would suffer a ram to ascend his throne and drink MIRANDA
out of his cup.

Miranda remained for some time in the beautiful
land to which the royal Ram had conducted her.
At last news reached her that her eldest sister was
going to marry a great prince, and that extensive
preparations were being made for the nuptials.
These tidings were brought her by a swallow.
Miranda asked the Ram’s leave to goto her sister’s
wedding, and this was granted; but the Ram
insisted on her going in most magnificent apparel.
She arrived at the King’s court just as the marriage
of her sister was about to take place.

When Miranda arrived, her appearance caused a
general flutter of astonishment and admiration, as
she was dressed in shining silver tissue set with
pearls, and no one had ever seen so magnificent
a dress; and indeed she was so lovely that many
—the gentlemen especially—looked only at her face,
whilst the ladies examined, admired, and were
jealous of her gown. The king especially observed
her with great attention.

When Miranda saw this, she became alarmed lest
he should give orders to have her stopped; so she
stole away before the ceremony was concluded
and hastened back to the realm of the royal Ram.
The Ram had been waiting with the utmost
impatience for the return of Miranda; and as soon
as he saw her, he ran towards her, and gave many
tokens of passionate fondness for her.

So Miranda remained again some time in the
pleasant realm of the royal Ram.

Then it fell out that a swallow came and twittered
in her ear, and told her that the king was about
to give his second daughter in marriage to a great
prince.

Miranda begged leave to attend this wedding also.
The Ram could not refuse, and he insisted that
she should wear a still more splendid dress, all

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