GRIMM'S FAIRY TALES - online book

130 Fairy Stories Adapted & Arranged for young people

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THE SHEPHERHS FLOWER.             227
ir --                                                        — -                                                                                                                                                                                       -~ —
however, that she would not go away, but continue to keep house for him.
The time came for Roland's marriage to take place; and it was a custom in that country that all the maidens that could be found should be present, and sing in honour of the bridal pair. The true maiden, when she heard of it, was so overcome with sorrow that she thought her heart would break when they came and asked her to go, and at first she refused, but at length several came and persuaded her to join them. The wedding day arrived, and when the young maidens placed themselves in a row to sing, she stepped back and stood alone unknown to the others. But as soon as the song began and the voice reached the ears of Roland, he started up crying, " I know that voice, that is the right bride, I desire no other." All the old memories which had been forgotten and vanished from his thoughts now came home to his heart again. Then was the marriage held with the true maiden, and all her sorrow was turned into joy.
Once upon a time there lived a king who had a beautiful pleasure garden behind his castle, in which grew a tree which bore golden apples; as the apples ripened they were counted, but every morn­ing one would be missing. The king noticed this, and ordered that every night watch should be kept under the tree.
The king had three sons, and he sent the eldest to watch for the first night in the garden, but when midnight came he could not keep himself awake, and the next morning another apple was missing. On the following night the second son tried to watch, but he succeeded no better, after struggling to keep awake for twelve hours he slept one, and in the morning, as usual, an apple was missed.
Now came the turn of the third son to watch, but at first the king did not trust him; he thought he would be as unsuccessful as his brothers. At length he gave him permission. The youth laid limself down under the tree and watched, but he did not allow ileep to gain the mastery over him, and as the clock struck
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