Stabroek News ePaper

Lucky Luck- Part One

Henry Justice Ford Illustrations From Andrew Lang’s Fairy Books edited by folklorist Andrew Langby published 1898. Reprinted from Fairytalez.com

Once upon a time there was a king who had an only son. When the lad was about eighteen years old his father had to go to fight in a war against a neighbouring country, and the king led his troops in person. He asked his son to act as ruler in his absence, but ordered him not to marry until he returned.

When the prince reached his twenty-fifth birthday he began to think that it might be rather nice to have a wife. He remembered, however, what his father had said, and waited another three years, but then decided to go. He called his courtiers and advisors and set off to seek a bride. After wandering for twenty days, he found himself in his father’s camp.

The king was delighted to see his son, and had a great many questions, but when he heard that the prince was going to seek a wife he was very angry, and said: “You may go where you please, do not take any of my people with you.”

Only one faithful servant refused to part from the prince so they journeyed over hill and dale till they came to a place called Goldtown. The King of Goldtown had a lovely daughter, and the prince, who soon heard about her beauty, could not rest till he saw her.

He was very kindly received, for he was extremely good-looking and had charming manners, so he lost no time in asking for her hand and her parents gave her to him with joy. The wedding took place at once, and the feasting and rejoicings went on for a whole month. At the end of the month they set off for home, but as the journey was a long one they spent the first evening at an inn. Everyone in the house slept, and the faithful servant kept watch. About midnight he heard three crows, who had flown to the roof, talking together.

“That’s a handsome couple which arrived here tonight. It seems quite a pity they should lose their lives so soon.”

“Truly,” said the second crow; “for tomorrow, when midday strikes, the bridge over the Gold Stream will break just as they are driving over it. But, listen! whoever overhears and tells what we have said will be turned to stone up to his knees.”

The crows flew off and three pigeons arrived. “Even if the prince and princess get safe over the bridge they will die,” said they; “for the king is going to send a carriage to meet them which looks new. But when they are seated in it a raging wind will rise and whirl the carriage away into the clouds. Then it will fall suddenly to earth, and they will be killed. But anyone who hears and betrays what we have said will be turned to stone up to his waist.”

The pigeons flew off and three eagles took their places, and this is what they said:

“If the young couple does manage to escape the dangers of the bridge and the carriage, the king plans to send them each a splendid gold embroidered robe. When they put these on they will be burnt up at once. But whoever hears and repeats this will turn to stone from head to foot.”

Early next morning the travellers got up and breakfasted. They began to tell each other their dreams. At last the servant said:

“Grac0ious prince, I dreamt that if your Royal Highness would grant all I asked we should get home safe and sound; but if you did not we should certainly be lost. My dreams never deceive me, so I entreat you to follow my advice during the rest of the journey.”

“Don’t make such a fuss about a dream,” said the prince; “dreams are but clouds. Still, to prevent you being anxious I will promise to do as you wish.”

They set out at reached the Gold Stream at midday. At the bridge, the servant said: “Let us leave the carriage here and walk a little way.

The town is not far off and we can easily get another carriage there, for the wheels of this one are bad and will not hold out much longer.”

The prince looked at the carriage; he did not think it looked unsafe, but he had given his word.

They loaded the horses with the luggage and the servant rode them through the stream, while the couple walked over the bridge.

Safe on the other side, they bought a new carriage and resumed their travels. They had not gone far when a messenger from the king arrived and said: “His Majesty has sent your Royal Highness this beautiful carriage so that you may make a fitting entry into your own country.”

The prince was delighted, but the servant said: “My lord, let me examine this carriage first.”

After looking the carriage over the servant said: “It is as bad as it is smart”; and knocked it to pieces. They continued in the one they had bought.

At the border, another messenger was waiting with two splendid robes for the prince and his bride that the king wanted them to wear for their state entry. However, the servant implored the prince not to, and never gave him any peace till he had permission to destroy the robes.

The king was furious when he found that all his tricks had failed. He longed to know how and said: “My dear son, I rejoice to have you safely back, but I cannot imagine why the beautiful carriage and the splendid robes I sent did not please you.”

“Sire,” said the prince, “My servant had begged to direct everything on the journey and I had promised him that he should do so. He declared that we could not possibly get home safely unless I did as he told me.” (Continues next week)

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2023-03-26T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-03-26T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://epaper.stabroeknews.com/article/282196540205288

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