But we did not know what had happened to us , for the night was still dark . ` At this point Tezila appeared , followed by a troop of slaves bearing flowers . It was only by the light of their torches that we understood what had occurred . Indeed the first thought of both of us was that we must have changed clothes . ` Now in spite of what we may say , we all prefer our own bodies to those of anybody else , so notwithstanding our love for each other , at first we could not help feeling a little cross with Thelamis . However , so deep was the prince 's passion for me , that very soon he began to congratulate himself on the change . `` My happiness is perfect , '' he said , `` my heart , beautiful Dely , has always been yours , and now I have your head also . '' ` But though the prince made the best of it , Thelamis was much ashamed of his stupidity . `` I have , '' he said hesitatingly , `` two other pastilles which have the same magic properties as those I used before . Let me cut off your heads again , and that will put matters straight . '' The proposal sounded tempting , but was a little risky , and after consulting together we decided to let things remain as they were . `` Do not blame me then , '' continued Thelamis , `` if you will not accept my offer . But take the two pastilles , and if it ever happens that you are decapitated a second time , make use of them in the way I have shown you , and each will get back his own head . '' So saying he presented us with the pastilles , and we all returned to the castle . ` However , the troubles caused by the unfortunate exchange were only just beginning . My head , without thinking what it was doing , led the prince 's body to my apartments . But my women , only looking at the dress , declared I had mistaken the corridor , and called some slaves to conduct me to his Highness 's rooms . This was bad enough , but when -- as it was still night -- my servants began to undress me , I nearly fainted from surprise and confusion , and no doubt the Prince 's head was suffering in the same manner at the other end of the castle ! ` By the next morning -- you will easily guess that we slept but little -- we had grown partly accustomed to our strange situation , and when we looked in the mirror , the prince had become brown-skinned and black-haired , while my head was covered with his curly golden locks . And after that first day , every one in the palace had become so accustomed to the change that they thought no more about it .
` Some weeks XXXXX this , we heard that the king of the Isle of Black Marble was dead .
At after as before by for from of on to