` Malicious Sprite , ' she cried , ` why do you begrudge me my playmates -- the greatest delight of my lonely hours ? Is n't this solitary life in such a desert bad enough without your turning the castle into a hospital for the aged ? Give my maidens back their youth and health this very minute , or I will never love you ! ' ` Sweetest and fairest of damsels , ' cried the gnome , ` do not be angry ; everything that is in my power I will do -- but do not ask the impossible . So long as the sap was fresh in the roots the magic staff could keep them in the forms you desired , but as the sap dried up they withered away . But never trouble yourself about that , dearest one , a basket of fresh turnips will soon set matters right , and you can speedily call up again every form you wish to see . The great green patch in the garden will prove you with a more lively company . ' So saying the gnome took himself off . And the princess with her magic wand touched the wrinkled old women , and left them the withered roots they really were , to be thrown upon the rubbish heap ; and with light feet skipped off across to the meadow to take possession of the freshly filled basket . But to her surprise she could not find it anywhere . Up and down the garden she searched , spying into every corner , but not a sign of it was to be found . By the trellis of grape vines she met the gnome , who was so much embarrassed at the sight of her that she became aware of his confusion while he was still quite a long way off . ` You are trying to tease me , ' she cried , as soon as she saw him . ` Where have you hidden the basket ? I have been looking for it at least an hour . ' ` Dear queen of my heart , ' answered he , ' I pray you to forgive my carelessness . I promised more than I could perform . I have sought all over the land for the roots you desire ; but they are gathered in , and lie drying in musty cellars , and the fields are bare and desolate , for below in the valley winter reigns , only here in your presence spring is held fast , and wherever your foot is set the gay flowers bloom . Have patience for a little , and then without fail you shall have your puppets to play with . ' Almost before the gnome had finished , the disappointed princess turned away , and marched off to her own apartments , without deigning to answer him .
The gnome , however , XXXXX off above ground as speedily as possible , and disguising himself as a farmer , bought an ass in the nearest market-town , and brought it back loaded with sacks of turnip , carrot , and radish seed .
Have became dearest fail filled finished set sought take took