`It will take seven herds of sheep,' said she, `and their increase
for seven years.'

`How much butter will it take to fill your crock?'

`Seven dairies,' said she, `and their increase for seven years.'

`And how much will it take to fill the barrel you have?' says
the Queen.

`It will take the increase of seven barrels of wheat for seven
years.'

`That is a great quantity,' says the Queen; `but the reason
must be extraordinary, and before I want it, I will give you all you
demand.'

`Well,' says the hen-wife, `it is because you are so stupid that
you don't observe or find out those affairs that are so dangerous
and hurtful to yourself and your child.'

`What is that?' says the Queen.

`Why,' says she, `the King your husband has three fine sons he
had by the late Queen, whom he keeps shut up in a tower until
they come of age, intending to divide the kingdom between them,
and let your son push his fortune; now, if you don't find some
means of destroying them; your child and perhaps yourself will be
left desolate in the end.'