From great joy there was great sorrow.
Then the poor man stood forth and asked the king: “If ’tis no offence, may I ask a question?”
“What may it be, poor man?”
“Would thy Highness tell me the contents of that great letter received just now?”
“Why ask, poor man? Thou couldst not mend the affair.”
“But if I can?”
“Well, know then, and let the whole kingdom know, that the Turk-Tartar is moving on our country with a great army, with cruel intent; that he spares not the property of innocent, weeping people, puts them to the sword, so that the earth drinks their blood, and their flesh is devoured by dogs.”
“And what will be the reward of him who drives the enemy out of the country?” asked the poor man.
“In truth,” said the king, “great reward and honor await him; for if he should have two sons, I would give them my two daughters in marriage, with half the kingdom. After my death they would inherit the whole kingdom.”