He was most graciously received . ` Will you tell us a story ? ' said the sultana ; ` one that is thoughtful and instructive ? ' ` But something that we can laugh at , ' said the sultan . ` Oh , certainly , ' he replied , and began : ` Now , listen attentively . There was once a box of matches which lay between a tinder-box and an old iron pot , and they told the story of their youth . ' `` We used to be on the green fir-boughs . Every morning and evening we had diamond-tea , which was the dew , and the whole day long we had sunshine , and the little birds used to tell us stories . We were very rich , because the other trees only dressed in summer , but we had green dresses in summer and in winter . Then the woodcutter came , and our family was split up . We have now the task of making light for the lowest people . That is why we grand people are in the kitchen . '' ' `` My fate was quite different , '' said the iron pot , near which the matches lay . ' `` Since I came into the world I have been many times scoured , and have cooked much . My only pleasure is to have a good chat with my companions when I am lying nice and clean in my place after dinner . '' ' `` Now you are talking too fast , '' spluttered the fire . ' `` Yes , let us decide who is the grandest ! '' said the matches . ' `` No , I do n't like talking about myself , '' said the pot . ' `` Let us arrange an evening 's entertainment .
I will tell the story XXXXX my life . '
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