ROSAMOND THE SWIFT OF FOOT
A certain king had an only daughter, who, while yet a child, was famed for her marvellous beauty and dignity of bearing. Her name was Rosamond, and in addition to her charm of face and figure, she excelled all others at athletic games. When only ten years of age so swift a runner was she that her equal at this sport could not be found.
When she became of marriageable age her father issued a proclamation that whoever could surpass her in speed should marry her, and become heir to the throne; but if he were to fail in the race, his life would be forfeit.
The penalty for lack of speed in the race was heavy, but many were those who made the attempt, hoping that they might succeed, only to perish as a result.
Now there was a poor man called Abibas, a wanderer with no place he could call home, who heard of the king's proclamation, and he said to himself: "I am poor and have but little to lose; if I may overcome this princess and marry her I shall not only enrich myself, but will be able to assist my relatives and what friends I have." So he resolved to accept the challenge.
But this man was wiser than the others, for he took the three following precautions: First, he framed a curious garland of roses, of which he discovered the princess was very fond. Then he procured a piece of the finest silk, knowing that this would attract the attention of most young women. And, lastly, he secured a silken bag in which he placed a gilded ball on which was written: "Whosoever plays with me shall never tire of play." With these three things hidden within his blouse he went to the palace gate and declared his desire to enter the race for the hand of the princess.
It happened that the maiden herself was standing at a window close by and heard Abibas express his wish to run against her. Seeing that he was poor, with clothes threadbare and torn, she despised him, and said, "What poor wretch is this with whom I have to contend?" However, the king had to stand by the words of his proclamation, so preparations for the race were made.
Abibas soon saw that unless he should be able to take the attention of the princess away from the race he would be defeated. She was in the lead, so he took the garland of roses, which he had hidden, and skilfully threw it in front of her.
As he had foreseen, the maiden stopped to pick it up and put it on her head. The roses were indeed beautiful and gave forth a delightful perfume. She was charmed by their fragrance, and paused to admire them.
Abibas took advantage of this, and increasing his speed, rapidly passed her. This caused her to cry out in anger: "Never shall the daughter of a king be wed to such a clown as you." She threw the garland from her and rushed onward like a whirlwind.
It was not long before she caught up with him, and extending her hand, she struck him upon the shoulder, saying: "Stop, foolish one, do you hope to marry a princess?"
As she was on the point of passing him Abibas drew forth the piece of silk, and threw it at her feet.
Rosamond was attracted by the beautiful color and texture of the material, and could not resist the temptation to stop and pick it up. Then she tied it round her waist, and by this time her adversary was considerably in advance of her.
She saw the consequence of her foolishness, and throwing away the piece of silk, flew on at such a pace that she soon overtook Abibas, whom she struck upon the arm, at the same time saying, "Fool, you shall not marry me."
They were not far from the goal, and in a few seconds the race would be over. The princess had almost won when Abibas threw at her feet the bag containing the gilded ball.
Rosamond could not help stopping to pick it up, and it was impossible for her not to open the bag to see what was inside. This she did, and then she read the inscription, "Who plays with me shall never tire of playing."
The wise Abibas came first to the goal, and by the terms of the king's proclamation he married the princess.