Sayfa 164 / 626

The giants were terrified, they were afraid that he would strike

them all dead, and ran away in a great hurry.

The little tailor went onwards, always following his own pointed

nose. After he had walked for a long time, he came to the

courtyard of a royal palace, and as he felt weary, he lay down on

the grass and fell asleep. Whilst he lay there, the people came

and inspected him on all sides, and read on his girdle: 'Seven at

one stroke.' 'Ah!' said they, 'what does the great warrior want

here in the midst of peace? He must be a mighty lord.' They went

and announced him to the king, and gave it as their opinion that

if war should break out, this would be a weighty and useful man

who ought on no account to be allowed to depart. The counsel

pleased the king, and he sent one of his courtiers to the little

tailor to offer him military service when he awoke. The

ambassador remained standing by the sleeper, waited until he

stretched his limbs and opened his eyes, and then conveyed to him

this proposal.