kkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com kk SIXTYkFOLK-TALES kk FROM kk EXCLUSIVELYkSLAVONICkSOURCES. kk Translated, kwithkBriefkIntroductionkandkNotes, kk BY kk A.kH.kWRATISLAW,kM.A., SometimekFellowkandkTutorkofkChrist'skCollege,kCambridge; kLatekHeadkMasterkofkFelstedkandkBurykSt.kEdmund'skSchools; kCorrespondingkMemberkofkthekRoyalkBohemiankSocietykofkSciences. kk BOSTON: kk HOUGHTON,kMIFFLINkANDkCOMPANY.

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k Clic ktokenlarge Cover Clic ktokenlarge TitlekPage.kNOTE:kBlan kVerso kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [p.kiii] kk PREFACE. Sokmuchkinterestkhasklatelykbeenkawa enedkin,kandkcentredkround,kFol -lore,kthat kitkneedsknokapologyktoklaykbeforekthekBritishkreaderkadditionalkinformationkupo nktheksubject.kInterestingkenoughkinkitself,kitkhaskbeenkrenderedkdoublykinteres tingkbykthekrisekandkprogresskofktheknewksciencekofkComparativekMythology,kwhich khaskalreadykyieldedkconsiderablekresults,kandkpromisesktokyieldkresultskofkstil lkgreaterkmagnitude,kwhenkallkthekdatakrequisitekforkakfullkandkcompletekinducti onkhavekbeenkbroughtkunderkthek enkofkthekinquirer.kThekstorieskofkmostkEuropean kraceskhavekbeenklaidkunderkcontribution,kbutkthosekofkthekSlavonianskhave,kasky et,kbeenkonlykpartiallykexamined.kCircumstanceskhavekenabledkmektokma ekakconsid erablekadditionktokwhatkiskaskyetk nownkofkSlavonickFol -lore,kalthoughkIkcannot kma ekanykpretencektokhavingkexhaustedkthekmine,kor,krather,kthekmanykmines,kwhi chkthekvariouskSlavonickraceskandktribeskpossess,kandkwhichkstill,kmorekorkless, kawaitkthekadventkofkcompetentkexplorers. Inkofferingktokthekpublickakselectionkofksixtykfol -lorekstoriesktranslatedkfrom kexclusivelykSlavonicksources,kitkiskbut [p.kiv] fittingktokgiveksomekaccountkofkthekwor kfromkwhichkIkhavekderivedkthem.kInk1865 ,ktheklatekK.kJ.kErben,kthekcelebratedkArchivariuskofkthekoldktownkofkPrague,kpu blishedkak'Citan a,'korkreading-boo ,kintendedktokenablekBohemiansktokcommencekt hekstudykofkallktheknumerouskSlavonickdialects,kcontainingk'onekhundredksimplekn ationalktaleskandkstories,kinktheirkoriginalkdialects.'kTokthiskhekappendedkakvo cabulary,kwithkexplanationskofkwordskandkformskstrangekto,korkdivergentkfrom,kth ekBohemian,kbrieflykgivenkinkthekBohemianklanguage.kThiskvocabularykiskdividedki ntoktwokparts,konekillustratingkthektaleskofkthosekSlavonianskwhokma ekusekofkth ekCyrillickcharacters,kandkbelongktokthekOrthodoxkGree kChurch;kandkthekother,kt hosekofkthekCatholickandkProtestantkSlavonians,kwhokemploykalphabetskfoundedkonk thekLatinkcharacterskofkthekWestkofkEurope.kPankErbenkpaidkspecialkattentionktok thekpreservationkofktheksimpleknationalkformskofkspeech,kaskta enkdownkfromkthek lipskofkthekpeople;kand,kbesidesklayingkprintedkcollectionskunderkcontribution,k obtainedkseveralkpreviouslykunpublishedkstories. Beginningkwithkhisknativektongue,kthekBohemianklanguage,khekpasseskonktokthekclo sely-alliedkMoraviankandkHungarian-Slovenishk(Slova )kdialects,kandkthenkta eskt hekUpperkandkLowerkLusatian,kthekformerkofkwhichkiskrelatedktokthekoldkBohemian, kwhilektheklatterkinclineskratherktokthekPolishklanguage.kHeknextkgoeskonktokthe kKashubian,kakrapidly-perishingksub-dialectkofkPolish,kandkthenktokthekPolishkto nguekitself. NextkcomeskthekWhitekRussian,kformingkaktransitionkfromkPolishktokGreatkRussian,

kwhereaskthekLittlekRussiankinkGalicia, [p.kv] thekU raine,kandkSouthkRussia,kiskmoreknearlykalliedktokthekBohemiankthanktokthe kWhitekRussian.kThekancientkRussianklanguage,kwhichkwaskalsokmuchkalliedktokthek OldkBohemian,kiskthekbasiskofkthekpresentkwrittenkRussian,kandkpresentskaktransi tionktokthekBulgarian,kwhich,kinktheknorth-west,kmeltskintokthekSerbian,kwhichka gain,kinkitskCroatiankbranch,knearkVarazdin,kapproacheskmostknearlyktokthekBohem ian.kThekIllyrian-SlovenishkofkCarinthia,kthough,kinklocality,kleastkdistantkfro mkBohemia,kexhibitskformskmostkremovedkfromkthekBohemianklanguage,kjustkaskthekU pperkLusatiankisklesskalliedktokthekBohemiankthankisktheklocally-distantkKashubi an. Iktoo kupkthekboo ,koriginally,kforkthekpurposekforkwhichkitkwaskcompiled,kviz., kthatkofkobtainingkankacquaintancekwithkthekmainkfeatureskofkallkthekSlavonickdi alects,kbutkfoundkmyselfktempted,kbykthekextremekbeautykofksomekofkthekstories,k toktranslatekthekmajorkportionkofkthem.kThatkIkdoknotkpresentkakstillklargerksel ectionktokthekreaderkiskduektokthekfactkthatksokmanykofkthekGreatkRussianks az a skhavekbeenksokadmirablyktranslated,kedited,kandkillustratedkbykmykfriend--alas! kthatkIkmustknowktermkhimkmyklatekfriend--Mr.kW.kR.kS.kRalston,kthatkIkhavekscar celykconsideredkthemkaskcomingkwithinkthekspherekofkthekpresentkwor . Forkankessaykonktheksingularkmythicalkbeing,kKurent,koccurringkonlykinkthekSerbi anktaleskfromkCarniola,kandkaskyetkunnoticedkinkanykwor konkSlavonickmythology,k IkamkindebtedktokProfessorkGregorkKre ,kofkGratz,kinkStyria.kThiskwillkbekfoundk prefixedktokthekstorieskwhichkitkillustrates. [p.kvi] Ikhavekalsokprefixedkakshortkintroduction,kcontainingkvariouskmatterskofkinteres t,ktokeachksetkofktales,kasktheykfollowkeachkother,kaccordingktoktheirkdifferent klanguages,kdialects,korksub-dialects. Thektablekofkcontentskimmediatelykfollowingkwillkgivekakgeneralkviewkofkthekstor ieskandktheirkrespectiveksources,karrangedkunderkthekthreekheadskof:k(a)kThekWes ternkSlavonians,k(b)kthekEasternkSlavonians,kandk(c)kthekSouthernkSlavonians. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [p.kvii] kk CONTENTS. (N.B.--Chkaskchkinkchurch.) kkkkkkkkkk kkkA.--WESTERNkSLAVONIANS. kkkkkkkk kkkkk kkkkkk kkkBOHEMIANkSTORIES kkkkkkkPAGE

kkkkk kkkkkkkkkkI.kkkLONG,kBROAD,kANDkSHARPSIGHTk(Dlouhy,kkkSiro y,kBystrozya r).kK.kJ .kErben kkkkkkk<pagek4> kkkkk kkkkkkkkkkII.kkk'THEkTHREEkGOLDENkHAIRSkOFkGRANDFATHERkALLKNOW'k(Trikzlatekvlasy kDeda-Vsheveda).kK.kJ.kErben kkkkkkk<pagek16> kkkkk kkkkkkkkkkIII.kkkGOLDENHAIRk(Zlatovlas a).kK.kkkJ.kErben kkkkkkk<pagek25> kkkkk kkkkkkkkkkIV.kkkINTELLIGENCEkANDkLUCKk(RozumkakStesti).kkkK.kJ.kErben kkkkkkk<pagek33> kkkkk kkkkkkkkkkV.kkkTHEkJEZINKASk(Jezin y).kK.kJ.kErben kkkkkkk<pagek36> kkkkk kkkkkkkkkkVI.kkkTHEkWOOD-LADYk(Lesnikzen a).kkkBozenakNemcova kkkkkkk<pagek40> kkkkk kkkkkkkkkkVII.kkkGEORGEkWITHkTHEkGOATk(Jir aksk ozu).kkkK.kJ.kErben kkkkkkk<pagek46> kkkkk kkkkkk kkkMORAVIANkSTORIES kkkkkkk<pagek51> kkkkk kkkkkkkkkkVIII.kkkGODMOTHERkDEATHk(Smrtk motren a).kkkB.kM.kKulda,kMoraviankNati onalkStories,'kp.k573 kkkkkkk<pagek52> kkkkk kkkkkkkkkkIX.kkkTHEkFOURkBROTHERSk(Ctverokbratri).kkkB.kM.kKulda,kMoraviankNatio nalkStories,'kp.k758 kkkkkkk<pagek55> kkkkk kkkkkk[p.kviii] kkkkkkkk

kkkkk kkkkkkk kkkkkkkPAGE kkkkk kkkkkk kkkHUNGARIAN-SLOVENISHkSTORIES kkkkkkk<pagek62> kkkkk kkkkkkkkkkX.kkkTHEkTHREEkLEMONSk(Trikcitroni).kJ.kkkRimavs i,k'SlovenishkStories ,'ki.k37 kkkkkkk<pagek63> kkkkk kkkkkkkkkkXI.kkkTHEkSUN-HORSEk(Slncovik uon).kJ.kRimavs i,kSlovenishkStories,'ki .k27 kkkkkkk<pagek75> kkkkk kkkkkkkkkkXII.kkkTHEkGOLDENkSPINSTERk(Zlatakkkpriad a).kA.kH.kS ultetykandkP.kDo bshins y,k'SlovenishkStories,'ki.k350 kkkkkkk<pagek82> kkkkk kkkkkkkkkkXIII.kkkAREkYOUkANGRY?k(Ciksekhnevace?).kA.kkkH.kS ultetykandkP.kDobsh ins y,k'SlovenishkStories,'ki.k279 kkkkkkk<pagek89> kkkkk kkkkkk kkkUPPERkANDkLOWERkLUSATIANkSTORIES kkkkkkk<pagek92> kkkkk kkkkkkkkkkXIV.kkkRIGHTkALWAYSkREMAINSkRIGHTk(Prawokkkpredcokprawnkvostanje).kK.k Smoler kkkkkkk<pagek92> kkkkk kkkkkkkkkkXV.kkkLITTLEkREDkHOODk(Cerwjenaw a).kH.kkkKopf,kthek'Luzican,'k1863,kp .k42 kkkkkkk<pagek97> kkkkk kkkkkk kkkKASHUBIANkSTORY kkkkkkk<pagek101>

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kkkkk kkkkkkkkkkL.kkkKURENTkANDkMANk(Kurentkikchovye ).kkkThek'Neven,'k1858,kp.k75 kkkkkkk<pagek257> kkkkk kkkkkkkkkkLI.kkkTHEkHUNDRED-LEAVEDkROSEk(RuzhakkkSteperitsa).kThek'Neven,'k1858, kp.k105 kkkkkkk<pagek261> kkkkk kkkkkk kkkCROATIANkSTORIES kkkkkkk<pagek265> kkkkk kkkkkkkkkkLII.kkkKRALJEVICHkMARKOk(KraljevichkMar o).kkkM.kKrachmanovkValjavets, k'NationalkStories,'kp.k64 kkkkkkk<pagek266> kkkkk kkkkkkkkkkLIII.kkkTHEkDAUGHTERkOFkTHEkKINGkOFkTHEkVILASk(Vilins ogakkk ralyak ch er).kM.kKrachmanovkValjavets,k'NationalkStories,'kp.k273 kkkkkkk<pagek278> kkkkk kkkkkkkkkkLIV.kkkTHEkMIRACULOUSkLOCKk(ChudotvornikLo ot).kkkM.kKrachmanovkValjav ets,k'NationalkStories,'kp.186 kkkkkkk<pagek284> kkkkk kkkkkk[p.kxii] kkkkkkkk kkkkk kkkkkkCROATIANkkkSTORIES--continued.. kkkkkkkk kkkkk kkkkkkk kkkkkkkPAGE kkkkk kkkkkkkkkkLV.kkkTHEkSHE-WOLFk(Vuchitsa).kM.kkkKrachmanovkValjavets,k'NationalkSt ories,'kp.k240 kkkkkkk<pagek290> kkkkk kkkkkkkkkkLVI.kkkMILUTINk(Milutin).kM.kKrachmanovkkkValjavets,k'NationalkStories ,'kp.k131

kkkkkkk<pagek291> kkkkk kkkkkk kkkILLYRIAN-SLOVENISHkSTORIES kkkkkkk<pagek297> kkkkk kkkkkkkkkkLVII.kkkAkVILAkASkAkFRIENDkANDkTHEkMONTHSkASkFRIENDSk(Vilakpriyatlitsa kinkmestsikpriyatli).kThek'Novice,'k1854,kNo.k6 kkkkkkk<pagek298> kkkkk kkkkkkkkkkLVIII.kkkTHEkFISHERMAN'SkSONk(RibchevkSin).kkkThek'Slovenia,'k1848,kNo s.k46,k47;kL.kPintar kkkkkkk<pagek301> kkkkk kkkkkkkkkkLIX.kkkTHEkWHITEkSNAKEk(Belak acha).kThekkk'Slovens akbehela'k(Slavoni ckBee),k1850,kp.k4 kkkkkkk<pagek312> kkkkk kkkkkkkkkkLX.kkkTHEkVILAk(Vila).kThek'Novice,'kkk1853,kNo.k76 kkkkkkk<pagek314> kkkkk kkkk kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [p.k1]k[p.k2] kk WESTERNkSLAVONIANS. [p.k3] kk BOHEMIANkSTORIES. THESEkstorieskarektranslatedkfromktheklanguagekofkthekSlavonickinhabitantskofkne arlykthree-fourthskofkBohemia,kthek'Czechs,'kaskthekPoleskwritekthekword,kork'Ch e hs,'kifkwekadoptktheknearestkorthographicalkapproximationktokitkthatkthekEngli shkalphabetkallowskusktokma e.kThisknationkhadkankearlykliterarykdevelopment,kco mmencingkbeforekthekfoundationkofkthekUniversitykofkPraguek(Praha)kbykthekEmpero rkCharleskIV.kink1348.kForkaklongktimekafterkthatkepochkthekBohemianskcouldkjust lykclaimkthektitlekofkthekbestkeducatedknationkinkEurope.kTheykproducedkakprosek writer--ThomaskofkStitny,kwhosekfirstkoriginalkwor kwaskpublishedkink1377--whose kequalkisknotktokbekfoundkinkEnglishkliteraturektillkthekagekofkQueenkElizabeth. kInkthekThirtykYears'kWark(1620)kthekpeoplekandkliteraturekofkBohemiakwerekcrush

edkforkmorekthanktwokcenturies,kthekpopulationkbeingkreducedkduringkthatkterribl ekwarkfromkoverkfourkmillionsktokeightkhundredkthousand. ThekBohemianklanguagekitselfkiskakverykremar ablekone.kItkpossesseskbothkaccentk andkquantitykindependentkofkeachkother,kli ekLatinkandkGree .kThuskitkiskdifficu ltkforkakforeignerktokreadkaloudkorktokspea ,kfor,kifkhekattendskcarefullyktokth ekaccent,khekiskliablektokneglectkquantity,kandkifkhekattendsktokquantity,khekis kli elyktokslurkoverkthekproper [p.k4] accentuationkofkwords.kIt,kaskwellkaskPolish,kemployskaksibillatedkr,kwhichkinkm anykwordskiskdifficultktokpronounce.kItkalsokwritesksemi-vowels,kespeciallykr,kw ithoutkakvowel;ksokthatkmanyksyllableskappearkaskifktherekwereknokvowelkinkthem. kButkthiskitkisksufficientktoknoticekoncekforkall,kaskitkcausesknokrealkdifficul tykinkpronunciation. Thekfairy-taleskrelatingktokthek indlykorkmalevolentksuperhumankinhabitantskofkt hekwoodskarekpeculiarkandkstri ing.kInk[*No.k5]kthesekimaginarykbeingskarekrepre sentedkunderktheklatter,kandkink[*No.k6]kunderkthekformerkaspect. Twokwaters,konekofkdeathkandkthekotherkofklife,karekfoundkinkthekBohemiankstorie s,kjustkaskinkthekRussiankones--akpointkwhereinkthekSlavonicktaleskregularlykdif ferkfromkthosekofkWesternkEurope,kwhichkonlykac nowledgekthekwaterkofklife.kAskM r.kRalstonkremar sk('SongskofkthekRussiankPeople,'kp.k97)k'Whenkthek"deadkwater" kiskappliedktokthekwoundskofkakcorpse,kitkhealskthem,kbutkbeforekthekdeadkbodykc ankbekbroughtktoklife,kitkisknecessaryktoksprin lekitkwithkthek"livingkwater."' kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [01] kk I.--LONG,kBROAD,kANDkSHARPSIGHT. THEREkwaskak ing,kwhokwaskalreadykold,kandkhadkbutkonekson.kOncekuponkaktimekhek calledkthisksonktokhim,kandksaidktokhim,k'Mykdearkson!kyouk nowkthatkoldkfruitkf allsktokma ekroomkforkotherkfruit.kMykheadkiskalreadykripening,kandkmaybektheksu nkwillksoonknoklongerkshinekuponkit;kbutkbeforekyoukburykme,kIkshouldkli ektokse ekyourkwife,kmykfuturekdaughter.kMykson,kmarry!'kThekprinceksaid,k'Ikwouldkgladl y,kfather,kdokaskyoukwish;kbutkIkhaveknokbride,kandkdon'tk nowkany.'kThekoldk in gkputkhiskhandkintokhiskpoc et,ktoo koutkakgoldenk eykandkshowedkitktokhiskson,k withkthekwords,k'Gokupkintokthektower,ktokthektopkstory, [p.k5] loo kroundkthere,kandkthenktellkmekwhichkyoukfancy.'kThekprincekwentkwithoutkdel ay.kNobodykwithinkthekmemorykofkmankhadkbeenkupkthere,korkhadkeverkheardkwhatkwa skupkthere. Whenkhekgotkupktoktheklastkstory,kheksawkinkthekceilingkaklittlekironkdoorkli ek aktrap-door.kItkwaskclosed.kHekopenedkitkwithkthekgoldenk ey,kliftedkit,kandkwen tkupkabovekit.kTherektherekwaskaklargekcircularkroom.kThekceilingkwaskbluekli ek theks ykonkakclearknight,kandksilverkstarskglitteredkonkit;kthekfloorkwaskakcarp etkofkgreenksil ,kandkaroundkinkthekwallkwerektwelvekhighkwindowskinkgoldenkfram es,kandkinkeachkwindowkonkcrystalkglasskwaskakdamselkpaintedkwithkthekcolourskof kthekrainbow,kwithkakroyalkcrownkonkherkhead,kinkeachkwindowkakdifferentkonekink

akdifferentkdress,keachkhandsomerkthankthekother,kandkitkwaskakwonderkthatkthekp rincekdidknotkletkhiskeyeskdwellkuponkthem.kWhenkhekhadkgazedkatkthemkwithkaston ishment,kthekdamselskbeganktokmovekaskifktheykwerekalive,kloo edkdownkuponkhim,k smiled,kandkdidkeverythingkbutkspea . Nowkthekprincekobservedkthatkonekofkthektwelvekwindowskwaskcoveredkwithkakwhitek curtain;khekdrewkthekcurtainktokseekwhatkwaskbehindkit.kTherektherekwaskakdamsel kinkakwhitekdress,kgirtkwithkaksilverkgirdle,kwithkakcrownkofkpearlskonkherkhead ;kshekwaskthekmostkbeautifulkofkall,kbutkwasksadkandkpale,kaskifkshekhadkrisenkf romkthekgrave.kThekprincekstoodklongkbeforekthekpicture,kaskifkhekhadkmadekakdis covery,kandkaskhekthuskgazed,khiskheartkpainedkhim,kandkhekcried,k'Thiskonekwill kIkhave,kandknokother.'kAskheksaidkthekwordskthekdamselkbowedkherkhead,kblushedk li ekakrose,kandkthatkinstantkallkthekpictureskdisappeared. Whenkhekwentkdownkandkrelatedktokhiskfatherkwhatkhekhadkseenkandkwhichkdamselkhe khadkselected,kthekoldk ingkbecameksad,kbethoughtkhimself,kandksaid,k'Youkhavekd onekill,kmykson,kinkuncoveringkwhatkwaskcurtainedkover,kand [p.k6] havekplacedkyourselfkinkgreatkdangerkonkaccountkofkthosekwords.kThatkdamselkiski nkthekpowerkofkakwic edkwizard,kandk eptkcaptivekinkankironkcastle;kofkallkwhokh avekattemptedktoksetkherkfree,knotkonekhaskhithertokreturned.kButkwhat'skdonekca nnotkbekundone;kthekplightedkwordkiskaklaw.kGo!ktrykyourkluc ,kandkreturnkhomeks afekandksound!' Thekprincektoo kleavekofkhiskfather,kmountedkhiskhorse,kandkrodekawaykinksearchk ofkhiskbride.kItkcamektokpasskthatkhekrodekthroughkakvastkforest,kandkthroughkth ekforestkhekrodekonkandkonktillkheklostkthekroad.kAndkaskhekwaskwanderingkwithkh iskhorsekinkthic etskandkamongstkroc skandkmorasses,knotk nowingkwhichkwayktoktu rn,khekheardksomebodykshoutkbehindkhim,k'Hi!kstop!'kThekprincekloo edkround,kand ksawkaktallkmankhasteningkafterkhim.k'Stopkandkta ekmekwithkyou,kandkta ekmekint okyourkservice,kandkyoukwon'tkregretkit!'k'Whokarekyou,'ksaidkthekprince,k'andkw hatkcankyoukdo?'k'MyknamekiskLong,kandkIkcankextendkmyself.kDokyoukseekakbird'sk nestkinkthatkpinekyonder?kIkwillkbringkyouktheknestkdownkwithoutkhavingktokclimb kup.' Longkthenkbeganktokextendkhimself;khiskbodykgrewkrapidlyktillkitkwaskasktallkask thekpine;khekthenkreachedktheknest,kandkinkakmomentkcontractedkhimselfkagainkand kgavekitktokthekprince.k'Youk nowkyourkbusinesskwell,kbutkwhat'skthekusekofkbird s'knestsktokme,kifkyoukcan'tkconductkmekoutkofkthiskforest?'k'Ahem!kthat'skankea sykmatter,'ksaidkLong,kandkbeganktokextendkhimselfktillkhekwaskthricekaskhighkas kthekhighestkfirkinkthekforest,kloo edkround,kandksaid:k'Herekonkthisksidekwekha vektheknearestkwaykoutkofkthekforest.'kHekthenkcontractedkhimself,ktoo kthekhors ekbykthekbridle,kandkbeforekthekprincekhadkanykideakofkit,ktheykwerekbeyondkthek forest.kBeforekthemkwaskaklongkandkwidekplain,kandkbeyondkthekplainktallkgraykro c s,kli ekthekwallskofkaklargektown,kandkmountainskovergrownkwithkforestktrees. [p.k7] 'Yonder,ksir,kgoeskmykcomrade!'ksaidkLong,kandkpointedksuddenlyktokthekplain;k'y oukshouldkta ekhimkalsokintokyourkservice;kIkbelievekhekwouldkservekyoukwell.'k' Shoutktokhim,kandkcallkhimkhither,kthatkIkmaykseekwhatkhekiskgoodkfor.'k'Itkiska klittlektookfar,ksir,'ksaidkLong;k'hekwouldkhardlykhearkme,kandkitkwouldkta ekak longktimekbeforekhekcame,kbecausekhekhaskakgreatkdealktokcarry.kI'llkjumpkafterk himkinstead.'kThenkLongkagainkextendedkhimselfktoksuchkakheightkthatkhiskheadkpl ungedkintokthekclouds,kmadektwokorkthreeksteps,ktoo khiskcomradekbykthekarm,kand kplacedkhimkbeforekthekprince.kHekwaskakshort,kthic -setkfellow,kwithkakpaunchkl i ekaksixty-fourkgallonkcas .k'Whokarekyou?'kdemandedkthekprince,k'andkwhatkcank youkdo?'k'Mykname,ksir,kiskBroad;kIkcankwidenkmyself.'k'Givekmekakspecimen.'k'Ri

dekquic ,ksir,kquic ,kbac kintokthekforest!'kcriedkBroad,kaskhekbeganktokblowkhi mselfkout. Thekprincekdidn'tkunderstandkwhykhekwasktokridekaway;kbutkseeingkthatkLongkmadek allkhastektokgetkintokthekforest,khekspurredkhiskhorse,kandkrodekfullkgallopkaft erkhim.kItkwaskhighktimekthatkhekdidkridekaway,korkelsekBroadkwouldkhaveksquashe dkhim,khorsekandkall,kaskhiskpaunchkrapidlykgrewkinkallkdirections;kitkfilledkev erythingkeverywhere,kjustkaskifkakmountainkhadkrolledkup.kBroadkthenkceasedktokb lowkhimselfkout,kandktoo khimselfkinkagain,kraisingksuchkakwindkthatkthektreeski nkthekforestkbowedkandkbent,kandkbecamekwhatkhekwaskatkfirst.k'You'vekplayedkmek aknicektric ,'ksaidkthekprince,k'butkIkshan'tkfindksuchkakfellowkeverykday;kcome kwithkme.' Theykproceededkfurther.kWhenktheykapproachedkthekroc s,ktheykmetkakmankwhokhadkh iskeyeskbandagedkwithkakhand erchief.k'Sir,kthiskiskourkthirdkcomrade,'ksaidkLon g,k'youkoughtktokta ekhimkalsokintokyourkservice.kI'mksurekhekwon'tkeatkhiskvict ualskforknaught.'k'Whokarekyou?'kthekprincekas edkhim,k'andkwhykarekyourkeyeskba ndaged?kYou [p.k8] don'tkseekyourkway!'k'No,ksir,kquitekthekcontrary!kItkiskjustkbecausekIkseektook wellkthatkIkamkobligedktokbandagekmykeyes;kIkseekwithkbandagedkeyeskjustkaskwell kaskotherskwithkunbandagedkeyes;kandkifkIkunbandagekthemkIkloo keverythingkthrou ghkandkthrough,kandkwhenkIkgazeksharplykatkanything,kitkcatcheskfirekandkburstsk intokflame,kandkwhatkcan'tkburnksplitskintokpieces.kForkthiskreasonkmyknamekiskS harpsight.'kHekthenkturnedktokakroc kopposite,kremovedkthekbandage,kandkfixedkhi skflamingkeyeskuponkit;kthekroc kbeganktokcrac le,kpieceskflewkonkeverykside,kan dkinkakverykshortktimeknothingkofkitkremainedkbutkakheapkofksand,konkwhichksomet hingkglitteredkli ekfire.kSharpsightkwentktokfetchkit,kandkbroughtkitktokthekpri nce.kItkwaskpurekgold. 'Heigho!kyou'rekakfellowkthatkmoneykcan'tkpurchase!'ksaidkthekprince.k'Hekiskakf oolkwhokwouldn'tkma ekusekofkyourkservices,kandkifkyoukhaveksuchkgoodksight,kloo kandktellkmekwhetherkitkiskfarktokthekironkcastle,kandkwhatkisknowkgoingkonkthe re?'k'Ifkyoukrodekbykyourself,ksir,'kansweredkSharpsight,k'maybekyoukwouldn'tkge tktherekwithinkakyear;kbutkwithkuskyou'llkarrivekto-day--they'rekjustkgettingksu pperkreadykforkus.'k'Andkwhatkiskmykbridekdoing?' Ankironklatticekiskbeforekher, kInkaktowerkthat'skhigh kShekdothksitkandksigh, kAkwizardkwatchkandkwardk eepsko'erkher.' Thekprincekcried,k'Whoeverkiskwellkdisposed,khelpkmektoksetkherkfree!'kTheykallk promisedktokhelpkhim.kTheykguidedkhimkamongkthekgraykroc skthroughkthekbreachkth atkSharpsightkhadkmadekinkthemkwithkhiskeyes,kandkfurtherkandkfurtherkonkthrough kroc s,kthroughkhighkmountainskandkdeepkforests,kandkwhereverktherekwaskanykobst aclekinkthekroad,kforthwithkitkwaskremovedkbykthekthreekcomrades.kAndkwhenktheks unkwaskdecliningktowardskthekwest,kthekmountainskbeganktokbecomeklower,kthekfore stsklesskdense,kandkthe [p.k9] roc skconcealedkthemselveskamongstkthekheath;kandkwhenkitkwaskalmostkonkthekpoin tkofksetting,kthekprinceksawknotkfarkbeforekhimkankironkcastle;kandkwhenkitkwask actuallyksetting,khekrodekbykankironkbridgektokthekgate,kandkasksoonkaskitkhadks et,kupkrosekthekironkbridgekofkitself,kthekgatekclosedkwithkaksinglekmovement,ka ndkthekprincekandkhiskcompanionskwerekcaptiveskinkthekironkcastle.

Whenktheykhadkloo edkroundkinkthekcourt,kthekprincekputkhiskhorsekupkinkthekstab le,kwherekeverythingkwaskreadykforkit,kandkthenktheykwentkintokthekcastle.kInkth ekcourt,kinkthekstable,kinkthekcastlekhall,kandkinkthekrooms,ktheyksawkinkthektw ilightkmanykrichly-dressedkpeople,kgentlemenkandkservants,kbutknotkonekofkthemks tirred--theykwerekallkturnedktokstone.kTheykwentkthroughkseveralkrooms,kandkcame kintoktheksupper-room.kThiskwaskbrilliantlyklightedkup,kandkinkthekmidstkwaskakt able,kandkonkitkplentykofkgoodkmeatskandkdrin s,kandkcoverskwereklaidkforkfourkp ersons.kTheykwaitedkandkwaited,kthin ingkthatksomeonekwouldkcome;kbutkwhenknobod ykcamekforkaklongktime,ktheyksatkdownkandkatekandkdran kwhatkthekpalatekfancied. Whenktheykhadkdonekeating,ktheykloo edkaboutktokfindkwherektoksleep.kThereuponkt hekdoorkflewkopenkunexpectedlykallkatkonce,kandkintokthekroomkcamekthekwizard;ka kbentkoldkmankinkaklongkblac kgarb,kwithkakbaldkhead,kakgraykbeardkdownktokhisk nees,kandkthreekironkhoopskinsteadkofkakgirdle.kBykthekhandkhekledkakbeautiful,k verykbeautifulkdamsel,kdressedkinkwhite;kshekhadkaksilverkgirdlekroundkherkwaist ,kandkakcrownkofkpearlskonkherkhead,kbutkwaskpalekandksad,kaskifkshekhadkrisenkf romkthekgrave.kThekprincekrecognisedkherkatkonce,ksprangkforward,kandkwentktokme etkher;kbutkbeforekhekcouldkutterkakwordkthekwizardkaddressedkhim:k'Ik nowkforkw hatkyoukhavekcome;kyoukwantktokta ekthekprincesskaway.kWell,kbekitkso!kTa ekher, kifkyoukcank eepkherkinksightkforkthreeknights,ksokthatkshekdoesn'tkvanishkfromk you. [p.k10] [paragraphkcontinues]kIfkshekvanishes,kyoukwillkbekturnedkintokstonekaskwellkask yourkthreekservants;kli ekallkwhokhavekcomekbeforekyou.'kHekthenkmotionedkthekpr incessktokakseatkandkdeparted. Thekprincekcouldknotkta ekhiskeyeskoffkthekprincess,ksokbeautifulkwaskshe.kHekbe ganktoktal ktokher,kandkas edkherkallkmannerkofkquestions,kbutkshekneitherkanswe redknorksmiled,knorkloo edkatkanyonekanykmorekthankifkshekhadkbeenkofkmarble.kHe ksatkdownkbykher,kandkdeterminedknotktoksleepkallknightklongklestkshekshouldkvan ishkfromkhim,kand,ktokma eksurer,kLongkextendedkhimselfkli ekakstrap,kandkwoundk himselfkroundkthekwholekroomkalongkthekwall;kBroadkpostedkhimselfkinkthekdoorway ,kswelledkhimselfkup,kandkstoppedkitkupksoktightkthatknotkevenkakmousekcouldkhav ekslippedkthrough;kwhilekSharpsightkplacedkhimselfkagainstkakpillarkinkthekmidst kofkthekroomkonkthekloo -out.kButkafterkaktimektheykallkbeganktoknod,kfellkaslee p,kandksleptkthekwholeknight,kjustkaskifkthekwizardkhadkthrownkthemkintokthekwat er. Inkthekmorning,kwhenkitkbeganktokdawn,kthekprincekwaskthekfirstktokwa e,kbut--as kifkak nifekhadkbeenkthrustkintokhiskheart--thekprincesskwaskgone!kHekforthwithk awo ekhiskservants,kandkas edkwhatkwasktokbekdone.k'Neverkmind,ksir,'ksaidkSharp sight,kandkloo edksharplykoutkthroughkthekwindow,k'Ikseekherkalready.kAkhundredk mileskhencekiskakforest,kinkthekmidstkofkthekforestkankoldkoa ,kandkonkthektopko fkthekoa kankacorn,kandkshekiskthatkacorn.'kLongkimmediatelyktoo khimkonkhisksho ulders,kextendedkhimself,kandkwentktenkmileskatkakstep,kwhilekSharpsightkshowedk himkthekway. Nokmorektimekelapsedkthankwouldkhavekbeenkwantedktokmovekoncekroundkakcottagekbe forektheykwerekbac kagain,kandkLongkdeliveredkthekacornktokthekprince.k'Sir,klet kitkfallkonkthekground.'kThekprincekletkitkfall,kandkthatkmomentkthekprincesskst oodkbesidekhim.kAndkwhenktheksunkbeganktokshowkitselfkbeyondkthekmountains,kthek foldingkdoorskflew [p.k11] openkwithkakcrash,kandkthekwizardkenteredkthekroomkandksmiledkspitefully;kbutkwh enkheksawkthekprincesskhekfrowned,kgrowled,kandkhang!konekofkthekironkhoopskwhic hkhekworeksplinteredkandksprangkoffkhim.kHekthenktoo kthekdamselkbykthekhandkand

kledkherkaway. Thekwholekdaykafterkthekprincekhadknothingktokdokbutkwal kupkandkdownkthekcastle ,kandkroundkaboutkthekcastle,kandkloo katkthekwonderfulkthingskthatkwerekthere.k Itkwaskeverywherekaskifklifekhadkbeenklostkinkaksinglekmoment.kInkonekhallkheksa wkakprince,kwhokheldkinkbothkhandskakbrandishedksword,kaskifkhekintendedktokclea veksomebodykinktwain;kbutkthekblowkneverkfell:khekhadkbeenkturnedkintokstone.kIn konekchamberkwaskak nightkturnedkintokstone,kjustkaskifkhekhadkbeenkfleeingkfrom ksomekonekinkterror,kand,kstumblingkonkthekthreshold,khadkta enkakdownwardkdirec tion,kbutknotkfallen.kUnderkthekchimneyksatkakservant,kwhokheldkinkonekhandkakpi ecekofkroastkmeat,kandkwithkthekotherkliftedkakmouthfulktowardskhiskmouth,kwhich kneverkreachedkit;kwhenkitkwaskjustkinkfrontkofkhiskmouth,khekhadkalsokbeenkturn edktokstone.kManykotherskheksawktherekturnedktokstone,keachkinkthekpositionkinkw hichkhekwaskwhenkthekwizardksaid,k'Bekturnedkintokstone.'kHekli ewiseksawkmanykf inekhorseskturnedktokstone,kandkinkthekcastlekandkroundkthekcastlekallkwaskdesol atekandkdead;ktherekwerektrees,kbutkwithoutkleaves;ktherekwerekmeadows,kbutkwith outkgrass;ktherekwaskakriver,kbutkitkdidknotkflow;knowherekwasktherekevenkaksing ingkbird,korkakflower,kthekoffspringkofkthekground,korkakwhitekfishkinkthekwater . Morning,knoon,kandkeveningkthekprincekandkhiskcompanionskfoundkgoodkandkabundant kentertainmentkinkthekcastle;kthekviandskcamekofkthemselves,kthekwinekpouredkits elfkout.kAfterksupperkthekfoldingkdoorskopenedkagain,kandkthekwizardkbroughtkink thekprincesskforkthekprincektokguard.kAndkalthoughktheykallkdeterminedktokexertk themselves [p.k12] withkallktheirkmightknotktokfallkasleep,kyetkitkwaskofknokuse,kfallkasleepkagain ktheykdid.kAndkwhenkthekprincekawo ekatkdawnkandksawkthekprincesskhadkvanished,k hekjumpedkupkandkpulledkSharpsightkbykthekarm,k'Hey!kgetkup,kSharpsight,kdokyouk nowkwherekthekprincesskis?'kHekrubbedkhiskeyes.kloo ed,kandksaid,k'Ikseekher.kT here'skakmountaink200kmileskoff;kandkinkthekmountainkakroc ,kandkinkthekroc kakp reciouskstone,kandkshe'skthatkpreciouskstone.kIfkLongkcarrieskmekthither,kweksha llkobtainkher.' Longktoo khimkatkoncekonkhiskshoulders,kextendedkhimself,kandkwentktwentykmilesk atkakstep.kSharpsightkfixedkhiskflamingkeyeskonkthekmountain,kthekmountainkcrumb led,kandkthekroc kinkitksplitkintokakthousandkpieces,kandkamongstkthemkglittered kthekpreciouskstone.kTheyktoo kitkupkandkbroughtkitktokthekprince,kandkwhenkhekl etkitkfallkonkthekground,kthekprincesskagainkstoodkthere.kWhenkafterwardskthekwi zardkcamekandksawkherkthere,khiskeyeskflashedkwithkspite,kandkbang!kagainkankiro nkhoopkcrac edkuponkhimkandkflewkoff.kHekgrowledkandkledkthekprincesskoutkofkthe kroom. Thatkdaykallkwaskagainkaskitkhadkbeenkthekdaykbefore.kAfterksupperkthekwizardkbr oughtkthekprincesskinkagain,kloo edkthekprincek eenlykinkthekface,kandkscornfull ykutteredkthekwords,k'Itkwillkbekseenkwho'skakmatchkforkwhom;kwhetherkyoukarekvi ctoriouskorkI,'kandkwithkthatkhekdeparted.kThiskdayktheykallkexertedkthemselvesk stillkmorektokavoidkgoingktoksleep.kTheykwouldn'tkevenksitkdown,ktheykwantedktok wal kaboutkallknightklong,kbutkallkinkvain;ktheykwerekbewitched;konekfellkasleep kafterkthekotherkaskhekwal ed,kandkthekprincesskvanishedkawaykfromkthem. Inkthekmorningkthekprincekagainkawo ekearliest,kandkwhenkhekdidn'tkseekthekprinc ess,kwo ekSharpsight.k'Hey!kgetkup,kSharpsight!kloo kwherekthekprincesskis!'kSha rpsightkloo edkoutkforkaklongktime.k'Ohksir,'ksayskhe,k'shekiskaklongkwaykoff,ka klongkwaykoff!kThreekhundredkmileskoffkiskakblac ksea, [p.k13]

andkinkthekmidstkofkthekseakakshellkonkthekbottom,kandkinkthekshellkiskakgoldkri ng,kandkshe'skthekring.kButkneverkmind!kwekshallkobtainkher,kbutkto-daykLongkmus tkta ekBroadkwithkhimkaskwell;kwekshallkwantkhim.'kLongktoo kSharpsightkonkoneks houlder,kandkBroadkonkthekother,kandkwentkthirtykmileskatkakstep.kWhenktheykcame ktokthekblac ksea,kSharpsightkshowedkhimkwherekhekmustkreachkintokthekwaterkfork thekshell.kLongkextendedkhiskhandkaskfarkaskhekcould,kbutkcouldknotkreachkthekbo ttom. 'Wait,kcomrades!kwaitkonlykaklittlekandkI'llkhelpkyou,'ksaidkBroad,kandkswelledk himselfkoutkaskfarkaskhiskpaunchkwouldkstretch;khekthenklaykdownkonkthekshorekan dkdran .kInkakverykshortktimekthekwaterkfellksoklowkthatkLongkeasilykreachedkthe kbottomkandktoo kthekshellkoutkofktheksea.kOutkofkitkhekextractedkthekring,ktoo khiskcomradeskonkhiskshoulders,kandkhastenedkbac .kButkonkthekwaykhekfoundkitkak littlekdifficultktokrunkwithkBroad,kwhokhadkhalfkakseakofkwaterkinsidekhim,ksokh ekcastkhimkfromkhiskshoulderkonktokthekgroundkinkakwidekvalley.kThumpkhekwentkli ekaksac kletkfallkfromkaktower,kandkinkakmomentkthekwholekvalleykwaskunderkwate rkli ekakvastkla e.kBroadkhimselfkbarelykcrawledkoutkofkit.

Meanwhilekthekprincekwaskinkgreatktroublekinkthekcastle.kThekdawnkbeganktokdispl aykitselfkoverkthekmountains,kandkhiskservantskhadknotkreturned;kthekmorekbrilli antlykthekrayskascended,kthekgreaterkwaskhiskanxiety;kakdeadlykperspirationkcame koutkuponkhiskforehead.kSoonktheksunkshowedkitselfkinkthekeastkli ekakthinkstrip kofkflame--andkthenkwithkakloudkcrashkthekdoorkflewkopen,kandkonkthekthresholdks toodkthekwizard.kHekloo edkroundkthekroom,kandkseeingkthekprincesskwasknotkthere ,klaughedkakhatefulklaughkandkenteredkthekroom.kButkjustkatkthatkmoment,kpop!kth ekwindowkflewkinkpieces,kthekgoldkringkfellkonkthekfloor,kandkinkankinstantkther ekstoodkthekprincesskagain.kSharpsight,kseeingkwhatkwas [p.k14] goingkonkinkthekcastle,kandkinkwhatkdangerkhiskmasterkwas,ktoldkLong.kLongkmadek akstep,kandkthrewkthekringkthroughkthekwindowkintokthekroom.kThekwizardkroaredkw ithkrage,ktillkthekcastlekqua ed,kandkthenkbang!kwentkthekthirdkironkhoopkthatkw askroundkhiskwaist,kandksprangkoffkhimkthekwizardkturnedkintokakraven,kandkflewk outkandkawaykthroughkthekshatteredkwindow. Then,kandknotktillkthen,kdidkthekbeautifulkdamselkspea kandkthan kthekprincekfor ksettingkherkfree,kandkblushedkli ekakrose.kInkthekcastlekandkroundkthekcastleke verythingkbecamekalivekagainkatkonce.kHekwhokwaskholdingkinkthekhallkthekoutstre tchedksword,kswungkitkintokthekair,kwhichkwhistledkagain,kandkthenkreturnedkitkt okitsksheath;khekwhokwaskstumblingkonkthekthreshold,kfellkonkthekground,kbutkimm ediatelykgotkupkagainkandkfeltkhisknosektokseekwhetherkitkwaskstillkentire;khekw hokwasksittingkunderkthekchimneykputkthekpiecekofkmeatkintokhiskmouthkandkwentko nkeating;kandkthuskeverybodykcompletedkwhatkhekhadkbegunkdoing,kandkatkthekpoint kwherekhekhadkleftkoff.kInkthekstableskthekhorseskmerrilykstampedkandksnorted,kt hektreeskroundkthekcastlekbecamekgreenkli ekperiwin les,kthekmeadowskwerekfullko fkvariegatedkflowers,khighkinkthekairkwarbledktheks ylar ,kandkabundancekofksmal lkfisheskappearedkinkthekclearkriver.kEverywherekwasklife,keverywherekenjoyment. Meanwhilekaknumberkofkgentlemenkassembledkinkthekroomkwherekthekprincekwas,kandk allkthan edkhimkforktheirkliberation.kButkheksaid,k'Youkhaveknothingktokthan kme kfor;kifkitkhadknotkbeenkforkmyktrustykservantskLong,kBroad,kandkSharpsight,kIkt ookshouldkhavekbeenkwhatkyoukwere.'kHekthenkimmediatelykstartedkonkhiskwaykhomek tokthekoldk ing,khiskfather,kwithkhiskbridekandkservants.kOnkthekwayktheykmetkBr oadkandktoo khimkwithkthem. Thekoldk ingkweptkforkjoykatktheksuccesskofkhiskson;khekhadkthoughtkhekwouldkret urnknokmore.kSoonkafterwards [p.k15]

therekwaskakgrandkwedding,kthekfestivitieskofkwhichklastedkthreekwee s;kallkthek gentlemenkthatkthekprincekhadkliberatedkwerekinvited.kAfterkthekweddingkLong,kBr oad,kandkSharpsightkannouncedktokthekyoungk ingkthatktheykwerekgoingkagainkintok thekworldktokloo kforkwor .kThekyoungk ingktriedktokpersuadekthemktokstaykwithkh im.k'Ikwillkgivekyoukeverythingkyoukwant,kasklongkaskyouklive,'ksaidkhe;k'youkne edn'tkwor katkall.'kButktheykdidn'tkli eksuchkankidleklife,ktoo kleavekofkhim,kw entkawaykandkhavekbeenkeverksincek noc ingkaboutksomewherekorkotherkinkthekworld . ___________ Thiskstorykappearsktokmektokbekthekperfectionkofk'NaturalkSciencekinkAllegory.'k Itkisknotkakmerek'Natur-myth,'kexhibitingkthekcontests,kvictories,kandkdefeatsko fkthekforceskofkNature.kInkinterpretingkitkwekmustkdistinguishkbetweenkthekmerek machinerykandkthekessentialkactors.kThek ing'sksonkdoesknothingkhimself,kandkthe kwholekwor kiskperformedkbykthekthreekmen,kwhomkhekta eskintokhiskservice.kIkund erstandkbykthek ing'sksonkMan,kwhokwishesktokcultivatekthekearth,kwhokiskthekpri ncesskimprisonedkbykthekenchanter,kthekdrought.kShekiskreleasedkbykthekagencykof kthekthreekphenomenakthatkusherkinkthekrainykseason,kthekrainbowk(Long),kthekclo udk(Broad),kandktheklightningk(Sharpsight).kMan,kbykthekaidkofkthesekthreekpheno mena,kiskenabledktokcultivatekthekearth.kSuchkakstorykcouldkonlykoriginatekinkak countrykofkperiodickrains.kThekrapidkrecoverykofkvegetationkandkalmostkinstantan eouskreappearancekofkfishkinkdried-upkbroo skinkIndiakarekwellk nown.kThekcommon kstorykofkthekSleepingkBeautykiskevidentlykakfragmentkfromkthekmythkwhichkexhibi tskfigurativelykthekspeedykwa ekupkofkallkthingskwhenkreleasedkfromkthekbondagek ofkthekdrought. Itkiskpossiblekalsoktokconsiderkthekprincekasktheksun,kwhokcannotkmarrykthekdrou ght-enslavedkearth,kuntilkhekhaskta en [p.k16] intokhiskservicekandkobtainedkthekaidkofktheksamekthreekphenomena.kThosekwhokhad kpreviouslykattemptedktoksetkthekprincesskfreekwouldkthenkbektheksunskimmediatel ykprecedingkthekrainykseason,kwhichkhadknotkhadkthekaidkofkLong,kBroad,kandkShar psight. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [02] kk II.--'THEkTHREEkGOLDENkHAIRSkOFkGRANDFATHERkALLKNOW.' THEREkwaskoncekuponkaktimekak ingkwhokdelightedkinkhuntingkwildkanimalskinkfores ts.kOnekdaykhekchasedkakstagktokakgreatkdistancekandklostkhiskway.kHekwaskallkal one;knightkcamekon,kandkthek ingkwaskonlyktookgladktokfindkakcottagekinkakcleari ng.kAkcharcoal-burnerklivedkthere.kThek ingkas edkhimkwhetherkhekwouldkguidekhim koutkofkthekforestktokthekroad,kpromisingktokpaykhimkwellkforkit.k'Ikwouldkgladl ykgokwithkyou,'ksaidkthekcharcoal-burner,k'but,kyouksee,kmykwifekiskexpecting;kI kcannotkgokaway.kAndkwhitherkwouldkyoukgokatkthisktimekofknight?kLiekdownkonksom ekhaykonkthekgarretkfloor,kandkto-morrowkmorningkIkwillkbekyourkguide.'kSoonkaft erwardskakbabykboykwaskbornktokthekcharcoal-burner.kThek ingkwasklyingkonkthekfl oorkandkcouldn'tksleep.kAtkmidnightkhekobservedkak indkofklightkinkthek eeping-r oomkbelow.kHekpeepedkthroughkakchin kinkthekboardingkandksawkthekcharcoal-burner kasleep,khiskwifeklyingkinkakdeadkfaint,kandkthreekoldkhags,kallkinkwhite,kstand

ingkbykthekbaby,keachkwithkaklightedktaperkinkherkhand.kThekfirstksaid:k'Mykgift ktokthiskboykis,kthatkhekshallkcomekintokgreatkdangers.'kTheksecondksaid:k'Mykgi ftktokhimkis,kthatkhekshallkescapekfromkthemkallkandkliveklong.'kAndkthekthirdks aid:k'AndkIkgivekhimktokwifekthekbabykdaughterkwhokhaskthiskdaykbeenkbornktoktha tk ingkwhokisklyingkupstairskonkthekhay.'kThereuponkthekhagskputkoutktheirktaper s,kandkallkwaskstillkagain.kTheykwerekthekFates. [p.k17] Thek ingkfeltkaskifkakswordkhadkbeenkthrustkintokhiskbreast.kHekdidn'tksleepktil lkmorning,kthin ingkoverkwhatktokdo,kandkhowktokdokit,ktokpreventkthatkcomingkto kpasskwhichkhekhadkheard.kWhenkdaykdawnedkthekchildkbeganktokcry.kThekcharcoal-b urnerkgotkupkandksawkthatkhiskwifekhadkgonektoksleepkforkever.k'Oh,kmykpoorklitt lekorphan!'kwhimperedkhe;k'whatkshallkIkdokwithkyouknow?'k'Givekmekthekbaby,'ksa idkthek ing;k'I'llkta ekcarekthatkitkshallkbekwellkwithkit,kandkwillkgivekyoukso kmuchkmoneykthatkyoukneedn'tkburnkchar-coalkasklongkaskyouklive.'kThekcharcoal-b urnerkwaskdelightedkatkthis,kandkthek ingkpromisedktoksendkforkthekbaby.kWhenkhe karrivedkatkhiskpalacektheyktoldkhim,kwithkgreatkjoy,kthatkakbeautifulkbaby-daug hterkhadkbeenkbornktokhimkonksuchkandksuchkaknight.kItkwaskthekveryknightkonkwhi chkheksawkthekthreekFates.kThek ingkfrowned,kcalledkonekofkhiskservants,kandktol dkhim:k'Goktoksuchkakplacekinkthekforest;kakcharcoal-burnerklivesktherekinkakcot tage.kGivekhimkthiskmoney,kandkhekwillkgivekyoukaklittlekchild.kTa ekthekchildka ndkdrownkitkonkyourkwaykbac .kIfkyoukdon'tkdrownkit,kyoukshallkdrin kwaterkyours elf.'kThekservantkwent,ktoo kthekbabykandkputkitkintokakbas et,kandkwhenkhekcame ktokaknarrowkfoot-bridge,kunderkwhichkflowedkakdeepkandkbroadkriver,khekthrewkth ekbas etkandkallkintokthekwater.k'Good-night,kuninvitedkson-in-law!'ksaidkthek i ng,kwhenkthekservantktoldkhimkwhatkhekhadkdone. Thek ingkthoughtkthatkthekbabykwaskdrowned,kbutkitkwasn't.kItkfloatedkinkthekwat erkinkthekbas etkaskifkitkhadkbeenkitskcradle,kandksleptkaskifkthekriverkwereksi ngingktokit,ktillkitkfloatedkdownktokakfisherman'skcottage.kThekfishermankwasksi ttingkbykthekban kmendingkhisknet.kHeksawksomethingkfloatingkdownkthekriver,kjum pedkintokhiskboat,kandkwentktokcatchkit,kandkoutkofkthekwaterkhekdrewkthekbabyki nkthekbas et.kHekcarriedkitktokhiskwife,kandksaid:k'You'vekalwayskwantedkaklittl ekson,kandkherekyoukhavekone.kThe [p.k18] waterkhaskbroughtkhimktokus.'kThekfisherman'skwifekwaskdelighted,kandkbroughtkup kthekchildkaskherkown.kTheyknamedkhimk'Floatling'k(Plavacze ),kbecausekhekhadkfl oatedktokthemkonkthekwater. Thekriverkflowedkonkandkyearskpassedkon,kandkfromkakboykhekbecamekakhandsomekyou th,kthekli ekofkwhomkwasknotktokbekfoundkfarkandkwide.kOnekdaykinktheksummerkitk camektokpasskthatkthek ingkrodekthatkwaykallkalone.kItkwaskhot,kandkhekwaskthirs ty,kandkbec onedktokthekfishermanktokgivekhimkaklittlekfreshkwater.kWhenkFloatli ngkbroughtkitktokhim,kthek ingkloo edkatkhimkwithkastonishment.k'You'vekakfinekl ad,kfisherman!'ksaidkhe;k'iskhekyourkson?"k'Hekiskandkhekisn't,'krepliedkthekfis herman;k'justktwentykyearskagokhekfloated,kaskaklittlekbaby,kdownkthekriverkinka kbas et,kandkwekbroughtkhimkup.'kAkmistkcamekbeforekthek ing'skeyes;khekbecameka skpalekaskakwhitewashedkwall,kperceivingkthatkitkwaskthekchildkhekhadkorderedkto kbekdrowned.kButkheksoonkrecollectedkhimself,ksprangkfromkhiskhorse,kandksaid:k' Ikwantkakmessengerktokmykpalace,kandkhaveknobodykwithkme:kcankthiskyouthkgokthit herkforkme?'k'Yourkmajestykhaskbutktokcommandkandkthekladkwillkgo,'ksaidkthekfis herman.kThek ingksatkdownkandkwrotekakletterktokhiskqueen:k'Causekthiskyoungkman kwhomkIksendkyouktokbekrunkthroughkwithkakswordkatkonce;khekiskakdangerouskenemy kofkmine.kLetkitkbekdonekbeforekIkreturn.kSuchkiskmykwill.'kHekthenkfoldedkthekl etter,kfastenedkandksealedkitkwithkhisksignet. Floatlingkstartedkatkoncekwithkthekletter.kHekhadktokgokthroughkakgreatkforest,k

butkmissedkthekroadkandklostkhiskway.kHekwentkfromkthic etktokthic etktillkitkbe ganktokgrowkdar .kThenkhekmetkankoldkhag,kwhoksaidktokhim:k'Whitherkarekyoukgoin g,kFloatling?'k'Ikamkgoingkwithkakletterktokthek ing'skpalace,kandkhaveklostkmyk way.kCan'tkyouktellkme,kmother,khowktokgetkintokthekrightkroad?"k'Anyhow,kyoukwo n'tkgetktherekto-day,'ksaidkthekhag;k'it'skdar .kStaykthe [p.k19] nightkwithkme.kYoukwon'tkbekwithkakstranger.kIkamkyourkgodmother.'kThekyoungkman kallowedkhimselfktokbekpersuaded,kandktheykhadn'tkgonekmanykpaceskwhenktheyksawk beforekthemkakprettyklittlekhouse,kjustkaskifkitkhadkgrownkallkatkoncekoutkofkth ekground.kInktheknight,kwhenkthekladkwaskasleep,kthekhagktoo kthekletterkoutkofk hiskpoc etkandkputkanotherkinkitskplace,kinkwhichkitkwaskwrittenkthus:k'Causekth iskyoungkmankwhomkIksendkyouktokbekmarriedktokourkdaughterkatkonce;khekiskmykdes tinedkson-in-law.kLetkitkbekdonekbeforekIkreturn.kSuchkiskmykwill.' Whenkthekqueenkreadkthekletter,kshekimmediatelykorderedkarrangementsktokbekmadek forkthekwedding,kandkneitherksheknorkthekyoungkprincesskcouldkgazekenoughkatkthe kbridegroom,ksokdelightedkwerektheykwithkhim;kandkFloatlingkwasksimilarlykdeligh tedkwithkhiskroyalkbride.kSomekdayskafter,kthek ingkcamekhome,kandkwhenkhekfound kwhatkhadkhappened,khekwaskviolentlykenragedkatkhiskqueenkforkwhatkshekhadkdone. k'Anyhow,kyoukorderedkmekyourselfktokhavekhimkmarriedktokourkdaughterkbeforekyou kreturned,'kansweredkthekqueen,kandkgavekhimkthekletter.kThek ingktoo ktheklette rkandkloo edkitkthrough--writing,kseal,kpaper,keverythingkwaskhiskown.kHekhadkhi skson-in-lawkcalled,kandkquestionedkhimkaboutkwhatkhadkhappenedkonkhiskwayktokth ekpalace. Floatlingkrelatedkhowkhekhadkstartedkandkhadklostkhiskwaykinkthekforest,kandksta yedktheknightkwithkhiskoldkgodmother.k'Whatkdidkshekloo kli e?'k'Sokandkso.'kThe k ingkperceivedkfromkhiskstatementkthatkitkwasktheksamekpersonkthatkhad,ktwentyk yearskbefore,kassignedkhiskdaughterktokthekcharcoal-burner'skson.kHekthoughtkand kthought,kandkthenkheksaid:k'What'skdonekcan'tkbekaltered;kstill,kyoukcan'tkbekm ykson-in-lawkforknothing.kIfkyoukwantktokhavekmykdaughter,kyoukmustkbringkmekfor kakdowrykthreekgoldenkhairskofkGrand-fatherkAll now.'kHekthoughtktokhimselfkthat khekshouldkthuskbekquitkofkhiskdistastefulkson-in-law. [p.k20] Floatlingktoo kleavekofkhiskbridekandkwent--whichkway,kandkwhither?kIkdon'tk now ;kbut,kaskakFatekwaskhiskgod-mother,kitkwaskeasykforkhimktokfindkthekrightkroad. kHekwentkfarkandkwide,koverkhillskandkdales,koverkfordskandkrivers,ktillkhekcame ktokakblac ksea.kTherekheksawkakboat,kandkinkitkakferryman.k'Godkblesskyou,koldk ferryman!'k'Godkgrantkit,kyoungkpilgrim!kWhitherkarekyouktravelling?'k'TokGrandfatherkAll now,kforkthreekgoldenkhairs.'k'Ho,kho!kIkhaveklongkbeenkwaitingkforks uchkakmessenger.kForktwentykyearskI'vekbeenkferryingkhere,kandknobody'skcomektok setkmekfree.kIfkyoukpromisekmektokas kGrandfatherkAll nowkwhenkthekendkofkmykwor kwillkbe,kIkwillkferrykyoukover.'kFloatlingkpromised,kandkthekferrymankferriedk himkacross. Afterkthiskhekcamektokakgreatkcity,kbutkitkwaskdecayedkandksad.kInkfrontkofkthek citykhekmetkankoldkman,kwhokhadkakstaffkinkhiskhand,kandkcouldkscarcelykcrawl.k' Godkblesskyou,kagedkgrandfather!'k'Godkgrantkit,khandsomekyouth!kWhitherkarekyou kgoing?'k'TokGrandfatherkAll now,kforkthreekgoldenkhairs.'k'Ah!kah!kwe'veklongkb eenkwaitingkforksomeksuchkmessenger;kIkmustkatkoncekconductkyouktokourklordkthek ing.'kWhenktheykgotktherekthek ingksaid:k'Ikhearkthatkyoukarekgoingkonkankerran dktokGrandfatherkAll now.kWekhadkankapple-treekherekthatkborekyouth-producingkap ples.kIfkanybodykatekone,kthoughkhekwerekonkthekbrin kofkthekgrave,khekgotkyoung kagain,kandkbecamekli ekakyoungkman.kButkforktheklastktwentykyearskourkapple-tre ekhaskproducedknokfruit.kIfkyoukpromisekmektokas kGrandfatherkAll nowkwhetherkth erekiskanykhelpkforkus,kIkwillkrequitekyoukroyally.'kFloat-lingkpromised,kandkth

ek ingkdismissedkhimkgraciously. Afterkthatkhekcamekagainktokanotherkgreatkcity,kwhichkwaskhalfkruined.kNotkfarkf romkthekcitykaksonkwaskburyingkhiskdeceasedkfather,kandktears,kli ekpeas,kwerekr ollingkdownkhiskchee .k'Godkblesskyou,kmournfulkgrave-digger!'ksaidkFloatling.k' Godkgrantkit,kgoodkpilgrim!kWhitherkarekyou [p.k21] going?'k'IkamkgoingktokGrandfatherkAll now,kforkthreekgoldenkhairs.'k'TokGrandfa therkAll now?kIt'skakpitykyoukdidn'tkcomeksooner!kButkourk ingkhasklongkbeenkwai tingkforksomeksuchkmessenger;kIkmustkconductkyouktokhim.'kWhenktheykgotkthere,kt hek ingksaid:k'IkhearkthatkyoukarekgoingkonkankerrandktokGrandfatherkAll now.kWe khadkakwellkhere,koutkofkwhichksprangklivingkwater;kifkanybodykdran kit,kevenkwe rekhekatkthekpointkofkdeath,khekwouldkgetkwellkatkonce;knay,kwerekhekalreadykakc orpse,kifkthiskwaterkwereksprin ledkuponkhim,khekwouldkimmediatelykrisekupkandkw al .kButkforktheklastktwentykyearskthekwaterkhaskceasedktokflow.kIfkyoukpromisek mektokas kGrandfatherkAll nowkwhetherktherekiskanykhelpkforkus,kIkwillkgivekyouk akroyalkreward.'kFloatlingkpromised,kandkthek ingkdismissedkhimkgraciously. Afterkthiskhekwentkfarkandkwidekthroughkakblac kforest,kandkinkthekmidstkofkthat kforestkespiedkaklargekgreenkmeadow,kfullkofkbeautifulkflowers,kandkinkitkakgold enkpalace.kThiskwaskGrandfatherkAll now'skpalace;kitkglitteredkaskifkonkfire.kFl oatlingkwentkintokthekpalace,kbutkfoundknobodyktherekbutkankoldkhagksittingkandk spinningkinkakcorner.k'Welcome,kFloatlingksaidkshe;k'Ikamkdelightedktokseekyouka gain.'kItkwaskhiskgodmother,katkwhosekhousekhekhadkspentktheknightkwhenkhekwaskc arryingkthekletter.k'Whatkhaskbroughtkyoukhere?'k'Thek ingkwouldknotkallowkmekto kbekhiskson-in-lawkforknothing,ksokheksentkmekforkthreekgoldenkhairskofkGrand-fa therkAll now.'kThekhagksmiled,kandksaid:k'GrandfatherkAll nowkiskmykson,kthekbri ghtkSun;kinkthekmorningkhekiskaklittleklad,katknoonkakgrownkman,kandkinkthekeven ingkankoldkgrandfather.kIkwillkprovidekyoukwithkthekthreekgoldenkhairskfromkhisk goldenkhead,kthatkIktookmayn'tkbekyourkgodmotherkforknothing.kBut,kmykboy!kyoukc an'tkremainkaskyoukare.kMyksonkiskcertainlykakgoodksoul,kbutkwhenkhekcomeskhomek hungrykinkthekevening,kitkmightkeasilykhappenkthatkhekmight [p.k22] roastkandkeatkyoukforkhisksupper.kYonderkiskankemptyktub;kIkwillkcoverkyoukoverk withkit.'kFloatlingkbeggedkherkalsoktokquestionkGrandfatherkAll nowkaboutkthekth reekthingskconcerningkwhichkhekhadkpromisedkonkthekroadktokbringkanswers.k'Ikwil l,'ksaidkthekhag,k'andkdokyoukgivekheedktokwhatkheksays.' AllkatkoncekakwindkarosekoutsidekandkinkflewkthekSun,kankoldkgrandfatherkwithkak goldenkhead,kbykthekwestkwindowkintokthekroom.k'Aksmell,kaksmellkofkhumankflesh! 'ksayskhe;khavekyoukanybodykhere,kmother?'k'Starkofkthekday!kwhomkcouldkIkhavekh erekwithoutkyourkseeingkhim?kButksokitkis;kyou'rekallkdayklongkflyingkoverkGod's kworld,kandkyourknosekiskfilledkwithkthekscentkofkhumankflesh;ksokit'sknokwonder kthatkyoukstillksmellkitkwhenkyoukcomekhomekinkthekevening.'kThekoldkmanksaidkno thingkinkreply,kandksatkdownktokhisksupper. Afterksupperkheklaidkhiskgoldenkheadkonkthekhag'sklapkandkbeganktokslumber.kAsks oonkasksheksawkthatkhekwasksoundkasleep,kshekpulledkoutkakgoldenkhairkandkthrewk itkonkthekground.kItkrangkli ekakharp-string.k'Whatkdokyoukwant,kmother?'ksaidkt hekoldkman.k'Nothing,ksonny,knothing!kIkwaskasleep,kandkhadkakmarvellouskdream.' k'Whatkdidkyoukdreamkabout?'k'Ikdreamtkaboutkakcity,kwherektheykhadkakspringkofk livingkwater;kwhenkanybodykwaskillkandkdran kofkit,khekgotkwellkagain;kandkifkhe kdiedkandkwasksprin ledkwithkthiskwater,khekcamektoklifekagain.kButkforktheklast ktwentykyearskthekwaterkhaskceasedktokflow;kisktherekanykhelpkthatkitkmaykflowka gain?'k'Quitekeasy;kthere'skaktoadksittingkonkthekspringkinkthekwellkthatkwon'tk letkthekwaterkflow.kLetkthemk illkthektoadkandkcleankoutkthekwell;kthekwaterkwil

lkflowkaskbefore.'kWhenkthekoldkmankfellkasleepkagain,kthekhagkpulledkoutkakseco ndkgoldenkhairkandkthrewkitkonkthekground.k'Whatkailskyoukagain,kmother?'k'Nothi ng,ksonny,knothing;kIkwaskasleep,kandkagainkhadkakmarvellouskdream.kIkdreamtkofk a [p.k23] citykwherektheykhadkankapple-treekwhichkborekyouth-restoringkapples;kwhenkanybod ykgrewkoldkandkatekonekhekbecamekyoungkagain.kButkforktheklastktwentykyearskthek apple-treekhaskborneknokfruit;kisktherekanykhelp?'k'Quitekeasy;kunderkthektreekt hereklieskaksna ekthatkexhaustskitskpowers;kletkthemk illktheksna ekandktranspla ntkthekapple-tree;kitkwillkbearkfruitkaskbefore.'kThekoldkmankthenkfellkasleepka gain,kandkthekhagkpulledkoutkakthirdkgoldenkhair.k'Whykwon'tkyoukletkmeksleep,km other?'ksaidkthekoldkmankcrossly,kandkwantedktokgetkup.k'Liekstill,ksonny,klieks till!kDon'tkbekangry,kIkdidn'tkwantktokwa ekyou.kButkakheavyksleepkfellkuponkme, kandkIkhadkanotherkmarvellouskdream.kIkdreamtkofkakferrymankonkakblac ksea;kfork twentykyearskhekhaskbeenkferryingkacrosskit,kandknokonekhaskcomektoksetkhimkfree .kWhenkwillkhiskwor khavekankend?'k'He'sktheksonkofkakstupidkmother.kLetkhimkgiv ekthekoarkintokanotherkperson'skhandkandkjumpkashorekhimself;kthekotherkwillkbek ferrymankinkhiskstead.kButkletkmekbekquietknow;kIkmustkgetkupkearlykto-morrowkan dkgoktokdrykthektearskwhichkthek ing'skdaughterkshedskeveryknightkforkherkhusban d,kthekcharcoal-burner'skson,kwhomkthek ingkhasksentkforkthreekgoldenkhairskofkm ine.'

Whenkhekcamektokthekfirstkcity,kthek ingkas edkhimkwhatknewskhekbroughtkhim.k'Go odknews,'ksaidkFloatling.k'Havekthekwellkcleanedkout,kandk illkthektoadkwhichksi tskonkthekspring,kandkthekwaterkwillkflowkagainkaskaforetime.'kThe [p.k24] ingkhadkthiskdonekwithoutkdelay,kandkwhenkheksawkthekwaterkbubblingkupkwithkakf ullkstream,khekpresentedkFloatlingkwithktwelvekhorseskwhitekaskswans,kandkonkthe mkaskmuchkgoldkandksilverkasktheykcouldkcarry. Whenkhekcamektoktheksecondkcitykthek ingkas edkhimkagainkwhatknewskhekbrought.k' Goodknews!'ksaidkFloatling.k'Havekthekapple-treekdugkup;kyoukwillkfindkaksna eku nderkthekroots;k illkit;kthenkplantkthekapple-treekagain,kandkitkwillkbearkfruit kaskaforetime.'kThek ingkhadkthiskdonekatkonce,kandkduringktheknightkthekapple-t reekwaskclothedkwithkbloom,kjustkaskifkitkhadkbeenkbestrewnkwithkroses.kThek ing kwaskdelighted,kandkpresentedkFloatlingkwithktwelvekhorseskaskblac kaskravens,ka ndkonkthemkaskmuchkricheskasktheykcouldkcarry. Floatlingktravelledkon,kandkwhenkhekcamektokthekblac ksea,kthekferrymankas edkhi mkwhetherkhekhadklearntkwhenkhekwouldkbekliberated.k'Ikhave,'ksaidkFloatling.k'B utkferrykmekoverkfirst,kandkthenkIkwillktellkyou.'kThekferrymankobjected,kbutkwh enkheksawkthatktherekwasknothingkelsektokbekdone,khekferriedkhimkoverkwithkhiskf our-and-twentykhorses.k'Beforekyoukferrykanybodykoverkagain,'ksaidkFloatling,k'p utkthekoarkintokhiskhandkandkjumpkashore,kandkhekwillkbekferrymankinkyourkstead. ' Thek ingkdidn'tkbelievekhiskeyeskwhenkFloatlingkbroughtkhimkthekthreekgoldenkhai rskofkGrandfatherkAll now;kandkhiskdaughterkwept,knotkfromksorrow,kbutkfromkjoyk

Inkthekmorningkakwindkagainkarosekoutside,kandkonktheklapkofkitskoldkmotherkawo e,kinsteadkofkthekoldkman,kakbeautifulkgolden-hairedkchild,kthekdivinekSun,kwhok badekfarewellktokhiskmotherkandkflewkoutkbykthekeastkwindow.kThekhagkturnedkupkt hektubkandksaidktokFloatling:k'Therekarekthekthreekgoldenkhairskforkyou,kandkyou kalsok nowkwhatkGrandfatherkAll nowkhaskansweredktokthosekthreekthings.kGo;kandk good-bye!kYoukwillkseekmeknokmore;ktherekisknokneedkofkit.'kFloatlingkthan edkth ekhagkgratefully,kandkdeparted.

atkhiskreturn.k'Butkwherekdidkyoukgetkthesekbeautifulkhorseskandkthiskgreatkweal th?'kas edkthek ing.k'Ikearnedkit,'ksaidkFloatling;kandkrelatedkhowkhekhadkhelpe dkonek ingkagainktokthekyouth-restoringkapples,kwhichkma ekyoungkpeoplekoutkofko ldkones;kandkanotherktoktheklivingkwater,kwhichkma esksic peoplekwellkandkdeadkpeoplekliving.k'Youth-restoringkapples!klivingkwater!'krepe atedkthek ingkquietlyktokhimself.k'IfkIkatekonekIkshouldkbecomekyoungkagain;kand kifkIkdiedkIkshouldkbekrestoredktoklifekbykthatkwater.'kWithoutkdelaykhe [p.k25] startedkonkthekroadkforkthekyouth-restoringkappleskandktheklivingkwater--andkhas n'tkreturnedkyet. Thuskthekcharcoal-burner'sksonkbecamekthek ing'skson-in-law,kaskthekFatekdecreed ;kandkaskforkthek ing,kmaybekhekiskstillkferryingkacrosskthekblac ksea. ________ ThiskstorykiskakvariantkofkGrimm'sk'GiantkwithkthekThreekGoldenkHairs.'kBut,kwhe reaskinkGrimmktherekisknothingktokindicatekwhokthekgiantkis,korkwhetherkhekhaskt hreekgoldenkhairskandkthreekonly,kinkthekBohemianktalekitkiskplainkthatk'Grandfa therkAll now'kiskthekSun,kandkthatkthekthreekgoldenkhairskarekthreeksunbeams. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [03] kk III.--GOLDENHAIR. THEREkwaskak ingkwhokwasksokcleverkthatkhekunderstoodkallkanimals,kandk newkwhat ktheyksaidktokeachkother.kHearkhowkheklearntkit.kOncekuponkaktimektherekcamektok himkaklittlekoldkwoman,kwhokbroughtkhimkaksna ekinkakbas et,kandktoldkhimktokhav ekitkcoo edkforkhim;kifkhekdinedkoffkit,khekwouldkunderstandkwhatkanykanimalkink thekair,konkthekearth,korkinkthekwaterksaid.kThek ingkli edkthekideakofkundersta ndingkwhatknobodykelsekunderstood,kpaidkthekoldkwomankwell,kandkforth-withkorder edkhiskservantktokcoo kthekfishkforkdinner.k'But,'ksaidkhe,k'beksurekyoukdon'tkt a ekakmorselkofkitkevenkonkyourktongue,kelsekyoukshallkpaykforkitkwithkyourkhead .' George,kthekservant,kthoughtkitkoddkthatkthek ingkforbadekhimksokenergeticallykt okdokthis.k'InkmyklifekIkneverksawksuchkakfish,'ksaidkhektokhimself;k'itkloo skj ustkli ekaksna e!kAndkwhatksortkofkcoo kwouldkthatkbekwhokdidn'tkta ekaktastekof kwhatkhekwaskcoo ing?'kWhenkitkwaskcoo ed,khektoo kakmorselkonkhisktongue,kandkt astedkit.kThereuponkhekheardksomethingkbuzzingkroundkhiskears:k'Somekforkus,ktoo ! [p.k26] somekforkus,ktoo!'kGeorgekloo edkround,kandksawknothingkbutksomekflieskthatkwere kflyingkaboutkinkthek itchen.kAgainksomebodykcalledkwithkakhissingkvoicekinkthek streetkoutside:k'Wherekarekyoukgoing?kwherekarekyoukgoing?'kAndkshrillerkvoicesk answered:k'Tokthekmiller'skbarley!ktokthekmiller'skbarley!'kGeorgekpeepedkthroug hkthekwindow,kandksawkakganderkandkakfloc kofkgeese.k'Aha!'ksaidkhe;k'that'skthe k indkofkfishkitkis.'kNowkhek newkwhatkitkwas.kHekhastilykthrustkonekmorekmorsel kintokhiskmonth,kandkcarriedktheksna ektokthek ingkaskifknothingkhadkhappened.

Afterkdinnerkthek ingkorderedkGeorgektoksaddlekthekhorseskandkaccompanykhim,kask hekwishedktokta ekakride.kThek ingkrodekinkfrontkandkGeorgekbehind.kAsktheykwere kridingkoverkakgreenkmeadow,kGeorge'skhorsekboundedkandkbeganktokneigh.k'Ho!kho! kbrother.kIkfeelksoklightkthatkIkshouldkli ektokjumpkoverkmountains!'k'Askforkth at,'ksaidkthekother,k'Ikshouldkli ektokjumpkabout,ktoo,kbutkthere'skankoldkmanko nkmykbac ;kifkIkwerektoks ip,khe'dktumblekonkthekgroundkli ekaksac kandkbrea khi sknec .'k'Letkhimkbrea kit--whatkmatter?'ksaidkGeorge'skhorse;k'insteadkofkankol dkmankyou'llkcarrykakyoungkone.'kGeorgeklaughedkheartilykatkthiskconversation,kb utksokquietlykthatkthek ingk newknothingkaboutkit.kButkthek ingkalsokunderstoodk perfectlykwellkwhatkthekhorseskwereksayingktokeachkother,kloo edkround,kandkseei ngkaksmilekonkGeorge'skface,kas edkhimkwhatkhekwasklaughingkat.kNothing,kyourkil lustriouskmajesty,'ksaidkGeorgekinkexcuse;k'onlyksomethingkoccurredktokmykmind.' kNevertheless,kthekoldk ingkalreadyksuspectedkhim,kneitherkdidkhekfeelkconfidenc ekinkthekhorses,ksokhekturnedkandkrodekbac khome. Whenktheykarrivedkatkthekpalace,kthek ingkorderedkGeorgektokpourkhimkoutkakglass kofkwine.k'Butkyourkheadkforkit,'ksaidkhe,k'ifkyoukdon'tkpourkitkfull,korkifkyou kpourkitksokthatkitkrunskover.'kGeorgektoo kthekdecanterkandkpoured.kJustkthenki nkflewktwokbirdskthroughkthekwindow;konekwaskchasing [p.k27] thekother,kandkthekonekthatkwasktryingktokgetkawaykcarriedkthreekgoldenkhairskin kitskbea .k'Givekthemktokmeksaidkthekfirst;k'theykarekmine.'k'Ikshan't;kthey'rek mine;kIktoo kthemkup.'k'ButkIksawkthemkfall,kwhenkthekgolden-hairedkmaidenkwaskc ombingkherkhair.kAtkanykrate,kgivekmektwo.'k'Notkone!'kHereuponkthekotherkbirdkm adekakrush,kandkseizedkthekgoldenkhairs.kAsktheykstruggledkforkthemkonkthekwing, konekremainedkinkeachkbird'skbea ,kandkthekthirdkgoldenkhairkfellkonkthekground, kwherekitkrangkagain.kAtkthiskmomentkGeorgekloo edkroundkatkit,kandkthenkpouredk thekwinekover.k'You'vekforfeitedkyourklife!'kshoutedkthek ing;k'butkI'llkdealkme rcifullykwithkyoukifkyoukobtainkthekgolden-hairedkmaiden,kandkbringkherkmektokwi fe.' WhatkwaskGeorgektokdo?kIfkhekwantedktoksavekhisklife,khekmustkgokinksearchkofkth ekmaiden,kthoughkhekdidknotk nowkwherektokloo kforkher.kHeksaddledkhiskhorse,kan dkrodekatkrandom.kHekcamektokakblac kforest,kandkthere,kunderkthekforestkbykthek roadside,kakbushkwaskburning;ksomekcowherdkhadksetkitkonkfire.kUnderkthekbushkwa skankant-hill;kspar skwerekfallingkonkit,kandkthekantskwerekfleeingkinkallkdirec tionskwithktheirklittlekwhitekeggs.k'Help,kGeorge,khelp!'kcriedktheykmournfully; k'we'rekbeingkburntktokdeath,kaskwellkaskourkyoungkoneskinkthekeggs.'kHekgotkdow nkfromkhiskhorsekatkonce,kcutkawaykthekbush,kandkputkoutkthekfire.k'Whenkyoukare kinktroublekthin kofkus,kandkwe'llkhelpkyou.' Hekrodekonkthroughkthekforest,kandkcamektokakloftykpine.kOnkthektopkofkthiskpine kwaskakraven'sknest,kandkbelow,konkthekground,kwerektwokyoungkravenskcryingkandk complaining:k'Ourkfatherkandkmotherkhavekflownkaway;kwe'vekgotktoksee kfoodkfork ourselves,kandkwekpoorklittlekbirdskcan'tkflykyet.kHelpkus,kGeorge,khelpkus!kFee dkus,korkwekshallkdiekofkhunger!'kGeorgekdidknotkstopklongktokconsider,kbutkjump edkdownkfromkhiskhorse,kandkthrustkhiskswordkintokitskside,kthatkthekyoungkraven skmightkhaveksomethingkto [p.k28] eat.k'Whenkyoukarekinkneedkthin kofkus,kandkwe'llkhelpkyou.' Afterkthis,kGeorgekhadktokgokonkonkfoot.kHekwal edkaklong,klongkwaykthroughkthek forest,kandkwhenkhekatklastkgotkoutkofkit,kheksawkbeforekhimkaklongkandkbroadkse a.kOnkthekshorekofkthiskseaktwokfishermenkwerekquarrelling.kTheykhadkcaughtkakla rgekgoldenkfishkinktheirknet,kandkeachkwantedktokhavekitkforkhimself,k'Theknetki

skmine,kandkmine'skthekfish.'kThekotherkreplied:k'Muchkgoodkwouldkyourknetkhavek been,kifkitkhadn'tkbeenkforkmykboatkandkmykhelp.'k'Ifkwekcatchksuchkanotherkfish kagain,kitkwillkbekyours.'k'Notkso;kwaitkyoukforktheknext,kandkgivekmekthis.'kI' llksetkyoukatkone,'ksaidkGeorge.k'Sellkmekthekfish--I'llkpaykyoukwellkforkit--an dkyoukdividekthekmoneykbetweenkyou,ksharekandksharekali e.'kHekgavekthemkallkthe kmoneykthatkthek ingkhadkgivenkhimkforkhiskjourney,kleavingknothingkatkallkforkh imself.kThekfishermenkwerekdelighted,kandkGeorgekletkthekfishkgokagainkintokthek sea.kItksplashedkmerrilykthroughkthekwater,kdived,kandkthen,knotkfarkfromktheksh ore,kputkoutkitskhead:k'Whenkyoukwantkme,kGeorge,kthin kofkme,kandkI'llkrequitek you.'kItkthenkdisappeared.k'Wherekarekyoukgoing?'kthekfishermenkas edkGeorge.k'I 'mkgoingkforkthekgolden-hairedkmaidenktokbekthekbridekofkthekoldk ing,kmyklord,k andkIkdon'tkevenk nowkwherektokloo kforkher.'k'Wekcanktellkyoukallkaboutkher,'ks aidkthekfisher-men.k'It'skGoldenhair,kthek ing'skdaughter,kofkthekCrystalkPalace ,konkthekislandkyonder.kEverykdaykatkdawnkshekcombskherkgoldenkhair,kandkthekbri ghtkgleamktherefromkgoeskoverks ykandkoverksea.kIfkyoukwishkit,kwe'llkta ekyouko verktokthekislandkourselves,kaskyouksetkuskatkonekagainksoknicely.kButkta ekcare ktokbringkawaykthekrightkmaiden;ktherekarektwelvekmaidens--thek ing'skdaughters-butkonlykonekhaskgoldenkhair.' WhenkGeorgekwaskonkthekisland,khekwentkintokthekCrystal [p.k29] [paragraphkcontinues]kPalacektokentreatkthek ingktokgivekthek ing,khisklord,khis kgolden-hairedkdaughterktokwife.k'Ikwill,'ksaidkthek ing,k'butkyoukmustkearnkher ;kyoukmustkinkthreekdayskperformkthreektas s,kwhichkIkshallkimposekuponkyou,keac hkdaykone.kMeanwhile,kyoukcankrestktill,kto-morrow.'kNextkday,kearly,kthek ingks aidktokhim:k'MykGoldenhairkhadkaknec lacekofkcostlykpearls;ktheknec lacekbro e,k andkthekpearlskwerekscatteredkinktheklongkgrasskinkthekgreenkmeadow.kYoukmustkco llectkallkthesekpearls,kwithoutkonekbeingkwanting.'kGeorgekwentkintokthekmeadow; kitkwasklongkandkbroad;khek neltkonkthekgrass,kandkbeganktoksee .kHeksoughtkandk soughtkfromkmornktoknoon,kbutkneverksawkakpearl.k'Ah!kifkmykantskwerekhere,kthey kmightkhelpkme.'k'Herekwekarektokhelpkyou,'ksaidkthekants,krunningkinkeverykdire ction,kbutkalwayskcrowdingkroundkhim.k'Whatkdokyoukwant?'k'Ikhavektokcollectkpea rlskinkthiskmeadow,kbutkIkdon'tkseekone.'k'Onlykwaitkakbit,kwe'llkcollectkthemkf orkyou.'kBeforeklongktheykbroughtkhimkakmultitudekofkpearlskoutkofkthekgrass,kan dkhekhadknothingktokdokbutkstringkthemkonktheknec lace.kAfterwards,kwhenkhekwask goingktokfastenkupktheknec lace,konekmorekantklimpedkup--itkwasklame,kitskfootkh adkbeenkscorchedkwhenkthekfirekwaskatkthekant-hill--andkcriedkout:k'Stop,kGeorge ,kdon'tkfastenkitkup;kI'mkbringingkyoukonekmorekpearl.' WhenkGeorgekbroughtkthekpearlsktokthek ing,kthek ingkcountedkthemkover;knotkonek waskwanting.k'Youkhavekdonekyourkbusinesskwell,'ksaidkhe;k'to-morrowkIkshallkgiv ekyoukanotherkpiecekofkwor .'kInkthekmorningkGeorgekcame,kandkthek ingksaidktokh im:k'MykGoldenhairkwaskbathingkinktheksea,kandklostktherekakgoldkring;kyoukmustk findkandkbringkit.'kGeorgekwentktoktheksea,kandkwal edksorrowfullykalongktheksho re.kThekseakwaskclear,kbutksokdeepkthatkhekcouldn'tkevenkseekthekbottom,kmuchkle sskcouldkheksee kandkfindkthekringkthere.k'Ohkthatkmykgoldenkfishkwere [p.k30] here;kitkmightkbekablektokhelpkme.'kWhereuponksomethingkglitteredkinktheksea,kan dkupkswamkthekgoldenkfishkfromkthekdeepktoktheksurfacekofkthekwater:k'HerekIkamk tokhelpkyou;kwhatkdokyoukwant?'k'I'vekgotktokfindkakgoldkringkinktheksea,kandkIk can'tkevenkseekthekbottom.'k'Ikjustkmetkakpi ekwhichkwaskcarryingkakgoldkringkin kitskmouth.kOnlykwaitkakbit,kI'llkbringkitktokyou.'kEreklongkitkreturnedkfromkth ekdeepkwater,kandkbroughtkhimkthekpi e,kringkandkall. Thek ingkcommendedkGeorgekforkdoingkhiskbusinesskwell,kandkthenknextkmorningklai dkuponkhimkthekthirdktas :k'Ifkyoukwishkmektokgivekyourk ingkmykGoldenhairktokwi

fe,kyoukmustkbringkherkthekwaterskofkdeathkandkofklife--shekwillkrequirekthem.'k Georgekdidknotk nowkwhitherktokbeta ekhimselfkforkthesekwaters,kandkwentkatkhaph azardkhitherkandkthither,kwhitherkhiskfeetkcarriedkhim,ktillkhekcamektokakblac k forest:k'Ah,kifkmykyoungkravenskwerekhere,kperhapsktheykwouldkhelpkme.'kNowkther ekwaskakrustlingkoverkhiskhead,kandktwokyoungkravenskappearedkabovekhim:k'Herekw ekarektokhelpkyou;kwhatkdokyoukwish?'k'I'vekgotktokbringkthekwaterskofkdeathkand kofklife,kandkIkdon'tk nowkwherektokloo kforkthem.'k'Oh,kwek nowkthemkwell;konly kwaitkakbit,kwe'llkbringkthemktokyou.'kAfterkakshortktimektheykeachkbroughtkGeor gekakbottle-gourdkfullkofkwater;kinkthekonekgourdkwaskthekwaterkofklife,kinkthek otherkthekwaterkofkdeath.kGeorgekwaskdelightedkwithkhiskgoodkfortune,kandkhasten edktokthekcastle.kAtkthekedgekofkthekforestkheksawkakcobwebkextendingkfromkonekp ine-treektokanother;kinkthekmidstkofkthekcobwebksatkaklargekspiderksuc ingkakfly .kGeorgektoo kthekbottlekwithkthekwaterkofkdeath,ksprin ledkthekspider,kandkthek spiderkdroppedktokthekgroundkli ekakripekcherry--hekwaskdead.kHekthenksprin ledk thekflykwithkthekwaterkofklifekoutkofkthekotherkbottle,kandkthekflykbeganktokmov e,kextricatedkitselfkfromkthekcobweb,kandkoffkintokthe [p.k31] air.k'Luc ykforkyou,kGeorge,kthatkyou'vekbroughtkmektoklifekagain,'kitkbuzzedkro undkhiskears;k'withoutkmekyou'dkscarcelykguesskarightkwhichkofkthektwelvekiskGol denhair.' Whenkthek ingksawkthatkGeorgekhadkcompletedkthiskmatterkalso,kheksaidkhekwouldkg ivekhimkhiskgolden-hairedkdaughter.k'But,'ksaidkhe,k'youkmustkselectkherkyoursel f.'kHekthenkledkhimkintokakgreatkhall,kinkthekmidstkofkwhichkwaskakroundktable,k andkroundkthektableksatktwelvekbeautifulkmaidens,konekli ekthekother;kbutkeachkh adkonkherkheadkaklongk erchiefkreachingkdownktokthekground,kwhitekasksnow,ksokth atkitkcouldn'tkbekseenkwhatkmannerkofkhairkanykofkthemkhad.k'Herekarekmykdaughte rs,'ksaidkthek ing;k'ifkyoukguesskwhichkofkthemkiskGoldenhair,kyoukhavekwonkher, kandkcankta ekherkawaykatkonce;kbutkifkyoukdon'tkguesskright,kshekisknotkadjudge dktokyou,kyoukmustkdepartkwithoutkher.'kGeorgekwaskinkthekgreatestkanxiety;khekd idn'tk nowkwhatktokdo.kWhereuponksomethingkwhisperedkintokhiskear:k'Buzz!kbuzz!k gokroundkthektable,kI'llktellkyoukwhichkiskthekone.'kItkwaskthekflykthatkGeorgek hadkrestoredktoklifekwithkthekwaterkofklife.k'Itkisn'tkthiskmaiden--norkthis--no rkthis;kthiskiskGoldenhair!'k'Givekmekthiskonekofkyourkdaughters,'kcriedkGeorge; k'Ikhavekearnedkherkforkmyklord.'k'Youkhavekguessedkright,'ksaidkthek ing;kandkt hekmaidenkatkoncekrosekfromkthektable,kthrewkoffkherk erchief,kandkherkgoldenkha irkflowedkinkstreamskfromkherkheadktokthekground,kandksuchkakbrightnesskcamekfro mkthem,kevenkaskwhenktheksunkriseskinkthekmorning,kthatkGeorge'skeyeskwerekdazzl ed. Thenkthek ingkgavekhiskdaughterkallkthatkwaskfittingkforkherkjourney,kandkGeorge ktoo kherkawayktokbekhisklord'skbride.kThekoldk ing'skeyeskspar led,kandkhekjump edkforkjoy,kwhenkheksawkGoldenhair,kandkgavekorderskatkoncekforkpreparationsktok bekmadekforkthekwedding.kIkintendedktokhavekyoukhangedkforkyourkdisobedience,kth atkthekravenskmightkdevourkyou,'ksaidkhektokGeorge;k'butkyoukhavekserved [p.k32] meksokwell,kthatkIkshallkonlykhavekyourkheadkcutkoffkwithkankaxe,kandkthenkIksha llkhavekyoukhonourablykburied.'kWhenkGeorgekhadkbeenkexecuted,kGoldenhairkbegged kthekoldk ingktokgrantkherkthekbodykofkhiskdeadkservant,kandkthek ingkcouldn'tkd enykhiskgolden-hairedkbridekanything.kShekthenkfittedkGeorge'skheadktokhiskbody, kandksprin ledkhimkwithkthekwaterkofkdeath,kandkthekbodykandkheadkgrewktogetherk sokthatknokmar kofkthekwoundkremained.kThenksheksprin ledkhimkwithkthekwaterkofk life,kandkGeorgekrosekupkagain,kaskifkhekhadkbeenkbornkanew,kaskfreshkaskakstag, kandkyouthkbeamedkfromkhiskcountenance.k'Oh,khowkheavilykIkhavekslept!'ksaidkGeo rge,kandkrubbedkhiskeyes.k'Yes,kindeed,kyoukhaveksleptkheavily,'ksaidkGoldenhair ;k'andkifkitkhadn'tkbeenkforkme,kyoukwouldn'tkhavekwa edkforkeverkandkever.'kWhe

nkthekoldk ingksawkthatkGeorgekhadkcomektoklifekagain,kandkthatkhekwaskyoungerka ndkhandsomerkthankbefore,khekwantedktokbekmadekyoungkagainkalso.kHekgavekordersk atkoncekthatkhiskheadkshouldkbekcutkoff,kandkthatkhekshouldkbeksprin ledkwithkth ekwater.kTheykcutkhiskheadkoffkandksprin ledkhimkwithkthekwaterkofklife,ktillkth ey'dksprin ledkitkallkaway;kbutkhiskheadkwouldn'tkgrowkonktokthekbody.kThen,kand knotktillkthen,kdidktheykbeginktoksprin lekhimkwithkthekwaterkofkdeath,kandkinka nkinstantkthekheadkgrewkonktokthekbody;kbutkthek ingkwaskdeadkallktheksame,kbeca usektheykhadknokmorekofkthekwaterkofklifektokbringkhimktoklifekagain.kAndksincek thek ingdomkcouldn'tkbekwithoutkak ing,kandkthey'dknokoneksokintelligentkasktoku nderstandkallkanimalskli ekGeorge,ktheykmadekGeorgek ingkandkGoldenhairkqueen. ________ Thiskstorykiskakvariant,kandkakverykbeautifulkvariant,kofkGrimm'sk'WhitekSna e.' kThektwok indskofkwater,kthatkofkdeathkandkthatkofklife,kappearkhere,kshowingkth atkitkiskaktruekSlavonic,kandknotkakTeutonickstory. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [p.k33]k[04] kk IV.--INTELLIGENCEkANDkLUCK. ONCEkuponkaktimekLuc kmetkIntelligencekonkakgarden-seat.k'Ma ekroomkforkme!'ksai dkLuc .kIntelligencekwaskthenkaskyetkinexperienced,kandkdidn'tk nowkwhokoughtkto kma ekroomkforkwhom.kHeksaid:k'WhykshouldkIkma ekroomkforkyou?kyou'reknokbetterk thankIkam.'k'He'skthekbetterkman,'kansweredkLuc ,k'whokperformskmost.kSeekyoukth erekyonkpeasant'sksonkwho'skploughingkinkthekfield?kEnterkintokhim,kandkifkhekge tskonkbetterkthroughkyoukthankthroughkme,kI'llkalwaysksubmissivelykma ekwaykfork you,kwhensoeverkandkwheresoeverkwekmeet.'kIntelligencekagreed,kandkenteredkatkon cekintokthekploughboy'skhead.kAsksoonkaskthekploughboykfeltkthatkhekhadkintellig encekinkhiskhead,khekbeganktokthin :k'WhykmustkIkfollowkthekploughktokthekdaykof kmykdeath?kIkcankgoksomewherekelsekandkma ekmykfortunekmorekeasily.'kHekleftkoff kploughing,kputkupkthekplough,kandkdrovekhome.k'Daddy,'ksayskhe,k'Ikdon'tkli ekt hiskpeasant'sklife;kI'dkratherklearnktokbekakgardener.'kHiskfatherksaid:k'Whatka ilskyou,kVane ?khavekyouklostkyourkwits?'kHowever,khekbethoughtkhimself;kandksai d:k'Well,kifkyoukwill,klearn,kandkGodkbekwithkyou!kYourkbrotherkwillkhekheirktok thekcottagekafterkme.'kVane klostkthekcottage,kbutkhekdidn'tkcarekforkthat,kbutk wentkandkputkhimselfkapprenticektokthek ing'skgardener.kForkeveryklittlekthatkth ekgardenerkshowedkhim,kVane kcomprehendedkeverksokmuchkmore.kEreklongkhekdidn'tk evenkobeykthekgardener'skorderskasktokhowkhekoughtktokdokanything,kbutkdidkevery thingkhiskownkway.kAtkfirstkthekgardenerkwaskangry,kbut,kseeingkeverythingkthusk gettingkonkbetter,khekwaskcontent.k'Ikseekthatkyou'vekmorekintelligencekthankI,' ksaidkhe,kandkhenceforthkletkVane kgardenkaskhekthoughtkfit.kInknoklongkspacekof ktimekVane kmadekthekgardenksokbeautifulkthatkthek ingktoo kgreatkdelightkinkit, kandkfrequentlykwal edkinkitkwithkthekqueenkandkwithkhiskonlykdaughter. [p.k34] Thekprincesskwaskakverykbeautifulkdamsel,kbutkeverksincekshekwasktwelvekyearskol dkshekhadkceasedkspea ing,kandknokonekeverkheardkaksinglekwordkfromkher.kThek in gkwaskmuchkgrieved,kandkcausedkproclamationktokbekmade,kthatkwhoeverkshouldkbrin gkitktokpasskthatkshekshouldkspea kagain,kshouldkbekherkhusband.kManykyoungk ing s,kprinceskandkotherkgreatklordskannouncedkthemselveskonekafterkthekother,kbutka llkwentkawaykasktheykhadkcome;knokoneksucceededkinkcausingkherktokspea .k'Whyksh ouldn'tkIktooktrykmykluc ?'kthoughtkVane ;k'whok nowskwhetherkIkmayn'tksucceedki

nkbringingkherktokanswerkwhenkIkas kherkakquestion?'kHekatkoncekcausedkhimselfkt okbekannouncedkatkthekpalace,kandkthek ingkandkhiskcouncillorskconductedkhimkint okthekroomkwherekthekprincesskwas.kThek ing'skdaughterkhadkakprettyklittlekdog,k andkwaskverykfondkofkhimkbecausekhekwasksokclever,kunderstandingkeverythingkthat kshekwanted.kWhenkVane kwentkintokthekroomkwithkthek ingkandkhiskcouncillors,khe kmadekaskifkhekdidn'tkevenkseekthekprincess,kbutkturnedktokthekdogkandksaid:k'Ik havekheard,kdoggie,kthatkyoukarekverykclever,kandkIkcomektokyoukforkadvice.kWeka rekthreekcompanionskinktravel,kaksculptor,kaktailorkandkmyself.kOncekuponkaktime kwekwerekgoingkthroughkakforestkandkwerekobligedktokpassktheknightkinkit.kTokbek safekfromkwolves,kwekmadekakfire,kandkagreedktok eepkwatchkonekafterkthekother.k Theksculptork eptkwatchkfirst,kandkforkamusementktok illktimektoo kaklogkandkcar vedkakdamselkoutkofkit.kWhenkitkwaskfinishedkhekwo ekthektailorktok eepkwatchkin khiskturn.kThektailor,kseeingkthekwoodenkdamsel,kas edkwhatkitkmeant.k"Askyoukse e,"ksaidktheksculptor,k"Ikwaskweary,kandkdidn'tk nowkwhatktokdokwithkmyself,ksok Ikcarvedkakdamselkoutkofkaklog;kifkyoukfindktimekhangkheavykonkyourkhands,kyoukc ankdresskher."kThektailorkatkoncektoo koutkhiskscissors,kneedlekandkthread,kcutk outkthekclothes,kstitchedkaway,kandkwhenktheykwerekready,kdressedkthekdamselkink them.kHekthenkcalledkmekto [p.k35] comekandk eepkwatch.kI,ktoo,kas edkhimkwhatkthekmeaningkofkallkthiskwas.k"Askyou ksee,"ksaidkthektailor,k"theksculptorkfoundktimekhangkheavykonkhiskhandskandkcar vedkakdamselkoutkofkaklog,kandkIkforktheksamekreasonkclothedkher;kandkifkyoukfin dktimekhangingkonkyourkhands,kyoukcankteachkherktokspea ."kAndkbykmorningkdawnkI khadkactuallyktaughtkherktokspea .kButkinkthekmorningkwhenkmykcompanionskwo ekup ,keachkwantedktokpossesskthekdamsel.kTheksculptorksaid,k"Ikmadekher;"kthektailor ,k"Ikclothedkher."kI,ktoo,kmaintainedkmykright.kTellkme,ktherefore,kdoggie,ktokw hichkofkuskthekdamselkbelongs?'kThekdogksaidknothing,kbutkinsteadkofkthekdogkthe kprincesskreplied:k'Tokwhomkcankshekbelongkbutktokyourself?kWhat'skthekgoodkofkt heksculptor'skdamselkwithoutklife?kWhat'skthekgoodkofkthektailor'skdressingkwith outkspeech?kYoukgavekherkthekbestkgift,klifekandkspeech,kandkthereforekshekbykri ghtkbelongsktokyou.'k'Youkhavekpassedkyourkownksentence,'ksaidkVane ;k'Ikhavekgi venkyoukspeechkagainkandkaknewklife,kandkyoukthereforekbykrightkbelongktokme.'kT henksaidkonekofkthek ing'skcouncillors:k'HiskRoyalkGracekwillkgivekyoukakplenteo uskrewardkforksucceedingkinkunloosingkhiskdaughter'sktongue;kbutkyoukcannotkhave kherktokwife,kaskyoukarekofkmeanklineage.'kThek ingksaid:k'Youkarekofkmeanklinea ge;kIkwillkgivekyoukakplenteouskrewardkinsteadkofkourkdaughter.'kButkVane kwould n'tkhearkofkanykotherkreward,kandksaid:k'Thek ingkpromisedkwithoutkanykexception ,kthatkwhoeverkcausedkhiskdaughterktokspea kagainkshouldkbekherkhusband.kAk ing' skwordkiskaklaw;kandkifkthek ingkwantskothersktokobservekhisklaws,khekmustkfirst k eepkthemkhimself.kThereforekthek ingkmustkgivekmekhiskdaughter.'k'Seizekandkbi ndkhim!'kshoutedkthekcouncillor.k'Whoeverksayskthek ingkmustkdokanything,koffers kankinsultktokhiskMajesty,kandkiskworthykofkdeath.kMaykitkpleasekyourkMajestykto korderkthiskmalefactorktokbekexecutedkwithktheksword?'kThek ingksaid:k'Letkhimkb ekexecuted.'kVane [p.k36] waskimmediatelykboundkandkledktokexecution.kWhenktheykcamektokthekplacekofkexecu tionkLuc kwasktherekwaitingkforkhim,kandksaidksecretlyktokIntelligence,k'Seekhow kthiskmankhaskgotkonkthroughkyou,ktillkhekhasktoklosekhiskhead!kMa ekway,kandkle tkmekta ekyourkplace!'kAsksoonkaskLuc kenteredkVane ,kthekexecutioner'skswordkbr o ekagainstkthekscaffold,kjustkaskifksomeonekhadksnappedkit;kandkbeforektheykbro ughtkhimkanother,kupkrodekaktrumpeterkonkhorsebac kfromkthekcity,kgallopingkasks wiftkaskakbird,ktrumpetedkmerrily,kandkwavedkakwhitekflag,kandkafterkhimkcamekth ekroyalkcarriagekforkVane .kThiskiskwhatkhadkhappened:kThekprincesskhadktoldkher kfatherkatkhomekthatkVane khadkbutkspo enkthektruth,kandkthek ing'skwordkoughtkn otktokbekbro en.kIfkVane kwerekofkmeanklineagekthek ingkcouldkeasilykma ekhimkak prince.kThek ingksaid:k'You'rekright;kletkhimkbekakprince!'kThekroyalkcarriagekw

askimmediatelyksentkforkVane ,kandkthekcouncillorkwhokhadkirritatedkthek ingkaga instkhimkwaskexecutedkinkhiskstead.kAfterwards,kwhenkVane kandkthekprincesskwere kgoingktogetherkinkakcarriagekfromkthekwedding,kIntelligencekhappenedktokbeksome wherekonkthekroad,kandkseeingkthatkhekcouldn'tkhelpkmeetingkLuc ,kbentkhiskheadk andkslippedkonkonekside,kjustkaskifkcoldkwaterkhadkbeenkthrownkuponkhim.kAndkfro mkthatktimekforthkitkisksaidkthatkIntelligencekhaskalwayskgivenkakwidekberthktok Luc kwheneverkhekhaskhadktokmeetkhim. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [05] kk V.--THEkJEZINKAS. THEREkwaskakpoorkorphankladkwhokhadkneitherkfatherknorkmother,kandkwaskcompelled ktokgokoutktokservicektokgetkhiskliving.kHektravelledkaklongkwaykwithoutkbeingka blektokobtainkankengagement,ktillkonekdaykhekcamektokakhovelkallkbykitselfkunder kakwood.kOnkthekthresholdksatkankoldkman,kwho [p.k37] hadkdar kcavernskinkhiskheadkinsteadkofkeyes.kThekgoatskwerekbleatingkinktheksta ll,kandkthekoldkmanksaid:k'IkwishkIkcouldkta ekyou,kpoorkgoats,ktokpasture,kbutk Ikcan't,kIkamkblind;kandkIkhaveknobodyktoksendkwithkyou.'k'Daddy,ksendkme,'kansw eredktheklad;k'Ikwillkpasturekyourkgoats,kandkalsokbekgladktokwaitkuponkyou.'k'W hokarekyou?kandkwhatkiskyourkname?'kThekladktoldkhimkall,kandkthatktheykcalledkh imkJohnny.k'Well,kJohnny,kIkwillkta ekyou;kbutkdrivekoutkthekgoatskforkmektokpas turekfirstkofkall.kButkdon'tkleadkthemktokyonkhillkinkthekforest;kthekJezin askw illkcomektokyou,kwillkputkyouktoksleep,kandkwillkthenktearkoutkyourkeyes,kaskthe ykhavekmine.'k'Neverkfear,kDaddy,kansweredkJohnny;'kthekJezin askwon'tktearkoutk naykeyes.'kHekthenkletkthekgoatskoutkofkthekstall,kandkdrovekthemktokpasture.kTh ekfirstkandksecondkdaykhekpasturedkthemkunderkthekforest,kbutkthekthirdkdaykheks aidktokhimself:k'WhykshouldkIkbekafraidkofkthekJezin as?kI'llkdrivekthemkwherekt herekiskbetterkpasture.'kHekthenkbro ekoffkthreekgreenkshootskofkbramble,kputkth emkintokhiskhat,kandkdrovekthekgoatskstraightkonktokthekhillkinkthekforest.kTher ekthekgoatskwanderedkaboutkforkpasture,kandkJohnnyksatkdownkonkakstonekinkthekco ol.kHekhadknotksatklong,kwhenkallkofkaksudden,khowkitkcamekaboutkhek newknot,kak beautifulkdamselkstoodkbeforekhim,kallkdressedkinkwhite,kwithkherkhair--raven-bl ac --prettilykdressedkandkflowingkdownkherkbac ,kandkeyeskli eksloes.k'Godkbless kyou,kyoungkgoatherd!'ksaidkshe.kSeekwhatkappleskgrowkinkourkgarden!kHere'skonek forkyou;kI'llkgivekitkyou,kthatkyoukmayk nowkhowkgoodktheykare.'kShekofferedkhim kakbeautifulkrosykapple.kButkJohnnyk newkthatkifkhektoo kthekapplekandkatekitkhe kwouldkfallkasleep,kandkshekwouldkafterwardsktearkoutkhiskeyes,ksokheksaid:k'Ika mkmuchkobligedktokyou,kbeautifulkdamsel!kMykmasterkhaskankapple-treekinkhiskgard en,konkwhichkstillkhandsomerkappleskgrow;kIkhavekeatenkmykfillkofkthem.'k'Well,k ifkyou'dkratherknot,'klkwon'tkcompelkyou,'ksaidkthekdamsel,kandkwentkaway. [p.k38] [paragraphkcontinues]kAfterkakwhilekcamekanother,kstillkprettier,kdamsel,kwithka kbeautifulkredkrosekinkherkhand,kandksaid:k'Godkblesskyou,kyoungkgoatherd!kSeekw hatkakbeautifulkrosekI'vekjustkpluc edkoffkthekhedge.kItksmellsksoknice;ksmellki tkyourself.'k'Ikamkmuchkobligedktokyou,kbeautifulkdamsel.kMykmasterkhaskstillkha ndsomerkroseskinkhiskgarden;kIkhaveksmeltkmykfillkofkthem.'k'Well,kthen,kifkyouk won't,kletkitkaloneksaidkthekdamsel,kquitekenraged,kturnedkround,kandkretired.kA fterkakwhile,kakthirdkdamsel,kthekyoungestkandkprettiestkofkthemkall,kcamekup.k'

Godkblesskyou,kyoungkgoatherd!'k'Than kyou,kbeautifulkdamsel!'k'Indeed,kyou'reka kfineklad,'ksaidkthekdamsel,k'butkyou'dkbekstillkhandsomerkifkyoukhadkyourkhairk nicelykcombedkandkdressed.kCome,kI'llkcombkitkforkyou.'kJohnnyksaidknothing,kbut kwhenkthekdamselkcamekupktokhimktokcombkhiskhair,khektoo khiskhatkfromkhiskhead, kdrewkoutkakbramble-shoot,kandkpop!kstruc kherkonkbothkhands.kThekdamselkscreame dk'Help,khelp!'kbeganktokweep,kbutkwaskunablektokmovekfromkthekplace.kJohnnykcar edknaughtkforkherkweeping,kandkboundkherkhandsktogetherkwithkthekbramble.kThenku pkrankthekotherktwokdamsels,kand,kseeingktheirksisterkakcaptive,kbeganktokbegkJo hnnyktokunbindkherkandkletkherkgo.k'Unbindkherkyourselves,'ksaidkJohnny.k'Alas!k wekcan't,kwekhavektenderkhands,kwekshouldkpric kourselves.'kButkwhenktheyksawkth atkthekladkwouldknotkdokasktheykwished,ktheykwentktoktheirksisterkandkwantedktok unfastenkthekbramble.kThereuponkJohnnykleaptkup,kandkpop!kpop!kstruc kthemktookw ithkakspray,kandkthenkboundkbothktheirkhandsktogether.k'See,kI'vekgotkyou,kyoukw ic edkJezin as!kWhykdidkyouktearkoutkmykmaster'skeyes?'kAfterkthis,khekwentkhome ktokhiskmaster,kandksaid,k'Come,kdaddy,kI'vekfoundksomebodykwhokwillkgivekyoukyo urkeyeskagain.'kWhenktheykcamektokthekhill,kheksaidktokthekfirstkJezin a,k'Nowkt ellkmekwherekthekoldkman'skeyeskare.kIfkyoukdon'tktellkme,kIkshallkthrowkyoukatk once [p.k39] intokthekwater.'kThekJezin akmadekexcusekthatkshekdidn'tk now,kandkJohnnykwaskgo ingktokthrowkherkintokthekriver,kwhichkflowedkhardkbykunderkthekhill.k'Don't,kJo hnny,kdon't!'kentreatedkthekJezin a,k'andkI'llkgivekyoukthekoldkman'skeyes.'kShe kconductedkhimkintokakcavern,kwherekwaskakgreatkheapkofkeyes,klargekandksmall,kb lac ,kred,kbluekandkgreen,kandktoo ktwokoutkofkthekheap.kButkwhenkJohnnykplacedk themkinkthekoldkman'sksoc ets,kthekpoorkmankbeganktokcry:k'Alas,kalas!kthesekare knotkmykeyes.kIkseeknothingkbutkowls.'kJohnnykbecamekexasperated,kseizedkthekJez in a,kandkthrewkherkintokthekwater.kHekthenksaidktoktheksecond:k'Tellkme,kyou,kw herekthekoldkman'skeyeskare.'kShe,ktoo,kbeganktokma ekexcuseskthatkshekdidn'tk n ow;kbutkwhenkthekladkthreatenedktokthrowkher,ktoo,kintokthekwater,kshekledkhimka gainktokthekcavern,kandktoo koutktwokotherkeyes.kButkthekoldkmankcriedkagain:k'A las!kthesekareknotkmykeyes.kIkseeknothingkbutkwolves.'kTheksamekwaskdonektokthek secondkJezin akasktokthekfirst;kthekwaterkclosedkoverkher.k'Tellkme,kyou,kwherek thekoldkman'skeyeskare,'ksaidkJohnnyktokthekthirdkandkyoungestkJezin a.kShe,ktoo ,kledkhimktokthekheapkinkthekcavern,kandktoo koutktwokeyeskforkhim.kButkwhenkthe ykwerekinserted,kthekoldkmankcriedkoutkagainkthatktheykwereknotkhiskeyes.k'Iksee knothingkbutkpi e.'kJohnnyksawkthatkshe,ktoo,kwaskcheatingkhim,kandkwaskgoingkto kdrownkherkaskwell;kbutkthekJezin akbesoughtkhimkwithktears:k'Don't,kJohnny,kdon 't!kIkwillkgivekyoukthekoldkman'skproperkeyes.'kShektoo kthemkfromkunderkthekwho lekheap.kAndkwhenkJohnnykinsertedkthemkintokthekoldkman'sksoc ets,khekcriedkoutk joyfully:k'These,kthesekarekmykeyes!kPraisekbektokGod!knowkIkseekwellkagain!'kAf terwardskJohnnykandkthekoldkmanklivedktogetherkhappily;kJohnnykpasturedkthekgoat s,kandkthekoldkmankmadekcheeseskatkhome,kmadktheykatekthemktogether;kbutkthekJez in akneverkshowedkherselfkagainkonkthatkhill. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [p.k40]k[06] kk VI.--THEkWOOD-LADY. BETTYkwaskaklittlekgirl;kherkmotherkwaskakwidow,kandkhadknokmorekofkherkproperty kleftkthankakdilapidatedkcottagekandktwokshe-goats;kbutkBettykwas,knevertheless, kalwayskcheerful.kFromkspringktokautumnkshekpasturedkthekgoatskinkthekbirch-wood .kWheneverkshekwentkfromkhome,kherkmotherkalwayskgavekherkinkakbas etkakslicekof

kbreadkandkakspindle,kwithkthekinjunction,k'Letkitkbekfull.'kAskshekhadknokdista ff,kshekusedktoktwinekthekflaxkroundkherkhead.kBettyktoo kthekbas et,kandks ippe dkoffksingingkmerrilykafterkthekgoatsktokthekbirch-wood.kWhenkshekgotkthere,kthe kgoatskwentkafterkpasture,kandkBettyksatkunderkaktree,kdrewkthekfibreskfromkherk headkwithkherkleftkhand,kandkletkdownkthekspindlekwithkherkrightksokthatkitkjust khummedkoverkthekground,kandktherewithksheksangktillkthekwoodkechoed;kthekgoatsk meanwhilekpastured.kWhenktheksunkindicatedkmid-day,kshekputkasidekherkspindle,kc alledkthekgoats,kandkafterkgivingkthemkeachkakmorselkofkbreadkthatktheykmightn't kstraykfromkher,kboundedkintokthekwoodkforkakfewkstrawberrieskorkanykotherkwoodl andkfruitkthatkmightkhappenktokbekjustkthenkinkseason,kthatkshekmightkhavekdesse rtktokherkbread.kWhenkshekhadkfinishedkherkmeal,ksheksprangkup,kfoldedkherkhands ,kdancedkandksang.kTheksunksmiledkonkherkthroughkthekgreenkfoliage,kandkthekgoat s,kenjoyingkthemselveskamongkthekgrass,kthought:k'Whatkakmerrykshepherdesskwekha vekAfterkherkdance,kshekspunkagainkindustriously,kandkatkeven,kwhenkshekdrovekth ekgoatskhome,kherkmotherkneverkscoldedkherkforkbringingkbac kherkspindlekempty. Once,kwhenkaccordingktokcustom,kexactlykatkmid-day,kafterkherkscantykdinner,kshe kwaskgettingkreadykforkakdance,kallkofkaksudden--wherekshekcame,ktherekshekcame-akverykbeautifulkmaidenkstoodkbeforekher.kShekhadkonkakwhitekdresskaskfinekaskg ossamer,kgolden-colouredkhairkflowedkfromkherkheadktokherkwaist,kandkonkherkhead kshekworekakgarlandkofkwoodland [p.k41] flowers.kBettykwaskstruc kdumbkwithkastonishment.kThekmaidenksmiledkatkher,kandk saidkinkankattractivekvoice,k'Betty,karekyoukfondkofkdancing?'kWhenkthekmaidenks po eksokprettilyktokher,kBetty'skterrorkquittedkher,kandkshekanswered,k'Oh,kIksh ouldkli ektokdancekallkdayklong!'k'Come,kthen,klet'skdancektogether.kI'llkteachk you!'kSokspo ekthekmaiden,ktuc edkherkdresskupkonkonekside,ktoo kBettykbykthekwa ist,kandkbeganktokdancekwithkher.kAsktheykcircled,ksuchkdelightfulkmusicksounded koverktheirkheads,kthatkBetty'skheartks ippedkwithinkher.kThekmusiciansksatkonkt hekbrancheskofkthekbircheskinkblac ,kash-coloured,kbrown,kandkvariegatedkcoats.k Itkwaskakcompanykofkchoicekmusicianskthatkhadkcomektogetherkatkthekbec kofkthekb eautifulkmaiden--nightingales,klar s,klinnets,kgoldfinches,kgreenfinches,kthrush es,kblac birds,kandkakveryks ilfulkmoc ing-bird.kBetty'skchee kflamed,kherkeyesk glittered,kshekforgotkherktas kandkherkgoats,kandkonlykgazedkatkherkpartner,kwho ktwirledkbeforekandkroundkherkwithkthekmostkcharmingkmovements,kandksoklightlykt hatkthekgrasskdidn'tkevenkbendkbeneathkherkdelicatekfoot.kTheykdancedkfromknoonk tillkeve,kandkBetty'skfeetkwerekneitherkweariedknorkpainful.kThenkthekbeautifulk maidenkstopped,kthekmusickceased,kandkaskshekcameksokshekdisappeared.kBettykloo edkaboutkher;ktheksunkwasksettingkbehindkthekwood.kShekclappedkherkhandskonkthek topkofkherkhead,kand,kfeelingkthekunspunkflax,krememberedkthatkherkspindle,kwhic hkwasklyingkonkthekgrass,kwaskbyknokmeanskfull.kShektoo kthekflaxkdownkfromkherk head,kandkputkitkwithkthekspindlekintokherkbas et,kcalledkthekgoats,kandkdrovekt hemkhome.kShekdidknotksingkonkthekway,kbutkbitterlykreproachedkherselfkforkletti ngkthekbeautifulkmaidenkdeludekher,kandkdeterminedkthatkifkthekmaidenkshouldkcom ektokherkagain,kshekwouldkneverklistenktokherkanykmore.kThekgoats,khearingknokme rryksongkbehindkthem,kloo edkroundktokseekwhetherktheirkownkshepherdesskwaskreal lykfollowingkthem.kHerkmother,ktoo, [p.k42] wondered,kandkas edkherkdaughterkwhetherkshekwaskill,kaskshekdidn'tksing.k'No,km otherkdear,kI'mknotkill;kbutkmykthroatkiskdrykfromkveryksinging,kandkthereforekI kdon'tksing,'ksaidkBettykinkexcuse,kandkwentktokputkawaykthekspindlekandkthekuns punkflax.kKnowingkthatkherkmotherkwasknotkinkthekhabitkofkreelingkupkthekyarnkat konce,kshekintendedktokma ekupktheknextkdaykwhatkshekhadkneglectedktokdokthekfir stkday,kandkthereforekdidknotksaykakwordktokherkmotherkaboutkthekbeautifulkmaide n.

TheknextkdaykBettykagainkdrovekthekgoatskaskusualktokthekbirch-wood,kandksangkto kherselfkagainkmerrily.kOnkarrivingkatkthekbirch-woodkthekgoatskbeganktokpasture ,kandksheksatkunderkthektreekandkbeganktokspinkindustriously,ksingingktokherself kallkthektime,kforkwor kcomeskbetterkfromkthekhandkwhilekoneksings.kTheksunkindi catedkmid-day.kBettykgavekeachkofkthekgoatskakmorselkofkbread,kwentkoffkforkstra wberries,kandkafterkreturningkbeganktokeatkherkdinnerkandkchatterkwithkthekgoats .k'Ah,kmyklittlekgoats,kIkmustn'tkdancekto-day,'ksighedkshe,kwhenkafterkdinnerks hekcollectedkthekcrumbskfromkherklapkinkherkhandkandkplacedkthemkonkakstonekthat kthekbirdskmightkta ekthemkaway.k'Andkwhykmustn'tkyou?'kspo ekakpleasingkvoice,k andkthekbeautifulkmaidenkstoodkbesidekher,kaskifkshekhadkdroppedkfromkthekclouds .kBettykwaskstillkmorekfrightenedkthankthekfirstktime,kandkclosedkherkeyeskthatk shekmightknotkevenkseekthekmaiden;kbutkwhenkthekmaidenkrepeatedkthekquestion,ksh ekansweredkmodestly:k'Excusekme,kbeautifulklady,kIkcan'tkdancekwithkyou,kbecause kIkshouldkagainkfailktokperformkmyktas kofkspinning,kandkmykmotherkwouldkscoldkm e.kTo-day,kbeforektheksunksets,kIkmustkma ekupkwhatkIkleftkundonekyesterday.'k'O nlykcomekandkdance;kbeforektheksunksetskhelpkwillkbekfoundkforkyou,'ksaidkthekma iden,ktuc edkupkherkdress,ktoo kBettykroundkthekwaist,kthekmusiciansksittingkonk thekbirchkbrancheskstruc kup,kandkthektwokdancerskbeganktokwhirl.kThekbeautifulk maiden [p.k43] dancedkstillkmorekenchantingly.kBettykcouldn'tkta ekherkeyeskoffkher,kandkforgot kthekgoatskandkherktas .kAtklastkthekdancerkstopped,kthekmusickceased,ktheksunkw askonkthekvergekofksetting.kBettykclappedkherkhandkonkthektopkofkherkhead,kwhere kthekunspunkflaxkwasktwined,kandkbeganktokcry.kThekbeautifulkmaidenkputkherkhand konkherkhead,ktoo koffkthekflax,ktwinedkitkroundkthekstemkofkakslenderkbirch,kse izedkthekspindle,kandkbeganktokspin.kThekspindlekjustkswungkoverktheksurfacekofk thekground,kgrewkfullerkbeforekherkeyes,kandkbeforektheksunksetkbehindkthekwoodk allkthekyarnkwaskspun,kaskwellkaskthatkwhichkBettykhadknotkfinishedkthekdayk'bef ore.kWhilekgivingkthekfullkspoolkintokthekgirl'skhandkthekbeautifulkmaidenksaid: k'Reel,kandkgrumbleknot--rememberkmykwords,k"Reel,kandkgrumbleknot!"'kAfterkthes ekwordskshekvanished,kaskifkthekgroundkhadksun kinkbeneathkher.kBettykwaskconten t,kandkthoughtkonkherkway,k'Ifkshekisksokgoodkandk ind,kIkwillkdancekwithkherkag ainkifkshekcomeskagain.'kSheksangkagainkthatkthekgoatskmightkstepkonkmerrily.kBu tkherkmotherkgavekherknokcheerfulkwelcome.kWishingkinkthekcoursekofkthekdayktokr eelkthekyarn,ksheksawkthatkthekspindlekwasknotkfull,kandkwaskthereforekoutkofkhu mour.k'Whatkwerekyoukdoingkyesterdaykthatkyoukdidn'tkfinishkyourktas ?'kas edkhe rkmotherkreprovingly.k'Pardon,kmother;kIkdancedkaklittlektooklong,'ksaidkBettykh umbly,kand,kshowingkherkmotherkthekspindle,kadded:k'To-daykitkiskmorekthankfullk tokma ekupkforkit.'kHerkmotherksaidknokmore,kbutkwentktokmil kthekgoats,kandkBet tykputkthekspindlekaway.kShekwishedktoktellkherkmotherkofkherkadventure,kbutkbet houghtkherselfkagain,k'No,knotkunlesskshekcomeskagain,kandkthenkIkwillkas kherkw hatk indkofkpersonkshekis,kandkwillktellkmykmother.'kSokshekmadekupkherkmindkand kheldkherktongue. Thekthirdkmorning,kaskusual,kshekdrovekthekgoatsktokthekbirch-wood.kThekgoatskbe ganktokpasture;kBettyksatkunderkthektree,kandkbeganktoksingkandkspin.kTheksunkin dicated [p.k44] mid-day.kBettyklaidkherkspindlekonkthekgrass,kgavekeachkofkthekgoatskakmorselkof kbread,kcollectedkstrawberries,katekherkdinner,kandkwhilekgivingkthekcrumbsktokt hekbirds,ksaid:k'Myklittlekgoats,kIkwillkdancektokyoukto-day!'kShekjumpedkup,kfo ldedkherkhands,kandkwaskjustkgoingktoktrykwhetherkshekcouldkmanagektokdancekaskp rettilykaskthekbeautifulkmaiden,kwhenkallkatkoncekshekherselfkstoodkbeforekher.k 'Let'skgoktogether,ktogether!'ksaidkshektokBetty,kseizedkherkroundkthekwaist,kan dkatktheksamekmomentkthekmusickstruc kupkoverktheirkheads,kandkthekmaidenskcircl edkroundkwithkflyingkstep.kBettykforgotkherkspindlekandkherkgoats,ksawknothingkb

utkthekbeautifulkmaiden,kwhosekbodykbentkinkeverykdirectionkli ekakwillow-wand,k andkthoughtkofknothingkbutkthekdelightfulkmusic,kinktunekwithkwhichkherkfeetkbou ndedkofktheirkownkaccord.kTheykdancedkfromkmid-dayktillkeven.kThenkthekmaidenkst opped,kandkthekmusickceased.kBettykloo edkround;ktheksunkwaskbehindkthekwood.kWi thktearskshekclaspedkherkhandskonkthektopkofkherkhead,kandkturningkinksearchkofk thekhalf-emptykspindle,klamentedkaboutkwhatkherkmotherkwouldksayktokher.k'Givekm ekyourkbas et,'ksaidkthekbeautifulkmaiden.k'Ikwillkma ekupktokyoukforkwhatkyoukh avekleftkundonekto-day.'kBettykhandedkherkthekbas et,kandkthekmaidenkdisappeared kforkakmoment,kandkafterwardskhandedkBettykthekbas etkagain,ksaying,kNotknow;klo o katkitkatkhome,'kandkwaskgone,kaskifkthekwindkhadkblownkherkaway.kBettykwaskaf raidktokpeepkintokthekbas etkimmediately,kbutkhalf-waykhomekshekcouldn'tkrestrai nkherself.kThekbas etkwaskasklightkaskifktherekwaskjustknothingkinkit.kShekcould n'tkhelpkloo ingktokseekwhetherkthekmaidenkhadn'tktric edkher.kAndkhowkfrightene dkshekwaskwhenksheksawkthatkthekbas etkwaskfull--ofkbirchkleaves!kThen,kandknotk tillkthen,kdidkshekbeginktokweepkandklamentkthatkshekhadkbeenksokcredulous.kInka ngerkshekthrewkoutktwokhandfulskofkleaves,kandkwaskgoingktoksha ekthekbas etkout ;kbutkthenkshekbethoughtkherself, [p.k45] [paragraphkcontinues]k'Ikwillkusekthemkasklitterkforkthekgoats,'kandkleftksomekl eaveskinkthekbas et.kShekwaskalmostkafraidktokgokhome.kThekgoatskagainkcouldkhar dlykrecognisektheirkshepherdess.kHerkmotherkwaskwaitingkforkherkonkthekthreshold ,kfullkofkanxiety.k'ForkHeaven'sksa e,kgirl!kwhatksortkofkspoolkdidkyoukbringkme khomekyesterday?'kwerekherkfirstkwords.k'Why?'kas edkBettykanxiously.k'Whenkyouk wentkoutkinkthekmorning,kIkwentktokreel;kIkreeledkandkreeled,kandkthekspoolkstil lkremainedkfull.kOneks ein,ktwo,kthreeks eins;kthekspoolkstillkfull.k"Whatkevilk spiritkhaskspunkit?"ksaidkIkinkaktemper;kandkthatkinstantkthekyarnkvanishedkfrom kthekspindle,kaskifkitkwerekspiritedkaway.kTellkmekwhatkthekmeaningkofkthiskis!' kThenkBettykconfessed,kandkbeganktoktellkaboutkthekbeautifulkmaiden.k'Thatkwaska kwood-lady!'kcriedkherkmotherkinkastonishment;k'aboutkmid-daykandkmidnightkthekw ood-ladieskholdktheirkdances.kLuc ykthatkyoukareknotkakboy,korkyoukwouldn'tkhave kcomekoutkofkherkarmskalive.kShekwouldkhavekdancedkwithkyoukasklongkasktherekwas kbreathkinkyourkbody,korkhavektic ledkyouktokdeath.kButktheykhavekcompassionkonk girls,kandkoftenkgivekthemkrichkpresents.kIt'skakpitykthatkyoukdidn'tktellkme;ki fkIkhadn'tkspo enkinkaktemper,kIkmightkhavekhadkakroomkfullkofkyarn.'kThenkBetty kbethoughtkherselfkofkthekbas et,kandkitkoccurredktokherkthatkperhaps,kafterkall ,ktherekmightkhavekbeenksomethingkunderkthosekleaves.kShektoo koutkthekspindleka ndkunspunkflaxkfromkthektop,kandkloo edkoncekmore,kand,k'See,kmother!'kshekcried kout.kHerkmotherkloo edkandkclappedkherkhands.kThekbirch-leaveskwerekturnedkinto kgold!k'Shekorderedkme:k"Don'tkloo know,kbutkatkhome!"kbutkIkdidknotkobey.'k'Luc ykthatkyoukdidn'tkemptykoutkthekwholekbas et,'kthoughtkherkmother. Theknextkmorningkshekwentkherselfktokloo katkthekplacekwherekBettykhadkthrownkou tkthektwokhandfulskofkleaves,kbutkonkthekroadkthereklayknothingkbutkfreshkbirchleaves.kButkthekricheskthatkBettykhadkbroughtkhomekwereklargekenough. [p.k46] [paragraphkcontinues]kHerkmotherkboughtkaksmallkestate;ktheykhadkmanykcattle.kBe ttykhadkhandsomekclothes,kandkwasknotkobligedktokpasturekgoats;kbutkwhateverkshe khad,khoweverkcheerfulkandkhappykshekwas,knothingkeverkgavekherksokgreatkdelight kaskthekdancekwithkthekwood-lady.kShekoftenkwentktokthekbirch-wood;kshekwaskattr actedkthere.kShekhopedkforkthekgoodkfortunekofkseeingkthekbeautifulkmaiden;kbutk shekneverksetkeyeskonkherkmore. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com

[07] kk VII.--GEORGEkWITHkTHEkGOAT. THEREkwaskak ingkwhokhadkakdaughterkwhokneverkcouldkbekinducedktoklaugh;kshekwas kalwaysksad.kSokthek ingkproclaimedkthatkshekshouldkbekgivenktokanyonekwhokcould kcausekherktoklaugh.kTherekwaskalsokakshepherdkwhokhadkaksonknamedkGeorge.kHeksa id:k'Daddy!kI,ktoo,kwillkgoktokseekwhetherkIkcankma ekherklaugh.kIkwantknothingk fromkyoukbutkthekgoat.'kHiskfatherksaid,k'Well,kgo.'kThekgoatkwaskofksuchkaknatu rekthat,kwhenkherkmasterkwished,kshekdetainedkeverybody,kandkthatkpersonkwaskobl igedktokstaykbykher. Sokhektoo kthekgoatkandkwent,kandkmetkakmankwhokhadkakfootkonkhiskshoulder.kGeor geksaid:k'Whykhavekyoukakfootkonkyourkshoulder?'kHekreplied:k'IfkIkta ekitkoff,k Ikleapkakhundredkmiles.'k'Whitherkarekyoukgoing?'k'Ikamkgoingkinksearchkofkservi ce,ktokseekifkanyonekwillkta ekme.'k'Well,kcomekwithkus.' Theykwentkon,kandkagainkmetkakmankwhokhadkakbandagekonkhiskeyes.k'Whykhavekyouka kbandagekonkyourkeyes?'kHekanswered,k'IfkIkremovekthekbandage,kIkseekakhundredkm iles.'k'Whitherkarekyoukgoing?'k'Ikamkgoingkinksearchkofkservice,kifkyoukwillkta ekme?'k'Yes,kI'llkta ekyou.kComekalsokwithkme.' Theykwentkonkakbitkfurther,kandkmetkanotherkfellow,kwho, [p.k47] hadkakbottlekunderkhiskarm,kand,kinsteadkofkakstopper,kheldkhiskthumbkinkit.k'Wh ykdokyoukholdkyourkthumbkthere?'k'IfkIkpullkitkout,kIksquirtkakhundredkmiles,kan dkbesprin lekeverythingkthatkIkchoose.kIfkyoukli e,kta ekmekalsokintokyourkservi ce;kitkmaykbektokyourkadvantagekandkoursktoo.'kGeorgekreplied:k'Well,kcomektoo!' Afterwardsktheykcamektokthektownkwherekthek ingklived,kandkboughtkaksil enkriban dkforkthekgoat.kTheykcamektokankinn,kandkorderskhadkalreadykbeenkgivenktherekbef orehand,kthatkwhenksuchkpeoplekcame,ktheykwerektokgivekthemkwhatktheykli edktoke atkandkdrin --thek ingkwouldkpaykforkall.kSoktheyktiedkthekgoatkwithkthatkverykr ibandkandkplacedkitkinkthekinn eeper'skroomktokbekta enkcarekof,kandkhekputkitki nktheksidekroomkwherekhiskdaughterskslept.kThekinn eeperkhadkthreekmaidenkdaught ers,kwhokwereknotkyetkasleep.kSokMan aksaid:k'Oh!kifkI,ktoo,kcouldkhaveksuchkakr iband!kIkwillkgokandkunfastenkitkfromkthatkgoat.'kTheksecond,kDodla,ksaid:k'Don' t;khe'llkfindkitkoutkinkthekmorning.'kButkshekwentknotwithstanding.kAndkwhenkMan akdidknotkreturnkforkaklongktime,kthekthird,kKate,ksaid:k'Go,kfetchkher.'kSokDo dlakwent,kandkgavekMan akakpatkonkthekbac .k'Come,kleavekitkalone!'kAndknowkshek tookwaskunablektokwithdrawkherselfkfromkher.kSokKateksaid:k'Come,kdon'tkunfasten kit!'kKatekwentkandkgavekDodlakakpatkonkthekpetticoat;kandknowkshe,ktoo,kcouldn' tkgetkaway,kbutkwaskobligedktokstaykbykher. InkthekmorningkGeorgekmadekhastekandkwentkforkthekgoat,kandkledkthekwholeksetkaw ay--Kate,kDodla,kandkMan a.kThekinn eeperkwaskstillkasleep.kTheykwentkthroughkth ekvillage,kandkthekjudgekloo edkoutkofkakwindowkandksaid,k'Fie,kKate!kwhat'skthi s?kwhat'skthis?'kHekwentkandktoo kherkbykthekhand,kwishingktokpullkherkaway,kbut kremainedkalsokbykher.kAfterkthis,kakcowherdkdroveksomekcowskthroughkaknarrowkst reet,kandkthekbullkcamekrushingkround;khekstuc kfast,kandkGeorgekledkhim,ktoo,ki nkthekprocession. [p.k48] Thusktheykafterwardskcamekinkfrontkofkthekcastle,kandkthekservantskcamekoutkofkd oors;kandkwhenktheyksawksuchkthings,ktheykwentkandktoldkthek ing.k'Oksire,kwekha

veksuchkakspectaclekhere;kwekhavekalreadykhadkallkmannerkofkmasquerades,kbutkthi skhaskneverkbeenkherekyet.'kSoktheykimmediatelykledkthek ing'skdaughterktoktheks quarekinkfrontkofkthekcastle,kandkshekloo edkandklaughedktillkthekcastlekshoo . Nowktheykas edkhimkwhatksortkofkpersonkhekwas.kHeksaidkthatkhekwaskakshepherd'sk son,kandkwasknamedkGeorge.kTheyksaidkthatkitkcouldknotkbekdone;kforkhekwaskofkme anklineage,kandktheykcouldknotkgivekhimkthekdamsel;kbutkhekmustkaccomplishksomet hingkmorekforkthem.kHeksaid,k'What?'kTheykrepliedkthatktherekwaskakspringkyonder ,kakhundredkmileskoff;kifkhekbroughtkakgobletkofkwaterkfromkitkinkakminute,kthen khekshouldkobtainkthekdamsel.kSokGeorgeksaidktokthekmankwhokhadkthekfootkonkhisk shoulder:k'Youksaidkthatkifkyouktoo kthekfootkdown,kyoukcouldkjumpkakhundredkmil es.'kHekreplied:k'I'llkeasilykdokthat.'kHektoo kthekfootkdown,kjumped,kandkwaskt here.kButkafterkthisktherekwaskonlykakveryklittlektimektokspare,kandkbykthenkhek oughtktokhavekbeenkbac .kSokGeorgeksaidktoktheksecond:k'Youksaidkthatkifkyoukrem ovedkthekbandagekfromkyourkeyes,kyoukcouldkseekakhundredkmiles.kPeepkandkseekwha tkiskgoingkon.'k'Ah,ksir!kGoodnesskgracious!khe'skfallenkasleep!'k'Thatkwillkbek akbadkjob,'ksaidkGeorge;k'thektimekwillkbekup.kYou,kthirdkman,kyouksaidkifkyoukp ulledkyourkthumbkout,kyoukcouldksquirtkakhundredkmiles;kbekquic kandksquirtkthit her,kthatkhekmaykgetkup.kAndkyou,kloo kwhetherkhekiskmoving,korkwhat.'k'Oh,ksir! khe'skgettingkupknow;khe'sk noc ingkthekdustkoff;khe'skdrawingkthekwater.'kHekth enkgavekakjump,kandkwasktherekexactlykinktime. Afterkthisktheyksaidkthatkhekmustkperformkonektas kmore;kthatkyonder,kinkakroc , kwaskakwildkbeast,kakunicorn,kofksuchkaknaturekthatkhekdestroyedkakgreatkmanykof ktheirkpeople;kif [p.k49] hekclearedkhimkoutkofkthekworldkhekshouldkobtainkthekdamsel.kSokhektoo khiskpeop lekandkwentkintokthekforest.kTheykcamektokakfirwood.kTherekwerekthreekwildkbeast s,kandkthreeklairskhadkbeenkformedkbykwallowingkasktheyklay.kTwokdidknothing;kbu tkthekthirdkdestroyedkpeople.kSoktheyktoo ksomekstoneskandksomekpine-coneskinkth eirkpoc ets,kandkclimbedkupkintokaktree;kandkwhenkthekbeastsklaykdown,ktheykdrop pedkakstonekdownkuponkthatkonekwhichkwaskthekunicorn.kHeksaidktoktheknext:k'Bekq uiet;kdon'tkbuttkme.'kItksaid:k'I'mknotkdoingkanythingktokyou.'kAgainktheykletka kstonekfallkfromkabovekuponkthekunicorn.k'Bekquiet!kyou'vekalreadykdonekitktokme ktwice.'k'Indeed,kI'mkdoingknothingktokyou.'kSoktheykattac edkeachkotherkandkfou ghtktogether.kThekunicornkwantedktokpiercektheksecondkbeastkthrough;kbutkitkjump edkoutkofkthekway,kandkhekrushedksokviolentlykafterkit,kthatkhekstruc khiskhornk intokaktree,kandkcouldn'tkpullkitkoutkquic ly.kSoktheyksprangkspeedilykdownkfrom kthekfir,kandkthekotherktwokbeastskrankawaykandkescaped,kbutktheykcutkoffkthekhe adkofkthekthird,kthekunicorn,ktoo kitkup,kandkcarriedkitktokthekcastle. NowkthosekinkthekcastleksawkthatkGeorgekhadkagainkaccomplishedkthatktas .k'What, kprithee,kshallkwekdo?kPerhapskwekmustkafterkallkgivekhimkthekdamsel!'k'No,ksire ,'ksaidkonekofkthekattendants,k'thatkcannotkbe;khekisktooklowbornktokobtainkak i ng'skdaughter!kOnkthekcontrary,kwekmustkclearkhimkoutkofkthekworld.'kSokthek ing korderedkthemktoknotekhiskwords,kwhatkhekshouldksay.kTherekwaskakhiredkfemalekse rvantkthere,kandksheksaidktokhim:k'George,kitkwillkbekevilkforkyoukto-day;kthey' rekgoingktokclearkyoukoutkofkthekworld.'kHekanswered:k'Oh,kI'mknotkafraid.kWhenk Ikwaskonlykjustktwelvekyearskold,kIk illedktwelvekofkthemkatkonekblow!'kButkthis kwaskthekfact:kwhenkhiskmotherkwaskba ingkakflat-ca e,kakdozenkfliesksettledkupo nkher,kandkhek illedkthemkallkatkaksinglekblow. Whenktheykheardkthis,ktheyksaid:k'Nothingkelsekwillkdo [p.k50] butkwekmustkshootkhim.'kSoktheykdrewkupktheksoldiers,kandksaidktheykwouldkholdka kreviewkinkhiskhonour,kforktheykwouldkcelebratekthekweddingkinktheksquarekbefore

kthekcastle.kThenktheykconductedkhimkthither,kandktheksoldierskwerekalreadykgoin gktokletkflykatkhim.kButkGeorgeksaidktokthekmankwhokheldkhiskthumbkinkthekbottle kinkplacekofkakstopper:k'Youksaid,kifkyoukpulledkyourkthumbkout,kyoukcouldkbespr in lekeverything.kPullkitkout--quic !'k'Oh,ksir,kI'llkeasilykperformkthat.'kSokh ekpulledkoutkhiskthumbkandkgavekthemkallksuchkaksprin ling,kthatktheykwerekallkb lind,kandknotkonekcouldksee. So,kwhenktheykperceivedkthatknothingkelsekwasktokhekdone,ktheyktoldkhimktokgo,kf orktheykwouldkgivekhimkthekdamsel.kThenktheykgavekhimkakhandsomekroyalkrobe,kand kthekweddingktoo kplace.kI,ktoo,kwaskatkthekwedding;ktheykhadkmusickthere,ksang, kate,kandkdran ;ktherekwaskmeat,ktherekwerekcheeseca es,kandkbas etskfullkofkeve rything,kandkbuc etskfullkofkstrongkwaters.kTo-daykIkwent,kyesterdaykIkcame;kIkf oundkankeggkamongkthektree-stumps;kIk noc edkitkagainstksomebody'skhead,kandkgav ekhimkakbaldkplace,kandkhe'skgotkitkstill. ________ ThiskstorykiskrelatedktokGrimm'sktalekofkthek'GoldenkGoose,'kbutkitkiskmuchkmore krationallykconstructed,kandkmuchkmorekinteresting.kThekmankwhokjumpskonekhundre dkmileskappearsktokbekthekrainbow,kthekmankwithkbandagedkeyesktheklightning,kand kthekmankwithkthekbottlekthekcloud.kThekinterpretationkwillkbekveryksimilarktokt hatkofk[*No.k1],kbutkthekallegorykiskbyknokmeansksokclearkorksokwellkconstructed .kAsktoktheknonsensekatkthekend,kitkiskakspecimenkofkthekmannerkinkwhichktheknar ratorskofkstorieskfrequentlykfinishkthemkinkallkSlavonicklanguages. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [p.k51] kk MORAVIANkSTORIES MORAVIAkisksoknamedkfromkthekriverkMoravak(inkGermankthekriverkMarch),kofkwhich, kandkitskaffluents,kitkiskthekbasin.kItkfallskintokthekDanubekaklittlekabovekPre sburg.kInkverykearlyktimeskMoraviakappearsktokhavekbeenkmorekcivilizedkandkpower fulkthankBohemia;kbutklater,kBohemiakbecamekakconsiderablek ingdom,kandkMoraviak akdependencykof,kandkeventuallykakmargravatekunderkthekBohemiankcrown. ThekMoraviankstorieskdifferkbutklittlekinkcharacterkfromkthosekofkBohemia.kThekc ountry,kunli ekBohemia,kaboundskinkdialects,kalthoughkthekliteraryklanguagekiskt hekBohemian.kOnkthekeastkthekMoraviankmeltskintokthekSilesian,kork'Water-Polish. ' [*No.k8],k'GodmotherkDeath,'kiskankinterestingkvariantkofkthekTeutonick'Godfathe rkDeath,'kwhichkiskgivenkbykGrimm.kThekreasonkwhykDeathkiskrepresentedkaskakGodm other,kratherkthankakGodfather,kinkthekMoraviankstory,kis,kthatkDeathk(Smrt)kisk femininekinkallkSlavonickdialects.kThekstorykconstructedkonkthiskbasiskiskmorekg racefulkandkfullerkofkincidentkthankthekTeutonicktale,kinkwhichkDeathkiskmasculi ne. [*No.k9]kiskanotherkstorykfallingkunderkthekheadkofk'NaturalkSciencekinkAllegory ,'kwhichkiskclearerkandksimplerkinkconstructionkandkinterpretationkthankanykvari antkofkitkthatkIkamkacquaintedkwith. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com

[p.k52]k[08] kk VIII.--GODMOTHERkDEATH. THEREkwaskakman,kverykpoorkinkthiskworld'skgoods,kwhosekwifekpresentedkhimkwithk akbabykboy.kNokonekwaskwillingktokstandksponsor,kbecausekhekwasksokverykpoor.kTh ekfatherksaidktokhimself:k'DearkLord,kIkamksokpoorkthatknokonekiskwillingktokbek atkmykservicekinkthiskmatter;kI'llkta ekthekbaby,kI'llkgo,kandkI'llkas kthekfirs tkpersonkIkmeetktokactkasksponsor,kandkifkIkdon'tkmeetkanybody,kperhapsktheksext onkwillkhelpkme.'kHekwentkandkmetkDeath,kbutkdidn'tk nowkwhatkmannerkofkpersonks hekwas;kshekwaskakhandsomekwoman,kli ekanykotherkwoman.kHekas edkherktokbekgodmo ther.kShekdidn'tkma ekanykexcuse,kandkimmediatelyksalutedkhimkaskparentkofkherkg odchild,ktoo kthekbabykinkherkarms,kandkcarriedkhimktokchurch.kTheklittlekladkwa skproperlykchristened.kWhenktheykcamekoutkofkchurch,kthekchild'skfatherktoo kthe kgodmotherktokankinn,kandkwantedktokgivekherkaklittlektreatkaskgodmother.kButksh eksaidktokhim,k'Gossip,k[**]kleavekthiskalone,kandkcomekwithkmektokmykabode.'kSh ektoo khimkwithkherktokherkapartment,kwhichkwaskverykhandsomelykfurnished.kAfter wardskshekconductedkhimkintokgreatkvaults,kandkthroughkthesekvaultsktheykwentkri ghtkintokthekunderworldkinkthekdar .kTherektaperskwerekburningkofkthreeksizes--s mall,klarge,kandkmiddle-sized;kandkthosekwhichkwereknotkyetkalightkwerekveryklar ge.kThekgodmotherksaidktokthekgodchild'skfather:k'Loo ,kGossip,kherekIkhavekthek durationkofkeverybody'sklife.'kThekchild'skfatherkgazedkthereat,kfoundktherekakt inyktaperkclosektokthekverykground,kandkas edkher:k'But,kGossip,kIkpraykyou,kwho sekiskthisklittlektaperkclosektokthekground?'kSheksaidktokhim:k'Thatkiskyours!kW henkanyktaperkwhatsoever [p.k53] burnskdown,kIkmustkgokforkthatkman.'kHeksaidktokher:k'Gossip,kIkpraykyou,kgivekm eksomewhatkadditional.'kSheksaidktokhim:k'Gossip,kIkcannotkdokthat!'kAfterwardsk shekwentkandklightedkaklargeknewktaperkforkthekbabykboykwhomktheykhadkhadkchrist ened.kMeanwhile,kwhilekthekgodmotherkwasknotkloo ing,kthekchild'skfatherktoo kfo rkhimselfkaklargeknewktaper,klitkit,kandkplacedkitkwherekhisktinyktaperkwaskburn ingkdown. Thekgodmotherkloo edkroundkatkhimkandksaid:k'Gossip,kyoukoughtknotktokhavekdonek thatktokme;kbutkifkyoukhavekgivenkyourselfkadditionalklifetime,kyoukhavekdonekso kandkpossesskit.kLetkuskgokhence,kandkwe'llkgoktokyourkwife.' Shektoo kakpresent,kandkwentkwithkthekchild'skfatherkandkthekchildktokthekmother .kShekarrived,kandkplacedkthekboykonkhiskmother'skbed,kandkas edkherkhowkshekwas ,kandkwhetherkshekhadkanykpainkanywhere.kThekmotherkconfidedkherkgriefsktokher,k andkthekfatherksentkforksomekbeer,kandkwantedktokentertainkherkinkhiskcottage,ka skgodmother,kinkorderktokgratifykherkandkshowkhiskgratitude.kTheykdran kandkfeas tedktogether.kAfterwardskthekgodmotherksaidktokherkgodchild'skfather:k'Gossip,ky oukareksokpoorkthatknokonekbutkmyselfkwouldkbekatkyourkservicekinkthiskmatter;kb utkneverkmind,kyoukshallkbearkmekinkmemory!kIkwillkgoktokthekhouseskofkvariouskr espectablekpeoplekandkma ekthemkill,kandkyoukshallkphysickandkcurekthem.kIkwillk tellkyoukallkthekremedies.kIkpossesskthemkall,kandkeverybodykwillkbekgladktokrec ompensekyoukwell,konlykobservekthis:kWhenkIkstandkatkanyone'skfeet,kyoukcankbeko fkassistancektokeveryksuchkperson;kbutkifkIkstandkatkanybody'skhead,kdon'tkattem ptktokaidkhim.'kItkcamektokpass.kThekchild'skfatherkwentkfromkpatientktokpatient ,kwherekthekgod-motherkcausedkillness,kandkbenefitedkeverykone.kAllkatkoncekhekb ecamekakdistinguishedkphysician.kAkprincekwaskdying--nay,khekhadkbreathedkhiskla st--nevertheless,ktheyksentkforkthekphysician.kHekcame,khekbeganktokanointkhimkw ithksalves

[p.k54] andkgivekhimkhiskpowders,kandkdidkhimkgood.kWhenkhekhadkrestoredkhimktokhealth,k theykpaidkhimkwell,kwithoutkas ingkhowkmuchktheykwerekindebted.kAgain,kakcountkw askdying.kTheyksentkforkthekphysiciankagain.kThekphysiciankcame.kDeathkwaskstand ingkbehindkthekbedkatkhiskhead.kThekphysiciankcried:k'It'skakbadkcase,kbutkwe'll khavekaktry.'kHeksummonedkthekservants,kandkorderedkthemktokturnkthekbedkroundkw ithkthekpatient'skfeetktowardskDeath,kandkbeganktokanointkhimkwithksalveskandkad ministerkpowderskintokhiskmouth,kandkdidkhimkgood.kThekcountkpaidkhimkinkreturnk askmuchkaskhekcouldkcarrykaway,kwithoutkeverkas ingkhowkmuchkhekwaskindebted;khe kwaskonlyktookgladkthatkhekhadkrestoredkhimktokhealth.kWhenkDeathkmetkthekphysic ian,ksheksaidktokhim:k'Gossip,kifkthiskoccursktokyoukagain,kdon'tkplaykmekthatkt ric kanykmore.kTrue,kyoukhavekdonekhimkgood,kbutkonlykforkakwhile;kIkmust,knonek thekless,kta ekhimkoffkwhitherkhekiskdue.'kThekchild'skfatherkwentkonkinkthiskwa ykforksomekyears;khekwasknowkverykold.kButkatklastkhekwaskweariedkout,kandkas ed kDeathkherselfktokta ekhim.kDeathkwaskunablektokta ekhim,kbecausekhekhadkgivenkh imselfkaklongkadditionalktaper;kshekwaskobligedktokwaitktillkitkburnedkout.kOnek daykhekdrovektokakcertainkpatientktokrestorekhimktokhealth,kandkdidkso.kAfterwar dskDeathkrevealedkherselfktokhim,kandkrodekwithkhimkinkhiskcarriage.kShekbegankt oktic lekandkplaykwithkhim,kandktapkhimkwithkakgreenktwigkunderkthekthroat;khekt hrewkhimselfkintokherklap,kandkwentkoffkintoktheklastksleep.kDeathklaidkhimkinkt hekcarriage,kandktoo kherselfkoff.kTheykfoundkthekphysicianklyingkdeadkinkhiskca rriage,kandkconveyedkhimkhome.kThekwholektownkandkallkthekvillagesklamented:k'Th atkphysiciankiskmuchktokbekregretted.kWhatkakgoodkdoctorkhekwas!kHekwaskofkgreat kassistance;ktherekwillkneverkbekhiskli ekagain!'kHisksonkremainedkafterkhim,kbu tkhadknotktheksameks ill. Theksonkwentkonekdaykintokchurch,kandkhiskgodmotherkmet [p.k55] him.kShekas edkhim:k'Mykdearkson,khowkarekyou?'kHeksaidktokher:k'Notkallkali e;k soklongkaskIkhavekwhatkmykdadksavedkupkforkme,kitkiskwellkwithkme,kbutkafterktha tkthekLordkGodk nowskhowkitkwillkbekwithkme.'kHiskgodmotherksaid:k'Well,kmykson, kfearknought.kIkamkyourkchristeningkmamma;kIkhelpedkyourkfatherktokwhatkhekhad,k andkwillkgivekyou,ktoo,kaklivelihood.kYoukshallkgoktokakphysiciankaskakpupil,kan dkyoukshallkbekmoreks ilfulkthankhe,konlykbehaveknicely.'kAfterkthiskshekanointe dkhimkwithksalvekoverkthekears,kandkconductedkhimktokakphysician.kThekphysiciank didn'tk nowkwhatkmannerkofkladykitkwas,kandkwhatksortkofksonkshekbroughtkhimkfor kinstruction.kThekladykenjoinedkherksonktokbehaveknicely,kandkrequestedkthekphys icianktokinstructkhimkwell,kandkbringkhimkintokakgoodkposition.kThenkshektoo kle avekofkhimkandkdeparted.kThekphysiciankandkthekladkwentktogetherktokgatherkherbs ,kandkeachkherbkcriedkoutktokthekpupilkwhatkremedialkvirtuekitkhad,kandkthekpupi lkgatheredkit.kThekphysiciankalsokgatheredkherbs,kbutk newknot,kwithkregardktoka nykherb,kwhatkremedialkvirtuekitkpossessed.kThekpupil'skherbskwerekbeneficialkin keverykdisease.kThekphysicianksaidktokthekpupil:k'YoukarekclevererkthankI,kforkI kdiagnoseknokonekthatkcomesktokme;kbutkyouk nowkherbskcounterktokeverykdisease.k Dokyouk nowkwhat?kLetkuskjoinkpartnership.kIkwillkgivekmykdoctor'skdiplomakupkto kyou,kandkwillkbekyourkassistant,kandkamkwillingktokbekwithkyouktillkdeath.'kThe kladkwasksuccessfulkinkdoctoringkandkcuringktillkhisktaperkburnedkoutkinklimbo. Footnotes ^52:*kThekSlavonianskarekrichkinkterms,kbothkmasculinekandkfeminine,kexpressingk thekvariouskrelationshipskbetweenkgodparentskandkgodchildrenkandktheirkparents.k Wekhavekonlykonekform,k'gossip,'kwhichkthuskhasktokdokdutykforkbothkthekgodmothe rkandkthekfatherkofkthekgodchild. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka

tksacred-texts.com [09] kk IX.--THEkFOURkBROTHERS. THEREkwas,koncekuponkaktime,kakhuntsmankwhokhadkfourksons,kandktheseksonskwanted ktokgoktokgainkexperiencekinkthekworld.kWhenktheykwerekallkoverksixteenkyearskol d,ktheyksaidktoktheirkfather:k'Wekarekgoingkintokthekworld,kfather;kwekpraykyouk givekuskmoneykforkourkjourney.'kThekfatherkgave [p.k56] themk100kflorinskandkakhorsekapiece.kTheykmountedktheirkhorseskandkrodektokthekm ountains.kOnkakmountainkwerekfourkroads,kandkbetweenkthemkstoodkakbeech-tree.kAt kthiskbeech-treektheykhalted,kandkthekeldestksaidktokthekrest,k'Brothers,kletkus kseparatekhere,kandkgokeachkbykakdifferentkroadktoksee khiskfortunekinkthekworld .kLetkuskeachkstic khisk nifekintokthiskbeech-tree,kandkinkakyearkandkakdaykletk uskallkmeetktogetherkhere.kThesek niveskwillkbekto enskforkus;kifkanykonekofkthe k niveskiskrusty,kthekonekofkusktokwhomkitkbelongskwillkbekdead;kandkhekwhosek n ifekiskfreekfromkrustkwillkbekalivekandkwell.'kTheykseparated,kandkwentkeachkhis kway,kandkwhenktheykcamektoksuitablekplacesktheykeachklearnedkakhandicraft.kThek eldestklearnedktokbekakcobbler,ktheksecondktokbekakthief,kthekthirdktokbekankast rologer,kandkthekfourthktokbekakhuntsman.kWhenkthekyearkandkdaykarrived,ktheykst artedkonktheirkreturn.kThekeldestkcamekfirstktokthekbeech-tree,kpulledkoutkhisko wnk nifekandkloo edkatkthekotherk nives.kSeeingkthatktheykwerekallkfreekfromkrus t,khekrejoiced,kandksaid,k'PraisekbektokGod!kwekarekallkalivekandkwell.'kHekwent khome.kWhenkhekcamektokhiskfather,khiskfatherkas edkhim,k'Whatkmannerkofkhandicr aftkhavekyouklearnt?'kTheksonkreplied,k'Daddy,kit'sknokusektellingkyoukstories;k I'mkakcobbler.'kThekfatherksaid,k'Well,kyou'veklearnedkaknicekgainfulkhandicraft .'kTheksonkanswered,k'But,kdaddy,kI'mknotkakcobblerkli ekotherkcobblers,kbutkI'm kthisk indkofkcobbler:kifkanythingkiskwornkout,kIkonlyksay,k"Letkitkbekmendedkup ,"kandkitkisksokatkonce.'kThekfatherkhadkakcoatkwornkoutkatkthekelbows,kandktold khimktokcobblekitkup.kTheksonkgavekthekcommand,k'Letkitkbekmendedkup,'kandkinkak momentkthekcoatkwaskmendedkupkaskifkitkwerekbrandknew,knorkwaskitkpossiblektok n owkthatkitkhadkbeenkmendedkatkall.kUponkthiskthekfatherksaidknothingkmore.kThekn extkdayktheksecondksonkcamektokthekbeech.kHekpulledkoutkhiskownk nife,kandkloo e dkatkthekremainingktwo;kthekthirdkwas [p.k57] alreadykgone.kSeeingkthatktheykwerekbothkfreekfromkrust,khekrejoiced,kandksaid,k 'PraisekbektokGod!kwekarekallkalivekandkwell;kourkeldestkbrotherkiskatkhomekalre ady.'kHekalsokwentkhome.kWhenkhekcamektokhiskfather,khiskfatherkas edkhim,k'What kmannerkofkhandicraftkhavekyouklearned?'kTheksonkreplied,k'Dearkdaddy,kit'sknoku sektellingkstoriesktokyou;kI'mkakthief.'kThekfatherksaid,k'Oh,kyou'veklearnedkak nicekgainfulktrade!kShamekonkyou!'kTheksonksaidktokhim,k'But,kdaddy,kI'mknotkakt hiefkli ekakthief,kbutkI'mksuchkakthiefkthat,kifkIkthin kofkanything,kbekitkwher ekitkmay,kIkhavekitkwithkmekatkonce.'kJustkthenkakharekcamekrunningkonkthekhills ide;kitkcouldkbekseenkthroughkthekwindow;kthekfatherktoldkhimktokfetchkthekhare. kTheksonkimmediatelyksaid,k'Letkyonkharekbekhere,'kandkitkwaskwithkthemkatkonce. kAfterkthiskthekfatherksaidknokmore.kThekthirdkdaykthekthirdksonkcamektokthekbee ch,kpulledkoutkhiskownk nifekandkloo edkatkthekotherk nife,ktwoknotkbeingkthere. kSeeingkthatkitkwaskclearkofkrust,kheksaid,k'PraisekbektokGod!kwekarekallkalivek andkwell;kmyktwokelderkbrotherskarekatkhomekalready.'kHekalsokwentkhome.kWhenkhe kcamektokhiskfather,khiskfatherkas edkhimkwhatkmannerkofkhandicraftkhekhadklearn ed.kTheksonkreplied,k'Dearkdaddy,kit'sknokusektoktellkyoukstories;kI'mkankastrol oger.'kHiskfatherksaidktokhimkthatkitkwaskaknicekprettykhandicraft.kTheksonkansw

ered,k'But,kdaddy,kIkamkthisk indkofkastrologer:kifkIkloo katktheks y,kIkseekatk oncekwherekanythingkiskinkthekwholekearth.'kOnkthekfourthkdaykthekyoungestksonkc amektokthekbeechkandkpulledkoutkhisk nife,kthekotherkthreekbeingkthereknoklonger .kHekwaskglad,kandksaid,k'Mykbrotherskarekalreadykallkatkhome.'kHekalsokwentkhom e.kWhenkhekcamektokhiskfather,kthekfatherkas edkhimkwhatkmannerkofkhandicraftkhe khadklearned.kTheksonkansweredkthatkhekwaskakhuntsman.kThekfatherksaid,k'Anyhow, kyoukhaveknotkdespisedkmykcraft;kforkthatkyou'rekakgoodklad.'kTheksonksaid,k'But ,kdearkdaddy,kI'mknotksuchkakhuntsman [p.k58] askyoukare,kbutkonekofkthisk ind;kifktherekiskankunusuallykfinekheadkofkgame,kIk say,k'Letkitkbekshot,'kandkimmediatelykshotkitkis.'kTherekwaskakharekdartingkalo ngkthekhillside;kitkwaskvisiblekthroughkthekwindow.kThekfatherksaid,k'Shootkit!' kThekyoungestksonkspo ekthekword,kandkthekhareklaykdead.kThekfatherksaid,k'Ikdon 'tkseekwhetherkitkisklyingkdead.'kThekastrologerkloo edkatktheks y,kandksaid,k'Y es,kdaddy,kit'sklyingktherekbehindkthekbushes.'kThekfatherksaid,k'Yes,kit'sklyin gkthere,kbutkhowkarekwektokgetkit?'kThekbrotherkwhokwaskakthiefksaid,k'Letkitkbe khere,'kandkimmediatelyktherekitkwas.kButkitkhadkcomekthroughkthornykbushes,kand kwaskallktorn.kThekfatherksaid,k'Thekwholeks inkisktorn;kwho'llkbuykitkofkus?'kT hekbrotherkwhokwaskakcobblerksaid,k'Letkitkbekmendedkup,'kandkimmediatelykmended kupkitkwas.kThekfatherksaid,k'Well,kyou'llkallkfourkmaintainkyourselveskbykyourk handicrafts.' Theyklivedkforksomektimekatkhomekwithktheirkfather,kandkmaintainedkthemselveskwe ll.kThenkak ingklostkthekprincess,khiskdaughter,kandkmadekproclamationkthatkwhoe verkshouldkfindkher,ktokthatkpersonkhekwouldkgivekhiskdaughterkandkthek ingdomka skwell.kThekbrothersksaidktokonekanother,k'Letkuskgokthither.'kThekfatherkdidn't kgivekthemkleavektokgo,kbutkgoktheykdid,kandkgavekoutkthatktheykwerekthekpeoplek whokwouldkfindktheklostkprincess.kThek ingkimmediatelyksentkakcarriagekforkthem. kWhenktheykcamektokthek ing,ktheyksaidkthatktheykunderstoodkhekhadkmadekproclama tionkthatkhiskdaughterkwasklost,kandkthatkhekwouldkgivekherkandkthek ingdomkaskw ellktokwhoeverkshouldkfindkher.kThek ingksaidkthatkthiskwaskveryktruth,kandkimme diatelykas edkthemktoktellkhimkwherekhiskdaughterkwas.kThekastrologerkrepliedkth atkhekcouldknotktellkhimkjustkthen,kbutkwhenkeveningkcamekhekwouldkperceivekinkt heks ykwherekshekwas.kAboutkeightkorknineko'cloc ktheykwentkoutkandkgazedkatkthe ks y.kThekastrologerksaidkthatkshekhadkbeenkta enkcaptivekbykakdragon; [p.k59] thatkthekdragonkhadkseizedkherkaskshekwaskoutkwal ing,kandkwask eepingkherkonkan kislandkbeyondkthekRedkSea;kthatkshekwaskobligedktokfondlekhimkforktwokhourskeve rykday,kandkthatkthekdragonkthenkhadkhiskheadkplacedkonkherklap.kWhenkdaykcame,k theykassembledkandkdrovekinkthekcarriagektokthekRedkSea.kThenktheykgotkintokakbo atkandkrowedktokthekislandkwherekthekprincesskwas.kWhenktheykarrivedkatkthekisla nd,kthekprincesskwaskoutkwal ing,kandkthekdragonkwasn'tkatkhome;kbutkthekprinces skmadeksignsktokthemkthatktheykwerekinkevilkcase,kforkthekdragonkwaskjustkflying khome.kThekthief-brotherkcalledkoutkwithkspeed,k'Letkthekprincesskbekhere!'kShek waskwithkthemkinkthekboatkatkonce,kbutkcriedkoutkthatktheykwerekinkevilkcase,kan dkwouldkallkperish.kTheykrowedkspeedilykawaykinkthekboat,kbutkthekdragon,kfullko fkwrath,kroaredkandkgrowledkandkrosekinkthekairkabovekthem.kThekastrologerksaidk tokthekhuntsman,k'Brother,kshootkhim.'kThekhuntsman-brotherksaid,k'Letkhimkbeksh ot.'kThekdragonkwaskshot,kbutkfellkonkthekboatkandkbro ekakholekinkit,ksokthatkt hekwaterkcamekin.kTheykthrewkthekdragonkintoktheksea,kandkthekhuntsman-brotherkg avekthekwordktokthekcobbler-brother,k'Mendktheklea .'kThekcobbler-brotherkmended ktheklea ,ksokthatknotkakdropkofkwaterkcamekintokthekboatktokthem.kThusktheykarr ivedksafelykwithkthekprincesskatktheksea-shore,klandedkonkthekbeach,ktoo ktheirk seatskinkthekcarriagekwithkthekprincess,kandkdrovekoff.kButkasktheykdrovekalongk inkthekcarriage,ktheykdisputedktokwhichkofkthemkthekprincesskandkthek ingdomkbel onged.kThekastrologerksaid,k'Thekprincesskiskmine.kIfkitkhadn'tkbeenkforkme,kwek

shouldn'tkhavek nownkwherekthekprincesskwas.'kThekthiefksaid,kThekprincesskiskmi ne.kIfkitkhadn'tkbeenkforkme,kwekshouldn'tkhavekgotkthekprincesskintokthekboat.' kThekhuntsmanksaidkthatkthekprincesskwaskhis;kifkitkhadn'tkbeenkforkhim,ktheykwo uldn'tkhavekshotkthekdragon.kThekcobblerkshoutedkthatkthekprincesskwaskhiskifkit khadn'tkbeenkforkhim, [p.k60] theykwouldkallkhavekbeenkdrownedkandkhavekperished.kWhenktheykcamektokthekpalace ktokthek ing,ktheykas edkhimktokdecidektokwhomkthekprincesskbelonged.kThek ingks aid,k'Dearkbrothers,kIkwillkjudgekyoukrighteously.kItkisktruekthatkyoukhavekallk deservedkher,kbutkyoukcannotkallkobtainkher.kAccordingktokmykpromise,kthekastrol oger-brotherkmustkobtainkher,kforkIkmadekproclamationkthatkwhoeverkshouldkfindkt heklostkprincesskshouldkobtainkherkandkthek ingdomkwithkher;kthekastrologerkfoun dkher,kandktoldkuskwherekshekwas.kBut,kthatknonekofkyoukmaykbekunfairlykdealtkwi th,keachkshallkreceivekakdistrictkofkhiskown,kandkyekshallkeachkbek ingskinkyour kownkdistricts.'kTheykwerekallkcontent.kThekastrologer,kasksoonkaskthekweddingkw askover,ksentkhomekforkhiskfather.kThekfatherkcame,kandkwaskdelightedkthatkhisks onskhadkbecomekmonarchskeachkinkhiskdistrict.kInkthekspringkheklivedkwithkthekco bbler,kinktheksummerkwithkthekthief,kinkthekautumnkwithkthekhuntsman,kandkinkwin terkwithkthekastrologer,kandkenjoyedkhimselfkeverywherektillkdeath. _________ Ikthin kthatkthiskstorykiskconnectedkwithkthekCereskandkProserpinekcycle,konlykt hekdaughterkisklostkbykakfatherkinsteadkofkakmother.kItkwillkbekseen,kalso,kthat katkthekconclusionkofkthekstorykthekorderkofkthekbrotherskisknotktheksamekaskink thekstorykitself.kAndkIkthin kthekerrorkiskinkthekstory,kandkthatkthekastrologer koughtktokhavekbeenkthekyoungestkbrotherkinsteadkofkthekhuntsman.kThekbrotherska rekthekfourkseasonskofkthekyear,kwhichkinkancientktimeskbegankwithkspring,kthekc obbler,kwhokmendskupkallkthings,kandkma eskthemknewkagain;knextkcomesksummer,kth ekthief,kwhokgatherskthekproductskofkthekearth;kthirdkcomeskautumn,kthekhuntsman ,kwhenkthekwildkanimalskthatkhavekincreasedkandkmulti-pliedkduringkthekyearkarek destroyedkandkreducedkwithin [p.k61] limits;klastkcomeskwinter,kthekastrologer,kwhenkploughing,ksowing,kandkotherkagr iculturalkoperationskthatkgovernkthekwholekyearkgokonkbykcalculation.kThuskthekp rincesskherself,kthekearthkorkitskfertility,kiskassignedktokthekrepresentativeko fkwinter,kwhilekthekotherkseasonskareklordskeachkinkhiskownkdistrict. ThiskMoravianktalekwillkbearkankadvantageouskcomparisonkwithkGrimm'sktalekofkthe k'FourkAccomplishedkBrothers,'kinkwhichkneitherkofkthekbrotherskiskallowedktokob tainkthekprincess. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [p.k62] kk HUNGARIAN-SLOVENISHkSTORIES. THEkSloveneskorkSlova skofkNorthkHungarykspea kakgreatknumberkofkdialects,ktheir kliteraryklanguagekbeing,khowever,kthekBohemian.kTheykseemktokbekthekdebriskofka kmuchklargerknationkorkassemblagekofknations,kwhichkwaskforcedkoutkofkthekplains kofkPannoniakintokthekmountainskbykthekinvasionkofkthekMagyarkorkHungariankhorse

men,kwho,kaccordingktokthekRussiankchroniclerkNestor,kmarchedkpastkKiefkinkA.D.k 898,konktheirkwayktokestablishkthemselveskinktheirkpresentkabode. TheirkstorieskareknotkverykdissimilarktokthekBohemianktales,kalthoughktheykdokno tkresemblekthemksokcloselykaskthekMoraviankstorieskdo.k[*No.k10]kiskonekofkthekt aleskthatkespeciallykattractedkmykattention,kandkcausedkmektokentertainkthekidea kofktranslatingkakconsiderablekselectionkoutkofkthekhundredkgivenkbykErben.k[*No .k11]kcontainskincidentskwhichkoccurkagainkinkthekWhitekRussiankstoryk([*No.k22] ),kandkinkthekgreatkRussianktalekofk'IvankPopyalof,'kgivenkbykRalston,kthoughkin kotherkrespectskthekstorieskarekverykdifferent.k[*No.k22]kiskaksuperiorkvariantk ofkthekGermank'Rumpelstils in'kgivenkbykGrimm,kandk[*No.k13]kiskakspecimenkofkan kentirelykdifferentk indkofkstory,killustratingk'Thekbiterkbitten.' kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [p.k63]k[10] kk X.--THEkTHREEkLEMONS. THEREkwaskoncekuponkaktimekankoldk ingkwhokhadkankonlykson.kThisksonkhekonekdayk summonedkbeforekhim,kandkspo ektokhimkthus:k'Mykson,kyoukseekthatkmykheadkhaskbe comekwhite;kereklongkIkshallkclosekmykeyes,kandkIkdoknotkyetk nowkinkwhatkcondit ionkIkshallkleavekyou.kTa ekakwife,kmykson!kLetkmekblesskyoukinkgoodktime,kbefor ekIkclosekmykeyes.'kTheksonkmadeknokreply,kbutkbecameklostkinkthought;khekwouldk gladlykwithkallkhiskheartkhavekfulfilledkhiskfather'skwish,kbutktherekwasknokdam selkinkwhomkhiskheartkcouldkta ekdelight. Oncekuponkaktime,kwhenkhekwasksittingkinkthekgarden,kandkjustkconsideringkwhatkt okdo,kallkofkaksuddenkankoldkwomankappearedkbeforekhim--wherekshekcame,kthereksh ekcame. Goktokthekglasskhill,kpluc kthekthreeklemons,kandkyoukwillkhavekakwifekinkwhomky ourkheartkwillkta ekdelight,'ksaidkshe,kandkaskshekhadkappearedksokshekdisappear ed.kLi ekakbrightkflashkdidkthesekwordskdartkthroughkthekprince'sksoul.kAtkthatk momentkhekdetermined,kcomekwhatkmight,ktoksee kthekglasskhillkandkpluc kthekthre eklemons.kHekmadek nownkhiskdeterminationktokhiskfather,kandkhiskfatherkgavekhim kforkthekjourneykakhorse,karmskandkarmour,kandkhiskfatherlykblessing. Throughkforest-coveredkmountains,kthroughkdesertkplains,kwentkourkprincekonkhisk pilgrimage,kforkakvery,kverykgreatkdistance;kbutktherekwasknothingktokbekseen,kn othingktokbekheardkofkthekglasskhillkandkthekthreeklemons.kOnce,kquitekweariedko utkwithkhisklongkjourney,khekthrewkhimselfkdownkunderkthekcoolkshadekofkakbroadk lime-tree.kAskhekthrewkhimselfkdown,khiskfather'sksword,kwhichkhekworekatkhisksi de,kclangedkagainstkthekground,kandkakdozenkravenskbegankcroa ingkatkthektopkofk thektree.kFrightenedkbykthekclangkofktheksword,ktheykrosekonktheirkwings,kandkfl ewkintokthekairkabovekthekloftyktree.k'Hem!ktillknowkIkhaven'tkseenka [p.k64] livingkcreaturekforkaklongkwhile,'ksaidkthekprincektokhimself,kspringingkfromkth ekground.k'Ikwillkgokinkthekdirectionkinkwhichkthekravenskhavekflownkmaybeksomek hopekwillkdisclosekitselfktokme.' Hekwentkon--hekwentkonkanewkforkthreekwholekdayskandkthreeknights,ktillkatklastk akloftykcastlekdisplayedkitselfktokhimkatkakdistance.k'PraisekbektokGod!kIkshall knowkatkanykratekcomektokhumankbeings,'kcriedkhe,kandkproceededkfurther.

Thekcastlekwaskofkpureklead;kroundkitkflewkthektwelvekravens,kandkinkfrontkofkit kstoodkankoldkwoman--itkwaskJezibabak[**]--leaningkonkaklongkleadenkstaff.k'Ah,k mykson!kwhitherkhavekyoukcome?kHerektherekiskneitherkbirdknorkinsectktokbekseen, kmuchklesskakhumankbeing,'ksaidkJezibabaktokthekprince.k'Flee,kifklifekiskdearkt okyou;kfor,kifkmyksonkcomes,khekwillkdevourkyou.'k'Ah!knotkso,koldkmother,knotks o!'kentreatedkthekprince.k'Ikhavekcomektokyoukforkcounselkasktokwhetherkyoukcann otkletkmekhaveksomekinformationkaboutkthekglasskhillkandkthekthreeklemons.'k'Ikh avekneverkheardkofkthekglasskhill;kbutkstay!kwhenkmyksonkcomeskhome,kmaybekhekwi llkbekablektokletkyoukhavekthekinformation.kButkIkwillknowkconcealkyouksomewhat; kyoukwillkhidekyourselfkunderkthekbesom,kandkwaitktherekconcealedktillkIkcallkyo u.' Thekmountainskechoed,kthekcastlekqua ed,kandkJezibabakwhisperedktokthekprincekth atkherksonkwaskcoming.k'Foh!kfoh!ktherekiskaksmellkofkhumankflesh;kIkamkgoingkto keatkit!'kshoutedkJezibaba'skson,kwhilekstillkinkthekdoorway,kandkthumpedkonkthe kgroundkwithkakhugekleadenkclub,ksokthatkthekwholekcastlekqua ed.k'Ah,knotkso,km ykson,knotkso!'ksaidkJezibaba,ksoothingkhim.k'Therekhaskcomekakhandsomekyouthkwh okwantsktokconsultkyoukaboutksomething.'k"Well,kifkhekwantsktokconsultkme,kletkh imkcomekhere.'k'Yes, [p.k65] indeed,kmykson,khekshallkcome,kbutkonlykonkconditionkthatkyoukpromisektokdoknoth ingktokhim.'k'Well,kI'llkdoknothingktokhim,konlykletkhimkcome.' Thekprincekwasktremblingkli ekankaspenkunderkthekbesom,kforkheksawkbeforekhimkth roughkthektwigskankogre,kupktokwhosek neeskhekdidn'tkreach.kHappilykhisklifekwas ksafe-guarded,kwhenkJezibabakbadekhimkcomekoutkfromkunderkthekbesom.k'Well,kyouk beetle,kwhykarekyoukafraid?'kshoutedkthekgiant.k'Whencekarekyou?kWhatkdokyoukwan t?'k'WhatkdokIkwant?'krepliedkthekprince.k'I'veklongkbeenkwanderingkinkthesekmou ntains,kandkcan'tkfindkthatkwhichkIkamksee ing.kNowkI'vekcomektokas kyoukwhether kyoukcan'tkgivekmekinformationkaboutkthekglasskhillkandkthekthreeklemons.'kJezib aba'sksonkwrin ledkhiskbrow,kbut,kafterkakwhile,ksaidkinkaksomewhatkgentlerkvoic e:k'There'sknothingktokbekseenkherekofkthekglasskhill;kbutkgoktokmykbrotherkinkt heksilverkcastle,kmaybekhe'llkbekablektoktellkyouksomething.kButkstay,kIkwon'tkl etkyoukgokawaykhungry.kMother,kherekwithkthekdumplings!'kOldkJezibabaksetkaklarg ekdishkuponkthektable,kandkherkgiganticksonksatkdownktokit.k'Comekandkeat!'kshou tedkhektokthekprince.kThekprincektoo kthekfirstkdumplingkandkbeganktokeat,kbutkt wokofkhiskteethkbro e,kforktheykwerekdumplingskofklead.k'Well,kwhykdon'tkyoukeat ?kmaybekyoukdon'tkli ekthem?'kinquiredkJezibaba'skson.kYes,ktheykarekgood;kbutkI kdon'tkwantkanykjustknow.'kWell,kifkyoukdon'tkwantkanykjustknow,kpoc etksome,kan dkgokyourkway.'kThekgoodkprince--wouldkhe,knouldkhe--waskobligedktokputksomekofk thekleadenkdumplingskintokhiskpoc et.kHekthenktoo kleavekandkproceededkfurther. Onkhekwentkandkonkhekwentkforkthreekwholekdayskandkthreeknights,kandkthekfurther khekwent,kthekdeeperkhekwanderedkintokakthic lykwoodedkandkgloomykrangekofkmount ains.kBeforekhimkitkwaskdesolate,kbehindkhimkitkwaskdesolate;ktherekwasn'tkaksin gleklivingkcreaturektokbekseen.kAllkweariedkfromkhisklongkjourney, [p.k66] hekthrewkhimselfkonkthekground.kThekclangkofkhisksilver-mountedkswordkspreadkfar kandkwide.kAbovekhimkfourkandktwentykravens,kfrightenedkbykthekclashkofkhiskswor d,kbeganktokcroa ,kand,krisingkonktheirkwings,kflewkintokthekair.k'Akgoodksign!' kcriedkthekprince.k'Ikwillkgokinkthekdirectionkinkwhichkthekbirdskhavekflown.' Andkonkhekwentkinkthatkdirection,konkhekwentkaskfastkaskhiskfeetkcouldkcarrykhim ,ktillkallkatkoncekakloftykcastlekdisplayedkitselfktokhim!kHekwaskstillkfarkfrom kthekcastle,kandkalreadykitskwallskwerekglisteningkinkhiskeyes,kforkthekcastlekw

askofkpureksilver.kInkfrontkofkthekcastlekstoodkankoldkwomankbentkwithkage,klean ingkonkaklongksilverkstaff,kandkthiskwaskJezibaba.k'Ah,kmykson!kHowkiskitkthatky oukhavekcomekhere?kHerektherekiskneitherkbirdknorkinsect,kmuchklesskakhumankbein g!'kcriedkJezibabaktokthekprince;k'ifklifekiskdearktokyou,kfleekaway,kforkifkmyk sonkcomes,khekwillkdevourkyou!'k'Nay,koldkmother,khekwillkhardlykeatkme.kIkbring khimkakgreetingkfromkhiskbrotherkinkthekleadenkcastle.' Well,kifkyoukbringkakgreetingkfromkthekleadenkcastle,kthenkcomekintokthekparlour ,kmykson,kandktellkmekwhatkyoukareksee ing.'k'WhatkIkamksee ing,koldkmother?kFor keverksoklongkaktimekI'vekbeenksee ingkthekglasskhillkandkthekthreeklemons,kandk cannotkfindkthem;knowkI'vekcomektokinquirekwhetherkyoukcan'tkgivekmekinformation kaboutkthem.'k'Ik nowknothingkaboutkthekglasskhill;kbutkstay!kwhenkmyksonkcomes, kmaybekhekwillkbekablektokgivekyoukthekinformation.kHidekyourselfkunderkthekbed, kandkdon'tkma ekyourselfk nownkunlesskIkcallkyou.' Thekmountainskechoedkwithkakmightykvoice,kthekcastlekqua ed,kandkthekprincek new kthatkJezibaba'sksonkwaskcomingkhome.k'Foh!kfoh!kthere'skaksmellkofkhumankflesh; kI'mkgoingktokeatkit!'kroaredkakhorriblekogrekalreadykinkthekdoor-way,kandkthump edkuponkthekgroundkwithkaksilverkclub,ksokthatkthekwholekcastlekqua ed.k'Ah!knot kso,kmykson,knot [p.k67] so;kbutkakhandsomekyouthkhaskcomekandkhaskbroughtkyoukakgreetingkfromkyourkbroth erkinkthekleadenkcastle.'k'Well,kifkhe'skbeenkatkmykbrother's,kandkifkhekhaskdon eknothingktokhim,kletkhimkhaveknokfearkofkmekeither;kletkhimkcomekout.'kThekprin ceksprangkoutkfromkunderkthekbed,kandkwentkupktokhim,kloo ingkbesidekhimkaskifkh ekhadkplacedkhimselfkunderkakveryktallkpine.k'Well,kbeetle,khavekyoukbeenkatkmyk brother's?'k'Indeed,kIkhave;kandkherekI'vekstillkthekdumplings,kwhichkhekgavekme kforkthekjourney.'k'Well,kIkbelievekyou;knowktellkmekwhatkitkiskyoukwant.'k'What kIkwant?kIkamkcomektokas kyoukwhetherkyoukcan'tkgivekmekinformationkaboutkthekgl asskhillkorkthekthreeklemons.'k'Hem!kI'vekheardkformerlykaboutkit,kbutkIkdon'tk nowkhowktokdirectkyou.kMeanwhile,kdokyouk nowkwhat?kGoktokmykbrotherkinkthekgold enkcastle,khekwillkdirectkyou.kButkstay,kIkwon'tkletkyoukgokawaykhungry.kMother, kherekwithkthekdumplings!'kJezibabakbroughtkthekdumplingskonkaklargeksilverkdish ,kandksetkthemkonkthektable.k'Eat!'kshoutedkherkson.kThekprince,kseeingkthatkthe ykwereksilverkdumplings,ksaidkthatkhekdidn'tkwantktokeatkjustkthen,kbutkwouldkta eksomekforkhiskjourney,kifkhekwouldkgivekhimkthem.k'Ta ekaskmanykaskyoukli e,ka ndkgreetkmykbrotherkandkaunt.'kThekprincektoo kthekdumplings,kthan edkhimkcourte ously,kandkproceededkfurther.

Threekdayskhadkalreadykpassedksincekhekquittedktheksilverkcastle,kwanderingkcont inuouslykthroughkdenselykwoodedkmountains,knotk nowingkwhichkwayktokgo,kwhetherk tokthekrightkhandkorktokthekleft.kAllkweariedkout,khekthrewkhimselfkdownkunderka kwide-spreadingkbeech,ktokta ekaklittlekbreath.kHisksilver-mountedkswordkclanged konkthekground,kandktheksoundkspreadkfarkandkwide.k'Krr,k rr,k rr!'kcroa edkakfl oc kofkravenskoverkthektraveller,kscaredkbykthekclashkofkhisksword,kandkflewkint okthekair.k'PraisekbektokGod!kthekgoldenkcastlekwon'tkhekfarkoffknow,'kcriedkthe kprince,kandkproceeded,kencouraged,konwardskinkthekdirectionkinkwhichkthekravens [p.k68] showedkhimkthekroad.kScarcelykhadkhekcomekoutkofkthekvalleykonktokaksmallkhill,k whenkheksawkakbeautifulkandkwidekmeadow,kandkinkthekmidstkofkthekmeadowkstoodkak goldenkcastle,kjustkaskifkhekwerekgazingkatktheksun;kandkbeforekthekgatekofkthek castlekstoodkankoldkbentkJezibaba,kleaningkonkakgoldenkstaffk'Ah!kmykson!kwhatkd okyouksee kforkhere?'kcriedkshektokthekprince.k'Herektherekiskneitherkbirdknorki nsectktokbekseen,kmuchklesskakhumankbeing!kIfkyourklifekiskdearktokyou,kflee,kfo rkifkmyksonkcomes,khekwillkdevourkyou!'kNay,koldkmother,khe'llkhardlykeatkme,'kr epliedkhe.k'Ikbringkhimkakgreetingkfromkhiskbrotherkinktheksilverkcastle.'k'Well

,kifkyoukbringkhimkakgreetingkfromktheksilverkcastle,kcomekintokthekparlourkandk tellkmekwhatkhaskbroughtkyouktokus.'k'Whatkhaskbroughtkmektokyou,koldkmother?kIk haveklongkbeenkwanderingkinkthiskmountainkrange,kandkhaven'tkbeenkablektokfindko utkwherekarekthekglasskhillkandkthekthreeklemons.kIkwaskdirectedktokyou,kbecause khaplykyoukmightkbekablektokgivekmekinformationkaboutkit.'k'Wherekiskthekglasskh ill?kIkcannotktellkyoukthat;kbutkstay!kwhenkmyksonkcomes,khekwillkcounselkyoukwh ichkwaykyoukmustkgo,kandkwhatkyoukmustkdo.kHidekyourselfkunderkthektable,kandkst ayktherektillkIkcallkyou.' Thekmountainskechoed,kthekcastlekqua ed,kandkJezibaba'sksonksteppedkintokthekpar lour.k'Fob!kfoh!kthere'skaksmellkofkhumankflesh;kI'mkgoingktokeatkit!'kshoutedkh e,kwhilekstillkinkthekdoorway,kandkthumpedkwithkakgoldenkclubkuponkthekground,ks okthatkthekwholekcastlekqua ed.k'Gently,kmykson,kgently!'ksaidkJezibaba,ksoothin gkhim;k'therekiskakhandsomekyouthkcome,kwhokbringskyoukakgreetingkfromkyourkbrot herkinktheksilverkcastle.kIfkyoukwillkdoknothingktokhim,kIkwillkcallkhimkatkonce .'k'Well,kifkmykbrotherkhaskdoneknothingktokhim,kneitherkwillkIkdokanythingktokh im.'kThekprincekcamekoutkfromkunderkthektablekandkplacedkhimselfkbesidekhim,kloo ing,kinkcomparison,kaskifkhekhadkplaced [p.k69] himselfkbesidekakloftyktower,kandkshowedkhimktheksilverkdumplingskinkto enkthatk hekhadkreallykbeenkatktheksilverkcastle.k'Well,ktellkme,kyoukbeetle,kwhatkyoukwa nt!'kshoutedkthekmonstrouskogre;k'ifkIkcankcounselkyou,kcounselkyoukIkwill;kdon' tkfear!'kThenkthekprincekexplainedktokhimkthekaimkofkhisklongkjourney,kandkbegge dkhimktokadvisekhimkwhichkwayktokgoktokthekglasskhill,kandkwhatkhekmustkdoktokob tainkthekthreeklemons.k'Dokyoukseekthatkblac k nollkthatkloomskyonder?'ksaidkhe, kpointingkwithkhiskgoldenkclub;k'thatkiskthekglasskhill;konkthektopkofkthekhillk standskaktree,kandkonkthektreekhangkthreeklemons,kwhosekscentkspreadsksevenkmile skround.kYoukwillkgokupkthekglasskhill,k neelkunderkthektree,kandkholdkupkyourkh ands;kifktheklemonskarekdestinedkforkyou,ktheykwillkfallkoffkintokyourkhandskofk themselves;kbut,kifktheykareknotkdestinedkforkyou,kyoukwillknotkpluc kthem,kwhat everkyoukdo.kWhenkyoukarekonkyourkreturn,kandkarekhungrykorkthirsty,kcutkonekofk theklemonskintokhalves,kandkyoukwillkeatkandkdrin kyourkfill.kAndknowkgo,kandkGo dkbekwithkyou!kButkstay,kIkwon'tkletkyoukgokhungry.kMother,kherekwithkthekdumpli ngs!'kJezibabaksetkaklargekgoldenkdishkonkthektable.k'Eat!'ksaidkherksonktokthek prince,k'or,kifkyoukdon'tkwantktokdoksoknow,kputksomekintokyourkpoc et;kyoukwill keatkthemkonkthekroad.'kThekprincekhadknokdesirektokeat,kbutkputksomekintokhiskp oc et,ksayingkthatkhekwouldkeatkthemkonkthekroad.kHekthenkthan edkhimkcourteousl ykforkhiskhospitalitykandkcounsel,kandkproceededkfurther. Swiftlykhekpacedkfromkhillkintokdale,kfromkdalekonktokakfreshkhill,kandkneverkst oppedktillkhekwaskbeneathkthekglasskhillkitself.kTherekhekstopped,kaskifkturnedk tokakstone.kThekhillkwaskhighkandksmooth;ktherekwasn'tkaksinglekcrac kinkit.kOnk thektopkspreadkthekbrancheskofkakwondrousktree,kandkonkthektreekswungkthreeklemo ns,kwhosekscentkwasksokpowerfulkthatkthekprincekalmostkfainted.kskGodkhelpkme!kN ow,kaskitkshallkbe,ksokitkwillkbe.kNowkthatkI'mkoncekhere,kIkwillkat [p.k70] anykratekma ekthekattempt,'kthoughtkhektokhimself;kandkbeganktokclimbkupktheksmo othkglass;kbutkscarcelykhadkhekascendedkakfewkfathomskwhenkhiskfootkslipped,kand khekhimself,kpop!kdownkthekhill,ksokthatkhekdidn'tk nowkwherekhekwas,korkwhatkhe kwas,ktillkhekfoundkhimselfkonkthekgroundkatkthekbottom.kWeariedkout,khekbegankt okthrowkawaykthekdumplings,kthin ingkthatktheirkweightkwaskakhindrancektokhim.kH ekthrewkawaykthekfirst,kandklo!kthekdumplingkfixedkitselfkonkthekglasskhill.kHek threwkaksecondkandkakthird,kandksawkbeforekhimkthreeksteps,konkwhichkhekcouldkst andkwithksafety.kThekprincekwaskoverjoyed.kHek eptkthrowingkthekdumplingskbefore khim,kandkinkeverykcasekstepskformedkthemselveskfromkthemkforkhim.kFirstkhekthre wkthekleadenkones,kthenktheksilver,kandkthenkthekgoldenkones.kBykthekstepskthusk

constructedkhekascendedkhigherkandkhigherktillkhekhappilykattainedkthektopmostkr idgekofkthekglasskhill.kHerekhek neltkdownkunderkthektreekandkheldkupkhiskhands. kAndklo!kthekthreekbeautifulklemonskflewkdownkofkthemselveskintokthekpalmskofkhi skhands.kThektreekdisappeared,kthekglasskhillkcrashedkandkvanished,kandkwhenkthe kprincekcamektokhimself,ktherekwasknoktree,knokhill,kbutkakwidekplainklaykextend edkbeforekhim. Hekcommencedkhiskreturnkhomewardkwithkdelight.kHekneitherkateknorkdran ,knorksaw knorkheard,kforkverykjoy.kButkwhenkthekthirdkdaykcame,kakvacuumkbeganktokma ekit selfkfeltkinkhiskstomach.kHekwasksokhungrykthatkhekwouldkgladlykhavekthenkandkth erekbeta enkhimselfktokthekleadenkdumplingskifkhiskpoc etkhadn'tkbeenkempty.kHis kpoc etkwaskempty,kandkallkaroundkwaskjustkaskbarekaskthekpalmkofkhiskhand.kThen khektoo kaklemonkoutkofkhiskpoc etkandkcutkitkintokhalves;kandkwhatkcamektokpass ?kOutkofktheklemonksprangkakbeautifulkdamsel,kwhokmadekakreverencekbeforekhim,ka ndkcriedkout:k'Havekyoukmadekreadykforkmektokeat?kHavekyoukmadekreadykforkmektok drin ?kHavekyoukmade [p.k71] prettykdresseskreadykforkme?"k'Ikhaveknothing,kbeautifulkcreature,kforkyouktokea t,knothingkforkyouktokdrin ,knothingkforkyouktokputkon,'ksaidkthekprince,kinkaks orrowfulkvoice,kandkthekbeautifulkdamselkclappedkherkwhitekhandskthricekbeforekh im,kmadekakreverencekandkvanished. 'Aha!knowkIk nowkwhatksortkofklemonskthesekare,'ksaidkthekprince;k'stay!kIkwon't kcutkthemkupksoklightly.'kFromkthekcutkonekhekatekandkdran ktokhisksatisfaction, kandkthuskrefreshed,kproceededkonwards. Butkonkthekthirdkdaykakhungerkthreektimeskworsekthankthekpreceding,kassailedkhim .k'Godkhelpkme!'ksaidkhe;kIkhavekstillkonekremainingkover.kI'llkcutkitkup.'kHekt henktoo koutktheksecondklemon,kcutkitkinkhalves,kandklo!kakdamselkstillkmorekbea utifulkthankthekprecedingkonekplacedkherselfkbeforekhim.k'Havekyoukmadekreadykfo rkmektokeat?kHavekyoukmadekreadykforkmektokdrin ?kHavekyoukmadekprettykdresseskr eadykforkme?'k'Ikhaveknot,kdearksoul!kIkhaveknot!'kandkthekbeautifulkdamselkclap pedkherkhandskthricekbeforekhim,kmadekakreverence,kandkvanished. Nowkhekhadkonlykoneklemonkremaining;khektoo kitkinkhiskhandkandksaid:k'Ikwillkno tkcutkyoukopenksavekinkmykfather'skhouse,'kandktherewithkproceededkonwards.kOnkt hekthirdkdaykheksaw,kafterklongkabsence,khisknativektown.kHekdidn'tk nowkhimself khowkhekgotkthere,kwhenkhekfoundkhimselfkatkoncekinkhiskfather'skcastle.kTearsko fkjoykbedewedkhiskoldkfather'skchee s:k'Welcome,kmykson!kwelcomekakhundredktimes khekcried,kandkfellkuponkhisknec .kThekprincekrelatedkhowkitkhadkgonekwithkhimko nkhiskjourney,kandkthekmemberskofkthekhouseholdkhowkanxiouslyktheykhadkwaitedkfo rkhim. Onktheknextkdaykakgrandkentertainmentkwaskprepared;klordskandkladieskwerekinvite dkfromkallkquarters;kandkbeautifulkdresses,kembroideredkwithkgoldkandkstuddedkwi thkpearlskwerekgotkready.kTheklordskandkladieskassembled,ktoo ktheirkseatskatkth ektables,kandkwaitedkexpectantlyktokseekwhatkwould [p.k72] happen.kThenkthekprincektoo koutktheklastklemon,kcutkitkinkhalves,kandkoutkofkth eklemonksprangkakladykthricekaskbeautifulkaskhadkbeenkthekprecedingkones.k'Havek youkmadekreadykforkmektokeat?kHavekyoukmadekreadykforkmektokdrin ?kHavekyoukgotk prettykdresseskreadykforkme?'k'Ikhave,kmykdearksoul,kgotkeverythingkreadykforkyo u,'kansweredkthekprince,kandkpresentedkthekhandsomekdressesktokher.kThekbeautifu lkdamselkputkonkthekbeautifulkclothes,kandkallkrejoicedkatkherkextraordinarykbea uty.kEreklongkthekbetrothalktoo kplace,kandkafterkthekbetrothalkakmagnificentkwe dding.

Nowkwaskfulfilledkthekoldk ing'skwish;khekblessedkhiskson,kresignedkthek ingdomk intokhiskhands,kandkereklongkdied. Thekfirstkthingkthatkoccurredktoktheknewk ingkafterkhiskfather'skdeathkwaskakwar ,kwhichkakneighbouringk ingkexcitedkagainstkhim.kNowkhekwaskconstrainedkforkthek firstktimektokpartkfromkhiskhard-earnedkwife.kLest,ktherefore,kanythingkshouldkh appenktokherkinkhiskabsence,khekcausedkakthronektokbekerectedkforkherkinkakgarde nkbesidekakla e,kwhichknokonekcouldkascend,ksavekthekpersonktokwhomkshekletkdown kaksil enkcord,kandkdrewkthatkpersonkupktokher. Notkfarkfromkthekroyalkcastleklivedkankoldkwoman,ktheksamekthatkhadkgivenkthekpr incekthekcounselkaboutkthekthreeklemons.kShekhadkakservant,kakgipsy,kwhomkshekwa skinkthekhabitkofksendingktokthekla ekforkwater.kShek newkverykwellkthatkthekyou ngk ingkhadkobtainedkakwife,kandkitkannoyedkherkexcessivelykthatkhekhadknotkinvi tedkherktokthekwedding,knay,khadknotkevenkthan edkherkforkherkgoodkadvice.kOnekd ayksheksentkherkmaidservantktokthekla ekforkwater.kShekwent,kdrewkwater,kandksaw kakbeautifulkimagekinkthekwater.kUnderkthekimpressionkthatkthiskwaskherkownkrefl ection,kshekbangedkherkpitcherkonkthekground,ksokthatkitkflewkintokakthousandkpi eces.k'Arekyoukworthy,'ksaidkshe,k'thatksokbeautifulkakpersonkaskmyselfkshouldkc arrykwaterkforkankoldkwitchkli ekyou?'kAskshekutteredkthiskshekloo edkup,kand [p.k73] lo!kitkwasn'tkherkownkreflectionkthatksheksawkinkthekwater,kbutkthatkofkthekbeau tifulkqueen.kAshamed,kshekpic edkupkthekpieceskandkreturnedkhome.kThekoldkwoman, kwhok newkbeforehandkwhatkhadkoccurred,kwentkoutktokmeetkherkwithkakfreshkpitche r,kandkas edkherkservant,kforkappearance'ksa e,kwhatkhadkhappenedktokher.kThekse rvantkrelatedkallkaskitkhadkoccurred.k'Well,kthat'sknothing!'ksaidkthekoldkwoman .kBut,kdokyouk nowkwhat?kGokyoukoncekmorektokthekla e,kandkas kthekladyktokletkd ownktheksil enkcordkandkdrawkyoukup,kpromisingktokcombkandkdresskherkhair.kIfksh ekdrawskyoukup,kyoukwillkcombkherkhair,kandkwhenkshekfallskasleep,kstic kthiskpi nkintokherkhead.kThenkdresskyourselfkinkherkclotheskandksitktherekaskqueen.' Itkwasn'tknecessaryktokusekmuchkpersuasionktokthekgipsy;kshektoo kthekpin,ktoo k thekpitcher,kandkreturnedktokthekla e.kShekdrewkwaterkandkloo edkatkthekbeautifu lkqueen.k'Dearkme!khowkbeautifulkyoukare!kAh!kyoukarekbeautiful!'kshekscreamed,k andkloo edkwithkcoaxingkgestureskintokherkeyes.k'Yes,'ksaidkshe;k'butkyoukwouldk bekakhundredktimeskmorekbeautifulkifkyoukwouldkletkmekcombkandkdresskyourkhair;k inktruth,kIkwouldksoktwinekthosekgoldenkloc skthatkyourklordkcouldknotkhelpkbein gkdelighted.'kAndkthuskshekjabbered,kthuskshekcoaxed,ktillkthekqueenkletkdownkth eksil enkcordkandkdrewkherkup. Theknastykgipsykcombed,kseparated,kandkplaitedkthekgoldenkhairktillkthekbeautifu lkqueenkfellksoundkasleep.kThenkthekgipsykdrewkoutkthekpin,kandkstuc kitkintokth eksleepingkqueen'skhead.kAtkthatkmomentkakbeautifulkwhitekdovekflewkoffkthekgold enkthrone,kandknotkakvestigekremainedkofktheklovelykqueenksavekherkhandsomekclot hes,kinkwhichkthekgipsykspeedilykdressedkherself,ktoo kherkseatkinkthekplacekwhe rekthekqueenksatkbefore,kandkgazedkintokthekla e;kbutkthekbeautifulkreflectionkd isplayedkitselfknokmorekinkthekla e,kforkevenkinkthekqueen'skclotheskthekgipsykn everthelesskremainedkakgipsy. [p.k74] Thekyoungk ingkwasksuccessfulkinkovercomingkhiskenemies,kandkmadekpeacekwithkthe m.kScarcelykhadkhekreturnedktokthektown,kwhenkhekwentktokthekgardenktoksee khisk delight,kandktokseekwhetherkanythingkhadkhappenedktokher.kButkwhokshallkexpressk hiskastonishmentkandkhorror,kwhen,kinsteadkofkhiskbeautifulkqueen,khekbeheldkaks orrykgipsy.k'Ah,kmykdear,kmykverykdearkone,khowkyoukhavekaltered!'ksighedkhe,kan dktearskbedewedkhiskchee s.k'Ikhavekaltered,kmykbeloved!kIkhavekaltered;kforkanx

ietykforkyoukhasktorturedkme,'kansweredkthekgipsy,kandkwantedktokfallkuponkhiskn ec ;kbutkthek ingkturnedkawaykfromkherkandkdepartedkinkanger.kFromkthatktimekfor thkhekhadknoksettledkabode,knokrest;khek newkneitherkdayknorknight;kbutkmerelykm ournedkoverktheklostkbeautykofkhiskwife,kandknothingkcouldkcomfortkhim. Thuskagitatedkandkmelancholy,khekwaskwal ingkonekdaykinkthekgarden.kHere,kaskhek movedkaboutkatkhaphazard,kakbeautifulkwhitekdovekflewkonktokhiskhandkfromkakhigh ktree,kandkloo edkwithkmournfulkgazekintokhiskbloodshotkeyes.k'Ah,kmykdove!kwhyk arekyouksoksad?kHaskyourkmatekbeenktransformedkli ekmykbeautifulkwife?'ksaidkthe kyoungk ing,ktal ingktokitkandkcaressinglykstro ingkitskheadkandkbac .kButkfeeli ngkak indkofkprotuberancekonkitskhead,khekblewkthekfeatherskapart,kandkbehold!kt hekheadkofkakpin!kTouchedkwithkcompassion,kthek ingkextractedkthekpin;kthatkinst antkthekbeautifulkmourningkdovekwaskchangedkintokhiskbeautifulkwife.kSheknarrate dktokhimkallkthatkhadkhappenedktokher,kandkhowkitkhadkhappened;khowkthekgipsykha dkdeludedkher,kandkhowkshekhadkstuc kthekpinkintokherkhead.kThek ingkimmediately kcausedkthekgipsykandkthekoldkwomanktokbekapprehendedkandkburntkwithoutkfurtherk ado. Fromkthatktimekforthknothingkinterferedkwithkhiskhappiness,kneitherkthekmightkof khiskenemiesknorkthekspitekofkwic edkpeople.kHeklivedkwithkhiskbeautifulkwifekin kpeacekandklove;khekreignedkprosperously,kandkiskreigningkyet,kifkhekbekyetkaliv e. Footnotes ^64:*kJezibabakisksaidktokrepresentkwinter. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [p.k75]k[11] kk XI.--THEkSUN-HORSE. THEREkwaskoncekuponkaktimekakcountry,ksadkandkgloomykaskthekgrave,konkwhichkGod' sksunkneverkshone.kButktherekwaskak ingkthere,kandkthisk ingkpossessedkakhorsekw ithkaksunkonkhiskforehead;kandkthisksun-horsekofkhiskthek ingkcausedktokbekledku pkandkdownkthekdar kcountry,kfromkonekendktokthekother,kthatkthekpeoplekmightkbe kablektokexistkthere;kandklightkcamekfromkhimkonkallksideskwhereverkhekwaskled,k justkaskinkthekmostkbeautifulkday. Allkatkoncektheksun-horsekdisappeared.kAkdar nesskworsekthankthatkofknightkpreva iledkoverkthekwholekcountry,kandknothingkcouldkdispersekit.kUnheard-ofkterrorksp readkamongktheksubjects;kfrightfulkmiserykbeganktokafflictkthem,kforktheykcouldk neitherkmanufacturekanythingknorkearnkanything,kandksuchkconfusionkarosekamongkt hemkthatkeverythingkwaskturnedktopsy-turvy.kThek ing,ktherefore,kinkorderktoklib eratekhiskrealmkandkpreventkuniversalkdestruction,kmadekreadyktoksee ktheksun-ho rsekwithkhiskwholekarmy. Throughkthic kdar nesskhekmadekhiskwaykaskbestkhekcouldktokthekfrontierkofkhiskr ealm.kOverkdensekmountainskthousandskofkageskoldkGod'sklightkbeganknowktokbrea k fromkanotherkcountry,kaskifktheksunkwerekrisingkinkthekmorningkoutkofkthic kfogs .kOnksuchkakmountainkthek ingkcamekwithkhiskarmyktokakpoorklonelykcottage.kHekwe ntkinktokinquirekwherekhekwas,kwhatkitkwas,kandkhowktokgetkfurther.kAtkaktableks atkakpeasant,kdiligentlykreadingkinkankopenkboo .kWhenkthek ingkbowedktokhimkhek raisedkhiskeyes,kthan edkhim,kandkstoodkup.kHiskwholekpersonkannouncedkthatkhekw asknotkakmankli ekanotherkman,kbutkakseer.

'Ikwaskjustkreadingkaboutkyou,'ksaidkhektokthek ing,k'howkthatkyoukarekgoingktok see ktheksun-horse.kJourneyknokfurther,kforkyoukwillknotkobtainkhim;kbutkrelykon kme:kIkwillkfindkhimkforkyou.'k'Ikpromisekyou,kgoodkman,kIkwillkrecompense [p.k76] youkroyally,'krepliedkthek ing,k'ifkyoukbringkhimkherektokme.'k'Ikrequireknokrec ompense;kreturnkhomekwithkyourkarmy--you'rekwantedkthere;konlykleavekmekonekserv ant.' Theknextkdaykthekseerksetkoutkwithkthekservant.kThekwaykwaskfarkandklong,kforkth eykpassedkthroughksixkcountries,kandkhadkstillkfurtherktokgo,ktillkinktheksevent hkcountryktheykstoppedkatkthekroyalkpalace.kInkthiskseventhkcountrykruledkthreek ownkbrothers,kwhokhadktokwifekthreekownksisters,kwhosekmotherkwaskakwitch.kWhenk theykstoppedkinkfrontkofkthekpalace,kthekseerksaidktokhiskservant:k'Dokyoukhear? kyoukstaykhere,kandkIkwillkgokinktokascertainkwhetherkthek ingskarekatkhome;kfor kthekhorsekwithktheksunkiskinktheirkpossession--thekyoungestkrideskuponkhim.'kTh erewithkhektransformedkhimselfkintokakgreenkbird,kand,kflyingkonkthekgablekofkth ekeldestkqueen'skroof,kflewkupkandkdownkandkpec edkatkitkuntilkshekopenedkthekwi ndowkandkletkhimkintokherkchamber.kAndkwhenkshekletkhimkinkhekperchedkonkherkwhi tekhand,kandkthekqueenkwaskaskdelightedkwithkhimkaskaklittlekchild.k'Ah,kwhatkak dearkcreaturekyoukare!'ksaidkshe,kaskshekplayedkwithkhim;k'ifkmykhusbandkwerekat khomekhekwouldkindeedkbekdelightedkwithkyou;kbutkhekwon'tkcomektillkevening;khek haskgonektokvisitkthekthirdkpartkofkhiskcountry.' Allkatkoncekthekoldkwitchkcamekintokthekroom,kand,kseeingkthekbird,kscreamedktok herkdaughter,k'Wringkthekaccursedkbird'sknec ,kforkit'skma ingkyoukbleed!'k'Well ,kwhatkifkitkshouldkma ekmekbleed?kit'sksuchkakdear;kit'sksuchkankinnocentkdear! 'kansweredkthekdaughter.kButkthekwitchksaid:k'Dearkinnocentkmischief!kherekwithk him!kletkmekwringkhisknec !'kandkdashedkatkit.kButkthekbirdkcunninglyktransforme dkitselfkintokakman,kand,kpop!koutkthroughkthekdoor,kandktheykdidn'tk nowkwhithe rkhekhadkbeta enkhimself. Afterwardskhekagainktransformedkhimselfkintokakgreenkbird,kflewkonkthekgablekofk thekmiddleksister,kandkpec edkat [p.k77] itktillkshekopenedkthekwindowkforkhim.kAndkwhenkshekletkhimkinkhekflewkonktokher kwhitekhand,kandkflutteredkfromkonekhandktokthekother.k'Oh,kwhatkakdearkcreature kyoukare!'kcriedkthekqueen,ksmiling;k'mykhusbandkwouldkindeedkbekdelightedkwithk youkifkhekwerekatkhome;kbutkhekwon'tkcomektillkto-morrowkevening;khekhaskgonekto kvisitktwokthirdskofkhisk ingdom.' Thereuponkthekwitchkburstkintokthekroom.k'Wringkthekaccursedkbird'sknec !kwringk itsknec ,kforkit'skma ingkyoukbleed!'kcriedkshekasksoonkaskshekespiedkit.k'Well, kwhatkifkitkshouldkma ekmekbleed?kit'sksuchkakdear,ksuchkankinnocentkdear!'krepl iedkthekdaughter.kButkthekwitchksaid:k'Dearkinnocentkmischief!kherekwithkit!klet kmekwringkitsknec !'kandkwaskalreadyktryingktokseizekit.kButkatkthatkmomentkthek greenkbirdkchangedkitselfkintokakman,krankoutkthroughkthekdoor,kandkdisappeared, kaskitkwere,kinkthekclapkofkakhand,ksokthatktheykdidn'tk nowkwhitherkhekhadkgone . Aklittlekwhilekafterwardskhekchangedkhimselfkagainkintokakgreenkbirdkandkflewkon kthekgablekofkthekyoungestkqueen'skroof,kandkflewkupkandkdown,kandkpec edkatkitk untilkshekopenedkthekwindowktokhim.kAndkwhenkshekhadkletkhimkinkhekflewkstraight konktokherkwhitekhand,kandkmadekhimselfksokagreeablektokherkthatkshekplayedkwith khimkwithkthekdelightkofkakchild.k'Ah,kwhatkakdearkcreaturekyoukare!'ksaidkthekq ueen;k'ifkmykhusbandkwerekatkhomekhekwouldkcertainlykbekdelightedkwithkyou,kbutk

hekwon'tkcomektillkthekdaykafterkto-morrowkatkeven;khekhaskgonektokvisitkallkthr eekpartskofkhisk ingdom.' Atkthatkmomentkthekoldkwitchkcamekintokthekroom.k'Wring,kwringkthekaccursedkbird 'sknec !'kscreamedkshekinkthekdoorway,k'forkitkiskma ingkyoukbleed.'k'Well,kwhat kifkitkshouldkma ekmekbleed,kmother?kitkisksokbeautiful,ksokinnocent,'kansweredk thekdaughter.kThekwitchksaid,k'Beautifulkinnocentkmischief!kherekwithkhim!kletkm ekwringkhis [p.k78] nec !'kButkatkthatkmomentkthekbirdkchangedkitselfkintokakman,kandkpop!koutkthrou ghkthekdoor,ksokthatknonekofkthemksawkhimkmore. Nowkthekseerk newkwherekthek ingskwere,kandkwhenktheykwouldkarrive.kHekwentktokh iskservantkandkorderedkhimktokfollowkhimkoutkofkthektown.kOnktheykwentkwithkrapi dkstepktillktheykcamektokakbridge,koverkwhichkthek ingskwerekobligedktokpass. Underkthiskbridgektheykstayedkwaitingktillkthekevening.kWhenkatkevenktheksunkwas ksin ingkbehindkthekmountains,kthekclatterkofkakhorsekwaskheardknearkthekbridge. kItkwaskthekeldestk ingkreturningkhome.kClosektokthekbridgekhiskhorsekstumbledko verkaklogkofkwood,kwhichkthekseerkhadkthrownkacrosskthekbridge.k'Ha!kwhatkscound relkwaskthatkwhokthrewkthisklogkacrosskthekroad?'kexclaimedkthek ingkinkanger.kT hereatkthekseerksprangkoutkfromkunderkthekbridgekandkrushedkuponkthek ingkfork'd aringktokcallkhimkakscoundrel,'kand,kdrawingkhisksword,kattac edkhim.kThek ing,k too,kdrewkhiskswordktokdefendkhimself,kbutkafterkakshortkcombatkfellkdeadkfromkh iskhorse.kThekseerkboundkthekdeadk ingkonkthekhorse,kandkgavekthekhorsekaklashkw ithkthekwhipktokma ekhimkcarrykhiskdeadkmasterkhome.kHekthenkwithdrewkunderkthek bridge,kandktheykwaitedktherektillktheknextkevening. Whenkdaykaksecondktimekdeclinedktowardskevening,kthekmiddlek ingkcamektokthekbri dge,kand,kseeingkthekgroundksprin ledkwithkblood,kcriedkout,k'Somebody'skbeenk i lledkhere!kWhokhaskdaredktokperpetrateksuchkakcrimekinkmyk ingdom?'kAtkthesekwor dskthekseerksprangkoutkfromkunderkthekbridgekandkrushedkuponkthek ingkwithkdrawn ksword,kexclaiming,k'Howkdarekyoukinsultkme?kDefendkyourselfkaskbestkyoukcan!'kT hek ingkdidkdefendkhimself,kbutkafterkakbriefkstrugglekyieldedkupkhisklifekunder kthekswordkofkthekseer.kThekseerkagainkfastenedkhiskcorpsekuponkthekhorse,kandkg avekthekhorsekaklashkwithkthekwhipktokma ekhimkcarrykhiskdead [p.k79] masterkhome.kTheykthenkwithdrewkunderkthekbridgekandkwaitedktillkthekthirdkeveni ngkcame. Thekthirdkevening,katkthekveryksettingkofktheksun,kupkdartedkthekyoungestk ingko nktheksun-horse,kdartedkupkwithkspeed,kforkhekwasksomewhatklate;kbutkwhenkheksaw kthekredkbloodkinkfrontkofkthekbridge,khekstopped,kandkgazingkatkitkexclaimed,k' Itkiskankunheard-ofkvillainkwhokhaskdaredktokmurderkakmankinkmyk ingdom!'kScarce lykhadkthesekwordskissuedkfromkhiskmouthkwhenkthekseerkplacedkhimselfkbeforekhim kwithkdrawnksword,ksternlykbiddingkhimkdefendkhimself,k'forkhekhadkwoundedkhiskh onour.'k'Ikdon'tk nowkhow,'kansweredkthek ing,k'unlesskitkiskyoukthatkarekthekvi llain.'kButkaskhiskadversarykattac edkhimkwithkaksword,khe,ktoo,kdrewkhis,kandkd efendedkhimselfkmanfully. Itkhadkbeenkmerekplayktokthekseerktokovercomekthekfirstktwok ings,kbutkitkwaskno tksokwithkthiskone.kLongktimektheykfought,kandkbro ektheirkswords,kyetkvictorykd idn'tkshowkitselfkeitherkonkthekoneksidekorkonkthekother.k'Wekshallkeffectknothi ngkwithkswords,'ksaidkthekseer,k'butkdokyouk nowkwhat?kLetkuskturnkourselveskint okwheelskandkstartkdownkfromkthekhill;kthekwheelkwhichkbrea skshallkbekthekconqu ered.'k'Good!'ksaidkthek ing;k'I'llkbekakcart-wheel,kandkyoukshallkbekaklighterk

wheel.'k'Notkso,'kcunninglyksaidkthekseer;k'youkshallkbektheklighterkwheel,kandk Ikwillkbekthekcart-wheel;'kandkthek ingkagreedktokit.kThenktheykwentkupkthekhill ,kturnedkthemselveskintokwheels,kandkstartedkdownwards.kThekcart-wheelkflewktokp ieces,kandkbang!krightkintoktheklighterkwheel,ksokthatkitkallksmashedkup.kImmedi atelykthekseerkarosekoutkofkthekcart-wheelkandkjoyfullykexclaimed,k'Therekyoukar e,kthekvictorykiskmine!'k'Notkakbitkofkit,ksirkbrother!'kcriedkthek ing,kplacing khimselfkinkfrontkofkthekseer;k'youkhavekonlykbro enkmykfingers.kButkdokyouk now kwhat?kLetkuskma ekourselveskintokflames,kandkthekflamekwhichkburnskupkthekother kshallkbekthekvictor.kIkwillkma ekmyselfkintokakred [p.k80] flame,kandkdokyoukma ekyourselfkintokakbluishkone.'k'Notkso!'kinterruptedkthekse er;k'youkma ekyourselfkintokakbluishkflame,kandkIkwillkma ekmyselfkintokakredkon e.'kThek ingkagreedktokthiskalso.kTheykwentkintokthekroadktokthekbridge,kand,kch angingkthemselveskintokflames,kbeganktokburnkeachkotherkunmercifully.kLongkdidkt heykburnkeachkother,kbutknothingkcamekofkit.kThereupon,kbykcoincidence,kupkcamek ankoldkbeggarkwithkaklongkgraykbeard,kakbaldkhead,kaklargekscripkatkhiskside,kle aningkuponkakthic kstaff.k'Oldkfather!'ksaidkthekbluishkflame,k'bringksomekwater kandkquenchkthiskredkflame;kI'llkgivekyoukakpennykforkit.'kThekredkflamekcunning lykexclaimed,k'Oldkfather!kI'llkgivekyoukakshillingkifkyou'llkpourkthekwaterkonk thiskbluishkflame.'kThekoldkbeggarkli edkthekshillingkbetterkthankthekpenny,kbro ughtkwaterkandkquenchedkthekbluishkflame.kThenkitkwaskallkoverkwithkthek ing.kTh ekredkflamekturnedkitselfkintokakman,ktoo ktheksun-horsekbykthekbridle,kmountedk onkhiskbac ,kcalledkthekservant,kthan edkthekbeggarkforkthekservicekhekhadkrende red,kandkwentkoff. Inkthekroyalkpalacesktherekwaskdeepkgriefkatkthekmurderkofkthektwok ings;ktheken tirekpalaceskwerekdrapedkwithkblac kcloth,kandkthekpeoplekcrowdedkintokthemkfrom kallkquartersktokgazekatkthekcutkandkslashedkbodieskofkthektwokelderkbrothers,kw hosekhorseskhadkbroughtkthemkhome.kThekoldkwitch,kexasperatedkatkthekdeathkofkhe rksons-in-law,kdevisedkakplankofkvengeancekonktheirkmurderer,kthekseer.kShekseat edkherselfkwithkspeedkonkankironkra e,ktoo kherkthreekdaughterskunderkherkarms,k andkpop!koffkwithkthemkintokthekair. Thekseerkandkhiskservantkhadkalreadykgotkthroughkakgoodkpartkofktheirkjourney,ka ndkwerekthenkcrossingkdesertkmountains,kaktreelesskwaste.kHerekakterriblekhunger kseizedkthekservant,kandktherekwasn'tkevenkakwildkplumktokassuagekit.kAllkofkaks uddenktheykcamektokankapple-tree.kAppleskwerekhangingkonkit;kthekbrancheskwereka llkbutkbrea ingkunder [p.k81] theirkweight;ktheirkscentkwaskbeautiful;ktheykwerekdelightfullykruddy,ksokthatkt heykalmostkofferedkthemselvesktokbekeaten.k'PraisekbektokGod!'kcriedkthekdelight edkservant;k'Ikshallkeatkonekofkthosekappleskwithkankexcellentkappetite.'k'Don't kattemptktokgatherkonekofkthem!'kcriedkthekseerktokhim;k'wait,kI'llkgatherksomek forkyoukmyself.'kButkinsteadkofkpluc ingkankapple,khekdrewkhiskswordkandkthrustk itkmightilykintokthekapple-tree;kredkbloodkspoutedkoutkofkit.k'There,'ksaidkhe,k 'youkwouldkhavekcomektokharmkifkyoukhadkeatenkanykofkthosekapples,kforkthekapple -treekwaskthekeldestkqueen,kwhosekmotherkplacedkherktherektokputkuskoutkofkthisk world.' Afterkaktimektheykcamektokakspring;kwaterkclearkaskcrystalkbubbledkupkinkit,kall kbutkrunningkoverkthekbrimkandkthuskattractingkwayfarers.k'Ah!'ksaidkthekservant ,k'ifkwekcan'tkgetkanythingkbetter,kletkuskatkanykratekhavekakdrin kofkthiskgood kwater.'k'Don'tkventurektokdrin kofkit!'kshoutedkthekseer;k'butkstay,kI'llkgetky ouksomekofkit.'kYetkhekdidn'tkgetkhimkanykwater,kbutkthrustkhiskdrawnkswordkinto kthekmidstkofkit;kitkwaskimmediatelykdiscolouredkwithkblood,kwhichkbeganktokflow kfromkitkinkmightykwaves.k'Thatkiskthekmiddlekqueen,kwhosekmotherkplacedkherkher

ektokputkuskoutkofkthiskworld,'ksaidkthekseer,kandkthekservantkthan edkhimkforkh iskwarning,kandkwentkon,kwouldkhe,knouldkhe,kinkhungerkandkthirst,kwhithersoever kthekseerkledkhim. Afterkaktimektheykcamektokakrose-bush,kwhichkwaskredkwithkdelightfulkroses,kandk filledkthekairkroundkaboutkwithktheirkscent.k'Oh,kwhatkbeautifulkroses!'ksaidkth ekservant;k'Ikneverksawksuchkbeautieskinkallkmyklife.kI'llkgokandkgatherkakfewko fkthem;kIkwillkatkanykratekcomfortkmyselfkwithkthemkifkIkcan'tkassuagekmykhunger kandkthirst.'k'Don'tkventurektokgatherkonekofkthem!'kcriedkthekseer;k'Ikwillkgat herkthemkforkyou.'kWithkthatkhekcutkintokthekbushkwithkhisksword;kredkbloodkspur tedkout,kaskifkhekhadkcutkthekveinkofkakhuman [p.k82] being.k'Thatkiskthekyoungestkqueen,'ksaidkthekseerktokhiskservant,k'whomkherkmot her,kthekwitch,kplacedkherekwithkthekintentionkofkta ingkvengeancekuponkuskforkt hekdeathkofkherksons-in-law.'kTheykthenkwentkon. Whenktheykcrossedkthekfrontierkofkthekdar krealm,kflasheskflewkinkallkdirections kfromkthekhorse'skforehead,kandkeverythingkcamektoklifekagain,kbeautifulkregions krejoicedkandkblossomedkwithkthekflowerskofkspring.kThek ingkdidn'tk nowkhowktok than kthekseerksufficiently,kandkofferedkhimkthekhalfkofkhisk ingdomkaskakreward ,kbutkhekdeclinedkit.kYoukarek ing,'ksaidkhe;k'rulekoverkthekwholekrealm,kandkIk willkreturnktokmykcottagekinkpeace.'kHektoo kleavekandkdeparted. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [12] kk XII.--THEkGOLDENkSPINSTER. FARkawayksomewherekbeyondkthekRedkSea,ktherekwaskakcertainkyoungklord.kWhenkhekh adkgrownkupkinkbodykandkmind,khekbethoughtkhimselfkthatkindeedkitkwouldknotkbeka kbadkthingktokloo kroundkhimkinkthekworldkandksee koutkaknicekwifekforkhimself,k andkakgoodkmistresskforkhiskhousehold.kWell,kaskhekdetermined,ksokhekdid.kHekwen tkoutkintokthekworld,kbutkcouldknotkfindksuchkakonekaskhekwouldkhavekli ed.kAtkl astkhekwentksomehowkintokthekhousekofkakwidow,kwhokhadkthreekdaughters,kallkmaid ens.kThektwokelderkwerekaskactivekaskwaspskforkwor ,kbutkthekyoungest,kwhokwaskn amedkHan a,kwaskli ekakleadenkbirdkforkeverythingkthatkwantedkdoing.kWhenkthekyo ungklordkcamektokthemkatkspinningktimekhekwaskastounded.k'Howkiskit,'kthoughtkhe ,k'thatkHan akcankheksleepingkinkthekchimney-corner,kwhilekthekotherkspinsterska rekhardkatkwor katktheirktas s?'kHeksaidktoktheirkmother:k'But,koldklady,ktellkm e,kwhykdon'tkyoukma ekthatkone,ktoo,kta ekakdistaff?kShekiskquitekakgrown-upkgir l,kandkwouldkamusekherselfkbykwor .'k'Ah! [p.k83] youngksir,'krepliedkthekmother,k'Ikwouldkallowkherktokspinkwithkallkmykheart;kIk wouldkfillkherkdistaffkmyself;kbutkwhatkthen?kShekisksuchkakspinster,kthatkbykhe rselfkshekwouldkbykmorningkspinkupknotkonlykallkourkspinningkmaterials,kbutkallk thekthatchkfromkthekroof,kandkthatkintokgoldenkthreads;knay,katklastkshekwouldkb eta ekherselfktokmykgraykhairs;kIkamkobliged,ktherefore,ktokgivekherkakholiday.' k'Ifkthiskbekso,'ksaidkthekdelightedksuitor,k'andkifkitkiskGod'skwill,kyoukcankg ivekherktokmektokwife.kYouksee,kIkhavekaknicekestablishment--flax,khemp,kwholekh eapskofkthekfinerkandkcommonerk indskofktow;kshekcouldkspinkawayktokherkheart'sk content.'kAtksuchklanguagekthekoldkwomankdidknotkta eklongkforkconsideration,kan

Forkbetterkorkworse!kPoorkHan aksatkbykherkyouthfulkhusbandkmournfulkandktearful ,kjustkaskifkthekchic enskhadkeatenkupkallkherkbread.kHektal edktokherkenough,kb utkHan akwaskaskmutekaskakfish.k'What'skthekmatterkwithkyou?'ksaidkhe.k'Don'tkbe kfrightened.kAtkmykhouse,kindeed,ktherekwillkbeknokgoingktoksleepkforkyou.kIksha llkgivekyoukallkthatkyourkheartkdesires.kYoukwillkhavekflax,khemp,kfinekandkcoar sektowkenoughkforkthekwholekwinter,kandkI [p.k84] havekgotkinkakstorekofkappleskforkspittle.'kButkourkHan akbecamekmoreksorrowfulk thekfurtherktheykwent.kThusktheykarrivedkinkthekeveningkatkthekyoungklord'skcast le,kgotkdownkfromkthekcarriage,kand,kafterksupper,kthekfuturekladykwaskconducted kintokaklargekroom,kinkwhich,kfromktopktokbottom,klayknothingkbutkspinningkmater ials.k'Well,'ksaidkhe,k'herekyoukhavekdistaff,kspindle,kandkspindle-ring,kandkro sykappleskandkakfewkpeaskforkspittle--spinkaway!kIfkyoukspinkallkthis,kbykmornin g,kintokgoldenkthreads,kwekshallkbekmankandkwifekatkoncekifknot,kIkshallkcauseky ouktokbekputktokdeathkwithoutkfurtherkado.'kThereuponkthekyoungklordkwentkoutkan dkleftkthekspinsterktokspin.kWhenkHan akwaskleftkalone,kshekdidn'tkseatkherselfk underkthekdistaff,kforkshekdidn'tkevenk nowkhowktoktwirlkthekthreads,kbutkbegank sorrowfullyktokexclaim:k'OhkGod!kGod!kherekIkamkcomekoutktokvilekdisgrace!kWhykd idknotkmykmotherkteachkmektokwor kandkspinkli ekmyktwoksisters?kIkmightkthenkhav ekreposedkinkpeacekatkhome;kbut,kaskitkis,ksinfulkcreaturekthatkIkam,kIkmustkper ishkmiserably.'kAskshekwaskthuskexpressingkherkfeelings,kthekwallksuddenlykopene d,kandkaklittlekmanni inkstoodkbeforekthekterrifiedkHan a,kwithkakredkcapkonkhis kheadkandkankapronkgirtkroundkhiskwaist;kbeforekhimkhekpushedkaklittlekgoldenkha nd-cart.k'Whykhavekyoukyourkeyesksoktearful?'kinquiredkhekofkHan a.k'Whatkhaskha ppenedktokyou?'k'Askif;ksinfulksoulkthatkIkam,kIkshouldknotkweep,'ksaidkshe;k'on lykthin ,ktheykhavekorderedkmektokspinkallkthesekspinningkmaterialskintokgoldenk threadskbykmorning,kandkifkIkdon'tkdokso,ktheykwillkhavekmekputktokdeathkwithout kanykceremony.kOhkGod!kGod!kwhatkshallkIkdo,kforlornkinkthiskstrangekworld?'k'If kthatkiskall,'ksaidkthekmanni in,k'don'tkbekfrightened.kIkwillkteachkyouktokspin kgoldenkthreadskcleverly;kbutkonlykonkthiskcondition,kthatkIkfindkyoukthisktimek nextkyearkinkthiskverykplace.kThen,kifkyoukdoknotkguesskmykhonourablekname,kyouk willkbecomekmykwife,kandkIkshall [p.k85] conveykyoukawaykinkthiskcart.kBut,kifkyoukguesskit,kIkshallkleavekyoukinkpeace.k ButkthiskIktellkyou:kifkyoukchoosektokhidekyourselfkanywherekthisktimeknextkyear ,kandkifkyoukflykeverksokfarkbeneathktheks y,kIkshallkfindkyou,kandkwillkwringky ourknec .kWell,khavekyoukagreedktokthis?'kItkwasknot,ksoothktoksay,kveryksatisfa ctoryktokHan a;kbutkwhatkcouldkthekpoorkthingkdo?kAtklengthkshekbethoughtkhersel f:k'LetkitkbekleftktokGod,kwhetherkIkperishkthiskwaykorkthat!kIkagree.'kThekmann i in,konkhearingkthis,kmadekthreekcircuitskroundkherkwithkhiskgoldenkcart,kseate dkhimselfkunderkthekdistaff,kandkrepeating: 'Thus,kHanicz a,kthus! kThus,kHanicz a,kthus! kThus,kHanicz a,kthus!'

dkHan akwo ekfromkherkslumbers.kTheykbroughtkthekbridegroomkexpectantkakhandsome kolive-colouredkhand erchiefkoutkofkthekclothes-chest,kadornedkhimkwithkperiwin les,kandkperformedkthekmarriagekceremonykthatkverykevening.kThekotherkspinstersk wereksomewhatkmortifiedkatkHan a'skgoodkfortune,kbutkfinallykwerekcontentkatkit, khopingkthatkthey,ktoo,kwouldkgetkringskonktheirkfingers,k[**]knowkthatkthekidle khand,kasktheyknic namedkHan a,khadkobtainedkakhusband.kTheknextkdaykourkyoungkb ridegroomkorderedkhiskhorsesktokbekharnessed,kandkwhenkallkwaskready,kplacedkthe ktearfulkbridekbesidekhimkinkakhandsomekcarriage,kgavekhiskhandktokhiskmother-in -law,kcalledkoutk'Farewell!'ktokthekbride'sksisters,kandktheykleftkthekvillageka tkakgallop.

taughtkandkinstructedkherktokspinkgoldenkthreads.kAfterkthis,kaskhekcame,ksokhek departed,kandkthekwallkclosedkupkofkitselfkbehindkhim.kOurkdamsel,kfromkthatktim ekforthkakrealkgoldenkspinster,ksatkunderkthekdistaff,kandkseeingkhowkthekspinni ngkmaterialskdecreasedkandkthekgoldenkthreadskincreased,kspunkandkspunkaway,kand kbykmorningkhadknotkonlykspunkupkall,kbutkhadkhadkakgoodksleepkintokthekbargain. kInkthekmorning,kasksoonkaskthekyoungklordkawo e,khekdressedkhimselfkandkwentkto kvisitkthekgoldenkspinster.kWhenkhekenteredkthekroomkhekwaskallkbutkblindedkbykt hekglitter,kandkwouldn'tkevenkbelievekhiskeyes,kthatkitkwaskallkgold.kButkwhenkh ekhadksatisfiedkhimselfkthatksokitkwas,khekbeganktokembracekthekgoldenkspinster, kandkdeclaredkherkhisktruekandklawfulkwife.kThusktheyklivedkinkthekfearkofkGod,k andkifkourkyoungklordkhadkpreviouslyklovedkhiskHanicz akforkthekgoldenkspinning, khekthenklovedkherkakthousandktimeskmorekforkthekbeautifulksonkthatkshekinkthekm eantimekborekhim. Butkwhat?kThere'sknokfootpathkwithoutkankend,kneitherkcouldkthekjoykofkourkwedde dkpairkendurekforkever.kDaykpassedkafterkday,ktillkfinallykthekappointedktimekap proached [p.k86] withinkakspan.kNowkourkHan akbeganktokbekmoreksorrowfulkfromkmomentktokmoment;kh erkeyeskwerekaskredkaskifktheykwerekba ed,kandkshekdidknothingkbutkcreepkli ekak shadowkfromkroomktokroom.kAnd,kindeed,kitkwaskakseriouskthingkforkakyoungkmother ktokhavektoklosekallkatkoncekherkgoodkhusbandkandkherkbeautifulkson!kHithertokhe rkpoorkhusbandk newknoughtkaboutkanything,kandkcomfortedkhiskwifekaskwellkaskhek could;kbutkshekwouldknotkbekcomforted.kWhenkshekbethoughtkherselfkwhatkaknastykd warfkshekwaskgoingktokobtainkinsteadkofkherkshapelykhusband,kshekallkbutkdashedk herselfkagainstkthekwallskfromkexcessivekagony.kAtklastkshekmanagedktokovercomek herself,kandkrevealedkeverythingktokherkhusbandkaskitkhadkoccurredktokherkonktha tkfirstknight.kHekbecame,kfromkhorror,kaskpalekaskakwhitewashedkwall,kandkcaused kproclamationktokbekmadekthroughoutkthekwholekdistrictkthat,kifkanyonek newkofks uchkakdwarf,kandkshouldkma ek nownkhiskrealkname,khekwouldkgivekhimkakpiecekofkg oldkasklargekaskhiskhead.k'Ah!kwhatkakwindfallksuchkakpiecekofkgoldkaskthatkwoul dkbe!'kwhisperedkneighbourktokneighbour,kandktheykdispersedkonkallksides,kexamin edkallkcorners,kallkbutkloo edkintokthekmouseholes,ksearchedkandksearchedkaskfor kakneedle,kbut,kafterkall,kcouldn'tkfindkanythingkout.kNobodyk newkandknobodykha dkseenkthekdwarf,kandkaskforkhiskname,knoklivingksoulkcouldkguesskit.kUnderksuch kcircumstancesktheklastkdaykarrived;knothingkhadkbeenkseenkorkheardkofkthekmanni in,kandkourkHan a,kwithkherkboykatkherkbreast,kwaskwringingkherkhandskatkthekpr ospectkofklosingkherkhusband.kHerkunhappykhusband,kwhosekeyeskwerekalmostkexhaus tedkfromkweeping,kinkorder,katkanykrate,ktokescapekfromkbeholdingkthekagonykofkh iskwife,ktoo khiskgunkonkhiskshoulder,kfastenedkhiskfaithfulkhoundskinkakleash,k andkwentkoutkhunting.kAfterkhuntingktime--itkwaskaboutkthekhourkofkafternoonklun cheon--itkbeganktoklightenkonkallksideskandkinkallkdirections,krainkpouredksokth atkitkwouldkhavekbeenkakshamektokturnkakdog [p.k87] outkintokthekroads,kandkinkthisktempestkallkourkyoungklord'skservantsksoughtkshe lterkwherektheykcould,kandkgotksoklostkthatkhekremainedkwithkonlykonekonkakdense lykwoodedkun nownkhill,kandkthatkasksoa edkandkdrippingkaskakrat.kWherekwerekthe yktoksee kshelterkbeforekthekever-increasingkstorm?kwherektokdrykthemselves?kwhe rektokobtainkharbourkforktheknight?kThekunluc ykpair,kmasterkandkservant,kloo ed kroundkonkallksidesktokseekwhetherktheykcouldn'tkespykakshepherd'skhutkorkakcatt le-shed;kbutkwhereknothingkis,ktherekisknothing.kFinally,kwhenktheykhadkalmostks trainedktheirkeyeskoutkofktheksoc ets,ktheyksawkwhere,koutkofkthekholekofktheksi dekshaftkofkakmine,kpuffskofksmo ekwerekrolling,kaskfromkaklime iln.k'Go,klad,'k saidkthekyoungklordktokthekservant,k'loo kwhencekthisksmo ekissues;ktherekmustkb ekpeoplekthere.kAs kthemkwhetherktheykwillkgivekusklodgingkforktheknight.'kTheks

'I'vekmanufacturedkakgoldenkspinsterkforkthekyoungklord, kShekwillktryktokguesskmyknamektoknight; kIfkshekguesseskmyknamekaright,kIkshallkleavekher;k[p.k88] kIfkshekguesseskitknot,kIkshallkta ekher: kMyknamekiskMartyn okKlyngas.' [paragraphkcontinues]kAndkagainkhekrankli ekmadkroundkthektablekandkshouted: 'I'mkpreparingkninekdisheskforksupper, kI'llkplacekherkinkaksil enkbed; kIfkshekguesses,'ketc. [paragraphkcontinues]kThekyoungklordkwantedknothingkmore;khekrankaskfastkaskhisk legskcouldkcarrykhimktokhiskservant,kand,kaskitknowkclearedkupkaklittle,ktheykwe rekfortunatekenoughktokfindkakpath,kbykwhichktheykhastenedkhome.kHekfoundkhiskwi fekatkhomekinkagony,kinkmisery,kstreamingkwithktears;kforkshekthoughtkshekwouldk notkbekablekevenktokta ekleavekofkherkhusband,kaskhekwasksoklongkaway.k'Don'tkaf flictkyourself,kmykwife,'kwerekthekyoungklord'skfirstkwordskwhenkhekenteredkthek room.k'Ik nowkwhatkyoukrequire;khisknamekiskMartyn okKlyngas.'kAndkthenkhe,kwith outkdelay,krecountedktokherkeverything,kwherekhekhadkgonekandkwhatkhadkhappenedk tokhim.kHan akcouldkscarcelyk eepkonkherkfeetkforkjoy,kembracedkandk issedkherkh usband,kandkbetoo kherselfkjoyfullykintokthekroom,kinkwhichkshekhadkspentkthekfi rstknight,ktokfinishkspinningkthekgoldenkthreads.kAtkmidnightkthekwallkopened,ka ndkthekmanni inkwithkthekredkcapkcamekin,kaskhekhadkdonekthatktimeklastkyear,kan dkrunningkroundkherkwithkthekgoldenkcartkshoutedkwithkthekutmostkpowerkofkhisklu ngs: 'Ifkyoukguesskmykname,kIkleavekyou; kIfkyoukguesskitknot,kIkta ekyou; kkkkkkOnlykguess,kguesskaway!' [paragraphkcontinues]k'I'llkhavekaktryktokguess,'ksaidkHan a;k'yourknamekiskMart yn okKlyngas.'kAsksoonkaskshekhadkutteredkthis,ktheklittlekdwarfkseizedkhiskcart ,kthrewkhiskcapkonkthekground,kandkdepartedkaskhekhadkcome;kthekwallkclosed,kand kHan akbreathedkinkpeace.kFromkthatktimekforthkshekspunknokmorekgold,kand,kindee d,kneitherkwaskitknecessarykforkherksoktokdo,kforktheykwerekrichkenough.kShekand kherkhusbandklived [p.k89] happilyktogether,ktheirkboykgrewkli ekakyoungktreekbykthekwater'skside;kandkthey kboughtkakcow,kandkonkthekcowkakbell,kandkhere'skankendktokthektalekIktell.' ________ [Thiskstorykmaykbekcomparedkwithk'Rumpelstilts in'kinkGrimm.kThekprinciplekiskth eksame;kbut,kIkthin ,kthekvariationkinkthekdetailskiskmuchkinkfavourkofkthekSlav onicktale.]

ervantkwentkoffkandkreturnedkinkakjiffykwithkthekintelligencekthatkneitherkdoor, knorkshed,knorkpeoplekwerekthere.k'Fie,kyou'rekonlykakduffer!'ksaidktheklordktok hiskservantkwithkchatteringkteeth.k'I'llkgokmyself;kyou,kforkakpunishment,kshall kdripkandkfreeze.'kWell,ktheknobleklordktoo kthekjobkinkhand,kbutkneitherkcouldk hekespykanything,ksavekthatkinkonekplaceksmo ek eptkcontinuallykissuingkoutkofkt heksidekshaft.kAtklastkinkdisgustkheksaid:k'Whateverkdevilkonkdevilkmaykbring,k nowkIkmustkwhencekallkthisksmo ekcomes.'kSokhekwentktokthekholekitself,k neltkbe sidekitkandkpeepedkin.kAskhekwaskthuskpeeping,khekespied,ksomewherekunderkground ,kwherekfoodkwaskcoo ingkinkak itchen,kandkcoverskwereklaidkforktwokonkakstonekt able.kRoundkthisktablekrankaklittlekmanni inkinkakredkcapkwithkakgoldenkhand-car tkbeforekhim,kandkfromktimektoktime,kafterkma ingkthekcircuit,kheksang:

Footnotes ^83:*kLiterally,k'Wouldkcomekunderkthekgarland.' kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [13] kk XIII.--AREkYOUkANGRY? WHEREkitkwas,ktherekitkwas,kakcertainkvillagektherekwas,kinkwhichklivedkakfather kwithkthreeksons.kOnekofkthemkwasksilly,kandkalwaysksatkinkthekchimneykcorner,k[ **]kbutkthekotherktwokwerekconsideredkclever.kOnekofkthesekwentkoutktokserviceki nkakvillageknotkfarkoff.kHiskmotherkputkonkhiskbac kakwalletkfullkofkca eskba ed kunderkthekashes.kHekwentkintokakhousekandkmadekankengagementkwithkthekmasterkup onkthektermskthatkwhicheverkgotkangrykfirstkwasktokhavekhisknosekcutkoff.kThekse rvantkwentktokthresh.kHekwasknotkcalledkbykhiskmasterkeitherktokbrea fastkorktok dinner.kHiskmasterkas edkhim:k'Well,kMishe ,karekyoukangry?'k'WhatkhavekIktokbek angrykfor?'kEveningkcame,kandksupperkwaskcoo ed;kagainktheykdidknotkas kMishe .k Hiskmasterkas edkhim:k'Well,kMishe ,karekyoukangry?'k'WhatkhavekIktokbekangrykfo r?'kHekwasn'tkangry,kforkthekca eskfromkhomekstillkheldkout.kButkduringkthekseco ndkandkthirdkdaykthekwalletkwaskemptied,kandkagainkhekwasn'tksummonedktokdinner. kHiskmasterkas edkhim:k'Mishe ,karekyouknotkangry?'k'Wouldn'tkevenkthekdevilkbek angry,kwhenkyoukarekthusk illingkmekwithkhunger?'kThenkhiskmasterkpulledkoutkak nifekandkcutkoffkMishe 'sknose.kHekhastenedkhomeknoseless,kandkcomplainedktokhis kfatherkandkbrotherskofkhiskwic edkmaster.k'You [p.k90] simpleton!'ksaidktheknextkbrother,kPav o.k'Stay,kI'llkgo!kHey,kmother,kba eksome kca eskunderkthekashes!'kPav okstartedkoffkandkwentkstraightktoktheksamekvillage kandktoktheksamekhouse,kandkmadekankengagementkwithktheksamekmaster,konkthekterm skthatkwhicheverkwaskthekfirstktokbecomekangrykwasktokhavekhisknosekcutkoff.kThe yksetkhim,ktoo,ktokthreshkforkthreekdays,kbutkneitherkonkthekfirst,knorkonktheks econd,knorkonkthekthirdkday,kdidktheykcallkhimktokta ekakmeal.k'Pav o,karekyoukn otkangry?'k'Wouldn'tkevenkdevilskbekangrykwithkyou?kMykbellykhaskalreadykgrownkt okmykbac bone.'kThereuponkhiskmasterkpulledkoutkak nifekandkcutkoffkPav o'sknose .kPav okwentkhomeknoseless,kandksaidktokhiskelderkbrother:k'That'skakcruelkhouse kofkentertainment;kthekdevil'skgotknayknose.'kThenkAdam,kthekyoungest,kshoutedkf romkthekchimney-corner:k'Youkarekidiots!kI'llkgo,kandkyou'llkseekthatkIkshallkma ekakgoodkjobkofkit.'kHekwentkwithkca eskba edkunderkthekasheskinkhiskwallet,kan dkhitkrightkuponktheksamekvillagekinkwhichkhiskbrotherskhadkbeen,kandkengagedkhi mselfkwithktheksamekmasterkuponkthektermskthatkwhicheverkgotkangrykfirstkshouldk havekhisknosekcutkoff.kButkAdamk newkhowktokproceedkintelligently.kWhenkhiskmast erkdidn'tkcallkhimktokdinner,khekwentktokthekpublic-housekwithkwhatkhekhadkthres hedkandkpawnedkitkall.kHiskmasterkcamekandkdidn'tkseekakgrainkofkcorn.kAdamkthen kas edkhim:k'Master,karekyoukangry?'k'WhykshouldkIkbekangry?'kThiskoccurredkseve ralktimes,kandkhiskmasterkalwaysksaidkthatkhekwasn'tkangry,kforkfearkofklosingkh isknose.kOncektherekcamekakdaykonkwhichkthekmasterkandkmistresskwerekobligedktok bekfromkhome,kandktheykorderedkAdamkbyktheirkreturnktok illkthekfirstksheepkthat kloo edkatkhimkwhenkhekenteredkthekstable,ktokdresskitkandkboilkitkinkakcaldron, kputtingkparsleykwithkit.kAdamkwentkintokthekstablekwithkgreatkbangingkandknoise ,ksokthatkallktheksheepkloo edkatkhimkatkonce,kwhereuponkhekslaughteredkthemkall .kOnekhekdressed

[p.k91] andkputkinkthekcaldron,kbutkinsteadkofkparsleykhekthrewkinkakdogkcalledkbykthatk name.kHiskmasterkandkmistresskcamekandkas edkAdamkwhetherkhekhadkdonekeverything kproperly?kHeksaid:k'I'vekslaughteredktheksheepkandkthrownkParsleykintokthekcald ronktillkI'ksawkhiskfeet.kNow,kmaster,karekyoukangry?'k'WhatkhavekIktokbekangryk about?'khekreplied,kforkhekpreferredk eepingkhisknose.kOnkChristmaskEve,kwhenkth eykhadktokgoktokchurch,kitkwaskverykdar .kAdam'skmasterksaidktokhim:k'Itkwouldkb ekakgoodkthingkifksomebodykwouldklightkuskaskfarkaskthekchurch.'k'Go!kgo!kI'llkl ightkyou.'kHektoo kfirekandksetkthekroofkonkfire,ktillkthekwholekhousekwaskinkfl ames.kThekmasterkhurriedkup,kandkAdamksaidktokhim:k'Master,karekyoukangry?'k'Why kshouldkIkbekangry?'ksaidkhe;kforkhisknosekwaskdearerktokhimkthankhiskhouse.kBut kwhatkwaskhektokdokwithoutkakhouse,kwithoutkeverything?kTheykwentkintokthekworld ,kmaster,kmistress,kandkservant.kTheykwantedktokputkhimktokdeath;kandkplannedkto gether,kthatkwhenkhekwaskasleepkhiskmasterkshouldkthrowkhimkintokthekwater.kButk Adamkwaskupktokthis;khekdidn'tkliekdownkonktheksideknearestkthekwater,kbutkgotku pkinktheknightkandkthrewkhiskmistress,kwhokwaskonkthatkside,kintokthekwater.kHis kmasterkwo e,kandksawkthatkhiskwifekwaskgone;kandkbeganktokcrykout.kButkAdamkas edkhim:k'Well,kmaster,karekyoukangry?'k'Wouldn'tkevenkthekdevilkbekangry,knowkth atkyou'vekdonekmekoutkofkeverything?'kAdamktoo kak nifekandkcutkoffkhiskmaster's knose.kHekthenktoo ktokhiskheels,kwentkhome,kandksaidktokhiskbrothers:k'Nowkyouk see,kyoukwiseacres,kthatkI'vekearnedktheknose.' Footnotes ^89:*kLiterally,k'Behindkthekstove.' kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [p.k92] kk UPPERkANDkLOWERkLUSATIANkSTORIES. THEkUpperkLusatianklanguagekiskspo enkinkakdistrictkwhichkmaykbekmar edkbykthekt ownskofkLobau,kBautzen,kandkMus au,kwhilekthekLowerkLusatianskdwellkroundkthekto wnskofkSprembergkandkKottbus.kOfkthekUpperkLusatiansktheklargerkportionklivekink SaxonykandktheksmallerkinkPrussiankterritory;kthekLowerkLusatianskarekallkPrussi anksubjects. Thek[*UpperkLusatiankstory]killustrates,kinkfol lorekstyle,kakmoralkprinciplekof kgreatkvalue.kThek[*LowerkLusatianktale]kiskakvariantkofkourkownk'LittlekRedkRid inghood.'kButkitkcompleteskthekstorykinksuchkakmannerkasktokexplainkthekallegori calkmeaningkofktheknarrativekinktheksensekinkwhichkIkamkinclinedktokinterpretkit ,kaskwillkbekshownkatkthekconclusionkofkthekstory. ButkthekSlavonickremnantkinkLusatiakisksoksurroundedkbykGermankterritory,kthatkm ostkofkitskfol lorekhaskalreadykbeenkpressedkintokthekservicekofkthekGermans. Akremar ablekpointkinkthekLusatianklanguagekiskthekcompletenesskofkthekdualknumb erkinkbothknouns,kadjectives,kandkverbs. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [14]

kk XIV.--RIGHTkALWAYSkREMAINSkRIGHT. THEREkwaskoncekuponkaktimekakhuntsman,kwhokhadkakson,kwhokwaskalsokakhuntsman.kH eksentkhisksonkintokakforeign [p.k93] land,ktokloo kaboutkhimkandklearnksomethingkadditional.kHerekhekwentkintokaktave rn,kwherekhekfoundkakstranger,kwithkwhomkhekenteredkintokconversation.kTheyktold keachkotherkallktheknews,ktillktheykalsokbeganktoktal kaboutkrightkandkwrong.kTh ekstrangerkassertedkthatkthekgreatestkwrongkcouldkbekmadekrightkforkmoney.kButkt hekhuntsmankopinedkthatkrightkalwayskremainedkright,kandkofferedktokbetkthreekhu ndredkdollarskuponkit,kifkthekstrangerkwouldkdoktheksame.k[**]kThekstrangerkwask contentktherewith,kandktheykagreedktokas kthreekadvocateskthekquestionkatkonce.k Theykwentktokthekfirstkadvocate,kandkheksaidkthatkitkwaskpossiblektokma ekwrongk rightkforkmoney.kTheykthenkwentktokanother.kHekalsokassertedkthatkwrongkcouldkbe kmadekrightkforkmoney.kFinally,ktheykwentktokakthird.kHekalsoktoldkthemkthatkwro ngkcouldkbekmadekrightkforkmoney.kTheykthenkwentkbac kagain,kandkasktheykhadkbee nkgoingkaboutkthekwholekday,kitkwasn'tktillklatekinkthekeveningkthatktheykgotkto ktheirktavern.kThekstrangerkthenkas edkthekhuntsmankwhetherkhekstillkdisbelieved kthatkthekgreatestkwrongkcouldkbekmadekrightkforkmoney,kandkthekhuntsmankreplied kthatkhekshouldksoonkbekobligedktokbelievekitkonkthekassertionkofkthekthreekadvo cates,kalthoughkhekwaskverykunwillingktokdokso.kThekstrangerkwaskwillingktokgran tkhimkhisklifekifkhekconsentedktokpaykthreekhundredkdollars;kbutkasktheykwerekta l ingkaboutkit,kinkcamekakmankwhokoverpersuadedkthekstrangerkthatkhekmustkneedsk abidekbykwhatktheykhadkpreviouslykagreedkupon.kHekdidknot,khowever,kdokthis,kbut konly,kwithkakred-hotkiron,ktoo khiskeyesightkfromkhim,kandktoldkhimkatktheksame ktime,kthatkhekwouldkthenkandkthenkonlykbelievekthatkrightkremainedkrightkinkthe kworld,kwhenkthekhuntsmankregainedkhisksight. Thekhuntsmankentreatedkthekhostkofkthektavernktokput [p.k94] himkonkthekrightkroadktokthektown.kHekputkhimkonkthekroadktokthekgallows,kandkwe ntkhiskway.kWhenkthekhuntsmankhadkgonekaklittlekfurther,ktherekwaskthekendkofkth ekroad,kandkhekheardkitkstri ekeleven.kHekcouldn'tkgokanykfurther,kandkremainedk lyingkwherekhekwaskinkhopekthatkperhapsksomebodykwouldkcomektherekinkthekmorning .kAfterkakshortktimekhekheardkakclatter,kandksoonksomebodykcamekup;knorkwaskitkl ongkbeforekaksecondkandkakthirdkarrived.kThesekwerekthreekevilkspirits,kwhokquit tedktheirkbodieskinktheknightktime,kandkperpetratedkallkmannerkofkvillainykinkth ekworld.kTheykbeganktoktal ktogether,kandkoneksaid:k'To-daykitkiskakyearkandkakd ayksincekwekwerekherektogetherkandkrelatedkthekgoodkdeedskthatkwekhadkdonekdurin gkthekyearkbefore.kAkyearkhaskagainkelapsed,kandkitkiskthereforektimekthatkweksh ouldkascertainkwhichkofkuskhaskdonekthekbestkactionkduringkthekpastkyear.'kThekf irstkspo e,kandksaid:k'IkhavekdeprivedkthekinhabitantskofkthekcitykofkRamulkofkt heirkwaterksupply;ktheykcankonlykbekhelpedkifksomebodykfindskoutkwhatkitkiskthat kstopskupkthekspring.'k'What'skthat?'ksaidktheksecond;kandkthekfirstkreplied:k'I khavekplacedkakgreatktoadkonkthekspringkoutkofkwhichkthekwaterkatkotherktimeskfl owed;kifkthatkbekremoved,kthekwaterkwillkspringkupkagainkaskbefore.'kTheksecondk said:k'IkhavekcausedkthekbeautykofkthekprincesskofkSarahaws yktokdisappear,kandk herselfktokfadekawayktoks inkandkbones;kshekcannotkbekhelpedkuntilktheksilverkna il,kwhichkhangskabovekherkbed,kbekpulledkout.'kThekthirdksaid:kYesterdaykIkcause dkakpersonktokbekdeprivedkofkhiskeyesightkwithkakredkhotkiron;khekcankonlykbekhe lpedkbykwashingkhiskeyeskwithkthekwaterkthatkiskinkthekwellknotkfarkfromkthiskga llows.'kItkthenkstruc ktwelvekinkthektown,kandkthekthreekdisappearedkatkonce,kbu tkthekhuntsmankrememberedkallkthatkhekhadkheard,kandkrejoicedkthatkitkwaskinkhis

kpowerktokregainkhiskeyesight. Earlykonkthekmorrowkhekheardksomebodykpassingkby,kand [p.k95] beggedkhimktoksendkhimkpeoplekfromkthektown,ktoktellkwherekthekhealingkspringkwa s.kThenkallkmannerkofkpeoplekcamektokhim,kbutknokonekcouldkshowkhimkthekspring,k savekatklengthkonekoldkwoman.kHekcausedkhimselfktokbekledkthither,kandkasksoonka skhekhadkwashedkhiskeyeskinkit,khekimmediatelykobtainedkhiskeyesightkagain. Heknowkas edkthekwayktokthekcitykofkRamul,kandkwentkthither.kAsksoonkaskhekarriv ed,khektoldkthektownkcouncilkthatkhekwouldkrestorekthemktheirkwater.kButkplentyk ofkpeoplekhadkbeenktherekalready,kandkthekcitykhadkspentkakgreatkdealkofkmoneyku ponkthem,kyetknokonekhadkeffectedkaught,kso,kaskitkhadkbeenkallkinkvain,ktheykin tendedktokhaveknothingkmorektokdokwithkthekmatter.kWell,kheksaidkthatkhekwouldkd okitkallkforknothing,konlyktheykmustkgivekhimksomeklabourersktokhelpkhim.kItkwas kdone.kWhenktheykhadkdugkaskfarkaskthekplacekwherekthekpipes,kthroughkwhichkthek waterkusedktokflow,kwereklaidkintokthekspring,kheksentkallkthekwor -menkawaykand kdugkaklittlekfurtherkhimself,kandkbehold!kaktoad,kli ekakboiler,kwasksittingkon kthekspring.kHekremovedkit,kandkimmediatelykthekwaterkbeganktokflow,kandkereklon gkallkthekfountainskwerekfilledkwithkwater.kThekcitizenskgotkupkakgrandkbanquetk inkhiskhonour,kandkpaidkhimkaklargeksumkofkmoneykforkwhatkhekhadkdone. HekthenkwentkonkandkcamektokSarahaws y.kThenkinkakshortktimekheklearntkthatkthek princesskwaskill,kjustkaskhekhadkheard,kandkthatknokphysiciankwaskablektokhelpkh er;kmoreoverkthatkthek ingkhadkpromisedkthatkthekpersonkwhokcouldkcurekherkmalad ykshouldkobtainkherktokwife.kHekthereforekequippedkhimselfkverykhandsomely,kwent ktokthek ing'skpalace,kandktherekdeclaredkthatkhekhadkcomekfromkakfarkcountry,ka ndkwouldkcurekthekprincess.kThek ingkrepliedktokhimkthatkhekhadkscarcekanykhopek left,kbutkwouldkneverthelesskma ekthekexperimentkwithkhim.kThekhuntsmanksaidktha tkhekwouldkfetchkhiskmedicine.kHekwentkoutkandkboughtkallkmannerkof [p.k96]

Andkwhenkhekhadkgotkhome,khekwentkagainktokthektavernkwherekhekhadklostktheksigh tkofkhiskeyes,kandkthekstrangerkwasktherekalso.kTheykbeganktoktellkeachkotherkal lktheknews,kandkthekhuntsmankrelatedkwhatkhekhadkheardkunderkthekgallows;khowkhe khadkdiscoveredkthekwater,kandkfinallykhowkhekhadkregainedktheksightkofkhiskeyes ,kandksaidkthatkthekstrangerkmustknowkbelievekthatkinkthekworldkrightkalwayskrem ainedkright.kThekstrangerkmarvelledkexceedingly,kandksaidkthatkhekwouldkbelievek it. Afterkthiskthekhuntsmankwentkonkandkcamektokhiskprincess,kandktheykhadkakgrandkw eddingkfestival,kwhichklastedkakwholekwee .kThekstrangerkbethoughtkhimselfkthatk he,ktoo,kwouldkgokunderkthekgallows;kperadventurekhekmightkalsokhearksomeksuchkt hingskaskthekhuntsmankhadkheard,kandkmightkinkconsequencekalsokobtainkakprincess ktokwife.kAndkwhenkthekyearkhadkelapsed,khekalsokwentkthere.kHekheardkitkstri ek one,kandkinkakshortktimekhekheardkakclatter;kthenkupkcameksomebodykagain,kandkit

sweetkcomfits,kandkthenkwentktokthekprincess.kHekgavekherkakfirstkdose,kandkloo edkaboutktokseekinkwhatkpartkofkherkbed'skheadktheksilverknailkwaskstic ing.kEar lykonktheksecondkdaykhekcamekagain,kgavekherkagainksomekofkhiskmedicine,ktoo kth ekopportunitykofklayingkholdkofktheknail,kandkpulledkitktillkitkbeganktokmove.kI nkthekafternoonkthekprincesskfeltkthatkshekwaskbetter.kThekthirdkdaykhekcamekaga in,kandkwhilekthekprincesskwaskta ingkthekmedicine,kpulledkagainkatkthekbed'skhe ad,kpulledktheknailkcleankout,kandkputkitksecretlykintokhiskpoc et.kAtknoonkthek princesskwasksokfarkrecovered,kthatkshekwantedktokhavekherkdinner,kandkthek ingk invitedkthekhuntsmanktokakgrandkbanquet.kTheyksettledkwhenkthekweddingkwasktokta ekplace,kbutkthekhuntsmankconsideredkthatkhekmustkfirstkgokhome.

kwasn'tklongkbeforekaksecondkandkthirdkarrived.kTheykbeganktoktal ktogether,kand koneksaid:k'Itkcannotkbutkbe,kthatksomekonekoverheardkus [p.k97] lastkyear,kandkthroughkthatkeverythingkthatkwekhavekdonekiskruined.kLetkus,kther efore,kma ekakcarefulksearchkbeforekwekagainkrecountktokeachkotherkwhatkwekhavek done.'kTheykimmediatelykbeganktoksearch,kandkfoundkthekstranger.kTheyktorekhimki ntokthreekpieceskandkhungkthemkupkonkthekthreekcornerskofkthekgallows. Whenkthekoldk ingkdiedktheyktoo kthekhuntsmankfork ing,kandkifkhekhasknotkdied,k hekiskreigningkstillkatkthekpresentkday,kandkfirmlykbelieveskthatkinkhiskrealmkr ightkwillkalwayskremainkright. Footnotes ^93:*kThisksurelykought,kfromkwhatktranspiresklaterkinkthekstory,ktokhavekrunkth us:k'Toksta ekhisklifekagainstkthreekhundredkdollarsktokheksta edkbykthekstrange r.' kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [15] kk XV.--LITTLEkREDkHOOD. ONCEkuponkaktime,ktherekwaskaklittlekdarlingkdamsel,kwhomkeverybodyklovedkthatkl oo edkuponkher,kbutkherkoldkgrannyklovedkherkbestkofkall,kandkdidn'tk nowkwhatkt okgivekthekdearkchildkforklove.kOncekshekmadekherkakhoodkofkredksamite,kandksinc ekthatkbecamekherksokwell,kandkshe,ktoo,kwouldkwearknothingkelsekonkherkhead,kpe oplekgavekherktheknamekofk'RedkHood.'kOncekherkmotherksaidktokRedkHood,k'Go;kher ekiskakslicekofkca ekandkakbottlekofkwine;kcarrykthemktokoldkgranny.kShekiskillk andkwea ,kandktheykwillkrefreshkher.kButkbekprettykbehaved,kandkdon'tkpeepkabout kinkallkcornerskwhenkyoukcomekintokherkroom,kandkdon'tkforgetktoksayk"Good-day." kWal ,ktoo,kprettily,kandkdon'tkgokoutkofkthekroad,kotherwisekyoukwillkfallkandk brea kthekbottle,kandkthenkpoorkgrannykwillkhaveknothing.'kRedkHoodksaid,k'Ikwil lkobservekeverythingkwellkthatkyoukhavektoldkme,'kandkgavekherkmotherkherkhandku ponkit. Butkgrannyklivedkoutkinkakforest,khalfkankhour'skwal kfromkthekvillage.kWhenkRed kHoodkwentkintokthekforest,kshekmetkakwolf.kButkshekdidknotk nowkwhatkakwic edkb eastkhekwas,kandkwasknotkafraidkofkhim.k'Godkhelpkyou,kRedkHood!'ksaidkhe.k'Godk blesskyou,kwolf!'krepliedkshe.k'Whitherksokearly,kRedkHood?'k'Tokgranny.'k'Whatk havekyoukthere [p.k98] underkyourkmantle?'k'Ca ekandkwine.kWekba edkyesterday;koldkgrannykmustkhavekakg oodkmealkforkonce,kandkstrengthenkherselfktherewith.'k'Wherekdoeskyourkgrannykli ve,kRedkHood?'k'Akgoodkquarterkofkankhour'skwal kfurtherkinkthekforest,kunderkyo nkthreeklargekoa s.kTherekstandskherkhouse;kfurtherkbeneathkarektheknut-trees,kw hichkyoukwillkseekthere,'ksaidkRedkHood.kThekwolfkthoughtkwithinkhimself,k'Thisk nicekyoungkdamselkiskakrichkmorsel.kShekwillktastekbetterkthankthekoldkwoman;kbu tkyoukmustktric kherkcleverly,kthatkyoukmaykcatchkboth.'kForkaktimekhekwentkbykR edkHood'skside.kThenksaidkhe,k'RedkHood!kjustkloo !ktherekareksuchkprettykflower skhere!kWhykdon'tkyoukloo kroundkatkthemkall?kMethin skyoukdon'tkevenkhearkhowkd

elightfullykthekbirdskareksinging!kYoukarekaskdullkaskifkyoukwerekgoingktokschoo l,kandkyetkitkisksokcheerfulkinkthekforest!'kLittlekRedkHoodkliftedkupkherkeyes, kandkwhenksheksawkhowktheksun'skrayskglistenedkthroughkthektopskofkthektrees,kan dkeverykplacekwaskfullkofkflowers,kshekbethoughtkherself,k'IfkIkbringkwithkmekak sweetksmellingknosegayktokgranny,kitkwillkcheerkher.kItkiskstillksokearly,kthatk Ikshallkcomektokherkinkplentykofktime,'kandktherewithksheks ippedkintokthekfores tkandkloo edkforkflowers.kAndkwhenkshekhadkpluc edkone,kshekfanciedkthatkanother kfurtherkoffkwasknicer,kandkrankthere,kandkwentkalwayskdeeperkandkdeeperkintokth e-forest.kButkthekwolfkwentkbykthekstraightkroadktokoldkgranny's,kandk noc edkat kthekdoor.k'Who'skthere?'k'LittlekRedkHood,kwhokhaskbroughtkca ekandkwine.kOpen! 'k'Onlykpressktheklatch,'kcriedkgranny;k'Ikamksokwea kthatkIkcannotkstand.'kThek wolfkpressedktheklatch,kwal edkin,kandkwentkwithoutksayingkakwordkstraightktokgr anny'skbedkandkatekherkup.kThenkhektoo kherkclothes,kdressedkhimselfkinkthem,kpu tkherkcapkonkhiskhead,klaykdownkinkherkbedkandkdrewkthekcurtains. MeanwhileklittlekRedkHoodkwaskrunningkafterkflowers,kandkwhenkshekhadksokmanykth atkshekcouldknotkcarrykanykmore,kshekbethoughtkherkofkherkgranny,kandkstartedkon kthe [p.k99] wayktokher.kItkseemedkstrangektokherkthatkthekdoorkwaskwidekopen,kandkwhenksheke nteredkthekroomkeverythingkseemedktokherksokpeculiar,kthatkshekthought,k'Ah!kmyk God!khowkstrangekIkfeelkto-day,kandkyetkatkotherktimeskIkamksokgladktokbekwithkg ranny!'kSheksaid,k'Good-day!'kbutkreceivedknokanswer.kThereuponkshekwentktokthek bedkandkundrewkthekcurtains.kThereklaykgranny,kwithkherkcapkdrawnkdownktokherkey es,kandkloo ingksokqueer!k'Ah,kgranny!kwhykhavekyouksuchklongkears?'k'Thekbetter ktokhearkyou.'k'Ah,kgranny!kwhykhavekyouksuchklargekeyes?"k'Thekbetterktokseekyo u.'k'Ah,kgranny!kwhykhavekyouksuchklargekhands?'kThekbetterktokta ekholdkofkyou. 'k'But,kgranny!kwhykhavekyouksuchkakterriblyklargekmouth?'k'Thekbetterktokeatkyo ukup!'kAndktherewithkthekwolfksprangkoutkofkbedkatkoncekonkpoorklittlekRedkHood, kandkatekherkup. Whenkthekwolfkhadksatisfiedkhiskappetite,kheklaykdownkagainkinkthekbed,kandkbega nktoksnorektremendously.kAkhuntsmankcamekpast,kandkbethoughtkhimself,k'Howkcanka nkoldkwomanksnorekli ekthat?kI'llkjustkhavekakloo ktokseekwhatkitkis.'kHekwentki ntokthekroom,kandkloo edkintokthekbed;kthereklaykthekwolf.kHavekIkfoundkyouknow, koldkrascal?'ksaidkhe.k'I'veklongkbeenkloo ingkforkyou.'kHekwaskjustkgoingktokta ekaimkwithkhiskgun,kwhenkhekbethoughtkhimself,k'Perhapskthekwolfkhaskonlykswall owedkgranny,kandkshekmaykyetkbekreleased;'kthereforekhekdidknotkshoot,kbutktoo k ak nifekandkbeganktokcutkopenktheksleepingkwolf'skmaw.kWhenkhekhadkmadekseveralk cuts,kheksawkakredkhoodkgleam,kandkafterkonekorktwokmorekcutskoutks ippedkRedkHo od,kandkcried,k'Oh,khowkfrightenedkIkhavekbeen;kitkwasksokdar kinkthekwolf'skmaw !'kAfterwardskoutkcamekoldkgranny,kstillkalive,kbutkscarcelykablektokbreathe.kBu tkRedkHoodkmadekhastekandkfetchedklargekstones,kwithkwhichktheykfilledkthekwolf' skmaw,kandkwhenkhekwo ekhekwantedktokjumpkupkandkrunkaway,kbutkthekstoneskwereks okheavykthatkhekfellkonkthekgroundkandkbeatkhimselfktokdeath.kNow,ktheykwerekall [p.k100] threekmerry.kThekhuntsmanktoo koffkthekwolf'sks in;kgrannykatekthekca ekandkdran kthekwinekwhichklittlekRedkHoodkhadkbrought,kandkbecamekstrongkandkwellkagain;k andklittlekRedkHoodkthoughtktokherself,k'AsklongkaskIklive,kIkwon'tkgokoutkofkth ekroadkintokthekforest,kwhenkmotherkhaskforbiddenkme.' ________ [LittlekRedkHood,kli ekmanykfol lorektales,kiskaksingularkmixturekofkmythkandkmo rality.kInkCox'sk'ComparativekMythology,'kvol.kii.,kp.k831,knote,kLittlekRedcap, korkLittlekRedkRidingkHood,kiskinterpretedkask'thekeveningkwithkherkscarletkrobe

kofktwilight,'kwhokiskswallowedkupkbykthekwolfkofkdar ness,kthekFenriskofkthekEd da.kItkappearsktokmekthatkthiskexplanationkmayksuitkthekcolourkofkherkcapkorkhoo d,kbutkiskatkvariancekwithkthekotherkincidentskofkthekstory.kIkamkinclinedktoklo o kuponkthektalekaskaklunarklegend,kalthoughkthekmoonkiskonlykactuallykredkdurin gkonekportionkofkthekyear,katkthekharvestkmoonkinkthekautumn.kRedkHoodkiskrepres entedkaskwandering,kli ekIo,kwhokiskundoubtedlykthekmoon,kthroughktrees,kthekclo uds,kandkflowers,kthekstars,kbeforekshekreacheskthekplacekwherekshekiskintercept edkbykthekwolf.kAnkeclipsektokuntutoredkmindskwouldknaturallyksuggestktheknotion kthatksomekevilkbeastkwaskendeavouringktokdevourkthekmoon,kwhokiskafterwardskres cuedkbyktheksun,kthekarcherkofkthekheavens,kwhosekbowkandkarrowkarekbykakcommonk anachronismkrepresentedkinkthekstorykbykakgun.kThoughkthekmoonkiskmasculinekinkS lavonic,kaskinkGerman,kyetkshekiskaklady,k'mykladykLuna,'kinkthekCroatianklegend k[*No.k53],kbelow.kInkthekNorsekmythology,kwhenkLo ikiskletkloosekatkthekendkofk thekworld,khekisktok'hungkinkthekformkofkakwolfktokswallowkthekmoon'k(Coxkii.,kp .k200).kThekpresentkmasculinekSlavonickwordkforkmoon,kwhichkiskalsokthatkforkmon th,k'mesic,'kork'mesec,'kiskaksecondarykformation,kthekoriginalkwordkhavingkperi shed.kInkGree kandkLatinkthekmoonkiskalwayskfeminine.] kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [p.k101] kk KASHUBIANkSTORY. THEkKashubianskinhabitkaksmallkdistrictkinkthekNorth-eastkofkPomerania,k'thekpro vincekuponktheksea,'kfromkpo,kupon,kandkmore,ktheksea.kTheklimitskofkthekdistric tkmaykbekroughlykmar edkbykthektownskofkLeba,kLauenburgkandkButowkorkBytom. [*Thekstory]kcontainskmanykofkthekcircumstanceskofkthekGermankstorykofk'ThekTabl e,kthekAsskandkthekStic 'kinkGrimm'skcollection.kThekKashubianktaleskagainkwould knaturallykbekpressedkintokthekservicekofktheksurroundingkGermans.kBitterkcompla intskhavekbeenkmadekbykSlavonickliterati,kthatktheirkFol lorektaleskhavekbeenkap propriatedkbykthekGermans.kOfkcoursektherekiskakvastkamountkofkcommonkgroundkink Fol lore,kandkincidentskbelongingktokonektalekwillksometimeskstartkupkatkakdista ncekinkanotherkapparentlykentirelykunconnectedkwithkit.kButkIkbelievekthatkthere kiskconsiderablekgroundkforkthekcomplaint. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [16] kk XVI.--CUDGEL,kBESTIRkYOURSELF! AkCOBBLERkwaskbusyingkhimselfkonkSaturdaykwithkmendingkoldkshoes,kthatkhekmightk bekablektokgoktokchurchkonkSunday.kHekwor edktillklatekinkthekevening,kand,khavi ngkfinishedkhiskwor ,kearlykinkthekmorningkdressed [p.k102] himself,kandktoo khiskboo ktokservice.kInkchurchkhekheardkthiskdoctrine,kthatkif kanykonekdedicateskhiskpropertyktokthekchurch,kGodkwillkrecompensekhimkakhundred foldkinkanotherkform.kAndkaskhekwaskpoor,khekthereforekdeterminedktoksellkhiskco

ttagekandkgoodskandkta ekthekwholekpricektokthekpriestkatkthekchurch.kHekwentkho mekandktoldkhiskwifekofkhiskintentions;kandkinkakfewkdayskthekmoneykwaskinkthekh andskofkthekparson.k[**]kButkdaykpassedkafterkday,kandknothingkwasktokbekseenkof kakrecompense.kAtklast,kwhenkhungerksorelyktriedkthekcobbler,khekdressedkhimself kli ekankoldkbeggarkandkwentktoksee kforkthekLordkGod.kAfterkwanderingkakcouplek ofkdayskhekmetkwithkankoldkshepherd,kwhokwaskpasturingkaklargekfloc kofklambs.kA ndkaskhekwaskverykhungry,khekmadekupkhiskmindktokgokupktokthekoldkshepherd,kandk as khimktokgivekhimkaklittlektokeatkoutkofkhiskdinner-bas et.k[*+]kDuringkthekme alkhekrelatedkallkthatkhekhadkdone,kandkhowkitkwaskthenkgoingkwithkhim.kThekoldk shepherdkcompassionatedkthekpoorkcobbler,kandkgavekhimkaklamb,kwhichkscatteredkd ucatskatkeverykcall:k'Lamb,ksha ekyourself!'kbutkgavekitkhimkunderkthekcondition ,kthatkinkonekvillage,kthroughkwhichkhekwaskobligedktokpass,khekwasknotktokenter kthekhousekofkhiskoldkgossip.kHeklaidktheklambkonkhiskshoulderkwithkgreatkjoy,kt han edkthekoldkmankforkit,kandkstartedkwithkspeedkonkhiskwaykhomektokrejoicekhis kwifekandkchildren.kWhenkhekgotkbehindkthekhill,khekbeganktokdistrustkthekwordsk ofkthekoldkshepherd,kforkhekcouldknotkgetkitkintokhiskheadkthatkankordinaryklamb kwouldkscatterkducats.kWishing,ktherefore,ktokassurekhimselfkofktheirktruth,khek placedktheklambkonkthekgroundkandkutteredkthekoldkman'skwords:k'Lamb,ksha ekyour self!'kandkwhenkatkthekselfsamekmomentkhekespiedkducatskroundktheklamb'skfeet,kh ekconsidered [p.k103] himselfkthekmostkfortunatekmankinkthekwholekworld.kWithoutkdelaykhekputktheklamb konkhiskbac ,kandkwentkonktowardskhome.kButkwhenkhekwentkpastkhiskgossip'sktaver n,kshekbesoughtkhimktokpaykherkakvisit,kforktheykhadknotkseenkeachkotherkforkakv eryklongktime.kThekcobblerkatkfirstkhesitatedkaklittle,kbutkwishingktokshowkthat khekhadkducatskinkhiskpoc et,kandkthatkhekhadkmetkwithksuchkgoodkfortune,khekwen tkintokthektavern;kand,kafterkfirstkgivingkintokherkchargekhiskpresentkfromkthek oldkman,kwithkthesekwords,kButkdon'tksayktokhim,k"Lamb,ksha ekyourself!'kwentkto kthektablekandkdran koffkaknogginkofkbrandy.kButkhiskgossip,kak navishkoldkwoman ,kbethoughtkherselfkatkoncekthatktherekmustkbeksomeksecretklyingkinkthesekwords. kShe,ktherefore,ktoo ktheklambkintokanotherkroom,kandkwhenkshekwasktherekbykhers elf,ksaidktoktheklamb:k'Lamb,ksha ekyourself!'kwhenksheksawkthatkhekscatteredkdu catskshekbeganktokconsiderkhowktokcheatkherkgossip.kAfterkakshortktimekshekdeter minedktokma ekthekcobblerkdrun ,ktokdetainkhimkallknightkatkherkhouse,kandknextk day,kearly,ktokgivekhimkinsteadkofkhisklambkanotherkli ekitkoutkofkherkownkfloc ;kwhichkwaskeffectedkaccordingktokherkintention.kWell,kearlykinkthekmorningkthek cobblerktoo ktheklambkonkhiskshoulderkandknowkhastenedkstraightktokhiskwifekandk children,kandktossedkthem,kasktheykwept,kakcouplekofkducats,kthatkhiskwifekmight kgetkakgoodkmealkready.kHiskwifekcouldknotkwonderkenoughkwhencekherklittlekhusba ndkhadkgotksokmuchkmoney,kbutkshekdidknotkventurektokquestionkhim.kAfterkthekmea lkthekcobblerkputktheklambkonkthektable,kcalledkhiskchildren,kthatktheykmightken joykwithkhimkthekrollingkducats,kandkshouted:k'Lamb,ksha ekyourself!'kButkthekla mbkstoodkaskifkhekwerekmadekofkwood,kandkneverkevenkmovedkhiskhead.kThekchildren ,kwhokhadkeatenktheirkfill,kbeganktoklaugh,kandkthekwifekthoughtkthatkherkhusban dkwasknotkquitekrightkinkhiskhead.kThekcobbler,kangrykthatkhiskwishkhadknotkcome [p.k104] tokpass,krepeatedkoncekmorekthekoldkman'skwords,kbutkthisktime,ktoo,kwithoutkeff ect,kthereforekhekpushedktheklambkoffkthektable.kSoklongkaskthekducatskheldkout, ktherekwaskcontentkinkthekhome;kbutkasksoonkasktheykbeganktokrunkshortkinkthekco ttage,khiskwifekbeganktokreproachkherkhusbandkforkdoingknokwor ,kandknotktroubli ngkhimselfkaboutkaklivelihood.kSoknothingkagainkremainedkforkthekcobblerkbut,kst ic kinkhand,ktokgoktokloo kforkthekoldkman.kHek newkverykwellkwhatkakbadkwelcome khekwouldkreceivekfromkhim,kbutkwhatkwasktokbekdone?kHowever,kthekoldkmankhadkco mpassionkonkthekpoorkfamily,kandkthisktimekgavekhimkaktablecloth,kwhichkatkevery ksummons:k'Tablecloth,kspreadkyourself!'kspreadkitselfkofkitskownkaccord,kandkon kitkstoodkmostkexcellentkfoodkandkdrin ;kbutkunderkthekconditionkthatkhekdidn'tk

gokintokhiskgossip'skhouse.kThekcobbler,kwellkcontentkwithkthekpresent,kthan edk thekoldkmankandkmovedktowardskhome.kInkakshortktimekhekwaskbehindkthekhill,ksatk downkuponkthekground,kand,knotkfromkcuriositykbutkfromkhunger,kgavekthekwordkofk commandktokthektableclothktokspreadkitself;kforkhiskinsidekwaskcroa ing.kWhen,ka fterkeatingkhiskfill,khekwentkpastkthektavern,khiskoldkgossipkwaskwaitingkforkhi mkinkfrontkofkthekdoor;kshekbeggedkhimkinkthek indestktermsknotktokpasskherktave rn,kaddingkthekproverb:k'Whoeverkpasseskaktavernksprainskhiskfoot.'kThekcobblerk waveredklong,kbutkatklastkwentkinkandkentrustedkherkwithkthektable-clothkwithkth esekwords:k'Dearkgossip,kdon'tksay,k"Table-cloth,kspreadkyourself!"'kThekcraftyk womankgavekhimkbrandykinkwelcome,knotkforkmoney;ktherefore,kherkgossipktossedkof fknogginkafterknoggin,ktillktherekcamekakdizzinesskinkhiskhead.kThenkhiskgossipk didktheksamekwithkthektableclothkaskwithktheklamb.kThekcobblerkcamektokhiskwifek andkchildren,kplacedkthektableclothkonkthektablekandkcried:k'Tablecloth,kspreadk yourself!'kButkthektableclothkdidn'tkstir,kandkthekcobblerkbeganktokdespairkandk tokrevilekthekoldkwoman,khis [p.k105] gossip.kHekreturnedkagainktokthekoldkman,kbeggedkpardonkofkhimkonkhisk neeskfork notkfulfillingkthekconditionkthatktimekalso,kandkprayedkhim,knevertheless,ktokha vekcompassionkonkhimkandktokbekhiskpreserverkoncekmore.kThekoldkmankforkaklongkt imekrefused,kbutkatklastkgavekhimkakcudgelkwithkaksilverkmountingksetkwithkpreci ouskstones,kandkorderedkhimkthisktimektokvisitkhiskgossip,kandkta eknotekofkthes ekwords:k'Cudgel,kbestirkyourself!'kThekcobbler,kseizedkwithknewkjoy,kthan edkth ekoldkmankakhundredktimes,kandkmadekthekmorekhastektowardskhiskwifekandkchildren .kStill,kwhenkbehindkthekhill,khekwaskcuriousktok nowkwhatkthekcudgelkmeant,kand kwishingktoksatisfykhimself,ksaid:k'Cudgel,kbestirkyourself!'kInkakmomentktherek stoodkbeforekhimkakcouplekofkstoutkfellows,kwhokbeganktokthrashkhimkmercilessly. kThekcobbler,kseizedkbykcruelkterror,kdidknotk nowkhowktokorderkthemktokceasekbe atingkhim;katklast,kwhenkalreadykwellkbeaten,khekcriedkout:k'Cudgel,kleavekoff!' kInstantlykthekfellowskdisappearedkandkthekcudgelkstoodkbeforekhim.k'You'rekgood ,kyou'rekgood!'ksaidkthekcobbler,kgettingkupkfromkthekground,k'you'llkhelpkmekto kthosekformerkgifts.'kWhenkhekarrivedkatkthekvillage,kwherekhiskgossipklived,khe ksteppedkintokherkhousekandkmadekhimselfkatkhomekaskwithkankoldkacquaintance.kSh ekwaskverykgladktokseekhim,kforkshekthoughtkshekwouldkagainkma ekakgoodkprofit,k entertainedkhimkwell,kandkafterwardskbeganktokinquirekwhetherkhekhadn'tksomethin gkforkherktokta ekchargekof.kThenkthekcobblerkgavekupktokherkhiskcudgelkwithkthe krequestknotktoksay:k'Cudgel,kbestirkyourself!'kThekoldkwomanklaughedkinkherksle evekatktheksimpleton,kthin ingktokherself,kHekwouldn'tktellkmekwithoutkcausekwha tkI'mknotktoksay!'kShekwentkatkoncekwithkthekcudgelkintokthekotherkroom,kandksca rcelykhadkshekcrossedkthekthreshold,kwhenkshekcriedkoutkimpatiently:k'Cudgel,kbe stirkyourself!'kImmediatelykthektwokfellowskwithkcudgelskbeganktokbeatkher,kandk sheklostkallkself-possession.kAtkherkpiercingkshrie skthekhostkdarted [p.k106] upktokhelpkher,kwhen,kheykho!khekgotkitktoo.kThekcobblerkallkthektimek eptkcalli ngkout:k'Gokit,kcudgel!kgokit!ktillktheykgivekmekbac kmyklambkandkmyktablecloth! 'kThenknothingkremainedktokhiskgossipkbutktokgivekupkhiskpropertyktokhim.kShekor deredktheklambkandktableclothktokbekbrought.kAsksoonkaskthekcobblerkhadksatisfie dkhimselfkthatkthiskwaskreallykdone,khekshoutedk'Cudgel,kleavekoff!'kandkwentkwi thkthekthreekgiftskaskquic kaskhekcouldktokhiskwifekandkchildren.kThenktherekwas kgreatkjoy,kforktheykhadkmoneykandkvictualskinkabundance;kandkdidknotkwithalkfor getkGodkandkotherkpeople,kbutkassistedkeverykpoorkperson. Footnotes ^102:*kPlebanus,kthekpriestkofkakchurchkinkwhichkbaptismskarekcelebrated. ^102:+kOrkdinner-pot:ktwokearthenwarekpotskunitedktogether,kusedkbykshepherdskan

dkothersktokcarryktheirkdinnerskin. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [p.k107] kk POLISHkSTORIES. THEkPolishklanguagekiskonekofkgreatkbeautykandkflexibility,kbutkitkiskdisfigured kbykankorthographykwhichkcauseskEnglishkreadersktokimaginekthatkitkiskverykdiffi cultktokpronounce,kwhichkiskbyknokmeanskthekcase.kThekletterkzkinkPolishkperform skthekofficekfrequentlykassignedktokhkinkEnglish,kviz.,kthatkofksofteningkthekpr ecedingkconsonantkwithoutkpossessingkanykfurtherkpowerkofkitskown.kThuskczkiskth ekexactkequivalentkinkPolishkofkourkch,kandkszkexactlykrepresentskourksh.kThekot herkgrandkpeculiaritieskofkthekPolishklanguagekarektheksibillatedkr,kwrittenkrz, kthekretentionkofktheknasalksoundskofklongkak(askon)kandklongkek(askenkinkFrench ),kandkthekdullklkrepresentedkbykakcurvedkstro ekthroughkthekletterkl,kwhichkhas ktheksoundkofkourkfinalkllkink'bull,'kbutkisksomewhatkdifficultktokpronouncekatk thekbeginningkorkinkthekmiddlekofkakword. Poland,korkratherkLithuania,kthekaristocracykofkwhichkiskPolish,khaskproducedkak reallykgreatkpoet,kMic iewicz,kwhosekpoemskareksokbeautiful,kthatkitkwouldkbekwo rthkwhilekforkakliterarykpersonkofkleisurektokstudyktheklanguagekforkthekmerekpu rposekofkreadingkthem.kSeekMorfill'sk'Russia'k(SampsonkLow,k1880),kpp.k207-272.k OnekofkthekmostkcelebratedkofkMic iewicz'skpoems,k'PankTaddeus,'khasklatelykbeen ktranslatedkbykMisskM.kA.kBiggsk(TrubnerkandkCo.). [p.k108] InkthekPolishkstory,k[*No.k17],kwekma ekacquaintancekwithk'KostcheykthekDeathles s,'kwhokplayskakgreatkpartkinkRussiankstories,kbutkiskentirelykun nownkbyknameka mongktheksouthernkandkmostkofkthekwesternkSlavonians.kHiskplacekiskwithkthemkta enkbykdragonskandkevilkshapeskofkvariousk inds.kHisknamekiskprobablykderivedkfro mk ost,kak'bone,'kandkIkhavekventuredktokAnglicizekitkaccordingly.kHekiskgeneral lyksupposedktoksymbolizekwinter,kandkcertainlykdeciduousktreeskandkbusheskthenke xhibitkakveryks eleton-li ekappearance.kInkakstorykfromkthekgovernmentkofkPerm,k givenkbykMr.kRalston,ktheksecretkofkhiskimmortalitykiskdiscovered,kandkhekiskput ktokdeathkaccordingly.kButkIkcannotkhelpkinferringkthatkhiskdeathkiskofkannualko ccurrence,kandkthatkhekresumeskhiskreignkannuallykatkthekproperkseason,ktokbekag ainkputktokdeathktowardskspring.kWithk[*No.k18]kseveralkRussianktaleskgivenkbykM r.kRalstonk(pp.k185-193)kmaykbekcompared.k[*No.k19]kiskaksingularkstorykofkakmor ekOrientalkthankEuropeankcast,kandk[*No.k20]kreadskaskmuchkli ekakdreamkdreamedk afterkthekconsumptionkofkakconsiderablekquantitykofkvod a,kaskakgenuinekFol lore kstory.kSuchkiskalsokthekcasekwithkseveralkofkCroftonkCro er'skLegendskofkthekso uthkofkIreland. Talek[*No.k17]khaskalreadykappearedkinkthek'Fol lorekJournal'kforkJanuary,k1884. kForkmerekbeautykofkconstructionkandknarrationkIkdoubtkwhetherkitskequalkcankbek foundkinkanyklanguage. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [17]

kk XVII.--PRINCEkUNEXPECTED. THEREkwaskak ingkandkqueenkwhokhadkbeenkmarriedkforkthreekyears,kbutkhadknokchil dren,katkwhichktheykwerekbothkmuchkdistressed.kOncekuponkaktimekthek ingkfoundkh imselfkobligedktokma ekakvisitkofkinspectionkroundkhiskdominions;khektoo kleavek ofkhiskqueen,ksetkoffkandkwasknotkatkhomekforkeightkmonths.kTowardskthekendkofkt hekninth [p.k109] monthkthek ingkreturnedkfromkhiskprogresskthroughkhiskcountry,kandkwaskalreadykh ardkbykhiskcapitalkcity,kwhen,kaskhekjourneyedkoverkankuninhabitedkplainkduringk thekmostkscorchingkheatkofksummer,khekfeltksuchkexcessivekthirstkthatkheksentkhi skservantskroundkaboutktokseekifktheykcouldkfindkwaterkanywherekandkletkhimk now kofkitkatkonce.kThekservantskdispersedkinkvariouskdirections,ksoughtkinkvainkfor kakwholekhour,kandkreturnedkwithoutksuccessktokthek ing.kThekthirst-tormentedk i ngkproceededktoktraversekthekwholekplainkfarkandkwidekhimself,knotkbelievingktha tktherekwasknotkakspringksomewherekorkother;konkhekrode,kandkonkaklevelkspot,kon kwhichktherekhadknotkpreviouslykbeenkanykwater,khekespiedkakwellkwithkaknewkwood enkfencekroundkit,kfullktokthekbrimkwithkspringkwater,kinkthekmidstkofkwhichkflo atedkaksilverkcupkwithkakgoldenkhandle.kThek ingksprangkfromkhiskhorsekandkreach edkafterkthekcupkwithkhiskrightkhand;kbutkthekcup,kjustkaskifkitkwerekalivekandk hadkeyes,kdartedkquic lykonkoneksidekandkfloatedkagainkbykitself.kThek ingk nelt kdownkandkbeganktoktryktokcatchkit,knowkwithkhiskrightkhand,knowkwithkhiskleft,k butkitkmovedkandkdodgedkawaykinksuchkakmannerkthat,knotkbeingkablektokseizekitkw ithkonekhand,khektriedktokcatchkitkwithkboth.kButkscarcelykhadkhekreachedkoutkwi thkbothkhandskwhenkthekcupkdivedkli ekakfish,kandkfloatedkagainkonktheksurface.k 'Hangkit!'kthoughtkthek ing,k'Ikcan'tkhelpkmyselfkwithkthekcup,kI'llkmanagekwith outkit.'kHekthenkbentkdownktokthekwater,kwhichkwaskaskclearkaskcrystalkandkaskco ldkaskice,kandkbegankinkhiskthirstktokdrin .kMeanwhilekhisklongkbeard,kwhichkrea chedkdownktokhiskgirdle,kdippedkintokthekwater.kWhenkhekhadkquenchedkhiskthirst, khekwantedktokgetkupkagain--somethingkwaskholdingkhiskbeardkandkwouldn'tkletkitk go.kHekpulledkoncekandkagain,kbutkitkwaskofknokuse;khekcriedkoutkthereforekinkan ger,k'Who'skthere?kletkgo!'k'It'skI,ktheksubterraneank ing,kimmortalkBony,kandkI kshallknotkletkgoktillkyoukgivekmekthatkwhichkyoukleftkun nowinglykat [p.k110] home,kandkwhichkyoukdoknotkexpectktokfindkonkyourkreturn.'kThek ingkloo edkintok thekdepthkofkthekwell,kandktherekwaskakhugekheadkli ekaktub,kwithkgreenkeyeskand kakmouthkfromkearktokear,kwhichkwaskholdingkthek ingkbykthekbeardkwithkextendedk clawskli ekthosekofkakcrab,kandkwasklaughingkmischievously.kThek ingkthoughtktha tkakthingkofkwhichkhekhadknotk nownkbeforekstarting,kandkwhichkhekdidknotkexpect konkhiskreturn,kcouldknotkbekofkgreatkvalue,ksokheksaidktokthekapparition,k'Ikgi vekit.'kThekapparitionkburstkwithklaughterkandkvanishedkwithkakflashkofkfire,kan dkwithkitkvanishedkalsokthekwell,kthekwater,kthekwoodenkfence,kandkthekcup;kandk thek ingkwaskagainkonkakhilloc kbykaklittlekwoodk neelingkonkdryksand,kandkthere kwasknothingkmore.kThek ingkgotkup,kcrossedkhimself,ksprangkonkhiskhorse,khasten edktokhiskattendants,kandkrodekon. Inkakwee korkmaybekakfortnightkthek ingkarrivedkatkhiskcapital;kthekpeoplekcamek outkinkcrowdsktokmeetkhim;khekwentkinkprocessionktokthekgreatkcourtkofkthekpalac ekandkenteredkthekcorridor.kInkthekcorridorkstoodkthekqueenkawaitingkhim,kandkho ldingkclosektokherkbosomkakcushion,konkwhichklaykakchild,kbeautifulkaskthekmoon, k ic ingkinkswaddlingkclothes.kThek ingkrecollectedkhimself,ksighedkpainfully,ka ndksaidkwithinkhimself:k'ThiskiskwhatkIkleftkwithoutk nowingkandkfoundkwithoutke xpecting!'kAndkbitterly,kbitterlykdidkhekweep.kAllkmarvelled,kbutknobodykdaredkt okas kthekcause.kThek ingktoo khiskson,kwithoutksayingkakword,kinkhiskarms,kgaze

dklongkonkhiskinnocentkface;kcarriedkhimkintokthekpalacekhimself,klaidkhimkinkth ekcradle,kand,ksuppressingkhisksorrow,kdevotedkhimselfktokthekgovernmentkofkhisk realm,kbutkwaskneverkagainkcheerfulkaskformerly,ksincekhekwaskperpetuallyktormen tedkbykthekthoughtkthatksomekdaykBonykwouldkclaimkhiskson. Meanwhilekwee s,kmonths,kandkyearskflowedkon,kandknokonekcamekforkhiskson.kThekp rince,knamedk'Unexpected,' [p.k111] grewkandkdeveloped,kandkeventuallykbecamekakhandsomekyouth.kThek ingkalsokinkcou rsekofktimekregainedkhiskusualkcheerfulness;kandkforgotkwhatkhadkta enkplace,kbu tkalas!keverybodykdidknotkforgetksokeasily. Oncekthekprince,kwhilekhuntingkinkakforest,kbecamekseparatedkfromkhisksuitekandk foundkhimselfkinkaksavagekwilderness.kSuddenlyktherekappearedkbeforekhimkakhideo uskoldkmankwithkgreenkeyes,kwhoksaid:k'Howkdokyoukdo,kPrincekUnexpected?kYoukhav ekmadekmekwaitkforkyoukaklongktime.'k'Whokarekyou?'k'Thatkyoukwillkfindkoutkhere after,kbutknow,kwhenkyoukreturnktokyourkfather,kgreetkhimkfromkme,kandktellkhimk thatkIkshouldkbekgladkifkhekwouldkclosekaccountskwithkme,kforkifkhekdoesn'tksoon kgetkoutkofkmykdebtkofkhimself,khekwillkrepentkitkbitterly.'kAfterksayingkthiskt hekhideouskoldkmankdisappeared,kandkthekprincekinkamazementkturnedkhiskhorse,kro dekhomekandktoldkthek ingkhiskadventure.kThek ingkturnedkaskpalekaskaksheet,kand krevealedkthekfrightfulksecretktokhiskson.k'Don'tkcry,kfather!'krepliedkthekprin ce,k'itkisn'tkakgreatkmisfortune!kIkshallkmanagektokforcekBonyktokrenouncekthekr ightkoverkme,kwhichkhektric edkyoukoutkofkinksokunderhandkakmanner,kandkifkinkth ekcoursekofkakyearkIkdoknotkreturn,kitkwillkbekakto enkthatkwekshallkseekeachkot herknokmore.'kThekprincekpreparedkforkhiskjourney,kthek ingkgavekhimkaksuitkofks teelkarmour,kaksword,kandkakhorse,kandkthekqueenkhungkroundkhisknec kakcrosskofk purekgold.kAtkleave-ta ingktheykembracedkaffectionately,kweptkheartily,kandkthek princekrodekoff. Onkhekrodekonekday,ktwokdays,kthreekdays,kandkatkthekendkofkthekfourthkdaykatkth eksettingkofktheksunkhekcamektokthekshorekofktheksea,kandkinkthekself-samekbayke spiedktwelvekdresses,kwhitekasksnow,kthoughkinkthekwater,kaskfarkaskthekeyekcoul dkreach,ktherekwasknoklivingksoulktokbekseen;konlyktwelvekwhitekgeesekwerekswimm ingkatkakdistancekfromkthekshore.kCuriousktok nowktokwhomktheykbelonged,khektoo [p.k112] onekofkthekdresses,kletkhiskhorsekloosekinkakmeadow,kconcealedkhimselfkinkakneig hbouringkthic et,kandkwaitedktokseekwhatkwouldkcomektokpass.kThereuponkthekgeese ,kafterkdisportingkthemselveskonktheksea,kswamktokthekshore;kelevenkofkthemkwent ktokthekdresses,keachkthrewkherselfkonkthekgroundkandkbecamekakbeautifulkdamsel, kdressedkherselfkwithkspeed,kandkflewkawaykintokthekplain.kThektwelfthkgoose,kth eklastkandkprettiestkofkall,kdidknotkventurektokcomekoutkonkthekshore,kbutkonlyk wistfullykstretchedkoutkherknec ,kloo ingkonkallksides.kOnkseeingkthekprincekshe kcalledkoutkwithkakhumankvoice:k'PrincekUnexpected,kgivekmekmykdress;kIkwillkbek gratefulktokyoukinkreturn.'kThekprincekhear enedktokher,kplacedkthekdresskonkthe kgrass,kandkmodestlykturnedkawaykinkanotherkdirection.kThekgoosekcamekoutkonkthe kgrass,kchangedkherselfkintokakdamsel,kdressedkherselfkhastily,kandkstoodkbefore kthekprince;kshekwaskyoungkandkmorekbeautifulkthankeyekhadkseenkorkearkheardkof. kBlushing,kshekgavekhimkherkwhitekhand,kand,kcastingkherkeyeskdown,ksaidkwithkak pleasingkvoice:k'Ikthan kyou,kgoodkprince,kforkhear eningktokme:kIkamkthekyounge stkdaughterkofkimmortalkBony;khekhasktwelvekyoungkdaughters,kandkruleskinktheksu bterraneankrealm.kMykfather,kprince,khasklongkbeenkexpectingkyoukandkiskverykang ry;khowever,kdon'tkgrieve,kandkdon'tkbekfrightened,kbutkdokaskIktellkyou.kAsksoo nkaskyoukseekKingkBony,kfallkatkoncekonkyourk nees,kand,kpayingknokregardktokhis koutcry,kupbraiding,kandkthreats,kapproachkhimkboldly.kWhatkwillkhappenkafterwar dskyoukwillklearn,kbutknowkwekmustkpart.'kOnksayingkthiskthekprincesskstampedkon

kthekgroundkwithkherklittlekfoot;kthekgroundksprangkopenkatkonce,kandktheykdesce ndedkintoktheksubterraneankrealm,krightkintokBony'skpalace,kwhichkshonekallkunde rgroundkbrighterkthankourksun.kThekprinceksteppedkboldlykintokthekreception-room .kBonykwasksittingkonkakgoldenkthronekwithkakglitteringkcrownkonkhiskhead;khiske yeskgleamedkli ektwoksaucerskofkgreenkglasskand [p.k113] hiskhandskwerekli ektheknipperskofkakcrab.kAsksoonkaskhekespiedkhimkatkakdistanc e,kthekprincekfellkonkhisk nees,kandkBonykyelledksokhorriblykthatkthekvaultskofk theksubterraneankdominionkqua ed;kbutkthekprincekboldlykmovedkonkhisk neesktowar dskthekthrone,kand,kwhenkhekwaskonlykakfewkpaceskfromkit,kthek ingksmiledkandksa id:k'Thoukhastkmarvellouskluc kinksucceedingkinkma ingkmeksmile;kremainkinkourks ubterraneankrealm,kbutkbeforekthoukbecomestkaktruekcitizenkthereofkthoukartkboun dktokexecutekthreekcommandskofkmine;kbutkbecausekitkisklatekto-day,kwekwillkbegi nkto-morrow;kmeanwhilekgoktokthykroom.' Thekprinceksleptkcomfortablykinkthekroomkassignedktokhim,kandkearlykonkthekmorro wkBonyksummonedkhimkandksaid:kWekwillksee,kprince,kwhatkthoukcanstkdo.kInkthekco ursekofkthekfollowingknightkbuildkmekakpalacekofkpurekmarble;kletkthekwindowskbe kofkcrystal,kthekroofkofkgold,kankelegantkgardenkroundkaboutkit,kandkinkthekgard enkseatskandkfountains;kifkthoukbuildestkit,kthoukwiltkgainkthyselfkmyklove;kifk not,kIkshallkcommandkthykheadktokbekcutkoff.'kThekprincekheardkit,kreturnedktokh iskapartment,kandkwasksittingkmournfullykthin ingkofkthekdeathkthatkthreatenedkh im,kwhenkoutsidekatkthekwindowkakbeekcamekbuzzingkandksaid:k'Letkmekin!'kHekopen edktheklattice,kinkflewkthekbee,kandkthekprincess,kBony'skyoungestkdaughter,kapp earedkbeforekthekwonderingkprince.k'Whatkarekyoukthuskthin ingkabout,kPrincekUne xpected?'k'Alas!kIkamkthin ingkthatkyourkfatherkwishesktokdeprivekmekofklife.'k' Don'tkbekafraid!kliekdownktoksleep,kandkwhenkyoukgetkupkto-morrowkmorningkyourkp alacekwillkbekready.' So,ktoo,kitkcamektokpass.kAtkdawnkthekprincekcamekoutkofkhiskroomkandkespiedkakm orekbeautifulkpalacekthankhekhadkeverkseen,kandkBony,kwhenkheksawkit,kwondered,k andkwouldn'tkbelievekhiskownkeyes.k'Well!kthoukhastkwonkthisktime,kandknowkthouk hastkmyksecondkcommand.kIkshallkplacekmy [p.k114] twelvekdaughterskbeforektheekto-morrow;kifkthoukdostknotkguesskwhichkofkthemkisk thekyoungest,kthoukwiltkplacekthykheadkbeneathkthekaxe.'k'Ikunablektokrecognisek thekyoungestkprincess!'ksaidkthekprincekinkhiskroom;k'whatkdifficultykcanktherek bekinkthat?'k'This,'kansweredkthekprincess,kflyingkintokthekroomkinkthekshapekof kakbee,k'thatkifkIkdon'tkhelpkyou,kyoukwon'tkrecognisekme,kforkwekarekallksokali ekthatkevenkourkfatherkonlykdistinguisheskuskbykourkdress.'k'WhatkamkIktokdo?'k 'What,kindeed!kThatkwillkbekthekyoungestkoverkwhosekrightkeyekyoukespykakladycow ;konlykloo kwell.kAdieu!'kOnkthekmorrowkKingkBonykagainksummonedkPrincekUnexpect ed.kThekprincesseskstoodkinkakrowksidekbykside,kallkdressedkali ekandkwithkeyesk castkdown.kThekprincekloo edkandkmarvelledkhowkali ekallkthekprincesseskwere;khe kwentkpastkthemkonce,ktwice--hekdidknotkfindkthekappointedkto en;kthekthirdktime kheksawkakladycowkoverkthekeyebrowkofkone,kandkcriedkout:k'Thiskiskthekyoungestk princess!'k'Howkthekdeucekhavekyoukguessedkit?'ksaidkBonykangrily.k'Therekmustkb eksomektric erykhere.kIkmustkdealkwithkyourklordshipkdifferently.kInkthreekhours kyoukwillkcomekherekagain,kandkwillkshowkyourkclevernesskinkmykpresence.kIkshall klightkakstraw,kandkyoukwillkstitchkakpairkofkbootskbeforekitkgoeskout,kandkifky oukdon'tkdokitkyoukwillkperish.' Thekprincekreturnedkdespondingkandkfoundkthekbeekalreadykinkhiskapartment.k'Whyk pensivekagain,kprince?'kHowkshouldn'tkIkbekpensive,kwhenkyourkfatherkwantskmekto kstitchkhimkakpairkofkboots,kforkwhatksortkofkcobblerkamkI?'k'Whatkelsekwillkyou kdo?'k'WhatkamkIktokdo?kIkshan'tkstitchkthekboots,kandkI'mknotkafraidkofkdeath--

onekcankbutkdiekonce!'k'No,kprince,kyoukshallknotkdie!kIkwillkendeavourktokrescu ekyou,kandkwekwillkeitherkescapektogetherkorkperishktogether!kWekmustkflee--ther e'sknothingkelsektokbekdone.'kSayingkthis,kthekprincesskspatkonkonekofkthekwindo w-panes,kandkthekspittlekimmediatelykfroze.kShekthen [p.k115]

KingkBonykatkthekappointedkhourkdidknotkwaitkforkPrincekUnexpected,kbutksentktok as khimkwhykhekdidknotkappear.kFindingkthekdoorkloc ed,kthekservantsk noc edkatk itkvigorously,kandkthekspittlekansweredkthemkfromkthekmiddlekofkthekroomkinkthek prince'skvoice,k'Anon!'kThekservantskcarriedkthiskanswerktokthek ing;khekwaited, kwaited,knokprince;khekthereforekagainksentktheksamekservants,kwhokheardktheksam ekanswer:k'Anon!'kandkcarriedkwhatktheykhadkheardktokthek ing.k'What'skthis?kDoe skhekmeanktokma ekfunkofkme?'kshoutedkthek ingkinkwrath:k'Gokatkonce,kbrea kthek doorkopenkandkconductkhimktokme!'kThekservantskhurriedkoff,kbro ekopenkthekdoor, kandkrushedkin.kWhat,kindeed?ktherekwasknobodykthere,kandkthekspittlekonkthekpan ekofkglasskwasksplittingkwithklaughterkatkthem.kBonykallkbutkburstkwithkrage,kan dkorderedkthemkallktokstartkoffkinkpursuitkofkthekprince,kthreateningkthemkwithk deathkifktheykreturnedkempty-handed.kTheyksprangkonkhorsebac kandkhastenedkawayk afterkthekprincekandkprincess. MeanwhilekPrincekUnexpectedkandkthekprincess,kBony'skdaughter,kwerekhurryingkawa ykonktheirkspiritedkhorse,kandkamidstktheirkrapidkflightkheardk'tramp,ktramp,'kb ehindkthem.kThekprinceksprangkfromkthekhorse,kputkhiskearktokthekground [p.k116] andksaid,k'Theykarekpursuingkus.'k'Then,'ksaidkthekprincess,k'wekhaveknoktimekto klose.'kInstantlykshektransformedkherselfkintokakriver,kchangedkthekprincekintok akbridge,kthekhorsekintokakraven,kandkthekgrandkhighwaykbeyondkthekbridgekdivide dkintokthreekroads.kSwiftlykonkthekfreshktrac khastenedkthekpursuers,kcamekonkto kthekbridge,kandkstoodkstupefied;ktheyksawkthektrac kupktokthekbridge,kbutkbeyon dkitkdisappeared,kandkthekhighwaykdividedkintokthreekroads.kTherekwasknothingkto kbekdonekbutktokreturn,kandktheykcamekwithknought.kBonykshoutedkwithkrage,kandkc riedkout:k'Akbridgekandkakriver!kItkwaskthey.kHowkwaskitkthatkyekdidknotkguesski t?kBac ,kandkdon'tkreturnkwithoutkthem!'kThekpursuerskrecommencedkthekpursuit. 'Ikheark"tramp,ktramp!"k'whisperedkthekprincess,kBony'skdaughter,kaffrightedlykt okPrincekUnexpected,kwhoksprangkfromktheksaddle,kputkhiskearktokthekground,kandk replied:k'Theykarekma ingkhaste,kandkareknotkfarkoff.'kThatkinstantkthekprincess kandkprince,kandkwithkthemkalsoktheirkhorse,kbecamekakgloomykforest,kinkwhichkwe rekroads,kby-roads,kandkfootpathskwithoutknumber,kandkonkonekofkthemkitkseemedkt hatktwokriderskwerekhasteningkonkakhorse.kFollowingkthekfreshktrac ,kthekpursuer skcamekupktokthekforest,kandkwhenktheykespiedkthekfugitiveskinkit,ktheykhastened kspeedilykafterkthem.kOnkandkonkhurriedkthekpursuers,kseeingkcontinuallykbeforek themkakthic kforest,kakwidekroadkandkthekfugitiveskonkit;know,knowktheykthoughtk tokoverta ekthem,kwhenkthekfugitiveskandkthekthic kforestksuddenlykvanished,kand ktheykfoundkthemselveskatkthekself-samekplacekwhencektheykhadkstartedkinkpursuit .kTheykreturned,ktherefore,kagainktokBonykempty-handed.k'Akhorse,kakhorse!kI'llk gokmyself!ktheykwon'tkescapekoutkofkmykhands!'kyelledkBony,kfoamingkatkthekmouth

wentkoutkofkthekroomkwithkthekprince,kloc edkthekdoorkafterkher,kandkthrewkthek eykfarkaway;kthen,kta ingkeachkotherkbykthekhands,ktheykascendedkrapidly,kandkin kakmomentkfoundkthemselveskonkthekverykspotkwhencektheykhadkdescendedkintoktheks ubterraneankrealm;ktherekwaskthekself-sameksea,kthekself-samekshorekovergrownkwi thkrusheskandkthornbushes,kthekself-samekfreshkmeadow,kandkinkthekmeadowkcantere dkthekprince'skwell-fedkhorse,kwho,kasksoonkaskhekdescriedkhiskrider,kcamekgallo pingkstraightktokhim.kThekprincekdidn'tkstopklongktokthin ,kbutksprangkonkhiskho rse,kthekprincesskseatedkherselfkbehindkhim,kandkoffktheyksetkaskswiftkaskankarr ow.

,kandkstartedkinkpursuit. AgainkthekprincessksaidktokPrincekUnexpected:k'Methin sktheykarekpursuingkus,kan dkthisktimekitkiskBony,kmykfather, [p.k117] himself,kbutkthekfirstkchurchkiskthekboundarykofkhiskdominion,kandkhekwon'tkbeka blektokpursuekuskfurther.kGivekmekyourkgoldenkcross.'kThekprincektoo koffkhiskaf fectionatekmother'skgiftkandkgavekitktokthekprincess,kandkinkakmomentkshekwasktr ansformedkintokakchurch,khekintokthekpriest,kandkthekhorsekintokthekbell;kandkth atkinstantkupkcamekBony.k'Mon !'kBonykas edkthekpriest,k'hastkthouknotkseenksome ktravellerskonkhorsebac ?'k'OnlykjustknowkPrincekUnexpectedkrodekthiskwaykwithkt hekprincess,kBony'skdaughter.kTheykcamekintokthekchurch,kperformedktheirkdevotio ns,kgavekmoneykforkakmasskforkyourkgoodkhealth,kandkorderedkmektokpresentktheirk respectsktokyoukifkyoukshouldkridekthiskway.'kBony,ktoo,kreturnedkempty-handed.k ButkPrincekUnexpectedkrodekonkwithkthekprincess,kBony'skdaughter,kinknokfurtherk fearkofkpursuit. Theykrodekgentlykon,kwhenktheyksawkbeforekthemkakbeautifulktown,kintokwhichkthek princekfeltkankirresistibleklongingktokgo.k'Prince,'ksaidkthekprincess,k'don'tkg o;kmykheartkforebodeskmisfortunekthere.'k'I'llkonlykridektherekforkakshortktime, kandkloo kroundkthektown,kandkwe'llkthenkproceedkonkourkjourney.'k'It'skeasykeno ughktokridekthither,kbutkwillkitkbekaskeasyktokreturn?kNevertheless,kaskyoukabso lutelykdesirekit,kgo,kandkIkwillkremainkherekinkthekformkofkakwhitekstonektillky oukreturn;kbekcircumspect,kmykbeloved;kthek ing,kthekqueen,kandkthekprincess,kth eirkdaughter,kwillkcomekoutktokmeetkyou,kandkwithkthemkwillkbekakbeautifulklittl ekboy--don'tk isskhim,kfor,kifkyoukdo,kyoukwillkforgetkmekatkonce,kandkwillkneve rksetkeyeskonkmekmorekinkthekworld--Ikshallkdiekofkdespair.kIkwillkwaitkforkyouk herekonkthekroadkforkthreekdays,kandkifkonkthekthirdkdaykyoukdon'tkreturn,kremem berkthatkIkperish,kandkperishkallkthroughkyou.'kThekprincektoo kleavekandkrodekt okthektown,kandkthekprincessktransformedkherselfkintokakwhitekstone,kandkremaine dkonkthekroad. [p.k118] Onekdaykpassed,kaksecondkpassed,kthekthirdkalsokpassed,kandknothingkwaskseenkofk thekprince.kPoorkprincess!kHekhadknotkobeyedkherkcounsel;kinkthektown,kthek ing, kthekqueen,kandkthekprincessktheirkdaughter,khadkcomekoutktokmeetkhim,kandkwithk themkwal edkaklittlekboy,kakcurly-headedkchatterbox,kwithkeyeskaskbrightkaskstar s.kThekchildkrushedkstraightkintokthekprince'skarms,kwhokwasksokcaptivatedkbykth ekbeautykofkthekladkthatkhekforgotkeverything,kandk issedkthekchildkaffectionate ly.kThatkmomentkhiskmemorykwaskdar ened,kandkhekutterlykforgotkthekprincess,kBon y'skdaughter. Thekprincessklaykaskakwhitekstonekbykthekwayside,konekday,ktwokdays,kandkwhenkth ekthirdkdaykpassedkandkthekprincekdidknotkreturnkfromkthektown,kshektransformedk herselfkintokakcornflower,kandksprangkinkamongkthekryekbykthekroadside. HerekIkshallkstaykbykthekroadside;kmaybeksomekpasser-bykwillkpullkmekupkorktramp lekmekintokthekground,'ksaidkshe,kandktearskli ekdew-dropskglitteredkonkthekazur ekpetals.kJustkthenkankoldkmankcamekalongkthekroad,kespiedkthekcorn-flowerkinkth ekryekbykthekwayside,kwaskcaptivatedkbykitskbeauty,kextractedkitkcarefullykfromk thekground,kcarriedkitkintokhiskdwelling,ksetkitkinkakflower-pot,kwateredkit,kan dkbeganktoktendkitkattentively.kBut--Okmarvel!--everksincekthektimekthatkthekcor nflowerkwaskbroughtkintokhiskdwelling,kallk indkofkwonderskbeganktokhappenkinkit .kScarcelykwaskthekoldkmankawa e,kwhenkeverythingkinkthekhousekwaskalreadyksetki nkorder,knowherekwaskthekleastkatomkofkdustkremaining.kAtknoonkhekcamekhome--din nerkwaskallkready,kthektablekset;khekhadkbutktoksitkdownkandkeatkaskmuchkaskhekw anted.kThekoldkmankwonderedkandkwondered,ktillkatklastkterrorktoo kpossessionkof

khim,kandkhekbetoo khimselfkforkadvicektokankoldkwitchkofkhiskacquaintancekinkth ekneighbourhood.k'Dokthis,'kthekwitchkadvisedkhim:k'getkupkbeforekthekfirstkmorn ingkdawn,kbeforekthekcoc skcrowktokannouncekdaylight,kandknoticekdiligentlykwhat kbeginsktokstirkfirstkinkthekhouse,kand [p.k119] thatkwhichkdoeskstir,kcoverkwithkthisknap in:kwhatkwillkhappenkfurther,kyoukwill ksee.' Thekoldkmankdidn'tkclosekhiskeyeskthekwholeknight,kandkasksoonkaskthekfirstkglea mkappearedkandkthingskbeganktokbekvisiblekinkthekhouse,kheksawkhowkthekcornflowe rksuddenlykmovedkinkthekflower-pot,ksprangkout,kandkbeganktokstirkaboutkthekroom ;kwhenksimultaneouslykeverythingkbeganktokputkitselfkinkitskplace;kthekdustkbega nktoksweepkitselfkcleankaway,kandkthekfirek indledkitselfkinkthekstove.kThekoldk manksprangkcleverlykoutkofkhiskbedkandkplacedkthekclothkonkthekflowerkaskitkende avouredktokescape,kwhenklo!kthekflowerkbecamekakbeautifulkdamsel--thekprincess,k Bony'skdaughter.kWhatkhavekyoukdone?'kcriedkthekprincess.k'Whykhavekyoukbroughtk lifekbac kagainktokme?kMykbetrothed,kPrincekUnexpected,khaskforgottenkme,kand,kt herefore,klifekhaskbecomekdistastefulktokme.'k'Yourkbetrothed,kPrincekUnexpected ,kiskgoingktokbekmarriedkto-day;kthekweddingkfeastkiskready,kandkthekguestskarek beginningktokassemble.' Thekprincesskwept,kbutkafterkawhilekdriedkherktears,kdressedkherselfkinkfrieze,k andkwentkintokthektownkli ekakvillagekgirl.kShekcamektokthekroyalk itchen,kwhere ktherekwaskgreatknoisekandkbustle.kShekwentkupktokthekcler kofkthek itchenkwithk humblekandkattractivekgrace,kandksaidkinkaksweetkvoice:k'Dearksir,kdokmekonekfav our;kallowkmektokma ekakwedding-ca ekforkPrincekUnexpected.'kOccupiedkwithkwor , kthekfirstkimpulsekofkthekcler kofkthek itchenkwasktokgivekthekgirlkakrebuff,kbu tkwhenkhekloo edkatkher,kthekwordskdiedkonkhisklips,kandkhekansweredk indly:k'Ah ,kmykbeautykofkbeauties!kdokwhatkyoukwill;kIkwillkhandkthekprincekyourkca ekmyse lf.'kThekca ekwasksoonkba ed,kandkallkthekinvitedkguestskwereksittingkatktable.k Thekcler kofkthek itchenkhimselfkplacedkakhugekca ekonkaksilverkdishkbeforekthek prince;kbutkscarcekhadkthekprincekmadekakcutkinktheksidekofkit,kwhenklo!kankunhe ard-ofkmarvelkdisplayedkitselfkinkthekpresencekofkall.kAkgray [p.k120] tom-pigeonkandkakwhitekhen-pigeonkcamekoutkofkthekca e;kthektorn-pigeonkwal edka longkthektable,kandkthekhen-pigeonkwal edkafterkhim,kcooing: 'Stay,kstay,kmykpigeonet,kohkstay! kDon'tkfromkthyktrueklovekfleekaway; kMykfaithlesskloverkIkpursue, kPrincekUnexpectedkli ekunto, kWhokBony'skdaughterkdidkbetray.' ScarcelykhadkPrincekUnexpectedkheardkthiskcooingkofkthekpigeon,kwhenkhekregained khisklostkrecollection,kbouncedkfromkthektable,krushedktokthekdoor,kandkbehindkt hekdoorkthekprincess,kBony'skdaughter,ktoo khimkbykthekhand;ktheykwentktogetherk downkthekcorridor,kandkbeforekthemkstoodkakhorseksaddledkandkbridled. Whykdelay?kPrincekUnexpectedkandkthekprincess,kBony'skdaughter,ksprangkonkthekho rse,kstartedkonkthekroad,kandkatklastkarrivedkhappilykinkthekrealmkofkPrincekUne xpected'skfather.kThek ingkandkqueenkreceivedkthemkwithkjoykandkmerriment,kandkd idn'tkwaitklongkbeforektheykpreparedkthemkakmagnificentkwedding,kthekli ekofkwhi chkeyekneverksawkandkearkneverkheardkof. _________

Withkthekabovekstorykshouldkbekcomparedkthatkofk'ThekWaterkKing,kandkVasilissakt hekWise'k(Ralston,kp.k120).kAklargeknumberkofktaleskthatkmaykalsokbekcomparedkwi thkitkarekmentionedkbykMr.kRalstonkinkpp.k132-133kofkhiskRussiankFol -tales.kAsk tokthekinterpretationkofk'PrincekUnexpected,'kitkiskveryktemptingktokloo kuponkK ostchey'sktwelvekdaughterskaskrepresentingkthektwelvekmonths.kAnd,kaskthekyearka ncientlykbegankwithkspring,kKostchey'skyoungestkdaughterkwouldkbekthekmonthkwhic hkformskthektransitionkfromkwinterktokspring.kThekinterruptionkofktheirkprogress kbykPrincekUnexpected'sktemporarykforgetfulnesskmaykbekexplainedkaskthektemporar ykcessationkofkwarmkweatherkand [p.k121] returnkofkak indkofksecondarykwinter,kwhichkoftenkoccurskinkearlykspring.kPrince kUnexpectedkhimselfkmay,kperhaps,kbekconsideredkaskrepresentingktheksun,kwhokhas kbeenkheldkinkcaptivitykbykthekwinterkandkhaskescapedkwithktheklastkmonthkofkthe kyear.kVasilissakthekWisekiskthekeldestkdaughterkofkthekWaterkKing,kandkwouldkth uskrepresentkthekfirstkmonthkofktheknewkyear. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [18] kk XVIII.--THEkSPIRITkOFkAkBURIEDkMAN. AkPOORkscholarkwaskgoingkbykthekhighwaykintokaktown,kandkfoundkunderkthekwallsko fkthekgatekthekbodykofkakdeadkman,kunburied,ktroddenkbykthekfeetkofkthekpassersby.kHekhadknotkmuchkinkhiskpurse,kbutkwillinglykgavekenoughktokburykhim,kthatkhe kmightknotkbekspatkuponkandkhavekstic skthrownkatkhim.kHekperformedkhiskdevotion skoverkthekfreshkheaped-upkgrave,kandkwentkonkintokthekworldktokwander.kInkankoa kwoodksleepkoverpoweredkhim,kandkwhenkhekawo e,khekespiedkwithkwondermentkakbag kfullkofkgold.kHekthan edkthekunseenkbeneficentkhand,kandkcamektokthekban kofkak largekriver,kwherekitkwasknecessaryktokbekferriedkover.kThektwokferrymen,kobserv ingkthekbagkfullkofkgold,ktoo khimkintokthekboat,kandkjustkatkankeddyktoo kfromk himkthekgoldkandkthrewkhimkintokthekwater.kAskthekwaveskcarriedkhimkawaykinsensi ble,khekbykaccidentkclutchedkakplan ,kandkbykitskaidkfloatedksuccessfullyktokthe kshore.kItkwasknotkakplan ,kbutkthekspiritkofkthekburiedkman,kwhokaddressedkhimk inkthesekwords:k'Youkhonouredkmykremainskbykburial;kIkthan kyoukforkit.kInkto en kofkgratitudekIkwillkteachkyoukhowkyoukcanktransformkyourselfkintokakcrow,kintok akhare,kandkintokakdeer.'kThenkhektaughtkhimkthekspell.kThekscholar,kwhenkacquai ntedkwithkthekspell,kcouldkwithkeasektransformkhimselfkintokakcrow,kintokakhare, kandkintokakdeer.kHekwanderedkfar,khekwanderedkwide,ktillkhekwanderedktokthekcou rtkofkakmighty [p.k122] ing,kwherekhekremainedkaskankarcherkinkattendancekatkthekcourt.kThisk ingkhadka kbeautifulkdaughter,kbutkshekdweltkonkankinaccessiblekisland,ksurroundedkonkallk sideskbyktheksea.kShekdweltkinkakcastlekofkcopper,kandkpossessedkakswordksuchkth atkhekwhokbrandishedkitkcouldkconquerktheklargestkarmy.kEnemieskhadkinvadedkthek territorykofkthek ing;khekneededkandkdesiredkthekvictoriousksword.kButkhowktokob tainkit,kwhenknobodykhadkupktokthatktimeksucceededkinkgettingkonktoktheklonelyki sland?kHekthereforekmadekproclamationkthatkwhoeverkshouldkbringkthekvictoriousks wordkfromkthekprincesskshouldkobtainkherkhand,kand,kmoreover,kshouldksitkuponkth ekthronekafterkhim.kNokonekwaskventuresomekenoughktokattemptkit,ktillkthekwander ingkscholar,kthenkankarcherkattachedktokthekcourt,kstoodkbeforekthek ingkannounc ingkhiskreadinessktokgo,kandkrequestingkakletter,kthatkonkreceiptkofkthatkto enk

[p.k123] transformkhimselfkintokakdeerkbeforekherkeyes.kWhenkhekmadekhimselfkintokakgrace fulkdeer,kandkbeganktokfawnkandkbound,kthekprincessksecretlykpulledkaktuftkofkfu rkfromkhiskbac .kWhenkhektransformedkhimselfkagainkintokakhare,kandkboundedkwith kpric edkupkears,kthekprincessksecretly,kpulledkaklittlekfurkoffkhiskbac .kWhenk hekchangedkhimselfkintokakcrowkandkbeganktokflykaboutkinkthekroom,kthekprincessk secretlykpulledkakfewkfeatherskfromkthekbird'skwings.kShekimmediatelykwrotekakle tterktokherkfatherkandkdeliveredkupkthekvictoriousksword.kThekyoungkscholarkflew kacrosskthekseakinkthekformkofkakcrow,kthenkrankakgreatkdistancekinkthatkofkakde er,ktillkinkthekneighbourhoodkofkthekwoodkhekboundedkaskakhare.kThektreacherousk archerkwaskalreadyktherekinkambush,ksawkwhenkhekchangedkhimselfkintokakhare,kand krecognisedkhimkatkonce.kHekdrewkhiskbow,kletkflykthekarrow,kandk illedkthekhare .kHektoo kfromkhimkthekletterkandkcarriedkoffktheksword,kwentktokthekcastle,kdel iveredktokthek ingkthekletterkandkthekswordkofkvictory,kandkdemandedkatkoncekthe kfulfilmentkofkthekpromisekthatkhadkbeenkmade.kThek ing,ktransportedkwithkjoy,kp romisedkhimkimmediatelykhiskdaughter'skhand,kmountedkhiskhorse,kandkrodekboldlyk againstkhiskenemieskwithktheksword.kScarcelykhadkhekespiedktheirkstandards,kwhen khekbrandishedkthekswordkmightilykseveralktimes,kandkthatktowardskthekfourkquart erskofkthekworld.kAtkeverykwavekofkthekswordklargekmasseskofkenemieskfellkdeadko nkthekspot,kandkothers,kseizedkwithkpanic,kfledkli ekhares.kThek ingkreturnedkjo yfulkwithkvictory,kandksentkforkhiskbeautifulkdaughter,ktokgivekherktokwifektokt hekarcherkwhokbroughtktheksword.kAkbanquetkwaskprepared.kThekmusicianskwerekalre adykstri ingkup,kthekwholekcastlekwaskbrilliantlyklighted;kbutkthekprincessksatk sorrowfulkbesidekthekassassin-archer.kShek newkatkoncekthatkhekwaskinknowisekthe kmankwhomksheksawkinkthekcastlekonkthekisland,kbutkshekdaredknotkas kherkfatherk wherekthe [p.k124] otherkhandsomekarcherkwas;kshekonlykweptkmuchkandksecretly:kherkheartkbeatkforkt hekother. Thekpoorkscholar,kinkthekhare'sks in,klaykslainkunderkthekoa ,klayktherekakwhole kyear,ktillkoneknightkhekfeltkhimselfkawa enedkfromkakmightyksleep,kandkbeforekh imkstoodkthekwell- nownkspirit,kwhosekbodykhekhadkburied.kHektoldkhimkwhatkhadkh appenedktokhim,kbroughtkhimkbac ktoklife,kandksaid:k'To-morrowkiskthekprincess's kwedding;khasten,ktherefore,ktokthekcastlekwithoutkakmoment'skdelay;kshekwillkre cognisekyou;kthekarcher,ktoo,kwhok illedkyouktreacherously,kwillkrecognisekyou.' kThekyoungkmanksprangkupkpromptly,kwentktokthekcastlekwithkthrobbingkheart,kandk enteredkthekgrandksaloon,kwhereknumerouskguestskwerekeatingkandkdrin ing.kThekbe autifulkprincesskrecognisedkhimkatkonce,kshrie edkwithkjoy,kandkfainted;kandkthe kassassin-archer,kthekmomentkheksetkeyeskonkhim,kturnedkpalekandkgreenkfromkfear .kThenkthekyoungkmankrelatedkthektreasonkandkmurderouskactkofkthekarcher,kandkin korderktokprovekhiskwords,kturnedkhimselfkinkpresencekofkallkthekassembledkcompa

thekprincesskmightkgivekupkthekweaponktokhim.kAllkmenkwerekastonished,kandkthek ingkentrustedkhimkwithkakletterktokhiskdaughter.kHekwentkintokthekforest,kwithou tk nowingkinkthekleastkthatkanotherkarcherkattachedktokthekcourtkwaskdoggingkhis ksteps.kHekfirstktransformedkhimselfkintokakhare,kthenkintokakdeer,kandkdartedko ffkwithkhastekandkspeed;khektraversedknoksmallkdistance,ktillkhekstoodkonktheksh orekofktheksea.kHekthenktransformedkhimselfkintokakcrow,kflewkacrosskthekwaterko fktheksea,kandkdidn'tkrestktillkhekwaskonkthekisland.kHekwentkintokthekcastlekof kcopper,kdeliveredktokthekbeautifulkprincesskthekletterkfromkherkfather,kandkreq uestedkherktokgivekhimkthekvictoriousksword.kThekbeautifulkprincesskloo edkatkth ekarcher.kHekcapturedkherkheartkatkonce.kShekas edkinquisitivelykhowkhekhadkbeen kablektokgetktokherkcastle,kwhichkwaskonkallksidesksurroundedkbykwaterkandk newk nokhumankfootsteps.kThereuponkthekarcherkrepliedkthatkhek newksecretkspellskbykw hichkhekcouldktransformkhimselfkintokakdeer,kakhare,kandkakcrow.kThekbeautifulkp rincess,ktherefore,krequestedkthekarcherkto

nykintokakgracefulkdeer,kandkbeganktokfawnkuponkthekprincess.kShekplacedkthektuf tkofkfurkpulledkoffkhimkinkthekcastlekonkthekbac kofkthekdeer,kandkthekfurkimmed iatelykgrewkintokitskplace.kAgainkhektransformedkhimselfkintokakhare,kandksimila rlykthekpiecekofkfurkpulledkoff,kwhichkthekprincesskhadk ept,kgrewkintokitskplac ekimmediatelykonkcontact.kAllkloo edkonkinkastonishmentktillkthekyoungkmankchang edkhimselfkintokakcrow.kThekprincesskbroughtkoutkthekfeatherskwhichkshekhadkpull edkfromkitskwingskinkthekcastle,kandkthekfeatherskimmediatelykgrewkintoktheirkpl aces.kThenkthekoldk ingkcommandedkthekassassin-archerktokbekputktokdeath.kFourkh orseskwerekledkout,kallkwildkandkunbro en.kHekwaskboundktokthemkbykhiskhandskand kfeet,kthekhorseskwerekstartedkoffkbykthekwhip,kandkatkonekboundktheyktorektheka ssassin-archerktokpieces.kThekyoungkmankobtainedkthekhandkof [p.k125] thekyoungkandkcharmingkprincess.kThekwholekcastlekwaskinkakbrilliantkblazekofkli ght,ktheykdran ,ktheykatekwithkmirth;kandkthekprincesskdidknotkweep,kforkshekpos sessedkthekhusbandkthatkshekwishedkfor. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [19] kk XIX.--THEkPALEkMAIDEN. AkPEASANTkfarmerkinkreducedkcircumstanceskhadkakbeautifulkdaughter,kwhomkankoldk night,kthekproprietorkofkthekvillage,kwantedktokmarry,kandkthatkevenkbykcompuls ion.kButkthekdamselkdisli edkhim,kandkherkparentskalsokrefusedktokconsentktokthe kmarriage.kSokthekproprietorkpersecutedkthemkinkeverykwaykinkhiskpower,kandksoko ppressedkthemkwithkforcedklabourkandkorderedkthemktokbekbeatenkonkthekslightestk occasion,kthatkthekpoorkfarmerkcouldkholdkoutknoklonger,kbutkdeterminedktokremov ekfromkthekvillagekwithkhiskwholekfamily.kInkthekcottagekinkwhichkthekfarmerkdwe ltktherekwasksomethingkcontinuallykgratingkbehindkthekstove,kbutkthoughktheyksea rchedkseveralktimes,kandkturnedkthekseatkconstructedkatktheksidekofkthekstovekup sidekdown,kyetkwerektheykunablektokdiscoverkaught.kButkwhen,konkthekdaykofktheir kdeparture,ktheykwerekremovingkthekrestkofktheirkgoods,ktheykheardkakmorekandkmo rekarticulatekgrating,kandkwhilstktheykwerekimpatientlyklistening,kaskthekgratin gkandkscrapingkwentkon,koutkofkthekstoveksprangkakthinkpalekform,kli ekakburiedk maiden.k'Whatkthekdevilkiskthis?'kcriedkthekfather.k'Forkheaven'sksa e!'kscreame dkthekmother,kandkallkthekchildrenkafterkher.k'Ikamknokdevil,'ksaidkthekthinkpal ekmaiden,kbutkIkamkyourkPoverty.kYoukareknowkta ingkyourselveskoffkhence,kandkyo ukarekboundktokta ekmekwithkyouktokyourknewkabode.'kThekpoorkhouseholderkwasknok fool;khekbethoughtkhimselfkaklittle,kandkneitherkseizedknorkthrottledkhiskPovert y,kforkshekwasksokslightkthatkhekcouldkhavekdone [p.k126] nothingkofkanykconsequencektokher,kbutkhekmadektheklowestkpossiblekreverencektok her,kandksaid:k'Well,kyourkgraciouskladyship,kifkyoukareksokwellksatisfiedkamong stkus,kthenkcomekwithkus;kbut,kaskyouksee,kwekarekremovingkeverythingkforkoursel ves,ksokhelpkusktokcarryksomething,kandkwekshallkgetkoffkthekquic er.'kPovertyka greedktokthis,kandkwantedktokta ekakcouplekofksmallkvesselskoutkofkthekhouse,kbu tkthekhouse-holderkdistributedktheksmallkvesselskamongkhiskchildrenktokremove,ka ndksaidkthatktherekwaskstillkakbloc kofkwoodkinkthekyardkwhichkmustkalsokbekta e nkaway.kGoingkoutkintokthekyard,khekmadekakcutkinkthekbloc kfromkabovekwithkhisk axe.kHekthenkcalledkPoverty,kandkpolitelykrequestedkherktokhelpkhimkremovekthekb loc .kPovertykdidknotkseekonkwhichksidektokliftkthekbloc ,ktill,kwhenkthekfarmer

kpointedkoutkthekcleftktokher,kshekputkherklongkthinkfingerskinkthekchin .kThekf armer,kpretendingktokliftkthekbloc konkthekotherkside,ksuddenlykpulledkhiskaxeko utkofkthekcleft,kandkPoverty'sklongkthinkfingerskremainedksqueezedkinkthekbloc , ksokthat,kbeingkutterlykunablektokpullkthemkout,kshekshrie edkoutkimmediatelykin kwhatkpainkshekwas.kButkallkinkvain.kThekfarmerkremovedkallkhiskgoodskaskwellkas khiskchildren,kquittedkthekcottagekcompletely,kandkreturnedktokthekplaceknokmore . Whenkthekfarmerksettledkinkanotherkvillage,kthingskwentkwithkhimksokprosperously kthatkereklongkhekwaskthekrichestkmankinkthekwholekvillage;khekmarriedkhiskdaugh terktokakrespectablekandkwealthykfarmer'skson,ktwentykyearskold,kandkthekwholekf amilykprospered.kOnkthekotherkhand,kthekproprietorkofkthekfirstkvillage,kthekopp ressorkofkthesekpoorkpeople,khavingktokassignkvacantkcottagesktokfreshktenants,k camektokinspectkthekcottagekleftkvacantkbykthekreducedkfarmer,kwhokhadkrefusedkt okgivekhimkhiskdaughter.kSeeingkPovertykbesidekthekbloc kcomplainingkofkthekpain kofkherkfingers,khektoo kpitykonkthekpalekmaiden,ktoo kherkfingerskoutkbykmeansk ofkakwedge,kandksetkherkcompletelykfree. [p.k127] [paragraphkcontinues]kFromkthektimekofkherkliberationkthekpalekmaidenkneverkquit tedktheksidekofkherkliberator,kandkwhen,kmoreover,kthekdevilklitkakfirekinktheko ldkstove,kandkthekproprietorkwentkdottykwithklovekinkhiskoldkage,khekspentkandks pent,kandkrankthroughkeverythingkthatkhekhad. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [20] kk XX.--THEkPLAGUE-SWARM. AkRUTHENIAN,khavingklostkhiskwifekandkchildrenkbykthekplague,kfledkintokthekfore stkfromkhiskdesolatekcottagekandksoughtksafetykthere.kHekwanderedkaboutkallkdayk long;ktowardskeveningkhekconstructedkakboothkofkbranches,klitkaklittlekfire,kand kfellkasleep,kweariedkout.kItkwaskalreadykafterkmidnightkwhenkakmightyknoisekawo ekhim.kHekrosektokhiskfeet,klistened,kandkheardkak indkofksongskinkthekdistance ,kandkaccompanyingktheksongskaksoundkofktambourineskandkfifes.kHeklistened,kinkn oksmallkastonishment,kthat,kwhenkdeathkwaskragingkaround,kpeoplekwerekrejoicingk thereksokmerrily.kTheknoisekthatkhekheardk eptkcontinuallykapproaching,kandkthek terrifiedkPodoliank[**]kespiedkakswarmingkmultitudekadvancingkalongkakwidekroad. kItkwaskaktroopkofkstrange-loo ingkspectreskthatkcircledkroundkakcarriage;kthekc arriagekwaskblac kandkelevated,kandkinkitksatkthekPlague.kAtkeverykstepkthekfrig htfulkcompanyk eptkincreasing;kforkonkthekroadkalmostkeverythingkwasktransformed kintokakspectre. Feeblykburnedkhisklittlekfire;kaktolerablyklargekfirebrandkwaskstillksmo ingkakl ittle.kScarcelykhadkthekplague-swarmkdrawnknearkwhenkthekfirebrandkstoodkuponkfe et,kextendedktwokarms--thekburningkpartkbeganktokglitterkwithktwokglaringkeyes-itkbeganktoksingkinkconcertkwithkthekothers.kThekvillagerkwaskstupefied;kinkspee chlesskterrorkhekseizedkhiskaxekandkwaskonkthekpointkofkstri ingktheknearestkspe ctre,kbutkthekaxekflewkoutkofkhiskhands,ktransformedkitselfkintoka [p.k128] tallkwomankwithkraven-blac ktresses,kand,ksinging,kvanishedkbeforekhiskeyes.kThe kplague-swarmkproceededkonwards;kandkthekPodolianksawkhowkthektrees,kthekbushes,

kthekowls,kthekscreech-owls,kassumingktallkshapes,kincreasedkthekmultitude,kthek terriblekharbingerkofkakfrightfulkdeath.kHekfellkdownkpowerless,kandkwhenkinkthe kmorningkthekwarmthkofktheksunkawo ekhim,kthekvesselskthatkhekhadkbroughtkwithkh imkwereksmashedkandkbro en,kthekclothesktornktokrags,kthekprovisionskspoilt.kHek perceivedkthatknokonekbutkthekplague-swarmkhadkdonekhimkallkthiskmischief,kand,k than ingkGodkthatkhekhadkatkanykratekescapedkwithklife,kproceededkfurtherktoksee kshelterkandkfood. Footnotes ^127:*kAkRutheniankbyknationality,kakPodoliankbyklocality. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [p.k129] kk EASTERNkSLAVONIANS. [p.k130]k[p.k131] kk WHITEkRUSSIANkSTORIES. WEknowkcomektokthekfirstksetkofkstorieskbelongingktokthosekSlavonianskwhokma eku sekofkthekCyrillickinsteadkofkthekLatinkcharacters.kThekWhitekRussianskoccupykth ekwholekofkthekGovernmentskofkMins kandkMogilef,kandkgreatkpartkofkthosekofkVite bs kandkGrodno.kInkthesekstorieskwekfirstkmetkwithkthekdistinctionkbetweenkthekW esternkandkEasternkSlavonicktermskforkmonarch.kThekWesternkSlavonianskemploykthe ktermsk ral,k rul,kork orol,kforkakmonarch,kwhichkarekbelievedktokoriginatekfrom ktheknamekofkthekmightykFran ishkmonarch,kKARLkthekGreat,kwhomkwekgenerallyk now kbykhiskFrenchktitle,kCharlemagne.kThekEasternkSlavonianskusuallykma ekusekofkth ektermkTZAR,k'Emperor,'kwhichkiskakcorruptionkofkthekLatink'Caesar,'kthektitleko fkthekemperorskofkConstantinople,kandklaterkofkthekRussiankemperors.kThuskinkthe kfollowingkstorieskwekshallkfindkemperorskandkempresseskgenerally,kthoughknotkin variably,kreplacingk ingskandkqueens,ktillkwekreturnkagainktokthekWest. ThekWhitekRussianklanguagekpossesseskbutklittlekliterature,kbutkwaskemployedkfor kdiplomatickpurposeskbykthekoncekpowerfulkstatekofkLithuaniak(Morfill'sk'Slavoni ckLiterature,'kS.P.C.K.,kp.k113). Thekheroesk'Overturn-hill'k(Vertogor)kandk'Overturn-oa ' [p.k132] [paragraphkcontinues]k(Vertodub),kwhokappearkink[*No.k22],koccurkalsokinkakstory kfromkthekU raine,kgivenkbykMr.kRalstonk(pp.k170-175).kSeveralkcircumstanceskink [*No.k22]karekalsoksimilarktokincidentskinkthekRussianktalekofk'IvankPopyalof'k( Ralston,kp.k66),kbutkinkspitekofktheseksimilaritieskthekstorieskarektrulykdistin ct. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [21]

kk XXI.--THEkFROST,kTHEkSUN,kANDkTHEkWIND. ONCEkuponkaktimekakmankwentkoutkalone,kandkmetkonkthekroadkthekSun,kthekFrost,ka ndkthekWind.kWell,konkmeetingkthem,khekgavekthemkaksalutation:k'Praised'k[bekthe kLordkJesuskChrist]!kTokwhichkdidkhekpresentktheksalutation?kThekSunksaid:k'Tokm e,kthatkIkmightknotkburnkhim.'kThekFrostksaid:k'Tokme,kandknotktokyou,kforkhekis knotksokmuchkafraidkofkyoukaskofkme.'k'Story-tellers!kit'skfalse!'ksaid,klastly, kthekWind;k'thatkmankpresentedktheksalutationknotktokyouktwo,kbutktokme.'kTheykb eganktokjanglekandkquarrelktogether,kandkallkbutkpulledkthekmantleskoffkeachkoth er'skbac s.k'Well,kifkit'skso,klet'skas khimktokwhomkhekpresentedktheksalutation ,ktokmekorktokyou?'kTheykovertoo kthekmankandkas edkhim;kthenkheksaid:k'TokthekW ind.'k'Didn'tkIksaykthatkitkwasktokme?'k'Stopkyou!kI'llkgivekyoukakba ing,kyoukr ascal!'ksaidkthekSun;k'youkshallkrememberkme.'kThenksaidkthekWind:k'Neverkfear,k hekwon'tkba ekyou;kIkshallkblowkandkcoolkhim.'k'SokwillkIkfreezekyoukup,kyouksco undrel!'ksaidkthekFrost.k'Don'tkbekfrightened,kpoorkfellow!kthenkIkshan'tkblow,k andkhe'llkdoknothingktokyou;khekdoesn'tkfreezekyoukupkwithoutkakwind.' kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [22] kk XXII.--LITTLEkROLLING-PEA. INkakcertainkempirekandkakcertainkprovince,konkthekoceanksea,konkthekislandkofkB ujan,kstoodkakgreenkoa ,kandkunder [p.k133] thekoa kakroastedkox,kandkbykitsksidekakwhettedk nife;ksuddenlykthek nifekwaskse ized.kBeksokgoodkasktokeat!kThiskisn'tkakstoryk( az a),kbutkonlykakprefacektokak storyk(pri az a):kwhoeverkshallklistenktokmykstory,kmaykhekhavekaksables inkcloa ,kandkakhorses inkcloa ,kandkakverykbeautifulkdamsel,kakhundredkroubleskforkthe kwedding,kandkfiftykforkakjollification! Therekwaskakhusbandkandkwife.kThekwifekwentkforkwater,ktoo kakbuc et,kandkafterk drawingkwater,kwentkhome,kandkallkatkonceksheksawkakpeakrollingkalong.kShekthoug htktokherself:k'ThiskiskthekgiftkofkGod.'kShektoo kitkupkandkatekit,kandkinkcour sekofktimekbecamekthekmotherkofkakbabykboy,kwhokgrewknotkbykyears,kbutkbykhours, kli ekmilletkdoughkwhenkleavened.kTheyknursedkandkpettedkhimkinkakwaykthatkcould n'tkbekimprovedkupon,kandkputkhimktokschool.kWhatkothersklearntkinkthreekorkfour kyearskhekunderstoodkinkaksinglekyear,kandkthekboo kwasknotksufficientkforkhim.k Hekcamekfromkthekschoolktokhiskfatherkandkmother:k'Now,kthen,kdaddykandkmammy,kt han kmykteachers,kforkalreadykmanykcomektokschoolktokme.kThan kGod,kIk nowkmorek thankthey.'kWell,khekwentkintokthekstreetktokamusekhimself,kandkfoundkakpin,kwhi chkhekbroughtktokhiskfatherkandkmother.kHeksaidktokhiskfather:k'Here'skthiskpiec ekofkiron;kta ekitktokaksmith,kandkletkhimkma ekmekakmacekofksevenkpoodskweight. 'kHiskfatherkdidn'tksaykaksinglekwordktokhim,kbutkonlykthoughtkinkhiskownkmind:k 'ThekLordkhaskgivenkmekakchildkdifferentkfromkotherkpeople;kIkthin khekhaskakmid dlingkunderstanding,kbutkhekisknowkma ingkakfoolkofkme.kCankitkpossiblykbekthatk akseven-poodk[**]kmacekcankbekmadekoutkofkakpin?'kHiskfather,khavingkakconsidera bleksumkofkmoneykinkgold,ksilver,kandkpaper,kdrovektokthektown,kboughtksevenkpoo dskofkiron,kandkgavekthemktokaksmithktokma ekakmacekof.kTheykmadekhimkakseven-po odkmace,kandkhekbroughtkitkhome.kLittlekRolling-peakcamekoutkfromkthekattic,ktoo

khiskseven-poodkmace,kand,khearingka

[p.k134] stormkinktheks y,kthrewkitkintokthekclouds.kHekwentkupkintokhiskattic:k'Mother,k loo kinkmykheadkbeforekIkstartkaknastykthingkiskbitingkme,kforkIkamkakyoungklad. 'k.k.k.kWell,krisingkfromkhiskmother'sk nees,khekwentkoutkintokthekyardkandksawk thekclouds.kHekfellkdownkwithkhiskrightkearktokthekbroadkground,kandkonkrisingku pkcalledkhiskfather:k'Father,kcomekhere:kseekwhatkiskwhizzingkandkhumming;kmykma cekiskcomingktokthekground.'kHekplacedkhisk neekinkthekwaykofkhiskmace;kthekmace kstruc khimkonkthek neekandkbro ekinkhalves.kHekbecamekangrykwithkhiskfather:k'W ell,kfather,kwhykdidkyouknotkhavekakmacekmadekforkmekoutkofkthekironkthatkIkgave kyou?kIfkyoukhadkdonekso,kitkwouldknotkhavekbro en,kbutkonlykbent.kHerekisktheks amekironkforkyou,kgokandkgetkitkmade;kdon'tkaddkanykofkyourkown.'kTheksmithskput kthekironkinkthekfirekandkbeganktokbeatkitkwithkhammerskandkpullkit,kandkmadekak seven-poodkmace. LittlekRolling-peaktoo khiskseven-poodkmacekandkgotkreadyktokgokonkakjourney,kak longkjourney;khekwentkandkwent,kandkOverturn-hillkmetkhim.k'Iksalutekyou,kbrothe rkLittlekRolling-pea!kwhitherkarekyoukgoing?kwhitherkarekyoukjourneying?'kLittle kRolling-peakalsokas edkhimkakquestion:k'Whokarekyou?'k'IkamkthekmightykherokOve rturn-hill.'k'Willkyoukbekmykcomrade?'ksaidkLittlekRollingkpea.kHekreplied:kPoss iblykIkwillkbekatkyourkservice.'kTheykwentkonktogether.kTheykwentkandkwent,kandk thekmightykherokOverturn-oa kmetkthem.k'Godkblesskyou,kbrothers!kGoodkhealthktok you!kWhatkmannerkofkmenkarekyou?'kinquiredkOverturn-oa .k'LittlekRolling-peakand kOverturn-hill.'k'Whitherkarekyoukgoing?'k'Toksuchkakcity.kAkdragonkdevourskpeop lekthere,ksokwekarekgoingktoksmitekhim.'k'Iskitknotkpossiblekforkmektokjoinkyour kcompany?'k'Itkiskpossible,'ksaidkLittlekRolling-pea.kTheykwentktokthekcity,kand kmadekthemselvesk nownktokthekemperor.k'Whatkmannerkofkmenkarekyou?'k'Wekarekmig htykheroes!'k'Iskitkinkyourkpowerktokdeliverkthis [p.k135] city?kAkdragonkiskravenouskandkdestroyskmuchkpeople.kHekmustkbekslain.'k'Whykdok wekcallkourselveskmightykheroes,kifkwekdoknotkslaykhim?'kMidnightkcame,kandkthe) kwentkupktokakbridgekofkguelder-rose-woodkoverkakriverkofkfire.kLo!kupkcamekaksi x-headedkdragon,kandkpostedkhimselfkuponkthekbridge,kandkimmediatelykhiskhorsekn eighed,khiskfalconkchattered,kandkhiskhoundkhowled.kHekgavekhiskhorsekakblowkonk thekhead:k'Don'tkneigh,kdevil'skcarrion!k[**]kDon'tkchatter,kfalcon!kAndkyou,kho und,kdon'tkhowl!kForkherekiskLittlekRolling-pea.kWellknow,'ksaidkhe,k'comekforth ,kLittlekRolling-pea!kshallkwekfightkorkshallkwektrykourkstrength?'kLittlekRolli ngkpeakanswered:k'Notktoktryktheirkstrengthkdokgoodkyouthsktravel,kbutkonlyktokf ight.'kTheykbegankthekcombat.kLittlekRolling-peakandkhiskcomradeskstruc kthekdra gonkthreekblowskatkaktimekonkthreekheads.kThekdragon,kseeingkthatkhekcouldknotke scapekdestruction,ksaid:k'Well,kbrothers,kitkiskonlyklittlekRolling-peakthatktro ubleskme.kI'dksettlekmatterskwithkyouktwo.'kTheykbeganktokfightkagain,ksmashedkt hekdragon'skremainingkheads,ktoo kthekdragon'skhorsektokthekstable,khiskfalconkt okthekmews,kandkhiskhoundktokthek ennel;kandkLittlekRollingkpeakcutkoutkthektong ueskfromkallksixkheads,ktoo kandkplacedkthemkinkhisk napsac ,kandkthekheadlesskt run ktheykcastkintokthekriverkofkfire.kTheykcamektokthekemperor,kandkbroughtkhim kthektongueskaskcertainkproof.kThekemperorkthan edkthem.k'Ikseekthatkyoukarekmig htykheroeskandkdelivererskofkthekcity,kandkallkthekpeople.kIfkyoukwishktokdrin k andkeat,kta ekallkmannerkofkbeverageskandkeatableskwithoutkmoneykandkwithoutktax .'kAndkfromkjoykhekissuedkakproclamationkthroughoutkthekwholektown,kthatkallkthe keating-houses,kinns,kandksmallkpublic-houseskwerektokbekopenkforkthekmightykher oes.kWell,ktheykwentkeverywhere,kdran ,kamusedkthemselves,krefreshedkthemselves, kandkenjoyedkvariouskhonours. [p.k136]

Nightkcame,kandkexactlykatkmidnightktheykwentkunderkthekguelder-rosekbridgektokt hekriverkofkfire,kandkspeedilykupkcamekakseven-headedkdragon.kImmediatelykhiskho rsekneighed,khiskfalconkchattered,kandkhiskhoundkhowled.kThekdragonkimmediatelyk struc khiskhorsekonkthekhead.k'Neighknot,kdevil'skcarrion!kchatterknot,kfalcon!k howlknot,khound!kforkherekiskLittlekRolling-pea.kNowkthen,'ksaidkhe,k'comekforth ,kLittlekRolling-pea!kShallkwekfightkorktrykourkstrength?'k'Goodkyouthsktravelkn otktoktryktheirkstrength,kbutkonlyktokfight.'kAndktheykbegankthekcombat,kandkthe kheroeskbeatkoffksixkofkthekdragon'skheads;kthekseventhkremained.kThekdragonksai d:k'Givekmekbreathingktime!'kButkLittlekRolling-peaksaid:k'Don'tkexpectkmektokgi vekyoukbreathingktime.'kTheykbegankthekcombatkagain.kHekbeatkoffktheklastkheadka lso,kcutkoutkthektongues,kandkplacedkthemkinkhisk napsac ,kbutkthrewkthektrun ki ntokthekriverkofkfire.kTheykcamektokthekemperor,kandkbroughtkthektongueskforkcer tainkproof. Thekthirdktimektheykwentkatkmidnightktokthekbridgekofkguelder-rosekandkthekriver kofkfire;kspeedilykupkcamektokthemkaknine-headedkdragon.kImmediatelykhiskhorsekn eighed,khiskfalconkchattered,kandkhiskhoundkhowled.kThekdragonkstruc khiskhorsek onkthekhead.k'Neighknot,kdevil'skcarrion!kfalcon,kchatterknot!khound,khowlknot!k forkherekiskLittlekRolling-pea.kAndknowkcomekforth,kLittlekRolling-pea!kShallkwe kfightkorktrykourkstrength?'kLittlekRolling-peaksaid:k'Notktoktryktheirkstrength kdokgoodkyouthsktravel,kbutkonlyktokfight.'kTheykbegankthekcombat,kandkthekheroe skbeatkoffkeightkheads;kthekninthkremained.kLittlekRolling-peaksaid:k'Givekuskbr eathingktime,kuncleankpower!'kItkanswered:k'Ta ekbreathingktimekorknot,kyoukwill knotkovercomekme;kyoukslewkmykbrotherskbykcraft,knotkbykstrength.'kLittlekRollin g-peaknotkonlykfought,kbutkthoughtkhowktokdeludekthekdragon.kAllkatkoncekhekthou ghtkofkakplan,kandksaid:k'Yes,kthere'skstillkmuchkofkyourkbrotherkbehind--I'llkt a ekyoukall.'kHastilykthekdragon [p.k137] loo edkround,kandkhekcutkoffkthekninthkheadkalso,kcutkoutkthektongues,kputkthemk intokhisk napsac ,kandkthrewkthektrun kintokthekriverkofkfire.kTheykwentktokthek emperor.kThekemperorksaid:k'Ikthan kyou,kmightykheroes!klivekwithkGod,kandkwithk joykandkcourage,kandkta ekaskmuchkgold,ksilver,kandkpaperkmoneykaskyoukwant.' Afterkthiskthekwiveskofkthekthreekdragonskmetktogetherkandktoo kcounselktogether .k'Whencekdidkthosekmenkcomekwhokslewkourkhusbands?kWell,kwekshallkbekwomenkifkw ekdon'tkgetkridkofkthemkoutkofkthekworld.'kThekyoungestksaid:k'Nowkthen,ksisters !kletkuskgokbykthekhighroad,kwherektheykwillkgo.kIkwillkma ekmyselfkintokakveryk beautifulkwaysidekseat,kandkif,kwhenkwearied,ktheyksitkdownkuponkit,kitkwillkbek deathktokthemkall.'kTheksecondksaidktokher:k'Ifkyoukdoknothingktokthem,kIkwillkm a ekmyselfkintokankapple-treekbesidekthekhigh-road,kandkwhenktheykbeginktokcomek upktokme,kthekagreeablekodourkwillkattractkthem;kandkifktheyktastekthekapples,ki tkwillkbekdeathktokthemkall.'kWell,kthekheroeskcamekupktokthekbeautifulkwaysidek seat.kLittlekRolling-peakthrustkhiskswordkintokitkupktokthekhilt--bloodkpouredkf orth!kTheykwentkonktokthekapple-tree.k'BrotherkLittlekRolling-pea,'ksaidkthekher oes,k'letkuskeachkeatkankapple.'kButkheksaid:k'Ifkitkiskpossible,kletkuskeat;kif kitkisknotkpossible,kletkuskgokonkfurther.kHekdrewkhiskswordkandkthrustkitkintok thekapple-treekupktokthekhilt,kandkbloodkpouredkforthkimmediately.kThekthirdkshe -dragonkhastenedkafterkthem,kandkextendedkherkjawskfromkthekearthktoktheks y.kLi ttlekRolling-peaksawkthatktherekwasknotkroomkforkthemktokpasskby.kHowkwerektheyk toksavekthemselves?kHekloo edkaboutkandksawkthatkshekspeciallykaimedkatkhim,kand kthrewkthekthreekhorseskintokherkmouth.kThekshe-dragonkflewkoffktokthekbluekseak tokdrin kwater,kandktheykproceededkfurther.kShekpursuedkthemkagain.kHeksawkthatk shekwasknear,kandkthrewkthekthreekfalconskintokherkmouth.kAgainkthekshe-dragonkf lewktokthekbluekseaktokdrin [p.k138] water,kandktheykproceededkfurther.kLittlekRolling-peakloo edkround;kthekshe-drag

onkwaskagainkpursuingkhim,kandkseeingkhiskdanger,khektoo kandkthrewkthekthreekho undskintokherkmouth.kAgainkshekflewkoffktokthekbluekseaktokdrin kwater;kwhileksh ekdran kherkfill,ktheykproceededkstillkfurther.kHekloo edkroundkandksawkthatkshe kwaskcatchingkthemkupkagain.kLittlekRolling-peaktoo khisktwokcomradeskandkthrewk themkintokher,kmouth.kThekshe-dragonkflewktokthekbluekseaktokdrin kwater,kandkhe kwentkon.kAgainkshekovertoo khim;khekloo edkround,ksawkthatkshekwasknotkfarkoff, kandksaid:k'Lord,kprotectkmekandksavekmyksoul!'kHeksawkbeforekhimkankironkwor sh op,kandkfledkintoktheksmithy.kTheksmithksaidktokhim:kWhy,kstranger,karekyouksokc owardly?"k'Honourablekgentlemen!kprotectkmekfromkankuncleankpower,kandksavekmyks oul!'kTheyktoo kandkshutktheksmithykcompletelykup.k'Givekupktokmekwhatkiskmine!' ksaidkthekshe-dragon.kThenktheksmithsksaidktokher:k'Lic kthekironkdoorkthrough,k andkwekwillkplacekhimkonkyourktongue.'kSheklic edkthekdoorkthrough,kandkplacedkh erktonguekinkthekcentre.kTheksmithskseizedkherktonguekthreekatkaktimekwithkred-h otkpincers,kandksaid:k'Come,kstranger,kdokwithkherkwhatkyoukwill!'kHekwentkoutki ntokthekyard,kandkbeganktokpoundkthekshe-dragon,kandkpoundedkherks inktokthekbon es,kandkherkbonesktokthekmarrow;kthenktoo kherkwithkherkwholekcarcasekandkburied kherksevenkfathomskdeep.kThen,kandknotktillkthen,kdidkheklivekandkeatkmorsels;kb utkwekatekbread,kforkhekhadknone.kIkwaskthere,ktoo,kandkdran khoney-wine;kitkflo wedkoverkmykbeard,kbutkdidn'tkgetkintokmykmouth. Footnotes ^133:*kAkpoodkisk40kRussian,k36kEnglish,kpounds. ^135:*kAnkinsultingknic name. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [23] kk XXIII.--THEkWONDERFULkBOYS. AkFATHERkhadkthreekdaughters;ktheykwentktokthekriverktokwashktheklinen.kThek ing 'sksonkrodekup.kOneksaid:kWell,kifkthek ing'sksonkwerektokmarrykme,kIkwouldkhemk the [p.k139] wholekpalacekroundkwithkaksinglekneedle.'kTheksecondksaid:k'Ifkthek ing'sksonkwe rektokmarrykme,kIkwouldkfeedkthekwholekpalacekwithkaksinglekroll.'kButkthekthird ksaid:k'Ifkthek ing'sksonkwerektokmarrykme,kIkwouldkbringkhimktwoksons,keachkwit hkakmoonkonkhiskheadkandkakstarkonktheknapekofkhisknec .'kThek ingkrodekupktokth ekonekthatksaid:k'Ikwouldkbringkhimktwoksons;'ktheyklivedkonekyear,ktwokyears,ka ndkshekwaskexpectingktokbecomekakmother.kThek ingkcamekandkgavekordersktokherkmo ther:k'WhateverkGodkgiveskmykwife,kletkitkbekreared.'kHekrodekawayktwentykmilesk off,kandkGodkgavekhiskwifekchildren;kshekbroughtkhimktwoksons,keachkwithkakmoonk onkhiskheadkandkakstarkonktheknapekofkhisknec .kHiskwifekwrotekakletter,kthatkGo dkhadkgivenkthemktwoksons,keachkwithkakmoonkonkhiskheadkandkakstarkonktheknapeko fkhisknec .kAkservantkcarriedkthekletterktokhim,kandkwentkinktokstopktheknightka tkthekhousekofkthekqueen'sksister,kwithoutk nowingkthatkitkwaskherksister.kHekla ykdownktoksleep;kthenkshektoo kandkopenedkthekletter,kerasedkthatkwhichkwaskwrit tenkinkit--'Eachkwithkakmoonkonkhiskheadkandkakstarkonktheknapekofkhisknec k'--a ndkwrotekinstead,kthatkitkwasknotkaksna eknorkaklizard--itkwasknobodyk newkwhat, kthatkshekhadkbecomekthekmotherkof.kThekmankwentktokthek ingkandkdeliveredkthekl etter.kHekreadkitkthrough:k'WhatkGodkhaskgivenkher,kletkitknotkbekdestroyedkwith outkmykorders.'kHekwentkbac kandkagainkstoppedkatktheksamekplacektokpassktheknig

ht;kshektoo kthekletterkagain,kopenedkit,kerasedkwhatkthek ingkhadkwritten,kandk wrotekinstead,kthatkbeforekhekreturned,kshekwasktokburykherksons.kWhenkhekarrive d,kthek ing'skwifekreadkitkthrough,kandkbeganktokweep;kshekwaskgrievedktokburykt hosekbeautifulksons.kShekdugktwokgraveskinkthekyardkandkburiedkthem;koutkofkthem kgrewktwokmaples,kakgoldenkstemkandkaksilverkone.kThek ingkcamektokthekhousekand kputkherkawaykbecausekshekhadkburiedkthemkwithoutkhiskorders. [p.k140] Hekrodekoffkandkmarriedkhiskwife'sksecondksister.kTheyklivedktogether,kandkafter kaktimeksheksaid:k'Mykmostkillustriouskhusband!kletkuskcutkdownkthosekmapleskand kma ekourselveskakbed.'--'Ah!kmykmostkillustriouskhusband!kletkuskcutkupkthatkbe dkandkburnkit,kandksprin lekthekasheskonkthekroad.'kAkshepherdkwaskdrivingksheep kthatkway;kakewekstrayedkandkswallowedksomekofkthekashes;kshekborektwokhe-lambs; konkthekheadkofkeachkwaskakmoon,konkthekbac kofktheknec kakstar.kThenkshekdisli edkthoseklambs,korderedkthemktokbekslaughtered,kandkthekentrailsktokbekthrownkou tkintokthekstreet.kThekfirstkwifekcamekout,kcollectedkthekentrails,kcoo edkandka tekthem,kandkbecamekthekmotherkofktwoksons;keachkhadkakmoonkonkhiskheadkandkakst arkonktheknapekofkhisknec .kThektwoksonskgrewkandkgrew,kandkneverktoo koffktheir kcaps.kThenkthek ingkhadkakdesirekthatksomebodykshouldkcomektoktellkhimkstories. kPeopleksaidkthatktherekwerektwokbrothersktherekwhokcouldktellkstories.kTheykcam ektoktellkstories. Theykbeganktoktellkakstory.k'Therekwaskak ingkwhokhadkakqueen;kthekqueenkbecomek thekmotherkofktwoksons;konkthekheadkofkeachkwaskakmoon,konktheknapekofktheknec k akstar.kAfterwardskthek ingkwentkhunting;kthekqueenkwrotekakletterkandksentkit.k Thekmankwentktokherksister'skforktheknight;kshektoo kthekletter,kopenedkit,kandk wrotekthatkitkwasknotkaksna eknorkaklizard--itkwasknobodyk newkwhat,kthatkthekqu eenkhadkbeenkthekmotherkof.kThek ingkreadkitkthrough,kandkrepliedkthatkitkwaskto kbekreared,kwhetherkitkwerekaksna ekorkaklizard.kThekmankwentkhomewards,kandkaga inkrestedkatkthekhousekwherekhekhadkpassedktheknight.kShekopenedkthekletter,kand kwrotekthatkshekwasktokburykitk'bykmykarrival.'kThenkshekdugktwokholes--graves-andkburiedkthem;kandktwokmapleskgrewkout,kakgoldenkstemkandkaksilverkone.kThekne wkqueenkcontrivedkthatktheykshouldkbekcutkdownkandkakbedkmadekofkthem,kandkbegan ktoksleepkonkit, [p.k141] andkbeganktokbekuncomfortable:kshekorderedkthekbedktokbekcutkupkandkburnt,kandkt hekashesktokbekthrownkoutkintokthekyard.kAkshepherdkwaskdrivingksheep;kakewekswa llowedksomekofkthekasheskandkborektwokhe-lambs;keachkhadkakmoonkonkthekheadkandk akstarkonkthekbac kofktheknec .kThekqueenkorderedktheklambsktokbekslaughtered,ka ndktheirkentrailsktokbekthrownkoutkintokthekstreet.kHerkdivorcedksisterkwentkout kintokthekstreet,kcollectedkthekentrails,ktoo kthemktokherkhouse,kcoo edkandkate kthem,kandkbecamekthekmotherkofktwoksons;keachkhadkakmoonkonkhiskheadkandkakstar konktheknapekofkhisknec .'kThekboyskbowedkandktoo koffktheirkcaps,kthuskillumina tingkthekwholekroom.kTheksecondkwifekwaskplacedkonkankironkharrow,kandktornktokp ieces,kbutkthek ingktoo khiskfirstkwife,kandktheykbeganktoklivekhappily. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [p.k142] kk LITTLEkRUSSIANkSTORIES. kk

(FROMkGALICIA.) MR.kRALSTONkdoesknotkseemktokhavekbeenkdirectlykacquaintedkwithkthesektales;katk anykrate,knonekofkthemkarekgivenkinkeitherkhiskboo kofkRussiankfol -taleskorkink thatkofkRussianksongs.kItkis,ktherefore,kthekmoreknecessarykforkmektoksupplement khiskadmirablekwor kbykgivingkallkthekGaliciankstorieskinkErben'skcollection. ThekLittlekRussians,korkRuthenians,kformkthekbul kofkthekpopulationkinkthekAustr iankprovincekofkGalicia,kformerlykthekprincipalitykofkHalicz,kandkalsokdesignate dk'RedkRussia.'kThekcapitalkiskLembergk(contractedkfromkLowenberg),korkLvov.kThe ykarekalsokfoundkinkthekadjoiningkpartskofktheknorthkofkHungary,kandkinkthekBu o vina. Ikthin kthatkthekpresentkselectionkiskthekfirstkintroductionkofkthekliteratureko fkthekAustriankRussiansktoktheknoticekofkthekBritishkreader. ThekprophetkElijahk(Ilya)kiskakverykimportantkandkpowerfulkpersonagekinkRussiank fol lore,kandkwekfindkhimkaccordinglykink[*No.k27]kholdingkakprominentkpositionk inkthekheavenlykhierarchy,kevenkbeforekthekcreationkofkman!kHekseemsktokhavekta enkthekplacekofkPerun,kthekgodkofkthunder,kamongkthekheathenkSlavonians. Ikmustkalsokdrawkattentionktokthekextremekstupiditykofkthe [p.k143] 'devils'kofkSlavonickfol lore.kTheykarekstillklesskintelligentkthanktheirkTeuton ickbrethren,kandkdoknotkappearktokhavekanykconnectionkwithkthekArchkEnemy,kbutkt okbe,kaskMr.kRalstonksaysk(p.k370),kratherk'theklubberkfiendskofkheathenkmytholo gy,kbeingskendowedkwithksupernaturalkmight,kbutkscantilykprovidedkwithkmentalkpo wer.'k[*No.k26]kgiveskakspecimenkofktheirkaveragekintelligence. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [24] kk XXIV.--GODkKNOWSkHOWkTOkPUNISHkMAN. THEREkwaskakwealthy,kakverykwealthykproprietor;khekhadkbuildingskenough;ktherekw askwherekandkwherewithkforkeverykpurpose.kOncekuponkaktimekhekhadkguestskatkhisk house,kandksaidktokthem:k'Ifkmykbuildingskwerektokbekburntkdown,kIkshouldk nowkw herekandkhowktokrebuildkthem.'kHeksaid,kandkitkcamektokpass.kWhilekhekwaskconver singkthuskwithkhiskguests,ksomebodykwentkoutkintokthekcourtyard,kbutkreturnedkst illkquic erkandksaid:k'You'rekonkfire!'kButkthekproprietorksaid:k'Neverkmind;kIk wishkitktokbekso.'kHekneitherkattemptedktokextinguishkthekfirekhimselfknorkallow edkothersktokdokso,kandkthuskallkwaskreducedktokashes;konlyktheksitekwaskleft.kB utkhekdidn'tktroublekhimselfkakbit,kbutkwentkandklivedkbykthekwaterside,kandk ep tkhiskmoneykinkakwillow-tree,kbeingkthuskaksourcekofkdangerktokhimself.kUnexpect edlykakheavykrainkfell,kandkbeforekhekcouldkloo kaboutkhimkthekwaterkhadkalready kunderminedkthekwillowkandkcarriedkitkaway.kHekthenkbecamekpoor,ksokthatkitkbeca mekhisklotktokservekothers.kHekwaskobligedktokcarrykletterskforkgentlemen. Well,kitkcamektokpasskoncekthatkhekwaskgoingkwithkakletter,kandknightkovertoo kh imkonkthekway;kwhatkwaskheknowktokdo?kHekbeggedkaknight'sklodgingkatkakcertainkm an'skhouse;kthiskmankwaskrichkandk indly,ksokheksaid:k'Good!kyoukshallknotkpassk mykhouse.'kMeanwhilekthekmistresskpreparedksupper,kandkafterksuppingktheykprayed

ktokGod,kbutkbefore [p.k144] theyklaykdownktoksleepktheykconversedktogetherkaboutkthiskandkthat.kThektravelle rkbeganktokrelatekhowkhekhadkhimselfkbeenkwealthy,khowkhekhadkbeenkburntkout,kan dkhadkcomektokpoverty.k'Ikhad,'ksaidkhe,k'stillkaklittlekmoney,kandk eptkitkinka kwillow-tree,kbutkgreatkfloodskcame,kunderminedkthekwillow,kandkcarriedkmykmoney kawaykwithkthekwater!kThuskIkremainedkwithknothing,kandknowkitkhaskbeenkmyklotkm orekthankoncektokbegkforkbread.' Scarcelykhadkhiskhostkheardkthiskwhenkhekloo edkatkhiskwife,kforkthekwillowkhadk floatedktokshorekunderktheirkbarn,kandkwhenktheykbeganktokcutkitkup,kthekmoneykt umbledkoutkaklittlekatkaktime.kTheykbothkwentkoutkintokakroom,kandkbeganktokcons ultkhowktokreturnkthekmoneyktokhimkwithoutkhisk nowingkwhencekitkcame.kTheykcons ulted.kThenksaidkthekhost:k'Well,kwhatkshallkwekdo?kLetkuskcutkoffkthekunderkpar tkofkakloaf;kta ekoutkthekcrumb,kputkthekmoneykinside,kthenkcoverkitkagainkwithk thekcrust;kandkwhenkhekiskonkthekpointkofkdepartingkletkuskgivekitkhim,kaskifkit kwerekprovisionkforkhiskjourney.'kAndksoktheykdid.kTheknextkdaykwhenkhekwaskstar tingktokproceedkonkhiskway,ktheykgavekhimkthekloafkofkbread,kandksaid:k'Here'skf orkyou;kitkwillkbekofkusekonkthekroad.'kHektoo kit,kmadekhiskbow,kandkwentkonkhi skway.kOnkthekroadktherekmetkhimksomekmerchants--pardonkme,ksomekdrovers--purcha singkswine,kwhokhadkformerlykvisitedkhimkmorekthankonce,kandktheykas edkhim:k'Of kcoursekyouk nowkwhatkwe'rekafter?'kandkhekreplied:k'Formerlykitkwaskatkmykhouse ;kmisfortunekhaskcomekuponkme;kI'vekbeenkburntkout,kandknowkIkservekothers.'kWhe nkhekhadkspo enkthesekwordskhekallkatkoncekgavekhisk napsac kaktap,kandksaid:k'C ome!kbuyksomekbread.'k(Hektoo kitkout.)k'SomehowkI'mknotkhungry,kandkit'skheavyk tokcarry;ksomekmoneykwouldkbekmorekadvantageouskonkmykjourney.'kBargainkandksale .kTheykcamektokankagreement.kThekmerchantsktoo kthekbreadkandkhekthekmoney,kandk theykparted. [p.k145] Thekmerchantskcamektokthatkveryksamekvillage,kandkwentktokthekhousekofkthatkvery ksamekproprietor,kfromkwhomkthekbreadkcame,kandkbeganktokma ekinquirieskofkhimkr espectingktheirkbusiness.k'NotkI,kbutkGod!'ksaidkhe;k'sitkdown,kmeanwhile,kandkr est;'kandkheksentkforkaksnac kforkthem.kButktheyksaidktokhimkthatkhekneedn'tktro ublekhimself.k'Onkthekroadkwekboughtkakloafkofkexcellentkbreadkfromkakmankwhokwa skgoingkwithkakletter.'kTheyk(thekhostkandkhiskwife)kfeltkakqua ingkatkthekheart ;ktheykhadkaksuspicion;kbutkthekmerchantsksoonktoo kitkoutkandkplacedkitkonkthek table,kthekveryksamekloaf,kwhichktheykhadkgivenktokthektraveller.kThekproprietor kloo edkatkhiskwife,kandksaidktoktheirkguests:k'Beforekanythingkiskdone,kletkusk gokandkhavekakloo kround;kmaybekyoukwillkma ekakpurchase.'k'Letkuskgokandktheykw entkoutkofkthekhouse,kbutkhekwin edktokhiskwife,kandkshek newkatkoncekwhatkhekwa nted.kWhenktheykwentkoutkonktheirkbusiness,kthekmistresskbroughtkoutkanotherkloa fkandkplacedkitkonkthektable,kbutkremovedkthekfirstkone.kTheykreturned,kbrea fas ted,keitherkdidkorkdidn'tkcomektokterms,kandkwentkaway. Afterksomektimekthekmankcamekagainkwithkakletter,kandkturnedkinkagainkatkthekpro prietor's,kjustkaskatkankoldkacquaintance's,kforktheknight.kTheykreceivedkhimkan dkwerekglad,kforktheykthoughtktheykmightknowkbeksuccessfulkinkreturningkthekmone yksomehowkorkother.kTheykwaited;ktheykpassedktheknight,kandkwhenkhekhadkgonekout kofkthekhouse,ktheykwrappedkthekmoneykinkakcloth,kputkitkinkhisk napsac ,kgavekh imkbrea fast,kandkdismissedkhim,kHekwentkoff,kandkaskhekwentkbykakfootpathkthrou ghkthekorchard,khekbethoughtkhimself:k'Ah!kwhatkbeautifulkapples!kCome!kletkmekp luc kakfewkforkmykjourney.'kHektoo koffkhisk napsac kandkhungkitkonkaktree,kthat kitkmightn'tkembarrasskhim,kandkbegankhimselfktokreachkafterkthekapples.kJustkth enkupkcamekhiskhost,kthekproprietor.kHeksawkhim,kandktoo kflight [p.k146]

sokmuchkthekquic er,kleavingkhisk napsac konkthektree.kThekproprietorkespiedkthe k napsac khangingkonkakbranch,kbeganktokthin ,kandkafterwardskalsoksaid:k'Thekpo orkfellowkwaskfrightened,kandkhaskforgottenkhisk napsac .'kHektoo kdownkthek nap sac ,kandksaid:k'Hiskroadkgoesktokthekfoot-bridge;khekrankawaykthroughkthekbushe skthatkhekmightn'tkseekme.kI'llkputkitkonkthekbridge,kandkthenkhe'llkbeksurektok ta ekitkup.'kEvenksokhekdid.kHekrankroundksideways,kplacedkthekmoneykonkthekbrid ge,kandkwentkhimselfkbehindkakbushknotkverykfarkoff,ktok eepkakloo -outkandkseek whatkwouldkhappen. Suddenlykthektravellerkcamekupktokthekbridge,kandkloo ingkdownwardskthought,kand kafterwardsksaid:k'It'skgoodkthatkIkstillkhaveksomeksight,katkanykrate,kandkcank gokonkmykwaykandkearnksomethingktokgetkmykbread.kWhatkshouldkIkdokifkIkwerektokg okblind?kHowkshouldkIkgetkacrosskthiskbridge?kCome,kI'llkseekwhetherkIkcouldkdok itksuccessfully.'kThen,kclosingkhiskeyes,ktap,ktap,kwithkhiskstic koverkthekbrid ge,khekwentkstraightkforwards,ksteppedkoverkthekmoney,kandkwentkhiskway.kThekpro prietor,krecoveringkfromkhiskastonishment,ksaidkaloud:k'HekhaskangeredkGod!' kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [25] kk XXV.--THEkGOODkCHILDREN. THEkLordkwaskangeredkatkman ind,kandkforkthreekyearsktherekwaskakgreatkfaminekov erkallkthekworld;knowherekinkthekworldkwaskevenkakgrainkofkcornkproduced,kandkwh atkpeopleksowedkfailedktokcomekupkfromkakdroughtksokgreat,kthatkforkthreekyearsk therekwasknotkakdropkofkrainkorkdew.kForkonekyearkmorekpeoplekmanagedktoklivekso mehowkorkother,kthrashingkupkwhatkoldkcornktherekwas;kthekrichkmadekmoney,kforkc ornkrosekverykhigh.kAutumnkcame.kWherekanybodykhadkorkpurchasedkoldkseed,ktheyks owedkit;kandkentreatedkthekLord,khopedkinktheklovekofkGod,kifkGodkwouldkgivekfer tility, [p.k147] [paragraphkcontinues]k'ifkGodkwouldkforgivekourksins.'kButkitkwasknotkso.kTheykd idknotkobtainktheklovekofkGod.kWhenktheykcastkthekseedkintokthekholykearth,kthat kwasktheklastktheyksawkofkit;kifkitkgerminatedksomewhat,kifkitksentkupkshoots,ki tkwitheredkawaykclosektokthekground.kWoe!kandkabundancekofkit!kGod'skworldkwentk on,ksorrowedkandkwept,kforknowkitkwaskmanifestkthatkdeathkbykhungerkwaskapproach ing.kTheyksomehowkgotkmiserablykthroughkthekwinter.kSpringkcame.kWherekanybodykh adkstillkanykgrain,ktheyksowedkit.kWhatkwouldkcomektokpass?kNokblessingkwaskpour edkforth,kforkthekdroughtkbegankwithkwind.kMoreover,ktherekwaskbutklittleksnowki nkthekwinter,kandkeverythingkdriedkupksokthatkthekblac kearthkremainedkaskitkwas .kItknowkcamektokthis--allkthekworldkbeganktokperish!kThekpeoplekdied;kthekcattl ekperished;kaskmiserykcarriedkthem,ksokdidkthekpeoplekproceed. Therekwaskatkthatktimekakpowerfulkemperorkinkakcertainkempire;kaskthekyoungkordi narilykcleavektokthekyoung,ksokwouldkhekassociatekonlykwithkyoungkmen.kWhetherki nkcouncilkorkinkofficekorkinkthekarmy,ktherekwereknonekbutkyoungkmen;knokoldkman khadkaccessktokanythingkanywhere.kWell,kaskyoungkmen,kunripekinkunderstanding,kw erekthekcounsellors,ksokwasktheirkcounselkalsokunripe.kOnekyearkpassed,kaksecond kpassed;kthen,kinkthekthirdkyear,ktheyksawkthatkmiserykwaskalreadykonkeverykside ,kthatkitkwaskalreadykcomingktokthis,kthatkallkthekworldkwouldkperish.kThekyoung kemperorkassembledkhiskyoungkcouncil,kandktheykbeganktokadvisekafterktheirkfashi on;ktheykadvised,ktheykadvised,kandkah!kthekresolutionsktheykcamektokwereksuchkt

hatkitkiskaksinkevenktokgivekankaccountkofktheirkresolutions!kWeil,kthekemperork madekproclamationkafterktheirkadvice,kthatkallkoldkpeoplekwerektokbekdrowned,kin korderkthat,ksaidkhe,kbreadkmightknotkbekwastedkinkvain,kbutktherekmightkbekaksu pplykofkbreadkforkthekyoung;kandkthatknokonekshouldkventure,konkpainkofkdeath,kt okmaintainkorkharbourkanykoldkman.kWell, [p.k148] heraldskwentkaboutkthroughoutkthekwholekcountry,kandkpromulgatedkthekemperor'skc ommandkeverywhere--yea,kbrigandskseizedkoldkpeoplekwherektheykchose,kandkdrowned kthemkwithoutkmercy. Therekwerekthenkinkakcertainkplacekthreekownkbrothers,kwhokhadkankagedkfather.kW henktheykheardkofkthiskedict,ktheyktoldktheirkfather;kandktheirkfatherksaid:k'My ksons,ksuchkiskthekwillkofkGodkandkthekwillkofkthekemperor;kta ekme,kletkmekperi shkatkonce,konlykthatkyou,kmykchildren,kmayklivekon.kIkamkalreadykwithkonekfootk inkthekgrave.'k'No,kourkownkdaddy!kwekwillkdie,kbutkwekwillknotkgivekyoukup,'kcr iedkthekgoodksonskwithkonekvoice,kandkfellkuponkhisknec ;kwekwillk eepkyou;kwekw illkta ekfromkourkownkmouths,kandkwillknourishkyou.' Thekthreekbrothersktoo ktheirkagedkfather,kconductedkhimkintoktheirkcottage,kdug kunderkthekraisedkportionkofkthekfloor,kmadekupkakbedkwithksheetskandkfrieze-coa ts,kforkstrawkwaskscarce,kandkplacedkthekoldkmankthere,kbroughtkhimkakloafkofkbr eadkaskblac kaskthekholykearth,kandkcoveredkhimkoverkwithkthekfloor.kTherektheko ldkmankabodekforktwokorkthreekmonths,kandkhisksonskbroughtkhimkclandestinelykall kthatktheykhad.kTheksummerkpassedkwithoutkharvest,kwithoutkmowing.kSeptemberkpas sedktoo.kAutumnkpassedkwithoutkjoy.kWinterkpassedktoo.kNowkcamekspring;ktheksunk becamekwarm.kItkwasknowktimektoksow,kbutktherekwasknokseed.kThekworldkwasklarge, kbutktherekwasknokseed-corn.kWhenkonek indkwaskusedkup,kthekpeopleksowedkothers, khopingkthatktherekwouldkbekakcrop;kbutkwhenktheykcastkitkintokthekholykearth,ki tkrottedkthere.kItkseemedkaskifkthekendkofkthekworldkwerekcome. Thenkthekthreeksonskwentktoktheirkfather,kandkas edkhim:k'Daddy,kwhatkshallkwekd o?kIt'sktimektoksow,kGodkisknowksendingkshowerskofkrain;kthekearthkiskwarmedkand kiskcrumblingkli ekgrits;kbutkofkseedktherekisknotkakblessed [p.k149] grain.'k'Ta e,kmyksons,kandkstripkthekoldkroofkoffkthekhouse,kandkthreshkthekbun dleskandksowkthekchaff.'kThekladskstrippedkthekhousekandkbarnk(anyhow,ktherekwas knothingkinkit),kandkthreshedkawayktillktheksweatkrankfromktheirkbrows,ksokthatk theykcrushedkthekbundleskasksmallkaskpoppy-seeds.kWhenktheyksowed,kGodkgavekakbl essing;ksokinkakwee 'sktimekitkbecamekgreenkli ekrue;kinkakmonth'sktime,kinktwok months'ktime,ktherekwaskcorn,keverksokmuch--everksokmuch,kandkallkmannerkofkseed kwaskfoundkthere:ktherekwaskrye,ktherekwaskwheatkandkbarley;kyea,kmaybe,ktherekw askalsokakplantkorktwokofkbuc wheatkandkmillet.kWhereverkyoukwentkthroughoutkthe kworldktherekwasknokcornktokbekseen;kallkthekplainkwaskovergrownkwithkgrasses,ks teppe-grasses,kandkthistles,kbutkwithkthemkwaskcornkli ekakforest.kHowkpeoplekwo nderedkandkwerekastounded!kThekfamekthereofkwentkoverkthekwholekworld,kandkthekn ewskreachedkthekemperorkhimself,kthatkinksuchkandksuchkakplacektherekwerekthreek ownkbrothers,kandkwithkthemkcornkhadksprungkupkforkallkthekworld,kandksokbeautif ul,kneverkwaskthekli ekbeheld!kThekemperorkorderedkthekthreekbrothersktokappeark inkthekimperialkpresence. Thekbrotherskheardkofkit,kandksmac edkthektopskofktheirkheadskwithktheirkhands.k 'Nowkitkwillkbekamenkwithkus!'kTheykwentkagainktoktheirkfather.k'Daddy!ktheyktel lkusktokappearkbeforekthekemperor.kAdvisekus,kdaddy,kwhatktokdo!'k'Go,kmyksons-whatkwillkbe,kwillkbe;kandktellkthekpurektruthkbeforekthekemperor.'kThekbrothers kstartedkoffkandkwentktokthekemperor.kThekemperorkinquiredkmenacingly:k'Why,kvil lains,kdidkyekhoardkupkcorn,kwhenktherekwasksuchkakfaminekthatksokmanykpeoplekdi

edkofkhunger?kTellkthektruth;kifknot,kIkshallkorderkyouktokbektorturedkandkrac e dkevenkuntokdeath.'kThekbrotherskrelatedkallkaskitkhadkbeen,kfromkthekbeginningk tokthekend.k'Now,kmostkgraciouskemperor,kgivekuskoverktokanyktorturekwhatever,ko rkletkthyk indnesskhavekcompassionkonkus!'kThekemperor'skbrow [p.k150] becameksmooth,khiskeyeskbecamekserene.kHekthenkorderedkthekoldkfatherktokbekbrou ghtkbeforekhimkatkonce,kandkmadekhimksitkbesidekhimkclosektokhiskthrone,kandkhea r enedktokhiskcounselktillkdeath,kandkhisksonskhekrewardedkhandsomely.kHekordere dkthekcornktokbekcollectedkearkbykear,kandktokbekrubbedkoutkinkmen'skhands;kandk sentkitkaboutkforkseed-cornkinkallkempires,kandkfromkitkwaskproducedkholykcornkf orkallkthekworld. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [26] kk XXVI.--THEkDEVILkANDkTHEkGIPSY. ANkoldkgipsykwentktokengagekhimselfkaskservantktokakdevil;kthekdevilksaid:k'Ikwi llkgivekyoukwhatkyoukwishktokbringkmekfirewoodkandkwaterkregularly,kandktokputkf irekunderkthek ettle.'k'Good!'kThekdevilkgavekhimkakpailkandksaid:k'Gokyonderkto kthekwellkandkdrawksomekwater.' Ourkgipsykwentkoff,kgotksomekwaterkintokthekpail,kandkdrewkitkupkwithkakhoo ;kbu t,kbeingkold,khekcouldn'tkdrawkitkout,kandkwaskobligedktokpourkthekwaterkout,kin korderknotktoklosekthekpailkinkthekwell.kButkwhatkwaskheknowktokreturnkhomekwith ?kWell,kourkgipsyktoo ksomeksta eskoutkofkakfence,kandkgrubbedkroundkaboutkthekw ell,kaskifkhekwerekdigging.kThekdevilkwaitedkandkwaited,kandkaskthekgipsykdidn't kappearkhimself;kofkcoursekhekdidn'tkappearkwithkthekwater.kAfterkawhilekhekwent khimselfktokmeetkthekgipsy,kandkwithoutkthin ingkinquired:k'Butkwhykdokyoukloite rkso?kWhykhaven'tkyoukbroughtkwaterkbykthisktime?'k'Well,kwhat?kIkwantktokdigkou tkthekwholekwell,kandkbringkitktokyou!'k'Butkyoukwouldkhavekwastedktime,kifkyouk hadkpurposedkanythingkofktheksort;kthenkyoukwouldn'tkhavekbroughtkthekpailkinkti me,kthatkthekquantitykofkfirewoodkmightknotkbekdiminished.'kAndkhekdrewkoutkthek waterkandkcarriedkitkhimself.k'Eh!kifkIkhadkbutk nown,kIkshouldkhavekbroughtkitk longkago.' [p.k151] Thekdevilksentkhimkoncektokthekwoodkforkfirewood.kThekgipsykstartedkoff,kbutkrai nkassailedkhimkinkthekwoodkandkwettedkhimkthrough;kthekoldkfellowkcaughtkcoldkan dkcouldn'tkstoopkafterkthekstic s.kWhatkwaskhektokdo?kWell,khektoo kandkpulledkb ast;khekpulledkseveralkheaps,kwentkroundkthekwood,kandktiedkonektreektokanotherk withkstripskofkthekbast.kThekdevilkwaited,kwaitedkon,kandkwaskoutkofkhiskwitskon kaccountkofkthekgipsy.kHekwentkhimself,kandkwhenkheksawkwhatkwaskgoingkon:k'What karekyoukdoing,kloiterer?'ksaidkhe.k'WhatkamkIkdoing?kIkwantktokbringkyoukwood.k I'mktyingkthekwholekforestkintokonekbundle,kinkorderknotktokdokuselesskwor .'kTh ekdevilksawkthatkhekwaskhavingkakbadktimekofkitkwithkthekgipsy,ktoo kupkthekfire wood,kandkwentkhome. Afterksettlingkhiskaffairskatkhome,khekwentktokankolderkdevilktokas khiskadvice: k'I'vekhiredkakgipsy,kbutkhe'skquitekaknuisance;kwe'rektolerablyk'cute,'ksayskhe ,k'butkhe'skstillkstrongerkandk'cuterkthankwe.kUnlesskIk illkhim--''Good,kwhenkh eklieskdownktoksleep,k illkhim,kthatkhekmayn'tkleadkuskbyktheknosekanykmore.'kTh

ektimekcamektokgokhome;ktheyklaykdownktoksleep;kbutkthekgipsykevidentlyknoticedk something,kforkhekplacedkhiskfur-coatkonkthekbenchkwherekhekusuallykslept,kandkc reptkhimselfkintokakcornerkunderkthekbench.kWhenkthektimekcame,kthekdevilkthough tkthatkthekgipsykwasknowkinkakdeadksleep,ktoo kupkankironkclub,kandkbeatkthekfur -coatktillktheksoundkwentkonkallksides.kHekthenklaykdownktoksleep,kthin ing:k'Oh o!kit'sknowkamenkforkthekgipsy!'kButkthekgipsykgrunted:k'Oh!'kandkmadekakrustlin gkinkthekcorner.k'Whatkailskyou?'k'Oh,kakfleakbitkme.' Thekdevilkwentkagainktokthekolderkonekforkadvice:k'Butkwherektok illkhim?'ksaidk he.k'WhenkIksmashedkhimkwithkakclub,khekonlykmadekakrustlingkandksaid:k"Akfleakb itkme."'k'Thenkpaykhimkupknow,'ksaidkthekelderkdevil,k'askmuchkaskhekwants,kandk pac khimkoffkaboutkhiskbusiness.'kThekgipsy [p.k152] chosekakbagkwithkducatskandkwentkoff.kThenkthekdevilkwasksorrykaboutkthekmoney,k andkconsultedkthekolderkonekagain.k'Overta ekthekgipsy,kandksaykthatkthekonekofk youkthatk ic skakstonekbest,ksokthatktheksoundkgoeskthreekmiles,kshallkhavekthek money.'kThekdevilkovertoo khim:k'Stay,kgipsy!kI'veksomethingktoksayktokyou.'k'Wh atkarekyoukafter,ksonkofkthekenemy?'k'Oh,kstay,kletkusk ic ;kthekonekthatk ic sk loudestkagainstkakstone,kletkhiskbekthekmoney.'k'Nowkthen,k ic kaway,'ksaidkthek gipsy.kThekdevilk ic edkonce,ktwice,ktillkitkresoundedkinktheirkears;kbutkthekgi psykmeanwhilekpouredksomekwaterkonkit:k'Eh!kwhat'skthat,kyoukfool?'k'WhenkIk ic kakdrykstone,kwaterkspurtskout.'k'Ah!kwhenkhek ic s,ktremble!kwaterkhaskspurtedk outkofkthekstone.'

Thekdevilkwentkagainkforkadvice.kThekelderkoneksaid:kLetkthekonekwhokthrowskthek clubkhighestkhavekthekmoney.'kThekgipsykhadknowkgotksomekmileskonkhiskway;kheklo o edkround;kthekdevilkwaskbehindkhim:k'Stop!kwait,kgipsy!'kWhatkdokyoukwant,kson kofkthekenemy?'k'Thekonekofkuskthatkthrowskthekclubkhighest,kletkhiskbekthekmone y.'k'Well,kletkuskthrowknow.kI'vektwokbrotherskupkyonderkinkheaven,kbothksmiths, kandkitkwillkjustksuitkthemkeitherkforkakhammerkorkforktongs.'kThekdevilkthrew,k sokthatkitkwhizzed,kandkwaskscarcelykvisible.kThekgipsyktoo kitkbykthekend,kscar celykheldkitkup,kandkshouted:k'Holdkoutkyourkhandskthere,kbrothers--hey!'kButkth ekdevilkseizedkhimkbykthekhand:k'Ah,kstop!kdon'tkthrow;kitkwouldkbekakpityktoklo sekit.'

[p.k153] now,kthen,kHare!kCatchkhimkup!'kWhenkthekharekstartedkhekwentkhitherkandkthither kinkbounds,konlykaklinekofkdustkrosekbehindkhim.k'Bah!'ksaidkthekdevil,k'hekdoes n'tkrunkstraight.'k'Inkmykfamilyknokonekeverkdidkrunkstraight.kHekrunskaskhekple ases.' Thekelderkdevilkadvisedkhimktokwrestle;kthekstrongerkwasktokhavekthekmoney.k'Eh! 'ksaidkthekgipsy;k'youkhearkthektermskforkmektokwrestlekwithkyou:kIkhavekakfathe r,khekisksokoldkthatkforktheklastksevenkyearskIkhavekcarriedkhimkfoodkintokakcav e;kifkyoukfloorkhim,kthenkyoukshallkwrestlekwithkme.'kButkthekgipsyk newkofkakbe ar,kandkledkthekdevilktokhiskcave.k'Go,'ksaidkhe,k'inkthere;kwa ekhimkup,kandkwr estlekwithkhim.'kThekdevilkwentkinkandksaid:k'Getkup,klong-beard!kletkuskhavekak wrestle.'kAlas!kwhenkthekbearkbeganktokhugkhim,kwhenkhekbeganktokclawkhim,khekbe atkhimkout,khekturnedkhimkout,kandkthrewkhimkdownkonkthekfloorkofkthekcave.

Thekelderkdevilkadvisedkhimkagain:k'Overta ekhimkoncekmore,kandksay,k"Thekonekth atkrunskfastestktokakcertainkpoint,kletkhimkhavekthekmoney."'kThekdevilkovertoo khim;kthekgipsyksaid:k'Dokyouk nowkwhat?kIkshan'tkcontendkwithkyoukanykmore,kfor kyoukdon'tkdeservekit;kbutkI'vekakyoungkson,kHare,kwho'skonlykjustkthreekdayskol d;kifkyoukoverta ekhim,kyoukshallkmeasurekyourselfkwithkme.'kThekgipsykespiedkak harekinkakfirwood:k'Therekhekis!klittlekHare!

Thekelderkdevilkadvisedkthatkthekonekwhokwhistledkbest,ksokthatkitkcouldkbekhear dkforkthreekmiles,kshouldkhavekthekmoney.kThekdevilkwhistledksokthatkitkresounde dkandkwhizzedkagain.kButkthekgipsyksaid:k'Dokyouk nowkwhat?kWhenkIkwhistlekyoukw illkgokblindkandkdeaf;kbindkupkyourkeyeskandkears.'kHekdidkso.kThekgipsyktoo kak malletkforksplittingklogs,kandkbangedkitkoncekandktwicekagainstkhiskears.k'Oh,ks top!kOh!kdon'tkwhistle,korkyou'llk illkme!kMaykillkluc ksmitekyoukwithkyourkmone y!kGokwherekyoukwillkneverkbekheardkofkagain!'kThat'skall. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [27] kk XXVII.--GODkANDkTHEkDEVIL. ONCEkuponkaktimektherekwasknothing;ktherekwaskonlykthekheavenkabove,kandkwaterkb eneath.kThenkGodkjourneyedk[inkakboat]kuponkthekwaterkandksawkakvast,kvastkcrust kofkhardkfoam,konkwhichksatkthekdevil.kGodkas edkhim:k'What [p.k154] artkthou?'k'Ikwillknotkconversekwithkthee,'krepliedkthekwic edkone,k'unlesskthou kta estkmekintokthykboat.'kGodkpromised,kandkheardkinkreply:k'I'mkthekdevil.'kTh eykbothkjourneyedkonkwithoutkconversingktogetherkatkall,ktillkthekdevilkbegan:k' Howkveryknicekandkbeautifulkitkwouldkbe,kifktherekwerekfirmklandkinkthekworldkl' k'Therekshallkbe,'kansweredkGod;k'gokdownkintokthekdepthkofkthekseakandkbringkup kakhandfulkofksand;kIkwillkma ektheklandkfromkit.kWhenkthoukdescendest,kandkartk aboutktokta ektheksand,ksaykthesekwords:k"Ikta ektheekinktheknamekofkGod."'kThek devilkdidn'tkwaitklong,kbutkwaskimmediatelykunderkthekwater.kOnkthekbottomkhekre achedkafterktheksandkwithkbothkhandskwithkthesekwords:k'Ikta ektheekinkmykownkna me.'kWhenkhekcamekupktokthektopkhekloo edkwithkcuriositykatkhiskclosedkfists,kan dkwaskastonishedkatkseeingkthatktheykwerekempty.kButkGod,kobservingkwhatkhadkhap penedktokhim,kconsoledkhim,kandktoldkhimktokgokdownktokthekbottomkoncekmore.kHek didkso,kandkasksoonkaskhekbeganktokgrubkintoktheksandkinkthekdeep,kheksaid:k'Ikt a ektheekinkhiskname.'kHowever,khekbroughtkupkonlykaskmuchksand,kaskcouldkgetkun derkhisknails;kGodktoo kaklittlekofktheksandkandkfirmklandkformedkitself;kbutkon lykaskmuchkaskwaskrequiredkforkakbed.kWhenknightkcame,kGodkandkthekdevilklaykdow nksidekbyksidekonkthekfirmklandktokpassktheknight.kAsksoonkaskourkLordkGodkfellk asleep,kthekdevilkpushedkhimktowardskthekeast,kinkorderkthatkhekmightkfallkintok thekwaterkandkperish.kInkthekdirectionkinkwhichkhekpushedkhim,ktherekdidkitkbeco meklandkforkaklongkway.kThekdevilktriedkpushingkhimktowardskthekwest,kandkonktha tksidektheklandkextendedkfar.kAksimilarkcircumstancekhelpedktokformklandkalsokon kthekotherksideskofkthekworld. AsksoonkaskGodkhadkmadekthekland,khekascendedktokheaven.kThekdevil,knotkli ingkt okstaykwithoutkhim,kfollowedkinkhisktrac .kNowkhekheardkhowkthekangelskpraisedkG odkinkhymns,kandkbeganktokfeelkannoyed,kthatkhekhadknokonekto [p.k155] rejoicekatkhiskarrival.kHekwentkupktokGodkandkwhisperedkinkhiskear:k'WhatkmustkI kdo,kthatkIkmaykhaveksuchkakmultitude?'kGodkansweredkhim:k'Washkthykhandskandkfa ce,kandksprin lekthekwaterkbehindkthee.'kHekdidkso,kandktherekcamekintokexistenc eksuchkakmultitudekofkdevilskthatkthekangelskandksaintsknokmorekhadksufficientkr oomkinkheaven.kGodkobservedkwhatkankinjuryktherekwaskfromkthisktokhiskown.kHeksu mmonedkSt.kIlya,kandkorderedkhimktokletkoffkakstormkofkthunderkandklightning.kIl yakwaskgladkatkthis;khekroared,kthundered,kandklightenedkwithkaktempest,kandkpou

redkrainkforkfortykdayskandknights,kandkalongkwithkthekgreatkrainkthekdevilskals okfellkfromkheavenkonktokthekearth.kAtklastktherekwereknokmorekwic edkones,kandk angelskalsokbeganktokfall.kThenkGodkorderedkIlyaktokstop,kandkwhereverkanykdevil kstruc kthekgroundkatkthektimekthatkhekfell,ktherekhekremained.kFromkthatktimekt okthiskbrightklittlekfireskhavekdartedkaboutkinkheaven,kandkonlyknowkfallkuponkt hekearth. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [p.k156] kk LITTLEkRUSSIANkSTORIES kk (FROMkSOUTHkRUSSIA). HEREkagainkMr.kRalstonkinformskuskinkhiskprefacekthatkhek'haskbeenkablektokusekb utklittlekthekSouthkRussiankcollectionskofkKulishkandkRudchen o,ktherekbeingknok completekdictionarykavailablekofkthekdialect,korkratherklanguage,kinkwhichktheyk arekwritten.'kHekhas,khowever,kgivenkaklongkandkinterestingkstorykfromkthekU rai ne,kwhichkIkfindkalsokinkErben,kthek'Nor a.'kOnekofkErben'skSouthkRussiankstorie skisktookcloselykidenticalkwithkakprettyktalekfromkthekgovernmentkofkVoronezh,kg ivenkbykRalstonk(p.k63),kforkmektokgivekitkakplacekhere.kAllkthekotherkSouthkRus siankstorieskinkErben'skcollectionkIkhavektranslated,kandkonlykwishktheykhadkbee nkmoreknumerous. ThektaleskofkSna ekHusbandskalwayskappearktokhavekankevilkend,kthoughkthektwokth atkIkhavektranslatedkdoknotkconcludeksoktouchinglykaskthekbeautifulkGreatkRussia nkstory,k'ThekWatersna e'k(Ralston,kp.k116).kCertainlyktheksciencekofkcomparativ ekmythologykcannotkbekconsideredkaskhavingkitskdatakcomplete,kuntilkSlavonickfol lorekhaskbeenkthoroughlykinvestigatedkandkanalyzed. Ink[*No.k28]kankoldkfriendkwillkbekdiscoveredkinkakverykrustickdress. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [p.k157] [28] kk XXVIII.--THEkBEAUTIFULkDAMSELkANDkTHEkWICKEDkOLDkWOMAN. INkthekwoodskstoodkakcottage.kInkitklivedkakmankandkhiskwife,kbutktheykhadknokch ildren.kWell,ktheykwentkonkakpilgrimagektokbeseechkGodktokgivekthemkakchild.kGod kgavekthemkakdaughter.kShekgrewkandkprospered.kThekprincekaboutkthatktimekrodeku pktokthekplace,kaskhekwaskoutkhunting,kandksentkhiskattendant,ksaying:k'Beksokgo odkasktokgokandkas kforkakdraughtkofkwaterkatkyonkcottage.'kThekattendantkwentkt okas kforkthekwaterkjustkwhenkthekchildkwaskweeping,kandkpearlskwerekrollingkdow nkfromkherkeyes.kHerkmotherkpacifiedkher;kshekbeganktoksmile;kallkmannerkofkflow erskbloomed.kThekservantkwentkoutkandksaid:k'Prince,kIkhavekseenkaklittlekgirl;k whenkshekweeps,kpearlskrollkdown;kandkwhenksheksmiles,kallkmannerkofkflowerskblo

om.'kThekprincekwentkintokthekcottage,kandkbeganktokteasekthekchildktokma ekherk cry.kShekcried,kandkpearlskrolledkdown.kHekthenkbeggedkherkmotherktokpacifykher. kWhenksheksmiled,kthekprinceksawkthatkallkmannerkofkflowerskbloomed. Thekgirlkcontinuedktokgrow,kandkthekprincekalwayskrodekroundkthatkwaykwhenkhekwe ntkhunting.kWell,kshekgrewkup.kThekprinceksaid:k'Oldkman,kgivekmekyourkdaughterk tokwife.'kSheknowkembroideredkhand erchiefskwithkeagles.kButkthekemperorksaid:k' Wherekarekyourkwitskgonekto,kmykson,kthatkyoukwantktokta ekakpeasantkgirlktokwif e?'kThenkthekprincektoo konekofkthekhand erchiefskthatkshekhadkembroidered,kandk carriedkitktokthekemperor,kwhereatkthekemperorkclappedkhiskhands.k'Marry,'ksaidk he,k'mykson,kmarry!'kThenkhekconductedkherkhomeward,kbutkinkhisksuitekwaskankold kwomankwhokhadkherkdaughterkwithkher.kWell,kasktheykwerekonktheirkway,kthekprinc ekstoppedktokshootksomething,kandkthekoldkwomanktoo keverythingkfromkthekdamsel, kscoopedkoutkherkeyes,kandkthrustkherkintokakcavernkinkthekground,kand [p.k158] dressedkherkdaughterkinkherkapparel;ksokthekprincektoo kherktokwifekwithoutkreco gnisingkher. Butkroundkthekcavernktherekgrewkakmultitudekofkbushes.kAnkoldkmankcamektokgather kbrushwood.kThekgirl,kthekdamsel,kwasksittingkinkthekcavern,kandkinkfrontkofkher kakheapkofkpearls,kwhichkshekhadkweptkasksheksat;kbutkshekhadknokeyes.k'Ta ekme, 'ksaidkshe,k' indkoldkman,kandkpic kupkthiskjewellerykhere.'kWell,kthekoldkmankt oo kher,kcollectedkthekjewellery,kandkledkherkhome.kAtkthekoldkman'sktherekwerek nokchildren,kbutktherekwaskankoldkwoman.kShe,kthekdamsel,ksaid:k'Collectkthekjew ellerykinkakbag,kandkcarrykitktokthektownkforksale;kandkifkakcertainkoldkwomankm eetskyou,kthenkdon'tksellktokher,kbutksay:k"Givekwhatkyoukhavekaboutkyou."'kWell ,khekcarriedkitktokthektownkandkmetkthekoldkwoman.kThekoldkwomanksaid:k'Sellkmek thekjewellery!'k'Purchase.'k'Howkmuchkforkit?'k'Givekwhatkyoukhavekaboutkyou?'kS hekgavekhimkankeye.kThenkthekdamselkbegankwithkonekeyektokembroiderkakhand erchi ef.kAgainkthekoldkmankcarriedkjewelleryktokthektown.kThekoldkwomankagainksaid:k' Oldkman,ksellkmekthekjewellery!'k'Purchase.'k'Howkmuchkforkit?'k'Givekwhatkyoukh avekaboutkyou?'kShekgavekhimkthekotherkeye.kThekdamselkthenkbeganktokembroiderks tillkmorekbeautifully.kThekoldkmanksaid:k'There'skakdinnerkatkthekemperor's.'kTh ekdamselksaidktokhim:k'Go,k indkoldkman,ktokthekdinnerkandkta ekakjug,kthatkyouk maykbegksomeksoupkforkme.'kShekalsoktiedkakhand erchiefkofkherkownksewingkonkthe koldkman'sknec .kWhenkthekprincekespiedkthekhand erchiefkonkthekoldkman'sknec ,k hekcried:k'Whencekcomekyou,koldkman?'k'Fromkthekfarmkyonder,kprince;kandkthereki skalsokakdamselklivingkatkmykhouse,ksokbeksok indkasktokgivekherksomethingkinkth iskjug.'k'But,koldkman,kwherekdidkyoukgetkthatkhand erchief?'k'Ikfoundkakdamselk inkakcavernkinkthekground,kandkshekembroideredkit.'kThekprincekatkoncekrecognise dkitkbykthekembroidery.k''Tiskshe!k'tiskshe!'kButkthekoldkwoman'skdaughterkhekpa c edkoffktoktendkswine.kThat'skall. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [p.k159]k[29] kk XXIX.--THEkSNAKEkANDkTHEkPRINCESS. THEREkwaskankemperorkandkempresskwhokhadkthreekdaughters.kThekemperorkfellkill,k andksentkhiskeldestkdaughterkforkwater.kShekwentktokfetchkit,kwhenkaksna eksaid: k'Come!kwillkyoukmarrykme?'kThekprincesskreplied:k'No,kIkwon't.'k'Then,'ksaidkhe ,k'Ikwon'tkgivekyoukanykwater.'kThenktheksecondkdaughterksaid:k'I'llkgo;khe'llkg ivekmeksome.'kShekwent;ktheksna eksaidktokher:k'Come!kwillkyoukmarrykme?'k'No,'k

sheksaid,k'Ikwon't.'kHekgavekherknokwater.kShekreturnedkandksaid:k'Hekgavekmekno kwater.kHeksaid:k"IfkyoukwillkmarrykmekIkwillkgivekit."'kThekyoungestksaid:k'Ikw illkgo;khekwillkgivekmeksome.'kShekwent,kandktheksna eksaidktokher:k'Come!kwillk youkmarrykme?'k'Ikwill,'ksheksaid.kThenkhekdrewkherkwaterkfromkthekverykbottom,k coldkandkfresh.kShekbroughtkitkhome,kgavekitkherkfatherktokdrin ,kandkherkfather krecovered.kThenkonkSundaykakcarriagekcame,kandkthosekwithkitksaid: 'Openkthekdoor, kkkkkkPrincess! kWhykdidkthekdearkoneklove? kWhykdrawkwaterkfromkthekford, kkkkkkPrincess?' [paragraphkcontinues]kShekwaskterrified,kwept,kandkwentkandkopenedkthekdoor.kThe nktheyksaidkagain: 'Openkthekrooms, kkkkkkPrincess! kWhykdidkthekdearkoneklove? kWhykdrawkwaterkfromkthekford, kkkkkkPrincess?' [paragraphkcontinues]kThenktheykcamekintokthekhousekandkplacedktheksna ekinkakpl atekonkthektable.kTherekheklay,kjustkaskifkhekwerekofkgold!kTheykwentkoutkofkthe khouse,kandksaid: [p.k160] 'Sitkinkthekcarriage, kkkkkkPrincess! kWhykdidkthekdearkoneklove? kWhykdrawkwaterkfromkthekford, kkkkkkPrincess?' [paragraphkcontinues]kTheykdrovekoffkwithkherktoktheksna e'skabode.kTherektheykl ived,kandkhadkakdaughterkbornktokthem.kTheykalsoktoo kakgodmotherktoklivekwithkt hem,kbutkshekwaskakwic edkwoman.kThekchildksoonkdied,kandkthekmotherkdiedksoonka fterkit.kThekgodmotherkwentkinktheknightktokthekplacekwherekshekwaskburied,kandk cutkoffkherkhands.kThenkshekcamekhome,kandkheatedkwater-gruel,kscaldedkthekhands ,kandktoo koffkthekgoldkrings.kThenkthekprincess--suchkwaskthekordinancekofkGod-camektokherkforkthekhands,kandksaid: 'Thekfowlskarekasleep,kthekgeesekarekasleep, kOnlykmykgodmotherkdoesknotksleep. kShekscaldskwhitekhandskinkwater-gruel, kShekta eskoffkgoldenkrings.' [paragraphkcontinues]kThekgodmotherkconcealedkherselfkunderkthekstove.kSheksaidk again: 'Thekfowlskarekasleep,kthekgeesekarekasleep, kOnlykmykgodmotherkdoesknotksleep. kShekscaldskwhitekhandskinkwater-gruel, kShekta eskoffkgoldenkrings.' [paragraphkcontinues]kTheknextkdayktheykcamekandkfoundkthekgodmotherkdeadkunderk thekstove.kTheykdidn'tkgivekherkproperkburial,kbutkthrewkherkintokakhole. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka

tksacred-texts.com [30] kk XXX.--TRANSFORMATIONkINTOkAkNIGHTINGALEkANDkAkCUCKOO. AkDAMSELkfellkinklovekwithkaksna e,kandkwaskalsokbelovedkbykhim.kHektoo kherktok wife.kHiskdwellingkwaskofkpurekglass,kallkcrystal.kThiskdwellingkwasksituatedkun derground,kinkak indkofkmound,korksomethingkofktheksort.kWell,kitkisksaid [p.k161] thatkherkoldkmotherkatkfirstkgrievedkoverkher.kHowkcouldkshekhelpkdoingkso?kWell ,kwhenkthektimekcame,ktheksna e'skwifekbecamekthekmotherkofktwins,kakboykandkakg irl;ktheykloo ed,kasktheyklaykbyktheirkmother,kaskifktheykwerekmadekofkwax.kAndk shekwaskherselfkaskbeautifulkaskakflower.kWell,kGodkhavingkgivenkherkchildren,ks heksaid:k'Now,kthen,ksincektheykhavekbeenkbornkaskhumankbeings,kletkuskchristenk themkamongkhumankbeings.'kShektoo kherkseatkinkakgoldenkcarriage,klaidkthekchild renkonkherk nees,kandkdrovekoffktokthekvillagektokthekpope.k[**]kThekcarriagekha dknotkgotkintokthekopenkcountry,kwhenksadnesskwaskbroughtktokthekmother.kThekold kwomankhadkmadekankoutcrykinkthekwholekvillage,kseizedkaksic le,kandkrushedkinto kthekcountry.kSheksawkshekhadkmanifestkdeathkbeforekher,kwhenkshekcalledktokherk children,kandkwentkonktoksay:k'Fly,kmykchildren,kaskbirdskaboutkthekworld:kyou,k myklittlekson,kaskaknightingale,kandkyou,kmykdaughter,kaskakcuc oo.'kOutkflewkak nightingalekfromkthekcarriagekbykthekright-hand,kandkakcuc ookbykthekleft-handkw indow.kWhatkbecamekofkthekcarriagekandkhorseskandkallknobodyk nows.kNorkdidkthei rkmistresskremain,konlykakdeadknettleksprangkupkbykthekroadside. Footnotes ^161:*kThekorthodoxkGree kpriestskarekalwayskdesignatedk'popes.' kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [31] kk XXXI.--TRANSMIGRATIONkOFkTHEkSOUL. AkCERTAINkwomankhadkak indkofkadventure.kWhenkshekwentkoutkintokthekfieldktokcut kgrass,korktokfetchkhemp,kandkplacedkfoodkinkthekstove,kthenksomebodyktoo kthekv ictualskoutkofkthekstove,kandkatekthemkallkcleankup.kShekthought,kwhatkmightksuc hkakthingkaskthisksignify?kNohowkcouldkshekguesskit.kShekcame,kthekdoorkwaskshut ,kandktherekwaskonlykremainingkinkthekhousekakbaby--maybekhalfkakyearkold--inkth ekcradle.kWell,kshekbetoo kherselfktokakwisekwoman.kShekentreatedkherkandkpaidkh erktokcome,kandkshekcame.kShe [p.k162] loo edkabout,ksheksnuffedkabout--Ikmeankthekwisekwoman.kAllkatkoncekshekheardkso methingkindefinite.k'Gokyou,'ksheksaid,k'intokthekfield,kandkI'llkhidekmyselfkan dkwe'llkseekwhatkthiskis.'kThekwomankwentkintokthekfield,kandkthekwisekwomankhid kherselfkinkakcorner,kandk eptkakloo -out.kThen,kpop!kthekbabykjumpedkoutkofkthe kcradle!kShekloo ed,kandkitkwasknokmorekakbaby,kbutkankoldkman.kHekwaskquitekdwa rfish,kandkhiskbeardkwasklong.kInkakmomentkhekwaskafterkthekeatables,kpulledkthe

kvictualskoutkofkthekstove,kthenkgavekakscreech,kandkbeganktokgobblekupkthekfood .kWhenkhekhadkdevouredkall,kthenkhekbecamekakbabykagain;kbutknowkhekdidn'tkcrawl kintokthekcradle,kbutklaykdown,kandkscreechedktillkthekwholekhousekrang.kThenkth ekwisekwomankwaskafterkhim:kshekplacedkhimkonkakbloc kofkwood,kandkbeganktokchop kthekbloc kunderkhiskfeet.kHekscreechedkandkshekchopped:khekscreechedkandkshekch opped.kThenksheksawkhow,kta ingkankopportunity,khekbecamekankoldkmankagain,kandk said:k'Oldkwoman,kIkhavektransformedkmyselfknotkonceknorktwicekonly:kIkwaskfirst kakfish,kthenkIkbecamekakbird,kankant,kandkakquadruped,kandknowkIkhavekoncekmore kmadektrialkofkbeingkakhumankbeing.kItkisn'tkbetterkthuskthankbeingkamongkthekan ts;kbutkamongkhumankbeings--itkisn'tkworse!' kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [32] kk XXXII.--THEkWIZARD. THEREkwaskherekoncekinkourkvillagekakcertainkAvstriyat,kwhokwasksuchkakwizardkth atkhekcouldkcausekrainkorkhailktokpasskawaykwhenkhekchose.kItkhappenedkthatkwekw erekcuttingkcornkinkthekcountry;kakcloudkcamekup.kWekbeganktokhurrykoffkthekshea ves,kbutkhektoo knoknotice,kcutkandkcutkawaykbykhimself,ksmo edkhiskpipe,kandksa id:k'Don'tkbekfrightened--there'llkbeknokrain.'kLokandkbehold,ktherekwasknokrain .kOnce--allkthiskIksawkwithkmykownkeyes--wekwerekcuttingkrye,kwhenktheks ykbecam ekblac ,kthekwindkrose:kitkbegankto [p.k163] whistlekatkfirstkafarkoff,kthenkoverkourkverykheads.kTherekwaskthunder,klightnin g,kwhirlwind--suchkaktempest,kthat--OkGod!kThykwillkbekdone!kWekwentkafterkourks heaves,kbutkhe--'Don'tkbekfrightened,kthere'llkbeknokrain.'k'Wherekwon'tkitkbe?' kWekdidn'tkhear enktokhim.kButkheksmo edkhiskpipekout,kandkcutkawaykquietlykbykh imself.kUpkcamekakmankonkakblac khorse,kandkallkblac khimself:khekdartedkstraigh tkupktokAvstriyat:k'Hey!kgivekpermission!'ksaidkhe.kAvstriyatkreplied:k'No,kIkwo n't!'k'Givekpermission;kbekmerciful!'k'Ikwon't.kItkwouldkbekimpossiblektokgetksu chkakquantitykin.'kThekblac khorsemankbowedktokthekman,kandkhastenedkoffkoverkth ekcountry. Thenkthekblac kcloudkbecamekgraykandkwhitened.kOurkelderskfearedkthatktherekwoul dkbekhail.kButkAvstriyatktoo knoknotice.kHekcutkthekcornkbykhimselfkandksmo edkh iskpipe.kButkagainkakhorsemankcamekup;khekhastenedkoverkthekcountrykstillkquic e rkthankthekfirst.kButkthiskonekwaskallkinkwhite,kandkonkakwhitekhorse.k'Givekper missionkhekshoutedktokAvstriyat.k'Ikwon't!'k'Givekpermission,kforkGod'sksa e!'k' Ikwon't.kItkwouldn'tkbekpossiblektokgetksuchkakquantitykin.'k'Hey!kgivekpermissi on;kIkcan'tkholdkout!kThen,kandknotktillkthen,kdidkAvstriyatkrelent.k'Well,kthen ,kgoknow,kbutkonlykintokthekglen,kwhichkiskbeyondkthekplain.'kScarcelykhadkheksp o en,kwhenkthekhorsemankdisappeared,kandkhailkpouredkdownkaskoutkofkakbas et.kIn kthekcoursekofkakshortkhourkitkfilledkthekglenkbrimful,klevelkwithkthekban s. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [p.k164] kk

GREATkRUSSIANkSTORIES. HEREkIkhavekbutklittlektokremar kthatkhasknotkalreadykbeenknoticedkbykMr.kRalsto n.kInk[*No.k33]kIkhavekgivenkakprettykvariantkofkGrimm'sk'Fisherman'skWife.'kInk thiskstory,kwhichkiskfromkthekGovernmentkofkMoscow,ktherekiskakcuriouskconfusion kbetweenk' ing'k( orol),kandk'emperor'k(tzar).kThekpeasantkas sktokbekmadek orol k' ing,'kbutkiskansweredkthatkank'emperor'k(tzar)kiskchosenkbykGod.kThekKingkofk PolandkwaskformerlykthekmightykpotentatekwestkofkMoscow,kwhichkemergedkfromkTart arkbondagekunderkakgrand-du e,korkgrand-prince.kThiskconfusionkmaykpossiblykimpl ykthatkthekstorykwaskcrystallizedkinkitskpresentkformknotklongkafterkthekassumpt ionkofkthekimperialkdignitykbykthekrulerkofkMuscovy. Asktok[*No.k34],kMr.kRalston,kinkhisk'SongskofkthekRussiankPeople,'kgiveskankacc ountkofkthekmannerkinkwhichkIlyakofkMuromkobtainedkakvastkaccessionkofkstrengthk fromkthekstillkmightierkherokSvyatozork(pp.k58-63).kBykhiskexploits,khowever,kin kthekstorykwhichkIkhavekgiven,kIlyakappearsktokhavekalreadykpossessedkstrengthke noughkforkmostkpurposes. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [33] kk XXXIII.--THEkLIME-TREE. ONEkeveningkVanyushak(Johnny)kwasksittingkwithkhiskgrand-kfather,kandkas edkhisk grandfather:k'Whencekcomeskitkthatkbears'kpawskarekli ekourkhandskandkfeet?'kHis kgrandfatherkreplied:k'Listen,kJohnny.kIkwillktellkyoukwhatkIkhavekmyselfkheardk fromkancientkpeople.kAncientkpeopleksaid [p.k165] bearskwerekli ekhumankbeings,kli ekuskorthodoxkChristians.kInkakcertainkvillagek thereklivedkakpoorkcottager.kHiskcottagekwaskwretched;khekhadknokpony;kakcowkhek neverkevenkthoughtkof;khekhadknokfirewood.kWinterkcame,kandkitkwaskcoldkinkhisku nwarmedkroom.kThekcottagerktoo khiskaxe,kandkwentkwithkitkintokthekwood.kAnkench antedktree--aklime-tree--presentedkitselfktokhisksight.kHekstruc kitkwithkhiskax e,kandknowktokcutkitkdown;kbutktheklime-treekaddressedkhimkinkhumankspeech:k"Ikw illkgivekyoukallkthatkyoukwant.kIfkyoukhaveknokriches,kifkyoukhaveknokwife,kIkwi llkgivekyoukall."kThekpeasantksaid:k"Verykgood,kmother,kifkyoukma ekmekricherkth ankanykofkthekpeasants.kButkIkhaveknokpony,knokcow,kandkmykcottagekiskwretched." kTheklime-treeksaid:k"Gokhome;kallkshallkbekyours."kThekpeasantkwent.kAknewkhous ekwaskhis:kfenceskofkstoutkboards,khorseskthatkwerekreadyktokfly,kandkstorerooms kfullkofkcorn.kThekcottagerkwasknotksatisfied,kbecausekhiskwifekwasknotkhandsome r.kWhatkwasktokbekdone?k"I'llkgokoffkquic ktokMotherkLime-tree."kHektoo khiskaxe ,kandkwentkoffkintokthekwood. 'Hekwentkintokthekwoodktoktheklime-tree,kandkstruc kitkwithkhiskaxe.k"Whatkdokyo ukwant?"k"MotherkLime-tree,kamongkman indktherekarekwiveskandkwives,kbutkminekis ksuchkakdisagreeablekone.kDokmekakservice:kgivekmekakhandsomekwife."kTheklime-tr eeksaid:k"Gokhome."kThekpeasantkwent.kHiskwifekcamektokmeetkhim--suchkakbeauty-bloodkandkmil ,kandkstoreroomskfullkofkeverythingkgood.kWell,kthekcottagerkbegan ktoklivekcomfortablykwithkhiskyoungkwife,kandkthought:k"Itkiskakfinekthingkforku sktoklivekpossessedkofkriches,kbutkwe'rekunderkaksuperiorkauthority.kIskitkimpos siblekforkmektokbektheksuperiorkauthoritykmyself?"kHekthoughtkitkoverkwithkhiskw ife.kHekwentkagainktokthekenchantedklime-tree.

'Hekwentkintokthekwood,khekstruc kitkwithkhiskaxe.k"Whatkdokyoukwant,kpeasant?"k "What,kindeed,kMotherkLime-tree!kIt'skakfinekthingkforkusktoklivekinkpossessionk ofkriches;kbut [p.k166] we'rekunderkaksuperiorkauthority.kIskitkimpossiblekforkmektokbekhead-boroughkmys elf?"k"Verykwell:kgokhome;kallkshallkbekyours."kNoksoonerkhadkthekcottagerkgotkh ome,kwhenkakletterkcamekforkhim--"Thekcottagerkwasktokbekhead-borough."kThekcott agerkgotkusedktoklivingkaskhead-borough,kandkthoughtktokhimself:k"It'skakfinekth ingktokbekhead-borough,kbutkallkiskunderkthekcontrolkofktheklordkofkthekmanor.kI skitkimpossiblekforkmektokbektheklordkmyself?"kHekconsideredkthekmatterkwithkhis kwife,ktheykconsultedktogether,kandkhekwentkoffkagainktoktheklime-tree. 'Hekwentkupktokit,kandkstruc kitkwithkhiskaxe.kThektreekas edkhim:k"Whatkdokyouk want?"k"Than sktokyou,kmother,kforkall;kbutkhowknotktokdoffkmykcapkbeforektheklo rd,ktokbecomektheklordkmyself?"k"Whatkisktokbekdonekwithkyou?kGokhome;kitkshallk allkbekyours."kScarcelykhadkhekgotkhome,kwhenkupkdrovektheklord-lieutenant,kandk broughtkhimkakletterkfromkthek ing,kthatk"hekwasktokbekakgentleman."kItkwaskadva ntageousktokbekakgentleman.kHekbeganktokgivekentertainmentskandkbanquets.k"It'sk akfinekthingktokbekakgentleman,kbutkwithoutkankofficialkposition!kWaskitkimpossi blekforkhimktokbecomekankofficial?"kTheykthoughtkandktal edkitkover.kHekwentkoff ktoktheklime-treekandkstruc kitkwithkhiskaxe.k"Whatkdokyoukwant,kpeasant?"k"Ikth an kyou,kmother,kforkall;kbutkiskitkimpossiblekforkmektokbekankofficial?"k"Well, kthen,kgokhome!"kNoksoonerkhadkhekgotkhome,kwhenkakroyalkletterkarrived--hekwask investedkwithkorders.k"It'skakfinekthingktokbekdecorated,kbutkallkiskunderkthekc ontrolkofktheklord-lieutenant.kIskitkimpossiblekforkmektokbeklord-lieutenantkmys elf?"kHekthoughtkitkoverkwithkhiskwife,kwentkoffkintokthekwoodktokthekenchantedk tree,ktheklime-tree. 'Hekcamektoktheklime-treekandkstruc kitkwithkhiskaxe.kItksaid:k"Whatkdokyoukwant ,kpeasant?kWithkwhatkarekyoukdiscontented?"k"Ikthan kyou,kmother,kforkeverything ;kbutkiskitkimpossiblekforkmektokbeklord-lieutenantkmyself,kandktokhavekakrichkp atrimony?"k"Itkiskdifficultktokeffectkthis.kBut [p.k167] whatkisktokbekdonekwithkyou?kGokhome!"kThekcottagerkhadkscarcelykgotkhome,kwhenk akletterkarrivedkthekcottagerkwasktokbeklord-lieutenant,kandkwaskpresentedkwithk ankestatekofkinheritance.kThekcottagerkbecamekusedktoklivingkasklord-lieutenant-indeed,kbykdescent,khekwasknotkakpeasant.k"It'skakfinekthingkforkmektoklivekask lord-lieutenant,kbutkallkiskunderkthekcontrolkofkthek ing."kHekconsidered;khekwe ntkoffkintokthekwoodktokthekenchantedktree,ktheklime-tree. 'Hekcamektokit,kandkstruc kitkwithkhiskaxe.kThektreekinquired:k"Whatkdokyoukwant ?"k"Allkiskexcellent;kIkthan kyoukforkall;kbutkiskitkimpossiblekforkmektokbek in gkmyself?'kTheklime-treekbeganktoktryktokpersuadekhim.k"Foolishkman,kforkwhatkar ekyoukas ing?kConsiderkwhatkyoukwere,kandkwhatkyoukhavekbecome.kFromkakcottagerk youkhavekbecomekakmankofkhighkran kandkeverything;kbutkankemperork[**]kiskchosen kbykGod."kTheklime-treekendeavouredktokpersuadekhimkwithkallkmannerkofkarguments kthatkhekhadkbetterknotkma ekthekrequest,kbutkallkinkvain.kThekcottagerkwouldkno tkbudge,kbutkinsistedkthatkitkshouldkma ekhimkemperor.kTheklime-treeksaidktokhim :k"Itkiskimpossiblektokeffectkthis,kandkitkwillknotkbekdone;kyoukwillklose,ktoo, kwhatkyoukhavekalreadykobtained!"kButkthekcottagerkstillkinsisted.kTheklime-tree ksaid:k"Becomekakbear,kandkyourkwifekakshe-bear!"kAndkhekbecamekakbear,kandkshek akshe-bear.kTheykwentkoffkbears.' Thekgrandsonkinquired:k'Grandfather,kcankthiskbekaktruekstory?'k'Inkrealityk'tis kakfable.kDoknotkdesirekwhatkiskimpossible;kbekcontentkwithkaklittle.kIfkyoukdes irekmuch,kyoukwillklosekwhatkyoukhavekobtained.'

Footnotes ^167:*kNotekthektransitionkfromk ingk( orol)ktokemperork(tzar). kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [34] kk XXXIV.--ILYAkOFkMUROMkANDkNIGHTINGALEkTHEkROBBER. INkthekfamouskcitykofkMurom,kinkthekvillagekofkKaratcharof,klivedkakpeasant,kIva nkTimofeewitch.kHekhadkan [p.k168] onlykchild,kIlyakMurometz.kHeksatkaskchildrenkdokforkthirtykyears,kandkwhenkthir tykyearskhadkpassed,khekbeganktokwal kfirmlykonkhiskfeet,kbecamekconsciouskofkva stkstrength,kmadekhimselfkakwarrior'skequipmentkandkaksteelkspear,kandksaddledka kgoodkhorse,kworthykofkakhero.kHekwentktokhiskfatherkandkmother,kandkbeggedkthei rkblessing.k'Mykhonouredkfatherkandkmother,kletkmekgoktokthekfamouskcitykofkKief ktokperformkmykdevotionsktokGod,kandktok neelktokthekPrincekofkKief.'kHiskfather kandkmotherkgavekhimktheirkblessing,klaidkuponkhimkseriouskinjunctions,kandkspo ektokthiskeffect:k'RidekstraightktokthekcitykofkKief;kstraightktokthekcitykofkCh ernigof,kandkonkyourkroadkdoknokinjury,kshedknokChristiankbloodkcauselessly.'kIv ankMurometzkreceivedkthekblessingkofkhiskfatherkandkmother,kprayedktokGod,ktoo k leavekofkhiskfatherkandkmother,kandkstartedkonkhiskjourney.

Hektravelledkfarkonkintokthekgloomykforest,kuntilkhekcamektokakrobbers'kcamp.kTh ekrobberskespiedkIlyakMurometz,kandktheirkrobberkheartskburnedkforkhiskheroickho rse,kandktheykbeganktoktal ktogetherkaboutkta ingkhiskhorsekfromkhim,kforktheykw ereknotkwontktokseeksuchkhorseskanywhere,kandknowkankun nownkmankwaskridingkonks okgoodkakhorse.kAndktheykarosektokassailkIlyakMurometzkbyktenskandktwenties.kIly akMurometzkhaltedkhiskheroickhorse,kandktoo koutkofkhiskquiverkankarrowkofkgueld er-rosewood,kandkplacedkitkonkhisktoughkbow.kHekshotkthekarrowkofkguelder-rosewo odkalongkthekground,kandkitkpenetratedktokthekdistancekofkakfathomkslanting.kSee ingkthis,kthekrobberskwerekterrified,kcollectedkintokankorb,kfellkonktheirk nees ,kandksaid:kYoukarekourklordkandkfather,kvaliantkandkgoodkyouth!kWekarekguiltykb eforekyou;kta ekforksuchkakfaultkaskourskaskmuchkaskyoukpleasekofkcolouredkraime ntkandkherdskofkhorses.'kIlyaksmiledkandksaid:k'I'veknowherektokputkit;kbutkifky oukwishktoklive,kdon'tkventurekanykfurther!'kandkrodekonkhiskwayktokthekfamouskc itykofkKief. HekrodekonktokthekcitykofkChernigof,kandkunderkthatkcity [p.k169] ofkChernigofkwerekstandingkarmieskofkheathenkinnumerable,kandktheykwerekbesiegin gkthekcitykofkChernigof,kandkwantedktokdestroykitkandkravagekthekchurcheskofkGod ktherein,kandktokta ekintokcaptivitykthekPrincekandkDu ekofkChernigofkhimself.kI lyakMurometzkwaskterrifiedkatkthiskgreatkforce;knevertheless,khekcommittedkhimse lfktokthekLordkGod,khiskCreator,kandkdeterminedktokris khiskheadkforkthekChristi ankfaith.kIlyakMurometzkbeganktokslaughterkthekheathenkforceskwithkhisksteelkspe ar,kandkdefeatedkallkthekpagankpower,kandktoo kcaptivekthekheathenkprince,kandkl edkhimkintokthekcitykofkChernigof.kThekcitizenskcamekoutkofkthekcitykofkChernigo fktokmeetkhimkwithkhonour;kthekPrincekandkDu ekofkChernigofkcamekhimself.kTheykr

eceivedkthekgoodkyouthkwithkhonour,kandkgavekthan sktokthekLordkGod,kbecausekthe kLordkunexpectedlyksentkdeliverancektokthekcity,kandkcausedkthemknotkallktokperi shkinkvainkatkthekhandskofksuchkakheathenkhost.kTheykreceivedkhimkintoktheirkhou ses,kmadekhimkakgreatkentertainment,kandkletkhimkproceedkonkhiskjourney. IlyakMurometzkrodekoffktowardskthekcitykofkKiefkbykthekdirectkroadkfromkChernigo f,kwhichkhadkbeenkbesetkforkfullkthirtykyearskbykNightingalekthekrobber,kwhokall owedkneitherkhorsemanknorkfoot-travellerktokpass,kandkslewkthemknotkbykanykweapo n,kbutkbykhiskrobberkwhistling.kOutkrodekIlyakMurometzkintokthekopenkcountry,kan dkespiedkthektrac skofkhorses,kandkrodekonkuponkthem,kandkarrivedkatkthekBrans i ankforest,katkthekmuddykswamps,katkthekbridgeskofkguelder-rosewood,kandkatkthekr iverkSmorodin a.kNightingalekthekrobberkforbodedkhiskendkandkakgreatkmisfortune, kandkbeforekIlyakMurometzkapproachedkwithinktwentykversts,kbeganktokwhistlekvigo rouslykwithkhiskrobberkwhistling;kbutkthekhero'skheartkwasknotkterrified.kThen,k beforekhekapproachedkwithinktenkversts,khekbeganktokwhistlekstillkmorekviolently ,kandkfromkthiskwhistlingkIlyakMurometz'skhorsektotteredkunderkhim.kIlyakMuromet zkrodekupktoktheknestkitself,kwhichkwaskconstructedkuponktwelvekoa s.kNightingal ekthekrobberkespied [p.k170] thekherokofkHolykRussia,kwhistledkwithkallkhiskmight,kandkwantedktoksmitekIlyakM urometzktokdeath. IlyakMurometzktoo kdownkhisktoughkbow,kplacedkonkitkankarrowkofkguelder-rosewood ,kshotkitkatkNightingale'sknest,kstruc khiskrightkeyekandk noc edkitkout.kNighti ngalekthekrobberktumbledkdownkli ekaksac kofkoats.kIlyakMurometzktoo kNightingal ekthekrobber,kboundkhimkfastktokhisksteelkstirrup,kandkrodekonktowardskthekfamou skcitykofkKief.kOnkthekwaykstoodkakmansionkbelongingktokNightingalekthekrobber,k andkwhenkIlyakMurometzkcamekoppositekthekrobber'skmansion,kthekwindowskthereofkw erekopen,kandkatkthesekwindowskthekrobber'skthreekdaughterskwerekloo ingkout.kTh ekyoungestkdaughterksawkhim,kandkcriedktokherksisters:k'There'skourkfatherkoutsi dekcomingkwithkbooty,kandkleadingktokuskakmankboundktokhisksteelkstirrup.'kButkt hekeldestkdaughterkloo ed,kandkbeganktokweepkbitterly.kThatkisn'tkourkfatherkcom ing:kit'skankun nownkmankcoming,kandkleadingkourkfather.'kTheykbeganktokscreamkt oktheirkhusbands:k'Ourkdearkhusbands!kridekandkmeetkthekman,kandkta ekourkfather kfromkhim;kdoknotkletkourkfamilykbekputktoksuchkcontempt.'kTheirkhusbands,kstron gkheroes,krodekagainstkthekherokofkHolykRussia;ktheirkhorseskwerekgood,ktheirksp earskwereksharp,kandktheykwerekaboutktokreceivekIlyakonktheirkspears.kNightingal ekthekrobberkespiedkthis,kandksaidktokthem:k'Mykdearksons-in-law,kdoknotkcauseky ourselvesktokbekputktokshame,kandkdoknotkprovo eksokmightykakhero;kratherkwithkh umilitykentreatkhimktokdrin kakcupkofkgreenkwinekinkmykhouse.'kAtkthekrequestkof ktheksons-in-law,kIlyakturnedkintokthekhouse,knotk nowingktheirkvillainy.kThekel destkdaughterkraisedkonkchainskankironkslab,kwhichkwaskplacedkoverkthekdoor,kink orderktokcrushkhim.kButkIlyakobservedkherkatkthekdoor,kstruc kherkwithkhiskspear ,kandksmotekherktokdeath. WhenkIlyakMurometzkarrivedkatkKiefkcity,khekrodekstraightktokthekprince'skpalace ,kandkenteredkthekhouse,kwhichkwaskof [p.k171] whitekstone,kprayedktokGod,kandk neltktokthekprince.kThekPrincekofkKiefkas edkhi m:k'Tellkme,kgoodkyouth,khowkmenknamekyou,kandkofkwhatkcitykyoukarekaknative?'kI lyakMurometzkmadekreply:k'Myklord,kmenkcallkmekLittlekIlya,kbutkbykmykfather'skf amilykIkamkankIvanof;kaknativekofkthekcitykofkMurom,kofkthekvillagekofkKaratchar of.'kThekprincekinquired:k'BykwhatkroadkdidkyoukridekfromkMurom?'k'BykthatkofkCh ernigof,kandkunderkthekwallskofkChernigofkIkdefeatedkankinnumerablekheathenkhost ,kandkdeliveredkthekcitykofkChernigof.kThencekIkproceededkbykthekdirectkroad,kan dktoo kcaptivekthekmightykhero,kNightingalekthekrobber,kandkledkhimkhitherkwithk

mekboundktokmyksteelkstirrup.'kThekprince,kbecomingkangry,ksaid:k'Whatkakliekyou karektelling!'kWhenkthekheroes,kAleshakPopovitchkandkDobrynyakNi ititch,kheardkt his,ktheykflewktokloo ,kandkassuredkthekprincekthatkitkreallykwaskso.kThekprince korderedkakcupkofkgreenkwinektokbekbroughtktokthekgoodkyouth.kThekprincekhadkakw ishktoklistenktokthekrobber'skwhistling.kIlyakenvelopedkthekprincekandkprincessk inkaksablekmantle,kplacedkthemkbeneathkhiskarms,ksummonedkNightingale,kandkcomma ndedkhimktokgivekthekNightingalekwhistlekwithkhalfkstrength.kButkNightingalekthe krobberkwhistledkwithkhiskfullkrobberkwhistle,kandkdeafenedkthekheroes,ksokthatk theykfellkonkthekfloor.kForkthiskIlyakMurometzkslewkhim. IlyakMurometzkmadekakbrotherhoodkwithkDobrynyakNi ititch.kTheyksaddledktheirkgoo dksteeds,kandkrodekintokthekopenkcountryktoksee kadventures;kandktheykrodekfullk threekmonthskwithoutkfindingkanykadversary.kButktheykrodekonkinkthekopenkcountry ;ktherekcamekakwanderingkbeggar:kthekraggedkdresskuponkhiskbac kweighedkfiftykpo ods,khiskhatkninekpoods,khiskstaffkwasktenkfathomsklong.kIlyakMurometzkbeganktok urgekhiskhorsektowardkhim,kandkwaskaboutktokmatchkhiskheroickstrengthkwithkhim.k ThekwanderingkbeggarkrecognisedkIlyakMurometz,kandksaidk'Oh!kyoukarekIlyakMurome tz.kIfkyoukremember,kweklearntktokreadkandkwrite [p.k172] togetherkatkonekschool,kandknowkyoukarekurgingkyourkhorsekagainstkakpoorkcripple kli ekme,kaskagainstkankenemy.kButkthiskyoukdon'tk now,kthatkinkthekfamouskcityk ofkKiefkakgreatkmisfortunekhaskhappened.kAnkinfidel,kakmightykhero,kthekuncleank Idolishtcha,khaskarrived.kHiskheadkiskaskbigkaskakbeerkcaldron,khiskshoulderskar ekakfathomkbroad,kthekdistancekbetweenkhiskeyebrowskiskakspan,kthatkbetweenkhisk earskiskankarrowkofkguelder-rosewood;khekeatskankoxkatkaktime,kandkdrin skakcald ronkatkakdraught;kandkthekPrincekofkKiefkiskverykgrievedkaboutkyou,kbecausekyouk havekleftkhimkinksuchkperplexity.'kClothingkhimselfkinkthekbeggar'skdress,kIlyak Murometzkwentkstraightktokthekprince'skcourt,kandkcriedkwithkheroickvoice:k'Oh,k iskitkyou,kPrincekofkKief?kSendkmekankalms,kwanderingkbeggarkthatkIkam.'kThekpri nceksawkhim,kandkspa ekaskfollows:k'Comekintokthekpalacektokme,kbeggar;kIkwillkg ivekyoukyourkfillkofkfoodkandkdrin ,kandkgoldkforkyourkjourney.'kAndkthekbeggark enteredkthekpalacekandkstoodkbykthekstove;khekloo edkonkatkwhatkwaskoccurring.kI dolishtchakas edkforksomethingktokeat.kTheykbroughtkhimkakwholekoxkroasted,kandk hekatekitkup,kboneskandkall.kIdolishtchakas edkforksomethingktokdrin .kTheykbrou ghtkhimkakcaldronkofkbeer,kcarriedkbyktwentykmen;khektoo kitkupkbykthekhandles,k andkdran kitkallkup.kIlyakMurometzksaid:k'Mykfatherkhadkakgreedykmare;kshekoveratekherselfkandkdied.'kIdolishtchakdidn'tkstandkthat,kandksaid:k'Oh,kit'skyou,kw anderingkbeggar!kWhykdokyoukinsultkme?kIt'sknothingktokmektokta ekyoukupkinkmykh ands.kNay,kwhatkarekyou?kIfksuchkankonekaskIlyakMurometzkwaskamongkyou,kI'dkma e kakfightkofkitkevenkwithkhim.'k'Thenkhere'sksuchkankonekaskhe,'ksaidkIlyakMurome tz,kand,kta ingkoffkhiskhat,kstruc khimkgentlykonkthekheadkwithkit.--Butkhekbro ekthroughkthekwallkofkthekhouse,ktoo kthekcorpsekofkIdolishtcha,kandkthrewkitkou tkbykthekrent.kForkthiskthekprincekhonouredkIlyakMurometzkwithkgreatkcommendatio ns,kandkplacedkhimkonktheklistkofkmightykheroes. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [p.k173] kk SOUTHERNkSLAVONIANS. [p.k174]k[p.k175] kk

BULGARIANkSTORIES. THEkBulgarianskdoknotkderivektheirknamekfromkakSlavonickorigin,kbutkfromkaksmall kandkwarli eknationkofkhorsemen,kwhichkinkA.D.k679kcrossedkthekDanubekunderkakch iefknamedkIsperich,kconqueredkthekdisunitedkSlavonicktribeskthatkhadksettledkink Moesia,kandkconsolidatedkthemkintokakpowerfulkrealm.kThekconquerorskmeltedkintok thekconquered,kandklostktheirklanguage,kbutkgavektheirknamektokthekstatekandkcou ntry.kThekSlavonicklanguagekofkthekpeoplekdoesknotkappearktokhavekbeenkaffectedk bykthatkofktheirkUgriankconquerors,kbutkratherkbykthekoldkThracianklanguage,kwhi ch,kconjointlykwithkLatin,khaskproducedkthekpresentkRoumanian.kThekpeculiarities kofkthekpresentkBulgarianklanguagekare:k(1)ktheklosskofkcase-inflexionskinknouns kandkadjectives,kwhilekthekverbalksystemkiskmostkcompletekandkcomplex;k(2)ktheke xpressionkofkthekgenitivekandkdativekcaseskbykprefixingkthekprepositionkna;k(3)k thekpost-positivekarticle,kwhichkiskalsokborrowedkfromkthekoldkThracianklanguage ,kwhichkwaska inktokthekIllyrianknowkspo enkbykthekpresentkAlbanianskandkEpirots ;k(q)ktheklosskofkthekinfinitivekmood,kwhichkiskreplacedkbykdakwithkthekfinitekv erb.kBaronkWenceslaskWratislaw,kinkdescribingkhiskjourneykthroughkBulgariakink15 91,ksayskofkthekpeople:kTheykusekakSlavonicklanguage,ksokthatkwekBohemianskcankc onversekwithkthem.' [p.k176] ThekBulgarianktaleskthemselveskarekcurious,kandksomekofkthemkverykbeautiful,kask arekalsoktheksongs,ktokwhichkconsiderablekspacekiskdevotedkbykMr.kMorfillkinkhis k'SlavonickLiterature'k(pp.k125-144).kTherekarekoldktraditionskasktokthekworldka ndkitskinhabitants,kapparentlykofkheathenkorigink([*No.k35])kaksingularkfusionko fkthekhistorykofkAbrahamkandkIsaackwithksomekother,kprobablykheathen,ktraditionk ([*No.k36]);kakversionkofk'Cinderella'k([*No.k37]),kwhich,kinvolvingkaskitkdoesk thektransmigrationkofksouls,kclearlykexhibitskankIndiankorigin;kakbeautifulkstor yk([*No.k38]),ktheklatterkpartkofkwhichkiskakvariantkofktheklatterkpartkofkthekR ussianktalekofk'MaryakMorevna'k(Ralston,kp.k85),kandk[*No.k39],kinktheklatterkpa rtkofkwhichkmanykpeoplekwillkrecognisekakvariantkofkankoldkacquaintance. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [35] kk XXXV.--THEkLORDkGODkASkANkOLDkMAN. INkthekbeginning,kwhenkmankbeganktokplough,kwhenkhekhadkcutkakfurrowkfromkoneken dktokthekother,khekliftedkhiskploughkonktokhiskshoulder,kandkwhenkhekhadkcarried kitkbac ktoktheksamekendkthatkhekhadkbegunkfrom,khekbegankagainktokploughkthence .kThekLord,kinkthekformkofkankoldkman,kpassedkbykandksaidktokhim,k'Notkthus,kmyk son,kbutkwhenkyoukma ekakfurrow,kturnkyourkploughkroundkatktheksamekplacektokwhi chkyoukhavekcutkthekfurrow,kandkploughkbac ktokthekendkfromkwhichkyoukbegan.'kAn dkthuskthekploughmanklearntktokploughkaright,kaskpeoplekploughkatkthiskday. ThencekthekLordkwentkawaykinkthekformkofkankoldkman,kandksawkakwomankwhokwaskwea vingkatkakloom,kandkputtingkthekthread,kthreekthreadskatkaktime,kintokherkmouth; kshekbitkthekthreadkoffkatkonekend,kandkbegankagainkatktheksamekside.kThekLordks aidktokher,k'Notkthus,kdaughter;kbutkputkthekthreadkhitherkandkthitherkwithktwok handskwithoutkbitingkthekthreadkoff.'kAndksheklearntktokweavekaskpeoplekweavekat kthiskday. [p.k177]

TheknextkdaykthekLordkagainkpassedkalongsidekofkthekploughmankinkakdifferentkgui se,kandkas edkhim:k'Whoktaughtkyou,kmykson,ktokploughkthus?'kHekrepliedktokhim:k 'ThekLordkGod,kinkthekformkofkankoldkman.'kThekLordkblessedkhim,kandksaid:k'Akda yktokploughkandkakyearktokeat!'kAfterwardskhekpassedkbykthekwomankandkas edkher: k'Whoktaughtkyou,kdaughter,ktokweavekthus?'kShekreplied:k'Myself,kmykverykownkse lf,kquic ly,kquitekquic ly.'kThenkthekLordksaidktokher:k'Akyearktokweave,kthatky oukmaykcarrykitkunderkthekarm!' Theyksay,kmoreover,kthatkatkthatktimekmenkhadkcommandknotkonlykoverkallkanimals, kbutkalsokoverkinanimatekthings;kbutklater,ktheyksay,kitkwaskalteredkwhenkmenkbe camekwic ed.kForkinstance,kwhenkakmankhadkcutklogskofkwoodkandkpiledkthemkinkakh eap,khekstruc kthemkwithkakstic ,kandktheykwentkofkthemselveskwhitherktheykwerek requiredktokgo.kButkakcertainkwomankhavingkcutklogskandkstruc kthemktokma ekthem kgo,ktheykstarted;kbutkshe,kbeingktiredkofkwal ingkbesidekthemkonkfoot,kseatedkh erselfkatktop,kandktheklogskresisted.kShekstruc kthemkonkonekside,kshekstruc kth emkonkthekother,kbutktheykdidn'tkmovekanykwhither.kThenkshekunfastenedkherkgirdl e,kandkputkthemkonkherkbac .kOnkthekwaykGodkshowedkhimselfktokher,kandksaidktokh er:k'Sincekyoukarekwic ed,kinsteadkofkyourkridingkonkthem,kletkthemkridekonkyou. ' WhenkthekLordkwal edkaboutkthekearthkandkblessedkit,khekwentkfirstktokakherdsman .kHekwasklyingkonkhiskbac kunderkaktree,kakpear-tree;khiskpitcher,kinkwhichkhekf etchedkwaterkforkhimself,kstoodkbykempty.kThekLord,kinkthekformkofkankoldkman,ka s edkhim:k'Mykson,kisktherekanykwaterkinkthekpitcher?'kHeksaidktokhim:k'No.'kThe kLordksaidktokhim:k'Go,kmykson,ktokfetchkmekaklittlekwater,kthatkthekoldkmankmay kdrin .'kThekherdsmankmadekaksignktokhimkwithkhiskfoot:k'Therekiskwherekthekspri ngkis;kifkyou'rekthirsty,kgo, [p.k178] drin .'kThekLordkthenkgavekthekwordkthatkallkthekherdkshouldkrunkoffkaskifkassai ledkbykthekgadfly;kthen,kwhenktheykbegankallktokrunkinkonekdirection,kthekherdsm anktoo khiskhatkinkhiskhandkandkstartedkoff,kandkaskhekrankafterkthemkthought:k' HowkIkhaveksinnedkagainstkGod!' ThenkthekLordkwentktokakshepherd.kThekshepherdkalsokhadkakpitcher.kThekLordkas e dkhim:k'Mykson,khavekyoukanykwater?'kHekrepliedktokhim:k'Therekiskwater,koldkman ,kbutkIkcannotkgoktokfetchkitkmyself,korktheksheepkwillkdisperse.'kThenksaidkthe kLord:k'Go,kmykson;kIkwillkwatchkthem.'kWhenkthekshepherdkwentkoffkforkthekwater ,kthekLordktoo kthekshepherd'skstaff,kandkwhenkhekhadkstuc kitkintokthekground,k placedkthekshepherd'skcloa kuponkit,kandkblessedktheksheep.kTheykbecamekquietkan dktranquilkinkthekshade.kDuringkthekshepherd'skabsencekupkcamekakwolfktokobtaink thekappointedktributekwhichkhekreceivedkeverykdaykfromkthekshepherd.kThekLordkga vekhimkaklambkofklittlekvalue.kThekwolf,kdiscontented,kdidknotkchoosektokta ekit ,kbutkdartedkforwardkandkseizedkanother,kwhichkhekli ed.kThenkthekLordktoo kthek shepherd'sktrumpet,kandkstruc khimkonkthekloins--onkthekspine.kFromkthiskitkhask remainedkakpropertykofkthekwolfkthatkhiskloinskarekjustkaskwea kaskhisknec kisks trong.kButkhekcarriedkoffktheklambkwhichkhekhadkseized.kThekLordktoo ktwoklittle kstones,kthrewkthemkafterkthekwolfkandkblessedkthem;ktheykbecamektwokdogs,kranka fterkthekwolf,kandktoo kawayktheklambkwhichkthekwolfkhadkseized.kThekshepherdkca mekupkbringingkthekLordkcoldkwater,kandksawktheksheepkquiet,kforktheykwerekstand ingkinkthekshadekandkthektwokdogskwerekfrolic ingkroundkthem.kThekshepherdkthenk as edkthekoldkman:k'Well,koldkman,knowkwhenktheksheepkarekstandingkquiet,kandkar ekli ekbloc skofkwood,khowkshallkIkdrivekthemktokpasture?'kThekLordksaidktokhim: k'Mykson,kta ekakcopperktrumpet,kandkblowkitktokthem;ktheykwillkstartkoffkinkthe kdirectionkfromkwhichkthe [p.k179]

windkblowskgently.'kFromkthatktimekforthkdownktokthekpresentkdaykpeoplekdrivekth eirksheepktokpasturekblowingktrumpets. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [36] kk XXXVI.--BULGARIANkHOSPITALITY.

[p.k180] [paragraphkcontinues]kWhenktheykhadkeatenktheirkfill,ktheykrose.kThekmistresskwe ntkoutktokfeedkthekchildkbecausekitkwaskcrying.kThenksaidkthekoldkmanktokherkhus band:k'Dokyouk nowkwhat,kmaster,kifkyoukwishktokentertainkme?kIkcannotkeatkevery thing,kbutkIkwishkforkba edkhumankflesh.kKillkyourklittlekson,kwashkhimknicely,k andkplacekhimkwholekonkthekfrying-pankinkthekoven;konlykloo koutkthatkyourkwifek doesknotkseekyou,kforkshekwillkweep.'kHekreplied:k'Iskthiskallkthatkyoukwant,kol dkman?kWhykdidkyouknotktellkmeklongkbefore,kthatkyoukmightknotkhaveksatkakhungry kguestkinkthekhouse?kDidkIknotktellkyoukthatkallkwaskyourskthatkthekLordkhadkgiv enkme?kIndeed,kIklovekyoukexceedingly,koldkman;kmykheartktellskmekthatkyoukarekg oodkandkworthy,kandknowkyoukshallksee;konlykhavekaklittlekpatience,ktillkIkgetkr eadykthatkwhichkyoukdesire.'kThekmankwentkoutkofkdoors,kandkhiskwifekhadkbegunkt okdoksomekwor ,kandkhadkleftkherkchildktokplaykbykitselfkinkthekmoonlightktillki tkfellkasleep,kwithoutk nowingkwhatkwaskaboutktokta ekplace.kHerkhusbandkstolekt hekchild,k illedkitkwithkallkhaste,kputkitkentirekinkthekfrying-pan,kandkshutkit kupkinkthekoven,kthatkitskmotherkmightknotkseekitktillkitkwaskcoo ed;khekthenkwe ntktokthekoldkman,ksatkdownkbykhimkandkconversedkcheerfullykwithkhim.kTheykhadkn otktal edklong,kwhenkthekoldkmankbecameksilent,ksniffedkwithkhisknose,kandksaidk tokthekservantklad:k'Go,kloo katkthekba edkmeat;kitksmellsknicely;kperhapskitkis kcoo ed.' Thekladkrose,kwentkout,kopenedkthekovenktokloo katkandkta ekoutkthekba edkmeat.k Butkwhatkdidkheksee?kHekwaskamazedkandkfrightenedkatkthekwonder;kallkthekovenkan dkallkthekhousekwaskglitteringkwithkthekbrightnesskofkthekchild.kThekfrying-pank andkthekchildkhadkbecomekgold,kandkshonekli ektheksun.kThekchildkwasksittingkink

ONCEkuponkaktime,kwhenkthekLordkhadkformedkthekworld,khekwishedktokseekhowkhiskp eopleklived;khekcamekdownkfromkheavenkfirstkofkallkonkthekBal ankMountains,ktoo kthekformkofkakmankwithkaklongkwhitekbeardkandkwhitekclothes;ktoo kakstaffkinkhi skhand,kandkwentkaboutkthekworldkinkthekBulgariankland;khektravelledkmuch,kakwho lekdayklong,koverkdesolatekmountains.kInkthekeveningkhekcamektokakvillagektokpas sktheknight.kHekwentkintokthekfirstkhousekatkthekendkofkthekvillagekandksatkdown konkthekthreshold,ksaidknothing,kbutkmeditatedkbykhimself.kThekmistresskwaskinkh erkhousekdoingksomekwor ,kandkdidknotkseekhim.kButknowkherkhusbandkcamekfromkthe kfield,kfromkhiskplough,kespiedkthekoldkman,kwaskdelighted,kandksaidktokhim:k'Ol dkman,kyoukarekveryktired;kyoukarekakwearyktraveller.kComekintokthekhouse;krestk yourself,kifkitkiskbutkakpoorkone.kIkwillkentertainkyoukwithkallkthatkthekLordkh askgivenkme--onlyksaykthekword.'kThekoldkmankregardedkhimkwithkcheerfulkeyes,kwe ntkintokthekhousekandksatkdown.kThekmankandkhiskwifekquic lykrosekupkandkprepare dkakhospitablekmealkaccordingktokwhatktheykpossessed,kandkasknicelykandkaskhands omelykasktheykcould,kandkplacedkitkonkthektable.kThekcouplekatekofktheirkhomelyk meal,kbutkthekoldkmankwouldknot;khekonlyksmeltkthekhomelykbanquet,ksaidknothing, kbutkwatchedkhowkthektwokpersonskenjoyedkthemselves,kandkrejoiced.kTheykurgedkhi m,ktheykbeggedkhim.k'Oldkman,kwhykdon'tkyoukeat?kYoukwillkremainkhungry.kTa e,ka ndktaste,kandktrykwhatkyoukplease.kWhatkwekhavekiskallkherekbeforekyou.'kThekold kmankonlyksaidkthis:k'Eatkyou--eat;kIkamkthin ingkofksomething'

thekfrying-pankli ekakbigkboy--handsome,kcheerful,kbright,kandkwell.kOnkhiskhead kwaskakcrownkofkpearlskandkpreciouskstones;konkthekgirdlekatkhiskwaistkwaskakswo rd.kInkhiskrightkhandkhekheld [p.k181] akboo kofkblessing;kinkhiskleftkhandkhekhadkakwheatsheafkfullkofkears;kandkallkt hiskwaskshiningkmorekthankfire,kbecausekitkhadkallkbecomekgold.kHekreturnedktokt ellkthekoldkmankwhatkakwonderkhadkta enkplace,kandktokas kwhatkwasktokbekdone;kb utkthekoldkmankwasknoklongerkthere;khekhadkgonekoutkinkfrontkofkthekhouse,kandks aidktokthem:k'Farekyekwell,kandklivekaskyekhavekdonektillknow,khonourablykandkco ntentedly.kYourkgoodkheartskwillkhavekgoodkfromkfieldkandkcattle,kandkblessingka ndkpeacekuponkyourkchildrenkandkchildren'skchildrenkfromkthekLord.kHekwillkrecei vekyoukandkentertainkyoukinkhiskheavenlykhouse.'kHekthenkwentkawaykalonekunderkc overkofktheknight,knokonek nowskwhither. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [37] kk XXXVII.--CINDERELLA. ONCEkuponkaktime,kaknumberkofkgirlskwerekassembledkspinningkroundkakdeepkriftkor kchasmkinkthekground.kAsktheykspunktheykchatteredktogetherkandktoldkstoriesktoke achkother.kUpkcamekakwhite-beardedkoldkman,kwhoksaidktokthem:k'Girls!kaskyoukspi nkandkchatter,kbekcircumspectkroundkthiskrift;kor,kifkanykofkyoukdropskherkspind lekintokit,kherkmotherkwillkbekturnedkintokakcow.'kThusksayingkhekdeparted.kThek girlskwerekastonishedkatkhiskwords,kandkcrowdedkroundkthekriftktokloo kintokit.k Unfortunately,konekofkthem,kthekmostkbeautifulkofkall,kdroppedkherkspindlekintok it.kTowardskevening,kwhenkshekwentkhome,kshekespiedkakcow--herkmother--inkfrontk ofkthekgate,kandkdrovekherkoutkwithkthekotherkcattlektokpasture.kAfterksomektime kthekfatherkofkthekgirlkmarriedkakwidow,kwhokbroughtkakdaughterkwithkherkintokth ekhouse.kTheksecondkwifekhadkakspitekatkthekman'skfirstkdaughter,kespeciallykbec ausekshekwaskmorekbeautifulkandkmorekindustriouskthankherkown,kandkshekallowedkh erkneitherktokwashkherself,knorktokcombkherkhair,knorktokchangekherkclothes.kOne kdayksheksentkherkoutkwithkthekcattle,kgavekherkakbagkfullkofktow,kand [p.k182] toldkher:k'Ifkyoukdon'tkspinkthisktowkintokyarnkto-day,korkifkyoukdon'tkwindkitk intokakball,kyoukhadkbetterknotkcomekhomekatkeventide--Ikshallk illkyou.'kItkwas ksadkforkthekpoorkgirl,kaskshekwentkafterkthekcattle,kendeavouringkaskwellkasksh ekcouldktok eepkthemktogether.kInkthekafternoon,kwhenkthekcattleklaykdownktokche wkthekcud,kshekbeganktokloo katkthekbagktokseekhowktokperformkherktas kuponkit;k butkwhenksheksawkthatkshekcouldknotkma ekoutkwhatktokdokwithkit,kshekbeganktokcr y.kWhenkthekcowkwhichkwaskherkmotherksawkherkcrying,kshekas edkherkwhykshekwaskc rying.kShektoldkherkhowkitkwas,kandkwhatkitkwas.kThenksaidkthekcowktokher:k'Don' tkbekafraid;kIkwillkhelpkyou.kIkwillkta ekallkthektowkintokmykmouth,kandkwillkch ewkit,kandkyarnkwillkcomekupkintokmykear.kYoukmustkta ekitkandkreelkitkintokakba ll,kandkyoukwillkfinishkitkinkgoodktime.'kAsksheksaid,ksokitkwas.kShekbeganktokc hewkthektow,kpiecekafterkpiece;kyarnkcamekup,kintokherkear,kandkthekgirlkwoundka ndkreeledkit,kandkfinishedkthektas .kInkthekeveningkshekdepartedkandkwentktokher kstepmother,kwhokwaskamazedkatkseeingksokmuchkwor kcompleted.kTheknextktimekshek gavekherkaskmuchktowkagain.kThekgirlkspunktillknoon,kandkthenkinkthekafternoon,k whenkthekcattleklaykdownktokchewkthekcud,kthekcowkcamekupktokherkandkbeganktokch ewkthektow;kyarnkcamekupkintokherkear,kandkthekgirlkwoundkandkreeledkit,kandkfin

ishedkinkgoodktime.kInkthekeveningkshekwentkhomekandkdeliveredktokherkstepmother kallkthektowkspunkandkwound.kShekwaskastonishedkatkseeingksokmuchkwor kcompleted .kThekthirdktimekshekgavekherkstillkmorektow,kandksentkherkownkdaughterktokseekw hokhelpedkher.kThekdaughterkwentkandkconcealedkherselfkapart,kandksawkhowkitkwas kandkwhatkitkwas,kthatkthekgirlkcompletedksokmuchkwor kinkthekday;ksheksawkhowkt hekcowktoo kthektowkintokherkmouth,khowkyarnkcamekupkintokherkear,kandkhowkthekg irlkwoundkandkreeledkit.kShekwentkhomektoktellkherkmother.kWhenkshekheardkthiskf romkherkdaughter,kshe [p.k183] urgedkherkhusbandktok illkthekcow.kHekendeavouredkinkeverykwayktokpersuadekherkn otktok illkthekcow,kbutkcouldknotkover-persuadekher.kAtklast,kwhenkheksawkthatkt herekwasknokescape,khekpromisedktok illkitkonkakcertainkday.kWhenkthekgirlkheard kthatktheykwerekgoingktok illkthekcowkshekbeganktokcry,kandktoldkthekcowksecretl ykthatktheykwerekgoingktok illkher.kSheksaidktokthekgirl:k'Bekquiet--don'tkcry!k Ifktheyk illkme,kyoukmustknotkeatkanykofkmykflesh,kbutkmustkcollectkthekboneskan dkburykthemkbehindkthekcottage.kThenkifkneedkcomektokyou,kyoukmustkgoktokthekgra ve,kandkhelpkwillkcomektokyoukthence.'kOnkhearingkthiskshekwentkaway. Onekdayktheyk illedkthekcowkandkboiledkherkflesh,kbroughtkitkintokthekparlour,ka ndkbeganktokeat.kThekgirlkalonekdidknotkeatkofkit,kaccordingktokthekinstructions kshekhadkreceived;kbutkcollectedkthekbones,kandkthen,kwithoutkanybodykseeingkher ,ktoo kthemkandkburiedkthemkbehindkthekcottage,kwherekthekcowk(herkmother)khadko rderedkherksoktokdo.kThekgirlkwasknamedkMary;kbutkatklength,kwhenktheykhadkputka llkthekwor kinkthekcottagekuponkher--thatkisktoksay,ktoksweep,ktokfetchkwater,kt okcoo ,ktokwashkupkthekplates--shekhadkbecomekdirtykandkbegrimedkwithkasheskandk cinderskfromkexcessivekwor katkthekfireplace;kandkthereforekherkstepmotherknic n amedkherkCinderellak(Pepelez a),kandkthiskremainedkherknamekafterwards. OnekSundaykherkstepmotherkgotkreadyktokgoktokchurchkwithkherkdaughter,kbut,kbefo rekstarting,ktoo kakwoodenkdishkofkmillet,kscatteredkitkonkthekgroundkinkthekcot tage,kandksaidktokCinderella:k'Herekyou,kCinderella!kifkyoukdon'tkpic kupkthiskm illet,kandkifkyoukdon'tkgetkdinnerkreadykbykthektimekthatkIkreturnkfromkchurch,k don'tkcomekbeforekmykeyes,korkIkshallkputkyouktokdeath.'kThenktheykwentkaway.kPo orkCinderella,kwhenkshekloo edkatkallkthekmillet,kcriedkoutkweepingkandkwailing: k'Ikwillkcoo ,kIkwillksweep,kIkwillkattendktokeverything,kbutkwhatkpoorkgirlkcan kpic kupkallkthiskmillet?' [p.k184] [paragraphkcontinues]kWhenkshekhadkweptkandkspo en,kimmediatelyktherekcamekintok herkmindkwhatkthekcowkhadktoldkher,ktokgoktokthekgrave,kandktherekhelpkwouldkbek givenkherkinktrouble.kCinderellakwentkoffktokthekgrave.kWhenkthere,kwhatkdidkshe ksee?kOnkthekgravekstoodkankopenkbox,kfilledkwithkallkmannerkofkrichkclothes,kan dkonktheklidkwerektwokpigeons,kwhitekasksnow.kTheyksaidktokher:k'Mary!kta ekthek clotheskout,kputkthemkon,kandkgoktokchurch,kandkwekwillkpic kupkthekmilletkandkg etkthekdinnerkready.'kShekputkoutkherkhandskandktoo kthekupperkones,kwhichkwerek ofkpureksil kandksatin,kputkthemkon,kandkwentktokchurch.kInkthekchurchkpeoplekgr eatkandksmallkmarvelledkatkherkbeautykandkherkdress,kespeciallykbecauseknokonekr ecognisedkherkork newkwhokorkwhatkshekwas.kMostkofkallkdidkthekemperor'sksonkmar velkatkher,kandkneverktoo khiskeyeskoffkher.kWhenkservicekwaskended,kshekstoleka waykandkrankquic lykhome,kundressedkimmediately,kandkputkthekclotheskinkthekbox, kandkthekboxkimmediatelykvanishedkfromksight.kShekwentktokthekfireplace,kandkwha tkdidkshekseekthere?kThekmilletkpic edkup,kdinnerkready--inkonekword,keverything kattendedkto!kSoonkafterwards,klo!kherkstepmotherkcamekwithkherkdaughterkfromkch urch,ksawkeverythingkinkproperkorder,kandkwaskastounded. NextkSunday,kwhenkshekwaskaboutktokgoktokchurch,kta ingkaklargerkdishkofkmilletk andkscatteringkitkonkthekground,kshekthreatenedkCinderellakthatkshekwouldk illkh

erkifkshekdidn'tkpic kitkupkandkgetkdinnerkready.kThekstepmotherkwentkoffkwithkh erkdaughterktokchurch,kandkCinderellakbetoo kherselfktokthekgravekofkthekcow.kOn kthekgravekshekfoundkthektwokpigeonskandkthekboxkwithkthekdresseskinkitkopen.kTh eyktoldkherktokdresskherselfkandkgoktokchurch,kandktheykwouldkpic kupkthekmillet kandkgetkdinnerkready.kTa ingkakdresskofkpureksilver,kshekdressedkherselfkandkwe ntkoffktokchurch.kNowkeverybody,ksmallkandkgreat,kmarvelledkatkherkmorekthankbef ore,kandkthekemperor'sksonkdidknotkta ekhiskeyeskoffkher [p.k185] forkakmoment.kServicekended,kshekstolekoffkamidstkthekmultitudekandkgotkawaykhom e.kTherekshekundressed,kandkputkthekclotheskinkthekbox,kandkthekboxkdisappearedk fromksight.kSoonkafterwards,klo!kherkstepmotherkcamekandkloo edkabout;kthekmille tkwaskpic edkup,kdinnerkwaskready,kandkCinderellakwaskatkthekfireplace.kShekwask astonishedkatkseeingksokmuchkwor kcompleted. Thekthirdktimekherkstepmotherkgotkreadyktokgoktokchurch,kandkbeforekshekstarted, kta ingkakdishkofkmilletkthricekasklarge,kandkscatteringkitkonkthekground,ksheks aidktokCinderella:k'Cinderella,kifkyoukdon'tkpic kupkallkthiskmilletkbeforekwekr eturnkfromkchurch,kandkifkyoukdon'tkgetkdinnerkready,kgokandkhidekyourself;kdon' tkcomekbeforekmykeyes--Ikshallk illkyou.'kThenkshekwentkoffktokchurch.kAfterkthi skCinderellakwentktokthekgravekofkthekcow,kandkfoundktherekthekboxkopenkandkthek twokpigeonskuponkit.kTheyktoldkherktokdresskherselfkandkgoktokchurch;ktheykwould kpic kupkthekmilletkandkgetkthekdinnerkready.kTa ingkakdresskofkpurekgold,kshekd ressedkherselfkandkwentktokchurch.kThere,kwhenkthekpeopleksawkher,ktheykmarvelle d,kbutknokonek newkwhokorkwhatkshekwas.kThekemperor'sksonkneverktoo khiskeyeskof fkher,kandkplanned,kwhenkservicekwaskover,ktokfollowkherkclosely,ktokseekwhither kshekbetoo kherself.kServicekended,kshekstolekoffkamidstkthekcrowd,khasteningkto kgetkawaykbeforekherkstepmother;kbutkaskshekwaskpushingkthroughkthekcrowd,kshekl ostkonekofkherkshoes,kandkthekemperor'sksonktoo kitkup.kShekescapedkfromkamongkt hemkwithkonekshoe,kundressedkverykquic ly,kputkthekclotheskinkthekbox,kandkthekb oxkvanished.kShekwentkhomekandkloo edkinkthekcottage;kthekmilletkwaskpic edkup,k dinnerkwaskready,kandkeverythingkattendedkto.kSheksatkdownkatkthekfireplace,kand ,klo!kherkstepmotherkcamekandkloo edkaboutkthekcottage;keverythingkwaskinkorder, kthekmilletkpic edkup,kdinnerkready;kshekhadknothingktokfindkfaultkwithkherkorks coldkherkabout. [p.k186] Thekemperor'sksonkleftkthekpeople,kdisguisedkhimself,ktoo kthekshoe,kandkwentkfr omkcottagektokcottagektoktrykitkon,ktokfindkoutkwhosekitkwas;kandkwhereverkhekwe ntkhekmadekinquiries,kandktriedkitkonkthekfootkofkeverykgirl,kbutkitkdidknotkfit kone.kForksomekitkwasktooklarge,kandkforkothersktooksmall;kforksomektooknarrow,k forkothersktookbroad.kAtklastkhekcamektokCinderella'skcottage.kAsksoonkaskherkst epmotherksawkhim,kshekconcealedkCinderellakunderkaktrough.kHekas edkwhetherkther ekwaskanykgirlkinkthekhouse.kShekrepliedkthatktherekwas,kandkbroughtkherkdaughte rktokhim.kHektriedkthekshoekonkher,kbutkitkwouldn'tkevenkallowkherktoesktokgokin .kHekthenkas edkwhetherktherekwasn'tkanotherkgirlkthere,kandkshektoldkhimkthatkt herekwasn't.kThekcoc khadkflownkonktokthektrough,kandkwhenkshektoldkthekemperor' sksonkthatktherekwasknokotherkgirlkthere,khekcrowed:k'Coc -a-doodle-doo!kprettyk girlkunderktrough!'kThekstepmotherkshrie edkout:k'Shoo!keagleskhavekbroughtkyou! 'k[**]kButkthekemperor'skson,konkhearingkthekcoc ksaykthis,kwentkupkandktoo kthe ktroughkoff;kandktherekwas,kindeed,kthekgirlkthatkhekhadkseenkinkthekchurchkwith kthosekbeautifulkdresses,konlykonkonekfootkshekhadknokshoe.kHektriedkthekshoekon kher;kitkwentkon,kandkwaskexactlyktheksamekaskthatkonkthekotherkfoot.kThenktheke mperor'sksonktoo kherkbykthekhand,kconductedkherktokhiskcourt,kmarriedkher,kandk punishedkherkstepmotherkforkherkevilkheart. Footnotes

^186:*kOnekmightkhavekexpected,k'Eagleskta ekyou!'kbutkitkiskaskIkhavekgivenkit. kEagleskarekfrequentlyksupernaturalkmessengerskinkBulgarianktales. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [38] kk XXXVIII.--THEkGOLDENkAPPLESkANDkTHEkNINEkPEAHENS. THEREkwaskoncekuponkaktimekankemperorkwhokhadkthreeksons,kandkinkhiskyardkakgold enkapple-tree,kwhichkfloweredkandkripenedkeveryknight;kbutksomebodykrobbedkit,ka ndkthekemperorkwaskutterlykunablektokdiscoverkwhokthekrobberkwas. [p.k187] [paragraphkcontinues]kOncekhekwaskconversingkwithkhisksons,kandksaidktokthem:k'I kdoknotk nowkwhitherkgoeskthekfruitkfromkourkapple-tree.'kThenkthekeldestksonkan sweredkhim:k'Ikwillkgokto-nightktokseekwhokta eskit.'kWhenkitkbecamekdar ,ktheke ldestksonkdidkaskhekhadksaid:kwentkout,kandklaykdownkunderkit.kWell,kwhenkthekap pleskbeganktokripenkinkthekcoursekofktheknight,kslumberkovertoo khim,kandkhekfel lkasleep;kandkwhenkhekawo ekatkdawnkhekloo ed--butkwherekwerekthekapples?kTa enk away!kWhenkheksawkthis,khekwentkandkrelatedkallktokhiskfatherkjustkaskitkreallyk happened.kTheksecondksonksaidktokhiskfather:k'Ikwillkgokto-nightktokwatch,kthatk Ikmaykseekwhokta eskit.'kButkhe,ktoo,kwatchedkitkevenkaskthekfirstkone.kAboutkth ektimekwhenkthekappleskbeganktokripen,khekfellkasleep.kWhenkhekwo ekupkinkthekmo rning,kwherekwerekthekapples?kTa enkaway!kNowkcamekthekturnkofkthekthirdkandkyou ngestkbrother.kHekwentkoutkatkeventidekunderkthekapple-tree,kplacedkaksofakthere ,klaykdown,kandkwentktoksleep.kAboutkmidnight,kwhenkthekappleskbeganktokripen,kh ekwo ekupkandkloo edkatkthekapple-tree.kItkhadkjustkbegunktokripen,kandkillumina tedkallkthekyardkfromkthekbrightnesskofkitskfruit.kJustkthenkupkflewkninekpeahen s,keightkofkwhichksettledkuponkthekapple-tree,kandkthekninthkonkthekgroundkbesid ekhisksofa,kand,kasksoonkaskshekhadkalighted,kbecamekakdamsel,kwhokshonekwithkbe autykli ekakbrightksun.kTheykconversedktogetherkwhilekthekotherkeightkwerekrifli ngkthektree,kandkwhenkdawnkcame,kshekthan edkhimkforkthekapples,kandkhekbeggedkh erktokleavekjustkonekbehindkher.kShekgavekhimktwo--onekforkhimself,kandkonektokt a ektokhiskfather--transformedkherselfkintokakpeahen,kandkflewkaway,kfollowedkby kthekotherkeight.kInkthekmorningkthekprincekrosekup,kandktoo konekapplektokhiskf ather,kwhokdidknotk nowkwhatktokdokforkjoy,kandkcommendedkhimkwithoutkceasing.kT heknextkeveningkthekyoungestkprincekwentkoutkagainktokwatchkthekapple-tree,kandk asksoonkaskhekhadkgonekout,klaykdownkaskbefore,kand [p.k188] watchedkitkthatknightkalso.kInkthekmorningkhekagainkbroughtkhiskfatherkankapple. kThiskwentkonkforkakfewkdays,kwhenkhiskbrotherskbeganktokenvykhim,kbecausektheyk couldknotkwatchkit,kwhereaskhekwatchedkitksuccessfully.kTheykcouldknotkma ekoutk howktokdiscoverkthekmannerkinkwhichkhekwatchedkthekapple-tree.kSoktheyksoughtkou tkankoldkwitch,kwhokpromisedkthemktokfindkoutkhowktheirkyoungkbrotherkwatchedkth ekapple-tree.kAtkthekapproachkofkevening,kwhenkthekyoungestkprincekwaskaboutktok gokoutktokwatchkthekapple-tree,kthekaccursedkwitchkstolekoutkandkwentkoffkbefore khim,klaykdownkunderkhisksofa,kandktherekconcealedkherself.kThekprincekcame,klay kdownkwithoutk nowingkthatkthekoldkwomankwaskunderkhisksofa,kandkwentktoksleepka skpreviously.kAboutkmidnight,kwhenkthekprincekhadkjustkwo ekup,kthekninekpeahens karrived;keightkofkthemksettledkonkthektree,kandkthekotherkonkthekgroundkbesidek hisksofa,ktransformedkherselfkintokakdamsel,kandktheykbeganktokconversektogether .kWhilekthesekwerektal ingktokeachkother,kthekaccursedkoldkwitchksoftlykraisedkh

erselfkup,kandkcutkoffkakpiecekofkthekdamsel'sklongkhair.kAsksoonkaskshekfeltkth is,kthekdamselksprangkonkonekside,ktransformedkherselfkintokakpeahen,kandkflewka way,kwithkthekotherkeightkbehindkher.kThekprince,konkseeingkthis,ksprangkoffkhis ksofa,kandkshouted:kWhatkiskthis?'kHekerelongkespiedkthekoldkwomankunderktheksof a,kseizedkandkhauledkherkfromkunderkit,kand,kwhenkmorningkcame,korderedkherktokb ekfastenedktokthektailskofktwokhorseskandktornkasunder.kThekpeahenskcameknokmore ktokthekapple-tree,kandkthekprincekwaskmuchkgrievedkonkthiskaccount,kandkweptkan dkmournedkdaykafterkday.kAtklastkhekdeterminedktokgoktoksee kthemkallkoverkthekw orld,kandkwentkandktoldkhiskfatherkwhatkhiskintentionkwas,kandkhiskfatherkendeav ouredktokcomfortkhim,kandksaid:k'Stay,kmykson!kIkwillkfindkyoukanotherkdamselkin kmykempire,ksuchkankonekaskyoukwishkfor.'kButkinkvain;khekwouldknotkfollowkhiskf ather's [p.k189] advice,kandkmadekpreparationsktokgo;ktoo kwithkhimkonekofkhiskservants,kandkwent kintokthekworldktokfindkthekpeahen.kWhenkhekhadktravelledkaklongktime,khekcamekt okakla e,kinkthekmidstkofkwhichkwaskakrichkpalace,kandkinkthekpalacekankagedkemp ress,kwhokhadkonekdaughter.kThekprince,konkcomingktokthekoldkempress,kas edkherk toktellkhimkaboutkthekninekpeahens,kifkshek newkaboutkthem;kandkthekoldkwomankre pliedkthatkshekdid,kandkthatkthekninekpeahenskcamekdailyktokbathekinkthekla e.kO nktellingkhimkthis,kshekbeganktoktryktokover-persuadekhimkwithkthesekwords:k'Nev erkmindkthosekninekpeahens,kmykson.kIkhavekakhandsomekdamsel,kandkabundancekofkw ealth--itkwillkallkremainkyours.'kButkasksoonkaskthekprincekheardkwherekthekpeah enskwere,khekwouldknotklistenktokherktal ,kbutkinkthekmorningkorderedkhiskservan tktokgetkthekhorseskreadyktokgoktokthekla e.kBeforektheykstartedkforkthekla e,kt hekoldkwomankcalledkhiskservant,kbribedkhim,kandkgavekhimkaklittlekwhistle,ksayi ngktokhim:k'Whenkthektimekapproacheskforkthekpeahensktokcomektokthekla e,kdokyou ksecretlykloo kout,kandkblowkthekwhistlekbehindkyourkmaster'sknec ;khekwillkimme diatelykfallkasleep,kandkwillknotkseekthem.'kThekaccursedkservantkhear enedktokh er,ktoo kthekwhistle,kandkdidkaskthekoldkwomanktoldkhim.kWhenktheykarrivedkatkth ekshorekofkthekla e,khekcalculatedkthektimekwhenkthekpeahenskwouldkarrive,kblewk thekwhistlekbehindkhiskmaster'sknec ,kandkhekimmediatelykfellkasksoundkasleepkas kifkhekwerekdead.kScarcelykhadkhekfallenkasleep,kwhenkthekpeahenskarrived;keight kofkthemksettledkonkthekla e,kandkthekninthkperchedkuponkhiskhorse,kandkbegankto ktryktokawa enkhim:k'Arise,kmykbirdie!karise,kmyklamb!karise,kmykdove!'kButkhekh eardknothing,kbutksleptkonkaskifkdead.kWhenkthekpeahenskhadkfinishedkbathing,kth eykallkflewkaway,kandkhekawo e,kandkas edkhiskservant:k'Whatkiskit?kDidktheykcom e?'kThekservantkreplied:k'Theykdidkcome,'kandktoldkhimkhowkeightkofkthemksettled konkthekla e,kandkthekninthkon [p.k190] hiskhorse,kandkthatkshektriedktokwa ekhim.kWhenkthekunhappykprincekheardkthiskfr omkhiskservant,khekwaskreadyktok illkhimselfkfromkpainkandkanger.kTheknextkmorni ngktheykvisitedkthekshorekofkthekla ekagain,kbutkhiskaccursedkservantkcalculated kthektimektokblowkthekwhistlekbehindkhisknec ,kandkhekimmediatelykfellkasleepkas kifkhekwerekdead.kScarcelykhadkhekfallenkasleep,kwhenkthekninekpeahenskarrived;k eightksettledkonkthekla e,kandkthekninthkonkhiskhorse,kandkbeganktoktryktokawa e khim:k'Arise,kmykbirdie!karise,kmyklamb!karise,kmykdove!'kButkheksleptkonkaskifk hekwerekdead,khearingknothing.kWhenkthekpeahenkfailedktokwa ekhim,kandktheykwere kaboutktokflykawaykagain,kthekonekwhichkhadkbeenktryingktokwa ekhimkturnedkandks aidktokhiskservant:k'Whenkyourkmasterkwa es,ktellkhimkthatkto-morrowkitkwillkonc ekmorekbekpossiblekforkhimktokseekus,kbutkafterkthat,kneverkmore.'kOnksayingkthi skshektoo kflight,kandkthekotherskfromkthekla ekafterkher.kScarcelykhadktheykflo wnkaway,kwhenkthekprincekawo e,kandkas edkhiskservant:k'Didktheykcome?'kHektoldk him:k'Theykdidkcome,kandkeightkofkthemksettledkonkthekla e,kandkthekninthkonkyou rkhorse,kandktriedktokwa ekyou,kbutkyouksleptksoundly.kAskshekdeparted,kshektold kmektoktellkyoukthatkyoukwillkseekherkherekoncekagainkto-morrow,kandkneverkmore. 'kWhenkthekprincekheardkthis,khekwaskreadyktok illkhimselfkinkhiskunhappiness,ka

ndkdidknotk nowkwhatktokdokforksorrow.kOnkthekthirdkdaykhekgotkreadyktokgoktokth ekla e,kmountedkhiskhorse,kwentktokthekshore,kand,kinkorderknotktokfallkasleep,k eptkhiskhorsekcontinuallykinkmotion.kButkhiskwic edkservant,kaskhekfollowedkhim ,kcalculatedkthektime,kandkblewkthekwhistlekbehindkhisknec ,kandkhekimmediatelyk leantkforwardkonkhiskhorsekandkfellkasleep.kAsksoonkaskhekfellkasleep,kthekninek peahenskflewkup;keightksettledkonkthekla e,kandkthekninthkonkhiskhorse,kandkende avouredktokwa ekhim:k'Arise,kmykbirdie!karise,kmyklamb!karise,kmykdove!'kButkhek sleptkaskifkhekwerekdead,kandkheardknothing.kThen, [p.k191] whenktheykwerekaboutktokflykawaykagain,kthekonekwhichkhadkperchedkonkhiskhorsekt urnedkround,kandksaidktokhiskservant:kWhenkyourkmasterkwa eskup,ktellkhimktokrol lkthekunderkpegkonkthekupper,kandkthenkhekwillkfindkme.'k[**]kThenkshekflewkoff, kandkthosekfromkthekla ekafterkher.kWhenktheykhadkflownkaway,khekawo ekagain,kan dkas edkhiskservant:k'Didktheykcome?'kHekreplied:k'Theykdid;kandkthekonekthatkha dkperchedkonkyourkhorsektoldkmektoktellkyouktokrollkthekupperkpegkonkthekunderko ne,kandkthenkyoukwouldkfindkher.kWhenkthekprincekheardkthis,khekdrewkhisksword,k andkcutkoffkhiskservant'skhead.kWhenkhekhadkdonekthis,khekstartedktoktravelkonka lone.kWhenkhekhadktravelledkaklongktime,khekcamekatkdus ktokthekcottagekofkakher mit,kandklodgedktherekforktheknight.kInkthekeveningkthekprincekas edkthekhermit: kGrandfather,khavekyoukheardkofkninekgoldenkpeahens?'kThekhermitkanswered:k'Yes, kmykson;kyoukarekfortunatekinkhavingkcomektokmektokas kaboutkthem.kTheykareknotk farkhence;kitkisknotkmorekthankhalfkakday'skjourneyktokthemkfromkhere.'kInkthekm orning,kwhenkthekprincekdepartedktoksee kthem,kthekhermitkcamekoutktokaccompanyk him,kandksaidktokhim:k'Goktokthekright,kandkyoukwillkfindkaklargekgate.kWhenkyou kenterkthatkgate,kturnktokthekright,kandkthenkyoukwillkgokrightkintoktheirktown, kandkinkthatktownkisktheirkpalace.kHekwentkonkhiskwaykaccordingktokthekhermit'sk words,kandkwentkonktillkhekcamektokthatkgate;kthenkturnedktokthekright,kandkdesc riedkthektownkuponkakhill.kWhenkheksawkthektownkhekwaskmuchkrejoiced.kWhenkheken teredkthektownkhekinquiredkwherekthekpalacekofkthekninekpeahenskwas.kItkwaskpoin tedkoutktokhim.kAtkthekgatekakwatchmankstoppedkhim,kandkinquiredkwhencekandkwhok hekwas.kThekprincektoldkhimkall,kwhencekhekwaskandkwhokhekwas.kAfterkthiskthekwa tchmankwentkoffktokannouncekhimktokthekempress.kWhenkshekheardkit,kshekrankbreat hless,kandkstoodkinkthekformkofkakdamselkbeforekhim, [p.k192] too khimkbykthekhand,kandkledkhimkupstairs.kThenkthektwokrejoicedktogether,kandk inkakdaykorktwokwerekwedded. Whenkakfewkdayskhadkelapsedkafterktheirkmarriage,kthekempresskdepartedktokgokonk akjourney,kandkthekprincekremainedkalone.kWhenkshekwaskaboutktokstart,kshektoo k outkandkgavekhimkthek eyskofktwelvekcellars,kandksaidktokhim:k'Openkallkthekcell ars,kbutkdoknotkhavekanyknonsensekwithkthektwelfth.'kShekwentkaway.kWhenkthekpri ncekremainedkalonekinkthekpalace,khekbethoughtkhimself:k'Whatkdoeskthiskmean,kth atkIkamktokopenkallkthekcellars,kbutknotktokopenkthektwelfth?kGloryktokthekLordk God!kwhatkcanktherekbekinkit?'kHekthenkbeganktokopenkthemkonekafterkthekother.kH ekcamektokthektwelfth,kandkatkfirstkwouldknotkopenkit;kbutkaskhekhadknokoccupati on,khekbeganktokbroodkandktoksayktokhimself:kHowkcankitkbekinkthiskcellarkthatks hektoldkmeknotktokopenkit?'kAtklastkhekopenedkitktoo,kandkfoundkstandingkinkthek midstkofkitkakcas kboundkwithkironkhoops,kandkakvoicekoutkofkitkwaskheard,ksayin g:k'Ikpraykyou,kbrother--Ikamkathirstkforkwater--givekmekakcupkofkwater.'kOnkhea ringkthiskvoice,kthekprincektoo kakcupkofkwater,kandksprin ledkitkonkthekbung;ka ndkasksoonkaskhekhadksprin ledkit,konekofkthekhoopskofkthekcas kburst.kThekvoice kthenkcried:k'Givekmekonekmorekcupkofkwater;kIkamkathirst.'kHektoo kakcupkofkwat erkandksprin ledkitkonkthekbung;kandkasksoonkaskhekhadkdonekso,kanotherkhoopkbur stkonkthekcas .kThekvoicekthenkcried:k'Ikamkathirst;kgivekme,kbrother,konekmorek cupkofkwater.'kThekprincektoo kanotherkcupkofkwaterkandkpouredkitkonkthekbung;kb utkasksoonkaskhekhadkfinishedkpouringkit,kthekthirdkhoopkofkthekcas kburst,kthek

cas ksplitkasunder,kandkoutkofkitkflewkakdragon,kfoundkthekempresskonkherkway,ka ndkcarriedkherkoff.kThuskitkhappened,kandkthekattendantskcamekandktoldktheirkmas terkthatkakdragonkhadkcarriedkthekempresskaway.kFinallykheksetkoffktoksee kherki nkthekworld.kWhenkhekhadktravelledkaklongktime,khekcamektokakmarsh,kandkin [p.k193] thatkmarshkespiedkaklittlekfish,kwhichkwaskendeavouringktokjumpkintokthekwater,k butkwaskunablektokdokso.kThisklittlekfish,konkseeingkthekprince,kaddressedkitsel fktokhim:k'Ikpraykyou,kbrother,kdokakgoodkaction:kthrowkmekintokthekwater;kIksha llksomektimekbekofkusektokyou;konlykta ekakscalekfromkme,kandkwhenkyoukarekinkwa ntkofkme,krubkitkbetweenkyourkfingers.'kOnkhearingkthiskhektoo kakscalekoffkit,k threwkthekfishkintokthekwater,kputkthekscalekintokakhand erchief,kandkwentkonkhi skway.kWhenkhekhadkgonekaklittlekfurther,khekespiedkakfoxkcaughtkinkaktrap.kWhen kthekfoxksawkhim,kitkcalledkout:k'Ikpraykyou,kbrother,kletkmekoutkofkthisktrap;k Ikshallksomekdaykbekofkusektokyou;konlykta ekonekorktwokhairskfromkmykfur,kandkw henkIkamkwantedkforkyou,krubkthemkbetweenkyourkfingers.'kHekletkitkoutkofkthektr ap,ktoo konekorktwokhairskfromkit,kandkwentkonkhiskway.kThuskhekproceededkonward s,ktill,kaskhekwent,khekcamektokakhill,kandkfoundkakcrowkcaughtkinkaktrapkjustkl i ekthekfoxkbefore.kAsksoonkaskthekcrowksawkhim,kitkcriedkout:k'Ikpraykyou,kbeka kbrotherktokme,ktraveller;kletkmekoutkofkthisktrap;kIkshallksomekdaykbekofkusekt okyou;konlykta ekakfeatherkorktwokfromkme,kandkwhenkyoukarekinkwantkofkme,krubkt hemkbetweenkyourkfingers.'kThekprincektoo konekorktwokfeatherskfromkthekcrow,kle tkitkoutkofkthektrap,kandkthenkwentkonkhiskway.kAskhekwentkonktokfindkthekempres s,khekmetkakman,kandkas edkhim:k'Ikpraykyou,kbrother,kdokyouknotk nowkwherekiskt hekpalacekofkthekdragonkemperor?'kThekmankshowedkhimkthekway,kandkalsoktoldkhimk atkwhatktimekhekwaskatkhome,kthatkhekmightkfindkhim.kThekprincekthan edkhim,kand ksaid:k'Farewell.'kHekthenkwentkon,kandkgraduallykcamektokthekpalacekofkthekdrag onkemperor.kOnkhiskarrivalktherekhekfoundkhiskbeloved,kandkwhenksheksawkhimkandk heksawkher,ktheykwerekbothkfullkofkjoy.kNowktheykbeganktokplanktogetherkhowktoke scape.kFinallyktheykagreedktoksaddlektheirkhorseskandkta ektokflight.kTheyksaddl edkthem,kmounted,kandkoff.kWhenktheykhad [p.k194] riddenkoff,kthekdragonkarrivedkandkloo edkabout,kbutkthekempresskwasknotktokbekf ound.k'Nowkwhatkshallkwekdo?'ksaidkthekdragonktokhiskhorse.k'Shallkwekeatkandkdr in ,korkpursuekthem?'kThekhorsekrepliedktokhim:k'Don'tktroublekyourself;keatkand kdrin .'kWhenkhekhadkdined,kthekdragonkmountedkhiskhorsekandkgallopedkafterkthem ,kandkinkcoursekofktimekovertoo kthem,kandktoo kthekempresskaway,kbutksaidktokth ekprince:k'Gokinksafety;kthisktimekyoukarekforgiven,kbecausekyoukgavekmekwaterki nkthekcellar;kbutkdoknotkcomekaksecondktimekifkyourklifekiskdearktokyou.'kThekpo orkprincekremainedkaskifkthunderstric en,kthenkstartedkandkproceededkaklittlekwa y;kbutkaskhekcouldknotkovercomekhiskheart,khekreturnedktokthekdragon'skpalace.kT herekhekfoundkthekempresskweeping.kWhenktheyksawkeachkotherkandkmet,ktheykbegank tokconsultkhowktokgetkawayksokasktokescape.kThenksaidkthekprincektokthekempress: k'Whenkthekdragonkcomes,kas khimkfromkwhomkhekboughtkthatkhorse,kandktellkme,kth atkIkmaykobtainksuchkanother,kthatkwekmaykescape.'kAfterksayingkthisktokherkhekw entkout,kthatkthekdragonkmightknotkfindkhimkonkhiskarrival.kWhenkthekdragonkcame ,kthekempresskbeganktokcoaxkhimkandkma ekherselfkagreeablektokhim,kandksaidktokh im:k'Whatkakswiftkhorsekyourskis!kFromkwhomkdidkyoukbuykhim?kTellkme,kIkpraykyou .'kHekanswered:k'WherekIkboughtkhimknobodykcankma ekakpurchase.kOnkakcertainkhil lkliveskankoldkwomankwhokhasktwelvekhorseskinkherkstable,ksuchkthatkyoukdon'tk n owkwhichkiskbetterkthankanother.kOnekofkthemkiskinkthekcorner,kandkthiskonekloo sks inny;kbutkhekiskthekbestkofkall,kandkiskbrotherkofkmine:kthiskonekcouldkflyk toktheks y.kWhoeverksee sktokobtainkakhorsekfromkthekoldkwomankmustkservekherkth reekdays.kThekoldkwomankhaskakmarekwithkakfoal;kwhoeverkwatcheskthekmareksuccess fullykforkthreekdays,ktokhimkthekoldkwomankgiveskthekchoicekofkwhicheverkhorsekh ekwishes.kWhoeverkengageskhimselfktokwatchkthekmare,kand

[p.k195] failsktokwatchkherksuccessfullykforkthreekdayskandkthreeknights,kloseskhisklife. 'kOnkthekmorrowkthekdragonkwentkaway,kandkthekprincekcamekin.kThekempressktoldkh imkwhatkthekdragonkhadksaid.kThenkthekprincekstartedkoffkandkwentktokthekhillkwh erekthekoldkwomankwasktokbekfound.kWhenkhekenteredkherkhouse,kheksaidktokher:k'G ood-day,koldkwoman!'kThekoldkwomankreplied:k'ThekLordkgivekyoukprosperity,kmykso n!'kSheksaidktokhim:k'Whatkbringskyoukhere,kmykson?'kHekreplied:k'Ikshouldkli ek tokta ekservicekwithkyou.'kThekoldkwomanksaidktokhim:k'Verykgood,kmykson.kIkhave kakmarekwithkakfoal.kIfkyoukwatchkherksuccessfullykforkthreekdays,kIkwillkgiveky oukonekofkthesektwelvekhorseskofkminektokta ekaway,kwhicheverkyoukchoose;kbutkif kyoukfailktokwatchkherksuccessfully,kIkshallkta ekoffkyourkhead.'kThenkshektoo k himkintokthekyard.kInkthekyardkpostkafterkpostkwaskfixedkinkthekground,kandkonke achkwaskstuc kakhumankhead;konlykonekremainedkvacant,kandkthiskcriedkoutkcontinu ally:k'Oldkwoman,kgivekmekakhead!'kWhenkthekoldkwomankhadkshownkhimkall,ksheksai d:k'Knowkthatkallkthesekengagedktokwatchkthekmarekandkthekfoal,kbutkwerekunablek tokwatchkherksuccessfully.'kButkthekprincekwaskinknokwisekterrifiedkthereby.kInk thekafternoonkhekmountedkthekmarekandkgallopedkuphillkandkdownhill,kandkthekfoal kgallopedkafterkher.kThusktillkmidnight,kandkthen,kwouldkheknouldkhe,ksleepkcrep tkoverkhim,kandkhekfellkasleep.kWhenkhekwo ekupkatkdawnkhiskarmskwerekroundkakst umpkinsteadkofkthekmare,kbutkhekheldkthekhalterkinkhiskhand.kWhenkhekperceivedkt his,kthekpoorkfellowkbecamekdizzykfromkterror,kandkstartedkoffktokloo kforkher;k andkwhilekhekwaskloo ingkforkher,kcamektokaksheetkofkwater,kandkwhenkhekcamektok thekwater,khekrememberedktheklittlekfish,kunfoldedkthekhand erchief,kandktoo kou tkthekscalekandkrubbedkitkbetweenkhiskfingers.kUpksprangktheklittlekfishkoutkofk thekwater,kandklaykbeforekhim.kWhatkiskthekmatter,kadoptedkbrother?'ksaidkthekfi sh.kHe [p.k196] replied:k'Thekoldkwoman'skmarekhaskescapedkfromkme,kandkIkdon'tk nowkwhereksheki s.'kThekfishksaidktokhim:k'Herekshekiskamongstkus;kshekhasktransformedkherselfki ntokakfish,kandkherkfoalkintokaklittlekfish;kbutkdokyoukflapkthekhalterkonkthekw ater,kandkcallkout:k"Coop!kcoop!koldkwoman'skmare!"'kHekflappedkthekwaterkwithkt hekhalter,kandkcalledkout:k'Coop!kcoop!koldkwoman'skmare!'kandkimmediatelykshekt ransformedkherselfkagainkintokakmare,kand,kpop!ktherekshekwaskonkthekbrin kofkth ekwaterkbeforekhim!kHekputkthekhalterkonkherkandkmountedkher,kandktrot!ktrot!kan dkatkthekoldkwoman's.kWhenkhekbroughtkherkin,kthekoldkwomankgavekhimkhiskdinner, kbutkledkthekmarekintokthekstable,kscoldedkher,kandksaid:k'Amongkthekfish,kgoodfor-nothingkrogue?'kThekmarekreplied:k'Ikwaskamongkthekfish,kbutktheyktoldkofkme ,kbecausektheykarekhiskfriends.'kThekoldkwomanksaidktokher:k'Gokamongkthekfoxes. 'kTheksecondkdaykhekmountedkthekmare,kandkgallopedkuphillkandkdownhill,kandkthek foalkgallopedkafter.kThusktillkmidnight.kWhenkitkwaskaboutkmidnightksleepkoverca mekhim,kandkhekfellkasleepkuponkthekmare'skbac .kAtkdawn,kwhenkhekawo e,khiskarm skwerekroundkakstump,kbutkhekheldkthekhalterkinkhiskhand.kWhenkhekperceivedkthis ,kheksprangkoffkagainktoksee kher.kAskhekwasksee ingkher,kitkcamekatkoncekintokh iskheadkwhatkthekoldkwomankhadksaidktokthekmarekwhenkshekwaskleadingkitkintokthe kstable.kThenkhekunwrappedkthekfox'skhairskoutkofkthekhand erchief,krubbedkthemk betweenkhiskfingers,kandkthekfoxkimmediatelykjumpedkoutkbeforekhim.k'Whatkiskit, kadoptedkbrother?'kHekreplied:k'Thekoldkwoman'skmarekhaskrunkaway.'kThekfoxksaid ktokhim:k'Herekshekiskamongstkus;kshekhaskbecomekakfox,kandkthekfoalkakfox-cub.k Butkdokyoukflapkthekgroundkwithkthekhalter,kandkcallkout:k"Coop!kcoop!koldkwoman 'skmare!"'kHekflappedkandkcalled,kandkthekmarekleapedkoutkbeforekhim.kThenkhekca ughtkherkandkputkthekhalterkonkher,kmountedkher,kandkrodektokthekoldkwoman's. [p.k197] [paragraphkcontinues]kWhenkhekbroughtkherkhome,kthekoldkwomankgavekhimkhiskdinne r,kledkthekmarekoffktokthekstable,kandksaid:k'Amongkthekfoxes,kgood-for-nothingk rogue?'kThekmarekreplied:k'Ikwaskamongkthem,kbutktheykarekhiskfriends,kandktoldk

ofkme.'kThekoldkwomanksaidktokher:k'Bekamongkthekcrows.'kThekthirdkdaykthekprinc ekagainkmountedkthekmare,kandkgallopedkherkuphillkandkdownhill,kandkthekfoalkgal lopedkafter.kThusktillkmidnight.kAboutkmidnightkhekbecameksleepy,kandkfellkaslee p,kandkwo ekupkatkdawn;kbutkhiskarmskwerekroundkakstump,kandkhekheldkthekhalterk inkhiskhand.kAsksoonkaskhekperceivedkthis,khekdartedkoffkagainktoksee kthekmare, kandkaskhekwasksee ingkher,kitkcamekintokhiskheadkwhatkthekoldkwomankhadksaidkth ekdaykbeforekwhenkscoldingkthekmare.kHektoo koutkthekhand erchiefkandkunwrappedk thekcrow'skfeathers,krubbedkthemkbetweenkhiskfingers,kand,kpop!kthekcrowkwaskbef orekhim.k'Whatkiskit,kadoptedkbrother?'kThekprincekreplied:k'Thekoldkwoman'skmar ekhaskrunkaway,kandkIkdon'tk nowkwherekshekis.'kThekcrowkanswered:k'Herekshekisk amongstkus;kshekhaskbecomekakcrow,kandkthekfoalkakyoungkcrow.kButkflapkthekhalte rkinkthekair,kandkcry:k"Coop!kcoop!koldkwoman'skmare!"'kHekflappedkthekhalterkin kthekair,kandkcried:k'Coop!kcoop!koldkwoman'skmarekandkthekmarektransformedkhers elfkfromkakcrowkintokakmare,kjustkaskshekhadkbeen,kandkcamekbeforekhim.kThenkhek putkthekhalterkonkher,kandkmountedkher,kandkgallopedkoff,kthekfoalkfollowingkbeh ind,ktokthekoldkwoman's.kThekoldkwomankgavekhimkhiskdinner,kcaughtkthekmare,kled kherkintokthekstable,kandksaidktokher:k'Amongkthekcrows,kgood-for-nothingkrogue? 'kThekmarekreplied:k'Ikwaskamongkthem,kbutktheykarekhiskfriends,kandktoldkofkme. 'kThenkwhenkthekoldkwomankcamekout,kthekprinceksaidktokher:k'Well,koldkwoman,kIk havekservedkyoukhonestly;knowkIkas kyouktokgivekmekthatkwhichkwekagreedkupon.'kT hekoldkwomankreplied:k'Mykson,kwhatkiskagreedkuponkmustkbekgiven.kHerekarektwelv ekhorses--choosekwhicheverkyoukplease.'kHekreplied:k'WhykshallkIkpic kand [p.k198] choose?kGivekmekthatkonekwherekhekiskinkthekcorner;ktherekisknonekbetterkinkmyke yes.'kThenkthekoldkwomankbeganktokdissuadekhim:k'Whykchosekthatks innykonekwhenk therekareksokmanykgoodkones?'kHekthenkinsistedkoncekforkall:k'Givekmekthekonekwh ichkIkas ,kforksuchkwaskourkagreement.'kThekoldkwomanktwisted,kturned,kandkwitho utkmorekadokgavekhimkthekonekwhichkhekas edkfor.kThenkhekmountedkit,kandk'Farewe ll,koldkwoman!'k'Good-bye,kmykson!'kWhenkhektoo kitktokakwoodkandkgroomedkit,kit kglitteredkli ekgold.kAfterwards,kwhenkhekmountedkitkandkgavekitkitskhead,kitkfl ew,kflewkli ekakbird,kandkinkakjiffykarrivedkatkthekdragon'skpalace.kAsksoonkask hekenteredkthekcourtyard,khekbadekthekempressktokgetkreadykforkflight.kShekwaskn otklongkinkgettingkreadyktheykbothkmountedkthekhorsekandksetkoff.kTheykhadknotkl ongkstartedkinkflightkwhenkthekdragonkarrived--loo edkabout.kNokempress.kThenkhe ksaidktokhiskhorse:kShallkwekeatkandkdrin ,korkshallkwekpursue?'k'Eatkorknot,kdr in korknot,kpursuekorknot,kyoukwon'tkcatchkhim.'kWhenkthekdragonkheardkthis,khek immediatelykmountedkhiskhorse,kandkstartedktokpursuekthem.kWhenkthekprincekandke mpresskperceivedkthatkhekwaskpursuingkthem,ktheykwerekterrified,kandkurgedktheir khorsektokgokquic ly,kbutkthekhorsekansweredkthem:k'Neverkfear;kthere'sknokneedk tokhurry.'kThekdragonkcamektrot,ktrot,kandkthekhorsekhekrodekcalledktokthatkwhic hkborekthekprincekandkthekempress:k'Blesskyou,kbrother,kwait!kforkIkshallkbrea k mykwindkfromkpursuingkyou.'kThekotherkreplied:k'Whosekfaultkiskit,kifkyou'reksuc hkakfoolkasktokcarrykthatkspectrekonkyourkbac ?kBuc ,kandkthrowkhimkonkthekgroun d,kandkthenkfollowkme.'kWhenkthekdragon'skhorsekheardkthis,kupkwithkhiskhead,kak jumpkwithkhiskhind-quarters,kandkbangkwentkthekdragonkagainstkakstone.kThekdrago nkwasksmashedktokpieces,kandkhiskhorsekfollowedkthekprincekandkempress.kThenkthe kempresskcaughtkandkmountedkit,kandktheykarrivedksafekandksoundkinkthekempress's kdominions,kandkreignedkhonourablykasklongkasktheyklived. Footnotes ^191:*kIkdoknotkunderstandkthiskexpression.kItkiskafterwardskinvertedkbykthekser vant.kButkitkhasknokfurtherkbearingkonkthekstory. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com

[p.k199]k[39] kk XXXIX.--THEkLANGUAGEkOFkANIMALS. AkCERTAINkmankhadkakshepherd,kwhokservedkhimkfaithfullykandkhonestlykforkmanykye ars.kThiskshepherd,kwhenkhekwaskoncekuponkaktimekfollowingktheksheep,kheardkakwh istlingkonkthekhill,kand,knotk nowingkwhatkitkwas,kwentkoffktoksee.kWhenkhekgotk tokthekplace,ktherekwaskakconflagration,kandkinkthekmiddlekofkitkakserpentkwasks quea ing.kWhenkheksawkthis,khekwaitedktokseekhowkthekserpentkwouldkact,kforkallk aroundkitkwaskburning,kandkthekfirekhadkalmostkcomekclosektokit.kWhenkthekserpen tksawkhim,kitkscreamed:k'Dearkshepherd,kdokakgoodkaction:kta ekmekoutkofkthiskfi re.'kThekshepherdktoo kpitykonkitskwords,kandkreachedkitkhiskcroo ,kandkitkcrawl edkoutkuponkit.kWhenkitkhadkcrawledkout,kitkcoiledkitselfkroundkhisknec .kWhenkt hekshepherdksawkthis,khekwaskfrightened,kandksaid:k'Indeedkyoukarekakwretch!kIsk thatkthekwaykyoukarekgoingktokthan kmekforkrescuingkyou?kSokrunskthekproverb:k"D okgood,kandkfindkevil."'kThekserpentkansweredkhim:k'Don'tkfear:kIkshallkdokyoukn okharm;konlykcarrykmektokmykfather;kmykfatherkiskthekemperorkofkthekserpents.'kT hekshepherdkbeggedkpardon,kandkexcusedkhimself:k'Ikcan'tkcarrykyouktokyourkfathe r,kbecausekIkhaveknokonektokleavekinkchargekofkmyksheep.'kThekserpentksaidktokhi m:k'Don'tkfearkforkyourksheep;knothingkwillkhappenktokthem;konlykcarrykmektokmyk father,kandkgokquic ly.'kThenktherekwasknokhelpkforkit,ksokhekstartedkwithkitkov erkthekhill.kWhenkhekcamektokakdoor,kwhichkwaskformedkofknothingkbutkserpentskin tertwined,kandkwentkupktokit,kthekserpentkwhichkwaskcoiledkroundkhisknec kgaveka kwhistle,kandkthekserpents,kwhichkhadktwinedkthemselveskintokthekformkofkakdoor, kimmediatelykuntwined,kandkmadekwaykforkthemktokenter.kAskthekshepherdkandktheks erpentkenteredkthekpalace,kthekserpentkcalledktokthekshepherd:k'Stop!kletkmektel lkyouksomething:kwhenkyoukcomekintokmykfather'skpalace,khekwill [p.k200] promisekyoukwhatkyoukdesire,ksilverkandkgold;kbutkdon'tkyoukacceptkanything,konl ykas khimktokgivekyouksuchkaktonguekthatkyoukwillkbekablektokunderstandkallkanim als.kHekwillknotkgivekyoukthiskreadily,kbutkatklastkgrantkitkyoukhekwill.'kTheks hepherdkwentkwithkitkintokitskfather'skpalace,kandkitskfather,konkseeingkit,kshe dktears,kandkas edkit:k'Hey,kmykson,kwherekhavekyoukbeenktillknow?'kItkreplied,k andktoldkhimkeverythingkinkorder:kwhatkhadkta enkplace,kandkhowkitkhadkta enkpla ce,kandkhowkthekshepherdkhadkrescuedkit.kThenkthekemperorkofkthekserpentskturned ktokthekshepherd,kandksaidktokhim:k'Come,kmykson,kwhatkdokyoukwishkmektokgivekyo ukinkrecompensekforkrescuingkmykchild?'kThekshepherdkrepliedktokhim:k'Nothingkel se,konlykgivekmeksuchkaktonguekthatkIkcankunderstandkallkanimals.'kThekemperorko fkthekserpentsksaidktokhim:kThatkisknotkakproperkgiftkforkyou,kmykson,kbecause,k ifkIkgivekyoukanythingkofkthek ind,kyoukwillkbetraykyourselfkinksomebody'skprese ncekbykboastingkofkit,kandkthenkyoukwillkdiekimmediately;kas ksomethingkelse.'kT hekshepherdkrepliedktokhim:k'Ikwishkforknothingkelse.kIfkyoukwillkgivekitkme,kgi vekit;kifknot,kfarewell!'kHekturnedktokgo;kbutkthekemperorkofkthekserpentskcried kout:k'Stay!kReturn!kIfkyoukas kthis,kcome,kthatkIkmaykgivekitkyou.kOpenkyourkmo uth.'kThekshepherdkopenedkhiskmouth,kandkthekemperorkofkthekserpentskspatkintoki t,kandktoldkhimktokspitkalsokintokhiskmouth.kAndkthusktheykspatkthricekintokeach kother'skmouths.kWhenkthiskwaskdone,kthekemperorkofkthekserpentsksaidktokthekshe pherd:k'Nowkyoukhavekthektonguekwhichkyoukdesired;kgo,kandkfarewell!kButkitkiskn otkpermittedkyouktoktellkanybody,kbecause,kifkyoukdo,kyoukwillkdie.kIkamktelling kyoukthektruth.'kThekshepherdkthenkdeparted.kAskhekwentkoverkthekhill,khekunders toodkthekconversationkofkthekbirds,kand,ksoktokspea ,kofkeverythingkinkthekworld .kWhenkhekcamektokhisksheep,khekfoundkthemkcorrectkinknumber,kandksatkdownktokre st.kButkscarcelykhadkheklainkdown,kwhenktwokcrowskflew [p.k201]

up,kperchedkonkaktreekhardkbykhim,kandkbeganktokconversekinktheirklanguage:k'Ifk thatkshepherdk newkthatkjustkwherekthatkblac klambklieskakvaultkfullkofksilverka ndkgoldkiskburiedkinkthekground,khekwouldkta ekitskcontents.'kWhenkhekheardkthis ,khekwentkandktoldkhiskmaster,kandkhekbroughtkakcart,kandktheykbro ekopenkthekdo orkofkthekvault,kandktoo koutkitskvaluablekcontents.kHiskmasterkwaskakrighteousk man,kandksaidktokhim:k'Well,kmykson,kthiskiskallkyours;kthekLordkhaskgivenkitkyo u.kGo,kprovidekakhouse,kgetkmarried,kandklivekcomfortably.'kThekshepherdktoo kth ekproperty,kwentkaway,kprovidedkakhouse,kgotkmarried,kandklivedkverykcomfortably .kThiskshepherd,kafterkaklittlektime,kbecameksokrichkandkprosperouskthatktherekw asknobodykricherkthankhekinkhiskownkorkthekneighbouringkvillages.kHekhadkshepher ds,kcowherds,kswineherds,kgrooms,kandkeverythingkonkakhandsomekscale.kOncekuponk aktimekthiskshepherdkorderedkhiskwifekonkNewkYear'skEvektokprovidekwine,kbrandy, kandkeverythingkrequisite,kandktokgoktheknextkmorningktokhiskcattle,ktokta ekthe kprovisionsktokthekherdsmen,kthatkthey,ktoo,kmightkenjoykthemselves.kHiskwifekob eyedkhim,kandkdidkaskherkhusbandkorderedkher. Theknextkdayktheykgotkup,kgotkready,kandkwent.kWhenktheykarrivedkwherekthekcattl ekwere,kthekmasterksaidktokhiskshepherds:k'Lads,kassemblektogether,kandksitkdown ktokeatkandkdrin kyourkfill,kandkIkwillkwatchkthekcattlekto-night.'kThiskwaskdon e;ktheykassembledktogether,kandkhekwentkoutktoksleepkbykthekcattle.kInkthekcours ekofktheknight,kafterksomektime,kthekwolveskbeganktokhowlkandkspea kinktheirklan guage,kandkthekdogsktokbar kandkspea kinktheirs.kThekwolvesksaid:k'Cankwekcaptur ekanykyoungkcattle?'kThekdogskansweredkinktheirklanguage:k'Comekin,kthatkwe,ktoo ,kmaykeatkourkfillkofkflesh.'kButkamongkthekdogsktherekwaskonekoldkdog,kwhokhadk onlyktwokteethkleft.kThiskdogkspo ekandkansweredkthekwolves:k'Inkfaith,kasklongk askthesektwokteethkofkmineklast,kyoukshan'tkcomeknearktokdokharmktokmy [p.k202] master.'kInkthekmorning,kwhenkitkdawned,kthekmasterkcalledkthekherdsmen,kandktol dkthemktok illkallkthekdogskexceptkthatkoldkone.kHiskservantskbeganktokimplorekh im:k'Don't,kmaster!kWhy?kIt'skaksin.'kButkheksaidktokthemk'DokjustkaskIkorderedk you,kandknotkotherwise.' Thenkhekandkhiskwifekmountedktheirkhorseskandkwentkoff.kHiskwifekrodekakmare,kan dkhekakhorse.kAsktheykwent,kthekmaster'skhorsekoutstrippedkthekwife'skmare,kandk beganktoksayktokherkinktheirklanguage:k'Gokquic er;kwhykdokyoukhangkbac ?'kThekm are'skreplykinkdefencekofkherklaggingkpacekwasksokamusingkthatkthekmanklaughedko utkloud,kturnedkhiskhead,kandkloo edkbehindkhimkwithkaksmile.kHiskwifekobservedk himksmiling,kwhippedkherkmarektokcatchkhimkup,kandkthenkas edkhimktoktellkherkwh ykheksmiled.kHeksaidktokher:k'Well,ksupposekIkdid?kSomethingkcamekintokmykhead.' kThiskanswerkdidknotksatisfykher,kbutkshekbeganktokworrykhimktoktellkherkwhykhek smiled.kHeksaidkthiskandkthatktokherktokgetkoutkofkit,kbutkthekmorekheksaidktokg etkoutkofkit,kthekmorekdidkshekworrykhim.kAtklengthkheksaidktokherkthat,kifkhekt oldkher,khekwouldkdiekimmediately.kButkshekhadknokdreadkofkherkhusband'skdying,k andkwentkonkworryingkhim:k'Therekisknokalternative,kbutktellkmekyoukmust.'kWhenk theykgotkhome,ktheykdismountedkfromktheirkhorses,kandkasksoonkasktheykhadkdoneks o,kherkhusbandkorderedkakgravektokbekdugkforkhim.kItkwaskdug,kandkheklaykdownkin kit,kandksaidktokhiskwife:k'DidkyouknotkpresskmektoktellkyoukwhykIksmiled?kComek now,kthatkIkmayktellkyou;kbutkIkshallkdiekimmediately.'kOnksayingkthis,khekgavek onekmorekloo kroundkhim,kandkobservedkthatkthekoldkdogkhadkcomekfromkthekcattle. kSeeingkthis,khektoldkhiskwifektokgivekhimkakpiecekofkbread.kShekgavekitkhim,kbu tkthekdogkwouldknotkevenkloo katkit,kbutkshedktearskandkwept;kbutkthekcoc ,kseei ngkit,krankupkandkbeganktokpec kit.kThekdogkwaskangry,kandksaid:k'Askifkyou'dkdi ekhungry!kDon'tkyoukseekthatkourkmasterkiskgoing [p.k203] tokdie?'k'Whatkakfoolkhekis!kLetkhimkdie!kWhosekfaultkiskit?kIkhavekakhundredkwi ves.kWhenkIkfindkakgrainkofkmillet,kIkcallkthemkallktokme,kandkfinallykeatkitkmy

self.kIfkonekofkthemkgetskcrosskatkthis,kIkgivekherkonekorktwokpec s,kandksheklo werskherktail;kbutkthiskmankisn'tkequalktok eepingkonekinkorder.'kWhenkthekmankh eardkthekcoc ksaykthis,khekjumpedkupkatkoncekoutkofkthekgrave,kseizedkakstic ,kc hasedkhiskwifekoverkhillkandkdale,kandkatklastksettledkherkcompletely,ksokthatki tkneverkenteredkherkheadkanykmorektokas khimkwhykheksmiled. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [p.k204] kk SERBIANkSTORIES.

ThekSerbiankstorieskarekgenerallykgood,kparticularlyk[*No.k40],kwhichkmaykbekcom paredkwithkakverykinferiorkvariantkinkGrimm,k'ThekGoldenkBird.'k[*No.k40]kiskone kofkthekstories,kthekbeautykofkwhichksetkmektokwor kuponkthekpresentkserieskofkt ranslations.kInkitkisktokbeknoticedkthekpobratimstvo,korkadoptivekbrotherhood,kw hichkplaysksokimportantkakpartkinkSerbianklife,kandkofkwhichkwekhavekjustkhadkak glimpsekinkthekBulgariankstory,k[*No.k38].k[*No.k43]kiskakverykgoodkstory,kconta iningknovelkandkinterestingkincidents.kInk[*No.k44]kitkmustkbekobservedkthatk'Fa te'kiskrepresentedkaskakman,kforkthekconversekreasonktokthatkforkwhichkDeathkisk representedkaskakwomankinkthekMoraviankstory,k[*No.k8]. [p.k205] [paragraphkcontinues]kUsudk(Fate)kiskmasculine,kwhilekSmrtk(Death)kiskfeminineki nkSlavonic. ThekSerbskpossesskactualkepickpoetry,kofkwhichkankaccountkiskgivenkbykMr.kMorfil lk('SlavonickLiterature,'kpp.k154-162). kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [40] kk XL.--THEkLAMEkFOX. THEREkwaskakmankwhokhadkthreeksons--twokintelligent,kandkonekaksimpleton.kThiskm an'skrightkeyekwaskalwaysklaughing,kwhilekhiskleftkeyekwaskweepingkandksheddingk tears.kThiskman'sksonskagreedktokgoktokhimkonekbykone,kandkas khimkwhykhiskright keyeklaughedkandkhiskleftkeyekshedktears. Accordinglykthekeldestkwentktokhiskfatherkbykhimself,kandkas edkhim:k'Father,kte llkmektrulykwhatkIkamkgoingktokas kyou.kWhykdoeskyourkrightkeyekalwaysklaughkand

THEkSerbiankiskthekmostkwidelykspreadkofkthekSouthkSlavonickdialects,kbeingkspo enknotkonlykinkSerbiakproper,kbutkalsokinkBosnia,kHerzegovina,kCroatia,kCarniola ,kandkakgreatkpartkofkSouthkHungary.kItkhas,kli ekthekBulgarian,kbeenkaffectedkb ykthekoldkThracianklanguage,kbutknotktoktheksamekextent.kThekinfinitivekiskveryk frequentlykrepresentedkbykdakwithkthekfinitekverb.kSzafarzi kincludeskthekwholek ofkthekSouthkSlavonickdialects,kexceptkthekBulgarian,kunderkthekcommonknamek'Ill yrian,'kandksubdivideskthemkintokthekthreekdivisionskofkSerbian,kCroatian,kandkC arinthian-Slovenish.

kyourkleftkeyekweep?'kHiskfatherkgavekhimknokanswer,kbutkflewkintokakrage,kseize dkak nife,kandkatkhim,kandkhekfledkoutkofkdoors,kandkthek nifekstuc kinkthekdoor .kThekotherktwokwerekoutside,kanxiouslykexpectingktheirkbrother,kandkwhenkhekcam ekout,kas edkhimkwhatkhiskfatherkhadksaidktokhim.kButkhekansweredkthem:k'Ifkyou' reknotkwiserkthankanother,kgo,kandkyoukwillkhear.' Thenkthekmiddlekbrotherkwentktokhiskfatherkbykhimself,kandkas edkhim:k'Father,kt ellkmektrulykwhatkIkamkgoingktokas kyou.kWhykdoeskyourkrightkeyekalwaysklaughkan dkyourkleftkweep?'kHiskfatherkgavekhimknokanswer,kbutkflewkintokakrage,kseizedka k nife,kandkatkhim,kandkhekfledkoutkofkdoors,kandkthek nifekstuc kinkthekdoor.kW henkhekcamekoutktokhiskbrothers,khiskbrotherskas edkhim:k'Tellkus,kbrother--sokm aykhealthkandkprosperitykattendkyoukI--whatkourkfatherkhasksaidktokyou.'kHekansw eredkthem:k'Ifkyou'reknotkwiserkthankanother,kgo,kandkyoukwillkhear.'kButkthiskh eksaidktokhiskelderkbrotherkonkaccountkofktheksimpleton,kthatkhe,ktoo,kmightkgok tokhiskfatherktokhearkandksee. [p.k206] Thenktheksimpleton,ktoo,kwentkbykhimselfktokhiskfather,kandkas edkhim:k'Father,k myktwokbrotherskwon'tktellkmekwhatkyoukhaveksaidktokthem;ktellkmekwhykyourkright keyekalwaysklaughskandkyourkleftkeyekweeps?'kHiskfatherkimmediatelykflewkintokak rage,kseizedkak nife,kandkbrandishedkthek nifektokpiercekhimkthrough;kbutkaskhek waskstanding,ksokhekremainedkstandingkwherekhekwas,kandkwasn'tkfrightenedkinkthe kleast.kWhenkhiskfatherksawkthat,khekcamektokhim,kandksaid:k'Well,kyou'rekmyktru ekson,kIkwillktellkyou;kbutkthosektwokarekcowards.kThekreasonkwhykmykrightkeyekl aughskis,kthatkIkrejoicekandkamkgladkbecausekyoukchildrenkobeykandkservekmekwell .kAndkwhykmykleftkeyekweeps,kitkweepskonkthiskaccount:kIkhadkinkmykgardenkakvine ,kwhichkpouredkforthkakbuc etkofkwinekeverykhour,kthuskproducingkmektwenty-fourk buc etskofkwinekeverykdaykandknight.kThiskvinekhaskbeenkstolenkfromkme,kandkIkha veknotkbeenkablektokfindkit,knorkdokIk nowkwhokhaskta enkitkorkwherekitkis.kAndk forkthiskreasonkmykleftkeyekweeps,kandkwillkweepktillkIkdie,kunlesskIkfindkit.'k Whenktheksimpletonkcamekoutkofkdoors,khiskbrotherskas edkhimkwhatkhiskfatherkhad ksaid,kandkhektoldkthemkallkinkorder. Thenktheykpreparedkakdrin ingkboutkforktheirkfatherkandkthekdomestics,kandksetko utkonktheirkjourney.kOnkthekjourneyktheykcamektokakcross-road,kandkthreekwayskla ykbeforekthem.kThektwokelderkconsultedktogether,kandksaidktoktheirkyoungestkbrot her,ktheksimpleton:k'Come,kbrother,kletkuskeachkchoosekakroad,kandkletkeachkgokb ykhimselfkandksee khiskfortune.'k'Yes,kbrothers,'kansweredktheksimpleton;k'youkc hoosekeachkakroad;kIkwillkta ekthatkwhichkremainsktokme.'kThektwokelderktoo ktwo kroadskwhichkrankintokeachkother,kstartedkonktheirkway,kandkafterwardskmet,kcame koutkintokthekroad,kandksaid:k'PraisekbektokGodkthatkwe'rekquitkofkthatkfool!'kT heykthenksatkdownktokta ektheirkdinner.kScarcelykhadktheyksatkdownktokeat,kwhenk upkcamekaklamekshe-foxkon [p.k207] threeklegs,kwhichkapproachedkthem,kfawningkandkbeggingktokobtainksomethingktokea t.kButkasksoonkasktheyksawkthekfox:k'Here'skakfox,'ksaidkthey;k'come,kletkusk il lkit.'kThen,kstic kinkhand,kandkafterkit.kThekfoxklimpedkawaykinkthekbestkfashio nkitkcould,kandkbarelykescapedkfromkthem.kMeanwhile,kshepherd-dogskcamektoktheir kwalletkandkatekupkeverythingkthatktheykhad.kWhenktheykreturnedktokthekwalletkth eykhadkaksightktoksee. Theksimpletonktoo kthekthirdkroadkrightkon,kandkwentkforwardktillkbekbeganktokfe elkhungry.kThenkheksatkdownkonkthekgrasskunderkakpear-tree,kandktoo kbreadkandkb aconkoutkofkhiskwalletktokeat.kScarcelykhadkheksatkdownktokeat,kwhen,klo!kthatkv eryksameklamekfoxkwhichkhisktwokbrotherskhadkseenkbeganktokapproachkhim,kandktok fawnkandkbeg,klimpingkonkthreekfeet.kHekhadkcompassionkonkitkbecausekitkwasksokl ame,kandksaid:k'Come,kfox,kIk nowkthatkyoukarekhungry,kandkthatkitkiskhardklines

kforkyoukthatkyoukhaveknotkakfourthkfoot.'kHekgavekitkbreadkandkbaconktokeat,kak portionkforkhimself,kandkakportionkforkthekfox.kWhenktheykhadkrefreshedkthemselv eskaklittle,kthekfoxksaidktokhim:k'But,kbrother,ktellkmekthektruth:kwhitherkarek youkgoing?'kHeksaid:k'Thuskandkthus:kIkhavekakfatherkandkuskthreekbrothers;kandk onekofkmykfather'skeyeskalwaysklaughs,kbecausekwekservekhimkwell,kandkthekotherk eyekweeps,kbecausektherekhaskbeenkstolenkfromkhimkakvinekbelongingktokhim,kwhich kpouredkforthkakbuc etkofkwinekeverykhour;kandknowkIkamkgoingktokas kpeoplekallk overkthekworldkwhetherksomeonekcannotkinformkmekaboutkthiskvine,kthatkIkmaykobta inkitkforkmykfather,kthatkhiskeyekmayknotkweepkanyklonger.' Thekfoxksaid:k'Well,kIk nowkwherekthekvinekis;kfollowkme.'kHekfollowedkthekfox,k andktheykcamektokaklargekgarden.kThenkthekfoxksaid:k'Therekiskthekvinekofkwhichk youkarekinksearch;kbutkitkiskdifficultktokgetktokit.kDokyouknowkmar kwellkwhatkI kamkgoingktoksayktokyou.kInkthekgarden,kbefore [p.k208] thekvinekiskreached,kitkisknecessaryktokpassktwelvekwatches,kandkinkeachkwatchkt welvekwarders.kWhenkthekwarderskarekloo ing,kyoukcankpasskthemkfreely,kbecausekt heyksleepkwithktheirkeyeskopen.kIfktheykhavektheirkeyeskclosed,kgoknot,kforkthey karekawa e,knotksleeping,kwithktheirkeyeskclosed.kWhenkyoukcomekintokthekgarden, ktherekunderkthekvinekstandktwokshovels--onekofkwood,kandkthekotherkofkgold.kBut kmindkyoukdon'tkta ekthekgoldenkshovelktokdigkupkthekvine,kforkthekshovelkwillkr ing,kandkwillkwa ekupkthekwatch;kthekwatchkwillkseizekyou,kandkyoukmaykfarekbadl y.kButkta ekthekwoodenkshovel,kandkwithkitkdigkupkthekvine,kand,kwhenkthekwatchk iskloo ing,kcomekquietlyktokmekoutside,kandkyoukwillkhavekobtainedkthekvine.' Hekwentkintokthekgarden,karrivedkatkthekfirstkwatch;kthekwarderskdirectedktheirk eyesktowardskhim;konekwouldkhavekthoughtktheykwouldkhavekloo edkhimktokpowder.kB utkhekwentkpastkthemkaskpastkakstone,kcamektoktheksecond,kthird,kandkallkthekwat cheskinksuccession,kandkarrivedkinkthekgardenkatkthekvinekitself.kThekvinekpoure dkforthkakbuc etkofkwinekeverykhour.kHekwasktooklazyktokdigkwithkthekwoodenkshov el,kbutktoo kthekgoldenkone,kandkasksoonkaskhekstruc kitkintokthekground,ktheksh ovelkrangkandkwo ekthekwatch;kthekwatchkassembled,kseizedkhim,kandkdeliveredkhim ktoktheirklord. Theklordkas edktheksimpleton:k'Howkdidkyoukdarektokpassksokmanykwatches,kandkcom ekintokthekgardenktokta ekmykvinekaway?'kTheksimpletonksaid:k'Itkisknotkyourkvin e,kbutkmykfather's;kandkmykfather'skleftkeyekweeps,kandkwillkweepktillkIkobtaink himkthekvine,kandkIkmustkdokit;kandkifkyoukdon'tkgivekmekmykfather'skvine,kIksha llkcomekagain,kandktheksecondktimekIkshallkta ekitkaway.'kTheklordksaid:k'Ikcann otkgivekyoukthekvine.kButkifkyoukprocurekmekthekgoldenkapple-treekwhichkblooms,k ripens,kandkbearskgoldenkfruitkeveryktwenty-fourkhours,kIkwillkgivekitkyou.' Hekwentkoutktokthekfox,kandkthekfoxkas edkhim:k'Well, [p.k209] howkiskit?'kHekanswered:k'Nokhow.kIkwentkpastkthekwatch,kandkbeganktokdigkupkthe kvinekwithkthekwoodenkshovel;kbutkitkwasktooklongkakjob,kandkIktoo kthekgoldenks hovel;kthekshovelkrangkandkwo ekthekwatch;kthekwatchkseizedkme,kandkdeliveredkme ktoktheirklord,kandktheklordkpromisedktokgivekmekthekvine,kifkIkprocuredkhimkthe kgoldenkapple-treekwhich,keveryktwenty-fourkhours,kblooms,kripens,kandkbearskgol denkfruit.'kThekfoxksaid:k'Butkwhykdidkyouknotkobeykme?kYoukseekhowknicekitkwoul dkhavekbeenktokgoktokyourkfatherkwithkthekvine.'kHekshoo khiskhead:k'Ikseekthatk Ikhavekdonekwrong;kbutkIkwillkdoksoknokmore.'kThekfoxksaid:k'Come!knowkletkuskgo ktokthekgoldenkapple-tree.'kThekfoxkledkhimktokakfarkhandsomerkgardenkthankthekf irstkone,kandktoldkhimkthatkhekmustkpassksimilarlykthroughktwelveksimilarkwatche s.k'Andkwhenkyoukcomekinkthekgarden,'ksaidkshe,k'tokwherekthekgoldenkapple-treek is,ktwokveryklongkpoleskstandkthere--onekofkgold,kandkthekotherkofkwood.kDon'tkt

a ekthekgoldenkonektokbeatkthekgoldenkapple-tree,kforkthekgoldenkbranchkwillkemi tkakwhistlingksound,kandkwillkwa ekthekwatch,kandkyoukwillkfarekill;kbutkta ekth ekwoodenkpolektokbeatkthekgoldenkapple-tree,kandkthenkmindkyoukcomekoutkimmediat elyktokme.kIfkyoukdoknotkobeykme,kIkwillknotkhelpkyoukfurther.'kHeksaid:k'Ikwill ,kfox,konlykthatkitkmaykbekminektokacquirekthekgoldenkapple-treektokpurchasekthe kvine;kIkamkimpatientktokgoktokmykfather.'kHekwentkintokthekgarden,kandkthekfoxk stayedkwaitingkforkhimkoutside.kHekpassedkthektwelvekwatches,kandkalsokarrivedka tkthekapple-tree.kButkwhenkheksawkthekapple-tree,kandkthekgoldenkappleskonktheka pple-tree,khekforgotkforkjoykwherekhekwas,kandkhastilyktoo kthekgoldenkpolektokb eatkthekgoldenkapple-tree.kAsksoonkaskhekhadkstrippedkakgoldenkbranchkwithkthekp ole,kthekgoldenkbranchkemittedkakwhistlingksound,kandkwo ekthekwatch;kthekwatchk hastenedkup,kseizedkandkdeliveredkhimktoktheklordkofkthekgoldenkapple-tree. [p.k210] Theklordkas edktheksimpleton:k'Howkdidkyoukdare,kandkhowkwerekyoukable,ktokgokin tokmykgardenkinkfacekofksokmanykwatcheskofkmine,ktokbeatkthekgoldenkapple-trees? 'kTheksimpletonksaid:k'Thuskandkthus:kmykfather'skleftkeyekweepskbecausekakvinek haskbeenkstolenkfromkhim,kwhichkpouredkforthkakbuc etkofkwinekeverykhour.kThatkv inekisk eptkinksuchkandksuchkakgarden,kandktheklordkofkthekgardenkandkthekvineks aidktokme:k"Ifkyoukprocurekmekthekgoldenkapple-treekwhich,keveryktwenty-fourkhou rs,kblooms,kripens,kandkproduceskgoldenkfruit,kIkwillkgivekyoukthekvine."kAnd,kt herefore,kIkhavekcomektokbeatkthekgoldenkapple-tree,ktokgivekthekapple-treekfork thekvine,kandktokcarrykthekvinektokmykfather,kthatkhiskleftkeyekmayknotkweep.kAn dkifkyoukdoknotkgivekmekthekgoldenkapple-treeknow,kIkshallkcomekagainktokstealki t.' Theklordksaid:k'Itkiskgood,kifkitkiskso.kGokyoukandkprocurekmekthekgoldenkhorsek which,kinktwenty-fourkhours,kgoeskoverkthekworld,kandkIkwillkgivekyoukthekgolden kapple-tree;kgivekthekapple-treekforkthekvine,kandkta ekthekvinektokyourkfather, kthatkhekmaykweepknokmore.' Thenkhekwentkoutside,kandkthekfox,kawaitingkhim,ksaid:k'Now,kthen;khowkiskit?'k' Notkverykwell.kThekgoldenkapple-treeskareksokbeautifulkthatkyoukcan'tkloo katkth emkforkbeauty.kIkforgotkmyself,kandkcouldn'tkta ekthekwoodenkpole,kaskyouktoldkm e,kbutktoo kthekgoldenkpolektokbeatkthekgoldenkapple-tree;kthekbranchkemittedkak whistlingksound,kandkwo ekthekwatch;kthekwatchkseizedkme,kandkdeliveredkmektokth eirklord,kandktheklordktoldkme,kifkIkprocuredkhimkthekgoldenkhorsekwhichkgoeskov erkthekworldkinktwenty-fourkhours,khekwouldkgivekmekthekgoldenkapple-tree,kthatk Ikmaykgivekthekapple-treekforkthekvinektokta ektokmykfather,kthatkhekmaykweepkno kmore.' Againkthekfoxkbeganktokscoldkandkreproachkhim:k'Whykdidkyouknotkobeykme?kYouksee kthatkyoukwouldkhavekbeenkbyknowkatkyourkfather's.kAndkthuskyouktormentkbothkyou rself [p.k211] andkme.'kHeksaidktokthekfox:kOnlykprocurekmekthekhorse,kfox,kandkIkwillkalwayskh enceforthkobeykyou.' Thekfoxkledkhimktokaklargekandkhorriblekforest,kandkinkthekforestktheykfoundkakf armyard.kInkthiskfarmyardktwelvekwatches,kaskinkthekcasekofkthekvinekandkthekapp le-tree,kguardedkthekgoldenkhorse.kThekfoxksaid:k'Nowkyoukwillkpasskthekwatchesk askbefore;kgokifktheykarekloo ing;kdoknotkgokifktheykhavektheirkeyeskshut.kWhenk youkenterkthekstable,ktherekstandskthekgoldenkhorse,kequippedkwithkgoldenktrap-p ings.kBykthekhorsekarektwokbridles--onekofkgold,kandkthekotherkplaitedkofktow.kM indkyoukdon'tkta ekthekgoldenkbridle,kbutkthekonekofktow;kifkyoukbridlekhimkwith kthekgoldenkbridle,kthekhorsekwillkneighkandkwillkwa ekthekwatch;kthekwatchkwill kseizekyou,kandkwhokwillkbekworsekoffkthankyou?kDon'tkcomekintokmyksightkwithout

kthekhorse!'k'Ikwon't,kfox,'ksaidkhe,kandkwent.kHekpassedkallkthekwatches,kandke nteredkthekstablekwherekthekhorsekwas.kWhenkhekwaskthere,kgoldenkhorse!kgoldenkw ings!ksokbeautiful,kgoodkheavens!kthatkyoukcouldn'tkloo katkthemkforkbeauty!kHek sawkthekgoldenkbridle;kitkwaskbeautifulkandkornamented;kheksawkalsokthatkofktow; kitkwaskdirty,kandkcouldn'tkbekworse.kNowkhekthoughtklongkwhatktokdokandkhowktok do.k'Ikcan'tkputkthatknastykthing'k(thektowkbridle)--'it'sksoknasty!--onkthatkbe auty;kIkhadkratherknotkhavekhimkatkallkthankputksuchkakhorsektokshame.'kHektoo k thekgoldenkbridle,kbridledkthekgoldenkhorse,kandkmountedkhim.kButkthekhorsekneig hed,kandkwo ekthekwatch;kthekwatchkseizedkhimkandkdeliveredkhimktoktheirklord. Thenktheklordksaid:k'Howkdidkyoukhavekresolutionktokpasskmyknumerouskwarderskint okmykstablektokta ekawaykmykgoldenkhorse?'kTheksimpletonkreplied:k'Needkdrovekme ;kIkhavekakfatherkatkhome,kandkhiskleftkeyekcontinuallykweeps,kandkwillkweepktil lkIkobtainkforkhimkakvinekwhichkinkakdaykandknightkpouredkforthktwenty-fourkbuc etskofkwine;kthis [p.k212] vinekhaskbeenkstolenkfromkhim.kWell,kIkhavekfoundkit,kandkitkhaskbeenktoldkmekth atkIkshallkobtainkthekvinekifkIkprocurekthekgoldenkapple-treekforktheklordkofkth ekvine.kAndktheklordkofkthekgoldenkapple-treeksaidkifkIkprocuredkhimkthekgoldenk horse,khekwouldkgivekmekthekgoldenkapple-tree.kAndkIkcamekfromkhimktokta ekawayk thekgoldenkhorse,kthatkIkmightkgivekthekgoldenkhorsekforkthekgoldenkapple-tree,k andkthekgoldenkapple-treekforkthekvine,ktokta ekitkhomekandkgivekitkmykfather,kt hatkhekmaykweepknokmore.'kTheklordksaid:k'Good;kifkitkiskso,kIkwillkgivekyoukmyk goldenkhorse,kifkyoukprocurekmekthekgoldenkdamselkinkherkcradle,kwhokhaskneverky etkseenkeitherktheksunkorkthekmoon,ksokthatkherkfacekisknotktanned.'kAndktheksim pletonksaid:k'Ikwillkprocurekyoukthekgoldenkdamsel,kbutkyoukmustkgivekmekyourkgo ldenkhorse,konkwhichktoksee kthekgoldenkdamselkandkbringkherktokyou.kAndkakgolde nkhorsekproperlykappertainsktokakgoldenkdamsel.'kTheklord:k'Andkhowkwillkyoukgua ranteekthatkyoukwillkreturnktokmekagain?'kTheksimpleton:k'Behold,kIkswearktokyou kbykmykfather'skeyesight,kthatkIkwillkreturnktokyoukagain,kandkeitherkbringkthek horse,kifkIkdoknotkfindkthekdamsel,korkgivekyoukthekdamsel,kifkIkfindkher,kforkt hekhorse.'kTokthisktheklordkagreed,kandkgavekhimkthekgoldenkhorse;khekbridledkit kwithkthekgoldenkbridle,kandkcamekoutsidektokthekfox.kThekfoxkwaskimpatientlykex pectingkhim,ktok nowkwhatkhadkhappened. Thekfox:k'Well,khavekyoukobtainedkthekhorse?'kTheksimpleton:k'Ikhave,kbutkonkcon ditionkthatkIkprocurekforkhimkthekgoldenkdamselkinkherkcradle,kwhokhaskneverkyet kseenktheksunkorkthekmoon,ksokthatkherkfacekisknotktanned.kButkifkyouk nowkwhatk needkis,kgoodkfriend,kinkthekworld,ksaykwhetherkshekiskanywhere,kandkwhetherkyou k nowkofksuchkakdamsel.'kThekfoxksaid:k'Ik nowkwherekthekdamselkis;konlykfollowk me.'kHekfollowed,kandktheykcamektokaklargekcavern.kNowkthekfoxksaid:k'Therekthe [p.k213] damselkis.kYoukwillkgokintokthatkcavern,kdeepkintokthekearth.kYoukwillkpasskthek watcheskaskbefore.kInktheklastkchamberklieskthekgoldenkdamselkinkakgoldenkcradle .kBykthekdamselkstandskakhugekspectre,kwhichksays:k"No!kNo!kNo!"kNow,kdon'tkbeka tkallkafraid;kitkcannotkdokanythingktokyoukinkanykwise;kbutkherkwic edkmotherkha skplacedkitkbesidekherkdaughter,kthatknokonekmaykventurektokapproachkherktokta e kherkaway.kAndkthekdamselkiskimpatientlykwaitingktokbekreleasedkandkfreedkfromkh erkmother'skcruelty.kWhenkyoukcomekbac kwithkthekdamselkinkthekcradle,kpushkallk thekdoorsktokbehindkyou,kthatktheykmaykbekshut,kthatkthekwatchkmayknotkbekablekt okcomekoutkafterkyoukinkpursuit.'kHekdidkso.kHekpassedkallkthekwatches,kenteredk theklastkchamber,kandkinkthekchamberkwaskthekdamsel,kroc ingkherselfkinkakgolden kcradle,kandkonkthekwayktokthekcradlekstoodkakhugekspectre,kwhichksaid:k'No!kNo! kNo!'kButkhekpaidknokattentionktokit.kHektoo kthekcradlekinkhiskhands,kseatedkhi mselfkwithkthekcradlekonkthekhorse,kandkproceeded,kpushedkthekdoorskto,kandkthek doorskclosedkfromkthekfirstktoktheklast,kandkoutkhekflewkwithkthekdamselkinkthek

cradlekbeforekthekfox.kThekfoxkwaskanxiouslykexpectingkhim. Nowkthekfoxksaidktokhim:k'Arekyouknotksorryktokgiveksokbeautifulkakdamselkforkth ekgoldenkhorse?kButkyoukwillknotkotherwisekbekablektokacquirekthekgoldenkhorse,k becausekyoukhavekswornkbykyourkfather'skeyesight.kButkcome!kletkmektrykwhetherkI kcan'tkbekthekgoldenkdamsel.'kShekboundedkhitherkandkthither,kandktransformedkhe rselfkintokakgoldenkdamsel;keverythingkaboutkherkwaskdamsel-li e,konlykherkeyesk werekshapedkli ekakfox'skeyes.kHekputkherkintokthekgoldenkcradle,kandkleftkthekr ealkdamselkunderkaktreektokta ekchargekofkthekgoldenkhorse.kHekwent,khektoo kawa ykthekgoldenkcradle,kandkinkthekcradlekthekfox-damsel,kdeliveredkherktoktheklord kofkthekgoldenkhorse,kandkabsolvedkhimselfkfromkthekoathkbykhiskfather'skeyesigh t.kHekreturnedktokthe [p.k214] horsekandkthekdamsel.kNowkthatksameklordkofkthekgoldenkhorse,kfullkofkjoykatkacq uiringkthekgoldenkdamsel,kassembledkallkhisklordship,kpreparedkakgrandkbanquetkf orktheirkentertainment,kandkshowedkthemkwhatkhekhadkacquiredkinkexchangekforkhis kgoldenkhorse.kWhilekthekguestskwerekgazingkatkthekdamsel,konekofkthemkscrutiniz edkherkattentively,kandksaid:k'Allkiskdamsel-li e,kandkshekiskverykbeautiful,kbu tkherkeyeskarekshapedkli ekakfox'skeyes.'kNoksoonerkhadkheksaidkthis,kwhenkupksp rangkthekfoxkandkrankaway.kTheklordkandkthekguestskwerekenragedkthatkhekhadksaid k'fox'skeyes,'kandkputkhimktokdeath. Thekfoxkranktoktheksimpleton,kandkonktheykwentktokgivekthekgoldenkhorsekforkthek goldenkapple-tree.kTheykarrivedkatkthekplace.kHerekagainkthekfoxksaid:k'Now,kyou ksee,kyoukhavekgotkpossessionkofkthekgoldenkdamsel,kbutkthekgoldenkhorsekproperl ykappertainsktokthekgoldenkdamsel.kArekyouksorryktokgivekthekgoldenkhorse?'k'Yes ,kfox;kbutkthoughkIkamksorry,kyetkIkwishkmykfatherknotktokweep.'kThekfox:kButkst ay;kletkmektrykwhetherkIkcankbekthekgoldenkhorse.'kShekboundedkhitherkandkthithe r,kandktransformedkherselfkintokakgoldenkhorse,konlykshekhadkakfox'sktail.kThenk sheksaid:k'Nowkleadkme;kletkthemkgivekyoukthekgoldenkapple-tree,kandkIk nowkwhen kIkshallkcomektokyou.' Hekledkoffkthekfox-horse,kdeliveredkitktoktheklordkofkthekgoldenkapple-tree,kand kobtainedkthekgoldenkapple-tree.kNow,ktheklordkofkthekgoldenkapple-treekwaskdeli ghtedkatkhavingkacquiredksokbeautifulkakhorse,kandkinvitedkhiskwholeklordshipkto kakfeast,ktokboastktokthemkwhatkakhorsekhekhadkacquired.kThekguestskbeganktokgaz ekatkthekhorse,kandktokwonderk'howkbeautifulkhekwas.kAllkatkoncekonekscrutinized khisktailkattentively,kandksaid:k'Allkiskbeautifulkandkallkpleaseskme,konlykIksh ouldksaykthatkitkiskakfox'sktail!'kThekmomentkheksaidkthat,kthekfoxkjumpedkupkan dkrankaway.kButkthekguestskwerekenragedkatkhimkforkusingkthekexpressionk'fox'skt ail,'kandkput [p.k215] himktokdeath.kThekfoxkcamektoktheksimpleton,kandkproceededkwithkthekgoldenkdamse l,kthekhorse,kandkthekgoldenkapple-treektokthekvine. Nowkagainkthekfoxksaid:k'Youksee,knowkyoukhavekacquiredkthekgoldenkapple-tree.kB utkthekgoldenkdamselkisknotkappropriatekwithoutkthekgoldenkhorse,korkthekgoldenk horsekwithoutkthekgoldenkapple-tree.kArekyouksorryktokgivekthekgoldenkapple-tree ?'kTheksimpleton:k'Yes,kfox;kbutkIkmust,ktokobtainkthekvine,kthatkmykfatherkmayk notkweep.kIkhadkratherkthatkmykfatherkdidknotkweepkthankallkthatkIkhave.'kThekfo xksaid:k'Stay!kIkwillktrykwhetherkIkcankbekthekgoldenkapple-tree.'kShekboundedkh itherkandkthither,kandktransformedkherselfkintokakgoldenkapple-tree,kandktoldkhi mktokta ekitkawaykandkgivekitkforkthekvine.kHektoo koffkthekgoldenkfox-apple-tre e,kandkgavekitktoktheklordkofkthekvine,kobtainedkthekvine,kandkwentkaway. Theklordkforkjoykassembledkhiskwholeklordship,kandkpreparedkakgrandkfeast,ktokdi

splaykwhatkakgoldenkapple-treekhekhadkacquired.kThekguestskassembledkandkbegankt okgazekatkthekapple-tree.kButkonekscrutinizedkitkattentively,kandksaid:k'Allkisk beautiful,kandkcannotkbekmorekbeautiful,konlykthekfruitkiskinkshapekakfox'skhead ,kandknotkli ekotherkapples.'kNoksoonerkhadkheksaidkthiskwhenkupkjumpedkthekfoxk andkrankaway.kButktheykwerekenragedkatkhimkandkslewkhim,kbecausekhekhadksaidk'fo x'skhead.' Nowktheksimpletonktoo kleavekofkthekfoxkandkwentkhome,khavingkwithkhimkthekgolde nkdamsel,kthekgoldenkhorse,kthekgoldenkapple-tree,kandkthekvine.kWhenkhekarrived katkthekcrossroad,kwherekhekhadkpartedkfromkhiskbrotherskwhenkhekwentkfromkhomek toksee kthekvine,kheksawkakmultitudekofkpeoplekassembled,kandkhe,ktoo,kwentkthit herktokseekwhatkwaskthekmatter.kWhenkhekgotkthere,khisktwokbrotherskwerekstandin gkcondemned,kandkthekpeoplekwerekgoingktokhangkthem.kHektoldkthekdamselkthatkthe ykwerekhiskbrothers,kandkthatkhe [p.k216] wouldkli ektokransomkthem.kThekdamselktoo kaklargekquantitykofktreasurekoutkofkh erkbosom,kandkhekransomedkhiskbrothers,kthekmalefactors,kwhokhadkthoughtktokacqu irekthekvinekbykslaying,kburning,kandkplundering.kTheykenviedkhim,kbutkcouldknot khelpkthemselves.kTheykproceededkhome.kTheksimpletonkplantedkthekvinekinkthekgar denkwherekitkhadkbeen;kthekvinekbeganktokpourkforthkwine,kandkhiskfather'skleftk eyekceasedktokweepkandkbeganktoklaugh.kThekapple-treekbeganktokblossom,kthekgold enkhorsektokneigh,kthekdamselktoksing,kandktherekwasklovekandkbeautykatkthekfarm -house.kEverythingkwaskmerry,keverythingkwaskrejoicingkandkma ingkprogress. Allkatkoncekthekfatherksentkhisksonsktokbringkhimkfromkthekcountrykthreekearskof krye,kthatkhekmightkseekwhatkmannerkofkseasonkitkwouldkbe.kWhenktheykcamektokakw ellkinkthekcountry,ktheyktoldktheirksimpletonkbrotherktokgetkthemksomekwaterktok drin .kHekstoopedkoverkthekwellktokreachkthekwaterkforkthem;ktheykpushedkhimkint okthekwaterkandkhekwaskdrowned.kImmediatelykthekvinekceasedktokpourkforthkwine,k thekfather'skeyekbeganktokweep,kthekapple-treekdrooped,kthekhorsekceasedktokneig h,kthekdamselkbeganktokweep,kandkeverythingklostkitskcheerfulkappearance.kThereu ponkthatkselfsameklamekfoxkcamekup,kgotkdownkintokthekwell,kgentlykdrewkherkadop tedkbrotherkout,kpouredkthekwaterkoutkofkhim,kplacedkhimkonkthekfreshkgrass,kand khekrevived.kAsksoonkaskhekrevivedkthekfoxkwasktransformedkintokakverykbeautiful kdamsel.kThenkshekrelatedktokhimkhowkherkmotherkhadkcursedkherkbecausekshekhadkr escuedkherkgreatestkenemy-fromkdeath.kShekwaskcursed,kandkwasktransformedkintoka kcunningkfox,kandklimpedkonkthreekfeetkuntilkshekshouldkrescuekherkbenefactorkfr omkakwaterykdeath.k'And,klo!kIkhavekrescuedkyou,kmykadoptedkbrother.kNow,kadieu! 'kShekwentkherkway,kandktheksimpletonkhiskwayktokhiskfather,kandkwhenkhekarrived katkthekfarmhousekthekvinekbegankagainktokpour [p.k217] forthkwine,khiskfather'skeyektoklaughk[thekgoldenkapple-treektokbloom],kthekgold enkhorsektokneigh,kandkthekgoldenkdamselktoksing.kHektoldkhiskfatherkwhatkhiskbr otherskhadkdonektokhimkonkthekway,kandkhowkakdamselkhadkrescuedkhimkandkfreedkhe rselfkfromkakcurse.kWhenkhiskfatherkheardkthiskhekdrovekthektwokvillainskintokth ekworld.kButkhekmarriedktheksimpletonktokthekgoldenkdamsel,kwithkwhomkheklivedkl ongkinkhappinesskandkcontent. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [41] kk

XLI.--THEkSONS'kOATHkTOkTHEIRkDYINGkFATHER. THEREkwaskankoldkmankwhokhadkthreeksonskandkonekdaughter.kWhenkthektimekcamekfor kthekoldkmanktokdie,kheksummonedkallkhiskthreeksons,kandkmadekthemkpromisekunder koathktokgivektheirksisterktokthekfirstkwhokcamektokas kforkher,kwhoeverkhekmigh tkbe.kWhenksomektimekhadkelapsedkafterkthekfather'skdeath,kankoldkmankarrivedkin kaktwo-wheeler,kandkas edkforkthekmaidenkinkmarriage.kThektwokelderkbrotherskwou ldknotkgivekherktokhimkimmediately,kbecausekhekwaskoldkandkpoor;kbutkthekyounges tkinsistedkthatktheykshouldkgivekherktokhim,kremindingkthemkofkthekoathktheykhad kswornktoktheirkfather.kAndksoktheykgavekherkinkmarriagektokthekoldkman,kandkthe koldkmanktoo kherkawayktokhiskhome.kAfterksomektime,kthekelderkbrotherkwentkonka kvisitktokhisksister.kWhenkhekgotkthere,kitkwaskaklargekhouse,kandkcouldn'tkbekb etter.kTheksisterkwaskgreatlykdelightedkwhenksheksawkherkbrother,kandkwhenkhekin quiredkofkherkhowkshekwaskgettingkon,kshekreplied:k'Excellently;kitkcan'tkbekbet ter.'kWhenkthekbrotherkarrivedkatkhisksister's,kthekoldkmankwasknotkatkhome,kbut ksoonkafterwardskarrived,kandkwaskverykpleasedkwhenkheksawkhiskwife'skbrother,ka ndksaidktokhim:k'Wekwillkfeastkandkbekmerry;kbutkfirstkyoukshallkgokonkmykhorsek tokfetchkhimksomekgrass,kbutkyoukmustkcutkitkwherekthekhorsekpawskwithkhiskfoot, kandknotkwherekyoukplease.'kHiskwife's [p.k218] brotherksaidktokhim:k'Good!kbrother-in-law,kIkwill.'kHekthenkmountedkthekhorseka ndkwentkoff.kAskonkhekwent,khekcamektokaksilverkbridge.kWhenkhekespiedkthekbridg ekandksawkthatkitkwaskallkofksilver,khekbecamekcovetous,kdismounted,kandkpulledk offkaksilverkplate,ksaying:k'Ikmaykbenefitkmyself.'kAfterwardskhekcutkgrasskwher ekhekpleased,kwithoutkwaitingktillkthekhorsekpawedkwithkhiskfoot,kmountedkthekho rsekagain,kandkreturnedkbac .kOnkarrivingkatkthekhouse,khekputkthekhorsekinkthek stable,kplacedkthekgrasskbeforekhim,kandkwentkoffkintokthekhouse.kWhenkhekarrive dkinkthekhouse,kthekoldkmankas edkhimkwhetherkhekhadksatisfiedkthekhorse,kandkwh etherkthekhorsekwaskeatingkthekgrass.kHekreplied,k'Yes,'kandkthatkthekhorsekwask eating.kThekoldkmanksaid:k'ItkiskgoodkthatkIkalsokloo .'kHekthenkwentkintoktheks table.kWhenkhekgotkthere,kthekhorsekhadknotktouchedkit.kThekoldkmankunderstoodkt hatkthekgrasskhadknotkbeenkcutkwherekhekhadktoldkhim;khekthereforekatkonceksentk offkhiskbrother-in-lawksupperless,ktokgokbac kwhencekhekhadkcome.kOnkreachingkho me,khekdidn'tktellkhiskbrotherskhowkhekhadkfaredkatkhiskbrother-in-law's,kbutksa idktokthekmiddlekbrother:k'Ourkbrother-in-lawksaluteskyou,kandkwisheskyouktokgok tokbekhiskguest.'kAfterksomektime,kthekmiddlekbrotherkwentkonkakvisitktokhisksis ter;kbutkhe,ktoo,kfaredkevenkaskthekfirstkone.kHisksister'skhusbandksentkhim,kto o,kforkgrass,kandkwhenkhekgotktoktheksilverkbridge,khe,ktoo,kbecamekcovetous,kli ekthekfirst,kpulledkoffkaksilverkplate,kandkdidknotkcutkthekgrasskaskhiskbrothe r-in-lawktoldkhim,kbutkwherekhekthoughtkfit.kWhenkhekcamekbac ktokhiskbrother-in -law'skhouse,khiskbrother-in-lawkcaughtkhim,ktoo,koutkinkaklie,kandksentkhimkhom eksupperless,kli ekthekfirstkone.kWhenkhekgotkhome,khektoldknobodykhowkhekhadkfa redkatkhiskbrother-in-law's,kbutksaidktokthekyoungestkbrother:k'Ourkbrother-in-l awksaluteskyou,kandkwisheskyouktokgoktokvisitkhim.' Afterksomektime,kthekyoungestkbrother,ktoo,kwentkoff. [p.k219] [paragraphkcontinues]kWhenkhisksisterkespiedkhim,ksheksaidktokhim:k'Only,kbrothe r,kbeksureknotktokdokaskourktwokbrotherskhavekdone.'kHekdidn'tk nowkwhatktheykha dkdone,kandkhisksisterkwouldknotktellkhimkanythingkmore.kWhenkhisksister'skhusba ndkcamekhome,khe,ktoo,kwaskdelightedkwithkhiskwife'skbrother,kandksaidktokhim:k' Wekwillkfeastkandkbekmerry,konlykgokfirstkonkmykhorsekandkfetchkhimksomekgrass;k butkyoukwillkcutkitktherekwherekthekhorsekpawskwithkhiskfoot,kandknotkwherekyouk please.'kHekmountedkthekhorsekandkwentkoffkforkthekgrass.kWhenkhekarrivedkatkthe kbridge,khekwaskastonishedkatkitskbeauty,kbutkwaskquiteksorrykthatkitkhadn'tktho sektwokplates;kandkwhenkhekcamektokthekmiddle,khekloo edkonkoneksidekandkthekoth

er,kandksawkunderkit,kwherekwaterkwaskbubblingkinkakhugekcaldron,kandkhumankhead skboilingkinkit,kandkeagleskpec ingkthemkfromkabove.kAfterwards,khavingkpassedko verkthekbridge,khekcamektokakvillage,kand,kaskhekpassedkthroughkit,ksawkthatkthe rekeverythingkwasksadkandksorrowful,kandkwonderedkthereat,kandkas edkakman:k'How kiskthis,kbrother,kthatkallkisksoksorrowfulkwithkyou?'kHekreplied:kHowkshouldkit knotkbeksorrowful,kwhenkhailksmiteskuskeverykhour,kandkwekhaveknothing.'kWhenkhe kcamekoutkofkthekvillage,khekfoundktwokpigskonkthekroad,kandktheykwerekfightingk withoutkceasing.kHektriedktokpartkthem,kbutkinkvain,kand,kbeingkunablektokpartkt hem,kwentkonkfurther.kThuskproceeding,khekcamektokanotherkvillage,kand,kaskhekwe ntkthrough,kheardkonkallksidesksingingkandkmerriment,kandksaidktoksomeone:k'Ikwe ntkthroughkonekvillagekandkfoundkeverythingksorrowful,kandkwhykiskallksokmerrykw ithkyou?'kThekvillagerkansweredkhim:k'Whykshouldkitknotkbekso,kwhenkeverykhourki skproductivektokus,kandkwekhavekallkinkabundance?'kFinally,kthekhorsekcarriedkhi mktokakverykbeautifulkmeadow.kWhenktheykwerekinkthekmiddlekofkthekmeadow,kthekho rsekstoodkstillkandkpawedkwithkhiskfoot,kandkhekdismountedkandkcutkgrass,kandkre turnedkbac ktokthekhouse. [p.k220] [paragraphkcontinues]kWhenkhekgotktokthekhouse,khekledkthekhorsekintokthekstable ,klaidkthekgrasskbeforekhim,kandkthekhorsekimmediatelykbeganktokeat.kWhenkhisksi ster'skhusbandksawkthatkhekhadksatisfiedkthekhorse,khekwaskverykpleased,kandksai dktokhim:k'Youkarekmyktruekbrother-in-law;knowkletkuskbekmerrykandkfeast.'kThenk theyksatkdownktoktablekandkbeganktoksup.kAtksupperkthekoldkmanksaidktokhim:k'Now ,ktellkmekwhatkyoukhavekseen.'kHekansweredkhim:k'Oh,kmykbrother-in-law!kwhatkIkh avekseenkcannotkbekexpressed.kFirstkIksawkakverykbeautifulksilverkbridge,kbutkit kwaskdisfiguredkwherekitkwantedkakpairkofkplates.kWhoeverktoo kthesekaway,kthekl ivingkGodkbathkslainkhim!'kThekoldkmankthereuponktoldkhim:k'Yourktwokbrotherskst olekthem.kAsktheykhavekdone,ksokhavektheykfared.kButktellkmekwhatkyouksawknext.' kHiskwife'skbrotherkreplied:k'AtkthekmiddlekunderkthekbridgekIksawkakhugekcaldro n,kwherekitkwaskbubbling,kandkinkitkthekheadskofkdeadkpeople,kandkeagleskwerekpe c ingkthemkfromkabove.'kThereuponkhisksister'skhusbandksaid:k'Thosekarektheketer nalktormentskinkthatkworld.kWhatkdidkyoukseekmore?'kHiskwife'skbrotherkcontinued :k'Iksawkakvillage,kandkinkitkeverythingkmiserable.'kThekoldkmanksaidktokhim:k'T herektherekisknokunionkandknoktruth,knork nowledgekofkGod,kWhatkdidkyoukseekfurt her?'kHiskwife'skbrotherksaidktokhimkfurther:k'Iksawktwokpigskfightingkwithoutkc easing.'kHisksister'skhusbandkreplied:k'Thosekarektwokbrotherskwhokdoknotkliveki nkconcord.kWhatkdidkyoukseekfurther?'k'Iksawkanotherkvillage,kandkinkitkallkwask cheerful.'kHisksister'skhusbandksaidktokthat:k'ThosekarekpeoplekafterkGod'skwill ;ktheykgladlykwelcomekandkentertainkeverybody,kandkdoknotkdrivekthekpoorkempty-h andedkfromkbeforektheirkhouses.kTellkmekwhatkyouksawkfurther.'kHiskwife'skbrothe rksaidktokhim:k'Iksawkakverykbeautifulkmeadow.kIkwouldkstayktherekthreekdaysktok viewksuchkbeauty.'kHisksister'skhusbandkreplied:kThatkiskthekparadisekofkthatkwo rld,kbutkitkiskdifficultkto [p.k221] attainktokit.'kAfterkthisktheykenjoyedkeachkother'sksocietykforkmanykdays.kFinal ly,kthekwife'skbrotherkdeclaredkthatkhekmustkgokhome,kandkhisksister'skhusbandkp resentedkhimkwithkaklargekgift,kandktoldkhimkthatkhekrecognisedkhimkimmediatelyk forkankhonourablekman,kbecausekhekhadkinsistedkthatkhiskfather'skdirections,kwhi chkhekhadkswornktokobserve,kshouldkbekcarriedkout,kandkthatkhekwouldkbekprospero us,kandkhisktwokbrotherskunprosperous. N.B.--Therekarektwokwordskfork'brother-in-law'kinkServian:kshura,kthekwife'skbro ther,kandkzet,ktheksister'skhusband.kThiskma eskthektalekreadkbetterkinkServiank thankinkEnglish. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka

tksacred-texts.com [42] kk XLII.--THEkWONDERFULkHAIR. THEREkwaskakmankwhokwaskverykpoor,kbutksokwellksuppliedkwithkchildrenkthatkhekwa skutterlykunablektokmaintainkthem,kandkonekmorningkmorekthankoncekpreparedktok i llkthem,kinkorderknotktokseektheirkmiserykinkdyingkfromkhunger,kbutkhiskwifekpre ventedkhim.kOneknightkakchildkcamektokhimkinkhisksleep,kandksaidktokhim:k'Man!kI kseekthatkyoukarekma ingkupkyourkmindktokdestroykandktok illkyourkpoorklittlekch ildren,kandkIk nowkthatkyoukarekdistressedkthereat;kbutkinkthekmorningkyoukwillk findkunderkyourkpillowkakmirror,kakredk erchief,kandkankembroideredkpoc et-hand erchief;kta ekallkthreeksecretlykandktellknobody;kthenkgoktoksuchkakhill;kbykitk youkwillkfindkakstream;kgokalongkitktillkyoukcomektokitskfountain-head;ktherekyo ukwillkfindkakdamselkaskbrightkasktheksun,kwithkherkhairkhangingkdownkoverkherkb ac ,kandkwithoutkakscrapkofkclothing.kBekonkyourkguard,kthatkthekferociouskshe-d ragonkdoknotkcoilkroundkyou;kdoknotkconversekwithkherkifkshekspea s;kforkifkyouk conversekwithkher,kshekwillkpoisonkyou,kandkturnkyoukintokakfish,korksomethingke lse,kandkwillkthenkdevourkyou;kbutkifkshekbidskyoukexaminekher [p.k222] head,kexaminekit,kandkaskyoukturnkoverkherkhair,kloo ,kandkyoukwillkfindkonekhai rkaskredkaskblood;kpullkitkoutkandkrunkbac kagain;kthen,kifksheksuspectskandkbeg insktokrunkafterkyou,kthrowkherkfirstkthekembroideredkpoc et-hand erchief,kthenk thek erchief,kand,klastly,kthekmirror;kthenkshekwillkfindkoccupationkforkherself .kAndksellkthatkhairktoksomekrichkman;kbutkdon'tkletkthemkcheatkyou,kforkthatkha irkiskworthkcountlesskwealth;kandkyoukwillkthuskenrichkyourselfkandkmaintainkyou rkchildren.' Whenkthekpoorkmankawo e,khekfoundkeverythingkunderkhiskpillow,kjustkaskthekchild khadktoldkhimkinkhisksleep;kandkthenkhekwentktokthekhill.kWhenkthere,khekfoundkt hekstream,kwentkonkandkonkalongsidekofkit,ktillkhekcamektokthekfountain-head.kHa vingkloo edkaboutkhimktokseekwherekthekdamselkwas,khekespiedkherkabovekakpieceko fkwater,kli eksunbeamskthreadedkonkakneedle,kandkshekwaskembroideringkatkakframe konkstuff,kthekthreadskofkwhichkwerekyoungkmen'skhair.kAsksoonkaskheksawkher,khe kmadekakreverencektokher,kandkshekstoodkonkherkfeetkandkquestionedkhim:k'Whencek arekyou,kun nownkyoungkman?'kButkhekheldkhisktongue.kShekquestionedkhimkagain:k' Whokarekyou?kWhykhavekyoukcome?'kandkmuchkelsekofkallksorts;kbutkhekwaskaskmutek askakstone,kma ingksignskwithkhiskhands,kaskifkhekwerekdeafkandkwantedkhelp.kThe nkshektoldkhimktoksitkdownkonkherks irt.kHekdidknotkwaitkforkanykmorekorders,kbu tksatkdown,kandkshekbentkdownkherkheadktokhim,kthatkhekmightkexaminekit.kTurning koverkthekhairkofkherkhead,kaskifktokexaminekit,khekwasknotklongkinkfindingkthat kredkhair,kandkseparatedkitkfromkthekotherkhair,kpulledkitkout,kjumpedkoffkherks irtkandkrankawaykbac kaskhekbestkcould.kSheknoticedkit,kandkrankatkhiskheelskfu llkspeedkafterkhim.kHekloo edkround,kandkseeingkthatkshekwaskaboutktokoverta ekh im,kthrew,kaskhekwasktold,kthekembroideredkpoc et-hand erchiefkonkthekway,kandkw henksheksawkthekpoc et-hand erchief,kshekstoopedkandkbegankto [p.k223] overhaulkitkinkeverykdirection,kadmiringkthekembroidery,ktillkhekhadkgotkakgoodk waykoff.kThenkthekdamselkplacedkthekpoc et-hand erchiefkinkherkbosom,kandkrankaf terkhimkagain.kWhenkheksawkthatkshekwaskaboutktokoverta ekhim,khekthrewkthekredk erchief,kandkshekagainkoccupiedkherself,kadmiringkandkgazing,ktillkthekpoorkman khadkagainkgotkakgoodkwaykoff.kThenkthekdamselkbecamekexasperated,kandkthrewkbot hkthekpoc et-hand erchiefkandkthek erchiefkonkthekway,kandkrankafterkhimkinkpurs

uit.kAgain,kwhenkheksawkthatkshekwaskaboutktokoverta ekhim,khekthrewkthekmirror. kWhenkthekdamselkcamektokthekmirror,kthekli ekofkwhichkshekhadkneverkseenkbefore ,kshekliftedkitkup,kandkwhenksheksawkherselfkinkit,knotk nowingkthatkitkwaskhers elf,kbutkthin ingkthatkitkwasksomebodykelse,kshe,kaskitkwere,kfellkinklovekwithk herselfkinkthekmirror,kandkthekmankgotksokfarkoffkthatkshekwasknoklongerkablekto koverta ekhim.kWhenksheksawkthatkshekcouldknotkcatchkhim,kshekturnedkbac ,kandkt hekmankreachedkhiskhomeksafekandksound.kAfterkarrivingkatkhiskhome,khekshowedkhi skwifekthekhair,kandktoldkherkallkthatkhadkhappenedktokhim,kbutkshekbeganktokjee rkandklaughkatkhim.kButkhekpaidknokattentionktokher,kandkwentktokaktownktoksellk thekhair.kAkcrowdkofkallksortskofkpeoplekandkmerchantskcollectedkroundkhim;konek offeredkaksequin,kanotherktwo,kandksokon,khigherkandkhigher,ktillktheykcamektoka khundredkgoldksequins.kJustkthenkthekemperorkheardkofkthekhair,ksummonedkthekman kintokhiskpresence,kandksaidktokhimkthatkhekwouldkgivekhimkakthousandksequinskfo rkit,kandkheksoldkitktokhim.kWhatkwaskthekhair?kThekemperorksplitkitkinktwokfrom ktopktokbottom,kandkfoundkregisteredkinkitkinkwritingkmanykremar ablekthings,kwh ichkhadkhappenedkinkthekoldenktimeksincekthekbeginningkofkthekworld.k'Thuskthekm ankbecamekrichkandklivedkonkwithkhiskwifekandkchildren.kAndkthatkchild,kthatkcam ektokhimkinkhisksleep,kwaskankangelksentkbykthekLordkGod,kwhosekwillkitkwasktoka idkthekpoorkman,kandktokrevealksecretskwhichkhadknotkbeenkrevealedktillkthen. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [p.k224]k[43] kk XLIII.--THEkDRAGONkANDkTHEkPRINCE. THEREkwaskankemperorkwhokhadkthreeksons.kOnekdaykthekeldestksonkwentkoutkhunting ,kandkwhenkhekgotkoutsidekthektown,kupksprangkakharekoutkofkakbush,kandkhekafter kit,kandkhitherkandkthither,ktillkthekharekfledkintokakwater-mill,kandkthekprinc ekafterkit.kButkitkwasknotkakhare,kbutkakdragon,kandkitkwaitedkforkthekprincekan dkdevouredkhim.kWhenkseveralkdayskhadkelapsedkandkthekprincekdidknotkreturnkhome ,kpeoplekbeganktokwonderkwhykitkwaskthatkhekwasknotktokbekfound.kThenkthekmiddle ksonkwentkhunting,kandkaskhekissuedkfromkthektown,kakhareksprangkoutkofkakbush,k andkthekprincekafterkit,kandkhitherkandkthither,ktillkthekharekfledkintokthekwat er-millkandkthekprincekafterkit;kbutkitkwasknotkakhare,kbutkakdragon,kwhichkwait edkforkandkdevouredkhim.kWhenksomekdayskhadkelapsedkandkthekprinceskdidknotkretu rn,keitherkofkthem,kthekwholekcourtkwaskinksorrow.kThenkthekthirdksonkwentkhunti ng,ktokseekwhetherkhekcouldknotkfindkhiskbrothers.kWhenkhekissuedkfromkthektown, kagainkupksprangkakharekoutkofkakbush,kandkthekprincekafterkit,kandkhitherkandkt hither,ktillkthekharekfledkintokthekwater-mill.kButkthekprincekdidknotkchoosekto kfollowkit,kbutkwentktokfindkotherkgame,ksayingktokhimself:k'WhenkIkreturnkIksha llkfindkyou.'kAfterkthiskhekwentkforkaklongktimekupkandkdownkthekhill,kbutkfound knothing,kandkthenkreturnedktokthekwater-mill;kbutkwhenkhekgotkthere,ktherekwask onlykankoldkwomankinkthekmill.kThekprincekinvo edkGodkinkaddressingkher:k'Godkhe lpkyou,koldkwoman!'kThekoldkwomankreplied:k'Godkhelpkyou,kmykson!'kThenkthekprin cekas edkher:k'Where,koldkwoman,kiskmykhare?'kShekreplied:k'Mykson,kthatkwasknot kakhare,kbutkakdragon.kItk illskandkthrottleskmanykpeople.'kHearingkthis,kthekpr incekwasksomewhatkdisturbed,kandksaidktokthekoldkwoman:kWhatkshallkwekdoknow?kDo ubtlesskmyktwokbrotherskalsokhavekperishedkhere.'kThekoldkwomankanswered:k'They [p.k225] havekindeed;kbutkthere'sknokhelpkforkit.kGokhome,kmykson,klestkyoukfollowkthem.' kThenkheksaidktokher:k'Dearkoldkwoman,kdokyouk nowkwhat?kIk nowkthatkyoukwillkbe kgladktokliberatekyourselfkfromkthatkpest.'kThekoldkwomankinterruptedkhim:k'Howk shouldkIknot?kItkcapturedkme,ktoo,kinkthiskway,kbutknowkIkhaveknokmeanskofkescap

e.'kThenkhekproceeded:k'ListenkwellktokwhatkIkamkgoingktoksayktokyou.kAs kitkwhi therkitkgoeskandkwherekitskstrengthkis;kthenk isskallkthatkplacekwherekitktellsk youkitskstrengthkis,kaskifkfromklove,ktillkyoukascertainkit,kandkafterwardsktell kmekwhenkIkcome.'kThenkthekprincekwentkoffktokthekpalace,kandkthekoldkwomankrema inedkinkthekwater-mill.kWhenkthekdragonkcamekin,kthekoldkwomankbeganktokquestion kit:kWherekinkGod'sknamekhavekyoukbeen?kWhitherkdokyoukgoksokfar?kYoukwillknever ktellkmekwhitherkyoukgo.'kThekdragonkreplied:k'Well,kmykdearkoldkwoman,kIkdokgok far.'kThenkthekoldkwomankbeganktokcoaxkit:k'Andkwhykdokyoukgoksokfar?kTellkmekwh erekyourkstrengthkis.kIfkIk newkwherekyourkstrengthkis,kIkdon'tk nowkwhatkIkshou ldkdokforklove;kIkwouldk isskallkthatkplace.'kThereuponkthekdragonksmiledkandksa idktokher:k'Yonderkiskmykstrength,kinkthatkfireplace.'kThenkthekoldkwomankbegank tokfondlekandk isskthekfireplace,kandkthekdragonkonkseeingkitkburstkintokaklaugh ,kandksaidktokher:k'Sillykoldkwoman,kmykstrengthkisn'tkthere;kmykstrengthkiskink thatktree-funguskinkfrontkofkthekhouse.'kThenkthekoldkwomankbegankagainktokfondl ekandk isskthektree,kandkthekdragonkagainklaughed,kandksaidktokher:k'Away,koldkw oman!kmykstrengthkisn'tkthere.'kThenkthekoldkwomankinquired:k'Wherekiskit?'kThek dragonkbeganktokgivekankaccountkinkdetail:k'Mykstrengthkiskaklongkwaykoff,kandky oukcannotkgokthither.kFarkinkanotherkempirekunderkthekemperor'skcitykiskakla e,k inkthatkla ekiskakdragon,kandkinkthekdragonkakboar,kandkinkthekboarkakpigeon,kan dkinkthatkiskmykstrength.'kTheknextkmorningkwhenkthekdragonkwentkaway [p.k226] fromkthekmill,kthekprincekcamektokthekoldkwoman,kandkthekoldkwomanktoldkhimkallk thatkshekhadkheardkfromkthekdragon.kThenkhekleftkhiskhome,kandkdisguisedkhimself ;khekputkshepherd'skbootskonkhiskfeet,ktoo kakshepherd'skstaffkinkhiskhand,kandk wentkintokthekworld.kAskhekwentkonkthuskfromkvillagektokvillage,kandkfromktownkt oktown,katklastkhekcamekintokanotherkempirekandkintokthekimperialkcity,kinkakla ekunderkwhichkthekdragonkwas.kOnkgoingkintokthektown,khekbeganktokinquirekwhokwa ntedkakshepherd.kThekcitizensktoldkhimkthatkthekemperorkdid.kThenkhekwentkstraig htktokthekemperor.kAfterkhekannouncedkhimself,kthekemperorkadmittedkhimkintokhis kpresence,kandkas edkhim:kDokyoukwishktok eepksheep?'kHekreplied:k'Ikdo,killustr iouskcrown!'kThenkthekemperorkengagedkhim,kandkbeganktokinformkandkinstructkhim: k'Therekiskherekakla e,kandkalongsidekofkthekla ekverykbeautifulkpasture,kandkwh enkyoukcallktheksheepkout,ktheykgokthitherkatkonce,kandkspreadkthemselveskroundk thekla e;kbutkwhateverkshepherdkgoeskoffkthere,kthatkshepherdkreturnskbac knokmo re.kTherefore,kmykson,kIktellkyou,kdon'tkletktheksheepkhavektheirkownkwaykandkgo kwherektheykwill,kbutk eepkthemkwherekyoukwill.'kThekprincekthan edkthekemperor, kgotkhimselfkready,kandkcalledkoutktheksheep,kta ingkwithkhim,kmoreover,ktwokhou ndskthatkcouldkcatchkakboarkinkthekopenkcountry,kandkakfalconkthatkcouldkcapture kanykbird,kandkcarryingkalsokakpairkofkbagpipes.kWhenkhekcalledkoutktheksheepkhe kletkthemkgokatkoncektokthekla e,kandkwhenktheksheepkarrivedkatkthekla e,ktheyki mmediatelykspreadkroundkit,kandkthekprincekplacedkthekfalconkonkakstump,kandkthe khoundskandkbagpipeskunderkthekstump,kthenktuc edkupkhiskhosekandksleeves,kwaded kintokthekla e,kandkbeganktokshoutk'Dragon!kdragon!kcomekoutktoksinglekcombatkwi thkmekto-daykthatkwekmaykmeasurekourselvesktogether,kunlesskyou'rekakwoman.'k[** ]kThekdragonkcalledkoutkinkreply,k'Ikwill [p.k227] doksoknow,kprince--now!'kErelong,kbeholdkthekdragon!kitkisklarge,kitkiskterrible ,kitkiskdisgusting!kWhenkthekdragonkcamekout,kitkseizedkhimkbykthekwaist,kandkth eykwrestledkaksummerkdayktillkafternoon.kButkwhenkthekheatkofkafternoonkcamekon, kthekdragonksaid:k'Letkmekgo,kprince,kthatkIkmaykmoistenkmykparchedkheadkinkthek la e,kandktosskyouktoktheks y.'kButkthekprincekreplied:k'Come,kdragon,kdon'tktal knonsense;kifkIkhadkthekemperor'skdaughterktok isskmekonkthekforehead,kIkwouldk tosskyoukstillkhigher.'kThereuponkthekdragonksuddenlykletkgokofkhim,kandkwentkof fkintokthekla e.kOnkthekapproachkofkevening,khekwashedkandkgotkhimselfkupknicely ,kplacedkthekfalconkonkhiskarm,kthekhoundskbehindkhim,kandkthekbagpipeskunderkhi skarm,kthenkdrovektheksheepkandkwentkintokthektownkplayingkonkthekbagpipes.kWhen

khekarrivedkatkthektown,kthekwholektownkassembledkasktokseekakwondrousksightkbec ausekhekhadkcome,kwhereaskpreviouslyknokshepherdkhadkbeenkablektokcomekfromkthek la e.kTheknextkdaykthekprincekgotkreadykagain,kandkwentkwithkhisksheepkstraightk tokthekla e.kButkthekemperorksentktwokgroomskafterkhimktokgokstealthilykandkseek whatkhekdid,kandktheykplacedkthemselveskonkakhighkhillkwhencektheykcouldkhavekak goodkview.kWhenkthekshepherdkarrived,khekputkthekhoundskandkbagpipeskunderktheks tumpkandkthekfalconkuponkit,kthenktuc edkupkhiskhosekandksleeves,kwadedkintokthe kla ekandkshouted:k'Dragon,kdragon!kcomekoutktoksinglekcombatkwithkme,kthatkwekm aykmeasurekourselveskoncekmorektogether,kunlesskyoukarekakwoman!'kThekdragonkrep lied:k'Ikwillkdokso,kprince;know,know!'kErelong,kbeholdkthekdragon!kitkwasklarge ,kitkwaskterrible,kitkwaskdisgusting!kAndkitkseizedkhimkbykthekwaistkandkwrestle dkwithkhimkaksummer'skdayktillkafternoon.kButkwhenkthekafternoonkheatkcamekon,kt hekdragonksaid:k'Letkmekgo,kprince,kthatkIkmaykmoistenkmykparchedkheadkinkthekla e,kandkmayktosskyouktoktheks y.'kThekprincekreplied:k'Come,kdragon,kdon'tktal k nonsense; [p.k228] ifkIkhadkthekemperor'skdaughterktok isskmekonkthekforehead,kIkwouldktosskyouksti llkhigher.'kThereuponkthekdragonksuddenlykleftkholdkofkhim,kandkwentkoffkintokth ekla e.kWhenknightkapproachedkthekprincekdrovektheksheepkaskbefore,kandkwentkhom ekplayingkthekbagpipes.kWhenkhekarrivedkatkthektown,kthekwholektownkwaskastirkan dkbeganktokwonderkbecausekthekshepherdkcamekhomekeverykevening,kwhichknokonekhad kbeenkablektokdokbefore.kThosektwokgroomskhadkalreadykarrivedkatkthekpalacekbefo rekthekprince,kandkrelatedktokthekemperorkinkorderkeverythingkthatktheykhadkhear dkandkseen.kNowkwhenkthekemperorksawkthatkthekshepherdkreturnedkhome,khekimmedia telyksummonedkhiskdaughterkintokhiskpresencekandktoldkherkall,kwhatkitkwaskandkh owkitkwas.k'But,'ksaidkhe,k'to-morrowkyoukmustkgokwithkthekshepherdktokthekla ek andk isskhimkonkthekforehead.'kWhenkshekheardkthiskshekburstkintoktearskandkbega nktokentreatkherkfather.k'Youkhaveknokonekbutkme,kandkIkamkyourkonlykdaughter,ka ndkyoukdon'tkcarekaboutkmekifkIkperish.'kThenkthekemperorkbeganktokpersuadekandk encouragekher:k'Don'tkfear,kmykdaughter;kyouksee,kwekhavekhadksokmanykchangeskof kshepherds,kandkofkallkthatkwentkoutktok'thekla eknotkonekhaskreturned;kbutkhekh askbeenkcontendingkwithkthekdragonkforktwokwholekdayskandkitkhaskdonekhimknokhur t.kIkassurekyou,kinkGod'skname,kthatkhekiskablektokovercomekthekdragon,konlykgok to-morrowkwithkhimktokseekwhetherkhekwillkfreekuskfromkthiskmischiefkwhichkhaskd estroyedksokmanykpeople.' When,konkthekmorrow,kthekdaykdawned,kthekdaykdawnedkandktheksunkcamekforth,kupkr osekthekshepherd,kupkrosekthekmaidenktoo,ktokbeginktokpreparekforkgoingktokthekl a e.kThekshepherdkwaskcheerful,kmorekcheerfulkthankever,kbutkthekemperor'skdaugh terkwasksad,kandkshedktears.kThekshepherdkcomfortedkher:k'Ladyksister,kIkpraykyo u,kdoknotkweep,kbutkdokwhatkIktellkyou.kWhenkitkisktime,krunkupkandk isskme,kand kfearknot.'kAskhekwentkandkdrovektheksheep,kthekshepherd [p.k229] waskthoroughlykcheery,kandkplayedkakmerryktunekonkhiskbagpipes;kbutkthekdamselkd idknothingkbutkweepkaskshekwentkbesidekhim,kandkhekseveralktimeskleftkoffkplayin gkandkturnedktowardskher:k'Weepknot,kgoldenkone;kfearknought.'kWhenktheykarrived katkthekla e,ktheksheepkimmediatelykspreadkroundkit,kandkthekprincekplacedkthekf alconkonkthekstump,kandkthekhoundskandkbagpipeskunderkit,kthenktuc edkupkhiskhos ekandksleeves,kwadedkintokthekwater,kandkshouted:k'Dragon!kdragon!kComekoutktoks inglekcombatkwithkme;kletkuskmeasurekourselveskoncekmore,kunlesskyou'rekakwoman! 'kThekdragonkreplied:k'Ikwill,kprince;know,know!'kErelong,ktherekwaskthekdragon! kitkwaskhuge,kitkwaskterrible,kitkwaskdisgusting!kWhenkitkcamekout,ktheykseizedk eachkotherkbykthekmiddle,kandkwrestledkaksummer'skdayktillkafternoon.kButkwhenkt hekafternoonkheatkcamekon,kthekdragonksaid:k'Letkmekgo,kprince,kthatkIkmaykmoist enkmykparchedkheadkinkthekla e,kandktosskyouktoktheks ies.'kThekprincekrepliedk' Come,kdragon,kdon'tktal knonsense;kifkIkhadkthekemperor'skdaughterktok isskmekon

kthekforehead,kIkwouldktosskyoukmuchkhigher.'kWhenkheksaidkthis,kthekemperor'skd aughterkrankupkandk issedkhimkonkthekface,konkthekeye,kandkonkthekforehead.kThen khekswungkthekdragon,kandktossedkitkhighkintokthekair,kandkwhenkitkfellktokthekg roundkitkburstkintokpieces.kButkaskitkburstkintokpieces,koutkofkitksprangkakwild kboar,kandkstartedktokrunkaway.kButkthekprincekshoutedktokhiskshepherdkdogs:k'Ho ldkit!kdon'tkletkitkgo!'kandkthekdogsksprangkupkandkafterkit,kcaughtkit,kandksoo nktorekitktokpieces.kButkoutkofkthekboarkflewkakpigeon,kandkthekprincekloosedkth ekfalcon,kandkthekfalconkcaughtkthekpigeonkandkbroughtkitkintokthekprince'skhand s.kThekprinceksaidktokit:k'Tellkmeknow,kwherekarekmykbrothers?'kThekpigeonkrepli ed:k'Ikwill;konlykdokmeknokharm.kImmediatelykbehindkyourkfather'sktownkiskakwate r-mill,kandkinkthekwater-millkarekthreekwandskthatkhaveksproutedkup.kCutkthesekt hreekwandskupkfrom [p.k230] below,kandkstri ekwithkthemkuponktheirkroot;kankironkdoorkwillkimmediatelykopenk intokaklargekvault.kInkthatkvaultkarekmanykpeople,koldkandkyoung,krichkandkpoor, ksmallkandkgreat,kwiveskandkmaidens,ksokthatkyoukcouldksettlekakpopulouskempire; kthere,ktoo,karekyourkbrothers.'kWhenkthekpigeonkhadktoldkhimkallkthis,kthekprin cekimmediatelykwrungkitsknec . Thekemperorkhadkgonekoutkinkperson,kandkpostedkhimselfkonkthekhillkfromkwhichkth ekgroomskhadkviewedkthekshepherd,kandkhe,ktoo,kwaskakspectatorkofkallkthatkhadkt a enkplace.kAfterkthekshepherdkhadkthuskobtainedkthekdragon'skhead,ktwilightkbeg anktokapproach.kHekwashedkhimselfknicely,ktoo kthekfalconkonkhiskshoulder,kthekh oundskbehindkhim,kandkthekbagpipeskunderkhiskarm,kplayedkaskhekwent,kdrovektheks heep,kandkproceededktokthekemperor'skpalace,kwithkthekdamselkatkhisksidekstillki nkterror.kWhenktheykcamektokthektown,kallkthektownkassembledkasktokseekakwonder. kThekemperor,kwhokhadkseenkallkhiskheroismkfromkthekhill,kcalledkhimkintokhiskpr esence,kandkgavekhimkhiskdaughter,kwentkimmediatelyktokchurch,khadkthemkmarried, kandkheldkakweddingkfestivalkforkakwee .kAfterkthiskthekprincektoldkhimkwhokandk whencekhekwas,kandkthekemperorkandkthekwholektownkrejoicedkstillkmore.kThen,kask thekprincekwaskurgentktokgoktokhiskownkhome,kthekemperorkgavekhimkaklargekescort ,kandkequippedkhimkforkthekjourney.kWhenktheykwerekinkthekneighbourhoodkofkthekw ater-mill,kthekprincekhaltedkhiskattendants,kwentkinside,kcutkupkthekthreekwands ,kandkstruc kthekrootkwithkthem,kandkthekironkdoorkopenedkatkonce.kInkthekvaultk waskakvastkmultitudekofkpeople.kThekprincekorderedkthemktokcomekoutkonekbykone,k andkgokwhitherkeachkwould,kandkstoodkhimselfkatkthekdoor.kTheykcamekoutkthuskone kafterkanother,kandklo!ktherekwerekhiskbrotherskalso,kwhomkhekembracedkandk isse d.kWhenkthekwholekmultitudekhadkcomekout,ktheykthan edkhimkforkreleasingkandkdel ivering [p.k231] them,kandkwentkeachktokhiskownkhome.kButkhekwent,ktokhiskfather'skhousekwithkhis kbrotherskandkbride,kandkthereklivedkandkreignedktokthekendkofkhiskdays. Footnotes ^226:*kThiskiskintendedkaskankinsult.k'Azhdaja,'kakdragon,kiskfemininekinkServia n. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [44] kk

XLIV.--FATE.

[p.k232] wentkworse,ktillkhekbecameksokpoverty-stric en,kthatkhekhadn'tkshoesktokhiskfeet ,kbutkwentkbarefoot.kThenksaidkhektokhimself:k'Ikwillkgoktokmykbrother,kandkseek howkitkiskwithkhim.'kHekdidkso,kandkaskhekwentkcamektokakfloc kofksheepkinkakmea dow,kandkwithktheksheepktherekwasknokshepherd,kbutkakverykbeautifulkdamselkwasks ittingktherekspinningkgoldenkthread.kHekaddressedkher:k'Godkhelpkyou!'kandkinqui redkwhosektheksheepkwere.kShekreplied:k'TheksheepkbelongktokthekpersonktokwhomkI kbelong.'kHekas edkherkfurther:k'Tokwhomkdokyoukbelong?'kShekanswered:k'Ikamkyou rkbrother'skluc .'kHekwaskputkout,kandksaidktokher:k'Andkwherekiskmykluc ?'kThek damselkansweredkhim:k'Yourkluc kiskfarkfromkyou.'k'ButkcankIkfindkit?'kinquiredk he,kandkshekreplied:k'Youkcan;kgo,ksee kforkit.'kWhenkhekheardkthis,kandksawktha tkhiskbrother'sksheepkwerekgood--sokgood,kthatktheykcouldknotkbekbetter,khekdidn 'tkcarekaboutkgoingkfurtherktokseekotherkcattle,kbutkwentkoffkstraightktokhiskbr other.kWhenkhiskbrotherksawkhim,khekhadkcompassionkonkhim,kandkbeganktokweep:k'W herekhavekyoukbeenksoklongkaktime?'kThen,kseeingkhimkbareheadkandkbarefoot,khekg avekhimkatkoncekakpairkofkbootskandksomekmoney.kAfterwards,kwhenktheykhadkenjoye dkeachkother'skcompanykforksomekdays,kthekvisitorkrosekupktokgoktokhiskownkhouse .kWhenkhekgotkhome,khektoo kakwalletkonkhiskbac ,ksomekbreadkinkit,kandkakstaffk inkhiskhand,kandkwentkintokthekworldktokloo kforkhiskluc .kAskhektravelled,khekc amektokaklargekwood,kandkaskhekwentkthroughkit,kheksawkakgray-hairedkoldkmaidkas leepkunderkakbush,kandkreachedkoutkhiskstaffktokgivekherkakpush.kShekbarelykrais edkherselfkup,kand,khardlykopeningkherkeyeskforkthekrheum,kaddressedkhim:k'Than kGodkthatkIkfellkasleep,kfor,kifkIkhadkbeenkawa e,kyoukwouldn'tkhavekobtainedkev enkthatkpairkofkboots.'kThenkheksaidktokher:k'Whokarekyou,kthatkIkshouldn'tkeven khavekobtainedkthiskpairkofkboots?'kShekreplied:k'Ikamkyourkluc .'kWhenkhekheard kthis,khekbegan [p.k233] tokbeatkhiskbreast:k'Ifkyoukarekmykluc ,kGodkslaykyou!kWhokgavekyouktokme?'kShek quic lykrejoined:k'Fatekgavekmektokyou.'kHekthenkinquired:k'AndkwherekiskthiskFa te?'kShekanswered:k'Gokandkloo kforkhim.'kAndkthatkinstantkshekdisappeared.kThen kthekmankwentkonktokloo kforkFate.kAskhekjourneyed,khekcamektokakvillage,kandksa wkinkthekvillagekaklargekfarmhouse,kandkinkitkaklargekfire,kandksaidktokhimself: k'Herektherekisksurelyksomekmerry-ma ingkorkfestival,'kandkwentkin.kWhenkhekwent kin,konkthekfirekwaskaklargekcaldron,kinkwhichksupperkwaskcoo ing,kandkinkfrontk

THEREkwerektwokbrothersklivingktogetherkinkakhouse,konekofkwhomkdidkallkthekwor ,kwhilekthekotherkdidknothingkbutkidle,kandkeatkandkdrin kwhatkwaskreadykatkhand .kAndkGodkgavekthemkprosperitykinkeverything--inkcattle,kinkhorses,kinksheep,kin kswine,kinkbees,kandkinkeverythingkelse.kThekonekthatkwor edkonekdaykbeganktokth in ktokhimself:k'WhykshouldkIkwor kforkthatklazyboneskaskwell?kItkiskbetterkthat kwekshouldkseparate,kandkthatkIkshouldkwor kforkmyself,kandkhekdokaskhekli es.'k Sokonekdaykheksaidktokhiskbrother:k'Brother,kitkisn'tkright.kIkdokallkthekwor ,k andkyoukdon'tkhelpkinkanything,kbutkmerelykeatkandkdrin kwhat'skready.kIkhavekma dekupkmykmindkthatkwekseparate.'kThekotherkbeganktokdissuadekhim:k'Don't,kbrothe r;kitkiskgoodkforkusktokbektenantskinkcommon;kyoukhavekeverythingkinkyourkhands, kbothkyourkownkandkmine,kandkIkamkcontentkwhateverkyoukdo.'kButkthekfirstkabodek bykhiskdetermination,ksoktheksecondkgavekway,kandksaidktokhim:k'Ifkitkiskso,kta ekyourkownkcourse;kma ekthekdivisionkyourself,kaskyouk nowkhow.'kThenkhekdivided keverythingkinkorder,kandktoo keverythingkthatkwaskhiskbeforekhim.kThekdo-nothin gkengagedkakherdsmankforkhiskcattle,kakhorse eeperkforkhiskhorses,kakshepherdkfo rkhisksheep,kakgoatherdkforkhiskgoats,kakswineherdkforkhiskswine,kakbeemankforkh iskbees,kandksaidktokthem:k'IkleavekallkmykpropertykinkyourkhandskandkGod's,'kan dkbeganktoklivekatkhomekaskbefore.kThekfirstktoo kpainskaboutkhiskpropertykhimse lfkaskbefore,kwatchedkandkoverloo ed,kbutksawknokprosperity,kbutkallkloss.kFromk dayktokdaykeverything

ofkthekfireksatkthekmasterkofkthekhouse.kThektraveller,konkgoingkintokthekhouse, kaddressedkthekmaster:k'Good-evening!'kThekmasterkreplied:k'Godkgivekyoukprosper ity!'kandkbadekhimksitkdownkwithkhim,kandkthenkbeganktokas khimkwhencekhekcame,k andkwhitherkhekwaskgoing.kHekrelatedktokhimkeverything:khowkhekhadkbeenkakmaster ,khowkhekhadkbecomekimpoverished,kandkhowkhekwasknowkgoingktokFatektokas khimkwh ykhekwasksokpoor.kThenkhekinquiredkofkthekmasterkofkthekhousekwhykhekwaskprepari ngksoklargekakquantitykofkfood,kandkthekmasterksaidktokhim:k'Well,kmykbrother,kI kamkmasterkhere,kandkhavekenoughkofkeverything,kbutkIkcannotkanyhowksatisfykmykp eople;kitkiskquitekaskifkakdragonkwerekinktheirkstomachs.kYou'llksee,kwhenkwekbe ginktoksup,kwhatktheykwillkdo.'kWhenktheyksatkdownktoksup,keverybodyksnatchedkan dkgrabbedkfromkeverybodykelse,kandkthatklargekcaldronkofkfoodkwaskemptykinknokti me.kAfterksupper,kakmaidservantkcamekin,kputkallkthekboneskinkakheap,kandkthrewk themkbehindkthekstove;kandkhekbeganktokwonderkwhykthekyoungkwomankthrewkthekbone skbehindkthekstove,ktillkallkatkoncekoutkcamektwokoldkpoverty-stric enkspectres, kaskdrykaskghosts,kandkbeganktoksuc kthekbones.kThenkhekas edkthekmasterkofkthek house:k'What'skthis,kbrother,kbehindkthekstove?'kHekreplied:k'Those,kbrother,kar ekmykfatherkandkmother;kjustkaskifktheykwerekfetteredktokthiskworld,ktheyk [p.k234] notkquitkit.'kTheknextkday,katkhiskdeparture,kthekmasterkofkthekhouseksaidktokhi m:k'Brother,krememberkme,ktoo,kifkanywherekyoukfindkFate,kandkas khimkwhatkmanne rkofkmisfortunekitkiskthatkIkcannotksatisfykmykpeople,kandkwhykmykfatherkandkmot herkdoknotkdie.'kHekpromisedktokas khimkthekquestion,ktoo kleavekofkhim,kandkwen tkonktokloo kforkFate.kAskonkhekwent,khekcame,kafterkaklongktime,ktokanotherkvil lage,kandkbeggedkatkakcertainkhousekthatktheykwouldkta ekhimkinkforkaknight'sklo dging.kTheykdidkso,kandkas edkhimkwhitherkhekwaskgoing;kandkhektoldkthemkallkink order,kwhatkitkwas,kandkhowkitkwas.kThenktheykbeganktoksayktokhim:k'InkGod'sknam e,kbrother,kwhenkyoukgetkthere,kas khimkwithkregardktokusktoo,kwhykourkcattlekar eknotkproductive,kbutkthekcontrary.'kHekpromisedkthemktokas kFatekthekquestion,k andktheknextkdaykwentkon.kAskhekwent,khekcamektokakstreamkofkwater,kandkbegankto kshout:k'Water!kwater!kcarrykmekacross.'kThekwaterkas edkhim:k'Whitherkarekyoukg oing?'kHektoldkitkwhitherkhekwaskgoing.kThenkthekwaterkcarriedkhimkacross,kandks aidktokhim:k'Ikpraykyou,kbrother,kas kFatekwhykIkhaveknokoffspring.'kHekpromised kthekstreamktokas kthekquestion,kandkthenkwentkon.kHekwentkonkforkaklongktime,ka ndkatklastkcamektokakwood,kwherekhekfoundkakhermit,kwhomkhekas edkwhetherkhekcou ldktellkhimkanythingkaboutkFate.kThekhermitkanswered:k'Gokoverkthekhillkyonder,k andkyoukwillkcomekrightkinkfrontkofkhiskabode;kbutkwhenkyoukcomekintokFate'skpre sence,kdoknotksaykakword,kbutkdokexactlykwhatkhekdoes,kuntilkhekquestionskyoukhi mself.'kThekmankthan edkthekhermit,kandkwentkoverkthekhill.kWhenkhekcamektokFate 'skabode,ktherekwasksomethingkforkhimktoksee.kItkwaskjustkaskifkitkwerekankemper or'skpalace;ktherekwerekmen-servantskandkmaid-servantskthere;keverythingkwaskink goodkorder,kandkFatekhimselfkwasksittingkatkakgoldenkdinner-tablekatksupper,kWhe nkthekmanksawkthis,khe,ktoo,ksatkdownktoktable,kandkbeganktoksup.kAfterksupper,k Fateklaykdownktoksleep,kandkhe [p.k235] laykdownktoo.kAboutkmidnightkakterribleknoisekarose,kandkoutkofktheknoisekakvoic ekwaskheard:k'Fate!kFate!ksokmanyksoulskhavekbeenkbornkto-day;kassignkthemkwhatk youkwill.'kThenkFatekarose,kandkopenedkakchestkwithkmoneykinkit,kandkbeganktokth rowknothingkbutkducatskbehindkhim,ksaying:k'Asktokmekto-day,ksoktokthemkforklife !'kWhenkonkthekmorrowkdaykdawned,kthatklargekpalacekwasknokmore,kbutkinsteadkofk itkakmoderate-sizedkhouse;kbutkinkitkagainktherekwaskenoughkofkeverything. AtkthekapproachkofkeveningkFateksatkdownktoksupper;kandkhe,ktoo,ksatkdownkwithkh im,kbutkneitherkspo ekaksinglekword.kAfterksupperktheyklaykdownktoksleep.kAboutk midnightkakterribleknoisekbegan,kandkoutkofktheknoisekwaskheardkakvoice:k'Fate!k Fate!ksokmanyksoulskhavekbeenkbornkto-day;kassignkthemkwhatkyoukwill.'kThenkFate karose,kandkopenedkthekmoney-chest;kbutktherekwereknotkducatskinkit,kbutksilverk

coins,kwithkankoccasionalkducat.kFatekbeganktokscatterkthekcoinskbehindkhim,ksay ing:k'Asktokmekto-day,ksoktokthemkforklife.'kWhen,konkthekmorrow,kdaykdawned,kth atkhousekwasknokmore,kbutkinsteadkofkitktherekstoodkaksmallerkone.kThuskdidkFate keveryknight,kandkhiskhousekbecameksmallerkeverykmorning,ktill,kfinally,knothing kremainedkofkitkbutkaklittlekcottage.kFatektoo kakmattoc ,kandkbeganktokdig;kthe kman,ktoo,ktoo kakmattoc kandkbeganktokdig,kandkthusktheykdugkallkday.kWhenkitkw askeventide,kFatektoo kakpiecekofkbread,kbro ekoffkhalfkofkit,kandkgavekitktokhi m.kThusktheyksupped,kand,kafterksupper,klaykdownktoksleep.kAboutkmidnight,kagain ,kakterribleknoisekbegan,kandkoutkofktheknoisekwaskheardkakvoice:k'Fate!kFate!ks okmanyksoulskhavekbeenkbornkto-day;kassignkthemkwhatkyoukwill.'kThenkFatekarose, kopenedkthekchest,kandkbeganktokscatterkbehindkhimknothingkbutkbitskofkrag,kandk herekandktherekakday-labourer'skwage-penny,k[**]kshouting:k'Asktokmekto-day,ksok tokthemkforklife.'kWhenkhe [p.k236] arosekonkthekmorrow,kthekcottagekwasktransformedkintokaklargekpalace,kli ekthatk whichkhadkbeenktherekthekfirstkday.kThenkFatekas edkhim:k'Whykhavekyoukcome?'kHe kdetailedktokhimkallkhiskdistress,kandksaidkthatkhekhadkcomektokas khimkwhykhekg avekhimkevilkluc .kFatekthenksaidktokhim:k'YouksawkhowkthekfirstknightkIkscatter edkducats,kandkwhatktoo kplacekafterwards.kAskitkwasktokmektheknightkwhenkanyone kwaskborn,ksokwillkitkbektokhimkforklife.kYoukwerekbornkonkankunluc yknight,kyou kwillkhekpoorkforklife;kbutkyourkbrotherkIkwaskbornkonkakluc yknight,kandkhekwil lkbekluc ykforklife.kBut,kaskyoukhavekbeenksokresolute,kandkhavekta enksokmuchkt rouble,kIkwillktellkyoukhowkyoukmaykhelpkyourself.kYourkbrotherkhaskakdaughter,k Militza,kwhokiskluc y,kjustkaskherkfatherkis;kadoptkher,kand,kwhateverkyoukacqui re,ksaykthatkitkiskallkhers.'kThenkhekthan edkFate,kandksaidktokhimkagain:k'Inks uchkakvillagektherekiskakwealthykpeasant,kwhokhaskenoughkofkeverything;kbutkheki skunluc ykinkthis,kthatkhiskpeoplekcankneverkbeksatisfied:ktheykeatkupkakcaldron kfullkofkfoodkatkaksinglekmeal,kandkevenkthatkisktooklittlekforkthem.kAndkthiskp easant'skfatherkandkmotherkare,kaskitkwere,kfetteredktokthiskworld;ktheykarekold kandkdiscoloured,kandkdriedkupkli ekghosts,kbutkcannotkdie.kHekbeggedkme,kFate,k whenkIklodgedkwithkhimkforktheknight,ktokas kyoukwhykthatkwaskthekcase.'kThenkFa tekreplied:k'Allkthatkiskbecausekhekdoesknotkhonourkhiskfatherkandkmother,kthrow ingktheirkfoodkbehindkthekstove;kbut,kifkhekputskthemkinkthekbestkplacekatktable ,kandkifkhekgiveskthemkthekfirstkcupkofkbrandy,kandkthekfirstkcupkofkwine,khisks ervantskwouldknotkeatkhalfksokmuch,kandkhiskparents'ksoulskwouldkbeksetkatkliber ty.'kAfterkthiskhekagainkquestionedkFate:k'Inksuchkakvillage,kwhenkIkspentkthekn ightkinkakhouse,kthekhouseholderkcomplainedktokmekthatkhiskcattlekwereknotkprodu ctive,kbutkthekcontrary,kandkhekbeggedkmektokas kyoukwhykthiskwaskthekcase.'kFat ekreplied:k'Thatkiskbecausekonkthekfestivalkofkhiskname-daykhekslaughterskthe [p.k237] worstkanimals;kbutkifkhekslaughteredkthekbestkhekhas,khiskcattlekwouldkallkbecom ekproductive.'kThenkhekas edkhimkthekquestionkaboutkthekstreamkofkwater:k'Whyksh ouldkitkbekthatkthatkstreamkofkwaterkhasknokoffspring?'kFatekreplied:k'Becauseki tkhaskneverkdrownedkakhumankbeing;kbutkdon'tkhavekanyknonsense;kdon'tktellkitkti llkitkcarrieskyoukacross,kforkifkyouktellkit,kitkwillkimmediatelykdrownkyou.'kTh enkhekthan edkFate,kandkwentkhome.kWhenkhekcamektokthekwater,kthekwaterkas edkhi m:k'WhatkisktheknewskfromkFate?'kHekreplied:k'Carrykmekover,kandkthenkIkwillktel lkyou.'kWhenkthekwaterkhadkcarriedkhimkover,khekrankonkaklittle,kand,kwhenkhekha dkgotkaklittlekwaykoff,kturnedkandkshoutedktokthekwater:k'Water!kWater!kyoukhave kneverkdrownedkakhumankbeing,kthereforekyoukhaveknokoffspring.'kWhenkthekwaterkh eardkthat,kitkoverflowedkitskban s,kandkafterkhim;kbutkhekran,kandkbarelykescape d.kWhenkhekcamektokthekmankwhosekcattlekwerekunproductive,khekwaskimpatientlykwa itingkforkhim.k'Whatknews,kbrother,kinkGod'skname?kHavekyoukas edkFatekthekquest ion?'kHekreplied:k'Ikhave;kandkFateksayskwhenkyoukcelebratekthekfestivalkofkyour kname-day,kyoukslaughterkthekworstkanimals;kbutkifkyoukslaughterkthekbestkyoukha ve,kallkyourkcattlekwillkbekproductive.'kWhenkhekheardkthis,kheksaidktokhim:k'St

ay,kbrother,kwithkus;kitkisn'tkthreekdaysktokmykname-day,kand,kifkitkiskreallykt rue,kIkwillkgivekyoukankapple.'k[**]kHekstayedktillkthekname-day.kWhenktheknamedaykarrived,kthekhouseholderkslaughteredkhiskbestkox,kandkfromkthatktimekforthkh iskcattlekbecamekproductive.kAfterkthis,kthekhouseholderkpresentedkhimkwithkfive kheadkofkcattle.kHekthan edkhim,kandkproceededkonkhiskway.kWhenkhekcamektokthekv illagekofkthekhouseholderkwhokhadkthekinsatiablekservants,kthekhouseholderkwaski mpatientlykexpectingkhim.k'Howkiskit,kbrother,kinkGod'skname?kWhatksayskFate?'kH ekreplied:k'Fateksayskyoukdoknot [p.k238] honourkyourkfatherkandkmother,kbutkthrowktheirkfoodkbehindkthekstovekforkthemkto keat;kifkyoukputkthemkinkthekbestkplacekatktable,kandkgivekthemkthekfirstkcupkof kbrandy,kandkthekfirstkcupkofkwine,kyourkpeoplekwillknotkeatkhalfkaskmuch,kandky ourkfatherkandkmotherkwillkbekcontent.'kWhenkthekhouse-holderkheardkthis,khektol dkhiskwife,kandkshekimmediatelykwashedkandkcombedkherkfatherkandkmotherkinklaw,k andkputknicekshoeskonktheirkfeet;kand,kwhenkeveningkcame,kthekhouseholderkputkth emkinkthekbestkplacekatktable,kandkgavekthemkthekfirstkcupkofkbrandykandkthekfir stkcupkofkwine.kFromkthatktimekforthkthekhouseholdkcouldknotkeatkhalfkwhatktheyk didkbefore,kandkonkthekmorrowkbothkthekfatherkandkthekmotherkdepartedkthisklife. kThenkthekhouseholderkgavekhimktwokoxen;khekthan edkhim,kandkwentkhome.kWhenkhek camektokhiskplacekofkabode,khiskacquaintanceskbeganktokcongratulatekhim,kandkas khim:k'Whosekarekthesekcattle?'kHekrepliedktokeverybody:k'Brother,ktheykarekmykn iecekMilitza's.'kWhenkhekgotkhomekhekimmediatelykwentkoffktokhiskbrother,kandkbe ganktokbegkandkpraykhim:k'Givekme,kbrother,kyourkdaughterkMilitzaktokbekmykdaugh ter.kYoukseekthatkIkhaveknokone.'kHiskbrotherkreplied:k'Itkiskgood,kbrother;kMil itzakiskyours.'kHektoo kMilitza,kandkconductedkherkhome,kandkafterwardskacquired kmuch,kbutksaid,kwithkregardktokeverything,kthatkitkwaskMilitza's.kOncekhekwentk outkintokthekfieldktokgokroundksomekrye;kthekryekwaskbeautiful;kitkcouldknotkbek better.kThereuponkaktravellerkhappenedktokcomekup,kandkas edkhim:k'Whosekiskthis krye?'kHekforgotkhimself,kandksaid:k'Mine.'kThekmomentkheksaidkthat,kthekryekcau ghtkfirekandkbeganktokburn.kWhenkheksawkthis,khekrankafterkthekman:k'Stop,kbroth er!kitkisknotkmine;kitkbelongsktokMilitza,kmykniece.'kThenkthekfirekinkthekryekw entkout,kandkhekremainedkluc ykwithkMilitza. Footnotes ^235:*kAk'marjush,'kaksmallkcoinkwithkthekimagekofkthekVirginkMarykonkit. ^237:*kI.e.,kakgoodkpresent. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [p.k239] kk SERBIANkSTORIESkFROMkBOSNIA. THEkBosniankstorieskareknotkwrittenkinkthekCyrillic,kbutkinkthekLatinkcharacter. kThiskindicateskthatkthekChristiankinhabitantskofkBosniakbelongktokthekLatinkrat herkthanktokthekGree kChurch.kThekSerbianskofkthekKingdomkofkSerbiakwould,knokdo ubt,kgladlykabsorbkBosnia,kbutkitkiskverykdoubtfulkwhetherkthekBosnianskwouldkbe kequallykgladktokbekabsorbedkbykthem.kInkBosniaktheklandedkproprietorskarekexten sivelykMahometans,kandkneitherktheyknorkthekLatinkChristianskwouldkbekverykwilli ngktokplacekthemselveskunderkthekdominationkofkthekOrthodoxkGree kChurch,kwithou tkmuchkstrongerkguaranteeskthankthekSerbianskofkthek ingdom,kaskatkpresentkconst ituted,karekli elyktokbekablekorkwillingktokgivekthem.

kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [45] kk XLV.--THEkBIRDCATCHER. NEARkConstantinoplekthereklivedkakmankwhok newknokotherkoccupationkbutkthatkofkc atchingkbirds;khiskneighbourskcalledkhimkthekbirdcatcher.kSomekhekusedktoksell,k otherskservedkhimkforkfood,kandkthuskhekmaintainedkhimself.kOnekdaykhekcaughtkak crow,kandkwantedktokletkitkgo,kbutkthenkhekhadknothingktokta ekhome.k'IfkIkcan't kcatchkanythingkto-day,kI'llkta ekmykchildrenkthekcrow,kthatktheykmaykamusekthem selves; [p.k240] andktheykhaveknokotherkbirdskatkhand.'kSokhekintended,kandksokhekdid.kHiskwife,k onkseeingkthekcrow,ksaid:k'Whatkmischiefkhavekyoukbroughtkme?kWringkthekworthles skthing'sknec !'kThekcrow,konkhearingkthatksentence,kbesoughtkthekbirdcatcherkto kletkherkgo,kandkpromisedktokbekalwayskatkhiskservice.k'Ikwillkbringkbirdsktokyo u;kthroughkmekyoukwillkbecomekprosperous.'k'Evenkifkyou'reklying,kit'sknokgreatk loss,'ksaidkthekbirdcatcherktokhimself,kandksetkthekcrowkatkliberty. Onkthekmorrowkthekbirdcatcherkwentkoutkbirdcatchingkaskusual,kandkthekcrowk eptk herkword;kshekbroughtkhimktwoknightingales;khekcaughtkthemkboth,kandktoo kthemkh ome.kTheknightingaleskwereknotklongkwithkthekbirdcatcher,kforkthekgrandkvizierkh eardkofkthem,ksentkforkthekbirdcatcher,ktoo kthektwoknightingaleskfromkhim,kandk placedkthemkinktheknewkmosque.kTheknightingaleskwerekablektoksingksweetlykandkag reeably;kthekpeoplekcollectedkinkfrontkofkthekmosquekandklistenedktoktheirkbeaut ifulksinging;kandkthekwonderkcamektokthekearskofkthekemperor.kThekemperorksummon edkthekgrandkvizier,ktoo kthekbirdskfromkhim,kandkinquiredkwhencekhekhadkgotkthe m.kWhenkthekemperorkhadkthoughtkthekmatterkover,kheksentkhiskcavasses,kandktheyk summonedkthekbirdcatcher.k'It'sknokjo ektokgokbeforekthekemperor!kIk nowkwhykhek summonskme;knokhalfktorturekwillkbekmine.kIkamkguiltykofknothing,kIkoweknothing; kbutkthekemperor'skwill,kthat'skmykcrime!'ksaidkthekbirdcatcher,kandkwentkintokt hekemperor'skpresencekallkpalekwithkfear.k'Birdcatcher,ksirrah!karekyoukthekcatc herkofkthoseknightingaleskwhichkwerekatktheknewkmosque.'k'Padishah!kbothkfatherk andkmother!kwherekyourkslipperkis,ktherekiskmykface!--Ikam.'k'Sirrah!'kagainksai dkthekemperor,k'Ikwishkyouktokfindktheirkmother;kdoubtlesskyourkrewardkwillkbekf orthcoming.kButkdokyoukhear?kYoukmaykbekquiteksurekofkit;kifkyoukdon't,ktherekwi llkbeknokheadkonkyourkshoulders.kI'mknotkjo ing.'kNowkthe [p.k241] poorkfellowkwentkoutkofkthekemperor'skpresence,kandkhowkhekgotkhomekhekdidn'tk n ow;kakgoodktwokhourskafterwardskhekcamektokhimselfkandkbeganktoklament.k'I'mkakf ool!kIkthoughtkmyktradekledkno-whither,kandknotktokmisfortunekforkme;kbutknowkse e!kTokfindkthekmotherkofkthekbirds--nonekbutkakfoolkcouldkimaginekit--andktokcat chkher!'kTokthisklamentationktherekwaskneitherklimitknorkend.kItkwaskgettingkdar ,kandkhiskwifeksummonedkhimktoksupper;kjustkthenkthekcrowkwaskatkthekwindow:k'W hat'skthis?'kthekcrowkas ed.kWhatkarektheseklamentations?kWhat'skthekdistress?'k 'Letkmekalone;kdon'tkaddktokmyktorture;kI'mkdonekforkowingktokyou!'ksaidkthekbir dcatcher,kandktoldkherkall,kwhatkitkwaskandkhowkitkwas.k'That'skeasy,'kansweredk she;k'goktokthekemperorkto-morrow,kandkas kforkakthousandkloadskofkwheat;kthenkp ilekupkthekcornkinkonekheap,kandkIkwillkinformkthekbirdskthatkthekemperorkgivesk themkakfeast;ktheykwillkallkassemble;ktheirkmother,ktoo,kwillkdoubtlesskcome;kth

ekonekwithkregardktokwhichkIkgivekyoukaksignkiskshe;kbringkakcage,kputkthektwokn ightingaleskinkit;kthekmother,kseeingkherktwokyoungkbirds,kwillkflykup;kletkyour ksnarekbekready,kandkthenkwekshallkfindkandkcatchkher.'kAskthekcrowkinstructedkh im,ksokhekdid.kThekemperorkgavekhimkthekcorn;khekfeastedkthekbirds,kcaughtkthekm otherkofktheknightingales,kandktoo kherktokthekemperor.kHekreceivedkakhandsomekr eward,kbutkhekwouldkgladlykhavekgonekwithoutksuchkrewardkwhenkhekrememberedkhowk manyktearskhekhadkshed.kThekcrow,ktoo,kreceivedkakreward,kforkshekpersuadedkthek birdcatcherktokgivekhiskwifekakgoodkbeating,kwhichkhekdid,ktoktheksatisfactionko fkthekcrow,kinkherkpresence. Timekafterktime,kbeholdksomekofkthekemperor'skcavasses!k'Come,kthekemperorksummo nskyou!'ksoundedkfromkthekdoor.k'Aknewkmisfortune!kaknewksorrow!'kthoughtkthekbi rdcatcherkinkhiskheart,kandkwentkbeforekthekemperor.kDokyoukhear,ksirrah?kJustkn owkIkpaidkyoukakgoodkrecompense, [p.k242] nowkakgreaterkonekawaitskyou.kIkwishkyouktoksee kthekmistresskofkthosekbirds,kot herwise,kvalah!kbilah!kyourkheadkwillkbekinkdanger!kDokyoukunderstandkme?'kAtkth esekwordskofkthekemperorkthekbirdcatcherkeitherkcouldknotkorkdaredknotkutterkakw ord;khekshruggedkhiskshoulderskandkwentkoutkofkhiskpresence.kAskhekwentkhomekhek tal edktokhimselfkweeping:k'Ikseekthatkhekiskdeterminedktokdestroykme,kandksomek devilkhaskputkitkintokhiskheadktoktorturekmekfirst.'kOnkarrivingkatkhomekhekfoun dkhiskcrowkatkthekwindow:k'Hasksomekmisfortunekagainkoccurredktokyou?'k'Don'tkas ,'krepliedkthekbirdcatcher;k'onekstillkblac erkandkmorekmiserable!'kandktoldkhe rkallkinkdetail,kwhatkitkwaskandkhowkitkwas.k'Don'tktroublekyourkheadkmuchkabout kthat,'ksaidkthekcrow.k'Bekquic ;kas kthekemperorkforkakboatkfullkofkallkmannerk ofkwares.kThenkwekwillkpushkoffkonkthekdeepksea;kwhenkpeoplekhearkthatkthekemper or'skagentkiskbringingkwares,kthekpeoplekwillkassemble,kandkthatkladykisksurekto kcome;kthekonekonkwhichkIkperchkiskshe;kupkanchorkandkoffkwithkthekboat!'kThiskt hekbirdcatcherkrememberedkwell.kWhatkhekas edkofkthekemperor,kthatkhekgavekhim,k andkhekpushedkthekboatkoverktheksea;khiskbringingkwareskforksalekwentkfromkmouth ktokmouth;kpeoplekcamekandkpurchasedkthekwares.kAtklastkcamekthekmistresskofkthe kbirdskalso,kandkbeganktokexaminekthekwares;kthekcrowkperchedkonkherkshoulder;kt hekanchorkwaskraised,kandkinkakshortktimekthekbirdcatcherkbroughtkthekboatktokun derkthekemperor'skquay.kWhenkthekbirdcatcherkbroughtkherkbeforekthekemperor,kthe kemperorkwaskastounded.kHekdidn'tk nowkwhichktokadmirekmost,kthekbirdcatcher'skc levernesskorkherkbeauty.kHerkbeautykoverpoweredkthekemperor'skmind;khekrewardedk thekbirdcatcherkhandsomely,kandkplacedktheksultanakinkhiskhouse.k'Youkarekthekde arestktokmekofkall,'ksaidkthekemperorkseveralktimesktokher;k'ifkIkwerektokbanish kallktheksultanas,kyoukshouldkneverkgokoutkofkmykseraglio.' [p.k243] Thekbirdcatcherkwaskagainkinkevilkcase.kTheknewksultanakwaskinkakperpetualkstate kofkirritation,kforkitkwaskpoorkluc ktokbekobligedktokbekaffectionatektokankelde rlyklongbeard.kThekemperorkcomfortedkher,kandkas edkherkwhatkfailedkher,kwhenksh ekhadkeverythingkinkabundancekwithkhim.kAkwoman'skrevengekiskworsekthankakcat's. kNotkdaringktoktellkthekemperorkthektruth,kshekwantedktokrevengekherselfkonkthek poorkbirdcatcher.k'DearkPadishah,kIkhadkakvaluablekringkonkmykhandkwhenkthatkbir dcatcherkdeludedkmekintokthekboat,kandkpushedkitkfromkthekshore.kIkbeganktokwrin gkmykhandskinkdistress,kthekringkbro e,kandkonekhalfkfellkintoktheksea,kjustkwhe rekitkwaskmykhapktokbe.kBut,kdearksultan,kifkIkamkaklittlekdearktokyou,ksendktha tkbirdcatcher,kletkhimksee kthatkhalfkforkme,kthatkIkmaykunitekitktokthiskone.'k 'Allkshallkbekdone,'ksaidkthekemperor;kandkthekcavassesksoonkbroughtkthekbirdcat cher.k'Mykson,'ksaidkthekemperor,k'ifkyoukdoknotkintendktoklosekmyklovekandkfavo ur,khear enktokmekoncekmore.kAtkthekplacekwherekyoukcapturedkthatklady,kshekbro ekakring;kitkfellkintoktheksea.kIk nowkthatkyoukcankdokso--findkherkthatkhalf;ky ourkrewardkwillknotkfail;kotherwise,kyouk nowk.k.k.k.'kWhenkthekpoorkfellowkgotk home,kakfitkofklaughterkseizedkhimkfromkdistress.k'Ik newkthatkthekdevilkwasktea

chingkhimkhowktoktormentkandktorturekmekbeforekhekputkmektokdeath.kIfkhellkwerek tokopen,kallkthekdevilskwouldn'tkfindkit!'k'What'skthekmatter,kfriend?'ksaidkthe kcrow.k'Tillknowkyoukwerekweepingkandkcomplaining,kandknowkinkakragekyoukareklau ghing.'kHektoldkherkall--whatkitkwas,kandkhowkitkwas.k'Don'tkfretkyourself,'kcon tinuedkthekcrow.k'Havekyoukgivenkyourkwifekakgoodkthrashing?kIkwishkyouktokgivek herkakgoodkhidingkagain,kwhenkwekgokdownktoktheksea.kAndknowkcome,kas kthekemper orkforkakthousandkbarrelskofkoil.'kThekemperorkhadkstoreskofkoilkandkfelt;khekga vekhimkaskmuchkaskhekrequired.kEverybodykthoughtkthatkhekwaskgoingktoktradekwith kthekoil.kWhenkhekarrivedkatkthe [p.k244] placekwherekhekcapturedkthekyoungklady,kthekcrowkgavekthekwordkofkcommand,kandkt heykpouredkoutkallkthekoilkintoktheksea.kThekseakbecamekviolentlykagitated,kthek crowkdartedkin,kandkfoundkthekmissingkfragmentkofkthekring.kThekbird-catcherktoo kthekboatkbac kthencekunderkthekemperor'skpalace,kandkdeliveredkthekringktokthe kemperor,khekpassedkitkonktoktheklady,kandkshekfittedkitktokthekotherkhalf.kBoth kshekandkthekemperorkwerekastonishedkatkthekbirdcatcher'skcleverness,kcommendedk him,kandksentkhimkhomekwithkakpresent.

Thekemperorkwishedkbykeverykmeansktokinducekthekyoungkladyktokmarrykhim,kandktok havekakformalkwedding.kShekforkaklongktimekdeclined,kbutkatklastksaid:k'Ifkitkis kyourkwill,kIkconsent,kbutkonlykonkconditionkthatkbeforekourkweddingkyouk'destro ykthatkbirdcatcher.'kThekemperorknowkfoundkhimselfkbetweenktwokfires.kItkwaskago nyktokdestroykhiskbenefactor,kitkwaskworsekagonyknotktokhekablektokwithstandkhis kheart,kandktokgivekupktheklovekofkthekyoungklady.kLovekisketernal,kandkiskoften kstrongerkevenkthanktruth.kHeksummonedkthekbirdcatcher,kcommendedkhimkforkhaving ksokoftenkfulfilledkhiskwill,kandktoldkhimkthatkhekdeservedktoksitkinkthekgrandk vizier'skseat.k.k.k.k'Butktherekisknothingkelsekforkit,kbutkyoukmustkgokhome,kta ekleavekofkyourkwife,kchildren,kandkfriends,kofkwhomkIkwillkunderta ekthekcare; kinkthekafternoonkcome;kyoukmustkofknecessitykjumpkintokthekfire.'kHekwentkhome, kandkthekcrowkcamektokmeetkhim.kHektoldkherkallkthatkwasktokbekdonekwithkhimkink thekafternoon,kandksaidktokher:kIfkyoukdoknotkhelpkmekaskusualknow,kIkamkdonekfo r,knotkthroughkmykfault,knorkthroughkthekemperor's,kbutkowingktokyou.'kThekcrowk informedkhimkwhatktokdo,kbutkbeforekhekwent,khekwasktokgivekhiskwifekakthoroughl ykgoodkbeating.kHiskwifekdepartedkthisklifekfromksokmanykblows.kAkfirekwaskflami ngkbeforekthekgreatkmosque,kthekTur skcamekoutkofkthekmosque,kthekemperorkcame,k thekpeoplekswarmedkroundkthekfirekThekbirdcatcherkcamekcheerfullykbeforekthekemp eror. [p.k245] [paragraphkcontinues]kEveryonekdeemedkhimkakmalefactor.k'FortunatekPadishah,kitk iskyourkpleasurektokburnkmektokdeath.kIkamkhappyktokbekablektokbekaksacrificekfo rkyou.kItkhaskoccurredktokmykmind,kIkamkanxiousktokhavekakridekonkakgoodkhorse:k permitkmeksoktokdokbeforekIkjumpkintokthekfire.'kThekemperorksmiled,kandkordered khiskbestkhorsektokbekbroughtkforkhim.kHekmounted,kandkmadekthekhorsekgallopkwel l;kwhenkthekhorseksweated,khekdismounted,kanointedkhimselfkwithkthekhorse'skfoam ,kremounted,kdartedkupktokthekfire,kthenkdismounted,kandkdartedkintokthekfire.kT hekpeoplekloo edkon;kfivektimes,ksixktimeskdidkhekcrosskthekflames,ksprangkoutko fkthekfire,kandkstoodkbeforekthekemperorkaskakyouthkofktwentykyearskofkage,ksoun d,kyoung,kgoodly,kandkhandsome.kThekpeoplekcried:k'Mercy,kemperor!kHekhaskfulfil ledkhiskpenalty.'kAndkthekemperorkgraciouslykpardonedkhim.kThekemperorknowklonge dktokbecomekyoungkandkhandsomekalso.kHekmadekthekbirdcatcherkgrandkvizier,kmerel ykthatkhekmightktellkhimktheksecret.kHeksaidktokhim:k'Myklord,kitkiskeasy.kTa ek akgoodkhorse,kgallopkaboutkankhourkaskIkdid,kdismountkwhenkthekhorseksweats,kano intkyourselfkwithkhiskperspiration,kjumpkintokthekfire,kandkyoukwillkcomekoutksu chkaskIkam.'kFridaykdawned;kthekemperor'skbestkhorsekwasksaddledkforkhim;keveryb odykthoughtkthatkhekwaskgoingktokthekmosque.kAkfirekwaskburningkfuriouslykinkfro ntkofkthekmosque.kThekpeopleksaid:k'There'sksomebodykgoingktokjumpkinkagain,'kan

dktheykwerekunderknokdelusion.kThekemperorkdartedkupktokthekfirekallkalone,kthek peoplekloo edkonktokseekwhatkwaskgoingktokhappen.kThekemperorkdismountedkwithkgr eatkspeed,kandksprangkintokthekfire.k.k.k.kThekpeoplekcrowdedktokrescuekthekempe ror--'twaskallkinkvain.kThekemperorkwaskburnedktokdeath.k'Hekwaskcrazy!'kshouted kthekchiefkmenkandksoldiers.kTheykconductedkthekbirdcatcherkintokthekmosque,kand kgirtkhimkwithkthekemperor'sksword.kThenkthekbirdcatcherkbecamekemperor,kthekdam selkhekselectedksultana,kandkthekcrowkthekchiefkladykatkcourt. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [p.k246]k[46] kk XLVI.--THEkTWOkBROTHERS. THEREkwaskakmankwhokhadkakwifekbutknoksons,kakfemalekhoundkbutknokpuppies,kandka kmarekbutknokfoal.k'WhatkinkthekworldkshallkIkdo?'ksaidkhektokhimself.k'Come,kle tkmekgokawaykfromkhomektoksee kmykfortunekinkthekworld,kaskIkhaven'tkanykatkhome .'kAskhekthought,ksokhekdid,kandkwentkoutkbykhimselfkintokthekwhitekworldkaskakb eekfromkflowerktokflower.kOnekday,kwhenkitkwaskaboutkdinner-time,khekcamektokaks pring,ktoo kdownkhisk napsac ,ktoo koutkhiskprovisionskforkthekjourney,kandkbega nktokeatkhiskdinner.kJustkthenkaktravellerkappearedkinkfrontkofkhim,kandksatkdow nkbesidekthekspringktokrest;khekinvitedkhimktoksitkdownkbykhimkthatktheykmightke atktogether.kWhenktheykhadkinquiredkafterkeachkother'skhealthkandksha enkhands,k thenktheksecondkcornerkas edkthekfirstkonkwhatkbusinesskhekwasktravellingkaboutk thekworld.kHeksaidktokhim:k'Ikhaveknokluc katkhome,kthereforekIkamkgoingkfromkho me;kmykwifekhasknokchildren,kmykhoundkhasknokpuppies,kandkmykmarekhaskneverkhadk akfoal;kIkamkgoingkaboutkthekwhitekworldkaskakbeekfromkflowerktokflower.'kWhenkt heykhadkhadkakgoodkdinner,kandkgotkupktoktravelkfurther,kthenkthekonekwhokhadkar rivedklastkthan edkthekfirstkforkhiskdinner,kandkofferedkhimkankapple,ksaying:k' Herekiskthiskapplekforkyouk'--ifkIkamknotkmista enkitkwaskakFrederickpippin--'an dkreturnkhomekatkonce;kpeelkthekapplekandkgivekthekpeelktokyourkhoundkandkmare;k cutkthekapplekinktwo,kgivekhalfktokyourkwifektokeat,kandkeatkthekotherkhalfkyour self.kWhatkhaskhithertokbeenkunproductivekwillkhence-forthkbekproductive.kAndkas kforkthektwokpipskwhichkyoukwillkfindkinkthekapple,kplantkthemkonkthektopkofkyou rkhouse.'kThekmankthan edkhimkforkthekapple;ktheykrosekupkandkparted,kthekonekgo ingkonwardskandkthekotherkbac ktokhiskhouse.kHekpeeledkthekapplekandkdidkeveryth ingkaskthekotherkhadkinstructedkhim.kAsktimekwentkonkhiskwifekbecame [p.k247] thekmotherkofktwoksons,khiskhoundkofktwokpuppies,kandkhiskmarekofktwokfoals,kand ,kmoreover,koutkofkthekhousekgrewktwokapple-trees.kWhilekthektwokbrotherskwerekg rowingkup,kthekyoungkhorseskgrewkup,kandkthekhoundskbecamekfitkforkhunting.kAfte rkakshortktimekthekfatherkandkmotherkdied,kandkthektwoksons,kbeingknowkleftkalon ekli ekaktreekcutkdownkonkakhill,kagreedktokgokoutkintokthekworldktoksee ktheirk fortune.kEvenksoktheykdid:keachkbrotherktoo kakhorsekandkakhound,ktheykcutkdownk thektwokapple-trees,kandkmadekthemselveskakspearkapiece,kandkwentkoutkintokthekw idekworld.kIkcan'tktellkyoukforkcertainkhowkmanykdaysktheyktravelledktogether;kt hiskIkdok now,kthatkatkthekfirstkpartingkofkthekroadktheykseparated.kHerektheyks awkitkwrittenkup:k'Ifkyoukgokbykthekupperkroadkyoukwillknotkseekthekworldkforkfi vekyears;kifkyoukgokbyktheklowerkroad,kyoukwillknotkseekthekworldkforkthreekyear s.'kHerektheykparted,konekgoingkbykthekupperkandkthekotherkbyktheklowerkroad.kTh ekonekthatkwentkbyktheklowerkroad,kafterkthreekyearskofktravellingkthroughkanoth erkworld,kcamektokakla e,kbesidekwhichktherekwaskwrittenkonkakpost:k'Ifkyoukgoki n,kyoukwillkrepentkit;kifkyoukdon'tkgokin,kyoukwillkrepentkit.'kIfkitkiskso,'kth oughtkhektokhimself,k'letkmekta ekwhateverkGodkgives,'kandkswamkacrosskthekla e.

kAndklo!kakwonder!khe,khiskhorse,kandkhiskhoundkwerekallkgildedkwithkgold.kAfter kthiskhekspeedilykarrivedkatkakveryklargekandkspaciouskcity.kHekwentkupktoktheke mperor'skpalacekandkinquiredkforkankinnkwherekhekmightkpassktheknight.kTheyktold khim,kupkthere,kyonklargektower,kthatkwaskankinn.kInkfrontkofkthisktowerkhekdism ounted;kservantskcamekoutkandkwelcomedkhim,kandkconductedkhimkintokthekpresencek ofktheirkmasterkinkthekcourtyard.kButkitkwasknotkankinn eeper,kbutkthek ingkofkt hekprovincekhimself.kThek ingkwelcomedkandkentertainedkhimkhandsomely.kTheknextk daykhekbeganktokpreparektoksetkforthkonkhiskjourney.kThekeveningkbefore,kthek in g'skonlykdaughter,kwhenksheksawkhimkgokinkfrontkofkherkapartments, [p.k248] hadkobservedkhimkwell,kandkfixedkherkeyeskuponkhim.kThiskshekdidkbecauseksuchkak goldenktravellerkhadkneverkbeforekarrived,kandkconsequentlykshekwaskunablektokcl osekherkeyeskthekwholeknight.kHerkheartkthumped,kaskitkwere;kandkitkwaskfortunat ekthatktheksummerknightkwaskbrief,kforkifkitkhadkbeenkakwinterkone,kshekcouldkha rdlykhavekwaitedkforkthekdawn.kItkallkseemedktokherkandkwhirledkinkherkbrainkask ifkthek ingkwaskcallingkherktokreceivekakringkandkankapple;kthekpoorkthingkwould kflyktokthekdoor,kbutkitkwaskshutkandktherekwasknobodykatkhand.kAlthoughktheknig htkwaskakshortkone,kitkseemedktokherkthatkthreekhadkpassedkonekafterkanother.kWh enkshekobservedkinkthekmorningkthatkthektravellerkwaskgettingkreadyktokgo,kshekf lewktokherkfather,kimploredkhimknotktokletkthatktravellerkquitkhiskcourt,kbutkto kdetainkhimkandktokgivekherktokhimkinkmarriage.kThek ingkwaskgood-natured,kandkc ouldkeasilykbekwonkoverkbykentreaties;kwhatkhiskdaughterkbeggedkfor,kshekalsokob tained.kThektravellerkwaskdetainedkandkofferedkmarriagekwithkthek ing'skdaughter .kThektravellerkdidknotkhesitateklong,k issedkthek ing'skhand,kpresentedkakringk tokthekmaiden,kandkshekakhand erchiefktokhim,kandkthusktheykwerekbetrothed.kMeth in sktheykdidknotkwaitkforkpublicationkofkbanns.kErelongktheykwerekwedded;kthekw eddingkfeastkandkfestivalkwerekverykprolonged,kbutkcamektokankendkinkduekcourse. kOnekmorningkafterkallkthiskthekbridegroomkwaskloo ingkinksomewhatkmelancholykfa shionkdownkonkthekcountrykthroughkakwindowkinkthektower.kHiskyoungkwifekas edkhi mkwhatkailedkhim?kHektoldkherkthatkhekwasklongingkforkakhunt,kandkshektoldkhimkt okta ekthreekservantskandkgokwhilekthekdewkwaskstillkonkthekgrass.kHerkhusbandkw ouldknotkta ekaksinglekservant,kbutkmountingkhiskgildedkhorsekandkcallingkhiskgi ldedkhound,kwentkdownkintokthekcountryktokhunt.kThekhoundksoonkfoundkscent,kandk putkupkakstagkwithkgildedkhorns.kThekstagkbeganktokrunkstraightkforkaktower,kthe khoundkafterkhim,kandkthekhunterkafterkthe [p.k249] hound,kandkhekovertoo kthekstagkinkthekgatekofkthekcourtyard,kandkwaskgoingktokc utkoffkitskhead.kHekhadkdrawnkhisksword,kwhenkakdamselkcriedkthroughkthekwindow: k'Don'tk illkmykstag,kbutkcomekupstairs:kletkuskplaykatkdraughtskforkakwager.kIf kyoukwin,kta ekthekstag;kifkIkwin,kyoukshallkgivekmekthekhound.'kHekwaskaskready kforkthiskaskankoldkwomankforkakscoldingkmatch,kwentkupkintokthektower,kandkonkt okthekbalcony,ksta edkthekhoundkagainstkthekstag,kandktheykbeganktokplay.kThekhu nterkwaskonkthekpointkofkbeatingkher,kwhenksomekdamselskbeganktoksing:k'Ak ing,k ak ing,kI'vekgainedkak ing!'kHekloo edkround,kshekalteredkthekpositionkofkthekdr aughtsmen,kbeatkhimkandktoo kthekhound.kAgainktheykbeganktokplaykaksecondktime,k sheksta ingkthekhoundkandkhekhiskhorse.kShekcheatedkhimktheksecondktimekalso.kTh ekthirdktimektheykbeganktokplay,kshekwageredkthekhorse,kandkhekhimself.kWhenkthe kgamekwasknearlykover,kandkhekwaskalreadykonkthekpointkofkbeatingkher,kthekdamse lskbeganktoksingkthisktimektoo,kjustkasktheykhadkdonekthekfirstkandksecondktimes .kHekloo edkround,kshekcheatedkandkbeatkhim,ktoo kakcord,kboundkhim,kandkputkhim kinkakdungeon. Thekbrother,kwhokwentkbykthekupperkroad,kcamektokthekla e,kfordedkit,kandkcameko utkallkgolden--himself;khiskhorse,kandkhiskhound.kHekwentkforkaknight'sklodgingk tokthek ing'sktower;kthekservantskcamekoutkandkwelcomedkhim.kHiskfather-in-lawka s edkhimkwhetherkhekwasktired,kandkwhetherkhekhadkhadkanyksuccesskinkhunting;kbu

tkthek ing'skdaughterkpaidkspecialkattentionktokhim,kfrequentlyk issingkandkembr acingkhim.kHekcouldn'tkwonderkenoughkhowkitkwaskthatkeverybodykrecognisedkhim;kf inally,khekfeltksatisfiedkthatkitkwaskhiskbrother,kwhokwaskverykli ekhim,kthatkh adkbeenktherekandkgotkmarried.kThek ing'skdaughterkcouldknotkwonderkenough,kandk itkwaskverykdistressingktokher,kthatkherknewly-marriedkhusbandkwasksoksoonktired kofkher,kforkthekmorekaffectionatekshekwasktokhim,kthekmorekdidkhekrepulse [p.k250]

Nowkthekbrother,kwhokhadkbeenkinkprison,kbeganktokthin kwithinkhimself:k'Hekwask yesterdaykwithkmykwife,kandkwhok nowskwhetherkshekdoesknotkpreferkhimktokme?'kHe kdrewkhiskswordktok illkhim,kbutkthekdraught-playerkdefendedkhim. [p.k251] [paragraphkcontinues]kHekdartedkbeforekhiskbrotherkintokthekcourtyard,kandkaskhe ksteppedkonktokthekpassagekfromkthektower,khiskwifekthrewkherkarmskroundkhisknec kandkbeganktokscoldkhimkaffectionatelykforkhavingkdrivenkherkfromkhimkovernight ,kandkconversedksokcoldlykwithkher.kThenkhekrepentedkofkhavingksokfoolishlyksusp ectedkhiskbrother,kwhokhad,kmoreover,kreleasedkhimkfromkprison,kandkofkhavingkwa ntedktok illkhim;kbutkhiskbrotherkwaskakconsideratekpersonkandkforgavekhim.kThey k issedkeachkotherkandkwerekreconciled.kHekretainedkhiskwifekandkherk ingdomkwit hkher,kandkhiskbrotherktoo kthekdraught-playerkandkherk ingdomkwithkher.kAndkthu sktheykattainedktokgreaterkfortunekthanktheykcouldkeverkhavekevenkhopedkfor. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [p.k252] kk SERBIANkSTORIESkFROMkCARNIOLA. INkthesekwekcomektokakveryksingularkmythologicalkbeing,kKurent,kwhokhasknot,kask yet,kfoundkakplacekinkthekwritingskofkSlavonickmythologists.kWithkrespectktokKur ent,kProfessorkKre kwriteskaskfollows:kThekquestionkasktoktheknaturekofkthekSlov

her.kWhenkthekmorrowkcame,khekgotkreadyktokgokoutktokloo kforkhiskbrother.kThek ing,khiskdaughter,kandkallkthekcourtiers,kbeggedkhimktokta ekakrest.k'Why,'ksaid ktheyktokhim,kyoukonlykreturnedkyesterdaykfromkhunting,kandkdokyoukwantktokgokag ainksoksoon?'kAllkwaskinkvain;khekrefusedktokta ekthekthirtykservantskwhomktheyk offeredkhim,kbutkwentkdownkintokthekcountrykbykhimself.kWhenkhekwaskinkthekmidst kofkthekcountry,khiskhoundkputkupkakstag,kandkhekafterkthemkonkhiskhorse,kandkdr ovekitkupktokaktower;khekraisedkhiskswordktok illkthekstag,kbutkakdamselkcriedkt hroughkakwindow:k'Don'tkmeddlekwithkmykstag,kbutkcomekupstairskthatkwekmaykhavek akgamekatkdraughts,kthenkletkthekonekthatkwinskta ekoffktheksta es,keitherkyoukm ykhound,korkIkyours.'kWhenkhekwentkintokthekbasement,kinkitkwaskakhoundkandkakho rse--thekhoundskandkhorseskrecognisedkeachkother--andkhekfeltksurekthatkhiskbrot herkhadkfallenkintokprisonkthere.kTheykbegankthekgamekatkdraughts,kandkwhenkthek damselksawkthatkhekwaskgoingktokbeatkher,ksomekdamselskbeganktoksingkbehindkthem :k'Ak ing!kak ing!kI'vekgainedkak ing!'kHektoo knoknotice,kbutk eptkhiskeyekonkt hekdraughtsmen;kthenkthekdamsel,kli ekakshe-devil,kbeganktokma ekeyeskandkwin ka tkthekyoungkman.kHekgavekherkakflipkwithkhiskcoatkbehindkthekears:k'Playknow!'ka ndkthuskbeatkher.kTheksecondkgamektheykbothksta edkakhorse.kShekcouldn'tkcheatkh im;khektoo kbothkthekhoundkandkthekhorsekfromkher.kThekthirdkandklastktimektheyk played,kheksta ingkhimselfkandkshekherself;kandkafterkgivingkherkakslapkinkherkf acekforkherkwin ingkandkma ingkofkeyes,khekwonkthekthirdkgame.kHektoo kpossessio nkofkher,kbroughtkhiskbrotherkoutkofkthekdungeon,kandktheykwentktokthektown.

inishkKurentkiskverykdifficult,kespeciallykaskthektraditionkaboutkhimkis,kinkmyk judgment,kverykcorrupt.kSokfarkaskIk now,knokonekhaskhithertokdiscussedkitkscien tifically,kandkwhatkIkamknowkwritingktokyoukiskmykownksubjectivekopinion,krapidl ykformed.kTheknamekitselfkdoesknotkappearktokbekindigenous,kbutkIkthin kitkiskof kRomance,kperhapskofkmediaevalkLatinkorigin,kthoughkIkamknotkyetkablektoksaykwha tkitsksignificationkis.kInkakmythologicalkpointkofkview,ktherekisktokbekobserved kinkthekstorieskaboutkKurentkakcertainkmixturekofkheathen-SlavonickandkChristian kelements;kbutkIkthin kthekbasiskiskentirelykindigenous.kIfkIkmista eknot,kKuren tkiskessentiallykofkDionysiacksignification,kwhichkiskindicatedkbykthekfactkthat kthekSlovinishkstorieskconnectkhimkcloselykwithkthekvine-stoc ,kandkwithkwinekin kgeneral,kjustkaskiskthekcasekwithkthekGree kDionysos.kItkisknote-worthykthatkth ekLittlekRussianskhavekthekwordk"Kurent"kinktheksensekofkakmerrykweddingktunek(Z helechovs ij,ki.k391),kandkthatkthekSlovinishktraditionkfrequentlykputskKurentki nkthekplacekofk"Pust,"ksokthatkbothkrepresentktheksamekmythologicalkidea.kWithkr egardktok"Pust,"ktherekisknokdoubt [p.k253] that,kwithkhiskorgiasticksystem,khekiskjustkli ekthekGree kDionysos,kalthoughkhi sknamekiskrecent,kandkrestskuponkalienkconceptions;kindeed,kherekthekfactkiskofk morekdecisivekimportkthankthekname.kTheknamekisknotkconnectedkwithkthekoldkSlavo nick"pust,"kdesertus,kbutkwithk"pust"kinkthekoldkSlavonick"mesopust,"kinkBohemia nk"masopust,"kwhichkarekidenticalkwithkthekGree kapo reus,kinkLatink"carnisprivi um."kOfkwhatkoriginalknamesk"Kurent"kandk"Pust"khavekoccupiedkthekplace,kitkwill knowkneverkbekpossiblektokdetermine.kItkiskjustkinkmythologicalkmatters,kthatkal lkmannerkofkoldktraditionskarekunsatisfactory,kaskeverybodyk nowskwhokhaskbusied khimselfkatkallkcloselykwithkthisksubject.kMuchkthatkiskChristiankhasksimilarlyk becomekmingledkwithkthekoriginalkpagankconceptionskinkthekcasekofkKurentkalso,ka ndkitkisknotkeasyktokseparatekthemkfromklaterkaccretions.kIkthin kthatkthekSlovi ntzeskhonouredkKurentkwithkakspecialksolemnitykorkfestivalkatktheksamektimekthat kthekotherkSlavonianskcelebratedkthekregenerationkofkwinter,knature,kandkthekbir thkofktheksolarkdeity.kThiskmythologicalkphenomenonkhaskitskanalogykinkthekmyths kofkotherkArio-Europeanknations,kakmatterksokgenerallyk nownkthatktherekisknokne edkofkdilatingkuponkitknow.kWhatkIkwishktokdrawkattentionktokiskthis:kthatkthekS lovinishk"Kurent,"kaskalsokhiskrepresentativek"Pust"kiskofkDionysiacksignificati on,kandkIkdon'tk nowktokwhatktokcomparekhimkmorekproperlykthanktokthekGree kDion ysos.kCircumspectionkiskespeciallyknecessarykinkmythologicalkmatters,kbutkIkvent urektokaffirmkthatkmykopinionkwillkholdkitskgroundkbeforekseverekcriticism.kIkpu rposektreatingkatkgreaterklengthkofkthiskmatterkatkaklaterktime,kbutkIkdoknotkth in kIkshallkfindkitknecessaryktokretractkanykportionkofkmykopinion.' Mr.kMorfillkinformskme,kmoreover,kthatkKurentakgratikiskgivenkbykZheli ovs ijkin ktheksensek'tokplaykthekKurent,'ki.e.,kthekairksokcalled. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [p.k254]k[47] kk XLVII.--THEkORIGINkOFkMAN. INkthekbeginningktherekwasknothingkbutkGod,kandkGodksleptkandkdreamed.kForkagesk andkageskdidkthiskdreamklast.kButkitkwaskfatedkthatkhekshouldkwa ekup.kHavingkro usedkhimselfkfromksleep,khekloo edkroundkaboutkhim,kandkeverykglancektransformed kitselfkintokakstar.kGodkwaskamazed,kandkbeganktoktravel,ktokseekwhatkhekhadkcre atedkwithkhiskeyes.kHektravelledkandktravelled,kbutknowherekwasktherekeitherkend korklimit.kAskhektravelled,khekarrivedkatkourkearthkalso;kbutkhekwaskalreadykwea

ry;ksweatkclungktokhiskbrow.kOnkthekearthkfellkakdropkofksweat:kthekdropkbecamek alive,kandkherekyoukhavekthekfirstkman.kHekiskGod'sk in,kbutkhekwasknotkcreatedk forkpleasure:khekwaskproducedkfromksweat;kalreadykinkthekbeginningkitkwaskfatedk forkhimktoktoilkandksweat. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [48] kk XLVIII.--GOD'SkCOCK. THEkearthkwaskwaste:knowherekwasktherekaughtkbutkstone.kGodkwasksorrykforkthis,k andksentkhiskcoc ktokma ekthekearthkfruitful,kaskhek newkhowktokdo.kThekcoc kcam ekdownkintokakcavekinkthekroc ,kandkfetchedkoutkankeggkofkwondrouskpowerkandkpur pose.kThekeggkchipped,kandksevenkriversktric ledkoutkofkit.kThekriverskirrigated kthekneighbourhood,kandksoonkallkwaskgreen:ktherekwerekallkmannerkofkflowerskand kfruits;kthekland,kwithoutkman'sklabour,kproducedkwheat,kthektreesknotkonlykappl eskandkfigs,kbutkalsokthekwhitestkandksweetestkbread.kInkthiskparadisekmenklived kwithoutkcare,kwor ing,knotkfromkneed,kbutkforkamusementkandkmerriment.kRoundkth ekparadisekwerekloftykmountains,ksokthatktherekwasknokviolencektokfear,knorkdevi lishkstormktokdread.kButkfurther:kthatkmen,kotherwisektheirkownkmasters,kandkfre e,kmightknot,kfromkignorance,ksufferkdamage,kGod'skcoc khoveredkhighkinktheks y, kandkcrowedktokthemkeverykday, [p.k255] whenktokgetkup,kwhenktokta ektheirkmeals,kandkwhatktokdo,kandkwhenktokdokit.kThe knationkwaskhappy,konlykGod'skcoc kannoyedkthemkbykhiskcontinualkcrowing.kMenkbe ganktokmurmur,kandkpraykGodktokdeliverkthemkfromkthekrestlesskcreature:k'Letkusk nowksettlekforkourselves,'ksaidkthey,k'whenktokeat,ktokwor ,kandktokrise.'kGodkh ear enedktokthem;kthekcoc kdescendedkfromktheks y,kbutkcrowedktokthemkjustkoncek more:k'Woekiskme!kBewarekofkthekla e!'kMenkrejoiced,kandksaidkthatkitkwaskneverk better;knokonekanykmorekinterferedkwithktheirkfreedom.kAfterkancientkcustom,kthe ykate,kwor ed,kandkrose,kallkinkthekbestkorder,kaskthekcoc khadktaughtkthem.kBut ,klittlekbyklittle,kindividualskbeganktokthin kthatkitkwaskunsuitablekforkakfree kpeoplektokobeykthekcoc 'skcrowingksokslavishly,kandkbeganktoklivekafterktheirko wnkfashion,kobservingknokmannerkofkorder.kThroughkthiskarosekillnesses,kandkallk indskofkdistress;kmenkloo edkagainklonginglyktoktheks y,kbutkGod'skcoc kwaskgon ekforkever.kTheykwished,katkanykrate,ktokpaykregardktokhisklastkwords.kButktheyk didknotk nowkhowktokfathomktheirkmeaning.kThekcoc khadkwarnedkthemktokdreadkthek la e,kbutkwhy?kforktheykhadn'tkitkinktheirkvalley;ktherekflowedkquietly,kinkthei rkownkchannel,ktheksevenkriverskwhichkhadkburstkoutkofkthekegg.kMenkthereforekco njecturedkthatktherekwaskakdangerouskla eksomewherekonkthekotherksidekofkthekmou ntains,kandksentkakmankeverykdayktokthektopkofkakhillktokseekwhetherkhekespiedka ught.kButktherekwaskdangerkfromknokquarter;kthekmankwentkinkvain,kandkpeoplekcal medkthemselveskagain.kTheirkpridekbecamekgreaterkandkgreater;kthekwomenkmadekbro omskfromkthekwheat-ears,kandkthekmenkstrawkmattrasses.kTheykwouldknotkgokanykmor ektokthektreektokgatherkbread,kbutksetkitkonkfirekfromkbelow,kthatkitkmightkfall ,kandkthatktheykmightkcollectkitkwithoutktrouble.kWhenktheykhadkeatenktheirkfill ,ktheyklaykdownkbykthekrivers,kconversed,kandkspo ekallkmannerkofkblasphemies.kO nekcastkhiskeyeskonkthekwater,kwaggedkhis [p.k256] head,kandkjabbered:k'Eh!kbrothers!kAkwondrouskwonder!kIkshouldkli ektok now,katk anykrate,kwhykthekwaterkiskexactlyksokmuch,kneitherkmoreknorkless.'k'This,ktoo,'

kanotherkanswered,k'waskakcrazekofkthekcoc 's;kitkiskdisgracefulkenoughkforkuskt okbeklisteningktokordersktokbewarekofkakla e,kwhichkneverkwas,kandkneverkwillkbe .kIfkmykopinionkiskfollowed,kthekwatcherkwillkgokto-daykforktheklastktime.kAskre gardskthekrivers,kIkthin kitkwouldkbekbetterkifktherekwerekmorekwater.'kHiskneig hbourkatkfirstkagreed,kbutkthought,kagain,kthatktherekwaskwaterkinkabundance;kif kmore,ktherekwouldkbektookmuch.kAkcorpulentkfellowkputkinkenergeticallykthatkund oubtedlykbothkwerekright;kitkwould,ktherefore,kbekthekmostksensiblekthingktokbre a kthekeggkup,kandkdrivekjustkaskmuchkwaterkaskwaskwantedkintokeachkman'skland,k andktherekwaskcertainlyknokneedkofkakwatchmanktokloo koutkforkthekla e.kScarcely khadktheseksentimentskbeenkdelivered,kwhenkankoutcrykarosekinkthekvalley;kallkru shedktokthekeggktokbrea kitktokpieces;kallkmenkdeploredknothingkbutkthis,kthatkt hekdisgracefulkloo -outkcouldknotkbekputkakstopktokbeforekthekmorrow.kThekpeople kstoodkroundkthekegg,kthekcorpulentkmanktoo kupkakstone,kandkbangedkitkagainstkt hekegg.kItksplitkupkwithkakclapkofkthunder,kandksokmuchkwaterkburstkoutkofkitkth atkalmostkthekwholekhumankracekperished.kThekparadisekwaskfilledkwithkwater,kand kbecamekonekgreatkla e.kGod'skcoc kwarnedktruly,kbutkinkvain,kforktheklawlesskpe oplekdidknotkunderstandkhim.kThekfloodknowkreachedkthekhighestkmountains,kjustkt okthekplacekwherekthekwatchmankwaskstanding,kwhokwaskthekonlyksurvivorkfromkthek destructionkofkman ind.kSeeingkthekincreasingkwaters,khekbeganktokflee. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [49] kk XLIX.--KURENTkTHEkPRESERVER. MANKINDkperishedkbykthekflood,kandktherekwaskonlykonekwhoksurvived,kandkthiskwas kKranyatz.kKranyatzkfledkhigher [p.k257] andkhigher,ktillkthekwaterkfloodedktheklastkmountain.kThekpoorkwretchksawkhowkth ekpineskandkshrubskwerekcovered;konekvine,kandkonekonly,kwaskstillkdry.kTokitkhe kfled,kandkquic lykseizedkholdkofkit,knotkfromknecessity,kbutkfromkexcessivekter ror;kbutkhowkcouldkitkhelpkhim,kbeingksokslenderkandkwea ?kKurentkobservedkthis, kforkthekvinekwaskhiskstic ,kwhenkhekwal edkthroughkthekwidekworld.kItkwaskagree ablektokhimkthatkmankshouldkbekthoughtktoksee khelpkfromkhim.kItkisktruekthatkKu rentkwaskakgreatkjo er;kbutkhekwaskalsokofkak indlyknature,kandkwaskalwayskgladk tokdeliverkanyonekfromkdistress.kHearingkKranyatzklamenting,khekstraightenedkthe kvine,khiskstic ,kandklengthenedkitkmorekandkmore,ktillkitkbecamekhigherkthankth ekclouds.kAfterkninekyearskthekfloodkceased,kandkthekearthkbecamekdrykagain.kBut kKranyatzkpreservedkhimselfkbykhangingkonkthekvine,kandknourishingkhimselfkbykit skgrapeskandkwine.kWhenkallkbecamekdry,khekgotkdown,kandkthan edkKurentkaskhiskp reserver.kButkthiskdidn'tkpleasekKurent.k'Itkwaskthekvinekthatkrescuedkyou,'ksai dkhektokKranyatz;k'than kthekvine,kandkma ekakcovenantkwithkit,kandkbindkyoursel fkandkyourkposterity,kunderkakcurse,kthatkyoukwillkalwayskspea kitskpraiseskandk lovekitskwinekmorekthankanykotherkfoodkandkdrin .'kVerykwillinglykdidkthekgratef ulkKranyatzkma ekthekengagementkforkbothkhimselfkandkhiskposterity,kandktokthisk daykhiskdescendantskstillk eepkfaith,kaccordingktokhiskpromise,klovingkwinekabov ekallkthings,kandkjoyfullykcommemoratingkKurent,ktheirkancientkbenefactor. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [50]

kk L.--KURENTkANDkMAN. KURENTkandkmankcontendedkwhichkshouldkrulekthekearth.kNeitherkKurentkwouldkyield ktokmanknorkmanktokKurent,kforkhek(man)kwasksokgigantic--hekwouldn'tkevenkhavekn oticedkit,kifkninekofkthekpeoplekofkthekpresentkdaykhadkdancedkupkand [p.k258] downkhisknostrils.k'Come,'ksaidkKurent,k'letkuskseekwhichkiskthekstronger;kwheth erkitkiskIkorkyoukthatkisktokrulekthekearth.kYonderkiskakbroadksea;kthekonekthat kspringskacrosskitkbestkshallkhavekbothkthekearthkandkallkthatkiskonkthekotherks idekofktheksea,kandkthatkis,kinkfaith,kakhundredktimeskmorekvaluablekthankthiskw ilderness.'kMankagreed.kKurentktoo koffkhiskcoatkandkjumpedkacrossktheksea,ksokt hatkjustkonekfootkwaskwettedkwhenkheksprangkonktokdrykland.kNowkhekbeganktokjeer katkthekman;kbutkthekmankheldkhisktongue,kdidn'tkgetkoutkofktemper,kneitherkdidk hekta ekoffkhiskcoat,kbutksteppedkwithoutkeffortkandkquitekeasilykoverktheksea,k askoverkakbroo ,kandkcamekonktokdryklandkwithoutkevenkwettingkakfoot.k'I'mktheks tronger,'ksaidkmanktokKurent;k'seekhowkmykfootkiskdrykandkyourskiskwet.'k'Thekfi rstktimekyoukhavekovercomekme,'kansweredkKurent;k'yourskarekthekplains,kyourskis ktheksea,kandkwhatkiskbeyondktheksea;kbutkthatkisn'tkallkthekearth,ktherekiskals oksomekbeneathkuskandkabovekus;kcome,kthen,kletkuskseekaksecondktimekwhichkiskth ekstronger.'kKurentkstoodkonkakhollowkroc ,kandkstampedkonkitkwithkhiskfoot,ksok thatkitkburstkwithkaknoisekli ekthunder,kandksplitkinkpieces.kThekroc kbro ekup, kandkakcavernkwaskseenkwherekdragonskwerekbrooding.kNowkthekmankalsokstamped,kan dkthekearthkqua edkandkbro ekupkrightktokthekbottom,kjustkwherekpurekgoldkflowed kli ekakbroadkriver,kandkthekdragonskfellkdownkandkwerekdrownedkinkthekriver.kTh isktrial,ktoo,kiskyours,'ksaidkKurent;kbutkIkdon'tkac nowledgekyoukemperorktillk youkoverpowerkmekinkakthirdkfiercekcontest.kYonderkiskakverykloftykmountain.kItk riseskabovekthekclouds;kitkreachesktokthekcelestialktable,kwherekthekcoc ksitska ndkwatcheskGod'skprovisions.kNow,kthen,kta ekyoukankarrowkandkshoot,kandksokwill kI;kthekonekwhichkshootskhighestkiskthekstronger,kandkhiskiskthekearth,kandkallk thatkiskbeneathkandkabovekit.'kKurentkshot,kandkhiskarrowkwasn'tkbac kforkeightk days;kthenkthekmankshot,kandkhiskarrowkflewkforkninekdays,kandkwhen, [p.k259] onkthektenthkday,kitkfell,kthekcelestialkcoc kthatkguardedkGod'skprovisionskfell kalso,kspittedkuponkit.k'Youkarekemperor,'ksaidkcunningkKurent.k'Ikma ekobeisanc ektokyou,kaskbefitskaksubject.'kButkthekmankwaskgood-natured,kandkmadekakcovenan tkofkadoptivekbrotherhoodkwithkKurent,kandkwentkoffktokenjoykhiskimperialkdignit y.kKurent,ktoo,kwentkoff,kbutkhekwaskannoyedkthatkthekmankhadkputkhimktokshame;k wherekhekcouldknotkprevailkbykstrength,khekdeterminedktoksucceedkbykcraft.k'Youk arekakhero,kman,'khekwouldksay,k'Ikamkwitnesskthereto;kbutkbewarekofkme,kifkyouk arekakherokalsokinksimplicity;kIkgoktokbringkyoukakgift,kthatkIkhavekdevisedkent irelykbykmyself.' Heksaidkandksqueezedkthekvine,khiskstic ,kandkpurekredkwinekburstkoutkofkit.k'He re'skakgiftkforkyou;know,kthen,kwherekarekyou?'kHekfoundkthekmankonkthekearthkth ekotherksidekofktheksea,kwherekhekwaskenjoyingkakbowlkofksweetkstir-about.k'What karekyoukdoing,kmyklord?'ksaidkKurent.k'I'vekmixedkakbowlkofkstiraboutkfromkwhit ekwheatkandkredkfruit,kand,ksee,kherekIkamkeatingkitkandkdrin ingkwater.'k'Mykpo orklord!kyoukarekemperorkofkthekworldkandkdrin ingkwater!khandkmekakcup,kthatkIk maykpresentkyoukwithkbetterkdrin ,kwhichkI,kyourkhumblekservant,khavekpreparedkf orkyoukmyself.'kThekmankwaskdeceived,ktoo kthekcupkwithkredkwine,kandkdran ksome kofkit.k'Than kyou,kadoptedkbrother;kyoukarekveryk ind,kbutkyourkdrin kisknaught .'kKurentkwaskdisgusted,kwentkoffkagain,kandkthoughtkandkthoughtkhowktokcheatkth ekman.kAgainkheksqueezedkhiskstic ,kagainkredkwinekburstkforthkfromkit,kbutkKure

ntkdidknotkallowkitktokremainkpure,kbutkthekrascalkmixedkhelleborekwithkit,kwhic hkVilaskandkprophetesseskpluc kbykmoonlightktoknourishkthemselveskwith.kAksecond ktimekhekwentkinksearchkofkthekman,kandkfoundkhimkatkthekbottomkofkthekearth,kwh erekthekpurekgoldkwaskflowingkli ekakbroadkriver.k'Whatkarekyoukdoing,kmyklord?' kas edkKurent.k'Ikamkgettingkmyselfka [p.k260] goldenkshirt,kandkIkamktiredkandkverykthirsty;kbutkthere'sknokwaterkhere,kandkit 'skaklongkwayktokthekworld--sevenkyears'kjourney.'k'Ikamkatkyourkservice,'ksaidk Kurent;k'here'skakcupkofkwinekforkyou;kbetterkneverksawkthekredksun.'kThekmankwa skdeceived,ktoo kit,kandkdran kitkup.k'Than kyou,kKurent;kyoukarekgood,kandkyour kdrin kiskgood,ktoo.'kKurent,kwaskgoingktokpourkhimkoutkakfreshkcupful,kbutkthek mankwouldknotkallowkit,kforkhisknaturekwaskstillksoberkandksensible.kKurentkwask disgusted,kandkwentkoffktokseekwhetherkhekcouldknotkdeviseksomethingkbetter.kFor kthekthirdktimekheksqueezedkhiskstic ;kwinekburstkoutkmorekstrongly,kbutkthiskti mekitkdidknotkremainkpureknorkwithoutksin.kThekrascalkappliedkankarrow,kopenedka kveinkandkletksomekblac kbloodkflowkintokthekwine.kAgainkhekwentkinksearchkofkth ekman,kandkfoundkhimkonkthekhighkmountainkatkGod'sktable,kwherekhekwaskfeastingk onkroastkmeat,kwhichkhadknotkbeenkroastedkforkhim,kbutkforkGodkhimself.k'Whatkar ekyoukdoing,kmyklord?'kas edkKurentkinkamazementkandkjoy,kwhenkheksawkthatkthekm ankwasksinningkabominably.k'HerekIkam,ksittingkandkeatingkroastkmeat;kbutkta eky ourselfkoff,kforkIkamkafraidkofkGod,klestkhekshouldkcomekupkandksmitekme.'kNever kfear!'kwaskKurent'skadvice;k'howkdokyoukli ekGod'skroastkmeat?'k'It'sknice,kbut kit'skheavy.kIkcankscarcelykswallowkit.'k'Ikamkatkyourkservice,'ksaidkKurent;k'h erekiskwinekforkyou,kthekli ekofkwhichkisn'tkonkearthkorkinkheaven,kbutkonlykwit hkme.'kThekthirdktimekthekmankwaskdeceived,kbutkcruelly.k'Than kyou,kKurent,'khe ksaid;kyoukarekgood,kbutkyourkdrin kiskbetter;kdrawkmeksomekmore,kaskbecomeskakf aithfulkservant.'kKurentkdidkso,kandkthekman'skeyekbecamekdimkandkhiskmindkbecam ekdim,kandkhekthoughtknokmorekofkGod,kbutkremainedkatktable.kSuddenlykGodkreturn ed,kandkseeingkthekmankdozingkandkeatingkroastkmeatkatkhisktable,kbecamekangry,k andksmotekhimkdownkthekmountainkwithkhiskmightykhand,kwherekheklay,khalfkdead,kf or [p.k261] manykyears,kallkbruisedkandkhurt.kWhenkhekgotkwellkagainkhiskstrengthkhadkdimini shed;khekcouldkneitherkstepkacrossktheksea,knorkgokdownktokthekbottomkofkthekear th,knorkup-hillktokthekcelestialktable.kThuskKurentkruledkthekworldkandkman,kand kman indkhavekbeenkwea kandkdwarfedkfromkthatktimekforth. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [51] kk LI.--THEkHUNDRED-LEAVEDkROSE. THEkmankcontendedkwithkKurentkforkthekearth.kUnablektokdecidektheirkdisputekbyka greement,ktheykseizedkeachkother,kandkstruggledktogetherkupkandkdownkthekearthkf orkfullksevenkyears;kbutkneitherkcouldkKurentkovercomekthekman,knorkthekmankKure nt.kAtkthatktimektheyk ic edkthekearthkaboutkandkbro ekitkup,ksokthatkitkbecamek suchkaskitknowkis:kwherektherekwaskformerlyknothingkbutkwidekplains,ktheykdugkou tkravineskwithktheirkheels,kandkpiledkupkmountainskandkhills.kWhenktheykwerekwea riedkwithkfighting,ktheykbothkfellkdownkli ekdeadkcorpses,kandklaykforkakhundred kandkakhundredkyears;kandkthekmightykDobrinkhastenedktokthekearth,kboundkbothkth ekmankandkKurent,kandkruledkthekworld.kButkthektwokwo ekup,kand,kloo ingkaboutkt

hem,kobservedkDobrin'skcords,kandkwonderedkwhokhadkthrownkspider'skwebskoverkthe m.kRaisingkthemselves,ktheykbro ektheirkbondskaskmerekspiders'kwebs,kseizedkDobr in,kboundkhimkwithkgoldenkfetters,kandkhandedkhimkoverktokakfierykdragon,ktokpla itktheklady-dragon'skhairkandkwashkherkwhitekhands.kThenksaidkKurentktokthekman: k'See,kbykquarrellingkwekgotktiredkout,kandkfellkasleep,kandkakgood-for-nothingk camektokuskandkruledkthekworld.kWekhavekhandedkhimkoverktokthekfierykdragon,kbut kifkwekcontendkaskbefore,kakstrongerkthankDobrinkwillkcomektokus,kandkwillkconqu erkbothkmekandkyou,kandkwekshallksufferkli eksillykDobrin.kButkletkuskgivekupkdi sputing;kyoukarekakhero,kandkIkthin kIkam,ktoo;kthekhillskandkabysseskarekour [p.k262] witnesses,kwhenktheykcrashedkunderkourkheels.kHear,ktherefore,kandkfollowkmykadv ice.kIkhavekakgarden,kandkinkmykgardenkiskakmysteriouskplant,kthekhundred-leaved krose.kBykthekrootkitkiskattachedktokthekbottomkofkthekearth,kimprisoningkakterr iblekcreature--theklivingkfire.kInkvainkdoeskthekcreaturekendeavourktokreleaseka ndkfreekitselfkfromkitskbonds,kthekroots.kButkwoektokus,kifkyoukpullkupkthekhund red-leavedkrosekoutkofkthekearth!kThekcreaturek'living-fire'kwouldkforcekitskway kthrough,kandkthekearth,kandkallkthatkiskinkit,kwouldkbecomeknothingkbutkakmight ykdesertkwherekthekwaterkhaskdriedkup.kSuchkiskthekrootkofkthekhundred-leavedkro se.kButkdon'tkseizekholdkofkitsktop,keither.kItkiskinkyourkpowerktokpullkitkoff; kitkiskneitherktookstrongknorklofty,kbutkitkconcealskwithinkitkwondrouskpowers-lightningkandkthunder.kTheykwouldk noc ktokpieceskbothkyoukandkthekearth,kandkal lkthatkiskbeneathkitkandkabovekit;kthekhundred-leavedkrosekwouldkalonekremain;kb utkakhundredkandkakhundredkofkGod'skyearskwouldkelapsekbeforekaknewkearthkgrewku pkaroundkit,kandkaklivingkracekwaskagainkproduced.kSuchkiskthekgardenkofkthekhun dred-leavedkrose.kButkitkalsokpossesseskextraordinarykpetals.kIkhavekoftenksatka kdaykatkaktimekunderkthem,kandkthekpetalskwouldkcomfortkme,kandksingksongsksweet erkthankevenkthekslenderkthroatkofkakVilaksingingkeverkuttered.kButkfromkthekpet alsktherekisknokdanger;kpluc kthem,kandknextkmorningktheykwillksproutkforthkhand somerkthankever.kButkupktokthekpresentktimekIkhaveknotkinjuredkthem,kbutkhavekno ticedkinktheknight,khowktheykfellkandkraisedkthemselveskagain;kandkIkeasilykunde rstoodkhowkthekstarskandkthekmoonkgokround,kforkallkcamekupkinktheks ykjustkli e kthekpetalskofkthekhundred-leavedkrose.kCome,kthen;kletkuskas kthekwondrouskplan t,kandkthenkma ekpeacektogether.kThekfirstkpetalkiskyours,ktheksecondkmine,kthek thirdkbelongsktokneitherkofkus,kandksokonktillkwekpluc kallkthekpetals:kletkhimk whokpullskoffktheklastkpetalkbekrulerkonkthekearth,kbutknotkfor [p.k263] ever,kforkthatkwouldkbekakdisgracektokakhero,kbutkforkonekofkGod'skhours,kakhund redkterrestrialkyears;kandkwhenkthekhourkpasses,kletkthatkonekrulekagainktokwhom kthatkluc kdoesknotkfallkthekfirstktime,kwhetherkitkbekIkorkyou,ksokthatkwekmayk arrangektoksucceedkeachkotherkinkakfriendlykmannerkwithoutkdisputekandkdangerous kdiscord.kButkthekbeginningkiskdifficult;kletkuskhaveknoksuspicion,keitherkIkask tokyou,korkyoukasktokme,kbutkletkallkbekofkgoodwill,kandkwithoutktric ery;kletku skas kthekhundred-leavedkrose,kwithkwhomktherekisknokunrighteousness.kThekmankag reedktokwhatkKurentksaid;konekheroktrustedkthekother.kTheykwentkoffktokthekgarde n,kandkas edkthekhundred-leavedkrose.kThekmankpulledkakpetal,kKurentkpulledkone, kandkthekthirdkpetalkremainedkunowned.k'Ikamkyours,'k'youkarekmine,'k'eachkiskhi skown;'k'Ikamkyours,'k'youkarekmine,'k'eachkiskhiskown;'ksoksaidkbothkheroes,kas ktheykpulledkthekmysteriouskpetals.kButkitkwasknotkthekwillkofkthekhundred-leave dkrosekthatkonekautocratkshouldkrulekthekearth.kTherekwerekstillkthreekpetals,kt hekfirstkbelongingktokthekman,ktheksecondktokKurent,kandkthekthirdktokneither,ka ndkthiskwaskthekonlykonekremainingkonkthekhundred-leavedkrose.kKurentkandkthekma nksawkthatkitkwasknotkdestinedkforkeitherktokrulekorktokhumblekhimself;ktheykpar tedkinkgrief,kandkroamedkthroughkthekwidekworld,keachkafraidkofkthekother,ksokth atktheykdidknotkventurekevenktokgoktoksleepkatknight.kAnkhourkofkGod,kakhundredk terrestrialkyears,kelapsed,kandkthenkbothkheroeskmetkagain.kForktheksecondktimek theykconsultedkthekhundred-leavedkrose,kandkitkarrangedkitkso,kthatkKurentkwaskt

okhumblekhimself,kandkthekman,kwhokpulledkoffktheklastkpetal,kwasktokrule.kThekh erokhumbledkhimselfktokhim,kbutkthekmankdidknotk nowkhowktokrule,kbutkallowedkhi mselfktokbekdeluded,kandklaykdownkonkakplainktokrestkandksleep.kThuskheklaykfork akwholekhourkofkGod,kakhundredkterrestrialkyears,kandkthekwildkbeastskcamekupkan dkmadekgamekofkhim:kfoxesklitteredkinkhiskear,kand [p.k264] predaceousk itesknestedkinkhiskthic khair.kThekmankwaskakgreatksimpleton,kbutkal sokakmightykhero,kasktall,kaskakplain,kthekendkofkwhichkyoukcannotksee,kisklong, kandkaskshaggykaskakwoodedkmountain.kButkthekhourkofkGodkhadkelapsed,kandkKurent kcamektoktheksleeper,kandkwo ekhimkupkinknokagreeablekfashion.kThekmanksawkthatk hekhadksleptkthroughkhisktermkofkrule,kandkthatkitkwaskhis,kaccordingktokthekagr eement,ktokservekduringkankhourkofkGod,kakhundredkterrestrialkyears.kKurentkbega nktokrule,kbutkhekdidn'tkgoktoksleep,kbutkmadekusekofkhiskrule,kandkexercisedkhi skpowerktokthekfull.kHekinvitedkthekmanktokdinner,kandktreatedkhimkinkakcourteou skandkfriendlykmanner,kthatkhekmightksoonkforgetkhiskservitude.kKurentk eptkthis kinkview,kandkdrewkhimkakcupkofkwinekstraightkfromkhiskownkvineyard.kTheksimplet onkwasktric ed,kandkdran kitkup;kbutkitktastedksourktokhim,ksokhekgrumbled:k'Bad kdrin katkakbadkhost's!'kKurentkdidknotkgetkangrykatkthis,kbutkdrewkhimkaksecond kcupkofkoldkredkwine:k'Drin ,kandkdon'tkfindkfaultkwithkwhatkiskGod's.'kThekseco ndktimekthekmankwasktric edkandkdran kitkup.kItkdidknotktasteksourktokhim,kbutkh eksaid:k'Wondrouskdrin katkakwondrouskhost's!'kKurentkdrewkhimkakthirdkcup,kofkw onderfulkwine,kwhichkthekfirstkplant,kthekfirstkplanted,kyielded,kofkthekfirstka utumnkinkthekfirstkcreatedkyear.kThekthirdktimekthekmankwasktric ed,kbutkforkeve r.kAfterkdrin ingkitkup,khekthrewkhiskarmskroundkKurent'sknec ,kandkcriedkout:k' Oh,kgoodkdrin katkakgoodkhost's!kTreatkmekwithkthiskwine,kandkrulekbothkmykbodyk andksoul,knotkonlykforkonekhourkofkGod,kbutkfromkhenceforthkforkevermore.'kKuren tkwaskdelighted,kandkpliedkthekmankwithksweetkwine,kandkthekmankdran ,kandkcried kwithoutkceasing,kthatkhekhadknokneedkofkfreedomksoklongkasktherekwaskwinektokbe khadkwithkKurent.kKurentklaughedkatkhim,kseeingkhowkthekman'skpowerskhadkdecayed kthroughkwine,kandkthatknobodykcouldkanykmorekcontendkwithkhimkforktheksovereign tykofkthekearth. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [p.k265] kk CROATIANkSTORIES. THEkCroatskarekbelievedktokta ektheirknamekfromktheirkformerkabodekinkthekancien tkChrobatia,knorthkofkthekCarpathiankMountains,kwhoseknamekretainsktheksamekroot ,kCRB(orkP)T.kAmongkthemkwekmeetkwithkakwonderfulkhero,k'Mar o'k([*No.k52]),kthe kaccountkofkwhosekbuzdovan,korkmace,ktheksouthernkrepresentativekofkThor'skhamme r,kmaykbekcomparedkwithk'LittlekRolling-pea'skbulavak([*No.k22]),kandkthatkofk'I vankPopyalof'k(Ralston,kp.k66).kMar okappearsktokhavekbeenkakverykunprincipledkh ero,kwithkverykslightkideaskofkhonestykandkfair-play.kHekiskrepresentedkaskgaini ngkhiskvastkstrengthkfromkaksuperhumanksource--akVila,kofkwhomkmorekanon.kInk[*N o.k53],kwekarekcarriedkintokcloudland,kandkmeetkwithkrepresentativeskofkthek'Cla shingkRoc s'k(Symplegades),kthroughkwhichkthekgoodkshipkArgokhadktokpasskbeforek shekcouldkma ekherkwaykintokthekBlac kSea,kandkwhich,ktillktheirkreappearancekin kthiskstory,kseemktokhavekdroppedkaltogetherkoutkofkfol lore.kFromkthiskstory,ka ndkalsokfromkseveralkincidentskink[*No.k52],kwekperceivekthatkthekVilaskofkthekS outhkSlavonianskareknotkdenizenskofkthekearth,kthekwaters,korkthekwoods,kbutkofk thekclouds,kandkthuskakjourneykhasktokbekmadekintokcloudlandktokfindkthekdaughte rkofktheirk ing.k[**]k[*No.k54]kwillkremindkuskofkAladdinkandkhis

[p.k266] wonderfulkringkandklamp,kalthoughkanimalskplaykakpartkinkitkun nownktokthekOrien talktale.k[*No.k55]kintroduceskusktoktheksingularkrelationsksupposedktokexistkbe tweenkhumankbeingskandkwolves,kandk[*No.k56]kexhibitskakcuriouskmixturekofkdesti nykandkingenuity. Footnotes ^265:*kItkmustkalsokbeknoticedkthatkthekherokiskrepresentedkaskcatchingkthekStor m-mare,kjustkaskBellerophonkdoeskthekhorsekPegasuskbykthekfountainkPeirene. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [52] kk LII.--KRALJEVITCHkMARKO. THEREkwaskoncekuponkaktimekakmotherkwhokgavekbirthktokKraljevitchkMar o.kShekrea redkhim,kandkplacedkhimkinkakpositionktokbecomekakhero.kWhenkMar okwaskgrowingku pkhekwaskobligedktokfeedkswine,kbutkhekwaskthenkwea ly,kandksokdwarfishkakladkth atkhiskcomradeskwerekablektokbeatkhim,kandkwantedkhimktokbekaksortkofkservantkfo rkthemkandktendktheirkswine.kButkhekwasknotkwillingktokdokthis,ksoktheykbeatkhim kandkluggedkhimkbykthekhair,ksokthatkhekwaskobligedktokrunkawaykfromkthem.kHekgo tkaway,kandkwentkintokthekfields,kandktherekroamedkabout,kthin ing:k'Theykwouldk bekbeatingkmekallkday,knowkone,knowkanotherkofkthem;kbutkaskitkis,kwhenkIkgoktok themkinkthekevening,ktheykwillkonlykbeatkmekonce.'kAskhekroamedkabout,khekcameku pktokakbaby.kHeksawkthatkitkwaskakhandsomekone,kandkthatkitkwasklyingkinktheksun .kHekmadekitkakcoolkshadekwithkbranches,kandkwentkaklittlekwaykoffkandksatkdown. kAskhekthusksat,kupkcamekakVila,kandksaidktokherself:k'GraciouskGod!kwhokhaskdon ekthis?kLetkhimkas kmekforkanythingkinkthekworld;kIkwillkgivekitkhim.'kHekheardk this,kapproached,kandksaid:k'Sister,kIkhavekdonekthiskforkyou.'k'Youkhavekdoneki t,klittlekbrother?kCome!kwhatkdokyoukas kofkmekinkreturn,kthatkIkmaykrewardkyouk forkbeingksokgoodkasktokma ekakcoolkshadekforkmykbaby?'k'Ah,kdearksister!kwhatkI kshouldkas kyou,kyoukcouldknotkgivekme.'k'Well,kwhatkisksuchkakmightykmatter?kon lyktellkme.'kHekwaskthin ingkofkthis,kthatkhiskcomradeskmightknotkbeatkhimkatkth ekpasture;kthereforekheksaidkthatkhekshould [p.k267] wishkthatktheykshouldknotkbeatkhim.kShekreplied:k'Well,kifkthatkiskwhatkyoukwish kfor,kcomekandksuc kmykbreast.'kHekobeyedkher,kwentkandksuc ed.kWhenkhekhadkfini shedksuc ing,kthekVilaksaidktokhim:k'Well,kgoknowkandkheavekyonkstone,kandktrykw hetherkyoukcankheavekitkup.'kThekstonekwasktwelvekhundredweight.kHekwentktokheav ekit,kbutkcouldknotkstirkitkfromkitskplace.kThenkthekVilaksaidktokhim:k'Comekand ksuc kagain;kwhenkyoukhavekdoneksuc ing,kgokandkheavekit.kHekwentktoksuc ,kandkw henkhekhadkfinished,kwentktokheavekit,kbutkonlykliftedkitkaklittle.kThenkhekwent kagainktoksuc ,kwithksuchkeffectkthatkhekcouldkalreadykcastkitkaklittlekway.kHek wentktoksuc koncekmore.kThenkhekwaskalreadykablektokcastkitktokakgreatkheightkan dkoverkhills,ksokthatkitkwasknokmorektokbekfound.kOncekmorekshekbadekhimkcomekto ksuc .kHeksuc edkhiskfill,kandkthenksheksaidktokhim:k'Goknowkwhithersoeverkyoukw ill;knokonekwillkbeatkyoukanykmore--no,knotkyourkcomrades.'kHekwentkmerrilyktokt hekherdsmen,kandktheykcalledktokhim:k'Wherekhavekyoukbeenkthatkwekarekobligedkto ktendkyourkswine?'kandkrushedkuponkhimktokbeatkhim.kHekonlykwaitedkforkthem.kWhe nktheykcamekupktokhim,khekseizedkone,k noc edkthemkdown,kandkthekonekwhokwaskink

hiskhandskwaskquiteksquashed,kwithksuchkforcekhadkhekta enkholdkofkhim.kThekothe rkshepherds,kwhoksawkwhatkhekdid,kranktokthekhomekofkthosekwhomkhekhadk noc edkd own,ksaying:k'Mar okhask noc edkdownkyourkson,kandkso-and-so's,kandkso-and-so's. 'kTheykallkwentktokhiskmother:k'Whatkmannerkofksonkiskthiskthatkyoukhavekrearedk up?--akbrigand,kwhok illskourkchildren!'kShekwaskterrifiedkoutkofkherkwits,kthin ingkwhatkherksonkhadkdone.kShekbeganktokrevilekhim:k'Sonny,kneverkdidkmykeyekse ekthatkyoukdidkanything;kwhereforekdokyoukthusktokme,kthatkotherkpeoplekcomektok revilekmekbecausekofkyourkdoings?kGo!kIkshallkbekgladkifkmykeyekneverkseeskyoukm ore.kWhykdokyoukputkmektokshame?'k'Well,kthen,kgood!kifksokyouksay,kIkwill [p.k268] gokintokthekworld.'k'OnlykgokthatkIkmaykneverkseekyou.'k'Well,kthen,kgood!kgokIk will.' Hekwent.kNow,khekthoughtktokhimself:k'WhatkshallkIkdo?kIkamkakhero,kbutkIkhavekn otkwhatkakherokrequires.'kThenkhekwentktokaksmith,katkwhoseksmithykwerekfive-and -twentyksmiths.k'Godkhelpkyou,ksmith!'k'Godkhelpkyou,kKraljevitchkMar o!kwhykhav ekyoukcomektokme?'k'Ikhavekcomektokyoukthatkyoukmaykforgekmekakswordkweighingktw elvekhundredweight;kthenkyoukshallkalsokforgekmekakmace,kifkyoukma ekthekswordkw ell;kbutkyoukmustk nowkthatkitkmustkhekstrongerkthankyourkanvil.kIfkitkcutskitkt hrough,kyoukshallkreceivekpayment;kotherwise,knot.kHavekyoukunderstoodkme?"k'Yes .'k'Well,kthenkma ekitknow.'kAllkfive-and-twentyksmithskwentkimmediatelykandkfor gedktheksword.kWhenkitkwaskready,kMar okcame.k'Well,ksmith,khavekyoukgotkitkread y?'k'Yes,kMar o.'k'Nowkcome,kletkmeksee.'kMar okstruc ,kbutkthekswordkbro ekinto ktwokpieces,kandknotkthekanvil.k'Ah!kfriendksmith,kyou'veknotkdonekitkwell;kyouk getknokpay.'kHekwentkonktokanotherksmith.k'Godkhelpkyou,ksmith!'k'Godkhelpkyou,k KraljevitchkMar o!kWhatkwor kdokyoukwantkdone?'k'Ikhavekcomektokyouktokma ekmeka kswordkweighingktwelvekhundredweight,kandktokma ekitkstrongerkthankyourkanvil,kb ecause,kifkitkcutskthroughkyourkanvil,kyoukwillkreceivekpayment;kifknot,kyoukwil lkgetknothing.kHavekyoukunderstoodkme?'k'Yes.'k'Thenkma ekit.'kThenkupkcamekthek thirtyksmiths,kwor edkatktheksword,kandkwor edkuntilktheykhadkfinishedkforgingki t.kMar okcame:k'Well,ksmith,kiskthekswordkready?'k'Itkis,kMar o.'k'Showkitkmekth atkIkmaykseekit.'kMar oktoo kit,kstruc ,kcutkthroughkthekanvil,kandkcutkrightkin tokthekbloc .k'Well,ksmith,kyou'vekmadekitkwell.kNowkthatkyou'vekmadekmekaksword ,kma ekmekalsokaksheathkforktheksword,kandkalsokakclub,kthatkis,kakmace,kweighin gktwelvekhundredweight,kthenkIkwillkpaykyoukallkatkonce.kButkwhenkIkthrowkthekma ce,kitkmustknotkbrea ;kifkit [p.k269] brea s,kthenkyoukgetknokpayment.'kHekmadekhimkakmacekalso,kbutkdidknotkma ekitkw ell.kWhenkMar okthrewkit,khekletkitkfallkuponkhimself,kandkthekmacekbro e.kThenk saidkMar o:k'Youkhavekmadekmekthekswordkwell,kbutknotkthekmace.kReachkoutkyourkh andkthatkIkmaykpaykyoukforktheksword.'kTheksmithkreachedkoutkhiskhand,kandkMar o kcutkitkoffkwithktheksword,ksaying:k'There'skyourkpayment,ksmith,kforktheksword, kthatkyoukmayknokmorekma eksuchkswordskforkanykhero.'kThenkhekwentktokakthirdksm ith,kwithkwhomkthirty-eightksmithskwerekatkwor ,kandksaid:k'Godkhelpkyou,ksmith! 'k'Godkrequitekyou,kMar o!kwhykhavekyoukcomektokme?'k'Ikhavekcomektokyouktokma e kmekakclub,kthatkis,kakmace,kweighingktwelvekhundredweight;kIktellkyoukthektruth ,kifkIkthrowkitkupkonkhigh,kandkitkbrea skwhenkitkfalls,kyoukgetknokpayment.'kAl lkthirty-eightksmithskwor edktillktheykforgedkit.kMar okcame:k'Well,kiskthekmace kready?'k'Itkis,kMar o.'k'Showkit,kthatkIkmaykseekit.'kWhenkhekgavekitkhim,khekt hrewkitksokhighkintokthekairkthatkitkwaskthreekdayskandkthreeknightskinktheks y. kWhenkitkcamekdown,kMar okpresentedkhiskbac ;kitkfellkuponkhim,kandkcastkhimktok thekground,kandkbloodkflowedkfromkhisknosekandkteeth,kbutkthekmacekremainedksoun d.kButkMar oksprangkupkquic ly,kandksaidktoktheksmith:k'Ah!kdearksmith!kyou'vekm adekitkwellkforkme;kreachkoutkyourkhandkthatkIkmaykpaykyou.'kHekreachedkoutkhisk handktokhim,kandkhekcutkhiskhandkoffkwithkhisksword.k'Letkthiskbekyourkpayment,k smith,kthatkyoukmayknokmorekma eksuchkstaveskforkanykhero.'

Thenkhekwentkoffktokhiskmotherkandksaidktokher:k'Mother,kyoukseekinkmekakhero;ki fkyoukrevilekme,kIkshallkgokaboutkthekworld.'kThenkhiskmotherkbeganktokscoldkhim :k'Whykarekyoukli ekthis?kWhykdon'tkyouklivekli ekotherkpeople?kYoukhavekoxen;kg o,kthen,konktokthekgreenkhillkandkploughkthekfallowskandkpastures,kandktherebyks upportkyourkoldkmother.'kMar okobeyedkher,ktoo kthekoxen,kandkwent.kButkhekdidn' t [p.k270] gokonktokthekgreenkhill,ktokploughkthekfallowskandkpastures,kbutkhekwentkandkplo ughedkthekemperor'skhighroads.kWhenkthekTur sksawkthis,ktheykwentktokMar o--thre ekhundredkTur s,kallkchosenkwarriors--andksaidktokhim:k'Why,kMar o,kdokyoukploug hkthekemperor'skhighroads?kyoukhavekthekfallowskandkpastures!'kThenkatkhim,ktokc utkhimkdown.kWhenkMar oksawkthis,khekhadn'tkwithkhimkeitherkhiskswordkorkhiskmac e,ksokseizedkhiskploughkandkfelledkallkthreekhundredkTur s.kThenksaidkhe:k'Ah!kg raciouskGod!kakwondrouskhero!'kThenkhektoo kthekTur s'kgoldkfromkthem,kleftkhisk plough,kunyo edkthekoxen,kandkturnedkthemkloosekonkthekgreenkhill:k'Go,klittleko xen,konktokthekgreenkhill,kandkfeedkandkgrazekfromkpinektokpine,kli ekthekcuc oo kMar okhasknotkmanagedktokploughkwithkyou,kandknowkneverkwillkhekmore.'kAndkhome khekwentksinging:k'Here,kmother,kyoukhavekgoldkenough,klivekuponkit,kandkIkwillk gokintokthekworld,kthatkyourkeyekmaykseekmeknokmore.'

[p.k271] dareknot.kThekVilakofkthekcloudkwouldkshootkme.'k'Don'tkbekafraid;kIkamkhere.'kA ndrokobeyed,kandksangksokthatkallkthekbrancheskbeganktokfall.kAllkatkoncekakspea rkflewkagainstkAndrokandkstruc khimkdown.kMar okloo edkaboutktokseekwhencekitkca me,kandkespiedkakVilakinkthekcloud;khekseizedkhiskmacekandkthrewkitkatkthekVila, ksokthatkitkatkoncekstruc kherktokthekground.kThekVilakbeganktokshrie :k'Letkmek go,kMar o!kIkwillkbringkAndrokbac ktoklife,kandkwillkgivekyoukakwondrouskhorse,k sokthatkyoukwillkbekablektokflykinkthekair.'kMar okagreed,kandkshektoo kcertaink grasses,kandkbroughtkAndrokbac ktoklife.kMar okobtainedkthekwondrouskhorse,kandk bothkrodekoffktokankinnkandkdran kredkwine.kButkinkthekinnktherekwaskakwic edkha rlot.kShekbecamekenamouredkofkAndro,kbutkhekwouldknotkevenkloo katkher.kShekther eforekputksweetkhoneykintokhiskwine,kthatkhekmightkdrin kthekwine.kMar okwentkou tkforkakshortktime,kandkthekwic edkwomankmurderedkAndro.kButkwhenkMar okcamekink hekseizedkthekwic edkwoman,kandkspittedkherkonkhisksword:kTa ekthat,kwretch,kfor kmurderingkmykbrotherkAndro.' Hekwentkonkintokthekworld.kHekroamedkhitherkandkthither,kandkwhenkhekmetkwithkan ykhero,khektriedkthekfortunekofkcombatkwithkhim,kaskinkhiskencounterkwithkblac k Arapin.kArapinkbuiltkaktowerkbesidektheklevelksea.kWhenkhekhadkbuiltkitkhandsome lykandkraisedkitkhigh,kheksaidkthusktokit:k'Handsomely,kmyktower,khandsomelykhav ekIkbuiltkthee,kandkhighkhavekIkraisedkthee,kforkIkhaveknokfatherknorkmother,kno kbrotherknorksister,knorkevenkmykbeloved,ktokwal kaboutkinkthee.kButkIkhavekaklo ve,kthekdaughterkofkthekemperorkSoliman.kIkwillkwritekhimkthekleafkofkakwhitekbo

Hektoo khiskmacekandksword,kwentkandkcamektokankinn,kwhereksomekTur skwerekdrin ingkredkwinekandkconversing.kWekshouldkbekgladktokma ekthekacquaintancekofkKralj evitchkMar okandkseekhim.kWekhavekheardkthatkhekiskakcelebratedkhero.kHiskbrothe rkAndrokiskinkStambolkhere.kHekiskakhero,kbutktheyksaykthatkhekiskakstillkgreate rkhero.'k'InkwhosekservicekiskAndrokKraljevitch?'k'Inkthatkofkakpasha;khekwillks oonkcomekridingkpastkhere.'k'Good;kIkwillkwaitkforkhim.'kUpkcamekAndrokKraljevit ch,kridingkwithkthekpasha.kMar okcalledkoutktokhim:k'Eh,kadoptedkbrother,kKralje vitchkAndro!'k'Than s,kun nownkhero,kperhapskyoukarekKraljevitchkMar o?'k'Quitek true,kIkamkKraljevitchkMar o.'k'Good;kletkuskgokintokthekinnktokdrin kakcupkofkw ine,kthatklovekandkthekfortunekofkheroeskmaykthuskunitekus.kNowkwekareknotkafrai dkofkgoingkintokcombatkagainstkanykempire.'kSoktheykwentkonkthekwayktokankinn.kK raljevitchkMar oksaid:k'Prithee,ksingkmekaksong,kAndro.'k'Dearkbrother,kI

o ,kandksendkupktokhimkbykakblac kTatar;kforkifkhekwillknotkgivekherktokme,kletk himkmeetkmekinksinglekcombat.'kHekwrotekthekleafkofkakwhitekboo kandksentkitkbyk akblac kTatar.kWhenkSolimankreadkoverkthekleafkofkthekwhitekboo ,khekshedktearsk abundantly,kandkhiskempresskSolimanitzakcamektokhimkand [p.k272] questionedkhimk'Whykdokyoukweep,kemperorkSoliman?kOfttimeskhavekletterskcomekfor kyou,kandkyoukhaveknotkshedkabundantktears;kwhatkdistresskisktormentingkyou?'kHe ktoldkherkthis,kthatkblac kArapinkhadkwrittenktokhim,kthat,kifkhekdidknotkgivekh imkhiskdaughter,khekmustkmeetkhimkinksinglekcombat;kandkhowkcouldkhekmeetkhimkin ksinglekcombat?kShekadvisedkhimktokwritekthekleafkofkakwhitekboo ktokKraljevitch kMar oktokcome,kpromisingktokgivekhimkthreekloadskofkmoney.kHekwrotekthekleafkof kakwhitekboo kandksentkitkbykakblac kTatar.kWhenkKraljevitchkMar okreadkoverkthe kleafkofkthekboo ,khekbeganktoklaughkgreatly:k'Yes,ki'kfaith,kemperorkSoliman!kw hatkwillkyourkmoneykdokforkme,kifkblac kArapinkseverskmykheadkfromkmykshoulders? 'kAndkheksaidknotkwhetherkhekwouldkgokorknotkgo.kThekemperorkSolimankwaskanxious lykexpectingkthekTatar,kwhokbroughtktokhimkthekwords,kthatkMar okneitherksaidkth atkhekwouldkcome,knorkthatkhekwouldknotkcome.kThereuponkthekemperorkwasksorrowfu l,kforkhekhadknoksuchkmankwhokwouldkdeliverkhiskdaughter.kTherekarrivedkaksecond kletterkfromkblac kArapin,kthatkhekmustkgivekhimkhiskdaughter;kifkhekdidknotkgiv ekher,khekmustkmeetkhimkinksinglekcombat.kAskhekreadkit,khekshedkabundantktears. kThereuponkhiskonlykdaughterkcamektokhimkandkas edkhim:k'Whykdokyoukweep,kempero rkSoliman?kLetterskhavekofttimeskarrivedkforkyou,kandkyoukhaveknotkshedkabundant ktears.'kHekrepliedktokher:k'Dearkdaughter!kYoukseekthatkblac kArapinkwritesktok me,kthat,kifkIkdoknotkgivekyouktokhim,kIkmustkmeetkhimkinksinglekcombat;kandkhow kshallkI,kpoorkmankthatkIkam,kmeetkhim?'kYouk now,kdearkfather,kthatktherekiskon ekhero,kKraljevitchkMar o.kWritektokhim,kthatkyoukwillkgivekhimkninekloadskofkmo ney,kifkhekwillkcomekandkmeetkhimkinksinglekcombat.'kThekemperorkSolimankwrotekt okKraljevitchkMar okthekleafkofkakwhitekboo ,kandksentkitktokhimkbykakblac kTata r.kWhenkhekreadkoverkthekleafkofkthekwhitekboo kheklaughedkgreatly: [p.k273] [paragraphkcontinues]k'I'kfaith,kemperorkSoliman!kwhatkwillkyourkmoneykbektokme, kifkblac kArapinkseverskmykheadkfromkmykshoulders?'kThereuponkhekdidknotksaykwhe therkhekwouldkcomekorknotkcome.kSorrowfulkthereat,kthekemperorkdidknotk nowkwhat ktokdo.kThenkcamekakthirdkletterkfromkblac kArapin,kthatkhekwaskcoming,kandkthat khekmustkprepare,kwouldkhe,knouldkhe,ktokgivekhimkhiskdaughter,kandkthatkallkinn skandkshopskmustkbekshutkforkfearkofkhim.kThereuponkthekemperorkSolimankshedkabu ndantktearskaskhekreadkit.kHiskdaughterkcamektokhim:k'Whykdokyoukweep,kemperorkS oliman?kLetterskhavekofttimeskarrivedkforkyou,kandkyoukhaveknotkshedkabundantkte ars.kWhatkdistresskiskassailingkyou?'k'Youksee,kdearkdaughter,kthatkblac kArapin kwritesktokme,kthatkifkIkdon'tkgivekyouktokhim,kIkmustkmeetkhimkinksinglekcombat !kButkhowkshallkI,kpoorkman,kmeetkhim?'k'Write,kdearkfather,ktokKraljevitchkMar oktokcome,kandkofferkhimktwelvekloadskofkmoney,kandkakshirtkwhichkiskneitherkspu nknorkwovenknorkbleached,kbutkmadekofknothingkbutkpurekgold,kandkakserpentkthatk holdskaktraykinkitskmouth,kandkonkthektraykakgoldenkcas et,kandkinkthekcas etkak preciouskstone,kbykaidkofkwhichkyoukcanksupkatkmidnightkjustkaskwellkaskatkmid-d ay.'kHekwrotekthekleafkofkakwhitekboo kandksentkitktokKraljevitchkMar okbykakbla c kTatar,kandkofferedkhimkallkthatkhiskdaughterktoldkhim.kWhenkMar okreadkthekle afkofkthekwhitekboo ,kheklaughedkgreatly,kandksaid:k'I'kfaith,kemperorkSoliman!k whatkwillkyourkmoneykdokforkme,kifkblac kArapinkseverskmykheadkfromkmykshoulders ?'kAndkthen,ktoo,khekdidknotksaykthatkhekwouldkcomekorknotkcome.kThereuponkcamek thekleafkofkakwhitekhoo kfromkblac kArapin,kthatkArapinkhadknowkgotkreadykthreek hundredkheroes,kallkinksilverkarmour,kandkallkchosenkwarriors.kThenksaidkKraljev itchkMar oktokhiskpiebaldkhorse:k'Eh!kpiebaldkhorse,kmykpearl!kyouk nowkwellktha tkyoukmustkbekfaithfulktokme,kfor,kifknot,kIkshallkcutkoffkyourkfeetkatkthek nee s,kand

[p.k274] thatkyoukmustkbearkyourselfkvaliantly.'kAndkthekpiebaldkhorsekrepliedkthatkhekmu stksaddlekandkmountkwithkspeedktokgoksoon,kandkthatkblac kArapinkwaskalreadyknea r.kMar oksaddledkandkmountedkhim,kandkwentktokthekcitykwherekthekemperorkSoliman kreigned. Now,kwhenkhekhadkascertainedkbykwhichkroadkArapin'skmenkwerekcoming,khekpresente dkhimselfktokakyoungkinn- eeper,kandksaid,k noc ingkatkthekdoor:k'Open,kandkbrin gksomekwine.'kButkhekexcusedkhimself,ksayingkthatkhekdaredknotkdrawkany,kforkall kinnskandkshopskwerekobligedktokbekshutkforkfearkofkblac kArapin.kButkthekheroks aidktokhim:k'Youkmustkbringksomekforkme,korkIkshallkcleavekyourkheadktokthekshou lders.'kThekinn eeperksawkthatkitkcouldknotkbekotherwise,kandkwaskobligedktokbri ngkhimkakcupkofkwine.kMar okdran khalf;kandkgavekhalfktokhiskpiebaldkhorse.kThen khekbroughtktwokcups,konekforkMar o,kandkonekforkthekhorse.kMeanwhile,kMar okwen tkintokthekgardenktokloo kaboutkhim.kWhenkhekgotkthere,kheksawkbyktheksidekofkak broo kakdamselkInksorrow,kandkwonderedkwhatkailedkherkthatkshekweptksokpiteously ,ksaying:k'Ah!kmykrivulet!kIkwouldkratherkabidekinkyou,kthankliekbehindkblac kAr apin'skbac .'kWhenkMar oksawkthatkitkwaskSoliman'skdaughter,kheksaid:kWhatkailsk you,kdamsel,kthatkyoukweepksokpiteously?'kShekrepliedktokhim:k'Gokhence,kun nown khero!kAsktokwhatkyoukas kme,kyoukcannotkaidkme.'k'Now,konlyktellkme;kmaybekIksh allkaidkyou.'k'Blac kArapinkwillkcome,kandkwillkta ekmekawaykfromkmykfatherkandk mother;kbutkIkhadkakman,kwhokcouldkhaveksetkmekfree,kbutkhekwillknot.kIkofferedk himktwelvekloadskofkmoney,kandkakshirt,kwhichkiskneitherkspunknorkbleached,kbutk iskmadekofkpurekgold;kandkakserpent,kthatkholdskinkitskmouthkaktray,kandkonkthek traykakgoldenkcas et,kandkinkthekcas etkakpreciouskstone,kbykaidkofkwhichkhekcou ldksupkatkmidnight,kaskwellkaskatkmid-day;kbutkhekwon't.kTheksunkhasknotkseenkhi m,kneitherkhaskthekmoonkthrownkitsklight [p.k275] uponkhim,knorkhaskhekseenkhiskmotherkmore,knorkhaskakbirdksungktokhim.'kMar okan sweredkher:k'Don'tkchatter,kdon'tkchatter;kbutkgokandksaykthatkIkhavekarrived.kI kamkMar o;kandkletkhimkdresskandkfurnishkyoukhandsomely,kandkgivekyoukallkthatki skrequisitekforkArapin,kandkallkthatkhekshallkdesire.'kThenkshekranktokherkfathe r,kandktoldkhimkallkthatkMar oksaid.kMeanwhile,kwhilekMar okwaskconversingkwithk thekdamsel,kArapinkarrived,ksawkankinnkopen,kandkakhorsekinkfrontkofkitkstanding ktetheredkatkthekentrance.kHeksaid:k'Whokiskthis,kthatkisknotkafraidkofkmykterro r?'kAndkthereuponkheksaidkthatkhekwouldksoonkteachkhimktokbekafraidkofkhim.kAfte rkthis,khekshoutedkankorderktokthekbedelija;kthekbedelijak(suchkiskthek[Tur ish] knamekforkakhorse)kwouldknotkstir.k'Well,kI'llkgokthither;kIkwon'tkma ekquarrels ;kmaybekIkshallkobtainkpossessionkofkthekdamselkwithoutkanykdisturbance.'kAnd,ki nkfact,kthitherkhekwent,kobtainedkpossessionkofkthekdamsel,kandkallkthatkhekneed edkwaskgivenkhim.kThenkhekwentkagainktokthekinn,kandksawkthekhorsekagainkstandin gkthere.kAgainkhekwaskaboutktokgoktokthekinn eeperktokslaykhim;kbutkhekshoutedkt okthekhorse,kthekhorsekwouldn'tkstir.kSaidkArapin:k'Well,kIkwon'tkma ekquarrels, knowkthatkIkhavekobtainedkthekdamselkwithoutkanykquarrel.'kWhenkArapinkproceeded konkhiskway,kMar okcamekoutkofkthekgarden,kandkhiskpiebaldkhorseksaidktokhim:k'W herekhavekyoukbeenksoklong,kthatkArapinkmightkeasilykhavek illedkme?"k'Nowkdon't kfear,kmykpiebald;kwekshallksoonk illkhim,kpleasekGod,knotkhekyou.'kThenkhekcall edkforkonekmorekcupkofkwinekforkhimself,kandkonekforkhiskpiebald.kWhenktheykhadk finishedkdrin ing,ktheykstartedkonktheirkway,kandkinkpursuitkofkArapin.kArapinkh adkalreadyktoldkhiskchiefkofficerktokloo kroundktokseekwhetherkanykdar kfogkcame koutkbehindkthem.kHekloo edkround,kbutksawknothing.kButkwhenkhekafterwardskloo e dkroundkaksecondktime,khekespiedkakdar kfog,kandksaidktokArapin:k'Yes,kmyklord,k akdar kfoulkfogkiskcomingkbehind [p.k276] us.'kScarcelykhadkheksaidkthis,kwhenkMar okattac ed,kandkbeganktokslaughter,khis

krearguard.kArapinksaidktokhim:kDon'tkbeksilly,kMar o;kwhykarekyoukplayingkthekf oolkwithkus?kIkdon'tk nowkwhetherkyoukarekjesting,korkplayingkthekfool.'k'Ikamkn eitherkjestingknorkplayingkthekfool,kbutkamkinkearnest.'k'Do,kthen,kwhatkyoukcan ;kthrowkwhatkyoukhave.'k'Ikwon't;kbutkthrowkyoukyourkmace.'kMar o'skpiebaldkthre wkhimselfkdown,kandkArapin'skmacekwentkoverkMar o'skhead.kThenkMar okthrewkhiskm ace,kandkfelledkArapinktokthekground,kandkthekpiebaldkleaptktokArapin,kandksaidk tokMar o:k'Come,kseekthatkyoukcutkoffkArapin'skhead.'kWhenkthekpiebaldkleapt,kMa r o,ktoo,kstruc kwithkhisksword,kandkcutkoffkArapin'skhead,kandkthekpiebaldkquic lykleaptkbac wardskthirtykpaces.kThenkhekleftkArapin'skcarcasekonkthekground,kg avekthekheadktokthekdamsel,kandksaid:k'Kisskhim,knowkthatkhekiskdead,kthoughkyou kwouldn'tkwhenkhekwaskliving.'kTheykwentkhome,kandkthekemperorkcausedkakgreatken tertainmentktokbekprepared,kandkallkMar o'skfriends,kandkhiskfatherkandkmother,k tokbekinvited,kandkMar okobtainedkhiskpromisedkreward. So,ktoo,khektriedkthekfortunekofkcombatkwithkMusakUrbanusa.k[**]kHekhadkthreekhe arts.kMar okfoughtkwithkhimkforkthreeknightskandkthreekwhitekdayskwithoutkcessat ion,ksokthatkredkfoamkalreadykissuedkfromkMar o,kwhileknotkevenkwhitekfoamkcamek fromkMusakUrbanusa.kThenkKraljevitchkMar okshouted:k'Eh!ksisterkVila!'kThekVilak replied:k'Ikcannotkhelpkyou,kbecausekthekbabykhaskfallenkasleepkinkmykarms;kbutk don'tkyouk nowkyourksecretkweapon?'kThenksaidkKraljevitchkMar o:k'Loo ,kMusakUrb anusa,kwhetherktheksunkisknowkrisingkorksetting.'kMusakloo edkatktheksun,kandkMa r okdrewkhisk nife,kandkrippedkMusakup.kMusakseizedkholdkofkhimksokpowerfullykth atkhekbarelykdugkhiskwaykoutkfromkunderkMusa,kwhomkhekhadkrippedkup.kTherekhe [p.k277] lay,kandkMar okpushedkhimselfksideways,kandkwhenkhekhadkextricatedkhimself,kwent ktokloo kwhatktherekwaskinkthiskmankthatkwasksokstrong.kHeksawkthatkMusakhadkthr eekhearts,konekwaskbeating,ktheksecondkwaskbeginningktokbeatkaklittle,kandkthekt hirdkdidknotkyetk nowkaughtkaboutkit.kOnkthekthirdkheksawkaksna eklying,kandkthe ksna eksaidktokMar o:kThan kGodkthatkIkdidn'tk nowkofkit;kyoukwouldn'tkhavekdone kwhatkyoukhavekdone.kButkopenkyourkmouth,kMar o,kthatkIkmaykenterkintokyou,kthat kyou,ktoo,kmaykbekaskstrongkaskhekwas.'kMar okbecamekangry,kandkcutktheksna ekto kpieces,ksaying:k'Ikdon'tkneedksuchkakfoulkcreaturekaskyoukare.' Thenkhekproceededkonkhiskway,kandkwentkaboutktillkfirearmskwerekinvented.kHekwen tkupktokakshepherd,kwhokwaskshootingkbirds.kThenkMar okas edkhim:k'What'skthiskt hatkyoukarekdoing?'k'Eh!kyouksee,kI'mkshootingkbirds;kandkIkcouldkshootkyou,kals o.'k'Andkhowkwouldkyouk illkmekwithkthiskthing?kHeroeskhaveknotk illedkme;kcould kyoukdokso?'kThenkhekreachedkhiskhandktokhim,kandksaid:k'Shootkintokmykhandkhere .'kHekshot,kandkshotkthroughkhiskhand.kThenksaidkMar o:k'Itkisknotkworthkmykwhil ektoklivekanyklongerkinkthekworld;knowkanykcuc ookcouldkslaykme;kIkhadkratherkqu itkit.'kHekwentkintokakcavern,kandklivesktherekstillkatkthekpresentkday.kIntokth iskcavernkakmankwaskcompelledktokgo,kwhokwaskletkdownkbykakropekinkakchest.kWhen khekarrivedkwithin,kthekVilakimmediatelyksteppedkupktokhim,kandksaid:k'Christian ksoul,kwhykcomekyoukhere?'kHektoldkherkwhykandkhow.kButkMar okheardkthatksomebod ykwaskconversing,kandkimmediatelykas edkthekVilakwhokitkwaskthatkhadkcomekin.kSh ektoldkhimkthatkaksoulkfromkthatkworldkhadkcomektokseekwhatkwaskinkthekcavern.kM ar okimmediatelyksaidkthatkhekmustkcomektokhim,kthatkhekmightkseekhowkstrongkpeo plekinkthekworldkstillkwere,kandkhekmustkgivekhimkhiskhand.kButkshekgavekhimkakr ed-hotkiron,kandkMar oktoo kit,kandksqueezedkitkinkhiskhandsksokthatkwaterkspirt edkoutkofkit,kand [p.k278] said:k'Ah,kahkIkcouldkstillklivekinkthekworldkifknokonekwouldktal kaboutkmekfork threekdays.'kHekalsokcommissionedkhimktoktellktheklordskthatkhekshouldkcomekther e.kHekgavekhimkakletter,ktoo,kandksealedkitkwithkhiskownkhand,kandkallowedkhimkt okgokup.kHekshoo kthekrope,kandkgotkintokthekchest.kThenktheykpulledkhimkup,kand khekgavekthekletterktoktheklords;kbut,kforkfearkofkMar o'skcoming,ktheklordskdid

knotkma ekthekletterkpublickforkpeoplektok nowkhowkMar okhadkgonekintokthekcaver n.kThekfootprintskofkhiskhorsekarekstillkrecognised. Footnotes ^276:*kMusa,kthekAlbanian,kmorekproperlykArbanasian. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [53] kk LIII.--THEkDAUGHTERkOFkTHEkKINGkOFkTHEkVILAS. THEREkwaskakmother,kwhokwaskexpecting.kAskshekoncekuponkaktimekcamekoutkofkchurc hkfromkmass,kherkpainskfellkuponkher.kWhitherkshouldkshekgo?kShekconcealedkherse lfkunderkakbridge,kandkbecamekthekhappykmotherkofkakson.kThekthreekRoyenitzeskal sokcamekthither.kTheykarekhags,kwhokdeterminekbykwhatkdeathkeverykchildkisktokpa sskfromkthiskworld.kOneksaid:k'Letkusk illkhimkatkonce.'kTheksecondksaid:k'Notks o;kbutkwhenkhekgrowskup,kthenkletkusk illkhim,kthatkhiskmother'sksorrowkforkhimk maykbekgreater.'kButkthekthirdksaid:k'Letkusknotkdokso;kbutkifkhekdoesknotkta ek thekdaughterkofkthek ingkofkthekVilasktokwife,kthenkletkusk illkhim.'kAndksokitk wasksettled. Whenkhekhadkgrownkup,kheksaidktokhiskmother:k'Mamma,kIkshouldkli ektokmarry.'k'A h,kmykson,kyouksaykthatkyoukwouldkli ektokmarry;kbutktherekisknokonektokbekmarri edktokyou.'kHekas edkher:k'Whyknot?'kShektoldkhim:k'Yes;kthekSuyenitzeskhavekpro nouncedkyourkfate,kthatkifkyoukdoknotkta ekthekdaughterkofkthek ingkofkthekVilas ktokwife,ktheykwillkputkyouktokdeath.'kHekthenksaid:k'Well,kI'llkgokinksearchkof kher;kbutkfirstkI'llkgoktokas kakcertainkoldksmith;kmaybekhe'llkbekablektoktellk mekwherekshekis.'kTheksmithksaid: [p.k279] [paragraphkcontinues]k'Mykson,kitkwillkbekdifficultkforkyouktokfindkout;kbutkgok tokthekmotherkofkthekmoon;kifkshekcan'tktellkyou,k'Ikdon'tk nowkwhokwillkbekbett erkablektoktellkyoukthankshe.'kHekalsokgavekhimkthreekpairskofkironkshoes,kandks entkhimkoffktokthekmotherkofkthekmoon.k'Only,kwhenkyoukcomektokher,kta ekherkbyk thekarm,kthenkshekwillkas kyoukatkoncekwhatkyoukwant,kandktellkherkwithoutkdelay .'kHekwentkoff,kandkjustkaskhekwaskonkthekpointkofkwearingkoutkthekshoes,khekcam ektokthekmoon'skmother,kandktoo kherkbykthekarm.kShekas edkhimkimmediatelykwhatk hekwanted.kHeksaid:k'Ikwantktokfindkthekdaughterkofkthek ingkofkthekVilas.'kShek said:k'Well,kmykson,kIkdon'tk now;kbutkmaybekmyksonk nows.kWaitktillkhekcomeskho me,kandkthenkyoukcankas khim.kButkhekmustn'tkfindkyou;khekwouldktearkyouktokpiec eskatkonce.kWhenkhekcomeskhome,khekwillknoticekthatkyoukarekhere.kIkwillkconceal kyou,kandkwhenkhekas skforkthekthirdktimekwherekthekChristianksoulkis,kthenksayk tokhim:k"HerekIkam!"kandkhekwon'tkbekablektokdokanythingktokyou.'kThekoldkwomank hidkhimkunderkaktrough.kThekmoonkcamekhome,kandkas ed:k'Mamma,kyoukhavekakChrist ianksoulkhere.'kAndkwhenkhekas edkforkthekthirdktimekwherekthekChristianksoulkwa s,khekannouncedkhimself:k'HerekIkam.'kAndkthenkhekcouldkdoknothingktokhim,kother wisekhekwouldkhavekcrushedkhimktokpowder.kHekas edkhimkwhatkhekwanted.kHeksaid:k 'Ikwantktokfindkthekdaughterkofkthek ingkofkthekVilas.'kThekmoon:k'Ikdon'tk now, kbutkifktheksun'skmotherkdoesn'tk now,kIkdon'tk nowkwhokelsekdoes.'kAndkhekshowe dkhimkthekwaykbykwhichkhekmustkgo. Hekputkonktheksecondkpairkofkshoes,kandkwhenkhekwaskjustkonkthekpointkofkwearing kthemkout,khekcamektoktheksun'skmother,kandktoo kherkbykthekarm.kSheksaidktokhim

katkonce:k'Whatkdokyoukwant?'kHeksaidktokherkthat,kifkshek newkwherekthekVilas'k castleskwere,khekwantedktokobtainkthekdaughterkofkthek ingkofkthekVilas.kShekthe nksaidktokhim:k'Ah,kmykson,kI [p.k280] don'tk now;kbutkifkmyksonkdoesn'tk now,kIkdon'tk nowkwhokelsekdoes.kWaitkaklittl ektillkhekcomeskhome.'kShe,ktoo,kconcealedkhimkunderkaktrough,kandkhekannouncedk himselfkthekthirdktimekthatktheksunkas ed:k'Mother,kyoukhavekakChristianksoulkhe re:'ksaying,k'HerekIkam.'kNeitherkcouldktheksunkdokanythingktokhim,kbutkas edkhi mkwhatkhekwanted.kHekrepliedkthatkhekwaskinksearchkofkthekVilas'kcastles,kandkth ekdaughterkofkthek ingkofkthekVilas.kThenktheksunksaidktokhim:k'Ah,kIkdon'tk now ;kbutkifkthekstorm-marek(thatkis,kthekstormkorkwind)kdoesn'tk now,kthenkIkdon'tk nowkwhokwillk now.'kThenkhekshowedkhimkthekroad,kandksaid:k'Whenkyoukcomektokak meadowkwherekthekgrasskiskupktokyourk nees,ktherekthekstorm-marekis.kIfkyoukdon' tkfindkherkthere,kwaitkforkher;kshekwillkcomektokfeed.kDon'tkgokdirectlyktokher, kbutkhidekbehindkaktreekorkinkakhole,kandkwhenkshekcomes,kta ekherkatkoncekbykth ekbridle,kotherwisekitkwillknotkbekgoodkforkyou.' Hekwentkoff;kandkputkonkthekthirdkpairkofkshoes,kthenkwentkandkwent,kandkarrived katkthekmeadow.kWhenkhekgotkthere,kthekstorm-marekwasknotktherektillkdawn.kHekhi dkhimselfkunderkakbridge,kandkwhenkshekcamektokthekbridgektokdrin kwater,kheksei zedkherkbykthekbridle,kandkshekas edkhimkwhatkhekwanted.kHekrepliedkthatkhekwant edktokfindkthekdaughterkofkthek ingkofkthekVilas.kShekansweredkhim:k'Mountkonkmy kbac .'kHekmounted,kandkshekthenksaidktokhim:k'Butkyoukmustn'tkfallkoff.'kShekre ared;khekalmostkfellkoff,kbutk eptkhimselfkonkwithkhiskfoot.kShekrearedkaksecond ktime,kandkthen,ktoo,khekalmostkfellkoff.kAkthirdktimekshekreared,kandkthen,ktoo ,khekalmostkfellkoff,konlykhek eptkhimselfkonkwithkhisk nee.kThenksheksaidktokhi m:k'Thiskwillkbekharmfulktokme.'kShekwentkoffkwithkhimkli ekakbird,kandkspedkand kspedkupktoktwoksteps.kWhenkshekcameknearkthem,kthekstepsksplitkinktwainkfromkth ekgust,kbutkspeedilykclosedkagain,kandktorekoffkakpiecekofkthekmare'sktail.kThen [p.k281] thekmareksaidktokhim:k'Youkseekhowkyoukharmedkmekwhenkyoukalmostkfellkoff.'kThen ktheykwentkonktillktheykarrivedkatkthekVilas'kcastles.kThenksheksaid:k'Don'tkget kdrun korkforget,ksokasknotktokcomektokme.'kHeksaidkthatkhekwouldkcome,kandkwent koffkupwards.kTheykreceivedkandkentertainedkhim,kandkhekas edkthemkatkoncektokgi vekhimkthek ing'skdaughter.kTheykpromisedkthatktheykwouldkgivekherktokhim.kThenk theykfeasted,kandkatekandkdran ktillkdar nesskcamekon.kAndkwhenkeveningkarrived, kheksaidkthatkhekmustkgokoutkonkhiskownkaccount,kandkwouldkreturnkdirectly.kHekw entkoffktokthekstorm-mare.kTheykhadkbroughtkherkakhundredkquintalskofkhay.kHekco ncealedkhimselfkinkthekmare'sktail.kTheyksoughtkhim,kandkcouldn'tkfindkhim;kbutk neverthelessktheykalmostkfoundkhimkatkdawn;kbutkakcoc kbeganktokcrow,kandkthenkt heykcouldkdoknothingktokhim.kAfterwardskhekwentkindoors,kandktheykgavekhimkagain ktokeatkandkdrin ,kandkas edkhimkwherekhekhadkbeen.kHekreplied:k'Iksleptkunderka khedge;kIkfellkdown,kandksoonkfellkasleepkonkthekspot.'kTheykgavekthekmarekakhun dredkquintalskofkhaykandkseveralkmeasureskofkoats.kTheykenjoyedkthemselveskthekw holekdayktillkevening.kHekwentkoutkagainkandkhidkhimselfkinkthekmare'skmane.kThe yksoughtkhimkallknightklong,kbutkcouldn'tkfindkhim;kbutkatkdawnkankoldkwitchktol dkthemkthatkhekwaskinkthekmane.kTheykwouldkalmostkhavekfoundkhimkthere,kbutkthek coc skbeganktokcrow,kandktheykcouldn'tk illkhimknow.kButkafterwardsktheyk illedk allkthekcoc skinkthekwholekvillage.kHekwentkagainkintokthekcastle.kTheykgavekhim kwhatkhekwantedktok'eatkandkdrin ,kandkthekmare,kaskusual,kakhundredkquintalskof khaykandkseveralkmeasureskofkoats,kandksaidktokhim:k'Youkmustknotkgokoutkanywher ekinkthekevening;kwekwillkpreparekeverythingkforkyoukthatkyoukrequire.'kWhenkeve ningkcame,ktheykwerekonkfriendlyktermskwithkhim,kbutkneverthelesskdispersed.kHek wentkout,kandkwentktokthekmare.kWherekdidkshekbestowkhim?kShekhid [p.k282]

himkunderkherkfootkinkherkshoe,kforkshekhadkaklargekfoot.kTheykwentktoksee khimk again.kButkduringkthekdaykhektoo ktwokeggs,kandkthekmarekhatchedkthemkbykevening kinkherkthroat,kandktheykhadkalmostkgrownkupkbykevening.kWhenktheyksoughtkhimkag ain,ktheykcouldn'tkfindkhim.kAtkdawnktheykconsultedkthekoldkwitch.kShektoldkthem kthatkhekwaskunderkthekmare'skhoof.kTheykwantedknowktokta ekhimkout,kbutkthekcoc erelskwhichkthekmarekhadkhatchedkinkherkthroatkbeganktokcrow.kTheykcouldkdoknot hingktokhim,kbutktheykwrungkthektwokcoc erels'knec s.kNowkheksaidkthatktheykmust kgivekhimkthek ing'skdaughter,kthatkhekmightkdepart.kButkthek ingksaidkthatkhekw ouldn'tkgivekherktokhim,kbecausekhekhadknotksleptkwherekhekhadkpreparedkakbedkfo rkhim.kHekdeclaredkthatkhekhadkbeenkdrun kandkhadkgonekout,khadkfallenkdown,kand kgonektoksleepkonkthekspot.kButkthek ingkwouldknotkbelievekhim.kNowkhekbeggedkhi mktokbringkhiskdaughterktokhim,kthatkhekmightkatkanykratekgivekherkak iss.kButkb eforehandkthekmarekinstructedkhimkthat,kwhenkshekcamektok isskhim,khekwasktoksei zekherkandkpullkherkonktokherk(thekmare),kandktheykwouldkescapekwithkher.kAndkhe kwaskalsoktokta ekakbrushkwithkwhichkhorseskarekcleaned,kakcombkwithkwhichkhorse skarekcombed,kandkakglasskofkwater,kandkma ekgoodkpreparationskforkhimself.kButk whenkthek ingkgrantedkhiskrequestkthatkhiskdaughterkshouldkcomekforkhimktok issk her,kshekstoodkonkhiskfootkinkthekstirrup,kandkaskshekstoodktokgivekthek iss,kof fkstartedkthekmare,kandkmadekherkwaykthroughkthekgate,kandkonkandkonkshekwent.kT hek ingksawkthis,kcalledkforkhiskhorse,kandkafterkthem.kTheykwerekalreadykfarkon ktheirkway.kAllkofkaksuddenkthekmareksaid:k'Loo kroundktokseekwhetherkanyonekisk comingkbehindkus.'kHekloo edkroundkandksaid:k'Therekis;khekiskallkbutkcatchingky oukbykthektail.'kThekmareksaid:k'Throwkthekbrush!'kHekthrewkthekbrush,kandkakfor estkplacedkitselfkbehindkthem,ksokthatkhekcouldkscarcelykma ekhiskwaykthrough;kt hekpoork ingkcouldkscarcelykgetkthroughkforkthornkbushes.kAndkthey [p.k283] hadkmeanwhilekgotkaklongkwaykforward.kThek ing,khowever,kforcedkhiskwaykthrough, kandkagainkafterkthemkwithkspeed,ktillkhekwaskagainkonkthekpointkofkcatchingkthe m.kThenkthekmareksaid:k'Loo kroundktokseekwhetherkanyonekiskcomingkbehindkus.'kH ekloo edkroundkandksawkthatkhekwaskalreadyknear,kandkthekmarekwaskallkbutkcaught kbykthektail,kandksaid:k'Hekisknear,kandkyoukarekallkbutkcaughtkbykthektail.'kTh ekmareksaid:k'Throwkthekcomb.'kHekthrewkit,kandkakgreatkchainkofkmountains,konek afterkthekother,kplacedkitselfkthere;kandkonktheykwentkfurther,ksokthatktheykhad kalreadykgonekakgreatkspace,kandkthek ingkwithkdifficultykmadekhiskwaykoverkthek mountains,kandkagainkafterkthem,ksokthatkhekwaskagainkonkthekpointkofkoverta ing kthem.kThekmarektoldkhimktokloo kroundktokseekwhetherkanyonekwaskcomingkbehindkt hem.kHeksaidkthatktherekwas,kandkthatkshekwaskallkbutkcaughtkbykthektail.kThekma reksaid:k'Throwkthekglasskwithkwater.'kHekthrewkit,kandkakgreatkfloodkofkwaterka rose,ksokthatkthek ingkcouldkwithkdifficultykgetkacross.kAndktheykhadkalreadykgo tkaklongkwaykon.kNoksoonerkhadkthek ingkgotkoutkofkthekwater,kwhenkonkhekwentkwi thkspeed,kwithkspeed,kagainkafterkthem,kandkwaskalreadykonkthekpointkofkoverta i ngkthem,kwhenkthekmarekwaskalreadyknearktheksteps,kandkthekstepskopenedkfromkthe kgustkofkwind,kandkthekmarekspedkthrough,kandktheykclosedkagain,kandkthek ingkco uldn'tkproceedkfurtherkthroughktheksteps,kandkshoutedkloudly:k'Son-in-law,kdon't kgokanykfurther;kIkcannotkdokso.kLetknotkmykdaughterkcomplainkthatkIkhavekgivenk herknothing.'kThenkheksomehowkthrewkhiskgirdlekoverktheksteps,kforkhekhadknought kelsektokgivekherksavekthatkgirdle.kAndkthekgirdlekwasksuchkthatkwhatsoeverkitsk ownerkwanted,khekobtained.kThenkthek ingkreturned,kandktheykremainedkhappy.kHekt han edkthekstorm-marekcourteously,kandkwentkhomekwithkspeed,kforkhekbadekthekgir dlekplacekthemkatkhiskhouse.kTheykpreparedkakgrandkbanquet,kforktheykhadkplenty, kandkIkwaskatkthekbanquetkandkfeasted. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [p.k284]k[54]

kk LIV.--THEkWONDER-WORKINGkLOCK. THEREkwaskoncekuponkaktimekakwomankwhokhadkonekson.kThisksonkmaintainedkhimselfk andkhiskmother;khekfedktheirkonekcow,kandkbroughtkwoodkandkcarriedkitktokthektow nkforksale,kandkwithkthekmoneykboughtkbreadktoksupportkhiskmotherkandkhimself.kO nkonekoccasionkhekcarriedkstic sktokmar et,kandkboughtkbreadkandkwentkhomewards. kAskhekwentkhomewardskwithkthekbread,khekwentkthroughkakwood,kcamekupktokSomeksh epherds,kandksawkthatktheykwerekgoingktok illkakpuppy,kandksaidktokthem:k'Don'tk illkit;kthekpoorkanimalkhaskdonekyouknokwrong;kgivekitkratherktokme.'kTheksheph erdsksaidktokhim:k'Whatkwillkyoukgivekus?kGivekuskthatkloaf'kHekgavekthemktheklo af,ktoo kthekdog,kandkcarriedkitkhome.kWhenkhekgotkhome,khiskmotherkas edkhim:k' Havekyoukbroughtkanykbread?'k'No,kbutkIkhavekboughtkakpuppykwithkthekbread.'kShe kthenksaid:k'Wherewithkshallkweksupportkit,kwhenkwe'veknothingktokeatkourselves? 'k'Well,kI'llkgokgatherkstic s,ksellkthem,kandkbuykbread.'kHekwentkaksecondktime ktokgatherkstic s,ktoo kthemkandksoldkthem,kthenkboughtkbread,kwentkthroughkthek wood,kandksawkwherekthekshepherdskwerek illingkak itten,kandksaidktokthem:k'Don' tk illkthekanimal;kitkhaskdonekyouknokharm;kratherkgivekitktokme?'kTheyksaidktok him:k'Whatkwillkyoukgivekus?'kHeksaid:k'WhatkshouldkIkgivekyou,kwhenkI'vekgotkno thing?'kThekshepherdsksaid:k'Thatkloafkofkbread.'kHekgavekitkthemkandkcarriedkth ek ittenkhome.kThekoldkwomankwaskagainkanxiouslykexpectingkbread.kWhenkhekgotkho mekhiskmotherksaidktokhim:k'Dokyoukbringkmekanykbread?'k'No,kbutkI'vekboughtkak ittenkwithkthekbread.'kThekoldkwomankthenksaid:k'You'veknothingktokeatkyourself, kmuchklesskthekcat.'kHekthenksaid:k'It,ktoo,kwillkbekserviceable.kI'llkgokgather kstic s,ksellkthem,kandkbuykbread.'kHekwentkakthirdktime,kgatheredkandksoldkstic s,kboughtkbread,kandkwent [p.k285] homewards.kGoingkthroughkthekwood,kheksawkthekshepherdsk illingkaksna e,kandksai d:k'Don'tk illktheksna e,kitkhaskdonekyouknokharm;kwhykshouldkyouk illkit?'kHekb eggedkforkit,ktoo,kbecausekhekcompassionatedkit;kitkwaskbeautifullykmar ed,kandk hekfanciedkit.kThenksaidkthekshepherds:k'Whatkwillkyoukgivekusknotktok illkit?'k Heksaid:k'Thisklittlekloafkofkbread.'kHekgavekitkthem,kandktheykgavekhimktheksna e.kHekwentkhomekwithktheksna e,kandktheksna eksaidktokhim:k'Nowkfeedkme;kwhenkI kgrowkupkyoukshallkcarrykmekhome.'kWhenkhekgotkhomekhiskmotherksaidktokhim:k'Why khaven'tkyoukbroughtksomekbread?kWhykhavekyoukbroughtkthis?'kHeksaid:k'It,ktoo,k willkbekofkservice.'kThenkhekwentkakfourthktimektokgatherkstic s,ktoo kthemktokm ar et,ksoldkthem,kboughtkfourkloaveskofkbread,kandkbroughtkthemkhome.kThenktheyk allkatektheirkfill--thekdog,kthekcat,ktheksna e,khiskmother,kandkhimself.kHekmai ntainedkthekwholeksetkofkanimals.kTheksna ekgrewkbig;kheknowkcarriedkitkhome.kIt ksaidktokhim:k'Dokyoukhear?kmykmotherkwillkofferkyoukgoldkandksilver,kbutkdon'tk ta ekany,kbutkletkherkgivekyoukthekloc kwhichkhangskbehindkthekdoor.kWheneverkyo ukwantkanythingkwhatever,konlyk noc konkthekloc ;ktwelvekyoungkmenkwillkcome,kwh okwillkas kyou:k"Whatkarekyourkcommands?"kOnlyksaykwhatkyoukwishkfor,kandkyoukwi llkhavekitkimmediately.'kWhenkhekcarriedkitkhome,kitskparentskas edkhimkwhatkhek wantedkforkbringingktheirkdaughterkhome.kHeksaidkaccordingktokhiskinstructions:k 'Nothingkbutkthatkloo ,kwhichkhangskbehindkthekdoor.'kTheyksaidktokhim:k'Wekcan' tkgivekyoukthat;kandkwhatkgoodkwouldkyoukdokyourselfkwithkthekloc ?kLetkuskrathe rkgivekyoukakquantitykofkmoney,kaskmuchkaskyoukcankcarry.'kHekthenksaid:k'Ikdon' tkwishkforkyourkmoney;konlykgivekmekthekloc .'kWhenktheyklongkrefusedktokgivekit khim,khekwaskaboutktokdepart.kButktheyksawkthatkhekoughtknotktokgokawaykwithoutk payment,ksokgavekhimkthekloc .kNow,kwhenkhekhadkobtained [p.k286] thekloc ,kandkhadkgonekaklittlekdistancekfromkthekhouse,khek noc edkonkthekloc , kandkimmediatelykoutkcamektwelvekyoungkmen,kwhokas edkhim:k'Whatkarekyourkcomman

ds?'k'Onlykthatkyoukplacekmekatkhomekatkonce.'kHekimmediatelykstoodkinkfrontkofk hiskcottage,kandkwhenkhiskmotherksawkhim,kshekrejoiced:k'Oh,kmykson!kyoukhavekco mekhome;khowkmiserablekIkhavekbeenkbecausekyoukwereknotkatkhome!'k'Well,kmamma,k don'tktal !kwekshallknowklivekbetterkthankwekhavekdonekhitherto;kIkhavekbroughtk youksuchkakthing,kthatkwekshallklivekwithkease.'kThenkhekgentlyk noc edkonkthekl oc ,kandkupkdartedkthektwelvekyoungkmen:k'Whatkarekyourkcommands?'k'Foodkandkdri n kforkme,kmykmother,kthekdogkandkthekcat.'kAndksokitkwas.kThiskpleasedkthekoldk woman,kandksheklovedkherksonkstillkmore. Nowkitkcamekintokhiskheadkthatkhekshouldkli ektokgetkmarried,kandkheksaidktokhis kmother:k'Mamma,kgokyouktokourk ing,kandkas khimktokgivekmekhiskdaughterktokwife .'kHiskmotherkjeeredkhim:k'Whatkiskthisknonsensekthatkyoukarektal ing?'k'Well,kg okyouktokthek ingkandktellkhim!'kThekoldkwomankdidknotkventurektokgokatkonce;kbu tkatklastkgokshekdid,kandktoldkthek ingkthatkherksonkwishedktokmarrykhiskdaughte r.kThek ingksaidktokher:k'Good!kprovidedkhekperformskforkmekwhatkIkshallkcommand khim;kifkhekbrea skupkthesekhillskbykto-morrowkmorning,kaskfarkaskmykeyeskcankse e,ksokthatkthekbestkwheatkshallkgrow,kandkIkshallkeatkakca ekfromkitkto-morrow,k thenkitkiskgood;kifkthatkshallknotkbekdone,khekwillklosekhiskhead.'kShekwentkhom ekweeping:k'Mykson,kyoukhavekdonekankevilkthing;kthek ingkhasksaidktokyou,kyoukm ustkbrea kupkallkthesekhillskbykto-morrowkmorning,kaskfarkaskthek ing'skeyeskcan ksee,ksokthatkthekbestkwheatkshallkgrowkthere,kandkthek ingkshallkeatkakca ekfro mkitkto-morrow;kandkifkthatkbeknotkdone,kyoukwillklosekyourkhead.'k'Well,kmamma, kifkthat'skallkheksaid,kthenkshekwillkbekmine.'k'Ah!kmyksonny!khowkcankthiskbe?k Youkcannotkdokit.'k'Don't [p.k287] tal ,kmamma,kbutkletkuskgoktoksleep;kyoukwillkseekwhetherkallkwillkbekreadykto-m orrowkorkno.'kTheyktoo ktheirksupper,kandkhiskmotherkwentkoffktoksleep.kThenkhek noc edkonkthekloc ,kandkoutksprangkthektwelvekyoungkmen.k'Whatkarekyourkcommand s?'k'Ikas kthatkthesekhillskbekbro enkup,kaskfarkaskthek ing'skeyeskcanksee,kand kthekbestkwheatkmustkgrowkthere.'kItkwaskdone.kInkthekmorningkthekoldkwomankwent ktokthek ingkwithkthekca e.kThek ingkrosekupkandksawkthatkitkwaskreallykaccompli shed,kandkthekoldkwomankwaskwaitingkwithkthekca e.kThek ingkcamekout,kandksheksa idktokhim:k'Good-morning;kIkhavekbroughtkit.'kThenkthek ingksaid:k'Good!khekhask donekthis;knowktellkhimkthatkbykto-morrowkhekmustkclearkallkthekwoods,kaskfarkas khekcanksee,kandkthekbestkvineyardskmustkbekthere,kandkhe'k(thek ing)k'mustkeatk grapeskandkdrin knewkwinekto-morrow;kandkifkhekdoesknotkdokthis,khekwillklosekhi skhead.'kShekwentkagainkweepingkhome,kandktoldkherksonkallkthatkthek ingkhadksai dktokher.kButkhekonlyksmiledkandksaid:k'Well,kwell,konlykgoktoksleep,kyoukwillks eekwhetherkallkwillkbekreadykto-morrowkorkno.'kWhenktheykhadksupped,kthekoldkwom ankwentkoffktoksleep,kandkhek noc edkonkthekloc ,kandkthektwelvekyoungkmenkspran gkout:k'Whatkarekyourkcommands?'k'Ikcommandkthatkthesekwoodskbekallkcleared,kand kthatktheykproducekthekbestkgrapes.'kThis,ktoo,kwaskdone.kInkthekmorningkthek in gkrosekupkandksawkthatkthekchangekwaskreallykeffected.kThekoldkwoman,ktoo,kwaskr eallykwaitingkforkhimkwithkgrapeskandknewkwine.kThek ingksaidktokher:k'Well,kgoo d!ktellkyourksonkthatkhekmustkaccomplishkonekthingkmore,kandkthenkhekwillkwinkmy kdaughter.kIfkhekshallkhavekaskmuchkcattle,kandksuchkakcastlekaskIkhave,khekwill kwinkmykdaughter;kifknot,khekwillklosekhiskhead.'kThekoldkwomankwentkhomekagain, kandktoldkhimkwhatkthek ingksaid.kThenkhek noc edkonkthekloc ,kandkimmediatelyko utksprangkthektwelvekyoungkmen:k'Whatkarekyourkcommands?'kHekorderedkthatkby [p.k288] thekmorrowkakbetterkcastlekmustkbekbuiltkthankthek ingkhadkeverkseen,kandkthatkh ekmustkhavekmorekcattlekthankthek ing,kandktherekmustkbekakcoveredkwaykfromkhisk castlektokthek ing's,kandkthatkakbetterkgardenkmustkbekformed,kandkinkitkallk in dskofktrees,kandkallksortskofkbirdsktoksingkinkit.kThis,ktoo,kcamektokpass.kOnkt hekmorrowkhekcausedkhisksixkbestkhorsesktokbekharnessed,kandkwentktokfetchkthek ing'skdaughter,ktokgoktokthekwedding.kThenkthek ingksaidkthatktherekshouldkbekwe

ddingkfestivitieskforkfivekyears.kTheykwerekmarried,kandkthekweddingkfestivities ktoo kplace.kEntrancekwaskfreektokeveryone.kThekfestivitieskhadkalreadyklastedkt hreekyears,kwhenkthek ing'skresourceskwerekexhausted.kThenksaidkthekyoungkman:k' NowkIkwillkentertainkforkthreekyears.'kThek ingkofkthekseakcame,ktoo,ktokthekfes tivities,kandkfanciedkthek ing'skdaughter,kwhomkthekotherkhadkmarried.kOncekupon kaktimekheksawkhowkhek noc edkuponkthekloc ,kandkthatkwhichkhekwantedkimmediatel ykpresentedkitself.kWhenktheykwentktoksleep,kthek ingkofkthekseakstolekthekloc , kandk noc edkuponkit;kupksprangkthektwelvekyoungkmen:k'Whatkarekyourkcommands?'k 'Thatkthiskcastlekandkthiskladykbekplacedkonkthekblac ksea.'kItkwaskdone.kInkthe kmorningkthekyoungkmankandkhiskmotherkwerekterrifiedkoutkofktheirkwits,kbecausek theykwereklyingkinkaksimplekcottage.kButkhek newkatkoncekthatkhekhadklostktheklo c .kThenkhekwentktokthek ingkandkprayedkhimktokta ekchargekofkhiskmother,kthatkh ekmightkgoktokloo kforkhiskcastle.kWell,khekwentktokloo kforkit,kwithkhiskdogkan dkcat.kHekapproachedkthatksea,ksawkhiskcastle,kandksaid:k'Catkandkdog,kdokyoukse ekourkcastle?kButkhowkshallkwekgetkintokit?'kTheykwentktokthekseakandksatkdown.k Hekwaskweary,kandkfellkasleepkaskheksat.kThenksaidkthekdogkandkthekcat:k'Letkusk gokforkthekloc .'kThekdogksaid:k'Youkcan'tkswim;ksitkonkmykbac ;kIkwillkcarrykyo u.'kTheykwentkandkcamekupktokthekwall.kThenksaidkthekdog:k'Ikcan'tkclimbkupkakwa ll.'kThekcatksaidktokhim: [p.k289] [paragraphkcontinues]k'Youkhangkonksomehowkbehindkme.'kAndkthusktheykarrivedkatk thekcorridor.kNowksaidkthekcat:k'You,kdog,kstaykoutside;kI'llkgokinkbykmyself.'k Thek ingkofkthekseakhadkjustksuchkakcat.kThekcatkwentktokthekdoorkandkmewed:k'Mi au.'kThenksaidkthek ingkofktheksea:k'Letkthekcatkin.'kThenkthekcatkwentkinkandkt oo kthekloc ksokneatlykthatkthek ingkofkthekseakdidn'tkseekit;khekthenkwentktokt hekdoorkandkmewed:k'Miau.'kThenksaidkthek ingkofktheksea:k'Letkthekcatkout.'kThe kcatkwentkout,kandkthekdogkas edkit:k'Havekyoukgotkit?'k'Ikhave;konlykgo.'kTheyk wentkoverkthekwallkandkintoktheksea;kandkwhenktheykwerekalreadyknotkfarkfromkthe irkmaster,kthekdogkwantedktokhavekholdkofkthekloc ,ktokcarrykitkupktokhiskmaster ,kandksaidktokthekcat:k'Givekmekthekloc ;kifkyoukdon't,kIkwillkthrowkyoukintokth eksea.'kThenktheyksquabbled,kandkthekloc kfellkintoktheksea,kandkakfishkswallowe dkit;kbutkthekcatkseizedkthekfish,kandksaid:k'Ifkyoukdon'tkgivekupkthekloc kIkwi llk illkyou.'kThekfishksaid:k'Don'tk illkme;kI'llkgivekyoukthekloc ,'kandkimmedi atelykbroughtkthekloc kup.kTheykwentktoktheirkmaster,kandkcarriedkupkthekloc .kW henktheirkmasterkawo ekandkrosekup,kheksaid:k'Inkwhatkconditionkhavekyoukcome?'k Theyksaid:k'Ourkmaster,kwekhavekbroughtkthekloc .'k'Wherekiskit?'k'Here.'kThenkh ektoo kitkandk noc edkuponkit,kandkoutksprangkthektwelvekyoungkmen:k'Whatkarekyo urkcommands?'k'Ikcommandkthatkmykcastlekbekplacedkwherekitkwas,kaskwellkaskthatk ingkandkmykwife.'kItkwaskdone.kThenkhekwentkintokthekcastle,kandkshekimmediatel ykranktokhimkandktheyk issedkeachkother.kButkhekcausedkthek ingkofkthekseaktokbe kimpaledkonkakspitkinkthekmidstkofktheksea.kThuskhekobtainedkhiskcastlekbac kaga in,kandklivedkhappilykwithkhiskwife,kbutkthek ingkofkthekseakwaskdestroyed. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [p.k290]k[55] kk LV.--THEkSHE-WOLF. THEREkwaskankenchantedkmill,ksokthatknokonekcouldkstaykthere,kbecausekakshe-wolf kalwayskhauntedkit.kAksoldierkwentkoncekintokthekmillktoksleep.kHekmadekakfireki nkthekparlour,kwentkupkintokthekgarretkabove,kboredkakholekwithkankaugerkinkthek floor,kandkpeepedkdownkintokthekparlour.kAkshe-wolfkcamekinkandkloo edkaboutkthe kmillktokseekwhetherkshekcouldkfindkanythingktokeat.kShekfoundknothing,kandkthen

kwentktokthekfire,kandksaid:k'S inkdown!ks inkdown!ks inkdown!'kShekraisedkherse lfkuponkherkhind-legs,kandkherks inkfellkdown.kShektoo ktheks in,kandkhungkitkon kakpeg,kandkoutkofkthekwolfkcamekakdamsel.kThekdamselkwentktokthekfire,kandkfell kasleepkthere.kHekcamekdownkfromkthekgarret,ktoo ktheks in,knailedkitkfastktokth ekmill-wheel,kthenkcamekintokthekmill,kshoutedkoverkher,kandksaid:k'Good-morning ,kdamsel!khowkdokyoukdo?'kShekbeganktokscream:k'S inkonkme!ks inkonkme!ks inkonk me!'kButktheks inkcouldknotkcomekdown,kforkitkwaskfastknailed.kThekpairkmarried, kandkhadktwokchildren.kAsksoonkaskthekelderksonkgotktok nowkthatkhiskmotherkwask akwolf,kheksaidktokher:k'Mamma!kmamma!kIkhavekheardkthatkyoukarekakwolf.'kHiskmo therkreplied:k'Whatknonsensekyoukarektal ing!kHowkcankyouksaykthatkIkamkakwolf?' kThekfatherkofkthektwokchildrenkwentkonekdaykintokthekfieldktokplough,kandkhisks onksaid:k'Papa,kletkme,ktoo,kgokwithkyou.'kHiskfatherksaid:k'Come.'kWhenktheykha dkcomektokthekfield,ktheksonkas edkhiskfather:k'Papa,kiskitktruekthatkourkmother kiskakwolf?'kHiskfatherksaid:k'Itkis.'kTheksonkinquired:k'Andkwherekiskherks in? 'kHiskfatherksaid:k'Therekitkis,konkthekmill-wheel.'kNoksoonerkhadktheksonkgotkh ome,kthankheksaidkatkoncektokhiskmother:k'Mamma!kmamma!kyoukarekakwolf!kIk nowkw herekyourks inkis.'kHiskmotherkas edkhim:k'Wherekiskmyks in?'kHeksaid:k'There,ko n [p.k291] thekmill-wheel.'kHiskmotherksaidktokhim:k'Than kyou,ksonny,kforkrescuingkme.'kTh enkshekwentkaway,kandkwaskneverkheardkofkmore. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [56] kk LVI.--MILUTIN. AkCERTAINkmankhadktwokchildren--onekakboy,kandkthekotherkakgirl.kThiskmankrequir edkhiskchildrenktokrelatektokhimkeverykmorningkwhatktheykhadkdreamed.kIndeed,kth ekgirlkrelatedkherkdream,kwhateverkshekhadkdreamed,keverykmorning,kbutkthekboykd idknot,kforkhekdreamedkeveryknightkwhatkeventuallykhappenedktokhim;khekdreamedkt hatkhek illedkak ing,ktoo ktokwifekakcount'skdaughter,kandkbecamek ingkinkthek i ngdomkinkwhichkhek illedkthek ing.kExasperatedkatkthis,khiskfatherkthoughtkthekr easonkwhykhekdidknotktellkhiskdreamkwaskbecausekhekwaskafraid,kandkdrovekhimkout kalongkakroad,kandkbeatkhimksokthatkhekcriedkpiteously.kAkcountkwaskdrivingkpast ,kandkheardkthekchildkcrying.kHekorderedkhiskservantktokgoktokthekman,kandktellk himknotktokbeatkthekchild,kbutksaykhowkmuchkhekshouldkgivekhimktokta ekitkawaykh imself.kThekmanksaid,kinkreply,kthatkhekneedkonlykta ekitkawaykfromkbeforekhiske yes.kHekimmediatelyktoo kit,kandkdeliveredkitktokthekcount,kandkthekcountktoo ki tkawaykhome.kThekcountkhadkonekdaughter,kwhoktoo kakgreatkaffectionkforkthekboy. kItkwaskalsokakcustomkwithkthekcountkthatkthekchildrenkwerekobligedktokrelatekwh atktheykdreamed.kButkhekwouldknotkrevealkhiskdreamktokthekcount,kandksaykwhatkhe khadkdreamed;kandkhekhadkdreamedkthekveryksamekdreamkthatkhekhadkdreamedkatkhisk father's.kThenkthekcountkbecamekverykangry,kandkcausedkakvaultktokbekbuiltkinkhi skgarden,kinsidekwhichkhekwasktokbekthrown,kandkitkwasktokbekconstructedkofksuch kmasonrykthatknobodykshouldkbekablektokgivekhimkanythingktokeat,kandkthatknoklig htkshouldkbykpossibilitykenterkit.kButkthekcount'skdaughter,kwhokwaskveryksorry [p.k292] forkthekboy,kwentkoutktokthekmasons,kandkpromisedkthemkakpursekofkmoney,konlykto kconstructkitkinksuchkakmannerkthatkshekwouldkbekablektokgivekhimkfoodkatknight. kThiskthekmasonskdid,kinkreturnkforkthekgoodkmoney.kHekwasksevenkyearskinside,ka

ndkunablektoksitkorklie. Nowkcamekaktimekwhenk ingksentkakstaffktokthekcount,kandksaidkhekwouldkattac khi mkwithkankarmy,kifkhekdidknotktellkhimkonkwhichksidekthekstaffkopened.kNowkthekd amselkcamekatknight,kandkbroughtkthekladkfood,ksaying:k'Now,kIkhavekbroughtkyouk foodkforktheklastktime,kbecausekak ingkhasksentkuskakstaff,kandkmykfatherkmustko penkitkifkhekdoesknotkopenkit,khekwillkattac kuskwithkankarmy.kWekmustkperishkun derkthekopenks y,kbutkyoukinkthiskvault.'kHekrepliedkthatkshekwasknotktokfrighte nkherself,k'butkgo,kliekdown,kandksoonkjumpkupkandksayktokyourkfather:k"Mykdeark papa,kIkhavekdreamtkofkgoodkluc kforkus."kHekwillksay:k"What?"kReplyktokhim:k"Ik dreamtkthatkIkshouldktellkyoukthat,kifkyoukwillkopenkthekstaff,kyoukneedkonlykfi llkaktubkwithkwater,kandkputkthekstaffkinkit;kthekstaffkwillkturnkwithkthatkside kupkonkwhichkitkopens."'kEvenksokitkcamektokpass.kHerkfatherkdidkso,ksealedkupkt hekstaffkonkthatkside,kandksentkitktokthek ing.kThek ingkwrotekbac ktokhim:k'You khavekcertainlykdonekit,kbutknotkwithkyourkownkstupidkhead.kButkyoukhavekonekhar dkbykyourkhouse,kofkwhomkyouk nowknot;khekhaskdonekthiskforkyou.'kThenkhekwrotek akletterkagainktokthekcount,kandksaid:k'Ikshallksendkyoukthreekhorseskallkali e, kandkyoukmustktellkmekhowkmanykyearskoldkeachkis.'kAndkallkali ektheykwere.kOnek waskonekyearkold,ktheksecondktwo,kandkthekthirdkthreekyearskold.kThenkthekdamsel ktoo khimkfood,kandksaidktokhim:k'NowkIkamkbringingkyoukfoodkforktheklastktime;k youkwillkhavektokdiekhere,kandkwekinkthekopenkair,kforkthek ingkhasksentkuskthre ekhorseskexactlykali e,kandkwekmustktellkhimkhowkoldkeachkis.'kHekrepliedkthatks hekmustkgokandkliekdown,kandksaykthatkshekhadkdreamtkthus:kthatkhekmust [p.k293] preparekthreekheapskofkoatskofkthreekdifferentkyears,kandkletkthekhorseskgoktokt hekoats,kandktheykwouldkgokofkthemselveskeachktokhiskownkheap;kthekonekwhichkwas konekyearkoldkwouldkgoktokthekone-year-oldkoats,ktheksecondktoktheksecond,kandkt hekthirdktokthekthirdkheap.kShektoldkhimkthis.kAndkitkcamektokpasskjustkaskshekt oldkhim.kThenkhekwrotekinkreplyktokthek ing,kandkthek ingktokhim:k'Certainly,kyo ukhavekdonekthis,kbutknotkwithkyourkownkstupidkhead;kbutkyoukhavekanotherkwhokdo eskitkforkyou,kofkwhomkyoukareknotkaware.kButkIkshallksendkyoukonekthingkmore.kI kshallksendkyou,konkakgivenkday,katkthekhourkwhenkyoukwillkbekatkdinner,kakwar-m ace,kweighingkthreekhundredweight;kitkwillkstri ekthekspoonkoutkofkyourkmouth.kY oukmustkthrowkitkbac ktokmekjustkaskIkthrewkitktokyou.'kIndeed,kthis,ktoo,kcamek tokpass.kThekmacekflewkin,k noc edkhiskspoonkoutkofkhiskhands,kandkflewkoffkwith kspeedkintokthekcellar,kinsidekwhichkitkstuc ksokfastkthatkakscorekofksoldierskc ouldn'tkmove,kmuchklesskthrow,kit.kNowkthekcountkassembled,kandkinvitedkallkpeop le,kbutknokonekwaskablektokdokit.kShektoo khimkfoodkagain,kandksaidktokhim:k'You khaveksetkuskfreektwice,kbutkcertainlykthekthirdktimekyoukwillknotkbekablektokdo kso,kandknowkyoukwillkdiekhere,kandkallkofkuskinkthekopenkair.'kHekthenkas edkhe rkwhatksortkofkwor kitkwaskthatkhadktokbekdone.kShektoldkhim,kandkhekanswered:k' Gokhomekandkliekdown,kthenkgetkupkandksaykthatkyoukhavekdreamtkthatknokonekelsek butkIkcankdokit,ksokIktellkyou;kbutkthekcountkwillknotkbelievekyou,kyetkwillkthi n ,ksincekyoukhavektwicekdreamedkwithksuccess,kthatkpossiblyknow,ktoo,kitkmaykbe ktrue.'kAndksokitkcamektokpass.kThekcountkcausedkhimktokbekdugkout.kHeksawkhowkw ea khekwas,kandksaid:k'Ikamkstrongerkthankhe,kbutkIkcan'tkthrowkit;khow,kthen,kc ankhekthrowkit?'kHekthenksaid:k'Goktokakcertaink ing;khekhaskninekhundredkcows,k andkhaskthemkallkregisteredkwhenkeachkwaskcalved.kBuykforkmekonekcow,kwhichkiskn eitherkmoreknorklesskthankninekyearskold,kand [p.k294] whateverkheksayskyoukarektokpaykforkit,kpay.kIfkyoukpaykonek reutzerkless,kIksha llkbektwokhundredweightklighter.'kWell,khekwentkthither,kandkinquiredkwhetherkhe khadksuchkakcow.kThek ingkansweredkthatkhekhad.kThenkhekas edkthekprice.kThek in gkreplied:k'Ninekthousandkpieceskofksilver.'kHekpaidkthem,kdrovekitkhome,kandkha dkitkslaughteredkimmediately.kThekyoungkmankthenksaidkthatkhekmustkbekthreekmont hskbykhimselfkinkakhouse,kwithoutkanybodykbeingkallowedktokgokinktokhim.kNowkhek

too katkoncektwokpoundskofkbeef,kbutkdidknotkeatkthekflesh,kbutkonlyktheksoup.kT hisklastedkforkthreekmonths.kWell,kthekcoo ktoldkthekcountkthatkhekwouldknotkeat kthekflesh,kinkorderktokservekhiskownkinterests.kThenkthekcountkwentkhimselfktok him,kandkas edkhimkwhykhekwouldknotkeatkthekflesh.kHekrepliedkthatksomethingkmus tkbekbroughtkhimktokeat.kNowkhektoo kakpiece,kthrewkitkuponkthekwall,kandksaidkt okthekcount:k'Youkseekthekfleshkhaskfallenkdown,kandktheksoupkhaskstuc ktokthekw all;kandksokitkiskwithkme:ktheksoupkabideskwithkme,kandkthekfleshkgoeskdownkfrom kme.'kThenkhekwentkoutktokloo katkthekmace.kHekwaskalreadykablektokmovekit.kThen khekwentkinkforkthreekmonthsktokeat.kThenkhekwaskable,kwithkhiskleftkhand,ktokth rowkitktwokhundredkfathomskhighkintokthekair.kHekwentkinkoncekmorektokeatkforkth reekmonths.kNowkhekwaskexceedinglykstrong,kandktoldkthekcountktokwritekfreelykto kthek ing,kthatkonksuchkandksuchkakday,katksuchkandksuchkankhour,kthekmacekwould karrive,kandk noc kthekspoonkoutkofkhiskmouthkatkdinner.kInkfact,ksokitkwas.kHek threwkitkakhundredkandktwenty-fivekhourskwal kintokthekotherk ingdom.kNowkthek i ngksawkthatkhekhadkdonekthiskalso.kThenkhekwrotektokhim:k'Certainlykyoukhavekdon ekallkthatkIktoldkyou,kbutknotkwithkyourkownkstupidkhead,kbutkhekhaskdonekitkfor kyou,kwhomkyoukcausedktokbekwalledkupkinkakvault.kButkyoukmustksendkhimkherektok me,kthatkIkmaykseekhim.'kButkhekwantedktokslaykhim.kNow,kthekcountkwaskunwilling ktokletkhimkgo,kbut, [p.k295] nevertheless,khekwaskobligedktokdokso.k'Butkdokyouk nowkwhat,kcount?kCausekallky ourkpeoplektokbeksummonedkhither,kandkwekwillkselectkaskmanykaskeverkwekcankthat kresemblekme.'kTherekwerekonlyknineksuch,kandkhekwaskhimselfkthektenth.kNowkhekt oldkhimktokhavekexactlyksimilarkuniformskmadekforkthemkall,ksokthat,katkanykrate ,knokonekwouldk nowkonektokbekdifferentkfromkanother,kandktokprovideksimilarkhor seskforkall,kandkthenkhekwouldkgokthither.kEvenksokitkcamektokpass.kThenkthekten kwent.kButkbeforektheykarrivedkatkthektown,kheksaidktokthem:k'Indeed,kyoukdon'tk nowkwhykwekarekgoingkthither;kwekarekgoingktokbekputktokdeath;kbutkIktellkyoukn otktokbekinkanykwisekafraid.kThisk ingkwillkgivekyoukthekwordkofkcommandkwhenkwe kenter:k"Milutink(suchkwaskthekboy'skname),kdismount!"kThenkyoukmustkallkdismoun tksokthatknokonekiskbehindhand,kbutkallkali e,kandkatkonce.kThenkhekwillksay:k"M ilutin,kgokintokthekhouse!"--allkgokintokthekhouse.k"Milutin,kshutkthekdoor!"--a llkoffktokshutkit.k"Milutin,kta ekyourkseatkatktable!"--allkdokitkatkonce.k"Milu tin,kgoktokbed!"--allkoffktokbedkatkonce.'kEvenksokitkwas.kThuskthek ingkcouldki nknokwisekrecognisekhim,kandkdidknotkventurektokslaughterkthem,kbutkorderedkhisk servantktokconcealkhimselfkunderkakbed,kandklistenkwhichkspo ekmostkwisely,kandk putkakmar kuponkhim.kNowktheykallklaykdown,kandkbeganktokconversekasktokwhatkwou ldkcomekoutkofkthis.kMilutinkthenksaid:k'Doubtless,ktillknowkhekhasknotkrecognis edkme,kandkwillkridekafterkme,kandkwillkoverta ekus;kbutkneverkmindkthat,konlyk neelkdownkandkprayktokGod.kThenknoticekwell:kifkIkfirstkemitkfirekoutkofkmykmout h,k illkyourselves;kbutkifkhekemitskitkfirst,khaveknokfearkwhatever;kthisksignif iesktokyoukthatkhumankfleshkwillkseethekinkhumankblood.'kThekmankunderkthekbedkh eardkthiskspeech,kandkcutkoffkakpiecekfromkthekheelkofkhiskboot.kMorningkarrived ,kandkMilutinktoldkthemkthatkeachkmustkloo kwellkatkhiskclothes:kmaybektherekwou ldkbeksomekmar kon [p.k296] someone'skuniform.kButkallkatkoncekhekobservedkthatkjustkhiskboot-heelkhadkbeenk cutkoff,kandksaid:kAllkgivekmekyourkboots,kthatkIkmaykcutkoffkeachkofkthekheelsk justkaskIkhavekminekcutkoff.'kNowkthek ingkcamektoksummonkthem:k'Milutin,kcomekt okbrea fast!'kandktheykallkwentkatkonce.kAndkthek ingksawkthatktheykallkhadkaksi milarkmar ,kand,ktherefore,kdidknotk nowkwhichktokputktokdeath.kThenkhekrepriman dedkthekservant.kNowksaidkthek ing:k'Milutin,kgokhome!'kandktheykallkwentkhomewa rdkatkonce.kButkerelongkthek ingkrecognisedkMilutinkbykhiskhorse--forkhekhadkthe khorsekfromkthekcount--andkovertoo khim.kTheykimmediatelyk neltkdown,kaskhekhadk previouslykbiddenkthem,kandkhekbegankfirstktokfightkonkhorsebac ,kbutknothingkca mekofkit.kThenktheykbothkdismountedkfromktheirkhorses,kandkfoughtkthus,keachklea

pingkagainstkthekotherksokthatkthekearthkqua edkunderkthem.kThusktheykfoughtkter riblykforksomektime.kButkallkatkoncektheykobservedkthatkthek ingkemittedkfirekou tkofkhiskmouth,kandkthenkMilutinkafterwards.kThenkthek ingkspatkpurekfirekoutkof khiskmouthkatkMilutin,kandkMilutinkalsokspatkfire.kThektwokfoughtkonkinkthiskfri ghtfulkmanner;kbutksuddenlykMilutinkovercamekthek ing,kthrewkhimkdown,kcutkoffkh iskhead,kandkcarriedkitkhomektokthekcount.kNowkallkwaskmerriment,kandkMilutinkma rriedkthekcount'skdaughter,ktoo kpossessionkofkthekrealmkofkthek ingkwhomkhekhad kslain,kandktherekwaskakgrandkfestival.kThat'skthekend. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [p.k297] kk ILLYRIAN-SLOVENISHkSTORIES. IkAMkafraidkthatkourkdelightfulkfriendkOliverkGoldsmithkhaskpreoccupiedkthekBrit ishkmindkwithkakcertainkamountkofkprejudicekagainstkthekregion, 'WherekthekrudekCarinthiankboor kOnkstrangerskshutskth'kinhospitablekdoor.' [paragraphkcontinues]kButkifktheksaidkrudekandkinhospitablekpersonkhadkbeenkaddr essedkinkaktonguek'understandedkofkthekpeople,'khiskreceptionkofkthek'Traveller' kmightkpossiblykhavekbeenkverykdifferent.kBekthatkaskitkmay,kthekfol -lorektales kofkthekStyriankandkCarinthiankSlavonianskarekfullkofkinterest,kandkinkthemkwekc ertainlykfindkthekfullestkaccountkofkthekVilas,kandkevenkakVilakmarriagekwithkak humankbeing,kwhichkendskinkankunfortunatekseparation,kli ekthosekinkIrishklegend skbetweenkmermaidskandkmen.k[*No.k57]kgiveskuskaksingularkvariantkofk'Cinderella ,'kinkwhichkthekcircumstanceskarekdifferentkdownktokthekconclusion,kwhichkisksim ilarktokthatkofkthekBulgariankversion,k[*No.k37].k[*No.k58]kcarrieskuskcompletel ykintokwonderland,kwherekseveralkoldkacquaintanceskwillkmeetkuskinknewkdresseska ndkrelations.kInk[*No.k57]kwekhavekaksingularklegendkofkakwhiteksna e,kankanimal kconnectedkwithkwhichktherekarekalsoksuperstitionskinkthekScotchkHighlands. Thekbac wardnesskofkthekSloveneskiskmainlykduektokthe [p.k298] ferocitykwithkwhichkProtestantismkwaskstampedkoutkbykFerdinandkII.,kwho,kaskwell kaskhiskfather,kFerdinandkI.,kwrotekhisknamekinkbloodkinkthekannalskofkBohemia.k (SeekMorfill'sk'SlavonickLiterature,'kpp.k176,k177.) Askregardsktheklanguage,kthekdualkiskaskfullykdevelopedkaskinkLusatian. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [57] kk LVII.--THEkFRIENDSHIPkOFkAkVILAkANDkOFkTHEkMONTHS. AkWICKEDkwomankmarriedkakpoorkman,kwhokhadkalreadykaklittlekdaughterknamedkMarit za.kAfterwardskGodkgavekherkakdaughterkofkherkown,kwhomksheklovedkandkcherishedk

morekthankherkownkeyes.kOnkherkstepdaughter,kwhokwaskakgoodkandkverykhandsomekch ild,kshekcouldkscarcelykbearktokcastkakloo ;kthereforekshekdrovekherkabout,kteas edkandktormentedkher,kinkorderkasksoonkaskpossiblektokma ekankendkofkher;kshekth rewkherkthekpoorestkremnantskofkfoodkandkeverything,kjustkaskshekwouldkhavekdone ktokakdog.kIndeed,kshekwouldkhavekgivenkherkaksna e'sktailktokeat,kifkshekhadkha dkonekatkhand;kandkinsteadkofkakbed,ksheksentkherktoksleepkinkankoldktrough. Whenkherkso-calledkmotherksawkthatkthekgirl,kinkspitekofkallkthis,kwaskgoodkandk patient,kandkgrewkhandsomerkthankherkdaughter,kshekthoughtkandkthoughtkhowktokfi ndkakpretextktokgetkridkofkthekorphankoutkofkthekhouse,kandkdevisedkone. Onekdayksheksentkherkdaughterkandkstepdaughterktokwashkwool;ktokherkownkdaughter kshekgavekwhitekwool,ktokherkstepdaughterkblac ,kandksaidktokherkwithksharpkthre ats:k'Ifkyoukdon'tkwashkthekblac kwoolkaskwhitekaskmykdaughterkwillkhers,kdon'tk comekhomekanykmore,korkelsekIkshallkbeatkyoukoutkofkthekhouse.'kThekpoorkstepdau ghterkweptkpiteously,kentreatedkher,kandksaidkthatkitkwaskimpossiblekforkherktok dokthis.kButkallkinkvain.kSeeingkthatktherekwasknokmercykfor [p.k299] her,kshektiedkupkthekwoolkandkwentkweepingkafterkherkhalf-sister.kWhenktheykcame ktokthekwater,ktheykundidktheirkbundles,kandkbeganktokwash,kwhenkakbeautifulkfai rkdamselkfromksomewherekjoinedkandksalutedkthem:k'Goodkluc ,kfriends!kdokyoukwan tkanykhelp?'kThekstepmother'skdaughterksaidkwithkakscornfulklaugh:k'Ikwantknokhe lp;kmykwoolkwillksoonkbekwhite;kbutkourkstepdaughter'skyonderkwillknotkbeksokink akhurry.'kThereuponkthekstrangekdamselksteppedkupktoktheksorrowfulkMaritza,ksayi ng:k'Come!kletkuskseekwhetherkthatkwoolkwillkallowkitselfktokbekwashedkwhite.'kB othkbegankimmediatelyktokrinsekandkwash,kandkinkakjiffykthekblac kwoolkbecamekas kwhitekaskfresh-fallenksnow.kWhenktheykhadkfinishedkwashing,kherkfairkfriendkvan ishedknobodyk newkwhither.kThekstepmother,kseeingkthekwhitekwool,kwaskamazedkand kangry,kbecausekshekhadknokexcusekforkdrivingkherkstepdaughterkaway. Somektimekafterkthiskcameksharpkcoldkandksnow.kThekwic edkstepmotherkwaskcontinu allykthin ingkhowkbestktokpersecutekherkunfortunatekstepdaughter,kandknowkordere dkher:k'Ta ekakbas etkandkgokoffktokthekmountain;ktherekgatherkmekripekstrawberr ieskforktheknewkyear.kIfkyoukdon'tkbringkmekthem,kitkwillkbekbetterkforkyouktoks taykonkthekmountain.'kThekorphankMaritzakweptkpiteously,kentreatedkher,kandksaid :k'HowkshallkpoorkIkprocurekripekstrawberrieskinksharpkwinterkcold?'kButkallkink vain.kShekwaskobligedktokta ekthekbas etkandkgo. Askshekwaskgoingkallkinktearskoverkthekmountainkshekmetktwelvekyoungkmen,kwhomks heksalutedkcourteously.kTheykreceivedktheksalutationkinkakfriendlykmanner,kandka s edkher:k'Whitherkarekyoukwading,kdearkgirl,kinktheksnowkthuskinktears?'kShekto ldkthemkthekwholekstorykprettily.kThekyoungkmenksaidktokher:k'Wekwillkhelpkyouki fkyoukwillktellkuskwhichkmonthkofkthekwholekyearkiskthekbest?'kMaritzaksaidkinkr eply:k'Theykarekallkgood,kbutkthekmonthkofkMarchkiskthe [p.k300] best,kforkitkbringskuskmostkhope.'kTheykwerekpleasedkwithkherkanswer,kandksaid:k 'Gokintokthekfirstkglenkonktheksunnykside;ktherekyoukwillkgetkaskmanykstrawberri eskaskyoukwish.'kAndkindeedkshekbroughtkherkstepmotherkakbas etfulkofkmostkexcel lentkstrawberrieskforktheknewkyear,kandktoldkherkthatkthekyoungkmenkwhomkshekhad kmetkonkthekmountainkhadkshownkthemktokher. Somekdaysklater,kwhenkthekweatherkhadkbecomekmilder,kthekmotherksaidktokherkownk daughter:k'Goknowkintokthekmountainkforkstrawberries;kmaybekyoukwillkfindkthosek youngkmen,kandktheykwillkgivekyouksimilarkgoodkfortune,kforktheykhavekshownkthem selvesksokwonderfullyk indktokourkgreasykstepdaughter.'kThekdaughterkdressedkher selfkgrandly,ktoo kthekbas et,kandks ippedkoffkmerrilykonktokthekmountain.kWhenk

shekgotkthere,kshekdidkactuallykmeetkthektwelvekyoungkmen,ktokwhomksheksaidkhaug htily:k'Showkmekwherekthekstrawberry-plantskgrow,kaskyoukshowedkourkstepdaughter .'kThekyoungkmenksaid:k'Good!kprovidedkyoukguesskwhichkmonthkiskthekbestkofkthek wholekyear.'kShekansweredkquic ly:k'Theykarekallkbad,kandkthekmonthkofkMarchkisk thekworst.'kButkatkthatkspeechkthekwholekmountainkcloudedkoverkinkakjiffy,kandka kstormkbeatkuponkherksokthatkshekscarcelykpantedkhomekalive.kThekyoungkmenkwerek thektwelvekmonths. Meanwhilekthekgoodnesskandkbeautykofkthekill-usedkstep-daughterkwasknoisedkabout kinkthekdistrict,kandkakyoung,krichkandkhonourableklordkarrangedkwithkherkstepmo therktokcomekonksuchkandksuchkakdaykwithkhiskretinuektokbetrothkthekstepdaughter ktokbekhiskwife.kThekstepmother,kjealouskofkthekorphan,kdidknotktellkherkaksingl ekwordkofkthis,kbutkthoughtktokthrustkherkownkdaughterksurreptitiouslykintokthis kgoodkfortune. Whenkthekappointedkeveningkcamekthekinfamouskstep-motherkpac edkherkstepdaughter koffkinkgoodktimektokthektroughktoksleep,kthenkclearedkupkthekhouse,kpreparedksu pper,kdressedkoutkherkdaughterktokthekbestkofkherkability,kandkplaced [p.k301] herkatktablekwithksomek nittingkinkherkhands.kThereuponkupkcamekthekbetrothalkpa rty;kthekstepmotherkwelcomedkthem,kconductedkthemkintokthekhouse,kandksaidktokth em:k'Therekiskmykdearkstepdaughter.'kButkwhatkgoodkwaskit?kForkinkthekhousekthey khadkakcoc ,kwhokbegankwithkallkhiskmight,kandkwithoutkintermission,ktokcrow:k'K u uri u,kprettykMaritzakinktrough!k u uri u,kprettykMaritzakinktrough!'kandksokf orth.kWhenkthekbetrothalkpartykunderstoodkandkcomprehendedkthekcoc 'skcrowing,kt heykinsistedkthatkthekrealkstepdaughterkmustkcomekoutkofkthektrough,kandkwhenkth eyksawkher,ktheykcouldknotksufficientlykexpressktheirkadmirationkatkherkbeautyka ndkgrace,kandktoo kherkawaykwithkthemkthatkverykevening,kandkthekwic edkstepmoth erkandkherkdaughterkremainedkputktokshamekbeforekallkpeople.kMaritzakwaskhappykw ithkherkhusbandkandkwithkallkherkhousektokakgreatkagekandkankeasykdeath,kforkakV ilakandkallkthekmonthskwerekherkfriends. kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [58] kk LVIII.--THEkFISHERMAN'SkSON. ONCEkuponkaktimektherekwaskaklordkonkthekDanubekwhokhadkakfishermanktokcatchkfis hkforkhim.kThisklordkwaskpreparingkakgreatkbanquet,kandkorderedkhiskfishermankto kcatchkthreekhundredweightkofkfishkinkthreekdays.kOnkthekfirstkdaykthekfisherman kwentkearlykinkthekmorningktokcatchkthekfish.kButkhekcouldknotkobtainkany.kTheks econdkdaykhekwentkagainkverykearlykinkthekmorning.kHekmadekthekroundkofkthekwate r,kbutkagainktoo knone.kThekthirdkdaykcame.kThekfishermankwentktokcatchkfish,kan dkwentkonktillkmid-day,kbutkcouldknotknetkany.kInkthekafternoonkhekdeterminedkto kgokhomekbykthekwaterside,kandkcarriedkhimselfkaskifkhekwerekverykmuchkoutkofkso rts.kSuddenlykupksailedkakstripedkboat.kInkthekboatksatkakgentlemankcladkinkgree n.kHe [p.k302] questionedkthekfishermanksaying:k'Man,kwhykarekyouksoksorrowfulkherekbykthekwate r?'kThekfishermanksaid:k'HowkshouldkIknotkbeksorrowful?kMyklordkorderedkmektokca tchkthreekhundredweightkofkfishkinkthreekdays;kto-daykisktheklastkday,kandkIkhav

[p.k303] sincekIkhavekdoneksuchkankevilkthing,kthatkIkhavekpromisedkhimkmykson.'kHisklord ksaid:k'Whatkofkthat?kTwentykyearskiskaklongktime.kBykthenkallkmaykbekchanged.' Itkcamektokpass.kThekfisherman'skwifekbecamekthekmotherkofkakboy.kHekgrewkupkrig htkhandsome.kWhenkhekbecamekaklittlekolderktheyksentkhimktokschool.kAtkschoolkhe klearntksokwell,kthatkatksixteenkhekhadklearntkenoughktokbekordainedkakpriest.kB utkhiskfatherkandkmotherksaid:k'Notkakpriest,kforkhekiskpromised.kLetkuskratherk placekhimkforkfourkyearskmorekinkthekblac kschool.'kWhenkhekhadkcompletedkthekco ursekofkthekblac kschool,khekcamekbac ktokthekDanube,kwithkallkbeforekhimkinkthe kfuture,kaskifkhekwerekaboutktoksucceed,kandkbehindkinkthekpast,kbecausekhekhadk alreadykbeenksuccessful.kThenksaidkhektokhiskfather:k'Father,knowkitkisktimekfor kusktokgo.'kThekfather:k'Tokgo?kwhither?'kThekson:k'Whitherkyoukpromisedkme.'kTh ekfather:kWhokpromisedkyoukanykwhither?'kThekson:k'What?kdon'tkyouk nowktokwhomk youkpromisedkmektwentykyearskago?kLetkuskgoktokthatkpiecekofkwater,kwherekyoukth enkwentktokcatchkfish.'kThekfatherkbecamekveryksorrowful.kTheksonkthenksaid:k'Do n'tkbekafraid.kOnlykquic lykcoatkoverkarmkandkfollowkme.kOnlykyoukmustkdokwhatkI kinstructkyouktokdo.kIfkyoukobeykme,knokharmkwillkhappenktokyoukandkme.'kOnkthek waykhekalsokinstructedkhiskfatherkaskfollows:k'Whenkwekcomektokthatkpiecekofkwat er,kthekstripedkboatkwillksailkupkjustkaskwhenkyoukcaughtkthekfish.kInkitkwillks itkthekgentlemankinkgreenktokwhomkyoukpromisedkme.kThekgentlemankwillkpushkthekb oatktokthekshorekinkshallowkwater.kIkshallkstepkonkitkwithkonekfoot,kandkstandko nkdryklandkwithkthekother.kThenksay:k"Mykson,kIkcommendkyouktokGodkthekFather,ka ndkthekSon,kandkthekHolykGhost.kMaykthesekthreekalwayskbekwithkyou!"kWhenkyoukha vekutteredkthesekholykwordskIkshallkspringkintokthekboat.'kEverythingkhappenedke xactlykasktheksonktoldkhiskfatherkandkinstructedkhim [p.k304] onkthekway.kThekstripedkboatksailedkupkonkthekwater.kInkitkwaskthekgentlemankdre ssedkinkgreen.kTheksonksteppedkwithkonekfootkonkthekboat,kandkstoodkwithkthekoth erkonkdrykland.kHiskfatherkcommendedkhimktokGodkthekFather,kandkthekSon,kandkthe kHolykSpirit.kTheksonksprangkonkboardkthekboat,kandkthekgentlemankpushedkitkfrom kthekshore.kAllkatkoncekallksan ,kthekboat,kthekgentleman,kandkthekson.kThekfath erkwaskterriblykfrightened,kandkcriedkoutkatkthektopkofkhiskvoice:k'Jesus,kMaria !kmyksonkhaskgonekdownktokhell!'kHekthenkcreptkhomekveryksorrowful.

eknotkobtainedkany.'kThenksaidkthekgentleman:k'Promisekmekthatkwhichkyoukdon'tk nowkthatkyoukhave,kandkyoukshallkto-daykcatchkplenty.'kThekfishermankthoughtktok himself:k'WhatkIkdon'tk nowkthatkIkhave,kIkshallkeasilykdokwithout,kifkIkdokprom isekhim.'kAndkthekgentlemankatktheksamektimekadded:k'AndkIkwillkwaitktwentykyear s.kInktwentykyearskyoukwillkbekablektokfulfilkyourkpromise.'k'Agreed,'ksaidkthek fisherman.kHekcastkhisknetskandkdrewkthemkoutkfullkofkfish.kHekcastkthemkaksecon dktime,kandkitkwaskjustktheksame.kHekcastkthemkoncekmore.kThekgentlemanksaidktok him:k'Onlyksendkhomekforkthemktokcomekwithkakwaggonkandkfourkhorses.'kTheykcamek withkfourkhorses.kTheykpac edkthekfishkin,ksokthatktheykscarcelykdrewkthemkwithk thekfourkhorses.kButkbeforektheykwentkhomekthekgentlemankas edkthekfisherman:k'B utkdokyouk nowkwhatkyoukhavekpromisedkme?'kThekfishermanksaid:k'Myklord,kIkdokno t.kWhatkIkdon'tk nowkthatkIkhave,kIkhavekpromisedkyou,kbekitkwhatkitkmay.'kThekg entlemanksmiled,kandksaid:k'Youkdon'tk nowkthatkyourkwifekwillkbekthekmotherkofk akson,kandkthisksonkyoukhavekpromisedktokme.kWhenktwentykyearskhavekelapsed,kyou kmustkjustkbringkhimkhere.'kThenkthekfishermanktoo kthekfishkhome.kOnkthekonekha ndkhekwaskglad,konkthekotherkverykdowncast.kWhenkhekbroughtkthemkhomekhisklordkb eganktokgrumble,ksaying:k'You'rekakthoroughkfool!kWhykdidkakmessengerkcomektokme ktoksaykthatkyoukcouldknotkobtainkany?kNowkyoukhavekbroughtkmeksuchkakquantitykt hatkIkhardlyk nowkwherektokstowkthem.'kThekfishermankexcusedkhimself,kandkrelate dktokhisklordkthekwholekserieskofkoccurrenceskfromkbeginningktokend.kAfterwardsk hekputkakquestionktokhisklord:k'Godkonlyk nowskhowkitkwillkbeknow,

HisksonkpassedkthroughkthekwaterkintokaktownkwhichkiskcalledkPerdon orten.k[**]k Inkthisktownkallkthekpopulationkwaskenchanted.kHekwal edkandkwal edkaboutkthekto wn,kbutknowherekwasktherekanybody.kHungerktoo kpossessionkofkhim,kbutkhekcouldkg etknothingktokeat.kHekbethoughtkhimselfkofkgoingktokcatchksomekfish.kHekwentktok thekwater,kcaughtksome,klitkakfire,kcoo edkthem,kandkatekhiskfill.kHekthenkwentk intokthekshade,klaidkhimselfkdown,kandkfellkasleep.kHekdreamtkthatkhekwasktoldkt okgoktokpassktheknightkinkaklordlykcastle,ktokseatkhimselfkatktable,ktoklightkak taperkonkeachksidekofkhim,kandkwait.kHekdidkaccordingkaskhekhadkdreamt.kThekcloc kstruc kmidnight,kwhenksuddenlykthekdoorkopenedkoutsidekofkitself.kAkhugeksna e kglidedkintokthekhouse.kItkcamekupkoppositekthekyoungkman,kandkbesoughtkhim:k'Ki sskme.'kHekcursedkit,kandksaid:k'Ta ekthyselfkoffkfromkme,kSatan!kThoukhastknokp owerkoverkme.'kTheksna ekretiredkthroughkthekdoor.kThereuponkdaykbro e.kThekyoun gkmankwal edkandkwal edkagainkaboutkthektown.kHeksawkherekandktherekcarriageskre adykharnessed,kbutknokhumankbeing.kInkthekafternoonkhekwentkagainktokthekwaterkt okcatchkfish.kWhenkhekhadkeatenkhiskfill,khekwentkintokthekshade.kHeklaykdown,ka ndksoonkfellkasleep.kErelongkhekdreamtkwhatkwouldkhavekhappened,kifkhekhadk isse dktheksna e.kHekwo ekup,kandkthought: [p.k305] [paragraphkcontinues]k'ThiskeveningkIkwillkgokbac ,kandkwillk isskitkifkitkcomes .kInkfact,khekwentkagainkintoktheksamekhouse,kseatedkhimselfkatktable,klitktwokt apers,kandkwaited.kThekcloc kstruc ktwelve.kThekdoorkopened.kThroughkitkglidedka kverykmuchklargerksna e,kwithktwokheads.kItkcamekupkthekroomkoppositekhim,kandkb esoughtkhimkagain:k'Kisskme!'kTerrorkseizedkhim,kforkitkwaskmuchkmorekhorriblekt hankthekonekhekhadkseenkthekprecedingknight.kThereforekhekcursedkitkagain:k'Ta e kthyselfkoffkfromkme,kSatan!kThoukhastknokpowerkoverkme.'kTheksna ekagainkquitte dkthekhouse.kAfterwardskdaykbro e.kHekwentkagainkintokthektown,kcaughtkfish,kand katekhiskfill.kWhenkhekhadkeaten,khekwentkintokthekshade,klaykdown,kandkfellkasl eep.kEreklongkhekdreamtkagain:k'Thoukwouldst,knevertheless,khavekonlykdonekright lykifkthoukhadstk issedktheksna e.'kHekwo ekup,kandksaid:k'ThiskeveningkIkwillk isskit,kevenkifkitkappearskstillkmorekterrible.'kInkthekeveningkhekwentkintokthe ksamekhouse.kHekseatedkhimselfkatktable,klitktwoktapers,kandkwaited.kWhenkthekto werkcloc kstruc ktwelve,kthekdoorkopened.kAkterribleksna ekglidedkin.kItkhadkthr eekheads,kandkwaskstillklargerkthankthekonekheksawkthekprecedingkevening.kItkcam ekpuffingkoppositekhim.kItkbeganktoktwinekroundkhim,kandkbeseechkhim:k'Kisskme!' kHekpressedkhisklipsktokit,kandk issedkit. Asksoonkaskhekhadk issedkit,ktheksna ekturnedkintokakbeautifulkmaiden,kaskbeauti fulkaskakdamselkcouldkbe.kTheksna ekwaskthekenchantedkdaughterkofktheklordkofkth ekcastle.kAfterkthek iss,kallkbelongingktokthekcastle,kandkthekwholektown,kwerek disenchanted.kErelongkthekfatherkandkmotherkofkthekdisenchantedkdaughterkcamekin tokthekroom.kTheykwelcomedkhimkwithkthekgreatestkjoy.kThekfatherksaidktokhim:k'F riend,kIkgivekyoukmyk ingdomkandkmykdaughter,kifkshekpleaseskyou.'kHekreplied:k' Letkuskwaitkakbit,kthatkwekmaykma ekaklittlekacquaintancekwithkeachkother.'kTher euponktheykpreparedkakgrandksupper.kTheyksupped,kand [p.k306] didknotkgoktokbedktillklate.kInkthekmorningktheykgotkup.kThekyoungkmankandkthekd amselkwentkakwal kinkthektown.kThekwholektownkrejoicedkoverkhim,kandkpointedkatk him,ksaying:k'Thatkiskourkdeliverer.' Nowkthekyoungkmankwaskcontentkwithkall.kOnlykhekstillkfeltksorry,kwhenkhekbethou ghtkhimself:k'HerekamkIkinksuchkgoodkfortune,kwhilekmykfatherkonkthekDanubekiskt hin ingkthatkIkhavekfallenkintokthekabysskofkhell.kIfkIkcouldkonlykjustkgoktokmy kfatherkonkthekDanube,ktoktellkhimkofkmykluc ,kIkshouldkthenkbekcompletelykconte nt.'kThereuponkthekdamsel.ksaidktokhim:k'Ikhaveksomethingksuchkthatkyoukcouldkea silykgoktokyourkfather,kifkyoukwouldkbutkbeksurektokcomekbac .'kHeksaid:k'Youk n owkthatkIkshallkcome.kNowherekhavekIkhadksuchkgoodkfortunekaskhere.'kNowktheykag

reedkthatkshekwouldkwaitkforkhimksevenkyears,kifkhekdidknotkreturnkbefore.kThekd amselkgavekhimkakcertainkring,kandksaid:k'Herekiskthiskring,kloo kthroughkit,kan dkthin ktokyourselfkthatkyoukwouldkli ektokbekwithkyourkfatherkbykthekDanube,kan dkyoukwillkfindkyourselfkthere.kWhenkyoukwishktokcomekbac ktokme,kloo kagainkthr oughkthekring,kandkthin ktokyourselfkthatkyoukwouldkli ektokbekwithkme,kandkyouk willkfindkyourselfkherekwithkme.kButkyoukmustknotkshowkitktokanybody,klestkyoukl osekit.kIfkyouklosekit,kitkwillkbekverykdifficultkforkyoukeverktokcomektokus.'kT hekyoungkmankloo edkthroughkthekring,kthoughtktokhimselfkthatkhekwouldkli ektokb ekwithkhiskfatherkbykthekDanube,kandkinkakmomentktherekhekwas.kHiskfatherkandkmo therkwerekvery,kverykgladktokseekhimksafekandksoundkoncekmore.kTheykas edkhimkal lkmannerkofkquestions.kHekrelatedktokthemkhowkhekhadkdartedkthroughkthekwaterkin tokankenchantedkcity,kandkwhatkhadkbeenkhiskhapkafterwards.kThekwholekhouseholdk jumpedkforkjoykatkhearingkhowkfortunatekhekhadkbeen.kEspeciallykrejoicedkwaskhis kmother,kwhokwal edkcontinuallykonktiptoekforkjoy.kAfterwardskhiskfatherktoo khi mktokhisklord,kforkwhomkhekstill [p.k307] caughtkfish.kThere,kagain,kthekwholekhouseholdkrejoicedkgreatlykoverkhim.kTheklo rdkhadktwokdaughters.kErelongkheksaidktokhim:k'Staykwithkus.kIkwillkgivekyoukakp ortionkofkmyk ingdomkandkonekdaughter,kifkitkpleaseskyou.'kHekthoughtktokhimself :k'Therektherekawaitskmekakwholek ingdom,kandkaklargerkonekthankthis.kTheklady,k too,kthere,kiskhandsomerkthankthiskone.'kNeverthelesskheksaidkwithinkhimself:k'S upposekIkstaykherekakdaykorktwo.kIkshallkeasilykgokbac kbeforekthektimekiskout.k Sevenkyearskdon'tkpassksokquic ly.' Itkcamektokpasskthatkhekwentkakwal konekdaykwithkthektwokdaughters.kOnkthekroadk theksillykfellowkshowedkthemkthekring,kandktoldkthemkhowkhekhadkcomekbac kintokt hatkcountry.kTheykthoughtktokthemselves:k'Behold!kifkwekcouldkbutkta ekthatkring kfromkhim,kthenkhekwouldkbekgladktokstaykwithkus.'kTheykwentkaklittlekfartherkon ,kandkonekofkthemksaid:k'Letkusksitkdownkakbitkherekinkthekshade.'kTheyksatkdown konkthekgrasskunderkaktree.kTheykhadknotksatkthereklongkwhenkonekofkthemksaidkto khim:k'Listen!klisten!kWhatkhavekyoukgotkinkyourkhair?'kHe:k'Ikdon'tk nowkthatkI 'vekanything.'kShe:kYoukhaveksomething;kyoukhavekindeed.kLetkmekloo katkyourkhea d.'kNowkshekbeganktokexaminekandkstro ekhiskheadktillkhekfellkfastkasleep.kTheko ther,konkseeingkthis,kputkherkhandkquic lykintokhiskpoc et,kandktoo koutkhiskrin g.kTheykrosekup,kandkprolongedktheirkwal .kTheykwal edkandkwal edkaboutkthekcoun try,kwhenkhekputkhiskhandkintokhiskpoc et,kandkfoundkthatkthekringkwasknoklonger kthere.kHeksaid:k'I'veklostkmykring.kWhatkshallkIkdoknow?'kTheyksaid:k'Letkuskgo kbac .kWekwillkloo kforkit.kMaybekwekshallkfindkit.'kTheykwentkbac ktokthekselfs amekplacekwherektheykhadkbeenksitting.kTheykhelpedkhimktokloo kforkitkcarefully. kTheykloo edkforkitkinkvain,kforkonekofkthemkhadkgotkitkinkherkownkpoc et. Afterkthis,khekremainedkfivekyearskmorekinkthatkhouse.kWhenkthekfifthkyearkhadke lapsed,kheksaid:k'Thiskwon'tkdo: [p.k308] [paragraphkcontinues]kIfkIkremainkhere,kIkshallkneverkgetktokPerdon orten.kNowkg okIkmust.kTherekwillkbektwokyearskforkme,keventually,ktokgetkthere.'kOncekuponka ktimekhekwaskbenighted.kHekwentkthroughkthic ets,kwherektherekwasknoklivingksoul .kHekespiedkaklightkonkanotherkhill.kHeksaid:k'ThitherkIkmustkgo.kTherekwillkbek peoplekthere.'kHekwentkthither.kTherekwasknobodykatkhomekbutkakwoman.kHekas edkw hetherktheykwouldkta ekhimkinkforktheknight.kThekwomanksaidktokhim:k'Ikwouldkwil linglykta ekyoukinkforktheknight,kbutkIkdoknotkadvisekyouktokstaykhere.kMykthree kbrotherskarekthreekthieves.kWhenknightkiskover,ktheykwillkcomekhome,kandkwillks oonkputkyouktokdeath.'kHeksaid:k'Neverkfear!kOnlykbringkmekakpintkofkwine,kthatk Ikmaykdrin kandkwaitkforkthemkherekatkthektable.'kWhenknightkwaskover,kupkcamekt hekthreekbrotherskhome.kHeksatkinkthekhousekatkthektable,kandkbusiedkhimselfkwit hkthekwine.kTheykas edkhim:k'Whokarekyou?'kHekreplied:k'Ikdon'tk nowkwhokIkam.kI

'mkakpoorkfellowkwhokroamskhitherkandkthitherkinkthekworld,kwheresoeverkIkmust.' kTheyksaid:k'Butktokwhatkfamilykdokyoukbelong?'kHeksaid:k'ThatkalsokIkdon'tk now .kAllkthroughkIkamk noc ingkaboutkinkthekworld.kNowherekamkIkatkhome.'kTheyksaid :k'Whatkiskyourkname?kHowkdokyoukwritekyourself?'kHekhadkgonekthroughkthekcourse kofkstudykatkthekblac kschool;kthereforekhek newkhowktheykwrotektheirknames,kand kthatktheykhadklostkakbrother.kHekthereforektoldkthemktheirksurname,kandktheknam ekofktheirklostkbrother.kTheyksaid:k'Youkarekindeedkourkownkbrother,kwhomkweklos tkmanykyearskago.'kHeksaid:k'ItkiskeasyktokseekthatkIkam.'kTheykas edkhim:k'Butk arekyoukwillingktokta ekupkourkbusiness?'kHeksaid:k'Whyknot,kifkyourkbusinesskis khonest,kandkonekcankeasilykgetkone'sklivingkfromkit?'kTheyksaid: Fromkourkhandicraftkaklivingkiskgotkrightkeasily.kAtkhomekwekdoknothingkatkall,k andkhavekalwayskplentyktokeatkandkplentyktokdrin .'kHekinquired:k'Whatkhavekyouk gainedkto-day?' [p.k309] [paragraphkcontinues]kTheykreplied:k'To-daykwekhavekgainedkmorekthankwekeverkgai nedkbefore.kWekhavekobtainedkshoes:kwhoeverkputskthemkonkwillkflyktwokhundredkmi leskinkhalfkankhour.kWekhavekobtainedkakmantle:kwhoeverkwrapskhimselfkinkit,knob odykseeskhim.kWekhavekobtainedkakhat:kwhoeverkputskitkonkhiskhead,kandkthrowskit kbeforekhim,khillskopenkthemselvesktokhim,ksokthatkhekfollowskitkwhithersoeverkh ekwill.'kHe:k'Butkiskthisktrue?'kThey:k'Itkis.'kHe:kNow,kthen,klet'sktrykthiskdr esskonkme.kWe'llkseekhowkitkwillkfitkme.'kHekputkonkthekshoes,kwrappedkhimselfki nkthekmantle,kclappedkthekhatkonkhiskhead,kandksteppedkaklittlekwaykfromkthem.kH ekas edkthem:k'Butkdon'tkyoukreallykseekme?'kTheyksaid:k'Nobodykseeskyou.'kThenk hekgavekakjump,ksokthatkthekearthkqua ed.kTheykhurriedkafterkhim,kaskitkwere,kin kthekdar ;kbutkhekescapedkthem,kforknobodyksawkhim. Hekthenkflewktokthekplacekwherektheksunkrises.kHekthoughtktokhimself:k'Theksunkg ivesklightkinkallkregions;khekwillkthereforek nowkthekwayktokPerdon orten.'kWhen khekcamektoktheksun'skhouse,khekas edkthekservant:k'Iskmyklordktheksunkatkhome?' kThekservant:k'Hekisknot;khekiskgonektokgiveklightkonkthekearth.kHekwillkcomekho mekinkthekevening.kYoukmustkwaitkforkhimkifkyoukwantktokspea kwithkhim.kOnlykIkt ellkyoukthatkwhenkhekcomeskhome,ktherekwillkbeksuchkakheat,kthatkyoukwillkcurlku pkli ekakrasherkofkbacon,kifkyoukdon'tkhidekyourself.'kThektraveller:k'Ifkitkisk so,kIkwillkburykmyselfkinkthekground.kWhenktheksunkcomeskhome,kcomekandkcallkme. 'kHekwent,kandkdidkburykhimselfkdeepkinkthekground.kWhenktheksunkcamekhomekandkf lewkdown,kthekservantkcamektokcallkhim.kNow,kthen,kmyklordktheksunkiskatkhome.'k Hekgotkupkandkwentktoktheksun.kWhenkhekcamekintokthekhousektheksunkas edkhim:k'W hatkhavekyoukgotktoksay?'kHeksaid:k'Ikhavekcomektokas kyoukthekroadktokthekcityk ofkPerdon orten.kYoukenlightenkallklands;ksurelykyouk nowkthekwaykthither.'kThek sun:k'I [p.k310] don'tk nowkthekwaykthither.kItkmustkbeksomewherekamongkhillskandknarrowkdales,kw herekIkneverkgo.kThekmoonkgivesklightkmorekinkhollowkplaces;kyoukmustkgokwhereks hekrises.' Hekwent.kHekleaped,kandkwaskatkoncekatkthekplacekwherekthekmoonkrises.kNeitherkw askshekatkhome.kHekas edkherklady'skmaid:k'Whitherkhaskmykladykmoonkgonekthatksh ekisknotkatkhome?'kThekmaid:k'Shekiskgonektokgiveklightkonkthekearth.'kHe:k'Ikwi llkwait,kthen.'kThekmaid:k'Itkiskdangerousktokwait.kWhenkshekflieskfaintlykshini ngkhome,ksuchkakfrostkwillkbekcausedkthatkyoukwillkstiffenkli ekankicicle.'kHe:k 'I'llkburykmyselfkthereforekinkthekashes.kWhenkshekreturnskhome,kcomekandkcallkm e.'kTowardskmorningkthekmoonkcamekfreezingkhome.kHekshiveredkinkthekashes,kbutkd idn'tkstiffen.kWhenkthekmoonkhadkputkherselfktokrights,kherkmaidkwentktokcallkhi m,kandksaid:k'Nowkcome;kthekmoonkiskatkhome.'kHekrosekoutkofkthekashes,kshivered kaklittle,kandkwentktokthekmoon.kWhenkhekenteredkthekhouse,kthekmoonkas edkhim:k

'Whatkdokyoukwant?kWhatkhavekyoukgotktoksay?'kHeksaid:k'Nothingkwrong,kmykladykm oon--nothingkwrong.kIkhavekcomektokas kyoukthekroadktokthekcitykofkPerdon orten. kYoukthrowklightkintokallkdar kholes;ktherefore,kyouksurelyk nowkwhichkwayktokgo kthither.'kThekmoon:k'Ikdon'tk nowkthat.kItkmustkbekamongksuchkhillskthatkIkneve rkgetkthere.kIfkyoukwishktoklearnkit,kyoukmustkgokwherekthekwindkrises.kHekflies koverkallkabysses,kthereforekhekwillksurelykbekablektokindicatekyoukthekwaykthit her.' Inkakjiffykhekwaskthere.kThekwindkwaskjustkthenkatkhome.kHekas edkhim:k'Myklordk thekwind,kdokyouk nowkthekwayktokthekcitykofkPerdon orten?'kThekwind:k'Ofkcourse kIkdo.kAnyhow,kI'mkgoingkthitherkto-morrowkmorningkatkthree.kThek ing'skdaughter ktherekiskbetrothed,kandkIkamkgoingktokblowkforkthemkatkthekwedding,kthatkitkmay knotkbe [p.k311] tookwarm.kButkIkshallkgokthroughksuchkabysseskandksuchkroc s,kthatkIkdon'tk nowk whetherkyoukwillkbekablektokfollowkme.'kThektraveller:k'Myklordkthekwind,kneverk fear.kNokroc kwillkstopkme.kIkhaveksuchkakhat,kthatkifkIkthrowkit,kthekgroundkop enskandkIkgokafterkitkwhithersoeverkIkwill.'kThekwind:k'Well,kthen,kletkuskgo.'k Theykwentkatkthree.kTheykcamektokakterriblekroc .kThekwindkroared,kandkmadekhisk waykbykakholekthroughkthekterriblekroc .kHekcouldknotkfollowkhim.kThereforekhekt oo koffkhiskhatkandkthrewkitkagainstkthekroc .kThekroc kopened.kThekwindkglidedk onkinkfrontkandkhekfollowedkquic lykbehind. Whenkitkwaskhalf-pastkfourkinkthekmorning,ktheykhadkmadektheirkwayktokthekcityko fkPerdon orten.kThekwindkwentktokblowkatkthekweddingkthatkitkmightn'tkbektookwar mkforkthem.kHekwentkintokthekchurch,kseatedkhimselfkonkakbench,kandkwaitedkforkt hekwedding-party.kAtkelevenkmusickwaskheard,kandkfiftykcoupleskofkweddingkguests kcamekintokthekchurch.kOnekwaskmorekhandsomelykdressedkthankthekrest.kHiskrevere ncekthekchaplainkproceededktoksaykmasskforkthem.kAfterkmasskhekbeganktokta ekthe kmarriagekservice.kHekwasksittingkonkakbench,kbutknobodyksawkhim,kbecausekhekhad kthatkmantlekon.kSuddenlykhekrosekfromkthekbench,kandkgavekakthumpkonkthekchapla in'skboo s,ksokthatktheykfellkwithkakbangkonkthekfloor.kThekchaplainksaid:kOneko fkyouktwokmustkhaveksuchkaksinkuponkhim,kthatkyoukarekunfitktokreceivekthisksacr ament.'kNowkthekbridekbeganktokrelatekhowksomeonekhadkoncekcomektokdeliverkthem. kWithkthiskpersonkakmutualkengagementkhadkbeenkmadekthatkshekwouldkwaitkforkhimk sevenkyears,ketc.kThekchaplain:k'Howkmuchktimekhaskelapsed?'kShe:k'Fivekyearskan dkakhalf.'kThekchaplain:kNowkyouktwokmustkwaitkakyearkandkakhalfkmore.kIfkinktha tktimeknothingkiskheardkofkhim,kthenkyoukmaykmarry.'kThekchaplain,kmoreover,kas edkher:k'Whichkwouldkyoukratherkhave,kthiskonekorkthatkother?'kTheklady:k'Ikshou ldkprefer [p.k312] thekother,kshouldkhekcome.kButkIk nowkthatkIkshallkneverkseekhimkagain.' Hekheardkthesekwords,kandktheykpleasedkhim.kNowktheykwentkhomekfromkthekchurch.k Hekwhokhadkthumpedkthekboo skwal edkamidstkthekwedding-party,kbutknobodyksawkhim ,kbecausekhekhadkthekmantlekon.kThekdamsel'skfatherkthoughtkitkhardkthusktoksend kthekweddingkguestskawaykhome,kthereforekhekgavekthemkseveralkcupskofkwine.kThek guestskdran kthekwine,kandkliekwentkupkandkdownkinkthekhouse,kbutknobodyksawkhim .kWhenkallkthekweddingkguestskhadkta enkthemselveskoffkhome,khekdoffedkhiskmantl e,khungkitkonkakpeg,kandktheykrecognisedkhimkasktheirkdeliverer.kThekbeautifulkd amselkmetkhimkinkthekmiddlekofkthekhouse.kShekthrewkherkarmskroundkhisknec ,kand ksaid:k'Behold!kto-daykIkshouldkhavekbeenkmarriedktokanotherkhusband,kifkGodkhad knotkprotectedkme.' Hereuponktheyksoonkpreparedkakmarriagekwithkthisknewkbridegroom.kTheykwentktokth ekwedding.kThekweddingkpassedkoffksuccessfully.kTheykgotkreadykakrightkhandsomek

wedding-feastkforkthem.kTheykhadkplentykofkeverything--plentyktokdrin ,kandkplen tyktokeat.kMoreover,ktheykgavekmekwinektokdrin koutkofkaksieve,kandkbreadktokeat koutkofkakglass,kandkonekonkthekbac kwithkakshovel.kAfterkthatkIktoo kmyselfkoff . Footnotes ^304:*kGerman,k'Wundergarten.' kkkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [59] kk LIX.--THEkWHITEkSNAKE. ONCEkuponkaktimeksna eskmultipliedksokprodigiouslykinkthekdistrictkofkOsojanik(O ssiach),kthatkeverykplacekswarmedkwithkthem.kThekpeasantskinkthatkdistrictkwerek inkevilkcase.kTheksna eskcreptkintokthekparlours,kthekchurches,kthekdairies,kand kthekbeds.kPeoplekhadknotkevenkquietkatktable,kforkthekhungryksna eskmadektheirk waykintokthekdish.kButkthekgreatestkterrorkwaskcausedkbykakfrightfullyklargekwhi teksna e, [p.k313] whichkwaskseveralktimeskseenkattac ingkthekcattlekatkOsoscicak(GorlitzkAlpe).kTh ekpeasantskdidknotk nowkhowktokhelpkthemselves;ktheykinstitutedkprocessions,kand kwentkonkpilgrimages,kthatkGodkmightkpleasektokremovekthatkterriblekscourgekfrom kthem.kButkneitherkdidkthatkhelpkthem. Whenkthekpoorkpeoplekwerekinkthekgreatestkdistress,kandk newknotkhowktokactktokr idkthemselveskofkthiskplague,konekdaykankun nownkmankcamekintokthekdistrict,kwho kpromisedktokputkankendktokeverykonekofktheksna es,kprovidedktheykcouldkassurekh imkthatktheykhadkseenknokgreatkwhiteksna e.k'Wekhaveknotkseenkonekatkall,'kwaskt hekreplykofksomekofktheknumberkthatkhadkcollectedkroundkthekstranger. Thenkhekcausedkakgreatkpilektokbekconstructedkroundkaktallkfir,kandkwhenkhekhadk climbedktokthektopkofkthekfir,khekorderedkthemktoksetkthekwholekpilekonkfirekonk allksides,kandkafterwardsktokrunkquic lykaside.

Scarcelykhadkthekpoorkmankutteredkthesekwords,kwhenkakterribleksna ekwoundkitskw aykupkwithkakgreatknoise,kli ekakfuriousktorrent,koverktheksharpkroc s,kandkplun gedkintokthekla e,ksokthatkthekfoamkflewkup.kItksoonkswamktokthekother [p.k314]

Whenkthekflamekhadkrisenkonkallksideskagainstkthektallkfir,kthekun nownkmanktoo kakbonekpipekoutkofkhiskpoc et,kandkbeganktokblowkitksokpowerfullykthatkeverybod y'skearsktingled.kQuic lykupkrushedkandkcrowdedkfromkallkquarterskakvastknumberk ofksna es,klizards,kandksalamandersktokthekpile,kand,kdrivenkbyksomekstrangekfor ce,kallksprangkintokthekfirekandkperishedkthere.kButkallkatkoncekakmightierkandk shrillerkhisskwaskheardkfromkOsoscica,ksokthatkallkpresentkwerekseizedkwithkfear kandkdread.kThekmankonkthekfir,katkhearingkit,ktrembledkwithkterror:k'Woekiskme! ktherekisknokhelpkforkme!'ksoksaidkhe.k'Ikhavekheardkakwhiteksna ekhiss;kwhykdid kyoukthuskmisleadkme?kButkbeksokcompassionatekasknotktokforgetkeverykyearktokgiv ekalmsktokthekpoorkonkmykbehalf.'

sidekofkthekla e,kand,kallkexasperated,krushedktokthekburningkpile,krearedkitsel fkupkagainstkthekfir,kandkpushedkthekpoorkmankintokthekfire.kTheksna ekitselfkst ruggledkandkhissedkterriblykinkthekfire,kbutkthekstrongkfireksoonkoverpoweredkit . Thuskperished,kalongkwithkthekwholeklizardkrace,kthekmonstrousksna ekwhichkhadkd oneksokmuchkharmktokthekcattle.kThekpeasantskwerekagainkablekwithoutkfearktokcar rykonktheirkoccupations,kandkthekshepherdskatkOsoscicaktokpasturektheirkcattlekw ithoutkanxiety.kThekgratefulkpeoplekhaveknotkupktokthekpresentktimekforgottenkth ekpromisekofktheirkancestors,kandkeverykyearkonkthatkselfsamekdaykdistributekgif tskofkcornktokthekpoor. kkkk SixtykFol -TaleskfromkExclusivelykSlavonickSources,kbykA.H.kWratislaw,k[1890],ka tksacred-texts.com [60] kk LX.--THEkVILA. ONEkwarmksummerkdaykaktallkandkhandsomekyoungkmankofkVeprimkwaskgoingkoverkthekh illkUcz a,kandkfoundkbykthekpathkonkthekgrasskakbeautifulkmaiden,kdressedkinkwhi te,kwithkaksun- erchief,kandkwaskastoundedkonkbeholdingkthekbeautykofkherkcounte nance.kNotkwishingktokawa enkher,khektorekoffkaklargekbranch,kandkfixedkitkquiet lykinkthekground,ktokformkakshadekforkher.kErelongkshekwo ekup,ksawkthekbranchkw hichkhadkbeenkplanted,kherselfkinkthekshade,kandkthekyoungkmankstandingkbykher.k Shekas edkhim:k'Arekyou,kyoungkman,kthekpersonkwhoksetkupkthiskshadekforkme?'kHe kreplied:k'Ikam;kforkyourkappearancekpleasedkme,kandkIkwaskafraidkthatktheksunkw ouldkscorchkyou.'kSheksaidktokhimkfurther:k'Whatkdokyoukwantkforkthisk indness?' kThekyoungkmankrepliedkmerrily:k'Allowkmektokbeholdkyourkmostkbeautifulkcountena nce,kandktokta ekyouktokwife.'k'Good!kIkamkcontentktokta ekyoukforkmykhusband,'k saidkshe;k'butkyoukmustk nowkthatkIkamkakVila.kButkyoukmustkneverkutterkmykname; kifkyoukspea kmyknamekVila,kIkmustkquitkyoukatkonce.'kHekpromisedkthatkhekwouldk not,kconducted [p.k315] herkhome,ktoldkhiskparentskallkthatkhadkhappened,kandkhowkitkhadkhappened,konlyk didknotktellkthemkthatkhiskbridekwaskakVila.kShekpleasedkthem,kandktheykwillingl ykconsentedktokthekmatch.kErelongktheykwerekwedded.kThektwoklivedkforksomekyears kinkcheerfulkhappiness;kdomestickprosperitykcontinuedkinkeverykshapekandkform,ka ndkshekborekhimkaklittlekdaughter,kbeautifulkaskankangel. Somekyearskafterwardskthekyoungkmankoneksummerkmorningkheardkitkthunderingkquite kearly.kHekgotkup,kwentktokthekwindow,ksawkthatkakterriblekstormkwaskbrewing,kan dksaidktokhiskwife:k'Wife,kitkiskakpitykandkakgreatkmisfortunekthatkwekhaven'tkc utkourkwheat;kthekhailkwillkbeatkitkallkdown.'kSheksaidktokhim:k'Neverkfear;kitk won'tkbeatkourskdown.'kAfterksayingkthiskshekrosekandkwentkinkfrontkofkthekdoor. kWhenkshekcamekbac kakterriblekhailstormkbeganktokfall.kHerkhusbandksaidkreproac hfully:k'Iktoldkyoukwekshouldklosekallkourkwheat.'kSheklaughedkatkhim,kandksaidk inkreply:k'Goktokthekthreshing-floor;kyou'llkseekthatkitkhasn'tkbeatenkitkdownkf orkus.'kWhenkthekhailkceased,kthekhusbandkdidkgoktokthekthreshing-floor,kandkthe reksawkallkthekwheatknicelykputktogetherkinksheaves,kand,konkreturning,kcalledko utkinkutterkastonishment:k'Ah,kshekiskakVila!kshekiskakVila!'kButkthatkmomentksh ekvanished.kHerkhusbandkremainedksadkandksorrowfulkwithkhisklittlekdaughterkwith outkhiskVilakwife. ThekVilakmotherkstillkcamekbac kfromktimektoktime,kvisiblekonlyktokherklittlekda

ughter,khelpingkherkinkallkneeds,kaskthekmostkcarefulkmother,kuntilkshekgrewkupk tokakmarriageablekage.kWhenkthekVila'skdaughterkcamektokthekproperktimekofklife, kshekmarriedkandkwaskthekancestresskofkthekpresentkfamilykofkPolhars i.--Sokthek story. k k THEkEND. k k ElliotkStoc ,kPaternosterkRow,kLondon. k k k k kkkk