ALERBIN 1711

“Yes,” sad Zerbing c but o where s the table?”

“Here Tam, here Tam ! 7 rephied a mellow volee. And a fine mahogany table marched i with all the dignity of a matron, and placed itself before the guests.

“his s charming,” said the Prineess, “ hut where are the plates?”

• Here we are, here we are!” eried the hittle

tinkling voices, as thirty dishes, with their sisters, the plates, and their cousins, the knives and forks, and their aunts, the salt- cellars, all took their places o admirable order round the table, upon which stood already game, fruits of all kinds, and Howers.

“My Lord Zerbin,” said Mistigris, * vou see what T have done for you. A1l this s my work.”

• Story-teller !

4 volce,

Mistigris looked around, but could scc no one; it was the voiec ol one of the pillars.

“ Your Highness,” he sakd, L think no one can accuse me ol oin- sincerity. I have alwavs spoken the truth.”

Y Story - teller,” sand the voice.

“This palace 1s hate- ful,” thought Mistigris. S walls speak the tuth T shall never be ninister. Iomust alter this.”

“ My Lord Zerbin” he continued, * rather than Tlive in this loncly place, would you not prefer to be surrounded by people who would e vour devoted soldiers, and upon whom you could levy taxes.”

“What! be a King sard Zerbin, “What for?”

“Dear Zer- bin,” said Aleln, * let us remain here ; we are both of us very happy.”

“Allof us,” said Mistigris, “I am the

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cried

““HERE WE ARE !~

HO0D-CUTTER. 660

happiest of men; when T am with you [ wish for nothing better.”

= Storv-teller,” said the volee,

“ Do not listen to this; my Lord,” ened Mistigris. 1 cesteem and respect vou, believe me.”

“Storveteller,” rephed the voies, relent- fesslv,

“Oh, i all ovou o savo1s untrue,” said Zerbin, be off to the moon, it 15 the country of les.”

These words were no sooner uttered than Mistigris flew up in the air like an arrow and disappeared above the clouds.

We do not know whether he has ever rcturned, though certain historians assure us that he has, under another name. One thing

15 certan, and that is, that he has never been seen 1 a palace where cven the walls speak the truth. \. THEY were now left to themsclves. Zerbin folded his arms and gazed upon the sea, whilst Aleli gave hersell up o sweet day- dreams and castles in the air. \What dream can be sweeter than to Jive inan enchanted soltude by the side of one whom you love 2 Aleli took Zerbin's arm, and set off to nspect her new home. The palace was surrounded with heautiful meadows, through which flowed sparkling Vel iy - 86