THE KING’S PALACE.
Every day Hans used to see a beautiful princess drive past the blacksmith’s shop. She was the most beautiful princess in the world; and, although her blue eyes and golden hair were admired by everyone, she was chiefly beloved because of her sweet smile.
Hans used often to say to himself, “How I wish I could serve this lovely princess.” At last one day he went to the palace gate and asked the gate-keeper if there was not some work in the palace which he could do. “What can you do?” asked the gate-keeper. “I am willing to do any kind of work which the king may need to have done,” answered Hans.
Then the gate-keeper passed him on to the keeper of the king’s palace. “What can you do?” asked the keeper of the king’s palace, also. “I am willing to do any kind of work which the king may need to have done,” replied Hans. So the keeper of the palace told the king that there was a strong, tall young man without who wanted to serve him.
When Hans came into the presence of the mighty king, the monarch looked at him very hard for a few moments and then said, “What can you do, young man?” And again Hans replied, “I am willing to do anything that you need to have done. I would like to serve the lovely princess.” “You would, would you?” cried the king. “Now, I will test you. In the bottom of the North Sea there lies a string of enchanted pearls. If you will get those pearls and bring them to me, you shall serve my daughter, the princess, and in time I may make you governor over one of my provinces,—who knows?” And the king laughed to himself. Hans was wild with delight and, turning, hastened out of the palace.
Suggestions.
1. Question to deepen and connect the story.
Reproduction.
2. Talk of sea and the North Sea; of pearls.
3. Hans’ ability to do hard work. The value of being able to work. Courageous disposition.
V.
Preparation.
Hans starts on his journey and meets a giant, who helps him on his way.
Talk of possible ways in which Hans may journey.
Narration.