The King smiled, and himself went to open the rock. But, as he came
near, the Queen, with a touch, made it shatter to pieces, and from out
of it she appeared like the sun that has been hidden by clouds; her
fair hair was spread over her shoulders, and fell in waves to her
feet, and she was robed in a gown of white and rose-colour.
She made a deep curtsey to the King who, struck with admiration, could
not help exclaiming,
"Here is one who is matchless, and she deserves my crown."
"Sire," she answered, "I have not come to take away the throne that
you fill with such dignity; I was born heir to six kingdoms, allow
me to offer you one, and one of them I give to each of your sons. In
return all I ask of you is this young Prince for my husband. We shall
still have three kingdoms."
The King and all the Court uttered loud cries of joy. The marriage was
at once celebrated, also that of the other two Princes; and in such a
manner that the Court spent several months in fetes of all sorts.
Then each one of them departed to govern his kingdom, the White Cat
making herself ever remembered as much by her kindness and generosity
as by her rare merit and beauty.
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