something to eat and drink, as quickly as possible;
and after that bring musicians hither, and let us have music all day
long.'

Now when the people in the town and palace heard music coming from the
tower they were filled with amazement, and came to the King with the
news that witchcraft must be going on in Martin's Tower, for, instead
of dying of starvation, he was seemingly making merry to the sound of
music, and to the clatter of plates, and glass, and knives and forks;
and the music was so enchantingly sweet that all the passers-by stood
still to listen to it. On this the King sent at once a messenger to
the Starvation Tower, and he was so astonished with what he saw that
he remained rooted to the spot. Then the King sent his chief
counsellors, and they too were transfixed with wonder. At last the
King came himself, and he likewise was spellbound by the beauty of the
music.

Then Martin summoned the twelve youths, spoke to them, saying, 'Build
up my castle again, and join it to the King's Palace with a crystal
bridge; do not forget the trees with the golden and silver apples, and
with the birds of Paradise in the branches; and put back the church
with the five cupolas, and let the bells ring out, summoning the
people from the four corners of the kingdom. And one thing more: bring
back my faithless wife, and lead her into the women's chamber.'

And it was all done as he commanded, and, leaving the Starvation
Tower, he took the King, his father-in-law, by the arm, and led him
into the new palace, where the Princess sat in fear and trembling,
awaiting her death. And Martin spoke to the King, saying, 'King and
royal father, I have suffered much at the hands of your daughter. What
punishment shall be dealt to her?'

Then the mild King answered: 'Beloved Prince and son-in-law, if you
love me, let your anger be turned to grace--forgive my daughter, and
restore her to your heart and favour.'

And Martin's heart was softened and he forgave his wife, and they
lived happily together ever after. And his old mother came and lived
with him, and he never parted with Schurka and Waska; and I need
hardly tell you that he never again let the ring out of his
possession.

_THE FLOWER QUEEN'S DAUGHTER_[23]

A young Prince was riding one day through a meadow that stretched for
miles in front of him, when he came to a deep open ditch. He was
turning aside to avoid it, when he heard the sound of someone crying
in the dit