Václav Říha

“ Behind a small village met three journeymen; a tailor, a shoemaker and a blacksmith. All day they went about the village begging and spent all they received for meals and drinks. Then in the twilight they set forth along the road toward the woods. “And who are you, comrades,” asked the blacksmith. “I am a journeyman blacksmith, but I know a trick besides.” He was very strong, had a leathern bundle and a leathern apron. ”

“ As you can see, it was quite an order; for one man cannot cut down the tree, chop off the branches, load it on the wagon and bring it home, all in one day. But I got ready, took along a loaf of bread and a chunk of hard cheese—enough to make the farmer’s wife faint—and drove off to the forest. There I stretched myself in the shade until the sun was high up. I went to work then, selected my fir tree, tore it up with roots like this pine—" and the blacksmith got up, turned around and seized a tree with his veined hands. ”

“ Grab him; you have enough strength to keep him from moving.
“I grabbed the horse in the middle and I must have squeezed him too hard. The horse fell down and I could not put him on his legs any more. Father chased me from his house, and for a long time I just moved from place to place seeing the world. Finally I went to work for a farmer as hired man. The farmer was stingy and did not give me enough to eat.”
“I would not stay at such a place”, interjected the shoemaker, puffing hard at his pipe.
“Well, I did not keep company with him very long”, continued the blacksmith. ”

“ Her parents would give her to no one, unless he could accomplish three very difficult feats; and should he fail, he would be immediately put to death. Many perished already, so that nobody dares to attempt the task anymore. But I longed for this princess so much and begged so earnestly to be allowed to go that at last mother got ready this bundle and gave me much money, and thus I left home. I have been a long time on the way, but I hesitate to make the attempt alone, lest I lose my life.”
“If your grace,” began the tailor, “could use another helper, I would be glad to serve you. ”

“ He said: “So you do not fear the devils? So many have gone to the mill, and you alone returned. I must go with you myself tomorrow. Have the horses ready in the morning. We will go together to take a look at that place of devils.”
“I thought to myself that there was no sense in going to such an evil place twice. But a lord is a lord. I left my silver at the farmer’s, tied up my bundle and the next day we rode off. ”

“ Soon they distinguished a tall man approaching. He came to the fire, bade them “Good evening” and begged permission to join them. The shoemaker muttered something unintelligible, but the blacksmith answered kindly:
“Come nearer, friend, come nearer and sit down. There is room enough for all.” ”

“ The farmer’s wife complained to her husband, and he was very angry, but did not dare to say anything. But the next day he ordered: “John, drive to the forest and bring home a tree, but be back by noon.” ”