Page:Cuthbert Bede - The White Wife.djvu/44

Rh And the King was glad to get his daughter again.

Now the young herd had gone back to his flock; and not a word said he to his master about the Dragon and the King's daughter.

Then the King asked who it was that had slain the Dragon. And seven of the warriors drew nigh; and they each claimed the King's daughter, for the slaying of the Dragon.

And the King's daughter gave a laugh, and she said, "It was none of these. These are the warriors that fled for safety, because they are old."

"I perceive, then," said the King, "that these are cowards; and that the Dragon was slain by a youth."

The King's daughter said that it was even so. Then all the young men came forward; but there was not one among them who had slain the Dragon, though many said so. Then the King sent out a proclamation that all the youths in the realm should come before him. And they came; and the young herd was among them. Then said the King's daughter, "Hold out your