Nextdayhemeditatedforalongtimehowheshouldhidehimself，butallinvain。Thenheseizedhisgunandwentouthunting。Hesawaraven，tookagoodaimathim，andwasjustgoingtofire，whenthebirdcried，don'tshoot，Iwillrewardyou。Heputhisgundown，wenton，andcametoalakewherehesurprisedalargefishwhichhadcomeupfromthedepthsbelowtothesurfaceofthewater。Whenhehadaimedatit，thefishcried，don'tshoot，andIwillrewardyou。Heallowedittodivedownagain，wentonwards，andmetafoxwhichwaslame。Hefiredandmissedit，andthefoxcried，youhadmuchbettercomehereanddrawthethornoutofmyfootforme。Hedidthis，butwhenhewantedtokillthefoxandskinit，thefoxsaid，stop，andIwillrewardyou。Theyouthlethimgo，andthenasitwasevening，returnedhome。
　　Nextdayhewastohidehimself，butnomatterhowhepuzzledhisbrainsoverit，hedidnotknowwhere。Hewentintotheforesttotheravenandsaid，Iletyouliveon，sonowtellmewhereIamtohidemyself，sothattheking'sdaughterwillnotseeme。Theravenhunghisheadandthoughtitoverforalongtime。Atlengthhecroaked，Ihaveit。Hefetchedaneggoutofhisnest，cutitintotwoparts，andshuttheyouthinsideit，thenmadeitwholeagain，andseatedhimselfonit。Whentheking'sdaughterwenttothefirstwindowshecouldnotdiscoverhim，norcouldshefromtheothers，andshebegantobeuneasy，butfromtheeleventhshesawhim。Sheorderedtheraventobeshot，andtheeggtobebroughtandbroken，andtheyouthwasforcedtocomeout。Shesaid，foronceyouareexcused，butifyoudonotbetterthanthis，youarelost。Nextdayhewenttothelake，calledthefishtohimandsaid，Isufferedyoutolive，nowtellmewheretohidemyselfsothattheking'sdaughtermaynotseeme。Thefishthoughtforawhile，andatlastcried，Ihaveit，Iwillshutyouupinmystomach。Heswallowedhim，andwentdowntothebottomofthelake。Theking'sdaughterlookedthroughherwindows，andevenfromtheeleventhdidnotseehim，andwasalarmed，butatlengthfromthetwelfthshesawhim。Sheorderedthefishtobecaughtandkilled，andthentheyouthappeared。Itiseasytoimaginethestateofmindhewasin。Shesaid，twiceyouareforgiven，butbesurethatyourheadwillbesetonthehundredthpost。
　　Onthelastday，hewentwithaheavyheartintothecountry，andmetthefox。Youknowhowtofindallkindsofhiding-places，saidhe，Iletyoulive，nowadvisemewhereIshallhidemyselfsothattheking'sdaughtershallnotdiscoverme。That'sahardtask，answeredthefox，lookingverythoughtful。Atlengthhecried，Ihaveit，andwentwithhimtoaspring，dippedhimselfinit，andcameoutasastall-keeperinthemarket，anddealerinanimals。Theyouthhadtodiphimselfinthewateralso，andwaschangedintoasmallsea-hare。Themerchantwentintothetown，andshowedtheprettylittleanimal，andmanypersonsgatheredtogethertoseeit。Atlengththeking'sdaughtercamelikewise，andasshelikeditverymuch，sheboughtit，andgavethemerchantagooddealofmoneyforit。Beforehegaveitovertoher，hesaidtoit，whentheking'sdaughtergoestothewindow，creepquicklyunderthebraidsofherherhair。
　　Andnowthetimearrivedwhenshewastosearchforhim。Shewenttoonewindowafteranotherinturn，fromthefirsttotheeleventh，anddidnotseehim。Whenshedidnotseehimfromthetwelftheither，shewasfullofanxietyandanger，andshutitdownwithsuchviolencethattheglassineverywindowshiveredintoathousandpieces，andthewholecastleshook。
　　Shewentbackandfeltthesea-harebeneaththebraidsofherhair。Thensheseizedit，andthrewitonthegroundexclaiming，awaywithyou，getoutofmysight。Itrantothemerchant，andbothofthemhurriedtothespring，whereintheyplunged，andreceivedbacktheirtrueforms。Theyouththankedthefox，andsaid，theravenandthefishareidiotscomparedwithyou，youknowtherighttunetoplay，thereisnodenyingthat。
　　Theyouthwentstraighttothepalace。Theprincesswasalreadyexpectinghim，andabandonedherselftoherfate。Theweddingwassolemnized，andnowhewasking，andlordofallthekingdom。
　　Henevertoldherwherehehadconcealedhimselfforthethirdtime，andwhohadhelpedhim，soshebelievedthathehaddoneeverythingbyhisownskill，andshehadagreatrespectforhim，forshethoughttoherself，heisabletodomorethanI。
　　Onedayanoldmanandhiswifeweresittinginfrontofamiserablehouserestingawhilefromtheirwork。Suddenlyasplendidcarriagewithfourblackhorsescamedrivingup，andarichly-dressedmandescendedfromit。Thepeasantstoodup，wenttothegreatman，andaskedwhathewanted，andinwhatwayhecouldservehim。Thestrangerstretchedouthishandtotheoldman，andsaid，Iwantnothingbuttoenjoyforonceacountrydish，cookmesomepotatoes，inthewayyoualwayshavethem，andthenIwillsitdownatyourtableandeatthemwithpleasure。Thepeasantsmiledandsaid，youareacountoraprince，orperhapsevenaduke，noblegentlemenoftenhavesuchfancies，butyoushallhaveyourwish。Thewifethenwentintothekitchenandbegantowashandrubthepotatoes，andtomakethemintoballs，astheyareeatenbythecountry-folks。Whilstshewasbusywiththiswork，thepeasantsaidtothestranger，comeintomygardenwithmeforawhile，Ihavestillsomethingtodothere。Hehaddugsomeholesinthegarden，andnowwantedtoplanttreesinthem。Haveyounochildren，askedthestranger，whocouldhelpyouwithyourwork。No，answeredthepeasant，Ihadason，itistrue，butitislongsincehewentoutintotheworld。Hewasane'er-do-well，cleverandknowing，buthewouldlearnnothingandwasfullofbadtricks。Atlastheranawayfromme，andsincethenIhaveheardnothingofhim。
　　Theoldmantookayoungtree，putitinahole，droveinapostbesideit，andwhenhehadshovelledinsomeearthandhadtrampleditfirmlydown，hetiedthestemofthetreeabove，below，andinthemiddle，fasttothepostbyaropeofstraw。
　　Buttellme，saidthestranger，whyyoudon'ttiethatcrookedknottedtree，whichislyinginthecornerthere，bentdownalmosttotheground，toapostalsothatitmaygrowstraight，aswellasthese。Theoldmansmiledandsaid，sir，youspeakaccordingtoyourknowledge，itiseasytoseethatyouarenotfamiliarwithgardening。Thattreethereisold，andmis-shapen，noonecanmakeitstraightnow。
　　Treesmustbetrainedwhiletheyareyoung。Thatishowitwaswithyourson，saidthestranger，ifyouhadtrainedhimwhilehewasstillyoung，hewouldnothaverunaway。Nowhetoomusthavegrownhardandmis-shapen。Trulyitisalongtimesincehewentaway，repliedtheoldman，hemusthavechanged。Wouldyouknowhimagainifheweretocometoyou，askedthestranger。
　　Hardlybyhisface，repliedthepeasant，buthehasamarkabouthim，abirth-markonhisshoulder，thatlookslikeabean。Whenhehadsaidthatthestrangerpulledoffhiscoat，baredhisshoulder，andshowedthepeasantthebean。GoodGod，criedtheoldman，youarereallymyson，andloveforhischildstirredinhisheart。But，headded，howcanyoubemyson，youhavebecomeagreatlordandliveinwealthandluxury。Howhaveyoucontrivedtodothat。Ah，father，answeredtheson，theyoungtreewasboundtonopostandhasgrowncrooked。Nowitistooold，itwillneverbestraightagain。HowhaveIcomebyallthis。
　　Ihavebecomeathief，butdonotbealarmed，Iamamaster-thief。
　　Formethereareneitherlocksnorbolts，whatsoeverIdesireismine。DonotimaginethatIsteallikeacommonthief，Ionlytakesomeofthesuperfluityoftherich。Poorpeoplearesafe，Iwouldrathergivetothemthantakeanythingfromthem。ItisthesamewithanythingwhichIcanhavewithouttrouble，cunning，anddexterity-Inevertouchit。Alas，myson，saidthefather，itstilldoesnotpleaseme，athiefisstillathief，Itellyouitwillendbadly。Hetookhimtohismother，andwhensheheardthatwasherson，sheweptforjoy，butwhenhetoldherthathehadbecomeamaster-thief，twostreamsfloweddownoverherface。Atlengthshesaid，evenifhehasbecomeathief，heisstillmyson，andmyeyeshavebeheldhimoncemore。
　　Theysatdowntotable，andonceagainheatewithhisparentsthewretchedfoodwhichhehadnoteatenforsolong。Thefathersaid，ifourlord，thecountupthereinthecastle，learnswhoyouare，andwhattradeyoufollow，hewillnottakeyouinhisarmsandcradleyouinthemashedidwhenheheldyouatthefont，butwillcauseyoutoswingfromahalter。Beeasy，father，hewilldomenoharm，forIunderstandmytrade。Iwillgotohimmyselfthisveryday。Wheneveningdrewnear，themaster-thiefseatedhimselfinhiscarriage，anddrovetothecastle。Thecountreceivedhimcivilly，forhetookhimforadistinguishedman。When，however，thestrangermadehimselfknown，thecountturnedpaleandwasquitesilentforsometime。Atlengthhesaid，youaremygodson，andonthataccountmercyshalltaketheplaceofjustice，andIwilldeallenientlywithyou。Sinceyouprideyourselfonbeingamaster-thief，Iwillputyourarttotheproof，butifyoudonotstandthetest，youmustmarrytherope-maker'sdaughter，andthecroakingoftheravenmustbeyourmusicontheoccasion。Lordcount，answeredthemaster-thief，thinkofthreethings，asdifficultasyoulike，andifIdonotperformyourtasks，dowithmewhatyouwill。
　　Thecountreflectedforsomeminutes，andthensaid，well，then，inthefirstplace，youshallstealthehorseIkeepformyownriding，outofthestable。Inthenext，youshallstealthesheetfrombeneaththebodiesofmywifeandmyselfwhenweareasleep，withoutourobservingit，andthewedding-ringofmywifeaswell。Thirdlyandlastly，youshallstealawayoutofthechurch，theparsonandclerk。MarkwhatIamsaying，foryourlifedependsonit。
　　Themaster-thiefwenttothenearesttown，thereheboughttheclothesofanoldpeasantwoman，andputthemon。Thenhestainedhisfacebrown，andpaintedwrinklesonitaswell，sothatnoonecouldhaverecognizedhim。Thenhefilledasmallcaskwitholdhungarywineinwhichwasmixedapowerfulsleeping-drink。Heputthecaskinabasket，whichhetookonhisback，andwalkedwithslowandtotteringstepstothecount'scastle。Itwasalreadydarkwhenhearrived。Hesatdownonastoneinthecourt-yardandbegantocough，likeanasthmaticoldwoman，andtorubhishandsasifhewerecold。Infrontofthedoorofthestablesomesoldierswerelyingroundafire，oneofthemobservedthewoman，andcalledouttoher，comenearer，oldmother，andwarmyourselfbesideus。
　　Afterall，youhavenobedforthenight，andmusttakeonewhereyoucanfindit。Theoldwomantottereduptothem，beggedthemtoliftthebasketfromherback，andsatdownbesidethematthefire。Whathaveyougotinyourlittlecask，oldhag，askedone。
　　Agoodmouthfulofwine，sheanswered。Ilivebytrade，formoneyandfairwordsIamquitereadytoletyouhaveaglass。
　　Letushaveithere，then，saidthesoldier，andwhenhehadtastedoneglasshesaid，whenwineisgood，Ilikeanotherglass，andhadanotherpouredoutforhimself，andtherestfollowedhisexample。Hallo，comrades，criedoneofthemtothosewhowereinthestable，hereisanoldgirlwhohaswinethatisasoldasherself，takeadraught，itwillwarmyourstomachsfarbetterthanourfire。Theoldwomancarriedhercaskintothestable。
　　Oneofthesoldiershadseatedhimselfonthesaddledriding-horse，anotherhelditsbridleinhishand，athirdhadlaidholdofitstail。Shepouredoutasmuchastheywanteduntilthespringrandry。Itwasnotlongbeforethebridlefellfromthehandoftheone，andhefelldownandbegantosnore，theotherleftholdofthetail，laydownandsnoredstilllouder。Theonewhowassittinginthesaddle，didremainsitting，butbenthisheaddownalmosttothehorse'sneck，andsleptandblewwithhismouthlikethebellowsofaforge。Thesoldiersoutsidehadalreadybeenasleepforalongtime，andwerelyingonthegroundmotionless，asifdead。Whenthemaster-thiefsawthathehadsucceeded，hegavethefirstaropeinhishandinsteadofthebridle，andtheotherwhohadbeenholdingthetail，awispofstraw，butwhatwashetodowiththeonewhowassittingonthehorse'sback。Hedidnotwanttothrowhimdown，forhemighthaveawakenedandhaveutteredacry。Hehadagoodidea，heunbuckledthegirthsofthesaddle，tiedacoupleofropeswhichwerehangingtoaringonthewallfasttothesaddle，anddrewthesleepingriderupintotheaironit，thenhetwistedtheroperoundtheposts，andmadeitfast。Hesoonunloosedthehorsefromthechain，butifhehadriddenoverthestonypavementoftheyardtheywouldhaveheardthenoiseinthecastle。Sohewrappedthehorse'shoofsinoldrags，ledhimcarefullyout，leaptuponhim，andgallopedoff。
　　Whendaybroke，themastergallopedtothecastleonthestolenhorse。Thecounthadjustgotup，andwaslookingoutofthewindow。Goodmorning，sircount，hecriedtohim，hereisthehorse，whichIhavegotsafelyoutofthestable。Justlook，howbeautifullyyoursoldiersarelyingtheresleeping，andifyouwillbutgointothestable，youwillseehowcomfortableyourwatchershavemadeitforthemselves。Thecountcouldnothelplaughing。Thenhesaid，foronceyouhavesucceeded，butthingswon'tgosowellthesecondtime，andIwarnyouthatifyoucomebeforemeasathief，IwillhandleyouasIwouldathief。
　　Whenthecountesswenttobedthatnight，sheclosedherhandwiththewedding-ringtightlytogether，andthecountsaid，allthedoorsarelockedandbolted，Iwillkeepawakeandwaitforthethief，butifhegetsinbythewindow，Iwillshoothim。
　　Themaster-thief，however，wentinthedarktothegallows，cutapoorsinnerwhowashangingtheredownfromthehalter，andcarriedhimonhisbacktothecastle。Thenhesetaladderuptothebedroom，putthedeadbodyonhisshoulders，andbegantoclimbup。Whenhehadgotsohighthattheheadofthedeadmanshowedatthewindow，thecount，whowaswatchinginhisbed，firedapistolathim，andimmediatelythemasterletthepoorsinnerfalldown，descendedtheladder，andhidhimselfinonecorner。Thenightwassufficientlylightedbythemoon，forthemastertoseedistinctlyhowthecountgotoutofthewindowontotheladder，camedown，carriedthedeadbodyintothegarden，andbegantodigaholeinwhichtolayit。Now，thoughtthethief，thefavorablemomenthascome，stolenimblyoutofhiscorner，andclimbeduptheladderstraightintothecountess'sbedroom。Dearwife，hebeganinthecount'svoice，thethiefisdead，but，afterall，heismygodson，andhasbeenmoreofascape-gracethanavillain。Iwillnotputhimtoopenshame，besides，Iamsorryfortheparents。Iwillburyhimmyselfbeforedaybreakinthegarden，thatthethingmaynotbeknown。Sogivemethesheet，Iwillwrapupthebodyinit，andnotburyhimlikeadog。Thecountessgavehimthesheet。Itellyouwhat，continuedthethief，Ihaveafitofmagnanimity，givemetheringtoo，-theunhappymanriskedhislifeforit，sohemaytakeitwithhimintohisgrave。Shewouldnotgainsaythecount，andalthoughshediditunwillinglyshedrewtheringfromherfinger，andgaveittohim。Thethiefmadeoffwithboththesethings，andreachedhomesafelybeforethecountinthegardenhadfinishedhisworkofburying。
　　Whatalongfacethecountdidpullwhenthemastercamenextmorning，andbroughthimthesheetandthering。Areyouawizard，saidhe，whohasfetchedyououtofthegraveinwhichImyselflaidyou，andbroughtyoutolifeagain。Youdidnotburyme，saidthethief，butthepoorsinneronthegallows，andhetoldhimexactlyhoweverythinghadhappened，andthecountwasforcedtoowntohimthathewasaclever，craftythief。
　　Butyouhavenotreachedtheendyet，headded，youhavestilltoperformthethirdtask，andifyoudonotsucceedinthat，allisofnouse。Themastersmiledandreturnednoanswer。
　　Whennighthadfallenhewentwithalongsackonhisback，abundleunderhisarms，andalanterninhishandtothevillagechurch。Inthesackhehadsomecrabs，andinthebundleshortwax-candles。Hesatdowninthechurchyard，tookoutacrab，andstuckawax-candleonhisback。Thenhelightedthelittlelight，putthecrabontheground，andletitcreepabout。Hetookasecondoutofthesack，andtreateditinthesameway，andsoonuntilthelastwasoutofthesack。Hereuponheputonalongblackgarmentthatlookedlikeamonk'scowl，andstuckagraybeardonhischin。Whenatlasthewasquiteunrecognizable，hetookthesackinwhichthecrabshadbeen，wentintothechurch，andascendedthepulpit。Theclockinthetowerwasjuststrikingtwelve，whenthelaststrokehadsounded，hecriedwithaloudandpiercingvoice，hearken，sinfulmen，theendofallthingshascome。Thelastdayisathand。Hearken。Hearken。
　　Whosoeverwishestogotoheavenwithmemustcreepintothesack。
　　Iampeter，whoopensandshutsthegateofheaven。Beholdhowthedeadoutsidethereinthechuchyardarewanderingaboutcollectingtheirbones。Come，come，andcreepintothesack，theworldisabouttobedestroyed。Thecryechoedthroughthewholevillage。Theparsonandclerkwholivednearesttothechurch，hearditfirst，andwhentheysawthelightswhichweremovingaboutthechurchyard，theyobservedthatsomethingunusualwasgoingon，andwentintothechurch。Theylistenedtothesermonforawhile，andthentheclerknudgedtheparsonandsaid，itwouldnotbeamissifweweretousetheopportunitytogether，andbeforethedawningofthelastday，findaneasywayofgettingtoheaven。Totellthetruth，answeredtheparson，thatiswhatI
　　myselfhavebeenthinking，soifyouareinclined，wewillsetoutonourway。Yes，answeredtheclerk，butyou，thepastor，havetheprecedence，Iwillfollow。Sotheparsonwentfirst，andascendedthepulpitwherethemasteropenedhissack。Theparsoncreptinfirst，andthentheclerk。Themasterimmediatelytiedupthesacktightly，seizeditbythemiddle，anddraggeditdownthepulpit-steps，andwhenevertheheadsofthetwofoolsbumpedagainstthesteps，hecried，wearegoingoverthemountains。Thenhedrewthemthroughthevillageinthesameway，andwhentheywerepassingthroughpuddles，hecried，nowwearegoingthroughwetclouds。Andwhenatlasthewasdraggingthemupthestepsofthecastle，hecried，nowweareonthestepsofheaven，andwillsoonbeintheoutercourt。Whenhehadgottothetop，hepushedthesackintothepigeon-house，andwhenthepigeonsflutteredabout，hesaid，harkhowgladtheangelsare，andhowtheyareflappingtheirwings。Thenheboltedthedooruponthem，andwentaway。
　　Nextmorninghewenttothecount，andtoldhimthathehadperformedthethirdtaskalso，andhadcarriedtheparsonandclerkoutofthechurch。Wherehaveyouleftthem，askedtheLord。
　　Theyarelyingupstairsinasackinthepigeon-house，andimaginethattheyareinheaven。Thecountwentuphimself，andconvincedhimselfthatthemasterhadtoldthetruth。Whenhehaddeliveredtheparsonandclerkfromtheircaptivity，hesaid，youareanarch-thief，andhavewonyourwager。Foronceyouescapewithawholeskin，butseethatyouleavemyland，forifeveryousetfootonitagain，youmaycountonyourelevationtothegallows。Thearch-thieftookleaveofhisparents，oncemorewentforthintothewideworld，andnoonehaseverheardofhimsince。
　　Ayoungdrummerwentoutquitealoneoneeveningintothecountry，andcametoalakeontheshoreofwhichheperceivedlyingtherethreepiecesofwhitelinen。Whatfinelinen，saidhe，andputonepieceinhispocket。Hereturnedhome，thoughtnomoreofwhathehadfound，andwenttobed。Justashewasgoingtosleep，itseemedtohimasifsomeonewascallinghisname。Helistened，andwasawareofasoftvoicewhichcriedtohim，drummer，drummer，wakeup。Asitwasadarknighthecouldseenoone，butitappearedtohimthatafigurewashoveringabouthisbed。Whatdoyouwant，heasked。Givemebackmyshift，answeredthevoice，thatyoutookawayfrommelasteveningbythelake。Youshallhaveitbackagain，saidthedrummer，ifyouwilltellmewhoyouare。
　　Ah，repliedthevoice，Iamthedaughterofamightyking。ButI
　　havefallenintothepowerofawitch，andamshutupontheglass-mountain。Ihavetobatheinthelakeeverydaywithmytwosisters，butIcannotflybackagainwithoutmyshift。Mysistershavegoneaway，butIhavebeenforcedtostaybehind。I
　　entreatyoutogivememyshiftback。Don'tworry，poorchild，saidthedrummer。Iwillwillinglygiveitbacktoyou。Hetookitoutofhispocket，andreachedittoherinthedark。Shesnatcheditinhaste，andwantedtogoawaywithit。Stopamoment，perhapsIcanhelpyou。Youcanonlyhelpmebyascendingtheglass-mountain，andindeedifyouwerequiteclosetoityoucouldnotascendit。WhenIwanttodoathingIalwayscandoit，saidthedrummer。Iamsorryforyou，andhavenofearofanything。ButIdonotknowthewaywhichleadstotheglass-mountain。Theroadgoesthroughthegreatforest，inwhichtheman-eaterslive，sheanswered，andmorethanthat，Idarenottellyou。Andthenheheardherwingsassheflewaway。
　　Bydaybreakthedrummerarose，buckledonhisdrums，andwentwithoutfearstraightintotheforest。Afterhehadwalkedforawhilewithoutseeinganygiants，hethoughttohimself，I
　　mustwakenupthesluggards，andhehunghisdrumbeforehim，andbeatsucharollthatthebirdsflewoutofthetreeswithloudcries。Itwasnotlongbeforeagiantwhohadbeenlyingsleepingamongthegrass，roseup，andwasastallasafir-tree。
　　Wretch，criedhe，whatareyoudrummingherefor，andwakeningmeoutofmybestsleep。Iamdrumming，hereplied，becauseIwanttoshowthewaytomanythousandswhoarefollowingme。
　　Whatdotheywantinmyforest，demandedthegiant。Theywanttoputanendtoyou，andcleansetheforestofsuchamonsterasyou。Oho。Saidthegiant，Iwilltrampleyoualltodeathlikesomanyants。Doyouthinkyoucandoanythingagainstus，saidthedrummer，ifyoustooptotakeholdofone，hewilljumpawayandhidehimself。Butwhenyouarelyingdownandsleeping，theywillcomeforthfromeverythicket，andcreepuptoyou。
　　Everyoneofthemhasahammerofsteelinhisbelt，andwiththattheywillbeatinyourskull。Thegiantgrewangryandthought，ifImeddlewiththecraftyfolk，itmightturnoutbadlyforme。Icanstranglewolvesandbears，butIcannotprotectmyselffromtheseearth-worms。Listen，littlefellow，saidhe，gobackagain，andIwillpromiseyouthatforthefutureIwillleaveyouandyourcomradesinpeace，andifthereisanythingelseyouwishfor，tellme，forIamquitewillingtodosomethingtopleaseyou。Youhavelonglegs，saidthedrummer，andcanrunquickerthanI。Carrymetotheglass-mountain，andIwillgivemyfollowersasignaltogoback，andtheyshallleaveyouinpeacethistime。Comehere，worm，saidthegiant。Seatyourselfonmyshoulder，Iwillcarryyouwhereyouwishtobe。Thegiantliftedhimup，andthedrummerbegantobeathisdrumupalofttohisheart'sdelight。
　　Thegiantthought，thatisthesignalfortheotherpeopletoturnback。
　　Afterawhile，asecondgiantwasstandingintheroad，whotookthedrummerfromthefirst，andstuckhiminhisbutton-hole。
　　Thedrummerlaidholdofthebutton，whichwasaslargeasadish，heldonbyit，andlookedmerrilyaround。Thentheycametoathirdgiant，whotookhimoutofthebutton-hole，andsethimontherimofhishat。Uptherethedrummerwalkedbackwardsandforwards，andlookedoverthetrees，andwhenheperceivedamountaininthebluedistance，hethought，thatmustbetheglass-mountain，andsoitwas。Thegiantonlymadetwomoresteps，andtheyreachedthefootofthemountain，wherethegiantputhimdown。Thedrummerdemandedtobeputonthesummitoftheglass-mountain，butthegiantshookhishead，growledsomethinginhisbeard，andwentbackintotheforest。
　　Andnowthepoordrummerwasstandingbeforethemountain，whichwasashighasifthreemountainswerepiledoneachother，andatthesametimeassmoothasalooking-glass，anddidnotknowhowtogetupit。Hebegantoclimb，butthatwasuseless，forhealwaysslippedbackagain。Ifonewasabirdnow，thoughthe。Butwhatwasthegoodofwishing，nowingsgrewforhim。
　　Whilsthewasstandingthus，notknowingwhattodo，hesaw，notfarfromhim，twomenwhowerestrugglingfiercelytogether。Hewentuptothemandsawthattheyweredisputingaboutasaddlewhichwaslyingonthegroundbeforethem，andwhichbothofthemwantedtohave。Whatfoolsyouare，saidhe，toquarrelaboutasaddle，whenyouhavenotahorseforit。Thesaddleisworthfightingabout，answeredoneofthemen。Whosoeversitsonit，andwisheshimselfinanyplace，evenifitshouldbetheveryendoftheearth，getstheretheinstanthehasutteredthewish。Thesaddlebelongstousincommon。Itismyturntorideonit，butthatothermanwillnotletmedoit。I
　　willsoondecidethequarrel，saidthedrummer，andhewenttoashortdistanceandstuckawhiterodintheground。Thenhecamebackandsaid，nowruntothegoal，andwhoevergetstherefirst，shallridefirst。Bothsetoutatatrot，buthardlyhadtheygoneacoupleofstepsbeforethedrummerswunghimselfonthesaddle，wishedhimselfontheglass-mountainandbeforeanyonecouldturnround，hewasthere。Onthetopofthemountainwasaplain。Therestoodanoldstonehouse，andinfrontofthehouselayagreatfish-pond，butbehinditwasadarkforest。Hesawneithermennoranimals，everythingwasquiet。Onlythewindrustledamongstthetrees，andthecloudsmovedbyquitecloseabovehishead。Hewenttothedoorandknocked。Whenhehadknockedforthethirdtime，anoldwomanwithabrownfaceandredeyesopenedthedoor。Shehadspectaclesonherlongnose，andlookedsharplyathim。Thensheaskedwhathewanted。Entrance，food，andabedforthenight，repliedthedrummer。Thatyoushallhave，saidtheoldwoman，ifyouwillperformthreeservicesinreturn。Whynot，heanswered，Iamnotafraidofanykindofwork，however，harditmaybe。Theoldwomanlethimgoin，andgavehimsomefoodandagoodbedatnight。Thenextmorningwhenhehadslepthisfill，shetookathimblefromherwrinkledfinger，reachedittothedrummer，andsaid，gotoworknow，andemptyoutthepondwiththisthimble。Butyoumusthavedoneitbeforenight，andmusthavesoughtoutallthefisheswhichareinthewaterandlaidthemsidebyside，accordingtotheirkindandsize。
　　Thatisstrangework，saidthedrummer，buthewenttothepond，andbegantoemptyit。Hebaledthewholemorning。Butwhatcananyonedotoagreatlakewithathimble，evenifheweretobaleforathousandyears。
　　Whenitwasnoon，hethought，itisalluseless，andwhetherI
　　workornotitwillcometothesamething。Sohegaveitupandsatdown。Thencameamaidenoutofthehousewhosetalittlebasketwithfoodbeforehim，andsaid，whatailsyou，thatyousitsosadlyhere。Helookedather，andsawthatshewaswondrouslybeautiful。Ah，saidhe，Icannotfinishthefirstpieceofwork，howwillitbewiththeothers。I
　　cameforthtoseekaking'sdaughterwhoissaidtodwellhere，butIhavenotfoundher，andIwillgofarther。Stayhere，saidthemaiden，Iwillhelpyououtofyourdifficulty。Youaretired，layyourheadinmylap，andsleep。Whenyouawakeagain，yourworkwillbedone。Thedrummerdidnotneedtobetoldthattwice。Assoonashiseyeswereshut，sheturnedawishing-ringandsaid，rise，water。Fishes，comeout。
　　Instantlythewaterroseonhighlikeawhitemist，andmovedawaywiththeotherclouds，andthefishessprangontheshoreandlaidthemselvessidebysideeachaccordingtohissizeandkind。Whenthedrummerawoke，hesawwithamazementthatallwasdone。Butthemaidensaid，oneofthefishisnotlyingwiththoseofitsownkind，butquitealone。Whentheoldwomancomesto-nightandseesthatallshedemandedhasbeendone，shewillaskyou，whatisthisfishlyingalonefor。
　　Thenthrowthefishinherface，andsay，thisoneshallbeforyou，oldwitch。Intheeveningthewitchcame，andwhenshehadputthisquestion，hethrewthefishinherface。Shebehavedasifshedidnotnoticeit，andsaidnothing，butlookedathimwithmaliciouseyes。Nextmorningshesaid，yesterdayitwastooeasyforyou，Imustgiveyouharderwork。
　　To-dayyoumusthewdownthewholeoftheforest，splitthewoodintologs，andpilethemup，andeverythingmustbefinishedbytheevening。Shegavehimanaxe，amallet，andtwowedges。
　　Buttheaxewasmadeoflead，andthemalletandwedgeswereoftin。Whenhebegantocut，theedgeoftheaxewasblunted，andthemalletandwedgeswerebeatenoutofshape。Hedidnotknowhowtomanage，butatmid-daythemaidencameoncemorewithhisdinnerandcomfortedhim。Layyourheadonmylap，saidshe，andsleep。Whenyouawake，yourworkwillbedone。
　　Sheturnedherwishing-ring，andinaninstantthewholeforestfelldownwithacrash，thewoodsplit，andarrangeditselfinheaps，anditseemedjustasifunseengiantswerefinishingthework。Whenheawoke，themaidensaid，doyouseethatthewoodispiledupandarranged，oneboughaloneremains。Butwhentheoldwomancomesthiseveningandasksyouaboutthatbough，giveherablowwithit，andsay，thatisforyou，youwitch。
　　Theoldwomancame，thereyouseehoweasytheworkwas，saidshe。Butforwhomhaveyouleftthatbough。Foryou，youwitch，hereplied，andgaveherablowwithit。Butshepretendednottofeelit，laughedscornfully，andsaid，earlyto-morrowmorningyoushallarrangeallthewoodinoneheap，setfiretoit，andburnit。Heroseatbreakofday，andbegantopickupthewood，buthowcanasinglemangetawholeforesttogether。Theworkmadenoprogress。Themaiden，however，didnotdeserthiminhisneed。Shebroughthimhisfoodatnoon，andwhenhehadeaten，helaidhisheadonherlap，andwenttosleep。Whenheawoke，theentirepileofwoodwasburninginoneenormousflame，whichstretcheditstonguesoutintothesky。Listentome，saidthemaiden，whenthewitchcomes，shewillgiveyouallkindsoforders。Dowhateversheasksyouwithoutfear，andthenshewillnotbeabletogetthebetterofyou，butifyouareafraid，thefirewilllayholdofyou，andconsumeyou。Atlastwhenyouhavedoneeverything，seizeherwithbothyourhands，andthrowherintothemidstofthefire。Themaidendeparted，andtheoldwomancamesneakinguptohim。Oh，Iamcold，saidshe，butthatisafirethatburns。Itwarmsmyoldbones，anddoesmegood。ButI
　　seealoglyingtherewhichwon'tburn，bringitoutforme。
　　Whenyouhavedonethat，youarefree，andmaygowhereyoulike。Now，jumpin。
　　Thedrummerdidnotreflectlong。Hesprangintothemidstoftheflames，buttheydidnothurthim，andcouldnotevensingeahairofhishead。Hecarriedthelogout，andlaiditdown。Hardly，however，hadthewoodtouchedtheearththanitwastransformed，andthebeautifulmaidenwhohadhelpedhiminhisneedstoodbeforehim，andbythesilkenandshininggoldengarmentswhichshewore，heknewrightwellthatshewastheking'sdaughter。Buttheoldwomanlaughedvenomously，andsaid，youthinkyouhavehersafe，butyouhavenotgotheryet。Justasshewasabouttofallonthemaidenandtakeheraway，theyouthseizedtheoldwomanwithbothhishands，raisedheruponhigh，andthrewherintothejawsofthefire，whichclosedoverherasifitweredelightedthatanoldwitchwastobeburnt。
　　Thentheking'sdaughterlookedatthedrummer，andwhenshesawthathewasahandsomeyouthandrememberedhowhehadriskedhislifetodeliverher，shegavehimherhand，andsaid，youhaveventuredeverythingformysake，butIalsowilldoeverythingforyours。Promisetobetruetome，andyoushallbemyhusband。Weshallnotwantforriches，weshallhaveenoughwithwhatthewitchhasgatheredtogetherhere。Sheledhimintothehouse，wheretherewerechestsandcofferscrammedwiththeoldwoman'streasures。Themaidenleftthegoldandsilverwhereitwas，andtookonlythepreciousstones。Shewouldnotstayanylongerontheglass-mountain，sothedrummersaidtoher，seatyourselfbymeonmysaddle，andthenwewillflydownlikebirds。Idonotliketheoldsaddle，saidshe，Ineedonlyturnmywishing-ringandweshallbeathome。Verywell，then，answeredthedrummer，thenwishusinfrontofthetown-gate。Inthetwinklingofaneyetheywerethere，butthedrummersaid，Iwilljustgotomyparentsandtellthemthenews。Waitformeoutsidehere，Ishallsoonbeback。Ah，saidtheking'sdaughter，Ibegyoutobecareful。Onyourarrivaldonotkissyourparentsontherightcheek，orelseyouwillforgeteverything，andIshallstaybehindhereoutside，aloneanddeserted。HowcanIforgetyou，saidhe，andpromisedhertocomebackverysoon，andgavehishanduponit。Whenhewentintohisfather'shouse，hehadchangedsomuchthatnooneknewwhohewas，forthethreedayswhichhehadpassedontheglass-mountainhadbeenthreeyears。Thenhemadehimselfknown，andhisparentsfellonhisneckwithjoy，andhisheartwassomovedthatheforgotwhatthemaidenhadsaidandkissedthemonbothcheeks。Butwhenhehadgiventhemthekissontherightcheek，everythoughtoftheking'sdaughtervanishedfromhim。Heemptiedouthispockets，andlaidhandfulsofthelargestjewelsonthetable。Theparentshadnottheleastideawhattodowiththeriches。Thenthefatherbuiltamagnificentcastleallsurroundedbygardens，woods，andmeadowsasifaprinceweregoingtoliveinit，andwhenitwasready，themothersaid，I
　　havefoundamaidenforyouandtheweddingshallbeinthreedays。
　　Thesonwascontenttodoashisparentsdesired。
　　Thepoorking'sdaughterhadstoodforalongtimeoutsidethetownwaitingforthereturnoftheyoungman。Wheneveningcame，shesaid，hemustcertainlyhavekissedhisparentsontherightcheek，andhasforgottenme。Herheartwasfullofsorrow，shewishedherselfintoasolitarylittlehutinaforest，andwouldnotreturntoherfather'scourt。Everyeveningshewentintothetownandpassedtheyoungman'shouse。Heoftensawher，buthenolongerknewher。Atlengthsheheardthepeoplesaying，theweddingwilltakeplaceto-morrow。Thenshesaid，IwilltryifIcanwinbackhisheart。
　　Onthefirstdayoftheweddingceremonies，sheturnedherwishing-ring，andsaid，adressasbrightasthesun。Instantlythedresslaybeforeher，anditwasasbrightasifithadbeenwovenofrealsunbeams。Whenalltheguestswereassembled，sheenteredthehall。Everyonewasamazedatthebeautifuldress，andthebridemostofall，andasprettydresseswerethethingsshehadmostdelightin，shewenttothestrangerandaskedifshewouldsellittoher。Notformoney，sheanswered，butifImaypassthefirstnightoutsidethedooroftheroomwhereyourbetrothedsleeps，Iwillgiveituptoyou。Thebridecouldnotovercomeherdesireandconsented，butshemixedasleeping-draughtwiththewineherbetrothedtookatnight，whichmadehimfallintoadeepsleep。Whenallhadbe——
　　linemissinginbookcopy-
　　ofthebedroom，openeditjustalittle，andcried，drummer，drummer，Iprayyouhear。
　　Haveyouforgottenyouheldmedear。
　　Thatontheglass-mountainwesathourbyhour。
　　ThatIrescuedyourlifefromthewitch'spower。
　　Didyounotplightyourtrothtome。
　　Drummer，drummer，hearkentome。
　　Butitwasallinvain，forthedrummerdidnotawake，andwhenmorningdawned，theking'sdaughterwasforcedtogobackagainasshecame。Onthesecondeveningsheturnedherwishing-ringandsaid，adressassilveryasthemoon。Whensheappearedatthefeastinthedresswhichwasassoftasmoonbeams，itagainexcitedthedesireofthebride，andtheking'sdaughtergaveittoherforpermissiontopassthesecondnightalso，outsidethedoorofthebedroom。Wheninthestillnessofthenight，shecried，drummer，drummer，Iprayyouhear。
　　Haveyouforgottenyouheldmedear。
　　Thatontheglass-mountainwesathourbyhour。
　　ThatIrescuedyourlifefromthewitch'spower。
　　Didyounotplightyourtrothtome。
　　Drummer，drummer，hearkentome。
　　Butthedrummer，whowasstupefiedwiththesleeping-draught，couldnotbearoused。Sadlynextmorningshewentbacktoherhutintheforest。Butthepeopleinthehousehadheardthelamentationoftheunknownmaiden，andtoldthebridegroomaboutit。Theytoldhimalsothatitwasimpossiblethathecouldhearanythingofit，becausethemaidenhewasgoingtomarryhadpouredasleeping-draughtintohiswine。
　　Onthethirdevening，theking'sdaughterturnedherwishing-ring，andsaid，adressglitteringlikethestars。Whensheshowedherselfthereinatthefeast，thebridewasquitebesideherselfwiththesplendorofthedress，whichfarsurpassedtheothers，andshesaid，Imust，andwillhaveit。Themaidengaveitasshehadgiventheothersforpermissiontospendthenightoutsidethebridegroom'sdoor。Thebridegroom，however，didnotdrinkthewinewhichwashandedtohimbeforehewenttobed，butpoureditbehindthebed，andwheneverythingwasquiet，heheardasweetvoicewhichcalledtohim，drummer，drummer，Iprayyouhear。
　　Haveyouforgottenyouheldmedear。
　　Thatontheglass-mountainwesathourbyhour。
　　ThatIrescuedyourlifefromthewitch'spower。
　　Didyounotplightyourtrothtome。
　　Drummer，drummer，hearkentome。
　　Suddenlyhismemoryreturnedtohim。Ah，criedhe，howcanI
　　haveactedsounfaithfully。ButthekisswhichinthejoyofmyheartIgavemyparents，ontherightcheek，thatistoblameforitall。Thatiswhatstupefiedme。Hesprangup，tooktheking'sdaughterbythehand，andledhertohisparents，bed。
　　Thisismytruebride，saidhe。IfImarrytheother，Ishalldoagreatwrong。Theparents，whentheyheardhoweverythinghadhappened，gavetheirconsent。Thenthelightsinthehallwerelightedagain，drumsandtrumpetswerebrought，friendsandrelationswereinvitedtocome，andtherealweddingwassolemnizedwithgreatrejoicing。Thefirstbridereceivedthebeautifuldressesasacompensation，anddeclaredherselfsatisfied。
　　Informertimes，whenGodhimselfstillwalkedtheearth，thefruitfulnessofthesoilwasmuchgreaterthanitisnow。Thentheearsofcorndidnotbearfiftyorsixty，butfourorfivehundred-fold。Thenthecorngrewfromthebottomtotheverytopofthestalk，andaccordingtothelengthofthestalkwasthelengthoftheear。Menhoweveraresomade，thatwhentheyaretoowellofftheynolongervaluetheblessingswhichcomefromGod，butgrowindifferentandcareless。Onedayawomanwaspassingbyacorn-fieldwhenherlittlechild，whowasrunningbesideher，fellintoapuddle，anddirtiedherfrock。Onthisthemothertoreupahandfulofthebeautifulearsofcorn，andcleanedthefrockwiththem。
　　WhentheLord，whojustthencameby，sawthat，hewasangry，andsaid，henceforthshallthestalksofcornbearnomoreears，menarenolongerworthyofheavenlygifts。Theby-standerswhoheardthis，wereterrified，andfellontheirkneesandprayedthathewouldstillleavesomethingonthestalks，evenifthepeoplewereundeservingofit，forthesakeoftheinnocentchickenswhichwouldotherwisehavetostarve。TheLord，whoforesawtheirsuffering，hadpityonthem，andgrantedtherequest。Sotheearswereleftastheynowgrow。
　　Therewasonceuponatimeakingwhohadadaughter，andhecausedaglassmountaintobemade，andsaidthatwhosoevercouldcrosstotheothersideofitwithoutfallingshouldhavehisdaughtertowife。Thentherewasonewholovedtheking'sdaughter，andheaskedthekingifhemighthaveher。
　　Yes，saidtheking，ifyoucancrossthemountainwithoutfalling，youshallhaveher。Andtheprincesssaidshewouldgooveritwithhim，andwouldholdhimifhewereabouttofall。Sotheysetouttogethertogooverit，andwhentheywerehalfwayuptheprincessslippedandfell，andtheglassmountainopenedandshutherupinsideit，andherbetrothedcouldnotseewhereshehadgone，forthemountainclosedimmediately。Thenheweptandlamentedmuch，andthekingwasmiserabletoo，andorderedthemountaintobebrokenopenwhereshehadbeenlost，andthoughthewouldbeabletogetheroutagain，buttheycouldnotfindtheplaceintowhichshehadfallen。
　　Meanwhiletheking'sdaughterhadfallenquitedeepdownintotheearthintoagreatcave。Anoldfellowwithaverylonggraybeardcametomeether，andtoldherthatifshewouldbehisservantanddoeverythinghebadeher，shemightlive，ifnothewouldkillher。Soshedidallhebadeher。Inthemorningshetookhisladderoutofhispocket，andsetitupagainstthemountainandclimbedtothetopbyitshelp，andthenhedrewtheladderafterhim。Theprincesshadtocookhisdinner，makehisbed，anddoallhiswork，andwhenhecamehomeagainhealwaysbroughtwithhimaheapofgoldandsilver。Whenshehadlivedwithhimformanyyears，andhadgrownquiteold，hecalledhermothermansrot，andshehadtocallhimoldrinkrank。Thenoncewhenhewasout，andshehadmadehisbedandwashedhisdishes，sheshutthedoorsandwindowsallfast，andtherewasonelittlewindowthroughwhichthelightshonein，andthissheleftopen。
　　Whenoldrinkrankcamehome，heknockedathisdoor，andcried，mothermansrot，openthedoorforme。No，saidshe，oldrinkrank，Iwillnotopenthedoorforyou。Thenhesaid，herestandI，poorrinkrank，onmyseventeenlongshanks，onmyweary，worn-outfoot，washmydishes，mothermansrot。
　　Ihavewashedyourdishesalready，saidshe。Thenagainhesaid，herestandI，poorrinkrank，onmyseventeenlongshanks，onmyweary，worn-outfoot，makemybed，mothermansrot。
　　Ihavemadeyourbedalready，saidshe。Thenagainhesaid，herestandI，poorrinkrank，onmyseventeenlongshanks，onmyweary，worn-outfoot，openthedoor，mothermansrot。
　　Thenheranallroundhishouse，andsawthatthelittlewindowwasopen，andthought，Iwilllookinandseewhatshecanbeabout，andwhyshewillnotopenthedoorforme。Hetriedtopeepin，butcouldnotgethisheadthroughbecauseofhislongbeard。
　　Sohefirstputhisbeardthroughtheopenwindow，butjustashehadgotitthrough，mothermansrotcamebyandpulledthewindowdownwithacordwhichshehadtiedtoit，andhisbeardwasshutfastinit。Thenhebegantocrymostpiteously，forithurthimverymuch，andtoentreathertoreleasehimagain。Butshesaidnotuntilhegavehertheladderwithwhichheascendedthemountain。Then，whetherhewouldornot，hehadtotellherwheretheladderwas。Andshefastenedaverylongribbontothewindow，andthenshesetuptheladder，andascendedthemountain，andwhenshewasatthetopofitsheopenedthewindow。Shewenttoherfather，andtoldhimallthathadhappenedtoher。Thekingrejoicedgreatly，andherbetrothedwasstillthere，andtheywentanddugupthemountain，andfoundoldrinkrankinsideitwithallhisgoldandsilver。Thenthekinghadoldrinkrankputtodeath，andtookallhisgoldandsilver。Theprincessmarriedherbetrothed，andlivedrighthappilyingreatmagnificenceandjoy。
　　Therewasonceanenchantress，whohadthreesonswholovedeachotherasbrothers，buttheoldwomandidnottrustthem，andthoughttheywantedtostealherpowerfromher。Soshechangedtheeldestintoaneagle，whichwasforcedtodwellintherockymountains，andwasoftenseenflyingingreatcirclesinthesky。
　　Thesecond，shechangedintoawhale，whichlivedinthedeepsea，andallthatwasseenofitwasthatitsometimesspoutedupagreatjetofwaterintheair。Eachofthemborehishumanformforonlytwohoursdaily。Thethirdson，whowasafraidshemightchangehimintoaragingwildbeast-abearperhaps，orawolf，wentsecretlyaway。Hehadheardthataking'sdaughterwhowasbewitched，wasimprisonedinthecastleofthegoldensun，andwaswaitingtobesetfree。Those，however，whotriedtofreeherriskedtheirlives。Three-and-twentyyouthshadalreadydiedamiserabledeath，andnowonlyoneothermightmaketheattempt，afterwhichnomoremustcome。Andashisheartwaswithoutfear，hemadeuphismindtoseekoutthecastleofthegoldensun。Hehadalreadytraveledaboutforalongtimewithoutbeingabletofindit，whenhecamebychanceintoagreatforest，anddidnotknowthewayoutofit。Allatoncehesawinthedistancetwogiants，whomadeasigntohimwiththeirhands，andwhenhecametothemtheysaid，wearequarrelingaboutacap，andwhichofusitistobelongto，andasweareequallystrong，neitherofuscangetthebetteroftheother。Thesmallmenareclevererthanweare，sowewillleavethedecisiontoyou。Howcanyoudisputeaboutanoldcap，saidtheyouth。Youdonotknowwhatpropertiesithas。Itisawishing-cap，whosoeverputsiton，canwishhimselfawaywhereverhelikes，andinaninstanthewillbethere。Givemethecap，saidtheyouth，Iwillgoashortdistanceoff，andwhenIcallyou，youmustrunarace，andthecapshallbelongtotheonewhogetsfirsttome。Heputitonandwentaway，andthoughtoftheking'sdaughter，forgotthegiants，andwalkedcontinuallyonward。Atlengthhesighedfromtheverybottomofhisheart，andcried，ah，ifIwerebutatthecastleofthegoldensun。Andhardlyhadthewordspassedhislipsthanhewasstandingonahighmountainbeforethegateofthecastle。
　　Heenteredandwentthroughalltherooms，untilinthelasthefoundtheking'sdaughter。Buthowshockedhewaswhenhesawher。Shehadanashen-grayfacefullofwrinkles，blearyeyes，andredhair。Areyoutheking'sdaughter，whosebeautythewholeworldpraises，criedhe。Ah，sheanswered，thisisnotmyform，humaneyescanonlyseemeinthisstateofugliness，butthatyoumayknowwhatIamlike，lookinthemirror-itdoesnotletitselfbemisled-itwillshowyoumyimageasitisintruth。
　　Shegavehimthemirrorinhishand，andhesawthereinthelikenessofthemostbeautifulmaidenonearth，andsaw，too，howthetearswererollingdownhercheekswithgrief。Thensaidhe，howcanyoubesetfree。Ifearnodanger。Shesaid，hewhogetsthecrystalball，andholdsitbeforetheenchanter，willdestroyhispowerwithit，andIshallresumemytrueshape。Ah，sheadded，somanyhavealreadygonetomeetdeathforthis，andyouaresoyoung，Igrievethatyoushouldencountersuchgreatdanger。Nothingcankeepmefromdoingit，saidhe，buttellmewhatImustdo。Youshallknoweverything，saidtheking'sdaughter，whenyoudescendthemountainonwhichthecastlestands，awildbullwillstandbelowbyaspring，andyoumustfightwithit，andifyouhavethelucktokillit，afierybirdwillspringoutofit，whichbearsinitsbodyared-hotegg，andintheeggthecrystalballliesasitsyolk。Thebird，however，willnotlettheeggfalluntilforcedtodoso，andifitfallsontheground，itwillflameupandburneverythingthatisnear，andeventheeggitselfwillmelt，andwithitthecrystalball，andthenyourtroublewillhavebeeninvain。
　　Theyouthwentdowntothespring，wherethebullsnortedandbellowedathim。Afteralongstruggleheplungedhisswordintheanimal'sbody，anditfelldown。Instantlyafierybirdarosefromitandwasabouttoflyaway，buttheyoungman'sbrother，theeagle，whowaspassingbetweentheclouds，swoopeddown，hunteditawaytothesea，andstruckitwithhisbeakuntil，initsextremity，itlettheeggfall。Theegg，however，didnotfallintothesea，butonafisherman'shutwhichstoodontheshoreandthehutbeganatoncetosmokeandwasabouttobreakoutinflames。Thenaroseintheseawavesashighasahouse，whichstreamedoverthehut，andsubduedthefire。Theotherbrother，thewhale，hadcomeswimmingtothem，andhaddriventhewateruponhigh。Whenthefirewasextinguished，theyouthsoughtfortheeggandhappilyfoundit，itwasnotyetmelted，buttheshellwasbrokenbybeingsosuddenlycooledwiththewater，andhecouldtakeoutthecrystalballunhurt。
　　Whentheyouthwenttotheenchanterandhelditbeforehim，thelattersaid，mypowerisdestroyed，andfromthistimeforthyouarethekingofthecastleofthegoldensun。Withthisyoucanlikewisegivebacktoyourbrotherstheirhumanform。
　　Thentheyouthhastenedtotheking'sdaughter，andwhenheenteredtheroom，shewasstandingthereinthefullsplendorofherbeauty，andjoyfullytheyexchangedringswitheachother。
　　Therewasonceakingwhohadasonwhoaskedinmarriagethedaughterofamightyking，shewascalledmaidmaleen，andwasverybeautiful。Asherfatherwishedtogivehertoanother，theprincewasrejected，butastheybothlovedeachotherwithalltheirhearts，theywouldnotgiveeachotherup，andmaidmaleensaidtoherfather，Icanandwilltakenootherformyhusband。Thenthekingflewintoapassion，andorderedadarktowertobebuilt，intowhichnorayofsunlightormoonlightshouldenter。Whenitwasfinished，hesaid，thereinshallyoubeimprisonedforsevenyears，andthenIwillcomeandseeifyourperversespiritisbroken。Meatanddrinkforthesevenyearswerecarriedintothetower，andthensheandhermaid-in-waitingwereledintoitandwalledup，andthuscutofffromtheskyandfromtheearth。Theretheysatinthedarkness，andknewnotwhendayornightbegan。Theking'ssonoftenwentroundandroundthetower，andcalledtheirnames，butnosoundfromwithoutpiercedthroughthethickwalls。Whatelsecouldtheydobutlamentandcomplain。
　　Meanwhilethetimepassed，andbythedeclineoffoodanddrinktheyknewthatthesevenyearswerecomingtoanend。Theythoughtthemomentoftheirdeliverancewascome，butnostrokeofthehammerwasheard，nostonefelloutofthewall，anditseemedtomaidmaleenthatherfatherhadforgottenher。Astheyhadfoodonlyforashorttimelonger，andsawamiserabledeathawaitingthem，maidmaleensaid，wemusttryourlastchance，andseeifwecanbreakthroughthewall。Shetookthebread-knife，andpickedandboredatthemortarofastone，andwhenshewastired，thewaiting-maidtookherturn。Withgreatlabortheysucceededingettingoutonestone，andthenasecond，andathird，andwhenthreedayswereoverthefirstrayoflightfellontheirdarkness，andatlasttheopeningwassolargethattheycouldlookout。Theskywasblue，andafreshbreezeplayedontheirfaces，buthowmelancholyeverythinglookedallaround。Herfather'scastlelayinruins，thetownandthevillageswere，sofarascouldbeseen，destroyedbyfire，thefieldsfarandwidelaidtowaste，andnohumanbeingwasvisible。
　　Whentheopeninginthewallwaslargeenoughforthemtoslipthrough，thewaiting-maidsprangdownfirst，andthenmaidmaleenfollowed。Butwhereweretheytogo。Theenemyhadravagedthewholekingdom，drivenawaytheking，andslainalltheinhabitants。
　　Theywanderedforthtoseekanothercountry，butnowheredidtheyfindashelter，orahumanbeingtogivethemamouthfulofbread，andtheirneedwassogreatthattheywereforcedtoappeasetheirhungerwithnettles。When，afterlongjourneying，theycameintoanothercountry，theytriedtogetworkeverywhere，butwherevertheyknockedtheywereturnedaway，andnoonewouldhavepityonthem。Atlasttheyarrivedinalargecityandwenttotheroyalpalace。Therealsotheywereorderedtogoaway，butatlastthecooksaidthattheymightstayinthekitchenandbescullions。
　　Thesonofthekinginwhosekingdomtheywere，however，wastheverymanwhohadbeenbetrothedtomaidmaleen。Hisfatherhadchosenanotherbrideforhim，whosefacewasasuglyasherheartwaswicked。Theweddingwasfixed，andthemaidenhadalreadyarrived，butbecauseofhergreatuglinesssheshutherselfinherroom，andallowednoonetoseeher，andmaidmaleenhadtotakeherhermealsfromthekitchen。Whenthedaycameforthebrideandthebridegroomtogotochurch，shewasashamedofherugliness，andafraidthatifsheshowedherselfinthestreets，shewouldbemockedandlaughedatbythepeople。Thensaidshetomaidmaleen，agreatpieceofluckhasbefallenyou。Ihavesprainedmyfoot，andcannotwellwalkthroughthestreets，youshallputonwedding-clothesandtakemyplace，agreaterhonorthanthatyoucannothave。Maidmaleen，however，refusedit，andsaid，Iwishfornohonorwhichisnotsuitableforme。Itwasinvain，too，thatthebrideofferedhergold。Atlastshesaidangrily，ifyoudonotobeyme，itshallcostyouyourlife。I
　　havebuttospeaktheword，andyourheadwilllieatyourfeet。
　　Thenshewasforcedtoobey，andputonthebride'smagnificentclothesandallherjewels。Whensheenteredtheroyalhall，everyonewasamazedathergreatbeauty，andthekingsaidtohisson，thisisthebridewhomIhavechosenforyou，andwhomyoumustleadtochurch。Thebridegroomwasastonished，andthought，sheislikemymaidmaleen，andIshouldbelievethatitwassheherself，butshehaslongbeenshutupinthetower，ordead。
　　Hetookherbythehandandledhertochurch。Onthewaywasanettle-plant，andshesaid，oh，nettle-plant，littlenettle-plant，whatdostthouherealone。
　　IhaveknownthetimewhenIatetheeunboiledwhenIatetheeunroasted。
　　Whatareyousaying，askedtheking'sson。Nothing，shereplied，Iwasonlythinkingofmaidmaleen。Hewassurprisedthatsheknewabouther，butkeptsilence。Whentheycametothefoot-plankintothechuchyard，shesaid，foot-bridge，donotbreak，Iamnotthetruebride。
　　Whatareyousayingthere，askedthetheking'sson。Nothing，shereplied，Iwasonlythinkingofmaidmaleen。Doyouknowmaidmaleen。No，sheanswered，howshouldIknowher，Ihaveonlyheardofher。Whentheycametothechurch-door，shesaidoncemore，church-door，breaknot，Iamnotthetruebride。
　　Whatareyousayingthereaskedhe。Ah，sheanswered，Iwasonlythinkingofmaidmaleen。Thenhetookoutapreciouschain，putitroundherneck，andfastenedtheclasp。Thereupontheyenteredthechurch，andthepriestjoinedtheirhandstogetherbeforethealtar，andmarriedthem。Heledherhome，butshedidnotspeakasinglewordthewholeway。Whentheygotbacktotheroyalpalace，shehurriedintothebride'schamber，putoffthemagnificentclothesandthejewels，dressedherselfinhergraygown，andkeptnothingbutthejewelonherneck，whichshehadreceivedfromthebridegroom。
　　Whenthenightcame，andthebridewastobeledintotheprince'sapartment，sheletherveilfalloverherface，thathemightnotobservethedeception。Assoonaseveryonehadgoneaway，hesaidtoher，whatdidyousaytothenettle-plantwhichwasgrowingbythewayside。
　　Towhichnettle-plant，askedshe，Idon'ttalktonettle-plants。
　　Ifyoudidnotdoit，thenyouarenotthetruebride，saidhe。
　　Soshebethoughtherself，andsaid，Imustgooutuntomymaidwhokeepsmythoughtsforme。
　　Shewentoutandsoughtmaidmaleen。Girl，whathaveyoubeensayingtothenettle。Isaidnothingbut，oh，nettle-plant，littlenettle-plant，whatdostthouherealone。
　　IhaveknownthetimewhenIatetheeunboiled，whenIatetheeunroasted。
　　Thebrideranbackintothechamber，andsaid，IknownowwhatIsaidtothenettle，andsherepeatedthewordswhichshehadjustheard。Butwhatdidyousaytothefoot-bridgewhenwewentoveritaskedtheking'sson。Tothefoot-bridge，sheanswered。
　　Idon'ttalktofoot-bridges。Thenyouarenotthetruebride。
　　Sheagainsaid，Imustgooutuntomymaid，whokeepsmythoughtsforme。
　　Andranoutandscoldedmaidmaleen，girl，whatdidyousaytothefoot-bridge。
　　Isaidnothingbut，foot-bridge，donotbreak，Iamnotthetruebride。
　　Thatcostsyouyourlife，criedthebride，butshehurriedintotheroomandsaid，IknownowwhatIsaidtothefoot-bridge，andsherepeatedthewords。Butwhatdidyousaytothechurch-door。Tothechurch-door，shereplied，Idon'ttalktochurch-doors。Thenyouarenotthetruebride。
　　Shewentoutandscoldedmaidmaleen，andsaid，girl，whatdidyousaytothechurch-door。Isaidnothingbut，church-door，breaknot，Iamnotthetruebride。
　　Thatwillbreakyourneckforyou，criedthebride，andflewintoaterriblepassion，butshehastenedbackintotheroom，andsaid，IknownowwhatIsaidtothechurch-door，andsherepeatedthewords。ButwherehaveyouthejewelwhichIgaveyouatthechurch-door。Whatjewel，sheanswered，youdidnotgivemeanyjewel。Imyselfputitroundyourneck，andImyselffastenedit，ifyoudonotknowthat，youarenotthetruebride。
　　Hedrewtheveilfromherface，andwhenhesawherimmeasurableugliness，hesprangbackterrified，andsaid，howdoyoucomehere。
　　Whoareyou。Iamyourbetrothedbride，butbecauseIfearedlestthepeopleshouldmockmewhentheysawmeoutofdoors，I
　　commandedthescullery-maidtodressherselfinmyclothes，andtogotochurchinsteadofme。Whereisthegirl，saidheIwanttoseeher，goandbringherhere。Shewentoutandtoldtheservantsthatthescullery-maidwasanimpostor，andthattheymusttakeheroutintothecourt-yardandstrikeoffherhead。Theservantslaidholdofmaidmaleenandwantedtodragherout，butshescreamedsoloudlyforhelp，thattheking'ssonheardhervoice，hurriedoutofhischamberandorderedthemtosetthemaidenfreeinstantly。Lightswerebrought，andthenhesawonherneckthegoldchainwhichhehadgivenheratthechurch-door。Youarethetruebride，saidhe，whowentwithmetochurch，comewithmenowtomyroom。Whentheywerebothalone，hesaid，onthewaytothechurchyoudidnamemaidmaleen，whowasmybetrothedbride。IfIcouldbelieveitpossible，Ishouldthinkshewasstandingbeforeme-youarelikeherineveryrespect。Sheanswered，Iammaidmaleen，whoforyoursakewasimprisonedsevenyearsinthedarkness，whosufferedhungerandthirst，andhaslivedsolonginwantandpoverty。Today，however，thesunisshiningonmeoncemore。Iwasmarriedtoyouinthechurch，andIamyourlawfulwife。Thentheykissedeachother，andwerehappyallthedaysoftheirlives。Thefalsebridewasrewardedforwhatshehaddonebyhavingherheadcutoff。
　　Thetowerinwhichmaidmaleenhadbeenimprisonedremainedstandingforalongtime，andwhenthechildrenpassedbyittheysang，king，klang，gloria。
　　Whositswithinthistower。
　　Aking'sdaughter，shesitswithin，asightofherIcannotwin，thewallitwillnotbreak，thestonecannotbepierced。
　　LittleHans，withyourcoatsogay，followme，followme，fastasyoumay。
　　Therewasonceonatimeamotherwhohadthreedaughters，theeldestofwhomwasrudeandwicked，thesecondmuchbetter，althoughshehadherfaults，buttheyoungestwasapious，goodchild。Themother，however，wassostrange，thatitwasjusttheeldestdaughterwhomshemostloved，andshecouldnotbeartheyoungest。Onthisaccount，sheoftensentthepoorgirloutintothegreatforestinordertogetridofher，forshethoughtshewouldloseherselfandnevercomebackagain。Buttheguardian-angelwhicheverygoodchildhas，didnotforsakeher，butalwaysbroughtherintotherightpathagain。Once，however，theguardian-angelbehavedasifhewerenotthere，andthechildcouldnotfindherwayoutoftheforestagain。
　　Shewalkedonconstantlyuntileveningcame，andthenshesawatinylightburninginthedistance，ranuptoitatonce，andcametoalittlehut。Sheknocked，thedooropened，andshecametoaseconddoor，wheresheknockedagain。Anoldman，whohadasnow-whitebeardandlookedvenerable，openeditforher。AndhewasnootherthanSt。Joseph。Hesaidquitekindly，come，dearchild，seatyourselfonmylittlechairbythefire，andwarmyourself。Iwillfetchyouclearwaterifyouarethirsty。Buthereintheforest，Ihavenothingforyoutoeatbutacoupleoflittleroots，whichyoumustfirstscrapeandboil。
　　St。Josephgavehertheroots。Thegirlscrapedthemclean，thenshebroughtapieceofpancakeandthebreadthathermotherhadgivenhertotakewithher，mixedalltogetherinapan，andcookedherselfathicksoup。Whenitwasready，St。Josephsaid，Iamsohungry，givemesomeofyourfood。Thechildwasquitewilling，andgavehimmorethanshekeptforherself，butGod'sblessingwaswithher，sothatshewassatisfied。Whentheyhadeaten，St。Josephsaid，nowwewillgotobed。Ihave，however，onlyonebed，layyourselfinit。Iwilllieonthegroundonthestraw。No，answeredshe，stayinyourownbed，thestrawissoftenoughforme。ButSt。Josephtookthechildinhisarms，andcarriedherintothelittlebed，andthereshesaidherprayers，andfellasleep。Nextmorningwhensheawoke，shewantedtosaygoodmorningtoSt。Joseph，butshedidnotseehim。
　　Thenshegotupandlookedforhim，butcouldnotfindhimanywhere。Atlastsheperceived，behindthedoor，abagwithmoneysoheavythatshecouldjustcarryit，andonitwaswrittenthatitwasforthechildwhohadslepttherethatnight。
　　Onthisshetookthebag，boundedawaywithit，andgotsafelytohermother，andasshegavehermotherallthemoney，shecouldnothelpbeingsatisfiedwithher。
　　Thenextday，thesecondchildalsotookafancytogointotheforest。Hermothergaveheramuchlargerpieceofpancakeandbread。Ithappenedwithherjustaswiththefirstchild。
　　IntheeveningshecametoSt。Joseph'slittlehut，whogaveherrootsforathicksoup。Whenitwasready，helikewisesaidtoher，Iamsohungry，givemesomeofyourfood。Thenthechildsaid，youmayhaveyourshare。Afterwards，whenSt。
　　Josephofferedherhisbedandwantedtolieonthestraw，shereplied，no，liedowninthebed，thereisplentyofroomforbothofus。St。Josephtookherinhisarmsandputherinthebed，andlaidhimselfonthestraw。
　　InthemorningwhenthechildawokeandlookedforSt。Joseph，hehadvanished，butbehindthedoorshefoundalittlesackofmoneythatwasaboutaslongasahand，andonitwaswrittenthatitwasforthechildwhohadslepttherelastnight。Soshetookthelittlebagandranhomewithit，andtookittohermother，butshesecretlykepttwopiecesforherself。
　　Theeldestdaughterhadbythistimegrowninquisitive，andthenextmorningalsoinsistedongoingoutintotheforest。Hermothergaveherpancakes-asmanyasshewanted，andbreadandcheeseaswell。IntheeveningshefoundSt。Josephinhislittlehut，justasthetwoothershadfoundhim。WhenthesoupwasreadyandSt。Josephsaid，Iamsohungry，givemesomeofthefood，thegirlanswered，waituntilIamsatisfied，thenifthereisanythingleftyoushallhaveit。Butsheatenearlythewholeofit，andSt。Josephhadtoscrapethedish。Afterwards，thegoodoldmanofferedherhisbed，andwantedtolieonthestraw。Shetookitwithoutmakinganyopposition，laidherselfdowninthelittlebed，andleftthehardstrawtothewhite-hairedman。Nextmorningwhensheawoke，St。Josephwasnottobefound，butshedidnottroubleherselfaboutthat。Shelookedbehindthedoorforamoney-bag。Shefanciedsomethingwaslyingontheground，butasshecouldnotverywelldistinguishwhatitwas，shestoopeddown，sothatshetoucheditwithhernose，whereitremainedhanging，andwhenshegotupagain，shesaw，toherhorror，thatitwasasecondnose，whichwashangingfasttoherown。Thenshebegantoscreamandhowl，butthatdidnogood。Shealwayshadtolookathernose，foritstretchedoutsofar。ThensheranoutandscreamedwithoutstoppingtillshemetSt。Joseph，atwhosefeetshefellandbeggeduntil，outofpity，hetookthenoseoffheragain，andevengavehertwofarthings。Whenshegothome，hermotherwasstandingbeforethedoor，andasked，whathaveyouhadgiventoyou。Thensheliedandsaid，agreatbagofmoney，butIhavelostitontheway。
　　Lostit。Criedthemother。Oh，butwewillsoonfinditagain，andtookherbythehand，andwantedtoseekitwithher。Atfirstshebegantocry，anddidnotwishtogo，butatlastshewent。Ontheway，however，somanylizardsandsnakesbrokelooseonbothofthem，thattheydidnotknowhowtosavethemselves。Atlasttheystungthewickedchildtodeath，andtheystungthemotherinthefoot，becauseshehadnotbroughtherupbetter。
　　ThreehundredyearsbeforethebirthoftheLordchrist，therelivedamotherwhohadtwelvesons，butwassopoorandneedythatshenolongerknewhowshewastokeepthemalive。SheprayedtoGoddailythathewouldgrantthatallhersonsmightbeontheearthwiththeredeemerwhowaspromised。Whenhernecessitybecamestillgreatershesentoneofthemaftertheotheroutintotheworldtoseektheirbread。Theeldestwascalledpeter，andhewentoutandhadalreadywalkedalongway，awholeday'sjourney，whenhecameintoagreatforest。
　　Hesoughtforawayout，butcouldfindnone，andwentfartherandfartherastray，andatthesametimefeltsuchgreathungerthathecouldscarcelystand。Atlengthhebecamesoweakthathewasforcedtoliedown，andhebelieveddeathtobeathand。Suddenlytherestoodbesidehimasmallboywhoshonewithbrightness，andwasasbeautifulandkindasanangel。
　　Thechildsmotehislittlehandstogether，untilpeterwasforcedtolookupandseehim。Thenthechildsaid，whyareyousittingthereinsuchtrouble。Alas。Answeredpeter，I
　　amgoingabouttheworldseekingbread，thatImayyetseethedearsaviorwhoispromised，thatismygreatestdesire。Thechildsaid，comewithme，andyourwishshallbefulfilled。Hetookpoorpeterbythehand，andledhimbetweensomecliffstoagreatcavern。Whentheyenteredit，everythingwasshiningwithgold，silver，andcrystal，andinthemidstofittwelvecradleswerestandingsidebyside。Thensaidthelittleangel，liedowninthefirst，andsleepawhile，Iwillrockyou。
　　Peterdidso，andtheangelsangtohimandrockedhimuntilhewasalseep。Andwhenhewasasleep，thesecondbrothercamealso，guidedthitherbyhisguardianangel，andhewasrockedtosleeplikethefirst，andthuscametheothers，oneaftertheother，untilalltwelvelaytheresleepinginthegoldencradles。Theyslept，however，threehundredyears，untilthenightwhenthesavioroftheworldwasborn。Thentheyawoke，andwerewithhimonearth，andwerecalledthetwelveapostles。
　　Therewasonceapoorwomanwhohadtwochildren。Theyoungesthadtogoeverydayintotheforesttofetchwood。Oncewhenshehadgonealongwaytoseekit，alittlechild，whowasquitestrong，cameandhelpedherindustriouslytopickupthewoodandcarryithome，andthenbeforeamomenthadpassedthestrangechilddisappeared。Thechildtoldhermotherthis，butatfirstshewouldnotbelieveit。Atlengthshebroughtarosehome，andtoldhermotherthatthebeautifulchildhadgivenherthisrose，andhadtoldherthatwhenitwasinfullbloom，hewouldreturn。Themotherputtheroseinwater。Onemorningherchildcouldnotgetoutofbed。Themotherwenttothebedandfoundherdead，butshelaylookingveryhappy。Onthesamemorning，therosewasinfullbloom。
　　Therewasonceaking'ssonwhowentoutintotheworld，andhewasfullofthoughtandsad。Helookedatthesky，whichwassobeautifullypureandblue，thenhesighed，andsaid，howwellmustallbewithoneupthereinheaven。
　　Thenhesawapoorgray-hairedmanwhowascomingalongtheroadtowardshim，andhespoketohim，andasked，howcanI
　　gettoheaven。Themananswered，bypovertyandhumility。Putonmyraggedclothes，wanderabouttheworldforsevenyears，andgettoknowwhatmiseryis，takenomoney，butifyouarehungryaskcompassionateheartsforabitofbread。Inthiswayyouwillreachheaven。
　　Thentheking'ssontookoffhismagnificentcoat，andworeinitsplacethebeggar'sgarment，wentoutintothewideworld，andsufferedgreatmisery。Hetooknothingbutalittlefood，saidnothing，butprayedtotheLordtotakehimintohisheaven。Whenthesevenyearswereover，hereturnedtohisfather'spalace，butnoonerecognizedhim。Hesaidtotheservants，goandtellmyparentsthatIhavecomebackagain。Buttheservantsdidnotbelieveit，andlaughedandlefthimstandingthere。Thensaidhe，goandtellittomybrothersthattheymaycomedown，forI
　　shouldsoliketoseethemagain。Theservantswouldnotdothateither，butatlastoneofthemwent，andtoldittotheking'schildren，butthesedidnotbelieveit，anddidnottroublethemselvesaboutit。Thenhewrotealettertohismother，anddescribedtoherallhismisery，buthedidnotsaythathewasherson。Sooutofpity，thequeenhadaplaceunderthestairsassignedtohim，andfoodtakentohimdailybytwoservants。Butoneofthemwasill-naturedandsaid，whyshouldthebeggarhavethegoodfood，andkeptitforhimself，orgaveittothedogs，andtooktheweak，emaciatedbeggarnothingbutwater。Theother，however，washonest，andtookthebeggarwhatwassenttohim。Itwaslittle，buthecouldliveonitforawhile，andallthetimehewasquitepatient，buthegrewcontinuallyweaker。
　　Ashisillnessincreased，hedesiredtoreceivethelastsacrament。
　　Whenthemasswasbeingcelebrated，allthebellsinthetownandneighborhoodbegantoringoftheirownaccord。Aftermassthepriestwenttothepoormanunderthestairs，andtherehelaydead。Inonehandhehadarose，intheotheralily，andbesidehimwasapaperonwhichwaswrittenhishistory。
　　Whenhewasburied，arosegrewononesideofhisgrave，andalilyontheother。
　　Therewereonceuponatimetwosisters，oneofwhomhadnochildrenandwasrich，andtheotherhadfiveandwasawidow，andsopoorthatshenolongerhadfoodenoughtosatisfyherselfandherchildren。Inherneed，therefore，shewenttohersister，andsaid，mychildrenandIaresufferingthegreatesthunger。Youarerich，givemeamouthfulofbread。Theveryrichsisterwasashardasastone，andsaid，Imyselfhavenothinginthehouse，anddroveawaythepoorcreaturewithharshwords。
　　Aftersometimethehusbandoftherichsistercamehome，andwasjustgoingtocuthimselfapieceofbread，butwhenhemadethefirstcutintotheloaf，outflowedredblood。Whenthewomansawthatshewasterrifiedandtoldhimwhathadoccurred。Hehurriedawaytohelpthewidowandherchildren，butwhenheenteredherroom，hefoundherpraying。Shehadhertwoyoungestchildreninherarms，andthethreeeldestwerelyingdead。Heofferedherfood，butsheanswered，forearthlyfoodhavewenolongeranydesire。Godhasalreadysatisfiedthehungerofthreeofus，andhewillhearkentooursupplicationslikewise。