Emperor Henry (Deutsche Sagen, 2. No. 480, Latin edition, chap. 20; German edition, chap. 44).
3. A criminal is seized and shall be pardoned if he utters three truths which no one can contest. On this he says, firstly, "I have been a wicked fellow all the days of my life." Secondly, "It has not been agreeable to me to be brought here." Thirdly, "If I can set myself free this time, I will never come back of my own accord." On which he receives his pardon. Latin edition, chap. 58. German, chap. 45. In Roberts's Cambrian Popular Antiquities a similar saga is related. Arthur loses his way while he is hunting, and comes to a cave where an old giantess is living with her son and daughter. The mother and son want to kill him, but the daughter prevails so far that the old woman consents to grant him his life if next morning he is able to say three true things. Arthur is well entertained; and the young giant plays on the harp to him. When he has gone to rest, the giant lays such a heavy ox-hide over him that he is unable to stir. Next morning Arthur utters the three truths. First he says to the son, "You are the best player on the harp that I have ever heard." "That is true," says the old woman. To her he says, "You are the most hideous witch I have ever beheld." "That also is true." And thirdly, "If once I were away, I would never come back." That also was admitted to be true, and Arthur was released.
4. The King will give his daughter in marriage to the man who can excel her in a race; he who fails, however, is to have his head struck off. A poor youth undertakes the venture. First, he throws a garland of roses on the course before her; she picks it up, and while she is putting it on her head, he gets before her. On this she hurls the wreath away, and passes her adversary. The second time he throws down a golden girdle; she takes it up, and girds herself with it, but when she sees that she is being left behind, she tears it in three pieces, and again outstrips the youth, strikes him in the face, and says, "Miserable creature, thou shalt never have me for thy wife." Then the third time he throws down a purse in which lies a gilded apple on which is written, "Whosoever plays with me will never weary of playing." Thereupon she begins to play with the apple; the youth arrives at the goal before her, and she is married to him. Latin edition, chap. 60; German, chap. 63. This story at once reminds us of the saga of Atalanta.
5. The Two Physicians. Latin ed. chap. 76; German, chap. 37. See note to the German story, No. 118.
6. He who is the idlest is to have the kingdom. Latin ed. chap. 91. German, chap. 3. See note to the German story, No. 151.
7. There are two snakes, one male and one female, on whose lives those of the King and Queen are dependent. Latin edit. 92.
