"These things are dull and stupid. I must have something to amuse me.
Go, brother, and tell the fox that these toys are all ugly and useless;
but that there is one thing that I would like above all else, one thing
that would make me quite happy. Tell him I must have the great silvery
ball that hangs at night above us in the sky,"

"Be satisfied, dear sister," said Ludwig. "We are quite happy as we
are."

"No, no, I will not be satisfied!" said Marleen. "You must do as I
tell you;" and she gave her brother no peace until he went again into
the forest.

"How now, little brother!" said the fox, when he saw Ludwig coming
toward him through the trees; "is it not well with you?"

"Alas, my sister is not satisfied with the toys."

"What would she, little brother?"

"That the great silvery moon that hangs high in the heavens at night
should be her plaything."

Very slowly the fox answered:--

"Go, little brother, it shall NOT be as she wishes."

Now when Ludwig reached home once more, in place of the stately house,
there stood their little old hut again. Marleen sat weeping in the