[126] Compare the scene between the Kalevide and Tühi, in Canto 15 of the poem. [127] This old man may have been the consort of the Meadow-Queen. _Cf._ pp. 188, 259. [128] We shall find mussel-shells used as boats in other tales. [129] "These forests are very useful in delivering princes from their courtiers, like a sieve that keeps back the bran. Then the princes get away to follow their fortunes."— _George MacDonald_, " _The Light Princess_. " [130] Compare the scene with the four Grey Women in the second part of _Faust_. [131] Nine is a mystical number as well as seven. [132] Ahti, the God of the Waters. [133] A sacred tree in Eastern Europe, as it is in the British Isles. [134] See page 108. [135] _Tont_ is a common name for a house-spirit. [136] Talking trees are common in Esthonian tales; I do not remember another instance of bleeding trees. [137] Else. [138] Pussy. [139] It must be remembered that the dominant race in Esthonia is German, and that the gentry, even if not fairies, would be expected to speak a language unintelligible to the people. It is significant that the very word for lady in Esthonian is _proua_, a corruption of _Frau_. Everything particularly fine is called "Saxon." [140] In some countries the beard is regarded as a symbol of power, as well as of age and wisdom. Compare the account of Schaibar in the story of Prince Ahmed ( _Thousand and One Nights_ ). [141] The Germans are generally represented in Esthonian tales as rich, and sometimes as very haughty people. [142] Compare _Goody Two-Shoes_ ; but this is a modern tale, believed to have been written by Goldsmith.