and the rain fell in sheets, the king wished to test Hero's
behaviour. So at night he climbed to the palace roof and cried:
"Who is there at the gate?" And Hero answered: "I am here." And
the king thought: "How steadfast this man Hero is, and how
devoted to me! I must surely give him a greater post." And he
descended from the roof and entered the palace and went to bed.

The next night it rained again in sheets and the world was wrapped
in the darkness of death. And again the king thought to test his
behaviour, and climbing to the roof he called out toward the palace
gate: "Who is there?" And when Hero said: "I am here, your
Majesty," the king was greatly astonished.

Just then he heard at a distance a sweet-voiced woman crying. And
he thought: "Who is this who laments so piteously, as if in deep
despair? In my kingdom there is no violence, no poor man and
none distressed. Who can she be?" And being merciful, he called
to Hero, who stood below: "Listen, Hero. A woman is weeping at
some distance. Go and learn why she weeps and who she is." And
Hero said "Certainly," arranged his dagger, took his sword in his
hand, and started. He did not even think of the pelting hail, the
flashing lightning, or the rain and darkness. And when the king
saw him setting out alone in a night like that, he was filled with
pity and curiosity, and descending from the palace roof, took his
sword and followed all alone, without being seen.

As Hero traced the sound of crying, he came to a beautiful lake
outside the city, and there he saw a woman in the midst of the
water, lamenting in these words: "Alas for you, brave and merciful
and generous! How shall I live without you?"