there was once upon a time a miller who lived with his wife in great contentment. they had money and land, and their prosperity increased year by year more and more. but ill-luck comes like a thief in the night, as their wealth had increased so did it again decrease, year by year, and at last the miller could hardly call the mill in which he lived, his own. he was in great distress, and when he lay down after his day’s work, found no rest, but tossed about in his bed, full of care. one morning he rose before daybreak and went out into the open air, thinking that perhaps there his heart might become lighter. as he was stepping over the mill-dam the first sunbeam was just breaking forth, and he heard a rippling sound in the pond. he turned round and perceived a beautiful woman, rising slowly out of the water. her long hair, which she was holding off her shoulders with her soft hands, fell down on both sides, and covered her white body. he soon saw that she was the nix of the mill-pond, and in his fright did not know whether he should run away or stay where he was. but the nix made her sweet voice heard, called him by his name, and asked him why he was so sad? the miller was at first struck dumb, but when he heard her speak so kindly, he took heart, and told her how he had formerly lived in wealth and happiness, but that now he was so poor that he did not know what to do.