The Elfin Hill · page 21 2101But where are the lads?"102Where indeed were they?103Why, running about the fields, and blowing out the will-o'-the-wisps, who so good-naturedly came and brought their torches.104"What tricks have you been playing?" said the old goblin. "105I have taken a mother for you, and now you may take one of your aunts."106But the youngsters said they would rather make a speech and drink to their good fellowship; they had no wish to marry.107Then they made speeches and drank toasts, and tipped their glasses, to show that they were empty.108Then they took off their coats, and lay down on the table to sleep; for they made themselves quite at home.109But the old goblin danced about the room with his young bride, and exchanged boots with her, which is more fashionable than exchanging rings.110"The cock is crowing," said the old elfin maiden who acted as housekeeper; "now we must close the shutters, that the sun may not scorch us."111Then the hill closed up.112But the lizards continued to run up and down the riven tree; and one said to the other, "Oh, how much I was pleased with the old goblin!"113"The boys pleased me better," said the earth-worm.114But then the poor miserable creature could not see.1 2← previousThe Elf of the Rosenext →The Emperor's New Suit↑ back to Fairy Tales of Hans Christian AndersenThis page in Markdown → https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg27200/31/page/2/