Page 579 - Child's own book

and then I can as often as I please eat butter and cheese with
i t ; and when I am thirsty, then 1 can nilk my cow, and
drink milk. Heart, what else can you desire ? ” When he
came to an irrn he made a halt, and ate with great satisfaction
his morning and evening bread clean up, and spent Ills two
last farthings for half a glass of beer* After that, he drove his
cow farther on towards the village where his mother dwelt.
As noon approached, the heat became more and more oppres­
sive, while Hans was passing over a heath which occupied
mere than an hour s time, and he became so hot, that his tongue
clove to the roof of his mouth. “ Now I can help unyself,”
thought Hans, “ by milking my cow, and drinking her milk."
So he tied her to a withered tree, and, ae lie had no pail, he
put his leather cap beneath; but, although he worked very
hard, not a drop of milk made its appearance; hut he had
placed himself very awkwardly, and the impatient beast at
last gave him such a kick with her lund-foot on the head, that
he tumbled on the ground, and for a long time knew not where
he was. Fortunately, just then a butcher came by, who was
wheeling a little pig along on a barrow, “ What is the matter,
my man ? " he exclaimed, helping poor Hans up, who told him
what had occurred. The butcher handed him his flask* and
said, tf Drink once, and then stop. The cow might well give
no milk: she is an o3d animal, only valuable to drive or kill,
at the most,”
44 Oh, oh/’ said Hans, scratching Ms head, H who would have
thought it ? It is all very well if one can slay such a beast
at home for its flesh f but I do not much relish cow's flesh;
it is not delicate enough for me. Yes, if I had but a young
P%, that would taste better even for sausages.”
“ Now, my Hans,*' replied the butcher, “ out of love for
you, 1 will change, and let you have my pig for your cow.”—