64 THE ADVENTURES oF PRINCE HEMPSERD:

for to the court; where’
they exhibited the talent
of their animals. The
great lords, following the
example of the court, also’
sent for them}- and’ thus
were they made much of
throughout the winter.
Not a party was’ complete
unless Prince Hempseed
was there! Prince Hemp-
seed was here—Prince | :
Hempseed' was’ every- = SSB
where! And _ beautiful

bonnets and dresses were sent to Olympia.

We need not say that the animals shared in all the
benefits of this well-merited prosperity.

_ If they now and then showed their airs; it was‘not for a
long time. Auriol alone, the beautiful white pigeon with
the ‘glossy azure neck, would persist in going away very
often. To correct it of this habit, Prince Hempseed fas-
tened the bird in its cages but'the poor thing’ fell very ill;
and it was necessary to restore it to liberty and indepen-
dence.

One day—a very remarkable day—there was'a grand
exhibition at Prince Hempseed’s theatre. Crowds at the
door—crowds on‘ the steps—crowds inside! Children,
women, soldiers, shopkeépers, and working people entered,
or tried to enter'the place. The little prince was dresséd
like a prince—which, in his’ situation, was the same’ thing as
being disguised; and Olympia was’ dressed as’ a princess.
Counsellor exerted his voice to exclaim, “ Walk in, ladies!
walk in, gentlemen !”—and the magpie grew hoarse by dint
of crying out, “A halfpenny! a halfpenny! a halfpenny!”

At length the performance began.

The plaudits were at first few and moderate; but they