"Yes! let me see myself," said he; and they were obliged to show him
their books: and all those in whose books were written, "Very good!" or
"Remarkably good!" he placed before him on his horse; and they listened
to the beautiful story that he could tell. But they in whose books was
written, "Not very good," or "Only middling," they had to sit behind
and listen to the dismal tale. These wept bitterly, and would have been
glad to have got away, that they might have amended their characters;
but it was then too late.
"Death is, after all, the most beautiful Olé Luckoiè," said Yalmar; "I
shall not be afraid of him."
"Thou need not fear him," said Olé Luckoiè, "if thou only take care and
have a good character-book."
"There is instruction in that," mumbled the old grandfather's
portrait; "that is better: one sees his meaning!" and he was pleased.
* * * * *
See, this is the story about Olé Luckoiè. This night, perhaps, he may
tell thee some others.