As there was nothing else to be done, the old man took up his staff.
"Come along, then," said he, and started off in the direction of the wood, and, though it was some days' journey, a glow flushed all through the gray shape of the dream at the news, and its eyes began to shine again.
And so they took their way.
But meanwhile the two lovers had gone from village to village, and city to city, vainly asking news of their dream. And to every one they asked they showed their treasure and said:
"This is all yours if you can but give us back our dream."
But nowhere could they learn any tidings, but gleaned only mockery and derision.
"You must be mad," said some, "to seek a dream when you have all that wealth in your pack. Of what use is a dream to any one? And what more dream do you want than gold and precious stones?"
"Ah! our dream," said the lovers, "is worth all the gold and jewels in the world."
Sometimes others would come, bringing their own dreams.
"Take this," they would say, "and give us your treasure."