Stranica 141 [141]
OCR
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. 107
