Page:Tales of the Punjab.pdf/209

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THE WONDERFUL RING 182)

the serpent had to say, he was much pleased, declaring he would reward the Prince by giving him anything he desired. So the serpent went out to fetch the Prince into the snake-father’s presence, and when doing so, it whispered in his ear, ‘My father will give you anything you desire. Remember only to ask for his little ring as a keepsake.’

This rather astonished the Prince, who naturally thought a ring would be of little use to a man who was half starving; however, he did as he was bid, and when the snake-father asked him what he desired, he replied, ‘Thank you; I have everything, and want for nothing.’

Then the snake-father asked him once more what he would take as a reward, but again he answered that he wanted nothing, having all that heart could desire.

Nevertheless, when the snake-father asked him the third time, he replied, ‘Since you wish me to take something, let it be the ring you wear on your finger, as a keepsake.’

Then the snake-father frowned, and looked displeased, saying, ‘Were it not for my promise, I would have turned you into ashes on the spot, for daring to ask for my greatest treasure, But as | have said, it must be. Take the ring, and go!’

So the Prince, taking the ring, set off homewards with his servant the serpent, to whom he said regretfully, 'This old ting is a mistake; I have only made the snake-father angry by asking for it, and much good it will do me! It would have been wiser to say a sack of gold,’

‘Not so, my Prince!’ replied the serpent; ‘that

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