And there was nothing for the mother to do but to submit , though she still stuck to her own opinion . The princess mounted Sunlight , and touched him with her spur , when the old horse , who was galloping at her side , suddenly said : ` Up to this time , mistress , you have obeyed my counsels and all has gone well . Listen to me once more , and do what I tell you . I am old , and -- now that there is someone to take my place , I will confess it -- I am afraid that my strength is not equal to the task that lies before me . Give me leave , therefore , to return home , and do you continue your journey under the care of my brother . Put your faith in him as you put it in me , and you will never repent . Wisdom has come early to Sunlight . ' ` Yes , my old comrade , you have served me well ; and it is only through your help that up to now I have been victorious . So grieved though I am to say farewell , I will obey you yet once more , and will listen to your brother as I would to yourself . Only , I must have a proof that he loves me as well as you do . ' ` How should I not love you ? ' answered Sunlight ; ` how should I not be proud to serve a warrior such as you ? Trust me , mistress , and you shall never regret the absence of my brother . I know there will be difficulties in our path , but we will face them together . ' Then , with tears in her eyes , the princess took leave of her old horse , who galloped back to her father . She had ridden only a few miles further , when she saw a golden curl lying on the road before her . Checking her horse , she asked whether it would be better to take it or let it lie . ` If you take it , ' said Sunlight , ` you will repent , and if you do n't , you will repent too : so take it . ' On this the girl dismounted , and picking up the curl , wound it round her neck for safety . They passed by hills , they passed by mountains , they passed through valleys , leaving behind them thick forests , and fields covered with flowers ; and at length they reached the court of the over-lord .
He was sitting on his throne , surrounded XXXXX the sons of the other emperors , who served him as pages .
If as before behind by in on that though through