THE EVIL ONE WHO MARRIED
THREE SISTERS
(From the Italian)
ONCE upon a time the Evil One made up his mind that he would like to get married, so he changed himself into a handsome young man; he mounted a coal-black steed; and away he rode to the city to find a wife for himself.
EACH ONE WAS SAID TO BE HANDSOMER THAN THE OTHERS
In this city lived a merchant who had three daughters, and they were so beautiful that each one was said to be handsomer than the others.
The Evil One soon made acquaintance with the merchant, and in a short time proposed for the hand of his eldest daughter.
The girl was delighted at the idea of having him for a husband, for she thought him the handsomest man she had ever seen. The father gave his consent, and the marriage was celebrated with great feasting and rejoicing.
Afterward the Evil One and his bride entered a coach and drove away together. They went on and on until they had left the city and had driven through a lonely forest, and as soon as they had passed that they came to a most magnificent house which the Evil One had raised up for himself.