The Twelve Huntsmen
HERE was once a Prince, who was betrothed to a Maiden, the daughter of a King, whom he loved very much. One day when they were together, and very happy, a messenger came from the Prince’s father, who was lying ill, to summon him home as he wished to see him before he died. He said to his beloved, ‘I must go away, and leave you now; but I give you this ring as a keepsake. When I am King, I will come and fetch you away.’
Then he rode off, and when he got home he found his father on his death-bed. His father said, ‘My dear son, I wanted to see you once more before I die. Promise to marry the bride I have chosen for you,’ and he named a certain Princess.
His son was very sad, and without reflecting promised to do what his father wished, and thereupon the King closed his eyes and died.
Now, when the Prince had been proclaimed King, and the period of mourning was past, the time came when he had to keep his promise to his father. He made his offer to the Princess, and it was accepted. His betrothed heard of this, and grieved so much over his faithlessness that she very nearly died. The King her father asked, ‘Dear child, why are you so sad? You shall have whatever you desire.’
She thought for a moment, then said, ‘Dear father, I want eleven maidens all exactly like me in face, figure, and height.’
The King said, ‘If it is possible, your wish shall be fulfilled.’
Then he caused a search to be made all over his kingdom, till the eleven maidens were found, all exactly like his daughter. The Princess ordered twelve huntsmen’s dresses to be made, which she commanded the maidens to wear, putting on the