majesty be pleased to order this criminal to be beheaded with the sword."
The king said, "Let him be beheaded with the sword."
Immediately the guards bound Vanek and led him to death. When they had arrived at the place of execution, Fortune was already waiting for them there, and whispered to Wisdom,—
"See how this man, for following you, is now about to lose his head. Get out of him, and let me enter in your place."
When gracious Fortune had entered into Vanek, the executioner's sword broke off at the handle, just as if somebody had cut it in half, and before another sword could be procured a messenger arrived on horseback from town, blowing a trumpet and waving a white flag; he was followed by a royal carriage for Vanek. It happened thus. The king's daughter had been telling her father at home that Vanek alone had spoken the truth, and that the king's word could not be broken; and although Vanek was of mean birth, yet the king could easily make him a duke.
The king said, "You are right; let him be made a duke."
Then a royal carriage was immediately sent for Vanek, and in his stead was executed that councillor who had
