Atondido Stories
encircle the hind; then, gradually narrowing the circle, he
pressed forward till he could distinctly see the white hind pant-
ing in the midst. Nearer and nearer he advanced, till, just as he
thought to lay hold of the beautiful strange creature, it gave one
mighty bound, leapt clean over the King's head, and fled to-
wards the mountains. Forgetful of all else, the King, setting
spurs to his horse, followed at full speed. On, on he galloped,
leaving his retinue far behind, keeping the white hind in view,
never drawing bridle, until, finding himself in a narrow ravine
with no outlet, he reined in his steed. Before him stood a misera-
ble hovel, into which, being tired after his long, unsuccessful
chase, he entered to ask for a drink of water. An old woman,
seated in the hut at a spinning-wheel, answered his request by
calling to her daughter, and immediately from an inner room
came a maiden so lovely and charming, so white-skinned and
golden-haired, that the King was transfixed by astonishment at
seeing so beautiful a sight in the wretched hovel.
She held the vessel of water to the King's lips, and as he
drank he looked into her eyes, and then it became clear to him
that the girl was no other than the white hind with the golden
horns and silver feet he had chased so far.
Her beauty bewitched him, so he fell on his knees, begging
her to return with him as his bride; but she only laughed, saying
seven Queens were quite enough even for a King to manage.
However, when he would take no refusal, but implored her to
have pity on him, promising her everything she could desire, she
replied, "Give me the eyes of your seven Queens, and then per-
haps I may believe you mean what you say."
The King was so carried away by the glamour of the white
hind's magical beauty, that he went home at once, had the eyes
of his seven Queens taken out, and, after throwing the poor
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