XIIII
Still continuing the same document, and showing what may naturally follow the possession of a remarkable voice.
THIRD DOCUMENT—Continued
Item Seventh
MY father’s voice was of such sweetness and strength when he would form his hands into a sort of trumpet and sing into them the very mountains were overcome and cast at his feet their treasures. It was by this means he saved his country from ruination at a time when a frightful panic shriveled all its industries.
The king was in sore distress when one day my father stood before him and asked what he would give to have sufficient gold and precious stones to tide him over his present difficulties. The king looked upon him with amazement, for he was but a peasant and poorly clad. But my father was not abashed, and stood his ground under the gaze, waiting for his answer.
Somehow the king did not desire to wound his feelings by a positive rejection of him, and therefore asked him by what means he expected to supply him the necessary funds. My father did not deign to answer him, but repeated his question.
At this the king became quite wroth, and my father seeing this began to sing a little song which so thrilled the king he was soon in tears. He thereupon answered my father sensibly, saying he could have whatever he asked if he would only relieve his people.
Then my father requested of him as many wagons and oxen as he could spare, which the king sent with him as he went toward a certain mountain and arrived in due time.
When he was at its foot, he commanded the wagoners to stop and he stood on a log, beginning to sing softly to himself.