like precious stones, to which the shape of
fruit had been given. I wished to take them, but he drew me back,
saying, "You must first know, that they are not for you. You are to
give them to the three handsomest young persons in the town, who will,
every one according to his lot, find wives to their heart's content.
There, take them and manage the matter well," he added, as he quitted
me, and placed the apples in my open hand. They seemed to me to have
become even larger than they were before. I held them against the
light, and found they were quite transparent, but soon they grew
taller, and at last became three pretty--very pretty little ladies, of
the height of a moderate-sized doll, with dresses of the colours of the
apples. In this form they glided softly up my fingers, and when I was
about to make a catch at them, that I might secure one at least, they
soared up far away, so that I could do nothing but look after them.
There I stood quite astounded and petrified, with my hands high in the
air, and still staring at my fingers, as if their was something to be
seen upon them. All of a sudden I perceived upon the very tips a
charming little girl, very pretty and lively, though smaller than the
others. As she did not fly away, like them, but remained with me, and
danced about, now on this finger, now on that, I looked at her for some
time, in a state of astonishment. She pleased me so much, that I
fancied I might catch her, and was just on the point of making a
grasp--as I thought very cleverly--when I felt a blow on the head, that
caused me to fall completely stunned, and did not awaken from the
stupor it occasioned till it was time to dress and go to church.

I often recalled the images to my mind during divine service, and at my
grandfather's table where I dined. In the afternoon I went to visit
some friends, both because such visits were due, and because I wished
to show myself in my new clothes, with my hat under my arm and my sword
by my side. Finding no one at home, and hearing that they were all
gone to the gardens, I resolved to follow them, intending to pass a
pleasant evening. My way led me along the town wall, and I soon came
to the spot which is called the "evil wall," and rightly enough, for
there is reason to believe it is always haunted. Walking slowly along,
I thought of my three goddesses, and still more of the little nymph,
and often held my fingers up in the air in the hope that she would