Page 112 - Princess Belle-Etoile and Prince Cherie

had pity on it, and alighted from his horse; he
took it and wiped its white wings stained with
blood, and taking from his pocket a little gold
bottle which contained an admirable balsam
for wounds, he had scarcely applied some of it
to that of the poor dove, when it opened its
eyes, raised its head, stretched out its wings
and plumed itself, then looking at the Prince,

said, "Good day, handsome Cheri, you are
destined to save my life, and I to do you signal
service.
"You are come to seek for the singing
apple,—the enterprise is difficult and worthy
of you, for it is guarded by a terrible dragon
which has twelve feet, three heads, six wings,

and a brazen body." "Ah! my dear dove," said
the Prince, "how happy I am to see you again,
and at a time when your assistance is so
necessary to me. Do not refuse it to me, my
lovely little creature; for I should die of grief,
if I should have to return without the singing-
apple; and as I obtained the dancing water
through your means, I hope that you will find
some other that will enable me to succeed in

my present enterprise." "You touch me
nearly," replied the Dove, "follow me—I will
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