Inoldentimeswhenwishingstillhelpedone，therelivedakingwhosedaughterswereallbeautiful，buttheyoungestwassobeautifulthatthesunitself，whichhasseensomuch，wasastonishedwheneveritshoneinherface。Closebytheking'scastlelayagreatdarkforest，andunderanoldlime-treeintheforestwasawell，andwhenthedaywasverywarm，theking'schildwentoutintotheforestandsatdownbythesideofthecoolfountain，andwhenshewasboredshetookagoldenball，andthrewituponhighandcaughtit，andthisballwasherfavoriteplaything。
Nowitsohappenedthatononeoccasiontheprincess'sgoldenballdidnotfallintothelittlehandwhichshewasholdingupforit，butontothegroundbeyond，androlledstraightintothewater。Theking'sdaughterfolloweditwithhereyes，butitvanished，andthewellwasdeep，sodeepthatthebottomcouldnotbeseen。Atthisshebegantocry，andcriedlouderandlouder，andcouldnotbecomforted。Andasshethuslamentedsomeonesaidtoher，"Whatailsyou，king'sdaughter？Youweepsothatevenastonewouldshowpity。"
Shelookedroundtothesidefromwhencethevoicecame，andsawafrogstretchingforthitsbig，uglyheadfromthewater。"Ah，oldwater-splasher，isityou，"shesaid，"Iamweepingformygoldenball，whichhasfallenintothewell。""Bequiet，anddonotweep，"answeredthefrog，"Icanhelpyou，butwhatwillyougivemeifIbringyourplaythingupagain？""Whateveryouwillhave，dearfrog，"saidshe，"Myclothes，mypearlsandjewels，andeventhegoldencrownwhichIamwearing。"Thefroganswered，"Idonotcareforyourclothes，yourpearlsandjewels，norforyourgoldencrown，butifyouwilllovemeandletmebeyourcompanionandplay-fellow，andsitbyyouatyourlittletable，andeatoffyourlittlegoldenplate，anddrinkoutofyourlittlecup，andsleepinyourlittlebed-ifyouwillpromisemethisIwillgodownbelow，andbringyouyourgoldenballupagain。"
"Ohyes，"saidshe，"Ipromiseyouallyouwish，ifyouwillbutbringmemyballbackagain。"Butshethought，"Howthesillyfrogdoestalk。Allhedoesistositinthewaterwiththeotherfrogs，andcroak。Hecanbenocompaniontoanyhumanbeing。"
Butthefrogwhenhehadreceivedthispromise，puthisheadintothewaterandsankdown；andinashortwhilecameswimmmingupagainwiththeballinhismouth，andthrewitonthegrass。Theking'sdaughterwasdelightedtoseeherprettyplaythingoncemore，andpickeditup，andranawaywithit。"Wait，wait，"saidthefrog。"Takemewithyou。Ican'trunasyoucan。"Butwhatdiditavailhimtoscreamhiscroak，croak，afterher，asloudlyashecould。Shedidnotlistentoit，butranhomeandsoonforgotthepoorfrog，whowasforcedtogobackintohiswellagain。
Thenextdaywhenshehadseatedherselfattablewiththekingandallthecourtiers，andwaseatingfromherlittlegoldenplate，somethingcamecreepingsplishsplash，splishsplash，upthemarblestaircase，andwhenithadgottothetop，itknockedatthedoorandcried，"Princess，youngestprincess，openthedoorforme。"Sherantoseewhowasoutside，butwhensheopenedthedoor，theresatthefroginfrontofit。Thensheslammedthedoorto，ingreathaste，satdowntodinneragain，andwasquitefrightened。Thekingsawplainlythatherheartwasbeatingviolently，andsaid，"Mychild，whatareyousoafraidof？Isthereperchanceagiantoutsidewhowantstocarryyouaway？""Ah，no，"repliedshe。"Itisnogiantbutadisgustingfrog。"
"Whatdoesafrogwantwithyou？""Ah，dearfather，yesterdayasIwasintheforestsittingbythewell，playing，mygoldenballfellintothewater。AndbecauseIcriedso，thefrogbroughtitoutagainforme，andbecausehesoinsisted，Ipromisedhimheshouldbemycompanion，butIneverthoughthewouldbeabletocomeoutofhiswater。Andnowheisoutsidethere，andwantstocomeintome。"
Inthemeantimeitknockedasecondtime，andcried，"Princess，youngestprincess，openthedoorforme，doyounotknowwhatyousaidtomeyesterdaybythecoolwatersofthewell。Princess，youngestprincess，openthedoorforme。"
Thensaidtheking，"Thatwhichyouhavepromisedmustyouperform。
Goandlethimin。"Shewentandopenedthedoor，andthefroghoppedinandfollowedher，stepbystep，toherchair。Therehesatandcried，"Liftmeupbesideyou。"Shedelayed，untilatlastthekingcommandedhertodoit。Oncethefrogwasonthechairhewantedtobeonthetable，andwhenhewasonthetablehesaid，"Now，pushyourlittlegoldenplatenearertomethatwemayeattogether。"Shedidthis，butitwaseasytoseethatshedidnotdoitwillingly。Thefrogenjoyedwhatheate，butalmosteverymouthfulshetookchokedher。Atlengthhesaid，"Ihaveeatenandamsatisfied，nowIamtired，carrymeintoyourlittleroomandmakeyourlittlesilkenbedready，andwewillbothliedownandgotosleep。"
Theking'sdaughterbegantocry，forshewasafraidofthecoldfrogwhichshedidnotliketotouch，andwhichwasnowtosleepinherpretty，cleanlittlebed。Butthekinggrewangryandsaid，"Hewhohelpedyouwhenyouwereintroubleoughtnotafterwardstobedespisedbyyou。"Soshetookholdofthefrogwithtwofingers，carriedhimupstairs，andputhiminacorner，butwhenshewasinbedhecrepttoherandsaid，"Iamtired，Iwanttosleepaswellasyou，liftmeuporIwilltellyourfather。"Atthisshewasterriblyangry，andtookhimupandthrewhimwithallhermightagainstthewall。"Now，willyoubequiet，odiousfrog，"saidshe。Butwhenhefelldownhewasnofrogbutaking'ssonwithkindandbeautifuleyes。Hebyherfather'swillwasnowherdearcompanionandhusband。Thenhetoldherhowhehadbeenbewitchedbyawickedwitch，andhownoonecouldhavedeliveredhimfromthewellbutherself，andthatto-morrowtheywouldgotogetherintohiskingdom。
Thentheywenttosleep，andnextmorningwhenthesunawokethem，acarriagecamedrivingupwitheightwhitehorses，whichhadwhiteostrichfeathersontheirheads，andwereharnessedwithgoldenchains，andbehindstoodtheyoungking'sservantFaithfulHenry。
FaithfulHenryhadbeensounhappywhenhismasterwaschangedintoafrog，thathehadcausedthreeironbandstobelaidroundhisheart，lestitshouldburstwithgriefandsadness。Thecarriagewastoconducttheyoungkingintohiskingdom。FaithfulHenryhelpedthembothin，andplacedhimselfbehindagain，andwasfullofjoybecauseofthisdeliverance。Andwhentheyhaddrivenapartofthewaytheking'ssonheardacrackingbehindhimasifsomethinghadbroken。
Soheturnedroundandcried，"Henry，thecarriageisbreaking。"
"No，master，itisnotthecarriage。Itisabandfrommyheart，whichwasputthereinmygreatpainwhenyouwereafrogandimprisonedinthewell。"Againandonceagainwhiletheywereontheirwaysomethingcracked，andeachtimetheking'ssonthoughtthecarriagewasbreaking，butitwasonlythebandswhichwerespringingfromtheheartofFaithfulHenrybecausehismasterwassetfreeandwashappy。
Hardbyagreatforestdweltawood-cutterwithhiswife，whohadanonlychild，alittlegirlthreeyearsold。Theyweresopoor，however，thattheynolongerhaddailybread，anddidnotknowhowtogetfoodforher。Onemorningthewood-cutterwentoutsorrowfullytohisworkintheforest，andwhilehewascuttingwood，suddenlytherestoodbeforehimatallandbeautifulwomanwithacrownofshiningstarsonherhead，whosaidtohim'Iamthevirginmary，motherofthechildjesus。Youarepoorandneedy，bringyourchildtome，Iwilltakeherwithmeandbehermother，andcareforher。'
Thewood-cutterobeyed，broughthischild，andgavehertothevirginmary，whotookheruptoheavenwithher。Therethechildfaredwell，atesugar-cakes，anddranksweetmilk，andherclotheswereofgold，andthelittleangelsplayedwithher。Andwhenshewasfourteenyearsofage，thevirginmarycalledheronedayandsaid'dearchild，Iamabouttomakealongjourney，sotakeintoyourkeepingthekeysofthethirteendoorsofheaven。Twelveoftheseyoumayopen，andbeholdtheglorywhichiswithinthem，butthethirteenth，towhichthislittlekeybelongs，isforbiddenyou。Takecarenottoopenit，oryouwillbeunhappy。'Thegirlpromisedtobeobedient，andwhenthevirginmarywasgone，shebegantoexaminethedwellingsofthekingdomofheaven。Eachdaysheopenedoneofthem，untilshehadmadetheroundofthetwelve。Ineachofthemsatoneoftheapostlesinthemidstofagreatlight，andsherejoicedinallthemagnificenceandsplendor，andthelittleangelswhoalwaysaccompaniedherrejoicedwithher。Thentheforbiddendooraloneremained，andshefeltagreatdesiretoknowwhatcouldbehiddenbehindit，andsaidtotheangels'Iwillnotopenitentirely，andI
willnotgoinside，butIwillunlockitsothatwecanseejustalittlethroughtheopening。''Oh'no，saidthelittleangels，'thatwouldbeasin。Thevirginmaryhasforbiddenit，anditmighteasilycauseyourunhappiness。'Thenshewassilent，butthedesireinherheartwasnotstilled，butgnawedthereandtormentedher，andletherhavenorest。Andoncewhentheangelshadallgoneout，shethought'nowIamquitealone，andIcouldpeepin。IfIdo，noonewilleverknow。'Shesoughtoutthekey，andwhenshehadgotitinherhand，sheputitinthelock，andwhenshehadputitin，sheturneditroundaswell。Thenthedoorsprangopen，andshesawtherethetrinitysittinginfireandsplendor。Shestayedthereawhile，andlookedateverythinginamazement，thenshetouchedthelightalittlewithherfinger，andherfingerbecamequitegolden。
Immediatelyagreatfearfellonher。Sheshutthedoorviolently，andranhithere。Butherterrorwouldnotquither，letherdowhatshe'Yes，saidthegirl，forthesecondtime。Thensheperceivedthefingerwhichhadbecomegoldenfromtouchingthefireofheaven，andsawwellthatthechildhadsinned，andsaidforthethirdtime'haveyounotdoneit。''No，saidthegirlforthethirdtime。Thensaidthevirginmary'youhavenotobeyedme，andbesidesthatyouhavelied，youarenolongerworthytobeinheaven。'Thenthegirlfellintoadeepsleep，andwhensheawokeshelayontheearthbelow，andinthemidstofawilderness。Shewantedtocryout，butshecouldbringforthnosound。Shesprangupandwantedtorunaway，butwhithersoeversheturnedherself，shewascontinuallyheldbackbythickhedgesofthornsthroughwhichshecouldnotbreak。Inthedesert，inwhichshewasimprisoned，therestoodanoldhollowtree，andthishadtobeherdwelling-place。Intothisshecreptwhennightcame，andheresheslept。Here，too，shefoundashelterfrommight，andherheartbeatcontinuallyandwouldnotbestill，thegoldtoostayedonherfinger，andwouldnotgoaway，letherrubitandwashitneversomuch。Itwasnotlongbeforethevirginmarycamebackfromherjourney。Shecalledthegirlbeforeher，andaskedtohavethekeysofheavenback。Whenthemaidengaveherthebunch，thevirginlookedintohereyesandsaid'haveyounotopenedthethirteenthdooralso。''No，shereplied。Thenshelaidherhandonthegirl'sheart，andfelthowitbeatandbeat，andsawrightwellthatshehaddisobeyedherorderandhadopenedthedoor。Thenshesaidonceagain'areyoucertainthatyouhavenotdoneit。'
stormandrain，butitwasamiserablelife，andbitterlydidsheweepwhensherememberedhowhappyshehadbeeninheaven，andhowtheangelshadplayedwithher。Rootsandwildberrieswereheronlyfood，andfortheseshesoughtasfarasshecouldgo。Intheautumnshepickedupthefallennutsandleaves，andcarriedthemintothehole。Thenutswereherfoodinwinter，andwhensnowandicecame，shecreptamongsttheleaveslikeapoorlittleanimalthatshemightnotfreeze。Beforelongherclotheswerealltorn，andonebitofthemafteranotherfelloffher。Assoon，however，asthesunshonewarmagain，shewentoutandsatinfrontofthetree，andherlonghaircoveredheronallsideslikeamantle。Thusshesatyearafteryear，andfeltthepainandthemiseryoftheworld。Oneday，whenthetreeswereoncemoreclothedinfreshgreen，thekingofthecountrywashuntingintheforest，andfollowedaroe，andasithadfledintothethicketwhichshutinthispartoftheforest，hegotoffhishorse，torethebushesasunder，andcuthimselfapathwithhissword。Whenhehadatlastforcedhiswaythrough，hesawawonderfullybeautifulmaidensittingunderthetree，andshesatthereandwasentirelycoveredwithhergoldenhairdowntoherveryfeet。Hestoodstillandlookedatherfullofsurprise，thenhespoketoherandsaid'whoareyou。Whyareyousittinghereinthewilderness。'Butshegavenoanswer，forshecouldnotopenhermouth。Thekingcontinued'willyougowithmetomycastle。Thenshejustnoddedherheadalittle。Thekingtookherinhisarms，carriedhertohishorse，androdehomewithher，andwhenhereachedtheroyalcastlehecausedhertobedressedinbeautifulgarments，andgaveherallthingsinabundance。Althoughshecouldnotspeak，shewasstillsobeautifulandcharmingthathebegantoloveherwithallhisheart，anditwasnotlongbeforehemarriedher。Afterayearorsohadpassed，thequeenbroughtasonintotheworld。
Thereuponthevirginmaryappearedtoherinthenightwhenshelayinherbedalone，andsaid'ifyouwilltellthetruthandconfessthatyoudidunlocktheforbiddendoor，Iwillopenyourmouthandgiveyoubackyourspeech，butifyoupersevereinyoursin，anddenyobstinately，Iwilltakeyournew-bornchildawaywithme。'Thethequeenwaspermittedtoanswer，butsheremainedhard，andsaid'no，I
didnotopentheforbiddendoor，andthevirginmarytookthenew-bornchildfromherarms，andvanishedwithit。Nextmorningwhenthechildwasnottobefound，itwaswhisperedamongthepeoplethatthequeenwasaman-eater，andhadputherownchildtodeath。
Sheheardallthisandcouldsaynothingtothecontrary，butthekingwouldnotbelieveit，forhelovedhersomuch。Whenayearhadgonebythequeenagainboreason，andinthenightthevirginmaryagaincametoher，andsaid'ifyouwillconfessthatyouopenedtheforbiddendoor，Iwillgiveyouyourchildbackanduntieyourtonguebutifyoucontinueinsinanddenyit，Iwilltakeawaywithmethisnewchildalso。'Thenthequeenagainsaid'no，Ididnotopentheforbiddendoor。'Andthevirgintookthechildoutofherarms，andawaywithhertoheaven。Nextmorning，whenthischildalsohaddisappeared，thepeopledeclaredquiteloudlythatthequeenhaddevouredit，andtheking'scouncillorsdemandedthatsheshouldbebroughttojustice。Thekinghowever，lovedhersodearlythathewouldnotbelieveit，andcommandedthecouncillorsunderpainofdeathnottosayanymoreaboutit。Thefollowingyearthequeengavebirthtoabeautifullittledaughter，andforthethirdtimethevirginmaryappearedtoherinthenightandsaid'followme。'Shetookthequeenbythehandandledhertoheaven，andshowedhertherehertwoeldestchildren，whosmiledather，andwereplayingwiththeballoftheworld。Whenthequeenrejoicedthereat，thevirginmarysaid'isyourheartnotyetsoftened。Ifyouwillownthatyouopenedtheforbiddendoor，Iwillgiveyoubackyourtwolittlesons。'Butforthethirdtimethequeenanswered'no，Ididnotopentheforbiddendoor。'Thenthevirginlethersinkdowntoearthoncemore，andtookfromherlikewiseherthirdchild。
Nextmorning，whenthelosswasreportedabroad，allthepeoplecriedloudly'thequeenisaman-eater。Shemustbejudged，andthekingwasnolongerabletorestrainhiscouncillors。Thereuponatrialwasheld，andasshecouldnotanswer，anddefendherself，shewascondemnedtobeburntatthestake。Thewoodwasgottogether，andwhenshewasfastboundtothestake，andthefirebegantoburnroundabouther，thehardiceofpridemelted，herheartwasmovedbyrepentance，andshethought'ifIcouldbutconfessbeforemydeaththatIopenedthedoor。'Thenhervoicecamebacktoher，andshecriedoutloudly'yes，mary，Ididit，andstraight-wayrainfellfromtheskyandextinguishedtheflamesoffire，andalightbrokeforthaboveher，andthevirginmarydescendedwiththetwolittlesonsbyherside，andthenew-borndaughterinherarms。Shespokekindlytoher，andsaid'hewhorepentshissinandacknowledgesit，isforgiven。'Thenshegaveherthethreechildren，untiedhertongue，andgrantedherhappinessforherwholelife。
Acertainfatherhadtwosons，theelderofwhomwassmartandsensible，andcoulddoeverything，buttheyoungerwasstupidandcouldneitherlearnnorunderstandanything，andwhenpeoplesawhimtheysaid'there'safellowwhowillgivehisfathersometrouble。'
Whenanythinghadtobedone，itwasalwaystheelderwhowasforcedtodoit，butifhisfatherbadehimfetchanythingwhenitwaslate，orinthenight-time，andthewayledthroughthechurchyard，oranyotherdismalplace，heanswered'oh，no，father，I'llnotgothere，itmakesmeshudder。'Forhewasafraid。Orwhenstoriesweretoldbythefireatnightwhichmadethefleshcreep，thelistenerssometimessaid'oh，itmakesusshudder。'Theyoungersatinacornerandlistenedwiththerestofthem，andcouldnotimaginewhattheycouldmean。'Theyarealwayssaying'itmakesmeshudder，itmakesmeshudder，itdoesnotmakemeshudder。'Thoughthe。'That，too，mustbeanartofwhichIunderstandnothing。'
Nowitcametopassthathisfathersaidtohimoneday'hearkentome，youfellowinthecornerthere，youaregrowingtallandstrong，andyoutoomustlearnsomethingbywhichyoucanearnyourbread。
Lookhowyourbrotherworks，butyoudonotevenearnyoursalt。'
'Well，father，hereplied，'Iamquitewillingtolearnsomething-
indeed，ifitcouldbutbemanaged，Ishouldliketolearnhowtoshudder。Idon'tunderstandthatatallyet。'Theelderbrothersmiledwhenheheardthat，andthoughttohimself'goodGod，whatablockheadthatbrotherofmineis。Hewillneverbegoodforanythingaslongashelives。Hewhowantstobeasicklemustbendhimselfbetimes。'Thefathersighed，andansweredhim'youshallsoonlearnwhatitistoshudder，butyouwillnotearnyourbreadbythat。'Soonafterthisthesextoncametothehouseonavisit，andthefatherbewailedhistrouble，andtoldhimhowhisyoungersonwassobackwardineveryrespectthatheknewnothingandlearntnothing。
'Justthink，saidhe，'whenIaskedhimhowhewasgoingtoearnhisbread，heactuallywantedtolearntoshudder。''Ifthatbeall，repliedthesexton，'hecanlearnthatwithme。Sendhimtome，andIwillsoonpolishhim。'Thefatherwasgladtodoit，forhethought'itwilltraintheboyalittle。'Thesextonthereforetookhimintohishouse，andhehadtoringthechurchbell。Afteradayortwo，thesextonawokehimatmidnight，andbadehimariseandgoupintothechurchtowerandringthebell。'Youshallsoonlearnwhatshudderingis，thoughthe，andsecretlywenttherebeforehim，andwhentheboywasatthetopofthetowerandturnedround，andwasjustgoingtotakeholdofthebellrope，hesawawhitefigurestandingonthestairsoppositethesoundinghole。'Whoisthere。'
Criedhe，butthefiguremadenoreply，anddidnotmoveorstir。
'Giveananswer，criedtheboy，'ortakeyourselfoff，youhavenobusinesshereatnight。'
Thesexton，however，remainedstandingmotionlessthattheboymightthinkhewasaghost。Theboycriedasecondtime'whatdoyouwanthere-Speakifyouareanhonestfellow，orIwillthrowyoudownthesteps。'Thesextonthought'hecan'tmeantobeasbadashiswords，utterednosoundandstoodasifheweremadeofstone。Thentheboycalledtohimforthethirdtime，andasthatwasalsotonopurpose，heranagainsthimandpushedtheghostdownthestairs，sothatitfelldowntenstepsandremainedlyingthereinacorner。
Thereuponherangthebell，wenthome，andwithoutsayingawordwenttobed，andfellasleep。Thesexton'swifewaitedalongtimeforherhusband，buthedidnotcomeback。Atlengthshebecameuneasy，andwakenedtheboy，andasked'doyounotknowwheremyhusbandis。
Heclimbedupthetowerbeforeyoudid。''No，Idon'tknow，repliedtheboy，'butsomeonewasstandingbythesoundingholeontheothersideofthesteps，andashewouldneithergiveananswernorgoaway，Itookhimforascoundrel，andthrewhimdownstairs。Justgothereandyouwillseeifitwashe。Ishouldbesorryifitwere。'
Thewomanranawayandfoundherhusband，whowaslyingmoaninginthecorner，andhadbrokenhisleg。
Shecarriedhimdown，andthenwithloudscreamsshehastenedtotheboy'sfather。'Yourboy，criedshe，'hasbeenthecauseofagreatmisfortune。Hehasthrownmyhusbanddownthestepssothathebrokehisleg。Takethegood-for-nothingfellowoutofourhouse。'Thefatherwasterrified，andranthitherandscoldedtheboy。'Whatwickedtricksarethese。'Saidhe，'thedevilmusthaveputthemintoyourhead。''Father，hereplied，'dolistentome。Iamquiteinnocent。Hewasstandingtherebynightlikeoneintentondoingevil。Ididnotknowwhoitwas，andIentreatedhimthreetimeseithertospeakortogoaway。''Ah，saidthefather，'Ihavenothingbutunhappinesswithyou。Gooutofmysight。Iwillseeyounomore。'
'Yes，father，rightwillingly，waitonlyuntilitisday。ThenwillIgoforthandlearnhowtoshudder，andthenIshall，atanyrate，understandoneartwhichwillsupportme。''Learnwhatyouwill，spokethefather，'itisallthesametome。Herearefiftytalersforyou。Taketheseandgointothewideworld，andtellnoonefromwhenceyoucome，andwhoisyourfather，forIhavereasontobeashamedofyou。''Yes，father，itshallbeasyouwill。Ifyoudesirenothingmorethanthat，Icaneasilykeepitinmind。'
Whendaydawned，therefore，theboyputhisfiftytalersintohispocket，andwentforthonthegreathighway，andcontinuallysaidtohimself'ifIcouldbutshudder。IfIcouldbutshudder。'Thenamanapproachedwhoheardthisconversationwhichtheyouthwasholdingwithhimself，andwhentheyhadwalkedalittlefarthertowheretheycouldseethegallows，themansaidtohim'look，thereisthetreewheresevenmenhavemarriedtheropemaker'sdaughter，andarenowlearninghowtofly。Sitdownbeneathit，andwaittillnightcomes，andyouwillsoonlearnhowtoshudder。''Ifthatisallthatiswanted，answeredtheyouth，'itiseasilydone，butifIlearnhowtoshudderasfastasthat，youshallhavemyfiftytalers。Justcomebacktomeearlyinthemorning。'Thentheyouthwenttothegallows，satdownbeneathit，andwaitedtilleveningcame。Andashewascold，helightedhimselfafire，butatmidnightthewindblewsosharplythatinspiteofhisfire，hecouldnotgetwarm。Andasthewindknockedthehangedmenagainsteachother，andtheymovedbackwardsandforwards，hethoughttohimself'ifyoushiverbelowbythefire，howthoseupabovemustfreezeandsuffer。'Andashefeltpityforthem，heraisedtheladder，andclimbedup，unboundoneofthemaftertheother，andbroughtdownallseven。Thenhestokedthefire，blewit，andsetthemallroundittowarmthemselves。Buttheysatthereanddidnotstir，andthefirecaughttheirclothes。
Sohesaid'takecare，orIwillhangyouupagain。'Thedeadmen，however，didnothear，butwerequitesilent，andlettheirragsgoonburning。Atthishegrewangry，andsaid'ifyouwillnottakecare，Icannothelpyou，Iwillnotbeburntwithyou，andhehungthemupagaineachinhisturn。Thenhesatdownbyhisfireandfellasleep，andthenextmorningthemancametohimandwantedtohavethefiftytalers，andsaid'well，doyouknowhowtoshudder。''No，answeredhe，'howshouldIknow。Thosefellowsuptheredidnotopentheirmouths，andweresostupidthattheyletthefewoldragswhichtheyhadontheirbodiesgetburnt。'Thenthemansawthathewouldnotgetthefiftytalersthatday，andwentawaysaying'suchayouthhasnevercomemywaybefore。'Theyouthlikewisewenthisway，andoncemorebegantomuttertohimself'ah，ifIcouldbutshudder。
Ah，ifIcouldbutshudder。'Awaggonerwhowasstridingbehindhimheardthisandasked'whoareyou。''Idon'tknow，answeredtheyouth。Thenthewaggonerasked'fromwhencedoyoucome。''Iknownot。''Whoisyourfather。''ThatImaynottellyou。''Whatisitthatyouarealwaysmutteringbetweenyourteeth。''Ah，repliedtheyouth，'IdosowishIcouldshudder，butnoonecanteachmehow。'
'Enoughofyourfoolishchatter，saidthewaggoner。'Come，gowithme，Iwillseeaboutaplaceforyou。'Theyouthwentwiththewaggoner，andintheeveningtheyarrivedataninnwheretheywishedtopassthenight。Thenattheentranceoftheparlortheyouthagainsaidquiteloudly'ifIcouldbutshudder。IfIcouldbutshudder。'Thehostwhoheardthis，laughedandsaid'ifthatisyourdesire，thereoughttobeagoodopportunityforyouhere。''Ah，besilent，saidthehostess，'somanypryingpersonshavealreadylosttheirlives，itwouldbeapityandashameifsuchbeautifuleyesastheseshouldneverseethedaylightagain。'Buttheyouthsaid'howeverdifficultitmaybe，Iwilllearnit。ForthispurposeindeedhaveIjourneyedforth。'Heletthehosthavenorest，untilthelattertoldhim，thatnotfarfromthencestoodahauntedcastlewhereanyonecouldveryeasilylearnwhatshudderingwas，ifhewouldbutwatchinitforthreenights。Thekinghadpromisedthathewhowouldventureshouldhavehisdaughtertowife，andshewasthemostbeautifulmaidenthesunshoneon。Likewiseinthecastlelaygreattreasures，whichwereguardedbyevilspirits，andthesetreasureswouldthenbefreed，andwouldmakeapoormanrichenough。
Alreadymanymenhadgoneintothecastle，butasyetnonehadcomeoutagain。Thentheyouthwentnextmorningtothekingandsaid'ifitbeallowed，Iwillwillinglywatchthreenightsinthehauntedcastle。'Thekinglookedathim，andastheyouthpleasedhim，hesaid'youmayaskforthreethingstotakeintothecastlewithyou，buttheymustbethingswithoutlife。'Thenheanswered'thenIaskforafire，aturninglathe，andacutting-boardwiththeknife。'Thekinghadthesethingscarriedintothecastleforhimduringtheday。
Whennightwasdrawingnear，theyouthwentupandmadehimselfabrightfireinoneoftherooms，placedthecutting-boardandknifebesideit，andseatedhimselfbytheturning-lathe。'Ah，ifIcouldbutshudder。'Saidhe，'butIshallnotlearnithereeither。'
Towardsmidnighthewasabouttopokehisfire，andashewasblowingit，somethingcriedsuddenlyfromonecorner'au，miau。Howcoldweare。''Youfools。'Criedhe，'whatareyoucryingabout。Ifyouarecold，comeandtakeaseatbythefireandwarmyourselves。'Andwhenhehadsaidthat，twogreatblackcatscamewithonetremendousleapandsatdownoneachsideofhim，andlookedsavagelyathimwiththeirfieryeyes。Afterashorttime，whentheyhadwarmedthemselves，theysaid'comrade，shallwehaveagameofcards。''Whynot。'Hereplied，'butjustshowmeyourpaws。'Thentheystretchedouttheirclaws。'Oh，saidhe，'whatlongnailsyouhave。Wait，I
mustfirstcutthemforyou。'Thereuponheseizedthembythethroats，putthemonthecutting-boardandscrewedtheirfeetfast。
'Ihavelookedatyourfingers，saidhe，'andmyfancyforcard-playinghasgone，andhestruckthemdeadandthrewthemoutintothewater。Butwhenhehadmadeawaywiththesetwo，andwasabouttositdownagainbyhisfire，outfromeveryholeandcornercameblackcatsandblackdogswithred-hotchains，andmoreandmoreofthemcameuntilhecouldnolongermove，andtheyyelledhorribly，andgotonhisfire，pulledittopieces，andtriedtoputitout。
Hewatchedthemforawhilequietly，butatlastwhentheyweregoingtoofar，heseizedhiscutting-knife，andcried'awaywithyou，vermin，andbegantocutthemdown。Someofthemranaway，theothershekilled，andthrewoutintothefish-pond。Whenhecamebackhefannedtheembersofhisfireagainandwarmedhimself。Andashethussat，hiseyeswouldkeepopennolonger，andhefeltadesiretosleep。Thenhelookedroundandsawagreatbedinthecorner。
'Thatistheverythingforme，saidhe，andgotintoit。Whenhewasjustgoingtoshuthiseyes，however，thebedbegantomoveofitsownaccord，andwentoverthewholeofthecastle。'That'sright，saidhe，'butgofaster。'Thenthebedrolledonasifsixhorseswereharnessedtoit，upanddown，overthresholdsandstairs，butsuddenlyhop，hop，itturnedoverupsidedown，andlayonhimlikeamountain。Buthethrewquiltsandpillowsupintheair，gotoutandsaid'nowanyonewholikes，maydrive，andlaydownbyhisfire，andslepttillitwasday。Inthemorningthekingcame，andwhenhesawhimlyingthereontheground，hethoughttheevilspiritshadkilledhimandhewasdead。Thensaidhe'afterallitisapity，——forsohandsomeaman。'Theyouthheardit，gotup，andsaid'ithasnotcometothatyet。'Thenthekingwasastonished，butveryglad，andaskedhowhehadfared。'Verywellindeed，answeredhe，'onenightispast，thetwootherswillpasslikewise。'Thenhewenttotheinnkeeper，whoopenedhiseyesverywide，andsaid'Ineverexpectedtoseeyoualiveagain。Haveyoulearnthowtoshudderyet。''No，saidhe，'itisallinvain。Ifsomeonewouldbuttellme。'Thesecondnightheagainwentupintotheoldcastle，satdownbythefire，andoncemorebeganhisoldsong'ifIcouldbutshudder。'Whenmidnightcame，anuproarandnoiseoftumblingaboutwasheard，atfirstitwaslow，butitgrewlouderandlouder。Thenitwasquietforawhile，andatlengthwithaloudscream，halfamancamedownthechimneyandfellbeforehim。'Hullo。'Criedhe，'anotherhalfbelongstothis。Thisisnotenough。'Thentheuproarbeganagain，therewasaroaringandhowling，andtheotherhalffelldownlikewise。'Wait，saidhe，'Iwilljuststokeupthefirealittleforyou。'Whenhehaddonethatandlookedroundagain，thetwopieceswerejoinedtogether，andahideousmanwassittinginhisplace。'Thatisnopartofourbargain，saidtheyouth，'thebenchismine。'Themanwantedtopushhimaway，theyouth，however，wouldnotallowthat，butthrusthimoffwithallhisstrength，andseatedhimselfagaininhisownplace。Thenstillmoremenfelldown，oneaftertheother，theybroughtninedeadmen'slegsandtwoskulls，andsetthemupandplayedatnine-pinswiththem。Theyouthalsowantedtoplayandsaid'listenyou，canIjoinyou。''Yes，ifyouhaveanymoney。'Moneyenough，repliedhe，'butyourballsarenotquiteround。'Thenhetooktheskullsandputtheminthelatheandturnedthemtilltheywereround。'There，nowtheywillrollbetter。'Saidhe。'Hurrah。Nowwe'llhavefun。'Heplayedwiththemandlostsomeofhismoney，butwhenitstrucktwelve，everythingvanishedfromhissight。Helaydownandquietlyfellasleep。Nextmorningthekingcametoinquireafterhim。'Howhasitfaredwithyouthistime。'Askedhe。'Ihavebeenplayingatnine-pins，heanswered，'andhavelostacoupleoffarthings。''Haveyounotshudderedthen。''What。'Saidhe，'Ihavehadawonderfultime。IfIdidbutknowwhatitwastoshudder。'Thethirdnighthesatdownagainonhisbenchandsaidquitesadly'ifIcouldbutshudder。'
Whenitgrewlate，sixtallmencameinandbroughtacoffin。Thensaidhe'ha，ha，thatiscertainlymylittlecousin，whodiedonlyafewdaysago，andhebeckonedwithhisfinger，andcried'come，littlecousin，come。'Theyplacedthecoffinontheground，buthewenttoitandtookthelidoff，andadeadmanlaytherein。Hefelthisface，butitwascoldasice。'Wait，saidhe，'Iwillwarmyoualittle，andwenttothefireandwarmedhishandandlaiditonthedeadman'sface，butheremainedcold。Thenhetookhimout，andsatdownbythefireandlaidhimonhisbreastandrubbedhisarmsthatthebloodmightcirculateagain。Asthisalsodidnogood，hethoughttohimself'whentwopeoplelieinbedtogether，theywarmeachother，andcarriedhimtothebed，coveredhimoverandlaydownbyhim。Afterashorttimethedeadmanbecamewarmtoo，andbegantomove。Thensaidtheyouth，'see，littlecousin，haveInotwarmedyou。'Thedeadman，however，gotupandcried'nowwillIstrangleyou。''What。'Saidhe，'isthatthewayyouthankme。Youshallatoncegointoyourcoffinagain，andhetookhimup，threwhimintoit，andshutthelid。Thencamethesixmenandcarriedhimawayagain。'Icannotmanagetoshudder，saidhe。'IshallneverlearnithereaslongasIlive。'Thenamanenteredwhowastallerthanallothers，andlookedterrible。Hewasold，however，andhadalongwhitebeard。'Youwretch，criedhe，'youshallsoonlearnwhatitistoshudder，foryoushalldie。''Notsofast，repliedtheyouth。
'IfIamtodie，Ishallhavetohaveasayinit。''Iwillsoonseizeyou，saidthefiend。'Softly，softly，donottalksobig。I
amasstrongasyouare，andperhapsevenstronger。''Weshallsee，saidtheoldman。'Ifyouarestronger，Iwillletyougo-come，wewilltry。'Thenheledhimbydarkpassagestoasmith'sforge，tookanaxe，andwithoneblowstruckananvilintotheground。'Icandobetterthanthat，saidtheyouth，andwenttotheotheranvil。Theoldmanplacedhimselfnearandwantedtolookon，andhiswhitebeardhungdown。Thentheyouthseizedtheaxe，splittheanvilwithoneblow，andinitcaughttheoldman'sbeard。'NowIhaveyou，saidtheyouth。'Nowitisyourturntodie。'Thenheseizedanironbarandbeattheoldmantillhemoanedandentreatedhimtostop，whenhewouldgivehimgreatriches。Theyouthdrewouttheaxeandlethimgo。Theoldmanledhimbackintothecastle，andinacellarshowedhimthreechestsfullofgold。'Ofthese，saidhe，'onepartisforthepoor，theotherfortheking，thethirdyours。'
Inthemeantimeitstrucktwelve，andthespiritdisappeared，sothattheyouthstoodindarkness。'Ishallstillbeabletofindmywayout，saidheandfeltabout，foundthewayintotheroom，andslepttherebyhisfire。Nextmorningthekingcameandsaid'nowyoumusthavelearntwhatshudderingis。''No，heanswered'whatcanitbe。
Mydeadcousinwashere，andabeardedmancameandshowedmeagreatdealofmoneydownbelow，butnoonetoldmewhatitwastoshudder。'
'Then，saidtheking，'youhavesavedthecastle，andshallmarrymydaughter。''Thatisallverywell，saidhe，'butstillIdonotknowwhatitistoshudder。'Thenthegoldwasbroughtupandtheweddingcelebrated，buthowsoevermuchtheyoungkinglovedhiswife，andhoweverhappyhewas，hestillsaidalways'ifIcouldbutshudder-
ifIcouldbutshudder。'Andthisatlastangeredher。Herwaiting-maidsaid'Iwillfindacureforhim，heshallsoonlearnwhatitistoshudder。Shewentouttothestreamwhichflowedthroughthegarden，andhadawholebucketfulofgudgeonsbroughttoher。
Atnightwhentheyoungkingwassleeping，hiswifewastodrawtheclothesoffhimandemptythebucketfulofcoldwaterwiththegudgeonsinitoverhim，sothatthelittlefisheswouldsprawlabouthim。Thenhewokeupandcried'oh，whatmakesmeshudderso-Whatmakesmeshudderso，dearwife。Ah。NowIknowwhatitistoshudder。'
Therewasonceuponatimeanoldgoatwhohadsevenlittlekids，andlovedthemwithalltheloveofamotherforherchildren。Onedayshewantedtogointotheforestandfetchsomefood。Soshecalledallseventoherandsaid，dearchildren，Ihavetogointotheforest，beonyourguardagainstthewolf，ifhecomesin，hewilldevouryouall-skin，hair，andeverything。Thewretchoftendisguiseshimself，butyouwillknowhimatoncebyhisroughvoiceandhisblackfeet。Thekidssaid，dearmother，wewilltakegoodcareofourselves，youmaygoawaywithoutanyanxiety。Thentheoldonebleated，andwentonherwaywithaneasymind。
Itwasnotlongbeforesomeoneknockedatthehouse-doorandcalled，openthedoor，dearchildren，yourmotherishere，andhasbroughtsomethingbackwithherforeachofyou。Butthelittlekidsknewthatitwasthewolf，bytheroughvoice。Wewillnotopenthedoor，criedthey，youarenotourmother。Shehasasoft，pleasantvoice，butyourvoiceisrough，youarethewolf。Thenthewolfwentawaytoashopkeeperandboughthimselfagreatlumpofchalk，atethisandmadehisvoicesoftwithit。Thehecameback，knockedatthedoorofthehouse，andcalled，openthedoor，dearchildren，yourmotherishereandhasbroughtsomethingbackwithherforeachofyou。Butthewolfhadlaidhisblackpawsagainstthewindow，andthechildrensawthemandcried，wewillnotopenthedoor，ourmotherhasnotblackfeetlikeyou，youarethewolf。Thenthewolfrantoabakerandsaid，Ihavehurtmyfeet，rubsomedoughoverthemforme。Andwhenthebakerhadrubbedhisfeetover，herantothemillerandsaid，strewsomewhitemealovermyfeetforme。Themillerthoughttohimself，thewolfwantstodeceivesomeone，andrefused，butthewolfsaid，ifyouwillnotdoit，Iwilldevouryou。
Thenthemillerwasafraid，andmadehispawswhiteforhim。Truly，thisthewayofmankind。
Sonowthewretchwentforthethirdtimetothehouse-door，knockedatitandsaid，openthedoorforme，children，yourdearlittlemotherhascomehome，andhasbroughteveryoneofyousomethingbackfromtheforestwithher。Thelittlekidscried，firstshowusyourpawsthatwemayknowifyouareourdearlittlemother。Thenheputhispawsinthroughthewindow，andwhenthekidssawthattheywerewhite，theybelievedthatallhesaidwastrue，andopenedthedoor。
Butwhoshouldcomeinbutthewolftheywereterrifiedandwantedtohidethemselves。Onesprangunderthetable，thesecondintothebed，thethirdintothestove，thefourthintothekitchen，thefifthintothecupboard，thesixthunderthewashing-bowl，andtheseventhintotheclock-case。Butthewolffoundthemall，andusednogreatceremony，oneaftertheotherheswallowedthemdownhisthroat。Theyoungest，whowasintheclock-case，wastheonlyonehedidnotfind。Whenthewolfhadsatisfiedhisappetitehetookhimselfoff，laidhimselfdownunderatreeinthegreenmeadowoutside，andbegantosleep。Soonafterwardstheoldgoatcamehomeagainfromtheforest。Ah。Whatasightshesawthere。Thehouse-doorstoodwideopen。Thetable，chairs，andbencheswerethrowndown，thewashing-bowllaybrokentopieces，andthequiltsandpillowswerepulledoffthebed。Shesoughtherchildren，buttheywerenowheretobefound。Shecalledthemoneafteranotherbyname，butnooneanswered。Atlast，whenshecaametotheyoungest，asoftvoicecried，dearmother，Iamintheclock-case。Shetookthekidout，andittoldherthatthewolfhadcomeandhadeatenalltheothers。
Thenyoumayimaginehowsheweptoverherpoorchildren。
Atlengthinhergriefshewentout，andtheyoungestkidranwithher。Whentheycametothemeadow，therelaythewolfbythetreeandsnoredsoloudthatthebranchesshook。Shelookedathimoneverysideandsawthatsomethingwasmovingandstrugglinginhisgorgedbelly。Ah，heavens，shesaid，isitpossiblethatmypoorchildrenwhomhehasswalloweddownforhissupper，canbestillalive。Thenthekidhadtorunhomeandfetchscissors，andaneedleandthreadandthegoatcutopenthemonster'sstomach，andhardlyhadshemakeonecut，thanonelittlekidthrustitsheadout，andwhenshecutfarther，allsixsprangoutoneafteranother，andwereallstillalive，andhadsufferednoinjurywhatever，forinhisgreedinessthemonsterhadswallowedthemdownwhole。Whatrejoicingtherewas。Theyembracedtheirdearmother，andjumpedlikeasailorathiswedding。Themother，however，said，nowgoandlookforsomebigstones，andwewillfillthewickedbeast'sstomachwiththemwhileheisstillasleep。Thenthesevenkidsdraggedthestonesthitherwithallspeed，andputasmanyofthemintohisstomachastheycouldgetin，andthemothersewedhimupagaininthegreatesthaste，sothathewasnotawareofanythingandneveroncestirred。
Whenthewolfatlengthhadhadhisfillofsleep，hegotonhislegs，andasthestonesinhisstomachmadehimverythirsty，hewantedtogotoawelltodrink。Butwhenhebegantowalkandmoveabout，thestonesinhisstomachknockedagainsteachotherandrattled。Thencriedhe，whatrumblesandtumblesagainstmypoorbones。Ithought'twassixkids，butitfeelslikebigstones。Andwhenhegottothewellandstoopedoverthewatertodrink，theheavystonesmadehimfallin，andhehadtodrownmiserably。Whenthesevenkidssawthat，theycamerunningtothespotandcriedaloud，thewolfisdead。Thewolfisdead，anddancedforjoyroundaboutthewellwiththeirmother。
Therewasonceuponatimeanoldkingwhowasillandthoughttohimself'Iamlyingonwhatmustbemydeathbed。'Thensaidhe'tellfaithfulJohntocometome。'FaithfulJohnwashisfavoriteservant，andwassocalled，becausehehadforhiswholelifelongbeensotruetohim。Whenthereforehecamebesidethebed，thekingsaidtohim'mostfaithfulJohn，Ifeelmyendapproaching，andhavenoanxietyexceptaboutmyson。Heisstilloftenderage，andcannotalwaysknowhowtoguidehimself。Ifyoudonotpromisemetoteachhimeverythingthatheoughttoknow，andtobehisfoster-father，I
cannotclosemyeyesinpeace。'ThenansweredfaithfulJohn'Iwillnotforsakehim，andwillservehimwithfidelity，evenifitshouldcostmemylife。'Atthis，theoldkingsaid'nowIdieincomfortandpeace。'Thenheadded'aftermydeath，youshallshowhimthewholecastle-allthechambers，halls，andvaults，andallthetreasureswhichlietherein，butthelastchamberinthelonggallery，inwhichisthepictureoftheprincessofthegoldendwelling，shallyounotshow。Ifheseesthatpicture，hewillfallviolentlyinlovewithher，andwilldropdowninaswoon，andgothroughgreatdangerforhersake，thereforeyoumustprotecthimfromthat。'AndwhenfaithfulJohnhadoncemoregivenhispromisetotheoldkingaboutthis，thekingsaidnomore，butlaidhisheadonhispillow，anddied。
Whentheoldkinghadbeencarriedtohisgrave，faithfulJohntoldtheyoungkingallthathehadpromisedhisfatheronhisdeathbed，andsaid'thiswillIassuredlykeep，andwillbefaithfultoyouasIhavebeenfaithfultohim，evenifitshouldcostmemylife。'Whenthemourningwasover，faithfulJohnsaidtohim'itisnowtimethatyoushouldseeyourinheritance。Iwillshowyouyourfather'spalace。'Thenhetookhimabouteverywhere，upanddown，andlethimseealltheriches，andthemagnificentapartments，onlytherewasoneroomwhichhedidnotopen，thatinwhichhungthedangerouspicture。Thepicture，however，wassoplacedthatwhenthedoorwasopenedyoulookedstraightonit，anditwassoadmirablypaintedthatitseemedtobreatheandlive，andtherewasnothingmorecharmingormorebeautifulinthewholeworld。Theyoungkingnoticed，however，thatfaithfulJohnalwayswalkedpastthisonedoor，andsaid'whydoyouneveropenthisoneforme。''Thereissomethingwithinit，hereplied，'whichwouldterrifyyou。'Butthekinganswered'Ihaveseenallthepalace，andIwanttoknowwhatisinthisroomalso，andhewentandtriedtobreakopenthedoorbyforce。ThenfaithfulJohnheldhimbackandsaid'Ipromisedyourfatherbeforehisdeaththatyoushouldnotseethatwhichisinthischamber，itmightbringthegreatestmisfortuneonyouandonme。'
'Ah，no，repliedtheyoungking，'ifIdonotgoin，itwillbemycertaindestruction。IshouldhavenorestdayornightuntilIhadseenitwithmyowneyes。Ishallnotleavetheplacenowuntilyouhaveunlockedthedoor。'
ThenfaithfulJohnsawthattherewasnohelpforitnow，andwithaheavyheartandmanysighs，soughtoutthekeyfromthegreatbunch。
Whenheopenedthedoor，hewentinfirst，andthoughtbystandingbeforehimhecouldhidetheportraitsothatthekingshouldnotseeitinfrontofhim。Butwhatgoodwasthis。Thekingstoodontip-toeandsawitoverhisshoulder。Andwhenhesawtheportraitofthemaiden，whichwassomagnificentandshonewithgoldandpreciousstones，hefellfaintingtotheground。FaithfulJohntookhimup，carriedhimtohisbed，andsorrowfullythought'themisfortunehasbefallenus，LordGod，whatwillbetheendofit。'
Thenhestrengthenedhimwithwine，untilhecametohimselfagain。
Thefirstwordsthekingsaidwere'ah，thebeautifulportrait。
Whoseitit。''Thatistheprincessofthegoldendwelling，answeredfaithfulJohn。Thenthekingcontinued'myloveforherissogreat，thatifalltheleavesonallthetreesweretongues，theycouldnotdeclareit。Iwillgivemylifetowinher。YouaremymostfaithfulJohn，youmusthelpme。
Thefaithfulservantconsideredwithinhimselfforalongtimehowtosetaboutthematter，foritwasdifficulteventoobtainasightoftheking'sdaughter。Atlengthhethoughtofaway，andsaidtotheking'everythingwhichshehasaboutherisofgold-tables，chairs，dishes，glasses，bowls，andhouseholdfurniture。Amongyourtreasuresarefivetonsofgold，letoneofthegoldsmithsofthekingdomfashiontheseintoallmannerofvesselsandutensils，intoallkindsofbirds，wildbeastsandstrangeanimals，suchasmaypleaseher，andwewillgotherewiththemandtryourluck。'
Thekingorderedallthegoldsmithstobebroughttohim，andtheyhadtoworknightanddayuntilatlastthemostsplendidthingswereprepared。Wheneverythingwasstowedonboardaship，faithfulJohnputonthedressofamerchant，andthekingwasforcedtodothesameinordertomakehimselfquiteunrecognizable。Thentheysailedacrossthesea，andsailedonuntiltheycametothetownwhereindwelttheprincessofthegoldendwelling。
FaithfulJohnbadethekingstaybehindontheship，andwaitforhim。'PerhapsIshallbringtheprincesswithme，saidhe，'thereforeseethateverythingisinorder，havethegoldenvesselssetoutandthewholeshipdecorated。'Thenhegatheredtogetherinhisapronallkindsofgoldenthings，wentonshoreandwalkedstraighttotheroyalpalace。Whenheenteredthecourtyardofthepalace，abeautifulgirlwasstandingtherebythewellwithtwogoldenbucketsinherhand，drawingwaterwiththem。Andwhenshewasjustturningroundtocarryawaythesparklingwatershesawthestranger，andaskedwhohewas。Soheanswered'Iamamerchant，andopenedhisapron，andletherlookin。Thenshecried'oh，whatbeautifulgoldenthings。'Andputherpailsdownandlookedatthegoldenwaresoneaftertheother。Thensaidthegirl'theprincessmustseethese，shehassuchgreatpleasureingoldenthings，thatshewillbuyallyouhave。'Shetookhimbythehandandledhimupstairs，forshewasthewaiting-maid。Whentheking'sdaughtersawthewares，shewasquitedelightedandsaid'theyaresobeautifullyworked，thatIwillbuythemallfromyou。'ButfaithfulJohnsaid'I
amonlytheservantofarichmerchant。ThethingsIhaveherearenottobecomparedwiththosemymasterhasinhisship。Theyarethemostbeautifulandvaluablethingsthathaveeverbeenmadeingold。'Whenshewantedtohaveeverythingbroughtuptoher，hesaid'therearesomanyofthemthatitwouldtakeagreatmanydaystodothat，andsomanyroomswouldberequiredtoexhibitthem，thatyourhouseisnotbigenough。'Thenhercuriosityandlongingwerestillmoreexcited，untilatlastshesaid'conductmetotheship，Iwillgotheremyself，andbeholdthetreasuresofyourmaster。'AtthisfaithfulJohnwasquitedelighted，andledhertotheship，andwhenthekingsawher，heperceivedthatherbeautywasevengreaterthanthepicturehadrepresentedittobe，andthoughtnootherthanthathisheartwouldburstintwain。Thensheboardedtheship，andthekingledherwithin。FaithfulJohn，however，remainedwiththehelmsman，andorderedtheshiptobepushedoff，saying'setallsail，tillitflylikeabirdintheair。'Within，thekingshowedherthegoldenvessels，everyoneofthem，alsothewildbeastsandstrangeanimals。Manyhourswentbywhilstshewasseeingeverything，andinherdelightshedidnotobservethattheshipwassailingaway。Aftershehadlookedatthelast，shethankedthemerchantandwantedtogohome，butwhenshecametothesideoftheship，shesawthatitwasonthehighseasfarfromland，andhurryingonwardswithallsailset。'Ah，criedsheinheralarm，'I
ambetrayed。Iamcarriedawayandhavefallenintothepowerofamerchant-Iwouldratherdie。'Theking，however，seizedherhand，andsaid'Iamnotamerchant。Iamaking，andofnomeaneroriginthanyouare，andifIhavecarriedyouawaywithsubtlety，thathascometopassbecauseofmyexceedinggreatloveforyou。ThefirsttimethatIlookedonyourportrait，Ifellfaintingtotheground。'
Whentheprincessofthegoldendwellingheardthis，shewascomforted，andherheartwasdrawntohim，sothatshewillinglyconsentedtobehiswife。Itsohappened，whiletheyweresailingonwardsoverthedeepsea，thatfaithfulJohn，whowassittingontheforepartofthevessel，makingmusic，sawthreeravensintheair，whichcameflyingtowardsthem。Atthishestoppedplayingandlistenedtowhattheyweresayingtoeachother，forthathewellunderstood。Onecried'oh，thereheiscarryinghometheprincessofthegoldendwelling。''Yes，repliedthesecond，'buthehasnotgotheryet。'Saidthethird'buthehasgother，sheissittingbesidehimintheship。'Thenthefirstbeganagain，andcried'whatgoodwillthatdohim。Whentheyreachlandachestnuthorsewillleapforwardtomeethim，andtheprincewillwanttomountit，butifhedoesthat，itwillrunawaywithhim，andriseupintotheair，andhewillneverseehismaidenmore。'Spokethesecond'butistherenoescape。''Oh，yes，ifsomeoneelsemountsitswiftly，andtakesoutthepistolwhichhewillfindinitsholster，andshootsthehorsedead，theyoungkingissaved。Butwhoknowsthat。Andwhosoeverdoesknowit，andtellsittohim，willbeturnedtostonefromthetoetotheknee。'Thensaidthesecond'Iknowmorethanthat，evenifthehorsebekilled，theyoungkingwillstillnotkeephisbride。
Whentheygointothecastletogether，awroughtbridalgarmentwillbelyingthereinadish，andlookingasifitwerewovenofgoldandsilver，itis，however，nothingbutsulphurandpitch，andifheputiton，itwillburnhimtotheveryboneandmarrow。'Saidthethird'istherenoescapeatall。''Oh，yes，repliedthesecond，'ifanyonewithglovesonseizesthegarmentandthrowsitintothefireandburnsit，theyoungkingwillbesaved。Butwhatgoodwillthatdo。
Whosoeverknowsitandtellsittohim，halfhisbodywillbecomestonefromthekneetotheheart。'Thensaidthethird'Iknowstillmore，evenifthebridalgarmentbeburnt，theyoungkingwillstillnothavehisbride。Afterthewedding，whenthedancingbeginsandtheyoungqueenisdancing，shewillsuddenlyturnpaleandfalldownasifdead，andifsomeonedoesnotliftherupanddrawthreedropsofbloodfromherrightbreastandspitthemoutagain，shewilldie。
Butifanyonewhoknowsthatweretodeclareit，hewouldbecomestonefromthecrownofhisheadtothesoleofhisfoot。'Whentheravenshadspokenofthistogether，theyflewonwards，andfaithfulJohnhadwellunderstoodeverything，butfromthattimeforthhebecamequietandsad，forifheconcealedwhathehadheardfromhismaster，thelatterwouldbeunfortunate，andifhedisclosedittohim，hehimselfmustsacrificehislife。Atlength，however，hesaidtohimself'Iwillsavemymaster，evenifitbringdestructiononmyself。'Whenthereforetheycametoshore，allhappenedashadbeenforetoldbytheravens，andamagnificentchestnuthorsesprangforward。'Good，saidtheking，'heshallcarrymetomypalace，andwasabouttomountitwhenfaithfulJohngotbeforehim，jumpedquicklyonit，drewthepistoloutoftheholster，andshotthehorse。Thentheotherattendantsoftheking，whowerenotveryfondoffaithfulJohn，cried'howshamefultokillthebeautifulanimal，thatwastohavecarriedthekingtohispalace。'Butthekingsaid'holdyourpeaceandleavehimalone，heismymostfaithfulJohn。
Whoknowswhatgoodmaycomeofthis。'Theywentintothepalace，andinthehalltherestoodadish，andthereinlaythebridalgarmentlookingnootherwisethanasifitweremadeofgoldandsilver。Theyoungkingwenttowardsitandwasabouttotakeholdofit，butfaithfulJohnpushedhimaway，seizeditwithgloveson，carrieditquicklytothefireandburntit。Theotherattendantsagainbegantomurmur，andsaid'behold，nowheisevenburningtheking'sbridalgarment。'Buttheyoungkingsaid'whoknowswhatgoodhemayhavedone，leavehimalone，heismymostfaithfulJohn。'Andnowtheweddingwassolemnized-thedancebegan，andthebridealsotookpartinit，thenfaithfulJohnwaswatchfulandlookedintoherface，andsuddenlysheturnedpaleandfelltothegroundasifsheweredead。Onthisheranhastilytoher，liftedherupandboreherintoachamber-thenhelaidherdown，andkneltandsuckedthethreedropsofbloodfromherrightbreast，andspatthemout。Immediatelyshebreathedagainandrecoveredherself，buttheyoungkinghadseenthis，andbeingignorantwhyfaithfulJohnhaddoneit，wasangryandcried'throwhimintoadungeon。'NextmorningfaithfulJohnwascondemned，andledtothegallows，andwhenhestoodonhigh，andwasabouttobeexecuted，hesaid'everyonewhohastodieispermittedbeforehisendtomakeonelastspeech，mayItooclaimtheright。'
'Yes，answeredtheking，'itshallbegranteduntoyou。'ThensaidfaithfulJohn'Iamunjustlycondemned，andhavealwaysbeentruetoyou，andherelatedhowhehadhearkenedtotheconversationoftheravenswhenonthesea，andhowhehadbeenobligedtodoallthesethingsinordertosavehismaster。Thencriedtheking'oh，mymostfaithfulJohn。Pardon，pardon-bringhimdown。'ButasfaithfulJohnspokethelastwordhehadfallendownlifelessandbecomeastone。
Thereuponthekingandthequeensufferedgreatanguish，andthekingsaid'ah，howillIhaverequitedgreatfidelity。'Andorderedthestonefiguretobetakenupandplacedinhisbedroombesidehisbed。
Andasoftenashelookedonitheweptandsaid'ah，ifIcouldbringyoutolifeagain，mymostfaithfulJohn。'
Sometimepassedandthequeenboretwins，twosonswhogrewfastandwereherdelight。Oncewhenthequeenwasatchurchandthefatherwassittingwithhistwochildrenplayingbesidehim，helookedatthestonefigureagain，sighed，andfullofgriefhesaid'ah，ifI
couldbutbringyoutolifeagain，mymostfaithfulJohn。'Thenthestonebegantospeakandsaid'youcanbringmetolifeagainifyouwilluseforthatpurposewhatisdearesttoyou。'Thencriedtheking'IwillgiveeverythingIhaveintheworldforyou。'Thestonecontinued'ifyouwillcutofftheheadsofyourtwochildrenwithyourownhand，andsprinklemewiththeirblood，Ishallberestoredtolife。'
Thekingwasterrifiedwhenheheardthathehimselfmustkillhisdearestchildren，buthethoughtoffaithfulJohn'sgreatfidelity，andhowhehaddiedforhim，drewhissword，andwithhisownhandcutoffthechildren'sheads。Andwhenhehadsmearedthestonewiththeirblood，lifereturnedtoit，andfaithfulJohnstoodoncemoresafeandhealthybeforehim。Hesaidtotheking'yourtruthshallnotgounrewarded，andtooktheheadsofthechildren，putthemonagain，andrubbedthewoundswiththeirblood，atwhichtheybecamewholeagainimmediately，andjumpedabout，andwentonplayingasifnothinghadhappened。Thenthekingwasfullofjoy，andwhenhesawthequeencominghehidfaithfulJohnandthetwochildreninagreatcupboard。Whensheentered，hesaidtoher'haveyoubeenprayinginthechurch。''Yes，answeredshe，'butIhaveconstantlybeenthinkingoffaithfulJohnandwhatmisfortunehasbefallenhimthroughus。'
Thensaidhe'dearwife，wecangivehimhislifeagain，butitwillcostusourtwolittlesons，whomwemustsacrifice。'Thequeenturnedpale，andherheartwasfullofterror，butshesaid'weoweittohim，forhisgreatfidelity。'Thenthekingwasrejoicedthatshethoughtashehadthought，andwentandopenedthecupboard，andbroughtforthfaithfulJohnandthechildren，andsaid'Godbepraised，heisdelivered，andwehaveourlittlesonsagainalso，andtoldherhoweverythinghadoccurred。Thentheydwelttogetherinmuchhappinessuntiltheirdeath。
Therewasonceapeasantwhohaddrivenhiscowtothefair，andsoldherforseventalers。Onthewayhomehehadtopassapond，andalreadyfromafarheheardthefrogscrying，aik，aik，aik，aik。
Well，saidhetohimself，theyaretalkingwithoutrhymeorreason，itisseventhatIhavereceived，noteight。Whenhegottothewater，hecriedtothem，stupidanimalsthatyouare。Don'tyouknowbetterthanthat。Itisseventhalersandnoteight。Thefrogs，however，stucktotheir，aikaik，aik，aik。Come，then，ifyouwon'tbelieveit，Icancountitouttoyou。Andhetookhismoneyoutofhispocketandcountedouttheseventalers，alwaysreckoningfourandtwentygroschentoataler。Thefrogs，however，paidnoattentiontohisreckoning，butstillcried，aik，aik，aik，aik。
What，criedthepeasant，quiteangry，ifyouknowbetterthanI，countityourselves，andthrewallthemoneyatthemintothewater。
Hestoodstillandwantedtowaituntiltheywerethroughandhadreturnedtohimwhatwashis，butthefrogsmaintainedtheiropinionandcriedcontinually，aik，aik，aik，aik。Andbesidesthat，didnotthrowthemoneyoutagain。Hestillwaitedalongwhileuntileveningcameonandhewasforcedtogohome。Thenheabusedthefrogsandcried，youwater-splashers，youthick-heads，yougoggle-eyes，youhavegreatmouthsandcanscreechtillyouhurtone'sears，butyoucannotcountseventalers。DoyouthinkI'mgoingtostandheretillyougetthrough。Andwiththathewentaway，butthefrogsstillcried，aik，aik，aik，aik，afterhimtillhewenthomesorelyvexed。Afterawhileheboughtanothercow，whichheslaughtered，andhemadethecalculationthatifhesoldthemeatwellhemightgainasmuchasthetwocowswereworth，andhavethehideintothebargain。Whenthereforehegottothetownwiththemeat，agreatpackofdogsweregatheredtogetherinfrontofthegate，withalargegreyhoundattheheadofthem，whichjumpedatthemeat，sniffedatit，andbarked，wow，wow，wow。Astherewasnostoppinghim，thepeasantsaidtohim，yes，yes，Iknowquitewellthatyouaresayingwow，wow，wow，becauseyouwantsomeofthemeat，butIshouldbeinafinestateifIweretogiveittoyou。Thedog，however，answerednothingbutwow，wow。Willyoupromisenottodevouritallthen，andwillyougobailforyourcompanions。Wow，wow，wow，saidthedog。Well，ifyouinsistonit，Iwillleaveitforyou，Iknowyouwell，andknowwhomyouserve，butthisItellyou，Imusthavemymoneyinthreedaysorelseitwillgoillwithyou，youcanjustbringitouttome。Thereuponheunloadedthemeatandturnedbackagain。Thedogsfelluponitandloudlybarked，wow，wow。Thecountryman，whoheardthemfromafar，saidtohimself，hark，nowtheyallwantsome，butthebigoneisresponsibletomeforit。
Whenthreedayshadpassed，thecountrymanthought，to-nightmymoneywillbeinmypocket，andwasquitedelighted。Butnoonewouldcomeandpayit。Thereisnotrustinganyonenow，saidhe。Atlasthelostpatience，andwentintothetowntothebutcheranddemandedhismoney。Thebutcherthoughtitwasajoke，butthepeasantsaid，jestingapart，Iwillhavemymoney。Didnotthebigdogbringyouthewholeoftheslaughteredcowthreedaysago。Thenthebutchergrewangry，snatchedabroomstickanddrovehimout。Wait，saidthepeasant，thereisstillsomejusticeintheworld，andwenttotheroyalpalaceandbeggedforanaudience。Hewasledbeforetheking，whosattherewithhisdaughter，andaskedhimwhatinjuryhehadsuffered。Alas，saidhe，thefrogsandthedogshavetakenfrommewhatismine，andthebutcherhaspaidmeforitwiththestick。Andherelatedatfulllengthwhathadhappened。Thereupontheking'sdaughterbegantolaughheartily，andthekingsaidtohim，Icannotgiveyoujusticeinthis，butyoushallhavemydaughtertowifeforit-inherwholelifeshehasneveryetlaughedasshehasjustdoneatyou，andIhavepromisedhertohimwhocouldmakeherlaugh。YoumaythankGodforyourgoodfortune。Oh，answeredthepeasant，Idonotwantheratall。Ihaveawifealready，andsheisonetoomanyforme，whenIgohome，itisjustasifIhadawifestandingineverycorner。Thenthekinggrewangry，andsaid，youareaboor。
Ah，lordking，repliedthepeasant，whatcanyouexpectfromanox，butbeef。Stop，answeredtheking，youshallhaveanotherreward。
Beoffnow，butcomebackinthreedays，andthenyoushallhavefivehundredcountedoutinfull。Whenthepeasantwentoutbythegate，thesentrysaid，youhavemadetheking'sdaughterlaugh，soyouwillcertainlyreceivesomethinggood。Yes，thatiswhatIthink，answeredthepeasant，fivehundredaretobecountedouttome。
Listen，saidthesoldier，givemesomeofit。Whatcanyoudowithallthatmoney。Asitisyou，saidthepeasant，youshallhavetwohundred，presentyourselfinthreedays，timebeforetheking，andletitbepaidtoyou。AJew，whowasstandingbyandhadheardtheconversation，ranafterthepeasant，heldhimbythecoat，andsaid，oh，wonderofGod，whatachildoffortuneyouare。Iwillchangeitforyou，Iwillchangeitforyouintosmallcoins，whatdoyouwantwiththegreattalers。Jew，saidthecountryman，threehundredcanyoustillhave，giveittomeatonceincoin，inthreedaysfromthis，youwillbepaidforitbytheking。TheJewwasdelightedwiththesmallprofit，andbroughtthesuminbadgroschen，threeofwhichwereworthtwogoodones。Afterthreedayshadpassed，accordingtotheking'scommand，thepeasantwentbeforetheking。
Pullhiscoatoff，saidthelatter，andheshallhavehisfivehundred。Ah，saidthepeasant，theynolongerbelongtome，I
presentedtwohundredofthemtothesentry，andthreehundredtheJewhaschangedforme，sobyrightnothingatallbelongstome。InthemeantimethesoldierandtheJewenteredandclaimedwhattheyhadgainedfromthepeasant，andtheyreceivedtheblowsstrictlycountedout。Thesoldierboreitpatientlyandknewalreadyhowittasted，buttheJewsaidsorrowfully，alas，alas，arethesetheheavytalers。Thekingcouldnothelplaughingatthepeasant，andwhenallhisangerwasspent，hesaid，asyouhavealreadylostyourrewardbeforeitfelltoyourlot，Iwillgiveyoucompensation。Gointomytreasurechamberandgetsomemoneyforyourself，asmuchasyouwill。Thepeasantdidnotneedtobetoldtwice，andstuffedintohisbigpocketswhatsoeverwouldgoin。Afterwardshewenttoaninnandcountedouthismoney。TheJewhadcreptafterhimandheardhowhemutteredtohimself，thatrogueofakinghascheatedmeafterall，whycouldhenothavegivenmethemoneyhimself，andthenIshouldhaveknownwhatIhad。HowcanItellnowifwhatIhavehadthelucktoputinmypocketsisrightornot。Goodheavens，saidtheJewtohimself，thatmanisspeakingdisrespectfullyofourlordtheking，Iwillrunandinform，andthenIshallgetareward，andhewillbepunishedaswell。Whenthekingheardofthepeasant'swordshefellintoapassion，andcommandedtheJewtogoandbringtheoffendertohim。TheJewrantothepeasant，youaretogoatoncetothelordkingintheveryclothesyouhaveon。Iknowwhat'srightbetterthanthat，answeredthepeasant，Ishallhaveanewcoatmadefirst。Doyouthinkthatamanwithsomuchmoneyinhispocketshouldgothereinhisraggedoldcoat。TheJew，ashesawthatthepeasantwouldnotstirwithoutanothercoat，andashefearedthatiftheking'sangercooled，hehimselfwouldlosehisreward，andthepeasanthispunishment，said，Iwilloutofpurefriendshiplendyouacoatfortheshorttime。Whatpeoplewillnotdoforlove。Thepeasantwascontentedwiththis，puttheJew'scoaton，andwentoffwithhim。ThekingreproachedthecountrymanbecauseoftheevilspeakingofwhichtheJewhadinformedhim。Ah，saidthepeasant，whataJewsaysisalwaysfalse-notruewordevercomesoutofhismouth。ThatrascalthereiscapableofmaintainingthatIhavehiscoaton。Whatisthat，shriekedtheJew，isthecoatnotmine。HaveInotlentittoyououtofpurefriendship，inorderthatyoumightappearbeforethelordking。Whenthekingheardthat，hesaid，theJewhasassuredlydeceivedoneortheotherofus，eithermyselforthepeasant。Andagainheorderedsomethingtobecountedouttohiminhardthalers。Thepeasant，however，wenthomeinthegoodcoat，withthegoodmoneyinhispocket，andsaidtohimself，thistimeI
havemadeit。
Therewereonceuponatimeakingandaqueenwholivedhappilytogetherandhadtwelvechildren，buttheywereallboys。Thensaidthekingtohiswife，ifthethirteenthchildwhichyouareabouttobringintotheworld，isagirl，thetwelveboysshalldie，inorderthatherpossessionsmaybegreat，andthatthekingdommayfalltoheralone。Heevencausedtwelvecoffinstobemade，whichwerealreadyfilledwithshavings，andineachlayalittledeathpillow，andhehadthemtakenintoalocked-uproom，andthenhegavethequeenthekeyofit，andbadehernottospeakofthistoanyone。
Themother，however，nowsatandlamentedalldaylong，untiltheyoungestson，whowasalwayswithher，andwhomshehadnamedbenjamin，fromthebible，saidtoher，dearmother，whyareyousosad。
Dearestchild，sheanswered，Imaynottellyou。Butheletherhavenorestuntilshewentandunlockedtheroom，andshowedhimthetwelvecoffinsreadyfilledwithshavings。Thenshesaid，mydearestbenjamin，yourfatherhashadthesecoffinsmadeforyouandforyourelevenbrothers，forifIbringalittlegirlintotheworld，youarealltobekilledandburiedinthem。Andassheweptwhileshewassayingthis，thesoncomfortedherandsaid，weepnot，dearmother，wewillsaveourselves，andgohence。Butshesaid，goforthintotheforestwithyourelevenbrothers，andletonesitconstantlyonthehighesttreewhichcanbefound，andkeepwatch，lookingtowardsthetowerhereinthecastle。IfIgivebirthtoalittleson，Iwillputupawhiteflag，andthenyoumayventuretocomeback。ButifIbearadaughter，Iwillhoistaredflag，andthenflyhenceasquicklyasyouareable，andmaythegoodGodprotectyou。AndeverynightIwillriseupandprayforyou-inwinterthatyoumaybeabletowarmyourselfatafire，andinsummerthatyoumaynotfaintawayintheheat。
Aftershehadblessedhersonstherefore，theywentforthintotheforest。Theyeachkeptwatchinturn，andsatonthehighestoakandlookedtowardsthetower。Whenelevendayshadpassedandtheturncametobenjamin，hesawthataflagwasbeingraised。
Itwas，however，notthewhite，buttheblood-redflagwhichannouncedthattheywerealltodie。Whenthebrothersheardthat，theywereveryangryandsaid，arewealltosufferdeathforthesakeofagirl。Weswearthatwewillavengeourselves-
wheresoeverwefindagirl，herredbloodshallflow。
Thereupontheywentdeeperintotheforest，andinthemidstofit，whereitwasthedarkest，theyfoundalittlebewitchedhut，whichwasstandingempty。Thensaidthey，herewewilldwell，andyoubenjamin，whoaretheyoungestandweakest，youshallstayathomeandkeephouse，weotherswillgooutandfetchfood。
Thentheywentintotheforestandshothares，wilddeer，birdsandpigeons，andwhatsoevertherewastoeat。Thistheytooktobenjamin，whohadtodressitfortheminorderthattheymightappeasetheirhunger。Theylivedtogethertenyearsinthelittlehut，andthetimedidnotappearlongtothem。
Thelittledaughterwhichtheirmotherthequeenhadgivenbirthto，wasnowgrownup。Shewasgoodofheart，andfairofface，andhadagoldenstaronherforehead。Once，onagreatwashing，shesawtwelvemen'sshirtsamongthethings，andaskedhermother，towhomdothesetwelveshirtsbelong，fortheyarefartoosmallforfather。Thenthequeenansweredwithaheavyheart，dearchild，thesebelongtoyourtwelvebrothers。Saidthemaiden，wherearemytwelvebrothers，Ihaveneveryetheardofthem。Shereplied，Godknowswheretheyare，theyarewanderingabouttheworld。Thenshetookthemaidenandopenedthechamberforher，andshowedherthetwelvecoffinswiththeshavings，andthedeathpillows。Thesecoffins，saidshe，weredestinedforyourbrothers，whowentawaysecretlybeforeyouwereborn，andsherelatedtoherhoweverythinghadhappened。
Thensaidthemaiden，dearmother，weepnot，Iwillgoandseekmybrothers。
Soshetookthetwelveshirtsandwentforth，andstraightintothegreatforest。Shewalkedthewholeday，andintheeveningshecametothebewitchedhut。Thensheentereditandfoundayoungboy，whoasked，fromwhencedoyoucome，andwhitherareyoubound，andwasastonishedthatshewassobeautiful，andworeroyalgarments，andhadastaronherforehead。Andsheanswered，Iamaking'sdaughter，andamseekingmytwelvebrothers，andIwillwalkasfarastheskyisblueuntilIfindthem。Andsheshowedhimthetwelveshirtswhichbelongedtothem。Thenbenjaminsawthatshewashissister，andsaid，Iambenjamin，youryoungestbrother。Andshebegantoweepforjoy，andbenjaminweptalso，andtheykissedandembracedeachotherwiththegreatestlove。Butafterthishesaid，dearsister，thereisstillonedifficulty。Wehaveagreedthateverymaidenwhomwemeetshalldie，becausewehavebeenobligedtoleaveourkingdomonaccountofagirl。Thensaidshe，Iwillwillinglydie，ifbysodoingIcansavemytwelvebrothers。
No，answeredhe，youshallnotdie。Seatyourselfbeneaththistubuntilourelevenbrotherscome，andthenIwillsooncometoanagreementwiththem。
Shedidso，andwhenitwasnighttheotherscamefromhunting，andtheirdinnerwasready。Andastheyweresittingattable，andeating，theyasked，whatnewsisthere。Saidbenjamin，don'tyouknowanything。No，theyanswered。Hecontinued，youhavebeenintheforestandIhavestayedathome，andyetIknowmorethanyoudo。Tellusthen，theycried。Heanswered，butpromisemethatthefirstmaidenwhomeetsusshallnotbekilled。
Yes，theyallcried，sheshallhavemercy，onlydotellus。
Thensaidhe，oursisterishere，andheliftedupthetub，andtheking'sdaughtercameforthinherroyalgarmentswiththegoldenstaronherforehead，andshewasbeautiful，delicateandfair。Thentheywereallrejoiced，andfellonherneck，andkissedandlovedherwithalltheirhearts。
Nowshestayedathomewithbenjaminandhelpedhimwiththework。Theelevenwentintotheforestandcaughtgame，anddeer，andbirds，andwood-pigeonsthattheymighthavefood，andthelittlesisterandbenjamintookcaretomakeitreadyforthem。
Shesoughtforthewoodforcookingandherbsforvegetables，andputthepansonthefiresothatthedinnerwasalwaysreadywhentheelevencame。Shelikewisekeptorderinthelittlehouse，andputbeautifullywhitecleancoveringsonthelittlebedsandthebrotherswerealwayscontentedandlivedingreatharmonywithher。
Onceuponatimethetwoathomehadpreparedawonderfulfeast，andwhentheywerealltogether，theysatdownandateanddrankandwerefullofgladness。Therewas，however，alittlegardenbelongingtothebewitchedhousewhereinstoodtwelvelilyflowers，whicharelikewisecalledstudent-lilies。Shewishedtogiveherbrotherspleasure，andpluckedthetwelveflowers，andthoughtshewouldpresenteachbrotherwithonewhileatdinner。
Butattheself-samemomentthatshepluckedtheflowersthetwelvebrotherswerechangedintotwelveravens，andflewawayovertheforest，andthehouseandgardenvanishedlikewise。Andnowthepoormaidenwasaloneinthewildforest，andwhenshelookedaround，anoldwomanwasstandingnearherwhosaid，mychild，whathaveyoudone。Whydidyounotleavethetwelvewhiteflowersgrowing。Theywereyourbrothers，whoarenowforevermorechangedintoravens。Themaidensaid，weeping，istherenowayofsavingthem。
No，saidthewoman，thereisbutoneinthewholeworld，andthatissohardthatyouwillnotsavethembyit，foryoumustbedumbforsevenyears，andmaynotspeakorlaugh，andifyouspeakonesingleword，andonlyanhourofthesevenyearsiswanting，allisinvain，andyourbrotherswillbekilledbytheoneword。
Thensaidthemaideninherheart，IknowwithcertaintythatIshallsetmybrothersfree，andwentandsoughtahightreeandseatedherselfinitandspun，andneitherspokenorlaughed。Nowitsohappenedthatakingwashuntingintheforest，whohadagreatgreyhoundwhichrantothetreeonwhichthemaidenwassitting，andsprangaboutit，whining，andbarkingather。Thenthekingcamebyandsawthebeautifulking'sdaughterwiththegoldenstaronherbrow，andwassocharmedwithherbeautythathecalledtoaskherifshewouldbehiswife。Shemadenoanswer，butnoddedalittlewithherhead。Soheclimbedupthetreehimself，carriedherdown，placedheronhishorse，andboreherhome。Thentheweddingwassolemnizedwithgreatmagnificenceandrejoicing，butthebrideneitherspokenorsmiled。Whentheyhadlivedhappilytogetherforafewyears，theking'smother，whowasawickedwoman，begantoslandertheyoungqueen，andsaidtotheking，thisisacommonbeggargirlwhomyouhavebroughtbackwithyou。Whoknowswhatwickedtricksshepractisessecretly。
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