Charlemagne and the
Charcoal-burner
CHARLEMAGNE AND THE CHARCOAL-BURNER
Once the noble Charlemagne, King of the Franks, was riding across a lonely moor with some of his courtiers, when they were overtaken by a terrific storm. It became so dark that the party lost sight of one another, and the King found himself alone in the tempest of wind and rain. As he struggled on he met a poor man leading a horse with two great baskets upon its back.
"What is your name, friend?" enquired Charlemagne.
"I am Ralph, the charcoal-burner," replied the man.
"Can you tell me where I can find shelter for my horse and myself?" asked the King.
"If you care to come with me to my cottage you will be very welcome," answered Ralph.
The King was only too glad to accompany the man to his house in the forest. When they reached the door the charcoal-burner called to his wife to hasten to let them in. Ralph stood aside for his companion to pass in first, but Charlemagne hung back behind. Seeing this the man took him by the neck and pushed him in the house, saying, "It is only right that my guest should enter first."