Then the Hunter said that to the old donkey, which was the witch,
three beatings and one meal; to the younger one, which was the
servant, one beating and three meals; and to the youngest one,
which was the maiden, no beating and three meals; for he could
not find it in his heart to let the maiden be beaten.

Then he went back into the castle, and he found there all that he
wanted. After a couple of days the miller came and said that he
must tell him that the old donkey which was to have three
beatings and only one meal had died. 'The two others,' he added,
'are certainly not dead, and get their three meals every day, but
they are so sad that they cannot last much longer.'

Then the Hunter took pity on them, laid aside his anger, and told
the miller to drive them back again. And when they came he gave
them some of the good cabbage to eat, so that they became human
again. Then the beautiful maiden fell on her knees before him,
saying, 'Oh, my dearest, forgive me the ill I have done you! My
mother compelled me to do it; it was against my will, for I love
you dearly. Your wishing-cloak is hanging in a cupboard, and as
for the bird-heart I will make a drink and give it back to you.'

But he changed his mind, and said, 'Keep it; it makes no
difference, for I will take you to be my own dear true wife.'

And the wedding was celebrated, and they lived happy together
till death.