Long before you or I were born, there reigned, in a country a greatway off, a king who had three sons. This king once fell very ill—so illthat nobody thought he could live. His sons were very much grieved attheir father’s sickness; and as they were walking together verymournfully in the garden of the palace, a little old man met them andasked what was the matter. They told him that their father was veryill, and that they were afraid nothing could save him. «I know whatwould,» said the little old man; «it is the Water of Life. If he couldhave a draft of it he would be well again; but it is very hard toget.» Then the eldest son said, «I will soon find it’: and he went tothe sick king, and begged that he might go in search of the Water ofLife, as it was the only thing that could save him. «No,» said theking. «I had rather die than place you in such great danger as youmust meet with in your journey.» But he begged so hard that the king lethim go; and the prince thought to himself, «If I bring my father thiswater, he will make me sole heir to his kingdom.»
Then he set out: and when he had gone on his way some time he came toa deep valley, overhung with rocks and woods; and as he looked around,he saw standing above him on one of the rocks a little ugly dwarf,with a sugarloaf cap and a scarlet cloak; and the dwarf called to himand said, «Prince, whither so fast?» «What is that to thee, you uglyimp?» said the prince haughtily, and rode on.
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