And he took leave of her. After a long journey he came to a black castle with a beautiful maiden sitting in the window, who gave him refreshment as the former had done. Leaving her, he met the Black Giant, and killing him as he had the former one, brought his head to the maiden. He spent the night there, and on the following morning, putting a ring on the finger of the maiden, betrothed her to his second brother. Another long journey brought him to a red castle. A maiden as beautiful as the sun was sitting in the window and working with her needle. The lad at first glance fell in love with her. She also had fallen in love with him at first sight, and said to him:
“Human being, for Heaven’s sake, beware of the Red Giant!”
“I have come on purpose to fight with him, fair creature,” answered the lad. “I have already killed the White Giant and the Black Giant and freed your sisters.”
“But the Red Giant is a sorcerer,” said the maiden, “and when brought to bay, changes himself into a mound of earth, with a hole at the top, whence he pours out smoke and flames, and devours everyone who ventures to go near.”
He had hardly departed from the maiden, when lo! the Red Giant appeared, brandishing his terrible mace.
“Aha!” exclaimed the Giant, seeing the lad, “a delicious morsel indeed is this which has come to me of its own free will.”
“Nay, come, let us fight,” said the lad, “and see who shall be the morsel, I or you!” and he prepared his bow and arrow.
“Dwarfish human being!” exclaimed the giant, “how can you oppose me?”
Saying this, he threw his mace at the lad, who took hold of it, exclaiming:
“I have killed forty-nine giants, your White and Black brothers included. Mirza is my name; do you think you will escape from my hand?”