Page:Folk-lore - A Quarterly Review. Volume 9, 1898.djvu/257

Rh "'Will you become my son-in-law? I like you. I have lately lost a son-in-law.'

"'I can't say,' said Hans. 'I have an uncle; I'll ask him.'

"He went to his uncle and told him the offer. The uncle gave his permission, but the people scolded him.

"'What! send your nephew to certain death. The princess has had six men already, and strangled all of them. That's why the king has picked out a Russian this time.'

"'Don't you interfere, it's God's will'

"The nephew goes to the king, and the king comes at once to business.

"'Well, how stands it? '

"'The uncle has given me his blessing.'

"'Good,' says the king, 'good,' and forthwith fetches the princess.

"'Does the bridegroom please you?'

"'Yes.'

"'Well, God bless you.'

"The nephew fetches the uncle. The marriage takes place, and a splendid marriage feast. It was time to go to rest. The young pair retired to the bridal chamber, and Hans lies down.

"'Ah!' says he, 'we haven't summoned the uncle.'

"The uncle comes.

"'It s lucky you didn't forget me. Sleep now and take your rest; I will lie down at the threshold.'

"They fall asleep. In the night comes a flying dragon. The uncle sprang up, seized his sword, and cut off its head. But the young pair lay sound asleep. The uncle washed up the blood, swept up the dragon's head, and flung it all into the sea.

"The king sent next morning to enquire.

"'They're up and very well.'

"For two whole months it was nothing but feasting and jollity.

"Then Hans says to the king: 'Little father, let me go home, I shan't be away long.'

"'Good,' said the king.

"They went to choose horses. The uncle lays his hand upon a horse.

"'Take this one.'

"So they chose seven horses. They harnessed four to the coach, and gave the uncle a three-in-hand. Off they started.