Page:Fairytales00auln.djvu/525

Rh There lived on the frontier an old nobleman, eighty years of age, a clever and prudent man, but so ill-used by fortune, that after having possessed much wealth, he found himself reduced almost to poverty, which he would have endured patiently, had it not been shared with him by three beautiful daughters. They were so sensible, that they never murmured at their misfortunes; and if by chance they spoke of them to their father, it was more to console him than to add to his troubles.

They lived with him free from ambition under a rustic roof. When the King's proclamation reached the ears of the old man, he called his daughters to him, and looking at them sorrowfully, said, "What can we do? The King orders all the distinguished people of his kingdom to join him, to fight against the Emperor, or condemns them to a very heavy fine, if they fail to do so. I am not in a position to pay the tax, and am therefore in a terrible dilemma; between death and ruin!" His three daughters were as much distressed as himself, but they entreated him to have a little courage, as they felt persuaded they should find some remedy for his affliction.

The next morning, the eldest daughter went to seek her father, who was walking sorrowfully in an orchard, which he attended to himself. "Sire," said she, "I am come to entreat you to permit me to set out for the army. I am of a good height, and strong enough; I will dress myself in male attire, and pass for your son; if I do not perform any heroic actions, I shall at least save you the journey, or the tax, and that is, a great deal in our situation." The Count embraced her affectionately, and at first objected to so extraordinary a proposition, but she told him so decidedly that she could see no other resource, that he at last consented.

There was nothing to be done now, but to provide clothes suitable to the personage she was to represent. Her father furnished her with arms, and gave her the best out of four of the horses he used to plough with. The adieus and regrets were affecting on each side. After travelling some days, she passed through a meadow, bordered by a quickset hedge. She saw a shepherdess in great trouble, who was endeavouring to drag one of her sheep out of a ditch, into which it had fallen. "What are you about there, good shepherdess?" said she. "Alas!" replied the shepherdess, "I am trying to save