now, it so happened that a prince arrived in these parts. he was the son of a king in a country close by. young, handsome and melancholy, he sought in solitude everything he could not find in the company of other men: serenity, sincerity and purity. wandering on his trusty steed he arrived, one day, at the dark forest. being adventurous, he decided to

　　explore it. he made his way through slowly and with a struggle, for the trees and bushes grew in a thick tangle. a few hours later, now losing heart, he was about to turn his orse and go back when he thought he could see something through the trees . . . he pushed back the branches . . .. wonder of wonders! there in front of him stood a castle with high towers. the young man stood stock still in amazement,

　　"i wonder who this castle belongs to?" he thought.

　　the young prince rode on towards the castle. the drawbridge was down and, holding his horse by the reins, he crossed over it. immediately he saw the inhabitants draped all over the steps, the halls and courtyards, and said to himself,

　　"good heavens! they`re dead!" but in a moment, he realised that they were sound asleep. "wake up! wake up!" he shouted, but nobody moved. still thoroughly astonished, he went into the castle and again discovered more people, lying fast asleep on the floor. as

　　though led by a hand in the complete silence, the prince finally reached the room where the beautiful princess lay fast asleep. for a long time he stood gazing at her face, so full of serenity, so peaceful, lovely and pure, and he felt spring to his heart that