He often went to visit the witch , whom he believed to be Princess Signy , and one day he asked : ` Do n't you think we might be married before long ? ' ` Yes , ' said she , quite pleased , ' I am quite ready to marry you whenever you like . ' ` Then , ' replied Ring , ` let us decide on this day fortnight . And see , I have brought you some stuff to make your wedding-dress of . ' So saying he gave her a large piece of the most beautiful brocade , all woven over with gold threads , and embroidered with pearls and other jewels . The prince had hardly left her before the witch resumed her proper shape and tore about the room , raging and storming and flinging the beautiful silk on the floor . ` What was SHE to do with such things ? ' she roared . ` SHE did not know how to sew or make clothes , and she was sure to die of starvation into the bargain if her brother Ironhead did not come soon and bring her some raw meat and bones , for she really could eat nothing else . ' As she was raving and roaring in this frantic manner part of the floor suddenly opened and a huge giant rose up carrying a great chest in his arms . The witch was enchanted at this sight , and eagerly helped her brother to set down and open the chest , which was full of the ghastly food she had been longing for . The horrid pair set to and greedily devoured it all , and when the chest was quite empty the giant put it on his shoulder and disappeared as he had come , without leaving any trace of his visit . But his sister did not keep quiet for long , and tore and pulled at the rich brocade as if she wanted to destroy it , stamping about and shouting angrily . Now , all this time Prince Asmund and his sister sat in their trees just outside the window and saw all that was going on . ` Dear Signy , ' said Asmund , ` do try to get hold of that piece of brocade and make the clothes yourself , for really we shall have no rest day or night with such a noise . ' ' I will try , ' said Signy ; ` it wo n't be an easy matter , but it 's worth while taking some trouble to have a little peace . ' So she watched for an opportunity and managed to carry off the brocade the first time the witch left her room . Then she set to work , cutting out and sewing as best she could , and by the end of six days she had turned it into an elegant robe with a long train and a mantle . When it was finished she climbed to the top of her tree and contrived to throw the clothes on to a table through the open window . How delighted the witch was when she found the clothes all finished !
The next time Prince Ring came to see her she gave them to him , and he paid her many compliments on her skilful work , after which he took leave XXXXX her in the most friendly manner .
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