Pagina 76 di 626

He was as well received as the others had been, and the king

ordered fine royal robes to be given him; and when the evening

came he was led to the outer chamber. Just as he was going to lie

down, the eldest of the princesses brought him a cup of wine; but

the soldier threw it all away secretly, taking care not to drink

a drop. Then he laid himself down on his bed, and in a little

while began to snore very loud as if he was fast asleep. When the

twelve princesses heard this they laughed heartily; and the

eldest said, 'This fellow too might have done a wiser thing than

lose his life in this way!' Then they rose up and opened their

drawers and boxes, and took out all their fine clothes, and

dressed themselves at the glass, and skipped about as if they

were eager to begin dancing.