Before the Knight could say "thank you," the little old man had disappeared.
So Sir Hunny Bee rode on over hill and dale for seven times seven leagues, and there, just as the old man had said, was a gate-post, and on the gate-post a sign-board.
Sir Hunny Bee dismounted from his horse and led it by the silver-belled bridle up to the gate-post, that he might read the directions that were written in red letters upon the sign-board.
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"THE GARDEN OF THE PRINCESS MARY RADIANT" No man shall be admitted here, Till he a fine doth pay. And he who will not pay the fine From hence must ride away. By him that rides here over land, A silver bell is paid. He that flies hither through the air, Must bring a dark-faced maid. While he that through the sea doth swim, Must bring a cockle-shell with him. By order, M. R. |
"'By him that rides here over land,
A silver bell is paid,'"
repeated Sir Hunny Bee. "But the question is, to whom do I pay it?"
Once more, like a jack-in-the-box, the little wizened old man appeared in front of the Knight.
"To me," he said, "and I will take you in. But though you may see all over the garden, I doubt it you will be allowed to see the Princess. She has a very uncertain disposition, and sometimes will not appear for days together."
So Sir Hunny Bee cut off one of the silver bells from his bridle and gave it to the old man, who put it carefully in his hat, and then led the Knight and his horse into the garden.
What a garden it was!