THE HISTORY OF PRINCE SLUGOBYL 183

was waiting at table with the other servants, took his arm,
and leading him to the king, said:

“Father, and all good people, this is the man who has
saved our country from the enemy, and whom God has
destined to be my husband. He to whom you pay these
honours is but a vile impostor, who has robbed his master
of name and rights. Last night I witnessed such deeds as
eye has never seen nor ear heard, but which shall be told
afterwards. Bid this traitor show the writing which proves
the truth of what I say.”

When the false prince had delivered up the paper signed
by the serving-man prince, it was found to contain the
following words:

“The bearer of this document, the false and wicked ser-
vant of the serving-man prince, shall receive the punishment
his sin deserves. (Signed) PRINCE SLUGOBYL.”

“What? Is that the real meaning of that writing?”
asked the traitor, who could not read.

‘Most assuredly,” was the reply.

Then he threw himself at the king’s feet and begged for
mercy. But he received his punishment, for he was tied to
the tails of four wild horses and torn to pieces.

Prince Slugobyl married the princess. It was a magni-
ficent wedding. I myself was there, and drank of the mead
and wine; but they only touched my beard, they did not
enter my mouth.