We were chasing a peculiar deer with a ring on its horns, and Prince Ring was determined to catch it. We chased it all day, until our horses began to founder beneath us.

At last the prince’s horse gave way, and a darkness fell upon us that was so black we could no longer see the deer. At this point, we were far away from any house, and the wood was not familiar. We kept together at first, but we argued, because each of us thought we knew the right way. In the end, we separated, and we went in our own directions through the dark wood.

Hunting Friend of Prince Ring in Prince Ring, Yellow Fairy Book. Drawing by M.C. Escher.