Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 4 1886.djvu/336

328 may be the effect of the union of one such Eastern tale with another of the same type, but of indigenous origin. This is, of course, mere speculation; but as such it may be worth bearing in mind, not only while investigating the group of stories wherewith we are now occupied, but also in connection with the general subject of the migration of folk-tales. I am unable at present to point to any oriental variant precisely answering the description required; but the Romance of the Four Dervishes contains one which has a more or less remote resemblance to it. There a king has seven daughters, whom he impiously tells that all their good fortune depends upon his life. Six of them profess to agree with this sentiment; but the seventh and youngest dissents, telling her father that they both alike owe their positions to the King of Kings, and that the destiny of every one is with himself. The king, becoming angry, causes her to be stripped of her jewels and carried into a wilderness, where she is left to perish. There, after three days, she is found by a hermit, who relieves her wants, and thenceforth regularly brings her the produce of his day's begging in the city. After a few days she takes down her hair to oil and comb it; and as she opens the plaits a fine pearl drops out. This the hermit sells for her in the city, bringing her the price. Then she desires to erect a small dwelling on the spot; and by the hermit's advice she begins to dig the foundation. This leads to the discovery of a buried treasure, with which she enters on the erection of a magnificent palace. The news of these extensive buildings in the waste reaches her father's ear. He is surprised, and makes enquiry, but cannot learn who it is that has commenced these great works. By her permission and appointment he comes to see for himself, and is presented with gifts of fabulous value. Both he and her sisters, whom she also sends for, are naturally confounded at her good fortune.