TABULATION OF FOLKTALES. 131
[No. 49.]
Title Of Story, The Magic Horse.
Dramatis Personae, Goldsmith. Carpenter. King; queen. Their son. Little fish. Magic horse. Another king and queen. Their daughter. Widow of king's chief gardener. Maidens. Ministers. Chief Minister. Captain of the Guard. Washermen. Police. Boys. Soldiers.
Abstract Of Story Part /. (1) Goldsmith and carpenter living in certain city are brought before king to settle their quarrels ; each says he is the better workman ; king bids each bring specimen of his handi- work, by which he is to be judged. That day month they appear at palace ; goldsmith brings little fish made of gold, silver, and jewels, which swims, dives, and eats in water like real fish ; carpenter opens a bundle, and builds up a magic horse, which he saddles and bridles, and horse walks. (2) Carpenter wishes some one to mount, but no one ventures till king's son runs forward and vaults into saddle. Horse then gives snort and bound, and springs up into the air, through which he flies at a great rate. After long journey, prince touches by chance silver stud between horse's ears ; this makes him descend, and he at length alights in a garden. It is dark, so prince takes horse to pieces, and goes to sleep with head on bundle. (3) Next morning, widow of king's chief gardener discovers him asleep. This widow had every morning to weigh king's daughter against a garland of flowers ; king wishes princess not to fall in love against his will ; and, if she has not seen a man's face within palace, the garland weighs her down. Widow takes pity on prince, and gives him room and food in her own house. He asks about the garlands that she weaves daily, and at last she tells him the story, and be is filled with longing to see princess. (4) One night he mounts magic horse, which takes him to princess's palace ; he sees her asleep, and leaves handkerchief near her, on which he has written with his blood, " Oh, lady, I love you I love you." Does this seven nights. (5) Princess wonders ; on eighth night she determines to keep awake, so scratches finger and rubs in salt, so that smart pre- vents her sleeping. They have an interview, and in the morning princess weighs garland down.
Part, II. (6) Widow is afraid, and in two or three days tells queen. King consults ministers, who advise that it should be given out that princess has lost a jewel, and so palace must be searched for thief ; but no way for a man to enter can be found. They then recommend that, as great festival is approaching when common people fling coloured powder over each other, king should send princess a particular powder, which, if she has a lover, she will throw over him, and the stains will discover him. Princess is accordingly provided with powder of saffron and gold-dust ; she and her maidens amuse themselves with it in the day, and at night, when prince comes, she flings handfuls over him. Fearing treachery from what she tells him, he takes his clothes privately
