And when, on the morning of the fortieth day, the sultan went to the blue palace, and was received by the forty slaves, he nearly lost his wits from surprise.
‘I will assuredly give my daughter to the old woman’s son,’ thought he. ‘If I were to search all the world through I could never find a more powerful son-in-law.’
And when the old woman entered his presence he informed her that he was ready to fulfil his promise, and she was to bid her son appear at the palace without delay.
This command did not at all please the old woman, though, of course, she made no objections to the sultan.
‘All has gone well so far,’ she grumbled, when she told her story to the head, ‘but what do you suppose the sultan will say, when he sees his daughter’s husband?’
‘Never mind what he says! Put me on a silver dish and carry me to the palace.’
So it was done, though the old woman’s heart beat as she laid down the dish with the head upon it.
At the sight before him the king flew into a violent rage.
‘I will never marry my daughter to such a monster,’ he cried. But the princess placed her hand gently on his arm.
‘You have given your word, my father, and you cannot break it,’ said she.