He refused to touch any of the food, in spite of the polite entreaties of the King’s two daughters-in-law. Then in his interview with the King he asked his majesty to accept his invitation and come to his humble home for dinner, with all the court. The King, who by this time had become very much fascinated with the appearance of the youth, accepted his invitation. In the evening the lad came home and told his sister what had happened.
“Do you know who digged the pit under the threshold?” asked the maiden.
“Who?” said the lad.
“The King’s two daughters-in-law,” said the maiden, “in order that you might fall into it and be killed.”
“But they were so friendly and polite,” said the lad.
“And do you know why your dog died?” inquired the maiden.
“Why?” said the lad.
“The King’s two daughters-in-law had poisoned the food, in order to kill you,” said the maiden.
“Strange!” exclaimed the lad, “what have I done to them?”
“And do you know who the woman is who is buried in the dust and to whom you have given bunches of roses while all others spat at her?” asked the maiden.