Whenever she went a crowd of suitors followed her, for she had the singular power of attracting all the night-flying insects to herself. But she cared for none of their attentions, and though she spoke politely to them all she gave encouragement to none. Yet some of the sheeny-winged gallants called her a coquette.
One night she said to her mother, the queen:
"I have met many admirers, but I don't wish a husband from any of them. Tonight I shall stay at home, and if any of them love me truly they will come and pay me court here. Then I shall lay an impossible duty on them. If they are wise they will not try to perform it; and if they love their lives more than they love me, I do not want any of them. Whoever succeeds may have me for his bride."
"As you will my child," said the queen mother, who arrayed her daughter in her most resplendent robes, and set her on her throne in the heart of the lotus.
Then she gave orders to her body-guard to keep all suitors at a respectful distance lest some stupid gallant, a horn-bug or a cockchafer dazzled by the light should approach too near and hurt the princess or shake her throne.
No sooner had twilight faded away, than forth came the golden beetle, who stood on a stamen and making obeisance, said:—
"I am Lord Green-Gold, I offer my house, my fortune and my love to Princess Hotaru."
"Go and bring me fire and I will be your bride" said Hotaru-himé.
With a bow of the head the beetle opened his wings and departed with a stately whirr.
Next came a shining bug with wings and body as black as lamp-smoke, who solemnly professed his passion.