The Tale of a Youth Who Set Out to Learn What Fear Was

The Tale of a Youth Who Set Out to Learn What Fear Was

A 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 yo……