Page 92 - Princess Belle-Etoile and Prince Cherie

deep chasm, the path down to which is
covered by branches of trees, so twined and
twisted together, that I scarcely see any way of
getting thither but by going underground.
Rest yourself here, and do not be uneasy; I
will go, and order whatever may be required.“
At the same moment the Dove rose up in the
air, went away, returned, alighted, and flew

backwards and forwards so often, that by the
end of the day she was able to inform the
Prince that everything was ready. He took the
friendly bird, kissed it, caressed it, thanked it,
and followed it upon his white horse. He had
scarcely gone a hundred yards before he saw
two long files of foxes, badgers, moles, snails,

ants, and all sorts of creatures that burrow in
the earth; there was such an enormous
quantity that he could not conceive by what
power they were thus assembled. "It is by my
order," said the Dove, "you see all these little
subterranean people here; they have been
working for you with the greatest diligence,
and you will do me the favour to thank them."
The Prince saluted them, and told them, he

would fain see them in a less barren place,
where he should be happy to entertain them.
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