And, at worst, if I perish, it will be in a good cause.

Better it should be so than that our people should be driven from their homes, the whole country devastated, and all its happiness destroyed.' "The king and queen had no answer to give but their tears.

But the Princess remained firm, and they found themselves obliged to do as she directed.

A messenger was sent to the monster to inform him, for the third time, that his terms were to be agreed to, and the rest of the day was spent in the palace in weeping and lamentation.
"Only, strange to say, the Princess shed no tears.

She seemed as cheerful as usual; she played with her golden balls, and endeavoured to comfort her sorrowful parents, and was so brave and hopeful that in spite of themselves the poor king and queen could not help feeling a little comforted.
"'It is a good sign that she has never left off playing with her balls,' they said to each other.