Florimond , ' she sighed , ` is this the end of your gift ? Certainly beauty is short-lived , and this funny little face and a green crape dress are a comical end to it . I had better have married my amiable shepherd . It must be for my pride that I am condemned to be a Grasshopper , and sing day and night in the grass by this brook , when I feel far more inclined to cry . ' In the meantime Prince Peerless had discovered the Princess 's absence , and was lamenting over it by the river 's brim , when he suddenly became aware of the presence of a little old woman . She was quaintly dressed in a ruff and farthingale , and a velvet hood covered her snow-white hair . ` You seem sorrowful , my son , ' she said . ` What is the matter ? ' ` Alas ! mother , ' answered the Prince , ' I have lost my sweet shepherdess , but I am determined to find her again , though I should have to traverse the whole world in search of her . ' ` Go that way , my son , ' said the old woman , pointing towards the path that led to the castle . ' I have an idea that you will soon overtake her . ' The Prince thanked her heartily and set out . As he met with no hindrance , he soon reached the enchanted wood which surrounded the castle , and there he thought he saw the Princess Sunbeam gliding before him among the trees . Prince Peerless hastened after her at the top of his speed , but could not get any nearer ; then he called to her : ` Sunbeam , my darling -- only wait for me a moment . ' But the phantom did but fly the faster , and the Prince spent the whole day in this vain pursuit . When night came he saw the castle before him all lighted up , and as he imagined that the Princess must be in it , he made haste to get there too . He entered without difficulty , and in the hall the terrible old Fairy met him . She was so thin that the light shone through her , and her eyes glowed like lamps ; her skin was like a shark 's , her arms were thin as laths , and her fingers like spindles . Nevertheless she wore rouge and patches , a mantle of silver brocade and a crown of diamonds , and her dress was covered with jewels , and green and pink ribbons .
` At last you have come XXXXX see me , Prince , ' said she .
after as for nearer of over that through to without