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Rh Madam," replied she; "but I do not know the way by which I can descend into that dark abode." "Hold," said the Fairy Protectrice. "Here is a green branch; strike the earth with it, and repeat these lines distinctly." The Queen embraced the knees of this generous friend, and then said after her:—

She had scarcely finished this prayer, when a young child, more beautiful than anything we can behold, appeared in the midst of a gold and azure cloud. He flew down at her feet; a crown of flowers encircled his brow. The Queen knew by his bow and his arrows, that it was Love. He addressed her thus:—

The Queen, dazzled by the splendour that surrounded Love and delighted at his promises, exclaimed,

Love, who rarely speaks in prose, struck the earth three times, whilst he sang, in the most, enchanting manner, these words:—