'You may keep it for ever and ever, Princess dear,' he said, 'if you will only marry me.'
'Oh, I can't!' she cried. 'I'm never going to marry anyone unless I love him more than all the world.'
'I feel as if I'd loved you all my lives,' said Muscadel—'all my life, I mean. Couldn't you wish to love me?'
'I don't think I want to,' said the Princess doubtfully.
'Then I must have the jewel. I'll find some way yet of making you love me, and then you shall have it for ever and ever.'
'If I loved you,' said she, 'I suppose I shouldn't mind your having red hair, and a red face, and red ears, and red hands, should I?'
'Not a bit,' said the archer cheerfully.
She stood there, twisting the magic jewel round and round on her Royal finger.
'I suppose it's more important than anything else to love someone?' she said.
'Much,' said he.