She did not forget the roe either, but went into the
corner where it lay, and stroked it gently. After this she passed out,
quite silently, through the door; and the nurse inquired next morning
of the sentinels whether any one had gained entrance into the palace
during the night, but they answered, "No--we have seen nobody." She
continued to come in the same way for several nights, though she spoke
never a word: the nurse always saw her, but never dared to mention it.
When some time had passed, the queen at last began to speak, and
said--
"How is my baby? How is my roe?
I can come again twice, then for ever must go."
The nurse could not answer her; but when she had disappeared she went
to the king, and told him all about it, upon which he cried, "What
does it mean? I will myself watch by the child to-night."
In the evening he came to the nursery, and there at midnight the dead
queen appeared, and said--
"How is my baby? How is my roe?
I can come but once more, then for ever must go;"
and nursed and fondled the baby as before, then vanished. The king did
not dare to address her, but watched again the following night. This
time she said--
"How is my baby? How is my roe?
I can come but this once, then for ever must go."
Upon which the king could no longer contain himself, but sprang
forward and cried, "Thou canst surely be no one but my own dear wife!"
She replied, "Yes, I am thy dear wife;" and as soon as she had spoken
these words she was restored to life, and became once more fresh and
blooming.
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