484 NURSERY RHYMES.

 

 

She then pulled out her provisions and ate her dinner. Then
said the heads one to another, “What shall we do for this lady
who hath used us so kindly?” The first said, “I will cause such
addition to her beauty as shall charm the most powerful Prince
in the world.” The second said, “I will endow her with such
_ perfume, both in body and in breath, as shall far exceed the
sweetest flowers.” The third said, “My gift shall be none of the
least, for, as she is a King’s daughter, Ill make her so fortunate
that she shall become Queen to the greatest Prince that reigns.”
This done, at their request she let them down into the well again,
and so proceeded on her journey. She had not travelled long
before she saw a King hunting in the park with his nobles: she
would have avoided him, but the King having caught a sight of
her, approached, and what with her beauty and perfumed breath,
was so powerfully smitten, that he was not able to subdue his
passion, but commenced his courtship immediately, and was so
successful that he gained her love, and conducting her to his
palace, he caused her to be clothed in the most magnificent
manner.

This being ended, and the King finding that she was the King
of Colchester’s daughter, ordered some chariots to be got ready,
that he might pay the King a visit. The chariot in which the
King and Queen rode was adorned with rich ornamental gems
of gold. The King, her father, was at first astonished that his
daughter had been so fortunate as she was, till the young King
made him sensible of all that had happened. Great was the joy
at Court amongst all, with the exception of the Queen and her
club-footed daughter, who were ready to burst with malice, and