An aged count once lived in Switzerland, who had an only son, but he was stupid, and could learn nothing. Then said the father, Hark thee, my son, I can get nothing into thy head, let me try as I will. Thou must go from hence, I will give thee into the care of a celebrated master, who shall see what he can do with thee. The youth was sent into a strange town, and remained a whole year with the master. At the end of this time, he came home again, and his father asked, Now, my son, what hast thou learnt? Father, I have learnt what the dogs say when they bark. Lord have mercy on us! cried the father; is that all thou hast learnt? I will send thee into another town, to another master. The youth was taken thither, and stayed a year with this master likewise. When he came back the father again asked, My son, what hast thou learnt? He answered, Father, I have learnt what the birds say.
The best fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm
The wolf and the seven young kids There was once an old goat who had seven little ones, and was as fond of them as ever mother was of her children. One day she had to go into the wood to fetch food for them, so she called them all round her. Dear children, said she, I am going out into the wood; and while I am gone, be on your guard against the wolf, for if he were once to get inside he would eat you up, skin, bones, and all. The wretch often disguises himself, but he may always be known by his hoarse voice and black paws.
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Tom Thumb There was once a poor countryman who used to sit in the chimney-corner all evening and poke the fire, while his wife sat at her spinning-wheel. And he used to say, How dull it is without any children about us; our house is so quiet, and other people's houses so noisy and merry! Yes, answered his wife, and sighed, if we could only have one, and that one ever so little, no bigger than my thumb, how happy I should be! It would, indeed, be having our heart's desire.
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