So the poor prince became gradually quite forlorn and solitary;
he thought all the world was mad, but still he never thought of there
being anything queer about his own nose.
At last the old fairy, who, though she was a chatter-box, was very
good-natured, saw that he was almost breaking his heart. She felt
sorry for him, and wished to help him in spite of himself, for she
knew the enchantment, which hid from him the Princess Darling, could
never be broken till he had discovered his own defect. So she went in
search of the princess, and being more powerful than the magician,
since she was a good fairy, and he was an evil magician, she got her
away from him, and shut her up in a palace of crystal, which she
placed on the road which Prince Wish had to pass.
He was riding along, very melancholy, when he saw the palace; and at
its entrance was a room, made of the purest glass, in which sat his
beloved princess, smiling and beautiful as ever. He leaped from his
horse, and ran towards her. She held out her hand for him to kiss, but
he could not get at it for the glass. Transported with eagerness and
delight, he dashed his sword through the crystal, and succeeded in
breaking a small opening, to which she put up her beautiful rosy
mouth. But it was in vain, Prince Wish could not approach it. He
twisted his neck about, and turned his head on all sides, till at
length, putting up his hand to his face, he discovered the
impediment.
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