green trees mingled the enamel of their leaves with the various colours of the marble, the gold and the porcelain, so that they were anxious their vessel should enter the port—but they doubted whether they should be able to find room; there were so many others, that the masts seemed like a floating forest.
Their wishes were accomplished, they landed, and the shore in a moment was crowded with people, who had observed the magnificence of the ship. That which the Argonauts constructed for the capture of the Golden Fleece, was not more brilliant—the stars, and the beauty of these wonderful children enchanted all who beheld them; they ran and told the King the news; as he could not believe it, and as the grand terrace of the Palace looked out upon the sea-shore, he speedily repaired thither. He saw the Princes, Petit-Soleil and Cheri, take the Princess in their arms and carry her ashore—then get their horses out, their rich harness corresponding perfectly with everything else about the vessel. Petit-Soleil mounted one that was blacker than jet. That which Heureux rode was grey, Cheri's was as white as snow, and the Princess was on her Isabella barb.[1] The King admired them all four seated upon their horses, which curvetted so proudly, that they kept at a distance all who would have pressed too near them. The Princes hearing the people say, "There is the King," looked up, and, struck by his majestic appearance, made a profound obeisance, and passed slowly, fixing their eyes upon him. He also looked earnestly at them, and was as much charmed by the Princess's beauty, as by the handsome mien of the young Princes. He ordered his equerry to offer them his protection, and everything that they might require in a country, where they were evidently strangers. They received the honour the King conferred on them with much respect and gratitude, and said they only required a house, where they could be alone, and that they should be glad, if it were one or two leagues from the city, as they were very fond of walking. The principal equerry immediately gave them one of the most magnificent, wherein they and all their train were commodiously lodged.
The King was so interested about these four children that
- ↑ See note, page 222.
