Year: 1876

A Norwegian Legend.

 There was once man named Gud- brand; he lived at solitary farm on the slope of hill, therefore he was called "Gudbrand of the hill" Now this man had very excellent wife, thing which often happens, but is not so common; Gudbrand knew also the worth of such a treasure, so the couple lived in great peace and happiness, without thinking about the progress Of years and changes his wife had wished for beforehand, so that the good man could not touch any thing or change anything in his house forethought and kindness. Their life was their own property, they had a CT, and two stately COWS in the meadow. They wanted nothing; they could grow old in peace without fearing helplessness and misery, without needing the pity or friendship of others.

 One evening, as they were sitting chattering together about their work and their plans, Gudbrand's wife said to him: "My dear, have thought; you shall lead one of our COWS to the town and sell it. The one which we shall keep will be quite enough to provide us with butter and milk, why should we trouble ourselves for others We have money in the chest, we have no chil- dren, would it not be well if we spared our arms, now growing olda You will always find something to do in the house; there is first this then that piece of furniture to be mended and i'm proved, and I, with my spinning wheel, shall be able to stay great deal more with you."

 Gudbrand found that his wife was right, as she always was. The very next day he led the COW which was to be sold to the town. But 1t was not mar ket day, so he found no purchaser. "Very we'll, very well, said Gudbrand, |" I shall lead my COW back home again, l have hay and straw for the beast, and the way is not longer to return than it was to come.' Then he quietly took the road home.

 After few hours, just as he begun to feel little tired, he met 8 man who was leading horse to the towr, a very strong animal saddled and bridled. "The way is long and the night is coming on," thought Gudbrand; "1 shall not get home with my COW before midnight, and then very early to-mor- row I shall have to begin the march anew. This is just the sort of beast l might want, l should ride home proudly, like a magistrate; and how old Gudbrand's wife would rejoice to see her husband coming home in triumph like general"

 Herewith he stopped the horseman, and bargained with him to exchange the COW for his horse. But when he sat in the saddle he felt something like re- gret. Gudbrand was old and feeble, the horse was young and lively; after half an hour the cavalier had to go on foot and wearily led his horse by the bridle, for it shied and plunged at every bush by the roadside. "A bad bar. gain," he thought.

 Then he met Q man driving a pig be- fore him. GA nail which one really wants is more valuable that diamond which sparkles and is good for nothing, ' thought Gudbrand, 'sso my wife often says," and he exchanged the horse for g pig. That was a fine idea; but the good man had reckoned without his host the pig was tired and would not move an inch. Gudbrand dragged the beast, he pushed it, he beat it with all his might, but all in vain! The pig re- mained lying in the dust like shir stranded on 0 sandbank. Gudbrand was in despair.

 Now @ man passed by leading goat by string; the goat sprung merrily be. fore him. "That might be useful to mo, said Gudbrand; "l lwould rather have that frolicsome goat than this stupid, lazy beast" Thereupon he exchanged the pig for the goat. All went on vel enough for half an hour. Then the long-horned goat pulled Gudbrand on, who laughed heartily at it's jumps; but when one is no longer young, one soon becomes tired of climbing over the rocks so our farmer, when he met shepherd with his flock, did not hesitate to give his goat for sheep. II have got quite enough milk" he thought, "and this animal is at least quiet, and will neither weary me nor my wife,"

 Gudbrand was not wrong, there was nothing quieter than that sheep. II showed no i'll temper, 1t did not butt but it did not go forward. It wanted tc go back to the flock, and the more Gud, brand dragged it, the more piteously il bleated. "This stupid sheep," cried Gudbrand, angrily, Git is more whin ing than my neighbours wife; how glad l should be if any one would release me from this burden"

 "The bargain is made if you like, old fellow" said farmer, who was passing by. "Take this fat goose, it is worth at least as much as that obstinate sheep. "So be it" said Gudbrand; "better tc have living goose than dead sheep, and he took the goose with him. It was no light burden. The bird was bad travelling companions; with beak and wings it made stout resistance. Gud brand was soon tired of the conflict "The goose,' said he, "is bad bird my wife would never like to have such on one in her house." And at the first farmyard he passed on his way he ex changed the goose for splendid cock with magnificent feathers and comb This time he was contented, but day was fast declining, and Gudbrand, who ha6 started before sunrise, felt his knees totter and his stomach call for food. He entered tho first public house he came to, and sold the cock for 8 dollar, anc as he had good appetite he gave away the last farthing to satisfy his hunger "What use would the cock have been tt me-" he thought, eff I had died o hunger2 2"

 When he came near to his own farn