The Crimson Fairy Book by Andrew Lang
page 38 of 346 (10%)
page 38 of 346 (10%)
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falls into the water I pick it up out of the greatest depths, and if it is
in a dark forest I can find it even at midnight.' The king was much pleased with the trades and talk of the six brothers, and said: 'Thank you, good people; your father did well to teach you all these things. Now follow me to the town, as I want to see what you can do. I need such people as you about me; but when harvest time comes I will send you home with royal presents.' The brothers bowed and said: 'As the king wills.' Suddenly the king remembered that he had not questioned the seventh Simon, so he turned to him and said: 'Why are you silent? What is your handicraft?' And the seventh Simon answered: 'I have no handicraft, O king; I have learnt nothing. I could not manage it. And if I do know how to do anything it is not what might properly be called a real trade--it is rather a sort of performance; but it is one which no one--not the king himself--must watch me doing, and I doubt whether this performance of mine would please your Majesty.' 'Come, come,' cried the king; 'I will have no excuses, what is this trade?' 'First, sire, give me your royal word that you will not kill me when I have told you. Then you shall hear.' 'So be it, then; I give you my royal word.' Then the seventh Simon stepped back a little, cleared his throat, |
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