Page:Lange - The Blue Fairy Book.djvu/258

 ‘Approach, lovely Princess,’ he cried; ‘have no fear of such gentle and peaceable animals as we are.’

‘What a marvel!’ cried the Princess, starting back a little. ‘Here is a sheep who can talk.’

‘Your monkey and your dog could talk, madam,’ said he; ‘are you more astonished at us than at them?’

‘A fairy gave them the power to speak,’ replied Miranda. ‘So I was used to them.’



‘Perhaps the same thing has happened to us,’ he said, smiling sheepishly. ‘But, Princess, what can have led you here?’

‘A thousand misfortunes, Sir Sheep,’ she answered. ‘I am the unhappiest princess in the world, and I am seeking a shelter against my father’s anger.’

‘Come with me, madam,’ said the Sheep; ‘I offer you a hiding-place which you only will know of, and where you will be mistress of everything you see.’

‘I really cannot follow you,’ said Miranda, ‘for I am too tired to walk another step.’

The Sheep with the golden horns ordered that his chariot should