s rarely enter into the speculations of kings. Masters of
the destinies of others, mankind flatter them into a belief that their
power can almost control fate itself. Accordingly, the visit of the
butterfly did not produce much permanent inquietude. The
poets-laureate and literati of the court turned it into numerous
sentimental conceits; amongst others, that the insect had fastened on
the princess's cheek mistaking it for a rose. This idea branched out
into a hundred elegies, a thousand madrigals, and fifteen hundred
songs, which were sung in all the principal families, and adapted to
airs, some already known, and others composed for the occasion.

The fairy frequently visited her little charge, but was unable to
conquer her fickle disposition. Ten different nurses had already been
obliged to give her up; she scratched them, bit them, and obstinately
refused to be fed. When she grew older, and began her education, she
was so easily wearied and vexed, that no one dared to contradict her.
The fairy was consulted; who made her smell at a very rare flower.
This produced a degree of intelligence so extraordinary, that in three
days she could read, write, speak all languages, and play on every
instrument after just twenty-three minutes' application.

The queen was now delighted, for the princess's talents were noised
abroad equally with her beauty. She had scarcely attained the age of
fourteen when many kings sought the honour of her hand. The good King
Merinous was well stricken in years, and fondly desired to see
Papillette established. All who seemed worthy of her received a
favourable reception, and amongst this number was the accomplished
Prince Favourite. After he had been presented in due form, the old
monarch asked his daughter what she thought of their new guest.

"Sire," replied the maiden, "I have been brought up with too much
modesty and reserve to bestow attention on strangers of the other
sex."

"That is true," returned the monarch; "but merely regarding him as a
picture, how has he appeared to you?"

"Tall and handsome," answered Papillette, "his chestnut hair clinging
in close and crisping curls to his ivory brow; his eyes of
violet-blue, filled with soft vivacity; his teeth, of the most
brilliant white, divide lips of coral; his nose is perfect Grecian,
and his limbs like the rarest statuary. I might say more, had I
ventured to look at the prince."

"It is enough," said the king; "your first glance ha