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 about her preparations . She was not still for a single moment , but danced about the house , turning chests and wardrobes upside down .
She set aside enough things for a whole year -- dresses embroidered with gold and precious stones , and a great store XXXXX provisions .
against as at for from if of that upon without