BIBLE STORIES

The Baptism of Jesus

John had been baptizing in the Jordan River. One day Jesus
came from Nazareth in Galilee and asked John to baptize
him . John protested because he felt that Jesus was the one
who should be baptizing him. But Jesus told him that they
needed to do this to fulfill all righteousness. t was the right
thing to do. !o John baptized him in the river.
mmediately after he was baptized" as he was praying" the
heavens were opened and a dove came down and rested on
Jesus. t was the !pirit of God in the form of a bird that
had come down to show who Jesus was. Jesus saw it and
John also saw the dove.
!uddenly there was a voice from heaven saying" #$ou are my
beloved !on" in whom am well pleased#. %he dove and the
voice of God were a sign to John that Jesus was the
&essiah who had been promised.
'fter this" John was again assembled with a group of people"
and Jesus approached the group. John told them what had
happened. (e said" #Behold) %he *amb of God who takes
away the sin of the world)# (e told them that he had seen
the !pirit of God coming down on Jesus in the form of a
dove. (e said this had been a sign to him because God had
revealed to him that the person on whom he saw a dove
descending would be the !on of God. %his is how John
would know for sure.
Now John and Jesus were relatives and had grown up together.
John+s mother" ,lizabeth" had known from the beginning"
even before Jesus was born" that her kinswoman &ary was
going to be the mother of the !on of God. Jesus was God in
human form who had come to earth. t seems that John
was not aware of Jesus+ true identity until this event at
Jesus+ baptism.
John had a mission to prepare the people for the coming of
-hrist" and he was fulfilling his mission. Now the -hrist
was revealed.
!ome people came to John and told him that now the crowds
were going to Jesus instead of John. %hey thought he would
be upset" but this didn+t bother John at all. (e said that he
had told them that he himself was not the -hrist. t was as
if -hrist were the bridegroom and John was .ust the best
man" or friend of the bridegroom. (e was re.oicing that
people were turning to -hrist. John said that Jesus must
become greater and he" John" must become less important.
The Temptation of Jesus
'fter Jesus was baptized" he was led by the !pirit into the
wilderness and for forty days he was tempted by the devil.
Jesus fasted during those forty days. %hat means he didn+t
eat anything during that time" and of course" at the end of
the time he was very hungry.
!atan saw this as an opportunity to tempt him again. (e said to
Jesus" #f you are the !on of God" command that these
stones become bread.# Jesus answered" /uoting from the
book of 0euteronomy1 #t is written" + &an shall not live by
bread alone" but by every word that proceeds from the
mouth of God+#.
$ou will remember that when the children of srael were in the
wilderness" they became hungry" and God fed them with
special food called manna which fell from heaven. (e
showed them that they were dependent upon him for all
their needs.
Ne2t the devil took Jesus up on a high mountain and showed
him all the kingdoms of the world in .ust a moment. %hen
he told him that he had been given the authority to give
those kingdoms to anyone he wished. (ad he really been
given that authority3
Remember" the devil is a liar. God rules in the kingdoms of men
and it is (e who gives power to the people (e wants to
have that power. !atan told Jesus that if he would worship
him" he would give him all those kingdoms.
Jesus replied" #Get behind &e" !atan) 4or it is written" +$ou
shall worship the *ord your God" and (im only you shall
serve+.# 'gain Jesus is /uoting from the writings of &oses
in 0euteronomy.
!atan tries a third time. (e brought Jesus to Jerusalem and
took him up to the highest part of the temple and told him
to .ump off. (e said that angels would come and lift him up
so that he wouldn+t be hurt.
%he devil even starts /uoting scripture now. (e /uoted from
5salm 67" #4or (e shall give (is angels charge over you to
keep you in all your ways. n their hands they shall bear
you up" lest you dash your foot against a stone.# 8!atan left
out the part about +to keep you in all your ways+.9
Jesus answered him" #t has been said" +$ou shall not tempt the
*ord your God+.#
!atan gave up and left him" but he would return later when he
thought he had an opportunity to get Jesus to sin. Of
course" we know that he never succeeded.
'fter !atan left" angels came and helped Jesus. %here were also
other times in his life that angels came to help him.
Once when Jesus was talking about who was greatest in the
kingdom of heaven" he called a little child to him and told
the people that they must become as little children. (e said"
# say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face
of &y 4ather who is in heaven.#
:e are told by the writer of the book of (ebrews that there are
+ministering angels+ who are sent to help those who are
saved. :hat a comforting thought)
The Blind Man
*arge crowds followed Jesus wherever he went" bringing their
sick friends and relatives to be healed. On this day as he
was leaving Jerusalem" he was again accompanied by a
crowd of people.
's he drew near to Jericho they saw a blind beggar sitting by
the roadside. (is name was Bartimaeus8bar tu &'$ us9.
(e began to shout" #Jesus" !on of 0avid" have mercy on me)#
8Jesus was called !on of 0avid because he was a
descendant of ;ing 0avid who had ruled srael for <=
years many years before.9
%he blind man+s friends told him to be /uiet" but he called out
even louder to Jesus.
Jesus stopped and told his disciples to call Bartimaeus over to
him. %hey said to him" #-heer up) On your feet) (e is
calling you.# (e threw off his coat and came to Jesus.
Jesus asked him what he wanted" and he said" #Rabbi"
8meaning +teacher+9 want to see.#
Jesus said" #Go" your faith has healed you.# mmediately" he
was able to see" and he followed Jesus.
:hat a happy day in the life of this blind man who had
believed in the healing power of the !on of God)
Jesus at the Temple

Jesus had been teaching" healing" and doing many wonderful
works. t was time for the 5assover feast" an annual feast of
the Jews. Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey. %he
people put their coats on the ground and cut branches from
the trees and waved them as they cried out" #(osanna in
the highest)# t was a .oyful triumphant occasion.
Jesus went into the temple and looked around at everything
that was going on" but it was late and he didn+t stay. (e and
his twelve disciples went back to Bethany and spent the
night.
%he ne2t day they went back to Jerusalem and again Jesus
went to the temple" but this time he took action. &en were
selling the animals for sacrifices right there in the area of
the temple) (e knew this was not right and he did
something about it. (e made a whip out of cords" or small
ropes and he drove the money changers out along with the
sheep" o2en" and doves. (e turned the tables over and
poured out the money on the floor of the temple.
(e said" #%ake these things away) &y 4ather+s house shall be
called a house of prayer" but you have made it a +den of
thieves.+#
%he Jewish religious leaders were very upset by all this and
they began looking for a way to destroy Jesus. (owever"
they were afraid of him because all the people were amazed
at his teaching.
>nder the law of &oses people were re/uired to offer animal
sacrifices. f you had to travel a long way to get to the
temple in Jerusalem" you would probably not take your
animal with you. $ou would take some money and buy an
animal for your offering after you got to Jerusalem. t was
not wrong for men to sell the animals" but they should have
been selling them outside the temple area. %here is also
indication that the price of the animals was too high since
Jesus called them #thieves#.
%hen blind and lame people came to him in the temple and he
healed them. %he children were crying out" #(osanna to
the !on of 0avid)# :hen the religious leaders heard this"
they said to him" #0o you hear what they are saying3#
Of course" Jesus did hear and he accepted their praise. (e told
the leaders that this was #perfect praise# coming from the
lips of the children.
LEGENDS
A TALE FROM THE PADAS RIVER (Tenom)
( A Murut Folk Tale )
There was once a lonq house in Kampung Tatamuan beside the river
Malalap. It was the tradition of the Murut people, that men had to hunt
animals for food as a contribution to society.
There was a young hunter among them who went on a hunting trip
with other villagers. He had to leave his family and his pregnant wife
behind at the long house.
In those days, a hunting trip usually took many weeks, as they had to
poach and wait, or very often penetrate far into the ungle.
!uring their absence, the village folk discovered a python on the bank
of the river. They immediately killed it for food. The remains of the
skin were used to make big and small drums.
It had been quite a while since the hunting group had left the village
and there was still no sign of their return.
"ut of boredom, the villagers decided to hold a feast. #easting was
very common amongst them and it was part of their tradition as well.
They began to celebrate with meat from this huge python. They had
plenty of food to eat and to share.
$sually light entertainment, such as dancing and singing were
performed during such a celebration. This was accompanied by
playing the drums which were made from the skin of the snake.
However, the moment they hit the drums, the cats and dogs began to
fight with each other. %ven though they tried, but somehow, the
villagers could not stop half way during the celebration. They decided
to change to the other drums also made from the snake skin.
This time, the sound of the drums caused an evil sort of spell and the
villagers started to fight amongst themselves. There was havoc and
death and it was a very sad situation. &ome of those who were
fortunate enough to be alive escaped the plundering by hiding in the
ungle. It so happened that the young hunter's wife also escaped and
a short time later gave birth to a child.

%ventually the hunting party returned and they were remorsely
disappointed at such misfortune. They decided to go their separate
ways and set up families elsewhere. The young hunter took his wife
and child and left the village. (fter a short while, they arrived at a
clearing near a river bank. (ll of a sudden the hunter's dog caught
sight of a Tempadau )wild cow* and chased after it, closely followed
by the hunter. +y now the hunting dog had caught up with the
Tempadau which was wading across the river. &uddenly there was a
voice from the top of the hill admonishing them to stop their hunt.
The young man, already frustrated with what had happened back at
the village, was in no mood for such a warning. He still followed his
hunting dog. ( bolt of lightning struck, followed by a thun 'en They
have unknowingly trespassed onto holy ground and were immediately
turned into stones.
Till today the young man is known as the +atu +alingoi. The
Tempadau in the middle of the river is called the +atu Masokoh. The
wife and child who followed behind are called the +atu Magibah.
This all happened along the &ungai ,agalan and the stones can still
be found there in the river at Tenom.


Legend of the Sleeping Ute Mountain
In the very old days, the Sleeping Ute Mountain was a Great
Warrior God. He came to help fight against the Evil nes
who were causing much trou!le.
" tremendous !attle !etween the Great Warrior God and the
Evil nes followed. "s they stepped hard upon the earth and
!raced themselves to fight, their feet pushed the land into
mountains and valleys. #his is how the country of this region
came to !e as it is today.
#he Great Warrior God was hurt, so he lay down to rest and
fell into a deep sleep. #he !lood from his wound turned into
living water for all creatures to drin$.
When the fog or clouds settle over the Sleeping Warrior God,
it is a sign that he is changing his !lan$ets for the four
seasons. When the Indians see the light green !lan$et over
their %God%, they $now it is spring. #he dar$ green !lan$et is
summer, the yellow and red one is fall, and the white one is
winter.
#he Indians !elieve that when the clouds gather on the
highest pea$, the Warrior God is pleased with his people and
is letting rain clouds slip from his poc$ets. #hey also !elieve
that the Great Warrior God will rise again to help them in the
fight against their enemies.
The Legend of the Sun, Moon, and Stars
( h! the S"! #s H#gh $
It has been said that the first woman was so vain. &he wore so much ewelry and despised work. -henever
the first man would ask her to do something, she would pout. &he pouted when he asked her to clean the
house. &he pouted whenever he asked her to cook. &he pouted whenever he asked her to grind the rice
grains everyday for their food.
.+ut if you don/t grind the rice, we don/t get to eat,. the first man reasoned, and even the vain first woman could
not dispute that.
+ut it was so much work grinding the rice with a little pestles and mortars. &o she poured all their rice for the
day into a very large mortar and took up a very large pestle to grind it with. The pestle was so tall that when it
hit the mortar, it touched the sky. The first woman was oblivious to this. &he only knew she had to grind all the
rice before her husband came home for supper.
&he still wore all her ewelry. &he noticed that her ewelry kept falling off or hampered her in any other way
whenever she worked. &o she hung her larger pieces of ewelry upon the sky, which were her silver comb, her
gold ring, and her long pearl necklace. (nd then she went to work with the huge pestle, unknowing that as one
end of the pestle pounded onto the rice grains, the other end was pounding onto the sky. The first woman only
knew that having the sky so low only made her task more difficult. &o she pounded harder and harder on the
rice. Higher and higher the sky went, until with one enormous stroke, the first woman sent the sky flying up,
never to come so close to the earth again.
&he sensed a draft behind her neck and looked up. &he was astonished to see that the sky had risen so high 0
and taken her most precious things with it1 &he could see her silver comb shining where the moon is now, and
the beads of her lovely necklace twinkling all around it. Her golden ring was nowhere in sight. The first woman
grumbled, .I would have worn those things again if I/d known they would go to waste..
&he still wore all her ewelry. &he noticed that her ewelry kept falling off or hampered her in any other way
whenever she worked. &o she hung her larger pieces of ewelry upon the sky, which were her silver comb, her
gold ring, and her long pearl necklace. (nd then she went to work with the huge pestle, unknowing that as one
end of the pestle pounded onto the rice grains, the other end was pounding onto the sky. The first woman only
knew that having the sky so low only made her task more difficult. &o she pounded harder and harder on the
rice. Higher and higher the sky went, until with one enormous stroke, the first woman sent the sky flying up,
never to come so close to the earth again.
&he sensed a draft behind her neck and looked up. &he was astonished to see that the sky had risen so high 0
and taken her most precious things with it1 &he could see her silver comb shining where the moon is now, and
the beads of her lovely necklace twinkling all around it. Her golden ring was nowhere in sight. The first woman
grumbled, .I would have worn those things again if I/d known they would go to waste..
%he -rystal (eart
' ?ietnamese *egend
Long ago, in a palace by the Red River, there
lived a great mandarin and his daughter, Mi
Nuong.
Like other young ladies of her position, Mi
Nuong was kept indoors, away from the eyes of
admiring men. She spent most of her time in her
room at the top of a tower. There she would sit
on a bench by a moonshaped window, reading
or embroidering, chatting with her maid, and
ga!ing out often at the garden and the river.
"ne day as she sat there, a song floated to her
from the distance, in a voice deep and sweet. She
looked out and saw a fishing boat coming up the
river.
#$o you hear it%& she asked her maid. #'ow
beautifully he sings(& She listened again as the
voice drew nearer.
My love is like a blossom in the breeze.
My love is like a moonbeam on the waves.
#'e must be young and very handsome,& said Mi
Nuong. She felt a sudden thrill. #)erhaps he
knows * am here and sings it +ust for me(&
The maid,s eyes lit up. #My lady, perhaps he,s a
mandarin,s son in disguise-the man you are
destined to marry(&
Mi Nuong felt a flush on her face and a stirring
in her heart. She tried to make out the man,s
features, but he was too far off to see clearly. The
boat and the song glided slowly up the river and
away.
#.es,& she said softly. #)erhaps he is.&
/ll day long, Mi Nuong waited by the window,
hoping to hear the singer again. The ne0t day she
waited too, and the ne0t. 1ut the voice did not
return.
#2hy doesn,t he come%& she asked her maid
sadly.
/s the days passed, Mi Nuong grew pale and
weak. /t last she went to her bed and stayed
there.
The mandarin came to her. #$aughter, what,s
wrong%&
#*t,s nothing, 3ather,& she said faintly.
The mandarin sent for the doctor. 1ut after
seeing Mi Nuong, the doctor told him, #* can
find no illness. /nd without an illness, * can offer
no cure.&
The weeks passed, and Mi Nuong grew no better.
Then one day her maid came before the
mandarin.
#My lord, * know what ails your daughter. Mi
Nuong is sick for love. To cure her, you must
find the handsome young man who sings this
song.& /nd she sang it for him.
#*t will be done,& said the mandarin, and he sent
out a messenger at once.
$ays later, the messenger returned.
#Lord, in no great house of this province does
any young man know the song. 1ut in a nearby
village * found a man who sings it, a fisherman
named Truong 4hi. * have brought him to the
palace.&
#/ fisherman%& said the mandarin in disbelief.
#Let me see him.&
The messenger brought him in. The fisherman
stood uneasily, his eyes wide as they cast about
the richly furnished room.
3or a moment, the mandarin was too astounded
to speak. The man was neither young nor
handsome. 'is clothes were ragged and he stank
of fish. Certainly no match for my daughter!
thought the mandarin. Somehow, she must not
realize . . . .
'e gave his order to the messenger. #1ring the
fisherman to my daughter,s door and have him
sing his song.&
Soon Truong 4hi stood an0iously outside the
young lady,s room. 'e could not understand why
they,d brought him here. 2hat could they want%
'e was +ust a fisherman, wishing only to make
an honest living. 'e had hurt no one, done
nothing wrong(
/t the messenger,s signal, he nervously started
to sing.
My love is like a blossom in the breeze.
My love is like a moonbeam on the waves.
*n the room beyond the door, Mi Nuong,s eyes
flew open. #'e,s here(& she cried to her maid.
#'ow can that be% "h, 5uickly, help me dress(&
Mi Nuong +umped from her bed. Never had she
so swiftly clothed herself, put up her hair, made
herself up. 1y the time the song drew to a close,
she looked like a heavenly vision in flowing
robes.
#Now, open the door(& she said, trying to calm
her wildly beating heart. She forced herself to
stand shyly, casting her eyes down in the manner
proper to a modest young lady.
/s the door pulled open, Truong 4hi shrank
back, not knowing what to e0pect. Then all at
once he found himself ga!ing on the greatest
beauty he had ever known. 'e felt his heart leap,
and in that moment, he fell deeply, hopelessly,
desperately in love.
Mi Nuong could not wait a moment longer. She
lifted her eyes to look upon her beloved. /nd in
that moment, her eyes grew wide and she burst
out laughing.
/ mandarin,s son% 'er destined love% 2hy, he
was nothing but a common fisherman( 'ow
terribly, terribly silly she,d been(
Shaking with mirth at her folly, she turned her
head away and whispered, #4lose the door.&
The door shut in Truong 4hi,s face. 'e stood
there fro!en, the young lady,s laughter ringing in
his ears. 'e felt his heart grow cold and hard.
Truong 4hi was sent home. 1ut he could not go
on as before. 'ardly eating or sleeping, he grew
pale and ill. 'e no longer cared if he lived or
died.
/nd so he died.
The villagers found him on the sleeping mat in
his hut. "n his chest sat a large crystal.
#2hat is it%& a man asked.
#*t is his heart,& said a wise old woman. #The
laugh of the mandarin,s daughter wounded it so
deeply, it turned hard to stop the pain.&
#2hat do we do with it%& asked a young woman.
#*t is very lovely. Like one of his songs(&
#2e should put it in his boat,& said another
young man, #and let it float down to the sea.&
/t sundown, they set the crystal in the
fisherman,s boat. Then they pushed the boat
from its mooring and watched in sorrow as it
drifted down the river and out of sight.
1ut the boat did not drift to the sea. *t came to
shore by the mandarin,s palace. /nd so it was
that the mandarin found it at sunrise as he
strolled along the bank.
#2hat have we here%& he said, reaching in to
pick up the crystal. 'e turned it over in his hand,
e0amining and admiring it. #2hat a splendid gift
the river has brought(&
/ few days later, when no one had claimed it, the
mandarin sent it to a turner to be made into a
teacup. 'e brought the cup one evening to Mi
Nuong,s room.
#/ gift for my lovely daughter,& he said.
#"h, 3ather, it,s beautiful( * can hardly wait to
drink from it(&
2hen the mandarin left, she told her maid, #*t,s
late, so you can go to bed. 1ut first make me
some tea, so * can drink from my cup.&
The maid finished her task and went off. Mi
Nuong poured the tea, blew out the candles on
the table, and carried the cup to her window seat.
/ full moon shone into the room, and looking
out, she watched the moonlight play upon the
river. The scent of blossoms drifted from the
garden.
Mi Nuong lifted the cup to her lips. 1ut +ust as
she was about to drink, she cried out in surprise
and fear. She 5uickly set the cup down on the
bench.
"n the surface of the tea was the face of Truong
4hi, ga!ing at her with eyes filled with love. /nd
now his sweet song filled the room, familiar but
a little changed.
Mi Nuong is like a blossom in the breeze.
Mi Nuong is like a moonbeam on the waves.
/nd Mi Nuong remembered those eyes she had
seen so briefly through the open door, and she
remembered her laugh. #2hat have * done% *
was so cruel( * didn,t mean to hurt you. * didn,t
know. . . . *,m sorry. So very, very sorry(&
'er eyes filled with tears. / single tear dropped
into the cup.
*t was enough. The crystal melted away,
releasing the spirit of Truong 4hi. Then Mi
Nuong heard the song one last time, floating off
over the river.
Mi Nuong is like a blossom in the breeze.
Mi Nuong is like a moonbeam on the waves.
#6oodbye,& said Mi Nuong softly. #6oodbye.&
7 7 7
*t was not many months more when Mi Nuong
was given in marriage to the son of a great
mandarin. 'e was young and handsome, and she
felt that her dreams had come true.
.et now, as she ga!ed on a different garden and a
different view of the river, she often still heard
the song of the fisherman echo softly in her
heart.
The Legend of Sampaguita
/ long time ago, there were neighboring 1aranggays named 1alintawak and 6agalangin.
1etween the two baranggay, is a very sturdy fence made up of dried bamboo. 8very five
years, they destroy it and build a new fence. Sometimes, the guardsmen from 1alintawak
watch over the fence, oftentimes the guardsmen from 6agalangin. 8verything is working
according to the rules of each datu. The datu of 1arangay 1alintawak has a daughter with
incomparable beauty and kindness. 'er name is Rosita. 'er mother died when she was
young, however, she has four maids to assist her every need. There are a lot of handsome
young men who admires her. 1ut the only man who captured her heart is the son of
6agalangin,s datu, whose name is $elfin.
The conflict between their parents did not stopped $elfin and Rosita from loving each
other. /t the end of the bamboo fence lies there secret lair. 8very night when the moon is
bright, they meet at the end of the fence and stroll along with Rosita,s maids. Their
relationship is hidden from both of their datu parents. "ne day, the datu of 6agalangin
heard that the fence is being destroyed by the servants of datu 1alintawak so that they can
build a new one. 'e asked one of his guards to watch at the said fencemaking. 2hen the
guard came back, he told the datu that the new fence was moved. 'e was mad because
the datu of 1alintawak took five meters of their land. *mmediately, he sent a man to the
datu of the neighboring baranggay.
&Tell the datu of 1alintawak to put the fence back where it is supposed to be. They are
being unlawful and stealing one,s land is a crime(& said the datu of 6agalangin. 2hen the
datu of 1alintawak heard about it, he became furious and asked the servant to give a
message to their datu. #Tell your datu that * never stole anything from him. * +ust placed
the bamboo fences at its right place according to the documents that * discovered, written
by my ancestors.&
$elfin,s father was very much displeased with the other datu,s response. This kind of
conflicts usually results bloodshed among the two baranggays. The datu of 6agalangin
prepared his unit for the upcoming battle. 'e needs to get their baranggay,s stolen land
even by violent means.2hen the news reached the datu of 1alintawak, he eagerly
prepared his battle unit as well. The two leaders are now ready for a neverending war.
/ few days before 6agalangins planned to attack the 1alintawak, the datu got sick. 'e
became seriously ill that lead him to his death. The responsibility was then handed to
$elfin. 'e will be the one to lead the battle troops of baranggay 6agalangin. The female
servants told Rosita what was about to happen and she started to become frightened.
$elfin is so young and does not have any e0perience when it comes to war. 'is father, on
the other hand, had been trained to fight since he was still a child. She worried too much.
She wanted to talk to $elfin and ask him to forfeit the war and simply talk to his father
and settle the conflict peacefully. 'owever, they do not have time to converse anymore.
Tomorrow is the start of an endless battle between the two baranggays.
1oth parties lost so many lives. $elfin was badly hurt and shed a lot of blood. 'e started
to be blurry. 'e was half conscious when he fell to the ground. 1efore his last breath, he
told one of his comrades to bury him near the end of the fence where he and Rosita used
to secretly see each other. Nobody can ever tell what really happened to the young lovers
or the result of the war. /ll they knew is that Rosita became seriously ill when she knew
that $elfin died in the battle. 'er father called for so many doctors to make her feel well
but neither one of them can treat Rosita. 2hen she was about to die, Rosita told her father
to bury her near $elfin, at the end of the bamboo fence. Though it is hard for the datu to
do, she still obeyed her daughter,s last wish.
Many years had passed and the e0istence of baranggays gradually disappeared. Spaniards
came and the city of Manila was established. 1alintawak and 6agalangin became
populated. 1ut all the people living in these two places were having a mysterious
e0perience. $uring the month of May, especially when the moon is bright, they hear a
mystical sweet voice of a lady saying #Sumpa kita( ... Sumpa kita(& 9* swear, * swear: but
nobody can see from whom it is coming from. *t seems as if it comes from the bushes
where little white flowers grow.
4O*;%'*,!
The Monkey and the Turtle
/ &onkey" looking very sad and de.ected" was walking along the bank of the river one day
when he met a turtle.
#(ow are you3# asked the turtle" noticing that he looked sad.
%he monkey replied" #Oh" my friend" am very hungry. %he s/uash of &r. 4armer were all
taken by the other monkeys" and now am about to die from want of food.#
#0o not be discouraged"# said the turtle1 #take a bob and follow me and we will steal some
banana plants.#
!o they walked along together until they found some nice plants which they dug up" and
then they looked for a place to set them. 4inally the monkey climbed a tree and planted his
in it" but as the turtle could not climb he dug a hole in the ground and set his there.
:hen their work was finished they went away" planning what they should do with their
crop. %he monkey said@
#:hen my tree bears fruit" shall sell it and have a great deal of money.#
'nd the turtle said@ #:hen my tree bears fruit" shall sell it and buy three varas of cloth to
wear in place of this cracked shell.#
' few weeks later they went back to the place to see their plants and found that that of the
monkey was dead" for its roots had had no soil in the tree" but that of the turtle was tall and
bearing fruit.
# will climb to the top so that we can get the fruit"# said the monkey. 'nd he sprang up the
tree" leaving the poor turtle on the ground alone.
#5lease give me some to eat"# called the turtle" but the monkey threw him only a green one
and ate all the the ripe ones himself.
:hen he had eaten all the good bananas" the monkey stretched his arms around the tree
and went to sleep. %he turtle" seeing this" was very angry and considered how he might
punish the thief. (aving decided on a scheme" he gathered some sharp bamboo which he all
around under the tree" and then he e2claimed@
-rocodile is coming) -rocodile is coming)#
%he monkey was so startled at the cry that he fell upon the sharp bamboo and was killed.
%hen the turtle cut the dead monkey into pieces" put on it" and dried it in the sun. %he ne2t
day" he went to the mountains and sold his meat to other monkeys who gladly gave him
s/uash in return. 's he was leaving them he called back@
#*azy fellows" you are now eating your own body1 you are now eating your own body.#
%hen the monkeys ran and caught him and carried to their own home.
*et us take a hatchet"# said one old monkey" #and cut him into very small pieces.#
But the turtle laughed and said@ #%hat is .ust what like. have been struck with a hatchet
many times. 0o you not see the black scars on my shell3#
%hen one of the other monkeys said@ #*et us throw him into the water.#
't this the turtle cried and begged them to spare his life" but they paid no heed to his
pleadings and threw him into the water. (e sank to the bottom" but very soon came up with
a lobster. %he monkeys were greatly surprised at this and begged him to tell them how to
catch lobsters.
# tied one end of a string around my waist"# said the turtle. #%o the other end of the string
tied a stone so that would sink.#
%he monkeys immediately tied strings around themselves as the turtle said" and when all
was ready they plunged into the water never to come up again.
'nd to this day monkeys do not like to eat meat" because they remember the ancient story.
%he *ion+s !hare
"ne day an ass and a fo0 entered into an agreement with the lion that they would assist each other while
hunting for food. They felt that their combined efforts would ensure that none of them would have to
starve.
"f course, both the ass and the fo0 were a little nervous about accompanying the lion in the hunt. 1ut the
thought of the game they would ac5uire with his help, made them salivate. They put the nervousness down
to nerves.
*t was an e0cellent hunt. The three had combed the +ungle in their search for food. 2hen they came to a
clearing by the lakeside, they dispersed.
*t was decided that the ass would keep an eye out for animals to prey on; when he spotted one, he would go
up to the animal and introduce himself. The introductory bray would alert the other two, who were hiding.
The fo0 would come out at first, growling at the animal. The frightened animal would try to run, the fo0
would give chase and in trying to avoid him, the animal would run directly in the path of the lion. The lion
would then finish the animal off in one swoop.
*n the evening, the tired but happy trio assembled in front of the lion<s den with their large booty. The lion
ordered the ass to allot to each of the three partners, his due portion in the treaty.
The ass was very happy. 'e felt that, by asking him, the lion had bestowed a great honour on him. =ery
carefully, he divided the spoil into three e5ual shares. >Sirs, * have done the needful. * modestly re5uest the
two of you to take your shares,> he said.
The lion stared at the shares for a minute. >"h( So you think each one of us deserves an e5ual share. .ou
think that your feeble attempts to chat with the game compares with my efforts to kill them,> he said and
+umped on the ass. 'e killed the ass in one second.
Then he told the terrified fo0 to make the division. The fo0 accumulated all that they had killed into one
large heap and left to himself the smallest possible share. The rest he re5uested the lion to have.
>2ho has taught you, my dear fellow, the art of division% .ou are perfect to a fraction,> said the lion,
pleased as punch.
>* learned it from the ass sir, by witnessing his fate,> replied the fo0. 'e made up his mind never to take a
lion as partner in any future venture.
%he 5alm Reader
'ari )rasad was the most soughtafter man in the marketplace. / palmist rumoured to be the best
in the area, he livedoff people<s hands as he was believed to possess superior 5ualities of
prediction.
/ll he had to do was stare at the faint little crisscrossing lines on someone<s palm for a little
while and bingo, the client would listen astounded, as the palmist laid his life history bare before
him.
The client would return home somewhat da!ed by what he thought were the ama!ing powers of
the astrologer. 3ew realised that 'ari )rasad had actually said very little that was not a
generalisation. Later it might strike some that they had been taken for a ride. 1ut by then it was
too late, they had already paid him his fees.
*t was hard to believe 'ari )rasad could lie. 'e had the look of someone very grave and
authoritative. So people still 5ueued up to have their palms e0amined and hear a few surprisingly
accurate observations about their life to be followed by a whole lot of nonsense. This was
courtesy a few discreet en5uiries made during the palmreading session.
"ne day, in the middle of one such session, the neighbour<s boy came running to 'ari )rasad<s
shop? >4hacha 9uncle:, come home immediately. Someone broke into your house and stole all the
valuables,> he said.
/t this, 'ari )rasad leapt to his feet and began to run very fast. /s he ran home, everyone in the
vicinity watched him with surprise.
>'ey, he should not be running so fast,> said someone, >surely he knew this was going to
happen.>
>'ow on earth could he have known that%> asked another person. >$o you think the thief served
him a special notice that he was going to be robbed%>
>No,> said the first man. >1ut how could 'ari )rasad, the man who foretells everyone else<s
fortune, not have foreseen his own% /nd that too, a theft in his own house%>
%he nstructor
/ young man wanted to learn the art of sword fighting. 'e went to the greatest instructor in the land and
said, >)lease give me admission and teach me sword fighting.>
The instructor gladly accepted him a student and said, >.oung man you can stay with me and learn this art.>
*n the days that followed the instructor gave him many odd chores to perform. The chores were sweeping
the floors, cutting vegetables, cooking and the like. 1ut there was no mention of the sword or the art of
fighting with it.
The young man got desperate, approached the instructor and said, >6reat teacher kindly begin my lessons.>
The instructor agreed.
The ne0t day when the young man was cooking, the instructor came from behind and hit him with a
wooden sword and vanished. The young man was taken by surprise. The ne0t day too the same thing
happened. The young man now started preparing himself mentally to counter any such surprise attack.
Ne0t time when the instructor came to attack him, the young man was able to dodge the blow of the sword.
'e was very happy with his performance. 'e asked the instructor, >Now have * learnt the art of defending
myself%> The instructor did not respond to his 5uestion and walked away.
Such surprise attacks became common and the young man got more and more skillful in countering the
attacks well.
"ne day the young man saw the instructor engaged seriously in a task and a sudden desire crept into his
head. 'e thought, >Now let me catch the instructor unawares and attack him.>
'e took the wooden sword and attacked the instructor without a sound from behind.
1ut lo( The instructor was fully prepared for it. 'e took a shield lying near, turned around and defended
himself most skillfully.
Realisation struck the young man that moment. 'e thought, >'ow great is this instructor. Today * have
learnt the real secret of sword fighting. 'e has taught me that swinging the sword and learning the
opponent<s moves are not the essentials of sword fighting. 2hat is important is to read what goes on in the
opponent<s mind and to counter his movement and his thoughts too.>
The young man continued to take instructions in all humbleness and with newer insights trained well to
become a great sword fighter of his country.
(ow the -oconut -ame %o &yanmar
Myanmar 9then called 1urma: is known as the golden land of gold dome pagodas and
swaying coconut trees. 4oconut trees were originally called <gonbin< in Myanmar
language, which translated in 8nglish means the mischiefmaker<s tree.
2hy it is known by this most unusual name, is because once centuries ago, a raft carrying
three people landed on the 1urmese coast. The people on board this raft were taken to the
king. "n 5uestioning them the king learnt that they had been banished from their own
kingdom because of the crimes they had committed.
"ne man was a thief who stole from other people; the ne0t was a witch who used to cast
wicked spells and frightened the people. 2hile the third was a mischiefmaker, who did
nothing right and only harmed everyone by telling tales and lies.
The king on hearing their story ordered his minister to give a thousand pieces of silver to
the thief and allowed him to settle in 1urma. 3or the witch too, he gave the same orders.
1ut for the mischiefmaker, he ordered him to be e0ecuted at once.
To his astonished courtiers the king e0plained that the thief stole from others because he
was poor and if he had enough to live on, he would make a good sub+ect. The witch too
cast spells because she was envious, poor and unhappy and if she had enough to live on,
she too would make a good sub+ect. 1ut for the third, the king pointed out that >once a
mischiefmaker, always a mischiefmaker>.
So the mischiefmaker was taken to the seashore and beheaded. The ne0t day when the
king<s officer passed the place of the mischief maker<s e0ecution, he was surprised to see
the head of the mischiefmaker open its mouth and shout out aloud, >Tell your king to
come and bow before me or else * will knock his head off.>
The frightened officer ran to the king to report the most unusual happening. The king did
not believe him and felt he was making fun of him.
>My Lord if you do not believe me, send someone with me and he will confirm what *
+ust saw.>
So the king ordered another officer to accompany the first. 2hen they reached the
e0ecution grounds the head lay silent. The second officer reported what he saw and in
anger the @ing ordered the first officer to be e0ecuted for being a liar.
The unfortunate officer was taken to the e0ecution grounds and beheaded. "n seeing this,
the head of the mischiefmaker laughed aloud saying, >'a, ha( * can still make mischief
even though * am dead.>
The officer went rushing back to the palace and reported to the king. The king was filled
with grief and remorse.
The king realised that the mischiefmaker<s head would create further problems, so he
ordered the head to be buried in a deep pit.
The ne0t day a strange tree grew where the head was buried, bearing the most unusual
fruit, which resembled the mischiefmaker<s head. This was the coconut tree which the
1urmese call the <gonbin< tree. "ver the years, it became >onbin>.
*f you take the >gonthi> 9a coconut fruit: and shake it, you can hear a gurgling sound
for it<s still the mischiefmaker wanting to tittle tattle and play a prank on you.
%he 'ngry ;ing
*n the mountains of southern Lu!on, there is a land of tobaccogrowers. Many, many years ago, this land was ruled by a
king named 'ari @a 1uskid. 'e was a wise king, and during his reign the people of his kingdom were rich and
prosperous.
The king did not scorn to go among the tobaccogrowers and advise them on the best methods of tending their crops. *t
was not surprising, therefore, that this kingdom was known to have the best and largest crop in the land. 3rom miles
around, the people of neighboring kingdoms would come to barter their goods in e0change for the rich, golden tobacco
of @ing 'ari @a 1uskid,s kingdom.
"ne day, the king called a meeting of all the elders of his kingdom. * am off on a long voyage, he told them. * do not
know when * will return, for my +ourney is a long one as * have much work with the kings of neighboring and faroff
kingdoms.
/ll the men present e0pressed sincere regret that their king would not be present at the great occasion of the tobacco
harvest. * regret too, said the king that * cannot be here for the harvest celebrations. 1ut * am sure that * can depend
upon all present here to see that everything goes well. *f * do not return soon, you must see to the planting of the ne0t
crop. *t must be done, as always, in a way that will ensure a healthy crop, so that our land remains known for its good
tobacco.
The very ne0t day the king set off. 8veryone wondered where the king,s travels would take him.
'e is going to the other side of the mountain,> said some. No, said others. 'is path carries him across the seas to lands
that lie further than the eyes of an eagle can see. 1ut nobody could say e0actly where the king had gone, for he had told
no one of his plans. 'arvest time came and the crop was beyond the e0pectations of the people. "ur good king has
taught us well, they said. That year, the tobacco was greatly praised by everyone, and the good folk of @ing 'ari @a
1uskid,s kingdom became richer than ever before.
This is e0cellent, said the elders. 1ut we must not forget the king,s instructions. /t once they began working on the
mountainside so that a new crop could be planted. *f the king could have seen them then, he would have been proud of
their diligence and labor. 3or ten years the people worked hard, and each year the crop was better than it had been the
previous year. 1ut the king still had not returned from his +ourney. Slowly he became no more than a memory to the
people. *f the king returned to his kingdom then, * wouldn,t have been surprised if he didn,t recogni!e it at all. 3or it
was ten times richer than when he left. 2hat had been small cottages were big houses now. /nd the people dressed in
finer clothes.
)erhaps this is what changed the course of events. 3or now the tobaccogrowers began to scorn working in the fields.
2hen the storm had passed, the villagers living nearby surveyed the damage. Mighty trees that had once almost
touched the sky, were now reduced to stumps or worse. The forest was littered with their carcasses.
1ut there was one e0ception. The little plant. The plant had been tossed and turned under the fury of the hurricane, and
bent completely. 1ut when the hurricane ended, it sighed and stood upright again.
%he 'ntingA'nting of &anuelito
The nting!nting is a stone or other small ob"ect covered with cabalistic inscri#tions. $t is worn around
the neck, and is su##osed to render its owner im#ervious to knife or bullet. Many are wearing these
charms, es#ecially the Tulisanes or outlaws. The nting!nting must not be confused, however, with the
sca#ular, a #urely religious symbol worn by a great number of the Christian %ili#inos.
Many of the older 3ilipinos remember Manuelito, the great Tulisane, who, more than fifty years ago, kept
all the Laguna de 1ai district in a state of fear. 'is robber band was well organi!ed and obeyed his slightest
wish. 'e had many boats on the lake and many hiding places in the mountains, and throughout the country
there was no villager who did not fear to oppose him, or who would refuse to help him in any way when
re5uired to do so.
*n vain the 6uardia 4ivil hunted him. Many times they surrounded the band, but Manuelito always
escaped. Many shots were fired at him, but he was never hit; and once, when he was cut off from his men
and surrounded, he broke through the line, and though fifty bullets whistled around him he did not receive a
scratch.
The officers of the 6uardia 4ivil blamed their men for the bad marksmanship that allowed Manuelito to
escape. They told all the people that it should never occur again, and promised that the ne0t fight should
end in the death of the outlaw. The people, however, did not believe that Manuelito could be killed, for he
wore on his breast a famous /nting/nting that he had received from Mangagauay, the giver of life and
death.
This charm was a stone covered with mysterious signs. *t was wrapped in silk and hung by a string from the
robber<s neck, and even if a gun were fired within a few feet of him the /nting/nting was sure to turn the
bullet in another direction. *t was this charm that always saved him from the 6uardia 4ivil.
Manuelito was very proud of his /nting/nting, and many times, when a fiesta was being held in some
town, he and his band would come down from the mountains and take part in the games. Manuelito would
stand in the town pla!a and allow his men to shoot at him, and each time the /nting/nting would turn
aside the bullets. The people were very much impressed, and though a few of the wiser ones secretly
thought that the guns were only loaded with powder, they were afraid to say anything; so the greater
number thought it very wonderful and believed that there was no charm so powerful as the /nting/nting
of Manuelito.
3or years the Tulisane, protected by his charm, continued to rob and plunder. The 6uardia 4ivil hunted him
everywhere, but could never kill him. 'e grew bolder and bolder, and even came close to Manila to rob the
little towns +ust outside the city.
/t last the government grew tired of sending out the 6uardia 4ivil, and ordered a regiment of Macabebes
to hunt and kill the Tulisane and his men.
Manuelito was at )asay when news was brought to him that the Macabebes were coming. *nstead of
running from these fierce little fighters, he decided to meet them, and many people offered to help him,
believing that the /nting/nting would turn away all bullets and give them victory. So Manuelito and many
men left the town, built trenches in the hills near San )edro Macati, and waited for the Macabebes to
appear.
They had not long to wait. The Macabebes, hurrying from Manila, reached San )edro Macati and soon
found that Manuelito was waiting to fight them. They left the town at once and advanced on the Tulisane
trenches.
*t was a great fight. 3rom the other hills close by many people watched the battle. 3ive times the
Macabebes advanced, and were forced to fall back before the fierce fire of the Tulisanes. 1ut the Macabebe
never knows defeat, and once more their line went forward and in one terrible charge swept over the
trenches and bayoneted the outlaws. *n vain Manuelito called on his men to fight. They broke and ran in
every direction. Then, seeing that all was lost, Manuelito started to follow them; but a volley rang out, and,
struck by twenty bullets, he fell to the ground dead. The Macabebes chased the flying Tulisanes and killed
that of all the band only a few many, safely reached the mountains.
2hile the Macabebes were chasing the outlaws, many people came down from the hills and stood around
the body of Manuelito. They could hardly believe their eyes, but the many wounds and the blood staining
the ground proved that the great Tulisane was indeed dead.
2hat of the /nting/nting% 'ad it lost its power%
"ne man timidly unbuttoned the shirt of the dead robber and pulled out the charm. The mystery was
e0plained. 3i0ed firmly in the center of the /nting/nting was a silver bullet. There was but one
e0planation. The Macabebes had melted a statue of the =irgin and used it to make bullets to fire at
Manuelito. /gainst such bullets the charm was useless, but against ordinary lead it never would have failed.
'ad not the people seen Manuelito<s own men fire at him%
The charm was taken from the neck of the dead Tulisane and many copies were made of it. 8ven to this day
hundreds of people are wearing them. They will tell you about Manuelito<s great fight and also about his
famous /nting/nting.
>1ut,> you say, >the /nting/nting was useless. Manuelito was killed.>
They answer, >.es, Senior, it is true; but the Macabebes used bullets of silver. 'ad they used lead the story
would have been different. )oor Manuelito(>
The 4reation Story
2hen the world first began there was no land, but only the sea and the sky, and between them
was a kite. "ne day the bird which had nowhere to light grew tired of flying about, so she stirred
up the sea until it threw its waters against the sky. The sky, in order to restrain the sea, showered
upon it many islands until it could no longer rise, but ran back and forth. Then the sky ordered the
kite to light on one of the islands to build her nest, and to leave the sea and the sky in peace.
Now at this time the land bree!e and the sea bree!e were married, and they had a child which was
a bamboo. "ne day when this bamboo was floating about on the water, it struck the feet of the
kite which was on the beach. The bird, angry that anything should strike it, pecked at the bamboo,
and out of one section came a man and from the other a woman.
Then the earth5uake called on all the birds and fish to see what should be done with these two,
and it was decided that they should marry. Many children were born to the couple, and from them
came all the different races of people.
/fter a while the parents grew very tired of having so many idle and useless children around, and
they wished to be rid of them, but they knew of no place to send them to. Time went on and the
children became so numerous that the parents en+oyed no peace. "ne day, in desperation, the
father sei!ed a stick and began beating them on all sides.
This so frightened the children that they fled in different directions, seeking hidden rooms in the
house some concealed themselves in the walls, some ran outside, while others hid in the
fireplace, and several fled to the sea.
Now it happened that those who went into the hidden rooms of the house later became the chiefs
of the *slands; and those who concealed themselves in the walls became slaves. Those who ran
outside were free men; and those who hid in the fireplace became negroes; while those who fled
to the sea were gone many years, and when their children came back they were the white people.
4'R$ %'*,!
%he 5rincess and the 5ea
"nce upon a time there lived a prince who wanted to marry a princess; but she would
have to be a <real< princess. 'e traveled far and wide to find one but nowhere could he get
what he wanted. There were many princesses, but it was hard to decide how far <real< they
were. So he returned home sadly.
"ne evening a terrible storm rose along with thunder and lightning, and rain poured down
heavily. Suddenly a knock was heard at the castle gate. "n opening it was found that a
princess was standing at the door. 1ut, good gracious( what a sight the whether had done
to her.
The water ran down from her hair and clothes; and she was in a very bad condition and
>yet
she said that she was a real princess>%(, thought the 5ueen.
2e<ll soon find that out,> thought the old 5ueen. 1ut she said nothing. She went into the
bedroom, took all the bedding off the bedstead, and laid a pea on the bottom; then she
took twenty mattresses and laid them on the pea, and then twenty eiderdown beds on top
of the mattresses.
"n this the princess had to lie all night. *n the morning she was asked how she had slept.
>"h, very badly(> said she. >* hardly closed my eyes all night. 6od only knows what was
in the bedA * was lying on something hard. *t was horrible(>
Now they knew that she was a <real< princess because she had felt the pea right through
the twenty mattresses and the twenty eiderdown beds.
Nobody but a real princess could be as sensitive as that.
So the prince took her for his wife, for now he knew that he had a <real< princess; and the
pea was put in the museum, where it may still be seen, provided no one has stolen it(
%he %ale of van
There were formerly a man and a woman living in the parish of Llanlavan, in the place which is
called 'wrdh. /nd work became scarce, so the man said to his wife, >* will go search for work,
and you may live here.> So he took fair leave, and travelled far toward the 8ast, and at last came
to the house of a farmer and asked for work.
>2hat work can ye do%> said the farmer. >* can do all kinds of work,> said *van. Then they agreed
upon three pounds for the year<s wages.
2hen the end of the year came his master showed him the three pounds. >See, *van,> said he,
>here<s your wage; but if you will give it me back *<ll give you a piece of advice instead.>
>6ive me my wage,> said *van.
>No, *<ll not,> said the master; >*<ll e0plain my advice.>
>Tell it me, then,> said *van.
Then said the master, >Never leave the old road for the sake of a new one.>
/fter that they agreed for another year at the old wages, and at the end of it *van took instead a
piece of advice, and this was it? >Never lodge where an old man is married to a young woman.>
The same thing happened at the end of the third year, when the piece of advice was? >'onesty is
the best policy.>
1ut *van would not stay longer, but wanted to go back to his wife.
>$on<t go today,> said his master; >my wife bakes tomorrow, and she shall make thee a cake to
take home to thy good woman.>
/nd when *van was going to leave, >'ere,> said his master, >here is a cake for thee to take home
to thy wife, and, when ye are most +oyous together, then break the cake, and not sooner.>
So he took fair leave of them and travelled towards home, and at last he came to 2ayn 'er, and
there he met three merchants from Tre Rhyn, of his own parish, coming home from 80eter 3air.
>"ho( *van,> said they, >come with us; glad are we to see you. 2here have you been so long%>
>* have been in service,> said *van, >and now *<m going home to my wife.>
>"h, come with us( you<ll be right welcome.> 1ut when they took the new road *van kept to the
old one. /nd robbers fell upon them before they had gone far from *van as they were going by the
fields of the houses in the meadow. They began to cry out, >Thieves(> and *van shouted out
>Thieves(> too. /nd when the robbers heard *van<s shout they ran away, and the merchants went
by the new road and *van by the old one till they met again at MarketBew.
>"h, *van,> said the merchants, >we are beholding to you; but for you we would have been lost
men. 4ome lodge with us at our cost, and welcome.>
2hen they came to the place where they used to lodge, *van said, >* must see the host.>
>The host,> they cried; >what do you want with the host% 'ere is the hostess, and she<s young and
pretty. *f you want to see the host you<ll find him in the kitchen.>
So he went into the kitchen to see the host; he found him a weak old man turning the spit.
>"h( oh(> 5uoth *van, >*<ll not lodge here, but will go ne0t door.>
>Not yet,> said the merchants, >sup with us, and welcome.>
Now it happened that the hostess had plotted with a certain monk in MarketBew to murder the
old man in his bed that night while the rest were asleep, and they agreed to lay it on the lodgers.
So while *van was in bed ne0t door, there was a hole in the pineend of the house, and he saw a
light through it. So he got up and looked, and heard the monk speaking. >* had better cover this
hole,> said he, >or people in the ne0t house may see our deeds.> So he stood with his back against
it while the hostess killed the old man.
1ut meanwhile *van out with his knife, and putting it through the hole, cut a round piece off the
monk<s robe. The very ne0t morning the hostess raised the cry that her husband was murdered,
and as there was neither man nor child in the house but the merchants, she declared they ought to
be hanged for it.
So they were taken and carried to prison, till a last *van came to them. >/las( alas( *van,> cried
they, >bad luck sticks to us; our host was killed last night, and we shall be hanged for it.>
>/h, tell the +ustices,> said *van, >to summon the real murderers.>
>2ho knows,> they replied, >who committed the crime%>
>2ho committed the crime(> said *van. >if * cannot prove who committed the crime, hang me in
your stead.>
So he told all he knew, and brought out the piece of cloth from the monk<s robe, and with that the
merchants were set at liberty, and the hostess and the monk were sei!ed and hanged.
Then they came all together out of MarketBew, and they said to him? >4ome as far as 4oed 4arrn
y 2ylfa, the 2ood of the 'eap of Stones of 2atching, in the parish of 1urman.> Then their two
roads separated, and though the merchants wished *van to go with them, he would not go with
them, but went straight home to his wife.
/nd when his wife saw him she said? >'ome in the nick of time. 'ere<s a purse of gold that *<ve
found; it has no name, but sure it belongs to the great lord yonder. * was +ust thinking what to do
when you came.>
Then *van thought of the third counsel, and he said >Let us go and give it to the great lord.>
So they went up to the castle, but the great lord was not in it, so they left the purse with the
servant that minded the gate, and then they went home again and lived in 5uiet for a time.
1ut one day the great lord stopped at their house for a drink of water, and *van<s wife said to him?
>* hope your lordship found your lordship<s purse 5uite safe with all its money in it.>
>2hat purse is that you are talking about%> said the lord.
>Sure, it<s your lordship<s purse that * left at the castle,> said *van.
>4ome with me and we will see into the matter,> said the lord.
So *van and his wife went up to the castle, and there they pointed out the man to whom they had
given the purse, and he had to give it up and was sent away from the castle. /nd the lord was so
pleased with *van that he made him his servant in the stead of the thief.
>'onesty<s the best policy(> 5uoth *van, as he skipped about in his new 5uarters. >'ow +oyful *
am(>
Then he thought of his old master<s cake that he was to eat when he was most +oyful, and when he
broke it, to and behold, inside it was his wages for the three years he had been with him.
%he :ise *ittle Girl
"nce upon a time in the immense Russian steppe, lay a little village where nearly all the
inhabitants bred horses. *t was the month of "ctober, when a big livestock market was
held yearly in the main town. Two brothers, one rich and the other one poor, set off for
market. The rich man rode a stallion, and the poor brother a young mare.
/t dusk, they stopped beside an empty hut and tethered their horses outside, before going
to sleep themselves on two heaps of straw. 6reat was their surprise, when, ne0t morning
they saw three horses outside, instead of two. 2ell, to be e0act the newcomer was not
really a horse. *t was a foal, to which the mare had given birth during the night. Soon it
had the strength to struggle to its feet, and after a drink of its mother<s milk, the foal
staggered its first few steps. The stallion greeted it with a cheerful whinny, and when the
two brothers set eyes on it for the first time, the foal was standing beside the stallion.
>*t belongs to me(> e0claimed $imitri, the rich brother, the minute he saw it. >*t<s my
stallion<s foal.> *van, the poor brother, began to laugh.
>2hoever heard of a stallion having a foal% *t was born to my mare(>
>No, that<s not true( *t was standing close to the stallion, so it<s the stallion<s foal. /nd
therefore it<s mine(> The brothers started to 5uarrel, and then they decided to go to town
and bring the matter before the +udges. Still arguing, they headed for the big s5uare where
the courtroom stood. 1ut what they didn<t know was that it was a special day, the day
when, once a year, the 8mperor himself administered the law. 'e himself received all
who came seeking +ustice. The brothers were ushered into his presence, and they told him
all about the dispute.
"f course, the 8mperor knew perfectly well who the owner of the foal was. 'e was on
the point of proclaiming in favor of the poor brother, when suddenly *van developed an
unfortunate twitch in his eye. The 8mperor was greatly annoyed by this familiarity by a
humble peasant, and decided to punish *van for his disrespect. /fter listening to both
sides of the story, he declared it was difficult, indeed impossible, to say e0actly who was
the foal<s rightful owner. /nd being in the mood for a spot of fun, and since he loved
posing riddles and solving them as well, to the amusement of his counselors, he
e0claimed.
>* can<t +udge which of you should have the foal, so it will be awarded to whichever of
you solves the following four riddles? what is the fastest thing in the world% 2hat is the
fattest% 2hat<s the softest and what is the most precious% * command you to return to the
palace in a week<s time with your answers(> $mitri started to pu!!le over the answers as
soon as he left the courtroom. 2hen he reached home, however, he reali!ed he had
nobody to help him.
>2ell, *<ll +ust have to seek help, for if * can<t solve these riddles, *<ll lose the foal(> Then
he remembered a woman, one of his neighbors, to whom he had once lent a silver ducat.
That had been some time ago, and with the interest, the neighbor now owed him three
ducats. /nd since she had a reputation for being 5uickwitted, but also very astute, he
decided to ask her advice, in e0change for canceling part of her debt. 1ut the woman was
not slow to show how astute she really was, and promptly demanded that the whole debt
be wiped out in e0change for the answers.
>The fastest thing in the world is my husband<s bay horse,> she said. >Nothing can beat it(
The fattest is our pig( Such a huge beast has never been seen( The softest is the 5uilt *
made for the bed, using my own goose<s feathers. *t<s the envy of all my friends. The most
precious thing in the world is my threemonth old nephew. There isn<t a more handsome
child. * wouldn<t e0change him for all the gold on earth, and that makes him the most
precious thing on earth(>
$imitri was rather doubtful about the woman<s answers being correct. "n the other hand,
he had to take some kind of solution back to the 8mperor. /nd he guessed, 5uite rightly,
that if he didn<t, he would be punished.
*n the meantime, *van, who was a widower, had gone back to the humble cottage where
he lived with his small daughter. "nly seven years old, the little girl was often left alone,
and as a result, was thoughtful and very clever for her age. The poor man took the little
girl into his confidence, for like his brother, he knew he would never be able to find the
answers by himself. The child sat in silence for a moment, then firmly said.
>Tell the 8mperor that the fastest thing in the world is the cold north wind in winter. The
fattest is the soil in our fields whose crops give life to men and animals alike, the softest
thing is a child<s caress and the most precious is honesty.>
The day came when the two brothers were to return before the 8mperor. They were led
into his presence. The 8mperor was curious to hear what they had to say, but he roared
with laughter at $imitri<s foolish answers. 'owever, when it was *van<s turn to speak, a
frown spread over the 8mperor<s face. The poor brother<s wise replies made him s5uirm,
especially the last one, about
honesty, the most precious thing of all. The 8mperor knew perfectly well that he had been
dishonest in his dealings with the poor brother, for he had denied him +ustice. 1ut he
could not bear to admit it in front of his own counselors, so he angrily demanded?
>2ho gave you these answers%> *van told the 8mperor that it was his small daughter. Still
annoyed, the great man said.
>.ou shall be rewarded for having such a wise and clever daughter. .ou shall be awarded
the foal that your brother claimed, together with a hundred silver ducats... 1ut... but...>
and the 8mperor winked at his counselors.
>.ou will come before me in seven days< time, bringing your daughter. /nd since she<s so
clever, she must appear before me neither naked nor dressed, neither on foot nor on
horseback, neither bearing gifts nor emptyhanded. /nd if she does this, you will have
your reward. *f not, you<ll have your head chopped off for your impudence(>
The onlookers began to laugh, knowing that the poor man would never to able to fulfill
the 8mperor<s conditions. *van went home in despair, his eyes brimming with tears. 1ut
when he had told his daughter what had happened, she calmly said.
>Tomorrow, go and catch a hare and a partridge. 1oth must be alive( .ou<ll have the foal
and the hundred silver ducats( Leave it to me(> *van did as his daughter said. 'e had no
idea what the two creatures were for, but he trusted in his daughter<s wisdom.
"n the day of the audience with the 8mperor, the palace was thronged with bystanders,
waiting for *van and his small daughter to arrive. /t last, the little girl appeared, draped in
a fishing net, riding the hare and holding the partridge in her hand. She was neither naked
nor dressed, on foot or on horseback. Scowling, the 8mperor told her.
>* said neither bearing gifts nor emptyhanded(> /t these words, the little girl held out the
partridge. The 8mperor stretched out his hand to grasp it, but the bird fluttered into the
air. The third condition had been fulfilled. *n spite of himself, the 8mperor could not help
admiring the little girl who had so cleverly passed such a test, and in a gentler voice, he
said.
>*s your father terribly poor, and does he desperately need the foal.>
>"h, yes(> replied the little girl. >2e live on the hares he catches in the rivers and the fish
he picks from the trees(>
>/ha(> cried the 8mperor triumphantly. >So you<re not as clever as you seem to be(
2hoever heard of hares in the river and fish in the trees( To which the little girl swiftly
replied.
>/nd whoever heard of a stallion having a foal%> /t that, both 8mperor and 4ourt burst
into peals of laughter. *van was immediately given his hundred silver ducats and the foal,
and the 8mperor proclaimed.
>"nly in my kingdom could such a wise little girl be born(>
%(, 4'R ON, :%( %(, GO*0,N *O-;!
There was once a most beautiful and amiable princess who was called >The 3air "ne with Locks of 6old,>
for her hair shone brighter than gold, and flowed in curls down to her feet, her head was always encircled
by a wreath of beautiful flowers, and pearls and diamonds.
/ handsome, rich, young prince, whose territories +oined to hers, was deeply in love with the reports he
heard of her, and sent to demand her in marriage. The ambassador sent with proposals was most
sumptuously attired, and surrounded by lackeys on beautiful horses, as well as charged with every kind of
compliment, from the an0ious prince, who hoped he would bring the princess back with him; but whether it
was that she was not that day in a good humour, or that she did not like the speeches made by the
ambassador, * don<t know, but she returned thanks to his master for the honour he intended her, and said she
had no inclination to marry. 2hen the ambassador arrived at the king<s chief city, where he was e0pected
with great impatience, the people were e0tremely afflicted to see him return without the 3air "ne with the
Locks of 6old; and the king wept like a child. There was a youth at court whose beauty outshone the sun,
the gracefulness of whose person was not to be e5ualled, and for his gracefulness and wit, he was called
/venant? the king loved him, and indeed every body e0cept the envious. /venant being one day in
company with some persons, inconsiderately said, >*f the king had sent me to the 3air "ne with Locks of
6old, * dare say * could have prevailed on her to return with me.> These enviers of /venant<s prosperity
immediately ran open mouthed to the king, saying, >Sir sir, what does your ma+esty think /venant says% 'e
boasts that if you had sent him to the 3air "ne with the 6olden 'air, he could have brought her with him;
which shows he is so vain as to think himself handsomer than your ma+esty and that her love for him would
have made her follow him wherever he went.> This put the king into a violent rage. >2hat(> said he, >does
this youngster make a +est at my misfortune, and pretend to set himself above me% 6o and put him
immediately in my great tower, and there let him starve to death.> The king<s guards went and sei!ed
/venant who thought no more of what he had said, dragged him to prison, and used him in the most cruel
manner.
"ne day when he was almost 5uite spent, he said to himself, fetching a deep sigh, >2herein can * have
offended the king% 'e has not a more faithful sub+ect than myself; nor have * ever done any thing to
displease him.> The king happened at that time to pass by the tower; and stopped to hear him,
notwithstanding the persuasions of those that were with him; >'old your peace,> replied the king, >and let
me hear him out.> 2hich having done, and being greatly moved by his sufferings, he opened the door of
the tower, and called him by his name. Cpon which /venant came forth in a sad condition, and, throwing
himself at the king<s feet, >2hat have * done, sir,> said he, >that your ma+esty should use me thus severely%>
>Thou hast ridiculed me and my ambassador,> replied the king; >and hast said, that if * had sent thee to the
3air "ne with Locks of 6old, thou couldst have brought her with thee.> >*t is true, sir,> replied /venant,
>for * would have so thoroughly convinced her of your transcending 5ualities, that it should not have been
in her power to have denied me; and this, surely, * said in the name of your ma+esty.> The king found in
reality he had done no in+ury; so, he took him away with him, repenting heartily of the wrong he had done
him. /fter having given him an e0cellent supper, the king sent for him into his cabinet. >/venant,> said he,
>* still love the 3air "ne with Locks of 6old; * have a mind to send thee to her, to try whether thou canst
succeed,> /venant replied, he was ready to obey his ma+esty in all things, and would depart the very ne0t
morning. >'old,> said the king, >* will provide thee first with a most sumptuous e5uipage.> >There is no
necessity for that,> answered /venant; >* need only a good horse and your letters of credence.> Cpon this
the king embraced him; being over+oyed to see him so soon ready.
*t was upon a Monday morning that he took leave of the king and his friends. 1eing on his +ourney by
break of day, and entering into a spacious meadow, a fine thought came into his head; he alighted
immediately, and seated himself by the bank of a little stream that watered one side of the meadow, and
wrote the sentiment down in his pocket book. /fter he had done writing, he looked about him every way,
being charmed with the beauties of the place, and suddenly perceived a large gilded carp, which stirred a
little, and that was all it could do, for having attempted to catch some little flies, it had leaped so far out of
the water, as to throw itself upon the grass, where it was almost dead, not being able to recover its natural
element. /venant took pity on the poor creature, and though it was a fishday, and he might have carried it
away for his dinner, he took it up, and gently put it again into the river, where the carp, feeling the
refreshing coolness of the water, began to re+oice, and sunk to the bottom; but soon rising up again, brisk
and gay, to the side of the river; >/venant,> said the carp, >* thank you for the kindness you have done me;
had it not been for you, * had died; but you have saved my life, and * will reward you.> /fter this short
compliment, the carp darted itself to the bottom of the water, leaving /venant not a little surprised at its wit
and great civility.
/nother day, as he was pursuing his +ourney, he saw a crow in great distress? being pursued by a huge
eagle, he took his bow, which he always carried abroad with him, and aiming at the eagle, let fly an arrow,
which pierced him through the body, so that he fell down dead; which the crow seeing, came in an ecstasy
of +oy, and perched upon a tree. >/venant,> said the crow, >you have been e0tremely generous to succour
me, who am but a poor wretched crow; but * am not ungrateful and will do you as good a turn.> /venant
admired the wit of the crow, and continuing his +ourney, he entered into a wood so early one morning, that
he could scarcely see his way, where he heard an owl crying out like an owl in despair. So looking about
every where, he at length came to a place where certain fowlers had spread their nets in the nighttime to
catch little birds. >2hat pity <tis,> said he, >men are only made to torment one another, or else to persecute
poor animals who never do them any harm(> So saying, he drew his knife, cut the cords, and set the owl at
liberty; who, before he took wing, said, >/venant, the fowlers are coming, * should have been taken, and
must have died, without your assistance? * have a grateful heart, and will remember it.>
These were the three most remarkable adventures that befell /venant in his +ourney; and when he arrived at
the end of it, he washed himself, combed and powdered his hair, and put on a suit of cloth of gold? which
having done, he put a rich embroidered scarf about his neck, with a small basket, wherein was a little dog
which he was very fond of. /nd /venant was so amiable, and did every thing with so good a grace, that
when he presented himself at the gate of the palace, all the guards paid him great respect, and every one
strove who should first give notice to the 3air "ne with Locks of 6old, that /venant, the neighbouring
king<s ambassador, demanded audience. The princess on hearing the name of /venant, said, >*t has a
pleasing sound, and * dare say he is agreeable and pleases every body; and she said to her maids of honour,
go fetch me my rich embroidered gown of blue satin, dress my hair, and bring my wreaths of fresh flowers?
let me have my high shoes, and my fan, and let my audience chamber and throne be clean, and richly
adorned; for * would have him every where with truth say, that * am really the 3air "ne with Locks of
6old.> Thus all her women were employed to dress her as a 5ueen should be. /t length, she went to her
great gallery of lookingglasses, to see if any thing was wanting; after which she ascended her throne of
gold, ivory, and ebony, the fragrant smell of which was superior to the choicest balm. She also commanded
her maids of honour to take their instruments, and play to their own singing so sweetly that none should be
disgusted.
/venant was conducted into the chamber of audience, were he stood so transported with admiration, that,
as he afterwards said, he had scarcely power to open his lips. /t length, however, he took courage, and
made his speech wonderfully well; wherein he prayed the princess not to let him be so unfortunate as to
return without her. >6entle /venant,> said she, >all the reasons you have laid before me, are very good, and
* assure you, * would rather favour you than any other; but you must know, about a month since, * went to
take the air by the side of a river, with my maids of honour; as * was pulling off my glove, * pulled a ring
from my finger, which by accident fell into the river. This ring * valued more than my whole kingdom;
whence you may +udge how much * am afflicted by the loss of it. /nd * have made a vow never to hearken
to any proposals of marriage, unless the ambassador who makes them shall also bring my ring. This is the
present which you have to make me; otherwise you may talk your heart out, for months and even years
shall never change my resolution.> 2hen he returned to his lodgings, he went to bed supperless; and his
little dog, who was called 4abriole, made a fasting night of it too, and went and lay down by his master;
who did nothing all night but sigh and lament, saying, >'ow can * find a ring that fell into a great river a
month ago% *t would be folly to attempt it. The princess en+oined me this task, merely because she knew it
was impossible,> he continued, greatly afflicted; which 4abriole observing, said, >My dear master, pray do
not despair of your good fortune; for you are too good to be unhappy. Therefore, when it is day, let us go to
the river side.> /venant made no answer, but gave his dog two little cuffs with his hand, and being
overwhelmed with grief, fell asleep.
1ut when 4abriole perceived it was broad day, he fell a barking so loud that he waked his master. >Rise,
sir,> said he, >put on your clothes, and let us go and try our fortune.> /venant took his little dog<s advice;
got up, and dressed himself, went down into the garden, and out of the garden he walked insensibly to the
river side, with his hat over his eyes, and his arms across, thinking of nothing but taking his leave; when all
on a sudden he heard a voice call, >/venant, /venant(> upon which he looked around him, but seeing
nothing, he concluded it was an illusion, and was proceeding in his walk; but he presently heard himself
called again. >2ho calls me%> said he; 4abriole, who was very little and looked closely into the water, cried
out, >Never believe me, if it is not a gilded carp.> *mmediately the carp appeared, and with an audible voice
said, >/venant, you saved my life in the poplar meadow, where * must have died without your assistance;
and now * am come to re5uite your kindness. 'ere, my dear /venant, here is the ring which the 3air "ne
with Locks of 6old dropped into the river.> Cpon which he stooped and took it out of the carp<s mouth; to
whom he returned a thousand thanks. /nd now, instead of returning home, he went directly to the palace
with little 4abriole, who skipped about, and wagged his tail for +oy, that he had persuaded his master to
walk by the side of the river. The princess being told that /venant desired an audience? >/las,> said she,
>the poor youth has come to take his leave of me( 'e has considered what * en+oined him as impossible,
and is returning to his master.> 1ut /venant being admitted, presented her the ring, saying, >Madam, behold
* have e0ecuted your command; and now, * hope, you will receive my master for your royal consort.> 2hen
she saw her ring, and that it was noways in+ured, she was so ama!ed that she could hardly believe her eyes.
>Surely, courteous /venant,> said she, >you must be favoured by some fairy; for naturally this is
impossible.> >Madam,> said he, >* am ac5uainted with no fairy; but * was willing to obey your command.>
>2ell, then, seeing you have so good a will,> continued she, >you must do me another piece of service,
without which * will never marry. There is a certain prince who lives not far from hence, whose name is
6alifron, and whom nothing would serve but that he must needs marry me. 'e declared his mind to me,
with most terrible menaces, that if * denied him, he would enter my kingdom with fire and sword; but you
shall +udge whether * would accept his proposal? he is a giant, as high as a steeple; he devours men as an
ape eats chestnuts; when he goes into the country, he carries cannons in his pocket, to use instead of pistols;
and when he speaks aloud he deafens the ears of those that stand near him. * answered him, that * did not
choose to marry, and desired him to e0cuse me. Nevertheless, he has not ceased to persecute me, and has
put an infinite number of my sub+ects to the sword? therefore, before all other things you must fight him,
and bring me his head.>
/venant was somewhat startled by this proposal; but, having considered it awhile, >2ell, madam,> said he,
>* will fight this 6alifron; * believe * shall be van5uished; but * will die like a man of courage.> The
princess was astonished at his intrepidity, and said a thousand things to dissuade him from it, but all in vain.
/t length he arrived at 6alifron<s castle, the roads all the way being strewed with the bones and carcasses of
men which the giant had devoured, or cut in pieces. *t was not long before /venant saw the monster
approach, and he immediately challenged him; but there was no occasion for this, for he lifted his iron
mace, and had certainly beat out the gentle /venant<s brains at the first blow, had not a crow at that instant
perched upon the giant<s head, and with his bill pecked out both his eyes. The blood trickled down his face,
whereat he grew desperate, and laid about him on every side; but /venant took care to avoid his blows, and
gave him many great wounds with his sword, which he pushed up to the very hilt; so that the giant fainted,
and fell down with loss of blood. /venant immediately cut off his head; and while he was in an ecstasy of
+oy, for his good success, the crow perched upon a tree, and said, >/venant, * did not forget the kindnesses *
received at your hands, when you killed the eagle that pursued me; * promised to make you amends, and
now * have been as good as my word.> >* acknowledge your kindness, Mr. 4row,> replied /venant; >* am
still your debtor, and your servant.> So saying, he mounted his courser, and rode away with the giant<s
horrid head. 2hen he arrived at the city, every body crowded after him, crying out, >Long live the valiant
/venant, who has slain the cruel monster(> so that the princess, who heard the noise, and trembling for fear
she should have heard of /venant<s death, durst not in5uire what was the matter. 1ut presently after, she
saw /venant enter with the giant<s head; at the sight of which she trembled, though there was nothing to
fear. >Madam,> said he, >behold your enemy is dead; and now, * hope, you will no longer refuse the king
my master.> >/las(> replied the 3air "ne with Locks of 6old, >* must still refuse him, unless you can find
means to bring me some of the water of the gloomy cave. Not far from hence,> continued she, >there is a
very deep cave, about si0 leagues in compass; the entrance into which is guarded by two dragons. The
dragons dart fire from their mouths and eyes; and when you have got into this cave, you will meet with a
very deep hole, into which you must go down, and you will find it full of toads, adders and serpents. /t the
bottom of this hole there is a kind of cellar, through which runs the fountain of beauty and health. This is
the water * must have; its virtues are wonderful; for the fair, by washing in it, preserve their beauty; and the
deformed it renders beautiful; if they are young, it preserves them always youthful; and if old it makes them
young again. Now +udge you, /venant, whether * will ever leave my kingdom without carrying some of this
water along with me.> >Madam,> said he, >you are so beautiful, that this water will be of no use to you; but
* am an unfortunate ambassador, whose death you seek. 'owever, * will go in search of what you desire,
though * am certain never to return.>
/t length he arrived at the top of a mountain; where he sat down to rest himself; giving his horse liberty to
feed, and 4abriole to run after the flies. 'e knew that the gloomy cave was not far off, and looked about to
see whether he could discover it; and at length he perceived a horrid rock as black as ink, whence issued a
thick smoke; and immediately after he spied one of the dragons casting forth fire from his +aws and eyes;
his skin all over yellow and green, with prodigious claws and a long tail rolled up in an hundred folds.
/venant, with a resolution to die in the attempt, drew his sword, and with the phial which the 3air "ne with
Locks of 6old had given him to fill with the water of beauty, went towards the cave, saying to his little dog,
>4abriole, here is an end of me; * never shall be able to get this water, it is so well guarded by the dragons;
therefore when * am dead, fill this phial with my blood, and carry it to my princess, that she may see what
her severity has cost me? then go to the king my master and give him an account of my misfortunes.> 2hile
he was saying this, he heard a voice call >/venant, /venant(> >2ho calls me%> said he; and presently he
espied an owl in the hole of an old hollow tree, who, calling him again, said, >.ou rescued me from the
fowler<s net, where * had been assuredly taken, had you not delivered me. * promised to make you amends,
and now the time is come; give me your phial; * am ac5uainted with all the secret inlets into the gloomy
cave, and will go and fetch you the water of beauty.> /venant most gladly gave the phial, and the owl,
entering without any impediment into the cave, filled it, and in less than a 5uarter of an hour returned with
it well stopped. /venant was over+oyed at his good fortune, gave the owl a thousand thanks, and returned
with a merry heart to the city. 1eing arrived at the palace, he presented the phial to the 3air "ne with Locks
of 6old, who had then nothing further to say. She returned /venant thanks, and gave orders for every thing
that was re5uisite for her departure? after which she set forward with him. The 3air "ne with Locks of 6old
thought /venant very amiable, and said to him sometimes upon the road, >*f you had been willing, * could
have made you a king; and then we need not have left my kingdom.> 1ut /venant replied, >* would not
have been guilty of such a piece of treachery to my master for all the kingdoms of the earth; though * must
acknowledge your beauties are more resplendent than the sun.>
/t length they arrived at the king<s chief city, who understanding that the 3air "ne with Locks of 6old was
arrived, he went forth to meet her, and made her the richest presents in the world. The nuptials were
solemni!ed with such demonstrations of +oy, that nothing else was discoursed of. 1ut the 3air "ne with
Locks of 6old, who loved /venant in her heart, was never pleased but when she was in his company, and
would be always speaking in his praise? >* had never come hither,> said she to the king, >had it not been for
/venant, who, to serve me, has con5uered impossibilities; you are infinitely obliged to him; he procured
me the water of beauty and health; by which * shall never grow old, and shall always preserve my health
and beauty.> The enviers of /venant<s happiness, who heard the 5ueen<s words, said to the king, >2ere your
ma+esty inclined to be +ealous, you have reason enough to be so, for the 5ueen is desperately in love with
/venant.> >*ndeed,> said the king, >* am sensible of the truth of what you tell me; let him be put in the great
tower, with fetters upon his feet and hands.> /venant was immediately sei!ed. 'owever, his little dog
4abriole never forsook him, but cheered him the best he could, and brought him all the news of the court.
2hen the 3air "ne with Locks of 6old was informed of his misfortunes, she threw herself at the king<s
feet, and all in tears besought him to release /venant out of prison. 1ut the more she besought him the more
he was incensed, believing it was her affection that made her so !ealous a suppliant in his behalf. 3inding
she could not prevail, she said no more to him, but grew very pensive and melancholy.
The king took it into his head that she did not think him handsome enough; so he resolved to wash his face
with the water of beauty, in hopes that the 5ueen would then conceive a greater affection for him than she
had. This water stood in a phial upon a table in the 5ueen<s chamber, where she had put it, that it might not
be out of her sight. 1ut one of the chambermaids going to kill a spider with her besom, by accident threw
down the phial, and broke it, so that the water was lost. She dried it up with all the speed she could, and not
knowing what to do, she bethought herself that she had seen a phial of clear water in the king<s cabinet very
like that she had broken. 2ithout any more ado, therefore, she went and fetched that phial, and set it upon
the table in place of the other. This water which was in the king<s cabinet, was a certain water which he
made use of to poison the great lords and princes of his court when they were convicted of any great crime;
to which purpose, instead of cutting off their heads, or hanging them, he caused their faces to be rubbed
with this water, which cast them into so profound a sleep that they never waked again. Now the king one
evening took this phial, and rubbed his face well with the water, after which he fell asleep and died.
4abriole was one of the first that came to knowledge of this accident, and immediately ran to inform
/venant of it who bid him go to the 3air "ne with Locks of 6old, and remind her of the poor prisoner.
4abriole slipped unperceived through the crowd, for there was a great noise and hurry at court upon the
king<s death; and getting to the 5ueen, >Madam,> said he, >remember poor /venant.> She presently called to
mind the afflictions he had suffered for her sake, and his fidelity. 2ithout speaking a word, she went
directly to the great tower, and took off the fetters from /venant<s feet and hands herself; after which,
putting the crown upon his head, and the royal mantle about his shoulders, >/miable /venant,> said she, >*
will make you a sovereign prince, and take you for my consort.> /venant threw himself at her feet, and in
terms the most passionate and respectful returned her thanks. 8very body was over+oyed to have him for
their king? the nuptials were the most splendid in the world; and the 3air "ne. with Locks of 6old lived a
long time with her beloved /venant, both happy and contented in the en+oyment of each other.
Blue Beard
There was, some time ago, a gentleman who was very rich. 'e had fine town
and country houses, his dishes and plates were all of gold or silver, his
rooms were hung with damask, his chairs and sofas were covered with the
richest silks, and his carriages were all gilt with gold in a grand style. 1ut it
happened that this gentleman had a blue beard, which made him so very
frightful and ugly, that none of the ladies, in the parts where he lived,
would venture to go into his company. Now there was a certain lady of rank,
who lived very near him, and had two daughters, both of them of very great
beauty. 1lue 1eard asked her to bestow one of them upon him for a wife, and
left it to herself to choose which of the two it should be. 1ut both the young
ladies again and again said they would never marry 1lue 1eard; yet, to be as civil as they could, each of
them said, the only reason why she would not have him was, because she was loath to hinder her sister
from the match, which would be such a good one for her. Still the truth of the matter was, they could
neither of them bear the thoughts of having a husband with a blue beard; and besides, they had heard of his
having been married to several wives before, and nobody could tell what had ever become of any of them.
/s 1lue 1eard wished very much to gain their favour, he asked the lady and her daughters, and some ladies
who were on a visit at their house, to go with him to one of his country seats, where they spent a whole
week, during which they passed all their time in nothing but parties for hunting and fishing, music, dancing,
and feasts. No one even thought of going to bed, and the nights were passed in merrymakings of all kinds.
*n short, the time rolled on in so much pleasure, that the youngest of the two sisters began to think that the
beard which she had been so much afraid of, was not so very blue, and that the gentleman who owned it
was vastly civil and pleasing. Soon after their return home, she told her mother that she had no longer any
dislike to accept of 1lue 1eard for her husband; and in a very short time they were married.
/bout a month after the marriage had taken place, 1lue 1eard told his wife that he should be forced to
leave her for a few weeks, as he had some affairs to attend to in the country. 'e desired her to be sure to
indulge herself in every kind of pleasure, to invite as many of her friends as she liked, and to treat them
with all sorts of dainties, that her time might pass pleasantly till he came back again. >'ere,> said he, >are
the keys of the two large wardrobes. This is the key of the great bo0 that contains the best plate, which we
use for company, this belongs to my strong bo0, where * keep my money, and this belongs to the casket, in
which are all my +ewels. 'ere also is a masterkey to all the rooms in the house; but this small key belongs
to the closet at the end of the long gallery on the ground floor. * give you leave,> said he, >to open, or to do
what you like with all the rest e0cept this closet. This, my dear, you must not enter, nor even put the key
into the lock, for all the world. *f you do not obey me in this one thing, you must e0pect the most dreadful
punishments.> She promised to obey his orders in the most faithful manner; and 1lue 1eard, after kissing
her tenderly, stepped into his coach, and drove away.
2hen 1lue 1eard was gone, the friends of his wife did not wait to be asked, so eager were they to see all
the riches and fine things she had gained by marriage; for they had none of them gone to the wedding, on
account of their dislike to the blue beard of the bridegroom. /s soon as ever they came to the house, they
ran about from room to room, from closet to closet, and then from wardrobe to wardrobe, looking into each
with wonder and delight, and said, that every fresh one they came to, was richer and finer than what they
had seen the moment before. /t last they came to the drawingrooms, where their surprise was made still
greater by the costly grandeur of the hangings, the sofas, the chairs, carpets, tables, sideboards, and
lookingglasses; the frames of these last were silvergilt, most richly adorned, and in the glasses they saw
themselves from head to foot. *n short, nothing could e0ceed the richness of what they saw; and they all did
not fail to admire and envy the good fortune of their friend. 1ut all this time the bride herself was far from
thinking about the fine speeches they made to her, for she was eager to see what was in the closet her
husband had told her not to open. So great, indeed, was her desire to do this, that, without once thinking
how rude it would be to leave her guests, she slipped away down a private staircase that led to this
forbidden closet, and in such a hurry, that she was two or three times in danger of falling down stairs and
breaking her neck.
2hen she reached the door of the closet, she stopped for a few moments to think of the order her husband
had given her, and how he had told her that he would not fail to keep his word and punish her very severely,
if she did not obey him. 1ut she was so very curious to know what was inside, that she made up her mind to
venture in spite of every thing. She then, with a trembling hand, put the key into the lock, and the door
straight flew open. /s the window shutters were closed, she at first could see nothing; but in a short time
she saw that the floor was covered with clotted blood, on which the bodies of several dead women were
lying.
These were all the wives whom 1lue 1eard had married, and killed one after another. /t this sight she was
ready to sink with fear, and the key of the closet door, which she held in her hand, fell on the floor. 2hen
she had a little got the better of her fright, she took it up, locked the door, and made haste back to her own
room, that she might have a little time to get into a humour to amuse her company; but this she could not
do, so great was her fright at what she had seen. /s she found that the key of the closet had got stained with
blood in falling on the floor, she wiped it two or three times over to clean it; yet still the blood kept on it the
same as before. She ne0t washed it, but the blood did not move at all. She then scoured it with brickdust,
and after with sand, but in spite of all she could do, the blood was still there; for the key was a fairy who
was 1lue 1eard<s friend; so that as fast as she got off the blood on one side, it came again on the other.
8arly in the same evening 1lue 1eard came home, saying, that before he had gone far on his +ourney he
was met by a horseman, who was coming to tell him that his affair in the country was settled without his
being present; upon which his wife said every thing she could think of, to make him believe she was in a
transport of +oy at his sudden return.
The ne0t morning he asked her for the keys? she gave them to him; but as she could not help showing her
fright, 1lue 1eard easily guessed what had been the matter. >'ow is it,> said he, >that the key of the closet
upon the ground floor is not here%> >*s it not%> said the wife, >then * must have left it on my dressingtable.>
>1e sure you give it me by and by,> replied 1lue 1eard. /fter going a good many times backwards and
forwards, as if she was looking for the key, she was at last forced to give it to 1lue 1eard. 'e looked hard
at it, and then said? >'ow came this blood upon the key%> >* am sure * do not know,> replied the poor lady,
at the same time turning as white as a sheet. >.ou do not know%> said 1lue 1eard sternly, >but * know well
enough. .ou have been in the closet on the ground floor( =ery well, madam? since you are so mighty fond
of this closet, you shall be sure to take your place among the ladies you saw there.> 'is wife, who was
almost dead with fear, now fell upon her knees, asked his pardon a thousand times for her fault, and begged
him to forgive her, looking all the time so very mournful and lovely, that she would have melted any heart
that was not harder than a rock. 1ut 1lue 1eard only said, >No, no, madam; you shall die this very minute(>
>/las(> said the poor trembling creature, >if * must die, give me, as least, a little time to say my prayers.> >*
give you,> replied the cruel 1lue 1eard, >half a 5uarter of an hour? not a moment longer.> 2hen 1lue 1eard
had left her to herself, she called her sister; and after telling her, as well as she could for sobbing, that she
had but half a 5uarter of an hour to live; >)rithee,> said she, >sister /nne,> 9this was her sister<s name:, >run
up to the top of the tower, and see if my brothers are not in sight, for they said they would visit me today,
and if you see them, make a sign for them to gallop on as fast as ever they can.> 'er sister straight did as
she was desired; and the poor trembling lady every minute cried out to her? >/nne( sister /nne( do you see
any one coming%> 'er sister said, >* see nothing but the sun, which makes a dust, and the grass, which
looks green.>
*n the meanwhile, 1lue 1eard, with a great cimeter in his hand, bawled as loud as he could to his wife,
>4ome down at once, or * will fetch you.> >"ne moment longer, * beseech you,> replied she, and again
called softly to her sister, >Sister /nne, do you see any one coming%> To which she answered, >* see
nothing but the sun, which makes a dust, and the grass, which looks green.> 1lue 1eard now again bawled
out, >4ome down, * say, this very moment, or * shall come to fetch you.> >* am coming; indeed * will come
in one minute,> sobbed his wretched wife. Then she once more cried out, >/nne( sister /nne( do you see
any one coming%> >* see,> said her sister, >a cloud of dust a little to the left.> >$o you think it is my
brothers%> said the wife. >/las( no, dear sister,> replied she, >it is only a flock of sheep.> >2ill you come
down, madam%> said 1lue 1eard, in the greatest rage. >"nly one single moment more,> said she. /nd then
she called out for the last time, >Sister /nne( sister /nne( do you see no one coming%> >* see,> replied her
sister, >two men on horseback coming; but they are still a great way off.> >Thank 6od,> cried she, >they are
my brothers; beckon them to make haste.> 1lue 1eard now cried out so loud for her to come down, that his
voice shook the whole house. The poor lady, with her hair loose, and all in tears, now came down, and fell
on her knees, begging him to spare her life; but he stopped her, saying, >/ll this is of no use, for you shall
die,> and then, sei!ing her by the hair, raised his cimeter to strike off her head. The poor woman now
begged a single moment to say one prayer. >No, no,> said 1lue 1eard, >* will give you no more time. .ou
have had too much already.> /nd again he raised his arm. Bust at this instant a loud knocking was heard at
the gates, which made 1lue 1eard wait for a moment to see who it was. The gates now flew open, and two
officers, dressed in their uniform, came in, and, with their swords in their hands, ran straight to 1lue 1eard,
who, seeing they were his wife<s brothers, tried to escape from their presence; but they pursued and sei!ed
him before he had gone twenty steps, and plunging their swords into his body he fell down dead at their
feet.
The poor wife, who was almost as dead as her husband, was not able at first to rise and embrace her
brothers; but she soon came to herself; and, as 1lue 1eard had no heirs, she found herself the owner of his
great riches. She gave a part of his vast fortune as a marriage dowry to her sister /nne, who soon after
became the wife of a young gentleman who had long loved her. Some of the money she laid out in buying
captains< commissions for her two brothers, and the rest she gave to a worthy gentleman whom she married
shortly after, and whose kind treatment soon made her forget 1lue 1eard<s cruelty.
5O,&!
' !pecial :orld
/ special world for you and me
/ special bond one cannot see
*t wraps us up in its cocoon
/nd holds us fiercely in its womb.
*ts fingers spread like fine spun gold
6ently nestling us to the fold
Like silken thread it holds us fast
1onds like this are meant to last.
/nd though at times a thread may break
/ new one forms in its wake
To bind us closer and keep us strong
*n a special world, where we belong.
'n ,ntrapment
My love, * have tried with all my being
to grasp a form comparable to thine own,
but nothing seems worthy;
* know now why Shakespeare could not
compare his love to a summer,s day.
*t would be a crime to denounce the
beauty
of such a creature as thee,
to simply cast away the precision
6od had placed in forging you.
8ach facet of your being
whether it physical or spiritual
is an ensnarement
from which there is no release.
1ut * do not wish release.
* wish to stay entrapped forever.
2ith you for all eternity.
:hat *ove 'bout $ou
* love the way you look at me,
.our eyes so bright and blue.
* love the way you kiss me,
.our lips so soft and smooth.
* love the way you make me so happy,
/nd the ways you show you care.
* love the way you say, >* Love .ou,>
/nd the way you<re always there.
* love the way you touch me,
/lways sending chills down my spine.
* love that you are with me,
/nd glad that you are mine.
Never (ave 4allen
.our lips speak soft sweetness
.our touch a cool caress
* am lost in your magic
My heart beats within your chest
* think of you each morning
/nd dream of you each night
* think of your arms being around me
/nd cannot e0press my delight
Never have * fallen
1ut * am 5uickly on my way
.ou hold a heart in your hands
That has never before been given away
*ove s ...
Love is the greatest feeling,
Love is like a play,
Love is what * feel for you,
8ach and every day,
Love is like a smile,
Love is like a song,
Love is a great emotion,
That keeps us going strong,
* love you with my heart,
My body and my soul,
* love the way * keep loving,
Like a love * can<t control,
So remember when your eyes meet
mine,
* love you with all my heart,
/nd * have poured my entire soul into
you,
Right from the very start.
:ill *ove $ou 4orever
* love you so deeply,
* love you so much,
* love the sound of your voice
/nd the way that we touch.
* love your warm smile
/nd your kind, thoughtful way,
The +oy that you bring
To my life every day.
* love you today
/s * have from the start,
/nd *<ll love you forever
2ith all of my heart.
&y *ove
My love is like an ocean
*t goes down so deep
My love is like a rose
2hose beauty you want to keep.
My love is like a river
That will never end
My love is like a dove
2ith a beautiful message to send.
My love is like a song
That goes on and on forever
My love is like a prisoner
*t<s to you that * surrender.
0reams
* dream of your touch while you are
away,
* dream of your smile all through the
day,
* remember the day,
.ou came into my life,
* dream of the day * will be your wife.
* dream of the day * can fall asleep ne0t
to you,
* dream of the day * can say * do.
To be your wife,
To be together for life,
*s a dream * have,
8very night.