clean, and richly adorned; for I would have him every where with truth say, that I am really the Fair One with Locks of Gold.”  Thus all her women were employed to dress her as a queen should be.  At length, she went to her great gallery of looking-glasses, to see if any thing was wanting; after which she ascended her throne of gold, ivory, and ebony, the fragrant smell of which was superior to the choicest balm.  She also commanded her maids of honour to take their instruments, and play to their own singing so sweetly that none should be disgusted.

Avenant was conducted into the chamber of audience, were he stood so transported with admiration, that, as he afterwards said, he had scarcely power to open his lips.  At length, however, he took courage, and made his speech wonderfully well; wherein he prayed the princess not to let him be so unfortunate as to return without her.  “Gentle Avenant,” said she, “all the reasons you have laid before me, are very good, and I assure you, I would rather favour you than any other; but you must know, about a month since, I went to take the air by the side of a river, with my maids of honour; as I was pulling off my glove, I pulled a ring from my finger, which by accident fell into the river.  This ring I valued more than my whole kingdom; whence you may judge how much I am afflicted by the loss of it.  And I have made a vow never to hearken to any proposals of marriage, unless the ambassador who makes them shall also bring my ring.  This is the present which you have to make me; otherwise you may talk your heart out, for months and even years shall never change my resolution.”  When he returned to his lodgings, he went to bed supperless; and his little dog, who was called Cabriole, made a fasting night of it too, and went and lay down by his master; who did nothing all night but sigh and lament, saying, “How can I find a ring that fell into a great river a month ago?  It would be folly to attempt it.  The princess enjoined me this task, merely because she knew it was impossible,” he continued, greatly afflicted; which Cabriole observing, said, “My dear master, pray do not despair of your good fortune; for you are too good to be unhappy.  Therefore, when it is day, let us go to the river side.”  Avenant made no answer, but gave his dog two little cuffs with his hand, and being overwhelmed with grief, fell asleep.

But when Cabriole perceived it was broad day, he fell a barking so loud that he waked his master.  “Rise, sir,” said he, “put on your clothes, and let us go and try our fortune.”  Avenant took his little dog’s advice; got up, and dressed himself, went down into the garden, and out of the garden he walked insensibly to the river side, with his hat over his eyes, and his arms across, thinking of nothing but taking his leave; when all on a sudden he heard a voice call, “Avenant, Avenant!” upon which he looked around him, but seeing nothing, he concluded it was an illusion, and was proceeding