and saw the most beautiful horse in the world: it began to run and bound about in the meadow.
Belle-belle, who was fond of horses, was delighted to see one so perfect. The Fairy called this fine courser to her, and touching it with her crook, she said, "Faithful Comrade, be better harnessed than the Emperor Matapa's best horse." Instantly Comrade had on a saddle-cloth of green velvet, embroidered with pearls and rubies, a saddle to match, and a bridle of pearls, with a bit and studs of gold: in short, there was nothing to be found so magnificent. "What you see," said the Fairy, "is the least thing to admire in this horse. He has many other qualities which I will detail to you. In the first place, he only eats once in eight days. You need not be at the trouble of looking after him; he knows the present, the past, and the future. I have had him a long time, and I have trained him as for myself. Whatever you wish to know, or whenever you need advice, you have but to address yourself to him; he will give you such good counsel, that sovereigns would be happy to have ministers like him; you must therefore consider him more as your friend than your horse. Lastly, your dress is not to my liking; I will give you one more becoming."
She struck the ground with her crook, and there appeared a large trunk covered with Turkey leather, studded with gold nails: Belle-belle's initials were upon it. The Fairy sought amongst the grass for a golden key made in England.[1] She opened the trunk; it was lined with Spanish leather, profusely embroidered. There were twelve suits of clothes in it, twelve cravats, twelve swords, twelve feathers,—and so on, everything in dozens. The coats were so covered with embroidery and diamonds, that Belle-belle could scarcely lift them. "Choose the suit that pleases you the most," said the Fairy, "and the others shall follow you every where. You have only to stamp your foot, saying, 'Turkey-leather trunk, come to me full of linen and lace; Turkey-leather trunk, come to me full of jewels and money:' it will instantly be before you, whether you are out-of-doors or in your chamber. You must also assume a name, for Belle-belle will not suit the profession you are about to enter. It strikes me you might call yourself the Chevalier Fortuné. But you ought to know
- ↑ A testimony to the superiority of our locksmiths, even in those days.
