a terrible tempest arose, and it was so violent as to throw him on an
island that seemed to be deserted. The unfortunate man had lost his
vessel and all his merchandise, and he was the victim of despair. When
he landed on the island, the sole survivor of his expedition, he gave
himself up to grief, and went forward friendless, alone, and in the
direst poverty, not knowing where to direct his steps. But he was soon
to be made supremely happy, for he discovered a path that was scarcely
perceptible. He followed it with eagerness, and soon arrived at the top
of a high mountain, from which he could see a great city.
He made haste to go in that direction, but what was his astonishment
when, on approaching the city, he found himself surrounded by a great
concourse of people, crying out in transports of joy. The drums
beat loudly and the trumpets sounded, and on all sides the heralds
exclaimed:
"Men! here is your monarch!"
At last the slave and his cavalcade arrived in the city, and with
great pomp he was installed in a marvellous palace, where the kings
of the country had lived. The fortunate slave was taken in charge by
the servants of the palace, and robed in fine purple garments, and his
head was crowned with a diadem. Then the principal lords of the realm,
in the name of the people, swore allegiance to him and the obedience
and fidelity due unto sovereigns. The happy monarch for a long time
believed that he was dreaming. His good fortune seemed to him to be a
whim—the result of circumstance.
However, after a long time he realized the full measure of his
responsibility, and thought to himself—"What does all this signify?
What does Providence wish me to do? This worried him night and day,
and finally he sent for the wisest lord in his kingdom.
"Vizier," he asked, "who made me your King? Why do the people obey me?
And what is to become of me?"
"You must know, great King," responded the minister, "that the genii
who inhabit this island have asked the good Lord to send them each
year a child of Adam to reign over them. These vows the great Being
has deigned to answer, and every year, on the same day, a man lands on
our coast. At such time the people are filled with transports of joy;
they meet him with loud acclaim, as they met you, and crown him King;
but the extent of his reign can only be for one year. When the twelve
months are out, the King, who has been so powerful is stripped of his
honors, clothed in coarse garments, and his soldiers, unmercifully
pursuing a custom, seize and convey him on board a black ship, which
carries him away to a deserted island, which has been rendered sterile
by the winds and waves. He that was only a few days before a rich and
powerful monarch, now finds himself without subjects, friends, or
consolers. Thereafter he lives a sorrowful life, and the people who
have obeyed his will forget even his name."
"Were my predecessors," said the King to his minister, "advised of the
fate that awaited them?"
"None of them were ignorant of it," the minister replied; "but they
lacked the courage and the thoughtfulness to contemplate such a future.
They were dazzled by the pomp and grandeur of their position; and,
in their eagerness for passing pleasures they refused to contemplate
the sad end that awaited them. The year of their prosperity and
power passed away almost before they knew it, and when the fatal
day came they had done nothing to render their inevitable fate less
insupportable."
At these words from his minister the King was filled with fear. He
thought with terror of the precious time that had already passed, and
with tears in his eyes he said:
"Wise friend! you have announced to me the misfortunes that are in
store for me; who but you can tell me how to provide a remedy?"
"Remember, your Majesty," said the minister, "that naked and in poverty
you came upon this island, and naked and in poverty you must leave it.
There is but one way for you to avoid the misfortunes that threaten
you. You must send to the island to which you are to be exiled a
number of workmen and order them to construct vast storehouses and
fill them with such provisions as seem to you necessary for sustaining
life. You must prepare for the inevitable. Go quickly to work, for
time presses. Time is approaching, time is passing away, and you must
remember that you will only find at the place of exile the treasures
you will be able to send there during the remaining few days of your
reign."
The King thanked his minister, and resolved to follow the wise man's
advice. Workmen of experience were despatched to the Island of Exile,
and it was not long before a vast palace was built. The King conveyed
an abundance of treasure there, and a thousand men were sent to render
the island more inhabitable.
The day came when the King was to leave his throne; but, far from
regretting it, he sighed for the hour when he would be able to take
possession of his new estates. He was banished from the throne,
divested of his royal robes, and sent on board a ship that conveyed him
to the Island of Exile.
Having provided himself a place of refuge, he lived long and happily
there.
VIII
BROTHER TIGER AND DADDY
SHEEP
During the time when the animals could talk, Daddy Sheep was the terror
of all the plains and the woods. When he walked abroad, with his sharp
horns hanging on his head, the creatures that met him saluted him with
the utmost politeness, and then ran away, glad to escape with their
lives. In order for Daddy Sheep to have such a reputation as this,
it would seem to be necessary that he had made a great many victims,
devouring some with his teeth, and tearing others with his terrible
horns; but in regard to these matters I am not able to testify. I am
of the opinion, moreover, that old Mammy Sheep, who knew him well,
could not say any more. She and her friends, and, indeed, all the
other animals, justified the proverb that is applied to those who are
lazy and cowardly: "It is better to believe what you hear than to go
and investigate the matter." As often happens, the repetition of a
statement gives it currency, and all the creatures came to believe that
Daddy Sheep was as terrible as rumor had described him to be.
One day, as Daddy Sheep was going out of the pasture, where he had been
grazing on wild thyme, he came to a beautiful river and concluded to
quench his thirst. He approached the water, and started to drink, but
the terrible reflection he saw there—a frowning face surrounded by
wrinkled horns frightened him to such a degree that he scampered home
as fast as his legs could carry him.
One day a Tiger, who lived not far from this so-called king of the
forest and plain, mustered up courage, and resolved to cultivate
the good-will of his powerful neighbor by making him a visit. So he
took with him his son, the young Tiger, who was already well grown.
While yet at a distance the Tiger saw the powerful Sheep, and saluted
him very humbly. Coming nearer, the Tiger, still humble and polite,
inquired after the health of Daddy Sheep's family.
"I came, dear neighbor," said Brother Tiger, "to pay you a visit of
respect. My good wife would have come also, but she is unavoidably
detained at home expecting a visit from a friend, and she is compelled
to postpone this pleasure to another day."
"Come in, neighbor—come in!" exclaimed Daddy Sheep. "To whom does this
charming child belong?"
"It is my child," said Brother Tiger.
"Then you must accept my sincere congratulations," said Daddy Sheep.
"And your own son?" exclaimed Brother Tiger, with effusive politeness;
"how is he?"
"He is very well, I thank you," said Daddy Sheep, "he is in the house."
While the two fathers were gravely discussing the affairs of the
country, the young Tiger and the young Sheep went out into the garden
to play. After a while, Brother Tiger became so uneasy that he could
scarcely keep still.
"Excuse me a moment," he said to Daddy Sheep, "I will return directly."
"Certainly, certainly!" exclaimed Daddy Sheep. "Do not stand on
ceremony here."
At once Brother Tiger went out and whispered to his son:
"Be careful, my child! You must be very polite with the little Sheep,
and do not get angry, or he will eat you up."
The Tiger went back to the house, and the two young friends returned to
their play. Soon the young Tiger forgot the counsel of his father, and,
during their frolic, he jumped on the little Sheep and tickled him.
This made the little Sheep laugh and show his teeth.
"Why, what small teeth you have!" cried the little Tiger.
"They are all like that in my family," said the little Sheep, "and
those of my father are not any longer."
This set the little Tiger to thinking, and as soon as the visit was
ended he exclaimed, almost before Daddy Sheep's door was shut:
"Pappy, pappy! did you see the little Sheep's teeth? They are very
short, and he says that those of all his family are no longer than
his."
"Hush!" exclaimed Brother Tiger. "Speak low, you little rascal, or
Daddy Sheep will hear you and eat us both."
Brother Tiger, however, who had a mind of his own, thought that there
might be something in what his son had said, and the idea gave him
pleasure. Daddy Sheep was so fat, and his flesh must therefore be so
delicate and tender. For a long time the suggestion of the little Tiger
worried Brother Tiger, and he was absorbed in deep thought. Finally,
one day, he mustered up all his courage, and declared that he would
taste the flesh of Daddy Sheep.
But, he thought to himself, how could he see Daddy Sheep's teeth? At
last the opportunity presented itself, for Daddy Sheep and his son
paid Brother Tiger a visit Brother Tiger received Daddy Sheep with
the greatest politeness, and saluted him. He invited Daddy Sheep into
his house, and begged him to make himself at home. For the refreshment
of his guests Brother Tiger set out wine. The little Sheep drank some
and went out to play; but Daddy Sheep, who was very fond of his glass,
remained inside.
"How do you like my wine, neighbor?" asked Brother Tiger.
"It is most excellent!" exclaimed Daddy Sheep, with enthusiasm.
"Then have another glass," said Brother Tiger.
"Very well," said Daddy Sheep; "I thank you and drink to your health."
Then he laughed loudly and said: "The weather is warm, and it is not
out of place to take a glass of wine to arouse one."
"That is true," said Brother Tiger, "my wine cleans the cobwebs from
the throat and clarifies the brain."
They drank together many times, but, in spite of all, Brother Tiger was
unable to see Daddy Sheep's teeth. He talked softly and modestly, and
minced his words in a surprising way, as you have seen a young girl
do. But Brother Tiger did not despair; he determined to accomplish his
object, and so he again called attention to the wine.
"Wake up, Daddy Sheep!" he exclaimed; "I believe you are asleep. Arouse
yourself and help me to finish this bottle."
"Thanks, thanks!" said Daddy Sheep, "but I am not thirsty."
"Tut, tut, neighbor," said Brother Tiger, "that is not the way to talk.
Thirst is only for the gnomes and the sprites who seek the dew. As for
us, the kings of this country, we must drink to divert ourselves."
Feeling himself flattered and enjoying it, Daddy Sheep extended his
glass. It was promptly filled and he emptied it. It was as promptly
filled once more, and he emptied it again.
"Here's to your health," said Brother Tiger.
"And to yours, my dear host," said Daddy Sheep, and he again emptied
his glass at one gulp.
The more Daddy Sheep drank the gayer he became, and the louder he
talked. He lost his customary reserve, but he had not yet condescended
to laugh. Brother Tiger, however, continued to press wine on his guest,
and it finally came to pass that Daddy Sheep sat back in his chair, and
laughed in the foolish way common to those whose brains are befuddled
by the fumes of liquor.
Brother Tiger saw the short teeth of his guest, and, without hesitating
a moment, he leaped on Daddy Sheep and strangled him. Hearing the loud
outcry made by his father, the little Sheep ran as quickly as he could
to his mother.
"The wicked Tiger," he exclaimed, as he ran home, "has killed my
father, and has no doubt devoured him!"
At these terrible words the Mother Sheep almost fainted with fright,
and her grief was pitiful to behold. The little Sheep joined his
mother in her wailings, and the mournful noise they made attracted the
attention of the Queen of the Birds, who came out of the forest and
perched herself on a tree near their house.
"What is the matter, good Sheep?" she asked, "and what is the cause of
your grief?"
"Alas, alas! Brother Tiger has devoured my poor husband!"
"Ah, the infamous villain!" exclaimed the Queen of the Birds.
"We will not dare to venture out any more," continued the Mother Sheep.
"The vile assassin will hide around here and try to devour us also."
Touched by the tears of the Mother Sheep and her son, the Queen of the
Birds tried to console them the best she could, and promised them that
they should be revenged, and in a moment she had flown away to the
neighboring forests. She gave utterance to her well-known cry—
"Pingle, pingle!
Dingle, dingle!"
and in a very short time her faithful subjects could be seen coming
from all sides, birds of high and low degree, of bright plumage and
dull—the red-breast and the white-cap, the bald eagle and the green
parrots. The Queen of the Birds uttered her musical call again—
"Pingle, pingle!
Dingle, dingle!"
And then all the smaller birds that had wandered off into the woods
flew to her side, and begged to know what her wishes were. Their Queen
then related to them the murder of Daddy Sheep by the hypocritical and
cruel Brother Tiger. Her story was full of emotion and good feeling,
and she concluded by saying:
"This assassin, my faithful friends, must die in his turn. Such a
monster should not be permitted to live on earth."
All the birds applauded with their wings at these words of the Queen,
and they could not help congratulating their sovereign.
"Go, my friends and subjects," said the Queen, "into the far countries,
and say to the birds who have not heard my call, that I am about to
give a grand ball, and that I will await them to-morrow. Meanwhile I
will go myself and invite Brother Tiger, who cannot refuse to assist at
the feast."
"But how will you kill this odious monster?" inquired the great eagle.
"Have confidence, my friend. Am I not the Queen? To-morrow you will be
satisfied. While you wait, aid in preparing everything for the feast."
Singing, whistling, and screaming, all the birds began to work. The
brambles were removed, the stones thrown away, and the grass alone,
green and tender, was left in the space they had chosen for the ball.
The next day the Queen of the Birds was arrayed in the most beautiful
dress imaginable. Escorted by her pages, she went to the house of
Brother Tiger. Flattered by the visit of the Queen of the Birds, he
vowed that he would go to the grand ball in the forest.
"I promise you a dance," said the Queen, smiling.
"Beautiful Queen," exclaimed Brother Tiger, "all the honor will be mine."
He could not sleep that night—not that he suffered from remorse for
his crime, but because he was carried away by the graciousness of the
great Queen of the Birds. The next morning Brother Tiger brushed his
clothes, curled his mustache, and went to the spot where the grand ball
was to be given. As soon as it was seen that he was coming, the Queen
of the Birds exclaimed:
"Take your places for a quadrille, and let all dance with their heads
under their wings. Music, play! trumpets, sound! and you, drums, beat!
Whereupon, the orchestra began to play one of its most delightful airs
for the dance:
"Tumpy, tumpy, tum-tum!
Tum-tum, tum-tum!
Tumpy, tumpy, tum-tum!
Tum-tum ti!"
Then the Queen of the Birds flew and met Brother Tiger, and made him
welcome.
"My dear friend, you are late!" she exclaimed. "The festivities have
already begun."
"I trust your majesty will excuse me," said Brother Tiger, "my clock
stopped during the night."
"That is nothing," said the Queen; "come!"
Oh, what a delicious feast! what fine music! Brother Tiger was dazzled.
"My Queen!" he exclaimed, "I am glad you thought of me. A ball like
this at your court is a rare occurrence."
Long rows of birds stood facing each other, and birds of all degrees
danced together.
After the quadrille the orchestra struck up a waltz, and the Queen
courteously said to her guest:
"This time you shall be my partner!"
Filled with pride the Tiger took his place by the side of the beautiful
Queen of the Birds. Then the birds, all with their heads under their
wings began to dance. Brother Tiger wanted to join in the first steps
of the dance, but all of a sudden the Queen of the Birds called out to
him:
"Brother Tiger! really you are not thinking! The etiquette of my court
is that the invited guest, in order to take part in the dance, should
appear without a head. Look around you. All here would think themselves
guilty of the most unpardonable rudeness if they dared to raise
their eyes in the presence of their sovereign. The simplest rules of
politeness require that you should follow their example. Do as they are
doing, if you desire to dance with the Queen of the Birds."
"Your Majesty," exclaimed Brother Tiger, blushing violently, "I had no
intention of wounding you, and I humbly beg you to pardon my ignorance.
I am merely a poor country person who is used to spending his days
and nights in quiet places, and I am unused to the ways and customs
of the court. Promise me another dance, I beg you, and I will return
immediately."
"I never had any ill-will against you, Brother Tiger," said the Queen
of the Birds. "One cannot know everything. Go! I await you!"
Brother Tiger rushed to his home, and in a very short time he arrived.
"Wife, wife!" he exclaimed, "get an axe. In order to have the honor of
dancing with the great Queen of the Birds, one must appear before her
without a head."
"My poor husband," said Mrs. Tiger, "I really believe you are losing
your mind or that you are making fun of me."
"No, no!" said Brother Tiger, "it is the etiquette of the court. All
the other guests were dancing without heads. Get the axe, wife! The
Queen awaits me."
Mrs. Tiger did not want to obey; but when she saw that her angry
husband was disposed to show his sharp claws, she took the sharp axe
and cut off his head with one blow. It is needless to say that Brother
Tiger expired instantly. The good news was carried to the Queen of the
Birds by two green paroquets, and when the announcement was made the
birds took their heads from under their wings. All the other animals
in the forest were invited to the feast, and Mother Sheep and her son
were special guests. They were still in mourning, and therefore did
not take part in the dance, but they received special attention and
consideration on all sides, and the wonderful orchestra kept up its
playing.
Now, big sheep and little children, let me whisper something in your
ears: It is better not to open your mouths at all than to be too
familiar with people you do not know well.
IX
"JUMP IN MY SACK!"
In a barren and an unproductive country there lived, a long time ago, a
father and his twelve children. A terrible famine came on the country,
and the unfortunate father said to his sons:
"My children, I have nothing whatever to give you. Go out into the
world, knock at each door, ask for work, and perhaps you will find the
means of making your living."
At these words the youngest of the twelve brothers, Abdallah, began to
cry, and said:
"I am crippled, and it is difficult for me to walk. How can I gain my
livelihood?"
"Dry your tears," said the father; "your brothers will take you along
with them. They have good hearts, and if fortune smiles on them you may
be sure that you will not be forgotten."
Early next morning the twelve brothers started out, after having
faithfully promised their father that they would never be separated.
But the deceitful brothers did not mean what they said. After several
days of travel the eldest said to the others:
"Our little brother Abdallah is a continual burden. He delays our
journey day by day, and if he continues to do so we will never get out
of this miserable country. Let us forsake him on the way and perhaps
some charitable person will find and take pity on him."
This advice was followed by the brothers. The little cripple was
deserted by the way-side, and the other brothers continued on their
way, begging from every one they met. In this way they went on until
they came to a settlement of poor fishermen, where it was difficult to
find a lodging-place. Fortunately for them the night was beautiful, the
moon shone brilliantly in the sky, and a soft breeze tempered the heat
that had filled the atmosphere during the day.
Overcome with fatigue the eleven brothers stretched themselves out at
the foot of a tree, and they were soon sound asleep. After a while the
dawn made its appearance, the brothers awoke, and the eldest said:
"For days and weeks we have been travelling without meeting with the
good fortune we had hoped for. Let us leave this country for good and
all. Only a strip of water lies between us and a land of plenty."
The unfortunate brothers soon saw an empty sloop. They took possession
of it, and at once began to drift out to sea. It was an unfortunate
voyage. All the hopes of the brothers were deceptive. Their cruelty
to their crippled brother Abdallah was to be severely punished. A
frightful tempest arose, and the sea overwhelmed them; the sloop was
wrecked and the cruel brothers found their graves in the cold and
creeping waters.
Meanwhile what had become of Abdallah, the poor cripple whom the
brothers had deserted? Overwhelmed with sorrow and fatigue, he had
fallen asleep where he had been abandoned. Fortunately for him a good
fairy, who had seen all, took pity on him, and while he lay asleep
she cured his crippled leg; and then, disguising herself as a poor
beggar, the fairy sat on a stone by the roadside. Abdallah soon opened
his eyes, his heart filled with sadness. He arose for the purpose of
continuing his painful journey, but what was his astonishment to find
that he could walk without any trouble whatever. He was no longer a
cripple. He felt of himself, and ran and jumped to convince himself
that he was not dreaming. He laughed and cried at the same time, and
was filled with happiness and joy.
All of a sudden he saw an old woman by the roadside who looked at him
smilingly.
"Do you know, madam," he cried, "if a great physician has passed this
way?"
"And why, my friend?" inquired the old woman.
"It is because that, during my sleep, he has rendered me the greatest
of services. He has cured my leg that was too short, and I want to
thank him for his kindness."
"Well, well," said the old woman, "the physician is myself. I gathered
a few herbs that I alone know, and it was easy to perform the miracle
that makes you so happy."
Abdallah could not restrain his transports. He fell on the old woman's
neck and embraced her, and then, to prove his gratitude, he asked her:
"My good woman, what can I do for you? I am young, but, as for you, age
has already begun to bear heavily on you. Command, and I will obey you
in all things."
But imagine Abdallah's surprise when, instead of the old woman, he saw
before him the most charming young girl that it is possible to imagine.
Her long blond hair floated on her shoulders, and her rich garments
fell in gracious folds around her.
Overcome with admiration and respect Abdallah fell on his knees in the
dust; but the good fairy said to him:
"Arise! I am happy to see that you are not ungrateful. Make two wishes,
and they will be immediately granted, for I am the queen of the
fairies."
The young man reflected a moment and said:
"I desire above all things a bag in which everything I want will be
found in an instant."
"Your demand is certainly original," said the fairy, smiling. "What can
you do with such a sack?"
"A great many things," exclaimed the young man, enthusiastically; "will
you grant my request?"
"So be it," said the fairy; "and what is your second wish?"
"A stick that will do my bidding."
"Very well, then," and the fairy disappeared, leaving at Abdallah's
feet a sack and a stick.
Overcome and delighted by his good fortune, the young man hastened to
test the powers that had been conferred on him by these gifts. As he
was feeling very hungry Abdallah said: