Page:Little Ellie and Other Tales (1850).djvu/107

Rh its delights; and the burden of their song was, that death should never approach those who were purified by trial, and that the Garden of Paradise should bloom to them for ever.

It was sunset: the whole sky was as pure gold; and in the purple light the lilies shone like the most beautiful roses. And the Prince felt a joy within his heart which he had never experienced before. He saw how the background of the hall opened, and beheld the Tree of Knowledge standing amidst dazzling brightness.

And again the sound of song was wafted towards him, mild and gentle as his mother’s voice; and he seemed to hear her sing, “My child, my dear, dear child!”

Then the Fairy beckoned with tenderness, and cried, “Come, oh come with me!”

He rushed towards her; forgot his vow, forgot it even on the very first evening; and again she beckoned and smiled.

The air, the spicy air around grew still more balmy; and the harps sounded more deliciously; and it seemed as if the millions