Page:Sleeping beauty in the wood (2).pdf/10

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THE SLEEPING BEAUTY

in it divine: he approached with trembling and admiration, and fell down before her on his knees.

And now the inchantment was at an end, the Princess awaked, and looking on him with eyes more tender than the first view might seem to admit of: "Is it you my Prince," said she to him, "you have waited a long time."

The Prince charmed with these words; and much more with the manner in which they were spoken, assured her, that he loved her better than himself. Their discourse was so well conducted, they did weep more than talk, little eloquence, a great deal of love. He was more at a loss than she, and no wonder, as she had time to think on what to say to him, for, it is very probable, though the history mentions nothing of it, that the good Fairy during so long a sleep, had given her very agreeable dreams. In short they talked four hours together, and yet said not half that they had got to say.

In the mean time, all the palace awaked, every one thinking on his particular business; and, as all of them were not in love, they were ready to die with hunger; the chief lady of honour being as sharp set as the others, grew very impatient, and told the Princess aloud, that supper was served up. The Prince helped the Princess to rise, she was intirely dressed, and very magnificently; but