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Rh But the brother would not listen to a word she said. He danced for joy and told her to make ready for the wedding. She wept bitter tears, went in front of the house, and sat on the threshold and let her tears flow.

Two old beggars came up, and she gave them to eat and to drink. They asked what her trouble was, and she needs must tell the two. "Now, weep no more, but do what we say. Make up four dolls and put them in the four corners of the room. After your brother calls you in for the betrothal, go; and if he calls you into the bridal chamber, ask for time, trust in God, and follow our advice." And the beggars departed.

The brother and sister were betrothed, and he went into the room and cried out, "Sister mine, come in!"

"I will come in in a moment, brother; I am only taking off my earrings."

And the dolls in the four corners began to sing:

Then the earth rose up and slowly swallowed the sister.

And the brother cried out again, "Sister mine, come in to the feather-bed!"

"In a minute, brother. I am undoing my girdle."

Then the dolls began to sing: