Page:Fairytales00auln.djvu/411

Rh fond of him: but when we entertain such fear, are we not already certain of the fact?

The attachment of the young shepherd for the young shepherdess was no secret; everybody saw it, and approved of it; who could blame it, in a place where all the world loved. They appeared, it was said, born for each other; they were both perfect; they were master-pieces of the gods, which fortune had confided to their little country, and everything should be done to retain them in it. Carpillon felt a secret joy in hearing from every one the praises of the shepherd she thought so charming; and whenever she reflected on the difference of their rank she grieved, and resolved to remain unknown, that her heart might be more at liberty.

The King and Queen, who loved her very much, were not at all displeased at this growing affection; they looked upon the Prince as though he were their son, and the many perfections of the Princess were scarcely less charming to them than to him. "Was it not the Amazon who sent her to us," said they; "and did she not also come and fight the Centaur in favour of the boy? No doubt this wise Fairy has destined them for each other; we must wait her orders thereupon, and follow them."

Matters were in this condition, the Prince still complaining of Carpillon's indifference to him—for she carefully concealed her sentiments from him,—when, as he was hunting one day, he was unexpectedly attacked by a ferocious bear, who rushing suddenly from the cavity of a rock, threw himself upon him, and would have devoured him had he not been as dexterous as he was brave. After struggling for a long time upon the summit of the mountain, they rolled to the bottom without quitting their hold. Carpillon was standing near the spot with several of her companions. They could not see what was passing above them; but what was the terror of these young girls, when they perceived a man and a bear falling headlong down together! The Princess immediately recognised her shepherd. She uttered shrieks of terror and anguish. All the shepherdesses took flight; she remained sole spectatress of the combat; she even boldly thrust the iron of her crook in the terrible animal's mouth, and love gave her strength to render some assistance to her lover. When he saw her, the fear she might be involved in his danger augmented