4 Hours Of Relaxing Bedtime Stories | 8 Fairytales For Sleep

Welcome! This a gentle 4-hour bedtime listening experience designed to help you relax, unwind, and drift into restful sleep. This audio includes over 3.5 hours of softly narrated fairytales, followed by soft music that continues at a gentle level beyond the storytelling to help you stay asleep.

Each tale flows gently into the next, with gentle transitions between stories so you can continue resting without being startled awake. Whether you’re listening from the beginning or waking briefly during the night, this collection is intended to support deep relaxation and a sense of calm.

Sweet dreams, and thank you for being here!
Joanne

Transcript

Hello, And welcome to Relax for a While. I'm Joanne and I'm really glad you're here. This video is a 3 hour collection of fairy tales created to help you relax and fall asleep. It includes 8 gentle fairy tales, Read slowly and calmly, With relaxing transitions between each story so you can continue resting. The stories play for a little over 3 hours, And after they finish, Soft music continues for a while, Allowing you to stay relaxed and asleep. You don't need to listen closely or follow along. You can simply let the stories play in the background as you settle in and rest. And if your mind drifts, That's completely ok. This video is meant for continuous relaxation, Allowing one story to flow gently into the next, So you don't have to wake up or adjust anything as you listen. Go ahead and make yourself comfortable, Perhaps adjusting your pillow or blanket, And allow your body to feel supported. And now gently bring your attention to your breathing. There's no need to change it. Just notice the soft rhythm of your breath as it moves in and out. And it's calm and steady. With each slow breath out, That breeze seems to carry away a little bit of tension from your shoulders, Your jaw, Your hands. There's nothing you need to do. Just resting as everything begins to slow down. And as we begin our first story, The wind fairies, You can imagine that same gentle breeze continuing to move around you, Helping your thoughts drift, And your body relax even more deeply. And now, As you continue resting, Let's begin with the wind fairies. There was once a windmill which stood on the downs by the sea, Far from any town or village, And in which the miller lived alone with his little daughter. His wife had died when the little girl, Whose name was Lucilla, Was a baby, And so the miller lived by himself with his child, Of whom he was very proud. As her father was busy with his work, And as little Lucilla had no other children to play with, She was alone nearly all day and had to amuse herself as best she could, And one of her greatest pleasures was to sit and watch the great sails of the windmill figures like them, And they held each other by the hand, And were dancing and springing from the ground as lightly as if they had been made of feather down. Come sisters, Come, Cried the one nearest Lucilla. See, Here's a little human child out here alone at twelve o'clock at night. Come and let us play with her. Who are you? Asked Lucilla. My name is Lucilla and I live in the mill with my father. We are wind fairies, Said the first gray figure. Wind fairies? Said Lucilla. What are they? We blow the winds and sweep the earth. When there are many of us together, We make a great hurricane and human beings are frightened. We it is who turn your mill wheel for you and make all the little waves on the sea. If you will come with us, We will take you for a ride on one of the sails of your mill, That is if you will be brave and not cry. I will not cry one bit, Said Lucilla, And she sprang up and held out her arms. At once she was lifted up and felt herself going higher and higher till she rested on one of the great windmill sails and, With the little gray elves beside her, Was sweeping through the air clinging to the sail. She is quite good, Whispered one, As she held Lucilla in her tiny white arms. I really think we might teach her to dance, For she has not cried at all. No, She would surely tell someone if we did, Said another. Little human child, Would you like us to teach you how to dance as we dance? Yes, Yes, Cried Lucilla, And now they were sweeping down near the ground, And the fairies slid off the sail with Lucilla in their arms and let her slide gently to the earth. Teach me to dance, I beg. I will never tell anybody. Ah, But that is what all mortals say, Whispered one who had not spoken yet. No mortal can keep a secret. Never yet was one known who could be silent. Try me, Cried Lucilla again. I will never tell. Indeed I will not, And she looked intreatingly from one to another of the elves. But if you did, Said they, If you broke your promise to us, When once you had made it, We should punish you severely. But I promise faithfully, Repeated Lucilla, I will never tell anyone. Well then, You may try, They said. Only remember, If you break your word to us, And tell any mortal who it was that taught you how to dance, You will never dance again, For your feet will become heavy as lead, And not only that, But some great misfortune will overtake whatever you love best in the world. But if you keep faith with us, Then the wind fairies will never forget you, But will come to your help in your direst hour of need. Teach me, Teach me, Cried Lucilla. Indeed I will never, Never tell, And I long to dance as you do. Come then, They said, And some came behind her, And some went in front of her, And some took her arms and some her feet, And all at once Lucilla felt as if she were made a feather down. She swayed up and down as lightly as they, And it seemed to her quite easy. Never had she been so happy, And she would gladly have danced for hours, But suddenly, Just as the sun was beginning to show a red light in the sky, She heard her father's horse galloping over the downs, And in an instant the wind fairies had vanished. When the miller came up to her, He was angry with her for being out on the grass instead of warm in bed, But Lucilla dared not tell him what had kept her, Or say that she had been playing with the wind fairies. Years passed, And Lucilla never saw the wind fairies again, Though she watched for them every night. She grew up to be a beautiful young woman, And her father was very proud of her. She was as tall and as lithe as a willow wand, And when she ran or danced, It seemed as if she were as light as a feather blown in the window. There were few people to see her or tell her she was beautiful, For save the fisherfolk who lived in little cottages on the beach. Scarce anybody came down to the downs, But all who saw her admired her beauty, And most of all her wonderful dancing. Sometimes she would go out on the downs, And dance and run there by herself, And her father would look at her and say, Heaven help the maid, I don't know whom she has learned it from, But I have never seen a dancer who can come nigh her. Then sometimes she would go down to the seashore, And this she loved to do best of all, And there she would dance with the waves, And move with them as they slid up to her feet and drew back, And to those who watched, It seemed as if she and they were one together. The time came when her father wished her to be married, And among the young fishermen and the country folk who came to the mill from the farms across the country, She had suitors enough. But always she said when a young man came to woo her, First let me see how you can dance, For as dancing is the thing I love best in the world, It would be a pity that I and my husband should not be able to dance together. And as none of them could dance as she did, She sent them all away, Saying she would wait for her husband till she could find a man who could dance to her liking. But one day there was a great storm, And a big ship was blown onto the shore close to the mill, And among the sailors was a young fellow with black curly hair and bright eyes and white teeth, And when he saw Lucilla he said to himself, I will wed that girl and take her home for my wife. So one day, As they sat on the downs together, He begged her to marry him and go back with him to his own land. He said he would give up going to sea and would live with her in a little cottage and make their bread by fishing. Then Lucilla said, As she had said to all her other suitors, First let me see how you can dance, For I will never marry any man who cannot dance with me. The sailor swore he could dance as well as any man in the world, For all sailors can dance, He said, And they began to dance together on the downs. The sailor danced well and merrily, But Lucilla danced faster and seemed as if she were made a feather down, And then the sailor, Seeing that his dancing was as nothing to hers, Caught her by the waist and held her still crying, My sweetheart, I cannot dance as you can, But my arms are strong enough to hold you still and keep you from dancing with any man but me. So Lucilla married the sailor and went with him to live in his little cottage by the sea many miles away from the mill, And as her father was growing old and no longer cared to work, He went with her too. For some time, The sailor and Lucilla lived together very happily, And they had two little children, And her husband fished and sold his fish, And often still Lucilla would go down to the waves and dance with them as she had done in her old home. She tried to teach her little children to dance as she did, But they could not learn because the wind fairies had never touched them. But one winter, Her husband's boat was dashed to pieces, And the sea froze, So that all the fish died and they became so poor that they could barely get enough to eat. Then it chanced that a big ship came to the village where they lived, And the captain wanted men for a long journey, And her husband told Lucilla that he had best go with him, And then he would have enough money to buy another boat, And then next year they must hope for better luck. So Lucilla was left alone in the cottage with her father and her two children, And she felt very lonely and sad without her husband, And often she thought of the mill and the wind fairies. And when the wind blew, She would go down to the water's edge and hold out her arms and pray them to take care of her husband's ship and bring it safe home again. Oh, Kind fairies, She cried. See, I have kept faith with you, So do you now keep faith with me and do me no hurt. And often she would dance by the edge of the waves as she used to do in her old home, And think that the wind fairies were dancing with her and holding up her steps. Now, It chants that one day, As Lucilla was dancing on the shore, There rode by two horsemen, And they stopped and watched her as she danced, With the waves coming close to her feet. Then they got down from their horses and asked who she was, And where she had learned such dancing. She told them she was only the wife of a poor fisherman, But she had danced for long years since she was a little child, When she had lived in a windmill on the downs far away. They rode away, But next day they came again, And brought others with them, And begged Lucilla that she would go down to the water's edge and dance with the waves as she had done yesterday. So she ran down the beach, And danced in time to the sea as it moved, And the strangers all applauded and said to each other, It is wonderful, It is marvelous. They then told her that they came from a country where the king loved nothing so much as beautiful dancing, And that he would give great sums of money to anyone who danced well, And if she would go back with them to his court and dance before the king, She should have a sack of gold to take home with her, And this would make her a rich woman, And her husband would never have need to work anymore. At first she refused, And said her husband was away, And would not know where she was gone, And she did not like to leave her two little children, But still the courtiers persuaded her and said it would not be for long, And her father persuaded her too, Since he said it would make them all rich if she brought home a sack of gold. So at last Lucilla agreed that she would go back with them to the king's court and dance there, But she made them promise that before the spring came they would send her back to her own little cottage. On hearing this, The strangers were much delighted and bid Lucilla make ready to start at once, And that night she said goodbye to her little ones and left them to go with the travelers. Her eyes were red with crying at leaving her home, And before she started she went out alone on the cliffs and stretched out her arms and called to the wind fairies to go with her and help her, For she feared what she was going to do, And she begged them to be true to her as she had been true to them. They sailed for many days, Till at last they came to a country of which Lucilla had never even heard, Into a big town, Which seemed to her as if it must hold all the people in the world, So crowded was it, And above the town on the hill they pointed out to her a royal palace and told her it was where the king lived and it was there that she would have to dance. And it is most lucky we saw you just now, Said they, For the king is just going to be married, And in a few days the princess will arrive, And there will be festivities and rejoicing for days, And at some of these you will appear before their majesties and be sure you dance your very best. Then Lucilla went with them into a great hall close to the palace where musicians were playing on every kind of instrument, And here the courtiers bid her dance on a platform at one end of the hall in time to the music, And when they had seen it, The musicians one and all lay down their instruments and rose together, Clapping and applauding, And all declared that it was the greatest of luck that the travelers had met with Lucilla and it would delight the king more than anything they had prepared for him. By and by the princess who was to marry the king arrived, And the wedding was celebrated with much magnificence, And after the wedding there was a feast, And in the evening there was to be singing and dancing, And all sorts of play for the royal couple and the court to see, And then Lucilla was to dance. The courtier who brought her wished her to be dressed in the most gorgeous dress, With gold and jewels, But she pleaded that she might wear a light grey gown like the windfairies, Because she remembered how they looked when they danced on the downs. When the evening came when she was to dance before the king, She threw wide her window and held out her arms and cried out, Now help me, Dear windfairies, As you have done before, Keep faith with me as I have kept faith with you, But in truth she could scarce keep from crying with thoughts of her husband at sea and her little ones at the cottage at home. The hall was brightly lighted, And in the middle on the throne sat the king and the young queen. The musicians began to play, And then Lucilla stepped forth on the platform and began to dance. She felt as light as the sea foam, And when she swaved and curved to the sound of the music, It seemed to her as if she heard only the swish of the waves as they beat upon the shore and the murmur of the wind as it played with the water, And she thought of her husband at sea with the wind blowing his ship along, And of her little babies living in the cottage on the beach. When she stopped, There was such a noise of applauding and cheering in the hall, As had never been heard there before, And the king sent for her and asked her where she came from and who had taught her such wonderful steps, But she only answered that she was the daughter of a poor miller who lived in a windmill, And she thought she must have learned to dance from watching the windmill sails go round. Every night the king would have her dance again and again, As he never tired of watching her, And every night Lucilla said to herself, Now another night is gone and I am one day nearer to their taking me back to my home and my children with a bag of gold to give to my husband when he comes back from sea. The new queen was a handsome woman, But she was very jealous, And it made her angry that the king should admire the new dancers dancing so much, And she thought she would like to be able to dance like her. So one evening, When no one was watching her, She put on a big cloak that covered her all over and asked her way to where the dancer lived. Lucilla sat alone in the little house that they had given her to live in, And the queen came in behind her and took off her cloak and bade her be silent and not say her name, For fear someone should be listening and know that she was there. Now, She said, I have come to you that you may tell me, Though no one else knows it, Who taught you to dance, That I may go and learn from them also to dance like you, For in the home that I come from I was said to be the most graceful woman in the land and the best dancer, So there is no dancing that I cannot learn. Lucilla trembled, But she answered, Your Majesty, I lived in a little windmill by the sea when I was a child, Far from teachers or dancers, But I watched the windmill sails go round, More noon and night, And perhaps it is that that taught me to dance as I do now, And if your Majesty wishes to learn to do what I do, I will gladly teach you all I know, And doubtless you will soon learn to dance far better than I. Upon this, The Queen was delighted, And flung aside her cloak and stood opposite to Lucilla, And begged her to begin to teach her at once, That she might learn as soon as possible. All that evening they danced, But when the Queen thought she looked just as Lucilla did, She appeared to be quite awkward and heavy beside her, And was dancing just as other mortals might. When she went away she was very pleased, And said that she would come twice more to learn from her, And then she was sure that she would be perfect. In her heart, Lucilla was very much frightened, Because she knew that the Queen did not dance as she did, And never could. However, The next night she came again, And the next again, And then there was to be a grand court ball, And at this the Queen thought she would first show her husband how she could dance. The King himself was fond of dancing, And danced well, Although not half so well as Lucilla's husband the sailor, And the Queen thought how delighted he would be when he saw what a graceful wife he had got. As the ball began, All the fine people were saying to each other it really seemed silly to dance after they had seen the wonderful new dancer, But the Queen smiled and thought to herself, Now they will see that I can do quite as well as she. When her turn came, She tripped lightly forward and danced as best as she could, And thought it was just like Lucilla, And the courtiers said among each other, Our new Queen dances well, But no one thought of saying that it was like Lucilla's dancing, And the King said nothing at all on the matter. Therefore, The Queen felt herself growing hot and angry, And she turned red and white by turns. That lying wench has been tricking me, She said to herself, And she has not taught me right at all, But I will punish her for her deception, And soon she shall know what it is to deceive a Queen. So the next day she went to her husband and said, Husband, I have thought much of the new wonderful dancer whom we all admire so much, And truly I have never seen anyone on earth who can dance as she can. I think we should do well before she goes back to her own home, To know who has taught her her marvelous art, So that we may have our court dancers taught, That they may be there to please us when she is gone, For really there is nothing on earth that cannot be learned if it is taught in the right way. The King agreed, And they sent for Lucilla, And the King asked her to tell him where she had learned her dancing, That they might summon the same teachers to teach their court dancers. But Lucilla answered as before, She did not know, She thought she must have learned dancing from watching the windmill sails going round. At this, The King became angry and said, That is nonsense, No one could learn dancing from looking at windmill sails, Neither was it possible that she, A poor miller's daughter, Could have learned such dancing by nature. Then he threatened her, That if she would not tell him the truth, He would be obliged to punish her, And he said she should have a day to think of it in, But at the end of the next day he should expect her to tell him everything he wanted to know quite plainly. When she was gone away, The King said to the Queen, Wife, If this dancer persists in her silence, And will not tell us how she has learned, There is another thing which we must do, We must keep her here to dance for us as much as we choose, And not let her return at all to the home from which she came. The Queen was silent for a little, But she felt very jealous at the thought of the dancer remaining at the court, So she nodded her head and said, Yes, But I think she ought to tell us more about it, For myself, I begin to think that it is witchcraft, And perhaps she has been taught by the evil one, And then we shouldn't like her to remain here and dance to us, However beautiful it be, For who knows what ill luck it might not bring upon us. Upon this, The King looked grave, And said he did not believe much in ill luck or good luck, But he should be loth to lose the dancer, So they had better settle to keep her, If she declined to tell them how the other dancers were to be taught. Meantime, Lucilla went back to her little house and wept bitterly, With that I had never left my babes in my home, She cried, For I cannot break my word to the wind fairies, And if I did, They might do some terrible harm to my little ones or to my husband at sea, Yet if I refuse to tell them, They will most likely put me into prison, And there I shall remain for my life, And my husband and children will never know what has become of me, And she knelt down before the windows and lifted her arms and cried out, Oh dear wind fairies, I have not broken faith with you, So don't break faith with me, And come to my help and save me in my trouble. Next evening, Lucilla went again before the king and he said to her, Well, Now will you tell us what we asked you last night, So that we may send for your teachers and have others taught to dance as you do? My gracious liege, Answered Lucilla, I can tell you nothing that I have not told you before. Since I was a child, I have danced as I dance now, And I watched the sails of my father's windmill, And I danced in time to the waves, And perhaps that is what taught me to keep time and step so well. I was dancing by the seashore when the travellers who brought me here found me, And they promised me a bag of gold to take home to my husband if I would come and dance at your majesty's court, And now you've seen me dance, And I have done all I can do, So I entreat you to give me the bag of gold and let me go home again. The king was silent, But the queen was still more angry, And in her heart was determined that Lucilla should never return to her home until she had found out about her dancing. So when they were alone, She said to her husband, It is now quite clear, It is by witchcraft that this woman has learned, And we should do very wrong if we let her go till she has confessed all. So again they sat for Lucilla, And ordered her to confess, And again she wept and declared that she could tell no more. Then the king said, Well, Let us give the woman her bag of gold and let her go, But the queen stopped him and said, No indeed, Let us first try shutting her up in prison for a bit and see if that won't open her lips. At first the king refused, For he said that Lucilla had done no wrong, But the queen insisted that she was deceiving them, And that her dancing must be witchcraft, And at last the king began to listen to her. Also he was very angry with Lucilla for wanting to go home, And much disappointed to think he should see her dancing no more, So he consented, And said that either she must tell him how it was she came to be able to dance better than anybody else in the world and who taught her, Or else they should think her dancing witchcraft and she must go to prison and wait her punishment. Poor Lucilla wept most bitterly. Alas, Cried she to herself, Woe is me, For I dare not break faith with the wind fairies, And yet if I do not, I shall never see my husband or my babies again, For I fear lest they may put me to death here. However, She continued to be silent, And the king ordered her to be put into prison until she should speak out and tell them the truth, And the guards came and led her away to prison and locked her in a dark cell. It was dreary and cold, And the walls were so thick that she could not hear any of the noises from without, And there was only one little window which was too high up for her to see through. Here she lay and lamented, And almost wished she could die at once, For she believed that they would burn her or drown her, And bitterly did she grieve that she had left her home and her children. Every day, The king sent down to ask if she had changed her mind, But every day she answered that she had nothing to say. One evening, She sat in her dark cell alone grieving as usual, When the prison door opened, And there entered a woman wrapped in a cloak and with her face hidden by a mask. When she took off the mask, Lucilla saw it was the queen, And she sprang up hoping that she had come to tell her that she was to be released, But the queen said, Now I have come to you alone, That you may tell me the truth. Who taught you to dance, And where can I learn to do what you do? If you will tell me, I will ask the king to forgive you, And you shall have your bag of gold and go when you like. Then poor Lucilla began to cry afresh and said, My gracious lady, I can tell you one thing that I have not yet told to anyone, That is, That I did learn my dancing, But who told me, Or how it was, Is a secret that I swore I would never tell anyone, And now I implore your royal highness to let me go back to my fisherman husband and my babies. It was an evil hour for me when I left my home. Upon this, The queen became furious, But she hid her anger, And first she tried to coax Lucilla to confess all. Then she threatened her with the king's wrath, And then, As Lucilla still wept and said that she could not break her promise, She started up in a rage and said, Indeed, It is of little use, However much you love your husband and your children, For you will never see them again. The king has settled that you shall be killed this very week, So now you know what you have gained by your wicked obstinacy. So the queen returned to the king, And told him that the dancer had confessed that she had learned her dancing, But she would not say from whom, Therefore it must be from the evil one, And therefore there was nothing for it but that she should be killed. So they settled that first they would try to drown Lucilla, And if she were a witch she would not sink, And the king gave orders that she should be taken out to sea next day and thrown overboard, And also that she should have heavy weights tied to her feet and her arms should be bound to her sides. Next morning the guards fetched her, And they bound her arms to her sides and tied heavy weights to her feet, And they took her down and placed her in a boat on the seashore, And they rowed her out to sea, And all along the beach stood crowds of people shouting and jeering and calling out, She is a witch, She is a witch, The king has done well to have her killed. Alas, Cried Lucilla, What have I done to deserve this? Surely I have done no wrong to be so cruelly treated. Dear wind fairies, Come to my help, For in truth now is the time of my direst need, And if you desert me I am lost, But I pray you keep faith with me as I have kept faith with you. Then, When they had rowed the boat out a little way, The guards seized her and threw her into the water, And the salt waves splashed over her face and through her hair, But in spite of the heavy weights on her feet she never sank, But felt as light as when she danced with the waves on the seashore by her home, And she knew that the wind fairies held her up, And the waves rocked her gently, And drew her in towards the land, And laid her on the sand, And all the crowd yelled with rage. When they found that Lucilla could not be drowned, Both the king and queen were very angry, And said that now it was quite clear that she was a witch, And that she must be burnt, So they must take her back to prison, And arrange for her to be burnt in the marketplace. So, Lucilla was taken back to her little dark cell, And she kneeled on the ground and looked up to the window and murmured, Thank you, Dear wind fairies, You have kept faith with me as I have kept faith with you. Then again the guards came and took her by the arms and led her to the marketplace, And here she saw a great pile of wood made, Whereon she was to be laid, And already men were busy setting fire to it. But as Lucilla and the guards came to the spot, There arose a little breeze, And it blew on the faces of the crowd who went to see her burnt. The men who were trying to light the pile of wood said they could not make it catch for the wind. When at last it did catch fire, The flames would not rise in the air, But were blown around the ground. Still, They brought Lucilla up to the pile and placed her upon it, And then the flames divided on each side, And were blown away from her all round, So she sat in the midst quite unhurt. At this, The people all cried out, Now we know that she really is a witch, Since she will not drown, And the fire will not burn her, And they ran to tell the king and the queen that the dancing woman did not mind the fire, But sat in the midst of it unhurt. On hearing this, The king and queen came down to the marketplace together, And saw Lucilla sitting on the pile of wood, And the flames blown away from her on all sides and causing a great hubbub, So they told the guards to take her back to prison and keep her there, Till they could arrange for her to be beheaded. And again Lucilla bent her head and said, Now I know, Dear wind fairies, That you will never desert me, And I have nothing to fear, For while I keep faith with you, You will keep faith with me. But now it was getting late in the day, And the king commanded that Lucilla should not be executed till next day, And that the scaffold should be erected in the marketplace on which the block should be put, So that all the crowd might see, And both he and the queen would be there. But in order to give her one last chance that everyone might see how fair they were, The king offered that if she would confess, Even when she was upon the scaffold, Who had taught her to dance, She should be allowed to return whence she came, And take her bag of gold with her. And therefore, The bag of gold was placed on the scaffold, So that all the people might see, And the bag was so large that Lucilla could scarcely lift it. That evening, Lucilla felt no fear, And she would have slept calmly in her cell, But the wind was beginning to blow in all directions, And all round she heard it roaring, And the trees were bending and breaking in the gale. When the morning came, The king and queen said to each other, This is the morning when they should execute the dancer, But it will be hard to get her on the scaffold with a gale like this blowing. However, The guards came to Lucilla's cell, And took her out as before, And led her towards the marketplace, Though they had much ado to get along, For the wind blew so hard that they could scarce keep upright in it. All along the coast, The little boats were being blown in to shore, And there were big ships which had been driven in to take refuge from the storm, But Lucilla felt no fear, Only she looked up to the wind, And in her heart she said, Now dear wind fairies, Help me for the last time, And keep faith with me as I have kept faith with you. Near the shore came a big ship with shining white sails riding over the crested waves, And although all the other boats seemed troubled by the wind, This boat seemed no way hurt by it, And the people who saw it palled out. What a ship it was, And how brave the captain must be, Who knew so well how to manage wind and water. But when they knew that the time had come for Lucilla to be beheaded, The people did not trouble further about the boats, And in spite of the gale, They flocked to the marketplace, And crowded round the scaffold on which was the block. Then the guards and Lucilla mounted the scaffold, And Lucilla began to fear that at last the wind fairies had forsaken her, And she wept and held out her arms and cried out, Oh dear wind fairies, Indeed I have kept my faith with you, Surely you will keep yours with me. In spite of the terrible gale, The king and queen came down to the marketplace, Though they could scarce see or hear for the wind, Though all the time the sun was shining and the sky was blue. Then the guards bid Lucilla kneel down and place her head upon the block, And the bag of gold was beside her and they said, This is your last chance, Speak now and confess the truth to the king, And here is your gold and you shall go. And Lucilla answered as before, I have spoken the truth, And there is no more that I can tell, Since I have sworn never to say from whom I learned my dancing. Then the executioner lifted the axe in the air, But before it fell, There came a sudden roar of wind, And the axe was swept from his hand, And the houses in the marketplaces tottered and fell, And high up on the hill, The palace was a mass of runes. Only Lucilla knelt upon the scaffold unhurt, For the king and the queen and all the people were blown right and left amidst the runes of the houses, And no one thought of anything save how they could save themselves. Then Lucilla lifted her head and looked out to sea, And saw the big ship coming in, And she heard the sailors cry, Hey day, These poor folk are in a sad plight, And we had better go and help them, And they all trooped up into the marketplace, And the wind troubled them no more than it had troubled their ship, But when Lucilla looked at them, The first whom she saw was her husband, And she gave a great cry and held out her arms and called out, Now dear wind fairies, Do I indeed know that you have kept faith with me and saved me in my direst hour of need? Then she told her husband all that had happened, And showed him the bag of gold, And prayed him take her back to her little cottage and her babies by the sea, And she knew that it was the wind fairies that had brought her husband to her, For he told her that whatever way they steered the ship, It would only take one course, And the wind had blown it without their guidance straight to the town where she was to be killed. So Lucilla and her husband took the bag of gold and went back to the little cottage by the seashore and her father and her babies, And the king and the queen and all the rest of the people were left to build up their town as best they could, And Lucilla never saw nor heard of them anymore, But lived happily with her husband for the rest of her life. And as the story of the wind fairies comes to a close, You can allow any remaining thoughts to soften and drift away, Just like that gentle breeze slowly settling. There's no need to hold onto the story now, You can let it fade quietly into the background as your body continues to rest and relax. In a moment, We'll move into our next story, The Lost Half Hour, A gentle tale about time slipping by unnoticed. So stay just as you are, Comfortable, At ease, And resting deeply as the next story begins. Once upon a time, There was an old widow woman who had three sons. The first two were clever enough, But the third, Bobo by name, Was little better than a silly simpleton. All his mother's scoldings did him no good whatever. Now, It came to pass that one morning, Princess Senza, The ruler of the land, Happened to pass by the cottage and heard Bobo being given a terrible tongue lashing. Curious as to the cause of all the noise, The princess drew rain and summoned Bobo's near. On hearing her story, It occurred to the princess that so silly a lad might amuse her, So she gave the mother a golden florin and took poor silly Bobo with her to be her page. You may be sure that it did not take the wise folk at the castle long to discover how great a simpleton had arrived. Courtiers, Footmen, Lackeys, Turnspits even, Were forever sending him off on ridiculous errands. Now he was sent to find a whitebird's feather or a spray of yellow bluebells. Now he was ordered to look for a square wheel or a glass of dry water. Everybody laughed at him and made fun of him. That is, Everybody except Little Tilda, The kitchen maid. When poor Bobo used to return from some wild goose chase, Tired out, Mudstained, And often enough wet to the skin, Instead of laughing, Little Tilda would find him a glass of warm milk, Hang his coat by the fire to dry, And tell him not to be such a simpleton again. Thus, After a while, Bobo learned to ask Tilda's advice before going away on a wild goose chase and was in this way saved from many a jest. Tilda, The kitchen maid, Was as sweet and pretty as she was kind and good. She was said to be the daughter of an old crane who had come to the castle one day asking for help. One pleasant midsummer morning, When Bobo had been nearly a year at the castle, Princess Zenza overslept half an hour and did not come down to breakfast at the usual time. When she did get up, She found her court waiting for her in the castle gardens. As she came down the steps of the garden terrace, The princess looked up at the castle clock to see how late she was, And said to her lady in waiting, Dear me, Why, I have lost half an hour this morning. At these words, Bobo, Who was in attendance, Pricked up his ears and said, Please, Your highness, Perhaps I can find it. At this idea of finding the lost half hour, The princess laughed and found herself echoed by the company. Shall we send Bobo in search of the lost half hour, Said the princess to the courtiers. Yes, Yes, Cried the courtiers. Bobo shall look for the lost half hour. I'll give him a horse, Said one. I'll give him my old hat, Said another. He can have an old sword I broke last week, Said still another. And so, In less time than it takes to tell about it, Poor simpleton Bobo was made ready for his journey. Before he left the castle, Bobo went down to the kitchen to say goodbye to Tilda. What, Off again, Said the little kitchen maid? Where are you going now? The princess has lost a half hour, And I'm going in search of it, Said Bobo proudly. He told how the princess herself had commanded him to seek the half hour through the world, And promised to bring Tilda a splendid present when he returned. The good kitchen maid said little, For she feared lest some misadventure overtake the poor simpleton. But when the chief cook was not looking, She tucked a fresh currant bun in Bobo's pocket and wished him the best of good fortune. So Bobo went to the castle gate and mounted his horse, Which stumbled and was blind in one eye. Goodbye Bobo, Cried the assembled courtiers, Who were almost beside themselves with laughter at the simpleton and his errand. Don't fail to bring back the lost half hour. So Bobo rode over the hills and far away. Every now and then he would stop a passer-by and ask him if he had seen a lost half hour. The first person whom he thus questioned was an old man who was wandering down the high road that leads from the kingdom of the east to the kingdom of the west. A lost half hour, Said the old man? I've lost something much more serious. I've lost my reputation. You haven't seen a lost reputation lying about here, Have you? It was very dignified and wore tortoiseshell glasses. But Bobo had to answer no, And the old man wandered on again. Another day, The simpleton encountered a tall, Dark, Fierce kind of fellow who answered his polite question with a scream of rage. A half hour, He roared. No, I haven't seen your half hour. I wouldn't tell you if I had. What's more, I don't want to see it. I'm looking for something I've lost myself. I've lost my temper. I lost it two years ago at home and haven't been able to find it anywhere since. Answer me, You silly. Have you seen a lost temper anywhere? It's about the size of a large melon and has sharp little points. On Bobo's answering no, This dreadful person uttered so perfectly awful a screech of rage that Bobo's horse took fright and ran away with him, And it was all that Bobo could do to rein him in three miles farther down the road. Still, Farther along, Bobo came to Ziz, The capital city of the Kingdom of the Seven Brooks, And was taken before the king himself. A lost half hour, Said the king? No, I'm quite sure it has not been seen in my dominions. Would you mind asking, As you go through the world, For news of my little daughter? Here, The poor old king took out a great green handkerchief and wiped his eyes. She was stolen by the fairies on Midsummer Eve fifteen years ago. Find her, Worthy Bobo, And an immense reward will be yours. So Bobo left the proud city of Ziz and once again rode over the hills and far away, But never a sign of the lost half hour did he find, Although we asked thousands of people. His faithful white horse died, And he continued his way on foot. Three long years passed, And Bobo grew into a handsome lad, But remained a simpleton still. Finally, After he had wandered all about Fairyland, He came to the edge of the sea. Finding a ship moored in a little harbor, Bobo asked the sailors if they had seen a lost half hour. No, Said the sailors, But we are going to the Isles of Iron. Suppose you go with us, The lost half hour may be there. So Bobo went aboard the ship and sailed out upon the dark sea. For two days, The weather was warm and clear, But on the third day, There came a dreadful storm, And on the third night, The vessel was driven far off her course in the unknown ocean and was wrecked upon a mysterious island of rocks that shone in the night like wet matches. A great wave swept the decks, And Bobo was borne away from his companions and carried toward the shining land. Though pounded and battered by the foaming waves, The simpleton at length managed to reach the beach and took refuge in a crevice of the cliff during the stormy night. When the dawn broke, All sign of the ship had disappeared. Looking about, Bobo found himself on a lovely island, Whose heart was a high mountain mass hidden in the fog still sweeping in from the sea. There was not a house, A road, Or a path to be seen. Suddenly, Bobo noticed a strange little door in the bark of a great lonely tree, And, Opening this door, He discovered a little cupboard in which were a pair of wooden shoes. Above the shoes was a card saying simply, Put us on. So Bobo sat down on a stone by the foot of the tree and put on the wooden shoes, Which fitted him very nicely. Now these shoes were magic shoes, And Bobo had hardly stepped into them before they turned his feet inland. So Bobo obediently let the shoes guide him. At corners, The shoes always turned in the right direction, And if Bobo forgot and blundered on the wrong way, The shoes swiftly began to pinch his toes. For two days, Bobo walked inland toward the great mountain. A warm wind blew the clouds and rain away. The sun shone sweet and clear. On the morning of the third day, The simpleton entered a wood of tall, Silent trees, And as that day was drawing to a close, Turrets of a magnificent castle rose far away over the leaves of the forest. Bobo arrived at twilight. He found himself in a beautiful garden, Lying between the castle walls and the rising slopes of a great mountain. Strange to say, Not a living creature was to be seen, And though there were lights in the castle, There was not even a warder at the gate. Suddenly, A great, Booming bell struck seven o'clock. Bobo began to hear voices and sounds, And then, Before the humming of the bell had died away, A youth mounted on a splendid black horse dashed at lightning speed out of the castle and disappeared in the wood. An old man with a white beard, Accompanied by eleven young men whom Bobo judged from their expressions to be brothers, Stood by the gate to see the horseman ride away. Plucking up courage, Bobo came forward, Fell on his knee before the old man and told his story. Truly, You should thank the storm fairy, Said the old man, For had you not been wrecked upon this island, Never would you have discovered the lost half hour. I am Father Time himself, And these are my twelve sons, The Hours. Every day, One after the other, They ride for an hour round the whole wide world. Seven o'clock has just ridden forth. Yes, You shall have the lost half hour, But you must look after my son's horses for the space of a whole year. To this, Bobo willingly agreed. So twelve o'clock, Who was the youngest of the Hours, Took him to the stables, And showed him the little room in the turret that he was to have. And thus, For a year, Bobo served Father Time and his sons. He took such good care of the great black horses of the Hours of the Night, And the white horses of the Hours of the Day, That they were never more proud and strong, Nor their coats smoother and more gleaming. When the year was up, Bobo again sought out Father Time. You have served faithfully and well, Said Father Time. Here is your reward. And with these words, He placed in Bobo's hands a small square casket made of ebony. The half hour lies inside. Don't try to peek at it or open the box until the right time has come. If you do, The half hour will fly away and disappear forever. Farewell, Bobo, Said kind young twelve o'clock, Who had been the simpleton's good friend. I too have a gift for thee. Drink this cup of water to the last drop. And the youth handed the simpleton a silver cup full to the brim of clear shining water. Now this water was the water of wisdom, And when Bobo had drunk it, He was no longer a simpleton. And being no longer a simpleton, He remembered the man who had lost his reputation, The man who had lost his temper, And the king whose daughter had been stolen by the fairies. So Bobo made so bold as to ask Father Time about them, For Father Time knows everything that has happened in the whole wide world. Tell the first, Said Father Time, That his reputation has been broken into a thousand pieces which have been picked up by his neighbors and carried home. If he can persuade his neighbors to give them up, He should be able to piece together a pretty good reputation again. Ask for the man who lost his temper. Tell him that it is to be found in the grass by the roadside close by the spot where you first met him. Ask for the missing daughter. She is the kitchen maid in Princess Enza's palace, Who is known as Tilda. So Bobo thanked Father Time, And at noon twelve o'clock placed him behind on the white charger and hurried away. So fast they flew that Bobo, Who was holding the ebony casket close against his heart, Was in great danger of falling off. When they got to the seashore, The white horse hesitated not an instant, But set foot upon the water, Which bore him up as if it had been not water, But earth itself. Once arrived at the shore of Fairyland, Twelve o'clock stopped, Wished Bobo Godspeed, And, Rising in the air, Disappeared into the glare of the sun. Bobo, With the precious ebony casket in his hand, Continued on in the direction of Princess Enza's palace. On the second morning of his journey, He happened to see far ahead of him on the highway, The unfortunate aged man who had lost his reputation. To him, Therefore, Bobo repeated the counsel of Father Time, And sent him hurrying home to his neighbor's houses. Of the man who had lost his temper, Bobo found no sign. In the grass by the roadside, However, He did find the lost temper, A strange sort of affair like a melon of fiery red glass, All stuck over with uneven spines and brittle thorns. Bobo, With great goodness of heart, Took along this extraordinary object, In the hope of finding its angry possessor. Farther on, The lad encountered Tilda's father, The unhappy king, And delivered his message. The joy of the monarch knew no bounds, And Bobo, The one-time simpleton, Became on the spot Lord Bobo of the Sapphire Hills, Marquis of the Mountains of the Moon, Prince of the Valley of Golden Apples, And Lord of the Proud City of Ciz. In a word, The greatest nobleman in all fairyland. Then, Having got together a magnificent cohort of dukes, Earls, And counts, All in splendid silks and soldiers in shining armor, The delighted king rode off to claim his missing daughter from Princess Senza. So on they rode, The harness jingling, The bridal bells ringing, And the breastplates of the armed men shining in the sun. After a week of almost constant progress, For the king was so anxious to see his beloved daughter that he would hardly give time to rest, For the king was so anxious to see his beloved daughter, They came to the frontiers of Princess Senza's kingdom. Strange to say, Black mourning banners hung from the trees, And every door in the first village which the travelers saw was likewise hung with black streamers. On the steps of one of the sat an old woman all alone and weeping with all her might. What is the matter, My good woman? Said the king. Oh sir, Said the peasant woman, Evil days have fallen upon our unhappy kingdom. Three days ago, A terrible dragon alighted in the gardens of the palace and sent word to Princess Senza that if within three days she did not provide him with someone brave enough to go home with him and cook his meals and keep his cavern tidy, He would burn our fields with his fiery breath. Yet who, I ask you, Would be a housekeeper for a dragon? Suppose he didn't like the puddings you made for him, Why, He might eat you up. All would have been lost had not a brave little kitchen maid Tilda volunteered to go. It is for her that we are mourning. At two o'clock, She is to be carried off by the dragon. It is almost two now, Alas, Alas. Hardly were the words out of her mouth when the town bell struck twice, Solemnly and sadly. Quick, Quick, Cried the king and Bobo in the same breath. Let us hurry to the castle, We may save her yet. But they knew in their hearts that they were too late, And that poor Tilda had given herself to the dragon. And so it proved, In spite of his mad dash, Bobo, Who had spurred on ahead, Arrived exactly half an hour late. The monstrous dragon with Tilda in his claws was just a little smoky speck far down the southern sky. Princess Zenza and her court stood by wringing their jeweled hands. Suddenly, Bobo thought of the half hour. He had arrived half an hour late, But he could have that half hour back again. Things should be exactly as they were half an hour before. He opened the cover of the ebony box. Something like a winged white flame escaped from it and flew hissing through the air to the sun. As for the sun itself, Turning round like a cartwheel and hissing like ten thousand rockets, It rolled back along the sky to the east. The hands of the clocks, Which marked half past two, Whirred back to two o'clock in a twinkling. And sure enough, There was brave little Tilda, Standing alone in a great field, Waiting for the dragon to come and take her away. Lumbering heavily along like a monstrous turtle and snorting blue smoke, The dragon was advancing toward her. Bobo ran down into the field and stood beside Tilda, Ready to defend her to the end. The dragon came nearer and nearer. Suddenly, Angered by the sight of Bobo and his drawn sword, He roared angrily and continued to approach. Bobo struck at him with his sword. The blade broke upon his steely scales. The dragon roared again. Now just as the dragon's mouth was its widest, Bobo, Who had been searching his pockets desperately, Hurled into it the Lost Temper. There was a perfectly terrific bang, As if a million balloons had blown up all at once, For the dragon had blown up. The Lost Temper had finished him. Only one fragment of him, A tiny bit of claw, Was ever found. Everybody, You may be sure, Began to cry, Hooray, Hurrah, And soon they were firing off cannon and ringing all the bells. Then Tilda's father took her in his arms and told her that she was a real princess. The Grand Cross of the Order of the Black Cat was conferred upon Bobo by Princess Zenza, Who also asked his pardon for having treated him so shabbily. This Bobo gave readily, And a wonderful feast was held. When the rejoicings were over, Bobo and Tilda were married and lived happily ever after. And as the lost half hour gently comes to an end, You can let the sense of time soften and blur, Allowing everything to slow even more. There's nothing to keep track of now, No moments to hold onto, Just a quiet feeling of rest, Settling comfortably in your body. In a moment, We'll move into our next story, The Good Little Mouse, A gentle and comforting tale. So remain just as you are, Warm, Supported, And at ease, As the next story begins. Once upon a time, There lived a king and a queen who loved each other so very, Very much that they were all in all to each other. The one always knew what was in the other's mind, And heart. Every day they hunted hares and stags in the forest, Fished for souls and carps in the river, Or went to balls and danced, Or to grand banquets where they ate roast meats and sugar plums, Or to the play and the opera. They laughed and sang, And invented all kinds of games to amuse themselves. In short, Never were any two people so happy. And their subjects followed their example, And each man was merrier than his fellow. For all these reasons, This kingdom was called the Land of Joy. Now, King Joyous had a neighbor who lived in a very different way. He disliked laughter and pleasure, And seemed to take comfort only in anger and conflict. A constant scowl darkened his face, His beard was long, His eyes sunken, And he dressed always in black. His hair was unkempt, And his whole appearance made people uneasy in his presence. He ruled through fear rather than kindness, And those who crossed his path often came to sorrow. Punishments were harsh, And mercy was seldom shown. Wherever he ruled, People lived in constant distress, And even families who loved one another were not spared his cruelty. For these reasons, His country was known as the Land of Tears. The fame of King Joyous' happiness came to the ears of the Wicked King, Who was very envious, And who made up his mind to levy a great army and go and fight his neighbor and press him hard, Till he should be dead or seriously wounded. From all parts he gathered recruits. He collected arms and ordered cannons to be made. Then everybody was terrified and said, Whosoever this Wicked King attacks, He will give no quarter to. When all his preparations were made, He marched towards King Joyful's country, Who, Hearing the evil tidings, Immediately set about defending himself. The Queen nearly died of fright. Sire, She said, Weeping, We must flee. Get all the money you can, And we shall go away to the other end of the world. But the King answered, Madam, I have too much courage for that. I would rather die than be a farewell. And, Mounting his beautiful steed, Rode away. When he was lost to her sight, She began to weep sadly, And clasping her hands, She said, Alas, For the child that is to be born to me, If the King is killed in the wars, I shall be a widow and a prisoner, And the Wicked King will harm me in every possible way. So for this thought, She could neither eat nor sleep. The King used to write to her every day, But one morning, When she was looking over the battlements, She saw a courier riding at full speed. Ho, Courier, She called. What news? The King is dead, He cried. The battle is lost, And the Wicked King will be here in a moment. The poor Queen fell down in a swoon. They bore her away and laid her on her bed, While all her women stood round. Here one weeping for her father, There another for her son. It was the saddest of all sights. And then, All at once, Sounds of chaos and alarm rose through the city. The Wicked King had arrived with his followers, And fear spread quickly wherever they went. Confusion and distress filled the streets, And no one felt safe. The King made his way into the palace, And went straight to the Queen's chamber. When she saw him enter, She was overcome with fear, And hid herself upon her bed, Drawing the coverlet clothes around her. He called to her more than once, But she did not answer. Growing impatient, He spoke angrily, Boasting of his power and threatening her fate. Discovering where she lay, He seized her and carried her away from the palace. Though she pleaded for mercy, He showed none, Mocking her distress as he bore her off on his dark horse to his own land. He carried the Queen away to his own country, Speaking darkly of her fate, But those around him urged restraint, Reminding him that she was soon to give birth. Hearing this, He began to consider how the child might one day serve his own purposes. If the baby were a daughter, He thought, She might be bound to his family instead. Wanting to know what the child would be, He sent for a fairy who lived near the borders of his kingdom. When she arrived, He treated her with an unusual show of courtesy and led her up into a high tower where the poor Queen was kept. There, In a small and sparsely furnished room, The Queen passed her days in sorrow. Her bed was nothing more than a thin mattress laid upon the floor, And she wept often in her loneliness. When the fairy saw her, She was deeply moved. Bowing respectfully, She embraced the Queen and whispered softly, Take courage, Madam, Your troubles will not last forever. I hope to be of help to you. Comforted by her kindness, The Queen thanked her and spoke of how quickly her former happiness had been taken away. They were still speaking when the King interrupted impatiently, Asking the fairy to tell him whether the child would be a boy or a girl. The fairy replied that it would be a girl and that she would grow into a princess of rare beauty and grace. She then bestowed her blessing upon the unborn child, Wishing her many gifts and honors. The King responded harshly, Declaring that his favor would depend upon whether the child fulfilled his expectations. With that, He turned away and left, Without once looking back at the sorrowful Queen. Left alone, The Queen wept and said to herself, What shall I do? If my child pleases him, She will be claimed for his family. If not, I fear for us both. Is there no way I might hide her so that he may never find her? The time of the little princess's birth was drawing near and the anxieties of the Queen grew worse every day. She had no one to share her grief with or to console her. The jailer who guarded her only gave her three peas cooked in water the whole day long with a little morsel of black bread. She became thinner, Till she was nothing but skin and bone. One evening, While she was spinning for the wicked King, Who was a great miser and made her work day and night, She saw a very pretty little mouse come in through a hole. Alas, Little one, She said, What are you seeking here? I have only three peas for my food all day long, So if you don't like fasting, Run away. The little mouse ran here and there, Dancing and cutting capers like a little monkey, And the Queen was so amused that she gave it the only pea she had left for her supper. Here little one, She said, Eat this. I have no more, But I give it to you with a goodwill. As soon as she had done this, She saw on the table an excellent partridge, Exquisitely cooked, And two pots of jam. In truth, She said, The good one does is never lost. She ate a little, But her appetite had gone through long fasting. She threw some sweets to the mouse, And it munched them up, And then began to jump about in a livelier way than it had done before supper. Next morning, Early, The jailer brought the Queen's three peas, Having put them in a large dish just to mock her. The little mouse came softly and ate them all up, And the bread too. When the Queen wished to dine, She found nothing left, And she was very angry with the mouse. It is a naughty little beast, She said, And if it goes on doing this, I shall die of hunger. When she went to cover up the large dish, Which was empty, She found in it all kinds of good things to eat. But while she was eating, The thought came to her that in two or three days, Perhaps, The wicked king would put her child to death, And she rose from the table to weep. Then, Lifting her eyes to heaven, She said, Are there no means of escape? As she said this, She saw the little mouse playing with long pieces of straw. Picking them up, She began to work. If I have straw enough, She said, I shall make a covered basket to put my little girl in, And I will give her through the window to the first charitable person who will take care of her. She set to work, Therefore, With a good heart. She had plenty of straw, For the mouse was always dragging some into the room and jumping about all the while. At mealtimes, The queen gave it her three peas, And found in exchange all sorts of dishes. This astonished her very much, And she never stopped wondering who could be sending her such excellent things. The queen was looking through the window one day to see how long the cord should be which she must fasten to the basket to let it down, When, Below, She saw a little old woman leaning on a staff, Who said to her, I know your trouble, Madam, And if you like I will help you. Alas, Dear friend, Said the queen, You will do me a great service if you come every evening to the foot of the tower. I shall let down my poor child to you. You will feed it, And I shall try to pay you well if I am ever rich. I am not fond of money, The old woman answered, But I like good things to eat. There is nothing I care so much for as a fine plump mouse. If you find any in your garret, Kill them and throw them down to me. I shall not be ungrateful, And your baby will thrive well. When the queen heard this, She began to cry and did not say a word in reply, And the old woman, After waiting for some time, Asked her why she was weeping. Because, She said, Only one mouse comes to my room, And it is so pretty and so sweet that I cannot make up my mind to kill it. What? Said the old woman angrily. You care more for a silly little mouse that gnaws at everything than the child that is to be born to you? Very well, Madam, You are not to be pitied. Remain, If you wish, In such good company. I shall find plenty of mice without you. I haven't the least doubt about that. And she went away, Scolding and muttering. Although the queen found a nice meal prepared for her, And the mouse came and danced before her, She never once lifted her eyes from the ground where she had fixed them, And the tears ran down her cheeks. That night, A princess was born, A miracle of beauty, And, Instead of crying as other children do, She smiled to her dear mother, Holding out her little hands as if she understood everything. The queen caressing kissed her with great tenderness, Thinking sadly, Poor darling, Dear child, If you fall into the hands of the wicked king, It is all over with you. So she put her in the basket, With a label fastened to her swaddling clothes on which was written, This unhappy little girl is called Joliet. And, When she had left her for a moment without looking at her, She opened the basket again, And found her much prettier still. Then she kissed her, And wept yet more bitterly, Not knowing what she should do. But now, The little mouse comes, And gets into the basket with Joliet. Ah, Little creature, Said the queen, It has cost me much to save your life. Perhaps I may lose my dear Joliet, Anyone else would have killed you, And given you over to the old glutton, But I could not consent. Do not repent of what you have done, Madam, Began the mouse, I am not so unworthy of your friendship as you may think. The queen was half dead with fright at hearing the mouse talk, But her terror grew much worse, When she saw its little snout taking the form of a face, Its paws becoming hands and feet, And its whole body growing suddenly larger. At last, The queen, Who hardly dared to look anymore, Recognized in the mouse, The fairy who had come with the wicked king, And who had treated her so tenderly. I wished to test your heart, Said the fairy, I know now it is good, And that you are capable of friendship. We fairies, Though we possess immense treasures and riches, Seek love as the only consolation in life, And we find it rarely. Is it possible, Fair lady, Said the queen, Embracing her, Being so rich and powerful as you are, You have difficulty in finding friends? Yes, She answered, For we are only loved, Because it is to people's advantage to show us affection, And we do not care for that. But when you loved me in the shape of a little mouse, You had no selfish motive. Then I wished to put you to a still harder test, And so I took the form of an old woman. It was I who talked to you at the foot of the tower, And you then, As always, Were true to me. So saying, She embraced the queen, Kissed the little princess's red lips three times, And said, My gifts to you, My daughter, Are that you be your mother's comfort, That you be richer than your father, And that you live for a hundred years, Ever beautiful, Never ill, Never wrinkled, Never old. The queen in great delight thanked her, And begged her to take Joliet away and care for her, Adding that she gave her the child for a daughter. The fairy accepted the gift and thanked the queen. Putting the little one into the basket, She let it down, But she stopped for an instant to change herself into a little mouse again, And when she went down herself afterwards by the cord, The child was not to be found. She mounted again in a great fright. All is lost, She said to the queen. My enemy, Cankalene, Has carried off the princess. You must know that there is a cruel fairy who hates me, And unhappily, Being older than I, She has more power. I do not know how to get Joliet out of her wicked clutches. When the queen heard such sad news, She thought she must die of grief. She wept bitterly, And begged her good friend to do what she could to find the little one again, At whatever cost. Meanwhile, The jailer came to the queen's room and discovered that the child had been born. He hurried to tell the king, Who at once demanded to see the baby. The queen told him that a fairy whose name she did not know had come in the night and taken the child away. At this, The wicked king flew into a terrible rage. Speaking harshly, He ordered that she be taken away at once. But just as danger seemed closest, The good fairy intervened. She concealed the queen from harm, And in the confusion that followed, Led the king astray. While his attention was turned elsewhere, The fairy swiftly carried the queen away in a flying car, And brought her safely to a beautiful castle where she was cared for with great kindness. If only Princess Joliet had been with her, The queen would have been fully comforted. But no one could discover where the cruel fairy Cankalene had hidden the child, Though the little mouse searched and tried her very best. Time went on and softened the queen's great sorrow. Fifteen years went by, And during that time, A strange rumor spread through the land. The wicked king's son was said to be preparing for a wedding, And the bride was a simple turkey herd who had no wish at all to become a queen. Many people found it curious that someone should refuse a crown, Yet preparations went on all the same. Fine garments were laid out, And people came from far and wide, Eager to witness such an unusual event. The little mouse went as well, Hoping to see the turkey herd for herself. She found her in the poultry house, Dressed plainly, Barefoot, With a simple cloth covering her hair. Around her lay rich garments of gold and silver, With pearls, Ribbons, And lace scattered about left unattended and forgotten as the turkeys wandered freely among them. The young girl sat quietly upon a large stone while the wicked king's son spoke to her in a harsh and demanding tone, Insisting that she must agree to the marriage. But she answered him firmly and without fear, Saying that she would not marry against her will, And that she preferred her quiet life among her turkeys to all the riches he offered. The little mouse watched her with admiration, For the girl's calm courage only added to her beauty. When the king's son finally left, The fairy took the form of an old shepherdess and approached her kindly. Good day, My child, She said. What fine healthy turkeys you care for here! The turkey herd looked at the old woman with gentle eyes and replied, They would have me leave all this behind for a crown I do not want. What do you think of that? My little girl, Said the fairy, A crown is a very fine thing. You neither know the value nor the weight of it. Oh, Yes, I do, The herd replied promptly, And for that reason I will never wear it. But I do not know who I am, Nor who my father is, Nor my mother. I have neither parents nor friends. You have beauty and goodness, My child, Said the wise fairy, And these are better than ten kingdoms. Tell me, I beg you, Who brought you here, Since you have neither father, Mother, Relations nor friends? It was a fairy called Cankeline who was the cause of my coming here. She treated me very unkindly, Juliet continued, And I was often frightened without knowing why. At last, I could bear it no longer and I ran away. Not knowing where else to go, I rested for a time in a quiet wood. While I was there, The wicked king's son happened to pass by. He spoke to me and asked whether I would like to work in his household. I agreed, And the care of the turkeys was given to me. I was content enough with them, And he would often come to see how they fared. But though I never encouraged it, He grew very attached to me and now he will not leave me in peace. The fairy, Hearing this, Began to think the turkey herd must be Princess Juliet, So she said to her, Tell me your name, My daughter. My name is Juliet, At your service. Then the fairy no longer doubted, But that it was she, And, Throwing her arms round her neck, She was like to have eaten her up with caresses. Thereupon she said to her, Juliet, I have known you for a long time. I am glad you are so good and so well-bred, But I wish you to be cleaner, For you are a little scullion. Here, Take these pretty clothes and put them on. Juliet, Who was very obedient, At once cast away the dirty clothes, And, Shaking her head a little, Her hair, Which was fair as sunlight and fine as golden threads, Covered her from head to foot, Falling in curls to the ground. Then taking, In her delicate hands, Some water from a stream that ran near the poultry house, She washed her face, Which became as fair as an eastern pearl. It seemed as if roses were blowing on her cheeks and lips, And her sweet mouth breathed the scent of thyme from the woods and the gardens. Her figure was straighter than a reed. In winter, You might have taken her skin for snow, In summer for lilies. When she was adorned with the diamonds and the beautiful clothes, The fairy thought her a miracle of beauty and said to her, What do you think you are, Dear Juliet? For you look a very fine lady now. In truth, She answered, I think I am the daughter of some great king. Would you be very pleased if this were so? Said the fairy. Yes, Good mother, Replied Juliet with a curtsy. Very well, Said the fairy. Be easy in your mind then, I shall tell you more tomorrow. In haste, She repaired to her beautiful castle, Where the queen was busy spinning silk. The little mouse called to her, Your majesty, Will you give Rue your staff and your spindle for the best news you could ever hear? Alas, Said the queen, Since the death of King Joyous and the loss of my Juliet, I wouldn't give a pin for all the news of the world. Now, Now, Don't go on so, Said the fairy. The princess is in the best of health, I have just seen her, And she is so beautiful, So very beautiful, That she can be a queen if she likes. And she told her the story from one end to the other. The queen weeping for joy to know that her daughter was so beautiful, And for sadness to think that she kept turkeys. When we were great sovereigns in our kingdom, She said, And lived in such magnificence, My poor husband and myself, We never could have believed that our child would one day keep turkeys. It is that cruel cangolene, Said the fairy, Who, Knowing how I love you, Just to spite me, Has reduced her to that condition, But she will come out of it, Or I shall burn my books. I do not wish her to marry the wicked king's son, Said the queen, Therefore let us set out tomorrow to fetch her and bring her here. It happened that the wicked king's son, Angry and distressed, Went to sit beneath a tree and wept bitterly. Hearing him, His father called out sharply from a window and demanded to know the cause. Because the turkey herd will not love me, The son replied. At this, The king flew into a and ordered that the girl be brought to him at once. His men went to the poultry yard, Where they found Joliet, Dressed in white satin, Adorned with gold and jewels, So beautiful that they scarcely dared speak to her. When they asked for Joliet, She answered quietly that she was the one they sought. They led her away to the king and his son. When the king saw her beauty, He hesitated for a moment, But his harsh nature soon returned. He demanded that she agree to the marriage at once. Trembling, The princess knelt and begged for time to consider her fate. After some discussion, They resolved not to harm her, But instead to shut her away in a high tower where she was kept from the light of day. Just then, The good fairy came in the flying car with the queen. When they learned all the news, The queen began to weep bitterly, Saying she was ever unfortunate and that she would rather her daughter were dead than that she should marry the wicked king's son. But the fairy said, Take heart, I am going to tire them out so that you will be fully satisfied and revenged. When the wicked king was going to bed, The fairy chained herself into a little mouse and hid nearby. As soon as he tried to sleep, Strange disturbances began to trouble him. He grew restless and uneasy, Turning from side to side and calling for his attendance in great agitation. At the same time, Similar confusion arose in the chamber of his son, Who also complained loudly of being tormented by something unseen. Servants hurried back and forth, Searching everywhere but could find no cause for the trouble. The little mouse moved swiftly from room to room, Leaving behind only disorder and alarm. Both the king and his son became so unsettled, So angry and confused that they lost all sense of reason. In their fury, They rushed about wildly, Shouting and accusing one another, Until at last, Their own violence turned against them. By morning, The reign of fear was at an end. The people who had long lived in misery and dread found themselves suddenly free, No longer bound by fear. They quietly removed the wicked king and his son from power, And rejoiced that their suffering had finally come to an end. And now that the wicked king was dead and his son too, The good fairy, Who knew this, Fetched the queen and they went together to the black tower where Joliet was imprisoned under forty locks. At three raps of the fairy's hazel wand, The great door opened, And so did the others. They found the poor princess very sad and very silent. The queen threw herself on her neck. My dearest one, She said, I am your mother, Queen Joyous, And she told her the story of her life. When Joliet heard such good news, She nearly died of joy, And throwing herself at the queen's feet, She embraced her knees, Bathed her hands with her tears, And kissed her a thousand times. She caressed the fairy tenderly, Who had brought for her baskets full of priceless jewels, Gold, Diamonds, Bracelets, Pearls, And the portrait of King Joyous, Surrounded with precious stones, All of which she placed before her. But the fairy said, This is not a time for play, We must carry out a great revolution in the state. Let us come and speak to the people in the great hall of the castle. She went first with a grave and serious face, The train of her dress sweeping many elves behind her. The queen followed, Wearing a blue velvet gown embroidered with gold, Its train even longer, For they had brought their finest clothes. Crowns shone upon their heads like suns. Princess Joliet came after them, Beautiful and modest, A wonder to behold. They bowed to all they met, Both great and humble, And the people followed eagerly, Wishing to know who these noble ladies might be. When the great hall was full, The good fairy spoke to the people. Telling them she wished to give them as queen, The daughter of King Joyous, Whom they saw before them. She promised, That under Joliet's rule, They would live happily, And that a husband would be found for her, Who was as kind and joyful as she was herself. At these words, The people cried with one voice. Yes, Yes, We will. Too long have we been sad. At once, Music sounded on every side. Hands were joined, And they danced in rings, Around the queen, The princess, And the good fairy, Singing, Yes, Yes, We will. Such was their welcome, And never was joy greater. Tables were laid, And they feasted, And afterward rested in peace. When the young princess awoke, The fairy presented to her a prince of rare beauty, Whom she had brought in her flying car from the farthest part of the world. Joliet loved him at once, And he was no less enchanted by her. The queen's happiness knew no bounds, And soon, A splendid wedding was celebrated with great rejoicing. And as the good little mouse comes to a quiet close, Allow your body to sink a little deeper into rest, Feeling safe, Secure, And at ease. In a moment, We'll move into our next story, The Three Feathers, A gentle fairy tale that slowly unfolds. So just stay as you are, Resting, Relaxed, And drifting, As the next story begins. Once upon a time, There lived a girl who was wooed and married by a man she never saw, For he came according her after nightfall. And when they were married, He never came home till it was dark, And always left before dawn. Still, He was good and kind to her, Giving her everything her heart could desire, So she was well content for a while. But after a bit, Some of her friends, Doubtless full of envy for her good luck, Began to whisper that the unseen husband must have something dreadful the matter with him, Which made him averse to being seen. Now from the very beginning, The girl had wondered why her lover did not come according to her as other girls' lovers came, Openly and by day. And though at first, She paid no heed to her neighbor's nods and winks, She began at last to think there might be something in what they said. So she determined to see for herself. And one night, When she heard her husband come into her room, She lit her candle suddenly and saw him. And lo and behold, He was handsome as handsome, Beautiful enough to make every woman in the world fall in love with him on the spot. But even as she got her glimpse of him, He changed into a big brown bird which looked at her with eyes full of anger and blame. Because you have done this faithless thing, It said, You will see me no more, Unless for seven long years and a day you serve for me faithfully. And she cried with tears and sobs. I will serve seven times seven years and a day if you will only come back. Tell me what am I to do? Then the bird husband said, I will place you in service, And there you must remain and do good work for seven years and a day. And you must listen to no man who may seek to beguile you to leave that service. If you do, I will never return. To this the girl agreed, And the bird, Spreading its broad brown wings, Carried her to a big mansion. Here they need a laundry maid, Said the bird husband. Go in, Ask to see the mistress, And say you will do the work. But remember, You must do it for seven years and a day. But I cannot do it for seven days, Answered the girl. I cannot wash or iron. That matters nothing, Replied the bird. All you have to do is pluck three feathers from under my wing close to my heart, And these feathers will do your bidding whatever it may be. You will only have to put them on your hand and say, By virtue of these three feathers from over my true love's heart may this be done, And it will be done. And so the girl plucked three feathers from under the bird's wing, And after that the bird flew away. Then the girl did as she was bidden, And the lady of the house engaged her for the place, And never was such a quick laundress, For, You see, She had only to go into the wash house, Bolt the door, And close the shutters, So that no one should see what she was at. Then she would out with the three feathers and say, By virtue of these three feathers from over my true love's heart may the copper be lit, The clothes sorted, Washed, Boiled, Dried, Folded, Mangled, Ironed, And lo, There they came, Tumbling onto the table, Clean and white, Quite ready to be put away. So her mistress sat great storm by her, And said there was never such a good laundry maid. Thus four years passed, And there was no talk of her leaving, But the other servants grew jealous of her, All the more so, Because, Being a very pretty girl, All the men servants fell in love with her and wanted to marry her. But she would have none of them, Because she was always waiting and longing for the day when her bird husband would come back to her in man's form. Now one of the men who wanted her was the stout butler, And one day as he was coming back from the cider house, He chanced to stop by the laundry, And he heard a voice say, By virtue of these three feathers from over my true love's heart may the copper be lit, The clothes sorted, Boiled, Dried, Folded, Mangled, And ironed. He thought this was very strange, So he peeked through the keyhole, And there was the girl, Sitting at her ease in a chair, While all the clothes came flying to the table ready and fit to put away. Well, That night he went to the girl and said that if she turned up her nose at him, And his proposal any longer, He would up and tell the mistress that her fine laundress was nothing but a witch, And then, Even if she were not burnt alive, She would lose her place. Now the girl was in great distress what to do, Since if she were not faithful to her bird husband, Or if she failed to serve her seven years in a day in one service, He would alike fail to return, So she made an excuse by saying she could think of no one who did not give her enough money to satisfy her. At this the stout butler laughed. Money, Said he, I have seventy pounds laid by with master, Won't that satisfy thee? Happen it would, She replied. So the very next night, The butler came to her with the seventy pounds in gold and sovereigns, And she held out her apron and took them, Saying she was content, For she had thought of a plan. Now, As they were going upstairs together, She stopped and said, Mr. Butler, Excuse me for a minute, I have left the shutters of the wash house open, And I must shut them, Or they will be banging all night and disturb master and missus. Now though the butler was stout and beginning to grow old, He was anxious to seem young, So he said at once, Excuse me, My beauty, You shall not go, I will go and shut them, I shan't be a moment. So off he set, And no sooner had he gone than she out with her three feathers, And putting them on her hand, Said in a hurry, By virtue of the three feathers, From over my true love's heart, May the shutters never cease banging till morning, And may Mr. Butler's hands be busy trying to shut them. And so it happened. Mr. Butler shut the shutters, But there they were hanging open again. Then he shut them once more, And this time they hid him on the face as they flew open, Yet he couldn't stop, He had to go on. So there he was the whole life long night, Such a cursing and a banging and swearing and shutting never was, Until dawn came, And too tired to be really angry, He crept back to his bed, Resolving that come what might, He would not tell what had happened to him, And thus get the laugh on him. So he kept his own counsel, And the girl kept the seventy pounds, And laughed in her sleeve at her would-be lover. Now after a time, The coachman, A spruce middle-aged man, Who had long wanted to marry the pretty laundry maid, Going to the pump to get water for his horses, Overheard her giving orders to the three feathers, And peeping through the keyhole as the butler had done, Saw her sitting at her ease in a chair, While the clothes, All washed and ironed and mangled, Came flying to the table. So, Just as the butler had done, He went to the girl and said, I have you now my pretty, Don't dare to turn up your nose at me, For if you do, I'll tell mistress you're a witch. Then the girl said quite calmly, I look on none who has no money. If that is all, Replied the coachman, I have forty pounds laid by with master, That I'll bring and ask for payment tomorrow night. So when the night came, The girl held out her apron for the money, And as she was going up the stairs, She stopped suddenly and said, Goodie me, I've left my clothes on the line, Stop a bit till I fetch them in. Now, The coachman was really a very polite fellow, So he said at once, Let me go, It is a cold and windy night, And you'll be catching your death. So off he went, And the girl out with her feathers and said, By virtue of the three feathers from over my true love's heart, May the clothes slash and blow about till dawn, And may Mr. Coachman not be able to gather them up or take his hand from the job. And when she had said this, She went quietly to bed, For she knew what would happen. And sure enough it did. Never was such a night as Mr. Coachman spent with the wet clothes flittering and fluttering about his ears, And the sheets wrapping him into a bundle, And tripping him up while the towel slashed at his legs. But though he smarted all over, He had to go on till dawn came, And then a very weary coachman couldn't even creep away to his bed, For he had to feed and water his horses, And he also kept his own counsel for fear of the laugh going against him. So the clever laundry maid put the forty pounds with the seventy in her box, And went on with her work gaily. But after a time, The footman, Who was quite an honest lad and truly in love, Going by the laundry peeped through the keyhole to get a glimpse of his dearest dear. And what should he see but her sitting at her ease in a chair, And the clothes coming already folded and ironed onto the table. Now when he saw this, He was greatly troubled. So he went to his master and drew out all his savings, And then he went to the girl and told her that he would have to tell the mistress what he had seen unless she consented to marry him. You see, He said, I have been with master this while back, And have saved up this bit, And you have been here this long while back, And must have saved as well. So let us put the two together and make a home, Or I'll stay on at service as pleases you. Well, She tried to put him off, But he insisted so much that at last she said, James, There's a dear, Run down to the cellar and fetch me a drop of brandy, You've made me feel so strange. And when he had gone, She out with her three feathers and said, By virtue of the three feathers from over my true love's heart, May James not be able to pour the brandy straight except down his throat. Well, So it happened. Try as he would, James could not get the brandy into the glass. It splashed a few drops into it, Then it trickled over his hand and fell on the floor, And so it went on and on till he grew so tired that he thought he needed a dram himself. So he tossed off the few drops and began again, But he fared no better. So he took another little drain and went on and on and on till he got quite fuddled. And who should come down into the cellar but his master to know what the smell of brandy meant? Now, James the footman was truthful as well as honest. So he told the master how he had come down to get the sick laundry maid a drop of brandy, But that his hand had shaken so that he could not pour it out, And it had fallen on the and that smell of it had got to his head. A likely tale, Said the master, And beat James soundly. Then the master went to the mistress's wife and said, Send away that laundry maid of yours. Something has come over my men. They have all drawn out their savings as if they were going to be married, Yet they don't leave, And I believe that girl is at the bottom of it. But his wife would not hear of the laundry maid being blamed. She was the best servant in the house, And worth all the rest of them put together. It was his men who were at fault. So they quarreled over it, But in the end the master gave in, And after this there was peace, Since the mistress bade the girl keep to herself, And none of the men would say odd of what had happened for fear of the laughter of the other servants. So it went on until one day, When the master was going a-driving, The coach was at the door, And the footman was standing to hold the coach open, And the butler on the steps all ready, When who should pass through the yard, So saucy and bright, With a great basket of clean clothes, But the laundry maid. And the sight of her was too much for James the footman, Who began to blub. She is a wicked girl, He said. She got all my savings, And got me a good thrashing besides. Then the coachman grew bold. Did she, He said? That was nothing to what she served me. So he up and told all about the wet clothes, And the awful job he had had the live long night. Now the butler on the steps swelled with rage, Until he nearly burst, And at last he out with his night of banging shutters. And one, He said, Hit me on the nose. This settled the three men, And they agreed to tell their master the moment he came out, And get the girl sent about her business. Now the laundry maid had sharp ears, And had paused behind a door to listen. So when she heard this, She knew she must do something to stop it. So she out with her three feathers and said, By virtue of the three feathers from over my true love's heart, May there be striving as to who suffered most between the men, So that they get into the pond for a ducking. Well, No sooner had she said the words, Than the three men began disputing as to which of them had been served the worst. Then James up and hit the stout butler, Giving him a black eye, And the fat butler fell upon James and pommeled him hard, While the coachman scrambled from his box and belabored them both, And the laundry maid stood by laughing. So out comes the master, But none of them would listen, And each wanted to be heard, And fought and shoved and pommeled away until they shoved each other into the pond, And all got a fine ducking. Then the master asked the girl what it was all about, And she said, They all wanted to tell a story against me because I won't marry them, And one said his was the best, And the next said his was the best, So they fell a quarreling as to which was the likeliest story to get me into trouble, But they are well punished, So there is no need to do more. Then the master went to his wife and said, You are right, That laundry maid of yours is a very wise girl. So the butler and the coachman and James had nothing to do but look sheepish and hold their tongues, And the laundry maid went on with her duties without further trouble. Then when the seven years and a day were over, Who should drive up to the door in a fine gilded coach, But the bird husband, Restored to his shape as a handsome young man, And he carried the laundry maid off to be his wife again, And her master and mistress were so pleased at her good fortune, That they ordered all the other servants to stand on the steps and give her good luck. So as she passed the butler, She put a bag with 70 pounds in it into his hand and said sweetly, That is to recompense you for shutting the shutters. And when she passed the coachman, She put a bag with 40 pounds into his hand and said, That is your reward for bringing in the clothes. But when she passed the footman, She gave him a bag with 100 pounds in it and laughed saying, That is for the drop of brandy you never brought me. So she drove off with her handsome husband and lived happily ever after. And as the Three Feathers comes to its gentle close, You can let the story fade softly into the background. There's no need to think about what comes next, Just a steady sense of calm, Settling more deeply with each quiet breath. In a moment, We'll move into our next story, Princess Goldenhair, A slow dreamy fairy tale to continue your rest. So remain just as you are, Comfortable, Unhurried, And relaxed as the next story begins. There was once a king's daughter who was the most beautiful thing in the world, And as her hair was fair and reached to her feet, She was called the Princess Goldenhair. A handsome young king in the neighborhood, Although he had never seen this princess, Fell so deeply in love with her from what he had heard, That he could neither eat nor sleep. So an ambassador was sent with a magnificent chariot, More than a hundred horses, And 50 pages to bring the princess to the king, And great preparations were made for her reception. But whether the Princess Goldenhair was in an ill humor when the ambassador arrived at her court, Or whatever was the reason, Certain it is that she sent a message to the young king, Thanking him, But saying that she did not wish to marry. When the king heard of her refusal, He wept like a child. Now, At his court, There was a young man called Avenant. He was as beautiful as the sun, And a more finely made fellow than any in the kingdom. Everybody loved him except a few envious people, Who were angry because the king favored and confided in him, And in the presence of these, One day, Avenant incautiously remarked, If the king had sent me to fetch the Princess Goldenhair, I am certain she would have come. And these words were repeated to the king in such a manner that they made him very angry, And he ordered Avenant to be shut up in a high tower to die of hunger. In this sad plight, Avenant exclaimed one day, How have I offended his majesty? He has no more faithful subject than I. The king, Who happened to be passing by the tower, Heard this. He called for Avenant to be brought forth, Who, Throwing himself on his knees, Begged to know in what way he had offended his royal master. You mocked me, Said the king. You said that you would have succeeded with the Princess Goldenhair were I have failed. It is true, Sir, Replied Avenant. I did say so, For I would have represented your noble qualities in such a way that she could not help being persuaded. The king was convinced of the young man's sincerity, And with a letter of introduction, Avenant set out for the court of the Golden-Haired Beauty, Riding alone according to his wish, And thinking, As he went, How he best could woo the princess for his beloved master. One day, Alighting from his horse to write down some suitable words that had come into his mind, He saw a golden carp who, Leaping from the water to catch flies, Had thrown herself upon the riverbank, And was now nearly dead. Avenant pitied the poor thing, And put her carefully back into the water. Recovering directly, The carp dived to the bottom, But returning to the edge of the river, Said, Avenant, I thank you. You have saved my life. I will repay you. Then she swam off, Leaving the young man in great astonishment. Another day, As Avenant journeyed, He noticed a raven who was pursued by an eagle. What right has the eagle to persecute the raven? Thought Avenant, And he drew his bow and shot the fierce bird. The raven perched on a bow and cried, Avenant, You have saved my life. I will not be ungrateful. I will repay you. Not long after this, Avenant found an owl caught in a snare. He cut the strings and freed the trembling captive. Avenant said the owl, You have saved my life. I will repay you. These three adventures were the most important that befell Avenant, And he went on his way. Shortly before he arrived at his destination, Purchasing a beautiful little dog named Cabrial. Cabrial When Avenant reached the palace of the Princess Goldenhair and saw the princess seated upon her throne, She looked so lovely that at first all his fine speeches forsook him and he could not utter a word. However, Taking courage, He addressed her in exquisitely chosen language, Begging her to become the king's bride. To this, The princess replied most graciously, Saying that his petition moved her more than any other could do. But no, She added, As I was walking by the river a month ago, As I took off my glove, A ring that I greatly value fell into the water, And I have vowed that I will not heed any proposal of marriage except from the ambassador who brings me back my ring. Sad at heart, Avenant left the palace, But his little dog, Cabrial, Said, My dear master, Do not despair. You are too good to be unhappy. Early tomorrow morning, Let us go to the riverside. Avenant patted him, But did not answer, And still sat, Fell asleep. As soon as it was day, Cabrial awoke him, Saying, Dress yourself, My master, And come out. They wandered down to the river, And there Avenant heard a voice calling him, And what should he see but the golden carp with the princess's ring in her mouth? Take it, Dear Avenant, Said she. I promised to repay you for saving my life, And now I can fulfill my promise. Thanking her a thousand times, Avenant going at once to the palace said, Princess, Your command is fulfilled. May it please you to receive the king, My master, As your husband. The princess thought she must be dreaming when she saw the ring, But she set Avenant another task. Not far from here there is a prince named Galifron, Said she. He wishes to marry me, And threatens to ravish my kingdom if I refuse. But how can I accept him? He is a giant, Taller than my highest tower. He eats a man as a monkey would eat a chestnut, And when he speaks, His voice is so loud that it deafens those who hear him. He will not take my refusal, But kills my subjects. You must fight and bring me his head. Well, Madam, Replied Avenant, I will fight Galifron. I expect I shall be killed, But I shall die a brave man. And taking Cabrial, Avenant set out for Galifron's country, Asking news of the giant as he went along. And the more he heard, The more he feared him, But Cabrial reassured him. My dear master, Said the little dog, While you are fighting him, I will bite his legs, Then he will stoop to chase me and you will kill him. Avenant admired the bravery of the little dog, But he knew his help would not be sufficient. Presently, They perceived how the roads were covered with the bones of the men that Galifron had eaten, And soon they saw the giant coming towards them through a wood. His head was higher than the highest trees, And he sang in a terrific voice. Where are the children, Small, So small, With my teeth I will crush them all. On so many would I feed, Feed, Feed. The whole world can't supply my need. Using the same tune, Avenant began to sing. Look down, Here is Avenant, Beneath, Beneath. He will draw from your head, The teeth, The teeth. Although he is not very big, Tis true, He is able to fight with such as you. The giant put himself into a terrible passion, And would have killed Avenant with one blow. Only a raven from above flew at his head and pecked him straight in the eyes so violently that he was blinded. He began striking out at all sides, But Avenant avoided his blows, And with his sword pierced him so many times that at last he fell to the ground. I have not forgotten how you rescued me from the eagle. I promise to repay you. I think I have done so today. I owe you everything, Mr. Raven, Responded Avenant, As holding Galifron's head, He wrote off. When he entered the town, Crowds followed him crying. Here is the brave Avenant who has slain the monster. Avenant advanced to the princess and said, Madam, Your enemy is dead. I hope you will no more refuse the king, My master. Although it is so, Answered the princess, I shall refuse him, Unless you bring me some water from the grotto of darkness. At the entrance there are two dragons with fire in their eyes and mouths. Inside the grotto there is a deep pit into which you must descend. It is full of toads and scorpions and serpents. At the bottom of this pit there is a little cave where flows the fountain of beauty and health. Positively, I must possess the water. All who wash in it, If they are beautiful, Continue so always. If they are unpleasant, They become beautiful. If they are young, They remain young. If they are old, They regain their youth. You cannot wonder, Avenant, That I will not leave my kingdom without taking it with me. So once more Avenant and Cabriel set out. They journeyed on until they came to a rock black as ink from which smoke was issuing, And a moment later there appeared one of the dragons belching forth fire from his eyes and mouth. He was a frightful looking creature with a green and yellow body and his tail was so long that it went into a hundred curves. Avenant saw all of this but resolved to die. He drew his sword and, Carrying the flask the princess had given to him to hold the water, He said to Cabriel, My days are ended. I can never obtain that water the dragons are guarding. When I am dead, Fill this flask with my blood and carry it to the princess, That she may know what it has cost me. Then go to the king, My master, And tell him of my misfortune. As he was speaking, A voice called, Avenant, Avenant, And looking around he saw an owl. You've saved my life from the fowlers, Said the owl. I promise to repay you. The time has now come. Give me your flask. I will bring you the water of beauty. And carrying the flask, The owl entered the grotto, Unhindered, Returning in less than a quarter of an hour with it full to the brim. Avenant thanked the owl heartily and joyously started for the town, Where he presented the flask to the princess, Who immediately gave orders to prepare for her departure. But as she considered Avenant altogether charming, Before she set out, She several times said to him, If you wish, We need not go, For I will make you king of my country. But Avenant made reply, I would not displease my master for all the kingdoms of earth, Although your beauty I consider greater than that of the sun. Thus, They arrived at the king's capital, And the wedding took place amidst great rejoicings. But Princess Goldenhair, Who loved Avenant from the depths of her heart, Was not happy unless she could see him, And was forever singing his praises. I should have not come, Had it not been for Avenant, She told the king. You ought to be very much obliged to him. Then the envious courtiers counseled the king, And Avenant was cast once more into the tower, Chained hand and foot. When Princess Goldenhair heard of this imprisonment, She fell on her knees before the king and begged for Avenant's release, But he would not heed her, So that she became saddened and would speak no more. Then the king thought, Maybe I am not handsome enough to please her, So he determined to wash his face in the water of beauty. Now it happened that a chambermaid had broken the flask containing this wonderful water, So that it was all spilled. Then, Without saying anything to anyone, She had replaced it by a similar flask taken from the king's apartment. But the liquid in this flask was really that which was used when the princes or great lords were condemned to death, For instead of being beheaded, Their faces were washed with this water, And they fell asleep and did not wake again. And so the king, Using this water one evening, Thinking it to be the beauty water, And hoping and expecting to be made more handsome, Went to sleep and awoke no more. Upon hearing what had occurred, Cabriel at once went and told Avenant, Who asked him to go to the Princess Goldenhair and beseech her to remember the poor prisoner. When the princess received this message, She went straight to the tower and, With her own hands, Struck off the chains that bound Avenant, And placing a crown of gold upon his head, And a royal mantle upon his shoulders, Said, Come, Dear Avenant, I will make you king and take you for my husband. Then there was a grand wedding, And Princess Goldenhair and Avenant with Cabriel lived long, All of them happy and contented. And as Princess Goldenhair gently comes to an end, You can allow the story to drift away, Leaving behind only calm relaxation. There's nothing to remember, Nothing to follow, Just a feeling of calm as your body relaxes even more. In a moment, We'll move into our next story, The Nixie of Millpond, So stay just as you are, Resting, Peaceful, And at ease as the next story begins. There once lived a miller and his wife in a quiet pastoral valley, Where the turning mill wheel hummed like an old familiar lullaby. For many years, They had lived with comfort and contentment. Their cupboards were full, Their fields generous, And their hearts light. Each season seemed kinder than the last, As prosperity gently smiled on their home. But time has its own quiet tide, Sometimes generous, Sometimes withdrawing, And over the years, Their good fortune slowly ebbed away. The wealth that once seemed endless, Thinned and faded like mist in the morning light. The miller became restless with worry, And each night as he lay in bed, Instead of dreaming, He turned and sighed and stared into the darkness, Hoping for calm that would not come. One early dawn, When the stars were fading and the first hint of gold touched the horizon, He rose from his troubled sleep and stepped out into the quiet world. Perhaps, He thought, The morning air would soothe his burdened heart. As he crossed the small bridge over the millpond, He heard a gentle rippling sound, As though the water itself were speaking. He turned, And there, Rising softly from the shimmering surface, Was a woman of extraordinary beauty. Her long hair fell like silken water over her shoulders, And her voice was as delicate as wind over reeds. He knew, Instantly and without doubt, That she was the Nixie of the millpond, The water spirit who dwelled beneath the surface. But her voice was warm, Kind, And strangely comforting. Why do you walk in such sorrow, Good miller, She asked, Calling him by name, As though they were old acquaintances. The miller, Surprised by her gentleness, Found his voice and told her everything. How joy had once filled his home, And how worry now pressed heavily against his heart. The Nixie listened with serene patience. Then she said softly, Take heart, I can make your life prosperous again, More than it has ever been. All I ask is that you give me the young creature that has just been born in your house. The miller hesitated only a moment. Surely, He thought, She must mean a small animal, Perhaps a puppy or a kitten. So he agreed. With a graceful motion, The Nixie slipped beneath the water once more, And the pond became calm and silvered again under the waking sun. The miller walked back to his home with a lighter step. But before he even reached the door, His maid hurried out to him with joyous news. His wife had given birth to a little boy. The miller stopped where he stood. In that moment, The truth washed over him. The Nixie had known, And had asked for him. His heart tightened with fear and sorrow, But there was nothing to do but go inside and see his wife and child. She greeted him with glowing happiness, Unaware of the promise he had made. When she asked why he did not rejoice, He confessed everything. She held their baby close and tried to comfort him, And though their relatives murmured and tried to reassure the miller, All felt the same uneasy concern. Yet, In the days that followed, Something remarkable happened. Fortune began to return to their home. Crops flourished, Trade prospered, Money filled the coffers almost mysteriously, As though abundance drifted in on the night air. Everything the miller put his hand to seemed kissed by good luck. But though prosperity returned, The miller's heart remained unsettled. Each time he passed the still pond, He quickened his steps, Afraid the Nixie would appear to claim her due. As the boy grew, The miller warned him gently, Never touch the waters of the pond, My son, Promise me that. Years passed. The boy became strong and bright-eyed, And when he reached manhood, He apprenticed to a skilled huntsman. In time, He became one of the finest in the region. Patient, Steady-handed, And kind. And he fell in love with a young woman of the village, Tender-hearted and radiant, With laughter that felt like sunshine. They married, And together built a cozy home. They were happy, Truly happy, And lived with the simple joy of shared days, Shared meals, And shared smiles. Then one afternoon, While hunting in the woods, The young man followed a swift deer across the land. In his chase, He did not notice how near he had come to the pond of his childhood, The quiet, Gleaming surface reflecting drifting clouds above. When he knelt to wash his hands in the cool water, A ripple stirred, And from beneath, The Nixie rose. Her eyes shimmered like deep green glass, And before he could speak or draw back, Her arms, Cool as water, Circled him and pulled him gently downward. The surface smoothed over with a sigh. Evening came, And when he did not return home, His wife grew anxious. Guided by instinct, She went toward the water. There she found his hunting pouch lying on the shore, And her heart knew what had happened. She called for him softly at first, Then louder. Then with tears, But only the moon gazed down in quiet reflection. Still, She did not abandon hope. She walked the shore, Pacing it over and over, Whispering his name, Searching the water's surface as though love alone could draw him back. At last, Exhausted, She crawled upon the grass and fell asleep beneath the moon. In her dreams, She found herself climbing craggy rocks through the wind and thorn, Until at last, She emerged into a quiet meadow, Green and peaceful, With a little cottage nestled in flowers. An older woman with white hair beckoned kindly from the doorway. When the young wife awoke with dawn, She felt certain her dream was a message. She followed the path, Exactly as it had unfolded in sleep, Up rocks, Through the brush, And found, To her astonishment, The very same cottage. The kindly old woman listened to her sorrow, Then pressed into her hand a golden comb. When the full moon rises, She said gently, Sit at the pond, Comb your hair with this comb, And lay it at the water's edge. The young wife returned home, Waiting for the moon to be whole again in the sky. At last, The night came, Pale and quiet. She sat at the edge of the pond, Combing her dark hair with slow, Graceful strokes. The sound of the comb through her hair was soft as feathers. When she finished, She laid the gold comb upon the shore. The water stirred, Like breath beneath silk. Then, Slowly, The head of her husband rose above the surface. He looked at her with deep affection, But could not speak. Just as he reached toward her, Another wave washed up and lowered him out of sight again. She wept softly, But with tears of love rather than despair, For she had seen him. He was alive. The next morning, The dream returned, And once again she journeyed to the cottage. This time, The wise woman gave her a golden flute. When the full moon returns, Said the old woman, Play a tender melody and leave the flute upon the shore. The young wife waited, And when the time came, She sat again by the pond. She played a gentle, Wistful tune, Full of longing, Yes, But also full of unbroken devotion. When she finished, She set the flute near the water. The pond stirred, And the head and shoulders of her beloved rose forth. He reached toward her, Arms open, But still, The waters claimed him back before he could touch land. The wife pressed her hands over her heart and whispered, I will not stop, I will not give up. A third time she journeyed to the wise old woman, Who placed in her hands a golden spinning wheel. Spin the spool full beneath the full moon, She said, And then set the wheel at the shore. And so she did. Under the bright white moon, She spun the flax with steady patience. Threads winding onto the spool with a hushed, Rhythmic whisper. When the last thread was wound, She placed the wheel upon the shore. This time, The water surged, Not violently, But with rising force. A great wave swept up, Gently carrying the spinning wheel down into its depths. And then, In a tall column of sparkling water, Her husband rose entirely, Stepping onto the shore. He clasped her hand. They ran, Hearts pounding with joy, Not looking back. Only when they were far across the fields, Did they hear the pond swell with a roaring crest and pour forth across the land. The wife called out for the wise woman's aid, And in a moment of shimmering transformation, The two became a frog and a toad. The rushing waters could not harm them, Only carry them to safety far away. When at last the waters receded and the land grew calm again, They returned to human form. But now, Distant mountains lay between them. They found themselves among strangers in unfamiliar parts of the world, Each believing perhaps the other had been lost forever. To sustain themselves, Each tended sheep, Gentle, Quiet work beneath wide skies. Many seasons drifted by, Wearing away sorrow like water smoothing stone. Then one spring afternoon, Beneath a warm and blossoming sky, Two flocks drew near to one another in a broad green valley. Their shepherds, A man and a woman, Felt inexplicably comforted in each other's presence, Though they did not yet see why. They began to meet there each day, Resting with their sheep in the same quiet shade, Sometimes speaking, Sometimes simply sharing the peaceful silence. One evening, Below a glowing full moon, The shepherd removed from his coat a small flute, Worn by time but still golden. He played the same tender melody that had once floated over the moonlit pond. The shepherdess listened, And tears filled her eyes, For that sound, She whispered, Was the very song I once played upon this same flute when I saw my beloved rise from the water. And in that moment, As though a veil lifted, They saw one another clearly, And recognized the love they had once held so tightly. They fell into each other's arms and in pure quiet relief, Hearts finally at home again, And on that peaceful moonlit hillside, They knew that their wandering was ended. Together at last, And never to be parted again. And as the Nixie of Millpond comes quietly to an end, You can let the stillness of the water remain, Calm, Undisturbed, As your breathing stays slow and easy, And your body continues to rest. In a moment, We'll move into our next story, The King's Secret Dish, A simple tale to listen to without effort. A long time ago, There lived a king who was famed for his wisdom all over the world, And there was nothing which he did not seem to know. But he had a strange custom, And he would not let anyone know of his secret. Every day after dinner, When the table had been cleared and no one else was present, A trusted servant had to bring him one dish. It was covered, And even the servant did not know what was under it, Nor did anyone else, For the king never lifted the cover to eat of it until he was quite alone. This had gone on for a long time, When one day, Curiosity overcame the servant who was carrying away the dish. He could not resist taking it aside and lifting the cover. Inside lay a delicate morsel from the king's table. He could not resist tasting it, And the moment it touched his tongue, He heard the language of animals. As he was walking in the meadow later that day, He heard some small voices talking together in the grass. He listened closely and understood that the ants were saying, Every year we must carry our grain away carefully, For if even one grain is lost, The king will punish us. The servant smiled at this new gift, And from that day forward, He often understood the speech of animals. Not long afterward, It happened that the queen lost her most beautiful ring, And suspicion fell upon the servant who had the run of the palace. The king summoned him, Threatened him angrily, And declared that unless he could name the thief by the next day, He would be punished. In vain, The servant protested his innocence. At last, In his sorrow, He went out into the courtyard. There he saw some ducks by the water, Shaking their feathers and talking together. He listened and understood them. One said sorefully, Something lies heavy in my stomach. In my haste, I swallowed a ring that was lying beneath the queen's window. The servant quickly caught the duck, And when it was prepared, The ring was found inside. The king, Now convinced of his servant's innocence, Asked his forgiveness. To make amends, He promised the young man leave to ask for anything he desired, With the promise that it would be granted. The servant, However, Only asked for a horse and some money for his travels, For he had grown curious to see the world. When his request was granted, He set off. One day, He came to a pond, Where three fishes had become entangled among the reeds and were gasping for water. The young man felt pity, And stepping down, He freed them and placed them back into the water. The fishes splashed gladly and called to him, We will remember your kindness, One day it may serve you well. Further along the road, He noticed an ant king and countless little ants crawling about. Their hill had been overturned by a horse's hoof, And the tiny creatures were in great distress, Running to and fro, Not knowing how to save their home. The young man knelt down kindly, And with his hand, He helped them rebuild the little mound. The ants called up to him, We will not forget this kindness, Perhaps it may be of help one day. At last, He came into a forest, And there he saw two ravens, Who stood beside their nest and were throwing their young out. Away with you, They cried, You are old enough now to look after yourselves. The poor young ravens lay upon the ground, Fluttering and stretching their wings and crying, We cannot yet feed ourselves, We shall surely starve. The kind young man dismounted and shared all that he had, So the hungry young ravens would not go without food. They hopped forward, Satisfied and cried, We will remember your kindness, Perhaps it may one day help you. So now, The young man had to go on his way on foot. After traveling a long distance, He came to a great city, Where the king had announced that whoever wished to marry his daughter must first perform a difficult task. If he failed, He must give up his life. Many had already ventured, But none had succeeded. When the young man appeared and declared himself willing to attempt the trial, He was led to the seashore. There the king scattered ten sacks of millet into the sand and said, By tomorrow morning, All of these grains must be gathered up, And not one must be missing. If you fail, You shall lose your life. Then the young man sat down by the shore, Wondering sadly how such a task could be accomplished. But at dawn, He saw ten thousand little ants swarming in who had come with the ant king. They gathered the millet grain by grain, And by morning, All the sacks were filled. The king, However, Was not satisfied and declared that the young man must do yet another task. He was brought to the sea and told to fetch a golden ring the king had dropped into the depths. The young man sat by the water, Uncertain what to do. Suddenly, The three fishes he had saved appeared, And one of them carried the golden ring in its mouth. They laid it at his feet with joy. But still, The king did not grant his wish and announced a third trial. This time, The princess herself was to be the test. She was to appear before the young man with her maidens, And he must tell which of them she was. If he chose wrongly, He would lose his life. The princess came forward, Dressed exactly like her companions. They were all so alike that no one could tell them apart. As the young man stood in doubt, Three ravens swooped down from the sky and perched upon his shoulder. They whispered to him, The one before you with the hidden mark upon her hand is the princess. So, The young man pointed her out, And at once she stepped forward, Smiling, For he had chosen rightly. Now at last, The king yielded and gave his daughter to the faithful servant. From then on, They lived together in happiness, And because of the servant's kindness, He and his bride understood not only one another, But also the little voices of every creature of the earth. And as the king's secret dish comes to a close, You can let the story slip quietly away. Allow your body to feel heavy and supported, Resting just as it is. In a moment, We'll move into our next story, The Traveling Musicians, A calm, Easy story to listen to as you continue to rest. So stay just as you are, Settled, Relaxed, And drifting as the next story begins. An honest farmer had once a donkey that had been a faithful servant to him a great many years, But now was growing old, And every day more and more unfit for work. His master therefore was tired of keeping him, But the donkey, Who saw that some mischief was in the wind, Took himself slyly off and began his journey towards the great city, For there, Thought he, I may turn musician. After he traveled a little way, He spied a dog lying by the roadside and panting as if he were tired. What makes you pant so, My friend? Said the donkey. Alas, Said the dog, My master was going to knock me on the head, Because I am old and weak and can no longer make myself useful to him in hunting, So I ran away, But what can I do to earn my livelihood? The donkey said, Hark ye, Said the donkey, I am going to the great city to turn musician, Suppose you go with me and try what you can do in the same way. The dog said he was willing, And they jogged on together. They had not gone far before they saw a cat sitting in the middle of the road and making a most rueful face. Pray, My good lady, Said the donkey, What's the matter with you? You look quite out of spirits. Ah, Me, Said the cat, How can one be in good spirits when one's life is in danger? Because I am beginning to grow old and had rather lie at ease by the fire than run about the house after the mice, My mistress laid hold of me and was going to drown me, And though I have been lucky enough to get away from her, I do not know what I am to live upon. Oh, Said the donkey, By all means, Go with us to the great city, You are a good night singer and may make your fortune as a musician. The cat was pleased with the thought and joined the party. Soon afterwards, As they were passing by a farmyard, They saw a rooster perched upon a gate and screaming out with all his might and mane. Bravo, Said the donkey, Upon my word, You make a famous noise, Pray, What is all this about? Why, Said the rooster, I was just now saying that we should have finer weather for our washing day, And yet, My mistress and the cook don't thank me for my pains, But threaten to cut off my head tomorrow and make broth of me for the guests that are coming on Sunday. Heaven forbid, Said the donkey, Come with us, It will be better, At any rate, Than staying here to have your head cut off. Besides, Who knows, If we care to sing in tune, We may get up some kind of a concert, So come along with us. With all my heart, Said the rooster. So they all four went on happily together. They could not, However, Reach the great city the first day, So when night came on, They went into a wood to sleep. The donkey and the dog laid themselves down under a great tree, And the cat climbed up into the branches, While the rooster, Thinking that the higher he sat, The safer he should be, Flew up to the very top of the tree, And then, According to his custom, Before he went to sleep, Looked out on all sides of him to see that everything was well. In doing this, He saw afar off something bright and shining, And calling to his companion, Said, There must be a house, No great way off, For I see a light. If that be the case, Said the donkey, We had better change our quarters, For our lodging is not the best in the world. Besides, Added the dog, I should not be the worst for a bone or two, Or a bit of meat. So they walked off together towards the spot where the rooster had seen the light, And as they drew near, It became larger and brighter, Till they at last came close to a house in which a gang of robbers lived. The donkey, Being the tallest of the company, Marched up to the window and peeped in. Well, Donkey, Said rooster, What do you see? What do I see? Replied the donkey. Why, I see a table spread with all kinds of good things, And robbers sitting round it making merry. That would be a noble lodging for us, Said the rooster. Yes, Said the donkey, If we could only get in. So they consulted together how they should contrive to get the robbers out, And at last they hit upon a plan. The donkey placed himself upright on his hind legs, With his four feet resting against the window. The dog got upon his back, The cat scrambled up to the dog's shoulders, And the rooster flew up and sat upon the cat's head. When all was ready, A signal was given, And they began their music. The donkey brayed, The dog barked, The cat meowed, And the rooster screamed, And then they all broke through the window at once, And came tumbling into the room amongst the broken glass with a most hideous clatter. The robbers, Who had been not a little frightened by the opening concert, Had now no doubt that some frightful hobgoblin had broken in upon them, And scampered away as fast as they could. The coast once clear, Our traveller soon sat down and dispatched what the robbers had left, With as much eagerness as if they had not expected to eat again for a month. As soon as they had satisfied themselves, They put out the lights, And each once more sought out a resting place to his own liking. The donkey laid himself down upon a heap of straw in the yard, The dog stretched himself upon a mat behind the door, The cat rolled herself up on the hearth before the warm ashes, And the rooster perched upon a beam on the top of the house, And as they were all rather tired with their journey, They soon fell asleep. But about midnight, When the robbers saw from afar that the lights were out and it all seemed quiet, They began to think that they had been in too great a hurry to run away, And one of them, Who was bolder than the rest, Went to see what was going on. Finding everything still, He marched into the kitchen and groped about till he found a match in order to light a candle. And then, Espying the glittering fiery eyes of the cat, He mistook them for live coals, And held the match to them to light it. But the cat, Not understanding this joke, Sprang at his face, And spat and scratched at him. This frightened him dreadfully, And away he ran to the back door. But there, The dog jumped up and bit him in the leg, And as he was crossing over the yard, The donkey kicked him. And the rooster, Who had been awakened by the noise, Crowed with all his might. At this, The robber ran back as fast as he could to his comrades, And told the captain how a horrid witch had got into the house and had spat at him and scratched his face with her long bony fingers. How a man with a knife in his hand had hidden himself behind the door and stabbed him in the leg. How a black monster stood in the yard and struck him with a club. And how the devil had sat upon the top of the house and cried out, Throw the rascal up here. After this, The robbers never dared to go back to the house. The musicians were so happy with their new home that they decided to stay there. And I dare say, They're still there to this very day. An honest farmer had once a donkey that had been a faithful servant to him a great many years, But now was growing old, And every day more and more unfit for work. His master therefore was tired of keeping him, But the donkey, Who saw that some mischief was in the wind, Took himself slyly off and began his journey towards the great city, For there, Thought he, I may turn musician. After he traveled a little way, He spied a dog lying by the roadside and panting as if he were tired. What makes you pant so, My friend? Said the donkey. Alas, Said the dog, My master was going to knock me on the head because I am old and weak and can no longer make myself useful to him in hunting. So I ran away, But what can I do to earn my livelihood? Hark ye, Said the donkey, I am going to the great city to turn musician. Suppose you go with me and try what you can do in the same way. The dog said he was willing, And they jogged on together. They had not gone far before they saw a cat sitting in the middle of the road and making a most rueful face. Pray, My good lady, Said the donkey, What's the matter with you? You look quite out of spirits. Ah, Me, Said the cat, How can one be in good spirits when one's life is in danger? Because I am beginning to grow old and had rather lie at ease by the fire than run about the house after the mice, My mistress laid hold of me and was going to drown me, And though I have been lucky enough to get away from her, I do not know what I am to live upon. Oh, Said the donkey, By all means, Go with us to the great city. You are a good night singer and may make your fortune as a musician. The cat was pleased with the thought and joined the party. Soon afterwards, As they were passing by a farmyard, They saw a rooster perched upon a gate and screaming out with all his might and mane. Bravo, Said the donkey, Upon my word, You make a famous noise. Pray, What is all this about? Why, Said the rooster, I was just now saying that we should have finer weather for our washing day, And yet, My mistress and the cook don't thank me for my pains, But threaten to cut off my head tomorrow and make broth of me for the guests that are coming on Sunday. Heaven forbid, Said the donkey, Come with us, It will be better, At any rate, Than staying here to have your head cut off. Besides, Who knows, If we care to sing in tune, We may get up some kind of a concert, So come along with us. With all my heart, Said the rooster. So they all four went on happily together. They could not, However, Reach the great city the first day, So when night came on, They went into a wood to sleep. The donkey and the dog laid themselves down under a great tree, And the cat climbed up into the branches, While the rooster, Thinking that the higher he sat, The safer he should be, Flew up to the very top of the tree, And then, According to his custom, Before he went to sleep, Looked out on all sides of him to see that everything was well. In doing this, He saw afar off something bright and shining, And calling to his companion, Said, There must be a house, No great way off, For I see a light. If that be the case, Said the donkey, We had better change our quarters, For our lodging is not the best in the world. Besides, Added the dog, I should not be the worse for a bone or two, Or a bit of meat. So they walked off together towards the spot where the rooster had seen the light, And as they drew near, It became larger and brighter, Till they at last came close to a house in which a gang of robbers lived. The donkey, Being the tallest of the company, Marched up to the window and peeped in. Well, Donkey, Said rooster, What do you see? What do I see, Replied the donkey? Why, I see a table spread with all kinds of good things, And robbers sitting round it making merry. That would be a noble lodging for us, Said the rooster. Yes, Said the donkey, If we could only get in. So they consulted together how they should contrive to get the robbers out, And at last, They hit upon a plan. The donkey placed himself upright on his hind legs, With his four feet resting against the window. The dog got upon his back, The cat scrambled up to the dog's shoulders, And the rooster flew up and sat upon the cat's head. When all was ready, A signal was given, And they began their music. The donkey brayed, The dog barked, The cat meowed, And the rooster screamed, And then they all broke through the window at once and came tumbling into the room amongst the broken glass with a most hideous clatter. The robbers, Who had been not a little frightened by the opening concert, Had now no doubt that some frightful hobgoblin had broken in upon them and scampered away as fast as they could. The coast once clear, Our travellers soon sat down and dispatched what the robbers had left, With as much eagerness as if they had not expected to eat again for a month. As soon as they had satisfied themselves, They put out the lights, And each once more sought out a yard. The dog stretched himself upon a mat behind the door, The cat rolled herself up on the hearth before the warm ashes, And the rooster perched upon a beam on the top of the house, And, As they were all rather tired with their journey, They soon fell asleep. But about midnight, When the robbers saw from afar that the lights were out and that all seemed quiet, They began to think that they had been in too great a hurry to run away, And one of them, Who was bolder than the rest, Went to see what was going on. Finding everything still, He marched into the kitchen and groped about till he found a match in order to light a candle, And then, Espying the glittering fiery eyes of the cat, He mistook them for live coals, And held the match to them to light it. But the cat, Not understanding this joke, Sprang at his face and spat and scratched at him. This frightened him dreadfully, And away he ran to the back door. But there, The dog jumped up and bit him in the leg, And as he was crossing over the yard, The donkey kicked him, And the rooster, Who had been awakened by the noise, Crowed with all his might. At this, The robber ran back as fast as he could to his comrades and told the captain how a horrid witch had got into the house and had spat at him and scratched his face with her long bony fingers. How a man with a knife in his hand had hidden himself behind the door and stabbed him in the leg. How a black monster stood in the yard and struck him with a club, And how the devil had sat upon the top of the house and cried out, Throw the rascal up here. After this, The robbers never dared to go back to the house. The musicians were so happy with their new home that they decided to stay there, And I dare say they're still there to this very day. And as the traveling musicians come to a quiet close, You can allow the story to gently fade away, Knowing there's nothing more you need to listen to right now. Soft background music will continue to play for a while, So you can remain resting without needing to do anything at all. Let your attention return gently to your body, To the places where you're supported. The weight of your head. Your shoulders. Your legs. All resting just as they are. Notice your breathing. Slow. Easy. Each breath out, Allowing your body to settle a little more. If any thoughts drift through, That's okay. Just let them pass quietly, While the music continues softly in the background. You don't need to be asleep yet. Resting is enough. And if you're still awake, You can simply continue listening, Or allow the sound of the music to fade into the background, Letting your body rest just as it is. There's nothing left to do tonight. Nothing to solve. Nothing to remember. Just resting, And allowing yourself to settle. And if you're already asleep, You can remain there. Comfortable. Safe. And deeply at rest. Thank you for being here tonight. Sweet dreams my friend. Sleep well.

Reviews

I woke up in the night & heard the first story, then fell back to sleep & heard just parts of some of the others. Thank you, Joanne.