GRIMM'S FAIRY TALES - online book

130 Fairy Stories Adapted & Arranged for young people

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THE KING OF THE BIRDS.              347
As soon as the animals saw this, they made sure that all was lost. A panic ensued ; and they began flying and running to then dens in the greatest confusion. And so the birds won the battle.
The wrens returned to their nest in great haste. "Be joyful, children," they cried, "and eat and drink to your heart's content; for we have won the victory."
But the young wrens said, " No, we will not eat or drink till the bear comes and makes an apology, and acknowledges that we are nobly born."
Upon this the wren flew to the bear's den, and said, " Old growler, unless you come to the nest, and apologize to my children, and tell them they are of noble descent, you will have every rib in your body broken."
The bear in great alarm crawled to the nest, and made the most humble apology. After this the little wrens were quite satisfied. They ate, and drank, and made themselves merry till quite late in the evening.
A rich man once had a servant who always served him honestly and faithfully. He was the first to rise in the morning, and the last to go to bed at night, and if any difficult work arose, which no one else could manage, he was ready to undertake it. Added to this, he never complained, but was contented with everything, and always merry.
At the end of his first year of service, his master paid him no wages, for he said to himself, " It is the most prudent way, and I shall save the money. He will remain in my service, I know, and work as pleasantly as ever."
The servant made no complaint, and during the second year continued to work well and faithfully, yet at the end of the time he was in the same manner kept without any wages. Still he worked on till the third year came to an end, and then the master put his hand in his pocket, as if he were going to pay him, but drew it out again empty. At last the young man spoke.
"Master," he said, in I have served you well for three years, and