FAIRY PALACE. 125

need not be afraid,” said she, “ for
they are rendered harmless by my
power. Do not you observe,” added
she, “ that they are under the influ-
ance of an enchantment? They are
fascinated, and have not the power to
stir from the spot, till by the move-
ment of a’ wand, I give the signal for
them to move.”

Charles, encouraged by the declara-
tion of the fairy, that they could not,
or should not harm him, ventured to
touch them. _‘“ How beautiful they
are,” said he ; for their scales were lu-
minous, and they seemed as if formed
of rings of gold.

Having examined the shells, and
other curiosities in the grotto, they re-
M 3 ~ turned