`` It was a strange wooing and the friends of the princess begged her to refuse . But her pride whispered that it would be such a wonderful thing to be the queen of the king of the world ; so she consented ; and her maidens dressed her , and put on the long lace veil that had been so many years a-making . Then they were married at once , but the bridegroom never lifted his visor and no one saw his face . The proud princess held herself more proudly than ever , but she was as white as her veil . And there was no laughter or merry-making , such as should be at a wedding , and every one looked at every one else with fear in his eyes . `` After the wedding the bridegroom lifted his bride before him on his white horse , and her father and all the members of his court mounted , too , and rode after them . On and on they rode , and the skies grew darker and the wind blew and wailed , and the shades of evening came down . And just in the twilight they rode into a dark valley , filled with tombs and graves . '' ` Why have you brought me here ? ' cried the proud princess angrily . '' ` This is my kingdom , ' he answered . ` These are the tombs of the kings I have conquered . Behold me , beautiful princess . I am Death ! ' `` He lifted his visor . All saw his awful face . The proud princess shrieked . '' ` Come to my arms , my bride , ' he cried . ' I have won you fairly . I am the king who conquers all kings ! '
`` He clasped her fainting form XXXXX his breast and spurred his white horse to the tombs .
After as at before in into so than that to