第18章

Therewasonceuponatimeamanwhowascalledfrederickandawomancalledcatherine，whohadmarriedeachotherandlivedtogetherasyoungmarriedfolks。Onedayfredericksaid，Iwillnowgoandplough，catherine，whenIcomeback，theremustbesomeroastmeatonthetableforhunger，andafreshdraughtforthirst。Justgo，frederick，answeredkate，justgo，Iwillhaveallreadyforyou。Sowhendinner-timedrewnearshegotasausageoutofthechimney，putitinthefrying-pan，putsomebuttertoit，andsetitonthefire。Thesausagebegantofryandtohiss，catherinestoodbesideitandheldthehandleofthepan，andhadherownthoughtsasshewasdoingit。Thenitoccurredtoher，whilethesausageisgettingdoneyoucouldgointothecellaranddrawbeer。Soshesetthefrying-pansafelyonthefire，tookacan，andwentdownintothecellartodrawbeer。Thebeerranintothecanandkatewatchedit，andthenshethought，oh，dear。Thedogupstairsisnotfastenedup，itmightgetthesausageoutofthepan。LuckyIthoughtofit。Andinatriceshewasupthecellar-stepsagain，butthespitzhadthesausageinitsmouthalready，andtraileditawayontheground。Butcatherine，whowasnotidle，setoutafterit，andchaseditalongwayintothefield，thedog，however，wasswifterthancatherineanddidnotletthesausagego，butskippedoverthefurrowswithit。What\'sgoneisgone，saidkate，andturnedround，andasshehadruntillshewasweary，shewalkedquietlyandcomfortably，andcooledherself。Duringthistimethebeerwasstillrunningoutofthecask，forkatehadnotturnedthetap。Andwhenthecanwasfullandtherewasnootherplaceforit，itranintothecellaranddidnotstopuntilthewholecaskwasempty。Assoonaskatewasonthestepsshesawtheaccident。Goodgracious，shecried。WhatshallIdonowtostopfrederickfindingout。Shethoughtforawhile，andatlastsherememberedthatupinthegarretwasstillstandingasackofthefinestwheatflourfromthelastfair，andshewouldfetchthatdownandstrewitoverthebeer。Yes，saidshe，hewhosavesathingwhenheought，hasitafterwardswhenheneedsit，andsheclimbeduptothegarretandcarriedthesackbelow，andthrewitstraightdownonthecanofbeer，whichsheknockedover，andfrederick\'sdraughtswamalsointhecellar。Itisallright，saidkate，wheretheoneistheotheroughttobealso，andshestrewedthemealoverthewholecellar。Whenitwasdoneshewasheartilydelightedwithherwork，andsaid，howcleanandwholesomeitdoeslookhere。Atmid-dayhomecamefrederick，now，wife，whathaveyoureadyforme。Ah，freddy，sheanswered，Iwasfryingasausageforyou，butwhilstIwasdrawingthebeertodrinkwithit，thedogtookitawayoutofthepan，andwhilstIwasrunningafterthedog，allthebeerranout，andwhilstIwasdryingupthebeerwiththeflour，Iknockedoverthecanaswell，butbeeasy，thecellarisquitedryagain。Saidfrederick，kate，kate，youshouldnothavedonethat，toletthesausagebecarriedoffandthebeerrunoutofthecask，andthrowoutallourflourintothebargain。Well，frederick，Ididnotknowthat，youshouldhavetoldme。Themanthought，ifthisisthekindofwifeIhave，Ihadbettertakemorecareofthings。Nowhehadsavedupagoodnumberoftalerswhichhechangedintogold，andsaidtocatherine，look，theseareyellowcountersforplayinggames，Iwillputtheminapotandburytheminthestableunderthecow\'smanger，butmindyoukeepawayfromthem，oritwillbetheworseforyou。Saidshe，oh，no，frederick，Icertainlywillnotgonearthem。Andwhenfrederickwasgonesomepedlarscameintothevillagewhohadcheapearthenbowlsandpots，andaskedtheyoungwomaniftherewasnothingshewantedtobargainwiththemfor。Oh，dearpeople，saidcatherine，Ihavenomoneyandcanbuynothing，butifyouhaveanyuseforyellowcountersIwillbuyofyou。Yellowcounters，whynot。Butjustletusseethem。Thengointothestableanddigunderthecow\'smanger，andyouwillfindtheyellowcounters。Iamnotallowedtogothere。Therogueswentthither，dugandfoundpuregold。Thentheylaidholdofit，ranaway，andlefttheirpotsandbowlsbehindinthehouse。

Catherinethoughshemustusehernewthings，andasshehadnolackinthekitchenalreadywithoutthese，sheknockedthebottomoutofeverypot，andsetthemallasornamentsonthepalingwhichwentroundaboutthehouse。Whenfrederickcameandsawthenewdecorations，hesaid，catherine，whathaveyoubeenabout。Ihaveboughtthem，frederick，forthecounterswhichwereunderthecow\'smanger。Ididnotgotheremyself，thepedlarshadtodigthemoutforthemselves。Ah，wife，saidfrederick，whathaveyoudone。Thosewerenotcounters，butpuregold，andallourwealth，youshouldnothavedonethat。

Indeed，frederick，saidshe，Ididnotknowthat，youshouldhaveforewarnedme。

Catherinestoodforawhileandwondered，thenshesaid，listen，frederick，wewillsoongetthegoldbackagain，wewillrunafterthethieves。Come，then，saidfrederick，wewilltryit，buttakewithyousomebutterandcheesethatwemayhavesomethingtoeatontheway。Yes，frederick，Iwilltakethem。Theysetout，andasfrederickwasthebetterwalker，catherinefollowedhim。Itistomyadvantage，thoughtshe，whenweturnbackIshallbealittlewayinadvance。Thenshecametoahillwherethereweredeeprutsonbothsidesoftheroad。Thereonecansee，saidcatherine，howtheyhavetornandskinnedandgalledthepoorearth，itwillneverbewholeagainaslongasitlives，andinherheart\'scompassionshetookherbutterandsmearedtherutsrightandleft，thattheymightnotbesohurtbythewheels，andasshewasthusbendingdowninhercharity，oneofthecheesesrolledoutofherpocketdownthehill。Saidcatherine，I

havemademywayonceuphere，Iwillnotgodownagain，anothermayrunandfetchitback。Soshetookanothercheeseandrolleditdown。Butthecheesesdidnotcomeback，sosheletathirdrundown，thinking。Perhapstheyarewaitingforcompany，anddonotliketowalkalone。Asallthreestayedawayshesaid，Idonotknowwhatthatcanmean，butitmayperhapsbethatthethirdhasnotfoundtheway，andhasgonewrong，Iwilljustsendthefourthtocallit。Butthefourthdidnobetterthanthethird。Thencatherinewasangry，andthrewdownthefifthandsixthaswell，andthesewereherlast。Sheremainedstandingforsometimewatchingfortheircoming，butwhentheystilldidnotcome，shesaid，oh，youaregoodfolkstosendinsearchofdeath，youstayafinelongtimeaway。DoyouthinkIwillwaitanylongerforyou。Ishallgomyway，youmayrunafterme，youhaveyoungerlegsthanI。Catherinewentonandfoundfrederick，whowasstandingwaitingforherbecausehewantedsomethingtoeat。Nowjustletushavewhatyouhavebroughtwithyou，saidhe。Shegavehimthedrybread。Wherehaveyouthebutterandthecheeses，askedtheman。Ah，freddy，saidcatherine，Ismearedthecart-rutswiththebutterandthecheeseswillcomesoon，oneranawayfromme，soIsenttheothersaftertocallit。Saidfrederick，youshouldnothavedonethat，catherine，tosmearthebutterontheroad，andletthecheesesrundownthehill。Really，frederick，youshouldhavetoldme。

Thentheyatethedrybreadtogether，andfredericksaid，catherine，didyoumakethehousesafewhenyoucameaway。

No，frederick，youshouldhavetoldmetodoitbefore。Thengohomeagain，andmakethehousesafebeforewegoanyfarther，andbringwithyousomethingelsetoeat。Iwillwaithereforyou。Catherinewentbackandthought，frederickwantssomethingmoretoeat，hedoesnotlikebutterandcheese，soI

willtakewithmeahandkerchieffullofdriedpearsandapitcherofvinegarforhimtodrink。Thensheboltedtheupperhalfofthedoorfast，butunhingedthelowerdoor，andtookitonherback，believingthatwhenshehadplacedthedoorinsecuritythehousemustbewelltakencareof。Catherinetookhertimeontheway，andthought，frederickwillresthimselfsomuchthelonger。Whenshehadoncereachedhimshesaid，hereisthehouse-doorforyou，frederick，andnowyoucantakecareofthehouseyourself。Oh，heavens，saidhe，whatawisewifeIhave。Shetakestheunder-dooroffthehingesthateverythingmayrunin，andboltstheupperone。Itisnowtoolatetogobackhomeagain，butsinceyouhavebroughtthedoorhere，youshalljustcarryitfarther。Iwillcarrythedoor，frederick，butthedriedpearsandthevinegar-jugwillbetooheavyforme，Iwillhangthemonthedoor，itmaycarrythem。

Andnowtheywentintotheforest，andsoughttherogues，butdidnotfindthem。Atlengthasitgrewdarktheyclimbedintoatreeandresolvedtospendthenightthere。Scarcely，however，hadtheysatdownatthetopofitthantherascalscamethitherwhocarryawaywiththemwhatdoesnotwanttogo，andfindthingsbeforetheyarelost。Theysatdownundertheverytreeinwhichfrederickandcatherineweresitting，lightedafire，andwereabouttosharetheirbooty。Frederickgotdownontheothersideandcollectedsomestonestogether。Thenheclimbedupagainwiththem，andwishedtothrowthematthethievesandkillthem。Thestones，however，didnothitthem，andtheknavescried，itwillsoonbemorning，thewindisshakingdownthefir-cones。Catherinestillhadthedooronherback，andasitpressedsoheavilyonher，shethoughtitwasthefaultofthedriedpears，andsaid，frederick，Imustthrowthepearsdown。No，catherine，notnow，hereplied，theymightbetrayus。Oh，but，frederick，Imust。

Theyweighmedownfartoomuch。Doit，then，andbehanged。

Thenthedriedpearsrolleddownbetweenthebranches，andtherascalsbelowsaid，thosearebirds，droppings。

Ashorttimeafterwards，asthedoorwasstillheavy，catherinesaid，ah，frederick，Imustpouroutthevinegar。No，catherine，youmustnot，itmightbetrayus。Ah，but，frederick，Imust，itweighsmedownfartoomuch。Thendoitandbehanged。

Sosheemptiedoutthevinegar，anditspatteredovertherobbers。Theysaidamongstthemselves，thedewisalreadyfalling。Atlengthcatherinethought，canitreallybethedoorwhichweighsmedownso，andsaid，frederick，Imustthrowthedoordown。No，notnow，catherine，itmightbetrayus。

Oh，but，frederick，Imust。Itweighsmedownfartoomuch。Oh，no，catherine，doholditfast。Ah，frederick，Iamlettingitfall。Letitgo，then，inthedevil\'sname。Thenitfelldownwithaviolentclatter，andtherascalsbelowcried，thedeviliscomingdownthetree，andtheyranawayandlefteverythingbehindthem。Earlynextmorning，whenthetwocamedowntheyfoundalltheirgoldagain，andcarriedithome。

Whentheywereoncemoreathome，fredericksaid，andnow，catherine，you，too，mustbeindustriousandwork。Yes，frederick，Iwillsoondothat，Iwillgointothefieldandcutcorn。Whencatherinegotintothefield，shesaidtoherself，shallIeatbeforeIcut，orshallIsleepbeforeI

cut。Oh，Iwilleatfirst。Thencatherineateandeatingmadehersleepy，andshebegantocut，andhalfinadreamcutallherclothestopieces，herapron，hergown，andhershift。Whencatherineawokeagainafteralongsleepshewasstandingtherehalf-naked，andsaidtoherself，isitI，orisitnotI。Alas，itisnotI。Inthemeantimenightcame，andcatherineranintothevillage，knockedatherhusband\'swindow，andcried，frederick。

Whatisthematter。Ishouldverymuchliketoknowifcatherineisin。Yes，yes，repliedfrederick，shemustbeinandasleep。

Saidshe，that\'sallright，thenIamcertainlyathomealready，andranaway。

Outsidecatherinefoundsomevagabondswhoweregoingtosteal。

Thenshewenttothemandsaid，Iwillhelpyoutosteal。Therascalsthoughtthatsheknewwhatopportunitiestheplaceoffered，andwerewilling。Catherinewentinfrontofthehouses，andcried，goodfolks，haveyouanything。Wewanttosteal。

Thethievesthoughttothemselves，that\'safinewayofdoingthings，andwishedthemselvesoncemoreridofcatherine。Thentheysaidtoher，outsidethevillagethepastorhassometurnipsinthefield。Gothereandpullupsometurnipsforus。

Catherinewenttotheground，andbegantopullthemup，butwassolazythatsheneverstoodupstraight。Thenamancameby，sawher，andstoodstillandthoughtthatitwasthedevilwhowasthusrootingamongsttheturnips。Heranawayintothevillagetothepastor，andsaid，mr。Pastor，thedevilisinyourturnip-ground，rootingupturnips。Ah，heavens，answeredthepastor，Ihavealamefoot，Icannotgooutanddrivehimaway。Saidtheman，thenIwillcarryyouonmyback，andhecarriedhimoutonhisback。Andwhentheycametotheground，catherinearoseandstoodupherfullheight。Ah，thedevil，criedthepastor，andbothhurriedaway，andinhisgreatfrightthepastorcouldrunbetterwithhislamefootthanthemanwhohadcarriedhimonhisbackcoulddoonhissoundlegs。

Therewasacertainvillagewhereinnoonelivedbutreallyrichpeasants，andjustonepoorone，whomtheycalledthelittlepeasant。Hehadnotevensomuchasacow，andstilllessmoneytobuyone，andyetheandhiswifedidsowishtohaveone。Onedayhesaidtoher，listen，Ihaveagoodidea，thereisourgossipthecarpenter，heshallmakeusawoodencalf，andpaintitbrown，sothatitlookslikeanyother，andintimeitwillcertainlygetbigandbeacow。Thewomanalsolikedtheidea，andtheirgossipthecarpentercutandplanedthecalf，andpainteditasitoughttobe，andmadeitwithitsheadhangingdownasifitwereeating。

Nextmorningwhenthecowswerebeingdrivenout，thelittlepeasantcalledthecow-herdandsaid，look，Ihavealittlecalfthere，butitisstillsmallandhastobecarried。Thecow-herdsaid，allright，andtookitinhisarmsandcarriedittothepasture，andsetitamongthegrass。Thelittlecalfalwaysremainedstandinglikeonewhichwaseating，andthecow-herdsaid，itwillsoonrunbyitself，justlookhowiteatsalready。Atnightwhenhewasgoingtodrivetheherdhomeagain，hesaidtothecalf，ifyoucanstandthereandeatyourfill，youcanalsogoonyourfourlegs。Idon\'tcaretodragyouhomeagaininmyarms。Butthelittlepeasantstoodathisdoor，andwaitedforhislittlecalf，andwhenthecow-herddrovethecowsthroughthevillage，andthecalfwasmissing，heinquiredwhereitwas。Thecow-herdanswered，itisstillstandingoutthereeating。Itwouldnotstopandcomewithus。Butthelittlepeasantsaid，oh，butImusthavemybeastbackagain。Thentheywentbacktothemeadowtogether，butsomeonehadstolenthecalf，anditwasgone。Thecow-herdsaid，itmusthaverunaway。Thepeasant，however，said，don\'ttellmethat，andledthecow-herdbeforethemayor，whoforhiscarelessnesscondemnedhimtogivethepeasantacowforthecalfwhichhadrunaway。

Andnowthelittlepeasantandhiswifehadthecowforwhichtheyhadsolongwished，andtheywereheartilyglad，buttheyhadnofoodforit，andcouldgiveitnothingtoeat，soitsoonhadtobekilled。Theysaltedtheflesh，andthepeasantwentintothetownandwantedtoselltheskinthere，sothathemightbuyanewcalfwiththeproceeds。Onthewayhepassedbyamill，andtheresataravenwithbrokenwings，andoutofpityhetookhimandwrappedhimintheskin。Butastheweathergrewsobadandtherewasastormofrainandwind，hecouldgonofarther，andturnedbacktothemillandbeggedforshelter。Themiller\'swifewasaloneinthehouse，andsaidtothepeasant，layyourselfonthestrawthere，andgavehimasliceofbreadandcheese。Thepeasantateit，andlaydownwithhisskinbesidehim，andthewomanthought，heistiredandhasgonetosleep。Inthemeantimecametheparson。Themiller\'swifereceivedhimwell，andsaid，myhusbandisout，sowewillhaveafeast。Thepeasantlistened，andwhenheheardthemtalkaboutfeastinghewasvexedthathehadbeenforcedtomakeshiftwithasliceofbreadandcheese。Thenthewomanservedupfourdifferentthings，roastmeat，salad，cakes，andwine。

Justastheywereabouttositdownandeat，therewasaknockingoutside。Thewomansaid，oh，heavens。Itismyhusband。Shequicklyhidtheroastmeatinsidethetiledstove，thewineunderthepillow，thesaladonthebed，thecakesunderit，andtheparsonintheclosetontheporch。Thensheopenedthedoorforherhusband，andsaid，thankheaven，youarebackagain。Thereissuchastorm，itlooksasiftheworldwerecomingtoanend。Themillersawthepeasantlyingonthestraw，andasked，whatisthatfellowdoingthere。Ah，saidthewife，thepoorknavecameinthestormandrain，andbeggedforshelter，soIgavehimabitofbreadandcheese，andshowedhimwherethestrawwas。Themansaid，Ihavenoobjection，butbequickandgetmesomethingtoeat。Thewomansaid，butIhavenothingbutbreadandcheese。I

amcontentedwithanything，repliedthehusband，sofarasIamconcerned，breadandcheesewilldo，andlookedatthepeasantandsaid，comeandeatsomemorewithme。Thepeasantdidnotrequiretobeinvitedtwice，butgotupandate。Afterthisthemillersawtheskininwhichtheravenwas，lyingontheground，andasked，whathaveyouthere。Thepeasantanswered，Ihaveasoothsayerinsideit。Canheforetellanythingtome，saidthemiller。Whynot，answeredthepeasant，butheonlysaysfourthings，andthefifthhekeepstohimself。Themillerwascurious，andsaid，lethimforetellsomethingforonce。Thenthepeasantpinchedtheraven\'shead，sothathecroakedandmadeanoiselikekrr，krr。Themillersaid，whatdidhesay。Thepeasantanswered，inthefirstplace，hesaysthatthereissomewinehiddenunderthepillow。Blessme，criedthemiller，andwentthereandfoundthewine。Nowgoon，saidhe。Thepeasantmadetheravencroakagain，andsaid，inthesecondplace，hesaysthatthereissomeroastmeatinthetiledstove。Uponmyword，criedthemiller，andwentthither，andfoundtheroastmeat。Thepeasantmadetheravenprophesystillmore，andsaid，thirdly，hesaysthatthereissomesaladonthebed。Thatwouldbeafinething，criedthemiller，andwentthereandfoundthesalad。Atlastthepeasantpinchedtheravenoncemoretillhecroaked，andsaid，fourthly，hesaysthattherearesomecakesunderthebed。Thatwouldbeafinething，criedthemiller，andlookedthere，andfoundthecakes。

Andnowthetwosatdowntothetabletogether，butthemiller\'swifewasfrightenedtodeath，andwenttobedandtookallthekeyswithher。Themillerwouldhavelikedmuchtoknowthefifth，butthelittlepeasantsaid，first，wewillquicklyeatthefourthings，forthefifthissomethingbad。Sotheyate，andafterthattheybargainedhowmuchthemillerwastogiveforthefifthprophesy，untiltheyagreedonthreehundredtalers。Thenthepeasantoncemorepinchedtheraven\'sheadtillhecroakedloudly。Themillerasked，whatdidhesay。Thepeasantreplied，hesaysthatthedevilishidingoutsidethereintheclosetontheporch。

Themillersaid，thedevilmustgoout，andopenedthehouse-door。

Thenthewomanwasforcedtogiveupthekeys，andthepeasantunlockedthecloset。Theparsonranoutasfastashecould，andthemillersaid，itwastrue。Isawtheblackrascalwithmyowneyes。Thepeasant，however，madeoffnextmorningbydaybreakwiththethreehundredtalers。

Athomethesmallpeasantgraduallylaunchedout。Hebuiltabeautifulhouse，andthepeasantssaid，thesmallpeasanthascertainlybeentotheplacewheregoldensnowfalls，andpeoplecarrythegoldhomeinshovels。Thenthesmallpeasantwasbroughtbeforethemayor，andbiddentosayfromwhencehiswealthcame。Heanswered，Isoldmycow\'sskininthetown，forthreehundredtalers。Whenthepeasantsheardthat，theytoowishedtoenjoythisgreatprofit，andranhome，killedalltheircows，andstrippedofftheirskinsinordertoselltheminthetowntothegreatestadvantage。Themayor，however，said，butmyservantmustgofirst。Whenshecametothemerchantinthetown，hedidnotgivehermorethantwotalersforaskin，andwhentheotherscame，hedidnotgivethemsomuch，andsaid，whatcanIdowithalltheseskins。

Thenthepeasantswerevexedthatthesmallpeasantshouldhavethusoutwittedthem，wantedtotakevengeanceonhim，andaccusedhimofthistreacherybeforethemayor。Theinnocentlittlepeasantwasunanimouslysentencedtodeath，andwastoberolledintothewater，inabarrelpiercedfullofholes。Hewasledforth，andapriestwasbroughtwhowastosayamassforhissoul。Theotherswereallobligedtoretiretoadistance，andwhenthepeasantlookedatthepriest，herecognizedthemanwhohadbeenwiththemiller\'swife。Hesaidtohim，Isetyoufreefromthecloset，setmefreefromthebarrel。Atthissamemomentupcame，withaflockofsheep，theveryshepherdwhomthepeasantknewhadlongbeenwishingtobemayor，sohecriedwithallhismight，no，Iwillnotdoit。Ifthewholeworldinsistsonit，Iwillnotdoit。Theshepherdhearingthat，cameuptohim，andasked，whatareyouabout。Whatisitthatyouwillnotdo。Thepeasantsaid，theywanttomakememayor，ifIwillbutputmyselfinthebarrel，butIwillnotdoit。

Theshepherdsaid，ifnothingmorethanthatisneedfulinordertobemayor，Iwouldgetintothebarrelatonce。Thepeasantsaid，ifyouwillgetin，youwillbemayor。Theshepherdwaswilling，andgotin，andthepeasantshutthetopdownonhim。

Thenhetooktheshepherd\'sflockforhimself，anddroveitaway。

Theparsonwenttothecrowd，anddeclaredthatthemasshadbeensaid。Thentheycameandrolledthebarreltowardsthewater。Whenthebarrelbegantoroll，theshepherdcried，Iamquitewillingtobemayor。Theybelievednootherwisethanthatitwasthepeasantwhowassayingthis，andanswered，thatiswhatweintend，butfirstyoushalllookaboutyoualittledownbelowthere，andtheyrolledthebarreldownintothewater。

Afterthatthepeasantswenthome，andastheywereenteringthevillage，thesmallpeasantalsocamequietlyin，drivingaflockofsheepandlookingquitecontented。Thenthepeasantswereastonished，andsaid，peasant，fromwhencedoyoucome。

Haveyoucomeoutofthewater。Yes，truly，repliedthepeasant，Isankdeep，deepdown，untilatlastIgottothebottom。

Ipushedthebottomoutofthebarrel，andcreptout，andtherewereprettymeadowsonwhichanumberoflambswerefeeding，andfromthenceI

broughtthisflockawaywithme。Saidthepeasants，arethereanymore。Oh，yes，saidhe，morethanIcouldwant。Thenthepeasantsmadeuptheirmindsthattheytoowouldfetchsomesheepforthemselves，aflockapiece，butthemayorsaid，I

comefirst。Sotheywenttothewatertogether，andjustthenthereweresomeofthesmallfleecycloudsinthebluesky，whicharecalledlittlelambs，andtheywerereflectedinthewater，whereuponthepeasantscried，wealreadyseethesheepdownbelow。Themayorpressedforwardandsaid，Iwillgodownfirst，andlookaboutme，andifthingspromisewellI\'llcallyou。

Sohejumpedin。Splash，wentthewater。Itsoundedasifhewerecallingthem，andthewholecrowdplungedinafterhimasoneman。Thentheentirevillagewasdead，andthesmallpeasant，assoleheir，becamearichman。

Therewasonceanoldcastleinthemidstofalargeanddenseforest，andinitanoldwomanwhowasawitchdweltallalone。Intheday-timeshechangedherselfintoacarorascreech-owl，butintheeveningshetookherpropershapeagainasahumanbeing。Shecouldlurewildbeastsandbirdstoher，andthenshekilledandboiledandroastedthem。Ifanyonecamewithinonehundredpacesofthecastlehewasobligedtostandstill，andcouldnotstirfromtheplaceuntilshebadehimbefree。Butwheneveraninnocentmaidencamewithinthiscircle，shechangedherintoabird，andshutherupinawicker-workcage，andcarriedthecageintoaroominthecastle。Shehadaboutseventhousandcagesofrarebirdsinthecastle。

Now，therewasonceamaidenwhowascalledjorinda，whowasfairerthanallothergirls。Sheandahandsomeyouthnamedjoringelhadpromisedtomarryeachother。Theywerestillinthedaysofbetrothal，andtheirgreatesthappinesswasbeingtogether。Onedayinorderthattheymightbeabletotalktogetherinpeacetheywentforawalkintheforest。Takecare，saidjoringel，thatyoudonotgotoonearthecastle。

Itwasabeautifulevening。Thesunshonebrightlybetweenthetrunksofthetreesintothedarkgreenoftheforest，andtheturtle-dovessangmournfullyuponthebeechtrees。

Jorindaweptnowandthen。Shesatdowninthesunshineandwassorrowful。Joringelwassorrowfultoo。Theywereassadasiftheywereabouttodie。Thentheylookedaroundthem，andwerequiteataloss，fortheydidnotknowbywhichwaytheyshouldgohome。Thesunwasstillhalfabovethemountainandhalfunder。

Joringellookedthroughthebushes，andsawtheoldwallsofthecastlecloseathand。Hewashorror-strickenandfilledwithdeadlyfear。Jorindawassinging，mylittlebird，withthenecklacered，singssorrow，sorrow，sorrow，hesingsthatthedovemustsoonbedead，singssorrow，sor-jug，jug，jug。

Joringellookedforjorinda。Shewaschangedintoanightingale，andsang，jug，jug，jug。Ascreech-owlwithglowingeyesflewthreetimesroundabouther，andthreetimescried，to-whoo，to-whoo，to-whoo。

Joringelcouldnotmove。Hestoodtherelikeastone，andcouldneitherweepnorspeak，normovehandorfoot。

Thesunhadnowset。Theowlflewintothethicket，anddirectlyafterwardstherecameoutofitacrookedoldwoman，yellowandlean，withlargeredeyesandahookednose，thepointofwhichreachedtoherchin。Shemutteredtoherself，caughtthenightingale，andtookitawayinherhand。

Joringelcouldneitherspeaknormovefromthespot。Thenightingalewasgone。Atlastthewomancameback，andsaidinahollowvoice，greetyou，zachiel。Ifthemoonshinesonthecage，zachiel，lethimlooseatonce。Thenjoringelwasfreed。Hefellonhiskneesbeforethewomanandbeggedthatshewouldgivehimbackhisjorinda，butshesaidthatheshouldneverhaveheragain，andwentaway。Hecalled，hewept，helamented，butallinvain，hooh，whatistobecomeofme。

Joringelwentaway，andatlastcametoastrangevillage，wherehekeptsheepforalongtime。Heoftenwalkedroundandroundthecastle，butnottooneartoit。Atlasthedreamtonenightthathefoundablood-redflower，inthemiddleofwhichwasabeautifullargepearl。Thathepickedtheflowerandwentwithittothecastle，andthateverythinghetouchedwiththeflowerwasfreedfromenchantment。Healsodreamtthatbymeansofitherecoveredhisjorinda。

Inthemorning，whenheawoke，hebegantoseekoverhillanddaleforsuchaflower。Hesoughtuntiltheninthday，andthen，earlyinthemorning，hefoundtheblood-redflower。Inthemiddleofittherewasalargedew-drop，asbigasthefinestpearl。

Dayandnighthejourneyedwiththisflowertothecastle。Whenhewaswithinahundredpacesofithewasnotheldfast，butwalkedontothedoor。Joringelwasfullofjoy。Hetouchedthedoorwiththeflower，anditsprangopen。Hewalkedinthroughthecourtyard，andlistenedforthesoundofthebirds。Atlastheheardit。Hewentonandfoundtheroomfromwhenceitcame，andtherethewitchwasfeedingthebirdsintheseventhousandcages。

Whenshesawjoringelshewasangry，veryangry，andscoldedandspatpoisonandgallathim，butshecouldnotcomewithintwopacesofhim。Hedidnottakeanynoticeofher，butwentandlookedatthecageswiththebirds。Butthereweremanyhundrednightingales，howwashetofindhisjorindaagain。

Justthenhesawtheoldwomanquietlytakeawayacagewithabirdinit，andgotowardsthedoor。

Swiftlyhesprangtowardsher，touchedthecagewiththeflower，andalsotheoldwoman。Shecouldnownolongerbewitchanyone。

Andjorindawasstandingthere，claspinghimroundtheneck，andshewasasbeautifulasever。Thenalltheotherbirdswereturnedintomaidensagain，andhewenthomewithhisjorinda，andtheylivedhappilytogetherforalongtime。

Onceuponatimethefoxwastalkingtothewolfofthestrengthofman。Hownoanimalcouldwithstandhim，andhowallwereobligedtoemplycunninginordertoprotectthemselvesfromhim。Thenthewolfanswered，ifIhadbutthechanceofseeingamanforonce，Iwouldsetonhimnotwithstanding。

Icanhelpyoutodothat，saidthefox。Cometomeearlyto-morrowmorning，andIwillshowyouone。Thewolfpresentedhimselfbetimes，andthefoxtookhimoutontheroadbywhichthehuntsmenwentdaily。Firstcameanolddischargedsoldier。

Isthataman，inquiredthewolf。No，answeredthefox，thatwasone。Afterwardscamealittleboywhowasgoingtoschool。

Isthataman。No，thatwillbeone。Atlengthcameahunterwithhisdouble-barelledgunathisback，andhangerbyhisside。Saidthefoxtothewolf，look，therecomesaman，youmustattackhim，butIwilltakemyselfofftomyhole。Thewolfthenrushedontheman。Whenthehuntsmansawhimhesaid，itisapitythatIhavenotloadedwithabullet，aimed，andfiredhissmallshotinhisface。Thewolfpulledaverywrygrimace，butdidnotlethimselfbefrightened，andattackedhimagain，onwhichthehuntsmangavehimthesecondbarrel。Thewolfswallowedhispain，andrushedonthehuntsman，buthedrewouthisbrighthanger，andgavehimafewcutswithitrightandleft，sothat，bleedingeverywhere，heranhowlingbacktothefox。Well，brotherwolf，saidthefox，howhaveyougotonwithman。Ah，repliedthewolf，Ineverimaginedthestrengthofmantobewhatitis。First，hetookastickfromhisshoulder，andblewintoit，andthensomethingflewintomyfacewhichtickledmeterribly。Thenhebreathedoncemoreintothestick，anditflewintomynoselikelightningandhail。WhenIwasquiteclose，hedrewawhiteriboutofhisbody，andhebeatmesowithitthatIwasallbutleftlyingdead。Seewhatabraggartyouare，saidthefox。Youthrowyourhatchetsofarthatyoucannotfetchitbackagain。

Thewolfhadthefoxwithhim，andwhatsoeverthewolfwished，thatthefoxwascompelledtodo，forhewastheweaker，andhewouldgladlyhavebeenridofhismaster。

Itchancedthatonceastheyweregoingthroughtheforest，thewolfsaid，red-fox，getmesomethingtoeat，orelseIwilleatyouyourself。Thenthefoxanswered，Iknowafarm-yardwheretherearetwoyounglambs。Ifyouareinclined，wewillfetchoneofthem。Thatsuitedthewolf，andtheywentthither，andthefoxstolethelittlelamb，tookittothewolf，andwentaway。Thewolfdevouredit，butwasnotsatisfiedwithone。Hewantedtheotheraswell，andwenttogetit。Butashediditsoclumsily，themotherofthelittlelambheardhim，andbegantocryoutterribly，andtobleatsothatthefarmerscamerunningthere。

Theyfoundthewolf，andbeathimsomercilessly，thathewenttothefoxlimpingandhowling。Youhavemisledmefinely，saidhe。Iwantedtofetchtheotherlamb，andthecountryfolkssurprisedme，andhavebeatenmetoajelly。Thefoxreplied，whyareyousuchaglutton。

Nextdaytheyagainwentintothecountry，andthegreedywolfoncemoresaid，red-fox，getmesomethingtoeat，orIwilleatyouyourself。Thenansweredthefox，Iknowafarm-housewherethewifeisbakingpancakesto-night。Wewillgetsomeofthemforourselves。Theywentthere，andthefoxslippedroundthehouse，andpeepedandsniffedaboutuntilhediscoveredwherethedishwas，andthensnatchedsixpancakesandcarriedthemtothewolf。

Thereissomethingforyoutoeat，saidhetohim，andthenwenthisway。Thewolfswalloweddownthepancakesinaninstant，andsaid，theymakeonewantmore，andwentthitherandtorethewholedishdownsothatitbrokeinpieces。Thismadesuchagreatnoisethatthewomancameout，andwhenshesawthewolfshecalledthepeople，whohurriedthere，andbeathimaslongastheirstickswouldholdtogether，tillwithtwolamelegs，andhowlingloudly，hereturnedtothefoxintheforest。

Howabominablyyouhavemisledme，criedhe，thepeasantscaughtme，andtannedmyskinforme。Butthefoxreplied，whyareyousuchaglutton。

Onthethirdday，whentheywereouttogether，andthewolfcouldonlylimpalongpainfully，heagainsaid，red-fox，getmesomethingtoeat，orIwilleatyouryourself。Thefoxanswered，I

knowamanwhohasbeenkilling，andthesaltedmeatislyinginabarrelinthecellar。Wewillgetthat。Saidthewolf，I

willgowhenyoudo，thatyoumayhelpmeifIamnotabletogetaway。Iamwilling，saidthefox，andshowedhimtheby-pathsandwaysbywhichatlengththeyreachedthecellar。Therewasmeatinabundance，andthewolfattackeditinstantlyandthought，thereisplentyoftimebeforeIneedleaveoff。Thefoxlikeditalso，butlookedabouteverywhere，andoftenrantotheholebywhichtheyhadcomein，tofindoutifhisbodywasstillthinenoughtoslipthroughit。Thewolfsaid，dearfox，tellmewhyyouarerunninghereandtheresomuch，andjumpinginandout。

Imustseethatnooneiscoming，repliedthecraftyfellow。

Don\'teattoomuch。Thensaidthewolf，Ishallnotleaveuntilthebarrelisempty。Inthemeantimethefarmer，whohadheardthenoiseofthefox\'sjumping，cameintothecellar。Whenthefoxsawhimhewasoutoftheholeatonebound。Thewolfwantedtofollowhim，buthehadmadehimselfsofatwitheatingthathecouldnolongergetthrough，butstuckfast。Thencamethefarmerwithacudgelandstruckhimdead，butthefoxboundedintotheforest，gladtoberidoftheoldglutton。

Ithappenedthatthecatmetthefoxinaforest，andasshethoughttoherself，heiscleverandfullofexperience，andmuchesteemedintheworld，shespoketohiminafriendlyway。Good-day，dearmr。Fox，howareyou。Howisallwithyou。Howareyougettingoninthesehardtimes。Thefox，fullofallkindsofarrogance，lookedatthecatfromheadtofoot，andforalongtimedidnotknowwhetherhewouldgiveanyanswerornot。Atlasthesaid，oh，youwretchedbeard-cleaner，youpiebaldfool，youhungrymouse-hunter，whatcanyoubethinkingof。HaveyouthecheektoaskhowIamgettingon。Whathaveyoulearnt。Howmanyartsdoyouunderstand。Iunderstandbutone，repliedthecat，modestly。Whatartisthat，askedthefox。Whenthehoundsarefollowingme，Icanspringintoatreeandsavemyself。Isthatall，saidthefox。Iammasterofahundredarts，andhaveintothebargainasackfulofcunning。

Youmakemesorryforyou。Comewithme，Iwillteachyouhowpeoplegetawayfromthehounds。Justthencameahunterwithfourdogs。Thecatsprangnimblyupatree，andsatdownontopofit，wherethebranchesandfoliagequiteconcealedher。Openyoursack，mr。Fox，openyoursack，criedthecattohim，butthedogshadalreadyseizedhim，andwereholdinghimfast。Ah，mr。Fox，criedthecat。Youwithyourhundredartsareleftinthelurch。Hadyoubeenabletoclimblikeme，youwouldnothavelostyourlife。

TherewasonceacooknamedGretel，whoworeshoeswithredheels，andwhenshewalkedoutwiththemon，sheturnedherselfthiswayandthat，wasquitehappyandthought，youcertainlyareaprettygirl。Andwhenshecamehomeshedrank，inhergladnessofheart，adraughtofwine，andaswineexcitesadesiretoeat，shetastedthebestofwhatevershewascookinguntilshewassatisfied，andsaid，thecookmustknowwhatthefoodislike。

Itcametopassthatthemasteronedaysaidtoher，Gretel，thereisaguestcomingthisevening。Preparemetwofowlsverydaintily。Iwillseetoit，master，answeredGretel。

Shekilledtwofowls，scaldedthem，pluckedthem，putthemonthespit，andtowardseveningsetthembeforethefire，thattheymightroast。Thefowlsbegantoturnbrown，andwerenearlyready，buttheguesthadnotyetarrived。ThenGretelcalledouttohermaster，iftheguestdoesnotcome，Imusttakethefowlsawayfromthefire，butitwillbeasinandashameiftheyarenoteatenthemomenttheyareattheirjuiciest。Themastersaid，Iwillrunmyself，andfetchtheguest。Whenthemasterhadturnedhisback，Gretellaidthespitwiththefowlsononeside，andthought，standingsolongbythefirethere，makesonesweatandthirsty。Whoknowswhentheywillcome。Meanwhile，Iwillrunintothecellar，andtakeadrink。Sherandown，setajug，said，Godblessitforyou，Gretel，andtookagooddrink，andthoughtthatwineshouldflowon，andshouldnotbeinterrupted，andtookyetanotherheartydraught。

Thenshewentandputthefowlsdownagaintothefire，bastedthem，anddrovethespitmerrilyround。Butastheroastmeatsmeltsogood，Gretelthought，somethingmustbewrong，itoughttobetasted。Shetoucheditwithherfinger，andsaid，ah，howgoodfowlsare。Itcertainlyisasinandashamethattheyarenoteatenattherighttime。Sherantothewindow，toseeifthemasterwasnotcomingwithhisguest，butshesawnoone，andwentbacktothefowlsandthought，oneofthewingsisburning。

Ihadbettertakeitoffandeatit。Soshecutitoff，ateit，andenjoyedit，andwhenshehaddone，shethought，theothermustgodowntoo，orelsemasterwillobservethatsomethingismissing。Whenthetwowingswereeaten，shewentandlookedforhermaster，anddidnotseehim。Itsuddenlyoccurredtoher，whoknows。Theyareperhapsnotcomingatall，andhaveturnedinsomewhere。Thenshesaid，well，Gretel，enjoyyourself，onefowlhasbeencutinto，takeanotherdrink，andeatitupentirely。Whenitiseatenyouwillhavesomepeace，whyshouldGod\'sgoodgiftsbespoilt。Sosheranintothecellaragain，tookanenormousdrinkandateuptheonechickeningreatglee。Whenoneofthechickenswasswalloweddown，andstillhermasterdidnotcome，Gretellookedattheotherandsaid，whereoneis，theothershouldbelikewise，thetwogotogether。What\'srightfortheoneisrightfortheother。IthinkifIweretotakeanotherdraughtitwoulddomenoharm。Soshetookanotherheartydrink，andletthesecondchickenfollowthefirst。

Whileshewasmakingthemostofit，hermastercameandcried，hurryup，Gretel，theguestiscomingdirectlyafterme。Yes，sir，Iwillsoonserveup，answeredGretel。Meantimethemasterlookedtoseethatthetablewasproperlylaid，andtookthegreatknife，wherewithhewasgoingtocarvethechickens，andsharpeneditonthesteps。Presentlytheguestcame，andknockedpolitelyandcourteouslyatthehouse-door。Gretelran，andlookedtoseewhowasthere，andwhenshesawtheguest，sheputherfingertoherlipsandsaid，hush。Hush。Goawayasquicklyasyoucan，ifmymastercatchesyouitwillbetheworseforyou。Hecertainlydidaskyoutosupper，buthisintentionistocutoffyourtwoears。Justlistenhowheissharpeningtheknifeforit。Theguestheardthesharpening，andhurrieddownthestepsagainasfastashecould。Gretelwasnotidle。Sheranscreamingtohermaster，andcried，youhaveinvitedafineguest。Why，Gretel，whatdoyoumeanbythat。

Yes，saidshe，hehastakenthechickenswhichIwasjustgoingtoserveup，offthedish，andhasrunawaywiththem。That\'sanicetrick，saidhermaster，andlamentedthefinechickens。Ifhehadbutleftmeone，sothatsomethingremainedformetoeat。Hecalledtohimtostop，buttheguestpretendednottohear。Thenheranafterhimwiththeknifestillinhishand，crying，justone，justone，meaningthattheguestshouldleavehimjustonechicken，andnottakeboth。Theguest，however，thoughtnootherwisethanthathewastogiveuponeofhisears，andranasiffirewereburningunderhim，inordertotakethembothhomewithhim。

Onceuponatimethelittlehenwentwiththelittlecocktothenut-hill，andtheyagreedtogetherthatwhichsoeverofthemfoundakernelofanutshouldshareitwiththeother。

Thenthehenfoundalarge，largenut，butsaidnothingaboutit，intendingtoeatthekernelherself。Thekernel，however，wassolargethatshecouldnotswallowit，anditremainedstickinginherthroat，sothatshewasalarmedlestsheshouldbechoked。Thenshecried，cock，Ientreatyoutorunasfastasyoucanandfetchmesomewater，orIshallchoke。Thelittlecockdidrunasfastashecouldtothespring，andsaid，stream，youaretogivemesomewater，thelittlehenislyingonthenut-hill，andshehasswallowedalargenut，andischoking。Thewellanswered，firstruntothebride，andgethertogiveyousomeredsilk。Thelittlecockrantothebrideandsaid，bride，youaretogivemesomeredsilk，Iwanttogiveredsilktothewell，thewellistogivemesomewater，Iamtotakethewatertothelittlehenwhoislyingonthenut-hillandhasswallowedagreatnut-kernel，andischokingwithit。Thebrideanswered，firstrunandbringmemylittlewreathwhichishangingtoawillow。Sothelittlecockrantothewillow，anddrewthewreathfromthebranchandtookittothebride，andthebridegavehimsomeredsilkforit，whichhetooktothewell，whogavehimsomewaterforit。Thenthelittlecocktookthewatertothehen，butwhenhegottherethehenhadchokedinthemeantime，andlaytheredeadanddidnotmove。Thenthecockwassodistressedthathecriedaloud，andeveryanimalcametolamentthelittlehen，andsixmicebuiltalittlecarriagetocarryhertohergrave，andwhenthecarriagewasreadytheyharnessedthemselvestoit，andthecockdrove。Ontheway，however，theymetthefox，whosaid，whereareyougoing，littlecock。Iamgoingtoburymylittlehen。MayIdrivewithyou。Yes，butseatyourselfatthebackofthecarriage，forinthefrontmylittlehorsescouldnotdragyou。

Thentheprocessionwentonwards，andtheyreachedastream。

Howarewetocrossover，saidthelittlecock。Astrawwaslyingbythestreamanditsaid，Iwilllaymyselfstraightacross，andthenyoucandriveoverme。Butwhenthesixmicecametothebridge，thestrawslippedandfellintothewater，andthesixmiceallfellinandweredrowned。Thentheywereagainindifficulty，andacoalcameandsaid，Iamlargeenough，Iwilllaymyselfacross，andyoushalldriveoverme。Sothecoalalsolaiditselfacrossthewater，butunhappilyjusttouchedit，atwhichthecoalhissed，wasextinguishedanddied。Whenastonesawthat，ittookpityonthelittlecock，wishedtohelphim，andlaiditselfoverthewater。Thenthecockdrewthecarriagehimself，butwhenhegotitoverandreachedtheshorewiththedeadhen，andwasabouttodrawovertheotherswhoweresittingbehindaswell，thereweretoomanyofthem，thecarriageranback，andtheyallfellintothewatertogether，andweredrowned。

Thenthelittlecockwasleftalonewiththedeadhen，anddugagraveforherandlaidherinit，andmadeamoundaboveit，onwhichhesatdownandfretteduntilhediedtoo，andtheneveryonewasdead。

Onceuponatimetherewasamanwhodidnothingbutgamble，andforthatreasonpeoplenevercalledhimanythingbutgamblingHansel，andasheneverceasedtogamble，heplayedawayhishouseandallthathehad。Nowtheverydaybeforehiscreditorsweretotakehishousefromhim，cametheLordandSt。Peter，andaskedhimtogivethemshelterforthenight。ThengamblingHanselsaid，formypart，youmaystaythenight，butIcannotgiveyouabedoranythingtoeat。SotheLordsaidhewasjusttotakethemin，andtheythemselveswouldbuysomethingtoeat，towhichgamblingHanselmadenoobjection。ThereuponSt。Petergavehimthreegroschen，andsaidhewastogotothebaker\'sandfetchsomebread。SogamblingHanselwent，butwhenhereachedthehousewheretheothergamblingvagabondsweregatheredtogether，they，althoughtheyhadwonallthathehad，greetedhimclamorously，andsaid，Hansel，docomein。Oh，saidhe，doyouwanttowinthreegroschentoo。Onthistheywouldnotlethimgo。Sohewentin，andplayedawaythethreegroschenalso。MeanwhileSt。PeterandtheLordwerewaiting，andashewassolongincoming，theysetouttomeethim。WhengamblingHanselcame，however，hepretendedthatthemoneyhadfallenintothegutter，andkeptrakingaboutinitallthewhiletofindit，butourLordalreadyknewthathehadlostitinplay。St。Peteragaingavehimthreegroschen，andnowhedidnotallowhimselftobeledawayoncemore，butfetchedthemtheloaf。OurLordtheninquiredifhehadnowine，andhesaid，alack，sir，thecasksareallempty。

ButtheLordsaidhewastogodownintothecellar，forthebestwinewasstillthere。Foralongtimehewouldnotbelievethis，butatlengthhesaid，well，Iwillgodown，butIknowthatthereisnonethere。Whenheturnedthetap，however，loandbehold，thebestofwineranout。Sohetookittothem，andthetwopassedthenightthere。EarlynextdayourLordtoldgamblingHanselthathemightbegthreefavors。TheLordexpectedthathewouldasktogotoheaven，butgamblingHanselaskedforapackofcardswithwhichhecouldwineverything，fordicewithwhichhewouldwineverything，andforatreewhereoneverykindoffruitwouldgrow，andfromwhichnoonewhohadclimbedup，coulddescenduntilhebadehimdoso。TheLordgavehimallthathehadasked，anddepartedwithSt。Peter。

AndnowgamblingHanselatoncesetaboutgamblinginrealearnest，andbeforelonghehadgainedhalftheworld。UponthisSt。PetersaidtotheLord，Lord，thisthingmustnotgoon，atlasthewillwinthewholeworld。Wemustsenddeathtohim。

Andtheysentdeathtohim。Whendeathappeared，gamblingHanselhadjustseatedhimselfatthegaming-table，anddeathsaid，Hansel，comeoutawhile。ButgamblingHanselsaid，justwaitalittleuntilthegameisdone，andinthemeantimegetupintothattreeoutthere，andgatheralittlefruitthatwemayhavesomethingtomunchonourway。Thereupondeathclimbedup，butwhenhewantedtocomedownagain，hecouldnot，andgamblingHansellefthimupthereforsevenyears，duringwhichtimenoonedied。

SoSt。PetersaidtotheLord，Lord，thisthingmustnotgoon。

Peoplenolongerdie，wemustgoourselves。Andtheywentthemselves，andtheLordcommandedHanseltoletdeathcomedown。

SoHanselwentatoncetodeathandsaidtohim，comedown，anddeathtookhimdirectlyandputanendtohim。Theywentawaytogetherandcametothenextworld，andthengamblingHanselmadestraightforthedoorofheaven，andknockedatit。

Whoisthere。GamblingHansel。Ah，wewillhavenothingtodowithhim。Begone。Sohewenttothedoorofpurgatory，andknockedoncemore。Whoisthere。GamblingHansel。Ah，thereisquiteenoughweepingandwailingherewithouthim。Wedonotwanttogamble，justgoawayagain。Thenhewenttothedoorofhell，andtheretheylethimin。Therewas，however，nooneathomebutoldluciferandthecrookeddevils-thestraightoneswerejustbusyintheworld。AndnosoonerwasHanseltherethanhesatdowntogambleagain。Lucifer，however，hadnothingtolose，buthismis-shapendevils，andgamblingHanselwonthemfromhim，aswithhiscardshecouldnotfailtodo。Andnowhewasoffagainwithhiscrookeddevils，andtheywenttohohenfurtandpulledupahop-pole，andwithitwenttoheavenandbegantothrustthepoleagainstit，andheavenbegantocrack。SoagainSt。Petersaid，Lord，thisthingcannotgoon，wemustlethimin，orhewilloverthrowthewholeheaven。Andtheylethimin。

ButgamblingHanselinstantlybegantoplayagain，andtherewassuchanoiseandconfusionthattherewasnohearingwhattheythemselvesweresaying。ThereforeSt。Peteroncemoresaid，Lord，thiscannotgoon，wemustthrowhimdown，orhewillmakeallheavenrebellious。Sotheywenttohimatonce，andthrewhimdown，andhissoulbrokeintofragments，andwentintothegamblingvagabondswhoarelivingthisveryday。

Thefoxoncecametoameadowinwhichsataflockoffinefatgeese，onwhichhesmiledandsaid，Icomeinthenickoftime，youaresittingtogetherquitebeautifully，sothatIcaneatyouuponeaftertheother。Thegeesecackledwithterror，sprangup，andbegantowailandbegpiteouslyfortheirlives。Butthefoxwouldlistentonothing，andsaid，thereisnomercytobehad。Youmustdie。Atlengthoneofthemtookheartandsaid，ifwepoorgeesearetoyieldupourlives，showustheonlypossiblefavorandallowusonemoreprayer，thatwemaynotdieinoursins，andthenwewillplaceourselvesinarow，sothatyoucanalwayspickyourselfoutthefattest。Yes，saidthefox，thatisreasonable，andapiousrequest。Prayaway，Iwillwaittillyouaredone。Thenthefirstbeganagoodlongprayer，foreversaying，ga，ga，andasshewouldmakenoend，theseconddidnotwaituntilherturncame，butbeganalso，ga，ga。Thethirdandfourthfollowedher，andsoontheywereallcacklingtogether。

Whentheyhavedonepraying，thestoryshallbecontinuedfurther，butatpresenttheyarestillprayingunceasingly。

Inoldentimes，whentheLordhimselfstillusedtowalkaboutonthisearthamongstmen，itoncehappenedthathewastiredandovertakenbythedarknessbeforehecouldreachaninn。Nowtherestoodontheroadbeforehimtwohousesfacingeachother，theonelargeandbeautiful，theothersmallandpoor。Thelargeonebelongedtoarichman，andthesmallonetoapoorman。

ThentheLordthought，Ishallbenoburdentotherichman。

Iwillstaythenightwithhim。Thentherichmanheardsomeoneknockingathisdoor，heopenedthewindowandaskedthestrangerwhathewanted。TheLordanswered，Ionlyaskforanight\'slodging。

Thentherichmanlookedatthetravelerfromheadtofoot，andastheLordwaswearingcommonclothes，anddidnotlooklikeonewhohadmuchmoneyinhispocket，heshookhishead，andsaid，no，Icannottakeyouin，myroomsarefullofherbsandseeds。AndifIweretolodgeeveryonewhoknockedatmydoor，Imightverysoongobeggingmyself。Gosomewhereelseforalodging，andwiththisheshutdownthewindowandlefttheLordstandingthere。

SotheLordturnedhisbackontherichman，andwentacrosstothesmallhouseandknocked。Hehadhardlydonesowhenthepoormanopenedthelittledoorandbadethetravelercomein。Passthenightwithme，itisalreadydark，saidhe。

Youcannotgoanyfurtherto-night。ThispleasedtheLord，andhewentin。Thepoorman\'swifeshookhandswithhim，andwelcomedhim，andsaidhewastomakehimselfathomeandputupwithwhattheyhadgot。

Theyhadnotmuchtoofferhim，butwhattheyhadtheywouldgivehimwithalltheirhearts。Thensheputthepotatoesonthefire，andwhiletheywereboiling，shemilkedthegoat，thattheymighthavealittlemilkwiththem。Whentheclothwaslaid，theLordsatdownwiththemanandhiswife，andheenjoyedtheircoarsefood，fortherewerehappyfacesatthetable。Whentheyhadhadsupperanditwasbed-time，thewomancalledherhusbandapartandsaid，listen，dearhusband，letusmakeupabedofstrawforourselvesto-night，andthenthepoortravelercansleepinourbedandhaveagoodrest，forhehasbeenwalkingthewholedaythrough，andthatmakesoneweary。Withallmyheart，heanswered，Iwillgoandofferittohim。Andhewenttothestrangerandinvitedhim，ifhehadnoobjection，tosleepintheirbedandresthislimbsproperly。ButtheLordwasunwillingtotaketheirbedfromthetwooldfolks。However，theywouldnotbesatisfied，untilatlengthhediditandlaydownintheirbed，whiletheythemselveslayonsomestrawontheground。

Nextmorningtheygotupbeforedaybreak，andmadeasgoodabreakfastastheycouldfortheguest。Whenthesunshoneinthroughthelittlewindow，andtheLordhadgotup，heagainatewiththem，andthenpreparedtosetoutonhisjourney。

Butashewasstandingatthedoorheturnedroundandsaid，asyouaresokindandgood，youmaywishthreethingsforyourselvesandIwillgrantthem。Thenthemansaid，whatelseshouldIwishforbuteternalhappiness，andthatwetwo，aslongaswelive，maybehealthyandhaveeverydayourdailybread。Forthethirdwish，Idonotknowwhattohave。AndtheLordsaidtohim，willyouwishforanewhouseinsteadofthisoldone。Oh，yes，saidtheman。

IfIcanhavethat，too，Ishouldlikeitverymuch。AndtheLordfulfilledhiswish，andchangedtheiroldhouseintoanewone，againgavethemhisblessing，andwenton。

Thesunwashighwhentherichmangotupandleanedoutofhiswindowandsaw，ontheoppositesideoftheway，anewclean-lookinghousewithredtilesandbrightwindowswheretheoldhutusedtobe。Hewasverymuchastonished，andcalledhiswifeandsaidtoher，tellme，whatcanhavehappened。

Lastnighttherewasamiserablelittlehutstandingthere，andto-daythereisabeautifulnewhouse。Runoverandseehowthathascometopass。

Sohiswifewentandaskedthepoorman，andhesaidtoher，yesterdayeveningatravelercamehereandaskedforanight\'slodging，andthismorningwhenhetookleaveofushegrantedusthreewishes-eternalhappiness，healthduringthislifeandourdailybreadaswell，andbesidesthis，abeautifulnewhouseinsteadofouroldhut。

Whentherichman\'swifeheardthis，sheranbackinhasteandtoldherhusbandhowithadhappened。Themansaid，Icouldtearmyselftopieces。IfIhadbutknownthat。

Thattravelercametoourhousetoo，andwantedtosleephere，andIsenthimaway。Quick，saidhiswife，getonyourhorse。Youcanstillcatchthemanup，andthenyoumustasktohavethreewishesgrantedtoyoualso。

Therichmanfollowedthegoodcounselandgallopedawayonhishorse，andsooncameupwiththeLord。Hespoketohimsoftlyandpleasantly，andbeggedhimnottotakeitamissthathehadnotlethimindirectly。Hewaslookingforthefront-doorkey，andinthemeantimethestrangerhadgoneaway。Ifhereturnedthesamewayhemustcomeandstaywithhim。Yes，saidtheLord。IfIevercomebackagain，Iwilldoso。Thentherichmanaskedifmightnotwishforthreethingstoo，ashisneighborhaddone。

Yes，saidtheLord，hemight，butitwouldnotbetohisadvantage，andhehadbetternotwishforanything。Buttherichmanthoughtthathecouldeasilyaskforsomethingwhichwouldaddtohishappiness，ifheonlyknewthatitwouldbegranted。SotheLordsaidtohim，ridehome，then，andthreewisheswhichyoushallmake，shallbefulfilled。

Therichmanhadnowgainedwhathewanted，soherodehome，andbegantoconsiderwhatheshouldwishfor。Ashewasthusthinkingheletthebridlefall，andthehorsebegantocaperabout，sothathewascontinuallydisturbedinhismeditations，andcouldnotcollecthisthoughtsatall。Hepatteditsneck，andsaid，gently，lisa，butthehorseonlybegannewtricks。

Thenatlasthewasangry，andcriedquiteimpatiently，Iwishyourneckwasbroken。Directlyhehadsaidthewords，downthehorsefellontheground，andthereitlaydeadandnevermovedagain。Andthuswashisfirstwishfulfilled。Ashewasmiserlybynature，hedidnotliketoleavetheharnesslyingthere。Sohecutitoff，andputitonhisback。Andnowhehadtogoonfoot。Ihavestilltwowishesleft，saidhe，andcomfortedhimselfwiththatthought。

Andnowashewaswalkingslowlythroughthesand，andthesunwasburninghotatnoon-day，hegrewquitebad-temperedandangry。Thesaddlehurthisback，andhehadnotyetanyideawhattowishfor。IfIweretowishforalltherichesandtreasuresintheworld，saidhetohimself，Ishouldstilltothinkofallkindsofotherthingslateron。Iknowthat，beforehand。ButIwillmanagesothatthereisnothingatallleftmetowishforafterwards。Thenhesighedandsaid，ah，ifIwerebutthatbavarianpeasant，wholikewisehadthreewishesgrantedtohim，andknewquitewellwhattodo，andinthefirstplacewishedforagreatdealofbeer，andinthesecondforasmuchbeerashewasabletodrink，andinthethirdforabarrelofbeerintothebargain。

Manyatimehethoughthehadfoundit，butthenitseemedtohimtobe，afterall，toolittle。Thenitcameintohismind，whataneasylifehiswifehad，forshestayedathomeinacoolroomandenjoyedherself。Thisreallydidvexhim，andbeforehewasaware，hesaid，Ijustwishshewassittingthereonthissaddle，andcouldnotgetoffit，insteadofmyhavingtodragitalongonmyback。Andasthelastwordwasspoken，thesaddledisappearedfromhisback，andhesawthathissecondwishhadbeenfulfilled。Thenhereallydidfeelhot。Hebegantorunandwantedtobequitealoneinhisownroomathome，tothinkofsomethingreallybigforhislastwish。Butwhenhearrivedthereandopenedtheparlor-door，hesawhiswifesittinginthemiddleoftheroomonthesaddle，cryingandcomplaining，andquiteunabletogetoffit。Sohesaid，dobearit，andIwillwishforalltherichesonearthforyou，onlystaywhereyouare。She，however，calledhimafool，andsaid，whatgoodwillalltherichesonearthdome，ifIamtositonthissaddle。Youhavewishedmeonit，soyoumusthelpmeoff。Sowhetherhewouldornot，hewasforcedtolethisthirdwishbethatsheshouldbequitofthesaddle，andabletogetoffit，andimmediatelythewishwasfulfilled。Sohegotnothingbyitbutvexation，trouble，abuse，andthelossofhishorse。Butthepoorpeoplelivedcontentedly，quietly，andpiouslyuntiltheirhappydeath。

Onceuponatimelivedapeasantandhiswife，andtheparsonofthevillagehadafancyforthewife，andhadwishedforalongwhiletospendawholedayhappilywithher。Thepeasantwoman，too，wasquitewilling。Oneday，therefore，hesaidtothewoman，listen，mydearfriend，Ihavenowthoughtofawaybywhichwecanforoncespendawholedayhappilytogether。

I\'lltellyouwhat。Onwednesday，youmusttaketoyourbed，andtellyourhusbandyouareill，andaslongasyoucomplainandactbeingillproperly，andgoondoingsountilsundaywhenI

havetopreach，Iwillthensayinmysermonthatwhosoeverhasathomeasickchild，asickhusband，asickwife，asickfather，asickmother，asickbrotherorwhosoeverelseitmaybe，andmakesapilgrimagetothegockerlihillinitaly，whereyoucangetapeckoflaurel-leavesforakreuzer，thesickchild，thesickhusband，thesickwife，thesickfather，orsickmother，thesicksister，orwhosoeverelseitmaybe，willberestoredtohealthimmediately。

Iwillmanageit，saidthewomanpromptly。Onthewednesday，therefore，thepeasantwomantooktoherbed，andcomplainedandlamentedasagreedon，andherhusbanddideverythingforherthathecouldthinkof，butnothingdidheranygood，andwhensundaycamethewomansaid，IfeelasillasifIweregoingtodieatonce，butthereisonethingIshouldliketodobeforemyend-Ishouldliketoheartheparson\'ssermonthatheisgoingtopreachto-day。Onthatthepeasantsaid，ah，mychild，donotdoit-youmightmakeyourselfworseifyouweretogetup。Look，Iwillhearthesermon，andwillattendtoitverycarefully，andwilltellyoueverythingtheparsonsays。

Well，saidthewoman，go，then，andpaygreatattention，andrepeattomeallthatyouhear。Sothepeasantheardthesermon，andtheparsonsaid，ifanyonehadathomeasickchild，asickhusband，asickwife，asickfatherasickmother，asicksister，brotheroranyoneelse，andwouldmakeapilgimagetothegockerlihillinitaly，whereapeckoflaurel-leavescostsakreuzer，thesickchild，sickhusband，sickwife，sickfather，sickmother，sicksister，brother，orwhosoeverelseitmightbe，wouldberestoredtohealthinstantly，andwhosoeverwishedtoundertakethejourneywastogotohimaftertheservicewasover，andhewouldgivehimthesackforthelaurel-leavesandthekreuzer。Thennoonewasmorerejoicedthanthepeasant，andaftertheservicewasover，hewentatoncetotheparson，whogavehimthebagforthelaurel-leavesandthekreuzer。

Afterthathewenthome，andevenatthehousedoorhecried，hurrah。Dearwife，itisnowalmostthesamethingasifyouwerewell。Theparsonhaspreachedto-daythatwhosoeverhadathomeasickchild，asickhusband，asickwife，asickfather，asickmother，asicksister，brotherorwhoeveritmightbe，andwouldmakeapilgrimagetothegockerlihillinitaly，whereapeckoflaurel-leavescostsakreuzer，thesickchild，sickhusband，sickwife，sickfather，sickmother，sicksister，brother，orwhosoeverelseitwas，wouldbecuredimmediately，andnowI

havealreadygotthebagandthekreuzerfromtheparson，andwillatoncebeginmyjourneysothatyoumaygetwellthefaster，andthereuponhewentaway。Hewashardlygonehoweverbeforethewomangotup，andtheparsonwasthereimmediately。

Butnowwewillleavethesetwoforawhile，andfollowthepeasant，whowalkedonquicklywithoutstopping，inordertogetthesoonertothegockerlihill，andonhiswayhemethisgossip。Hisgossipwasanegg-merchant，andwasjustcomingfromthemarket，wherehehadsoldhiseggs。Mayyoubeblessed，saidthegossip，whereareyouofftosofast。

Toalleternity，myfriend，saidthepeasant，mywifeisill，andIhavebeento-daytoheartheparson\'ssermon，andhepreachedthatifanyonehadinhishouseasickchild，asickhusband，asickwife，asickfather，asickmother，asicksister，brotheroranyoneelse，andmadeapilgrimagetothegockerlihillinitaly，whereapeckoflaurel-leavescostsakreuzer，thesickchild，thesickhusband，thesickwife，thesickfather，thesickmother，thesicksister，brotherorwhosoeverelseitwas，wouldbecuredimmediately，andsoIhavegotthebagforthelaurel-leavesandthekreuzerfromtheparson，andnowIambeginningmypilgrimage。Butlisten，gossip，saidtheegg-merchanttothepeasant，areyou，then，stupidenoughtobelievesuchathingasthat。Don\'tyouknowwhatitmeans。Theparsonwantstospendawholedayalonewithyourwifeinpeace，sohehasgivenyouthisjobtodotogetyououtoftheway。

Myword，saidthepeasant。HowI\'dliketoknowifthat\'strue。

Come，then，saidthegossip，I\'lltellyouwhattodo。Getintomyegg-basketandIwillcarryyouhome，andthenyouwillseeforyourself。Sothatwassettled，andthegossipputthepeasantintohisegg-basketandcarriedhimhome。

Whentheygottothehouse，hurrah。Everythingwasalreadyverymerrythere。Thewomanhadalreadyhadnearlyeverythingkilledthatwasinthefarmyard，andhadmadepancakes，andtheparsonwasthere，andhadbroughthisfiddlewithhim。Thegossipknockedatthedoor，andwomanaskedwhowasthere。ItisI，gossip，saidtheegg-merchant，givemeshelterthisnight。

Ihavenotsoldmyeggsatthemarket，sonowIhavetocarrythemhomeagain，andtheyaresoheavythatIshallneverbeabletodoit，foritisdarkalready。

Indeed，myfriend，saidthewoman，youcomeataveryinconvenienttimeforme，butasyouarehereitcan\'tbehelped。Comein，andtakeaseatthereonthebenchbythestove。Thensheplacedthegossipandthebasketwhichhecarriedonhisbackonthebenchbythestove。Theparsonandthewoman，however，wereasmerryascouldbe。Atlengththeparsonsaid，listen，mydearfriend，youcansingbeautifully。Singsomethingtome。

Oh，saidthewoman，Icannotsingnow。InmyyoungdaysindeedIcouldsingwellenough，butthat\'sallovernow。

Come，saidtheparsononcemore，dosingsomelittlesong。

Onthatthewomanbeganandsang，I\'vesentmyhusbandawayfrommetothegockerlihillinitaly。

Thereupontheparsonsang，Iwish\'twasayearbeforehecameback，I\'dneveraskhimforthelaurel-leafsack。

Hallelujah。

Thenthegossipwhowasinthebackgroundbegantosing-

butIoughttotellyouthepeasantwascalledhildebrand-

sothegossipsang，whatareyoudoing，myhildebranddear，thereonthebenchbythestovesonear。

Hallelujah。

Andthenthepeasantsangfromhisbasket，allsingingIevershallhatefromthisday，andhereinthisbasketnolongerI\'llstay。

Hallelujah。

Andheclimbedoutofthebasket，andfloggedtheparsonoutofthehouse。

Therewasonceuponatimeapoorpeasantcalledcrabb，whodrovewithtwooxenaloadofwoodtothetown，andsoldittoadoctorfortwotalers。Whenthemoneywasbeingcountedouttohim，itsohappenedthatthedoctorwassittingattable，andwhenthepeasantsawhowwellheateanddrank，hisheartdesiredwhathesaw，andhewouldwillinglyhavebeenadoctortoo。Soheremainedstandingawhile，andatlengthinquiredifhetoocouldnotbeadoctor。Oh，yes，saidthedoctor，thatissoonmanaged。

WhatmustIdo，askedthepeasant。Inthefirstplacebuyyourselfanabcbookofthekindwhichhasacockonthefrontispiece。Inthesecond，turnyourcartandyourtwooxenintomoney，andgetyourselfsomeclothes，andwhatsoeverelsepertainstomedicine。Thirdly，haveasignpaintedforyourselfwiththewords，Iamdoctorknowall，andhavethatnailedupaboveyourhouse-door。Thepeasantdideverythingthathehadbeentoldtodo。Whenhehaddoctoredpeopleawhile，butnotlong，arichandgreatlordhadsomemoneystolen。Thenhewastoldaboutdoctorknowallwholivedinsuchandsuchavillage，andmustknowwhathadbecomeofthemoney。Sothelordhadthehorsesharnessedtohiscarriage，droveouttothevillage，andaskedcrabbifheweredoctorknowall。Yes，hewas，hesaid。Thenhewastogowithhimandbringbackthestolenmoney。Oh，yes，butgrete，mywife，mustgotoo。Thelordwaswillingandletbothofthemhaveaseatinthecarriage，andtheyalldroveawaytogether。Whentheycametothenobleman\'scastle，thetablewasspread，andcrabbwastoldtositdownandeat。Yes，butmywife，grete，too，saidhe，andheseatedhimselfwithheratthetable。Andwhenthefirstservantcamewithadishofdelicatefare，thepeasantnudgedhiswife，andsaid，grete，thatwasthefirst。Meaningthatwastheservantwhobroughtthefirstdish。Theservant，however，thoughtheintendedbythattosay，thatisthefirstthief，andasheactuallywasso，hewasterrified，andsaidtohiscomradeoutside，thedoctorknowsall，weshallfareill，hesaidIwasthefirst。Theseconddidnotwanttogoinatall，butwasforced。Sowhenhewentinwithhisdish，thepeasantnudgedhiswife，andsaid，grete，thatisthesecond。Thisservantwasequallyalarmed，andhegotoutasfastashecould。Thethirdfarednobetter，forthepeasantagainsaid，grete，thatisthethird。Thefourthhadtocarryinadishthatwascovered，andthelordtoldthedoctorthathewastoshowhisskill，andguesswhatwasbeneaththecover。Actually，therewerecrabs。Thedoctorlookedatthedish，hadnoideawhattosay，andcried，ah，poorcrabb。Whenthelordheardthat，hecried，there。Heknowsit，hemustalsoknowwhohadthemoney。

Onthistheservantslookedterriblyuneasy，andmadeasigntothedoctorthattheywishedhimtostepoutsideforamoment。

Whenthereforehewentout，allfourofthemconfessedtohimthattheyhadstolenthemoney，andsaidthattheywouldwillinglyrestoreitandgivehimaheavysumintothebargain，ifhewouldnotdenouncethem，forifhedidtheywouldbehanged。

Theyledhimtothespotwherethemoneywasconcealed。Withthisthedoctorwassatisfied，andreturnedtothehall，satdowntothetable，andsaid，mylord，nowwillIsearchinmybookwherethegoldishidden。Thefifthservant，however，creptintothestovetohearifthedoctorknewstillmore。Butthedoctorsatstillandopenedhisabcbook，turnedthepagesbackwardsandforwards，andlookedforthecock。Ashecouldnotfinditimmediatelyhesaid，Iknowyouarethere，soyouhadbettercomeout。Thenthefellowinthestovethoughtthatthedoctormeanthim，andfullofterror，sprangout，crying，thatmanknowseverything。ThenDr。Knowallshowedthelordwherethemoneywas，butdidnotsaywhohadstolenit，andreceivedfrombothsidesmuchmoneyinreward，andbecamearenownedman。

Therewasoncearichman，whohadaservantwhoservedhimdiligentlyandhonestly。Hewaseverymorningthefirstoutofbed，andthelasttogotorestatnight，andwhenevertherewasadifficultjobtobedone，whichnobodycaredtoundertake，hewasalwaysthefirsttosethimselftoit。Moreover，henevercomplained，butwascontentedwitheverythingandalwaysmerry。

Whenayearwasended，hismastergavehimnowages，forhesaidtohimself，thatisthecleverestway，forIshallsavesomethingandhewillnotgoaway，butstayquietlyinmyservice。Theservantsaidnothing，butdidhisworkthesecondyearashehaddoneitthefirst，andwhenattheendofthis，likewise，hereceivednowages，hesubmittedandstillstayedon。

Whenthethirdyearalsowaspast，themasterconsidered，puthishandinhispocket，butpullednothingout。Thenatlasttheservantsaid，master，forthreeyearsIhaveservedyouhonestly，besogoodastogivemewhatIoughttohave，forIwishtoleave，andlookaboutmealittlemoreintheworld。

Yes，mygoodfellow，answeredtheoldmiser，youhaveservedmeindustriously，andthereforeyoushallbegraciouslyrewarded。

Andheputhishandintohispocket，butcountedoutonlythreefarthings，saying，there，youhaveafarthingforeachyear，thatislargeandliberalpay，suchasyouwouldhavereceivedfromfewmasters。

Thehonestservant，whounderstoodlittleaboutmoney，puthisfortuneintohispocket，andthought，ah，nowthatIhavemypursefull，whyneedItroubleandplaguemyselfanylongerwithhardwork。Soonhewent，uphillanddowndale，andsangandjumpedtohisheart\'scontent。Nowitcametopassthatashewasgoingbyathicketalittlemansteppedout，andcalledtohim，whitheraway，merrybrother。Iseeyoudonotcarrymanycares。WhyshouldIbesad，answeredtheservant，Ihaveenough。

Threeyears，wagesarejinglinginmypocket。

Howmuchisyourtreasure，thedwarfaskedhim。Howmuch。Threefarthingssterling，alltold。Lookhere，saidthedwarf，Iamapoorneedyman，givemeyourthreefarthings，Icanworknolongerbutyouareyoung，andcaneasilyearnyourbread。

Andastheservanthadagoodheart，andfeltpityforthelittleman，hegavehimthethreefarthings，saying，taketheminthenameofheaven，Ishallnotbeanytheworseforit。

Thenthelittlemansaid，asIseeyouhaveagoodheartIgrantyouthreewishes，oneforeachfarthing，theyshallallbefulfilled。Aha，saidtheservant，youareoneofthosewhocanworkwonders。Well，then，ifitistobeso，Iwish，first，foragun，whichshallhiteverythingthatIaimat，secondly，forafiddle，whichwhenIplayonit，shallcompelallwhohearittodance，thirdly，thatifIaskafavorofanyoneheshallnotbeabletorefuseit。

Allthatshallyouhave，saidthedwarf，andputhishandintothebush，andjustimagine，therelayafiddleandgun，allready，justasiftheyhadbeenordered。Thesehegavetotheservant，andthensaidtohim，whateveryoumayaskatanytime，nomanintheworldshallbeabletodenyyou。

Heartalive。Whatmorecanonedesire，saidtheservant，tohimself，andwentmerrilyonwards。SoonafterwardshemetaJewwithalonggoat\'sbeard，whowasstandinglisteningtothesongofabirdwhichwassittingupatthetopofatree。Goodheavens，hewasexclaiming，thatsuchasmallcreatureshouldhavesuchafearfullyloudvoice。Ifitwerebutmine。Ifonlysomeonewouldsprinklesomesaltuponitstail。Ifthatisall，saidtheservant，thebirdshallsoonbedownhere。Andtakingaimheblew，anddownfellthebirdintothethorn-bushes。Go，yourogue，hesaidtotheJew，andfetchthebirdoutforyourself。

Oh，saidtheJew，leaveouttherogue，mymaster，andIwilldoitatonce。Iwillgetthebirdoutformyself，nowthatyouhavehitit。Thenhelaydownontheground，andbegantocrawlintothethicket。

Whenhewasfastamongthethorns，thegoodservant\'shumorsotemptedhimthathetookuphisfiddleandbegantoplay。InamomenttheJew\'slegsbegantomove，andtojumpintotheair，andthemoretheservantfiddledthebetterwentthedance。Butthethornstorehisshabbycoatfromhim，combedhisbeard，andprickedandpluckedhimalloverthebody。Oh，dear，criedtheJew，whatdoIwantwithyourfiddling。Leavethefiddlealonemaster，Idonotwanttodance。

Buttheservantdidnotlistentohim，andthought，youhavefleecedpeopleoftenenough，nowthethorn-bushesshalldothesametoyou。Andhebegantoplayoveragain，sothattheJewhadtojumphigherthanever，andscrapsofhiscoatwerelefthangingonthethorns。Oh，woe\'sme，criedtheJew，Iwillgivethegentlemanwhatsoeverheasksifonlyheleavesofffiddling，awholepursefulofgold。Ifyouaresoliberal，saidtheservant，Iwillstopmymusic，butthisImustsaytoyourcredit，thatyoudancetoitsowellthatonemustreallyadmireit。Andhavingtakenthepursehewenthisway。

TheJewstoodstillandwatchedtheservantquietlyuntilhewasfaroffandoutofsight，andthenhescreamedoutwithallhismight，youmiserablemusician，youbeer-housefiddler。WaittillIcatchyoualone，Iwillhuntyoutillthesolesofyourshoesfalloff。Youragamuffin，justputsixfarthingsinyourmouth，thatyoumaybeworththreehalfpence。Andwentonabusinghimasfastashecouldspeak。Assoonashehadrefreshedhimselfalittleinthisway，andgothisbreathagain，heranintothetowntothejustice。

Mylordjudge，hesaid，Ihavecometomakeacomplaint，seehowarascalhasrobbedandill-treatedmeonthepublichighway。A

stoneonthegroundmightpityme，myclothesalltorn，mybodyprickedandscratched，mylittleallgonewithmypurse-goodducats，eachpiecebetterthanthelast，forGod\'ssakeletthemanbethrownintoprison。

Wasitasoldier，saidthejudge，whocutyouthuswithhissabre。Nothingofthesort，saidtheJew，itwasnoswordthathehad，butagunhangingathisback，andafiddleathisneck，thewretchmayeasilyberecognized。

Sothejudgesenthispeopleoutaftertheman，andtheyfoundthegoodservant，whohadbeengoingquiteslowlyalong，andtheyfound，too，thepursewiththemoneyuponhim。Assoonashewastakenbeforethejudgehesaid，IdidnottouchtheJew，nortakehismoney，hegaveittomeofhisownfreewill，thatI

mightleaveofffiddlingbecausehecouldnotbearmymusic。