Styf

When Styf told him just what he wanted to do, Fro picked out a sheaf of wheat and whispered a secret in his ear.

Dutch Fairy Tales for Young Folks William Elliot Griffis 1885

Meeting this miser one day, as he was walking along the brick road, leading from the village, Styf offered to pay the old man a thousand guilders, in exchange for four striped tulips, that grew in his garden.

Dutch Fairy Tales for Young Folks William Elliot Griffis 1885

Styf also summoned to his aid the kabouters, and, from these ugly little fellows, got some useful hints; for they, dwelling in the dark caverns, know many secrets which men used to name alchemy, and which they now call chemistry.

Dutch Fairy Tales for Young Folks William Elliot Griffis 1885

In this chariot, Fro had specimens of all the grains, fruits, and vegetables known to man, from which Styf could choose, for these he was accustomed to scatter over the earth.

Dutch Fairy Tales for Young Folks William Elliot Griffis 1885

Fro was absent, when Styf came, but his wife promised he would come next day, which he did.

Dutch Fairy Tales for Young Folks William Elliot Griffis 1885

They kept their eyes fixed on Styf, who now came forward before all and said, in a loud voice:

Dutch Fairy Tales for Young Folks William Elliot Griffis 1885

Old Styf then saw his opportunity to do a good thing.

Dutch Fairy Tales for Young Folks William Elliot Griffis 1885

Now Old Styf enjoyed fooling, just for the fun of it, and he taught all the younger elves that those who did the most work with their hands and head, would have the most fun when they were old.

Dutch Fairy Tales for Young Folks William Elliot Griffis 1885

Then Styf fenced himself off from all intruders, on the top of a bright, sunny hilltop, with his thinking cap on and made experiments for seven days.

Dutch Fairy Tales for Young Folks William Elliot Griffis 1885

Near a certain village named Elf-berg or Elf Hill, because there were so many of the little people in that neighborhood, there was one very old elf, named Styf, which means Stiff, because though so old he stood up straight as a lance.

Dutch Fairy Tales for Young Folks William Elliot Griffis 1885