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how-the-river-gods-wedding-was-broken-off | and with these words he looked at a witch . he said : " you may go ! " the witch hesitated , but he ordered his servants to seize her and thrust her into the stream . after which about an hour went by . " that woman did not understand her business , " continued si - men , " or else she would have been back long ago ! " and with that he looked at one of the sorcerers . he added : " do you go and do better ! " the sorcerer paled with fear , but si - men had him seized and cast into the river . again half - an - hour went by . | what happened to the witch when she went to the river-god's castle ? | she did not come back . | local | outcome resolution | implicit | ||
how-the-river-gods-wedding-was-broken-off | then si - men pretended to be uneasy . " both of them have made a botch of their errand , " said he , " and are causing the bride to wait in vain ! " once more he looked at a sorcerer . he said : " do you go and hunt them up ! " but the sorcerer flung himself on the ground and begged for mercy . and all the rest of the sorcerers and witches knelt to him in a row , and pleaded for grace . and they took an oath that they would never again seek a bride for the river - god . then si - men held his hand . he sent the girl back to her home . the evil custom was at an end forever . | why did the sorcerer fling himself on the ground and beg for mercy ? | the other sorcerer and witch did not come back from the river - god 's castle . | local | causal relationship | implicit | ||
how-the-river-gods-wedding-was-broken-off | then si - men pretended to be uneasy . " both of them have made a botch of their errand , " said he , " and are causing the bride to wait in vain ! " once more he looked at a sorcerer . he said : " do you go and hunt them up ! " but the sorcerer flung himself on the ground and begged for mercy . and all the rest of the sorcerers and witches knelt to him in a row , and pleaded for grace . and they took an oath that they would never again seek a bride for the river - god . then si - men held his hand . he sent the girl back to her home . the evil custom was at an end forever . | how was the evil custom came to an end ? | the sorcerers and witches took an oath that they would never again seek a bride for the river - god . | local | action | explicit | ||
how-the-river-gods-wedding-was-broken-off | then si - men pretended to be uneasy . " both of them have made a botch of their errand , " said he , " and are causing the bride to wait in vain ! " once more he looked at a sorcerer . he said : " do you go and hunt them up ! " but the sorcerer flung himself on the ground and begged for mercy . and all the rest of the sorcerers and witches knelt to him in a row , and pleaded for grace . and they took an oath that they would never again seek a bride for the river - god . then si - men held his hand . he sent the girl back to her home . the evil custom was at an end forever . | what did si-men do after the sorcerers and witches pleaded for grace ? | sent the girl back to her home . | local | action | explicit | ||
help-in-need | west of gingdschou , two hundred miles away , is another lake , whose god is named tschauna , and who performs many miracles . during the time of the tang dynasty there lived in gingdschou a mandarin by name of dschou bau . while he was in office it chanced that in the fifth month clouds suddenly arose in the sky , piling themselves up like mountains , among which wriggled dragons and serpents ; they rolled up and down between the two seas . tempest and rain , thunder and lightning arose so that houses fell to pieces , trees were torn up by the roots , and much damage was done the crops . dschou bau took the blame upon himself , and prayed to the heavens that his people might be pardoned . | who performed many miracles ? | tschauna . | local | character | explicit | ||
help-in-need | west of gingdschou , two hundred miles away , is another lake , whose god is named tschauna , and who performs many miracles . during the time of the tang dynasty there lived in gingdschou a mandarin by name of dschou bau . while he was in office it chanced that in the fifth month clouds suddenly arose in the sky , piling themselves up like mountains , among which wriggled dragons and serpents ; they rolled up and down between the two seas . tempest and rain , thunder and lightning arose so that houses fell to pieces , trees were torn up by the roots , and much damage was done the crops . dschou bau took the blame upon himself , and prayed to the heavens that his people might be pardoned . | where did dschou bau live ? | gingdschou . | local | setting | explicit | ||
help-in-need | west of gingdschou , two hundred miles away , is another lake , whose god is named tschauna , and who performs many miracles . during the time of the tang dynasty there lived in gingdschou a mandarin by name of dschou bau . while he was in office it chanced that in the fifth month clouds suddenly arose in the sky , piling themselves up like mountains , among which wriggled dragons and serpents ; they rolled up and down between the two seas . tempest and rain , thunder and lightning arose so that houses fell to pieces , trees were torn up by the roots , and much damage was done the crops . dschou bau took the blame upon himself , and prayed to the heavens that his people might be pardoned . | why did dschou bau take the blame upon himself ? | he happened to be in office when in the fifth month clouds suddenly arose in the sky . | local | causal relationship | implicit | ||
help-in-need | from all sides bright - colored clouds came floating in , and the courtyard was filled with a purple ether . dschou bau had wine and food brought and entertained them all in the most splendid way . but the goddess sat staring straight before her with wrinkled brows , and seemed to feel very sad . then she rose and said with a blush : " i have been living in this neighborhood for many years . a wrong which has been done me , permits me to pass the bounds of what is fitting , and encourages me to ask a favor of you . yet i do not know whether you wish to save me ! " " may i hear what it is all about , " answered dschou bau . " if i can help you , i will be glad to place myself at your disposal . " | what did dschou bau do when the mistress came to visit him ? | had wine and food brought and entertained the mistress and her servants all in the most splendid way . | local | action | explicit | ||
help-in-need | on the fifth day of the sixth month he sat in his hall of audience and gave judgment ; and suddenly he felt quite weary and sleepy . he took off his hat and laid down on the cushions . no sooner had he closed his eyes than he saw a warrior in helmet and armor , with a halberd in his hand , standing on the steps leading to the hall , who announced : " a lady is waiting outside who wishes to enter ! " dschou bau asked him : " who are you ? " the answer was : " i am your door - keeper . in the invisible world i already have been performing this duty for many years . " meanwhile two figures clad in green came up the steps , knelt before him and said : " our mistress has come to visit you ! " dschou bau rose . he beheld lovely clouds , from which fell a fine rain , and strange fragrances enchanted him . suddenly he saw a lady clad in a simple gown , but of surpassing beauty , float down from on high , with a retinue of many female servants . these were all neat and clean in appearance , and waited upon the lady as though she were a princess . when the latter entered the hall she raised her arms in greeting . dschou bau came forward to meet her and invited her to be seated . from all sides bright - colored clouds came floating in , and the courtyard was filled with a purple ether . dschou bau had wine and food brought and entertained them all in the most splendid way . but the goddess sat staring straight before her with wrinkled brows , and seemed to feel very sad . then she rose and said with a blush : " i have been living in this neighborhood for many years . a wrong which has been done me , permits me to pass the bounds of what is fitting , and encourages me to ask a favor of you . yet i do not know whether you wish to save me ! " " may i hear what it is all about , " answered dschou bau . " if i can help you , i will be glad to place myself at your disposal . " | what will the mistress do when she visits dschou bau ? | ask for his help . | summary | prediction | implicit | ||
help-in-need | the goddess said : " for hundreds of years my family has been living in the depth of the eastern sea . but we were unfortunate in that our treasures excited the jealousy of men . the ancestor of pi - lo nearly destroyed our entire clan by fire . my ancestors had to fly and hide themselves . and not long ago , our enemy pi - lo himself wanted to deliver an imperial letter in the cave of the sea of dungting . under the pretext of begging for pearls and treasures , he wished to enter the dragon - castle and destroy our family . fortunately a wise man saw through his treacherous purpose , and lo - dsi - tschun and his brothers were sent in his stead . yet my people did not feel safe from future attacks . for this reason they withdrew to the distant west . my father has done much good to mankind and hence is highly honored there . i am his ninth daughter . when i was sixteen i was wedded to the youngest son of the rock - dragon . but my good husband had a fiery temper , which often caused him to offend against the laws of courtesy , and in less than a year 's time the punishment of heaven was his portion . i was left alone and returned to the home of my parents . | why did the ancestor of pi-lo nearly destroy the mistress's entire clan by fire ? | the ancestors were jealous of the clan 's treasure . | local | causal relationship | implicit | ||
help-in-need | the goddess said : " for hundreds of years my family has been living in the depth of the eastern sea . but we were unfortunate in that our treasures excited the jealousy of men . the ancestor of pi - lo nearly destroyed our entire clan by fire . my ancestors had to fly and hide themselves . and not long ago , our enemy pi - lo himself wanted to deliver an imperial letter in the cave of the sea of dungting . under the pretext of begging for pearls and treasures , he wished to enter the dragon - castle and destroy our family . fortunately a wise man saw through his treacherous purpose , and lo - dsi - tschun and his brothers were sent in his stead . yet my people did not feel safe from future attacks . for this reason they withdrew to the distant west . my father has done much good to mankind and hence is highly honored there . i am his ninth daughter . when i was sixteen i was wedded to the youngest son of the rock - dragon . but my good husband had a fiery temper , which often caused him to offend against the laws of courtesy , and in less than a year 's time the punishment of heaven was his portion . i was left alone and returned to the home of my parents . | why did pi-lo want to deliver an imperial letter in the cave of the sea of dungting ? | he wished to enter the dragon - castle and destroy the mistress 's family . | local | causal relationship | explicit | ||
help-in-need | the goddess said : " for hundreds of years my family has been living in the depth of the eastern sea . but we were unfortunate in that our treasures excited the jealousy of men . the ancestor of pi - lo nearly destroyed our entire clan by fire . my ancestors had to fly and hide themselves . and not long ago , our enemy pi - lo himself wanted to deliver an imperial letter in the cave of the sea of dungting . under the pretext of begging for pearls and treasures , he wished to enter the dragon - castle and destroy our family . fortunately a wise man saw through his treacherous purpose , and lo - dsi - tschun and his brothers were sent in his stead . yet my people did not feel safe from future attacks . for this reason they withdrew to the distant west . my father has done much good to mankind and hence is highly honored there . i am his ninth daughter . when i was sixteen i was wedded to the youngest son of the rock - dragon . but my good husband had a fiery temper , which often caused him to offend against the laws of courtesy , and in less than a year 's time the punishment of heaven was his portion . i was left alone and returned to the home of my parents . | why did the mistress's people withdraw to the distant west ? | they did not feel safe from future attacks . | local | causal relationship | explicit | ||
help-in-need | the goddess said : " for hundreds of years my family has been living in the depth of the eastern sea . but we were unfortunate in that our treasures excited the jealousy of men . the ancestor of pi - lo nearly destroyed our entire clan by fire . my ancestors had to fly and hide themselves . and not long ago , our enemy pi - lo himself wanted to deliver an imperial letter in the cave of the sea of dungting . under the pretext of begging for pearls and treasures , he wished to enter the dragon - castle and destroy our family . fortunately a wise man saw through his treacherous purpose , and lo - dsi - tschun and his brothers were sent in his stead . yet my people did not feel safe from future attacks . for this reason they withdrew to the distant west . my father has done much good to mankind and hence is highly honored there . i am his ninth daughter . when i was sixteen i was wedded to the youngest son of the rock - dragon . but my good husband had a fiery temper , which often caused him to offend against the laws of courtesy , and in less than a year 's time the punishment of heaven was his portion . i was left alone and returned to the home of my parents . | who has done much good to mankind and was highly honored ? | the mistress 's father . | local | character | explicit | ||
help-in-need | my father wished me to marry again ; but i had promised to remain true to the memory of my husband , and made a vow not to comply with my father 's wish . my parents grew angry , and i was obliged to retire to this place in view of their anger . that was three years ago . who could imagine that the contemptible dragon tschauna , who was seeking a wife for his youngest brother , would try to force the wedding - gift upon me ? i refused to accept it ; but tschauna knew how to gain his point with my father , and was determined to carry out his intention . my father , regardless of my wishes , promised me to him . and then the dragon tschauna appeared with his youngest brother and wanted to carry me off by sheer force of arms . i encountered him with fifty faithful followers , and we fought on the meadow before the city . we were defeated , and i am more than ever afraid that tschauna will attempt to drag me off . so i have plucked up courage to beg you to lend me your mercenaries so that i may beat off my foes and remain as i am . if you will help me i will be grateful to you till the end of my days . " | how did mistress's family feel when she refused to remarry ? | angry . | local | feeling | explicit | ||
help-in-need | the goddess said : " for hundreds of years my family has been living in the depth of the eastern sea . but we were unfortunate in that our treasures excited the jealousy of men . the ancestor of pi - lo nearly destroyed our entire clan by fire . my ancestors had to fly and hide themselves . and not long ago , our enemy pi - lo himself wanted to deliver an imperial letter in the cave of the sea of dungting . under the pretext of begging for pearls and treasures , he wished to enter the dragon - castle and destroy our family . fortunately a wise man saw through his treacherous purpose , and lo - dsi - tschun and his brothers were sent in his stead . yet my people did not feel safe from future attacks . for this reason they withdrew to the distant west . my father has done much good to mankind and hence is highly honored there . i am his ninth daughter . when i was sixteen i was wedded to the youngest son of the rock - dragon . but my good husband had a fiery temper , which often caused him to offend against the laws of courtesy , and in less than a year 's time the punishment of heaven was his portion . i was left alone and returned to the home of my parents . | why was the mistress left alone and returned to the home of her parents ? | her husband 's fiery temper caused him to offend against the laws of courtesy . | local | causal relationship | explicit | ||
help-in-need | my father wished me to marry again ; but i had promised to remain true to the memory of my husband , and made a vow not to comply with my father 's wish . my parents grew angry , and i was obliged to retire to this place in view of their anger . that was three years ago . who could imagine that the contemptible dragon tschauna , who was seeking a wife for his youngest brother , would try to force the wedding - gift upon me ? i refused to accept it ; but tschauna knew how to gain his point with my father , and was determined to carry out his intention . my father , regardless of my wishes , promised me to him . and then the dragon tschauna appeared with his youngest brother and wanted to carry me off by sheer force of arms . i encountered him with fifty faithful followers , and we fought on the meadow before the city . we were defeated , and i am more than ever afraid that tschauna will attempt to drag me off . so i have plucked up courage to beg you to lend me your mercenaries so that i may beat off my foes and remain as i am . if you will help me i will be grateful to you till the end of my days . " | what happened when the mistress fought on the meadow before the city ? | they were defeated . | local | outcome resolution | explicit | ||
help-in-need | from all sides bright - colored clouds came floating in , and the courtyard was filled with a purple ether . dschou bau had wine and food brought and entertained them all in the most splendid way . but the goddess sat staring straight before her with wrinkled brows , and seemed to feel very sad . then she rose and said with a blush : " i have been living in this neighborhood for many years . a wrong which has been done me , permits me to pass the bounds of what is fitting , and encourages me to ask a favor of you . yet i do not know whether you wish to save me ! " " may i hear what it is all about , " answered dschou bau . " if i can help you , i will be glad to place myself at your disposal . " dschou bau answered : " you come from a noble family . have you no kinsfolk who will hasten to help you in your need , that you are compelled to turn to a mortal man ? " " it is true that my kinsfolk are far - famed and numerous . if i were to send out letters and they came to my aid , they would rub out that scaly scoundrel tschauna as one might rub garlic . but my deceased husband offended the high heavens and he has not yet been pardoned . and my parents ' will , too , is opposed to mine , so that i dare not call upon my kinsfolk for help . you will understand my need . " then dschou bau promised to help her , and the princess thanked him and departed . when he awoke , he sighed long thinking over his strange experience . and the following day he sent off fifteen hundred soldiers to stand guard by the lake of the maidens . on the seventh day of the sixth month dschou bau rose early . darkness still lay before the windows , yet it seemed to him as though he could glimpse a man before the curtain . he asked who it might be . the man said : " i am the princess 's adviser . yesterday you were kind enough to send soldiers to aid us in our distress . but they were all living men , and such can not fight against invisible spirits . you will have to send us soldiers of yours who have died , if you wish to aid us . " | what will dschou bau do when she asks for his help ? | send off fifteen hundred soldiers to stand guard by the lake of the maidens . | summary | prediction | explicit | ||
help-in-need | when he awoke , he sighed long thinking over his strange experience . and the following day he sent off fifteen hundred soldiers to stand guard by the lake of the maidens . on the seventh day of the sixth month dschou bau rose early . darkness still lay before the windows , yet it seemed to him as though he could glimpse a man before the curtain . he asked who it might be . the man said : " i am the princess 's adviser . yesterday you were kind enough to send soldiers to aid us in our distress . but they were all living men , and such can not fight against invisible spirits . you will have to send us soldiers of yours who have died , if you wish to aid us . " | what did princess's advisor request from dschou bau ? | soldiers of his who have died . | local | action | explicit | ||
help-in-need | when he awoke , he sighed long thinking over his strange experience . and the following day he sent off fifteen hundred soldiers to stand guard by the lake of the maidens . on the seventh day of the sixth month dschou bau rose early . darkness still lay before the windows , yet it seemed to him as though he could glimpse a man before the curtain . he asked who it might be . the man said : " i am the princess 's adviser . yesterday you were kind enough to send soldiers to aid us in our distress . but they were all living men , and such can not fight against invisible spirits . you will have to send us soldiers of yours who have died , if you wish to aid us . " | why did the princess's advisor want soldiers who have died ? | living men can not fight against invisible spirits . | local | causal relationship | explicit | ||
help-in-need | on the twenty - sixth of the month news came from the general 's camp that he had suddenly died at midnight on the thirteenth . dschou bau was frightened , and sent a man to bring him a report . the latter informed him that the general 's heart had hardly ceased to beat , and that , in spite of the hot summer weather , his body was free from any trace of decay . so the order was given not to bury him . | how did dschou bau feel when he found out that dschong tschong-fu died ? | frightened . | local | feeling | explicit | ||
help-in-need | then one night an icy , spectral wind arose , which whirled up sand and stones , broke trees and tore down houses . the standing corn in the fields was blown down . the storm lasted all day . finally , the crash of a terrific thunderbolt was heard , and then the skies cleared and the clouds scattered . that very hour the dead general began to breathe painfully on his couch , and when his attendants came to him , he had returned to life again . they questioned him and he told them : " first i saw a man in a purple gown riding a black horse , who came up with a great retinue . he dismounted before the door . in his hand he held a decree of appointment which he gave me , saying : ' our princess begs you most respectfully to become her general . i hope that you will not refuse . ' then he brought forth gifts and heaped them up before the steps . jade - stones , brocades , and silken garments , saddles , horses , helmets and suits of mail - he heaped them all up in the courtyard . i wished to decline , but this he would not allow , and urged me to enter his chariot with him . we drove a hundred miles and met a train of three - hundred armored horsemen who had ridden out to escort me . they led me to a great city , and before the city a tent had been erected in which played a band of musicians . a high official welcomed me . | what happened the dead general after he returned to life again ? | they questioned him . | summary | outcome resolution | explicit | ||
help-in-need | when i entered the city the onlookers were crowded together like walls . servants ran to and fro bearing orders . we passed through more than a dozen gates before we reached the princess . there i was requested to dismount and change my clothes in order to enter the presence of the princess , for she wished to receive me as her guest . but i thought this too great an honor and greeted her below , on the steps . she , however , invited me to seat myself near her in the hall . she sat upright in all her incomparable beauty , surrounded by female attendants adorned with the richest jewels . these plucked lute - strings and played flutes . a throng of servitors stood about in golden girdles with purple tassels , ready to carry out her commands . countless crowds were assembled before the palace . five or six visitors sat in a circle about the princess , and a general led me to my place . the princess said to me : ' i have begged you to come here in order to entrust the command of my army to you . if you will break the power of my foe i will reward you richly . ' i promised to obey her . then wine was brought in , and the banquet was served to the sound of music . while we were at table a messenger entered : ' the robber tschauna has invaded our land with ten thousand footmen and horsemen , and is approaching our city by various roads . | where did the general go after he met a man in a purple gown riding a black horse ? | to a great city . | local | setting | explicit | ||
help-in-need | when i entered the city the onlookers were crowded together like walls . servants ran to and fro bearing orders . we passed through more than a dozen gates before we reached the princess . there i was requested to dismount and change my clothes in order to enter the presence of the princess , for she wished to receive me as her guest . but i thought this too great an honor and greeted her below , on the steps . she , however , invited me to seat myself near her in the hall . she sat upright in all her incomparable beauty , surrounded by female attendants adorned with the richest jewels . these plucked lute - strings and played flutes . a throng of servitors stood about in golden girdles with purple tassels , ready to carry out her commands . countless crowds were assembled before the palace . five or six visitors sat in a circle about the princess , and a general led me to my place . the princess said to me : ' i have begged you to come here in order to entrust the command of my army to you . if you will break the power of my foe i will reward you richly . ' i promised to obey her . then wine was brought in , and the banquet was served to the sound of music . while we were at table a messenger entered : ' the robber tschauna has invaded our land with ten thousand footmen and horsemen , and is approaching our city by various roads . | what happened when the general was at the banquet ? | a messenger informed them that the robber tschauna had invaded their land . | local | outcome resolution | implicit | ||
help-in-need | when i entered the city the onlookers were crowded together like walls . servants ran to and fro bearing orders . we passed through more than a dozen gates before we reached the princess . there i was requested to dismount and change my clothes in order to enter the presence of the princess , for she wished to receive me as her guest . but i thought this too great an honor and greeted her below , on the steps . she , however , invited me to seat myself near her in the hall . she sat upright in all her incomparable beauty , surrounded by female attendants adorned with the richest jewels . these plucked lute - strings and played flutes . a throng of servitors stood about in golden girdles with purple tassels , ready to carry out her commands . countless crowds were assembled before the palace . five or six visitors sat in a circle about the princess , and a general led me to my place . the princess said to me : ' i have begged you to come here in order to entrust the command of my army to you . if you will break the power of my foe i will reward you richly . ' i promised to obey her . then wine was brought in , and the banquet was served to the sound of music . while we were at table a messenger entered : ' the robber tschauna has invaded our land with ten thousand footmen and horsemen , and is approaching our city by various roads . his way is marked by columns of fire and smoke ! ' the guests all grew pale with terror when they heard the news . and the princess said : ' this is the foe because of whom i have sought your aid . save me in my hour of need ! ' then she gave me two chargers , a suit of golden armor , and the insignia of a commander - in - chief , and bowed to me . i thanked her and went , called together the captains , had the army mustered and rode out before the city . at several decisive points i placed troops in ambush . the enemy was already approaching in great force , careless and unconcerned , intoxicated by his former victories . i sent out my most untrustworthy soldiers in advance , who allowed themselves to be beaten in order to lure him on . light - armed men then went out against him , and retreated in skirmish order . and thus he fell into my ambush . drums and kettledrums sounded together , the ring closed around them on all sides and the robber army suffered a grievous defeat . the dead lay about like hemp - stalks , but little tschauna succeeded in breaking through the circle . | how will the guests feel when they hear the news ? | scared . | summary | prediction | implicit | ||
help-in-need | when i entered the city the onlookers were crowded together like walls . servants ran to and fro bearing orders . we passed through more than a dozen gates before we reached the princess . there i was requested to dismount and change my clothes in order to enter the presence of the princess , for she wished to receive me as her guest . but i thought this too great an honor and greeted her below , on the steps . she , however , invited me to seat myself near her in the hall . she sat upright in all her incomparable beauty , surrounded by female attendants adorned with the richest jewels . these plucked lute - strings and played flutes . a throng of servitors stood about in golden girdles with purple tassels , ready to carry out her commands . countless crowds were assembled before the palace . five or six visitors sat in a circle about the princess , and a general led me to my place . the princess said to me : ' i have begged you to come here in order to entrust the command of my army to you . if you will break the power of my foe i will reward you richly . ' i promised to obey her . then wine was brought in , and the banquet was served to the sound of music . while we were at table a messenger entered : ' the robber tschauna has invaded our land with ten thousand footmen and horsemen , and is approaching our city by various roads . his way is marked by columns of fire and smoke ! ' the guests all grew pale with terror when they heard the news . and the princess said : ' this is the foe because of whom i have sought your aid . save me in my hour of need ! ' then she gave me two chargers , a suit of golden armor , and the insignia of a commander - in - chief , and bowed to me . i thanked her and went , called together the captains , had the army mustered and rode out before the city . at several decisive points i placed troops in ambush . the enemy was already approaching in great force , careless and unconcerned , intoxicated by his former victories . i sent out my most untrustworthy soldiers in advance , who allowed themselves to be beaten in order to lure him on . light - armed men then went out against him , and retreated in skirmish order . and thus he fell into my ambush . drums and kettledrums sounded together , the ring closed around them on all sides and the robber army suffered a grievous defeat . the dead lay about like hemp - stalks , but little tschauna succeeded in breaking through the circle . | what will the general do after he hears the news ? | call together the captains , have the army mustered and ride out before the city . | summary | prediction | explicit | ||
help-in-need | his way is marked by columns of fire and smoke ! ' the guests all grew pale with terror when they heard the news . and the princess said : ' this is the foe because of whom i have sought your aid . save me in my hour of need ! ' then she gave me two chargers , a suit of golden armor , and the insignia of a commander - in - chief , and bowed to me . i thanked her and went , called together the captains , had the army mustered and rode out before the city . at several decisive points i placed troops in ambush . the enemy was already approaching in great force , careless and unconcerned , intoxicated by his former victories . i sent out my most untrustworthy soldiers in advance , who allowed themselves to be beaten in order to lure him on . light - armed men then went out against him , and retreated in skirmish order . and thus he fell into my ambush . drums and kettledrums sounded together , the ring closed around them on all sides and the robber army suffered a grievous defeat . the dead lay about like hemp - stalks , but little tschauna succeeded in breaking through the circle . | what happened to tschauna after the general sent out his soldiers ? | he fell into the general 's ambush . | local | outcome resolution | explicit | ||
help-in-need | and my subordinate officers , too , were duly rewarded . on the following day a banquet was held , and the princess herself filled a goblet , sent it to me by one of her attendants , and said : ' widowed early in life , i opposed the wishes of my stern father and fled to this spot . here the infamous tschauna harassed me and well - nigh put me to shame . had not your master 's great kindness and your own courage come to my assistance , hard would have been my lot ! ' then she began to thank me and her tears of emotion flowed like a stream . i bowed and begged her to grant me leave of absence , so that i might look after my family . i was given a month 's leave and the following day she dismissed me with a splendid retinue . before the city a pavilion had been erected in which i drank the stirrup - cup . then i rode away and when i arrived before our own gate a thunder - peal crashed and i awoke . " | how did the princess feel after the general defeated tschauna ? | happy . | local | feeling | implicit | ||
help-in-need | his way is marked by columns of fire and smoke ! ' the guests all grew pale with terror when they heard the news . and the princess said : ' this is the foe because of whom i have sought your aid . save me in my hour of need ! ' then she gave me two chargers , a suit of golden armor , and the insignia of a commander - in - chief , and bowed to me . i thanked her and went , called together the captains , had the army mustered and rode out before the city . at several decisive points i placed troops in ambush . the enemy was already approaching in great force , careless and unconcerned , intoxicated by his former victories . i sent out my most untrustworthy soldiers in advance , who allowed themselves to be beaten in order to lure him on . light - armed men then went out against him , and retreated in skirmish order . and thus he fell into my ambush . drums and kettledrums sounded together , the ring closed around them on all sides and the robber army suffered a grievous defeat . the dead lay about like hemp - stalks , but little tschauna succeeded in breaking through the circle . | why was tschauna approaching in great force, careless and unconcerned ? | the enemy was intoxicated by his former victories . | local | causal relationship | explicit | ||
help-in-need | his way is marked by columns of fire and smoke ! ' the guests all grew pale with terror when they heard the news . and the princess said : ' this is the foe because of whom i have sought your aid . save me in my hour of need ! ' then she gave me two chargers , a suit of golden armor , and the insignia of a commander - in - chief , and bowed to me . i thanked her and went , called together the captains , had the army mustered and rode out before the city . at several decisive points i placed troops in ambush . the enemy was already approaching in great force , careless and unconcerned , intoxicated by his former victories . i sent out my most untrustworthy soldiers in advance , who allowed themselves to be beaten in order to lure him on . light - armed men then went out against him , and retreated in skirmish order . and thus he fell into my ambush . drums and kettledrums sounded together , the ring closed around them on all sides and the robber army suffered a grievous defeat . the dead lay about like hemp - stalks , but little tschauna succeeded in breaking through the circle . i sent out the light horsemen after him , and they seized him before the tent of the enemy 's commanding general . hastily i sent word to the princess , and she reviewed the prisoners before the palace . all the people , high and low , streamed together , to acclaim her . little tschauna was about to be executed in the market place when a messenger came spurring up with a command from the princess 's father to pardon him . the princess did not dare to disobey . so he was dismissed to his home after he had sworn to give up all thought of realizing his traitorous plans . i was loaded with benefits as a reward for my victory . i was invested with an estate with three thousand peasants , and was given a palace , horses and wagons , all sorts of jewels , men - servants and women - servants , gardens and forests , banners and suits of mail . and my subordinate officers , too , were duly rewarded . on the following day a banquet was held , and the princess herself filled a goblet , sent it to me by one of her attendants , and said : ' widowed early in life , i opposed the wishes of my stern father and fled to this spot . here the infamous tschauna harassed me and well - nigh put me to shame . had not your master 's great kindness and your own courage come to my assistance , hard would have been my lot ! ' then she began to thank me and her tears of emotion flowed like a stream . i bowed and begged her to grant me leave of absence , so that i might look after my family . i was given a month 's leave and the following day she dismissed me with a splendid retinue . before the city a pavilion had been erected in which i drank the stirrup - cup . then i rode away and when i arrived before our own gate a thunder - peal crashed and i awoke . " | what did the general do after he defeated tschauna ? | bowed and begged the princess to grant him leave of absence . | summary | action | explicit | ||
help-in-need | thereupon the general wrote an account of what had happened to dschou bau , in which he conveyed the princess 's thanks . then he paid no further heed to worldly matters , but set his house in order and turned it over to his wife and son . when a month had passed , he died without any sign of illness . that same day one of his officers was out walking . suddenly he saw a heavy cloud of dust rising along the highway , while flags and banners darkened the sun . a thousand knights were escorting a man who sat his horse proudly and like a hero . and when the officer looked at his face , it was the general dschong tschong - fu . hastily he stepped to the edge of the road , in order to allow the cavalcade to pass , and watched it ride by . the horsemen took the way to the lake of the maidens , where they disappeared . | what happened to the general when a month had passed ? | he died without any sign of illness . | local | outcome resolution | explicit | ||
help-in-need | his way is marked by columns of fire and smoke ! ' the guests all grew pale with terror when they heard the news . and the princess said : ' this is the foe because of whom i have sought your aid . save me in my hour of need ! ' then she gave me two chargers , a suit of golden armor , and the insignia of a commander - in - chief , and bowed to me . i thanked her and went , called together the captains , had the army mustered and rode out before the city . at several decisive points i placed troops in ambush . the enemy was already approaching in great force , careless and unconcerned , intoxicated by his former victories . i sent out my most untrustworthy soldiers in advance , who allowed themselves to be beaten in order to lure him on . light - armed men then went out against him , and retreated in skirmish order . and thus he fell into my ambush . drums and kettledrums sounded together , the ring closed around them on all sides and the robber army suffered a grievous defeat . the dead lay about like hemp - stalks , but little tschauna succeeded in breaking through the circle . | what did the princess give the general after she heard tschauna invaded her land ? | two chargers , a suit of golden armor , and the insignia of a commander - in - chief . | local | action | explicit | ||
help-in-need | when dschou bau had heard these words , which seemed to fit strangely well with what he had dreamed , he thought he would try to see if this were really the case . therefore he chose his victorious general dschong tschong - fu to take the place of mong yuan . that evening he burned incense , offered wine and handed over to the princess this captain 's soul . on the twenty - sixth of the month news came from the general 's camp that he had suddenly died at midnight on the thirteenth . dschou bau was frightened , and sent a man to bring him a report . the latter informed him that the general 's heart had hardly ceased to beat , and that , in spite of the hot summer weather , his body was free from any trace of decay . so the order was given not to bury him . | what will happen after dschou bau chose his victorious general dschong tschong-fu to take the place of mong yuan ? | dschong tschong - fu will die . | summary | prediction | implicit | ||
what-the-goodman-does-is-always-right | i will tell you a story that was told to me when i was a little boy . every time i think of this story it seems to me more and more charming ; for it is with stories as it is with many people -- they become better as they grow older . | why are stories like many people ? | they become better as they grow older . | local | causal relationship | explicit | ||
what-the-goodman-does-is-always-right | i have no doubt that you have been in the country and seen a very old farmhouse , with thatched roof , and mosses and small plants growing wild upon it . there is a stork 's nest on the ridge of the gable , for we can not do without the stork . the walls of the house are sloping , and the windows are low , and only one of the latter is made to open . the baking oven sticks out of the wall like a great knob . an elder tree hangs over the palings , and beneath its branches , at the foot of the paling , is a pool of water in which a few ducks are sporting . there is a yard dog , too , that barks at all comers . | what is on the ridge of the gable ? | a stork 's nest . | local | setting | explicit | ||
what-the-goodman-does-is-always-right | i have no doubt that you have been in the country and seen a very old farmhouse , with thatched roof , and mosses and small plants growing wild upon it . there is a stork 's nest on the ridge of the gable , for we can not do without the stork . the walls of the house are sloping , and the windows are low , and only one of the latter is made to open . the baking oven sticks out of the wall like a great knob . an elder tree hangs over the palings , and beneath its branches , at the foot of the paling , is a pool of water in which a few ducks are sporting . there is a yard dog , too , that barks at all comers . | how is the old farmhouse described ? | with thatched roof , and mosses and small plants growing wild . | local | setting | explicit | ||
what-the-goodman-does-is-always-right | just such a farmhouse as this stood in a country lane , and in it dwelt an old couple , a peasant and his wife . small as their possessions were , they had one thing they could not do without , and that was a horse , which contrived to live upon the grass found by the side of the highroad . the old peasant rode into the town upon this horse , and his neighbors often borrowed it of him and paid for the loan of it by rendering some service to the old couple . yet after a time the old people thought it would be as well to sell the horse or exchange it for something which might be more useful to them . but what should this _ something _ be ? | what was the one thing that the peasant and his wife could not do without ? | horse . | local | character | explicit | ||
what-the-goodman-does-is-always-right | just such a farmhouse as this stood in a country lane , and in it dwelt an old couple , a peasant and his wife . small as their possessions were , they had one thing they could not do without , and that was a horse , which contrived to live upon the grass found by the side of the highroad . the old peasant rode into the town upon this horse , and his neighbors often borrowed it of him and paid for the loan of it by rendering some service to the old couple . yet after a time the old people thought it would be as well to sell the horse or exchange it for something which might be more useful to them . but what should this _ something _ be ? | why did the old couple decide to sell the horse ? | to exchange it or something which might be useful to them . | local | causal relationship | explicit | ||
what-the-goodman-does-is-always-right | she fastened his neckerchief for him , for she could do that better than he could and she could also tie it very prettily in a double bow . she also smoothed his hat round and round with the palm of her hand and gave him a kiss . then he rode away upon the horse that was to be sold , or bartered for something else . yes , the goodman knew what he was about . the sun shone with great heat , and not a cloud was to be seen in the sky . the road was very dusty , for many people , all going to the fair , were driving , riding , or walking upon it . there was no shelter anywhere from the hot sun . among the crowd a man came trudging along , driving a cow to the fair . the cow was as beautiful a creature as any cow could be . | why did the wife fasten the neckerchief for the goodman ? | she could do that better than he could and she could also tie it very prettiily in a double . bow . | local | causal relationship | explicit | ||
what-the-goodman-does-is-always-right | she fastened his neckerchief for him , for she could do that better than he could and she could also tie it very prettily in a double bow . she also smoothed his hat round and round with the palm of her hand and gave him a kiss . then he rode away upon the horse that was to be sold , or bartered for something else . yes , the goodman knew what he was about . the sun shone with great heat , and not a cloud was to be seen in the sky . the road was very dusty , for many people , all going to the fair , were driving , riding , or walking upon it . there was no shelter anywhere from the hot sun . among the crowd a man came trudging along , driving a cow to the fair . the cow was as beautiful a creature as any cow could be . | where were the people on the road going ? | to the fair . | local | action | explicit | ||
what-the-goodman-does-is-always-right | accordingly the exchange was made . when the matter was settled the peasant might have turned back , for he had done the business he came to do . but having made up his mind to go to the fair , he determined to do so , if only to have a look at it . so on he went to the town with his cow . leading the animal , he strode on sturdily , and , after a short time , overtook a man who was driving a sheep . it was a good fat sheep , with a fine fleece on its back . | why did the peasant refuse to to turn back ? | bcause he was already determined to go to the fair . | local | causal relationship | implicit | ||
what-the-goodman-does-is-always-right | accordingly the exchange was made . when the matter was settled the peasant might have turned back , for he had done the business he came to do . but having made up his mind to go to the fair , he determined to do so , if only to have a look at it . so on he went to the town with his cow . leading the animal , he strode on sturdily , and , after a short time , overtook a man who was driving a sheep . it was a good fat sheep , with a fine fleece on its back . | who did the peasant meet on the way to the town ? | a man who was driving a sheep . | local | action | explicit | ||
what-the-goodman-does-is-always-right | " i should like to have that fellow , " said the peasant to himself . " there is plenty of grass for him by our palings , and in the winter we could keep him in the room with us . perhaps it would be more profitable to have a sheep than a cow . shall i exchange ? " the man with the sheep was quite ready , and the bargain was quickly made . and then our peasant continued his way on the highroad with his sheep . soon after this , he overtook another man , who had come into the road from a field , and was carrying a large goose under his arm . | how did the peasant reason that the sheep is more profitable than a cow ? | plenty of grass for the sheep and in the winter , they can keep in the room with them . | local | causal relationship | implicit | ||
what-the-goodman-does-is-always-right | " i should like to have that fellow , " said the peasant to himself . " there is plenty of grass for him by our palings , and in the winter we could keep him in the room with us . perhaps it would be more profitable to have a sheep than a cow . shall i exchange ? " the man with the sheep was quite ready , and the bargain was quickly made . and then our peasant continued his way on the highroad with his sheep . soon after this , he overtook another man , who had come into the road from a field , and was carrying a large goose under his arm . | who did the peasant on his way to the highroad ? | a man carrying a large goose under his arm . | local | action | implicit | ||
what-the-goodman-does-is-always-right | " what a heavy creature you have there ! " said the peasant . " it has plenty of feathers and plenty of fat , and would look well tied to a string , or paddling in the water at our place . that would be very useful to my old woman ; she could make all sorts of profit out of it . how often she has said , ' if we only had a goose ! ' now here is an opportunity , and , if possible , i will get it for her . shall we exchange ? i will give you my sheep for your goose , and thanks into the bargain . " | how does the peasant describe the goose ? | it has plenty of feathers and plenty of fat . | local | character | explicit | ||
what-the-goodman-does-is-always-right | " what a heavy creature you have there ! " said the peasant . " it has plenty of feathers and plenty of fat , and would look well tied to a string , or paddling in the water at our place . that would be very useful to my old woman ; she could make all sorts of profit out of it . how often she has said , ' if we only had a goose ! ' now here is an opportunity , and , if possible , i will get it for her . shall we exchange ? i will give you my sheep for your goose , and thanks into the bargain . " | what was the peasant's primary reason behind purchasing the goose ? | the wife has always wanted a goose . | local | causal relationship | implicit | ||
what-the-goodman-does-is-always-right | the other had not the least objection , and accordingly the exchange was made , and our peasant became possessor of the goose . by this time he had arrived very near the town . the crowd on the highroad had been gradually increasing , and there was quite a rush of men and cattle . the cattle walked on the path and by the palings , and at the turnpike gate they even walked into the toll keeper 's potato field , where one fowl was strutting about with a string tied to its leg , lest it should take fright at the crowd and run away and get lost . | what happened as the peasant arrived near the town ? | the crowd on the highroad had been gradually increasing . | local | outcome resolution | explicit | ||
what-the-goodman-does-is-always-right | the tail feathers of this fowl were very short , and it winked with both its eyes , and looked very cunning as it said , " cluck , cluck . " what were the thoughts of the fowl as it said this i can not tell you , but as soon as our good man saw it , he thought , " why , that 's the finest fowl i ever saw in my life ; it 's finer than our parson 's brood hen , upon my word . i should like to have that fowl . fowls can always pick up a few grains that lie about , and almost keep themselves . i think it would be a good exchange if i could get it for my goose . shall we exchange ? " he asked the toll keeper . " exchange ? " repeated the man . " well , it would not be a bad thing . " | how does the story describe the fowl ? | short tail feathers . | local | character | implicit | ||
what-the-goodman-does-is-always-right | the tail feathers of this fowl were very short , and it winked with both its eyes , and looked very cunning as it said , " cluck , cluck . " what were the thoughts of the fowl as it said this i can not tell you , but as soon as our good man saw it , he thought , " why , that 's the finest fowl i ever saw in my life ; it 's finer than our parson 's brood hen , upon my word . i should like to have that fowl . fowls can always pick up a few grains that lie about , and almost keep themselves . i think it would be a good exchange if i could get it for my goose . shall we exchange ? " he asked the toll keeper . " exchange ? " repeated the man . " well , it would not be a bad thing . " | why did the peasant think that the fowil would be a great exchange ? | it 's finer than their parson 's brood hen . fowls can always pick up a few gains that lie about and almost keep themselves . | local | causal relationship | explicit | ||
what-the-goodman-does-is-always-right | so they made an exchange ; the toll keeper at the turnpike gate kept the goose , and the peasant carried off the fowl . now he really had done a great deal of business on his way to the fair , and he was hot and tired . he wanted something to eat , and a glass of ale to refresh himself ; so he turned his steps to an inn . he was just about to enter , when the ostler came out , and they met at the door . the ostler was carrying a sack . " what have you in that sack ? " asked the peasant . " rotten apples , " answered the ostler ; " a whole sackful of them . they will do to feed the pigs with . " | how was the peasant feeling after fowl exchange ? | hot and tired . | local | feeling | explicit | ||
what-the-goodman-does-is-always-right | so they made an exchange ; the toll keeper at the turnpike gate kept the goose , and the peasant carried off the fowl . now he really had done a great deal of business on his way to the fair , and he was hot and tired . he wanted something to eat , and a glass of ale to refresh himself ; so he turned his steps to an inn . he was just about to enter , when the ostler came out , and they met at the door . the ostler was carrying a sack . " what have you in that sack ? " asked the peasant . " rotten apples , " answered the ostler ; " a whole sackful of them . they will do to feed the pigs with . " | what was the ostler carrying in the sack ? | rotten apples . | local | action | explicit | ||
what-the-goodman-does-is-always-right | so he gave up the fowl and received the apples , which he carried into the inn parlor . he leaned the sack carefully against the stove , and then went to the table . but the stove was hot , and he had not thought of that . many guests were present -- horse - dealers , cattle - drovers , and two englishmen . the englishmen were so rich that their pockets bulged and seemed ready to burst ; and they could bet too , as you shall hear . hiss -- s -- s , hiss -- s -- s. what could that be by the stove ? the apples were beginning to roast . " what is that ? " asked one . | what kind of guests were present at the inn parlor ? | horse dealers , cattle - drovers , two englishmen . | local | setting | explicit | ||
what-the-goodman-does-is-always-right | so he gave up the fowl and received the apples , which he carried into the inn parlor . he leaned the sack carefully against the stove , and then went to the table . but the stove was hot , and he had not thought of that . many guests were present -- horse - dealers , cattle - drovers , and two englishmen . the englishmen were so rich that their pockets bulged and seemed ready to burst ; and they could bet too , as you shall hear . hiss -- s -- s , hiss -- s -- s. what could that be by the stove ? the apples were beginning to roast . " what is that ? " asked one . | what was happening to the apples on the stove ? | they were beginning to roast . | local | outcome resolution | implicit | ||
what-the-goodman-does-is-always-right | " why , do you know-- " said our peasant , and then he told them the whole story of the horse , which he had exchanged for a cow , and all the rest of it , down to the apples . " well , your old woman will give it to you when you get home , " said one of the englishmen . " wo n't there be a noise ? " " what ! give me what ? " said the peasant . " why , she will kiss me , and say , ' what the goodman does is always right . ' " " let us lay a wager on it , " said the englishman . " we 'll wager you a ton of coined gold , a hundred pounds to the hundredweight . " " no , a bushel will be enough , " replied the peasant . " i can only set a bushel of apples against it , and i 'll throw myself and my old woman into the bargain . that will pile up the measure , i fancy . " " done ! taken ! " and so the bet was made . | how did the peasant predict his wife would react ? | to kiss him and say that her husband always does what is right . | local | action | implicit | ||
what-the-goodman-does-is-always-right | " why , do you know-- " said our peasant , and then he told them the whole story of the horse , which he had exchanged for a cow , and all the rest of it , down to the apples . " well , your old woman will give it to you when you get home , " said one of the englishmen . " wo n't there be a noise ? " " what ! give me what ? " said the peasant . " why , she will kiss me , and say , ' what the goodman does is always right . ' " " let us lay a wager on it , " said the englishman . " we 'll wager you a ton of coined gold , a hundred pounds to the hundredweight . " " no , a bushel will be enough , " replied the peasant . " i can only set a bushel of apples against it , and i 'll throw myself and my old woman into the bargain . that will pile up the measure , i fancy . " " done ! taken ! " and so the bet was made . | what did the peasant bet ? | his wife and himself . | local | action | implicit | ||
what-the-goodman-does-is-always-right | then the landlord 's coach came to the door , and the two englishmen and the peasant got in , and away they drove . soon they had stopped at the peasant 's hut . " good evening , old woman . " " good evening , old man . " " i 've made the exchange . " " ah , well , you understand what you 're about , " said the woman . then she embraced him , and paid no attention to the strangers , nor did she notice the sack . " i got a cow in exchange for the horse . " " oh , how delightful ! " said she . " now we shall have plenty of milk , and butter , and cheese on the table . that was a capital exchange . " " yes , but i changed the cow for a sheep . " " ah , better still ! " cried the wife . " you always think of everything ; we have just enough pasture for a sheep . ewe 's milk and cheese , woolen jackets and stockings ! the cow could not give all these , and her hairs only fall off . how you think of everything ! " | how did the wife respond to her husband after hearing the exchange of horse for a cow ? | delightful . | local | feeling | explicit | ||
what-the-goodman-does-is-always-right | " but i changed away the sheep for a goose . " " then we shall have roast goose to eat this year . you dear old man , you are always thinking of something to please me . this is delightful . we can let the goose walk about with a string tied to her leg , so that she will get fatter still before we roast her . " " but i gave away the goose for a fowl . " " a fowl ! well , that was a good exchange , " replied the woman . " the fowl will lay eggs and hatch them , and we shall have chickens . we shall soon have a poultry yard . oh , this is just what i was wishing for ! " | why was the woman delighted to hear the exchange of the goose for a fowl ? | the fowl will lay eggs and hatch them and they shall have chickens . they shall soon have a poultry yard . | local | causal relationship | explicit | ||
what-the-goodman-does-is-always-right | " yes , but i exchanged the fowl for a sack of shriveled apples . " " what ! i must really give you a kiss for that ! " exclaimed the wife . " my dear , good husband , now i 'll tell you something . do you know , almost as soon as you left me this morning , i began thinking of what i could give you nice for supper this evening , and then i thought of fried eggs and bacon , with sweet herbs . i had eggs and bacon but lacked the herbs , so i went over to the schoolmaster 's . i knew they had plenty of herbs , but the schoolmistress is very mean , although she can smile so sweetly . i begged her to lend me a handful of herbs . ' lend ! ' she exclaimed , ' i have nothing to lend . i could not even lend you a shriveled apple , my dear woman . ' but now i can lend her ten , or a whole sackful , for which i 'm very glad . it makes me laugh to think of it . " then she gave him a hearty kiss . | what did the wife want to prepare for dinner ? | fried eggs and bacon with sweet herbs . | local | action | explicit | ||
what-the-goodman-does-is-always-right | " well , i like all this , " said both the englishmen ; " always going down the hill and yet always merry . it 's worth the money to see it . " so they paid a hundredweight of gold to the peasant who , whatever he did , was not scolded but kissed . yes , it always pays best when the wife sees and maintains that her husband knows best and that whatever he does is right . this is a story which i heard when i was a child . and now you have heard it , too , and know that " what the goodman does is always right . " | what did the peasant receive from the englishmen ? | a hundredweight of gold . | local | action | explicit | ||
flax | the flax was in full bloom . it had pretty little blue flowers , as delicate as the wings of a moth . the sun shone on it and the showers watered it . this was as good for the flax as it is for little children to be washed and then kissed by their mothers . they look much prettier for it , and so did the flax . " people say that i look exceedingly well , " said the flax , " and that i am so fine and long that i shall make a beautiful piece of linen . how fortunate i am ! it makes me so happy to know that something can be made of me . how the sunshine cheers me , and how sweet and refreshing is the rain ! my happiness overpowers me ! no one in the world can feel happier than i. " | what color are the flax's flowers ? | blue . | local | character | explicit | ||
flax | the flax was in full bloom . it had pretty little blue flowers , as delicate as the wings of a moth . the sun shone on it and the showers watered it . this was as good for the flax as it is for little children to be washed and then kissed by their mothers . they look much prettier for it , and so did the flax . " people say that i look exceedingly well , " said the flax , " and that i am so fine and long that i shall make a beautiful piece of linen . how fortunate i am ! it makes me so happy to know that something can be made of me . how the sunshine cheers me , and how sweet and refreshing is the rain ! my happiness overpowers me ! no one in the world can feel happier than i. " | what made the flax look prettier ? | sun shine . | local | causal relationship | implicit | ||
flax | the flax was in full bloom . it had pretty little blue flowers , as delicate as the wings of a moth . the sun shone on it and the showers watered it . this was as good for the flax as it is for little children to be washed and then kissed by their mothers . they look much prettier for it , and so did the flax . " people say that i look exceedingly well , " said the flax , " and that i am so fine and long that i shall make a beautiful piece of linen . how fortunate i am ! it makes me so happy to know that something can be made of me . how the sunshine cheers me , and how sweet and refreshing is the rain ! my happiness overpowers me ! no one in the world can feel happier than i. " | what will be made from the flax ? | linen . | local | prediction | implicit | ||
flax | the flax was in full bloom . it had pretty little blue flowers , as delicate as the wings of a moth . the sun shone on it and the showers watered it . this was as good for the flax as it is for little children to be washed and then kissed by their mothers . they look much prettier for it , and so did the flax . " people say that i look exceedingly well , " said the flax , " and that i am so fine and long that i shall make a beautiful piece of linen . how fortunate i am ! it makes me so happy to know that something can be made of me . how the sunshine cheers me , and how sweet and refreshing is the rain ! my happiness overpowers me ! no one in the world can feel happier than i. " | how does the flax feel ? | happy . | local | feeling | explicit | ||
flax | " ah , yes , no doubt , " said the fern , " but you do not know the world yet as well as i do , for my sticks are knotty " ; and then it sang quite mournfully : " snip , snap , snurre , basse lurre . the song is ended . " " no , it is not ended , " said the flax . " to - morrow the sun will shine or the rain descend . i feel that i am growing . i feel that i am in full blossom . i am the happiest of all creatures , for i may some day come to something . " | why does the fern sing mournfully ? | it 's knotted . | local | causal relationship | implicit | ||
flax | well , one day some people came , who took hold of the flax and pulled it up by the roots , which was very painful . then it was laid in water , as if it were to be drowned , and after that placed near a fire , as if it were to be roasted . all this was very shocking . " we can not expect to be happy always , " said the flax . " by experiencing evil as well as good we become wise . " and certainly there was plenty of evil in store for the flax . it was steeped , and roasted , and broken , and combed . indeed , it scarcely knew what was done to it . at last it was put on the spinning wheel . " whir , whir , " went the wheel , so quickly that the flax could not collect its thoughts . " well , i have been very happy , " it thought in the midst of its pain , " and must be contented with the past . " and contented it remained , till it was put on the loom and became a beautiful piece of white linen . all the flax , even to the last stalk , was used in making this one piece . | what did the flax think when it was put on the spinning wheel ? | " i have been very happy " . | local | action | explicit | ||
flax | well , one day some people came , who took hold of the flax and pulled it up by the roots , which was very painful . then it was laid in water , as if it were to be drowned , and after that placed near a fire , as if it were to be roasted . all this was very shocking . " we can not expect to be happy always , " said the flax . " by experiencing evil as well as good we become wise . " and certainly there was plenty of evil in store for the flax . it was steeped , and roasted , and broken , and combed . indeed , it scarcely knew what was done to it . at last it was put on the spinning wheel . " whir , whir , " went the wheel , so quickly that the flax could not collect its thoughts . " well , i have been very happy , " it thought in the midst of its pain , " and must be contented with the past . " and contented it remained , till it was put on the loom and became a beautiful piece of white linen . all the flax , even to the last stalk , was used in making this one piece . | how much of the flax was used to make one piece of linen ? | all of it . | local | outcome resolution | explicit | ||
flax | " well , this is quite wonderful , " said the flax . " i could not have believed that i should be so favored by fortune . the fern was not wrong when it sang , ' snip , snap , snurre , basse lurre . ' but the song is not ended yet , i am sure . it is only just beginning . how wonderful it is that , after all i have suffered , i am made something of at last ! i am the luckiest person in the world -- so strong and fine . and how white and long i am ! this is far better than being a mere plant and bearing flowers . then i had no attention , nor any water unless it rained . now i am watched and cared for . every morning the maid turns me over , and i have a shower bath from the watering - pot every evening . yes , and the clergyman 's wife noticed me and said i was the best piece of linen in the whole parish . i can not be happier than i am now . " | how does the flax feel about being made into linen ? | happy . | local | feeling | implicit | ||
flax | " well , this is quite wonderful , " said the flax . " i could not have believed that i should be so favored by fortune . the fern was not wrong when it sang , ' snip , snap , snurre , basse lurre . ' but the song is not ended yet , i am sure . it is only just beginning . how wonderful it is that , after all i have suffered , i am made something of at last ! i am the luckiest person in the world -- so strong and fine . and how white and long i am ! this is far better than being a mere plant and bearing flowers . then i had no attention , nor any water unless it rained . now i am watched and cared for . every morning the maid turns me over , and i have a shower bath from the watering - pot every evening . yes , and the clergyman 's wife noticed me and said i was the best piece of linen in the whole parish . i can not be happier than i am now . " | what does the maid do to the flax every morning ? | turns it over . | local | action | explicit | ||
flax | " well , this is quite wonderful , " said the flax . " i could not have believed that i should be so favored by fortune . the fern was not wrong when it sang , ' snip , snap , snurre , basse lurre . ' but the song is not ended yet , i am sure . it is only just beginning . how wonderful it is that , after all i have suffered , i am made something of at last ! i am the luckiest person in the world -- so strong and fine . and how white and long i am ! this is far better than being a mere plant and bearing flowers . then i had no attention , nor any water unless it rained . now i am watched and cared for . every morning the maid turns me over , and i have a shower bath from the watering - pot every evening . yes , and the clergyman 's wife noticed me and said i was the best piece of linen in the whole parish . i can not be happier than i am now . " | what did the clergyman's wife say about the linen ? | it was the best piece of linen in the whole parish . | local | action | explicit | ||
flax | after some time the linen was taken into the house , and there cut with the scissors and torn into pieces and then pricked with needles . this certainly was not pleasant , but at last it was made into twelve garments of the kind that everybody wears . " see now , then , " said the flax , " i have become something of importance . this was my destiny . it is quite a blessing . now i shall be of some use in the world , as every one ought to be . it is the only way to be happy . i am now divided into twelve pieces , and yet the whole dozen is all one and the same . it is most extraordinary good fortune . " | why was the linen cut into pieces ? | to be made into garments . | local | causal relationship | explicit | ||
flax | years passed away , and at last the linen was so worn it could scarcely hold together . " it must end very soon , " said the pieces to each other . " we would gladly have held together a little longer , but it is useless to expect impossibilities . " and at length they fell into rags and tatters and thought it was all over with them , for they were torn to shreds and steeped in water and made into a pulp and dried , and they knew not what besides , till all at once they found themselves beautiful white paper . " well , now , this is a surprise -- a glorious surprise too , " said the paper . " now i am finer than ever , and who can tell what fine things i may have written upon me ? this is wonderful luck ! " and so it was , for the most beautiful stories and poetry were written upon it , and only once was there a blot , which was remarkable good fortune . then people heard the stories and poetry read , and it made them wiser and better ; for all that was written had a good and sensible meaning , and a great blessing was contained in it . | what happened to the linen after it fell apart ? | it was made into paper . | local | outcome resolution | implicit | ||
flax | years passed away , and at last the linen was so worn it could scarcely hold together . " it must end very soon , " said the pieces to each other . " we would gladly have held together a little longer , but it is useless to expect impossibilities . " and at length they fell into rags and tatters and thought it was all over with them , for they were torn to shreds and steeped in water and made into a pulp and dried , and they knew not what besides , till all at once they found themselves beautiful white paper . " well , now , this is a surprise -- a glorious surprise too , " said the paper . " now i am finer than ever , and who can tell what fine things i may have written upon me ? this is wonderful luck ! " and so it was , for the most beautiful stories and poetry were written upon it , and only once was there a blot , which was remarkable good fortune . then people heard the stories and poetry read , and it made them wiser and better ; for all that was written had a good and sensible meaning , and a great blessing was contained in it . | what did people write on the paper ? | the most beautiful stories and poetry . | local | action | explicit | ||
flax | " i never imagined anything like this when i was only a little blue flower growing in the fields , " said the paper . " how could i know that i should ever be the means of bringing knowledge and joy to men ? i can not understand it myself , and yet it is really so . heaven knows that i have done nothing myself but what i was obliged to do with my weak powers for my own preservation ; and yet i have been promoted from one joy and honor to another . each time i think that the song is ended , and then something higher and better begins for me . i suppose now i shall be sent out to journey about the world , so that people may read me . it can not be otherwise , for i have more splendid thoughts written upon me than i had pretty flowers in olden times . i am happier than ever . " | how does the paper feel about being made into paper ? | happier than ever . | local | feeling | explicit | ||
flax | " i never imagined anything like this when i was only a little blue flower growing in the fields , " said the paper . " how could i know that i should ever be the means of bringing knowledge and joy to men ? i can not understand it myself , and yet it is really so . heaven knows that i have done nothing myself but what i was obliged to do with my weak powers for my own preservation ; and yet i have been promoted from one joy and honor to another . each time i think that the song is ended , and then something higher and better begins for me . i suppose now i shall be sent out to journey about the world , so that people may read me . it can not be otherwise , for i have more splendid thoughts written upon me than i had pretty flowers in olden times . i am happier than ever . " | why is the paper so happy ? | because splendid thoughts are written on it . | local | causal relationship | implicit | ||
flax | but the paper did not go on its travels . it was sent to the printer , and all the words written upon it were set up in type to make a book,--or rather many hundreds of books,--for many more persons could derive pleasure and profit from a printed book than from the written paper ; and if the paper had been sent about the world , it would have been worn out before it had half finished its journey . | why were the words turned into printed books ? | so more people could read it . | local | causal relationship | implicit | ||
flax | but the paper did not go on its travels . it was sent to the printer , and all the words written upon it were set up in type to make a book,--or rather many hundreds of books,--for many more persons could derive pleasure and profit from a printed book than from the written paper ; and if the paper had been sent about the world , it would have been worn out before it had half finished its journey . | why will the paper be happy about being turned into a book ? | it 's always happy to be turned into something new . | local | prediction | implicit | ||
flax | " yes , this is certainly the wisest plan , " said the written paper ; " i really did not think of this . i shall remain at home and be held in honor like some old grandfather , as i really am to all these new books . they will do some good . i could not have wandered about as they can , yet he who wrote all this has looked at me as every word flowed from his pen upon my surface . i am the most honored of all . " then the paper was tied in a bundle with other papers and thrown into a tub that stood in the washhouse . " after work , it is well to rest , " said the paper , " and a very good opportunity to collect one 's thoughts . now i am able , for the first time , to learn what is in me ; and to know one 's self is true progress . what will be done with me now , i wonder ? no doubt i shall still go forward . i have always progressed hitherto , i know quite well . " | what happened to the paper after it was tied in a bundle ? | it was thrown into a tub in a washhouse . | local | outcome resolution | explicit | ||
flax | now it happened one day that all the paper in the tub was taken out and laid on the hearth to be burned . people said it could not be sold at the shop , to wrap up butter and sugar , because it had been written upon . the children in the house stood round the hearth to watch the blaze , for paper always flamed up so prettily , and afterwards , among the ashes , there were so many red sparks to be seen running one after the other , here and there , as quick as the wind . they called it seeing the children come out of school , and the last spark , they said , was the schoolmaster . they would often think the last spark had come , and one would cry , " there goes the schoolmaster , " but the next moment another spark would appear , bright and beautiful . how they wanted to know where all the sparks went to ! perhaps they will find out some day . | why was the paper not sold at the shop ? | because it had been written on . | local | causal relationship | explicit | ||
flax | now it happened one day that all the paper in the tub was taken out and laid on the hearth to be burned . people said it could not be sold at the shop , to wrap up butter and sugar , because it had been written upon . the children in the house stood round the hearth to watch the blaze , for paper always flamed up so prettily , and afterwards , among the ashes , there were so many red sparks to be seen running one after the other , here and there , as quick as the wind . they called it seeing the children come out of school , and the last spark , they said , was the schoolmaster . they would often think the last spark had come , and one would cry , " there goes the schoolmaster , " but the next moment another spark would appear , bright and beautiful . how they wanted to know where all the sparks went to ! perhaps they will find out some day . | what did the children do when they saw the fire ? | stood around to watch . | local | action | implicit | ||
flax | the whole bundle of paper had been placed on the fire and was soon burning . " ugh ! " cried the paper as it burst into a bright flame ; " ugh ! " it was certainly not very pleasant to be burned . but when the whole was wrapped in flames , the sparks mounted up into the air , higher than the flax had ever been able to raise its little blue flowers , and they glistened as the white linen never could have glistened . all the written letters became quite red in a moment , and all the words and thoughts turned to fire . | what happened to the words and thoughts on the page ? | they turned to fire . | local | outcome resolution | explicit | ||
flax | " now i am mounting straight up to the sun , " said a voice in the flames ; and it was as if a thousand voices echoed the words as the flames darted up through the chimney and went out at the top . then a number of tiny beings , as many as the flowers on the flax had been , and invisible to mortal eyes , floated above the children . they were even lighter and more delicate than the blue flowers from which they were born ; and as the flames died out and nothing remained of the paper but black ashes , these little beings danced upon it , and wherever they touched it , bright red sparks appeared . | why couldn't the children see the tiny beings ? | they were invisible to mortal eyes . | local | causal relationship | explicit | ||
flax | " now i am mounting straight up to the sun , " said a voice in the flames ; and it was as if a thousand voices echoed the words as the flames darted up through the chimney and went out at the top . then a number of tiny beings , as many as the flowers on the flax had been , and invisible to mortal eyes , floated above the children . they were even lighter and more delicate than the blue flowers from which they were born ; and as the flames died out and nothing remained of the paper but black ashes , these little beings danced upon it , and wherever they touched it , bright red sparks appeared . | what did the little beings do on the ashes ? | danced . | local | action | explicit | ||
flax | " the children are all out of school , and the schoolmaster was the last of all , " said the children . it was good fun , and they sang over the dead ashes : " snip , snap , snurre , basse lurre . the song is ended . " but the little invisible beings said , " the song is never ended ; the most beautiful is yet to come . " but the children could neither hear nor understand this ; nor should they , for children must not know everything . | what did the little beings say after the song ? | the song is never ended . | local | action | explicit | ||
grandmother | grandmother is very old , her face is wrinkled , and her hair is quite white ; but her eyes are like two stars , and they have a mild , gentle expression in them when they look at you , which does you good . she wears a dress of heavy , rich silk , with large flowers worked on it ; and it rustles when she moves . and then she can tell the most wonderful stories . grandmother knows a great deal , for she was alive before father and mother -- that 's quite certain . she has a hymn - book with large silver clasps , in which she often reads ; and in the book , between the leaves , lies a rose , quite flat and dry ; it is not so pretty as the roses which are standing in the glass , and yet she smiles at it most pleasantly , and tears even come into her eyes . | what does grandmother look like ? | old and wrinkled . | local | character | implicit | ||
grandmother | grandmother is very old , her face is wrinkled , and her hair is quite white ; but her eyes are like two stars , and they have a mild , gentle expression in them when they look at you , which does you good . she wears a dress of heavy , rich silk , with large flowers worked on it ; and it rustles when she moves . and then she can tell the most wonderful stories . grandmother knows a great deal , for she was alive before father and mother -- that 's quite certain . she has a hymn - book with large silver clasps , in which she often reads ; and in the book , between the leaves , lies a rose , quite flat and dry ; it is not so pretty as the roses which are standing in the glass , and yet she smiles at it most pleasantly , and tears even come into her eyes . | what does grandmother keep in her hymn book that makes her smile ? | a dried rose . | local | action | explicit | ||
grandmother | " i wonder why grandmother looks at the withered flower in the old book that way ? do you know ? " why , when grandmother 's tears fall upon the rose , and she is looking at it , the rose revives , and fills the room with its fragrance ; the walls vanish as in a mist , and all around her is the glorious green wood , where in summer the sunlight streams through thick foliage ; and grandmother , why she is young again , a charming maiden , fresh as a rose , with round , rosy cheeks , fair , bright ringlets , and a figure pretty and graceful ; but the eyes , those mild , saintly eyes , are the same,--they have been left to grandmother . at her side sits a young man , tall and strong ; he gives her a rose and she smiles . grandmother can not smile like that now . yes , she is smiling at the memory of that day , and many thoughts and recollections of the past ; but the handsome young man is gone , and the rose has withered in the old book , and grandmother is sitting there , again an old woman , looking down upon the withered rose in the book . | why does grandmother smile at the rose ? | it reminds her of someone she once knew . | local | causal relationship | implicit | ||
grandmother | " i wonder why grandmother looks at the withered flower in the old book that way ? do you know ? " why , when grandmother 's tears fall upon the rose , and she is looking at it , the rose revives , and fills the room with its fragrance ; the walls vanish as in a mist , and all around her is the glorious green wood , where in summer the sunlight streams through thick foliage ; and grandmother , why she is young again , a charming maiden , fresh as a rose , with round , rosy cheeks , fair , bright ringlets , and a figure pretty and graceful ; but the eyes , those mild , saintly eyes , are the same,--they have been left to grandmother . at her side sits a young man , tall and strong ; he gives her a rose and she smiles . grandmother can not smile like that now . yes , she is smiling at the memory of that day , and many thoughts and recollections of the past ; but the handsome young man is gone , and the rose has withered in the old book , and grandmother is sitting there , again an old woman , looking down upon the withered rose in the book . | who sits next to grandmother in her memory ? | a young man . | local | character | explicit | ||
grandmother | grandmother is dead now . she had been sitting in her arm - chair , telling us a long , beautiful tale ; and when it was finished , she said she was tired , and leaned her head back to sleep awhile . we could hear her gentle breathing as she slept ; gradually it became quieter and calmer , and on her countenance beamed happiness and peace . it was as if lighted up with a ray of sunshine . she smiled once more , and then people said she was dead . she was laid in a black coffin , looking mild and beautiful in the white folds of the shrouded linen , though her eyes were closed ; but every wrinkle had vanished , her hair looked white and silvery , and around her mouth lingered a sweet smile . we did not feel at all afraid to look at the corpse of her who had been such a dear , good grandmother . the hymn - book , in which the rose still lay , was placed under her head , for so she had wished it ; and then they buried grandmother . | what happened after grandmother finished telling the tale ? | she took a nap and then passed away . | local | outcome resolution | implicit | ||
grandmother | grandmother is dead now . she had been sitting in her arm - chair , telling us a long , beautiful tale ; and when it was finished , she said she was tired , and leaned her head back to sleep awhile . we could hear her gentle breathing as she slept ; gradually it became quieter and calmer , and on her countenance beamed happiness and peace . it was as if lighted up with a ray of sunshine . she smiled once more , and then people said she was dead . she was laid in a black coffin , looking mild and beautiful in the white folds of the shrouded linen , though her eyes were closed ; but every wrinkle had vanished , her hair looked white and silvery , and around her mouth lingered a sweet smile . we did not feel at all afraid to look at the corpse of her who had been such a dear , good grandmother . the hymn - book , in which the rose still lay , was placed under her head , for so she had wished it ; and then they buried grandmother . | how did the children feel when they looked at grandmother's corpse ? | not afraid . | local | feeling | explicit | ||
grandmother | grandmother is dead now . she had been sitting in her arm - chair , telling us a long , beautiful tale ; and when it was finished , she said she was tired , and leaned her head back to sleep awhile . we could hear her gentle breathing as she slept ; gradually it became quieter and calmer , and on her countenance beamed happiness and peace . it was as if lighted up with a ray of sunshine . she smiled once more , and then people said she was dead . she was laid in a black coffin , looking mild and beautiful in the white folds of the shrouded linen , though her eyes were closed ; but every wrinkle had vanished , her hair looked white and silvery , and around her mouth lingered a sweet smile . we did not feel at all afraid to look at the corpse of her who had been such a dear , good grandmother . the hymn - book , in which the rose still lay , was placed under her head , for so she had wished it ; and then they buried grandmother . | what did gradmother ask to be done with the hymn book when she died ? | she wanted it to be placed under her head . | local | action | implicit | ||
grandmother | on the grave , close by the churchyard wall , they planted a rose - tree ; it was soon full of roses , and the nightingale sat among the flowers , and sang over the grave . from the organ in the church sounded the music and the words of the beautiful psalms , which were written in the old book under the head of the dead one . | what did they plant near the churchyard wall ? | a rose tree . | local | action | explicit | ||
grandmother | the moon shone down upon the grave , but the dead was not there ; every child could go safely , even at night , and pluck a rose from the tree by the churchyard wall . the dead know more than we do who are living . they know what a terror would come upon us if such a strange thing were to happen , as the appearance of a dead person among us . they are better off than we are ; the dead return no more . the earth has been heaped on the coffin , and it is earth only that lies within it . the leaves of the hymn - book are dust ; and the rose , with all its recollections , has crumbled to dust also . but over the grave fresh roses bloom , the nightingale sings , and the organ sounds and there still lives a remembrance of old grandmother , with the loving , gentle eyes that always looked young . eyes can never die . ours will once again behold dear grandmother , young and beautiful as when , for the first time , she kissed the fresh , red rose , that is now dust in the grave . | why don't the dead return ? | they do n't want to scare us . | local | causal relationship | implicit | ||
grandmother | grandmother is very old , her face is wrinkled , and her hair is quite white ; but her eyes are like two stars , and they have a mild , gentle expression in them when they look at you , which does you good . she wears a dress of heavy , rich silk , with large flowers worked on it ; and it rustles when she moves . and then she can tell the most wonderful stories . grandmother knows a great deal , for she was alive before father and mother -- that 's quite certain . she has a hymn - book with large silver clasps , in which she often reads ; and in the book , between the leaves , lies a rose , quite flat and dry ; it is not so pretty as the roses which are standing in the glass , and yet she smiles at it most pleasantly , and tears even come into her eyes . " i wonder why grandmother looks at the withered flower in the old book that way ? do you know ? " why , when grandmother 's tears fall upon the rose , and she is looking at it , the rose revives , and fills the room with its fragrance ; the walls vanish as in a mist , and all around her is the glorious green wood , where in summer the sunlight streams through thick foliage ; and grandmother , why she is young again , a charming maiden , fresh as a rose , with round , rosy cheeks , fair , bright ringlets , and a figure pretty and graceful ; but the eyes , those mild , saintly eyes , are the same,--they have been left to grandmother . at her side sits a young man , tall and strong ; he gives her a rose and she smiles . grandmother can not smile like that now . yes , she is smiling at the memory of that day , and many thoughts and recollections of the past ; but the handsome young man is gone , and the rose has withered in the old book , and grandmother is sitting there , again an old woman , looking down upon the withered rose in the book . the moon shone down upon the grave , but the dead was not there ; every child could go safely , even at night , and pluck a rose from the tree by the churchyard wall . the dead know more than we do who are living . they know what a terror would come upon us if such a strange thing were to happen , as the appearance of a dead person among us . they are better off than we are ; the dead return no more . the earth has been heaped on the coffin , and it is earth only that lies within it . the leaves of the hymn - book are dust ; and the rose , with all its recollections , has crumbled to dust also . but over the grave fresh roses bloom , the nightingale sings , and the organ sounds and there still lives a remembrance of old grandmother , with the loving , gentle eyes that always looked young . eyes can never die . ours will once again behold dear grandmother , young and beautiful as when , for the first time , she kissed the fresh , red rose , that is now dust in the grave . | what will the kids remember about their grandmother ? | her gentle eyes . | summary | prediction | implicit | ||
grandmother | " i wonder why grandmother looks at the withered flower in the old book that way ? do you know ? " why , when grandmother 's tears fall upon the rose , and she is looking at it , the rose revives , and fills the room with its fragrance ; the walls vanish as in a mist , and all around her is the glorious green wood , where in summer the sunlight streams through thick foliage ; and grandmother , why she is young again , a charming maiden , fresh as a rose , with round , rosy cheeks , fair , bright ringlets , and a figure pretty and graceful ; but the eyes , those mild , saintly eyes , are the same,--they have been left to grandmother . at her side sits a young man , tall and strong ; he gives her a rose and she smiles . grandmother can not smile like that now . yes , she is smiling at the memory of that day , and many thoughts and recollections of the past ; but the handsome young man is gone , and the rose has withered in the old book , and grandmother is sitting there , again an old woman , looking down upon the withered rose in the book . | what did grandmother's cheeks look like when she was young ? | round and rosy . | local | character | explicit | ||
the-sunchild | once there was a woman who had no children , and this made her very unhappy . so she spoke one day to the sunball , saying : ' dear sunball , send me only a little girl now , and when she is twelve years old you may take her back again . ' so soon after this the sunball sent her a little girl , whom the woman called letiko , and watched over with great care till she was twelve years old . soon after that , while letiko was away one day gathering herbs , the sunball came to her , and said : ' letiko , when you go home , tell your mother that she must bethink herself of what she promised me . ' | why was the woman unhappy ? | because she had no children . | local | causal relationship | explicit | ||
the-sunchild | once there was a woman who had no children , and this made her very unhappy . so she spoke one day to the sunball , saying : ' dear sunball , send me only a little girl now , and when she is twelve years old you may take her back again . ' so soon after this the sunball sent her a little girl , whom the woman called letiko , and watched over with great care till she was twelve years old . soon after that , while letiko was away one day gathering herbs , the sunball came to her , and said : ' letiko , when you go home , tell your mother that she must bethink herself of what she promised me . ' | what did the woman promise ? | to take back the little girl when she is twelve years old . | local | action | implicit | ||
the-sunchild | then letiko went straight home , and said to her mother : ' while i was gathering herbs a fine tall gentleman came to me and charged me to tell you that you should remember what you promised him . ' when the woman heard that she was sore afraid , and immediately shut all the doors and windows of the house , stopped up all the chinks and holes , and kept letiko hidden away , that the sunball should not come and take her away . but she forgot to close up the keyhole , and through it the sunball sent a ray into the house , which took hold of the little girl and carried her away to him . | how does letiko describe sunball ? | a fine tall gentleman . | local | action | explicit | ||
the-sunchild | then letiko went straight home , and said to her mother : ' while i was gathering herbs a fine tall gentleman came to me and charged me to tell you that you should remember what you promised him . ' when the woman heard that she was sore afraid , and immediately shut all the doors and windows of the house , stopped up all the chinks and holes , and kept letiko hidden away , that the sunball should not come and take her away . but she forgot to close up the keyhole , and through it the sunball sent a ray into the house , which took hold of the little girl and carried her away to him . | what did letiko forget to do ? | to close up the keyhole . | local | action | explicit | ||
the-sunchild | then letiko went straight home , and said to her mother : ' while i was gathering herbs a fine tall gentleman came to me and charged me to tell you that you should remember what you promised him . ' when the woman heard that she was sore afraid , and immediately shut all the doors and windows of the house , stopped up all the chinks and holes , and kept letiko hidden away , that the sunball should not come and take her away . but she forgot to close up the keyhole , and through it the sunball sent a ray into the house , which took hold of the little girl and carried her away to him . | how did sunball carry letiko away ? | he sent a ray through the keyhole . | local | action | explicit | ||
the-sunchild | one day , the sunball having sent her to the straw shed to fetch straw , the girl sat down on the piles of straw and bemoaned herself , saying : ' as sighs this straw under my feet so sighs my heart after my mother . ' and this caused her to be so long away that the sunball asked her , when she came back : ' eh , letiko , where have you been so long ? ' she answered : ' my slippers are too big , and i could not go faster . ' then the sunball made the slippers shorter . | why was letiko mourning while fetching the straws ? | she missed her mother . | local | causal relationship | implicit | ||
the-sunchild | another time he sent her to fetch water , and when she came to the spring , she sat down and lamented , saying : ' as flows the water even so flows my heart with longing for my mother . ' thus she again remained so long away that the sunball asked her : ' eh , letiko , why have you remained so long away ? ' and she answered : ' my petticoat is too long and hinders me in walking . ' then the sunball cut her petticoat to make it shorter . | why did letiko stay long near the water ? | because her petticoat is too long and hinders her in walking . | local | causal relationship | implicit |