The wise man told him and said:
"I will tell you two things. One thing is for you to do, and one thing is for you not to do.
"The thing to do is this: When you get to the country of the elves, take hold of your father's sword, pull it out quickly, and cut off the head of any one who speaks to you, till you find the princess Ellen.
"The thing not to do is this: Bite no bit and drink no drop till you come back. Go hungry and thirsty while you are in the country of the elves."
Childe Rowland said the two things over and over, so that he should not forget.
Then he went on his way.
He went on and on and on, till he came to some horses with eyes of fire.
Then he knew he was in the country of the elves.
A man was with the horses.