A maiden more dazzlingly beautiful than the first jumped out of it, and, making a courtesy, inquired as the first had done:
"Have you food for me? Have you drink for me? Have you fine clothes for me to wear?"
"Alas," the youth sadly answered, "I have none of these."
The maiden courtesied and vanished as completely as the other had done.
He satisfied his hunger and thirst, but resolved that come what might, even though he had to crawl home for weakness, he would not cut the third lemon until he reached there.
Nor did he, for his strength lasted him until next day when he saw the walls of his city before him. Already outside he was recognized; the news spread, and the aged king sent out an escort to meet him and conduct him into his presence.
When the two had embraced, the Prince told his wondrous story. A banquet was prepared for the following day, to which many guests were invited. Costly raiment, too, was made, and brought into the palace walls.
When the guests had assembled conscious that some surprise was in store for them, the Prince cut the third and last lemon. A maiden of beauty so great that it surpassed the dazzling beauty of both of the others, leaped lightly out of it and, courtesying to the Prince, inquired: "Have you food for me? Have you drink for me? Have you fine clothing for me to wear?"
"I have all of these," said the Prince happily, presenting her with the costly gowns.