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174 near, and suckled the Princess. Tourmentine carried her back to her grotto; the hind ran skipping and gamboling after them, and the child looked at it and fondled it. When she was in her cradle and cried, the hind was always ready to feed her, and the little Ogre rocked her.

Thus was the King's daughter brought up, while they deplored her loss night and day; and believing she was drowned, the King thought of choosing an heir. He spoke to the Queen upon the subject, who told him to do what he judged proper—that her dear Aimée was dead—that she had no hope of any more children—that he had waited long enough—and that, as fifteen years had elapsed since she had the misery of losing her daughter, it would be folly now to expect her return. The King decided upon asking his brother to select amongst his sons the one he thought most worthy to reign, and to send him without delay to him. The ambassadors, having received their credentials and all necessary instruction, departed. It was a great distance off; they were embarked on board some fine vessels. The wind was favourable, and they arrived in a short time at the palace of the King's brother, who was in possession of a large kingdom. He received them very graciously; and when they asked him permission to take back with them one of his sons to succeed their master the King, he wept for joy; and told them that since his brother left the choice to him, he would send him the one he would have taken for himself; which was the second of his sons, whose inclinations were so well suited to the greatness of his birth, that he found him perfect in everything he could wish him to be. They sent for the Prince Aimé, (so was he called,) and however prejudiced in his favour the ambassadors were previously, they were perfectly astonished when they saw him. He was eighteen years old. Love, the young god of love himself, was less beautiful—but it was a beauty which detracted nothing from that noble and martial air which inspires respect and affection. He was informed of the anxiety of the King his uncle to have him near him; and of the intention of the King his father to hasten his departure. They prepared his equipage. He took his leave, embarked, and put to sea. Let him sail on; let Fortune guide him!

We will now return to Ravagio, and see what is occupying