ntry, I slew the youngest
dragon. His mother, who was a witch, cast a spell over me and changed me
into a Pig. It was she who in the disguise of an old woman gave you the
thread to bind round my foot. So that instead of the three days that
had to run before the spell was broken, I was forced to remain a Pig
for three more years. Now that we have suffered for each other, and have
found each other again, let us forget the past.'

And in their joy they kissed one another.

Next morning they set out early to return to his father's kingdom. Great
was the rejoicing of all the people when they saw him and his wife; his
father and his mother embraced them both, and there was feasting in the
palace for three days and three nights.

Then they set out to see her father. The old King nearly went out of his
mind with joy at beholding his daughter again. When she had told him all
her adventures, he said to her:

'Did not I tell you that I was quite sure that that creature who wooed
and won you as his wife had not been born a Pig? You see, my child, how
wise you were in doing what I told you.'

And as the King was old and had no heirs, he put them on the throne
in his place. And they ruled as only kings rule who have suffered
many things. And if they are not dead they are still living and ruling
happily.(8)

(8) Rumanische Marchen ubersetzt von Nite Kremnitz.

THE NORKA

ONCE upon a time there lived a King and Queen. They had three sons, two
of them with their wits about them, but the third a simpleton. Now
the King had a deer park in which were quantities of wild animals of
different kinds. Into that park there used to come a huge beast--Norka
was its name--and do fearful mischief, devouring some of the animals
every night. The King did all he could, but he was unable to destroy it.
So at last he called his sons together and said, 'Whoever will destroy
the Norka, to him will I give the half of my kingdom.'

Well, the eldest son undertook the task. As soon as it was night, he
took his weapons and set out. But before he reached the park, he went
into a traktir (or tavern), and there he spent the whole night in
revelry. When he came to his senses it was too late; the day had already
dawned. He felt himself disgraced in the eyes of his father, but there
was no help for it. The next day the second son went, and did just the
same. Their father scolded them both soundly, and there was an end of
it.

Well, on the third day