18
TALE V.
She perceiving that her sister was so happy in seeking her fortune, would needs do the same; so disclosing her mind to her mother, all preparations were made; not only rich apparel but sweet-meats, sugar, almonds, &c. in great quantities, and a large bottle of Malaga-sack. Thus furnished she went the same road as her sister, and coming near the cave, there sat the old man, who said, young woman, whither so fast? What is that to you, said she. Then said he, what have you in your bag and bottle? She answered good things, what you shall not be troubled with. Won't you give me some, said he? No, not a bit nor a drop, unless it would choak you. The old man frowned, saying evil fortune attend thee. Going on, she came to the hedge, through which she espied a gap, where she thought to pass, but going in the hedge closed, and the thorns run into her flesh, so that with great difficulty she got out. Being now in a bloody condition, she looks for water to wash herself, and looking round she saw a well, and sitting down, one of the heads
