There was once upon a time a soldier who for many years had servedthe king faithfully, but when the war came to an end could serve nolonger because of the many wounds which he had received. The king saidto him: «You may return to your home, I need you no longer, andyou will not receive any more money, for he only receives wages whorenders me service for them.» Then the soldier did not know how toearn a living, went away greatly troubled, and walked the whole day,until in the evening he entered a forest. When darkness came on, hesaw a light, which he went up to, and came to a house wherein lived awitch.
«Do give me one night’s lodging, and a little to eat anddrink,» said he to her, «or I shall starve.» «Oho!» she answered,«who gives anything to a run-away soldier? Yet will I becompassionate, and take you in, if you will do what I wish.» «What doyou wish?» said the soldier. «That you should dig all round my gardenfor me, tomorrow.» The soldier consented, and next day laboured withall his strength, but could not finish it by the evening. «I see wellenough,» said the witch, «that you can do no more today, but I willkeep you yet another night, in payment for which you must tomorrowchop me a load of wood, and chop it small.»
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