570 HANS IN LUCE.

“Yes, she is innocent !” said the eldest brother, and he now
related all that had happened. And ashe spoke, the air was
filled with the perfume as of millions of roses—for every stick of
firewood in the funeral pile had taken root and put forth twigs,
and there stood a fragrant hedge, both tall and thick, full of red
roses ; and quite above bloomed a flower as white and brilliant
asastar. The king plucked it, and placed it in Elise’s bosom,
and then she awoke, with a peaceful and happy heart.

‘And all the bells fell a-ringing of themselves, and birds flocked
thither in long processions. And such a wedding-party as re-
turned to the palace, no king had ever before seen !

 

HANS IN LUCK.

Hans had served his master seven years, and so he said,
“ Master, my time is up, and I wish fo go home to see my
mother ; s0 give me my wages.” His master answered, “ You
have served me truly and honourably, and such as the service
was, must be the reward,”’ and gave him a piece of gold which
was as big as his head, Hans drew his handkerchief out of
his pocket, and wrapped the gold up in it, and then, slinging it
across his shoulder, he made the best of his way home, As he
thus went along, carefully setting one leg down before the
other, a horseman came in sight, who trotted briskly and gaily
along upon an active steed. “Ah!” said Hans, out load,

“riding is a fine thing; one sits, as it were, upon a chair;
knocks against no stones, does not wear up one’s shoes, and
goes along one knows not how.” ‘The horseman overheard
him, and stopped, and asked, “ Why, then, Hans, do you run