e felt no
disposition to dance; but he came near dying of laughter at seeing the
ridiculous postures and leaps of the others.

The dwarf, approaching Huon, said, in a sweet voice, and in Huon's own
language, "Duke of Guienne, why do you shun me? I conjure you, in
Heaven's name, speak to me." Huon, hearing himself addressed in this
serious manner, and knowing that no evil spirit would dare to use the
holy name in aid of his schemes, replied, "Sir, whoever you are, I am
ready to hear and answer you." "Huon, my friend," continued the dwarf,
"I always loved your race, and you have been dear to me ever since your
birth. The gracious state of conscience in which you were when you
entered my wood has protected you from all enchantments, even if I had
intended to practise any upon you. If these monks, these nuns, and even
your friend Sherasmin, had had a conscience as pure as yours, my horn
would not have set them dancing; but where is the monk or the nun who
can always be deaf to the voice of the tempter, and Sherasmin in the
desert has often doubted the power of Providence."

At these words Huon saw the dancers overcome with exertion. He begged
mercy for them, the dwarf granted it, and the effect of the horn ceased
at once; the nuns got rid of their partners, smoothed their dresses,
and hastened to resume their places in the procession. Sherasmin,
overcome with heat, panting, and unable to stand on his legs, threw
himself upon the grass, and began, "Did not I tell you"--He was going
on in an angry tone, but the dwarf, approaching, said, "Sherasmin, why
have you murmured against Providence? Why have you thought evil of me?
You deserved this light punishment; but I know you to be good and
loyal; I mean to show myself your friend, as you shall soon see." At
these words he presented him a rich goblet. "Make the sign of the cross
on this cup," said he, "and then believe that I hold my power from the
God you adore, whose faithful servant I am, as well as you." Sherasmin
obeyed, and on the instant the cup was filled with delicious wine, a
draught of which restored vigor to his limbs, and made him feel young
again. Overcome with gratitude, he threw himself on his knees, but the
dwarf raised him, and bade him sit beside him, and thus commenced his
history:

"Julius Caesar, going by sea to join his army, was driven by a storm to
take shelter in the island of Celea, where dwelt the fairy Glorianda.
From this renowned pair I draw my b