English

The Magic Hill ONCE upon a time there was a King who had seven children. The first three were boys, and he was glad about this because a King likes to have three sons; but when the next three were sons also, he was not so glad, and he wished that one of them had been a daughter.

THE SEA PRINCESS In a palace of pearl and sea-weed, Set round with shining shells, Under the deeps of the ocean, The little Sea Princess dwells. Sometimes she sees the shadows Of great whales passing by, Or white-winged vessels sailing Between the sea and sky. And when through the waves she rises, Beyond the breakers’ roar, She hears the shouts of the children At play on the sandy shore. Or sees the ships’ sides tower Above like a wet, black wall; Or shouts to the roaring breakers, And answers the sea-gull’s call. But, down in the quiet waters, Better she loves to play, Maki

THE LITTLE PIG Once upon a time a little black-and-white pig with a curly tail went out to take a morning walk. He intended to go to the Mud Puddle, but before he got there, he came to a garden gate that was stretched wide open. “Umph, umph,” said the little pig, when he saw it; “isn’t this fine? I have wanted to get into this garden ever since I can remember.” And in he went as fast as his four short legs could carry him. The garden was full of flowers. There were pansies, and daisies, and violets, and honeysuckles, and all the bright flowers that you can name.