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34 THE GOOD-TEMPERED TAILOR. |
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Just as he awoke, one of the crows began to speak to the other: "Brother," he said, "are you awake?"
" Yes, I am awake," replied the other.
"Then I will tell you something," said the first again, "The dew which has fallen around us to-night will restore the eyesight to any blind person who washes with it. If the blind only knew how many have been restored to sight by this dew, even those who never believed in its wonderful power, they would all come here."
When the tailor heard this, he took out his pocket-handkerchief, dragged it over the grass, and when it was well saturated with the dew, he washed out the cavities of his eyes with it. Almost at the same moment was fulfilled what he had heard, and a pair of new, perfect eyes filled up the empty sockets. A little longer, and then the tailor looked up, and saw the sun rising behind the mountain top, and on the plain before him lay the great city, with its noble gates and its towers, while the golden pinnacles and crosses that crowned their summits glittered in the sun's first morning rays. He could distinguish every leaf on the trees, he saw the birds fluttering among the branches above him, and the gnats dancing . in the morning air. Then he took a sewing-needle out of his pocket, and when he found that he could thread it as well as ever, his heart bounded for joy. He threw himself on his knees, and thanked God for the unmerited mercy, and sung his morning song of praise. He did not forget to pray for the two poor criminals who hung there, like clock-weights, swinging to and fro as the wind moved them. Then he took his bundle on his back, and soon forgetting his past pain and sorrow, continued his journey, singing and whistling as he went.
The first living thing he met was a brown foal, running and frisking in freedom in the field. He caught him by the mane, for he wished to mount and ride to the city; but the foal begged for his freedom.
" I am still young," said he, "and even a lighter tailor than you would break my back. Leave me to run free till I become strong. % Very likely a time may come when I shall be able to repay your kindness."
" Run away, then," said the tailor; " I see you are a wild young colt," He gave him one gentle stroke with a switch over his back, |
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