And he stared hard at the princess as she clapped her hands with joy and ran up to them , crying , ' Oh , do let us keep that delicious beast for to-night ; it will make such a nice plaything . ' The king did not stay long , and when he left he handed over the lion to the maidens , who amused themselves with it for some time , till they got sleepy , and thought it was time to go to bed . But the princess took the lion into her own room and laid it on the floor . She was just beginning to doze when she heard a voice quite close to her , which made her jump . ' O lovely princess , if you only knew what I have gone through to find you ! ' The princess jumped out of bed screaming , ` The lion ! the lion ! ' but her friends thought it was a nightmare , and did not trouble themselves to get up . ' O lovely úprincess ! ' continued the voice , ` fear nothing ! I am the son of a rich merchant , and desire above all things to have you for my wife . And in order to get to you I have hidden myself in this golden lion . ' ` What use is that ? ' she asked . ` For if you can not pick me out from among my companions you will still lose your head . ' ' I look to you to help me , ' he said . ' I have done so much for you that you might do this one thing for me . ' ` Then listen to me . On the eighth day I will tie a white sash round my waist , and by that you will know me . ' The next morning the king came very early to fetch the lion , as the old woman was already at the palace asking for it .
When they were safe from view she let the young man out , and he returned XXXXX the king and told him that he wished to find the princess .
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