Here she resumed her own gigantic shape , tore up the trees by their roots , threw one of them over her back and clasped the other to her breast , carried them down to the shore and waded out with them to the ship . She took care not to be noticed as she reached the ship , and directly she got on board she once more changed to her former lovely appearance and told the prince that her luggage was now all on board , and that they need wait for nothing more . The prince gave orders to set sail at once , and after a fine voyage landed in his own country , where his parents and his only sister received him with the greatest joy and affection . The false Signy was also very kindly welcomed . A beautiful house was got ready for her , and Prince Ring had the two oaks planted in the garden just in front of her windows so that she might have the pleasure of seeing them constantly . He often went to visit the witch , whom he believed to be Princess Signy , and one day he asked : ` Do n't you think we might be married before long ? ' ` Yes , ' said she , quite pleased , ' I am quite ready to marry you whenever you like . ' ` Then , ' replied Ring , ` let us decide on this day fortnight . And see , I have brought you some stuff to make your wedding-dress of . ' So saying he gave her a large piece of the most beautiful brocade , all woven over with gold threads , and embroidered with pearls and other jewels . The prince had hardly left her before the witch resumed her proper shape and tore about the room , raging and storming and flinging the beautiful silk on the floor . ` What was SHE to do with such things ? ' she roared . ` SHE did not know how to sew or make clothes , and she was sure to die of starvation into the bargain if her brother Ironhead did not come soon and bring her some raw meat and bones , for she really could eat nothing else . ' As she was raving and roaring in this frantic manner part of the floor suddenly opened and a huge giant rose up carrying a great chest in his arms . The witch was enchanted at this sight , and eagerly helped her brother to set down and open the chest , which was full of the ghastly food she had been longing for . The horrid pair set to and greedily devoured it all , and when the chest was quite empty the giant put it on his shoulder and disappeared as he had come , without leaving any trace of his visit . But his sister did not keep quiet for long , and tore and pulled at the rich brocade as if she wanted to destroy it , stamping about and shouting angrily . Now , all this time Prince Asmund and his sister sat in their trees just outside the window and saw all that was going on . ` Dear Signy , ' said Asmund , ` do try to get hold of that piece of brocade and make the clothes yourself , for really we shall have no rest day or night with such a noise . ' '
I will try , ' said XXXXX ; ` it wo n't be an easy matter , but it 's worth while taking some trouble to have a little peace . '
Asmund Ironhead Ring Signy day fortnight left night starvation wedding-dress