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A BOOK OF FAIRY TALES
RETOLD BY & BARING GOULD
WITH PICTURES BY A. J. GASKIN

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LONDON: METHUEN AND COMPANY
36 ESSEX ST. STRAND: MDCCCXCIV
 

 
PREFACE

with two exceptions only, those which
delighted our fathers and grand-
fathers in their childhood.

In the form in which we havethem they
are not older than the end of the seven-
teenth century. The majority of them
were written by Charles Perrault, whose collection
of Fairy Tales appeared in 1697, dedicated to one
of the royal family of France. It contained ‘ Blue
Beard,’ ‘The Sleeping Beauty,’ ‘Puss in Boots,’
‘Riquet and his Tuft,’ ‘Hop-o’-my-Thumb,’ ‘ Little
Red Riding-Hood,’ ‘Cinderella,’ “The Wishes,’ etc.
To each of these tales was added a moral in bad
verse. The morals have been forgotten, the tales
are immortal. But although written by Perrault,
he did not invent the stories, they were folk-tales
which he wrote in simple words as they had been
told him in his childhood, or as he had seen them
in earlier collections.

‘The tales of Perrault,’ says Dunlop, ‘are the best
of the sort that have been given to the world.
They are chiefly distinguished for their simplicity,
for the naive and familiar style in which they
are written, and an appearance of implicit belief
on the part of the relater, which, perhaps, gives us

Vv

 

HE Fairy Tales in this little book are, PREFACE
PREFACE additional pleasure, from our knowledge of the
powerful attainments of the author, and his ad-
vanced age at the period of their composition.’
The success attained by Perrault’s little collection
animated others to write Fairy Tales. Such were
the Countess D’Aulnoy, Madame Murat, and Made-
moiselle de la Force. But only the first of those
approached Perrault in charm of style, and gained
a lasting hold on posterity. She told the imperish-
able tales of ‘The Fair Maid with Golden Locks,’
‘Gracieuse and Percinet,’ and ‘The White Cat.’
Among a host of imitators none wrote stories that
have lived, except Madame de Beaumont, who pub-
lished her collection in 1740, and in it is ‘ Beauty
and the Beast,’ a tale that has gone through suc-
cessive stages of simplification, till it has assumed
a form tolerable to childish minds. _

Almost as soon as Perrault’s tales became popular
in France, they were translated into English, and
speedily became indispensable in the nursery. It is
to be regretted that the popularity which attended
them caused the disappearance of a great many of
our own home-grown folk-tales. Attempts were
made in England to win the ears of little folk by
fairy tales. A couple of volumes were published in
1750, but they lacked precisely that quality which
was so conspicuous in Perrault, and so certain to
ensure success with children—simplicity, both in
structure of the plot, and in diction. Though the
stories in this collection have some merit, they
have none of them gained a hearing.

It was otherwise with Grimm; he did in Germany
on a more extended scale what Perrault did in
France, and Grimm’s Folk-Tales won their way
to children’s hearts at once, and have established
therein an empire, which cannot be shaken.
Grimm’s success was due to the same cause as
that of Perrault.

The stories in this little book are all, with two

Vi
exceptions, known in every nursery. What I have PREFACE
done is to rewrite some of them—I may say most
of them—simply, and to eliminate the grandiloquent
language which has clung to some of them, and
has not been shaken off.

Madame D’Aulnoy sinned greatly in style, but
nothing like the degree to which others sinned.
The original ‘Beauty and the Beast’ is intolerable
in the dress in which it was sent into the world.
What Perrault did was to take traditional tales
and clothe them in the language that was adapted
to children of the end of the seventeenth century.
The tales were not original; what he did was to
print them undisfigured by fine language. His
great merit consists in having thought them worthy
to be published. Perhaps the stories want telling
a little differently to children at the close of the
nineteenth century.

I have thought so—and have so dealt with some,
but not all, of these tales.

If I have made a mistake, I am quite sure of one
thing, that the printer has made none in using
such a beautiful type as can try no eyes; and the
artist has made none in supplying such delightful
illustrations.

If I have made a mistake, then I appeal to the
tender hearts of the little people in the nursery—
and I know they will pardon me, not only because I
promise to make them up a set of really delightful
old, old English Fairy Tales, but mainly because
the childish heart is ever generous and forgiving.

S. BARING-GOULD.

vii
CONTENTS

Jack and the Bean Stalk

Puss in Boots

Cinderella

Valentine and Orson

Little Red Riding-Hood

The Sleeping Beauty .

The Babes in the Wood

Pretty Maruschka

Beauty and the Beast .

The Yellow Dwarf

Hop-o’-my-Thumb

Whittington and his Cat

Don’t-Know . ; . .

Miranda; or, The Royal Ram .

Blue-Beard . ; . ; .

The Fair Maid with Golden Locks .
_ Jack the Giant Killer .

The Three Bears .

Tom Thumb .

The White Cat

The Frog Prince .

Notes

Page

14
23
33
5I
56
61
67
79

. 107
. 124
- 133
. 150
. 160
. 169
. 184 —
- 194
» I99
. 207
- 228
+ 237
 

 
JACK AND THE BEAN STALK

g|N the days of King Alfred, there lived

poor widow with her son Jack. She
had a cottage, a meadow, and a cow-
shed, and one cow to eat in the
meadow, sleep in the shed, and supply
the cottage with milk and butter.
The widow had one son, his name was Jack, and
he was a thriftless, idle lad, without thought for
his mother or the morrow. She had to do all the
work and he had all the pleasure.
If the widow had not petted and spoiled her boy,
he would have been a comfort to her instead of a
trouble. If she had made him work instead of
letting him run idle, he would have been happier.
As her poverty increased, and Jack increased
at the same time, and required larger shoes,
longer stockings, and more broadcloth for his
back, the mother disposed of all her little goods
one after another, to supply his necessities. He
brought nothing into the housekeeping but took
feet deal out, and he had not the wits to see
is.
‘At length there remained only the cow to be dis-
posed of, and the widow, with tears in her eyes,
A

 

ACK

in a lonesome part of England a BND THE

EAN
STALK
said to her son: ‘Jack, my dear boy, I have not
money enough to buy you a new suit of clothes,
and you are out of elbows with your jacket, have
knocked out the toes of your boots, and worked
your knees through your breeches. Nothing re-
mains for us but to part with the cow. Part with
her we must, I cannot bear to see you in rags and
disreputable.’

Jack said his mother was quite right to con-
sider his personal appearanice. i
Then the widow bade him take the cow to
market and sell her. Jack consented to do this.
As he was on his way he met with a butcher,
who asked him whither he was going with the

cow.
Jack said he was going to market to sell her.
“What do you want for her?’ asked the butcher.
‘As much as I can get,’ answered Jack.
‘That’s spoken sensibly,’ said the butcher. ‘And
now I know with whom I have to deal. It’s
always a pleasure to treat with a man of business
habits and with plenty of intelligence. With him
one knows where one is, but with a fool and a
scatterbrain—I ask—Where are you ?’
‘Exactly,’ said Jack, ‘Where are you ?’
Jack was vastly gratified at being called a man,
and aman of business to boot, and with plenty of
intelligence on top of that.
‘Come,’ said the butcher; ‘between you and me,
as business men, what will you take for the cow?’
Now, he had in his hands some curious beans of
various colours, red and violet, spotted purple and
black. Jack had never seen the like before, and
he looked curiously at them.
‘Ah!’ said the butcher, ‘I see you are a chap as
knows what is what. In one moment, without
speaking a word, them eyes of yours went into my
hand, looking at my scarlet-runners. There is no
cheating you, you know the value of a thing by the
2
outside girth, you do. Well—if I was dealing with JACK
any one elect 'd say, three scarlet-runner beans AND THE
for the cow, but as you’re an old hand, andawary srTarx
bird, I’ll give you six.’

Jack eagerly closed the bargain. Such a chance
might never occur again, so he gave the man the
cow, and walked home with the six beans in his
hand. When his mother saw the beans, and heard
what Jack had to say, her patience forsook her;
she threw away the beans in a rage, and they were
scattered all over the garden. The poor woman
was very sad over her loss; she cried all the even-
ing, and she and Jack had to go supperless to
bed.

When Jack awoke next morning he was sur-
prised that the sun did not stream in at his
window in the manner it was wont to do, but
twinkled as through dense foliage. When he rose
from his bed, and went to the window, he saw to
his great astonishment that a large plant had
sprung up in the night and had grown ‘in front
of the cottage, and that its green leaves and
scarlet flowers obscured the light from entering
his chamber as fully as of old. He ran down-stairs
into the garden, and saw that the beans had taken
root, and had sprung up; the stalks were en-
twined and twisted like a stout trunk, or formed a
ladder, and this mounted quite out of sight, for
the clouds as they drifted by passed across the
bean without reaching the top.

Jack very speedily resolved to climb the bean
stalk and see whither it mounted.

In the meantime his mother had come forth, no
less astonished than himself. But when he told
her it was his intention to scramble up the bean
stalk, then she entreated, threatened, and forbade
him—he must not go. He would run extraor-
dinary risks ; he would break her heart.

Jack had been too long his own master, and too

3
JACK

regardless of his mother’s feelings to pay attention

AND THE to what she said. He put his hands to the tangle

BEAN
STALK

of stalks and found it extremely easy to climb. _
So he set to work and began his ascent, pausing
at intervals to look round and observe the scenery
as it grew small below him.

After scrambling for several hours, he passed
through a thick layer of flaky cloud, and found

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that the uppermost shoots and tendrils of the bean
were there. They had fallen over and were strag-
gling across the upper surface of the cloud.
Looking about him, Jack discovered that he was
in a very strange country. It appeared to be a
desert, without tree or shrub, here and there were
scattered masses of stone, and here and there also
were masses of crumbling soil.
4
Jack was so fatigued that he sat himself down
on a stone and thought of his mother, and the
distress she was in, and a pang of remorse entered
his heart. Then he heard the croak of a crow,
and looking up, he saw a black bird perched on a
rock. It said to him: ‘Korax! Korax! I am a
fairy, and I will tell you why you are here. Your
father was a great man, and rich, and one day a
cruel giant came and killed him and carried off all
his goods, and unless your mother had hidden
herself with you in the sheep-pen, he would have
destroyed you both as well. She fled with what
little she could collect together, carrying you on
her back, and she has lived ever since in great
poverty, and her poverty and sorrows have not
been lightened by any signs of consideration and
deference shown by you. I am speaking to you
now, not that I care for you or desire to do you
good for your own worthless sake, but because I
am grateful to your mother, and I know that I
cannot give her greater pleasure than by serving
and saving you, and I hope that in future you will
behave better to her. You must know that though
I am a fairy, my power is not continuous, every
hundred years there comes a time when it fails,
and I am obliged to live on earth subject to ex-
treme poverty and privation, and to be reduced to
the utmost destitution, and that I can only be
released from this condition by one who will give
me to eat her last crumb, and to drink her last
drop, and will comb my head with her golden
comb.

‘Now, yesterday, whilst you were away driving
the cow to market, I came begging to your
mother’s door. She was so good, so charitable,
that she gave me the last particle of bread that
remained in the house, and the last drop of milk
that remained in the pan, and then, seeing that I
was without any of those articles of toilette which

: 5
make life happy, she seated me on a stool, and
with her golden comb, the only article of luxury
that remained to her, she combed out my long
black tresses. Now, no sooner had she done this,
and spread my black hair all over me, than I was
transformed into a crow, and as a crow I flew
away, and a crow I remain until I can peck the
three golden hairs out of the mole that grows on
the tip of the giant’s nose, that is, of the giant who
slew your father.

‘In order to reward your mother, and also to ad-
vance my own interest, I flew over you as you were
making a great ass of yourself with the butcher,
who was laughing in his sleeve to think what a
greenhorn you were, and how easily gulled by
a little vulgar flattery, and I dropped among the
scarlet-runner beans three of a very different kind
from those the butcher was giving you; and it is
these three magical beans out of fairyland that
have grown to such a size, and up which you have
climbed.

‘You are now in the country where lives the
giant.

‘You will have difficulties and dangers to en-
counter, but you must persevere in avenging the
death of your father, and in doing all you can to
enable me to get the three gold hairs out of the
mole at the end of the ogre’s nose. One thing I
charge you strictly: do not let your mother know
of your adventures till all are accomplished; the
knowledge would be more than she could endure.’
Jack promised that he would obey the directions
of the fairy. Then she said: ‘Go along due east
over this barren plain, you will soon arrive at the
ogre’s castle.’

Then the crow spread its wings and flew away.
Jack walked on and on, till at last he saw a
large mansion. A woman was standing in the
Tocrney: He accosted her and begged a morsel
of bread and a night’s lodging, as he was desper-
ately hungry and excessively weary. She ex-
pressed great surprise at seeing him, and said
that it was an uncommon thing for a human being
to pass that way; for it was well known that her
husband was an ogre, who devoured human flesh
in preference to all other meats, that he did not
think anything of walking fifty miles to procure
it, and that usually he was abroad all day quest-
ing for it.

This account terrified Jack; nevertheless, he was
too weary and famished to think of proceeding
farther ; besides, he remembered the injunction of
the fairy to avenge his father’s death. He en-
treated the woman to take him in for that night
only, and to lodge him in the oven.

The good woman at length suffered herself to be
persuaded, for she was of a compassionate dis-
position. She gave him plenty to eat and drink
in the kitchen, where a pleasant fire was burning.
Presently the house shook, for the giant was ap-
proaching ; and the woman hastily thrust Jack into
the oven.

Next instant the giant entered, and holding his
nose high in the air, shouted in a voice of thunder:
‘Ha! Ha! I smell fresh meat.’

‘My dear,’ answered his wife, ‘it is only the calf
we killed this morning.’

The ogre was appeased, and called for his meal.
The good woman hastened to satisfy him, and
spread the table and put on it a pie that would
have taken ten men to consume it in ten days.
The ogre finished it at a sitting, and when he
had done he desired his wife to bring him his
crimson and gold hen.

Jack could look through a crevice in the door of
the oven, and he saw that the giant’s wife, after
having removed the supper, brought in an osier
cage, and out of this cage took a hen that had the

7
most magnificent plumage ever seen, shot with
green and gold andcrimson. When the giant said,
‘Lay!’ then at once the hen laid an egg of solid
gold that shone like the sun. :
The ogre amused himself a long while with the
hen; meanwhile his wife was washing up the
supper things in the back kitchen.

At length the giant wearied of the somewhat
monotonous sport and fell fast’ asleep by his
fireside, and Jack now stole out from the oven,
tucked the hen under his arm, slipped through
the house door and ran as fast as his legs could
carry him due west, till he reached the head
of the bean stalk, and he descended it rapidly
and successfully, always carrying the hen under
his arm.

His mother was overjoyed to see him; he found
her crying bitterly, and lamenting his fate, for she
had made sure he had come to a shocking end
through his rashness.

Jack showed her the hen. ‘See, mother,’ said he,
‘here is an end to our toil and trouble. Now I
hope to make some amends for all the grief I have
caused you.’

The hen laid them as many eggs as they desired;
they sold them, and in a little time were rich
enough to buy cows, and a new suit for Jack, and
a best gown for his mother.

But Jack was not easy. He recollected the
command of the fairy, that he was to avenge his
father, and work for her release from the form of a
crow. Accordingly he made up his mind to climb
the bean stalk and visit cloudland once more.

One day he told his mother his purpose, and she
tried to dissuade him from it, but as she saw that
he was firmly resolved to do what he said, and with
her fears to some extent allayed by the successful
issue of his first expedition, she desisted from
her atempt, Moreover, she did not know what
dangers he would run, for, obedient to the instruc-
tions of the fairy, he had told her nothing of the
ogre that lusted after human flesh, and of his con-
cealment in the oven.

Knowing that the giant’s wife would not again
willingly admit and harbour him, he thought it
necessary on this occasion to totally disguise him-
self. Accordingly with walnut he dyed his hands
and face black, and put on the new suit which had
been purchased out of the moriéy brought by the
sale of the golden eggs.

Very early one morning he started, and climbed
the bean stalk. He was greatly fatizued when he
reached the top, and very hungry. Having rested
for some time on the Stones, he pursued his journey
to the ogre’s castle. He reached it late in the
evening ; and he found the woman standing at the
door as before.

Jack accosted her, and begged that she would
give him a night's lodging and something to eat.
She replied that the giant, her husband, ate human
flesh in preference to all other meat; that on one
occasion she had taken in and hidden a beggar
boy, who had run away carrying off something that
her husband prized greatly. Jack tried hard to
persuade the woman to receive him, but he found
it a hard task.

At length she yielded, and took him into the
kitchen, where she gave him something to eat and
drink, and then concealed him in the clothes-hutch.
Presently the ogre entered, with his nose in the
air, shouting: ‘Ha! Ha! I smell fresh meat.’

His wife replied that a kid had been killed that
day, and this kid he doubtless scented.

Then she hastened to produce his supper, for
which he was very impatient, and constantly up-
braided her with the loss of his hen.

The giant at last, having satisfied his voracious
appetite, said to his wife: ‘Bring me the money-
JACK
AND THE
BEAN
STALK

pees that I took out of the castle down on the
earth.’

Then Jack knew that it was his father’s money
the ogre was going to look at. He peeped from
his hiding-place, and saw the woman enter carry
ing two money-bags into the room. She placed
them before her husband, who at once opened
them and poured forth from one bezants, that is to
say gold coins, and from the other deniers, that is

     
    
   

  

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to say silver coins. The ogre amused himself with
counting out his money; and Jack, peeping from
his hiding-place, most heartily wished it were his.
At length the giant tired of the great mental
exertion of counting. He put back the money into
the bags, tied them up, and fell asleep.

Jack, believing all was secure, stole from his
hiding-place, and laid hold of one of the bags.

10
Then a little dog that was lying under the table
began to bark, and Jack, fearing lest the giant
should wake, slipped back into his hiding-place.
He however remained unconscious, snoring heavily;
then the wife, who was washing-up in the back
kitchen, came in and called the dog to attend her.
The coast was now clear. Jack crept out of the
hutch, and, seizing the bags, made off with them, as
they were his father’s treasure which had been
carried away by the giant.
On his way to the top of the bean stalk, the
only difficulty Jack had to encounter arose from
the weight of the bags, which burdened him im-
mensely. On reaching the bean plant, he climbed
down nimbly, carrying the treasure of gold and
silver with him, and on reaching the bottom gave
them to his mother. They were now well off, and
might have exchanged the cottage for a handsome
house, but Jack would in no way consent to this,
for he knew that he had not as yet avenged his
father, and released the fairy.
He thought and thought upon the world above
the bean stalk, and his mother saw that he was
meditating on another expedition.
She was sorrowful, as there was really now in
her mind no need for anything further; but she
knew how resolved her son was when he had
made up his mind to anything, and that it was not
in her power to dissuade him from it.
One midsummer day, very early in the morning,
Jack reascended the bean stalk. He found the
plain above the clouds as before. He arrived at
the giant’s mansion in the evening, and found his
wife standing at the door. Jack had disguised
himself so completely that she did not recognise
him. He had painted his face and hands with red
ochre. When he pleaded hunger and weariness
in order to gain admission, he found it very diffi-
cult indeed to persuade her. At last he prevailed,
Il
and was concealed in the copper. When the giant
returned in the evening, he lifted his nose and
bellowed: ‘Ha, Ha! I smell fresh meat.’

‘Some crows have brought a piece of carrion and

_have left it on the roof,’ said the wife.

‘I said fresh meat,’ retorted the giant; and not-
withstanding all his wife could say, searched all
through the kitchen. Jack was nearly dying with
fear, and wished himself at home; and when the
ogre approached the copper and put his hand on
the lid, Jack thought his last hour had struck.
The giant however forbore from lifting the lid,
and threw himself into his chair, storming at his
wife, whom he accused of having lost him his hen
and bags of money.
She hastened to dish up supper. He ate greedily,
and when satiated, bade the woman bring him
his harp. Jack peered from under the copper
lid, and saw the most beautiful harp that could
be imagined. It had a head like an angel, and
wings. When the harp was placed on the table,
the giant shouted ‘Play!’ whereupon the harp
played the most beautiful music of its own accord.
The giant listened, and fell asleep. Meanwhile
pene had finished washing-up and had retired
to bed.
Jack crept from the copper, and laid hold of the
harp. But the harp had instinct, and it cried out:
‘Master! Master! Master !’
The giant woke, rubbed his eyes, stretched him-
self, and looked about him. He had eaten and
drunk so much that he was stupefied, and he did
not understand what had happened, in the first
moment of being aroused.
Meanwhile Jack ran away with the harp.
In a while the giant discovered that he had
been robbed, and he rushed after Jack, and
threw great stones at him, which Jack fortu-
nately evaded. As soon as he reached the bean
12
stalk he began to descend, and he ran down as
nimbly as might be.

The giant pursued him, and began to follow down
the bean stalk.

Jack, on reaching the bottom, called for a hatchet.
His mother, who saw the danger, immediately
brought one; and Jack with the axe hewed
through the stalks near the root ; consequently the
whole mass with the giant on it fell to the ground,
and the fall broke the neck of the ogre.
Immediately hovering overhead appeared the black
crow. It swooped down and picked three golden
hairs from a mole that was on the end of the
giant’s nose. No sooner was that done, than the
crow was transformed into a lovely fairy.

Jack’s mother was not a little delighted when
she saw the bean stall destroyed, for now Jack
need no longer climb it. He was now allowed by
the fairy to tell the whole story; and he not only
did this, but begged his mother’s pardon for dis-
obedience in past years, and promised to amend.
He kept his promise, and what with the hen that
laid golden eggs, and the bags of bezants and
deniers, and the marvellous harp that played of
its own accord, Jack and his mother no longer
suffered poverty or felt tedium.

13
PUSS IN BOOTS

MILLER left all he had to his three
sons. To the eldest he gave the mill ;
to the second he gave the ass; to the
third the cat.

Very sad was the youngest over
what fell to him. The two eldest
were not kind, they managed very
well together. The first ground the corn into
flour, and the second took it about in sacks on the
ass and sold it. But the third could do nothing
with the cat but keep the mill clear of rats and
mice. One day he said: ‘I am very much alone
and very poor in the world, and I live on the
charity of my brothers. They will soon turn me
out, and then I shall die of hunger and cold, when-
ever my cat has devoured the last mouse.’ The
cat heard him, came and rubbed himself against
his legs, and said: ‘Do not be troubled, dear
master. Have a pair of boots made for me, and
give me a sack, and you will soon see that you are
better off with me than are your brothers with the

mill and the ass.’

The young man had got a piece of gold in his

pocket; it was all the money he had. He spent

that in getting a pair of very handsome boots for
his cat, and he also got a sack, as puss required.

14

 
When the cat had got what he had asked for,
then he drew on his boots—they were topped with
crimson leather—and he threw the sack over his
shoulder, and went away to a warren, where there
were many rabbits. Then he put some sow-
thistles and some bran at the bottom of the sack,
and throwing himself down as though he were
dead, he waited till some foolish young rabbit
should come and be snared.
Nor had he long to wait, for very soon a silly
bunny came up, and attracted by what was in the
sack, went in. Then the cat drew the cords that
shut the neck of the sack and killed the rabbit.
Very proud of what he had done, he went to the
king’s palace, and asked to speak with his Majesty.
He was readily admitted, when, marching in his
boots to the foot of the throne, he made a pro-
found bow, and throwing down the rabbit on the
steps of the dais, said: ‘Sire, the Marquess of
Carabas has enjoined me to present you with a
rabbit from his warren. With onion sauce, boiled,
your Majesty will find it excellent.’
“Tell your master,’ answered the king, ‘that he
could hardly have afforded me a greater pleasure.
My cook never dreams of sending me up rabbit,
on which I dote. Thank him cordially from me.’
Next day the cat concealed himself in the stand-
ing corn, with his sack open. Soon two partridges
entered; he drew the strings and caught them.
Then again, he went to the palace, and presented
them to the king in the name of his master, the
Marquess of Carabas.
The king was delighted, and ordered that the
messenger should be given something to drink.
The cat asked for a saucerful of milk—he touched
nothing stronger, said he; on principle he was a
teetotaller.
The cat continued his course; he caught in like
Manner, pheasant, woodcock, snipe, teal, wild-
15

PUSS
IN
BOOTS
PUSS
IN
BOOTS

duck, fieldfare, and kept the palace larder pretty
well supplied with game during the season.

One day when the cat knew that the king was
going out a drive beside the river, along with his
daughter, who was the loveliest princess in the
world and heir to his throne, the cat said to his
master: ‘If you will follow my advice, your for-
tune is made. You have but to bathe in the river,
at the spot I shall point out to you, and leave the
rest to me.’ The young fellow did as was advised,

      

         
  

  
 

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without understanding what was the purpose of ~
the cat. Whilst he was in the water, the carriage
of the king drew near; it was gilded and had glass
windows, and was drawn by cream-coloured horses
with gold and red trappings.

The cat now began to run up and down the
bank, screaming: ‘Help! help! my master, the
Marquess of Carabas, will be drowned.’

I
The king hearing the cries, put his head out of PUSS IN
the window and bade the coachman draw up. BOOTS
Then he recognised the cat which had brought
him so many good things. He called the cat to
the carriage-side and asked what distressed him.
‘Sire!’ answered the cat, ‘whilst the most noble
the Marquess of Carabas has been bathing
some thieves have run away with his clothes. I
am afraid if he remains much longer in the water
he may have cramp and go under.’
In fact the cat had carried away his master’s
poor, mean garments, and had hidden them under
a stone.
The king, who was not merely compassionate, but
also generous and not above feeling gratitude for
services rendered, at once ordered his attendants
to go back to the palace for the most splendid suit
they could find. ‘I believe,’ said the king, ‘there
is a very fine suit made for me some twenty years
ago, when I was courting. I was then less cor-
pulent than at present. You will find it in the
lower right-hand drawer of the mahogany chest.
I have little doubt it will fit the marquess to a
nicety—that is, if he is a graceful man—I was
immensely graceful twenty years ago.’
Owing to the minute and exact instructions
given by his Majesty, the suit, which was exceed-
ingly splendid, was soon found and brought to the
lad in the water, who quickly clothed himself in it
and then came to the coach door to pay his
respects to the king and the princess.
The youth looked so engaging in the dress in
which his Royal Highness had been invested when
he went courting her mother, that the princess
immediately lost her heart to him, and felt that the
world to her would be a blank without him.
The king was also touched, for the sight of the
youth in this suit—which he became, rather than
the suit became him—awoke old feelings of senti-
B

17
PUSS IN mentality in the bosom of the king; he wiped his

BOOTS

eyes, and entreated the most noble marquess to
enter the carriage with him and his daughter;
and nudging the princess, he whispered: ‘I was
like that when I went a-sweethearting.’
The cat, delighted that his schemes had so well
succeeded, ran on ahead of the carriage; and
having passed through a field in which harvesters
were cutting and making stacks of golden corn,
he said to them: ‘Good people! unless you tell the
king who is coming this way that these cornfields
belong to the Marquess of Carabas, you will all be
made mincemeat of.’
The harvesters were somewhat alarmed at the
appearance of the cat in boots; they were exceed-
ingly afraid of being made into mincemeat.
Presently the gilded coach of the king passed.
He stopped it and inquired of the peasants to
whom these splendid fields of grain belonged.
They answered, as they had been instructed, ‘To
the most noble the Marquess of Carabas.’
‘Upon my word!’ said the king, addressing the
miller’s son, ‘you have a noble heritage.’
The young man bowed and blushed; and the
king and princess were pleased at his modesty.
The king nudged his daughter, and whispered:
‘I was tremendously shy—when I went a-courting.’
The cat ran ahead, and came into a meadow in
which were mowers making hay. He said to
them: ‘Good people! unless you tell the king who
is coming this way that these meadows belong to
the Marquess of Carabas, you will all be pickled
like young walnuts.’
When the king soon after came into the meadow
and smelt the sweet hay, he bade the coach stop,
and he inquired of the mowers to whom the
meadows belonged. They answered, as instructed,
that they belonged to the most noble the Mar-
quess of Carabas.

18
‘Goodness!’ exclaimed the king, addressing the PUSS IN
miller’s son, ‘you have indeed a noble heritage.’ ooTS
The young man stammered something unintelli-
gible. The king nudged his daughter, and said in
a whisper: ‘I also stuttered and stammered when
I was paying my addresses to your mother.’
The cat ran on, and passed through a forest in
which woodcutters were engaged thinning the
timber.
He halted, and addressed them, and said: ‘Good
people! unless you say that all these woods belong
to the Marquess of Carabas, you will all be stewed
in your syrup like prunes.’
When soon after this the king’s coach entered
the woods, the king called to the driver to stop,
and he signed to a woodcutter to come up. He
asked him whose forests these were, and he re-
plied that they belonged to the most noble the
Marquess of Carabas.
‘Well, I never!’ exclaimed the king to the miller’s
son, ‘you have verily a splendid inheritance.’
The poor lad was so bewildered that all he could
do was to respond with a sickly smile.
The king nudged his daughter, and whispered:
‘I also sniggered when I asked your mother to
name the day. She said my snigger was more
eloquent than words.’
The cat ran on, and saw at the end of the wood
a magnificent palace. He went in, and found that
it belonged to an ogre, who was also a magician
and enormously rich, for all the lands through
which the cat had run belonged to the domain
of this palace. The cat asked leave to see the
ogre. He said he could not think of passing that
way without paying him his respects.
The ogre received him with civility; even ogres
enjoy flattery.
‘I have been informed,’ said the cat, ‘that you
are so clever and so profound in your acquire-
19
PUSS IN ments, that you can transform yourself into any
BOOTS shape you like. But this may be merely idle
gossip, not based on any foundation of truth. For
myself I never believe half the tittle-tattle I hear.’
‘But it is really true,’ said the ogre.
The cat smiled incredulously.
‘I will at once show you my power,’ said the ogre;
and in a moment transformed himself into a lion.
The cat was so frightened that he made a bolt
out of the window and ran up the water-pipes and
did not rest till he was on the roof. This was
difficult for him, because he wore boots, and boots
re calculated for a high-road, and not for scram-
ling.
After some time, he plucked up courage to de-
scend.
‘What do you think of my power now?’ asked
the ogre, who had resumed his former shape.
‘I think that your power is great,’ answered the
cat, ‘yet hardly all that I should have thought
had I given belief to what is said.’
‘How so?’ asked the ogre.
‘I heard, for instance, on my way here, that you
were a great bear.’
‘I can make myself that in a moment,’ answered
the ogre.
‘I am sure you are that already,’ answered the
cat courteously. ‘Others said you were an awful
bore—or boar—I did not ask them to spell the
word.’
‘IT can transform myself into that instantly.’
‘I am certain you need no transformation to be
that most completely,’ said the cat, with a bow.
‘T also heard that you were in reality quite insig-
nificant as a personage, and a nobody. Now, any
fool can puff himself up into something greater
than himself, but it takes a wise man to make
himself appear less than he really is—Can you do
that?’
20
‘In a moment,’ answered the ogre, and he
changed himself into a mouse.
Instantly the cat was on him and had eaten

im.

Then he walked to the gate of the palace, and
arrived there just as the royal carriage drove up.
‘I wonder whose magnificent palace this is?’ said
the king.

Then the cat ran down the steps, opened the
door of the carriage, and said: ‘Your Majesty—
welcome to the palace of the most noble Marquess
of Carabas.’

‘Why, this is truly a surprise,’ said the king.
‘What a splendid inheritance is yours, Marquis!
Give my daughter your arm. We will pick a
crumb with you, Carabas. I’m vastly hungry with
my drive.’

The miller’s son clumsily offered his arm as
bidden to the princess. Her father nudged her,
and whispered: ‘I also was a great gawky when I
proposed to your mother.’

Then all entered the great hall, and the king
could not contain his surprise and admiration at
all he saw. The cat ran down into the kitchen
and ordered up a cold collation, and into the cellars,
where he chose out the best wines; and the king
said he had never enjoyed his victuals so heartily
as that day. Then turning to the miller’s son, he
said: ‘If you like, Carabas, you shall be my son-
in-law. Say: I adore you—will you be mine? to
the princess. I did that when I solicited the hand
of her mother.’

_ The miller’s son did not wait to be told this a
second time. The princess at once accepted him,
and they were married and lived happily.

The cat became a great lord, and had no occa-
sion to run after and eat mice.

21

a ra

PUSS IN
BOOTS
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CINDERELLA

mg|HERE was once a gentleman, a CINDER.
i] widower, who took for his second ELLA
wife a lady who was a widow with
two daughters. He, for his part, had
a daughter by his first wife.
The second wife was extremely proud
and haughty in her demeanour, and
her two daughters had inherited their mother’s
qualities.
The gentleman’s daughter by his first wife was
most amiable and gentle, in which points she
resembled her own mother.
No sooner had the marriage taken place than
the ill-humour of the stepmother became manifest.
She became jealous of the good qualities in the
child, which made her own daughters appear by
contrast the more disagreeable. She put upon
her all the meanest tasks, and held her to them
with inexorable severity. The young girl had to
clean pots and pans, to scrub the floors and sweep
the steps. She was obliged to do all the servile
work of the house, and be as a slave to her half-
sisters. For a bed she was given an old straw
paillasse in an attic, where it was cold, and where
ran the rats, whereas her sisters occupied the best
23

  
CINDER.
ELLA

rooms in the house and feather-beds. They had
also in their rooms cheval glasses in which they
could admire themselves from top to toe.

The poor girl endured all without complaining.
She did not dare to speak to her father about it,
because he was completely under the thumb of his
new wife. Moreover, he was much engaged in
business which carried him away from home for
weeks together, and she considered that if she
were to speak to him about her treatment, her step-
mother and sisters would serve her still worse as
soon as his back was turned. When she had done
her daily tasks, she was wont to creep into a
corner of the fireplace, and sat among the cinders,
for which reason her eldest sister called her Cinder-
slut, but the second who was not quite so ill-
tempered as the other, called her Cinderella.
Although, poor girl, she was given the shabbiest
clothes, and the dirtiest occupation, she was a
hundred times more beautiful than her sisters in
their finest dresses.

It happened that the king gave a ball, to which
were invited all persons of quality. Amongst
others the two young ladies of the house received
invitation. No one thought of Cinderella, for no
one knew of her existence; or if at any time they
had known, they had forgotten her since she had
been banished to the kitchen.

The two daughters of the lady were greatly
excited about the ball; they discussed how they
should be dressed and how they would have their
hair done up, and what jewels they would wear.
‘For my part,’ said the eldest, ‘I will wear red
velvet and lace, and a turban of red and yellow,
with an ostrich feather.’

‘And I,’ said the younger, ‘I shall wear sere
green velvet and satin embroidered with gold, and
eee frizzle up my hair and tie it with amber silk
ribbons.’

24
When the time approached they made Cinderella CINDER-
lace them, and patch them, and paint them, and ELLA
frizzle them, and shoe them.
‘How would you like to be at the ball?’ asked
one of the sisters of Cinderella.
‘As for me!’ answered she, ‘I do not think a
king’s palace is the place for me, nor would my
sooty and soiled gown appear to advantage in a
ball-room.’

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‘That is true indeed,’ laughed one of the
sisters. ‘That would be a rare joke to see you at
the ball.’ ‘And what a fool you would look if
ue prince asked you to dance a minuet,’ said the
other.

For two days before the ball, the two damsels
ate nothing; they were desirous to have the small-
est waists of any ladies who appeared, and in
lacing them, Cinderella broke a score of laces

25
CINDER- before she had got them done up tightly enough
ELLA to satisfy their vanity. When it came to patching,

the sisters were extremely particular. ‘I,’ said one,
‘will have a square patch on the top of my nose.
I think it will heighten my complexion.’
‘And I,’ said the other, ‘will have a round one in
the middle of my forehead. It will make me so
interesting.’ f
When the young ladies departed with their
mother, then Cinderella was left quite alone in the
house.
She sat herself on a heap of ashes in the corner
of the fireplace and began to cry.
Then all at once the hearth opened, and up
through it came a little woman with a red cloak
and a black pointed hat. This was her godmother,
who was a fairy.
The fairy godmother asked Cinderella why she

was crying.
Cinderella could only stammer—‘I wish—Oh, I
wish. ..Iwish...Iwish...’

‘I see clearly,’ said the godmother, ‘that you also
would like to go to the ball ; is it so?’
‘Indeed—indeed—I should,’ sobbed the poor girl.
‘Very well, then, so you shall. Go into the garden
and bring me a pumpkin.’
Cinderella at once went to pick the finest she
could find; it was yellow streaked with green.
She took it to her godmother, but had no idea
what would be done with it.
The fairy scooped out the inside, leaving only the
skin. Then she tapped it with her staff, and in
a moment it was changed into the most beautiful
coach, gold and green.
‘Now,’ said she, ‘bring me the mouse-trap.’
Cinderella obeyed. In the mouse-trap were six
little mice. The fairy opened the door and as the
mice ran out, she give each a tap with her rod,
and it was transformed into a beautiful horse with
2
flowing mane and tail. She then attached the CINDER-
six horses to the coach, the horses were all of a ELLA
beautiful brownish grey.
‘What are we to do for a coachman?’ asked
Cinderella.
‘Fetch me the rat-trap,’ said the godmother. The
girl did as desired. In it were three rats. The
fairy took the fattest, and with atouch of her wand
changed him into a pompous and dignified coach-
man.
Then she said, ‘Go into the garden, and you will
there find six lizards behind the watering pot,
bring them to me.’
No sooner had Cinderella done what was com-
manded, than the fairy changed them dexterously
into six sleek lackeys, which mounted behind the
coach and hung on to it with all the grace and
facility as if they had been bred to it.
The fairy then said to Cinderella: ‘There now, you
are set up with a conveyance in which to go to
the ball.’
‘That is very true,’ answered the girl, ‘but, alas!
my clothes are so mean and soiled, that I shall be
ashamed to get out of my beautiful coach.’
‘That is easily remedied,’ said the fairy, and she
touched the garments worn by her godchild.
They were at once changed into the most splendid
silk, studded with diamonds.
‘And now to make you complete,’ said the fairy,
‘I give you two glass slippers, the only ones there
are in the world.’
When Cinderella was thus dressed, she mounted
her carriage, and thanked her godmother grate-
fully. The good fairy said to her: ‘I am well
pleased that you should enjoy yourself. But re-
member to leave before midnight. If you remain
amoment after the last stroke of the clock, then
your carriage will turn into a pumpkin, your horses
into mice, your driver into a rat, your flunkeys into
27
CINDER-
ELLA

lizards, and all your beautiful garments will revert
to the condition of dirty, patched rags.’
Cinderella promised her godmother to remember
what she had said, and to return most certainly
before midnight.
Then she started, with a heart bounding with joy.
When she arrived at the palace, it was announced
to the prince, the king’s son, that a lady in the
most splendid equipage ever seen was at the gates,
and that she would not give her name.
The prince at once ran out to salute her and
invite her to the ball. He gave her his hand to
help her to descend, and led her into the great hall
where the company was assembled.
Then a great silence fell on all. The dancers
ceased dancing, the musicians ceased playing, and
the gossips ceased gossiping, all were eager to see
the strange princess.
On all sides were heard whispers of, ‘What a
radiant beauty!—what superb jewels!—what an
exquisite dress—who could have been her milliner ?
—What a style in the doing of her hair—who could
have been her hairdresser ?—What wonderful
slippers, who could have been her shoemaker ?’
The king, although old, could hardly take his
eyes off her, and he whispered to the queen, that
except herself, he had never seen a greater beauty.
The queen, who was old and fat, accepted the
compliment gracefully, and smiled. All the ladies
observed Cinderella attentively, and endeavoured
to engrave in their memories every detail of her
dress, so as.to get their next ball-dresses made
like it. The son of the king seated Cinderella in
the most honourable place, danced with her, and
himself brought her refreshments. As for himself,
he could eat nothing, so taken up was he with
attention to her, and in admiration of her beauty.
Cinderella seated herself by her sisters, and was
very an to them. She gave them some of the
2
oranges the prince had peeled for her, and talked CINDER.
to them most sweetly. They were lost in as- ELLA
tonishment, and never for an instant recognised

er.
Presently Cinderella heard the clock strike a
quarter to twelve. Then she rose, made a grace-
ful courtesy to the king and queen and to the com-
pany, and hastened away. On her return home
she found her godmother in the chimney corner.
She thanked the fairy for the favour granted
her, and begged that she might be allowed to go
to the ball at the palace on the following night, as
the prince had expressly invited her.

Whilst she was thus talking, she heard the
coach drive up that conveyed home her sisters and
their mother. She hastened to the door, opened
for them, yawned and rubbed her eyes, and said:
‘How late you are! It must be past one o’clock.’
‘Ah, ha!’ exclaimed her eldest sister, ‘you have
missed something. There has been not only a
most splendid entertainment, but there arrived
at it a most illustrious princess, so beautiful, that
she nearly came up to me.’

‘And to me,’ said the second.

‘And she was most superbly dressed—her taste
was almost equal to mine.’

‘And to mine,’ said the second.

‘She was very civil to us, and gave us some
of her. oranges. Indeed—for ease and graceful
courtesy, I should say she came almost up to me.’
‘And to me,’ said the second.

Cinderella listened to all that was said with
great interest ; she asked the name of the princess.
But that—said her sisters—‘is not known; the
king’s.son did his utmost to find it out and failed.
He says he would give a great deal to know
it.’

*O dear, dear!’ said Cinderella, ‘I should like to
see her; do, dear sisters, let me go with you to-
29
CINDER-
ELLA

morrow night, spare me some of your clothes. I
should like to see this princess.’ .
‘Hoity-toity! this is a fine idea!’ exclaimed the
sisters. ‘We should die of shame to be seen at a
great ball with such as you—and have it known
too that we were related.’
Cinderella expected this refusal. She was not
sorry ; she would have been sorely embarrassed if
the sisters had consented to lend her their clothes,
and take her with them.
Next evening the sisters departed for the ball,
and all happened as on the previous night. This
time Cinderella was even more splendidly dressed
than on the first night.
The king’s son was all the evening at her side,
and said to her the prettiest things imaginable.
Cinderella was so happy that the time passed
unobserved; and she forgot what her godmother
had said to her; so that she heard the first stroke
of twelve when she supposed it was only eleven
o'clock. Then she sprang from her seat and fled
as swiftly as a fawn.
The prince followed her, but could not overtake
her; however, in her flight she let fall one of her
glass slippers, and as the prince stooped to pick
it up she vanished. Cinderella arrived at home,
panting, in her soiled and patched dress, on foot,
without coach and attendance, nothing of all her
magnificence remained except the odd glass
slipper.
The prince inquired of the guards at the palace
gate if they had seen a beautiful princess pass,
and which way her coach had gone; but they
declared that no one except a scullery-maid had
passed that way; and upon looking for her coach,
it was nowhere to be seen.
When the two sisters returned from the ball,
Cinderella asked them if they had enjoyed them-
Selves, and if the beautiful lady had been there ;
30
they replied that she had, but that she had fled at c

the stroke of twelve and had left behind a glass
slipper—the most lovely that could be conceived ;
that the king’s son had picked it up, and that he
had been quite disconsolate after she had dis-
appeared, and had refused to dance or to eat or
drink anything, but had sat in a corner sighing
and looking at the glass slipper.

On the following morning the town was aroused
by the blowing of trumpets, and, upon the people
coming out to know the occasion, they found the
royal heralds with a chamberlain and guards, and
an attendant carrying a crimson velvet cushion,
upon which was placed the glass slipper. The
chamberlain announced that all single ladies were
to try on the glass slipper, and that the prince had
gerlated he would marry the one whom it would

The slipper was tried first on the princesses,
then on all the noble ladies, then on all the court
ladies, but in vain ; their feet were too large. Then
it was tried on in the town by the daughters of
the citizens, and the chamberlain brought it to the
house of the sisters. The eldest saw at a glance
that her foot would not go in, so she made an
excuse, ran into the kitchen and cut off her toes.
But even so her foot would not fit into the shoe,
and she was obliged to abandon the attempt.
Then it was offered to the second sister. She saw
at a glance that it was too small for her foot, so
she ran into the kitchen and cut off her heel.
But even so she could not get her foot into the
glass slipper.

The chamberlain was about to leave when he
caught sight of Cinderella in the chimney corner,
and he requested her to try on the glass slipper.
The sisters set up a loud laugh, and said the
idea was ridiculous! However, the chamber-
lain insisted on it, and no sooner was the glass

31

INDER-
ELLA
CINDER-
ELLA

slipper put to her foot, than it slipped on as if
made for it. .
The amazement of the sisters was great, but it
was greater still when Cinderella produced the
other slipper—the fellow—from her pocket, and
put it on her foot.
Then the hearth opened, and through it rose the
fairy godmother. She touched Cinderella, and her
clothes became more beautiful and costly than
those she had worn at the balls. :
Then her sisters recognised her as the princess
they had seen and admired. They threw them-
selves at her feet and implored pardon for all
the injuries they had done her. Cinderella raised
them and kissed them, and said that they could
make up for the past by loving her for the future.
The fairy godmother then said that Cinderella
must go to the court in a splendid equipage,
whereupon, as by magic, the gilded coach drawn
by six greys, with the pompous coachman on the
poe, and the six lackeys behind, drew up at the
oor.
In this she drove to the palace, where she was
well received by the prince, who thought her more
beautiful by daylight than by that of candles.
A few days after, there was a grand marriage.
After that Cinderella got her sisters to lodge in
apartments in the palace, and after a little urgency,
two noblemen were persuaded to marry the sisters,
who sincerely promised and vowed on their side to
be better-tempered in their married state than
they had been as spinsters. And the noblemen
promised and vowed, on their part, if they did not,
they would give them shabby clothes, and smut
their faces till they became amiable again.

32
VALENTINE AND ORSON

CHAPTER I

EPIN, King of the Franks, hadasister VALEN-
named Bellisance, who was exceed- TINE AND
ingly beautiful, and who was asked ORSON
in marriage by many kings and
princes.

The lady’s choice fell upon Alex-
ander, Emperor of Constantinople,

 

who came to the court of King Pepin to marry
the princess. Great rejoicings took place on the
occasion in all parts of the kingdom; and soon #
after the marriage the emperor took his leave, and

carried his lovely bride in great splendour and
triumph to Constantinople.

peror Alexander’s prime minister was a

Selfish and subtle man; unhappily his influence
with the emperor was very great. This man, ob-
serving the gentleness and sweetness of the Lady
Bellisance, began to fear that she would under-
mine his influence, and he wickedly resolved to
seek the destruction of the innocent empress. The
emperor was of a credulous and suspicious temper,
and the prime minister found means at length to
infuse into his mind Suspicions of the empress.
One day when the emperor was alone, he entered

¢ 33
VALEN the apartment, and throwing himself at his
TINE AND master’s feet, said: ‘May Heaven guard your

majesty from the base attempts of the wicked and
treacherous! I seek not the death of any man,
nor may I reveal the name of the person who has
intrusted to me a dreadful secret; but, in the most
solemn manner, I conjure your majesty to beware
of the designs of your empress; for that beautiful
and clever lady is faithless and disloyal, and is
even now planning your dethronement. _ Alas!
my heart is ready to burst with indignation, to
think that a lady of such charms, and the sister
of a great king, should become so dishonourable
and wicked.’

The emperor giving perfect faith to his favourite’s
tale could no longer restrain his fury ; and abruptly
leaving him, he rushed into the apartment of

the empress, and in the fiercest manner dragged

the fair Bellisance about the chamber by her
long and beautiful hair. ‘Alack! my dear lord,’ she
cried, ‘what causes you to commit this outrage?’
‘Base wretch!’ he exclaimed, ‘I am but too well
informed of your wicked proceedings ;’ then dash-
ing her with violence upon the ground, he left her
speechless. The attendants of the empress finding
her lying senseless on the floor, uttered loud
screams, which presently brought all the courtiers
into the chamber.

Every one was sorry for their amiable queen ;
and the nobles demanded an audience of the
emperor, to represent to him the wrongs he had
done to an honourable lady, with whom no one
before had ever found any fault. But the emperor
was still blinded with passion, and to their repre-
Sentations he answered: ‘Let no man dare to
defend a woman who has basely betrayed me.
She shall die; and they who interfere in her behalf
Shall partake in the dreadful punishment that
awaits treason,’

34
The empress on recovery from her swoon, fell VALEN-
upon her knees, and thus addressed the emperor: TAN
‘Alas! my lord, take pity on one who never ORSO
harboured an evil thought against your person
or dignity; and if not upon me, at least I implore
you have compassion on your two children!
Let me be imprisoned or put to death, if it so
pleaseth you; but, I beseech you, save my poor
children!’

The rash emperor, misled by the false tales of
the prime minister, would not hearken to her;
and the courtiers, perceiving that nothing could
mitigate his rage, removed Bellisance from his
presence.

Her faithful servant, Blandiman, now threw him-
self at her feet, exclaiming, ‘Ah! madam, let me
prevail on you to quit this unhappy place, and
suffer me to conduct you and your children to
your brother, the good King Pepin. Innocent and
noble lady, follow my counsel; for if you stay here
the emperor will bring you to a shameful death.’
‘No, my faithful servant,’ replied she; ‘I cannot
follow your advice. If I should steal away
privately from the court, it might be said I had
fled because I was guilty. No; I had rather die
the most cruel death than bear the blame of that
of which I am innocent.’

The emperor so far relented, that he would not
pronounce sentence of execution upon his queen;
yet, as his mind was continually excited by false
accusations against her, he resolved to banish her
from his dominions, and immediately commanded
her to quit Constantinople. At the same time he
published an edict, forbidding all persons, on pain
of death, to assist or succour the unfortunate lady,
allowing her no other attendant than her servant
Blandiman, whom she had brought with her from
France. Sentence having been thus pronounced,
the queen, Blandiman, and the two children,

35
VALEN- hastened away. As she passed through the city,
TINE AND she was met by multitudes of people lamenting the

ORSON

loss of so good an empress. When she had left
Constantinople, ‘Alas!’ cried she, ‘in what un-
happy hour was I born, to fall from so high an.
estate to so low a condition as I am now in!’
As she was thus complaining and weeping with
anguish, her servant said to her, ‘Madam, be not
discomforted, but trust in God, who will keep and
defend you.’
He had hardly spoken, before he espied a fountain,
which he and his lady at once approached. After
refreshing themselves at the fountain, they pro-
ceeded towards France. Many weary days and
nights had been spent in travel, when, arriving in
the forest of Orleans, the disconsolate princess
was so overcome with grief and fatigue, that she
sank, and was incapable of proceeding farther.
Her faithful attendant gathered the fallen leaves
and the moss to make a couch for her on which
to rest, and then hastened away, to seek some
habitation where he might procure food for his
unfortunate mistress.
During Blandiman’s absence the empress fell
asleep, with her two infant boys laid on the couch
beside her, when suddenly a huge bear rushed
out of the forest, and, snatching up one of the
children in its mouth, disappeared with its prey.
The wretched mother, distracted at the fate of her
child, pursued the bear with shrieks and lamenta-
tions, till, overcome with anguish and terror, she
fell into a swoon near the mouth of the cave into -
which the bear had carried her child.
It happened that King Pepin, accompanied by
several great lords and barons of his court, was
that same day hunting in the forest of Orleans,
and chanced to pass near the tree where the other
little boy lay sleeping on his bed of moss. The
king ee astonished with the beauty of the child,
3
who opened his eyes as the king stood gazing on
him, and, smiling, stretched out his little arms, as
if to ask protection. ‘See, my lords,’ said King
Pepin, ‘this lovely infant seems to ask my favour.
Here is no one to claim it, and I will adopt it for
my own.’

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son of his sister Bellisance, that he now delivered
into the hands of one of his pages, who took the
babe to Orleans to be nursed, and gave it, by the
king’s orders, the name of Valentine, because it
was found on S. Valentine’s day.

Blandiman, who had now returned, after looking
in vain for assistance, missed his mistress; and
after searching the forest for her, he at length

37

VALEN-

TINE AND
ORSON
VALEN-
TINE AND
ORSON

espied her on the ground, tearing her hair, and
uttering piercing cries of grief. ‘Ah, Blandiman!’
she exclaimed, ‘can there exist in the world a
being more encompassed with grief and sorrow?
I left Constantinople the mother of two beautiful
children, my only comfort under my bitter sorrow.
A ravenous bear has now snatched one from my
arms, and ano less cruel beast of prey has doubt-
less devoured the other. At the foot of yonder
tree I left it when I pursued the bear; but no
trace of either of my children remains. Go, Blandi-
man, leave me here to perish, and tell the Emperor
of Constantinople to what a horrible fate, by listen-
ing to evil counsel, he has destined his innocent
wife and children.’

At this moment they were interrupted by the
sudden appearance of a huge giant, who imme-
diately attempted to seize the empress. Blandi-
man sprang to his feet, stepped before him, and
began to draw and defend himself. His efforts,
however, were unavailing: the giant prevailed,
and slew him; and throwing the unfortunate lady
over his shoulder, proceeded towards his castle.

CHAPTER II

MEANTIME the bear that had carried away the
infant, bore it to its cave, and laid it down unhurt
before her young ones. The young bears, how-
ever, did not devour it, but stroked it with their
rough paws; and the old bear, perceiving their
kindness for the little babe, gave it milk, and
nourished it in this manner for the space of a
whole year.

The boy became hardy and robust; and as he
grew in strength he began to range the forest, and
attack ie wild beasts with such fury that they

3
used to shun the cave where he continued to live VALEN-
with the old bear, who loved him with extreme TINE AND
fondness. He passed eighteen years inthis kind ORSON
of life, and grew to such wonderful strength,
that he was the terror of the neighbouring
country. The name of Orson was given to him,
because he was nurtured by a bear; and the re-
nown of this wild man spread over all France.
He could not speak, and uttered no other sounds
than a wild kind of growl to express either his
anger or his joy. King Pepin often entertained
a great desire to see this wild man of the woods;
and one day rode with his retinue into the forest
of Orleans in hopes of meeting him. The king
left his train at some distance, rode on, and
passed near the cave which Orson inhabited.
On hearing the sound of horses’ feet, the wild
man rushed upon the king, and would have
strangled him in an instant but for a valiant
knight, who galloped up and wounded Orson with
his sword. Orson then quitted the king, and,
running furiously upon the knight, caught him
and his horse and overthrew both. The king,
being quite unarmed, could not assist the knight,
but rode away to call the attendants to his rescue.
However, before they arrived on the spot, the
unfortunate knight was torn to pieces, and Orson
had fled to the thickest part of the forest, where,
notwithstanding all their endeavours, they could
not discover him. The noise of this adventure
increased every one’s terror of the wild man, and
the neighbouring villages were nearly abandoned
by their inhabitants.

Valentine, in the meanwhile, had been educated
in all kinds of accomplishments. with the king’s
two sons and his fair daughter, Eglantine.
Nothing could exceed the fondness of the young
people for each other; indeed, there was nevera
lovelier princess than Eglantine, or a more brave

39
VALEN- and accomplished youth than Valentine. The
TINE AND king observing his inclination for arms, indulged

ORSON him with armour and horses, and after creating
him knight gave him a command in his army that
was about to march against the Saracens. Valen-
tine soon distinguished himself above the other
leaders in battle. He fought near the king’s
side; and when his majesty was taken by a troop
of the pagans, Valentine rushed through their
ranks, slew hundreds of them, and replacing the
king on his horse, led him off in triumph. After-
wards, when the Saracen city was besieged, he
was the first to scale the walls and place the
Christian standard on the battlements. By his
means a complete victory was obtained, and peace
restored to France.
Having conquered the Saracens, Valentine returned
to the court of King Pepin, and was received with
loud acclamations by the people, and joyfully
welcomed by the Princess Eglantine. The distinc-
tions and favour showered on him raised the
envy and hatred of the king’s sons, who plotted
together to destroy Valentine.
It happened very shortly after the return of
Valentine from his victory over the Saracens, that
a petition was presented to the king by a deputa-
tion of peasants, praying relief against Orson, the
wild man of the woods; the fear of whom was now .
become so great that the peasants dared not go
out to till their fields, nor the shepherds to watch
their flocks. The king immediately issued a
proclamation, saying, if any man would undertake
to bring Orson dead or alive to the city, he should
receive a thousand marks of gold.
‘Sire, said his sons, ‘we think no person is so
proper to undertake this enterprise as the found-
ling Valentine, on whom your majesty lavishes
such great favours, and who, it seems, aspires to
the hand of your daughter. Perhaps if he

40

 
conquers the savage with his sword, you will not VALEN-

think it then too much to reward him with the ao

hand of our sister Eglantine.’

Valentine saw through the malicious design of
the king’s sons; and the king himself wished to
protect him, and advised him not to encounter
such an enemy.

‘Pardon me, my liege,’ replied Valentine; ‘it con-
cerns my honour that I go. I will encounter this
danger, and every other, rather than not prove
myself worthy of your majesty’s favour and pro-
tection. To-morrow I will depart for the forest at
break of day.’

When the Princess Eglantine heard of Valentine’s
determination, she sought to turn him from his
purpose; but finding him inflexibly resolved to
attack the wild man, she adorned him with a
scarf, embroidered by her own hands, and then
retired to her chamber to pray for his safety.

At the first dawn of morning Valentine arose, put
on his armour, and with his shield polished like a
mirror, he departed for the forest. On his arrival
there, he alighted, tied his horse to a tree, and
penetrated into the thickest part of the wood in
search of Orson.

He wandered about a long time in vain; till
coming near the mouth of a large cave, he thought
that might be the hiding-place of the wild man.
Valentine then climbed a high tree near the cave;
and scarcely was he seated among the branches,
before he heard Orson’s roar in the forest. Orson
had been hunting, and came with a swift pace,
bearing upon his shoulders a buck he had killed.
Valentine could not help admiring the beauty of
his person, the grace and freedom of his motions,

and his appearance of strength and agility. He

felt a species of affection for the wild man, and
wished it were possible to tame him without
having recourse to weapons. Valentine now tore

41

NE AND
RSON
VALEN-
TINE AND
ORSON

off a branch of the tree, and threw it at Orson’s
feet; who, looking up and espying Valentine in
the tree, uttered a growl of fury, and darted up
the tree like lightning. Valentine as quickly
slipped down on the other side. Orson seeing
him on the ground leaped from the tree, and, open-
ing his arms, prepared in his usual manner to rush
upon and overthrow his antagonist; but Valentine
holding up his polished steel shield Orson sudden-
ly beheld, instead of the person he meant to seize,
his own wild and terror-striking figure. Upon
Valentine’s lowering the shield, he again saw his
enemy, and with a cry of transport prepared to
grasp him in his arms. The strength of Orson
was so very great, that Valentine was unable to
defend himself without having recourse to his
sword. When Orson received a wound from the
sword, he uttered loud shrieks of anger and sur-
prise, and instantly tearing up by the roots a large
tree, furiously attacked Valentine. A dreadful
fight now ensued, and the victory was a long time
doubtful; Orson received many dreadful wounds
from the sword of Valentine, and Valentine with
great difficulty escaped from being crushed to
death beneath the weighty club of Orson. At last
Valentine’s skill prevailed, and the wild man was
copduered; and lay prostrate on the ground at his
eet.

Valentine now made signs to Orson that he
wished him to accompany him, on which he quietly
suffered his hands to be bound; and Valentine
having mounted his horse, the two brothers pro-
ceeded towards Orleans.

CHAPTER III
WHEREVER they passed, the people on seeing

the wild man, ran into their houses and hid them-
42
selves, When Valentine arrived at an inn where VALEN-
he intended to rest during the night, the terrified TINE AND
inhabitants fastened their doors, and would not ORSON
suffer them to enter. Valentine made signs to
Orson, who placed his shoulder against the door,
and forced it open in an instant; upon which the
people of the inn all ran out at the back-door, and
would not venture to return. Agreat feast was in
preparation, and there were plenty of fowls and
good provisions roasting at the fire. Orson tore
the meat off the spit with his hands, and devoured
it greedily; and espying a caldron of water, he
put his head into it and drank like a horse.
In the morning, Valentine resumed his journey,
leading Orson as before. On arriving at the city,
the inhabitants shut their doors, and ran into the
highest rooms to gaze upon the wild man. When
they reached the outer court of King Pepin’s palace,
the porter in a great fright barred the gate with
heavy chains and bars of iron, and would not be
prevailed upon to open it. After soliciting admit-
tance for some time, and being still denied, Valen-
tine made a sign to Orson, who, tearing up one
of the large stone posts that stood by, shattered
the gate to pieces. The queen, the Princess
Eglantine, and all their attendants, fled to hide
themselves when they heard that Orson was
arrived; and Valentine had the greatest difficulty
to persuade them to believe that Orson was no
longer furious and savage as he had been in the
woods. At length the king permitted him to be
brought in; and the whole court soon gathered in
a crowd in the apartment, and were much amused
by his wild actions and gestures, although they
were very cautious not to come near him. On
Valentine’s making signs, he kissed the king’s
robe, and the hand of the Princess Eglantine; for
Orson had now become so attached to Valentine
that he would obey him in all things, and would
43
VALEN-
TINE AND
ORSON

suffer no other person to attempt to control him.
If Valentine went for a moment out of his sight,
he would utter cries of distress, and overturn every
one that stood in his way, while he ran about the
palace in search of him; and he slept at night in
Valentine’s chamber on the floor, for he could not
be prevailed to lie on a bed.
Very soon after the capture of Orson, a herald
appeared at the court of King Pepin, from the
Duke of Aquitaine, summoning all true knights to
avenge the cause of the Lady Clerimont, daughter
to the noble duke, who was held in cruel captivity
by Atramont, the black knight: the herald pro-
claimed that whoever should conquer him would
receive the hand of the lady in marriage, together
with a princely dowry. This knight was so famous
for his cruelty and his victories, that the young
lords of the court all drew back, and were unwill-
ing to enter the lists; for it was known that he
was defended by enchantment, and it was his
practice to hang upon a high tree all the knights
whom he had defeated. Valentine, however,
offered himself without hesitation; and though he
did not intend to ask the lady in marriage, he
nevertheless determined to attempt her rescue
from the hands of the giant.
Valentine, followed by Orson as his squire, soon
reached the castle of the black knight, and imme-
diately demanded the freedom of the captive lady.
This was refused, and the two knights at once
began the combat. The fight was long and equal.
At length Atramont demanded a parley: ‘Knight,’
said he to Valentine, ‘thou art brave and noble ;
behold, yonder hang twenty knights whom I have
overcome and put to death: such will be thy fate ;
I give thee warning.’
‘Base traitor,’ replied Valentine, ‘I fear thee not;
come on—I defy thee.’
‘First, rejoined the black knight, ‘fetch me
44
yonder shield; for in pity to thy youth, I tell thee, VALEN-
unless thou canst remove that shield, thou canst ae
not rescue the lady, nor conquer me.’ ORSO
Valentine approached the shield; but, in spite of
all his efforts, he could not loosen it from the tree,
though it appeared to hang on only a slender
branch. Valentine, breathless with his exertions
to pull down the shield, stood leaning against the
tree, when Atramont, with a loud laugh, exclaimed,
‘Fly and save thyself, fair knight; for since thou
canst not move the shield, thou art not destined
to be my victor. Further, know there is no one
living who can subdue me, unless he be the son of
fs mighty king, and yet has been suckled by a wild

east.’
Valentine started on hearing these last words,
and immediately ran to Orson, and led him to the
enchanted shield. On Orson’s raising his arm
towards it, it dropped instantly from its place. A
loud blast of wind rushed through the trees, the
ground rocked beneath their feet, and the black
knight trembled and turned pale; then gnashing
his teeth he seized his sword, and attacked Orson
with desperate fury. At the first blow, Atramont’s
sword broke in pieces upon the enchanted shield.
Next he caught up a battle-axe, which also
snapped instantly in two. He then took a lance,
which was shivered to atoms in the same manner.
Furious with these defeats, he threw aside his
weapons, and trusting to his great strength,
attempted to grasp Orson in his arms: but Orson,
seizing him as if he had been a mere child, dashed
him on the ground, and would have instantly
destroyed him, had not Valentine interposed to
save his life. Orson continued to hold him down
till some chains were brought, when, in despite of
the furious struggles of the black knight, Orson
bound him in strong fetters, to lead him away a
prisoner.

45
VALEN- Atramont, finding himself conquered, addressed
TINE AND himself to Valentine, and said: ‘This savage man
0 is my conqueror, and there is some mystery in his
fate. Hasten to the castle of the giant Ferragus,
where, if you can conquer him, you will find a
brazen head, kept by a dwarf, that will explain to
you who this savage is. You will also be able to
set at liberty all the captives whom he keeps con-
fined in his dungeons.’
He then directed them on their way to the
giant’s castle; and after they had rested and
refreshed themselves, they took their departure.

CHAPTER IV

THEY had to pass over many a hill and valley, -
and through wild and trackless forests; at last
they came in view of the giant’s castle, to which
the entrance was by a bridge of brass. The build-
ing itself was of marble, and the battlements were
surmounted by golden pinnacles, which glittered
richly in the evening sun as the two brothers ap-
proached the castle. Beneath the bridge of brass
a hundred bells were fastened by a strange device,
so that neither man nor beast might pass over
without a loud alarm being given. The moment
the two travellers began to cross the bridge the
bells sounded, and immediately the great gates of
the castle were thrown open, and a huge giant
stalked forth, bearing-in his hand a knotted club
of steel. He immediately summoned them in a
voice of thunder to lay down their arms.

‘Yield, you caitiffs!’ said he, ‘or I will make you
food for the wolves and birds of prey. No one
comes here and escapes with his life so long as
I can wield my good club.’

‘Vain posters replied Valentine, ‘I scorn you

4
and your threats! I come determined to force the VALEN-
brazen gates of your castle and to set free your TINE AND
prisoners.’ ORSON
With these words he put spurs to his steed, and
aimed his trusty spear at the giant’s head. The first
thrust made the giant bleed, and he, in his turn,
aimed a desperate blow atthe knight. This happily
missed, and left Valentine an opportunity of attack-
ing the giant with his sword, which he did with the
greatest courage, aiming blow after blow, first on
one side, then on another, with the utmost agility
and skill. But at last the giant, mad with pain and
rage, saw that his adversary was beginning to flag,
and found opportunity to deal him a tremendous
blow with his mace, which laid both horse and
rider senseless on the ground. He now grinned a
hideous grin, and, stooping down, he was about
-to aim a second blow, exclaiming, ‘Now, caitiff,
breathe thy last.’ But before he could raise his
arm to strike, two tremendous blows descended
upon his own head, and the monster fell groaning
to the earth. These blows came from the knotty
club of Orson, who, seeing his friend’s danger, ran
up just in time to save him. The giant was dead;
and, with Orson’s care and attention, Valentine
soon began to recover.
They now began to search the giant’s castle,
both to set free his captives and to find the dwarf
who would give the promised explanation. As
they went through the gloomy apartments and
dungeons, they found the bones of many murdered
knights who had been overcome by the giant, and
at last, in a little dim cell lighted by one small
window, they found a lady lying on the ground
and bathed in tears. At their entrance she lifted
up her eyes and begged for mercy. Valentine
gently raised her, and assured her that they were
come to succour her, that the giant was killed,
and that the castle-gates were thrown open. They
47
VALEN- then led her out of the dungeon into one of the
TINE AND apartments of the castle, and supplied her with
ORSON food and wine, and attended to all her wants.
They then inquired her name and her story,
when she related to them her whole history, as it
has been already told, from the time of her mar-
riage to the hour when the fierce giant slew her
trusty attendant, and carried her off by force to
the castle. But, when they heard her name, and
that she was sister to King Pepin, they were
beyond measure amazed and overjoyed; for they
had often heard the sad story of the Empress of
Constantinople, and how the emperor, after she
had gone, had discovered the treachery of his
prime minister, and had made long and anxious
search for his wife and children, but in vain.

CHAPTER V

VALENTINE and Orson determined to set out
for the coast of France as soon as the Lady Belli-
sance was able to travel, knowing how overjoyed
the old king would be to see his long-lost sister.
But, before taking their departure, they went to
search for the dwarf, who at last was found in one
of the turrets of the castle, and who immediately
expressed his willingness to serve his deliverer,
now that his cruel master was dead.

They desired him to lead them to the chamber
where the brazen head was kept, which he imme-
diately did. Valentine fixed his eyes upon the
head, anxious to hear what it would say con-
cerning his birth. At length it spake thus: ‘Thou,
O renowned knight, art called Valentine the Brave,
and art the man destined to be the husband of the
Princess Eglantine of France. Thou art son to the
Emperor of Greece, and thy mother is Bellisance,
sister io King Pepin of France. She was unjustly

4
banished from her throne, and after many wander- VALEN-
ings, she was seized by a giant and confined in a TINE_AND
dungeon of this castle, where she has been for ORSON
twenty years. The wild man, who hath so long
accompanied thee, is thy brother. You were both
lost in the forest of Orleans. Thou wert found
and brought up under the care of King Pepin thy
uncle, but thy brother was stolen and nurtured
by a bear. Proceed to France with the innocent
empress, thy hapless mother. Away, and prosper!
These are the last words I shall utter. Fate has
decreed, that when Valentine and Orson enter this
chamber, my power ends.’

Having thus spoken, the brazen head fell from its
pedestal, and in the fall was broken into a thou-
sand pieces.

The two youths stood for a moment fixed with
astonishment; they then joyfully embraced each
other, and rejoined the empress to tell her the
extraordinary news they had just heard. Imagine
her surprise when she saw before her her two long-
lost sons. To describe her emotions on this joyful
occasion would be impossible.

After the first transports were over, they prepared
for their departure. The stables of the giant’s
castle furnished them with horses; and everything
else necessary for their journey was found in its
well-stored recesses. So, taking with them the
dwarf as their servant, the whole party proceeded
towards France.

The meeting of King Pepin and his dear sister
was, we need not say, a happy and joyful one. A
courier was immediately despatched to Constan-
tinople to inform the Emperor Alexander of the
arrival of his empress at the capital of France.
The messenger found him still mourning the loss
of his innocent queen, and refusing all comfort
from those around him, from the thought that by
his own folly and rashness he had been the cause

D 49
VALEN- of her banishment and death. The news was like
TINE AND life to the dead; and the emperor, as soon as he

ORSON had sufficiently collected himself to give the proper
orders, set off with his whole court to meet his
long-lost queen, and to bring her back in triumph
to her throne. His delight was still further in-
creased when he saw the two youths his sons, and
embraced them for the first time since they were
children.
Great rejoicings, feasts, dances, and tournaments
were held in honour of these events in all parts
of the French king’s dominions; and, in due
time, the emperor and his queen, accompanied by
Orson, took their departure for their own country.
Valentine remained at the court of his uncle, and
was shortly after married to the fair Princess
Eglantine.
At the death of the monarch they succeeded to
the empire, and were blessed with a long and
prosperous reign.

50
LITTLE RED RIDING-HOOD

  

g)L-L in a little cottage LITTLE
There lived a little maid, RED
The sweetest little maiden that ever RIDING-
was seen,

And her mother loves her well
But her granny loves her better,
And she had alittle red hood, just like
a little queen.

Now, because this little girl wore a red cloak
with a red hood, everybody called her Little Red
Riding-Hood. It chanced one day her mother had
made some custards and a little plum-pudding.
And she said:

‘Now take the little basket,
And the little custard too,
And the little pudding boiled for your granny dear.
But don’t you stop or stay,
Do not idle on the way,
On the highroad little Riding-Hood will nothing
have to fear.

‘Go,’ said her mother, ‘straight along to your
grandmother, give her the nice things in your
basket, and then come straight home again and
tell me how the old lady is. Mind, talk to no one
on the way.’

51
»

BITC So little Red Riding-Hood set off immediately

RIDI
H

NG-

ooD

to go to her grandmother, who lived in a cottage
beyond the wood.

Instead of taking the highway, she went through
the wood, and there she met the old grey wolf,
who wanted to eat her, but he durst not, for there
were men in the wood, making fagots. But he
stopped her and said: ‘What have you got in
your basket, my dear >?’

    

   
 

    
    
  
   
        
      
 
   

 
 

  
   

 

 
   
    

     
   
   

   

   
 
  
   

   
   

   
 

         
  

   
   
 

     
   

  
 

     

    
        
   
    
             
  

  

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‘Only some custard and plum-pudding and a little

pat of butter.’

‘And where are you going, my dear?’

‘T am going to see granny.’

“Where does granny live, my dear >?’

‘In the cottage beyond the wood,’ answered Red

Riding-Hood.

‘And when you get to the cottage, what do you do?’
52
‘I knock at the door.’

‘And what does your grandmother say?’ asked
the wolf.

‘She says, “Who is there?”’ answered the little

girl.

“And what do you do next?’

‘IT answer and say, “I am little Red Riding-
Hood, and I have brought you a custard and
plum-pudding and a little pat of butter.”’

ane does grandmother then say ?’ inquired the
wolf,

‘She says, “Pull the bobbin, and the latch will

go up.
Well, when the wolf heard this, off he ran as
fast as he could, taking the nearest way; and the
little girl, forgetting again her mother’s commands,
idled on the way, picking hazel-nuts, running after
butterflies, making posies of the wild-flowers.
The wolf was not long before he got to the old
woman’s door. He knocked—tap, tap.
“Who is there >’ called a voice from within.
‘Your grandchild, littl Red Riding-Hood,’
replied the wolf, imitating the child’s voice as
nearly.as possible. ‘I have brought you a custard
and a little plum-pudding and a little pat of butter.’
The old grandmother, who was infirm and in
bed, cried out:
‘Pull the bobbin, and the latch will go up.’
The wolf pulled the bobbin, and the door opened,
and then he fell on the poor old woman, and
gobbled her up in a moment, for he had eaten
nothing for many days. He then shut the door,
and jumped into the grandmother's bed, and pulled
on the grandmother’s nightcap, which he had not
eaten, but had reserved, lest it should spoil his
appetite for what was coming. Presently he heard
little Red Riding-Hood’s tap, tap, at the door. So
he called out: ‘Who is there?’
‘It is your grandchild, little Red Riding-Hood,
53

LITTLE
RED
RIDING-
HOOD
LITTLE
RED
RIDING-
HOOD

who has brought you a custard and a little plum-

pudding and a little pat of butter.’ ‘ :

The wolf cried out to her, softening his voice as

much as he could:

‘Pull the bobbin, and the latch will go up.’

Little Red Riding-Hood pulled the bobbin, and

the door opened.

The wolf, seeing her come in, drew the bed-

clothes up about his shoulders and said:

‘Put the custard and the plum-pudding and

the pat of butter on the table, and come and sit

on the stool beside the bed and tell me how your

mother is.’

‘She is very well, thank you, granny,’ answered

the girl, as she put the articles she had brought

on the table.

‘Mother said I was to bring back the basket,’

she said, ‘so that she may be able to send you

something nice in it again, another day.’

‘That is very good of yourmammy. Come and

sit on the stool, my dear.’

So little Red Riding-Hood came over and sat

close by the bed, and she was much amazed to

see how her grandmother looked. So she said:

‘Grandmamma, what great arms you have got!’

‘The better to hug you, my dear.’

‘Grandmamma, what a long nose you have got!’

‘The better to smell you, my dear.’

‘Grandmamma, what long ears you have got!’

‘The better to hear you, my dear.’

‘Grandmamma, what great eyes you have got!’

‘The better to see you, my dear.’

‘Grandmamma, what great teeth you have got!’

‘The better to eat you, my dear.’

Saying these words, the wicked wolf threw off

the bed-clothes, jumped out of bed, and fell on

little Red Riding-Hood to eat her up.

But at that very moment—Bang! through the

door a gun was fired, and the grey old wolf rolled
54
over, shot through the head. Then in came the LITTLE
forester, and this was little Red Riding-Hood’s _ RED -
father. He had seen the wolf hasting off in the aoe.
same direction in which he saw afterwards his
little daughter had gone, so thought the cunning
and cruel beast was after mischief, and he hastened
in the same direction with his gun. Poor little
Red Riding-Hood was so frightened that she
could not walk home, and could only sob and cling
to her father, and so he carried her, and as he car-
ried her, he said:
‘A little maid
Must be afraid
To do other than her mother told her.
Of idling must be wary,
Of gossiping be chary,
She'll learn prudence by the time that she is older.’

55
THE

SLEEPING ||

BEAUTY

  

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY

aJANY years ago there lived a king anda
queen who had an only daughter, and
she was so beautiful that, at her birth,
the king knew not what to do for joy,
and he appointed a great feast to
celebrate it. He invited not only his
relations and friends, and his whole
court, but also the wise women, in order that they
might be kind and bestow favours upon the new-
born princess. There were thirteen of these
women in his kingdom; but as he had only
twelve gold trenchers for them to eat off, he
could not invite them all; so one was left out.
The twelve who were invited came; and when
the feast was over, they began to bestow their
wonderful gifts upon the child. One gave her
virtue, a second beauty, a third riches, a fourth
modesty, and so on with everything that is good
and valuable in the whole world. But just as
the eleventh had finished bestowing her gift, in
came the thirteenth, who had not been invited,
and began to threaten vengeance for the affront
which the king had put upon her. ‘The maiden,’
she said, ‘when she comes to her fifteenth year,
shall piers her hand with a spindle, and shail fall
5
down dead!’ At this the king and queen were’ T
grieved beyond measure; but the twelfth fairy, SLEEPING
who had not yet bestowed her gift, stepped forward BEAUTY
and spoke; she could not indeed, she said, prevent
what her sister had determined, but she could
mitigate it. ‘The king’s daughter,’ she continued,
‘shall not die, but she shall fall into a deep sleep,
which shall last a hundred years; at the end of
which time a king’s son shall awaken her: and
when she falls asleep the whole palace will sleep
with her.’
The king, who was very anxious, if possible, to
ward off this misfortune from his dear child, made
a proclamation that every spindle should be sent
out of the kingdom, and that none should be seen
all over the land until the princess had passed her
fifteenth year. In the meantime the wishes of the
fairies came to pass, for the maiden grew up so
beautiful, so modest, so amiable, and so intelligent,
that no one who saw her could help immediately
loving her. Now it happened one day, when she
was nearly fifteen years old, that the king and
queen went from home, and the young princess
was left quite alone in the palace. She walked
about through all the rooms and passages, and
wandered hither and thither as her fancy led her,
till at last she came to an old tower. Here she
saw a narrow staircase, which she mounted, and
then she came to a little door. Inthe lock of the
door there was a rusty key, and when she turned
it round the door sprang open, and there she saw,
sitting in the corner of a little room, a very old.
woman, who was busily employed with her spin-
ning-wheel. ‘Ah! old granny,’ said the king’s
daughter, ‘what are you about there?’—‘I am
spinning,’ answered the old woman, and nodded
her head to the princess. ‘How merrily that thing
goes round,’ spoke the maiden,—taking the spindle
in her hand at the same time,—‘let me try if I can
57
THE spin too.’ But scarcely had she touched the
. SLEEPING spindle when she pierced her hand with it, and
BEAUTY the enchantment took effect. That moment she
fell down and sank into a deep sleep. She was

then carried to a chamber and laid upon a beauti-

ful couch; and no sooner was this done than the

king and queen, and their servants, and the whole

court, and everything about the castle, fell asleep

likewise. The horses and grooms slept in the
courtyard, or in the stalls, the dogs in the kennel,

the pigeons on the roof, and the flies on the walls;

 
  
 
 
    
     
   
    
 

   

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LY
UMNO
ULE
YM
MM

ML, Lay

x Hl

  
  
 

   
 
  
 
     

CoE il Uy] ,
‘WS vot a ey ; :
2B é LY ——

even the very fire, which flamed upon the hearth,
became still and slept; the roast ceased to hiss;
and the cook, who had caught the kitchen-girl by
the hair to punish her for some fault, let go her
hold and fell asleep; and all that had the breath of
life was still, and slept.

And now a hedge of thorns began to grow all
round the castle, which hedge every year became
higher and thicker, until at last it closed in the

58

 
 

   
 

  
whole building, and not even the chimney tops THE
could be seen. And the story of the beautiful SLEEPING
sleeping Thorn-rose (for thus was the princess BEAUTY
named) was told throughout the land, so that from
time to time many kings’ sons came, and tried to
force their way through the hedge into the castle.
But it was all in vain; for the boughs kept together
as tightly as if they had clasped each other’s hands,
so that the youths stuck fast among the thorns
and could not get out, and after struggling and
fumbling: about for a long time, they one by one
ied.
After many long years had flown by, there came
another king’s son through the land; and he heard
by chance from an old man the story of the thorn-
hedge, and the kings’ sons who had been killed by
it. The old man also told him how it was said,
that there stood a castle on the other side of the
hedge,—and in the castle the beautiful princess,
Thorn-rose, slept, and with her the king and
queen and the whole household. Then the youth -
said to him: ‘The thorn-hedge shall not frighten
me. I will force my way through it, for I am
resolved to see the beautiful princess, Thorn-rose,
if it should cost me my life.’
But the day was now at hand when the hundred
years were to expire, and the spell to be dissolved.
And when the prince approached the hedge, the
thorns appeared to his sight only large beautiful
flowers, which separated before him of themselves,
and allowed him to pass through unhurt; and
when he had passed, he saw them close them-
selves again and stand up like a great wall behind
him. He entered the castle, and looked around
him with astonishment. In the courtyard were
horses with their grooms fast asleep: the pigeons,
too, sat sleeping upon the roof, and hid their little
heads under their wings. And when he came into
the house, he saw the very flies asleep upon the
59
THE
SLEEPING
BEAUTY

walls; the cook held her hand as if she would
seize the kitchen-girl by the hair, and the maid
sat with the black fowl before her which she was
going to pluck. He went on farther, and as he
went, he saw the guards all asleep at their posts.
Then he came into the great hall, and he saw all
the courtiers sleeping there. He walked on again
and all was so still that he could hear his own
breath; and at last he went up a winding stair,
and opened the door of the chamber in which
Thorn-rose slept, and not far from where she lay
were the king and queen themselves. He went
near to the princess, and as she lay there, all still
and motionless, she looked so beautiful that he
could not take his eyes off her; at last he stooped
down and gave her a kiss. As soon as he had
touched her cheek, Thorn-rose opened her eyes,
woke up, and looked round her with a friendly
smile. Then she arose, and the prince and she
went down the stair together. And now the king
and queen, and the whole court, awoke, and rubbed
their eyes and looked with-wonder at each other.
The horses also awoke, and neighed and shook
themselves; the greyhounds sprang to their feet
and wagged their tails; the doves, on the house-
top, drew their heads from under their wings,
looked round, and flew away into the meadow;
the flies on the wall began to creep along; the fire
in the kitchen flickered and flamed up; the roast
began to hiss; the old cook gave the kitchen-girl
a box on the ear, that made her scream; the maid,
too, was seen busily plucking away at the fowl.
To crown the whole, the wedding of Thorn-rose
and the king’s son was celebrated with great
feasting and rejoicings; and they lived in peace
and happiness all their days.

60
THE BABES IN THE WOOD

=| HERE lived once on a time a father in
Norfolk who had two little children
with his wife.

One was a fine and pretty boy,
Not passing three years old,

The other a girl more young than he,
And framed in beauty’s mould.

 

Now there came a pestilence in the land, and the
father and mother were both taken and fell very ill,
and saw that they were like to die. He was very
troubled about his children, when he and his wife
should be gone. This father was a man of some
possessions. He sent for his brother, and he made
his will, and he left to his little son three hundred
pounds a year; and to his little daughter Jane he
left five hundred pounds to be paid down on her
marriage day. But if the children should die
before they came of age, then he decreed that all
the money should go to their uncle.

When the father had settled his will, then he
called his brother to the bedside.

‘Now, brother,’ said the dying man,
‘Look to my children dear ;
Be good unto my boy and girl,
No friends have they here. é
I

THE
BABES
IN THE
wooD
THE
BABES
IN THE
wooD

To God and you I recommend
My children dear this day ;

But little while be sure we have
Within this world to stay.

‘You must be father and mother both
And uncle all in one,

God knows what will become of them
When I am dead and gone.’

With that out spake their mother dear,
‘O brother kind,’ said she,

You are the man must bring our babes
To wealth or misery.

‘And if you keep them carefully,
Then God will you reward,
But if you otherwise shall deal,
God will your deeds regard.’
With lips as cold as any stone
They kiss’d their children small:
‘God bless you both, my children dear!’
With that their tears did fall.

The brother of the dying man spoke out that he
would do his best for the children, and be true to
the trust that was laid on him. And he said,
moreover, that if he should wrong them and rob
them of their rights, then he prayed that God
would turn His face from him, and that he might
cease to prosper in his undertakings.
This assurance comforted the sick father and
mother, and they died and were buried in one
grave.
The uncle then took the children away with him to
his own house, and he treated them not unkindly,
yet, for all, it was not as though they had been with
their own parents.
It must be told how that their uncle was a
eorerons man, and he thought how well it would
2
be for him if the children were to die before they
grew to years of discretion, for then he would have
the little boy’s three hundred pounds a year, and
the little girl’s five hundred pounds. He kept
them in his own house for a twelvemonth and a
day, and then he formed a wicked device to get
rid of them both.

There were two wicked men who lived not far off,
who were ready to do any bad act if paid for it,
and he sent for these men, and bargained with

if

AT
Nai

ed

BRS
We
aS

a gs

SW), Ke =a

them to take the babes out into the greenwood,
and to kill them there. His wife, their aunt, was
a good and kind woman, and would never have
consented to such wickedness, whatever gain it
might bring, so he told her an artful tale, that it
was his purpose to send the children to a friend of
his in London, who would see to their schooling.

He then gave over the two children to the men
with whom he had agreed, and told them that they
were going to London where were toy-shops, and

63

 
THE
BABES
IN THE
wooD

as many toys to be had for the asking as their
hearts could desire.

Away then went those pretty babes,
Rejoicing at that tide,

Rejoicing with a merry mind,
They would a cock-horse ride.

The two men conveyed them into the wood; and,
as they went, the children talked to them of what
they would do when they got all the pretty toys in
London town., And one of the men, who was
softer-hearted than the other, became sorry for
what he had taken in handtodo. But the second
man was hard, and he would not listen to his
fellow, and said he would kill them outright.
So they fell from words to blows; and they drew
their swords and fought; and he who was most
merciful in heart slew the other.
Now, when he saw that his fellow was dead, he
thought he might be taken and hanged for murder,
and that he must fly; but he could no ways see
what he could do with the poor babes, who stood
sobbing—frightened at seeing the men fighting.
He took the children by the hand,

Tears standing in their eye,
And bade them straightway follow him,

And look they did not cry.
And two long miles he led them on,

While they for food complain;
‘Stay here,’ said he, ‘I’ll bring you bread

When I come back again.’

Then he went away, and never came back. He
tan from the wood, and tried to escape into a
distant part of the country. Now, he had brought
the poor babes on very near to the edge of the
wood, and not a mile from where there were some
cottages, and he thought that they would make
their wey out from under the trees and be found
4.
by kind and good people, who would give them
food and shelter.

But the poor little children were so frightened
and confused that they did not understand in
which direction to go. They waited a long while
for the man, and, as he did not come back, they
wandered in the wood; and in place of getting out
of it, by a sad mishap they turned, and went back
into its very depths.

These pretty babes, all hand in hand,
Went wandering up and down;

But never more could see the man
Approaching from the town.

Their pretty lips with blackberries
Were all besmeared and dyed;

But when came on the darksome night,
They sat. them down and cried.

Thus wander’d these poor innocents
Till death did end their grief;
In one another’s arms they died
As wanting due relief.
No burial this pretty pair
Of any man receives,
But Robin-redbreast, piously,
Did cover them with leaves.

It must now be told how that the wicked uncle
got no rest in mind or body. Nothing prospered
with him. His fields were blighted, and his cattle
died in stall. His barns caught fire, and his
substance wasted.
He had sent his sons in a merchant-ship to
Portugal, and a violent storm arose, wrecked the
vessel, and his sons were drowned.
So badly did the uncle fare, that, in seven years,
all his lands and goods were in pawn or lost; and
himself smitten with an ague that never left him,
but made him shiver and shake.

E 65

THE
BABES
IN THE
wooD
THE
BABES
IN THE
wooD

 

As for the man who had left the Babes in the
wood, he was convicted of a robbery and thrown
into prison, when he confessed the whole story—
how he was hired by the uncle, how he had fought
with and killed his fellow, and how he had deserted
the children in the wood.

. aes it was the whole story came to the light of
day.

66
PRETTY MARUSCHKA

AR away inthe hazy purple of antiquity,
when all stepmothers were wicked,
and all younger sons were successful,
there lived on the confines of a forest
a woman who had two daughters: the
one her own, the other only a step-
child. Naturally, the love of the
mother was concentrated on her own Helena, and,
as naturally, she disliked Maruschka, who was the
fairest, the gentlest, and the most pious of the
two girls.

Little did pretty Maruschka know of her own
surpassing beauty—a fact proving to us how
remote from the present age was that in which
these damsels lived. Her hair was like the waving
gold of the cornfield when the wind soughs over
it, and her eyes were as the blue forget-me-not
which smiles and glimmers in a quiet nook by the
brookside. She was slim and graceful; her step
was light, for her heart was free. Wherever she
went she brought cheerfulness and smiles; like
the little golden sunbeams which pierce among
the tfee-shadows of a forest, and light up unex-
pected beauties where all before was gloom; now
painting a saffron butterfly, now kindling an

67

  

PRETTY
MAR-
USCHKA
PRETTY
MAR-
USCHKA

emerald moss-tuft, now making a scarlet lily flame
against the dusk of the forest glades behind.
Helena was dressed by her mother in gay colours
for Sunday and Feast-day, but poor little Mar-
suchka had only a dingy grey gown, cast off by
her sister. Helena wore black shoes with silver
buckles, but pretty Maruschka clattered up the
churchyard path in wooden clogs. Helena wore
a false gold chain of great links round her neck,
but her half-sister had only a turquoise-coloured
ribbon and a little silver cross with a crystal in
it—that was her only ornament—and that had been
given her by a lady whom she had guided into the
road, when she had lost her way in the forest.

As the mother and the two girls went to church
on Sundays, the lads were all in the yard hanging
about the tombstones; and the old woman heard
them whisper, ‘There is pretty Maruschka;’ ‘but
never once did they say, ‘See pretty Helena.’ So
she was angry, and hated the golden-haired, blue-
eyed maiden. At home she made her do all the
hard work—scrub the floors, cook the victuals,
mend the clothes—whilst Helena stood all day
before her glass, combing her hair and adorning
herself with trinkets, and wishing it were Sunday
that she might flare before the eyes of the young
men in the churchyard.

Helena and her mother did all that lay in their
power to make the little girl’s life miserable. They
scolded her, they beat her, they devised schemes
of annoyance for her, but never could they ruffle
the sweet temper of Maruschka.

One day, in the depth of winter, Helena cried out,
‘Ah, me! would that I had a bunch of violets in
my bosom to-morrow, when I goto church. Run,
Maruschka, run into the forest and pluck them for
me, that I may have them to smell at whilst the
priest gives us his sermon.’

‘Oh, ay, sister!’ answered Maruschka,. ‘who ever
heard of violets being gathered in midwinter, Pare
under the deep snow ?P’
‘Idle hussey!’ screamed Helena; ‘go at once and USCHKA
fetch them. Have them I will, and you shail not
come back without them.’
Then the mother chimed in with, ‘Mind and bring
a large bunch, or you shall not be taken in here
for the night. Go!’ and she caught her, thrust
net from the house, and slammed the door behind
er.
Bitterly weeping, the poor maiden wandered
into the forest. The snow lay deep everywhere,
undinted by human foot; white wreaths hung on
the bushes, and the sombre pine-boughs were
frosted over with snow. Here were the traces of
a hare, there the prints of a badger. An owl
called from the depths of the forest. The girl lost
her way. Dusk came on, and a few stars looked
through the interlacing boughs overhead, watching
Maruschka. An icy wind moaned through the
trees, shaking the pines as though they quaked
with mortal fear, and then they bent their branches
and shot their loads of snow in dust to the ground.
Strange harp-like sounds reverberated through
the gloom, and gratings of bough on bough, which
seemed as though the wood demons were gnawing
at fallen timbers. Now a great black crow, which
had been brooding among dark firs and pines,
startled by the footfall and sobs of the maiden,
expanded his wings, and, with a harsh scream,
rushed away, noisily, sending the life-blood with a
leap to the girl’s heart. Suddenly, before her—far
up on a hill-top—a light appeared, ruddy and
flickering. Maruschka, inspired with hope, made
for it, scrambling up a rocky slope through deep
snow-drifts. She reached the summit, and beheld
a great fire. Around this fire were twelve rough
stones, and on each stone sata man. Three were
grey-bearded, three were middle-aged, three were
6

9
PRETTY
MAR-
USCHKA

 

youths; and the last three were the youngest and
fairest. They spake not, but looked intently on
the roaring flames. He who sat in the seat of
honour had a long staff in his hand. His hair
was white, and fluttering in the cold wind.
Maruschka was startled, and watched them
with astonishment for a little while; then muster-
ing courage, she stepped within the circle and

- Said :—

= OI

Ze, 06
apy) 4,
LM, s

“tire,

“Dear, good friends, please suffer me to warm
myself a little while at the fire, for, indeed, I am
perishing with cold.’ He with the flowing white
hair raised his head, and said—

“Yes, child, approach. But what brings you
here >?’

‘I am seeking violets,’ she answered.

‘Violets! It is not the time for violets, when the
snow lies deep?’

7O
‘Ah, sir! I know that well; but sister Helena
and mother have bidden me bring them violets,
and if I do not I must perish in the cold. You,
kind shepherds, tell me where I may find violets!’
Then the white aged one arose from his seat,
stepped to one of the blooming youths, put his
staff into his hand, and said—
‘Brother March, take thou the pre-eminence.’
Then the Month March sat himself on the chief
stone, and waved his staff over the fire. Instantly
the flames rushed up and blazed with greater
brilliancy, the snow began to thaw, the hazel-
bushes were covered with catkins, and glossy buds
appeared on the beech. Green herbs thrust up
through the moist soil, a primrose gleamed from a
dusky bank, and a sweet fragrance of violets was
wafted by on a gentle breeze. Under a bush, the
ground was purple with their scented blossoms.
‘Quick, Maruschka, pluck!’ ordered March. The
girl hastily gathered a handful. Then she cour-
tesied to the twelve Months, thanked them cordially,
and hurried home.
Helena was amazed when her half-sister came
with the bunch to the door. She opened it to
her, and the house was filled with the delicious
odour.
“Where did you find them 2’ she asked.
-iuen up on the mountain, under a hawthorn
ush.” —
Helena took the flowers, and set them in her
bosom. She let her mother smell at them, but she
never gave one to Maruschka. ;
When they came home from church next day,
Helena cast off her gay shawls, and sat down to
supper. But she had no appetite for what was on
the table. She was angry with her sister; for all
the lads had fixed their eyes on Maruschka, and
had not even been attracted to her by the fragrant
bunch of violets. ‘How beautiful is Maruschka

71

PRETTY
MAR-
USCHKA
PRETTY to-day!’ had said some of the eee people; and
MAR- none had spoken a good word of her.

USCHKA 6&po she sat and sighed, and hated the pretty girl
more and more.
‘Oh that I had strawberries!’ she said. ‘I can eat
nothing this evening but strawberries. Run, Mar-
uschka, into the forest and gather me a dishful.’
‘Dear sister, this is not the time of the year for
strawberries. Who ever heard of strawberries
ripening under the snow?’
But the stepmother angrily exclaimed: ‘Run,
Maruschka, fetch them at once, as your sister has
ordered, or I will strike you dead ;’ and she thrust
her from the door.
The poor girl cried bitterly; she looked back at
the firelight which glimmered through the case-
ment, and thought how warm it was within, whilst
without it was so piercingly cold. But she dared
not return unless she had with her the desired
fruit. So she plunged into the forest. The snow
lay deep, and nowhere was a human footprint.
Snow began to fall in fine powder, whitening her
shoulders, clinging to the folds of her grey dress,
and forming a cap of ice on her golden hair. In
that dull rayless night there was no light to show
the blue ribbon, which strayed among the tree
boles, or to twinkle on the crystal of the silver
cross.
Presently Maruschka saw, high up on the summit
of a rugged hill, a blazing fire. She scrambled to
it, and there she found the Twelve sitting solemn
and silent around the flames, and the Ice Month,
with his staff, sat still on the seat of honour.
‘ Dear, good. friends, please suffer me to warm
myself a little while at the fire,’ she asked in a
beseeching voice; ‘for, indeed, I am perishing
with cold.’
Then the one with the drifting white locks raised
his head and said—

72
‘Yes, child, approach. But what brings you here?’
I am seeking strawberries,’ she answered.
‘Strawberries! It is not the time for strawberries
when the snow lies deep?’
‘Ah, sir! I know that well; but sister Helena
and mother have bidden me bring them straw-
berries, or they will strike me dead. You, kind
shepherds, tell me where I may find strawberries.’
Then the white Ice Month arose from his seat,
stepped across the area to one of the young men,
put the staff into his hand, and said—
‘Brother June, take thou the pre-eminence.’
Then the Month June sat himself on the chief
stone, and waved his staff over the fire. Instantly
it glowed like molten gold, beams of glory
streamed from it through the forest, and it shone
like a sun resting on the earth. Overhead, the
clouds famed and curled in wreaths of light-tinted
rose, carnation, and purple, athwart a sky blue as
the forget-me-not. Every trace of snow vanished,
and the earth was buriedin green. The trees were
covered with rustling leaves. Blue-bells gleamed
under their shadows, and then died away. Red-
robin blushed in tufts, and then shed its ragged
petals. Wild roses burst into glorious flower, and
the soft air was charged with the scent of the
sweet-briar. From among the forest-glades called,
in cool notes, a wood-dove. The thrush began to
warble, and the blackbird to pipe. A bright-eyed
Squirrel danced among the fresh green leaves on
the tree-tops. Beside a brown stone was a patch
of sloping green. It was dotted with little white
stars with golden hearts. Now the leaves drop
off, and the hearts swell, and flush, and glow, and
become crimson.
‘Quick, Maruschka, pluck!’ said June.
Then the girl joyfully hurried to the slope, and
gathered an apronful of the luscious strawberries.

73

PRETTY
MAR-
USCHKA
PRETTY
MAR-
USCHKA

She courtesied to the twelve Months, thanked them
cordially,-and hurried home.
Helena was astonished as she saw her come to
the house, and she ran to open the door. The
whole cottage was fragrant with the odour of the
strawberries.
“Where did you gather them ?’ asked Helena.
‘High up on the mountains, under a brown rock.’
Helena took the strawberries, and ate them with
her mother. She never offered even one to pretty
Maruschka.
Next day, Helena had again no appetite for her
supper.
‘Oh, if I had only ripe apples!’ she said; and
then, turning to her sister, she ordered, ‘Run,
Maruschka, run into the wood and gather me
some ripe apples.’
‘Dear sister, this is not the time of the year for
apples. Whoever heard of apples ripening in an
icy wind ?’
But her stepmother cried out, ‘Run, Maruschka,
fetch the apples as your sister has required, or I
will strike you dead.’
And she thrust her from the door into the cold
winter night-air.
The maiden hastened, sobbing, into the wood; the
snow lay deep, and nowhere was there a human ~
footprint. The new moon glimmered in a clear
sky, and sent its feeble beams into the forest deeps,
forming little trembling, silvery pools of light, which
appeared and vanished, and formed again. Anda
low wind whispered a great secret in the trees, but
so faint was the tone that none could make out
what it said. There was a little opening in the
wood; in the midst stood a grey wolf looking up
at the moon and howling; but when Maruschka
came near, it fled, and was lost among the shadows.
The poor maiden shivered with cold, and her teeth
chattered. Her lips were purple and her cheeks
"74,
white; and the tears, as they formed, froze on her
long eyelashes. She would have sunk on a snow-
drift and died, had she not seen, up high on a
rugged hill-top, a blazing fire. Towards it she
made her way, and found it to be the same she had
seen before. Round about, solemn and silent, sat
the Twelve, and the Ice Month was on the seat of
honour, clasping the staff of power.

‘Dear, good friends, please suffer me to warm my-
self a little while at the fire,’ she asked, in suppli-
cating tones ; ‘for, indeed, I am perishing with cold.’
Then the one with the long white hair and frosty
beard raised his head, and said: ‘Yes, child, ap-
proach; but what brings you here?’

‘I am seeking ripe apples,’ she answered.

‘Ripe apples! It is not the time for ripe apples,
when the snow lies deep?’

‘Ah, sir! I know that well; but sister Helena and
mother have bidden me bring them ripe apples, or
they will strike me dead. You, kind shepherds, tell
me where I may find ripe apples.’

Then the Ice Month arose from his seat, stepped to
one of the elder men, put the staff into his hand,
and said—

‘Brother September, take thou the pre-eminence.’
Then the Month September sat himself on the
chief stone, and waved his staff over the fire.
Whereat it glowed like a furnace, red and fierce;
sparks flew about, and volumes of glaring hot
smoke, like the vapour of molten metal, rolled up
-to heaven. In a moment the snow was gone.
The trees were covered with sere leaves; the oak
foliage was brown and crumpled, that of the ash
yellow as sulphur; other trees seemed leafed with
copper. Stray leaves floated past and were whirled
by little wind-eddies into rustling heaps. A few
yellow flowers shook in the hot air. Pinks hung
over the rocks, covering their faces with wandering
shadows. Ladyfern waved and wafted its pleasant

75

PRETTY
MAR-
USCHKA
PRETTY
MAR-
USCHKA

odour. A constant hum of bees and beetles and flies
sounded through the wood. Maruschka looked
about her for apples, and beheld a tree on whose
branches hung the ruddy fruit.
‘Quick, Maruschka, shake!’ commanded Sep-
tember. Then she shook, and there fell an apple;
she shook again, and there fell another. ‘Quick,
Maruschka, hasten home!’ said the Month.
Then she courtesied to the Twelve, thanked them
cordially, and returned to the house of her step-
mother.
Helena marvelled not a little when she saw the
red apples.
‘How many have you plucked ?’ she asked.
‘Only two.’
‘Where did you find them 2?’
‘High up, on the mountain-top, on a tree weighed
down with them.’
‘Why did you not gather more? Did you not eat
them on your way home?’ asked Helena, fiercely.
‘Oh, dear sister, I have not tasted one! I shook
once, and down fell an apple; I shook twice, and
there fell another. I might not bring away more.’
Helena struck her, and drove her to the kitchen.
Then she tasted one of the apples. Never before
had she eaten one so sweet. and juicy. The step-
mother ate the second.
‘Mother!’ exclaimed Helena, ‘give me my fur
dress. I will go to the hill and bring some apples.
That hussey has eaten all she took except two.’
Then she wrapped herself up, and hurried into the
wood. The snow lay deep, and nowhere was a
human footprint.. Helena lost herself; but presently
she was aware of a hill, anda fire burning at the
summit. She hastened to the light. There she
saw a great blaze, and round it sat the twelve
Months, silent and solemn. He with the long
snowy locks sat on the seat of honour, holding
the rod of power. Helena stared at them, then,
76
pushing through the circle, went to the fire, and PReury
began to warm herself.
“What seek you here?’ asked the Ice Month, with USCHKA
a frown wrinkling his white brow.
‘That is no business of yours,’ answered Helena,
sharply, over her shoulder.
The Ice Month shook his head, and, raising his
arm, waved the staff over the fire.
Instantly the flames sank, and the fire was reduced
toaglowing spark. The clouds rolled over the sky,
and, bursting, discharged snow in such quantities
that nothing was visible in earth and heaven but
drifting white particles. An icy wind rumbled in
the forest and roared round the hill. Helena fled.
Everywhere white fleeting spots—whirling, falling,
rising, scudding! She ran this way, then that;
she stumbled over a fallen log, she gathered her-
self up and ran again; then she plunged into a deep
drift; and the white ‘cold down from the breast of
heaven whirled and fell, and rose, and fleeted, and
danced this side of her, and dropped here on her,
and rested there on her, and lodged on this limb,
and built up a white heap on that limb, then
bridged over one fold and filled up another. She
shook herself, and the particles fell off. But then
they began theirwork again: they spangled her with
white, they wove a white net, they filled up the in-
terstices of her lace, they built a mound over her
arm, they buried her foot, they raised a cairn above
her bosom. Then they spun a dance around the
white face which looked up at them, and began
to whiten it still more; lastly, they smoothed the
sheet over her, and the ‘work was done.
The mother looked out of the window and
wondered that Helena did not return. Hour after
hour passed, and her daughter came not.
‘Maybe the apples are so sweet that she cannot
eat enough,’ thought the mother. ‘I will go seek
them too.’

77
ees
USCHKA

So she wrapped herself up in a thick shawl and
went forth.

The snow lay deep, and nowhere was a human
footprint. She called Helena, but received no
answer. Then she lost her way. The snow fell,
and the wind howled.

Maruschka sat over the fire and cooked supper.
Mother and sister came back no more.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

HERE was a merchantman once, who
was very rich.

He had three daughters, and he
spared no expense to provide them
with an excellent education.

His daughters were beautiful; but
the youngest so excelled her sisters
that, from earliest childhood, she was called the
Beauty, and afterwards this name slipped into,
simply, Beauty.

But the real cause why she was so much more
admired than her sisters was that she was
amiable and they were not; and the sweetness of
her disposition shone out in her face and made
it doubly sweet. No frown ever spoiled her fair
brow ; no pout was ever on her pleasant lips. She
possessed the charm of good temper which makes
even a plain face agreeable.

The merchant’s elder daughters were idle, ill-
humoured, and proud; and people did not consider
them as beautiful, because they saw only the bad
temper that was in the expression of their faces.
The pride of the young ladies was so great that
. they despised all such as were of their own rank
in life, and wished to be the friends of noble
ladies and princesses. They hunted after grand

79

  

BEAUTY
AND THE
BEAST
BEAUTY
AND THE
BEAST

acquaintances, and met with many mortifications
accordingly. They gave themselves great airs, and,
to show the world how high in life they were, they
held up their noses. Their whole time was spent
in balls, operas, and visiting and driving about.
Meanwhile, Beauty kept to her books; and, when
not at work, she loved in kindly way to go among
the sick and poor, and comfort them. Thus it
came about. that she was as much beloved by the
poor as she was admired by the rich.
As it was well known that their father was a well-
to-do man, many merchants asked the girls in
marriage; but all these offers were refused, be-
cause the two eldest had set their minds on
marrying only nobles, and the youngest had no
wish to be married at all.
Beauty’s great desire was to be with her father
when he was old and feeble, and to be then his
comfort.
One unhappy day the merchant returned home,
very downcast, to inform his children that his
ships had been wrecked, his head clerk had
defrauded him, and that the firms which owed
him money were bankrupt. He was, therefore, a
ruined man. Beauty wept because her father was
unfortunate and unhappy, and asked him what
was to be done.
‘Alack, dear child!’ he replied, ‘I must sell this
house, and go to live in a cottage in the country ;
and we shall have to work with our hands to put
bread into our mouths.’
‘Well, father,’ said Beauty, ‘I can spin and knit
and sew very neatly. I daresay I shall be able to
help you.’
The elder daughters said nothing, but resolved to
marry such of their rejected lovers as were richest.
They speedily found, however, that their rejected
lovers rejected all their advances, now that they
were poor.

80
On the other hand, such as had admired Beauty BEAUTY

pressed their services on her, and would gladly 4

have shared their fortunes with her. She, how-
ever, could not think of deserting her father when
he was reduced to low estate. She felt she must
abide by him, and work for him.
Very soon, the grand house in town was sold, as
well as all the rich furniture, and the merchant
and his daughters retired into the country.
Beauty now rose at four o’clock every morning.
She cleaned the house, laid and lighted the fires,
prepared the breakfast, and put flowers on the
table. Then she cooked the dinner, and made the
house tidy. She was happy, and sang like a lark
over her work, and slept peacefully, and had
pleasant dreams.
Meanwhile, her sisters grew peevish, dissatisfied,
and miserable. They would not work; and, as they
had no occupation and no amusement, the days
dragged along and seemed as though they would
never end. They did nothing but regret the past,
and grumble over the present. As they had no
one to admire them, they neglected their personal
appearance and became veritable dowdies.
Perhaps they perceived that the contrast between
their sister and themselves was not to their advan-
tage, for they became spiteful in their manner to
Beauty, and held up their hands and declared that
she had always been fit only to be a servant.
‘It is clear as daylight,’ said they to Beauty;
‘that Nature made you to occupy a menial
position, and now you are in your proper place.
As for us, we are ladies. We can’t soil our
fingers, we can’t dust the furniture, we can’t scrub
the floor. Weare above such things.’
The merchant heard, after a while, that there was
some chance of retrieving part of his fortune if he
made a journey to a country where one of his
richest vessels had been wrecked. He must claim
F 81

ND THE
BEAST
BEAUTY what had been recovered from the sea.. Accord-
AND THE ingly, he bade his daughters farewell, and he did
BEA so in a hopeful spirit, for he believed he would get
back enough to make their life more comfortable.
Before leaving, he asked his daughters what they
would desire him to bring for them on his return,
as a little token that he remembered them.
The eldest asked for a diamond necklace. The
second wished for a whole suite of pearls. The
youngest said, ‘Dear father, bring me a white
rose.’
So the father kissed all his daughters, and de-
parted. Hewas successful; and had recovered so
much of his property that he hoped to reopen his
business, and in time recover all that was lost.
When he prepared to return home, he remem-
bered the requests of his daughters, and bought
diamonds for the eldest and pearls for the second ;
but he sought everywhere in vain for a white rose.
This distressed him greatly, as his youngest
daughter was his favourite child.
Now, as he was on his way home, he lost his way
in a wood. Night was closing in, and as the
merchant was aware that there were wolves,
bears, and wild boars in that country, he was very
anxious to find a shelter for the night.
Presently he perceived in the distance a twinkling
light, and he urged his horse in that direction.
But, to his surprise, instead of coming to a wood-
man’s hut, he found himself in front of a magnifi-
cent castle, to which led a stately avenue, com-
posed of orange and lemon-trees hung with fruit.
He did not hesitate to pass down this avenue, and, -
at the end, he came to the steps leading to the
front gate, and through the open door shone the
light that had attracted him.
He entered, having first knocked at the door, and
looked round him expecting to see servants. But
no one Feaponacs to his knock, and the hall was
2
wholly deserted. He passed through several BEAUTY
galleries and empty rooms—all illuminated and all AND THE

empty—and finally stayed his course in a smaller
apartment where a fire was burning, and a couch
was prepared as if for some one to lieonit. Being
very tired and cold, he cast himself down on the
couch and fell asleep.
After a pleasant and refreshing slumber he awoke,
and found he was still alone; but a little table
stood by him, and on it was spread a delicious
repast. As he was extremely hungry, he sat at
the table, and partook of all the good thing:s on it.
Then he threw himself on the couch again, and
again fell asleep.
When he awoke, the morning sun shone into the
room, the little table was still at his side, but on
it was now spread an excellent breakfast.
The merchant began now to be very uneasy at the
intense stilness of the house, and perplexed at
seeing noone. He left the little room and entered
the garden, which was beautifully laid out, and
was full of flowers. ‘Well,’ said the merchant to
himself, ‘this wonderful place seems to have no
master. I will go home and bring my daughters
to it, and we shall be able to claim it as our home;
for I discovered it, and it belongs, as far as I can
see, to no one.’
He then went to fetch his horse, and, as he turned
down the path to the stable, he saw a hedge of
white roses on each side of it. Thereat the
merchant remembered the request of his youngest
daughter, and he plucked one to take to her.
Immediately he was alarmed by hearing a horrible
noise. Turning in the direction of the sound, he
saw a frightful Beast, which seemed to be very
angry, and which exclaimed—
“Who gave you permission to gather my roses?
Was it not enough that I suffered you to lie on my
couch, and warm yourself at my fire, and eat my
83

BEAST
BEAUTY supper and breakfast? ‘Your insolence shall not
AND THE go unpunished.’

BEAST

The merchant, terrified at these words and threats,
dropped the rose, and casting himself on his knees,
cried: ‘Forgive me, sir; I am sincerely grateful
for your hospitality, which was so profuse that I
hardly thought you would grudge me one rose.’
The Beast’s anger was not mitigated by this speech.
‘I pay no regard to your excuses,’ said he. ‘You
shall most certainly die.’
‘Alas!’ exclaimed the merchant. ‘Oh, Beauty!
Beauty! why did you ask this fatal thing of me?
The white rose you desired will be the death of
your father.’
The Beast asked the merchant the meaning of this
exclamation, and the merchant then related the
story of his misfortunes, and of the requests made
by his daughters. ‘It cost me nearly all I re-
covered of my fortune,’ said he, ‘to buy the diamonds
and pearls for my eldest girls; I did not think I
was doing any harm in plucking the poor little
white rose for my youngest.’
The Beast considered for a while, and then said—
‘I will pardon you on one condition, that is, that
you will give me one of your daughters.’
“Oh! ‘exclaimed the merchant. ‘If I were so cruel
as to buy my own life at the expense of one of my
oe what excuse could I make to bring her
ere?’
‘No excuse is needed,’ answered the Beast. ‘If
she comes at all, she will come willingly. Let me
see if any one of them be brave enough, and loves
you dearly enough, to come here and save your
life. You seem to bean honest man. I give youa
month in which to return home and propose to
one of your daughters to come here tome. If none
of them be willing, then I expect you, on your
honour, to return here to your death. Say good-
bye to them for ever.’

84
The merchant reluctantly accepted this proposal.
He did not think any of his daughters would come;
but it reprieved him for one month, and gave him
an opportunity of saying farewell to them, and of
settling his affairs.

He promised to return at the appointed time, and
then asked permission to set off at once.

But the Beast would not allow this till the next
day. ‘Then,’ said he, ‘you will find a horse ready
for you. Go in, and eat your dinner, and await my
further orders.’

The poor merchant, more dead than alive, went
back into the palace, and into the same room in
which he had rested before. There he found a
most delicious meal prepared for him. He was,
however, in no mood to eat; and if he swallowed a
few mouthfuls, it was only lest he should anger the
Beast by refusing all food from his table. When
he had finished, he heard a trampling in the pass-
ages, and, shortly, the monstrous Beast appeared,
who repeated the terms of the agreement they had
made; and he added—

‘Do not get up to-morrow until after sunrise, and
till you have heard a bell ring. Then you will find
your breakfast prepared for you here, and the
horse you are to ride will be ready in the court-
yard. He will bring you back again when you
come with your daughter a month hence. Fare-
well! take a white rose for Beauty ; and remember
your engagement.’

The merchant was only too glad when the Beast
went away, and though he could not sleep for sad-
ness of heart, yet he lay down on the couch. Next
morning, after a hasty breakfast, he went to gather
the rose for Beauty, mounted the horse, and rode
swiftly away.

The gloomy thoughts that weighed on his mind
were not dispersed when he drew up at his cottage
door. His daughters, who had been uneasy at his

85

BEAUTY
AND THE
BEAST
BEAUTY long absence, were prodigal of their embraces, and,
AND THE seeing -him ride home on such a splendid horse,
BEAST they felt quite sure that he had been successful in
his journey. He gave his elder daughters the
gems and pearls they had desired, and, as he
handed the rose to Beauty, he sadly said, ‘You
little know, my darling, what this has cost me.’
This saying greatly excited the curiosity of his
children, and they gave him no rest till he had told
them the whole story from beginning to end.
The elder daughters urged him to break his
promise and remain at the cottage; but their
father said that a promise was a promise, whether
made to a king or a pauper, a man or a beast, and
that he must fulfil it. Then the two eldest were
very angry with Beauty, and told her that it was
all her fault. If she had asked for something
sensible this would not have happened.
‘If it be my fault,’ answered Beauty meekly, ‘it is
only fitting that I should suffer for it. I will, there-
es go back with my father to the palace of the
east.’

At first her father would not hear of this, but
Beauty was firm.
As the time drew near she divided all her little
possessions between her sisters, and said good-bye
to all she loved.
Now, it must be told, that when Beauty had received
the white rose she put it in water, and when she
had heard how it was won, and what it entailed,
she had wept nightly over it, and her tears falling
on it seemed to have preserved it in its beauty, for
at the end of the month it was as fresh as when
first picked; and the scent was so sweet that it
perfumed the whole house. She put the white
rose in her bosom, when the day came for de-
parture, and she mounted on a pillion behind her
father to depart.
The nats seemed to fly rather than gallop; and
Beauty would have enjoyed the journey if it were BEAUTY
not for the dreadful prospect of the Beast at the AND THE
end of it. Her father constantly urged her to BEAST

dismount and turn back, but she would not hearken

to this.

At last they reached the avenue of orange trees,

and then a wonderful sight was seen. Every

orange was like a globe of light; the oranges were

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deep yellow, and the lemons pale yellow, and all
shone like lamps. Moreover, beautiful lights
played about the palace, and sweet music mur-
mured among the trees.

‘The Beast must be very hungry,’ said Beauty, ‘if
he makes such rejoicing over getting such a little
mouthful as myself.’

The horse now stopped at the foot of the flight of

8

7

 
BEAUTY steps leading to the gate, and when she had dis-
AND THE mounted, her father led her through the halls and

BEAST

galleries to the little room in which he had rested
and been regaled when there on his former visit.
Again the fire was burning, and on the table a
lavish supper was spread.

The merchant knew that this was meant for them ;
and Beauty, who was rather less frightened now
that she had passed through so many rooms with-
out seeing the Beast, was willing to begin, for her
long ride had made her hungry.

They had hardly finished eating, before they heard
tramp, tramp! stump, stump! It was the sound
of the beast approaching ; and Beauty clung to her
father in terror, which was heightened when she
saw how greatly alarmed he was.

But when the Beast entered, like a brave and a
courteous girl she stood up, mastered her fear, and,
making a low courtesy, said: ‘I thank you, Mr.
Beast, for my pretty white rose.’

Then the Beast was pleased. He saw the little
flower in her bosom, looking white and fresh as
when first picked; and he said, somewhat gently—
‘Did you come quite willingly, Beauty ?’

‘Yes, Mr. Beast,’ said Beauty, and dropped another
courtesy.

‘And will you be willing to remain with me, when
your father is gone? I will not eat you—my food
is only crystallised rose and violet leaves. I eat
nothing more solid or less zsthetic.’

‘Yes, Mr. Beast,’ answered Beauty; and the
thought that she was not to be eaten revived
her courage, and she dropped another little
courtesy.

‘I am well pleased with you,’ saidthe Beast. ‘You
shall stay. As for you,’ he now turned to the
merchant, ‘at sunrise, to-morrow, you must depart.
When the bell rings, rise quickly and eat your
presktey and you will find the same horse wait-
ing to take you home; but remember, you must Pee

never venture to seek my palace again.’

Then, turning to Beauty, he said : ‘Take your father
into the next room, and help him to choose
presents for your sisters. There are two port-
manteaus there. Fill them with whatever you
like to send home. All are yours, and at your
disposal.’

Then the Beast made a clumsy bow, put his paw
to his heart, and said: ‘Good-bye, Beauty; good-
bye, merchantman.’

Beauty was very sorrowful to have to part with
her father, and much dismayed at the thought of
being left alone in the great palace with no one
but the Beast. However, she promptly obeyed his
orders. The room they entered was full of the
costliest objects, the most splendid dresses, and
the richest jewelry. After making a selection,
she put them in the portmanteau which she
intended to contain the presents for her sisters.
Then she found a trunk full of gold coins, and
with them she stuffed the second portmanteau,
which was for her father.

But Beauty and her father much doubted whether
the horse could carry the load. However, on
reaching the courtyard, there they saw two horses
beside that on which the merchant had ridden.
They moved the portmanteaus down, and strapped
them on the pack-horses’ backs. Then the mer-
chant bade his daughter a tender farewell with
many tears, and rode away.

Then Beauty wept bitterly, and wandered sadly
back to the room in which she had eaten. She
soon found herself so sleepy that she threw her-
self on the couch and closed her eyes, and was at
once in the world of dreams.

Now, in her dreams, she saw something very
strange. She thought that there stood before her
a Prince, handsomer than any man she had ever

89

D THE
AREAST
BEAUTY seen, wearing a crown of white roses on his head.
Ne THE He said to her: ‘Beauty! your fate is not as
AST forlorn as you suppose. Be true-hearted as you

are beautiful, and all will be well in the end.’
Beauty awoke, after a long sleep, much refreshed.
She then began to explore the palace. The first
room she entered was lined with looking-glasses,
and Beauty saw herself reflected on every side.
Then she saw a bracelet hanging down from a
chandelier. She took it, looked at it, and saw
that from it hung a locket, and in this locket was
the portrait of the very Prince she had seen in her
dream.
The next room she entered was tapestried round
with foliage, and it was full of musical instruments.
Beauty knew how to play some of them; and she
amused herself for some time trying them, and
playing the different ballad tunes that came into
her head. First she sang—

There was a fair maiden, all forlorn,
With hey! with ho! for the rain;

And she sat herself down all under a thorn,
The poppies are red in the grain.

Next she sang—

There rode a knight when the moon shone bright,
He rode to the lady’s hall;

He sang her a lay, bade her come away,
And follow him at his call.

He courted her many a long winter night,
And many a short winter day,

And he laid in wait, both early and late,
For to take her sweet life away.

Then she sang—

There came an earl a-riding by,
A gipsy maid espied he;

O nut-brown maid, to her he said,
I prithee, come away with me.

90
I'll take you up, I’ll carry you home,
I’ll put a safeguard over you;

Your slippers shall be of Spanish leather,
And silken stockings all of blue.

And last of all she sang—

Green gravel! Green gravel!
The grass is So green,

The fairest young damsel
That ever was seen.

O Beauty! O Beauty!
Your true love is dead,

He sends you a letter
To turn round your head.

Then Beauty was tired of singing and playing, and
she went into the next room, which was a library,
and it was full of books. She pulled down several
and looked at them, and thought that surely it
would take her all her life to read the books she
saw there.

Then she walked in the garden, and wondrous
were the flowers and the fruit there. Never had
she seen so many and such beautiful flowers ; never
had she tasted such delicious fruit.

At last day declined, and she came indoors. A bril-
liant light illumined all the rooms; she found supper
prepared for her, and she seated herself to eat.
Then she heard, tramp, tramp! stump, stump!
and in came the Beast.

He asked her if she thought she could be happy in
his palace; and Beauty answered, that everything
was so beautiful that she would be very hard to
please if she could not be happy. Then he asked
if he might sit down and eat his meal with her.
‘Oh! what shall I say?’ cried Beauty, for she knew
that she could not eat in comfort, with him munch-
ing crystallised rose-leaves and violets out of a
bon-bon box on the other side of the table.

gI

BEAUTY
AND THE
BEAST
BEAUTY ‘Say exactly what you think,’ he replied.
AND THE ‘Oh! no, Beast!’ said Beauty, hastily.

BEAST ‘Since you will not—good-night, Beauty,’ he said;
and she responded: ‘good-night, Beast.’
When she was asleep she again dreamed of the
mysterious Prince.
Next day she found a room in which were silks
and canvas and needles, and all sorts of articles
for embroidery.
Then she entered an aviary full of beautiful birds,
which were so tame that they flew to Beauty as
soon as they saw her, and perched on her shoulder
and hands.
The day passed a little more heavily than the last,
and Beauty began to long for some one to talk to,
and even was pleased when at supper she heard
the tramp, tramp! stump, stump! of the Beast
coming along the passages.
She now put a chair on the side of the table op-
posite her, and when the Beast said, ‘May I sit
down and eat with you, Beauty?’ she answered,
‘Oh! please do, Beast!’
That night she dreamed of the Prince again, and
he smiled at her and looked pleased.
Next day she walked in the woods, and she saw
deer there, fleet and graceful; and she came on
fish-ponds in which were gold and silver fish. She
went to the music-room and tried to play and sing,
but became tired of her loneliness, and wished
greatly for supper, when the Beast would appear
and she could talk with him, and hear him talk.
When day declined, and the palace was lighted up
for supper, then she waited impatiently for the
tramp, tramp! stump, stump! and when the Beast
came in she ran to meet him, dropped a courtesy,
and said, ‘Please, Beast, can you play and sing?’
‘Yes, Beauty.’
‘Would you play and sing with me, sometimes?’
she asked.

92
‘Certainly, Beauty! if you wish it.’

Next day when she entered the music-room, the
Beast was there, and she found that not only could
he play very charmingly on many instruments, but
also could sing a rich bass. They made together
quite a charming little concert, singing duets and
playing different instruments, and this wore the
morning away.
In the afternoon, Beauty was quite dull by herself.
She wandered in the library, looking at one book
alter another, and she could not choose which to
read.

So at supper she ran along the gallery to meet the
Beast directly she heard his tramp, tramp! stump,
stump! and, dropping a little courtesy, she said:
‘Please, Beast! will you tell me what books to
read ?’

‘Certainly, Beauty!’ he answered; and next day
she found him in the library, and he read with her,
and explained to her difficult passages, and so a
very pleasant morning was passed.

In the afternoon, Beauty walked in the garden,
admiring the flowers, and wishing that she knew
their names. At supper, when she heard the
tramp, tramp! stump, stump! of the Beast, she
ran to meet him, and, taking one of his paws in her
hand, said: ‘Please, Beast! will you walk in the
garden with me?’

‘Certainly, Beauty!’ he answered; and next day
when she went into the garden there he was, and
he was able to tell her all about the flowers, their
names and their properties, and whence they
came.

That evening, at supper, she said to the Beast:
‘Please, Beast! may I make you a pair of slippers?’
‘Certainly, Beauty!’ he answered. ‘But my feet
are very big and clumsy.’

‘Oh!’ said she, ‘not half so big and clumsy as
those of an elephant.’

93

BEAUTY
AND THE
BEAST
BEAUTY So she amused herself in embroidering for the
AND THE Beast.a pair of slippers. The ground was tur-
BEAST quoise blue, and on it were white roses, with
stamens of gold, and the pods for seed were
scarlet. Never before or after were such beautiful
slippers made.
That night she dreamed that she saw the Prince.
He looked at her, smiling, and showed that he wore
her slippers—which she had made for the Beast—
and they had shrunk to the size of his finely-formed
feet.
One day she was in the forest, and she thought:
‘Oh! how nice it would be to ride out hunting, but
how dull to ride all alone!’
So that evening at supper, she ran to the Beast,
when she heard his tramp, tramp! stump, stump!
and, catching hold of both his paws, she said:
‘Please, Beast! will you go hunting with me?’
‘Certainly, Beauty!’ he answered.
Next day there was a fine hunt, and Beauty
enjoyed herself vastly.
One day, when Beauty was walking in the garden
with the Beast, she passed with him by the hedge
of white roses, and she put out her hand and
picked one. Then he said to her: ‘Beauty, will
you marry me? If so—give me the white rose.’
“Oh! what shall I say?’ cried Beauty ; for she was
sorry to offend the Beast, who had been so kind to
her, and such an agreeable companion, and so
eager to forestall all her wishes ; but, at the same
time—he was a Beast.
fe eS seeing her hesitation: ‘Say just what you
ink.’
Then Beauty answered hastily, ‘Oh! no, Beast!’
That night she dreamed of her Prince, and that he
looked sad and wobegone.
So everything went on for a time, until at last,
happy as she was, Beauty began to long for the
sight of her father and sisters; and one evening,

94
seeing her look very sad, and her eyes red, the BEAUTY

Beast asked her what was the matter.
Beauty had quite ceased to be afraid of him. She
knew that he was gentle and kind in spite of his
ferocious appearance; and clever and learned in
spite of his being such an animal; and quite dainty
and courteous in his manners, though a Beast.
She answered, that she was longing to see her
home once more.
Upon hearing this, the Beast seemed greatly
affected. He sighed, and said: ‘Ah! Beauty, will
you desert your poor Beast like this? Is it because
you hate me that you want to leave me?’
‘No, dear Beast,’ answered Beauty, softly. ‘Indeed
I do not hate you, and it would make me very
unhappy if I thought I should never see and talk
with you again. But Ido long greatly to see my
father. Let me go, if only for two months, and I
promise to return to you, and stay with you the
rest of my life.’ ;
The Beast said: ‘I can refuse you nothing, and
that you well know. Take the four boxes; you will
find in the room next your own, and fill them
with whatever you like to take away with you.
But remember your promise, and return when
two months have expired, or you will find your
faithful Beast dead. You will not need any
carriage to bring you back. Only say good-bye to
your father and sisters the night before you come
away, and then, in your room, turn this ring I give
you on your finger, and say: “I wish to be with my
Beast again.”’
As soon as Beauty was by herself, she hastened to
fill the boxes with all the rare and precious things
she saw about her. Then she went to bed, but
could hardly sleep for joy. And when at last she
did begin to dream of her beloved Prince, she
saw him lying stretched on the grass, sad and
weeping.

95

AND THE

BEAST
BEAUTY When she opened her eyes, she could hardly
AND THE believe her senses. She was in a very different

BEA

oT

place from the palace of the Beast. The room
was neat and comfortable, but not splendid.
Where could she be? She dressed herself hastily,
and then saw that the boxes she had packed were
in the room.
Whilst she was wondering where she was, she
heard her father’s voice. She at once left the
room, and, seeing him, threw herself into his arms.
She was, in fact, in the new house to which her
father had removed from the cottage, when his
fortunes were improved. Her sisters were greatly
astonished to see her. All embraced her with
demonstrations of the greatest joy, but her sisters
were not in heart glad tosee her. Their jealousy
was not extinguished.
She was made to tell her story, and it filled all
with astonishment. But when she said that her
stay with them was limited to two months, then
her father was sorrowful, but her sisters secretly
rejoiced.
Her father had much to tell her, and her sisters
had made many acquaintances, and the time was
spent in going about making visits and in receiv-
ing company. Nevertheless, somehow, Beauty
did not feel as happy as she had been with her
Beast. The time had come at last when she ought
to return; but her father was so sorrowful when she
spoke of departure, and there was always some-
thing arranged for the next day for which she was
expected to remain, so that she did not fulfil her
promise exactly. Besides, she so loved her father
that she could not make up her mind to bid him
good-bye.
One night she had adreadful dream. She thought
she was back again in the Beast’s palace, and that
she was walking through the rooms seeking him.
Not finding him anywhere, she went into the
96
garden and called him, but received no answer. BEAUTY

At last, having reached a portion of the shrub- ah

beries that was allowed to run wild, she heard
groans issuing from a cave.

She penetrated into it, and found the Beast
prostrate on the ground, and apparently dying.
He reproached her with having forgotten him and
broken her promise, and reminded her of what he
had said, that her absence protracted beyond the
two months allotted to her would be death to him.
Beauty was so terrified by this dream that she
sprang from her bed, hastily clothed herself, ran
to her father’s room, roused him, said farewell;
then she did the same to her sisters, and, still
agitated with the thoughts of the dying Beast,
turned her ring and wished herself back again in
his palace.

Hardly had she done this before she was again in
the little chamber in which she had spent so many
agreeable hours. She looked about; no Beast was
there. Then, although it was night, she ran out
into the garden, calling him and seeking him. She
was still searching for him when the grey of dawn
appeared. Then she was able to find her way,
and she sought the wilderness she had been in, in
her dream, and at last lit on the cavern of which
she had dreamed.

In fact, from this now issued the most lamentable
sighs and groans.

She ran in and saw the poor Beast stretched on
the earth, and evidently exceedingly weak and
suffering.

‘O Beast! Beast!’ she cried; ‘I am so sorry!
So heartily sorry that I have delayed my return.
Oh, tell me you will recover!

‘Nothing now will restore me but one thing,’ he
answered in a faint voice.

‘Tell me what that is, and it is yours.’

‘The rose,’ he answered—‘the white rose. You

G 97

DT
E.

HE

AST
BEAUTY will find it growing over the mouth of this cave.
AND THE But, remember—if you give me that, you give me

BEAST

yourself with it. You accept me as your husband.’
In a moment, without speaking, Beauty sprang
out of the cave and hastily plucked a beautiful
white rose that hung down over the mouth.
Returning to the poor Beast, she gave it him, and
said: ‘Dear Beast !—indeed I am yours. Ilove you
with all my heart.’

‘Will you kiss me on my snout?’ asked the Beast.
‘Indeed—indeed I will,’ answered Beauty.

At that moment the sun rose and poured its golden
beams into the cave, and made the walls glitter
and twinkle like a cave of rainbow, and indeed
they were all of ruby, carbuncle, amethyst, topaz,
emerald, and every imaginable stone.

The reflection was so dazzling that Beauty having
kissed the Beast covered her eyes. When she
drew her hands away he had disappeared. In
his place stood her long-dreamed-of, beautiful
Prince. Then he took her by the hand, and said:
‘Dear Beauty, to you, to your faithfulness and
goodness, I owe my delivery. I have been be-
witched by a cruel fairy, who said I should remain
in the form of a hideous monster until some
maiden would consent to be my wife, and in token
of her consent give me a white rose, and kiss me
on the mouth. This is my palace, 1 have an im-
mense kingdom and innumerable treasures. You
shall be my queen, and we will make your father
happy, and, if possible, your sisters shall be made
contented. I shall never forget what you have
done for me, and all my life shall be devoted to’
rendering you happy.’

98
THE YELLOW DWARF

NCE upon a time there lived a queen
who had an only daughter, whom she
loved so excessively that she never
corrected her faults or thwarted her
wishes. ‘The consequence of this
folly was, the young lady grew up
very self-willed and unamiable. Her
great beauty made her likewise very proud. She
was called All-fair, and the fame of her beauty
spread through all the surrounding courts, and
many princes became so enamoured as to offer her
marriage. But the princess rejected them all,
much to the annoyance of the queen, her mother,
who was very anxious to see her daughter well
married. When she found all her entreaties were
of no avail, she resolved to go and consult the
Fairy of the Desert respecting the best course to
be adopted towards her stubborn daughter. It
was, however, difficult to gain access to this fairy ;
for she was guarded by two fierce lions. The
queen, however, knew of a certain cake that would
appease their fury, and enable her to pass by them.
Providing herself with this, she set out privately
towards the fairy’s dwelling. After walking several
miles, she became so excessively weary that she
lay down under a tree, and fell into a sound sleep.

99

  

THE
YELLOW
DWARF
THE
YELLOW
DWARF

Suddenly she was awoke by the roaring of the
lions, who were approaching her. She jumped up
and seized her basket of cakes to appease their
fury; but, alas, it was empty! The poor queen
was in an agony of terror, not knowing what to do.
It was impossible to escape from the furious lions,
and there appeared no other prospect for her than’
acruel death. At this moment she heard a noise
in the tree, which attracted her attention; and on
looking up, she saw an ugly yellow dwarf, about
three feet high, picking oranges.
‘Ah, queen,’ said he, ‘you are in great danger!
These lions have destroyed many; and how will
you escape, seeing you have no cakes ?’
‘Alas,’ said the queen, weeping, ‘I know not; for
I have lost my cakes.’
‘There is but one way,’ replied the dwarf. ‘I know
what has brought you here; and if you will
promise me your daughter in marriage, I will save
you from the lions; if not, they shall devour you.’
The queen, horrified at the thought of sacrificing
her beautiful daughter to such a hideous creature,
made him no answer; but a terrible growl from
the lions, who were just ready to spring upon her,
so terrified her, that she gave her promise, and
then fainted away. When the queen came to her-
self she was in bed in her own palace. All that
had passed seemed as a dream; nevertheless she
was so persuaded of its reality, that her spirits
gave way, and she sank into such a state of
melancholy that she cared for nothing.
Princess All-fair loved her mother very tenderly,
and she grieved to see her in such a state of
dejection. After trying in vain to ascertain the
cause of the queen’s sorrow, that she might
comfort her, the princess determined on paying a
visit to the Fairy of the Desert, to ask her advice
on the subject. All-fair, having provided some
cakes for the lions, started secretly on her danger-
100
ous journey. It so happened that she took the
same road as her mother had taken, and accord-
ingly arrived at the unlucky orange-tree. Attracted
by the luscious appearance of the oranges, she put
down her basket and plucked some to eat. Whilst
the princess was enjoying the fruit, she heard the
‘ roaring of the lions, which were advancing towards
her. Alarmed at this terrible sight, she hastily

 
  
   
   

          
    
 
 

       
  
 

  
 
  

 

  
 
 

    
 
  
   
   

   
 
  

 

 
 
   

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picked up the basket to take out some cakes ; but
she found to her great sorrow that the basket was
empty. All-fair, overwhelmed with terror, wrung
her hands and sobbed aloud. The hideous Yellow
Dwarf now made his appearance, and asked the
princess what had brought her to that place. She
told him she was going to consult the Fairy of the
Desert as to the cause of her mother’s sorrow.
IOI

THE
YELLOW
DWARF
THE
YELLOW
DWARF

‘Oh,’ replied he, ‘you need not go any farther to
ascertain that. I can tell you the cause. She has
promised you to me in marriage, and now is so
ungrateful as to repent of her promise.’
‘What!’ exclaimed the princess; ‘the queen, my
mother, promised me to such a hideous creature as
you! Impossible!’
‘Oh, very well,’ replied the Yellow Dwarf; ‘as you
please, young lady. The lions wili soon punish
you for your insolence.’
The lions were about to seize on poor All-fair,
when she cried to the Dwarf, ‘Oh, save me! and I
will promise to marry you, rather than be eaten by
these monsters.’
On saying these words she fainted from terror.
When she recovered from her swoon, she found
herself in her own apartment, and round one of
her fingers was a ring of red hair, so tightly
fastened that she could not remove it. The princess
now became as melancholy as her mother. The
queen and all her court were greatly distressed at
the alteration in the princess, and they concluded
that the most likely way of diverting her thoughts
would be by urging her to marry. The princess
listened to their proposals, and at length consented
to marry the King of the Golden Mines, who had
long tried to gain her affections. This king was
exceedingly rich and powerful.
When all was agreed upon, preparations were
made to celebrate the nuptials in the most mag-
nificent style. The King of the Golden Mines
expended large sums of money in purchasing all
that was splendid and gorgeous, and the palace
glittered with gold and precious stones.
At length the day arrived for the celebration of the
marriage: but as the party were proceeding to
perform the ceremony, they saw an ugly old fairy
approaching them, riding on a box drawn by two
peacocks. Coming up to the queen, she shook
102
her crutch in a malicious mariner, saying, ‘Oh, oh,
this is the way you perform the promise you made
to my friend the Yellow Dwarf. I am the Fairy
of the Desert, and I will not allow such unfaithful-
ness to my friend to go unpunished; therefore
decide whether you will marry him or die.’
This unexpected appearance of the fairy filled the
queen and princess with the greatest alarm. But
the King of the Golden Mines drew his sword,
and going up to the fairy, he said, ‘Fly, wretch!
or I will strike off thy head.’
The king had no sooner uttered these words than
the box flew open, and out started the Yellow
Dwarf, seated on a huge wild cat; who, placing
himself before the fairy, said, ‘Hold, rash youth!
your rage must be vented against me; I am your
rival and enemy. I claim the princess, who is
pledged to me by the ring of hair on her finger.’
‘Hideous monster!’ exclaimed the prince, ‘you
are too contemptible to be noticed by me.’
The dwarf, enraged at this scornful speech, drew
his sword and challenged the king to fight. Im-
mediately the air was darkened; and amidst
lightnings and thunder the two peacocks were
transformed into giants of enormous size, who
stood on each side of the Yellow Dwarf, vomiting
fire. All the spectators were terrified at this
fearful sight, excepting the King of the Gold
Mines, who with undaunted courage attacked his
terrible enemy; but his brave heart sank within
him when he saw the Fairy of the Desert, mounted
on a fiery dragon, advance towards his beloved
All-fair and strike her to the ground. The king
hastened to the assistance of his lady; but the
dwarf flying before him on his cat, seized All-fair
and carried her off.
The fairy, having fallen in love with the king,
carried him aloft in the air, and conveyed him to a
frightful cavern, and chained him up; hoping thus
103

THE
YELLOW
DWARF
THE
YELLOW
DWARF

to make him forget All-fair, and secure him for
herself. But finding this plan unsuccessful, she
changed herself into a lovely girl, and going to the
king she removed his fetters, and placed him by
her side in a chariot drawn by swans, which flew
rapidly through the air. In their flight they passed
over a palace of polished steel, the brilliance of
which attracted the king’s notice, and on looking
down he saw All-fair weeping bitterly in the
garden.

The princess, attracted by a noise in the sky,
looked up, and saw to her great sorrow the King
of the Gold Mines seated in the chariot with the
fairy. Stung to the heart at this sight she in-
wardly reproached the king with want of fidelity
to herself, and piteously bewailed her unhappy
condition. The poor king still loved her tenderly,
and would have rejoiced, if he could, to have
thrown the fairy from the chariot, and hastened to
her rescue. But the chariot passed swiftly on,
until they approached a magnificent palace on the
sea-coast, at which the swans descended. The
fairy then alighted and led the king into the
palace, in which was everything that could delight
the eye.

The king knew that his companion was a fairy,
and he suspected she was the Fairy of the Desert,
although she appeared as a lovely young woman.
He resolved therefore, to ingratiate himself with
her if possible, and to conceal his dislike of her, in
the hope that he might have some opportunity of
escaping. The fairy, supposing her charms had
now made some impression upon the prince,
allowed him to walk beyond the gardens of the
palace.

One day as he was walking by the sea-shore, he
was surprised by the appearance of a mermaid,
which spake to him in a melodious voice, and said:
‘I am aware, O king, of the attachment’ existing

104
between you and princess All-fair; I know also
the misery you endure, and am come to release
you from it. I am an enemy to the Fairy of the
Desert and the Yellow Dwarf; if you, therefore,
will trust to me, I will deliver you and the princess
out of their power.’
The king gratefully accepted the proffered aid;
and seating himself on the mermaid’s back, pro-
mised to do all that she should direct. They then
sailed off; and as they went, the mermaid told
him all that had befallen the princess, and that
she was now confined in the steel castle of the
dwarf.
At length they drew near to the place, when the
mermaid told him that he would have many power-
ful enemies to overcome before he could reach his
beloved princess. ‘But,’ said she, ‘if you take this
sword,’ which she then gave him, ‘and follow my
directions, you will be able to destroy them all.
Beware lest the sword fall from your hand; for
if you once lose possession of it, you will not be
able to recover it, and certain destruction will fall
upon you.’
The king promised to use the utmost caution;
and after warmly thanking the mermaid for her
kind services, he started for the castle. The first
danger he encountered was two enormous lions,
which guarded the outer gate. He advanced
boldly towards them, and with one blow laid them
dead at his feet. On reaching the inner court the
king was assailed by six fierce dragons of pro-
digious size, but he quickly destroyed them with
his magic sword. The king then entered the
castle, and was met by a band of lovely females,
who forbade his entering, telling him that they
were appointed to guard the castle, and that their
lives would be forfeited if they allowed any person
to enter. The king was so moved by their en-
treaties that he could not resist them, until he
105

THE
YELLOW
DWARF
THE
YELLOW
DWARF

heard a voice say: ‘Strike, or the princess is for
ever lost.’ He now saw this was a cunning trick
of the dwarf to ensnare him, and without hesita-
tion he attacked and scattered them. The king
then advanced to the place where he had seen the
princess, and throwing himself at her feet he de-
clared his unalterable love for her.

The princess drew herself from him and said: ‘ Did
I not see you riding with the Fairy of the Desert?
Is that your fidelity and love?’

The king related to her all the circumstances};
and while talking he thoughtlessly dropped the
magic sword, which the Yellow Dwarf seeing from
behind a bush, sprung forward and seized.

‘Now,’ said he, ‘you are in my power; and unless
you consent to give up the princess to me, I will
at once destroy you.’

The king replied: ‘No, never will I do that! I
scorn the terms you propose.’

The malicious dwarf immediately struck off his
head. This dreadful spectacle broke the heart of
the poor princess, and she fell upon the body of
her beloved and died.

The kind mermaid grieved over the fate of these
faithful lovers; and resolving to unite in death
those who were so cruelly separated in life, she
transformed them into two trees, which grew side
by side, and intertwined their branches.

106
HOP-O’-MY-THUMB

a/S it fell upon a day there lived a wood- HOP-O’'-MY-
cutter and his wife on the outskirts THUMB
of a great forest. They had seven
children, and all were boys. The
eldest was ten, and the youngest
seven years old.

The parents were very poor, and the
children were nearly the same age, for they were
twins, with the exception of the youngest, and
unable to earn their bread.

The father was sore puzzled how to provide for
them. What made matters worse was that the
youngest was very sickly and weak. When he
was born, he was but the size of a man’s thumb,
and this made his father call him Hop-o’-my-
Thumb. This poor child bore the blame of what-
ever went amiss in the house; he was always
thought to be in the wrong ; he was, however, far
more clever than was supposed. Indeed, he had
more sense in his little noddle than in all those
of his brothers put together. He spoke very little,
but then he kept his ears wide open.

Just as Hop-o’-my-Thumb had reached his seventh
year, the land was afflicted with a great famine,
and food became so dear that the woodcutter and
his wife found great difficulty in getting even dry
107

 
HOP-O'-MY- bread for their family. At last they spent their

THUMB

last penny, and knew that when they had finished
the loaf that was then in the house they must
starve.
Very sad and wretched were the pair that evening
as they sat over the wood fire, thinking of what
awaited them. The children had been long in bed,
and were, as the parents thought, asleep, and
knew nothing of the miseries of the coming day.
‘My dear wife,’ said the woodcutter, breaking a
long silence, and his voice sounded hoarse and
hollow, ‘my dear wife, I have something to say
to you. I cannot bear to see our poor dear children
die of the slow pangs of hunger. I think we had
better take them into the forest to-morrow, and
leave them there. It is possible that the fairies
may take pity on their innocence and helplessness,
and carry them off to live with them. At any rate,
we shall be spared seeing them die, and hearing
their cries for food.’
‘Oh, husband,’ said the poor startled woman,
‘how can you think of so dreadfula deed? Have
you forgotten that the wolves which haunt the
woods would be much more likely to eat the poor
babes up than the fairies to feed them? Oh, no,
no! I will never consent.’
But the husband was a man who, when once he
had resolved on a thing, was not easily turned
from his purpose; so he talked, and argued, and
scolded his poor wife, till he made her give an
unwilling consent to his proposal.
‘Heaven, you see, has left us to starve,’ he said ;
‘therefore we need not care what we do, or what
becomes of us.’
These were foolish and wicked words. Heaven
never forgets us, and the woodcutter ought to
have been patient and have waited till help came,
or else he should have died bravely without daring
to do wrong. But he had lived very long in the
108
forest, and had not been taught what is right and HOP-o’-MyY-
what is wrong. THUMB
Weeping very bitterly, the wife at last went to bed,
and soon after her husband followed. As he closed
the door of the room behind him, you might have
seen a little dark object creep out from under the
bench on which the woodcutter and his wife had
been sitting. This was none other than Hop-o’-
my-Thumb. He fixed his sharp little eyes on the
red embers, and seemed lost in thought. Then he
nodded his head, and he crept out of the room into
a large closet where he and his brothers slept.
Hop-o’-my-Thumb had not intended to listen to
what his parents were saying. He had been very
cold in bed from hunger, and having found that
the warmth of the fire made him feel better, he
had stolen softly under the bench, meaning to give
himself a good warming before he went to sleep.
But when he heard his father’s resolve to leave
them in the wood, he was afraid to let him know
that he was there, and scarcely dared breathe till
his father and mother were gone to bed.
As you may suppose, Hop-o’-my-Thumb slept little
that night. He was glad when he saw the dawn
peep in at the window; then he rose, without
waking his brothers, and went down to the brook
near the hut, and filled his pockets with smooth.
round pebbles, as white as snow.
By-and-by the woodcutter called out, in a cheerful
voice :
‘Get up, my little sons, and come with me into the
wood. I will give you atreat. You shall help me
to bind the fagots.’
Now the little boys very much liked to help their
father, feeling proud to be useful.
‘And I will go with you,’ said the mother, though
she gave a deep sigh as she spoke.
They each had a slice of bread for breakfast, and
then they all set out for the forest.

109
HOP-O’-MY- That morning was lovely. The leaves were
THUMB glistening with dew, and the birds were singing
on the branches. Everything looked fresh, and
Hop-o-my-Thumb could hardly believe that any
one could be so cruel as his father and mother
intended to be. But he took care as he went
along to drop the pebbles, and no one noticed
what he did. The trees gradually closed in, so
that they had to walk separately, and about ten
feet apart, and thus they followed each other in a
long line; the youngest coming last. When the
thicket opened a little, the woodcutter began his
work, and the children helped him, picking up the
smaller branches and binding them into fagots.
Hop-o’-my-Thumb did the same.
Whilst they were thus employed, the parents stole
away unperceived ; and as soon as they were out
of sight, hurried to their house, leaving their poor
little boys alone in the forest.
By-and-by the sun went down, and Peter, the
eldest boy, cried—
‘Father and mother! where are you? It is grow-
ing dark. Is it not time to go home?’
But no voice answered him; only the echo cried,
‘Home! home!’ mocking them.
The little boys ran hither and thither, calling on
their parents, and at last, finding that they were
left alone, they all huddled into a group, with their
arms round each other, and began to cry. Then
Hop-o’-my-Thumb spoke—
we not cry, brothers, for I can show you the way
ome.’
The little boys were glad when they heard him say
this; and they crowded round him, asking eagerly
why their father and mother had left them.
Then Hop-o’-my-Thumb told his brothers all that
he had overheard.
‘But do not fear,’ he added; ‘I have strewn
white pebbles all the way we came, and these will
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HOP-O'-MY- guide us out of the forest. Only we must set out
THUMB at once, before the darkness falls.’
So holding on to each other, the little string of
children followed Hop-o’-my-thumb, who looked
for the pebbles which he had thrown behind him
as he came along in the morning. The moon was
shining, and by its light the pebbles glistened as
snow, so that by their aid all safely reached the
door of the woodman’s hut. There, however, they
paused, afraid to go in, since they knew that their
parents wished them dead.
Meanwhile, the woodcutter and his sorrowful
wife had reached their dwelling before sunset, and
had scarcely entered the room, where no sound of
little feet would, they believed, ever be heard
again, than they were struck with remorse and
horror.
Before either of them could speak, they heard a
cheerful voice at the door —
‘Here, Hugh, woodman,’ it cried, ‘I have brought
you help in time of need. The squire is sorry for
the distress you are in, and has sent you some
rabbits. A good many, too, because he knows
you have a large family. ‘Give those who have
children the largest share,” he said to me this
morning. So, there, you have seven times as much
as your neighbours.’
The woodcutter turned pale, and trembled as he
heard those words. Here was help come (chiefly
for the sake of the children) and he had cast them
forth to perish! He could scarcely find voice to
thank the forester for the gift. The good-natured
fellow thought that his husky accents came from
want, and nodding good-naturedly, he said—
‘Ay, ay, I’ll thank my master for you. Now,
Goody, make haste and cook your goodman some
food, for he looks half-starved.’
Then he hurried away to carry help to another
suffering family.
112
You may imagine that the pair had little appetite HOP-O'’-

for the supper thus sent to them.
‘Oh,’ cried the wife, ‘if only—if only our babes were
here to partake of this good food. But no! the
wolves are devouring them. My pretty ones will
be eaten up in the lonely forest!’ and she gave her-
self up to passionate grief, threw herself on the
floor, and would not be comforted. Meantime her
husband, though feeling very miserable, made up
the fire, and began to roast a pair of rabbits. When
eat, he bade his wife come and eat some of the
ood.
‘No, no,’ she cried, ‘I will not eat it. I want my
children; where are my darling babes?’
‘Here we are, mother,’ cried seven little voices all
at once outside the door, and with a cry of delight
the woman opened it, and saw her sons hand in
hand standing close to it.
She clasped them in her arms, and wept and
laughed, and kissed them, as if she were mad with
ioy; and then she drew them in, and washed their
faces and hands, and made them sit down, and
fed them from her own plate before she would
taste a morsel herself. As to her husband, he also
was very glad.
Whilst the supply of rabbits lasted they lived very
comfortably and merrily; and the little boys, when
seated by the fire, would often repeat how wise
Hop-o’-my-Thumb had been to strew pebbles
along the way, and thus the father learned how
his plan had been defeated.
But the famine grew worse and worse, and the
lord of the manor could no longer supply his
tenants with food, for all the rabbits in his warren
and in the woods had been killed and eaten. The
woodcutter again grew morose, and once more
determined to take his boys into the wood and
there lose them. But as he was sure his wife
would never consent to this, he persuaded her one
H 113

THUM

Y-
B
HOP-0’-Mv- day to go into the nearest town and beg for help ;
THUMB and while she was away, he again told his sons to
accompany him. But this time he watched Hop-
o’-my-Thumb, and took care that the child did not

get any pebbles. However, as he gave each boy

a slice of bread, poor Hop-o’-my-Thumb thought

that would do as well, and as he walked he took

care to throw crumbs of bread all along the path-

way.
By-and-by the father proposed a game of ‘hide-
and-seek’ amongst the trees, and as the children
played at it, he managed to slip away and leave
them alone in the forest.
When they were tired of play, and found that their
father had once more deserted them, they began
to cry bitterly, but Hop-o’-my-Thumb said:
ee not weep, my dear brothers, I will take you
ome.’
And he began to look for the path, by the crumbs
of bread. Alas! the birds had eaten them all up!
Hop-o’-my-Thumb did not, however, despair.
‘My dear brothers,’ he said, ‘we were protected
before; we shall not be deserted now. Do not let
us waste the short time of twilight in tears, but
auty on, and see if we can find a shelter for the
night.’
They all said they would do whatever he told
them, for they saw that he was wiser than they
were. So Hop-o’-my-Thumb led the way and they
endeavoured to find a beaten track. But now
night closed in, and a high wind raged in the
forest; the trees creaked and groaned, till the
terrified children expected to be beaten or crushed
by their mighty boughs.
Every now and then they heard in the distance the
howl of the wolves; a heavy rain poured down and
soaked their thin garments; their feet slipped in
the mire, and they fell repeatedly.
At last Hop-o’-my-Thumb climbed to the top of a
114
high tree. From this height he could look all HOP-o-my-
around, and he perceived a light in the distance. THUMB
He took notice in which direction it lay, descended
to the ground, and led his brothers in the way that
led to it. However, it was long before they could
see the light as they trudged along, and they were
beginning to despair, when they came suddenly
on it, and found that it proceeded from a large
house on the outskirts of the wood.
They knocked at the door at once, and it was
opened by a good-natured-looking woman, who
asked what they wanted. Hop-o’-my-Thumb told
her that they were poor children who had lost
their way in the forest, and begged that she would
take pity on them and give them a night’s lodging.
The good woman, seeing these seven poor little
babes, with their long hair wet and draggled,
hanging round their sweet faces, and their soft
imploring eyes, wept for pity, and answered—
‘Ah, my poor darlings! You do not know whither
you arecome! This is the house of an ogre, who
eats little children.’
‘Alas, madam!’ said Hop-o’-my-Thumb, ‘what
shall we do? If you do not give us a night’s
shelter the wolves will devour us, and sooner than
that we should prefer to be eaten by the ogre.
But, perhaps, he will have pity upon us, and spare
our lives at your entreaty.’
The ogre’s wife, who hoped that she might be able
to hide them from her husband till the next day,
yielded to the children’s entreaties, and let them
in. She told them to sit down and warm them-
selves by the fire, which was large enough to roast
a whole sheep for the ogre’s supper.
Now she was the giant’s second wife; he had killed
her father and mother, and had carried her off,
against her will.
Just as they were beginning to get warm they
heard a loud knocking at the door.

115
HOP-O’-Mv- ‘Here comes my husband,’ said the woman, in a
THUMB whisper; ‘make haste, and let me hide you.’
And she concealed them as well as she could under
the bed. But it is difficult to conceal seven boys.
Then she went and admitted her husband.
The ogre asked if his supper were ready and his
wine drawn, and immediately seated himself at
the table. The sheep was served at once; it was
still half raw, but he liked it all the better.
When he had eaten it he looked about him, and
spied a little shoe lying near the fire.
“What is this 2?’ he asked, in a terrible voice. ‘You
have had children by the fireside—where are they 2?’
‘Husband, how can you be so silly?’ said the
poor trembling wife; ‘surely that is only our
eldest daughter’s doll’s shoe.’
The giant might have been deceived, but just at
that moment poor Peter, who had caught a cold,
happened to sneeze.
With a savage roar the ogre jumped up, and
dragged the seven pretty children from under the
bed, where they were hidden.
‘Ah!’ said he to his wife, ‘this is the way you
deceive me, is it? It would serve you right if I
were to eat you; but you are serviceable to me,
you do my cooking. However, these children come
just as I wanted them. Three ogres are coming to
dine with me the day after to-morrow, and they
will greatly enjoy such a feast. The children may
not be fat, but they are tender.’ ,
The poor boys cast themselves at the ogre’s feet,
and, with many tears, besought him to spare them;
but they had fallen into the power of the most cruel
of the ogres, who had no pity. He answered their
prayers by telling his wife that he would have them
roasted and served up with apple sauce.
He then got his axe, and was about to cut off their
heads, when his wife said—
‘It weeuls be better to keep them for a day or two,
II
and feed them up, for as you see they are half- HOP-O-MY-
starved, and terribly thin.’ THUMB
The giant took up Hop-o’-my-Thumb and pinched
his arms.

‘You are right,’ he said; ‘they must be fattened.
This child is nothing but skin and bone.’

So their long want of food saved their lives for
the nonce. Then the woman, with real pleasure,
but as if to oblige her husband, brought them a
good supper, and coaxed them to eat, and they
were so hungry that they were glad to do so,
although they were trembling with fear. Mean-
time the ogre sat down to the table, and, being
very merry at the thought of the delicate dinner he
would give his friends, he drank a great deal of wine;
more by a dozen glasses than usual, and thus he
grew so tipsy that he was obliged to go to bed early.
Then the good woman put the seven little boys
to bed in the same room with the giant’s own
daughters by his first wife, who was dead, and
they were just about their ages. These seven
little ogresses had very white skins, small eyes,
and little noses and mouths, like other children ;
but they had long and sharp teeth—far apart.
Though they were too young to do much mischief,
they were as cruel as their father, and would bite
pieces out of little children whenever they could
get at them. The ogresses had been in bed some
time, and were fast asleep. They lay side by side
ina big bed; each of them wore a golden crown on
her head. The ogre’s wife put a nightcap on each
of the boys.

Now Hop-o’-my-Thumb was afraid that the giant
might change his mind, and kill them in the night ;
SO, aS soon as the good woman was gone, he took
off the gold crowns from the heads of the little
ogresses, and put them on his brothers and him-
self; and he set the nightcaps on the little girls’
heads. This was a very wise proceeding. The

117
HOP-O’-MY- ogre was so tipsy that he could not sleep, and as
THUMB he lay thinking of the nice meal his guests would
make, he forgot all about the fattening up, and
determined to kill the boys and have them cooked
for his breakfast.
So he got out of bed, took his axe, and went to
their room in the dark. Then he felt the beds,
and finding the crowns on the boys’ heads, he took
them for his daughters, left them and went to the
other bed, and cut off the heads of the young
ogresses. Satisfied with what he had done, he
went back to bed, not knowing, of course, what a
mistake he had made.
As soon as Hop-o’-my-Thumb heard the ogre
snoring, he awakened his brothers, and told them
to make haste and dress and follow him. They
obeyed, and Hop-o’-my-Thumb stole with them
downstairs, and opened the back-door, without
making the least noise. Then they climbed over
the garden-wall and got into the road.
They ran as fast as they could aH night, not know-
ing which way they went.
When the ogre awakened in the morning he said
to his wife: ‘Go upstairs and dress those seven
boys for breakfast.’
The wife was delighted to hear him speak, as
she thought, so kindly; for she had no idea that
he meant ‘cook’ by ‘dress,’ but believed that he
wished her to put on the little boys’ clothes for
them. So she ran upstairs. But when she entered
the bedroom she was horror-struck to find that
her seven step-daughters had all lost their heads.
She gave a scream and fainted away.
The ogre, who thought his wife had been gone a
long time, at last went in search of her, and when
he saw what had happened he was full of rage.
He shouted till he had brought his wife to her
senses.
Then the weeping woman said: ‘Husband, if you
118
had not been so cruel, this would never have HOP.O’-MY-
happened !’ THUMB
‘It is all the fault of those imps of boys,’ roared
the giant; ‘they stole my daughters’ crowns and
put their nightcaps on my daughters’ heads. I
will follow them and punish them. Go fetch me
my seven-league boots.

The woman obeyed, and the ogre, having put on
his seven-league boots, sallied forth and strode
over the country in search of the children.

But Hop-o’-my-Thumb was on the watch, perched
at the top of a poplar-tree, and when he saw the
giant stalking over mountains, and crossing rivers
at a single step, he descended, and said to his
brothers: ‘ Let us hide in this hole under a rock.’
He had observed the cavity before, and when his
brothers were all inside it, he covered it with
stones and boughs, and then hid himself under a
dock-leaf, for he was sure the giant would not
find so small a being as himself.

The ogre, who had been striding about in all
directions, was now tired with his journey, and
felt inclined to rest. It so chanced that he lay
down close by the very spot where the seven
children were concealed. As he was much ex-
hausted by going about the country search-
' ing for the boys, and in every direction but the
right one, he soon fell asleep, and began to snore
so loud that the little fugitives were terribly
frightened.

But Hop-o’-my-Thumb drew his brothers gently
out of the hollow, and bade them make haste
home while the giant slept, and not trouble them-
selves about him.

When they were gone, Hop-o’-my-Thumb crept
quietly to the ogre, and gently drew off his boots
and put them on his own legs. The seven-league
boots were fairy boots, and would adapt them-
selves to any size of foot, consequently they suited

119
HOP-O’-MY- Hop-o’-my-Thumb exactly, and he set out in them
THUMB atonce.. But as he was quite sure that the giant
would pursue him in order to recover them, he did
not take the road homewards, but went off in an
opposite direction.
As he had expected, the giant woke up a few
minutes afterwards, and, finding his wonderful
boots gone, was in a towering passion. He looked
about for them, and finding the trace of the huge
heel, he at once pursued Hop-o’-my-Thumd. But
what chance had his bare feet against the seven-
league boots? Hop-o’-my-Thumb, looking back,
beheld the giant blinded by his fury striding over a
precipice. He saw how that the ogre missed his
footing, and fell crashing down to the bottom.
The rocks echoed with the noise of his fall, as his
huge form dashed from crag to crag, and Hop-o’-
my-Thumb held his breath with awe.
‘Poor children have reason to be glad you are
gone,’ thought the boy, ‘and I dare say your kind
wife will not be sorry.’
Hop-o’-my-Thumb was now both tired and hungry,
so he made haste to lead his brothers home.
The very day after the father had left his children
in the wood, the forester again called at the
cottage. This time he brought some flour and
half a pig, the lord of the manor having sold some
land to buy food for his people.
He was surprised to find only the wife at home,
and she crying bitterly.
‘Why, good wife, where are all your children ?’ he
asked; ‘and where is my little friend Hop-o’-my-
Thumb, of whom my lord is quite fond?’
The bereaved mother answered only by a burst of
tears. Then the man, suspecting that something
was wrong, insisted on knowing the truth, and the
broken-hearted woman confessed all.
The forester was much shocked. He set off at
once for the village, called together the neighbours,
120
and went and took both the woodcutter and his H

wife prisoners.

So when the six brothers returned home with
Hop-o’-my-Thumb, they found nobody in the wood-
man’s hut. However, in the excitement of the
moment, the villagers had left the bacon and flour
in the cupboard, and so Hop-o’-my-Thumb said—
‘Let us get some food while we can.’

And he made a fire, cut rashers off the bacon, made
a few cakes of flour and water, which he baked
in the oven, and gave his brothers a good dinner.
They were much surprised when night came and
still their parents were absent; but they shut up
the house, said their prayers, and went to bed,
hoping that father and mother would soon return
and tell them what they had better do. However,
as they did not come, the boys resolved to stay a
little longer at home, and, as they had plenty of
food, they managed to live very comfortably.
Meantime, in his dreary prison, the woodcutter
had time to reflect on his crime. His wife never
ceased reproaching him for it.

‘What do you think,’ she would say, ‘will be the
judgment of our good squire on you 2’

The husband had not a word to answer. Indeed,
he was so unhappy that he rather wished to be
well punished.

At last the boys became seriously alarmed at the
absence of their parents.

‘Ah! Hop-o’-my-Thumb, and we used to despise
you!’ said the eldest brother. ‘We see now how
mistaken we were. Can you help us now to the
sight of father and mother ?’

‘Well, I shall go into the village to-morrow and
find out where they are,’ said Hop-o’-my-Thumb.

Then they sat chatting and laughing round a-

wood-fire, which danced and crackled as if it, too,
were glad, and cast a ruddy glow upon the seven
little happy faces laughing round it.

121

OP-O’-MY-
THUMB
HOP-O’-My- The next morning early Hop-o’-my-Thumb put on
THUMB his seven-league boots and was in the village in a
moment, for it was only ten miles off. He found it
in a great state of commotion. The people were
gathered together on the village green, talking all
at once. So Hop-o-my-Thumb went up to them,
and asked a woman what was the matter.
‘Oh, my little dear,’ said she—she was a stranger,
and did not know Hop-o’-my-Thumb. ‘Oh, my
dear, the squire has just held a court and con-
demned a cruel woodcutter and his wife to death.
The wicked people had cast forth seven innocent
babes to be eaten by the wolves.’
‘Ah!’ thought Hop-o’-my-Thumb, ‘those are my
father and mother. I am only just in time.’
So he stepped home again, and said to his
brothers—
‘Make haste and walk as fast as you can to the
village, and show the squire that we are yet alive.’
So the six brothers set out and walked as fast as
their little feet could carry them.
Then Hop-o’-my-Thumb, taking them by the hand,
led the little string of boys to the house of the
forester, who was greatly astonished to see them
alive and well.
Hop-o’-my-Thumb related his adventures, and the
forester insisted on taking them to the squire, who
listened to their story with great interest. Of
course, as the children were not dead, the wood-
cutter and his wife were not put to death; but the
squire, though he restored the mother to her
children, kept the father in prison for two months
as punishment.
Then the squire sent some of his soldiers, con-
ducted by Hop-o’-my-Thumb, to the ogre’s house,
to see what had become of his wife.
They found that she had gone away to her kinsfolk
in the country whence the ogre had carried her off,
and the squire, on whose land the dwelling stood,
‘122
at once bestowed it and all the ogre’s wealth on HOP-O-MY-
Hop-o’-my-Thumb. THUMB
So Hop-o’-my-Thumb took up his abode in that

once dreaded house, and lived there with his

father, his mother, and his brothers.

His seven-league boots made them all rich, for
whenever any one wished to send letters, or make
inquiries at a distance, they sent to Hop-o’-my-

Thumb and asked him to go for them, and as he

was paid a large sum for every journey, or we may

say step, he took, he became a very wealthy man.

123
WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT

epg] MERCHANT once upon a time,
Who had great store of gold,
Among his household placed a boy
Sore pinched by want and cold;
No father and no mother watched
With love o’er this poor boy,
Whose dearest treasure was a cat,
His pet, and only joy,
That came to him beseechingly,
When death was at the door,
And kindly to relieve her wants
He shared his little store.

 

This boy was called Richard Whittington. He
had lost his father and mother, and, having no
friends, had come up to London to seek his fortune.
London streets, he had been told, were paved with
gold. Alas! he found them only deep in mud, and
hard—hard with stones.

After many privations and disappointments, and
when nearly starved, he was taken into the house
of a merchant named Fitzwarren.

In this house he would have lived very happily, if
it had not been for the cook, who was very ill-
natured, and who would beat him with the broom,

124
and made him turn the spit on which was the
roast meat, like a dog. He was given a room in
the garret, in which to sleep, which was overrun
with rats and mice. But Dick had brought up
from his country town with him his dear cat, and
this cat soon drove away the tormentors.

A grateful cat! no mice might live
Where she put up to dwell,

And Whittington could sweetly sleep
While puss watched o’er his cell.

Now it happened that soon after this, the merchant,
Mr. Fitzwarren, had a ship ready to sail with
various commodities, which were to be sold or
eacbenece for others, whereby he would gain great
profit.

Now it was customary at that time for a master
to ask his servants if they would like to venture
their little savings in the same vessel, and so give
them a chance of turning their money over and
increasing their little stores.

Now all the servants in Mr. Fitzwarren’s house
gave up something to embark in the venture, and
the master asked Dick Whittington what he would
put into the ship. But poor Dick had nothing
save his pussy-cat, and rather than not have some
share in the venture, but with tears in his eyes, he
gave up his cat, at the advice of Alice, the mer-
chant’s daughter. So says the ballad—

Now by the strand a gallant ship
Lay ready to set sail,
When spoke the merchant, ‘Ho! prepare
To catch the fav’ring gale;
And each who will his fortune try,
Haste, get your goods on board,
The gains ye all shall share with me,
Whate’er they may afford ;
125

WHIT-
TINGTON
AND HIS
CAT
WHIT-
TINGTON
AND HIS
CAT

From distant lands where precious musks
And jewels rare are found,

What joy to waft across the seas
Their spoils to English ground!’

So hasted then each one on board,
With what he best could find,

Before the ship for Afric’s strand
Flew swiftly with the wind.

The little boy he was so poor,
No goods had he to try,

And as he stood and saw the ship,
A tear bedimmed his eye,

To think how fortune smiled on all
Except on his sad lot—

As if he were by gracious Heaven
Neglected and forgot!

The merchant and his daughter too,
Fair Alice, marked his grief,

And with a gentle woman’s heart,
Intent on kind relief,

She bade him bring his cat to try
Her fortune o’er the sea;

‘Who knows,’ she said, ‘what she may

catch
In gratitude to thee!’
With weeping and with sore lament
He brought poor puss on board.
And now the ship stood out for sea,
With England’s produce stored ;
And as she sped far out of sight,
His heart was like to break ;
His friend was gone that shared his crust,
Far sweeter for her sake.
Humble his lot the merchant knew,
But knew not that the cook
With blows and cuffs the boy assailed,
And surly word and look,
Until his life a burden seemed,
Too srevous to be borne,
12
Though Alice oft would pity him,
So lowly and forlorn.

The cross-grained cook was very angry at the
kindness shown to poor Dick by Alice, and she
treated him more roughly than before, and sneered
at him for having sent his cat to sea. ‘Do you
suppose,’ she said, ‘that your cat will sell for
suiicient to buy a stick wherewith I may thrash
you?’

At length poor Whittington could endure this harsh
treatment no longer, and he resolved that he would
run away and seek his luck elsewhere. So he
packed up his few goods in a bundle, and started
one morning, All Saints’ Day, which is the 1st of
November, and he walked as far as Holloway;
which was then all fields, and there were no houses.
There he sat himself down on a stone, which to
this day remains, and is called ‘Dick Whittington’s
Stone,’! and he was very sad to think how solitary
he was in the world, and how badly he had fared.
Moreover he could not tell which way he should go.
While he was thus considering, the bells of Bow
Church, which at that time were only six, began to
ring for service, and their sound, borne on the
breeze, seemed to say to him—

‘Turn a-gain, Whitt-ing-ton,
Thrice Lord Mayor of Lon-don.’

The same words would come with the chime of
the bells again, and over again into his head. He
tried to laugh and began to cry. And still the
bells rang on—

{Turn again, Whittington,
Thrice Lord Mayor of London.’

He shook his head and stood up, and took a few

1 It now forms part of a lamp-post.
127

WHIT-
TINGTON
AND HIS
CAT
WHIT-
TINGTON
AND HIS
CAT

steps along the road to Finchley. But he had not
gone far before he heard the bells again calling
out—

‘Turn again, Whittington,
Thrice Lord Mayor of London.’

And somehow, he did not fancy the Finchley road,
so he turned back and he now took the road to
Enfield. But he had not taken many steps along
that way before again he heard Bow bells, and they
still sang in his ear—

‘Turn again, Whittington,
Thrice Lord Mayor of London.’

Then he laughed through his tears, and said to
himself, ‘Lord Mayor of London! Thatisa strange
notion; but after all, Mr. Fitzwarren was good
to me, and so was Mistress Alice, and perhaps I
can bear the ill-nature of the cook, if I have the
thought before me that I shall be Lord Mayor of
London and ride in a coach.’

So Dick walked back by the way he had come,
and got into his master’s house before the cook
came downstairs.

Now, the very first news which came to his ears that
morning when he got back to the house were
glad tidings.

Good news he quickly hears,
How that a richly laden ship,
Amid ten thousand cheers,
Had entered port from distant climes
Full freighted with their gold,
By traffic gained for English wares
In honest barter sold.

With shout and song the crew rejoiced—
Not less the folk on shore—
Told of adventures strange and rare
Among the blackamoor ;

128
And how their king was glad to see WHIT.
Our English sailors.bold, TINGTON
Who sat and ate and drank with him Be
From cups of purest gold.
Once on a day, amid their cheer,
When healths went gaily round,
How were the crew amazed to see,
In swarms upon the ground,
Unnumbered rats and mice rush forth
And seize the goodly cheer,
While stood the wond’ring guests aloof,
O’erwhelmed with dread and fear.
‘Oh!’ said the king, ‘what sums I’d give
To rid me of such vile
Detested brutes, whose ravages
Our bed and board defile!’

Now when the captain and sailors heard this, they
recollected the cat of Dick Whittington; so they
told the king that they had an animal on board which
would rid him very speedily of all the vermin.
‘Bring the beast to me,’ said the king, ‘and if it
be as you say, I will lade your vessel with gold
dust in exchange for it.’
So the captain sent a sailor to the ship, whilst a
second dinner was being got ready. The sailor
soon caught the puss, tucked her under his arm,
and arrived at the palace in time to see the swarm
of rats rush in to eat up the second meal that had
been served.
Now when the cat saw and smelt the rats, whish
she went out of the sailor’s arms, and away she
rushed upon the rats, and nipped and killed them
one after another, and those who saw her, and
had time, fled to their holes like wind.
The king laughed and kicked his feet about, and
clapped his hands, and was so delighted that he
said he must and would have the beast, even if
it cost him half his kingdom,
I 129
WHIT-
TINGTON
AND HIS
CAT

The captain now called the cat to him and showed
her to the king, who at first was afraid to touch
her, but after a while, to show his manliness and
his royal fearlessness, put out a finger and touched
the cat, who at once began to purr. The king had
never heard this sound before, and it frightened
him, and he went under the table. But presently
he put out his head from under the table-cloth
to ask if all was safe. When he was assured that
the cat would do him no harm, then like a man
and a hero he came back to his place, and be-
coming bolder, with impunity patted the cat. After
a while even the queen summoned courage to
caress the cat, and say: ‘Puss! Puss!’ whereupon
the cat stepped into her lap, coiled herself up, and
went to sleep. The king was now quite deter-
mined to have the cat. He bargained with the
captain to buy all the rest of the ship’s cargo, but
in payment for the cat he gave ten bags all full of
the finest gold dust.
The captain then took leave of the king, and
having a fair wind set sail for England, and after
a prosperous voyage arrived safely in London
port. This was the news that: reached Dick
Whittington that morning of All Saints’ Day
when he returned to his master’s house, and now
as he heard it he no longer thought that the Bow
bells told what was impossible, as he was master
of ten great sacks of gold dust.
Now the cook was jealous and went to Mr. Fitz-
warren and told him that all the treasure was too
much for a poor scullion. But the master was a
good man, and he said: ‘God forbid that I should
rob the boy of a single penny; he shall have all the
gold dust to the last pinch.’
Then he sent for Dick, but the boy said: ‘I have
only hobnailed boots and cannot go into the
parlour.’ However, Mr. Fitzwarren insisted, and
he came in very modestly, and his master told him
130
all the truth about his good fortune, and called
him Mr. Whittington.
Poor Dick was overwhelmed with his good luck,
and wanted the master to take half of it; but Mr.
Fitzwarren said: ‘No. It is all your own; but
what I will do is to advise you how to dispose
of it.’
Now Dick was so kind-hearted, that he made a
present of some of the gold to all his fellow-
Servants, and to the captain and sailors of the
ship. He did not even neglect the cross-grained
cook.
After this Mr. Fitzwarren sent for a tailor, and
had Dick dressed as a gentleman, and told him he
was welcome to live in his house till he could
provide himself with one of his own.
When Whittington’s face was washed, and his
hair curled, and he was dressed smart, then he
looked a very handsome fellow, and that Miss
Alice thought. She who had formerly looked on
him with compassion, now considered him fit to
be her companion, and soon afterwards her suitor;
the more so because Mr. Whittington was con-
sey making her the prettiest presents imagin-
able.
At the end of three years Mr. Fitzwarren, per-
ceiving the affection of Mr. Whittington and his
daughter for each other, consented to unite them
in marriage; and accordingly a day for the wed-
ding was soon fixed, and they were attended to
church by the lord mayor, the aldermen, the
sheriffs, and a great number of the wealthiest
merchants in London. There was a grand enter-
tainment afterwards, at which the poor were
feasted as wellastherich. |
History tells us that Whittington and his lady
lived in great splendour, and were very happy;
that they had several children; that he was sheriff
of London, and three times afterwards lord mayor;
131

WHIT-
TINGTON
AND HIS

CAT
WHIT-
TINGTON
AND HIS
CAT

that in the last year of his mayoralty he enter-
tained King Henry the Fifth, on his return from
the battle of Agincourt; upon which occasion
the king knighted him by the style and title of
Sir Richard Whittington.

It is told that he then entertained the king at a
great banquet, when King Henry said: ‘Never
had a prince such a subject.’ To which Whitting-
ton replied: ‘Never had a subject such a prince.’
Sir Richard Whittington constantly fed great
numbers of the poor: he built a church, and added
a college to it, with lodgings, and a yearly allow-
ance to thirteen poor scholars. He also erected
a great part of St. Bartholomew's Hospital in
Smithfield.

History has not told us what became of the pro-
perty left by him for the support of the church and
the thirteen poor scholars; but it is believed it
was seized by King Henry VIII. at the time of
the Reformation, as that king seized upon many
of the lands which were left for religious purposes ;
but those which Whittington left for building and
endowing almshouses met with a better fate; and
Whittington’s almshouses remain to this day.
Here ends the story of Whittington and his cat;
from which we may see how that honesty and
industry met with success; and that charity and
piety are the best ornaments of the rich.

132
DON’T-KNOW

aj/HIERE was once upon a time a king
whose wife, the queen, became mother
in the palace of a little son called
Dan. And at the same time, even to
a minute, a mare in the stable hada
little foal. Therefore the king gave
the foal to his son Dan.
When the young prince was old enough, he was
sent to school, where he learned to read and write
and cypher. Now not a single day passed but
before going to school he went into the paddock
where was his foal, and talked to it and patted it.
Now it happened that war broke out, and the king
was obliged to go to battle, and he intrusted his
queen and boy to the care of a prime minister.
Now the queen was a wicked woman, and she
entered into a plot with the prime minister to seize
on the reins of government, and to establish her-
self sole sovereign in the land. But because the
prince was clever and observant, the prime
minister had to be very cautious lest his plans
should be found out. And as the prime minister
schemed to get the king killed and then to marry
the queen, he determined also to get rid of the
Crown Prince. ‘

133

 

DON’T-
KNOW
DON’T- And in orderto do this, he put a dagger in his bed
KNOW with the point upwards, so that when Prince Dan
went to bed, the dagger might pierce him through.
Now the little prince went as usual into the pad-
dock to stroke his little horse, and he saw that
it looked sad and woebegone.
So he said to it: ‘Little horse! what ails you to-
day?’ but as the groom was by, the foal only hung
his head and said nothing.
Now when school was over, Prince Dan came back
to see his little horse, and again he asked: ‘Little
horse! what ails you to-day?’
Then the foal said: ‘Nothing ails me; but the
prime minister wants to kill you.’ Then he told
the prince of the plan for his murder; and he told
him what he was to do that night. ;
So when darkness came on, Dan would not go to
bed at all, but slept on the sofa.
The prime minister saw he had failed in this
scheme, but thought he would poison Dan with
oe : for of toffee the prince was passionately
ond.
Next day as he went to school he visited the foal.
And the little horse said to him: ‘My king’s son,
be on your guard, and take no toffee,’ and he told
him the plan of the prime minister.
When the prince came home he was offered some
delicious-looking toffee, but he refused to touch

any.

Then the prime minister saw that this scheme of
his was unavailing. So he went to the queen and
he said to her: ‘Tidings have just arrived that the
king is unexpectedly returning; and we are not,
yet prepared for his destruction ; and I believe that
Dan’s foal tells him everything. Now pretend to
be very ill, and say that the doctors order you the
heart of the foal as the sole thing that will set you

on your feet again.’

Now very soon the king arrived, and was sorry to

134
DON’T- find the queen ill, and she told him all that the

KNO

Ww

prime minister had put in her mouth.
Then the king said: ‘Certainly, I will have the foal
killed, and you shall eat its heart; only wait till
Dan returns from school, that he may say good-
bye to his little horse.’
Now the king walked to meet Dan as he came back
from school, and told him that he must kill the foal.
So Dan said: ‘Certainly, dear father, you must do
what you see fit; only first of all let me pull on my
riding breeches, and take my little whip and gallop
round the paddock once on my little horse’s back.’
Then Dan ran to his foal, that looked sad and
woebegone, and told it what his father had said,
and what he had desired.
The foal said to him: ‘Call for a glass of wine, and
drink to your father’s health and the failure of your
mother’s and the prime minister’s plans; then
jump on my back, I will carry you far away.’
He did so. When he had pulled on his riding
breeches and taken his whip, he asked for a glass
of wine, and kneeling before his father, said: ‘I
drink to your health, father, and to the failure of
my mother’s and the prime minister’s plans, who
have sought to dethrone you and to kill me.’
Then he jumped on his foal’s back and away, away
he rode.
Now when the king had heard those words, he
wondered and examined into the matter, and then
all came out; so he had the prime minister hung,
and he put the queen in prison.
In the meantime the little horse had galloped
away, away over land and sea, and never halted .
till it came to England and to the city of London.
There, at the outskirts, it halted, and said: ‘Now
go into the town, but never speak any other word
but Don’t know to whatever is asked you, till
I give you leave.’
The pRnee promised this, and leaving his foal ina
13
meadow outside London, he went alone into the
great town. Those who met him asked him who
he was, but he answered only ‘Don’t know.’ They
inquired of what country he was. He replied only
‘Don’t know.’ They further asked his occupation.
He said only ‘Don’t know.’

Now after a day or two it was told the king
that there was a handsome lad going about
London, who could say no other words but ‘Don’t
know.’

So he sent for him and asked him his name, and
received the answer ‘Don’t know.’ ‘Very well,’
said the king, ‘be itso. You shall becalled Don’t-
know.’ Then he sent him into the kitchen to be
scullion there, but gave strict orders to the cook
not to maltreat him in any way.

Now it was usual for the servants to go to church
on Sundays, and one only to remain at home and
prepare dinner.

When it came to Prince Dan’s turn to be alone in
the kitchen, then he took ashes and strewed it
over all the meat.
When the cook came home he was angry to see
the good meat all spoiled. He said: ‘Why, what
have you done this for?’

Dan replied : ‘Don’t know.’

‘Do you know that you deserve a good hiding.’
‘Don’t know.’

But as the king had ordered that the lad was not
to be maltreated, the cook did not dare to beat him ;
but he went to the king and begged that he might
be taken out of the kitchen and put elsewhere.

So the king placed him with the gardener.

Now it was the custom in the garden for the gar-
deners to go to church on Sunday, and one to
remain behind to guard the garden.

When it came to Dan’s turn to be at home, then
his little horse came trotting up to him, and he
brought him a bridle, and said: ‘Shake the bridle

137

DON’T-
KNOW
DON’T- and at once you will have a splendid horse to ride

KNOW and grand clothes to put on.’
So Dan shook the bridle, and immediately a chest-
nut horse stood before him with a red suit of
clothes over the saddle, and all the accoutrements
were of copper.
Then Dan jumped on his back and rode round and
round the garden, till all the beds were trampled
and spoiled. Then he leaped off the horse, which
vanished along with the splendid red garments
Dan had worn.
Now it fell out that the king’s third daughter, the
youngest of his children, had not gone to church
that day, as she had a bad cold. She had been
looking out of the window, and saw all that had
happened.
When the gardeners came back from church, they
were very angry, and they said to Dan: ‘Who has
been here spoiling the flower-beds ?’
‘Don’t know.’
‘Why did you not keep proper guard?’
‘Don’t know.’
‘Were you asleep or awake?’
‘Don’t know.’
‘I hope,’ said the head-gardener, ‘that you
know one thing, which is that you deserve a
hiding ?’
‘Don’t know.’
It took a dozen men a whole week to put the gar-
den in order again, and a month before any flowers
grew in it.
Then again it came to Dan’s turn to remain at
home while the rest went to church.
The princess had told no one of what she had seen.
Again she had a cold, and so she remained at home.
And this is what she saw :—
No sooner were all at church, and Dan thought
himself alone, than he went into the garden
and shook the bridle, whereupon a white horse

138
appeared with a white suit of clothes adorned
with silver over the saddle. Dan drew on the suit,
jumped into the saddle and rode up and down the
garden trampling all the beds. When he was tired
he jumped off, and at once the horse and the
white clothes disappeared. The princess had seen
all this.
When the gardeners came home and saw the mis-
chief done, they were very angry, and they asked—
‘Why did you not keep proper guard ?’
‘Don’t know.’
‘Who have been in the garden, making this
mess ?’
‘Don’t know.’
You may well believe, that if the king had not
given strict injunctions to the contrary, they would
have beaten Prince Dan black and blue.
Again the princess said nothing, and resolved on
the same Sunday in the next month to pretend to
be unwell, so as to stay at home and see what
would happen.
Now when the Sunday came, when it was Dan’s
turn to keep guard, the princess remained in the
palace. This time she opened her window and
leaned forth to see the better.
Dan shook the bridle and immediately a yellow
horse appeared, and over the saddle was a dress
of cream colour all woven with gold thread.
He jumped into the saddle and rode up and down
and around the garden, and when he came near
the open window, where was the princess, then
he leaped on the saddle, and kissed her on the
mouth.
Now when he had ridden sufficiently, he dismount-
ed, and instantly horse and garments vanished.
When the gardeners returned they were furious.
‘Who has been here? There are horse hoof-
prints!’
‘Don’t know.’

139

DON’T-
KNOW
DON’T-
KNOW

‘How is it you don’t know? Did you keep your
eyes shut?’
‘Don’t know.’
Well—the king thought it was high time to have
his three daughters married. So he had them
advertised in all the daily papers :—

WANTED, three desirable husbands, for three
eligible Princesses. Must be of Royal
blood, good looking, cleanly in their habits,
and not given to chewing or smoking or
snuffing tobacco. Apply: Buckingham
Palace. N.B.—No post-cards.

The king was very amiable, and he said to his
daughters: ‘My dears, I positively don’t want to
force any undesirable husbands on you. I give you
free liberty to pick and choose and take whomso-
ever you like.’
‘Any one, revered father?’ asked the youngest.
‘Is not royal descent a sine qua non?’
‘So long as he is cleanly in his habits and person,
and doesn’t chew, snuff, or smoke, I will not insist
on that requirement,’ said the king.
Troops of princes came to London, all aspirants
after the hands of the princesses, and every one
was scrupulously clean, and none were devoted
to tobacco.
The king had them all trotted out in the yard
before his daughters, and the eldest chose her
husband, then did the second the same, both
desirable princes. But the youngest did not find
any to her mind, so she said to the king: ‘Father, -
may I have one of the court ?’
‘By all means—if cleanly in his habits, and not
addicted to the filthy habit of snuffing, chewing,
or smoking tobacco.’
“Will you have them all up?’ asked the princess.
So all the court was brought forward and marched
140
in the front yard of the palace before the princess,

but not one pleased her.

Pan she said: ‘Is every member of the court
ere?’

‘All but that miserable Don’t-know,’ said the head-

gardener.

“Send for Don’t-know,’ asked the princess, and

the prince Dan arrived.

Then she went straight up to him and kissed him

on the mouth, and said: ‘That’s the boy for me.’

Now when the sisters and the princes who were

to be their husbands saw and heard this, they were

greatly shocked and offended. However, the king

was so good-natured, and his youngest daughter

so persistent, that there was no help for it, and

the three princesses were married the same day.

But as the two eldest sisters and their princes

were extremely disgusted at the youngest sister’s

choice, and as they represented that it was not

proper for them to live in the palace, the king had

the potato-house cleared out, in which the pota-

toes were usually kept through the winter, and

ated up as the house of Don’t-know and his

wife.

Now one day, soon after the wedding, there was

to be a hunt. So the two princes, as they rode

out to the chase, passed the potato-house, and

saw Don’t-know outside. They laughed and

said: ‘Brother-in-law, are you coming out for

some sport to-day ?’

*Don’t-know.’

‘We suppose you never rode a horse in your life?’

‘Don't know.’

‘Nor killed any game?’

‘Don’t know.’

So away they went, laughing to each other about

this silly brother-in-law of theirs.

Now when they were gone, Dan shook his bridle,

and at once the red horse appeared and the red

I4I

DON’T-
KNOW
DON’T. and copper garment. He put it on and mounted,

KNOW and away he went after his brothers-in-law.
As he approached them, they did not know him,
and they said one to another: ‘Who is this great
prince who rides this way?’
They waited till he came up and then asked if he
would join them. Now the horse had given him
leave to speak whilst in his gay garments, so he
answered and said: ‘I have already chased.’
‘What have you caught?’
He held out a golden pheasant.
Then the princes longed to be able to take this
home with them and show it as their capture. So
they begged him to give them the pheasant. He
said he would do so if they would give him the
rings off their fingers. To this they consented.
They gave him their rings, and he gave them the
golden pheasant and rode away, and got fast
home, jumped off the red horse, and stood by the
door of the potato-house when they came home.
As they drew nigh, the princes showed the golden
pheasant and shouted: ‘Brother-in-law, do you
not admire our skill in the chase?’
‘Don’t know,’ was all he answered.
Next day there was to be another chase in the
forest. The princes rode by the potato-house,
and said: ‘ Brother-in-law, will you come out with
us to-day?’
‘Don’t know.’
But when they were gone he shook the bridle,
and immediately the white horse appeared, with
the white suit of raiment adorned with silver. He
mounted and rode after his brothers-in-law.
They had been unsuccessful that day and were —
discouraged. They said: ‘Here comes that prince
again in most splendid raiment and on a magnifi-
cent horse. Who can he be?’
When Dan came up, they saluted him respectfully
and asked if he would have sport with them that

142
day. He replied that he had already been engaged
in the chase and had got a beautiful white swan.
They were very desirous to have this, but he said
he would take no money for it, only if they would
allow him to heat their rings red hot and stamp
the signets on their heads, under the hair, then
would he give up the snowy swan.
They thought no one would see if branded under
the hair, so they consented. He branded them
both with their own seals, gave them up the swan
and galloped home. The horse and his white
vesture disappeared, and as they came home they
saw him lounging at the door of the potato-house.
They held up the beautiful swan, and said: ‘See,
brother-in-law, what luck we have. Don’t you
wish you were as clever as we?’
‘Don’t know.’
‘Ah! but you know you are a fool and we are
wise.’
‘Don’t know.’
They rode into the palace laughing, and got great
credit for having killed the swan.
Next day there was another hunting party. Again
the princes laughingly taunted Dan—
‘Will you come a-hunting, brother-in-law ?’
‘Don’t know.’
‘You haven't got a horse to ride, we suppose?’ °
‘Don’t know.’
‘Nor bow and arrows?’
‘Don’t know.’
‘But you know you are a fool?’
‘Don’t know.’
‘When they were out of sight, he shook the bridle,
and now a gold yellow horse stood before him, and
a splendid crocus yellow garment woven with
gold thread. He put on the dress, mounted and
galloped after the princes. When he drew near
they said to one another: ‘Can this be the same
prince we have seen twice before?’

143

DON’T-
KNOW .
DON’T. They waited till he came up, and then saluted him

KNOW with the profoundest respect, and inquired if that
he would hunt with them that day. He replied
that he had already done his hunting, and he
showed a gold fawn that he had killed.
When the princes saw this, they were mad set to
have the fawn, and they begged him to let them
have it; but he said he would give it up only on
condition that they each allowed him to brand
them on the back with something.
Well—they were so set on having the gold fawn
that they agreed, and he burned on their backs
the symbol of a pair of gallows. Then he rode
home, and had changed everything before they
arrived; and when they came, they bragged about
ee AuOuee. and showed the gold fawn they had

illed.

‘You couldn’t do this, could you, brother-in-law ?’
they asked. He only replied from the door of the
potato-shed: ‘Don’t know.’
Now it happened that the great King Cuckoo of
Ireland, who had been subject to the King of
England, was so set on being independent, and
even of subjugating England, that he gathered a
great army, and came over and marched against
London. The king sent out an army to oppose
his advance under one of his sons-in-law, but it
was defeated; then he sent another under the
second, and that was defeated also. So now the
king gathered together all the remnant of his
forces, and determined to take the field in person,
he would command the centre, and each of his
sons-in-law the wings. The two princes went to
the potato-shed, and said: ‘Come on, brother-in- -
law, the land is in danger, you must fight as well
as we.’
‘Don’t know,’ answered Dan.
‘Don’t you know how to handle bow or spear ?’
‘Don’t know.’

144
‘If we are defeated again, all will be up with every DON’T.
one of us,’ said the princes. KNOW
‘Don’t know,’ answered Dan.
Now as soon as they had marched out of London,
Dan shook the bridle, whereupon his own little
horse came trotting up to him, and he had on his
back three portmanteaus. He said to his master:
‘See, take these portmanteaus. In one is an army
of soldiers, in another are munitions of war, in the
third is plenty of money. The day is going against
the king. Quick, put on the suit of armour you
will see provided, jump on my back, and ride to
the rescue of your father-in-law. But first unpack
the portmanteaus.’
So Dan immediately opened the leather boxes.
And when he had opened the first out marched an
army of men. And when he had opened the
second out rolled cannons and cannon-balls, and
hay for the horses, and food for the men. And
when he had opened the third he found in it gold,
wherewith to pay the soldiers, and gold is said to
be ‘the sinews of war.’ So he mounted his little
horse and rode at the head of his army to the
battlefield, and he arrived just as the centre was
giving way, and when the two wings were turning
to flight. He rushed forward with his men and
fell on King Cuckoo with his Irish, and utterly
routed them, and took their banner, on which was
inscribed ‘Home Rule for ever,’ and sent the Irish
flying, tumbling head over heels, away, away, as
fast as their legs could run, in the direction of
their native isle,
Now as soon as he had gained the victory he
hastily withdrew with all his men till he had got
behind a belt of trees, and then he packed all his
troops once more into their portmanteau, and put
in all the munitions of war into the second, and
returned as quickly as he could to London, jumped
off his little horse, and stood lounging at the door
K 145
DON’T: of his potato-shed, when the king and the
KNOW princes and the army returned, playing and
singing. and whistling and dancing ‘Rule Bri-
tannia, Britannia rule the waves, Brit-tons never,
never, never, will be slaves,—least of all to
Paddy.
And as the princes passed by the door where stood
Dan, ‘Ah, ha! brother-in-law,’ they said, ‘where
were you to-day when we gained the victory over
King Cuckoo ?’
‘Don’t know.’
“What would you have done had you been in
battle? Run away, of course.’
‘Don’t know.’
‘And where would you be now, but for our
victorious arms?’
‘Don’t know.’
A grand: banquet was given that evening. And
much wine was drunk, and toasts were proposed,
and the two princes bragged of what they had
done, and no one said a word about the mysterious
assistance that had been given just as fortune had
declared against the English arms.
But presently the king got up on his feet, and at
once every one began to hammer on the table, and
say ‘Hear! hear!’
Then the king said: ‘Ladies and gentlemen,
princes and princesses of the blood royal, dukes
and marquesses and earls, and viscounts and
barons, and baronets and knights and squires,
and all in your several degrees,—I hope you will
listen to the few words I venture to utter.’
‘Hear! hear!’
And one of the princes thundered out ‘Encore!’
‘I have listened,’ said the king, ‘with surprise and,
I am fain to admit, sorrow, and heard every one
present boasting about his great deeds, and no
one saying a word about that gallant and most
AE LECOUS hero who seemed to drop from the
14
clouds, and without whom we should have been
compelled to—to—to cut and run.’

‘No, no!’ ‘No, no!’

*Yes—I repeat it,’ said the king. ‘The wings
under the masterly direction of my sons-in-law,
had received the order “ Right about face,—cut!”
the centre under my august self was giving way.’
‘No, no!’ ‘No, no!’

‘It is of no use our shutting our eyes to facts,’ pur-
sued his majesty. ‘We should have been jolly
well licked’—he paused—the expression was
hardly diplomatic, he corrected it to ‘we should
have met with a serious reverse, but for the assist-
ance of our mysterious ally. I drink, gentlemen
and ladies, princes of the blood royal, dukes, etc.
... to the very good health of our deliverer this
day. By the way,’ added the king, sitting down,
‘where is son-in-law number Three ?’

Every one of the guests looked in every one else’s
face, and said—

‘Don’t know!’

And the servants behind the guests looked about
the grand banqueting-hall, and they also said—
‘Your most gracious Majesty—don’t know.’

And the footmen on the stairs looked up and down
the staircase, and the porter at the gate looked at
them, and they at him, and said: ‘Don’t know.’
Just then was heard martial music.

A magnificent band was heard playing—and the
tune that was being played was, ‘See-e-e the con-
quering her-er-er-o comes!’

And presently large bodies of soldiers appeared,
infantry and cavalry, in magnificent uniform, and
surrounded the palace, and then riding on a gold-
coloured horse in golden armour, with. a white
horse at his side, on which rode a lady in cloth of
silver, came a prince. He was attended by a num-
ber of equeries and staff officers, and he descended
from his horse at the palace gates, gave his hand

147

DON’T-
KNOW
DON’T- to the princess, let her alight, and then strode up

KNOW to the gates.
The porter said: ‘Your name, sir?’
‘Don’t know.’
Then the porter, who had quite lost his head at
all the magnificence, said to the first footman—
“His Serene Highness Don’t-know.’
And the first footman shouted to the second—
“Is ’Iness Don’t-know.’
And the second shouted to the third, with great
emphasis—
‘His Haugust ’igh and Mightiness Don’t-know.’
And so the announcement ran up the stairs, but
with a few strides the new-comer reached the top
of the grand state stairs, and the princess with
him, and they walked into the banqueting-hall—
and lo! every one stood up and cheered, for they
recognised the conqueror in that day’s battle.
Then Prince Dan, for it was he, bowed his knee to
the king, and said : ‘Sire and father-in-law, I am the
youth who has for all this while answered to every
question asked me, Don’t know. Now I am re-
leased by my little horse from the necessity of
making this answer. Why imposed on me, good-
ness only knows, but I made the promise, and a
promise, sire and father-in-law, is, Ineed hardly say,
a promise and must be kept. Iam of royal blood,
being the son of the very puissant King of Cloud-
land. Icame here, and here your youngest daughter
chose me to be her husband. Your two other
princes, sons-in-law, are humbugs. Here are their
rings that I took from them. If you will lift up
their hair you will seethem branded with their own
signets. If you will strip their coats off their
backs, you will find them marked with a pair of
gallows between their shoulder-blades. If you
have the least doubt, sire and father-in-law, that it
is I who assisted in this glorious day, here is your
own pert panderebict which you gaveme. In

14.
the midst of the fray I was slightly wounded in the
arm; when you saw the blood flow, you pulled out
your red silk pocket-handkerchief and insisted on
binding it about my arm. I restore it to you. I
am healed. The kingdom of Great Britain is
henceforth safe from the humiliation of annexation
through subjugation to the neighbouring isle.’
There was immense applause, and even the hum-
bled princes, the brothers-in-law, had sufficient
grace to say: ‘Encore, encore!’

Then the king said: ‘It is obvious to me and to
all, that I must make this victorious hero heir to
my throne, though he has married only my
youngest daughter. Hitherto we have only known
him by the name of Don’t-know. We would all
like to know what is the real name by which he
may be known in history.’

Now the writer of this story is fain to say that at
this point his authorities fail him. In Cloudland
the prince was indeed called Dan, but not so in
English history. If therefore it be asked by what
name this prince may be looked for in the cata-
logue of English sovereigns, he is obliged to admit
‘Don’t know.’

149

DON’T-
KNOW
MIRANDA; OR, THE ROYAL RAM

MIRANDA m NCE upon a time there lived a king
who had three beautiful daughters,

the youngest of whom, named

Miranda, was the most amiable, and

was her father’s favourite.

The king was very superstitious, and

had great faith in dreams.

One day he asked his daughters to tell him the

subject of their dreams the foregoing night.

The eldest said that she had dreamed that he gave

her a gown, the gold and jewels of which shone

bright as the sun and stars.

The second said that she had dreamed that he

gave her a golden distaff and spinning-wheel, for

her to spin linen.

The third said that she had dreamed that her

father came to her and held a golden basin with

water in it, and had said to her: ‘Come and wash

your hands.’

The king was very angry with Miranda for her

dream, and he thought that it could have but one

signification, that she would dethrone him, make

herself queen, and turn him into her servant.

As he was a very suspicious and jealous man as

well as superstitious, he worked himself to sucha

150

  
pitch of unrest over this thought, that all his love MIRANDA
was changed to dislike, and fear took the place of
regard. He determined to have his once darling
daughter put to death, so as to bring this dream of
hers to naught.
For this purpose he commanded the captain of his
guard to carry Miranda into the forest and kill
her ; and that he might be sure of its being done,
he ordered the officer to bring her heart and tongue
to the palace, threatening him with instant death
should he disobey his orders.
The captain, with much sorrow, went at an early
hour to the princess’s apartment, and told her
that the king had sent for her.
She arose immediately and followed him, accom-
panied by a little Moor, called Patypata, who held
up her train; also by a young ape, called Grabu-
geon, and by a little dog, called Tintin, which ran
by her side.
Not finding the king in the garden, where the cap-
tain said he was taking fresh air, she was advised
to seek him in the forest, whither it was said he
had gone to see the does and deer. She resolved
on following him thither.
But as they went on the sun rose, and the princess
saw it sparkle in the tears that ran down the cheeks
of her conductor.
She gently asked him the cause of his sorrow.
‘Alas, madam!’ he said, ‘how can I be otherwise
than sad at heart? The king has ordered me to
kill you, and to carry your heart and tongue to
ie i and if I do not this, he will put me to a cruel
eath.’
The innocent princess became pale when she heard
this, and said to the captain: ‘Are you hard-hearted
enough to kill one who has never injured you, but
has ever spoken in your favour to the king,’
‘Do not fear, princess,’ he answered, ‘I will sooner
suffer death myself than hurt a hair of your head.
I51
MIRANDA But is it possible for us to find out some method
of persuading the king that you are dead ?’
‘What way can we discover,’ asked Miranda,
‘since he will not be satisfied unless he sees my
tongue and my heart >?’
At these words the little Moor, who was warmly
attached to her mistress, came and threw herself
at Miranda’s feet, and said: ‘Dear madam, let me
be the sacrifice, I shall be but too happy to die for
your preservation.’
‘No, said the princess, kissing her, ‘your life
ought now to be as dear to me as my own.’
The young ape, Grabugeon, next advanced, and
said: ‘Truly, princess, your slave, Patypata, is
likely to be more serviceable to you than I can
be; therefore I offer you my heart and tongue
willingly.’
‘O my dear Grabugeon!’ replied Miranda, ‘I
cannot bear the thought of taking your life away.’
Her faithful dog Tintin then cried out that he
could not bear the thought of any one but himself
dying for his beloved mistress. In short, after a
long dispute between Patypata, Grabugeon, and
Tintin, which of them should suffer death instead of
the princess, Grabugeon nimbly climbed to the top
of a tree, and throwing himself down, broke his neck.
The captain, with much persuasion, got leave of
the princess to cut out his tongue, but it proved
too small to serve to deceive the king with it.
‘Alas! my poor ape,’ exclaimed the princess, ‘thou
hast lost thy life without doing me any service.’
‘That honour,’ interposed the Moor, ‘is reserved
for me,’ and she instantly ran upon the knife
wherewith the captain had cut out Grabugeon’s
tongue.
But here, also, the intended service failed, as the
poor Moor’s tongue was too black to pass for
Miranda’s.
The princess bursting into tears and lamentations

152
 
MIRANDA for the loss of the Moor and of the ape, her dog¢
Tintin exclaimed: ‘If you had accepted my offer,
there would have been none to regret but myself,
and real service would have been done you.’
Miranda was so overwhelmed with grief, that she
fainted away; and when she came to herself, the
captain was gone, and the little dog was lying dead
beside the ape and the Moor.

Having buried her three favourites in a hole under
a tree, she began to think what she must do for
herself.

As the forest was not far from her father’s court,
and she might easily have been discovered and so
bring destruction not only on herself but also on
the captain, she travelled as fast as she could walk,
though in an opposite direction, till at last she was
almost ready to expire with weariness.

Then hearing the bleating of sheep, she supposed
that she was approaching some shepherds with
their flocks, and she exerted all her remaining
strength to reach the place, in hopes of finding
some relief.

But how great was her surprise, when she came toa
spacious plain, to see a large ram, as white as snow,
with gilded horns, and a garland of flowers about
his neck, lying on a bed of orange blossom, and
shaded from the sun by a tent of cloth of gold. A
hundred sheep richly adorned were in attendance
on him.

Miranda became motionless with astonishment,
and looked about for the shepherd of so extra-
ordinary a flock, when the noble Ram approached
her, and said—

‘Draw near, lovely princess, and be not afraid of
such gentle creatures as are we.’

‘What! exclaimed the princess, starting back, ‘is
it possible that you can speak ?’

‘Why not, madam,’ answered the Ram, ‘when your

dog and your ape spoke? They did it because

154
endowed with the gift by a fairy. May not the MIRANDA
same be the case with me? Be not surprised, but
tell me what has brought you here.’
‘A thousand misfortunes,’ answered Miranda. ‘I
am forced to fly from the rage of a cruel father.’
‘Come then with me, madam,’ said the Ram, ‘and
I will conduct you to a place where you will be
secure from discovery, and be treated with the
utmost respect.’
The Ram then ordered his chariot, which was large
enough to hold two persons with ease, and was
lined with blue velvet, and drawn by six cashmere
goats. The princess placed herself in it, and the
Ram got in after her, and drove to the mouth of a
cave, which though stopped by a large stone, was
opened when the Ram touched it with his foot.
Miranda, having descended numerous marble steps,
was exceedingly surprised to find herself in a
strange country, in a plain enamelled with flowers,
where played fountains of fragrant essences.
Here and there clumps of trees formed a habitation
for birds; and when Miranda passed, they flew
out in the form of tartlets, cheese-cakes, sponge-
cakes, and biscuits, all supplied with wings.
The princely Ram told Miranda that he had reigned
here for several years, and had sufficient cause for
grief. He required but little persuasion to tell his
sad story.
‘Born and educated as a prince,’ said he, ‘I came
into possession of one of the most delightful king-
doms in the world, and I was much beloved by my
subjects and respected by foreigners. Being fond
of hunting, as I was one day pursuing a stag, he
took me to a pond, into which I imprudently
plunged my horse after him. Instead of finding
the water cold, I found it to be extremely hot; and
the pond dried up all of a sudden, and there shot
out of a hole in the earth a terrible fire. Then the
bottom of the pond sank, and I went down a long
155
MIRANDA way till I reached the bottom of a sort of well,
with flames all round me.
‘Then I saw an old hag before me, who said,
“Fiercer flames than these are needed to warm
thy heart.”
‘“ Alas!” said I, “who complains of my coldness?”
‘“T do—I, an unfortunate wretch who adores you
without hope.”
‘Then the fire disappeared, and I knew now that
this old woman was a terribly powerful fairy.
‘“What, Ragotta,” said I, “was this done by your
orders?”
‘“By whose else, think you?” she answered.
“Have you not known for a long time that I
have loved you? Consider how low I stoop—I, a
fairy, to desire the affection of a man such as you.”
*“You ask what I cannot give you,” I answered,
“neither do you go the right way to work to win
my love.”
‘“ What do you object to in me?” asked the fairy.
‘“Tn the first place you are old.”
“Old!” she exclaimed, “I can transform myself and
make myself young and beautiful.”
““ And you have a moustache,” said I.
‘That I can pluck out,” she answered.
‘“And one eye is looking in one direction, the
second eye in another.”
‘“T can put one of them out,” she said.
‘“In a word,” said I, “I can never love you.”
‘In a rage she struck me with her wand, and said:
‘Vou shall feel my resentment. Bea Ram, and
continue so, till some king will suffer you to sit on
his throne and drink out of his cup.”
‘I found myself at once changed into my present
shape, and my courtiers were turned into sheep.’
Miranda was struck by so remarkable a story;
she paid the Ram some civilities, but she could not
encourage him with hope of regaining his form, for
it seeue ae her impossible to believe that any king

15
would suffer a ram to ascend his throne and drink MIRANDA
out of his cup.

Miranda remained for some time in the beautiful
land to which the royal Ram had conducted her.
At last news reached her that her eldest sister was
going to marry a great prince, and that extensive
preparations were being made for the nuptials.
These tidings were brought her by a swallow.
Miranda asked the Ram’s leave to goto her sister’s
wedding, and this was granted; but the Ram
insisted on her going in most magnificent apparel.
She arrived at the King’s court just as the marriage
of her sister was about to take place.

When Miranda arrived, her appearance caused a
general flutter of astonishment and admiration, as
she was dressed in shining silver tissue set with
pearls, and no one had ever seen so magnificent
a dress; and indeed she was so lovely that many
—the gentlemen especially—looked only at her face,
whilst the ladies examined, admired, and were
jealous of her gown. The king especially observed
her with great attention.

When Miranda saw this, she became alarmed lest
he should give orders to have her stopped; so she
stole away before the ceremony was concluded
and hastened back to the realm of the royal Ram.
The Ram had been waiting with the utmost
impatience for the return of Miranda; and as soon
as he saw her, he ran towards her, and gave many
tokens of passionate fondness for her.

So Miranda remained again some time in the
pleasant realm of the royal Ram.

Then it fell out that a swallow came and twittered
in her ear, and told her that the king was about
to give his second daughter in marriage to a great
prince.

Miranda begged leave to attend this wedding also.
The Ram could not refuse, and he insisted that
she should wear a still more splendid dress, all

157
MIRANDA of cloth of gold with diamonds woven into it,
and a crown of gold and diamonds on her head,
and also he made fast a diamond to every single
hair of her head, and also to each of her eyelash
hairs, and to those that formed her brows. Thus
she twinkled and blazed with splendour.

As soon as Miranda had arrived at her father’s
court, the king at once ordered all the gates to be
closed. When the ceremony was over, he went
up to her, and begged leave to escort her to the
banqueting-hall.
Miranda would have fled, but found all the doors
fast. Then the king led her into the hall, and
hasted and brought a golden basin with water for
her to wash her hands in.
Miranda immediately fell at his feet, saying : ‘Sire!
behold, my dream is fulfilled. I am your third
daughter, and you have offered me water in a
golden basin.’
When the king heard this—he recollected the
features of his daughter Miranda, and was filled
with shame and sorrow. He cried out: ‘O my
dear daughter! forgive the cruelty of a father
who deserves death for the way in which he treated
you. Now what can I do to make amends for
my past injustice ?’
‘Sire,’ answered Miranda, ‘grant me a single
favour!’
a will grant you anything you ask,’ answered the

ing.
‘Sire!’ said she, ‘suffer a Ram to sit on thy
throne, and to drink out of thy cup.’
When the king heard this he was much astonished
and became red in the face, and did not know
what answer to make. Nevertheless, because he
had made the promise before all the court and all
the friends and visitors from foreign kingdoms
who had come to the wedding, he gave his
consent.

158
It must be told that the Ram waited and became MIRANDA
impatient because Miranda did not return. So at
last having lost all patience, he resolved to venture
to the court, where he asked admittance, but was
refused by the guards at the gates. However,
Miranda, having received the king’s promise, went
down, and when the gates were opened, then she
saw the Ram outside.

Full of joy inexpressible she conducted him into
the throne-room, and herself carried him up the
steps and seated him in the throne. Then she ran
and fetched wine in the king’s own cup and offered
it to him.

No sooner had the Ram drunk out of the royal
cup, seated in the royal throne, than the spell that
had been cast over him came to an end, and he was
changed back into his original form, a beautiful
prince, and immediately, with immense rejoicing,
was married to Miranda,

159
BLUE-
BEARD

BLUE-BEARD

a|HERE lived, once on a time, a man
who had very fine town houses, and
also country residences, magnificent
plate, furniture in the latest style,
gilded coaches, and a cook who sent
him up every day a dinner of six
courses every day different from what
had been. Unfortunately for him he had a blue
beard. This made him so hideous and frightful,
that there was not a woman or girl who did not
run away when he appeared.
One of his neighbours, a lady of quality, but very
poor, had two daughters of the most amiable dis-
positions, and both very lovely.
The man with the blue beard asked for one in
marriage, and left the choice to their mother.
Neither would hear of taking him because of his
blue beard. Moreover, it was commonly reported
that he had had several wives, and no one could
say exactly what had become of them.
Biue-beard invited the lady with her daughters to
visit him in one of his country places. He at the
same time asked many of the neighbours there,
and he gave entertainments in succession for a
week. There was one uninterrupted series of
160

 
dances and picnics, of hunting parties, of dinners;
there was really no time for sleep; there was such
splendour displayed in the house, such fertility of
resource in the master for their amusement, that
the company present thought they never had
enjoyed themselves more, and that after all, if the
owner of the place, and the giver of the festivities
had a blue beard, he had wealth enough to gild it;
and that a good deal might be forgiven a man who
had such plate, such a cook, such furniture, and
who dearly loved giving parties.
The youngest of the lady’s daughters considered
that it would be a very pleasant thing to be
mistress of so grand an establishment, and to be
looked up to by all the neighbourhood as the
person of most consequence therein.
She felt her aversion for Blue-beard decrease, and
finally consented to accept him. The entertain-
ments were now prolonged for another week, at
the end of which time a magnificent wedding took
place, to the great satisfaction of the young lady’s
mother, who thought she had disposed of her
daughter to the greatest possible advantage.
At the end of a month, Blue-beard told his wife
that business required him to absent himself for
six weeks or a month, and he begged her to
amuse herself as best she could during his absence.
She was to invite her friends to visit her, and to
entertain them.
‘Here,’ said he, ‘are the keys of two large linen-
chests; here are those of my plate-chest; here are
those of my money-boxes, and also of all my
jewels; and here is a key that opens all the doors
and cupboards throughout the house. You see
this little key? that pertains to the cabinet at the
end of the long picture gallery. You may open
any closet and cupboard and chamber throughout
my house, with the single exception of that little
cabinet. I strictly forbid you to enter of look in
L 161

BLUE.
BEARD
BLUE- there under pain of my extreme displeasure, and

BEARD of forfeiting all my love for you, and all your
happiness for the future.
She promised exactly to observe all that he com-
manded, and, after he had warmly embraced her,
he mounted his equipage and drove away.
The neighbours and friends did not wait to be
invited to come to the country house, and to relieve
the dulness of the young bride; and they were
extremely desirous of being shown everything in
the house, and of turning out all the cupboards,
a thing they had never before ventured to do, they
had not even asked to be allowed to do, so great
was their dread of Blue-beard.
Now, however, that he was away, they scattered
through the house, they ran upstairs and down,
they pried into every chamber, they explored every
cupboard, and searched every drawer. They
examined all the furniture, they went through
all the house-linen, they examined and admired
the tapestries, the carpets, the curtains, the cover-
lets; then they looked through all the plate to
make sure that it was of real silver and gold,
and not plated wares. They turned over all
the books in the library, they tried on all the
family jewels, they even examined all the bottles
of preserved fruit, and pots of crystallised ginger,
in the storeroom. The mistress of the house
took little pleasure in seeing and showing all
these treasures to her friends, for she was most
inquisitive to know what there was in the cabinet
at the end of the picture gallery. Indeed, so im-
patient was she to satisfy her curiosity, that she
deserted her guests, and when they were all
engaged elsewhere, she slipped into the gallery
by herself and put the key into the door which
she had been forbidden to open.
She paused there for one moment, with a little
nesitenn: because she remembered her husband’s

102
threats; but her curiosity overcame all scruple
of disobeying him, and fears for herself, and she
tremblingly opened the door of the cabinet.
At first she saw nothing, for the windows were
all shut. But after a while her eyes became
accustomed to the gloom, and she saw that the
floor was all stained with blood, and that along
the walls hung the dead bodies of a great many
young women. These were the wives Blue-beard
had married in succession, and had put to death,
one after the other.
She thought she would have died of horror, and
the key which she had withdrawn from the door
dropped from her hand.
After a while she recovered her senses, picked up
the key, fastened the door, and hastened to her
bedroom, to throw herself on a couch and com-
pose her mind. But she could find no rest, so
violent was her agitation, and she begged her
sister, who was called Anne, to dismiss her guests,
on the plea that she was ill and could not enter-
tain them further.
When alone, the young wife noticed that there was
a stain of blood on the key. She at once tried to
wash it off, but neither soap nor water would
remove it. Then she rubbed the key with sand-
paper, but this was equally in vain. If she rubbed
out the stain of blood on one side, it broke out
on the other side of the key.
Blue-beard returned from his travels that same
evening. He said that he had received letters
whilst on his journey which informed him that
the business on which he had started had come
to a satisfactory termination, and that his presence
was no longer needed.
His wife did all that she could to show him that
she was delighted at his return. But she called
to her a little foot-page, and said: ‘Run, run, as fast
as your feet will bear you to my home. es two
103

BLUE-
BEARD
BLUE-
BEARD

brothers are there, just returned from the wars.
Bid them ride and spur and never slack rein till
they have reached this place and saved me.’

Next morning Blue-beard asked for his keys, and
his wife restored them to him with a hand that
trembled so that he suspected what had happened.
He looked at the keys and said: ‘I miss that of
my cabinet. Where is that?’

‘I must have left it upstairs,’ she said.

‘Do not fail to bring it me,’ he said, in a stern
voice.

There was no help for it. She was obliged to
produce the key.

Blue-beard looked at it with a frown. ‘Why is
there blood on this key?’ he asked.

She was too frightened to answer.

‘You have been in the cabinet, which I forbade
you to open and enter. Very well, madam, you
shall go in again and this time remain there, hung
to the wall beside the other ladies you saw there.’
She threw herself at her husband’s feet, weeping
and entreating pardon, with all the marks of
sincere repentance for her disobedience. So
beautiful and distressed was she that she might

- have melted a heart of stone, but that of Blue-

beard was harder than stone.

‘You must die, madam,’ said he, ‘and that in-
stantly.’

“If I must die,’ she replied, looking at him with
eyes bathed in tears, ‘give me at least time to say
my prayers.’

‘Very well,’ he answered, ‘I grant you a quarter
of an hour, not a moment longer.’

When she was alone, she summoned her sister,
and said to her: ‘Sister Anne, I pray you, mount
the tower, and see if my brothers are coming.
I sent them word to come without delay. When
you see them, sign to them to speed their fastest.’

Her sister immediately ascended to the battle-

164
c =

—74ee

et

: Kadina LOSSAR

 
BLUE.
BEARD

ments of the tower, and looked away in the direc-
tion of her home. The poor trembling and
weeping bride called to her after a few. minutes:
‘Sister Anne! sister Anne! is there any one
coming P’
‘I see nothing,’ answered her sister, ‘but the sun’s
beams glancing, and the motes dancing, and the
grass is green and growing, oh!’
Blue-beard in the meanwhile had got a great
cutlass from the armoury, and he called to his
wife: ‘Come down, come down, or I'll draw you
by the golden locks of your crown.’
‘Grant me one moment longer!’ answered his
wife. She cried again to her sister: ‘Sister Anne!
sister Anne! is there any one coming?’
‘I see nothing,’ answered her sister, ‘but the sun’s
beams glancing, and the motes dancing, and the
grass is green and growing, oh!’
‘Come down, come down this very moment,’
shouted Blue-beard. ‘Time is up, come down,
come down, or I’ll draw you by the golden locks of
your crown.’
‘I am coming directly. Suffer me to pull on my
shoe,’ said the unhappy wife. Then again she
called to her sister: ‘Sister Anne! sister Anne!
do you see any one coming ?’
‘I see,’ said the sister, ‘I see a cloud of dust
springing, and I hear harness ringing, and the
grass is green and growing, oh!’
Then Blue-beard roared forth: ‘If you do not
come down at once I shall come up and fetch you.’
But his wife said: ‘Suffer me to pull on the other
shoe, and then I will come down.’ And now again
she called: ‘Sister Anne! sister Anne! is there
any one coming.’
Sister Anne replied: ‘I see armour glancing, and
two horses prancing, and your brothers ride fast
to the castle, oh!’
ee eee would not tarry any longer, and his
I
wife could find no further excuse for delaying to
come down. So she slowly and tremblingly de-
scended the stairs. With hair dishevelled and with
her face bathed in tears she threw herself on her
knees, and begged him to spare her life.
‘It is of no avail,’ answered Blue-beard ; ‘die you
must and shall.’
Seizing her by the hair—her golden hair—with one
hand, and brandishing the cutlass with the other,
he prepared to strike the fatal blow.
‘Stay! stay!’ she said; ‘I have on my neck the
beautiful chain you gave me.’
‘Take it off, lest it turn the edge of my sword,’
said he. ;
She obeyed with fingers that shook as if she had
the palsy. Again he raised the cutlass above her
head. ‘Stay! stay!’ she said; ‘I am wearing my
white bridal silken dress, and it will be all dappled
and stained with my heart’s blood.’
‘Take it off, he said. She obeyed slowly, so great
was her fear. Then she knelt down again, and
again he raised the cutlass to strike off her head,
when she cried out: ‘Stay! stay! the parrot is in
the window, and he will talk and tell-how you have
killed me.’
‘That is true,’ said Blue-beard; and he removed
the cage and put it in another room.
Then he came back, and raised the cutlass, and
said: ‘I will not be put off again.’
But at that moment a loud knocking was heard
at the gates, which made Blue-beard pause.
The gates were burst open, and two young men in
shining steel armour, with their swords drawn,
rushedin. They flew upon Blue-beard and pursued
him as he attempted to escape; they overtook him
before he had mounted the platform on top of
the castle, and ran him through the heart with
their swords.
The poor wife, almost dead with terror, was un-
a 167

BLUE-
BEARD
BLUE-
BEARD

able for some time to find words wherewith to
thank her brothers for this timely rescue.

As Blue-beard left no heirs, his wife inherited
all his immense fortune. She bestowed part of it
as a marriage dower on her sister Anne, who was
shortly after married to a young nobleman who
had long loved her.

Some money she spent in buying castles and lands
for her brothers. With what remained she was
still vastly rich, and she was soon married to a
generous-minded young man, a companion-in-arms
and friend of her brothers, and his love and cour-
teous treatment soon made her forget the cruel
usage she had received from Blue-beard.

‘I give you the keys,’ said he, on their marriage
day, ‘that open everything I possess, and all the
secret chambers of my heart. You may look in all,
and where you will, and you will find. nothing
that I desire to hide from you—for you will find
nothing anywhere but love for you.’

‘And I,’ answered his wife, ‘will never allow myself
henceforth to peep and peer into what does not
concern me,’

168
THE FAIR MAID WITH GOLDEN LOCKS

IS it fell upon a time, there lived in THE FAIR
| Golden Land a beautiful princess, MAID
whose hair was like the finest gold, .WITH
and waved and rippled down her back “Locks
and reached the ground, and she was

called the fair maid with golden

locks. She always wore a crown of

China roses on her head, and dresses of the softest

and palest pink, or blue, or white embroidered over

with diamonds; so that wherever she went and
whenever she moved she twinkled like a laburnum

bush covered with dew on a May morning.

Now it fell out at this very time that there was a

certain king, and as he had heard so much of the

fair maid with golden locks, he sent an embassy to

Golden Land to ask her hand.

The ambassador arrived in Golden Land with his
message, but the princess refused the king’s offer.

She said she was over young to marry yet.

Then the ambassador set off sadly on his way home.

When he arrived in the city where the king was
waiting impatiently for him, every one was much
disappointed because he returned alone, for every

one had expected he would have brought with

him the fair maid with golden locks to be their

queen.

  

169
Poa Now there was at the court a young man, who

WITH
GOLDEN
LOCKS

was very clever and very handsome. His name
was Charming. Most people liked him, and he
was a favourite with the king, but for that very
reason several of the courtiers were envious and
sought his destruction.
One day Charming said without consideration,
that if he had been sent to Golden Land, he would
not have returned with a refusal.
This was quite enough for his enemies. They at
once went to the king and said : ‘Charming has been
talking in a very insolent manner. He says he is
such a good-looking fellow that Princess Golden-
locks would never have refused him
When the king heard this, he was inflamed with
rage, and gave immediate orders that Charming
should be thrown into prison and fed with only
one slice of bread without butter on it, and plain
water every day, till he grew old and grey and ugly.
So the guards seized on Charming and carried him
away to the dungeon. There he lay for many days
on straw, and ate only the piece of dry bread and
drank only the pipkin of water allowed him.
One day he said sadly to himself: ‘How is it that
I have offended the king? I am his most faithful
servant, and have done nothing against him.’
The king chanced to be walking by the tower
when he said this, and he overheard the words of
Charming.
The enemies of the young man tried to make him
walk on, and disregard what he had heard, but the
king insisted on Charming being brought before
him. The young man was released, and bending
on one knee, he kissed the king’s hand, and asked
how he had offended.
‘You made a moclk of me and my ambassador,’
said the king, ‘and you declared that if you had
been sent you would not have returned without the
fair maid with golden locks.’

170
‘No more would I,’ answered Charming; ‘I would THe FAIR
have made such a ‘description of your majesty, that
the princess would have been all impatience to Gor pEN
jump into your majesty’s arms.’ LOCKS
The king now saw that Charming had been evil
and falsely spoken of; he took the young man
back into his favour, and said to him—
‘So be it. You shall go on an embassy to Golden
Land; and if you return without the princess, I
will cut off your head.’
Charming said he was content to run the risk.
The king desired to give him a fine equipage and
many servants and heralds to blow trumpets before
him; but Charming said that all he wanted was a
good horse, and to take with him his little dog
Dulcet.:
So next day he started at early dawn, and rode all
ee save that his little dog Dulcet ran beside
im
Charming carried with him a notebook, and when-
ever a happy thought struck him which could go
into his description of the king he was going to
give to the fair maid with golden locks, he got
off his horse, sat down, and wrote it, for fear of
forgetting it. -
He wrote—

‘My master the king is a very great lord,
His stomach is round and his shoulders are broad.’

‘That goes splendidly,’ said Charming, and he rode
on alittle way. Then anew idea struck him. He
got off his horse and wrote—

‘His temper is high, but his mind it is low,
He croaks when he talks like a carrion crow.’

Then he got on his horse again. After a while he
thought of some more words in commendation of
the king, so he got off and wrote—

171
THE FAIR
MAID

‘His great moustaches they twist and twirl,
To win the heart of each right-minded girl.’

Once as he was sitting by the water, trying to find
a rhyme to ‘bandy legs,’ and sorely troubled be-
cause he could not make a suitable line ending in
eggs, a little golden carp that was rising after a
fly sprang out of the water and fell in the grass
beside him, and remained panting, unable to return
to its proper element.
‘Poor little fish!’ said Charming.
He put his hand down, took the carp, and threw it
back into the water.
The carp was delighted to be again in the refresh-
ing coolness of the water. She swam up to the
bank, and said—
‘Thank you, Charming, for what you have done.
You have saved my life,and when you need my
help I will give it you.’
Another day, as Charming was riding along, he saw
araven in great distress. It was pursued by an
eagle, that would have devoured it, had not the
young man quickly discharged an arrow from his
bow, and killed the eagle.
ans raven perched on a tree, nodded its head, and
said— .
‘Thank you, Charming, for what you have done.
You have saved my life, and when you need my
help I will give it you.’
Night came on, and Charming rode through a
wood. The moon shone as clear as the day and
painted the ground silver, where it pierced between
the branches and leaves.
Presently Charming saw what seemed to him a
great lump of snow, but it was making a great
noise. He went up to it and found that it wasa
white owl caught in a gin. Charming at once
released the poor bird, and the owl hopped on toa
branch, and said, ‘To whoo!’

172
‘Do you ask to whom you owe your release? To me, cae a
Charming,’ answered the young man: ‘you should
speak good grammar, and say To-whom and not «6; pen
To-who.’ LOCKS
‘Thank you, Charming,’ said the owl, ‘for what

you have done. You have saved my life, and when

you need my help I will give it you.’

These were the only three adventures of any im-

portance that befell Charming on his way to

Golden Land.

When he arrived at the palace of the princess, he

saw how magnificent it was. Pearls seemed to be

as plenty as pebbles, and diamonds as common as

dust. Hethought to himself: ‘Ifthe princess con-

sents to leave all this, and come with me to marry

my master—I shall be much surprised. And yet—

‘“ His great moustaches they twist and twirl,
To win the heart of each right-minded girl.”’

When he appeared before the princess, his little
dog Dulcet would come in with him. He was so
well-dressed and so handsome, that the guards
saluted him respectfully, and a messenger was sent
to the princess to announce the arrival of another
ambassador.

The princess was vexed; however she consented
that he should be allowed an audience.

Then Charming approached her throne, bearing
himself modestly, and showing the profoundest
respect. When he looked up he was so struck
with her beauty that he put his hand over his eyes
as though dazzled. She was in one of her most
beautiful dresses, and was covered with rosebuds.
Then she graciously bade Charming approach ; so
he kneeled on one knee, and gave her an eloquent
description of his lord and master—

‘My master the king is a very great lord,
His stomach is round and his shoulders are broad.

173
THe es His temper is high, but his manners are low,

WITH
GOLDEN
LOCKS

He croaks when he talks like a carrion crow.
His great moustaches they twist and twirl,
To win the heart of each right-minded girl,
He has a nose in the midst of his face,

And a couple of ears in their proper place.
His eyes are round and his mouth is wide,
What more would have an exacting bride?’

‘That will do,’ said the princess. ‘You are so
amiable and so eloquent, that I would gladly oblige
you and marry such a beautiful and interesting
king, but I must tell you that I have promised not
to marry till I receive a ring which I lost a month
ago. I was walking by the river-side, when I
chanced to draw off my glove. Inso doing I slipped
avery valuable ring off my finger, and it fell into the
water. I cannot think of listening to any proposal
of marriage till that ring has been restored to me.’
Charming was much surprised at this declaration.
He bowed, and begged the fair maid with golden
locks at least to accept the little dog Dulcet he
had brought with him. She replied that she did
not want any presents, and dismissed him.
All night long Charming tossed on his bed, and
lamented—
‘How am I to find the ring that fell into the river
a month ago?’ said he. ‘It is not possible. I
shall lose my head.’
Dulcet heard him, and said—
‘My dear master, do not despair. Let us at all
events try what we cando. We will go down to-
morrow morning to the river-side and peer into the
water.’
Charming thought this absurd; he gave the dog a
little impatient slap.
At the first glimmer of dawn, Dulcet began to frisk
about, and insisted on making his master come out
with him, and walk by the river-side; and there
174
they wandered up and down, but could see no ring THE FAIR
in the water. MAID
Charming had almost made up his mind to return Eon
to his lodgings, when he heard his name called. Locges
He looked about, but saw no one. Then he
walked on, but again heard a voice that called:
‘Charming! Charming !’
‘Who calis me?’ he asked.
Dulcet, who was very small, and ran close to the
water’s edge, cried out, ‘Master, I see a golden
carp coming.’
And sure enough there was a carp, and it said to
the young man: ‘You saved my life in the
meadow where grew the poplar trees, and I
promised to repay you. Take this, it is the ring
of the fair maid with golden locks.’
Charming took the ring out of the carp’s mouth,
with many thanks, and he and little Dulcet, which
Boles and barked about him, returned to the

alace.
Some one told the princess that he was asking to
see her.
‘Ah! poor fellow,’ said she; ‘he desires to say
good-bye.’
Then Charming entered, and making a profound
bow, approached: he gracefully bent his knee, and
handing her the ring, said—
‘Madam! I have done your bidding. Here is what
you had lost. Now will you marry my master, who
is the greatest king and most attractive man in
the world—

‘“ His great moustaches they twist and twirl,
To win the heart of each right-minded girl.
He has a nose in the midst of his face,

And a couple of ears——”’

‘Enough,’ said the princess,’ I have heard that
already, and would really be moved to accept the
king by the eloquence of your speech and the

175
ag melodiousness of your lines, but that Iam deter-

WITH
GOLDEN
LOCKS

mined not to marry any one so long as I am
pestered with the addresses of an ogre named
Gallifron, who eats human beings as a monkey
eats chestnuts. Before I can listen to your pro-
pore you must kill Gallifron and bring me his
hea

Charming bowed profoundly, and said—

‘Madam, I can at least die in your cause.’

This was said so gracefully that the princess was
moved with pity, and said all she could to dissuade
Charming from attempting to fight the giant.
But it was of no use, he went forth, obtained
suitable armour, and mounting his horse rode in
the direction of Gallifron.

Every one he met told him what a terrible ogre
Gallifron was, and nobody dared go with him
as a guide. However, Dulcet frisked at his side,

. and said—

‘Dear master, whilst you are aiming at the
monster’s breast I will bite his shins, and when he
stoops you can deal blows at his head.’

Charming praised the little dog’s plan, but had no
great opinion of its success.

At last he drew near to the ogre’s castle, and saw
that all the ground about it was strewn with bones.
Presently he heard Gallifron coming. His head
was taller than the highest tree. As he came on,
he roared like a bull—

‘I gobble them up, both old and young,
Gorroo—gorroo—gorroo.

If old and tough, they are better hung,
Gorroo! gorroo! gorroo!

If young, at once I snap off the head,
Gorroo! gorroo! gorroo!

I’m never happy but when full-fed,
And now—I will dine on you!’

Charming with great spirit answered him—
17
‘Don’t count your chickens before they are hatched, THE FAIR

Nor sell your pullets before they are catched. MAID
There is many a slip EN
’Twixt the cup and the lip. LOCKS

And to catch a sparrow you ’ll even fail
Till a pinch of salt is dropped on its tail.’

The grammar was not perfect; Charming ought
not to have said ‘catched, which was vulgar,
but ‘caught’ would not rhyme with ‘hatched.’
Besides he was too frightened to be in a truly
poetic mood. Gallifron was very furious, and he
roared, and rushed at Charming, swinging his
iron club, and would certainly have killed him had
not at one and the same moment Dulcet flown
at his shins and bitten them, and a raven darted
down out of the rock and pecked at the giant’s
eyes, and beat his face with its great black wings.
Consequently his blows fell harmlessly upon the
air, and Charming, rushing in, gave him strokes on
his knees, which brought him to the ground,
foe standing over him, he hacked off his
ead.
‘Then the raven croaked out—
‘You see I have not forgotten the kindness you
once showed me. To-day I have fulfilled the
promise I made to repay you.’
Charming thanked the raven with all his heart,
and then, mounting his horse, he rode away, with
the giant’s head at his saddle-bow.
On reaching the capital, the people came out in
crowds and welcomed him, and shouted with joy,
and the church bells rang out merry peals.
The princess asked the meaning of this, and was
told that Charming had killed Gallifron, and was
returned unhurt bearing his head. :
Charming now requested an audience, and the
Fair Maid with Golden Locks could not refuse it.
He entered, with many bows, and kneeling at the
M

177
THE FAIR foot of the throne put down the ogre’s head at her

MAID
WITH

GOLDEN

LOCKS

 

feet.
‘Madam,’ said he, ‘I have accomplished the task
you set me, and now let me hear that you will

ARR we

“Y RO ce
iN Ki i Ei
aNe PIN oH CZ

ASKS yy RE NS
rie A a\S ine

yi
SNL =
a fey

Ni

listen to the suit of the most accomplished and
powerful of kings—

‘My master, the king, is a very great lord,

His stomach is round, and his shoulders are broad ;
His temper is high, but his manners are low;

He croaks when he speaks——’

‘That will do,’ interrupted the princess. ‘I have

no doubt that the king is all that you have depicted

him in you resounding verse. But I have, you
178
must learn, the greatest horror of growing old and THE FAIR
ugly, therefore I have determined most decisively aD
never to marry till I can take with me a phial of OREN
the Water of Perpetual Beauty. This water has Locxks
the most marvellous properties. Beautiful things

never decay and wither, and ugly things become
beautiful when washed with it. If any one is

young he never wears old if washed with it, and

one who is old can be renovated with it to look
perfectly young.’

‘Princess,’ said Charming, ‘you, at least, need

never employ this water ; but I am an ambassador

who must do all I can to obtain your hand for my

master. Will it please you to tell me where this

water is to be found?’

‘It is at no great distance from this,’ said the
princess. ‘It flows out of the rock at the bottom

of a deep and gloomy cavern, and is guarded by

two dragons with fiery eyes who will allow no one

to pass them.’

‘Madam,’ said Charming, ‘I fly to my death My

death will be sweet because dying for you.’

When Charming had departed the Fair Maid

with Golden Locks said to her ladies: ‘Surely he

will never undertake this adventure. I would not

have him die for worlds. I only said it because I

really have no heart to marry his master.’

She was extremely concerned when she heard that

he was already departed in quest of the Water of
Perpetual Beauty.

Charming went on his way taking Dulcet alone with

him. When he came within sight of a great black
mountain then he knew he was not far distant

from the fountain. He dismounted and turned off

his horse to graze, and let Dulcet amuse himself

with catching flies.

He went forward and soon saw the mouth of the

cavern, from which issued puffs of smoke with

flames; this was caused by the breathing of the

179
THE J FAIR dragons who guarded the fountain of the Water of

Perpetual Beauty. He approached as near as he
dared, and saw the hideous monsters spotted black
on yellow writhing about the coils of their slimy
and monstrous bodies.
Charming had brought with him a flask: he now
drew his sword and resolved to penetrate into the
cavern and get the water, or die in the attempt.
At that moment he heard a voice calling, ‘Char-
ming ! Charming !’
‘Who calls me?’ asked he, looking round.
‘Who! who! who!’ was the answer.
‘Exactly what I want to know!’ said Charming.
Then he saw a white owl sitting among the rocks.
The white owl said to him: ‘You saved my life
when I was in the gin. Now I will do all I can to
repay you. Trust me with the phial. I can thread
the interstices of the rocks and penetrate to the
bottom of the gloomy cavern, and shali fill the
flask from the fountain of Perpetual Beauty for you.’
Charming was only too glad to give up the phial,
and the owl flitted with it into the cavern without
either of the dragons caring to stop her, even if
they noticed her; for bats and owls were the
common inhabitants of such places.
Presently she returned, with the phial filled with
the limpid and sparkling liquid. Charming thanked
her with all his heart, and joyfully hastened back
to the capital town.
He went straight to the palace and presented it to
the princess.
She could not now make any further excuses, and
she prepared to go with Charming to marry his
master, the king. But, in her heart, she would
much rather have had Charming as her husband.
At last they reached the king’s great city, and he
came out to meet the princess, and escorted her
to his palace with a great retinue, and a magnifi-
cent marriage was celebrated.

180
Then the Fair Maid with Golden Locks told the THE FAIR
king of all that Charming had done, how he had MAID
recovered her ring that had been lost, how that he .WITH
had slain the ogre, and how that he had obtained “Locks
for her the Water of Perpetual Beauty.
Now Charming’s enemies were jealous of him
because he had succeeded so well, and especially
the ambassador who had failed was so filled with
envy and spite that he resolved on Charming’s
destruction.
So he went to the king and said: ‘I suppose that
the Fair One with Golden Locks is often talking
to you of Charming.’
‘Certainly she is,’ answered the king.
‘It is very clear,’ said he, ‘that she thinks more of
him than of you.’
‘Yes,’ said another ; ‘and Charming has been say-
ing that your majesty was too great a coward to
face the ogre, or to get into the cavern where were
the dragons, and too stupid to find the ring, and
so you sent him.’
‘Did he say that?’ exclained the king. ‘Throw
him into the lowest dungeon.’
So they took Charming, who had served his master
so faithfully, and shut him up in prison; and he
had none with him save his little dog Dulcet, and
with the dog he shared his bit of bread and sup
of water, which was all the nourishment that was
allowed him.
When the Fair Queen with Golden Locks heard
what had been done, she cast herself at the king’s
feet and implored him to set Charming free, but
the more she entreated the more stubborn he
became.
Now it happened that the king took it into his
head that if his queen washed herself with the
Water of Perpetual Beauty he might just as well
do the same himself, and then he would always
remain young and lovely. So he went into her
181
THE FAIR room, where he knew was the phial standing on

MAID
WITH
GOLDEN
LOCKS

a shelf.
It had fallen out, however, that one of the queen’s
maids had been chasing a spider in that boudoir,
and in trying to kill it had upset and broken it,
and spilled all the precious water.
Not knowing what else to do, as she was not an
honest girl who had the courage to speak the
truth and tell what she had done, she swept the
bits of broken glass together, and then remember-
ing that there was a phial very similar in the
king’s room, also filled with clear water, she went
there, and without saying a word to any one, took
this and put it on the shelf in the queen’s room,
precisely where had stood the flask that contained
the Water of Perpetual Beauty.
Now the water in this bottle was used by the king
for getting rid of those people in his realm whom
he desired to destroy without a fuss and a trial.
It was a most deadly poison, and if a face were
bathed in this water, he who was thus washed,
shrivelled up, and died on the spot.
The king went into the queen’s boudoir, and see-
ing the phial on the shelf, immediately took it,
poured out some of the water into the hollow of
his hand and bathed his face with it. He at once
fell down, withered up, and was dead.
There was, as may well be guessed, great con-
fusion in the palace when the tidings spread that
the king was dead. Dulcet ran to the queen,
plucked at her skirts, and bade her not forget
Charming. So she sent for the gaoler and bade
him immediately knock the chains off the hands
and feet of the prisoner. There was a grand
funeral for the king, and then, as there was no
heir to the kingdom, and the nobles and council
thought it would be well to keep the two kingdoms
united, they resolved that the Fair Queen with
Golden Locks should reign over both, and that she
182
should chose a husband, who should be king over THE FAIR
both the realms. MAID
When she heard this, then she said that she would CoE
not choose any one else but Charming. LOCKS
Everybody was delighted that he should be

sovereign, and the wedding, which took place after

a decent interval for mourning over the death of

the king, was as splendid as can well be imagined.

183
JACK THE GIANT KILLER.

sea|N the days of King Arthur there lived
Al in Cornwall a lad named Jack, who
loved to hear the wonderful deeds
done by King Arthur and the knights
of his Round Table, which were
greatly noised abroad.
Jack did not see why he himself
should not achieve as great adventures as Sir
Lancelot du Lac, Sir Gawain, or Sir Kay.
At this time there lived many giants in Cornwall.
Not far from Jack’s father’s house, on the top of
S. Michael’s Mount, lived one who was the terror
of the neighbourhood. His name was Cormoran,
and he had a voracious appetite. When he
required food, he came down from his castle, and
seizing on the flocks and herds of the poor people,
would cast an ox over his shoulder and stuff his
wallet with sheep, and stride back to his dwelling
thus supplied.
This had been his manner of life for many years,
and the country round Mount’s Bay was nearly
ruined through him.
After Cormoran had stuffed himself well with meat,
he usually remained at home for a good many
days, till his supply was exhausted.
Jack took advantage of this circumstance, and

184

 
one night he dug a deep pit before the gateway JACK THE
into the castle, and covered it with sticks and _GIANT
heather, and over that he laid sods of turf. KILLER
When this was done, he blew a loud blast with his
horn, and this roused Cormoran from sleep. He
issued from his castle in a great rage, and when
he saw Jack he roared with a voice of thunder,
‘Who are you, that you dare to disturb me?’
Then he charged from his gate with great strides,
so as to catch Jack and kill him; but at the very
second step he took, he went headlong into the
pitfall Jack had prepared for him.
Jack at once ran to the side of the pit, and as the
giant tried to scramble out, he aimed at him with
Als DICESER Es cleft his skull, and the ogre fell back
ead.
Jack now ran home in great glee to tell his ‘friends
what he had done. The whole country was moved
at the news, and resolved to show to Jack some
token of gratitude for having delivered it from
such an encumbrance. They therefore presented
him with a sword and belt on which was written
in pearls—

‘This is the valiant Cornishman
Who slew the giant Cormoran ;’

and they named him Jack the Giant-killer.

But this only whetted Jack’s desire to achieve

fame, and kill giants.

The news of what he had done had reached the ears

of another equally greedy giant, named Blunder-

bore, and he resolved on chastising Jack for having

killed Cormoran.

Jack heard of this, and he therefore resolved on

being beforehand with Blunderbore, by attacking

him before he got under way to punish him.

The giant lived in a castle in the depths of a great

forest. Jack started in quest of him, and shortly

before reaching the castle sat down to drink of a
185
JACK THE clear stream that sprang out of the rock; and as
GIANT the day was warm, and Jack had walked a long
KILLER way he fell asleep.

Whilst he was in this state, Blunderbore came to
the spring to fill his pitcher, and seeing a youth
lying there, he stopped and read what was written
on his belt.

*‘Ha-ha!’ roared the giant, as he caught him up.
‘Now I have got you, and you shall not escape
me.’

Jack awoke with a start to find himself in the grip
of the giant.

He pretended to be still asleep, and the giant
carried him into his castle and threw him into a
dungeon. Whilst Jack lay there he heard many
sighs and groans issuing from other prisons; and
a voice which said—

‘Haste, gallant stranger, haste away,
Before you fall the giant’s prey;
He’s gone abroad, but with another,
He’ll soon return, his savage brother,
A monster dread and cruel, who
Will torture ere he butchers you.
Then, gallant stranger, haste away
Ere you become the giants’ prey.’

‘That is all very good advice,’ said Jack, ‘but
somewhat impracticable. When I am locked up
in a prison, how can I get away ?

He crawled up into his window and looked out.
Then he saw the giant Blunderbore, who had
gone away, was returning with another giant
more hideous than himself.

Jack, perceiving in one corner of his dungeon a
very stout cord, used for binding prisoners, he
made a-slip-knot at each end, and as the giants
walked under the castle walls he threw the loops
over their heads, pulled them tight, and tied the
cord fobs window bars. You may believe that

I
the giants struggled, kicked; but the more they JACK THE
struggled the tighter grew the slip-knots, and at GIANT
last they were quite choked and dead. , KILLER
He now pulled at that bar of his window to which
the giants had been attached, and which they in
their struggles had almost torn out of its socket.
He easily slipped between it and the next bar, and
finished the giants with his sword.

Then seizing the keys which hung from the belt of
Blunderbore, he entered the castle and examined
all the prisons. In one he found three ladies hung
by the hair of their heads to nails, and almost
starved to death. Jack at once released them,
and asked how they came to be there. They
informed him that the giant had killed their
husbands, and then had hung them up as Jack
had seen, that they might starve. Jack then very
gallantly offered them the keys of the castle and
bade them live there.

He then bade them farewell, and departed for
Wales. Jack now travelled as fast as he could.
At length he reached a handsome mansion and
knocked at the door. Then out came a Welsh
giant. He was rather dismayed at this, but did
not allow the giant to see it. He said he was a’
traveller who had lost his way, and that he sought
a night’s lodging. Thereat the giant welcomed
him and escorted him in, and gave him a room
with a good bed in it.

Jack undressed and went to bed, but could not
sleep, although he was very weary. Presently he
heard the giant walking backwards and forwards
in the next room, muttering to himself—

‘Though here you lodge with me this night,
You shall not see the morning light,
For with my club I will kill you quite.’

‘Oh! is that your intention!’ thought Jack. ‘I
must see if my wits will help me.’
187
JACK THE Then he got out of bed and put a great log of

GIANT

KILLER

wood in his place, and concealed himself in a
corner,
About midnight the giant entered the room, and
with his cudgel struck several heavy blows on the
bed, in the very place where Jack had laid the log.
After that, thinking he had killed the sleeper, he
stumped back to his own room.
Early in the morning Jack put a bold face on the
matter, and walked downstairs and found the
giant at breakfast, and very much surprised the
ogre was at seeing him.
‘Halloo!’ said he, ‘you here! How did you sleep
last night?’ ;
‘Pretty well,’ answered Jack. ‘I should have slept
better, had not a rat given me three or four slaps
with its tail.’
This speech mightily surprised the giant, but he
said nothing. He then brought out two huge
bowls of hasty pudding, one of which he set before
Jack, and the other he took himself. Jack, instead
of eating his, contrived to pour it down his neck ~
into a leather bag which hung before him.
When they had finished, Jack said—
‘Now I can do what you cannot. I can run a
knife in here,’ pointing to his bag, ‘without killing
myself.’
He then seized the knife, plunged it into the
leathern bag, and out fell the pudding.
The giant was surprised at this, and not liking to be
outdone in such a matter, he also seized the knife,
plunged it into his body, and died on the spot.
Now Jack ransacked his house, and found ‘in it
four great treasures: a cloak which would make
those who wore it invisible, a cap of knowledge
which when put on told one all one desired to
know, a sword of sharpness that would cut through
anything it touched, and shoes of fleetness which
when wee made the wearer run like the wind.
I
Jack now took these four treasures and went on JACK THE
his way. GIANT
He travelled over high hills and moors, and came “KILLER
into a forest whence he heard cries issue. He
went in their direction, and saw a giant dragging
along a knight and his lady by the hair of their
heads. Jack alighted off his horse, tied him to an
oak-tree, then he put on his invisible cloak, under
which he carried the sword of sharpness.
When he came up to the giant he made several
strokes at him, but could not reach his body, but
wounded his legs in many places; and he con-
tinued hacking till he had cut through the leg
bones, and then down tumbled the giant, when he
at once ran his sword of sharpness into his body
and killed him.
The knight and his lady thanked Jack for their
deliverance, and invited him to their castle.
‘No,’ said Jack, ‘I cannot be satisfied until I have
found out the habitation of this monster.’
So he remounted his horse and rode away, and in
time came to a mountain. When he drew near
he saw bones lying about, and knew that he was
close to the dwelling of a giant. So he put on his
invisible cloak, and ascended the mountain till he
reached a cave, at the door of which sat a giant,
who was saying: ‘I wonder where my brother
can be. He promised to bring a good fat knight
and a plump lady for our day’s meal.’
The giant was a hideous monster, with eyes as
fierce as those of a wild boar; he had shaggy
cheeks and a long beard, the hairs of which were
like wire.
Jack walked up to him, and aimed a blow with
his sword, which cut off the giant’s nose. He
jumped up, yelling, and looked about him, but
could not see his adversary. Jack now sprang on
the giant’s seat, and aimed at his back, and pierced
him through, so that he uttered a groan ae died.
109
JACK THE Jack then cut off his head, and sent it along with

GIANT that of his brother to King Arthur.

KILLER Having thus slain these two monsters, Jack
entered the cavern, and passed through several
chambers in succession, till he reached one in
which was a boiling caldron, and a table ready set
for the giants to eat their meal on it. He now
heard doleful cries of captives, and following the
sound, came to a cavern all round the walls of
which were cages in which a number of persons
were kept.

When they saw him, they cried out: ‘Are you also
come to be put in a cage and fattened for food ?’
Jack replied: ‘Fear nothing, Iam come to release
you all. -I have killed the two giants, and have
sent their heads to King Arthur.’

The poor prisoners shouted with joy when they
heard this—they had expected only death. Jack
now undid the doors of their cages and let them
out. Jack next went into the treasure cave of
the giants and found there many bags full of
money. This he divided equally among the cap-
tives he had released, and then bade them all
return to their homes.

Jack now went to the castle of the knight and his
lady whom he had delivered, and was received
with great joy. The knight made a great feast for
Jack, and at the conclusion presented him with a
ring in which was a picture of his deliverance of
him and the lady from the giant, and these lines
beneath :-—

‘Behold in dire distress were we,
Under a giant’s fierce command ;
But there obtained our liberty
By valiant Jack’s victorious hand.’

Hardly had the ring been presented, and the

guests had applauded, before into the hall rushed

a messenger to say that Hundel, a savage giant,
190
with two heads, having heard of the death of his JACK THE
brethren, was coming full of fury, and with great ss
strides; to take revenge. This news put a stop to ie
all mirth, and a shudder ran through the company.

Jack, nothing daunted, drew his sword of sharp-

ness, and said, ‘Let him come! Let the guests
assemble on the battlements of the castle and see

how I will deal with this fellow.’

To this they all agreed.

Now round the castle was a moat that was

very deep, and was crossed by a drawbridge to

the gates. Jack ordered this drawbridge to be

lowered, and set some men to saw the beams

nearly through. Then, putting on his invisible

cloak, and taking his sword, he went against the

giant, who was turning his noses—for he had two

—in every direction, and was snuffing the breeze

and saying—

‘Fee-fo-fum,
I smell the blood of an Englishman.
Whether he be alive, or whether he be dead,
I'll grind his bones to make my bread.’

When Jack heard this he said: ‘You must catch
me first.’

“Where are you?’ asked the giant looking about.
Then Jack threw off his cloak of invisibility, and
put on his shoes of swiftness and ran. The giant
came pounding after him, making the earth shake
under his tramp. Jack made him run after him
three times round the castle, that the guests
might have a good sight of the monster. Then,
with a sudden dart, he crossed the drawbridge
and ran inat the gate. The giant at once pursued
him; but no sooner was he in the middle of the
bridge, than the beams that had been nearly sawn
through gave way, and he fell headlong into the
moat.

jack then ordered a strong rope to be brought

191
JACK THE him, and he cast nooses round the giants’ heads,
GIANT and by the aid of horses drew him up to the edge
KILLER of the moat, and then cut off his two heads.

All the spectators rejoiced, and praised Jack for
his great cleverness and courage. He remained
two or three days with his host, and then set off
in search of fresh adventures.

He travelled over hill and dale unmolested till he
reached the foot of a great mountain, were he saw
a little hut, at the door of which he knocked. The
door opened and a venerable old man with a snow-
white beard stood there. Jack respectfully asked
if he might be sheltered for the night.

The old man was a hermit, and he invited him in,
and set before him some bread and fruit. Whilst
he was eating, the hermit said: ‘I perceive that
you are the brave Cornishman who has destroyed
so many giants. Now on the top of this mountain
is an enchanted castle, kept by a giant called
Galligant, who, by the help of a vile magician, gets
many knights and ladies into his castle, where he
changes them into owls, ravens, bats, and other
noxious birds and animals. I lament, above all,
the fate of a duke’s daughter, whom they seized
whilst walking in her father’s garden, and they
have turned her into a deer. Many knights have
tried to destroy the enchantment and deliver her,
yet none have been able to do so, because of two
fiery dragons that guard the entrance to the castle.
But you have got the cloak of invisibility, and can
pass them by unperceived. On the gates of the
castle you will find engraved some words that will
tell you how you may break the enchantment.’
Jack promised that, in the morning, at the risk of
his life, he would attempt this adventure. Accord-
ingly next day he put on the cloak of invisibility,
and ascended the mountain-side.

He saw the two dragons, but because of his mantle
they could not see him, and he passed between

192
them unmolested. On the castle gate hung a JACK THE

golden trumpet, and under it was written these
lines—

“Whoever can this trumpet blow
Will cause the giant’s overthrow.’

As soon as Jack had read this he seized the
trumpet, and blew such a shrill blast, that the
gates burst open, and the walls of the castle
trembled.

The giant and magician now knew that their evil
course was at an end, and they stood biting their
thumbs and shaking with fear.

Jack, with his sword of sharpness, soon killed
the giant, but it was a less easy matter to subdue
the magician, for he turned himself into various
shapes.

Jack did not know what had become of him, and
till the magician was overcome, those who had
been transformed by him could not be released.
But he put on his cap of wisdom, and at once dis-
covered that the magician had changed himself
into a little ant that was creeping away between
his feet. He immediately raised his foot to stamp
on him, when the magician became a hare and fled
like an arrow. Jack put on his shoes of swiftness
and went after him, when all at once the magician
changed into a knot of thread. Jack knew him,
because he had on his cap of wisdom, so with
his sword of sharpness, he cut the knot, and the
magician was dead.

Then all the knights and ladies who had been
transformed into noxious birds resumed their
proper forms, as did also the duke’s daughter, who
thanked Jack on her knees for her deliverance.
The head of the giant Galligant was sent to King
Arthur, who invited Jack to his court, made him
knight of the Round Table, and gave him to wife
the daughter of the duke whom he had delivered.

N 193
THE
THREE
BEARS

THE THREE BEARS

T happened that on a time there lived
in a wood three bears; and of these
one was a GREAT BIG BEAR, the
second was a MIDDLE-SIZED BEAR,
and the third was a were WEE BEAR,
Each slept in his own bed, and natur-
ally so, for the

GREAT BIG BEAR there was a GREAT BIG

BED, and also, quite naturally, for the

MIDDLE-SIZED BEAR there was a MIDDLE-SIZED

BED, and, you can see for yourself, if you have

common intelligence, for the

WEE WEE BEAR there was provided a wEez WEE BED.

But that was not all: each had his own chair to

sit in, and naturally so, for the

GREAT BIG BEAR there was a GREAT BIG

CHAIR, and also, quite naturally, for the

MIDDLE-SIZED BEAR there was a MIDDLE-SIZED

CHAIR, and also, in accordance with the dictates

of common sense, for the

WEE WEE BEAR there was provided a wreE WEE CHAIR.

That does not complete what has to be told.

There goes more to the story than that. Each

bear had a pot out of which to eat his porridge,

and the

GREAT BIG BEAR had a GREAT BIG POT,

194

 
and also, in accordance with the eternal fitness of
things, the MIDDLE-SiZED BEAR had a MIDDLE.
SIZED POT, and Eee was for the wer wEE BEAR
only a WEE WEE Po

One day after they: had poured out their porridge
they scalded their tongues with it. That is to say,
the GREAT BIG BEAR scalded his GREAT
LONG TONGUE, and the MIDDLE-SIZED BEAR
scalded his MEDIUM TONGUE, and the wEE wEE
BEAR SCalded his weEn1E WEENIE TONGUE. So they
resolved to walk out arm and arm into the wood
and listen to the whistling of the birds whilst their
porridge cooled.

Now, whilst they were out, a little girl came into
the cottage, and seeing ‘that there was good
porridge smoking on the table, and no one there
to eat it, she tripped in, as she was very hungry,
and first she tasted the porridge of the GREAT
BIG BEAR, and found it so hot that she burnt
her mouth, so she went to the second pot and
' tasted them, and then also after having taken a
little, she thrust the pot from her, as it was too cold.
Lastly she went to the pot of the wer wEE BEAR,
and that was just right, so she ate it all up. Then
the little maiden, having satisfied her hunger, felt
tired with her walk, so she went to sit down, and
first she sat in the chair of the GREAT BIG
BEAR, but she found it was too hard for her.
She did not like it, so she got up and tried the
chair of the MIDDLE-SIZED BEAR, and that she
thought too soft, so she quickly jumped up out of
that and tried the chair of the wEE wer Bear, and
that was exactly right, neither too hard nor too
soft; and she sat in it till she sat through the seat
and came plump on the ground. Then the little
maiden went upstairs into the bedchamber in
which the Three Bears slept. And first she lay
down on the bed of the GREAT BIG BEAR, but it
was too high at the head for her, so she got off it

195

THE
THREE
BEARS
THE.
THREE
BEARS

and tried next the bed of the MIDDLE-SIZED BEAR,
and found it was too low in the head for her, so
she got off that and went to the bed of the
WEE WEE BEAR, and that was exactly right. She
had no sooner laid her head on the pillow than
she dropped asleep.

By this time the three bears had heard enough of
the whistling of the birds, and they thought that
their porridge would be cool enough ; so they came
home to breakfast. Now the little girl had been
careless, and had left the spoon standing in the
pot oe the GREAT BIG BEAR, so he roared out
ustily— :

‘SOMEBODY HAS BEENAT MY PORRIDGE!

And then the MIDDLE-SIZED BEAR looked at his,
and saw that the spoon was standing in that also,
so he exclaimed with a growl—

‘SOMEBODY HAS BEEN AT MY PORRIDGE!’

Then the wee wee sear looked at his, and found
that his porridge was all gone and the spoon
licked clean also, so he said—

‘SOMEBODY HAS BEEN AT MY PORRIDGE ANDHAS EATEN
IT ALL UP!’

Upon this the three bears, seeing that some one
had invaded their house whilst out together arm
in arm, looking at buttercups and hearing the
birds whistle, began to peer about, and very soon
the GREAT BIG BEAR roared out at the top
of his voice— :
‘SOMEBODY HAS BEEN SITTING IN MY
CHAIR!

for the little girl had not arranged the cushions
after having sat on the chair. Then the MIDDLE.
SIZED BEAR exclaimed with a growl—

‘SOMEBODY HAS BEEN SITTING IN MY CHAIR!’

for the Susnions there also were all in disorder.
19
But the wee wre sear Soon saw that the seat of
his chair was sat through, so he whimpered out—
‘SOMEBODY HAS BEEN SITTING IN MY CHAIR AND HAS SAT
THE BOTTOM THROUGH!’

Then the three bears thought it requisite to make
further search, and they walked upstairs, ‘majores
priores,’ as the classic Romans would have said,
that is to say, biggest first. Now when the
GREAT BIG BEAR came to his bed he saw that
the pillow had been pushed on one side, so he
boohed out—

‘SOMEBODY HAS BEEN IN MY BED!’

and the MIDDLE-SIZED BEAR saw that the pillow
in his had been pushed up into one lump. So he
said—

‘SOMEBODY HAS BEEN IN MY BED!’

But the wee wes Bear Standing by his bed was so
astonished that at first he could say nothing at all.
At last he piped out—

Roto ee HAS BEEN IN MY BED AND IS LYING IN IT

The little maid had heard the bellowing of the
GREAT BIG BEAR, but had been so fast asleep
that the sound had not woke her; and she had
heard the middle voice of the MIDDLE-SIZED BEAR,
and that also had not woke her, she was so very
sleepy ; but when she heard the sharp little squeaky
voice of the wee wee BEar, she jumped up at once,
and there she saw the three bears before her,
glowering at her as if they wanted to eat her,
and licking their lips, and stretching out their
claws.

She was a little miss of a ready wit; so she turned
to the first and made a profound CURTSY down
to the very ground, and said with the greatest
deference—

‘MISTER BEAR, I pray you FORBEAR!’
197

THE
THREE
BEARS
THE
THREE
BEARS

and she made a nice little graceful CURTSY to
the second, and said with a pitiful voice—
‘MISTER BEAR, I pray you FORBEAR!’

and then sharp she gave a little nop or a Bow to
the wre WEE Bear, and caught him a wee wEE Box
on his wre wEE Ear, and said—

‘LITTLE BEARIKINS, I don’t care whether you rorBEAR
or not!’

and away, down the stairs and out at the door, and
away away—to her mammy home she ran.

Then the three bears looked at each other, and
the first said—

‘DEAR!’

and the second said—

‘DEAR!’

and the third, rubbing his ear, said—

‘DEAR!’

and all together concluded that little girls of the
nineteenth century were so impudent that it was
no longer possible for well-conducted bears to live
in the forests of Old England.

198
TOM THUMB

pa|N the days of King Arthur there lived a
A| ploughman and his wife who wished
greatly to have a son; so the man
went to Merlin, the enchanter, and
told him that he and his wife had
been married for twenty years and
had no children, and that they longed
to have a little son, even ifhe were ‘no bigger than
his thumb.’

“Go home and you will find that you have one,’
said the enchanter; and when the man returned
to his house, he found his wife nursing a tiny tiny
baby, who grew to be the size of the ploughman’s
thumb, but never grew much bigger.

The fairy Queen Vivienne was invited to the
christening, and named him Tom Thumb.

An oak-leaf hat he had for crown;
His shirt of web by spiders spun;
With jacket wove of thistledown ;
His breeches were of feathers done.
His stockings of apple rind, they tie
With eyelash from his mother’s eye:
His.shoes were made of mouse’s skin
Turned with the downy hair within.

Tom was a healthy and happy baby. His parents
were very fond of him; although he was so small

199

 

TOM
THUMB
TOM_ yet their love for him was very great. They used
THUMB to hold him on their palms till he was old enough
to toddle, and then they placed him on the table.
They were afraid to let him run on the floor lest
he should be trodden on.
He was mischievous for all his small size, and as
he grew to be a boy of twelve he was always at
some prank or other.
When Tom was old enough to play with other
boys, he delighted to do so, but then he was ever
at some mad prank or other.
At that time boys were wont to play with cherry-
stones instead of marbles, and when Tom had lost
all his own cherrystones, he used to creep into the
bags of his playfellows, fill his pockets, and crawl
out again without their noticing what he was
about, and join in the game once more.
One day, however, as he was issuing from a bag of
cherrystones, where he had been stealing as usual,
Ee boy whose bag he had entered chanced to see
im.
‘Ho-ho!’ exclaimed the lad; ‘so—Tom Thumb,
then you are at your usual pranks. Now I have
caught you stealing my cherrystones. I have long
suspected you. AsIhave got youIshall punish you.’
Then he drew the string of the bag tight round
Tom’s neck and shook the bag well, so that the
cherrystones rattled against and bruised Tom’s
little body and thighs and legs. He screamed for
pain, and begged to be released, and promised
that he never would steal again.
One day that he had been at his pranks he was
shut up in apin box. This hurt him greatly, and
next day he resolved to revenge himself. He took
a number of glasses and hung them on a sunbeam.
The other boys tried to do the same, but failed
and broke all the glasses, and were severely
whipped for having done this.
One day while his mother was making a batter-
200
pudding, Tom stood on the edge of the bowl holding
a candle in one hand so that he might see that the
pudding was properly made. But as he tried to
balance himself on one toe, when his mother’s back
was turned he slipped and went head foremost
into the pudding. His mother did not know this
and continued stirring the pudding, and put it
_and him into the pot.
But Tom no sooner felt the hot water than he
danced like one mad, and his mother was so fright-
ened to see the pudding bouncing about that she
thought it was bewitched, and she hastily gave it
to a tinker who was passing the door.
The tinker was delighted with his present; but as
he was getting over a stile, Tom shouted out from
the middle of the pudding, ‘Hallo, Pickins!’ and
this so terrified the tinker that he flung away the
pudding in the field, and it broke to pieces, and
Tom escaped. Tom then cleaned himself of the
flour that stuck to him, and walked home to his
mother, who had been in great distress because
she could not find him. She gave him a lecture
not to be rash and get where he would be in mis-
chief, and kissed him, and was very rejoiced to
have him again.
One day he climbed up the side of the cream-pan
and tumbled in, and would have been drowned
had not his screams brought his mother to his aid.
Another time he was lost, and after seeking for
him everywhere, the poor woman saw his head
popping out of the salt-box which hung against
the wall, and he came out as if covered over with
hoar-frost.
When his mother went into the fields to milk the
cow, then she was wont to tie him to a thistle lest
he should run away and get into mischief.
If a bee came that way, then Tom, who was armed
with a needle, fought it and carried off its honey.
When a butterfly came that way, if Tom had not
201

TOM
THUMB
TOM
THUMB

been tied to the thistle, he would certainly have
jumped on its back and tried if he could be carried
away a sail in the air.

One day a field-mouse came and looked at him.
Tom was afraid of the mouse, so he called to his
mother, who came up, and the mouse darted away.
One day whilst Tom was tied to the thistle, the
cow seeing his oakleaf cap, took poor Tom and
the thistle at one mouthful.

But, being missed, his mother went
Calling him everywhere,
“Where art thou, Tom? Where art thou, Tom?’
Quoth he, ‘Here, mother, here!
Within the red cow’s mouth am I
Full nearly swallowed up,’
Which made his mother weep and sigh
That thus the cow should sup.

Tom kicked and scratched till the cow dropped
him from her mouth. His mother caught him in
her apron as he was falling, or he would have been
greatly hurt.
One day Tom went with his father into the fields
a-ploughing ; and the father made him a whip of
barley straw wherewith to drive the oxen, but
Tom’s foot slipped and he fell into the furrow,
without the father observing it.
A crow flying by saw the barley straw, stooped and
carried Tom off to the top of a giant’s castle.
The giant took Tom in the palm of his hand and
laughed much to see how small he was. Tom
had his little sword of a needle at his side and he
pricked the giant with it, and he shook his hand,
and Tom gave a jump and went out at the window
and fell into the sea, where a fish swallowed him.
The fish was soon after caught, and brought to
the castle of King Arthur. His steward bought it
and ordered the cook to boil it for dinner. When
the cook was opening the fish, to his great aston-
202
ishment out jumped Tom, quite delighted to be
free again. He was taken before the king, who
made Tom his dwarf, and he soon became a great
favourite at court, where he delighted every one
by his gambols.

Long time he lived in jollity,
Beloved of the court,

And none like Tom was so esteemed
Among the better sort.

The queen Gueniver was especially delighted with
the little man, and made him dance a galliard
on her left hand. His performance was so satis-
factory that King Arthur gave him a ring which
he wore about his waist as a girdle.

When he was out with the king, if rain came on
he would creep up the sleeve of Arthur, and lie
there till the shower was over.

One day Tom, who could not forget his poor father
and mother, asked King Arthur to grant him leave to
go and visit them. The king readily agreed, and
taking him into his treasury, told him to carry away
with him as much money as he could for his poor
parents. This made him caper for joy. He found
that the only coin he could carry was a threepenny
piece.

And so away goes lusty Tom,
* | With threepence at his back,
A heavy burden which did make
His very bones to crack.

Tom remained three days with the old couple, and
feasted on a hazel-nut so extravagantly that he
grew ill.

King Arthur became impatient to have his dwarf
back again, so his mother took a sort of tube,
through which people blew darts at birds to kill
them, and she put Tom in and blew through it,
and blew him back to court.

203

TOM
THUMB
TOM
THUMB

He was received by the king with every token of
affection and delight, and tournaments were pro-
claimed in his honour.

Thus he at tilt and tournament
Was entertained so,

That all the rest of Arthur’s knights
Did him much pleasure show.

As Tom’s clothes had suffered much in the batter-
pudding and in the furrow, and in the inside of the
fish, the king ordered him a new suit of clothes,
and gave him a mouse to ride.

Of butterfly’s wings his shirt was made,
His boots of chicken’s hide ;

And by a nimble fairy blade,

Well learned in the tailoring trade,
His clothing was supplied.

A needle dangled by his side;

A dapper mouse he used to ride:
Thus strutted Tom in stately pride!

Tom used to go out hunting on his mouse with
the king and the knights.

Arthur also ordered a little chair to be made, in
order that Tom might sit on his table, and he gave
him as well acarriage drawn by six white mice.
At last the queen got jealous of Tom, because the
king made so much of him, and she determined to
be'rid of him, and when the king was away she
had him shut up in prison in a mouse-trap, but he
managed to squeeze himself between the bars, and
seeing a lame butterfly he climbed on its back, and
the butterfly carried him away. However, in pass-
ing over the sea he became giddy and fell off, ©
when he was again swallowed by a fish, which
was caught and set out for sale in the town of Rye,
where a steward hagegled for it with the fisherman
who had caught it.

204.
Amongst the rest a steward came TOM
Who would the salmon buy, THUMB
And other fish that he did name,
But he would not comply.

The steward said, ‘You are So stout,
If so, I'll not buy any.’

So then out called Tom Thumb aloud,
‘Sir, give another penny!’

At this they all began to start
To hear the sudden joke;

Nay, some were frightened to the heart,
They thought the dead fish spoke.

The steward made no more ado
But bid a penny more,

‘Because,’ he said, ‘I never knew
A fish to speak before.’

When the fish was opened out came Tom again,
and he remained in the kitchen at Rye, and was a
Brent object of diversion to the servants.

One day he was put in the window, when a great
spider observed him and came down to him. Tom
made a gallant fight, yet the spider’s poisonous
breath at last overcame him.

He fell dead on the ground where he stood, q
And the spider sucked every drop of his blood.

When the tidings came to King Arthur he was
very sorry, and went into mourning, he and all his
knights.

Such were his deeds and noble acts,
In Arthur's court they shone,
As like in all the world beside
Was hardly seen or known. |
205
TOM
THUMB

For him King Arthur and his knights
Full forty days did mourn,

And in remembrance of his name
That was so wondrous born,

He built a tomb of marble gray
And year by year did come

To celebrate the tragic death
And burial of Tom Thumb.

His fame still lives in England here
Among the country sort;

Of him our wives and children small
Tell tales of pleasant sport.

206
THE WHITE CAT

% INCE upon a time there reigned aking |THE
over a certain kingdom, who had WHITE

three sons, so clever and gallant, that CAT

he began to fear that they might be

impatient to reign in the kingdom

before he was dead.

Now the king, although growing old,

had no idea of abdicating his position and power,

so he thought that the best way for him to manage

under the circumstances would be for him to divert

the minds of his sons by setting them tasks which

would keep them well occupied.

Accordingly he sent for them, and addressing them

kindly, he said—

‘My dear sons, you no doubt perceive that my age

is advanced, and that I am not able to occupy

myself with the affairs of state as I did when I was

younger. I am anxious that the wants of my

subjects should not be overlooked through failure

of my powers, accordingly I have resolved to lay

down the reins of government as soon as I am

satisfied that I can have that which will amuse and

content me when I retire into private life. Now, I

have been considering that a pretty, frisky, faithful

little dog would prove excellent company; accord-

ingly I am prepared to surrender my crown and

207

  
THE
WHITE
CAT

throne to that one among you, my sons, who
furnishes me with the most acceptable little dog.’

The three princes were exceedingly surprised at
their father’s sudden fancy for a little dog, but by
his announcement a chance of succession to the
throne was opened to the two younger, who in the
ordinary course of affairs would have had no such
chance; they therefore gladly accepted the com-
mission, and the eldest, fearing to be deprived of

- his rights, was fain also to start in quest of a

perfect dog.
They resolved, before they separated, to meet each
other and go together before the king, in a year
and a day from that at which they started on their
several journeys.
Each now took a different road, and the two elder
brothers met with many adventures; but as those
of the youngest were the most interesting, you
shall hear only of them.
This prince was young, light-hearted, and very
handsome; he was well educated; and as for his
courage, it was boundless.
Hardly a day passed without his purchasing dogs,
big and small, and of every description, mastiffs,
bull-dogs, staghounds, spaniels, beagles, lap-dogs.
Whenever he had bought a pretty one, he was
sure next moment to be offered another that was
still prettier, and then he had to get rid of those
he had already purchased, and to buy that which
took his fancy last; it was, as can well be under-
stood, quite impossible for him, who was alone, to
tare! the country with a thousand dogs about
im.
He journeyed on from day to day, not knowing
whither he was going, till one day at nightfall he
found himself in a large and gloomy forest. He
completely lost his way, and what made matters
worse was that a thunderstorm came on and
the rain poured down in torrents. He took
208
the first path that offered, and after a while he
saw a glimmer of light before him, and hoped he
was approaching a cottage where he could obtain
shelter.
Guided by the light he presently found himself
before the gates of a beautiful castle. The door
was of gold inlaid with carbuncles, and it was the
glow of these precious stones which had shone
through the forest and had drawn him on.
The walls of the castle were of porcelain in the
most dainty colours; but the Prince was so wet
that he could not hesitate or halt to admire; he
went up to the door and there beheld a deer’s foot
hanging by a chain of diamonds, and he wondered
who could inhabit such a marvellous castle.
‘They cannot fear robbers greatly here,’ said he;
‘what is there to prevent any one from walking off
with this chain, and picking out these carbuncles,
and so enriching himself for life?’
He pulled the deer’s foot and immediately a bell
sounded, which by the softness of its tone he con-
cluded to be of silver. Then the door flew open,
but the Prince could see no one as porter, only a
number of hands appeared in the air, each holding
a torch. He was so greatly astonished that he
stood still, until he felt hands draw him forward
and thrust him on from behind, so that though
somewhat uneasy, he could hardly help going on.
With his hand on the hilt of his sword, ready for
whatever might happen, he entered a hall paved
with deep blue stone called lapis lazuli, and heard
voices singing sweetly—
‘Fear no more the flitting hands,

They your lightest wish obey.
If you dread not Cupid’s bands,

Safely in the palace stay.’

The Prince now lost all fear; he was confident
that where so warm a welcome was offered no
oO 209

THE
WHITE
CAT
THE
WHITE
CAT

evil was intended. Accordingly, guided by the
mysterious hands, he went to a door of coral, that
opened of its own accord, and gave admittance
into an apartment lined with mother-of-pearl, out
of which opened a number of other rooms, spark-
ling with numerous candles, and full of the most
beautiful pictures and precious objects that
charmed the Prince’s eyes and bewildered his
mind. ,<At last, weary of gazing at so many
wondrous objects, he cast himself down in an easy
chair he saw drawn up near a bright wood fire;
and at once the delicate hands began to remove
his wet, muddy garments, and other hands pro-
duced fresh ones made of the richest stuffs, em-
broidered with gold and picked out with jewels.
He could not fail to admire everything he saw, and
the graceful manner in which the hands attended
on him.

When he was quite ready, and looked fresh and
radiant in the costly suit he had assumed, the
hands conducted him to a splendid room, on the
walls of which in tapestry was shown the story of
Puss in Boots. The table was spread for supper,
and two golden plates were laid opposite each
other, with golden forks and spoons. The side-
board was magnificently furnished with gold and
silver salvers, ewers, and much beautiful glass.
The Prince stood hesitating, not knowing whether
to sit down at table or not, when suddenly there
entered a dozen cats carrying lutes, who took up
their places at one end of the room, and struck
the strings of their instruments, and mewed out
the most astounding cat-song imaginable to the
accompaniment of their lutes. The Prince was
obliged to stop his ears at the catérwauling, but
he laughed so heartily that he could not keep
them closed.

‘What odd thing will happen next>?’ said he to
himself; and at the same moment, the door at the

" 210
end of the hall opened, and there entered a tiny
figure covered with a long black veil, marshalled by
two cats wearing black velvet mantles, and
carrying swords of state. They were followed by
a train of other cats, which carried cages full of rats
and mice.
The Prince was so much astonished that he rubbed
his eyes, thinking he was dreaming, but the little
figure came up to him, threw back the veil, and
disclosed the loveliest white cat conceivable.
' She looked very young and very sad. Ina gentle
vice that went straight to the Prince’s heart she
said—
‘King’s son, you are welcome. The Queen of the
Cats rejoices to see and salute you.’
‘Madam Puss!’ answered the Prince, with a bow,
‘I thank you for your kindly reception ; but surely
you can be no common pussy-cat. The magnifi-
cence and state that surround you convince me to
the contrary.’
‘King’s son,’ said the White Cat, ‘I am unac-
customed to compliments. Let supper be served
and the musicians cease their strains, as appa-
rently, sir, you do not relish their music.’

Then the mysterious hands began to serve supper,

and first they put on the table two dishes, one
containing roast pigeons and the other fricasseed
mice.

The Prince declined the latter dish with horror;
but the White Cat assured him that her cook had
special orders to serve him with entirely different
food from herself, and that he need not fall to on
rats or mice unless he hada mind to. The Prince,
confident that she would not deceive him, at once
began his dinner on the roast pigeon.

Presently he observed ‘that the little paw of the
White-Cat which was next him was adorned with
a bracelet from which hung a miniature portrait.
When the White Cat saw that he was desirous of

211

THE
WHITE
CAT
THE
WHITE
CAT

examining it, she passed it to him, and he was
enchanted to see that it represented an extremely
handsome young man who was remarkably like
himself.
The White Cat sighed as he looked at it, and
looked more depressed in spirits than before. The
Prince forbore asking questions, lest he should pain
her, and turned to talk of other matters. He
found the White Cat very intelligent, well read,
and well versed in politics.
After supper they retired into another room, which
was fitted up as a theatre, and cats acted there
and danced for the amusement of the Prince and
the White Cat. —
After a while the Queen of the Cats rose from
her seat, bade the Prince a graceful adieu, wished
a a good night and peaceful sleep, and with-
rew.
Thereupon the hands reappeared and conducted
him into a room he had not seen hitherto, hung
with tapestry made of butterfly wings of every
hue; there were mirrors reaching to the floor, and
a cozy white bed with curtains round it tied up
with pink ribbons.
The Prince retired to bed, and very soon fell fast
asleep. Next morning he was awakened by a
noise outside his window, and en looking out saw
that a number of cats were in the courtyard, some
leading greyhounds, others blowing horns.
Presently the hands reappeared and dressed the
Prince in a complete hunting suit of green and
silver. Then they threw open the door, and he
was conducted below, where he saw the White
Cat in a green riding-habit mounted on an ape,
ready for hunting. The hands brought up a
wooden horse for the Prince to mount. He did
not see that he would have much sport riding on a
wooden horse ; however, as the White Cat seemed
to expect it, he threw himself on its back, where-
212
upon the wooden horse began to prance and show
his paces.
The White Cat on her ape went up trees in quest of
eagle nests; but the Prince had rare sport on his
wooden horse, and never enjoyed a hunt more in
all his life.
After a while the whole party returned to the
castle, and the Prince and the White Cat supped
together as on the previous evening. When it
was over, the cat offered him some ruby wine in a
crystal goblet. Directly he had tasted it, he forgot
his home, forgot that he was looking for a little
dog, forgot everything, except his happiness in the
society of the White Cat.
So the time passed, in every kind of amusement,
until the year was nearly gone. The Prince had
forgotten all about meeting his brothers, and
appearing before his father, but the White Cat
knew when he was bound to return, and said to
him one day—
‘Are you aware, my good friend, that you have
only three days left in which to find a little dog for
your father? Already your brothers have provided
themselves with beautiful little dogs.’
Then all at once the Prince recollected everything,
and cried out—
“What can have affected my memory that I should
forget a matter of such supreme importance! My
whole future depends on it. Even supposing
that I were to find a little dog worthy to win mea
kingdom, where should I find a horse swift enough
to convey me home within the three days ?’
The White Cat, seeing he was sore troubled, said
to him—
‘King’s son, be not anxious and distressed. Iam
your friend, and will assist you to the uttermost of
my power. You can continue here a day, as the
wooden horse will convey you the entire distance
to your father’s realm in twelve hours.’

213

THE
WHITE
CAT
THE ‘Ithank you, gracious Cat,’ said the Prince, ‘but
WHITE what advantage will that be to me, if I have nota

CAT a dog suitable to present to his majesty, my
father ?’
‘See here,’ said the White Cat, holding up an
acorn. ‘In this is a prettier one than exists even
at the dog star.’
‘Oh! dear White Cat!’ exclaimed the Prince,
‘why do you make fun of me?’
Then he heard distinctly a little bow-wow! bow-
wow ! inside the acorn.
The Prince was delighted, for a dog enclosed in an
acorn must indeed be a beauty. He wanted to
take it out and look at it, but this the White Cat
would not allow. She said that the little dog must
on all accounts be preserved from the chance of
catching a chill on the journey; and the Prince
saw that in this as in all else, there was reason in
what the Cat said. He thanked her heartily, and
was quite sad when it was necessary for him to
part from her.
‘The days,’ said he, ‘have flown in your charming
society. I would it were possible for me to take
you with me.’
The White Cat shook her head and gave a faint
mee-aw in answer.
The Prince was the first to be at the meeting-
place, where it was agreed that the brothers should
assemble before proceeding to the palace, and
great was their amusement and astonishment to
see the wooden horse, painted with great red
spots, and with a brush of hair on its arched neck,
standing in the courtyard, stiff and stark as if it ,
had just come out of a toy-shop. The Prince met
his brothers joyously, and they told him their
adventures, but he was very reticent about his,
and they did not think much of the dog that ran
at his heels, and which was that he had with him
when received into the White Cat’s palace.

214
The elder brothers carried in baskets two little
dogs, so delicate that they hardly dared to touch
them. As for the dog that attended the youngest,
he was all covered with mud from his journey.
When they reached the palace, every one crowded
to welcome them as they ascended to the royal
hall, and when the two brothers presented their
little dogs, no one could resolve which was the
most beautiful.
They were already arranging between themselves
what disposition they would make of the kingdom,
when the youngest, stepping forward, bowed to his
father, and presented him with the acorn. The
king, much astonished, opened it carefully and out
there ran on his hand the tiniest, dearest little mite
of a dog imaginable. The king was so surprised
that he let it drop. But the dog was not hurt. It
at once began to skip about, pirouette and caper,
and even to stand on its head.
The king did not know what to say, for it was
quite impossible that any dog could be found to
surpass this little creature. Nevertheless, as he
was in no hurry to resign his crown, he said to his
sons that as they had been so successful this time,
they must be set another task, and must find
him a piece of muslin so fine that it could be
drawn through the eye of a needle.
If it had not been that the elder brothers had been
worsted by the youngest, it may well be believed
they would not have been disposed to set out
again; however, by this new task set them, they
were afforded another chance, so they accepted it.
The youngest mounted his wooden horse, it tossed
its head, threw out its legs, and bore him at full
speed to the palace of his dear White Cat.
Every door of the castle stood wide open, every
window was illumined, and the hands appeared
waving a welcome to him. His horse was taken
from him, and he was conducted into the castle.
215

THE
WHITE
CAT
THE
WHITE
CAT

The White Cat was lying by the fire in a basket
on a cushion of white silk. She sprang up at his
approach, and said—
‘TI did not expect you back quite so soon, king’s
son!’
Then he vatted and stroked her and scratched her
under the chin, and she purred; and he told her
of his successful journey, and how he had come
back to ask her assistance to procure him that
which was now demanded by the king, and which
it was not possible for him to procure elsewhere.
The White Cat looked grave, and replied that she
would consider the matter, and consult with some
spinster cats in the castle who were very skilful.
Then the hands appeared carrying torches, and
conducted the Prince and the White Cat to a
long gallery which overlooked the river, from the
windows of which they saw a magnificent display
of fireworks. After that they supped, and the
Prince appreciated his supper much more than
ae fireworks, for he was hungry with his long
ride.
So the time passed as before, just as pleasantly
and just as quickly. The Prince often marvelled
to find the cat so agreeable a companion, so well
read, and so able to talk intelligently about
matters. Heonce ventured to ask her how as a
cat this was possible. She replied, with a sad
smile—
‘King’s son, do not ask me. I am unable to give
you the explanation you desire.’
The Prince was so happy that he did not trouble
himself to take account of the time as it passed,
but the White Cat did not forget, and one day she
said to him—
‘It is now within two days of that on which you are
bound to appear before your father. This time
you shall travel in better style.’
Then she showed him a gilded coach enamelled
216
with the most beautiful pictures. It was. drawn
by twelve snow-white horses, harnessed four
abreast; their trappings, as were those of the
carriage, were of flame-colour, embroidered with
diamonds. Numerous guards followed all in
flame-coloured livery.
‘Go,’ said the White Cat, ‘and when you appear
before the king in such state, he will surely give
up his crown. Take this walnut, but do not open
it until you arrive at your destination, lest the
wind should blow away its contents, or mud from
the carriage wheels stain it.’
‘Lovely White Cat,’ said the Prince, ‘how can I
thank you sufficiently for your goodness to me?
Only tell me you desire it, and I will abandon the
thought of succeeding my father in his kingdom
and remain here with you.’
‘King’s son,’ she answered, ‘you have a good
heart to say this, and to care for a little white cat,
that is good for naught but catching mice; but
you must not stay. Good-bye.’
The Prince kissed her paw and departed.
The carriage spun along, faster than had travelled
the wooden horse ;, but this time the Prince arrived
so late that he found his brothers had already
proceeded to the palace to display the pieces of
muslin they had procured.
These were indeed very fine; they would pass
through a ring, and the eye of a packing needle:
but the king sent for a particular needle kept
among the Crown jewels that had an eye so small,
that every one saw at a glance that the stuffs pro-
vided could not possibly pass through it.
At that moment a flourish of trumpets was heard,
and the youngest son of the king entered. His
father and brothers were amazed at his magnifi-
cence, and after he had greeted them he produced
the walnut and opened it, fully expecting to find
the muslin. Instead of that he found a hazel-
217

THE
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CAT
THE
WHITE
CAT

nut. He cracked this, and therein lay a cherry-
stone.
Every one looked on in astonishment, and the
king was congratulating himself that all chance
of the task being accomplished was at an end,
when the Prince broke the cherry-stone, and drew
out only its kernel. He divided the kernel, and in
that was a grain of wheat. He opened the grain
of wheat, and found a millet seed. Then he be-
came concerned, and muttered: ‘O White Cat,
you have been making mock of me!’
At that moment he felt a cat’s claw give his hand
a scratch, and hoping that this was meant as an
encouragement, he opened the millet seed and
drew out of it a piece of muslin four hundred ells
long, woven finer than gossamer, in the loveliest
patterns; and when the needle was brought, it
passed through the eye without any difficulty.
The king was aghast, and the two elder princes
felt their discomfiture, for nobody could deny that
this was the most marvellous piece of muslin that
had ever been woven.
Then, after some consideration, the king said to
his sons: ‘Nothing is more grateful to me in my
old age than to see your willingness to oblige
me. Go out once more, and whoever, at the end
of a year and a day, brings back the loveliest
princess, shall marry her, and shall, without further
delay, receive the crown, and reign upon my throne
in my place. For, itis obvious to the meanest in-
tellect that my successor must be a married man.’
The Prince thought he was hardly treated, as he
had earned the kingdom fairly twice over, but he
would not argue the point with his father, more-
over he was impatient to return to the White Cat.
Accordingly he mounted his gilded chariot, and
swift as the wind it sped, throwing up clouds of
dust in people’s eyes, and bore him direct to the
castle of a White Cat.

21
This time she was ready expecting him, and had
caused her attendant cats to strew the road with
flowers, and aromatic herbs and woods and gums
were burnt in braziers on each side of the way.
The White Cat awaited him seated on a balcony.
‘Well, king’s son,’ said she, on his arrival, ‘you
have again returned without your crown.’
‘Madam,’ answered he, ‘thanks to your kind
assistance I have twice earned it. But the fact is
my father is so unwilling to part with it that I
really do not care to have it.’
‘Never mind,’ she said, ‘you can but do your best
to deserve it. You shall take back with you a
lovely princess whom I will find for you. In the
meantime let us amuse ourselves. I have ordered
to-night a battle between my cats and the water-
rats, on purpose to give you entertainment. My
cats, it is true, are somewhat at a disadvantage,
for they dislike water, and the rats will naturally
seek to carry on the conflict on their native
element.’
So they walked together on a terrace and saw the
battle. The cats were in ships made of cork. The
rats were in half ostrich shells. The fight was
obstinate and protracted. The rats threw them-
selves into the water and then the cats could not
follow them. The rats were finally routed, but by
no means exterminated. Many live on to the
present day.
The Prince passed the year as he had passed the
others, in hunting, fishing, and playing at chess
with the White Cat. He could not forbear asking
her how it was that she was able to talk; but she
answered that it was not in her power at that
time to explain to him many things that sur-
prised him. Nothing passes so quickly as happy
days, and if the White Cat had not been careful
to remember the time when the Prince was bound
to return to his father, he would have forgotten it.
219

THE
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CAT
THE
WHITE
CAT

She warned him of it the day before, and told him
that it remained only with him to obtain one of the
most beautiful princesses in the world; but in order
to do this, he must cut off her head and tail, and
throw them into the fire.
‘What!’ cried the Prince, ‘my lovely, my dear
White Cat! shall I who have received so many
favours from you, be so wicked, so ungrateful, as
to sacrifice you? You say this merely to try me,
whether I am heartless and selfish——
“No, indeed,’ interrupted the White Cat; ‘son of
a king, I know well your generous nature, and
that it will cut you to the heart to seem to act
towards mein a barbarous manner. Nevertheless,
do as I bid you; it is necessary, not for your own
happiness only, but also for mine.’
The Prince’s eyes filled with tears, and he could
hardly bring his mind to do what he was bidden.
He said all the tender things he could think of
to dissuade the cat from urging him to it; but she
obstinately answered that she wished to die by
his hand, and that unless he did as she required,
she would be condemned to a hopeless and pro-
tracted age of misery.
At last, most reluctantly, and with averted head
and trembling hand, the Prince drew his sword
and smote. He cut off her head at one blow, and
with the next hewed off her tail. Then picking
them up, he threw them into the fire.
Instantly there was a blaze and a flash, and the
whole apartment was filled with light and the most
delicious fragrance. In the midst of the light he
saw a most lovely maiden. At the same moment
the door opened, and a company of knights and
ladies entered, each carrying a cat’s skin.
With every token of joy they surrounded the
Princess, kissed her hand, and congratulated her
on being once more restored to her natural form.
She received them most graciously, and then
220
requested them to allow her a few moments in
which to converse alone with the Prince, to whom
she would unfold her history, and explain much
-that had hitherto perplexed him.
‘My dear king’s son,’ said she, ‘you were right
in supposing me to be something superior to
an ordinary cat. My father reigned over six
kingdoms. My mother, the queen, was an admir-
able woman, but, unfortunately for me, of an inquisi-
tive turn of mind, and restless in her habits.
‘When I was only a few weeks old, she obtained
the king’s permission to visit a certain forest and
palace, of which many wondrous tales were told,
and she felt that she could have no peace of mind
till she had ascertained what truth there was in
these tales. She set off with a large retinue, and
in course of time reached the forest, and saw that
it was traversed by a road leading to a superb
palace, the gates of which were closed, but through
the railings my mother could see the most delici-
ous and varied fruit. Many of the fruits were
quite new to her, and such as she did know, in-
finitely surpassed those which grew in her own
gardens. She at once resolved to taste this fruit,
and was well assured she would not have a
moment’s happiness till she had done so. She
ordered her servants to knock at the palace doors,
and to rattle the gates and ring the bell; no
answer was however given to these summonses.
She therefore insisted on ladders being applied to
the walls of the garden, that she might climb over
them, to get at the fruit. But it was soon found
that <he walls stretched themselves in proportion
to the length of the ladders applied to them, so
that it was quite impossible to surmount them.
‘The queen was in despair, but as night was
coming on she had her tent planted outside the
gates, resolved to spend the night there, and
renew her attempt on the following morning. In
221

THE
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CAT
THE
WHITE
CAT

the middle of the night she was suddenly aroused,
and saw to her astonishment a little, ugly, old
woman at her bedside, who was plucking at her
ear.
‘The queen, my mother, sat up in bed very fright-
ened; then the old woman said to her: “ You are
a very tiresome, persevering, and meddlesome
person, not to leave me and my sisters alone in
our palace, but to insist on eating our fruit. I will
give you as much of the latter as you desire, on
one condition, which is that you let us have your
daughter to bring up as our own?”
‘The queen, my mother, answered, “ Dear madam,
is there nothing else you will have ? I can give you
most admirable receipts for making conserves of
your fruit, and even for pickling the walnuts. Will
not that do as well? If not, you shall have half of
the kingdoms my husband reigns over.”
‘The fairy answered: “We want neither your
receipts nor your realms; we will have nothing
else but your little daughter. We will make her
as happy as the day is long, and give her every-
thing her heart can desire.”
‘“Tt is a hard condition,” said the queen, my
mother, but inasmuch as she was an exceedingly
inquisitive and—it must be admitted —a greedy
woman, she at last consented.
‘Then the old fairy took her into the palace, and
though it was still night, the queen, my mother,
could plainly see that it was more magnificent
than anything she had ever beheld. But my dear
Prince,’ said the White Cat, ‘of this you can judge
yourself, for you are now in the very palace into
which my mother was introduced.
‘The old fairy said toher: “Wéill you gather the
fruit yourself, or shall I call it to come to you ?”
‘My mother answered that it would be less trouble
and more interesting if it came when called.
‘Thereupon the little old woman screamed out:
222
“Apricots, peaches, nectarines, cherries, plums,
greengages, pears, grapes, apples, oranges,
lemons, gooseberries, currants, raspberries, come!
come! come!”
‘Instantly from every tree down hopped the fruit
and ran—and ran—just like chickens coming to be
fed, and the queen ate as much as she liked, and
found every kind of fruit passing good.
‘The old fairy now gave her gilded baskets in
which to carry away as much fruit as she liked,
and she laded all her mules and servants with it.
Then she reminded the queen, my mother, of the
agreement; and next morning the queen returned
to her kingdom, nibbling at the fruit all the way.
“However, it must not be supposed that she did
not regret her bargain, when she saw me in my
cradle on her return. She was afraid to tell the
king what she had: done, and she tried to deaden
her remorse by eating fruit all day long.
‘Presently there arrived at the palace five frightful
little dwarfs sent by the fairies to fetch me; and
then the queen was obliged to tell the king, my
father, all she had promised. He was, of course,
very angry, and ordered his guards to surround
and cut the dwarfs to pieces. But as fast as they
were chopped up they came together again, and
persisted in their demand, as though nothing in-
commoded by the maltreatment to which they were
exposed. Then the fairies came in a flaming chariot
drawn by sea-horses, took up my cradle, placed
it between them, and went away, carrying me.
‘I grew up surrounded by everything that was
beautiful and rare, and learning everything that is
ever taught to a princess, but without any com-
panions save a parrot and a little dog, who could
both talk, and receiving every day a visit from one
of the old fairies, who caressed me and spoke
kindly to me, and assured me of her and her
sisters’ protection, so long as I remained in the
223

THE
WHITE
CAT
THE
WHITE
CAT

palace and enchanted wood. I was solemnly and
repeatedly warned that if I attempted to escape,
the most dreadful calamity would befall me.
‘One day as I was pulling out the drawers, and
turning over the contents of the cabinets in the
palace, I found a bracelet, to which hung a minia-
ture portrait of a very handsome young man. ;
‘I could not keep my eyes off this picture. You
must understand, Prince, that hitherto I had seen
no men, and no women even, except the old fairies.
Next time one of these latter visited me, I asked
what that was which was represented in the
miniature. She was much vexed at my asking,
and said it was a picture of a sort of monkey that
lived in foreign parts. Then I said, innocently,
I should much like to see such monkeys. The
fairy said I must never think of such a thing, or
dreadful misfortunes would happen.
“However, I found I could take no pleasure in
anything ; I could not sleep by night, I was always
anxious and longing to see these extraordinary
monkeys. I told this to one of the fairies, and she
said with a sigh: “I see there is some of the inquisi-
tiveness of your mother in you. You will come to
a dreadful misfortune unless you overcome it.” I
said no more to the fairies, but I thought now of
nothing but how I might escape from the palace
and enchanted wood into Monkeyland.
“One day I put my purpose into execution, I got
away alone from the castle, and ran through the
wood, and was just about to pass the last tree
when the three fairy sisters appeared before me.
They were very angry, and said that I had rushed
on the doom which they had cautioned me against.
Now there was no help for it, I must be trans-
formed into a white cat; but they said they would
give me a retinue of the lords and ladies of my
father’s court in the same form; and they would
render invisible, all but their hands, the ladies and
224
lords of the bedchamber, and all such as attended THE
on the personal comforts of the king and queen, WHITE
both of whom were now dead. CAT

* As they laid me under the enchantment, the fairy

sisters told me all my story, and warned me that

my only chance of release from the shape of a cat

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was to win the love of a prince who should exactly
resemble the portrait on the bracelet I had found,
and having won that, to induce him to cut off
ny cat’s head and tail and throw them into the
re.’
‘You have indeed won my love,’ said the Prince.
P 225
THE
WHITE
CAT

‘And I am delighted to find you are such a
fascinating monkey, said the Princess. ‘Now
it is time for you to return to your father.’
So the Prince gave her his hand and led her down
the stairs to the chariot; and they started on the
journey. As the Princess was as clever and agree-
able in conversation as she was beautiful, the time
passed very pleasantly. ;
When they approached the castle, the Princess
stepped into a crystal sedan with a little door in it
with silken curtains before it, and this crystal
sedan chair was carried by her guards. All the
people wondered what it could contain.
The princes, the elder brothers, were on the
terrace of the palace, each conducting a charming
princess. On seeing their youngest brother they
hastened to meet him, and asked if he had brought
a beautiful lady with him.
‘Well, said he, ‘I could find none superior to a
lovely white cat.’
‘Acat!’ said they; ‘were you afraid that the mice
would eat up the palace ?’
The courtiers now hastened before the king to
announce that the three princes were approacking.
‘ Are they bringing fair ladies with them ?’ asked
the king.
‘Fairer are not to be found,’ was the answer; at
hearing which he was much displeased.
The two elder princes made haste to show their
beautiful princesses. The king received them
very graciously, and said that really each was so
beautiful it would not be possible for him to decide
between them, for he was as gallant an old man as
he was cunning.
Then he looked at his youngest son, and said:
‘So! this time you have failed !’ ‘
‘Not altogether, your majesty,’ said the Prince;
‘if you will condescend to look at my little white
cat in ve crystal cage, who meeaws so prettily,
22
and gambols so playfully, you cannot fail to be
pleased.’

The king smiled, and went to open the sedan
chair itself, when all at once, the Princess
touched a spring and it flew apart, and she stood
in the midst, like the sun bursting from clouds.
Her fair hair was spread over her shoulders, and
hung in shining tresses to her feet; on her head
was a crown of roses; her gown of thin gauze
was lined with rose-coloured taffety; she curtsied
low to the king, who, in the excess of his admira-
tion, clapped his hands, and said: ‘This is indeed
the matchless beauty who deserves to wear the
crown.’

‘Sire!’ said she, ‘I am not come to deprive you of
your kingdom, which you rule with such sagacity.
Iam queen over six. Allow me to present one to
each of your elder sons; then there will remain
four for my dear young Prince and myself. What
with the housekeeping—that will be as much as
we can manage.’

The king and all the courtiers gave vent to their
joy and astonishment in loud and repeated cheers.
Indeed the king kept on hurrahing! and shouting
One cheer more! till he became purple in the face,
and had to be carried out and given a cooling
draught—lest he should have an apoplexy.

The marriages of all the three couples were
immediately solemnized, and the court spent
several months in rejoicings. Then they set out,
each for his own dominions, and all considered
that their happiness was due to the beautiful,
wise White Cat.

227

THE
WHITE
CAT
THE
FROG
PRINCE

THE FROG PRINCE

N the olden times there lived a king
whose daughters were all beautiful:
but the youngest was the most
beautiful of all.

Near the king’s castle was a large

and gloomy forest, and in the midst

stood an old lime-tree, below which

was a well, the water of which was clear as
crystal. People thought much of this well; they
said that the water came up from the heart of the
earth, and was good for all kinds of sicknesses,
and they used on May Day to put a wreath of
flowers round it.
The king’s daughter often went to this well, and
one day as she was there—it was May Day, and
all the well was set about with flowers—as she
leaned to smell the flowers, and look down into
the water, a gold ball with which she was playing
fell out of her hand and tumbled into the well.

Then she was very unhappy, and sat beside the

well crying.

Then, all at once, she heard a voice from the

water that called out: ‘Why do you weep, king’s

daughter ?’

She looked about her, and saw a frog popping its

ugly head out of the water.

228

 
‘O you ugly creature,’ said she; ‘I am crying
because I have lost my golden ball that has slipped
away from me and has fallen into the well.’

‘Be still and do not cry,’ answered the frog; ‘I

can help you, but if I restore the ball, what will’

you do for me?’
‘Dear good frog,’ said she, ‘I will give you my
rings and necklaces.’
ane frog answered: ‘Rings and necklaces I want
not.’
‘Then,’ said she, ‘I will give you my sill dresses.’
‘Silk dresses I value not,’ said the frog. ‘They
would be spoiled by the water.’
‘I will give you lollipops,’ said the princess.
‘They would melt in the water,’ answered the frog.
‘I will give you my little gold watch,’ said she.
‘The water would stop the works,’ said he.
nee you shall have my little red shoes,’ said
she.
‘They are too large for my feet,’ he answered.
‘Then the gold comb with which I fasten up my
back hair,’ she said.
‘I have no back hair—never had, never shall,’
replied the frog.
‘What then can satisfy you?’ she asked, and
began to weep again.
The frog answered: ‘If you will love me, and let
me be your companion and playfellow, and sit at
your table, and eat off your plate, and drink out of
your cup, and sit on your shoulder, and whisper
into your ear, and sleep on your little bed, then and
only then will I dive down and bring up your
golden bail.’
‘I will promise all this,’ said the princess, ‘if you
will only get me my precious ball.’ But she
thought to herself: ‘What is this silly frog saying ?
Let him remain in the water and associate with
efts and newts, and not seek to mix in human
society.’

229

THE
FROG
PRINCE
THE Now the frog, as soon as he had received her
oeeen promise, drew his head under water, and dived.
Presently up he came to the surface with the ball
in his mouth, and threw it on the grass.

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The king’s daughter was full of joy. She picked

up the ball, and forgot even to thank the frog. She

turned to runaway. ‘Stay! stay!’ called the frog ;

‘take me with you, I cannot walk as fast as you do.’
230
But all his croaking was in vain. The king’s
daughter would not hear it, but, hastening home,
soon forgot the poor frog, who was obliged to leap
back into the fountain.
Next day, when the princess was sitting at table
with her father and all his court, and was eating
from her little golden plate, something was heard
coming up the marble stairs, splish, splash! splish,
splash! and when it arrived at the top, it knocked
at the door, and a voice was heard calling: ‘Open
the door, youngest daughter of a king!’ So she
rose and went to see who was calling for her; and
when she opened the door and caught sight of the
frog, she shut it again with great haste, and went
back to her place at the table, looking deadly pale.
When the king saw how frightened she was, he
asked her whether there was an ogre at the door,
who wanted to eat her.
‘Oh, no!’ she answered; ‘it is not an ogre, but an
ugly wet frog.’
‘And what does the frog want with you?’ asked
her father.
‘ My father,’ she answered, ‘as I was at the well
yesterday, I dropped my golden ball into it, and
the ball sank to the bottom. I cried greatly, and
then a frog came to the surface, and promised to
restore to me the ball if I would make him my
playfellow, and suffer him to eat off my plate,
drink out of my cup, sit on my shoulder and sleep
on my bed. Now he has left the well and is come
ere.’
Then the frog was heard calling at the door—

‘Open the door, my honey, my heart,
Open the door, my dear.

Remember the oath atwixt us both,
Adown by the wellhead clear.’

The king said: ‘A promise is a promise, whether
made to prince or beggar, to man or toad.’
231

THE
FROG
PRINCE
THE
FROG
PRINCE

So the king’s daughter went to the door and
opened it. Splish, splash! splish, splash! in
waddled the frog and stood by the princess’s chair.
She sat down and looked very white, and her
heart beat fast. Then the frog said—

‘Lift me on your lap, my honey, my heart,
Lift me on your lap, my dear.

 

So the princess stooped and took up the frog and
set it on her lap and put her hands on the table.
Then the frog said—

‘Give me to eat of your dainty meat,
From your golden plate, my dear.
Remember the oath atwixt us both,
Adown by the wellhead clear.’
232
So she was obliged to let the frog feed from off her
plate. The courtiers looked on and were very
astonished. As for the princess, she could eat not
another bite. Then said the frog—

‘Give me of your cup, that I may sup,
Of your golden cup, my dear.

Remember the oath betwixt us both,
Adown by the wellhead clear.’

Then she put the cup to the cold lips of the frog,
and he drank a little drop, but after that she could
not take any draught from the cup.

Then when the frog had eaten and drunken to his
satisfaction, all the court rose from table and retired
to the drawing-room, and the princess would have
walked away, and dropped the frog on the floor.
But the frog cried out—

‘Take me on your shoulder, my honey, my heart,
Take me on your shoulder, dear.

Remember the oath betwixt us both,

Adown by the wellhead clear.’

So the Princess was obliged to take up the frog
and set him on her shoulder, and then he put his
cold lips to her ear, and said—

‘Fair maid, do not weep, ’tis time to sleep,
Carry me to the bed, my dear.

Remember the oath betwixt us both,
Adown by the wellhead clear.’

At this the king’s daughter began to cry. She
could not bear to think of the clammy cold frog on
her beautiful clean white counterpane, and she
thought that whilst she was asleep he might hop
on to her face and wake her with fright. But
indeed she did not think she could sleep at all with
the nasty creature in her room.

But the king was angry at her reluctance. He
said again, that what she had promised must be

233

THE
FROG
PRINCE
THE
FROG
PRINCE

observed. To break a promise was dishonourable
in a poor man, it was most disgraceful in one of
royal blood.

So she went to her room, with the frog squatted
on her shoulder, and when there, she threw him
on her counterpane.

Then the frog said—

‘Chop off my head, my honey, my heart,
Come, chop off my head, my dear.

If you love me strong, be speedy, not long,
And chop off my head without fear.’

The princess was greatly alarmed, but she got an
axe and chopped, and cut off the head of the frog.
Then all at once there stood before her a beautiful
prince, and all traces of the frog had disappeared.
And he told her how that he had been transformed
into a frog by a witch, and that he could never
have recovered his own shape again, unless some
young girl had promised to let him eat out of her
plate, drink out of her cup, sit on her shoulder,
and sleep on her bed.
The princess was so delighted that she ran and
called her father and mother and all the court.
And they all sat down to table again, and ate a
second supper, for delight and surprise had made
them all hungry again; and at this second supper
it was agreed that the princess and the prince
should be married.
Next day, when the sun rose, a carriage drawn by
eight white horses with golden harness drove up
to the door of the palace, and behind the carriage
stood trusty Henry, the servant of the young
prince. When his master was transformed into
a frog, trusty Henry had grieved so greatly that -
he had bound three iron hoop-bands round his
heart, for fear lest it should break with grief.
Now he came with the carriage to take the prince
back to his own country, and the faithful fellow
234
helped in the bride and bridegroom, and then
mounted the seat behind, full of joy at his master’s
recovery of his proper form.

They had not proceeded very far before the prince
and princess heard a crack as though one of the
carriage springs had given way.

The prince put his head out of the window and
asked trusty Henry what was broken.

His servant answered: ‘It is nothing in or about
the carriage, dear master, but one of the bands
has given way that I had bound round my heart
when I was in grief because you were changed
into a frog.’

Twice afterwards, on the journey, they heard the
same noise, and each time the prince thought
that some portion of the carriage had given way;
but it was only the breaking of the bands that
bound the heart of trusty Henry.

Thenceforth all lived in happiness.

235

THE
FROG
PRINCE
 

 
   

aIAACK AND THE BEAN STALK.—
This is probably a genuine old
English folk-tale. A trace of it is to
be found in the Sage of Olaf Tryg-
vason. In dream he is said to have
climbed a tree and got into a land of
marvels above the clouds. The tree
is Ygdrasil, the World Tree that supports the
firmament above.

The giant who lives above the cloud floor is Odin
or Wuotan with his single eye, and with his wife
Freya.

Wuotan is possessed of the red hen that lays the
golden egg every morn, that is the red dawn of
which the sun is born; the harp that plays of itself,
which is the wind; and the money and jewel bags,
which are the clouds that drop fertilising showers.

PUSS IN BOOTS.—This story was taken by
Perrault from the first of the 11th Night of
Straparola, whose collection of Tales was printed
at Venice in 1550 and 1554. Straparola himself
borrowed from earlier writers.

CINDERELLA.—This story is given by Perrault ;

its counterparts are to be found in every European

follr-store of tales. An exhaustive notice of all the

analogues has been published by the Folklore

Society. The English form of the tale, ‘Catskin,’

has been displaced by the French ‘Cinderella.’
237

NOTES
NOTES I hope to give ‘Catskin’ in ‘The Oldest English
Fairy Tales.’ In German the story is ‘Aschenputtel.’
It was certainly known in Germany at the begin-

“ning of the 16th century, for it is referred to by
Thomas Murner in 1515. In Scotland Cinderella
was called Assiepet or Ashiepattle.

There are traces of the story in very remote
antiquity: Strabo (xxii. 808) tells the story of
Rhodopis, who by losing her slipper became
Queen of Egypt, and the same tale is referred to
by Aelian (Hist. var. xiii. 33).

The tale is this. Rhodopis was one day bathing,
when an eagle picked up one of her sandals and
flew away with it, and dropped it in the lap of the
Egyptian King, as he was administering justice
at Memphis. Surprised at its smallness and
beauty, he had no rest till he found the owner of
the sandal, and then he raised her from the basest
and most despised condition to be his queen.

The old German Heldenlied of Gudran is but a
version of the Ashputel fable. Perrault took his
story from the Pentamerone.

VALENTINE AND ORSON.—This is one of the
latest of the cycle of metrical French Romances,
turning about Charlemagne and his family. It
was written in prose on the reign of Charles VIII.
It first appeared in print at Lyons in 1489. Again
in1495. It was translated into Italian and published
at Venice in 1558. In England it was printed by
Copland as ‘The hystorie of the two valyante
brethern Valentyne and Orson’; no date. Again
in 1637, 1649, 1688, 1694. It was published in Dutch
in Holland, and even found entry into Iceland.
It was dramatised by Lope de Vega in Spain. In
Germany it was printed at Frankfurt-am-Main in
1572, and at Basle in 1604. I have not thought it ad-
visable to alter much the somewhat stilted style
of this tale, which is characteristic of its origin.
238
LITTLE RED RIDING-HOOD.—One of Per-
rault’s tales. The germ of this story may perhaps
be traced in the Edda. In that is told the story
of Thorr visiting the Thursr dressed in female
garments, and representing himself as Freyja,
whom the Thursr has asked in marriage. At the
wedding banquet Thorr drinks three barrels of
mead. ‘Never did I see bride eat and drink so
much,’ said the dismayed bridegroom. Then the
Thursr attempted to kiss his bride, and raised the
veil. ‘Never did I see such fiery eyes before!’ he
exclaimed, and staggered back. Then he brought
his hammer and laid it on his bride’s knee, who at
once struck him dead with it.

Little Red Riding-hood is found in Germany, in
Portugal, in Italy, etc.

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY.—One of Perrault’s
tales. This is the Dornréschen of Grimm. This
is almost certainly a nature-myth of the earth
sleeping in winter till kissed by the warm rays of
the Spring sun, and it betokens a Northern origin.
The spindle is the sleep-thorn wherewith in the
Norse myth the Valkyrie Brunnhild was sent to
sleep by Odin. In the ancient myth the Sleeping
Beauty was surrounded by the wabberlohe, or wall
of flame, till Sigurd came and released her. This
myth has acquired fresh vitality from its adoption
into Wagner’s marvellous cycle of opera, the Ring
of the Niebelungen. Perrault took the tale from
the Pentamerone.

THE BABES IN THE WOOD.—A genuine old
English tale based on a ballad.

PRETTY MARUSCHKA.—A Sclavonic tale. It

is properly Slovakian, and is given by Wenzig in

his ‘West Slawischer Marchenschatz,’ 1857. The

story has a mythological importance, on account
239

NOTES
NOTES of the impersonation of the Twelve Months re-
presented as seated round the great central fire of
the sun. The fire-wheel occurs in traditional
usage, not only in Sclavonic but also in Gaulish

ands.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.—One of Mme.
de Beaumont’s tales, and it is the only one of hers
that has lived, and it has lived for one reason only,
that it is not an original creation of her brain, but
is based on an universally-known myth of a woman,
loving and consenting to union with a transformed
prince who has a monstrous shape. Very generally
the sexes are reversed, and the young lady is
transformed into a serpent or a dragon. I know
a certain precipice in the Montafun Thal, in the
Alps, where a maiden changed into the form of a
monstrous toad, with poison dribbling from her
lips, was said to be doomed to squat in a cave till
a youth would kiss her on the mouth.

THE YELLOW DWARF.—One of the Countess
D’Aulnoy’s tales. At bottom this is the same story
as Grimm’s Rumpelstilskin, which is a very old
one, and is referred to by Fischart in his ‘Gar-
gantua,’ 1575. Mme. D’Aulnoy spoiled a good
story. All the portion of it relative to the King of
the Gold Mines is her addition. The fact was that
she did not understand the significance of the task
set to discover the name of the dwarf, and so she
cut that away and substituted some trash of her
own for it. The result has been that a good folk-
tale has suffered, and ‘The Yellow Dwarf’ has never
attained the popularity of some of her other tales,
in which she has more faithfully followed tradition.
The demand of the Dwarf for the Queen’s daughter
enters into a whole string of fairy tales, and refers
back to the date when the fair-haired Gaul or
Briton or Teuton had overcome the dusky Ugric
240
race which had occupied the land previously. NOTES
Marriage was strictly forbidden between the con-
querors and the conquered, but the Ugric autoc-
thones were regarded as invested with supernatural
powers, and with superior skill in the working of
metals, and when they rendered services to their
conquerors, often demanded in recompense one of
their daughters in marriage. I have not rewritten
‘The Yellow Dwarf.’ I could not endure to do this,
so dissatisfied do I feel with Mme. D’Aulnoy for
having spoiled a good story. Let any one compare
this version with Grimm’s ‘Rumpelstilskin,’ and
he will see at once the immeasurable superiority of
the latter. I myself read both as a child, and I
have never forgotten Rumpelstilskin, and I never
have been able to recall ‘The Yellow Dwarf.’

HOP-O’-MY-THUMB.—One of Perrault’s tales.
It is a version of the story which appears in its
earliest form in the ‘Odyssey,’ of Ulysses and Poly-
phemus. Grimm in his ‘Die Saga von Polyphem,’
Berlin, 1857, has given eleven variants. In ‘Hender-
son’s Northern Folk-lore,’ 2nd ed. 1879, pp. 195-6,
is a Yorkshire variant I picked up near Thirsk,
where the giant’s grave was pointed out, and the
mill in which the giant was killed, and where also
the sword was shown with which the giant was
killed. Recently the tumulus has been destroyed.
It contained a prehistoric stone kist, probably of
the neolithic age, along with bones, so that the
burial was before inceneration took place. More-
over it was an oblong barrow and not circular.
Unhappily no person of education was present
when the tumulus was demolished.

DON’T KNOW.—A Hungarian folk-tale from the
collection of George Gaal, translated by Stier,
Pesth, n.d. .

- The affinity of sympathy between the prince and
Q 241
NOTES his horse is not an uncommon feature in such tales.
The story of the service to the King of England,
and of the mysterious horses on which the prince
rides to hunt and to deliver the king from his foes,
occurs also in the far older tale of ‘Robert the
Devil,’ which can be traced back to the early
Middle Ages, and to which indeed William the
Conqueror is said to have alluded before the battle
of Hastings in his address to his soldiers.

MIRANDA; OR, THE ROYAL RAM.—A tale
by Mme. D’Aulnoy. The story became a favour-
ite for issue in chap-book form in England. Itis
a variant of ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ and is without
any distinguishing merit.

BLUE-BEARD.—One of Perrault’s admirable
tales. It has been supposed that the story was
based on the crimes and execution of the infamous
De Retz, but I do not think that there is evidence
that this was the case. Fatal curiosity occurs in
several folk-tales.

THE FAIR MAID WITH GOLDEN LOCKS.
—This capital story is by Mme. D’Aulnoy, but is
not wholly original. She has made use of the
favourite tale of the Thankful Beasts and the
story of the Tasks, and has welded the two happily
together. The Tasks are introduced into ‘Cupid
and Psyche.’

JACK THE GIANT KILLER.—Thisis a genuine
old English chap-book tale, and is to be compared
with others in other languages where a man of
small stature, by his adroitness and superior wits,
overcomes men larger and more powerful than
himself. Itis probably a reminiscence of a struggle
between two races, the one small and the other of
greater bulk.
242
THE THREE BEARS.—A tale by Southey.

TOM THUMB.—Another English tale, a mere
play of the fancy. It is found in chap-books and in
metrical form. Stories of same character among
the Greeks: of Philytas, a poet of Cos, it was
related that he carried lead in his shoes to save
him from being blown away; and of Archestratus,
that when taken by the enemy and weighed, he
was found to be no heavier than an obolus.

THE WHITE CAT.—A tale by Mme. D’Auinoy
and imperishable. It combines the folk-tale of
setting tasks and that of transformation into
animal form. To that is added the task of cutting
off head and tail, as in ‘The Frog Prince.’ The use
of cold steel has been regarded as a means of
disenchantment ever since the introduction of iron.
The race of bronze workers, who used weapons of
this amalgam, was conquered by the Celt with his
implements of war of tempered steel, and the
subjugated race regarded the new metal with
feelings of terror, as something altogether super-
natural.

The fairies who enchant are in most stories the
members of the subjugated race. It is possible
enough that transformation into bear, or frog, or
cat may originally have meant no more than
adoption into a tribe of which bear or frog or cat
was the totem. Or it may mean, that in the race
regarded as endowed with supernatural powers,
the clothing was of skins, bear or cat-skin, or
even—as with the Ainu—fish-skin; and that the
man of the higher race, by means of his steel sword,
recovered one of the members of his own race who
had been carried away and adopted into the clan
of the inferior race.

THE FROG PRINCE.—A very ancient folk-tale.
243

NOTES
NOTES Professor Max Miiller believes it to be due to a

blunder in the interpretation of words :—that the
story represents the Sun beloved by the Dawn; in
Sanskrit the words for sun and for frog are almost
the same. But this is mere fantasy. The San-
skrit is not a parent language to our European
Aryan tongues, but a sister tongue, and later in
form than some of the latter. His theory may be
dismissed without further consideration.
The story of ‘The Frog Prince’ is told by Halliwell,
in his ‘Popular Rhymes and Nursery Tales,’ 1849.
There is a Scotch version of the tale, ‘The Well o’
the Warld’s End,’ given by Chambers in his ‘Popular
Rhymes of Scotland.’ The story is found in
Germany, and is given by Grimm. There is clear
evidence that anciently the tale was told in
England in ballad form, and now only fragments
of the metrical version remain. Professor Child,
in his collection of British Ballads, gives an ex-
haustive account of the various forms in which
this tale is found.

Printed by T. and A. CONSTABLE
Printers to Her Majesty: Edinburgh
A LIST OF NEW BOOKS
AND ANNOUNCEMENTS OF
METHUEN AND COMPANY
PUBLISHERS : LONDON
36 FSSEX STREET
W.C,

CONTENTS

PAGE
FORTHCOMING BOOKS, . . . 7 . 2
POETRY, . G . . . . 13
GENERAL LITERATURE, 5 . . . 15
THEOLOGY, 7 7 . : . . 17
LEADERS OF RELIGION, . : ‘ . 18
WORKS BY S. BARING GOULD, . . : . 19
FICTION, . . . . . . 2r
NOVEL SERIES, . q . si . : 24
BOOKS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS, . 7 : 5 25
‘THE PEACOCK LIBRARY, 2 . 4 26
UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SERIES, . : 26
SOCIAL QUESTIONS OF TO-DAY, . < . 28
CLASSICAL TRANSLATIONS, . . . A 29
COMMERCIAL SERIES, « . ° . . 29
WORKS BY A, M. M, STEDMAN, M.A., - . . 30
SCHOOL EXAMINATION SERIES, . - : 32
PRIMARY CLASSICS, + . ; . . 32

OCTOBER 1894
OcTOBER 1894,

Messrs. METHUEN’S
ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Poetry

Rudyard Kipling BALLADS. By Rupyarp KIPLING.

Crown 8v0. Buckram. 65. [AZay 1895.

The announcement of a new volume of poetry from Mr. Kipling will excite wide

interest. The exceptional success of ‘Barrack-Room Ballads,’ with which this

volume will be uniform, justifies the hope that the new book too will obtain a
wide popularity. :

Henley. ENGLISH LYRICS. Selected and Edited by
W. E. HENLEY. Crown 8vo. Buckram. 6s.
Also 30 copies on hand-made paper Demy 8vo. £1, 15.
Also 15 copies on Japanese paper. Demy 8vo. £2, 25.

Few announcements will be more welcome to lovers of English verse than the one
that Mr. Henley is bringing together into one book the finest lyrics in our
language. Robust and original the book will certainly be, and it will be pro-
duced with the same care that made ‘ Lyra Heroica’ delightful to the hand and
eye.

“Q” THE GOLDEN POMP: A Procession of English Lyrics
from Surrey to Shirley, arranged by A. T. QUILLER CoucH. Crown
8v0. Buckram. 65.

Also 40 copies on hand-made paper. Demy 8vo. £1, 15.
Also 15 copies on Japanese paper. Demy 8v0. £2, 25.

Mr. Quiller Couch’s taste and sympathy mark him out as a born anthologist, and
out of the wealth of Elizabethan poetry he has made a book of great attraction.

Beeching. LYRA SACRA: An Anthology of Sacred Verse,
Edited by H. C. BrecHiInG, M.A. Crown 8v0. Buckram. 6s.
Also 25 copies on hand-made paper. 21s,

This book will appeal to a wide public, Few languages are richer in serious verse
than the English, and the Editor has had some difficulty in confining his material
within his limits.

Yeats. AN ANTHOLOGY OF IRISH VERSE. Edited by
W. B. VEaTs. Crown 8vo. 35. 6d,
Messrs. METHUEN’S LIST 3

Illustrated Books

Baring Gould. A BOOK OF FAIRY TALES retold by S.
Barinc GOULD. With numerous illustrations and initial letters by
ARTHUR J. GASKIN. Crown 8v0. 6s.

Also 75 copies on hand-made paper. Demy 8vo, £1, 15.
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Few living writers have been more loving students of fairy and folk lore than Mr.
Baring Gould, who in this book returns to the field in which he won his spurs.
This volume consists of the old stories which have been dear to generations of
children, and they are fully illustrated by Mr. Gaskin, whose exquisite designs
for Andersen’s Tales won him last year an enviable reputation.

Baring Gould. A BOOK OF NURSERY SONGS AND
RHYMES. Edited by S. BARING GOULD, and illustrated by the
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Also 50 copies on hand-made paper. 4/0. 21s.

A collection of old nursery songs and rhymes, including a number which are little
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Beeching. A BOOK OF CHRISTMAS VERSE. Edited
by H. C. Beecuinc, M.A., and Illustrated by WALTER CRANE,
Crow 8v0. 6s.

Also 75 copies on hand-made paper. Demy 8vo. £1, Is.
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A collection of the best verse inspired by the birth of Christ from the Middle Ages
to the present day. Mr. Walter Crane has designed some beautiful illustrations,
A distinction of the book is the large number of poems it contains by modern
authors, a few of which are here printed for the first time.

Jane Barlow. THE BATTLE OF THE FROGS AND MICE,
translated by JANE BaRLow, Author of ‘Irish Idylls,’ and pictured
by F. D. BEprorD. Small 4to. 6s. net.

Also 50 copies on hand-made paper. 4fo, 21s. met.

This is a new version of a famous old fable. Miss Barlow, whose brilliant volume
of ‘Irish Idylls’ has gained her a wide reputation, has told the story in spirited
flowing verse, and Mr. Bedford’s numerous illustrations and ornaments are as
spirited as the verse they picture. The book will be one of the most beautiful
and original books possible.
4 MEssrs, METHUEN’sS List

Devotional Books
With full-page Illustrations.

THE IMITATION OF CHRIST. By THomas A KeEmpis,
With an Introduction by ARCHDEACON FARRAR, _ Illustrated by
C. M. GERE, Frag. 8v0. 55.
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THE CHRISTIAN YEAR. By JOHN KEBLE. With an Intro-
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BELL. rap. 8v0. 535.

Also 50 copies on hand-made paper. 155."
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General Literature

Gibbon, THE DECLINE AND FALL OF THE ROMAN
EMPIRE. By Epwarp Gipson. A New Edition, edited with
Notes and Appendices and Maps by J. B, Bury, M.A., Fellow of
Trinity College, Dublin. JZ seven volumes. Crown 8vo.

The time seems to have arrived for a new edition of Gibbon’s great work—furnished
with such notes and appendices as may bring it up to the standard of recent his-
torical research. Edited by a scholar who has made this period his special study,
and issued in a convenient form and at a moderate price, this edition should fill
an obvious void.

Flinders Petrie. A HISTORY OF EGYPT, From THE
EaRLIEST TIMES TO THE Hyxsos. By W. M. FLINDERS PETRIE,
D.C.L., Professor of Egyptology at University College. Fully Zllus-
trated, Crown 8vo. 6s.

This volume is the first of an illustrated History of Egypt in six volumes, intended
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The volumes will cover the following periods ;—

I. Prehistoric to Hyksos times. By Prof. Flinders Petrie. II, xviuth to xxth
Dynasties. III. xxist to xxxth Dynasties. IV. The Ptolemaic Rule.
V. The Roman Rule. VI. The Muhammedan Rule.

The volumes will be issued separately. The first will’ be ready in the autumn, the

Muhammedan volume early next year, and others at intervals of half a year.
MEssrs. METHUEN’S LIST 5

Flinders Petrie. EGYPTIAN DECORATIVE ART. By
W. M. FLINDERS PETRIE, D.C.L. With 120 Illustrations, Crown

8v0. 35. 6d.
A book which deals with a subject which has never yet been seriously treated.

Flinders Petrie. EGYPTIAN TALES. Edited by W. M.
FLINDERS PETRIE, [Illustrated by TRISTRAM ELLIS. Crown 8vo.
35. 6d.
A selection of the ancient tales of Egypt, edited from original sources, and of great
importance as illustrating the life and society of ancient Egypt.
Southey. ENGLISH SEAMEN (Howard, Clifford, Hawkins,
Drake, Cavendish). By Rosrert SourHey. Edited, with an
Introduction, by DAVID Hannay. Crown 8v0. 6s.

This is a reprint of some excellent biographies of Elizabethan seamen, written by
Southey and never republished. They are practically unknown, and they de-
serve, and will probably obtain, a wide popularity.

Waldstein, JOHN RUSKIN: a Study. By CHARLES WALD-
STEIN, M.A., Fellow of King’s College, Cambridge. With a Photo-
gravure Portrait after Professor HERKOMER. ost 8v0. 55.

Also 25 copies on Japanese paper. Demy 8vo. 215.

This is a frank and fair appreciation of Mr. Ruskin’s work and influence—literary
and social—by an able critic, who has enough admiration to make him sym-
pathetic, and enough discernment to make him impartial.

Henley and Whibley. A BOOK OF ENGLISH PROSE,
Collected by W. E. HENLEY and CHARLES WHIBLEY, Cr. 8v0. 65.
Also 40 copies on Dutch paper, 21s. et.

Also 15 copies on Japanese paper. 425. met.

Acompanion book to Mr. Henley’s well-known ‘Lyra Heroica.’ It is believed that
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Robbins THE EARLY LIFE OF WILLIAM EWART
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to his school and college days.

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FRANCE. ByS. Barinc GouLp. With numerous Illustrations by

F. D. BEDFoRD, S. HuTTON, etc. 2 vols. Demy 8vo. 325.

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extends to the south of Limousin in the Department of Aveyron, Lot, etc., a
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full of prehistoric and historic interest, relics of cave-dwellers, of medizval
robbers, and of the English domination and the Hundred Years’ War. The
book is lavishly illustrated.
6 Messrs. METHUEN’S LIST

Baring Gould. A GARLAND OF COUNTRY SONG:
English Folk Songs with their traditional melodies. Collected and
arranged by S. BARING GouLD and H. FLEETWOOD SHEPPARD.
Royal 8vo. 6s.

In collecting West of England airs for ‘Songs of the West,’ the editors came across
a number of songs and airs of considerable merit, which were known throughout
England and could not justly be regarded as belonging to Devon and Cornwall.
Some fifty of these are now given to the world.

Oliphant. THE FRENCH RIVIERA. By Mrs. OLIPHANT
and F, R. OLIPHANT. With Illustrations and Maps. Crown 8vo.
6s.

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spots, are generally left unvisited by English travellers, such as the Maures
Mountains and the St. Tropez district, the country lying between Cannes, Grasse
and the Var, and the magnificent valleys behind Nice. There will be several
original illustrations.

George. BRITISH BATTLES. By H. B. GrorcE, M.A,,
Fellow of New College, Oxford. With numerous Plans. Crowz
8v0. 65.

This book, by a well-known authority on military history, will be an important
contribution to the literature of the subject. All the great battles of English
history are fully described, connecting chapters carefully treat of the changes
wrought by new discoveries and developments, and the healthy spirit of patriotism
is nowhere absent from the pages.

Shedlock. THE PIANOFORTE SONATA: Its Origin and
Development. By J.S. SHEDLOCK. Crown 8v0. 55.

This is a practical and not unduly technical account of the Sonata treated histori-
cally. It contains several novel features, and an account of various works little
known to the English public.

Jenks, ENGLISH LOCAL GOVERNMENT. By E JENKs,
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8v0. 25. 6d.

A short account of Local Government, historical and explanatory, which will appear
very opportunely.
Messrs. METHUEN’S List _ 7

Dixon. A PRIMER OF TENNYSON. By W. M. DIxon,
M.A., Professor of English Literature at Mason College. Fvap, 8v0.
Is. 6d,

This book consists of (1) a succinct but complete biography of Lord Tennyson;
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the more important poems separately ; (3) a concise criticism of Tennyson in his
various aspects as lyrist, dramatist, and representative poet of his day; (4) a
bibliography. Such a complete book on such a subject, and at such a moderate
price, should find a host of readers,

Oscar Browning. THE AGE OF THE CONDOTTIERI: A
Short History of Italy from 1409 to 1530. By Oscar BROWNING,
M.A., Fellow of King’s College, Cambridge. Crown 8v0. 55.

This book is a continuation of Mr. Browning’s ‘Guelphs and Ghibellines,’ and the
two works form a complete account of Italian history from 1250 to 1530.

Layard. RELIGION IN BOYHOOD. Notes on the Reli-
gious Training of Boys. With a Preface by J. R. ILLINGWORTH.
By E. B. Lavarp, M.A. 180. Is,

Hutton. THE VACCINATION QUESTION. A Letter to
the Right Hon. H. H, AsquitH, M.P, By A. W. Hurron,
M.A. Crown 8v0. 15.

Leaders of Religion
NEW VOLUMES
Crown 8v0. 35. 6d.

LANCELOT ANDREWES, Bishop of Winchester. By R. L.
OrTLey, Principal of Pusey House, Oxford, and Fellow of Mag-
dalen. With Portrait.

St. AUGUSTINE of Canterbury. By E. L. Cutts, D.D.
With a Portrait.

THOMAS CHALMERS. By Mrs. OLIPHANT. With a
Portrait. Second Edition.

JOHN KEBLE. By WALTER LOCK, Sub-Warden of Keble
College. With a Portrait. Seventh Edition.
8 MeEssRS. METHUEN’S LIST

English Classics

Edited by W. E. HENLEY.

Messrs. Methuen propose to publish, under this title, a series of the masterpieces of
the English tongue.

The ordinary ‘cheap edition’ appears to have served its purpose: the public has
found out the artist-printer, and is now ready for something better fashioned.
This, then, is the moment for the issue of such a series as, while well within the
reach of the average buyer, shall be at once an ornament to the shelf of him that
owns, and a delight to the eye of him that reads.

The series, of which Mr. William Ernest Henley is the general editor, will confine
itself to no single period or department of literature. Poetry, fiction, drama,
biography, autobiography, letters, essays—in all these fields is the material of
many goodly volumes.

The books, which are designed and printed by Messrs. Constable, will be issued in
two editions—

(1) A small edition, on the finest Japanese vellum, limited in most
cases to 75 copies, demy 8vo, 21s. a volume nett ;
(2) The popular edition on laid paper, crown 8vo, buckram, 3s. 6d. a
volume.
The first six numbers are :—

THE LIFE AND OPINIONS OF TRISTRAM SHANDY.
By LAWRENCE STERNE. With an Introduction by CHARLES
WHIBLEY, and a Portrait. 2 vols.

THE WORKS OF WILLIAM CONGREVE. With an Intro-
duction by G. S. STREET, and a Portrait. 2 vols.

THE LIVES OF DONNE, WOTTON, HOOKER, HERBERT,
AND SANDERSON. By Izaak WaLTon. With an Introduction
by VERNON BLACKBURN, and a Portrait.

THE ADVENTURES OF HADJI BABA OF ISPAHAN.
By James Morigr. With an Introduction by E. S. Browne, M.A.

THE POEMS OF ROBERT BURNS. | With an Introduction
by W. E. HENLEY, and a Portrait. 2 vols.

THE LIVES OF THE ENGLISH POETS. By SAMUEL
Jounson, LL.D. With an Introduction by JAMEs HEPBURN
MILLAR, and a Portrait. 3 vols.

Classical Translations

NEW VOLUMES
Crown 8v0. Finely printed and bound in blue buckram.
LUCIAN—Six Dialogues (Nigrinus, Icaro-Menippus, The Cock,
The Ship, The Parasite, The Lover of Falsehood), Translated by S.
T. Inwin, M.A., Assistant Master at Clifton; late Scholar of Exeter
College, Oxford. 35. 6d.
MEssrs. METHUEN’s List 9

SOPHOCLES—Electra and Ajax. Translated by E. D. A.
MorsHEaD, M.A., late Scholar of New College, Oxford; Assistant
Master at Winchester. 25. 6d.

TACITUS—Agricola and Germania. Translated by R. B.
‘TOWNSHEND, late Scholar of Trinity College, Cambridge. 2s. 6d.

CICERO—Select Orations (Pro Milone, Pro Murena, Philippic 11,
In Catilinam). Translated by H. E. D. BLAKISTON, M.A., Fellow
and Tutor of Trinity College, Oxford. 55.

University Extension Series
NEW VOLUMES. Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d.

THE EARTH. An Introduction to Physiography. By Evan
SMALL, M.A. J//ustrated,

INSECT LIFE. By F. W. THEOBALD, M.A. JUustrated.

Social Questions of To-day

NEW VOLUME. Crown 8v0. 2s. 6d.

WOMEN’S WORK. By Lapy DILKE, Miss BULLEY, and
Miss WHITLEY.

Cheaper Editions

Baring Gould, THE TRAGEDY OF THE CAESARS: The
Emperors of the Julian and Claudian Lines. With numerous Illus-
trations from Busts, Gems, Cameos, etc. By S. BARING GOULD,
Author of ‘Mehalah,’ etc. Zhird Edition. Royal 8v0. 155.

‘A most splendid and fascinating book on a subject of undying interest. The great
feature of the book is the use the author has made of the existing portraits of the
Caesars, and the admirable critical subtlety he has exhibited in dealing with this
line of research. It is brilliantly written, ana-the illustrations are supplied on a
scale of profuse magnificence.’—Daily Chronicle.

Clark Russell. THE LIFE OF ADMIRAL LORD COL-
LINGWOOD. By W. Ciark Russet, Author of ‘The Wreck
of the Grosvenor.’ With Illustrations by F. BRANGWYN. Second
Edition, 8v0. 6s.

4 most excellent and wholesome book, which we should like to see in the hands of

every boy in the country.’—S¢. James's Gasetle.
A2
10 MESSRS. METHUEN’S LIST

Fiction
Baring Gould. KITTY ALONE. By S. Barinc GovuLp,
Author of ‘Mehalah,’ ‘ Cheap Jack Zita,’ ete. 3 vols. Crown 8v0.

A romance of Devon life.

Norris. MATTHEW AUSTIN. By W. E. Norris, Author of
‘Mdle. de Mersai,’ etc. 3 vols. Crown Svo.
A story of English social life by the well-known author of ‘The Rogue.’

Parker, THE TRAIL OF THE SWORD. By GILBERT
PaRKER, Author of ‘ Pierre and his People,’ etc. 2 vols. Crowz 8vo.
A historical romance dealing with a stirring period in the history of Canada,

Anthony Hope. THE GOD IN THE CAR. By ANTHONY
Hore, Author of ‘A Change of Air,’ etc. 2 vols. Crown 8vo,
A story of modern society by the clever author of ‘ The Prisoner of Zenda.’

Mrs. Watson. THIS MAN’S DOMINION. By the Author
of ‘A High Little World.’ 2 vols. Crown 8v0.

A story of the conflict between love and religious scruple.

Conan Doyle. ROUND THE RED LAMP. By A. Conan
Doves, Author of ‘The White Company,’ ‘ The Adventures of Sher-
lock Holmes,’ etc. Crown 8vo. 6s.

This volume, by the well-known author of ‘The Refugees,’ contains the experiences
of a general practitioner, round whose ‘Red Lamp’ cluster many dramas—some
sordid, some terrible. The author makes an attempt to draw a few phases of life
from the point of view of the man who lives and works behind the lamp.

Barr. IN THE MIDST OF ALARMS. By RoBERT Barr,
Author of ‘From Whose Bourne,’ etc. Crow 8vo. 6s.
A story of journalism and Fenians, told with much vigour and humour.

Benson. SUBJECT TO VANITY. By MarGARET BENSON.
With numerous Illustrations. Crow 8vo, 35. 6a.
A volume of humorous and sympathetic sketches of animal life and home pets.

X. L. AUT DIABOLUS AUT NIHIL, and Other Stories,
By X. L. Crown 8v0. 35. 6d.

A collection of stories of much weird power. The title story appeared some years
ago in ‘Blackwood’s Magazine,’ and excited considerable: attention. ~The
‘Spectator’ spoke of it as ‘distinctly original, and in the highest degree imagina-
tive. The conception, if self-generated, is almost as lofty as Milton’s.’ i

Morrison. LIZERUNT, and other East End Idylls. By
ARTHUR Morrison. Crown 8vo. 6s.

A volume of sketches of East End life, some of which have appeared in the ‘ National

Observer,’ and have been much praised for their truth and strength and pathos,

O'Grady. THE COMING OF CURCULAIN. By STANDISH
O’GRaADY, Author of ‘Finn and his Companions,’ etc. Illustrated
by Murray SMITH. Crown 8vo0. 35, 6d.

The story of the boyhood of one of the legendary heroes of Ireland.
MESSRS. METHUEN’S LIST Ir

New Editions

BE. F. Benson. THE RUBICON. By E. F. BENson, Author
of ‘Dodo.’ Fourth Edition. Crown 8v0. 6s.

Mr. Benson's second novel has been, in its two volume form, almost as great a
success as his first. The ‘Birmingham Post’ says it is ‘qed! written, stimulat-
ing, unconventional, and, in a word, characteristic’: the ‘National Observer’
congratulates Mr. Benson upon ‘an exceptional achievement,’ and calls the
book ‘ @ notable advance on his previous work.’

Stanley Weyman. UNDER THE RED ROBE, By STANLEY
Weyman, Author of ‘A Gentleman of France.’ With Twelve Illus-
trations by R. Caton Woodville. Fourth Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.

A cheaper edition of a book which won instant popularity. No unfavourable review
occurred, and most critics spoke in terms of enthusiastic admiration. The ‘West-
minster Gazette’ called it ‘a book of which we have read every word for the sheer
pleasure of reading, and which we put down with a pang that we cannot Sorget
tt all and start again.’ The ‘Daily Chronicle’ said that ‘ every one who reads
books at all must read this thrilling romance, from the first page of which to the
last the breathless reader is haled along.’ Italso called the book ‘an inspiration
of manliness and courage.’ The ‘Globe’ called it ‘a delightful tale of chivalry
and adventure, vivid and dramatic, with a wholesome modesty and reverence
Jor the highest.

Baring Gould. THE QUEEN OF LOVE. By S. Barinc
Goutp, Author of ‘Cheap Jack Zita,’ ete, Second Edition.
Crown 8v0, 6s.

The scenery is admirable and the dramatic incidents most striking.’—Glasgow
Herald,
‘Strong, interesting, and clever.'—Westininster Gazette.
‘You cannot put it down till you have finished it.’—Pznch.
Can be heartily recommended to all who care for cleanly, energetic, and interesting
fiction.’—Sxssex Daily News.

Mrs. Oliphant. THE PRODIGALS. By Mrs. OLIPHANT,
Second Edition. Crown 8vo. 35. 6d.

Richard Pryce. WINIFRED MOUNT. By RICHARD PRYCE,
Second Edition. Crown 8v0. 35. 6a.

The ‘Sussex Daily News’ called this book ‘a delightful story,' and said that the
writing was ‘uniformly bright and graceful.’ The ‘ Daily Telegraph’ said that the
author was a ‘deft and elegant story-teller,' and that the book was ‘an extremely
clever story, utterly untainted by pessimism or vulgarity.’

Constance Smith A CUMBERER OF THE GROUND.
By CoNSTANCE SMITH, Author of ‘The Repentance of Paul Went-
worth,’ etc. Mew Edition. Crown 8v0. 35. 6d.
12 MESSRS. METHUEN’S LIST

School Books

A VOCABULARY OF LATIN IDIOMS AND PHRASES.
By A. M. M. StepmMan, M.A. 180. Is.

STEPS TO GREEK. By A. M. M. STEDMAN, M.A. 180.
Is. 6d.

A SHORTER GREEK PRIMER OF ACCIDENCE AND
SYNTAX. By A. M. M. STEDMAN, M.A. Crown 8v0, 15. 6d.

SELECTIONS FROM THE ODYSSEY. With Introduction
and Notes. By E. D. Stone, M.A., late Assistant Master at Eton.
Feap. 8v0. 25.

THE ELEMENTS OF ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM.
With numerous Illustrations. By R. G. STEEL, M.A., Head Master
of the Technical Schools, Northampton. Crown 8vo. 4s. 6d.

THE ENGLISH CITIZEN: His RIGHTS AND DUTIES. By
H. E. MALDEN, M.A. Crown 8vo. 15. 6d,

A simple account of the privileges and duties of the English citizen.

INDEX POETARUM LATINORUM. By E. F, BENECKE,
M.A. Crown 8v0. 45. 6d.
A concordance to Latin Lyric Poetry.

Commercial Series

A PRIMER OF BUSINESS. By S. Jackson, M.A. Crows
8vo. Is. 6d.

COMMERCIAL ARITHMETIC, By F, G. Taylor. Crown -
8v0. 158. 6d,
MEssrs. METHUEN’S LIST 13

jPev and Becent Books
Poetry

Rudyard Kipling BARRACK-ROOM BALLADS; And
Other Verses. By Rupyarp KIPLING, Seventh Edition. Crown
8v0. 6s,

A Special Presentation Edition, bound in white buckram, with
extra gilt ornament. 75. 6d.

‘Mr. Kipling’s verse is strong, vivid, full of character. .. . Unmistakable genius
rings in every line.’—Zizes.

‘The disreputable lingo of Cockayne is henceforth justified before the world; fora
man of genius has taken it in hand, and has shown, beyond all cavilling, that in
its way it also is a medium for literature. You are grateful, and you say to
yourself, half in envy and half in admiration: ‘‘ Here is a Jook ; here, or one isa
Dutchman, is one of the books of the year.” ’—Wational Observer.

‘“ Barrack-Room Ballads” contains some of the best work that Mr. Kipling has
ever done, which is saying a good deal. ‘‘ Fuzzy-Wuzzy,” ‘Gunga Din,” and
“Tommy,” are, in our opinion, altogether superior to anything of the kind that
English literature has hitherto produced.’—A theneunt.

‘These ballads are as wonderful in their descriptive power as they are vigorous in
their dramatic force. There are few ballads in the English language more
stirring than ‘‘The Ballad of East and West,” worthy to stand by the Border
ballads of Scott.’—Spectator.

‘The ballads teem with imagination, they palpitate with emotion. We read them
with laughter and tears; the metres throb in our pulses, the cunningly ordered
words tingle with life; and if this be not poetry, what is?’—Pall Mall Gazette.

Henley. LYRA HEROICA: An Anthology selected from the
best English Verse of the 16th, 17th, 18th, and r9th Centuries. By
WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY, Author of ‘A Book of Verse,’ ‘ Views
and Reviews,’ etc. Crown 8v0. Stamped gilt buckram, gilt top,
edges uncut, 65.

‘Mr. Henley has brought to the task of selection an instinct alike for poetry and for
chivalry which seems to us quite wonderfully, and even unerringly, right,’—
Guardian

Tomson, A SUMMER NIGHT, AND OTHER POEMS, By
GraHAM R. Tomson, With Frontispiece by A. ToMson. Fvap.
8vo. 35. 6a.

An edition on hand-made paper, limited to 50 copies, 105. 6a. net.

‘Mrs. Tomson holds perhaps the very highest rank among poetesses of English birth.
This selection will help her reputation,’—Black and White.
14 MEssRS. METHUEN’S LIST

Ibsen. BRAND. A Drama by HENRIK IBSEN. Translated by
WILLIAM WILSON. Crown 8v0. Second Edition, 35. 6d.

‘The greatest world-poem of the nineteenth century next to “Faust.” Brand"
will have an astonishing interest for Englishmen. It is in the same set with
‘* Agamemnon,” with “ Lear,” with the literature that we now instinctively regard
as high and holy.’—Daily Chronicle.

“Q.” GREEN BAYS: Verses and Parodies, By “ Q.,” Author
of ‘Dead Man’s Rock’ etc. Second Edition. cap. 8v0. 35. 6d.

‘The verses display a rare and versatile gift of parody, great command of metre, and
a very pretty turn of humour.’—Zimes.

“A.G.” VERSES TO ORDER, By “A. G.” Cy. 8v0. 25. 6d.
net.

A small volume of verse by a writer whose initials are well known to Oxford men.
‘A capital specimen of light academic poetry. These verses are very bright and
engaging, easy and sufficiently witty.’—S¢z. James's Gazette.

Hosken, VERSES BY THE WAY. By J. D. Hosken,
Crown 8v0. 55.
A small edition on hand-made paper. Price 125. 6d. net,
A Volume of Lyrics and Sonnets by J. D. Hosken, the Postman Poet. Q, the

Author of ‘The Splendid Spur,’ writes a critical and biographical intro-
duction, =

Gale. CRICKET SONGS. By NorMAN GALE. Crown 8vo.
Linen, 258, 6a.
Also a limited edition on hand-made paper. Demy 8v0. 105. 6a.
net.

‘They are wrung out of the excitement of the moment, and palpitate with the spirit
of the game,’—Szar.
‘As healthy as they are spirited, and ought to have a great success.'—Témes,

‘Simple, manly, and humorous. Every cricketer should buy the book.’—Westaninster
Gazette.

* Cricket has never known such a singer.’—Cricket.

Langbridge. BALLADS OF THE BRAVE: Poems of Chivalry, :
Enterprise, Courage, and Constancy, from the Earliest Times to the
Present Day. Edited, with Notes, by Rev. F. LANGBRIDGE,
Crown 800. Buckram 3s. 6d. School Edition, 25, 6d,

‘A very happy conception happily carried out. ‘These “Ballads of the Brave” are
intended to suit the real tastes of boys, and will suit the taste of the great majority.’
—Spectator. ‘ The book is full of splendid things.'—Wor/d.
MEssrs, METHUEN’S LIST 15

General Literature

Collingwood. JOHN RUSKIN: His Life and Work. By
W. G. CoLtincwoop, M.A., late Scholar of University College,
Oxford, Author of the ‘Art Teaching of John Ruskin,’ Editor of
Mr. Ruskin’s Poems. 2 vols. 8v0. 325. Second Edition.

This important work is written by Mr. Collingwood, who has been for some years
Mr. Ruskin’s private secretary, and who has had unique advantages in obtaining
materials for this book from Mr. Ruskin himself and from his friends. It contains
alarge amount of new matter, and of letters which have never been published,
and is, in fact, a full and authoritative biography of Mr. Ruskin. The book
contains numerous portraits of Mr. Ruskin, including a coloured one from a
water-colour portrait by himself, and also 13 sketches, never before published, by
Mr. Ruskin and Mr. Arthur Severn. A bibliography is added.

“No more magnificent volumes have been published for a long time. . . .’-- Times.

‘This most lovingly written and most profoundly interesting book.’—Daily News.

‘It is long since we have had a biography with such varied delights of substance
and of form. Such a book is a pleasure for the day, and a joy for ever.’—Daily
Chronicle.

‘Mr. Ruskin could not well have been more fortunate in his biographer.’— Globe.

‘A noble monument of a noble subject. One of the most beautiful books about one
of the noblest lives of our century.’—Glasgow Herald.

Gladstone. THE SPEECHES AND PUBLIC ADDRESSES
OF THE RT. HON. W. E, GLADSTONE, M.P. With Notes
and Introductions. Edited by A. W. Hutton, M.A. (Librarian of
the Gladstone Library), and H. J. Conzn, M.A, With Portraits,
8vo. Vols. 1X. and X. 12s. 6d. each.

Clark Russell. THE LIFE OF ADMIRAL LORD COL-
LINGWOOD. By W. CrLark Russet, Author of ‘The Wreck
of the Grosvenor.’ With Illustrations by F. BRANGWYN. Second
Edition. Crown 8vo. 65.

A really good book.'—Saturday Review.
*A most excellent and wholesome book, which we should like to see in the hands of
every boy in the country.’—S#. James's Gazette.

Clark. THE COLLEGES OF OXFORD: Their History and
their Traditions. By Members of the University. Edited by A.
Ciark, M.A., Fellow and Tutor of Lincoln College. 8v0. 125, 6d.

Whether the reader approaches the book as a patriotic member of a college, as an
antiquary, or as a student of the organic growth of college foundation, it will amply
reward his attention.’—77es.

‘A delightful book, learned and lively.’—Academy.
‘A work which will certainly be appealed to for many years as the standard book on
the Colleges of Oxford.'—A theneum.
16 MESSRS. METHUEN’S LIST

Wells. OXFORD AND OXFORD LIFE. By Members of
the University. Edited by J. WELus, M.A., Fellow and Tutor of
Wadham College. Crown 8vo. 35. 6d.

This work contains an account of life at Oxford—intellectual, social, and religious—
a careful estimate of necessary expenses, a review of recent changes, a statement
of the present position of the University, and chapters on Women’s Education,
aids to study, and University Extension.

‘We congratulate Mr. Wells on the production of a readable and intelligent account
of Oxford as it is at the present time, written by persons who are, with hardly an
exception, possessed of a close acquaintance with the system and life of the
University.’—A theneum,

Perrens. THE HISTORY OF FLORENCE FROM THE
TIME OF THE MEDICIS TO THE FALL OF THE
REPUBLIC. By F. T. Prerrens. Translated by HANNAH
Lyncu. Ln Three Volumes. Vol. I, 8vo. 125. 6d.

This is a translation from the French of the best history of Florence in existence.
This volume covers a period of profound interest—political and literary—and
is written with great vivacity.

‘This is a standard book by an honest and intelligent historian, who has deserved
well of his countrymen, and of all who are interested in Italian history.’—JZaa-
chester Guardian.

Browning, GUELPHS AND GHIBELLINES: A Short History
of Medieval Italy, A.D. 1250-1409. By OscaR BROWNING, Fellow .
and Tutor of King’s College, Cambridge. Second Edition. Crown
8v0. 55.

‘A very able book.’—Westminster Gazette.
‘A vivid picture of mediaeval Italy.'—Standard.

O'Grady. THE STORY OF IRELAND. By SranpisH

O’GRapy, Author of ‘ Finn and his Companions.’ Cv. 8v0. 25. 6d.
‘Novel and very fascinating history. Wonderfully alluring.'—Cork Examiner.
‘Most delightful, most stimulating. Its racy humour, its original imaginings, its

perfectly unique history, make it one of the freshest, breeziest volumes.’—

Methodist Times.

‘A survey at once graphic, acute, and quaintly written.’—Zimes.

Dixon, ENGLISH POETRY FROM BLAKE TO BROWN-

ING. By W. M. Dixon, M.A, Crown 8v0. 35. 6d.
A Popular Account of the Poetry of the Century.
‘Scholarly in conception, and full of sound and suggestive criticism.’— Times.

‘The book is remarkable for freshness of thought expressed in graceful language.’—
Manchester Examiner.

Bowden, THE EXAMPLE OF BUDDHA: Being Quota-
tions from Buddhist Literature for each Day in the Year. Compiled
by E. M. BowpEn. With Preface by Sir EDwIn ARNOLD. Third
Edition, 16mo. 25. 6d,
MEssrs. METHUEN’S LIST 17

Flinders Petrie. TELL EL AMARNA. By W. M. FLINDERS
PETRIE, D.C.L. With chapters by Professor A. H. Sayce, D.D.;
F, Lu. Grirritu, F.S.A.; and F. C. J, SpurreLt, F.G.S, With
numerous coloured illustrations. Joyal 4to. 2058. net.

Massee. A MONOGRAPH OF THE MYXOGASTRES., By
GEoRGE MassEE. With 12 Coloured Plates, Royal 8vo, 18s. net.

*A work much in advance of any book in the language treating of this group of
organisms. It is indispensable to every student of the Mxyogastres, ‘The
coloured plates deserve high praise for their accuracy and execution.’—Watuve.

Bushill, PROFIT SHARING AND THE LABOUR QUES-
TION. By T. W. BusuiL1, a Profit Sharing Employer. With an
Introduction by SEDLEY TaYLor, Author of ‘ Profit Sharing between
Capital and Labour.’ Crown 8v0. 25. 6d.

John Beever, PRACTICAL FLY-FISHING, Founded on
Nature, by JoHN BEEVER, late of the Thwaite House, Coniston. A
New Edition, with a Memoir of the Author by W. G. CoLLINcwoop,
M.A. Also additional Notes and a chapter on Char-Fishing, by A.
and A. R. SEVERN. With a specially designed title-page. Crown
8v0. 35. 6d.

A little book on Fly-Fishing by an old friend of Mr. Ruskin. It has been out of
print for some time, and being still much in request, is now issued with a Memoir
of the Author by W. G. Collingwood.

Theology

Driver. SERMONS ON SUBJECTS CONNECTED WITH
THE OLD TESTAMENT. ByS., R. Driver, D.D., Canon of
Christ Church, Regius Professor of Hebrew in the University of

Oxford. Crownz 8vo. 6s.

*A welcome companion to the author’s famous § Introduction.” No man can read these
discourses without feeling that Dr. Driver is fully alive to the deeper teaching of
the Old Testament.’—Guardian.

Cheyne. FOUNDERS OF OLD TESTAMENT CRITICISM:
Biographical, Descriptive, and Critical Studies. By T. K. CHryne,
D.D., Oriel Professor of the Interpretation of Holy Scripture at

Oxford. Large crown 8v0, 75. 6d.

This important book is a historical sketch of O.T. Criticism in the form of biographi-
cal studies from the days of Eichhorn to those of Driver and Robertson Smith.
It is the only book of its kind in English.

‘The volume is one of great interest and value. It displays all the author's well-
known ability and learning, and its opportune publication has laid all students of
theology, and specially of Bible criticism, under weighty obligation.’—Scotsman.

A very learned and instructive work.’—TZimes.
18 MEssrs. METHUEN’S List

Prior. CAMBRIDGE SERMONS, Edited by C. H. Prior,
M.A., Fellow and Tutor of Pembroke College. Crown 8vo. 6s.

A volume of sermons preached before the University of Cambridge by various
preachers, including the Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishop Westcott.
‘A representative collection. Bishop Westcott’s is a noble sermon.’—Guardian.

* Full of thoughtfulness and dignity.’—Record,

Beeching, BRADFIELD SERMONS. Sermons by H. C.
BEECHING, M.A., Rector of Yattendon, Berks. With a Preface by
CANON ScoTT HOLLAND. Crown 8v0, 25. 62.

Seven sermons preached before the boys of Bradfield College.

James. CURIOSITIES OF CHRISTIAN HISTORY PRIOR
TO THE REFORMATION. By Croaxge Jamzs, Author of
Curiosities of Law and Lawyers.’ Crown 8vo. 75. 6d.

‘This volume contains a great deal of quaint and curious matter, affording some
‘particulars of the interesting persons, episodes, and events from the Christian’s
point of view during the first fourteen centuries.” Wherever we dip into his pages
we find something worth dipping into.’—John Budd.

Kaufmann. CHARLES KINGSLEY. By M. Kaurmann,
M.A. Crown 8vo. Buchram. 55.

A biography of Kingsley, especially dealing with his achievements in social reform.
‘The author has certainly gone about his work with conscientiousness and industry.’—
Sheffield Daily Telegraplre

Leaders of Religion

Edited by H. C. BEECHING, M.A, With Portraits, crown 8vo.

A series of short biographies of the most pro- s
minent leaders of religious life and thought of 2 6 & 6
all ages and countries. 3

The following are ready— 2s. 6d.
CARDINAL NEWMAN. ByR.H. HuTTon. Second Edition.

‘Few who read this book will fail to be struck by the wonderful insight it displays
into the nature of the Cardinal’s genius and the spirit of his life.,—WuiLrrip
Ward, in the Tadlet.

‘ Full of knowledge, excellent in method, and intelligent in criticism, We regard it
as wholly admirable.’—Academy.

JOHN WESLEY. By J. H. OvERToN, M.A.

‘It is well done: the story is clearly told, proportion is duly observed, and there is
no lack either of discrimination or of sympathy.’—Manchester Guardian.
Messrs. METHUEN’S LIST 19

BISHOP WILBERFORCE. By G, W. DANIEL, M.A.
CARDINAL MANNING. By A. W. Hutton, M.A.
CHARLES SIMEON. By H.C. G. MouLs, M.A.

3s. 6d.
JOHN KEBLE. By WALTER Lock, M.A, Seventh Edition.
THOMAS CHALMERS, By Mrs. OLIPHANT. Second Edition,

Other volumes will be announced in due course.

Works by S, Baring Gould

OLD COUNTRY LIFE. With Sixty-seven Illustrations by
W. PaRKINSON, F. D. BEDForD, and F. Masry. Large Crown
8v0, cloth super extra, top edge gilt, 10s. 6d, Fourth and Cheaper
Edition. 65,

's*Old Country Life,” as healthy wholesome reading, full of breezy life and move-
ment, full of quaint stories vigorously told, will not be excelled by any book to be
published throughout the year. Sound, hearty, and English to the core.’"— Word,

HISTORIC ODDITIES AND STRANGE EVENTS. Third
Lidition. Crown 8vo. 65.

‘ A’collection of exciting and entertaining chapters. The whole volume is delightful
reading.’—Times.

FREAKS OF FANATICISM. Third Edttion. Crown 8vo. 6s.

‘Mr. Baring Gould has a keen eye for colour and effect, and the subjects he has
chosen give ample scope to his descriptive and analytic faculties. A perfectly
fascinating book.'—Scottish Leader.

SONGS OF THE WEST: Traditional Ballads and Songs of
the West of England, with their Traditional Melodies. Collected
by S. Barinc GouLp, M.A., and H. FLEETWooD SHEPPARD,
M.A. Arranged for Voice and Piano. In 4 Parts (containing 25
Songs each), Parts 1, JZ, 171, 35. each. Part IV., 5s. In one
Vol., French morocco, 155.

‘A rich and varied collection of humour, pathos, grace, and poetic fancy.’—Saturday
Review.

YORKSHIRE ODDITIES AND STRANGE EVENTS.
fourth Edition. Crown 8vo. 65.
20 MEssrs. METHUEN’S LIST

STRANGE SURVIVALS AND SUPERSTITIONS. With
Illustrations. By S. BARING GOULD. Crown 8vo. Second Edition.
65.
A book on such subjects as Foundations, Gables, Holes, Gallows, Raising the Hat, Old
Ballads, etc. etc. It traces in a most interesting manner their origin and history.

*We have read Mr. Baring Gould’s book from beginning to end. _ Itis full of quaint
and various information, and there is not a dull page in it.’—Notes and Queries.

THE TRAGEDY OF THE CAESARS: The
Emperors of the Julian and Claudian Lines. With numerous Illus-
trations from Busts, Gems, Cameos, etc. By S. BARING GOULD,
Author of ‘Mehalah,’ ete. Third Edition. Royal 8vo. 155.

* A most splendid and fascinating book on a subject of undying interest. The great
feature of the book is the use the author has made of the existing portraits of the
Caesars, and the admirable critical subtlety he has exhibited in dealing with this
line of research. It is brilliantly written, and the illustrations are supplied on a
scale of profuse magnificence.’—Dazily Chronicle.

‘ The volumes will in no sense disappoint the general reader. Indeed, in their way,
there is nothing in any sense so good in English. . .. Mr. Baring Gould has
presented his narrative in such away as not to make one dull page.'—A cheneum.

MR. BARING GOULD'S NOVELS

‘To say that a book is by the author of ‘‘ Mehalah” is to imply that it contains a
story cast on strong lines, containing dramatic possibilities, vivid and sympathetic
descriptions of Nature, and a wealth of ingenious imagery.’—Speaker.

‘That whatever Mr. Baring Gould writes is well worth reading, is a conclusion that
may be very generally accepted. His views of life are fresh and vigorous, his
language pointed and characteristic, the incidents of which he makes use are
striking and original, his characters are life-like, and though somewhat excep-
tional people, are drawn and coloured with artistic force. Add to this that his
descriptions of scenes and scenery are painted with the loving eyes and skilled
hands of a master of his art, that he is always fresh and never dull, and under
such conditions it is no wonder that readers have gained confidence both in his
power of amusing and satisfying them, and that year by year his popularity
widens.’—Court Circular.

SIX SHILLINGS EACH
IN THE ROAR OF THE SEA: A Tale of the Cornish Coast.
MRS. CURGENVEN OF CURGENVEN.

CHEAP JACK ZITA.
THE QUEEN OF LOVE.

THREE SHILLINGS AND SIXPENCE EACH
ARMINELL: A Social Romance.
URITH: A Story of Dartmoor.

MARGERY OF QUETHER, and other Stories.
JACQUETTA, and other Stories.
MESSRS. METHUEN’s List 2r

Fiction
SIX SHILLING NOVELS
Corelli, BARABBAS: A DREAM OF THE WORLD'S

TRAGEDY. By Marte Corettut, Author of ‘A Romance of Two

Worlds,’ ‘Vendetta,’ etc. Eleventh Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.

Miss Corelli’s new romance has been received with much disapprobation by the
secular papers, and with warm welcome by the religious papers. By the former
she has been accused of blasphemy and bad taste; ‘a gory nightmare’; ‘a hideous
travesty’; ‘grotesque vulgarisation’; ‘unworthy of criticism’; ‘vulgar redun-
dancy’; ‘sickening details’—these are some of the secular flowers of speech,
On the other hand, the ‘Guardian’ praises ‘the dignity of its conceptions, the
reserve round the Central Figure, the fine imagery of the scene and circumstance,
so much that is elevating and devout’; the ‘Illustrated Church News’ styles the
book ‘reverent and artistic, broad based on the rock of our common nature, and
appealing to what is best in it’; the ‘Christian World’ says it is written ‘by one
who has more than conventional reverence, who has tried to tell the story that it
may be read again with open and attentive eyes’; the ‘Church of England
Pulpit’ welcomes ‘a book which teems with faith without any appearance of
irreverence.’

Benson, DODO: A DETAIL OF THE DAY. By E. F.

BENSON. Crown 8v0. Fourteenth Edition. 6s.

A story of society by a new writer, full of interest and power, which has attracted
by its brilliance universal attention. The best critics were cordial in their
praise. The ‘Guardian’ spoke of ‘Dodo’ as unusuadly clever and interesting 5
the ‘Spectator’ called it a delightfully witty sketch of society; the ‘Speaker’
said the dialogue was @ perpetual feast of epigram and paradox; the
“‘Athenzeum’ spoke of the author as @ writer of quite exceptional ability ;
the ‘Academy’ praised his amazing cleverness; the ‘World’ said the book was
Cay written; and half-a-dozen papers declared there was not a dull page
in the book..

Baring Gould. IN THE ROAR OF THE SEA: A Tale of
the Cornish Coast. By S. BaRInG GouLp. Mew Edition. 65.

Baring Gould. MRS. CURGENVEN OF CURGENVEN.
By S. Barina Goutp. Third Edition. 6s.

A story of Devon life. The ‘Graphic’ speaks of itas a novel of vigorous humour and
sustained power ; the ‘Sussex Daily News’ says that the swing of the narrative
ts splendid; and the ‘Speaker’ mentions its bright imaginative power.

Baring Gould. CHEAP JACK ZITA. By S. BariNc GouLp.
Third Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.

A Romance of the Ely Fen District in 181s, which the ‘ Westminster Gazette’ calls
‘a powerful drama of human passion’; and the ‘National Observer’ ‘a story
worthy the author.’ :

Baring Gould. THE QUEEN OF LOVE. By S. Barinc

GouLp. Second Edition. Crown 8vo. 6s.

The ‘Glasgow Herald’ says that ‘the scenery is admirable, and the dramatic inci-
dents are most striking.’ The ‘Westminster Gazette’ calls the book ‘strong,
interesting, and clever.’ ‘Punch’ says that ‘you cannot put it down until you
have finished it.’ ‘The Sussex Daily; News’ says that it ‘can be heartily recom:
mended to all who care for cleanly, energetic, and interesting fiction.’
22 MEssrs. METHUEN’S LIST

Norris. HIS GRACE. By W. E. Norris, Author of
© Mademoiselle de Mersac.’ Third Edition, Crown 8vo. 6s.

‘The characters are delineated by the author with his characteristic skill and
vivacity, and the story is told with that ease of manners and Thackerayean in-
sight which give strength of flavour to Mr. Norris’s novels No one can depict
the Englishwoman of the better classes with more subtlety.’—Glasgow Herald.

‘Mr. Norris has drawn a really fine character in the Duke of Hurstbourne, at once
unconventional and very true to the conventionalities of life, weak and strong in
a breath, capable of inane follies and heroic decisions, yet not so definitely por-
trayed as to relieve a reader of the necessity of study on his own behalf.’.—
Atheneum.

Parker. MRS. FALCHION. By GILBERT PARKER, Author of
Pierre and His People.’ MWew Edition. 6s.

Mr. Parker's second book has received a warm welcome. The ‘Athenaeum’ called
it @ splendid study of character; the ‘Pall Mall Gazette’ spoke of the writing as
but little behind anything that has been done by any writer of our time; the
“St. James's’ called it a very striking and admirable novel; and the ‘ West-
minster Gazette’ applied to it the epithet of distinguished.

Parker. PIERRE AND HIS PEOPLE. By GILBERT

PARKER. Crown 8vo. Buckram. 65.
‘Stories happily conceived and finely executed. There is strength and genius in Mr.
Parker's style.’ —Daily Telegraph.

Parker. THE TRANSLATION OF ASAVAGE. By GILBERT
Parker, Author of ‘Pierre and His People,’ ‘Mrs. Falchion,’ etc.
Crown 8v0. 55.

‘The plot is original and one difficult to work out; but Mr. Parker has done it with
great skill and delicacy. The reader who is not interested in this original, fresh,
and well-told tale must be a dull person indeed.’—Daily Chronicle.

‘A strong and successful piece of workmanship. The portrait of Lali, strong, digni-
fied, and pure, is exceptionally well drawn.’—Manchester Guardian.

‘ A very pretty and interesting story, and Mr. Parker tells it with much skill. The
story is one to be read.’'—Sz. James's Gazette.

Anthony Hope. A CHANGE OF AIR: A Novel. By
AntTHONY Horr, Author of ‘The Prisoner of Zenda,’ ete.
Crown 8v0. 65.

A bright story by Mr. Hope, who has, the Atheneum says, ‘a decided outlook and
individuality of his own.’

‘A graceful, vivacious comedy, true to human nature. The characters are traced
with a masterly hand.’—TZimes.

Pryce. TIME AND THE WOMAN. By RICHARD PRYCE,
Author of § Miss Maxwell’s Affections,’ ‘The Quiet Mrs. Fleming,’
etc. New and Cheaper Edition. Crows 8vo. 65.

'Mr. Pryce’s work recalls the style of Octave Feuillet, by its clearness, conciseness,
its literary reserve.’—A thenaum.
MESSRS. METHUEN’S LIST 23

Marriott Watson. DIOGENES OF LONDON and other
Sketches. By H. B. Marriott WaTSON, Author of ‘The Web
of the Spider.’ Crows 8v0. Buckram. 6s.

‘ By all those who delight in the uses of words, who rate the exercise of prose above
the exercise of verse, who rejoice in all proofs of its delicacy and its strength, who
believe that English prose is chief among the moulds of thought, by these
Mr. Marriott Watson's book will be welcomed.’—National Observer.

Gilchrist. THE STONE DRAGON. By Murray GILCHRISS,
Crown 8v0. Buckram. 6s.

‘The author's faults-are atoned for by certain positive and admirable merits. The
romances have not their counterpart in modern literature, and to read them is a
unique experience.'— National Observer.

THREE-AND-SIXPENNY NOVELS

Baring Gould. ARMINELL: A Social Romance. By S.
Barine GouLp, New Edition. Crown 8v0. 35. 6d.

Baring Gould, URITH: A Storyof Dartmoor. By S. BARING

GouLD. Third Edition. Crown 8vo. 35. 6d.
‘The author is at his best.’—T7ies.
‘He has nearly reached the high water-mark of ‘ Mehalah.” '—National Observer.

Baring Gould, MARGERY OF QUETHER, and other Stories,
By S. BARING GOULD. Crown 8v0. 35. 6d.

Baring Gould. JACQUETTA, and other Stories. By S. BARING
GouLp. Crown 8vo. 35. 6d.

Gray. ELSA. A Novel. By E. M‘QUEENGRaY. Crown 8vo.
35. 6d.
‘A charming novel. The characters are not only powerful sketches, but minutely
and carefully finished portraits.’—Guardian,
Pearce. JACO TRELOAR. By J. H. PEaRcE, Author of
‘Esther Pentreath.’ Mew Edition. Crown 8vo. 335. 6d.
A tragic story of Cornish life by a writer of remarkable power, whose first novel has
been highly praised by Mr. Gladstone.
The ‘Spectator’ speaks of Mr. Pearce as a writer of exceptional power; the ‘Daily
Telegraph’ calls the book powerful and picturesque; the ‘Birmingham Post’
asserts that it is @ novel of high quality.

Edna Lyall, DERRICK VAUGHAN, NOVELIST. By
EpNA LYALL, Author of ‘Donovan,’ etc. Crow 8v0. 35. 6d.

Clark Russell MY DANISH SWEETHEART. By W.
CLarK RusseELL, Author of ‘The Wreck of the Grosvenor,’ etc.
Illustrated. Third Edition. Crown 8v0. 35. 6d.
24 MEssrS. METHUEN’S LIST

Author of ‘Vera’ THE DANCE OF THE HOURS. By
the Author of ‘Vera.’ Crown 8vo. 35. 6d.

Esmé Stuart. A WOMAN OF FORTY. By Esmé Stuart,
Author of ‘Muriel’s Marriage,’ ‘Virginié’s Husband,’ ete. Mew
Edition. Crown 8v0. 35. 6d.

‘The story is well written, and some of the scenes show great dramatic power.’—
Daily Chronicle.

Fenn. THE STAR GAZERS. By G. MANVILLE FENN,
Author of ‘Eli’s Children,’ etc. Mew Edition, Cr. 8vo. 35. 6d.
‘A stirring romance.’— Western Morning News.
*Told with all the dramatic power for which Mr. Fenn is conspicuous.’—Bradjford ~
Observer,

Dickinson. A VICAR’S WIFE. By Evetyn DICKINSON,
Crown 8vo. 35. 6d.

Prowse. THE POISON OF ASPS. ByR. ORTON PROWSE.
Crown 8v0. 35. 6d,

Grey. THE STORY OF CHRIS. By ROWLAND GREY.

Crown 80. 55.

Lynn Linton. THE TRUE HISTORY OF JOSHUA DAVID-
SON, Christian and Communist. By E. Lynn Linton. Eleventh
Edition. Post 8vo. 15.

HALF-CROWN NOVELS

A Series of Novels by popular Authors, tastefully 2 | 6

bound in cloth.
1. THE PLAN OF CAMPAIGN. By F. MABEL RoBINSON.
2. DISENCHANTMENT. By F. MABEL ROBINSON.
3. MR. BUTLER’S WARD. By F. MABEL ROBINSON.
4. HOVENDEN, V.C. By F. MABEL ROBINSON.
5. EL’S CHILDREN. By G. MANVILLE FENN.
6. A DOUBLE KNOT. By G. MANVILLE FENN.
7. DISARMED, By M. BETHAM EDWARDS.
8 A LOST ILLUSION. By LEsLiz KEITH.
9. A MARRIAGE AT SEA. By W. CLARK RUSSELL.
MEssrs. METHUEN’sS LisT 25

to. IN TENT AND BUNGALOW. By the Author of ‘Indian
Idylls.’

11, MY STEWARDSHIP. By E. M‘QuEEN Grav.

12, A REVEREND GENTLEMAN. By J. M. Copan.
13. A DEPLORABLE AFFAIR. By W. E. Norris.
14. JACK’S FATHER. By W. E. Norris.

Other volumes will be announced in due course.

Books for Boys and Girls

Baring Gould. THE ICELANDER’S SWORD. By 5S.
BaRING GOULD, Author of ‘Mehalah,’ etc. With Twenty-nine
Illustrations by J. Moyr SMITH. Crown 8v0. 65.

A stirring story of Iceland, written for boys by the author of ‘In the Roarof the Sea.

Cuthell TWO LITTLE CHILDREN AND CHING. By
Epitu E. CuTHELL. Profusely Illustrated. Crown 8v0. Cloth,
gilt edges. 35. 6d.

Another story, with a dog hero, by the author of the very popular ‘Only a Guard-
Room Dog.’

Blake. TODDLEBEN’S HERO. By M. M. Biakg, Author of
‘The Siege of Norwich Castle.? With 36 Illustrations. Crown
8x0. 35. 6d.

A story of military life for children.

Cuthell. ONLY A GUARD-ROOM DOG. By Mrs. CUTHELL.
With 16 Illustrations by W. PaRKINSON. Syzare Crown 8v0. 35. 6d.

‘This is a charming story. Tangle was but a little mongrel Skye terrier, but he had a
big heart in his little body, and played a hero’s part more than once. The book
can be warmly recommended.’—Standard.

Collingwood. THE DOCTOR OF THEJULIET. By Harry
CoLLincwoop, Author of ‘The Pirate Island,’ etc, Illustrated by
GORDON BROWNE. Crown 8v0. 35. 6d.

‘The Doctor of the Juliet,” well illustrated by Gordon Browne, is one of Harry
Collingwood’s best efforts.’—Morning Post.
26 Messrs, MetTHteEn’s List

Clark Russell. MASTER ROCKAFELLAR’S VOYAGE. By
W. Cuark RussEtt, Author of ‘ The Wreck of the Grosvenor,’ etc.
Illustrated by GORDON BROWNE. Second Edition, Crown 8vo0.

3s. 6d.

‘Mr. Clark Russell’s story of '‘ Master Rockafellar’s Voyage” will be among the
favourites of the Christmas books. There isa rattle and “ go” all through it, and
its illustrations are charming in themselves, and very much above the average in
the way in which they are produced.’—Guardian.

Manville Fenn. SYD BELTON: Or, The Boy who would not
go to Sea. By G. MANVILLE FENN, Author of ‘In the King’s
Name,’ etc. Illustrated by GORDON BROWNE. Crown 8v0. 35. 6d.

Who among the young story-reading public will not rejoice at the sight of the old
combination, so often proved admirable—a story by Manville Fenn, illustrated
by Gordon Browne? The story, too, is one of the good old sort, full of life and
vigour, breeziness and fun.’—Journal of Education.

The Peacock Library

A Series of Books for Girls by well-known Authors,
handsomely bound in blue and silver, and well illustrated,
Crown 8v0.

1. A PINCH OF EXPERIENCE. By L. B. WALFORD.
2. THE RED GRANGE. By Mrs. MOLESWORTH.

3. THE SECRET OF MADAME DE MONLUC, By the
Author of ‘ Mdle Mori.’

. DUMPS. By Mrs. Parr, Author of ‘Adam and Eve.’
. OUT OF THE FASHION. By L. T. MEADE.

. A GIRL OF THE PEOPLE. By L. T. MEADE.

. HEPSY GIPSY. By L. T. MEADE. 2s. 6d.

. THE HONOURABLE MISS. By L. T. MEADE,

. MY LAND OF BEULAH. By Mrs. LEITH ADAMS.

wo CON Aw

University Extension Series

A series of books on historical, literary, and scientific subjects, suitable
for extension students and home reading circles. Each volume is com-
MEssrs. METHUEN’S LIST 27

plete in itself, and the subjects are treated by competent writers in a
broad and philosophic spirit.
Edited by J. E. SYMES, M.A.,
Principal of University College, Nottingham.

Crown 800. Price (with some exceptions) 25. 6d.

The following volumes are ready :—
THE INDUSTRIAL HISTORY OF ENGLAND. By H. DE
B. GrsBins, M.A., late Scholar of Wadham College, Oxon,, Cobden
Prizeman. Third Edition. With Mapsand Plans. 35.

‘A compact and clear story of our industrial development. A study of this concise
but luminous book cannot fail to give the reader a clear insight into the principal
phenomena of our industrial history.. The editor and publishers are to be congrat-
ulated on this first volume of their venture, and we shall look with expectant
interest for the succeeding volumes of the series.'"— University Extension Journal,

A HISTORY OF ENGLISH POLITICAL ECONOMY. By
L. L. Pricz, M.A., Fellow of Oriel College, Oxon,

PROBLEMS OF POVERTY: An Inquiry into the Industrial
Conditions of the Poor, By J. A. Hopson, M.A.

VICTORIAN POETS. By A. SHARP.

THE FRENCH REVOLUTION. By J. E. SyMEs, M.A.

PSYCHOLOGY. By F. S. GRANGER, M.A., Lecturer in Philo-
sophy at University College, Nottingham.

THE EVOLUTION OF PLANT LIFE: Lower Forms. By
G. Masszz, Kew Gardens. With Illustrations,

AIR AND WATER. Professor V. B. LEWEs, M.A. Illustrated.

' THE CHEMISTRY OF LIFE AND HEALTH. By C. W.
Kimmins, M.A. Camb. Illustrated.

THE MECHANICS OF DAILY LIFE. By V. P. SELLS, M.A.
Illustrated.

ENGLISH SOCIAL REFORMERS. H. DE B. GIBBINS, M.A.

ENGLISH TRADE AND FINANCE IN THE SEVEN-
TEENTH CENTURY. By W. A. S. HEwIns, B.A.

THE CHEMISTRY OF FIRE. The Elementary Principles of
Chemistry. By M. M. Pattison Muir, M.A. Illustrated.

A TEXT-BOOK OF AGRICULTURAL BOTANY. By M.C.
Potter, M.A., F.L.S. Illustrated. 35. 6a.
28 MEssrs. METHUEN’S LIst

THE VAULT OF HEAVEN. A Popular Introduction to
Astronomy. By R. A. Grecory. With numerous Illustrations.

METEOROLOGY. The Elements of Weather and Climate.
By H. N. Dickson, F.R.S.E., F.R. Met. Soc. Illustrated.

A MANUAL OF ELECTRICAL SCIENCE. By GEORGE
J. Burcu, M.A. With numerous Illustrations. 35.

Social Questions of To-day

Edited by H. pz B. GIBBINS, M.A.

Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d. 2, 6

A series of volumes upon those topics of social, economic,
and industrial interest that are at the present moment fore-
most in the public mind. Each volume of the series is written by an
author who is an acknowledged authority upon the subject with which

he deals.
The following Volumes of the Series are ready :—

TRADE UNIONISM—NEW AND OLD. By G. HoweEL1,
M.P., Author of ‘The Conflicts of Capital and Labour.’ Second
Edition,

THE CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENT TO-DAY. By G. J.
Hotyoakg, Author of ‘ The History of Co-operation.’

MUTUAL THRIFT. By Rev. J. FROME WILKINSON, M.A.,
Author of ‘ The Friendly Society Movement.’

PROBLEMS OF POVERTY: An Inquiry into the Industrial
Conditions of the Poor. By J. A. Hozson, M.A.

THE COMMERCE OF NATIONS. By C, F. BASTABLE,
M.A., Professor of Economics at Trinity College, Dublin.

THE ALIEN INVASION. By W. H. WILKINS, B.A., Secretary
to the Society for Preventing the Immigration of Destitute Aliens.

THE RURAL EXODUS. By P. ANDERSON GRAHAM.

LAND NATIONALIZATION. By HARoLp Cox, B.A.

A SHORTER WORKING DAY. By H. DE B. GIBBINS
and R. A. HADFIELD, of the Hecla Works, Sheffield.

BACK TO THE LAND: An Inquiry into the Cure for Rural
Depopulation. By H. E, Moore.
MEssrs. METHUEN’S LIST 29

TRUSTS, POOLS AND CORNERS: As affecting Commerce
and Industry. By J. SrzPHEn Jeans, M.R.I., F.S.S.

THE FACTORY SYSTEM. By R. CooKE TayLor.

THE STATE AND ITS CHILDREN. By GERTRUDE
TUCKWELL,

Classical Translations

Edited by H. F. FOX, M.A., Fellow and Tutor of Brasenose
College, Oxford.

Messrs. Methuen propose to issue a New Series of Translations from
the Greek and Latin Classics. They have enlisted the services of some
of the best Oxford and Cambridge Scholars, and it is their intention that
the Series shall be distinguished by literary excellence as well as by
scholarly accuracy.

Crown 8v0. Finely printed and bound in blue buckram,

CICERO—De Oratore I. Translated by E. N. P. Moor, M.A.,
Assistant Master at Clifton. 35. 6d.

AESCHYLUS—Agamemnon, Chéephoroe, Eumenides. Trans-
lated by Lewis CAMPBELL, LL.D., late Professor of Greek at St.
Andrews. 55.

LUCIAN—Six Dialogues (Nigrinus, Icaro-Menippus, The Cock,
The Ship, The Parasite, The Lover of Falsehood), Translated by
S. T. Irwin, M.A., Assistant Master at Clifton; late Scholar of
Exeter College, Oxford. 35. 6d.

SOPHOCLES—Electra and Ajax. Translated by E. D. A.
MorsHEaD, M.A., late Scholar of New College, Oxford ; Assistant
Master at Winchester. 25. 6a.

TACITUS—Agricola and Germania. Translated by R. B.
TOWNSHEND, late Scholar of Trinity College, Cambridge. 25. 6d,

CICERO—Select Orations (Pro Milone, Pro Murena, Philippic 11,
In Catilinam). Translated by H. E. D. BiaxistTon, M.A., Fellow
and Tutor of Trinity College, Oxford. 55.

Methuen’s Commercial Series

BRITISH COMMERCE AND COLONIES FROM ELIZA-
BETH TO VICTORIA. By H. pr B. Grszins, M.A., Author
of ‘The Industrial History of England,’ etc., etc. 2s.
30 MEssRs. METHUEN’S LIST

A MANUAL OF FRENCH COMMERCIAL CORRES-
PONDENCE. By S. E. Batty, Modern Language Master at
the Manchester Grammar School. . 2s.

COMMERCIAL GEOGRAPHY, with special reference to Trade
Routes, New Markets, and Manufacturing Districts. By L. D.
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COMMERCIAL EXAMINATION PAPERS. By H. pz B.
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THE ECONOMICS OF COMMERCE. By H. DE B. GIBBINS,
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A PRIMER OF BUSINESS. By S. Jackson, M.A. 1s. 62.

COMMERCIAL ARITHMETIC. By F. G. Taytor,
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INITIA LATINA: Easy Lessons on Elementary Accidence.
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FIRST LATIN LESSONS. Fourth Edition Crown 8vo. 25.

FIRST LATIN READER. With Notes adapted to the Shorter
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EASY SELECTIONS FROM CAESAR. Part 1. The Hel-
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THE LATIN COMPOUND SENTENCE RULES AND
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MESSRS. METHUEN’S LIST 31

NOTANDA QUAEDAM: Miscellaneous Latin Exercises on
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LATIN VOCABULARIES FOR REPETITION: Arranged
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