Scarcelyhadsheutteredthesewordsthanthetwolittleonesdrewtheirlastbreath，whereuponherheartbroke，andshesankdowndead。
Therewasonceuponatimeahermitwholivedinaforestatthefootofamountain，andpassedhistimeinprayerandgoodworks，andeveryeveninghecarried，tothegloryofGod，twopailsofwaterupthemountain。Manyabeastdrankofit，andmanyaplantwasrefreshedbyit，forontheheightsabove，astrongwindblewcontinually，whichdriedtheairandtheground，andthewildbirdswhichdreadmankindwheelaboutthere，andwiththeirsharpeyessearchforadrink。Andbecausethehermitwassopious，anangelofGod，visibletohiseyes，wentupwithhim，countedhissteps，andwhentheworkwascompleted，broughthimhisfood，evenastheprophetofoldwasbyGod\'scommandfedbytheraven。Whenthehermitinhispietyhadalreadyreachedagreatage，ithappenedthatheoncesawfromafarapoorsinnerbeingtakentothegallows。Hesaidcarelesslytohimself，there，thatoneisgettinghisdeserts。Intheevening，whenhewascarryingthewaterupthemountain，theangelwhousuallyaccompaniedhimdidnotappear，andalsobroughthimnofood。Thenhewasterrified，andsearchedhisheart，andtriedtothinkhowhecouldhavesinned，asGodwassoangry，buthedidnotdiscoverit。Thenheneitheratenordrank，threwhimselfdownontheground，andprayeddayandnight。Andashewasonedaythusbitterlyweepingintheforest，heheardalittlebirdsingingbeautifullyanddelightfully，andthenhewasstillmoretroubledandsaid，howjoyouslyyousing，theLordisnotangrywithyou。Ah，ifyoucouldbuttellmehowIcanhaveoffendedhim，thatImightdopenance，andthenmyheartalsowouldbegladagain。Thenthebirdbegantospeakandsaid，youhavedoneinjustice，inthatyouhavecondemnedapoorsinnerwhowasbeingledtothegallows，andforthattheLordisangrywithyou。Healonesitsinjudgement。However，ifyouwilldopenanceandrepentyoursins，hewillforgiveyou。Thentheangelstoodbesidehimwithadrybranchinhishandandsaid，youshallcarrythisdrybranchuntilthreegreentwigssproutoutofit，butatnightwhenyouwillsleep，youshalllayitunderyourhead。Youshallbegyourbreadfromdoortodoor，andnottarrymorethanonenightinthesamehouse。ThatisthepenancewhichtheLordlaysonyou。
Thenthehermittookthepieceofwood，andwentbackintotheworld，whichhehadnotseenforsolong。Heateanddranknothingbutwhatwasgivenhimatthedoors。Manypetitions，however，werenotlistenedto，andmanydoorsremainedshuttohim，sothatheoftendidnotgetacrumbofbread。
Oncewhenhehadgonefromdoortodoorfrommorningtillnight，andnoonehadgivenhimanything，andnoonewouldshelterhimforthenight，hewentforthintoaforest，andatlastfoundacavewhichsomeonehadmade，andanoldwomanwassittinginit。
Thensaidhe，goodwoman，keepmewithyouinyourhouseforthisnight。Butshesaid，no，Idarenot，evenifIwished，Ihavethreesonswhoarewickedandwild，iftheycomehomefromtheirrobbingexpedition，andfindyou，theywouldkillusboth。Thehermitsaid，letmestay，theywilldonoinjuryeithertoyouortome。Andtheoldwomanwascompassionate，andletherselfbepersuaded。Thenthemanlaydownbeneaththestairs，andputthebitofwoodunderhishead。Whentheoldwomansawhimdothat，sheaskedthereasonofit，onwhichhetoldherthathecarriedthebitofwoodaboutwithhimforapenance，anduseditatnightforapillow，andthathehadoffendedtheLord，because，whenhehadseenapoorsinneronthewaytothegallows，hehadsaidhewasgettinghisdeserts。
Thenthewomanbegantoweepandcried，iftheLordpunishesonesingleword，howwillitfarewithmysonswhentheyappearbeforehiminjudgment。
Atmidnighttherobberscamehomeandblusteredandstormed。
Theymadeafire，andwhenithadlightedupthecaveandtheysawamanlyingunderthestairs，theyfellinarageandcriedtotheirmother，whoistheman。Havewenotforbiddenanyonewhomsoevertobetakenin。Thensaidthemother，lethimalone，itisapoorsinnerwhoisexpiatinghiscrime。Therobbersasked，whathashedone。Oldman，criedthey，tellusyoursins。
Theoldmanraisedhimselfandtoldthemhowhe，byonesingleword，hadsosinnedthatGodwasangrywithhim，andhowhewasnowexpiatingthiscrime。Therobbersweresopowerfullytouchedintheirheartsbythisstory，thattheywereshockedwiththeirlifeuptothistime，reflected，andbeganwithheartyrepentancetodopenanceforit。Thehermit，afterhehadconvertedthethreesinners，laydowntosleepagainunderthestairs。Inthemorning，however，theyfoundhimdead，andoutofthedrywoodonwhichhisheadlay，threegreentwigshadgrownuponhigh。ThustheLordhadoncemorereceivedhimintohisfavor。
Inalargetowntherewasanoldwomanwhosatintheeveningaloneinherroomthinkinghowshehadlostfirstherhusband，thenbothherchildren，thenonebyoneallherrelatives，andatlength，thatveryday，herlastfriend，andnowshewasquitealoneanddesolate。Shewasverysadatheart，andheaviestofallherlossestoherwasthatofhersons，andinherpainsheblamedGodforit。Shewasstillsittinglostinthought，whenallatoncesheheardthebellsringingforearlyprayer。Shewassurprisedthatshehadthusinhersorrowwatchedthroughthewholenight，andlightedherlanternandwenttochurch。Itwasalreadylightedupwhenshearrived，butnotasitusuallywaswithwaxcandles，butwithadimlight。Itwasalsocrowdedalreadywithpeople，andalltheseatswerefilled，andwhentheoldwomangottoherusualplaceitalsowasnotempty，butthewholebenchwasentirelyfull。Andwhenshelookedatthepeople，theywerenoneotherthanherdeadrelativeswhoweresittingthereintheirold-fashionedgarments，butwithpalefaces。Theyneitherspokenorsang，butasofthummingandwhisperingwasheardalloverthechurch。Thenanauntofhersstoodup，steppedforward，andsaidtothepooroldwoman，looktherebesidethealtar，andyouwillseeyoursons。
Theoldwomanlookedthere，andsawhertwochildren，onehangingonthegallows，theotherboundtothewheel。Thensaidtheaunt，behold，sowouldithavebeenwiththemiftheyhadlived，andifthegoodGodhadnottakenthemtohimselfwhentheywereinnocentchildren。Theoldwomanwenttremblinghome，andonherkneesthankedGodforhavingdealtwithhermorekindlythanshehadbeenabletounderstand，andonthethirddayshelaydownanddied。
Oneafternoonthechrist-childhadlaidhimselfinhiscradle-bedandhadfallenasleep。Thenhismothercametohim，lookedathimfullofgladness，andsaid，haveyoulaidyourselfdowntosleep，mychild。Sleepsweetly，andinthemeantime，Iwillgointothewood，andfetchyouahandfulofstrawberries，forIknowthatyouwillbepleasedwiththemwhenyouawake。Inthewoodoutside，shefoundaspotwiththemostbeautifulstrawberries，butasshewasstoopingtogatherone，anaddersprangupoutofthegrass。
Shewasalarmed，leftthestrawberrieswheretheywere，andhastenedaway。Theadderdartedafterher，butourlady，asyoucanreadilyunderstand，knewwhatitwasbesttodo。Shehidherselfbehindahazel-bush，andstoodthereuntiltheadderhadcreptawayagain。Thenshegatheredthestrawberries，andasshesetoutonherwayhomeshesaid，asthehazel-bushhasbeenmyprotectionthistime，itshallinfutureprotectothersalso。
Therefore，fromthemostremotetimes，agreenhazel-branchhasbeenthesafestprotectionagainstadders，snakes，andeverythingelsewhichcreepsontheearth。
Acertaincathadmadetheacquaintanceofamouse，andhadsaidsomuchtoheraboutthegreatloveandfriendshipshefeltforher，thatatlengththemouseagreedthattheyshouldliveandkeephousetogether。Butwemustmakeaprovisionforwinter，orelseweshallsufferfromhunger，saidthecat，andyou，littlemouse，cannotventureeverywhere，oryouwillbecaughtinatrapsomeday。Thegoodadvicewasfollowed，andapotoffatwasbought，buttheydidnotknowwheretoputit。
Atlength，aftermuchconsideration，thecatsaid，Iknownoplacewhereitwillbebetterstoredupthaninthechurch，fornoonedarestakeanythingawayfromthere。Wewillsetitbeneaththealtar，andnottouchituntilwearereallyinneedofit。Sothepotwasplacedinsafety，butitwasnotlongbeforethecathadagreatyearningforit，andsaidtothemouse，Iwanttotellyousomething，littlemouse，mycousinhasbroughtalittlesonintotheworld，andhasaskedmetobegodmother，heiswhitewithbrownspots，andIamtoholdhimoverthefontatthechristening。Letmegooutto-day，andyoulookafterthehousebyyourself。Yes，yes，answeredthemouse，byallmeansgo，andifyougetanythingverygoodtoeat，thinkofme，Ishouldlikeadropofsweetredchristeningwinemyself。
Allthis，however，wasuntrue，thecathadnocousin，andhadnotbeenaskedtobegodmother。Shewentstraighttothechurch，stoletothepotoffat，begantolickatit，andlickedthetopofthefatoff。Thenshetookawalkupontheroofsofthetown，lookedoutforopportunities，andthenstretchedherselfinthesun，andlickedherlipswhenevershethoughtofthepotoffat，andnotuntilitwaseveningdidshereturnhome。Well，hereyouareagain，saidthemouse，nodoubtyouhavehadamerryday。Allwentoffwell，answeredthecat。Whatnamedidtheygivethechild。
Topoff，saidthecatquitecoolly。Topoff，criedthemouse，thatisaveryoddanduncommonname，isitausualoneinyourfamily。Whatdoesthatmatter，saidthecat，itisnoworsethancrumb-stealer，asyourGod-childrenarecalled。
Beforelongthecatwasseizedbyanotherfitofyearning。Shesaidtothemouse，youmustdomeafavor，andoncemoremanagethehouseforadayalone。Iamagainaskedtobegodmother，and，asthechildhasawhiteringrounditsneck，Icannotrefuse。
Thegoodmouseconsented，butthecatcreptbehindthetownwallstothechurch，anddevouredhalfthepotoffat。Nothingeverseemssogoodaswhatonekeepstooneself，saidshe，andwasquitesatisfiedwithherday\'swork。Whenshewenthomethemouseinquired，andwhatwasthischildchristened。Half-done，answeredthecat。Half-done。Whatareyousaying。Ineverheardthenameinmylife，I\'llwageranythingitisnotinthecalendar。
Thecat\'smouthsoonbegantowaterforsomemorelicking。Allgoodthingsgointhrees，saidshe，Iamaskedtostandgodmotheragain。Thechildisquiteblack，onlyithaswhitepaws，butwiththatexception，ithasnotasinglewhitehaironitswholebody，thisonlyhappensonceeveryfewyears，youwillletmego，won\'tyou。Top-off。Half-done，answeredthemouse，theyaresuchoddnames，theymakemeverythoughtful。Yousitathome，saidthecat，inyourdark-greyfurcoatandlongtail，andarefilledwithfancies，that\'sbecauseyoudonotgooutinthedaytime。
Duringthecat\'sabsencethemousecleanedthehouse，andputitinorderbutthegreedycatentirelyemptiedthepotoffat。Wheneverythingiseatenuponehassomepeace，saidshetoherself，andwellfilledandfatshedidnotreturnhometillnight。Themouseatonceaskedwhatnamehadbeengiventothethirdchild。
Itwillnotpleaseyoumorethantheothers，saidthecat。Heiscalledall-gone。All-gone，criedthemouse，thatisthemostsuspiciousnameofall。Ihaveneverseenitinprint。All-gone，whatcanthatmean，andsheshookherhead，curledherselfup，andlaydowntosleep。
Fromthistimeforthnooneinvitedthecattobegodmother，butwhenthewinterhadcomeandtherewasnolongeranythingtobefoundoutside，themousethoughtoftheirprovision，andsaid，comecat，wewillgotoourpotoffatwhichwehavestoredupforourselves-weshallenjoythat。Yes，answeredthecat，youwillenjoyitasmuchasyouwouldenjoystickingthatdaintytongueofyoursoutofthewindow。Theysetoutontheirway，butwhentheyarrived，thepotoffatcertainlywasstillinitsplace，butitwasempty。Alas，saidthemouse，nowIseewhathashappened，nowitcomestolight。Youareatruefriend。Youhavedevouredallwhenyouwerestandinggodmother。Firsttopoffthenhalfdone，then。Willyouholdyourtongue，criedthecat，onewordmoreandIwilleatyoutoo。Allgonewasalreadyonthepoormouse\'slips，scarcelyhadshespokenitbeforethecatsprangonher，seizedher，andswallowedherdown。Verily，thatisthewayoftheworld。
Therewasonceawonderfulmusician，whowentquiteforlornthroughaforestandthoughtofallmannerofthings，andwhennothingwasleftforhimtothinkabout，hesaidtohimself，timeisbeginningtopassheavilywithmehereintheforest，Iwillfetchhitheragoodcompanionformyself。Thenhetookhisfiddlefromhisback，andplayedsothatitechoedthroughthetrees。Itwasnotlongbeforeawolfcametrottingthroughthethickettowardshim。Ah，hereisawolfcoming。Ihavenodesireforhim，saidthemusicianbutthewolfcamenearerandsaidtohim，ah，dearmusician，howbeautifullyyouplay。Ishouldliketolearnthat，too。Itissoonlearnt，themusicianreplied，youhaveonlytodoallthatIbidyou。Oh，musician，saidthewolf，Iwillobeyyouasascholarobeyshismaster。Themusicianbadehimfollow，andwhentheyhadgonepartofthewaytogether，theycametoanoldoak-treewhichwashollowinside，andcleftinthemiddle。Look，saidthemusician，ifyouwilllearntofiddle，putyourforepawsintothiscrevice。Thewolfobeyed，butthemusicianquicklypickedupastoneandwithoneblowwedgedhistwopawssofastthathewasforcedtostaytherelikeaprisoner。
WaitthereuntilIcomebackagain，saidthemusician，andwenthisway。
Afterawhileheagainsaidtohimself，timeisbeginningtopassheavilywithmehereintheforest，Iwillfetchhitheranothercompanion，andtookhisfiddleandagainplayedintheforest。Itwasnotlongbeforeafoxcamecreepingthroughthetreestowardshim。Ah，there\'safoxcoming，saidthemusician。Ihavenodesireforhim。Thefoxcameuptohimandsaid，oh，dearmusician，howbeautifullyyouplay。Ishouldliketolearnthattoo。Thatissoonlearnt，saidthemusician。YouhaveonlytodoeverythingthatIbidyou。Oh，musician，thensaidthefox，I
willobeyyouasascholarobeyshismaster。Followme，saidthemusician，andwhentheyhadwalkedapartoftheway，theycametoafootpath，withhighbushesonbothsidesofit。Therethemusicianstoodstill，andfromonesidebentayounghazel-bushdowntotheground，andputhisfootontheendofit。Thenhebentdownayoungtreefromtheothersideaswell，andsaid，nowlittlefox，ifyouwilllearnsomething，givemeyourleftfrontpaw。Thefoxobeyed，andthemusicianfastenedhispawtotheleftbough。Littlefox，saidhe，nowreachmeyourrightpaw。
Andhetiedittotherightbough。Whenhehadexaminedwhethertheknotswerefirmenough，heletgo，andthebushessprangupagain，andjerkedupthelittlefox，sothatithungstrugglingintheair。WaittheretillIcomebackagain，saidthemusician，andwentonhisway。
Againhesaidtohimself，timeisbeginningtopassheavilywithmehereintheforest，Iwillfetchhitheranothercompanion。
Sohetookhisfiddle，andthesoundechoedthroughtheforest。
Thenalittleharecamespringingtowardshim。Ah，ahareiscoming，saidthemusician，Idonotwanthim。Ah，dearmusician，saidthehare，howbeautifullyyoufiddle，Itoo，shouldliketolearnthat。Thatissoonlearnt，saidthemusician，youhaveonlytodoeverythingthatIbidyou。
Oh，musician，repliedthelittlehare，Iwillobeyyouasascholarobeyshismaster。Theywentapartofthewaytogetheruntiltheycametoanopenspaceintheforest，wherestoodanaspentree。Themusiciantiedalongstringroundthelittlehare\'sneck，theotherendofwhichhefastenedtothetree。Nowbriskly，littlehare，runtwentytimesroundthetree，criedthemusician，andthelittlehareobeyed，andwhenithadrunroundtwentytimes，ithadtwistedthestringtwentytimesroundthetrunkofthetree，andthelittleharewascaught，andletitpullandtugasitliked，itonlymadethestringcutintoitstenderneck。WaittheretillIcomeback，saidthemusician，andwentonwards。
Thewolf，inthemeantime，hadpushedandpulledandbittenatthestone，andhadworkedsolongthathehadsethisfeetatlibertyandhaddrawnthemoncemoreoutofthecleft。Fullofangerandragehehurriedafterthemusicianandwantedtotearhimtopieces。Whenthefoxsawhimrunning，hebegantolament，andcriedwithallhismight，brotherwolf，cometomyhelp，themusicianhasbetrayedme。Thewolfdrewdownthelittletree，bitthecordintwo，andfreedthefox，whowentwithhimtotakerevengeonthemusician。Theyfoundthetied-uphare，whomlikewisetheyrescued，andthentheyallsoughttheenemytogether。
Themusicianhadoncemoreplayedhisfiddleashewentonhisway，andthistimehehadbeenmorefortunate。Thesoundreachedtheearsofapoorwood-cutter，whoinstantly，whetherhewouldorno，gaveuphisworkandcamewithhishatchetunderhisarmtolistentothemusic。Atlastcomestherightcompanion，saidthemusician，forIwasseekingahumanbeing，andnowildbeast。Andhebeganandplayedsobeautifullyanddelightfullythatthepoormanstoodthereasifbewitched，andhisheartleapedwithgladness。Andashethusstood，thewolf，thefox，andtheharecameup，andhesawwellthattheyhadsomeevildesign。Soheraisedhisglitteringaxeandplacedhimselfbeforethemusician，asiftosay，whosowishestotouchhimlethimbeware，forhewillhavetodealwithme。Thenthebeastswereterrifiedandranbackintotheforest。Themusician，however，playedoncemoretothemanoutofgratitude，andthenwentonwards。
Thecockoncesaidtothehen，itisnowthetimewhenthenutsareripe，soletusgotothehilltogetherandforonceeatourfillbeforethesquirreltakesthemallaway。Yes，repliedthehen，come，wewillhavesomefuntogether。Thentheywentawaytothehill，andasitwasabrightdaytheystayedtillevening。NowIdonotknowwhetheritwasthattheyhadeatentilltheyweretoofat，orwhethertheyhadbecometooproud，buttheywouldnotgohomeonfoot，andthecockhadtobuildalittlecarriageofnut-shells。Whenitwasready，thelittlehenseatedherselfinitandsaidtothecock，youcanjustharnessyourselftoit。Ilikethat。Saidthecock。I
wouldrathergohomeonfootthanletmyselfbeharnessedtoit。
No，thatisnotourbargain。Idonotmindbeingcoachmanandsittingonthebox，butdragitmyselfIwillnot。
Astheywerethusdisputing，aduckquackedatthem，youthievingfolks，whobadeyougotomynut-hill。Wait，youshallsufferforit，andranwithopenbeakatthecock。Butthecockalsowasnotidle，andfellboldlyontheduck，andatlastwoundedhersowithhisspursthatshebeggedformercy，andwillinglyletherselfbeharnessedtothecarriageasapunishment。Thelittlecocknowseatedhimselfontheboxandwascoachman，andthereupontheywentoffatagallop，withthecockcrying，duck，goasfastasyoucan。Whentheyhaddrivenapartofthewaytheymettwofoot-passengers，apinandaneedle。Theycried，stop。Stop。Andsaidthatitwouldsoonbeasdarkaspitch，andthentheycouldnotgoastepfurther，andthatitwassodirtyontheroad，andaskediftheycouldnotgetintothecarriageforawhile。Theyhadbeenatthetailor\'spublic-housebythegate，andhadstayedtoolongoverthebeer。Astheywerethinpeople，whodidnottakeupmuchroom，thecockletthembothgetin，buttheyhadtopromisehimandhislittlehennottostepontheirfeet。Lateintheeveningtheycametoaninn，andastheydidnotliketogofurtherbynight，andastheduckalsowasnotstrongonherfeet，andfellfromonesidetotheother，theywentin。Thehostatfirstmademanyobjections，hishousewasalreadyfull，besideshethoughttheycouldnotbeverydistinguishedpersons。Butatlast，astheymadepleasantspeeches，andtoldhimthatheshouldhavetheeggwhichthelittlehenhadlaidontheway，andshouldlikewisekeeptheduck，whichlaidoneeveryday，heatlengthsaidthattheymightstaythenight。Andnowtheyhadthemselveswellserved，andfeastedandhadahighgoodtime。Earlyinthemorning，whendaywasbreakingandeveryonewasasleep，thecockawokethehen，broughttheegg，peckeditopen，andtheyateittogether，buttheythrewtheshellonthehearth。Thentheywenttotheneedlewhichwasstillasleep，tookitbytheheadandstuckitintothecushionofthelandlord\'schair，andputthepininhistowel，andatlastwithoutmoreadotheyfledawayovertheheath。Theduckwholikedtosleepintheopenairandhadstayedintheyard，heardthemgoingaway，madeherselfmerryandfoundastream，downwhichsheswam，whichwasamuchquickerwayoftravelingthanbeingharnessedtoacarriage。Thehostdidnotgetoutofbeduntilacoupleofhourslater。Hewashedhimselfandwasabouttodryhimself，whenthepinwentoverhisfaceandmadearedscratchfromoneeartotheother。Afterthishewentintothekitchenandwantedtolightapipe，butwhenhecametothehearththeegg-shelldartedintohiseyes。Thismorningeverythingattacksmyhead，saidhe，andangrilysatdownonhisgrandfather\'schair，buthequicklystartedupagainandcried，ow，fortheneedlehadprickedhimstillworsethanthepin，andnotinthehead。Nowhewasthoroughlyangry，andsuspectedtheguestswhohadcomesolatethenightbefore。Andwhenhewentinsearchofthem，theyweregone。Thenhemadeavowtotakenomoreragamuffinsintohishouse，fortheyconsumemuch，payfornothing，andplaymischievoustricksintothebargainbywayofgratitude。
Inavillagedweltapooroldwoman，whohadgatheredtogetheradishofbeansandwantedtocookthem。Soshemadeafireonherhearth，andthatitmightburnthequicker，shelighteditwithahandfulofstraw。Whenshewasemptyingthebeansintothepan，onedroppedwithoutherobservingit，andlayonthegroundbesideastraw，andsoonafterwardsaburningcoalfromthefireleaptdowntothetwo。Thenthestrawbeganandsaid，dearfriends，fromwhencedoyoucomehere。Thecoalreplied，Ifortunatelysprangoutofthefire，andifIhadnotescapedbysheerforce，mydeathwouldhavebeencertain，Ishouldhavebeenburnttoashes。Thebeansaid，Itoohaveescapedwithawholeskin，butiftheoldwomanhadgotmeintothepan，Ishouldhavebeenmadeintobrothwithoutanymercy，likemycomrades。Andwouldabetterfatehavefallentomylot，saidthestraw。Theoldwomanhasdestroyedallmybrethreninfireandsmoke。Sheseizedsixtyofthematonce，andtooktheirlives。Iluckilyslippedthroughherfingers。
Butwhatarewetodonow，saidthecoal。
Ithink，answeredthebean，thataswehavesofortunatelyescapeddeath，weshouldkeeptogetherlikegoodcompanions，andlestanewmischanceshouldovertakeushere，weshouldgoawaytogether，andrepairtoaforeigncountry。
Thepropositionpleasedthetwoothers，andtheysetoutontheirwaytogether。Soon，however，theycametoalittlebrook，andastherewasnobridgeorfoot-plank，theydidnotknowhowtheyweretogetoverit。Thestrawhitonagoodidea，andsaid，Iwilllaymyselfstraightacross，andthenyoucanwalkoveronmeasonabridge。Thestrawthereforestretcheditselffromonebanktotheother，andthecoal，whowasofanimpetuousdisposition，trippedquiteboldlyontothenewly-builtbridge。
Butwhenshehadreachedthemiddle，andheardthewaterrushingbeneathher，shewas，afterall，afraid，andstoodstill，andventurednofarther。Thestraw，however，begantoburn，brokeintwopieces，andfellintothestream。Thecoalslippedafterher，hissedwhenshegotintothewater，andbreathedherlast。
Thebean，whohadprudentlystayedbehindontheshore，couldnotbutlaughattheevent，wasunabletostop，andlaughedsoheartilythatsheburst。Itwouldhavebeenalloverwithher，likewise，if，bygoodfortune，atailorwhowastravelinginsearchofwork，hadnotsatdowntorestbythebrook。Ashehadacompassionatehearthepulledouthisneedleandthread，andsewedhertogether。Thebeanthankedhimmostprettily，butasthetailorusedblackthread，allbeanssincethenhaveablackseam。
Therewasonceuponatimeafishermanwholivedwithhiswifeinapig-styeclosebythesea，andeverydayhewentoutfishing。
Andhefished，andhefished。Andoncehewassittingwithhisrod，lookingattheclearwater，andhesatandhesat。Thenhislinesuddenlywentdown，fardownbelow，andwhenhedrewitupagain，hebroughtoutalargeflounder。Thenthefloundersaidtohim，hark，youfisherman，Iprayyou，letmelive，Iamnoflounderreally，butanenchantedprince。Whatgoodwillitdoyoutokillme。Ishouldnotbegoodtoeat，putmeinthewateragain，andletmego。Come，saidthefisherman，thereisnoneedforsomanywordsaboutit-afishthatcantalkIshouldcertainlyletgo，anyhow。Andwiththatheputhimbackagainintotheclearwater，andtheflounderwenttothebottom，leavingalongstreakofbloodbehindhim。Thenthefishermangotupandwenthometohiswifeinthepig-stye。
Husband，saidthewoman，haveyoucaughtnothingto-day。No，saidtheman，Ididcatchaflounder，whosaidhewasanenchantedprince，soIlethimgoagain。Didyounotwishforanythingfirst，saidthewoman。No，saidtheman，whatshouldIwishfor。Ah，saidthewoman，itissurelyhardtohavetolivealwaysinthispig-styewhichstinksandissodisgusting。Youmighthavewishedforalittlehutforus。Gobackandcallhim。Tellhimwewanttohavealittlehut，hewillcertainlygiveusthat。Ah，saidtheman，whyshouldIgothereagain。
Why，saidthewoman，youdidcatchhim，andyoulethimgoagain。
Heissuretodoit。Goatonce。Themanstilldidnotquiteliketogo，butdidnotliketoopposehiswifeeither，andwenttothesea。
Whenhegottheretheseawasallgreenandyellow，andnolongersosmooth，sohestoodstillandsaid，flounder，flounderinthesea，come，Ipraythee，heretome。
Formywife，goodilsabil，willsnotasI\'dhaveherwill。
Thenthefloundercameswimmingtohimandsaid，wellwhatdoesshewant，then。Ah，saidtheman，Ididcatchyou，andmywifesaysIreallyoughttohavewishedforsomething。
Shedoesnotliketoliveinapig-styeanylonger。Shewouldliketohaveahut。Go，then，saidtheflounder，shehasitalready。
Whenthemanwenthome，hiswifewasnolongerinthestye，butinsteadofittherestoodahut，andshewassittingonabenchbeforethedoor。Thenshetookhimbythehandandsaidtohim，justcomeinside。Look，nowisn\'tthisagreatdealbetter。Sotheywentin，andtherewasasmallporch，andaprettylittleparlorandbedroom，andakitchenandpantry，withthebestoffurniture，andfittedupwiththemostbeautifulthingsmadeoftinandbrass，whatsoeverwaswanted。
Andbehindthehuttherewasasmallyard，withhensandducks，andalittlegardenwithflowersandfruit。Look，saidthewife，isnotthatnice。Yes，saidthehusband，andsoitshallremain-nowwewilllivequitecontented。Wewillthinkaboutthatsaidthewife。Withthattheyatesomethingandwenttobed。
Everythingwentwellforaweekorafortnight，andthenthewomansaid，harkyou，husband，thishutisfartoosmallforus，andthegardenandyardarelittle。Thefloundermightjustaswellhavegivenusalargerhouse。Ishouldliketoliveinagreatstonecastle。Gototheflounder，andtellhimtogiveusacastle。Ah，wife，saidtheman，thehutisquitegoodenough。Whywhouldweliveinacastle。What。Saidthewoman。Justgothere，thefloundercanalwaysdothat。No，wife，saidtheman，theflounderhasjustgivenusthehut，Idonotliketogobacksosoon，itmightmakehimangry。
Go，saidthewoman，hecandoitquiteeasily，andwillbegladtodoit。Justyougotohim。
Theman\'sheartgrewheavy，andhewouldnotgo。Hesaidtohimself，itisnotright，andyethewent。Andwhenhecametotheseathewaterwasquitepurpleanddark-blue，andgreyandthick，andnolongersogreenandyellow，butitwasstillquiet。Andhestoodthereandsaid，flounder，flounderinthesea，come，Ipraythee，heretome。
Formywife，goodilsabil，willsnotasI\'dhaveherwill。
Well，whatdoesshewant，now，saidtheflounder。Alas，saidtheman，halfscared，shewantstoliveinagreatstonecastle。
Gotoit，then，sheisstandingbeforethedoor，saidtheflounder。
Thenthemanwentaway，intendingtogohome，butwhenhegotthere，hefoundagreatstonepalace，andhiswifewasjuststandingonthestepsgoingin，andshetookhimbythehandandsaid，comein。Sohewentinwithher，andinthecastlewasagreathallpavedwithmarble，andmanyservants，whoflungwidethedoors。Andthewallswereallbrightwithbeautifulhangings，andintheroomswerechairsandtablesofpuregold，andcrystalchandeliershungfromtheceiling，andalltheroomsandbedroomshadcarpets，andfoodandwineoftheverybestwerestandingonallthetables，sothattheynearlybrokedownbeneathit。Behindthehouse，too，therewasagreatcourt-yard，withstablesforhorsesandcows，andtheverybestofcarriages。Therewasamagnificentlargegarden，too，withthemostbeautifulflowersandfruit-trees，andaparkquitehalfamilelong，inwhichwerestags，deer，andhares，andeverythingthatcouldbedesired。Come，saidthewoman，isn\'tthatbeautiful。Yes，indeed，saidtheman，nowletitbe，andwewillliveinthisbeautifulcastleandbecontent。Wewillconsideraboutthat，saidthewoman，andsleepuponit。Thereupontheywenttobed。
Nextmorningthewifeawokefirst，anditwasjustdaybreak，andfromherbedshesawthebeautifulcountrylyingbeforeher。Herhusbandwasstillstretchinghimself，soshepokedhiminthesidewithherelbow，andsaid，getup，husband，andjustpeepoutofthewindow。Lookyou，couldn\'twebethekingoverallthatland。Gototheflounder，wewillbetheking。Ah，wife，saidtheman，whyshouldwebeking。I
donotwanttobeking。Well，saidthewife，ifyouwon\'tbeking，Iwill。Gototheflounder，forIwillbeking。Ah，wife，saidtheman，whydoyouwanttobeking。Idonotliketosaythattohim。Whynot，saidthewoman。Gotohimthisinstant。Imustbeking。Sothemanwent，andwasquiteunhappybecausehiswifewishedtobeking。Itisnotright，itisnotright，thoughthe。Hedidnotwishtogo，butyethewent。
Andwhenhecametothesea，itwasquitedark-grey，andthewaterheavedupfrombelow，andsmeltputrid。Thenhewentandstoodbyit，andsaid，flounder，flounderinthesea，come，Ipraythee，heretome。
Formywife，goodilsabil，willsnotasI\'dhaveherwill。
Well，whatdoesshewant，now。Saidtheflounder。Alas，saidtheman，shewantstobeking。Gotoher。Sheiskingalready。
Sothemanwent，andwhenhecametothepalace，thecastlehadbecomemuchlarger，andhadagreattowerandmagnificentornaments，andthesentinelwasstandingbeforethedoor，andtherewerenumbersofsoldierswithkettle-drumsandtrumpets。
Andwhenhewentinsidethehouse，everythingwasofrealmarbleandgold，withvelvetcoversandgreatgoldentassels。Thenthedoorsofthehallwereopened，andtherewasthecourtinallitssplendor，andhiswifewassittingonahighthroneofgoldanddiamonds，withagreatcrownofgoldonherhead，andasceptreofpuregoldandjewelsinherhand，andonbothsidesofherstoodhermaids-in-waitinginarow，eachofthemalwaysoneheadshorterthanthelast。
Thenhewentandstoodbeforeher，andsaid，ah，wife，andnowyouareking。Yes，saidthewoman，nowIamking。Sohestoodandlookedather，andwhenhehadlookedatherthusforsometime，hesaid，andnowthatyouareking，letallelsebe，nowwewillwishfornothingmore。No，husband，saidthewoman，quiteanxiously，Ifindtimepassesveryheavily，Icanbearitnolonger。Gototheflounder-Iamking，butImustbeemperor，too。Oh，wife，whydoyouwishtobeemperor。
Husband，saidshe，gototheflounder。Iwillbeemperor。
Alas，wife，saidtheman，hecannotmakeyouemperor。Imaynotsaythattothefish。Thereisonlyoneemperorintheland。Anemperorthefloundercannotmakeyou。Iassureyouhecannot。
What。Saidthewoman，Iamtheking，andyouarenothingbutmyhusband。Willyougothismoment。Goatonce。Ifhecanmakeakinghecanmakeanemperor。Iwillbeemperor。Goinstantly。Sohewasforcedtogo。Asthemanwent，however，hewastroubledinmind，andthoughttohimself，itwillnotendwell。Itwillnotendwell。Emperoristooshameless。Theflounderwillatlastbetiredout。
Withthathereachedthesea，andtheseawasquiteblackandthick，andbegantoboilupfrombelow，sothatitthrewupbubbles，andsuchasharpwindblewoveritthatitcurdled，andthemanwasafraid。Thenhewentandstoodbyit，andsaid，flounder，flounderinthesea，come，Ipraythee，heretome。
Formywife，goodilsabil，willsnotasI\'dhaveherwill。
Well，whatdoesshewant，now，saidtheflounder。Alas，flounder，saidhe，mywifewantstobeemperor。Gotoher，saidtheflounder。Sheisemperoralready。
Sothemanwent，andwhenhegottherethewholepalacewasmadeofpolishedmarblewithalabasterfiguresandgoldenornaments，andsoldiersweremarchingbeforethedoorblowingtrumpets，andbeatingcymbalsanddrums。Andinthehouse，barons，andcounts，anddukesweregoingaboutasservants。Thentheyopenedthedoorstohim，whichwereofpuregold。Andwhenheentered，theresathiswifeonathrone，whichwasmadeofonepieceofgold，andwasquitetwomileshigh。Andsheworeagreatgoldencrownthatwasthreeyardshigh，andsetwithdiamondsandcarbuncles，andinonehandshehadthesceptre，andintheothertheimperialorb。Andonbothsidesofherstoodtheyeomenoftheguardintworows，eachbeingsmallerthantheonebeforehim，fromthebiggestgiant，whowastwomileshigh，totheverysmallestdwarf，justasbigasmylittlefinger。Andbeforeitstoodanumberofprincesanddukes。
Thenthemanwentandstoodamongthem，andsaid，wife，areyouemperornow。Yes，saidshe，nowIamemperor。Thenhestoodandlookedatherwell，andwhenhehadlookedatherthusforsometime，hesaid，ah，wife，becontent，nowthatyouareemperor。Husband，saidshe，whyareyoustandingthere。Now，I
amemperor，butIwillbepopetoo。Gototheflounder。Oh，wife，saidtheman，whatwillyounotwishfor。Youcannotbepope。Thereisbutoneinchristendom。Hecannotmakeyoupope。
Husband，saidshe，Iwillbepope。Goimmediately，Imustbepopethisveryday。No，wife，saidtheman，Idonotliketosaythattohim。Thatwouldnotdo，itistoomuch。Thefloundercan\'tmakeyoupope。Husband，saidshe，whatnonsense。Ifhecanmakeanemperorhecanmakeapope。Gotohimdirectly。
Iamemperor，andyouarenothingbutmyhusband。Willyougoatonce。
Thenhewasafraidandwent，buthewasquitefaint，andshiveredandshook，andhiskneesandlegstrembled。Andahighwindblewovertheland，andthecloudsflew，andtowardseveningallgrewdark，andtheleavesfellfromthetrees，andthewaterroseandroaredasifitwereboiling，andsplashedupontheshore。Andinthedistancehesawshipswhichwerefiringgunsintheirsoreneed，pitchingandtossingonthewaves。Andyetinthemidstoftheskytherewasstillasmallpatchofblue，thoughoneverysideitwasasredasinaheavystorm。So，fullofdespair，hewentandstoodinmuchfearandsaid，flounder，flounderinthesea，come，Ipraythee，heretome。
Formywife，goodilsabil，willsnotasI\'dhaveherwill。
Well，whatdoesshewant，now，saidtheflounder。Alas，saidtheman，shewantstobepope。Gotoherthen，saidtheflounder，sheispopealready。
Sohewent，andwhenhegotthere，hesawwhatseemedtobealargechurchsurroundedbypalaces。Hepushedhiswaythroughthecrowd。Inside，however，everythingwaslightedupwiththousandsandthousandsofcandles，andhiswifewascladingold，andshewassittingonamuchhigherthrone，andhadthreegreatgoldencrownson，androundabouthertherewasmuchecclesiasticalsplendor。Andonbothsidesofherwasarowofcandlesthelargestofwhichwasastallastheverytallesttower，downtotheverysmallestkitchencandle，andalltheemperorsandkingswereontheirkneesbeforeher，kissinghershoe。
Wife，saidtheman，andlookedattentivelyather，areyounowpope。Yes，saidshe，Iampope。Sohestoodandlookedather，anditwasjustasifhewaslookingatthebrightsun。Whenhehadstoodlookingatherthusforashorttime，hesaid，ah，wife，ifyouarepope，doletwellalone。Butshelookedasstiffasapost，anddidnotmoveorshowanysignsoflife。
Thensaidhe，wife，nowthatyouarepope，besatisfied，youcannotbecomeanythinggreaternow。Iwillconsideraboutthat，saidthewoman。Thereupontheybothwenttobed，butshewasnotsatisfied，andgreedinessletherhavenosleep，forshewascontinuallythinkingwhattherewasleftforhertobe。
Themansleptwellandsoundly，forhehadrunaboutagreatdealduringtheday。Butthewomancouldnotfallasleepatall，andflungherselffromonesidetotheotherthewholenightthrough，thinkingalwayswhatmorewasleftforhertobe，butunabletocalltomindanythingelse。Atlengththesunbegantorise，andwhenthewomansawtheredofdawn，shesatupinbedandlookedatit。Andwhen，throughthewindow，shesawthesunthusrising，shesaid，cannotI，too，orderthesunandmoontorise。Husband，shesaid，pokinghimintheribswithherelbows，wakeup。Gototheflounder，forIwishtobeevenasGodis。Themanwasstillhalfasleep，buthewassohorrifiedthathefelloutofbed。Hethoughthemusthaveheardamiss，andrubbedhiseyes，andsaid，wife，whatareyousaying。Husband，saidshe，ifIcan\'torderthesunandmoontorise，andhavetolookonandseethesunandmoonrising，Ican\'tbearit。Ishallnotknowwhatitistohaveanotherhappyhour，unlessIcanmakethemrisemyself。
Thenshelookedathimsoterriblythatashudderranoverhim，andsaid，goatonce。IwishtobelikeuntoGod。Alas，wife，saidtheman，fallingonhiskneesbeforeher，thefloundercannotdothat。Hecanmakeanemperorandapope。Ibeseechyou，goonasyouare，andbepope。Thenshefellintoarage，andherhairflewwildlyaboutherhead，shetoreopenherbodice，kickedhimwithherfoot，andscreamed，Ican\'tstandit，Ican\'tstanditanylonger。Willyougothisinstant。
Thenheputonhistrousersandranawaylikeamadman。Butoutsideagreatstormwasraging，andblowingsohardthathecouldscarcelykeephisfeet。Housesandtreestoppledover，themountainstrembled，rocksrolledintothesea，theskywaspitchblack，anditthunderedandlightened，andtheseacameinwithblackwavesashighaschurch-towersandmountains，andallwithcrestsofwhitefoamatthetop。Thenhecried，butcouldnothearhisownwords，flounder，flounderinthesea，come，Ipraythee，heretome。
Formywife，goodilsabil，willsnotasI\'dhaveherwill。
Well，whatdoesshewant，now，saidtheflounder。Alas，saidhe，shewantstobelikeuntoGod。Gotoher，andyouwillfindherbackagaininthepig-stye。Andtheretheyarestilllivingtothisday。
Onceuponatimeamouse，abird，andasausagebecamecompanions，kepthousetogether，livedwellandhappilyinpeace，andwonderfullyincreasedtheirpossessions。Thebird\'sworkwastoflyeverydayintotheforestandbringbackwood。Themousehadtocarrywater，lightthefire，andlaythetable，butthesausagehadtocook。
Hewhoistoowelloffisalwayslongingforsomethingnew。Onedaythebirdmetwithanotherbird，towhomitrelateditsexcellentcircumstancesandboastedofthem。Theotherbird，however，calleditapoorsimpletonforhishardwork，butsaidthatthetwoathomehadgoodtimes。Forwhenthemousehadmadeherfireandcarriedherwater，shewentintoherlittleroomtorestuntiltheycalledhertolaythetable。Thesausagestayedbythepot，sawthatthefoodwascookingwell，and，whenitwasnearlytimefordinner，itrolleditselfonceortwicethroughthebrothorvegetablesandthentheywerebuttered，salted，andready。Whenthebirdcamehomeandlaidhisburdendown，theysatdowntodinner，andaftertheyhadhadtheirmeal，theyslepttheirfilltillnextmorning，andthatwasasplendidlife。
Nextdaythebird，promptedbytheotherbird，wouldgonomoreintothewood，sayingthathehadbeenservantlongenough，andhadbeenmadeafoolofbythem，andthattheymustchangeaboutforonce，andtrytoarrangeitinanotherway。And，thoughthemouseandthesausagealsobeggedmostearnestly，thebirdwouldhavehisway，andsaiditmustbetried。Theycastlotsaboutit，andthelotfellonthesausagewhowastocarrywood，themousebecamecook，andthebirdwastofetchwater。
Whathappened。Thelittlesausagewentouttowardsthewood，thelittlebirdlightedthefire，themousestayedbythepotandwaitedaloneuntillittlesausagecamehomeandbroughtwoodfornextday。Butthelittlesausagestayedsolongontheroadthattheybothfearedsomethingwasamiss，andthebirdflewoutalittlewayintheairtomeetit。
Notfaroff，however，itmetadogontheroadwhohadfallenonthepoorsausageaslawfulbooty，andhadseizedandswallowedit。Thebirdchargedthedogwithanactofbare-facedrobbery，butwordswereuseless，forthedogsaidhehadfoundforgedlettersonthesausage，onwhichaccountitslifewasforfeitedtohim。
Thebirdsadlytookupthewood，flewhome，andrelatedwhathehadseenandheard。Theyweremuchtroubled，butagreedtodotheirbestandremaintogether。Thebirdthereforelaidthetable，andthemousemadereadythefood，andwantedtodressit，andtogetintothepotasthesausageusedtodo，androllandcreepamongstthevegetablestomixthem。Butbeforeshegotintothemidstofthemshewasstopped，andlostherskinandhairandlifeintheattempt。
Whenthebirdcametocarryinthedinner，nocookwasthere。Initsdistressthebirdthrewthewoodhereandthere，calledandsearched，butnocookwastobefound。Owingtohiscarelessnessthewoodcaughtfire，sothataconflagrationbrokeout。Thebirdhastenedtofetchwater，butthebucketdroppedintothewell，andhefellinwithit，andcouldnotrecoverhimself，buthadtodrownthere。
Acertainmanhadadonkey，whichhadcarriedthecorn-sackstothemillindefatigablyformanyalongyear。Buthisstrengthwasgoing，andhewasgrowingmoreandmoreunfitforwork。Thenhismasterbegantoconsiderhowhemightbestsavehiskeep。Butthedonkey，seeingthatnogoodwindwasblowing，ranawayandsetoutontheroadtobremen。There，hethought，Icansurelybeatown-musician。Whenhehadwalkedsomedistance，hefoundahoundlyingontheroad，gaspinglikeonewhohadruntillhewastired。Whatareyougaspingsofor，youbigfellow，askedthedonkey。
Ah，repliedthehound，asIamold，anddailygrowweaker，andnolongercanhunt，mymasterwantedtokillme，soItooktoflight，butnowhowamItoearnmybread。
Itellyouwhat，saidthedonkey，Iamgoingtobremen，andshallbetown-musicianthere。Gowithmeandengageyourselfalsoasamusician。Iwillplaythelute，andyoushallbeatthekettle-drum。
Thehoundagreed，andontheywent。
Beforelongtheycametoacat，sittingonthepath，withafacelikethreerainydays。Nowthen，oldshaver，whathasgoneaskewwithyou，askedthedonkey。
Whocanbemerrywhenhisneckisindanger，answeredthecat。
BecauseIamnowgettingold，andmyteethareworntostumps，andIprefertositbythefireandspin，ratherthanhuntaboutaftermice，mymistresswantedtodrownme，soI
ranaway。Butnowgoodadviceisscarce。WhereamItogo。
Gowithustobremen。Youunderstandnight-music，youcanbeatown-musician。
Thecatthoughtwellofit，andwentwiththem。Afterthisthethreefugitivescametoafarm-yard，wherethecockwassittinguponthegate，crowingwithallhismight。Yourcrowgoesthroughandthroughone，saidthedonkey。Whatisthematter。
Ihavebeenforetellingfineweather，becauseitisthedayonwhichourladywashesthechrist-child\'slittleshirts，andwantstodrythem，saidthecock。Butguestsarecomingforsunday，sothehousewifehasnopity，andhastoldthecookthatsheintendstoeatmeinthesoupto-morrow，andthiseveningIamtohavemyheadcutoff。NowIamcrowingatthetopofmylungswhilestillIcan。
Ah，butred-comb，saidthedonkey，youhadbettercomeawaywithus。Wearegoingtobremen。Youcanfindsomethingbetterthandeatheverywhere。Youhaveagoodvoice，andifwemakemusictogetheritmusthavesomequality。
Thecockagreedtothisplan，andallfourwentontogether。
Theycouldnotreachthecityofbremeninoneday，however，andintheeveningtheycametoaforestwheretheymeanttopassthenight。Thedonkeyandthehoundlaidthemselvesdownunderalargetree，thecatandthecocksettledthemselvesinthebranches。Butthecockflewrighttothetop，wherehewasmostsafe。Beforehewenttosleephelookedroundonallfoursides，andthoughthesawinthedistancealittlesparkburning。
Sohecalledouttohiscompanionsthattheremustbeahousenotfaroff，forhesawalight。Thedonkeysaid，ifso，wehadbettergetupandgoon，fortheshelterhereisbad。Thehoundthoughttoothatafewboneswithsomemeatonwoulddohimgood。
Sotheymadetheirwaytotheplacewherethelightwas，andsoonsawitshinebrighterandgrowlarger，untiltheycametoawell-lightedrobbers，house。Thedonkey，asthebiggest，wenttothewindowandlookedin。
Whatdoyousee，mygrey-horse，askedthecock。WhatdoI
see，answeredthedonkey。Atablecoveredwithgoodthingstoeatanddrink，androbberssittingatitenjoyingthemselves。
Thatwouldbethesortofthingforus，saidthecock。Yes，yes。Ah，ifonlywewerethere，saidthedonkey。
Thentheanimalstookcounseltogetherhowtheyshouldmanagetodriveawaytherobbers，andatlasttheythoughtofaplan。
Thedonkeywastoplacehimselfwithhisfore-feetuponthewindow-ledge，thehoundwastojumponthedonkey\'sback，thecatwastoclimbuponthedog，andlastlythecockwastoflyupandperchupontheheadofthecat。
Whenthiswasdone，atagivensignal，theybegantoperformtheirmusictogether。Thedonkeybrayed，thehoundbarked，thecatmewed，andthecockcrowed。Thentheyburstthroughthewindowintotheroom，shatteringtheglass。Atthishorribledin，therobberssprangup，thinkingnootherwisethanthataghosthadcomein，andfledinagreatfrightoutintotheforest。Thefourcompanionsnowsatdownatthetable，wellcontentwithwhatwasleft，andateasiftheyweregoingtofastforamonth。
Assoonasthefourminstrelshaddone，theyputoutthelight，andeachsoughtforhimselfasleeping-placeaccordingtohisnatureandwhatsuitedhim。Thedonkeylaidhimselfdownuponsomestrawintheyard，thehoundbehindthedoor，thecatuponthehearthnearthewarmashes，andthecockperchedhimselfuponabeamoftheroof。Andbeingtiredfromtheirlongwalk，theysoonwenttosleep。
Whenitwaspastmidnight，andtherobberssawfromafarthatthelightwasnolongerburningintheirhouse，andallappearedquiet，thecaptainsaid，weoughtnottohaveletourselvesbefrightenedoutofourwits，andorderedoneofthemtogoandexaminethehouse。
Themessengerfindingallstill，wentintothekitchentolightacandle，and，takingtheglisteningfieryeyesofthecatforlivecoals，heheldalucifer-matchtothemtolightit。Butthecatdidnotunderstandthejoke，andflewinhisface，spittingandscratching。Hewasdreadfullyfrightened，andrantotheback-door，butthedog，wholaytheresprangupandbithisleg。Andasheranacrosstheyardbythedunghill，thedonkeygavehimasmartkickwithitshindfoot。Thecock，too，whohadbeenawakenedbythenoise，andhadbecomelively，crieddownfromthebeam，cock-a-doodle-doo。
Thentherobberranbackasfastashecouldtohiscaptain，andsaid，ah，thereisahorriblewitchsittinginthehouse，whospatonmeandscratchedmyfacewithherlongclaws。Andbythedoorstandsamanwithaknife，whostabbedmeintheleg。
Andintheyardthereliesablackmonster，whobeatmewithawoodenclub。Andabove，upontheroof，sitsthejudge，whocalledout，bringtherogueheretome。SoIgotawayaswellasIcould。
Afterthistherobbersneveragaindaredenterthehouse。
Butitsuitedthefourmusiciansofbremensowellthattheydidnotcaretoleaveitanymore。Andthemouthofhimwholasttoldthisstoryisstillwarm。
Alouseandafleakepthousetogetherandwerebrewingbeerinanegg-shell。Thenthelittlelousefellinandburntherself。Atthisthelittlefleabegantoscreamloudly。Thensaidthelittleroom-door，littleflea，whyareyouscreaming。
Becausethelousehasburntherself。
Thenthelittledoorbegantocreak。Atthisalittlebroominthecornersaid，whyareyoucreaking，littledoor。HaveInotreasontocreak。
Thelittlelousehasburntherself，thelittlefleaisweeping。
Sothelittlebroombegantosweepfrantically。Thenalittlecartpassedbyandsaid，whyareyousweeping，littlebroom。HaveInotreasontosweep。
Thelittlelousehasburntherself，thelittlefleaisweeping，thelittledooriscreaking。
Sothelittlecartsaid，thenIwillrun，andbegantorunlikemad。Thensaidtheash-heapbywhichitran，whyareyourunningso，littlecart。HaveInotreasontorun。
Thelittlelousehasburntherself，thelittlefleaisweeping，thelittledooriscreaking，thelittlebroomissweeping。
Theash-heapsaid，thenIwillburnfuriously，andbegantoburninclearflames。Alittletreestoodneartheash-heapandsaid，ash-heap，whyareyouburning。HaveInotreasontoburn。
Thelittlelousehasburntherself，thelittlefleaisweeping，thelittledooriscreaking，thelittlebroomissweeping，thelittlecartisrunning。
Thelittletreesaid，thenIwillshakemyself，andbegantoshakeherselfsothatallherleavesfelloff。Agirlwhocameupwithherwater-pitchersawthat，andsaid，littletree，whyareyoushakingyourself。HaveInotreasontoshakemyself。
Thelittlelousehasburntherself，thelittlefleaisweeping，thelittledooriscreaking，thelittlebroomissweeping，thelittlecartisrunning，thelittleash-heapisburning。
Atthisthegirlsaid，thenIwillbreakmylittlewater-pitcher。
Andshebrokeherlittlewater-pitcher。Thensaidthelittlespringfromwhichranthewater，girl，whyareyoubreakingyourwater-pitcher。HaveInotreasontobreakmywater-pitcher。
Thelittlelousehasburntherself，thelittlefleaisweeping，thelittledooriscreaking，thelittlebroomissweeping，thelittlecartisrunning，thelittleash-heapisburning，thelittletreeisshakingitself。
Oh，ho，saidthespring，thenIwillbegintoflow，andbegantoflowviolently。Andinthewatereverythingwasdrowned，thegirl，thelittletree，thelittleash-heap，thelittlecart，thebroom，thelittledoor，thelittleflea，thelittlelouse，alltogether。
OneveryfinedayitcametopassthatthegoodGodwishedtoenjoyhimselfintheheavenlygarden，andtookalltheapostlesandsaintswithhim，sothatnoonestayedinheavenbutsaintpeter。TheLordhadcommandedhimtoletnooneinduringhisabsence，sopeterstoodbythedoorandkeptwatch。
Beforelongsomeoneknocked。Peteraskedwhowasthere，andwhathewanted。Iamapoor，honesttailorwhopraysforadmission，repliedasmoothvoice。Honestindeed，saidpeter，likethethiefonthegallows。Youhavebeenlight-fingeredandhavesnippedfolks，clothesaway。Youwillnotgetintoheaven。TheLordhasforbiddenmetoletanyoneinwhileheisout。Come，dobemerciful，criedthetailor。Littlescrapswhichfalloffthetableoftheirownaccordarenotstolen，andarenotworthspeakingabout。Look，Iamlame，andhaveblistersonmyfeetfromwalkinghere，Icannotpossiblyturnbackagain。Justletmein，andIwilldoallthedirtywork。Iwillcarrythechildren，andwashtheirclothes，andscrubandcleanthebenchesonwhichtheyhavebeenplaying，andpatchalltheirtornfrocks。Saintpeterlethimselfbemovedbypity，andopenedthedoorofheavenjustwideenoughforthelametailortosliphisleanbodyin。Hewasforcedtositdowninacornerbehindthedoor，andtoldtostayquietlyandpeaceablythere，inorderthattheLord，whenhereturned，mightnotobservehimandbeangry。Thetailorobeyed，butoncewhensaintpeterwentoutsidethedoor，hegotup，andfullofcuriosity，peepedintoeverycornerofheaven，andinspectedthearrangementofthewholeplace。Atlengthhecametoaspotwheremanybeautifulandpreciouschairswerestanding，andinthemidstwasaseatallofgoldwhichwassetwithshiningjewels。Likewiseitwasmuchhigherthantheotherchairs，andafootstoolofgoldwasbeforeit。Itwastheseat，however，onwhichtheLordsatwhenhewasathome，andfromwhichhecouldseeallthathappenedonearth。Thetailorstoodstill，andlookedattheseatforalongtime，foritpleasedhimbetterthanallelse。Atlasthecouldmasterhiscuriositynolonger，andclimbedupandseatedhimselfinthechair。Thenhesaweverythingwhichwashappeningonearth，andobservedanuglyoldwomanwhowasstandingwashingbythesideofastream，secretlylayingtwoveilsononesideforherself。Thesightofthismadethetailorsoangrythathelaidholdofthegoldenfootstool，andthrewitdowntoearththroughheaven，attheoldthief。Butsincehecouldnotbringthestoolbackagain，heslippedquietlyoutofthechair，seatedhimselfinhisplacebehindthedoor，andbehavedasifhehadneverstirredfromthespot。
WhentheLordandmasterreturnedagainwithhisheavenlycompanions，hedidnotseethetailorbehindthedoor，butwhenheseatedhimselfonhischairthefootstoolwasmissing。Heaskedsaintpeterwhathadbecomeofthestool，buthedidnotknow。Thenheaskedifhehadletanyonecomein。Iknowofnoonewhohasbeenhere，answeredpeter，butalametailor，whoisstillsittingbehindthedoor。ThentheLordhadthetailorbroughtbeforehim，andaskedhimifhehadtakenawaythestool，andwherehehadputit。Oh，Lord，answeredthetailorjoyously，IthrewitinmyangerdowntoearthatanoldwomanwhomIsawstealingtwoveilsatthewashing。Oh，youknave，saidtheLord，wereItojudgeasyoujudge，howdoyouthinkyoucouldhaveescapedsolong。
Ishouldlongagohavehadnochairs，benches，seats，nay，notevenanoven-fork，butshouldhavethrowneverythingdownatthesinners。
Henceforthyoucanstaynolongerinheaven，butmustgooutsidethedooragain。Thengowhereyouwill。Nooneshallgivepunishmenthere，butIalone，theLord。
Peterwasobligedtotakethetailoroutofheavenagain，andashehadtornshoes，andfeetcoveredwithblisters，hetookastickinhishand，andwenttowait-a-while，wherethegoodsoldierssitandmakemerry。
Therewasonceuponatimeanoldfoxwithninetails，whobelievedthathiswifewasnotfaithfultohim，andwishedtoputhertothetest。Hestretchedhimselfoutunderthebench，didnotmovealimb，andbehavedasifhewerestonedead。
Mrs。Foxwentuptoherroom，shutherselfin，andhermaid，misscat，satbythefire，anddidthecooking。Whenitbecameknownthattheoldfoxwasdead，suitorspresentedthemselves。Themaidheardsomeonestandingatthehouse-door，knocking。Shewentandopenedit，anditwasayoungfox，whosaid，whatmayyoubeabout，misscat。
Doyousleepordoyouwake。
Sheanswered，Iamnotsleeping，Iamwaking，wouldyouknowwhatIammaking。
Iamboilingwarmbeerwithbutter，willyoubemyguestforsupper。
No，thankyou，miss，saidthefox，whatismrs。Foxdoing。
Themaidreplied，sheissittinginherroom，moaninginhergloom，weepingherlittleeyesquitered，becauseoldmr。Foxisdead。
Dojusttellher，miss，thatayoungfoxishere，whowouldliketowooher。Certainly，youngsir。
Thecatgoesupthestairstrip，trap，thedoorsheknocksattap，tap，tap，mistressfox，areyouinside。
Oh，yes，mylittlecat，shecried。
Awooerhestandsatthedooroutthere。
Whatdoeshelooklike，mydear。
Hashenineasbeautifultailsasthelatemr。Fox。Oh，no，answeredthecat，hehasonlyone。ThenIwillnothavehim。
Misscatwentdownstairsandsentthewooeraway。Soonafterwardstherewasanotherknock，andanotherfoxwasatthedoorwhowishedtowoomrs。Fox。Hehadtwotails，buthedidnotfarebetterthanthefirst。Afterthisstillmorecame，eachwithonetailmorethantheother，buttheywereallturnedaway，untilatlastonecamewhohadninetails，likeoldmr。Fox。Whenthewidowheardthat，shesaidjoyfullytothecat，nowopenthegatesanddoorsallwide，andcarryoldmr。Foxoutside。
Butjustastheweddingwasgoingtobesolemnized，oldmr。Foxstirredunderthebench，andcudgeledalltherabble，anddrovethemandmrs。Foxoutofthehouse。
Whenoldmr。Foxwasdead，thewolfcameasasuitor，andknockedatthedoor，andthecatwhowasservanttomrs。Fox，openeditforhim。Thewolfgreetedherandsaid，goodday，mrs。Catofkehrewit，howcomesitthataloneyousit。
Whatareyoumakinggood。
Thecatreplied，inmilkI\'mbreakingbreadsosweet，willyoubemyguest，andeat。
No，thankyou，mrs。Cat，answeredthewolf。Ismrs。Foxnotathome。
Thecatsaid，shesitsupstairsinherroom，bewailinghersorrowfuldoom，bewailinghertroublesosore，foroldmr。Foxisnomore。
Thewolfanswered，ifshe\'sinwantofahusbandnow，thenwillitpleasehertostepbelow。
Thecatrunsquicklyupthestair，andletshertailflyhereandthere，untilshecomestotheparlordoor。
Withherfivegoldringsatthedoorsheknocks，areyouwithin，goodmistressfox。
Ifyou\'reinwantofahusbandnow，thenwillitpleaseyoutostepbelow。
Mrs。Foxasked，hasthegentlemanredstockingson，andhasheapointedmouth。No，answeredthecat。Thenhewon\'tdoforme。
Whenthewolfwasgone，cameadog，astag，ahare，abear，alion，andallthebeastsoftheforest，oneaftertheother。Butoneofthegoodqualitieswhicholdmr。Foxhadpossessed，wasalwayslacking，andthecathadcontinuallytosendthesuitorsaway。
Atlengthcameayoungfox。Thenmrs。Foxsaid，hasthegentlemanredstockingson，andhashealittlepointedmouth。
Yes，saidthecat，hehas。Thenlethimcomeupstairs，saidmrs。Fox，andorderedtheservanttopreparetheweddingfeast。
Sweepmetheroomascleanasyoucan，upwiththewindow，flingoutmyoldman。
Formanyafinefatmousehebrought，yetofhiswifeheneverthought，butateupeveryonehecaught。
Thentheweddingwassolemnizedwithyoungmr。Fox，andtherewasmuchrejoicinganddancing，andiftheyhavenotleftoff，theyaredancingstill。
Ashoemaker，bynofaultofhisown，hadbecomesopoorthatatlasthehadnothingleftbutleatherforonepairofshoes。Sointheevening，hecutouttheshoeswhichhewishedtobegintomakethenextmorning，andashehadagoodconscience，helaydownquietlyinhisbed，commendedhimselftoGod，andfellasleep。Inthemorning，afterhehadsaidhisprayers，andwasjustgoingtositdowntowork，thetwoshoesstoodquitefinishedonhistable。Hewasastounded，andknewnotwhattothink。Hetooktheshoesinhishandstoobservethemcloser，andtheyweresoneatlymade，withnotonebadstitchinthem，thatitwasjustasiftheywereintendedasamasterpiece。Beforelong，abuyercamein，andastheshoespleasedhimsowell，hepaidmoreforthemthanwascustomary，and，withthemoney，theshoemakerwasabletopurchaseleatherfortwopairsofshoes。Hecutthemoutatnight，andnextmorningwasabouttosettoworkwithfreshcourage，buthehadnoneedtodosofor，whenhegotup，theywerealreadymade，andbuyersalsowerenotwanting，whogavehimmoneyenoughtobuyleatherforfourpairsofshoes。Againthefollowingmorninghefoundthepairsmade，andsoitwentonconstantly，whathecutoutintheeveningwasfinishedbythemorning，sothathesoonhadhishonestindependenceagain，andatlastbecameawealthyman。
Nowitbefellthatoneeveningnotlongbeforechristmas，whenthemanhadbeencuttingout，hesaidtohiswife，beforegoingtobed，whatthinkyouifweweretostayupto-nighttoseewhoitisthatlendsusthishelpinghand。Thewomanlikedtheidea，andlightedacandle，andthentheyhidthemselvesinacorneroftheroom，behindsomeclotheswhichwerehangingupthere，andwatched。Whenitwasmidnight，twoprettylittlenakedmencame，satdownbytheshoemaker\'stable，tookalltheworkwhichwascutoutbeforethemandbegantostitch，andsew，andhammersoskilfullyandsoquicklywiththeirlittlefingersthattheshoemakercouldnotaverthiseyesforastonishment。Theydidnotstopuntilallwasdone，andstoodfinishedonthetable，andtheyranquicklyaway。
Nextmorningthewomansaid，thelittlemenhavemadeusrich，andwereallymustshowthatwearegratefulforit。Theyrunaboutso，andhavenothingon，andmustbecold。I\'lltellyouwhatI\'lldo，Iwillmakethemlittleshirts，andcoats，andvests，andtrousers，andknitbothofthemapairofstockings，andyoumakethemtwolittlepairsofshoes。Themansaid，Ishallbeverygladtodoit。Andonenight，wheneverythingwasready，theylaidtheirpresentsalltogetheronthetableinsteadofthecut-outwork，andthenconcealedthemselvestoseehowthelittlemenwouldbehave。Atmidnighttheycameboundingin，andwantedtogettoworkatonce，butastheydidnotfindanyleathercutout，butonlytheprettylittlearticlesofclothing，theywereatfirstastonished，andthentheyshowedintensedelight。Theydressedthemselveswiththegreatestrapidity，putonthebeautifulclothes，andsang，nowweareboyssofinetosee，whyshouldwelongercobblersbe。
Thentheydancedandskippedandleaptoverchairsandbenches。
Atlasttheydancedoutofdoors。Fromthattimeforththeycamenomore，butaslongastheshoemakerlivedallwentwellwithhim，andallhiseffortsprospered。
Therewereonceacockandahenwhowantedtotakeajourneytogether。Sothecockbuiltabeautifulcarriage，whichhadfourredwheels，andharnessedfourmicetoit。Thehenseatedherselfinitwiththecock，andtheydroveawaytogether。Notlongafterwardstheymetacatwhosaid，whereareyougoing。Thecockreplied，wearegoingtothehouseofherrkorbes。Takemewithyou，saidthecat。Thecockanswered，mostwillingly，getupbehind，lestyoufalloffinfront。
Takegreatcarenottodirtymylittleredwheels。Andyoulittlewheels，rollon，andyoulittlemicepipeout，aswegoforthonourwaytothehouseofherrkorbes。
Afterthiscameamillstone，thenanegg，thenaduck，thenapin，andatlastaneedle，whoallseatedthemselvesinthecarriage，anddrovewiththem。Whentheyreachedthehouseofherrkorbes，however，herrkorbeswasnotthere。Themicedrewthecarriageintothebarn，thehenflewwiththecockuponaperch。Thecatsatdownbythehearth，theduckonthewell-pole。Theeggrolleditselfintoatowel，thepinstuckitselfintothechair-cushion，theneedlejumpedontothebedinthemiddleofthepillow，andthemillstonelaiditselfoverthedoor。Thenherrkorbescamehome，wenttothehearth，andwasabouttolightthefire，whenthecatthrewaquantityofashesinhisface。Heranintothekitcheninagreathurrytowashitoff，andtheducksplashedsomewaterinhisface。Hewantedtodryitwiththetowel，buttheeggrolledupagainsthim，broke，andglueduphiseyes。Hewantedtorest，andsatdowninthechair，andthenthepinprickedhim。Hefellinapassion，andthrewhimselfonhisbed，butassoonashelaidhisheadonthepillow，theneedleprickedhim，sothathescreamedaloud，andwasjustgoingtorunoutintothewideworldinhisrage，butwhenhecametothehouse-door，themillstonefelldownandstruckhimdead。Herrkorbesmusthavebeenaverywickedman。
Asheep-doghadnotagoodmaster，but，onthecontrary，onewholethimsufferhunger。Ashecouldstaynolongerwithhim，hewentquitesadlyaway。Ontheroadhemetasparrowwhosaid，brotherdog，whyareyousosad。Thedogreplied，Iamhungry，andhavenothingtoeat。Thensaidthesparrow，dearbrother，comeintothetownwithme，andIwillsatisyyourhunger。Sotheywentintothetowntogether，andwhentheycameinfrontofabutcher\'sshopthesparrowsaidtothedog，staythere，andIwillpickabitofmeatdownforyou，andhealightedonthestall，lookedabouthimtoseethatnoonewasobservinghim，andpeckedandpulledandtoresolongatapiecewhichlayontheedge，thatitslippeddown。Thenthedogseizedit，ranintoacorner，anddevouredit。Thesparrowsaid，nowcomewithmetoanothershop，andthenIwillgetyouonemorepiecethatyoumaybesatisfied。Whenthedoghaddevouredthesecondpieceaswell，thesparrowasked，brotherdog，haveyounowhadenough。
Yes，Ihavehadmeatenough，heanswered，butIhavehadnobreadyet。Saidthesparrow，youshallhavethatalso，comewithme。Thenhetookhimtoabaker\'sshop，andpeckedatacoupleoflittlebunstilltheyrolleddown，andasthedogwantedstillmore，heledhimtoanotherstall，andagaingotbreadforhim。Whenthatwasconsumed，thesparrowsaid，brotherdog，haveyounowhadenough。Yes，hereplied，nowwewillwalkawhileoutsidethetown。
Thentheybothwentoutontothehighway。Theweatherwaswarm，however，andwhentheyhadwalkedalittlewaythedogsaid，Iamtired，andwouldliketosleep。Well，dosleep，answeredthesparrow，andinthemeantimeIwillseatmyselfonabranch。Sothedoglaydownontheroad，andfellfastasleep。Whilsthelaysleepingthere，awaggonercamedrivingby，whohadacartwiththreehorses，ladenwithtwobarrelsofwine。Thesparrow，however，sawthathewasnotgoingtoturnaside，butwasstayinginthewheeltrackinwhichthedogwaslying，soitcried，waggoner，don\'tdoit，orIwillmakeyoupoor。Butthewaggonergrowledtohimself，youwillnotmakemepoor，andcrackedhiswhipanddrovethecartoverthedog，andthewheelskilledhim。Thenthesparrowcried，youhaverunovermybrotherdogandkilledhim，itshallcostyouyourcartandhorses。Cartandhorsesindeed，saidthewaggoner。Whatharmcanyoudome。
Anddroveonwards。Thenthesparrowcreptunderthecoverofthecart，andpeckedsolongatthesamebung-holethathegotthebungout，andthenallthewineranoutwithoutthedrivernoticingit。Butoncewhenhewaslookingbehindhimhesawthatthecartwasdripping，andlookedatthebarrelsandsawthatoneofthemwasempty。UnfortunatefellowthatamI，criedhe。Notunfortunateenoughyet，saidthesparrow，andflewontotheheadofoneofthehorsesandpeckedhiseyesout。Whenthedriversawthat，hedrewouthisaxeandwantedtohitthesparrow，butthesparrowflewintotheair，andhehithishorseontheheadanditfelldowndead。Oh，whatanunfortunatemanamI，criedhe。Notunfortunateenoughyet，saidthesparrow，andwhenthedriverdroveonwiththetwohoses，thesparrowagaincreptunderthecover，andpeckedthebungoutofthesecondcask，soallthewinewasspilt。Whenthedriverbecameawareofit，heagaincried，oh，whatanunfortunatemanamI。Butthesparrowreplied，notunfortunateenoughyet，andseatedhimselfontheheadofthesecondhorse，andpeckedhiseyesout。Thedriverranuptoitandraisedhisaxetostrike，butthesparrowflewintotheairandtheblowstruckthehorse，whichfell。Oh，whatanunfortunatemanamI。Notunfortunateenoughyet，saidthesparrow，andlightedonthethirdhorse\'shead，andpeckedouthiseyes。Thedriver，inhisrage，struckatthesparrowwithoutlookinground，anddidnothithimbutkilledhisthirdhorselikewise。Oh，whatanunfortunatemanamI，criedhe。
Notunfortunateenoughyet，answeredthesparrow。NowwillImakeyouunfortunateinyourhome，andflewaway。
Thedriverhadtoleavethewaggonstanding，andfullofangerandvexationwenthome。Ah，saidhetohiswife，whatmisfortunesIhavehad。Mywinehasrunout，andthehorsesareallthreedead。Alas，husband，sheanswered，whatamaliciousbirdhascomeintothehouse。Ithasgatheredtogethereverybirdthereisintheworld，andtheyhavefallenonourcornupthere，andaredevouringit。Thenhewentupstairs，andthousandsandthousandsofbirdsweresittingintheloftandhadeatenupallthecorn，andthesparrowwassittinginthemidstofthem。
Thenthedrivercried，oh，whatanunfortunatemanamI。
Notunfortunateenoughyet，answeredthesparrow，waggoner，itshallcostyouyourlifeaswell，andflewout。
Thenthewaggonerhadlostallhisproperty，andhewentdownstairsintotheroom，satdownbehindthestoveandwasquitefuriousandbitter。Butthesparrowsatoutsideinfrontofthewindow，andcried，waggoner，itshallcostyouyourlife。Thenthewaggonersnatchedtheaxeandthrewitatthesparrow，butitonlybrokethewindow，anddidnothitthebird。Thesparrownowhoppedin，placeditselfonthestoveandcried，waggoner，itshallcostyouyourlife。Thelatter，quitemadandblindwithrage，smotethestoveintwain，andasthesparrowflewfromoneplacetoanothersoitfaredwithallhishouseholdfurniture，looking-glass，benches，table，andatlastthewallsofhishouse，andyethecouldnothitthebird。Atlength，however，hecaughtitwithhishand。Thenhiswifesaid，shallIkillit。No，criedhe，thatwouldbetoomerciful。Itshalldiemuchmorecruelly。
Andhetookitandswalloweditwhole。Thesparrow，however，begantoflutteraboutinhisbody，andflutteredupagainintotheman\'smouth，thenitstretchedoutitshead，andcried，waggoner，itshallstillcostyouyourlife。Thedrivergavetheaxetohiswife，andsaid，wife，killthebirdinmymouthforme。Thewomanstruck，butmissedherblow，andhitthewaggonersquareonhishead，sothathefelldead。Butthesparrowflewupandaway。