that it was for their execution, approached very sadly, hanging down their heads. The nurse and her daughter were also brought out. When they looked at each other, a general recognition took place. Rosette threw herself on the necks of her brothers. The nurse, her daughter, and the boatman flung themselves on their knees and prayed for mercy. The joy was so great that the King and the Princess forgave them. The good old man was richly rewarded, and lived all the rest of his days in the palace. The King of the Peacocks, in short, made every sort of amends to the King and his brother, proving his regret at having ill-treated them. The nurse restored to Rosette her rich clothes and her bushel of gold crowns, and the nuptial festivities lasted fifteen days. Everybody was satisfied, down to Fretillon, who from that day never ate anything but the wings of partridges.
Heaven watches o'er us, and when Innocence
In danger stands, embraces her defence,
Delivers, and avenges her. The notion
Of poor Rosette floating upon the ocean,
As doth the fabled Halcyon in her nest,
Drifting at pleasure of the reckless gale,
Awakens pity in each gentle breast.
One fears a tragic end to such a tale:
Perish she must, the reader can't help thinking,
Either amid the stormy billows sinking,
Or swallow'd up by some rapacious whale.
Fretillon was the humble instrument
Of Providence, and from the hungry fishes
Not only saved his mistress dear, but, sent
To find her food, brought her the daintiest dishes.
How many are there now-a-days who need
The help of dogs of such a generous breed!
Rosette, from shipwreck saved, pardon'd her foes.
O you who on the authors of your woes
Would vengeance hurl, whate'er may be the cost,
Let her example on you not be lost;
But treasure up this lesson whilst you live—
The noblest vengeance still is—to forgive.
