Page:Fairytales00auln.djvu/578

520 water; and as she was very tired, and the shade of several trees protected her from the heat of the sun, her eyes closed gently, her head sank on the grass, and she fell into a deep slumber.

She had no one to guard her but the faithful Ruson. Suddenly he trod upon her, and pulled her; and what was her astonishment on waking, to perceive, about twenty paces from her, a young man behind some bushes, where he had hidden himself to see without being seen. The beauty of his form and face, the nobleness of his manner, and the magnificence of his dress so surprised the Princess, that she rose hastily, with the intention of hurrying away. I know not what secret spell arrested her flight. She cast a timid glance on the stranger; the Giant had scarcely caused her so much alarm; but fear arises from various causes. The looks and actions of this youthful pair sufficiently indicated the sentiments with which they had already inspired each other.

They would have remained, perhaps, a long time without speaking, except with their eyes, if the Prince had not heard the sound of horns, and the cry of the hounds approaching. He saw that the Princess was astonished at it. "Fear nothing, beautiful shepherdess," said he to her; "you are safe in this spot: would to Heaven those who see you here were equally so."

"My Lord," said she, "I implore your protection. I am a poor orphan, who has no other course left her but to become a shepherdess. Obtain for me the charge of a flock; I will tend it most carefully." "Happy will be the sheep," said he smiling, "that you lead to the pastures; but in short, lovely shepherdess, if you desire it, I will speak to the Queen, my mother, and shall feel delighted to begin from this day to render you all the service in my power." "Ah, my Lord," said Constancia, "I crave your pardon for the liberty I have taken; I should not have dared so much had I known your rank."

The Prince heard her with the utmost astonishment. He discovered in her, great intelligence and polished manners. Nothing could accord better with her exquisite beauty; but nothing could be less expected from the plainness of her attire, and her condition of a shepherdess. He even endeavoured to induce her to make choice of some other employment. "Have you reflected," said he, "that you expose yourself to pass the