they told him that their father was so ill that he would most certainly die, for nothing seemed to cure him. then the old man said, "i know of one more remedy, and that is the water of life; if he drinks of it he will become well again; but it is hard to find." the eldest said, "i will manage to find it," and went to the sick king, and begged to be allowed to go forth in search of the water of life, for that alone could save him. "no," said the king, "the danger of it is too great. i would rather die." but he begged so long that the king consented. the prince thought in his heart, "if i bring the water, then i shall be best beloved of my father, and shall inherit the kingdom." so he set out, and when he had ridden forth a little distance, a dwarf stood there in the road who called to him and said, "whither away so fast?"