Evenifshebedumb，andnotabletospeak，shestillmightlaughforonce。Butthosewhodonotlaughhavebadconsciences。

Atfirstthekingwouldnotbelieveit，buttheoldwomanurgedthissolong，andaccusedherofsomanyevilthings，thatatlastthekinglethimselfbepersuadedandsentencedhertodeath。

Andnowagreatfirewaslightedinthecourtyardinwhichshewastobeburnt，andthekingstoodaboveatthewindowandlookedonwithtearfuleyes，becausehestilllovedhersomuch。

Andwhenshewasboundfasttothestake，andthefirewaslickingatherclotheswithitsredtongue，thelastinstantofthesevenyearsexpired。Thenawhirringsoundwasheardintheair，andtwelveravenscameflyingtowardstheplace，andsankdownwards，andwhentheytouchedtheearththeywerehertwelvebrothers，whomshehadsaved。Theytorethefireasunder，extinguishedtheflames，settheirdearsisterfree，andkissedandembracedher。Andnowasshedaredtoopenhermouthandspeak，shetoldthekingwhyshehadbeendumb，andhadneverlaughed。Thekingrejoicedwhenheheardthatshewasinnocent，andtheyalllivedingreatunityuntiltheirdeath。Thewickedstep-motherwastakenbeforethejudge，andputintoabarrelfilledwithboilingoilandvenomoussnakes，anddiedanevildeath。

Littlebrothertookhislittlesisterbythehandandsaid，sinceourmotherdiedwehavehadnohappiness。Ourstep-motherbeatsuseveryday，andifwecomenearhershekicksusawaywithherfoot。Ourmealsarethehardcrustsofbreadthatareleftover。Andthelittledogunderthetableisbetteroff，forsheoftenthrowsitachoicemorsel。Godpityus，ifourmotheronlyknew。Come，wewillgoforthtogetherintothewideworld。

Theywalkedthewholedayovermeadows，fields，andstonyplaces。Andwhenitrainedthelittlesistersaid，heavenandourheartsareweepingtogether。Intheeveningtheycametoalargeforest，andtheyweresowearywithsorrowandhungerandthelongwalk，thattheylaydowninahollowtreeandfellasleep。

Thenextdaywhentheyawoke，thesunwasalreadyhighinthesky，andshonedownhotintothetree。Thenthebrothersaid，sister，Iamthirsty。IfIknewofalittlebrookIwouldgoandjusttakeadrink。IthinkIhearonerunning。Thebrothergotupandtookthelittlesisterbythehand，andtheysetofftofindthebrook。Butthewickedstep-motherwasawitch，andhadseenhowthetwochildrenhadgoneaway，andhadcreptafterthemsecretly，aswitchescreep，andhadbewitchedallthebrooksintheforest。

Nowwhentheyfoundalittlebrookleapingbrightlyoverthestones，thebrotherwasgoingtodrinkoutofit，butthesisterheardhowitsaidasitran，whodrinksofmewillbeatiger。

Whodrinksofmewillbeatiger。Thenthesistercried，pray，dearbrother，donotdrink，oryouwillbecomeawildbeast，andtearmetopieces。Thebrotherdidnotdrink，althoughhewassothirsty，butsaid，Iwillwaitforthenextspring。

Whentheycametothenextbrookthesisterheardthisalsosay，whodrinksofmewillbeawolf。Whodrinksofmewillbeawolf。

Thenthesistercriedout，pray，dearbrother，donotdrink，oryouwillbecomeawolf，anddevourme。Thebrotherdidnotdrink，andsaid，Iwillwaituntilwecometothenextspring，butthenImustdrink，saywhatyoulike。Formythirstistoogreat。

Andwhentheycametothethirdbrookthesisterheardhowitsaidasitran，whodrinksofmewillbearoebuck。Whodrinksofmewillbearoebuck。Thesistersaid，oh，Iprayyou，dearbrother，donotdrink，oryouwillbecomearoebuck，andrunawayfromme。Butthebrotherhadkneltdownatoncebythebrook，andhadbentdownanddrunksomeofthewater，andassoonasthefirstdropstouchedhislipshelaythereintheformofayoungroebuck。

Andnowthesisterweptoverherpoorbewitchedbrother，andthelittleroeweptalso，andsatsorrowfullyneartoher。Butatlastthegirlsaid，bequiet，dearlittleroe，Iwillnever，neverleaveyou。

Thensheuntiedhergoldengarterandputitroundtheroebuck'sneck，andshepluckedrushesandwovethemintoasoftcord。Thisshetiedtothelittleanimalandlediton，andshewalkeddeeperanddeeperintotheforest。

Andwhentheyhadgoneaverylongwaytheycameatlasttoalittlehouse，andthegirllookedin。Andasitwasempty，shethought，wecanstayhereandlive。Thenshesoughtforleavesandmosstomakeasoftbedfortheroe。Andeverymorningshewentoutandgatheredrootsandberriesandnutsforherself，andbroughttendergrassfortheroe，whoateoutofherhand，andwascontentandplayedroundabouther。Intheevening，whenthesisterwastired，andhadsaidherprayer，shelaidherheadupontheroebuck'sback-thatwasherpillow，andshesleptsoftlyonit。

Andifonlythebrotherhadhadhishumanformitwouldhavebeenadelightfullife。

Forsometimetheywerealonelikethisinthewilderness。Butithappenedthatthekingofthecountryheldagreathuntintheforest。Thentheblastsofthehorns，thebarkingofdogsandthemerryshoutsofthehuntsmenrangthroughthetrees，andtheroebuckheardall，andwasonlytooanxioustobethere。Oh，saidhe，tohissister，letmebeofftothehunt，Icannotbearitanylonger，andhebeggedsomuchthatatlastsheagreed。But，saidshetohim，comebacktomeintheevening。Imustshutmydoorforfearoftheroughhuntsmen，soknockandsay，mylittlesister，letmein，thatImayknowyou。Andifyoudonotsaythat，I

shallnotopenthedoor。Thentheyoungroebucksprangaway。Sohappywasheandsomerryintheopenair。

Thekingandthehuntsmensawthelovelyanimal，andstartedafterhim，buttheycouldnotcatchhim，andwhentheythoughtthattheysurelyhadhim，awayhesprangthroughthebushesandvanished。Whenitwasdarkherantothecottage，knocked，andsaid，mylittlesister，letmein。Thenthedoorwasopenedforhim，andhejumpedin，andrestedhimselfthewholenightthroughuponhissoftbed。

Thenextdaythehuntbeganagain，andwhentheroebuckoncemoreheardthebugle-horn，andtheho。Ho。Ofthehuntsmen，hehadnopeace，butsaid，sister，letmeout，Imustbeoff。Hissisteropenedthedoorforhim，andsaid，butyoumustbehereagainintheeveningandsayyourpass-word。

Whenthekingandhishuntsmenagainsawtheyoungroebuckwiththegoldencollar，theyallchasedhim，buthewastooquickandnimbleforthem。Thislastedthewholeday，butbytheeveningthehuntsmenhadsurroundedhim，andoneofthemwoundedhimalittleinthefoot，sothathelimpedandranslowly。Thenahuntercreptafterhimtothecottageandheardhowhesaid，mylittlesister，letmein，andsawthatthedoorwasopenedforhim，andwasshutagainatonce。Thehuntsmantooknoticeofitall，andwenttothekingandtoldhimwhathehadseenandheard。Thenthekingsaid，to-morrowwewillhuntoncemore。

Thelittlesister，however，wasdreadfullyfrightenedwhenshesawthatherfawnwashurt。Shewashedthebloodoffhim，laidherbsonthewound，andsaid，gotoyourbed，dearroe，thatyoumaygetwellagain。Butthewoundwassoslightthattheroebuck，nextmorning，didnotfeelitanymore。Andwhenheagainheardthesportoutside，hesaid，Icannotbearit，Imustbethere。

Theyshallnotfinditsoeasytocatchme。Thesistercried，andsaid，thistimetheywillkillyou，andhereamIaloneintheforestandforsakenbyalltheworld。Iwillnotletyouout。Thenyouwillhavemedieofgrief，answeredtheroe。WhenIhearthebugle-hornsIfeelasifImustjumpoutofmyskin。Thenthesistercouldnotdootherwise，butopenedthedoorforhimwithaheavyheart，andtheroebuck，fullofhealthandjoy，boundedintotheforest。

Whenthekingsawhim，hesaidtohishuntsmen，nowchasehimalldaylongtillnight-fall，buttakecarethatnoonedoeshimanyharm。

Assoonasthesunhadset，thekingsaidtothehuntsman，nowcomeandshowmethecottageinthewood。Andwhenhewasatthedoor，heknockedandcalledout，dearlittlesister，letmein。

Thenthedooropened，andthekingwalkedin，andtherestoodamaidenmorelovelythananyhehadeverseen。Themaidenwasfrightenedwhenshesaw，notherlittleroe，butamancomeinwhoworeagoldencrownuponhishead。Butthekinglookedkindlyather，stretchedouthishand，andsaid，willyougowithmetomypalaceandbemydearwife。Yes，indeed，answeredthemaiden，butthelittleroemustgowithme，Icannotleavehim。

Thekingsaid，itshallstaywithyouaslongasyoulive，andshallwantnothing。Justthenhecamerunningin，andthesisteragaintiedhimwiththecordofrushes，tookitinherownhand，andwentawaywiththekingfromthecottage。

Thekingtookthelovelymaidenuponhishorseandcarriedhertohispalace，wheretheweddingwasheldwithgreatpomp。

Shewasnowthequeen，andtheylivedforalongtimehappilytogether。Theroebuckwastendedandcherished，andranaboutinthepalace-garden。

Butthewickedstep-mother，becauseofwhomthechildrenhadgoneoutintotheworld，hadneverthoughtbutthatthesisterhadbeentorntopiecesbythewildbeastsinthewood，andthatthebrotherhadbeenshotforaroebuckbythehuntsmen。Nowwhensheheardthattheyweresohappy，andsowelloff，envyandjealousyroseinherheartandlefthernopeace，andshethoughtofnothingbuthowshecouldbringthemagaintomisfortune。Herowndaughter，whowasuglyasnight，andhadonlyoneeye，reproachedherandsaid，aqueen。Thatoughttohavebeenmyluck。Justbequiet，answeredtheoldwoman，andcomfortedherbysaying，whenthetimecomesIshallbeready。

Astimewentonthequeenhadaprettylittleboy，andithappenedthatthekingwasouthunting。Sotheoldwitchtooktheformofthechambermaid，wentintotheroomwherethequeenlay，andsaidtoher，comethebathisready。Itwilldoyougood，andgiveyoufreshstrength。Makehastebeforeitgetscold。

Herdaughteralsowascloseby。Sotheycarriedtheweaklyqueenintothebath-room，andputherintothebath。Thentheyshutthedoorandranaway。Butinthebath-roomtheyhadmadeafireofsuchhellishheatthatthebeautifulyoungqueenwassoonsuffocated。

Whenthiswasdonetheoldwomantookherdaughter，putanightcaponherhead，andlaidherinbedinplaceofthequeen。

Shegavehertootheshapeandlookofthequeen，onlyshecouldnotmakegoodthelosteye。Butinorderthatthekingmightnotseeit，shewastolieonthesideonwhichshehadnoeye。

Intheeveningwhenhecamehomeandheardthathehadasonhewasheartilyglad，andwasgoingtothebedofhisdearwifetoseehowshewas。Buttheoldwomanquicklycalledout，foryourlifeleavethecurtainsclosed。Thequeenoughtnottoseethelightyet，andmusthaverest。Thekingwentaway，anddidnotfindoutthatafalsequeenwaslyinginthebed。

Butatmidnight，whenallslept，thenurse，whowassittinginthenurserybythecradle，andwhowastheonlypersonawake，sawthedooropenandthetruequeenwalkin。Shetookthechildoutofthecradle，laiditonherarm，andsuckledit。Thensheshookupitspillow，laidthechilddownagain，andcovereditwiththelittlequilt。Andshedidnotforgettheroebuck，butwentintothecornerwhereitlay，andstrokeditsback。Thenshewentquitesilentlyoutofthedooragain。Thenextmorningthenurseaskedtheguardswhetheranyonehadcomeintothepalaceduringthenight，buttheyanswered，no，wehaveseennoone。

Shecamethusmanynightsandneverspokeaword。Thenursealwayssawher，butshedidnotdaretotellanyoneaboutit。

Whensometimehadpassedinthismanner，thequeenbegantospeakinthenight，andsaid，howfaresmychild，howfaresmyroe。

TwiceshallIcome，thennevermore。

Thenursedidnotanswer，butwhenthequeenhadgoneagain，wenttothekingandtoldhimall。Thekingsaid，ah，God。

Whatisthis。To-morrownightIwillwatchbythechild。Intheeveninghewentintothenursery，andatmidnightthequeenagainappearedandsaid，howfaresmychild，howfaresmyroe。

OncewillIcome，thennevermore。

Andshenursedthechildasshewaswonttodobeforeshedisappeared。Thekingdarednotspeaktoher，butonthenextnighthewatchedagain。Thenshesaid，howfaresmychild，howfaresmyroe。

ThistimeIcome，thennevermore。

Thenthekingcouldnotrestrainhimself。Hesprangtowardsher，andsaid，youcanbenoneotherthanmydearwife。Sheanswered，yes，Iamyourdearwife，andatthesamemomentshereceivedlifeagain，andbyGod'sgracebecamefresh，rosyandfullofhealth。

Thenshetoldthekingtheevildeedwhichthewickedwitchandherdaughterhadbeenguiltyoftowardsher。Thekingorderedbothtobeledbeforethejudge，andthejudgmentwasdeliveredagainstthem。Thedaughterwastakenintotheforestwhereshewastorntopiecesbywildbeasts，butthewitchwascastintothefireandmiserablyburnt。Andassoonasshewasburnttoashes，theroebuckchangedhisshape，andreceivedhishumanformagain，sothesisterandbrotherlivedhappilytogetheralltheirlives。

Therewereonceamanandawomanwhohadlonginvainwishedforachild。AtlengththewomanhopedthatGodwasabouttograntherdesire。Thesepeoplehadalittlewindowatthebackoftheirhousefromwhichasplendidgardencouldbeseen，whichwasfullofthemostbeautifulflowersandherbs。Itwas，however，surroundedbyahighwall，andnoonedaredtogointoitbecauseitbelongedtoanenchantress，whohadgreatpowerandwasdreadedbyalltheworld。Onedaythewomanwasstandingbythiswindowandlookingdownintothegarden，whenshesawabedwhichwasplantedwiththemostbeautifulrampion-rapunzel，anditlookedsofreshandgreenthatshelongedforit，andhadthegreatestdesiretoeatsome。Thisdesireincreasedeveryday，andassheknewthatshecouldnotgetanyofit，shequitepinedaway，andbegantolookpaleandmiserable。

Thenherhusbandwasalarmed，andasked，whatailsyou，dearwife。Ah，shereplied，ifIcan'teatsomeoftherampion，whichisinthegardenbehindourhouse，Ishalldie。Theman，wholovedher，thought，soonerthanletyourwifedie，bringhersomeoftherampionyourself，letitcostwhatitwill。Attwilight，heclambereddownoverthewallintothegardenoftheenchantress，hastilyclutchedahandfuloframpion，andtookittohiswife。Sheatoncemadeherselfasaladofit，andateitgreedily。Ittastedsogoodtoher-soverygood，thatthenextdayshelongedforitthreetimesasmuchasbefore。Ifhewastohaveanyrest，herhusbandmustoncemoredescendintothegarden。Inthegloomofevening，therefore，helethimselfdownagain。Butwhenhehadclambereddownthewallhewasterriblyafraid，forhesawtheenchantressstandingbeforehim。Howcanyoudare，saidshewithangrylook，descendintomygardenandstealmyrampionlikeathief。Youshallsufferforit。Ah，answeredhe，letmercytaketheplaceofjustice，Ionlymadeupmymindtodoitoutofnecessity。Mywifesawyourrampionfromthewindow，andfeltsuchalongingforitthatshewouldhavediedifshehadnotgotsometoeat。Thentheenchantressallowedherangertobesoftened，andsaidtohim，ifthecasebeasyousay，Iwillallowyoutotakeawaywithyouasmuchrampionasyouwill，onlyImakeonecondition，youmustgivemethechildwhichyourwifewillbringintotheworld。Itshallbewelltreated，andIwillcareforitlikeamother。Themaninhisterrorconsentedtoeverything，andwhenthewomanwasbroughttobed，theenchantressappearedatonce，gavethechildthenameofrapunzel，andtookitawaywithher。

Rapunzelgrewintothemostbeautifulchildunderthesun。

Whenshewastwelveyearsold，theenchantressshutherintoatower，whichlayinaforest，andhadneitherstairsnordoor，butquiteatthetopwasalittlewindow。Whentheenchantresswantedtogoin，sheplacedherselfbeneathitandcried，rapunzel，rapunzel，letdownyourhairtome。

Rapunzelhadmagnificentlonghair，fineasspungold，andwhensheheardthevoiceoftheenchantresssheunfastenedherbraidedtresses，woundthemroundoneofthehooksofthewindowabove，andthenthehairfelltwentyellsdown，andtheenchantressclimbedupbyit。

Afterayearortwo，itcametopassthattheking'ssonrodethroughtheforestandpassedbythetower。Thenheheardasong，whichwassocharmingthathestoodstillandlistened。Thiswasrapunzel，whoinhersolitudepassedhertimeinlettinghersweetvoiceresound。Theking'ssonwantedtoclimbuptoher，andlookedforthedoorofthetower，butnonewastobefound。Herodehome，butthesinginghadsodeeplytouchedhisheart，thateverydayhewentoutintotheforestandlistenedtoit。Oncewhenhewasthusstandingbehindatree，hesawthatanenchantresscamethere，andheheardhowshecried，rapunzel，rapunzel，letdownyourhair。

Thenrapunzelletdownthebraidsofherhair，andtheenchantressclimbeduptoher。Ifthatistheladderbywhichonemounts，Itoowilltrymyfortune，saidhe，andthenextdaywhenitbegantogrowdark，hewenttothetowerandcried，rapunzel，rapunzel，letdownyourhair。

Immediatelythehairfelldownandtheking'ssonclimbedup。

Atfirstrapunzelwasterriblyfrightenedwhenaman，suchashereyeshadneveryetbeheld，cametoher。Buttheking'ssonbegantotalktoherquitelikeafriend，andtoldherthathishearthadbeensostirredthatithadlethimhavenorest，andhehadbeenforcedtoseeher。Thenrapunzellostherfear，andwhenheaskedherifshewouldtakehimforherhusband，andshesawthathewasyoungandhandsome，shethought，hewilllovememorethanolddamegotheldoes。Andshesaidyes，andlaidherhandinhis。

Shesaid，Iwillwillinglygoawaywithyou，butIdonotknowhowtogetdown。Bringwithyouaskeinofsilkeverytimethatyoucome，andIwillweavealadderwithit，andwhenthatisreadyIwilldescend，andyouwilltakemeonyourhorse。Theyagreedthatuntilthattimeheshouldcometohereveryevening，fortheoldwomancamebyday。Theenchantressremarkednothingofthis，untiloncerapunzelsaidtoher，tellme，damegothel，howithappensthatyouaresomuchheavierformetodrawupthantheyoungking'sson-heiswithmeinamoment。Ah。Youwickedchild，criedtheenchantress。WhatdoIhearyousay。I

thoughtIhadseparatedyoufromalltheworld，andyetyouhavedeceivedme。Inherangersheclutchedrapunzel'sbeautifultresses，wrappedthemtwiceroundherlefthand，seizedapairofscissorswiththeright，andsnip，snap，theywerecutoff，andthelovelybraidslayontheground。Andshewassopitilessthatshetookpoorrapunzelintoadesertwhereshehadtoliveingreatgriefandmisery。

Onthesamedaythatshecastoutrapunzel，however，theenchantressfastenedthebraidsofhair，whichshehadcutoff，tothehookofthewindow，andwhentheking'ssoncameandcried，rapunzel，rapunzel，letdownyourhair，sheletthehairdown。Theking'ssonascended，butinsteadoffindinghisdearestrapunzel，hefoundtheenchantress，whogazedathimwithwickedandvenomouslooks。Aha，shecriedmockingly，youwouldfetchyourdearest，butthebeautifulbirdsitsnolongersinginginthenest。Thecathasgotit，andwillscratchoutyoureyesaswell。Rapunzelislosttoyou。Youwillneverseeheragain。Theking'ssonwasbesidehimselfwithpain，andinhisdespairheleaptdownfromthetower。Heescapedwithhislife，butthethornsintowhichhefellpiercedhiseyes。Thenhewanderedquiteblindabouttheforest，atenothingbutrootsandberries，anddidnaughtbutlamentandweepoverthelossofhisdearestwife。Thusheroamedaboutinmiseryforsomeyears，andatlengthcametothedesertwhererapunzel，withthetwinstowhichshehadgivenbirth，aboyandagirl，livedinwretchedness。Heheardavoice，anditseemedsofamiliartohimthathewenttowardsit，andwhenheapproached，rapunzelknewhimandfellonhisneckandwept。Twoofhertearswettedhiseyesandtheygrewclearagain，andhecouldseewiththemasbefore。Heledhertohiskingdomwherehewasjoyfullyreceived，andtheylivedforalongtimeafterwards，happyandcontented。

Therewasonceamanwhosewifedied，andawomanwhosehusbanddied，andthemanhadadaughter，andthewomanalsohadadaughter。Thegirlswereacquaintedwitheachother，andwentoutwalkingtogether，andafterwardscametothewomaninherhouse。Thensaidshetotheman'sdaughter，listen，tellyourfatherthatIwouldliketomarryhim，andthenyoushallwashyourselfinmilkeverymorning，anddrinkwine，butmyowndaughtershallwashherselfinwateranddrinkwater。Thegirlwenthome，andtoldherfatherwhatthewomanhadsaid。Themansaid，whatshallIdo。Marriageisajoyandalsoatorment。

Atlengthashecouldcometonodecision，hepulledoffhisboot，andsaid，takethisboot，ithasaholeinthesoleofit。Gowithituptotheloft，hangitonthebignail，andthenpourwaterintoit。Ifitholdthewater，thenIwillagaintakeawife，butifitrunthrough，Iwillnot。Thegirldidasshewasbid，butthewaterdrewtheholetogetherandthebootbecamefulltothetop。Sheinformedherfatherhowithadturnedout。Thenhehimselfwentup，andwhenhesawthatshewasright，hewenttothewidowandwooedher，andtheweddingwascelebrated。

Thenextmorning，whenthetwogirlsgotup，therestoodbeforetheman'sdaughtermilkforhertowashinandwineforhertodrink，butbeforethewoman'sdaughterstoodwatertowashherselfwithandwaterfordrinking。Onthesecondmorning，stoodwaterforwashingandwaterfordrinkingbeforetheman'sdaughteraswellasbeforethewoman'sdaughter。Andonthethirdmorningstoodwaterforwashingandwaterfordrinkingbeforetheman'sdaughter，andmilkforwashingandwinefordrinking，beforethewoman'sdaughter，andsoitcontinued。Thewomanbecameherstep-daughter'sbitterestenemy，anddaybydaydidherbesttotreatherstillworse。Shewasalsoenviousbecauseherstep-daughterwasbeautifulandlovable，andherowndaughteruglyandrepulsive。

Once，inwinter，wheneverythingwasfrozenashardasastone，andhillandvalelaycoveredwithsnow，thewomanmadeafrockofpaper，calledherstep-daughter，andsaid，here，putonthisdressandgooutintothewood，andfetchmealittlebasketfulofstrawberries-Ihaveafancyforsome。Goodheavens，saidthegirl，nostrawberriesgrowinwinter。Thegroundisfrozen，andbesidesthesnowhascoveredeverything。AndwhyamItogointhispaperfrock。Itissocoldoutsidethatone'sverybreathfreezes。Thewindwillblowthroughthefrock，andthethornstearitoffmybody。Willyoucontradictme，saidthestep-mother。

Seethatyougo，anddonotshowyourfaceagainuntilyouhavethebasketfulofstrawberries。Thenshegaveheralittlepieceofhardbread，andsaid，thiswilllastyoutheday，andthought，youwilldieofcoldandhungeroutside，andwillneverbeseenagainbyme。

Thenthemaidenwasobedient，andputonthepaperfrock，andwentoutwiththebasket。Farandwidetherewasnothingbutsnow，andnotagreenbladetobeseen。Whenshegotintothewoodshesawasmallhouseoutofwhichpeepedthreelittlemen。Shewishedthemgoodday，andknockedmodestlyatthedoor。Theycried，comein，andsheenteredtheroomandseatedherselfonthebenchbythestove，whereshebegantowarmherselfandeatherbreakfast。

Thelittlemensaid，giveussomeofit，too。Willingly，shesaid，anddividedherpieceofbreadintwo'andgavethemthehalf。Theyasked，whatdoyouhereintheforestinthewintertime，inyourthindress。Ah，sheanswered，Iamtolookforabasketfulofstrawberries，andamnottogohomeuntilIcantakethemwithme。Whenshehadeatenherbread，theygaveherabroomandsaid，sweepawaythesnowatthebackdoor。Butwhenshewasoutside，thethreelittlemensaidtoeachother，whatshallwegiveherassheissogood，andhassharedherbreadwithus。Thensaidthefirst，mygiftis，thatsheshalleverydaygrowmorebeautiful。Thesecondsaid，mygiftis，thatgoldpiecesshallfalloutofhermoutheverytimeshespeaks。Thethirdsaid，mygiftis，thatakingshallcomeandtakehertowife。

Thegirl，however，didasthelittlemenhadbiddenher，sweptawaythesnowbehindthelittlehousewiththebroom，andwhatdidshefindbutrealripestrawberries，whichcameupquitedark-redoutofthesnow。Inherjoyshehastilygatheredherbasketfull，thankedthelittlemen，shookhandswitheachofthem，andranhometotakeherstep-motherwhatshehadlongedforsomuch。

Whenshewentinandsaidgood-evening，apieceofgoldatoncefelloutofhermouth。Thereuponsherelatedwhathadhappenedtoherinthewood，butwitheverywordshespoke，goldpiecesfellfromhermouth，untilverysoonthewholeroomwascoveredwiththem。Nowlookatherarrogance，criedthestep-sister，tothrowaboutgoldinthatway。Butshewassecretlyenviousofit，andwantedtogointotheforestalsotoseekstrawberries。Themothersaid，no，mydearlittledaughter，itistoocold，youmightfreezetodeath。However，asherdaughterletherhavenopeace，themotheratlastyielded，madeheramagnificentcoatoffur，whichshewasobligedtoputon，andgaveherbread-and-butterandcakeforherjourney。

Thegirlwentintotheforestandstraightuptothelittlehouse。

Thethreelittlemenpeepedoutagain，butshedidnotgreetthem，andwithoutlookingroundatthemandwithoutspeakingtothem，shewentawkwardlyintotheroom，seatedherselfbythestove，andbegantoeatherbread-and-butterandcake。Giveussomeofit，criedthelittlemen。Butshereplied，thereisnotenoughformyself，sohowcanIgiveitawaytootherpeople。Whenshehadfinishedeating，theysaid，thereisabroomforyou，sweepitallcleaninfrontoftheback-door。Sweepforyourselves，sheanswered，Iamnotyourservant。Whenshesawthattheywerenotgoingtogiveheranything，shewentoutbythedoor。Thenthelittlemensaidtoeachother，whatshallwegiveherassheissonaughty，andhasawickedenviousheart，thatwillneverletherdoagoodturntoanyone。Thefirstsaid，Igrantthatshemaygrowugliereveryday。Thesecondsaid，Igrantthatateverywordshesays，atoadshallspringoutofhermouth。Thethirdsaid，Igrantthatshemaydieamiserabledeath。Themaidenlookedforstrawberriesoutside，butasshefoundnone，shewentangrilyhome。

Andwhensheopenedhermouth，andwasabouttotellhermotherwhathadhappenedtoherinthewood，witheverywordshesaid，atoadsprangoutofhermouth，sothateveryonewasseizedwithhorrorofher。

Thenthestep-motherwasstillmoreenraged，andthoughtofnothingbuthowtodoeverypossibleinjurytotheman'sdaughter，whosebeauty，however，grewdailygreater。Atlengthshetookacauldron，setitonthefire，andboiledyarninit。Whenitwasboiled，sheflungitonthepoorgirl'sshoulder，andgaveheranaxeinorderthatshemightgoonthefrozenriver，cutaholeintheice，andrinsetheyarn。Shewasobedient，wentthitherandcutaholeintheice。Andwhileshewasinthemidstofhercutting，asplendidcarriagecamedrivingup，inwhichsattheking。Thecarriagestopped，andthekingasked，mychild，whoareyou，andwhatareyoudoinghere。Iamapoorgirl，andIamrinsingyarn。

Thenthekingfeltcompassion，andwhenhesawthatshewassoverybeautiful，hesaidtoher，willyougoawaywithme。Ah，yes，withallmyheart，sheanswered，forshewasgladtogetawayfromthemotherandsister。

Soshegotintothecarriageanddroveawaywiththeking，andwhentheyarrivedathispalace，theweddingwascelebratedwithgreatpomp，asthelittlemenhadgrantedtothemaiden。Whenayearwasover，theyoungqueenboreason，andasthestep-motherhadheardofhergreatgood-fortune，shecamewithherdaughtertothepalaceandpretendedthatshewantedtopayheravisit。

But，whenthekinghadgoneout，andnooneelsewaspresent，thewickedwomanseizedthequeenbythehead，andherdaughterseizedherbythefeet，andtheyliftedheroutofthebed，andthrewheroutofthewindowintothestreamwhichflowedby。Thentheuglydaughterlaidherselfinthebed，andtheoldwomancoveredherupoverherhead。Whenthekingcamehomeagainandwantedtospeaktohiswife，theoldwomancried，hush，hush，thatcan'tbenow，sheislyinginaviolentsweat。Youmustletherrestto-day。Thekingsuspectednoevil，anddidnotcomebackagaintillnextmorning。Andashetalkedwithhiswifeandsheansweredhim，witheverywordatoadleapedout，whereasformerlyapieceofgoldhadfallen。Thenheaskedwhatthatcouldbe，buttheoldwomansaidthatshehadgotthatfromtheviolentsweat，andwouldsoonloseitagain。Duringthenight，however，thescullionsawaduckcomeswimmingupthegutter，anditsaid-

king，whatartthoudoingnow。

Sleepestthou，orwakestthou。

Andashereturnednoanswer，itsaid-

andmyguests，whatmaytheydo。

Thescullionsaid-

theyaresleepingsoundly，too。

Thenitaskedagain-

whatdoeslittlebabymine。

Heanswered-

sleepethinhercradlefine。

Thenshewentupstairsintheformofthequeen，nursedthebaby，shookupitslittlebed，covereditover，andthenswamawayagaindownthegutterintheshapeofaduck。Shecamethusfortwonights。Onthethird，shesaidtothescullion，goandtellthekingtotakehisswordandswingitthreetimesovermeonthethreshold。Thenthescullionranandtoldthistotheking，whocamewithhisswordandswungitthriceoverthespirit，andatthethirdtime，hiswifestoodbeforehimstrong，living，andhealthyasshehadbeenbefore。Thereuponthekingwasfullofgreatjoy，buthekeptthequeenhiddeninachamberuntilthesunday，whenthebabywastobechristened。Andwhenitwaschristenedhesaid，whatdoesapersondeservewhodragsanotheroutofbedandthrowshiminthewater。Thewretchdeservesnothingbetter，answeredtheoldwoman，thantobetakenandputinabarrelstuckfullofnails，androlleddownhillintothewater。Then，saidtheking，youhavepronouncedyourownsentence。Andheorderedsuchabarreltobebrought，andtheoldwomantobeputintoitwithherdaughter，andthenthetopwashammeredon，andthebarrelrolleddownhilluntilitwentintotheriver。

Therewasonceagirlwhowasidleandwouldnotspin，andlethermothersaywhatshewould，shecouldnotbringhertoit。Atlastthemotherwasoncesoovercomewithangerandimpatience，thatshebeather，atwhichthegirlbegantoweeploudly。Nowatthisverymomentthequeendroveby，andwhensheheardtheweepingshestoppedhercarriage，wentintothehouseandaskedthemotherwhyshewasbeatingherdaughtersothatthecriescouldbeheardoutontheroad。Thenthewomanwasashamedtorevealthelazinessofherdaughterandsaid，Icannotgethertoleaveoffspinning。Sheinsistsonspinningforeverandever，andIampoor，andcannotprocuretheflax。Thenansweredthequeen，thereisnothingthatIlikebettertohearthanspinning，andIamneverhappierthanwhenthewheelsarehumming。Letmehaveyourdaughterwithmeinthepalace。I

haveflaxenough，andtheresheshallspinasmuchasshelikes。

Themotherwasheartilysatisfiedwiththis，andthequeentookthegirlwithher。Whentheyhadarrivedatthepalace，sheledherupintothreeroomswhichwerefilledfromthebottomtothetopwiththefinestflax。Nowspinmethisflax，saidshe，andwhenyouhavedoneit，youshallhavemyeldestsonforahusband，evenifyouarepoor。Icarenotforthat，youruntiringindustryisdowryenough。Thegirlwassecretlyterrified，forshecouldnothavespuntheflax，no，notifshehadlivedtillshewasthreehundredyearsold，andhadsatatiteverydayfrommorningtillnight。Whenthereforeshewasalone，shebegantoweep，andsatthusforthreedayswithoutmovingafinger。Onthethirddaycamethequeen，andwhenshesawthatnothinghadyetbeenspun，shewassurprised，butthegirlexcusedherselfbysayingthatshehadnotbeenabletobeginbecauseofhergreatdistressatleavinghermother'shouse。Thequeenwassatisfiedwiththis，butsaidwhenshewasgoingaway，tomorrowyoumustbegintowork。

Whenthegirlwasaloneagain，shedidnotknowwhattodo，andinherdistresswenttothewindow。Thenshesawthreewomencomingtowardsher，thefirstofwhomhadabroadflatfoot，thesecondhadsuchagreatunderlipthatithungdownoverherchin，andthethirdhadabroadthumb。Theyremainedstandingbeforethewindow，lookedup，andaskedthegirlwhatwasamisswithher。Shecomplainedofhertrouble，andthentheyofferedhertheirhelpandsaid，ifyouwillinviteustothewedding，notbeashamedofus，andwillcallusyouraunts，andlikewisewillplaceusatyourtable，wewillspinuptheflaxforyou，andthatinaveryshorttime。Withallmyheart，shereplied，dobutcomeinandbegintheworkatonce。Thensheletinthethreestrangewomen，andclearedaplaceinthefirstroom，wheretheyseatedthemselvesandbegantheirspinning。Theonedrewthethreadandtrodthewheel，theotherwettedthethread，thethirdtwistedit，andstruckthetablewithherfinger，andasoftenasshestruckit，askeinofthreadfelltothegroundthatwasspuninthefinestmannerpossible。Thegirlconcealedthethreespinnersfromthequeen，andshowedherwhenevershecamethegreatquantityofspunthread，untilthelattercouldnotpraiseherenough。Whenthefirstroomwasemptyshewenttothesecond，andatlasttothethird，andthattoowasquicklycleared。Thenthethreewomentookleaveandsaidtothegirl，donotforgetwhatyouhavepromisedus-itwillmakeyourfortune。

Whenthemaidenshowedthequeentheemptyrooms，andthegreatheapofyarn，shegaveordersforthewedding，andthebridegroomrejoicedthathewastohavesuchacleverandindustriouswife，andpraisedhermightily。Ihavethreeaunts，saidthegirl，andastheyhavebeenverykindtome，Ishouldnotliketoforgettheminmygoodfortune，allowmetoinvitethemtothewedding，andletthemsitwithusattable。Thequeenandthebridegroomsaid，whyshouldwenotallowthat。Thereforewhenthefeastbegan，thethreewomenenteredinstrangeapparel，andthebridesaid，welcome，dearaunts。Ah，saidthebridegroom，howdoyoucomebytheseodiousfriends。Thereuponhewenttotheonewiththebroadflatfoot，andsaid，howdoyoucomebysuchabroadfoot。Bytreading，sheanswered，bytreading。Thenthebridegroomwenttothesecond，andsaid，howdoyoucomebyyourfallinglip。Bylicking，sheanswered，bylicking。Thenheaskedthethird，howdoyoucomebyyourbroadthumb。Bytwistingthethread，sheanswered，bytwistingthethread。Onthistheking'ssonwasalarmedandsaid，neithernownorevershallmybeautifulbridetouchaspinning-wheel。Andthusshegotridofthehatefulflax-spinning。

Hardbyagreatforestdweltapoorwood-cutterwithhiswifeandhistwochildren。TheboywascalledHanselandthegirlGretel。Hehadlittletobiteandtobreak，andoncewhengreatdearthfellontheland，hecouldnolongerprocureevendailybread。Nowwhenhethoughtoverthisbynightinhisbed，andtossedaboutinhisanxiety，hegroanedandsaidtohiswife，whatistobecomeofus。Howarewetofeedourpoorchildren，whenwenolongerhaveanythingevenforourselves。I'lltellyouwhat，husband，answeredthewoman，earlyto-morrowmorningwewilltakethechildrenoutintotheforesttowhereitisthethickest。Therewewilllightafireforthem，andgiveeachofthemonemorepieceofbread，andthenwewillgotoourworkandleavethemalone。Theywillnotfindthewayhomeagain，andweshallberidofthem。No，wife，saidtheman，Iwillnotdothat。

HowcanIbeartoleavemychildrenaloneintheforest。Thewildanimalswouldsooncomeandtearthemtopieces。O'youfool，saidshe，thenwemustallfourdieofhunger，youmayaswellplanetheplanksforourcoffins，andshelefthimnopeaceuntilheconsented。ButIfeelverysorryforthepoorchildren，allthesame，saidtheman。

Thetwochildrenhadalsonotbeenabletosleepforhunger，andhadheardwhattheirstep-motherhadsaidtotheirfather。Gretelweptbittertears，andsaidtoHansel，nowallisoverwithus。

Bequiet，Gretel，saidHansel，donotdistressyourself，Iwillsoonfindawaytohelpus。Andwhentheoldfolkshadfallenasleep，hegotup，putonhislittlecoat，openedthedoorbelow，andcreptoutside。Themoonshonebrightly，andthewhitepebbleswhichlayinfrontofthehouseglitteredlikerealsilverpennies。Hanselstoopedandstuffedthelittlepocketofhiscoatwithasmanyashecouldgetin。ThenhewentbackandsaidtoGretel，becomforted，dearlittlesister，andsleepinpeace，Godwillnotforsakeus，andhelaydownagaininhisbed。Whendaydawned，butbeforethesunhadrisen，thewomancameandawokethetwochildren，sayinggetup，yousluggards。Wearegoingintotheforesttofetchwood。Shegaveeachalittlepieceofbread，andsaid，thereissomethingforyourdinner，butdonoteatitupbeforethen，foryouwillgetnothingelse。Greteltookthebreadunderherapron，asHanselhadthepebblesinhispocket。Thentheyallsetouttogetheronthewaytotheforest。Whentheyhadwalkedashorttime，Hanselstoodstillandpeepedbackatthehouse，anddidsoagainandagain。Hisfathersaid，Hansel，whatareyoulookingatthereandstayingbehindfor。Payattention，anddonotforgethowtouseyourlegs。Ah，father，saidHansel，Iamlookingatmylittlewhitecat，whichissittingupontheroof，andwantstosaygood-byetome。Thewifesaid，fool，thatisnotyourlittlecat，thatisthemorningsunwhichisshiningonthechimneys。Hansel，however，hadnotbeenlookingbackatthecat，buthadbeenconstantlythrowingoneofthewhitepebble-stonesoutofhispocketontheroad。

Whentheyhadreachedthemiddleoftheforest，thefathersaid，now，children，pileupsomewood，andIwilllightafirethatyoumaynotbecold。HanselandGretelgatheredbrushwoodtogether，ashighasalittlehill。Thebrushwoodwaslighted，andwhentheflameswereburningveryhigh，thewomansaid，now，children，layyourselvesdownbythefireandrest，wewillgointotheforestandcutsomewood。Whenwehavedone，wewillcomebackandfetchyouaway。

HanselandGretelsatbythefire，andwhennooncame，eachatealittlepieceofbread，andastheyheardthestrokesofthewood-axetheybelievedthattheirfatherwasnear。Itwasnottheaxe，however，butabranchwhichhehadfastenedtoawitheredtreewhichthewindwasblowingbackwardsandforwards。Andastheyhadbeensittingsuchalongtime，theireyesclosedwithfatigue，andtheyfellfastasleep。Whenatlasttheyawoke，itwasalreadydarknight。Gretelbegantocryandsaid，howarewetogetoutoftheforestnow。ButHanselcomfortedherandsaid，justwaitalittle，untilthemoonhasrisen，andthenwewillsoonfindtheway。Andwhenthefullmoonhadrisen，Hanseltookhislittlesisterbythehand，andfollowedthepebbleswhichshonelikenewly-coinedsilverpieces，andshowedthemtheway。

Theywalkedthewholenightlong，andbybreakofdaycameoncemoretotheirfather'shouse。Theyknockedatthedoor，andwhenthewomanopeneditandsawthatitwasHanselandGretel，shesaid，younaughtychildren，whyhaveyousleptsolongintheforest。Wethoughtyouwerenevercomingbackatall。Thefather，however，rejoiced，forithadcuthimtothehearttoleavethembehindalone。

Notlongafterwards，therewasoncemoregreatdearththroughouttheland，andthechildrenheardtheirmothersayingatnighttotheirfather，everythingiseatenagain，wehaveonehalfloafleft，andthatistheend。Thechildrenmustgo，wewilltakethemfartherintothewood，sothattheywillnotfindtheirwayoutagain。Thereisnoothermeansofsavingourselves。Theman'sheartwasheavy，andhethought，itwouldbebetterforyoutosharethelastmouthfulwithyourchildren。Thewoman，however，wouldlistentonothingthathehadtosay，butscoldedandreproachedhim。Hewhosaysamustsayb，likewise，andashehadyieldedthefirsttime，hehadtodosoasecondtimealso。

Thechildren，however，werestillawakeandhadheardtheconversation。Whentheoldfolkswereasleep，Hanselagaingotup，andwantedtogooutandpickuppebblesashehaddonebefore，butthewomanhadlockedthedoor，andHanselcouldnotgetout。

Neverthelesshecomfortedhislittlesister，andsaid，donotcry，Gretel，gotosleepquietly，thegoodGodwillhelpus。

Earlyinthemorningcamethewoman，andtookthechildrenoutoftheirbeds。Theirpieceofbreadwasgiventothem，butitwasstillsmallerthanthetimebefore。OnthewayintotheforestHanselcrumbledhisinhispocket，andoftenstoodstillandthrewamorselontheground。Hansel，whydoyoustopandlookround。

Saidthefather，goon。Iamlookingbackatmylittlepigeonwhichissittingontheroof，andwantstosaygood-byetome，answeredHansel。Fool。Saidthewoman，thatisnotyourlittlepigeon，thatisthemorningsunthatisshiningonthechimney。

Hansel，however，littlebylittle，threwallthecrumbsonthepath。

Thewomanledthechildrenstilldeeperintotheforest，wheretheyhadneverintheirlivesbeenbefore。Thenagreatfirewasagainmade，andthemothersaid，justsitthere，youchildren，andwhenyouaretiredyoumaysleepalittle。Wearegoingintotheforesttocutwood，andintheeveningwhenwearedone，wewillcomeandfetchyouaway。Whenitwasnoon，GretelsharedherpieceofbreadwithHansel，whohadscatteredhisbytheway。Thentheyfellasleepandeveningpassed，butnoonecametothepoorchildren。Theydidnotawakeuntilitwasdarknight，andHanselcomfortedhislittlesisterandsaid，justwait，Gretel，untilthemoonrises，andthenweshallseethecrumbsofbreadwhichIhavestrewnabout，theywillshowusourwayhomeagain。Whenthemooncametheysetout，buttheyfoundnocrumbs，forthemanythousandsofbirdswhichflyaboutinthewoodsandfieldshadpickedthemallup。HanselsaidtoGretel，weshallsoonfindtheway，buttheydidnotfindit。Theywalkedthewholenightandallthenextdaytoofrommorningtillevening，buttheydidnotgetoutoftheforest，andwereveryhungry，fortheyhadnothingtoeatbuttwoorthreeberries，whichgrewontheground。Andastheyweresowearythattheirlegswouldcarrythemnolonger，theylaydownbeneathatreeandfellasleep。

Itwasnowthreemorningssincetheyhadlefttheirfather'shouse。

Theybegantowalkagain，buttheyalwayscamedeeperintotheforest，andifhelpdidnotcomesoon，theymustdieofhungerandweariness。Whenitwasmid-day，theysawabeautifulsnow-whitebirdsittingonabough，whichsangsodelightfullythattheystoodstillandlistenedtoit。Andwhenitssongwasover，itspreaditswingsandflewawaybeforethem，andtheyfollowedituntiltheyreachedalittlehouse，ontheroofofwhichitalighted。Andwhentheyapproachedthelittlehousetheysawthatitwasbuiltofbreadandcoveredwithcakes，butthatthewindowswereofclearsugar。Wewillsettoworkonthat，saidHansel，andhaveagoodmeal。Iwilleatabitoftheroof，andyouGretel，caneatsomeofthewindow，itwilltastesweet。Hanselreachedupabove，andbrokeoffalittleoftherooftotryhowittasted，andGretelleantagainstthewindowandnibbledatthepanes。Thenasoftvoicecriedfromtheparlor-

nibble，nibble，gnawwhoisnibblingatmylittlehouse。

Thechildrenanswered-

thewind，thewind，theheaven-bornwind，andwentoneatingwithoutdisturbingthemselves。Hansel，wholikedthetasteoftheroof，toredownagreatpieceofit，andGretelpushedoutthewholeofoneroundwindow-pane，satdown，andenjoyedherselfwithit。Suddenlythedooropened，andawomanasoldasthehills，whosupportedherselfoncrutches，camecreepingout。HanselandGretelweresoterriblyfrightenedthattheyletfallwhattheyhadintheirhands。Theoldwoman，however，noddedherhead，andsaid，oh，youdearchildren，whohasbroughtyouhere。Docomein，andstaywithme。Noharmshallhappentoyou。Shetookthembothbythehand，andledthemintoherlittlehouse。Thengoodfoodwassetbeforethem，milkandpancakes，withsugar，apples，andnuts。Afterwardstwoprettylittlebedswerecoveredwithcleanwhitelinen，andHanselandGretellaydowninthem，andthoughttheywereinheaven。

Theoldwomanhadonlypretendedtobesokind。Shewasinrealityawickedwitch，wholayinwaitforchildren，andhadonlybuiltthelittlehouseofbreadinordertoenticethemthere。Whenachildfellintoherpower，shekilledit，cookedandateit，andthatwasafeastdaywithher。Witcheshaveredeyes，andcannotseefar，buttheyhaveakeenscentlikethebeasts，andareawarewhenhumanbeingsdrawnear。WhenHanselandGretelcameintoherneighborhood，shelaughedwithmalice，andsaidmockingly，Ihavethem，theyshallnotescapemeagain。Earlyinthemorningbeforethechildrenwereawake，shewasalreadyup，andwhenshesawbothofthemsleepingandlookingsopretty，withtheirplumpandrosycheeks，shemutteredtoherself，thatwillbeadaintymouthful。

ThensheseizedHanselwithhershrivelledhand，carriedhimintoalittlestable，andlockedhiminbehindagrateddoor。

Screamashemight，itwouldnothelphim。ThenshewenttoGretel，shookhertillsheawoke，andcried，getup，lazything，fetchsomewater，andcooksomethinggoodforyourbrother，heisinthestableoutside，andistobemadefat。Whenheisfat，I

willeathim。Gretelbegantoweepbitterly，butitwasallinvain，forshewasforcedtodowhatthewickedwitchcommanded。

AndnowthebestfoodwascookedforpoorHansel，butGretelgotnothingbutcrab-shells。Everymorningthewomancrepttothelittlestable，andcried，Hansel，stretchoutyourfingerthatImayfeelifyouwillsoonbefat。Hansel，however，stretchedoutalittlebonetoher，andtheoldwoman，whohaddimeyes，couldnotseeit，andthoughtitwasHansel'sfinger，andwasastonishedthattherewasnowayoffatteninghim。Whenfourweekshadgoneby，andHanselstillremainedthin，shewasseizedwithimpatienceandwouldnotwaitanylonger。Now，then，Gretel，shecriedtothegirl，stiryourself，andbringsomewater。LetHanselbefatorlean，to-morrowIwillkillhim，andcookhim。Ah，howthepoorlittlesisterdidlamentwhenshehadtofetchthewater，andhowhertearsdidflowdownhercheeks。DearGod，dohelpus，shecried。Ifthewildbeastsintheforesthadbutdevouredus，weshouldatanyratehavediedtogether。Justkeepyournoisetoyourself，saidtheoldwoman，itwon'thelpyouatall。

Earlyinthemorning，Gretelhadtogooutandhangupthecauldronwiththewater，andlightthefire。Wewillbakefirst，saidtheoldwoman，Ihavealreadyheatedtheoven，andkneadedthedough。ShepushedpoorGretelouttotheoven，fromwhichflamesoffirewerealreadydarting。Creepin，saidthewitch，andseeifitproperlyheated，sothatwecanputthebreadin。

AndonceGretelwasinside，sheintendedtoshuttheovenandletherbakeinit，andthenshewouldeather，too。ButGretelsawwhatshehadinmind，andsaid，IdonotknowhowIamtodoit。

HowdoIgetin。Sillygoose，saidtheoldwoman，thedoorisbigenough。Justlook，Icangetinmyself，andshecreptupandthrustherheadintotheoven。ThenGretelgaveherapushthatdroveherfarintoit，andshuttheirondoor，andfastenedthebolt。Oh。Thenshebegantohowlquitehorribly，butGretelranaway，andthegodlesswitchwasmiserablyburnttodeath。

Gretel，however，ranlikelightningtoHansel，openedhislittlestable，andcried，Hansel，wearesaved。Theoldwitchisdead。

ThenHanselspranglikeabirdfromitscagewhenthedoorisopened。Howtheydidrejoiceandembraceeachother，anddanceaboutandkisseachother。Andastheyhadnolongeranyneedtofearher，theywentintothewitch'shouse，andineverycornertherestoodchestsfullofpearlsandjewels。Thesearefarbetterthanpebbles。SaidHansel，andthrustintohispocketswhatevercouldbegotin，andGretelsaid，I，too，willtakesomethinghomewithme，andfilledherpinaforefull。Butnowwemustbeoff，saidHansel，thatwemaygetoutofthewitch'sforest。

Whentheyhadwalkedfortwohours，theycametoagreatstretchofwater。Wecannotcross，saidHansel，Iseenofoot-plank，andnobridge。Andthereisalsonoferry，answeredGretel，butawhiteduckisswimmingthere。IfIaskher，shewillhelpusover。Thenshecried-

littleduck，littleduck，dostthousee，HanselandGretelarewaitingforthee。

There'sneveraplank，orbridgeinsight，takeusacrossonthybacksowhite。

Theduckcametothem，andHanselseatedhimselfonitsback，andtoldhissistertositbyhim。No，repliedGretel，thatwillbetooheavyforthelittleduck。Sheshalltakeusacross，oneaftertheother。Thegoodlittleduckdidso，andwhentheywereoncesafelyacrossandhadwalkedforashorttime，theforestseemedtobemoreandmorefamiliartothem，andatlengththeysawfromafartheirfather'shouse。Thentheybegantorun，rushedintotheparlor，andthrewthemselvesroundtheirfather'sneck。Themanhadnotknownonehappyhoursincehehadleftthechildrenintheforest。Thewoman，however，wasdead。Gretelemptiedherpinaforeuntilpearlsandpreciousstonesranabouttheroom，andHanselthrewonehandfulafteranotheroutofhispockettoaddtothem。Thenallanxietywasatanend，andtheylivedtogetherinperfecthappiness。Mytaleisdone，thererunsamouse，whosoevercatchesit，maymakehimselfabigfurcapoutofit。

Therewasonceonatimeapoorman，whocouldnolongersupporthisonlyson。Thensaidtheson，dearfather，thingsgosobadlywithusthatIamaburdentoyou。IwouldrathergoawayandseehowIcanearnmybread。Sothefathergavehimhisblessing，andwithgreatsorrowtookleaveofhim。Atthistimethekingofamightyempirewasatwarandtheyouthtookservicewithhim，andwentouttofight。Andwhenhecamebeforetheenemy，therewasabattle，andgreatdanger，anditrainedshotuntilhiscomradesfellonallsides，andwhentheleaderalsowaskilled，thoseleftwereabouttotakeflight，buttheyouthsteppedforth，spokeboldlytothem，andcried，wewillnotletourfather-landberuined。Thentheothersfollowedhim，andhepressedonandconqueredtheenemy。Whenthekingheardthatheowedthevictorytohimalone，heraisedhimabovealltheothers，gavehimgreattreasures，andmadehimthefirstinthekingdom。

Thekinghadadaughterwhowasverybeautiful，butshewasalsoverystrange。Shehadmadeavowtotakenooneasherlordandhusbandwhodidnotpromisetolethimselfbeburiedalivewithherifshediedfirst。Ifhelovesmewithallhisheart，saidshe，ofwhatusewilllifebetohimafterwards。Onhersideshewoulddothesame，andifhediedfirst，wouldgodowntothegravewithhim。Thisstrangeoathhaduptothistimefrightenedawayallwooers，buttheyouthbecamesocharmedwithherbeautythathecaredfornothing，butaskedherfatherforher。Butdoyouknowwhatyoumustpromise，saidtheking。Imustbeburiedwithher，hereplied，ifIoutliveher，butmyloveissogreatthatIdonotmindthedanger。Thenthekingconsented，andtheweddingwassolemnizedwithgreatsplendor。

Theylivednowforawhilehappyandcontentedwitheachother，andthenitbefellthattheyoungqueenwasattackedbyasevereillness，andnophysiciancouldsaveher。Andasshelaytheredead，theyoungkingrememberedwhathehadbeenobligedtopromise，andwashorrifiedathavingtoliedownaliveinthegrave，buttherewasnoescape。Thekinghadplacedsentriesatallthegates，anditwasnotpossibletoavoidhisfate。Asthedaycamewhenthecorpsewastobeburied，hewastakendownwithitintotheroyalvaultandthenthedoorwasshutandbolted。

Nearthecoffinstoodatableonwhichwerefourcandles，fourloavesofbread，andfourbottlesofwine，andwhenthisprovisioncametoanend，hewouldhavetodieofhunger。Andnowhesattherefullofpainandgrief，ateeverydayonlyalittlepieceofbread，drankonlyamouthfulofwine，andneverthelesssawdeathdailydrawingnearer。Whilsthethusgazedbeforehim，hesawasnakecreepoutofacornerofthevaultandapproachthedeadbody。

Andashethoughtitcametognawatit，hedrewhisswordandsaid，aslongasIlive，youshallnottouchher，andhewedthesnakeinthreepieces。Afteratimeasecondsnakecreptoutofthehole，andwhenitsawtheotherlyingdeadandcutinpieces，itwentback，butsooncameagainwiththreegreenleavesinitsmouth。Thenittookthethreepiecesofthesnake，laidthemtogether，astheyfitted，andplacedoneoftheleavesoneachwound。Immediatelytheseveredpartsjoinedthemselvestogether，thesnakemoved，andbecamealiveagain，andbothofthemhastenedawaytogether。Theleaveswereleftlyingontheground，andadesirecameintothemindoftheunhappymanwhohadbeenwatchingallthis，toknowifthewondrouspoweroftheleaveswhichhadbroughtthesnaketolifeagain，couldnotlikewisebeofservicetoahumanbeing。

Sohepickeduptheleavesandlaidoneofthemonthemouthofhisdeadwife，andthetwoothersonhereyes。Andhardlyhadhedonethisthanthebloodstirredinherveins，roseintoherpaleface，andcoloreditagain。Thenshedrewbreath，openedhereyes，andsaid，ah，God，whereamI。Youarewithme，dearwife，heanswered，andtoldherhoweverythinghadhappened，andhowhehadbroughtherbackagaintolife。Thenhegavehersomewineandbread，andwhenshehadregainedherstrength，heraisedherupandtheywenttothedoorandknocked，andcalledsoloudlythatthesentriesheardit，andtoldtheking。Thekingcamedownhimselfandopenedthedoor，andtherehefoundbothstrongandwell，andrejoicedwiththemthatnowallsorrowwasover。Theyoungking，however，tookthethreesnake-leaveswithhim，gavethemtoaservantandsaid，keepthemformecarefully，andcarrythemconstantlyaboutyou。Whoknowsinwhattroubletheymayyetbeofservicetous。

Butachangehadtakenplaceinhiswife。Aftershehadbeenrestoredtolife，itseemedasifallloveforherhusbandhadgoneoutofherheart。Aftersometime，whenhewantedtomakeavoyageoverthesea，tovisithisoldfather，andtheyhadgoneonboardaship，sheforgotthegreatloveandfidelitywhichhehadshownher，andwhichhadbeenthemeansofrescuingherfromdeath，andconceivedawickedinclinationfortheskipper。Andoncewhentheyoungkinglaythereasleep，shecalledintheskipperandseizedthesleeperbythehead，andtheskippertookhimbythefeet，andthustheythrewhimdownintothesea。Whentheshamefuldeedwasdone，shesaid，nowletusreturnhome，andsaythathediedontheway。Iwillextolandpraiseyousotomyfatherthathewillmarrymetoyou，andmakeyoutheheirtohiscrown。Butthefaithfulservantwhohadseenallthattheydid，unseenbythem，unfastenedalittleboatfromtheship，gotintoit，sailedafterhismaster，andletthetraitorsgoontheirway。Hefishedupthedeadbody，andbythehelpofthethreesnake-leaveswhichhecarriedaboutwithhim，andlaidontheeyesandmouth，hefortunatelybroughttheyoungkingbacktolife。

Theybothrowedwithalltheirstrengthdayandnight，andtheirlittleboatsailedsoswiftlythattheyreachedtheoldkingbeforetheothers。Hewasastonishedwhenhesawthemcomealone，andaskedwhathadhappenedtothem。Whenhelearntthewickednessofhisdaughterhesaid，Icannotbelievethatshehasbehavedsoill，butthetruthwillsooncometolight，andbadebothgointoasecretchamberandkeepthemselveshiddenfromeveryone。Soonafterwardsthegreatshipcamesailingin，andthegodlesswomanappearedbeforeherfatherwithatroubledcountenance。Hesaid，whydoyoucomebackalone。Whereisyourhusband。Ah，dearfather，shereplied，Icomehomeagainingreatgrief。Duringthevoyage，myhusbandbecamesuddenlyillanddied，andifthegoodskipperhadnotgivenmehishelp，itwouldhavegoneillwithme。Hewaspresentathisdeath，andcantellyouall。Thekingsaid，Iwillmakethedeadaliveagain，andopenedthechamber，andbadethetwocomeout。Whenthewomansawherhusband，shewasthunderstruck，andfellonherkneesandbeggedformercy。

Thekingsaid，thereisnomercy。Hewasreadytodiewithyouandrestoredyoutolifeagain，butyouhavemurderedhiminhissleep，andshallreceivetherewardthatyoudeserve。Thenshewasplacedwithheraccompliceinashipwhichhadbeenpiercedwithholes，andsentouttosea，wheretheysoonsankamidthewaves。

Alongtimeagotherelivedakingwhowasfamedforhiswisdomthroughalltheland。Nothingwashiddenfromhim，anditseemedasifnewsofthemostsecretthingswasbroughttohimthroughtheair。Buthehadastrangecustom，everydayafterdinner，whenthetablewascleared，andnooneelsewaspresent，atrustyservanthadtobringhimonemoredish。Itwascovered，however，andeventheservantdidnotknowwhatwasinit，neitherdidanyoneknow，forthekingnevertookoffthecovertoeatofituntilhewasquitealone。

Thishadgoneonforalongtime，whenonedaytheservant，whotookawaythedish，wasovercomewithsuchcuriositythathecouldnothelpcarryingthedishintohisroom。Whenhehadcarefullylockedthedoor，heliftedupthecover，andsawawhitesnakelyingonthedish。Butwhenhesawithecouldnotdenyhimselfthepleasureoftastingit，sohecutoffalittlebitandputitintohismouth。Nosoonerhadittouchedhistonguethanheheardastrangewhisperingoflittlevoicesoutsidehiswindow。Hewentandlistened，andthennoticedthatitwasthesparrowswhowerechatteringtogether，andtellingoneanotherofallkindsofthingswhichtheyhadseeninthefieldsandwoods。Eatingthesnakehadgivenhimpowerofunderstandingthelanguageofanimals。

Nowitsohappenedthatonthisverydaythequeenlosthermostbeautifulring，andsuspicionofhavingstolenitfelluponthistrustyservant，whowasallowedtogoeverywhere。Thekingorderedthemantobebroughtbeforehim，andthreatenedwithangrywordsthatunlesshecouldbeforethemorrowpointoutthethief，hehimselfshouldbelookeduponasguiltyandexecuted。

Invainhedeclaredhisinnocence，hewasdismissedwithnobetteranswer。

Inhistroubleandfearhewentdownintothecourtyardandtookthoughthowtohelphimselfoutofhistrouble。Nowsomeducksweresittingtogetherquietlybyabrookandtakingtheirrest，and，whilsttheyweremakingtheirfeatherssmoothwiththeirbills，theywerehavingaconfidentialconversationtogether。Theservantstoodbyandlistened。Theyweretellingoneanotherofalltheplaceswheretheyhadbeenwaddlingaboutallthemorning，andwhatgoodfoodtheyhadfound，andonesaidinapitifultone，somethingliesheavyonmystomach，asI

waseatinginhasteIswallowedaringwhichlayunderthequeen'swindow。Theservantatonceseizedherbytheneck，carriedhertothekitchen，andsaidtothecook，hereisafineduck，pray，killher。Yes，saidthecook，andweighedherinhishand，shehassparednotroubletofattenherself，andhasbeenwaitingtoberoastedlongenough。Sohecutoffherhead，andasshewasbeingdressedforthespit，thequeen'sringwasfoundinsideher。

Theservantcouldnoweasilyprovehisinnocence，andtheking，tomakeamendsforthewrong，allowedhimtoaskafavor，andpromisedhimthebestplaceinthecourtthathecouldwishfor。

Theservantrefusedeverything，andonlyaskedforahorseandsomemoneyfortraveling，ashehadamindtoseetheworldandgoaboutalittle。Whenhisrequestwasgrantedhesetoutonhisway，andonedaycametoapond，wherehesawthreefishescaughtinthereedsandgaspingforwater。Now，thoughitissaidthatfishesaredumb，heheardthemlamentingthattheymustperishsomiserably，and，ashehadakindheart，hegotoffhishorseandputthethreeprisonersbackintothewater。Theyleaptwithdelight，putouttheirheads，andcriedtohim，wewillrememberyouandrepayyouforsavingus。

Herodeon，andafterawhileitseemedtohimthatheheardavoiceinthesandathisfeet。Helistened，andheardanant-kingcomplain，whycannotfolks，withtheirclumsybeasts，keepoffourbodies。Thatstupidhorse，withhisheavyhoofs，hasbeentreadingdownmypeoplewithoutmercy。Soheturnedontoasidepathandtheant-kingcriedouttohim，wewillrememberyou-onegoodturndeservesanother。

Thepathledhimintoawood，andherehesawtwooldravensstandingbytheirnest，andthrowingouttheiryoungones。

Outwithyou，youidle，good-for-nothingcreatures，criedthey，wecannotfindfoodforyouanylonger，youarebigenough，andcanprovideforyourselves。Butthepooryoungravenslayupontheground，flappingtheirwings，andcrying，oh，whathelplesschicksweare。Wemustshiftforourselves，andyetwecannotfly。Whatcanwedo，butliehereandstarve。Sothegoodyoungfellowalightedandkilledhishorsewithhissword，andgaveittothemforfood。Thentheycamehoppinguptoit，satisfiedtheirhunger，andcried，wewillrememberyou-onegoodturndeservesanother。

Andnowhehadtousehisownlegs，andwhenhehadwalkedalongway，hecametoalargecity。Therewasagreatnoiseandcrowdinthestreets，andamanrodeuponhorseback，cryingaloud，theking'sdaughterwantsahusband，butwhoeverseeksherhandmustperformahardtask，andifhedoesnotsucceedhewillforfeithislife。Manyhadalreadymadetheattempt，butinvain，neverthelesswhentheyouthsawtheking'sdaughterhewassoovercomebyhergreatbeautythatheforgotalldanger，wentbeforetheking，anddeclaredhimselfasuitor。

Sohewasledouttothesea，andagoldringwasthrownintoit，beforehiseyes，thenthekingorderedhimtofetchthisringupfromthebottomofthesea，andadded，ifyoucomeupagainwithoutityouwillbethrowninagainandagainuntilyouperishamidthewaves。Allthepeoplegrievedforthehandsomeyouth，thentheywentaway，leavinghimalonebythesea。

Hestoodontheshoreandconsideredwhatheshoulddo，whensuddenlyhesawthreefishescomeswimmingtowardshim，andtheyweretheveryfisheswhoseliveshehadsaved。Theoneinthemiddleheldamusselinitsmouth，whichitlaidontheshoreattheyouth'sfeet，andwhenhehadtakenitupandopenedit，therelaythegoldringintheshell。Fullofjoyhetookittotheking，andexpectedthathewouldgranthimthepromisedreward。

Butwhentheproudprincessperceivedthathewasnotherequalinbirth，shescornedhim，andrequiredhimfirsttoperformanothertask。Shewentdownintothegardenandstrewedwithherownhandstensacks-fullofmillet-seedonthegrass，thenshesaid，tomorrowmorningbeforesunrisethesemustbepickedup，andnotasinglegrainbewanting。

Theyouthsatdowninthegardenandconsideredhowitmightbepossibletoperformthistask，buthecouldthinkofnothing，andtherehesatsorrowfullyawaitingthebreakofday，whenheshouldbeledtodeath。Butassoonasthefirstraysofthesunshoneintothegardenhesawallthetensacksstandingsidebyside，quitefull，andnotasinglegrainwasmissing。Theant-kinghadcomeinthenightwiththousandsandthousandsofants，andthegratefulcreatureshadbygreatindustrypickedupallthemillet-seedandgatheredthemintothesacks。

Presentlytheking'sdaughterherselfcamedownintothegarden，andwasamazedtoseethattheyoungmanhaddonethetaskshehadgivenhim。Butshecouldnotyetconquerherproudheart，andsaid，althoughhehasperformedboththetasks，heshallnotbemyhusbanduntilhehasbroughtmeanapplefromthetreeoflife。Theyouthdidnotknowwherethetreeoflifestood，buthesetout，andwouldhavegoneonforever，aslongashislegswouldcarryhim，thoughhehadnohopeoffindingit。Afterhehadwanderedthroughthreekingdoms，hecameoneeveningtoawood，andlaydownunderatreetosleep。Butheheardarustlinginthebranches，andagoldenapplefellintohishand。

Atthesametimethreeravensflewdowntohim，perchedthemselvesuponhisknee，andsaid，wearethethreeyoungravenswhomyousavedfromstarving，whenwehadgrownbig，andheardthatyouwereseekingthegoldenapple，weflewovertheseatotheendoftheworld，wherethetreeoflifestands，andhavebroughtyoutheapple。Theyouth，fullofjoy，setouthomewards，andtookthegoldenappletotheking'sbeautifuldaughter，whohadnomoreexcuseslefttomake。Theycuttheappleoflifeintwoandateittogether，andthenherheartbecamefullofloveforhim，andtheylivedinundisturbedhappinesstoagreatage。

Onesummer'smorningalittletailorwassittingonhistablebythewindow，hewasingoodspirits，andsewedwithallhismight。Thencameapeasantwomandownthestreetcrying，goodjams，cheap。Goodjams，cheap。Thisrangpleasantlyinthetailor'sears，hestretchedhisdelicateheadoutofthewindow，andcalled，comeuphere，dearwoman，hereyouwillgetridofyourgoods。Thewomancameupthethreestepstothetailorwithherheavybasket，andhemadeherunpackallthepotsforhim。Heinspectedeachone，lifteditup，puthisnosetoit，andatlengthsaid，thejamseemstometobegood，soweighmeoutfourounces，dearwoman，andifitisaquarterofapoundthatisofnoconsequence。Thewomanwhohadhopedtofindagoodsale，gavehimwhathedesired，butwentawayquiteangryandgrumbling。Now，thisjamshallbeblessedbyGod，criedthelittletailor，andgivemehealthandstrength。Sohebroughtthebreadoutofthecupboard，cuthimselfapiecerightacrosstheloafandspreadthejamoverit。Thiswon'ttastebitter，saidhe，butIwilljustfinishthejacketbeforeItakeabite。

Helaidthebreadnearhim，sewedon，andinhisjoy，madebiggerandbiggerstitches。Inthemeantimethesmellofthesweetjamrosetowherethefliesweresittingingreatnumbers，andtheywereattractedanddescendedonitinhosts。HI，whoinvitedyou，saidthelittletailor，anddrovetheunbiddenguestsaway。Theflies，however，whounderstoodnogerman，wouldnotbeturnedaway，butcamebackagaininever-increasingcompanies。Thelittletailoratlastlostallpatience，anddrewapieceofclothfromtheholeunderhiswork-table，andsaying，wait，andIwillgiveittoyou，struckitmercilesslyonthem。Whenhedrewitawayandcounted，therelaybeforehimnofewerthanseven，deadandwithlegsstretchedout。Areyouafellowofthatsort，saidhe，andcouldnothelpadmiringhisownbravery。Thewholetownshallknowofthis。Andthelittletailorhastenedtocuthimselfagirdle，stitchedit，andembroideredonitinlargeletters，sevenatonestroke。What，thetown，hecontinued，thewholeworldshallhearofit。Andhisheartwaggedwithjoylikealamb'stail。Thetailorputonthegirdle，andresolvedtogoforthintotheworld，becausehethoughthisworkshopwastoosmallforhisvalor。Beforehewentaway，hesoughtaboutinthehousetoseeiftherewasanythingwhichhecouldtakewithhim，however，hefoundnothingbutanoldcheese，andthatheputinhispocket。Infrontofthedoorheobservedabirdwhichhadcaughtitselfinthethicket。Ithadtogointohispocketwiththecheese。Nowhetooktotheroadboldly，andashewaslightandnimble，hefeltnofatigue。Theroadledhimupamountain，andwhenhehadreachedthehighestpointofit，theresatapowerfulgiantlookingpeacefullyabouthim。Thelittletailorwentbravelyup，spoketohim，andsaid，goodday，comrade，soyouaresittingthereoverlookingthewide-spreadworld。Iamjustonmywaythither，andwanttotrymyluck。Haveyouanyinclinationtogowithme。Thegiantlookedcontemptuouslyatthetailor，andsaid，youragamuffin。Youmiserablecreature。

Oh，indeed，answeredthelittletailor，andunbuttonedhiscoat，andshowedthegiantthegirdle，theremayyoureadwhatkindofamanIam。Thegiantread，sevenatonestroke。Andthoughtthattheyhadbeenmenwhomthetailorhadkilled，andbegantofeelalittlerespectforthetinyfellow。Nevertheless，hewishedtotryhimfirst，andtookastoneinhishandandsqueezedittogethersothatwaterdroppedoutofit。Dothatlikewise，saidthegiant，ifyouhavestrength。Isthatall，saidthetailor，thatischild'splaywithus，andputhishandintohispocket，broughtoutthesoftcheese，andpressedituntiltheliquidranoutofit。Faith，saidhe，thatwasalittlebetter，wasn'tit。Thegiantdidnotknowwhattosay，andcouldnotbelieveitofthelittleman。Thenthegiantpickedupastoneandthrewitsohighthattheeyecouldscarcelyfollowit。Now，littlemiteofaman，dothatlikewise。Wellthrown，saidthetailor，butafterallthestonecamedowntoearthagain，Iwillthrowyouonewhichshallnevercomebackatall。Andheputhishandintohispocket，tookoutthebird，andthrewitintotheair。Thebird，delightedwithitsliberty，rose，flewawayanddidnotcomeback。Howdoesthatshotpleaseyou，comrade，askedthetailor。

Youcancertainlythrow，saidthegiant，butnowwewillseeifyouareabletocarryanythingproperly。Hetookthelittletailortoamightyoaktreewhichlaytherefelledontheground，andsaid，ifyouarestrongenough，helpmetocarrythetreeoutoftheforest。Readily，answeredthelittleman，takethetrunkonyourshoulders，andIwillraiseupthebranchesandtwigs，afterall，theyaretheheaviest。Thegianttookthetrunkonhisshoulder，butthetailorseatedhimselfonabranch，andthegiantwhocouldnotlookround，hadtocarryawaythewholetree，andthelittletailorintothebargain，hebehind，wasquitemerryandhappy，andwhistledthesong，threetailorsrodeforthfromthegate，asifcarryingthetreewerechild'splay。Thegiant，afterhehaddraggedtheheavyburdenpartoftheway，couldgonofurther，andcried，harkyou，Ishallhavetoletthetreefall。Thetailorsprangnimblydown，seizedthetreewithbotharmsasifhehadbeencarryingit，andsaidtothegiant，youaresuchagreatfellow，andyetcannotevencarrythetree。

Theywentontogether，andastheypassedacherry-tree，thegiantlaidholdofthetopofthetreewheretheripestfruitwashanging，bentitdown，gaveitintothetailor'shand，andbadehimeat。Butthelittletailorwasmuchtooweaktoholdthetree，andwhenthegiantletitgo，itsprangbackagain，andthetailorwastossedintotheairwithit。Whenhehadfallendownagainwithoutinjury，thegiantsaid，whatisthis。Haveyounotstrengthenoughtoholdtheweaktwig。Thereisnolackofstrength，answeredthelittletailor。Doyouthinkthatcouldbeanythingtoamanwhohasstruckdownsevenatoneblow。Ileaptoverthetreebecausethehuntsmenareshootingdownthereinthethicket。JumpasIdid，ifyoucandoit。Thegiantmadetheattempt，butcouldnotgetoverthetree，andremainedhanginginthebranches，sothatinthisalsothetailorkepttheupperhand。

Thegiantsaid，ifyouaresuchavaliantfellow，comewithmeintoourcavernandspendthenightwithus。Thelittletailorwaswilling，andfollowedhim。Whentheywentintothecave，othergiantsweresittingtherebythefire，andeachofthemhadaroastedsheepinhishandandwaseatingit。Thelittletailorlookedroundandthought，itismuchmorespaciousherethaninmyworkshop。Thegiantshowedhimabed，andsaidhewastoliedowninitandsleep。Thebed，however，wastoobigforthelittletailor，hedidnotliedowninit，butcreptintoacorner。Whenitwasmidnight，andthegiantthoughtthatthelittletailorwaslyinginasoundsleep，hegotup，tookagreatironbar，cutthroughthebedwithoneblow，andthoughthehadfinishedoffthegrasshopperforgood。Withtheearliestdawnthegiantswentintotheforest，andhadquiteforgottenthelittletailor，whenallatoncehewalkeduptothemquitemerrilyandboldly。Thegiantswereterrified，theywereafraidthathewouldstrikethemalldead，andranawayinagreathurry。

Thelittletailorwentonwards，alwaysfollowinghisownpointednose。Afterhehadwalkedforalongtime，hecametothecourtyardofaroyalpalace，andashefeltweary，helaydownonthegrassandfellasleep。Whilsthelaythere，thepeoplecameandinspectedhimonallsides，andreadonhisgirdle，sevenatonestroke。Ah，saidthey，whatdoesthegreatwarriorhereinthemidstofpeace。Hemustbeamightylord。Theywentandannouncedhimtotheking，andgaveitastheiropinionthatifwarshouldbreakout，thiswouldbeaweightyandusefulmanwhooughtonnoaccounttobeallowedtodepart。Thecounselpleasedtheking，andhesentoneofhiscourtierstothelittletailortoofferhimmilitaryservicewhenheawoke。Theambassadorremainedstandingbythesleeper，waiteduntilhestretchedhislimbsandopenedhiseyes，andthenconveyedtohimthisproposal。ForthisreasonhaveIcomehere，thetailorreplied，Iamreadytoentertheking'sservice。Hewasthereforehonorablyreceivedandaspecialdwellingwasassignedhim。

Thesoldiers，however，weresetagainstthelittletailor，andwishedhimathousandmilesaway。Whatistobetheendofthis，theysaidamongthemselves。Ifwequarrelwithhim，andhestrikesabouthim，sevenofuswillfallateveryblow，notoneofuscanstandagainsthim。Theycamethereforetoadecision，betookthemselvesinabodytotheking，andbeggedfortheirdismissal。Wearenotprepared，saidthey，tostaywithamanwhokillssevenatonestroke。Thekingwassorrythatforthesakeofoneheshouldloseallhisfaithfulservants，wishedthathehadneverseteyesonthetailor，andwouldwillinglyhavebeenridofhimagain。Buthedidnotventuretogivehimhisdismissal，forhedreadedlestheshouldstrikehimandallhispeopledead，andplacehimselfontheroyalthrone。Hethoughtaboutitforalongtime，andatlastfoundgoodcounsel。Hesenttothelittletailorandcausedhimtobeinformedthatashewassuchagreatwarrior，hehadonerequesttomakeofhim。

【推荐阅读】幽幽深宫，醒来一梦似千年，重生于下堂妃身躯中的她，将如何手刃仇人? 点击阅读