The princess was so affected, that two little tiny tears stood in her
butterfly-eyes. Well indeed she might shed them, for at this moment,
the wicked little prince, her enemy, came behind, and seizing her by
her two lovely wings, popped her into his hat.
"Now I have you!" cried he; and it is impossible to say what would
have happened, had not the king opportunely returned; when, in taking
off his hat to his uncle, he let the butterfly go.
She, recovering from her fright, testified affection by many little
endearments; and Patipata, now accustomed to speak to her, exclaimed:
"Beautiful insect, how happy art thou!--thou wanderest from flower to
flower, without giving the preference to any--thou knowest not
love--thou hast not found ingratitude! I, a king, can not boast of
such happiness. I adore the lovely Princess Papillette, and am
dismissed from her court. I am ugly, it is true; but were I ever so
handsome, I should not be more fortunate, for I too well know her
fickle--"
The butterfly here sighed so deeply, that the king started.
"Is it possible thou canst feel?" said he. "Oh, if my princess had but
as much sensibility, I would know no other care! With her I would live
in a hut, far, far from the deceitful splendour of a throne."
"The Princess Papillette would willingly accompany you," said a little
voice, in tones of the finest and purest melody: and the butterfly's
rosy wings blushed deep as crimson.
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