PETER FIDDLE-DE-DEE
HERE was once a king whose only daughter was so extremely conceited, and so much inclined to sneer, and in spite of her beauty and brightness so impertinent towards every one, that all the suitors who came to woo her turned aside in time and returned home again.
The king at length grew tired of this state of affairs. Hardly any of her equals desired to have anything to do with her, and her father finally swore that she would be forced to marry the man, whoever he was, who could silence her. "Let them try," said the princess; "let them try all they wish; but if they fail they'll be hanged." "Very well," answered the king. So a decree was issued and posted at the street corners, and announced throughout the land.
There were many young men ready to make the trial, who thought they knew how to amuse one with fair words. They hoped to make their fortunes on this occasion. But they reckoned without their host, for when they were brought face to face
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