Page:Tales of old Lusitania.djvu/119



upon a time there was a king, who was very unhappy because he had no children. He therefore resolved to send for three fairies, who immediately obeyed the king's summons, and glided into the king's audience chamber to hear what his majesty had to say. The king explained to them the cause of his trouble, saying that he and his wife would be the happiest of mortals if they had a son. The fairies, after consulting among themselves what they should do, promised the king that his wish should be granted, and that they would come and be present at the birth, and greet the little stranger with good wishes and gifts. The queen accordingly had a son, and the three fairies came, and bending forward until their heads touched, stood like a canopy over the child's cradle.

Then one of them said, "Let this child be the handsomest man in the world."

The next said, "Let him be wise and good."