` Tell us what is wrong : and though we are not boys , we are not quite useless ! ' ` But what can you do , my dear children ? Spin , sew , and weave -- that is all your learning . Only a warrior can deliver me now , a young giant who is strong to wield the battle-axe : whose sword deals deadly blows . ' ` But WHY do you need a son so much at present ? Tell us all about it ! It will not make matters worse if we know ! ' ` Listen then , my daughters , and learn the reason of my sorrow . You have heard that as long as I was young no man ever brought an army against me without it costing him dear . But the years have chilled my blood and drunk my strength . And now the deer can roam the forest , my arrows will never pierce his heart ; strange soldiers will set fire to my houses and water their horses at my wells , and my arm can not hinder them . No , my day is past , and the time has come when I too must bow my head under the yoke of my foe ! But who is to give him the ten years ' service that is part of the price which the vanquished must pay ? ' ' I will , ' cried the eldest girl , springing to her feet . But her father only shook his head sadly . ` Never will I bring shame upon you , ' urged the girl . ` Let me go . Am I not a princess , and the daughter of an emperor ? ' ` Go then ! ' he said .
The brave girl 's heart almost stopped beating from joy , as she set XXXXX her preparations .
about against as at if of that though upon without