Then Trusty John saw there was no way out of it , so with a heavy heart and many sighs he took the key from the big bunch . When he had opened the door he stepped in first , and thought to cover the likeness so that the King might not perceive it ; but it was hopeless : the King stood on tiptoe and looked over his shoulder . And when he saw the picture of the maid , so beautiful and glittering with gold and precious stones , he fell swooning to the ground . Trusty John lifted him up , carried him to bed , and thought sorrowfully : `` The curse has come upon us ; gracious heaven ! what will be the end of it all ? '' Then he poured wine down his throat till he came to himself again . The first words he spoke were : `` Oh ! who is the original of the beautiful picture ? '' `` She is the Princess of the Golden Roof , '' answered Trusty John . Then the King continued : `` My love for her is so great that if all the leaves on the trees had tongues they could not express it ; my very life depends on my winning her . You are my most trusty John : you must stand by me . '' The faithful servant pondered long how they were to set about the matter , for it was said to be difficult even to get into the presence of the Princess . At length he hit upon a plan , and spoke to the King : `` All the things she has about her -- tables , chairs , dishes , goblets , bowls , and all her household furniture -- are made of gold . You have in your treasure five tons of gold ; let the goldsmiths of your kingdom manufacture them into all manner of vases and vessels , into all sorts of birds and game and wonderful beasts ; that will please her . We shall go to her with them and try our luck . '' The King summoned all his goldsmiths , and they had to work hard day and night , till at length the most magnificent things were completed . When a ship had been laden with them the faithful John disguised himself as a merchant , and the King had to do the same , so that they should be quite unrecognizable . And so they crossed the seas and journeyed till they reached the town where the Princess of the Golden Roof dwelt . Trusty John made the King remain behind on the ship and await his return . `` Perhaps , '' he said , `` I may bring the Princess back with me , so see that everything is in order ; let the gold ornaments be arranged and the whole ship decorated . ''
Then he took a few of the gold things XXXXX his apron , went ashore , and proceeded straight to the palace .
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