“Queen!” cried Jalmir eagerly, and sank at her feet saying, “Forgive me, but I love thee more than myself.”
The princess in place of an answer kissed him; and now they went to announce to the people that the old king was dead.
The people, who had already assembled in the square for the wedding of the king, were greatly distressed; but when the princess presented Jalmir as the new king, and herself as his wife, they broke out into mighty rejoicing, which had no end. But Jalmir’s brothers were silent; and when the new king with his bride retired, they reported that these two had poisoned the old king. The people raised a tumult; but Jalmir went out among them and asked the cause. Some were silent, and others told him what his brothers had said. “Do ye believe this?” asked Jalmir.
“We do not believe,” was shouted from every side.
“Very well,” answered Jalmir, “but that ye may believe me I will tell how my brothers tried to kill me;” and he told them all.
“The wretches!” cried the people in a rage; and they caught all the six brothers. Before Jalmir could stop them the people had fired a stack of straw, and when it was blazing high they threw the six brothers into the flames.
“Now ye are all in one pile,” laughed the people, “because hitherto ye were always setting fire.”
Jalmir turned to the princess with tears in his eyes, but she soon consoled him. After the funeral of the old king they celebrated their betrothal; but when Jalmir, full of happiness, sat at the feast by the side of his bride, all at once he remembered his steed, ran to him, and fell on his neck thanking him as author of all his happiness.
“I have helped thee, do thou help me now,” said the steed. “Lead me to the garden.” Jalmir did as he desired; then the steed said: “Cut off my head.”
“I cut off thy head!” cried Jalmir in fright.