Miss Malin(Part2)

However, the prince of the kingdom where they had gone was actually the fiancé of Miss Malin. His father had chosen another fiancée for him, a girl with an ugly face and a wicked heart. The date of the wedding was set, and the fiancée had come to the palace, but due to her hideous appearance, she kept to her room and Miss Malin brought her food from the kitchen. The day of going to the church arrived, and out of shame for her ugly face and fear of being mocked by people in the street, she said to Miss Malin, “A great fortune awaits you. My foot is injured, and I can hardly walk to the church. You wear my wedding dress and go in my place. It will be a great honor for you.” However, Miss Malin refused this request, saying, “I do not want an honor that does not belong to me.”

The fiancée’s insistence and offers of money were in vain, so she eventually became furious and said, “If you defy my orders, you will lose your life. All I need to do is say one word, and your head will fall at your feet.” Thus, Miss Malin was forced to obey the fiancée, put on her magnificent dress, and adorn herself with her jewels. When she entered the royal hall dressed like this, everyone present was captivated by her unparalleled beauty. The king said to his son, “This is the fiancée I have chosen for you, and you must take her with you to the church.” The prince was astonished to see the girl and thought to himself:

“She resembles Miss Malin. If she hadn’t spent years in the prison tower and had not yet lost her life, I could believe she is herself.” He then took the girl’s hand and led her to the church. As they walked along, there was a nettle bush beside the path. The girl turned towards the bush and whispered to herself:

“O little nettle bush,

What are you doing here?

Do you remember the day

When I ate your leaves, uncooked and unsalted?”