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Now there was once a maiden whose name was Jorinda. She was

prettier than all the pretty girls that ever were seen before,

and a shepherd lad, whose name was Jorindel, was very fond of

her, and they were soon to be married. One day they went to walk

in the wood, that they might be alone; and Jorindel said, 'We

must take care that we don't go too near to the fairy's castle.'

It was a beautiful evening; the last rays of the setting sun

shone bright through the long stems of the trees upon the green

underwood beneath, and the turtle-doves sang from the tall

birches.

Jorinda sat down to gaze upon the sun; Jorindel sat by her side;

and both felt sad, they knew not why; but it seemed as if they

were to be parted from one another for ever. They had wandered a

long way; and when they looked to see which way they should go

home, they found themselves at a loss to know what path to take.