Hans Christian Andersen

“ My brother knaves have each got a candle, and I shall also get one; I know that. But if we poor knaves have so much honor, our kings and queens must have thrice as much. Now, it is proper that my King of Spades and my Queen of Spades should have four candles to gladden them. An additional honor ought to be conferred upon them. Their history and trials are so doleful, that they have very good reason to wear mourning, and to have a grave-digger’s spade on their coat of arms. My own fate, poor knave that I am, is deplorable enough. ”

“ However, the third time be nodded, the Knave of Hearts sprang out of the card, and placed himself in the middle of the floor.
“What is your name?” the knave asked the little boy. “You have clear eyes and good teeth, but your hands are dirty: you do not wash them often enough!”
Now this was rather coarse language, but, of course, not much politeness can be expected from a knave. He is only a common fellow.
“My name is William,” said the little boy, “and the castle is mine, and you are my Knave of Hearts!”
“No, I am not. I am my king’s and my queen’s knave, not yours!” ”

“ Then all the four knaves of Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, and Spades, raised their halberds, to warn him that he must not try to get in that way.
The little boy understood the hint, and gave a friendly nod; he nodded again, and then said: “Say something!” but the knaves did not say a word. ”