I must be rubbed down morning and evening with rain water , my barley must be boiled in milk , because of my bad teeth , and my feet must be washed in oil . ' ' I should like to try the treatment , as you might help me in carrying out my scheme . ' ` Try it then , mistress , and I promise you will never repent . ' So in a week 's time the horse woke up one morning with a sudden shiver through all his limbs ; and when it had passed away , he found his skin shining like a mirror , his body as fat as a water melon , his movement light as a chamois . Then looking at the princess who had come early to the stable , he said joyfully , ` May success await on the steps of my master 's daughter , for she has given me back my life . Tell me what I can do for you , princess , and I will do it . ' ' I want to go to the emperor who is our over-lord , and I have no one to advise me . Which of all the white-headed boyards shall I choose as counsellor ? ' ` If you have me , you need no one else : I will serve you as I served your father , if you will only listen to what I say . ' ' I will listen to everything . Can you start in three days ? ' ` This moment , if you like , ' said the horse . The preparations of the emperor 's youngest daughter were much fewer and simpler than those of her sisters . They only consisted of some boy 's clothes , a small quantity of linen and food , and a little money in case of necessity . Then she bade farewell to her father , and rode away . A day 's journey from the palace , she reached the copper bridge , but before they came in sight of it , the horse , who was a magician , had warned her of the means her father would take to prove her courage . Still in spite of his warning she trembled all over when a huge wolf , as thin as if he had fasted for a month , with claws like saws , and mouth as wide as an oven , bounded howling towards her . For a moment her heart failed her , but the next , touching the horse lightly with her spur , she drew her sword from its sheath , ready to separate the wolf 's head from its body at a single blow . The beast saw the sword , and shrank back , which was the best thing it could do , as now the girl 's blood was up , and the light of battle in her eyes . Then without looking round , she rode across the bridge .
The emperor , proud of this first victory , took a short cut , and waited XXXXX her at the end of another day 's journey , close to a river , over which he threw a bridge of silver .
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