Many years ago there lived in Gullbjers a family of peasants, who had a
daughter, Elsa. As she was the only child she was much adored, and her
parents sought in every way to anticipate her slightest wish. As soon
as she had been confirmed she was sent to the city to learn how to sew,
and also city manners and customs. But in the city she acquired little
other knowledge than how to adorn herself, and to scorn housework and
manual labor.
When she was twenty years old she won the love of an industrious and
honorable young farmer, named Gunner, and before many months had gone
by they were man and wife.
In the beginning all was pleasure, but she soon began to weary with her
many household duties. Early one morning, shortly before Christmas,
there was life and activity in Gunner’s yard. Elsa had hardly risen
from bed when the servant, Olle, sprang in and said:
“Dear mistress, get ready our haversacks, for we are going to the
woods, and we must be off if we are to get back before evening.”
“Dear mother, the leaven is working,” called one of the servant girls,
“and if you will come out now we will have more than usually good
bread.”
The butcher, Zarkis, who had already stuck a large hog and several
small pigs, had just stepped in to get the accustomed dram, when old
Brita came rushing after material for candle wicks. Lastly came Gunner,
out of patience because the servant had not yet started for the woods.
“My departed mother,” said he, with kindly earnestness, “always
prepared everything the night before when people were expected to go to
work early in the morning, and I have requested you to do likewise,
Elsa. But do not forget the loom, my dear; there are now only a few
yards of cloth remaining to be woven, and it will not do to allow it to
lie in the way over the holidays.”
Now, wholly out of patience, Elsa rushed in a rage out of the kitchen
to the house in which the loom stood, slammed the door furiously behind
her and cast herself weeping upon a sofa.
“No!” shrieked she. “I will no longer endure this drudgery. Who could
have thought that Gunner would make a common housewife of me, to wear
my life out thus? Oh, unhappy me! Is there no one who can help and
comfort a poor creature?”
“I can,” replied a solemn voice, and before her stood a white-haired
man with a broad-brimmed hat upon his head. “Do not be alarmed,”
continued he, “I came to proffer you the help for which you have just
wished. I am called Old Man Hoberg. I know your family to the tenth and
eleventh generations. Your first ancestor bade me stand godfather to
his first born. I could not be present at the christening, but I gave a
suitable godfather’s present, for I would by no means be the meanest.
The silver I then gave was unfortunately a blessing for no one, for it
begot only pride and laziness. Your family long ago lost the riches,
but the pride and laziness remain; nevertheless I will help you, for
you are at heart good and honest.
“You complain at the life of drudgery you are compelled to lead,”
continued he, after a short silence; “this comes from your being
unaccustomed to work, but I shall give you ten obedient servants, who
shall be at your bidding and faithfully serve you in all your
undertakings.” Whereupon he shook his cloak, and ten comical little
creatures hopped out and began to put the room in order.
“Reach here your fingers,” commanded the old man.
Tremblingly, Elsa extended her hand; whereupon the old man said:
“Hop O’ My Thumb,
“Lick the Pot,
“Long Pole,
“Heart in Hand,
“Little Peter Funny Man—
“Away, all of you, to your places.”
In an instant the little servants had vanished into Elsa’s fingers, and
even the old man had disappeared.
The young wife sat a long time staring at her hands, but soon she
experienced a wonderful desire to work.
“Here I sit and dream,” she burst forth with unusual cheerfulness and
courage, “and it is already seven o’clock while outside all are waiting
for me.” And Elsa hastened out to superintend the occupations of her
servants.
Not for that day alone, but for all time thereafter Elsa entered into
her duties with as much pleasure as she would formerly have found in a
dance. No one knew what had happened, but all marveled at the sudden
change. None was, however, more pleased and satisfied than the young
wife herself, for whom work was now a necessity, and under whose hands
everything thereafter flourished, bringing wealth and happiness to the
young couple.