THE SLUGGARD 321

Meanwhile the princess had fallen in love with him, and
begged her father to send for him again. As the sluggard
would not consent, the king had him bound when asleep,
and thus brought to the palace. Then he summoned a
celebrated magician, who at his orders shut the princess
and sluggard up in a crystal cask, to which was fastened a
balloon well filled with gas, and sent it up in the air among
the clouds. The princess wept bitterly, but the fool sat still
and said he felt very comfortable. At last she persuaded
him to exert his powers, so he said :

“At my behest, and by the orders of the pike,
This cask of crystal earth at once must strike
Upon the friendly island I should like.”

The crystal cask immediately descended, and opened
upon a hospitable island where travellers could have all they
wanted by simply wishing for it. The princess and her
companion walked about, eating when hungry, and drinking
when athirst. The sluggard was very happy and contented,
but the lady begged him to wish for a palace. Instantly the
palace made its appearance. It was built of white marble,
with crystal windows, roof of yellow amber, and golden
furniture. She was delighted with it. Next day she wanted
a good road made, along which she could go to see her
father. Immediately there stretched before them a fairy-
like bridge made of crystal, having golden balustrades set
with diamonds, and leading right up to the king’s palace.
The sluggard was just about to accompany the princess
when he began to think of his own appearance, and.to feel

ashamed that such an awkward, stupid fellow as he should
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