ho wearied of her: she therefore banished him from
her presence, and established herself and daughter in the Island of Calm
Delights. The princess, who is my mistress, being very fair, has many
lovers--among others, one named Furibon, whom she detests; he it was
whose ruffians seized me to-day when I was wandering in search of a
stray parrot. Accept, noble prince, my best thanks for your valor, which
I shall never forget."

Leander said how happy he was to have served her, and asked if he could
not obtain admission into the island. Abricotina assured him this was
impossible, and therefore he had better forget all about it. While they
were thus conversing, they came to the bank of a large river. Abricotina
alighted with a nimble jump from the horse.

"Farewell, sir," said she to the prince, making a profound reverence; "I
wish you every happiness."

"And I," said Leander, "wish that I may now and then have a small share
in your remembrance."

So saying, he galloped away and soon entered into the thickest part of
the wood, near a river, where he unbridled and unsaddled Gris-de-line;
then, putting on his little cap, wished himself in the Island of Calm
Delights, and his wish was immediately accomplished.

The palace was of pure gold, and stood upon pillars of crystal and
precious stones, which represented the zodiac and all the wonders of
nature; all the arts and sciences; the sea, with all the variety of fish
therein contained; the earth, with all the various creatures which it
produces; the chases of Diana and her nymphs; the noble exercises of the
Amazons; the amusements of a country life; flocks of sheep with their
shepherds and dogs; the toils of agriculture, harvesting, gardening. And
among all this variety of representations there was neither man nor
boy to be seen--not so much as a little winged Cupid; so highly had the
princess been incensed against her inconstant husband as not to show the
least favor to his fickle sex.

"Abricotina did not deceive me," said Leander to himself; "they have
banished from hence the very idea of men; now let us see what they have
lost by it." With that he entered into the palaces and at every step he
took he met with objects so wonderful that when he had once fixed his
eyes upon them he had much ado to take them off again. He viewed a
vast number of these apartments, some full of china, no less fine than
curious; others lined with porcelain, so delicate that the walls were
qui