She was not still for a single moment , but danced about the house , turning chests and wardrobes upside down . She set aside enough things for a whole year -- dresses embroidered with gold and precious stones , and a great store of provisions . And she chose the most spirited horse in the stable , with eyes of flame , and a coat of shining silver . When her father saw her mounted and curvetting about the court , he gave her much wise advice , as to how she was to behave like the young man she appeared to be , and also how to behave as the girl she really was . Then he gave her his blessing , and she touched her horse with the spur . The silver armour of herself and her steed dazzled the eyes of the people as she darted past . She was soon out of sight , and if after a few miles she had not pulled up to allow her escort to join her , the rest of the journey would have been performed alone . But though none of his daughters were aware of the fact , the old emperor was a magician , and had laid his plans accordingly . He managed , unseen , to overtake his daughter , and throw a bridge of copper over a stream which she would have to cross . Then , changing himself into a wolf , he lay down under one of the arches , and waited . He had chosen his time well , and in about half an hour the sound of a horse 's hoofs was heard . His feet were almost on the bridge , when a big grey wolf with grinning teeth appeared before the princess . With a deep growl that froze the blood , he drew himself up , and prepared to spring . The appearance of the wolf was so sudden and so unexpected , that the girl was almost paralysed , and never even dreamt of flight , till the horse leaped violently to one side . Then she turned him round , and urging him to his fullest speed , never drew rein till she saw the gates of the palace rising before her . The old emperor , who had got back long since , came to the door to meet her , and touching her shining armour , he said , ` Did I not tell you , my child , that flies do not make honey ? ' The days passed on , and one morning the second princess implored her father to allow her to try the adventure in which her sister had made such a failure . He listened unwillingly , feeling sure it was no use , but she begged so hard that in the end he consented , and having chosen her arms , she rode away . But though , unlike her sister , she was quite prepared for the appearance of the wolf when she reached the copper bridge , she showed no greater courage , and galloped home as fast as her horse could carry her . On the steps of the castle her father was standing , and as still trembling with fright she knelt at his feet , he said gently , ` Did I not tell you , my child , that every bird is not caught in a net ? '
The three girls stayed quietly in the palace XXXXX a little while , embroidering , spinning , weaving , and tending their birds and flowers , when early one morning , the youngest princess entered the door of the emperor 's private apartments .
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