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The twelve huntsmen always followed the king to the chase, and

his liking for them continually increased. Now it came to pass

that once when they were out hunting, news came that the king's

bride was approaching. When the true bride heard that, it hurt

her so much that her heart was almost broken, and she fell

fainting to the ground. The king thought something had happened

to his dear huntsman, ran up to him, wanted to help him, and drew

his glove off. Then he saw the ring which he had given to his

first bride, and when he looked in her face he recognized her.

Then his heart was so touched that he kissed her, and when she

opened her eyes he said: 'You are mine, and I am yours, and no

one in the world can alter that.' He sent a messenger to the

other bride, and entreated her to return to her own kingdom, for

he had a wife already, and someone who had just found an old key

did not require a new one.