The King obeyed Jacob's order and ate the pieces of the apple. No sooner had he done this, than he began to moan. "I am much worse, I am dying," he murmured.
"Not so, your Majesty! The cure is already beginning to act."
"Look at my hand," exclaimed the King, "it is now as white as the driven snow; it is so cold, it is lifeless. "
"Patience, your Majesty! In one hour you will take another apple and your leprosy will vanish. I will stake my life on your Majesty's complete recovery.
Meanwhile he began to cut into small pieces one of the golden apples. There was no need to put sugar on this fruit. When, at last, he gave it to the King there was no more grumbling. The King ate it with relish and said he was sorry there was no more left.
"I never tasted such wonderful fruit in all my life," he cried in a happy voice. "I feel quite well again now. See my skin—it is no longer leprous. You are a great doctor and you have saved my life. I am so much better, I shall be able to get out of my bed. I am indeed grateful and I will keep my promise; fifty thousand pounds shall be paid to you this day and you now own half of my kingdom."
"Your gracious Majesty!" cried Jacob. "May God preserve your life and give you length of days.
