During this affecting and tender interview, the Fairy, their protectress, suddenly appeared in the King's chamber: she was armed as usual; the gems with which her cuirass and helmet were covered, were less brilliant than her eyes: addressing herself to the Queen, she said, "You are not too grateful, Madam, for the present I made you, in restoring you your daughter, who would have been drowned in the nets without my assistance, since you are about to cause the death of the shepherd I confided to your care. Think no longer of the difference that may perhaps exist between him and Carpillon; it is time they should be united. Prepare, illustrious Sublime," said she to the King, "for their marriage—I desire it—and you will never have cause to repent it." With these words, and not waiting for their reply, she left them, leaving only a long stream of light behind her as she disappeared, resembling the rays of the sun.
The King and Queen were equally astonished and delighted that the Fairy's commands were so positive. "One cannot doubt," said the King, "that this unknown shepherd is of an equal birth with Carpillon: his protectress is too noble to wish to unite two persons unsuitable to each other. It is she, as you perceive, who saved our daughter from perishing in the lake. How have we deserved her favour?" "I have always heard say," replied the Queen, "there are good and bad fairies, that they take a liking or an aversion to a family according to their humour, and evidently the Fairy Amazon favours us." They were still in conversation, when the Princess returned dejected and suffering. The Prince, who dared not follow her but at a distance, arrived some time after, so melancholy, that a glance at his features was sufficient to show what was passing in his mind. During the whole meal these poor lovers, who were wont to be the joy of the house, did not utter a word; nor even venture to raise their eyes.
As soon as they rose from table, the King went into his little garden, and desired the shepherd to follow him. At this order, he turned pale. A strange shivering ran through all his veins, and Carpillon believing her father was going to send him away, was no less alarmed than he was. Sublime entered an arbour, seated himself, and looking at the Prince, he said, "My son, you know with what affection I have brought you up. I have looked upon you as a present from
