Clever Hans
Hans's mother asked, "Where are you going, Hans?"
"To Grethel," Hans replied.
"Behave well, Hans."
"I will. Goodbye, Mother."
"Goodbye, Hans."
Hans arrived at Grethel's. "Good day, Grethel."
"Good day, Hans. What good thing do you bring?"
"I bring nothing. I want something given to me."
Grethel gave Hans a needle. "Goodbye, Grethel," said Hans, and left.
Hans stuck the needle into a hay cart and followed it home.
"Good evening, Mother."
"Good evening, Hans. Where have you been?"
"With Grethel."
"What did you take her?"
"Nothing. She gave me something."
"What did she give you?"
"A needle."
"Where is the needle, Hans?"
"I stuck it in the hay cart."
"That was foolish, Hans. You should have stuck it in your sleeve."
"Never mind. I'll do better next time."
This pattern repeated. Each time, Hans visited Grethel, received a gift, mishandled it on the way home, and received his mother's advice after the fact.
- A Knife: Grethel gave him a knife. He put it in his sleeve as advised, but his mother said he should have put it in his pocket.
- A Goat: Grethel gave him a young goat. He tied its legs and put it in his pocket, where it suffocated. His mother said he should have put a rope around its neck.
- Bacon: Grethel gave him bacon. He tied it to a rope and dragged it, but dogs devoured it. His mother said he should have carried it on his head.
- A Calf: Grethel gave him a calf. He put it on his head, and it kicked his face. His mother said he should have led it to the stall.
Finally, Hans went to Grethel again.
"Good day, Grethel. What good thing do you bring?"
"I bring nothing, but would have something given."
Grethel said, "I will go with you."
Hans tied Grethel to a rope, led her to the feed rack, tied her fast, and scattered grass for her. Then he went home.
"Where have you left Grethel?" asked his mother.
"I led her by a rope, tied her to the rack, and scattered grass for her."
"That was foolish, Hans. You should have cast friendly eyes on her."
"Never mind. I will do better."
Hans went to the stable, cut out the eyes of all the calves and sheep, and threw them at Grethel's face. Enraged, Grethel broke free, ran away, and later became Hans's bride.