sionately desire to do so. Let me know your wishes. I will use all the fairy power, which I possess in a sovereign degree, to render you happy." "Madam," replied the Prince, "if your science enables you to penetrate the secrets of the heart, it is easy for you to know that, notwithstanding the misfortunes which overwhelm me, I am less to be pitied than many others." "That is owing to your good sense," replied the Fairy; "but after all, do not permit me to incur the shame of ingratitude towards you. What do you desire? My power is unlimited. Ask anything." "I desire," replied Torticoli, "to restore to you the handsome Trasimene, for whom you so constantly sigh." "You are too generous," said the lady, "to prefer my interests to your own. That great work must be achieved by another person. I cannot explain further; know, only, that that person will not be indifferent to you. But do not longer deny me the pleasure of obliging you. What do you desire?" "Madam," said the Prince, flinging himself at her feet, "you behold my frightful figure. They call me, in derision, Torticoli. Render me less ridiculous!" "Go, Prince," said the Fairy, touching him three times with the golden branch; "go, thou shalt be so accomplished and so perfect, that never man before or after this shall be counted thine equal. Henceforth be called Sans-pair; thou wilt be justly entitled to that name."
The grateful Prince embraced her knees, and, by a silence which testified his joy, he left her to guess what was passing in his soul. She compelled him to rise. He gazed at himself in the mirrors with which the chamber was adorned, and Sans-pair could not recognise Torticoli. He was three feet taller; his hair fell in large curls upon his shoulders; his mien was full of grace and dignity; his features were regular; his eyes sparkled with intelligence; in short, it was a transformation worthy of a beneficent and grateful Fairy.
"Why am I not permitted," said she, "to reveal to you your destiny? to warn you of the shoals Fortune will put in your path! to teach you the means of avoiding them! What gratification it would be to me, to add that benefit to the one I have just conferred on you! But I should offend the superior genius that guides you. Away, Prince; fly from this tower, and remember that the Fairy Benigne will always be your friend." At these words the Fairy, the
