Page 82 - Princess Belle-Etoile and Prince Cherie

beautiful, or the table as delicately served as
you like—speak, I entreat you, that I may have
the pleasure of being the first to obey you, and
making the others do so likewise."
"The encouragement you give me to tell you
what is passing in my mind," replied she;
"induces me to declare to you, that I can no
longer exist, without the dancing water. It is in

the luminous forest—possessing it, I shall have
nothing to dread from the ravage of years."
"Do not grieve yourself, my charming Etoile,"
said he; "I will go and bring you some of this
water, or you will know by my death that it
was impossible to obtain it." "No," said she, "I
would rather renounce all the advantages of

beauty—I would much rather be frightful,
than hazard so precious a life—I entreat you
not to think of the dancing water any more,
and indeed, if I have any power over you, I
forbid you to go."
The Prince pretended to obey her; but as soon
as he perceived she was engaged, he mounted
his white horse, which bounded and curvetted
continually. He provided himself with money,

and a rich dress; as for diamonds, his hair
could furnish him with enough, and passing
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