Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 6 1888.djvu/269

 Rh Now he took leave of the fox and went home; having with him the golden damsel, the golden horse, the golden apple-tree, and the vine. When he arrived at the cross-road, where he had parted from his brothers, when he went from home to seek the vine, he saw a multitude of people assembled, and he too went thither to see what was the matter. When he got there his two brothers were standing condemned and the people were going to hang them. He told the damsel that they were his brothers, and that he would like to ransom them. The damsel took a large quantity of treasure out of her bosom, and she ransomed his brothers, the malefactors, who had thought to acquire the vine by slaying, burning, and plundering. They envied him, but could not help themselves. They proceeded home. The simpleton planted the vine in the garden where it had been; the vine began to pour forth wine, and his father's left eye ceased to weep, and began to laugh. The apple-tree began to blossom, the golden horse to neigh, the damsel to sing, and there was love and beauty at the farm-house. Everything was merry, everything was rejoicing and making progress.

All at once, the father sent his sons to bring him from the country three ears of rye, that he might see what manner of season it would be. When they came to a well in the country they told their simpleton brother to get them some water to drink. He stooped over the well to reach the water for them; they pushed him into the water, and he was drowned. Immediately the vine ceased to pour forth wine, the father's eye began to weep, the apple-tree drooped, the horse ceased to neigh, the damsel began to weep, and everything lost its cheerful appearance. Thereupon that selfsame lame fox came up, got down into the well, gently drew her adopted brother out, poured the water out of him, placed him on the fresh grass, and he revived. No sooner had he revived than the fox was transformed into a very beautiful damsel. Then she related to him how her mother had cursed her because she had rescued her greatest enemy from death. She was cursed, and was transformed into a cunning fox, and limped on three feet, until she should rescue her benefactor from a watery death. "And, lo! I have rescued you, my adopted brother. Now adieu!" She went her way, and the simpleton his way to his father;