第 5 节
作者:蝎子王      更新:2021-02-19 00:39      字数:7444
  will throw down a wand from the tree; and if you strike them on the
  back with it; they will do me no harm。  Then she threw him a small
  wand; and he struck them with it; and instantly they lay still and
  were turned into stone。  And when the witch was safe from the
  animals; she leapt down and touched him also with a wand; and changed
  him to stone。  Thereupon she laughed; and dragged him and the animals
  into a vault; where many more such stones already lay。
  As the young king did not come back at all; the queen's anguish and
  care grew constantly greater。  And it so happened that at this very
  time the other brother who had turned to the east when they
  separated; came into the kingdom。  He had sought a situation; and had
  found none; and had then traveled about here and there; and had made
  his animals dance。  Then it came into his mind that he would just go
  and look at the knife that they had thrust in the trunk of a tree at
  their parting; that he might learn how his brother was。  When he got
  there his brother's side of the knife was half rusted; and half
  bright。  Then he was alarmed and thought; a great misfortune must
  have befallen my brother; but perhaps I can still save him; for half
  the knife is still bright。  He and his animals traveled towards the
  west; and when he entered the gate of the town; the guard came to
  meet him; and asked if he was to announce him to his consort the
  young queen; who had for a couple of days been in the greatest sorrow
  about his staying away; and was afraid he had been killed in the
  enchanted forest。
  The sentries; indeed; thought no otherwise than that he was the young
  king himself; for he looked so like him; and had wild animals running
  behind him。  Then he saw that they were speaking of his brother; and
  thought; it will be better if I pass myself off for him; and then I
  can rescue him more easily。  So he allowed himself to be escorted
  into the castle by the guard; and was received with the greatest joy。
  The young queen indeed thought that he was her husband; and asked him
  why he had stayed away so long。  He answered; I had lost myself in a
  forest; and could not find my way out again any sooner。  At night he
  was taken to the royal bed; but he laid a two…edged sword between him
  and the young queen; she did not know what that could mean; but did
  not venture to ask。
  He remained in the palace a couple of days; and in the meantime
  inquired into everything which related to the enchanted forest; and
  at last he said; I must hunt there once more。  The king and the young
  queen wanted to persuade him not to do it; but he stood out against
  them; and went forth with a larger following。  When he had got into
  the forest; it fared with him as with his brother; he saw a white
  hind and said to his men; stay here; and wait until I return; I want
  to chase the lovely wild beast; and then he rode into the forest and
  his animals ran after him。  But he could not overtake the hind; and
  got so deep into the forest that he was forced to pass the night
  there。  And when he had lighted a fire; he heard someone wailing
  above him; oh; oh; oh; how cold I am。
  Then he looked up; and the self…same witch was sitting in the tree。
  Said he; if you are cold; come down; little old mother; and warm
  yourself。  She answered; no; your animals will bite me。 But he said;
  they will not hurt you。  Then she cried; I will throw down a wand to
  you; and if you smite them with it they will do me no harm。  When the
  huntsman heard that; he had no confidence in the old woman; and said;
  I will not strike my animals。  Come down; or I will fetch you。  Then
  she cried; what do you want。  You shall not touch me。  But he
  replied; if you do not come; I will shoot you。  Said she; shoot away;
  I do not fear your bullets。
  Then he aimed; and fired at her; but the witch was proof against all
  leaden bullets; and laughed shrilly and cried; you shall not hit me。
  The huntsman knew what to do; tore three silver buttons off his coat;
  and loaded his gun with them; for against them her arts were useless;
  and when he fired she fell down at once with a scream。  Then he set
  his foot on her and said; old witch; if you do not instantly confess
  where my brother is; I will seize you with both my hands and throw
  you into the fire。  She was in a great fright; begged for mercy and
  said; he and his animals lie in a vault; turned to stone。  Then he
  compelled her to go thither with him; threatened her; and said; old
  sea…cat; now you shall make my brother and all the human beings lying
  here; alive again; or you shall go into the fire。  She took a wand
  and touched the stones; and then his brother with his animals came to
  life again; and many others; merchants; artisans; and shepherds;
  arose; thanked him for their deliverance; and went to their homes。
  But when the twin brothers saw each other again; they kissed each
  other and rejoiced with all their hearts。  Then they seized the
  witch; bound her and laid her on the fire; and when she was burnt the
  forest opened of its own accord; and was light and clear; and the
  king's palace could be seen at about the distance of a three hours;
  walk。
  Thereupon the two brothers went home together; and on the way told
  each other their histories。  And when the younger said that he was
  ruler of the whole country in the king's stead; the other observed;
  that I remarked very well; for when I came to the town; and was taken
  for you; all royal honors were paid me; the young queen looked on me
  as her husband; and I had to eat at her side; and sleep in your bed。
  When the other heard that; he became so jealous and angry that he
  drew his sword; and struck off his brother's head。  But when he saw
  him lying there dead; and saw his red blood flowing; he repented most
  violently; my brother delivered me; cried he; and I have killed him
  for it; and he bewailed him aloud。  Then his hare came and offered to
  go and bring some of the root of life; and bounded away and brought
  it while yet there was time; and the dead man was brought to life
  again; and knew nothing about the wound。
  After this they journeyed onwards; and the younger said; you look
  like me; you have royal apparel on as I have; and the animals follow
  you as they do me; we will go in by opposite gates; and arrive at the
  same time from the two sides in the aged king's presence。  So they
  separated; and at the same time came the watchmen from the one door
  and from the other; and announced that the young king and the animals
  had returned from the chase。
  The king said; it is not possible; the gates lie quite a mile apart。
  In the meantime; however; the two brothers entered the courtyard of
  the palace from opposite sides; and both mounted the steps。 Then the
  king said to the daughter; say which is your husband。
  Each of them looks exactly like the other; I cannot tell。  Then she
  was in great distress; and could not tell; but at last she remembered
  the necklace which she had given to the animals; and she sought for
  and found her little golden clasp on the lion; and she cried in her
  delight; he who is followed by this lion is my true husband。  Then
  the young king laughed and said; yes; he is the right one; and they
  sat down together to table; and ate and drank; and were merry。  At
  night when the young king went to bed; his wife said; why have you
  for these last nights always laid a two…edged sword in our bed。  I
  thought you had a wish to kill me。  Then he knew how true his brother
  had been。