Blue Fairy Book

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from his heart when he saw her beauty and learned how good she was, and a great banquet was prepared, to which everyone
was bidden. The bridegroom sat at the head of the table, the Princess on one side of him and the waiting-maid on the other; but
she was so dazzled that she did not recognize the Princess in her glittering garments. Now when they had eaten and drunk, and
were merry, the old King asked the waiting-maid to solve a knotty point for him. "What," said he, "should be done to a certain
person who has deceived everyone?" and he proceeded to relate the whole story, ending up with, "Now what sentence should be
passed?" Then the false bride answered: "She deserves to be put stark naked into a barrel lined with sharp nails, which should
be dragged by two white horses up and down the street till she is dead."
"You are the person," said the King, "and you have passed sentence on yourself; and even so it shall be done to you." And
when the sentence had been carried out the young King was married to his real bride, and both reigned over the kingdom in
peace and happiness.
Grimm.
TOADS AND DIAMONDS
THERE was once upon a time a widow who had two daughters. The eldest was so much like her in the face and humor that
whoever looked upon the daughter saw the mother. They were both so disagreeable and so proud that there was no living with
them.
The youngest, who was the very picture of her father for courtesy and sweetness of temper, was withal one of the most
beautiful girls ever seen. As people naturally love their own likeness, this mother even doted on her eldest daughter and at the
same time had a horrible aversion for the youngest -- she made her eat in the kitchen and work continually.
Among other things, this poor child was forced twice a day to draw water above a mile and a-half off the house, and bring
home a pitcher full of it. One day, as she was at this fountain, there came to her a poor woman, who begged of her to let her
drink.