His new overlord would demand the service of one of his sons . And the old emperor had no son ; only three daughters . Look on which side he would , nothing but ruin seemed to lie before him , and he became so gloomy , that his daughters were frightened , and did everything they could think of to cheer him up , but all to no purpose . At length one day when they were at dinner , the eldest of the three summoned up all her courage and said to her father : ` What secret grief is troubling you ? Are your subjects discontented ? or have we given you cause for displeasure ? To smooth away your wrinkles , we would gladly shed our blood , for our lives are bound up in yours ; and this you know . ' ` My daughter , ' answered the emperor , ` what you say is true . Never have you given me one moment 's pain . Yet now you can not help me . Ah ! why is not one of you a boy ! ' ' I do n't understand , ' she answered in surprise . ` Tell us what is wrong : and though we are not boys , we are not quite useless ! ' ` But what can you do , my dear children ? Spin , sew , and weave -- that is all your learning . Only a warrior can deliver me now , a young giant who is strong to wield the battle-axe : whose sword deals deadly blows . ' ` But WHY do you need a son so much at present ? Tell us all about it ! It will not make matters worse if we know ! '
` Listen then , my XXXXX , and learn the reason of my sorrow .
Ah children daughter daughters everything giant length matters moment service