imself by vowing that, happen what might, he would make it illustrious.

In order to carry out her plans for his welfare the Fairy now began to
send Prince Mannikin the most wonderful dreams of adventure by sea and
land, and of these adventures he himself was always the hero. Sometimes
he rescued a lovely Princess from some terrible danger, again he earned
a kingdom by some brave deed, until at last he longed to go away and
seek his fortune in a far country where his humble birth would not
prevent his gaining honour and riches by his courage, and it was with a
heart full of ambitious projects that he rode one day into a great city
not far from the Fairy's castle. As he had set out intending to hunt in
the surrounding forest he was quite simply dressed, and carried only a
bow and arrows and a light spear; but even thus arrayed he looked
graceful and distinguished. As he entered the city he saw that the
inhabitants were all racing with one accord towards the market-place,
and he also turned his horse in the same direction, curious to know what
was going forward. When he reached the spot he found that certain
foreigners of strange and outlandish appearance were about to make a
proclamation to the assembled citizens, and he hastily pushed his way
into the crowd until he was near enough to hear the words of the
venerable old man who was their spokesman:

'Let the whole world know that he who can reach the summit of the Ice
Mountain shall receive as his reward, not only the incomparable Sabella,
fairest of the fair, but also all the realms of which she is Queen!'
'Here,' continued the old man after he had made this proclamation--'here
is the list of all those Princes who, struck by the beauty of the
Princess, have perished in the attempt to win her; and here is the list
of those who have just entered upon the high emprise.'

Prince Mannikin was seized with a violent desire to inscribe his name
among the others, but the remembrance of his dependent position and his
lack of wealth held him back. But while he hesitated the old man, with
many respectful ceremonies, unveiled a portrait of the lovely Sabella,
which was carried by some of the attendants, and after one glance at it
the Prince delayed no longer, but, rushing forward, demanded permission
to add his name to the list. When they saw his tiny stature and simple
attire the strangers looked at each other doubtfully, not knowing
whether to accept or refuse him. But the Princ