صفحة 613 من 626

'Poor bear,' said the mother, 'lie down by the fire, only take

care that you do not burn your coat.' Then she cried:

'Snow-white, Rose-red, come out, the bear will do you no harm, he

means well.' So they both came out, and by-and-by the lamb and

dove came nearer, and were not afraid of him. The bear said:

'Here, children, knock the snow out of my coat a little'; so they

brought the broom and swept the bear's hide clean; and he

stretched himself by the fire and growled contentedly and

comfortably. It was not long before they grew quite at home, and

played tricks with their clumsy guest. They tugged his hair with

their hands, put their feet upon his back and rolled him about,

or they took a hazel-switch and beat him, and when he growled

they laughed. But the bear took it all in good part, only when

they were too rough he called out: 'Leave me alive, children,

Snow-white, Rose-red, Will you beat your wooer dead?'