what the courtiers had told him was true.

The king was much enraged, and ordered the young man to come before
him, when he condemned him to die for his great wickedness.

"My lord king," said he, "do not imagine that I worship any idol. That
is my sister's picture, whom I commend to the care of God every morning
and evening, asking Him to protect her, for she remains in a wicked
step-mother's power."

The king then wished to see the picture, and he never tired of looking
on its beauty.

"If it is true," said he, "what you tell me, that that is your sister's
picture, she shall be my queen, and you yourself shall go and fetch her;
but if you lie, this shall be your punishment,--you shall be cast into
the lions' den."

The king then commanded that a ship should be fitted out in grand style,
having wine and treasure in it. Then he sent away the young man in great
state to fetch his beautiful sister to the court.

The young man sailed away over the ocean, and came at length to his
land. Here he delivered his master's message, as became him, and made
preparations to return. Then the step-mother and step-sister begged that
they might go with him and his sister. The young man had no liking for
them, so he said no, and refused their request, but Swanwhite begged for
them, and got them what they wanted.

When they had put to sea and were on the wide ocean, a great storm arose