ne day the king told his wife that if a daughter should be born, all the

e had them locked up in a private room, the key of which he gave to the queen, praying her not to speak of it to anyone

of Benjamin, and was a

said, "why are y

owed her no rest till she unlocked the door of the private r

ou and your brothers; for if you should ever have a li

mforted her, and said, "Do not weep, dear mother.

ower of the castle; If I should have a son, a white flag shall be hoisted, and then you may return home; but if you see a red flag, you will know it is a girl, and th

into the forest, while each in turn mounted a hi

was red-the signal that they must die. The brothers were angry, and said, "Shall we suf

was uninhabited. "We will make this our home," they said; "and Benjamin, as you are the you

other birds, which they brought to Benjamin to prepare for food. In this cott

sweet disposition, and was very beautiful to look upon.

er mother's wardrobe twelve shirts. "Mother," she exclaimed, "

d, "Dear child, these shirts b

ittle maiden. "Where are they?

the queen took her little daughter to the private room in the castle, and showed her the twelve coffins

l go and seek my brothers." So she took the twelve

and found a young boy, who stared with astonishment at seeing a beautiful li

"Who are you, and

twelve brothers, and I intend to search for them

youngest brother, Benjamin." Then she wept for joy. They kissed

ow that the first young maiden we meet should die, be

if by so doing I could restore my br

elf behind this tub until our eleven brothers co

he supper was ready. While they sat at table, one

ems strange that I, who stay at home, shou

our news," said

u if you will m

hey all cried

the first maiden you meet wit

all; "she shall have

ghter came forth in her royal robes and with a golden star on her forehead, and looking so fair and delicat

. Everything was so nicely managed now and with so much order, the curtains and the quilts were beautifully white, and

e day, when they were all at home dining together, and enjoying themse

hey were now in such splendid bloom that she determ

d from her sight. Now was the poor little maiden left all alone in the wild wood, and knew not what to do; but on turning round she saw a curious old woman standing near, who said

set them free?" aske

t them free. Hast thou firmness enough to remain dumb seven years, and not speak to anyone, or even laugh? for if ever you utter a s

n, "I can do this to

a tree, and, seating herself

ruit that grew on the tree, and wi

ite hound, who very soon discovered her, ran to the tree on whi

y that he begged her to come down, and asked her to be his bride. She did not speak a word, but merely nodded her head. Then the

brated with great pomp, but the

girl you have picked up. Who can tell what wicked tricks she practises. She can't help being dumb, but why does she never laugh? unless she has a guilty conscience." The king

t forth and tied to the stake; the fire kindled, and the flames with their forked tongues were creeping towards her, when at the last moment the seven years were past, and

er free, and embraced her tenderly. The queen, who was now able t

cked witch, who was brought to justice and ordered to be thrown into