‘Oh no! no!’ exclaimed another. ‘Let us wish her something good. I myself will wish her youth.’
‘And I beauty.’
‘And I wisdom.’
‘And I a tender heart.’
So spake the fairies, and went their way, leaving the most beautiful maiden in the world behind them.
The next morning when the king looked from his window he saw this lovely creature hanging on the nail. ‘Ah! what have I done? Surely I must have been blind last night!’
And he ordered long ladders to be brought and the maiden to be rescued. Then he fell on his knees before her, and prayed her to forgive him, and a great feast was made in her honour.
Some days after came the ninety-year-old sister to the palace and asked for the queen.
‘Who is that hideous old witch?’ said the king.
‘Oh, an old neighbour of mine, who is half silly,’ she replied.