coloredmoroccoleather。Hewenttoanotherplace，wherehemetwithtwomonkeysofmerit，themostpleasantofwhichwascalledBriscambril，theotherPierceforest——bothveryspruceandwelleducated。HedressedBriscambrillikeakingandplacedhiminthecoach;Pierceforesthemadethecoachman;theothersweredressedlikepages;allwhichheputintohissack，coachandall。
Theprincessnotbeinggonetobed，heardarumblingofalittlecoachinthelonggallery;atthesametime，herladiescametotellherthatthekingofthedwarfswasarrived，andthechariotimmediatelyenteredherchamberwithallthemonkeytrain。Thecountrymonkeysbegantoshowathousandtricks，whichfarsurpassedthoseofBriscambrilandPierceforest。
Tosaythetruth，Leanderconductedthewholemachine。HedrewthechariotwhereBriscambrilsatarrayedasaking，andmakinghimholdaboxofdiamondsinhishand，hepresenteditwithabecominggracetotheprincess。
Theprincess’surprisemaybeeasilyimagined。
Moreover，BriscambrilmadeasignforPierceforesttocomeanddancewithhim。Themostcelebrateddancerswerenottobecomparedwiththeminactivity。Buttheprincess，troubledthatshecouldnotguessfromwhencethiscuriouspresentcame，dismissedthedancerssoonerthanshewouldotherwisehavedone，thoughshewasextremelypleasedwiththem。
Leander，satisfiedwithhavingseenthedelighttheprincesshadtakeninbeholdingthemonkeys，thoughtofnothingnowbuttogetalittlerepose，whichhegreatlywanted。Hestayedsometimeinthegreatgallery;afterward，goingdownapairofstairs，andfindingadooropen，heenteredintoanapartmentthemostdelightfulthateverwasseen。Therewasinitabedofcloth-of-gold，enrichedwithpearls，intermixedwithrubiesandemeralds：forbythistimethereappeareddaylightsufficientforhimtoviewandadmirethemagnificenceofthissumptuousfurniture。Havingmadefastthedoor，hecomposedhimselftosleep。Nextdayheroseveryearly，andlookingaboutoneveryside，hespiedapainter’spallet，withcolorsreadypreparedandpencils。RememberingwhattheprincesshadsaidtoAbricotinatouchingherownportrait，heimmediately（forhecouldpaintaswellasthemostexcellentmasters）seatedhimselfbeforeamirroranddrewhisownpicturefirst;then，inanoval，thatoftheprincess。
Hehadallherfeaturessostronginhisimaginationthathehadnooccasionforhersitting;
andashisdesiretopleaseherhadsethimtowork，neverdidportraitbearastrongerresemblance。
Hehadpaintedhimselfupononeknee，holdingtheprincess’pictureinonehand，andintheotheralabelwiththisinscription，"Sheisbetterinmyheart。"Whentheprincesswentintohercabinet，shewasamazedtoseetheportraitofaman;andshefixedhereyesuponitwithsomuchthemoresurprise，becauseshealsosawherownwithit，andbecausethewordswhichwerewrittenuponthelabelaffordedherampleroomforcuriosity。ShepersuadedherselfthatitwasAbricotina’sdoing;andallshedesiredtoknowwaswhethertheportraitwasrealorimaginary。Risinginhaste，shecalledAbricotina，whiletheinvisibleLeander，withhislittleredcap，slippedintothecabinet，impatienttoknowwhatpassed。TheprincessbadeAbricotinalookuponthepictureandtellherwhatshethoughtofit。
Aftershehadviewedit，"Iprotest！"saidshe，"’tisthepictureofthatgenerousstrangertowhomIamindebtedformylife。Yes，yes，Iamsureitishe;hisveryfeatures，shape，andhair。"
"Thoupretendestsurprise，"saidtheprincess，"butIknowitwasthouthyselfwhoputitthere。"
"Who！I，madam？"repliedAbricotina。"I
protestIneversawthepicturebeforeinmylife。
ShouldIbesoboldastoconcealfromyourknowledgeathingthatsonearlyconcernsyou？
AndbywhatmiraclecouldIcomebyit？I
nevercouldpaint，nordidanymaneverenterthisplace;yethereheispaintedwithyou？"
"Somespirit，then，musthavebroughtithither，"criedtheprincess。
"HowItrembleforfear，madam！"saidAbricotina。"Wasitnotrathersomelover？
Andtherefore，ifyouwilltakemyadvice，letusburnitimmediately。"
"’Twereapitytoburnit，"criedtheprincess，sighing;"afinerpiece，methinks，cannotadornmycabinet。"Andsayingthesewords，shecasthereyesuponit。ButAbricotinacontinuedobstinateinheropinionthatitoughttobeburned，asathingthatcouldnotcometherebutbythepowerofmagic。
"Andthesewords——`Sheisbetterinmyheart，’"saidtheprincess;"mustweburnthemtoo？"
"Nofavormustbeshowntoanything，"saidAbricotina，"noteventoyourownportrait。"
Abricotinaranawayimmediatelyforsomefire，whiletheprincesswenttolookoutatthewindow。Leander，unwillingtolethisperformancebeburned，tookthisopportunitytoconveyitawaywithoutbeingperceived。Hehadhardlyquittedthecabinet，whentheprincessturnedabouttolookoncemoreuponthatenchantingpicture，whichhadsodelightedher。Buthowwasshesurprisedtofinditgone！Shesoughtforitalltheroomover;andAbricotina，returning，wasnolesssurprisedthanhermistress;sothatthislastadventureputthembothinthemostterriblefright。
Leandertookgreatdelightinhearingandseeinghisincomparablemistress;eventhoughhehadtoeateverydayathertablewiththetabby-cat，whofarednevertheworseforthat;
buthissatisfactionwasfarfrombeingcomplete，seeinghedurstneitherspeaknorshowhimself;
andheknewitwasnotacommonthingforladiestofallinlovewithpersonsinvisible。
Theprincesshadauniversaltasteforamusement。
Oneday，shewassayingtoherattend-
antsthatitwouldgivehergreatpleasuretoknowhowtheladiesweredressedinallthecourtsoftheuniverse。ThereneedednomorewordstosendLeanderallovertheworld。HewishedhimselfinChina，whereheboughtthericheststuffshecouldlayhishandson，andgotpatternsofallthecourtfashions。FromthenceheflewtoSiam，wherehedidthesame;inthreedayshetraveledoverallthefourpartsoftheworld，andfromtimetotimebroughtwhatheboughttothePalaceofCalmDelights，andhiditallinachamber，whichhekeptalwayslocked。
Whenhehadthuscollectedtogetheralltheraritieshecouldmeetwith——forheneverwantedmoney，hisrosealwayssupplyinghim——hewentandboughtfiveorsixdozenofdolls，whichhecausedtobedressedatParis，theplaceintheworldwheremostregardispaidtofashions。
Theywerealldresseddifferently，andasmagnificentascouldbe，andLeanderplacedthemallintheprincess’closet。Whensheenteredit，shewasagreeablysurprisedtoseesuchcompanyoflittlemutes，everyonedeckedwithwatchesbracelets，diamondbuckles，ornecklaces;andthemostremarkableofthemheldapictureboxinitshand，whichtheprincessopening，founditcontainedLeander’sportrait。Shegavealoudshriek，andlookinguponAbricotina，"Therehaveappearedoflate，"saidshe，"somanywondersinthisplace，thatIknownotwhattothinkofthem：mybirdsareallgrownwitty;I
cannotsomuchaswish，butpresentlyIhavemydesires;twicehaveInowseentheportraitofhimwhorescuedtheefromtheruffians;andherearesilksofallsorts，diamonds，embroideries，laces，andaninfinitenumberofotherrarities。Whatfairyisitthattakessuchcaretopaymetheseagreeablecivilities？"
Leanderwasoverjoyedtohearandseehersomuchinterestedabouthispicture，andcallingtomindthattherewasinagrottowhichsheoftenfrequentedacertainpedestal，onwhichaDiana，notyetfinished，wastobeerected，onthispedestalheresolvedtoplacehimself，crownedwithlaurel，andholdingalyreinhishand，onwhichheplayedlikeanotherApollo。Hemostanxiouslywaitedtheprincess’retiringtothegrotto，whichshedideverydaysinceherthoughtshadtakenupwiththisunknownperson;
forwhatAbricotinahadsaid，joinedtothesightofthepicture，hadalmostdestroyedherrepose：herlivelyhumorchangedintoapensivemelancholy，andshegrewagreatloverofsolitude。Whensheenteredthegrotto，shemadeasignthatnobodyshouldfollowher，sothatheryoungdamselsdispersedthemselvesintotheneighboringwalks。Theprincessthrewherselfuponabankofgreenturf，sighed，wept，andeventalked，butsosoftlythatLeandercouldnothearwhatshesaid。Hehadputhisredcapon，thatshemightnotseehimatfirst;buthavingtakenitoff，shebeheldhimstandingonthepedestal。Atfirstshetookhimforarealstatue，forheobservedexactlytheattitudeinwhichhehadplacedhimself，withoutmovingsomuchasafinger。Shebeheldwithakindofpleasureintermixedwithfear，butpleasuresoondispelledherfear，andshecontinuedtoviewthepleasingfigure，whichsoexactlyresembledlife。
Theprincehavingtunedhislyre，begantoplay;atwhichtheprincess，greatlysurprised，couldnotresistthefearthatseizedher;shegrewpaleandfellintoaswoon。Leanderleapedfromthepedestal，andputtingonhislittleredcap，thathemightnotbeperceived，tooktheprincessinhisarmsandgaveheralltheassistancethathiszealandtendernesscouldinspire。Atlengthsheopenedhercharmingeyesandlookedaboutinsearchofhim，butshecouldperceivenobody;yetshefeltsomebodywhoheldherhands，kissedthem，andbedewedthemwithhistears。Itwasalongtimebeforeshedurstspeak，andherspiritswereinaconfusedagitationbetweenfearandhope。Shewasafraidofthespirit，butlovedthefigureoftheunknown。
Atlengthshesaid："Courtlyinvisible，whyareyounotthepersonIdesireyoushouldbe？"AtthesewordsLeanderwasgoingtodeclarehimself，butdurstnotdoityet。"For，"thoughthe，"ifIagainaffrighttheobjectIadoreandmakeherfearme，shewillnotloveme。"Thisconsiderationcausedhimtokeepsilence。
Theprincess，then，believingherselfalone，calledAbricotinaandtoldherallthewondersoftheanimatedstatue;thatithadplayeddivinely，andthattheinvisiblepersonhadgivenhergreatassistancewhenshelayinaswoon。
"Whatpity’tis，"saidshe，"thatthispersonshouldbesofrightful，fornothingcanbemoreamiableoracceptablethanhisbehavior！"
"Whotoldyou，madam，"answeredAbricotina，"thatheisfrightful？Ifheistheyouthwhosavedme，heisbeautifulasCupidhimself。"
"IfCupidandtheunknownarethesame，"
repliedtheprincess，blushing，"IcouldbecontenttoloveCupid;butalas！howfaramIfromsuchahappiness！Iloveamereshadow;andthisfatalpicture，joinedtowhatthouhasttoldme，haveinspiredmewithinclinationssocontrarytothepreceptswhichIreceivedfrommymotherthatIamdailyafraidofbeingpunishedforthem。"
"Oh！madam，"saidAbricotina，interruptingher，"haveyounottroublesenoughalready？
Whyshouldyouanticipateafflictionswhichmaynevercometopass？"
ItiseasytoimaginewhatpleasureLeandertookinthisconversation。
InthemeantimethelittleFuribon，stillenamoredoftheprincesswhomhehadneverseen，expectedwithimpatiencethereturnofthefourservantswhomhehadsenttotheIslandofCalmDelights。Oneofthematlastcameback，andafterhehadgiventheprinceaparticularaccountofwhathadpassed，toldhimthattheislandwasdefendedbyAmazons，andthatunlesshesentaverypowerfularmy，itwouldbeimpossibletogetintoit。Thekinghisfatherwasdead，andFuribonwasnowlordofall：
disdaining，therefore，anyrepulse，heraisedanarmyoffourhundredthousandmen，andputhimselfattheheadofthem，appearinglikeanotherTomThumbuponawar-horse。Now，whentheAmazonsperceivedhismightyhost，theygavetheprincessnoticeofitswhoimmediatelydispatchedawayhertrustyAbricotinatothekingdomofthefairies，tobeghermother’sinstructionsastowhatsheshoulddotodrivethelittleFuribonfromherterritories。
ButAbricotinafoundthefairyinanangryhumor。
"Nothingthatmydaughterdoes，"saidshe，"escapesmyknowledge。ThePrinceLeanderisnowinherpalace;helovesher，andshehasatendernessforhim。Allmycaresandpreceptshavenotbeenabletoguardherfromthetyrannyoflove，andsheisnowunderitsfataldominion。Butitisthedecreeofdestiny，andI
mustsubmit;therefore，Abricotina，begone！norletmehearawordmoreofadaughterwhosebehaviorhassomuchdispleasedme。"
Abricotinareturnedwiththeseilltidings，whereattheprincesswasalmostdistracted;andthiswassoonperceivedbyLeander，whowasnearher，thoughshedidnotseehim。Hebeheldhergriefwiththegreatestpain。However，hedurstnotthenopenhislips;butrecollectingthatFuribonwasexceedinglycovetous，hethoughtthat，bygivinghimasumofmoney，hemightperhapsprevailwithhimtoretire。Thereupon，hedressedhimselflikeanAmazon，andwishedhimselfintheforest，tocatchhishorse。
HehadnosoonercalledhimthanGris-de-linecameleaping，prancing，andneighingforjoy，forhewasgrownquitewearyofbeingsolongabsentfromhisdearmaster;butwhenhebeheldhimdressedasawomanhehardlyknewhim。
However，atthesoundofhisvoice，hesufferedtheprincetomount，andtheysoonarrivedinthecampatFuribon，wheretheygavenoticethataladywascometospeakwithhimfromthePrincessofCalmDelights。Immediatelythelittlefellowputonhisroyalrobes，andhavingplacedhimselfuponhisthrone，helookedlikeagreattoadcounterfeitingaking。
Leanderharanguedhim，andtoldhimthattheprincess，preferringaquietandpeaceablelifetothefatiguesofwar，hadsenttoofferhismajestyasmuchmoneyashepleasedtodemand，providedhewouldsufferhertocontinueinpeace;butifherefusedherproposal，shewouldomitnomeansthatmightserveforherdefense。
Furibonrepliedthathetookpityonher，andwouldgrantherthehonorofhisprotection;butthathedemandedahundredthousandmillionsofpounds，andwithoutwhichhewouldnotreturntohiskingdom。Leanderansweredthatsuchavastsumwouldbetoolonga-counting，andtherefore，ifhewouldsayhowmanyroomsfullhedesiredtohave，theprincesswasgenerousandrichenoughto{sic}satisfyhim。Furibonwasastonishedtohearthat，insteadofentreating，shewouldratheroffermore;anditcameintohiswickedmindtotakeallthemoneyhecouldget，andthenseizetheAmazonandkillher，thatshemightneverreturntohermistress。HetoldLeander，therefore，thathewouldhavethirtychambersofgold，allfulltotheceiling。
Leander，beingconductedintothechambers，tookhisroseandshookit，tilleveryroomwasfilledwithallsortsofcoin。Furibonwasinanecstasy，andthemoregoldhesawthegreaterwashisdesiretogetholdoftheAmazon;sothatwhenalltheroomswerefull，hecommandedhisguardstoseizeher，allegingshehadbroughthimcounterfeitmoney。ImmediatelyLeanderputonhislittleredcapanddisappeared。Theguards，believingthattheladyhadescaped，ranoutandleftFuribonalone;whenLeander，availinghimselfoftheopportunity，tookthetyrantbythehair，andtwistedhisheadoffwiththesameeasehewouldapullet’s;nordidthelittlewretchofakingseethathandthatkilledhim。
Leanderhavinggothisenemy’shead，wishedhimselfinthePalaceofCalmDelights，wherehefoundtheprincesswalking，andwithgriefconsideringthemessagewhichhermotherhadsenther，andonthemeanstorepelFuribon。
Suddenlyshebeheldaheadhangingintheair，withnobodytoholdit。Thisprodigyastonishedhersothatshecouldnottellwhattothinkofit;butheramazementwasincreasedwhenshesawtheheadlaidatherfeet，andheardavoiceutterthesewords：
"CharmingPrincess，ceaseyourfearOfFuribon;whoseheadseehere。"
Abricotina，knowingLeander’svoice，cried：
"Iprotest，madam，theinvisiblepersonwhospeaksistheverystrangerthatrescuedme。"
Theprincessseemedastonished，butyetpleased。
"Oh，"saidshe，"ifitbetruethattheinvisibleandthestrangerarethesameperson，IconfessIshallbegladtomakehimmyacknowledgments。"
Leander，stillinvisible，replied，"Iwillyetdomoretodeservethem;"andsosayinghereturnedtoFuribon’sarmy，wherethereportoftheking’sdeathwasalreadyspreadthroughoutthecamp。AssoonasLeanderappearedthereinhisusualhabit，everybodyknewhim;alltheofficersandsoldierssurroundedhim，utteringtheloudestacclamationsofjoy。Inshort，theyacknowledgedhimfortheirking，andthatthecrownofrightbelongedtohim，forwhichhethankedthem，and，asthefirstmarkofhisroyalbounty，dividedthethirtyroomsofgoldamongthesoldiers。Thisdonehereturnedtohisprincess，orderinghisarmytomarchbackintohiskingdom。
Theprincesswasgonetobed。Leander，therefore，retiredintohisownapartment，forhewasverysleepy——sosleepythatheforgottobolthisdoor;andsoithappenedthattheprincess，risingearlytotastethemorningair，chancedtoenterintothisverychamber，andwasastonishedtofindayoungprinceasleepuponthebed。Shetookafullviewofhim，andwasconvincedthathewasthepersonwhosepictureshehadinherdiamondbox。"Itisimpossible，"
saidshe，"thatthisshouldbeaspirit;forcanspiritssleep？Isthisabodycomposedofairandfire，withoutsubstance，asAbricotinatoldme？"Shesoftlytouchedhishair，andheardhimbreathe，andlookedathimasifshecouldhavelookedforever。Whileshewasthusoccupied，hermother，thefairyenteredwithsuchanoisethatLeanderstartedoutofhissleep。Buthowdeeplywasheafflictedtobeholdhisbelovedprincessinthemostdeplorablecondition！Hermotherdraggedherbythehairandloadedherwithathousandbitterreproaches。Inwhatgriefandconsternationwerethetwoyounglovers，whosawthemselvesnowuponthepointofbeingseparatedforever！Theprincessdurstnotopenherlips，butcasthereyesuponLeander，asiftobeghisassistance。Hejudgedrightlythatheoughtnottodealrudelywithapowersuperiortohisown，andthereforehesought，byhiseloquenceandsubmission，tomovetheincensedfairy。Herantoher，threwhimselfatherfeet，andbesoughthertohavepityuponayoungprincewhowouldneverchangeinhisaffectionforherdaughter。
Theprincess，encouraged，alsoembracedhermother’sknees，anddeclaredthatwithoutLeandersheshouldneverbehappy。
"Happy！"criedthefairy;"youknownotthemiseriesoflovenorthetreacheriesofwhichloversarecapable。Theybewitchusonlytopoisonourlives;Ihaveknownitbyexperience;
andwillyousufferthesame？"
"Istherenoexception，madam？"repliedLeander，andhiscountenanceshowedhimtobeone。
Butneithertearsnorentreatiescouldmovetheimplacablefairy;anditisveryprobablethatshewouldhaveneverpardonedthem，hadnotthelovelyGentillaappearedatthatinstantinthechamber，morebrilliantthanthesun。
Embracingtheoldfairy：
"Dearsister，"saidshe，"IampersuadedyoucannothaveforgottenthegoodofficeIdidyouwhen，afteryourunhappymarriage，youbesoughtareadmittanceintoFairyland;sincethenIneverdesiredanyfavoratyourhands，butnowthetimeiscome。Pardon，then，thislovelyprincess;consenttohernuptialswiththisyoungprince。Iwillengageheshallbeeverconstanttoher;thethreadoftheirdaysshallbespunofgoldandsilk;theyshalllivetocompleteyourhappiness;andIwillneverforgettheobligationyoulayuponme。"
"CharmingGentilla，"criedthefairy，"I
consenttowhateveryoudesire。Come，mydearchildren，andreceivemylove。"Sosaying，sheembracedthemboth。
Abricotina，justthenentering，casthereyesuponLeander;sheknewhimagain，andsawhewasperfectlyhappy，atwhichshe，too，wasquitesatisfied。
"Prince，"condescendinglysaidthefairy-
mother，"IwillremovetheIslandofCalmDelightsintoyourownkingdom，livewithyoumyself，anddoyougreatservices。"
WhetherornotPrinceLeanderappreciatedthisoffer，hebowedlow，andassuredhismother-
in-lawthatnofavorcouldbeequaltotheonehehadthatdayreceivedfromherhands。Thisshortcomplimentpleasedthefairyexceedingly，forshebelongedtothoseancientdayswhenpeopleusedtostandawholedayupononelegcomplimentingoneanother。Thenuptialswereperformedinamostsplendidmanner，andtheyoungprinceandprincesslivedtogetherhappilymanyyears，belovedbyallaroundthem。
PRINCECHERRY
PRINCECHERRY
LONGagotherelivedamonarch，whowassuchavery，honestmanthathissubjectsentitledhimtheGoodKing。
Oneday，whenhewasouthunting，alittlewhiterabbit，whichhadbeenhalf-killedbyhishounds，leapedrightintohismajesty’sarms。Saidhe，caressingit："Thispoorcreaturehasputitselfundermyprotection，andI
willallownoonetoinjureit。"Sohecarriedittohispalace，hadpreparedforitaneatlittlerabbit-hutch，withabundanceofthedaintiestfood，suchasrabbitslove，andthereheleftit。
Thesamenight，whenhewasaloneinhischamber，thereappearedtohimabeautifullady。
Shewasdressedneitheringold，norsilver，norbrocade;butherflowingrobeswerewhiteassnow，andsheworeagarlandofwhiterosesonherhead。TheGoodKingwasgreatlyastonishedatthesight;forhisdoorwaslocked，andhewonderedhowsodazzlingaladycouldpossiblyenter;butshesoonremovedhisdoubts。
"IamthefairyCandide，"saidshe，withasmilingandgraciousair。"Passingthroughthewoodwhereyouwerehunting，ItookadesiretoknowifyouwereasgoodasmensayyouareI
thereforechangedmyselfintoawhiterabbitandtookrefugeinyourarms。YousavedmeandnowIknowthatthosewhoaremercifultodumbeastswillbetentimesmoresotohumanbeings。Youmeritthenameyoursubjectsgiveyou：youaretheGoodKing。Ithankyouforyourprotection，andshallbealwaysoneofyourbestfriends。Youhavebuttosaywhatyoumostdesire，andIpromiseyouyourwishshallbegranted。"
"Madam，"repliedtheking，"ifyouareafairy，youmustknow，withoutmytellingyou，thewishofmyheart。Ihaveonewell-belovedson，PrinceCherry：whateverkindlyfeelingyouhavetowardme，extendittohim。"
"Willingly，"saidCandide。"Iwillmakehimthehandsomest，richest，ormostpowerfulprinceintheworld：choosewhicheveryoudesireforhim。"
"Noneofthethree，"returnedthefather。"I
onlywishhimtobegood——thebestprinceinthewholeworld。Ofwhatusewouldriches，power，orbeautybetohimifhewereabadman？"
"Youareright，"saidthefairy;"butIcannotmakehimgood：hemustdothathimself。I
canonlychangehisexternalfortunes;forhispersonalcharacter，theutmostIcanpromiseistogivehimgoodcounsel，reprovehimforhisfaults，andevenpunishhim，ifhewillnotpunishhimself。Youmortalscandothesamewithyourchildren。"
"Ah，yes！"saidtheking，sighing。Still，hefeltthatthekindnessofafairywassomethinggainedforhisson，anddiednotlongafter，contentandatpeace。
PrinceCherrymourneddeeply，forhedearlylovedhisfather，andwouldhavegladlygivenallhiskingdomsandtreasurestokeephiminlifealittlelonger。TwodaysaftertheGoodKingwasnomore，PrinceCherrywassleepinginhischamber，whenhesawthesamedazzlingvisionofthefairyCandide。
"Ipromisedyourfather，"saidshe，"tobeyourbestfriend，andinpledgeofthistakewhatInowgiveyou;"andsheplacedasmallgoldringuponhisfinger。"Poorasitlooks，itismorepreciousthandiamonds;forwheneveryoudoillitwillprickyourfinger。If，afterthatwarning，youstillcontinueinevil，youwilllosemyfriendship，andIshallbecomeyourdirestenemy。"’
Sosaying，shedisappeared，leavingCherryinsuchamazementthathewouldhavebelieveditalladream，savefortheringonhisfinger。
Hewasforalongtimesogoodthattheringneverprickedhimatall;andthismadehimsocheerfulandpleasantinhishumorthateverybodycalledhim"HappyPrinceCherry。"Butoneunluckydayhewasouthuntingandfoundnosport，whichvexedhimsomuchthatheshowedhisilltemperbyhislooksandways。Hefanciedhisringfeltverytightanduncomfortable，butasitdidnotprickhimhetooknoheedofthis：until，re-enteringhispalace，hislittlepetdog，Bibi，jumpedupuponhimandwassharplytoldtogetaway。Thecreature，accustomedtonothingbutcaresses，triedtoattracthisattentionbypullingathisgarments，whenPrinceCherryturnedandgaveitaseverekick。
Atthismomenthefeltinhisfingerapricklikeapin。
"Whatnonsense！"saidhetohimself。"Thefairymustbemakinggameofme。Why，whatgreatevilhaveIdone！I，themasterofagreatempire，cannotIkickmyowndog？"
Avoicereplied，orelsePrinceCherryimaginedit，"No，sire;themasterofagreatempirehasarighttodogood，butnotevil。I——afairy——amasmuchaboveyouasyouareaboveyourdog。Imightpunishyou，killyou，ifIchose;butIpreferleavingyoutoamendyourways。Youhavebeenguiltyofthreefaultstoday——badtemper，passion，cruelty：dobetterto-morrow。"
Theprincepromised，andkepthiswordawhile;buthehadbeenbroughtupbyafoolishnurse，whoindulgedhimineverywayandwasalwaystellinghimthathewouldbeakingoneday，whenhemightdoashelikedinallthings。
Hefoundoutnowthatevenakingcannotalwaysdothat;itvexedhimandmadehimangry。
Hisringbegantoprickhimsooftenthathislittlefingerwascontinuallybleeding。Hedislikedthis，aswasnatural，andsoonbegantoconsiderwhetheritwouldnotbeeasiertothrowtheringawayaltogetherthantobeconstantlyannoyedbyit。Itwassuchaqueerthingforakingtohaveaspotofbloodonhisfinger！Atlast，unabletoputupwithitanymore，hetookhisringoffandhiditwherehewouldneverseeit;andbelievedhimselfthehappiestofmen，forhecouldnowdoexactlywhatheliked。Hedidit，andbecameeverydaymoreandmoremiserable。
Onedayhesawayounggirl，sobeautifulthat，beingalwaysaccustomedtohavehisownway，heimmediatelydeterminedtoespouseher。Heneverdoubtedthatshewouldbeonlytoogladtobemadeaqueen，forshewasverypoor。ButZelia——thatwashername——answered，tohisgreatastonishment，thatshewouldrathernotmarryhim。
"DoIdispleaseyou？"askedtheprince，intowhosemindithadneverenteredthathecoulddispleaseanybody。
"Notatall，myprince，"saidthehonestpeasantmaiden。"Youareveryhandsome，verycharming;butyouarenotlikeyourfathertheGoodKing。Iwillnotbeyourqueen，foryouwouldmakememiserable。"
Atthesewordstheprince’sloveseemedalltoturntohatred：hegaveorderstohisguardstoconveyZeliatoaprisonnearthepalace，andthentookcounselwithhisfosterbrother，theoneofallhisillcompanionswhomostincitedhimtodowrong。
"Sir，"saidthisman，"ifIwereinyourmajesty’splace，Iwouldnevervexmyselfaboutapoorsillygirl。Feedheronbreadandwatertillshecomestohersenses;andifshestillrefusesyou，letherdieintorment，asawarningtoyourothersubjectsshouldtheyventuretodisputeyourwill。Youwillbedisgracedshouldyousufferyourselftobeconqueredbyasimplegirl。"
"But，"saidPrinceCherry，"shallInotbedisgracedifIharmacreaturesoperfectlyinnocent？"
"Nooneisinnocentwhodisputesyourmajesty’sauthority，"saidthecourtier，bowing;
"anditisbettertocommitaninjusticethanallowittobesupposedyoucaneverbecontradictedwithimpunity。"
ThistouchedCherryonhisweakpoint——hisgoodimpulsesfaded;heresolvedoncemoretoaskZeliaifshewouldmarryhim，andifsheagainrefused，tosellherasaslave。Arrivedatthecellinwhichshewasconfined，whatwashisastonishmenttofindhergone！Heknewnotwhomtoaccuse，forhehadkeptthekeyinhispocketthewholetime。Atlast，thefoster-
brothersuggestedthattheescapeofZeliamighthavebeencontrivedbyanoldman，Sulimanbyname，theprince’sformertutor，whowastheonlyonewhonowventuredtoblamehimforanythingthathedid。Cherrysentimmediately，andorderedhisoldfriendtobebroughttohim，loadedheavilywithirons。Then，fulloffury，hewentandshuthimselfupinhisownchamber，wherehewentragingtoandfro，tillstartledbyanoiselikeaclapofthunder。ThefairyCandidestoodbeforehim。
"Prince，"saidshe，inaseverevoice，"I
promisedyourfathertogiveyougoodcounselsandtopunishyouifyourefusedtofollowthem。
Mycounselswereforgotten，mypunishmentdespised。Underthefigureofaman，youhavebeennobetterthanthebeastsyouchase：likealioninfury，awolfingluttony，aserpentinrevenge，andabullinbrutality。Take，therefore，inyournewformthelikenessofalltheseanimals。"
ScarcelyhadPrinceCherryheardthesewordsthantohishorrorhefoundhimselftransformedintowhattheFairyhadnamed。Hewasacreaturewiththeheadofalion，thehornsofabull，thefeetofawolf，andthetailofaserpent。Atthesametimehefelthimselftransportedtoadistantforest，where，standingonthebankofastream，hesawreflectedinthewaterhisownfrightfulshape，andheardavoicesaying：
"Lookatthyself，andknowthysoulhasbecomeathousandtimesugliereventhanthybody。"
CherryrecognizedthevoiceofCandide，andinhisragewouldhavesprunguponheranddevouredher;buthesawnothingandthesamevoicesaidbehindhim：
"Ceasethyfeeblefury，andlearntoconquerthypridebybeinginsubmissiontothineownsubjects。"
Hearingnomore，hesoonquittedthestream，hopingatleasttogetridofthesightofhimself;
buthehadscarcelygonetwentypaceswhenhetumbledintoapitfallthatwaslaidtocatchbears;thebear-hunters，descendingfromsometreeshardby，caughthim，chainedhim，andonlytoodelightedtogetholdofsuchacurious-
lookinganimal，ledhimalongwiththemtothecapitalofhisownkingdom。
Theregreatrejoicingsweretakingplace，andthebear-hunters，askingwhatitwasallabout，weretoldthatitwasbecausePrinceCherry，thetormentofhissubjects，hadjustbeenstruckdeadbyathunderbolt——justpunishmentofallhiscrimes。Fourcourtiers，hiswickedcompanions，hadwishedtodividehisthronebetweenthem;butthepeoplehadrisenupagainstthemandofferedthecrowntoSuliman，theoldtutorwhomCherryhadorderedtobearrested。
Allthisthepoormonsterheard。HeevensawSulimansittinguponhisownthroneandtryingtocalmthepopulacebyrepresentingtothemthatitwasnotcertainPrinceCherrywasdead;
thathemightreturnonedaytoreassumewithhonorthecrownwhichSulimanonlyconsentedtowearasasortofviceroy。
"Iknowhisheart，"saidthehonestandfaithfuloldman;"itistainted，butnotcorrupt。
Ifalive，hemayreformyet，andbeallhisfatheroveragaintoyou，hispeople，whomhehascausedtosuffersomuch。"
Thesewordstouchedthepoorbeastsodeeplythatheceasedtobeathimselfagainsttheironbarsofthecageinwhichthehunterscarriedhimabout，becamegentleasalamb，andsufferedhimselftobetakenquietlytoamenagerie，wherewerekeptallsortsofstrangeandferociousanimalsaplacewhichhehadhimselfoftenvisitedasaboy，butneverthoughtheshouldbeshutuptherehimself。
However，heownedhehaddeserveditall，andbegantomakeamendsbyshowinghimselfveryobedienttohiskeeper。Thismanwasalmostasgreatabruteastheanimalshehadchargeof，andwhenhewasinillhumorheusedtobeatthemwithoutrhymeorreason。Oneday，whilehewassleeping，atigerbrokelooseandleapeduponhim，eagertodevourhim。Cherryatfirstfeltathrillofpleasureatthethoughtofbeingrevenged;then，seeinghowhelplessthemanwas，hewishedhimselffree，thathemightdefendhim。Immediatelythedoorsofhiscageopened。
Thekeeper，wakingup，sawthestrangebeastleapout，andimagined，ofcourse，thathewasgoingtobeslainatonce。Instead，hesawthetigerlyingdead，andthestrangebeastcreepingupandlayingitselfathisfeettobecaressed。
Butashelifteduphishandtostrokeit，avoicewasheardsaying，"Goodactionsnevergounrewarded;"andinsteadofthefrightfulmonster，therecrouchedonthegroundnothingbutaprettylittledog。
Cherry，delightedtofindhimselfthusmetamorphosed，caressedthekeeperineverypossibleway，tillatlastthemantookhimupintohisarmsandcarriedhimtotheking，towhomherelatedthiswonderfulstory，frombeginningtoend。Thequeenwishedtohavethecharminglittledog;andCherrywouldhavebeenexceedinglyhappycouldhehaveforgottenthathewasoriginallyamanandaking。Hewaslodgedmostelegantly，hadtherichestofcollarstoadornhisneck，andheardhimselfpraisedcontinually。
Buthisbeautyratherbroughthimintotrouble，forthequeen，afraidlesthemightgrowtoolargeforapet，tookadviceofdog-doctors，whoorderedthatheshouldbefedentirelyuponbread，andthatverysparingly;sopoorCherrywassometimesnearlystarved。
Oneday，whentheygavehimhiscrustforbreakfast，afancyseizedhimtogoandeatitinthepalacegarden;sohetookthebreadinhismouthandtrottedawaytowardastreamwhichheknew，andwherehesometimesstoppedtodrink。Butinsteadofthestreamhesawasplendidpalace，glitteringwithgoldandpreciousstones。Enteringthedoorswasacrowdofmenandwomen，magnificentlydressed;andwithintherewassinginganddancingandgoodcheerofallsorts。Yet，howevergrandlyandgaylythepeoplewentin，Cherrynoticedthatthosewhocameoutwerepale，thin，ragged，half-naked，coveredwithwoundsandsores。
Someofthemdroppeddeadatonce;othersdraggedthemselvesonalittlewayandthenlaydown，dyingofhunger，andvainlybeggedamorselofbreadfromotherswhowereenteringin——whonevertooktheleastnoticeofthem。
Cherryperceivedonewoman，whowastryingfeeblytogatherandeatsomegreenherbs。
"Poorthing！"saidhetohimself;"Iknowwhatitistobehungry，andIwantmybreakfastbadlyenough;butstillitwillkillmetowaittilldinnertime，andmycrustmaysavethelifeofthispoorwoman。"
Sothelittledogranuptoheranddroppedhisbreadatherfeet;shepickeditupandateitwithavidity。Soonshelookedquiterecovered，andCherry，delighted，wastrottingbackagaintohiskennel，whenheheardloudcries，andsawayounggirldraggedbyfourmentothedoorofthepalace，whichtheyweretryingtocompelhertoenter。Oh，howhewishedhimselfamonsteragain，aswhenheslewthetiger！——fortheyounggirlwasnootherthanhisbelovedZelia。
Alas！whatcouldapoorlittledogdotodefendher？Butheranforwardandbarkedatthemen，andbittheirheels，untilatlasttheychasedhimawaywithheavyblows。Andthenhelaydownoutsidethepalacedoor，determinedtowatchandseewhathadbecomeofZelia。
Conscienceprickedhimnow。"What！"
thoughthe，"Iamfuriousagainstthesewickedmen，whoarecarryingheraway;anddidInotdothesamemyself？DidInotcastherintoprison，andintendtosellherasaslave？WhoknowshowmuchmorewickednessImightnothavedonetoherandothers，ifHeaven’sjusticehadnotstoppedmeintime？"
Whilehelaythinkingandrepenting，heheardawindowopenandsawZeliathrowoutofitabitofdaintymeat。Cherry，whofelthungryenoughbythistime，wasjustabouttoeatit，whenthewomantowhomhehadgivenhiscrustsnatchedhimupinherarms"Poorlittlebeast！"criedshe，pattinghim，"everybitoffoodinthatpalaceispoisoned：
youshallnottouchamorsel。"
Andatthesametimethevoiceintheairrepeatedagain，"Goodactionsnevergounrewarded;"andCherryfoundhimselfchangedintoabeautifullittlewhitepigeon。HerememberedwithjoythatwhitewasthecolorofthefairyCandide，andbegantohopethatshewastakinghimintofavoragain。
Sohestretchedhiswings，delightedthathemightnowhaveachanceofapproachinghisfairZelia。Heflewuptothepalacewindows，and，findingoneofthemopen，enteredandsoughteverywhere，buthecouldnotfindZelia。
Then，indespair，heflewoutagain，resolvedtogoovertheworlduntilhebeheldheroncemore。
Hetookflightatonceandtraversedmanycountries，swiftlyasabirdcan，butfoundnotraceofhisbeloved。Atlengthinadesert，sittingbesideanoldhermitinhiscaveandpar-
takingwithhimhisfrugalrepast，CherrysawapoorpeasantgirlandrecognizedZelia。Transportedwithjoy，heflewin，perchedonhershoulder，andexpressedhisdelightandaffectionbyathousandcaresses。
She，charmedwiththeprettylittlepigeon，caresseditinherturn，andpromiseditthatifitwouldstaywithhershewouldloveitalways。
"Whathaveyoudone，Zelia？"saidthehermit，smiling;andwhilehespokethewhitepigeonvanished，andtherestoodPrinceCherryinhisownnaturalform。"Yourenchantmentended，prince，whenZeliapromisedtoloveyou。Indeed，shehaslovedyoualways，butyourmanyfaultsconstrainedhertohideherlove。Thesearenowamended，andyoumaybothlivehappyifyouwill，becauseyourunionisfoundeduponmutualesteem。"
CherryandZeliathrewthemselvesatthefeetofthehermit，whoseformalsobegantochange。
Hissoiledgarmentsbecameofdazzlingwhiteness，andhislongbeardandwitheredfacegrewintotheflowinghairandlovelycountenanceofthefairyCandide。
"Riseup，mychildren，"saidshe;"ImustnowtransportyoutoyourpalaceandrestoretoPrinceCherryhisfather’scrown，ofwhichheisnowworthy。"
ShehadscarcelyceasedspeakingwhentheyfoundthemselvesinthechamberofSuliman，who，delightedtofindagainhisbelovedpupilandmaster，willinglyresignedthethrone，andbecamethemostfaithfulofhissubjects。
KingCherryandQueenZeliareignedtogetherformanyyears，anditissaidthattheformerwassoblamelessandstrictinallhisdutiesthatthoughheconstantlyworetheringwhichCandidehadrestoredtohim，itneveronceprickedhisfingerenoughtomakeitbleed。
THEPRINCEWITHTHENOSE
THEPRINCEWITHTHENOSE
THEREwasonceakingwhowaspassionatelyinlovewithabeautifulprincess，butshecouldnotbemarriedbecauseamagican{sic}hadenchantedher。
Thekingwenttoagoodfairytoinquirewhatheshoulddo。Saidthefairy，afterreceivinghimgraciously："Sir，Iwilltellyouagreatsecret。
Theprincesshasagreatcatwhomshelovessowellthatshecaresfornothingandnobodyelse;
butshewillbeobligedtomarryanypersonwhoisadroitenoughtowalkuponthecat’stail。"
"Thatwillnotbeverydifficult，"thoughtthekingtohimself，anddeparted，resolvingtotramplethecat’stailtopiecesratherthannotsucceedinwalkinguponit。Hewentimmediatelytothepalaceofhisfairmistressandthecat;theanimalcameinfrontofhim，archingitsbackinangerasitwaswonttodo。Thekinglifteduphisfoot，thinkingnothingwouldbesoeasyastotreadonthetail，buthefoundhimselfmistaken。Minon——thatwasthecreature’sname——twisteditselfroundsosharplythatthekingonlyhurthisownfootbystampingonthefloor。Foreightdaysdidhepursuethecateverywhere：upanddownthepalacehewasafteritfrommorningtillnight，butwithnobettersuccess;thetailseemedmadeofquicksilver，soverylivelywasit。AtlastthekinghadthegoodfortunetocatchMinonsleeping，whentramp！tramp！hetrodonthetailwithallhisforce。
Minonwokeup，mewedhorribly，andimmediatelychangedfromacatintoalarge，fierce-
lookingman，whoregardedthekingwithflashingeyes。
"Youmustmarrytheprincess，"criedhe，"becauseyouhavebrokentheenchantmentinwhichIheldher;butIwillberevengedonyou。
Youshallhaveasonwithanoseaslongas——
that;"hemadeintheairacurveofhalfafoot;
"yetheshallbelieveitisjustlikeallothernoses，andshallbealwaysunfortunatetillhehasfoundoutitisnot。Andifyouevertellanybodyofthisthreatofmine，youshalldieonthespot。"
Sosayingthemagiciandisappeared。
Theking，whowasatfirstmuchterrified，soonbegantolaughatthisadventure。"Mysonmighthaveaworsemisfortunethantoolonganose，"thoughthe。"Atleastitwillhinderhimneitherinseeingnorhearing。Iwillgoandfindtheprincessandmarryheratonce。"
Hedidso，butheonlylivedafewmonthsafter，anddiedbeforehislittlesonwasborn，sothatnobodyknewanythingaboutthesecretofthenose。
ThelittleprincewassomuchwishedforthatwhenhecameintotheworldtheyagreedtocallhimPrinceWish。Hehadbeautifulblueeyesandasweetlittlemouth，buthisnosewassobigthatitcoveredhalfhisface。Thequeen，hismother，wasinconsolable;butherladiestriedtosatisfyherbytellingherthatthenosewasnotnearlysolargeasitseemed，thatitwouldgrowsmallerastheprincegrewbigger，andthatifitdidnotalargenosewasindispensabletoahero。Allgreatsoldiers，theysaid，hadgreatnoses，aseverybodyknew。Thequeenwassoveryfondofhersonthatshelistenedeagerlytoallthiscomfort。Shortlyshegrewsousedtotheprinces’snosethatitdidnotseemtoheranylargerthanordinarynosesofthecourt;where，inprocessoftime，everybodywithalongnosewasverymuchadmired，andtheunfortunatepeoplewhohadonlysnubsweretakenverylittlenoticeof。
Greatcarewasobservedintheeducationoftheprince;andassoonashecouldspeaktheytoldhimallsortsofamusingtales，inwhichallthebadpeoplehadshortnoses，andallthegoodpeoplehadlongones。Nopersonwassufferedtocomenearhimwhohadnotanoseofmorethanordinarylength;nay，tosuchanextentdidthecountriescarrytheirfancy，thatthenosesofallthelittlebabieswereorderedtobepulledoutasfaraspossibleseveraltimesaday，inordertomakethemgrow。Butgrowastheywould，theynevercouldgrowaslongasthatofPrinceWish。
Whenhewasoldenoughhistutortaughthimhistory;andwheneveranygreatkingorlovelyprincesswasreferredto，thetutoralwaystookcaretomentionthatheorshehadalongnose。
Alltheroyalapartmentswerefilledwithpicturesandportraitshavingthispeculiarity，sothatatlastPrinceWishbegantoregardthelengthofhisnoseashisgreatestperfection，andwouldnothavehaditaninchlesseventosavehiscrown。
Whenhewastwentyyearsoldhismotherandhispeoplewishedhimtomarry。Theyprocuredforhimthelikenessesofmanyprincesses，buttheonehepreferredwasPrincessDarling，daughterofapowerfulmonarchandheiresstoseveralkingdoms。Alas！withallherbeauty，thisprincesshadonegreatmisfortune，alittleturned-upnose，which，everyoneelsesaidmadeheronlythemorebewitching。Buthere，inthekingdomofPrinceWish，thecourtierswerethrownbyitintotheutmostperplexity。Theywereinthehabitoflaughingatallsmallnoses;
buthowdaredtheymakefunofthenoseofPrincessDarling？Twounfortunategentlemen，whomPrinceWishhadoverhearddoingso，wereignominiouslybanishedfromthecourtandcapital。
Afterthis，thecourtiersbecamealarmed，andtriedtocorrecttheirhabitofspeech;buttheywouldhavefoundthemselvesinconstantdifficulties，hadnotonecleverpersonstruckoutabrightidea。Hesaidthatthoughitwasindispensablynecessaryforamantohaveagreatnose，womenwereverydifferent;andthatalearnedmanhaddiscoveredinaveryoldmanuscriptthatthecelebratedCleopatra，QueenofEgypt，thebeautyoftheancientworld，hadaturned-upnose。AtthisinformationPrinceWishwassodelightedthathemadethecourtieraveryhandsomepresent，andimmediatelysentoffambassadorstodemandPrincessDarlinginmarriage。
Sheacceptedhisofferatonce，andreturnedwiththeambassadors。Hemadeallhastetomeetandwelcomeher，butwhenshewasonlythreeleaguesdistantfromhiscapital，beforehehadtimeeventokissherhand，themagicianwhohadonceassumedtheshapeofhismother’scat，Minon，appearedintheairandcarriedheroffbeforethelover’sveryeyes。
PrinceWish，almostbesidehimselfwithgrief，declaredthatnothingshouldinducehimtoreturntohisthroneandkingdomtillhehadfoundDarling。Hewouldsuffernoneofhiscourtiersorattendantstofollowhim;butbiddingthemalladieu，mountedagoodhorse，laidthereinsontheanimal’sneck，andlethimtakehimwhereverhewould。
Thehorseenteredawide-extendedplain，andtrottedonsteadilythewholedaywithoutfindingasinglehouse。Masterandbeastbeganalmosttofaintwithhunger;andPrinceWishmighthavewishedhimselfathomeagain，hadhenotdiscovered，justatdusk，acavern，wheretheresat，besideabrightlantern，alittlewomanwhomighthavebeenmorethanahundredyearsold。
Sheputonherspectaclesthebettertolookatthestranger，andhenoticedthathernosewassosmallthatthespectacleswouldhardlystayon;thentheprinceandthefairy——forshewasafairy——burstintolaughter。
"Whatafunnynose！"criedtheone。
"Notsofunnyasyours，madam，"returnedtheother。"Butprayletusleaveournosesalone，andbegoodenoughtogivemesomethingtoeat，forIamdyingwithhunger，andsoismypoorhorse。"
"Withallmyheart，"answeredthefairy。
"Althoughyournoseisridiculouslylong，youarenolessthesonofoneofmybestfriends。I
lovedyourfatherlikeabrother;hehadaveryhandsomenose。"
"Whatiswantingtomynose？"askedWishrathersavagely。
"Oh！nothingatall。Onthecontrary，thereisagreatdealtoomuchofit;butnevermind，onemaybeaveryhonestman，andyethavetoobiganose。AsIsaid，Iwasagreatfriendofyourfather’s;hecameoftentoseeme。Iwasveryprettythen，andoftentimesheusedtosaytome，`Mysister————’"
"Iwillheartherest，madam，withpleasure，whenIhavesupped;butwillyoucondescendtorememberthatIhavetastednothingallday？"
"Poorboy，"saidthefairy，"Iwillgiveyousomesupperdirectly;andwhileyoueatitIwilltellyoumyhistoryinsixwords，forIhatemuchtalking。Alongtongueisasinsupportableasalongnose;andIrememberwhenIwasyounghowmuchIusedtobeadmiredbecauseI
wasnotatalker;indeed，someonesaidtothequeenmymother——forpoorasyouseemenow，Iamthedaughterofagreatking，whoalways————"
"Atewhenhewashungry，Ihope，"
interruptedtheprince，whosepatiencewasfastdeparting。
"Youareright，"saidtheimperturbableoldfairy;"andIwillbringyouyoursupperdirectly，onlyIwishfirstjusttosaythatthekingmyfather————"
"Hangthekingyourfather！"PrinceWishwasabouttoexclaim，buthestoppedhimself，andonlyobservedthathoweverthepleasureofherconversationmightmakehimforgethishunger，itcouldnothavethesameeffectuponhishorse，whowasreallystarving。
Thefairy，pleasedathiscivility，calledherservantsandbadethemsupplyhimatoncewithallheneeded。"And，"addedshe，"Imustsayyouareverypoliteandverygood-tempered，inspiteofyournose。"
"Whathastheoldwomantodowithmynose？"thoughttheprince。"IfIwerenotsoveryhungry，Iwouldsoonshowherwhatsheis——aregularoldgossipandchatterbox。Shetofancyshetalkslittle，indeed！Onemustbeveryfoolishnottoknowone’sowndefects。Thiscomesofbeingbornaprincess。Flatterershavespoiledherandpersuadedherthatshetalkslittle。Little，indeed！Ineverknewanybodychattersomuch。"
Whiletheprincethusmeditated，theservantswerelayingthetable，thefairyaskingthemahundredunnecessaryquestions，simplyforthepleasureofhearingherselftalk。"Well，"
thoughtWish，"IamdelightedthatIcamehither，ifonlytolearnhowwiseIhavebeeninneverlisteningtoflatterers，whohidefromusourfaults，ormakeusbelievetheyareperfections。
Buttheycouldneverdeceiveme。Iknowallmyownweakpoints，Itrust。"Astrulyhebelievedhedid。
Sohewentoneatingcontentedly，norstoppedtilltheoldfairybegantoaddresshim。
"Prince，"saidshe，"willyoubekindenoughtoturnalittle？YournosecastssuchashadowthatIcannotseewhatisonmyplate。And，asIwassaying，yourfatheradmiredmeandalwaysmademewelcomeatcourt。Whatisthecourtetiquettetherenow？Dotheladiesstillgotoassemblies，promenades，balls？——Ibegyourpardonforlaughing，buthowverylongyournoseis。"
"Iwishyouwouldceasetospeakofmynose，"
saidtheprince，becomingannoyed。"Itiswhatitis，andIdonotdesireitanyshorter。"
"Oh！IseethatIhavevexedyou，"returnedthefairy。"Nevertheless，Iamoneofyourbestfriends，andsoIshalltakethelibertyofalways————"Shewoulddoubtlesshavegoneontalkingtillmidnight;buttheprince，unabletobearitanylonger，hereinterruptedher，thankedherforherhospitality，badeherahastyadieu，androdeaway。
Hetraveledforalongtime，halfovertheworld，butheheardnonewsofPrincessDarling。
However，ineachplacehewentto，heheardoneremarkablefact——thegreatlengthofhisownnose。Thelittleboysinthestreetsjeeredathim，thepeasantsstaredathim，andthemorepoliteladiesandgentlemenwhomhemetinsocietyusedtotryinvaintokeepfromlaughing，andtogetoutofhiswayassoonastheycould。Sothepoorprincebecamegraduallyquiteforlornandsolitary;hethoughtalltheworldwasmad，butstillheneverthoughtoftherebeinganythingqueerabouthisownnose。
Atlasttheoldfairy，who，thoughshewasachatterbox，wasverygood-natured;sawthathewasalmostbreakinghisheart。Shefeltsorryforhimandwishedtohelphiminspiteofhimself，forsheknewtheenchantmentwhichhidfromhimthePrincessDarlingcouldneverbebrokentillhehaddiscoveredhisowndefect。
Soshewentinsearchoftheprincess，andbeingmorepowerfulthanthemagician，sinceshewasagoodfairyandhewasanevilmagician，shegotherawayfromhimandshutherupinapalaceofcrystal，whichsheplacedontheroadwhichPrinceWishhadtopass。
Hewasridingalong，verymelancholy，whenhesawthepalace;andatitsentrancewasaroom，madeofthepurestglass，inwhichsathisbelovedprincess，smilingandbeautifulasever。
Heleapedfromhishorseandrantowardher。
Sheheldoutherhandforhimtokiss，buthecouldnotgetatitfortheglass。Transportedwitheagernessanddelight，hedashedhisswordthroughthecrystalandsucceededinbreakingasmallopening，towhichsheputupherbeautifulrosymouth。Butitwasinvain;PrinceWishcouldnotapproachit。Hetwistedhisneckabout，andturnedhisheadonallsides，tillatlength，puttinguphishandtohisface，hediscoveredtheimpediment。
"Itmustbeconfessed，’texclaimedhe，"thatmynoseistoolong。"
Thatmomenttheglasswallsallsplitasunder，andtheoldfairyappeared，leadingPrincessDarling。
"Avow，prince，"saidshe，"thatyouareverymuchobligedtome，fornowtheenchantmentisended。Youmaymarrytheobjectofyourchoice。But，"addedshe，smiling，"IfearI
mighthavetalkedtoyouforeveronthesubjectofyournose，andyouwouldnothavebelievedmeinitslength，tillitbecameanobstacletoyourowninclinations。Nowbeholdit！"andsheheldupacrystalmirror。"Areyousatisfiedtobenodifferentfromotherpeople？"
"Perfectly，"saidPrinceWish，whofoundhisnosehadshrunktoanordinarylength。AndtakingthePrincessDarlingbythehand，hekissedhercourteously，affectionately，andsatisfactorily。Thentheydepartedtotheirowncountry，andlivedveryhappilyalltheirdays。
THEFROG-PRINCE
INtimesofyore，whenwisheswerebothheardandgranted，livedakingwhosedaughterswereallbeautifulbuttheyoungestwassolovelythatthesunhimself，whohasseensomuch，wonderedatherbeautyeverytimehelookedinherface。Now，neartheking’scastlewasalargedarkforest;andintheforest，underanoldlindentree，wasadeepwell。Whenthedaywasveryhot，theking’sdaughterusedtogotothewoodandseatherselfattheedgeofthecoolwell;andwhenshebecamewearied，shewouldtakeagoldenball，throwitupintheair，andcatchitagain。Thiswasherfavoriteamusement。
Onceithappenedthathergoldenball，insteadoffallingbackintothelittlehandthatshestretchedoutforit，droppedontheground，andimmediatelyrolledawayintothewater。
Theking’sdaughterfolloweditwithhereyes，buttheballhadvanished，andthewellwassodeepthatnoonecouldseedowntothebottom。
Thenshebegantoweep，weptlouderandloudereveryminute，andcouldnotconsoleherselfatall。
Whileshewasthuslamentingsomeonecalledtoher："Whatisthematterwithyou，king’sdaughter？Youweepsothatyouwouldtouchtheheartofastone。"
Shelookedaroundtoseewhencethevoicecame，andsawafrogstretchinghisthickuglyheadoutofthewater。
"Ah！itisyou，oldwater-paddler！"saidshe。
"Iamcryingformygoldenball，whichhasfallenintothewell。"
"Becontent，"answeredthefrog;"IdaresayIcangiveyousomegoodadvice;butwhatwillyougivemeifIbringbackyourplaythingtoyou？"
"Whateveryoulike，dearfrog，"saidshe，"myclothes，mypearlsandjewels，eventhegoldencrownIwear。"
Thefroganswered，"Yourclothes，yourpearlsandjewels，evenyourgoldencrown，Idonotcarefor;butifyouwillloveme，andletmebeyourcompanionandplay-fellow，sitnearyouatyourlittletable，eatfromyourlittlegoldenplate，drinkfromyourlittlecup，andsleepinyourlittlebed——ifyouwillpromisemethis，thenIwillbringyoubackyourgoldenballfromthebottomofthewell。"
"Oh，yes！"saidshe;"Ipromiseyouevery-
thing，ifyouwillonlybringmebackmygoldenball。"
Shethoughttoherself，meanwhile："Whatnonsensethesillyfrogtalks！Hesitsinthewaterwiththeotherfrogs，andcroaks，andcannotbeanybody’splayfellow！"
Butthefrog，assoonashehadreceivedthepromisedippedhisheadunderthewaterandsankdown。Inalittlewhileuphecameagainwiththeballinhismouth，andthrewitonthegrass。Theking’sdaughterwasoverjoyedwhenshebeheldherprettyplaythingagain，pickeditup，andranawaywithit。
"Wait！wait！"criedthefrog;"takemewithyou。Icannotrunasfastasyou。"
Alas！ofwhatusewasitthathecroakedafterherasloudashecould。Shewouldnotlistentohim，buthastenedhome，andsoonforgotthepoorfrog，whowasobligedtoplungeagaintothebottomofhiswell。
Thenextday，whenshewassittingatdinnerwiththekingandallthecourtiers，eatingfromherlittlegoldplate，therecameasoundofsomethingcreepingupthemarblestaircase——splish，splash;andwhenithadreachedthetop，itknockedatthedoorandcried，"Youngestking’sdaughter，opentome。"
Sheran，wishingtoseewhowasoutside;butwhensheopenedthedoorandtheresatthefrog，sheflungithastilytoagainandsatdownattable，feelingvery，veryuncomfortable。Thekingsawthatherheartwasbeatingviolently，andsaid，"How，mychild，whyareyouafraid？
Isagiantstandingoutsidethedoortocarryyouoff？"
"Oh，no！"answeredshe，"itisnogiant，butanastyfrog，whoyesterday，whenIwasplayinginthewoodnearthewell，fetchedmygoldenballoutofthewater。ForthisIpromisedhimheshouldbemycompanion，butIneverthoughthecouldcomeoutofhiswell。Nowheisatthedoor，andwantstocomein。"
Again，thesecondtimetherewasaknock，andavoicecried：
"Youngestking’sdaughter，Opentome;
KnowyouwhatyesterdayYoupromisedme，Bythecoolwater？
Youngestking’sdaughter，Opentome。"
Thensaidtheking，"Whatyoupromisedyoumustperform。Goandopenthedoor。"
Shewentandopenedthedoor;thefroghoppedin，alwaysfollowingandfollowinghertillhecameuptoherchair。Therehesatandcriedout，"Liftmeuptoyouonthetable。"
Sherefused，tilltheking，herfather，commandedhertodoit。Whenthefrogwasonthetable，hesaid，"Nowpushyourlittlegoldenplatenearertome，thatwemayeattogether。"Shedidashedesired，butonecouldeasilyseethatshediditunwillingly。Thefrogseemedtoenjoyhisdinnerverymuch，buteverymorselsheatestuckinthethroatofthepoorlittleprincess。
Thensaidthefrog，"Ihaveeatenenough，andamtired;carrymetoyourlittleroom，andmakeyourlittlesilkenbedsmooth，andwewilllayourselvesdowntosleeptogether。"
Atthisthedaughterofthekingbegantoweep;forshewasafraidofthecoldfrog，whowantedtosleepinherprettycleanbed。
Butthekinglookedangrilyather，andsaidagain："Whatyouhavepromisedyoumustperform。
Thefrogisyourcompanion。"
Itwasnousetocomplain;whethershelikeditornot，shewasobligedtotakethefrogwithheruptoherlittlebed。Soshepickedhimupwithtwofingers，hatinghimbitterlythewhile，andcarriedhimupstairs：butwhenshegotintobed，insteadofliftinghimuptoher，shethrewhimwithallherstrengthagainstthewall，saying，"Nowyounastyfrog，therewillbeanendofyou。"
Butwhatfelldownfromthewallwasnotadeadfrog，butalivingyoungprince，withbeautifulandlovingeyes，whoatoncebecame，byherownpromiseandherfather’swill，herdearcompanionandhusband。Hetoldherhowhehadbeencursedbyawickedsorceress，andthatnoonebuttheking’syoungestdaughtercouldreleasehimfromhisenchantmentandtakehimoutofthewell。
Thenextdayacarriagedroveuptothepalacegateswitheightwhitehorses，havingwhitefeathersontheirheadsandgoldenreins。Behinditstoodtheservantoftheyoungprince，calledthefaithfulHenry。ThisfaithfulHenryhadbeensogrievedwhenhismasterwaschangedintoafrogthathehadbeencompelledtohavethreeironbandsfastenedroundhisheart，lestitshouldbreak。Nowthecarriagecametoconveytheprincetohiskingdom，sothefaithfulHenryliftedinthebrideandbridegroomandmountedbehind，fullofjoyathislord’srelease。
Butwhentheyhadgoneashortdistance，theprinceheardbehindhimanoiseasifsomethingwasbreaking。Hecriedout，"Henry，thecarriageisbreaking！"
ButHenryreplied："No，sir，itisnotthecarriagebutoneofthebandsfrommyheart，withwhichIwasforcedtobinditup，oritwouldhavebrokenwithgriefwhileyousatasafrogatthebottomofthewell。"
Twiceagainthishappened，andtheprincealwaysthoughtthecarriagewasbreaking;butitwasonlythebandsbreakingofffromtheheartofthefaithfulHenry，outofjoythathislord，thefrog-prince，wasafrognomore。
CLEVERALICE
ONCEuponatimetherewasamanwhohadadaughterwhowascalled"CleverAlice，"andwhenshewasgrownup，herfathersaid，"Wemustseeabouthermarrying。"
"Yes，"repliedhermother，"wheneverayoungmanshallappearwhoisworthyofher。"
Atlastacertainyouth，bynameHans，camefromadistancetomakeaproposalofmarriage;
butherequiredonecondition，thatthecleverAliceshouldbeveryprudent。
"Oh，"saidherfather，"nofearofthat！shehasgotaheadfullofbrains;"andthemotheradded，"ah，shecanseethewindblowupthestreet，andhearthefliescough！"
"Verywell，"repliedHans;"butremember，ifsheisnotveryprudent，Iwillnottakeher。"
Soonafterwardtheysatdowntodinner，andhermothersaid，"Alice，godownintothecellaranddrawsomebeer。"
SoCleverAlicetookthejugdownfromthewall，andwentintothecellar，jerkingthelidupanddownonherway，topassawaythetime。
Assoonasshegotdownstairsshedrewastoolandplaceditbeforethecask，inorderthatshemightnothavetostoop，forshethoughtstoopingmightinsomewayinjureherbackandgiveitanundesirablebend。Thensheplacedthecanbeforeherandturnedthetap，andwhilethebeerwasrunning，asshedidnotwishhereyestobeidle，shelookedaboutuponthewallaboveandbelow。Presentlysheperceived，aftermuchpeepingintothiscornerandthatcorner，ahatchet，whichthebricklayershadleftbehind？
stickingoutoftheceilingrightaboveherhead。
AtthesightofthisCleverAlicebegantocry，saying，"Oh！ifImarryHans，andwehaveachild，andhegrowsup，andwesendhimintothecellartodrawbeer，thehatchetwillfalluponhisheadandkillhim，"andsoshesatthereweepingwithallhermightovertheimpendingmisfortune。
Meanwhilethegoodfolksupstairswerewaitingforthebeer，butasCleverAlicedidnotcome，hermothertoldthemaidtogoandseewhatshewasstoppingfor。ThemaidwentdownintothecellarandfoundAlicesittingbeforethecaskcryingheartily，andsheasked，"Alice，whatareyouweepingabout？"
"Ah，"shereplied，"haveInotcause？IfI
marryHans，andwehaveachild，andhegrowsup，andwesendhimheretodrawbeer，thathatchetwillfalluponhisheadandkillhim。"
"Oh，"saidthemaid，"whatacleverAlicewehave！"Andsittingdown，shebegantoweep，too，forthemisfortunethatwastohappen。
Afterawhile，whentheservantdidnotreturn，thegoodfolksabovebegantofeelverythirsty;sothehusbandtoldtheboytogodownintothecellarandseewhathadbecomeofAliceandthemaid。Theboywentdown，andtheresatCleverAliceandthemaidbothcrying，soheaskedthereason;andAlicetoldhimthesametale，ofthehatchetthatwastofallonherchild，ifshemarriedHans，andiftheyhadachild。
Whenshehadfinished，theboyexclaimed，"WhatacleverAlicewehave！"andfellweepingandhowlingwiththeothers。
Upstairstheywerestillwaiting，andthehusbandsaid，whentheboydidnotreturn，"Doyougodown，wife，intothecellarandseewhyAlicestayssolong。"Soshewentdown，andfindingallthreesittingtherecrying，askedthereason，andAlicetoldheraboutthehatchetwhichmustinevitablyfallupontheheadofherson。Thenthemotherlikewiseexclaimed，"Oh，whatacleverAlicewehave！"and，sittingdown，begantoweepasmuchasanyoftherest。
Meanwhilethehusbandwaitedforhiswife’sreturn;butatlasthefeltsoverythirstythathesaid，"ImustgomyselfdownintothecellarandseewhatiskeepingourAlice。"Assoonasheenteredthecellar，therehefoundthefoursittingandcryingtogether，andwhenheheardthereason，healsoexclaimed，"Oh，whatacleverAlicewehave！"andsatdowntocrywiththewholestrengthofhislungs。
Allthistimethebridegroomabovesatwaiting，butwhennobodyreturned，hethoughttheymustbewaitingforhim，andsohewentdowntoseewhatwasthematter。Whenheentered，theresatthefivecryingandgroaning，eachoneinalouderkeythanhisneighbor。
"Whatmisfortunehashappened？"heasked。
"Ah，dearHans！"criedAlice，"ifyouandI
shouldmarryoneanother，andhaveachild，andhegrewup，andwe，perhaps，sendhimdowntothiscellartotapthebeer，thehatchetwhichhasbeenleftstickinguptheremayfallonhishead，andsokillhim;anddoyounotthinkthisisenoughtoweepabout？"
"Now，"saidHans，"moreprudencethanthisisnotnecessaryformyhousekeeping;becauseyouaresuchacleverAlice，Iwillhaveyouformywife。"And，takingherhand，heledherhome，andcelebratedtheweddingdirectly。
Aftertheyhadbeenmarriedalittlewhile，Hans，saidonemorning，"Wife，Iwillgoouttoworkandearnsomemoney;doyougointothefieldandgathersomecornwherewithtomakebread。"
"Yes，"sheanswered，"Iwilldoso，dearHans。"Andwhenhewasgone，shecookedherselfanicemessofpottagetotakewithher。Asshecametothefield，shesaidtoherself，"WhatshallIdo？ShallIcutfirst，oreatfirst？Aye，Iwilleatfirst！"Thensheateupthecontentsofherpot，andwhenitwasfinished，shethoughttoherself，"Now，shallIreapfirstorsleepfirst？
Well，IthinkIwillhaveanap！"andsoshelaidherselfdownamongthecorn，andwenttosleep。
MeanwhileHansreturnedhome，butAlicedidnotcome，andsohesaid，"Oh，whataprudentAliceIhave！Sheissoindustriousthatshedoesnotevencomehometoeatanything。"Byandby，however，eveningcameon，andstillshedidnotreturn;soHanswentouttoseehowmuchshehadreaped;but，behold，nothingatall，andtherelayAlicefastasleepamongthecorn！Sohomeheranveryfast，andbroughtanetwithlittlebellshangingonit，whichhethrewoverherheadwhileshestillslepton。Whenhehaddonethis，hewentbackagainandshuttothehousedoor，and，seatinghimselfonhisstool，beganworkingveryindustriously。
Atlast，whenitwasnearlydark，thecleverAliceawoke，andassoonasshestoodup，thenetfellalloverherhair，andthebellsjingledateverystepshetook。Thisquitefrightenedher，andshebegantodoubtwhethershewerereallyCleverAlice，andsaidtoherself，"AmIshe，oramInot？"Thiswasaquestionshecouldnotanswer，andshestoodstillalongwhileconsideringaboutit。Atlastshethoughtshewouldgohomeandaskwhethershewasreallyherself——
supposingsomebodywouldbeabletotellher。
Whenshecameuptothehousedooritwasshut;soshetappedatthewindow，andasked，"Hans，isAlicewithin？""Yes，"hereplied，"sheis。"Atwhichanswershebecamereallyterrified，andexclaiming，"Ah，heaven，thenI
amnotAlice！"sheranuptoanotherhouse，intendingtoaskthesamequestion。Butassoonasthefolkswithinheardthejinglingofthebellsinhernet，theyrefusedtoopentheirdoors，andnobodywouldreceiveher。Sosheranstraightawayfromthevillage，andnoonehaseverseenhersince。