Page 23 - The Daughters of the Wild Cabbages' Gatherer

hermit, older than the other two. He had a white
beard that came down to his feet, and he told the
young man: «You’re going to your death, but I
have some instructions for you. Do you see that
mountain over there? You must climb to the top
where you will find a great plain and a house with
a beautiful gate. In front of the gate you will see
four giants with swords in their hands. Pay
attention. Don’t make a mistake. If you do, it will
be the end of you! When the giants have their
eyes closed, do not enter. When their eyes are
open, feel free to enter. Then you will come to a
door. If you find it open, don’t enter. If you find it
shut, push it open and enter. Then you will find
four lions. If they have their eyes shut, don’t
enter. When their eyes are open, enter, and you
will find the DancingWater.»
The young man took leave of the hermit,
mounted his horse, and rode off. Meanwhile, his
sister kept looking at the ring constantly to see
whether the stone had changed color. Since it
remained the same, she was relieved.
A few days after leaving the hermit the young
man arrived at the top of the mountain and saw
the palace with the four giants standing before it,
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