The King did not know what to do or to say . It went against all his ideas as a knight to do anything a lady begged him not to do ; but , as he hesitated , a voice in his ear said : `` Strike ! strike ! and do not spare , or your Princess is lost for ever ! '' So , without reply to the nymphs , he rushed forward instantly , breaking their garlands , and scattering them in all directions ; and then went on without further hindrance to the little wood where he had seen Bellissima . She was seated by the brook looking pale and weary when he reached her , and he would have thrown himself down at her feet , but she drew herself away from him with as much indignation as if he had been the Yellow Dwarf . `` Ah ! Princess , '' he cried , `` do not be angry with me . Let me explain everything . I am not faithless or to blame for what has happened . I am a miserable wretch who has displeased you without being able to help himself . '' `` Ah ! '' cried Bellissima , `` did I not see you flying through the air with the loveliest being imaginable ? Was that against your will ? '' `` Indeed it was , Princess , '' he answered ; `` the wicked Fairy of the Desert , not content with chaining me to a rock , carried me off in her chariot to the other end of the earth , where I should even now be a captive but for the unexpected help of a friendly mermaid , who brought me here to rescue you , my Princess , from the unworthy hands that hold you . Do not refuse the aid of your most faithful lover . '' So saying , he threw himself at her feet and held her by her robe . But , alas ! in so doing he let fall the magic sword , and the Yellow Dwarf , who was crouching behind a lettuce , no sooner saw it than he sprang out and seized it , well knowing its wonderful power . The Princess gave a cry of terror on seeing the Dwarf , but this only irritated the little monster ; muttering a few magical words he summoned two giants , who bound the King with great chains of iron .
`` Now , '' said the XXXXX , `` I am master of my rival 's fate , but I will give him his life and permission to depart unharmed if you , Princess , will consent to marry me . ''
Bellissima Dwarf King Princess Strike fall garlands help hindrance lettuce