that false girl's deluding companions;
but rather thought that she was a fellow-sufferer with herself; and
therefore, without any consideration of the bounds prescribed, she
hastened to relieve her, and even thought that she should have great
pleasure in telling her mother, that she had saved a poor young
shepherdess from Rozella's malice, and restored her to her fond parents.
But as soon as she had unloosed the girl from the tree, and unbound her
hands, instead of receiving thanks for what she had done, the wicked
Florimel burst into a laugh, and suddenly snatching from the Princess
Hebe's side her father's picture, which she always wore hanging in a
ribbon, she ran away with it, as fast as she could, over the meadow.

The Princess was so astonished at this strange piece of ingratitude
and treachery, and was so alarmed for fear of losing what she knew her
mother so highly valued, that hardly knowing what she was about, she
pursued Florimel with all her speed, begging and entreating her not to
bereave her so basely and ungratefully of that picture, which she would
not part with for the world: but it was all to no purpose for Florimel
continued her flight, and the princess her pursuit, till they arrived
at Brunetta's castle-gate; where the fairy herself appeared dressed and
adorned in the most becoming manner, and, with the most bewitching smile
that can come from dazzling beauty, invited the princess to enter her
castle (into which Florimel was run to hide herself) and promised her,
on that condition, to make the idle girl restore the picture.

It was now so late, that it was impossible for the princess to think
of returning home that night; and the pleasing address of Brunetta,
together with the hopes of having her picture restored, soon prevailed
with her to accept of the fairy's invitation.

The castle glittered with gaudy furniture; sweet music was heard in
every room; the whole company, who were all of the most beautiful forms
that could be conceived, strove who should be most obliging to this
their new guest. They omitted nothing that could amuse and delight the
senses. And the Princess Hebe was so entranced with joy and rapture,
that she had not time for thought, or for the least serious reflection;
and she now began to think, that she had attained the highest happiness
upon earth.

After they had kept her three days in this round of pleasure and
delight, they began to pull of the mask; nothing was heard but q