equally deserving; but how does the matter stand?—One of you has a miraculous little carriage; another a wonderful looking-glass; but the third has nothing, because his magic apples are eaten. Therefore it is only just that he, who has nothing else, should receive Libena."
The king, full of joy, sprang to his feet. He embraced the old man, exclaiming,—
"You have made a wise decision; and it shall be as you say."
The learned gentlemen were ready to faint with surprise and vexation; they never expected so much sense under so common-place a dress. They sat as dumb and still as wood until the king told them that the marriage would be celebrated on the following day, and that they were invited to the ceremony. This seemed to bring them to their senses. They began then to praise, and to express their wonder at the little old man.
The two elder princes were fain to be satisfied with the decision, and Libena was happy with the youngest prince for her husband.
