“Yes, if thou hast any money.”

“Money enough,” replied he, “but your balls are not quite round.” Then he took the skulls and put them in the lathe and turned them till they were round. “There, now, they will roll better!” said he. “Hurrah! Now it goes merrily!” He played with them and lost some of his money, but when it struck twelve, everything vanished from his sight. He lay down and quietly fell asleep.

Next morning the King came to inquire after him. “How has it fared with you this time?” asked he.

“I have been playing at ninepins,” he answered, “and have lost a couple of farthings.”

“Hast thou not shuddered then?”

“Eh, what?” said he, “I have made merry. If I did but know what it was to shudder!”