Page:Fairytales00auln.djvu/110

78 a cord between his legs, which threw him on his nose. They picked him up, and carried him to bed exceedingly ill.

Leander, satisfied with this revenge, returned to where his people awaited him, distributed money amongst them, and sent them back to his castle, not wishing any one to accompany him who might be acquainted with the secret of the little red hat and the roses. He had not made up his mind whither he would go. He mounted his beautiful horse called Grisdelin, and allowed him to take whatever road he pleased. He passed through woods and plains, over hills and valleys, without number, resting occasionally, and eating and sleeping, without meeting with anything worthy of notice. At length he came to a forest, in which he stopped and dismounted, for the sake of a little shade, the day being very hot. The next moment he heard some one sighing and sobbing: he looked all about him, and saw a man, now running, now stopping, now uttering cries of despair, then silent, tearing his hair, and striking himself violent blows. There was no doubt he must be some miserable madman. The prince, touched with compassion, accosted him. "I see you," said he, "in so pitiable a condition, that I cannot help inquiring the cause, and offering you any assistance in my power." "Oh, my lord," answered the young man, "there is no remedy for my misfortunes. This very day my beloved is to be sacrificed to a jealous old wretch, who is very wealthy, but who will make her the most miserable person in the world." "She loves you, then?" said Leander. "I may flatter myself she does," replied he. "And where is she?" continued the prince. "In a castle at the further end of this forest," answered the lover. "Well," said Leander, "wait here for me; I will shortly bring you some good news." So saying, he put on the little red hat, and wished himself in the castle. He had scarcely arrived, when he heard a strain of sweet music; and on entering the building, it echoed with the sound of violins and other instruments. He walked into a grand hall, filled with the relations and friends of the old man and the young lady. Nothing could be more lovely than the latter; but the paleness of her cheeks, the melancholy imprinted on her countenance, and the tears which occasionally filled her eyes, sufficiently expressed her grief. Leander, become an invisible spirit, placed himself in a corner, to watch the persons who were