and flung it out the door where the guards
waited. They flung it into the fire and
pushed it into the flames with their spears
until it burned to nothing.
Hans stood looking very cold and lost,
and suddenly the princess knew what to do.
She leaped up and led her husband to the tub
of hot water, where she scrubbed him with
rags and sponges. When she was done, the
man who rose from the water looked every
inch an ordinary prince, and he smiled and
took his bride by the hands.
“Your kept promises and care broke my
curse,” he said, “and I will spend every day of
my life thanking you!”
They were married again—since Hans
was certainly not the same man the princess
had married!—and it was as joyous a wedding
as you could ever hope to see.
In the evenings Hans and his princess
sit out on the royal balcony, and the princess
smiles to hear Hans playing his bagpipe to
her—and to his band of faithful animals,
milling below in the courtyard.OHHH, YEAH. A NICE HOT BATH
MAKES ME FEEL LIKE A NEW BUG! MEWY ME, TOO!