The Golden Goose (2)

The Golden Goose (2)

" Father, " said Simpleton, " why you not let me go and cut the wood ? "

" Oh, no, " said his father.
" You know nothing about using an axe or working in the forest. Both your older brother have hurt themselves.
It would be asking for trouble to let you go as well. "

" Please, father, let me go, " said Simpleton again.
" I'm sure I could do it. "

At last hi father said that he could go, and impleton set off.

All he could take with him was some stale bread and a bottle of sour beer.

There was no cake or wine left in the house.

As soon as Simpleton came to the forest, the little grey man met him.

" I am so hungry and thirsty, " he said.
" Please will you give me a piece of your cake, and sip of your wine ? "

" I'm sorry, " said Simpleton, " There is only stale bread and sour beer. You may share those with me if you wish. "

Whe they sat down to eat together, Simpleton found that the stale bread had turned into rich cake, and the beer had changed into wine.

After they had eaten, the little grey man said, " AS you have shared your meal with me so willingly, I will reward you. "

He pointed to one of the trees.
" Chop down that tree there, " he said, " and you will find something that will bring you good luck. "

Simpleton picked up his axe and set to work to chop down the special tree.

When it fell he saw, sitting amongst the roots, a beautiful Golden Goose.
It had feathers of purest gold.



Simpleton picked the goose up very carefully.

Then instead of going home, he set out for a nearby inn to stay for the night.
Before he went to bed himself, he put the goose safely to bed in a barn.

The landlord of the inn had three daughters.
When they saw the goose, each of them longed for one of golden feathers.

The oldest went to the barn first and tried to pull out a feather.
Then she found that she was unable to let go.

When the other two sisters came they tried to help.
But as soon as they touched heir sister, they stuck fast to her.

All three had to spend the night in the barn, stuck to the goose and each other. 

The next morning Simpleton came in, tucked the goose under his arm came in, tucked the goose under his arm,and set out.

He didn't seem to notice the three girls who were still unable to let go of the bird or each other.

They had to follow him.

(つづく　2/5)