night and all had gone to bed, the master-cook saw the kitchen door open
of itself and a beautiful little duck, fastened to a chain, came into
the kitchen. Wherever the little bird trod the most beautiful roses
sprang up. The duck went up to the dog upon the hearth, and said--

"Poor little Snow-white! Once on a time you lay on blue silk cushions.
Now you must lie on the grey ashes. Ah! my poor brother, who is in the
lions' den! Shame on Maiden Foxtail! she sleeps in my lord's arms."

"Alas, poor me!" continued the duck, "I shall come here only on two more
nights. After that I shall see you no more."

Then it caressed the little dog, and the dog returned its caresses.
After a little while the door opened of itself and the little bird went
its way.

The next morning, when it was daylight, the master-cook took the
beautiful roses that lay strewn on the floor and with them decorated the
dishes for the king's table. The king so much admired the flowers that
he ordered the master-cook to be called to him, and asked him where he
had found such magnificent roses. The cook told him all that had
happened, and what the duck had said to the little dog. When the king
heard it he was much perplexed, and he told the cook to let him know as
soon as the bird showed itself again.

The next night the little duck again came to the kitchen, and spoke to
the dog as before. The cook sent word to the king, and he came just as
the bird went out at the door. However he saw the beautiful roses lying
all over the kitchen floor, and from them came such a delightful scent
that the like had never been known.