Page:Story of the little white mouse, or, The overthrow of the tyrant king (1).pdf/18

18 you long; I am delighted to find you so sensible and so lovely; but I wish you were better dressed; take the clothes that are before you, and put them on." The princess obeyed immediately, and taking from her head the cap of goat's skin, her beautiful golden hair fell in curls upon her shoulders; then, taking some water from a fountain that ran through the yard, she washed her hands and face, and discovered a complexion more bright and transparent than the choisest pearls of India; roses seemed to bloom fresh on her cheeks; coral seemed to form her beautiful mouth; and her eyes shone like the most brilliant diamonds. When she had finished dressing herself, the gracefulness of her form appeared equal to the beauty of her countenance, and the fairy gazed on her with wonder and delight.

"Pray, who do you suppose yourself to be now, my dear child?" asked the fairy. "Really," answered she, "I could fancy myself to be the daughter of some great king." "Should you be glad of it?" demanded the fairy. "Yes, certainly, my good mother," replied the princess, "for it would give me the power of assisting many that are in distress." "Be happy then," exclaimed the fairy, "for you are born of royal parents: to-morrow you shall know more."

The fairy returned immediately to her