Page:Tales and Legends from the Land of the Tzar.djvu/35

Rh the water, his daughter woke up, and stood before him, prettier than ever. They embraced each other tenderly, while the people rejoiced and congratulated the happy man.

Next morning the peasant went with his three daughters to the palace, and was brought before the king's son.

The young prince, when he beheld Simpleton, was greatly struck with her beauty, and asked her at once to show him the silver plate and transparent apple.

"What would your Highness like to see?" asked the girl, bringing forward her treasures. "Would you like to know whether your kingdom is in good order, or if your ships are sailing, or whether there is any curious comet in the heavens?"

"Anything you like, sweet maiden."

Away rolled the apple round about the plate, on which became visible soldiers of different arms, with muskets and flags, drawn up in battle array. The apple rolled on, and waves rose, and ships were seen sailing about like swans, while flags waved in the air. On rolled the apple, and on the plate the glory of the heavens was displayed; the sun, moon, and stars, and various comets were seen.

The king's son was greatly astonished, and offered to buy the plate and apple; but Simpleton fell on her knees before him, exclaiming,—

"Take my silver plate and my apple. I want no money and no gifts for them, if you will only promise to forgive my sisters."

The young prince was so moved by her pretty face and her tears, that he at once forgave the two wicked