$26 THE INVISIBLE PRINCE.

before your eyes.” Abricotina would not seem to doubt him,
though she was otherwise extremely witty. And after they had
prattled for some time of indifferent things, Leander requested
her to tell him her age, her country, and by what accident she
fellinto the hands of the ruffians. “Sir,” said she, “ you have
too highly obliged me, to deny you the satisfaction you desire ;
but pray let your listening to iny story slacken your pace.

« Know then, sir, there was a certain very great fairy married
toa prince who soon was tired of her company, she therefore
banished him from her presence, and established herself and
daughter in the Island of Calm Delights. This princess is most
beautiful, she has many lovers; among the rest an ugly prince,
named Furibon, whom she detests ; and some ruffians, sent by
him, this morning seized me, and would certainly have carried
me away but for your timely rescue: no man can get access to
the island ; the lovely princess has been brought up in a hatred
ofmen; Tam one of her maidens, and
had imprudently ventured out of the
island in search of my princess's
parrot, which hadflownaway ; when I
was seized and used asyou saw. Many
thanks, noble prince, for your valour.”
Leander said how happy he was to
have served her, and asked if he could
not obtain admission into the island.
Abricotina assured him this was im-
possible, and therefore he had better
forget all about it. While they were thus conversing they came
to the bank of a large river: Abricotina alighting with a nimble
jump from the horse, “ Farewell, sir,” said she, to the princes
making a profound reverence, “ I wish you every happiness.”—
“ And I,” said Leander, wish you asensible heart, that I may
now and then have a small share in your remembrance.” So