The Project Gutenberg eBook of Think Before You Speak; Or, The Three Wishes

This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.

Title: Think Before You Speak; Or, The Three Wishes

Author: Catherine Ann Turner Dorset

Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont

Release date: June 4, 2008 [eBook #25698]

Most recently updated: January 3, 2021

Language: English

Other information and formats: www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/25698

Credits: Produced by David Wilson. (This file was produced from

images generously made available by The Internet

Archive/American Libraries.)

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK; OR, THE THREE WISHES ***

i FRONTISPIECE

1  THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK:

OR, THE

THREE WISHES.

A TALE.

BY THE AUTHOR OF THE

PEACOCK AT HOME.

THIRD EDITION.

LONDON:

PRINTED FOR M. J. GODWIN,

AT THE JUVENILE LIBRARY, NO. 41, SKINNER STREET;

AND TO BE HAD OF ALL BOOKSELLERS.

1810.

2  London: Printed by B. McMillan,

Bow Street, Covent Garden.

}

3  PREFACE.

THE following Tale is principally taken from the admirable Work of Madame de Beaumont (Le Magazin des Enfans), which formed almost the whole library and the delight of the children of the last generation, and has hardly been surpassed by the many excellent productions which supply the nurseries and school-rooms of the present.

The story is there told with the simplicity and sprightliness of which the French language is so peculiarly capable, but which a literal translation would render not only insipid but vulgar.

In a poetical dress it may possibly give to the young reader a part of that amusement, which it once afforded the infancy of the author.

5  THE

THREE WISHES.

THE sun withdrew his last pale ray,

And clos’d the short and chearless day;

Loud blew the wind, and rain and sleet

Against the cottage casement beat.

The busy housewife trimm’d her fire,

And drew the oaken settle nigher,

6 And welcom’d home her own good man

To his clean hearth, his pipe, and can;

For Homespun and his bustling wife

Were honest folks in humble life,

Who liv’d contented with their lot,

And lov’d the comforts of their cot.

With willing hand and chearful heart,

Each of life’s burden bore their part,

With patience all its ills withstood,

And thankfully receiv’d the good.

7 Yet, they were not without their failings:

They lov’d the harvest-home regalings;

On summer evenings on the green

At cricket oft was Homespun seen;

And sometimes, where the sign ensnares

The wearied swain to drown his cares,

He lov’d to quaff the foaming ale,

And listen to a merry tale.

Was there within ten miles a fair—

He and his dame were surely there:

8 For she too lov’d, in trim array,

And scarlet cloak, a holiday.

Ah! then within her pocket burn’d

The long sav’d crown so hardly earn’d,

While in the stall temptation spread

The printed gown or top-knot red;

Nor did her little happy train

For drum or whistle sue in vain.

Will Rigour’s brow relentless lour,

If pleasure steal from toil one hour?

9 And shall the poor enjoy no ray

Of sunshine through their winter’s day?

Nor pluck the few wild flowers, that bloom

’Midst poverty’s ungenial gloom?

Now, seated in his wicker chair,

The swain enjoys his homely fare:

His rosy children round him press,

Eager to share the fond caress;

And as his eyes delighted trace

Health and content in each dear face,

10 He scarce desires a happier lot,

His toils unfelt, his cares forgot.

When supper ended,—grace was said,

The babes were bless’d, and sent to bed,

And o’er the fire the parents sat,

Engag’d in sober, social chat,—

When suddenly a flash of light

Reveal’d to their astonish’d sight

A little form of lovely mien,

Epitome of Beauty’s Queen.

11 Her zone was clasp’d with jewels rare,

And roses bound her auburn hair,

White was her robe, and in her hand

Graceful she wav’d an ivory wand.

Our couple started with surprise,

And star’d at her—with all their eyes,

Not guessing how or whence she came,

What was her nature, or her name.

At length their unexpected guest

The trembling villagers address’d:

12 Mortals! she said, in me behold

A being of no earthly mold:—

But fear me not; I visit earth

To benefit your humble worth;

For this I’ve left the blissful land,

Rul’d by Imperial Oberon’s hand,

And on your cottage I intrude

To pay a debt of gratitude.

For know, my friends, that every year

I’m doom’d a mortal form to wear,

13 And for a time must undergo

The sufferings earthly creatures know.

Sometimes I wing my way a bird;

Sometimes with beasts compelled to herd;

A fish I plunge beneath the deep;

Or in an insect’s form I creep.

Of late it was my fate to wear

The semblance of the timid hare;

And one cold morning in December

(The luckless day you may remember),

14 When winter stern in icy chains

Had bound the desolated plains,

And withered every tender plant,

A hare, compelled by urgent want,

Ventured within your garden pale

To taste your parsley and your kale.

Soon of her steps you saw the trace,

And whistled Fury to the chace.

The fatal scent her track reveals,

And the fierce cur pursued her heels;

15 Vain was her speed! her failing breath

Left her within the jaws of death,

When doubling quick, thus sorely prest,

She sprang for shelter to your breast.

That breast, awake to pity’s plea,

My kind protector! rescued me:

Your generous cares assuag’d my pangs,

And sav’d me from the terrier’s fangs.

’Twas then I vow’d, the very hour

That gave me back my form and power,

16 To seek your humble roof with speed,

And recompense the gentle deed.

Now, by the honour of a Spright

Who in good actions takes delight,

By Mab, the sovereign of fays,

Who sports beneath the moon’s pale rays,

I grant to you and your good dame

The first Three Wishes that you name!

Think what will best your state amend,

And claim it from your grateful friend!

17 Together you had best advise,

And as you are humane, be wise!

For should you foolishly decide,

By your own choice you must abide;

Nor further does my power extend,

Howe’er dispos’d to be your friend.

So saying, the benignant fay

Quick thro’ the key-hole whisk’d away.

Our cottagers from fear relieved,

Scarcely their eyes and ears believ’d:

18 But ah! what passions, long suppress’d,

Were rous’d in each unguarded breast;

Ambition, that had dormant lain,

And Pride, with Luxury in his train;

While Vanity performed her part

In simple Susan’s easy heart!

Suppose the joy that now abounded,

The exclamations that resounded:

How strange! what luck! what can have brought it?

Good lack! Dear me! Who would have thought it?

19 What shall we wish for? let us ponder.

Lord, how the neighbours will all wonder!

Quoth Homespun—if ’tis not a dream,

I’ll have a farm, and keep a team.

A farm! said Susan: on my life,

I’ll be no farmer’s dowdy wife,

To toil and drudge thro’ mud and mire:

I hope you’ll hold your head much higher.

Well, well, then—shall I be a Squire?—

20 Methinks I should be somewhat proud,

To own the land which once I plough’d.

With money plenty in my bags,

I’d keep my gig and brace of nags;

My cellars should be duly stor’d,

And beef should smoke upon my board:

Besides I’d keep my pack of hounds—

Squire Homespun! Lord how fine it sounds!

Have it, said Susan, as you will;

But sure My Lord! sounds finer still;

21 Then I should be My Lady: Bless me,

How smart! how beautiful I’d dress me!

Such bonnets, mantles, ruffs, and puffs,

Such gowns, and furbelows, and muffs,

With chains and ear-rings, watch and broche,

And Madam Homespun in her coach:

So grand! so stately! who but me?

How mad my neighbour Barnes will be!

Peace, said the husband, pr’ythee, peace!

’Tis time this idle talk should cease:

22 Consider what we have at stake!

I fain some friend’s advice would take:

At least we must be wise and wary,

As we were counsell’d by the fairy.

So hasten, dame, and fill the beaker,

And we’ll discuss it o’er our liquor.

’Tis vain to trace each various plan

Which Susan form’d with her good man.

Or yet how oft they drain’d the cup,

Ere the long conference broke up:

23 But as opinions were divided,

The business still was undecided.

In this dilemma the result

Was—that their pillows they’d consult.

’Tis best to take more time to con it,

Quoth Homespun—so we’ll sleep upon it:

Our choice requires the coolest head;

So rake the fire, and we’ll to bed.

Susan, the happiest wife on earth,

Set all to rights, and brush’d her hearth;

24 And said, These embers burn so clear,

I WISH WE HAD A PUDDING HERE!

Methinks ’twould broil so clean and nice;

I’d make it ready in a trice;

She spoke—and in the chimney rumbled

A noise—and down a pudding tumbled!

The affrighted Susan stood amaz’d,

With tearful eyes, and hands uprais’d,

O’erwhelm’d with grief and self-reproach,

Farewell! to Madam in her coach!

25 Her tongue itself forgot its use,—

Tongue once so ready at excuse!

Mean time the husband storm’d and rated,

Swearing no man was e’er so mated;

And call’d his spouse—like savage shameless,

By ugly words that must be nameless.

To throw our fortune thus away!

Aren’t you a stupid idiot—hey?

Such want of thought your folly shows,

I WISH THE PUDDING ON YOUR NOSE!

26 The words escap’d, he gain’d his wish.

The pudding, rising from its dish,

On Goody Homespun’s nose was stuck

So fast, no power on earth could pluck

The sad incumbrance away.

What could be done? Oh, hapless day!

She cried, she stamp’d, she tore her hair;

The fatal pudding still hung there.

Oh! I shall die, said she, with shame!

Now, Master—who is most to blame?

27 My face again I ne’er can show,

I shall be hooted as I go—

What will the neighbours say—Oh! oh!

The sorrowing husband now repented;

And Susan in her turn resented:

While he, with looks most melancholy,

Confessed he’d equall’d her in folly;

Yet strove his weeping spouse to cheer:

Don’t be cast down, said he, my dear!

28 Consider! we have one stake more.

We’ll wish of wealth an endless store,

And you shall have such gay rich clothes,

That folks won’t think about your nose:

Nay, it will ornament your face,

When cover’d with a golden case:

Therefore, my dearest, calm your passion!

We’ll say nose-jewels are the fashion.

Sad Susan wav’d her head in woe,

The pudding too wav’d to and fro,

While she exclaim’d, I tell you, No,

29 You barbarous man! you talk in vain:

I’ll never shew my face again:

I’ll have no case of gold, not I;

But lay me down at once, and die!

Nay, said her mate—it shan’t be so—

I’d sooner our last hope forego.

Our third wish will your peace restore,

We are but where we were before.

I will my luckless wish revoke,

Recall the words I rashly spoke,

30 And to relieve you from this evil,

I WISH THE PUDDING AT THE DEVIL!

Obedient to this prudent wish,

The pudding fell, and in its dish

Flew up the chimney as it came,

And thus restor’d the suffering dame;

Who, freed from anguish, now could show

Her own dear nose—in statu quo:

Yet scarce recovered, laugh’d and cried,

’Twixt joy—and disappointed pride.

31 Quoth Homespun—To my mind, my dame,

A tricking fairy is that same!

Why did she meddle thus about us?

To tempt us first, and then to flout us?—

But let us not complain, my Sue;

The fairy to her word was true,

And if our schemes are overthrown,

In faith, the fault is all our own.

A wholesome lesson she has taught,

Though it is somewhat dearly bought,

32 And should she call another day,

She’ll find it is not thrown away—

For as we have regained our senses,

We’ll lay aside our vain pretences,

Temper our hopes with moderation,

AND SUIT OUR WISHES TO OUR STATION.

THE END.

London: Printed by B. McMillan,

Bow Street, Covent Garden.

}

*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK; OR, THE THREE WISHES ***

Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will be renamed.

Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™ concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use of the Project Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark license is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and research. Project Gutenberg eBooks may be modified and printed and given away—you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark license, especially commercial redistribution.

START: FULL LICENSE

THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG™ LICENSE

PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK

To protect the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting the free distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project Gutenberg License available with this file or online at www.gutenberg.org/license.

Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg electronic works

1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg electronic works in your possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project Gutenberg electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.

1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg electronic works even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project Gutenberg electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below.

1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the Foundation” or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project Gutenberg electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the United States and you are located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project Gutenberg mission of promoting free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg name associated with the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg License when you share it without charge with others.

1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project Gutenberg work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any country other than the United States.

1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:

1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg License must appear prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg work (any work on which the phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the phrase “Project Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, copied or distributed:

This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg™ License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.

1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg electronic work is derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase “Project Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.

1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg electronic work is posted with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked to the Project Gutenberg License for all works posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.

1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg.

1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project Gutenberg License.

1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg work in a format other than “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official version posted on the official Project Gutenberg website (www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.

1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg works unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.

1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing access to or distributing Project Gutenberg electronic works provided that:

- • You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from the use of Project Gutenberg works calculated using the method you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg trademark, but he has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in Section 4, “Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.”

- • You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg™ License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg™ works.

- • You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of receipt of the work.

- • You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free distribution of Project Gutenberg™ works.

1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg™ electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the manager of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.

1.F.

1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project Gutenberg™ collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg™ electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain “Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by your equipment.

1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark, and any other party distributing a Project Gutenberg™ electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.

1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further opportunities to fix the problem.

1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS’, WITH NO OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.

1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.

1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone providing copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg work, and (c) any Defect you cause.

Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg

Project Gutenberg is synonymous with the free distribution of electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from people in all walks of life.

Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg’s goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg collection will remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure and permanent future for Project Gutenberg and future generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org.

Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation

The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state’s laws.

The Foundation’s business office is located at 41 Watchung Plaza #516, Montclair NJ 07042, USA, +1 (862) 621-9288. Email contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the Foundation’s website and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact

Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation

Project Gutenberg™ depends upon and cannot survive without widespread public support and donations to carry out its mission of increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be freely distributed in machine-readable form accessible by the widest array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt status with the IRS.

The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate.

While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who approach us with offers to donate.

International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.

Please check the Project Gutenberg web pages for current donation methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate.

Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg electronic works

Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and distributed Project Gutenberg eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.

Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.

Most people start at our website which has the main PG search facility: www.gutenberg.org.

This website includes information about Project Gutenberg, including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.

Table of Contents

[p1] THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK: OR, THE THREE WISHES.

[p 3] PREFACE.

[p5] THE THREE WISHES.

THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG™ LICENSE