thinking of me at all. She holds me unworthy of consideration. But I will frustrate her wicked designs while there is time." He rose in a fury; and though it was not yet daylight, he sent for the captain of his guards, and said to him, "You have heard the dream of Merveilleuse: it prognosticates strange things against me. I command you to seize her immediately, to take her into the forest, and kill her; after which, you will bring me her heart and her tongue, that I may be sure you have not deceived me, or I will have you put to death in the most cruel manner possible." The captain of the guards was astounded at this barbarous order. He dared not remonstrate with the King, for fear of increasing his anger, and causing him to give the horrible commission to another. He assured him he would take the Princess and kill her, and bring him her heart and her tongue.
The captain went directly to the Princess's apartment, where he found some difficulty in obtaining admission, for it was still very early. He informed Merveilleuse that the King desired to see her. She rose immediately; a little Moorish girl, named Patypata, carried her train. A young ape, and a little dog, who always accompanied her, ran after her. The ape was called Grabugeon, and the little dog, Tintin. The captain of the guards made Merveilleuse descend into the garden, where he told her the King was taking the fresh morning air. She entered it; the captain pretended to look for the King, and not finding him, said, "No doubt his Majesty has walked on into the wood." He opened a little door, and led the Princess into the forest. It was just getting light: the Princess looked at her conductor; he had tears in his eyes, and was so dejected that he could not speak. "What is the matter?" inquired she in the kindest tone; "you seem very much distressed." "Ah, Madam!" exclaimed he; "who could be otherwise at the most dreadful order that was ever given! The King has commanded me to kill you in this forest, and to take him your heart and your tongue. If I fail to do so he will put me to death." The poor Princess turned pale with terror, and began to weep silently. She looked like a little lamb about to be sacrificed. She fixed her beautiful eyes on the captain of the guards, and looking at him without anger, said," "Will you really have the heart to kill me—me, who never did you any harm, and who
