"It is too late, my father, I cannot."
The princely lover lost no time in setting out to conquer Magor, the King of the Magicians, who held the beautiful Princess in enchantment.
Prince Erian had been travelling for several days, when he came to a gloomy forest. Unfortunately, in passing through this dark forest, he lost his way, and in spite of all his efforts, he could not find it again. He wandered about in the woods for some time when, suddenly, and as if by magic, a stranger appeared before him.
"Good-day, friend!" exclaimed Prince Erian. "What are you doing, and what is your name?"
"My name is Long," replied the other; "and I am looking for a master who needs my services."
"The master is already found," said the young Prince. "If you give your consent you shall serve me."
"Agreed!" exclaimed Long. "From this day I am entirely subject to your orders."
"For the present," said Prince Erian. "I ask nothing of you except to help me find my way out of this terrible forest."
"Is that all? Wait a moment." With this, Long stretched himself to such an amazing extent that his head was above the tallest trees of the forest.
"What are you doing?" asked the astonished Prince.