The big
toad addressed him, asking him what he wanted.
Dummling, though rather surprised when he saw the toads, and heard them
question him, being good-hearted replied politely--
"I am desirous to obtain the most splendid carpet in the world; just now
it would be extremely useful to me."
The toad who had just spoken, called to a young toad, saying--
"Maiden, fairest, come to me,
'Tis a mortal here you see;
Let us speed all his desires,
Giving him what he requires."
Immediately the young toad fetched a large box. This the old one opened,
and took out an exquisite carpet, of so beautiful a design, that it
certainly could have been manufactured nowhere upon the earth.
Taking it with grateful thanks, Dummling went up the flight of steps,
and was once more in the Palace courtyard.
The two elder brothers, being of the opinion that the youngest was so
foolish that he was of no account whatever in trying to obtain the
throne, for they did not think he would find anything at all, had said
to each other:
"It is not necessary for us to trouble much in looking for the carpet!"
so they took from the shoulders of the first peasant they came across a
coarse shawl, and this they carried to their father.
At the same time Dummling appeared with his beautiful carpet, which he
presented to the King, who was very much surprised, and said--
"By rights the throne should be for my youngest son.
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