When he had said farewell to his unhappy parents,
he mounted his horse and rode for two days without stopping.
On the third day he came to a lake on whose smooth surface thirty
ducks were swimming, while spread about upon the grass were thirty
white garments. The Prince dismounted, and taking up one of the
garments, seated himself behind a bush and waited to see what would
happen. The ducks dived under the water and disported themselves for a
time, then came ashore and putting on the little white garments, they
became beautiful maidens, and disappeared. But there was one little
duck, that remained on the lake and swam about in the most distracted
manner, uttering piteous cries. The Prince came from behind the bush
and the little duck begged him to give back her garment. He had no
sooner done so than before him stood the loveliest maiden he had ever
seen.
"Thank you, Prince Milan, for restoring my garment," said she. "My
name is Hyacinthia, and I am one of the thirty daughters of a King
of the Underworld, to whose castle I will lead you, for he has waited
long for you. Approach him on your knees and do not fear him, for I
will be there to help you, whatever happens."
She tapped her little foot on the ground, which opened; and they were
immediately transported to the palace of her father in the Underworld,
which was carved from a single carbuncle.
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