The prince could not take away the wood as quickly as the dove could split it , and in a short time it was all cleft into little sticks . The dove then flew up on his shoulder and sat there and the prince thanked it , and stroked and caressed its white feathers , and kissed its little red beak . With that it was a dove no longer , but a beautiful young maiden , who stood by his side . She told him then that she was a princess whom the witch had stolen , and had changed to this shape , but with his kiss she had got her human form again ; and if he would be faithful to her , and take her to wife , she could free them both from the witch 's power . The prince was quite captivated by the beautiful princess , and was quite willing to do anything whatsoever to get her for himself . She then said to him , ` When the witch comes home you must ask her to grant you a wish , when you have accomplished so well all that she has demanded of you . When she agrees to this you must ask her straight out for the princess that she has flying about as a white dove . But just now you must take a red silk thread and tie it round my little finger , so that you may be able to recognise me again , into whatever shape she turns me . ' The prince made haste to get the silk thread tied round her little white finger ; at the same moment the princess became a dove again and flew away , and immediately after that the old witch came home with her dough-trough on he back . ` Well , ' said she , ' I must say that you are clever at your work , and it is something , too , that such princely hands are not accustomed to . ' ` Since you are so well pleased with my work , said the prince , ` you will , no doubt , be willing to give me a little pleasure too , and give me something that I have taken a fancy to . ' ` Oh yes , indeed , ' said the old woman ; ` what is it that you want ? ' ' I want the princess here who is in the shape of a white dove , ' said the prince . ` What nonsense ! ' said the witch . ` Why should you imagine that there are princesses here flying about in the shape of white doves ? But if you will have a princess , you can get one such as we have them . ' She then came to him , dragging a shaggy little grey ass with long ears . ` Will you have this ? ' said she ; ` you ca n't get any other princess ! '
The prince used his eyes and saw the red silk thread on one XXXXX the ass 's hoofs , so he said , ` Yes , just let me have it . '
With as at by for from if in of to