Two kings’ sons once upon a time went into the world to seek their fortunes; but they soon fell into a wasteful foolish way of living, so that they could not return home again.
The king of a great land died, and left his queen to take care of their only child.
A shepherd’s dog had a master who took no care of him, but often let him suffer the greatest hunger.
A king and queen once upon a time reigned in a country a great way off, where there were in those days fairies.
It was the middle of winter, when the broad flakes of snow were falling around, that the queen of a country many thousand miles off sat working at her window.
There was a certain village wherein no one lived but really rich peasants, and just one poor one, whom they called the little peasant.
A long time ago there lived a king who was famed for his wisdom through all the land.
There was once a very old man, whose eyes had become dim, his ears dull of hearing, his knees trembled, and when he sat at table he could hardly hold the spoon, and spilt the broth upon the table-cloth or let it run out of his mouth.
There was once a man who had a daughter who was called Clever Elsie.
One fine evening a young princess put on her bonnet and clogs, and went out to take a walk by herself in a wood; and when she came to a cool spring of water, that rose in the midst of it, she sat herself down to rest a while.