"Take also my good wishes," said the princess, and she offered him her hand to kiss.
"Gracious princess," he said, "it is not meet that a beggar in rags should speak what is in his heart. But I shall return, and if thou deemest me worthy, perchance thou wilt grant a request that I shall make."
"Perchance," replied the princess, with a laugh.
The prince made haste to return to his father's palace and related all his adventures. The old man listened quietly, then he clasped his son in his arms, forgave him, and proudly proclaimed him prince before all the people again. He was a changed man, and nevermore guilty of a cruel action.
Before many months had passed, he returned to the city where he had seen the princess, with a long retinue of attendants, all bearing presents.
"Gracious princess," he said, when he had been granted an audience. "I said I would return."
"Indeed! I know thee not."
The prince told her of their former meeting and she seemed highly pleased.
"Now," he said, "put the crown on thy work which restored to me the manhood I had foolishly cast away by my conduct. I would make thee my bride, and with thee ever my guide and counselor, I shall be the most faithful of kings, and thou a queen of goodness and beauty and wisdom such as the world has not yet seen."
The princess did not give her answer immediately, but in due course she did; and once again, the prince returned home, this time happier than ever. Sitting by his side in the chariot of state, was the princess, radiant in smiles, for the people welcomed her heartily, strewing flowers in her path. And ever afterward there was happiness throughout the land.