This Tale is rendered, a little freely, from Trente-six Rencontres de Jean du Gogué, in Contes d'un Buveur de Bière, par Charles Deulin. (Sixième Edition. Paris: Dentu. 1873.)
The late M. Deulin told with much humour, and probably with but little alteration from oral tradition, the popular tales of his native province. The narrative here translated has points in common with a Tongan legend, with several ancient French fabliaux, with a Zulu story in Bishop Callaway's collection, and with Grimm's Golden Goose.
IKE the Sultan in the Arabian Nights—and, sure, you are no less despotic—you have sometimes commanded me to 'tell you a story.'It has been my privilege to obey; but, alas! when my toil was ended, with a stretch of absolute authority you have bidden me 'tell you another.'Truly, Madam, the Ocean of the Streams of Story, whereof the Hindoos speak, will speedily be drained dry by your Slave, who now presents you with this little Tale, which he has conveyed from French Flanders. If it amuses your leisure as much to read, as it has diverted mine to translate it, I shall have that enjoyment which attends successful enterprise, and I remain,
Madam,
Yours very humbly to command