“Where my eyes lead me.”
So they gave him their blessing, and let him go whithersoever it pleased him.[473]
Well, the youth went out upon the highway, began to weep very bitterly, and said to himself as he walked:
“Was I born into the world worse than all other men, that not a single girl is willing to marry me? Methinks if the devil himself would give me a bride, I’d take even her!”
Suddenly, as if rising from the earth, there appeared before him a very old man.
“Good-day, good youth!”
“Good-day, old man!”
“What was that you were saying just now?”
The youth was frightened and did not know what reply to make.
“Don’t be afraid of me! I sha’n’t do you any harm, and moreover, perhaps I may get you out of your trouble. Speak boldly!”