“When the preparatory main dowry arrived in the realm of the prince the golden bulls began at once to plough the whole kingdom, and wherever they dug their horns deep into the ground, wonder-wells sprang up like the one in the palace-garden and soon the milk flowed in every yard and garden.

“Now the king's son went into the forest a third time. What else had the man with the golden beard told him at that time? ”My power is great, greater than you think, and gold and silver and precious stones I have in abundance.”
And as these words of the master went through the prince's head, he regained some confidence.

“Come with me to my fountain,” said the golden-bearded man when the king's son had reported everything, ”there we will get everything and more; for the fountain is prepared for that.”

“And as they went through the woods and the boy cast a glance from the side at the man with the golden beard, he could have sworn that he looked like his father; but soon he had to think of something else for they reached the well.

“The man went to the well and spoke to it as if to a person. The king's son could not understand what he said for the man was whispering very, very quietly to the fountain.

“Finally he turned around and went to the prince. ”Well my son, for the time being this is the last leg of a very long journey you have made, and I want to give you everything you need for your further prosperity and for the good of all those who put their trust in you.”

“Now from the well a magnificent white horse with a golden saddle and a bridle, decorated with jewels, came forth.
Alert and full of enterprising spirit it looked at the man with the golden beard as if to greet him reverentially, and then it looked friendly at the king's son too.
The man went to the marvellous horse, took it by the bridle and led it to the king's son.

“This horse is not an ordinary horse. It has all the gifts of prudence and you can talk with it like with a prudent man. Furthermore it is able to walk over water but also to plough the depth of the water as well and to travel through the air, for it is born from the water. With this horse you will become ruler of the mighty people of the mermen which live at the westerly shore of the world-ocean.

“At your request the horse will take you there swiftly and introduce you to the realm. If you want to talk to me you Don't have to go into the woods anymore to call me. Tell the horse of your desire and it will take you to me; it knows where to find me.

“Honour this horse duly and treat it like a friend and mighty counsellor for it deserves it!” So he handed the reigns over to the king's son, and together they went to the edge of the forest.

“But when the prince turned around by chance he saw a huge and endless, decorated caravan coming from the well and following him in silence.
He thought he did not see right or was dreaming and quickly turned around again.

“At the edge of the wood the man with the golden beard bid farewell, wished him all the best, and beckoned him to mount the horse.
The king's son once more bowed down deeply before the great and mighty man, mounted the horse, and rode off into the plain with mixed feelings. And the immeasurable caravan followed him with drums and trumpets and with all the jewels and all the gold and silver in the world.