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 by the sons of the other emperors , who served him as pages . These youths came forward to greet their new companion , and wondered why they felt so attracted towards him . However , there was no time for talking and concealing her fright . The princess was led straight up to the throne , and explained , in a low voice , the reason of her coming . The emperor received her kindly , and declared himself fortunate at finding a vassal so brave and so charming , and begged the princess to remain in attendance on his person .
She was , however , very careful XXXXX her behaviour towards the other pages , whose way of life did not please her .
If On by in of though to towards whether with