if the innkeeper could possibly be the prince's father. After many inquiries and cross-questioning, it was made evident to the king that the innkeeper was really the father of his adopted son.

The prince begged the king to pardon his father and mother and not to punish them. The king was touched by the prince's filial appeal, and spared the lives of his parents.

The innkeeper and his wife felt very grateful for the king's mercy, and as they were reconciled to their son, they begged, as a great favour, that their son should be allowed to live with them; but instead of that, the king invited them to come and live in his palace, for his majesty said that after his death the prince would reign in his stead.