` What is the matter ? ' ` Alas ! mother , ' answered the Prince , ' I have lost my sweet shepherdess , but I am determined to find her again , though I should have to traverse the whole world in search of her . ' ` Go that way , my son , ' said the old woman , pointing towards the path that led to the castle . ' I have an idea that you will soon overtake her . ' The Prince thanked her heartily and set out . As he met with no hindrance , he soon reached the enchanted wood which surrounded the castle , and there he thought he saw the Princess Sunbeam gliding before him among the trees . Prince Peerless hastened after her at the top of his speed , but could not get any nearer ; then he called to her : ` Sunbeam , my darling -- only wait for me a moment . ' But the phantom did but fly the faster , and the Prince spent the whole day in this vain pursuit . When night came he saw the castle before him all lighted up , and as he imagined that the Princess must be in it , he made haste to get there too . He entered without difficulty , and in the hall the terrible old Fairy met him . She was so thin that the light shone through her , and her eyes glowed like lamps ; her skin was like a shark 's , her arms were thin as laths , and her fingers like spindles . Nevertheless she wore rouge and patches , a mantle of silver brocade and a crown of diamonds , and her dress was covered with jewels , and green and pink ribbons . ` At last you have come to see me , Prince , ' said she . ` Do n't waste another thought upon that little shepherdess , who is unworthy of your notice . I am the Queen of the Comets , and can bring you to great honour if you will marry me . ' ` Marry you , Madam , ' cried the Prince , in horror . ` No , I will never consent to that . ' Thereupon the Fairy , in a rage , gave two strokes of her wand and filled the gallery with horrible goblins , against whom the Prince had to fight for his life . Though he had only his dagger , he defended himself so well that he escaped without any harm , and presently the old Fairy stopped the fray and asked the Prince if he was still of the same mind .
When he answered firmly that he was , she called up the appearance XXXXX the Princess Sunbeam to the other end of the gallery , and said : ` You see your beloved there ?
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