` Where are you going yourself , Gaffer Cricket ? ' replied the Grasshopper . ` What ! can you speak ? ' said he . ` Why should I not speak as well as you ? Is n't a Grasshopper as good as a Cricket ? ' said she . ' I can talk because I was a Prince , ' said the Cricket . ` And for that very same reason I ought to be able to talk more than you , for I was a Princess , ' replied the Grasshopper . ` Then you have met with the same fate as I have , ' said he . ` But where are you going now ? Can not we journey together ? ' ' I seemed to hear a voice in the air which said : `` Be firm , happen what may , and seek the Golden Branch , '' ' answered the Grasshopper , ` and I thought the command must be for me , so I started at once , though I do n't know the way . ' At this moment their conversation was interrupted by two mice , who , breathless from running , flung themselves headlong through the hole into the tree , nearly crushing the Grasshopper and the Cricket , though they got out of the way as fast as they could and stood up in a dark corner . ` Ah , Madam , ' said the fatter of the two , ' I have such a pain in my side from running so fast . How does your Highness find yourself ? ' ' I have pulled my tail off , ' replied the younger Mouse , ` but as I should still be on the sorcerer 's table unless I had , I do not regret it . Are we pursued , think you ? How lucky we were to escape ! ' '
I only trust that we may escape cats and traps , and reach the Golden XXXXX soon , ' said the fat Mouse .
Branch Gaffer Grasshopper Mouse Prince Princess escape firm pain sorcerer