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The three princes readily agreed to ⟨the⟩ proposal, each concluding himself ⟨most⟩ likely to succeed in fulfilling this extraordinary request. After taking leave of the⟨king⟩ they set out, with orders to return that ⟨day⟩ twelvemonth with dogs. Each took a different road, without any attendants; ⟨but⟩ we shall leave the two eldest at present, ⟨and⟩ confine our story to the youngest.
This accomplished prince, as he was ⟨more⟩ desirous to show his duty to his father ⟨than⟩ to become a king, was more fortunate in ⟨his⟩ undertaking than either of the others. ⟨One⟩ night, having travelled till it was very late and being overtaken by a storm in a ⟨large⟩ forest, he discovered a light at a distance and, pursuing his journey with all speed, ⟨he⟩ arrived at a most stately castle, the gates ⟨of⟩ which were of massy gold, and the walls ⟨of⟩ fine china, whereon were painted the histories of all the fairies that ever appeared ⟨on⟩ earth. At the door hung a chain of diamonds, with a deer’s foot at the end; on pulling which, the prince heard a bell of so pleasing a sound, that he concluded it to be made of gold or silver. Immediately the door opened, and twelve hands, each holding a flambeau, gently conducted him into a hall of motherof-pearl, and from thence through a vast variety of chambers, all richly covered with paintings and jewels. The beauty
