The golden heart, and other fairy storiesJacob, Violet
General
The golden heart, and other fairy stories
Jacob, Violet
Children's stories; Fairy tales; Fantasy literature
All at once they perceived flying towards them in the air two
magnificent chariots, so glorious and brilliant that never, in the whole
world, had anything appeared like them.
The first was drawn by twenty silver swans. In it sat a lady from the
border of whose cloak hung fringes of pearls and jacinths. She alighted
on the ground, close by the Princess, who, pale with astonishment, was
watching the second chariot approaching. This was drawn by twelve
peacocks, and made entirely of emeralds. It was driven by the most
lovely lady imaginable, no less gorgeous than her companion, wearing a
crown of opals which shone like the stars on a summer night.
The two Fairies stepped out of their chariots, and thus addressed the
astonished King:
“This,” they said, pointing to the Princess, “is the Princess
Moonflower, daughter of a rich and powerful sovereign now dead. She has
been compelled to fly from her kingdom by her wicked aunt, who has
usurped the throne.”
“I am the Fairy of Rivers and Streams,” continued the lady who had first
arrived, “and, as she once did a kindness to a subject of mine, I have
protected her; and, had she not disregarded a warning I gave her, these
late troubles would never have taken place.”
The Princess fell upon her knees and craved the Fairy’s pardon for her
folly.
“Rise,” answered she, lifting her, “you have, with the King’s help,
overcome your difficulties, and you certainly ought to make him happy.”
The other Fairy then came forward.
“Moonflower,” she said, “I am the Fairy of the Green Woods, and it was
I, in the guise of an old hag, whom you so graciously conducted on my
way. It was I who gave you the Enchanted Leaf, which you must always
keep as an heirloom in your family; and now, I beg of you to marry this
brave and devoted monarch, who seeks your hand.”
At these words the Princess embraced the two Fairies, who invited her,
with the King and Grimaçon, to go with them to the palace of the King.
The released youths and maidens then dispersed to their several homes,
and, mounting the chariot of the Fairy of the Green Woods, Moonflower
soon reached the palace, followed by the King and the dwarf, who
accompanied the other Fairy.
The nuptials of the King of the Crystal Mountains and Princess
Moonflower were soon afterwards solemnised, and the two Fairies honoured
the festivities with their presence; all those who had been rescued from
the Enchanter’s cruelty by the King were invited, and the rejoicings
lasted for twenty days, after which his Majesty made war upon the
Princess’s aunt, and recovered her kingdom, killing the wicked Blackwig
with his own hand.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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