The Town Musicians of Bremen

Hello, this is Natasha.

And Prince Bertie the Frog has asked me to tell you a tale about four animals who ran away to form a band and play music.

They were so successful that the Brothers Grimm wrote a story about them.

Their band was called the Town musicians of Bremen. A certain man had a donkey, which had carried the corn sacks to the mill

loyally for many a long year, but his strength was going, and he was growing

more and more and fit for work. Then his master began to wonder if it was worth his while

keeping this old donkey much longer. The donkey, seeing that no good wind was blowing, ran away and set out on the road to Bremen.

There, he thought, I can surely be town musician.

When he had walked some distance, he found a dog lying on the road, gasping like one

who had run till he was tired.

What are you gasping so for, you big fellow? asked the donkey.

Ah, replied the dog, as I am old and daily grow weaker and can no longer hunt, my master wanted

to kill me, so I ran away. But now how am I to earn my bread?

I'll tell you what, said the donkey. I am going to Bremen and shall be a town musician there.

Go with me and work also as a musician.

I will play the lute and you shall beat the kettle drum.

The dog agreed and on they went.

Before long they came to a cat, sitting on the path with a face like three rainy days.

Now then, old fluff and claws, what's gone all the wrong with you? asked the donkey.

Who can be merry when his neck is in danger? answered the cat.

Because I am now getting old and my teeth are worn to stumps and I prefer to sit by the fire

...