Snow Queen HCA

7/31/2019 Snow Queen HCA

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/snow-queen-hca 1/19

FIRSTSTORY.WhichTreatsofaMirrorandoftheSplinters

Nowthen,letusbegin.Whenweareattheendofthestory,weshallknowmorethanweknownow:buttobegin.

Onceuponatimetherewasawickedsprite,indeedhewasthemostmischievousofallsprites.Onedayhewasinaverygoodhumor,forhehadmadeamirrorwiththepowerofcausingallthatwasgoodandbeautifulwhenitwasreflectedtherein,tolookpoorandmean;butthatwhichwasgood-for-nothingandlookeduglywasshownmagnifiedandincreasedinugliness.Inthismirrorthemostbeautifullandscapeslookedlikeboiledspinach,andthebestpersonswereturnedintofrights,orappearedtostandontheirheads;theirfacesweresodistortedthattheywerenottoberecognised;andifanyonehadamole,youmightbesurethatitwouldbemagnifiedandspreadoverbothnoseandmouth.

"That'sgloriousfun!"saidthesprite.Ifagoodthoughtpassedthroughaman'smind,thenagrinwasseeninthemirror,andthespritelaughedheartilyathiscleverdiscovery.Allthelittlespriteswhowenttohisschool--forhekeptaspriteschool--toldeachotherthatamiraclehadhappened;andthatnowonly,astheythought,itwouldbepossibletoseehowtheworldreallylooked.Theyranaboutwiththemirror;andatlasttherewasnotalandorapersonwhowasnotrepresenteddistortedinthemirror.Sothentheythoughttheywouldflyuptothesky,andhaveajokethere.Thehighertheyflewwiththemirror,themoreterriblyitgrinned:theycouldhardlyholditfast.Higherandhigherstillth

eyflew,nearerandnearertothestars,whensuddenlythemirrorshooksoterriblywithgrinning,thatitflewoutoftheirhandsandfelltotheearth,whereitwasdashedinahundredmillionandmorepieces.Andnowitworkedmuchmoreevilthanbefore;forsomeofthesepieceswerehardlysolargeasagrainofsand,andtheyflewaboutinthewideworld,andwhentheygotintopeople'seyes,theretheystayed;andthenpeoplesaweverythingperverted,oronlyhadaneyeforthatwhichwasevil.Thishappenedbecausetheverysmallestbithadthesamepowerwhichthewholemirrorhadpossessed.Somepersonsevengotasplinterintheirheart,andthenitmadeoneshudder,fortheirheartbecamelikealumpofice.Someofthebrokenpiecesweresolargethattheywereusedforwindowpanes,throughwhichonecouldnotseeone'sfriends.Otherpieceswereputinspectacles;andthatwasasadaffairwhenpeopleputontheirglassestoseewellandrightly.Thenthewickedspritelaughedtillhealmostchoked,forallthis

tickledhisfancy.Thefinesplintersstillflewaboutintheair:andnowweshallhearwhathappenednext.

SECONDSTORY.ALittleBoyandaLittleGirl

Inalargetown,wheretherearesomanyhouses,andsomanypeople,thatthereisnoroofleftforeverybodytohavealittlegarden;andwhere,onthisaccount,most.personsareobligedtocontentthemselveswithflowersinpots;therelivedtwolittlechildren,whohadagardensomewhatlargerthanaflower-pot.Theywerenotbrotherandsister;buttheycaredforeachotherasmuchasiftheywere.Theirparentslivedexactlyopposite.Theyinhabitedtwogarrets;andwheretheroofoftheonehousejoinedthatoftheother,andthegutterranalongtheextremeendofit,therewastoeachhouseasmallwindow:oneneededonlyt

ostepovertheguttertogetfromonewindowtotheother.

Thechildren'sparentshadlargewoodenboxesthere,inwhichvegetablesforthekitchenwereplanted,andlittlerosetreesbesides:therewasaroseineachbox,andtheygrewsplendidly.Theynowthoughtofplacingtheboxesacrossthegutter,sothattheynearlyreachedfromonewindowtotheother,andlookedjustliketwowallsofflowers.Thetendrilsofthepeashungdownovertheboxes;andtherose-treesshotuplongbranches,twinedroundthewindows,andthenbenttowardseachother:itwasalmostlikeatriumphantarchoffoliageandflowers.Theboxeswereveryhigh,andthechildrenknewthattheymustnotcreepovert



hem;sotheyoftenobtainedpermissiontogetoutofthewindowstoeachother,andtositontheirlittlestoolsamongtheroses,wheretheycouldplaydelightfully.Inwintertherewasanendofthispleasure.Thewindowswereoftenfrozenover;butthentheyheatedcopperfarthingsonthestove,andlaidthehotfarthingonthewindowpane,andthentheyhadacapitalpeep-hole,quitenicelyrounded;andoutofeachpeepedagentlefriendlyeye--itwasthelittleboyandthelittlegirlwhowerelookingout.HisnamewasKay,herswasGerda.Insummer,withonejump,theycouldgettoeachother;butinwintertheywereobligedfirsttogodownthelongstairs,andthenupthelongstairsagain:andout-of-doorstherewasquiteasnow-storm.

"Itisthewhitebeesthatareswarming,"saidKay'soldgrandmother.

"Dothewhitebeeschooseaqueen?"askedthelittleboy;forheknewthatthehoney-beesalwayshaveone.

"Yes,"saidthegrandmother,"sheflieswheretheswarmhangsinthethickestclusters.Sheisthelargestofall;andshecanneverremainquietlyontheearth,butgoesupagainintotheblackclouds.Manyawinter'snightshefliesthroughthestreetsofthetown,andpeepsinatthewindows;andtheythenfreezeinsowondrousamannerthattheylooklikeflowers."

"Yes,Ihaveseenit,"saidboththechildren;andsotheyknewthatitwastrue.

"CantheSnowQueencomein?"saidthelittlegirl.

"Onlylethercomein!"saidthelittleboy."ThenI'dputheronthestove,andshe'dmelt."

Andthenhisgrandmotherpattedhisheadandtoldhimotherstories.

Intheevening,whenlittleKaywasathome,andhalfundressed,heclimbeduponthechairbythewindow,andpeepedoutofthelittlehole.Afewsnow-flakeswerefalling,andone,thelargestofall,remainedlyingontheedgeofaflower-pot.

Theflakeofsnowgrewlargerandlarger;andatlastitwaslikeayounglady,dressedinthefinestwhitegauze,madeofamillionlittleflakeslikestars.Shewassobeautifulanddelicate,butshewasofice,ofdazzling,sparklingice;yetshelived;hereyesgazedfixedly,liketwostars;buttherewasneitherquietnorreposeinthem.Shenoddedtowardsthewindow,andbeckonedwithherhand.Thelittleboywasfrightened,andjumpeddownfromthechair;itseemedtohimasif,atthesamemoment,alargebirdflewpastthewindow.

Thenextdayitwasasharpfrost--andthenthespringcame;thesunshone,thegreenleavesappeared,theswallowsbuilttheirnests,thewindowswereopened,andthelittlechildrenagainsatintheirprettygarden,highupontheleadsatthetopofthehouse.

Thatsummertherosesfloweredinunwontedbeauty.Thelittlegirlhadlearnedahymn,inwhichtherewassomethingaboutroses;andthenshethoughtofherownflowers;andshesangtheversetothelittleboy,whothensangitwithher:

"Theroseinthevalleyisbloomingsosweet,Andangelsdescendtherethechildrentogreet."

Andthechildrenheldeachotherbythehand,kissedtheroses,lookedupattheclearsunshine,andspokeasthoughtheyreallysawangelsthere.Whatlovelysummer-daysthosewere!Howdelightfultobeoutintheair,nearthefreshrose-



bushes,thatseemasiftheywouldneverfinishblossoming!

KayandGerdalookedatthepicture-bookfullofbeastsandofbirds;anditwasthen--theclockinthechurch-towerwasjuststrikingfive--thatKaysaid,"Oh!Ifeelsuchasharppaininmyheart;andnowsomethinghasgotintomyeye!"

Thelittlegirlputherarmsaroundhisneck.Hewinkedhiseves;nowtherewasnothingtobeseen.

"Ithinkitisoutnow,"saidhe;butitwasnot.Itwasjustoneofthosepiecesofglassfromthemagicmirrorthathadgotintohiseye;andpoorKayhadgotanotherpiecerightinhisheart.Itwillsoonbecomelikeice.Itdidnothurtanylonger,butthereitwas.

"Whatareyoucryingfor?"askedhe."Youlooksougly!There'snothingthematterwithme.Ah,"saidheatonce,"thatroseiscankered!Andlook,thisoneisquitecrooked!Afterall,theserosesareveryugly!Theyarejustliketheboxtheyareplantedin!"Andthenhegavetheboxagoodkickwithhisfoot,andpulledboththerosesup.

"Whatareyoudoing?"criedthelittlegirl;andasheperceivedherfright,hepulledupanotherrose,gotinatthewindow,andhastenedofffromdearlittleGerda.

Afterwards,whenshebroughtherpicture-book,heasked,"Whathorridbeastshaveyouthere?"Andifhisgrandmothertoldthemstories,healwaysinterruptedher;besides,ifhecouldmanageit,hewouldgetbehindher,putonherspectacles,andimitateherwayofspeaking;hecopiedallherways,andtheneverybodylaughedathim.Hewassoonabletoimitatethegaitandmannerofeveryoneinthestreet.Everythingthatwaspeculiaranddispleasinginthem--thatKayknewhowtoimitate:andatsuchtimesallthepeoplesaid,"Theboyiscertainlyveryclever!"Butitwastheglasshehadgotinhiseye;theglassthatwasstickinginhisheart,whichmadehimteaseevenlittleGerda,whosewholesoulwasdevotedtohim.

Hisgamesnowwerequitedifferenttowhattheyhadformerlybeen,theyweresoveryknowing.Onewinter'sday,whentheflakesofsnowwereflyingabout,hesp

readtheskirtsofhisbluecoat,andcaughtthesnowasitfell.

"Lookthroughthisglass,Gerda,"saidhe.Andeveryflakeseemedlarger,andappearedlikeamagnificentflower,orbeautifulstar;itwassplendidtolookat!

"Look,howclever!"saidKay."That'smuchmoreinterestingthanrealflowers!Theyareasexactaspossible;thereinotafaultinthem,iftheydidnotmelt!"

Itwasnotlongafterthis,thatKaycameonedaywithlargegloveson,andhislittlesledgeathisback,andbawledrightintoGerda'sears,"Ihavepermissiontogooutintothesquarewheretheothersareplaying";andoffhewasinamoment.

There,inthemarket-place,someoftheboldestoftheboysusedtotietheirsledgestothecartsastheypassedby,andsotheywerepulledalong,andgotagoodride.Itwassocapital!Justastheywereintheveryheightoftheiramusement,alargesledgepassedby:itwaspaintedquitewhite,andtherewassomeoneinitwrappedupinaroughwhitemantleoffur,witharoughwhitefurcaponhishead.Thesledgedroveroundthesquaretwice,andKaytiedonhissledgeasquicklyashecould,andoffhedrovewithit.Ontheywentquickerandquickerintothenextstreet;andthepersonwhodroveturnedroundtoKay,andnoddedtohiminafriendlymanner,justasiftheykneweachother.Everytimehewas



goingtountiehissledge,thepersonnoddedtohim,andthenKaysatquiet;andsoontheywenttilltheycameoutsidethegatesofthetown.Thenthesnowbegantofallsothicklythatthelittleboycouldnotseeanarm'slengthbeforehim,butstillonhewent:whensuddenlyheletgothestringheheldinhishandinordertogetloosefromthesledge,butitwasofnouse;stillthelittlevehiclerushedonwiththequicknessofthewind.Hethencriedasloudashecould,butnoonebeardhim;thesnowdriftedandthesledgeflewon,andsometimesitgaveajerkasthoughtheyweredrivingoverhedgesandditches.Hewasquitefrightened,andhetriedtorepeattheLord'sPrayer;butallhecoulddo,hewasonlyabletorememberthemultiplicationtable.

Thesnow-flakesgrewlargerandlarger,tillatlasttheylookedjustlikegreatwhitefowls.Suddenlytheyflewononeside;thelargesledgestopped,andthepersonwhodroveroseup.Itwasalady;hercloakandcapwereofsnow.Shewastallandofslenderfigure,andofadazzlingwhiteness.ItwastheSnowQueen.

"Wehavetravelledfast,"saidshe;"butitisfreezinglycold.Comeundermybearskin."Andsheputhiminthesledgebesideher,wrappedthefurroundhim,andhefeltasthoughheweresinkinginasnow-wreath.

"Areyoustillcold?"askedshe;andthenshekissedhisforehead.Ah!itwascolderthanice;itpenetratedtohisveryheart,whichwasalreadyalmostafrozenlump;itseemedtohimasifhewereabouttodie--butamomentmoreanditwasquitecongenialtohim,andhedidnotremarkthecoldthatwasaroundhim.

"Mysledge!Donotforgetmysledge!"Itwasthefirstthinghethoughtof.Itwastheretiedtooneofthewhitechickens,whoflewalongwithitonhisbackbehindthelargesledge.TheSnowQueenkissedKayoncemore,andthenheforgotlittleGerda,grandmother,andallwhomhehadleftathishome.

"Nowyouwillhavenomorekisses,"saidshe,"orelseIshouldkissyoutodeath!"

Kaylookedather.Shewasverybeautiful;amoreclever,oramorelovelycountenancehecouldnotfancytohimself;andshenolongerappearedoficeasbefore,whenshesatoutsidethewindow,andbeckonedtohim;inhiseyesshewasperfect,hedidnotfearheratall,andtoldherthathecouldcalculateinhishe

adandwithfractions,even;thatheknewthenumberofsquaremilestherewereinthedifferentcountries,andhowmanyinhabitantstheycontained;andshesmiledwhilehespoke.Itthenseemedtohimasifwhatheknewwasnotenough,andhelookedupwardsinthelargehugeemptyspaceabovehim,andonsheflewwithhim;flewhighover,theblackclouds,whilethestormmoanedandwhistledasthoughitweresingingsomeoldtune.Ontheyflewoverwoodsandlakes,overseas,andmanylands;andbeneaththemthechillingstormrushedfast,thewolveshowled,thesnowcrackled;abovethemflewlargescreamingcrows,buthigherupappearedthemoon,quitelargeandbright;anditwasonitthatKaygazedduringthelonglongwinter'snight;whilebydayhesleptatthefeetoftheSnowQueen.

THIRDSTORY.OftheFlower-GardenAttheOldWoman'sWhoUnderstoodWitchcraft

ButwhatbecameoflittleGerdawhenKaydidnotreturn?Wherecouldhebe?Nobodyknew;nobodycouldgiveanyintelligence.Alltheboysknewwas,thattheyhadseenhimtiehissledgetoanotherlargeandsplendidone,whichdrovedownthestreetandoutofthetown.Nobodyknewwherehewas;manysadtearswereshed,andlittleGerdaweptlongandbitterly;atlastshesaidhemustbedead;thathehadbeendrownedintheriverwhichflowedclosetothetown.Oh!thosewereverylonganddismalwinterevenings!

Atlastspringcame,withitswarmsunshine.



"Kayisdeadandgone!"saidlittleGerda.

"ThatIdon'tbelieve,"saidtheSunshine.

"Kayisdeadandgone!"saidshetotheSwallows.

"ThatIdon'tbelieve,"saidthey:andatlastlittleGerdadidnotthinksoanylongereither.

"I'llputonmyredshoes,"saidshe,onemorning;"Kayhasneverseenthem,andthenI'llgodowntotheriverandaskthere."

Itwasquiteearly;shekissedheroldgrandmother,whowasstillasleep,putonherredshoes,andwentalonetotheriver.

"Isittruethatyouhavetakenmylittleplayfellow?Iwillmakeyouapresentofmyredshoes,ifyouwillgivehimbacktome."

And,asitseemedtoher,thebluewavesnoddedinastrangemanner;thenshetookoffherredshoes,themostpreciousthingsshepossessed,andthrewthembothintotheriver.Buttheyfellclosetothebank,andthelittlewavesborethemimmediatelytoland;itwasasifthestreamwouldnottakewhatwasdearesttoher;forinrealityithadnotgotlittle,Kay;butGerdathoughtthatshehad

notthrowntheshoesoutfarenough,sosheclamberedintoaboatwhichlayamongtherushes,wenttothefarthestend,andthrewouttheshoes.Buttheboatwasnotfastened,andthemotionwhichsheoccasioned,madeitdriftfromtheshore.Sheobservedthis,andhastenedtogetback;butbeforeshecoulddoso,theboatwasmorethanayardfromtheland,andwasglidingquicklyonward.

LittleGerdawasveryfrightened,andbegantocry;butnooneheardherexceptthesparrows,andtheycouldnotcarryhertoland;buttheyflewalongthebank,andsangasiftocomforther,"Hereweare!Hereweare!"Theboatdriftedwiththestream,littleGerdasatquitestillwithoutshoes,fortheywereswimmingbehindtheboat,butshecouldnotreachthem,becausetheboatwentmuchfasterthantheydid.

Thebanksonbothsideswerebeautiful;lovelyflowers,venerabletrees,andslopeswithsheepandcows,butnotahumanbeingwastobeseen.

"PerhapstheriverwillcarrymetolittleKay,"saidshe;andthenshegrewlesssad.Sherose,andlookedformanyhoursatthebeautifulgreenbanks.Presentlyshesailedbyalargecherry-orchard,wherewasalittlecottagewithcuriousredandbluewindows;itwasthatched,andbeforeittwowoodensoldiersstoodsentry,andpresentedarmswhenanyonewentpast.

Gerdacalledtothem,forshethoughttheywerealive;butthey,ofcourse,didnotanswer.Shecameclosetothem,forthestreamdriftedtheboatquiteneartheland.

Gerdacalledstilllouder,andanoldwomanthencameoutofthecottage,leaninguponacrookedstick.Shehadalargebroad-brimmedhaton,paintedwiththemostsplendidflowers.

"Poorlittlechild!"saidtheoldwoman."Howdidyougetuponthelargerapidriver,tobedrivenaboutsointhewideworld!"Andthentheoldwomanwentintothewater,caughtholdoftheboatwithhercrookedstick,drewittothebank,andliftedlittleGerdaout.

AndGerdawassogladtobeondrylandagain;butshewasratherafraidofthe



strangeoldwoman.

"Butcomeandtellmewhoyouare,andhowyoucamehere,"saidshe.

AndGerdatoldherall;andtheoldwomanshookherheadandsaid,"A-hem!a-hem!"andwhenGerdahadtoldhereverything,andaskedherifshehadnotseenlittleKay,thewomanansweredthathehadnotpassedthere,buthenodoubtwouldcome;andshetoldhernottobecastdown,buttastehercherries,andlookatherflowers,whichwerefinerthananyinapicture-book,eachofwhichcouldtellawholestory.ShethentookGerdabythehand,ledherintothelittlecottage,andlockedthedoor.

Thewindowswereveryhighup;theglasswasred,blue,andgreen,andthesunlightshonethroughquitewondrouslyinallsortsofcolors.Onthetablestoodthemostexquisitecherries,andGerdaateasmanyasshechose,forshehadpermissiontodoso.Whileshewaseating,theoldwomancombedherhairwithagoldencomb,andherhaircurledandshonewithalovelygoldencoloraroundthatsweetlittleface,whichwassoroundandsolikearose.

"Ihaveoftenlongedforsuchadearlittlegirl,"saidtheoldwoman."Nowyoushallseehowwellweagreetogether";andwhileshecombedlittleGerda'shair,thechildforgotherfoster-brotherKaymoreandmore,fortheoldwomanunderstoodmagic;butshewasnoevilbeing,sheonlypractisedwitchcraftalittleforherownprivateamusement,andnowshewantedverymuchtokeeplittleGerda.

Shethereforewentoutinthegarden,stretchedout.hercrookedsticktowardstherose-bushes,which,beautifullyastheywereblowing,allsankintotheearthandnoonecouldtellwheretheyhadstood.TheoldwomanfearedthatifGerdashouldseetheroses,shewouldthenthinkofherown,wouldrememberlittleKay,andrunawayfromher.

ShenowledGerdaintotheflower-garden.Oh,whatodourandwhatlovelinesswasthere!Everyflowerthatonecouldthinkof,andofeveryseason,stoodthereinfullestbloom;nopicture-bookcouldbegayerormorebeautiful.Gerdajumpedforjoy,andplayedtillthesunsetbehindthetallcherry-tree;shethenhadaprettybed,witharedsilkencoverletfilledwithblueviolets.Shefellasleep,andhadaspleasantdreamsaseveraqueenonherwedding-day.

Thenextmorningshewenttoplaywiththeflowersinthewarmsunshine,andthuspassedawayaday.Gerdakneweveryflower;and,numerousastheywere,itstillseemedtoGerdathatonewaswanting,thoughshedidnotknowwhich.Onedaywhileshewaslookingatthehatoftheoldwomanpaintedwithflowers,themostbeautifulofthemallseemedtohertobearose.Theoldwomanhadforgottentotakeitfromherhatwhenshemadetheothersvanishintheearth.Butsoitiswhenone'sthoughtsarenotcollected."What!"saidGerda."Aretherenoroseshere?"andsheranaboutamongsttheflowerbeds,andlooked,andlooked,buttherewasnotonetobefound.Shethensatdownandwept;butherhottearsfelljustwherearose-bushhadsunk;andwhenherwarmtearswateredtheground,thetreeshotupsuddenlyasfreshandbloomingaswhenithadbeenswallowedup.Gerdakissedtheroses,thoughtofherowndearrosesathome,andwiththemoflittleKay.

"Oh,howlongIhavestayed!"saidthelittlegirl."IintendedtolookforKay!Don'tyouknowwhereheis?"sheaskedoftheroses."Doyouthinkheisdeadandgone?"

"Deadhecertainlyisnot,"saidtheRoses."Wehavebeenintheearthwhereallthedeadare,butKaywasnotthere."

"Manythanks!"saidlittleGerda;andshewenttotheotherflowers,lookedintotheircups,andasked,"Don'tyouknowwherelittleKayis?"



Buteveryflowerstoodinthesunshine,anddreameditsownfairytaleoritsownstory:andtheyalltoldherverymanythings,butnotoneknewanythingofKay.

Well,whatdidtheTiger-Lilysay?

"Hearestthounotthedrum?Bum!Bum!Thosearetheonlytwotones.Alwaysbum!Bum!Harktotheplaintivesongoftheoldwoman,tothecallofthepriests!TheHindoowomaninherlongrobestandsuponthefuneralpile;theflamesrisearoundherandherdeadhusband,buttheHindoowomanthinksonthelivingoneinthesurroundingcircle;onhimwhoseeyesburnhotterthantheflames--onhim,thefireofwhoseeyespiercesherheartmorethantheflameswhichsoonwillburnherbodytoashes.Cantheheart'sflamedieintheflameofthefuneralpile?"

"Idon'tunderstandthatatall,"saidlittleGerda.

"Thatismystory,"saidtheLily.

WhatdidtheConvolvulussay?

"Projectingoveranarrowmountain-paththerehangsanoldfeudalcastle.Thickevergreensgrowonthedilapidatedwalls,andaroundthealtar,wherealovelym

aidenisstanding:shebendsovertherailingandlooksoutupontherose.Nofresherrosehangsonthebranchesthanshe;noappleblossomcarriedawaybythewindismorebuoyant!Howhersilkenrobeisrustling!

"'Ishenotyetcome?'"

"IsitKaythatyoumean?"askedlittleGerda.

"Iamspeakingaboutmystory--aboutmydream,"answeredtheConvolvulus.

WhatdidtheSnowdropssay?

"Betweenthetreesalongboardishanging--itisaswing.Twolittlegirlsare

sittinginit,andswingthemselvesbackwardsandforwards;theirfrocksareaswhiteassnow,andlonggreensilkribandsflutterfromtheirbonnets.Theirbrother,whoisolderthantheyare,standsupintheswing;hetwineshisarmsroundthecordstoholdhimselffast,forinonehandhehasalittlecup,andintheotheraclay-pipe.Heisblowingsoap-bubbles.Theswingmoves,andthebubblesfloatincharmingchangingcolors:thelastisstillhangingtotheendofthepipe,androcksinthebreeze.Theswingmoves.Thelittleblackdog,aslightasasoap-bubble,jumpsuponhishindlegstotrytogetintotheswing.Itmoves,thedogfallsdown,barks,andisangry.Theyteasehim;thebubblebursts!Aswing,aburstingbubble--suchismysong!"

"Whatyourelatemaybeverypretty,butyoutellitinsomelancholyamanner,anddonotmentionKay."

WhatdotheHyacinthssay?

"Therewereonceuponatimethreesisters,quitetransparent,andverybeautiful.Therobeoftheonewasred,thatofthesecondblue,andthatofthethirdwhite.Theydancedhandinhandbesidethecalmlakeintheclearmoonshine.Theywerenotelfinmaidens,butmortalchildren.Asweetfragrancewassmelt,andthemaidensvanishedinthewood;thefragrancegrewstronger--threecoffins,andinthemthreelovelymaidens,glidedoutoftheforestandacrossthelake:theshiningglow-wormsflewaroundlikelittlefloatinglights.Dothedancingmaid





draw:thelongwillow-leaveswerequiteyellow,andthefogdrippedfromthemlikewater;oneleaffellaftertheother:thesloesonlystoodfulloffruit,whichsetone'steethonedge.Oh,howdarkandcomfortlessitwasinthedrearyworld!

FOURTHSTORY.ThePrinceandPrincess

Gerdawasobligedtorestherselfagain,when,exactlyoppositetoher,alargeRavencamehoppingoverthewhitesnow.HehadlongbeenlookingatGerdaandshakinghishead;andnowhesaid,"Caw!Caw!"Goodday!Goodday!Hecouldnotsayitbetter;buthefeltasympathyforthelittlegirl,andaskedherwhereshewasgoingallalone.Theword"alone"Gerdaunderstoodquitewell,andfelthowmuchwasexpressedbyit;soshetoldtheRavenherwholehistory,andaskedifhehadnotseenKay.

TheRavennoddedverygravely,andsaid,"Itmaybe--itmaybe!"

"What,doyoureallythinkso?"criedthelittlegirl;andshenearlysqueezedtheRaventodeath,somuchdidshekisshim.

"Gently,gently,"saidtheRaven."IthinkIknow;IthinkthatitmaybelittleKay.ButnowhehasforgottenyouforthePrincess."

"DoeshelivewithaPrincess?"askedGerda.

"Yes--listen,"saidtheRaven;"butitwillbedifficultformetospeakyourlanguage.IfyouunderstandtheRavenlanguageIcantellyoubetter."

"No,Ihavenotlearntit,"saidGerda;"butmygrandmotherunderstandsit,andshecanspeakgibberishtoo.IwishIhadlearntit."

"Nomatter,"saidtheRaven;"IwilltellyouaswellasIcan;however,itwillbebadenough."Andthenhetoldallheknew.

"InthekingdomwherewenowaretherelivesaPrincess,whoisextraordinarilyclever;forshehasreadallthenewspapersinthewholeworld,andhasforgottenthemagain--socleverisshe.Shewaslately,itissaid,sittingonherthron

e--whichisnotveryamusingafterall--whenshebeganhumminganoldtune,anditwasjust,'Oh,whyshouldInotbemarried?'"Thatsongisnotwithoutitsmeaning,'saidshe,andsothenshewasdeterminedtomarry;butshewouldhaveahusbandwhoknewhowtogiveananswerwhenhewasspokento--notonewholookedonlyasifhewereagreatpersonage,forthatissotiresome.Shethenhadalltheladiesofthecourtdrummedtogether;andwhentheyheardherintention,allwereverypleased,andsaid,'Weareverygladtohearit;itistheverythingwewerethinkingof.'YoumaybelieveeverywordIsay,saidtheRaven;"forIhaveatamesweetheartthathopsaboutinthepalacequitefree,anditwasshewhotoldmeallthis.

"ThenewspapersappearedforthwithwithaborderofheartsandtheinitialsofthePrincess;andthereinyoumightreadthateverygood-lookingyoungmanwasat

libertytocometothepalaceandspeaktothePrincess;andhewhospokeinsuchwiseasshowedhefelthimselfathomethere,thatonethePrincesswouldchooseforherhusband.

"Yes,Yes,"saidtheRaven,"youmaybelieveit;itisastrueasIamsittinghere.Peoplecameincrowds;therewasacrushandahurry,butnoonewassuccessfuleitheronthefirstorsecondday.Theycouldalltalkwellenoughwhentheywereoutinthestreet;butassoonastheycameinsidethepalacegates,andsawtheguardrichlydressedinsilver,andthelackeysingoldonthestaircase,andthelargeilluminatedsaloons,thentheywereabashed;andwhentheystood



beforethethroneonwhichthePrincesswassitting,alltheycoulddowastorepeatthelastwordtheyhaduttered,andtohearitagaindidnotinterestherverymuch.Itwasjustasifthepeoplewithinwereunderacharm,andhadfallenintoatrancetilltheycameoutagainintothestreet;forthen--oh,then--theycouldchatterenough.Therewasawholerowofthemstandingfromthetown-gatestothepalace.Iwastheremyselftolook,"saidtheRaven."Theygrewhungryandthirsty;butfromthepalacetheygotnothingwhatever,notevenaglassofwater.Someofthecleverest,itistrue,hadtakenbreadandbutterwiththem:butnoneshareditwithhisneighbor,foreachthought,'Lethimlookhungry,andthenthePrincesswon'thavehim."'

"ButKay--littleKay,"saidGerda,"whendidhecome?Washeamongthenumber?"

"Patience,patience;wearejustcometohim.Itwasonthethirddaywhenalittlepersonagewithouthorseorequipage,camemarchingrightboldlyuptothepalace;hiseyesshonelikeyours,hehadbeautifullonghair,buthisclotheswereveryshabby."

"ThatwasKay,"criedGerda,withavoiceofdelight."Oh,nowI'vefoundhim!"andsheclappedherhandsforjoy.

"Hehadalittleknapsackathisback,"saidtheRaven.

"No,thatwascertainlyhissledge,"saidGerda;"forwhenhewentawayhetook

hissledgewithhim."

"Thatmaybe,"saidtheRaven;"Ididnotexaminehimsominutely;butIknowfrommytamesweetheart,thatwhenhecameintothecourt-yardofthepalace,andsawthebody-guardinsilver,thelackeysonthestaircase,hewasnottheleastabashed;henodded,andsaidtothem,'Itmustbeverytiresometostandonthestairs;formypart,Ishallgoin.'Thesaloonsweregleamingwithlustres--privycouncillorsandexcellencieswerewalkingaboutbarefooted,andworegoldkeys;itwasenoughtomakeanyonefeeluncomfortable.Hisbootscreaked,too,soloudly,butstillhewasnotatallafraid."

"That'sKayforcertain,"saidGerda."Iknowhehadonnewboots;Ihaveheardthemcreakingingrandmama'sroom."

"Yes,theycreaked,"saidtheRaven."AndonhewentboldlyuptothePrincess,whowassittingonapearlaslargeasaspinning-wheel.Alltheladiesofthecourt,withtheirattendantsandattendants'attendants,andallthecavaliers,withtheirgentlemenandgentlemen'sgentlemen,stoodround;andthenearertheystoodtothedoor,theproudertheylooked.Itwashardlypossibletolookatthegentleman'sgentleman,soveryhaughtilydidhestandinthedoorway."

"Itmusthavebeenterrible,"saidlittleGerda."AnddidKaygetthePrincess?"

"WereInotaRaven,IshouldhavetakenthePrincessmyself,althoughIampromised.ItissaidhespokeaswellasIspeakwhenItalkRavenlanguage;thisIlearnedfrommytamesweetheart.Hewasboldandnicelybehaved;hehadnotcome

towoothePrincess,butonlytohearherwisdom.Shepleasedhim,andhepleasedher."

"Yes,yes;forcertainthatwasKay,"saidGerda."Hewassoclever;hecouldreckonfractionsinhishead.Oh,won'tyoutakemetothepalace?"

"Thatisveryeasilysaid,"answeredtheRaven."Buthowarewetomanageit?I'llspeaktomytamesweetheartaboutit:shemustadviseus;forsomuchImusttellyou,suchalittlegirlasyouarewillnevergetpermissiontoenter."



"Oh,yesIshall,"saidGerda;"whenKayhearsthatIamhere,hewillcomeoutdirectlytofetchme."

"Waitformehereonthesesteps,"saidtheRaven.Hemovedhisheadbackwardsandforwardsandflewaway.

TheeveningwasclosinginwhentheRavenreturned."Caw--caw!"saidhe."Shesendsyouhercompliments;andhereisarollforyou.Shetookitoutofthekitchen,wherethereisbreadenough.Youarehungry,nodoubt.Itisnotpossibleforyoutoenterthepalace,foryouarebarefooted:theguardsinsilver,andthelackeysingold,wouldnotallowit;butdonotcry,youshallcomeinstill.Mysweetheartknowsalittlebackstairthatleadstothebedchamber,andsheknowswhereshecangetthekeyofit."

Andtheywentintothegardeninthelargeavenue,whereoneleafwasfallingaftertheother;andwhenthelightsinthepalacehadallgraduallydisappeared,theRavenledlittleGerdatothebackdoor,whichstoodhalfopen.

Oh,howGerda'sheartbeatwithanxietyandlonging!Itwasjustasifshehadbeenabouttodosomethingwrong;andyetsheonlywantedtoknowiflittleKaywasthere.Yes,hemustbethere.Shecalledtomindhisintelligenteyes,andhislonghair,sovividly,shecouldquiteseehimasheusedtolaughwhentheyweresittingundertherosesathome."Hewill,nodoubt,begladtoseeyou--tohearwhatalongwayyouhavecomeforhissake;toknowhowunhappyallathome

werewhenhedidnotcomeback."

Oh,whatafrightandajoyitwas!

Theywerenowonthestairs.Asinglelampwasburningthere;andonthefloorstoodthetameRaven,turningherheadoneverysideandlookingatGerda,whobowedashergrandmotherhadtaughthertodo.

"Myintendedhastoldmesomuchgoodofyou,mydearyounglady,"saidthetameRaven."Yourtaleisveryaffecting.Ifyouwilltakethelamp,Iwillgobefore.Wewillgostraighton,forweshallmeetnoone."

"Ithinkthereissomebodyjustbehindus,"saidGerda;andsomethingrushedpas

t:itwaslikeshadowyfiguresonthewall;horseswithflowingmanesandthinlegs,huntsmen,ladiesandgentlemenonhorseback.

"Theyareonlydreams,"saidtheRaven."Theycometofetchthethoughtsofthehighpersonagestothechase;'tiswell,fornowyoucanobservetheminbedallthebetter.Butletmefind,whenyouenjoyhonoranddistinction,thatyoupossessagratefulheart."

"Tut!That'snotworthtalkingabout,"saidtheRavenofthewoods.

Theynowenteredthefirstsaloon,whichwasofrose-coloredsatin,withartificialflowersonthewall.Herethedreamswererushingpast,buttheyhastenedbysoquicklythatGerdacouldnotseethehighpersonages.Onehallwasmoremagn

ificentthantheother;onemightindeedwellbeabashed;andatlasttheycameintothebedchamber.Theceilingoftheroomresembledalargepalm-treewithleavesofglass,ofcostlyglass;andinthemiddle,fromathickgoldenstem,hungtwobeds,eachofwhichresembledalily.Onewaswhite,andinthislaythePrincess;theotherwasred,anditwasherethatGerdawastolookforlittleKay.Shebentbackoneoftheredleaves,andsawabrownneck.Oh!thatwasKay!Shecalledhimquiteloudbyname,heldthelamptowardshim--thedreamsrushedbackagainintothechamber--heawoke,turnedhishead,and--itwasnotlittleKay!



ThePrincewasonlylikehimabouttheneck;buthewasyoungandhandsome.AndoutofthewhitelilyleavesthePrincesspeeped,too,andaskedwhatwasthematter.ThenlittleGerdacried,andtoldherherwholehistory,andallthattheRavenshaddoneforher.

"Poorlittlething!"saidthePrinceandthePrincess.TheypraisedtheRavensverymuch,andtoldthemtheywerenotatallangrywiththem,buttheywerenottodosoagain.However,theyshouldhaveareward."Willyouflyabouthereatliberty,"askedthePrincess;"orwouldyouliketohaveafixedappointmentascourtravens,withallthebrokenbitsfromthekitchen?"

AndboththeRavensnodded,andbeggedforafixedappointment;fortheythoughtoftheiroldage,andsaid,"Itisagoodthingtohaveaprovisionforourolddays."

AndthePrincegotupandletGerdasleepinhisbed,andmorethanthishecouldnotdo.Shefoldedherlittlehandsandthought,"Howgoodmenandanimalsare!"andshethenfellasleepandsleptsoundly.Allthedreamsflewinagain,andtheynowlookedliketheangels;theydrewalittlesledge,inwhichlittleKaysatandnoddedhishead;butthewholewasonlyadream,andthereforeitallvanishedassoonassheawoke.

Thenextdayshewasdressedfromheadtofootinsilkandvelvet.Theyofferedtoletherstayatthepalace,andleadahappylife;butshebeggedtohaveal

ittlecarriagewithahorseinfront,andforasmallpairofshoes;then,shesaid,shewouldagaingoforthinthewideworldandlookforKay.

Shoesandamuffweregivenher;shewas,too,dressedverynicely;andwhenshewasabouttosetoff,anewcarriagestoppedbeforethedoor.Itwasofpuregold,andthearmsofthePrinceandPrincessshonelikeastaruponit;thecoachman,thefootmen,andtheoutriders,foroutriderswerethere,too,allworegoldencrowns.ThePrinceandthePrincessassistedherintothecarriagethemselves,andwishedherallsuccess.TheRavenofthewoods,whowasnowmarried,accompaniedherforthefirstthreemiles.HesatbesideGerda,forhecouldnotbearridingbackwards;theotherRavenstoodinthedoorway,andflappedherwings;shecouldnotaccompanyGerda,becauseshesufferedfromheadachesinceshehadhadafixedappointmentandatesomuch.Thecarriagewaslinedinsidewithsuga

r-plums,andintheseatswerefruitsandgingerbread.

"Farewell!Farewell!"criedPrinceandPrincess;andGerdawept,andtheRavenwept.Thuspassedthefirstmiles;andthentheRavenbadeherfarewell,andthiswasthemostpainfulseparationofall.Heflewintoatree,andbeathisblackwingsaslongashecouldseethecarriage,thatshonefromafarlikeasunbeam.

FIFTHSTORY.TheLittleRobberMaiden

Theydrovethroughthedarkwood;butthecarriageshonelikeatorch,anditdazzledtheeyesoftherobbers,sothattheycouldnotbeartolookatit.

"'Tisgold!'Tisgold!"theycried;andtheyrushedforward,seizedthehorses,knockeddownthelittlepostilion,thecoachman,andtheservants,andpulledlittleGerdaoutofthecarriage.

"Howplump,howbeautifulsheis!Shemusthavebeenfedonnut-kernels,"saidtheoldfemalerobber,whohadalong,scrubbybeard,andbushyeyebrowsthathungdownoverhereyes."Sheisasgoodasafattedlamb!Howniceshewillbe!"Andthenshedrewoutaknife,thebladeofwhichshonesothatitwasquitedreadfultobehold.



"Oh!"criedthewomanatthesamemoment.Shehadbeenbittenintheearbyherownlittledaughter,whohungatherback;andwhowassowildandunmanageable,thatitwasquiteamusingtoseeher."Younaughtychild!"saidthemother:andnowshehadnottimetokillGerda.

"Sheshallplaywithme,"saidthelittlerobberchild."Sheshallgivemehermuff,andherprettyfrock;sheshallsleepinmybed!"Andthenshegavehermotheranotherbite,sothatshejumped,andranroundwiththepain;andtheRobberslaughed,andsaid,"Look,howsheisdancingwiththelittleone!"

"Iwillgointothecarriage,"saidthelittlerobbermaiden;andshewouldhaveherwill,forshewasveryspoiledandveryheadstrong.SheandGerdagotin;andthenawaytheydroveoverthestumpsoffelledtrees,deeperanddeeperintothewoods.ThelittlerobbermaidenwasastallasGerda,butstronger,broader-shouldered,andofdarkcomplexion;hereyeswerequiteblack;theylookedalmostmelancholy.SheembracedlittleGerda,andsaid,"TheyshallnotkillyouaslongasIamnotdispleasedwithyou.Youare,doubtless,aPrincess?"

"No,"saidlittleGerda;whothenrelatedallthathadhappenedtoher,andhowmuchshecaredaboutlittleKay.

Thelittlerobbermaidenlookedatherwithaseriousair,noddedherheadslightly,andsaid,"Theyshallnotkillyou,evenifIamangrywithyou:thenIwilldoitmyself";andshedriedGerda'seyes,andputbothherhandsinthehands

omemuff,whichwassosoftandwarm.

Atlengththecarriagestopped.Theywereinthemidstofthecourt-yardofarobber'scastle.Itwasfullofcracksfromtoptobottom;andoutoftheopeningsmagpiesandrookswereflying;andthegreatbull-dogs,eachofwhichlookedasifhecouldswallowaman,jumpedup,buttheydidnotbark,forthatwasforbidden.

Inthemidstofthelarge,old,smokinghallburntagreatfireonthestonefloor.Thesmokedisappearedunderthestones,andhadtoseekitsownegress.Inanimmensecaldronsoupwasboiling;andrabbitsandhareswerebeingroastedonaspit.

"Youshallsleepwithmeto-night,withallmyanimals,"saidthelittlerobbermaiden.Theyhadsomethingtoeatanddrink;andthenwentintoacorner,wherestrawandcarpetswerelying.Besidethem,onlathsandperches,satnearlyahundredpigeons,allasleep,seemingly;butyettheymovedalittlewhentherobbermaidencame."Theyareallmine,"saidshe,atthesametimeseizingonethatwasnexttoherbythelegsandshakingitsothatitswingsfluttered."Kissit,"criedthelittlegirl,andflungthepigeoninGerda'sface."Upthereistherabbleofthewood,continuedshe,pointingtoseverallathswhichwerefastenedbeforeaholehighupinthewall;"that'stherabble;theywouldallflyawayimmediately,iftheywerenotwellfastenedin.AndhereismydearoldBac";andshelaidholdofthehornsofareindeer,thathadabrightcopperringrounditsneck,andwastetheredtothespot."Weareobligedtolockthisfellowintoo,orhewouldmakehisescape.EveryeveningIticklehisneckwithmysharp

knife;heissofrightenedatit!"andthelittlegirldrewforthalongknife,fromacrackinthewall,andletitglideovertheReindeer'sneck.Thepooranimalkicked;thegirllaughed,andpulledGerdaintobedwithher.

"Doyouintendtokeepyourknifewhileyousleep?"askedGerda;lookingatitratherfearfully.

"Ialwayssleepwiththeknife,"saidthelittlerobbermaiden."Thereisnoknowingwhatmayhappen.Buttellmenow,oncemore,allaboutlittleKay;andwhyyouhavestartedoffinthewideworldalone."AndGerdarelatedall,fromthev



erybeginning:theWood-pigeonscooedaboveintheircage,andtheothersslept.ThelittlerobbermaidenwoundherarmroundGerda'sneck,heldtheknifeintheotherhand,andsnoredsoloudthateverybodycouldhearher;butGerdacouldnotclosehereyes,forshedidnotknowwhethershewastoliveordie.Therobberssatroundthefire,sanganddrank;andtheoldfemalerobberjumpedaboutso,thatitwasquitedreadfulforGerdatoseeher.

ThentheWood-pigeonssaid,"Coo!CoolWehaveseenlittleKay!Awhitehencarrieshissledge;hehimselfsatinthecarriageoftheSnowQueen,whopassedhere,downjustoverthewood,aswelayinournest.Sheblewuponusyoungones;andalldiedexceptwetwo.Coo!Coo!"

"Whatisthatyousayupthere?"criedlittleGerda."WheredidtheSnowQueengoto?Doyouknowanythingaboutit?"

"SheisnodoubtgonetoLapland;forthereisalwayssnowandicethere.OnlyasktheReindeer,whoistetheredthere."

"Iceandsnowisthere!Thereitis,gloriousandbeautiful!"saidtheReindeer."Onecanspringaboutinthelargeshiningvalleys!TheSnowQueenhashersummer-tentthere;butherfixedabodeishighuptowardstheNorthPole,ontheIslandcalledSpitzbergen."

"Oh,Kay!PoorlittleKay!"sighedGerda.

"Doyouchoosetobequiet?"saidtherobbermaiden."Ifyoudon't,Ishallmakeyou."

InthemorningGerdatoldherallthattheWood-pigeonshadsaid;andthelittlemaidenlookedveryserious,butshenoddedherhead,andsaid,"That'snomatter-that'snomatter.DoyouknowwhereLaplandlies!"sheaskedoftheReindeer.

"WhoshouldknowbetterthanI?"saidtheanimal;andhiseyesrolledinhishead."Iwasbornandbredthere--thereIleaptaboutonthefieldsofsnow.

"Listen,"saidtherobbermaidentoGerda."Youseethatthemenaregone;butmymotherisstillhere,andwillremain.However,towardsmorningshetakesadr

aughtoutofthelargeflask,andthenshesleepsalittle:thenIwilldosomethingforyou."Shenowjumpedoutofbed,flewtohermother;withherarmsroundherneck,andpullingherbythebeard,said,"Goodmorrow,myownsweetnanny-goatofamother."Andhermothertookholdofhernose,andpinchedittillitwasredandblue;butthiswasalldoneoutofpurelove.

Whenthemotherhadtakenasupatherflask,andwashavinganap,thelittlerobbermaidenwenttotheReindeer,andsaid,"Ishouldverymuchliketogiveyoustillmanyaticklingwiththesharpknife,forthenyouaresoamusing;however,Iwilluntetheryou,andhelpyouout,sothatyoumaygobacktoLapland.Butyoumustmakegooduseofyourlegs;andtakethislittlegirlformetothepalaceoftheSnowQueen,whereherplayfellowis.Youhaveheard,Isuppose,allshesaid;forshespokeloudenough,andyouwerelistening."

TheReindeergaveaboundforjoy.TherobbermaidenlifteduplittleGerda,andtooktheprecautiontobindherfastontheReindeer'sback;sheevengaveherasmallcushiontositon."Hereareyourworstedleggins,foritwillbecold;butthemuffIshallkeepformyself,foritissoverypretty.ButIdonotwishyoutobecold.Hereisapairoflinedglovesofmymother's;theyjustreachuptoyourelbow.Onwiththem!Nowyoulookaboutthehandsjustlikemyuglyoldmother!"

AndGerdaweptforjoy.



"Ican'tbeartoseeyoufretting,"saidthelittlerobbermaiden."Thisisjustthetimewhenyououghttolookpleased.Herearetwoloavesandahamforyou,sothatyouwon'tstarve."ThebreadandthemeatwerefastenedtotheReindeer'sback;thelittlemaidenopenedthedoor,calledinallthedogs,andthenwithherknifecuttheropethatfastenedtheanimal,andsaidtohim,"Now,offwithyou;buttakegoodcareofthelittlegirl!"

AndGerdastretchedoutherhandswiththelargewaddedglovestowardstherobbermaiden,andsaid,"Farewell!"andtheReindeerflewonoverbushandbramblethroughthegreatwood,overmoorandheath,asfastashecouldgo.

"Ddsa!Ddsa!"washeardinthesky.Itwasjustasifsomebodywassneezing.

"Thesearemyoldnorthern-lights,"saidtheReindeer,"lookhowtheygleam!Andonhenowspedstillquicker--dayandnightonhewent:theloaveswereconsumed,andthehamtoo;andnowtheywereinLapland.

SIXTHSTORY.TheLaplandWomanandtheFinlandWoman

Suddenlytheystoppedbeforealittlehouse,whichlookedverymiserable.Theroofreachedtotheground;andthedoorwassolow,thatthefamilywereobligedtocreepupontheirstomachswhentheywentinorout.NobodywasathomeexceptanoldLaplandwoman,whowasdressingfishbythelightofanoillamp.Andth

eReindeertoldherthewholeofGerda'shistory,butfirstofallhisown;forthatseemedtohimofmuchgreaterimportance.Gerdawassochilledthatshecouldnotspeak.

"Poorthing,"saidtheLaplandwoman,"youhavefartorunstill.YouhavemorethanahundredmilestogobeforeyougettoFinland;theretheSnowQueenhashercountry-house,andburnsbluelightseveryevening.Iwillgiveyouafewwordsfromme,whichIwillwriteonadriedhaberdine,forpaperIhavenone;thisyoucantakewithyoutotheFinlandwoman,andshewillbeabletogiveyoumoreinformationthanIcan."

WhenGerdahadwarmedherself,andhadeatenanddrunk,theLaplandwomanwroteafewwordsonadriedhaberdine,beggedGerdatotakecareofthem,putheron

theReindeer,boundherfast,andawaysprangtheanimal."Ddsa!Ddsa!"wasagainheardintheair;themostcharmingbluelightsburnedthewholenightinthesky,andatlasttheycametoFinland.TheyknockedatthechimneyoftheFinlandwoman;forastoadoor,shehadnone.

TherewassuchaheatinsidethattheFinlandwomanherselfwentaboutalmostnaked.Shewasdiminutiveanddirty.SheimmediatelyloosenedlittleGerda'sclothes,pulledoffherthickglovesandboots;forotherwisetheheatwouldhavebeentoogreat--andafterlayingapieceoficeontheReindeer'shead,readwhatwaswrittenonthefish-skin.Shereaditthreetimes:shethenknewitbyheart;sosheputthefishintothecupboard--foritmightverywellbeeaten,andsheneverthrewanythingaway.

ThentheReindeerrelatedhisownstoryfirst,andafterwardsthatoflittleGerda;andtheFinlandwomanwinkedhereyes,butsaidnothing.

"Youaresoclever,"saidtheReindeer;"youcan,Iknow,twistallthewindsoftheworldtogetherinaknot.Iftheseamanloosensoneknot,thenhehasagoodwind;ifasecond,thenitblowsprettystiffly;ifheundoesthethirdandfourth,thenitragessothattheforestsareupturned.Willyougivethelittlemaidenapotion,thatshemaypossessthestrengthoftwelvemen,andvanquishtheSnowQueen?"



"Thestrengthoftwelvemen!"saidtheFinlandwoman."Muchgoodthatwouldbe!"Thenshewenttoacupboard,anddrewoutalargeskinrolledup.Whenshehadunrolledit,strangecharactersweretobeseenwrittenthereon;andtheFinlandwomanreadatsucharatethattheperspirationtrickleddownherforehead.

ButtheReindeerbeggedsohardforlittleGerda,andGerdalookedsoimploringlywithtearfuleyesattheFinlandwoman,thatshewinked,anddrewtheReindeerasideintoacorner,wheretheywhisperedtogether,whiletheanimalgotsomefreshiceputonhishead.

"'TistruelittleKayisattheSnowQueen's,andfindseverythingtherequitetohistaste;andhethinksittheverybestplaceintheworld;butthereasonofthatis,hehasasplinterofglassinhiseye,andinhisheart.Thesemustbegotoutfirst;otherwisehewillnevergobacktomankind,andtheSnowQueenwillretainherpoweroverhim."

"ButcanyougivelittleGerdanothingtotakewhichwillendueherwithpoweroverthewhole?"

"Icangivehernomorepowerthanwhatshehasalready."Don'tyouseehowgreatitis?Don'tyouseehowmenandanimalsareforcedtoserveher;howwellshegetsthroughtheworldbarefooted?Shemustnothearofherpowerfromus;thatpowerliesinherheart,becausesheisasweetandinnocentchild!IfshecannotgettotheSnowQueenbyherself,andridlittleKayoftheglass,wecannot

helpher.TwomileshencethegardenoftheSnowQueenbegins;thitheryoumaycarrythelittlegirl.Setherdownbythelargebushwithredberries,standinginthesnow;don'tstaytalking,buthastenbackasfastaspossible."AndnowtheFinlandwomanplacedlittleGerdaontheReindeer'sback,andoffheranwithallimaginablespeed.

"Oh!Ihavenotgotmyboots!Ihavenotbroughtmygloves!"criedlittleGerda.Sheremarkedshewaswithoutthemfromthecuttingfrost;buttheReindeerdarednotstandstill;onherantillhecametothegreatbushwiththeredberries,andtherehesetGerdadown,kissedhermouth,whilelargebrighttearsflowedfromtheanimal'seyes,andthenbackhewentasfastaspossible.TherestoodpoorGerdanow,withoutshoesorgloves,intheverymiddleofdreadfulicyFinland.

Sheranonasfastasshecould.Therethencameawholeregimentofsnow-flakes,buttheydidnotfallfromabove,andtheywerequitebrightandshiningfromtheAuroraBorealis.Theflakesranalongtheground,andthenearertheycamethelargertheygrew.Gerdawellrememberedhowlargeandstrangethesnow-flakesappearedwhensheoncesawthemthroughamagnifying-glass;butnowtheywerelargeandterrificinanothermanner--theywereallalive.TheyweretheoutpostsoftheSnowQueen.Theyhadthemostwondrousshapes;somelookedlikelargeuglyporcupines;otherslikesnakesknottedtogether,withtheirheadsstickingout;andothers,again,likesmallfatbears,withthehairstandingonend:allwereofdazzlingwhiteness--allwerelivingsnow-flakes.

LittleGerdarepeat~dtheLord'sPrayer.Thecoldwassointensethatshecould

seeherownbreath,whichcamelikesmokeoutofhermouth.Itgrewthickerandthicker,andtooktheformoflittleangels,thatgrewmoreandmorewhentheytouchedtheearth.Allhadhelmsontheirheads,andlancesandshieldsintheirhands;theyincreasedinnumbers;andwhenGerdahadfinishedtheLord'sPrayer,shewassurroundedbyawholelegion.Theythrustatthehorridsnow-flakeswiththeirspears,sothattheyflewintoathousandpieces;andlittleGerdawalkedonbravelyandinsecurity.Theangelspattedherhandsandfeet;andthenshefeltthecoldless,andwentonquicklytowardsthepalaceoftheSnowQueen.

ButnowweshallseehowKayfared.HeneverthoughtofGerda,andleastofall



thatshewasstandingbeforethepalace.

SEVENTHSTORY.WhatTookPlaceinthePalaceoftheSnowQueen,andwhatHappenedAfterward

Thewallsofthepalacewereofdrivingsnow,andthewindowsanddoorsofcuttingwinds.Thereweremorethanahundredhallsthere,accordingasthesnowwasdrivenbythewinds.Thelargestwasmanymilesinextent;allwerelightedupbythepowerfulAuroraBorealis,andallweresolarge,soempty,soicycold,andsoresplendent!Mirthneverreignedthere;therewasneverevenalittlebear-ball,withthestormformusic,whilethepolarbearswentontheirhindlegsandshowedofftheirsteps.Neveralittletea-partyofwhiteyoungladyfoxes;vast,cold,andemptywerethehallsoftheSnowQueen.Thenorthern-lightsshonewithsuchprecisionthatonecouldtellexactlywhentheywereattheirhighestorlowestdegreeofbrightness.Inthemiddleoftheempty,endlesshallofsnow,wasafrozenlake;itwascrackedinathousandpieces,buteachpiecewassoliketheother,thatitseemedtheworkofacunningartificer.InthemiddleofthislakesattheSnowQueenwhenshewasathome;andthenshesaidshewassittingintheMirrorofUnderstanding,andthatthiswastheonlyoneandthebestthingintheworld.

LittleKaywasquiteblue,yesnearlyblackwithcold;buthedidnotobserveit,forshehadkissedawayallfeelingofcoldfromhisbody,andhisheartwasalumpofice.Hewasdraggingalongsomepointedflatpiecesofice,whichhela

idtogetherinallpossibleways,forhewantedtomakesomethingwiththem;justaswehavelittleflatpiecesofwoodtomakegeometricalfigureswith,calledtheChinesePuzzle.Kaymadeallsortsoffigures,themostcomplicated,foritwasanice-puzzlefortheunderstanding.Inhiseyesthefigureswereextraordinarilybeautiful,andoftheutmostimportance;forthebitofglasswhichwasinhiseyecausedthis.Hefoundwholefigureswhichrepresentedawrittenword;buthenevercouldmanagetorepresentjustthewordhewanted--thatwordwas"eternity";andtheSnowQueenhadsaid,"Ifyoucandiscoverthatfigure,youshallbeyourownmaster,andIwillmakeyouapresentofthewholeworldandapairofnewskates."Buthecouldnotfinditout.

"amgoingnowtowarmlands,"saidtheSnowQueen."Imusthavealookdownintotheblackcaldrons."ItwasthevolcanoesVesuviusandEtnathatshemeant."I

willjustgivethemacoatingofwhite,forthatisasitoughttobe;besides,itisgoodfortheorangesandthegrapes."Andthenawaysheflew,andKaysatquitealoneintheemptyhallsoficethatweremileslong,andlookedattheblocksofice,andthoughtandthoughttillhisskullwasalmostcracked.Therehesatquitebenumbedandmotionless;onewouldhaveimaginedhewasfrozentodeath.

SuddenlylittleGerdasteppedthroughthegreatportalintothepalace.Thegatewasformedofcuttingwinds;butGerdarepeatedhereveningprayer,andthewindswerelaidasthoughtheyslept;andthelittlemaidenenteredthevast,empty,coldhalls.ThereshebeheldKay:sherecognisedhim,flewtoembracehim,andcriedout,herarmsfirmlyholdinghimthewhile,"Kay,sweetlittleKay!HaveIthenfoundyouatlast?"

Buthesatquitestill,benumbedandcold.ThenlittleGerdashedburningtears;andtheyfellonhisbosom,theypenetratedtohisheart,theythawedthelumpsofice,andconsumedthesplintersofthelooking-glass;helookedather,andshesangthehymn:


HereuponKayburstintotears;heweptsomuchthatthesplinterrolledoutofh



iseye,andherecognisedher,andshouted,"Gerda,sweetlittleGerda!Wherehaveyoubeensolong?AndwherehaveIbeen?"Helookedroundhim."Howcolditishere!"saidhe."Howemptyandcold!"AndheheldfastbyGerda,wholaughedandweptforjoy.Itwassobeautiful,thateventheblocksoficedancedaboutforjoy;andwhentheyweretiredandlaidthemselvesdown,theyformedexactlytheletterswhichtheSnowQueenhadtoldhimtofindout;sonowhewashisownmaster,andhewouldhavethewholeworldandapairofnewskatesintothebargain.

Gerdakissedhischeeks,andtheygrewquiteblooming;shekissedhiseyes,andtheyshonelikeherown;shekissedhishandsandfeet,andhewasagainwellandmerry.TheSnowQueenmightcomebackassoonassheliked;therestoodhisdischargewritteninresplendentmassesofice.

Theytookeachotherbythehand,andwanderedforthoutofthelargehall;theytalkedoftheiroldgrandmother,andoftherosesupontheroof;andwherevertheywent,thewindsceasedraging,andthesunburstforth.Andwhentheyreachedthebushwiththeredberries,theyfoundtheReindeerwaitingforthem.Hehadbroughtanother,ayoungone,withhim,whoseudderwasfilledwithmilk,whichhegavetothelittleones,andkissedtheirlips.TheythencarriedKayandGerda--firsttotheFinlandwoman,wheretheywarmedthemselvesinthewarmroom,andlearnedwhattheyweretodoontheirjourneyhome;andtheywenttotheLaplandwoman,whomadesomenewclothesforthemandrepairedtheirsledges.

TheReindeerandtheyounghindleapedalongbesidethem,andaccompaniedthemtotheboundaryofthecountry.Herethefirstvegetationpeepedforth;hereKayandGerdatookleaveoftheLaplandwoman."Farewell!Farewell!"theyallsaid.Andthefirstgreenbudsappeared,thefirstlittlebirdsbegantochirrup;andoutofthewoodcame,ridingonamagnificenthorse,whichGerdaknew(itwasoneoftheleadersinthegoldencarriage),ayoungdamselwithabright-redcaponherhead,andarmedwithpistols.Itwasthelittlerobbermaiden,who,tiredofbeingathome,haddeterminedtomakeajourneytothenorth;andafterwardsinanotherdirection,ifthatdidnotpleaseher.SherecognisedGerdaimmediately,andGerdaknewhertoo.Itwasajoyfulmeeting.

"Youareafinefellowfortrampingabout,"saidshetolittleKay;"Ishouldliketoknow,faith,ifyoudeservethatoneshouldrunfromoneendoftheworld

totheotherforyoursake?"

ButGerdapattedhercheeks,andinquiredforthePrinceandPrincess.

"Theyaregoneabroad,"saidtheother.

"ButtheRaven?"askedlittleGerda.

"Oh!TheRavenisdead,"sheanswered."Histamesweetheartisawidow,andwearsabitofblackworstedroundherleg;shelamentsmostpiteously,butit'sallmeretalkandstuff!Nowtellmewhatyou'vebeendoingandhowyoumanagedtocatchhim."

AndGerdaandKaybothtoldtheirstory.

And"Schnipp-schnapp-schnurre-basselurre,"saidtherobbermaiden;andshetookthehandsofeach,andpromisedthatifsheshouldsomedaypassthroughthetownwheretheylived,shewouldcomeandvisitthem;andthenawaysherode.KayandGerdatookeachother'shand:itwaslovelyspringweather,withabundanceofflowersandofverdure.Thechurch-bellsrang,andthechildrenrecognisedthehightowers,andthelargetown;itwasthatinwhichtheydwelt.Theyenteredandhasteneduptotheirgrandmother'sroom,whereeverythingwasstandingasformerly.Theclocksaid"tick!tack!"andthefingermovedround;butastheyente



red,theyremarkedthattheywerenowgrownup.Therosesontheleadshungbloominginattheopenwindow;therestoodthelittlechildren'schairs,andKayandGerdasatdownonthem,holdingeachotherbythehand;theybothhadforgottenthecoldemptysplendoroftheSnowQueen,asthoughithadbeenadream.Thegrandmothersatinthebrightsunshine,andreadaloudfromtheBible:"Unlessyebecomeaslittlechildren,yecannotenterthekingdomofheaven."

AndKayandGerdalookedineachother'seyes,andallatoncetheyunderstoodtheoldhymn:


Theresatthetwogrown-uppersons;grown-up,andyetchildren;childrenatleastinheart;anditwassummer-time;summer,glorioussummer!

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Snow Queen HCA