` How can I tell the sultan that a head without a body wishes to become his son-in-law ? They will think that I am mad , and I shall be hooted from the palace and stoned by the children . ' ` Do as I bid you , ' replied the head ; ` it is my will . ' The old woman was afraid to say anything more , and , putting on her richest clothes , started for the palace . The sultan granted her an audience at once , and , in a trembling voice , she made her request . ` Are you mad , old woman ? ' said the sultan , staring at her . ` The wooer is powerful , O Sultan , and nothing is impossible to him . ' ` Is that true ? ' ` It is , O Sultan ; I swear it , ' answered she . ` Then let him show his power by doing three things , and I will give him my daughter . ' ` Command , O gracious prince , ' said she . ` Do you see that hill in front of the palace ? ' asked the sultan . ' I see it , ' answered she . ` Well , in forty days the man who has sent you must make that hill vanish , and plant a beautiful garden in its place . That is the first thing . Now go , and tell him what I say . ' So the old woman returned and told the head the sultan 's first condition . ` It is well , ' he replied ; and said no more about it .
For thirty-nine days the head remained XXXXX its favourite corner .
So about as at by for from in that to