There was once an old goat who had seven little ones, and was as fond of them as ever mother was of her children. One day she had to go into the wood to fetch food for them, so she called them all round her. "Dear children," said she, "I am going out into the wood; and while I am gone, be on your guard against the wolf, for if he were once to get inside he would eat you up, skin, bones, and all. The wretch often disguises himself, but he may always be known by his hoarse voice and black paws." "Dear mother," answered the kids, "you need not be afraid, we will take good care of ourselves." And the mother bleated good-bye, and went on her way with an easy mind. It was not long before some one came knocking at the house-door, and crying out, "Open the door, my dear children, your mother is come back, and has brought each of you something." But the little kids knew it was the wolf by the hoarse voice. "We will ...
The King with a Horse's Ears A Legend from Ireland A long time ago in Ireland, there was a king who had ruled for many years. There were two strange things about this king: first, he always wore a hood over his head. And the second strange thing about him was that he only got his hair cut once a year. And every year, the person who cut his hair always disappeared. The people all doubt that the king killed this person every year. Of course, nobody wanted to cut the king's hair. But the king set up a lottery, and every year, he chose one person from the town to cut his hair. One year, the king chose a young man named Liam. On the day of the haircut, Liam went to the king's palace. His hands were shaking with fear. Liam was terrified that today would be the last day of his life. “Welcome,” the king said to Liam. "It's your turn to cut my hair." Liam only nodded his head miserably. Slowly, the king took off his hood. Liam saw what the king had been hiding undern...