The Ornamented Being

“The snow-flakes grew larger and larger, till at last they looked just like great white fowls. Suddenly they flew on one side; the large sledge stopped, and the person who drove rose up. It was a lady; her cloak and cap were of snow. She was tall and of slender figure, and of a dazzling whiteness. It was the Snow Queen.  … The Snow Queen kissed Kay once more … “Now you will have no more kisses,” said she, “or else I should kiss you to death!”“

“Well, have you lost your courage? Put out your little tongue that I may cut it off as my payment; then you shall have the powerful draught.”