nto the upper hall, whence they easily carried the box
into the outer air. The lady then removed the lid, and it was marvellous
to watch the castle, houses, and farmyards begin to grow and spread
themselves till they had regained their proper size. Then the young
couple returned by means of the movable stone, and brought up all the
glass vessels filled with smoke. No sooner were they uncorked than the
blue vapours poured out and became transformed to living people, in whom
the lady joyfully recognised her many servants and attendants.

Her delight was complete when her brother (who had killed the Magician
under the form of a bull) was seen coming from the forest in his proper
shape, and that very day, according to her promise, she gave her hand in
marriage to the happy young tailor.

Grimm.

THE THREE SNAKE-LEAVES

There was once a poor man who could no longer afford to keep his only
son at home. So the son said to him, 'Dear father, you are so poor that
I am only a burden to you; I would rather go out into the world and see
if I can earn my own living.' The father gave him his blessing and
took leave of him with much sorrow. About this time the King of a very
powerful kingdom was carrying on a war; the youth therefore took service
under him and went on the campaign. When they came before the enemy, a
battle took place, there was some hot fighting, and it rained bullets so
thickly that his comrades fell around him on all sides. And when their
leader fell too the rest wished to take to flight; but the youth stepped
forward and encouraged them and called out, 'We must not let our country
be ruined!' Then others followed him, and he pressed on and defeated
the enemy. When the King heard that he had to thank him alone for the
victory, he raised him higher than anyone else in rank, gave him great
treasures and made him the first in the kingdom.

The King had a daughter who was very beautiful, but she was also very
capricious. She had made a vow to marry no one who would not promise her
that if she died first, he would allow himself to be buried alive with
her. 'If he loves me truly,' she used to say, 'what use would life be
to him then?' At the same time she was willing to do the same, and if he
died first to be buried with him. This curious vow had up to this time
frightened away all suitors, but the young man was so captivated by her
beauty, that he hesitated at nothing and asked her hand of her father.
'D