Here there reigned a king whose only daughter ran as quickly as the wind , and so lightly that she could run over a field of young oats without bending a single blade . The king had given out a proclamation that anyone who could beat the princess in a race should have her for a wife , but that all who failed in the competition should lose their head . As soon as Moscione heard of the Royal Proclamation , he hastened to the king and challenged the princess to race with him . But on the morning appointed for the trial he sent word to the king that he was not feeling well , and that as he could not run himself he would supply someone to take his place . ` It 's just the same to me , ' said Canetella , the princess ; ` let anyone come forward that likes , I am quite prepared to meet him . ' At the time appointed for the race the whole place was crowded with people anxious to see the contest , and , punctual to the moment , Quick-as-Thought , and Canetella dressed in a short skirt and very lightly shod , appeared at the starting-point . Then a silver trumpet sounded , and the two rivals started on their race , looking for all the world like a greyhound chasing a hare . But Quick-as-Thought , true to his name , outran the princess , and when the goal was reached the people all clapped their hands and shouted , ` Long live the stranger ! ' -LSB- Illustration : The Princess beaten by Quick-as-Thought -RSB- Canetella was much depressed by her defeat ; but , as the race had to be run a second time , she determined she would not be beaten again . Accordingly she went home and sent Quick-as-Thought a magic ring , which prevented the person who wore it , not only from running , but even from walking , and begged that he would wear it for her sake . Early next morning the crowd assembled on the race-course , and Canetella and Quick-as-Thought began their trial afresh . The princess ran as quickly as ever , but poor Quick-as-Thought was like an overloaded donkey , and could not go a step . Then Hit-the-Point , who had heard all about the princess 's deception from Hare 's - ear , when he saw the danger his friend was in , seized his bow and arrow and shot the stone out of the ring Quick-as-Thought was wearing . In a moment the youth 's legs became free again , and in five bounds he had overtaken Canetella and won the race . The king was much disgusted when he saw that he must acknowledge Moscione as his future son-in-law , and summoned the wise men of his court to ask if there was no way out of the difficulty . The council at once decided that Canetella was far too dainty a morsel for the mouth of such a travelling tinker , and advised the king to offer Moscione a present of gold , which no doubt a beggar like him would prefer to all the wives in the world . The king was delighted at this suggestion , and calling Moscione before him , he asked him what sum of money he would take instead of his promised bride . Moscione first consulted with his friends , and then answered : ' I demand as much gold and precious stones as my followers can carry away . ' The king thought he was being let off very easily , and produced coffers of gold , sacks of silver , and chests of precious stones ; but the more Strong-Back was loaded with the treasure the straighter he stood . At last the treasury was quite exhausted , and the king had to send his courtiers to his subjects to collect all the gold and silver they possessed .
But nothing was of any avail , and Strong-Back only XXXXX for more .
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