sure. I only
trust that your happiness may be more lasting than it usually is in this
deceitful world," and she sighed deeply.

I continued in my position at her feet, and encouraged by her urbanity,
poured forth a torrent of what to the many are considered compliments,
but which to her were but truths. I became eloquent from excitation;
and being at this time, as I before observed to your highness, a very
personable man, I perceived that she was pleased with my efforts to
obtain her favour.

"I have more than once had this duty allotted to me, when strangers have
visited the island," observed she; "but I have always been wearied, and
have called in my women to assist me. I have never yet seen one like
you; you are gentle, and of a very different description from those who
generally have been introduced as the captains of vessels which have
arrived here. I then was indifferent if not glad, when my duty was at
an end; but I feel otherwise now,"--and she again sighed.

"If it depended upon me, fair princess, and upon my wishes, I am afraid
that you would consider the duration of it to be most tedious. Never
have I beheld any creature so perfect and so beautiful! O that your
task might be continued for the term of my existence!"

"It probably may," answered she, gravely; and then, as if recollecting
herself, she assumed a more cheerful air, and continued: "but we are
losing time, which should be otherwise employed. Come, sir, permit me
to obey my father's commands, and try to beguile the hours by
contributing to your amusement."

Offering me her hand, which I respectfully raised to my lips, she then
conducted me over the palace, directing my attention to every object
that she considered worthy of notice; and we had passed two or three
hours in conversation, and remarks upon the objects before us, when I
expressed my wish to behold the curious fountain from which the island
took its name.

"I shall obey you," replied she: and again her face assumed a mournful
cast. She led the way to a hall of black marble, in the centre of which
the fountain threw up its water to the height of twelve, or fourteen
feet, and fell into a spacious basin. The water of it, when in a body,
shone with all the colours of the rainbow, and the sparkling drops which
were thrown out on every side were brilliant as the purest gold.

"How beautiful!" exclaimed I, after some minutes of silent admiration.
"These, then, are the waters of lo