THE STONEMASONS OF GERMANY.
or they might say,
so little."
And
if
"
157
a small-eatiug smith he evidently wishes to shame us by eating
the father drink to you, you may also drink.
If there is much in the cup
That
is
;
you may drink deeply, but if there be only little you must drink very little. But if you have
much coin you may drink it all up and say, " Can one have a messenger ? I wish to pay
for a can of beer."
And having eaten they will go to rest but say not to the dame mother
"
or maid sister,^
Where shall I sleep ?" but wait, and she will surely conduct you to your
;
chamber. Then untie one shoestring and retie the other and if she go not then from thee
take a wisp of straw and point to the door and if she will not even then, why, take her to
And when morning
thee, cast her on the bed before thee, and kiss her twenty-fourfold.^
;
;
breaks and the other fellows
rise, do not you rise first, nor even with them, for they might
think you wished to put them to shame, but remain in bed for another half-hour; but not too
long, for if the master come intending to give thee work, and you were yet asleep, he might
"
That must be a lazy smith, he likes to sleep late. I can do that myself, aud need no
say,
And
being risen, go not at once to the kitchen and chat with the cook,
to the workshop and wash yourself, and take up a hammer and work bravely with
smitli to help me."
but go
first
And
the others.
no hammer be
if
work away, and the master
And
an axe
there, take
"
that
;
and
if
no axe,
surely a trusty smith,
will then be breakfast time, and they will take you with them.
will think,
is
seize the
him
crowbar and
will I give work."
Therefore go in and
"
Master, I thank
partake ; and having eaten, go to the master and return thanks, and say,
that you have harboured me and my bundle, and for your food, and drink, and goodwill;
you
it
remains owing to be repaid to any of yours to-day or to-morrow." Say not "F