Once upon a time there lived a king blessed with three beautiful and virtuous daughters. He loved them dearly and equitably. Their happiness and joy knew no bounds, and it permeated every corner of his old castle. But one day a plague struck upon his kingdom. Many people died. The plague that ravaged many a home visited upon his castle as well, and took away all the king’s daughters. He grieved and grieved, unable to return to his duties. After one hundred nights, when his life had already lost all meaning for the king, the Devil approached him at midnight, and said: “Listen, old man, I will give you back one of your daughters, but you must decide which one it shall be.” The king begged the Devil not to confront him with such a horrible choice, but the Evil One was bent on his original proposal, and gave the king one more day to consider it—or the proposal would be forfeited. The king grieved his predicament the entire day, and when the Devil returned exactly at midnight, he said: “Give me back the one you love most.” The Devil was surprised, but he nevertheless promised that he would return with an answer the next day at midnight. And he kept his promise. “You have outwitted me, old man,” said the Devil, and the three daughters presently burst into the king’s chamber, ran toward him in delight, and hugged him lovingly. There was no end to their excitement. “But,” continued the Devil, “from now on you will have to live with my love for your beautiful and virtuous daughters.” And the Devil lived happily ever after.