But her father only shook his head sadly . ` Never will I bring shame upon you , ' urged the girl . ` Let me go . Am I not a princess , and the daughter of an emperor ? ' ` Go then ! ' he said . The brave girl 's heart almost stopped beating from joy , as she set about her preparations . She was not still for a single moment , but danced about the house , turning chests and wardrobes upside down . She set aside enough things for a whole year -- dresses embroidered with gold and precious stones , and a great store of provisions . And she chose the most spirited horse in the stable , with eyes of flame , and a coat of shining silver . When her father saw her mounted and curvetting about the court , he gave her much wise advice , as to how she was to behave like the young man she appeared to be , and also how to behave as the girl she really was . Then he gave her his blessing , and she touched her horse with the spur . The silver armour of herself and her steed dazzled the eyes of the people as she darted past . She was soon out of sight , and if after a few miles she had not pulled up to allow her escort to join her , the rest of the journey would have been performed alone . But though none of his daughters were aware of the fact , the old emperor was a magician , and had laid his plans accordingly . He managed , unseen , to overtake his daughter , and throw a bridge of copper over a stream which she would have to cross . Then , changing himself into a wolf , he lay down under one of the arches , and waited . He had chosen his time well , and in about half an hour the sound of a horse 's hoofs was heard . His feet were almost on the bridge , when a big grey wolf with grinning teeth appeared before the princess . With a deep growl that froze the blood , he drew himself up , and prepared to spring .
The appearance of the XXXXX was so sudden and so unexpected , that the girl was almost paralysed , and never even dreamt of flight , till the horse leaped violently to one side .
arches emperor growl heart house joy moment princess spring wolf