THE CHILD WHO CAME FROM AN EGG Once upon a time there lived a queen whose heart was sore because she had no children . She was sad enough when her husband was at home with her , but when he was away she would see nobody , but sat and wept all day long . Now it happened that a war broke out with the king of a neighbouring country , and the queen was left in the palace alone . She was so unhappy that she felt as if the walls would stifle her , so she wandered out into the garden , and threw herself down on a grassy bank , under the shade of a lime tree . She had been there for some time , when a rustle among the leaves caused her to look up , and she saw an old woman limping on her crutches towards the stream that flowed through the grounds . When she had quenched her thirst , she came straight up to the queen , and said to her : ` Do not take it evil , noble lady , that I dare to speak to you , and do not be afraid of me , for it may be that I shall bring you good luck . ' The queen looked at her doubtfully , and answered : ` You do not seem as if you had been very lucky yourself , or to have much good fortune to spare for anyone else . ' ` Under rough bark lies smooth wood and sweet kernel , ' replied the old woman . ` Let me see your hand , that I may read the future . ' The queen held out her hand , and the old woman examined its lines closely . Then she said , ` Your heart is heavy with two sorrows , one old and one new . The new sorrow is for your husband , who is fighting far away from you ; but , believe me , he is well , and will soon bring you joyful news . But your other sorrow is much older than this . Your happiness is spoilt because you have no children . ' At these words the queen became scarlet , and tried to draw away her hand , but the old woman said : ` Have a little patience , for there are some things I want to see more clearly . ' ` But who are you ? ' asked the queen , ` for you seem to be able to read my heart . ' ` Never mind my name , ' answered she , ` but rejoice that it is permitted to me to show you a way to lessen your grief . You must , however , promise to do exactly what I tell you , if any good is to come of it . ' ` Oh , I will obey you exactly , ' cried the queen , ` and if you can help me you shall have in return anything you ask for . '
The old woman stood thinking for a little : then she drew something from the folds of her dress , and , undoing a number XXXXX wrappings , brought out a tiny basket made of birch-bark .
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