Page:Fairy tales (3).pdf/6

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were seen in any princes's retinue, in the whole world. This done she gave her a pair of glass slippers, which for beauty and elegance, far surpassed any thing of the kind ever seen before.

Being thus drest out, she got up into the cohch; but her godmother above all things commanded her not to stay till after midnight, telling her at the same time, if she staid at the ball any longer than twelve o'clock her coach would be a pompion again, her horses mice, her coachman, a rat, her footmen lizards, and her clothes become just as they were before.

She promised her godmother she would not fail of leaving the ball before it was midnight; and then away she drove, scarce able to contain herself for joy. The king's son who was told that a great princess, whom nobody knew, was come, ran out to receive her; he gave her his hand as she lighted out of the coach, and led her into the room among all the company. There was immediately a profound silence; they left off dancing and the violins ceased to play; so attentive was every one to contemplate the singular beauty of this unknown new comer. Nothing was then heard, but a confused noise of Ha! how handsome she is! how handsome she is! the King himself could not help telling the Queen softly, that it was a long time since he had seen so beautiful and lovely a creature. All the ladies were busy in considering her clothes and head-dress, that they might have some made the next day after the same pattern, provided they could meet with such fine materials and as able hands to make them. The King's son conducted her to the most honourable feat, and afterwards took her out to dance with him; she danced so very gracefully that they