The beautiful Princess, surrounded by lords and ladies, looked on, much pleased, while the good people enjoyed themselves.
All at once an old woman, who had been standing alone, watching the dancers, loosened the red handkerchief that she wore on her head. In an instant the wind blew it off and wafted it about till it fell at the very feet of the Princess.
Many lords and ladies had seen the old handkerchief, but not one of them attempted to pick it up. The beautiful Princess was just going to reach for it herself, when a certain great king saw the action and tossed the old woman’s handkerchief aside with his foot.
Just then a young man emerged from the crowd, and going straight to the place where the red handkerchief was hidden, said:
“Pardon me, Princess,” as he brushed aside her skirt. Taking up the old woman’s handkerchief as carefully as if it were made of the finest silk, he carried it to the owner. Bowing before the old woman, he said gently: “Allow me, madame, it is yours, I think.”
Many who had laughed in scorn at the poor woman’s loss now looked on in amazement.
When she thanked the young man, he bowed as politely as if it were the Princess, instead of a poor old woman.
The Princess (whose face flushed with pleasure when she saw the kindly act), inquired the name of the gallant young man.
“He has traveled from a distant country and is called the Prince of the Golden Heart,” said one.
“He is Prince of my heart,” said the Princess, and they were both happy ever after.