IMPERISHABLE 263

and by help of this sword in my hand. For with it I will
pierce you to the heart, then cut up your body into small
pieces, wash them carefully, and join them together again.
And if I breathe upon them you will return to life young
and handsome, just as if you were only twenty years
of age.”

“Qh indeed! I should like to know who would submit to
that ; first make trial of Sir Niezguinek here.”

The princess looked at him, whereupon he bowed and
said, “Lovely princess, I willingly submit, although I am
young enough without it. In any case life without you
would be valueless.”

Then the princess took a step towards him and killed him
with her sword. She cut him up in pieces and washed these
in pure water, after which she joined them together again
and breathed upon them. Instantly Niezguinek sprang up
full of life and health, and looked so handsome and bright
that the old king, who was dreadfully jealous, exclaimed,
“Make me, too, young again, princess; do not lose a
moment.”

The princess pierced him to the heart with her sword,
cut him up into little pieces, and, opening the window,
threw them out, at the same time calling the king’s dogs,
who quickly ate them up. Then she turned to Niezguinek
and said, “Proclaim yourself king, and I will be your
queen.”

He followed her advice, and within a short time they
were married; his brothers, whom he had pardoned, and his
parents having been invited to the wedding. On their way
back from the church the magic sword suddenly clinked, and,