صفحة 221 من 626

The day came that had been fixed for the marriage. The bridegroom

arrived and also a large company of guests, for the miller had

taken care to invite all his friends and relations. As they sat

at the feast, each guest in turn was asked to tell a tale; the

bride sat still and did not say a word.

'And you, my love,' said the bridegroom, turning to her, 'is

there no tale you know? Tell us something.'

'I will tell you a dream, then,' said the bride. 'I went alone

through a forest and came at last to a house; not a soul could I

find within, but a bird that was hanging in a cage on the wall

cried:

'Turn back, turn back, young maiden fair, Linger not in this

murderers' lair.'

and again a second time it said these words.'

'My darling, this is only a dream.'