The king of a great land died, and left his queen to take care of their only child.

很久以前，有一个老王后，她的国王丈夫已经死了许多年，只留下她照顾他们唯一的孩子。

This child was a daughter, who was very beautiful; and her mother loved her dearly, and was very kind to her.

他们的孩子是一个美丽的女儿；王后极其珍爱她。

And there was a good fairy too, who was fond of the princess, and helped her mother to watch over her.

一位善良的仙女很喜欢这个可爱的公主，一直帮助王后照顾她。

When she grew up, she was betrothed to a prince who lived a great way off;

当女儿长大以后，与一位相隔很远的国家的王子订了婚。

and as the time drew near for her to be married, she got ready to set off on her journey to his country.

到了快结婚的日子，她准备动身前往他所在的国家。

Then the queen her mother, packed up a great many costly things;

王后为女儿整理了很多值钱的宝物，

jewels, and gold, and silver; trinkets, fine dresses, and in short everything that became a royal bride.

金银器皿、金银饰品和首饰，总之有一切皇族应备的嫁妆，因为老王后全心全意地爱她的女儿。

And she gave her a waiting-maid to ride with her, and give her into the bridegroom's hands;

她还安排了一个侍女陪一道前往，把她的女儿送到新郎手中

and each had a horse for the journey.

并为她们配备了两匹马作为旅程的脚力。

Now the princess's horse was the fairy's gift, and it was called Falada, and could speak.

公主骑的马是仙女的礼物，它的名字叫法拉达，它会与人交流。