hewasunwilling，andsaid，Iamnocommonstable-ass，I

amanobleone。Thentheysaid，ifthatiswhatyouare，seatyourselfwiththesoldiers。No，saidhe，Iwillsitbytheking。

Thekingsmiled，andsaidgood-humoredly，yes，itshallbeasyouwill，littleass，comeheretome。Thenheasked，littleass，howdoesmydaughterpleaseyou。Thedonkeyturnedhisheadtowardsher，lookedather，noddedandsaid，Ilikeherabovemeasure，Ihaveneveryetseenanyonesobeautifulassheis。

Well，then，youshallsitnexthertoo，saidtheking。ThatisexactlywhatIwish，saidthedonkey，andheplacedhimselfbyherside，ateanddrank，andknewhowtobehavehimselfdaintilyandcleanly。Whenthenoblebeasthadstayedalongtimeattheking\'scourt，hethought，whatgooddoesallthisdome，I

shallstillhavetogohomeagain，lethisheadhangsadly，andwenttothekingandaskedforhisdismissal。Butthekinghadgrownfondofhim，andsaid，littleass，whatailsyou。Youlookassourasajugofvinegar，Iwillgiveyouwhatyouwant。

Doyouwantgold。No，saidthedonkey，andshookhishead。

Doyouwantjewelsandrichdress。No。Doyouwishforhalfmykingdom。Indeed，no。Thensaidtheking，ifIdidbutknowwhatwouldmakeyoucontent。Willyouhavemyprettydaughtertowife。