nly way, so let it be. But first let it be proclaimed, far and
wide throughout my kingdom, that there is an heroic deed to be done.
Whosoever will do battle with the Stoorworm and slay it, or drive it
off, shall have the Princess Gemlovely for a bride, and the half of my
kingdom, and my sword Snickersnapper for his own; and after my death
he shall rule as king over all the realm."

Then the King dismissed the Council, and they went away in silence,
with dark and heavy looks.

A proclamation was sent out as the King commanded, saying that whoever
could kill the Stoorworm or drive it away should have the Princess,
and the half of the kingdom as a reward, and the King's sword, and
after the King's death should reign over the whole realm.

When this news went out many a man wished he might win these three
prizes for himself, for what better was there to be desired than a
beauteous wife, a kingdom to reign over, and the most famous sword in
all the world. But fine as were the prizes, only six-and-thirty bold
hearts came to offer themselves for the task, so great was the fear of
the Stoorworm. Of this number the first twelve who looked at the
Stoorworm fell ill at sight of him and had to be carried home. The
next twelve did not stay to be carried, but ran home on their own legs
and shut themselves up in strong fortresses; and the last twelve
stayed at the King's palace with their hearts in their stomachs, and
their wrists too weak with fear to strike a blow, even to win a
kingdom.

So there was nothing left but for the Princess to be offered up to the
Stoorworm, for it was better that one should be lost, even though that
one were the Princess, than that the whole country should be
destroyed.

Then there was great grief and lamenting throughout the land, for the
Princess Gemlovely was so kind and gentle that she was beloved by all,
both high and low. Only Ashipattle heard it all unmoved. He said
nothing, but sat by the fire and thought and thought, and what his
thoughts were he told to nobody.

The day was set when the Princess was to be offered up to the
Stoorworm, and the night before there was a great feast at the palace,
but a sad feast it was. Little was eaten and less was said. The King
sat with his back to the light and bit his fingers, and no one dared
to speak to him.

In the poorer houses there was a great stir and bustle and laying out
of coats and dresses, for many were planning to go to the seashore to
s