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 of provisions . And she chose the most spirited horse in the stable , with eyes of flame , and a coat of shining silver . When her father saw her mounted and curvetting about the court , he gave her much wise advice , as to how she was to behave like the young man she appeared to be , and also how to behave as the girl she really was . Then he gave her his blessing , and she touched her horse with the spur .
The silver armour of herself and her steed dazzled the eyes XXXXX the people as she darted past .
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