THE PLENTIFUL TABLECLOTH 343

pleasant surprise. Thereupon he said the magic words to
his wand:

“ Thou self-propelling, ever willing, fighting Wand,
Run quick and bring
My feast-providing tablecloth back to my hand,
Thy praise ’ll sing.”

The wand at once started in pursuit of the poor traveller,
whom it began to beat, at the same time crying out:

“For others’ goods you seem to have a liking,
Stop, thief, or sure your back ’ll keep on striking.”

The man was scared out of his wits, and tried to escape
the wand’s blows, but it was of no use, so he was forced to
throw the tablecloth away and run at the top of his speed.
The wand brought the tablecloth back to his master. The
latter hid it under his coat, rearranged the waistband, and
taking the faithful wand in his hand, again went towards home.
As he walked he rejoiced to think of the pleasure he should
have in exercising the wand on his wicked brothers, of his
father’s satisfaction when, by the help of the waistband, he
could always have water for the king’s flocks, even in the
driest weather, and of his mother’s joy on witnessing the
wonders of the feast-giving tablecloth. These pleasant
thoughts were interrupted by a soldier, lame, clothed in rags,
and covered with wounds. He had once been a famous
warrior.

“‘T am pursued by misfortunes,” said he to. the fool. “I
was once a brave soldier, and fought valiantly in my youth.
Now I am lamed for life, and on this lonely road have found