Strona 20 z 626

One of these lucky beings was neighbour Hans. Seven long years he

had worked hard for his master. At last he said, 'Master, my time

is up; I must go home and see my poor mother once more: so pray

pay me my wages and let me go.' And the master said, 'You have

been a faithful and good servant, Hans, so your pay shall be

handsome.' Then he gave him a lump of silver as big as his head.

Hans took out his pocket-handkerchief, put the piece of silver

into it, threw it over his shoulder, and jogged off on his road

homewards. As he went lazily on, dragging one foot after another,

a man came in sight, trotting gaily along on a capital horse.

'Ah!' said Hans aloud, 'what a fine thing it is to ride on

horseback! There he sits as easy and happy as if he was at home,

in the chair by his fireside; he trips against no stones, saves

shoe-leather, and gets on he hardly knows how.' Hans did not

speak so softly but the horseman heard it all, and said, 'Well,

friend, why do you go on foot then?' 'Ah!' said he, 'I have this

load to carry: to be sure it is silver, but it is so heavy that I

can't hold up my head, and you must know it hurts my shoulder

sadly.' 'What do you say of making an exchange?' said the

horseman.