In the court , in the stables , and all over the great halls , they saw a number of men richly dressed , but every one turned into stone . They crossed an endless set of rooms , all opening into each other , till they reached the dining-hall . It was brilliantly lighted ; the table was covered with wine and fruit , and was laid for four . They waited a few minutes expecting some one to come , but as nobody did , they sat down and began to eat and drink , for they were very hungry . When they had done their supper they looked about for some place to sleep . But suddenly the door burst open , and the wizard entered the hall . He was old and hump-backed , with a bald head and a grey beard that fell to his knees . He wore a black robe , and instead of a belt three iron circlets clasped his waist . He led by the hand a lady of wonderful beauty , dressed in white , with a girdle of silver and a crown of pearls , but her face was pale and sad as death itself . The prince knew her in an instant , and moved eagerly forward ; but the wizard gave him no time to speak , and said : ' I know why you are here . Very good ; you may have her if for three nights following you can prevent her making her escape . If you fail in this , you and your servants will all be turned into stone , like those who have come before you . ' And offering the princess a chair , he left the hall . The prince could not take his eyes from the princess , she was so lovely ! He began to talk to her , but she neither answered nor smiled , and sat as if she were made of marble . He seated himself by her , and determined not to close his eyes that night , for fear she should escape him . And in order that she should be doubly guarded , Long stretched himself like a strap all round the room , Broad took his stand by the door and puffed himself out , so that not even a mouse could slip by , and Quickeye leant against a pillar which stood in the middle of the floor and supported the roof . But in half a second they were all sound asleep , and they slept sound the whole night long . In the morning , at the first peep of dawn , the prince awoke with a start . But the princess was gone .
He aroused his XXXXX and implored them to tell him what he must do .
floor hall hand mouse pillar prince servants time waist wine