Page 144 - Princess Belle-Etoile and Prince Cherie

loud, and so well, that the Princes had the
pleasure of hearing her in their enchanted
hall.
From that moment they felt there was some
hope. The green bird that tells everything
listened, and looked about to find where the
voice came from; it perceived the Princess,
who had taken off her helmet, that she might

sleep more comfortably, and the dove, who
kept flying around her. At this sight it gently
descended, and came to peck it, but it had not
torn out three feathers, before it was taken
itself.
"Ah! what would you do with me?" it said;
"what have I done to you, that you should

come from such a distance to render me
miserable? Grant me my liberty, I entreat you,
and I will do anything you wish in exchange."
"I wish," said Belle-Etoile, "that thou wouldst
restore my three brothers to me. I know not
where they are, but as their horses are feeding
near this rock, I am sure thou detainest them
somewhere hereabouts." "Under my left wing
there is a red feather, pull it out," said the

bird, "and touch the rock with it."
The Princess hastened to do as it instructed
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