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 by 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 . The prince knew her in an instant , and moved eagerly forward ; but the wizard gave him no time to speak , and said : ' I know why you are here . Very good ; you may have her if for three nights following you can prevent her making her escape . If you fail in this , you and your servants will all be turned into stone , like those who have come before you . ' And offering the princess a chair , he left the hall . The prince could not take his eyes from the princess , she was so lovely ! He began to talk to her , but she neither answered nor smiled , and sat as if she were made of marble . He seated himself by her , and determined not to close his eyes that night , for fear she should escape him . And in order that she should be doubly guarded , Long stretched himself like a strap all round the room , Broad took his stand by the door and puffed himself out , so that not even a mouse could slip by , and Quickeye leant against a pillar which stood in the middle of the floor and supported the roof . But in half a second they were all sound asleep , and they slept sound the whole night long . In the morning , at the first peep of dawn , the prince awoke with a start . But the princess was gone . He aroused his servants and implored them to tell him what he must do . ` Calm yourself , my lord , ' said Quickeye . ' I have found her already . A hundred miles from here there is a forest . In the middle of the forest , an old oak , and on the top of the oak , an acorn . This acorn is the princess .
If Long will take me XXXXX his shoulders , we shall soon bring her back . '
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