 CHAPTER XVI. THE WIZARD KING In very ancient times there lived a king, whose power lay not only in the vast extent of his domains, but also in the magic secrets for which he was master. After spending a great part of his early youth in pleasure, he met a princess of such remarkable beauty that he at once asked her hand in marriage, and, having obtained it, considered himself the happiest of men. After a year's time a son was born, worthy in every way of such distinguished parents, and much admired by the whole court. As soon as the queen thought him strong enough for a journey, she sent out with him secretly to visit her fairy godmother. I said secretly, because the fairy had worn the queen that the king was a magician, and as from time immemorial there had been a standard feud between the fairies and the wizards, he might not have approved of his wife's visit. The fairy godmother, who took the deepest interest in all the queen's concerns, and soon was much pleased with the little prince, endowed him with the power of pleasing everyone from his cradle, as well as with a wonderful ease in learning everything which could help to make him a perfectly accomplished prince. Accordingly, to the delight of his teachers, he made the most rapid progress in his education, constantly surpassing everyone's expectations. Before he was many years old, however, he had the great sorrow of losing his mother, whose last words were to advise him to never undertake anything of importance without consulting the fairy under whose protection she had placed him. The prince's grief over the death of his mother was great, but it was nothing compared to that of the king, his father, who was quite inconsolable for the loss of his dear wife. Neither time nor reason seemed to lighten his sorrow, and the sides of all the familiar faces and things about him only so to remind him of his loss. Therefore he resolved to travel for change, and by means of his magic was able to visit every country he came to see under different shapes, returning every few weeks to the palace where he had left a few followers. Having travelled from land to land in this fashion, without finding anything to rivet his attention, it occurred to him to take the form of an eagle, and in this shape he flew across many countries and arrived at length in a new and lovely spot, where the air seemed ill with the scent of jazmine and orange flowers, with which the ground was thickly planted. Attracted by the sweet perfume, he flew lower, and perceived some large and beautiful gardens filled with the rarest flowers, and with fountains flowing up for their clear waters into the air in a hundred different shapes. A wide stream flowed through the garden, and on it floated richly ornamented barges and gondolas, filled with people dressed in the most elegant manner and covered with jewels. In one of these barges sat the queen of that country with her only daughter, a maiden more beautiful than the day star, and attended by the ladies of the court. No more exquisitely lovely mortal was ever seen than this princess, and it needed all the eagle's strength of sight to prevent the king being hopelessly dazzled. He perched on top of a large orange tree, once he was able to survey the scene, and to gaze at pleasure on the princess's charms. Now an eagle with the king's heart in his breast is apt to be bold, and accordingly he instantly made up his mind to carry out the lovely damsel, feeling sure that having once seen her he could not live without her. He waited until he saw her in the act of stepping ashore, when suddenly swooping down, he carried her off before her inquiry in attendance had advanced to offer her his hand. The princess, unfinding herself in an eagle's talons, uttered the most heart-breaking shrieks and cries. But her captor, though touched by her distress, would not abandon his lovely prey, and continued to fly through the air too fast to allow his saying anything to comfort her. At length, when he thought they had reached a safe distance, he began to lower his flight, and gradually descend to earth, depositing his burden in a flowery meadow. He then entreated her pardon for his violence, and told her that he was about to carry her to a great kingdom over which he ruled, and where he desired she should rule with him, adding many tender and consoling expressions. For some time the princess remained speechless, but recovered herself a little and burst into a flood of tears. The king much moved, said, a door of princess, dry your tears. I implore you, my only wish is to make you the happiest person in the world. If you speak truth, my lord, replied the princess. Restore to me my liberty you have deprived me of, otherwise I can only look on you as my worst enemy. The king retorted that her opposition filled him with the spare, but that he hoped to carry her to a place where all around would respect her, and where every pleasure would surround her. So, saying he seized her once more, and in spite of all her cries, he rapidly bore her off to the neighbourhood of his capital. Here he gently placed her on a lawn, and as he did so, she saw a magnificent palace spring up at her feet, the architecture was imposing, and in the interior the rooms were handsome and furnished in the best possible taste. The princess, who expected to be quite alone, was pleased at finding herself surrounded by a number of pretty girls, all anxious to wait on her, whilst a brilliantly coloured parrot said the most agreeable things in the world. On arriving at this palace, the king had resumed his own form, and though no longer young, may well have pleased any other than this princess, who had been so prejudiced against him by his violence that she could only regard him with feelings of hatred, which she was at no pain to conceal. The king hoped, however, that time might not only soften her anger, but accustom her to his sight. He took the precaution of surrounding the palace with a dense cloud, and then hastened to his court, where his prolonged absence was causing much anxiety. The prince and all the courtiers were delighted to see their beloved king again, but they had to submit themselves to more frequent absences than ever on his part. He had made business a pretext for shutting himself up in his study, but it was really in order to spend time with the princess, who remained inflexible. Not being able to imagine what could be the cause of such obscenity, the king began to fear, thus in spite of all his precautions, she might have heard of the charms of the prince, his son, whose goodness, youth, and beauty made him adored at court. This idea made him horribly uneasy, and he resolved to remove the cause of his fears by sending the prince on his travels escorted by a magnificent retinue. The prince, after visiting several courts, arrived at one where the lost princess was still deeply mourned. The king and queen received him most graciously, and some festivities were revived to do him honour. One day, when the prince was visiting the queen in her own apartments, he was much struck by the most beautiful portrait. He eagerly inquired who it was, and the queen, with many tears, told him it was all that was left her of her beloved daughter, who had suddenly been carried off, she knew neither where nor how. The prince was deeply mourned, and vowed that he would search the whole world for the princess, and take no rest until he had found and restored her to her mother's arms. The queen assured him of her eternal gratitude, and promised, should he succeed, to give him her daughter in marriage, together with all the estates she herself owned. The prince, far more attracted to the thoughts of possessing the princess than her promised dower, said forth on his quest after taking leave of the king and queen, the latter giving him a miniature of her daughter, which she was in the habit of wearing. His first act was to seek the fairy under whose protection he had been placed, and he implored her to give him all the assistance of her art and counsel in this important matter. After listening attentively to the whole adventure, the fairy asked for time to consult her books. After due consideration, she informed the prince that the object of her search was not far distant, but that it was too difficult for him to attempt to enter the enchanted palace where she was, as the king, his father, had surrounded it with a thick cloud, and that the only expedience she could think of would be to gain the possession of the princess's parent. This, she added, did not appear impossible, as it often flew about to some distance to the neighborhood. Having told the prince all this, the fairy went out in hopes of seeing the parrot, and Cern returned with the bird in her hand. She promptly shut it up in a cage, and touching the prince with her wand transformed him into an exactly similar parrot, after which she instructed him how to reach the princess. The prince reached the palace in safety, but was so dazzled at first by the princess's beauty, which far surpassed expectations that he was quite dumb for a time. The princess was surprised and anxious, and fearing the parrot, who was her greatest comfort, had fallen ill, she took him in her hand and caressed him. This soon reassured the prince, and encouraged him to play his part well. He began to say a thousand agreeable things, which charmed the princess. Presently the king appeared, and the parrot noticed with joy how much he was disliked. As soon as the king left, the princess retired to her dressing room. The parrot flew after her, and overheard her lamentations at the continued persecutions of the king, who had pressed her to consent to their marriage. The parrot said so many clever and tender things to comfort her, that she began to doubt whether it could indeed be her own parrot. When he saw her well disposed towards him, he explained, Madam, I have a most important secret to confide in you, and I beg you to not be alarmed by what I am about to say. I am here on behalf of the queen, your mother, with the object of delivering your highness, to prove which we hold this portrait which she gave me herself. So saying, he drew forth the miniature from under his wing, the princess' surprise was great, but after what she had seen and heard it was impossible not to indulge in hope, for she had recognized the likeness of herself which her mother always wore. The parrot, finding her not much amarmed, told her who he was, all that her mother had promised him, and the help he had already received from a fairy, who had assured him that she would give him the means to transport the princess to her mother's arms, when he found her listening attentively to him. He implored that the princess allow him to resume his natural shape. She did not speak, so he drew a feather from his wing, and she beheld before her a prince of such surpassing beauty that it was impossible not to hope that she might owe her liberty to so charming a person. Meanwhile the fairy had prepared a chariot to which she harnessed two powerful eagles. Then placing the cage with the parrot in it, she charged the bird to conduct to the window of the princess' dressing-room. This was done in a few minutes, and the princess, stepping into the chariot with the prince, was delighted to find her parrot again. As they rose through the air, the princess remarked a figure mounted on an eagle's back, flying in front of the chariot. She was rather alarmed, but the prince reassured her, telling her it was the good fairy to whom she owed so much, and who was now conducting her in safety to her mother. That same morning the king woke suddenly from a troubled sleep. He had dreamt that the princess had been carried off from him, and transforming himself into an eagle, he flew to the palace. When he failed to find her, he flew into a terrible rage, and hastened home to consult his books, by which means he discovered that it was his son who had deprived him of his precious treasure. Immediately he took the shape of a harpy, and, filled with rage, was determined to devour his son, and even the princess too, if only he could overtake them. He set out at full speed, and he started too late, and was further delayed by a strong wind which the fairy raised behind the young couple, so as to baffle any pursuit. You may imagine the rapture with which the queen received the daughter she had given up for last, as well as the amiable prince who had rescued her. The fairy entered with them, and warned the queen that the wizard king would shortly arrive, infuriated by his loss, and that nothing could preserve the prince and princess from his rage and magic unless they were actually married. The queen hastened to inform the king her husband, and the wedding took place on the spot. As the ceremony was completed the wizard king arrived. His despair at being so late bewildered him so entirely that he appears in his natural form, and had tended to sprinkle some black liquid over the bride and groom, which was intended to kill them. But the fairy stretched out her wand, and the liquid dropped on the magician himself. He fell down senseless, and the princess' father, deeply offended at the cruel revenge which had been attempted, ordered him to be removed and locked up in prison. Now, as magicians lose all their power as soon as they are in prison, the king felt himself much embarrassed at being thus at the mercy of those he so greatly offended. The prince impthored and obtained his father's pardon, and the prison doors were opened. No sooner was this done than the wizard king was seen in the air under the form of some unknown bird, exclaiming as he flew off that he would never forgive either his son or the fairy the cruel wrong they had done him. Everyone entreated the fairy to settle in the kingdom where she was now, to which she consented. She built herself a magnificent palace, to which she transported her books and fairy secrets, and where she enjoyed the sight of the perfect happiness she had helped to bestow on the entire royal family. Chapter 17 The Nixie There was once upon a time a miller who was very well off, and had as much money and as many goods as he knew what to do with, but sorrow comes in the night, and the miller all of a sudden became so poor that he at last could hardly call the mill in which he sat his own. He wandered about all day full of despair and misery, and when he laid down at night he could get no rest, but lay awake all night sunk in sorrowful thoughts. One morning he rose up before dawn and went outside, for he thought his heart would be lighter in the open air. As he wandered up and down the banks of the mill pond, he heard a rustling in the water, and when he looked near he saw a white woman rising up from the waves. He realised at once that this could be none other than the Nixie of the mill pond, and in his terror he did not know if he should fly away or remain where he was. While he hesitated the Nixie spoke, calling him by his name, and asked him why he was so sad. When the miller heard how friendly her tone was, he plucked up hard and told her how rich and prosperous he had been all his life up until now, when he didn't know what he was to do for wanter and misery. Then the Nixie spoke comforting words to him, and promised that she would make him richer and more prosperous than he had ever been in his life before, if he would give her in return the youngest thing in his house. The miller thought she must mean one of his puppies or kittens, and promised the Nixie at once what she asked, and returned to his mill full of hope. On the threshold he was greeted by a servant with the news that his wife had just given birth to a boy. The poor miller was much horrified by these tidings, and went into his wife with a heavy heart to tell her and his relations of the fateful bargain he had just struck with the Nixie. I would gladly give up all the good fortune she promised me, he said, if I could only save my child. But no one could think of any advice to give him beyond taking care that the child never went near the mill pond. So the boy drove and grew big, and in the meantime all prospered with the miller, and in a few years he was richer than he had ever been before. But all the same he did not enjoy his good fortune, for he could not forget his compact with the Nixie, and he knew that sooner or later she would demand his fulfilment of it. But year after year went by, and the boy grew up and became a great hunter, and the lord of the land took him into his service, for he was as smart and bold a hunter as you would wish to see. In a short time he married a pretty young wife, and lived with her in great peace and happiness. One day when he was out hunting a hairspring up at his feet, and ran for some time in front of him in the open field, the hunter pursued it hotly for some time, and at last shot it dead. Then he proceeded to skin it, never noticing that he was close to the mill pond, where from childhood up he had been talked to avoid. He soon finished the skinning, and went to the water to wash the blood off his hands. He had hardly dipped them in the pond when the Nixie rose up in the water, and seizing him in her wet arms, she dragged him down with her under the waves. When the hunter did not come home in the evening, his wife grew very anxious, and when his game-bag was found close to the mill pond, she guessed at once what had befallen him. She was nearly beside herself with grief, and roamed around and around the pond, calling on her husband without ceasing. At last, worn out with sorrow and fatigue, she fell asleep and dreamt that she was wandering along a flowery meadow. When she came to her hut where she found an old witch who promised to restore her husband to her. When she woke next morning, she determined to set out and find the witch. So she wandered on for many a day, and at last she reached the flowery meadow, and found the hut where the old witch lived. The poor wife told her all that had happened, and how she had been told in a dream of the witch's power to help her. The witch counselled her to go to the pond the first time there was a full moon, and to comb her black hair with a golden comb, and then to place the comb on the bank. The hunter's wife gave the witch a handsome present, thanked her heartily, and returned home. Time dragged heavily till the time of the full moon, but it passed at last, and as soon as it rose, the young wife went to the pond, combed her black hair with a golden comb, and when she had finished, placed the comb on the bank. Then she watched the water impatiently. Soon she heard a rushing sound, and a big wave rose suddenly and swept the comb off the bank, and a minute after, the head of her husband rose from the pond and gazed at her. But immediately, another wave came, and the head sunk back into the water without having said a word. The pond lay still and emotionless, glittering in the moonshine, and the hunter's wife was not a bit better off than she had been before. In despair she wandered for days and nights, and at last, worn out by fatigue, she sank once more into a deep sleep, and dreamt exactly the same dream about the old witch. So, next morning, she went again to the flowery meadow, and sought the witch in her hut, and told her of her grief. The old woman counseled her to go to the meal pond the next full moon, and play upon a golden flute, and then lay the flute on the bank. As soon as the next moon was full, the hunter's wife went to the meal pond, played on a golden flute, and when she had finished, placed it on the bank. Then a rushing sound was heard, and a wave swept the flute off the bank, and soon the head of the hunter appeared, and rose up higher and higher, till he was half out of the water. Then he gazed sadly at his wife, and stretched out his arms toward her. But another rushing wave arose and dragged him under once more. The hunter's wife would stood on the bank full of joy and hope, sink into despair when she saw her husband snatched away again before her eyes. But for her comfort, she dreamt the same dream a third time, and took herself once more to the old witch's hut in a flowery meadow. This time, the old woman told her to go the next full moon to the meal pond, and to spin there with a golden spinning wheel, and then to leave the spinning wheel on the bank. The hunter's wife did as she was advised, and the first night the moon was full, she sat and spun with a golden spinning wheel, and then left the wheel on the bank. In a few minutes a rushing sound was heard in the waters, and a wave swept the spinning wheel from the bank. Immediately the head of the hunter rose up from the pond, getting higher and higher each moment, till at length he stepped on to the bank and fell on his wife's neck. But the waters of the pond rose up suddenly, overflowing the bank where the couple stood, and dragged them under the flood. In her despair the young wife called on the old witch to help her, and in a moment the hunter was turned into a frog, and his wife turned into a toad. But they were not able to remain together, for the water tore them apart. And when the flood was over they both resumed their own shapes again. But the hunter and his wife found themselves each in a strange country, and neither knew what had become of the other. The hunter determined to become a shepherd, and his wife too became a shepherdess, so they herded their sheep for many years in solitude and sadness. Now it happened once that the shepherd came to the country where the shepherdess lived. The neighbourhood pleased him, and he saw that the pasture was rich and suitable for his flocks. So he brought his sheep there, and herded them as before. The shepherd and the shepherdess became great friends, but they did not recognise each other in the least. But one evening when the moon was full they sat together watching their flocks, and the shepherd played upon his flute. Then the shepherdess thought of that evening when she had sat at the full moon by the milk pond, and had played on the golden flute. The recollection was too much for her, and she burst into tears. The shepherd asked her why she was crying, and left her no peace till she had told him all her story. Then the scales fell from the shepherd's eyes, and he recognised his wife, and she him. So they returned joyfully to their own home, and lived in peace and happiness ever after. Chapter 18 of the Yellow Fairy Book This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Yellow Fairy Book, edited by Andrew Lang, Chapter 18, The Glass Mountain. Once upon a time there was a glass mountain at the top of which stood a castle made of pure gold, and in front of the castle there grew an apple tree on which there were golden apples. Anyone who picked an apple gained admittance into the golden castle, and there in a silver room sat an enchanted princess of surpassing fairness and beauty. She was as rich too as she was beautiful, for the cellars of the castle were full of precious stones, and great chests of finest gold stood round the walls of all the rooms. Many knights had come from afar to try their luck, but it was in vain they attempted to climb the mountain. In spite of having their horses shod with sharp nails, no one managed to get more than halfway up, and then they all fell back right down to the bottom of the steep, slippery hill. Sometimes they broke an arm, sometimes a leg, and many a brave man had broken his neck even. The beautiful princess sat at her window and watched the bold knights trying to reach her on their splendid horses. The sight of her always gave men fresh courage, and they flocked from the four quarters of the globe to attempt the work of rescuing her, but all in vain, and for seven years the princess had sat now and waited for someone to scale the glass mountain. A heap of corpses, both of riders and horses lay around the mountain, and many dying men lay groaning there unable to go any farther with their wounded limbs. The whole neighborhood had the appearance of a vast church yard. In three more days, the seven years would be at an end, when a knight in golden armor and mounted on a spirited steed was seen making his way towards the fatal hill. Sticking his spurs into his horse, he made a rush at the mountain and got up halfway. Then he calmly turned his horse's head, and he came down again without a slip or stumble. The following day he started in the same way. The horse trod on the glass as if it had been level earth, and sparks of fire flew from its hoofs all the other nights gazed in astonishment, for he had almost gained the summit, and in another moment he would have reached the apple tree. But all of a sudden a huge eagle rose up and spread its mighty wings, hitting as it did so the knight's horse in the eye. The beast shied, opened its wide nostrils and tossed its mane, then rearing high up in the ear. Its hind feet slipped, and it fell with its rider down the steep mountain side. Nothing was left of either of them except their bones, which rattled in the battered golden armor like dry peas in a pod. And now there was only one more day before the close of the seven years. Then there arrived in the scene a mere schoolboy, a merry, happy-hearted youth, but at the same time strong and well-grown. He saw how many knights had broken their necks in vain, but undaunted he approached the steep mountain on foot, and began the ascent. For long he had heard his parents speak of the beautiful princess, who sat in the golden castle at the top of the glass mountain. He listened to all he heard and determined that he too would try his luck. But first he went to the forest and caught a lynx, and cutting off the creature's sharp claws, he fastened them on his own hands and feet. Armed with these weapons he boldly started up the glass mountain. The sun was nearly going down, and the youth had not got more than halfway up. He could hardly draw breath, he was so worn out, and his mouth was parched by thirst. A huge black cloud passed over his head, but in vain did he beg and beseech her to let a drop of water fall on him. He opened his mouth, but the black cloud sailed past, and not as much as a drop of dew moistened his dry lips. His feet were torn and bleeding, and he could only hold on now with his hands. Evening closed in, and his trained eyes to see if he could behold the top of the mountain. Then he gazed beneath him, and what a sight met his eyes, a yawning abyss with certain and terrible death at the bottom, reeking with half-decayed bodies of horses and riders. And this had been the end of all the other brave men who, like himself, had attempted descent. It was almost pitch dark now, and only the stars lit up the glass mountain. The poor boy still clung on, as if glued to the glass, by his blood-stained hand. He made no struggle to get higher, for all his strength had left him, and seeing no hope, he calmly waited death. Then, all of a sudden, he fell into a deep sleep and, forgetful of his dangerous position, he slumbered sweetly, but all the same, although he slept. He had stuck his sharp claws so firmly into the glass, that he was quite safe not to fall. Now, the golden apple tree was guarded by the eagle, which had overthrown the golden night in his horse. Every night it flew round the glass mountain, keeping a careful lookout. And no sooner had the moon emerged from the clouds, than the bird rose up from the apple tree, and circling round in the air, got sight of the sleeping youth, greedy for carrion, and sure that this must be a fresh corpse, the bird swooped down upon the boy. But he was awake now, and, perceiving the eagle, he determined by its help to save himself. The eagle dug its sharp claws into the tender flesh of the youth, but he bore the pain without a sound, and seized the bird's two feet with his hands. The creature, in terror, lifted him high up into the air, and began to circle around the tower of the castle. The youth held on bravely, he saw the glittering palace, which by the pale rays of the moon looked like a dim lamp, and he saw the high windows and round one of them a balcony in which the beautiful princess sat lost in sad thoughts. Then the boy saw that he was close to the apple tree, and, drawing a small knife from his belt, he cut off both the eagle's feet. The bird rose up in the air in its agony, and vanished into the clouds, and the youth fell onto the broad branches of the apple tree. Then he drew out the claws of the eagle's feet that had remained in his flesh, and put the peel of one of the golden apples on the wound, and in one moment it was healed and well again. He pulled several of the beautiful apples and put them in his pocket. Then he entered the castle. The door was guarded by a great dragon, but as soon as he threw an apple, at it the beast vanished. At the same time, a gate opened, and the youth perceived the courtyard full of flowers and beautiful trees, and on a balcony set the lovely enchanted princess with her revenue. As soon as she saw the youth, she ran towards him and greeted him as husband and master. She gave him all her treasures, and the youth became a rich and mighty ruler, but he never returned to the earth for only the mighty eagle, who had been the guardian of the princess and of the castle, could have carried on his wings the enormous treasure down to the world. But as the eagle had lost its feet, it died, and its body was found in a wood on the glass mountain. One day when the youth was strolling about in the palace garden with the princess, his wife, he looked down over the edge of the glass mountain and saw, to his astonishment, a great number of people gathered there. He blew his silver whistle, and the swallow who acted as messenger in the golden castle flew past, fly down and ask what the matter is, he said to the little bird who sped off like lightning, and soon returned sane. The blood of the eagle has restored all the people below to life, all those who have perished on this mountain, are awakening up today. As it were from asleep, and they are mounting their horses, and the whole population are gazing on this unheard of wonder with joy and amazement. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org, recording by Anna Simon. The Yellow Fairy Book, edited by Andrew Lang. Many years ago, there lived a king who was twice married. His first wife, a good and beautiful woman, died at the birth of her little son, and the king, her husband, was so overwhelmed with grief at her loss that his only comfort was in the sight of his heir. When the time for the young princess Christen came, the king chose his godmother, a neighbouring princess, so celebrated for her wisdom and goodness that she was commonly called the Good Queen. She named the baby Elphage, and from that moment took him to her heart. Time wipes away the greatest griefs, and after two or three years the king married again. His second wife was a princess of undeniable beauty, but by no means of so amiable a disposition as the first queen. In due time a second prince was born, and the queen was devoured with rage at the thought that Prince Elphage came between her son and the throne. She took care, however, to conceal her jealous feelings from the king. At length she could control herself no longer, so she sent a trusted servant to her old and faithful friend, the fairy of the mountain, to beg her to devise some means by which she might get rid of her sepson. The fairy replied that, much as she desired to be agreeable to the queen in every way, it was impossible for her to attempt anything against the young prince, who was under the protection of some greater power than her own. The Good Queen on her side watched carefully over her godsson. She was obliged to do so from a distance, her own country being a remote one, but she was well informed of all that went on and knew all about the queen's wicked designs. She therefore sent the prince a large and splendid ruby, with injunctions to wear it night and day, as it would protect him from all attacks, but added that the talisman only retained its power, as long as the prince remained within his father's dominions. The wicked queen, knowing this, made every attempt to get the prince out of the country, but her efforts failed. Till one day, accident did what she was unable to accomplish. The king had an only sister who was deeply attached to him, and who was married to the sovereign of a distant country. She had always kept up a close correspondence with her brother, and the accounts she heard of Prince Alfage made her long to become acquainted with so charming a nephew. She entreated the king to allow the prince to visit her, and after some hesitation, which was overruled by his wife, he finally consented. Prince Alfage was at this time fourteen years old, and the handsomest and most engaging youth imaginable. In his infancy, he had been placed in the charge of one of the great ladies of the court, who, according to the prevailing custom, acted first as his head nurse, and then as his governess. When he outgrew her care, her husband was appointed as his tutor and governor, so that he had never been separated from this excellent couple, who loved him as tenderly as they did their only daughter Zeda, and were warmly loved by him in return. When the prince set forth on his travels, it was but natural that this devoted couple should accompany him, and, accordingly, he started with them and attended by a numerous retinue. For some time he travelled through his father's dominions and all went well, but soon after passing the frontier they had to cross a desert plain under a burning sun. They were glad to take shelter under a group of trees nearer, and hear the prince complained of burning thirst. Luckily a tiny stream ran close by, and some water was soon procured, but no sooner had he tasted it than he sprang from his carriage and disappeared in a moment. In vain did his anxious followers seek for him. He was nowhere to be found. As they were hunting and shouting through the trees, a black monkey suddenly appeared on a point of rock and said, Poor, serving people, you're seeking your prince in vain. Return to your own country, and know that he will not be restored to you till you have for some time failed to recognise him. With these words he vanished, leaving the cultures sadly perplexed, but as all their efforts to find the prince were useless they had no choice but to go home, bringing with them the sad news which so greatly distressed the king that he fell ill and died not long after. The queen, whose ambition was boundless, was delighted to see the crown on her son's head and to have the power in her own hands. Her hard rule made her very unpopular, and it was commonly believed that she had made away with Prince Alfash. Indeed, had the king her son not been deservedly beloved a revolution would certainly have arisen. Meantime, the former governors of the unfortunate Alfash, who had lost her husband soon after the king's death, retired to her own house with her daughter, who grew up a lovely and most lovable girl, and both continued to mourn the loss of their dear prince. The young king was devoted to hunting and often indulged in his favourite pastime, attended by the noblest youth in his kingdom. One day after a long morning's chase he stopped to rest near a brook in the shade of a little wood where a splendid tent had been prepared for him. Whilst at luncheon he suddenly spied a little monkey, of the brightest green, sitting on a tree and gazing so tenderly at him that he felt quite moved. He forbade his courtiers to frighten it, and the monkey, noticing how much attention was being paid him, sprang from bow to bow, and at length gradually approached the king, who offered him some food. The monkey took it very daintily and finally came to the table. The king took him on his knees and, delighted with his capture, brought him home with him. He would trust no one else with its care, and the whole court soon talked of nothing but a pretty green monkey. One morning, as Prince Alfash's governess and her daughter were alone together, the little monkey sprang in through an open window. He had escaped from the palace, and his menace was so gentle and caressing that Zeta and her mother soon got over the first fright he had given them. He had spent some time with them and quite won their hearts by his insinuating ways when the king discovered where he was and sent to fetch him back. But the monkey made such pitchy cries and seemed so unhappy when anyone attempted to catch him, that the two ladies begged the king to leave him a little longer with them, to which he consented. One evening, as they sat by the fountain in the garden, the little monkey kept gazing at Zeta with such sad and loving eyes that she and her mother could not think what to make of it, and they were still more surprised when they saw big tears rolling down his cheeks. Next day, both mother and daughter were sitting in a jazmine bower in the garden, and they began to talk with the green monkey in a strange ways. The mother said, My dear child, I can no longer hide my feelings from you. I cannot get the thought out of my mind that the green monkey is no other than our beloved Prince Alfash, transformed in its strange fashion. I know the idea sounds wild, but I cannot get it out of my heart, and it leaves me no peace. As she spoke, she glanced up, and there sat the little monkey, whose tears and gestures seemed to confirm her words. The following night the elder lady dreamt that she saw the good queen who said, Do not weep any longer, but follow my directions. Go into your garden and lift up the little marble slab at the foot of the great myrtle tree. You will find beneath it a crystal vase filled with a bright green liquid. Take it with you, and place the thing which is at present most in your thoughts into a bath filled with roses, and rub it well with a green liquid. At these words the sleeper awoke, and lost no time in rising and hurrying to the garden, while she found all as the good queen had described. Then she hastened to rouse her daughter, and together they prepared the bath, for they would not let their women know what they were about. Zeta gathered quantities of roses, and when all was ready they put the monkey into a large Jesper bath, where the mother rubbed him all over with a green liquid. Their suspense was not long, for suddenly the monkey skin dropped off, and there stood Prince Alfash, the handsomest and most charming of men. The joy of such a meeting was beyond words. After a time the ladies bagged the prince to relate his adventures, and he told them of all his sufferings in the desert when he was first transformed. His only comfort had been in visits from the good queen, who had at length put him in the way of meeting his brother. Several days were spent in these interesting conversations, but at length Zeta's mother began to think of the best means for placing the prince on the throne, which was his by right. The queen on her side was feeling very anxious. She had felt sure from the first that her son's pet monkey was no other than Prince Alfash, and she longed to put an end to him. Her suspicions were confirmed by the ferry of the mountain, and she hastened in tears to the king her son. I am informed, she cried, that some ill-disposed people have raised up an imposter in the hopes of dethroning you. You must at once have him put to death. The king, who was very brave, assured the queen that he would soon punish the conspirators. He made careful inquiries into the matter, and thought it hardly probable that a quiet widow and a young girl would think of attempting anything of the nature of a revolution. He determined to go and see them, and to find out the truth for himself. So one night, without saying anything to the queen or his ministers, he set out for the palace where the two ladies lived, attended only by a small band of followers. The two ladies were at the moment deep in conversation with Prince Alfash, and hearing a knocking so late at night, begged him to keep out of sight for a time. What was their surprise when the door was opened to see the king and his suite? I know, said the king, that you are plotting against my crown in person, and I have come to have an explanation with you. As she was about to answer, Prince Alfash, who had heard all, came forward and said, It is from me you must ask an explanation, brother. He spoke with such grace and dignity that everyone gazed at him with mute surprise. At length the king, recovering from his astonishment that recognizing the brother who had been lost some years before, exclaimed, Yes, you are indeed my brother, and now that I have found you, take the throne to which I have no longer a right. So, saying, he respectfully kissed the prince's hand. Alfash threw himself into his arms, and the brothers hastened to the royal palace, where in the presence of the entire court he received the crown from his brother's hand. To clear away any possible doubt he showed the ruby which the good queen had given him in his childhood. As they were gazing at it, it suddenly split with a loud noise, and at the same moment the wicked queen expired. King Alfash lost no time in marrying his dear and lovely Zeta, and his joy was complete when the good queen appeared at his wedding. She assured him that the ferry of the mountain had henceforth lost all power over him, and after spending some time with the young couple and bestowing the most costly presents on them, she retired to her own country. King Alfash insisted on his brother sharing his throne, and they all lived to a good old age, universally beloved and admired. CHAPTER XX. FAIRER THAN A FAIRY Once there lived a king who had no children for many years after his marriage, at length having granted him a daughter of such remarkable beauty that he could think of no name so appropriate for her as fairer than a fairy. It never occurred to the good-natured monarch that such a name was certain to call down the hatred and jealousy of the fairies in a body on the child, but this was what happened. No sooner had they heard of this presumptuous name than they resolved to gain possession of her who bore it, and either to torment her cruelly, or at least to conceal her from the eyes of all men. The eldest of their tribe was entrusted to carry out their revenge. This fairy was named LaGrie. She was so old that she only had one eye and one tooth left, and even these poor remains she had to keep all tight in a strengthening liquid. She was also so spiteful that she gladly devoted all her time to carrying out all the mean or ill-natured tricks of the whole body of fairies. With her large experience added to her native spite, she found but little difficulty in carrying off fairer than a fairy. The poor child, who was only seven years old, nearly died of fear on finding herself in the power of this hideous creature. However, when after an hour's journey underground she found herself in a splendid place with lovely gardens, she felt a little reassured and was further cheered when she discovered that her pet cat and dog had followed her. The old fairy led her to a pretty room which she said should be hers, at the same time giving her the strictest orders never to let out the fire which was burning brightly in the grate. She then gave two glass bottles into the princess's charge, desiring her to take the greatest care of them, and having enforced her orders with the most awful threats in case of disobedience. She vanished, leaving the little girl at liberty to explore the palace and grounds, and a good deal relieved at having only apparently easy tasks set before her. Several years passed during which time the princess grew accustomed to her lonely life, obeyed the fairy's orders, and by degrees forgot all about the court of the king, her father. One day, whilst passing a fountain in the garden, she noticed that the sun's rays fell on the water in such a manner as to produce a brilliant rainbow. She stood still to admire it, when, to her great surprise, she heard a voice addressing her, which seemed to come from the center of its rays. The voice was that of a young man, and its sweetness of tone and the agreeable things it uttered led one to infer that its owner must be equally charming, but this had to be a mere matter of fancy, for no one was visible. The beautiful rainbow informed Farer than a fairy, that he was young, the son of a powerful king, and that the fairy Legree, who owed his parents a grudge, had revenged herself by depriving him of his natural shape for some years, that she had imprisoned him in the palace where he had found his confinement hard to bear for some time, but now he owned, he no longer sighed for freedom since he had seen and learned to love Farer than a fairy. He added many other tender speeches to this declaration, and the princess, to whom such remarks were a new experience, could not help feeling pleased, and touched by his attentions. The prince could only appear or speak under the form of a rainbow, and it was therefore necessary that the sun should shine on water, so as to enable the rays to form themselves. Farer than a fairy lost no moment in which she could meet her new lover, and they enjoyed many long and interesting interviews. One day, however, their conversation became so absorbing, and time passed so quickly, that the princess forgot to attend to the fire, and it went out. Legree, on her return, soon found out the neglect, and seemed only too pleased to have the opportunity of showing her spite to her lovely prisoner. She ordered Farer than a fairy to start next day at dawn to ask Lucrinos for fire, with which to relight the one she had allowed to go out. Now this Lucrinos was a cruel monster who devoured everyone he came across, and especially enjoyed a chance of catching and eating any young girls. Our heroine obeyed with great sweetness, and without having been able to take leave of her lover, she set off to go to Lucrinos as to certain death. As she was crossing a wood, a bird sang to her to pick up a shining pebble, which she would find in a fountain close by, and to use it when needed. She took the bird's advice, and in due time arrived at the house of Lucrinos. Luckily, she only found his wife at home, who was much struck by the princess's youth and beauty, and sweet gentle manners, and still further impressed by the presence of the shining pebble. She readily let Farer than a fairy have the fire, and in return for the stone she gave her another, which she said might prove useful one day. Then she sent her away without doing her any harm. LaGrie was as much surprised as displeased at the happy result of this expedition, and Farer than a fairy waited anxiously for an opportunity of meeting Prince Rainbow and telling him her adventures. She found, however, that he had already been told all about them by a fairy who protected him, and to whom he was related. The dread of fresh dangers to his beloved princess made him devise a more convenient way of meeting then by the garden fountain, and Farer than a fairy carried out his plan daily with entire success. Every morning she placed a large basin full of water on her window sill, and as soon as the sun's rays fell on the water, the rainbow appeared as clearly as it had ever done in the fountain. By this means they were able to meet without losing sight of the fire or of the two bottles in which the old fairy kept her eye and her tooth at night, and for some time the lovers enjoyed every hour of sunshine together. One day Prince Rainbow appeared in the depths of woe. He had just heard that he was to be banished from this lovely spot, but he had no idea where he was to go. The poor young couple were in despair and only parted with the last ray of sunshine and in hopes of meeting next morning. Alas, next day was dark and gloomy, and it was only late in the afternoon that the sun broke through the clouds for a few minutes. Farer than a fairy eagerly ran to the window, but in her haste she upset the basin and spilled all the water with which she had carefully filled it overnight. No other water was at hand except that in the two bottles. It was the only chance of seeing her lover before they were separated, and she did not hesitate to bring the bottle and pour their contents into the basin when the rainbow appeared at once. Their farewells were full of tenderness. The Prince made the most ardent and sincere protestations and promised to neglect nothing which might help to deliver his dearer fairer than a fairy from her captivity and implored her to consent to their marriage as soon as they should both be free. The Princess on her side vowed to have no other husband and declared herself willing to brave death itself in order to rejoin him. They were not allowed much time for their adduce. The rainbow vanished, and the Princess resolved to run all risks, started off at once, taking nothing with her but her dog, her cat, a sprig of myrtle, and the stone which the wife of Legrinof gave her. When Legrinof became aware of her prisoner's flight, she was furious and set off at full speed in pursuit. She overtook her just as the poor girl, overcome by fatigue, had laid down to rest in a cave which the stone had formed itself into to shelter her. The little dog who was watching her mistress promptly flew at Legrinof and bit her so severely that she stumbled against a corner of the cave and broke off her only tooth. Before she had recovered from the pain and rage this caused her, the Princess had time to escape and was some way on her road. Fear gave her strength for some time, but at last she could go no further and sink down to rest. As she did so, this sprig of myrtle she carried, touched the ground, and immediately a green and shady bower sprang up around her, in which she hoped to sleep in peace. But Legrinof had not given up her pursuit and arrived just as fairer than a fairy had fallen fast asleep. This time she made sure of catching her victim, but the cat spied her out and, springing from one of the bows of the arbor, she flew at Legrinof's face and tore out her only eye, thus delivering the Princess forever from her persecutor. One might have thought that all would now be well, but no sooner had Legrinof been put to fight than our heroine was overwhelmed with hunger and thirst. She felt as though she should certainly expire, and it was with some difficulty that she dragged herself as far as a pretty little green and white house which stood at no great distance. Here she was received by a beautiful lady dressed in green and white to match the house, which apparently belonged to her, and of which she seemed the only inhabitant. She greeted the fainting Princess most kindly, gave her an excellent supper, and after a long night's rest in a delightful bed, told her that after many troubles she should finally attain her desire. As the green and white lady took leave of the Princess, she gave her a nut, desiring her only to open it in the most urgent need. After a long and tiring journey, fairer than a fairy was once more received in a house, and by a lady exactly like the one she had quitted. Here again she received a present with the same injunctions, but instead of a nut, this lady gave her a golden pomegranate. The mournful Princess had to continue her weary way, and after many troubles and hardships, she again found rest and shelter in a third house exactly similar to the two others. These houses belonged to three sisters, all endowed with fairy gifts, and also alike in mind and person that they wished their houses and garments to be equally alike. Their occupation consisted in helping those in most fortune, and they were as gentle and benevolent as Ligre had been cruel and spiteful. The third fairy comforted the poor traveler, begged her not to lose heart, and assured her that her troubles should be rewarded. She accompanied her advice by the gift of a crystal-smelling bottle with strict orders only to open in case of urgent need. Fairer than a fairy thanked her warmly, and resumed her way cheered by pleasant thoughts. After a time her road led through wood full of soft airs and sweet odors, and before she had gone a hundred yards she saw a wonderful silver castle suspended by strong silver chains to four of the largest trees. It was so perfectly hung that a gentle breeze rocked it sufficiently to send you pleasantly to sleep. Fairer than a fairy felt a strong desire to enter this castle, but besides being hung a little above the ground there seemed to be neither doors nor windows. She had no doubt, though really I cannot think why, that the moment had come in which to use the nut which had been given her. She opened it and out came a diminutive hall porter at whose belt hung a teeny chain at the end of which was a golden key half as long as the smallest pin you ever saw. The princess climbed up one of the silver chains holding in her hand the little porter who, in spite of his minute size, opened a secret door with his golden key and let her in. She entered a magnificent room which appeared to occupy the entire castle and which was lighted by gold and jeweled stars in the ceiling. In the midst of this room stood a couch draped with curtains of all the colors of the rainbow and suspended by golden cords so that it swayed with the castle in a manner which rocked its occupant delightfully to sleep. On this elegant couch lay Prince Rainbow looking more beautiful than ever and sunk in profound slumber in which he had been held ever since his disappearance. Farer than a fairy who now saw him for the first time in his real shape hardly dared to gaze at him, fearing lest his appearance might not be in keeping with the voice and language which had won her heart. At the same time she could not help feeling rather hurt at the apparent indifference with which she was received. She relayed all the dangers and difficulties she had gone through and though she repeated the story twenty times in a loud, clear voice the prince slept on and took no heed. She then had recourse to the golden pomegranate and in on opening it found that all the seeds were as many little violins which flew up in the vaulted roof and at once began playing melodiously. The prince was not completely roused but he opened his eyes a little and looked all the handsomere. Impatient at not being recognized, Farer than a fairy now drew out her third present and on opening the crystal scent bottle a little siren flew out who silenced the violins and then sang close to the prince's ears the story of all his lady love had suffered in her search for him. She added some gentle reproaches to her tale but before she had got far he was wide awake and transported with joy through himself at the princess's feet. At the same moment the walls of the room expanded and opened out revealing a golden throne covered with jewels. A magnificent court now began to assemble and at the same time several elegant carriages filled with ladies in magnificent dresses drove up. In the first and most splendid of these carriages sat Prince Rainbow's mother. She fondly embraced her son after which she informed him that his father had been dead for some years, that the anger of the fairies was at length appeased and that he might return in peace to reign over his people who were longing for his presence. The court received the new king with joyful acclamations which would have delighted him at any other time but all his thoughts were full on Farer than a fairy. He was just about to present her to his mother and the court, feeling sure that her charms would win all hearts when the three green and white sisters appeared. They declared the secret of Farer than a fairy's royal birth and the queen taking the two lovers in her carriage set off with them for the capital of the kingdom. Here they were received with tumultuous joy. The wedding was celebrated without delay and succeeding years diminished neither the virtue's beauty nor the mutual affection of King Rainbow and his queen Farer than a fairy. End of Chapter 20, Recording by Jennifer, Hilo, Hawaii Chapter 21 from the other fairy book This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Recorded by Eliza Horn The Yellow Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Leng Chapter 21 The Three Brothers There was once upon a time a witch who, in the shape of a hawk, used every night to break the windows of a certain village church. In the same village there lived three brothers who were all determined to kill the mischievous hawk. But in vain did the two eldest mount guard on the church with their guns. As soon as the bird appeared high above their heads, sleep overpowered them, and they only woke to hear the windows crashing in. Then the youngest brother took his turn in guarding the windows, and to prevent from being overcome by sleep he placed a lot of thorns under his chin, so that if he felt drowsy and had nodded his head they would prick him and keep him awake. The moon had already risen, and it was as light as day when suddenly he heard a fearful noise, and at the same time a terrible desire to sleep overpowered him. His eyelids closed, and his head sank on his shoulders, but the thorns ran into him and were so painful that he woke at once. He saw the hawk swooping down upon the church, and in a moment he had seized his gun and shot at the bird. The hawk fell heavily under a big stone, severely wounded in its right wing. The youth ran to look at it and saw that a huge abyss had opened below the stone. He went at once to fetch his brothers, and with their help dragged a lot of pine wood and ropes to the spot. They fastened some of the burning pine wood to the end of the rope, and let it slowly down to the bottom of the abyss. At first it was quite dark, and the flaming torch only lit up dirty cray stone walls, but the youngest brother determined to explore the abyss, and letting himself down by the rope he soon reached the bottom. Here he found a lovely meadow full of green trees and exquisite flowers. In the middle of the meadow stood a huge stone castle, with an iron gate leading to it, which was wide open. Everything in the castle seemed to be made of copper, and the only inhabitant he could discover was a lovely girl who was combing her golden hair, and he noticed that whenever one of her hairs fell to the ground it rang out like pure metal. The youth looked at her more closely and saw that her skin was smooth and fair, her blue eyes bright and sparkling, and her hair was golden as the sun. He fell in love with her on the spot, and kneeling at her feet he implored her to become his wife. The lovely girl accepted his proposal gladly, but at the same time as she warned him that she could never come up to the world above till her mother, the old witch, was dead, and she went on to tell him that the only way in which the old creature could be killed was with the old sword that hung up in the castle, but the sword was so heavy that no one could lift it. Then the youth went into her room in the castle where everything was made of silver, and here he found another beautiful girl, the sister of his bride. She was combing her silver hair, and every hair that fell to the ground rang out like pure metal. The second girl handed him the sword, but though he tried with all his strength he could not lift it. At last a third sister came to him and gave him a drop of something to drink, which she said would give him the needed strength. He drank one drop, but he still could not lift the sword. Then he drank a second, and the sword began to move, but only after he had drunk a third drop was he able to swing the sword over his head. Then he hid himself in the castle and waited for the old witch's arrival. At last as it was beginning to grow dark she appeared. She swooped down upon a big apple tree, and after shaking some golden apples from it she pounced down upon the earth. As soon as her feet touched the ground she began to transform from a hawk into a woman. This was the moment the youth had been waiting for, and he swung his mighty sword in the air with all his strength and the witch's head fell off, and her blood spurted up on the walls. Without fear of any further danger he packed up all the treasures of the castle into giant chests, and gave his brothers a signal to pull them up out of the abyss. First the treasures were attached to the rope, and then the three lovely girls. And now everything was up above, and only he himself remained below. But as he was a little suspicious of his brothers he fastened a heavy stone onto the rope and let them pull it up. At first they heaved with a will, but when the stone was halfway up they let it drop suddenly, and it fell to the bottom broken into a hundred pieces. So that's what would have happened to my bones had I trusted myself to them, said the youth sadly, and he began to cry bitterly, not because of the treasures, but because of the lovely girl with her swan-like neck and golden hair. For a long time he wandered sadly all through the beautiful underworld, and one day he met a magician who asked in the cause of his tears. The youth told him all that had befallen him, and the magician said, Do not grieve young man, if you will guard the children who are hidden in the golden apple-tree, I will bring you at once up to the earth. Another magician who lives in this land always eats my children up. It is in vain that I have hidden them under the earth and locked them into the castle. Now I have hidden them in the apple-tree. Hide yourself there too, and at midnight you will see my enemy. The youth climbed up the tree and picked some of the beautiful golden apples, which he ate for his supper. At midnight the wind began to rise, and a rustling sound was heard at the foot of the tree. The youth took down, and beheld a long thick serpent beginning to crawl up the tree. It wound itself around the stem, and gradually got higher and higher. It stretched its huge head, in which the eyes gathered fiercely, among the branches searching for the nest in which the little children lay. They trembled with terror when they saw the hideous creature, and hid themselves beneath the leaves. When the youth swung his mighty sword in the air, and with one blow cut off the serpent's head, he cut up the rest of the body into little bits, and drew them to the forewinds. The father of the rescued children was so delighted over the death of his enemy that he told the youth to get on his back, and in this way carried him up to the world above. With what joy did he hurry now to his brother's house? He burst into the room where they were all assembled, but no one knew who he was. Only his bride, who was serving as a cook to her sisters, recognized her lover at once. His brothers, who had quite believed he was dead, yielded him up his treasure at once, and flew into the woods in terror. But the good youth forgave them all they had done, and divided his treasure with them. Then he built himself a big castle with golden windows, and there he lived happily with his golden-haired wife to the end of their days. THE END OF CHAPTER XXI The Boy and the Wolves or the Broken Promise A North American Indian Story Once upon a time an Indian hunter built himself a house in the middle of a great forest, far away from all his tribe, for his heart was gentle and kind, and he was weary of the treachery and cruel deeds of those who had been his friends. So he left them, and took his wife and three children, and they journeyed on until they found a spot near to a clear stream where they began to cut down trees and to make ready their wigwam. For many years they lived peacefully and happily in this sheltered place, never leaving it except to hunt the wild animals which served them both for food and clothes. As last, however, the strongman felt sick and before long he knew he must die. So he gathered his family around him and said his last words to them, You, my wife, the companion of my days, will follow me ere many moons have waned to the island of the blessed. But for you, all my children, whose lives are but newly begun, the wickedness, unkindness and ingratitude from which I fled are before you, yet I shall go hence in peace, my children, if you will promise always to love each other and never to forsake your youngest brother. Never, they replied, holding out their hands, and the hunter died content. Scarcely eight moons had passed when just as he had said, the wife went forth and followed her husband. But before leaving her children, she bade the two elder ones think of their promise never to forsake the younger, for he was a child and weak. And while the snow lay thick upon the ground, they tended him and cherished him. But when the earth showed green again, the heart of the young man stood within him, and he longed to see the wigwams of the village where his father's youth was spent. Therefore he opened all his heart to his sister, who answered, My brother, I understand your longing for our fellowmen, whom here we cannot see, but remember our father's words. Shall we not seek our own pleasures and forget the little one? But he would not listen, and making no reply, he took his bow and arrows and left the hut. The snows fell and melted, yet he never returned, and at last the heart of the girl grew cold and hard, and her little boy became a burden in her eyes. Till one day she spoke thus to him. See, there is food for many days to come. Stay here within the shelter of the hut. I go to seek our brother, and when I have found him, I shall return hither. But when, after hard journeying, she reached the village where her brother dwelt, and saw that he had a wife and was happy, and when she too was sought by a young brave, then she also forgot the boy alone in the forest, and thought only of her husband. Now as soon as the little boy had eaten all the food which his sister had left him, he went out into the woods, and gathered berries and dug up roots, and while the sun shone, he was contented and had his fill. But when the snows began and the wind howled, then his stomach felt empty, and his limbs cold, and he hid in trees all the night, and only crept out to eat what the wolves had left behind. And by and by, having no other friends, he sought their company and sat by while they devoured their prey, and they grew to know him and gave him food, and without them he would have died in the snow. But as the snows melted, and the ice upon the great lake, and as the wolves went down to the shore, the boy went after them. And it happened one day that his big brother was fishing in his canoe near the shore, and he heard the voice of a child singing in the Indian tone. My brother, my brother, I am becoming a wolf. I am becoming a wolf. And when he had so sung, he howled as wolves howl. Then the heart of the elder sung, and he hastened towards him crying, Brother, little brother, come to me. But he, being half a wolf, only continued his song, and the louder the elder called him, Brother, little brother, come to me. The swifter he fled after his brother's the wolves, and the heavier grew his skin, till with a long howl he vanished into the depths of the forest. So, with shame and anguish in his soul, the elder brother went back to his village, and with his sister mourned the little boy and the broken promise till the end of his life. From the Hungarian Kletke There was once upon a time a king and a queen who had everything they could possibly wish for in this world except a child. At last, after twelve years, the queen gave birth to a son, but she did not live long to enjoy her happiness, for on the following day she died. But before her death she called her husband to her and said, Never let the child put his feet on the ground for as soon as he does, so he will fall into the power of a wicked fairy who will do him much harm. And these were the last words the poor queen spoke. The boy throwed and grew big, and when he was too heavy for his nurse to carry, a chair was made for him on little wheels in which he could wander through the palace gardens without help. At other times he was carried about on a litter, and he was always carefully watched and guarded for fear he should, at any time, put his feet on the ground. But as this sort of life was bad for himself, the doctors ordered him horse exercise, and he soon became a first-rate writer and used to go out for long excursions on horseback, accompanied always by his father's studgrim and a numerous retinue. Every day he rode through the neighboring fields and woods, and always returned home in the evening safe and well. In this way many years passed, and the prince grew to manhood, and hardly anyone remembered the queen's warning, though precautions were still taken, more from use and want than for any other reason. One day the prince and his suite went out for a ride in a wood where his father sometimes held a hunt. Their way led through a stream whose banks were overgrown with thick brushwood. Just as the horsemen were about to for the river, a hare, startled by the sound of the horse's hooves, started up from the grass and ran towards the thicket. The young prince pursued the little creature and had almost overtaken it, when the girth of the saddle suddenly broke in two, and he fell heavily to the ground. No sooner had his foot touched the earth than he disappeared before the eyes of the horrified quarters. They sought for him far and near, but all in vain, and they were forced to recognize the power of the evil fairy, against which the queen had warned them on her deathbed. The old king was much grieved when they brought him the news of his son's disappearance, but as he could do nothing to free him from his fate, he gave himself up to an old age of grief and loneliness, cherishing at the same time the hope that some lucky chance might one day deliver the youth out of the hands of his enemy. Hardly had the prince touched the ground, then he felt himself violently seized by an unseen power, and hurried away he knew not wither. A whole new world stretched out before him, quite unlike the one he had left. A splendid castle surrounded by a huge lake was the abode of the fairy, and the only approach to it was over a bridge of clouds. On the other side of the lake, high mountains rose up, and dark woods stretched along the banks. Overall hung a thick mist, and deep silence reigned everywhere. No sooner had the fairy reached her own domain than she made herself visible, and turning to the prince, she told him that unless he obeyed all her commands, down to the minutest detail, he would be severely punished. Then she gave him an axe, a maid of glass, and bade him cross the bridge of clouds, and go into the woods beyond, and cut down all the trees there before sunset. At the same time she cautioned him with many angry words against speaking to a black girl he would most likely meet in the wood. The prince listened to her words meekly, and when she had finished, took up the glass axe and set out for the forest. At every step he seemed to sink into the clouds, but fear gave wings to his feet, and he crossed the lake in safety and set to work at once. But no sooner had he struck the first blow with his axe than it broke into a thousand pieces against the tree. The poor youth was so terrified he did not know what to do, for he was in mortal dread if the punishment the wicked old fairy would inflict on him. He wandered to and fro in the wood, not knowing where he was going, and at last, worn out by fatigue and misery, he sank on the ground and fell fast asleep. He did not know how long he had slept when a sudden sound awoke him, and, opening his eyes, he saw a black girl standing beside him. Mindful of the fairy's warning, he did not dare to address her, but she on her part greeted him in the most friendly manner, and asked him at once if he were under the power of the wicked fairy. The prince nodded his head silently in answer. Then the black girl told him that she too was in the power of the fairy, who had doomed her to wander about in her present guise until some youth should take pity on her and bear her in safety to the other side of the river which they saw in the distance, and on the other side of which the fairy's domain and power ended. The girl's words so inspired the prince with confidence that he told her all his tale of woe, and ended up asking her advice as to how he was to escape the punishment the fairy would be sure to inflict on him when she discovered that he had not cut down the trees in the wood, and that he had broken her axe. You must know, answered the black girl, that the fairy in whose power we both are is my own mother, but you must not betray this secret for it would cost me my life. If you will only promise to try and free me, I will stand by you, and will accomplish for you all the tasks which my mother sets you. The prince promised joyfully all she asked, then having once more warned him not to betray her confidence, she handed him a drought to drink, which very soon sunk his senses in a deep slumber. His astonishment was great when he awoke to find the glass axe whole and unbroken at his side, and all the trees of the wood lying felt around him. He made all haste across the bridge of clouds, and told the fairy that her commands were obeyed. She was much amazed when she heard that all the wood was cut down, and saw the axe unbroken in his hand, and since she could not believe that he had done all this by himself, she questioned him narrowly if he had seen or spoken to the black girl. But the prince lied manfully, and swore he had never looked up from his work for a moment. Seeing she could get nothing more out of him, she gave him a little bread and water, and showed him to a small dark cupboard she told him he might sleep there. Morning had hardly dawned when the fairy awoke the prince, and giving him the glass axe again, she told him to cut up all the wood he had felled the day before, and to put it in bundles ready for firewood. At the same time she warned him once more against approaching or speaking a word to the black girl if he met her in the wood. Although his task was no easier than that of the day before, the youth set out much more cheerfully, because he knew he could count on the help of the black girl. With quicker and lighter step he crossed the bridge of clouds, and hardly had he reached the other side than his friends stood before him and greeted him cheerfully. When she heard what the fairy demanded this time, she answered him smilingly, Never fear! and handed him another drought, which very soon caused the prince to sink into a deep sleep. When he awoke everything was done. All the trees of the wood were cut up into firewood and arranged in bundles ready for use. He returned to the castle as quickly as he could and told the fairy that her commands were obeyed. She was even more amazed than she had been before and asked him again if he had either seen or spoken to the black girl. But the prince knew better than to betray his word and once more lied freely. On the following day the fairy set him a third task to do, even harder than the other two. She told him he must build a castle on the other side of the lake, made of nothing but gold, silver, and precious stones, and, unless he could accomplish this within an hour, the most frightful doom awaited him. The prince heard her words without anxiety, so entirely did he rely on the help of his black friend. Full of hope he hurried across the bridge and recognized at once the spot where the castle was to stand for spades, hammers, axes, and every other building implement lay scattered on the ground ready for the workman's hand, but of gold, silver, and precious stones there was not a sign. But before the prince had time to feel despondent the black girl beckoned to him in the distance from behind a rock where she had hidden herself for fear her mother would should catch sight of her. Full of joy the youth hurried towards her and begged her aid and counsel on the new piece of work he had been given to do. But this time the fairy had watched the prince's movements from her window, and she saw him hiding himself behind the rock with her daughter. She uttered a piercing shriek so that the mountains re-ackowed with the sound of it, and the terrified pair had hardly dared to look out from their hiding place when the enraged woman with her dress and hair flying in the wind hurried over the bridge of clouds. The prince at once gave himself up for lost, but the girl told him to be of good courage and to follow her as quickly as he could. But before they left their shelter she broke off a little bit of the rock, spoke some magic words over it, and threw it in the direction her mother was coming from. In a moment a glittering palace arose before the eyes of the fairy, which blinded her with its dazzling splendor, and with its many doors and passages prevented her for some time from finding her way out of it. In the meantime the black girl hurried on with the prince, hastening to reach the river, where once on the other side they would forever be out of the wicked fairy's power. But before they had accomplished half the way they heard again the rustling of her garments and her muttered curses pursuing them closely. The prince was terrified. He dared not look back and he felt his strength giving way. But before he had time to despair the girl uttered some more magic words and immediately she herself was changed into a pond and the prince into a duck swimming on its surface. When the fairy saw this her rage knew no bounds and she used all her magic wits to make the pond disappear. She caused a hill of sand to arise at her feet, meaning it to dry up the water at once. But the sand hill only drove the pond a little further away and its waters seemed to increase instead of diminishing. When the old woman saw that the powers of her magic were of so little avail, she had recourse to cunning. She threw a lot of gold nuts into the pond, hoping in this way to catch the duck. But all her efforts were fruitless for the little creature refused to let itself be caught. Then a new idea struck the wicked old woman and hiding herself behind the rock which had sheltered the fugitives. She waited behind it, watching carefully for the moment when the prince and her daughter should resume their natural forms and continue their journey. She had not to be long, for as soon as the girl thought her mother was safely out of the way, she changed herself and the prince once more into their human shape and set out carefully for the river. But they had not gone many steps when the wicked fairy hurried after them, a drawn dagger in her hand and was close upon them when suddenly, instead of the prince and her daughter, she found herself in front of a great stone church whose entrance was carefully guarded by a huge monk. Breathless with rage and passion, she tried to plunge her dagger into the monk's heart but it fell shattered in pieces at her feet. In her desperation, she determined to pull down the church and thus to destroy her two victims forever. She stamped three times on the ground and the earth trembled and both the church and the monk began to shake. As soon as the fairy saw this, she retreated to some distance from the building so as not to be hurt herself by its fall. But once more her scheme was doomed to failure, for hardly has she gone a yard from the church, then both it and the monk disappeared and she found herself in a wood, blackest night and full of wolves and bears and wild animals of all sorts and descriptions. Then her wrath gave place to terror for she feared every moment to be torn in pieces by the beasts who one and all seemed to defy her power. She thought it wisest to make her way as best she could out of the forest and then to pursue the fugitives once more and accomplish their destruction either by force or cunning. In the meantime the prince and the black girl had again assumed their natural forms and were hurrying on as fast as they could to reach the river. But when they got there, they found that there was no way in which they could cross it and the girl's magic arts seemed no longer to have any power. Then turning to the prince, she said, the hour for my deliverance has not yet come, but as you promised to do all you could to free me you must do exactly as I bid you now. Take this bow and arrow and kill every beast you see with them and be sure you spare no living creature. With these words she disappeared and hardly had she done so. Then a huge wild boar started out of the thicket near and made straight for the prince. But the youth did not lose his presence of mind and drawing his bow he pierced the beast with his arrow right through the skull. The creature fell heavily on the ground and out of its side sprang a little hair which ran like the wind along the riverbank. The prince drew his bow once more and the hair lay dead at his feet. But at the same moment a dove rose up in the air and circled around the prince's head in the most confiding manner. But mindful of the black girl's commands he dared not spare the little creature's life and taking another arrow from his quiver he laid it as dead as the boar and the hare. But when he went to look at the body of the bird he found instead of the dove a round white egg laying on the ground. While he was gazing on it and wondering what it could mean he heard the sweeping of wings above him and looking up he saw a huge bulger with open claws swooping down upon him. In a moment he seized the egg and flung it at the bird with all his might and lo and behold instead of the ugly monster the most beautiful girl he had ever seen stood before the astonished eyes of the prince. But while all this was going on the wicked old fairy had managed to make her way out of the wood and was now using the last resource in her power to overtake her daughter and the prince. As soon as she was in the open again she mounted her chariot which was drawn by a fiery dragon and flew through the air in it. But just as she got to the river she saw the two levers in each other's arms swimming through the water as easily as two fishes. Quick as lightning and forgetful of every danger she flew down upon them. But the water seized her chariot and sunk it in the lowest depths and the waves bore the wicked old woman down the stream till she was caught in some thorn bushes where she made a good meal for all the little fishes that were swimming about. And so at last the prince and his lovely bride were free. They hurried as quickly as they could to the old king who received them with joy and gladness. On the following day a most gorgeous wedding feast was held and as far as we know the prince and his bride lived happily forever afterwards. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. Once upon a time there were a man and his wife who lived in the forest very far from the rest of the tribe. Very often they spent the day in hunting together but after a while the wife found that she had so many things to do that she was obliged to stay at home. So he went alone though he found that when his wife was not with him he never had any luck. One day when he was away hunting the woman fell ill and in a few days she died. Her husband grieved bitterly and buried her in the house where she had passed her life. But as the time went on he felt so lonely without her that he made a wooden doll about her height and size for company and dressed it in her clothes. He seated it in front of the fire and tried to think he had his wife back again. The next day he went out to hunt and when he came home the first thing he did was to go up to the doll and brush off some of the ashes from the fire which had fallen on its face. But he was very busy now for he had to cook and mend besides getting food for there was no one to help him and so a whole year passed away. At the end of that time he came back from hunting one night and found some wood by the door and a fire within. The next night there was not only wood and fire but a piece of meat in the kettle nearly ready for eating. He searched all about to see who could have done this but could find no one. The next time he went to hunt he took care not to go far and came in quite early and while he was still a long way off he saw a woman going into the house with wood on her shoulders so he made haste and opened the door quickly and instead of the wooden doll his wife sat in front of the fire then she spoke to him and said the great spirit felt sorry for you because you would not be comforted so he let me come back to you but you must not stretch out your hand to touch me till we have seen the rest of our people if you do I shall die. So the man listened to her words and the woman dwelt there and brought the wood and kindled the fire till one day her husband said to her it is now two years since you died let us now go back to our tribe then you will be well and I can touch you and with that he prepared food for the journey a string of deer's flesh for her to carry and one for himself and so they started now the camp of the tribe was distant six days journey and when they were yet one day's journey off it began to snow and they felt weary and longed for rest therefore they made a fire cooked some food and spread out their skins to sleep then the heart of the man was greatly stirred and he stretched out his arms to his wife but she waved her hands and said we have seen no one yet it is too soon but he would not listen to her and caught her to him and behold he was clasping the wooden doll and when he saw it was the doll he pushed it from him in his misery and rushed away to the camp and told them all his story and some doubted and they went back with him to the place where he and his wife had stopped to rest and there lay the doll and besides they saw in the snow the steps of two people and the foot of one was like the foot of the doll and the man grieved sore all the days of his life end of chapter 24 chapter 25 of the yellow fairy book this is a leper fox recording all leper fox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit leperfox.org recording by jennifer the yellow fairy book edited by andrew lang chapter 25 in the land of souls from the red indian far away in north america where the red indians dwell there lived a long time ago a beautiful maiden who was lovelier than any other girl in the whole tribe many of the young brave sought her in marriage but she would listen to one only a handsome chief who had taken her fancy some years before so they were to be married and great rejoicings were made and the two looked forward to a long life of happiness together when the very night before the wedding feast a sudden illness seized the girl and without a word to her friends who were weeping around her she passed silently away the heart of her lover had been set upon her and the thought of her remained with him night and day he put aside his bow and went neither to fight nor to hunt but from sunrise to sunset he sat by the place where she was laid thinking of his happiness that was buried there at last after many days a light seemed to come to him out of the darkness he remembered having heard from the old old people of the tribe that there was a path that led to the land of souls that if you sought carefully you could find it so the next morning he got up early and put some food in his pouch and slung an extra skin over his shoulders for he knew not how long his journey would take nor what sort of country he would have to go through only one thing he knew that if the path was there he would find it at first he was puzzled as there seemed no reason he should go in one direction more than another then all at once he thought he had heard one of the old men say that the land of souls lay to the south and so filled with new hope and courage he set his face southwards for many many miles the country looked the same as it did around his own home the forest the hills and the rivers all seemed exactly like the ones he had left the only thing that was different was the snow which had lain thick upon the hills and trees when he started but grew less and less the further he went south till it disappeared altogether soon the trees put forth their buds and flowers sprang up under his feet and instead of thick clouds there was blue sky over his head and everywhere the birds were singing then he knew he was on the right road the thought that he should soon behold his lost bride made his heart beat for joy and he sped along lightly and swiftly now his way led through a dark wood and then over some steep cliffs and on the top of these he found a hut or wigwam an old man clothed in skins and holding a staff in his hand stood in the doorway and he said to the young chief who was beginning to tell a story i was waiting for you wherefore you have come i know it is but a short while since she whom you seek was here rest in my hut as she also rested and i will tell you what you ask and with her you should go on hearing these words the young man entered the hut but his heart was too eager within him to suffer him to rest and when he rose the old man rose too and stood with him at the door look he said at the water which lies far out yonder and the plains which stretch beyond that is the land of souls but no man enters it without leaving his body behind him so lay down your body here your bow and arrows your skin and your dog they shall be kept for you safely then he turned away and the young chief light as air seemed hardly to touch the ground and as he flew along the scents grew sweeter and the flowers more beautiful while the animals rubbed their noses against him instead of hiding as he approached and birds circled round him and fishes lifted their heads and looked as he went by very soon he noticed with wonder that neither rocks nor trees barred his path he passed through them without knowing it for indeed they were not rocks and trees at all but only the souls of them for this was the land of shadows so he went on with the winged feet till he came to the shores of a great lake with a lovely island in the middle of it while on the bank of the lake was a canoe of glittering stone and in the canoe were two shining paddles the chief jumped straight into the canoe and seizing the paddles pushed off from the shore when to his joy and wonder he saw following him in another canoe exactly like his own the maiden for who's sake he had made this long journey but they could not touch each other for between them rolled great waves which looked as if they would sink the boats yet never did and the young man and the maiden shrank with fear for down in the depths of the water they saw the bones of those who had died before and in the waves themselves men and women were struggling and but few passed over only the children had no fear and reached the other side in safety still though the chief and the young girl quailed in terror at these horrible sights and sounds no harm came to them for their lives had been free from evil and the master of life had said that no evil should happen unto them so they reached unhurt the shore of the happy island and wandered through the flowery fields and by the banks of rushing streams and they knew not hunger nor thirst neither cold nor heat the air fed them and the sun warmed them and they forgot the dead for they saw no graves and the young man's thoughts turned not to wars neither to the hunting of animals and gladly would these two have walked thus forever but in the murmur of the wind he heard the master of life saying to him return whether you came for I have work for you to do and your people need you and for many years you shall rule over them at the gate my messenger awaits you and you shall take again your body which you left behind and he will show you what you are to do listen to him and have patience and in time to come you shall rejoin her whom you must now leave for she is accepted and will remain ever young and beautiful as when I called her hence from the land of snows end of chapter 25 recording by jennifer hilo hawaii