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 where I am now ready to accompany you, and where I will relate my unheard-of misfortunes. Come, see, the carriage waits." So saying, she gave her hand to the prince, who led her into a chariot, the inside of which was fine velvet, set with brilliants, the outside gold; and the horses' harness was made of emeralds.

Away they flew, and were presently at the gates of the king's palace, where the two eldest princes were already arrived with their two princesses, in fine calashes of blue, embossed with gold. The courtiers crowded to present these three illustrious couples to the king. The two eldest princes with their ladies advanced first, and were received very graciously by the monarch, who declared they had brought him two such beauties, that he knew not to which he should give the preference; but the moment the youngest approached with his queen, both full of grace and dignity, the king cried out in ecstacy, "This is the incomparable beauty, whose worth and excellence claims and deserves my crown!" "I came not to rob you of your crown," answered the discreet queen; "I was born heiress to six kingdoms. Give me leave to present one of them to you, and one to each of your sons; for which I ask no other return than this amiable prince in marriage."

The king and all the court were struck with joy at this declaration; and the nuptials were celebrated the same day with great magnificence. Never were a pair more happy; and the young prince, to the last moment of his life, blessed the accident that led him to the abode of the sweet White Cat. 



was once a queen, who, though she had borne many children, had but one daughter left alive, of whom she was fond to an excess, humouring and indulging her in all her ways and wishes. This princess was exceedingly beautiful, so that she I was called All-Fair, and had twenty kings courting her at one time. Her mother, being advanced in years, would fain have had her married and settled before she died, but no entreaties could prevail; whereupon she determined to go to the Desert Fairy to ask advice concerning her stubborn daughter.

Now, this fairy being guarded by two fierce lions, the queen made a cake of millet, sugar candy, and crocodiles' eggs, in order to appease their fury and pass by them; and having thus provided herself, she set out. After travelling some time, she found herself weary, and lying down under a tree, fell