There will
then be unheard-of joy; they will gladly lead the golden horse to thee
and give it thee. Mount it instantly, and give your hand to everyone
at parting, and last of all to the Princess. Grasp her hand firmly;
make her spring into the saddle behind thee, and then gallop away; no
one will be able to overtake thee, for the golden horse runs faster
than the wind."
This was all happily accomplished, and the King's son carried off the
beautiful Princess on the golden horse. The fox did not remain behind,
and spoke thus to the young Prince:
"Now I will help thee to find the golden bird. When thou comest near
the castle where the bird is to be found, let the Princess dismount,
and I will take her under my protection. Then ride on the golden horse
to the courtyard of the palace, where thy coming will cause great joy,
and they will fetch the golden bird for thee. Directly the cage is in
thy hands, gallop back to us and fetch the maiden again."
When this plot was successfully carried out, and the Prince was about
to ride home with his treasure, the fox said, "Now must thou reward me
for all my services."
"What is it that thou dost desire?" enquired the Prince.
"When we come to yonder wood, thou must shoot me dead and cut off my
head and paws.
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