Page:Hans Andersen's fairy tales (Robinson).djvu/86

 HANS ANDERSEN'S FAIRY TALES 'Fiddlestick!' exclaimed the field-mouse; 'don't be obstinate, child, or I shall bite thee with my white teeth! Is he not handsome, pray? Why, the Queen has not got such a black-velvet dress as he wears! And isn't he rich? rich both in kitchens and cellars? Be thankful to get such a husband!'

So Tommelise must be married. The day fixed had arrived, the mole had already come to fetch his bride, and she must dwell with him, deep under the earth, never again to come out into the warm sunshine which she loved so much, and which he could not endure. The poor child was in despair at the thought that she must now bid farewell to the beautiful sun of which she had at least been allowed to catch a glimpse every now and then while she lived with the field-mouse.

'Farewell, thou glorious sun!' she cried, throwing her arms up into the air, and she walked on a little way beyond the field-mouse's door; the corn was already reaped, and only the dry stubble surrounded her. 'Farewell, farewell!' repeated she, as she clasped her tiny arms round a little red flower that grew there. 'Greet the dear swallow from me, if thou shouldst see him.'

'Quivit! quivit!'—there was a fluttering of wings just over her head; she looked up, and behold! the little swallow was flying past. And how pleased he was when he perceived Tommelise! She told how that she had been obliged to accept the disagreeable mole as a husband, and that she would have to dwell deep underground where the sun never pierced. And she could not help weeping as she spoke.

'The cold winter will soon be here!' said the swallow; 'I shall fly far away to the warm countries. Wilt thou go with me? Thou canst sit on my back, and tie thyself firmly 64