"WhereistheKing？"askedthepuzzledboy。
　　"There，"saidMag，pointingwithonewrinkledclawtoamagnificentbed，largeenoughtocontainsixpeople。Inthecenterofit，justvisibleunderthesilkencounterpane，——quitestraightandstill，——withitsheadonthelacepillow，layasmallfigure，somethinglikewax-
　　work，fastasleep——veryfastasleep！Therewasanumberofsparklingringsonthetinyyellowhands，thatwerecurledalittle，helplessly，likeababy’s，outsidethecoverlet;theeyeswereshut，thenoselookedsharpandthin，andthelonggraybeardhidthemouthandlayoverthebreast。Asightnotuglynorfrightening，onlysolemnandquiet。Andsoverysilent——twolittlefliesbuzzingaboutthecurtainsofthebedbeingtheonlyaudiblesound。
　　"IsthattheKing？"whisperedPrinceDolor。
　　"Yes，"repliedthebird。
　　Hehadbeenangry——furiouslyangry——
　　eversinceheknewhowhisunclehadtakenthecrown，andsenthim，apoorlittlehelplesschild，tobeshutupforlife，justasifhehadbeendead。
　　Manytimestheboyhadfeltasif，kingashewas，heshouldliketostrikehim，thisgreat，strong，wickedman。
　　Why，youmightaswellhavestruckababy！
　　Howhelplesshelay，withhiseyesshut，andhisidlehandsfolded：theyhadnomoreworktodo，badorgood。
　　"Whatisthematterwithhim？"askedthePrince。
　　"Heisdead，"saidtheMagpie，withacroak。
　　No，therewasnottheleastuseinbeingangrywithhimnow。Onthecontrary，thePrincefeltalmostsorryforhim，exceptthathelookedsopeacefulwithallhiscaresatrest。Andthiswasbeingdead？Soevenkingsdied？
　　"Well，well，hehadn’taneasylife，folksay，forallhisgrandeur。Perhapsheisgladitisover。Good-by，yourMajesty。"
　　Withanothercheerfultapofherbeak，MistressMagshutdownthelittledoorinthetiles，andPrinceDolor’sfirstandlastsightofhisunclewasended。
　　Hesatinthecenterofhistraveling-cloak，silentandthoughtful。
　　"Whatshallwedonow？"saidthemagpie。
　　"There’snothingmuchmoretobedonewithhismajesty，exceptafinefuneral，whichIshallcertainlygoandsee。Alltheworldwill。Heinterestedtheworldexceedinglywhenhewasalive，andheoughttodoitnowhe’sdead——justoncemore。Andsincehecan’thearme，Imayaswellsaythat，onthewhole，hismajestyismuchbetterdeadthanalive——ifwecanonlygetsomebodyinhisplace。There’llbesucharowinthecitypresently。Supposewefloatupagainandseeitall——atasafedistance，though。Itwillbesuchfun！"
　　"Whatwillbefun？"
　　"Arevolution。"
　　Whetheranybodyexceptamagpiewouldhavecalledit"fun"Idon’tknow，butitcertainlywasaremarkablescene。
　　Assoonasthecathedralbellbegantotollandtheminute-gunstofire，announcingtothekingdomthatitwaswithoutaking，thepeoplegatheredincrowds，stoppingatstreetcornerstotalktogether。Themurmurnowandthenroseintoashout，andtheshoutintoaroar。
　　WhenPrinceDolor，quietlyfloatinginupperair，caughtthesoundoftheirdifferentandoppositecries，itseemedtohimasifthewholecityhadgonemadtogether。
　　"Longlivetheking！""Thekingisdead——
　　downwiththeking！""Downwiththecrown，andthekingtoo！""Hurrahfortherepublic！"
　　"Hurrahfornogovernmentatall！"
　　Suchweretheshoutswhichtraveleduptothetraveling-cloak。Andthenbegan——oh，whatascene！
　　Whenyouchildrenaregrownmenandwomen——orbefore——youwillhearandreadinbooksaboutwhatarecalledrevolutions——earnestlyI
　　trustthatneitherInoryoumayeverseeone。
　　Buttheyhavehappened，andmayhappenagain，inothercountriesbesidesNomansland，whenwickedkingshavehelpedtomaketheirpeoplewickedtoo，oroutofanunrighteousnationhavesprungrulersequallybad;or，withouteitherofthesecauses，whenarestlesscountryhasfanciedanychangebetterthannochangeatall。
　　Forme，Idon’tlikechanges，unlessprettysurethattheyareforgood。Andhowgoodcancomeoutofabsoluteevil——thehorribleevilthatwentonthisnightunderPrinceDolor’sveryeyes——soldiersshootingdownpeoplebyhundredsinthestreets，scaffoldserected，andheadsdroppingoff——housesburned，andwomenandchildrenmurdered——thisismorethanIcanunderstand。
　　Butallthesethingsyouwillfindinhistory，mychildren，andmustbyandbyjudgeforyourselvestherightandwrongofthem，asfarasanybodyevercanjudge。
　　PrinceDolorsawitall。Thingshappenedsofastoneafteranotherthattheyquiteconfusedhisfaculties。
　　"Oh，letmegohome，"hecriedatlast，stoppinghisearsandshuttinghiseyes;"onlyletmegohome！"forevenhislonelytowerseemedhome，anditsdrearinessandsilenceabsoluteparadiseafterallthis。
　　"Good-by，then，"saidthemagpie，flappingherwings。Shehadbeenchattingincessantlyalldayandallnight，foritwasactuallythuslongthatPrinceDolorhadbeenhoveringoverthecity，neithereatingnorsleeping，withalltheseterriblethingshappeningunderhisveryeyes。"You’vehadenough，Isuppose，ofseeingtheworld？"
　　"Oh，Ihave——Ihave！"criedtheprince，withashudder。
　　"Thatis，tillnexttime。Allright，yourroyalhighness。Youdon’tknowme，butIknowyou。
　　Wemaymeetagainsometime。"
　　Shelookedathimwithherclear，piercingeyes，sharpenoughtoseethrougheverything，anditseemedasiftheychangedfrombird’seyestohumaneyes——theveryeyesofhisgodmother，whomhehadnotseenforeversolong。
　　Buttheminuteafterwardshebecameonlyabird，andwithascreechandachatter，spreadherwingsandflewaway。
　　PrinceDolorfellintoakindofswoonofuttermisery，bewilderment，andexhaustion，andwhenheawokehefoundhimselfinhisownroom——aloneandquiet——withthedawnjustbreaking，andthelongrimofyellowlightinthehorizonglimmeringthroughthewindow-panes。
　　CHAPTERIX
　　WhenPrinceDolorsatupinbed，tryingtorememberwherehewas，whitherhehadbeen，andwhathehadseenthedaybefore，heperceivedthathisroomwasempty。
　　Generallyhisnurseratherworriedhimbybreakinghisslumbers，cominginand"settingthingstorights，"asshecalledit。Nowthedustlaythickuponchairsandtables;therewasnoharshvoiceheardtoscoldhimfornotgettingupimmediately，which，Iamsorrytosay，thisboydidnotalwaysdo。Forhesoenjoyedlyingstill，andthinkinglazilyabouteverythingornothing，that，ifhehadnottriedhardagainstit，hewouldcertainlyhavebecomelikethosecelebrated"TwolittlemenWholayintheirbedtilltheclockstruckten。"
　　Itwasstrikingtennow，andstillnonursewastobeseen。Hewasratherrelievedatfirst，forhefeltsotired;andbesides，whenhestretchedouthisarm，hefoundtohisdismaythathehadgonetobedinhisclothes。
　　Veryuncomfortablehefelt，ofcourse;andjustalittlefrightened。Especiallywhenhebegantocallandcallagain，butnobodyanswered。Oftenheusedtothinkhowniceitwouldbetogetridofhisnurseandliveinthistowerallbyhimself——likeasortofmonarchabletodoeverythingheliked，andleaveundoneallthathedidnotwanttodo;butnowthatthisseemedreallytohavehappened，hedidnotlikeitatall。
　　"Nurse，——dearnurse，——pleasecomeback！"hecalledout。"Comeback，andIwillbethebestboyinalltheland。"
　　Andwhenshedidnotcomeback，andnothingbutsilenceansweredhislamentablecall，heverynearlybegantocry。
　　"Thiswon’tdo，"hesaidatlast，dashingthetearsfromhiseyes。"It’sjustlikeababy，andI’mabigboy——shallbeamansomeday。Whathashappened，Iwonder？I’llgoandsee。"
　　Hesprangoutofbed，——nottohisfeet，alas！
　　buttohispoorlittleweakknees，andcrawledonthemfromroomtoroom。Allthefourchambersweredeserted——notforlornoruntidy，foreverythingseemedtohavebeendoneforhiscomfort——thebreakfastanddinnerthingswerelaid，thefoodspreadinorder。Hemightlive"likeaprince，"astheproverbis，forseveraldays。
　　Buttheplacewasentirelyforsaken——therewasevidentlynotacreaturebuthimselfinthesolitarytower。
　　Agreatfearcameuponthepoorboy。Lonelyashislifehadbeen，hehadneverknownwhatitwastobeabsolutelyalone。Akindofdespairseizedhim——noviolentangerorterror，butasortofpatientdesolation。
　　"WhatintheworldamItodo？"thoughthe，andsatdowninthemiddleofthefloor，halfinclinedtobelievethatitwouldbebettertogiveupentirely，layhimselfdown，anddie。
　　Thisfeeling，however，didnotlastlong，forhewasyoungandstrong，and，Isaidbefore，bynatureaverycourageousboy。Therecameintohishead，somehoworother，aproverbthathisnursehadtaughthim——thepeopleofNomanslandwereveryfondofproverbs：
　　"ForeveryevilunderthesunThereisaremedy，orthere’snone;
　　Ifthereisone，trytofindit——
　　Ifthereisn’t，nevermindit。"
　　"Iwonderistherearemedynow，andcouldI
　　findit？"criedthePrince，jumpingupandlookingoutofthewindow。
　　Nohelpthere。Heonlysawthebroad，bleak，sunshinyplain——thatis，atfirst。Butbyandby，inthecircleofmudthatsurroundedthebaseofthetower，heperceiveddistinctlythemarksofahorse’sfeet，andjustinthespotwherethedeaf-mutewasaccustomedtotieuphisgreatblackcharger，whilehehimselfascended，therelaytheremainsofabundleofhayandafeedofcorn。
　　"Yes，that’sit。Hehascomeandgone，takingnurseawaywithhim。Poornurse！howgladshewouldbetogo！"
　　ThatwasPrinceDolor’sfirstthought。Hissecond——wasn’titnatural？——wasapassionateindignationathercruelty——atthecrueltyofalltheworldtowardhim，apoorlittlehelplessboy。
　　Thenhedetermined，forsakenashewas，totryandholdontothelast，andnottodieaslongashecouldpossiblyhelpit。
　　Anyhow，itwouldbeeasiertodieherethanoutintheworld，amongtheterribledoingswhichhehadjustbeheld——fromthemidstofwhich，itsuddenlystruckhim，thedeaf-mutehadcome，contrivingsomehowtomakethenurseunderstandthatthekingwasdead，andsheneedhavenofearingoingbacktothecapital，wheretherewasagrandrevolution，andeverythingturnedupsidedown。So，ofcourse，shehadgone。
　　"Ihopeshe’llenjoyit，miserablewoman——iftheydon’tcutoffherheadtoo。"
　　Andthenakindofremorsesmotehimforfeelingsobitterlytowardher，afteralltheyearsshehadtakencareofhim——grudgingly，perhaps，andcoldly;stillshehadtakencareofhim，andthateventothelast：for，asIhavesaid，allhisfourroomswereastidyaspossible，andhismealslaidout，thathemighthavenomoretroublethancouldbehelped。
　　"Possiblyshedidnotmeantobecruel。I
　　won’tjudgeher，"saidhe。Andafterwardhewasverygladthathehadsodetermined。
　　Forthesecondtimehetriedtodresshimself，andthentodoeverythinghecouldforhimself——
　　eventosweepingupthehearthandputtingonmorecoals。"It’safunnythingforaprincetohavetodo，"saidhe，laughing。"Butmygodmotheroncesaidprincesneedneverminddoinganything。"
　　Andthenhethoughtalittleofhisgodmother。
　　Notofsummoningher，oraskinghertohelphim，——shehadevidentlylefthimtohelphimself，andhewasdeterminedtotryhisbesttodoit，beingaveryproudandindependentboy，——butherememberedhertenderlyandregret-
　　fully，asifevenshehadbeenalittleharduponhim——poor，forlornboythathewas。Butheseemedtohaveseenandlearnedsomuchwithinthelastfewdaysthathescarcelyfeltlikeaboy，butaman——untilhewenttobedatnight。
　　WhenIwasachild，Iusedoftentothinkhowniceitwouldbetoliveinalittlehouseallbymyownself——ahousebuilthighupinatree，orfarawayinaforest，orhalfwayupahillsidesodeliciouslyaloneandindependent。
　　Notalessontolearn——butno！Ialwayslikedlearningmylessons。Anyhow，tochoosethelessonsIlikedbest，tohaveasmanybookstoreadanddollstoplaywithaseverIwanted：
　　aboveall，tobefreeandatrest，withnobodytoteaseortroubleorscoldme，wouldbecharming。
　　ForIwasalonelylittlething，wholikedquietness——asmanychildrendo;whichotherchildren，andsometimesgrown-uppeopleeven，cannotunderstand。AndsoIcanunderstandPrinceDolor。
　　Afterhisfirstdespair，hewasnotmerelycomfortable，butactuallyhappyinhissolitude，doingeverythingforhimself，andenjoyingeverythingbyhimself——untilbedtime。Thenhedidnotlikeitatall。Nomore，Isuppose，thanotherchildrenwouldhavelikedmyim-
　　aginaryhouseinatreewhentheyhadhadsufficientoftheirowncompany。
　　ButthePrincehadtobearit——andhedidbearit，likeaprince——forfullyfivedays。Allthattimehegotupinthemorningandwenttobedatnightwithouthavingspokentoacreature，or，indeed，heardasinglesound。
　　Forevenhislittlelarkwassilent;andasforhistraveling-cloak，eitherheneverthoughtaboutit，orelseithadbeenspiritedaway——
　　forhemadenouseofit，norattemptedtodoso。
　　Averystrangeexistenceitwas，thosefivelonelydays。Heneverentirelyforgotit。Itthrewhimbackuponhimself，andintohimself——inawaythatallofushavetolearnwhenwegrowup，andarethebetterforit;butitissomewhathardlearning。
　　OnthesixthdayPrinceDolorhadastrangecomposureinhislook，buthewasverygraveandthinandwhite。Hehadnearlycometotheendofhisprovisions——andwhatwastohappennext？Getoutofthetowerhecouldnot：theladderthedeaf-muteusedwasalwayscarriedawayagain;andifithadnotbeen，howcouldthepoorboyhaveusedit？Andevenifheslungorflunghimselfdown，andbymiraculouschancecamealivetothefootofthetower，howcouldherunaway？
　　Fatehadbeenveryhardtohim，orsoitseemed。
　　Hemadeuphismindtodie。Notthathewishedtodie;onthecontrary，therewasagreatdealthathewishedtolivetodo;butifhemustdie，hemust。Dyingdidnotseemsoverydreadful;noteventoliequietlikehisuncle，whomhehadentirelyforgivennow，andneitherbemiserablenornaughtyanymore，andescapeallthosehorriblethingsthathehadseengoingonoutsidethepalace，inthatawfulplacewhichwascalled"theworld。"
　　"It’sagreatdealnicerhere，"saidthepoorlittlePrince，andcollectedallhisprettythingsroundhim：hisfavoritepictures，whichhethoughtheshouldliketohavenearhimwhenhedied;hisbooksandtoys——no，hehadceasedtocarefortoysnow;heonlylikedthembecausehehaddonesoasachild。Andtherehesatverycalmandpatient，likeakinginhiscastle，waitingfortheend。
　　"Still，IwishIhaddonesomethingfirst——
　　somethingworthdoing，thatsomebodymightremembermeby，"thoughthe。"SupposeI
　　hadgrownaman，andhadhadworktodo，andpeopletocarefor，andwassousefulandbusythattheylikedme，andperhapsevenforgotI
　　waslame？Thenitwouldhavebeennicetolive，Ithink。"
　　Atearcameintothelittlefellow’seyes，andhelistenedintentlythroughthedeadsilenceforsomehopefulsound。
　　Wasthereone？——wasithislittlelark，whomhehadalmostforgotten？No，nothinghalfsosweet。Butitreallywassomething——somethingwhichcamenearerandnearer，sothattherewasnomistakingit。Itwasthesoundofatrumpet，oneofthegreatsilvertrumpetssoadmiredinNomansland。Notpleasantmusic，butverybold，grand，andinspiring。
　　Ashelistenedtoittheboyseemedtorecallmanythingswhichhadslippedhismemoryforyears，andtonervehimselfforwhatevermightbegoingtohappen。
　　Whathadhappenedwasthis。
　　Thepoorcondemnedwomanhadnotbeensuchawickedwomanafterall。Perhapshercouragewasnotwhollydisinterested，butshehaddoneaveryheroicthing。AssoonassheheardofthedeathandburialoftheKingandofthechangesthatweretakingplaceinthecountry，adaringideacameintoherhead——tosetuponthethroneofNomanslanditsrightfulheir。Thereuponshepersuadedthedeaf-mutetotakeherawaywithhim，andtheygallopedlikethewindfromcitytocity，spreadingeverywherethenewsthatPrinceDolor’sdeathandburialhadbeenaninventionconcoctedbyhiswickedunclethathewasaliveandwell，andthenoblestyoungprincethateverwasborn。
　　Itwasaboldstroke，butitsucceeded。Thecountry，wearyperhapsofthelateKing’sharshrule，andyetgladtosaveitselffromthehorrorsofthelastfewdays，andthestillfurtherhorrorsofnoruleatall，andhavingnoparticularinterestintheotheryoungprinces，jumpedattheideaofthisPrince，whowasthesonoftheirlategoodKingandthebelovedQueenDolorez。
　　"HurrahforPrinceDolor！LetPrinceDolorbeoursovereign！"rangfromendtoendofthekingdom。Everybodytriedtorememberwhatadearbabyheoncewas——howlikehismother，whohadbeensosweetandkind，andhisfather，thefinest-lookingkingthateverreigned。Nobodyrememberedhislameness——
　　or，iftheydid，theypasseditoverasamatterofnoconsequence。Theyweredeterminedtohavehimreignoverthem，boyashewas——
　　perhapsjustbecausehewasaboy，sinceinthatcasethegreatnoblesthoughttheyshouldbeabletodoastheylikedwiththecountry。
　　Accordingly，withaficklenessnotconfinedtothepeopleofNomansland，nosoonerwasthelateKinglaidinhisgravethantheypronouncedhimtohavebeenausurper;turnedallhisfamilyoutofthepalace，andleftitemptyforthereceptionofthenewsovereign，whomtheywenttofetchwithgreatrejoicing，aselectbodyoflords，gentlemen，andsoldierstravelingnightanddayinsolemnprocessionthroughthecountryuntiltheyreachedHopelessTower。
　　TheretheyfoundthePrince，sittingcalmlyonthefloor——deadlypale，indeed，forheexpectedaquitedifferentendfromthis，andwasresolved，ifhehadtodie，todiecourageously，likeaPrinceandaKing。
　　ButwhentheyhailedhimasPrinceandKing，andexplainedtohimhowmattersstood，andwentdownontheirkneesbeforehim，offeringthecrown（onavelvetcushion，withfourgoldentassels，eachnearlyasbigashishead），——smallthoughhewasandlame，whichlamenessthecourtierspretendednottonotice，——therecamesuchaglowintohisface，suchadignityintohisdemeanor，thathebecamebeautiful，king-like。
　　"Yes，"hesaid，"ifyoudesireit，Iwillbeyourking。AndIwilldomybesttomakemypeoplehappy。"
　　Thentherearose，frominsideandoutsidethetower，suchashoutasneveryetwasheardacrossthelonelyplain。
　　PrinceDolorshrankalittlefromthedeafeningsound。"HowshallIbeabletoruleallthisgreatpeople？Youforget，mylords，thatIamonlyalittleboystill。"
　　"Notsoverylittle，"wastherespectfulanswer。"Wehavesearchedintherecords，andfoundthatyourRoyalHighness——yourMajesty，Imean——isfifteenyearsold。"
　　"AmI？"saidPrinceDolor;andhisfirstthoughtwasathoroughlychildishpleasurethatheshouldnowhaveabirthday，withawholenationtokeepit。Thenherememberedthathischildishdaysweredone。Hewasamonarchnow。Evenhisnurse，towhom，themomenthesawher，hehadheldouthishand，kisseditreverently，andcalledhimceremoniously"hisMajestytheKing。"
　　"Akingmustbealwaysaking，Isuppose，"
　　saidhehalf-sadly，when，theceremoniesover，hehadbeenlefttohimselfforjusttenminutes，toputoffhisboy’sclothesandbereattiredinmagnificentrobes，beforehewasconveyedawayfromhistowertotheroyalpalace。
　　Hecouldtakenothingwithhim;indeed，hesoonsawthat，howeverpolitelytheyspoke，theywouldnotallowhimtotakeanything。Ifhewastobetheirking，hemustgiveuphisoldlifeforever。Sohelookedwithtenderfarewellonhisoldbooks，oldtoys，thefurnitureheknewsowell，andthefamiliarplaininallitslevelness——
　　uglyyetpleasant，simplybecauseitwasfamiliar。
　　"Itwillbeanewlifeinanewworld，"saidhetohimself;"butI’llremembertheoldthingsstill。And，oh！ifbeforeIgoIcouldbutonceseemydearoldgodmother。"
　　Whilehespokehehadlaidhimselfdownonthebedforaminuteortwo，rathertiredwithhisgrandeur，andconfusedbythenoiseofthetrumpetswhichkeptplayingincessantlydownbelow。Hegazed，halfsadly，uptotheskylight，whencetherecamepouringastreamofsunrays，withinnumerablemotesfloatingthere，likeabridgethrownbetweenheavenandearth。Slidingdownit，asifshehadbeenmadeofair，camethelittleoldwomaningray。
　　Sobeautifullookedshe——oldasshewas——thatPrinceDolorwasatfirstquitestartledbytheapparition。Thenheheldouthisarmsineagerdelight。
　　"Oh，godmother，youhavenotforsakenme！"
　　"Notatall，myson。Youmaynothaveseenme，butIhaveseenyoumanyatime。"
　　"How？"
　　"Oh，nevermind。IcanturnintoanythingIplease，youknow。AndIhavebeenabearskinrug，andacrystalgoblet——andsometimesIhavechangedfrominanimatetoanimatenature，putonfeathers，andmademyselfverycomfortableasabird。"
　　"Ha！"laughedtheprince，anewlightbreakinginuponhimashecaughttheinfection{sic}ofhertone，livelyandmischievous。"Ha！ha！alark，forinstance？"
　　"Oramagpie，"answeredshe，withacapitalimitationofMistressMag’scroakyvoice。"DoyousupposeIamalwayssentimental，andneverfunny？Ifanythingmakesyouhappy，gay，orgrave，don’tyouthinkitismorethanlikelytocomethroughyouroldgodmother？"
　　"Ibelievethat，"saidtheboytenderly，holdingouthisarms。Theyclaspedoneanotherinacloseembrace。
　　SuddenlyPrinceDolorlookedveryanxious。
　　"YouwillnotleavemenowthatIamaking？
　　OtherwiseIhadrathernotbeakingatall。
　　Promisenevertoforsakeme！"
　　Thelittleoldwomanlaughedgayly。"Forsakeyou？thatisimpossible。Butitisjustpossibleyoumayforsakeme。Notprobablethough。Yourmotherneverdid，andshewasaqueen。ThesweetestqueeninalltheworldwastheLadyDolorez。"
　　"Tellmeabouther，"saidtheboyeagerly。
　　"AsIgetolderIthinkIcanunderstandmore。
　　Dotellme。"
　　"Notnow。Youcouldn’thearmeforthetrumpetsandtheshouting。Butwhenyouarecometothepalace，askforalong-closedupperroom，whichlooksoutupontheBeautifulMountains;openitandtakeitforyourown。
　　Wheneveryougothereyouwillalwaysfindme，andwewilltalktogetheraboutallsortsofthings。"
　　"Andaboutmymother？"
　　Thelittleoldwomannodded——andkeptnoddingandsmilingtoherselfmanytimes，astheboyrepeatedoverandoveragainthesweetwordshehadneverknownorunderstood——"mymother——mymother。"
　　"NowImustgo，"saidshe，asthetrumpetsblaredlouderandlouder，andtheshoutsofthepeopleshowedthattheywouldnotendureanydelay。"Good-by，good-by！OpenthewindowandoutIfly。"
　　PrinceDolorrepeatedgaylythemusicalrhyme——butallthewhiletriedtoholdhisgodmotherfast。
　　Vain，vain！forthemomentthataknockingwasheardathisdoorthesunwentbehindacloud，thebrightstreamofdancingmotesvanished，andthelittleoldwomanwiththem——
　　heknewnotwhere。
　　SoPrinceDolorquittedhistower——whichhehadenteredsomournfullyandignominiouslyasalittlehelplessbabycarriedinthedeaf-mute’sarms——quitteditasthegreatKingofNomansland。
　　Theonlythinghetookawaywithhimwassomethingsoinsignificantthatnoneofthelords，gentlemen，andsoldierswhoescortedhimwithsuchtriumphantsplendorcouldpossiblynoticeit——atinybundle，whichhehadfoundlyingonthefloorjustwherethebridgeofsunbeamshadrested。Atoncehehadpounceduponit，andthrustitsecretlyintohisbosom，whereitdwin-
　　dledintosuchsmallproportionsthatitmighthavebeentakenforamerechest-comforter，abitofflannel，oranoldpocket-handkerchief。
　　Itwashistraveling-cloak！
　　CHAPTERX
　　DidPrinceDolarbecomeagreatking？
　　Washe，thoughlittlemorethanaboy，"thefatherofhispeople，"asallkingsoughttobe？Didhisreignlastlong——longandhappy？andwhatweretheprincipaleventsofit，aschronicledinthehistoryofNomansland？
　　Why，ifIweretoanswerallthesequestionsIshouldhavetowriteanotherbook。AndI’mtired，children，tired——asgrown-uppeoplesometimesare，thoughnotalwayswithplay。
　　（Besides，Ihaveasmallpersonbelongingtome，who，thoughshelikesextremelytolistentotheword-of-mouthstoryofthisbook，grumblesmuchatthewritingofit，andhasrunaboutthehouseclappingherhandswithjoywhenmammatoldherthatitwasnearlyfinished。Butthatisneitherherenorthere。）
　　IhaverelatedaswellasIcouldthehistoryofPrinceDolor，butwiththehistoryofNomanslandIamasyetunacquainted。Ifanybodyknowsit，perhapsheorshewillkindlywriteitalldowninanotherbook。Butmineisdone。
　　However，ofthisIamsure，thatPrinceDolormadeanexcellentking。Nobodyeverdoesanythinglesswell，noteventhecommonestdutyofcommondailylife，forhavingsuchagodmotherasthelittleoldwomanclothedingray，whosenameis——well，Ileaveyoutoguess。Nor，I
　　think，isanybodylessgood，lesscapableofbothworkandenjoymentinafter-life，forhavingbeenalittleunhappyinhisyouth，astheprincehadbeen。
　　Icannottakeuponmyselftosaythathewasalwayshappynow——whois？——orthathehadnocares;justshowmethepersonwhoisquitefreefromthem！Butwheneverpeopleworriedandbotheredhim——astheydidsometimes，withstateetiquette，statesquabbles，andthelike，settingupthemselvesandpullingdowntheirneighbors——
　　hewouldtakerefugeinthatupperroomwhichlookedoutontheBeautifulMountains，and，layinghisheadonhisgodmother’sshoulder，becomecalmedandatrest。
　　Also，shehelpedhimoutofanydifficultywhichnowandthenoccurred——forthereneverwassuchawiseoldwoman。WhenthepeopleofNomanslandraisedthealarm——assometimestheydid——forwhatpeoplecanexistwithoutalittlefault-finding？——andbegantocryout，"Un-
　　happyisthenationwhosekingisachild，"shewouldsaytohimgently，"Youareachild。
　　Acceptthefact。Behumble——beteachable。
　　Leanuponthewisdomofotherstillyouhavegainedyourown。"
　　Hedidso。Helearnedhowtotakeadvicebeforeattemptingtogiveit，toobeybeforehecouldrighteouslycommand。Heassembledroundhimallthegoodandwiseofhiskingdom——laidallitsaffairsbeforethem，andwasguidedbytheiropinionsuntilhehadmaturelyformedhisown。
　　Thishedidsoonerthananybodywouldhaveimaginedwhodidnotknowofhisgodmotherandhistraveling-cloak——twosecretblessings，which，thoughmanyguessedat，nobodyquiteunderstood。Nordidtheyunderstandwhyhelovedsothelittleupperroom，exceptthatithadbeenhismother’sroom，fromthewindowofwhich，aspeoplerememberednow，shehadusedtositforhourswatchingtheBeautifulMountains。
　　Outofthatwindowheusedtofly——notveryoften;ashegrewolder，thelaborsofstatepreventedthefrequentuseofhistraveling-cloak;
　　stillhediduseitsometimes。Onlynowitwaslessforhisownpleasureandamusementthantoseesomethingorinvestigatesomethingforthegoodofthecountry。Butheprizedhisgodmother’sgiftasdearlyasever。Itwasacomforttohiminallhisvexations，anenhancementofallhisjoys。Itmadehimalmostforgethislameness——whichwasnevercured。
　　However，thecruelthingswhichhadbeenonceforebodedofhimdidnothappen。Hismisfortunewasnotsuchaheavyone，afterall。Itprovedtobeofmuchlessinconvenience，eventohimself，thanhadbeenfeared。Acouncilofeminentsurgeonsandmechaniciansinventedforhimawonderfulpairofcrutches，withthehelpofwhich，thoughheneverwalkedeasilyorgracefully，hedidmanagetowalksoastobequiteindependent。Andsuchwasthelovehispeopleborehimthattheyneverheardthesoundofhiscrutchesonthemarblepalacefloorswithoutaleapoftheheart，fortheyknewthatgoodwascomingtothemwheneverheapproached。
　　Thus，thoughheneverwalkedinprocessions，neverreviewedhistroopsmountedonamagnificentcharger，nordidanyofthethingswhichmakeashowmonarchsomuchappreciated，hewasableforallthedutiesandagreatmanyofthepleasuresofhisrank。Whenheheldhislevees，notstanding，butseatedonathronein-
　　geniouslycontrivedtohidehisinfirmity，thepeoplethrongedtogreethim;whenhedroveoutthroughthecitystreets，shoutsfollowedhimwhereverhewent——everycountenancebrightenedashepassed，andhisown，perhaps，wasthebrightestofall。
　　First，because，acceptinghisafflictionasinevitable，hetookitpatiently;second，because，beingabraveman，heboreitbravely，tryingtoforgethimself，andliveoutofhimself，andinandforotherpeople。ThereforeotherpeoplegrewtolovehimsowellthatIthinkhundredsofhissubjectsmighthavebeenfoundwhowerealmostreadytodiefortheirpoorlameking。
　　Henevergavethemaqueen。Whentheyimploredhimtochooseone，herepliedthathiscountrywashisbride，andhedesirednoother。
　　Butperhapstherealreasonwasthatheshrankfromanychange;andthatnowifeinalltheworldwouldhavebeenfoundsoperfect，solovable，sotendertohiminallhisweaknessesashisbeautifuloldgodmother。
　　Histwenty-fourothergodfathersandgodmothers，orasmanyofthemaswerestillalive，crowdedroundhimassoonasheascendedthethrone。Hewasveryciviltothemall，butadoptednoneofthenamestheyhadgivenhim，keepingtotheonebywhichhehadbeenalwaysknown，thoughithadnowalmostlostitsmeaning;
　　forKingDolorwasoneofthehappiestandcheerfulestmenalive。
　　Hedidagoodmanythings，however，unlikemostmenandmostkings，whichalittleastonishedhissubjects。First，hepardonedthecondemnedwomanwhohadbeenhisnurse，andordainedthatfromhenceforththereshouldbenosuchthingasthepunishmentofdeathinNomansland。AllcapitalcriminalsweretobesenttoperpetualimprisonmentinHopelessTowerandtheplainroundaboutit，wheretheycoulddonoharmtoanybody，andmightintimedoalittlegood，asthewomanhaddone。
　　Anothersurpriseheshortlyafterwardgavethenation。Herecalledhisuncle’sfamily，whohadfledawayinterrortoanothercountry，andrestoredthemtoalltheirhonorsintheirown。
　　Byandbyhechosetheeldestsonofhiseldestcousin（whohadbeendeadayear），andhadhimeducatedintheroyalpalace，astheheirtothethrone。Thislittleprincewasaquiet，unobtrusiveboy，sothateverybodywonderedattheKing’schoosinghimwhenthereweresomanymore;butashegrewintoafineyoungfellow，goodandbrave，theyagreedthattheKingjudgedmorewiselythanthey。
　　"Notalameprince，either，"hisMajestyobservedoneday，watchinghimaffectionately;forhewasthebestrunner，thehighestleaper，thekeenestandmostactivesportsmaninthecountry。"Onecannotmakeone’sself，butonecansometimeshelpalittleinthemakingofsomebodyelse。Itiswell。"
　　Thiswassaid，nottoanyofhisgreatlordsandladies，buttoagoodoldwoman——hisfirsthomelynursewhomhehadsoughtforfarandwide，andatlastfoundinhercottageamongtheBeautifulMountains。Hesentforhertovisithimonceayear，andtreatedherwithgreathonoruntilshedied。Hewasequallykind，thoughsomewhatlesstender，tohisothernurse，who，afterreceivingherpardon，returnedtohernativetownandgrewintoagreatlady，andIhopeagoodone。Butasshewassograndapersonagenow，anylittlefaultsshehaddidnotshow。
　　ThusKingDolor’sreignpassedyearafteryear，longandprosperous。Whetherhewerehappy——"ashappyasaking"——isaquestionnohumanbeingcandecide。ButIthinkhewas，becausehehadthepowerofmakingeverybodyabouthimhappy，anddidittoo;alsobecausehewashisgodmother’sgodson，andcouldshuthimselfupwithherwheneverheliked，inthatquietlittleroominviewoftheBeautifulMountains，whichnobodyelseeversaworcaredtosee。Theyweretoofaroff，andthecitylaysolow。Buttheretheywere，allthetime。Nochangeevercametothem;andIthink，atanydaythroughouthislongreign，theKingwouldsoonerhavelosthiscrownthanhavelostsightoftheBeautifulMountains。
　　Incourseoftime，whenthelittlePrince，hiscousin，wasgrownintoatallyoungman，capableofallthedutiesofaman，hisMajestydidoneofthemostextraordinaryactseverknowninasovereignbelovedbyhispeopleandprosperousinhisreign。Heannouncedthathewishedtoinvesthisheirwiththeroyalpurple——atanyrate，foratime——whilehehimselfwentawayonadistantjourney，whitherhehadlongdesiredtogo。
　　Everybodymarveled，butnobodyopposedhim。WhocouldopposethegoodKing，whowasnotayoungkingnow？Andbesides，thenationhadagreatadmirationfortheyoungregent——andpossiblyalurkingpleasureinchange。
　　Sotherewasafixeddaywhenallthepeoplewhomitwouldholdassembledinthegreatsquareofthecapital，toseetheyoungprinceinstalledsolemnlyinhisnewduties，andundertakinghisnewvows。Hewasaveryfineyoungfellow;tallandstraightasapoplartree，withafrank，handsomeface——agreatdealhandsomerthantheking，somepeoplesaid，butothersthoughtdifferently。However，ashisMajestysatonhisthrone，withhisgrayhairfallingfromunderneathhiscrown，andafewwrinklesshowinginspiteofhissmile，therewassomethingabouthiscountenancewhichmadehispeople，evenwhiletheyshouted，regardhimwithatendernessmixedwithawe。
　　Helifteduphisthin，slenderhand，andtherecameasilenceoverthevastcrowdimmediately。
　　Thenhespoke，inhisownaccustomedway，usingnograndwords，butsayingwhathehadtosayinthesimplestfashion，thoughwithaclearnessthatstrucktheirearslikethefirstsongofabirdintheduskofthemorning。
　　"Mypeople，Iamtired：Iwanttorest。I
　　havehadalongreign，anddonemuchwork——atleast，asmuchasIwasabletodo。ManymighthavedoneitbetterthanI——butnonewithabetterwill。NowIleaveittoothers;Iamtired，verytired。Letmegohome。"
　　Therearoseamurmur——ofcontentordiscontentnonecouldwelltell;thenitdieddownagain，andtheassemblylistenedsilentlyoncemore。
　　"Iamnotanxiousaboutyou，mypeople——mychildren，"continuedtheKing。"Youareprosperousandatpeace。Ileaveyouingoodhands。ThePrinceRegentwillbeafitterkingforyouthanI。"
　　"No，no，no！"rosetheuniversalshout——andthosewhohadsometimesfoundfaultwithhimshoutedlouderthananybody。Butheseemedasifheheardthemnot。
　　"Yes，yes，"saidhe，assoonasthetumulthadalittlesubsided：andhisvoicesoundedfirmandclear;andsomeveryoldpeople，whoboastedofhavingseenhimasachild，declaredthathisfacetookasuddenchange，andgrewasyoungandsweetasthatofthelittlePrinceDolor。"Yes，Imustgo。Itistimeformetogo。Remembermesometimes，mypeople，forIhavelovedyouwell。AndIamgoingalongway，andIdonotthinkIshallcomebackanymore。"
　　Hedrewalittlebundleoutofhisbreastpocket——abundlethatnobodyhadeverseenbefore。Itwassmallandshabby-looking，andtiedupwithmanyknots，whichuntiedthemselvesinaninstant。Withajoyfulcountenance，hemutteredoveritafewhalf-intelligiblewords。
　　Then，sosuddenlythateventhosenearesttohisMajestycouldnottellhowitcameabout，theKingwasaway——away——floatingrightupintheair——uponsomething，theyknewnotwhat，exceptthatitappearedtobeassafeandpleasantasthewingsofabird。
　　Andafterhimsprangabird——adearlittlelark，risingfromwhencenoonecouldsay，sincelarksdonotusuallybuildtheirnestsinthepavementofcitysquares。Butthereitwas，areallark，singingfarovertheirheads，louderandclearerandmorejoyfulasitvanishedfurtherintothebluesky。
　　Shadingtheireyes，andstrainingtheirears，theastonishedpeoplestooduntilthewholevisiondisappearedlikeaspeckintheclouds——
　　therosycloudsthatoverhungtheBeautifulMountains。
　　KingDolorwasneveragainbeheldorheardofinhisowncountry。Butthegoodhehaddonetherelastedforyearsandyears;hewaslongmissedanddeeplymourned——atleast，sofarasanybodycouldmournonewhowasgoneonsuchahappyjourney。
　　Whitherhewent，orwhowentwithhim，itisimpossibletosay。ButImyselfbelievethathisgodmothertookhimonhistraveling-cloaktotheBeautifulMountains。Whathedidthere，orwhereheisnow，whocantell？Icannot。ButonethingIamquitesureof，that，whereverheis，heisperfectlyhappy。
　　Andso，whenIthinkofhim，amI。
　　THEINVISIBLEPRINCE
　　THEREwereakingandqueenwhoweredotinglyfondoftheironlyson，notwithstandingthathewasequallydeformedinmindandperson。Thekingwasquitesensibleoftheevildispositionofhisson，butthequeeninherexcessivefondnesssawnofaultwhateverinherdearFuribon，ashewasnamed。
　　ThesurestwaytowinherfavorwastopraiseFuribonforcharmshedidnotpossess。Whenhecameofagetohaveagovernor，thekingmadechoiceofaprincewhohadanancientrighttothecrown，butwasnotabletosupportit。Thisprincehadason，namedLeander，handsome，accomplished，amiable——ineveryrespecttheoppositeofPrinceFuribon。Thetwowerefrequentlytogether，whichonlymadethedeformedprincemorerepulsive。
　　Oneday，certainambassadorshavingarrivedfromafarcountry，theprincestoodinagallerytoseethem;when，takingLeanderfortheking’sson，theymadetheirobeisancetohim，treatingFuribonasameredwarf，atwhichthelatterwassooffendedthathedrewhissword，andwouldhavedonethemamischiefhadnotthekingjustthenappeared。Asitwas，theaffairproducedaquarrel，whichendedinLeander’sbeingsenttoafar-awaycastlebelongingtohisfather。
　　There，however，hewasquitehappy，forhewasagreatloverofhunting，fishing，andwalking：
　　heunderstoodpainting，readmuch，andplayeduponseveralinstruments，sothathewasgladtobefreedfromthefantastichumorsofFuribon。Onedayashewaswalkinginthegarden，findingtheheatincrease，heretiredintoashadygroveandbegantoplayupontheflutetoamusehimself。Asheplayed，hefeltsomethingwindabouthisleg，andlookingdownsawagreatadder：hetookhishandkerchief，andcatchingitbytheheadwasgoingtokillit。
　　Buttheadder，lookingsteadfastlyinhisface，seemedtobeghispardon。AtthisinstantoneofthegardenershappenedtocometotheplacewhereLeanderwas，andspyingthesnake，criedouttohismaster："Holdhimfast，sir;itisbutanhoursinceweranafterhimtokillhim：itisthemostmischievouscreatureintheworld。"
　　Leander，castinghiseyesasecondtimeuponthesnake，whichwasspeckledwithathousandextraordinarycolors，perceivedthepoorcreaturestilllookeduponhimwithanaspectthatseemedtoimplorecompassion，andnevertriedintheleasttodefenditself。
　　"Thoughthouhastsuchamindtokillit，"
　　saidhetothegardener，"yet，asitcametomeforrefuge，Iforbidtheetodoitanyharm;forIwillkeepit，andwhenithascastitsbeautifulskinIwillletitgo。"Hethenreturnedhome，andcarryingthesnakewithhim，putitintoalargechamber，thekeyofwhichhekepthimself，andorderedbran，milk，andflowerstobegiventoit，foritsdelightandsustenance;sothatneverwassnakesohappy。Leanderwentsometimestoseeit，andwhenitperceivedhimitmadehastetomeethim，showinghimallthelittlemarksofloveandgratitudeofwhichapoorsnakewascapable，whichdidnotalittlesurprisehim，thoughhetooknofurthernoticeofit。
　　Inthemeantimeallthecourtladieswereextremelytroubledathisabsence，andhewasthesubjectofalltheirdiscourse。"Alas！"criedthey，"thereisnopleasureatcourtsinceLeanderisgone，ofwhoseabsencethewickedFuribonisthecause！"Furibonalsohadhisparasites，forhispoweroverthequeenmadehimfeared;theytoldhimwhattheladiessaid，whichenragedhimtosuchadegreethatinhispassionheflewtothequeen’schamber，andvowedhewouldkillhimselfbeforeherfaceifshedidnotfindmeanstodestroyLeander。Thequeen，whoalsohatedLeander，becausehewashandsomerthanherson，repliedthatshehadlonglookeduponhimasatraitor，andthereforewouldwillinglyconsenttohisdeath。TowhichpurposesheadvisedFuribontogoa-huntingwithsomeofhisconfidants，andcontriveitsothatLeandershouldmakeoneoftheparty。
　　"Then，"saidshe，"youmayfindsomewaytopunishhimforpleasingeverybody。"
　　Furibonunderstoodher，andaccordinglywenta-hunting;andLeander，whenheheardthehornsandthehounds，mountedhishorseandrodetoseewhoitwas。Buthewassurprisedtomeettheprincesounexpectedly;healightedimmediatelyandsalutedhimwithrespect;andFuribonreceivedhimmoregraciouslythanusualandbadefollowhim。Allofasuddenheturnedhishorseandrodeanotherway，makingasigntotheruffianstotakethefirstopportunitytokillhim;butbeforehehadgotquiteoutofsight，alionofprodigioussize，comingoutofhisden，leapeduponFuribon;allhisfollowersfled，andonlyLeanderremained;
　　who，attackingtheanimalswordinhand，byhisvalorandagilitysavedthelifeofhismostcruelenemy，whohadfalleninaswoonfromfear。
　　Whenherecovered，Leanderpresentedhimhishorsetoremount。Now，anyotherthansuchawretchwouldhavebeengrateful，butFuribondidnotevenlookuponhim;nay，mountingthehorse，herodeinquestoftheruffians，towhomherepeatedhisorderstokillhim。TheyaccordinglysurroundedLeander，who，settinghisbacktoatree，behavedwithsomuchbraverythathelaidthemalldeadathisfeet。Furibon，believinghimbythistimeslain，rodeeagerlyuptothespot。WhenLeandersawhimheadvancedtomeethim。"Sir，"saidhe，"ifitwasbyyourorderthattheseassassinscametokillme，IamsorryImadeanydefense。"
　　"Youareaninsolentvillain！"repliedFuribon，"andifeveryoucomeintomypresenceagain，youshallsurelydie。"
　　Leandermadenoanswer，butretiredsadandpensivetohisownhome，wherehespentthenightinponderingwhatwasbestforhimtodo;
　　fortherewasnolikelihoodheshouldbeabletodefendhimselfagainstthepoweroftheking’sson;thereforeheatlengthconcludedhewouldtravelabroadandseetheworld。Beingreadytodepart，herecollectedhissnake，and，callingforsomemilkandfruits，carriedthemtothepoorcreatureforthelasttime;butonopeningthedoorheperceivedanextraordinarylusterinonecorneroftheroom，andcastinghiseyeontheplacehewassurprisedtoseealady，whosenobleandmajesticairmadehimimmediatelyconcludeshewasaprincessofroyalbirth。Herhabitwasofpurplesatin，embroideredwithpearlsanddiamonds;sheadvancedtowardhimwithagracioussmile。
　　"Youngprince，"saidshe，"youfindnolongeryourpetsnake，butme，thefairyGentilla，readytorequiteyourgenerosity。Forknowthatwefairiesliveahundredyearsinflourishingyouth，withoutdiseases，withouttroubleorpain;andthistermbeingexpired，webecomesnakesforeightdays。Duringthattimeitisnotinourpowertopreventanymisfortunethatmaybefallus;andifwehappentobekilled，weneverreviveagain。Buttheseeightdaysbeingexpired，weresumeourusualformandrecoverourbeauty，ourpower，andourriches。NowyouknowhowmuchIamobligedtoyourgoodness，anditisbutjustthatIshouldrepaymydebtofgratitude;thinkhowIcanserveyouanddependonme。"
　　Theyoungprince，whohadneverconversedwithafairytillnow，wassosurprisedthatitwasalongtimebeforehecouldspeak。Butatlength，makingaprofoundreverence，"Madam，"saidhe，"sinceIhavehadthehonortoserveyou，IknownotanyotherhappinessthatIcanwishfor。"
　　"Ishouldbesorry，"repliedshe，"nottobeofservicetoyouinsomething;consider，itisinmypowertobestowonyoulonglife，kingdoms，riches;togiveyouminesofdiamondsandhousesfullofgold;Icanmakeyouanexcellentorator，poet，musician，andpainter;or，ifyoudesireit，aspiritoftheair，thewater，ortheearth。"
　　HereLeanderinterruptedher。"Permitme，madam，"saidhe，"toaskyouwhatbenefititwouldbetometobeaspirit？"
　　"Much，"repliedthefairy，"youwouldbeinvisiblewhenyoupleased，andmightinaninstanttraversethewholeearth;youwouldbeabletoflywithoutwings，todescendintotheabyssoftheearthwithoutdying，andwalkatthebottomoftheseawithoutbeingdrowned;
　　nordoors，norwindows，thoughfastshutandlocked，couldhinderyoufromenteringanywhere;
　　andwheneveryouhadamind，youmightresumeyournaturalform。"
　　"Oh，madam！"criedLeander，"thenletmebeaspirit;Iamgoingtotravel，andshouldpreferitaboveallthoseotheradvantagesyouhavesogenerouslyofferedme。"
　　Gentillathereuponstrokinghisfacethreetimes，"Beaspirit，"saidshe;andthen，embracinghim，shegavehimalittleredcapwithaplumeoffeathers。"Whenyouputonthiscapyoushallbeinvisible;butwhenyoutakeitoffyoushallagainbecomevisible。"
　　Leander，overjoyed，puthislittleredcapuponhisheadandwishedhimselfintheforest，thathemightgathersomewildroseswhichhehadobservedthere：hisbodyimmediatelybecameaslightasthought;heflewthroughthewindowlikeabird;though，inflyingovertheriver，hewasnotwithoutfearlestheshouldfallintoit，andthepowerofthefairynotbeabletosavehim。Buthearrivedinsafetyattherose-
　　bushes，pluckedthethreeroses，andreturnedimmediatelytohischamber;presentedhisrosestothefairy，overjoyedthathisfirstexperimentshadsucceededsowell。Shebadehimkeeptheroses，forthatoneofthemwouldsupplyhimwithmoneywheneverhewantedit;thatifheputtheotherintohismistress’bosom，hewouldknowwhethershewasfaithfulornot;
　　andthatthethirdwouldkeephimalwaysingoodhealth。Then，withoutstayingtoreceivehisthanks，shewishedhimsuccessinhistravelsanddisappeared。
　　Leander，infinitelypleased，settledhisaffairs，mountedthefinesthorseinthestable，calledGris-de-line，andattendedbysomeofhisservantsinlivery，madehisreturntocourt。NowyoumustknowFuribonhadgivenoutthathaditnotbeenforhiscourageLeanderwouldhavemurderedhimwhentheywerea-hunting;sotheking，beingimportunedbythequeen，gaveordersthatLeandershouldbeapprehended。Butwhenhecame，heshowedsomuchcourageandresolutionthatFuribonrantothequeen’schamberandprayedhertoorderhimtobeseized。Thequeen，whowasextremelydiligentineverythingthathersondesired，wentimmediatelytotheking。Furibon，beingimpatienttoknowwhatwouldberesolved，followedher;butstoppedatthedoorandlaidhiseartothekeyhole，puttinghishairasidethathemightthebetterhearwhatwassaid。Atthesametime，Leanderenteredthecourt-hallofthepalacewithhisredcapuponhishead，andperceivingFuribonlisteningatthedooroftheking’schamber，hetookanailandahammerandnailedhiseartothedoor。Furibonbegantoroar，sothatthequeen，hearingherson’svoice，ranandopenedthedoor，and，pullingithastily，toreherson’searfromhishead。Halfoutofherwits，shesethiminherlap，tookuphisear，kissedit，andclappeditagainuponitsplace;buttheinvisibleLeander，seizinguponahandfuloftwigs，withwhichtheycorrectedtheking’slittledogs，gavethequeenseverallashesuponherhands，andhersonasmanyonthenose：uponwhichthequeencriedout，"Murder！murder！"andthekinglookedabout，andthepeoplecamerunningin;butnothingwastobeseen。Somecriedthatthequeenwasmad，andthathermadnessproceededfromhergrieftoseethathersonhadlostoneear;andthekingwasasreadyasanytobelieveit，sothatwhenshecamenearhimheavoidedher，whichmadeaveryridiculousscene。Leander，thenleavingthechamber，wentintothegarden，andthere，assuminghisownshape，heboldlybegantopluckthequeen’scherries，apricots，strawberries，andflowers，thoughheknewshesetsuchahighvalueonthemthatitwasasmuchasaman’slifewasworthtotouchone。
　　Thegardeners，allamazed，cameandtoldtheirmajestiesthatPrinceLeanderwasmakinghavocofallthefruitsandflowersinthequeen’sgardens"Whatinsolence！"saidthequeen：thenturningtoFuribon，"myprettychild，forgetthepainofthyearbutforamoment，andfetchthatvilewretchhither;takeourguards，bothhorseandfoot，seizehim，andpunishhimashedeserves。"
　　Furibon，encouragedbyhismother，andattendedbyagreatnumberofarmedsoldiers，enteredthegardenandsawLeander;who，takingrefugeunderatree，peltedthemallwithoranges。Butwhentheycamerunningtowardhim，thinkingtohaveseizedhim，hewasnottobeseen;hehadslippedbehindFuribon，whowasinabadconditionalready。ButLeanderplayedhimonetrickmore;forhepushedhimdownuponthegravelwalk，andfrightenedhimsothatthesoldiershadtotakehimup，carryhimaway，andputhimtobed。
　　Satisfiedwiththisrevenge，hereturnedtohisservants，whowaitedforhim，andgivingthemmoney，sentthembacktohiscastle，thatnonemightknowthesecretofhisredcapandroses。Asyethehadnotdeterminedwhithertogo;however，hemountedhisfinehorseGris-
　　de-line，and，layingthereinsuponhisneck，lethimtakehisownroad：atlengthhearrivedinaforest，wherehestoppedtoshelterhimselffromtheheat。Hehadnotbeenaboveaminutetherebeforeheheardalamentablenoiseofsighingandsobbing;andlookingabouthim，beheldaman，whoran，stopped，thenranagain，sometimescrying，sometimessilent，thentearinghishair，thenthumpinghisbreastlikesomeunfortunatemadman。Yetheseemedtobebothhandsomeandyoung：hisgarmentshadbeenmagnificent，buthehadtornthemalltotatters。
　　Theprince，movedwithcompassion，madetowardhim，andmildlyaccostedhim。"Sir，"saidhe，"yourconditionappearssodeplorablethatI
　　mustaskthecauseofyoursorrow，assuringyouofeveryassistanceinmypower。"
　　"Oh，sir，"answeredtheyoungman，"nothingcancuremygrief;thisdaymydearmistressistobesacrificedtoaricholdruffianofahusbandwhowillmakehermiserable。"
　　"Doessheloveyou，then？"askedLeander。
　　"Iflattermyselfso，"answeredtheyoungman。
　　"Whereisshe？"continuedLeander。
　　"Inthecastleattheendofthisforest，"
　　repliedthelover。
　　"Verywell，"saidLeander;"stayyouheretillIcomeagain，andinalittlewhileIwillbringyougoodnews。"
　　Hethenputonhislittleredcapandwishedhimselfinthecastle。Hehadhardlygotthitherbeforeheheardallsortsofmusic;heenteredintoagreatroom，wherethefriendsandkindredoftheoldmanandtheyoungladywereassembled。Noonecouldlookmoreamiablethanshe;butthepalenessofhercomplexion，themelancholythatappearedinhercountenance，andthetearsthatnowandthendropped，asitwerebystealthfromhereyes，betrayedthetroubleofhermind。
　　Leandernowbecameinvisible，andplacedhimselfinacorneroftheroom。Hesoonperceivedthefatherandmotherofthebride;andcomingbehindthemother’schair，whisperedinherear，"Ifyoumarryyourdaughtertothatolddotard，beforeeightdaysareoveryoushallcertainlydie。"Thewoman，frightenedtohearsuchaterriblesentencepronounceduponher，andyetnotknowfromwhenceitcame，gavealoudshriekanddroppeduponthefloor。Herhusbandaskedwhatailedher：shecriedthatshewasadeadwomanifthemarriageofherdaughterwentforward，andthereforeshewouldnotconsenttoitforalltheworld。Herhusbandlaughedatherandcalledherafool。ButtheinvisibleLeanderaccostingtheman，threatenedhiminthesameway，whichfrightenedhimsoterriblythathealsoinsistedonthemarriagebeingbrokenoff。Whenthelovercomplained，Leandertrodharduponhisgoutytoesandrangsuchanalarminhisearsthat，notbeingableanylongertohearhimselfspeak，awayhelimped，gladenoughtogo。Therealloversoonappeared，andheandhisfairmistressfelljoyfullyintooneanother’sarms，theparentsconsentingtotheirunion。Leander，assuminghisownshape，appearedatthehalldoor，asifhewereastrangerdrawnthitherbythereportofthisextraordinarywedding。
　　Fromhencehetraveledon，andcametoagreatcity，where，uponhisarrival，heunderstoodtherewasagreatandsolemnprocession，inordertoshutupayoungwomanagainstherwillamongthevestal-nuns。Theprincewastouchedwithcompassion;andthinkingthebestusehecouldmakeofhiscapwastoredresspublicwrongsandrelievetheoppressed，heflewtothetemple，wherehesawtheyoungwoman，crownedwithflowers，cladinwhite，andwithherdisheveledhairflowingabouthershoulders。
　　Twoofherbrothersledherbyeachhand，andhermotherfollowedherwithagreatcrowdofmenandwomen。Leander，beinginvisible，criedout，"Stop，stop，wickedbrethren：stop，rashandinconsideratemother;ifyouproceedanyfurther，youshallbesqueezedtodeathlikesomanyfrogs。"Theylookedabout，butcouldnotconceivefromwhencetheseterriblemenacescame。Thebrotherssaiditwasonlytheirsister’slover，whohadhidhimselfinsomehole;
　　atwhichLeander，inwrath，tookalongcudgel，andtheyhadnoreasontosaytheblowswerenotwelllaidon。Themultitudefled，thevestalsranaway，andLeanderwasleftalonewiththevictim;immediatelyhepulledoffhisredcapandaskedherwhereinhemightserveher。Sheansweredhimthattherewasacertaingentlemanwhomshewouldbegladtomarry，butthathewantedanestate。Leanderthenshookhisrosesolongthathesuppliedthemwithtenmillions;afterwhichtheyweremarriedandlivedhappilytogether。
　　Buthislastadventurewasthemostagreeable。
　　Enteringintoawideforest，heheardlamentablecries。Lookingabouthimeveryway，atlengthhespiedfourmenwellarmed，whowerecarryingawaybyforceayounglady，thirteenorfourteenyearsofage;uponwhich，makinguptothemasfastashecould，"Whatharmhasthatgirldone？"saidhe。
　　"Ha！ha！mylittlemaster，"criedhewhoseemedtobetheringleaderoftherest，"whobadeyouinquire？"
　　"Letheralone，"saidLeander，"andgoaboutyourbusiness。"
　　"Oh，yes，tobesure，"criedthey，laughing;
　　whereupontheprince，alighting，putonhisredcap，notthinkingitotherwiseprudenttoattackfourwhoseemedstrongenoughtofightadozen。Oneofthemstayedtotakecareoftheyounglady，whilethethreeotherswentafterGris-de-line，whogavethemagreatdealofunwelcomeexercise。
　　Meantimetheyoungladycontinuedhercriesandcomplaints。"Oh，mydearprincess，"saidshe，"howhappywasIinyourpalace！Didyoubutknowmysadmisfortune，youwouldsendyourAmazonstorescuepoorAbricotina。"
　　Leander，havinglistenedtowhatshesaid，withoutdelayseizedtheruffianthatheldher，andboundhimfasttoatreebeforehehadtimeorstrengthtodefendhimself。Hethenwenttothesecond，andtakinghimbybotharms，boundhiminthesamemannertoanothertree。InthemeantimeAbricotinamadethebestofhergoodfortuneandbetookherselftoherheels，notknowingwhichwayshewent。ButLeander，missingher，calledouttohishorseGris-de-line;
　　who，bytwokickswithhishoof，ridhimselfofthetworuffianswhohadpursuedhim：oneofthemhadhisheadbrokenandtheotherthreeofhisribs。AndnowLeanderonlywantedtoovertakeAbricotina;forhethoughthersohandsomethathewishedtoseeheragain。Hefoundherleaningagainstatree。WhenshesawGris-
　　de-linecomingtowardher，"HowluckyamI！"
　　criedshe;"thisprettylittlehorsewillcarrymetothepalaceofpleasure。"Leanderheardher，thoughshesawhimnot：herodeuptoher;
　　Gris-de-linestopped，andwhenAbricotinamountedhim，Leanderclaspedherinhisarmsandplacedhergentlybeforehim。Oh，howgreatwasAbricotina’sfeartofeelherselffastembraced，andyetseenobody！Shedurstnotstir，andshuthereyesforfearofseeingaspirit。
　　ButLeandertookoffhislittlecap。"Howcomesit，fairAbricotina，"saidhe，"thatyouareafraidofme，whodeliveredyououtofthehandsoftheruffians？"
　　Withthatsheopenedhereyes，andknowinghimagain，"Oh，sir，"saidshe，"Iaminfinitelyobligedtoyou;butIwasafraid，forIfeltmyselfheldfastandcouldseenoone。"
　　"Surely，"repliedLeander，"thedangeryouhavebeeninhasdisturbedyouandcastamistbeforeyoureyes。"
　　Abricotinawouldnotseemtodoubthim，thoughshewasotherwiseextremelysensible。
　　Andaftertheyhadtalkedforsometimeofindifferentthings，Leanderrequestedhertotellhimherage，hercountry，andbywhataccidentshefellintothehandsoftheruffians。
　　"Knowthen，sir，"saidshe，"therewasacertainverygreatfairymarriedtoaprincewhoweariedofher：shethereforebanishedhimfromherpresence，andestablishedherselfanddaughterintheIslandofCalmDelights。Theprincess，whoismymistress，beingveryfair，hasmanylovers——amongothers，onenamedFuribon，whomshedetests;heitwaswhoseruffiansseizedmeto-daywhenIwaswanderinginsearchofastrayparrot。Accept，nobleprince，mybestthanksforyourvalor，whichIshallneverforget。"
　　Leandersaidhowhappyhewastohaveservedher，andaskedifhecouldnotobtainadmissionintotheisland。Abricotinaassuredhimthiswasimpossible，andthereforehehadbetterforgetallaboutit。Whiletheywerethusconversing，theycametothebankofalargeriver。Abricotinaalightedwithanimblejumpfromthehorse。
　　"Farewell，sir，"saidshetotheprince，makingaprofoundreverence;"Iwishyoueveryhappiness。"
　　"AndI，"saidLeander，"wishthatImaynowandthenhaveasmallshareinyourremembrance。"
　　Sosaying，hegallopedawayandsoonenteredintothethickestpartofthewood，nearariver，whereheunbridledandunsaddledGris-de-line;
　　then，puttingonhislittlecap，wishedhimselfintheIslandofCalmDelights，andhiswishwasimmediatelyaccomplished。
　　Thepalacewasofpuregold，andstooduponpillarsofcrystalandpreciousstones，whichrepresentedthezodiacandallthewondersofnature;alltheartsandsciences;thesea，withallthevarietyoffishthereincontained;theearth，withallthevariouscreatureswhichitproduces;thechasesofDianaandhernymphs;
　　thenobleexercisesoftheAmazons;theamusementsofacountrylife;flocksofsheepwiththeirshepherdsanddogs;thetoilsofagriculture，harvesting，gardening。Andamongallthisvarietyofrepresentationstherewasneithermannorboytobeseen——notsomuchasalittlewingedCupid;sohighlyhadtheprincessbeenincensedagainstherinconstanthusbandasnottoshowtheleastfavortohisficklesex。
　　"Abricotinadidnotdeceiveme，"saidLeandertohimself;"theyhavebanishedfromhencetheveryideaofmen;nowletusseewhattheyhavelostbyit。"Withthatheenteredintothepalacesandateverystephetookhemetwithobjectssowonderfulthatwhenhehadoncefixedhiseyesuponthemhehadmuchadototakethemoffagain。Heviewedavastnumberoftheseapartments，somefullofchina，nolessfinethancurious;otherslinedwithporcelain，sodelicatethatthewallswerequitetransparent。
　　Coral，jasper，agates，andcorneliansadornedtheroomsofstate，andthepresence-chamberwasoneentiremirror。Thethronewasonegreatpearl，hollowedlikeashell;theprincesssat，surroundedbyhermaidens，noneofwhomcouldcomparewithherself。Inherwasalltheinnocentsweetnessofyouth，joinedtothedignityofmaturity;intruth，shewasperfection;andsothoughttheinvisibleLeander。
　　NotseeingAbricotina，sheaskedwhereshewas。Uponthat，Leander，beingverydesiroustospeak，assumedthetoneofaparrot，forthereweremanyintheroom，andaddressedhimselfinvisiblytotheprincess。
　　"Mostcharmingprincess，"saidhe，"Abricotinawillreturnimmediately。Shewasingreatdangerofbeingcarriedawayfromthisplacebutforayoungprincewhorescuedher。"
　　Theprincesswassurprisedattheparrot，hisanswerwassoextremelypertinent。
　　"Youareveryrude，littleparrot，"saidtheprincess;"andAbricotina，whenshecomes，shallchastiseyouforit。"
　　"Ishallnotbechastised，"answeredLeander，stillcounterfeitingtheparrot’svoice;"moreover，shewillletyouknowthegreatdesirethatstrangerhadtobeadmittedintothispalace，thathemightconvinceyouofthefalsehoodofthoseideaswhichyouhaveconceivedagainsthissex。"
　　"Intruth，prettyparrot，"criedtheprincess，"itisapityyouarenoteverydaysodiverting;
　　Ishouldloveyoudearly。"
　　"Ah！ifprattlingwillpleaseyou，princess，"
　　repliedLeander，"Iwillpratefrommorningtillnight。"
　　"But，"continuedtheprincess，"howshallI
　　besuremyparrotisnotasorcerer？"
　　"Heismoreinlovethananysorcerercanbe，"
　　repliedtheprince。
　　AtthismomentAbricotinaenteredtheroom，andfallingatherlovelymistress’feet，gaveherafullaccountofwhathadbefallenher，anddescribedtheprinceinthemostglowingcolors。
　　"Ishouldhavehatedallmen，"addedshe，"hadInotseenhim！Oh，madam，howcharmingheis！Hisairandallhisbehaviorhavesomethinginthemsonoble;andthoughwhateverhespokewasinfinitelypleasing，yetIthinkIdidwellinnotbringinghimhither。"
　　Tothistheprincesssaidnothing，butsheaskedAbricotinaahundredotherquestionsconcerningtheprince;whethersheknewhisname，hiscountry，hisbirth，fromwhencehecame，andwhitherhewasgoing;andafterthisshefellintoaprofoundthoughtfulness。
　　Leanderobservedeverything，andcontinuedtochatterashehadbegun。
　　"Abricotinaisungrateful，madam，"saidhe;
　　"thatpoorstrangerwilldieforgriefifheseesyounot。"
　　"Well，parrot，lethimdie，"answeredtheprincesswithasigh;"andsincethouunder-
　　takesttoreasonlikeapersonofwit，andnotalittlebird，Iforbidtheetotalktomeanymoreofthisunknownperson。"
　　LeanderwasoverjoyedtofindthatAbricotina’sandtheparrot’sdiscoursehadmadesuchanimpressionontheprincess。Helookeduponherwithpleasureanddelight。"Canitbe，"
　　saidhetohimself，"thatthemasterpieceofnature，thatthewonderofourage，shouldbeconfinedeternallyinanisland，andnomortaldaretoapproachher？But，"continuedhe，"whereforeamIconcernedthatothersarebanishedhence，sinceIhavethehappinesstobewithher，tohearandtoadmireher;nay，more，toloveheraboveallthewomenintheuniverse？"
　　Itwaslate，andtheprincessretiredintoalargeroomofmarbleandporphyry，whereseveralbubblingfountains，refreshedtheairwithanagreeablecoolness。Assoonassheenteredthemusicbegan，asumptuoussupperwasservedup，andthebirdsfromseveralaviariesoneachsideoftheroom，ofwhichAbricotinahadthechiefcare，openedtheirlittlethroatsinthemostagreeablemanner。
　　Leanderhadtraveledajourneylongenoughtogivehimagoodappetite，whichmadehimdrawnearthetable，wheretheverysmellofsuchviandswasagreeableandrefreshing。Theprincesshadacurioustabby-cat，forwhichshehadagreatkindness。Thiscatoneofthemaidsofhonorheldinherarms，saying，"Madam，Bluetishungry！"Withthatachairwaspresentlybroughtforthecat;forhewasacatofquality，andhadanecklaceofpearlabouthisneck。Hewasservedonagoldenplatewithalacednapkinbeforehim;andtheplatebeingsuppliedwithmeat，Bluetsatwiththesolemnimportanceofanalderman。
　　"Ho！ho！"criedLeandertohimself;"anidletabbymalkin，thatperhapsnevercaughtamouseinhislife，andIdaresayisnotdescendedfromabetterfamilythanmyself，hasthehonortositattablewithmymistress：IwouldfainknowwhetherheloveshersowellasIdo。"
　　Sayingthis，heplacedhimselfinthechairwiththecatuponhisknee，fornobodysawhim，becausehehadhislittleredcapon;findingBluet’splatewellsuppliedwithpartridge，quails，andpheasants，hemadesofreewiththemthatwhateverwassetbeforeMasterPussdisappearedinatrice。Thewholecourtsaidnoact{sic}everatewithabetterappetite。Therewereexcellentragouts，andtheprincemadeuseofthecat’spawtotastethem;buthesometimespulledhispawtooroughly，andBluet，notunderstandingraillery，begantomewandbequiteoutofpatience。Theprincessobservingit，"BringthatfricasseeandthattarttopoorBluet，"saidshe;"seehowhecriestohavethem。"
　　Leanderlaughedtohimselfatthepleasantnessofthisadventure;buthewasverythirsty，notbeingaccustomedtomakesuchlargemealswithoutdrinking。Bythehelpofthecat’spawhegotamelon，withwhichhesomewhatquenchedhisthirst;andwhensupperwasquiteover，hewenttothebuffetandtooktwobottlesofdeliciouswine。
　　Theprincessnowretiredintoherboudoir，orderingAbricotinatofollowherandmakefastthedoor;buttheycouldnotkeepoutLeander，whowasthereassoonasthey。However，theprincess，believingherselfalonewithherconfidante：
　　"Abricotina，"saidshe，"tellmetruly，didyouexaggerateinyourdescriptionoftheunknownprince，formethinksitisimpossibleheshouldbeasamiableasyousay？"
　　"Madam，"repliedthedamsel，"ifIhavefailedinanything，itwaslncomingshortofwhatwasduetohim。"
　　Theprincesssighedandwassilentforatime;
　　thenresumingherspeech："Iamglad，"saidshe，"thoudidstnotbringhimwiththee。"
　　"But，madam，"answeredAbricotina，whowasacunninggirl，andalreadypenetratedhermistress’thoughts，"supposehehadcometoadmirethewondersofthesebeautifulmansions，whatharmcouldhehavedoneus？Willyouliveeternallyunknowninacorneroftheworld，concealedfromtherestofhumankind？Ofwhatuseisallyourgrandeur，pomp，magnificence，ifnobodyseesit？"
　　"Holdthypeace，prattler，"repliedtheprincess，"anddonotdisturbthathappyreposewhichIhaveenjoyedsolong。"
　　Abricotinadurstmakenoreply;andtheprincess，havingwaitedheranswerforsometime，askedherwhethershehadanythingtosay。
　　Abricotinathensaidshethoughtitwastoverylittlepurposehermistresshavingsentherpicturetothecourtsofseveralprinces，whereitonlyservedtomakethosewhosawitmiserable;
　　thateveryonewouldbedesiroustomarryher，andasshecouldnotmarrythemall，indeednoneofthem，itwouldmakethemdesperate。
　　"Yet，forallthat，"saidtheprincess，Icouldwishmypicturewereinthehandsofthissamestranger。"
　　"Oh，madam，"answeredAbricotina，"isnothisdesiretoseeyouviolentenoughalready？
　　Wouldyouaugmentit？"
　　"Yes，"criedtheprincess;"acertainimpulseofvanity，whichIwasneversensibleoftillnow，hasbredthisfoolishfancyinme。"
　　Leanderheardallthisdiscourse，andlostnotatittleofwhatshesaid;someofherexpressionsgavehimhope，othersabsolutelydestroyedit。TheprincesspresentlyaskedAbricotinawhethershehadseenanythingextraordinaryduringhershorttravels。
　　"Madam，"saidshe，"IpassedthroughoneforestwhereIsawcertaincreaturesthatresembledlittlechildren：theyskipanddanceuponthetreeslikesquirrels;theyareveryugly，buthavewonderfulagilityandaddress。"
　　"IwishIhadoneofthem，"saidtheprincess;
　　"butiftheyaresonimbleasyousaytheyare，itisimpossibletocatchone。"
　　Leander，whopassedthroughthesameforest，knewwhatAbricotinameant，andpresentlywishedhimselfintheplace。Hecaughtadozenoflittlemonkeys，somebigger，someless，andallofdifferentcolors，andwithmuchadoputthemintoalargesack;then，wishinghimselfatParis，where，hehadheard，amanmighthaveeverythingformoney，hewentandboughtalittlegoldchariot。Hetaughtsixgreenmonkeystodrawit;theywereharnessedwithfinetracesofflame-