Still the beautiful Princess languished in her prison. Every night at
sunset she was taken up to the roof for a glimpse of the sky, and told
to bid good-by to the sun, for the next morning would surely be her
last. Then she would wring her lily-white hands and wave a sad farewell
to her home, lying far to the westward. When the knights saw this they
would rush down to the chasm and sound a challenge to the Ogre.
They were brave men, and they would not have feared to meet the fiercest
wild beasts, but many shrunk back when the Ogre came rushing out. They
dared not meet in single combat, this monster with the gnashing teeth,
each one of which was as big as a millston.
Among those who drew back were Ethelried's brothers (the three that were
dark and the three that were fair). They would not acknowledge their
fear. They said, "We are only waiting to lay some wily plan to
capture the Ogre."
[Illustration: THE PRINCESS.]
After several days Ethelried reached the place on foot. "See him,"
laughed one of the brothers that was dark to one that was fair. "He
comes afoot; no prancing steed, no waving plumes, no trusty sword;
little and lorn, he is not fit to be called a brother to princes."
But Ethelried heeded not their taunts. He dashed across the drawbridge,
and, opening his scissors, cried:
"Giant scissors, rise in power!
Grant me my heart's desire this hour!"
The crowds on the other side held their breath as the Ogre rushed out,
brandishing a club as big as a church steeple.
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