did not condescend to see her; she contented herself with ordering her to be told to take care what she was about: for that if she failed to cure the Prince, she would have her sown up in a sack and flung into the river. At this threat, the beautiful Princess turned pale, and felt her blood run cold. "Alas," said she to herself, "I well deserve this punishment! I spoke falsely when I boasted of my skill; and my desire to see Constancio was too unreasonable to secure me the protection of the gods." She hung her head, and her tears flowed down her cheeks in silence.
The standers-by admired her greatly. She appeared to them more like an angel from Heaven than a mortal maiden. "What are you afraid of, lovely shepherdess?" said they to her. "Your eyes have in them the power of life and death; one glance of them may preserve our young Prince. Come to his apartment, dry your tears, and administer your remedy without alarm."
The manner in which they spoke to her, and the extreme desire she had to see the Prince, gave her fresh confidence. She begged to be allowed to go into the garden, that she might herself cull the simples she required. She gathered myrtle, trefoil, and other herbs and flowers, some of which are dedicated to Cupid, and some to his mother; and added to them some doves' feathers, and a few drops of pigeons' blood. She invoked the aid of all the gods and fairies, then, trembling more than a turtle-dove at the sight of a falcon, she told them she was ready to be led to the Prince's chamber. He was in bed; his face palid, and his sight feeble; but the moment he saw her, his complexion improved; which she observed to her great joy.
"My Lord," said she, "I have for many days past offered up my prayers for the restoration of your health. My anxiety even induced me to tell one of your shepherds that I knew some little remedies, and that I would most willingly endeavour to assuage your pains: but the Queen has sent me notice, that if Heaven does not assist my undertaking, and you should not be cured, I am to be drowned. Imagine, my Lord, the alarming situation I am placed in; but be assured that I am interested in your preservation more on your account than on mine." "Fear nothing, charming "said he; "the kind interest you take in my
