The Last of the Picts (A Scottish Legend)

4.9

Once upon a time there were people in Scotland called Picts. They were short, with red hair and long arms.

The Picts were famous for the ale which they made. Many people wanted to know how they made it, but the Picts did not tell anybody their secrets.

Then the Picts were at war with the Scots and soon all of them but two were killed. These two were father and son.

The King of the Scots ordered to bring these men before him.

“If you don’t tell us the secret of the ale,” said the King, “we shall kill you.”

“Well,” said the older man to the King, “I see it is useless to resist. But before I tell you the secret, you must do one thing.”

“What is that?” said the King.

“Will you promise to do it if it does not harm you?”

“I’ll promise to do so,” said the King.

“Then,” said the Pict, “you must kill my son first, and I’ll tell you how we make the ale.”

The King was surprised, but he ordered to kill the Pict’s son.

When the Pict saw that his son was dead, he stood up before the King and cried:

“Now do what you like with me. My son was a small boy and perhaps you could make him tell you the secret. But though you may kill me, you will never make me tell you how we made the ale.”