So he sent a message by one of his pages that the merchant was to come to see him the next day , and bring with him a coat made of stone , or else he would be punished . Now the poor man had been very sad since he got home the evening before , for though his daughters had promised that nothing should happen while he was away , he had found the two elder ones married without asking his leave . And now there was this fresh misfortune , for how was he to make a coat of stone ? He wrung his hands and declared that the king would be the ruin of him , when Maria suddenly entered . ` Do not grieve about the coat of stone , dear father ; but take this bit of chalk , and go to the palace and say you have come to measure the king . ' The old man did not see the use of this , but Maria had so often helped him before that he had confidence in her , so he put the chalk in his pocket and went to the palace . ` That is no good , ' said the king , when the merchant had told him what he had come for . ` Well , I ca n't make the coat you want , ' replied he . ` Then if you would save your head , hand over to me your daughter Maria . ' The merchant did not reply , but went sorrowfully back to his house , where Maria sat waiting for him . ` Oh , my dear child , why was I born ? The king says that , instead of the coat , I must deliver you up to him . ' ` Do not be unhappy , dear father , but get a doll made , exactly like me , with a string attached to its head , which I can pull for `` Yes '' and `` No . '' ' So the old man went out at once to see about it . The king remained patiently in his palace , feeling sure that this time Maria could not escape him ; and he said to his pages , ` If a gentleman should come here with his daughter and ask to be allowed to speak with me , put the young lady in my room and see she does not leave it . ' When the door was shut on Maria , who had concealed the doll under her cloak , she hid herself under the couch , keeping fast hold of the string which was fastened to its head . ` Senhora Maria , I hope you are well , ' said the king when he entered the room . The doll nodded . ` Now we will reckon up accounts , ' continued he , and he began at the beginning , and ended up with the flower-basket , and at each fresh misdeed Maria pulled the string , so that the doll 's head nodded assent . ` Who-so mocks at me merits death , ' declared the king when he had ended , and drawing his sword , cut off the doll 's head .
It fell towards him , and as he felt the touch of a kiss , he exclaimed , ` Ah , Maria , Maria , so sweet in death , so hard to me XXXXX life !
So about by if in like of on since to