They passed through a forest with silver leaves, then through another one where all the leaves were of gold, then into a third with the leaves glittering with diamonds and after that they came to a great lake.
In the middle of the lake, there was a marvellous castle, beautiful beyond description, dazzling in its brilliance.
Twelve boats with twelve paddlers were waiting for them ashore. The princesses seated themselves into the boats. Joseph entered the boat where the youngest princess was seated.
