Page:The Pentamerone, or The Story of Stories.djvu/287

Rh from the gaze of the Sun, they found themselves in the same inn with their wives; whereupon there was a great embracing, and a joy beyond the beyonds. Then they all eight seated themselves in the same coach, and after a long journey arrived at Green-Bank, where they were received with incredible affection by the king and queen, who had not only regained the capital of four children, whom they had considered lost, but likewise the interest of three sons-in-law and a daughter-in-law, who were verily four columns of the temple of Beauty. And when the news of the adventures of their children was brought to the kings of Fair-Meadow and Bright-Valley, they both came to the feasts which were made, adding the rich ingredient of joy to the porridge of their satisfaction, and receiving a full recompense for all their past misfortunes; for

One hour of joy dispels the cares

And sufferings of a thousand years."

All praised Meneca's story, which she had told with such spirit as to bring events that had happened at so great a distance before the eyes of all present.