18
Prince, said the turtle this is not the first time I have received signal favours from your family I have it in my power to reward you: follow me. Cherry did so till he came to the mouth of a vault then jumped off his horse, and the turtle conducted him to the fountain; he immediately filled a vessel he brought, and pulled two hearty draughts which made him ten times handsomer than he was before; so mounting his horse, returned home, carrying some of the water with him to his sister
The restless Festinia knew, by her spies, that Cherry was returned, and that he and his sister, was more beautiful than ever. However, she contrived to see Fair-star again; and congratulated her on Cherry's success; but told her at the same time she should think of getting the singing apple, which was a great embellishment to the wit, and beside sung so fine, that it ravished all that heard it.
Cherry heard of this by chance, and when all were gone to bed mounted his white nag again, and set out in search of the apple. After several days journey, he perceived in the road a turtle almost dead, and taking pity on it, washed the feathers which were bloody, took out of his pocket a box of an admirable ointment, and no sooner applied it to the wound of the poor turtle, then it opened its eyes, stretched out its wings and looking at Prince Cherry, said, You are destined to save my life, and perhaps I may do you as signal a service, follow me, and I will assist you in this enterprise. The Prince let her go, and followed her till they came to a great mountain of sand. Dig here said the turtle, which he accordingly did, sometimes with his hand, and sometimes with his
