As it was very spirited he led it by the bridle , and this arrangement enabled him to turn and look at the Princess often , which he did not fail to do . Indeed , she was so pretty that it was a real pleasure to look at her . When the horse which the Duchess was to ride appeared beside Graciosa 's , it looked no better than an old cart horse , and as to their trappings , there was simply no comparison between them , as the Princess 's saddle and bridle were one glittering mass of diamonds . The King had so many other things to think of that he did not notice this , but all his courtiers were entirely taken up with admiring the Princess and her charming Page in green , who was more handsome and distinguished-looking than all the rest of the court put together . When they met the Duchess Grumbly she was seated in an open carriage trying in vain to look dignified . The King and the Princess saluted her , and her horse was brought forward for her to mount . But when she saw Graciosa 's she cried angrily : ` If that child is to have a better horse than mine , I will go back to my own castle this very minute . What is the good of being a Queen if one is to be slighted like this ? ' Upon this the King commanded Graciosa to dismount and to beg the Duchess to honour her by mounting her horse . The Princess obeyed in silence , and the Duchess , without looking at her or thanking her , scrambled up upon the beautiful horse , where she sat looking like a bundle of clothes , and eight officers had to hold her up for fear she should fall off . Even then she was not satisfied , and was still grumbling and muttering , so they asked her what was the matter . ' I wish that Page in green to come and lead the horse , as he did when Graciosa rode it , ' said she very sharply . And the King ordered the Page to come and lead the Queen 's horse . Percinet and the Princess looked at one another , but said never a word , and then he did as the King commanded , and the procession started in great pomp . The Duchess was greatly elated , and as she sat there in state would not have wished to change places even with Graciosa . But at the moment when it was least expected the beautiful horse began to plunge and rear and kick , and finally to run away at such a pace that it was impossible to stop him . At first the Duchess clung to the saddle , but she was very soon thrown off and fell in a heap among the stones and thorns , and there they found her , shaken to a jelly , and collected what was left of her as if she had been a broken glass . Her bonnet was here and her shoes there , her face was scratched , and her fine clothes were covered with mud . Never was a bride seen in such a dismal plight . They carried her back to the palace and put her to bed , but as soon as she recovered enough to be able to speak , she began to scold and rage , and declared that the whole affair was Graciosa 's fault , that she had contrived it on purpose to try and get rid of her , and that if the King would not have her punished , she would go back to her castle and enjoy her riches by herself .
At this the King was terribly frightened , for he did not XXXXX all want to lose all those barrels of gold and jewels .
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