 Story 14 of the Fairy Ring. This is a LibriBox recording. All LibriBox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriBox.org. Recording by Bero Nasser. The Fairy Ring, edited by Kate Douglas-Wigging and Nora Archibald-Smith. Story 14 The History of Tom Thumb. In the days of the great Prince Arthur, there lived a mighty magician called Merlin, the most learned and skillful enchanter the world has ever seen. This famous magician, who could take any form he pleased, was traveling about as a poor beggar and being very tired, he stopped at the cottage of a plowman to rest himself and asked for some food. The countryman bade him welcome, and his wife, who was a very good-hearted woman, soon brought him some milk in a wooden bowl, and some coarse brown bread on a platter. Merlin was much pleased by the kindness of the plowman and his wife, but he could not help noticing that though everything was neat and comfortable in the cottage, they both seemed to be very unhappy. He therefore asked them why they were so melancholy, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children. The poor woman said, with tears in her eyes, I should be the happiest creature in the world if I had a son, although he was no bigger than my husband's thumb, I would be satisfied. Merlin was so much amused with the idea of a boy no bigger than a man's thumb that he determined to grant the poor woman's swish. Accordingly, in a short time after, the plowman's wife had a son, who, wonderful to relate, was not a bit bigger than his father's thumb. The queen of fairies, wishing to see the little fellow, came in at the window while the mother was sitting up in the bed admiring him. The queen kissed the child, and, giving it the name of Thumb Thumb, sent for some of the fairies who dressed her little gutson according to her orders. An oak leaf hat he had for his crown, his shirt of web by spider's spun, with jacket woeful fizzles down, his trousers wear 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, tanned with the downy hair within. Thumb never grew any larger than his father's thumb, which was only of ordinary size, but as he got older he became very cunning and full of tricks. When he was old enough to play with the boys, and had lost all his own cherry stones, he used to creep into the bags of his playfellows, fill his pockets and, getting out without their noticing him, would again join in the game. One day, however, as he was coming out of a bag of cherry stones, where he had been stealing as usual, the boy to whom it belonged chance to see him. Ah, ah, my little Tommy, said the boy, so I have caught you stealing my cherry stones at last, and you shall be rewarded for your thievish tricks. On saying this, he drew the string tight round his neck, and gave the bag such a hearty shake that poor little Tom's legs, thighs and body, were sadly bruised. He roared loud with pain and begged to be let out, promising never to steal again. A short time afterwards his mother was making a batter pudding, and Tom, being very anxious, to see how it was made, climbed up to the edge of the bowl. But his foot slipped, and he plumped overhead and ears into the batter, without his mother noticing him, who stared him into the pudding bag and put him in the pot to boil. The batter filled Tom's mouth and prevented him from crying, but, unfeeling the hot water, he kicked and struggled so much in the pot that his mother thought that the pudding was bewitched, and, pulling it out of the pot, she threw it outside the door. Poor Tinker, who was passing by, lifted up the pudding, and, then putting it into his budget, walked off. As Tom had now got his mouth cleared of the batter, he then began to cry aloud, which so frightened the Tinker that he flung down the pudding and ran away. The pudding being broken to pieces by the fall, Tom crept out, covered all over with the batter, and walked home. His mother, who was very sorry to see her darling in such woeful state, put him into a teacup and soon washed off the batter, after which she kissed him and laid him in bed. Soon after the adventure of the pudding, Tom's mother went to milk her cow in the meadow, and she took him along with her. As the wind was very high for fear of being blown away, she tied him to a thizzle with a piece of fine thread. The cow soon observed Tom's oak leaf hat, and, liking the appearance of it, took poor Tom and the thizzle at one mouthful. While the cow was chewing the thizzle, Tom was afraid of her great teeth, which threatened to crush him in pieces, and he roared out as loud as he could. Mother, mother, where are you Tommy, my dear Tommy, said his mother. Here mother replied he, in the red cow's mouth. His mother began to cry and wring her hands, but the cow, surprised at the odd noise in her throat, opened her mouth and let Tom drop out. Fortnately his mother caught him in her apron as he was falling to the ground where he would have been dreadfully hurt. She then put Tom in her bosom and ran home with him. Tom's father made him a whip of a barley straw to dry the cattle with, and having one day gone into the fields, Tom slipped a foot and rolled into the furrow. A raven, which was flying over, picked him up and flew with him over the sea and there dropped him. A large fish swallowed Tom the moment he fell into the sea, which was soon after caught and bought for the table of King Arthur. When they opened the fish in order to cook it, everyone was astonished at finding such a little boy, and Tom was quite delighted at being free again. They carried him to the king, who made Tom his dwarf, and he soon grew a great favorite at court, for by his tricks and gambles he not only amused the king and queen, but also all the knights of the round table. It is said that when the king rode out on horseback, he often took Tom along with him, and if a shower came up on, he used to creep into his majesty's waistcoat pocket, where he slept till the rain was over. King Arthur one day asked Tom about his parents, wishing to know if they were as small as he was, and whether they were well off. Tom told the king that his father and mother were as tall as anybody about the court, but in rather poor circumstances. On hearing this, the king carried Tom to his treasury, the place where he kept all his money, and told him to take as much money as he could carry home to his parents, which made the poor little fellow keeper with joy. Tom went immediately to procure a purse, which was made of a water bubble, and then returned to the treasury, where he received a silver three penny piece to put into it. Our little hero had some difficulty in lifting the burden upon his back, but he at last succeeded in getting it placed to his mind, and set forward on his journey. However, without meeting with any accident, and after resting himself more than a hundred times by the way, in two days and two nights he reached his father's house in safety. Tom had traveled forty-eight hours with a huge silver piece on his back, and was almost tired to death when his mother ran out to meet him, and carried him into the house, but he soon returned to court. As Tom's clothes had suffered much in the battered pudding, and the inside of the fish, his majesty ordered him a new suit of clothes, and to be mounted as a knight on a mouse. Of butterflies wings his shirt was made, his boots of chickens 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. It was certainly very diverting to see Tom in this dress, and mounted on a mouse as he rode out hunting with the king and Ability, who were all ready to expire with laughter at Tom and his fine prancing charger. The king was so charmed with his address that he ordered a little chair to be made, in order that Tom might sit upon his table, and also a palace of gold, as spanned high with a door an inch wide to live in. He also gave him a coach drawn by six small mice. The queen was so enraged at the honors conferred on Sir Thomas that she resolved to ruin him, and told the king that the little knight had been saucy to her. The king sent for Tom in a great haste, but being fully aware of the danger of royal anger, he crept into an empty snail shell where he lay for a long time until he was almost starved with hunger, but at last he ventured to peep out, and seeing a fine large butterfly on the ground near the place of his concealment, he got close to it, and jumping astride on it was carried up into the air. The butterfly flew with him from tree to tree and from field to field, and at last returned to the court, where the king and Ability all strove to catch him. But a last poor Tom fell from his seat into a watering pot in which he was almost drowned. When the queen saw him, she was enraged and said he should be beheaded, and he was again put into a mousetrap until the time of his execution. However, a cat, observing something alive in the trap, patted it about till the wires broke and set Thomas at liberty. The king received Tom again into favor, which he did not live to enjoy, for a large spider one day attacked him, and although he drew his sword and fought well, yet the spider's voice in his breath at last overcame him. He fell dead on the ground where he stood, and the spider sucked every drop of his blood. King Arthur and his whole court were so sorry at the loss of their little favorite that they went into mourning and raised a fine white marble monument over his grave with the following epitaph. Here lies Tom Thumb, King Arthur's knight, who died by a spider's cruel bite. He was well known in Arthur's court where he afforded gallant sport. He rode the tilt and tournament, and on a mouse a hunting went. Alive, he filled the court with mirth. His death to sorrow soon gave birth. Wipe, wipe your eyes and shake your head, and cry alas, Tom Thumb is dead. End of THE HISTORY OF TOM THUM Recording by Vero Nasser Once dwelt a very rich old lord, who had neither wife nor children living, only one little granddaughter whose face he had never seen in all her life. He hated her bitterly, because at her birth his favorite daughter died, and when the old nurse brought him the baby, he swore that it might live or die as it liked, but he would never look on its face as long as it lived. So he turned his back and sat by his window, looking out over the sea, and weeping great tears for his lost daughter. Till his white hair and beard grew down over his shoulders, and twined round his chair, and crept into the chinks of the floor, and his tears dropping onto the window ledge wore channel through the stone, and ran away in a little river to the great sea. And meanwhile his granddaughter grew up with no one to care for her or clothe her. Only the old nurse, when no one was by, would sometimes give her a dish of scraps from the kitchen, or a torn petticoat from the rag-bag, while the other servants of the palace would drive her from the house with blows and mocking words, calling her tatter coats, and pointing at her bare feet and shoulders till she ran away crying to hide among the bushes. And so she grew up, with little to eat or wear, spending her days in the fields and lanes, with only the goose-herd for a companion, who had played to her so merrily on his little pipe when she was hungry or cold or tired that she forgot all her troubles and fell to dancing with this noisy geese for partners. But one day people told each other that the king was travelling through the land, and in the town nearby was to give a great ball to all the lords and ladies of the country, when the prince, his only son, was to choose a wife. One of the royal invitations was brought to the palace by the sea, and the servants carried it up to the old lord, who still sat by his window, wrapped in his long white hair, and weeping into the little river that was fed by his tears. But when he heard the king's command, he dried his eyes and bade them bring shears to cut him loose, for his hair had bound him a fast prisoner, and he could not move. And then he sent them for rich clothes and jewels which he put on, and he ordered them to saddle the white horse with gold and silk that he might ride to meet the king. Meanwhile Tatecoats had heard of the great doings in the town, and she sat by the kitchen door weeping, because she could not go to see them. And when the old nurse heard her cry, she went to the lord of the palace, and begged him to take his granddaughter with him to the king's ball. But he only frowned and told her to be silent, while the servants laughed and said, Tatecoats is happy in her rags playing with the goose-herd, let her be, and is all she is fit for. A second and a third time the old nurse begged him to let the girl go with him, but she was answered only by black looks and fierce words, because she was driven from the room by the jeering servants with blows and mocking words. Weeping over her ill success, the old nurse went to look for Tatecoats, but the girl had been turned from the door by the cook, and had run away to tell her friend the goose-herd how unhappy she was, because she could not go to the king's ball. But when the goose-herd had listened to her story, he baited her cheer up, and proposed that they should go together into the town to see the king, and all the fine things. And when she looked sorrowfully down at her rags and bare feet, he played a note or two upon his pipe, so gay and merry that she forgot all about her tears and her troubles, and before she well knew, the herd-boy had taken her by the hand, and she and he, and the geese before them, were dancing down the road toward the town. Before they had gone very far, a handsome young man, splendidly dressed, rode up and stopped to ask the way to the castle where the king was staying, and when he found that they too were going with her, he got off his horse and walked beside them along the road. The herd-boy pulled out his pipe and played a low, sweet tune, and the stranger looked again and again at Tatecote's lovely face, till he fell deeply in love with her and begged her to marry him. But she only laughed and shook her golden head. You would be finally put to shame if you had a goose-girl for your wife, said she. Go and ask one of the great ladies you will see tonight at the king's ball, and do not flout poor Tatecote. But the more she refused him, the sweeter the pipe played, and the deeper the young man fell in love, till at last he begged her, as a proof of a sincerity, to come that night at twelve to the king's ball, just as she was with the herd-boy and his geese, and in her torn petticoat and bare feet, and he would dance with her before the king and the lords and ladies, and present her to them all as his dear and honoured bride. So when night came, and the hall in the castle was full of light and music, and the lords and ladies were dancing before the king, just as a clock struck twelve, Tatecote and the herd-boy, followed by his flock of noisy geese, entered at the great doors and walked straight up the ballroom. While on either side the ladies whispered, the lords laughed, and the king, seated at the far end, stared in amazement. But as they came in front of the throne, Tatecote's lover rose from beside the king and came to meet her. Taking her by the hand he kissed her thrice before them all and turned to the king. Father, he said, for it was the prince himself, I have made my choice and here is my bride, the loveliest girl in all the land, and the sweetest as well. Before yet finished speaking the herd-boy put his pipe to his lips and played a few low notes that sounded like a bird singing far off in the woods, and as he played Tatecote's rags were changed to shining robes sewn with glittering jewels, a golden crown lay upon her golden hair and the flock of geese behind her became a crowd of dainty pages bearing her long train. And as the king rose to greet her at his daughter the trumpet sounded loudly in honour of the new princess and the people outside in the street said to each other Ah, now the prince has chosen for his wife the loveliest girl in all the land. But the goose-herd was never seen again and no one knew what became of him while the old lord went home once more to his palace by the sea for he could not stay at court when he had sworn never to look on his granddaughter's face. So there he still sits by his window if you could only see him as you some day may weeping more bitterly than ever as he looks out over the sea. End of Tatecote's RECORDING BY ANNE CHING In the rain of the famous King Arthur there lived in Cornwall a lad named Jack who was a boy of a bold temper and took delight in hearing or reading of conjurers, giants and fairies and used to listen eagerly to the deeds of the knights of King Arthur's round table. In those days there lived on St. Michael's Mount off Cornwall a huge giant eighteen feet high and nine feet round and whose fierce and savage looks were the terror of all who beheld him. He dwelt in a gloomy cavern on the top of the mountain and used to wade over to the mainland in search of prey. When he would throw half a dozen oxen upon his back tie three times as many sheep and hogs around his waist and march back to his own abode. The giant had done this for many years when Jack resolved to destroy him. Jack took a horn, a shovel, a pickaxe, his armour and a dark lantern and one winter's evening he went to the mount. There he dug a pit twenty-two feet deep and twenty broad. He covered the top over so as to make it look like solid ground. He then blew such a tantive that the giant awoke and came out of his den with a cry, you saucy villain, you shall pay for this, I'll broil you for my breakfast. He had just finished when, taking one step further he tumbled headlong into the pit and Jack struck him a blow on the head with his pickaxe that killed him. Jack then returned home to cheer his friends with the news. Another giant, called Blunderbore, vowed to revenge on Jack if ever he should have him in his power. This giant kept an enchanted castle in the midst of a lonely wood and some time after the death of Cormoran Jack was passing through a wood and being weary sat down and went to sleep. The giant passing by and seeing Jack carried him to his castle where he locked him in a large room the floor of which was covered with the bodies, skulls and bones of men and women. Soon after the giant went to fetch his brother who was likewise a giant to take a meal off his flesh and Jack saw with terror through the bars of his prison the two giants approaching. Jack, perceiving in one corner of the room a strong cord took courage and making a slip knot at each end he threw them over their heads and tied it to the window-bars. He then pulled till he had choked them. When they were black in the face he slid down the rope and quickly disposed of them. Jack next took a bunch of keys from the pocket of Blunderbore and went into the castle again. He made a strict search through all the rooms and in one of them found three ladies tied up by the hair of their heads and almost starved to death. They told him that their husbands had been killed by the giants who had then condemned them to be starved to death because they would not eat the flesh of the captives he brought in. Ladies, said Jack, I have put an end to the monster and his wicked brother and I give you this castle and all the riches it contains to make some amends for the dreadful pains you have felt. He then, very politely, gave them the keys of the castle and went further on his journey to Wales. As fast as possible. At length he came to a handsome house. Jack knocked at the door once there came forth a Welsh giant. Jack said he was a traveller who had lost his way, on which the giant made him welcome and led him into a room where there was a good bed to sleep in. Jack took off his clothes quickly but though he was weary he could not go to sleep. Soon after this he heard the giant walking backward and forward though here you lodge with me this night you shall not see the morning light my club shall dash your brains out quite. Say you so, thought Jack, are these your tricks upon travellers but I hope to prove as cunning as you are. Then getting out of bed he groped about the room and at last found a large thick billet of wood. He laid it in his own place in the bed and then hid himself in a dark corner of the room. The giant, about midnight entered the apartment and with his bludgeon stork many blows on the bed in the very place where Jack had lained the log. Then he went back to his own room thinking he had broken all Jack's bones. Early in the morning Jack put a bold face upon the matter and walked into the giant's room to thank him for his lodging. The giant started when he saw him and began to stem out oh dear me, is it you? Pray, how did you sleep last night? here or see anything in the dead of night? Ah, nothing worse speaking of said Jack carelessly. A rat, I believe, gave me three or four slaps with its tail and disturbed me a little but I soon went to sleep again. The giant wondered more and more at this yet he did not answer a word but went to bring two great bowls of hasty pudding for their breakfast. Jack wanted to make the giant believe that he could eat as much as himself so he contrived to button the bag inside his coat and slipped the hasty pudding into this bag while he seemed to be putting it into his mouth. When breakfast was over he said to the giant now I will show you a fine trick I can cure all the wounds with a touch I could cut off my head in one minute and the next put a sound again on my shoulders you shall see an example he then took hold of the knife ripped up the leather and bag and all the hasty pudding tumbled out on the floor Oods splutter her nails cried the Welsh giant who was ashamed to be outdone by such a little fellow as Jack her can do that herself so he snatched up the knife plunged it into his own stomach and in a moment dropped down dead Jack having hitherto been successful in all his undertakings resolved not to be idle in future he therefore furnished himself with a horse a cap of knowledge a sword of sharpness and an invisible coat the better to perform the wonderful enterprises that lay before him he travelled over high hills and on the third day he came to a large and spacious forest through which his road lay scarcely had he entered the forest when he beheld a monstrous giant dragging along by the hair of their heads a handsome knight and his lady Jack alighted from his horse and tying him to an oak tree put on his invisible coat under which he carried his sword of sharpness when he came up to the giant he made several strokes at him but could not reach his body though he wounded his thighs in several places and at length putting both hands to his sword and aiming with all his might he cut off both his legs then Jack setting his foot upon the giant's neck plunged his sword into the great body when the monster gave a groan and expired the knight and his lady thanked Jack for their deliverance and invited him to their house to receive a proper reward for his services no, said Jack, I cannot be easy till I find out this monster's habitation so taking the knight's directions he mounted his horse and soon after came in sight of another giant who was sitting on a block of timber waiting for his brother's return Jack alighted from his horse and, putting on his invisible coat approached and aimed a blow at the giant's head but missing his aim he only cut off his nose on this the giant seized his club and laid about him most unmercifully nay, said Jack if this be the case I'd better dispatch you so jumping upon the block he stabbed him in the back when he dropped down dead then Jack proceeded on his journey and travelled over hills and dales till arriving at the foot of a high mountain he knocked at the door of a lonely house when an old man let him in when Jack was seated the hermit thus addressed himself my son on the top of this mountain is an enchanted castle kept by the giant Gallagantus and a vile magician I lament the fate of a Duke's daughter whom they seized as she was walking in her father's garden and brought hither transformed into a deer Jack promised that in the morning at the risk of his life he would break the enchantment and after a sound sleep he rose early put on his invisible coat and made ready for the attempt when he had climbed to the top of the mountain he saw two fiery griffons but he passed between them without the least fear of danger for they could not see him because of his invisible coat on the castle gate he found a golden trumpet under which were written these lines whoever can this trumpet blow shall cause the giants overthrow as soon as Jack had read this he seized the trumpet and blew a shrill blast which made the gates fly open and the very castle itself tremble the giant and the conjurer now knew that their wicked 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 and the magician was then carried away and every night a beautiful lady who had been changed into birds and beasts returned to their proper shapes the castle vanished away like smoke and the head of the giant Gallagantus was then sent to King Arthur the knights and ladies rested that night at the old man's hermitage and next day they set out for the court Jack then went up to the king and gave his majesty an account Jack's fame had now spread through the whole country and at the king's desire the Duke gave him his daughter in marriage to the joy of all his kingdom after this the king gave him a large estate on which he and his lady lived the rest of their days in joy and contentment End of History of Jack the Giant Killer Part 1 of Story 17 of The Fairy Ring This is a Librivox recording All Librivox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit Librivox.org The Fairy Ring edited by Kate Douglas-Wiggin and Nora Archibald-Smith Story 17 Yvonne and Finette A Tale of Brittany Part 1 Chapter 1 Once upon a time there lived in Brittany a noble lord Baron Kerver His manor house was the most beautiful in the province It was a great gothic castle with a groined roof and walls covered with carving that looked at a distance like a vine climbing over an arbor On the first floor six stained glass balcony windows looked out on each side toward the rising and setting sun In the morning when the Baron, mounted on his done mare by his tall greyhounds he saw at each window one of his daughters with prayer book in hand praying for the house of Kerver and who, with their fair curls blue eyes, clasped hands might have been taken for six Madonna's in the Asya niche At evening when the sun declined and the Baron returned homeward after riding around his domains he perceived from afar six sons with dark locks and eagle gaze the hope and pride of the family who might have been taken for six sculpture knights at the portal of a church For ten leagues round all who wished to quote a happy father and a powerful lord named the Baron Kerver The castle had but twelve windows and the Baron had thirteen children The last the one that had no place was a handsome boy of sixteen by the name of Yvonne as usual he was the best beloved in the morning of his departure and at evening on his return the Baron always found Yvonne waiting on the threshold to embrace him with his fair hair falling to his waist his graceful figure his willful air and his bold bearing Yvonne was beloved of all the Bretons At twelve years of age he attacked and killed a wolf with an axe which had won him the name of Fearless He deserved the title for never was there a bolder heart One day when Baron had stayed at home and was amusing himself by breaking a lance with his squire Yvonne entered the armory in a travelling dress and bending one knee to the ground My lord and father said he to the Baron I come to ask your blessing I love curvers, rich in knights and has no need of a child it is time for me to go seek my fortune I wish to go to distant countries to try my strength and to make myself a name You are right Fearless replied the Baron more moved than he wished to appear I will not keep you back I have no right to do so but you are very young my child perhaps it would be better for you to stay another year with us at that age you had already fought one of the proudest lords in the country I have not forgotten that our arms are a unicorn ripping up a lion and our motto Onward I do not wish the curvers to blush for their last child Yvonne received his father's blessing shook hands with his brothers embraced his sisters bade adieu to all the weeping vassals and set out with a light heart nothing stopped him on his way a river appeared he swam it a mountain he climbed it a forest he made his way through it with the sun for a guide on the curver he cried whenever he met with an obstacle he went straight forward in spite of everything for three years he had been roaming over the world in search of adventures sometimes conquering always bold and gay when he received and offered to go to fight the heathen of Norway to kill unbelievers and to conquer a kingdom was a double pleasure Yvonne enlisted twelve brave comrades freighted a ship and hoisted from the main mast a blue standard with the unicorn and the motto of the curvers the sea was calm the wind fair and the night serene on the deck watched the stars and sought the one which cast its trembling light on his father's castle all at once the vessel struck upon a rock a terrible crash was heard the sails fell like tinder and an enormous wave burst over the deck and swept away everything upon it on the curver cried Yvonne as soon as his head appeared above the water and he began to swim as tranquil as if he had been bathing in the lake of the old castle happily the moon was rising Yvonne saw at a little distance a black speck among the silvery waves it was land he approached it not without difficulty and finally succeeded in gaining a foothold dripping wet exhausted with fatigue and out of breath he dragged himself on the sand then without more anxiety said his prayers and went to sleep chapter 2 in the morning on awakening Yvonne tried to discover in what country he had been cast he saw in the distance a house as large as a church with windows 50 feet in height he walked a whole day before reaching it and at last found himself in front of an immense door with the knocker so heavy that it was impossible for a man to lift it Yvonne took a great stone and began to knock come in cried a voice that sounded like a roar of a ball at the same instant the door opened and the little Breton found himself in the presence of a giant not less than 40 feet in height what is your name and what do you want here so the giant taking up Yvonne between his thumb and finger and lifting him from the ground so as to see him better my name is Fearless and I am seeking my fortune answered Yvonne looking at the monster with an air of defiance well brave Fearless your fortune is made said the giant in a mocking tone I am in need of a servant and I will give you the place you can go to work directly this is the time I am leading my sheep to pasture and you may clean the stable while I am gone I shall give you nothing else to do added he bursting into a laugh you see that I am a good master do your task and above all things don't prowl about the house or it will cost you your life certainly I have a good master the workers not hard thought Yvonne when the giant was gone I have plenty of time to sweep the stable what shall I do meanwhile to amuse myself shall I look about the house since I am forbidden to do so it must be because there is something to see he entered the first room and saw a large fireplace in which a great pot was hanging suspended from a hook the pot was boiling but there was no fire on the hear what does this mean thought Yvonne there is some mystery here he cut off a lock of his hair dipped it into the pot and took it out all coated with copper oh oh cried he this is a new kind of soup anybody that swallows it must have an iron clad stomach he went into the next room and there also a pot was suspended from a hook and boiling without fire Yvonne dipped a lock of hair into it and took it out all coated with silver the broth is not so rich as this in the curver kitchen thought he but it may have a better taste upon this he entered the third room there also a pot was suspended from a hook and boiling without fire Yvonne dipped a lock of hair into it and took it out all coated with gold it's shown so brightly that it might have been mistaken for a sunbeam good cried he in our country the old women have a saying everything gets worse and worse here it is just the contrary everything gets better and better what shall I find in the fourth room I wonder diamond soup he pushed open the door and saw something rarer than precious stones this was a young woman of such marvellous beauty that Yvonne dazzled fell on his knees at the sight unfortunate youth cried she in a trembling voice what are you doing here I belong to the house said Yvonne the giant took me into his service this morning his service repeated the young girl may heaven preserve you from it why so said Yvonne I have a good master the work is not hard the stable one swept my task is finished yes and how were you set to work to sweep it asked the lady if you sweep it in the usual for every fork full of dung that you throw out the door ten will come in the window but I will tell you what to do turn the fork and sweep with a handle and the dung will instantly fly out of itself I will obey said Yvonne upon which he sat down by the young girl and began to talk to her she was the daughter of a fairy whom the retarded giant had made his slave friendship soon springs up between companions and misfortune before the end of the day Finet thought that was the lady's name and Yvonne had already promised to belong to each other if they could escape from their abominable master the difficulty was to find the means time passes quickly in this kind of talk evening was approaching when Finet sent away her new friend advising him to sweep the stable before the giant came home Yvonne took down the fork and attempted to use it as he had seen it done at his father's castle he soon had enough of it in less than a second there was so much dung in the stable that the poor boy knew not which way to turn he did as Finet had bid him and he turned the fork and swept with a handle when behold in the twinkling of an eye was as clean as if no cattle had ever entered it task finished Yvonne seated himself on a bench before the door of the house as soon as he saw the giant coming he lulled back in his seat crossed his legs and began to sing one of his native airs have you cleaned the stable asked the giant with a frown everything is ready master answered Yvonne without troubling himself to move I'm going to see for myself the giant he entered the stable grumbling found everything in order and came out furious you have seen my finet cried he this trick did not come from your own head what is my finet asked Yvonne opening his mouth and shutting his eyes is it one of the animals that you have in this country show it to me master hold your tongue full replied the giant sooner than you will want to the next morning the giant gathered his sheep together to lead them to the pasture but before setting out he ordered Yvonne to go in the course of the day in search of his horse which was turned out to graze on the mountain after that said he burst in into a laugh you can rest all day long you see that I am a good master do your task and above all things don't prowl about the house or I will cut off your head Yvonne winked his eye as the giant left yes you are a good master said he between his teeth I understand your fine tricks but in spite of your threats I shall go into the house and talk with your finet it remains to be seen whether she will not be mine or yours he ran to the young girl's room hurrah cried he I have nothing to do all day but to go to the mountain after a horse very well said Finet how will you set work to ride him a fine question but turn Yvonne as if it were a difficult thing to ride a horse I fancy that I have written worse ones than this it is not so easy as you think replied Finet but I will tell you what to do take the bit that hangs behind the stable door and when the animal rushes toward you breathing fire and smoke from his nostrils force it straight between his teeth he will instantly become as gentle as a lamb and you can do what you please with him I will obey said Yvonne upon which he sat down by the side of Finet and began to talk with her they talked of everything but however far their fancy strayed they always came back to the point that they were promised to each other and that they must escape from the giant time passes quickly in this kind of talk the evening drew nigh Yvonne had forgotten the horse and the mountain and Finet was obliged to send him away advising him to bring back the animal before his master's arrival Yvonne took down the bit that was hidden behind the stable door and hastened to the mountain when low a horse almost as large as an elephant rush toward him at full gallop breathing fire and smoke from his nostrils Yvonne firmly awaited the huge animal and the moment he opened his enormous jaws thrust between the bit and low the horse instantly became as gentle as a lamb Yvonne made him kneel down spraying on his back and tranquilly returned home his task finished Yvonne seated himself on the bench before the door of the house as soon as he saw the giant coming he lulled back in his seat crossed his legs and began to sing one of his native airs have you brought back the horse asked the giant with a frown yes master answered Yvonne without taking the trouble to move he is a fine animal and does you credit he is gentle well trained and as quiet as a lamb and the stable I'm going to see for myself how the giant he entered the stable grumbling found everything in order and came out furious you have seen my finette said he this trick does not come from your own head oh master return Yvonne opening his mouth and shedding his eyes it is the same story over again what is my finette once for all show me this monster hold your tongue fool return the giant you will see her sooner then you will want to the third day at dawn the giant gathered his sheep together to lead them to the pasture but before setting out he said to Yvonne today you must go to the bottomless pit to collect my rent and after that continued he bursting into a laugh you may rest all day long you see that I am a good master a good master so be it Mermen Yvonne but the task is nonetheless hard I will go and see my finette as the giant says I have great need of her help to get through today's business when finette learned what was the task of the day well said she how will you go to work to do it I don't know said Yvonne sadly I have never been to the bottomless pit and even if I knew the way there I should not know what to ask for tell me what to do do you see that great rock yonder said finette that is one of the gates of the bottomless pit take this stick knock three times on that stone and a demon will come out all streaming with flames who will ask you how much you want take care to answer no more than I can carry I will obey said Yvonne upon which she ticked a seat by the side of finette and began to talk with her he would have been there till this time if the young girl had not sent him to the great rock when the evening drew nigh to execute the giant's commands on reaching the spot pointed out to him Yvonne found a great block of granite he struck it three times with the stick when low the rock opened and a demon came forth all streaming with flames what do you want he cried I have come from the giant's ret answered Yvonne calmly how much do you want I never want any more than I can carry replied the Bretton it is well for you that you do not answer the man flames enter this cavern what you want Yvonne entered and opened his eyes wide everywhere he saw nothing but gold silver, diamonds car bunkers and emeralds they were as numerous as the sands on the sea shore the young curver filled his sack threw it across his shoulder and tranquilly returned home his task finished our Bretton seated himself on the bench before the door to the house as soon as he saw the giant coming he lulled back in his seat crossed his legs and began to sing one of his native airs have you been to the bottomless pit to collect my rent asked the giant with a frown yes master answered Yvonne without taking the trouble to stir the sack is there right before your eyes you can count it I am going to see for myself how the giant was carrying the things of the sack which was so full that the golden silver rolled in all directions you have seen my finette he cried this trick does not come from your own head don't you know but one song said Yvonne opening his mouth and shedding his eyes it is the old story myfinet myfinet once for all show me this thing well well the giant with fury wait till tomorrow and you shall make her acquaintance thank you master said Yvonne it is very good of you but I see from your face that you are laughing at me chapter three the next morning the giant went out without giving Yvonne any orders which troubled Finet at noon he returned without his flock complaining of the heat and fatigue and said to the young girl you will find a child my servant at the door cut his throat put him into the great pot to boil and call me when the broth is ready saying this he stretched himself on the bed to take a nap and he was soon snoring so loud that it seemed like thunder shaking the mountains Finet prepared a log of wood took a large knife and called Yvonne she pricked his little finger and fell on the log that is enough said Finet now help me fill the pot they threw into it all that they could find old clothes old shoes old carpets and everything else Finet then took Yvonne by the hand and led him through the three antechambers where she ran in a mould three bullets of gold two bullets of silver one bullet of copper after which they quitted the house and ran toward the sea on the curver cried Yvonne as soon as he saw himself in the country explain yourself dear Finet what farce are we playing now let us run let us run she cried if we do not quit this wretched island before the night it is all over for us on the curver replied Yvonne laughing down with the giant when he had snored a full hour the giant stretched his limbs half opened one eye and cried is it ready it is just beginning to boil answered the first drop of blood on the log the giant turned over and snored louder than ever for an hour or two longer then he stretched his limbs half opened one eye do you hear me is it almost ready it is half done answered the second drop of blood on the log the giant turned over and slept an hour longer then he yawned stretched his great limbs and cried out impatiently isn't it ready yet it is ready now answered the third drop of blood on the log the giant sat up in bed rubbed his eyes and looked around to see who had spoken but it was in vain to look he saw no one the net howdy why isn't the table set there was no answer the giant furious sprang out of bed seized a ladle which looked like a cauldron with a pitchfork for a handle and plunged it into the pot to taste the soup the net howdy you haven't salted it what sort of soup is this I see neither meat nor vegetables no but in return he saw his carpet which had not quite all boiled pieces at this site he fell into such a fit of rage that he could not keep his feet villains said he you have played a fine trick on me but you shall pay for it he rushed out with a stick in his hand and strode along at such a rate that in a quarter of an hour he discovered the two fugitives still far from the sea shore he uttered such a cry of joy that the earth shook for twelve leagues round Fennett stopped trembling Yvonne clasped her to his heart on the cover said he the sea is not far off we shall be there before our enemy here he is, here he is cried Fennett pointed to the giant not a hundred yards off we are lost if this charm does not save us she took the copper bullet and threw it on the ground saying copper bullet, save us pray stop the giant on his way and behold the earth cracked apart with a terrific noise an enormous fissure a bottomless pit stop the giant just as he was stretching out his hand to seize his prey let us fly, cried Fennett grasping the arm of Yvonne who is gazing at the giant with a swaggering air to find him to come on the giant ran backward and forward along the abyss like a bear in his cage seeking a passage everywhere and finding none then with a furious jerk he tore up an immense oak by the roots and flung it across the gap the branches of the oak nearly crushed the children as it fell the giant seated himself astride the huge tree which bent under his weight and crept slowly long suspended between heaven and earth entangled as he was among the branches when he reached the other side Yvonne and Fennett were already on the shore with the sea rolling before them alas there was neither bark nor ship the fugitives were lost Yvonne always brave picked up stones to attack the giant and to sell his life dearly Fennett trembling with fear threw one of the silver bullets into the sea saying silver bullet, bright and pliant save us from this frightful giant scarcely had she spoken the magic words when a beautiful ship rose from the waves like a swan spreading its white wings Yvonne and Fennett plunged into the sea a rope was thrown them by an invisible hand and when the furious giant reached the shore the ship was receding rapidly a full sail leaving behind a long furrow of shining foam giants do not like the water this fact is certified to by old Homer who knew polyphemus and the same observation will be found in all natural histories worthy of the name Fennett's master resembled polyphemus he roared with rage when he saw his slaves about to escape him he ran hesitatingly along the shore he flung huge masses of rock after the vessel which happily fell by the side of it and only made great black holes in the water and finally mad with anger he plunged head foremost into the sea and began to swim after the ship with frightful speed at each stroke he advanced 40 feet blowing like a whale and like a whale cleaving the waves by degrees he gained on his enemies one more effort would bring him within reach of the rudder and already he was stretching out his arm to seize it when Fennett threw the second silver bullet into the sea and cried and tears silver bullet bright and pliant save us from this frightful giant suddenly from the mist of foam darted forth a giant swordfish with a sword at least 20 feet in length it rushed straight towards the giant who scarcely had time to dive chased him under the water pursued him on top of the waves followed him closely whichever way he turned and forced him to flee as fast as he could to his island where he finally landed with the greatest difficulty and fell upon the shore dripping worn out and conquered on the curver cried Yvonne wait! not yet said Fennett the giant has a witch for a godmother I fear that she will revenge on me the insult offered to her godson my art tells me my dear Yvonne that if you quit me a single instant until you give me your name in the chapel of the curvers I have everything to dread by the unicorn of my ancestors cried Yvonne I fear and not of a hero am I not here am I going to abandon you do you believe that provenance has saved us from the fangs of that monster to wreck us and port he laughed so gaily that Fennett laughed in turn at the terror that had seized her Chapter 4 the rest of the voyage passed off admirably an invisible hand seemed to impel the ship onward 60 days after their departure the boat landed Yvonne and Fennett near curver castle once on the shore Yvonne turned to thank the crew no one was there both boat and ship had vanished under the waves leaving no trace behind but a gull on the wing Yvonne recognised a spot where he had so often gathered shells and chased the crabs to their holes when he was a child half an hour's walk would bring him to the castle his heart beat he looked tenderly at Fennett and saw for the first time that her dress was fantastic and unworthy of a woman about to enter the noble house of curver my dear child said he the Baron my father is a noble lord accustomed to be treated with respect I cannot introduce you to him in this gypsy dress neither is it fitting you should enter our great castle on foot like a peasant wait for me a few moments and I will bring you a horse and one of my sister's dresses I wish you to be received like a lady of high degree I wish my father himself to meet you on your arrival and hold it an honour to give you his hand Yvonne, Yvonne cried Fennett do not quit me I beg you once return to your castle forget you if anyone else were to offer me such an insult I would teach him with my sword to suspect a curver forget you my Fennett you do not know the fidelity of a Breton that the Bretons are faithful no one doubts but that they are still more headstrong as a justice that none will deny them it was useless for poor Fennett to plead in her most loving tones she was forced to yield she resigned herself with a heavy heart and said to Yvonne go without me then to your castle but only stay long enough to speak with your friends then go straight to the stable and return as soon as possible you will be surrounded by people act as if you saw no one and above all do not eat or drink anything whatever should you take only a glass of water evil would come upon us both Yvonne promised and swore all that Fennett asked but he smiled in his heart at this feminine weakness he was sure of himself and he thought with pride how different a Breton was from those fickle Frenchmen whose words they say are born away by the first breath of the wind on entering the old castle he could scarcely recognize its dark walls all the windows were festooned with leaves and flowers within and without the courtyard was strewn with fragrant grass on one side were spread tables groaning under their weight on the other musicians mounted on casks were playing merry airs the vassals dressed in the holiday attire were singing and dancing dancing and singing it was a day of great rejoicing in the castle the baron himself was smiling it is true he had just married his fifth daughter to the night of Kervelik this marriage added another quartering to the illustrious eschection of the curvers Yvonne recognized and welcomed by all the crowd was instantly surrounded by his relatives who embraced him and shook him by the hand where had he been where did he come from had he conquered a kingdom a duchy or a barony had he brought the bride her son queen had the fairies protected him how many rivals had he overthrown all these questions were showered upon him without reply Yvonne respectfully kissed his father's hand hastened to his sister's chamber took two of their finest dresses went to the stable saddled a pony mounted a beautiful spanish genet and was about to quit the castle when he found his relatives friends, squires and vassals were in his way their glasses and their hands ready to drink their young lord's health and safe return Yvonne gracefully thanked them bowed and made his way by degrees through the crowd when, just as he was about to cross the drawbridge a fair-haired lady with a hearty and disdainful air a stranger to him a sister of the bridegroom approached him holding a pomegranate in her hand said she with a singular smile you surely will not refuse a lady's first request taste this pomegranate I entreat you if you are neither hungry nor thirsty after so long a journey I suppose at least that you have not forgotten the laws of politeness Yvonne dared not refuse this appeal he was very wrong scarcely had he tasted the pomegranate when he looked around him like a man waking from a dream what am I doing on this horse? thought he what means this pony that I am leading is not my place in my father's house at my sister's wedding why should I quit the castle he threw the bridal to one of the grooms leaped lightly to the ground and offered his hand to the fair-haired lady who accepted him as her attendant on the spot and gave him her bouquet to hold a look of favour before the evening was over there was another betrothed couple in the castle Yvonne had pledged his faith to the unknown lady and Finette was forgotten End of part one of Yvonne and Finette A Tale of Brittany Part two of Story 17 of the Fairy Ring this is a Librivox recording all Librivox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit Librivox.org recording by Lucy Perry The Fairy Ring edited by Kate Douglas Wigan and Nora Archibald Smith Story 17 Yvonne and Finette A Tale of Brittany Part 2 Chapter 5 Poor Finette seated on the seashore waited all day long for Yvonne but Yvonne did not come the sun was setting in the fiery waves when Finette rose, sighing and took the way to the castle in her turn she had not walked long in a steep road bordered with thorn trees in blossom when she found herself in front of a wretched hut at the door of which stood an old woman about to milk her cow Finette approached her and making a low curtsy begged a shelter for the night the old woman looked at the stranger from head to foot with her buskins trimmed with fur her full red petticoat her blue jacket edged with jet and her deer-dem Finette looked more like an Egyptian princess than a Christian the old woman frowned and shaking her fist in the face of the poor forsaken girl begone witch! she cried there is no room for you in this honest house my good mother said Finette give me only a corner of the stable oh! said the old woman laughing and showing the only tooth she had left which projected from her mouth like a bear's tusk so you want a corner of the stable do you well you shall have it if you fill my milk-pail with gold it is a bargain said Finette quietly she opened a leather purse which she wore at her belt took from it a golden bullet and threw it into the milk-pail saying golden bullet, precious treasure save me if it be thy pleasure and behold the pieces of gold began to dance about in the pail they rose higher and higher like fishing a net while the old woman on her knees gazed with wonder at the sight when the pail was full the old woman rose put her arm through the handle and said to Finette madam, all is yours the house, the cow and everything else hurrah! I am going to town to live like a lady with nothing to do oh dear how I wish I were only sixty and shaking her crutch without looking backward she set out on a run toward Carevale Castle Finette entered the house it was a wretched hovel dark, low, damp, bad smelling and full of dust and spider's webs a horrible refuge for a woman accustomed to living in the giant's grand castle without seeming troubled Finette went to the hearth on which a few green boughs were smoking took another golden bullet from her purse and threw it into the fire saying golden bullet, precious treasure save me if it be thy pleasure the gold melted, bubbled up and spread all over the house like running water and behold the whole cottage, the walls, the thatch the wooden rocking chair, the stool, the chest, the bed the cow's horns, everything even to the spiders in their webs was turned to gold the house gleamed in the moonlight among the trees like a star in the night when Finette had milked the cow and drunk a little new milk she threw herself on the bed without undressing and worn out by the fatigue of the day fell asleep in the midst of her tears old women do not know how to hold their tongues at least in Brittany Finette's hostess had scarcely reached the village when she had hastened to the house of the steward he was an important personage who had more than once made her tremble when she had driven her cow into her neighbour's pasture by mistake the steward listened to the old woman's story shook his head and said that it looked like witchcraft then he mysteriously bought a pair of scales weighed the guineas which he found to be genuine and full of weight kept as many of them as he could and advised the owner to tell no one of this strange adventure if it should come to the ears of the bailiff or the senochile said he the least that would happen to you, mother would be to lose every one of these beautiful bright guineas justice is impartial it knows neither favour nor repugnance it takes the whole the old woman thanked the steward for his advice and promised to follow it she kept her word so well that she only told her story that evening to two neighbours her dearest friends both of whom swore on the heads of their little children to keep it a secret the oath was a solemn one and so well kept that at noon the next day there was not a boy of six in the village that did not point his finger at the old woman while the very dogs seemed to bark in their language here is the old woman with her guineas a girl who amuses herself by filling milk-pales with gold is not to be found every day even though she should be something of a witch a treasure in a family the steward, who was a bachelor made this wise reflection that night on going to bed before dawn he rose to make his rounds in the direction of the stranger's cottage by the first gleam of the day he spied something shining in the distance like a light among the woods on reaching the place he was greatly surprised to find a golden cottage instead of the wretched hut that had stood there the day before but on entering the house he was much more surprised and delighted to find a beautiful young girl with a raven hair sitting by the window and spinning on her disc staff with the air of an empress like all men the steward did himself justice and knew, at the bottom of his heart that there was not a woman in the world that would not be too happy to give him her hand without hesitating therefore he declared to Finette that he had come to marry her the young girl burst out laughing upon which the steward flew into a passion take care said he in a terrible voice I am the master here who knows who you are or whence you came the gold that you gave the old woman has raised suspicions there is magic in this house if you do not accept me for a husband this very instant I will arrest you and before the night perhaps a witch will be burned before care there castle you are very amiable, said Finette with a charming grimace you have a peculiar way of paying court to ladies even when they have decided not to refuse a gallant gentleman spares their blushes we Bretons are plain spoken people replied the steward we go straight to the point marriage or prison which do you choose oh cried Finette laying down the dis staff there are firebrands falling all over the room don't trouble yourself said the steward I will pick them up lay them carefully on top of the ashes returned Finette have you the tongs yes said the steward picking up the crackling coals abracadabra cried Finette rising the tongs hold you and may you hold the tongs till sunset no sooner said than done the wicked steward stood there all day long with the tongs in his hand picking up and throwing back the burning coals that snapped in his face and the hot ashes that flew into his eyes it was useless for him to shout pray, weep and blaspheme no one heard him if Finette had stayed at home she would doubtless have taken pity on him but after putting the spell upon him she hastened to the seashore forgetting everything else she watched for Yvonne in vain the moment that the sunset the tongs fell from the steward's hands he did not stop to finish his errand but ran as if the devil or justice were at his heels he made such leaps he uttered such groans he was so black and scorched and benumbed that everyone in the village was afraid of him thinking that he was mad the boldest tried to speak to him but he fled without answering and hid himself in his house Finette's left his poor in the trap at evening when Finette returned home in despair instead of the steward she found another visitor little less formidable the bailiff had heard the story of the guineas and had also made up his mind to marry the stranger he was not rough like the steward but a fat, good-natured man who could not speak without bursting into a laugh showing his great yellow teeth and puffing and blowing like an ox though at heart he was not less obstinate or less threatening than his predecessor he treated the bailiff to leave her alone he laughed and hinted to her in a good-natured way that, by right of his office he had the power to imprison and hang people without process of law she clasped her hands and begged him with tears to go for his only answer he took out a roll of parchment from his pocket wrote an intercontractive marriage and declared to Finette that should he stay all night he would not leave the house till she had signed the promise nevertheless, said he if you do not like my person I have another parchment here on which I will write an agreement to live apart and if my sight annoys you you have only to shut your eyes why? said Finette I might decide to do as you wish if I was sure of finding a good husband in you but I am afraid of what, my dear child? asked the bailiff smiling and already as proud as a peacock do you think, she said with a pettish air that a good husband would leave the door wide open freezing with cold you are right, my dear, said the bailiff it was very stupid of me I will go and shut it have you hold of the knob? asked Finette yes, my charmer answered the happy bailiff I am just shutting the door abracadabra! cried Finette may you hold the door, villain and may the door hold you till daybreak and behold, the door opened and shut and slammed against the walls like an eagle flapping its wings the bailiff kept up all night never had he tried such a waltz and I imagine that he never wished to dance a second of the same sort sometimes the door swung open with him in the street sometimes it flew back and crushed him against the wall he swung backward and forward screaming, swearing, weeping and praying but all in vain the door was deaf and Finette asleep at daybreak his hands unclasped and he fell in the road head foremost without waiting to finish his errand he ran as if the moors were after him he did not even turn around for fear that the door might be at his heels fortunately for him, all was still asleep when he reached the village and he could hide himself in bed without anyone seeing his deplorable plight this was a great piece of good fortune for him for he was covered with whitewash from head to foot and so pale, haggard and trembling that he might have been taken for the ghost of a miller escaped from the infernal regions when Finette opened her eyes she saw by her bedside a tall man dressed in black with a velvet cap and a sword it was the seneschal of the barony of Caever he stood with his arms folded gazing at Finette in a way that chilled the very marrow of her bones what is your name, Vassal said he in a voice of thunder Finette at your service, my lord replied she, trembling is this house and furniture yours? yes, my lord everything at your service I mean that it shall be at my service returned the seneschal sternly rise, Vassal I do you the honour to marry you and to take yourself, your person and your property under my guardianship my lord, returned Finette this is much too great an honour for a poor girl like me a stranger without friends or kindred be silent, Vassal replied the seneschal I am your lord and master I have nothing to do with your advice sign this paper my lord, said Finette I don't know how to write that I do either returned the seneschal in a voice that shook the house do you take me for a Clark a cross, that is the signature of gentlemen he made a large cross on the paper and handed the pen to Finette sign, said he if you are afraid to make a cross, Infidel you pass your own death sentence and I shall take it on myself to execute it he drew his heavy sword from the scabbard as he spoke and threw it on the table for her only answer Finette leaped out of the window and ran to the stable the seneschal pursued her thither but on attempting to enter an unexpected obstacle stopped him the frightened cow had backed at the sight of the young girl and stood in the doorway with Finette clinging to her horns and making of her a sort of buckler you shall not escape me, sorceress cried the seneschal with a grasp like that of Hercules he seized the cow by the tail and dragged her out of the stable abracadabra, cried Finette may the cow's tail hold you villain and may you hold the cow's tail till you have both been round the world together and behold, the cow darted off like lightning dragging the unhappy seneschal after her nothing stopped the two inseparable comrades they rushed over mountains and valleys crossed marshes, rivers, quagmires and breaks glided over the seas without sinking were frozen in Siberia and scorched in Africa climbed the Himalayas descended Mont Blanc and at length, after thirty-six hours of a journey the like of which had never been seen both stopped out of breath in the public square of the village a seneschal harnessed to a cow's tail is a sight not to be seen every day and all the peasants in the neighbourhood crowded together to wonder at the spectacle but, torn as he was by the cactuses of Barbary and the thickets of Tartary the seneschal had lost nothing of his haughty air with a threatening gesture he dispersed the rabble and limped to his house to taste the repose of which he had begun to feel the need Chapter 6 While the steward, the bailiff and the seneschal were experiencing these little unpleasantnesses of which they did not think it proper to boast preparations were being made for a great event at Caervair Castle namely the marriage of Yvonne and the Fair-haired Lady two days had passed in these preparations and all the friends of the family had gathered together for twenty leagues round when one fine morning Yvonne and his bride with the Baron and Baroness Caervair had gathered together for twenty leagues round with the Baron and Baroness Caervair took their seats in a great carriage adorned with flowers and set out for the celebrated church of St. Macleau a hundred nights in full armour, mounted on horses decked with ribbons rode on each side of the betrothed couple each with his visor raised and his lance at rest in token of honour by the side of each baron a squire, also on horseback carried the Ceginorial banner at the head of the procession and gilded staff in his hand behind the carriage gravely walked the bailiff followed by the vassals while the steward railed at the serfs a noisy and curious rabble as they were crossing a brook a league from the castle one of the traces of the carriage broke and they were forced to stop the accident repaired the coachman cracked his whip and the horses started with such force that the new trace broke in three pieces six times this provoking piece of wood was replaced as it broke anew without drawing the carriage from the hole where it was wedged everyone had a word of advice to offer even the peasants as wheel-rights and carpenters were not the last to make a show of their knowledge this gave the steward courage he approached the baron, took off his cap and scratching his head my lord, said he in the house that you see shining yonder among the trees there lives a woman who does things such as nobody else can do only persuade her to lend you her tongs and humble opinion they will hold till morning the baron made a sign and ten peasants ran to the cottage of finette who very obligingly lent them her gold tongs they were put in the place of the trace the coachman cracked his whip and off went the carriage like a feather everyone rejoiced but the joy did not last long a hundred steps farther low, the bottom of the carriage gave way little more and the noble carver family would have sunk quite out of sight the wheel-rights and the carpenters set to work at once they soared planks, nailed them down fast and in the twinkling of an eye repaired the accident the coachman cracked his whip and the horses started when behold, half of the carriage was left behind the baroness carver sat motionless by the side of the bride while Yvonne and the baron were carried off at full gallop here was a new difficulty three times was the carriage bended three times it broke anew there was every reason to believe it was enchanted everyone had a word of advice to offer this gave the bailiff courage he approached the baron and said in a low tone my lord in the house that you see shining yonder among the trees there lives a woman who does things such as nobody else can do only persuade her to lend you her door for the bottom of the carriage and in my opinion it will hold till morning the baron made a sign and twenty peasants ran to the cottage of Finet who very obligingly lent them her gold door they put it in the bottom of the carriage where it fitted as if it had been made expressly for it the party took their seats in the carriage the coachman cracked his whip the church was in sight and all the troubles of the journey seemed ended not at all suddenly the horses stopped and refused to draw there were four of them six, eight, ten, twenty four more were put to the carriage but all in vain it was impossible to stir them the more they were whipped the deeper the wheels the calter of a plow what were they to do? to go on foot would have been a disgrace to mount a horse and ride to the church like simple peasants was not the custom of the caravairs they tried to lift the carriage they pushed the wheels they shook it, they pulled it but all in vain meanwhile the day was declining and the hour of the marriage had passed everyone had a word of advice to offer this gave the Seneschal courage he approached the baron raised his velvet cap and said my lord in the house that you see shining yonder among the trees there lives a woman who does things such as nobody else can do only persuade her to lend you her cow to draw the carriage and in my opinion she will draw it till morning the baron made a sign and thirty peasants ran to the cottage of Finet who very obligingly lent them her golden horned cow to go to church drawn by a cow was not, perhaps what the ambitious bride had dreamed of but it was better than to remain unmarried in the road the heifer was harnessed therefore before the horses and everybody looked unanxiously to see what this boasted animal was capable of doing but before the coachman had time to crack his whip low the cow started off as if she were about to go around the world anew horses, carriage, baron, betrothed coachmen all were hurried away by the furious animal in vain the knights spurred their horses to follow the pair in vain the peasants ran at full speed taking the crossroads and cutting across the meadows the carriage flew as if it had wings a pigeon could not have followed it on reaching the door of the church the party a little disturbed by this rapid journey would not have been sorry to a light everything was ready for the ceremony and the bridal pair had long been expected but instead of stopping the cow redoubled her speed thirteen times she ran around the church like lightning then suddenly made her way in a straight line across the fields to the castle with such force that the whole party were almost shaken to pieces before their arrival no marriage was to be thought of for that day but the tables were set and the dinner served and the baron care there was too noble a night to take leave of his brave Bretons until they had eaten and drunk according to custom that is from sunset till sunrise and even a little later orders were given for the guests to take their seats ninety six tables were ranged in eight rows in front of them on a large platform covered with velvet with a canopy in the middle was the table larger than the rest and loaded with fruits and flowers to say nothing of the roast hairs and the peacock smoking beneath their plumage at this table the bridal pair would have been seated in full sight in order that nothing might be lacking to the pleasures of the feast and that the meanest peasant might have the honour of feeding them by emptying his cup of hydromel to the honour and prosperity of the high and mighty house of Caervaire the baron seated the hundred knights at his table and placed their squires behind their chairs to serve them at his right he put the bride in Yvonne but he left the seat at his left vacant and, calling a page child, said he run to the house of the stranger lady who obliged us only too much this morning it was not her fault if her success exceeded her good will tell her that the baron Caerva thanks her for her help and invites her to the wedding feast of his son, Lord Yvonne on reaching the golden house where finettes in tears was mourning for her beloved the page bent one knee to the ground and in the baron's name invited the stranger lady to the castle to do honour to the wedding of Lord Yvonne thank your master for me answered the young girl proudly and tell him that if he is too noble to come to my house I am too noble to go to his when the page repeated this answer to his master the baron Caerva struck the table such a blow that three plates flew into the air by my honour said he this is spoken like a lady and for the first time I own myself beaten quick saddle my done mare and let my knights and squires prepare to attend me it was with this brilliant train that the baron alighted at the door of the golden cottage he begged finettes pardon held the stirrup for her and put her behind him on his own horse neither more nor less than a duchess in person through respect he did not speak a single word to her on the way on reaching the castle he uncovered his head and led her to the seat of honour that he had chosen for her the baron's departure had made great excitement and his return course still greater surprise everyone asked who the lady could be that the baron treated with such respect judging from her costume she was a foreigner could she be the duchess of Normandy or the queen of France the steward the bailiff and the senochal were appealed to the steward trembled the bailiff turned pale and the senochal blushed but all three were as mute as fishes the silence of these important personages added to the general wonder all eyes were fixed on finette who felt a deadly chill at her heart for Yvonne saw but did not know her he cast an indifferent glance at her then began to talk in a tender tone to the fair-haired lady who smiled disdainfully finette in despair took from the purse the golden bullet her last hope while talking with the baron who was charmed with her wit she shook the little ball in her hands and repeated in a whisper golden bullet precious treasure save me if it be thy pleasure and behold the bullet grew larger and larger until it became a goblet of chaste gold the most beautiful cup that ever graced herself with spiced wine and calling the senochal who was carrying behind her she said in her gentlest tones my good senochal I entreat you to offer this goblet to lord Yvonne I wish to drink his health and I'm sure that he will not refuse me this pleasure Yvonne took the goblet which the senochal presented to him on a salver of enamel and gold with the careless hand bowed to the stranger, drank the wine and setting his cup on the table before him turned to the fair-haired lady who occupied all his thoughts the lady seemed anxious and vexed he whispered a few words in her ear that seemed to please her for her eyes sparkled and she placed her hand again in his Finette cast down her head and began to weep all was over children cried the baron in a voice of thunder fill your glasses let us all drink to the noble stranger who honours us with her presence to the lovely lady of the golden cottage all began to hazard and drink Yvonne contented himself with raising his goblet to a level with his eyes suddenly he started and stood mute his mouth open and his eyes fixed like a man who has a vision it was a vision in the gold of the goblet Yvonne saw his past life as in a mirror the giant pursuing him Finette dragging him along both embarking in the ship that saved them both landing on the shore of Brittany quitting her for an instant she weeping at his departure where was she by his side of course what other woman than Finette could be at the side of Yvonne he turned toward the fair-haired lady and cried out like a man treading on a serpent then staggering as if he were drunk he rose and looked around him with haggard eyes at the sight of Finette he clasped his trembling hands and dragging himself toward her fell on his knees and exclaimed Finette, forgive me to forgive is the height of happiness before evening Finette was seated by the side of Yvonne both weeping and smiling and what became of the fair-haired lady no one knows at the cry of Yvonne she disappeared but it was said that a wretched old hag was seen flying on a broomstick over the castle walls chased by the dogs and it was the common opinion among the carvers that the fair-haired lady was none other than the witch the godmother of the giants I'm not sure enough of the fact, however, to dare warrant it it is always prudent to believe without proof that a woman may be a witch but it is never wise to say so what I can say on the word of a historian is that the feast, interrupted for a moment went on gayer than ever early the next morning they went to the church where, to the joy of his heart Yvonne married Finette who was no longer afraid of evil spirits after which they ate drank and danced for thirty-six hours without anyone thinking of resting the stewards' arms were a little heavy the bailiff rubbed his back at times and the senor shall felt a sort of weariness in his limbs but all three had a weight on their consciences which they could not shake off and which made them tremble and flutter till finally they fell on the ground and were carried off Finette took no other vengeance on them her only desire was to render all happy around her far and near who belonged to the noble house of Caeverre her memory still lives in Brittany and, among the ruins of the old castle anyone will show you the statue of the good lady with five bullets in her hand End of part two of Yvonne and Finette A Tale of Brittany Recording by Lucy Perry in Bath on May 1st 2009 Story number 18 of the Fairy Ring This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Reading by Lars Rolander The Fairy Ring Edited by Kate Douglas-Wiggin and Nora Archibald-Smith Story number 18 The Fair One with the Golden Locks There was once a king's daughter so beautiful that they named her the Fair One with Golden Locks These Golden Locks were the most remarkable in the world Soft and fine and falling in long waves down to her very feet She wore them always thus loose and flowing surmounted with a wreath of flowers and though such long hair was sometimes rather inconvenient it was so exceedingly beautiful shining in the sun like ripples of molten gold that everybody agreed she fully deserved her name Now there was a young king of a neighboring country very handsome very rich and wanting nothing but a wife to make him happy He heard so much of the various perfections of the Fair One with Golden Locks that at last, without even seeing her, he fell in love with her so desperately that he could neither eat nor drink and resolved to send an ambassador at once to demand her in marriage So he ordered a magnificent equipache more than a hundred horses of footmen in order to bring back to him the Fair One with Golden Locks who he never doubted would be only too happy to become his queen Indeed, he felt so sure of her that he refurnished the whole palace and had made by all the dressmakers of the city dresses enough to last a lady for a lifetime But alas when the ambassador arrived and delivered his message either the princess was in a bad humor or the offer did not appear to her taste for she returned her best thanks to his majesty but said she had not the slightest wish or intention to be married She also being a prudent damsel declined receiving any of the presents which the king had sent her except that not quite to offend his majesty she retained a box of English pins which were in that country of considerable value When the ambassador returned alone and unsuccessful all the court was very much affected and the king himself began to weep with all his might Now there was in the palace household a young gentleman and avanant beautiful as the sun Besides being at once so amiable and so wise that the king confided to him all his affairs and everyone loved him except those people to be found in all courts who were envious of his good fortune These malicious folk hearing him say gaily if the king had sent me to a fair one with golden locks I know she would have come back with me repeated the saying in such a manner that it appeared as if avanant thought over much of himself and his beauty and felt sure the princess would have followed him all over the world which when it came to the ears of the king as it was meant to do irritated him so much that he commanded avanant imprisoned in a high tower and left to die there of hunger The guards accordingly carried off the young man who had quite forgotten his idle speech and had not the least idea what fault he had committed They ill-treated him very much and then left him with nothing to eat and only water to drink This however kept him alive for a few days he did not cease to complain aloud and to call upon the king saying Oh king what harm have I done you have no subject more faithful than I never have I had a thought which could offend you and so it befell that the king coming by chance or else from a sense of remorse past the tower was touched by the voice of young avanant young avanant whom he had once so much regarded him in spite of all the courtiers could do to prevent him he stopped to listen and overheard these words The tears rushed into his eyes he opened the door of the tower and called avanant avanant came creeping feebly along fell at the king's knees and kissed his feet Oh sire what have I done that you should treat me so cruelly you have mocked me and my ambassador for you said if I had sent you to fetch the fair one with golden docks you would have been successful and brought her back I did say it and it was true replied avanant fearlessly for I should have told her so much about your majesty and your various high qualities which no one knows so well as myself that I am persuaded she would have returned with me I believe it said the king with an angry look at those who had spoken ill of his favorite he then gave avanant a free pardon and took him back with him to the court after having supplied the famished youth with much supper as he could eat the king admitted him to a private audience and said I am as much in love as ever with the fair one with golden locks so I will take thee at thy word and send thee to try and win her for me very well please your majesty replied avanant cheerfully I will depart tomorrow the king overjoyed with his willingness and hopefulness would have furnished him with a still more magnificent equipage and sweet than the first ambassador but avanant refused to take anything except a good horse to ride and letters of introduction to the princess's father the king embraced him and eagerly saw him depart it was on a Monday morning when without any pomp or show avanant thus started on his mission he rode slowly and meditatively pondering on every possible means of persuading the fair one with golden locks to marry the king but even after several days journey toward her country no clear project had entered into his mind one morning when he had started at break of day he came to a great meadow with a stream running through it along which were planted willows and poplars it was such a pleasant rippling stream that he dismounted and sat down on its banks there he perceived gasping on the grass a large golden carp which in leaping too far after the gnats had thrown itself quite out of the water and now lay dying on the green sward avanant took pity on it and though he was very hungry and the fish was very fat and he would well enough have liked it for his breakfast still he lifted it gently and put it back into the stream no sooner had the carp touched the fresh cool water than it revived and swam away but shortly returning it spoke to him from the water in this wise avanant I thank you for your good deed I was dying and you have saved me I will recompense you for this one day after this pretty little speech the fish popped down to the bottom of the stream according to the habit of carp leaving avanant very much astonished as was natural another day he met with a raven that was in great distress being pursued by an eagle which would have swallowed him up in no time sea thought avanant how the stronger oppress the weaker what right has an eagle to eat up a raven so taking his bow and arrow which he always carried he shot the eagle dead and the raven delighted perched in safety on an opposite tree avanant screeched he though not in the sweetest voice in the world you have generously secured me a poor miserable raven I'm not ungrateful and I will recompense you one day thank you said avanant and continued his road entering in a thick wood so dark with the shadows of early morning that he could scarcely find his way he heard an owl hooting as if in great tribulation she had been caught by the net spread by birdcatchers to entrap finches and other small birds what a pity thought avanant that men must always torment poor birds and beasts who have done them no harm so he took out his knife and cut the net and let the owl go free she went sailing up into the air but immediately returned hovering over his head on her brown wings avanant she said I feel like the birdcatchers would have been here and I should have been caught and killed I have a grateful heart I will recompense you one day these were the three principal adventures that befell avanant on his way to the kingdom of the fair one with golden locks arrived there he dressed himself with the greatest care in a habit of silver brocade born with plumes and scarlet and white he threw over all a rich mantle and carried a little basket in which was a lovely little dog an offering of respect to the princess with this he presented himself at the palace gates where even though he came alone his mean was so dignified and graceful so all together charming that everyone did him reverence eager to run and tell the fair one with golden locks that avanant another ambassador from the king her suitor of weighted audience avanant repeated the princess that is a pretty name perhaps the youth is pretty too though beautiful said the ladies of honour that while he stood under the palace window we could do nothing but look at him oh silly of you sharply said the princess but she decided them to bring her robe of blue satin to comb out her long hair and adorn it with the freshest garlands of flowers to give her high heeled shoes and her fam also, added she take care that my audience chamber is well swept and my throne well dusted I wish in everything to appear as the fair one with golden locks this done she seated herself on her throne of ivory and ebony and gave orders for her musicians to play but softly so as not to disturb conversation thus shining in all her beauty she admitted avanant to her presence he was so dazzled that at first he could not speak then he began and delivered his harang to perfection gentle avanant returned the princess after listening to all his reasons for returning with him your arguments are very strong and I am inclined to listen to them but you must first find for me a ring which I dropped into the river about a month ago until I recover it I can listen to no propositions of marriage avanant surprised and disturbed made her a profound reverence and retired taking with him the basket and the little dog cabriol which she refused to accept all night long he sat sighing to himself how can I ever find a ring which she dropped into the river a month ago she has set me an impossibility my dear master said cabriol nothing is an impossibility to one so young and charming as you are let us go at daybreak to the riverside avanant patted him but replied nothing until worn out with grief he slept before dawn cabriol awakened him saying master dress yourself and let us go down to the river there avanant walked up and down with his arms folded and his head bent but saw nothing at last he heard a voice calling from a distance avanant, avanant the little dog ran to the waterside never believe me again master if it is not a golden carp with a ring in its mouth yes avanant said the carp this is the ring which the princess has lost you saved my life in the willow meadow and I have recompensed you farewell avanant took the ring gratefully and returned to the palace with cabriol who scampered about in great glee craving an audience he presented the princess with her ring and begged her to accompany him to his master's kingdom she took the ring looked at it and she was surely dreaming some fairy must have assisted you fortunate avanant said she madame I am fortunate only in my desire to obey your wishes obey me still she said graciously there is a prince named gallifron whose suit I have refused giant as tall as a tower who eats a man as a monkey eats a knot he puts cannons in his pockets instead of pistols and when he speaks his voice is so loud that everyone near him becomes deaf go and fight him and bring me his head avanant was thunderstruck but after a time he recovered himself very well madam I shall certainly perish but I will perish like a brave man I will depart at once to fight the giant gallifron the princess now in her turn surprised and alarmed tried every persuasion to induce him not to go but in vain avanant armed himself and started carrying his little dog in its basket cabriol was the only creature that gave him consolation courage master while you attack the giant I will bite his legs he will stoop down to strike me and then you can knock him on the head avanant smiled at the little dog spirit but he knew it was useless arrived at the castle of gallifron he found the road all strewn with bones and carcasses of men soon he saw the giant walking his head was level with the highest trees and he sang in a terrific voice bring me babies to devour more more more more men and women tender and tough all the world holds not enough to which avanant replied imitating the tune avanant you here may see he's come to punish the he be tender he be tough to kill the giant he's enough hearing these words the giant took up his massive club looked around for the singer and perceiving him would have slain him on the spot had not a raven sitting on a tree close by suddenly flown down upon him and picked out both his eyes then avanant easily killed him and cut off his head while the raven watching him said you shoot an eagle who was pursuing me I promise to recompense you and today I have done it we are quits no it is I who am your doctor sir raven replied avanant as hanging the frightful head to his salvo he mounted his horse and rode back to the city of the fair one with golden locks there everybody followed him shouting here is brave avanant who has killed the giant until the princess hearing the noise and fearing it was avanant himself who was killed appeared all trembling and even when he appeared with gallifran's head she trembled still although she had nothing to fear madam said avanant your enemy is dead so I trust you will accept the hand of the king my master I cannot replied she thoughtfully unless you first bring me a vial of the water of the grotto of darkness it is six leagues in length and guarded at the entrance by two fiery dragons within it is a pit full of scorpions lizards and serpents and at the bottom of this place flows the fountain of beauty and health all who wash in it become if ugly beautiful and if beautiful beautiful forever if old Jang and if Jang Jang forever judge then avanant if I can quit my kingdom without carrying with me some of this miraculous water madam replied avanant you are already so beautiful that you require it not but I am an unfortunate ambassador who's death you desire I will obey you though I know I shall never return so he departed with his only friends his horse and his faithful dog Cabriol while all who met him looked at him compassionately pitting so pretty a youth bound on such a hopeless errand but however kindly they addressed him avanant rode on and answered nothing for he was too sad at heart he reached a mountainside where he sat down to rest leaving his horse to grace and Cabriol to run after the flies he knew that the grotto of darkness was not far off yet he looked about him like one who sees nothing at last he perceived a rock as black as ink whence came a thick smoke and in a moment appeared one of the two dragons breathing out flames it had a yellow and green body and claws and a long tail when Cabriol saw the monster the poor little dog hid himself in terrible fright but avanant resolved to die bravely so taking a vial which the princess had given him he prepared to descend into the cave Cabriol said he I shall soon be dead then fill this vial with my blood to the fair one with golden locks and afterwards to the king my master to show him I have been faithful to the last while he was thus speaking a voice called avanant and he saw an owl sitting on a hollow tree said the owl you cut the net in which I was caught and I vowed to recompense you now is the time give me the vial I know every corner of the grotto of darkness I will fetch you the water of beauty delighted beyond words avanant delivered up his vial the owl flew with it into the grotto and in less than half an hour reappeared bringing it quite full and well caught avanant thanked her with all his heart and joyfully took once more the road to the city the fair one with golden locks had no more to say she consented to accompany him back with all her suit to his master's court on the way thither she saw so much of him and found him so charming that avanant might have married herself had he chosen but he would not have been false to his master for all the beauties under the sun at length they arrived at the king's city and the fair one with golden locks became his spouse and queen but she still loved avanant in her heart and often said to the king her lord but for avanant I should not be here he has done all sorts of impossible deeds for my sake he has fetched me the water of beauty and I shall never grow old in short I owe him everything and she praised him in this sort so much that at length the king became jealous and though avanant gave him not the slightest course of offence he shut him up in the same high tower once more but with irons on his hands and feet and a cruel jailer besides with bread and water only his sole companion was his little dog cabriol when the fair one with golden locks heard of this she reproached her husband for his ingratitude and then throwing herself at his knees implored that avanant might be set free but the king only said she loves him and refused the prayer the queen and treated no more but fell into a deep melancholy when the king saw it he thought she did not care for him because he was not handsome enough and that if he could wash his face with the water of beauty it would make her love him more he knew that she kept it in a cabinet in her chamber where she could find it always now it happened that a waiting maid in cleaning out this cabinet had the very day before knocked down the vial which was broken in a thousand pieces and all the contents were lost very much alarmed she then remembered seeing in a cabinet belonging to the king a similar vial this she fetched and put in the place of the other one in which was the water of beauty but the king's vial contained the water of death as a poison used to destroy great criminals that is noblemen, gentlemen and such like instead of hanging them or cutting their heads off like common people they were compelled to wash their faces with this water upon which they fell asleep and woke no more so it happened that the king taking up this vial believing it to be the water of beauty washed his face with it fell asleep and died cabriol heard the news and gliding in and out among the crowd which clustered around the young and lovely widow whispered softly to her madame do not forget poor avenant if she had been disposed to do so the sight of his little dog would have been enough to remind her of him his many sufferings and his great fidelity she rose up without speaking to anybody and went straight to the tower where avenant was confined there with her own hands she struck off his chains and putting a crown of gold on his head and a purple mantle on his shoulders said to him be king and my husband avenant could not refuse for in his heart he had loved her all the time he threw himself at her feet and then took the crown and scepter and ruled her kingdom like a king all the people were delighted to have him as their sovereign the marriage was celebrated in all imaginable pomp and avenant and the fair one with golden locks lived and reigned happily together all their days end of the fair one with golden locks read by Losh Rolander