“Will you marry me?” asked the prince one day.
“Indeed I will,” said the maiden, “for there is no one in all the world I love so well.”
Then all was as merry as merry could be. The maiden danced and sang, and the prince laughed aloud for joy.
But one day, as they were together, a messenger arrived hot and breathless. He came from the prince’s father, who was King of a neighboring kingdom.
“His Majesty is dying,” said the messenger, “and he would speak with you, my lord.”
“Alas,” said the prince to the maiden, “I must leave you, and remain with my father until his death. Then I shall be king and I will come for you and you shall be my queen. Till then, good-by. This ring I give you as a keepsake. Once more, farewell.”
The maiden drew the ring on her finger, and, with a sad heart, watched the prince ride off.
The King had but a short time to live when his son arrived at the palace. “Ah,” said the dying man, “how glad I am that you are come. There is one promise I wish you to make ere I die. Then I shall close my eyes in peace.”
“Surely, dear father, I will promise what you ask. There is nothing I would not do to let you rest at ease.”
Then said the dying King, “Promise that you will marry the bride whom I have chosen for you,” and he named a princess well known to the prince.