There was once a peasant, like many others, who had three sons but his wife had long been dead. When the two elder lads were somewhat grown up they went one day to their father, and begged him to allow them to go from home, and get themselves wives. The peasant answered: "It is not fitting that you go seeking for wives before you have tried your luck in the world. I want to know which of you can earn the handsomest cloth to spread over the table on Yule eve. This was agreeable to the two brothers, and on their departure the peasant gave five shillings to each of them, saying it would be for them to live on until they could find themselves some employment.

When the two elder sons were ready to leave home, the youngest son went to his father, and begged for permission to go and try his fortune. The peasant would not listen to him, but said mockingly: "Yes, you poor little fellow! No doubt there are many who will be glad to have you in their service! It is better for you to sit at home in the chimney-corner; that is your proper place." But the boy insisted: "Father, let me go with them. No one can tell what turns luck may tale. It may be that I get on well in the world, though I am little and younger than my brothers." When the old man heard this he thought to himself: "Well, it may be all right to be rid of him for some time. Here he is of no use, and he will no doubt, come back before the forest is green again." So, the lad got leave to accompany his brothers, and also received five shillings from his father to subsist on during his travels.

The three sons then set out, and travelled the whole day. Towards evening they came to an alehouse by the roadside, in which a number of travellers and other guests were assembled. The two elder brothers sat down, and ate and drank, and gambled, and made merry, while the youngest lad crept into a corner by himself, and would not join the company. When the two brothers had thus spent their money, they went to their young brother, and demanded from him his five shillings, telling him he had better return home, and the sooner the better. But the lad refused to give them his money, whereupon the brothers seized and beat him, took his money from him, and drove him out of the alehouse. They then sat down again, and ate and drank as before. But the poor boy fled away in the dark night, not knowing where to direct his steps. He trod many rugged paths, until he was unable to proceed further. Sitting down, therefore, on a little hill, he wept bitterly, until he fell asleep from weariness.

Early in the morning, before the lark had begun his song, the lad awoke and continued his journey. He now wandered over mountains and through deep valleys, neither knowing nor caring in what direction he went, provided only that he could escape from his brothers. After travelling for a long time he came to a green path that led to a mansion. This mansion was so spacious, that he thought it could be no other than a royal palace. The lad did not long hesitate, but entered, and came into many fine apartments, one more sumptuous than another -- but not a living soul was there. After wandering about for some time out of one hall into another, he came at last to a room yet more splendid than any of the others. In the place of honor there sat a toad, blacker than the blackest pitch, and so horrid in appearance that the lad could hardly turn his eyes towards her. The toad asked who he was, and on what errand he came. He answered, as was the truth: "I am a poor peasant boy, and have left home in search of some employment."

The toad then said: "Would you like to stay here with me? I am just now in great want of a servant." The boy expressed his willingness, and said that he would gladly serve her. The toad said: "Be welcome, then! If you are faithful to me, it shall be well for you." The matter was now settled, and the lad assured her that there should be no lack of devotion on his part, provided only that his mistress did not require of him more than he was able to perform.
关键字:魔蟾
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