Pagina 495 de 626

When therefore the son had been proclaimed king, and the time of

mourning was over, he was forced to keep the promise which he had

given his father, and caused the king's daughter to be asked in

marriage, and she was promised to him. His first betrothed heard

of this, and fretted so much about his faithfulness that she

nearly died. Then her father said to her: 'Dearest child, why are

you so sad? You shall have whatsoever you will.' She thought for

a moment and said: 'Dear father, I wish for eleven girls exactly

like myself in face, figure, and size.' The father said: 'If it

be possible, your desire shall be fulfilled,' and he caused a

search to be made in his whole kingdom, until eleven young

maidens were found who exactly resembled his daughter in face,

figure, and size.