will pay my debt to you, and do some real good. And you will never be
poor again, and will have plenty more sons."

But his parents immediately said: "Son, what are you saying? Have you
the rheumatism? Or are you possessed by a devil? If not, why do you
talk nonsense? Who would sacrifice his child for money? And what child
would give his body?"

But the boy said: "I am not mad. Listen. My words are full of sense.
The body is the seat of unnameable impurities, it is loathsome and full
of pain. It perishes in no long time at best. If some good can be done
with the worthless thing, that is a great advantage in this weary life,
so wise men say. And what good is there except helping others? If
anyone can serve his parents so easily, then how lightly should the
body be esteemed!"

Thus the boy, with his bold words and his firm purpose, persuaded his
grieving parents. And he went and got from the king's men the golden
statue and the hundred villages, and gave them to his parents.

So the boy with his parents followed the king's men to the city
Brilliant-peak. And the king looked upon the brave boy as a magic jewel
for his own preservation, and rejoiced greatly. He adorned the boy with
garlands and perfumes, put him on an elephant, and took him with his
parents to the home of the giant.

There the priest traced a magic circle beside the tree, and reverently
lit the holy fire. Then the horrible giant Flame-face appeared,
mumbling words of his own. He staggered, for he was drunk with blood,
and snorted and yawned. His eyes flashed fire and his shadow made the
whole world dark.

And the king said respectfully: "Great being, here is the human
sacrifice you asked for, and this is the seventh day since I promised
it. Be merciful. Accept this sacrifice."

And the giant licked his chops, and looked the boy over, who was to be
the sacrifice. Then the noble boy thought: "I have done some good with
this body of mine. May I never rest in heaven or in eternal salvation,
but may I have many lives in which to do some good with my body." And
the air was filled with the chariots of gods who rained down flowers.

Then the boy was laid before the giant. His mother held his hands, and
his father held his feet. When the king drew his sword and was ready to
strike, the boy laughed so heartily that all of them, even the giant,
forgot what they were doing, looked at the boy's face, and bowed low
before him.

When the goblin had told this