第294页 / 共626页

'Thou, queen, art the fairest in all this land: But over the

hills, in the greenwood shade, Where the seven dwarfs their

dwelling have made, There Snowdrop is hiding her head; and she Is

lovelier far, O queen! than thee.'

Then the queen was very much frightened; for she knew that the

glass always spoke the truth, and was sure that the servant had

betrayed her. And she could not bear to think that anyone lived

who was more beautiful than she was; so she dressed herself up as

an old pedlar, and went her way over the hills, to the place

where the dwarfs dwelt. Then she knocked at the door, and cried,

'Fine wares to sell!' Snowdrop looked out at the window, and

said, 'Good day, good woman! what have you to sell?' 'Good wares,

fine wares,' said she; 'laces and bobbins of all colours.' 'I

will let the old lady in; she seems to be a very good sort of

body,' thought Snowdrop, as she ran down and unbolted the door.

'Bless me!' said the old woman, 'how badly your stays are laced!