he had been placed
in the charge of one of the great ladies of the Court, who, according
to the prevailing custom, acted first as his head nurse and then as his
governess. When he outgrew her care her husband was appointed as his
tutor and governor, so that he had never been separated from this
excellent couple, who loved him as tenderly as they did their only
daughter Zayda, and were warmly loved by him in return.

When the Prince set forth on his travels it was but natural that this
devoted couple should accompany him, and accordingly he started with
them and attended by a numerous retinue.

For some time he travelled through his father's dominions and all went
well; but soon after passing the frontier they had to cross a desert
plain under a burning sun. They were glad to take shelter under a group
of trees near, and here the Prince complained of burning thirst. Luckily
a tiny stream ran close by and some water was soon procured, but no
sooner had he tasted it than he sprang from his carriage and disappeared
in a moment. In vain did his anxious followers seek for him, he was
nowhere to be found.

As they were hunting and shouting through the trees a black monkey
suddenly appeared on a point of rock and said: 'Poor sorrowing people,
you are seeking your Prince in vain. Return to your own country and know
that he will not be restored to you till you have for some time failed
to recognise him.'

With these words he vanished, leaving the courtiers sadly perplexed; but
as all their efforts to find the Prince were useless they had no choice
but to go home, bringing with them the sad news, which so greatly
distressed the King that he fell ill and died not long after.

The Queen, whose ambition was boundless, was delighted to see the crown
on her son's head and to have the power in her own hands. Her hard rule
made her very unpopular, and it was commonly believed that she had
made away with Prince Alphege. Indeed, had the King her son not been
deservedly beloved a revolution would certainly have arisen.

Meantime the former governess of the unfortunate Alphege, who had lost
her husband soon after the King's death, retired to her own house with
her daughter, who grew up a lovely and most loveable girl, and both
continued to mourn the loss of their dear Prince.

The young King was devoted to hunting, and often indulged in his
favourite pastime, attended by the noblest youths in his kingdom.

One day, after a long morn