They assured her that all was well with them ; but , nevertheless , they continued to waste away , and day by day it became harder to them to take part in the games of the princess , till at last , one fine morning , when the princess started from bed and hastened out to join her gay playfellows , she shuddered and started back at the sight of a group of shrivelled crones , with bent backs and trembling limbs , who supported their tottering steps with staves and crutches , and coughed dismally . A little nearer to the hearth lay the once frolicsome Beni , with all four feet stretched stiffly out , while the sleek cat seemed too weak to raise his head from his velvet cushion . The horrified princess fled to the door to escape from the sight of this mournful company , and called loudly for the gnome , who appeared at once , humbly anxious to do her bidding . ` Malicious Sprite , ' she cried , ` why do you begrudge me my playmates -- the greatest delight of my lonely hours ? Is n't this solitary life in such a desert bad enough without your turning the castle into a hospital for the aged ? Give my maidens back their youth and health this very minute , or I will never love you ! ' ` Sweetest and fairest of damsels , ' cried the gnome , ` do not be angry ; everything that is in my power I will do -- but do not ask the impossible . So long as the sap was fresh in the roots the magic staff could keep them in the forms you desired , but as the sap dried up they withered away . But never trouble yourself about that , dearest one , a basket of fresh turnips will soon set matters right , and you can speedily call up again every form you wish to see . The great green patch in the garden will prove you with a more lively company . ' So saying the gnome took himself off . And the princess with her magic wand touched the wrinkled old women , and left them the withered roots they really were , to be thrown upon the rubbish heap ; and with light feet skipped off across to the meadow to take possession of the freshly filled basket . But to her surprise she could not find it anywhere . Up and down the garden she searched , spying into every corner , but not a sign of it was to be found . By the trellis of grape vines she met the gnome , who was so much embarrassed at the sight of her that she became aware of his confusion while he was still quite a long way off . ` You are trying to tease me , ' she cried , as soon as she saw him . ` Where have you hidden the basket ? I have been looking for it at least an hour . ' ` Dear queen of my heart , ' answered he , ' I pray you to forgive my carelessness . I promised more than I could perform .
I have sought all over the land for the roots you desire ; but they are gathered in , and lie drying XXXXX musty cellars , and the fields are bare and desolate , for below in the valley winter reigns , only here in your presence spring is held fast , and wherever your foot is set the gay flowers bloom .
By about at down in off to up upon with