Page:Fairytales00auln.djvu/614

552 "The Queen, thy mother," continued she, "had scarcely received the money and jewels given her in exchange for the Princess, than she had her taken by force to the merchants, who had bought her, and as soon as they had her on board they set sail for the Indies, where they were certain to make a fine profit by the precious gem they had obtained possession of. Her tears and prayers could not alter their determination. In vain she assured them that Prince Constancio would ransom her with all he possessed in the world; the more she convinced them of the value he set upon her, the greater was the speed they made in the fear that he would be informed of her abduction, and that he would overtake and snatch from them their prey. At length, after having sailed half over the globe, they encountered a terrific storm: the Princess, overwhelmed by her grief, and the effects of her voyage, was almost dying. They feared they should lose her, and took refuge in the nearest port; but as they were landing they saw approaching them, a Giant of the most tremendous size. He was followed by several others, who all cried out in a breath, that they wanted to see what curiosities were on board the ship. The first thing that struck the giant's sight, on stepping aboard, was the young Princess. They knew each other again immediately. 'Hah! little wretch,' exclaimed the monster, 'the just and merciful gods have placed thee again in my power! Dost thou remember the day I found thee, and that thou didst cut open my sack? I am much mistaken if thou playest me such a trick this time.' So saying, he pounced on her as an eagle would on a chicken, and, despite the resistance and entreaties of the merchants, carried her off in his arms, running as fast as he could to his great tower. This tower is on a high mountain. The Enchanters, who built it, have neglected nothing that could make it beautiful and curious. It has no door; it is entered by the windows, which are placed very high; the walls are of diamonds, which sparkle like the sun, and are impervious to any force. In short, all that art and nature combined could display of splendour, is outshone by what is to be seen there. When the furious giant had secured Constancia, he told her that he would marry her, and render her the happiest creature in the universe; that he would make her mistress of all his treasures; that he would do her the favour to love