Only one person was within, and that was a maiden; but she was as black
from head to foot as Fritz the charcoal burner. The Prince had never
seen the like of her in all of his life before, so he drew the rusty key
out of his pocket and took a peep at her through the ring of it, to see
what manner of body she really was.
Then he saw that she was no longer black and ugly, but as beautiful as a
ripe apple; for her forehead was as white as milk, her cheeks were as
red as blood, her eyes were as blue as the skies, and her hair was like
spun gold. Moreover, any one could see with half an eye that she was a
real princess, for she wore a gold crown on her head, such as real
princesses are never without.
"You are the one whom I seek," said the Prince.
"Yes, I am the one you seek," said she.
"And how can I free you from your enchantment?" said he.
"If you will abide here three nights, and will bear all that shall
happen to you without a word, then I shall be free," said she.
"Oh yes, I will do that," said the Prince.
After that the black Princess set a good supper before him, and the
Prince ate like three men.
By-and-by there was a huge noise, and the door opened and in came an
ugly troll with a head as big as a bucket. He rolled his great saucer
eyes around till he saw the Prince where he sat beside the fire.
[Illustration: The Prince aids the Old Woman]
"Black cats and spotted toads!" bellowed he, "what are you doing here?"
But to this the Prince answered never a word.
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