Hynek did not go back to the marshal, though he complained of the
loss of his shepherd. He was clad in royal robes now, and they had a
splendid wedding in the castle. But the princess did not know what his
parentage was, although she could see that he was not a low-born man.
So after a year he said he would like to visit his parents, and he
told her to prepare for the journey. She was to send a letter to
Prince So-and-So that the young queen was going to visit him. He
would go on ahead.
So he put his shepherd's dress on once more and purposely tore it
in several places, and, when his princess arrived and everybody was
welcoming her, he went straight into the great hall. Now, when the old
Prince saw that it was his son all tattered and torn, he bade them
put him under lock and key. But he had no difficulty in escaping,
and while they were feasting, he came into the hall again and sat
down next to the princess. The father was furious that his son should
behave so shamefully. But the princess reassured him. It was all right,
she said. She did not mind at all; he might sit where he pleased.
After dinner she called for a bath. They prepared it for her. But
Hynek was quicker, and slipped into the bathroom before her. She shut
the door and he put on his royal robes, and then they went before
his father. The Prince was frightened, since he had thought so ill
of his son, and he fell on his knees. But Hynek lifted him up and
himself kneeled before him and asked his forgiveness.
Then came in the black man. He gave Hynek the sword and bade him cut
his head off. Hynek would not repay his kindness in this way.
"Then we shall both be unhappy."
So when he saw what he was to do, he cut the head off and, when he
had done that, an English prince appeared in his stead. He was only
eighteen years old. All his followers woke up too. Hynek accompanied
him to England, and then took leave of him.
How are they all now?