“I have,” said the merchant; “and I thought I was lost forever.”
“And so did I when thou wert pointing thy gun at me.”
The eagle flew with the merchant beyond the sea, straight to the copper kingdom. “Behold, my eldest sister lives here!” said the eagle. “When we shall be guests with her, and she brings presents, take nothing, but ask for the copper casket.” The eagle said this, struck the damp earth, turned into a gallant hero.
They went through the broad court. The sister saw him, and was delighted. “Oh, my own brother, how has God brought thee? I have not seen thee for three years and more; I thought thou wert lost forever. How can I entertain thee? How can I feast thee?”
“Entertain not me, my dear sister, I am at home in thy house; but entreat and entertain this good hero. He gave me meat and drink for three years,—did not let me die of hunger.”
She seated them at the oaken table, at the spread cloth; she feasted and entertained them, then led them to her treasure-chambers, showed treasures incalculable, and said to the merchant: “Good hero, here are gold, silver, and precious stones; take what thy soul desires.”
The merchant gave answer: “I need neither gold, silver, nor precious stones. Give me the copper casket.”
“Thou’lt not get it; that is not the boot for thy foot.”
The brother was angry at his sister’s words; he turned into an eagle,—a swift bird,—caught the merchant, and flew away.
“Oh, my own brother, come back!” cried the sister. “I’ll not stand for the casket.”