047-第6章
按键盘上方向键 ← 或 → 可快速上下翻页,按键盘上的 Enter 键可回到本书目录页,按键盘上方向键 ↑ 可回到本页顶部!
————未阅读完?加入书签已便下次继续阅读!
his foot on her and said; old witch; if you do not instantly confess
where my brother is; I will seize you with both my hands and throw
you into the fire。 She was in a great fright; begged for mercy and
said; he and his animals lie in a vault; turned to stone。 Then he
compelled her to go thither with him; threatened her; and said; old
sea…cat; now you shall make my brother and all the human beings lying
here; alive again; or you shall go into the fire。 She took a wand
and touched the stones; and then his brother with his animals came to
life again; and many others; merchants; artisans; and shepherds;
arose; thanked him for their deliverance; and went to their homes。
But when the twin brothers saw each other again; they kissed each
other and rejoiced with all their hearts。 Then they seized the
witch; bound her and laid her on the fire; and when she was burnt the
forest opened of its own accord; and was light and clear; and the
king's palace could be seen at about the distance of a three hours;
walk。
Thereupon the two brothers went home together; and on the way told
each other their histories。 And when the younger said that he was
ruler of the whole country in the king's stead; the other observed;
that I remarked very well; for when I came to the town; and was taken
for you; all royal honors were paid me; the young queen looked on me
as her husband; and I had to eat at her side; and sleep in your bed。
When the other heard that; he became so jealous and angry that he
drew his sword; and struck off his brother's head。 But when he saw
him lying there dead; and saw his red blood flowing; he repented most
violently; my brother delivered me; cried he; and I have killed him
for it; and he bewailed him aloud。 Then his hare came and offered to
go and bring some of the root of life; and bounded away and brought
it while yet there was time; and the dead man was brought to life
again; and knew nothing about the wound。
After this they journeyed onwards; and the younger said; you look
like me; you have royal apparel on as I have; and the animals follow
you as they do me; we will go in by opposite gates; and arrive at the
same time from the two sides in the aged king's presence。 So they
separated; and at the same time came the watchmen from the one door
and from the other; and announced that the young king and the animals
had returned from the chase。
The king said; it is not possible; the gates lie quite a mile apart。
In the meantime; however; the two brothers entered the courtyard of
the palace from opposite sides; and both mounted the steps。 Then the
king said to the daughter; say which is your husband。
Each of them looks exactly like the other; I cannot tell。 Then she
was in great distress; and could not tell; but at last she remembered
the necklace which she had given to the animals; and she sought for
and found her little golden clasp on the lion; and she cried in her
delight; he who is followed by this lion is my true husband。 Then
the young king laughed and said; yes; he is the right one; and they
sat down together to table; and ate and drank; and were merry。 At
night when the young king went to bed; his wife said; why have you
for these last nights always laid a two…edged sword in our bed。 I
thought you had a wish to kill me。 Then he knew how true his brother
had been。