第 5 节
作者:
蝎子王 更新:2021-02-19 00:39 字数:7444
will throw down a wand from the tree; and if you strike them on the
back with it; they will do me no harm。 Then she threw him a small
wand; and he struck them with it; and instantly they lay still and
were turned into stone。 And when the witch was safe from the
animals; she leapt down and touched him also with a wand; and changed
him to stone。 Thereupon she laughed; and dragged him and the animals
into a vault; where many more such stones already lay。
As the young king did not come back at all; the queen's anguish and
care grew constantly greater。 And it so happened that at this very
time the other brother who had turned to the east when they
separated; came into the kingdom。 He had sought a situation; and had
found none; and had then traveled about here and there; and had made
his animals dance。 Then it came into his mind that he would just go
and look at the knife that they had thrust in the trunk of a tree at
their parting; that he might learn how his brother was。 When he got
there his brother's side of the knife was half rusted; and half
bright。 Then he was alarmed and thought; a great misfortune must
have befallen my brother; but perhaps I can still save him; for half
the knife is still bright。 He and his animals traveled towards the
west; and when he entered the gate of the town; the guard came to
meet him; and asked if he was to announce him to his consort the
young queen; who had for a couple of days been in the greatest sorrow
about his staying away; and was afraid he had been killed in the
enchanted forest。
The sentries; indeed; thought no otherwise than that he was the young
king himself; for he looked so like him; and had wild animals running
behind him。 Then he saw that they were speaking of his brother; and
thought; it will be better if I pass myself off for him; and then I
can rescue him more easily。 So he allowed himself to be escorted
into the castle by the guard; and was received with the greatest joy。
The young queen indeed thought that he was her husband; and asked him
why he had stayed away so long。 He answered; I had lost myself in a
forest; and could not find my way out again any sooner。 At night he
was taken to the royal bed; but he laid a two…edged sword between him
and the young queen; she did not know what that could mean; but did
not venture to ask。
He remained in the palace a couple of days; and in the meantime
inquired into everything which related to the enchanted forest; and
at last he said; I must hunt there once more。 The king and the young
queen wanted to persuade him not to do it; but he stood out against
them; and went forth with a larger following。 When he had got into
the forest; it fared with him as with his brother; he saw a white
hind and said to his men; stay here; and wait until I return; I want
to chase the lovely wild beast; and then he rode into the forest and
his animals ran after him。 But he could not overtake the hind; and
got so deep into the forest that he was forced to pass the night
there。 And when he had lighted a fire; he heard someone wailing
above him; oh; oh; oh; how cold I am。
Then he looked up; and the self…same witch was sitting in the tree。
Said he; if you are cold; come down; little old mother; and warm
yourself。 She answered; no; your animals will bite me。 But he said;
they will not hurt you。 Then she cried; I will throw down a wand to
you; and if you smite them with it they will do me no harm。 When the
huntsman heard that; he had no confidence in the old woman; and said;
I will not strike my animals。 Come down; or I will fetch you。 Then
she cried; what do you want。 You shall not touch me。 But he
replied; if you do not come; I will shoot you。 Said she; shoot away;
I do not fear your bullets。
Then he aimed; and fired at her; but the witch was proof against all
leaden bullets; and laughed shrilly and cried; you shall not hit me。
The huntsman knew what to do; tore three silver buttons off his coat;
and loaded his gun with them; for against them her arts were useless;
and when he fired she fell down at once with a scream。 Then he set
his foot on her and said; old witch; if you do not instantly confess
where my brother is; I will seize you with both my hands and throw
you into the fire。 She was in a great fright; begged for mercy and
said; he and his animals lie in a vault; turned to stone。 Then he
compelled her to go thither with him; threatened her; and said; old
sea…cat; now you shall make my brother and all the human beings lying
here; alive again; or you shall go into the fire。 She took a wand
and touched the stones; and then his brother with his animals came to
life again; and many others; merchants; artisans; and shepherds;
arose; thanked him for their deliverance; and went to their homes。
But when the twin brothers saw each other again; they kissed each
other and rejoiced with all their hearts。 Then they seized the
witch; bound her and laid her on the fire; and when she was burnt the
forest opened of its own accord; and was light and clear; and the
king's palace could be seen at about the distance of a three hours;
walk。
Thereupon the two brothers went home together; and on the way told
each other their histories。 And when the younger said that he was
ruler of the whole country in the king's stead; the other observed;
that I remarked very well; for when I came to the town; and was taken
for you; all royal honors were paid me; the young queen looked on me
as her husband; and I had to eat at her side; and sleep in your bed。
When the other heard that; he became so jealous and angry that he
drew his sword; and struck off his brother's head。 But when he saw
him lying there dead; and saw his red blood flowing; he repented most
violently; my brother delivered me; cried he; and I have killed him
for it; and he bewailed him aloud。 Then his hare came and offered to
go and bring some of the root of life; and bounded away and brought
it while yet there was time; and the dead man was brought to life
again; and knew nothing about the wound。
After this they journeyed onwards; and the younger said; you look
like me; you have royal apparel on as I have; and the animals follow
you as they do me; we will go in by opposite gates; and arrive at the
same time from the two sides in the aged king's presence。 So they
separated; and at the same time came the watchmen from the one door
and from the other; and announced that the young king and the animals
had returned from the chase。
The king said; it is not possible; the gates lie quite a mile apart。
In the meantime; however; the two brothers entered the courtyard of
the palace from opposite sides; and both mounted the steps。 Then the
king said to the daughter; say which is your husband。
Each of them looks exactly like the other; I cannot tell。 Then she
was in great distress; and could not tell; but at last she remembered
the necklace which she had given to the animals; and she sought for
and found her little golden clasp on the lion; and she cried in her
delight; he who is followed by this lion is my true husband。 Then
the young king laughed and said; yes; he is the right one; and they
sat down together to table; and ate and drank; and were merry。 At
night when the young king went to bed; his wife said; why have you
for these last nights always laid a two…edged sword in our bed。 I
thought you had a wish to kill me。 Then he knew how true his brother
had been。