For by sacrificing the
fairest princess on earth to the barbarity of a merciless genie, I
was become the most criminal and ungrateful of mankind. 'It is
true,' said I, 'she has been a prisoner these twenty-five years;
but, liberty excepted, she wanted nothing that could make her
happy. My folly has put an end to her happiness, and brought upon
her the cruelty of an unmerciful monster.' I let down the trap-
door, covered it again with earth, and returned to the city with a
burden of wood, which I bound up without knowing what I did, so
great was my trouble and sorrow.
My landlord, the tailor, was very much rejoiced to see me. 'Your
absence,' said he, 'has disquieted me very much, because you had
entrusted me with the secret of your birth, and I knew not what to
think; I was afraid somebody had discovered you: God be thanked for
your return.' I thanked him for his zeal and affection, but not a
word durst I say of what had passed, nor the reason why I came back
without my hatchet and cords.
I retired to my chamber, where I reproached myself a thousand times
for my excessive imprudence. 'Nothing,' said I, 'could have
paralleled the princess's good fortune and mine had I forborne to
break the talisman.
Pages:
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291