安徒生童话故事之《青蛙王子》英文完整版
Once upon a time, in the heart of a lush and verdant kingdom, there lived a beautiful princess who was known for her grace and kindness. She had everything she could ever wish for—golden hair that shimmered like the sun, dresses woven from the finest silk, and a castle adorned with sparkling jewels. However, the one thing she lacked was a loyal companion to share her days with.
One sunny afternoon, as the princess played by the edge of a crystal-clear pond, she accidentally dropped her most cherished possession—a golden ball. The ball sank into the depths of the water, leaving her heartbroken. As she wept bitterly, a strange voice emerged from the waters.
"Princess," said the voice, "why do you weep so sorrowfully?"
Looking down, the princess saw a grotesque frog gazing up at her. Its skin was slimy and green, its eyes bulging, and its croak filled the air. Though repulsed, she managed to choke out her plight.
"If you help me retrieve my golden ball," she whispered, "I will grant you any wish."
The frog dived into the pond and soon returned with the ball in its mouth. Handing it to the princess, it asked, "Now, fulfill your promise."
Though reluctant, the princess held her ground. "Very well," she said, "you may come to my palace tonight."
To her surprise, the frog followed her back to the castle. When dinner was served, the princess tried to ignore the creature, but her father, the king, noticed the frog's presence.
"Why does this frog accompany us?" he asked sternly.
"He promised to fetch my ball if I let him dine with us," the princess replied sheepishly.
The king, seeing the dilemma, commanded his daughter to honor her word. Reluctantly, she allowed the frog to sit at the table. To everyone's amazement, the frog spoke eloquently and shared wise tales that captivated all who listened.
As the night wore on, the princess grew fond of her unusual guest. By the end of the evening, she realized the frog was no ordinary creature. With a gentle touch, she invited him to stay overnight in her room.
The next morning, to the princess's astonishment, the frog transformed into a handsome prince. He explained that he had been cursed by an evil enchantress and could only break the spell by winning the trust of a kind-hearted princess.
From that day forward, the prince and the princess were inseparable. They ruled the kingdom together, spreading joy and prosperity wherever they went. And thus, the tale of the frog prince became a timeless legend, reminding all who heard it of the power of kindness and faith.
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This version retains the essence of the original story while presenting it in a slightly different light, ensuring uniqueness and originality.