The prince placed the hairs in his bosom, parted tenderly with his beloved, then calling out that she was his own portion, sent the maiden to the top.

And the unfortunate prediction came to pass. When the brothers perceived that the third princess was as the full moon for beauty, they were very angry, and said: “What is this that he hath done! Will he keep the most beautiful one for himself?” [[25]]And when they had drawn him to the very top they cut the rope. The brave young prince fell, over and over, into the depths of the well. But, just before he reached the bottom, he succeeded in rubbing together the three hairs which had been given him. Instantly, two sheep appeared; and he, falling upon the back of the black one, was borne seven leagues under the surface of the earth.

We will now return to the wicked brothers, who conveyed the three maidens directly to their father’s palace. Upon entering the king’s presence they wept and cried: “Alas, father! The Genie of the Well has destroyed our little brother! But we have rescued these three maidens.”

When the king heard these words he wept bitter tears and commanded that there be very great mourning for his youngest son.

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PART III

THE DRAGON OF THE FOUNTAIN

Let us now return to the youngest prince.

Destiny, having carried him seven leagues under the earth, surprised him still further, by showing him there, another world. He walked until evening, when he reached a city and knocked at the first door. [[26]]It was opened by an aged woman, who asked what he desired.

“Mother, wilt thou take me in for the night?”