“‘Now, the poor Princess has the power to appear in a dream to any one she wishes to come and deliver her from the wicked old magician’s power. But this is her only privilege. She can never stir from his palace (except in dreams) unless by his especial invitation. Once every day he invites her to come forth. At the sunset hour he calls her, and with her maidens she walks out upon a spacious balcony. But she is a brave princess, and she courageously wears her crimson flower dress, and gives him only scornful looks.
“‘The magician occasionally invites her out on the balcony for a cruel purpose—to show her the fate of each brave knight who tries to rescue her. Sometimes the gallant youth is already dead. Sometimes the wicked magician changes him into some four-footed creature before her eyes, making him wander upon the earth afterward as an animal. Alas! dear Prince,’ continued Evening Star, sadly, ‘I dread to see you go upon this dangerous expedition.’
“‘Do not fear for me,’ answered Oswald, bravely. ‘At last, I have learned where the beautiful Princess of my dreams is imprisoned. No matter what the dangers are, I will find her and rescue her.’
“Indeed, he was so rejoiced at the news brought by Evening Star that he slept with a light heart that night, and at early dawn started again toward the Setting Sun. Every evening the sky was tinged with the lovely red, but he had no other sign from the Princess.
“One night he stopped at a castle where he met the beautiful daughter of a wealthy and powerful duke. After a handsome banquet and ball given in his honor, where the young countess paid him the highest honors, the duke approached him, and offered to give him her hand in marriage if he would remain and help to govern the people.
“Now, Oswald was very grateful for all this kindness, but his heart was too full of the Sunset Princess to think of any other maiden. So, after thanking the duke courteously, he declined the honor. The young countess tossed her pretty head in disdain when she heard he loved another, and told him he was a fool for his pains, and that he would never rescue the Sunset Princess.
“But Oswald was not discouraged by her words, and continued his journey.
“That night he approached another forest, so dark and gloomy that he could not see his hand before him. But he remembered the red light that shone from his ruby-handled sword, and when he held it up he saw the path quite plainly before him. He heard dreadful squeaking noises all about him; groans and sudden cries and many dangers beset him.