The moment he saw the picture he fell in love with it. He made inquiry, and heard all there was to tell, then he arranged himself for a journey and came to bid his father farewell.
"I go," he said, "to woo the Princess Rose for my bride." And in spite of all the King could say he kept firm.
"If she is a witch," he said, "I would rather perish by her hands than live with any other."
And amidst tears and lamentations he set out.
He was received with great delight at the court of Princess Rose's parents—though he came without any pomp or display; for he lost no time in telling the King and Queen the reason of his visit. Knowing him to be a Prince of most estimable character they were overjoyed to hear of his resolve.
"I only trust," said the Queen, "that all may be well. But, as you have doubtless heard, our darling child, despite her beauty and goodness, is under a spell."
She then proceeded to tell him the whole matter of which he had already heard garbled accounts.
He was relieved to find that the enchantment was of no worse a nature, and declared that it made no difference in his intentions, but rather increased his love for the Princess.
And when he first set eyes on her (more beautiful by far than even the beautiful portrait) he felt that his whole life would not be too much to devote to her even considering her strange affliction.
"And who knows," he said to himself, "but that such love as mine may find out a way to release her from the spell?"