When Grannonia heard these words, and perceived that the prince retained the memory of her so vividly in his heart, she felt unspeakable joy, and said, whilst she blushed to crimson: "But if I persuade the maiden whom you love, to renounce her claim on you, would you then comply with my wish?"
"Far be it from me," replied the prince, "that I should ever efface the fair image of my beloved from my breast. Whatever she may do, my desire and my sentiments will remain unaltered; and were I to risk my life for it, still I never would consent to the change."
Grannonia, who could no longer conceal her feelings, now made herself known; for the darkness of the chamber, where all the curtains were drawn on account of the prince's illness, and her own disguise, had entirely prevented him from recognising her. The moment he perceived who she was, he embraced her with indescribable joy, and then related to his father who she was, and what she had done for him.
Then they sent for the parents of the princess, and the marriage festival was celebrated with great rejoicings, so that it was again made manifest that for the joys of love, sorrow is ever the best seasoning.
THE PROPHETIC DREAM.
[Oral]
n a little obscure village, there once dwelt a poor shepherd, who, for many years, supported himself and his family upon the very trifling wages he earned by his labour. Besides his wife he had one only child, a boy. He had accustomed this boy, from a very early age, to go out with him to the pastures, and had instructed him in the duties of a faithful shepherd, so that as the child grew up he could entrust the flocks to his care, whilst he himself could earn a few pence by basket weaving. The young shepherd gaily led his flocks over the fields and pastures, whistling or singing some cheerful song, or cracking his whip, that the time should not pass heavily with him. At noon he lay down at his ease by his flock, ate his bread, and quenched his thirst at the rivulet, and then slept for a short time before he drove it further.