All was silence in the palace hall. Only the sound of his own footsteps could Prince Courageous hear.
Everybody was fast asleep--the horses in their stalls, the pigeons on the roof, the birds in their nests, the servants in the halls, the king and queen on their golden throne.
Prince Courageous tiptoed through the silent rooms. Finally, he reached the narrow stairway that led to the tower.
The prince climbed the winding stairs. There, beside the spinning wheel, lay the beautiful princess, fast asleep.
Stepping softly to her side, he kissed the princess on the cheek. Thorn Rose opened her eyes--and there stood the prince!
And now all the court awoke.
The horses began to neigh. The dogs began to bark. The pigeons cooed. The birds sang. The kitchen fire burst into flame.
The sun shone brightly, and the roses on the palace wall swayed in the breeze.
The prince and the princess were married next day, and the seven good fairies danced at the wedding feast.