DANISH FAIRY AND FOLK TALES
ure to pay a visit at her home. Carriage and horses were immediately ordered ready for the journey, and they soon drove off. On the way they noticed a large number of storks. "What nice ravens!" said the man. "They are not ravens; they are storks," said his wife. "Turn back and drive straight home!" shouted the man to his coachman, and back they went to the place from which they came.
Some time thereafter the man again asked his wife if she would like to visit her parents, and she answered that it would please her very much to go. On the road they met a flock of sheep and lambs. "What a number of wolves!" exclaimed the man. "No," returned his wife, "they are lambs and sheep." "Turn back!" said her husband, and back they went a second time.
When some time had elapsed the man again asked his wife if she did not desire to see how her parents were, and she at once consented. When they were fairly started, they noticed some hens. "Look at those crows!" exclaimed he. "Yes, indeed," assented his wife. They proceeded on their journey, and were eagerly welcomed by Metté's parents. Karèn and Marèn were also there, with their husbands. The old mother retired with her daughters to inquire how Metté was living. In the mean time the father filled a mug with silver and gold coin, telling the three men that he whose wife was the most ready to fulfil his wishes would get the money. The first one immediately began to call:
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