Perched on this tree you will see the beautiful bird you have been seeking so long . You must cut the branch on which it is sitting , and bring it back to me without delay . But I warn you solemnly that if you disobey my directions , as you have done twice before , you have nothing more to expect either of me or anyone else . ' With these words she jumped into the water , and the Prince , who had taken her threats much to heart , took his departure , firmly resolved not to deserve them . He found it all just as he had been told : the portico , the wood , the magnificent tree , and the beautiful bird , which was sleeping soundly on one of the branches . He speedily lopped off the branch , and though he noticed a splendid golden cage hanging close by , which would have been very useful for the bird to travel in , he left it alone , and came back to the fountain , holding his breath and walking on tip-toe all the way , for fear lest he should awake his prize . But what was his surprise , when instead of finding the fountain in the spot where he had left it , he saw in its place a little rustic palace built in the best taste , and standing in the doorway a charming maiden , at whose sight his mind seemed to give way . ` What ! Madam ! ' he cried , hardly knowing what he said . ` What ! Is it you ? ' The maiden blushed and answered : ` Ah , my lord , it is long since I first beheld your face , but I did not think you had ever seen mine . ' ` Oh , madam , ' replied he , ` you can never guess the days and the hours I have passed lost in admiration of you . ' And after these words they each related all the strange things that had happened , and the more they talked the more they felt convinced of the truth of the images they had seen in their mirrors . After some time spent in the most tender conversation , the Prince could not restrain himself from asking the lovely unknown by what lucky chance she was wandering in the forest ; where the fountain had gone ; and if she knew anything of the Frog to whom he owed all his happiness , and to whom he must give up the bird , which , somehow or other , was still sound asleep . ` Ah , my lord , ' she replied , with rather an awkward air , ` as to the Frog , she stands before you . Let me tell you my story ; it is not a long one . I know neither my country nor my parents , and the only thing I can say for certain is that I am called Serpentine . The fairies , who have taken care of me ever since I was born , wished me to be in ignorance as to my family , but they have looked after my education , and have bestowed on me endless kindness .
I have always lived in seclusion , and XXXXX the last two years I have wished for nothing better .
After by for from if in on since to without