Four and Twenty Fairy Tales: Selected from Those of Perrault, and Other Popular Writers
General
Four and Twenty Fairy Tales: Selected from Those of Perrault, and Other Popular Writers
Fairy tales
The apartment was of white and blue porphyry, exquisitely sculptured;
the baths being of the most curious and agreeable forms. That in which
Young and Handsome bathed, was made out of a single topaz, and placed
on a platform in an alcove of porcelain. Four columns, composed of
amethysts of the most perfect beauty, supported a canopy of magnificent
yellow and silver brocade, embroidered with pearls. Alidor, absorbed
by the happiness of beholding the charming Fairy, and remarking her
affection for him, scarcely noticed all these marvels.
A delightful and tender conversation detained these happy lovers for
a long time in the Myrtle Room. A splendid supper was served in the
Jonquil Saloon. An elegant entertainment followed. The nymphs acted to
music the loves of Diana and Endymion.
Young and Handsome forgot to return to her palace, and passed the
night in the Narcissus Chamber. Alidor, entranced with love, was long
before he tasted the sweets of slumber in the Myrtle Room, to which he
was conducted by the nymphs, on the termination of the entertainment.
Young and Handsome, who forbore to use her power to calm such agreeable
emotions, also laid awake till nearly daybreak.
Alidor, impatient to behold again the charming Fairy, awaited the happy
moment for some time in the Jonquil Saloon. He had neglected nothing
in his attire which could add a grace to his natural attractions.
Young and Handsome appeared a thousand times more lovely than Venus.
She passed a part of the day with Alidor and the nymphs in the garden
of the castle, the beauties of which surpassed the most marvellous
description. There was an agreeable little _fête champêtre_ in a
delicious grove, wherein Alidor, during a favourable opportunity, had
the sweet pleasure of professing his ardent love to Young and Handsome.
She desired, that same evening, to return to her palace; but promised
Alidor to come back to him the next day. Never has an absence of a
few hours been honoured by so many regrets. The handsome shepherd
passionately desired to follow the young Fairy, but she commanded him
to remain in the Castle of Flowers. She wished to hide her attachment
from the eyes of all her Court. No one entered this castle without her
order, and she had no fear that her nymphs would disclose her secret.
The secrets of a Fairy are always safe. They are never divulged; the
punishment would follow the offence too swiftly.
Young and Handsome asked Alidor for the pretty dog which had always
followed him, that she might take it with her. Everything is dear to us
that pleases those we love.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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