 INTRODUCTION to THE FAIRY RING Throned on a grassy knoll I watch the elfin host come trooping by, and hear the horror of fairy wings, the goblin voices shrill and high. Behind them glides a magic train of kings and princes, armor clad, and serving as their squires bold, boots, ashy paddle, cindrelad. With silken rustle, flash of gym, queen and saritsa sweep along, while red-capped troll and rainbow sprite peep out amid the enchanted throng. Tingling, tingling, how sweet the ring, like golden bells of fairy laughter, wrap-tap, wrap-tap, how sharp the clap of fairy footfalls following after. Where witch-grass grows and fernseed lies, a fairy ring is dimly seen, and there a glittering host is met to dance upon the moonlit green. Riké the tufted lightly turns the fair one with the golden hair, and Prince Desire and Minyanette form yet another graceful pair. Tall as a tower stands Gallifran, the desert fay with snakes bedite, first pirouettes with him, and then with wee Tom Thumb, King Arthur's knight. Tingling, tingling, how sweet the ring, like golden bells of fairy laughter, wrap-tap, wrap-tap, how sharp the clap of fairy footfalls following after. Faint unseen harpers harp and sing, faint elf and horns the air repeat. Rapunzel shakes her shining braids, the white cat trips with velvet feet. Rose-red, snow-white, the faithful bear cross hands with gallant personette, while tattercoats in turn salutes Yvonne the fearless and fanette. But hark! the cock begins to crow, the darkness turns today, and look! The fairy dancer is whorl within the crimson covers of this book. Nora Archibald Smith. End of introduction. Story One 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 Janelle Parham. The Fairy Ring, edited by Kate Douglas-Wiggin and Nora Archibald Smith. Story One. East of the Sun and West of the Moon. Once on a time there was a poor husbandman who had so many children that he hadn't much of either food or clothing to give them. Pretty children they all were, but the prettiest was the youngest daughter, who was so lovely that there was no end to all her loveliness. So one day, it was on a Thursday evening, late at the fall of the year, the weather was so wild and rough outside, and it was so cruelly dark, and rain fell and wind blew till the walls of the cottage shook again. There they all sat round the fire, busy with this thing and that. But just then, all at once, something gave three taps on the window-pane. Then the father went out to see what was the matter, and when he got out of doors what should he see but a great big white bear? Good evening to you, said the white bear. The same to you, said the man. Will you give me your youngest daughter? If you will, I'll make you as rich as you are now poor, said the bear. Well, the man would not be at all sorry to be rich. But still, he thought he must have a bit of a talk with his daughter first. So he went in and told them how there was a great white bear waiting outside, who had given his word to make them rich if he could only have the youngest daughter. The lassie said no outright. Nothing could get her to say anything else. So the man went out and settled it with the white bear that he should come again the next Thursday evening and get an answer. Meantime he talked his daughter over, and kept on telling her of all the riches they would get and how well off she would be herself. And so at last she thought better of it, and washed and mended her rags, made herself as smart as she could, and was ready to start. Next Thursday evening came the white bear to fetch her, and she got upon his back with her bundle and off they went. So, when they had gone a bit of a way, the bear said, Are you afraid? No, she wasn't. Well, mind and hold tight to my shaggy coat, and then there's nothing to fear, said the white bear. So she rode a long, long way until they came to a very steep hill. There, on the face of it, the white bear gave a knock and a door opened, and they came into a castle where there were many rooms, all lit up, rooms gleaming with silver and gold, and there, too, was a table ready laid, and it was all as grand as grand could be. Then the white bear gave her a silver bell, and when she wanted anything she had only to ring it and she would get it at once. Well, after she had eaten and drunk and evening wore on, she got sleepy after her journey, and thought she would like to go to bed. So she rang the bell, and she had scarce taken hold of it before she came into a chamber where there was a bed made, as fair and white as anyone could wish to sleep in, with silken pillows and curtains and gold fringe. She slept quite soundly until morning. Then she found her breakfast waiting in a pretty room. When she had eaten it, the girl made up her mind to take a walk around, in order to find out if there were any other people there besides herself. But she saw nobody but an old woman, whom she took to be a witch, and as the dame back into her the girl went at once. "'Little girl,' said the witch, "'if you'll promise not to say a word to anybody, I'll tell you the secret about this place.' Of course the girl promised at once, so the old dame said, "'In this house there lives a white bear, but you must know that he is only a white bear in the daytime. Every night he throws off his beast-shape and becomes a man, for he is under the spell of a wicked fairy. Now, be sure and not to mention this to anybody, or misfortune will come.' And with these words she disappeared. So things went unhappily for some time, but at last the girl began to grow sad and sorrowful, for she went about all day alone, and she longed to go home to see her father and mother and brothers and sisters. "'Well, well,' said the bear, "'perhaps there's a cure for all this sorrow, but you must promise me one thing. When you go home, you mustn't talk about me, except when they all are present, or if you do you will bring bad luck to both of us.' So one Sunday the white bear came and said now they would set off to see her father and mother. But off they started, she sitting on his back, and they went far and long. At last they came to a grand-house, and there her brothers and sisters were running about out of doors at play, and everything was so pretty, it was a joy to see. "'This is where your father and mother live now,' said the white bear. "'But don't forget what I told you, or you'll make us both unlucky.' "'No, bless her, she'd not forget. And when they reached the house, the white bear turned right about and left her. Then when she went in to see her father and mother, there was such joy there was no end to it. None of them could thank her enough for all the good fortune she had brought them. They had everything they wished, as fine as could be, and they wanted to know how she got on and where she lived. Well, she said it was very good to live where she did, and she had all she wished. What she said besides, I don't know, but I don't believe any of them had the right end of the stick, or that they got much out of her. But after dinner her sister called her outside the room, and asked all manner of questions about the white bear, whether he was cross, and whether she ever set eyes on him, and such like. And the end of it all was that she told her sister the story of how the white bear was under a spell. But the other girl wouldn't listen to the story, for she said it couldn't be true, and this made the youngest daughter very angry. In the evening the white bear came and fetched her away, and when they had gone a bit of the way he asked her whether she had done as he had told her and refused to speak about him. Then she confessed that she had spoken a few words to her sister about him, and the bear was very angry, for he said she would surely bring bad luck to them both. When they reached home she remembered how her sister had refused to believe the story about the white bear. So in the night when she knew that the bear was fast asleep, she stole out of bed, lighted her candle, and crept into his room. Yes, there he lay fast asleep, but instead of being a white bear he was the handsomest prince you ever saw. She gave such a start that she dropped three spots of hot tallow from the candle onto his pillow, so she ran off in a great fright. Next morning the white bear said to her, I fear you have found out my secret, for I saw the drops of tallow on my pillow this morning, and now I know that you spoke to your sister about me. If you had only kept quiet for a whole year, then I should have become a man for always, and I should have made you my wife at once. But now all ties are snapped between us, and I must go away to a big castle which stands east of the sun and west of the moon, and there, too, lives a princess with a nose three L's long, and she's the wife I must have now. The girl wept and took it ill, but there was no help for it, go he must. Then she asked if she might not go with him. No, she might not. Tell me the way, then, she said, and I'll search you out. That surely I may get leave to do. Yes, she might do that, but there was no way to the place. It lay east of the sun and west of the moon, and thither she'd never find her way. So next morning, when she woke, both prince and castle were gone, and there she lay on the little green patch in the midst of the thick, gloomy wood, and by her side lay the same bundle of rags that she had brought with her from her old home. So when she had rubbed the sleep from her eyes, and wept till she was tired, she set out on her way and walked many, many days, till she came to a lofty crag. Under it sat an old hag who played with a golden apple, which she tossed about. The lassie asked her if she knew the way to the prince who lived in the castle that lay east of the sun and west of the moon, and who was to marry a princess with a nose three L's long. How did you come to know about him? said the old hag. But maybe you are the lassie who ought to have had him. Yes, she was. So, so, it's you, is it? said the old hag. Well, all I know about him is that he lives in the castle that lies east of the sun and west of the moon, and thither you'll come, late or never. But still you may have the loan of my horse, and on him you can ride to my next neighbor. Maybe she'll be able to tell you what you want to know. And when you get there, just give the horse a switch under the left ear, and beg him to be off home. And stay, you may take this golden apple with you. So she got upon the horse and rode a long, long time till she came to another crag, under which sat another old hag, with a golden carding comb in her hand. The lassie asked her if she knew the way to the castle that lay east of the sun and west of the moon, and she answered, like the first old hag, that she knew nothing about it, except that it was east of the sun and west of the moon. And thither you'll come, late or never, but you shall have the loan of my horse to go to my next neighbor. Maybe she'll tell you all about it. And when you get there, just switch the horse under the left ear, and beg him to be off home. And this old hag gave her the golden carding comb. It might be she'd find some use for it, she said. So the lassie got upon the horse and rode far, far away, and had a weary time. And so at last she came to another great crag, under which sat another old hag, spinning with a golden spinning-wheel. The lassie asked her, too, if she knew the way to the prince, and where the castle was that lay east of the sun and west of the moon. So it was the same thing over again. Maybe it's you who ought to have had the prince, said the old hag. Yes, it was. But she, too, didn't know the way a bit better than the other two. East of the sun and west of the moon she knew it was. That was all. And thither you'll come, late or never, but I'll lend you my horse, and then I think you'd best ride to the east wind and ask him. Maybe he knows those parts and can blow you thither. But when you get to him you need only give the horse a switch under the left ear, and he'll trot home of himself. And so, too, she gave the lassie the golden spinning-wheel. Maybe you'll find a use for it, said the old hag. Then on she rode a great many weary days before she got to the east wind's house. But at last she did reach it, and then she asked the east wind if he could tell her the way to the prince who dwelt east of the sun and west of the moon. Yes, the east wind had often heard about them, both the prince and the castle, but he couldn't tell her the way, for he'd never blown so far. But if you will I'll go with you to my brother the west wind. Maybe he's been there, for he's much stronger. So if you will just jump on my back I'll carry you thither. Yes, she got on his back, and I should just think they went swiftly along. So when they reached there they went into the west wind's house, and the east wind said the lassie he had brought was the one that ought to have married the prince, who lived in the castle east of the sun and west of the moon, and that she had set out to seek him. He then said how he had come with her, and we'd be glad to know if the west wind knew how to get to the castle. Nay, said the west wind, for I've never blown so far. But if you will I'll go with you to our brother the south wind, for he's much stronger than either of us, and he has flapped his wings both far and wide. Maybe he'll tell you. So you can get on my back and I'll carry you to him. Yes, she got on his back, and so they travelled to the south wind, and they weren't so very long on the way, I should think. When they reached there the west wind asked him if he could tell them the way to the castle that lay east of the sun and west of the moon, for this was the lassie who ought to have married the prince who lived there. You don't say so. That's she, is it? Well, I've blustered about in most places in my time, but so far I have never blown. But if you will I'll take you to my brother the north wind, he is the oldest and strongest of all of us. If he doesn't know where to find the place you will never find anybody to tell you where it is. You can get on my back and I'll carry you thither. Yes, she got on his back, and away he went from his house at a very high rate, and this time too she wasn't long on her way. When they got to the north wind's she was so wild and cross that the puffs came from quite a long way off. What do you want? he roared out to them in such a voice that it made them both shiver. Well, said the south wind, you didn't talk like that, for here I am, your brother, the south wind, and here is the lassie who ought to have had the prince who dwells at the castle that lies east of the sun and west of the moon, and now she wants to know if you were ever there, and can tell her the way, yes, I know well enough where it is, said the north wind. Once in my life I blew an aspen leaf there, but I was so tired that I couldn't blow another puff for days after, but if you really wish to go there and aren't afraid to trust yourself to me, I'll take you on my back and blow you thither. Yes, with all her heart, she must and would get thither if it were possible in any way, and as for fear, however madly he went she wouldn't be at all very well then, said the north wind, but you must sleep here tonight, for we must have the whole day before us if we are to get thither at all. Early next morning the north wind woke her, and puffed himself up, and blew himself out, and made himself so stout and big twist fearful to look at him, so off they went up through the air as if they would never stop till they came to the world's end. Down below there was such a storm it threw down long tracts of wood in many houses, and when it swept over the great sea ships foundered by hundreds. So they tore on and on, nobody can believe how far they went, and all the while they still went over the sea, and the north wind got more and more weary, and so out of breath he could scarce get out a puff. His wings drooped and drooped till at last he sank so low that the crests of the waves dashed over his heels. He asked the north wind, no, she wasn't. But they weren't very far from land, and the north wind had still so much strength in him that he managed to throw her upon the shore under the windows of the castle which lay east of the sun and west of the moon. But then he was so weak and worn out that he had to stay there and rest for many days before he was fit to return home. Next morning the lassie sat down under the castle window and began the first person she saw was Long Nose, who was to marry the prince. What do you want for your golden apple, lassie? said Long Nose, and she threw up the window. It's not for sale, for gold or money, said the lassie. If it's not for sale, for gold or money, what is it that you will sell for it? said the princess. You may name your own price for it. Well, if you will let me speak a few words alone with the prince who lives in the castle, the apple, she answered. Yes, she might. That could be done. So the princess got the golden apple, and the lassie was shown into the prince's room. But when she got inside she found that the prince was fast asleep, and although she shook him and called him loudly it was no use, for she couldn't wake him, so she had to go away again. Next day she sat down under the castle window again and began to card with her golden carding comb, which happened. The princess asked what she wanted for it, and she said it wasn't for sale for either gold or money, but that if she might have a few words alone with the prince, the princess should have the comb. So she was taken up to the prince's room, and again she found him fast asleep. And although she wept and shook him for quite a long time she couldn't get life into him. So the next morning the lassie sat down under the castle window and began to spin with her that, too, the princess with the long nose wanted to have. So she threw up the window and asked what the lassie wanted for it. And the girl said, as she had said twice before, that if she might have a few words alone with the prince, the princess might have the wheel and welcome. Yes, she might do that, and the lassie was shown again into the prince's room. This time he was wide awake and he was very pleased indeed to see her. Ah! said the prince, you've come a nick of time, for tomorrow is to be our wedding day. But now I won't have long nose and you are the bride for me. I'll just say that I want to find out what my wife is fit for, and then I'll beg her to wash the pillow slip, which has on it the three spots of tallow. She will be sure to say yes, but when she tries to get out the spots she'll soon find that it is not possible, for she is a troll like all the rest of her family, and it is not possible for a troll to get out. Then I'll say that I won't have any other bride than she who can wash out the spots of tallow, and I'll call you in to do it. The wedding must take place the next day, so just before the ceremony the prince said, First of all I'd just like to see what my bride is fit for. Yes, said the mother, I'm quite willing. Well, I have a pillow slip which somehow or other has got some spots of grease on it, and I have sworn never to take any of it. She was able to wash them out for me. If she can't do that she's not worth having. Well, that was no great thing, they said, so they agreed, and she with a long nose began to wash away as hard as ever she could, but the more she rubbed and scrubbed the bigger the spots grew. Ah, said the old hag, her mother, you can't wash, let me try. But she hadn't long taken the job in hand before it got four worse than ever, and with her hands wringing and scrubbing the spots grew bigger and blacker and darker and uglier. Then all the other trolls began to wash, but the longer it lasted the blacker and uglier it grew, until at last it looked as though it had been up the chimney. Ah, said the prince, you are none of you worth a straw, you can't wash. Why, there outside sits a bigger lassie, and I'll be bound she knows how to wash better than the whole lot of you. Then in she came, can you wash this clean lassie? said he. I don't know, but I think I can. And almost before she had taken it and dipped it in the water it was white as driven snow and whiter still. Yes, you are the lassie for me said the prince. At that the old hag flew in such a rage that she burst on the spot and the princess with the long nose after her, and then the whole pack of trolls did as for the prince and princess they had a grand wedding and lived happily at the castle east of the sun and west of the moon until the end of their days. End of east of the sun and west of the moon. Recording by Janelle Parham www.plantsgrownup.blogspot.com Story 2 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 MCY The Fairy Ring Edited by Kate Douglas Wagon and Nora Archibald Smith Story 2 The Golden Lantern, Golden Goat and Golden Cloak There once was a poor widow who had three sons. The two elder ones went out to work for their living and while at home they were of little use as they seldom did as their mother wished whatever she might say to them. But the youngest lad always remained at home and helped the old widow in her daily occupations. Hence he was much beloved by his mother but disliked by his brothers who in mockery gave him the nickname of Pinkle. One day the old widow said to her sons you must all go abroad in the world and seek your fortunes while you can. I am no longer able to feed you here at home now that you are grown up. The lads answered that they wished for nothing better since it was contrary to their mother's will that they should remain at home. They then prepared for their departure and set out on their journey. But after wondering about from place to place, were unable to procure any employment. After journeying this for a long time they came late one evening to a vast lake. Far out in the water there was an island on which they appeared a strong light as a fire. The lads stopped on shore observing the wonder's light and then concluded that there must be human beings in the place. As it was now dark and the brothers knew not where to find a shelter for the night they resolved on taking a boat that lay among the reeds and rowing over to the island to beg a lodging. With this view they placed themselves in the boat and rowed across. On approaching the island they perceived a little hut standing at the water's edge on reaching which they discovered that the bright light that shone over the neighborhood proceeded from a golden lantern that stood at the door of the hut. In the yard without a large goat was wondering about golden horns to which small bells were fastened that gave forth a pleasing sound whenever the animal moved. The brothers wondered much at all this but most of all at the old crown who with her daughter inhabited the hut. The crown was both old and ugly but was sumptuously clad in a police of cloak worked so artificially with golden threads that it glittered like burnished gold in every hem. The lads saw now very clearly that they had come to a binary human being but to a troll. After some deliberation the brothers entered and saw the crown standing by the fireplace and staring with a ladle in a large pot that was boiling on the hearth. They told their story and prayed to be allowed to pass a night there but the crown answered no at the same time directing them to a royal palace which lay on the other side of the lake. While speaking immediately on the youngest boy as he was standing and casting his eyes over everything in the hut the crown said to him What is thy name, my boy? The lad answered smartly I'm called Pico The troll then said Thy brothers can go their way but thou shalt stay here for thou appears to me very crafty and my mind tells me that I have no good to expect from thee if thou shalt stay long at the king's palace. Pingel now humbly begged to be allowed to accompany his brothers and promised never to cause a crown harm or annoyance. At length he also had lived to the pot after which the brothers hastened to the boat not a little glad that all three had escaped so well in this adventure. Toward the morning they arrived at a royal palace larger and more magnificent than anything they had ever seen before. They entered and begged for employment. The eldest two were received as helpers in the royal's tables and the youngest was taken as page to the king's young son. And being a sprightly intelligent lad he soon won the good will of everyone and rose from day to day in the king's favor. At this his brothers were sorely netled that he should be preferred to themselves. At length they consulted together how they might compass the fall of their young brother in the belief that afterwards they should prosper better than before. They therefore presented themselves one day before the king and gave him an exaggerated account of the beautiful lantern that shut light over both land and water adding that it ill-be-seen the king to lack so precious a jewel. On hearing this the king's attention was excited and he asked where is this lantern to be found and who can procure it for me? The brothers answered no one can do that unless it be our brother Pinkle. He knows best where the lanterns to be found. The king was now filled with the desire to obtain the golden lantern about which he had to hotel and commanded the youth to be called. When Pinkle came the king said let's procure me the golden lantern that shines over land and water I will make thee the chief man in my whole court. The youth promised to do his best to execute his lord's behest and the king praised him for his willingness but the brothers rejoiced at heart for they well knew it was a perilous undertaking which could hardly terminate favorably. Pinkle now prepared a little boat and an accompanied by anyone boat over to the little island inhabited by the troll Krone. When he arrived it was a ready evening and the Krone was busied in boiling porridge for supper as was her custom. The youth creeping softly up to the roof cast from time to time a handful of salt through the chimney so that it fell down into the pot that was boiling on the hearth. When the porridge was ready the Krone had begun to eat. She could not conceive what had made it so salt and bitter. She was out of humor and chided her daughter thinking that she had put too much salt into the porridge but let her dilute the porridge as she might it could not be eaten so salt and bitter it was. She then ordered her daughter to go to the well that was just at the foot of the hill and fat water in order to prepare a fresh porridge. They made an answer how can I go to the well it is so dark out of doors that I cannot find a way over the hill. Then take my gold lantern said the Krone previously. The girl took the beautiful gold lantern accordingly and hastened her way to fetch the water but as she stooped to lift the pale Pinko who was on the watch seared her by the feet and cast her head long into the water. He then took the golden lantern and betook himself an all haste to his boat. In the meantime the Krone was wondering why her daughter stayed out so long and at the same moment chancing to look through the window she saw the light gleaming far out on the water. At his side she was sorely vexed and hurrying down to the shore cried aloud. Is that so Pinko? The youth answered Yes dear mother The troll continued I thou not a great nave? The light answered Yes dear mother, I am so. The Krone now began to lament and complain saying Ah, what a fool was I to let thee go from me I might have been sure thou wouldst play me some trick. If thou ever come as hither again thou shalt not escape. And so the matter rested for that time. Pinko now returned to the king's palace and became the chief personal court as the king had promised. But when the brothers were informed what complete success he had had in his adventure they became yet more envious and embittered than before and often consulted together how they might accomplish the fall of their young brother and gain the king's favor for themselves. Both brothers went therefore a second time before the king and began relating a full length about the beautiful goat to the horns of the purest goat from which little gold bells were suspended which gave forth a pleasing sound whenever the animal moved. They added that ill became so rich a king to lack so costly a treasure. On hearing their story the king was greatly excited and said Where is this goat to be found? And who can procure it for me? The brothers answered that no one can do unless it be our brother Pinko for he knows best where the goat is to be found. The king then felt a strong desire to possess the goat with the golden horns and therefore commanded the youth to appear before him. When Pinko came the king said thy brothers have been telling me of a beautiful goat with the purest goat and little bells fastened to the horns which ring whenever the animal moves. Now it is my will that thou go and procure for me this goat. If thou art successful I will make thee lord over a third part of my kingdom. The youth having listened to this speech promised to execute his lord's commission if only fortune would befriend him. The kingdom praised his readiness and the brothers were glad at heart believing that Pinko would not escape this time so well as the first. Pinko now made the necessary preparations enrolled to the island where the troll wife dwelt. When he reached it evening was already advanced and it was dark so that no one could be aware of his coming the golden lantern being no longer there but shedding its light in the royal palace. The youth now deliberated with himself how to get the golden goat but the task was no easy one for the animal lay every night in the crown's hut. A length it occurred to his mind that there was one method which might probably prove successful though nevertheless sufficiently difficult to carry into effect. A night when it was time for the crown and her daughter to go to bed the girl went as usual to bolt the door but Pinko was just outside on the watch and had placed a piece of wood behind the door so that he would not shut close. The girls stood for a long time trying to lock it but to no purpose. On perceiving this the crown thought there was something out of order and called out that the door might very well remain unlocked for the night as soon as it was daylight they could ascertain what was wanting. The girl then left the door jar and laid herself down to sleep. When the night was a little more advanced and the crown and her daughter were snug in deep repose the youth stole softening to the hut and approached the goat where he lay stretched out on the hut. Pinko now stuffed the wool into all the golden bells lest their sound might betray them. Then seizing the goat he boarded off to his boat. When he had reached the middle of the lake he took the wool out of the goat's ears and the animal moved so that the bells rang aloud and the sound the crown awoke ran down to the water and cried in an angry tone Is that thou, Pinko? the youth answered Yes, dear mother, it is the crown said As thou stole in my golden goat the youth answered Yes, dear mother, I have the troll continued What a big nave! Pinko returned for answer Yes, I am so, dear mother Now the bell-damp began to whine and complacent Ah, what a simple tone was I for letting this lip away from me I well knew thou would display me some trick But if thou comest here ever again thou shalt never go hence Pinko now returned to the king's court and obtained the government part of the kingdom, as the king had promised But when the brothers heard how the enterprise had succeeded and also saw the beautiful lantern and the goat with the golden horns which were regarded by everyone as great wonders they would become still more hostile and bitter than ever They could think of nothing but how they might accomplish his destruction They went therefore one day again before the king to whom they gave the most elaborate description of the troll crown's fur cloak that shone like the brightest goat and was worked with golden threads in every seam The brothers said it was more befitting a queen than a troll to possess such a treasure and added that, that alone was wanting to the king's good fortune When the king heard all this he became very thoughtful and said Where is this cloak to be found and who can procure it for me? The brothers answered No one can do that except our brother Pinko for he knows best where the golden cloaks to be found The king was there upon seized with an ardent longing to possess the golden cloak and commanded the youth to be called before him When Pinko came the king said I have long been aware that all has an affection for my young daughter and thy brothers have been telling me of a fur cloak which shines with the reddest gold in every seam It is therefore my will that thou go and procure for me this cloak If thou art successful thou shalt be my son-in-law and after me shalt inherit the kingdom When the youth heard this he was glad beyond measure and promised either to win the young maiden or perish in the attempt The king thereupon praised his readiness but the brothers were delighted in their false hearts and trusted that the enterprise would prove their brother's destruction Pinko then betook himself to his boat and crossed over to the island inhabited by the Troll Crone On the way he anxiously deliberated with himself how he might get possession of the crown's golden cloak but it appeared to him not very likely that his undertaking would prove successful seeing that the Troll always wore the cloak upon her So after having concerted diverse splans one more hazardous than another it occurred to him that he would try one method which might perhaps exceed although it was bold and rash In pursuance of his scheme he bound a bag under his clothes and walked with trembling step the demeanor into the bell dem's hood On perceiving him the Troll cast on him a savage glance and said Pinko is death thou the youth answered Yes dear mother it is the crown was overjoyed and said Although thou art convoluntarily into my power thou canst not surely hope to escape again from me after having played me so many tricks she then took a large knife and prepared to make an end of poor Pinko but the youth seeing her design appeared sorely terrified and said If I must need die I think I might be allowed to choose the manner of my death I would rather eat myself to death with milk porridge than be killed with a knife The crown thought to herself that the youth had made a bad choice and therefore promised to comply with his wish She then set a huge pot on the fire and wished to put a large quantity of porridge When the mess was ready she placed it before Pinko that he might eat who for every spoonful of porridge that he put into his mouth poured two into the bag that he was tied under his clothes At length the crown began to wonder how Pinko could contrive to swallow such a quantity but just at the same moment the youth, making a show of being sick to death sank down from his seat as if he were dead and an absurd could hold in the bag so that the porridge ran over the floor The crown, thinking that Pinko had burst with the quantity of porridge he had eaten was now a little glad clapped her hands together and ran off to look for her daughter who was gone to the well She was wet and stormy She first took off her beautiful fur cloak and laid it aside in the hut Before she could have proceeded far the young came to life again and springing up like lightning seized on a golden cloak and ran off at the top of his feet Shortly after the crown perceived Pinko as he was rowing in his little boat on seeing him alive again and observing the golden cloak glittering on the surface of the water Pinko was angry beyond all conception and went far out on the strained crying Is that thou, Pinko? the youth answered Yes, it is I dear mother the crown said As thou taking my beautiful golden cloak Pinko responded Yes dear mother, I have the troll continued As thou not a great nave the youth replied Yes, I am so dear mother The old witch was now almost beside herself and began to whine and lament and said How silly was it of me to let thee slip away I was well assured thou wouldst play me many wicked tricks They then parted from each other The troll wife now returned to her hut and left the water and arrived safely at the king's palace There he delivered the golden cloak a witch everyone said that a more sumptuous garment was never seen nor heard of The king honorably kept his word with the youth and gave him his young daughter to wife Pinko afterwards lived happy and content to the end of his days but his brothers were and continued to be helpers and lived and of the golden lantern golden goat and golden cloak Story 3 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 Eddie Winter The Fairy Ring Edited by Kate Douglas Wiggin and Noah Archibald Smith Story 3 Mother Roundabout's Daughter Once upon a time there was a goodie who had a son and he was so lazy and slow he would never turn his hand to anything that was useful but singing and dancing he was very fond of and so he danced and sang as long as it was day and sometimes even some way on in the night The longer this lasted the better it was for the goodie the boy grew and meat he must have without stint and more and more was spent in clothing as he grew bigger and bigger and it was soon worn out I should think for he danced and sprung about both in wood and field at last the goodie thought it too bad so she told the lad that now he must begin to turn his hand to work and live steadily or else there was nothing before both of them but starving to death but that the lad had no mind to do he said that he would far rather ruin Mother Roundabout's daughter and if he could only get her he would be able to live well and softly all his days and sing and dance and never do one stroke of work When his mother heard this she too thought it would be a very fine thing and so she fitted out the lad as well as she could and he might look tidy when he reached Mother Roundabout's house and so he set off on his way Now when he got out of doors the sun shone warm and bright but it had rained the night before so that the waves were soft and mary and all the bog hulls stood full of water the lad took a short cut to Mother Roundabout's and he sang and jumped as was ever his won't but just as he sprang and leaped he came to a bog hull and over it lay a little bridge and from the bridge he had to make a spring across a hull onto a tuft of grass that he might not dirty his shoes but plump it went all at once and just as he put his foot on the tuft it gave way under him and there was no stopping until he found himself in a nasty deep dark hull at first he could see nothing but when he had been there a while he had a glimpse of a rat that came wiggle-wiggle up to him with a bunch of keys at the tip of her towel What, you hear my boy? said the rat. Thank you kindly for coming to me I have waited long for you you come of course to woo me and you are eager at it I can very well see but you must have patience yet a while for I shall have a great dower I'm not ready for my wedding just yet but I'll do my best I can when she had said that she brought out ever so many eggshells with all sorts of bits and scraps such as rats I want to eat and set them before him and said now you must sit down and eat I'm sure you must be both tired and hungry but the lad thought he had no liking for such food if I were only well away from this above ground again he thought to himself but he said nothing out loud now I dare say you'll be glad to go home again said the rat I know your heart is set on this wedding and I'll make all the haste I can and you must take with you this linen thread and when you get above you must not look around but go straight home and on the way you must mind and say nothing but short before and long back short before and long back and as she said this she put the linen thread into his hand heavens be praised said the lad when he got above ground there I'll never come again if I can help it but he still had the thread in his hand and sprang and sang as he was wont but even though he thought no more of the rat hole he had got his tongue into the tune and so he sang short before and long back short before and long back and when he got back home into the porch he turned round and there lay many many hundred elves of the whitest linen so fine that the handiest weaving-girl could not have woven it finer mother mother come out he cried and roared out came the goodie in a bustle and asked whatever was the matter but when she saw the linen roof which stretched as far back as she could see and a bit besides she couldn't believe her eyes till the lad told her how it had all happened and when she had heard it and tried the roof between her fingers she grew so glad that she too began to dance and sing so she took the linen and cut it out and sewed shirts out of it both for herself and her son and the rest she took into the town and sold and got money for it and now they both lived well and happily for a while but when the money was all gone the goodie had no more food in the house and so she told her son he really must now begin to go to work and live like the rest of the world else there was nothing for it but starving for them both but the lad had more mind to go to mother round about and woo her daughter well the goodie thought that's a very fine thing for now he had good clothes on his back and he was not such a bad looking fellow either so she made him smart and fitted him out as well as she could and he took out his new shoes and brushed them to the rose bright as glass and when he had done that off he went but all happened just as it did before when he got out of doors the sun shone warm and bright but it had rained overnight so that it was soft and merry and all the bog holes were full of water the lad took the shortcut to mother round about and he sang and sprang as if it ever weren't now he took another way than the one he went before but just as he leaped and jumped he got upon the bridge over the moor again and from it he had to jump over a bog hole onto a turf that he might not soil his shoes but crump it went and down it went under him and there was no stopping till he found himself in a nasty deep dark hole at first he could see nothing but when he had been there a while he caught a glimpse of a rat with a bunch of keys at the tip of her towel who came wiggle waggle up to him what you hear my boy said the rat that was nice of you to wish to see me so soon again you are very eager that I can see but you really must wait a while for there is still something wanting to my dower the next time you come it shall be all right when she had said this she set before him all kinds of scraps and bits in eggshells such as rats eat and like but the lad thought it all looked like meat that had already been eaten once and he wasn't hungry he said and all the time he thought if I could only once more get above ground or out of this hole but he said nothing out loud so after a while the rat said I dare say now you would be glad to get home again but I'll hasten on the wedding as fast as I ever can and now you must take with you this shred of wool and when you come above ground you must not look round but go straight home and all the way you must mind and say nothing but short before and long back short before and long back and as she said that she gave him a shred of wool in his hand heaven be praised said the lad that I got away dither I'll never go again and so he sang and jumped as he was wont as for the rat hole he thought no more about it but as he got his tongue into tune he sang short before and long back short before and long back and so he kept on the whole way home when he had got into the yard at home again he turned and looked behind him and there lay the finest cloth more than many hundred elves almost above half a mile long and so fine that no town dandy could have had a finer cloth to his coat mother mother come out cried the lad so the goodie came out of doors and clapped her hands and was almost ready to swim for joy when she saw all that lovely cloth and then he had to tell her how he had got it and how it had all happened to him from first to last he had a fine time of it you may fancy the lad got new clothes with the finest salt and the goodie went off to the town and sold the cloth by little and little and made heaps of money then she decked out her cottage and looked as smart in her old days as though she had been born a lady so they lived well and happily but at last that money came to an end too and so the day came when the goodie had no more food in the house and then she told her son he really must turn his hand to work and live like the rest of the world else there was nothing but starvation staring both of them in the face but the lad thought it far better to go to mother round about and woo her daughter this time the goodie thought so too and said not a word against it for now he had new clothes of the finest kind and he looked so well she thought it quite out of the question that anyone could say no to so smart a lad so she smartened him up and made him as tired as she could and he himself brought out his new shoes and rubbed them till they shone so he could see his face in them and when he had done that off he went this time he did not take the shortcut but made a great bend for down to the rats he would not go if he could help it he was so tired of all that wiggle waggle and that everlasting bridal gossip as for the weather and the ways there were just as they had been twice before the sun shone so that it was dazzling on the pools and the bog hulls and the lad sang and sprang as he was wont but just as he sang and jumped before he knew where he was he was on the very same bridge across the bog again so he tried to jump from the bridge over a bog hull onto a tuft that he might not dirty his bright shoes plump it went and it gave way with him and there was no stopping till he was down in the same nasty deep dark hull again at first he was glad for he could see nothing but when he had been there a while he had a glimpse of the ugly rat and loath he was to see her with a bunch of keys at the end of her tail good day my boy said the rat you are heartily welcome again for I see you can't bear to be any longer without me thank you, thank you kindly but now everything is ready for the wedding and we shall set off to church at once something dreadful is going to happen thought the lad but he said nothing out loud then the rat whistled and they came swarming out such a lot of small rats and mice of all the holes and crannies and six big rats came close to a frying pan two mice got up behind his footman and two got up before and drove some two got into the pan and the rat with a bunch of keys at her tail took her seat among them then she said to the lad this road is a little narrow here she must be good enough to walk by the side of the carriage my darling boy till it gets broader and then you shall have leave to sit up in the carriage alongside me very fine that will be I daresay thought the lad if I were only well above ground I'd run away from the whole pack of you that was what he thought but he said nothing out loud so he followed them as well as he could sometimes he had to creep on all fours and sometimes he had to stupid bend his back as well for the road was low and narrow in places but when he got broader he went on in front how he might best give them the slip and run away but as he went forward he heard a clear sweet voice behind him which said now the road is good come my dear and get up into the carriage the lad turned round in a trice and had near lost both nose and ears there stood the grandest carriage with six white horses to it and in the carriage sat a maiden as bright and lovely as the sun and round her sat others who were as pretty and soft as stars they were a princess and her play fellows who had been bewitched all together but now they were free because he had come down to them and never said a word against them come now said the princess so the lad stepped up into the carriage and they drove to the church and when they drove from the church again the princess said drive first to my house and then we'll send to fetch your mother that is all very well thought the lad for he still said nothing even now but for that he thought it would be better to go home to his mother and down into that nasty rat-hole but just as he thought that they came to a grand castle into it they turned and there they were to dwell and so a grand carriage with six horses and that's the goodie and when it came back they're set to work at the wedding feast it lasted fourteen days and maybe they're still at it so let us all make haste perhaps we too may come in time to drink the bridegroom's health and dance with the bride end of mother round about's daughter the fairy ring edited by Kate Douglas Wigan and Nora Archibald Smith story four the bear and scramble one Christmas day the king of Norway sat in the great hall of his palace holding a feast here's a health set he to our brother the king of Denmark what present shall we send our royal brother as a pleasure-aggressed will this Christmas time sent him please your majesty said the Norseman Gunter who was the king's chief huntsman one of our fine white bears that his lead man may show their little ones what sort of kittens we play with well said Gunter quite the king but how shall we find a bear that will travel so long a journey willingly and will know how to behave himself to our worthy brother when he reaches him please your majesty said Gunter I have a glorious fellow as white as snow that I caught when he was a cub he will follow me wherever I go play with my children, stand on his hind legs and behave himself as well as any gentleman ought to do he is at your service and I myself will take him wherever you choose so the king was well pleased and ordered Gunter to set off at once with master Bruin start with the morning's dawn said he and make the best of your way the Norseman went home to his house in the forest and early next morning he walked master Bruin put the king's collar around his neck and away they went over rocks and valleys, lakes and seas the nearest road to the court of the king of Denmark when they arrived there the king was away on a journey and Gunter and his fellow traveller set out to follow it was bright weather the sun shone and the birds sang as they journeyed merrily on day after day over hill and over dale till they came within a day's journey of where the king was all that afternoon they travelled through a gloomy dark forest but toward evening the wind began to whistle through the trees and the clouds began to gather and threaten a stormy night the road too was very rough and it was not easy to tell which was more tired Bruin or his master what made matters the worse was that they had found no in that day by the roadside and their provisions had fallen short so that they had no very pleasant prospect before them for the night a pretty affair this said Gunter I am likely to be charmingly off here in the woods with an empty stomach, a damp bed and a bear for my bed fellow while the Norseman was turning this over in his mind the wind blew harder and harder and the clouds grew darker and darker the bear shook his ears and his master looked at his wits end when to his great joy a woodman came whistling along out of the woods by the side of his horse dragging a load of faggots as soon as he came up Gunter stopped him and begged hard for a night's lodging for himself and his countrymen the woodman seemed hearty and good natured in her and was ready to find shelter for the Huntsman but as to the bear he had never seen such a beast before in his life and would have nothing to do with him on any terms the Huntsman begged hard for his friend and told how he was bringing him as a present a king of Denmark and how he was the most good natured best-behaved animal in the world though he must allow that he was by no means one of the Huntsmists the woodman however was not to be moved his wife he was sure would not like such a guest and who could say what he might take it into his head to do besides he should lose his dog and his cat his ducks and his geese for they would all run away for fright whether the bear was disposed to be friends with them or not good night master Huntsman said he if you and old chuggy back there cannot part I'm afraid you must even stay where you are though you will have a sad night of it no doubt then he cracked his whip whistled up his horse and set off once more on his way homeward the Huntsman grumbled and ruined grunted as they followed shortly after when to their great joy they saw the woodman before he had gone many yards pull up his horse once more and turn round hey! said he I think I can tell you have a better plan than sleeping in a ditch I know where you may find shelter if you will run the risk of a little trouble from an unlucky imp that has taken up its abode in my old house down the hill yonder you must know friend that till last winter I lived in your snug little house that you will see at the foot of the hill if you come this way everything went smoothly on with us till one unlucky night when the storm blew as it seems likely to do tonight some spiteful guest took it into his head to pay us a visit and there have ever since been such noises clattering and scumping upstairs and down for midnight till the cock crows in the morning that at last we were fairly driven out of house and home what he is like no one knows for we never saw him or anything belonging to him except a little crooked high heeled shoe that he left one night in the pantry but though we have not seen him we know he has a hand or a paw as heavy as lead for when it pleases him to lay it upon anyone down he goes as if the blacksmith's hammer had hit him there is no end of his monkey-trucks if the linen is hung out to dry he cuts the line if he wants a cup of ale he leaves the tap running if the fouls are shut up he lets them loose he puts the pig into the garden rides upon the cows and turns the horses into the hay-yard and several times he nearly burned the house down by leaving a candlelight among the faggots then he is sometimes so nimble and active that when he is once in motion nothing stands still around him dishes and plates, pots and pans dance about clattering making the most horrible music and breaking each other into pieces and sometimes when the whim takes him the chairs and tables seem as if they were alive and dancing a hornpipe or playing battledore and shuttlecock together even the stones and beams of the house seem rattling against one another and it is of no use putting things in order for the first freak the imp took would turn everything upside down again my wife and I bore such a lodger as long as we could but at length we were fairly beaten and as he seemed to have taken up his abode in the house we thought it's best to give up to him what he wanted and the little rascal knew what we were about when we were moving and seemed afraid we should not go soon enough so he helped us off from the morning river to start as we were going to put our goods upon the wagon loaded and when we started we heard a loud laugh and a sharp little voice cried out to the window goodbye neighbours so now he has our old house all to himself to play his gambles in whenever he likes to sleep within doors and we have built ourselves a snug cottage on the other side of the hill where we live as well as we can though we have no great room to make merry in now if you and your ugly friend there like to run the hazard of taking up your quarters they do yonder is the road, he may not be at home tonight we will try our luck said Gunter anything is better to my mind than sleeping out of doors such a night as this your troublesome neighbour will perhaps think so too and we may have to fight for our lodging but never mind women is rather an awkward hand to quarrel with and the goblin may perhaps find a worse welcome from him than your house dog could give him he will at any rate let him know what a bear's hug is for I dare say he has not been far enough north to know much about it yet then the woodman gave Gunter a faggot to make his fire with and wished him a good night he and the bear soon found their way to the deserted house and no one being at home they walked into the kitchen and made a capital fire lack a day said the Norseman I forgot one thing I ought to have asked that good man for some supper I have nothing left but some dried bread however this is better than sleeping in the woods we must make the most of what we have keep ourselves warm and get to bed as soon as we can so after eating up all their crusts and drinking some water from the well close by the Huntsman wrapped himself up close in his cloak and lay down in the snugest corner he could find Bruin rolled himself up in the corner of the wired fireplace and both were fast asleep the fire out and everything quiet within doors long before midnight just as the clock struck twelve the storm began to get louder the wind blew a slight noise within the room wakened the Huntsman and all in sudden in popped a little ugly scattle scarce three spans high with a hump on his back a face like a dried pippin a nose like a ripe mulberry and an eye that had lost its neighbour he had high heeled shoes and the pointed red cap and came dragging after him a nice fat kid ready skinned and fit for roasting a rough night this gumbled the goblin himself but thanks to that booby woodman I've a house to myself and now for a hot supper and a glass of good ale till the cock crows no sooner said than done the scattle busied himself about here and there presently the fire blazed up the kid was put on a spit and turned merrily round a keg of ale made its appearance from a closet the cloth was laid and the kid was soon dished up for eating then the little imp in the joy of his heart rubbed his hands tossed up his red cap danced before the hearth and sang his song Oat is weary enough aboard to ride in the shivery midnight blast and is dreary enough to ride hungry and cold on the wintry world where the drifting snow falls fast but is cheery enough to revel by night in the crackling faggots light tis merry enough to have and to hold the savoury roast and the nut brown toast and old the huntsman lay snug all this time sometimes quaking in dread of getting into trouble and sometimes licking his lips at the savoury supper before him and half in a mind to fight for it with the imp however he kept himself quiet in his corner till all of a sudden the little man's eye wandered from his cheering ale-cup to Bruins carcass as he lay rolled up like a boar fast asleep in the chimney corner the imp turned round sharp in an instant and crept softly nearer and nearer to where Bruin lay looking at him very closely and not able to make out what in the world he was one of the family I suppose said he to himself but just then Bruin gave his ears a shake and showed a little of his shaggy muzzle oh ho! said the imp that's all is it but what a large one where could he have come from and how came he here what shall I do, shall I let him alone perhaps he may do me some mischief and I am not afraid of mice or rats I have driven all the rest of the livestock out of the house and why should I be afraid of sending this boot after them with that the elf walked slowly to the corner of the room and taking up the spit stole back on tiptoe till he got quite close to the bear then raising up his weapon down came a rattling thump across Bruins mazard that sounded as hollow as a drum the bear raised himself slowly up snorted shook his head then scratched it opened first one eye then the other took a turn across the room and grinned at his enemy who somewhat alarmed rang back a few paces and stood with the spit in his hand for seeing a rough attack and it soon came for the bear rearing himself up walked leisurely forward and putting out one of his paws caught hold of the spit jerked it out of the goblin's hand and sent it spinning to the other end of the kitchen and now began a fierce battle this way and that flew tables and chairs pots and pans the elf was one moment on the bear's back lugging his ears and pommeling him with blows that might have felled an ox in the next the bear would throw him up in the air and treat him as he came down with a hug that would make the little imp squall then up he would jump upon one of the beams out of Bruins reach and soon watching his chance would be down a stride upon his back meantime Gunter had become sadly frightened and seeing the oven door open crept in for a shelter from the fray and lay there quaking for fear the struggle went on thus a long time without it seeming at all clear who would get the better biting, scratching, hugging, clawing, roaring and growling till the whole house rang the elf however seemed to grow weaker and weaker the rival stood for a moment as if to get breath and the bear was getting ready for a fierce attack when, all in a moment the scrabble dashed his red cap in his eye and while Bruin was smarting with a blow and trying to recover his sight darted at the door and was out of sight in a moment though the wind blew the rain pattered and the storm raged in a merciless manner well done bravo Bruin, cried the huntsman as he crawled out of the oven and ran and bolted the door thou hast combed his locks rarely and as for thine own ears the worse for pulling but come let us make the best of the good cheer our friend has left us so saying they fell to and ate a hearty supper the huntsman wishing the squattle a good night and pleasant dreams in a cup of his buckling ale laid himself down and slept till morning and Bruin tried to do the same as well as his aching bones would let him in the morning the huntsman made ready to set out on his way and had not got far from the door when he met the woodman ready to hear how he had passed the night then Gunter told him how he had been awakened what sort of creature the elf was and how he and Bruin had fought it out let us hope said he you will now be well ridded the gentleman I suspect he will not come where he is likely to get any more of Bruin's hugs and thus you will be well paid for your entertainment of us which to tell the truth was none of the best for if your ugly little tenant had not brought his supper with him we should have had but empty stomachs this morning the huntsman and his fellow traveller journeyed on and let us hope they reached the king of Denmark safe and sound but to tell the truth I know nothing more of that part of the story the woodman meantime went to his work and did not fail to watch at night to see whether the scrabble came or whether he was thoroughly frightened out of his old haunt by the bear or whatever he might take the beast to be that handled him as he was never handled before but three nights passed over and no traces being seen or heard of him the woodman began to think of moving back into his own house on the fourth day he was out at his work in the forest and as he was taking a shelter under a tree from a cold storm of sleet and rain that passed over he heard a little cracked voice singing or rather croaking a mournful tune so he crept along quietly and peeped over some bushes and there sat the very same figure that the huntsman had described to him the goblin was sitting without any hat or cap on his head with a woe-begone face and with his jacket torn into shreds and his legs scratched and smeared with blood as if he had been creeping through a bramble bush the woodman listened quietly to his song and it ran as before Oat is weary enough aboard to ride in the shivery midnight blast and is dreary enough alone to bide hungry and cold on the winchery wall where the drifting snow falls fast sing us the other verse, man cried the woodman for he could not help cracking a joke on his old enemy who he saw was sadly in the dumps of the loss of his good cheer and the shelter against the bad weather but the instant his voice was heard the little imp jumped up stamped with rage and was out of sight in the twinkling of an eye the woodman finished his work and was going home in the evening whistling by his horse's side when all of a sudden he saw my bank by the wayside the very same little imp looking as grim and sulky as before harky bumpkin cried the scrattle can't thou hear fellow is thy great cat alive and at home still my cat said the woodman thy great right cat man thundered out the little imp oh my cat said the woodman at last recollecting himself oh yes to be sure alive and well I thank you very happy I'm sure to see you old friends whenever you will do us the favour to call and harky friend as you seem to be so fond of my great cat you may like to know that she had five kittens last night five kittens muttered the earth yes replied the woodman five of the most beautiful white kits you ever saw so like the old cat it would do your heart good to see the whole family such soft gentle paws such delicate whiskers such pretty little mouths five kittens muttered or rather shrieked out the imp again yes to be sure said the woodman five kittens do look in tonight about twelve o'clock the time you know that you used to come and see us the old cat will be so glad to show them to you and we will be so happy to see you once more but where can you have been all this time I come not I indeed shrieked the scrattle what do I want with the little wretches did I not see the mother once five kittens to yourself I must be off this is no place for me five kittens so there are six of them now goodbye to you you'll see me no more so bad luck to your ugly cat and your beggy house and bad luck to you Mr Crookback cried the woodman as he threw him the red cap he had left behind in his battle with Bruin keep clear of my cat and let us hear no more of your pranks and be hanged to you however he knew his troublesome guest had taken his leave the woodman soon moved back of his goods and his wife and children into their snug old house and there they lived happily the elf never came to see them anymore and the woodman every day after dinner drank long life to the king of Norway for sending the cat that cleared his house of vermin end of the bear and scrattle recording by Shirley Anderson story five of the fairy ring this is a LibriVox recording or 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 five the golden bird there was once upon a time a king who had a garden in that garden there was an apple tree and on that apple tree there grew a golden apple every year but when the time came to pluck the apple it was gone and no one knew who took it or what became of it but gone it was the king had three sons and one day he told them that he who could bring him the apple or get hold of the thief should have the kingdom after him no matter whether he was the eldest, the second or the youngest son the eldest set out first and sat down under the tree to keep watch for the thief soon after dark a golden bird came flying and light from it was so strong and dazzling that it could be seen a long way off when the prince saw the bird and the dazzling light became so frightened that he did not stay any longer but rushed indoors as fast as he could next morning the apple was gone the prince had then however recovered his courage and began to get ready for his journey and wanted to set off to find the bird the king fitted him out in grand style and spared neither money nor fine raiment when the prince had gone a bit on the way he became hungry opened his script and sat down to his breakfast by the roadside a fox then came out of the wood and sat down and looked at him to give me a little to eat said the fox I'll give you some powder and shot said the prince my food I shall want myself nobody can tell how far and how long I may have to travel said he yes sir I'll take into the wood again when the prince had finished his meal and rested a while he set out on his way again after a long time he came to a big city and in that city there was an inn where there was always joy and never any sorrow he thought that would be a nice place to stop at and so he remained and there was such dancing and drinking and joy and merry making the bird and his father and his journey and the whole kingdom away he was and away he stopped the next year the second prince was to watch for the thief in the garden he also sat down under the tree when the apple began to ripen but one night all of a sudden the golden bird came flying shining like the sun and the prince became so afraid that he took to his heels and indoors as fast as he could in the morning the apple was gone but the prince had then recovered his courage and wanted to set out to find the bird he began to get ready and the king fitted him out in grand style and spared neither money nor fine raiment but the same thing happened to him as to his brother when he had got a bit on the way he became hungry and sat down to his breakfast by the roadside a fox then came out from the pine wood and sat down and looked at him don't give me a little to eat said the fox I'll give you some powder and shot said the prince my food I shall want myself nobody can tell how far and how long I may have to travel said he just so said the fox when the prince had finished his meal and rested a while he set out on his way again after a long time he came to the same city and the same inn where there was always joy and never any sorrow and there he also thought it would be nice to stop and the first he met was his brother and so he remained the brother had been leading a gay and reckless life and had scarcely any clothes left on his back now he began afresh and there was such dancing and drinking and joy and merriment that the second prince also forgot the bird and his father and his journey and the whole kingdom away he was and away he stopped when the time came for the apple to ripen again the youngest prince was to go into the garden and watch for the thief he took a companion with him who was to help him up into the tree and to pass away the time so that he should not fall asleep all of a sudden they saw a bright light as if from the sun every feather of the bird could be seen long before it came to the tree the prince climbed up into the tree and at the same time the golden bird swooped down and took the apple the prince tried to seize the bird but he only caught a feather out of its tail so he went to the king's bedroom and as he came in with the feather it became as light as day he also wanted to try if he could find his brothers and catch the bird for he had been so near to it that he had got a feather from its tail and would know it again anywhere he said well the king went and pondered long whether he should let him go for he thought the youngest would not fare any better than the two eldest who ought to have more knowledge of the world and he was afraid you should lose him also but the prince begged so earnestly that at last he got permission to go he then began to get ready and the king fitted him out in grand style both with clothes and money and so he set off when he had travelled for some time he became hungry and took his script and sat down to have his breakfast just as he was in the midst of it a fox came out of the wood and sat down close by his side and looked at him don't give me a little to eat said the fox I shall want the food myself said the prince for I cannot tell how far I shall have to trouble but I have enough to give you a little when the fox had got the piece of meat he asked the prince where he was going yes that he would tell him if you will listen to me I will help you and you will have good luck said the fox the prince promised he would and so they set off together they travelled a while till they came to the same city and the same inn where there was always joy but no sorrow I must keep outside here the dogs are rather a nuisance so he told the prince where his brothers were to be found and what they were doing and if you go in there you will not get any further either said he the prince promised he would not go in there and gave him his hand on it and so each went his way but when the prince came to the inn and heard the noise and merriment going on he felt he must going there was no help for it and when he met his brothers there was much rejoicing that he forgot both the fox and the journey and the bird and his father but when he had been there a while the fox came he had ventured into the city after all and opened the door a little and made a sign to the prince saying that now they must be off so the prince bethought himself and they went their way when they had travelled a while they saw a big mountain far away the fox said 300 miles at the back of that mountain there is a gilded linden tree with golden leaves and in that tree sits the golden bird from which you took the feather thither they travelled together when the prince was going to catch the bird the fox gave him some bright feathers which he was to wave in his hands and so attract the bird which would then fly down and sit on his hand but the fox said he must not touch the linden tree for inside it was a big troll who owned it and if the prince touched only the smallest twig the troll would come out and kill him on the spot no he would not touch it said the prince but when he had got the bird on his hand he thought he must have a twig of the tree there was no help for it it was so bright and beautiful so he took a tiny little sprig but the same moment the troll came out who is that stealing my tree and my bird roared the troll and he was so angry that he spurred sparks of fire thieves believe that all men steal said the prince but only those get hanged who do not steal properly said he the troll said that made no difference and was going to kill him but the prince begged him to spare his life well said the troll if you can bring me back the horse which my nearest neighbor has taken from me you will get off with your life where shall I find it then said the prince oh he lives 300 miles at the back of that big blow mountain against the horizon jonder said the troll the prince promised he would do his best but when he came back to the fox he found him in rather a bad temper now you've got yourself into trouble said the fox if you had listened to me we could have been on our way home by this said he so they had to make a fresh start for the prince had pledged his word and his life depended on his finding the horse at last they got there but as the prince was going to take the horse the fox said when you come into the stable you will find all sorts of bridles hanging on the wall but of gold and silver you must not touch them for then the troll will come and kill you you must take the ugliest and shabbiest you see yes the prince promised he would but when he came into the stable he thought it was quite unreasonable not to take a fine bridle for there were plenty of them and so he took the brightest he could find it was as bright as gold but just then the troll came and was so angry that sparks flew from him who is that stealing my horse and my bridle he shrieked thieves believe that all men steal said the prince but only those get hanged who do not steal properly said he well that makes no difference I'll kill you on the spot shouted the troll but the prince begged him to spare his life well said the troll if you can bring me back the fair damsel which my nearest neighbor has taken from me I will spare you whereabouts does he live then asked the prince oh he lives 300 miles at the back of that big blue mountain against the horizon yonder said the troll the prince promised he would fetch the damsel and was allowed to go and so escaped with his life but when he came out you may imagine how angry the fox was now you've got yourself into trouble again said he if you had listened to me we could have been on our way home long ago I almost think I will not go with you any further but the prince begged and prayed and promised he would never do anything else but what the fox told him if he would only remain with him at last the fox gave in and they became firm friends again so they set off once more and came at last to where the fair damsel was well said the fox I have your promise but I dare not let you into the troll after all this time I must go myself so he went in and after a while he came out with the damsel and so they went back the same way they had come when they got to the troll who had the horse they took both the horse and the brightest bridle and when they got to the troll who had the linden tree and the bird they took both the tree and the bird and started off with them when they had got a bit on the way they came to a field of rye and the fox then said I hear a thundering noise you had better go on ahead I will remain here a while he said he then plaited himself a gown of rye straw in which he looked like a preacher all at once the three trolls came rushing along hoping to overtake the prince have you seen anyone passing here with a fair damsel a horse with a golden bridle a golden bird and a gilded linden tree they shouted to the fox as he stood there preaching well I've heard from my grandmother's grandmother that something of the kind passed this way but that was in the good old times when my grandmother's grandmother baked half penny cakes and gave back the half penny then all the trolls burst out laughing ho ho ho they laughed and held on to one another if we have slept so long we may as well turn our noses homeward and go to sleep again they said and so they went back the way they came the fox then set off after the prince but when they came to the city where the inn and his brothers were he said I dare not go through the town on account of the dogs I must go my own way just above here but you must take good care your brothers do not get hold of you but when the prince came into the city he thought it would be too bad if he did not look in upon his brothers and have a word with them and so he tarried there for a while when the brothers saw him they came out and took the damsel and the horse and the bird and the linden tree and everything from him and they put him in a barrel and threw him into the sea and so they set off home to the king's palace with the damsel and the horse and the bird and the linden tree and everything but the damsel would not speak and she became pale and wretched to look upon the horse got so thin and miserable that it could hardly hang together the bird became silent and shown no more and the linden tree withered in the meantime the fox was sneaking about outside the city where the inn and the merriment were and was waiting for the prince and the damsel and wondering why they did not return he went hither and dither waiting and watching for them and at last he came down to the shore and when he saw the barrel which was lying out at sea drifting he shouted why are you drifting about there you empty barrel oh it is I said the prince in the barrel the fox then swam out to sea as fast as he could got hold of the barrel and towed it into land then he began to ignore the hoops and when he had got some of the barrel he said to the prince stamp and kick the prince stamped and kicked till all the staves flow out and out he jumped from the barrel so they went together to the king's palace and when they got there the damsel regained her beauty and began to talk the horse became so fat and sleek that every hair glistened the light shone from the bird and it began to sing the linden tree began to blossom and its leaves to sparkle and the damsel said he is the one who has saved us they planted the linden tree in the garden and the youngest prince was to marry the princess for such the damsel really was but the two eldest brothers were put each in a barrel and rolled down a high mountain then they began to prepare for the wedding but the fox first asked the prince to put him on the block and cut his head off and although the prince both prayed and cried there was no help for it he would have to do it but as he cut the head off the fox turned into a handsome prince and he was the brother of the princess whom they had rescued from the troll so the wedding came off and everything was so grand and splendid that the news of the festivities reached all the way here end of the golden bird read by Losh Rolander who had 12 sons when they were grown up he told them they must go out into the world and find themselves wives who must all be able to spin and weave and make a shirt in one day else he would not have them for daughters in law he gave each of his sons a horse and a new suit of armor and so they set out in the world to look for wives when they had traveled a bit on the way they said they would not take ash paddle with them for he was good for nothing ash paddle must stop behind there was no help for it he did not know what he should do or which way he should turn he became so sad that he got off the horse and sat down on the grass and began to cry when he had said a while one of the tusks among the grass began to move and out of it came a small white figure as it came nearer ash paddle saw that it was a beautiful little girl but she was so tiny so very very tiny she went up to him and asked him if he would come below and pay a visit to the door in the grass yes that he would and so he did when he came down below the door in the grass was sitting in the chair dressed very finely and looking still more beautiful she asked ash paddle where he was going and what was his errand he told her they were 12 brothers and that the king had given them each a horse and a suit of armor and told them to go out in the world and find themselves whites but they must all be able to spin and weave and make a shirt in a day if you can do that and will become my wife I will not travel any farther said ash paddle to the doll in the grass yes that she would and she said to work at once to get the shirt spun woven and made but it was so tiny so very very tiny no bigger than so ash paddle then returned home taking the shirt with him but when he brought it out he felt very shy because it was so small but the king said he could have her for all that and you can imagine how happy and joyful ash paddle became the road did not seem so long to him as he set out to fetch his little sweetheart when he came to the doll in the grass he wanted her to sit with him on his horse but no that she wouldn't she said she would sit and drive in a silver spoon and she had two small white horses which would draw her so they set out he on his horse and she in a silver spoon and the horses which drew her were two small white mice ash paddle always kept to one side of the road for he was so afraid he should ride over her she was so very very tiny when they have troubled a bit on the way they came to a large lake there ash paddle's horse took pride and shied over to the other side of the road and upset the spoon so that the doll in the grass fell into the water ash paddle became very sad for he did not know how he should get her out again but after a while a merman brought her up but now she had become just as big as any other grown up being and was much more beautiful than she was before so he placed her in front of him on the horse and rode home when ash paddle got there all his brothers had also returned each with a sweetheart but they were so ugly and ill favored and bad tempered that they had come to blows with their sweethearts on their way home on their hats they had hats which were painted with tar and soot and this had run from their hats down their faces so that they were still uglier and more ill favored to behold when the brothers saw ash paddle's sweetheart they all became envious of him but the king was so pleased with ash paddle and his sweetheart that he drove all the others away and so ash paddle was married to the doll in the grass and afterwards they lived happy and comfortable for a long long while and if they are not dead they must be still alive end of the doll in the grass recording by Huijin