Page:Turkish fairy tales and folk tales (1901).djvu/52

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and commanded the chief dame of the palace to accompany him to the hut of the labourer.

They entered the hut, said on what errand they came, and claimed the damsel for the King's son in the name of Allah. The poor folks rejoiced at their good luck, promised the girl, and began to make ready.

Now this palace dame's daughter was also a beauty, and not unlike Rosa. Terribly distressed was the dame that the King's son should take to wife a poor labourer's daughter, instead of her own child; so she made up her mind to deceive them and put her own daughter in Rosa's place. So on the day of the banquet she made the poor girl eat many salted meats, and then brought a pitcher of water and a large basket, got into the bridal coach with Rosa and her own daughter, and set out for the palace. As they were on the road (and a very long time they were about it) the damsel grew thirsty and asked the palace dame for some water. "Not till thou hast given me one of thine eyes," said the palace dame. What could the poor damsel do?—she was dying with thirst. So she cut out one of her eyes and gave it for a drink of water.

They went on and on, further and further, and the damsel again became thirsty and asked for another drink of water. "Thou shalt have it if thou give