Take me as godfather." The man asked, "Who art thou?" "I am Death, and I make all equal." Then said the man, "Thou art the right one, thou takest the rich as well as the poor, without distinction; thou shalt be godfather." Death answered, "I will make thy child rich and famous, for he who has me for a friend can lack nothing.

Before the castle gate all was as the fox had said: so the son went in and found the chamber where the golden bird hung in a wooden cage, and below

you shall tie the marriage knot with the ropemaker's daughter and the cawing of the crows will be your wedding song.

Skin white as snow, lips red as blood, and hair black as ebony.

I'm Death, and I make sure that everyone is equal.

Then up he got with a light heart, free from all his troubles, and walked on till he reached his mother's house, and told her how very easy the road to good luck was.

Turn back, turn back,thou pretty bride, Within this house thou must not abide. For here do evil things betide.