He walked on and soon reached a brightly lighted cave. From the walls and ceiling of the cave hung many wonderful crystals and precious stones.
A tall woman dressed in pure white stood in the midst of the cave. A golden girdle was fastened about her waist. A crown set with jewels rested on her head. In her hand she held a bunch of blue flowers.
Lovely maidens in dainty robes, with graceful wreaths of Alpine roses on their heads, attended their queen.
Overcome with wonder, Hans knelt before the beautiful woman. As in a dream, he heard her say very softly, "Choose for yourself what you will of my treasures--gold, or silver, or precious stones."
"Most gracious queen," replied Hans, "I ask only for the flowers in your hand."
The queen was pleased, and she gave the flowers to Hans at once.
"You have chosen well," said she. "Take also these seeds and sow them in your fields."
Suddenly a peal of thunder shook the grotto. When it had ceased, Hans found himself standing alone on the mountain.
When Hans reached home, he showed his wife the blue flowers and the seeds that had been given him by the queen.
"Wonderful crystals and precious stones hang from the walls and ceiling of the cave, but the queen is more beautiful than all!" exclaimed Hans.