Now let us go . ' At these words she struck the ground with her foot and a gulf opened , down which they went right into the heart of the earth . In a short time they reached Kostieï 's palace , which gives light , with a light brighter than the sun , to the dark kingdoms below . And the prince , as he had been bidden , entered boldly into the hall . Kostieï , with a shining crown upon his head , sat in the centre upon a golden throne . His green eyes glittered like glass , his hands were as the claws of a crab . When he caught sight of the prince he uttered piercing yells , which shook the walls of the palace . The prince took no notice , but continued his advance on his knees towards the throne . When he had almost reached it , the king broke out into a laugh and said : ` It has been very lucky for you that you have been able to make me laugh . Stay with us in our underground empire , only first you will have to do three things . To-night it is late . Go to sleep ; to-morrow I will tell you . ' Early the following morning the prince received a message that Kostieï was ready to see him . He got up and dressed , and hastened to the presence chamber , where the little king was seated on his throne . When the prince appeared , bowing low before him , Kostieï began : ` Now , Prince , this is what you have to do . By to-night you must build me a marble palace , with windows of crystal and a roof of gold . It is to stand in the middle of a great park , full of streams and lakes . If you are able to build it you shall be my friend . If not , off with your head . ' The prince listened in silence to this startling speech , and then returning to his room set himself to think about the certain death that awaited him .
He was quite absorbed XXXXX these thoughts , when suddenly a bee flew against the window and tapped , saying , ` Let me come in . '
By as before below down for in than that towards