“We are not for you, such frail men as you are. Do you think killing forty dwarfish giants a heroic act? Not so. We have our lover, upon whose breast roses and lilies grow. If you are men of valor, go fight the Roaring Giant, our lover; if you can overcome him we are yours, but not until you do so.”
On the following morning, Mirza advised his brothers to keep silent and not reveal their secret, lest they should be the laughing-stock of the people. He took leave of the King, saying that he had an important work to do, and would be absent for two months. He started, and after a long journey came to a white castle. A maiden as beautiful as the moon was sitting in the window working with her needle. Seeing the lad, she said to him:
“Human being, neither the snake on its belly, nor the bird with its wing could come here! How could you venture to come?”
“Your love brought me hither, fair maiden,” answered the lad.
“Here is food for you,” said the maiden, letting down from the window a basket; “eat, and go your way. This castle belongs to the White Giant. Go away before he comes, lest he devour you.”
“Who are you, fair maiden? Who has brought you hither?” inquired the lad.
“My father is the King of India. We were three sisters, but the White Giant, the Red Giant, and the Black Giant stole us and brought us into this lonely country. It has been seven years since I have seen a human being.”
Mirza asked if she knew where the Roaring Giant lived.
“You must pass the lands of the Red Giant and the Black Giant before you arrive,” said the maiden.
“Farewell!” said Mirza.