The queen sent a special messenger to the harbour , and was soon informed that the fleet belonged to the Prince of the Emerald Isles , who begged leave to land in her kingdom , and to present his humble respects to her . The queen at once sent some of the court dignitaries to receive the prince and bid him welcome . She awaited him seated on her throne , but rose on his appearance , and went a few steps to meet him ; then begged him to be seated , and for about an hour kept him in close conversation . The prince was then conducted to a splendid suite of apartments , and the next day he asked for a private audience . He was admitted to the queen 's own sitting-room , where she was sitting alone with her sister . After the first greetings the prince informed the queen that he had some very strange things to tell her , which she only would know to be true . ` Madam , ' said he , ' I am a neighbour of the Queen of all the Isles ; and a small isthmus connects part of my states with hers . One day , when hunting a stag , I had the misfortune to meet her , and not recognising her , I did not stop to salute her with all proper ceremony . You , Madam , know better than anyone how revengeful she is , and that she is also a mistress of magic . I learnt both facts to my cost . The ground opened under my feet , and I soon found myself in a far distant region transformed into a little dog , under which shape I had the honour to meet your Majesty . After six months , the queen 's vengeance not being yet satisfied , she further changed me into a hideous old man , and in this form I was so afraid of being unpleasant in your eyes , Madam , that I hid myself in the depths of the woods , where I spent three months more . At the end of that time I was so fortunate as to meet a benevolent fairy who delivered me from the proud queen 's power , and told me all your adventures and where to find you . I now come to offer you a heart which has been entirely yours , Madam , since first we met in the desert . ' A few days later a herald was sent through the kingdom to proclaim the joyful news of the marriage of the Queen of the Flowery Isles with the young prince . They lived happily for many years , and ruled their people well . As for the bad queen , whose vanity and jealousy had caused so much mischief , the Fairies took all her power away for a punishment . -LSB- ` Cabinet des Fées . ' -RSB- UDEA AND HER SEVEN BROTHERS Once upon a time there was a man and his wife who had seven boys . The children lived in the open air and grew big and strong , and the six eldest spent part of every day hunting wild beasts .
The youngest did not care so much about sport , and he often stayed XXXXX his mother .
at for in on since than that through under with