East of the Sun and West of the Moon (16)

East of the Sun and West of the Moon (16)

When they came near the North Wind's dwelling, he was so wild and frantic that they felt cold gusts a long while before they got there.

" What do you want ? " he roared out from afar, and they froze as they heard.

Said the South Wind ; " It is I, and this is she who should have had the Prince who lives in the castle which lies east of the sun and west of the moon, And now she wishes to ask you if you have ever been there, and can tell her the way, for she would gladly find him again. "

" Yes, " said the North Wind, " I know where it is. I once blew an aspen leaf there, but I was so tired that for many days afterwards I was not able to blow at all.  However, if you really are anxious to go there, and are not afraid to go with me, I will take you on my back, and try if I can blow you there. "

" Get there I must, " said she ; " and if thereis nay way of going I will ; and I have no fear, no matter how fast you go. "

" Very well then, " said the North Wind ; " but you must sleep here to-night, for if we were ever to get there we must have the day before us. "

(16/23)