第4章

coloredmoroccoleather。Hewenttoanotherplace，wherehemetwithtwomonkeysofmerit，themostpleasantofwhichwascalledBriscambril，theotherPierceforest——bothveryspruceandwelleducated。HedressedBriscambrillikeakingandplacedhiminthecoach;Pierceforesthemadethecoachman;theothersweredressedlikepages;allwhichheputintohissack，coachandall。

Theprincessnotbeinggonetobed，heardarumblingofalittlecoachinthelonggallery;atthesametime，herladiescametotellherthatthekingofthedwarfswasarrived，andthechariotimmediatelyenteredherchamberwithallthemonkeytrain。Thecountrymonkeysbegantoshowathousandtricks，whichfarsurpassedthoseofBriscambrilandPierceforest。

Tosaythetruth，Leanderconductedthewholemachine。HedrewthechariotwhereBriscambrilsatarrayedasaking，andmakinghimholdaboxofdiamondsinhishand，hepresenteditwithabecominggracetotheprincess。

Theprincess’surprisemaybeeasilyimagined。

Moreover，BriscambrilmadeasignforPierceforesttocomeanddancewithhim。Themostcelebrateddancerswerenottobecomparedwiththeminactivity。Buttheprincess，troubledthatshecouldnotguessfromwhencethiscuriouspresentcame，dismissedthedancerssoonerthanshewouldotherwisehavedone，thoughshewasextremelypleasedwiththem。

Leander，satisfiedwithhavingseenthedelighttheprincesshadtakeninbeholdingthemonkeys，thoughtofnothingnowbuttogetalittlerepose，whichhegreatlywanted。Hestayedsometimeinthegreatgallery;afterward，goingdownapairofstairs，andfindingadooropen，heenteredintoanapartmentthemostdelightfulthateverwasseen。Therewasinitabedofcloth-of-gold，enrichedwithpearls，intermixedwithrubiesandemeralds：forbythistimethereappeareddaylightsufficientforhimtoviewandadmirethemagnificenceofthissumptuousfurniture。Havingmadefastthedoor，hecomposedhimselftosleep。Nextdayheroseveryearly，andlookingaboutoneveryside，hespiedapainter’spallet，withcolorsreadypreparedandpencils。RememberingwhattheprincesshadsaidtoAbricotinatouchingherownportrait，heimmediately（forhecouldpaintaswellasthemostexcellentmasters）seatedhimselfbeforeamirroranddrewhisownpicturefirst;then，inanoval，thatoftheprincess。

Hehadallherfeaturessostronginhisimaginationthathehadnooccasionforhersitting;

andashisdesiretopleaseherhadsethimtowork，neverdidportraitbearastrongerresemblance。

Hehadpaintedhimselfupononeknee，holdingtheprincess’pictureinonehand，andintheotheralabelwiththisinscription，"Sheisbetterinmyheart。"Whentheprincesswentintohercabinet，shewasamazedtoseetheportraitofaman;andshefixedhereyesuponitwithsomuchthemoresurprise，becauseshealsosawherownwithit，andbecausethewordswhichwerewrittenuponthelabelaffordedherampleroomforcuriosity。ShepersuadedherselfthatitwasAbricotina’sdoing;andallshedesiredtoknowwaswhethertheportraitwasrealorimaginary。Risinginhaste，shecalledAbricotina，whiletheinvisibleLeander，withhislittleredcap，slippedintothecabinet，impatienttoknowwhatpassed。TheprincessbadeAbricotinalookuponthepictureandtellherwhatshethoughtofit。

Aftershehadviewedit，"Iprotest！"saidshe，"’tisthepictureofthatgenerousstrangertowhomIamindebtedformylife。Yes，yes，Iamsureitishe;hisveryfeatures，shape，andhair。"

"Thoupretendestsurprise，"saidtheprincess，"butIknowitwasthouthyselfwhoputitthere。"

"Who！I，madam？"repliedAbricotina。"I

protestIneversawthepicturebeforeinmylife。

ShouldIbesoboldastoconcealfromyourknowledgeathingthatsonearlyconcernsyou？

AndbywhatmiraclecouldIcomebyit？I

nevercouldpaint，nordidanymaneverenterthisplace;yethereheispaintedwithyou？"

"Somespirit，then，musthavebroughtithither，"criedtheprincess。

"HowItrembleforfear，madam！"saidAbricotina。"Wasitnotrathersomelover？

Andtherefore，ifyouwilltakemyadvice，letusburnitimmediately。"

"’Twereapitytoburnit，"criedtheprincess，sighing;"afinerpiece，methinks，cannotadornmycabinet。"Andsayingthesewords，shecasthereyesuponit。ButAbricotinacontinuedobstinateinheropinionthatitoughttobeburned，asathingthatcouldnotcometherebutbythepowerofmagic。

"Andthesewords——`Sheisbetterinmyheart，’"saidtheprincess;"mustweburnthemtoo？"

"Nofavormustbeshowntoanything，"saidAbricotina，"noteventoyourownportrait。"

Abricotinaranawayimmediatelyforsomefire，whiletheprincesswenttolookoutatthewindow。Leander，unwillingtolethisperformancebeburned，tookthisopportunitytoconveyitawaywithoutbeingperceived。Hehadhardlyquittedthecabinet，whentheprincessturnedabouttolookoncemoreuponthatenchantingpicture，whichhadsodelightedher。Buthowwasshesurprisedtofinditgone！Shesoughtforitalltheroomover;andAbricotina，returning，wasnolesssurprisedthanhermistress;sothatthislastadventureputthembothinthemostterriblefright。

Leandertookgreatdelightinhearingandseeinghisincomparablemistress;eventhoughhehadtoeateverydayathertablewiththetabby-cat，whofarednevertheworseforthat;

buthissatisfactionwasfarfrombeingcomplete，seeinghedurstneitherspeaknorshowhimself;

andheknewitwasnotacommonthingforladiestofallinlovewithpersonsinvisible。

Theprincesshadauniversaltasteforamusement。

Oneday，shewassayingtoherattend-

antsthatitwouldgivehergreatpleasuretoknowhowtheladiesweredressedinallthecourtsoftheuniverse。ThereneedednomorewordstosendLeanderallovertheworld。HewishedhimselfinChina，whereheboughtthericheststuffshecouldlayhishandson，andgotpatternsofallthecourtfashions。FromthenceheflewtoSiam，wherehedidthesame;inthreedayshetraveledoverallthefourpartsoftheworld，andfromtimetotimebroughtwhatheboughttothePalaceofCalmDelights，andhiditallinachamber，whichhekeptalwayslocked。

Whenhehadthuscollectedtogetheralltheraritieshecouldmeetwith——forheneverwantedmoney，hisrosealwayssupplyinghim——hewentandboughtfiveorsixdozenofdolls，whichhecausedtobedressedatParis，theplaceintheworldwheremostregardispaidtofashions。

Theywerealldresseddifferently，andasmagnificentascouldbe，andLeanderplacedthemallintheprincess’closet。Whensheenteredit，shewasagreeablysurprisedtoseesuchcompanyoflittlemutes，everyonedeckedwithwatchesbracelets，diamondbuckles，ornecklaces;andthemostremarkableofthemheldapictureboxinitshand，whichtheprincessopening，founditcontainedLeander’sportrait。Shegavealoudshriek，andlookinguponAbricotina，"Therehaveappearedoflate，"saidshe，"somanywondersinthisplace，thatIknownotwhattothinkofthem：mybirdsareallgrownwitty;I

cannotsomuchaswish，butpresentlyIhavemydesires;twicehaveInowseentheportraitofhimwhorescuedtheefromtheruffians;andherearesilksofallsorts，diamonds，embroideries，laces，andaninfinitenumberofotherrarities。Whatfairyisitthattakessuchcaretopaymetheseagreeablecivilities？"

Leanderwasoverjoyedtohearandseehersomuchinterestedabouthispicture，andcallingtomindthattherewasinagrottowhichsheoftenfrequentedacertainpedestal，onwhichaDiana，notyetfinished，wastobeerected，onthispedestalheresolvedtoplacehimself，crownedwithlaurel，andholdingalyreinhishand，onwhichheplayedlikeanotherApollo。Hemostanxiouslywaitedtheprincess’retiringtothegrotto，whichshedideverydaysinceherthoughtshadtakenupwiththisunknownperson;

forwhatAbricotinahadsaid，joinedtothesightofthepicture，hadalmostdestroyedherrepose：herlivelyhumorchangedintoapensivemelancholy，andshegrewagreatloverofsolitude。Whensheenteredthegrotto，shemadeasignthatnobodyshouldfollowher，sothatheryoungdamselsdispersedthemselvesintotheneighboringwalks。Theprincessthrewherselfuponabankofgreenturf，sighed，wept，andeventalked，butsosoftlythatLeandercouldnothearwhatshesaid。Hehadputhisredcapon，thatshemightnotseehimatfirst;buthavingtakenitoff，shebeheldhimstandingonthepedestal。Atfirstshetookhimforarealstatue，forheobservedexactlytheattitudeinwhichhehadplacedhimself，withoutmovingsomuchasafinger。Shebeheldwithakindofpleasureintermixedwithfear，butpleasuresoondispelledherfear，andshecontinuedtoviewthepleasingfigure，whichsoexactlyresembledlife。

Theprincehavingtunedhislyre，begantoplay;atwhichtheprincess，greatlysurprised，couldnotresistthefearthatseizedher;shegrewpaleandfellintoaswoon。Leanderleapedfromthepedestal，andputtingonhislittleredcap，thathemightnotbeperceived，tooktheprincessinhisarmsandgaveheralltheassistancethathiszealandtendernesscouldinspire。Atlengthsheopenedhercharmingeyesandlookedaboutinsearchofhim，butshecouldperceivenobody;yetshefeltsomebodywhoheldherhands，kissedthem，andbedewedthemwithhistears。Itwasalongtimebeforeshedurstspeak，andherspiritswereinaconfusedagitationbetweenfearandhope。Shewasafraidofthespirit，butlovedthefigureoftheunknown。

Atlengthshesaid："Courtlyinvisible，whyareyounotthepersonIdesireyoushouldbe？"AtthesewordsLeanderwasgoingtodeclarehimself，butdurstnotdoityet。"For，"thoughthe，"ifIagainaffrighttheobjectIadoreandmakeherfearme，shewillnotloveme。"Thisconsiderationcausedhimtokeepsilence。

Theprincess，then，believingherselfalone，calledAbricotinaandtoldherallthewondersoftheanimatedstatue;thatithadplayeddivinely，andthattheinvisiblepersonhadgivenhergreatassistancewhenshelayinaswoon。

"Whatpity’tis，"saidshe，"thatthispersonshouldbesofrightful，fornothingcanbemoreamiableoracceptablethanhisbehavior！"

"Whotoldyou，madam，"answeredAbricotina，"thatheisfrightful？Ifheistheyouthwhosavedme，heisbeautifulasCupidhimself。"

"IfCupidandtheunknownarethesame，"

repliedtheprincess，blushing，"IcouldbecontenttoloveCupid;butalas！howfaramIfromsuchahappiness！Iloveamereshadow;andthisfatalpicture，joinedtowhatthouhasttoldme，haveinspiredmewithinclinationssocontrarytothepreceptswhichIreceivedfrommymotherthatIamdailyafraidofbeingpunishedforthem。"

"Oh！madam，"saidAbricotina，interruptingher，"haveyounottroublesenoughalready？

Whyshouldyouanticipateafflictionswhichmaynevercometopass？"

ItiseasytoimaginewhatpleasureLeandertookinthisconversation。

InthemeantimethelittleFuribon，stillenamoredoftheprincesswhomhehadneverseen，expectedwithimpatiencethereturnofthefourservantswhomhehadsenttotheIslandofCalmDelights。Oneofthematlastcameback，andafterhehadgiventheprinceaparticularaccountofwhathadpassed，toldhimthattheislandwasdefendedbyAmazons，andthatunlesshesentaverypowerfularmy，itwouldbeimpossibletogetintoit。Thekinghisfatherwasdead，andFuribonwasnowlordofall：

disdaining，therefore，anyrepulse，heraisedanarmyoffourhundredthousandmen，andputhimselfattheheadofthem，appearinglikeanotherTomThumbuponawar-horse。Now，whentheAmazonsperceivedhismightyhost，theygavetheprincessnoticeofitswhoimmediatelydispatchedawayhertrustyAbricotinatothekingdomofthefairies，tobeghermother’sinstructionsastowhatsheshoulddotodrivethelittleFuribonfromherterritories。

ButAbricotinafoundthefairyinanangryhumor。

"Nothingthatmydaughterdoes，"saidshe，"escapesmyknowledge。ThePrinceLeanderisnowinherpalace;helovesher，andshehasatendernessforhim。Allmycaresandpreceptshavenotbeenabletoguardherfromthetyrannyoflove，andsheisnowunderitsfataldominion。Butitisthedecreeofdestiny，andI

mustsubmit;therefore，Abricotina，begone！norletmehearawordmoreofadaughterwhosebehaviorhassomuchdispleasedme。"

Abricotinareturnedwiththeseilltidings，whereattheprincesswasalmostdistracted;andthiswassoonperceivedbyLeander，whowasnearher，thoughshedidnotseehim。Hebeheldhergriefwiththegreatestpain。However，hedurstnotthenopenhislips;butrecollectingthatFuribonwasexceedinglycovetous，hethoughtthat，bygivinghimasumofmoney，hemightperhapsprevailwithhimtoretire。Thereupon，hedressedhimselflikeanAmazon，andwishedhimselfintheforest，tocatchhishorse。

HehadnosoonercalledhimthanGris-de-linecameleaping，prancing，andneighingforjoy，forhewasgrownquitewearyofbeingsolongabsentfromhisdearmaster;butwhenhebeheldhimdressedasawomanhehardlyknewhim。

However，atthesoundofhisvoice，hesufferedtheprincetomount，andtheysoonarrivedinthecampatFuribon，wheretheygavenoticethataladywascometospeakwithhimfromthePrincessofCalmDelights。Immediatelythelittlefellowputonhisroyalrobes，andhavingplacedhimselfuponhisthrone，helookedlikeagreattoadcounterfeitingaking。

Leanderharanguedhim，andtoldhimthattheprincess，preferringaquietandpeaceablelifetothefatiguesofwar，hadsenttoofferhismajestyasmuchmoneyashepleasedtodemand，providedhewouldsufferhertocontinueinpeace;butifherefusedherproposal，shewouldomitnomeansthatmightserveforherdefense。

Furibonrepliedthathetookpityonher，andwouldgrantherthehonorofhisprotection;butthathedemandedahundredthousandmillionsofpounds，andwithoutwhichhewouldnotreturntohiskingdom。Leanderansweredthatsuchavastsumwouldbetoolonga-counting，andtherefore，ifhewouldsayhowmanyroomsfullhedesiredtohave，theprincesswasgenerousandrichenoughto{sic}satisfyhim。Furibonwasastonishedtohearthat，insteadofentreating，shewouldratheroffermore;anditcameintohiswickedmindtotakeallthemoneyhecouldget，andthenseizetheAmazonandkillher，thatshemightneverreturntohermistress。HetoldLeander，therefore，thathewouldhavethirtychambersofgold，allfulltotheceiling。

Leander，beingconductedintothechambers，tookhisroseandshookit，tilleveryroomwasfilledwithallsortsofcoin。Furibonwasinanecstasy，andthemoregoldhesawthegreaterwashisdesiretogetholdoftheAmazon;sothatwhenalltheroomswerefull，hecommandedhisguardstoseizeher，allegingshehadbroughthimcounterfeitmoney。ImmediatelyLeanderputonhislittleredcapanddisappeared。Theguards，believingthattheladyhadescaped，ranoutandleftFuribonalone;whenLeander，availinghimselfoftheopportunity，tookthetyrantbythehair，andtwistedhisheadoffwiththesameeasehewouldapullet’s;nordidthelittlewretchofakingseethathandthatkilledhim。

Leanderhavinggothisenemy’shead，wishedhimselfinthePalaceofCalmDelights，wherehefoundtheprincesswalking，andwithgriefconsideringthemessagewhichhermotherhadsenther，andonthemeanstorepelFuribon。

Suddenlyshebeheldaheadhangingintheair，withnobodytoholdit。Thisprodigyastonishedhersothatshecouldnottellwhattothinkofit;butheramazementwasincreasedwhenshesawtheheadlaidatherfeet，andheardavoiceutterthesewords：

"CharmingPrincess，ceaseyourfearOfFuribon;whoseheadseehere。"

Abricotina，knowingLeander’svoice，cried：

"Iprotest，madam，theinvisiblepersonwhospeaksistheverystrangerthatrescuedme。"

Theprincessseemedastonished，butyetpleased。

"Oh，"saidshe，"ifitbetruethattheinvisibleandthestrangerarethesameperson，IconfessIshallbegladtomakehimmyacknowledgments。"

Leander，stillinvisible，replied，"Iwillyetdomoretodeservethem;"andsosayinghereturnedtoFuribon’sarmy，wherethereportoftheking’sdeathwasalreadyspreadthroughoutthecamp。AssoonasLeanderappearedthereinhisusualhabit，everybodyknewhim;alltheofficersandsoldierssurroundedhim，utteringtheloudestacclamationsofjoy。Inshort，theyacknowledgedhimfortheirking，andthatthecrownofrightbelongedtohim，forwhichhethankedthem，and，asthefirstmarkofhisroyalbounty，dividedthethirtyroomsofgoldamongthesoldiers。Thisdonehereturnedtohisprincess，orderinghisarmytomarchbackintohiskingdom。

Theprincesswasgonetobed。Leander，therefore，retiredintohisownapartment，forhewasverysleepy——sosleepythatheforgottobolthisdoor;andsoithappenedthattheprincess，risingearlytotastethemorningair，chancedtoenterintothisverychamber，andwasastonishedtofindayoungprinceasleepuponthebed。Shetookafullviewofhim，andwasconvincedthathewasthepersonwhosepictureshehadinherdiamondbox。"Itisimpossible，"

saidshe，"thatthisshouldbeaspirit;forcanspiritssleep？Isthisabodycomposedofairandfire，withoutsubstance，asAbricotinatoldme？"Shesoftlytouchedhishair，andheardhimbreathe，andlookedathimasifshecouldhavelookedforever。Whileshewasthusoccupied，hermother，thefairyenteredwithsuchanoisethatLeanderstartedoutofhissleep。Buthowdeeplywasheafflictedtobeholdhisbelovedprincessinthemostdeplorablecondition！Hermotherdraggedherbythehairandloadedherwithathousandbitterreproaches。Inwhatgriefandconsternationwerethetwoyounglovers，whosawthemselvesnowuponthepointofbeingseparatedforever！Theprincessdurstnotopenherlips，butcasthereyesuponLeander，asiftobeghisassistance。Hejudgedrightlythatheoughtnottodealrudelywithapowersuperiortohisown，andthereforehesought，byhiseloquenceandsubmission，tomovetheincensedfairy。Herantoher，threwhimselfatherfeet，andbesoughthertohavepityuponayoungprincewhowouldneverchangeinhisaffectionforherdaughter。

Theprincess，encouraged，alsoembracedhermother’sknees，anddeclaredthatwithoutLeandersheshouldneverbehappy。

"Happy！"criedthefairy;"youknownotthemiseriesoflovenorthetreacheriesofwhichloversarecapable。Theybewitchusonlytopoisonourlives;Ihaveknownitbyexperience;

andwillyousufferthesame？"

"Istherenoexception，madam？"repliedLeander，andhiscountenanceshowedhimtobeone。

Butneithertearsnorentreatiescouldmovetheimplacablefairy;anditisveryprobablethatshewouldhaveneverpardonedthem，hadnotthelovelyGentillaappearedatthatinstantinthechamber，morebrilliantthanthesun。

Embracingtheoldfairy：

"Dearsister，"saidshe，"IampersuadedyoucannothaveforgottenthegoodofficeIdidyouwhen，afteryourunhappymarriage，youbesoughtareadmittanceintoFairyland;sincethenIneverdesiredanyfavoratyourhands，butnowthetimeiscome。Pardon，then，thislovelyprincess;consenttohernuptialswiththisyoungprince。Iwillengageheshallbeeverconstanttoher;thethreadoftheirdaysshallbespunofgoldandsilk;theyshalllivetocompleteyourhappiness;andIwillneverforgettheobligationyoulayuponme。"

"CharmingGentilla，"criedthefairy，"I

consenttowhateveryoudesire。Come，mydearchildren，andreceivemylove。"Sosaying，sheembracedthemboth。

Abricotina，justthenentering，casthereyesuponLeander;sheknewhimagain，andsawhewasperfectlyhappy，atwhichshe，too，wasquitesatisfied。

"Prince，"condescendinglysaidthefairy-

mother，"IwillremovetheIslandofCalmDelightsintoyourownkingdom，livewithyoumyself，anddoyougreatservices。"

WhetherornotPrinceLeanderappreciatedthisoffer，hebowedlow，andassuredhismother-

in-lawthatnofavorcouldbeequaltotheonehehadthatdayreceivedfromherhands。Thisshortcomplimentpleasedthefairyexceedingly，forshebelongedtothoseancientdayswhenpeopleusedtostandawholedayupononelegcomplimentingoneanother。Thenuptialswereperformedinamostsplendidmanner，andtheyoungprinceandprincesslivedtogetherhappilymanyyears，belovedbyallaroundthem。

PRINCECHERRY

PRINCECHERRY

LONGagotherelivedamonarch，whowassuchavery，honestmanthathissubjectsentitledhimtheGoodKing。

Oneday，whenhewasouthunting，alittlewhiterabbit，whichhadbeenhalf-killedbyhishounds，leapedrightintohismajesty’sarms。Saidhe，caressingit："Thispoorcreaturehasputitselfundermyprotection，andI

willallownoonetoinjureit。"Sohecarriedittohispalace，hadpreparedforitaneatlittlerabbit-hutch，withabundanceofthedaintiestfood，suchasrabbitslove，andthereheleftit。

Thesamenight，whenhewasaloneinhischamber，thereappearedtohimabeautifullady。

Shewasdressedneitheringold，norsilver，norbrocade;butherflowingrobeswerewhiteassnow，andsheworeagarlandofwhiterosesonherhead。TheGoodKingwasgreatlyastonishedatthesight;forhisdoorwaslocked，andhewonderedhowsodazzlingaladycouldpossiblyenter;butshesoonremovedhisdoubts。

"IamthefairyCandide，"saidshe，withasmilingandgraciousair。"Passingthroughthewoodwhereyouwerehunting，ItookadesiretoknowifyouwereasgoodasmensayyouareI

thereforechangedmyselfintoawhiterabbitandtookrefugeinyourarms。YousavedmeandnowIknowthatthosewhoaremercifultodumbeastswillbetentimesmoresotohumanbeings。Youmeritthenameyoursubjectsgiveyou：youaretheGoodKing。Ithankyouforyourprotection，andshallbealwaysoneofyourbestfriends。Youhavebuttosaywhatyoumostdesire，andIpromiseyouyourwishshallbegranted。"

"Madam，"repliedtheking，"ifyouareafairy，youmustknow，withoutmytellingyou，thewishofmyheart。Ihaveonewell-belovedson，PrinceCherry：whateverkindlyfeelingyouhavetowardme，extendittohim。"

"Willingly，"saidCandide。"Iwillmakehimthehandsomest，richest，ormostpowerfulprinceintheworld：choosewhicheveryoudesireforhim。"

"Noneofthethree，"returnedthefather。"I

onlywishhimtobegood——thebestprinceinthewholeworld。Ofwhatusewouldriches，power，orbeautybetohimifhewereabadman？"

"Youareright，"saidthefairy;"butIcannotmakehimgood：hemustdothathimself。I

canonlychangehisexternalfortunes;forhispersonalcharacter，theutmostIcanpromiseistogivehimgoodcounsel，reprovehimforhisfaults，andevenpunishhim，ifhewillnotpunishhimself。Youmortalscandothesamewithyourchildren。"

"Ah，yes！"saidtheking，sighing。Still，hefeltthatthekindnessofafairywassomethinggainedforhisson，anddiednotlongafter，contentandatpeace。

PrinceCherrymourneddeeply，forhedearlylovedhisfather，andwouldhavegladlygivenallhiskingdomsandtreasurestokeephiminlifealittlelonger。TwodaysaftertheGoodKingwasnomore，PrinceCherrywassleepinginhischamber，whenhesawthesamedazzlingvisionofthefairyCandide。

"Ipromisedyourfather，"saidshe，"tobeyourbestfriend，andinpledgeofthistakewhatInowgiveyou;"andsheplacedasmallgoldringuponhisfinger。"Poorasitlooks，itismorepreciousthandiamonds;forwheneveryoudoillitwillprickyourfinger。If，afterthatwarning，youstillcontinueinevil，youwilllosemyfriendship，andIshallbecomeyourdirestenemy。"’

Sosaying，shedisappeared，leavingCherryinsuchamazementthathewouldhavebelieveditalladream，savefortheringonhisfinger。

Hewasforalongtimesogoodthattheringneverprickedhimatall;andthismadehimsocheerfulandpleasantinhishumorthateverybodycalledhim"HappyPrinceCherry。"Butoneunluckydayhewasouthuntingandfoundnosport，whichvexedhimsomuchthatheshowedhisilltemperbyhislooksandways。Hefanciedhisringfeltverytightanduncomfortable，butasitdidnotprickhimhetooknoheedofthis：until，re-enteringhispalace，hislittlepetdog，Bibi，jumpedupuponhimandwassharplytoldtogetaway。Thecreature，accustomedtonothingbutcaresses，triedtoattracthisattentionbypullingathisgarments，whenPrinceCherryturnedandgaveitaseverekick。

Atthismomenthefeltinhisfingerapricklikeapin。

"Whatnonsense！"saidhetohimself。"Thefairymustbemakinggameofme。Why，whatgreatevilhaveIdone！I，themasterofagreatempire，cannotIkickmyowndog？"

Avoicereplied，orelsePrinceCherryimaginedit，"No，sire;themasterofagreatempirehasarighttodogood，butnotevil。I——afairy——amasmuchaboveyouasyouareaboveyourdog。Imightpunishyou，killyou，ifIchose;butIpreferleavingyoutoamendyourways。Youhavebeenguiltyofthreefaultstoday——badtemper，passion，cruelty：dobetterto-morrow。"

Theprincepromised，andkepthiswordawhile;buthehadbeenbroughtupbyafoolishnurse，whoindulgedhimineverywayandwasalwaystellinghimthathewouldbeakingoneday，whenhemightdoashelikedinallthings。

Hefoundoutnowthatevenakingcannotalwaysdothat;itvexedhimandmadehimangry。

Hisringbegantoprickhimsooftenthathislittlefingerwascontinuallybleeding。Hedislikedthis，aswasnatural，andsoonbegantoconsiderwhetheritwouldnotbeeasiertothrowtheringawayaltogetherthantobeconstantlyannoyedbyit。Itwassuchaqueerthingforakingtohaveaspotofbloodonhisfinger！Atlast，unabletoputupwithitanymore，hetookhisringoffandhiditwherehewouldneverseeit;andbelievedhimselfthehappiestofmen，forhecouldnowdoexactlywhatheliked。Hedidit，andbecameeverydaymoreandmoremiserable。

Onedayhesawayounggirl，sobeautifulthat，beingalwaysaccustomedtohavehisownway，heimmediatelydeterminedtoespouseher。Heneverdoubtedthatshewouldbeonlytoogladtobemadeaqueen，forshewasverypoor。ButZelia——thatwashername——answered，tohisgreatastonishment，thatshewouldrathernotmarryhim。

"DoIdispleaseyou？"askedtheprince，intowhosemindithadneverenteredthathecoulddispleaseanybody。

"Notatall，myprince，"saidthehonestpeasantmaiden。"Youareveryhandsome，verycharming;butyouarenotlikeyourfathertheGoodKing。Iwillnotbeyourqueen，foryouwouldmakememiserable。"

Atthesewordstheprince’sloveseemedalltoturntohatred：hegaveorderstohisguardstoconveyZeliatoaprisonnearthepalace，andthentookcounselwithhisfosterbrother，theoneofallhisillcompanionswhomostincitedhimtodowrong。

"Sir，"saidthisman，"ifIwereinyourmajesty’splace，Iwouldnevervexmyselfaboutapoorsillygirl。Feedheronbreadandwatertillshecomestohersenses;andifshestillrefusesyou，letherdieintorment，asawarningtoyourothersubjectsshouldtheyventuretodisputeyourwill。Youwillbedisgracedshouldyousufferyourselftobeconqueredbyasimplegirl。"

"But，"saidPrinceCherry，"shallInotbedisgracedifIharmacreaturesoperfectlyinnocent？"

"Nooneisinnocentwhodisputesyourmajesty’sauthority，"saidthecourtier，bowing;

"anditisbettertocommitaninjusticethanallowittobesupposedyoucaneverbecontradictedwithimpunity。"

ThistouchedCherryonhisweakpoint——hisgoodimpulsesfaded;heresolvedoncemoretoaskZeliaifshewouldmarryhim，andifsheagainrefused，tosellherasaslave。Arrivedatthecellinwhichshewasconfined，whatwashisastonishmenttofindhergone！Heknewnotwhomtoaccuse，forhehadkeptthekeyinhispocketthewholetime。Atlast，thefoster-

brothersuggestedthattheescapeofZeliamighthavebeencontrivedbyanoldman，Sulimanbyname，theprince’sformertutor，whowastheonlyonewhonowventuredtoblamehimforanythingthathedid。Cherrysentimmediately，andorderedhisoldfriendtobebroughttohim，loadedheavilywithirons。Then，fulloffury，hewentandshuthimselfupinhisownchamber，wherehewentragingtoandfro，tillstartledbyanoiselikeaclapofthunder。ThefairyCandidestoodbeforehim。

"Prince，"saidshe，inaseverevoice，"I

promisedyourfathertogiveyougoodcounselsandtopunishyouifyourefusedtofollowthem。

Mycounselswereforgotten，mypunishmentdespised。Underthefigureofaman，youhavebeennobetterthanthebeastsyouchase：likealioninfury，awolfingluttony，aserpentinrevenge，andabullinbrutality。Take，therefore，inyournewformthelikenessofalltheseanimals。"

ScarcelyhadPrinceCherryheardthesewordsthantohishorrorhefoundhimselftransformedintowhattheFairyhadnamed。Hewasacreaturewiththeheadofalion，thehornsofabull，thefeetofawolf，andthetailofaserpent。Atthesametimehefelthimselftransportedtoadistantforest，where，standingonthebankofastream，hesawreflectedinthewaterhisownfrightfulshape，andheardavoicesaying：

"Lookatthyself，andknowthysoulhasbecomeathousandtimesugliereventhanthybody。"

CherryrecognizedthevoiceofCandide，andinhisragewouldhavesprunguponheranddevouredher;buthesawnothingandthesamevoicesaidbehindhim：

"Ceasethyfeeblefury，andlearntoconquerthypridebybeinginsubmissiontothineownsubjects。"

Hearingnomore，hesoonquittedthestream，hopingatleasttogetridofthesightofhimself;

buthehadscarcelygonetwentypaceswhenhetumbledintoapitfallthatwaslaidtocatchbears;thebear-hunters，descendingfromsometreeshardby，caughthim，chainedhim，andonlytoodelightedtogetholdofsuchacurious-

lookinganimal，ledhimalongwiththemtothecapitalofhisownkingdom。

Theregreatrejoicingsweretakingplace，andthebear-hunters，askingwhatitwasallabout，weretoldthatitwasbecausePrinceCherry，thetormentofhissubjects，hadjustbeenstruckdeadbyathunderbolt——justpunishmentofallhiscrimes。Fourcourtiers，hiswickedcompanions，hadwishedtodividehisthronebetweenthem;butthepeoplehadrisenupagainstthemandofferedthecrowntoSuliman，theoldtutorwhomCherryhadorderedtobearrested。

Allthisthepoormonsterheard。HeevensawSulimansittinguponhisownthroneandtryingtocalmthepopulacebyrepresentingtothemthatitwasnotcertainPrinceCherrywasdead;

thathemightreturnonedaytoreassumewithhonorthecrownwhichSulimanonlyconsentedtowearasasortofviceroy。

"Iknowhisheart，"saidthehonestandfaithfuloldman;"itistainted，butnotcorrupt。

Ifalive，hemayreformyet，andbeallhisfatheroveragaintoyou，hispeople，whomhehascausedtosuffersomuch。"

Thesewordstouchedthepoorbeastsodeeplythatheceasedtobeathimselfagainsttheironbarsofthecageinwhichthehunterscarriedhimabout，becamegentleasalamb，andsufferedhimselftobetakenquietlytoamenagerie，wherewerekeptallsortsofstrangeandferociousanimalsaplacewhichhehadhimselfoftenvisitedasaboy，butneverthoughtheshouldbeshutuptherehimself。

However，heownedhehaddeserveditall，andbegantomakeamendsbyshowinghimselfveryobedienttohiskeeper。Thismanwasalmostasgreatabruteastheanimalshehadchargeof，andwhenhewasinillhumorheusedtobeatthemwithoutrhymeorreason。Oneday，whilehewassleeping，atigerbrokelooseandleapeduponhim，eagertodevourhim。Cherryatfirstfeltathrillofpleasureatthethoughtofbeingrevenged;then，seeinghowhelplessthemanwas，hewishedhimselffree，thathemightdefendhim。Immediatelythedoorsofhiscageopened。

Thekeeper，wakingup，sawthestrangebeastleapout，andimagined，ofcourse，thathewasgoingtobeslainatonce。Instead，hesawthetigerlyingdead，andthestrangebeastcreepingupandlayingitselfathisfeettobecaressed。

Butashelifteduphishandtostrokeit，avoicewasheardsaying，"Goodactionsnevergounrewarded;"andinsteadofthefrightfulmonster，therecrouchedonthegroundnothingbutaprettylittledog。

Cherry，delightedtofindhimselfthusmetamorphosed，caressedthekeeperineverypossibleway，tillatlastthemantookhimupintohisarmsandcarriedhimtotheking，towhomherelatedthiswonderfulstory，frombeginningtoend。Thequeenwishedtohavethecharminglittledog;andCherrywouldhavebeenexceedinglyhappycouldhehaveforgottenthathewasoriginallyamanandaking。Hewaslodgedmostelegantly，hadtherichestofcollarstoadornhisneck，andheardhimselfpraisedcontinually。

Buthisbeautyratherbroughthimintotrouble，forthequeen，afraidlesthemightgrowtoolargeforapet，tookadviceofdog-doctors，whoorderedthatheshouldbefedentirelyuponbread，andthatverysparingly;sopoorCherrywassometimesnearlystarved。

Oneday，whentheygavehimhiscrustforbreakfast，afancyseizedhimtogoandeatitinthepalacegarden;sohetookthebreadinhismouthandtrottedawaytowardastreamwhichheknew，andwherehesometimesstoppedtodrink。Butinsteadofthestreamhesawasplendidpalace，glitteringwithgoldandpreciousstones。Enteringthedoorswasacrowdofmenandwomen，magnificentlydressed;andwithintherewassinginganddancingandgoodcheerofallsorts。Yet，howevergrandlyandgaylythepeoplewentin，Cherrynoticedthatthosewhocameoutwerepale，thin，ragged，half-naked，coveredwithwoundsandsores。

Someofthemdroppeddeadatonce;othersdraggedthemselvesonalittlewayandthenlaydown，dyingofhunger，andvainlybeggedamorselofbreadfromotherswhowereenteringin——whonevertooktheleastnoticeofthem。

Cherryperceivedonewoman，whowastryingfeeblytogatherandeatsomegreenherbs。

"Poorthing！"saidhetohimself;"Iknowwhatitistobehungry，andIwantmybreakfastbadlyenough;butstillitwillkillmetowaittilldinnertime，andmycrustmaysavethelifeofthispoorwoman。"

Sothelittledogranuptoheranddroppedhisbreadatherfeet;shepickeditupandateitwithavidity。Soonshelookedquiterecovered，andCherry，delighted，wastrottingbackagaintohiskennel，whenheheardloudcries，andsawayounggirldraggedbyfourmentothedoorofthepalace，whichtheyweretryingtocompelhertoenter。Oh，howhewishedhimselfamonsteragain，aswhenheslewthetiger！——fortheyounggirlwasnootherthanhisbelovedZelia。

Alas！whatcouldapoorlittledogdotodefendher？Butheranforwardandbarkedatthemen，andbittheirheels，untilatlasttheychasedhimawaywithheavyblows。Andthenhelaydownoutsidethepalacedoor，determinedtowatchandseewhathadbecomeofZelia。

Conscienceprickedhimnow。"What！"

thoughthe，"Iamfuriousagainstthesewickedmen，whoarecarryingheraway;anddidInotdothesamemyself？DidInotcastherintoprison，andintendtosellherasaslave？WhoknowshowmuchmorewickednessImightnothavedonetoherandothers，ifHeaven’sjusticehadnotstoppedmeintime？"

Whilehelaythinkingandrepenting，heheardawindowopenandsawZeliathrowoutofitabitofdaintymeat。Cherry，whofelthungryenoughbythistime，wasjustabouttoeatit，whenthewomantowhomhehadgivenhiscrustsnatchedhimupinherarms"Poorlittlebeast！"criedshe，pattinghim，"everybitoffoodinthatpalaceispoisoned：

youshallnottouchamorsel。"

Andatthesametimethevoiceintheairrepeatedagain，"Goodactionsnevergounrewarded;"andCherryfoundhimselfchangedintoabeautifullittlewhitepigeon。HerememberedwithjoythatwhitewasthecolorofthefairyCandide，andbegantohopethatshewastakinghimintofavoragain。

Sohestretchedhiswings，delightedthathemightnowhaveachanceofapproachinghisfairZelia。Heflewuptothepalacewindows，and，findingoneofthemopen，enteredandsoughteverywhere，buthecouldnotfindZelia。

Then，indespair，heflewoutagain，resolvedtogoovertheworlduntilhebeheldheroncemore。

Hetookflightatonceandtraversedmanycountries，swiftlyasabirdcan，butfoundnotraceofhisbeloved。Atlengthinadesert，sittingbesideanoldhermitinhiscaveandpar-

takingwithhimhisfrugalrepast，CherrysawapoorpeasantgirlandrecognizedZelia。Transportedwithjoy，heflewin，perchedonhershoulder，andexpressedhisdelightandaffectionbyathousandcaresses。

She，charmedwiththeprettylittlepigeon，caresseditinherturn，andpromiseditthatifitwouldstaywithhershewouldloveitalways。

"Whathaveyoudone，Zelia？"saidthehermit，smiling;andwhilehespokethewhitepigeonvanished，andtherestoodPrinceCherryinhisownnaturalform。"Yourenchantmentended，prince，whenZeliapromisedtoloveyou。Indeed，shehaslovedyoualways，butyourmanyfaultsconstrainedhertohideherlove。Thesearenowamended，andyoumaybothlivehappyifyouwill，becauseyourunionisfoundeduponmutualesteem。"

CherryandZeliathrewthemselvesatthefeetofthehermit，whoseformalsobegantochange。

Hissoiledgarmentsbecameofdazzlingwhiteness，andhislongbeardandwitheredfacegrewintotheflowinghairandlovelycountenanceofthefairyCandide。

"Riseup，mychildren，"saidshe;"ImustnowtransportyoutoyourpalaceandrestoretoPrinceCherryhisfather’scrown，ofwhichheisnowworthy。"

ShehadscarcelyceasedspeakingwhentheyfoundthemselvesinthechamberofSuliman，who，delightedtofindagainhisbelovedpupilandmaster，willinglyresignedthethrone，andbecamethemostfaithfulofhissubjects。

KingCherryandQueenZeliareignedtogetherformanyyears，anditissaidthattheformerwassoblamelessandstrictinallhisdutiesthatthoughheconstantlyworetheringwhichCandidehadrestoredtohim，itneveronceprickedhisfingerenoughtomakeitbleed。

THEPRINCEWITHTHENOSE

THEPRINCEWITHTHENOSE

THEREwasonceakingwhowaspassionatelyinlovewithabeautifulprincess，butshecouldnotbemarriedbecauseamagican{sic}hadenchantedher。

Thekingwenttoagoodfairytoinquirewhatheshoulddo。Saidthefairy，afterreceivinghimgraciously："Sir，Iwilltellyouagreatsecret。

Theprincesshasagreatcatwhomshelovessowellthatshecaresfornothingandnobodyelse;

butshewillbeobligedtomarryanypersonwhoisadroitenoughtowalkuponthecat’stail。"

"Thatwillnotbeverydifficult，"thoughtthekingtohimself，anddeparted，resolvingtotramplethecat’stailtopiecesratherthannotsucceedinwalkinguponit。Hewentimmediatelytothepalaceofhisfairmistressandthecat;theanimalcameinfrontofhim，archingitsbackinangerasitwaswonttodo。Thekinglifteduphisfoot，thinkingnothingwouldbesoeasyastotreadonthetail，buthefoundhimselfmistaken。Minon——thatwasthecreature’sname——twisteditselfroundsosharplythatthekingonlyhurthisownfootbystampingonthefloor。Foreightdaysdidhepursuethecateverywhere：upanddownthepalacehewasafteritfrommorningtillnight，butwithnobettersuccess;thetailseemedmadeofquicksilver，soverylivelywasit。AtlastthekinghadthegoodfortunetocatchMinonsleeping，whentramp！tramp！hetrodonthetailwithallhisforce。

Minonwokeup，mewedhorribly，andimmediatelychangedfromacatintoalarge，fierce-

lookingman，whoregardedthekingwithflashingeyes。

"Youmustmarrytheprincess，"criedhe，"becauseyouhavebrokentheenchantmentinwhichIheldher;butIwillberevengedonyou。

Youshallhaveasonwithanoseaslongas——

that;"hemadeintheairacurveofhalfafoot;

"yetheshallbelieveitisjustlikeallothernoses，andshallbealwaysunfortunatetillhehasfoundoutitisnot。Andifyouevertellanybodyofthisthreatofmine，youshalldieonthespot。"

Sosayingthemagiciandisappeared。

Theking，whowasatfirstmuchterrified，soonbegantolaughatthisadventure。"Mysonmighthaveaworsemisfortunethantoolonganose，"thoughthe。"Atleastitwillhinderhimneitherinseeingnorhearing。Iwillgoandfindtheprincessandmarryheratonce。"

Hedidso，butheonlylivedafewmonthsafter，anddiedbeforehislittlesonwasborn，sothatnobodyknewanythingaboutthesecretofthenose。

ThelittleprincewassomuchwishedforthatwhenhecameintotheworldtheyagreedtocallhimPrinceWish。Hehadbeautifulblueeyesandasweetlittlemouth，buthisnosewassobigthatitcoveredhalfhisface。Thequeen，hismother，wasinconsolable;butherladiestriedtosatisfyherbytellingherthatthenosewasnotnearlysolargeasitseemed，thatitwouldgrowsmallerastheprincegrewbigger，andthatifitdidnotalargenosewasindispensabletoahero。Allgreatsoldiers，theysaid，hadgreatnoses，aseverybodyknew。Thequeenwassoveryfondofhersonthatshelistenedeagerlytoallthiscomfort。Shortlyshegrewsousedtotheprinces’snosethatitdidnotseemtoheranylargerthanordinarynosesofthecourt;where，inprocessoftime，everybodywithalongnosewasverymuchadmired，andtheunfortunatepeoplewhohadonlysnubsweretakenverylittlenoticeof。

Greatcarewasobservedintheeducationoftheprince;andassoonashecouldspeaktheytoldhimallsortsofamusingtales，inwhichallthebadpeoplehadshortnoses，andallthegoodpeoplehadlongones。Nopersonwassufferedtocomenearhimwhohadnotanoseofmorethanordinarylength;nay，tosuchanextentdidthecountriescarrytheirfancy，thatthenosesofallthelittlebabieswereorderedtobepulledoutasfaraspossibleseveraltimesaday，inordertomakethemgrow。Butgrowastheywould，theynevercouldgrowaslongasthatofPrinceWish。

Whenhewasoldenoughhistutortaughthimhistory;andwheneveranygreatkingorlovelyprincesswasreferredto，thetutoralwaystookcaretomentionthatheorshehadalongnose。

Alltheroyalapartmentswerefilledwithpicturesandportraitshavingthispeculiarity，sothatatlastPrinceWishbegantoregardthelengthofhisnoseashisgreatestperfection，andwouldnothavehaditaninchlesseventosavehiscrown。

Whenhewastwentyyearsoldhismotherandhispeoplewishedhimtomarry。Theyprocuredforhimthelikenessesofmanyprincesses，buttheonehepreferredwasPrincessDarling，daughterofapowerfulmonarchandheiresstoseveralkingdoms。Alas！withallherbeauty，thisprincesshadonegreatmisfortune，alittleturned-upnose，which，everyoneelsesaidmadeheronlythemorebewitching。Buthere，inthekingdomofPrinceWish，thecourtierswerethrownbyitintotheutmostperplexity。Theywereinthehabitoflaughingatallsmallnoses;

buthowdaredtheymakefunofthenoseofPrincessDarling？Twounfortunategentlemen，whomPrinceWishhadoverhearddoingso，wereignominiouslybanishedfromthecourtandcapital。

Afterthis，thecourtiersbecamealarmed，andtriedtocorrecttheirhabitofspeech;buttheywouldhavefoundthemselvesinconstantdifficulties，hadnotonecleverpersonstruckoutabrightidea。Hesaidthatthoughitwasindispensablynecessaryforamantohaveagreatnose，womenwereverydifferent;andthatalearnedmanhaddiscoveredinaveryoldmanuscriptthatthecelebratedCleopatra，QueenofEgypt，thebeautyoftheancientworld，hadaturned-upnose。AtthisinformationPrinceWishwassodelightedthathemadethecourtieraveryhandsomepresent，andimmediatelysentoffambassadorstodemandPrincessDarlinginmarriage。

Sheacceptedhisofferatonce，andreturnedwiththeambassadors。Hemadeallhastetomeetandwelcomeher，butwhenshewasonlythreeleaguesdistantfromhiscapital，beforehehadtimeeventokissherhand，themagicianwhohadonceassumedtheshapeofhismother’scat，Minon，appearedintheairandcarriedheroffbeforethelover’sveryeyes。

PrinceWish，almostbesidehimselfwithgrief，declaredthatnothingshouldinducehimtoreturntohisthroneandkingdomtillhehadfoundDarling。Hewouldsuffernoneofhiscourtiersorattendantstofollowhim;butbiddingthemalladieu，mountedagoodhorse，laidthereinsontheanimal’sneck，andlethimtakehimwhereverhewould。

Thehorseenteredawide-extendedplain，andtrottedonsteadilythewholedaywithoutfindingasinglehouse。Masterandbeastbeganalmosttofaintwithhunger;andPrinceWishmighthavewishedhimselfathomeagain，hadhenotdiscovered，justatdusk，acavern，wheretheresat，besideabrightlantern，alittlewomanwhomighthavebeenmorethanahundredyearsold。

Sheputonherspectaclesthebettertolookatthestranger，andhenoticedthathernosewassosmallthatthespectacleswouldhardlystayon;thentheprinceandthefairy——forshewasafairy——burstintolaughter。

"Whatafunnynose！"criedtheone。

"Notsofunnyasyours，madam，"returnedtheother。"Butprayletusleaveournosesalone，andbegoodenoughtogivemesomethingtoeat，forIamdyingwithhunger，andsoismypoorhorse。"

"Withallmyheart，"answeredthefairy。

"Althoughyournoseisridiculouslylong，youarenolessthesonofoneofmybestfriends。I

lovedyourfatherlikeabrother;hehadaveryhandsomenose。"

"Whatiswantingtomynose？"askedWishrathersavagely。

"Oh！nothingatall。Onthecontrary，thereisagreatdealtoomuchofit;butnevermind，onemaybeaveryhonestman，andyethavetoobiganose。AsIsaid，Iwasagreatfriendofyourfather’s;hecameoftentoseeme。Iwasveryprettythen，andoftentimesheusedtosaytome，`Mysister————’"

"Iwillheartherest，madam，withpleasure，whenIhavesupped;butwillyoucondescendtorememberthatIhavetastednothingallday？"

"Poorboy，"saidthefairy，"Iwillgiveyousomesupperdirectly;andwhileyoueatitIwilltellyoumyhistoryinsixwords，forIhatemuchtalking。Alongtongueisasinsupportableasalongnose;andIrememberwhenIwasyounghowmuchIusedtobeadmiredbecauseI

wasnotatalker;indeed，someonesaidtothequeenmymother——forpoorasyouseemenow，Iamthedaughterofagreatking，whoalways————"

"Atewhenhewashungry，Ihope，"

interruptedtheprince，whosepatiencewasfastdeparting。

"Youareright，"saidtheimperturbableoldfairy;"andIwillbringyouyoursupperdirectly，onlyIwishfirstjusttosaythatthekingmyfather————"

"Hangthekingyourfather！"PrinceWishwasabouttoexclaim，buthestoppedhimself，andonlyobservedthathoweverthepleasureofherconversationmightmakehimforgethishunger，itcouldnothavethesameeffectuponhishorse，whowasreallystarving。

Thefairy，pleasedathiscivility，calledherservantsandbadethemsupplyhimatoncewithallheneeded。"And，"addedshe，"Imustsayyouareverypoliteandverygood-tempered，inspiteofyournose。"

"Whathastheoldwomantodowithmynose？"thoughttheprince。"IfIwerenotsoveryhungry，Iwouldsoonshowherwhatsheis——aregularoldgossipandchatterbox。Shetofancyshetalkslittle，indeed！Onemustbeveryfoolishnottoknowone’sowndefects。Thiscomesofbeingbornaprincess。Flatterershavespoiledherandpersuadedherthatshetalkslittle。Little，indeed！Ineverknewanybodychattersomuch。"

Whiletheprincethusmeditated，theservantswerelayingthetable，thefairyaskingthemahundredunnecessaryquestions，simplyforthepleasureofhearingherselftalk。"Well，"

thoughtWish，"IamdelightedthatIcamehither，ifonlytolearnhowwiseIhavebeeninneverlisteningtoflatterers，whohidefromusourfaults，ormakeusbelievetheyareperfections。

Buttheycouldneverdeceiveme。Iknowallmyownweakpoints，Itrust。"Astrulyhebelievedhedid。

Sohewentoneatingcontentedly，norstoppedtilltheoldfairybegantoaddresshim。

"Prince，"saidshe，"willyoubekindenoughtoturnalittle？YournosecastssuchashadowthatIcannotseewhatisonmyplate。And，asIwassaying，yourfatheradmiredmeandalwaysmademewelcomeatcourt。Whatisthecourtetiquettetherenow？Dotheladiesstillgotoassemblies，promenades，balls？——Ibegyourpardonforlaughing，buthowverylongyournoseis。"

"Iwishyouwouldceasetospeakofmynose，"

saidtheprince，becomingannoyed。"Itiswhatitis，andIdonotdesireitanyshorter。"

"Oh！IseethatIhavevexedyou，"returnedthefairy。"Nevertheless，Iamoneofyourbestfriends，andsoIshalltakethelibertyofalways————"Shewoulddoubtlesshavegoneontalkingtillmidnight;buttheprince，unabletobearitanylonger，hereinterruptedher，thankedherforherhospitality，badeherahastyadieu，androdeaway。

Hetraveledforalongtime，halfovertheworld，butheheardnonewsofPrincessDarling。

However，ineachplacehewentto，heheardoneremarkablefact——thegreatlengthofhisownnose。Thelittleboysinthestreetsjeeredathim，thepeasantsstaredathim，andthemorepoliteladiesandgentlemenwhomhemetinsocietyusedtotryinvaintokeepfromlaughing，andtogetoutofhiswayassoonastheycould。Sothepoorprincebecamegraduallyquiteforlornandsolitary;hethoughtalltheworldwasmad，butstillheneverthoughtoftherebeinganythingqueerabouthisownnose。

Atlasttheoldfairy，who，thoughshewasachatterbox，wasverygood-natured;sawthathewasalmostbreakinghisheart。Shefeltsorryforhimandwishedtohelphiminspiteofhimself，forsheknewtheenchantmentwhichhidfromhimthePrincessDarlingcouldneverbebrokentillhehaddiscoveredhisowndefect。

Soshewentinsearchoftheprincess，andbeingmorepowerfulthanthemagician，sinceshewasagoodfairyandhewasanevilmagician，shegotherawayfromhimandshutherupinapalaceofcrystal，whichsheplacedontheroadwhichPrinceWishhadtopass。

Hewasridingalong，verymelancholy，whenhesawthepalace;andatitsentrancewasaroom，madeofthepurestglass，inwhichsathisbelovedprincess，smilingandbeautifulasever。

Heleapedfromhishorseandrantowardher。

Sheheldoutherhandforhimtokiss，buthecouldnotgetatitfortheglass。Transportedwitheagernessanddelight，hedashedhisswordthroughthecrystalandsucceededinbreakingasmallopening，towhichsheputupherbeautifulrosymouth。Butitwasinvain;PrinceWishcouldnotapproachit。Hetwistedhisneckabout，andturnedhisheadonallsides，tillatlength，puttinguphishandtohisface，hediscoveredtheimpediment。

"Itmustbeconfessed，’texclaimedhe，"thatmynoseistoolong。"

Thatmomenttheglasswallsallsplitasunder，andtheoldfairyappeared，leadingPrincessDarling。

"Avow，prince，"saidshe，"thatyouareverymuchobligedtome，fornowtheenchantmentisended。Youmaymarrytheobjectofyourchoice。But，"addedshe，smiling，"IfearI

mighthavetalkedtoyouforeveronthesubjectofyournose，andyouwouldnothavebelievedmeinitslength，tillitbecameanobstacletoyourowninclinations。Nowbeholdit！"andsheheldupacrystalmirror。"Areyousatisfiedtobenodifferentfromotherpeople？"

"Perfectly，"saidPrinceWish，whofoundhisnosehadshrunktoanordinarylength。AndtakingthePrincessDarlingbythehand，hekissedhercourteously，affectionately，andsatisfactorily。Thentheydepartedtotheirowncountry，andlivedveryhappilyalltheirdays。

THEFROG-PRINCE

INtimesofyore，whenwisheswerebothheardandgranted，livedakingwhosedaughterswereallbeautifulbuttheyoungestwassolovelythatthesunhimself，whohasseensomuch，wonderedatherbeautyeverytimehelookedinherface。Now，neartheking’scastlewasalargedarkforest;andintheforest，underanoldlindentree，wasadeepwell。Whenthedaywasveryhot，theking’sdaughterusedtogotothewoodandseatherselfattheedgeofthecoolwell;andwhenshebecamewearied，shewouldtakeagoldenball，throwitupintheair，andcatchitagain。Thiswasherfavoriteamusement。

Onceithappenedthathergoldenball，insteadoffallingbackintothelittlehandthatshestretchedoutforit，droppedontheground，andimmediatelyrolledawayintothewater。

Theking’sdaughterfolloweditwithhereyes，buttheballhadvanished，andthewellwassodeepthatnoonecouldseedowntothebottom。

Thenshebegantoweep，weptlouderandloudereveryminute，andcouldnotconsoleherselfatall。

Whileshewasthuslamentingsomeonecalledtoher："Whatisthematterwithyou，king’sdaughter？Youweepsothatyouwouldtouchtheheartofastone。"

Shelookedaroundtoseewhencethevoicecame，andsawafrogstretchinghisthickuglyheadoutofthewater。

"Ah！itisyou，oldwater-paddler！"saidshe。

"Iamcryingformygoldenball，whichhasfallenintothewell。"

"Becontent，"answeredthefrog;"IdaresayIcangiveyousomegoodadvice;butwhatwillyougivemeifIbringbackyourplaythingtoyou？"

"Whateveryoulike，dearfrog，"saidshe，"myclothes，mypearlsandjewels，eventhegoldencrownIwear。"

Thefroganswered，"Yourclothes，yourpearlsandjewels，evenyourgoldencrown，Idonotcarefor;butifyouwillloveme，andletmebeyourcompanionandplay-fellow，sitnearyouatyourlittletable，eatfromyourlittlegoldenplate，drinkfromyourlittlecup，andsleepinyourlittlebed——ifyouwillpromisemethis，thenIwillbringyoubackyourgoldenballfromthebottomofthewell。"

"Oh，yes！"saidshe;"Ipromiseyouevery-

thing，ifyouwillonlybringmebackmygoldenball。"

Shethoughttoherself，meanwhile："Whatnonsensethesillyfrogtalks！Hesitsinthewaterwiththeotherfrogs，andcroaks，andcannotbeanybody’splayfellow！"

Butthefrog，assoonashehadreceivedthepromisedippedhisheadunderthewaterandsankdown。Inalittlewhileuphecameagainwiththeballinhismouth，andthrewitonthegrass。Theking’sdaughterwasoverjoyedwhenshebeheldherprettyplaythingagain，pickeditup，andranawaywithit。

"Wait！wait！"criedthefrog;"takemewithyou。Icannotrunasfastasyou。"

Alas！ofwhatusewasitthathecroakedafterherasloudashecould。Shewouldnotlistentohim，buthastenedhome，andsoonforgotthepoorfrog，whowasobligedtoplungeagaintothebottomofhiswell。

Thenextday，whenshewassittingatdinnerwiththekingandallthecourtiers，eatingfromherlittlegoldplate，therecameasoundofsomethingcreepingupthemarblestaircase——splish，splash;andwhenithadreachedthetop，itknockedatthedoorandcried，"Youngestking’sdaughter，opentome。"

Sheran，wishingtoseewhowasoutside;butwhensheopenedthedoorandtheresatthefrog，sheflungithastilytoagainandsatdownattable，feelingvery，veryuncomfortable。Thekingsawthatherheartwasbeatingviolently，andsaid，"How，mychild，whyareyouafraid？

Isagiantstandingoutsidethedoortocarryyouoff？"

"Oh，no！"answeredshe，"itisnogiant，butanastyfrog，whoyesterday，whenIwasplayinginthewoodnearthewell，fetchedmygoldenballoutofthewater。ForthisIpromisedhimheshouldbemycompanion，butIneverthoughthecouldcomeoutofhiswell。Nowheisatthedoor，andwantstocomein。"

Again，thesecondtimetherewasaknock，andavoicecried：

"Youngestking’sdaughter，Opentome;

KnowyouwhatyesterdayYoupromisedme，Bythecoolwater？

Youngestking’sdaughter，Opentome。"

Thensaidtheking，"Whatyoupromisedyoumustperform。Goandopenthedoor。"

Shewentandopenedthedoor;thefroghoppedin，alwaysfollowingandfollowinghertillhecameuptoherchair。Therehesatandcriedout，"Liftmeuptoyouonthetable。"

Sherefused，tilltheking，herfather，commandedhertodoit。Whenthefrogwasonthetable，hesaid，"Nowpushyourlittlegoldenplatenearertome，thatwemayeattogether。"Shedidashedesired，butonecouldeasilyseethatshediditunwillingly。Thefrogseemedtoenjoyhisdinnerverymuch，buteverymorselsheatestuckinthethroatofthepoorlittleprincess。

Thensaidthefrog，"Ihaveeatenenough，andamtired;carrymetoyourlittleroom，andmakeyourlittlesilkenbedsmooth，andwewilllayourselvesdowntosleeptogether。"

Atthisthedaughterofthekingbegantoweep;forshewasafraidofthecoldfrog，whowantedtosleepinherprettycleanbed。

Butthekinglookedangrilyather，andsaidagain："Whatyouhavepromisedyoumustperform。

Thefrogisyourcompanion。"

Itwasnousetocomplain;whethershelikeditornot，shewasobligedtotakethefrogwithheruptoherlittlebed。Soshepickedhimupwithtwofingers，hatinghimbitterlythewhile，andcarriedhimupstairs：butwhenshegotintobed，insteadofliftinghimuptoher，shethrewhimwithallherstrengthagainstthewall，saying，"Nowyounastyfrog，therewillbeanendofyou。"

Butwhatfelldownfromthewallwasnotadeadfrog，butalivingyoungprince，withbeautifulandlovingeyes，whoatoncebecame，byherownpromiseandherfather’swill，herdearcompanionandhusband。Hetoldherhowhehadbeencursedbyawickedsorceress，andthatnoonebuttheking’syoungestdaughtercouldreleasehimfromhisenchantmentandtakehimoutofthewell。

Thenextdayacarriagedroveuptothepalacegateswitheightwhitehorses，havingwhitefeathersontheirheadsandgoldenreins。Behinditstoodtheservantoftheyoungprince，calledthefaithfulHenry。ThisfaithfulHenryhadbeensogrievedwhenhismasterwaschangedintoafrogthathehadbeencompelledtohavethreeironbandsfastenedroundhisheart，lestitshouldbreak。Nowthecarriagecametoconveytheprincetohiskingdom，sothefaithfulHenryliftedinthebrideandbridegroomandmountedbehind，fullofjoyathislord’srelease。

Butwhentheyhadgoneashortdistance，theprinceheardbehindhimanoiseasifsomethingwasbreaking。Hecriedout，"Henry，thecarriageisbreaking！"

ButHenryreplied："No，sir，itisnotthecarriagebutoneofthebandsfrommyheart，withwhichIwasforcedtobinditup，oritwouldhavebrokenwithgriefwhileyousatasafrogatthebottomofthewell。"

Twiceagainthishappened，andtheprincealwaysthoughtthecarriagewasbreaking;butitwasonlythebandsbreakingofffromtheheartofthefaithfulHenry，outofjoythathislord，thefrog-prince，wasafrognomore。

CLEVERALICE

ONCEuponatimetherewasamanwhohadadaughterwhowascalled"CleverAlice，"andwhenshewasgrownup，herfathersaid，"Wemustseeabouthermarrying。"

"Yes，"repliedhermother，"wheneverayoungmanshallappearwhoisworthyofher。"

Atlastacertainyouth，bynameHans，camefromadistancetomakeaproposalofmarriage;

butherequiredonecondition，thatthecleverAliceshouldbeveryprudent。

"Oh，"saidherfather，"nofearofthat！shehasgotaheadfullofbrains;"andthemotheradded，"ah，shecanseethewindblowupthestreet，andhearthefliescough！"

"Verywell，"repliedHans;"butremember，ifsheisnotveryprudent，Iwillnottakeher。"

Soonafterwardtheysatdowntodinner，andhermothersaid，"Alice，godownintothecellaranddrawsomebeer。"

SoCleverAlicetookthejugdownfromthewall，andwentintothecellar，jerkingthelidupanddownonherway，topassawaythetime。

Assoonasshegotdownstairsshedrewastoolandplaceditbeforethecask，inorderthatshemightnothavetostoop，forshethoughtstoopingmightinsomewayinjureherbackandgiveitanundesirablebend。Thensheplacedthecanbeforeherandturnedthetap，andwhilethebeerwasrunning，asshedidnotwishhereyestobeidle，shelookedaboutuponthewallaboveandbelow。Presentlysheperceived，aftermuchpeepingintothiscornerandthatcorner，ahatchet，whichthebricklayershadleftbehind？

stickingoutoftheceilingrightaboveherhead。

AtthesightofthisCleverAlicebegantocry，saying，"Oh！ifImarryHans，andwehaveachild，andhegrowsup，andwesendhimintothecellartodrawbeer，thehatchetwillfalluponhisheadandkillhim，"andsoshesatthereweepingwithallhermightovertheimpendingmisfortune。

Meanwhilethegoodfolksupstairswerewaitingforthebeer，butasCleverAlicedidnotcome，hermothertoldthemaidtogoandseewhatshewasstoppingfor。ThemaidwentdownintothecellarandfoundAlicesittingbeforethecaskcryingheartily，andsheasked，"Alice，whatareyouweepingabout？"

"Ah，"shereplied，"haveInotcause？IfI

marryHans，andwehaveachild，andhegrowsup，andwesendhimheretodrawbeer，thathatchetwillfalluponhisheadandkillhim。"

"Oh，"saidthemaid，"whatacleverAlicewehave！"Andsittingdown，shebegantoweep，too，forthemisfortunethatwastohappen。

Afterawhile，whentheservantdidnotreturn，thegoodfolksabovebegantofeelverythirsty;sothehusbandtoldtheboytogodownintothecellarandseewhathadbecomeofAliceandthemaid。Theboywentdown，andtheresatCleverAliceandthemaidbothcrying，soheaskedthereason;andAlicetoldhimthesametale，ofthehatchetthatwastofallonherchild，ifshemarriedHans，andiftheyhadachild。

Whenshehadfinished，theboyexclaimed，"WhatacleverAlicewehave！"andfellweepingandhowlingwiththeothers。

Upstairstheywerestillwaiting，andthehusbandsaid，whentheboydidnotreturn，"Doyougodown，wife，intothecellarandseewhyAlicestayssolong。"Soshewentdown，andfindingallthreesittingtherecrying，askedthereason，andAlicetoldheraboutthehatchetwhichmustinevitablyfallupontheheadofherson。Thenthemotherlikewiseexclaimed，"Oh，whatacleverAlicewehave！"and，sittingdown，begantoweepasmuchasanyoftherest。

Meanwhilethehusbandwaitedforhiswife’sreturn;butatlasthefeltsoverythirstythathesaid，"ImustgomyselfdownintothecellarandseewhatiskeepingourAlice。"Assoonasheenteredthecellar，therehefoundthefoursittingandcryingtogether，andwhenheheardthereason，healsoexclaimed，"Oh，whatacleverAlicewehave！"andsatdowntocrywiththewholestrengthofhislungs。

Allthistimethebridegroomabovesatwaiting，butwhennobodyreturned，hethoughttheymustbewaitingforhim，andsohewentdowntoseewhatwasthematter。Whenheentered，theresatthefivecryingandgroaning，eachoneinalouderkeythanhisneighbor。

"Whatmisfortunehashappened？"heasked。

"Ah，dearHans！"criedAlice，"ifyouandI

shouldmarryoneanother，andhaveachild，andhegrewup，andwe，perhaps，sendhimdowntothiscellartotapthebeer，thehatchetwhichhasbeenleftstickinguptheremayfallonhishead，andsokillhim;anddoyounotthinkthisisenoughtoweepabout？"

"Now，"saidHans，"moreprudencethanthisisnotnecessaryformyhousekeeping;becauseyouaresuchacleverAlice，Iwillhaveyouformywife。"And，takingherhand，heledherhome，andcelebratedtheweddingdirectly。

Aftertheyhadbeenmarriedalittlewhile，Hans，saidonemorning，"Wife，Iwillgoouttoworkandearnsomemoney;doyougointothefieldandgathersomecornwherewithtomakebread。"

"Yes，"sheanswered，"Iwilldoso，dearHans。"Andwhenhewasgone，shecookedherselfanicemessofpottagetotakewithher。Asshecametothefield，shesaidtoherself，"WhatshallIdo？ShallIcutfirst，oreatfirst？Aye，Iwilleatfirst！"Thensheateupthecontentsofherpot，andwhenitwasfinished，shethoughttoherself，"Now，shallIreapfirstorsleepfirst？

Well，IthinkIwillhaveanap！"andsoshelaidherselfdownamongthecorn，andwenttosleep。

MeanwhileHansreturnedhome，butAlicedidnotcome，andsohesaid，"Oh，whataprudentAliceIhave！Sheissoindustriousthatshedoesnotevencomehometoeatanything。"Byandby，however，eveningcameon，andstillshedidnotreturn;soHanswentouttoseehowmuchshehadreaped;but，behold，nothingatall，andtherelayAlicefastasleepamongthecorn！Sohomeheranveryfast，andbroughtanetwithlittlebellshangingonit，whichhethrewoverherheadwhileshestillslepton。Whenhehaddonethis，hewentbackagainandshuttothehousedoor，and，seatinghimselfonhisstool，beganworkingveryindustriously。

Atlast，whenitwasnearlydark，thecleverAliceawoke，andassoonasshestoodup，thenetfellalloverherhair，andthebellsjingledateverystepshetook。Thisquitefrightenedher，andshebegantodoubtwhethershewerereallyCleverAlice，andsaidtoherself，"AmIshe，oramInot？"Thiswasaquestionshecouldnotanswer，andshestoodstillalongwhileconsideringaboutit。Atlastshethoughtshewouldgohomeandaskwhethershewasreallyherself——

supposingsomebodywouldbeabletotellher。

Whenshecameuptothehousedooritwasshut;soshetappedatthewindow，andasked，"Hans，isAlicewithin？""Yes，"hereplied，"sheis。"Atwhichanswershebecamereallyterrified，andexclaiming，"Ah，heaven，thenI

amnotAlice！"sheranuptoanotherhouse，intendingtoaskthesamequestion。Butassoonasthefolkswithinheardthejinglingofthebellsinhernet，theyrefusedtoopentheirdoors，andnobodywouldreceiveher。Sosheranstraightawayfromthevillage，andnoonehaseverseenhersince。