The malicious Dwarf looked at her and began to laugh
spitefully. “At least,” said he, “you have the satisfaction
of dying unmarried. A lovely Princess like you must surely
prefer to die rather than be the wife of a poor little dwarf like
myself.”
“Oh, don’t be angry with me,” cried the Princess, clasping her
hands. “I’d rather marry all the dwarfs in the world than die
in this horrible way.”
“Look at me well, Princess, before you give me your word,” said
he. “I don’t want you to promise me in a hurry.”
“Oh!” cried she, “the lions are coming. I have looked at
you enough. I am so frightened. Save me this minute, or
I shall die of terror.”
Indeed, as she spoke she fell down insensible, and when she
recovered she found herself in her own little bed at home; how she
got th
