Pagina 485 di 626

Then they all three rode on together, and on their way home came

to a country that was laid waste by war and a dreadful famine, so

that it was feared all must die for want. But the prince gave the

king of the land the bread, and all his kingdom ate of it. And he

lent the king the wonderful sword, and he slew the enemy's army

with it; and thus the kingdom was once more in peace and plenty.

In the same manner he befriended two other countries through

which they passed on their way.

When they came to the sea, they got into a ship and during their

voyage the two eldest said to themselves, 'Our brother has got

the water which we could not find, therefore our father will

forsake us and give him the kingdom, which is our right'; so they

were full of envy and revenge, and agreed together how they could

ruin him. Then they waited till he was fast asleep, and poured

the Water of Life out of the cup, and took it for themselves,

giving him bitter sea-water instead.