There was once a poor widow who lived in a lonely cottage. In front ofthe cottage was a garden wherein stood two rose-trees, one of which borewhite and the other red roses. She had two children who were likethe two rose-trees, and one was called Snow-white, and the otherRose-red. They were as good and happy, as busy and cheerful as evertwo children in the world were, only Snow-white was more quiet andgentle than Rose-red. Rose-red liked better to run about in themeadows and fields seeking flowers and catching butterflies; butSnow-white sat at home with her mother, and helped her with herhousework, or read to her when there was nothing to do.
The two children were so fond of one another that they always heldeach other by the hand when they went out together, and when Snow-whitesaid: «We will not leave each other,» Rose-red answered: «Never solong as we live,» and their mother would add: «What one has she mustshare with the other.»
They often ran about the forest alone and gathered red berries, andno beasts did them any harm, but came close to them trustfully. Thelittle hare would eat a cabbage-leaf out of their hands, the roe grazedby their side, the stag leapt merrily by them, and the birds satstill upon the boughs, and sang whatever they knew.
No mishap overtook them; if they had stayed too late in the forest,and night came on, they laid themselves down near one another upon themoss, and slept until morning came, and their mother knew this and didnot worry on their account.
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