While she was thus suspended , expecting every moment to be dashed to the ground , four fairies happened to pass by . ` Look , sisters , ' cried one , ` surely that is the old woman that the king sent for . Shall we wish that her clothes may give way , and that she should be dashed to the ground ? ' ` Oh no ! no ! ' exclaimed another . ` Let us wish her something good . I myself will wish her youth . ' ` And I beauty . ' ` And I wisdom . ' ` And I a tender heart . ' So spake the fairies , and went their way , leaving the most beautiful maiden in the world behind them . The next morning when the king looked from his window he saw this lovely creature hanging on the nail . ` Ah ! what have I done ? Surely I must have been blind last night ! ' And he ordered long ladders to be brought and the maiden to be rescued . Then he fell on his knees before her , and prayed her to forgive him , and a great feast was made in her honour . Some days after came the ninety-year-old sister to the palace and asked for the queen . ` Who is that hideous old witch ? '
said the XXXXX .
Shall feast ground honour king maiden morning way wisdom witch