Page:Tales and Legends from the Land of the Tzar.djvu/36

20 girls. Simpleton was so overjoyed that she threw her arms round their necks and tenderly embraced them.

The king's son took Simpleton by the hand and said, "Sweet maiden, I am so struck by the great kindness you have shown your sisters after their cruel treatment of you, that I have decided (provided you agree to it) to have you for my wife, and you shall be known henceforth as the Benevolent Queen."

"Your highness does me great honour," said Simpleton, blushing; "but it lies in my parents' hands. If they do not object, I will marry you."

It is needless to say that neither parents objected, but gave their consent and blessing.

"I have one more request to ask your Highness," said Simpleton. "And that is, to let my parents and sisters live with us in the palace."

The young prince made no objection whatever to this proposal (though most probably he felt sorry for it afterwards; however, the story does not say anything about that). The sisters threw themselves at Simpleton's feet, exclaiming that they did not deserve such kindness after all that they had said and done to her.

Next day the marriage was celebrated, and crowds of people ran about everywhere crying out, "Long live our king and queen!"

From that day Simpleton was no more, but the reigned in her stead.