Page:The Yellow Dwarf Picture Book-1875.djvu/20

5 replied, “Alas, fair nymph, I know not the object of the unkind Fairy who brought me hither.” “Ah, my Lord,” exclaimed the nymph, “if you are in the power of that woman you will not escape without marrying her.” Whilst she thus pretended to take great interest in the King’s affliction, he caught sight of her feet, which were like those of a griffin, and by this at once knew her to be the wicked Fairy. He, however, took no notice of it. “I do not,” said he, “entertain any dislike to the Fairy of the Desert, but I cannot endure that she should keep me in chains like a criminal.” The Fairy of the Desert, deceived by these words, resolved to carry the King to a beautiful spot. So she made him enter her chariot, to which she had now harnessed swans, and fled with him from one pole to the other.

Whilst thus travelling through the air, he beheld his dear Princess in a castle all of steel, the walls of which, reflecting the rays of the sun, became like burning-glasses, and scorched to death all who ventured to approach them. She was reclining on the bank of a stream. As she lifted her eyes, she saw the King pass by with the Fairy of the Desert, who, through her magic arts, seemed to be very beautiful; and this made her more unhappy than ever, as she thought the King was untrue to her. She thus became jealous, and was offended with the poor King, while he was in great grief at being so rapidly borne away from her.

At length they reached a meadow, covered with a thousand various flowers. A deep river surrounded it, and in the distance arose a superb palace. As soon as the swans had descended, the Fairy of the Desert led the King into a handsome apartment, and did all she could that he might not think himself actually a prisoner.

The King, who had his reasons for saying kind things to the old Fairy, was not sparing of them, and by degrees obtained leave to walk by the sea-side. One day he heard a voice, and looking rapidly around him, he saw a female of great beauty, whose form terminated in a long fish’s tail. As soon as she was near enough to speak to him, she said, “I know the sad state to which you are reduced by the loss of your Princess; if you are willing, I will convey you from this fatal spot.” As the King hesitated, the Syren said, “Do not think I am laying a snare for you; if you will confide in me, I will save you.” “I have such perfect confidence in you,” said the King, “that I will do whatever you command.” “Come with me then,” said the