said he to her, "here i stay no longer," gave her his hand, and led her down to the carriage. the horses hurried away to the magic castle as if the wind had been harnessed to the carriage. the illuminated windows already shone in the distance. when they drove past the lime-tree, countless glow-worms were swarming about it. it shook its branches, and sent forth their fragrance. on the steps flowers were blooming, and the room echoed with the song of strange birds, but in the hall the entire court was assembled, and the priest was waiting to marry the bridegroom to the true bride.