Stranica 141 [141]
Lat GOLD BEREEAD
bleached forests and mountains that raised their pale and
gloomy summits to the skies. Firs, beeches, birches, oaks,
rocks, all were of lead. At the end of the forest stretched a
vast meadow the grass of which was of silver; and at the
bottom of the meadow was a castle of gold, inlaid with
diamonds and rubies. The carriage stopped before the
door, and the King of the Mines offered his hand to his
bride, saying, " My fair one, all that you see is yours.”
Marienka was delighted. But it is impossible to make so
long a journey without being hungry; and it was with
pleasure, therefore, that she saw the mountain dwarfs
bring in a table, everything on which glittered with gold,
silver, and precious stones. The dishes were marvelous—
side-dishes of emeralds, and roasts of gold on silver salvers.
Every one ate heartily except the bride, who begged her
husband for a little bread.
‘Bring the copper bread,” said the King of the Mines.
Marienka could not eat it.
“Bring the silver bread,” said he.
Marienka could not eat it.
" Bring the gold bread,” said he, at length.
Marienka could not eat it.
‘My fair one,” said the King of the Mines, “I am very
sorry; but what can I offer you? We have no other bread."
The bride burst into tears. Her husband laughed aloud;
his heart was of metal, like his kingdom.
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