ed before him, and
disappeared.

Now there was only one citron left. The prince took it in his hand,
looked at it, and said: "I won't cut you open until I'm safe at home
in my father's house."

He took up his journey again and on the third day he came to his
native town and his father's castle. He had been gone a long time and
how he ever got back he didn't know himself.

Tears of joy rained down the old king's cheeks.

"Welcome home, my son, welcome a hundred times!" he cried, falling on
the prince's neck.

The prince related the adventures of his journey and they at home told
him how anxiously they had awaited his return.

On the next day a great feast was prepared. All the nobles in the land
were invited. The tables were spread with food and drink the most
expensive in the world and many rich dresses embroidered in gold and
studded with pearls were laid out.

The guests assembled, seated themselves at the tables, and waited.
Music played and when all was ready, the prince took the last citron
and cut it in two. Out jumped a beautiful creature, three times
lovelier than the others.

"Have you food ready for me?" she cried. "Have you drink ready for me?
Have you pretty clothes ready for me?"

"I have indeed, dear heart!" the prince answered. "I have everything
ready for you!"

He led her to the gorgeous clothes and she dressed herself in them and
every one present marveled at her great beauty.

Soon the betrothal took place and after the betrothal a magnificent
wedding.

So now the old king's wish was fulfilled. He blessed his son, gave
over the kingdom to him, and not long afterwards he died.

The first thing that faced the young king after his father's death was
a war which a neighboring king stirred up against him. So the young
king had to bid farewell to the bride whom he had won so dearly and
lead his men to battle. In order that nothing happen to the queen in
his absence, he built a golden throne for her in the garden beside the
lake. This throne was as high as a tower and no one could ascend it
except those to whom the queen let down a silken cord.

[Illustration: _Music Played_]

Not far from the king's castle lived the old woman who, in the first
place, had told him about the Three Citrons. She knew well enough how
the young king had won his bride and she was deeply incensed that he
had not invited her to the wedding and in fact had not even thanked
her for her good advice.

Now this o