The Queen, more jealous with them than ever, thought it an age
until all the feasting and rejoicing was over, that she might get
making her proposal, depending greatly on the power of the hen-
wife's cards. At length this royal assembly began to sport and play
at all kinds of diversions, and the Queen very cunningly challenged
the three Princes to play at cards with her, making bargain with
them as she had been instructed.

They accepted the challenge, and the eldest son and she played
the first game, which she won; then the second son played, and
she won that game likewise; the third son and she then played the
last game, and he won it, which sorely grieved her that she had not
him in her power as well as the rest, being by far the handsomest
and most beloved of the three.

However, everyone was anxious to hear the Queen's commands
in regard to the two Princes, not thinking that she had any ill
design in her head against them. Whether it was the hen-wife
instructed her, or whether it was from her own knowledge, I cannot
tell; but she gave out they must go and bring her the Knight of
the Glen's wild Steed of Bells, or they should lose their heads.

The young Princes were not in the least concerned, not knowing
what they had to do; but the whole Court was amazed at her
demand, knowing very well that it was impossible for them ever to
get the steed, as all that ever sought him perished in the attempt.
However, they could not retract the bargain, and the youngest
Prince was desired to tell what demand he had on the Queen, as he
had won his game.