THE WHITE CAT
Reading edition
Part Two
In which it appears that the white cat was a princess after all, and became the greatest fortune of the youngest son.
The old king did not really wish to give up his kingdom at all, and so he sent his three sons out for a third time, and said to them:
“Go, find the most beautiful woman in the world. I cannot give my kingdom to any son without a queen to help him. Come back at the end of a year.”
The sons set out on their travels again. The youngest went at once to the home of the White Cat and told her what the King demanded. The White Cat said nothing but made the prince very happy and comfortable in her palace for a whole year. Every wish was gratified and he almost forgot the passing of time. At the end of the year the White Cat said:
“Prince, you must now go back to your father; but I wish you would take me with you. I shall be your beautiful princess. All you will have to do will be to cut off my head and tail and throw them into the fire.”
The prince was greatly astonished to hear this, for he did not like to hurt the White Cat, but she begged him again and again. Finally he drew out his sword and with one stroke cut off the cat’s head and tail and threw them into the fire.
What a commotion was created! The White Cat had disappeared and in her place stood a young and beautiful princess. All the other cats were gone and in their places were lords and ladies. The Prince was surrounded by a court and everybody was talking and laughing as though nothing had happened.
The Princess took the Prince by the hand and said:
“You have rid us of the enchantment of a wicked fairy who turned me into a white cat, and all my friends into cats. Now, let us go to your father.”
They traveled all the next day and came to the palace of the old king. The other brothers were there, but their wives looked like chambermaids compared to the beautiful princess.
The old king had to acknowledge that the youngest son had the most beautiful wife, but he said, “I do not wish to give up my kingdom, I want to keep it myself for awhile.”
Then the young princess said: “Your majesty need not give up his kingdom at all. I have seven kingdoms; each one very large and rich; I shall give one to each of your older sons, one to you, and have four left for my husband and myself. So let us all be married and be happy.”
Everybody shouted and clapped hands. Three weddings took place at once, and nobody had a better time than the old king himself.