Out of Context

How can January be almost over already?

Fairy Tales Every Child Should Know
Edited by Hamilton Wright Mabie

At night the brothers returned from hunting, and the supper was ready. While they sat at table, one of them said, “Well, Benjamin, have you any news?”

“Perhaps I have,” he said, “although it seems strange that I, who stay at home, should know more than you, who have been out.”

“Well, tell us your news,” said one. So he said:

“I will tell you if you will make one promise.”

“Yes, yes!” they all cried. “What is it?”

“Well, then, promise me that the first maiden you meet with in the forest shall not die.”

“Yes, yes!” said they all; “she shall have mercy, but tell us.”

“Then,” said the youngest brother, “our sister is here;” and, rising, he lifted the tub, and the king’s daughter came forth in her royal robes and with a golden star on her forehead, and looking so fair and delicate and beautiful that the brothers were full of joy, and kissed and embraced her with the fondest affection.

(Grimm’s Fairy Tales)