The Strange Tale of the Snake Ring Read Online Free PDF

what I shall say to her when I get home.”
    As he arrived at the king’s door he was just saying to himself: “If the king keeps his promise and gives me a bag of gold, I must set off at once and go back home and if he doesn’t…
    â€œCome in, come in, my boy,” said the king in a friendly manner as Thomas arrived at the door of his chamber. “Sit down here.” He pointed to a stool, which was beside his feet. Thomas sat rather uncomfortably on the edge of the stool.
    â€œHere is your bag of gold which I promised,” continued the king. “I believe what you said about the ring, that it belongs to you and your sweetheart, Gerda. I wish you to tell me about this girl, and about your home.”
    â€œShe is very beautiful, and also kind and loving, Your Majesty,” replied Thomas, “and she lives on the farm where I used to work before I set out on my travels. Before I left, I gave her the ring, and promised that I would make my fortune and return and marry her.”
    â€œNow, listen to me, my boy,” said the king. “I think you can do better than go home and marry a farm girl, no matter how beautiful. Surely you prefer a palace like this to a farm!”
    Before Thomas could reply, the king continued: “Now, the Lord Chancellor and I have watched you carefully ever since you came into my service. Even the most menial tasks you have carried out cheerfully and thoroughly, without ever a complaint. You have been honest and truthful. In fact, I think you might be the boy I have been seeking: to carry out a difficult and noble task, with great responsibilities but great rewards. You see, I have no son, so I am seeking a young man who could be trained to be king when I die.”
    Thomas was so amazed at this speech that for a moment he could say nothing. Then at last he managed to stammer, “B-but Your Majesty, surely your people would not accept one of your servants as king?”
    â€œBy then,” replied the king, “you would be the greatest in the land. First, I would make you a knight. You would learn horsemanship and warrior’s arts, and be addressed as Sir Thomas.”
    Then in a year or so, you would become vice-chancellor, and after that, a lord. After a few years, you would marry one of the princesses – they both think the world of you already – so of course, you would have to be made a prince. All this time you would be learning about politics and the history of the kingdom, so you would have the knowledge to become a wise and well-loved king.”
    Thomas was silent. After a while, he said quietly, “But Your Majesty, I have made a promise to Gerda.”
    â€œYoung people often make promises,” replied the king, “that life makes it impossible for them to keep. Gerda is young; if she is kind and beautiful she will soon find someone else to marry. Besides, she has either lost your ring, or sold it, so she cannot be as faithful as you may think.”
    Thomas wished to deny all this, but he thought it rude to contradict the king directly. While he hesitated, the king continued: “Don’t answer me now. Go to your room, think about my offer, and sleep on it, and I will send for you in the morning.”
    As Thomas rose from the stool, and turned to go, the king added: “You must decide, only you, so do not speak to anyone about this. And if you decide to leave, you shall have a horse to ride, and fine clothes, as well as the gold, so that you can return home in comfort.”
    Thomas returned to his room and lay on his bed. The king’s words were still ringing in his ears: “You would be the greatest in the land.”
    Perhaps he could accept the king’s offer and still marry Gerda.
If I can be made into a prince
, he thought,
then surely someone so good and beautiful as Gerda could be made into a princess
. But it did not take him long to realise that it would be very difficult for the people