第 3 节
作者:
敏儿不觉 更新:2022-11-23 12:13 字数:3584
asking; and; having turned me into a frog; they ordered me to say
to the first person who came to the fountain exactly what I
repeated to you。 But; my lord; when you stood before me; it was
agony to my heart; filled as it was with thoughts of you; to
appear to your eyes under so monstrous a form。 However; there
was no help for it; and; painful as it was; I had to submit。 I
desired your success with all my soul; not only for your own
sake; but also for my own; because I could not get back my proper
shape till you had become master of the beautiful bird; though I
am quite ignorant as to your reason for seeking it。'
On this Saphir explained about the state of his father's health;
and all that has been told before。
On hearing this story Serpentine grew very sad; and her lovely
eyes filled with tears。
'Ah; my lord;' she said; 'you know nothing of me but what you
have seen in the mirror; and I; who cannot even name my parents;
learn that you are a king's son。'
In vain Saphir declared that love made them equal; Serpentine
would only reply: 'I love you too much to allow you to marry
beneath your rank。 I shall be very unhappy; of course; but I
shall never alter my mind。 If I do not find from the fairies
that my birth is worthy of you; then; whatever be my feelings; I
will never accept your hand。'
The conversation was at this point; and bid fair to last some
time longer; when one of the fairies appeared in her ivory car;
accompanied by a beautiful woman past her early youth。 At this
moment the bird suddenly awakened; and; flying on to Saphir's
shoulder (which it never afterwards left); began fondling him as
well as a bird can do。 The fairy told Serpentine that she was
quite satisfied with her conduct; and made herself very agreeable
to Saphir; whom she presented to the lady she had brought with
her; explaining that the lady was no other than his Aunt
Aglantine; widow of Diamantino。
Then they all fell into each other's arms; till the fairy mounted
her chariot; placed Aglantine by her side; and Saphir and
Serpentine on the front seat。 She also sent a message to the
Prince's attendants that they might travel slowly back to the
Court of King Peridor; and that the beautiful bird had really
been found。 This matter being comfortably arranged; she started
off her chariot。 But in spite of the swiftness with which they
flew through the air; the time passed even quicker for Saphir and
Serpentine; who had so much to think about。
They were still quite confused with the pleasure of seeing each
other; when the chariot arrived at King Peridor's palace。 He had
had himself carried to a room on the roof; where his nurses
thought that he would die at any moment。 Directly the chariot
drew within sight of the castle the beautiful bird took flight;
and; making straight for the dying King; at once cured him of his
sickness。 Then she resumed her natural shape; and he found that
the bird was no other than the Queen Constance; whom he had long
believed to be dead。 Peridor was rejoiced to embrace his wife
and his son once more; and with the help of the fairies began to
make preparations for the marriage of Saphir and Serpentine; who
turned out to be the daughter of Aglantine and Diamantino; and as
much a princess as he was a prince。 The people of the kingdom
were delighted; and everybody lived happy and contented to the
end of their lives。