the first path that offered, and after a while he
saw a glimmer of light before him, and hoped he
was approaching a cottage where he could obtain
shelter.
Guided by the light he presently found himself
before the gates of a beautiful castle. The door
was of gold inlaid with carbuncles, and it was the
glow of these precious stones which had shone
through the forest and had drawn him on.
The walls of the castle were of porcelain in the
most dainty colours; but the Prince was so wet
that he could not hesitate or halt to admire; he
went up to the door and there beheld a deer’s foot
hanging by a chain of diamonds, and he wondered
who could inhabit such a marvellous castle.
‘They cannot fear robbers greatly here,’ said he;
‘what is there to prevent any one from walking off
with this chain, and picking out these carbuncles,
and so enriching himself for life?’
He pulled the deer’s foot and immediately a bell
sounded, which by the softness of its tone he con-
cluded to be of silver. Then the door flew open,
but the Prince could see no one as porter, only a
number of hands appeared in the air, each holding
a torch. He was so greatly astonished that he
stood still, until he felt hands draw him forward
and thrust him on from behind, so that though
somewhat uneasy, he could hardly help going on.
With his hand on the hilt of his sword, ready for
whatever might happen, he entered a hall paved
with deep blue stone called lapis lazuli, and heard
voices singing sweetly—
‘Fear no more the flitting hands,

They your lightest wish obey.
If you dread not Cupid’s bands,

Safely in the palace stay.’

The Prince now lost all fear; he was confident
that where so warm a welcome was offered no
oO 209

THE
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