27. The maiden sent back word by the soldier that it is not proper to disobey a king. “Tell the king to make me a rope out of the loam I am sending.”
28. Again the soldier returned to the palace, and, taking the black earth to the king, he said, “Make her a rope out of this loam, with which she will catch and bind the waves.”
29. After the soldier had delivered his message, the king was almost shaking with rage. “Who under heaven can make a rope out of loam?”
30. Now he ordered the soldier to fetch the maiden. “And for her impudence,” he said, “I will punish her.”
31. He ordered the soldier to make haste and to return at once. The maiden did not resist her punishment, and was placed in a well.
32. Now, this well into which she was cast lay in front of the window of the king, so that whenever he should look out of the window he might see her.
33. One morning, as he looked out and saw her there below him, she asked him to give her fire.
34. The king said to her, “I am a world-famed king, and it is not my desire to descend just because of your request. Go ask fire from the mountain.”
35. The girl made no answer to his jesting reply. Some time later the king held some games, and ordered that the maiden be taken out of the well.
36. The king told her that she was pardoned for all her offences. “But as long as I have visitors (?),” he said, “you are to be my cook.”