It
was hard work indeed, for the briars were so strong and so sharp that
you would never believe that anyone could get past them, and they
closed up behind him as he went.
But he was strong and brave, and after a time the way became easier,
until at last he came to the palace.
There everyone was sleeping--the sentinels and soldiers in the
court-yard, the cooks in the kitchen, and pages and lords and
ladies-in-waiting in the corridors and chambers; and, in the great
throne-room the King and Queen on their golden and ivory thrones.
Prince Florimond passed on, wondering more and more, till he came at
length to the narrow staircase which led to the little tower in which
the Princess had fallen asleep. He mounted this, and then came the
greatest wonder of all--the beautiful sleeping lady, in her glistening
white robes. She was so beautiful that to see her almost took away his
breath; and, falling on his knees, he bent to kiss her cheek. And as
he kissed her, she opened her lovely blue eyes and said, smiling: "Oh!
Prince, have you come at last? I have had such pleasant dreams."
Then she sat up laughing and rubbing her eyes, and gave him her hand,
and they went hand in hand together down the stairs and along the
corridors, till they came to the throne-room.
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