No. 8
The Prince and the Princess
In a certain city there are a Prince and a Princess, it is said. Because these two go together to the school the teacher said, “You two came together to-day; on another day you must not do it again.”
When they were coming separately on that account, the Princess, being in front, one day went to the well, and having bent down while trying to drink water, her writing style fell into the well. Being there alone the Princess was unable to get the writing style.
After the Prince came up she said, “Anē! My writing style fell into the well; get it and give me it.”
Then the Prince said, “I will get it and give you it if you will swear that you will not marry another person.”
The Princess said, “I will not marry another; I will only marry you yourself.” Having touched the Prince’s body she swore it, and the Prince having touched the body of the Princess also swore it. Then he got and gave her the writing pin, and one of them went in front and one went behind.
Those two learnt their letters excellently. Afterwards, both having grown up, when they inquired about arranging the marriage for the Prince he said, “You must bring me in marriage such and such a Princess, of such and such a village. If not, I do not want a different marriage.”
Then the King said, “Do you want the kingdom, or do you want the Princess?”