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 in his apron , went ashore , and proceeded straight to the palace . When he came to the courtyard he found a beautiful maiden standing at the well , drawing water with two golden pails . And as she was about to carry away the glittering water she turned round and saw the stranger , and asked him who he was . Then he replied : `` I am a merchant , '' and opening his apron , he let her peep in . `` Oh ! my , '' she cried ; `` what beautiful gold wares ! '' she set down her pails , and examined one thing after the other . Then she said : `` The Princess must see this , she has such a fancy for gold things that she will buy up all you have . '' She took him by the hand and let him into the palace , for she was the lady 's maid . When the Princess had seen the wares she was quite enchanted , and said : `` They are all so beautifully made that I shall buy everything you have . '' But Trusty John said : `` I am only the servant of a rich merchant , what I have here is nothing compared to what my master has on his ship ; his merchandise is more artistic and costly than anything that has ever been made in gold before . '' She desired to have everything brought up to her , but he said : `` There is such a quantity of things that it would take many days to bring them up , and they would take up so many rooms that you would have no space for them in your house . '' Thus her desire and curiosity were excited to such an extent that at last she said : `` Take me to your ship ; I shall go there myself and view your master 's treasures . ''
Then Trusty John was quite delighted , and brought her to the ship ; and the King , when he beheld her , saw that she was even more beautiful XXXXX her picture , and thought every moment that his heart would burst .
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