SAUCY JESPER
riage and ascend the throne with her when he, himself, died. There were many who came and tried their best, but no one could even make her smile. They only succeeded in making twofold fools of themselves, first, when they attempted to amuse her, and, second, when they were obliged to return home with a long face—disappointed.
His majesty grew tired of witnessing all their endeavor: both the merriment he had to look at and the jokes to which he must listen wearied him; but he was disappointed, especially, when he looked at his daughter, who remained as gloomy and sour-faced as before, in spite of all their pranks and jokes. A new order was now given to the effect that those who came and tried, without success, to make the princess laugh, should be dipped in tar, rolled in feathers, and sent away in disgrace. This edict lessened the number of contestants, but the princess remained as downhearted as before.
In the same land there lived a man who had three sons; the eldest was called Peter, the second Paul, and the youngest Saucy Jesper. They lived a quiet, secluded life, hence a long time passed before they learned of the king's edict, and how easily their fortunes were made if they could win a laugh from the princess. Peter thought he might as well do his best, and try. His mother gave him a good knapsack, and his father a purse filled with money. Thus equipped, he started on his journey.
On his way he met an old woman who drew a
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