Delphine was afraid to speak to him, and stood still, at a little distance. She soon observed that his office was to take care of the swans, and prevent their going out of the water. When any did so, he whistled to them, and if they did not obey him, he stretched out his switch, which had the remarkable property of lengthening or shortening—just as he wished to have it. Delphine could see no one save this little old man, nor any mode of reaching the palace; therefore she gained courage to say, “Good friend, can you show me how to get out of the forest? I wish to go home.” The grey-beard looked at her in surprise, but did not speak; he merely made her understand, by signs, that she should sit down, which she did.
Then he whistled, and presently there came a large swan from the lake, which laid itself down before him. The little old man seated himself on the swan’s back, throwing one of his arms round its neck, and away the trusty bird swam with him across the lake; there he alighted, and went into the palace. Delphine waited some time, curious to see what would happen, but she did not feel afraid. At length she saw four black swans swim from a creek of the lake, harnessed to a beautiful little green boat, adorned with silver, and shaded by a pair of wings, which covered the seats; the front was in shape like a swan’s neck.
The grey-beard sat there, looking much more agreeable than before. He gave Delphine a sign to step in, which she did; they then sailed gently across the lake, and as soon as they reached the other side, he handed her out and led her to the palace.
In the hall, sat the King of the Swans. He wore a robe of the purest white silk, bordered with swan’s down; a golden crown was upon his head, and he was surrounded by richly dressed attendants.
“What dost thou seek in my kingdom?” inquired he.
“I have found all I sought,” answered Delphine; “but I pray your majesty to let some one of your attendants direct me home, for I find I have wandered in the wrong direction.”
“Very well,” said the King, “what hast thou to offer?”
“Alas!” replied Delphine, “I have nothing at all. If I had known what you would have wished of me, I should have brought it with me from home.”
“Thou hast strawberries,” rejoined the King, “and I like them above all things. Give me thy strawberries, and then one of my servants shall show thee the way home.”
“Alas! I cannot give thee all,” continued Delphine; “they are for my sick friend, who must die if she does not get them; but I will willingly give you some of them.”