Take the silver wreath and knock at the windows of the goddess Venus . When she says , `` Who is there ? '' answer that you have come on foot and lost your way on the heath . She will then tell you to go your way back again ; but take care not to stir from the spot . Instead , be sure you say to her , `` No , indeed I shall do nothing of the sort , as from my childhood I have heard stories of the beauty of the goddess Venus , and it was not for nothing that I had shoes made of leather with soles of steel , and have travelled for nine years and nine months , and have won in battle the silver wreath , which I hope you may allow me to give you , and have done and suffered everything to be where I now am . '' This is what you must say . What happens after is your affair . ' Petru asked no more , but went towards the house . By this time it was pitch dark , and there was only the ray of light that streamed through the windows to guide him , and at the sound of his footsteps two dogs began to bark loudly . ` Which of those dogs is barking ? Is he tired of life ? ' asked the goddess Venus . ` It is I , O goddess ! ' replied Petru , rather timidly . ' I have lost my way on the heath , and do not know where I am to sleep this night . ' ` Where did you leave your horse ? ' asked the goddess sharply . Petru did not answer . He was not sure if he was to lie , or whether he had better tell the truth . ` Go away , my son , there is no place for you here , ' replied she , drawing back from the window .
Then Petru repeated hastily what the horse had told him to say , and no sooner had he done so than the goddess opened the window , and in gentle tones she asked him : ` Let me see this wreath , my son , ' and Petru held it out XXXXX her .
at for from if of on that to towards whether