‘Do what?’ asked the old woman in amazement. ‘How can I tell the sultan that a head without a body wishes to become his son-in-law? They will think that I am mad, and I shall be hooted from the palace and stoned by the children.’
‘Do as I bid you,’ replied the head; ‘it is my will.’
The old woman was afraid to say anything more, and, putting on her richest clothes, started for the palace. The sultan granted her an audience at once, and, in a trembling voice, she made her request.
‘Are you mad, old woman?’ said the sultan, staring at her.
‘The wooer is powerful, O Sultan, and nothing is impossible to him.’
‘Is that true?’
‘It is, O Sultan; I swear it,’ answered she.
‘Then let him show his power by doing three things, and I will give him my daughter.’
‘Command, O gracious prince,’ said she.
‘Do you see that hill in front of the palace?’ asked the sultan.