“No,” said he, “I cannot eat, I am far too unhappy for that!” Then she gave him many good words until at last he came and ate something.

Then she combed his hair again, and he fell asleep, so once more she took her handkerchief, tied a knot in it, and struck the ground thrice with the knot, and said, “Earth-workers, come forth.” In a moment a great many little earthmen came and asked what she desired, and she told them that in three hours’ time, they must have the fishpond entirely cleaned out, and it must be so clear that people could see themselves reflected in it, and every kind of fish must be in it. The little earthmen went away and summoned all their kindred to help them, and in two hours it was done.

Then they returned to her and said, “We have done as thou hast commanded.”

The King’s daughter took the handkerchief and once more struck thrice on the ground with it, and said, “Earth-workers, go home again.” Then they all went away.