So the King and the courtiers rode home with the lad in their midst, and when the Princess heard she was to marry him she was filled with joy, for she recognized him at once as the gardener’s boy who had worked beneath her window.
Then all was joy and happiness. A great feast was prepared, and the lad and the Princess were married with the greatest magnificence. But first the lad rubbed his leg with the ointment and then it became quite well again; for it would never have done for him to go limping to his own wedding.
Now as soon as he was married he went out to the stable to tell it to the black steed. He found the horse sad and sorrowful. It stood drooping and would not raise its head or speak when he entered the stall.
The lad was troubled at this. “What ails you, my steed, that you stand there so sorrowful when all around rejoice?” asked he.
“I am sick at heart,” answered the steed, “and you alone can cure me of my sickness.”
“How is that?” asked the lad.
“Promise to do whatsoever I ask of you, and I will tell you.”
“I promise,” replied the lad, “for there is nothing I would not do for you.”
“Then take your sword and cut off my head,” said the steed.
When the lad heard this he was horrified. “What is this you ask of me?” he cried. “All that I have I owe to you, and shall I in return do you such an injury?”