All the while some old dame would relate the old-world ogreish stories of Blue Beard, the Sorcerer, or the Loup Garou, to fascinate the ears and trouble the dreams of the young folks.

It was here, no doubt, that Jasmin gathered much of the traditionary lore which he afterwards wove into his poetical ballads.
Jasmin had his moments of sadness.

He was now getting a big fellow, and his mother was anxious that he should receive some little education.

He had not yet been taught to read; he had not even learnt his A B C.The word school frightened him.

He could not bear to be shut up in a close room--he who had been accustomed to enjoy a sort of vagabond life in the open air.