the boy had once heard the farmer’s wife say, "i have a pot with poison in it under my bed." she, however, had only said that to keep away greedy people, for there was honey in it. the boy crept under the bed, brought out the pot, and ate all that was in it. "i do not know," said he, "folks say death is bitter, but it tastes very sweet to me. it is no wonder that the farmer’s wife has so often longed for death." he seated himself in a little chair, and was prepared to die. but instead of becoming weaker he felt himself strengthened by the nourishing food.