I
The mother of Hans said, “Whither away, Hans?”
Hans answered, “To Grethel.”
“Behave well, Hans.”
“Oh, I’ll behave well. Good-bye, Mother.”
“Good-bye, Hans.”
Hans comes to Grethel. “Good day, Grethel.”
“Good day, Hans. What do you bring that is good?”
“I bring nothing, I want to have something given me.”
Grethel presents Hans with a needle.
Hans says, “Good-bye, Grethel.”
“Good-bye, Hans.”
Hans takes the needle, sticks it into a hay-cart, and follows the cart home. “Good evening, Mother.”
“Good evening, Hans. Where have you been?”
“With Grethel.”
“What did you take her?”
“Took nothing; had something given me.”
“What did Grethel give you?”
“Where is the needle, Hans?”
“Stuck in the hay-cart.”
“That was ill done, Hans. You should have stuck the needle in your sleeve.”
“Never mind, I’ll do better next time.”