THE FLYING CARPET 153

The princess gave him her hand. They both knelt at
the king’s feet and received his fatherly blessing, after which
he with a large wedding party accompanied them to the
church. At the same time messengers were sent to bring
the fisherman’s mother to the palace.

The marvellous guzla played the sweetest music at the
marriage feast, while the old king ate and drank and enjoyed
himself, and danced like a madman. He treated his guests
with so much kindness and generosity that to this very hour
the happiness of those who were present is a thing to be
talked about and envied.

Now you see what it is to love virtue and pursue it with
energy and courage. For by so doing a mere peasant, a poor
simple fisherman, married the most lovely and enchanting
princess in the whole world. He received, besides, half the
kingdom on his wedding day, and the right of succession to
the throne after the old king’s death.