The Little Match Man

hat I threw up my hand in amazement, and came n

d. “How could

around the hilt of his sword to attract

d you spe

al himself three times during his life

Wa

y friend, although I have done nothing to deserve your kindness. Thank you for it, but you must let me die. You know what a disgrace it would

hings your honorable salvation. K

and interlacing my boughs in a tangle so thick that it would have been impossible

ut the e

‘He is here, he is here.’ Guided by the drops of blood, they came directly to me. I must confess I was frightened, not for myself but for

it. It isn’t possible for him to be here; we must look somewhere else.’ And the disorderly crowd walked

arrior wa

here he could find some healing fruit. He stayed near me for two days. At night he slept at the foot of my trunk. When I heard sus

4

I must return to my people and save them from further perils. I must protect them. I shall never forget what I owe to you. You will be adored by me and my people as long a

d y

he could see me swaying and bowing. No tempest ever sh

; and have you ev

, the stork who always stopped to

ings going?’

,’ he answered, s

ILL BE

4

bserved. ‘Arro

ed men near here. I am obliged to look after

t me, they burned incense to me under my branches. They had brought food and saki, which is their wine made of rice. For two days they had a great festival. Beautiful songs were sung in my honor by their musicians. They poured saki on my trunk