The King had promised that
he who would venture should have his daughter to wife, and she was the
most beautiful maiden the sun shone on. Great treasures likewise lay
in the castle, which were guarded by evil spirits, and these treasures
would then be freed, and would make a poor man rich enough. Already many
men had gone into the castle, but as yet none had come out again. Then
the youth went next morning to the King and said if he were allowed
he would watch three nights in the haunted castle. The King looked
at him, and as the youth pleased him, he said, "Thou mayest ask for
three things to take into the castle with thee, but they must be things
without life." Then he answered, "Then I ask for a fire, a turning lathe,
and a cutting-board with the knife." The King had these things carried
into the castle for him during the day. When night was drawing near,
the youth went up and made himself a bright fire in one of the rooms,
placed the cutting-board and knife beside it, and seated himself by the
turning-lathe. "Ah, if I could but shudder!" said he, "but I shall not
learn it here either.
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