--- title: The Elderbush — Andersen's Fairy Tales · full text with trees description: The Elderbush, «Andersen's Fairy Tales» by H. C. Andersen: the whole chapter, every sentence with its dependency tree and pragmatics. It begins: Once upon a time there was a little boy who had taken cold. --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/) [home](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [corpora](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/) / [tales](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/) / [Andersen's Fairy Tales](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/) / The Elderbush # The Elderbush The Elderbush of «Andersen's Fairy Tales» by H. C. Andersen: the whole text, 153 sentences and 3072 words. Every sentence has its own page with its syntax tree and pragmatics, parsed by Mova itself. **1** [2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/page/2/) - [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/1/) — Once upon a time there was a little boy who had taken cold. - [2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/2/) — He had gone out and got his feet wet; though nobody could imagine how it had happened, for it was quite dry weather. - [3](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/3/) — So his mother undressed him, put him to bed, and had the tea-pot brought in, to make him a good cup of Elderflower tea. - [4](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/4/) — Just at that moment the merry old man came in who lived up a-top of the house all alone; for he had neither wife nor children--but he liked children very much, and knew so many fairy tales, that it was quite delightful. - [5](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/5/) — “Now drink your tea,” said the boy's mother; “then, perhaps, you may hear a fairy tale.” - [6](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/6/) — “If I had but something new to tell,” said the old man. - [7](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/7/) — “But how did the child get his feet wet?” - [8](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/8/) — “That is the very thing that nobody can make out,” said his mother. - [9](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/9/) — “Am I to hear a fairy tale?” asked the little boy. - [10](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/10/) — “Yes, if you can tell me exactly--for I must know that first--how deep the gutter is in the little street opposite, that you pass through in going to school.” - [11](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/11/) — “Just up to the middle of my boot,” said the child; “but then I must go into the deep hole.” - [12](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/12/) — “Ah, ah! - [13](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/13/) — That's where the wet feet came from,” said the old man. - [14](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/14/) — “I ought now to tell you a story; but I don't know any more.” - [15](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/15/) — “You can make one in a moment,” said the little boy. - [16](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/16/) — “My mother says that all you look at can be turned into a fairy tale: and that you can find a story in everything.” - [17](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/17/) — “Yes, but such tales and stories are good for nothing. - [18](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/18/) — The right sort come of themselves; they tap at my forehead and say, 'Here we are.'” - [19](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/19/) — “Won't there be a tap soon?” asked the little boy. - [20](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/20/) — And his mother laughed, put some Elder-flowers in the tea-pot, and poured boiling water upon them. - [21](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/21/) — “Do tell me something! - [22](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/22/) — Pray do!” - [23](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/23/) — “Yes, if a fairy tale would come of its own accord; but they are proud and haughty, and come only when they choose. - [24](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/24/) — Stop!” said he, all on a sudden. - [25](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/25/) — “I have it! - [26](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/26/) — Pay attention! - [27](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/27/) — There is one in the tea-pot!” - [28](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/28/) — And the little boy looked at the tea-pot. - [29](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/29/) — The cover rose more and more; and the Elder-flowers came forth so fresh and white, and shot up long branches. - [30](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/30/) — Out of the spout even did they spread themselves on all sides, and grew larger and larger; it was a splendid Elderbush, a whole tree; and it reached into the very bed, and pushed the curtains aside. - [31](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/31/) — How it bloomed! - [32](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/32/) — And what an odour! - [33](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/33/) — In the middle of the bush sat a friendly-looking old woman in a most strange dress. - [34](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/34/) — It was quite green, like the leaves of the elder, and was trimmed with large white Elder-flowers; so that at first one could not tell whether it was a stuff, or a natural green and real flowers. - [35](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/35/) — “What's that woman's name?” asked the little boy. - [36](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/36/) — “The Greeks and Romans,” said the old man, “called her a Dryad; but that we do not understand. - [37](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/37/) — The people who live in the New Booths \[\*\] have a much better name for her; they call her 'old Granny'--and she it is to whom you are to pay attention. - [38](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/38/) — Now listen, and look at the beautiful Elderbush. - [39](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/39/) — \* A row of buildings for seamen in Copenhagen. - [40](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/40/) — “Just such another large blooming Elder Tree stands near the New Booths. - [41](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/41/) — It grew there in the corner of a little miserable court-yard; and under it sat, of an afternoon, in the most splendid sunshine, two old people; an old, old seaman, and his old, old wife. - [42](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/42/) — They had great-grand-children, and were soon to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage; but they could not exactly recollect the date: and old Granny sat in the tree, and looked as pleased as now. ' - [43](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/43/) — I know the date,' said she; but those below did not hear her, for they were talking about old times. - [44](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/44/) — “'Yes, can't you remember when we were very little,' said the old seaman, 'and ran and played about? - [45](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/45/) — It was the very same court-yard where we now are, and we stuck slips in the ground, and made a garden.' - [46](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/46/) — “'I remember it well,' said the old woman; 'I remember it quite well. - [47](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/47/) — We watered the slips, and one of them was an Elderbush. - [48](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/48/) — It took root, put forth green shoots, and grew up to be the large tree under which we old folks are now sitting.' - [49](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/49/) — “'To be sure,' said he. ' - [50](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/50/) — And there in the corner stood a waterpail, where I used to swim my boats.' - [51](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/51/) — “'True; but first we went to school to learn somewhat,' said she; 'and then we were confirmed. - [52](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/52/) — We both cried; but in the afternoon we went up the Round Tower, and looked down on Copenhagen, and far, far away over the water; then we went to Friedericksberg, where the King and the Queen were sailing about in their splendid barges.' - [53](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/53/) — “'But I had a different sort of sailing to that, later; and that, too, for many a year; a long way off, on great voyages.' - [54](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/54/) — “'Yes, many a time have I wept for your sake,' said she. ' - [55](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/55/) — I thought you were dead and gone, and lying down in the deep waters. - [56](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/56/) — Many a night have I got up to see if the wind had not changed: and changed it had, sure enough; but you never came. - [57](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/57/) — I remember so well one day, when the rain was pouring down in torrents, the scavengers were before the house where I was in service, and I had come up with the dust, and remained standing at the door--it was dreadful weather--when just as I was there, the postman came and gave me a letter. - [58](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/58/) — It was from you! - [59](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/59/) — What a tour that letter had made! - [60](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/60/) — I opened it instantly and read: I laughed and wept. - [61](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/61/) — I was so happy. - [62](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/62/) — In it I read that you were in warm lands where the coffee-tree grows. - [63](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/63/) — What a blessed land that must be! - [64](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/64/) — You related so much, and I saw it all the while the rain was pouring down, and I standing there with the dust-box. - [65](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/65/) — At the same moment came someone who embraced me.' - [66](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/66/) — “'Yes; but you gave him a good box on his ear that made it tingle!' - [67](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/67/) — “'But I did not know it was you. - [68](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/68/) — You arrived as soon as your letter, and you were so handsome--that you still are--and had a long yellow silk handkerchief round your neck, and a bran new hat on; oh, you were so dashing! - [69](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/69/) — Good heavens! - [70](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/70/) — What weather it was, and what a state the street was in!' - [71](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/71/) — “'And then we married,' said he. ' - [72](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/72/) — Don't you remember? - [73](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/73/) — And then we had our first little boy, and then Mary, and Nicholas, and Peter, and Christian.' - [74](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/74/) — “'Yes, and how they all grew up to be honest people, and were beloved by everybody.' - [75](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/75/) — “'And their children also have children,' said the old sailor; 'yes, those are our grand-children, full of strength and vigor. - [76](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/76/) — It was, methinks about this season that we had our wedding.' - [77](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/77/) — “'Yes, this very day is the fiftieth anniversary of the marriage,' said old Granny, sticking her head between the two old people; who thought it was their neighbor who nodded to them. - [78](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/78/) — They looked at each other and held one another by the hand. - [79](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/79/) — Soon after came their children, and their grand-children; for they knew well enough that it was the day of the fiftieth anniversary, and had come with their gratulations that very morning; but the old people had forgotten it, although they were able to remember all that had happened many years ago. - [80](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/80/) — And the Elderbush sent forth a strong odour in the sun, that was just about to set, and shone right in the old people's faces. - [81](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/81/) — They both looked so rosy-cheeked; and the youngest of the grandchildren danced around them, and called out quite delighted, that there was to be something very splendid that evening--they were all to have hot potatoes. - [82](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/82/) — And old Nanny nodded in the bush, and shouted 'hurrah!' with the rest.” - [83](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/83/) — “But that is no fairy tale,” said the little boy, who was listening to the story. - [84](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/84/) — “The thing is, you must understand it,” said the narrator; “let us ask old Nanny.” - [85](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/85/) — “That was no fairy tale, 'tis true,” said old Nanny; “but now it's coming. - [86](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/86/) — The most wonderful fairy tales grow out of that which is reality; were that not the case, you know, my magnificent Elderbush could not have grown out of the tea-pot.” - [87](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/87/) — And then she took the little boy out of bed, laid him on her bosom, and the branches of the Elder Tree, full of flowers, closed around her. - [88](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/88/) — They sat in an aerial dwelling, and it flew with them through the air. - [89](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/89/) — Oh, it was wondrous beautiful! - [90](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/90/) — Old Nanny had grown all of a sudden a young and pretty maiden; but her robe was still the same green stuff with white flowers, which she had worn before. - [91](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/91/) — On her bosom she had a real Elderflower, and in her yellow waving hair a wreath of the flowers; her eyes were so large and blue that it was a pleasure to look at them; she kissed the boy, and now they were of the same age and felt alike. - [92](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/92/) — Hand in hand they went out of the bower, and they were standing in the beautiful garden of their home. - [93](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/93/) — Near the green lawn papa's walking-stick was tied, and for the little ones it seemed to be endowed with life; for as soon as they got astride it, the round polished knob was turned into a magnificent neighing head, a long black mane fluttered in the breeze, and four slender yet strong legs shot out. - [94](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/94/) — The animal was strong and handsome, and away they went at full gallop round the lawn. - [95](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/95/) — “Huzza! - [96](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/96/) — Now we are riding miles off,” said the boy. - [97](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/97/) — “We are riding away to the castle where we were last year!” - [98](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/98/) — And on they rode round the grass-plot; and the little maiden, who, we know, was no one else but old Nanny, kept on crying out, “Now we are in the country! - [99](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/99/) — Don't you see the farm-house yonder? - [100](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/100/) — And there is an Elder Tree standing beside it; and the cock is scraping away the earth for the hens, look, how he struts! **1** [2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/17/page/2/) - ← previous: [The Leap-frog](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/16/) - next →: [The Bell](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/18/) - ↑ back to [Andersen's Fairy Tales](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg1597/)