When the Prince had filled his pockets he had enough wealth to provide for all his wants for at least a twelvemonth.
The Firefly led him on until they came to a town where was a fine inn.
There he left him, and flew off to report the Prince's safety to the Fly and receive the promised reward.
Here Ethelried stayed for many weeks, living like a king on the money that the fruit jewels brought him.

All this time the scissors were becoming little and rusty, because he never once used them, as the Fairy bade him, in unselfish service for others.

But one day he bethought himself of her command, and started out to seek some opportunity to help somebody.
Soon he came to a tiny hut where a sick man lay moaning, while his wife and children wept beside him.

"What is to become of me ?" cried the poor peasant.

"My grain must fall and rot in the field from overripeness because I have not the strength to rise and harvest it; then indeed must we all starve." Ethelried heard him, and that night, when the moon rose, he stole into the field to cut it down with the giant scissors.