“Again, Fronto would invite them to see his father’s famous sea-gardens, and they would ride across the sapphire-blue waves until they reached a rocky island. Here they would rest, to watch the seals climbing over the rocks. They amused themselves long, laughing at the awkward antics of the fat baby seals, who would tumble with loud splashes into the water, and then frolic about noisily. The Princess loved these famous sea-gardens; they were very different from her own, but wonderfully interesting, nevertheless. Every sea-plant grew there. Huge trees of seaweed were plainly seen, and curious water-flowers in abundance. Magnificent shells bordered the walks, shells dyed with the mystic colors of the sea,—blue and green and opalescent,—others pink-lined, like the sky at sunset, or brilliant red, like the coral reef. Charming gold-fishes swam about these water-gardens, and their scales, glowing like fire, sent out great sparks of light. Mermaids floated through, with long golden hair and starry blue eyes, singing low to the music of their lutes. Thus many days and weeks were passed, and each hour the young Princes grew more madly in love with the charming Princess Selene. “At last a day came when they could no longer resist asking her to choose between them. But when they stood before her, and waited for her answer in silence, the fun-loving little Princess suddenly became grave, and said most seriously: ‘Why make me choose at all? Your friendship may be broken if I do, and I could not bear that.’ “‘You need not fear for us, sweet Princess,’ said Fronto, ‘for we have sworn an oath, and will not break it.’ “Selene gazed earnestly at them, not understanding this reply. Then Corus, pale as death, nodded assent, saying: ‘It is even true, fair Selene; as you cannot choose but one, we both have promised allegiance to the one you favor. We love you too sincerely to do otherwise.’ “A brilliant color dyed Selene’s cheek as she heard these words, and turning to Prince Fronto she began softly: ‘So be it. We have passed many happy hours together, and in my heart, Prince Fronto, I have a deep affection for you.’ “Hearing her speak thus, Prince Corus grew very white, and turned away to hide his pain, whispering to himself: ‘They shall not see how I suffer. I have sworn an oath, and I will keep it.’ “But whatever the Princess continued to say to the Ocean Prince, it seemed not to please him. Finally she said to him, while she turned and beckoned to his friend: ‘Therefore, kind brother of the shimmering sea, you must forgive me; for, though I love you as a friend, my heart belongs to Corus, and him I choose to be my husband.’ “The Sun Prince could hardly believe he heard aright; but as the beautiful girl turned shyly toward him, he caught her hand, and kneeling, kissed it, thanking her for his great happiness.