II
THE SEVEN BROTHERS WHO WERE TURNED INTO CHAMPA TREES
THERE was once a king who had seven queens, the eldest of whom was a living example of pride and insolence, while the youngest was noted for her uncommonly kind and gentle nature. The latter was the idol of her husband, whose chief aim was to make her happy. He was not, however, unkind to his other wives. They obtained from him everything they desired, and passed their lives in royal grandeur. But there was one thing that cast a gloom over the palaces. The king was childless, and the thought that if he died without an heir all his dominions and wealth would pass into the hands of a stranger greatly troubled him and his people.
In course of time, when all hope of an heir had been abandoned, the youngest queen showed signs that she would soon become a mother, and the king's joy was so great that he distributed rich presents to all who approached him. His attachment to the fortunate queen, and his impatience to know the fact of her delivery as soon as possible, became so great that he tied her wrist to his by a long chain, for the double purpose of always having her movements within his knowledge, and of being apprised without the least delay of the happy event, no matter what the distance between him and her might be.
When the time drew near, the youngest queen withdrew to her apartments accompanied by the elder queens, who voluntarily offered to attend her. Seven sons, exquisitely
