Page 37 - The Daughters of the Wild Cabbages' Gatherer

«I’m going to fetch theTalking Bird.»
«You’re heading for trouble, my son. But keep
on traveling until you’ll meet a hermit older
than I.»
So she went to the second hermit, who told her
the same thing. Finally, she came to the third
hermit who told her everything she had to do.
«Keep your eyes open,» he added. «If you
respond when the bird talks, you will loose
your life! Be on your guard, my daughter!»
Upon listening to his words, she took her leave
and traveled until she reached the garden. When
the bird saw her, it cried out, «Ah! You’re here,
too? Now you will become just like your
brothers! Do you see them? One, two, and you
will make tree… Your father is at war… Your
mother is in the treadmill… Your aunts are
rejoicing.»
But she did not reply. Instead, she let the bird
sing on. When it had said all it had to say, it flew
down, and the young girl ran and caught it.
Then she pulled a feather from its wings,
dipped it into the basin, and brushed the
nostrils of her brothers with it. All at once they
came to life again. Then she did the same with
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