Now he hoped his difficulties were over , but at the next turning he was met by one which he did not know how to overcome . Four-and-twenty pretty and graceful nymphs advanced toward him , holding garlands of flowers , with which they barred the way . `` Where are you going , Prince ? '' they said ; `` it is our duty to guard this place , and if we let you pass great misfortunes will happen to you and to us . We beg you not to insist upon going on . Do you want to kill four-and-twenty girls who have never displeased you in any way ? '' The King did not know what to do or to say . It went against all his ideas as a knight to do anything a lady begged him not to do ; but , as he hesitated , a voice in his ear said : `` Strike ! strike ! and do not spare , or your Princess is lost for ever ! '' So , without reply to the nymphs , he rushed forward instantly , breaking their garlands , and scattering them in all directions ; and then went on without further hindrance to the little wood where he had seen Bellissima . She was seated by the brook looking pale and weary when he reached her , and he would have thrown himself down at her feet , but she drew herself away from him with as much indignation as if he had been the Yellow Dwarf . `` Ah ! Princess , '' he cried , `` do not be angry with me . Let me explain everything . I am not faithless or to blame for what has happened . I am a miserable wretch who has displeased you without being able to help himself . '' `` Ah ! '' cried Bellissima , `` did I not see you flying through the air with the loveliest being imaginable ? Was that against your will ? ''
`` Indeed it was , Princess , '' he answered ; `` the wicked Fairy of the Desert , not content with chaining me to a rock , carried me off in her chariot XXXXX the other end of the earth , where I should even now be a captive but for the unexpected help of a friendly mermaid , who brought me here to rescue you , my Princess , from the unworthy hands that hold you .
at for from if of through to toward with without