-LSB- Illustration : the sadness of her face seemed to pass into his heart . -RSB- As he said the words the young girl blushed and hung her head , and all the other figures vanished . The young prince went quickly back to his father , and told him all he had seen and which wife he had chosen . The old man listened to him full of sorrow , and then he spoke : ` You have done ill , my son , to search out that which was hidden , and you are running to meet a great danger . This young girl has fallen into the power of a wicked sorcerer , who lives in an iron castle . Many young men have tried to deliver her , and none have ever come back . But what is done is done ! You have given your word , and it can not be broken . Go , dare your fate , and return to me safe and sound . ' So the prince embraced his father , mounted his horse , and set forth to seek his bride . He rode on gaily for several hours , till he found himself in a wood where he had never been before , and soon lost his way among its winding paths and deep valleys . He tried in vain to see where he was : the thick trees shut out the sun , and he could not tell which was north and which was south , so that he might know what direction to make for . He felt in despair , and had quite given up all hope of getting out of this horrible place , when he heard a voice calling to him . ` Hey ! hey ! stop a minute ! ' The prince turned round and saw behind him a very tall man , running as fast as his legs would carry him . ` Wait for me , ' he panted , ` and take me into your service . If you do , you will never be sorry . ' ` Who are you ? '
asked the XXXXX , ` and what can you do ? '
fate father man men place prince sound valleys way wife