“Whither are you going?”
“Far, along the way of thistles, to the royal castle. To the Princess Emeralda.”
“She is the Princess of the Jewel, and I weep jewels. I shed them for her. Once there was a time ... that I wept pearls.... O father, let me go!”
“Go, then.... And do penance.”
“Thanks, father.... Oh, give me your blessing!”
The hermit blessed her. She went then as a pilgrim in her penance-garb. The path was steep and covered with thistles.
In the distance was heard the song of the shepherds.