` Oh , Madam Lion , take me back , I pray you , to my castle ; and fix what ransom you like , for my husband will pay it , whatever it is . But the giantess shook her head . ' I am rich enough already , ' she answered , ` but I am often dull , and I think you may amuse me a little . ' And , so saying , she changed her shape into that of a lion , and throwing the queen across her back , she went down the ten thousand steps that led to her palace . The lion had reached the centre of the earth before she stopped in front of a house , lighted with lamps , and built on the edge of a lake of quicksilver . In this lake various huge monsters might be seen playing or fighting -- the queen did not know which -- and around flew rooks and ravens , uttering dismal croaks . In the distance was a mountain down whose sides waters slowly coursed -- these were the tears of unhappy lovers -- and nearer the gate were trees without either fruit of flowers , while nettles and brambles covered the ground . If the castle had been gloomy , what did the queen feel about this ? For some days the queen was so much shaken by all she had gone through that she lay with her eyes closed , unable either to move or speak . When she got better , the Lion Fairy told her that if she liked she could build herself a cabin , as she would have to spend her life in that place . At these words the queen burst into tears , and implored her gaoler to put her to death rather than condemn her to such a life ; but the Lion Fairy only laughed , and counselled her to try to make herself pleasant , as many worse things might befall her . ` Is there no way in which I can touch your heart ? ' asked the poor girl in despair . ` Well , if you really wish to please me you will make me a pasty out of the stings of bees , and be sure it is good . ' ` But I do n't see any bees , ' answered the queen , looking round . ` Oh , no , there are n't any , ' replied her tormentor ; ` but you will have to find them all the same . ' And , so saying , she went away . ` After all , what does it matter ? ' thought the queen to herself , ' I have only one life , and I can but lose it . ' And not caring what she did , she left the palace and seating herself under a yew tree , poured out all her grief .
` Oh , my dear husband , ' wept she , ` what will you think when you come to the XXXXX to fetch me and find me gone ?
back cabin castle house life shape steps tree way words