more over the bird, and at the same time it changed into a most beautiful
princess. She was more lovely even than before, and thanked him, while her
eyes sparkled with tears, for having broken the spell of the magician. The
next day, the king came with the whole court to offer their congratulations,
and stayed till quite late. Last of all came the travelling companion; he had
his staff in his hand and his knapsack on his back. Jean kissed him many
times and told him he must not go, he must remain with him, for he was the
cause of all his good fortune. But the traveller shook his head, and said
gently and kindly, “No: my time is up now; I have only paid my debt to
you. Do you remember the dead man whom the bad people wished to throw
out of his coffin? You gave all you possessed that he might rest in his grave;
I am that man.” As he said this, he vanished.
The wedding festivities lasted a whole month. Jean and his princess loved
each other dearly, and the old king lived to see many a happy day, when he
took their little children on his knees and let them play with his sceptre.
And Jean became king over the whole country.
