There was once a man who had seven sons, and last of all onedaughter. Although the little girl was very pretty, she was so weak andsmall that they thought she could not live; but they said sheshould at once be christened.
So the father sent one of his sons in haste to the spring to getsome water, but the other six ran with him. Each wanted to be first atdrawing the water, and so they were in such a hurry that all let theirpitchers fall into the well, and they stood very foolishly looking atone another, and did not know what to do, for none dared go home. Inthe meantime the father was uneasy, and could not tell what made theyoung men stay so long. «Surely,» said he, «the whole seven must haveforgotten themselves over some game of play’; and when he had waitedstill longer and they yet did not come, he flew into a rage and wishedthem all turned into ravens. Scarcely had he spoken these words when heheard a croaking over his head, and looked up and saw seven ravens asblack as coal flying round and round. Sorry as he was to see hiswish so fulfilled, he did not know how what was done could be undone,and comforted himself as well as he could for the loss of his sevensons with his dear little daughter, who soon became stronger andevery day more beautiful.
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