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“‘The poor raven is still hungry,’ said Woodwender, and he gave it another bit. When that was gobbled, it came to Loveleaves, who gave it a bit too, and so on till the raven had eaten the whole of their last cake.

“‘Well,’ said Woodwender, ‘at least, we can have a drink.’ But as they stooped to the water, there came through the oaks another hunter, older than the last, and clothed in scarlet: about his neck there hung a golden bugle, and in his hand he carried a huge oaken goblet, carved with ears of corn and clusters of grapes, rimmed with gold, and filled to the brim with wine. He also said—

“‘Leave this muddy water, and drink with me. It is full of toads, and not fit for such fair children. Surely ye are from fairyland, and were reared in its queen’s palace!’ But the children said—

“‘We will drink nothing but this water, and yonder lords are our fathers: tell us how the spell may be broken!’ And the hunter turned from them with an angry look, poured out the wine on the grass, and went his way. When he was gone, the old raven looked up into their faces, and said—

“‘I have eaten your last cake, and I will tell you