Page:Fairytales00auln.djvu/474

424 uttered some little plaintive sounds, and at last, becoming bolder, she approached still nearer; she touched him, and he awoke.

His surprise was excessive; he saw it was the same hind that had given him so much exercise and that he had been seeking so long a time for; but to find her so familiar appeared most extraordinary to him. She did not wait long enough for him to seize her, but ran off with all her might, and he followed with all his. From time to time they stopped to take breath, for the lovely Hind was tired from having run so much the evening before, and the Prince was not less fatigued than she was. But what caused the Hind to slacken her flight? Alas! must I own it? It was the fear of separating herself too far from him, who had wounded her much more by his merit than by the arrows which he shot at her. He remarked she very often turned her head, as though to ask him if he wished her to die by his hand; and when he was on the point of overtaking her, she renewed her efforts to escape. "Ah, if thou couldst understand me, little Hind," cried he, "thou wouldst not shun me; I love thee, and would cherish thee; thou art charming; I will take care of thee." The air carried away his words, they did not reach her.

At length, after making the round of the forest, our Hind could not run any longer, and slackened her pace. The Prince redoubling his, came up with her with a delight which he could scarcely believe it possible he could feel. He evidently saw she had lost all her strength; she was lying down like a poor half-dead little animal, and only expecting her life to be taken by the hands of her conqueror; but instead of being so cruel, he began to caress her. "Beautiful Hind," said he, "do not be afraid; I will take thee with me, and thou shalt follow me everywhere." He cut some branches from the trees, twisted them skilfully, and covered them with moss; scattered roses upon them, which he gathered from some bushes in full blossom, then took the Hind in his arms, laid her head upon his neck, and placed her gently upon the boughs; after which he sat down near her, seeking from time to time the finest grass, which he gave to her, and which she ate from his hand.

The Prince continued to talk to her, although he was