352 SLAV TALES

you have restored me to life. Your father promised to give
you to me: are you willing?”

“Tf such be the king’s wish, I consent,” replied she, as she
gave him her hand with a tender look.

As he spoke the door opened, admitting the helmet, which
placed itself upon his head; the sash, which wound itself
round his waist; the tablecloth, which hid itself in one of
his pockets; and the avenging wand, which placed itself in
his hand. Then came the king, all out of breath, and
wondering what the noise was about. He was amazed to
see the fool alive again, and even more so that he should
be. with the princess.

The young fellow, fearing the king’s wrath, cried out:

“O marvellous, wonderful, lake-forming Band,
For my safety, and not for my fun,
Bear us in a boat on thy waves far from land,
So that we from our foes need not run.”

There was a shimmering in the air, and then everything
disappeared, while on the lawn before the palace stretched
a wide deep lake, in the crystal water of which swam little
fish with eyes of pearl and scales of gold. Far away rowed
the princess and the fool in a silver skiff. The king stood
on the shores of the lake and signed to them to return.
When they had landed they knelt at his feet and avowed
their mutual love. Upon which his majesty bestowed his
blessing, the lake disappeared, and they again found them-
selves in the princess’s apartments.

The king called a special meeting of his council, at which
he explained how things had turned out—that he had made