简短的英文童话故事

　　精彩的童话故事像一棵棵美丽的圣诞树，吸引着无数孩子如痴如醉地去阅读，下面这些是小编为大家推荐的几篇简短的英文童话故事。简短的英文童话故事1：圣母的孩子
　　Hardbyagreatforestdweltawoodcutterwithhiswife，whohadanonlychild，alittlegirlthreeyearsold。Theyweresopoor，however，thattheynolongerhaddailybread，anddidnotknowhowtogetfoodforher。Onemorningthewoodcutterwentoutsorrowfullytohisworkintheforest，andwhilehewascuttingwood，suddenlytherestoodbeforehimatallandbeautifulwomanwithacrownofshiningstarsonherhead，whosaidtohim：IamtheVirginMary，motherofthechildJesus。Thouartpoorandneedy，bringthychildtome，Iwilltakeherwithmeandbehermother，andcareforher。Thewoodcutterobeyed，broughthischild，andgavehertotheVirginMary，whotookheruptoheavenwithher。Therethechildfaredwell，atesugarcakes，anddranksweetmilk，andherclotheswereofgold，andthelittleangelsplayedwithher。Andwhenshewasfourteenyearsofage，theVirginMarycalledheronedayandsaid：Dearchild，Iamabouttomakealongjourney，sotakeintothykeepingthekeysofthethirteendoorsofheaven。Twelveofthesethoumayestopen，andbeholdtheglorywhichiswithinthem，butthethirteenth，towhichthislittlekeybelongs，isforbiddenthee。Bewareofopeningit，orthouwiltbringmiseryonthyself。Thegirlpromisedtobeobedient，andwhentheVirginMarywasgone，shebegantoexaminethedwellingsofthekingdomofheaven。Eachdaysheopenedoneofthem，untilshehadmadetheroundofthetwelve。IneachofthemsatoneoftheApostlesinthemidstofagreatlight，andsherejoicedinallthemagnificenceandsplendour，andthelittleangelswhoalwaysaccompaniedherrejoicedwithher。Thentheforbiddendooraloneremained，andshefeltagreatdesiretoknowwhatcouldbehiddenbehindit，andsaidtotheangels：Iwillnotquiteopenit，andIwillnotgoinsideit，butIwillunlockitsothatwecanjustseealittlethroughtheopening。Ohno，saidthelittleangels，thatwouldbeasin。TheVirginMaryhasforbiddenit，anditmighteasilycausethyunhappiness。Thenshewassilent，butthedesireinherheartwasnotstilled，butgnawedthereandtormentedher，andletherhavenorest。Andoncewhentheangelshadallgoneout，shethought：NowIamquitealone，andIcouldpeepin。IfIdoit，noonewilleverknow。Shesoughtoutthekey，andwhenshehadgotitinherhand，sheputitinthelock，andwhenshehadputitin，sheturneditroundaswell。Thenthedoorsprangopen，andshesawtheretheTrinitysittinginfireandsplendour。Shestayedthereawhile，thenshetouchedthelightalittlewithherfinger，andherfingerbecamequitegolden。Immediatelyagreatfearfellonher。Sheshutthedoorviolently，andranaway。Herterrortoowouldnotquither，letherdowhatshemight，thegoldtoostayedonherfinger，andwouldnotgoaway，letherrubitandwashitneversomuch。
　　ItwasnotlongbeforetheVirginMarycamebackfromherjourney。Shecalledthegirlbeforeher，andaskedtohavethekeysofheavenback。Whenthemaidengaveherthebunch，theVirginlookedintohereyesandsaid：Hastthounotopenedthethirteenthdooralso？No，shereplied。Thenshelaidherhandonthegirl39；sheart，andfelthowitbeatandbeat，andsawrightwellthatshehaddisobeyedherorderandhadopenedthedoor。Thenshesaidonceagain：Artthoucertainthatthouhastnotdoneit？Yes，saidthegirl，forthesecondtime。Thensheperceivedthefingerwhichhadbecomegoldenfromtouchingthefireofheaven，andsawwellthatthechildhadsinned，andsaidforthethirdtime：Hastthounotdoneit？No，saidthegirlforthethirdtime。ThensaidtheVirginMary：Thouhastnotobeyedme，andbesidesthatthouhastlied，thouartnolongerworthytobeinheaven。
　　Thenthegirlfellintoadeepsleep，andwhensheawokeshelayontheearthbelow，andinthemidstofawilderness。Shewantedtocryout，butshecouldbringforthnosound。Shesprangupandwantedtorunaway，butwhithersoeversheturnedherself，shewascontinuallyheldbackbythickhedgesofthornsthroughwhichshecouldnotbreak。Inthedesert，inwhichshewasimprisoned，therestoodanoldhollowtree，andthishadtobeherdwellingplace。Intothisshecreptwhennightcame，andheresheslept。Here，too，shefoundashelterfromstormandrain，butitwasamiserablelife，andbitterlydidsheweepwhensherememberedhowhappyshehadbeeninheaven，andhowtheangelshadplayedwithher。Rootsandwildberrieswereheronlyfood，andfortheseshesoughtasfarasshecouldgo。Intheautumnshepickedupthefallennutsandleaves，andcarriedthemintothehole。Thenutswereherfoodinwinter，andwhensnowandicecame，shecreptamongsttheleaveslikeapoorlittleanimalthatshemightnotfreeze。Beforelongherclotheswerealltorn，andonebitofthemafteranotherfelloffher。Assoon，however，asthesunshonewarmagain，shewentoutandsatinfrontofthetree，andherlonghaircoveredheronallsideslikeamantle。Thusshesatyearafteryear，andfeltthepainandthemiseryoftheworld。
　　Oneday，whenthetreeswereoncemoreclothedinfreshgreen，theKingofthecountrywashuntingintheforest，andfollowedaroe，andasithadfledintothethicketwhichshutinthispartoftheforest，hegotoffhishorse，torethebushesasunder，andcuthimselfapathwithhissword。Whenhehadatlastforcedhiswaythrough，andshesatthereandwasentirelycoveredwithhergoldenhairdowntoherveryfeet。Hestoodstillandlookedatherfullofsurprise，thenhespoketoherandsaid：Whoartthou？Whyartthousittinghereinthewilderness？Butshegavenoanswer，forshecouldnotopenhermouth。TheKingcontinued：Wiltthougowithmetomycastle？Thenshejustnoddedherheadalittle。TheKingtookherinhisarms，carriedhertohishorse，androdehomewithher，andwhenhereachedtheroyalcastlehecausedhertobedressedinbeautifulgarments，andgaveherallthingsinabundance。Althoughshecouldnotspeak，shewasstillsobeautifulandcharmingthathebegantoloveherwithallhisheart，anditwasnotlongbeforehemarriedher。
　　Afterayearorsohadpassed，theQueenbroughtasonintotheworld。ThereupontheVirginMaryappearedtoherinthenightwhenshelayinherbedalone，andsaid：Ifthouwilttellthetruthandconfessthatthoudidstunlocktheforbiddendoor，Iwillopenthymouthandgivetheebackthyspeech，butifthouperseverestinthysin，anddeniestobstinately，Iwilltakethynewbornchildawaywithme。Thenthequeenwaspermittedtoanswer，butsheremainedhard，andsaid：No，Ididnotopentheforbiddendoor，andtheVirginMarytookthenewbornchildfromherarms，andvanishedwithit。Nextmorningwhenthechildwasnottobefound，itwaswhisperedamongthepeoplethattheQueenwasamaneater，andhadkilledherownchild。Sheheardallthisandcouldsaynothingtothecontrary，buttheKingwouldnotbelieveit，forhelovedhersomuch。
　　WhenayearhadgonebytheQueenagainboreason，andinthenighttheVirginMaryagaincametoher，andsaid：Ifthouwiltconfessthatthouopenedsttheforbiddendoor，Ibutifyoucontinuestinsinanddeniestit，Iwilltakeawaywithmethisnewchildalso。ThentheQueenagainsaid：No，IandtheVirgintookthechildoutofherarms，andawaywithhertoheaven。Nextmorning，whenthischildalsohaddisappeared，thepeopledeclaredquiteloudlythattheQueenhaddevouredit，andtheKing39；scouncillorsdemandedthatsheshouldbebroughttojustice。TheKing，however，lovedhersodearlythathewouldnotbelieveit，andcommandedthecouncillorsunderpainofdeathnottosayanymoreaboutit。
　　ThefollowingyeartheQueengavebirthtoabeautifullittledaughter，andforthethirdtimetheVirginMaryappearedtoherinthenightandsaid：Followme。ShetooktheQueenbythehandandledhertoheaven，andshowedhertherehertwoeldestchildren，whosmiledather，andwereplayingwiththeballoftheworld。WhentheQueenrejoicedthereat，theVirginMarysaid：Isthyheartnotyetsoftened？Ifthouwiltownthatthouopenedsttheforbiddendoor，Iwillgivetheebackthytwolittlesons。ButforthethirdtimetheQueenanswered：No，Ididnotopentheforbiddendoor。ThentheVirginlethersinkdowntoearthoncemore，andtookfromherlikewiseherthirdchild。
　　Nextmorning，whenthelosswasreportedabroad，allthepeoplecriedloudly：TheQueenisamaneater。Shemustbejudged，andtheKingwasnolongerabletorestrainhiscouncillors。Thereuponatrialwasheld，andasshecouldnotanswer，anddefendherself，shewascondemnedtobeburntalive。Thewoodwasgottogether，andwhenshewasfastboundtothestake，andthefirebegantoburnroundabouther，thehardiceofpridemelted，herheartwasmovedbyrepentance，andshethought：IfIcouldbutconfessbeforemydeaththatIopenedthedoor。Thenhervoicecamebacktoher，andshecriedoutloudly：Yes，Mary，Ididit，andstraightwayrainfellfromtheskyandextinguishedtheflamesoffire，andalightbrokeforthaboveher，andtheVirginMarydescendedwiththetwolittlesonsbyherside，andthenewborndaughterinherarms。Shespokekindlytoher，andsaid：Hewhorepentshissinandacknowledgesit，isforgiven。Thenshegaveherthethreechildren，untiedhertongue，andgrantedherhappinessforherwholelife。简短的英文童话故事2：猫和老鼠合伙
　　Acathadmadetheacquaintanceofamouse，andhadsaidsomuchtoheraboutthegreatloveandfriendshipthathefeltforher，thatatlastthemouseagreedthattheyshouldliveandkeephousetogether。Butwemustmakepreparationsforwinter，orelseweshallsufferfromhunger，saidthecat，andyou，littlemouse，cannotventureouteverywhere，orintheendyouwillbecaughtinatrap。Thisgoodadvicewasfollowed，andtheyboughtapotoffat，buttheydidnotknowwheretostoreit。Finally，aftermuchconsideration，thecatsaid，Iknowofnoplacewhereitwillbebetterstoredupthaninthechurch。Noonedarestakeanythingawayfromthere。Wewillputitbeneaththealtar，andnottouchituntilweareneedit。Sothepotwasstoredsafelyaway，butitwasnotlongbeforethecattookagreatlongingforit，andsaidtothemouse，Iwantedtotellyou，littlemouse，thatmycousinhasbroughtalittlesonintotheworld，andshehasaskedmetobehisgodfather。Heiswhitewithbrownspots，andIamtoholdhimoverthebaptismalfont。Letmegoouttoday，andyoulookafterthehousebyyourself。Yes，yes，answeredthemouse。Byallmeansgo，andifyougetanythinggoodtoeat，thinkofme。Iwouldliketodrinkadropofsweetredchristeningwinemyself。Allthis，however，wasuntrue。Thecathadnocousin，andhadnotbeenaskedtobegodfather。Hewentstraighttothechurch，creptuptothepotoffat，begantolickatit，andlickedoffthetopofthefat。Thenhewentforastrollontheroofsofthetown，lookedoutforopportunities，andthenstretchedoutinthesun，lickinghiswhiskerswheneverhethoughtofthepotoffat。Hedidnotreturnhomeuntilitwasevening。Well，hereyouareagain，saidthemouse。Youmusthavehadahappyday。Everythingwentwell，answeredthecat。Whatnamedidtheygivethechild？askedthemouse。TopOff，saidthecatquitecoolly。TopOff？criedthemouse。Thatisaveryoddanduncommonname。Isitausualoneinyourfamily？Whatdoesthatmatter？saidthecat。ItisnoworsethanCrumbThief，asyourgodchildrenarecalled。
　　Beforelongthecatwasseizedbyanotherfitoflonging。Hesaidtothemouse，Youmustdomeafavor，andoncemoremanagethehousealoneforaday。Ihavebeenaskedagaintobegodfather，andsincethechildhasawhiteringarounditsneck，Icannotrefuse。Thegoodmouseconsented。However，thecatcreptbehindthetownwalltothechurch，anddevouredhalfthepotoffat。Nothingtastesasgoodasthatwhichoneeatsbyoneself，hesaid，andwasquitesatisfiedwithhisday39；swork。Whenhearrivedhomethemouseasked，Whatnamewasthischildchristenedwith？HalfGone，answeredthecat。HalfGone？Whatareyousaying？Ihaveneverheardthatnameinallmylife。I39；llwageritisnotinthealmanac。
　　Thecat39；smouthsoonagainbegantowaterforthedeliciousgoods。Allgoodthingscomeinthrees，hesaidtothemouse。Ihavebeenaskedtobegodfatheragain。Thechildistotallyblack，onlyithaswhitepaws。Otherwiseithasnotasinglewhitehaironitswholebody。Thisonlyhappensonceeveryfewyears。Youwillletmego，won39；tyou？TopOff。HalfGone，answeredthemouse。Theyaresuchoddnames，thattheymakemestopandthink。Hereyousitathome，saidthecat，withyourdarkgrayfurcoatandlongbraidofhaircapturingfantasies。Thatisbecauseyoudonotgooutinthedaytime。Duringthecat39；sabsencethemousecleanedthehouse，andputitinorder，butthegreedycatdevouredalltherestofthefat。Onehaspeaceonlyaftereverythingiseatenup，hesaidtohimself。Wellfilledandfat，hedidnotreturnhomeuntilnighttime。Themouseimmediatelyaskedwhatnamehadbeengiventothethirdchild。Youwillnotlikeiteither，saidthecat。HisnameisAllGone。AllGone！，criedthemouse。Thatisthemostworrisomenameofall。Ihaveneverseenitinprint。AllGone！Whatcanthatmean？Thensheshookherhead，curledherselfup，andlaydowntosleep。
　　Fromthistimeforthnooneinvitedthecattobegodfather，butwhenwinterhadcomeandtherewasnolongeranythingtobefoundoutside，themousethoughtoftheirstoredfood，andsaid，Comecat，wewillgotoourpotoffatwhichwehavestoredupforourselves。Itwilltastegoodnow。Yes，answeredthecat。Youwillenjoyitasmuchasyouwouldenjoystickingthatdaintytongueofyoursoutofthewindow。Theysetoutontheirway，butwhentheyarrived，thepotoffat，tobesure，wasstillinitsplace，butitwasempty。Alas，saidthemouse，nowIseewhathashappened。Nowitcomestolight。Youareatruefriend。Youateeverythingwhenyouwereservingasagodfather。Firsttopoff，thenhalfdone，then。。。Bequiet！criedthecat。Onemoreword，andIwilleatyoutoo。
　　Allgone，wasalreadyonthepoormouse39；slips。Shehadscarcelyspokenitbeforethecatsprangonher，seizedher，andswallowedherdown。Yousee，thatisthewayoftheworld。简短的英文童话故事3：傻小子学害怕
　　Acertainfatherhadtwosons，theelderofwhomwassmartandsensible，andcoulddoeverything，buttheyoungerwasstupidandcouldneitherlearnnorunderstandanything，andwhenpeoplesawhimtheysaid，There39；safellowwhowillgivehisfathersometrouble！Whenanythinghadtobedone，butifhisfatherbadehimfetchanythingwhenitwaslate，orinthenighttime，andthewayledthroughthechurchyard，oranyotherdismalplace，heansweredOh，no，father，I39；llnotgothere，itmakesmeshudder！forhewasafraid。Orwhenstoriesweretoldbythefireatnightwhichmadethefleshcreep，thelistenerssometimessaidOh，itmakesusshudder！Theyoungersatinacornerandlistenedwiththerestofthem，andcouldnotimaginewhattheycouldmean。Theyarealwayssaying39；itmakesmeshudder，itmakesmeshudder！39；Itdoesnotmakemeshudder，thoughthe。That，too，mustbeanartofwhichIunderstandnothing。
　　NowitcametopassthathisfathersaidtohimonedayHearkentome，thoufellowinthecornerthere，thouartgrowingtallandstrong，andthoutoomustlearnsomethingbywhichthoucanstearnthyliving。Lookhowthybrotherworks，butthoudostnotevenearnthysalt。Well，father，hereplied，Iamquitewillingtolearnsomethingindeed，ifitcouldbutbemanaged，Ishouldliketolearnhowtoshudder。Idon39；tunderstandthatatallyet。Theelderbrothersmiledwhenheheardthat，andthoughttohimself，GoodGod，whatablockheadthatbrotherofmineis！Hewillneverbegoodforanythingaslongashelives。Hewhowantstobeasicklemustbendhimselfbetimes。Thefathersighed，andansweredhimthoushaltsoonlearnwhatitistoshudder，butthouwiltnotearnthybreadbythat。
　　Soonafterthisthesextoncametothehouseonavisit，andthefatherbewailedhistrouble，andtoldhimhowhisyoungersonwassobackwardineveryrespectthatheknewnothingandlearntnothing。Justthink，saidhe，whenIaskedhimhowhewasgoingtoearnhisbread，heactuallywantedtolearntoshudder。Ifthatbeall，repliedthesexton，hecanlearnthatwithme。Sendhimtome，andIwillsoonpolishhim。Thefatherwasgladtodoit，forhethought，Itwilltraintheboyalittle。Thesextonthereforetookhimintohishouse，andhehadtoringthebell。Afteradayortwo，thesextonawokehimatmidnight，andbadehimariseandgoupintothechurchtowerandringthebell。Thoushaltsoonlearnwhatshudderingis，thoughthe，andwhentheboywasatthetopofthetowerandturnedround，andwasjustgoingtotakeholdofthebellrope，hesawawhitefigurestandingonthestairsoppositethesoundinghole。Whoisthere？criedhe，butthefiguremadenoreply，anddidnotmoveorstir。Giveananswer，criedtheboy，ortakethyselfoff，thouhastnobusinesshereatnight。Thesexton，however，remainedstandingmotionlessthattheboymightthinkhewasaghost。Theboycriedasecondtime，Whatdoyouwanthere？speakifthouartanhonestfellow，orIwillthrowtheedownthesteps！Thesextonthought，hecan39；tintendtobeasbadashiswords，utterednosoundandstoodasifheweremadeofstone。Thentheboycalledtohimforthethirdtime，andasthatwasalsotonopurpose，heranagainsthimandpushedtheghostdownthestairs，sothatitfelldowntenstepsandremainedlyingthereinacorner。Thereuponherangthebell，wenthome，andwithoutsayingawordwenttobed，andfellasleep。Thesexton39；swifewaitedalongtimeforherhusband，buthedidnotcomeback。Atlengthshebecameuneasy，andwakenedtheboy，andasked，Dostthounotknowwheremyhusbandis？Heclimbedupthetowerbeforethoudidst。No，Idon39；tknow，repliedtheboy，butsomeonewasstandingbythesoundingholeontheothersideofthesteps，andashewouldneithergiveananswernorgoaway，Itookhimforascoundrel，andthrewhimdownstairs，justgothereandyouwillseeifitwashe。Ishouldbesorryifitwere。Thewomanranawayandfoundherhusband，whowaslyingmoaninginthecorner，andhadbrokenhisleg。
　　Shecarriedhimdown，andthenwithloudscreamsshehastenedtotheboy39；sfather。Yourboy，criedshe，hasbeenthecauseofagreatmisfortune！Hehasthrownmyhusbanddownthestepsandmadehimbreakhisleg。Takethegoodfornothingfellowawayfromourhouse。Thefatherwasterrified，andranthitherandscoldedtheboy。Whatwickedtricksarethese？saidhe，thedevilmusthaveputthisintothyhead。Father，hereplied，dolistentome。Iamquiteinnocent。Hewasstandingtherebynightlikeonewhoisintendingtodosomeevil。Ididnotknowwhoitwas，andIentreatedhimthreetimeseithertospeakortogoaway。Ah，saidthefather，Ihavenothingbutunhappinesswithyou。Gooutofmysight。Iwillseetheenomore。Yes，father，rightwillingly，waitonlyuntilitisday。ThenwillIgoforthandlearnhowtoshudder，andthenIshall，atanyrate，understandoneartwhichwillsupportme。Learnwhatthouwilt，spakethefather，itisallthesametome。Herearefiftythalersforthee。Taketheseandgointothewideworld，andtellnoonefromwhencethoucomest，andwhoisthyfather，forIhavereasontobeashamedofthee。Yes，father，itshallbeasyouwill。Ifyoudesirenothingmorethanthat，Icaneasilykeepitinmind。
　　Whendaydawned，therefore，theboyputhisfiftythalersintohispocket，andwentforthonthegreathighway，andcontinuallysaidtohimself，IfIcouldbutshudder！IfIcouldbutshudder！Thenamanapproachedwhoheardthisconversationwhichtheyouthwasholdingwithhimself，andwhentheyhadwalkedalittlefarthertowheretheycouldseethegallows，themansaidtohim，Look，thereisthetreewheresevenmenhavemarriedtheropemaker39；sdaughter，andarenowlearninghowtofly。Sitdownbelowit，andwaittillnightcomes，andyouwillsoonlearnhowtoshudder。Ifthatisallthatiswanted，answeredtheyouth，butifIlearnhowtoshudderasfastasthat，thoushalthavemyfiftythalers。Justcomebacktomeearlyinthemorning。Thentheyouthwenttothegallows，satdownbelowit，andwaitedtilleveningcame。Andashewascold，helightedhimselfafire，butatmidnightthewindblewsosharplythatinspiteofhisfire，hecouldnotgetwarm。Andasthewindknockedthehangedmenagainsteachother，andtheymovedbackwardsandforwards，hethoughttohimselfThoushiverestbelowbythefire，buthowthoseupabovemustfreezeandsuffer！Andashefeltpityforthem，heraisedtheladder，andclimbedup，unboundoneofthemaftertheother，andbroughtdownallseven。Thenhestirredthefire，blewit，andsetthemallroundittowarmthemselves。Buttheysatthereanddidnotstir，andthefirecaughttheirclothes。Sohesaid，Takecare，orIwillhangyouupagain。Thedeadmen，however，didnothear，butwerequitesilent，andlettheirragsgoonburning。Onthishegrewangry，andsaid，Ifyouwillnottakecare，Icannothelpyou，Iwillnotbeburntwithyou，andhehungthemupagaineachinhisturn。Thenhesatdownbyhisfireandfellasleep，andthenextmorningthemancametohimandwantedtohavethefiftythalers，andsaid，Well，dostthouknowhowtoshudder？No，answeredhe，howwasItogettoknow？Thosefellowsuptheredidnotopentheirmouths，andweresostupidthattheyletthefewoldragswhichtheyhadontheirbodiesgetburnt。Thenthemansawthathewouldnotgetthefiftythalersthatday，andwentawaysaying，Oneofthiskindhasnevercomemywaybefore。
　　Theyouthlikewisewenthisway，andoncemorebegantomuttertohimself，Ah，ifIcouldbutshudder！Ah，ifIcouldbutshudder！Awaggonerwhowasstridingbehindhimheardthatandasked，Whoareyou？Idon39；tknow，answeredtheyouth。Thenthewaggonerasked，Fromwhencecomestthou？Iknownot。Whoisthyfather？ThatImaynottellthee。Whatisitthatthouartalwaysmutteringbetweenthyteeth。Ah，repliedtheyouth，IdosowishIcouldshudder，butnoonecanteachmehowtodoit。Giveupthyfoolishchatter，saidthewaggoner。Come，gowithme，Iwillseeaboutaplaceforthee。Theyouthwentwiththewaggoner，andintheeveningtheyarrivedataninnwheretheywishedtopassthenight。Thenattheentranceoftheroomtheyouthagainsaidquiteloudly，IfIcouldbutshudder！IfIcouldbutshudder！Thehostwhoheardthis，laughedandsaid，Ifthatisyourdesire，thereoughttobeagoodopportunityforyouhere。Ah，besilent，saidthehostess，somanyinquisitivepersonshavealreadylosttheirlives，itwouldbeapityandashameifsuchbeautifuleyesastheseshouldneverseethedaylightagain。Buttheyouthsaid，Howeverdifficultitmaybe，IwilllearnitandforthispurposeindeedhaveIjourneyedforth。Heletthehosthavenorest，untilthelattertoldhim，thatnotfarfromthencestoodahauntedcastlewhereanyonecouldveryeasilylearnwhatshudderingwas，ifhewouldbutwatchinitforthreenights。TheKinghadpromisedthathewhowouldventureshouldhavehisdaughtertowife，andshewasthemostbeautifulmaidenthesunshoneon。Greattreasureslikewiselayinthecastle，whichwereguardedbyevilspirits，andthesetreasureswouldthenbefreed，andwouldmakeapoormanrichenough。Alreadymanymenhadgoneintothecastle，butasyetnonehadcomeoutagain。ThentheyouthwentnextmorningtotheKingandsaidifhewereallowedhewouldwatchthreenightsinthehauntedcastle。TheKinglookedathim，andastheyouthpleasedhim，hesaid，Thoumayestaskforthreethingstotakeintothecastlewiththee，buttheymustbethingswithoutlife。Thenheanswered，ThenIaskforafire，aturninglathe，andacuttingboardwiththeknife。
　　TheKinghadthesethingscarriedintothecastleforhimduringtheday。Whennightwasdrawingnear，theyouthwentupandmadehimselfabrightfireinoneoftherooms，placedthecuttingboardandknifebesideit，andseatedhimselfbytheturninglathe。Ah，ifIcouldbutshudder！saidhe，butIshallnotlearnithereeither。Towardsmidnighthewasabouttopokehisfire，andashewasblowingit，somethingcriedsuddenlyfromonecorner，Au，miau！howcoldweare！Yousimpletons！criedhe，whatareyoucryingabout？Ifyouarecold，comeandtakeaseatbythefireandwarmyourselves。Andwhenhehadsaidthat，twogreatblackcatscamewithonetremendousleapandsatdownoneachsideofhim，andlookedsavagelyathimwiththeirfieryeyes。Afterashorttime，whentheyhadwarmedthemselves，theysaid，Comrade，shallwehaveagameatcards？Whynot？hereplied，butjustshowmeyourpaws。Thentheystretchedouttheirclaws。Oh，saidhe，whatlongnailsyouhave！Wait，Imustfirstcutthemforyou。Thereuponheseizedthembythethroats，putthemonthecuttingboardandscrewedtheirfeetfast。Ihavelookedatyourfingers，saidhe，andmyfancyforcardplayinghasgone，andhestruckthemdeadandthrewthemoutintothewater。Butwhenhehadmadeawaywiththesetwo，andwasabouttositdownagainbyhisfire，outfromeveryholeandcornercameblackcatsandblackdogswithredhotchains，andmoreandmoreofthemcameuntilhecouldnolongerstir，andtheyyelledhorribly，andgotonhisfire，pulledittopieces，andtriedtoputitout。Hewatchedthemforawhilequietly，butatlastwhentheyweregoingtoofar，heseizedhiscuttingknife，andcried，Awaywithye，vermin，andbegantocutthemdown。Partofthemranaway，theothershekilled，andthrewoutintothefishpond。Whenhecamebackhefannedtheembersofhisfireagainandwarmedhimself。Andashethussat，hiseyeswouldkeepopennolonger，andhefeltadesiretosleep。Thenhelookedroundandsawagreatbedinthecorner。Thatistheverythingforme，saidhe，andgotintoit。Whenhewasjustgoingtoshuthiseyes，however，thebedbegantomoveofitsownaccord，andwentoverthewholeofthecastle。That39；sright，saidhe，butgofaster。Thenthebedrolledonasifsixhorseswereharnessedtoit，upanddown，overthresholdsandsteps，butsuddenlyhop，hop，itturnedoverupsidedown，andlayonhimlikeamountain。
　　Buthethrewquiltsandpillowsupintheair，gotoutandsaid，Nowanyonewholikes，maydrive，andlaydownbyhisfire，andslepttillitwasday。InthemorningtheKingcame，andwhenhesawhimlyingthereontheground，hethoughttheevilspiritshadkilledhimandhewasdead。Thensaidhe，Afterallitisapity，heisahandsomeman。Theyouthheardit，gotup，andsaid，Ithasnotcometothatyet。ThentheKingwasastonished，butveryglad，andaskedhowhehadfared。Verywellindeed，onenightispast，thetwootherswillgetoverlikewise。Thenhewenttotheinnkeeper，whoopenedhiseyesverywide，andsaid，Ineverexpectedtoseetheealiveagain！Hastthoulearnthowtoshudderyet？No，saidhe，itisallinvain。Ifsomeonewouldbuttellme。
　　Thesecondnightheagainwentupintotheoldcastle，satdownbythefire，andoncemorebeganhisoldsong，IfIcouldbutshudder。Whenmidnightcame，atfirstitwaslow，butitgrewlouderandlouder。Thenitwasquietforawhile，andatlengthwithaloudscream，halfamancamedownthechimneyandfellbeforehim。Hollo！criedhe，anotherhalfbelongstothis。Thisistoolittle！Thentheuproarbeganagain，therewasaroaringandhowling，andtheotherhalffelldownlikewise。Wait，saidhe，Iwilljustblowupthefirealittleforthee。Whenhehaddonethatandlookedroundagain，thetwopieceswerejoinedtogether，andafrightfulmanwassittinginhisplace。Thatisnopartofourbargain，saidtheyouth，thebenchismine。Ttheyouth，however，wouldnotallowthat，butthrusthimoffwithallhisstrength，andseatedhimselfagaininhisownplace。Thenstillmoremenfelldown，theybroughtninedeadmen39；slegsandtwoskulls，andsetthemupandplayedatninepinswiththem。TheyouthalsowantedtoplayandsaidHarkyou，canIjoinyou？Yes，ifthouhastanymoney。Moneyenough，repliedhe，butyourballsarenotquiteround。Thenhetooktheskullsandputtheminthelatheandturnedthemtilltheywereround。There，now，theywillrollbetter！saidhe。Hurrah！Nowitgoesmerrily！Heplayedwiththemandlostsomeofhismoney，butwhenitstrucktwelve，everythingvanishedfromhissight。Helaydownandquietlyfellasleep。NextmorningtheKingcametoinquireafterhim。Howhasitfaredwithyouthistime？askedhe。Ihavebeenplayingatninepins，heanswered，andhavelostacoupleoffarthings。Hastthounotshudderedthen？Eh，what？saidhe，Ihavemademerry。IfIdidbutknowwhatitwastoshudder！
　　Thethirdnighthesatdownagainonhisbenchandsaidquitesadly，IfIcouldbutshudder。Whenitgrewlate，sixtallmencameinandbroughtacoffin。Thensaidhe，Ha，ha，thatiscertainlymylittlecousin，whodiedonlyafewdaysago，andhebeckonedwithhisfinger，andcriedCome，littlecousin，come。Theyplacedthecoffinontheground，buthewenttoitandtookthelidoff，andadeadmanlaytherein。Hefelthisface，butitwascoldasice。Stop，saidhe，Iwillwarmtheealittle，andwenttothefireandwarmedhishandandlaiditonthedeadman39；sface，butheremainedcold。Thenhetookhimout，andsatdownbythefireandlaidhimonhisbreastandrubbedhisarmsthatthebloodmightcirculateagain。Asthisalsodidnogood，hethoughttohimselfWhentwopeoplelieinbedtogether，theywarmeachother，andcarriedhimtothebed，coveredhimoverandlaydownbyhim。Afterashorttimethedeadmanbecamewarmtoo，andbegantomove。Thensaidtheyouth，See，littlecousin，haveInotwarmedthee？Thedeadman，however，gotupandcried，NowwillIstranglethee。What！saidhe，isthatthewaythouthankestme？Thoushaltatoncegointothycoffinagain，andhetookhimup，threwhimintoit，andshutthelid。Thencamethesixmenandcarriedhimawayagain。Icannotmanagetoshudder，saidhe。IshallneverlearnithereaslongasIlive。
　　Thenamanenteredwhowastallerthanallothers，andlookedterrible。Hewasold，however，andhadalongwhitebeard。Thouwretch，criedhe，thoushaltsoonlearnwhatitistoshudder，forthoushaltdie。Notsofast，repliedtheyouth。IfIamtodie，Ishallhavetohaveasayinit。Iwillsoonseizethee，saidthefiend。Softly，softly，donottalksobig。Iamasstrongasthouart，andperhapsevenstronger。Weshallsee，saidtheoldman。Ifthouartstronger，Iwilllettheegocome，wewilltry。Thenheledhimbydarkpassagestoasmith39；sforge，tookanaxe，andwithoneblowstruckananvilintotheground。Icandobetterthanthat，saidtheyouth，andwenttotheotheranvil。Theoldmanplacedhimselfnearandwantedtolookon，andhiswhitebeardhungdown。Thentheyouthseizedtheaxe，splittheanvilwithoneblow，andstrucktheoldman39；sbeardinwithit。NowIhavethee，saidtheyouth。Nowitisthouwhowillhavetodie。Thenheseizedanironbarandbeattheoldmantillhemoanedandentreatedhimtostop，andhewouldgivehimgreatriches。Theyouthdrewouttheaxeandlethimgo。Theoldmanledhimbackintothecastle，andinacellarshowedhimthreechestsfullofgold。Ofthese，saidhe，onepartisforthepoor，theotherfortheking，thethirdisthine。Inthemeantimeitstrucktwelve，theyouth，therefore，wasleftindarkness。Ishallstillbeabletofindmywayout，saidhe，andfeltabout，foundthewayintotheroom，andslepttherebyhisfire。NextmorningtheKingcameandsaidNowthoumusthavelearntwhatshudderingis？No，whatcanitbe？Mydeadcousinwashere，andabeardedmancameandshowedmeagreatdealofmoneydownbelow，butnoonetoldmewhatitwastoshudder。Then，saidtheKing，thouhastdeliveredthecastle，andshaltmarrymydaughter。Thatisallverywell，saidhe，butstillIdonotknowwhatitistoshudder。
　　Tbuthowsoevermuchtheyoungkinglovedhiswife，andhoweverhappyhewas，hestillsaidalwaysIfIcouldbutshudderifIcouldbutshudder。Andatlastshewasangryatthis。Herwaitingmaidsaid，Iheshallsoonlearnwhatitistoshudder。Shewentouttothestreamwhichflowedthroughthegarden，andhadawholebucketfulofgudgeonsbroughttoher。Atnightwhentheyoungkingwassleeping，hiswifewastodrawtheclothesoffhimandemptythebucketfulofcoldwaterwiththegudgeonsinitoverhim，sothatthelittlefisheswouldsprawlabouthim。Whenthiswasdone，hewokeupandcriedOh，whatmakesmeshudderso？Whatmakesmeshudderso，dearwife？Ah！nowIknowwhatitistoshudder！