` There is a princess in the castle . Do you see her ? ' ' A wizard keeps her in a high tower , guarded by iron bars . ' ` Ah , help me to deliver her ! ' cried the prince . And they promised they would . Then they all set out through the grey rocks , by the breach made by the eyes of Quickeye , and passed over great mountains and through deep woods . And every time they met with any obstacle the three friends contrived somehow to put it aside . As the sun was setting , the prince beheld the towers of the Iron Castle , and before it sank beneath the horizon he was crossing the iron bridge which led to the gates . He was only just in time , for no sooner had the sun disappeared altogether , than the bridge drew itself up and the gates shut themselves . There was no turning back now ! The prince put up his horse in the stable , where everything looked as if a guest was expected , and then the whole party marched straight up to the castle . In the court , in the stables , and all over the great halls , they saw a number of men richly dressed , but every one turned into stone . They crossed an endless set of rooms , all opening into each other , till they reached the dining-hall . It was brilliantly lighted ; the table was covered with wine and fruit , and was laid for four . They waited a few minutes expecting some one to come , but as nobody did , they sat down and began to eat and drink , for they were very hungry . When they had done their supper they looked about for some place to sleep . But suddenly the door burst open , and the wizard entered the hall . He was old and hump-backed , with a bald head and a grey beard that fell to his knees . He wore a black robe , and instead of a belt three iron circlets clasped his waist .
He led XXXXX the hand a lady of wonderful beauty , dressed in white , with a girdle of silver and a crown of pearls , but her face was pale and sad as death itself .
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