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A merchant, who had three daughters, was once setting out upon a

journey; but before he went he asked each daughter what gift he

should bring back for her. The eldest wished for pearls; the

second for jewels; but the third, who was called Lily, said,

'Dear father, bring me a rose.' Now it was no easy task to find a

rose, for it was the middle of winter; yet as she was his

prettiest daughter, and was very fond of flowers, her father said

he would try what he could do. So he kissed all three, and bid

them goodbye.