Then she was forced to put on the red hot shoes, and dance
until she dropped down dead.
* * * * *
THE GOOSE-GIRL
BY WILHELM AND JAKOB GRIMM
An old Queen had a beautiful daughter, who was betrothed to a young
Prince of a neighboring kingdom. When the time for the marriage
came near, it was arranged that she was to travel to his country
accompanied only by her waiting-maid. Her mother, the Queen, provided
her with many costly robes and jewels, such as a Princess about to
marry the Prince of a great kingdom would require. She also gave her a
horse named Falada, which had the gift of speech.
Just before the Princess started on her journey, the Queen pricked her
finger, and dropped three drops of blood upon a handkerchief. "Take
this," she told her daughter, "and guard it carefully. It will serve
you when in danger."
The Princess took the handkerchief, and embraced her mother. They shed
many tears at parting, but at last the Princess mounted the wonderful
horse and started on the journey. When she and the maid had ridden
for some time, they came to a stream of clear, cold water. Being
very thirsty, the Princess asked the maid to bring her a drink in the
golden cup.
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