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princess was consulted, and she owned she preferred Philamir to all who had ever sought her hand.
The queen, who beheld with inexpressible satisfaction the moment approach, when, according to the promise of the genius, she might indulge her curiosity, determined not to marry her daughter till she had seen the palace, and returned from her husband's territories; and the moment, so ardently wished, at length arrived.
Sixteen years had the queen now been married, and she pressed Phanor to depart without delay. To-morrow, answered he, you shall be transported thither, if, after having heard what I shall relate, you persist in the same resolution. This evening you shall hear my story. The queen desired Zeolide might be present. Pharon was lothe to consent, but at last yielded to the eager intreaties of the queen. Toward the close of the day he went to Altemira's apartment, and, seating himself between the two princesses, he thus began his tale.
B 2
