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The three princes readily agreed to this proposal, each concluding himself most likely to succeed in fulfilling this extraordinary request. Alter taking leave of the king they set out, with orders to return that day twelvemonth with dogs. Each took a different road, without any attendants; but we shall leave the two eldest at present, and confine our story to the youngest.
This accomplished prince, as he was more desirous to show his duty to his father than to become a king, was more fortunate in his undertaking than any of his brothers. One night, kaving travelled till it was very late, and being overtaken by a storm in a large forest, he discovered a light at a distance and pursuing his journey with all speed, he arrived at a most stately castle, the gates of which were of massy gold, and the walls of fine china, whereon were painted the histories of all the fairies that ever appeared on earth. At the door hung a chain of diamonds, with a deer’s foot at the end; on pulling which, the prince heard a bell of such pleasing a sound, that he concluded it to be made of gold or silver. Immediately the door open’d, and twelve hands, each holding a flambeau, gently conducted him to a hall of mother of-pearl, and from thence through a vast number of chambers, all richly covered with paintings and jewels. The beauty
