That he only knew later . His life passed by , and each hour seemed happier than the last , when one day there rushed over him a terrible longing to see his parents . He fought against it hard , knowing how it would grieve the princess , but it grew on him stronger and stronger , till at length he became so sad that the princess inquired what was wrong . Then he told her of the longing he had to visit his old home , and that he must see his parents once more . The princess was almost frozen with horror , and implored him to stay with her , or something dreadful would be sure to happen . ` You will never come back , and we shall meet again no more , ' she moaned bitterly . But Uraschimataro stood firm and repeated , ` Only this once will I leave you , and then will I return to your side for ever . ' Sadly the princess shook her head , but she answered slowly , ` One way there is to bring you safely back , but I fear you will never agree to the conditions of the bargain . ' ' I will do anything that will bring me back to you , ' exclaimed Uraschimataro , looking at her tenderly , but the princess was silent : she knew too well that when he left her she would see his face no more . Then she took from a shelf a tiny golden box , and gave it to Uraschimataro , praying him to keep it carefully , and above all things never to open it . ` If you can do this , ' she said as she bade him farewell , ` your friend the turtle will meet you at the shore , and will carry you back to me . ' Uraschimataro thanked her from his heart , and swore solemnly to do her bidding . He hid the box safely in his garments , seated himself on the back of the turtle , and vanished in the ocean path , waving his hand to the princess . Three days and three nights they swam through the sea , and at length Uraschimataro arrived at the beach which lay before his old home . The turtle bade him farewell , and was gone in a moment . Uraschimataro drew near to the village with quick and joyful steps . He saw the smoke curling through the roof , and the thatch where green plants had thickly sprouted . He heard the children shouting and calling , and from a window that he passed came the twang of the koto , and everything seemed to cry a welcome for his return . Yet suddenly he felt a pang at his heart as he wandered down the street . After all , everything was changed .
Neither men nor houses were those he once XXXXX .
answered felt gone knew repeated seated shook sprouted swore waving