t the people and world may remain devoted to you." The
bracelet dissolved in the air, and light halos were soon seen around
every head; and a shining band encircled city, sea, and earth, which
were celebrating an eternal Spring-festival. Perseus entered, bearing a
spindle and a little basket. He carried the latter to the new king.

"Here," said he, "are the remains of thine enemies."

A stone slab chequered with white and black squares lay in the basket,
with a number of figures of alabaster and black marble.

"It is the game of chess," said Sophia; "all war is confined to this
slab and to these figures. It is a memento of the olden, mournful
times."

Perseus turned to Fable and gave her the spindle. "In thy hands shall
this spindle make us eternally rejoice, and out of thyself shalt thou
spin an indissoluble, golden thread."

Phoenix flew with melodious rustling to her feet, and spread his wings
before her; she placed herself upon them, and hovered over the throne,
without again descending. She sang a heavenly song and began to spin,
whilst the thread seemed to wind forth from her breast. The people fell
into new raptures, and all eyes were fastened on the lovely child. New
shouts of exultation came from the door.

The old Moon entered with her wonderful court, and behind her the
people bore in triumph Ginnistan and her bridegroom. Garlands of
flowers were wound around them; The royal family received them with the
most hearty tenderness, and the new royal pair proclaimed them their
viceregents upon earth.

"Grant me," said the Moon, "the Kingdom of the Fates, whose wondrous
mansions have arisen from the earth, even in the court of the palace. I
will delight you therein with spectacles, in which the little Fable
will assist me."

The king granted the prayer; the little Fable nodded pleasantly, and
the people rejoiced at the novel and entertaining pastime. The
Hesperides congratulated them upon the new accession, and prayed that
their garden might be protected. The king gave them welcome; and so
followed joyful events in rapid succession. In the mean while, the
throne had imperceptibly changed to a splendid marriage-bed, over which
Ph[oe]nix and the little Fable were hovering in the air. Three
Caryatides of dark porphyry supported the head, while its foot rested
upon a Sphinx of basalt. The king embraced his blushing bride. The
people followed his example, and kissed each other. Nothing was heard
but tender nam