said:
"Strike! strike! and do not spare, or your Princess is lost for ever!"
So, without reply to the nymphs, he rushed forward instantly, breaking
their garlands, and scattering them in all directions; and then went
on without further hindrance to the little wood where he had seen
Bellissima. She was seated by the brook looking pale and weary when he
reached her, and he would have thrown himself down at her feet, but she
drew herself away from him with as much indignation as if he had been
the Yellow Dwarf.
"Ah! Princess," he cried, "do not be angry with me. Let me explain
everything. I am not faithless or to blame for what has happened. I am
a miserable wretch who has displeased you without being able to help
himself."
"Ah!" cried Bellissima, "did I not see you flying through the air with
the loveliest being imaginable? Was that against your will?"
"Indeed it was, Princess," he answered; "the wicked Fairy of the Desert,
not content with chaining me to a rock, carried me off in her chariot to
the other end of the earth, where I should even now be a captive but for
the unexpected help of a friendly mermaid, who brought me here to rescue
you, my Princess, from the unworthy hands that hold you. Do not refuse
the aid of your most faithful lover." So saying, he threw himself at her
feet and held her by her robe. But, alas! in so doing he let fall the
magic sword, and the Yellow Dwarf, who was crouching behind a lettuce,
no sooner saw it than he sprang out and seized it, well knowing its
wonderful power.
The Princess gave a cry of terror on seeing the Dwarf, but this only
irritated the little monster; muttering a few magical words he summoned
two giants, who bound the King with great chains of iron.
"Now," said the Dwarf, "I am master of my rival's fate, but I will give
him his life and permission to depart unharmed if you, Princess, will
consent to marry me."
"Let me die a thousand times rather," cried the unhappy King.
"Alas!" cried the Princess, "must you die? Could anything be more
terrible?"
"That you should marry that little wretch would be far more terrible,"
answered the King.
"At least," continued she, "let us die together."
"Let me have the satisfaction of dying for you, my Princess," said he.
"Oh, no, no!" she cried, turning to the Dwarf; "rather than that I will
do as you wish."
"Cruel Princess!" said the King, "would you make my life horrible to me
by marrying another before my e
|