File:Legends of the Rhine (1895) (14566758870).jpg

Identifier: legendsofrhine00guer (find matches)
Title: Legends of the Rhine
Year: 1895 (1890s)
Authors: Guerber, H. A. (Hélène Adeline), d. 1929
Subjects: Folklore -- Rhine River Valley Legends -- Rhine River Valley Mythology, Germanic Rhine River Valley -- Description and travel
Publisher: New York : A.S. Barnes
Contributing Library: New York Public Library
Digitizing Sponsor: MSN

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Text Appearing Before Image:
ST. GALL.

The Emperorer's Riddles

THE emperor once rode past the monastery of St. Gall.
As he was sorely oppressed with the cares of state he
was so vexed to see the plump and well-fed abbot taking
his ease, that he maliciously resolved to try and disturb his
equanimity.
"Abbot," cried he, "I am going to give you three nuts
to crack ! You must have the answers all ready three
months hence, under penalty of losing your place and of
riding through the town, mounted upon a donkey, with your
face turned toward its tail, and holding that appendage
instead of a bridle. The first question I wish you to answer
is this: How much time, within a second, would I require to
journey all around the world on horseback ? The second is:
How much am I worth, within a penny, when I have my
imperial crown on my head, my scepter in my hand, and am
attired in all my court robes ? And as third riddle you will
have to guess my thought, but remember you must prove
that thought is not true !"
Laughing immoderately at the abbot's comical look of
Text Appearing After Image:
Charlemagne

ST. GALL. 329

blank dismay, the emperor galloped off, delighted at having
so cleverly attained his purpose, and so effectually troubled
the poor man's peace of mind.

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