As he passed through the garden it seemed quite different from what it was before . The flowers were lovelier , the streams ran quicker , the sunbeams shone brighter , and the fairies seemed gayer . And all this had been caused by the three kisses Petru had given the Fairy of the Dawn . He passed everything safely by , and was soon seated in his saddle again . Faster than the wind , faster than thought , faster than longing , faster than hatred rode Petru . At length he dismounted , and , leaving his horses at the roadside , went on foot to the house of Venus . The goddess Venus knew that he was coming , and went to meet him , bearing with her white bread and red wine . ` Welcome back , my prince , ' said she . ` Good day , and many thanks , ' replied the young man , holding out the flask containing the magic water . She received it with joy , and after a short rest Petru set forth , for he had no time to lose . He stopped a few minutes , as he had promised , with the Goddess of Thunder , and was taking a hasty farewell of her , when she called him back . ` Stay , I have a warning to give you , ' said she . ` Beware of your life ; make friends with no man ; do not ride fast , or let the water go out of your hand ; believe no one , and flee flattering tongues . Go , and take care , for the way is long , the world is bad , and you hold something very precious . But I will give you this cloth to help you . It is not much to look at , but it is enchanted , and whoever carries it will never be struck by lightning , pierced by a lance , or smitten with a sword , and the arrows will glance off his body . ' Petru thanked her and rode off , and , taking out his treasure box , inquired how matters were going at home . Not well , it said . The emperor was blind altogether now , and Florea and Costan had besought him to give the government of the kingdom into their hands ; but he would not , saying that he did not mean to resign the government till he had washed his eyes from the well of the Fairy of the Dawn . Then the brothers had gone to consult old Birscha , who told them that Petru was already on his way home bearing the water .
They had set out to meet him , and would try to take the magic water XXXXX him , and then claim as their reward the government of the emperor .
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