Page:Mother goose's fairy tales (1).pdf/13

 go to the ball with: are you pleased with it? O yes, cried she, but must I go thither as I am, in these poisonous nasty rags? Her godmother only touched her with her wand, and at the same instant, her clothes were turned into cloth of gold and silver, all beset with jewels. This done, she gave her a pair of glass slippers, the prettiest in the whole world.

Being thus decked out, she got up into her coach; but her godmother, above all things, commanded her not to stay till after midnight, telling her at the same time, that if she stayed at the ball one moment longer her coach would be a pompion again, her horses mice, her coachman a rat, her footmen lizards, and her clothes become just as they were before. She promised her godmother, she would not fail of leaving the ball before midnight, and then away she drives, scarce able to contain herself for joy. The king’s son, who was told, that a great princess, whom no body knew, was come, ran out to receive her, he gave her his hand as she alighted out of the coach, and led her into the ball among all the company. There was immediately a profound silence, they left off dancing, and the music ceased to play, so attentive was every one to contemplate the beauties of this new comer. Nothing was then heard but confused noise of, Ah! how handsome she is! ah! how handsome she is! The king himself, old as he was, could net help ogling her, and telling the queen softly, that it was a long time since he had seen so beautiful and lovely a creature. All the ladies were busied in considering her clothes and head-dress, that they might have some made the next day after the same pattern, providing they could meet with so fine materials, and as able hands to make them.

The king’s son conducted her to the most honourable seat, and afterwards took her out to dance with him: She danced so very gracefully, that they