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A king had three sons, all handsome, brave, and fine young gentlemen; but being suspicious that they had formed a design to deprive him of his crown, he thought of a method to divert them from their intended purpose. Having called them one day into his closet, he spoke to them as follows:—"My sons, I am now come to a great age, and cannot apply myself to public affairs with so much care as formerly; therefore, I intend to resign my crown to one of you; but, as it is but right to require some proof of your abilities, in order to determine which is the most worthy of so valuable a present, I propose and promise, that he who shall bring me the most beautiful little dog shall immediately take possession of my throne."

The three princes readily agreed to this proposal, each concluding himself most likely to succeed in fulfilling this extraordinary request. After taking leave of the king, they set out, with orders to return that day twelvemonth with dogs. Each took a different road, without any attendants; but we shall leave the two eldest at present, and confine our story to the youngest.

This accomplished prince, as he was more desirous to show his duty to his father than to become a king, was more fortunate in his undertaking than either of the others. One night, having travelled till it was very late, and being overtaken by a storm in a large forest, he discovered a light at a distance, and, pursuing his journey with all speed, he arrived at a most statclystately [sic] castle, the gates of which were of massy gold, and the walls of fine china, whereon were painted the histories of all the fairies that ever appeared on earth. At the door hung a chain of diamonds, with a deer's foot at the end; on pulling