When loud the cock at midnight crowed,
The red steed bounded on the road;
And ere his notes he ceased to sing,
The youth had borne away the ring.
VI.
Ere dawn had brightened into day,
He stood the king beside,
Whereat the king in wonder gazed,
Silent and stupefied.
And all with him: “His wife, behold,
He verily has won!”
The king retires a moment, with
The old man and his son.
Anon the king returns, and still
The two are at his side:
And thus he spake; “‘Tis true, my son,
That thou hast gained thy bride;
“Yet is there one adventure more
Which thou must undertake;
When that is sped, my son-in-law
Forthwith I thee will make.