It doesn't matter if you're born in a duck yard, so long as you are hatched from a swan's egg! - Hans Christian Andersen

Never had she danced so beautifully; the sharp knives cut her feet, but she did not feel it, for the pain in her heart was far greater.

"Mindst tænkte jeg da paa, at mit Livs alvorligste eventyr skulde begynde, at en Begivenhed, der engang havde beskæjftiget mig saa levende og stærk, det tabte Frøkorn, glemt og uset, nu vilde vise sig, som en grøn, duftende Væxt, der slyngede sig fast om mit eget Livstræ".

To be born in a duck's nest in a farmyard is of no consequence to a bird if it is hatched from a swan's egg. He now felt glad at having suffered sorrow and trouble, because it enabled him to enjoy so much better all the pleasure and happiness around him; for the great swans swam round the newcomer and stroked his neck with their beaks, as a welcome.