where it stops, and let all those who are in love continue to love each other."
Belle-Etoile and Cheri felt an extraordinary delight at what the syren had just told them. They were convinced it was intended for them, and, exchanging signs of intelligence, their hearts conversed in silence, without Petit-Soleil and Heureux perceiving it. The vessel sailed at the pleasure of the wind and the tide; nothing very extraordinary occurred in their navigation, save that the weather was always beautiful, and the sea always calm. They were three whole months on their voyage, during which time the enamoured Prince Cheri and the Princess often conversed together. "What flattering hopes I feel," said he, one day, "charming Etoile! I am not your brother; this heart, which knows your power, and will never acknowledge another, is not born for crimes; and it would be one to love you as I do, if you were my sister, but the charitable syren, who came to counsel us, confirmed me in my opinion upon that subject." "Ah, brother!" replied she, "do not rely on indications which are still too obscure for our comprehension. What would be our fate if we irritated the gods by encouraging feelings which were displeasing to them? The syren spoke so vaguely, that one must have a great fancy for guessing, to apply what she said to ourselves." "You refuse to do so, cruel one," said the afflicted Prince, "much less from the respect you owe the gods, than from your aversion to me!" Belle-Etoile did not answer him, and raising her eyes to heaven, heaved a deep sigh, which he could not help interpreting favourably.
It was at the time of year when the days were long and sultry: towards the evening the Princess and her brothers went upon deck to see the sun set in the bosom of the waters—she sat down; the Princes placed themselves near her, they took their instruments, and commenced their charming concert. In the meantime, the vessel driving before a fresh gale, sailed more quickly, and shortly rounded a small promontory, which concealed a portion of the most beautiful city in the world. Suddenly it came in sight, and its appearance astonished our charming young travellers. All the palaces were of marble, with gilded roofs; and the rest of the houses were of very fine porcelain, several ever-
