1

SelectedFairyTalesfromtheBrothersGrimm

1.HanselandGretel 2.BriarRose 3.MotherHolle 4.LittleSnowWhite 5.TheQueenBee

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6.TheFoxandtheGeese 7.Fundevogel 8.TheGoldenKey 9.BeautyandtheBeast 10.SnowWhiteandRoseRed

17 18 19 20 24

HANSELANDGRETEL Hardbyagreatforestdweltapoorwoodcutterwithhiswifeandhistwochildren. TheboywascalledHanselandthegirlGretel.Hehadlittletobiteandtobreak,andonce whengreatdearthfellontheland,hecouldnolongerprocureevendailybread.Now whenhethoughtoverthisbynightinhisbed,andtossedaboutinhisanxiety,he groanedandsaidtohiswife:'Whatistobecomeofus?Howarewetofeedourpoor children,whenwenolongerhaveanythingevenforourselves?''I'lltellyouwhat, husband,'answeredthewoman,'earlytomorrowmorningwewilltakethechildrenout intotheforesttowhereitisthethickest;therewewilllightafireforthem,andgiveeach ofthemonemorepieceofbread,andthenwewillgotoourworkandleavethemalone. Theywillnotfindthewayhomeagain,andweshallberidofthem.''No,wife,'saidthe man,'Iwillnotdothat;howcanIbeartoleavemychildrenaloneintheforest?thewild animalswouldsooncomeandtearthemtopieces.''O,youfool!'saidshe,'thenwemust allfourdieofhunger,youmayaswellplanetheplanksforourcoffins,'andshelefthim nopeaceuntilheconsented.'ButIfeelverysorryforthepoorchildren,allthesame,'said theman. Thetwochildrenhadalsonotbeenabletosleepforhunger,andhadheardwhat theirstepmotherhadsaidtotheirfather.Gretelweptbittertears,andsaidtoHansel: 'Nowallisoverwithus.''Bequiet,Gretel,'saidHansel,'donotdistressyourself,Iwill soonfindawaytohelpus.'Andwhentheoldfolkshadfallenasleep,hegotup,putonhis littlecoat,openedthedoorbelow,andcreptoutside.Themoonshonebrightly,andthe whitepebbleswhichlayinfrontofthehouseglitteredlikerealsilverpennies.Hansel stoopedandstuffedthelittlepocketofhiscoatwithasmanyashecouldgetin.Thenhe wentbackandsaidtoGretel:'Becomforted,dearlittlesister,andsleepinpeace,Godwill notforsakeus,'andhelaydownagaininhisbed.Whendaydawned,butbeforethesun hadrisen,thewomancameandawokethetwochildren,saying:'Getup,yousluggards! wearegoingintotheforesttofetchwood.'Shegaveeachalittlepieceofbread,andsaid: 'Thereissomethingforyourdinner,butdonoteatitupbeforethen,foryouwillget nothingelse.'Greteltookthebreadunderherapron,asHanselhadthepebblesinhis pocket.Thentheyallsetouttogetheronthewaytotheforest.Whentheyhadwalkeda shorttime,Hanselstoodstillandpeepedbackatthehouse,anddidsoagainandagain. Hisfathersaid:'Hansel,whatareyoulookingatthereandstayingbehindfor?Pay attention,anddonotforgethowtouseyourlegs.''Ah,father,'saidHansel,'Iamlooking

atmylittlewhitecat,whichissittingupontheroof,andwantstosaygoodbyetome.' Thewifesaid:'Fool,thatisnotyourlittlecat,thatisthemorningsunwhichisshiningon thechimneys.'Hansel,however,hadnotbeenlookingbackatthecat,buthadbeen constantlythrowingoneofthewhitepebblestonesoutofhispocketontheroad. Whentheyhadreachedthemiddleoftheforest,thefathersaid:'Now,children, pileupsomewood,andIwilllightafirethatyoumaynotbecold.'HanselandGretel gatheredbrushwoodtogether,ashighasalittlehill.Thebrushwoodwaslighted,and whentheflameswereburningveryhigh,thewomansaid:'Now,children,layyourselves downbythefireandrest,wewillgointotheforestandcutsomewood.Whenwehave done,wewillcomebackandfetchyouaway.' HanselandGretelsatbythefire,andwhennooncame,eachatealittlepieceof bread,andastheyheardthestrokesofthewoodaxetheybelievedthattheirfatherwas near.Itwasnottheaxe,however,butabranchwhichhehadfastenedtoawitheredtree whichthewindwasblowingbackwardsandforwards.Andastheyhadbeensittingsucha longtime,theireyesclosedwithfatigue,andtheyfellfastasleep.Whenatlastthey awoke,itwasalreadydarknight.Gretelbegantocryandsaid:'Howarewetogetoutof theforestnow?'ButHanselcomfortedherandsaid:'Justwaitalittle,untilthemoonhas risen,andthenwewillsoonfindtheway.'Andwhenthefullmoonhadrisen,Hansel tookhislittlesisterbythehand,andfollowedthepebbleswhichshonelikenewlycoined silverpieces,andshowedthemtheway. Theywalkedthewholenightlong,andbybreakofdaycameoncemoretotheir father'shouse.Theyknockedatthedoor,andwhenthewomanopeneditandsawthatit wasHanselandGretel,shesaid:'Younaughtychildren,whyhaveyousleptsolonginthe forest?wethoughtyouwerenevercomingbackatall!'Thefather,however,rejoiced,for ithadcuthimtothehearttoleavethembehindalone. Notlongafterwards,therewasoncemoregreatdearththroughouttheland,and thechildrenheardtheirmothersayingatnighttotheirfather:'Everythingiseatenagain, wehaveonehalfloafleft,andthatistheend.Thechildrenmustgo,wewilltakethem fartherintothewood,sothattheywillnotfindtheirwayoutagain;thereisnoother meansofsavingourselves!'Theman'sheartwasheavy,andhethought:'Itwouldbe betterforyoutosharethelastmouthfulwithyourchildren.'Thewoman,however,would listentonothingthathehadtosay,butscoldedandreproachedhim.HewhosaysA mustsayB,likewise,andashehadyieldedthefirsttime,hehadtodosoasecondtime also. Thechildren,however,werestillawakeandhadheardtheconversation.Whenthe oldfolkswereasleep,Hanselagaingotup,andwantedtogooutandpickuppebblesas hehaddonebefore,butthewomanhadlockedthedoor,andHanselcouldnotgetout. Neverthelesshecomfortedhislittlesister,andsaid:'Donotcry,Gretel,gotosleep quietly,thegoodGodwillhelpus.' Earlyinthemorningcamethewoman,andtookthechildrenoutoftheirbeds. Theirpieceofbreadwasgiventothem,butitwasstillsmallerthanthetimebefore.On thewayintotheforestHanselcrumbledhisinhispocket,andoftenstoodstillandthrew

amorselontheground.'Hansel,whydoyoustopandlookround?'saidthefather,'go on.''Iamlookingbackatmylittlepigeonwhichissittingontheroof,andwantstosay goodbyetome,'answeredHansel.'Fool!'saidthewoman,'thatisnotyourlittlepigeon, thatisthemorningsunthatisshiningonthechimney.'Hansel,howeverlittlebylittle, threwallthecrumbsonthepath. Thewomanledthechildrenstilldeeperintotheforest,wheretheyhadneverin theirlivesbeenbefore.Thenagreatfirewasagainmade,andthemothersaid:'Justsit there,youchildren,andwhenyouaretiredyoumaysleepalittle;wearegoingintothe foresttocutwood,andintheeveningwhenwearedone,wewillcomeandfetchyou away.'Whenitwasnoon,GretelsharedherpieceofbreadwithHansel,whohad scatteredhisbytheway.Thentheyfellasleepandeveningpassed,butnoonecameto thepoorchildren.Theydidnotawakeuntilitwasdarknight,andHanselcomfortedhis littlesisterandsaid:'Justwait,Gretel,untilthemoonrises,andthenweshallseethe crumbsofbreadwhichIhavestrewnabout,theywillshowusourwayhomeagain.' Whenthemooncametheysetout,buttheyfoundnocrumbs,forthemanythousandsof birdswhichflyaboutinthewoodsandfieldshadpickedthemallup.Hanselsaidto Gretel:'Weshallsoonfindtheway,'buttheydidnotfindit.Theywalkedthewholenight andallthenextdaytoofrommorningtillevening,buttheydidnotgetoutoftheforest, andwereveryhungry,fortheyhadnothingtoeatbuttwoorthreeberries,whichgrewon theground.Andastheyweresowearythattheirlegswouldcarrythemnolonger,they laydownbeneathatreeandfellasleep. Itwasnowthreemorningssincetheyhadlefttheirfather'shouse.Theybeganto walkagain,buttheyalwayscamedeeperintotheforest,andifhelpdidnotcomesoon, theymustdieofhungerandweariness.Whenitwasmidday,theysawabeautifulsnow whitebirdsittingonabough,whichsangsodelightfullythattheystoodstillandlistened toit.Andwhenitssongwasover,itspreaditswingsandflewawaybeforethem,andthey followedituntiltheyreachedalittlehouse,ontheroofofwhichitalighted;andwhen theyapproachedthelittlehousetheysawthatitwasbuiltofbreadandcoveredwith cakes,butthatthewindowswereofclearsugar.'Wewillsettoworkonthat,'saidHansel, 'andhaveagoodmeal.Iwilleatabitoftheroof,andyouGretel,caneatsomeofthe window,itwilltastesweet.'Hanselreachedupabove,andbrokeoffalittleoftheroofto tryhowittasted,andGretelleantagainstthewindowandnibbledatthepanes.Thena softvoicecriedfromtheparlour: 'Nibble,nibble,likeamouse, Whoisnibblingatmylittlehouse?' Thechildrenanswered: 'Thewind,thewind, Theheavenbornwind,' andwentoneatingwithoutdisturbingthemselves.Hansel,wholikedthetasteofthe roof,toredownagreatpieceofit,andGretelpushedoutthewholeofoneround windowpane,satdown,andenjoyedherselfwithit.Suddenlythedooropened,anda womanasoldasthehills,whosupportedherselfoncrutches,camecreepingout.Hansel

andGretelweresoterriblyfrightenedthattheyletfallwhattheyhadintheirhands.The oldwoman,however,noddedherhead,andsaid:'Oh,youdearchildren,whohas broughtyouhere?Docomein,andstaywithme.Noharmshallhappentoyou.'Shetook thembothbythehand,andledthemintoherlittlehouse.Thengoodfoodwassetbefore them,milkandpancakes,withsugar,apples,andnuts.Afterwardstwoprettylittlebeds werecoveredwithcleanwhitelinen,andHanselandGretellaydowninthem,and thoughttheywereinheaven. Theoldwomanhadonlypretendedtobesokind;shewasinrealityawicked witch,wholayinwaitforchildren,andhadonlybuiltthelittlehouseofbreadinorderto enticethemthere.Whenachildfellintoherpower,shekilledit,cookedandateit,and thatwasafeastdaywithher.Witcheshaveredeyes,andcannotseefar,buttheyhavea keenscentlikethebeasts,andareawarewhenhumanbeingsdrawnear.WhenHansel andGretelcameintoherneighbourhood,shelaughedwithmalice,andsaidmockingly:'I havethem,theyshallnotescapemeagain!'Earlyinthemorningbeforethechildrenwere awake,shewasalreadyup,andwhenshesawbothofthemsleepingandlookingso pretty,withtheirplumpandrosycheeksshemutteredtoherself:'Thatwillbeadainty mouthful!'ThensheseizedHanselwithhershrivelledhand,carriedhimintoalittle stable,andlockedhiminbehindagrateddoor.Screamashemight,itwouldnothelp him.ThenshewenttoGretel,shookhertillsheawoke,andcried:'Getup,lazything, fetchsomewater,andcooksomethinggoodforyourbrother,heisinthestableoutside, andistobemadefat.Whenheisfat,Iwilleathim.'Gretelbegantoweepbitterly,butit wasallinvain,forshewasforcedtodowhatthewickedwitchcommanded. AndnowthebestfoodwascookedforpoorHansel,butGretelgotnothingbut crabshells.Everymorningthewomancrepttothelittlestable,andcried:'Hansel,stretch outyourfingerthatImayfeelifyouwillsoonbefat.'Hansel,however,stretchedouta littlebonetoher,andtheoldwoman,whohaddimeyes,couldnotseeit,andthoughtit wasHansel'sfinger,andwasastonishedthattherewasnowayoffatteninghim.When fourweekshadgoneby,andHanselstillremainedthin,shewasseizedwithimpatience andwouldnotwaitanylonger.'Now,then,Gretel,'shecriedtothegirl,'stiryourself,and bringsomewater.LetHanselbefatorlean,tomorrowIwillkillhim,andcookhim.'Ah, howthepoorlittlesisterdidlamentwhenshehadtofetchthewater,andhowhertears didflowdownhercheeks!'DearGod,dohelpus,'shecried.'Ifthewildbeastsinthe foresthadbutdevouredus,weshouldatanyratehavediedtogether.''Justkeepyour noisetoyourself,'saidtheoldwoman,'itwon'thelpyouatall.' Earlyinthemorning,Gretelhadtogooutandhangupthecauldronwiththe water,andlightthefire.'Wewillbakefirst,'saidtheoldwoman,'Ihavealreadyheated theoven,andkneadedthedough.'ShepushedpoorGretelouttotheoven,fromwhich flamesoffirewerealreadydarting.'Creepin,'saidthewitch,'andseeifitisproperly heated,sothatwecanputthebreadin.'AndonceGretelwasinside,sheintendedtoshut theovenandletherbakeinit,andthenshewouldeather,too.ButGretelsawwhatshe hadinmind,andsaid:'IdonotknowhowIamtodoit;howdoIgetin?''Sillygoose,'said theoldwoman.'Thedoorisbigenough;justlook,Icangetinmyself!'andshecreptup

andthrustherheadintotheoven.ThenGretelgaveherapushthatdroveherfarintoit, andshuttheirondoor,andfastenedthebolt.Oh!thenshebegantohowlquitehorribly, butGretelranawayandthegodlesswitchwasmiserablyburnttodeath. Gretel,however,ranlikelightningtoHansel,openedhislittlestable,andcried: 'Hansel,wearesaved!Theoldwitchisdead!'ThenHanselspranglikeabirdfromitscage whenthedoorisopened.Howtheydidrejoiceandembraceeachother,anddanceabout andkisseachother!Andastheyhadnolongeranyneedtofearher,theywentintothe witch'shouse,andineverycornertherestoodchestsfullofpearlsandjewels.'Theseare farbetterthanpebbles!'saidHansel,andthrustintohispocketswhatevercouldbegotin, andGretelsaid:'I,too,willtakesomethinghomewithme,'andfilledherpinaforefull. 'Butnowwemustbeoff,'saidHansel,'thatwemaygetoutofthewitch'sforest.' Whentheyhadwalkedfortwohours,theycametoagreatstretchofwater.'We cannotcross,'saidHansel,'Iseenofootplank,andnobridge.''Andthereisalsonoferry,' answeredGretel,'butawhiteduckisswimmingthere:ifIaskher,shewillhelpusover.' Thenshecried: 'Littleduck,littleduck,dostthousee, HanselandGretelarewaitingforthee? There'sneveraplank,orbridgeinsight, Takeusacrossonthybacksowhite.' Theduckcametothem,andHanselseatedhimselfonitsback,andtoldhissister tositbyhim.'No,'repliedGretel,'thatwillbetooheavyforthelittleduck;sheshalltake usacross,oneaftertheother.'Thegoodlittleduckdidso,andwhentheywereonce safelyacrossandhadwalkedforashorttime,theforestseemedtobemoreandmore familiartothem,andatlengththeysawfromafartheirfather'shouse.Thentheybegan torun,rushedintotheparlour,andthrewthemselvesroundtheirfather'sneck.Theman hadnotknownonehappyhoursincehehadleftthechildrenintheforest;thewoman, however,wasdead.Gretelemptiedherpinaforeuntilpearlsandpreciousstonesran abouttheroom,andHanselthrewonehandfulafteranotheroutofhispockettoaddto them.Thenallanxietywasatanend,andtheylivedtogetherinperfecthappiness.My taleisdone,thererunsamouse;whosoevercatchesit,maymakehimselfabigfurcapout ofit. *[back to top] * BRIARROSE(a.k.a.SleepingBeauty) AlongtimeagotherewereaKingandQueenwhosaideveryday,"Ah,ifonlywe hadachild!"buttheyneverhadone.ButithappenedthatoncewhentheQueenwas bathing,afrogcreptoutofthewaterontotheland,andsaidtoher,"Yourwishshallbe fulfilled;beforeayearhasgoneby,youshallhaveadaughter." Whatthefroghadsaidcametrue,andtheQueenhadalittlegirlwhowasso prettythattheKingcouldnotcontainhimselfforjoy,andorderedagreatfeast.He invitednotonlyhiskindred,friendsandacquaintance,butalsotheWiseWomen,in

orderthattheymightbekindandwelldisposedtowardsthechild.Therewerethirteenof theminhiskingdom,but,ashehadonlytwelvegoldenplatesforthemtoeatoutof,one ofthemhadtobeleftathome. Thefeastwasheldwithallmannerofsplendourandwhenitcametoanendthe WiseWomenbestowedtheirmagicgiftsuponthebaby:onegavevirtue,anotherbeauty, athirdriches,andsoonwitheverythingintheworldthatonecanwishfor. Whenelevenofthemhadmadetheirpromises,suddenlythethirteenthcamein. Shewishedtoavengeherselffornothavingbeeninvited,andwithoutgreeting,oreven lookingatanyone,shecriedwithaloudvoice,"TheKing'sdaughtershallinherfifteenth yearprickherselfwithaspindle,andfalldowndead."And,withoutsayingawordmore, sheturnedroundandlefttheroom. Theywereallshocked;butthetwelfth,whosegoodwishstillremainedunspoken, cameforward,andasshecouldnotundotheevilsentence,butonlysoftenit,shesaid,"It shallnotbedeath,butadeepsleepofahundredyears,intowhichtheprincessshallfall." TheKing,whowouldfainkeephisdearchildfromthemisfortune,gaveorders thateveryspindleinthewholekingdomshouldbeburnt.MeanwhilethegiftsoftheWise Womenwereplenteouslyfulfilledontheyounggirl,forshewassobeautiful,modest, goodnatured,andwise,thateveryonewhosawherwasboundtoloveher. Ithappenedthatontheverydaywhenshewasfifteenyearsold,theKingand Queenwerenotathome,andthemaidenwasleftinthepalacequitealone.Soshewent roundintoallsortsofplaces,lookedintoroomsandbedchambersjustassheliked,and atlastcametoanoldtower.Sheclimbedupthenarrowwindingstaircase,andreacheda littledoor.Arustykeywasinthelock,andwhensheturneditthedoorsprangopen,and thereinalittleroomsatanoldwomanwithaspindle,busilyspinningherflax. "Goodday,olddame,"saidtheKing'sdaughter;"whatareyoudoingthere?""Iam spinning,"saidtheoldwoman,andnoddedherhead."Whatsortofthingisthat,that rattlesroundsomerrily?"saidthegirl,andshetookthespindleandwantedtospintoo. Butscarcelyhadshetouchedthespindlewhenthemagicdecreewasfulfilled,andshe prickedherfingerwithit. And,intheverymomentwhenshefelttheprick,shefelldownuponthebedthat stoodthere,andlayinadeepsleep.Andthissleepextendedoverthewholepalace;the KingandQueenwhohadjustcomehome,andhadenteredthegreathall,begantogoto sleep,andthewholeofthecourtwiththem.Thehorses,too,wenttosleepinthestable, thedogsintheyard,thepigeonsupontheroof,thefliesonthewall;eventhefirethat wasflamingonthehearthbecamequietandslept,theroastmeatleftofffrizzling,and thecook,whowasjustgoingtopullthehairofthesculleryboy,becausehehadforgotten something,lethimgo,andwenttosleep.Andthewindfell,andonthetreesbeforethe castlenotaleafmovedagain. Butroundaboutthecastletherebegantogrowahedgeofthorns,whichevery yearbecamehigher,andatlastgrewcloseuproundthecastleandalloverit,sothat therewasnothingofittobeseen,noteventheflagupontheroof.Butthestoryofthe beautifulsleeping"BriarRose,"forsotheprincesswasnamed,wentaboutthecountry,so

thatfromtimetotimekings'sonscameandtriedtogetthroughthethornyhedgeinto thecastle. Buttheyfounditimpossible,forthethornsheldfasttogether,asiftheyhad hands,andtheyouthswerecaughtinthem,couldnotgetlooseagain,anddieda miserabledeath. Afterlong,longyearsaKing'ssoncameagaintothatcountry,andheardanold mantalkingaboutthethornhedge,andthatacastlewassaidtostandbehinditinwhich awonderfullybeautifulprincess,namedBriarrose,hadbeenasleepforahundredyears; andthattheKingandQueenandthewholecourtwereasleeplikewise.Hehadheard, too,fromhisgrandfather,thatmanykings'sonshadalreadycome,andhadtriedtoget throughthethornyhedge,buttheyhadremainedstickingfastinit,andhaddiedapitiful death.Thentheyouthsaid,"Iamnotafraid,IwillgoandseethebeautifulBriarrose." Thegoodoldmanmightdissuadehimashewould,hedidnotlistentohiswords. Butbythistimethehundredyearshadjustpassed,andthedayhadcomewhen BriarRosewastoawakeagain.WhentheKing'ssoncameneartothethornhedge,itwas nothingbutlargeandbeautifulflowers,whichpartedfromeachotheroftheirown accord,andlethimpassunhurt,thentheyclosedagainbehindhimlikeahedge.Inthe castleyardhesawthehorsesandthespottedhoundslyingasleep;ontheroofsatthe pigeonswiththeirheadsundertheirwings.Andwhenheenteredthehouse,theflies wereasleepuponthewall,thecookinthekitchenwasstillholdingouthishandtoseize theboy,andthemaidwassittingbytheblackhenwhichshewasgoingtopluck. Hewentonfarther,andinthegreathallhesawthewholeofthecourtlyingasleep,and upbythethronelaytheKingandQueen. Thenhewentonstillfarther,andallwassoquietthatabreathcouldbeheard, andatlasthecametothetower,andopenedthedoorintothelittleroomwhereBriar rosewassleeping. Thereshelay,sobeautifulthathecouldnotturnhiseyesaway;andhestooped downandgaveherakiss.Butassoonashekissedher,Briarroseopenedhereyesand awoke,andlookedathimquitesweetly. Thentheywentdowntogether,andtheKingawoke,andtheQueen,andthe wholecourt,andlookedateachotheringreatastonishment.Andthehorsesinthecourt yardstoodupandshookthemselves;thehoundsjumpedupandwaggedtheirtails;the pigeonsupontheroofpulledouttheirheadsfromundertheirwings,lookedround,and flewintotheopencountry;thefliesonthewallcreptagain;thefireinthekitchenburned upandflickeredandcookedthemeat;thejointbegantoturnandfrizzleagain,andthe cookgavetheboysuchaboxontheearthathescreamed,andthemaidpluckedthefowl readyforthespit. AndthenthemarriageoftheKing'ssonwithBriarrosewascelebratedwithall splendour,andtheylivedcontentedtotheendoftheirdays.

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MOTHERHOLLE Onceuponatimetherewasawidowwhohadtwodaughters;oneofthemwas beautifulandindustrious,theotheruglyandlazy.Themother,however,lovedtheugly andlazyonebest,becauseshewasherowndaughter,andsotheother,whowasonlyher stepdaughter,wasmadetodoalltheworkofthehouse,andwasquitetheCinderellaof thefamily.Herstepmothersentherouteverydaytositbythewellinthehighroad,there tospinuntilshemadeherfingersbleed.Nowitchancedonedaythatsomebloodfellon tothespindle,andasthegirlstoppedoverthewelltowashitoff,thespindlesuddenly sprangoutofherhandandfellintothewell.Sheranhomecryingtotellofher misfortune,butherstepmotherspokeharshlytoher,andaftergivingheraviolent scolding,saidunkindly,'Asyouhaveletthespindlefallintothewellyoumaygoyourself andfetchitout.' Thegirlwentbacktothewellnotknowingwhattodo,andatlastinherdistress shejumpedintothewaterafterthespindle. Sherememberednothingmoreuntilsheawokeandfoundherselfinabeautiful meadow,fullofsunshine,andwithcountlessflowersbloomingineverydirection. Shewalkedoverthemeadow,andpresentlyshecameuponabaker'sovenfullof bread,andtheloavescriedouttoher,'Takeusout,takeusout,oralas!weshallbeburnt toacinder;wewerebakedthroughlongago.'Soshetookthebreadshovelanddrew themallout. Shewentonalittlefarther,tillshecametoatreefullofapples.'Shakeme,shake me,Ipray,'criedthetree;'myapples,oneandall,areripe.'Sosheshookthetree,andthe applescamefallingdownuponherlikerain;butshecontinuedshakinguntiltherewas notasingleappleleftuponit.Thenshecarefullygatheredtheapplestogetherinaheap andwalkedonagain. Thenextthingshecametowasalittlehouse,andthereshesawanoldwoman lookingout,withsuchlargeteeth,thatshewasterrified,andturnedtorunaway.Butthe oldwomancalledafterher,'Whatareyouafraidof,dearchild?Staywithme;ifyouwill dotheworkofmyhouseproperlyforme,Iwillmakeyouveryhappy.Youmustbevery careful,however,tomakemybedintherightway,forIwishyoualwaystoshakeit thoroughly,sothatthefeathersflyabout;thentheysay,downthereintheworld,thatit issnowing;forIamMotherHolle.'Theoldwomanspokesokindly,thatthegirl summonedupcourageandagreedtoenterintoherservice. Shetookcaretodoeverythingaccordingtotheoldwoman'sbiddingandevery timeshemadethebedsheshookitwithallhermight,sothatthefeathersflewaboutlike somanysnowflakes.Theoldwomanwasasgoodasherword:sheneverspokeangrilyto her,andgaveherroastandboiledmeatseveryday. SoshestayedonwithMotherHolleforsometime,andthenshebegantogrow unhappy.Shecouldnotatfirsttellwhyshefeltsad,butshebecameconsciousatlastof greatlongingtogohome;thensheknewshewashomesick,althoughshewasathousand timesbetteroffwithMotherHollethanwithhermotherandsister.Afterwaitingawhile,

shewenttoMotherHolleandsaid,'Iamsohomesick,thatIcannotstaywithyouany longer,foralthoughIamsohappyhere,Imustreturntomyownpeople.' ThenMotherHollesaid,'Iampleasedthatyoushouldwanttogobacktoyour ownpeople,andasyouhaveservedmesowellandfaithfully,Iwilltakeyouhome myself.' Thereuponsheledthegirlbythehanduptoabroadgateway.Thegatewas opened,andasthegirlpassedthrough,ashowerofgoldfelluponher,andthegoldclung toher,sothatshewascoveredwithitfromheadtofoot. 'Thatisarewardforyourindustry,'saidMotherHolle,andasshespokeshe handedherthespindlewhichshehaddroppedintothewell. Thegatewasthenclosed,andthegirlfoundherselfbackintheoldworldcloseto hermother'shouse.Assheenteredthecourtyard,thecockwhowasperchedonthewell, calledout: 'Cockadoodledoo! Yourgoldendaughter'scomebacktoyou.' Thenshewentintohermotherandsister,andasshewassorichlycoveredwith gold,theygaveherawarmwelcome.Sherelatedtothemallthathadhappened,and whenthemotherheardhowshehadcomebyhergreatriches,shethoughtsheshould likeherugly,lazydaughtertogoandtryherfortune.Soshemadethesistergoandsitby thewellandspin,andthegirlprickedherfingerandthrustherhandintoathornbush, sothatshemightdropsomebloodontothespindle;thenshethrewitintothewell,and jumpedinherself. Likehersistersheawokeinthebeautifulmeadow,andwalkedoverittillshecame totheoven.'Takeusout,takeusout,oralas!weshallbeburnttoacinder;wewere bakedthroughlongago,'criedtheloavesasbefore.Butthelazygirlanswered,'Doyou thinkIamgoingtodirtymyhandsforyou?'andwalkedon. Presentlyshecametotheappletree.'Shakeme,shakeme,Ipray;myapples,one andall,areripe,'itcried.Butsheonlyanswered,'Anicethingtoaskmetodo,oneofthe applesmightfallonmyhead,'andpassedon. AtlastshecametoMotherHolle'shouse,andasshehadheardallaboutthelarge teethfromhersister,shewasnotafraidofthem,andengagedherselfwithoutdelaytothe oldwoman. Thefirstdayshewasveryobedientandindustrious,andexertedherselftoplease MotherHolle,forshethoughtofthegoldsheshouldgetinreturn.Thenextday, however,shebegantodawdleoverherwork,andthethirddayshewasmoreidlestill; thenshebegantolieinbedinthemorningsandrefusedtogetup.Worsestill,she neglectedtomaketheoldwoman'sbedproperly,andforgottoshakeitsothatthe feathersmightflyabout.SoMotherHolleverysoongottiredofher,andtoldhershe mightgo.Thelazygirlwasdelightedatthis,andthoughttoherself,'Thegoldwillsoon bemine.'MotherHolleledher,asshehadledhersister,tothebroadgateway;butasshe

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waspassingthrough,insteadoftheshowerofgold,agreatbucketfulofpitchcame pouringoverher. 'Thatisinreturnforyourservices,'saidtheoldwoman,andsheshutthegate. Sothelazygirlhadtogohomecoveredwithpitch,andthecockonthewellcalledoutas shesawher: 'Cockadoodledoo! Yourdirtydaughter'scomebacktoyou.' But,trywhatshewould,shecouldnotgetthepitchoffanditstucktoheraslongasshe lived. * [back to top] * LITTLESNOWWHITE Onceuponatimeinthemiddleofwinter,whentheflakesofsnowwerefalling likefeathersfromthesky,aqueensatatawindowsewing,andtheframeofthewindow wasmadeofblackebony.Andwhilstshewassewingandlookingoutofthewindowat thesnow,sheprickedherfingerwiththeneedle,andthreedropsofbloodfelluponthe snow.Andtheredlookedprettyuponthewhitesnow,andshethoughttoherself, "WouldthatIhadachildaswhiteassnow,asredasblood,andasblackasthewoodof thewindowframe." Soonafterthatshehadalittledaughter,whowasaswhiteassnow,andasredas blood,andherhairwasasblackasebony;andshewasthereforecalledLittleSnowwhite. Andwhenthechildwasborn,theQueendied. AfterayearhadpassedtheKingtooktohimselfanotherwife.Shewasabeautiful woman,butproudandhaughty,andshecouldnotbearthatanyoneelseshouldsurpass herinbeauty.Shehadawonderfullookingglass,andwhenshestoodinfrontofitand lookedatherselfinit,andsaid "Lookingglass,Lookingglass,onthewall, Whointhislandisthefairestofall?" thelookingglassanswered "Thou,OQueen,artthefairestofall!" Thenshewassatisfied,forsheknewthatthelookingglassspokethetruth. ButSnowwhitewasgrowingup,andgrewmoreandmorebeautiful;andwhenshe wassevenyearsoldshewasasbeautifulastheday,andmorebeautifulthantheQueen herself.AndoncewhentheQueenaskedherlookingglass "Lookingglass,Lookingglass,onthewall, Whointhislandisthefairestofall?" itanswered "Thouartfairerthanallwhoarehere,LadyQueen." ButmorebeautifulstillisSnowwhite,asIween."

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ThentheQueenwasshocked,andturnedyellowandgreenwithenvy.Fromthat hour,whenevershelookedatSnowwhite,herheartheavedinherbreast,shehatedthe girlsomuch. Andenvyandpridegrewhigherandhigherinherheartlikeaweed,sothatshe hadnopeacedayornight.Shecalledahuntsman,andsaid,"Takethechildawayintothe forest;Iwillnolongerhaveherinmysight.Killher,andbringmebackherheartasa token."Thehuntsmanobeyed,andtookheraway;butwhenhehaddrawnhisknife,and wasabouttopierceSnowwhite'sinnocentheart,shebegantoweep,andsaid,"Ahdear huntsman,leavememylife!Iwillrunawayintothewildforest,andnevercomehome again." Andasshewassobeautifulthehuntsmanhadpityonherandsaid,"Runaway, then,youpoorchild.""Thewildbeastswillsoonhavedevouredyou,"thoughthe,andyet itseemedasifastonehadbeenrolledfromhisheartsinceitwasnolongerneedfulfor himtokillher.Andasayoungboarjustthencamerunningbyhestabbedit,andcutout itsheartandtookittotheQueenasproofthatthechildwasdead.Thecookhadtosalt this,andthewickedQueenateit,andthoughtshehadeatentheheartofSnowwhite. Butnowthepoorchildwasallaloneinthegreatforest,andsoterrifiedthatshe lookedateveryleafofeverytree,anddidnotknowwhattodo.Thenshebegantorun, andranoversharpstonesandthroughthorns,andthewildbeastsranpasther,butdid hernoharm. Sheranaslongasherfeetwouldgountilitwasalmostevening;thenshesawa littlecottageandwentintoittorestherself.Everythinginthecottagewassmall,but neaterandcleanerthancanbetold.Therewasatableonwhichwasawhitecover,and sevenlittleplates,andoneachplatealittlespoon;moreover,thereweresevenlittle knivesandforks,andsevenlittlemugs.Againstthewallstoodsevenlittlebedssideby side,andcoveredwithsnowwhitecounterpanes. LittleSnowwhitewassohungryandthirstythatsheatesomevegetablesand breadfromeachplateanddrankadropofwineoutofeachmug,forshedidnotwishto takeallfromoneonly.Then,asshewassotired,shelaidherselfdownononeofthelittle beds,butnoneofthemsuitedher;onewastoolong,anothertooshort,butatlastshe foundthattheseventhonewasright,andsosheremainedinit,saidaprayerandwentto sleep. Whenitwasquitedarktheownersofthecottagecameback;theywereseven dwarfswhoduganddelvedinthemountainsforore.Theylittheirsevencandles,andas itwasnowlightwithinthecottagetheysawthatsomeonehadbeenthere,foreverything wasnotinthesameorderinwhichtheyhadleftit. Thefirstsaid,"Whohasbeensittingonmychair?" Thesecond,"Whohasbeeneatingoffmyplate?" Thethird,"Whohasbeentakingsomeofmybread?" Thefourth,"Whohasbeeneatingmyvegetables?" Thefifth,"Whohasbeenusingmyfork?"

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Thesixth,"Whohasbeencuttingwithmyknife?" Theseventh,"Whohasbeendrinkingoutofmymug?" Thenthefirstlookedroundandsawthattherewasalittleholeonhisbed,andhesaid, "Whohasbeengettingintomybed?"Theotherscameupandeachcalledout, "Somebodyhasbeenlyinginmybedtoo."Buttheseventhwhenhelookedathisbedsaw littleSnowwhite,whowaslyingasleeptherein.Andhecalledtheothers,whocame runningup,andtheycriedoutwithastonishment,andbroughttheirsevenlittlecandles andletthelightfallonlittleSnowwhite."Oh,heavens!oh,heavens!"criedthey,"whata lovelychild!"andtheyweresogladthattheydidnotwakeherup,butlethersleeponin thebed.Andtheseventhdwarfsleptwithhiscompanions,onehourwitheach,andso gotthroughthenight. WhenitwasmorninglittleSnowwhiteawoke,andwasfrightenedwhenshesaw thesevendwarfs.Buttheywerefriendlyandaskedherwhathernamewas."Mynameis Snowwhite,"sheanswered."Howhaveyoucometoourhouse?"saidthedwarfs.Then shetoldthemthatherstepmotherhadwishedtohaveherkilled,butthatthehuntsman hadsparedherlife,andthatshehadrunforthewholeday,untilatlastshehadfound theirdwelling.Thedwarfssaid,"Ifyouwilltakecareofourhouse,cook,makethebeds, wash,sew,andknit,andifyouwillkeepeverythingneatandclean,youcanstaywithus andyoushallwantfornothing.""Yes,"saidSnowwhite,"withallmyheart,"andshe stayedwiththem.Shekeptthehouseinorderforthem;inthemorningstheywenttothe mountainsandlookedforcopperandgold,intheeveningstheycameback,andthen theirsupperhadtobeready.Thegirlwasalonethewholeday,sothegooddwarfs warnedherandsaid,"Bewareofyourstepmother,shewillsoonknowthatyouarehere; besuretoletnoonecomein." ButtheQueen,believingthatshehadeatenSnowwhite'sheart,couldnotbut thinkthatshewasagainthefirstandmostbeautifulofall;andshewenttoherlooking glassandsaid "Lookingglass,Lookingglass,onthewall, Whointhislandisthefairestofall?" andtheglassanswered "Oh,Queen,thouartfairestofallIsee, Butoverthehills,wherethesevendwarfsdwell, Snowwhiteisstillaliveandwell, Andnoneissofairasshe." Thenshewasastounded,forsheknewthatthelookingglassneverspokefalsely,andshe knewthatthehuntsmanhadbetrayedher,andthatlittleSnowwhitewasstillalive. Andsoshethoughtandthoughtagainhowshemightkillher,forsolongasshe wasnotthefairestinthewholeland,envyletherhavenorest.Andwhenshehadatlast thoughtofsomethingtodo,shepaintedherface,anddressedherselflikeanoldpeddler woman,andnoonecouldhaveknownher.Inthisdisguiseshewentovertheseven mountainstothesevendwarfs,andknockedatthedoorandcried,"Prettythingstosell,

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verycheap,verycheap."LittleSnowwhitelookedoutofthewindowandcalledout, "Gooddaymygoodwoman,whathaveyoutosell?""Goodthings,prettythings,"she answered;"staylacesofallcolours,"andshepulledoutonewhichwaswovenofbright colouredsilk."Imaylettheworthyoldwomanin,"thoughtSnowwhite,andshe unboltedthedoorandboughttheprettylaces."Child,"saidtheoldwoman,"whatafright youlook;come,Iwilllaceyouproperlyforonce."Snowwhitehadnosuspicion,but stoodbeforeher,andletherselfbelacedwiththenewlaces.Buttheoldwomanlacedso quicklyandsotightlythatSnowwhitelostherbreathandfelldownasifdead."NowIam themostbeautiful,"saidtheQueentoherself,andranaway. Notlongafterwards,intheevening,thesevendwarfscamehome,buthow shockedtheywerewhentheysawtheirdearlittleSnowwhitelyingontheground,and thatsheneitherstirrednormoved,andseemedtobedead.Theyliftedherup,and,as theysawthatshewaslacedtootightly,theycutthelaces;thenshebegantobreathea little,andafterawhilecametolifeagain.Whenthedwarfsheardwhathadhappened theysaid,"TheoldpeddlerwomanwasnooneelsethanthewickedQueen;takecareand letnoonecomeinwhenwearenotwithyou." Butthewickedwomanwhenshehadreachedhomewentinfrontoftheglassand asked "Lookingglass,Lookingglass,onthewall, Whointhislandisthefairestofall?" anditansweredasbefore "Oh,Queen,thouartfairestofallIsee, Butoverthehills,wherethesevendwarfsdwell, Snowwhiteisstillaliveandwell, Andnoneissofairasshe." Whensheheardthat,allherbloodrushedtoherheartwithfear,forshesawplainlythat littleSnowwhitewasagainalive."Butnow,"shesaid,"Iwillthinkofsomethingthatshall putanendtoyou,"andbythehelpofwitchcraft,whichsheunderstood,shemadea poisonouscomb.Thenshedisguisedherselfandtooktheshapeofanotheroldwoman.So shewentoverthesevenmountainstothesevendwarfs,knockedatthedoor,andcried, "Goodthingstosell,cheap,cheap!"LittleSnowwhitelookedoutandsaid,"Goaway;I cannotletanyonecomein.""Isupposeyoucanlook,"saidtheoldwoman,andpulledthe poisonouscomboutandhelditup.Itpleasedthegirlsowellthatsheletherselfbe beguiled,andopenedthedoor.Whentheyhadmadeabargaintheoldwomansaid,"Now Iwillcombyouproperlyforonce."PoorlittleSnowwhitehadnosuspicion,andletthe oldwomandoasshepleased,buthardlyhadsheputthecombinherhairthanthe poisoninittookeffect,andthegirlfelldownsenseless."Youparagonofbeauty,"saidthe wickedwoman,"youaredonefornow,"andshewentaway. Butfortunatelyitwasalmostevening,whenthesevendwarfscamehome.When theysawSnowwhitelyingasifdeaduponthegroundtheyatoncesuspectedthestep mother,andtheylookedandfoundthepoisonedcomb.Scarcelyhadtheytakenitout

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whenSnowwhitecametoherself,andtoldthemwhathadhappened.Thentheywarned heroncemoretobeuponherguardandtoopenthedoortonoone. TheQueen,athome,wentinfrontoftheglassandsaid "Lookingglass,Lookingglass,onthewall, Whointhislandisthefairestofall?" thenitansweredasbefore "Oh,Queen,thouartfairestofallIsee, Butoverthehills,wherethesevendwarfsdwell, Snowwhiteisstillaliveandwell, Andnoneissofairasshe." Whensheheardtheglassspeakthusshetrembledandshookwithrage."Snowwhite shalldie,"shecried,"evenifitcostsmemylife!" Thereuponshewentintoaquitesecret,lonelyroom,wherenooneevercame,and thereshemadeaverypoisonousapple.Outsideitlookedpretty,whitewitharedcheek, sothateveryonewhosawitlongedforit;butwhoeverateapieceofitmustsurelydie. Whentheapplewasreadyshepaintedherface,anddressedherselfupasa countrywoman,andsoshewentoverthesevenmountainstothesevendwarfs.She knockedatthedoor.Snowwhiteputherheadoutofthewindowandsaid,"Icannotlet anyonein;thesevendwarfshaveforbiddenme.""Itisallthesametome,"answeredthe woman,"Ishallsoongetridofmyapples.There,Iwillgiveyouone." "No,"saidSnowwhite,"Idarenottakeanything.""Areyouafraidofpoison?"said theoldwoman;"look,Iwillcuttheappleintwopieces;youeattheredcheek,andIwill eatthewhite."Theapplewassocunninglymadethatonlytheredcheekwaspoisoned. Snowwhitelongedforthefineapple,andwhenshesawthatthewomanatepartofitshe couldresistnolonger,andstretchedoutherhandandtookthepoisonoushalf.But hardlyhadsheabitofitinhermouththanshefelldowndead.ThentheQueenlookedat herwithadreadfullook,andlaughedaloudandsaid,"Whiteassnow,redasblood,black asebonywood!thistimethedwarfscannotwakeyouupagain." AndwhensheaskedoftheLookingglassathome "Lookingglass,Lookingglass,onthewall, Whointhislandisthefairestofall?" itansweredatlast "Oh,Queen,inthislandthouartfairestofall." Thenherenvioushearthadrest,sofarasanenviousheartcanhaverest. Thedwarfs,whentheycamehomeintheevening,foundSnowwhitelyingupon theground;shebreathednolongerandwasdead.Theyliftedherup,lookedtosee whethertheycouldfindanythingpoisonous,unlacedher,combedherhair,washedher withwaterandwine,butitwasallofnouse;thepoorchildwasdead,andremaineddead. Theylaidheruponabier,andallsevenofthemsatrounditandweptforher,andwept threedayslong.

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Thentheyweregoingtoburyher,butshestilllookedasifshewereliving,andstill hadherprettyredcheeks.Theysaid,"Wecouldnotburyherinthedarkground,"and theyhadatransparentcoffinofglassmade,sothatshecouldbeseenfromallsides,and theylaidherinit,andwrotehernameuponitingoldenletters,andthatshewasaking's daughter.Thentheyputthecoffinoutuponthemountain,andoneofthemalways stayedbyitandwatchedit.Andbirdscametoo,andweptforSnowwhite;firstanowl, thenaraven,andlastadove. AndnowSnowwhitelayalong,longtimeinthecoffin,andshedidnotchange, butlookedasifshewereasleep;forshewasaswhiteassnow,asredasblood,andher hairwasasblackasebony. Ithappened,however,thataking'ssoncameintotheforest,andwenttothe dwarfs'housetospendthenight.Hesawthecoffinonthemountain,andthebeautiful Snowwhitewithinit,andreadwhatwaswrittenuponitingoldenletters.Thenhesaidto thedwarfs,"Letmehavethecoffin,Iwillgiveyouwhateveryouwantforit."Butthe dwarfsanswered,"Wewillnotpartwithitforallthegoldintheworld."Thenhesaid, "Letmehaveitasagift,forIcannotlivewithoutseeingSnowwhite.Iwillhonourand prizeherasmydearestpossession."Ashespokeinthiswaythegooddwarfstookpity uponhim,andgavehimthecoffin. AndnowtheKing'ssonhaditcarriedawaybyhisservantsontheirshoulders.And ithappenedthattheystumbledoveratreestump,andwiththeshockthepoisonous pieceofapplewhichSnowwhitehadbittenoffcameoutofherthroat.Andbeforelong sheopenedhereyes,liftedupthelidofthecoffin,satup,andwasoncemorealive."Oh, heavens,whereamI?"shecried.TheKing'sson,fullofjoy,said,"Youarewithme,"and toldherwhathadhappened,andsaid,"Iloveyoumorethaneverythingintheworld; comewithmetomyfather'spalace,youshallbemywife." AndSnowwhitewaswilling,andwentwithhim,andtheirweddingwasheldwith greatshowandsplendour.ButSnowwhite'swickedstepmotherwasalsobiddentothe feast.WhenshehadarrayedherselfinbeautifulclothesshewentbeforetheLooking glass,andsaid "Lookingglass,Lookingglass,onthewall, Whointhislandisthefairestofall?" theglassanswered "Oh,Queen,ofallherethefairestartthou, ButtheyoungQueenisfairerbyfarasItrow." Thenthewickedwomanutteredacurse,andwassowretched,soutterlywretched,that sheknewnotwhattodo.Atfirstshewouldnotgototheweddingatall,butshehadno peace,andmustgotoseetheyoungQueen.AndwhenshewentinsheknewSnowwhite; andshestoodstillwithrageandfear,andcouldnotstir.Butironslippershadalready beenputuponthefire,andtheywerebroughtinwithtongs,andsetbeforeher.Thenshe wasforcedtoputontheredhotshoes,anddanceuntilshedroppeddowndead.

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THEQUEENBEE Twokings'sonsonceuponatimewentintotheworldtoseektheirfortunes;but theysoonfellintoawastefulfoolishwayofliving,sothattheycouldnotreturnhome again.Thentheirbrother,whowasalittleinsignificantdwarftheycalledtheBlockhead, wentouttoseekforhisbrothers:butwhenhehadfoundthemtheyonlylaughedathim, tothinkthathe,whowassoyoungandsimple,shouldtrytotravelthroughtheworld, whenthey,whoweresomuchwiser,hadbeenunabletogeton. However,theyallsetoutontheirjourneytogether,andcameatlasttoananthill. Thetwoelderbrotherswantedtopullitdown,inordertoseehowthepoorantsintheir frightwouldrunaboutandcarryofftheireggs.ButtheBlockheadsaid,'Letthepoor thingsenjoythemselves,Iwillnotsufferyoutodisturbthem.' Soontheywent,andcametoalakewheremanyduckswereswimmingabout.The twobrotherswantedtocatchtwo,androastthem.ButtheBlockheadsaid,'Letthepoor thingsenjoythemselves,youshallnotkillthem.' Nexttheycametoabees'nestinahollowtree,andtherewassomuchhoneythat itrandownthetrunk;andthetwobrotherswantedtolightafireunderthetreeandkill thebees,soastogettheirhoney.ButtheBlockheadheldthemback,andsaid,'Letthe prettyinsectsenjoythemselves,Icannotletyouburnthem.' Atlengththethreebrotherscametoacastle:andastheypassedbythestables theysawfinehorsesstandingthere,butallwereofmarble,andnomanwastobeseen. Thentheywentthroughalltherooms,tilltheycametoadooronwhichwerethreelocks: butinthemiddleofthedoorwasawicket,sothattheycouldlookintothenextroom. Theretheysawalittlegreyoldmansittingatatable;andtheycalledtohimonceor twice,buthedidnothear:however,theycalledathirdtime,andthenheroseandcame outtothem. Hesaidnothing,buttookholdofthemandledthemtoabeautifultablecovered withallsortsofgoodthings:andwhentheyhadeatenanddrunk,heshowedeachof themtoabedchamber. Thenextmorninghecametotheeldestandtookhimtoamarbletable,where therewerethreetablets,containinganaccountofthemeansbywhichthecastlemightbe disenchanted.Thefirsttabletsaid:'Inthewood,underthemoss,liethethousandpearls belongingtotheking'sdaughter;theymustallbefound:andifonebemissingbysetof sun,hewhoseeksthemwillbeturnedintomarble.' Theeldestbrothersetout,andsoughtforthepearlsthewholeday:butthe eveningcame,andhehadnotfoundthefirsthundred:sohewasturnedintostoneasthe tablethadforetold. Thenextdaythesecondbrotherundertookthetask;buthesucceedednobetter thanthefirst;forhecouldonlyfindthesecondhundredofthepearls;andthereforehe toowasturnedintostone. AtlastcamethelittleBlockheadsturn;andhelookedinthemoss;butitwasso hardtofindthepearls,andthejobwassotiresome!sohesatdownuponastoneand

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cried.Andashesatthere,thekingoftheants(whoselifehehadsaved)cametohelp him,withfivethousandants;anditwasnotlongbeforetheyhadfoundallthepearlsand laidtheminaheap. Thesecondtabletsaid:'Thekeyoftheprincess'sbedchambermustbefishedup outofthelake.'AndastheBlockheadcametothebrinkofit,hesawthetwoducks whoseliveshehadsavedswimmingabout;andtheydiveddownandsoonbroughtinthe keyfromthebottom. Thethirdtaskwasthehardest.Itwastochooseouttheyoungestandthebestof theking'sthreedaughters. Nowtheywereallbeautiful,andallexactlyalike:buthewastoldthattheeldest hadeatenapieceofsugar,thenextsomesweetsyrup,andtheyoungestaspoonfulof honey;sohewastoguesswhichitwasthathadeatenthehoney. Thencamethequeenofthebees,whohadbeensavedbythelittleBlockheadfrom thefire,andshetriedthelipsofallthree;butatlastshesatuponthelipsoftheonethat hadeatenthehoney:andsotheBlockheadknewwhichwastheyoungest. Thusthespellwasbroken,andallwhohadbeenturnedintostonesawoke,and tooktheirproperforms.AndtheBlockheadmarriedtheyoungestandthebestofthe princesses,andbecameKingafterherfather'sdeath;whilehistwobrothersmarriedthe othertwosisters.

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THEFOXANDTHEGEESE Thefoxoncecametoameadowinwhichwasaflockoffinefatgeese,onwhichhe smiledandsaid,"Icomeinthenickoftime,youaresittingtogetherquitebeautifully,so thatIcaneatyouuponeaftertheother." Thegeesecackledwithterror,sprangup,andbegantowailandbegpiteouslyfor theirlives.Butthefoxwouldlistentonothing,andsaid,"Thereisnomercytobehad! Youmustdie." Atlengthoneofthemtookheartandsaid,"Ifwepoorgeesearetoyieldupour vigorousyounglives,showustheonlypossiblefavourandallowusonemoreprayer,that wemaynotdieinoursins,andthenwewillplaceourselvesinarow,sothatyoucan alwayspickyourselfoutthefattest." "Yes,"saidthefox,"thatisreasonable,andapiousrequest.Prayaway,Iwillwait tillyouaredone." Thenthefirstbeganagoodlongprayer,foreversaying,"Ga!Ga!"andasshewould makenoend,theseconddidnotwaituntilherturncame,butbeganalso,"Ga!Ga!"The thirdandfourthfollowedher,andsoontheywereallcacklingtogether. Whentheyhavedonepraying,thestoryshallbecontinuedfurther,butatpresent theyarestillprayingwithoutstopping.

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FUNDEVOGEL Therewasonceaforesterwhowentintotheforesttohunt,andasheenteredithe heardasoundofscreamingasifalittlechildwerethere.Hefollowedthesound,andat lastcametoahightree,andatthetopofthisalittlechildwassitting,forthemotherhad fallenasleepunderthetreewiththechild,andabirdofpreyhadseenitinherarms,had flowndown,snatcheditaway,andsetitonthehightree. Theforesterclimbedup,broughtthechilddown,andthoughttohimself,"Thou wilttakehimhomewiththee,andbringhimupwiththyLina."Hetookithome, therefore,andthetwochildrengrewuptogether.Theone,however,whichhehadfound onatreewascalledFundevogel(birdfoundling),becauseabirdhadcarrieditaway. FundevogelandLinalovedeachothersodearlythatwhentheydidnotseeeachother theyweresad. Theforester,however,hadanoldcook,whooneeveningtooktwopailsandbegan tofetchwater,anddidnotgoonceonly,butmanytimes,outtothespring.Linasawthis andsaid,"Harkyou,oldSanna,whyareyoufetchingsomuchwater?""Ifthouwiltnever repeatittoanyone,Iwilltelltheewhy."SoLinasaid,no,shewouldneverrepeatitto anyone,andthenthecooksaid,"Earlytomorrowmorning,whentheforesterisout hunting,Iwillheatthewater,andwhenitisboilinginthekettle,Iwillthrowin Fundevogel,andwillboilhiminit." Betimesnextmorningtheforestergotupandwentouthunting,andwhenhewas gonethechildrenwerestillinbed.ThenLinasaidtoFundevogel,"Ifthouwiltneverleave me,Itoowillneverleavethee."Fundevogelsaid,"Neithernow,noreverwillIleavethee." ThensaidLina,"ThenIwilltellthee.Lastnight,oldSannacarriedsomanybucketsof waterintothehousethatIaskedherwhyshewasdoingthat,andshesaidthatifIwould promisenottotellanyoneshewouldtellme,andIsaidIwouldbesurenottotellany one,andshesaidthatearlytomorrowmorningwhenfatherwasouthunting,shewould setthekettlefullofwater,throwtheeintoitandboilthee;butwewillgetupquickly, dressourselves,andgoawaytogether." Thetwochildrenthereforegotup,dressedthemselvesquickly,andwentaway. Whenthewaterinthekettlewasboiling,thecookwentintothebedroomtofetch Fundevogelandthrowhimintoit.Butwhenshecamein,andwenttothebeds,boththe childrenweregone.Thenshewasterriblyalarmed,andshesaidtoherself,"WhatshallI saynowwhentheforestercomeshomeandseesthatthechildrenaregone?Theymust befollowedinstantlytogetthembackagain." Thenthecooksentthreeservantsafterthem,whoweretorunandovertakethe children.Thechildren,however,weresittingoutsidetheforest,andwhentheysawfrom afarthethreeservantsrunning,LinasaidtoFundevogel,"Neverleaveme,andIwillnever leavethee."Fundevogelsaid,"Neithernow,norever."ThensaidLina,"Dothoubecomea rosetree,andItheroseuponit."Whenthethreeservantscametotheforest,nothing wastherebutarosetreeandoneroseonit,butthechildrenwerenowhere.Thensaid they,"Thereisnothingtobedonehere,"andtheywenthomeandtoldthecookthatthey hadseennothingintheforestbutalittlerosebushwithoneroseonit.

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Thentheoldcookscoldedandsaid,"Yousimpletons,youshouldhavecutthe rosebushintwo,andhavebrokenofftheroseandbroughtithomewithyou;go,anddo itonce."Theyhadthereforetogooutandlookforthesecondtime.Thechildren, however,sawthemcomingfromadistance.ThenLinasaid,"Fundevogel,neverleaveme, andIwillneverleavethee."Fundevogelsaid,"Neithernow,norever."SaidLina,"Thendo thoubecomeachurch,andI'llbethechandelierinit."Sowhenthethreeservantscame, nothingwastherebutachurch,withachandelierinit.Theysaidthereforetoeachother, "Whatcanwedohere,letusgohome."Whentheygothome,thecookaskediftheyhad notfoundthem;sotheysaidno,theyhadfoundnothingbutachurch,andthattherewas achandelierinit.Andthecookscoldedthemandsaid,"Youfools!whydidyounotpull thechurchtopieces,andbringthechandelierhomewithyou?" Andnowtheoldcookherselfgotonherlegs,andwentwiththethreeservantsin pursuitofthechildren.Thechildren,however,sawfromafarthatthethreeservantswere coming,andthecookwaddlingafterthem.ThensaidLina,"Fundevogel,neverleaveme, andIwillneverleavethee."ThensaidFundevogel,"Neithernow,norever."SaidLina,"Be afishpond,andIwillbetheduckuponit."Thecook,however,cameuptothem,and whenshesawthepondshelaydownbyit,andwasabouttodrinkitup.Buttheduck swamquicklytoher,seizedherheadinitsbeakanddrewherintothewater,andthere theoldwitchhadtodrown. Thenthechildrenwenthometogether,andwereheartilydelighted,andiftheyare notdead,theyarelivingstill.

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THEGOLDENKEY

Inthewintertime,whendeepsnowlayontheground,apoorboywasforcedtogo outonasledgetofetchwood.Whenhehadgatheredittogether,andpackedit,he wished,ashewassofrozenwithcold,nottogohomeatonce,buttolightafireand warmhimselfalittle. Sohescrapedawaythesnow,andashewasthusclearingtheground,hefounda tiny,goldkey.Hereuponhethoughtthatwherethekeywas,thelockmustbealso,and duginthegroundandfoundanironchest."Ifthekeydoesbutfitit!"thoughthe;"no doubttherearepreciousthingsinthatlittlebox."Hesearched,butnokeyholewasthere. Atlasthediscoveredone,butsosmallthatitwashardlyvisible.Hetriedit,andthekey fitteditexactly. Thenheturneditonceround,andnowwemustwaituntilhehasquiteunlocked itandopenedthelid,andthenweshalllearnwhatwonderfulthingswerelyinginthat box.

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BEAUTYANDTHEBEAST Onceuponatimeacertainrichmerchanthadsixchildrenthreeboysandthree girls.Thethreedaughterswereallverypretty,especiallytheyoungest,whowaslovely andsweet.ShewascalledLittleBeauty. Ithappenedthatastormatseadestroyedallthemerchantsships,andhehad nothingofhisfortuneleftbutasmallcottagedeepinthecountry.Thefamilymovedinto thecottage;themerchantandhissonsdidalltheworkaboutthefieldsandgarden,and Beautydidherpart,risingbyfouroclockeverymorningtobusyherselfaboutthehouse. Buthertwooldersistersonlystayedinbedandbemoanedtheirlot.Aftertheyhadlived inthismanneraboutayear,themerchantreceivedwordthatoneofhisrichestships, whichhehadlongthoughtlost,hadcomesafelyintoport.Whenheleftuponthe journeytoclaimtheship,thetwoeldestdaughtersbeggedhimtobringthemwithoutfail newgownsandcaps,rings,andallsortsoftrinkets.ButBeautyaskedfornothing. Beauty,saidthemerchant,youhaveaskedfornothing.WhatcanIbringyou, child? Sinceyouaresokindastothinkofme,Father,saidBeauty,pleasebringmea rose,fortherearenoneinourgarden. Sothemerchantsetoutonhisjourney.Butwhenhereachedtheport,some personswenttocourtwithhimaboutthecargo,andhestartedbackforhiscottageas poorashehadleftit. Whenhewasstillsomemilesfromhome,helosthiswayinthemidstofadense forest.Itrainedandsnowed,andasnightcameonhefearedhewoulddieofhungerand coldorbedevouredbywolves.Allatoncehesawalightshiningalongwayoff.He madehiswaytowarditandfoundthatitcamefromasplendidpalace,allthewindowsof whichwereblazingwithlights.Ithadgreatbronzegatesandafinecourtyard,through whichhepassedwithoutseeingalivingsoul.Hewalkedthroughtheentrancehalland intoalargediningparlour,wherehefoundagoodfireandatablecoveredwithsomevery tastydishes,andsetwithplate,knife,andfork. Hedriedhiswetclothesatthefireandwaitedsometime,butnoonecame.When theclockstruckeleven,beingquitefaintwithhunger,hehelpedhimselftoachickenand aglassofwine.Then,sincenoonehadyetappeared,hebegantoexplorethepalace.He openedadoorandfoundagrandbedroomwhere,ashewasveryweary,hewenttobed. Inthemorningwhenheawokehewasamazedtoseeahandsomenewsuitof clotheslaidoutinplaceofhisown,whichweretornandsoiled.Helookedoutthe windowandsaw,inplaceofasnowcoveredwood,themostcharmingflowergardens. Returningtothedininghall,hefoundabreakfasttableallprepared. Indeed,mygoodfairy,saidthemerchantgratefully,lookingaroundtheroom,I thankyouforyourcareofme,whoeveryoumaybe. Afteraheartybreakfastheleftthepalace.Ashepassedunderanarborheavywith rosessuddenlyherememberedhispromisetoBeauty,sohepickedabunchofroses.

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Atthatmomentheheardahideousgrowl.Lookingup,hesawafrightfulbeast comingtowardhim. Ungratefulman,saidthebeastinaterriblevoice,Ihavesavedyourlifeandnow yourepaymebystealingmyroses.Forthisyoumustdie. Themerchantfellonhisknees,andsaid,Sir,Ihumblybegyourpardon.Ididnot thinkIwouldoffendingatheringtherosesIpromisedoneofmydaughters. Ishallspareyourlife,saidthebeast,ifoneofyourdaughterswillcomeinyour place.Ifnot,promisemethatyouwillreturninthreemonthsforyourpunishment. Themerchantpromised,andwastoldthathemightstarthomewhenhechose. But,saidthebeast,Idonotwishyoutoreturnemptyhanded.Intheroom whereyousleptthereisachest.Fillitwithwhateveryoulike,andtakeit.Youmayalso taketheroses. Themerchantfoundthechestandfilledittothebrimwithsomeofthegold pieceswhichwerelyingaboutinheaps.Then,bymagic,hesuddenlyfoundhimself home,withthechestoftreasuresbesidehim.Hischildrencamerunninguptohim,but hecouldnothelpweepingashegreetedthemandopenedforthemthechestofgold pieces.HegavethebunchofrosestoBeauty,saying,Hereareyourroses,Beauty,but ah,whattheycostyourfather!Andhetoldherthewholestory. TheeldersistersnowbegantoblameBeautyfortheirfathersdoom,butsheonly said,Myfathershallnotdie.Ishallgoinhisplace. ThemerchantandhissonstriedtoreasonwithBeauty,butshestoodfirm.The threemonthswentbyalltoofast.ThenthemerchantandBeautymadereadyforthe journeytotheBeastspalace.Thetwoeldersistersrubbedtheireyeswithanonion,just tomakebelievetheywerecrying.Themerchantandhissonsweptinearnest.Only Beautydidnotweepatall. Beautyandherfatherreachedthepalaceinduetime,andfoundthetable,setwith everydaintyimaginable,waitingforthem.Whentheyhadfinishedtheirsupperthey heardagreatnoise,andthebeastenteredtheroom. Beautywasterrifiedathisugliness,butshetriedtohideherfearandspoke politelytohim.Tohersurprise,hespokemostpolitelytoher,too.Butwhenhetoldher fathertoleavethepalaceinthemorning,herspiritsfellagain. OncemorethemerchanttriedtopersuadeBeautytogohomeandleavehimto paythepenalty,butsherefused.Sotheysaidgoodnightandwentofftotheirbedrooms. InthenightBeautydreamedthataprincecametoherandsaid,Iammuch pleasedwithyourgoodness,Beauty.Donotfear.Youshallberewarded. Shetoldthisdreamtoherfatherinthemorning,butstillhewassadonleaving her.Whenherfatherwasoutofsightinthewoods,Beautybegantoweep.Butshesoon resolvedthathertearswereinvain,soshedecidedtoviewthewholepalace.Itwasso elegantthatshewassomecharmed,andwhatwashersurprisewhenshecametoadoor onwhichwaswritten:BEAUTYSROOM.Sheopenedthedoorquickly,andhereyes weredazzledbythesplendoroftheroom.Therewasalibraryfilledwithshelvesoffine

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books.Therewasaharpsichord,withmanypiecesofmusic.Bestofall,therewasa magiclookingglassinwhichshecouldseewhateversceneshewishedfor.Whenshe longedtoseeherfather,heatonceappearedintheglass,justashearrivedhomeatthe littlecottageinthewoods. Atnoonatableappeared,laidforher,andsheatetotheaccompanimentofsweet musicplayedbyunseenhands.Butatsuppertime,whenshewasgoingtoseatherself againatthedaintytable,sheheardatlastthesoundofthebeast,andcouldnothelp tremblingwithfear. Beauty,mayIwatchyousup?saidhe. Ifyouwish,saidshe,stillafraid. No,saidthebeast,everythinghereisasyouwish.Ifyoudonotwishtohavemy company,Ishallleaveinamoment.Tellme,Beauty,doyouthinkmeveryugly? Why,yes,saidBeauty,forIcannottellafalsehood,butIalsothinkyouarevery good.YouaresokindthatIalmostforgetthatyouareugly. Atwhichkindlyspeechthebeastlookedpleased,andreplied,notwithoutan awkwardsortofpoliteness,Praydonotletmedetainyoufromsupper,andbesurethat youarewellserved.Allyouseeisyourown,andIshouldbedeeplygrievedifyouwanted foranything.TheytalkedpleasantlywhileBeautyatehersupper,andaltogetherhe seemedsogentle,andalsosounhappy,thatBeauty,whohadthetenderestheartinthe world,feltherfearofhimgraduallyfading. Butlater,asthebeastrosetodepart,heterrifiedhermorethaneverbysaying suddenlyinhisgruffvoice,Beauty,willyoumarryme? No,Beast,saidBeautygently,forshecouldspeakonlythetruth. Theunhappybeastsigheddeeplyanddeparted,leavingBeautytopityhimwithall herheart.WhenBeautyfoundherselfalone,shebegantofeelpityforthepoorbeast. Oh!saidshe,whatasadthingitisthatheshouldbesoveryfrightful,sinceheisso kind! Beautylivedinthepalaceforthreemonthsmosthappily.Thebeastcametosee hereverynightwhileshesupped,andshecametolookforwardtohiscoming,andfound herselfwaitingeagerlyfornine0clock,whichwasthehouratwhichheinvariably arrived.Buteverynightbeforehewentawayhewouldask,Beauty,willyoumarryme? Andheseemedmuchgrievedthatshealwaysanswered,No.Atlast,onenight,shesaid tohim,Youwoundmegreatly,Beast,byforcingmetorefuseyousooften.Ishallalways beyourfriend;sotrytoletthatcontentyou. Thebeastsighed.IknowwellenoughhowfrightfulIam;butIloveyoubetter thanmyself.YetIthinkIamveryluckyinyourbeingpleasedtobemyfriend:now promiseme,Beauty,thatyouwillneverleaveme. Beautywouldalmosthaveagreedtothis,sosorrywassheforhim,butshehad thatdayseeninhermagicglass,whichshelookedatconstantly,thatherfatherwasdying ofgriefforhersake.Alas!shesaid,Ilongsomuchtoseemyfather,thatifyoudonot givemeleavetovisithim,Ishallbreakmyheart.

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Iwouldratherbreakmine,Beauty,saidthebeast.Verywell:Youwillfind yourselfathomewhenyouawakentomorrowmorning,butifyoudonotreturnina week,yourbeastwilldieofsorrow.Whenyouwishtoreturn,justlaythisringonthe tablewhenyougotobed.Goodbye,Beauty. Thebeastsighedashelefther,andBeautywassorrytoseehimsogrieved. Whensheawokeinthemorning,shefoundherselfathomeinherfatherscottage. Herfatherfeltbetteratoncewhenhesawher,buthersisters,thespitefulcreatures,cried tearsofenvywhentheysawhowhappyshelookedandhowbeautifullyshewasdressed. Letuskeepherherelongerthantheweek,saidtheeldest,andthisbeastwillbe soangrythathewilleatherupwhenshereturns. Sowhentheweekwasended,thetwosisterspretendedsuchgriefatherleaving thatBeautyagreedtostayaweekmore.Shecouldnothelpfrettingatthesorrowshe knewshewascausingthebeast,forshetenderlylovedhimandfoundnooneelsehalfso sensibleandthoughtfulandkind. Thetenthnightofherstay,shedreamedshewasbackinthepalacegarden,and foundthebeastdying.Sheawokeinfrightandburstintotears. HowwickedIamtobehavesotohim!shesaid.Sherose,putherringonthe table,gotintobedagain,andsoonfellasleep. Inthemorningshefoundtoherjoythatshewasbackinthepalace.Shethought thedaywouldneverpass,butatlasttheclockstrucknine.Stillthebeastdidnotcome. ThenBeautyrememberedherdreamandranintothegarden.Thereshesawthebeast lyingmotionlessbesideafountain.Forgettingallhisugliness,shethrewherselfuponhis body,andshefetchedsomewaterandsprinkleditoverhim,weepingandsobbing. Thebeastopenedhiseyesandsmiledsadly.Youforgotyourpromise,Beauty,he said,andsoIdeterminedtodie;forIcouldnotlivewithoutyou.Ihavestarvedmyselfto death,butIshalldiecontentsinceIhaveseenyourfaceoncemore. Youmustnotdie!criedBeauty.Youshalllivetobemyhusband.Ithoughtit wasfriendshipIfelt,butnowIknowitwaslove! ThemomentBeautyspokethesewords,thewholepalacewaslightedupand soundsofrejoicingfilledtheair.ButBeautyhadcoveredhereyes,weepingdeeply. Whenshelookedupagain,thebeastwasgone.Inhisplacetherewasahandsome prince,theprinceofherdream,thankingherforfreeinghimfromhisenchantment. Butwhereismybeast?sobbedBeauty.Iwantonlyhim. Iamhe,saidtheprince.Ihadtoremainabeastuntilabeautifulladyshould promisetomarryme.Youalone,dearestBeauty,judgedmenotbymylooksbutbymy heart.Takeit,then,foritisyours,andallIownbesides. ThentheprinceledBeautytothepalace,whereherfatherandbrothersandsisters werewaiting,andintheirpresencetheweddingwasperformed,unitingBeautytothe princeofherheartsdesire.

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SNOWWHITEANDROSERED Therewasonceapoorwidowwholivedinalonelycottage.Infrontofthecottage wasagardenwhereinstoodtworosetrees,oneofwhichborewhiteandtheotherred roses.Shehadtwochildrenwhowerelikethetworosetrees,andonewascalledSnow white,andtheotherRosered.Theywereasgoodandhappy,asbusyandcheerfulasever twochildrenintheworldwere,onlySnowwhitewasmorequietandgentlethanRose red.Roseredlikedbettertorunaboutinthemeadowsandfieldsseekingflowersand catchingbutterflies;butSnowwhitesatathomewithhermother,andhelpedherwith herhousework,orreadtoherwhentherewasnothingtodo. Thetwochildrenweresofondofoneanotherthattheyalwaysheldeachotherby thehandwhentheywentouttogether,andwhenSnowwhitesaid:'Wewillnotleave eachother,'Roseredanswered:'Neversolongaswelive,'andtheirmotherwouldadd: 'Whatonehasshemustsharewiththeother.' Theyoftenranabouttheforestaloneandgatheredredberries,andnobeastsdid themanyharm,butcameclosetothemtrustfully.Thelittleharewouldeatacabbage leafoutoftheirhands,theroegrazedbytheirside,thestagleaptmerrilybythem,and thebirdssatstillupontheboughs,andsangwhatevertheyknew. Nomishapovertookthem;iftheyhadstayedtoolateintheforest,andnightcame on,theylaidthemselvesdownnearoneanotheruponthemoss,andsleptuntilmorning came,andtheirmotherknewthisanddidnotworryontheiraccount. Oncewhentheyhadspentthenightinthewoodandthedawnhadrousedthem, theysawabeautifulchildinashiningwhitedresssittingneartheirbed.Hegotupand lookedquitekindlyatthem,butsaidnothingandwentintotheforest.Andwhenthey lookedroundtheyfoundthattheyhadbeensleepingquiteclosetoaprecipice,and wouldcertainlyhavefallenintoitinthedarknessiftheyhadgoneonlyafewpaces further.Andtheirmothertoldthemthatitmusthavebeentheangelwhowatchesover goodchildren. SnowwhiteandRoseredkepttheirmother'slittlecottagesoneatthatitwasa pleasuretolookinsideit.InthesummerRoseredtookcareofthehouse,andevery morninglaidawreathofflowersbyhermother'sbedbeforesheawoke,inwhichwasa rosefromeachtree.InthewinterSnowwhitelitthefireandhungthekettleonthehob. Thekettlewasofbrassandshonelikegold,sobrightlywasitpolished.Intheevening, whenthesnowflakesfell,themothersaid:'Go,Snowwhite,andboltthedoor,'andthen theysatroundthehearth,andthemothertookherspectaclesandreadaloudoutofa largebook,andthetwogirlslistenedastheysatandspun.Andclosebythemlayalamb uponthefloor,andbehindthemuponaperchsatawhitedovewithitsheadhidden beneathitswings. Oneevening,astheywerethussittingcomfortablytogether,someoneknockedat thedoorasifhewishedtobeletin.Themothersaid:'Quick,Rosered,openthedoor,it mustbeatravellerwhoisseekingshelter.'Roseredwentandpushedbackthebolt, thinkingthatitwasapoorman,butitwasnot;itwasabearthatstretchedhisbroad, blackheadwithinthedoor.

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Roseredscreamedandsprangback,thelambbleated,thedovefluttered,and Snowwhitehidherselfbehindhermother'sbed.Butthebearbegantospeakandsaid: 'Donotbeafraid,Iwilldoyounoharm!Iamhalffrozen,andonlywanttowarmmyselfa littlebesideyou.' 'Poorbear,'saidthemother,'liedownbythefire,onlytakecarethatyoudonot burnyourcoat.'Thenshecried:'Snowwhite,Rosered,comeout,thebearwilldoyouno harm,hemeanswell.'Sotheybothcameout,andbyandbythelambanddovecame nearer,andwerenotafraidofhim.Thebearsaid:'Here,children,knockthesnowoutof mycoatalittle';sotheybroughtthebroomandsweptthebear'shideclean;andhe stretchedhimselfbythefireandgrowledcontentedlyandcomfortably.Itwasnotlong beforetheygrewquiteathome,andplayedtrickswiththeirclumsyguest.Theytugged hishairwiththeirhands,puttheirfeetuponhisbackandrolledhimabout,ortheytook ahazelswitchandbeathim,andwhenhegrowledtheylaughed.Butthebeartookitall ingoodpart,onlywhentheyweretooroughhecalledout:'Leavemealive,children, 'Snowwhite,Rosered, Willyoubeatyourwooerdead?' Whenitwasbedtime,andtheotherswenttobed,themothersaidtothebear: 'Youcanlietherebythehearth,andthenyouwillbesafefromthecoldandthebad weather.'Assoonasdaydawnedthetwochildrenlethimout,andhetrottedacrossthe snowintotheforest. Henceforththebearcameeveryeveningatthesametime,laidhimselfdownby thehearth,andletthechildrenamusethemselveswithhimasmuchastheyliked;and theygotsousedtohimthatthedoorswereneverfasteneduntiltheirblackfriendhad arrived. Whenspringhadcomeandalloutsidewasgreen,thebearsaidonemorningto Snowwhite:'NowImustgoaway,andcannotcomebackforthewholesummer.''Where areyougoing,then,dearbear?'askedSnowwhite.'Imustgointotheforestandguard mytreasuresfromthewickeddwarfs.Inthewinter,whentheearthisfrozenhard,they areobligedtostaybelowandcannotworktheirwaythrough;butnow,whenthesunhas thawedandwarmedtheearth,theybreakthroughit,andcomeouttopryandsteal;and whatoncegetsintotheirhands,andintheircaves,doesnoteasilyseedaylightagain.' Snowwhitewasquitesorryathisdeparture,andassheunboltedthedoorforhim, andthebearwashurryingout,hecaughtagainsttheboltandapieceofhishairycoatwas tornoff,anditseemedtoSnowwhiteasifshehadseengoldshiningthroughit,butshe wasnotsureaboutit.Thebearranawayquickly,andwassoonoutofsightbehindthe trees. Ashorttimeafterwardsthemothersentherchildrenintotheforesttoget firewood.Theretheyfoundabigtreewhichlayfelledontheground,andclosebythe trunksomethingwasjumpingbackwardsandforwardsinthegrass,buttheycouldnot makeoutwhatitwas.Whentheycamenearertheysawadwarfwithanoldwitheredface andasnowwhitebeardayardlong.Theendofthebeardwascaughtinacreviceofthe

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tree,andthelittlefellowwasjumpingaboutlikeadogtiedtoarope,anddidnotknow whattodo. Heglaredatthegirlswithhisfieryredeyesandcried:'Whydoyoustandthere? Canyounotcomehereandhelpme?''Whatareyouupto,littleman?'askedRosered. 'Youstupid,pryinggoose!'answeredthedwarf:'Iwasgoingtosplitthetreetogetalittle woodforcooking.Thelittlebitoffoodthatwepeoplegetisimmediatelyburntupwith heavylogs;wedonotswallowsomuchasyoucoarse,greedyfolk.Ihadjustdriventhe wedgesafelyin,andeverythingwasgoingasIwished;butthecursedwedgewastoo smoothandsuddenlysprangout,andthetreeclosedsoquicklythatIcouldnotpullout mybeautifulwhitebeard;sonowitistightandIcannotgetaway,andthesilly,sleek, milkfacedthingslaugh!Ugh!howodiousyouare!' Thechildrentriedveryhard,buttheycouldnotpullthebeardout,itwascaught toofast.'Iwillrunandfetchsomeone,'saidRosered.'Yousenselessgoose!'snarledthe dwarf;'whyshouldyoufetchsomeone?Youarealreadytwotoomanyforme;canyounot thinkofsomethingbetter?''Don'tbeimpatient,'saidSnowwhite,'Iwillhelpyou,'and shepulledherscissorsoutofherpocket,andcutofftheendofthebeard. Assoonasthedwarffelthimselffreehelaidholdofabagwhichlayamongstthe rootsofthetree,andwhichwasfullofgold,andlifteditup,grumblingtohimself: 'Uncouthpeople,tocutoffapieceofmyfinebeard.Badlucktoyou!'andthenheswung thebaguponhisback,andwentoffwithoutevenoncelookingatthechildren. SometimeafterwardsSnowwhiteandRoseredwenttocatchadishoffish.As theycamenearthebrooktheysawsomethinglikealargegrasshopperjumpingtowards thewater,asifitweregoingtoleapin.Theyrantoitandfounditwasthedwarf.'Where areyougoing?'saidRosered;'yousurelydon'twanttogointothewater?''Iamnotsuch afool!'criedthedwarf;'don'tyouseethattheaccursedfishwantstopullmein?'The littlemanhadbeensittingtherefishing,andunluckilythewindhadtangleduphisbeard withthefishingline;amomentlaterabigfishmadeabiteandthefeeblecreaturehad notstrengthtopullitout;thefishkepttheupperhandandpulledthedwarftowards him.Heheldontoallthereedsandrushes,butitwasoflittlegood,forhewasforcedto followthemovementsofthefish,andwasinurgentdangerofbeingdraggedintothe water. Thegirlscamejustintime;theyheldhimfastandtriedtofreehisbeardfromthe line,butallinvain,beardandlinewereentangledfasttogether.Therewasnothingtodo buttobringoutthescissorsandcutthebeard,wherebyasmallpartofitwaslost.When thedwarfsawthathescreamedout:'Isthatcivil,youtoadstool,todisfigureaman'sface? Wasitnotenoughtoclipofftheendofmybeard?Nowyouhavecutoffthebestpartof it.Icannotletmyselfbeseenbymypeople.Iwishyouhadbeenmadetorunthesolesoff yourshoes!'Thenhetookoutasackofpearlswhichlayintherushes,andwithout anotherwordhedraggeditawayanddisappearedbehindastone. Ithappenedthatsoonafterwardsthemothersentthetwochildrentothetownto buyneedlesandthread,andlacesandribbons.Theroadledthemacrossaheathupon whichhugepiecesofrocklaystrewnabout.Theretheynoticedalargebirdhoveringin

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theair,flyingslowlyroundandroundabovethem;itsanklowerandlower,andatlast settledneararocknotfaraway.Immediatelytheyheardaloud,piteouscry.Theyranup andsawwithhorrorthattheeaglehadseizedtheiroldacquaintancethedwarf,andwas goingtocarryhimoff. Thechildren,fullofpity,atoncetooktightholdofthelittleman,andpulled againsttheeaglesolongthatatlasthelethisbootygo.Assoonasthedwarfhad recoveredfromhisfirstfrighthecriedwithhisshrillvoice:'Couldyounothavedoneit morecarefully!Youdraggedatmybrowncoatsothatitisalltornandfullofholes,you clumsycreatures!'Thenhetookupasackfullofpreciousstones,andslippedawayagain undertherockintohishole.Thegirls,whobythistimewereusedtohisingratitude, wentontheirwayanddidtheirbusinessintown. Astheycrossedtheheathagainontheirwayhometheysurprisedthedwarf,who hademptiedouthisbagofpreciousstonesinacleanspot,andhadnotthoughtthat anyonewouldcometheresolate.Theeveningsunshoneuponthebrilliantstones;they glitteredandsparkledwithallcolourssobeautifullythatthechildrenstoodstilland staredatthem.'Whydoyoustandgapingthere?'criedthedwarf,andhisashengreyface becamecopperredwithrage.Hewasstillcursingwhenaloudgrowlingwasheard,anda blackbearcametrottingtowardsthemoutoftheforest.Thedwarfsprangupinafright, buthecouldnotreachhiscave,forthebearwasalreadyclose.Theninthedreadofhis hearthecried:'DearMrBear,spareme,Iwillgiveyouallmytreasures;look,the beautifuljewelslyingthere!Grantmemylife;whatdoyouwantwithsuchaslenderlittle fellowasI?Youwouldnotfeelmebetweenyourteeth.Come,takethesetwowickedgirls, theyaretendermorselsforyou,fatasyoungquails;formercy'ssakeeatthem!'Thebear tooknoheedofhiswords,butgavethewickedcreatureasingleblowwithhispaw,and hedidnotmoveagain. Thegirlshadrunaway,butthebearcalledtothem:'SnowwhiteandRosered,do notbeafraid;wait,Iwillcomewithyou.'Thentheyrecognizedhisvoiceandwaited,and whenhecameuptothemsuddenlyhisbearskinfelloff,andhestoodthereahandsome man,clothedallingold.'Iamaking'sson,'hesaid,'andIwasbewitchedbythatwicked dwarf,whohadstolenmytreasures;Ihavehadtorunabouttheforestasasavagebear untilIwasfreedbyhisdeath.Nowhehasgothiswelldeservedpunishment.' Snowwhitewasmarriedtohim,andRoseredtohisbrother,andtheydivided betweenthemthegreattreasurewhichthedwarfhadgatheredtogetherinhiscave.The oldmotherlivedpeacefullyandhappilywithherchildrenformanyyears.Shetookthe tworosetreeswithher,andtheystoodbeforeherwindow,andeveryyearborethemost beautifulroses,whiteandred.

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