The Fisherman and his Wife (11)

The Fisherman and his Wife (11)

  So he had to go.

  But as he went, he felt quite frightened, and he thought to himslef, " This can't be right ; to be emperor is too ambitious ; the Flounder will be tired out at last. "

  The sea was quite black and thick, and it was breaking high on the beach.

  The Fisherman was chilled with fear.
  he stood and said :
  " Once a  prince, but changed
     you be
     Into a flounder in the sea.
     Come ! for my wife, Isabel,
     Wishes what I dare not tell. "

  " What does she want now ? " asked the Flounder.

  " Alas ! Flounder, " he said, " my wife wants to be emperor. "

  " Go home, " said the Flounder ; she is that already. "

  So the Fisherman went home, and when he came there he saw the whole castle was made of polished marble.

  Before the gate soldiers were marching, blowing trumpets and beating drums.

  And when he entered, he saw his wife upon a throne which was made out of single block of gold.
  She had on a very tall golden crown which was set with brilliants and sparkling gems.

  The Fisherman went up to her quietly and said :
  " Wife, are you emperor now ? "

  " Yes, " she said, " I am emperor. "

(11/15)