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And the king sent two waiting-maids and two attendants into the

tower, to fetch the queen and bring her to the royal table. But

when she was led in she ate nothing, and said: 'The gracious and

merciful God who has supported me in the tower, will soon set me

free.' She lived three days more, and then died happily, and when

she was buried, the two white doves which had brought her food to

the tower, and were angels of heaven, followed her body and

seated themselves on her grave. The aged king ordered the cook to

be torn in four pieces, but grief consumed the king's own heart,

and he soon died. His son married the beautiful maiden whom he

had brought with him as a flower in his pocket, and whether they

are still alive or not, is known to God.

CLEVER ELSIE