The Fairy related to the Princess the history of her grandchildren, and told her she had never forsaken them; that under the form of a syren, of a turtle-dove, in short, in a thousand various ways, she had protected them. "You see," said she, "a good action always meets return."
The good Princess kept incessantly kissing her hand, to show her gratitude, and knew not in what terms to express the extent of her joy. At length they arrived at the palace. The King received them with a thousand expressions of friendship. The Princess Blondine and the beautiful children were eager (as might be expected) to testify their love for this illustrious lady; and when they knew what the Fairy had done for them, and that she was the kind Dove who had guided them, they could not find words to thank her. To add to the King's satisfaction, she told him, that his mother-in-law, whom he had always considered to be a poor peasant, was born a sovereign princess. It was perhaps the only thing wanting to complete the happiness of this monarch. The fête was finished by the marriage of Belle-Etoile with Prince Cheri. The Corsair and his wife were sent for, that they might be still further rewarded for the admirable education they had given the beautiful children. And, to conclude, after having suffered years of trouble and anxiety, everybody was made perfectly happy.
Love, mighty Love! let not the censor frown,
The origin is often of Renown.
What can like Love the youthful breast inspire,
Danger to scorn, or honour to desire?
'Tis he who fill'd the world with Cheri's name,
And prompted him to deeds of deathless fame.
When once for Woman truly sighs the heart,
E'en her caprices Man must needs obey;
And backward from no precipice will start,
If o'er it Love, to Glory, point the way.
