Then a terrible sound came from the body of the dragon; and this sound was like a voice, which formed itself into these words: “O, valiant youth! Let me know, by striking again, whether you are, indeed, a boy.”
But the princess remembered the warning of the horse and remained standing perfectly still, until the soul of the dragon had left his body and gone to Hades, its rightful place. She then cut off one of his ears, put it in her pocket, and, hiding the sword in her clothing, returned to the kitchen and renewed her tasks, running up and down stairs according to the directions of the cooks.
When morning dawned the king recovered from the effects of the powder, which the court physician had given him, looked about him and exclaimed with great astonishment at finding himself still alive. He saw the pitch-black body of the dragon lying [[107]]headless in the middle of his chamber. Even in that condition, one could hardly view it without losing his wits. He gave thanks unto Allah for his escape; after which his mind was lost in wonder as to who had killed his mortal enemy.
After a little he went out of the palace. The whole populace had gathered to express grief at the calamity which they supposed had come upon them; but when they saw their beloved king, safe and sound, they were beside themselves with joy and cried: “Praise be to Allah! Our Caliph lives!”
After they had shouted thus until they were exhausted, the king found voice to ask who it was that had killed the dragon. Upon this the people came forward, one by one, each claiming to have accomplished the brave feat “I killed it, my lord!” cried each one, in turn.
The king knew that this could not be true; but he was so glad to be alive, that he gave backsheesh to each, even to the cooks. Everybody received a present who went before the king.
The cooks, noticing that their assistant did not go, said to her: “Why do you stand here listless? See! all we have presents from the king. Go and receive one for yourself.”
“I am not of this kingdom. Your sovereign will not receive me,” was the reply. [[108]]
“Why should he not receive you?” cried they all. “Surely he will give you, too, something.”
They continued to urge until the young princess went forward, as the others had done, and, when she had come near to His Majesty, said to him, “O, my padisha! it was I who killed your adversary, the dragon.”