A certain cat had made the acquaintance of a mouse, and had said so much to her about the great love and friendship she felt for her, that at length the mouse agreed that they should live and keep house together.
There was once upon a time an old goat who had seven little kids, and loved them with all the love of a mother for her children.
An honest farmer had once an ass that had been a faithful servant to him a great many years, but was now growing old and every day more and more unfit for work.
There was once a fisherman who lived with his wife in a pigsty, close by the seaside.
There was once a man who had a daughter who was called Clever Elsie.
There were once a man and a woman who had long in vain wished for a child.
The king of a great land died, and left his queen to take care of their only child.
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.
A long time ago there lived a king who was famed for his wisdom through all the land.
A king and queen once upon a time reigned in a country a great way off, where there were in those days fairies.