“‘Why were they so cruel to him? Why were they allowed to be so cruel to him?’
“Her grandmother was almost frightened at her overwhelming sorrow.
“‘Say, grandmother, say that you have not told it right! Say that it did not end so! Say that they were not so cruel to the good King! Say that he got a kingdom on earth!’
“She threw her arms around the old woman and beseeched her with streaming tears.
“‘Child, child,’ said her grandmother, to console her. ‘There are some who believe that he will come again. Then he will put the earth under his power and direct it. The beautiful earth will be a glorious kingdom. It shall last a thousand years. Then the fierce animals will be gentle; little children will play by the viper’s nest, and bears and cows will eat together. No one shall injure or destroy the other; the lance shall be bent into scythes, and the sword forged into ploughs. And everything shall be play and happiness, for the good will possess the earth.’
“Then the little one’s face brightened behind her tears.
“‘Will the good King then get a throne, grandmother?’
“‘A throne of gold.’
“‘And servants, and courtiers, and a golden crown?’