Page:Little Ellie and Other Tales (1850).djvu/108

Rh of laughing faces in the hall, where the tree grew, nodded and said, “One should know all! Man is Lord of the Earth.” And it was no longer tears of blood that dropped from the leaves of the Tree of Knowledge, but red, shining stars; such, at least, did they seem to him.

“Come, oh come with me!” sounded with trembling tones; and at every step the cheeks of the Prince burned more ardently, and more quickly flowed his blood.

“I must,” said he; “it surely is no sin; cannot possibly be a sin! Why not pursue what is beautiful and joyous? I will see her while she sleeps. In doing that I shall have lost nothing: but if I were to kiss her,—but kiss her I will not—I am strong, and am resolute!”

And the Fairy threw off her shining mantle, bent aside the branches, and was hidden in a moment from his sight.

“As yet I have not sinned,” said the Prince; “nor will I;” and he pushed aside the green, depending branches of the Tree of Knowledge; she slept—as beautiful as