Section09.pdf - MIT Media Laboratory

The Singing,
Soaring
Lark
A
merchant setting out ona long journey asked his
three daughters what presents he shouldbringback
for them. The first asked for diamonds, the second for
pearls; but the youngest and best beloved said:
‘Dear father, I should most like to have a singing,
soaring lark.’
‘Yes,if I can get it for you,’ be answered. Then he
kissed them goodbye and went into a far country for
many months.
The merchant prospered in his trading, so that it was
easy for him to buy diamonds and pearls. But nowhere
could he find a singing, soaring lark for sale—and he was
very unhappy about this, for he loved his youngest
daughter best.
On his way home, however, his road lay through a
forest in the midst of which was a splendid castle, and
near the castlestood a tree on rop of which he suddenly
saw a singing, soaring lark.
‘An-ha!’ cried the merchant. ‘A singing, soaring lark
—just at the right moment!’ And he bade one of his
servants climb up the tree and secure the bird. But
as they approached it, a great fierce lion leapt out from
behind the tree, shook himself, and roared until the
leaves trembled.
‘I will eat whoever trits to steal my singing, soaring
lark!’ roared the lion, and he made ready to begin with
the merchant and his servant.
‘I did not know that the singing, soaring lark was
yours!’ cried the merchant, falling on his knees. ‘I only
wanted the bird as a present for my beloved daughter.
Spare me, noble sir, and I give you my word I will pay
a rich ransom.’
‘I will give you both your life and the singing, soaring
lark,’ roared the lion, ‘on one condition only. Your
ransom shall be the first live creature that comes to meet
you from your home. Swear to this, and lark and life
shall beyours.’
Then the merchant thought: ‘It’s sure to be my dog—
or failing him, one of my servants.’ So he tumed to the
lion and swore a most solenm oath.
After this, he took the singing, soaring lark and set
out for home as quickly as he could.
But as soon as he came in sight of the house, his
youngest daughter who had been looking out for him
for many days, came running to meet him. She kissed
him and embraced him; and when she saw that be
had brought her a singing, soaring lark, she was
beside herself with joy.
The merchant did not rejoice, however. Instead he
weptbitterly and said:
‘Dearest child, I have indeed brought the singing,
soaring lark for you. But in return for it, I have been
forced to promise you to a savage lion—who will
certainly tear you in pieces and eat you.’
Then he told her all the story, and she said: ‘Father,
you have given your word. There is nothing for it but
V
p