The Three Citrons: The Story of a Prince Who Climbed the Glass Hill
But wait until my son comes. He will advise you where to go and what to do. Hide under the table and stay there till I call you.”
The mountains rumbled and the castle trembled and Yezibaba’s son came home.
“Phew! Phew! I smell human meat! I’ll eat it!” he roared. He stood in the doorway and pounded the ground with his golden club until the whole castle shook.
“No, no, my son,” said Yezibaba, “don’t talk that way! A pretty little fellow has come bringing you greetings from your brother of the Silver Castle. If you won’t harm him, I’ll call him out.”
“Well, if my brother didn’t do anything to him, I won’t either.”
So the prince crawled out from under the table and stood before the giant. It was like standing beneath a high tower. He showed the ogre the silver dumplings as proof that he had been at the Silver Castle.
“Well, well, well, my little June bug,” shouted the monstrous fellow, “tell me what it is you want! I’ll advise you if I can! Don’t be afraid!”
So the prince told him the purpose of his journey and asked him how to get to the Glass Hill and pluck the Three Citrons.
“Do you see that blackish lump over yonder?” the ogre said, pointing with his golden club. “That is the Glass Hill. On that hill stands a tree. From that tree hang the Three Citrons which send out fragrance for seven miles around. You will climb the Glass Hill, kneel beneath the tree, and reach up your hands. If the citrons are destined for you they will fall into your hands of their own accord. If they are not destined for you, you will not be able to pluck them no matter what you do. As you return, if you are hungry or thirsty, cut open one of the citrons and you will have food and drink in plenty. Go now with God’s blessing. But wait! I can’t let you go away hungry! Hi, mother, bring out the dumplings!”
Yezibaba set a large golden dish on the table.
“Eat!” her son shouted. “Or, if you are not hungry just now, put some in your pocket and eat them on the way.”
The prince said that he was not hungry but that he would be glad to take some of the golden dumplings with him and eat them later.
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