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Long before you or I were born, there reigned, in a country a

great way off, a king who had three sons. This king once fell

very ill--so ill that nobody thought he could live. His sons were

very much grieved at their father's sickness; and as they were

walking together very mournfully in the garden of the palace, a

little old man met them and asked what was the matter. They told

him that their father was very ill, and that they were afraid

nothing could save him. 'I know what would,' said the little old

man; 'it is the Water of Life. If he could have a draught of it

he would be well again; but it is very hard to get.' Then the

eldest son said, 'I will soon find it': and he went to the sick

king, and begged that he might go in search of the Water of Life,

as it was the only thing that could save him. 'No,' said the

king.