but added that as she was her own mistress she had made
up her mind to abdicate her throne, and to wander through the world till
she had found her little dog.

The princess was much alarmed by such a resolution, and implored the
queen to change her mind. Whilst they were discussing the subject, one
of the chamberlains appeared to inform the queen that the bay was
covered with ships. The two sisters ran to the balcony, and saw a large
fleet in full sail for the port.

In a little time they came to the conclusion that the ships must come
from a friendly nation, as every vessel was decked with gay flags,
streamers, and pennons, and the way was led by a small ship flying a
great white flag of peace.

The queen sent a special messenger to the harbour, and was soon informed
that the fleet belonged to the Prince of the Emerald Isles, who begged
leave to land in her kingdom, and to present his humble respects to her.
The queen at once sent some of the court dignitaries to receive the
prince and bid him welcome.

She awaited him seated on her throne, but rose on his appearance, and
went a few steps to meet him; then begged him to be seated, and for
about an hour kept him in close conversation.

The prince was then conducted to a splendid suite of apartments, and the
next day he asked for a private audience. He was admitted to the queen's
own sitting-room, where she was sitting alone with her sister.

After the first greetings the prince informed the queen that he had some
very strange things to tell her, which she only would know to be true.

'Madam,' said he, 'I am a neighbour of the Queen of all the Isles; and a
small isthmus connects part of my states with hers. One day, when
hunting a stag, I had the misfortune to meet her, and not recognising
her, I did not stop to salute her with all proper ceremony. You, Madam,
know better than anyone how revengeful she is, and that she is also a
mistress of magic. I learnt both facts to my cost. The ground opened
under my feet, and I soon found myself in a far distant region
transformed into a little dog, under which shape I had the honour to
meet your Majesty. After six months, the queen's vengeance not being yet
satisfied, she further changed me into a hideous old man, and in this
form I was so afraid of being unpleasant in your eyes, Madam, that I hid
myself in the depths of the woods, where I spent three months more. At
the end of that time I was so fortunate as to meet a bene