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And as he came near home, it was Lily, his youngest and dearest

daughter, that met him; she came running, and kissed him, and

welcomed him home; and when she saw that he had brought her the

rose, she was still more glad. But her father began to be very

sorrowful, and to weep, saying, 'Alas, my dearest child! I have

bought this flower at a high price, for I have said I would give

you to a wild lion; and when he has you, he will tear you in

pieces, and eat you.' Then he told her all that had happened, and

said she should not go, let what would happen.

But she comforted him, and said, 'Dear father, the word you have

given must be kept; I will go to the lion, and soothe him:

perhaps he will let me come safe home again.'