imaginable; but these sounds were shortly succeeded by a soft symphony, to which melodious voices sang the praises of the Prince and Princess. The Fairy Amazon dismounted from her horse, placed herself beside the King, and begged him to order immediately all that was required for the celebration of the marriage of the Prince and Princess. She commanded a little fairy, who appeared as soon as she called her, to go for the Shepherd King, the Queen and her daughters, and to return with them instantly. Immediately the Fairy disappeared, and returned as quickly with the illustrious exiles. What happiness after so many afflictions! The palace resounded with shouts of joy, and nothing was ever equal to that of these sovereigns and their children. The Fairy Amazon gave her orders in every direction. One word of hers did more work than a hundred thousand people. The nuptials were celebrated with greater magnificence than had ever been seen previously. King Sublime returned to his dominions; Carpillon had the gratification of conducting him thither with her husband. The old King, enchanted to have a son so worthy of his affection, became young again; at all events, he was so happy in his old age, that he lived much longer in consequence.
Youth is the season when the human heart
By master minds can moulded be with ease;
As to soft wax the fingers can impart
By gentle pressure any form they please.
Then may the future man be lost or saved:
The vice that stains—the virtue that may grace it—
Once on the heart in infancy engraved,
Rarely in after years can aught efface it.
On Life's uncertain sea, in early age,
Happy is he who spreads his hopeful sail
Under the guidance of a pilot sage,
Who knows the shoals, and can foresee the gale.
The Prince, whose portrait I have tried to take,
Had nought of quicksand, or of storm to dread;
A prosperous voyage he scarce could fail to make,
While by the Royal Shepherd piloted.
'Tis true that Love was not to be defied:
But hence, ye censors who the youth would blame:
Let Reason only the affections guide,
And Love lends lustre to the hero's fame!
