TABULATION OP FOLKTALES. 49
[No. 18.]
Title of Story,— The Three Snake-Leaves.
Dramatis Personae. — Old man ; his son. — King. — Warriors and leader. — King's daughter. — Sentries. — Two snakes. — Servant.— Skipper.
Abstract of Story. — (l) A young man leaves his father, who is too poor to support him, to join king's army. In fierce battle many of his comrades with their leader fall, and the rest are about to take flight, when youth rallies them and leads them to victory. King, hearing of his prowess, rewards him with great wealth, and makes him heir to the throne. — (2) King has a beautiful daughter who has vowed to accept no husband who will not promise to be buried alive with her if she dies first. Should she survive her husband she would do likewise. Hitherto all wooers have been distanced by this strange oath, but youth loves her not- withstanding, and with king's consent they are married. After awhile queen sickens and dies, and young king is horrified at having to fulfil com- pact. Sentries are posted to prevent him escaping his doom, and when funeral takes place he is shut in royal vault with corpse. (3) A table stands near coffin bearing four candles, four loaves, and four bottles of wine. He ekes out this provision, but death draws daily nearer. A snake creeps out of corner of vault and approaches coffin; whereupon he hews it in three pieces with his sword, lest it touch the corpse. Presently a second snake creeps out, but draws back on seeing the other lying dead, and anon returns with three green leaves in its mouth. Placing the severed parts together it lays a leaf on each wound. Immediately the snake is whole, and the two glide off together, the leaves remaining on the ground. The unhappy man bethinks him to try their wondrous power on his dead wife; lays one on her mouth, the others on her eyes. The blood stirs in her veins; she draws breath, and looking around, inquires where she is. He tells her all, gives her food; then knocks and shouts till sentries hear and tell king, who sets them free with great rejoicing. The young king secures the three snake-leaves and gives them to his servant to carry always with him against a day of trouble. — (4) But a change has befallen the queen, and all love for her husband has left her heart. Whilst they are voyaging across the sea to visit his old father, she forgets the love and fidelity that have rescued her from death, and conceives a liking for the skipper. When the young king is sleeping she calls her lover to help her throw him overboard; then suggests that they return home and tell her father that her husband has died on the way. She will then praise the skipper to her father, and he will marry her to him and make him heir. — (5) But the faithful servant has witnessed all, and, unseen by them, lowers boat, picks up his drowned master, and resuscitates him by laying the three snake-leaves on his eyes and mouth. They row swiftly day and night, and
Vol. 7.— Part 3. " z
