Page:Story of the little white mouse, or, The overthrow of the tyrant king (1).pdf/16

16 the yard, when the king's son arrived: he was crooked and humph-backed, and marked with every kind of deformity. "If you persist in refusing me," said he, "I will order you to be put to death instantly." She answered him with disdain, "I will never marry you; you are too ugly and too wicked. I prefer poverty, with my turkeys and pullets, to all the honours you have power bestow."

The little white mouse observed her with wonder and admiration; for, though in so a humble dress, she appeared to possess an incomparable beauty. As soon therefore as the prince retired, the fairy assumed the figure of an old shepherdess. "Good day, fair damsel," said she, "the fowls do credit to your care of them."---The young woman raised her eyes, and looked at her with a countenance full of sweetness: "they wish," answered she, "to persuade me to quit my present employment, for a crown which I do not want, and for a husband whom I should despise; pray, good mother, what is your advice?" "My child," returned the fairy, "a crown is a dazzling object; but you cannot imagine the care and trouble it is to those who wear it." "But suppose I do know all this," quickly answered the keeper of the king's poultry, "still I would refuse to accept it, though I am without friend or