said the other . ` Oh dear , yes ! as well as the way to my own house , Madam . This Golden Branch is indeed a marvel , a single leaf from it makes one rich for ever . It breaks enchantments , and makes all who approach it young and beautiful . We must set out for it at the break of day . ' ` May we have the honour of travelling with you -- this respectable Cricket and myself ? ' said the Grasshopper , stepping forward . ` We also are on a pilgrimage to the Golden Branch . ' The Mice courteously assented , and after many polite speeches the whole party fell asleep . With the earliest dawn they were on their way , and though the Mice were in constant fear of being overtaken or trapped , they reached the Golden Branch in safety . It grew in the midst of a wonderful garden , all the paths of which were strewn with pearls as big as peas . The roses were crimson diamonds , with emerald leaves . The pomegranates were garnets , the marigolds topazes , the daffodils yellow diamonds , the violets sapphires , the corn-flowers turquoises , the tulips amethysts , opals and diamonds , so that the garden borders blazed like the sun . The Golden Branch itself had become as tall as a forest tree , and sparkled with ruby cherries to its topmost twig . No sooner had the Grasshopper and the Cricket touched it than they were restored to their natural forms , and their surprise and joy were great when they recognised each other . At this moment Florimond and the Fairy Douceline appeared in great splendour , and the Fairy , as she descended from her chariot , said with a smile : ` So you two have found one another again , I see , but I have still a surprise left for you . Do n't hesitate , Princess , to tell your devoted shepherd how dearly you love him , as he is the very Prince your father sent you to marry . So come here both of you and let me crown you , and we will have the wedding at once . ' The Prince and Princess thanked her with all their hearts , and declared that to her they owed all their happiness , and then the two Princesses , who had so lately been Mice , came and begged that the Fairy would use her power to release their unhappy friends who were still under the Enchanter 's spell .
` Really , ' said the Fairy XXXXX , ` on this happy occasion I can not find it in my heart to refuse you anything . '
Douceline Enchanter Florimond Princesses amethysts garnets opals pomegranates splendour twig