Raw JSON
{
"cleanup_version": "v3",
"cleanup_mode": "child_simplification",
"source_file": "story.json",
"source_v1_file": "story_v1.json",
"source_sha256": "0a1424849a88e9b891b2ebf5ed0e03323c0e6c0193e417e898937319b05e4c4c",
"source_v1_sha256": "7b57fc651444223a4485980b8778a9063b2c6ca54e0c02e475c56809f4635844",
"source_title": "The Golden Bird",
"tts_title": "The Golden Bird",
"speech_safe_title": "The Golden Bird",
"kind": "story",
"canonical_url": "https://www.cs.cmu.edu/~spok/grimmtmp/046.txt",
"slug": "the-golden-bird",
"story_dirname": "046-the-golden-bird",
"section_slug": null,
"title": "The Golden Bird",
"author": null,
"publisher_label": null,
"source_version": null,
"content_type": null,
"language": null,
"summary": null,
"clean_summary": null,
"body": [
"In olden times there was a king, who had behind his palace a beautiful pleasure-garden in which there was a tree that bore golden apples. When the apples were getting ripe they were counted, but on the very next morning one was missing. This was told to the king, and he ordered that a watch should be kept every night beneath the tree.",
"The king had three sons, the eldest of whom he sent, as soon as night came on, into the garden, but when midnight came he could not keep himself from sleeping, and next morning again an apple was gone.",
"The following night the second son had to keep watch, but it fared no better with him, as soon as twelve o'clock had struck he fell asleep, and in the morning an apple was gone.",
"Now it came to the turn of the third son to watch, and he was quite ready, but the king had not much trust in him, and thought that he would be of less use even than his brothers, but at last he let him go. The youth lay down beneath the tree, but kept awake, and did not let sleep master him. When it struck twelve, something rustled through the air, and in the moonlight he saw a bird coming whose feathers were all shining with gold.",
"The bird alighted on the tree, and had just plucked off an apple, when the youth shot an arrow at him. The bird flew off, but the arrow had struck his plumage, and one of his golden feathers fell down. The youth picked it up, and the next morning took it to the king and told him what he had seen in the night. The king called his council together, and everyone declared that a feather like this was worth more than the whole kingdom. If the feather is so precious, declared the king, one alone will not do for me, I must and will have the whole bird.",
"The eldest son set out, and trusting to his cleverness thought that he would easily find the golden bird. When he had gone some distance he saw a fox sitting at the edge of a wood so he cocked his gun and took aim at him. The fox cried, do not shoot me, and in return I will give you some good counsel. You are on the way to the golden bird, and this evening you will come to a village in which stand two inns opposite to one another.",
"One of them is lighted up brightly, and all goes on merrily within, but do not go into it, go rather into the other, even though it looks like a bad one. How can such a silly beast give wise advice, thought the king's son, and he pulled the trigger. But he missed the fox, who stretched out his tail and ran quickly into the wood.",
"So he pursued his way, and by evening came to the village where the two inns were, in one they were singing and dancing, the other had a poor, miserable look. I should be a fool, indeed, he thought, if I were to go into the shabby tavern, and pass by the good one. So he went into the cheerful one, lived there in riot and revel, and forgot the bird and his father, and all good counsels.",
"When many months had passed, and the eldest son did not come back home, the second set out, wishing to find the golden bird. The fox met him as he had met the eldest, and gave him the good advice of which he took no heed. He came to the two inns, and his brother was standing at the window of the one from which came the music, and called out to him. He could not resist, but went inside and lived only for pleasure.",
"Again some time passed, and then the king's youngest son wanted to set off and try his luck, but his father would not allow it. It is of no use, said he, he will find the golden bird still less than his brothers, and if a mishap were to befall him he knows not how to help himself, he's not too bright at the best. But at last, as he had no peace, he let him go.",
"Again the fox was sitting outside the wood, and begged for his life, and offered his good advice. The youth was good-natured, and said, be easy, little fox, I will do you no harm. You shall not repent it, answered the fox, and that you may get on more quickly, get up behind on my tail. And scarcely had he seated himself when the fox began to run, and away he went over stock and stone till his hair whistled in the wind. When they came to the village the youth got off, he followed the good advice, and without looking round turned into the little inn, where he spent the night quietly.",
"The next morning, as soon as he got into the open country, there sat the fox already, and said, I will tell you further what you have to do. Go on quite straight, and at last you will come to a castle, in front of which a whole regiment of soldiers is lying, but do not trouble yourself about them, for they will all be asleep and snoring. Go through the midst of them staight into the castle, and go through all the rooms, till at last you will come to a chamber where a golden bird is hanging in a wooden cage. Close by, there stands an empty gold cage for show, but beware of taking the bird out of the common cage and putting it into the fine one, or it may go badly with you.",
"With these words the fox again stretched out his tail, and the king's son seated himself upon it, and away he went over stock and stone till his hair whistled in the wind.",
"When he came to the castle he found everything as the fox had said. The king's son went into the chamber where the golden bird was shut up in a wooden cage, whilst a golden one stood by, and the three golden apples lay about the room. But, thought he, it would be absurd if I were to leave the beautiful bird in the common and ugly cage, so he opened the door, laid hold of it, and put it into the golden cage. But at the same moment the bird uttered a shrill cry. The soldiers awoke, rushed in, and took him off to prison. The next morning he was taken before a court of justice, and as he confessed everything, was sentenced to death.",
"The king, however, said that he would grant him his life on one condition - namely, if he brought him the golden horse which ran faster than the wind, and in that case he should receive, over and above, as a reward, the golden bird.",
"The king's son set off, but he sighed and was sorrowful, for how was he to find the golden horse. But all at once he saw his old friend the fox sitting on the road. Look you, said the fox, this has happened because you did not give heed to me. However, be of good courage. I will give you my help, and tell you how to get to the golden horse. You must go straight on, and you will come to a castle, where in the stable stands the horse. The grooms will be lying in front of the stable, but they will be asleep and snoring, and you can quietly lead out the golden horse. But of one thing you must take heed, put on him the common saddle of wood and leather, and not the golden one, which hangs close by, else it will go ill with you. Then the fox stretched out his tail, the king's son seated himself upon it, and away he went over stock and stone until his hair whistled in the wind.",
"Everything happened just as the fox had said, the prince came to the stable in which the golden horse was standing, but just as he was going to put the common saddle upon him, he thought, such a beautiful beast will be shamed if I do not give him the good saddle which belongs to him by right. But scarcely had the golden saddle touched the horse than he began to neigh loudly. The grooms awoke, seized the youth, and threw him into prison.",
"The next morning he was sentenced by the court to death, but the king promised to grant him his life, and the golden horse as well, if he could bring back the beautiful princess from the golden castle.",
"With a heavy heart the youth set out, yet luckily for him he soon found the trusty fox. I ought only to leave you to your ill-luck, said the fox, but I pity you, and will help you once more out of your trouble. This road takes you straight to the golden castle, you will reach it by eventide, and at night when everything is quiet the beautiful princess goes to the bathing-house to bathe. When she enters it, run up to her and give her a kiss, then she will follow you, and you can take her away with you, only do not allow her to take leave of her parents first, or it will go ill with you.",
"Then the fox stretched out his tail, the king's son seated himself upon it, and away went the fox, over stock and stone, till his hair whistled in the wind.",
"When he reached the golden castle it was just as the fox had said. He waited until midnight, when everything lay in deep sleep, and the beautiful princess was going to the bathing-house. Then he sprang out and gave her a kiss. She said that she would like to go with him, but she asked him pitifully, and with tears, to allow her first to take leave of her parents. At first he withstood her prayer, but when she wept more and more, and fell at his feet, he at last gave in. But no sooner had the maiden reached the bedside of her father than he and all the rest in the castle awoke, and the youth was laid hold of and put into prison.",
"The next morning the king said to him, your life is forfeited, and you can only find mercy if you take away the hill which stands in front of my windows, and prevents my seeing beyond it, and you must finish it all within eight days. If you do that you shall have my daughter as your reward.",
"The king's son began, and dug and shoveled without stopping, but when after seven days he saw how little he had done, and how all his work was as good as nothing, he fell into great sorrow and gave up all hope. But on the evening of the seventh day the fox appeared and said, you do not deserve that I should take my trouble about you, but just go away and lie down to sleep, and I will do the work for you.",
"The next morning when he awoke and looked out of the window the hill had gone. The youth ran, full of joy, to the king, and told him that the task was fulfilled, and whether he liked it or not, the king had to hold to his word and give him his daughter.",
"So the two set forth together, and it was not long before the trusty fox came up with them. You have certainly got what is best, said he, but the golden horse also belongs to the maiden of the golden castle. How shall I get it, asked the youth. That I will tell you, answered the fox, first take the beautiful maiden to the king who sent you to the golden castle. There will be unheard-of rejoicing, they will gladly give you the golden horse, and will bring it out to you. Mount it as soon as possible, and offer your hand to all in farewell, last of all to the beautiful maiden. And as soon as you have taken her hand swing her up on to the horse, and gallop away, and no one will be able to bring you back, for the horse runs faster than the wind.",
"All was carried out successfully, and the king's son carried off the beautiful princess on the golden horse.",
"The fox did not remain behind, and he said to the youth, now I will help you to get the golden bird. When you come near to the castle where the golden bird is to be found, let the maiden get down, and I will take her into my care. Then ride with the golden horse into the castle-yard, there will be great rejoicing at the sight, and they will bring out the golden bird for you. As soon as you have the cage in your hand gallop back to us, and take the maiden away again.",
"When the plan had succeeded, and the king's son was about to ride home with his treasures, the fox said, now you shall reward me for my help. What do you require for it, asked the youth. When you get into the wood yonder, shoot me dead, and chop off my head and feet.",
"That would be fine gratitude, said the king's son. I cannot possibly do that for you.",
"The fox said, if you will not do it I must leave you, but before I go away I will give you a piece of good advice. Be careful about two things. Buy no gallows'-flesh, and do not sit at the edge of any well. And then he ran into the wood.",
"The youth thought, that is a wonderful beast, he has strange whims, who on earth would want to buy gallows'-flesh. As for the desire to sit at the edge of a well it has never yet occurred to me.",
"He rode on with the beautiful maiden, and his road took him again through the village in which his two brothers had remained. There was a great stir and noise, and, when he asked what was going on, he was told that two men were going to be hanged. As he came nearer to the place he saw that they were his brothers, who had been playing all kinds of wicked pranks, and had squandered all their wealth. He inquired whether they could not be set free. If you will pay for them, answered the people, but why should you waste your money on wicked men, and buy them free. He did not think twice about it, but paid for them, and when they were set free they all went on their way together.",
"They came to the wood where the fox had first met them, and as it was a hot day, but cool and pleasant within the wood, the two brothers said, let us rest a little by the well, and eat and drink. He agreed, and whilst they were talking he forgot himself, and sat down upon the edge of the well without thinking of any evil. But the two brothers threw him backwards into the well, took the maiden, the horse, and the bird, and went home to their father. Here we bring you not only the golden bird, said they, we have won the golden horse also, and the maiden from the golden castle. Then was there great joy, but the horse would not eat, the bird would not sing, and the maiden sat and wept.",
"But the youngest brother was not dead. By good fortune the well was dry, and he fell upon soft moss without being hurt, but he could not get out again. Even in this strait the faithful fox did not leave him, it came and leapt down to him, and upbraided him for having forgotten its advice. But yet I cannot give up, he said, I will help you up again into daylight. He bade him grasp his tail and keep tight hold of it, and then he pulled him up. You are not out of all danger yet, said the fox. Your brothers were not sure of your death, and have surrounded the wood with watchers, who are to kill you if you let yourself be seen. But a poor man was sitting upon the road, with whom the youth changed clothes, and in this way he got to the king's palace.",
"No one knew him, but the bird began to sing, the horse began to eat, and the beautiful maiden left off weeping. The king, astonished, asked, what does this mean. Then the maiden said, I do not know, but I have been so sorrowful and now I am so happy. I feel as if my true bridegroom had come. She told him all that had happened, although the other brothers had threatened her with death if she were to betray anything.",
"The king commanded that all people who were in his castle should be brought before him, and amongst them came the youth in his ragged clothes, but the maiden knew him at once and fell upon his neck. The wicked brothers were seized and put to death, but he was married to the beautiful maiden and declared heir to the king.",
"But what happened to the poor fox. Long afterwards the king's son was once again walking in the wood, when the fox met him and said, you have everything now that you can wish for, but there is never an end to my misery, and yet it is in your power to free me, and again he asked him with tears to shoot him dead and chop off his head and feet. So he did it, and scarcely was it done when the fox was changed into a man, and was no other than the brother of the beautiful princess, who at last was freed from the magic charm which had been laid upon him. And now they had all the happiness they wanted as long as they lived."
],
"body_text": "In olden times there was a king, who had behind his palace a beautiful pleasure-garden in which there was a tree that bore golden apples. When the apples were getting ripe they were counted, but on the very next morning one was missing. This was told to the king, and he ordered that a watch should be kept every night beneath the tree.\n\nThe king had three sons, the eldest of whom he sent, as soon as night came on, into the garden, but when midnight came he could not keep himself from sleeping, and next morning again an apple was gone.\n\nThe following night the second son had to keep watch, but it fared no better with him, as soon as twelve o'clock had struck he fell asleep, and in the morning an apple was gone.\n\nNow it came to the turn of the third son to watch, and he was quite ready, but the king had not much trust in him, and thought that he would be of less use even than his brothers, but at last he let him go. The youth lay down beneath the tree, but kept awake, and did not let sleep master him. When it struck twelve, something rustled through the air, and in the moonlight he saw a bird coming whose feathers were all shining with gold.\n\nThe bird alighted on the tree, and had just plucked off an apple, when the youth shot an arrow at him. The bird flew off, but the arrow had struck his plumage, and one of his golden feathers fell down. The youth picked it up, and the next morning took it to the king and told him what he had seen in the night. The king called his council together, and everyone declared that a feather like this was worth more than the whole kingdom. If the feather is so precious, declared the king, one alone will not do for me, I must and will have the whole bird.\n\nThe eldest son set out, and trusting to his cleverness thought that he would easily find the golden bird. When he had gone some distance he saw a fox sitting at the edge of a wood so he cocked his gun and took aim at him. The fox cried, do not shoot me, and in return I will give you some good counsel. You are on the way to the golden bird, and this evening you will come to a village in which stand two inns opposite to one another.\n\nOne of them is lighted up brightly, and all goes on merrily within, but do not go into it, go rather into the other, even though it looks like a bad one. How can such a silly beast give wise advice, thought the king's son, and he pulled the trigger. But he missed the fox, who stretched out his tail and ran quickly into the wood.\n\nSo he pursued his way, and by evening came to the village where the two inns were, in one they were singing and dancing, the other had a poor, miserable look. I should be a fool, indeed, he thought, if I were to go into the shabby tavern, and pass by the good one. So he went into the cheerful one, lived there in riot and revel, and forgot the bird and his father, and all good counsels.\n\nWhen many months had passed, and the eldest son did not come back home, the second set out, wishing to find the golden bird. The fox met him as he had met the eldest, and gave him the good advice of which he took no heed. He came to the two inns, and his brother was standing at the window of the one from which came the music, and called out to him. He could not resist, but went inside and lived only for pleasure.\n\nAgain some time passed, and then the king's youngest son wanted to set off and try his luck, but his father would not allow it. It is of no use, said he, he will find the golden bird still less than his brothers, and if a mishap were to befall him he knows not how to help himself, he's not too bright at the best. But at last, as he had no peace, he let him go.\n\nAgain the fox was sitting outside the wood, and begged for his life, and offered his good advice. The youth was good-natured, and said, be easy, little fox, I will do you no harm. You shall not repent it, answered the fox, and that you may get on more quickly, get up behind on my tail. And scarcely had he seated himself when the fox began to run, and away he went over stock and stone till his hair whistled in the wind. When they came to the village the youth got off, he followed the good advice, and without looking round turned into the little inn, where he spent the night quietly.\n\nThe next morning, as soon as he got into the open country, there sat the fox already, and said, I will tell you further what you have to do. Go on quite straight, and at last you will come to a castle, in front of which a whole regiment of soldiers is lying, but do not trouble yourself about them, for they will all be asleep and snoring. Go through the midst of them staight into the castle, and go through all the rooms, till at last you will come to a chamber where a golden bird is hanging in a wooden cage. Close by, there stands an empty gold cage for show, but beware of taking the bird out of the common cage and putting it into the fine one, or it may go badly with you.\n\nWith these words the fox again stretched out his tail, and the king's son seated himself upon it, and away he went over stock and stone till his hair whistled in the wind.\n\nWhen he came to the castle he found everything as the fox had said. The king's son went into the chamber where the golden bird was shut up in a wooden cage, whilst a golden one stood by, and the three golden apples lay about the room. But, thought he, it would be absurd if I were to leave the beautiful bird in the common and ugly cage, so he opened the door, laid hold of it, and put it into the golden cage. But at the same moment the bird uttered a shrill cry. The soldiers awoke, rushed in, and took him off to prison. The next morning he was taken before a court of justice, and as he confessed everything, was sentenced to death.\n\nThe king, however, said that he would grant him his life on one condition - namely, if he brought him the golden horse which ran faster than the wind, and in that case he should receive, over and above, as a reward, the golden bird.\n\nThe king's son set off, but he sighed and was sorrowful, for how was he to find the golden horse. But all at once he saw his old friend the fox sitting on the road. Look you, said the fox, this has happened because you did not give heed to me. However, be of good courage. I will give you my help, and tell you how to get to the golden horse. You must go straight on, and you will come to a castle, where in the stable stands the horse. The grooms will be lying in front of the stable, but they will be asleep and snoring, and you can quietly lead out the golden horse. But of one thing you must take heed, put on him the common saddle of wood and leather, and not the golden one, which hangs close by, else it will go ill with you. Then the fox stretched out his tail, the king's son seated himself upon it, and away he went over stock and stone until his hair whistled in the wind.\n\nEverything happened just as the fox had said, the prince came to the stable in which the golden horse was standing, but just as he was going to put the common saddle upon him, he thought, such a beautiful beast will be shamed if I do not give him the good saddle which belongs to him by right. But scarcely had the golden saddle touched the horse than he began to neigh loudly. The grooms awoke, seized the youth, and threw him into prison.\n\nThe next morning he was sentenced by the court to death, but the king promised to grant him his life, and the golden horse as well, if he could bring back the beautiful princess from the golden castle.\n\nWith a heavy heart the youth set out, yet luckily for him he soon found the trusty fox. I ought only to leave you to your ill-luck, said the fox, but I pity you, and will help you once more out of your trouble. This road takes you straight to the golden castle, you will reach it by eventide, and at night when everything is quiet the beautiful princess goes to the bathing-house to bathe. When she enters it, run up to her and give her a kiss, then she will follow you, and you can take her away with you, only do not allow her to take leave of her parents first, or it will go ill with you.\n\nThen the fox stretched out his tail, the king's son seated himself upon it, and away went the fox, over stock and stone, till his hair whistled in the wind.\n\nWhen he reached the golden castle it was just as the fox had said. He waited until midnight, when everything lay in deep sleep, and the beautiful princess was going to the bathing-house. Then he sprang out and gave her a kiss. She said that she would like to go with him, but she asked him pitifully, and with tears, to allow her first to take leave of her parents. At first he withstood her prayer, but when she wept more and more, and fell at his feet, he at last gave in. But no sooner had the maiden reached the bedside of her father than he and all the rest in the castle awoke, and the youth was laid hold of and put into prison.\n\nThe next morning the king said to him, your life is forfeited, and you can only find mercy if you take away the hill which stands in front of my windows, and prevents my seeing beyond it, and you must finish it all within eight days. If you do that you shall have my daughter as your reward.\n\nThe king's son began, and dug and shoveled without stopping, but when after seven days he saw how little he had done, and how all his work was as good as nothing, he fell into great sorrow and gave up all hope. But on the evening of the seventh day the fox appeared and said, you do not deserve that I should take my trouble about you, but just go away and lie down to sleep, and I will do the work for you.\n\nThe next morning when he awoke and looked out of the window the hill had gone. The youth ran, full of joy, to the king, and told him that the task was fulfilled, and whether he liked it or not, the king had to hold to his word and give him his daughter.\n\nSo the two set forth together, and it was not long before the trusty fox came up with them. You have certainly got what is best, said he, but the golden horse also belongs to the maiden of the golden castle. How shall I get it, asked the youth. That I will tell you, answered the fox, first take the beautiful maiden to the king who sent you to the golden castle. There will be unheard-of rejoicing, they will gladly give you the golden horse, and will bring it out to you. Mount it as soon as possible, and offer your hand to all in farewell, last of all to the beautiful maiden. And as soon as you have taken her hand swing her up on to the horse, and gallop away, and no one will be able to bring you back, for the horse runs faster than the wind.\n\nAll was carried out successfully, and the king's son carried off the beautiful princess on the golden horse.\n\nThe fox did not remain behind, and he said to the youth, now I will help you to get the golden bird. When you come near to the castle where the golden bird is to be found, let the maiden get down, and I will take her into my care. Then ride with the golden horse into the castle-yard, there will be great rejoicing at the sight, and they will bring out the golden bird for you. As soon as you have the cage in your hand gallop back to us, and take the maiden away again.\n\nWhen the plan had succeeded, and the king's son was about to ride home with his treasures, the fox said, now you shall reward me for my help. What do you require for it, asked the youth. When you get into the wood yonder, shoot me dead, and chop off my head and feet.\n\nThat would be fine gratitude, said the king's son. I cannot possibly do that for you.\n\nThe fox said, if you will not do it I must leave you, but before I go away I will give you a piece of good advice. Be careful about two things. Buy no gallows'-flesh, and do not sit at the edge of any well. And then he ran into the wood.\n\nThe youth thought, that is a wonderful beast, he has strange whims, who on earth would want to buy gallows'-flesh. As for the desire to sit at the edge of a well it has never yet occurred to me.\n\nHe rode on with the beautiful maiden, and his road took him again through the village in which his two brothers had remained. There was a great stir and noise, and, when he asked what was going on, he was told that two men were going to be hanged. As he came nearer to the place he saw that they were his brothers, who had been playing all kinds of wicked pranks, and had squandered all their wealth. He inquired whether they could not be set free. If you will pay for them, answered the people, but why should you waste your money on wicked men, and buy them free. He did not think twice about it, but paid for them, and when they were set free they all went on their way together.\n\nThey came to the wood where the fox had first met them, and as it was a hot day, but cool and pleasant within the wood, the two brothers said, let us rest a little by the well, and eat and drink. He agreed, and whilst they were talking he forgot himself, and sat down upon the edge of the well without thinking of any evil. But the two brothers threw him backwards into the well, took the maiden, the horse, and the bird, and went home to their father. Here we bring you not only the golden bird, said they, we have won the golden horse also, and the maiden from the golden castle. Then was there great joy, but the horse would not eat, the bird would not sing, and the maiden sat and wept.\n\nBut the youngest brother was not dead. By good fortune the well was dry, and he fell upon soft moss without being hurt, but he could not get out again. Even in this strait the faithful fox did not leave him, it came and leapt down to him, and upbraided him for having forgotten its advice. But yet I cannot give up, he said, I will help you up again into daylight. He bade him grasp his tail and keep tight hold of it, and then he pulled him up. You are not out of all danger yet, said the fox. Your brothers were not sure of your death, and have surrounded the wood with watchers, who are to kill you if you let yourself be seen. But a poor man was sitting upon the road, with whom the youth changed clothes, and in this way he got to the king's palace.\n\nNo one knew him, but the bird began to sing, the horse began to eat, and the beautiful maiden left off weeping. The king, astonished, asked, what does this mean. Then the maiden said, I do not know, but I have been so sorrowful and now I am so happy. I feel as if my true bridegroom had come. She told him all that had happened, although the other brothers had threatened her with death if she were to betray anything.\n\nThe king commanded that all people who were in his castle should be brought before him, and amongst them came the youth in his ragged clothes, but the maiden knew him at once and fell upon his neck. The wicked brothers were seized and put to death, but he was married to the beautiful maiden and declared heir to the king.\n\nBut what happened to the poor fox. Long afterwards the king's son was once again walking in the wood, when the fox met him and said, you have everything now that you can wish for, but there is never an end to my misery, and yet it is in your power to free me, and again he asked him with tears to shoot him dead and chop off his head and feet. So he did it, and scarcely was it done when the fox was changed into a man, and was no other than the brother of the beautiful princess, who at last was freed from the magic charm which had been laid upon him. And now they had all the happiness they wanted as long as they lived.",
"clean_body": [
"In olden times there was a king, who had behind his palace a beautiful pleasure-garden in which there was a tree that bore golden apples. When the apples were getting ripe they were counted, but on the very next morning one was missing. This was told to the king, and he ordered that a watch should be kept every night beneath the tree.",
"The king had three sons, the eldest of whom he sent, as soon as night came on, into the garden, but when midnight came he could not keep himself from sleeping, and next morning again an apple was gone.",
"The following night the second son had to keep watch, but it fared no better with him, as soon as twelve o'clock had struck he fell asleep, and in the morning an apple was gone.",
"Now it came to the turn of the third son to watch, and he was quite ready, but the king had not much trust in him, and thought that he would be of less use even than his brothers, but at last he let him go. The youth lay down beneath the tree, but kept awake, and did not let sleep master him. When it struck twelve, something rustled through the air, and in the moonlight he saw a bird coming whose feathers were all shining with gold.",
"The bird alighted on the tree, and had just plucked off an apple, when the youth shot an arrow at him. The bird flew off, but the arrow had struck his plumage, and one of his golden feathers fell down. The youth picked it up, and the next morning took it to the king and told him what he had seen in the night. The king called his council together, and everyone declared that a feather like this was worth more than the whole kingdom. If the feather is so precious, declared the king, one alone will not do for me, I must and will have the whole bird.",
"The eldest son set out, and trusting to his cleverness thought that he would easily find the golden bird. When he had gone some distance he saw a fox sitting at the edge of a wood so he cocked his gun and took aim at him. The fox cried, do not shoot me, and in return I will give you some good counsel. You are on the way to the golden bird, and this evening you will come to a village in which stand two inns opposite to one another.",
"One of them is lighted up brightly, and all goes on merrily within, but do not go into it, go rather into the other, even though it looks like a bad one. How can such a silly beast give wise advice, thought the king's son, and he pulled the trigger. But he missed the fox, who stretched out his tail and ran quickly into the wood.",
"So he pursued his way, and by evening came to the village where the two inns were, in one they were singing and dancing, the other had a poor, miserable look. I should be a fool, indeed, he thought, if I were to go into the shabby tavern, and pass by the good one. So he went into the cheerful one, lived there in riot and revel, and forgot the bird and his father, and all good counsels.",
"When many months had passed, and the eldest son did not come back home, the second set out, wishing to find the golden bird. The fox met him as he had met the eldest, and gave him the good advice of which he took no heed. He came to the two inns, and his brother was standing at the window of the one from which came the music, and called out to him. He could not resist, but went inside and lived only for pleasure.",
"Again some time passed, and then the king's youngest son wanted to set off and try his luck, but his father would not allow it. It is of no use, said he, he will find the golden bird still less than his brothers, and if a mishap were to befall him he knows not how to help himself, he's not too bright at the best. But at last, as he had no peace, he let him go.",
"Again the fox was sitting outside the wood, and begged for his life, and offered his good advice. The youth was good-natured, and said, be easy, little fox, I will do you no harm. You shall not repent it, answered the fox, and that you may get on more quickly, get up behind on my tail. And scarcely had he seated himself when the fox began to run, and away he went over stock and stone till his hair whistled in the wind. When they came to the village the youth got off, he followed the good advice, and without looking round turned into the little inn, where he spent the night quietly.",
"The next morning, as soon as he got into the open country, there sat the fox already, and said, I will tell you further what you have to do. Go on quite straight, and at last you will come to a castle, in front of which a whole regiment of soldiers is lying, but do not trouble yourself about them, for they will all be asleep and snoring. Go through the midst of them staight into the castle, and go through all the rooms, till at last you will come to a chamber where a golden bird is hanging in a wooden cage. Close by, there stands an empty gold cage for show, but beware of taking the bird out of the common cage and putting it into the fine one, or it may go badly with you.",
"With these words the fox again stretched out his tail, and the king's son seated himself upon it, and away he went over stock and stone till his hair whistled in the wind.",
"When he came to the castle he found everything as the fox had said. The king's son went into the chamber where the golden bird was shut up in a wooden cage, whilst a golden one stood by, and the three golden apples lay about the room. But, thought he, it would be absurd if I were to leave the beautiful bird in the common and ugly cage, so he opened the door, laid hold of it, and put it into the golden cage. But at the same moment the bird uttered a shrill cry. The soldiers awoke, rushed in, and took him off to prison. The next morning he was taken before a court of justice, and as he confessed everything, was sentenced to death.",
"The king, however, said that he would grant him his life on one condition - namely, if he brought him the golden horse which ran faster than the wind, and in that case he should receive, over and above, as a reward, the golden bird.",
"The king's son set off, but he sighed and was sorrowful, for how was he to find the golden horse. But all at once he saw his old friend the fox sitting on the road. Look you, said the fox, this has happened because you did not give heed to me. However, be of good courage. I will give you my help, and tell you how to get to the golden horse. You must go straight on, and you will come to a castle, where in the stable stands the horse. The grooms will be lying in front of the stable, but they will be asleep and snoring, and you can quietly lead out the golden horse. But of one thing you must take heed, put on him the common saddle of wood and leather, and not the golden one, which hangs close by, else it will go ill with you. Then the fox stretched out his tail, the king's son seated himself upon it, and away he went over stock and stone until his hair whistled in the wind.",
"Everything happened just as the fox had said, the prince came to the stable in which the golden horse was standing, but just as he was going to put the common saddle upon him, he thought, such a beautiful beast will be shamed if I do not give him the good saddle which belongs to him by right. But scarcely had the golden saddle touched the horse than he began to neigh loudly. The grooms awoke, seized the youth, and threw him into prison.",
"The next morning he was sentenced by the court to death, but the king promised to grant him his life, and the golden horse as well, if he could bring back the beautiful princess from the golden castle.",
"With a heavy heart the youth set out, yet luckily for him he soon found the trusty fox. I ought only to leave you to your ill-luck, said the fox, but I pity you, and will help you once more out of your trouble. This road takes you straight to the golden castle, you will reach it by eventide, and at night when everything is quiet the beautiful princess goes to the bathing-house to bathe. When she enters it, run up to her and give her a kiss, then she will follow you, and you can take her away with you, only do not allow her to take leave of her parents first, or it will go ill with you.",
"Then the fox stretched out his tail, the king's son seated himself upon it, and away went the fox, over stock and stone, till his hair whistled in the wind.",
"When he reached the golden castle it was just as the fox had said. He waited until midnight, when everything lay in deep sleep, and the beautiful princess was going to the bathing-house. Then he sprang out and gave her a kiss. She said that she would like to go with him, but she asked him pitifully, and with tears, to allow her first to take leave of her parents. At first he withstood her prayer, but when she wept more and more, and fell at his feet, he at last gave in. But no sooner had the maiden reached the bedside of her father than he and all the rest in the castle awoke, and the youth was laid hold of and put into prison.",
"The next morning the king said to him, your life is forfeited, and you can only find mercy if you take away the hill which stands in front of my windows, and prevents my seeing beyond it, and you must finish it all within eight days. If you do that you shall have my daughter as your reward.",
"The king's son began, and dug and shoveled without stopping, but when after seven days he saw how little he had done, and how all his work was as good as nothing, he fell into great sorrow and gave up all hope. But on the evening of the seventh day the fox appeared and said, you do not deserve that I should take my trouble about you, but just go away and lie down to sleep, and I will do the work for you.",
"The next morning when he awoke and looked out of the window the hill had gone. The youth ran, full of joy, to the king, and told him that the task was fulfilled, and whether he liked it or not, the king had to hold to his word and give him his daughter.",
"So the two set forth together, and it was not long before the trusty fox came up with them. You have certainly got what is best, said he, but the golden horse also belongs to the maiden of the golden castle. How shall I get it, asked the youth. That I will tell you, answered the fox, first take the beautiful maiden to the king who sent you to the golden castle. There will be unheard-of rejoicing, they will gladly give you the golden horse, and will bring it out to you. Mount it as soon as possible, and offer your hand to all in farewell, last of all to the beautiful maiden. And as soon as you have taken her hand swing her up on to the horse, and gallop away, and no one will be able to bring you back, for the horse runs faster than the wind.",
"All was carried out successfully, and the king's son carried off the beautiful princess on the golden horse.",
"The fox did not remain behind, and he said to the youth, now I will help you to get the golden bird. When you come near to the castle where the golden bird is to be found, let the maiden get down, and I will take her into my care. Then ride with the golden horse into the castle-yard, there will be great rejoicing at the sight, and they will bring out the golden bird for you. As soon as you have the cage in your hand gallop back to us, and take the maiden away again.",
"When the plan had succeeded, and the king's son was about to ride home with his treasures, the fox said, now you shall reward me for my help. What do you require for it, asked the youth. When you get into the wood yonder, shoot me dead, and chop off my head and feet.",
"That would be fine gratitude, said the king's son. I cannot possibly do that for you.",
"The fox said, if you will not do it I must leave you, but before I go away I will give you a piece of good advice. Be careful about two things. Buy no gallows'-flesh, and do not sit at the edge of any well. And then he ran into the wood.",
"The youth thought, that is a wonderful beast, he has strange whims, who on earth would want to buy gallows'-flesh. As for the desire to sit at the edge of a well it has never yet occurred to me.",
"He rode on with the beautiful maiden, and his road took him again through the village in which his two brothers had remained. There was a great stir and noise, and, when he asked what was going on, he was told that two men were going to be hanged. As he came nearer to the place he saw that they were his brothers, who had been playing all kinds of wicked pranks, and had squandered all their wealth. He inquired whether they could not be set free. If you will pay for them, answered the people, but why should you waste your money on wicked men, and buy them free. He did not think twice about it, but paid for them, and when they were set free they all went on their way together.",
"They came to the wood where the fox had first met them, and as it was a hot day, but cool and pleasant within the wood, the two brothers said, let us rest a little by the well, and eat and drink. He agreed, and whilst they were talking he forgot himself, and sat down upon the edge of the well without thinking of any evil. But the two brothers threw him backwards into the well, took the maiden, the horse, and the bird, and went home to their father. Here we bring you not only the golden bird, said they, we have won the golden horse also, and the maiden from the golden castle. Then was there great joy, but the horse would not eat, the bird would not sing, and the maiden sat and wept.",
"But the youngest brother was not dead. By good fortune the well was dry, and he fell upon soft moss without being hurt, but he could not get out again. Even in this strait the faithful fox did not leave him, it came and leapt down to him, and upbraided him for having forgotten its advice. But yet I cannot give up, he said, I will help you up again into daylight. He bade him grasp his tail and keep tight hold of it, and then he pulled him up. You are not out of all danger yet, said the fox. Your brothers were not sure of your death, and have surrounded the wood with watchers, who are to kill you if you let yourself be seen. But a poor man was sitting upon the road, with whom the youth changed clothes, and in this way he got to the king's palace.",
"No one knew him, but the bird began to sing, the horse began to eat, and the beautiful maiden left off weeping. The king, astonished, asked, what does this mean. Then the maiden said, I do not know, but I have been so sorrowful and now I am so happy. I feel as if my true bridegroom had come. She told him all that had happened, although the other brothers had threatened her with death if she were to betray anything.",
"The king commanded that all people who were in his castle should be brought before him, and amongst them came the youth in his ragged clothes, but the maiden knew him at once and fell upon his neck. The wicked brothers were seized and put to death, but he was married to the beautiful maiden and declared heir to the king.",
"But what happened to the poor fox. Long afterwards the king's son was once again walking in the wood, when the fox met him and said, you have everything now that you can wish for, but there is never an end to my misery, and yet it is in your power to free me, and again he asked him with tears to shoot him dead and chop off his head and feet. So he did it, and scarcely was it done when the fox was changed into a man, and was no other than the brother of the beautiful princess, who at last was freed from the magic charm which had been laid upon him. And now they had all the happiness they wanted as long as they lived."
],
"clean_text": "In olden times there was a king, who had behind his palace a beautiful pleasure-garden in which there was a tree that bore golden apples. When the apples were getting ripe they were counted, but on the very next morning one was missing. This was told to the king, and he ordered that a watch should be kept every night beneath the tree.\n\nThe king had three sons, the eldest of whom he sent, as soon as night came on, into the garden, but when midnight came he could not keep himself from sleeping, and next morning again an apple was gone.\n\nThe following night the second son had to keep watch, but it fared no better with him, as soon as twelve o'clock had struck he fell asleep, and in the morning an apple was gone.\n\nNow it came to the turn of the third son to watch, and he was quite ready, but the king had not much trust in him, and thought that he would be of less use even than his brothers, but at last he let him go. The youth lay down beneath the tree, but kept awake, and did not let sleep master him. When it struck twelve, something rustled through the air, and in the moonlight he saw a bird coming whose feathers were all shining with gold.\n\nThe bird alighted on the tree, and had just plucked off an apple, when the youth shot an arrow at him. The bird flew off, but the arrow had struck his plumage, and one of his golden feathers fell down. The youth picked it up, and the next morning took it to the king and told him what he had seen in the night. The king called his council together, and everyone declared that a feather like this was worth more than the whole kingdom. If the feather is so precious, declared the king, one alone will not do for me, I must and will have the whole bird.\n\nThe eldest son set out, and trusting to his cleverness thought that he would easily find the golden bird. When he had gone some distance he saw a fox sitting at the edge of a wood so he cocked his gun and took aim at him. The fox cried, do not shoot me, and in return I will give you some good counsel. You are on the way to the golden bird, and this evening you will come to a village in which stand two inns opposite to one another.\n\nOne of them is lighted up brightly, and all goes on merrily within, but do not go into it, go rather into the other, even though it looks like a bad one. How can such a silly beast give wise advice, thought the king's son, and he pulled the trigger. But he missed the fox, who stretched out his tail and ran quickly into the wood.\n\nSo he pursued his way, and by evening came to the village where the two inns were, in one they were singing and dancing, the other had a poor, miserable look. I should be a fool, indeed, he thought, if I were to go into the shabby tavern, and pass by the good one. So he went into the cheerful one, lived there in riot and revel, and forgot the bird and his father, and all good counsels.\n\nWhen many months had passed, and the eldest son did not come back home, the second set out, wishing to find the golden bird. The fox met him as he had met the eldest, and gave him the good advice of which he took no heed. He came to the two inns, and his brother was standing at the window of the one from which came the music, and called out to him. He could not resist, but went inside and lived only for pleasure.\n\nAgain some time passed, and then the king's youngest son wanted to set off and try his luck, but his father would not allow it. It is of no use, said he, he will find the golden bird still less than his brothers, and if a mishap were to befall him he knows not how to help himself, he's not too bright at the best. But at last, as he had no peace, he let him go.\n\nAgain the fox was sitting outside the wood, and begged for his life, and offered his good advice. The youth was good-natured, and said, be easy, little fox, I will do you no harm. You shall not repent it, answered the fox, and that you may get on more quickly, get up behind on my tail. And scarcely had he seated himself when the fox began to run, and away he went over stock and stone till his hair whistled in the wind. When they came to the village the youth got off, he followed the good advice, and without looking round turned into the little inn, where he spent the night quietly.\n\nThe next morning, as soon as he got into the open country, there sat the fox already, and said, I will tell you further what you have to do. Go on quite straight, and at last you will come to a castle, in front of which a whole regiment of soldiers is lying, but do not trouble yourself about them, for they will all be asleep and snoring. Go through the midst of them staight into the castle, and go through all the rooms, till at last you will come to a chamber where a golden bird is hanging in a wooden cage. Close by, there stands an empty gold cage for show, but beware of taking the bird out of the common cage and putting it into the fine one, or it may go badly with you.\n\nWith these words the fox again stretched out his tail, and the king's son seated himself upon it, and away he went over stock and stone till his hair whistled in the wind.\n\nWhen he came to the castle he found everything as the fox had said. The king's son went into the chamber where the golden bird was shut up in a wooden cage, whilst a golden one stood by, and the three golden apples lay about the room. But, thought he, it would be absurd if I were to leave the beautiful bird in the common and ugly cage, so he opened the door, laid hold of it, and put it into the golden cage. But at the same moment the bird uttered a shrill cry. The soldiers awoke, rushed in, and took him off to prison. The next morning he was taken before a court of justice, and as he confessed everything, was sentenced to death.\n\nThe king, however, said that he would grant him his life on one condition - namely, if he brought him the golden horse which ran faster than the wind, and in that case he should receive, over and above, as a reward, the golden bird.\n\nThe king's son set off, but he sighed and was sorrowful, for how was he to find the golden horse. But all at once he saw his old friend the fox sitting on the road. Look you, said the fox, this has happened because you did not give heed to me. However, be of good courage. I will give you my help, and tell you how to get to the golden horse. You must go straight on, and you will come to a castle, where in the stable stands the horse. The grooms will be lying in front of the stable, but they will be asleep and snoring, and you can quietly lead out the golden horse. But of one thing you must take heed, put on him the common saddle of wood and leather, and not the golden one, which hangs close by, else it will go ill with you. Then the fox stretched out his tail, the king's son seated himself upon it, and away he went over stock and stone until his hair whistled in the wind.\n\nEverything happened just as the fox had said, the prince came to the stable in which the golden horse was standing, but just as he was going to put the common saddle upon him, he thought, such a beautiful beast will be shamed if I do not give him the good saddle which belongs to him by right. But scarcely had the golden saddle touched the horse than he began to neigh loudly. The grooms awoke, seized the youth, and threw him into prison.\n\nThe next morning he was sentenced by the court to death, but the king promised to grant him his life, and the golden horse as well, if he could bring back the beautiful princess from the golden castle.\n\nWith a heavy heart the youth set out, yet luckily for him he soon found the trusty fox. I ought only to leave you to your ill-luck, said the fox, but I pity you, and will help you once more out of your trouble. This road takes you straight to the golden castle, you will reach it by eventide, and at night when everything is quiet the beautiful princess goes to the bathing-house to bathe. When she enters it, run up to her and give her a kiss, then she will follow you, and you can take her away with you, only do not allow her to take leave of her parents first, or it will go ill with you.\n\nThen the fox stretched out his tail, the king's son seated himself upon it, and away went the fox, over stock and stone, till his hair whistled in the wind.\n\nWhen he reached the golden castle it was just as the fox had said. He waited until midnight, when everything lay in deep sleep, and the beautiful princess was going to the bathing-house. Then he sprang out and gave her a kiss. She said that she would like to go with him, but she asked him pitifully, and with tears, to allow her first to take leave of her parents. At first he withstood her prayer, but when she wept more and more, and fell at his feet, he at last gave in. But no sooner had the maiden reached the bedside of her father than he and all the rest in the castle awoke, and the youth was laid hold of and put into prison.\n\nThe next morning the king said to him, your life is forfeited, and you can only find mercy if you take away the hill which stands in front of my windows, and prevents my seeing beyond it, and you must finish it all within eight days. If you do that you shall have my daughter as your reward.\n\nThe king's son began, and dug and shoveled without stopping, but when after seven days he saw how little he had done, and how all his work was as good as nothing, he fell into great sorrow and gave up all hope. But on the evening of the seventh day the fox appeared and said, you do not deserve that I should take my trouble about you, but just go away and lie down to sleep, and I will do the work for you.\n\nThe next morning when he awoke and looked out of the window the hill had gone. The youth ran, full of joy, to the king, and told him that the task was fulfilled, and whether he liked it or not, the king had to hold to his word and give him his daughter.\n\nSo the two set forth together, and it was not long before the trusty fox came up with them. You have certainly got what is best, said he, but the golden horse also belongs to the maiden of the golden castle. How shall I get it, asked the youth. That I will tell you, answered the fox, first take the beautiful maiden to the king who sent you to the golden castle. There will be unheard-of rejoicing, they will gladly give you the golden horse, and will bring it out to you. Mount it as soon as possible, and offer your hand to all in farewell, last of all to the beautiful maiden. And as soon as you have taken her hand swing her up on to the horse, and gallop away, and no one will be able to bring you back, for the horse runs faster than the wind.\n\nAll was carried out successfully, and the king's son carried off the beautiful princess on the golden horse.\n\nThe fox did not remain behind, and he said to the youth, now I will help you to get the golden bird. When you come near to the castle where the golden bird is to be found, let the maiden get down, and I will take her into my care. Then ride with the golden horse into the castle-yard, there will be great rejoicing at the sight, and they will bring out the golden bird for you. As soon as you have the cage in your hand gallop back to us, and take the maiden away again.\n\nWhen the plan had succeeded, and the king's son was about to ride home with his treasures, the fox said, now you shall reward me for my help. What do you require for it, asked the youth. When you get into the wood yonder, shoot me dead, and chop off my head and feet.\n\nThat would be fine gratitude, said the king's son. I cannot possibly do that for you.\n\nThe fox said, if you will not do it I must leave you, but before I go away I will give you a piece of good advice. Be careful about two things. Buy no gallows'-flesh, and do not sit at the edge of any well. And then he ran into the wood.\n\nThe youth thought, that is a wonderful beast, he has strange whims, who on earth would want to buy gallows'-flesh. As for the desire to sit at the edge of a well it has never yet occurred to me.\n\nHe rode on with the beautiful maiden, and his road took him again through the village in which his two brothers had remained. There was a great stir and noise, and, when he asked what was going on, he was told that two men were going to be hanged. As he came nearer to the place he saw that they were his brothers, who had been playing all kinds of wicked pranks, and had squandered all their wealth. He inquired whether they could not be set free. If you will pay for them, answered the people, but why should you waste your money on wicked men, and buy them free. He did not think twice about it, but paid for them, and when they were set free they all went on their way together.\n\nThey came to the wood where the fox had first met them, and as it was a hot day, but cool and pleasant within the wood, the two brothers said, let us rest a little by the well, and eat and drink. He agreed, and whilst they were talking he forgot himself, and sat down upon the edge of the well without thinking of any evil. But the two brothers threw him backwards into the well, took the maiden, the horse, and the bird, and went home to their father. Here we bring you not only the golden bird, said they, we have won the golden horse also, and the maiden from the golden castle. Then was there great joy, but the horse would not eat, the bird would not sing, and the maiden sat and wept.\n\nBut the youngest brother was not dead. By good fortune the well was dry, and he fell upon soft moss without being hurt, but he could not get out again. Even in this strait the faithful fox did not leave him, it came and leapt down to him, and upbraided him for having forgotten its advice. But yet I cannot give up, he said, I will help you up again into daylight. He bade him grasp his tail and keep tight hold of it, and then he pulled him up. You are not out of all danger yet, said the fox. Your brothers were not sure of your death, and have surrounded the wood with watchers, who are to kill you if you let yourself be seen. But a poor man was sitting upon the road, with whom the youth changed clothes, and in this way he got to the king's palace.\n\nNo one knew him, but the bird began to sing, the horse began to eat, and the beautiful maiden left off weeping. The king, astonished, asked, what does this mean. Then the maiden said, I do not know, but I have been so sorrowful and now I am so happy. I feel as if my true bridegroom had come. She told him all that had happened, although the other brothers had threatened her with death if she were to betray anything.\n\nThe king commanded that all people who were in his castle should be brought before him, and amongst them came the youth in his ragged clothes, but the maiden knew him at once and fell upon his neck. The wicked brothers were seized and put to death, but he was married to the beautiful maiden and declared heir to the king.\n\nBut what happened to the poor fox. Long afterwards the king's son was once again walking in the wood, when the fox met him and said, you have everything now that you can wish for, but there is never an end to my misery, and yet it is in your power to free me, and again he asked him with tears to shoot him dead and chop off his head and feet. So he did it, and scarcely was it done when the fox was changed into a man, and was no other than the brother of the beautiful princess, who at last was freed from the magic charm which had been laid upon him. And now they had all the happiness they wanted as long as they lived.",
"tts_chunks": [
"In olden times there was a king, who had behind his palace a beautiful pleasure-garden in which there was a tree that bore golden apples. When the apples were getting ripe they were counted, but on the very next morning one was missing. This was told to the king, and he ordered that a watch should be kept every night beneath the tree.",
"The king had three sons, the eldest of whom he sent, as soon as night came on, into the garden, but when midnight came he could not keep himself from sleeping, and next morning again an apple was gone.",
"The following night the second son had to keep watch, but it fared no better with him, as soon as twelve o'clock had struck he fell asleep, and in the morning an apple was gone.",
"Now it came to the turn of the third son to watch, and he was quite ready, but the king had not much trust in him, and thought that he would be of less use even than his brothers, but at last he let him go. The youth lay down beneath the tree, but kept awake, and did not let sleep master him. When it struck twelve, something rustled through the air, and in the moonlight he saw a bird coming whose feathers were all shining with gold.",
"The bird alighted on the tree, and had just plucked off an apple, when the youth shot an arrow at him. The bird flew off, but the arrow had struck his plumage, and one of his golden feathers fell down. The youth picked it up, and the next morning took it to the king and told him what he had seen in the night. The king called his council together, and everyone declared that a feather like this was worth more than the whole kingdom. If the feather is so precious, declared the king, one alone will not do for me, I must and will have the whole bird.",
"The eldest son set out, and trusting to his cleverness thought that he would easily find the golden bird. When he had gone some distance he saw a fox sitting at the edge of a wood so he cocked his gun and took aim at him. The fox cried, do not shoot me, and in return I will give you some good counsel. You are on the way to the golden bird, and this evening you will come to a village in which stand two inns opposite to one another.",
"One of them is lighted up brightly, and all goes on merrily within, but do not go into it, go rather into the other, even though it looks like a bad one. How can such a silly beast give wise advice, thought the king's son, and he pulled the trigger. But he missed the fox, who stretched out his tail and ran quickly into the wood.",
"So he pursued his way, and by evening came to the village where the two inns were, in one they were singing and dancing, the other had a poor, miserable look. I should be a fool, indeed, he thought, if I were to go into the shabby tavern, and pass by the good one. So he went into the cheerful one, lived there in riot and revel, and forgot the bird and his father, and all good counsels.",
"When many months had passed, and the eldest son did not come back home, the second set out, wishing to find the golden bird. The fox met him as he had met the eldest, and gave him the good advice of which he took no heed. He came to the two inns, and his brother was standing at the window of the one from which came the music, and called out to him. He could not resist, but went inside and lived only for pleasure.",
"Again some time passed, and then the king's youngest son wanted to set off and try his luck, but his father would not allow it. It is of no use, said he, he will find the golden bird still less than his brothers, and if a mishap were to befall him he knows not how to help himself, he's not too bright at the best. But at last, as he had no peace, he let him go.",
"Again the fox was sitting outside the wood, and begged for his life, and offered his good advice. The youth was good-natured, and said, be easy, little fox, I will do you no harm. You shall not repent it, answered the fox, and that you may get on more quickly, get up behind on my tail. And scarcely had he seated himself when the fox began to run, and away he went over stock and stone till his hair whistled in the wind. When they came to the village the youth got off, he followed the good advice, and without looking round turned into the little inn, where he spent the night quietly.",
"The next morning, as soon as he got into the open country, there sat the fox already, and said, I will tell you further what you have to do. Go on quite straight, and at last you will come to a castle, in front of which a whole regiment of soldiers is lying, but do not trouble yourself about them, for they will all be asleep and snoring. Go through the midst of them staight into the castle, and go through all the rooms, till at last you will come to a chamber where a golden bird is hanging in a wooden cage. Close by, there stands an empty gold cage for show, but beware of taking the bird out of the common cage and putting it into the fine one, or it may go badly with you.",
"With these words the fox again stretched out his tail, and the king's son seated himself upon it, and away he went over stock and stone till his hair whistled in the wind.",
"When he came to the castle he found everything as the fox had said. The king's son went into the chamber where the golden bird was shut up in a wooden cage, whilst a golden one stood by, and the three golden apples lay about the room. But, thought he, it would be absurd if I were to leave the beautiful bird in the common and ugly cage, so he opened the door, laid hold of it, and put it into the golden cage. But at the same moment the bird uttered a shrill cry. The soldiers awoke, rushed in, and took him off to prison. The next morning he was taken before a court of justice, and as he confessed everything, was sentenced to death.",
"The king, however, said that he would grant him his life on one condition - namely, if he brought him the golden horse which ran faster than the wind, and in that case he should receive, over and above, as a reward, the golden bird.",
"The king's son set off, but he sighed and was sorrowful, for how was he to find the golden horse. But all at once he saw his old friend the fox sitting on the road. Look you, said the fox, this has happened because you did not give heed to me. However, be of good courage. I will give you my help, and tell you how to get to the golden horse. You must go straight on, and you will come to a castle, where in the stable stands the horse. The grooms will be lying in front of the stable, but they will be asleep and snoring, and you can quietly lead out the golden horse. But of one thing you must take heed, put on him the common saddle of wood and leather, and not the golden one, which hangs close by, else it will go ill with you.",
"Then the fox stretched out his tail, the king's son seated himself upon it, and away he went over stock and stone until his hair whistled in the wind.",
"Everything happened just as the fox had said, the prince came to the stable in which the golden horse was standing, but just as he was going to put the common saddle upon him, he thought, such a beautiful beast will be shamed if I do not give him the good saddle which belongs to him by right. But scarcely had the golden saddle touched the horse than he began to neigh loudly. The grooms awoke, seized the youth, and threw him into prison.",
"The next morning he was sentenced by the court to death, but the king promised to grant him his life, and the golden horse as well, if he could bring back the beautiful princess from the golden castle.",
"With a heavy heart the youth set out, yet luckily for him he soon found the trusty fox. I ought only to leave you to your ill-luck, said the fox, but I pity you, and will help you once more out of your trouble. This road takes you straight to the golden castle, you will reach it by eventide, and at night when everything is quiet the beautiful princess goes to the bathing-house to bathe. When she enters it, run up to her and give her a kiss, then she will follow you, and you can take her away with you, only do not allow her to take leave of her parents first, or it will go ill with you.",
"Then the fox stretched out his tail, the king's son seated himself upon it, and away went the fox, over stock and stone, till his hair whistled in the wind.",
"When he reached the golden castle it was just as the fox had said. He waited until midnight, when everything lay in deep sleep, and the beautiful princess was going to the bathing-house. Then he sprang out and gave her a kiss. She said that she would like to go with him, but she asked him pitifully, and with tears, to allow her first to take leave of her parents. At first he withstood her prayer, but when she wept more and more, and fell at his feet, he at last gave in. But no sooner had the maiden reached the bedside of her father than he and all the rest in the castle awoke, and the youth was laid hold of and put into prison.",
"The next morning the king said to him, your life is forfeited, and you can only find mercy if you take away the hill which stands in front of my windows, and prevents my seeing beyond it, and you must finish it all within eight days. If you do that you shall have my daughter as your reward.",
"The king's son began, and dug and shoveled without stopping, but when after seven days he saw how little he had done, and how all his work was as good as nothing, he fell into great sorrow and gave up all hope. But on the evening of the seventh day the fox appeared and said, you do not deserve that I should take my trouble about you, but just go away and lie down to sleep, and I will do the work for you.",
"The next morning when he awoke and looked out of the window the hill had gone. The youth ran, full of joy, to the king, and told him that the task was fulfilled, and whether he liked it or not, the king had to hold to his word and give him his daughter.",
"So the two set forth together, and it was not long before the trusty fox came up with them. You have certainly got what is best, said he, but the golden horse also belongs to the maiden of the golden castle. How shall I get it, asked the youth. That I will tell you, answered the fox, first take the beautiful maiden to the king who sent you to the golden castle. There will be unheard-of rejoicing, they will gladly give you the golden horse, and will bring it out to you. Mount it as soon as possible, and offer your hand to all in farewell, last of all to the beautiful maiden. And as soon as you have taken her hand swing her up on to the horse, and gallop away, and no one will be able to bring you back, for the horse runs faster than the wind.",
"All was carried out successfully, and the king's son carried off the beautiful princess on the golden horse.",
"The fox did not remain behind, and he said to the youth, now I will help you to get the golden bird. When you come near to the castle where the golden bird is to be found, let the maiden get down, and I will take her into my care. Then ride with the golden horse into the castle-yard, there will be great rejoicing at the sight, and they will bring out the golden bird for you. As soon as you have the cage in your hand gallop back to us, and take the maiden away again.",
"When the plan had succeeded, and the king's son was about to ride home with his treasures, the fox said, now you shall reward me for my help. What do you require for it, asked the youth. When you get into the wood yonder, shoot me dead, and chop off my head and feet.",
"That would be fine gratitude, said the king's son. I cannot possibly do that for you.",
"The fox said, if you will not do it I must leave you, but before I go away I will give you a piece of good advice. Be careful about two things. Buy no gallows'-flesh, and do not sit at the edge of any well. And then he ran into the wood.",
"The youth thought, that is a wonderful beast, he has strange whims, who on earth would want to buy gallows'-flesh. As for the desire to sit at the edge of a well it has never yet occurred to me.",
"He rode on with the beautiful maiden, and his road took him again through the village in which his two brothers had remained. There was a great stir and noise, and, when he asked what was going on, he was told that two men were going to be hanged. As he came nearer to the place he saw that they were his brothers, who had been playing all kinds of wicked pranks, and had squandered all their wealth. He inquired whether they could not be set free. If you will pay for them, answered the people, but why should you waste your money on wicked men, and buy them free. He did not think twice about it, but paid for them, and when they were set free they all went on their way together.",
"They came to the wood where the fox had first met them, and as it was a hot day, but cool and pleasant within the wood, the two brothers said, let us rest a little by the well, and eat and drink. He agreed, and whilst they were talking he forgot himself, and sat down upon the edge of the well without thinking of any evil. But the two brothers threw him backwards into the well, took the maiden, the horse, and the bird, and went home to their father. Here we bring you not only the golden bird, said they, we have won the golden horse also, and the maiden from the golden castle. Then was there great joy, but the horse would not eat, the bird would not sing, and the maiden sat and wept.",
"But the youngest brother was not dead. By good fortune the well was dry, and he fell upon soft moss without being hurt, but he could not get out again. Even in this strait the faithful fox did not leave him, it came and leapt down to him, and upbraided him for having forgotten its advice. But yet I cannot give up, he said, I will help you up again into daylight. He bade him grasp his tail and keep tight hold of it, and then he pulled him up. You are not out of all danger yet, said the fox. Your brothers were not sure of your death, and have surrounded the wood with watchers, who are to kill you if you let yourself be seen. But a poor man was sitting upon the road, with whom the youth changed clothes, and in this way he got to the king's palace.",
"No one knew him, but the bird began to sing, the horse began to eat, and the beautiful maiden left off weeping. The king, astonished, asked, what does this mean. Then the maiden said, I do not know, but I have been so sorrowful and now I am so happy. I feel as if my true bridegroom had come. She told him all that had happened, although the other brothers had threatened her with death if she were to betray anything.",
"The king commanded that all people who were in his castle should be brought before him, and amongst them came the youth in his ragged clothes, but the maiden knew him at once and fell upon his neck. The wicked brothers were seized and put to death, but he was married to the beautiful maiden and declared heir to the king.",
"But what happened to the poor fox. Long afterwards the king's son was once again walking in the wood, when the fox met him and said, you have everything now that you can wish for, but there is never an end to my misery, and yet it is in your power to free me, and again he asked him with tears to shoot him dead and chop off his head and feet. So he did it, and scarcely was it done when the fox was changed into a man, and was no other than the brother of the beautiful princess, who at last was freed from the magic charm which had been laid upon him. And now they had all the happiness they wanted as long as they lived."
],
"speech_safe_body": [
"In olden times there was a king, who had behind his palace a beautiful pleasure-garden in which there was a tree that bore golden apples. When the apples were getting ripe they were counted, but on the very next morning one was missing. This was told to the king, and he ordered that a watch should be kept every night beneath the tree.",
"The king had three sons, the eldest of whom he sent, as soon as night came on, into the garden, but when midnight came he could not keep himself from sleeping, and next morning again an apple was gone.",
"The following night the second son had to keep watch, but it fared no better with him, as soon as twelve o'clock had struck he fell asleep, and in the morning an apple was gone.",
"Now it came to the turn of the third son to watch, and he was quite ready, but the king had not much trust in him, and thought that he would be of less use even than his brothers, but at last he let him go. The youth lay down beneath the tree, but kept awake, and did not let sleep master him. When it struck twelve, something rustled through the air, and in the moonlight he saw a bird coming whose feathers were all shining with gold.",
"The bird alighted on the tree, and had just plucked off an apple, when the youth shot an arrow at him. The bird flew off, but the arrow had struck his plumage, and one of his golden feathers fell down. The youth picked it up, and the next morning took it to the king and told him what he had seen in the night. The king called his council together, and everyone declared that a feather like this was worth more than the whole kingdom. If the feather is so precious, declared the king, one alone will not do for me, I must and will have the whole bird.",
"The eldest son set out, and trusting to his cleverness thought that he would easily find the golden bird. When he had gone some distance he saw a fox sitting at the edge of a wood so he cocked his gun and took aim at him. The fox cried, do not shoot me, and in return I will give you some good counsel. You are on the way to the golden bird, and this evening you will come to a village in which stand two inns opposite to one another.",
"One of them is lighted up brightly, and all goes on merrily within, but do not go into it, go rather into the other, even though it looks like a bad one. How can such a silly beast give wise advice, thought the king's son, and he pulled the trigger. But he missed the fox, who stretched out his tail and ran quickly into the wood.",
"So he pursued his way, and by evening came to the village where the two inns were, in one they were singing and dancing, the other had a poor, miserable look. I should be a fool, indeed, he thought, if I were to go into the shabby tavern, and pass by the good one. So he went into the cheerful one, lived there in riot and revel, and forgot the bird and his father, and all good counsels.",
"When many months had passed, and the eldest son did not come back home, the second set out, wishing to find the golden bird. The fox met him as he had met the eldest, and gave him the good advice of which he took no heed. He came to the two inns, and his brother was standing at the window of the one from which came the music, and called out to him. He could not resist, but went inside and lived only for pleasure.",
"Again some time passed, and then the king's youngest son wanted to set off and try his luck, but his father would not allow it. It is of no use, said he, he will find the golden bird still less than his brothers, and if a mishap were to befall him he knows not how to help himself, he is not too bright at the best. But at last, as he had no peace, he let him go.",
"Again the fox was sitting outside the wood, and begged for his life, and offered his good advice. The youth was good-natured, and said, be easy, little fox, I will do you no harm. You shall not repent it, answered the fox, and that you may get on more quickly, get up behind on my tail. And scarcely had he seated himself when the fox began to run, and away he went over stock and stone till his hair whistled in the wind. When they came to the village the youth got off, he followed the good advice, and without looking round turned into the little inn, where he spent the night quietly.",
"The next morning, as soon as he got into the open country, there sat the fox already, and said, I will tell you further what you have to do. Go on quite straight, and at last you will come to a castle, in front of which a whole regiment of soldiers is lying, but do not trouble yourself about them, for they will all be asleep and snoring. Go through the midst of them staight into the castle, and go through all the rooms, till at last you will come to a chamber where a golden bird is hanging in a wooden cage. Close by, there stands an empty gold cage for show, but beware of taking the bird out of the common cage and putting it into the fine one, or it may go badly with you.",
"With these words the fox again stretched out his tail, and the king's son seated himself upon it, and away he went over stock and stone till his hair whistled in the wind.",
"When he came to the castle he found everything as the fox had said. The king's son went into the chamber where the golden bird was shut up in a wooden cage, whilst a golden one stood by, and the three golden apples lay about the room. But, thought he, it would be absurd if I were to leave the beautiful bird in the common and ugly cage, so he opened the door, laid hold of it, and put it into the golden cage. But at the same moment the bird uttered a shrill cry. The soldiers awoke, rushed in, and took him off to prison. The next morning he was taken before a court of justice, and as he confessed everything, was sentenced to death.",
"The king, however, said that he would grant him his life on one condition - namely, if he brought him the golden horse which ran faster than the wind, and in that case he should receive, over and above, as a reward, the golden bird.",
"The king's son set off, but he sighed and was sorrowful, for how was he to find the golden horse. But all at once he saw his old friend the fox sitting on the road. Look you, said the fox, this has happened because you did not give heed to me. However, be of good courage. I will give you my help, and tell you how to get to the golden horse. You must go straight on, and you will come to a castle, where in the stable stands the horse. The grooms will be lying in front of the stable, but they will be asleep and snoring, and you can quietly lead out the golden horse. But of one thing you must take heed, put on him the common saddle of wood and leather, and not the golden one, which hangs close by, else it will go ill with you. Then the fox stretched out his tail, the king's son seated himself upon it, and away he went over stock and stone until his hair whistled in the wind.",
"Everything happened just as the fox had said, the prince came to the stable in which the golden horse was standing, but just as he was going to put the common saddle upon him, he thought, such a beautiful beast will be shamed if I do not give him the good saddle which belongs to him by right. But scarcely had the golden saddle touched the horse than he began to neigh loudly. The grooms awoke, seized the youth, and threw him into prison.",
"The next morning he was sentenced by the court to death, but the king promised to grant him his life, and the golden horse as well, if he could bring back the beautiful princess from the golden castle.",
"With a heavy heart the youth set out, yet luckily for him he soon found the trusty fox. I ought only to leave you to your ill-luck, said the fox, but I pity you, and will help you once more out of your trouble. This road takes you straight to the golden castle, you will reach it by eventide, and at night when everything is quiet the beautiful princess goes to the bathing-house to bathe. When she enters it, run up to her and give her a kiss, then she will follow you, and you can take her away with you, only do not allow her to take leave of her parents first, or it will go ill with you.",
"Then the fox stretched out his tail, the king's son seated himself upon it, and away went the fox, over stock and stone, till his hair whistled in the wind.",
"When he reached the golden castle it was just as the fox had said. He waited until midnight, when everything lay in deep sleep, and the beautiful princess was going to the bathing-house. Then he sprang out and gave her a kiss. She said that she would like to go with him, but she asked him pitifully, and with tears, to allow her first to take leave of her parents. At first he withstood her prayer, but when she wept more and more, and fell at his feet, he at last gave in. But no sooner had the maiden reached the bedside of her father than he and all the rest in the castle awoke, and the youth was laid hold of and put into prison.",
"The next morning the king said to him, your life is forfeited, and you can only find mercy if you take away the hill which stands in front of my windows, and prevents my seeing beyond it, and you must finish it all within eight days. If you do that you shall have my daughter as your reward.",
"The king's son began, and dug and shoveled without stopping, but when after seven days he saw how little he had done, and how all his work was as good as nothing, he fell into great sorrow and gave up all hope. But on the evening of the seventh day the fox appeared and said, you do not deserve that I should take my trouble about you, but just go away and lie down to sleep, and I will do the work for you.",
"The next morning when he awoke and looked out of the window the hill had gone. The youth ran, full of joy, to the king, and told him that the task was fulfilled, and whether he liked it or not, the king had to hold to his word and give him his daughter.",
"So the two set forth together, and it was not long before the trusty fox came up with them. You have certainly got what is best, said he, but the golden horse also belongs to the maiden of the golden castle. How shall I get it, asked the youth. That I will tell you, answered the fox, first take the beautiful maiden to the king who sent you to the golden castle. There will be unheard-of rejoicing, they will gladly give you the golden horse, and will bring it out to you. Mount it as soon as possible, and offer your hand to all in farewell, last of all to the beautiful maiden. And as soon as you have taken her hand swing her up on to the horse, and gallop away, and no one will be able to bring you back, for the horse runs faster than the wind.",
"All was carried out successfully, and the king's son carried off the beautiful princess on the golden horse.",
"The fox did not remain behind, and he said to the youth, now I will help you to get the golden bird. When you come near to the castle where the golden bird is to be found, let the maiden get down, and I will take her into my care. Then ride with the golden horse into the castle-yard, there will be great rejoicing at the sight, and they will bring out the golden bird for you. As soon as you have the cage in your hand gallop back to us, and take the maiden away again.",
"When the plan had succeeded, and the king's son was about to ride home with his treasures, the fox said, now you shall reward me for my help. What do you require for it, asked the youth. When you get into the wood yonder, shoot me dead, and chop off my head and feet.",
"That would be fine gratitude, said the king's son. I cannot possibly do that for you.",
"The fox said, if you will not do it I must leave you, but before I go away I will give you a piece of good advice. Be careful about two things. Buy no gallows'-flesh, and do not sit at the edge of any well. And then he ran into the wood.",
"The youth thought, that is a wonderful beast, he has strange whims, who on earth would want to buy gallows'-flesh. As for the desire to sit at the edge of a well it has never yet occurred to me.",
"He rode on with the beautiful maiden, and his road took him again through the village in which his two brothers had remained. There was a great stir and noise, and, when he asked what was going on, he was told that two men were going to be hanged. As he came nearer to the place he saw that they were his brothers, who had been playing all kinds of wicked pranks, and had squandered all their wealth. He inquired whether they could not be set free. If you will pay for them, answered the people, but why should you waste your money on wicked men, and buy them free. He did not think twice about it, but paid for them, and when they were set free they all went on their way together.",
"They came to the wood where the fox had first met them, and as it was a hot day, but cool and pleasant within the wood, the two brothers said, let us rest a little by the well, and eat and drink. He agreed, and whilst they were talking he forgot himself, and sat down upon the edge of the well without thinking of any evil. But the two brothers threw him backwards into the well, took the maiden, the horse, and the bird, and went home to their father. Here we bring you not only the golden bird, said they, we have won the golden horse also, and the maiden from the golden castle. Then was there great joy, but the horse would not eat, the bird would not sing, and the maiden sat and wept.",
"But the youngest brother was not dead. By good fortune the well was dry, and he fell upon soft moss without being hurt, but he could not get out again. Even in this strait the faithful fox did not leave him, it came and leapt down to him, and upbraided him for having forgotten its advice. But yet I cannot give up, he said, I will help you up again into daylight. He bade him grasp his tail and keep tight hold of it, and then he pulled him up. You are not out of all danger yet, said the fox. Your brothers were not sure of your death, and have surrounded the wood with watchers, who are to kill you if you let yourself be seen. But a poor man was sitting upon the road, with whom the youth changed clothes, and in this way he got to the king's palace.",
"No one knew him, but the bird began to sing, the horse began to eat, and the beautiful maiden left off weeping. The king, astonished, asked, what does this mean. Then the maiden said, I do not know, but I have been so sorrowful and now I am so happy. I feel as if my true bridegroom had come. She told him all that had happened, although the other brothers had threatened her with death if she were to betray anything.",
"The king commanded that all people who were in his castle should be brought before him, and amongst them came the youth in his ragged clothes, but the maiden knew him at once and fell upon his neck. The wicked brothers were seized and put to death, but he was married to the beautiful maiden and declared heir to the king.",
"But what happened to the poor fox. Long afterwards the king's son was once again walking in the wood, when the fox met him and said, you have everything now that you can wish for, but there is never an end to my misery, and yet it is in your power to free me, and again he asked him with tears to shoot him dead and chop off his head and feet. So he did it, and scarcely was it done when the fox was changed into a man, and was no other than the brother of the beautiful princess, who at last was freed from the magic charm which had been laid upon him. And now they had all the happiness they wanted as long as they lived."
],
"speech_safe_text": "In olden times there was a king, who had behind his palace a beautiful pleasure-garden in which there was a tree that bore golden apples. When the apples were getting ripe they were counted, but on the very next morning one was missing. This was told to the king, and he ordered that a watch should be kept every night beneath the tree.\n\nThe king had three sons, the eldest of whom he sent, as soon as night came on, into the garden, but when midnight came he could not keep himself from sleeping, and next morning again an apple was gone.\n\nThe following night the second son had to keep watch, but it fared no better with him, as soon as twelve o'clock had struck he fell asleep, and in the morning an apple was gone.\n\nNow it came to the turn of the third son to watch, and he was quite ready, but the king had not much trust in him, and thought that he would be of less use even than his brothers, but at last he let him go. The youth lay down beneath the tree, but kept awake, and did not let sleep master him. When it struck twelve, something rustled through the air, and in the moonlight he saw a bird coming whose feathers were all shining with gold.\n\nThe bird alighted on the tree, and had just plucked off an apple, when the youth shot an arrow at him. The bird flew off, but the arrow had struck his plumage, and one of his golden feathers fell down. The youth picked it up, and the next morning took it to the king and told him what he had seen in the night. The king called his council together, and everyone declared that a feather like this was worth more than the whole kingdom. If the feather is so precious, declared the king, one alone will not do for me, I must and will have the whole bird.\n\nThe eldest son set out, and trusting to his cleverness thought that he would easily find the golden bird. When he had gone some distance he saw a fox sitting at the edge of a wood so he cocked his gun and took aim at him. The fox cried, do not shoot me, and in return I will give you some good counsel. You are on the way to the golden bird, and this evening you will come to a village in which stand two inns opposite to one another.\n\nOne of them is lighted up brightly, and all goes on merrily within, but do not go into it, go rather into the other, even though it looks like a bad one. How can such a silly beast give wise advice, thought the king's son, and he pulled the trigger. But he missed the fox, who stretched out his tail and ran quickly into the wood.\n\nSo he pursued his way, and by evening came to the village where the two inns were, in one they were singing and dancing, the other had a poor, miserable look. I should be a fool, indeed, he thought, if I were to go into the shabby tavern, and pass by the good one. So he went into the cheerful one, lived there in riot and revel, and forgot the bird and his father, and all good counsels.\n\nWhen many months had passed, and the eldest son did not come back home, the second set out, wishing to find the golden bird. The fox met him as he had met the eldest, and gave him the good advice of which he took no heed. He came to the two inns, and his brother was standing at the window of the one from which came the music, and called out to him. He could not resist, but went inside and lived only for pleasure.\n\nAgain some time passed, and then the king's youngest son wanted to set off and try his luck, but his father would not allow it. It is of no use, said he, he will find the golden bird still less than his brothers, and if a mishap were to befall him he knows not how to help himself, he is not too bright at the best. But at last, as he had no peace, he let him go.\n\nAgain the fox was sitting outside the wood, and begged for his life, and offered his good advice. The youth was good-natured, and said, be easy, little fox, I will do you no harm. You shall not repent it, answered the fox, and that you may get on more quickly, get up behind on my tail. And scarcely had he seated himself when the fox began to run, and away he went over stock and stone till his hair whistled in the wind. When they came to the village the youth got off, he followed the good advice, and without looking round turned into the little inn, where he spent the night quietly.\n\nThe next morning, as soon as he got into the open country, there sat the fox already, and said, I will tell you further what you have to do. Go on quite straight, and at last you will come to a castle, in front of which a whole regiment of soldiers is lying, but do not trouble yourself about them, for they will all be asleep and snoring. Go through the midst of them staight into the castle, and go through all the rooms, till at last you will come to a chamber where a golden bird is hanging in a wooden cage. Close by, there stands an empty gold cage for show, but beware of taking the bird out of the common cage and putting it into the fine one, or it may go badly with you.\n\nWith these words the fox again stretched out his tail, and the king's son seated himself upon it, and away he went over stock and stone till his hair whistled in the wind.\n\nWhen he came to the castle he found everything as the fox had said. The king's son went into the chamber where the golden bird was shut up in a wooden cage, whilst a golden one stood by, and the three golden apples lay about the room. But, thought he, it would be absurd if I were to leave the beautiful bird in the common and ugly cage, so he opened the door, laid hold of it, and put it into the golden cage. But at the same moment the bird uttered a shrill cry. The soldiers awoke, rushed in, and took him off to prison. The next morning he was taken before a court of justice, and as he confessed everything, was sentenced to death.\n\nThe king, however, said that he would grant him his life on one condition - namely, if he brought him the golden horse which ran faster than the wind, and in that case he should receive, over and above, as a reward, the golden bird.\n\nThe king's son set off, but he sighed and was sorrowful, for how was he to find the golden horse. But all at once he saw his old friend the fox sitting on the road. Look you, said the fox, this has happened because you did not give heed to me. However, be of good courage. I will give you my help, and tell you how to get to the golden horse. You must go straight on, and you will come to a castle, where in the stable stands the horse. The grooms will be lying in front of the stable, but they will be asleep and snoring, and you can quietly lead out the golden horse. But of one thing you must take heed, put on him the common saddle of wood and leather, and not the golden one, which hangs close by, else it will go ill with you. Then the fox stretched out his tail, the king's son seated himself upon it, and away he went over stock and stone until his hair whistled in the wind.\n\nEverything happened just as the fox had said, the prince came to the stable in which the golden horse was standing, but just as he was going to put the common saddle upon him, he thought, such a beautiful beast will be shamed if I do not give him the good saddle which belongs to him by right. But scarcely had the golden saddle touched the horse than he began to neigh loudly. The grooms awoke, seized the youth, and threw him into prison.\n\nThe next morning he was sentenced by the court to death, but the king promised to grant him his life, and the golden horse as well, if he could bring back the beautiful princess from the golden castle.\n\nWith a heavy heart the youth set out, yet luckily for him he soon found the trusty fox. I ought only to leave you to your ill-luck, said the fox, but I pity you, and will help you once more out of your trouble. This road takes you straight to the golden castle, you will reach it by eventide, and at night when everything is quiet the beautiful princess goes to the bathing-house to bathe. When she enters it, run up to her and give her a kiss, then she will follow you, and you can take her away with you, only do not allow her to take leave of her parents first, or it will go ill with you.\n\nThen the fox stretched out his tail, the king's son seated himself upon it, and away went the fox, over stock and stone, till his hair whistled in the wind.\n\nWhen he reached the golden castle it was just as the fox had said. He waited until midnight, when everything lay in deep sleep, and the beautiful princess was going to the bathing-house. Then he sprang out and gave her a kiss. She said that she would like to go with him, but she asked him pitifully, and with tears, to allow her first to take leave of her parents. At first he withstood her prayer, but when she wept more and more, and fell at his feet, he at last gave in. But no sooner had the maiden reached the bedside of her father than he and all the rest in the castle awoke, and the youth was laid hold of and put into prison.\n\nThe next morning the king said to him, your life is forfeited, and you can only find mercy if you take away the hill which stands in front of my windows, and prevents my seeing beyond it, and you must finish it all within eight days. If you do that you shall have my daughter as your reward.\n\nThe king's son began, and dug and shoveled without stopping, but when after seven days he saw how little he had done, and how all his work was as good as nothing, he fell into great sorrow and gave up all hope. But on the evening of the seventh day the fox appeared and said, you do not deserve that I should take my trouble about you, but just go away and lie down to sleep, and I will do the work for you.\n\nThe next morning when he awoke and looked out of the window the hill had gone. The youth ran, full of joy, to the king, and told him that the task was fulfilled, and whether he liked it or not, the king had to hold to his word and give him his daughter.\n\nSo the two set forth together, and it was not long before the trusty fox came up with them. You have certainly got what is best, said he, but the golden horse also belongs to the maiden of the golden castle. How shall I get it, asked the youth. That I will tell you, answered the fox, first take the beautiful maiden to the king who sent you to the golden castle. There will be unheard-of rejoicing, they will gladly give you the golden horse, and will bring it out to you. Mount it as soon as possible, and offer your hand to all in farewell, last of all to the beautiful maiden. And as soon as you have taken her hand swing her up on to the horse, and gallop away, and no one will be able to bring you back, for the horse runs faster than the wind.\n\nAll was carried out successfully, and the king's son carried off the beautiful princess on the golden horse.\n\nThe fox did not remain behind, and he said to the youth, now I will help you to get the golden bird. When you come near to the castle where the golden bird is to be found, let the maiden get down, and I will take her into my care. Then ride with the golden horse into the castle-yard, there will be great rejoicing at the sight, and they will bring out the golden bird for you. As soon as you have the cage in your hand gallop back to us, and take the maiden away again.\n\nWhen the plan had succeeded, and the king's son was about to ride home with his treasures, the fox said, now you shall reward me for my help. What do you require for it, asked the youth. When you get into the wood yonder, shoot me dead, and chop off my head and feet.\n\nThat would be fine gratitude, said the king's son. I cannot possibly do that for you.\n\nThe fox said, if you will not do it I must leave you, but before I go away I will give you a piece of good advice. Be careful about two things. Buy no gallows'-flesh, and do not sit at the edge of any well. And then he ran into the wood.\n\nThe youth thought, that is a wonderful beast, he has strange whims, who on earth would want to buy gallows'-flesh. As for the desire to sit at the edge of a well it has never yet occurred to me.\n\nHe rode on with the beautiful maiden, and his road took him again through the village in which his two brothers had remained. There was a great stir and noise, and, when he asked what was going on, he was told that two men were going to be hanged. As he came nearer to the place he saw that they were his brothers, who had been playing all kinds of wicked pranks, and had squandered all their wealth. He inquired whether they could not be set free. If you will pay for them, answered the people, but why should you waste your money on wicked men, and buy them free. He did not think twice about it, but paid for them, and when they were set free they all went on their way together.\n\nThey came to the wood where the fox had first met them, and as it was a hot day, but cool and pleasant within the wood, the two brothers said, let us rest a little by the well, and eat and drink. He agreed, and whilst they were talking he forgot himself, and sat down upon the edge of the well without thinking of any evil. But the two brothers threw him backwards into the well, took the maiden, the horse, and the bird, and went home to their father. Here we bring you not only the golden bird, said they, we have won the golden horse also, and the maiden from the golden castle. Then was there great joy, but the horse would not eat, the bird would not sing, and the maiden sat and wept.\n\nBut the youngest brother was not dead. By good fortune the well was dry, and he fell upon soft moss without being hurt, but he could not get out again. Even in this strait the faithful fox did not leave him, it came and leapt down to him, and upbraided him for having forgotten its advice. But yet I cannot give up, he said, I will help you up again into daylight. He bade him grasp his tail and keep tight hold of it, and then he pulled him up. You are not out of all danger yet, said the fox. Your brothers were not sure of your death, and have surrounded the wood with watchers, who are to kill you if you let yourself be seen. But a poor man was sitting upon the road, with whom the youth changed clothes, and in this way he got to the king's palace.\n\nNo one knew him, but the bird began to sing, the horse began to eat, and the beautiful maiden left off weeping. The king, astonished, asked, what does this mean. Then the maiden said, I do not know, but I have been so sorrowful and now I am so happy. I feel as if my true bridegroom had come. She told him all that had happened, although the other brothers had threatened her with death if she were to betray anything.\n\nThe king commanded that all people who were in his castle should be brought before him, and amongst them came the youth in his ragged clothes, but the maiden knew him at once and fell upon his neck. The wicked brothers were seized and put to death, but he was married to the beautiful maiden and declared heir to the king.\n\nBut what happened to the poor fox. Long afterwards the king's son was once again walking in the wood, when the fox met him and said, you have everything now that you can wish for, but there is never an end to my misery, and yet it is in your power to free me, and again he asked him with tears to shoot him dead and chop off his head and feet. So he did it, and scarcely was it done when the fox was changed into a man, and was no other than the brother of the beautiful princess, who at last was freed from the magic charm which had been laid upon him. And now they had all the happiness they wanted as long as they lived.",
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"In olden times there was a king, who had behind his palace a beautiful pleasure-garden in which there was a tree that bore golden apples. When the apples were getting ripe they were counted, but on the very next morning one was missing. This was told to the king, and he ordered that a watch should be kept every night beneath the tree.",
"The king had three sons, the eldest of whom he sent, as soon as night came on, into the garden, but when midnight came he could not keep himself from sleeping, and next morning again an apple was gone.",
"The following night the second son had to keep watch, but it fared no better with him, as soon as twelve o'clock had struck he fell asleep, and in the morning an apple was gone.",
"Now it came to the turn of the third son to watch, and he was quite ready, but the king had not much trust in him, and thought that he would be of less use even than his brothers, but at last he let him go. The youth lay down beneath the tree, but kept awake, and did not let sleep master him. When it struck twelve, something rustled through the air, and in the moonlight he saw a bird coming whose feathers were all shining with gold.",
"The bird alighted on the tree, and had just plucked off an apple, when the youth shot an arrow at him. The bird flew off, but the arrow had struck his plumage, and one of his golden feathers fell down. The youth picked it up, and the next morning took it to the king and told him what he had seen in the night. The king called his council together, and everyone declared that a feather like this was worth more than the whole kingdom. If the feather is so precious, declared the king, one alone will not do for me, I must and will have the whole bird.",
"The eldest son set out, and trusting to his cleverness thought that he would easily find the golden bird. When he had gone some distance he saw a fox sitting at the edge of a wood so he cocked his gun and took aim at him. The fox cried, do not shoot me, and in return I will give you some good counsel. You are on the way to the golden bird, and this evening you will come to a village in which stand two inns opposite to one another.",
"One of them is lighted up brightly, and all goes on merrily within, but do not go into it, go rather into the other, even though it looks like a bad one. How can such a silly beast give wise advice, thought the king's son, and he pulled the trigger. But he missed the fox, who stretched out his tail and ran quickly into the wood.",
"So he pursued his way, and by evening came to the village where the two inns were, in one they were singing and dancing, the other had a poor, miserable look. I should be a fool, indeed, he thought, if I were to go into the shabby tavern, and pass by the good one. So he went into the cheerful one, lived there in riot and revel, and forgot the bird and his father, and all good counsels.",
"When many months had passed, and the eldest son did not come back home, the second set out, wishing to find the golden bird. The fox met him as he had met the eldest, and gave him the good advice of which he took no heed. He came to the two inns, and his brother was standing at the window of the one from which came the music, and called out to him. He could not resist, but went inside and lived only for pleasure.",
"Again some time passed, and then the king's youngest son wanted to set off and try his luck, but his father would not allow it. It is of no use, said he, he will find the golden bird still less than his brothers, and if a mishap were to befall him he knows not how to help himself, he is not too bright at the best. But at last, as he had no peace, he let him go.",
"Again the fox was sitting outside the wood, and begged for his life, and offered his good advice. The youth was good-natured, and said, be easy, little fox, I will do you no harm. You shall not repent it, answered the fox, and that you may get on more quickly, get up behind on my tail. And scarcely had he seated himself when the fox began to run, and away he went over stock and stone till his hair whistled in the wind. When they came to the village the youth got off, he followed the good advice, and without looking round turned into the little inn, where he spent the night quietly.",
"The next morning, as soon as he got into the open country, there sat the fox already, and said, I will tell you further what you have to do. Go on quite straight, and at last you will come to a castle, in front of which a whole regiment of soldiers is lying, but do not trouble yourself about them, for they will all be asleep and snoring. Go through the midst of them staight into the castle, and go through all the rooms, till at last you will come to a chamber where a golden bird is hanging in a wooden cage. Close by, there stands an empty gold cage for show, but beware of taking the bird out of the common cage and putting it into the fine one, or it may go badly with you.",
"With these words the fox again stretched out his tail, and the king's son seated himself upon it, and away he went over stock and stone till his hair whistled in the wind.",
"When he came to the castle he found everything as the fox had said. The king's son went into the chamber where the golden bird was shut up in a wooden cage, whilst a golden one stood by, and the three golden apples lay about the room. But, thought he, it would be absurd if I were to leave the beautiful bird in the common and ugly cage, so he opened the door, laid hold of it, and put it into the golden cage. But at the same moment the bird uttered a shrill cry. The soldiers awoke, rushed in, and took him off to prison. The next morning he was taken before a court of justice, and as he confessed everything, was sentenced to death.",
"The king, however, said that he would grant him his life on one condition - namely, if he brought him the golden horse which ran faster than the wind, and in that case he should receive, over and above, as a reward, the golden bird.",
"The king's son set off, but he sighed and was sorrowful, for how was he to find the golden horse. But all at once he saw his old friend the fox sitting on the road. Look you, said the fox, this has happened because you did not give heed to me. However, be of good courage. I will give you my help, and tell you how to get to the golden horse. You must go straight on, and you will come to a castle, where in the stable stands the horse. The grooms will be lying in front of the stable, but they will be asleep and snoring, and you can quietly lead out the golden horse. But of one thing you must take heed, put on him the common saddle of wood and leather, and not the golden one, which hangs close by, else it will go ill with you.",
"Then the fox stretched out his tail, the king's son seated himself upon it, and away he went over stock and stone until his hair whistled in the wind.",
"Everything happened just as the fox had said, the prince came to the stable in which the golden horse was standing, but just as he was going to put the common saddle upon him, he thought, such a beautiful beast will be shamed if I do not give him the good saddle which belongs to him by right. But scarcely had the golden saddle touched the horse than he began to neigh loudly. The grooms awoke, seized the youth, and threw him into prison.",
"The next morning he was sentenced by the court to death, but the king promised to grant him his life, and the golden horse as well, if he could bring back the beautiful princess from the golden castle.",
"With a heavy heart the youth set out, yet luckily for him he soon found the trusty fox. I ought only to leave you to your ill-luck, said the fox, but I pity you, and will help you once more out of your trouble. This road takes you straight to the golden castle, you will reach it by eventide, and at night when everything is quiet the beautiful princess goes to the bathing-house to bathe. When she enters it, run up to her and give her a kiss, then she will follow you, and you can take her away with you, only do not allow her to take leave of her parents first, or it will go ill with you.",
"Then the fox stretched out his tail, the king's son seated himself upon it, and away went the fox, over stock and stone, till his hair whistled in the wind.",
"When he reached the golden castle it was just as the fox had said. He waited until midnight, when everything lay in deep sleep, and the beautiful princess was going to the bathing-house. Then he sprang out and gave her a kiss. She said that she would like to go with him, but she asked him pitifully, and with tears, to allow her first to take leave of her parents. At first he withstood her prayer, but when she wept more and more, and fell at his feet, he at last gave in. But no sooner had the maiden reached the bedside of her father than he and all the rest in the castle awoke, and the youth was laid hold of and put into prison.",
"The next morning the king said to him, your life is forfeited, and you can only find mercy if you take away the hill which stands in front of my windows, and prevents my seeing beyond it, and you must finish it all within eight days. If you do that you shall have my daughter as your reward.",
"The king's son began, and dug and shoveled without stopping, but when after seven days he saw how little he had done, and how all his work was as good as nothing, he fell into great sorrow and gave up all hope. But on the evening of the seventh day the fox appeared and said, you do not deserve that I should take my trouble about you, but just go away and lie down to sleep, and I will do the work for you.",
"The next morning when he awoke and looked out of the window the hill had gone. The youth ran, full of joy, to the king, and told him that the task was fulfilled, and whether he liked it or not, the king had to hold to his word and give him his daughter.",
"So the two set forth together, and it was not long before the trusty fox came up with them. You have certainly got what is best, said he, but the golden horse also belongs to the maiden of the golden castle. How shall I get it, asked the youth. That I will tell you, answered the fox, first take the beautiful maiden to the king who sent you to the golden castle. There will be unheard-of rejoicing, they will gladly give you the golden horse, and will bring it out to you. Mount it as soon as possible, and offer your hand to all in farewell, last of all to the beautiful maiden. And as soon as you have taken her hand swing her up on to the horse, and gallop away, and no one will be able to bring you back, for the horse runs faster than the wind.",
"All was carried out successfully, and the king's son carried off the beautiful princess on the golden horse.",
"The fox did not remain behind, and he said to the youth, now I will help you to get the golden bird. When you come near to the castle where the golden bird is to be found, let the maiden get down, and I will take her into my care. Then ride with the golden horse into the castle-yard, there will be great rejoicing at the sight, and they will bring out the golden bird for you. As soon as you have the cage in your hand gallop back to us, and take the maiden away again.",
"When the plan had succeeded, and the king's son was about to ride home with his treasures, the fox said, now you shall reward me for my help. What do you require for it, asked the youth. When you get into the wood yonder, shoot me dead, and chop off my head and feet.",
"That would be fine gratitude, said the king's son. I cannot possibly do that for you.",
"The fox said, if you will not do it I must leave you, but before I go away I will give you a piece of good advice. Be careful about two things. Buy no gallows'-flesh, and do not sit at the edge of any well. And then he ran into the wood.",
"The youth thought, that is a wonderful beast, he has strange whims, who on earth would want to buy gallows'-flesh. As for the desire to sit at the edge of a well it has never yet occurred to me.",
"He rode on with the beautiful maiden, and his road took him again through the village in which his two brothers had remained. There was a great stir and noise, and, when he asked what was going on, he was told that two men were going to be hanged. As he came nearer to the place he saw that they were his brothers, who had been playing all kinds of wicked pranks, and had squandered all their wealth. He inquired whether they could not be set free. If you will pay for them, answered the people, but why should you waste your money on wicked men, and buy them free. He did not think twice about it, but paid for them, and when they were set free they all went on their way together.",
"They came to the wood where the fox had first met them, and as it was a hot day, but cool and pleasant within the wood, the two brothers said, let us rest a little by the well, and eat and drink. He agreed, and whilst they were talking he forgot himself, and sat down upon the edge of the well without thinking of any evil. But the two brothers threw him backwards into the well, took the maiden, the horse, and the bird, and went home to their father. Here we bring you not only the golden bird, said they, we have won the golden horse also, and the maiden from the golden castle. Then was there great joy, but the horse would not eat, the bird would not sing, and the maiden sat and wept.",
"But the youngest brother was not dead. By good fortune the well was dry, and he fell upon soft moss without being hurt, but he could not get out again. Even in this strait the faithful fox did not leave him, it came and leapt down to him, and upbraided him for having forgotten its advice. But yet I cannot give up, he said, I will help you up again into daylight. He bade him grasp his tail and keep tight hold of it, and then he pulled him up. You are not out of all danger yet, said the fox. Your brothers were not sure of your death, and have surrounded the wood with watchers, who are to kill you if you let yourself be seen. But a poor man was sitting upon the road, with whom the youth changed clothes, and in this way he got to the king's palace.",
"No one knew him, but the bird began to sing, the horse began to eat, and the beautiful maiden left off weeping. The king, astonished, asked, what does this mean. Then the maiden said, I do not know, but I have been so sorrowful and now I am so happy. I feel as if my true bridegroom had come. She told him all that had happened, although the other brothers had threatened her with death if she were to betray anything.",
"The king commanded that all people who were in his castle should be brought before him, and amongst them came the youth in his ragged clothes, but the maiden knew him at once and fell upon his neck. The wicked brothers were seized and put to death, but he was married to the beautiful maiden and declared heir to the king.",
"But what happened to the poor fox. Long afterwards the king's son was once again walking in the wood, when the fox met him and said, you have everything now that you can wish for, but there is never an end to my misery, and yet it is in your power to free me, and again he asked him with tears to shoot him dead and chop off his head and feet. So he did it, and scarcely was it done when the fox was changed into a man, and was no other than the brother of the beautiful princess, who at last was freed from the magic charm which had been laid upon him. And now they had all the happiness they wanted as long as they lived."
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"In olden times there was a king, who had behind his palace a beautiful pleasure-garden in which there was a tree that bore golden apples. When the apples were getting ripe they were counted, but on the very next morning one was missing. This was told to the king, and he ordered that a watch should be kept every night beneath the tree.",
"The king had three sons, the eldest of whom he sent, as soon as night came on, into the garden, but when midnight came he could not keep himself from sleeping, and next morning again an apple was gone.",
"The following night the second son had to keep watch, but it fared no better with him, as soon as twelve o'clock had struck he fell asleep, and in the morning an apple was gone.",
"Now it came to the turn of the third son to watch, and he was quite ready, but the king had not much trust in him, and thought that he would be of less use even than his brothers, but at last he let him go. The youth lay down beneath the tree, but kept awake, and did not let sleep master him. When it struck twelve, something rustled through the air, and in the moonlight he saw a bird coming whose feathers were all shining with gold.",
"The bird alighted on the tree, and had just plucked off an apple, when the youth shot an arrow at him. The bird flew off, but the arrow had struck his plumage, and one of his golden feathers fell down. The youth picked it up, and the next morning took it to the king and told him what he had seen in the night. The king called his council together, and everyone declared that a feather like this was worth more than the whole kingdom. If the feather is so precious, declared the king, one alone will not do for me, I must and will have the whole bird.",
"The eldest son set out, and trusting to his cleverness thought that he would easily find the golden bird. When he had gone some distance he saw a fox sitting at the edge of a wood so he cocked his gun and took aim at him. The fox cried, do not shoot me, and in return I will give you some good counsel. You are on the way to the golden bird, and this evening you will come to a village in which stand two inns opposite to one another.",
"One of them is lighted up brightly, and all goes on merrily within, but do not go into it, go rather into the other, even though it looks like a bad one. How can such a silly beast give wise advice, thought the king's son, and he pulled the trigger. But he missed the fox, who stretched out his tail and ran quickly into the wood.",
"So he pursued his way, and by evening came to the village where the two inns were, in one they were singing and dancing, the other had a poor, miserable look. I should be a fool, indeed, he thought, if I were to go into the shabby tavern, and pass by the good one. So he went into the cheerful one, lived there in riot and revel, and forgot the bird and his father, and all good counsels.",
"When many months had passed, and the eldest son did not come back home, the second set out, wishing to find the golden bird. The fox met him as he had met the eldest, and gave him the good advice of which he took no heed. He came to the two inns, and his brother was standing at the window of the one from which came the music, and called out to him. He could not resist, but went inside and lived only for pleasure.",
"Again some time passed, and then the king's youngest son wanted to set off and try his luck, but his father would not allow it. It is of no use, said he, he will find the golden bird still less than his brothers, and if a mishap were to befall him he knows not how to help himself, he is not too bright at the best. But at last, as he had no peace, he let him go.",
"Again the fox was sitting outside the wood, and begged for his life, and offered his good advice. The youth was good-natured, and said, be easy, little fox, I will do you no harm. You shall not repent it, answered the fox, and that you may get on more quickly, get up behind on my tail. And scarcely had he seated himself when the fox began to run, and away he went over stock and stone till his hair whistled in the wind. When they came to the village the youth got off, he followed the good advice, and without looking round turned into the little inn, where he spent the night quietly.",
"The next morning, as soon as he got into the open country, there sat the fox already, and said, I will tell you further what you have to do. Go on quite straight, and at last you will come to a castle, in front of which a whole regiment of soldiers is lying, but do not trouble yourself about them, for they will all be asleep and snoring. Go through the midst of them staight into the castle, and go through all the rooms, till at last you will come to a chamber where a golden bird is hanging in a wooden cage. Close by, there stands an empty gold cage for show, but beware of taking the bird out of the common cage and putting it into the fine one, or it may go badly with you.",
"With these words the fox again stretched out his tail, and the king's son seated himself upon it, and away he went over stock and stone till his hair whistled in the wind.",
"When he came to the castle he found everything as the fox had said. The king's son went into the chamber where the golden bird was shut up in a wooden cage, whilst a golden one stood by, and the three golden apples lay about the room. But, thought he, it would be absurd if I were to leave the beautiful bird in the common and ugly cage, so he opened the door, laid hold of it, and put it into the golden cage. But at the same moment the bird uttered a shrill cry. The soldiers awoke, rushed in, and took him off to prison. The next morning he was taken before a court of justice, and as he confessed everything, was sentenced to death.",
"The king, however, said that he would grant him his life on one condition - namely, if he brought him the golden horse which ran faster than the wind, and in that case he should receive, over and above, as a reward, the golden bird.",
"The king's son set off, but he sighed and was sorrowful, for how was he to find the golden horse. But all at once he saw his old friend the fox sitting on the road. Look you, said the fox, this has happened because you did not give heed to me. However, be of good courage. I will give you my help, and tell you how to get to the golden horse. You must go straight on, and you will come to a castle, where in the stable stands the horse. The grooms will be lying in front of the stable, but they will be asleep and snoring, and you can quietly lead out the golden horse. But of one thing you must take heed, put on him the common saddle of wood and leather, and not the golden one, which hangs close by, else it will go ill with you.",
"Then the fox stretched out his tail, the king's son seated himself upon it, and away he went over stock and stone until his hair whistled in the wind.",
"Everything happened just as the fox had said, the prince came to the stable in which the golden horse was standing, but just as he was going to put the common saddle upon him, he thought, such a beautiful beast will be shamed if I do not give him the good saddle which belongs to him by right. But scarcely had the golden saddle touched the horse than he began to neigh loudly. The grooms awoke, seized the youth, and threw him into prison.",
"The next morning he was sentenced by the court to death, but the king promised to grant him his life, and the golden horse as well, if he could bring back the beautiful princess from the golden castle.",
"With a heavy heart the youth set out, yet luckily for him he soon found the trusty fox. I ought only to leave you to your ill-luck, said the fox, but I pity you, and will help you once more out of your trouble. This road takes you straight to the golden castle, you will reach it by eventide, and at night when everything is quiet the beautiful princess goes to the bathing-house to bathe. When she enters it, run up to her and give her a kiss, then she will follow you, and you can take her away with you, only do not allow her to take leave of her parents first, or it will go ill with you.",
"Then the fox stretched out his tail, the king's son seated himself upon it, and away went the fox, over stock and stone, till his hair whistled in the wind.",
"When he reached the golden castle it was just as the fox had said. He waited until midnight, when everything lay in deep sleep, and the beautiful princess was going to the bathing-house. Then he sprang out and gave her a kiss. She said that she would like to go with him, but she asked him pitifully, and with tears, to allow her first to take leave of her parents. At first he withstood her prayer, but when she wept more and more, and fell at his feet, he at last gave in. But no sooner had the maiden reached the bedside of her father than he and all the rest in the castle awoke, and the youth was laid hold of and put into prison.",
"The next morning the king said to him, your life is forfeited, and you can only find mercy if you take away the hill which stands in front of my windows, and prevents my seeing beyond it, and you must finish it all within eight days. If you do that you shall have my daughter as your reward.",
"The king's son began, and dug and shoveled without stopping, but when after seven days he saw how little he had done, and how all his work was as good as nothing, he fell into great sorrow and gave up all hope. But on the evening of the seventh day the fox appeared and said, you do not deserve that I should take my trouble about you, but just go away and lie down to sleep, and I will do the work for you.",
"The next morning when he awoke and looked out of the window the hill had gone. The youth ran, full of joy, to the king, and told him that the task was fulfilled, and whether he liked it or not, the king had to hold to his word and give him his daughter.",
"So the two set forth together, and it was not long before the trusty fox came up with them. You have certainly got what is best, said he, but the golden horse also belongs to the maiden of the golden castle. How shall I get it, asked the youth. That I will tell you, answered the fox, first take the beautiful maiden to the king who sent you to the golden castle. There will be unheard-of rejoicing, they will gladly give you the golden horse, and will bring it out to you. Mount it as soon as possible, and offer your hand to all in farewell, last of all to the beautiful maiden. And as soon as you have taken her hand swing her up on to the horse, and gallop away, and no one will be able to bring you back, for the horse runs faster than the wind.",
"All was carried out successfully, and the king's son carried off the beautiful princess on the golden horse.",
"The fox did not remain behind, and he said to the youth, now I will help you to get the golden bird. When you come near to the castle where the golden bird is to be found, let the maiden get down, and I will take her into my care. Then ride with the golden horse into the castle-yard, there will be great rejoicing at the sight, and they will bring out the golden bird for you. As soon as you have the cage in your hand gallop back to us, and take the maiden away again.",
"When the plan had succeeded, and the king's son was about to ride home with his treasures, the fox said, now you shall reward me for my help. What do you require for it, asked the youth. When you get into the wood yonder, shoot me dead, and chop off my head and feet.",
"That would be fine gratitude, said the king's son. I cannot possibly do that for you.",
"The fox said, if you will not do it I must leave you, but before I go away I will give you a piece of good advice. Be careful about two things. Buy no gallows'-flesh, and do not sit at the edge of any well. And then he ran into the wood.",
"The youth thought, that is a wonderful beast, he has strange whims, who on earth would want to buy gallows'-flesh. As for the desire to sit at the edge of a well it has never yet occurred to me.",
"He rode on with the beautiful maiden, and his road took him again through the village in which his two brothers had remained. There was a great stir and noise, and, when he asked what was going on, he was told that two men were going to be hanged. As he came nearer to the place he saw that they were his brothers, who had been playing all kinds of wicked pranks, and had squandered all their wealth. He inquired whether they could not be set free. If you will pay for them, answered the people, but why should you waste your money on wicked men, and buy them free. He did not think twice about it, but paid for them, and when they were set free they all went on their way together.",
"They came to the wood where the fox had first met them, and as it was a hot day, but cool and pleasant within the wood, the two brothers said, let us rest a little by the well, and eat and drink. He agreed, and whilst they were talking he forgot himself, and sat down upon the edge of the well without thinking of any evil. But the two brothers threw him backwards into the well, took the maiden, the horse, and the bird, and went home to their father. Here we bring you not only the golden bird, said they, we have won the golden horse also, and the maiden from the golden castle. Then was there great joy, but the horse would not eat, the bird would not sing, and the maiden sat and wept.",
"But the youngest brother was not dead. By good fortune the well was dry, and he fell upon soft moss without being hurt, but he could not get out again. Even in this strait the faithful fox did not leave him, it came and leapt down to him, and upbraided him for having forgotten its advice. But yet I cannot give up, he said, I will help you up again into daylight. He bade him grasp his tail and keep tight hold of it, and then he pulled him up. You are not out of all danger yet, said the fox. Your brothers were not sure of your death, and have surrounded the wood with watchers, who are to kill you if you let yourself be seen. But a poor man was sitting upon the road, with whom the youth changed clothes, and in this way he got to the king's palace.",
"No one knew him, but the bird began to sing, the horse began to eat, and the beautiful maiden left off weeping. The king, astonished, asked, what does this mean. Then the maiden said, I do not know, but I have been so sorrowful and now I am so happy. I feel as if my true bridegroom had come. She told him all that had happened, although the other brothers had threatened her with death if she were to betray anything.",
"The king commanded that all people who were in his castle should be brought before him, and amongst them came the youth in his ragged clothes, but the maiden knew him at once and fell upon his neck. The wicked brothers were seized and put to death, but he was married to the beautiful maiden and declared heir to the king.",
"But what happened to the poor fox. Long afterwards the king's son was once again walking in the wood, when the fox met him and said, you have everything now that you can wish for, but there is never an end to my misery, and yet it is in your power to free me, and again he asked him with tears to shoot him dead and chop off his head and feet. So he did it, and scarcely was it done when the fox was changed into a man, and was no other than the brother of the beautiful princess, who at last was freed from the magic charm which had been laid upon him. And now they had all the happiness they wanted as long as they lived."
],
"child_friendly_title": "The Golden Bird",
"child_friendly_body": [
"Once upon a time, there was a king who had a lovely garden behind his big palace. In the garden, there was a special tree that grew golden apples. When the fruit was ready, the king would count them. But every single morning, one apple was gone! The king was very sad. He told his guards to watch the tree all night long to catch the thief.",
"The king had three sons. Every night, he sent the oldest son into the garden to watch. But when midnight came, the poor boy was so sleepy that he fell fast asleep. The next morning, the king found another apple was gone.",
"The next night, the second brother had to stay awake and watch the garden. But he was very tired. Just as the clock struck twelve, he fell fast asleep. In the morning, they found that one of the golden apples was missing.",
"Now it was the third brother's turn to watch. He was ready, but the king did not trust him much. He thought the boy would be less help than his brothers. But at last, he let him go. The young boy lay down under the tree. He stayed awake and did not let sleep catch him. When the clock struck twelve, something moved in the air. In the soft moonlight, he saw a bird flying down. Its feathers were all shining bright with gold.",
"The bird landed on a tree branch and picked a red apple. Suddenly, a young boy shot an arrow at him. The bird flew away fast, but the arrow touched his feathers. A shiny, golden feather fell to the ground. The boy picked it up and took it to the king the next morning. He told the king what he had seen in the dark night. The king called his helpers together. Everyone said that a feather like this was worth more than all the land in the world. The king smiled and said, \"If this feather is so special, I cannot just take one. I want the whole bird.",
"The oldest brother set out. He thought he was very smart and would find the golden bird easily. After walking a little way, he saw a fox sitting by the edge of the woods. The brother raised his gun to shoot. The fox cried out, \"Please do not shoot me! If you let me go, I will give you some good advice. You are on your way to the golden bird. Tonight, you will come to a village with two inns standing right across from each other.",
"One of the houses glows with a warm, happy light. But do not go inside that one. Go into the other house instead, even if it looks a little bit scary. The prince thought, \"How can a silly animal give such good advice?\" He pulled the trigger, but he missed the fox. The fox stretched out his long tail and ran quickly into the woods.",
"So he walked on, and by evening he reached the village with the two inns. In one, people were singing and dancing happily. The other inn looked sad and lonely. He thought, \"I would be silly to go into the sad place. I should go to the happy one.\" So he went inside the cheerful inn. He had a great time, eating and playing, and he forgot all about the golden bird and his kind father.",
"After many months, the second son went out to look for the golden bird. The fox met him, just like he had met the first brother. The fox gave him good advice, but the son did not listen to him. He went to the two inns and saw his brother standing by the window where the music was playing. He called out to him. He could not resist, so he went inside and stayed there only to have fun.",
"Time went by, and the king’s youngest son wanted to go on an adventure. He wanted to try his luck, but his father would not let him go. \"It is no use,\" said the king. \"Your brothers could not find the bird, and you will not find it either. You are not very smart, and you might get into trouble. You would not know how to help yourself.\" But the son was restless. He could not stay home. At last, the king let him go.",
"The fox sat outside the woods again. He begged for his life and gave good advice. The young man was kind. He said, \"Don't worry, little fox. I won't hurt you. You will be happy you helped me.\" The fox said, \"Get on my tail, and we will go fast.\" The boy climbed on. The fox ran very fast. He jumped over logs and rocks. The wind blew through his fur. They reached a village. The boy got off. He did what the fox said. He did not look back. He walked into a small inn. He spent the night there, safe and happy.",
"The next morning, as soon as he got into the open country, the fox was already waiting there. He said, \"I will tell you what you must do. Go straight ahead. At last, you will come to a big castle. In front of it, there are many soldiers sleeping. Do not worry about them, for they are all fast asleep and snoring. Go right through them into the castle. Walk through all the rooms until you find a special room. There, a golden bird is hanging in a wooden cage. Right next to it stands a beautiful, empty gold cage. But be very careful. Do not take the bird out of the wooden cage and put it into the gold one, or something bad might happen.",
"The fox wagged his tail again. The king's son climbed onto the soft, furry tail. Then, whoosh! They flew high into the sky. They went fast over the trees and rocks. The wind blew softly in the boy's hair.",
"When he arrived at the castle, everything was just as the fox had promised. The prince walked into the room where the golden bird was kept in a plain wooden cage. A shiny golden cage stood right next to it, and three shiny golden apples were scattered on the floor. But the prince thought, \"It would be silly to leave such a beautiful bird in an ugly cage.\" So, he opened the door, gently picked up the bird, and placed it in the golden cage. Suddenly, the bird let out a loud, sharp cry. The guards woke up, ran into the room, and took the prince away to a dark prison. The very next morning, he had to stand before a judge. Because he told the truth about everything, the judge said he had to go to prison forever.",
"The King, however, said he would let him live if he brought him the golden horse. The horse ran faster than the wind. If he did that, the King promised to give him the golden bird, too.",
"The prince set off, but he felt sad and worried. How would he ever find the golden horse? Then, suddenly, he saw his old friend the fox sitting on the road.\n\n\"Look here,\" said the fox. \"This happened because you did not listen to me. But do not be afraid. I will help you. I will tell you how to find the horse.\"\n\n\"You must go straight ahead,\" said the fox. \"You will come to a big castle. The golden horse is in the stable there. The stable boys will be sleeping and snoring, but you can quietly lead the horse out.\"\n\n\"But listen,\" said the fox. \"You must put on the horse a simple wooden saddle. Do not use the golden saddle that hangs nearby, or something bad will happen.",
"Then the fox stretched out his long tail. The king's son sat down on it. They flew away over the trees and hills. The wind blew through his hair, but it felt soft and warm.",
"Everything happened just as the fox had said. The prince went to the stable where the golden horse was waiting. But just as he was going to put on a plain saddle, he thought, \"Such a beautiful beast will be sad if I do not give him his special golden saddle.\" As soon as the golden saddle touched the horse, he let out a happy neigh. The grooms woke up and took the prince to a quiet room to rest.",
"The next morning, the King said he would let him live. He promised to give him the golden horse, too. But there was one big task. He had to bring back the beautiful princess from the golden castle.",
"With a sad heart, the young boy started his journey. Luckily, he soon found the kind fox. \"I should just let you go and have bad luck,\" said the fox. \"But I feel sorry for you, so I will help you again. This path will take you straight to the golden castle. You will get there before the sun goes down. At night, when everything is quiet, the beautiful princess goes to the bathhouse to wash. When she goes inside, run up to her and give her a kiss. Then she will follow you, and you can take her away with you. But please, do not let her say goodbye to her parents first, or bad things will happen.",
"Then the fox stretched out his long tail. The king's son sat down on it. Away they went! The fox flew over the trees and the rocks. The wind whistled softly in his ears.",
"When he arrived at the golden castle, everything was exactly as the fox had promised. He waited until midnight, when everyone was fast asleep. Then, he saw the beautiful princess going to her bath. He quietly stepped out and gave her a sweet kiss. She said she wanted to go with him, but she looked at him with sad eyes and asked if she could say goodbye to her parents first. At first, he said no, but when she cried and fell to her knees, he felt so sorry for her that he agreed. But the moment the girl reached her father’s bed, the king and everyone else woke up. The guards grabbed the young man and put him in a dark prison.",
"The next morning, the King looked at the boy. He said, \"Your life is in danger. You can only be safe if you move the big hill in front of my window. It hides the view. You must finish it all in just eight days. If you do that, I will give you my daughter as a reward.",
"The prince dug and shoveled all day long. But after seven days, he looked at the ground. He saw that he had not moved much dirt. He felt very sad. He thought he could never finish the job. He felt like giving up. But on the seventh evening, the fox came back. He said, \"You have worked very hard. But I do not think you deserve my help. You should go lie down and rest now. I will finish the work for you.",
"The next morning, when he woke up and looked out the window, the hill was gone. The young man ran, full of joy, to the king. He told him that the task was finished. Whether the king liked it or not, he had to keep his word and give him his daughter.",
"So the two set off together, and soon the kind fox caught up with them. \"You have found what is best,\" he said, \"but the golden horse also belongs to the princess of the golden castle. How will I get it?\" asked the young man. \"I will tell you,\" answered the fox. \"First, take the beautiful princess to the king who sent you. There will be a big party, and they will happily give you the golden horse. Mount it as fast as you can. Wave to everyone as you say goodbye, and last of all, take the princess's hand. Then swing her up onto the horse and gallop away. No one will be able to stop you, because the horse runs faster than the wind.",
"Everything went perfectly. The king's son rode away on the golden horse. He took the beautiful princess with him.",
"The fox did not stay behind. He spoke to the boy. \"I will help you get the Golden Bird,\" he said. \"When you get close to the castle, let the girl get down. I will take care of her. Then ride the Golden Horse into the yard. Everyone will be happy to see you. They will bring out the Golden Bird for you. As soon as you have the cage, gallop back to us. Take the girl away with you.",
"When the plan had worked, and the prince was ready to ride home with his prizes, the fox spoke up. \"Now you must reward me for all my help,\" he said. \"What do you need?\" asked the young man. \"When you reach the woods over there,\" the fox said softly, \"please shoot me. Then chop off my head and my feet.",
"That is very kind of you,\" said the king's son. \"But I cannot do that for you.",
"The fox said, \"If you won't do this, I have to go. But before I leave, I will give you a piece of good advice. Be very careful about two things. Do not buy meat from a butcher, and do not sit too close to the edge of a deep well.\" And then, he ran quickly into the woods.",
"The boy thought, \"That is a wonderful bird! He has strange ideas. Who would want to buy a bird that is tied to a gallows? And sitting by a deep well? That has never happened to me.",
"He rode on with the beautiful maiden, and his road took him again through the village where his two brothers had stayed. There was a lot of noise and excitement. When he asked what was happening, he was told that two men were going to be in trouble. As he got closer, he saw that they were his brothers. They had played some mean tricks and spent all their money. He asked if they could be let go. \"If you pay for them,\" the people said, \"but why should you spend your money on bad men?\" He did not think about it for long. He paid for them, and when they were free, they all walked together on their way.",
"They walked back to the woods where the fox had first met them. It was a hot day, but the trees made the wood feel cool and pleasant. The two brothers said, \"Let us rest by the well and have some food and water.\" The fox agreed. While they were talking, he forgot to be careful. He sat right on the edge of the well without thinking.\n\nSuddenly, the two brothers pushed him into the deep water. They grabbed the beautiful girl, the golden horse, and the golden bird. Then, they ran all the way home to their father. \"Look what we have brought you,\" they said proudly. \"We have the golden bird, the golden horse, and the girl from the castle.\" Their father was very happy at first. But then, the horse would not eat, the bird would not sing, and the girl just sat there and cried.",
"But the youngest brother was not dead. By good luck, the well was dry, and he fell upon soft moss without being hurt. He could not get out again. The faithful fox did not leave him. It came and leapt down to him. It scolded him for forgetting its advice. \"But I cannot give up,\" he said. \"I will help you up again into the light.\" The fox told him to grab its tail and hold on tight. Then, it pulled him up. \"You are not out of danger yet,\" said the fox. \"Your brothers were not sure you were gone. They have put guards around the wood to catch you.\" A poor man was sitting on the road. The youth changed clothes with him. In this way, he got to the king's palace.",
"No one knew him, but the bird began to sing a happy song. The horse began to eat his food, and the beautiful maiden stopped crying. The king was very surprised and asked, \"What is happening?\" Then the maiden said, \"I do not know, but I have been so sad. Now I feel so happy. It feels like my true love has come back to me.\" She told him everything that had happened, even though her brothers had said she must keep it a secret.",
"The king called everyone in his castle to come to him. The young man arrived in his old, torn clothes. The beautiful maiden saw him right away and hugged him tight. The bad brothers were caught and sent away. The young man married the lovely maiden, and the king said he would be the next king.",
"But what happened to the poor fox? Long afterwards, the king's son was walking in the woods again. The fox met him and said, \"You have everything you could wish for now. But I am still very sad. I am stuck in this form forever. It is in your power to set me free. Please, shoot me and cut off my head and feet.\" So, the prince did it. As soon as he did, the fox changed into a man. He was the brother of the beautiful princess. The magic spell was finally broken. Now, they were all happy and safe for the rest of their lives."
],
"child_friendly_text": "Once upon a time, there was a king who had a lovely garden behind his big palace. In the garden, there was a special tree that grew golden apples. When the fruit was ready, the king would count them. But every single morning, one apple was gone! The king was very sad. He told his guards to watch the tree all night long to catch the thief.\n\nThe king had three sons. Every night, he sent the oldest son into the garden to watch. But when midnight came, the poor boy was so sleepy that he fell fast asleep. The next morning, the king found another apple was gone.\n\nThe next night, the second brother had to stay awake and watch the garden. But he was very tired. Just as the clock struck twelve, he fell fast asleep. In the morning, they found that one of the golden apples was missing.\n\nNow it was the third brother's turn to watch. He was ready, but the king did not trust him much. He thought the boy would be less help than his brothers. But at last, he let him go. The young boy lay down under the tree. He stayed awake and did not let sleep catch him. When the clock struck twelve, something moved in the air. In the soft moonlight, he saw a bird flying down. Its feathers were all shining bright with gold.\n\nThe bird landed on a tree branch and picked a red apple. Suddenly, a young boy shot an arrow at him. The bird flew away fast, but the arrow touched his feathers. A shiny, golden feather fell to the ground. The boy picked it up and took it to the king the next morning. He told the king what he had seen in the dark night. The king called his helpers together. Everyone said that a feather like this was worth more than all the land in the world. The king smiled and said, \"If this feather is so special, I cannot just take one. I want the whole bird.\n\nThe oldest brother set out. He thought he was very smart and would find the golden bird easily. After walking a little way, he saw a fox sitting by the edge of the woods. The brother raised his gun to shoot. The fox cried out, \"Please do not shoot me! If you let me go, I will give you some good advice. You are on your way to the golden bird. Tonight, you will come to a village with two inns standing right across from each other.\n\nOne of the houses glows with a warm, happy light. But do not go inside that one. Go into the other house instead, even if it looks a little bit scary. The prince thought, \"How can a silly animal give such good advice?\" He pulled the trigger, but he missed the fox. The fox stretched out his long tail and ran quickly into the woods.\n\nSo he walked on, and by evening he reached the village with the two inns. In one, people were singing and dancing happily. The other inn looked sad and lonely. He thought, \"I would be silly to go into the sad place. I should go to the happy one.\" So he went inside the cheerful inn. He had a great time, eating and playing, and he forgot all about the golden bird and his kind father.\n\nAfter many months, the second son went out to look for the golden bird. The fox met him, just like he had met the first brother. The fox gave him good advice, but the son did not listen to him. He went to the two inns and saw his brother standing by the window where the music was playing. He called out to him. He could not resist, so he went inside and stayed there only to have fun.\n\nTime went by, and the king’s youngest son wanted to go on an adventure. He wanted to try his luck, but his father would not let him go. \"It is no use,\" said the king. \"Your brothers could not find the bird, and you will not find it either. You are not very smart, and you might get into trouble. You would not know how to help yourself.\" But the son was restless. He could not stay home. At last, the king let him go.\n\nThe fox sat outside the woods again. He begged for his life and gave good advice. The young man was kind. He said, \"Don't worry, little fox. I won't hurt you. You will be happy you helped me.\" The fox said, \"Get on my tail, and we will go fast.\" The boy climbed on. The fox ran very fast. He jumped over logs and rocks. The wind blew through his fur. They reached a village. The boy got off. He did what the fox said. He did not look back. He walked into a small inn. He spent the night there, safe and happy.\n\nThe next morning, as soon as he got into the open country, the fox was already waiting there. He said, \"I will tell you what you must do. Go straight ahead. At last, you will come to a big castle. In front of it, there are many soldiers sleeping. Do not worry about them, for they are all fast asleep and snoring. Go right through them into the castle. Walk through all the rooms until you find a special room. There, a golden bird is hanging in a wooden cage. Right next to it stands a beautiful, empty gold cage. But be very careful. Do not take the bird out of the wooden cage and put it into the gold one, or something bad might happen.\n\nThe fox wagged his tail again. The king's son climbed onto the soft, furry tail. Then, whoosh! They flew high into the sky. They went fast over the trees and rocks. The wind blew softly in the boy's hair.\n\nWhen he arrived at the castle, everything was just as the fox had promised. The prince walked into the room where the golden bird was kept in a plain wooden cage. A shiny golden cage stood right next to it, and three shiny golden apples were scattered on the floor. But the prince thought, \"It would be silly to leave such a beautiful bird in an ugly cage.\" So, he opened the door, gently picked up the bird, and placed it in the golden cage. Suddenly, the bird let out a loud, sharp cry. The guards woke up, ran into the room, and took the prince away to a dark prison. The very next morning, he had to stand before a judge. Because he told the truth about everything, the judge said he had to go to prison forever.\n\nThe King, however, said he would let him live if he brought him the golden horse. The horse ran faster than the wind. If he did that, the King promised to give him the golden bird, too.\n\nThe prince set off, but he felt sad and worried. How would he ever find the golden horse? Then, suddenly, he saw his old friend the fox sitting on the road.\n\n\"Look here,\" said the fox. \"This happened because you did not listen to me. But do not be afraid. I will help you. I will tell you how to find the horse.\"\n\n\"You must go straight ahead,\" said the fox. \"You will come to a big castle. The golden horse is in the stable there. The stable boys will be sleeping and snoring, but you can quietly lead the horse out.\"\n\n\"But listen,\" said the fox. \"You must put on the horse a simple wooden saddle. Do not use the golden saddle that hangs nearby, or something bad will happen.\n\nThen the fox stretched out his long tail. The king's son sat down on it. They flew away over the trees and hills. The wind blew through his hair, but it felt soft and warm.\n\nEverything happened just as the fox had said. The prince went to the stable where the golden horse was waiting. But just as he was going to put on a plain saddle, he thought, \"Such a beautiful beast will be sad if I do not give him his special golden saddle.\" As soon as the golden saddle touched the horse, he let out a happy neigh. The grooms woke up and took the prince to a quiet room to rest.\n\nThe next morning, the King said he would let him live. He promised to give him the golden horse, too. But there was one big task. He had to bring back the beautiful princess from the golden castle.\n\nWith a sad heart, the young boy started his journey. Luckily, he soon found the kind fox. \"I should just let you go and have bad luck,\" said the fox. \"But I feel sorry for you, so I will help you again. This path will take you straight to the golden castle. You will get there before the sun goes down. At night, when everything is quiet, the beautiful princess goes to the bathhouse to wash. When she goes inside, run up to her and give her a kiss. Then she will follow you, and you can take her away with you. But please, do not let her say goodbye to her parents first, or bad things will happen.\n\nThen the fox stretched out his long tail. The king's son sat down on it. Away they went! The fox flew over the trees and the rocks. The wind whistled softly in his ears.\n\nWhen he arrived at the golden castle, everything was exactly as the fox had promised. He waited until midnight, when everyone was fast asleep. Then, he saw the beautiful princess going to her bath. He quietly stepped out and gave her a sweet kiss. She said she wanted to go with him, but she looked at him with sad eyes and asked if she could say goodbye to her parents first. At first, he said no, but when she cried and fell to her knees, he felt so sorry for her that he agreed. But the moment the girl reached her father’s bed, the king and everyone else woke up. The guards grabbed the young man and put him in a dark prison.\n\nThe next morning, the King looked at the boy. He said, \"Your life is in danger. You can only be safe if you move the big hill in front of my window. It hides the view. You must finish it all in just eight days. If you do that, I will give you my daughter as a reward.\n\nThe prince dug and shoveled all day long. But after seven days, he looked at the ground. He saw that he had not moved much dirt. He felt very sad. He thought he could never finish the job. He felt like giving up. But on the seventh evening, the fox came back. He said, \"You have worked very hard. But I do not think you deserve my help. You should go lie down and rest now. I will finish the work for you.\n\nThe next morning, when he woke up and looked out the window, the hill was gone. The young man ran, full of joy, to the king. He told him that the task was finished. Whether the king liked it or not, he had to keep his word and give him his daughter.\n\nSo the two set off together, and soon the kind fox caught up with them. \"You have found what is best,\" he said, \"but the golden horse also belongs to the princess of the golden castle. How will I get it?\" asked the young man. \"I will tell you,\" answered the fox. \"First, take the beautiful princess to the king who sent you. There will be a big party, and they will happily give you the golden horse. Mount it as fast as you can. Wave to everyone as you say goodbye, and last of all, take the princess's hand. Then swing her up onto the horse and gallop away. No one will be able to stop you, because the horse runs faster than the wind.\n\nEverything went perfectly. The king's son rode away on the golden horse. He took the beautiful princess with him.\n\nThe fox did not stay behind. He spoke to the boy. \"I will help you get the Golden Bird,\" he said. \"When you get close to the castle, let the girl get down. I will take care of her. Then ride the Golden Horse into the yard. Everyone will be happy to see you. They will bring out the Golden Bird for you. As soon as you have the cage, gallop back to us. Take the girl away with you.\n\nWhen the plan had worked, and the prince was ready to ride home with his prizes, the fox spoke up. \"Now you must reward me for all my help,\" he said. \"What do you need?\" asked the young man. \"When you reach the woods over there,\" the fox said softly, \"please shoot me. Then chop off my head and my feet.\n\nThat is very kind of you,\" said the king's son. \"But I cannot do that for you.\n\nThe fox said, \"If you won't do this, I have to go. But before I leave, I will give you a piece of good advice. Be very careful about two things. Do not buy meat from a butcher, and do not sit too close to the edge of a deep well.\" And then, he ran quickly into the woods.\n\nThe boy thought, \"That is a wonderful bird! He has strange ideas. Who would want to buy a bird that is tied to a gallows? And sitting by a deep well? That has never happened to me.\n\nHe rode on with the beautiful maiden, and his road took him again through the village where his two brothers had stayed. There was a lot of noise and excitement. When he asked what was happening, he was told that two men were going to be in trouble. As he got closer, he saw that they were his brothers. They had played some mean tricks and spent all their money. He asked if they could be let go. \"If you pay for them,\" the people said, \"but why should you spend your money on bad men?\" He did not think about it for long. He paid for them, and when they were free, they all walked together on their way.\n\nThey walked back to the woods where the fox had first met them. It was a hot day, but the trees made the wood feel cool and pleasant. The two brothers said, \"Let us rest by the well and have some food and water.\" The fox agreed. While they were talking, he forgot to be careful. He sat right on the edge of the well without thinking.\n\nSuddenly, the two brothers pushed him into the deep water. They grabbed the beautiful girl, the golden horse, and the golden bird. Then, they ran all the way home to their father. \"Look what we have brought you,\" they said proudly. \"We have the golden bird, the golden horse, and the girl from the castle.\" Their father was very happy at first. But then, the horse would not eat, the bird would not sing, and the girl just sat there and cried.\n\nBut the youngest brother was not dead. By good luck, the well was dry, and he fell upon soft moss without being hurt. He could not get out again. The faithful fox did not leave him. It came and leapt down to him. It scolded him for forgetting its advice. \"But I cannot give up,\" he said. \"I will help you up again into the light.\" The fox told him to grab its tail and hold on tight. Then, it pulled him up. \"You are not out of danger yet,\" said the fox. \"Your brothers were not sure you were gone. They have put guards around the wood to catch you.\" A poor man was sitting on the road. The youth changed clothes with him. In this way, he got to the king's palace.\n\nNo one knew him, but the bird began to sing a happy song. The horse began to eat his food, and the beautiful maiden stopped crying. The king was very surprised and asked, \"What is happening?\" Then the maiden said, \"I do not know, but I have been so sad. Now I feel so happy. It feels like my true love has come back to me.\" She told him everything that had happened, even though her brothers had said she must keep it a secret.\n\nThe king called everyone in his castle to come to him. The young man arrived in his old, torn clothes. The beautiful maiden saw him right away and hugged him tight. The bad brothers were caught and sent away. The young man married the lovely maiden, and the king said he would be the next king.\n\nBut what happened to the poor fox? Long afterwards, the king's son was walking in the woods again. The fox met him and said, \"You have everything you could wish for now. But I am still very sad. I am stuck in this form forever. It is in your power to set me free. Please, shoot me and cut off my head and feet.\" So, the prince did it. As soon as he did, the fox changed into a man. He was the brother of the beautiful princess. The magic spell was finally broken. Now, they were all happy and safe for the rest of their lives.",
"child_friendly_chunks": [
"Once upon a time, there was a king who had a lovely garden behind his big palace. In the garden, there was a special tree that grew golden apples. When the fruit was ready, the king would count them. But every single morning, one apple was gone! The king was very sad. He told his guards to watch the tree all night long to catch the thief.",
"The king had three sons. Every night, he sent the oldest son into the garden to watch. But when midnight came, the poor boy was so sleepy that he fell fast asleep. The next morning, the king found another apple was gone.",
"The next night, the second brother had to stay awake and watch the garden. But he was very tired. Just as the clock struck twelve, he fell fast asleep. In the morning, they found that one of the golden apples was missing.",
"Now it was the third brother's turn to watch. He was ready, but the king did not trust him much. He thought the boy would be less help than his brothers. But at last, he let him go. The young boy lay down under the tree. He stayed awake and did not let sleep catch him. When the clock struck twelve, something moved in the air. In the soft moonlight, he saw a bird flying down. Its feathers were all shining bright with gold.",
"The bird landed on a tree branch and picked a red apple. Suddenly, a young boy shot an arrow at him. The bird flew away fast, but the arrow touched his feathers. A shiny, golden feather fell to the ground. The boy picked it up and took it to the king the next morning. He told the king what he had seen in the dark night. The king called his helpers together. Everyone said that a feather like this was worth more than all the land in the world. The king smiled and said, \"If this feather is so special, I cannot just take one. I want the whole bird.",
"The oldest brother set out. He thought he was very smart and would find the golden bird easily. After walking a little way, he saw a fox sitting by the edge of the woods. The brother raised his gun to shoot. The fox cried out, \"Please do not shoot me! If you let me go, I will give you some good advice. You are on your way to the golden bird. Tonight, you will come to a village with two inns standing right across from each other.",
"One of the houses glows with a warm, happy light. But do not go inside that one. Go into the other house instead, even if it looks a little bit scary. The prince thought, \"How can a silly animal give such good advice?\" He pulled the trigger, but he missed the fox. The fox stretched out his long tail and ran quickly into the woods.",
"So he walked on, and by evening he reached the village with the two inns. In one, people were singing and dancing happily. The other inn looked sad and lonely. He thought, \"I would be silly to go into the sad place. I should go to the happy one.\" So he went inside the cheerful inn. He had a great time, eating and playing, and he forgot all about the golden bird and his kind father.",
"After many months, the second son went out to look for the golden bird. The fox met him, just like he had met the first brother. The fox gave him good advice, but the son did not listen to him. He went to the two inns and saw his brother standing by the window where the music was playing. He called out to him. He could not resist, so he went inside and stayed there only to have fun.",
"Time went by, and the king’s youngest son wanted to go on an adventure. He wanted to try his luck, but his father would not let him go. \"It is no use,\" said the king. \"Your brothers could not find the bird, and you will not find it either. You are not very smart, and you might get into trouble. You would not know how to help yourself.\" But the son was restless. He could not stay home. At last, the king let him go.",
"The fox sat outside the woods again. He begged for his life and gave good advice. The young man was kind. He said, \"Don't worry, little fox. I won't hurt you. You will be happy you helped me.\" The fox said, \"Get on my tail, and we will go fast.\" The boy climbed on. The fox ran very fast. He jumped over logs and rocks. The wind blew through his fur. They reached a village. The boy got off. He did what the fox said. He did not look back. He walked into a small inn. He spent the night there, safe and happy.",
"The next morning, as soon as he got into the open country, the fox was already waiting there. He said, \"I will tell you what you must do. Go straight ahead. At last, you will come to a big castle. In front of it, there are many soldiers sleeping. Do not worry about them, for they are all fast asleep and snoring. Go right through them into the castle. Walk through all the rooms until you find a special room. There, a golden bird is hanging in a wooden cage. Right next to it stands a beautiful, empty gold cage. But be very careful. Do not take the bird out of the wooden cage and put it into the gold one, or something bad might happen.",
"The fox wagged his tail again. The king's son climbed onto the soft, furry tail. Then, whoosh! They flew high into the sky. They went fast over the trees and rocks. The wind blew softly in the boy's hair.",
"When he arrived at the castle, everything was just as the fox had promised. The prince walked into the room where the golden bird was kept in a plain wooden cage. A shiny golden cage stood right next to it, and three shiny golden apples were scattered on the floor. But the prince thought, \"It would be silly to leave such a beautiful bird in an ugly cage.\" So, he opened the door, gently picked up the bird, and placed it in the golden cage. Suddenly, the bird let out a loud, sharp cry. The guards woke up, ran into the room, and took the prince away to a dark prison. The very next morning, he had to stand before a judge. Because he told the truth about everything, the judge said he had to go to prison forever.",
"The King, however, said he would let him live if he brought him the golden horse. The horse ran faster than the wind. If he did that, the King promised to give him the golden bird, too.",
"The prince set off, but he felt sad and worried. How would he ever find the golden horse? Then, suddenly, he saw his old friend the fox sitting on the road.\n\n\"Look here,\" said the fox. \"This happened because you did not listen to me. But do not be afraid. I will help you. I will tell you how to find the horse.\"\n\n\"You must go straight ahead,\" said the fox. \"You will come to a big castle. The golden horse is in the stable there. The stable boys will be sleeping and snoring, but you can quietly lead the horse out.\"\n\n\"But listen,\" said the fox. \"You must put on the horse a simple wooden saddle. Do not use the golden saddle that hangs nearby, or something bad will happen.",
"Then the fox stretched out his long tail. The king's son sat down on it. They flew away over the trees and hills. The wind blew through his hair, but it felt soft and warm.",
"Everything happened just as the fox had said. The prince went to the stable where the golden horse was waiting. But just as he was going to put on a plain saddle, he thought, \"Such a beautiful beast will be sad if I do not give him his special golden saddle.\" As soon as the golden saddle touched the horse, he let out a happy neigh. The grooms woke up and took the prince to a quiet room to rest.",
"The next morning, the King said he would let him live. He promised to give him the golden horse, too. But there was one big task. He had to bring back the beautiful princess from the golden castle.",
"With a sad heart, the young boy started his journey. Luckily, he soon found the kind fox. \"I should just let you go and have bad luck,\" said the fox. \"But I feel sorry for you, so I will help you again. This path will take you straight to the golden castle. You will get there before the sun goes down. At night, when everything is quiet, the beautiful princess goes to the bathhouse to wash. When she goes inside, run up to her and give her a kiss. Then she will follow you, and you can take her away with you. But please, do not let her say goodbye to her parents first, or bad things will happen.",
"Then the fox stretched out his long tail. The king's son sat down on it. Away they went! The fox flew over the trees and the rocks. The wind whistled softly in his ears.",
"When he arrived at the golden castle, everything was exactly as the fox had promised. He waited until midnight, when everyone was fast asleep. Then, he saw the beautiful princess going to her bath. He quietly stepped out and gave her a sweet kiss. She said she wanted to go with him, but she looked at him with sad eyes and asked if she could say goodbye to her parents first. At first, he said no, but when she cried and fell to her knees, he felt so sorry for her that he agreed. But the moment the girl reached her father’s bed, the king and everyone else woke up. The guards grabbed the young man and put him in a dark prison.",
"The next morning, the King looked at the boy. He said, \"Your life is in danger. You can only be safe if you move the big hill in front of my window. It hides the view. You must finish it all in just eight days. If you do that, I will give you my daughter as a reward.",
"The prince dug and shoveled all day long. But after seven days, he looked at the ground. He saw that he had not moved much dirt. He felt very sad. He thought he could never finish the job. He felt like giving up. But on the seventh evening, the fox came back. He said, \"You have worked very hard. But I do not think you deserve my help. You should go lie down and rest now. I will finish the work for you.",
"The next morning, when he woke up and looked out the window, the hill was gone. The young man ran, full of joy, to the king. He told him that the task was finished. Whether the king liked it or not, he had to keep his word and give him his daughter.",
"So the two set off together, and soon the kind fox caught up with them. \"You have found what is best,\" he said, \"but the golden horse also belongs to the princess of the golden castle. How will I get it?\" asked the young man. \"I will tell you,\" answered the fox. \"First, take the beautiful princess to the king who sent you. There will be a big party, and they will happily give you the golden horse. Mount it as fast as you can. Wave to everyone as you say goodbye, and last of all, take the princess's hand. Then swing her up onto the horse and gallop away. No one will be able to stop you, because the horse runs faster than the wind.",
"Everything went perfectly. The king's son rode away on the golden horse. He took the beautiful princess with him.",
"The fox did not stay behind. He spoke to the boy. \"I will help you get the Golden Bird,\" he said. \"When you get close to the castle, let the girl get down. I will take care of her. Then ride the Golden Horse into the yard. Everyone will be happy to see you. They will bring out the Golden Bird for you. As soon as you have the cage, gallop back to us. Take the girl away with you.",
"When the plan had worked, and the prince was ready to ride home with his prizes, the fox spoke up. \"Now you must reward me for all my help,\" he said. \"What do you need?\" asked the young man. \"When you reach the woods over there,\" the fox said softly, \"please shoot me. Then chop off my head and my feet.",
"That is very kind of you,\" said the king's son. \"But I cannot do that for you.",
"The fox said, \"If you won't do this, I have to go. But before I leave, I will give you a piece of good advice. Be very careful about two things. Do not buy meat from a butcher, and do not sit too close to the edge of a deep well.\" And then, he ran quickly into the woods.",
"The boy thought, \"That is a wonderful bird! He has strange ideas. Who would want to buy a bird that is tied to a gallows? And sitting by a deep well? That has never happened to me.",
"He rode on with the beautiful maiden, and his road took him again through the village where his two brothers had stayed. There was a lot of noise and excitement. When he asked what was happening, he was told that two men were going to be in trouble. As he got closer, he saw that they were his brothers. They had played some mean tricks and spent all their money. He asked if they could be let go. \"If you pay for them,\" the people said, \"but why should you spend your money on bad men?\" He did not think about it for long. He paid for them, and when they were free, they all walked together on their way.",
"They walked back to the woods where the fox had first met them. It was a hot day, but the trees made the wood feel cool and pleasant. The two brothers said, \"Let us rest by the well and have some food and water.\" The fox agreed. While they were talking, he forgot to be careful. He sat right on the edge of the well without thinking.\n\nSuddenly, the two brothers pushed him into the deep water. They grabbed the beautiful girl, the golden horse, and the golden bird. Then, they ran all the way home to their father. \"Look what we have brought you,\" they said proudly. \"We have the golden bird, the golden horse, and the girl from the castle.\" Their father was very happy at first. But then, the horse would not eat, the bird would not sing, and the girl just sat there and cried.",
"But the youngest brother was not dead. By good luck, the well was dry, and he fell upon soft moss without being hurt. He could not get out again. The faithful fox did not leave him. It came and leapt down to him. It scolded him for forgetting its advice. \"But I cannot give up,\" he said. \"I will help you up again into the light.\" The fox told him to grab its tail and hold on tight. Then, it pulled him up. \"You are not out of danger yet,\" said the fox. \"Your brothers were not sure you were gone. They have put guards around the wood to catch you.\" A poor man was sitting on the road. The youth changed clothes with him. In this way, he got to the king's palace.",
"No one knew him, but the bird began to sing a happy song. The horse began to eat his food, and the beautiful maiden stopped crying. The king was very surprised and asked, \"What is happening?\" Then the maiden said, \"I do not know, but I have been so sad. Now I feel so happy. It feels like my true love has come back to me.\" She told him everything that had happened, even though her brothers had said she must keep it a secret.",
"The king called everyone in his castle to come to him. The young man arrived in his old, torn clothes. The beautiful maiden saw him right away and hugged him tight. The bad brothers were caught and sent away. The young man married the lovely maiden, and the king said he would be the next king.",
"But what happened to the poor fox? Long afterwards, the king's son was walking in the woods again. The fox met him and said, \"You have everything you could wish for now. But I am still very sad. I am stuck in this form forever. It is in your power to set me free. Please, shoot me and cut off my head and feet.\" So, the prince did it. As soon as he did, the fox changed into a man. He was the brother of the beautiful princess. The magic spell was finally broken. Now, they were all happy and safe for the rest of their lives."
],
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"v3_flags": []
}