"I am crying for my
golden ball, which has fallen into the well."
"Be content," answered the frog, "I daresay I can give you some good
advice; but what will you give me if I bring back your plaything to
you?"
"Whatever you like, dear frog," said she, "my clothes, my pearls and
jewels, even the golden crown I wear."
The frog answered, "Your clothes, your pearls and jewels, even your
golden crown, I do not care for; but if you will love me, and let me
be your companion and playfellow; sit near you at your little table,
eat from your little golden plate, drink from your little cup, and
sleep in your little bed;--if you will promise me this, then I will
bring you back your golden ball from the bottom of the well."
"Oh, yes!" said she; "I promise you everything, if you will only bring
me back my golden ball."
She thought to herself, meanwhile: "What nonsense the silly frog
talks! He sits in the water with the other frogs, and croaks, and can
not be anybody's playfellow!"
But the frog, as soon as he had received the promise, dipped his head
under the water and sank down. In a little while up he came again with
the ball in his mouth, and threw it on the grass. The king's daughter
was overjoyed when she beheld her pretty plaything again, picked it
up, and ran away with it.
"Wait! wait!" cried the frog; "take me with you.
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