Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm

“ The Princess thanked him, and said afterwards to her maidens, ‘Do your utmost to tread firmly on the peas.’
Next morning, when the King ordered them to be called, they walked into the ante-chamber with so firm a tread that not a pea moved When they had gone away, the King said to the Lion, ‘You lied; they walked just like men.’
But the Lion answered, ‘They had been warned of the test, and were prepared for it. ”

“ Just let twelve spinning-wheels be brought into the ante-chamber, and they will be delighted at the sight, as no man would be.’
This plan also pleased the King, and he ordered the spinning wheels. But again the kind servant warned the Huntsmen of the plan. ”

“ Men have a firm tread, and when they walk on peas they don’t move; but maidens trip and trot and slide, and make the peas roll about.’
The King was pleased with the Lion’s advice, and ordered the peas to be strewn on the floor. ”