"Now I know that Prince Reginald is my own true friend."
The prince led Hilda to the palace, and presented her to the king and
queen. Great was the wonder, and loud the rejoicing throughout the
land.
The treacherous Zora was seen no more, but was changed into a slender
green snake; and the king said she deserved her fate; "for, mark
you," cried he, "there is no crime worse than to play false to those
whom we pretend to love."
But Prince Reginald and Hildegarde were married, and lived in peace
all the rest of their lives.