THE PRINCE WITH THE GOLDEN HAND 223

light shone from her sparkling eyes, her lovely hair floated in
the wind, and the scent of her sweet breath filled the air.
The prince sprang forward and cried out:

“Silver Palace, oh turn, on thy foot turn thou free,
To the steep rocks thy back, but thy doors wide to me.”

At these words it revolved creaking, the doorway facing the
prince. As he entered it returned to its original position.
The prince went through the palace till he came to a room
bright as the sun itself, and the walls, floor, and ceiling of
which consisted of mirrors. He was filled with wonder, for
instead of one princess he saw twelve, all equally beautiful,
with the same graceful movements and golden hair. But
eleven were only reflections of the one real princess. She
gave a cry of joy on secing him, and running to meet him,
said: “Ah, noble sir, you look like a delivering angel. Surely
you bring me good news. From what family, city, or country
have you come? Perhaps my dear father and mother sent
you in search of me?”

“No one has sent me, I have come of my own free will
to rescue you and restore you to your parents.”

When he had told her all that had passed she said, ‘‘ Your
devotion, prince, is very great; may God bless your attempt.
But Vikher the hurricane is unconquerable, so, if life be dear
to you, fly. Leave this place before his return, which I
expect every minute; he will kill you with one glance of his
eyes.”

“Tf I should not succeed in saving you, sweet princess,
life can be no longer dear to me. But I am full of hope,
and I beg you first to give me some of the Strength-Giving