“Bobino.” Rose Fairy Book, Andrew Lang, New York: Longmans, Green, 1948, pp. 64-71.

Tale Summary

There was once a boy named Bobino, who was the only son of a rich merchant, and had arrived home after being sent to study with a master to learn all sorts of foreign languages. He walked one evening in the garden with his father, when the sparrows above them were twittering in such a way that the merchant became annoyed. Bobino offered to tell him what the birds were saying, and when his father inquired, he explained that he had been taught the language of animals. The man was irate for having wasted his money on such foolishness, and when the house dog barked at them, Bobino again offered to translate, and again his father angrily denied. Later, they sat for supper and a number of frogs could be heard croaking, and the irritated merchant became even more upset when his son asked if he could explain their words. Early the next morning two servants woke the young man and escorted him to a carriage, which was headed in an unknown direction to Bobino. He noticed that one of the servant's eyes were red from crying, and worn down by Bobino’s inquiries, the man told him that they were bringing him to his death on his father’s orders. He explained further that the merchant was upset that after years of education the boy had only learned the language of animals, and also told him that neither him nor the other servant had the heart to carry out his wishes. Instead, they killed a dog which had followed them to bring its heart to the merchant in lieu of Bobino’s. The young man traveled until he came to a house of some herdsmen that evening, where he was granted food and shelter for the night. While they ate supper the dog began to bark, and after listening closely Bobino warned the herdsmen that at midnight a band of robbers would attack the house and to arm themselves. He explained that he knew the language of animals, and though the men were astonished by him, they did what he instructed and hid the women and armed themselves. At midnight, the robbers attacked but were beaten back by the prepared herdsmen. They were grateful to Bobino, but he wanted to see more of the world and did not stay. He walked until he came to a peasant’s house, where a group of frogs were croaking and throwing a bottle to one another. He was given supper by the peasant, who told him that his eldest daughter was deathly ill and that the servant had lost her medicine so there was no hope. Bobino told the man that he believed the small bottle he saw with the frogs was that medicine, and it proved true when it was given to the girl and she was cured. He explained that he knew because he understood the frogs, and continued on his way. He found two men resting under a tree and joined them in conversation, learning that later that day a new ruler was to be chosen in a neighboring town. Some sparrows began twittering, and Bobino told the men that the birds told him that one of them three would be chosen as ruler. While the young man napped, the two strangers rushed to town where there was a crowd gathered in the marketplace, as the new ruler would be decided by whom an eagle chose. When it was released, it circled above everyone before flying to Bobino, who had followed his companion’s footsteps. He was proclaimed the new ruler of the town, and there lived happily and ruled wisely.