Are we pursued , think you ? How lucky we were to escape ! ' ' I only trust that we may escape cats and traps , and reach the Golden Branch soon , ' said the fat Mouse . ` You know the way then ? ' said the other . ` Oh dear , yes ! as well as the way to my own house , Madam . This Golden Branch is indeed a marvel , a single leaf from it makes one rich for ever . It breaks enchantments , and makes all who approach it young and beautiful . We must set out for it at the break of day . ' ` May we have the honour of travelling with you -- this respectable Cricket and myself ? ' said the Grasshopper , stepping forward . ` We also are on a pilgrimage to the Golden Branch . ' The Mice courteously assented , and after many polite speeches the whole party fell asleep . With the earliest dawn they were on their way , and though the Mice were in constant fear of being overtaken or trapped , they reached the Golden Branch in safety . It grew in the midst of a wonderful garden , all the paths of which were strewn with pearls as big as peas . The roses were crimson diamonds , with emerald leaves . The pomegranates were garnets , the marigolds topazes , the daffodils yellow diamonds , the violets sapphires , the corn-flowers turquoises , the tulips amethysts , opals and diamonds , so that the garden borders blazed like the sun . The Golden Branch itself had become as tall as a forest tree , and sparkled with ruby cherries to its topmost twig . No sooner had the Grasshopper and the Cricket touched it than they were restored to their natural forms , and their surprise and joy were great when they recognised each other .
At this moment Florimond and the Fairy Douceline appeared XXXXX great splendour , and the Fairy , as she descended from her chariot , said with a smile : ` So you two have found one another again , I see , but I have still a surprise left for you .
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