Page 34 - Princess Belle-Etoile and Prince Cherie

She was immediately placed in a litter with
her three dogs, and carried without the least
mark of respect to her mothers house, where
she arrived all but dead.
The gods had looked with compassion on the
barque in which the three princes and the
princess had been sent to sea. The Fairy who
protected them caused milk instead of rain to

fall into their little mouths. They suffered
nothing from the terrible storm which had
risen so suddenly, for seven days and seven
nights they had floated on a sea as smooth as a
canal, when they were met by a Corsair. The
Captain having been struck, although at a
great distance, by the brilliancy of the stars

upon their foreheads, boarded the boat,
believing it to be full of jewels. He found
some, sure enough; but what moved him still
more was the beauty of these four wonderful
children. The desire to preserve them induced
him to alter his course, and make all sail home
in order to give them to his wife who had no
children, and had long wished for some.
His speedy return alarmed her, for he had

sailed on a very long voyage; but she was
transported with joy when he placed in her
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