the parrot
once upon a time there was a merchant who was supposed to go away on business, but he was afraid to leave his daughter at home by herself, as a certain king had designs on her
"dear daughter," he said, "i'm leaving, but you must promise not to stick your head out of the door or let anyone in until i get back"
now that very morning the daughter had seen a handsome parrot in the tree outside her window he was a well-bred parrot, and the maiden had delighted in talking with him
"father," she replied, "it just breaks my heart to have to stay home all by myself couldn't i at least have a parrot to keep me company?"
the merchant, who lived only for his daughter, went out at once to get her a parrot he found an old man who sold him one for a song he took the bird to his daughter, and after much last-minute advice to her, he set out on his trip
