Atondido Stories
The prince related the adventures of his journey and they at
home told him how anxiously they had awaited his return.
On the next day a great feast was prepared. All the nobles in
the land were invited. The tables were spread with food and
drink the most expensive in the world and many rich dresses
embroidered in gold and studded with pearls were laid out.
The guests assembled, seated themselves at the tables, and
waited. Music played and when all was ready, the prince took
the last citron and cut it in two. Out jumped a beautiful creature,
three times lovelier than the others.
“Have you food ready for me?” she cried. “Have you drink
ready for me? Have you pretty clothes ready for me?”
“I have indeed, dear heart!” the prince answered. “I have
everything ready for you!”
He led her to the gorgeous clothes and she dressed herself in
them and every one present marveled at her great beauty.
Soon the betrothal took place and after the betrothal a magnifi-
cent wedding.
So now the old king’s wish was fulfilled. He blessed his son,
gave over the kingdom to him, and not long afterwards he died.
The first thing that faced the young king after his father’s
death was a war which a neighboring king stirred up against
him. So the young king had to bid farewell to the bride whom he
had won so dearly and lead his men to battle. In order that noth-
ing happen to the queen in his absence, he built a golden throne
for her in the garden beside the lake. This throne was as high as
a tower and no one could ascend it except those to whom the
queen let down a silken cord.
Not far from the king’s castle lived the old woman who, in
the first place, had told him about the Three Citrons. She knew
well enough how the young king had won his bride and she
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