The Junior Classics, Volume 1: Fairy and wonder tales
General
The Junior Classics, Volume 1: Fairy and wonder tales
Children's literature
“From whence comest thou?” “I know not.” “Who is thy father?” “That I
may not tell thee.” “What is it that thou art always muttering between
thy teeth?” “Ah,” replied the youth, “I do so wish I could shudder, but
no one can teach me how to do it.” “Give up thy foolish chatter,” said
the wagoner. “Come go with me, I will see about a place for thee.” The
youth went with the wagoner, and in the evening they arrived at an inn
where they wished to pass the night. Then at the entrance of the room
the youth again said quite loudly, “If I could but shudder! If I could
but shudder!” The host who heard that, laughed and said: “If that is
your desire, there ought to be a good opportunity for you here.” “Ah,
be silent,” said the hostess; “so many inquisitive persons have already
lost their lives, it would be a pity and a shame if such beautiful eyes
as these should never see the daylight again.”
But the youth said: “However difficult it may be, I will learn it, and
for this purpose indeed have I journeyed forth.” He let the host have
no rest, until the latter told him, that not far from thence stood a
haunted castle where any one could very easily learn what shuddering
was, if he would but watch in it for three nights. The King had
promised that he who would venture this should have his daughter to
wife, and she was the most beautiful maiden the sun shone on. Great
treasures likewise lay in the castle, which were guarded by evil
spirits, and these treasures would then be freed, and would make a poor
man rich enough. Already many men had gone into the castle, but as yet
none had come out again. Then the youth went next morning to the King,
and said that if he were allowed he would watch three nights in the
enchanted castle. The King looked at him, and as the youth pleased him,
he said: “Thou mayst ask for three things to take into the castle with
thee, but they must be things without life.” Then he answered, “Then I
ask for a fire, a turning-lathe, and a cutting-board with the knife.”
The King had these things carried into the castle for him during the
day. When night was drawing near, the youth went up and made himself a
bright fire in one of the rooms, placed the cutting-board and knife
beside it, and seated himself by the turning-lathe. “Ah, if I could but
shudder!” said he, “but I shall not learn it here either.” Toward
midnight he was about to poke his fire, and as he was blowing it,
something cried suddenly from one cornier, “Au, miau! how cold we are!”
“You simpletons!” cried he, “what are you crying about? If you are
cold, come and take a seat by the fire and warm yourselves.” And when
he had said that, two great black cats came with one tremendous leap
and sat down on each side of him, and looked savagely at him with their
fiery eyes. After a short time, when they had warmed themselves, they
said: “Comrade, shall we have a game at cards?” “Why not?” he replied,
“but just show me your paws. Then they stretched out their claws. “Oh,”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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