“Then you can’t go in,” said the soldier. And so loud a dispute arose that the king came himself; and when he heard what was the matter, he brought them in gladly, and made them sit down at table. Then the witch who was there told a wicked lie. “These children,” said she, “have said that they can bring the Sound and Song of the Lovely Sibyl.” But they had not promised anything of the kind. “Very well,” said the king, “let them come back with it here.” So the hermit and the children went away, and the eldest boy set out. “If I am not back in seven days,” said he, “you may know that something has happened to me.” He rode on till he came to a hermit with a white beard sitting by the roadside. “Where are you going?” asked this hermit. “Well-bred people don’t put questions of that sort,” answered the prince and passed on. After the seven days were gone the second brother determined to try his luck, as the first had not yet returned. He, too, met the hermit, received the same question, gave the same answer, and rode away. Now another seven days had elapsed, and the sister resolved to set out; but first she asked the advice of the fairy. “After some time you will find a white-bearded hermit,” said the fairy; “don’t answer him as your brothers have done: tell him where you are going, and he will help you.” So when she reached the old man she told him about the quest on which her brothers and herself had set out. “Just look among my hair,” said the hermit, “and comb it. Will you?” And when she had done so he gave her a small rod and a couple of cakes, saying:— “Ride on till you come to a palace with two lions in front of it. Throw the cakes to the lions and strike the door with the rod; it will open and in the hall you will see a beautiful girl. She will tell you what you want to know.” So the maiden thanked the hermit and rode off. When she reached the palace she followed the hermit’s directions and found the girl. “Take this rod,” said she, “and go into yonder garden. There you will find a bird which will come fluttering round your head and shoulders. Don’t attempt to catch it, however, till it reaches your lap; then put both hands over it quickly, hold it tightly, and it will tell you how to free your brothers. That bird is the Sound and Song of the Lovely Sibyl.” The maiden went into the garden and sure enough the bird came fluttering round her as though asking to be caught. But she did not attempt to touch it till it had settled in her lap; then she held it fast with both hands, and the bird said:— “All these statues you see round you were once men. Those two there are your brothers. Go and touch them with the rod you hold in your hand.” The maiden did as she was bid; her brothers returned to life and they all went away together, carrying the bird with them. When they reached home the fairy said:—