The Tale of a Youth Who Set Out to Learn
What Fear WasA father had two sons, of whom the eldest was clever and bright,
and always knew what he was about; but the youngest was stupid, and
couldn’t learn or understand anything. So much so that those
who saw him exclaimed: “What a burden he’ll be to his
father!” Now when there was anything to be done, the eldest had
always to do it; but if something was required later or in the
night-time, and the way led through the churchyard or some such
ghostly place, he always replied: “Oh! no, father:
nothing will induce me to go there, it makes me shudder!” for he
was afraid. Or, when they sat of an evening around the fire
telling stories which made one’s flesh creep, the listeners
sometimes said: “Oh! it makes one shudder,” the young
